Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, June 20 2020 A former top diplomat has sparked a debate about the direction of Indonesian foreign policy as the rules-based international order comes under increasing pressure for its management of the pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis. Former foreign minister Hassan Wirajuda called on the nation to pivot away from multilateralism and focus its efforts on bilateral and regional diplomacy, after what he said was a lack of leadership by the United Nations and international agencies. Hassans appeal touches on criticism of the UNs slow COVID-19 response, as the organization and its related bodies have been embroiled in the geopolitical rivalry between China and the United States. 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 I can tell you exactly where I was the day I was called the N-word. It was in the basement cafeteria of Potter-Burns Elementary School in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and I was in fourth grade. My parents had moved us to Pawtucket the year before, scraping together the money to buy our first house. Id never heard the word before, but the way the boy said it, I knew it was bad and that he was trying to hurt me. I dont recall telling any teachers, but I did tell my mom at the end of the day and we had a talk about it, about what a vile word it is. In retrospect, a lot of things changed that day. That boy changed how I viewed the world and more importantly, showed me how the world saw me. My mother is Black, my father is white, of Italian heritage if were being specific. Before that day in the cafeteria, I had never realized that on Thanksgiving when we spent the early part of the day with my moms family they were various shades of brown, and when we went to a second feast with my fathers family at night that they had creamy white skin. They were just all my family. Race is never far from my mind, especially these days, but Ive spent a lot of time thinking about how Ive been treated with the recurrence of Black media members and athletes talking about the racism in Boston after the Red Soxs admission finally that players and stadium workers alike have had racial slurs hurled at them by fans in Fenway Park. My husband and I moved our family into Boston two years ago, having lived west and north of the city for years. This city is not perfect, far from it. There are deep structural problems here when it comes to race, leading to the fact that the median net worth of Black people in the city is $8, but for white people, its about $250,000. Weve walked into small restaurants and waited an uncomfortable amount of time before anyone acknowledged our presence. Weve tried to rent a house in tony Brookline only to have the realtor tell us Im sure youre a fine family but the owners want to keep looking. My husband, an IT professional, has pulled up to a work event at a private home and told, the help parks in the back. Story continues But whether its because our home is in a neighborhood thats still majority Black or the fact that its certainly more diverse in Boston than the other towns weve lived in Massachusetts, neither of us has experienced the type of in-your-face, aggressive behavior that most people believe is the beginning and end of what constitutes racism since we moved here. No, for me Ive never been made to feel more uncomfortable than when we lived in Pawtucket. Not long after being called the N-word, the woman who was babysitting my sister and I at the time told my mother that we were lucky she used to have a dog that attacked Black people. We didnt know anyone when we moved to Pawtucket and this was pre-internet, so my mom had asked the principal at Potter-Burns if she knew of any in-home day cares or sitters to watch my sister and I after school, and that woman, who also had kids at the school, was who she recommended. We dont know if the principal knew the woman was wretched. My mother found a better sitter for us, and forevermore that woman has been known in our family as the witch because of her long, black hair and aversion of, well, us. My mom reminded me this week that when we were kids she bought my sister and I a Barbie doll with long, black hair and we never used her when my mom asked why we buried her at the bottom of the Barbie bin, we said its because the doll looked like the Witch. There were times when people would look at me, with my light skin and braids and freckles or, as I got older and believed I needed to look more like the other girls in school, my shorter chemically-straightened hair and say what are you?, usually in a way that made me feel like I was an alien. In high school, which drew from a larger swath of the city, I thankfully found track and field. The team had girls that looked like me. I started having some success, enough to build the confidence that had been drained out of me through adolescence and years of being subtly reminded that I didnt fit in. But just before I left Pawtucket, one last reminder. Someone Id considered a friend for years asked disapprovingly why Id been acting so Black. If you figure out what was so troublesome to him, kindly let me know. I dont think I spoke to him again after that day. One of the weird things about being biracial is that sometimes youre found straddling this line, because you are part white and part Black. We live in a country that focuses so much on the binary if not this then that and sometimes you worry if you identify as Black that youre forgetting the white part of your heritage. Until a classmate calls you the N-word or a reader writes in to say youre nothing more than an affirmative action hire and you realize that no matter how light your skin is, youre dark enough for them to remind you exactly what they think of you. More from Yahoo Sports: File photo of DSP Davinder Singh, who was arrested along with two terrorists, whom he was allegedly ferrying in a car in Kashmir Valley. (Image: PTI) A Delhi court has granted bail to suspended Jammu and Kashmir DSP Davinder Singh in connection with a terror case. This, after the Delhi Police failed to file a charge sheet within the stipulated period, his lawyer told news agency ANI. Singh, and another accused in the case, Irfan Shafi Mir, had moved the Delhi court on June 17 seeking statutory bail on the grounds that the charge sheet had not been filed within the 90-day period as prescribed by law. Singh's lawyer said no permission had been sought for the extension of the 90-day custody period. However, Singh will remain in jail since he has not yet secured bail in the case filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in relation to his arrest on January 10, while he was caught ferrying two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists in a vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway. The case was initially lodged by the J&K police, which was later taken over by the NIA. Singh was suspended from the Jammu and Kashmir Police in January this year. In the current case, filed by the special cell of Delhi Police under section 18 (conspiracy for terror acts) of stringent UAPA and section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC, Singh and Mir were arrested on March 14 and 19 respectively. Meanwhile, the NIA has said it had "adequate evidence" against Davinder Singh, arrested in a terror case, and a chargesheet would be filed against him in due course. Earlier this year on January 11, Singh was caught with top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Syed Naveed Mushtaq at a checkpoint along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. Mushtaq was reportedly travelling with his associates, including a terrorist who had recently joined militancy in Kashmir. Singh was reportedly ferrying the militants out of the Valley. His arrest had given rise to questions within the security establishment regarding the extent of his connection with the terrorists. It had also turned a spotlight on the various high-profile cases that he has handled, including the one dealing with the 2001 Parliament attack. HALIFAX - An idled Nova Scotia pulp mill says it has received an initial order giving it protection from its creditors as it attempts to restructure its finances and affairs. Paper Excellence Canada said on Friday that its subsidiary Northern Pulp has filed under the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act in order to preserve the value of its assets and to provide needed time to explore alternatives for restarting the mill. The pulp mill, which had been operational since 1967, stopped production on Jan. 31 after the province rejected its request to continue pumping treated effluent into a nearby treatment lagoon in Boat Harbour, N.S., near the Pictou Landing First Nation. Northern Pulp has kept the mill in hibernation, which it says will allow it to reopen in the event a proposed new effluent treatment facility receives the necessary environmental approvals. However, last week the company filed an appeal with the Nova Scotia Supreme Court related to a ministerial order issued for the management of the site. Paper Excellence had said the order imposed terms and conditions that are impractical and show a lack of understanding of the pulp and paper industry and effluent treatment facilities. The order, issued by Environment Minister Gordon Wilson, outlined requirements for the collection and disposal of storm water and landfill leachate from the site. Graham Kissack, vice-president for environment, health, safety and communications for Paper Excellence, said in a news release Friday that the company still wants to operate in Nova Scotia. As part of the CCAA application, EY Inc. has been appointed as monitor to oversee the proceedings and report to the court. The release says Northern Pulp continues to be managed by existing management. The province recently announced that it was providing a maximum of $10 million under an agreement with Northern Pulp to help with the cleanup of the site. The province said the money was about half the cost of the work and would pay for removal of the leachate, decommissioning of effluent pipes and cleanup of ditches and aeration basins on the site. It said the work is expected to be completed by June 30, 2021. The province owns the pipe that runs from the mill to the now-closed effluent lagoon. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2020. (Natural News) Many people have been wondering why Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan has no problem with anarchists taking over six blocks of her city in whats known as the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone. Not only is she doing nothing to stop it, but she even seems to be encouraging them. Yes, shes a democrat, but her behavior makes a lot more sense when you realize that she actually has a long history with another terror-related group, CAIR. As Loomered.com points out, The Council on American-Islamic Relationships, or CAIR, has ties to Hamas and works closely with an anti-Semite who vocally supports Sharia law, Linda Sarsour an unusual group for a bisexual mayor to support considering Sharia laws punishment for homosexuality. A photo was posted on CAIR-Washingtons Twitter page in 2013 in support of Durkan, who was a U.S. attorney at the time. She met with this chapter several times last year and tweeted often about how Seattle welcomes asylum seekers, immigrants, and refugees. In fact, Durkan often retweets posts from CAIR National, CAIR-Washington, and the Coalition of Immigrants Refugees and Communities of Color. When she wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post in April 2019 about how Seattle will not ask about residents immigration status, she was praised by CAIR Washington. In the op-ed, she claimed that President Trump was trying to incite fear with his stance on sanctuary cities and distract the American public from his own failures. She added: We will not allow a president who continues to threaten our shared values of inclusion, opportunity and diversity to jeopardize the health and safety of our communities. In a 2018 tweet for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, she took the opportunity to bash President Trump yet again rather than honor Kings legacy. Pro-CHAZ mayor compares anarchist zone to a block party Mayor Durkan has been defending the anarchist zone in her city on social media while also taking yet another opportunity to attack Trump. She recently tweeted: The Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone #CHAZ is not a lawless wasteland of anarchist insurrection it is a peaceful expression of our communitys collective grief and their desire to build a better world. Given his track record, its not hard to believe that Trump is wrong, yet again. Ask those who have been the victims of violence within the zone just how peaceful it really is. Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best has stated that police are unable to respond quickly to rapes, robberies and all sorts of violent acts within the zone, and a street preacher who entered the zone recently was choked and sexually assaulted. There have also been reports of business owners being forced to pay masked men fees for protection. Does that sound like a fun and peaceful time to you? Yet somehow, Durkan characterized this same area as a type of block party and said this summer could end up being The Summer of Love. Durkan is no stranger to controversy. At a mayoral candidate forum in 2017, she drew ire for using the term colored person in a skit. She later apologized to the crowd and said it was an accident. That wasnt her only gaffe at the event. While doing an impersonation of then-White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, she tossed mini bottles of tequila into the all-ages crowd. Her reps later apologized, claiming she thought the event was for people aged 21 and over. When people like this are in charge of a city, is it really that surprising that anarchists are able to take over? Sources for this article include: Loomered.com SeattleTimes.com WARSAW, Poland - The Polish government says that Russian President Vladimir Putin is manipulating World War II-era history in a way that whitewashes Soviet crimes and accuses him of doing it as part of an information war against the West. The statement Friday from the government in Warsaw came a day after Putin in a lengthy article in a U.S. journal insisted on recognizing the Soviet Union as the prime defeater of Nazi Germany and suggested that Poland a nation that was carved up by the German and Soviet forces and which lost 6 million citizens bears some blame for the start of World War II. Stanislaw Zaryn, the spokesman for the head of Polands security services, called Putins op-ed an element of an ongoing, persistent information war Russia wages against the West. The article, titled The Real Lessons of the 75th Anniversary of World War II, appeared in the National Interest journal six days before a huge military parade in Red Square to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe. Sergey Radchenko, a historian of the Cold War at Cardiff University, called Putins article a piece of crude propaganda and described it on Twitter as a historical narrative that would support his shallow claims to greatness as he seeks to perpetuate his rule. The war, in which the Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million people, is a linchpin of Russias national identity and Russian officials bristle at any questioning of the USSRs role. On the same day as the parade in Moscow, President Donald Trump will receive Polish President Andzej Duda at the White House for talks on defence and economic co-operation. Trump has promised to deploy more U.S. troops to NATO ally Poland, and details of those plans are expected. Zaryn accused Putin of pushing a false narrative about history in order to undermine the West and weaken the bonds among allies. The claims made by Putin are part of a comprehensive disinformation effort aimed to destabilize the West, pit NATO member states against each other, undermine the credibility and reliability of the Alliance, as well as to paint a false picture of Russia as a global defender who should sit at the table when the decisions on the world order are made, Zaryn said. The Soviet Union signed a nonaggression pact with Nazi Germany shortly before the war began in 1939, known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact. It contained a secret protocol in which the totalitarian powers agreed to carve up Poland and the Baltic states. Two years later, Germany turned on Stalin and invaded the Soviet Union, bringing the Soviets into the war on the side of the Allies. Millions of Red Army soldiers lost their lives in the eventual defeat of Hitlers Germany. In recent years, Putin has been seeking to shift wartime blame to Poland as historical memory in the West has begun to focus more on the Soviet role in triggering the war and Stalins crimes, and less on its role in defeating Germany. In his article, Putin reiterated his contention that the Soviet Union was forced into signing the non-aggression agreement with Germany after Western powers and Poland cold-shouldered creating a military alliance. The Soviet Union did its utmost to use every chance of creating an anti-Hitler coalition. Despite I will say it again the double dealing on the part of the Western countries, he wrote. He also defended the wartime annexation of the Baltic nations. Poland has pushed back against such contentions before, while the dispute overshadowed January commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by the Red Army. Police chokeholds would be considered a use of deadly force under a bill passed by the state Assembly on Thursday as part of a package of policing bills advancing amid nationwide protests against police brutality. Police departments and lawmakers across the country are revisiting rules for controversial police chokeholds, which restrict a persons breathing and blood flow, after the death of George Floyd. A Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee Floyds neck for more than 8 minutes. This movement comes six years after Eric Garner was killed in 2014 by a New York police officer who put him in a chokehold. The bill (A4263), which passed 72-1 with five abstentions in the state Assembly, would treat the maneuver as deadly force justified only to protect the officer or another person from death or serious bodily injury, to arrest or prevent the escape of a violent criminal, or to prevent the commission of a violent crime, according to a description of the bill. Were calling for change in the way African Americans and others are treated in this country during police interactions, Assemblyman Jamel Holley, D-Union, said in a statement. Far too many instances have occurred and far too many lives have been lost due to the misuse of excessive force in policing. There is a problem with the use of the chokehold as a tactic that must be addressed. The proposed limit on chokeholds is similar to a guideline issued by New Jersey Attorney Gurbir Grewal earlier this month directing police officers to limit chokeholds to encounters where they fear for their lives or the lives of others. The Assembly also passed a bill (A1076) 78-0 that would require the attorney general to collect race, ethnicity, gender, and age data on arrests and outcomes, which advocates say could help point out disparities in arrests in African-American communities. Those reports and analyses would be public. Another bill (A3641) approved Thursday would require law enforcement training including training implicit bias and strategies to eliminate unconscious biases that shape behavior and produce disparate treatment of individuals based on their race, ethnicity, religious belief, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or other characteristics, according to the bill, which passed 77-0 with one abstention. If there is any profession that cannot afford to have or show bias or discrimination in the act of doing their jobs, its law enforcement, bill sponsors Assemblywomen Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, D-Mercer, Carol Murphy, D-Burlington, and Britnee Timberlake, D-Essex, said in a statement. Law enforcement agencies in the state also would be required set and meet goals for minority recruitment and hiring, under a bill passed 70-3 with five abstentions. The bill would mandate regular reports, to be released publicly, on the age, gender, race and ethnicity of applicants, officers hired and promotions. The program shall ensure that the agency is comprised of law enforcement officers who reflect the diversity of the population of the community the agency is charged with protecting, the bill says. NJ Advance Media reporter Alex Napoliello contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. NEW YORK, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Zinnov, a leading global management and strategy consulting firm, shared the findings of its impact study on the Media OTT segment, in the shadow of COVID-19. As a part of this extensive study, Zinnov evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on the Global Media OTT space, the expected shifts in consumption patterns as well as key trends that will shape the space in the post-pandemic reality. The global Media OTT space enjoyed an incredible bull run from 2012 to 2019, where the OTT market witnessed a ~23% growth. This period was defined by the rise of hybrid monetization models, intensified competition, razor sharp focus on content and customer experience, and the entry of start-ups and unicorns. With over 300 OTT providers in the fray, the global OTT market grew to USD 85-90 Billion in 2019. In 2020, owing to restrictions on travel, closure of theaters, cinemas, and live events, Subscription TV and OTT applications experienced a strong surge across geographies. In fact, the time spent on OTT applications such as Netflix, Amazon's Prime Video has dramatically increased by more than 40% in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the same quarter in 2019. There has been a 30% increase in the number of hours spent on OTT platforms, while on average, there is a 3X increase in subscriptions across these players. Netflix added 15+ Million paid subscribers in Q1 of 2020 alone, bringing its current number to 180+ Million subscribers. Amazon's Prime Video witnessed an increase of more than 100% viewership for family content in April. A key shift in the OTT space in the wake of COVID-19 is the continuous refresh of the content catalog to attract and retain viewership, while also factoring in content security to avoid piracy. As a large percentage of this content consumption is being driven through online and mobile channels, the adoption of digital technologies such as automation and cloud will accelerate. Zinnov analysis also reveals that the OTT space is in a state of flux, with large companies making acquisitions, new players entering the segment, newer services being offered, and consumers being saddled with a problem of plenty. Large media conglomerates such as Comcast, AT&T, and Disney have made acquisitions over the last 18 months, which has put a significant amount of debt on their balance sheets. Disney acquired Fox for USD 71 Billion, AT&T acquired Warner Bros., and Comcast acquired Sky. However, the revenues of all these conglomerates will be impacted as each of them has additional businesses such as theme parks, movie production, cable and consumer products, which have been severely affected owing to the pandemic. The revenue loss in some of these businesses will be significant, making it difficult to balance out and recover from the gains made in other businesses. Zinnov's analysis revealed that Disney's multiple theme parks alone contribute upwards of 30% to their overall revenues, with 10+% of operating income. The company is already looking at raising debt, which can be managed effectively, given their strong balance sheet. Disney, during this time, has lost 1/3rd of its market capitalization, while Comcast has lost 1/5th. Comcast was able to fortify itself in part because a large part of its revenues come from its cable business, which will see an uptick as more consumers upgrade their Internet connections, owing to extended lockdowns around the world to contain the spread of the virus. In recent times, the OTT space has become an overcrowded market, with at least 4 new applications being launched in the last 3 months alone. AT&T has launched its new OTT channel HBO Max from its Warner Media unit in the last week of May, Comcast plans to launch its in-house OTT channel Peacock TV in mid-July, etc. Speaking about the Media OTT space, Sidhant Rastogi, Managing Partner, Zinnov, said, "The Media OTT space is in an interesting phase right now. In the near-term, we expect 4 major global trends to take off as we begin this new decade OTT alliances between key players to achieve scale as they jostle for space in the overcrowded market; focus on building clear identity in the customers' psyche to circumvent OTT fatigue; innovation in distribution owing to rising Subscriber Acquisition Costs (SAC) and churn management costs; and lastly, a resurgence in Advertising-based Video on Demand (AVOD) with targeted and interactive ad models." "Over the next 18-24 months, we expect a paradigm shift in the way OTT platforms will look to serve their customer base. Studios will accelerate their movie releases to streaming platforms, including live events such as concerts, sporting events, etc. Another major shift will be the demand towards live broadcasts to boost sales or to own their D2C services. OTT players with a clear focus on hyper personalization, superior customer experience, and a large repository of content variety will fare better than others," he added. About Zinnov Founded in 2002, Zinnov is a leading global management and strategy consulting firm, with presence in Santa Clara, Houston, Bangalore, Gurgaon, and Paris. Over the past 18 years, Zinnov has successfully consulted with over 250+ Fortune 500 enterprises and technology companies to develop actionable insights that help them create value across dimensions of both revenue and optimization. With core expertise in Product Engineering, Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Outsourcing Advisory, Zinnov assists clients by: Enabling global companies to develop and optimize a global engineering footprint through center setups, and technology and functional accelerators to achieve higher R&D efficiencies, innovation, and productivity; Advising global PE firms in asset shortlisting and target evaluation, commercial due diligence, and value creation; Growing revenue for companies' products and services in newer markets through account intelligence, market entry, and market expansion advisory; Structuring and implementing Digital Transformation levers enabled by technologies like AI/ML, Cloud, IOT, and RPA; Helping global companies outline and drive their open innovation programs, design and operate accelerator programs, and enable collaboration with start-ups across specific use cases and predefined outcomes. With their team of experienced consultants, subject matter experts, and research professionals, Zinnov serves clients from across multiple industry verticals including Enterprise Software, BFSI, Healthcare, Automotive, Retail, and Telecom in the US, Europe, Japan, and India. For more information, visit http://zinnov.com. Media contact Nitika Goel Chief Marketing Officer Zinnov [email protected] +1-408-390-5797 SOURCE Zinnov Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. A United States Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber flies over the East Sea with Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15 Eagle fighters, Thursday, as part of their Bomber Task Force mission, in this photo released by U.S. Pacific Air Forces amid growing inter-Korean tension. On the same day, North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency carried an article condemning Japan for "surrendering" to U.S. imperialism in the name of alliance. / Yonhap Kathmandu, June 19 Nepals Minister for Foreign Affairs says it wants peaceful and tension-free relations between India and China, the countrys two immediate neighbours. Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawalis statement comes two days after soldiers of the two countries clashed in the disputed Ladakh region. India says its 20 personnel were killed whereas details of the loss on the China side are not known immediately. Though the minister has made a point over the issue in an interview with Onlinekhabar, the government is unlikely to issue its official statement about the issue. A few years ago, Nepal had abstained from issuing a similar statement on the Doklam faceoff between the two countries. We favour good ties with our neighbours. We wish they had less tension and there would be peace. Our stand is clear, Gyawali says in the brief interview. Nepal itself has not been able to communicate with India over bilateral issues after it issued the new political map and gave it a constitutional recognition. However, the officials are in touch with Beijing, it has been learned. Heres a wine tasting exercise for you: Compare two wines made from carmenere in Chile and two made with cabernet franc in the Loire Valley of France. New World versus Old World. Carmenere is an old Bordeaux variety that has become a specialty of Chile; it offers a smoky, leafy take on traditional Bordeaux flavors and in these two examples, it delivers exceptional value. Cabernet franc from the Loire Valley in France tends to be earthier and more energetic in flavor and texture. We round out this weeks selection with a juicy red blend from South Africa. Private military companies are one of the "favorite" destabilizing means of the Russian Federation which it covertly uses in eastern Ukraine and in other parts of the world. This was discussed at another regular thematic meeting of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation held by the Ukrainian Chairmanship on the issue of the participation of private military companies in armed conflicts on the territory of the OSCE area and beyond, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine informs. As noted, representatives of the Ministry of Defense and the Security Service of Ukraine spoke on behalf of Ukraine at the meeting. They drew the attention of the OSCE participating states to the facts of Russia's violation of international law, the temporary occupation of part of the territory of Ukraine in the Donbas and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. In particular, it was emphasized that Russia is actively participating in the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine not only as a full-fledged party, but by supporting cross-border terrorist activities. To this end Russia recruits, trains and transfer to the territory of Ukraine mercenaries from private military/security companies, armed "Russian Cossacks" and militants from other Russias paramilitary structures, the statement reads. Ukraines representatives also exposed the covert practice of Russia using mentioned paramilitary structures in other regions of the world. The OSCE participating states supported Ukraine's position and condemned this extremely threatening activity of Russia. Given the growing share of private military and security companies in the security environment of the OSCE region, the importance of ensuring an appropriate level of supervision and control at the national and international levels over their activities was emphasized. This is particularly important from the point of view of international humanitarian law. The participants pointed out the need to continue working on the development of a legally binding international regulatory framework in the field of private military companies and supported the relevant efforts within the UN. ol Worse than expected coronavirus contraction in ASEAN-4 Economies In the coming months, success or failure to contain the global pandemic and overcome the coronavirus contraction has potential to make or break the promise of Southeast Asia in the early 21st century. By the end of the 2nd quarter, the total number of confirmed cases may total close to 10 million, while deaths could surpass 225,000. What was an epidemic in China at the turn of January and February grew into a pandemic in the 1st quarter, due to the belated and inadequate mobilizations in the US and Europe. In early year, the epicenter of the virus was in China and the rest of Asia. By March-April, it had moved to Europe and the United States. As I projected three months ago, global devastation would escalate by summer as the epicenter is shifting to emerging and particularly developing economies. The human costs of the global pandemic are mirrored by historical economic damage. As I predicted in early March, the economic impact of the coronavirus contraction would be comparable to the 1930s Great Depression. Recent World Bank data confirms the projection. The current baseline forecast envisions a whopping 5.2% contraction in global GDP in 2020. The net effect will be the deepest global recession in eight decades, despite unprecedented policy support. As a result, per capita incomes and living standards in most emerging and developing economies will shrink this year. Meanwhile, across the world, economies are easing lockdown measures, trying to bring relief to those whose livelihoods have been drastically disrupted. In Southeast Asia, the economic fallout has barely begun. Pandemic impact on Southeast Asia In the coming months, emerging and developing economies will seek to cope with the coming economic tsunami. With weaker healthcare systems, the poorest economies will take the heaviest hit. The populous economies in Southeast Asia Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, or the ASEAN-4 are not an exception. Among the ASEAN-4, the epidemic started with only 50 confirmed cases at the end of January. Yet, at the end of June, that figure is likely to be closer to 90,000. In five months, it has increased by more than 1,650 times. At the end of the first quarter, Philippines was worst hit (2,084 confirmed cases), followed by Thailand (1,651), Indonesia (1,528) and Vietnam (212). By the end of the 2nd quarter that is, June 30 - the largest case counts are likely to be in Indonesia (over 52,000), followed by Philippines (over 32,000), Thailand (3,200) and Vietnam (some 340) (Figure 1). Figure 1 Cumulative confirmed cases in ASEAN-4 Source: WHO data, Difference Group Relative to the population size (total cases/1m pop), the pandemic impact among the ASEAN-4 has been hardest in the Philippines and Indonesia, where the cases are still on the rise, followed by Thailand and, far behind, Vietnam (Figure 2). Figure 2 Total confirmed COVID-19 cases in selected ASEAN countries* * Log. Source: European CDC, Difference Group, Jan 26 Jun 13, 2020 These comparisons rely on the assumption that the figures are valid. One way to assess that validity is testing. The more countries test, the more accurately the cases will reflect the actual impact, while the reverse applies as well. Usually upper-middle-income countries, such as Thailand, have greater testing capacity than lower-middle income economies, such as the rest of ASEAN-4. Indeed, the intensity of testing (i.e., testing per 1 million people) across ASEAN-4 suggests that currently Thailand is testing most aggressively (about 6,700), followed by Philippines (4,500), Vietnam (2,800) and Indonesia (1,800). Internationally, Vietnam has been portrayed as a pandemic success story, due to its low number of cases. The presumed success has been attributed to rigorous testing, young population, contract tracing and isolation. Yet, realities are different. In fact, testing intensity suggests Vietnam is at par with Bangladesh and Mexico; there is little rigorous about it. Nor is young population a reason for the success. Median age in Vietnam (31) is slightly higher than in Indonesia (30) and far higher than in Philippines (24). That leaves contract tracing and isolation, which have been called repressive by critics. Those countries that test relatively less are more likely to see new virus waves and residual clusters in the future. Moreover, they will face new challenges as the economy begins to ease lockdown measures and tourism will pick up. Such countries may also see surges in mortality rates, which may not be attributed to the pandemic, but to pre-existing pulmonary conditions and so on. Economic impact on Southeast Asia As the outbreak has spread, the disruption of supply chains and temporary plant shutdowns, coupled with a sudden full stop in global demand, weigh heavily on those ASEAN economies that rely on export-led growth, remittances, tourism and travel, retail, and so on. After the first quarter, the expectation was that ASEAN-4 will all suffer a severe growth contraction in the 2nd quarter that will cast a long shadow over the year. In Indonesia, the contraction would result in a plunge from 5.0% in 2019 to 0.5% in 2020; in the Philippines, from 5.9% to 0.6%; and in Thailand, from 2.4% to -6.7%, respectively. Better positioned, Vietnams GDP growth was expected to fall from 7.0% to 2.7%, if it could minimize the virus impact at home. Only one quarter later, the expected plunge in 2020 has deteriorated in the Philippines, which is expected to enter negative territory (-2.5%). In Thailand, the plunge will be worse (-5.5%) but slightly improved from a quarter before. Indonesia (1.3%) and Vietnam (4.4%) would do better than expected a quarter ago (Figure 3). Figure 3 Coronavirus contraction in ASEAN-4* * Percent change, 2017-E2021 (GDP, constant prices) Source: IMF data, Difference Group Assuming a relatively strong rebound scenario, ASEAN economies could have a V-shaped rebound by 2021, when Vietnam and Indonesia (4 to 6%) could perform significantly better than Philippines and Thailand (3 to 4%) However, since Indonesia and Vietnam have not tested adequately, economic performance in the two countries could face new downside risks if the pandemic may linger longer than expected. Conversely, Philippines and Thailand could benefit from upside risks, if they manage to keep the virus in check in the near future. In Indonesia, external risks are cushioned but only to a degree by a narrowing current account deficit and increases in foreign-exchange reserves. As the country is easing the lockdown, recovery relies on the containment of further infection spread. As Vietnam, as well as Singapore and Malaysia, have discovered, two years of trade wars and a few months of a global pandemic can undermine a decade of export recovery. In turn, countries that depend on both tourism and exports (Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia) must cope with longer-term economic malaise. In Thailand, the restart of the economy will be phased and should bring some relief in the second half of the year. Yet, recovery is likely to prove slow, due to the plunge in tourism and weakness in trade. Meanwhile, the central bank will try to keep the Thai baht below 30 per US dollar. Philippines could have been better positioned against the crisis, but that advantage was largely lost with the 2019 budget debacle. It delayed the governments vital infrastructure investment program, which now faces far tougher economic conditions. Domestically, Philippines, too, must balance between targeted quarantines and gradual exit from the lockdown. In turn, consumption cannot thrive as long as supply remains limited and demand is restricted. Internationally, economic turmoil will affect Philippines through slower inflows of foreign investment, weaker export performance and significant reduction of remittances. Margin for error slim to nil Moreover, even the current baseline scenario could prove too optimistic. The challenges in the West could linger, while the devastation in emerging and developing economies could spill over the latter half of the year. In the US, Europe and elsewhere, new virus waves and residual clusters could ensue, while imported infections could accelerate toward 2020-21. In turn, the development of vaccine and viral therapies could take longer than expected, while US tariff wars might pick up against China, Japan and South Korea, even Europe. And as the heavily-indebted advanced economies are now taking record-volumes of new debt to support their economies, they could face new debt crises, which would spill over to poorer countries. In the near future, Southeast Asia will face the greatest risks (and opportunities) since World War II. The margin for error in pandemic containment and economic policies is now slim to nil. Dr. Dan Steinbock is the founder of Difference Group and has served at the India, China and America Institute (US), Shanghai Institute for International Studies (China) and the EU Center (Singapore). For more, see http://www.differencegroup.net/ 2020 Copyright Dan Steinbock - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. Dan Steinbock Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ghina Ghaliya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, June 20 2020 Legislative watchdog Indonesian Parliament Watch (Formappi) has criticized the countrys two biggest political parties, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Gerindra Party, for proposing two bills that it considered to be largely self-serving in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Formappi researcher Lucius Karus said the Pancasila Ideology Guidelines (HIP) bill proposed by PDI-P lawmaker Rieke Diah Pitaloka and the Constitutional Court law revision bill proposed by Gerindra lawmaker Supratman Andi Agtas were unnecessary. "This year is a strategic time to pass vested interest bills because in the coming year the lawmakers focus would be on elections-related bills, he told The Jakarta Post 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 Senator Chuck Grassley Sponsors Legislation to Reinforce IG Protection Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) Thursday introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster the 2008 Inspector General (IG) Protection Law. Im introducing bipartisan legislation on Thursday to clear up any ambiguity about Congresss expectations when presidents decide to fire inspectors general. This legislation beefs up the mandate of advance notification to require substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasonsterms that the court said were missing from the 2008 law, Grassley said. The Securing Inspector General Independence Act is also cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.). The 2008 IG protection law was passed unanimously to promote political independence of agency watchdogs and discourage outside interference with IG duties to combat fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct but lawmakers have since observed the need to update the old law. This legislation we are introducing today clarifies and builds upon that law and will help ensure that IGs remain independent from inappropriate influence or pressure from the government agencies they oversee, Collins said. This bill makes clear that important and necessary steps must be taken before an Inspector General can be removed from their post. Congress must be given a detailed account of the reasons for the removal, and a full 30 days while the Inspector General remains on the job to consider those reasons, Portman said. Grassley has spent his career advocating for independence in the watchdog community and fair treatment of IGs from both parties. Grassley said President Obama and President Trump both fired IGs without giving a detailed rationale for why they were terminated. The Obama administration set bad precedent when it ignored the inspector general protection law, but a court upheld its actions, and the Trump administration applied the same standard. Congress should expect more of the same from future administrations if it doesnt act to clarify the law. This bill spells out Congress expectations from the Executive Branch when the President decides to remove an IG and prevents conflicts of interest that can arise when IGs are replaced with political appointees, Grassley said. There are 75 offices of inspectors general working throughout the federal government to stop fraud and abuse. Grassley said that their work has saved taxpayers billions of dollars. In 2020 so far, IGs identified more than $20 billion in potential savings through their audits, reports, and recommendations. On June 4, Grassley announced he was placing a hold on the nomination of Christopher C. Miller to be the director of the National Counterterrorism Center until the White House explains why Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson was terminated. He also blocked the nomination of Marshall Billingslea to be the undersecretary for arms control and international security at the State Department until detailed reasons were provided for the termination of State Department Inspector General Steve Linick. Grassley announced Thursday that he is removing those objections. [A]lthough I do not agree with the Presidents stated reasons for removing [IGs Atkinson and Linick], my objection to these nominees was designed to prompt compliance with the IG Reform Act, which the President has now done, Grassley said today in a statement for the Senate record removing his objection. He also made it clear that this was not a partisan issue, as he also disagreed with the Obama administrations reasons for removing IG Walpin. Although the Constitution gives the President the authority to terminate an IG, the new legislation will hold the executive branch to a higher level of accountability, requiring that specific reason be provided to Congress for the decision. Though the Constitution gives the president the authority to manage executive branch personnel, Congress has made it clear that should the president find reason to fire an inspector general, there ought to be a good reason for it, Grassley said Thursday. The two-metre social-distancing rule could be relaxed for classes of up to 30 pupils to allow the return of every child in every school to lessons in September, Gavin Williamson has indicated. The education secretary suggested that the protective bubbles already used to permit 15 primary pupils to mingle without social distancing could be increased in size in the autumn so that all schools in England can reopen without the need for additional teachers and buildings. New guidance can be expected within two weeks, he said. And Boris Johnson himself gave a strong hint that the two-metre restriction already set to be reduced to one metre in Northern Irish schools is on its way out, telling reporters to watch this space. The bullish plan comes despite a warning from the prime ministers scientific advisory group last month that opening primary and secondary schools risks creating significant transmission networks for coronavirus. The experts cautioned that overconfidence about the effectiveness of the NHS Test and Trace system designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 by isolating the contacts of those known to be infected could quickly lead to an increase in the crucial R rate of transmission to as high as 1.7, risking a loss of control over the spread of the disease. Teaching unions have warned that schools will be unable to reopen fully under the two-metre rule due to shortages of classroom space and staff. Neither Mr Johnson nor Mr Williamson would give a firm commitment to a return to the classroom for all primary and secondary children in September, describing it only as their intention. And the education secretary dodged the question of whether he expected returning students to be offered a full school week. Visiting a school in Hertfordshire on Friday, Mr Johnson said: We will be putting in further changes as the science allows. I think thats what the public also wants to see, they want to see us working with the reality. Amid growing pressure on the government following botched plans to return all primary school pupils to the classroom this month, the prime minister said it was absolutely his intention that children of all ages should be back on a five-day-a-week basis by the autumn. Let me be very clear, he said. I want a world in which, as far as possible, provided we can make classrooms safe and I think we can I want every child, every pupil, every student, back in September. Im sure we can get it done. Speaking as the latest official figures recorded 173 new fatalities from Covid-19, bringing the total death toll to 42,461, Mr Johnson said the UK was starting to make some real progress with test and trace, with treatments for the disease and that he hoped people would be much, much more confident about sending their children to school by the autumn. With the governments Joint Biosecurity Centre reducing the coronavirus alert level from 4 to 3 signalling that transmission is no longer regarded as high or rising exponentially Mr Johnson added: We have to start thinking of a world in which we are less apprehensive about this disease. Boris Johnson joins a socially distanced lesson during a visit to Bovingdon Primary School (AFP/Getty) (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) However, minutes from a 21 May meeting of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), released on Friday, showed that experts regard the full reopening of schools as a potential route to a second spike of infections in the UK. Sage advised that opening both primary and secondary schools had the potential to recreate significant transmission networks, which would have a large effect on the epidemic. The summer holidays gave an opportunity to unwind the effects of reopening, said the paper, which also noted that the relatively young age profile of most parents and teachers reduced the level of risk. But it added that opening schools would require a significant effort to ensure that environments are appropriate to minimise transmission (for example distancing and hygiene measures and ventilation) and said that more work was needed to assess the risk to grandparents. Stressing the importance for school reopening of a successful test, trace and isolate (TTI) programme, Sage warned that overestimating the effectiveness of TTI capacity could lead quickly to R returning to 1.7. Mr Johnsons chief medical and scientific advisers have repeatedly stressed that coronavirus can only be brought under control if R is kept below one, with the risk of exponential growth if it rises above this level. Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat education spokesperson and leadership contender, said: This stark warning shows that ministers must ensure the track and trace system is working properly so that our schools can reopen safely. It is deeply worrying that one in four people who test positive for coronavirus are currently being missed under the scheme. The government must clarify what action is being taken to fix these flaws and reassure parents, teachers and communities across the country. Protective bubbles have been used in three primary-school year groups since the start of this month to allow up to 15 children to be taught together without social distancing, with each mini-class having the same teacher and working in the same space at all times, and contact with other groups kept to a minimum. But attempts to get more children back to school for a months learning before the summer break foundered on the practical difficulties of applying this to whole schools. Setting out his plans at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Mr Williamson said: Weve been creating bubbles of children in the classroom, creating a protective environment for those children. Currently that is at 15, what we would be looking at doing is expanding those bubbles to include the whole class. Mr Williamson said the government wanted to bring every child back, in every year group, in every school. But when pressed, he did not confirm that this would mean a full five-day week for all pupils We recognise there is still going to have to be protective measures put in place to make sure children are safe and make sure that teachers and all those who work in school are safe as well, and that is why we are going to be issuing further guidance in the next two weeks, he added. The announcement came shortly after the Department for Education unveiled a 1bn Covid catch-up plan for personal tutoring and extra time in school for children at risk of falling behind because of missed lessons during lockdown. But the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, Geoff Barton, said schools and colleges were trying to prepare for September amid an information black hole from the government. Everybody wants to see all children back in schools full-time from September, he said. In order for this to happen, the current government guidelines would need to change because it would not be possible to do this while limiting class sizes to 15. You would need twice as many classrooms, and twice as many teachers. EDITORS NOTE: This article has been corrected to attribute the information to the Third Order Regular Franciscans and not the Diocese of Trenton. An allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor leveled against Princeton University chaplain Father Gabriel Zeis last year was found not to be credible, the Third Order Regular Franciscans announced Thursday. The Third Order Regular Franciscans notified the Diocese of Trenton in August about the allegation against Zeis, who was employed by diocese and also served as the dioceses vicar for catholic education, officials said. He resigned his positions with the diocese and was placed on leave pending the outcome of an investigation of the accusation. The sexual misconduct was alleged to have occurred in 1975 at St. Francis Seminary in Loretto, Pennsylvania, five years prior to his ordination to the priesthood, the order said in a statement. The allegation was reported to Office of the District Attorney for Cambria County (PA) in September 2019 and on Dec. 16, 2019, Pennsylvanias Attorney Generals office called into question the credibility and accuracy of the allegation and announced the case closed, officials said. The Franciscan Order said it then hired an independent investigator, who was also a Canon lawyer, who gathered information that was presented to an independent review board, composed entirely of lay people who are experts in youth protection. The board agreed with the attorney generals findings that the allegation was not substantiated and therefore is not credible, according to the orders statement. Zeis priestly faculties have been reinstated and every effort is made to restore his good name and reputation, it said. The order said it will will discuss with Fr. Zeis, the details regarding his imminent return to ministry. Zeis was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1980 and has served in various capacities since then, including president of Saint Francis University from 2004 to 2014 and as vicar for education for the Diocese of Trenton and chaplain at Princeton University from July 2016 to September 2019. Officials have said there were no abuse allegations against Zeis during his time at any of those institutions. 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. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Delhi police on Thursday filed twelve charge sheets, including supplementary charge sheets, against 46 foreign nationals from twelve countries for attending Markaz at Nizamuddin in national capital by violating visa conditions, indulging in missionary activities illegally and violating government guidelines, issued in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak in the country. With these, police filed 59 charge sheets till date against 956 foreign nationals belonging to 36 different countries. The Centre has cancelled their Visa and blacklisted them. The foreign nationals have not been arrested yet and are presently residing at various places approved by the Delhi High Court. The Crime Branch of the Delhi police filed one main charge sheet and 11 supplementary charge sheets before Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Gurmohina Kaur. In the charge sheet filed on Friday, one of the foreign nationals named as accused was from Ethiopia, two each from Sudan, Bangladesh and Thailand, one each from Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Kazakhstan and France, four from Myanmar, three from Sri Lanka, 27 from Indonesia. The punishment for various offences under penal provisions ranges from six months to eight years of imprisonment. According to the charge sheets, all the foreign nationals have been booked for violating visa rules, violating government guidelines issued in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic and regulations regarding Epidemic diseases Act, Disaster Management Act and prohibitory orders under section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure. They have also been booked for the offences under sections 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 270 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 271 (Disobedience to quarantine rule) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Foreigners Act. The police had earlier filed 47 charge sheets against 915 foreigners in the case. The police had on May 27 filed 12 charge sheets against 541 foreigners and on May 26 against 294 from 14 countries in the case. It had filed 20 chargesheets against 82 foreigners from 20 countries on May 25. At least 9,000 people, including the foreign nationals participated in the religious congregation in Nizamuddin. Foreigners named in charge sheets In the May 27 chargesheets, 42 of the accused are from Malaysia, 85 from different parts of Kyrgyzstan and 414 from different parts of Indonesia. As per the May 25 charge sheet, four of the accused were from Afghanistan, seven each from Brazil and China, five from US, two from Australia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, UK, one each from Ukraine, Egypt, Russia, Jordan, France, Tunisia, Belgium, eight from Algeria, 10 from Saudi Arabia, 14 from Fiji and six each from Sudan and Philippines. AUSTIN Two members of conservative advocacy group Empower Texans were caught on tape mocking Gov. Greg Abbotts disability as they criticized him for allowing local governments to fine businesses that dont require customers to wear masks. The profanity-filled recording, first reported by political news outlet The Quorum Report on Friday, was apparently accidentally published with the organizations Texas Scorecard Radio podcast. In the recording, after wrapping up the podcast, Cary Cheshire, vice president of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, a project of Empower Texans, and Empower Texans general counsel Tony McDonald express their disdain for Abbott. I said Abbott wheeled himself out there, Cheshire said, as the two laughed. I was A-OK with it, McDonald said. And then within seconds, you demanded that he stand firm, Cheshire said, and the two laughed some more. Abbott has been in a wheelchair since July 14, 1984, when as a 26-year-old law school graduate, he was hit by a falling tree while jogging in Houstons River Oaks area. The accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. The release of the tape marks something of a turn of the tables. Empower Texans last year sparked upheaval in the Texas House when its CEO, Michael Quinn Sullivan, released a secret recording of a meeting with House Speaker Dennis Bonnen in which Bonnen offers press credentials in exchange for Sullivans help politically targeting 10 House Republicans. Just months later, Bonnen announced he would not seek re-election. Sullivan said in a statement Friday that he was heartbroken by the language and tone used by Chesire and McDonald. Sullivan said the two have been suspended from all public activities within the organization immediately and additional internal actions will be taken. Whether it was a private conversation or not is unimportant; it was wrong and unacceptable, Sullivan said. I have already sent a personal apology to Gov. Abbott. Chesire and McDonald did not respond Friday to a request for comment. The tea party-aligned group and its powerful political action committee are known for threatening primary challenges against Republican incumbents it didnt deem conservative enough. The PAC and its affiliate groups spent a record sum of more than $4 million in 2018, though most of its candidates lost. MORE ABOUT EMPOWER TEXANS: Group that funded civil war in Texas GOP launches new offensive The governors spokesman John Wittman rebuked the group in a statement Friday. It reveals a lot about an organizations character and morals that uses profanity to mock a person in a wheelchair, and this audio is disgusting and hate-filled, Wittman said. It is sad to think about what else this group may be saying about people behind their backs when they think they arent being recorded. Regardless of this despicable tape, the Governor remains keenly focused on containing the spread of COVID-19, while also unifying the state as we celebrate Juneteenth. Several top Republican leaders said they were ready to cut ties with Empower Texans, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has received at least $850,000 from the organization since 2014. The hateful @EmpowerTexans attack mocking Governor Abbott is outrageous, vulgar and completely unacceptable, Patrick wrote on Twitter. @TweetTonyMac and @CaryCheshireTX are persona non grata in my book and anyone @EmpowerTexans who does not condemn this behavior. Bonnen also called the words unacceptable and attributed the incident to a political subculture whose only priority is getting power for themselves, their financial backers and their small-minded agenda. While the political class in Austin will delight themselves in tittering over the situation, I call upon people of good conscience to draw a line in the sand and say that attitudes and attacks like theirs are no longer acceptable, Bonnen wrote in a lengthy statement on Twitter. Chesire in the tape said that as his frustration with Abbott has grown, its become harder for him to avoid making derogatory comments about Abbott and his disability. I literally feel like before, there was a switch I could flip to avoid that, he said of slurs. And Im just so frustrated with him that Ive flipped it off. Hes such a revolting piece of I have tipped over, McDonald said. And its the substance that really matters, but the substance is so magnified by his speaking style. I hate him. I truly hate him. EXPLAINER: What is Empower Texans? A look at the group thats roiling the Texas House The men were commiserating over Abbotts decision to allow local governments to fine businesses that dont enforce mask requirements. Abbott has been criticized for failing to initially make clear that such fines would be allowed under his executive order, only to later approve of it once Bexar County made the move, saying leaders had finally figured that out. McDonald criticized Abbott for creating policy thats vague because he wanted to avoid accountability, and then now, when hes feeling pressure from the other side, hes like well, uh, I dont know, it was a riddle, McDonald said. Thats your refuge. Thats a contemptible refuge. Empower Texans and other hardline conservatives have criticized Abbott for allowing restrictions that they say infringe on Texans rights. Four Republican state representatives Reps. Kyle Biederman, Mike Lang, Jonathan Stickland and Tony Tinderholt on Friday released a joined statement accusing Abbott of working hand-in-hand Democrat county judges. It is tyranny, plain and simple, and our Governor is enabling it, they wrote. It is inconsistent to say you believe Texans should be free to make their own decision on whether to wear a mask or not but use the heavy hand of the government to punish businesses and make them enforcers of tyranny on freedom-loving Texans. American Airlines is temporarily banning a customer who was kicked off a flight in New York this week for refusing to wear a face mask on board, a requirement on major U.S. airlines that aims to curb the spread of Covid-19. American said crew asked the traveler to get off Flight 1263 at New York's LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday after he wouldn't put on a mask and that he complied with their request to leave. The passenger, Brandon Straka, a conservative activist with close to 400,000 Twitter followers, declined to say why he didn't want to wear a mask on board. "To me, this is not a battle or a war with American Airlines," he said. "When I was asked to get off the plane I got off the plane. I didn't resist that I understand that it's their rules, their policy." He tweeted on Wednesday: "I was just removed from my flight for not wearing a mask. 1st time this has happened. Not a federal law." File image: Nitin Gadkari Union MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday said the environment and forest ministry's policies are "outdated" and "should be thrown away" as they inhibit the growth of the bamboo industry in India. Gadkari, who also handles the road transport and highways portfolio, blamed the policies of the forest and environment ministry for the lack of desire among the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for not planting trees along the highways because felling those for road widening becomes very difficult. "The policies of forest and environment ministry are totally outdated and should be thrown away. Sitting in buildings, they don't allow for touching bamboos for cutting for 25 years," Gadkari said, speaking at an online seminar organized by Konkan Bamboo and Cane Development Center. Recounting his interactions with the officials, Gadkari said he once asked someone if bamboo is a tree or a grass. When told that it is the latter, he sought to know the reasons as to why the same cannot be cut. "The attitude and approach of the forest and environment ministry is wrong. We are not able to protect the environment, nor are we able to develop the economy because of it," Gadkari said, stressing that he has also told Prime Minister Narendra Modi about this impediment. The Union Government in 2017 amended the Indian Forest Act through which bamboo was classified as a grass and it ceased to be a tree. However, bamboo grown in forest areas continues to be under the provision of forest laws. On the highways front, Gadkari said the ministry of environment and forests does not allow cutting of trees for road expansion activities, which acts as a disincentive for planting those. "Our people are not willing to plant trees at all. They say planting trees creates problems with the forest department. This is 'murkhata' (foolishnesss)! Once we acquire land, we plant trees and then we plan to raze those for widening, the permission should be given," Gadkari said. He said there is no attention paid if the land is kept barren next to the highway, but the moment bamboo or some tree is planted, it is declared as a forest which makes road widening difficult. In the comments that come amidst trouble in relations with China, Gadkari said India's northern neighbour has been able to create a success story out of bamboo and rued that we have not been able to do the same despite having the Rs 1,300-crore bamboo mission. A senior government official, however, said that despite the announcement of the mission, budgetary allocations have not been sufficient over the last three years and specified that FY2019 budget had a provision of Rs 300 crore for the mission, which halved to Rs 150 crore in FY2020 and has been brought down further to Rs 110 crore in FY2021. Gadkari conceded that efforts to popularise bamboo have not been met with the desired success, and added that the grass holds great potential for upliftment of farmers who can switch to it from a commercial perspective. He said the grass can also be helpful from a socio-economic upliftment perspective in the 115 aspirational districts of the country. Meanwhile, Gadkari reiterated that there are problems with excess foodstocks and godowns are full with stuff which will last for three years and specified that stock is lying in the open in Haryana and Punjab which risks getting rotten. The minister also reiterated his concerns with minimum support prices, stating that the prices are way above the local and international market prices in the case of wheat, sugar and rice. How many items will the government buy? Where will it store? Rather than that, we can do diversification of agriculture towards energy and power which has marketability, he said, hinting at the process of producing ethanol from food grains. Not that it wasnt an important step and for me, it was personal. In 2010, along with three friends, I walked from Miami to Washington, D.C., to ask President Barack Obama to stop deporting dreamers: people who, like me, had been brought to this country as children and were not able to become citizens, or even legal residents. I helped create the immigrant youth organization United We Dream. I became the groups lead negotiator and political director, and when Obama established DACA in June 2012, we counted it as a huge victory. I was thrilled to see the long lines they seemed to stretch for miles in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Miami lines of people waiting to get legal help with filling out the forms that would change their lives. China International Capital Corp has been criticised by Hong Kong's securities watchdog for breaching the city's takeover code. The investment banking group, ranked fourth last year in Asia outside Japan in mergers and acquisitions advisory, admitted its units failed to promptly disclose trading involving shares of Dalian Port and Maanshan Iron & Steel in June last year. The offence happened at the same time the group's Hong Kong unit acted as financial adviser to Broadford Global in its takeover offer for Dalian Port, and to Baosteel in its offer for Maanshan, the Securities and Futures Commission said in a statement on Thursday. The CICC group has apologised for its oversight on the disclosure obligations of its delinquent units, adding that it takes the matter extremely seriously. It has also taken steps to improve compliance and tighten reporting rules. The disciplinary action reflects the SFC's tough stance in policing the market, saying its rules are "intentionally onerous" to keep the market players in line and protect its integrity. The commission imposed a record HK$1.29 billion of fines (US$166 million) last year in stock-offering lapses, according to law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. In October 2017, the SFC barred former CICC trader Xu Tao from the industry for four months for taking order instructions from clients through his mobile phone and WeChat messaging app in early 2015, when he was an investment consultant with the CICC group. Xu had departed from the investment bank at the time of his punishment. CICC itself was not sanctioned. CICC is China's first investment bank and dubbed the nation's version of Goldman Sachs for its influential executives and leading role in the initial public offerings of state-owned enterprises. It ranked behind Goldman, Citigroup and JPMorgan last year in the region in M&A advisory works, according to Dealogic. SCMP Graphics alt=SCMP Graphics Story continues CICC did not immediately respond to an email inquiry from the Post on the SFC's disciplinary action. In Thursday's statement, the SFC said it found that a CICC unit traded in Dalian Port's A shares for exchange-traded fund hedging and index-related hedging trades between June 4 and 25 last year. The unit also made similar hedging trades on Maanshan's A shares between June 3 and 25. Another CICC unit conducted swap-hedging trades involving the A shares of Dalian Port and Maanshan between June 3 and 26. The two units were deemed as "associates" in relation to the group's advisory role in both takeover cases, the SFC said. Their trades required public disclosure on the next day after the transaction under Hong Kong's takeover rules, it added. They only disclosed the transaction at the end of the month after consulting the SFC. "Timely and accurate disclosure of information concerning relevant dealings, including those of advisers, plays a fundamental role in ensuring that takeovers are conducted within an orderly framework, and the integrity of the markets is maintained," the commission said. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2020 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2020. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. NORRISTOWN A Delaware County man who worked as an aide at Bryn Mawr Hospital is accused of having sexual contact with a teenage female patient while she was in his care at the hospital. Kaseef Nshe Festus, 30, of the 1200 block of Roosevelt Drive, Haverford Township, was arraigned before District Court Judge Michael P. Quinn on charges of institutional sexual assault of a minor, endangering the welfare of a child and corruption of a minor in connection with an alleged May 7 incident involving a 16-year-old girl at the hospital located in Lower Merion. Festus was released on $10,000 unsecured bail to await his July 2 preliminary hearing on the charges before District Court Judge Henry Schireson in Narberth. With the charges, Montgomery County detectives alleged Festus had sexual contact with a 16-year-old girl while she was being treated in the emergency room at Bryn Mawr Hospital between May 6 and May 8. The alleged contact occurred as the girl stayed in the emergency room while the girls family and hospital staff were attempting to locate a proper placement and treatment facility for the girl, according to the criminal complaint filed by county Detective Walter Kerr. The girl was taken to the hospital on May 6 after her parents discovered a self-inflicted cut to the girls arms, according to court papers. The girl was released from the hospital on May 8 with outpatient treatment arranged. While attending outpatient treatment on May 11, the girl disclosed that when she was at Bryn Mawr Hospital the previous week she had sexual contact with a hospital employee, who was subsequently identified as Festus. The girl told child social workers that during the overnight hours of May 7 to May 8, Festus, identified in court papers as a patient safety associate, was assigned to stay with her in her room, according to the arrest affidavit. Detectives alleged Festus and the girl talked, held hands, kissed and then had sexual contact despite Festus initially telling the girl that he could get into trouble for having sex with a patient and maybe they should wait until (the girl) was 18, according to the criminal complaint. When Festus was interviewed by detectives on May 22 he claimed that he and the girl began to have sexual contact but that he stopped because I knew it was wrong and I told her I could get in trouble, according to the arrest affidavit. District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said anyone who has information regarding any inappropriate encounters with the defendant is encouraged to contact the Montgomery County Detective Bureau at 610-278-3368. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Gabriella T. Soreth, who is assigned to the district attorneys Family Protection Unit. The mother of an African American boy filed a $300,000 lawsuit Thursday, saying an Oregon police deputy knelt on the boy's neck during an arrest while two others pinned him to the ground. Attorneys for KaMar Benbo said deputies with the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office responded to calls in August 2019 reporting teenage girls fighting in front of a suburban mall near Portland. As Benbo, then 12, was leaving the mall with friends, he was allegedly grabbed and pinned onto the ground by several deputies. A $300,00 lawsuit was filed against a number of Oregon authorities on Thursday over allegations one deputy knelt on KaMar Benbo's (pictured) neck last year A photo taken at the scene in August 2019 shows three deputies pinning Benbo to the ground outside the Clackamas Town Center mall (pictured) According to the lawsuit, Benbo struggled to breathe while the deputy's knee was on his neck, Oregon Public Broadcasting reports. The alleged brutality happened nearly a year before widespread national outrage over the killing of George Floyd, 46, after he was put in a similar hold by Minneapolis police. Derek Chauvin, a white officer with the Minneapolis Police Department, knelt on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes as he pleaded 'I can't breathe!' He later died. A number of protests have since sparked across the United States to fight police brutality and systematic racism. Benbo, who is now 13, and his family formally brought the lawsuit against five of the deputies involved in the matter. In an emailed statement, Sheriff Craig Roberts disputed the allegations and said an investigation did not find any evidence that a deputy placed a knee on the boy's neck. 'We do not train deputies to restrict a persons airway or impede their ability to breathe. It was determined the involved deputies followed training and policy,' he wrote, adding that the sheriffs department participated in a 'listening session' last October over concerns about the incident. The deputies were responding to a call from a security guard at the Clackamas Town Center mall about a 'large group of juveniles following and physically assaulting a female juvenile' on August 5, 2019. Sheriff Craig Roberts (pictured) said an investigation was conducted on the incident and found deputies committed no wrongdoings Attorney Greg Kafoury for Benbo told Oregon Live that the boy was simply a witness to the fight and did not know either girl involved. As Benbo and his friends attempted to leave the mall, dispatched deputies told the group to sit down and then 'pounced' on him, said Kafoury. 'One officer elbowed [Benbo] in the face, officers force [Benbo] face-first to the ground, and several officers held [Benbo] with one officer putting his knee on [Benbos] neck using his weight to pin the child to the ground,' the lawsuit reads. 'The pressure made it difficult for KaMar to breathe.' Friends who witnessed the incident reportedly told deputies that Benbo was only 12-years-old. He also reportedly pleaded with officers by telling them his age. 'The (deputy) keeps a knee on his neck long after he was handcuffed,' said Kafoury. 'The kids around him are yelling "Hes 12 years old!" Benbo's mother, Jarena McDavid, said one of her son's friends called her to tell her what was happening after Benbo screamed out, "Please, call my mom!" 'It was terrifying. I didn't know what was happening. I just wanted him not to move and dont reach for anything,' said McDavid. A photo taken by a witness shows three deputies kneeling near Benbo, who was wearing a colored hoodie while pinned to the ground. A deputy's knee appears to be resting on or hovering over Benbo's neck, but the exact movement could not be determined based on the photo alone. The deputies ultimately let Benbo go and no criminal charges were filed. The lawsuit says Benbo suffered scrapes and bruises, headaches, loss of sleep and feelings of racial stigmatization and 'fear of police.' The lawsuit filed Thursday said that Benbo suffered scrapes and bruises (pictured), headaches, loss of sleep and feelings of racial stigmatization and 'fear of police' after the incident George Floyd (pictured) was an African-American man who died in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after an officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes Deputy Tyler Simpkins, Deputy Thomas Broomfield, Deputy Rob Watts, Deputy Clint Pierce and Deputy Angela Church are listed as defendants in the lawsuit. But Sheriff Roberts maintained that Benbo was briefly detained and handcuffed because he was the only person who refused to follow orders from deputies. McDavid first filed a complaint the day after the incident with the sheriffs office. An investigation conducted by the department in September 2019 included a review of photos and videos and interviews with witnesses and deputies. Neither McDavid nor Benbo were interviews during the investigation, Kafoury, told the AP on Thursday. 'They elbow him in the head and then they take him to the ground, handcuff him and put the knee to the neck and leave him there for several minutes,' Kafoury said. 'No police report was generated and they never interviewed my client about what happened.' The investigation found that the incident followed protocol and McDavid received a letter saying 'we have completed a thorough investigation' and the deputy was exonerated. The letter read: 'We formally interviewed employees, witnesses, reviewed reports, reviewed databases, reviewed video and other relevant information. An investigation by the police department into alleged police brutality against Benbo (pictured) exonerated the deputy in question 'Based on the available evidence and totality of circumstances, the investigation has determined potential violations have received a disposition of Exonerated.' Roberts said in a statement that he sympathized with McDavid and vowed to ensure his department was using 'appropriate force.' 'I know that there is nothing I can say to make their worry go away. What I can say is: I will do my part to make sure that we use appropriate force and that every use of force continues to be reviewed by my agency,' Roberts said. The Clackamas County District Attorney Office is now investigating the matter as well. 'We didnt know about this until we saw it this morning,' said attorney John Foote. 'Were looking into it.' Authorities told McDavid they didn't call her about the incident at the time because her son wasn't injured, she said. The lawsuit includes photographs that show scrapes and bruising around Benbo's eye and on his cheek. The initial incident took place outside the Clackamas Towne Center Mall in a suburban neighborhood outside of Portland, Oregon McDavid said she first contacted an attorney about the case last year, but was pleased the lawsuit was filed Thursday because of the national attention to police brutality and racial injustice following Floyd's death. 'Right now, it's a prime time. George Floyd, for goodness sakes - watching his video made me cry because that could have been my child,' McDavid said. According to Karfoury, the realities of police brutality has always been issue that has stifled minorities in America and the time for reform is now. 'What the world is seeing now, is what African-Americans have always known,' Kafoury said in an email to Oregon Public Broadcasting. 'It didnt start with a knee to the neck of George Floyd. The police here were aggressive and abusive to a 12-year-old child; thats why if there is ever to be police reform, the time is now.' Roberts announced that he has asked Clackamas Countys lawyers to release the police reports from the case. The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, the Rt. Reverend Professor Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante has expressed concerned about the continuous rise of COVID-19 cases in recent times and has therefore cautioned Ghanaians to protect themselves against the virus. We should not take things for granted or else with our limited resources the virus will eat us up like it did in Europe. Rt. Rev. Prof Mante said this when the Church through the Presbyterian Relief Services and Development (PRS&D) a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) of the Church (PRS&D) and the Department of Ecumenical and Social Relations (ESR) of the Church donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital and Donkokrom Presbyterian Hospital at a short ceremony in Accra as part of efforts to support COVID-19 Outbreak response. The items were sponsored by the ACT Alliance through the Presbyterian Development Assistance, USA and the Protestant Church of the Palatinate, Germany. The sponsored items from ACT Alliance, worth GHC31,000 include 15 pieces Infra-red Thermometer, 100 pieces of Jumbo Size Tissues, 50 gallons of liquid soap, 60 pieces of disposable gowns,80 boxes of disposable gloves, 80 pieces of rubber aprons, 25 gallons of hand sanitizers; and 10 pieces of handy clean wash systems. From the Protestant Church of the Palatinate, Germany, 10,000 Euros worth of items were sponsored which included 40 boxes of K95 face masks, 20 pairs of gumboots, 14 boxes of disposable gloves, 58 pieces of goggles, 18 gallons of liquid soap, 100 pieces of Jumbo Size Tissues, 36 pieces of Surgical gown-levels, 90 pieces of overall, 16 gallons of disinfectant, 14 boxes of nose mask, 18 boxes of sanitizers and eight pieces of infra-red Thermometer. The Moderator urged all and sundry to adhere to the recommended safety measures put in place by the Ghana Health Service and other health experts. He urged Managers of hospitals to take care of their staff and patients to protect them against the pandemic. Mr Samuel Fianko Gyan, the General Manager of Presbyterian Hospital, Bawku expressed his gratitude to the donors and the Church and assured them that the items would be put to good use. He announced that the hospital recorded 20 suspected cases; two cases passed on. All the staff who came into contact with the affected persons tested negative. The Reverend Ezekiel Amadu Daribi, the General of the Presbyterian Hospital, Donkokrom on his part thank the Church for the kind gesture and pledged management preparedness to continue to work harder within their mandate to help the people. He announced that plans are underway for special arrangements for the Hospitals Chaplain to subsidies the prescription of the poor in their catchment areas. Rev. Daribi said the Donkorkrom Presbyterian Hospital also recorded four suspected cases but all tested negative. Source: Rev George Larbi/Public Relations Officer/Presbyterian Church of 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 LOS ANGELES - The half-brother of a Black man recently found hanged in a southern California park was fatally shot by police after opening fire on deputies about to arrest him on charges that he beat his girlfriend and held her captive for nearly a week, according to authorities and court documents. The shootout occurred Wednesday afternoon as members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Departments Major Crimes Bureau tried to stop a blue SUV driven by a woman police described as another former girlfriend of Terron J. Boone. A seven-year-old girl was a passenger along with Boone. The SUV came to a stop in the parking lot of an apartment complex in Rosamond, a Kern County desert community north of Los Angeles County, according to a statement from the Sheriffs Department. Deputies shouted hands up! and Boone opened the passenger door and began firing from a semiautomatic handgun, authorities said. Boone fired at least six rounds, hitting the deputies vehicles, said sheriffs Lt. Robert Westphal of the homicide bureau. Three detectives and their field supervisors returned fire, hitting Boone several times in the upper body and killing him, sheriffs officials said. He died at the scene, where a handgun was found. The girl and detectives were not injured. The woman driving the SUV was struck by gunfire, treated at a hospital and released. The Kern County coroner confirmed the man was Terron Jammal Boone, 31, of Palmdale. He was the half-brother of Robert Fuller, 24, who was found hanging from a tree last week in Palmdale. Jamon Hicks, a lawyer for the Fuller family, confirmed Boones relationship to Fuller but declined to comment further Thursday. Fuller was found in a park near Palmdale city hall early in the morning of June 10. A preliminary autopsy was conducted the next day. The initial finding of suicide immediately prompted skepticism among the Black community in an area of Los Angeles County with a racist history. The coroners office said Fullers death appeared to be a suicide and homicide detectives said there was no evidence to the contrary at the scene. Outraged family members said authorities were too quick with that finding and failed to consider the possibility of foul play. They are seeking an independent autopsy. More than 1,000 people turned out for a protest and memorial Saturday around the tree where Fullers body was found. His family and friends described him as a peacemaker who was street-smart, loved music and video games and mostly kept to himself. Days before he died, he attended a Black Lives Matter protest, the Los Angeles Times reported. The FBI and state attorney generals office on Monday announced they are monitoring the LA Sheriff Departments investigation of the death. Fuller was the second Black man to be found hanged in a public place in southern California in recent weeks. Malcolm Harsch, a 38-year-old homeless man, was found on May 31 in Victorville, a desert city in San Bernardino County east of Palmdale. In Boones case, authorities allege he imprisoned his on-and-off girlfriend in her Palmdale home between June 9 and Monday, threatening and pistol-whipping her, court documents show. The girlfriend waited for an opportunity when he wasnt looking and she was able to get out, run to a business and had them call 911, Westphal said. Prosecutors filed 13 counts against Boone on Tuesday, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. The next day, a surveillance team of deputies followed Boone to a residence in Rosamond, about 32 kilometres north of Palmdale. Boone got in the vehicle and left with the woman and child. Deputies later moved in to arrest him, and the shooting erupted. Westphal said Boones motive for the kidnapping and assault remain under investigation, as is any potential link between the woman and Fuller. Boones criminal record includes convictions on charges of burglary, robbery and corporal punishment or injury to a child, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. His parole ended in November. The findings - that 68 percent of Australians and 67 percent of New Zealanders surveyed are in favour - come at a critical time, with Australian and New Zealand Health and Food Ministers shortly to vote on recommendations by independent authority Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to introduce long-awaited alcohol warning labels. Conducted by The George Institute for Global Health, the study measured the level of support for 14 alcohol control initiatives relating to a range of issues including alcohol labelling, pricing and promotion across seven countries - Australia, Canada, China, India, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. As part of a larger study examining attitudes and behaviours relevant to health policy support across the seven countries a minimum of 1,000 adults (18+ years) from each country completed an online survey. While previous research on public attitudes to alcohol policies has examined attitudes in higher-income countries, this is one of few studies to also examine support for such policies in China and India - two highly populous countries experiencing rapid economic growth and rising per capita alcohol consumption. Across all policies, support was generally higher in India (80-86 percent) and China (57-85 percent), and lower in the United States (33-72 percent) and Canada (35-68 percent). Support was highest for labelling requirements, in particular pregnancy warnings (67-85 percent) and standard drink quantity information (63-83 percent). Professor Simone Pettigrew, Program Head, Food Policy at The George Institute and study co-author said the high level of public support for alcohol control initiatives in the seven countries surveyed was helpful in providing governments with the impetus they need to introduce appropriate and effective public health measures. "More broadly speaking, I would hope that these findings can act as a conversation-starter with policymakers. Of most significance for policymakers is the strong alignment between the alcohol policy measures proven to be most effective and the preferences of Australians and the respondents surveyed in the other six countries," she said. Professor Pettigrew added that the message for Australia's State, Territory and Commonwealth leaders regarding support for health warning labels on alcohol products could not be louder or more timely. "I would hope that when the Food Forum Ministers meet in the coming weeks to reconsider the expert advice of FSANZ, the combined weight of an evidence-based recommendation, together with majority support from the Australian community, will lead to a positive health outcome with the introduction of clear and visible health warnings on alcohol products," Professor Pettigrew said. ### Every day, a world of cuisine stirs to life in the kitchen of a 500-square-foot condo in Parkdale. In just a few months under COVID-19 lockdown, Brittany Lam-Greene has experimented with hundreds of recipes and impromptu creations. Often, the smell of chocolate chip meringue cookies wafts throughout her home as they sit atop a cooling rack on the counter, the light, airy orbs bathed in the sunlight streaming through her windows. On any given day, shell snack on her sourdough bread covered in her own creation of charred marinated peppers, marjoram and whipped ricotta. Despite how difficult the quarantine has been in so many different ways, it is nice that time is no longer of the essence. All of those dishes Ive been wanting to make but couldnt find the time are now becoming the highlight of my day. Food does have a way of brightening your day, says Lam-Greene. Her kitchen is by no means restaurant-grade; its a simple condo setup, best for one cook. Still, Lam-Greene has been able to produce elevated dishes that look like they could be from the worlds top restaurants. The artistry that comes together on the plate is making acclaimed chefs take notice. World-renowned Mexican chef Fabian von Hauske is now following Lam-Greenes new cooking Instagram account, Avant-Garde Manger. Von Hauske, whose New York City restaurant Contra was awarded a Michelin Star, even shared one of her posts on his own Instagram story. And Sarah Copeland, a James Beard Award winner, cookbook writer and Food Network veteran, has also reached out with a personal message to Lam-Greene. Its affirmation and fuels her continued drive to create beautiful and delicious dishes. But the food-topia shes crafted emerged from a darker place. Lam-Greene was feeling really low after she was laid off from her job as an assistant retail buyer and part-time server at the start of pandemic restrictions, her routine instantly upended. Unsure of how long her unemployment would last, she applied for CERB, desperate to find ways to settle into this new reality. Being removed from our formerly structured routines has taken a significant toll on my mental health, she says. She realized that without a passion to pursue within the four walls of her condo, shed spiral into a dark place, so she turned to cooking as a way to cope. Little did she know it would soon become one of the main joys of her life. Before this quarantine, I always viewed cooking as a hobby that I just did for fun in privacy. Not realizing that something that brings me so much joy and relaxation could also help someone else who needs a bit of a distraction and something to brighten their day as well, she says. Cooking is cathartic for her, but she also loves the humanness and simplicity of creating beautiful food with her own two hands. The intimacy. The personalization. There is something to be said about understanding the amount of labour and time that is involved in cooking at home, Lam-Greene says. Ive also found it very satisfying to cook something by yourself over buying it. You feel more connected to it and it has a sort of specialness you cannot recreate. Though she admits, like many other millennials, she did and still will enjoy dining out, because its an experience that cant be easily replicated. However, she also realizes that shes able to make restaurant-quality food at home. Now, I would rather dine out less and be slightly more selective than eat out at random places multiple times in the same week. I also make a point to revolve my entire vacation around my food itinerary, with extensive google maps and planning, which feels like a treat instead of habit, she says. Cooking at home gives Lam-Greene something to look forward to even in dreary times. Its different for everyone, but finding whatever small thing thatll bring you a source of happiness right now is really helpful, she says. That happiness doesnt stop in her kitchen; Lam-Green is taking the joy to others. From dropping off dishes outside her friends homes to boost their morale, to recording recipe videos for others to follow along at home, shes hoping to share the joy of cooking with others and help everyone feel less lonely. I also think conversations around mental health and how we can be there for one another right now is so important. On her posts, friends and family members interact with strangers from around the world, discussing her creations and food in general. They ask for tips, inquire about recipes and bond over a love of food. There is connectivity in creating something from scratch, something she says resonates with people even when they are forced to be far apart. In a time where connecting with others in a traditional sense is not feasible, it has been really amazing to see how something so simple, such as home-cooking, has managed to keep me connected with so many people virtually. More than that, its the gratification she gets when others send her photos of their creations. If I can inspire one other person to fall in love with cooking at home the way I do then this has all been worth it, Lam-Greene adds. She will continue share her artful creations but says she wants to always stay true to herself, without succumbing to pressure to start writing a cookbook or opening a restaurant. I could see myself wanting to continue this, but I wouldnt want to force it, she says. For now, she wants to make her creations as accessible as she can. Here are the tips she urges home cooks to embrace, on everything from cooking to grocery shopping to plating. Brittany Lam-Greenes tips for home cooks General: Its super cliche, but the more you know and the more you practise, the better you will become. I often look back at photos of dishes Ive been cooking for 10 years and (am) shocked at how much Ive improved even from last year. Photos are a great way to track your progress. Be critical and use it as a learning experience. This is something I try to practise in all areas of my life, as I do truly believe that this is how you evolve and become the best version of yourself. Every single time I make something, I think about how it was executed. Prepping my mise en place (setting up everything from the recipe, utensils and equipment, and washing, cutting and measuring ingredients) beforehand isnt something I always do, but I seriously question why I dont always do it. It truly makes cooking much more enjoyable, cleaner and organized so youre not scrambling for last-minute ingredients. Read the entire recipe beforehand. This seems obvious, but sometimes even I forget to do it. It is probably the easiest way to improve your cooking as reading the recipe in its entirety beforehand gives you a general road map of whats to come so nothing surprises you at the last minute. Cook from a book or hard copy (such as a printout). If you are making something difficult or new, it helps to have a physical copy rather than cooking from your phone or computer. You can have it close by and you dont need to worry about constantly unlocking your device to see what the next step is. Grocery Shopping Tips Quarantine grocery shopping goes against all the fundamentals of good grocery shopping practices. Professional chefs will emphasize grocery shopping often to preserve freshness and only purchasing what you need in the immediate future. Before the quarantine I would probably grocery shop three to four times a week, just grabbing a couple of things here and there. Now I will only go to the grocery store with a clear game plan of potential meal combinations for the next two weeks. I always pick a mixture of highly perishable, vegetable-forward dishes to cook at the beginning of my grocery cycle. Pick ingredients for sustainability. If I need to buy an ingredient for one recipe then I will make sure to find other recipes with lots of overlap. For instance, Ive been wanting to make David Taniss Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef and Noodle Salad for a long time, but lemongrass is hard to come by and isnt something I would typically purchase. Before going shopping I researched other recipes with lemongrass that either appealed to me or contained lots of ingredients I already have at home. I do this with everything. No waste. Have a stocked pantry. That doesnt mean hoarding 20 cans of chickpeas, but its all about having the right combination of spices that are typically paired in dishes that you enjoy. An example would be ground coriander seeds, ground turmeric and ground cumin, which are regional cuisines I gravitate toward. Kitchen Tools My kitchen tools have been slowly accumulating over the years. The great thing about kitchen tools is they generally last a very long time. When I was in middle school I used to be really into baking and my parents got me a Kitchen Aid Stand mixer as a birthday/Christmas present, which I still own to this day. Although its nice having some of the fancy gadgets, my advice to most home cooks who are just getting started is to get these items that will vastly improve your ability to cook and plate beautiful dishes: A microplane. It is a type of zester that creates beautiful thin shavings and is something I use almost daily. It costs under $20 and it can be used for zesting citrus, grating cheese or spices. It isnt a texture that can be replicated by a normal cheese grater and it will easily elevate your level of cooking. Wooden spoon. The way you get to interact with your food is completely different than with plastic or metal. To me, it is the best tool for sensing whats happening at the bottom of your pot and ensures you get all that delicious flavour thats generally stuck there. The best part is they are incredibly affordable and durable. A sharp knife. I have loved cooking since middle school and only just recently got my first nice chefs knife. For years, I didnt fully understand the difference it would make to use a sharp knife, but the level of precision you can achieve makes a huge difference. My advice: just get your knives sharpened! They dont need to be fancy by any means, just make sure to sharpen them. Mixing bowls. Theres nothing worse than making something in a bowl thats too small. I like standard metal bowls and you can find them for under $10. Restaurant sheet pans. I just recently purchased 10-by-13-inch restaurant sheet pans and they are a game-changer. Theyre incredibly durable and cost around $10. Plating The only tool you need to improve your plating is your own two hands and a lot of practice. It is something you can constantly improve on. It is truly my favourite part of cooking because youve just completed all the hard work and now you get to show it off (or hide any mistakes youve made). Photo matching. If theres a photo with the recipe I refer back to it right before I start plating. Generally, these food stylists have kind of figured out that this is one of the most attractive ways to display that dish. Use that as a starting guideline. Dont be afraid to change what youve already done. For instance, if I start plating something in a bowl and later realize that it looks cramped, Ill move it to a plate and rearrange it. Make it look natural. This might seem intuitive to say, but it is probably the most important. For the majority of home cooking, it shouldnt look placed. For instance, if you were arranging slices of oranges on top of the radicchio salad I made or the herbs on top of the stew, naturally they wouldnt be all perfectly evenly spaced, in the same direction and symmetrical. Practice. Arguably one of my favourite things about quarantine cooking has been the ability to try again with the leftovers. Normally I would be packing it up for work the next day and not get the opportunity to try again. Trying again to improve what wasnt working is very important and truly how you will improve. Colour. I am a firm believer that some dishes are meant to be monochromatic and look best that way. Not everything needs fresh herbs and I do believe that people use them improperly sometimes. For instance, there is nothing more beautiful than a monochromatic plate of beautifully viscous risotto simply topped with some Parmesan. It doesnt always need the parsley for colour. However, for plenty of other dishes, adding a bit of colour can do wonders. Trump and those around him have dismissed public polls showing him behind Biden, saying that internal polls show the president in close competition or leading in key states, particularly when the former vice president is "defined" - meaning, portrayed in a negative light. Loading "We don't put any stock in public polls. They've always been wrong about President Trump as we learned in 2016," Tim Murtaugh, communications director for the Trump campaign, told Bloomberg Television on Wednesday. "If the question is the economy, President Trump wins that argument, hands down." Lindell is something of a quintessential figure in Trump's orbit: a relentless TV presence with a promoter's flare. He drew scrutiny in 2016 over his ads - My Pillow agreed to pay $US1 million after 10 California district attorneys accused the company of false advertising. Now, his ads evoke Trump's America First mantra, touting US manufacturing of his products. He's a devout Christian and is candid with his own journey from crack cocaine addict and former bar owner to pillow and bedding CEO. "All they're trying to do now is delay things with this pandemic to mail-in voting. That's what they're trying to do," he said in the interview, referring to Democrats. "They're trying to steal the election from Donald Trump. They're lying about the polls. It's all a big lie again." Trump is now fewer than five months from election day, and he's steadily encouraged Americans to put the coronavirus outbreak behind them even as the disease continues to infect upwards of 20,000 more people in the country every day. About 117,000 have died, and some states are only now seeing their first wave of the virus. Trump will resume his signature campaign rallies with an event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday that city officials said will attract about 100,000 people. Tulsa's top health official has warned against the rally out of concern it will worsen the county's coronavirus outbreak, already the largest in the state. But Trump is pressing ahead with the event. So is Lindell, who was announced Wednesday as one of more than 50 campaign surrogates who will be in Tulsa with the president. Lindell's company began making cloth face masks in March after the US coronavirus outbreak blossomed, but he said he's getting out of the business after it became crowded with competitors. "The sales are just slow so I'm probably just going to quit making them," he said. On Tuesday, the president signed an executive order aimed at improving training and standards for police behaviour after Floyd's death. He met privately beforehand with families of black Americans killed in encounters with the police and other incidents, but then defended policing before signing the order and hailed his policies - expanded access to private schools for some black students, predictable funding for historically black colleges, a booming economy - as the answer to the nation's racial divisions. Lindell said it should be easier to immediately detain police suspected of a crime. "They need to be put on the same level as everyone else," he said. He called Floyd's death, after a white officer kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes, a "murder" but said: "It had nothing to do with race." "It was a crime against humanity, and we've got to take the bad people, no matter what colour they are, out of the police force and put them behind bars," Lindell said. Lindell is weighing a political career of his own: a potential run for Minnesota governor in 2022. He has sharply criticised the current governor, Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and their fellow Democrats for their handling of protests following Floyd's death that evolved into riots and looting. "When this is positioned right - people had to live through this," Lindell said, referring to the protests and looting. "The onion's getting opened up and exposing them for who they are. Either they're not very smart or they have their own agenda, or a combination of both." During the White House meeting, Lindell said he showed Trump texts from people the pillow executive said had once opposed the president but now support him. He said Trump raised Lindell's own political future. Loading "He brought it up and he goes, 'Mike, I think you'd be very good at it,' and he gave me some encouragement," Lindell said. The events of recent months have made a run more likely, he said. 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. A seven-judge Supreme Court will sit in the Kings Inns on Monday to hear an important appeal over the dismissal of an environmental groups case alleging a Government plan to tackle the climate crisis is flawed and inadequate. The hearing marks the first major physical hearing of the Supreme Court since the Covid-19 lockdown was put in place in March. The court has been conducting remote hearings and delivering judgments electronically during the lockdown but has not held physical hearings. Social distancing for judges Monday's hearing is being held in the King's Inns because, unlike the Supreme Court in the Four Courts, it has adequate space to allow the seven judges sit two metres apart from each other in line with Covid-19 social distancing guidelines. The appeal, by Friends of the Irish Environment, concerns a High Court decision rejecting the group's challenge to the government's National Mitigation Plan. Published in July 2017, the plan set out measures described as the first steps on a path designed to transition Ireland to a low carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. In proceedings against the Government, Ireland and the Attorney General, FIE sought to quash the government's decision approving the plan and asked the High Court to direct the government to produce a plan that will properly tackle the risks posed by global warming, including flooding, fires, ecological destruction and loss of life. Greenhouse gas emissions The existing plan fails to specify any measures to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions as it is required to do, it claimed. The State respondents argued the plan was not justiciable, meaning its adequacy or otherwise could not be decided on by a court. FIE, they argued, was impermissibly advancing a prescribed policy and seeking to impose a positive obligation on the State to deliver such a policy. In his September 2019 judgment dismissing FIE's case, Mr Justice Michael McGrath ruled the government must be afforded broad discretion in adopting plans under the Climate Act. In light of the constitutional separation of powers, the court could not interfere with the plan, he ruled. The Supreme Court later agreed to hear a "leap-frog" appeal, one directly to that court rather than the normal route via the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court said the issues raised are of "general public and legal importance" and all the parties involved accepted there is "a degree of urgency in respect of the adoption of remedial environmental measures". There is no dispute between the parties as to the science underpinning the plan, the likely increase in greenhouse emissions over the lifetime of the plan and "the gravity of the likely effects of climate change", it said. The appeal will address the availability of judicial challenge to the legality of the plan; the standard of such review if adoption of the plan is justiciable as a matter of law; and broader environmental rights asserted by FIE under the Constitution, European Convention on Human Rights and/or from Ireland's international obligations. Former Republican lawmaker Vic Gilliam, who served a decade in the Oregon House of Representatives, died Thursday at age 66, about five years after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, an incurable neurological disorder better known as ALS. Known for his humor, bipartisanship and Christian faith, Gilliam was regarded as a statesman with an irrepressible grin, and lawmakers were quick to recall him fondly as they learned of his death. Senate Republican Leader Fred Girod of Stayton served in the House with Gililam, and the two represented adjoining districts. Never one to back down from a challenge, Vic had a heart for service and was dedicated to all Oregonians, Girod said in a statement. His famous smile and good-nature earned him friends across the state, and he will be forever missed by me and many others. House Speaker Tina Kotek spoke of their parallel experiences and his actors good looks in remembering her former colleague. Vic and I entered the Legislature together in the class of 2007, and we enjoyed serving together in the House Human Services Committee that first session. Whether it was fighting to protect seniors from abuse or trying to convince us to get behind hydrogen fuel technology, Vic always brought his charm and conviction to the table. Vic would smile at being remembered as the best-looking and funniest guy in the Legislature. Although ALS took away his physical strength, his servant heart and sense of humor never waned over the last five years. The Oregonian/OregonLives legislative reporter, Ian Kullgren, described Gilliam this way: sport coats, crisp white shirts, ties and shined loafers. He has a chiseled jawline and a presidential helmet of dark hair. He used to moonlight as an actor. One of his last roles saw him on Portlandia as Fred Armisens uncle. Gilliam resigned from the Legislature at the end of January 2017, saying his illness had left him unable to perform to his own standards. Before he left, he had to rely on a cane and his speech was slurred. Still, in his characteristic way, he said, Even how I am now, I sound three times better than most Democrats, Kullgren wrote in 2016. Rep. Rick Lewis was appointed to fill Gilliams seat and was elected to it in 2018. Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner, a Lake Oswego Democrat, knew Gilliam when he served as a lobbyist before being elected to the Legislature. He said in a statement, Representative Vic Gilliam was a tremendous man. He approached life with grace, humor and bravado. He approached lawmaking with integrity, dignity and, again, humor. ... He was truly one of the funniest people I have met in my life, an amazing spirit. Representative Gilliam reset the mold of what it means to be a statesman. He was a fantastic public servant, he was honest and kind and incredibly loyal. He adored his family, he cared deeply for his friends, and he endlessly sought to improve the lives of all Oregonians. His motivation stemmed from a desire to serve others and to help those in need. He did so much for Oregon and always kept a smile on his face. Gilliam is survived by his wife Becky and their children. -- Betsy Hammond; betsyhammond@oregonian.com; @OregonianPol Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: With tobacco farmers facing problems in getting remunerative price for their produce, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday said the government would intervene in the auction. "In the next two to three days, a special committee, headed by an IAS officer, will be formed to solve tobacco farmers' problems. The government will fix minimum sale prices for high, medium and low quality tobacco. The list of rates approved by the government will be available at the purchasing centres during the auction," Jagan said and added that all the licenced traders and companies will have to participate in the auction for stock purchase or else their licences will be cancelled. The Chief Minister said that this year the government has purchased groundnut, banana and other corps directly from the farmers, using the Market Stabilisation Fund to the tune of Rs 3,200 crore. "We have made bulk purchases during COVID-19 situation to help the farmers. We will also purchase tobacco," Jagan assured. The Chief Minister addressed a tobacco board review meeting focusing on farmer-trader issues at the Tadepalli camp office where the officials listed the challenges being faced due to COVID-19 crisis. Farmers present at the meeting shared the impact of the lockdown on tobacco business. The Chief Minister was also informed about how nearly 20 million kg of low and medium grade varieties of tobacco, which account for the majority of the produce, have been rejected by the traders this year. Representatives of farmers explained to the Chief Minister that they were asked to harvest the crop and when it was ready to be sold, the stock could not be shifted to the auction centres due to the lockdown. "We are being given indent, but the produce is not being purchased and the price has fallen after the COVID-19 lockdown," the farmers said. "If we dont get back our investment in one year, for the next six years, there will be losses," they said adding the companies are not buying tobacco despite giving orders. They said that the farmers are spending Rs 1.4 lakh per acre. Though 920 licences were issued, not even 15 are participating in the auction. The buyers have joined hands and are dictating terms on farmers, they alleged. Responding to the issues raised by the farmers, the Chief Minister stressed on bringing a feasible systematic methodology to be practised by all departments for ensuring more transparency in the process. "The board and the companies should work together in an organised manner and fix a minimum rate for all the three qualities of tobacco for selling. Purchases should be made as per the prices fixed by the government, or else the licences will be revoked," the Chief Minister asserted. Agriculture Minister Kurasala Kannababu, Education Minister Adimulapu Suresh, Energy Minister Balineni Srinivas Reddy, TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy, officials and representatives of trading companies and farmers were present. File image Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor posted old tweets of Narendra Modi, when he was the Gujarat chief minister, to attack the BJP-led government over its handling of the current Sino-India standoff in eastern Ladakh. Without posting any comments, Tharoor retweeted a series of three tweets -- one posted by Modi on February 8, 2014, and two by the Twitter handle of his website and mobile application dated May 13, 2013, and August 15, 2013. "A noble nation like ours is being troubled by our neighbours while the Centre stands helplessly. We need a strong government to change this," Modi had tweeted in February 2014 when he was the Gujarat chief minister. A tweet by the handle of Modi's website on August 15, 2013, quoted him as saying, "Security of the nation is under threat. What did China do? They enter our borders and we silently watch." The third tweet re-tweeted by Tharoor quoted Modi as saying, "China withdraws its forces but I wonder why Indian forces are withdrawing from Indian territory? Why did we retreat?" The re-tweets by Tharoor came in the backdrop of the Congress attacking the government over its handling of the standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, raising questions over its claims of strong leadership. Tensions are running high between China and India after a clash between the troops of the two countries in the Galwan Valley which left 20 Indian soldiers dead. The casualties on the Chinese side are not yet known. However, government sources, citing an American intelligence report, claimed the total number of soldiers killed and seriously wounded could be 35. By PTI NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday said it had "adequate evidence" against tainted Deputy Superintendent of Police of Jammu and Kashmir Davinder Singh, arrested in a terror case, and a charge sheet would be filed against him in due course. In a brief statement, a spokesperson of the NIA said Singh continued to be in judicial custody in the case filed by the agency. "We have adequate evidence against him and he will be charge-sheeted in due course," the NIA said in the statement. Singh was on Friday granted bail in a separate case filed by the Delhi Police. The NIA had taken over the terror case on January 18, a week after Singh was caught in south Kashmir while ferrying two terrorists out of the valley on January 11. Besides Singh, the others arrested were two terrorists -- self-styled commander of Hizbul Mujahideen Syed Naveed Mushtaq Ahmed alias Naveed Babu and Rafi Ahmed Rather -- and Irfan Shafi Mir, who claims to be an advocate. Later on January 23, Naveed's brother, Syed Irfan Ahmed, was also arrested after he was brought from Punjab. He was in constant touch with his brother and had asked him to look for an accommodation in Chandigarh where they could stay to escape the harsh winter months of Kashmir. Leading Spanish author Carlos Ruiz Zafon, whose Barcelona-based mystery The Shadow of the Wind was an international bestseller, died today aged 55, his publishing house said. The author of eight novels, his works have been translated into 40 languages and have sold over 38 million copies worldwide. Today Carlos Ruiz Zafon has died, one of the best contemporary novelists. We will remember you forever, Carlos! Planeta publishing house wrote on Twitter. The publishing house also said that the author had died at his Los Angeles home after battling cancer. He will live on among us through his books, it added. Written in 2001, The Shadow of the Wind was his best-known work and considered one of the most successful Spanish novels of recent decades. The book became the most read Spanish novel after Miguel de Cervantes classic Don Quixote. Critics often compared him to Charles Dickens for his dense, Gothic style, fast-paced intrigue and colourful characters. In their statement, Planeta quoted a line from the novel when its protagonist Daniel Sempere is first shown the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, a labyrinthine, mystical library around which the story is woven. Every book, every volume you see here, has a soul. The soul of the person who wrote it and of those who read it and lived and dreamed with it. Every time a book changes hands, every time someone runs his eyes down its pages, its spirit grows and strengthens. Set in Ruiz Zafons native Barcelona in the wake of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) in which Sempere tries to unravel the mystery surrounding the author of a certain book, Shadow of the Wind was an immediate hit. It has since been translated into some 50 languages, selling millions of copies and becoming the first of a quartet of novels in his Cemetery of Forgotten Books series. The last book, The Labyrinth of Spirits, was published in 2016, two years before he was diagnosed with cancer. At the time of the last books release, the author had explained why he had never let any of his works be adapted for cinema. For me, these books are a homage to literature, to the written word. For that reason, transforming them for the cinema or television would be a betrayal, he said. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hailed Ruiz Zafons work and expressed sorrow over his passing. We have lost one of the most well-read and admired Spanish authors in the world. Carlos Ruiz Zafon, the novelist of reference for our era, left a great mark on modern literature, he wrote on Twitter. Thank you for transporting us through your stories. Born in Barcelona in 1964, Carlos Ruiz Zafon studied at a religious school then earned a degree in information sciences. He was a lover of books since childhood, but he didnt publish his first novel until he was nearly 30 after leaving a career in advertising. His books were largely based in Barcelona but he lived in Los Angeles for over 3 decades. -- with inputs from AFP and Reuters Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter BANGALORE, India, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Zinnov, a leading global management and strategy consulting firm, released the findings from its latest study titled, "India - Emerging Hotbed of IoT Opportunities," today. The study analyzed the Internet of Things (IoT) market landscape in India, the key demand segments, adoption across verticals, talent availability, and the opportunities for IoT Technology and Service Providers. Zinnov estimated that the IoT investments in India were close to USD 5 Billion in 2019, and are expected to triple to touch ~USD 15 Billion by 2021 across both technology products and services components. The study highlighted that by the end of 2019, India had 200-250 Million connected devices. Zinnov estimates that this number will grow tenfold to touch 2 Billion devices by 2021, signaling the exponential market growth in the next few years. In fact, IoT adoption has exploded in the last 3 years, with enterprises spending billions of dollars in testing and deploying several IoT use cases. A large part of this spend - about 60-70% - is comprised of software and hardware products, while the rest is on services. Manufacturing, Automotive & Transportation, and Energy & Utilities are the top 3 verticals driving investments in IoT. Five key segments are contributing to the overall IoT market demand in India - Large Enterprises, Global Capability Centers (GCCs), Small Medium Businesses (SMBs), Consumers, and the Government. There are over 1200 public-listed Large Enterprises in India, with a current IoT adoption rate of around 35%. The base of 1400+ GCCs is further propelling the IoT segment in India and these GCCs are rapidly testing, implementing, and scaling IoT technologies and use cases. With 75 Million+ SMBs, India has the second highest base of SMBs in the world. About 50,000 of these leverage some form of advanced digital technology solutions for driving business operations, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud, IoT, etc. These burgeoning segments, coupled with the increasing connectivity and smartphone penetration across the country, is driving the adoption of IoT-based solutions in the consumer segment. The Indian Government is also driving large-scale initiatives such as the Smart Cities project with a budget outlay of USD 31 Billion between 2015 and 2022. Zinnov analysis also highlighted the specific use case categories where IoT investments by Large Enterprises are scaling. Industry 4.0 or Smart Manufacturing and Connected Assets are two most prominent categories with 20-25% of investments directed towards each of these. Spends on Connected Products and Connected Logistics account for 15-20% each, with the share of Connected Workers accounting for 5-6%. In the case of Industry 4.0, the focus is on digitalization of individual factories for enhanced throughput and quality on the shop floor, which is then scaled as multi-factory deployments for higher enterprise-level efficiencies. Connected Assets use cases revolve around real-time operational intelligence and predictive maintenance of assets, while Connected Products is about building intelligent products to derive insights such as performance, usage patterns, personalized recommendations, etc. Connected Logistics focuses on reducing supply chain friction and Connected Workers category comprises of use cases around worker safety, AR-assisted operations, etc., Zinnov's analysis further revealed. For this study, the top 200 of the 1400+ GCCs were evaluated. Zinnov shared that a staggering 55% of these GCCs are working on IoT, while nearly 50% of the 35 major global IoT platform companies have engineering centers in India. IoT is clearly a priority for some of the largest GCCs in India, with even technology giants have made significant investments on IoT; in many cases, the global IoT programs are being driven from India. The Zinnov study also disclosed that India is one of the richest talent ecosystems for IoT, with 30-40K professionals dedicatedly working on this technology. With 25-30%, Bangalore tops the IoT talent pool, followed by Mumbai and Delhi-NCR at 10-15% each. This talent is spread across GCCs, Service Providers, and enterprises, and ranges from software developers to hardware engineers, AI/ML experts, to IoT security professionals, required for any successful IoT deployment. Speaking about the study, Prankur Sharma, Head of IoT Practice, Zinnov, said, "India is one of the most vibrant IoT ecosystems in the world, with various supporting enablers making it conducive for companies looking to serve global demand beyond national boundaries. The 5 major enablers propelling the Indian IoT market include the IT talent, the dynamic start-up ecosystem, the 10,000+ strong base of IT Service Providers, the robust digital infrastructure that the government is investing in, and the dedicated IoT Centers of Excellences (COEs) being set up. Large Enterprises in India are leveraging COEs as test beds for IoT use cases and initiatives. This, in conjunction with the fact that close to 10% of the billion-dollar Large Enterprises in India have set up IoT-focused COEs, makes the estimates more compelling. With the various ecosystem entities working closely to conceptualize, support, and scale IoT programs, India has emerged as one of the top global IoT hotspots." About Zinnov Founded in 2002, Zinnov is a global management and strategy consulting firm, with presence in Santa Clara, Houston, Bangalore, Gurgaon, and Paris. Over the past 18 years, Zinnov has successfully consulted with over 250+ Fortune 500 enterprises to develop actionable insights to help them accelerate their Digital Transformation journeys to create value - across dimensions of both revenue and optimization. With core expertise in Product Engineering, Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Outsourcing Advisory, Zinnov assists clients by: Structuring and implementing Digital Transformation levers enabled by technologies like AI/ML, Cloud, IoT, and RPA; Advising global PE firms in asset shortlisting and target evaluation, commercial due diligence, and value creation; Helping global companies outline and drive their open innovation programs, design and operate accelerator programs, and enable collaboration with start-ups across specific use cases and predefined outcomes; Enabling global companies to develop and optimize a global engineering footprint through center setups, and technology and functional accelerators to achieve higher R&D efficiencies, innovation, and productivity; Growing revenue for companies' products and services in newer markets through account intelligence, market entry, and market expansion advisory. With their team of experienced consultants, subject matter experts, and research professionals, Zinnov serves clients from across multiple industry verticals including Enterprise Software, BFSI, Healthcare, Automotive, Retail, and Telecom in the US, Europe, Japan, and India. For more information, visit http://zinnov.com . For media queries, please contact: Nitika Goel Chief Marketing Officer, Zinnov [email protected] +91-9845016255 SOURCE Zinnov Long before the onset of our back-to-back national crises, I felt a sense of genuine concern regarding our choices in the upcoming presidential election. Now, with the one-two-three punch of the pandemic, its subsequent devastation of the economy, and then the unrest following the killing of George Floyd, my concern turned to despair. With our country in desperate need of a strong and intelligent national leader, we will soon be forced to choose between a boy-king with narcissistic personality disorder, or a hypocritical plagiarist showing early signs of senility. We should be collectively embarrassed, that in a country of more than 328 million people, this is our choice. YPSILANTI, MI Ypsilanti Mayor Beth Bashert suggested recently that she had no choice but to support the reappointment of a black man to the citys Human Relations Commission despite absentee issues. The color of his skin, not his performance was the key factor, Bashert indicated. Last night at City Council, I made a biased statement and voted based on that statement. Then I compounded the whole... Posted by Beth Bashert on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 New Delhi, June 19 : The Congress has demanded the Election Commission reject two votes in Manipur cast during Rajya Sabha polls as the party alleged that two MLAs including the Speaker have shown their votes to agents present during the polls and the party has also produced a video to back its claim. The Congress has fielded T. Mangi Babu and the BJP has fielded former King Leishemba Sanajaob. In a memorandum to Election Commission, the Congress said "The Speaker Shri Y. Khemchand Singh Displayed his vote unauthorisedly to the Indian National Congress representative. The video recording will also demonstrate this fact. On the other hand, Shri. Ngamthang Haokip, MLA of the INC has shown his vote to the BJP's authorised representative and generally to others present in the room as well. This can be established by a viewing of the video recording of the proceedings. " The Congress has cited the order dated August 8, 2017 regarding the rejection of votes for elections to the Rajya Sabha. This order was given by EC when Ahmed Patel was contesting and two votes were declared invalid on the same ground. The latest political development come a day after the three-year-old BJP-led coalition government in Manipur headed by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh was on Wednesday night pushed into a political crisis as three BJP MLAs quit the party and joined the Congress and six legislators - four of NPP, one Trinamool and an independent -- withdrew support. The strength of the BJP-led alliance government has now been reduced to a minority in the Assembly, effective strength of which is 59, after Shyamkumar Singh, who had defected to the BJP from Congress, was disqualified. 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 Fiddle player Zoe Conway has performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world with Riverdance and the RTE Concert Orchestra and has played for presidents and heads of state but for her children Eoin and Fiona her most impressive achievement to date is performing on the soundtrack of the Artemis Fowl movie. Zoe, who lives in the Cooley peninsula with her husband and fellow musician John McIntyre and their two children, travelled to London last year to record on the sound track for Kenneth Branagh's screen adaptation of Irish author Eoin Colfer's much loved children's book. The film, which was due to have a cinema release this summer, became available for streaming on the Disney Channel on Friday and the weekend saw Zoe and family taking the weekend off to watch it. Zoe travelled to the 'very beautiful' Air Studios which were founded by George Martin to record with the hand picked orchestra. 'I'm not joking, it was one of the best days of my life,' she says. 'While I was there, the Scottish composer Patrick Doyle wrote a whole beautiful piece for me to play for the opening sequel - it was just so magical!' The much loved books which tell the story of 12-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl have sold over 25 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over 40 languages. Belfast-born director Branagh has assembled a star studded cast with Dame Judy Dench, Colin Farrel as well as a host of young actors. The soundtrack also features songs by Radiohead, Florence and the Machine, Massive Attack, Lana Del Ray, Billie Eilish and Nina Simone to name a few so Zoe is definitely in good company. Although this was Zoe's first time recording for a Disney production, it wasn't the first time her playing has featured in a film. Last year she recorded the fiddle music played by the female role in 'Finding You' which was partly shot in Carlingford and is due for release this summer. She also composed the music for 'Ages of Carlingford', a local production, and recorded music for the award-winning 'Float Like A Butterfly' and 'Connemara'. [June 19, 2020] Mumbai's Most Loved Ethnic Wear Brand, KALKI Fashion Introduces Their New 'Video Shopping Experience' Customers can shop their favorite KALKI Fashion ethnic outfits through their Video Shopping Appointments MUMBAI, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The master of fashion fantasies, KALKI Fashion has launched its new virtual shopping experience at their flagship store, Santacruz which is now open every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday from 11.00 am to 7.30 pm. Titled as the 'Video Shopping Experience', the feature immerses customers virtually in tastefully hand-decorated designs displayed at the store where they can browse and purchase the pieces along with their In-store stylist. A Remote Shopping Experience In order to avoid physical social contact, & till the commute goes back to normal; the Mumbai ethnic fashion brand encourages everyone a safe shopping adventure. The customers can shop through KALKI Fashion's video shopping appointment that promises a real-time customer interaction and a seamless online shopping experience with an ultimate personal guidance & expert styling tips. They have an expert styling team who are following proper safety procedures to prevent the spread of the virus & waiting to assist all the brides & bridal party virtually with their wonderful collection. How To Book A Video Shopping Appointment Offering virtual shopping appointments with their customerswill allow one to shop and place orders using a live video chat. The customer can book an appointment with them over a WhatsApp Video Call, Face time or even on Zoom meetings; one can use this video chat service to connect remotely that promises to provide a one-on-one shopping experience by previewing their best of curated styles. What Can One Expect One can book an appointment with KALKI Fashion to discuss the fit or specific details of the products along with the Chief In-store Master. Speaking to their expert stylists about the necessary needs will help one find an outfit that suits them better than the outfit they imagined about. The brand's aim is to personalize the shopping experience to help the customers find exactly what they are looking for. A lot of their customers and followers are already in tune with the video shopping trend. Their customer service agents, Sales representatives, the best store personnel & super trendy stylists are already interacting individually with a lot of customers for tailor-made experiences with product display, product comparison, styling tips and hacks in store. Awesome Response On Social Media LIVE Postings Using the LIVE feature on Instagram is a great way to engage with the customers; the brand is going LIVE with renowned Celebrity Stylists who experienced the whole virtual shopping tour with their in-house KALKI Stylist. They also had a guest Fashion Stylist, Bharat Gupta who consulted 3 Real Brides on KALKI Fashion's Instagram LIVE and successfully assisted them with their wedding outfit queries by showing them the in-store displayed outfits. Click here to view the sessions for better understanding. No-Hassel Access KALKI Fashion's 'Video Shopping Experience' comes with a super easy access with no need for customer to login or download apps instead simply click on the link and book an appointment. For In store Appointment: +91-7290052554 For Video Shopping Appointment: +91-9920012474 Visit them on www.kalkifashion.com for more details. About KALKI Born in Mumbai, India in 2007, KALKI evokes the very spirit of the city it was founded in. Anupstart, innovative, and dynamic brand KALKI offers the best of contemporary, ethnic Indian fashion and fusion-wear styles. Staying true to the brand's unique promise of premium and wearable fashion, KALKI unveils fresh collections and all-new designs throughout the fashion calendar. KALKI's design and aesthetic sensibility seeks inspiration from all walks of life- be it the beauty of nature and heritage in art, architecture and culture, intricate creations, and the modern world to the home-bound handloom traditions of India. Website: www.kalkifashion.com Media Contact : Shreya Humne [email protected] +91-8879811985 KALKI Fashion Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1193494/Video_Shopping_at_KALKI_Fashion.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Over the past few weeks, I hope each of us has stopped to reflect on who we are and what we stand for - our common humanity, the ideals we strive for, both on our own and as a nation. We, at AAKP, recognize the disproportionate impact kidney disease has on individuals in the black and brown communities across this country. Our fundamental purpose for advocating on behalf of and representing the interests of kidney patients has improved treatments for those who suffer - but tremendous work remains to be done. In recent months, millions of dollars have been invested in COVID-19 research by the Federal government as well as the private sector. As I look at the impact of healthcare disparities in black and brown communities, which has been worsened by the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on these same communities, I am disturbed. I am disturbed because of the lost opportunities - because much of the research and many of the clinical trials have not included kidney patients, despite the strong Federal agency encouragement to do so. We know that the proactive inclusion of kidney patients in COVID-19 research would include a significant percentage of patients from black and brown communities. At 13% of the population, African-Americans represent 32% of patients receiving dialysis treatment. As a kidney community, we should take heart knowing that, united together in purpose, we have the shared intelligence and capacities to drive many more innovations and save many more lives. To do this, we need more thoughtful patient engagement - which means the inclusion of even more minorities in research, clinical trials, and disease prevention and treatment education. Most importantly, we must be united in our resolve to end disparate care and to expand care choices for all kidney patients because every kidney patient has the right to pursue their dreams and aspirations. Today, Friday, June 19th, marks the celebration of Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, which commemorates the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the Confederacymore than two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. As Americans, Juneteenth gives each of us an annual opportunity to celebrate African-American freedom, promote African-American history, and foster continued African-American achievement. As AAKP joins our members in celebration, we thank you for the empathy and care you have for all patients and ask that you keep up the fight for those most disproportionately impacted by kidney disease. Please consider AAKP as a reliable ally in this shared and noble cause. On behalf of AAKP RICHARD KNIGHT President American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is the oldest and largest fully independent kidney patient organization in the United States and the strongest advocates for kidney patient consumer care choice. From 1969-1973, AAKP patients led the effort in the U.S. Congress and with senior White House officials to establish the End Stage Renal Disease Program, which has saved over a million lives through modern dialysis coverage. AAKP announced the start of the Decade of the Kidney in June of 2019 and since 2018 has conducted the largest voter education and registration drive in history among kidney patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals aimed at increasing the kidney patient voice in policy decisions as Kidney Voters. AAKP fights for patient care choice, early detection; increased kidney transplantation and pre-emptive transplantation; protection of the patient/physician relationship; promotion of research and innovation; and the elimination of barriers for patient access to available treatment options. Follow AAKP on social media: Facebook: @kidneypatient Twitter and Instagram: @kidneypatients FOR MORE INFORMATION: Diana Clynes Executive Director 813-400-2391 [email protected] MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer Duplessie Marketing and Communications Manager (813) 400-2394 [email protected] SOURCE American Association of Kidney Patients Related Links http://www.aakp.org Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 13:59:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KUNMING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Police in southwest China's Yunnan Province have captured three suspects and seized more than 102 kg of drugs in a recent drug trafficking case. After receiving a tip-off in early June that drug dealers were planning to transport drugs into China, police in Gengma County, Lincang City, dispatched a task force to investigate the case. On June 12, police ambushed three suspects in a border area in the county, with 102.368 kg of drugs seized from a woven bag discarded by the suspects. Further investigation is underway. Yunnan is a major front in China's battle against drug crime, as it borders the Golden Triangle known for its rampant drug production and trafficking. Enditem So here we are in 2020, confronted with the death in Atlanta of an unarmed black man, Rayshard Brooks, when confronted by white police officer Garrett Rolfe . . . and the killing in Minneapolis of George Floyd, an unarmed black man whose neck was pinned on the ground by a white officers knee . . . and the shooting death in Louisville of Breonna Taylor, a black woman and aspiring nurse shot eight times in her own home by white police officers serving a no-knock warrant . . . and the death of Ahmaud Arbery, a black jogger chased down and shot by white men in Glynn County, Ga. On Wednesday afternoon, over 300 California educators, parents, and students tuned into Facebook Live to hear high school students speak honestly about their own experiences of racism, implicit bias, and trauma at school. The Student Support Circle: Institutional Racism and Implicit Bias, was co-hosted by the California Department of Education and the National Equity Project, and is the first among several initiatives state Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced Wednesday to bring the nationwide conversation about racism and bias into the classroom. We have been seeing some of the most traumatic and grave and graphic events of brutality and racism and bias in our communities, Thurmond said. These have a deep impact on all of us, but especially on our young people. We want to make sure were providing support to them. The session kicked off with words from California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, a leading expert in Adverse Childhood Experiences, who affirmed the trauma students may be experiencing as they watch acts of racial violence across the country, including the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis May 25 that sparked protests nationwide. Weve been asked to put our trauma in a box, she said, directly addressing the students. But science shows us that safe, stable, nurturing environments are healing. How do we create these for our black and brown brothers and sisters? The panelists quickly turned it over to California high school representatives from the newly-formed Youth Advisory Commission. In a question-and-answer session facilitated by Jonathan Piper, a Black 2019 graduate of Skyline High School in Oakland, students from districts across the state spoke about confronting racism both in national news and in their own educational experiences. Shavonne Hines-Foster, a Black student at Lowell High School in San Francisco, recounted the struggle to adjust after her mother placed her in higher-performing schools outside of her Bayview community. Attending schools with higher test scores, I experienced racism, she said. Besides our peers, a lot of microaggressions come from our teachers, through stereotypes and whats expected of us. The students called on the state, districts, and educators to make serious changes this fall, including requiring implicit bias training for all teachers, and training them to facilitate conversations about race. Dawit Vasquez-Suomala, a rising senior at El Cerrito High School, spoke about a teacher who, he said, discouraged speaking about race because some students werent ready to broach the conversation. For a white teacher to tell his one Black male student that we cannot have conversation about race in a class thats majority white, that was hurtful, Vasquez-Suomala said. He was a good person, a nice person overall, but he just didnt understand what institutional racism does to us. On Wednesday, Thurmond announced that the Department of Education will soon require implicit bias training for all 2,500 of its employees. He also said that state officials were working to facilitate conversations with educators statewide about the effect of racism on students. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. But the student panelists pushed officials further, calling for a redirection of resources to students of color and greater diversity among staff and administrators statewide. They also asked for an ethnic studies requirement for all districts. Last year, the California Department of Education devised a first-of-its-kind ethnic studies model curriculum, but has yet to require districts to follow it. It was only outside of school that I learned that the people I was told to look up to were violent and bigoted, said Maya Howard, a white student at Mira Loma High School in Sacramento. When we dont teach kids from a young age about historic and modern racism, were not protecting children as a whole, were protecting white children. The session wrapped with a brief implicit bias training from Mark Salinas of the National Equity Project, asking educators to check their assumptions as they foster tough conversations. Salinas closed by advising educators to hear and believe their own students, and applauded the young people who spoke. Students, weve got you. You are enough, he said. Weve got to get out of your way. Because you are already leading by example. Brett Simpson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: brett.simpson@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @brettvsimpson By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kicking up a major row, the state government has issued order saying that the benefits given to the migrant guest workers cannot be extended to Pravasis as they cannot be treated as 'guest' workers. Earlier the Kerala High Court had explored if the Pravasis can be considered as guest workers while looking into a batch of petition seeking to provide free institutional quarantine to Pravasis. In response to the court query, the Norka secretary issued an order stating that the Pravasis cannot be treated as guest workers as there are many differences between them in multiple counts. Hence the benefits being given to the guest workers cannot be given to Pravasis. CLICK HERE FOR COVID-19 LIVE UPDATES Earlier, the Supreme Court also ordered the state governments to provide free transport and adequate food to migrant workers who wanted to go home along with free quarantine facilities. In Kerala, the state government decision to make mandatory COVID-19 negative certificate for returning expats created a controversy as well. In this backdrop, the state government issued the order stating that Pravasis and guest workers cannot be treated as equal. The order has already invited criticisms from various coners. Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala has urged the government to immediately withdraw the order. Protesting agaisnt the state government's neglect towards expats, Chennithala began a dawn-to-dusk fast in front of the Secretariat on Friday 9.00 am. In 2016, Choi Jong Hoon was charged for his drunk driving incident. In the same year, together with celebrity Jung Joon Young, he was charged with aggravated rape in Gangwon Province, and in Daegu along with three other individuals. They faced charges for filming and spreading footage that they documented illegally. Initially, the prosecution had asked for seven years in prison for Jung Joon Young and five years for Choi Jong Hoon. They were required to undergo a sexual violence rehabilitation program. Furthermore, Choi Jong Hoon also faced charges for bribing the police officer with the amount of 2 million KRW to cover up his drunk driving scandal. The actor had his first hearing for his appeal on the charges for bribing the police officer and violating the law on sexual violence by distributing illegal footage on June 8 at the Seoul Central District Court. Prior to the recent court hearing, the actor confessed to the allegations for illegal filming and distribution charges, but he denied allegations of offering bribes to the police officer. In due course, he was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years in probation, and lastly, 80 hours in the program of sexual violence rehabilitation, to whom he subsequently filed an appeal on his sentence. When the appeal took place, Choi Jong Hoon read out his apology letter. An excerpt from the letter said: "I regret the foolish and wrong behavior in which I engaged. I have entirely lost my dream, but when I think about the crimes I committed, I think that I must certainly bear with it. I'm sorry for incurring public criticism due to my disgraceful acts. I will keep this case in mind and live with a heavy heart." More so, the argument of representatives of the actor is to have lenient treatment over the actor, the fact that he did not deny allegations and admitted his offense for his crimes when the first trial took place. Choi Jong Hoon's lawyer stated the charge of expressing intent to bribe. He said that the actor accidentally said that he would give money, but the amount was not huge. He did not even attempt to take money out. After the actor was arrested, he did not show any intention of bribing. The police even thought that it was a joke. The actor is currently reflecting on his behavior. Regarding the spreading of the illegal material, the lawyer confirmed that he uploaded the photo to the chat group. They do not presume that the sentence be reduced because only a few people have seen the material, and there was no specific victim, and the content was not spread extensively. The sentence will be decided in the second hearing on July 23. Further, this is a separate case from the ongoing appeal over their sentences for the charge of aggravated rape. A 20-year-old social media star from South Carolina says that she and her friends have all come down with coronavirus after hanging out together when local lockdown rules lifted which she now admits was 'dumb.' In a series of TikTok videos, Victoria Bachlet explained that she and her friends had been bored after months of doing nothing, and recently all had a group gathering but they didn't learn until afterward that one of the young women there had COVID-19. Now the virus has spread through the group, and Victoria is documenting her experience, sharing descriptions of her symptoms, of videos of herself getting tested, and details of how she and her friends are coping. Whoops! Social media star Victoria Bachlet is taking her followers through her coronavirus experience after she hung out with a group of friends Sharing the love: She and her friends all hung out together after South Carolina's restrictions lifted, and one girl came who 'forgot' to tell anyone she had coronavirus Sick: Victoria and her friends soon came down with symptoms and went together for a test Watch: Victoria recorded as she swapped her own nose at the testing center Prior to her coronavirus update, Victoria had shared several videos on her page that showed her spending time with friends over the past few weeks and no one is wearing a mask in a single clip. In one, a large group danced outside in the rain in swimsuits, all touching one another and laughing with their faces uncovered. In another, a group of young women are seen in a pool, and in yet another, a very large group is shown partying, sans masks, on a boat. Despite several large group outings taken without proper safety measures of masks or social distancing, Victoria seemed a bit surprised and put out when, earlier this week, she she admitted to followers that she was pretty sure she had coronavirus. She explained: 'Basically, this girl came over and 'forgot' to tell us that she had corona, and now we're all sick. Also, we went to our friends' house, and then their roommate tested positive for corona the next day.' Victoria described her symptoms, which include fever, runny nose, cough, chills, loss of taste and smell, and body aches. She motioned to three other young women in a car with her who were experiencing similar symptoms. Yikes! Victoria had shared several videos on her page that showed her spending time with friends over the past few weeks and no one is wearing a mask in a single clip The rules don't apply! She and her friends danced in the rain and hung out in a pool without masks or any distance between them Bad idea: A large group also went out on a boat shortly after the restrictions lifted in South Carolina In that video, she captured herself driving up to a testing facility, where the young women were given tests to administer themselves in the car. Victoria recorded herself swabbing the inside of her nose, saying 'that does not feel good,' and coughing after she removes it from far up her nostril. In an update the next day, Victoria was home quarantining and said that while they aren't 'sure' yet that it's COVID-19, they're 'pretty positive.' She showed off all of their supplies, including Garorade, chicken soup, medicine, tea, and disinfectant wipes. 'Overall, I'm feeling OK. I finally got my fever to go down,' she said. 'I'm just super congested, and [my cousin] Lauren is too. My body is also super, super sore and I can't taste or smell. 'Also, my sore throat has not gone away,' she said before coughing. The next day, she updated again with a noticeably scratchy voice, saying her throat was still sore and scratchy but she thinks her fever is gone. 'I'm still nauseous whenever I eat, I still can't taste or smell, my body's still extremely sore. But it's really not that bad. It's really like I did an intense workout. But I didn't.' Yuck: She described her symptoms as fever, runny nose, cough, chills, loss of taste and smell, and body aches Bland: While her fever has improved, she lamented that she still couldn't taste anything Update: Several of her friends already got positive test results back 'And I know, there's so many comments that are like, 'Victoria, why didn't you social distance?' I was dumb,' she said On Thursday afternoon, she told followers that she learned that three more of her friends who had been at the gathering had tested positive, 'so it's almost a definite that I have it.' 'And I know, there's so many comments that are like, 'Victoria, why didn't you social distance?' I was dumb. 'They opened everything up a couple weeks ago and I had been so tired of sitting that I just wanted to hang out with my friends. But we tried to make sure that everyone who came over was clear, didn't have any symptoms, and hadn't been in contact with anyone,' she said. Unfortunately, people can have the virus and spread it while being asymptomatic. 'And we also spent a majority of the time outside,' she added. 'But some people did not tell us that they had been exposed,' she added, seemingly unaware that someone might not know they'd been exposed. 'Which is fine, I'm not mad at anybody because we're having a whole outbreak in my whole, like, county right now. And my county's actually considered a hotspot.' She admitted: 'They opened everything up a couple weeks ago and I had been so tired of sitting that I just wanted to hang out with my friends' On Thursday, health officials in South Carolina announced 987 new cases of coronavirus Thursday, which broke the record for the largest single-day increase in cases In her most recent update, Victoria said that 'one of the worst things about this is that I cannot taste anything.' The symptom does have some plus-sides, though: Her foul-tasting medicine doesn't bother her, and she can eat more vegetables that she doesn't usually like. She signed off by saying that she was going to take a nap because she is tired much of the time. Victoria's followers are still waiting for her test results, which are likely to come in today. Victoria's state of South Caroline is seeing a massive uptick in coronavirus cases. On Thursday, health officials announced 987 new cases of coronavirus Thursday, which broke the record for the largest single-day increase in cases. The state currently has 21,533 cases and 621 deaths. 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 The idea of living in the bustling, vibrant city of London has always been a dream for FOX 26's morning traffic anchor, Chrisdyann Uribe. Now she's ready to realize that dream. Uribe will say goodbye to FOX 26 in July and head 'across the pond' to start a new life in England. "Since I was a little girl, I was always drawn to London," Uribe said. "I fell in love with the British culture and the dry sense of humor." Uribe said she knew London would be her next destination after her trip to Great Britain last year. SURPRISE FOR FATHER'S DAY: Where to eat in Houston this Father's Day weekend "Last January, I had gone to London and fell completely in love with it," Uribe said. "I've always been attracted to it. This past year, I started moving toward that dream. I thought 'let's focus on how to make it happen.'" Known as a Houston Instagram powerhouse, Uribe will be spearheading her own endeavor by creating travel videos and serving as a social media consultant for businesses in England. She said she didn't want to waste any more time to attain her UK goal. "Go boldly in the direction of your own dreams," Uribe said. "I think you just shouldn't let factors limit you. Don't wait for the right moment." The one thing that made England different from all other travels is that she never want to leave London. "I've always felt after I've traveled to place that I couldn't wait to go home," Uribe said. "With London, it was different. I never wanted to leave. It's always been my cup of tea." Perhaps the catalyst that put her on an accelerated path to London was what she witnessed during the El Paso shooting in her hometown. Uribe was in El Paso to visit her family when a gunman killed 23 people and injured 23 others at a Walmart store on Aug. 3, 2019. "That was a life-altering experience," Uribe said. "My great aunt had to escape out of the back of the Walmart." CULINARY OFFERINGS: The best cuisine from black-owned restaurants for Juneteenth It was that devastating moment that spoke volumes to her. "That's when I realized how quickly your life can pass away," Uribe said. "Why not live the most you can and get the most out of this life experience?" Uribe encourages others to be fearless about setting goals, making plans, and chasing your dreams. "Its now or never," Uribe said. "Life presented itself in away that I can pursue my dream. I want to immerse myself in the culture. Ive always been so in love with it." alison.medley@chron.com Credit: CC0 Public Domain Death records point to hundreds of U.S. deaths from heat each year, but even moderately hot weather may actually be killing thousands. This summer, COVID-19 may make it harder to stay cool. As temperatures rise this summer, a new study by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) and the University of British Columbia School of Population and Public Health (UBC SPPH) researchers finds that thousands of U.S. deaths may be attributable to heat each year, far more than the 600 deaths previously estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Published in the journal Environmental Epidemiology, the study estimates that heat contributed to the deaths of 5,600 people each year on average between 1997 and 2006 in 297 counties comprising three-fifths of the U.S. population. Most of these deaths were from only moderately hot weather, rather than extremely hot weathercategories that the researchers defined not by temperature, but by what temperatures are normal for a given region of the U.S. "How dangerous a hot day is may depend on where you live," says study lead author Dr. Kate R. Weinberger, assistant professor of occupational and environmental health at UBC SPPH. "A 90F day might be dangerous in Seattle, but not in Phoenix," she says. "One of the factors that gives rise to this phenomenon is differing degrees of adaptation to heat. For example, air conditioning is much more common in cities like Phoenix that experience hot weather frequently versus cities like Seattle with cooler climates," Weinberger says, noting that demographic factors can also affect how vulnerable a population is to heatheat especially endangers older adults, children, pregnant women, and outdoor workers. The researchers used data from the National Center for Health Statistics on deaths in the most populous counties (1997 to 2006 was the most recent decade with continuous data available), and the Parameter-elevation Relationships on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM), which estimates temperatures across the contiguous U.S. down to the four-square-kilometer area. While most previous research has focused on the information provided on death records to try to estimate deaths from heat, this study analyzed the association between days considered moderately or extremely hot in that county and the number of deaths from any cause, showing that not hundreds but thousands of deaths are tied to heat. The researchers estimated that moderate heat killed 3,309 people per year in the counties included in the study, and extreme heat killed 2,299 people each year. "These estimates do not depend on anyone recognizing that a given death was due to excess heat, so they are likely closer to the true number than previous estimates," says study senior author Dr. Gregory Wellenius, director of BUSPH's Climate and Health program. "Heat is very much a threat to the health of our communities and our families today," he says. "Public health officials have a responsibility to implement heat action plansas many communities across the world already havein order to warn residents ahead of days of extreme heat and to help residents cope with the heat and minimize their health risks." However, the researchers point out that COVID-19 will make it harder to stay cool this summer. "Providing publicly accessible air conditioned spaces on hot days now carries additional risks and requires new protocols for keeping people safe from both heat and infection," Wellenius says. "At the same time, with many offices, malls, stores, restaurants, and other commercial buildings still largely closed, this summer people are even more reliant on home air conditioning than ever before," he says. "Given the high unemployment rates, particularly among vulnerable communities, we may see an even bigger impact of heat on people's health this summer." Explore further Heat kills: We need consistency in the way we measure these deaths More information: Kate R. Weinberger et al. Estimating the number of excess deaths attributable to heat in 297 United States counties, Environmental Epidemiology (2020). DOI: 10.1097/EE9.0000000000000096 , Kate R. Weinberger et al. Estimating the number of excess deaths attributable to heat in 297 United States counties,(2020). DOI: 10.1097/EE9.0000000000000096 , journals.lww.com/environepidem ntext=LatestArticles Businesses use on-prem and cloud-based unified communications (UC) to connect distributed workforces but often dont realize the security threats hidden within popular UC services, but they should, and they should address them. There has been a sharp rise in eMeetings, Voice over IP (VoIP) and other UC capabilities as companies shift to a work-from-home (WFH) model because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dont expect this trend to abate any time soon as 93% of CXOs that responded to a ZK Research study say they see a permanent 30% uplift in the number of remote employees. Survey respondents say maintaining productivity is the top challenge when shifting users to WFH, highlighting the importance of collaboration tools. The right ones can make the transition seamless. For example, VoIP enables workers to maintain the same phone number at home as they do in the office. They can also connect using a desk phone, mobile phone or software client on a computer, which makes the shift nearly frictionless. Threats to SIP However, the use of real-time communications does create a number of security risks. Most communications and collaboration apps rely on session initiation protocol (SIP) for data transmission. Standardizing on SIP has created a more productive world where all the UC systems are interoperable. But one of the lesser known facts about SIP is that its susceptible to breaches, robocalls, and other anomalous behavior. Am shocked to hear the Local government Minister kicked against the payment proposal of all our lawmakers at our various assemblies and called it unnecessary. I see this action by Nana Addo as shared wickedness and witchcraft because these Honourable members spend a lot to get elected and the responsibilities on them after winning their elections are more than that of the MPs because they are direct with the people. I don't know why government has decided to kick against this brilliant Proposal of John Dramani Mahama. NDC has been faithful to our assembly members and started by giving them motorbikes and giving them special allowances for sitting. According to President John Dramani Mahama, in his next government, all assembly members will be on monthly salary to help them buy fuel into their motto bikes to continue their hard work at their various electoral areas. Let's support the man with vision to get the job done. Efo Worlanyo Tsekpo. ALBANY The coronavirus pandemic led to operating losses of nearly $150 million for the Capital Regions three largest hospital systems over the previous three months. The pause on non-essential health care and increased costs associated with testing and personal protective equipment led to estimated operating losses of about $56 million for Albany Medical Center, $50 million for Ellis Medicine in Schenectady, and $40 million for St. Peters Health Partners, their CEOs told the Albany Business Review during a virtual discussion hosted by the outlet this week. While federal relief will make up some of the difference, they noted that losses are expected to continue and expressed hope that a longstanding disparity in the way the region is reimbursed for treating Medicare patients will finally be corrected. The losses are not over yet, said James Reed, president and CEO of St. Peters. Were not out of the woods at all as far as thats concerned. The one-hour discussion with Reed, Albany Med CEO Dennis McKenna and Ellis CEO Paul Milton covered a lot of ground. In addition to finances, the leaders discussed the emotional toll the pandemic took on their frontline staff and patients, technological innovations that may stick around after the crisis, and their expectations for a second wave of infections this fall. The revenue losses area hospitals experienced came after Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo ordered a statewide pause on all non-essential elective surgeries and procedures. The move was intended to conserve resources and supplies for an expected surge of coronavirus patients. But while the local area saw a surge in virus patients the Capital Region experienced peak hospitalizations on April 10 with 205 COVID-19 patients occupying beds that surge never exceeded local hospital capacity. At the same time, emergency room visits dropped off to a point where doctors became concerned people were delaying necessary care out of fear of catching the virus. Latest coronavirus-related cancellations, postponements The latest coronavirus numbers in NY Sign up for the Times Union coronavirus newsletter Full coronavirus coverage Albany Med saw a 50 percent drop in outpatient visits, and a 40 percent drop in both inpatient admissions and ER visits throughout the crisis. But business has begun to pick back up, hospital leaders said. St. Peters is now performing elective surgeries at 50 percent of its usual capacity, compared to 30 percent during the height of the crisis. Ellis Medicine is on track to hit 75 percent of its usual elective surgery capacity. One thing thats likely to stick around after the pandemic is over is the increased use of telemedicine to deliver care, leaders said. Patients even those in their 80s and 90s who were unused to such technology delivered positive feedback about the ease and accessibility of virtual care, Reed said. Telemedicine is obviously something that everybody has jumped in with two feet on, McKenna said. Speaking for (Albany Med), we didnt have very significant telemedicine presence pre-COVID. It was certainly something we had talked about as far as something we were looking to try to do. COVID-19 clearly accelerated that. Area hospital leaders also discussed a recent provision that U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko managed to secure in the HEROES Act, which would end a longstanding disparity in the Capital Regions Medicare Wage Index. The regions index has been the same since the 1980s, and means that area hospitals are only reimbursed for 86 cents of every dollar it costs to treat a Medicare patient. The provision Tonko secured would boost the index to $1.08 for every dollar, resulting in an additional $100 million in hospital revenue a year. The bill passed the House, but it may face a tough battle in the Republican-controlled Senate. Milton said that extra revenue would create a lot of jobs in the region, and McKenna said it would enable Albany Med to recruit physicians from across the country with competitive wages. He didnt mention wage increases for other types of staff, but Albany Med nurses and other hospital staff have for years said that a lack of competitive wages at the hospital has fueled high turnover and chronic staffing shortages. Reed said the extra revenue would free up money for hospitals to use on capital and infrastructure projects, as well. There is nothing that would change health care faster and more significantly than the passage of this particular bill, he said. As new coronavirus infections hit a new low in the Capital Region this week (there are now 1.55 new cases per 100,000 residents when measured on a seven-day rolling average), the hospital leaders also discussed their expectations for the next wave of cases, which experts are predicting will occur this fall as the weather cools. Frequent hand washing, mask-wearing and social distancing should help flatten the next wave as it did with the first one, they said. But hospitals and local health officials should also be more prepared this time around, they said. Our index of suspicion is going to be very high, and were ready with testing, Reed said. And that first person who starts to get symptoms you test them, you quarantine them, and you trace their contacts and quarantine them. Were going to be much quicker on the draw and I think that will have a big impact ultimately on any further spread. (UPDATE: Police seeking persons of interest in assault at Genesee Valley Mall) FLINT TWP., MI -- Macys is calling the beating of an employee at its Genesee Valley Center store unprovoked and township police say they are actively looking for two men who were involved in the attack. We are deeply saddened about the incident that took place on Monday (June 15) at Macys Genesee Valley as the safety of Macys customers and colleagues is our top priority, Andrea Schwartz, senior director of media relations for Macys, said in an email to MLive-The Flint Journal. Violence in the workplace of any kind is unacceptable. All the materials from the evening have been reviewed and it is clear that the attack was unprovoked. We are working closely with local authorities on this investigation, and will defer any further comments about the case to them per policy. Macys statement Friday, June 19, comes after police confirmed they were investigating the beating of a man inside the store, an assault captured on video that has circulated widely on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. The man who originally posted the video, who used the name FT Quay, has posted comments online that the assault on the man was triggered by of the man having used a racial slur. Watch the YouTube video here. Although Macys has not identified the man who was attacked in the video, township police Lt. Brad Wangler said Friday the man is a store employee. We are looking for them as we speak, Wangler said of the man who punched the Macys employee and Quay, whose Facebook page had been taken offline as of Friday. Its not something thats been put on the back burner. We want to find out what happened. Police issued a news release Friday in response to the incident, saying it occurred shortly before they were dispatched at 5:45 p.m. Monday for an assault complaint. Officers learned an employee of the store was assaulted by a young black male who fled the scene with a second individual after the assault, the statement says. Store surveillance video confirmed the assault against the employee. Investigators also learned the assault was recorded by the second individual and shared on social media. Police are asking anyone that has seen the video on social media and knows the identity of these individuals are urged to contact Detective Hart at 810-600-3250, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-JAIL (5245) or go to www.crimestoppersoffint.com In the video, the Macys employee wearing a cloth mask is talking on a cell phone when hes suddenly punched in the head by a man who uses racial slurs as he continues to hoover over and punch him. I didnt touch you ... Im sorry, the man on the ground says before hes punched a second and third time by the man. A short video clip of the incident was shared thousands of times on social media platforms this week and the attacker was supported by some, who said the assault was provoked by the employees use of a racial slur -- something that isnt heard on the video. Police investigating video of beating inside Genesee Valley mall An oil windfall in Guyana and a contested election outcome Any victory for democracy and the rule of law is worth celebrating in these tumultuous times, no matter how small the country. Guyana, an English-speaking country of 780,000 on the north Atlantic coast of South America, is now facing a moment of truth. Will its governing party acknowledge that it lost in a free and fair election and proceed to a peaceful transition? Or will it resist, plunging the country into chaos? Guyana is one of the poorest countries in South America, but that could change dramatically thanks to the discovery in 2015 of vast oil reserves off its coast. ExxonMobil is leading a consortium that hopes to be pumping 750,000 barrels a day from Guyanas waters by 2025. Oil revenue on such a scale, however, can be either a great blessing or a curse. The key question is whether the political leadership of such a country directs the financial benefit to the people, or uses it to line the pockets of cronies and rent-seekers. Indeed, the natural resource trap is one of the four major obstacles to development that economist Paul Collier identified in his seminal book The Bottom Billion. Following independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, Guyanas miserable economy had all the characteristics of post-colonial dependency on agriculture and natural resources under an increasingly authoritarian leader. The best way to ensure that the oil windfall benefits the Guyanese people is the presence of an accountable, democratic government. Guyana has been conducting free and fair elections since 1992. Freedom House ranked it 75 on its 100-point scale for 2019, a free country with the same score as India, praising Guyanas regular elections, a lively press, and a robust civil society. In December of 2018, the government of President David Granger suffered a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly, and Guyanas politics started to go a little wobbly. It took until September of last year, following a court battle, for Mr. Granger to call a new election, which took place on March 2 this year. The balloting and counting proceeded freely and fairly, in the view of election observers from the Organization of American States and others. But the tabulation of results did not. Observers noted lopsided margins reported in favor of Grangers party in Guyanas populous District 4. The opposition, led by Irfaan Ali, cried foul and was backed of international observers. Guyanas High Court tossed out the tabulated results and ordered a recount. In May, it finally got underway, with the District 4 results coming in on June 8. It turned out that the initial reporting was clearly fraudulent. Grangers APNU+AFC party was credited with nearly 20,000 more votes than it actually received, and Alis PPP with about 3,600 fewer. Correcting the fraud makes Ali the close but clear winner -- by about 15,000 votes, in an election where 456,000 were cast nationwide. The result is now clear, and earlier this week, the Guyana Elections Commission rightly announced its willingness to declare the winner based on the recount tabulations. Notwithstanding new and baseless complaints by the ruling party about the balloting back in March, there is no need for the Commission to delay the formal declaration. Granger must then proceed to an orderly transition, for which he will receive credit both at home and internationally. If Granger refuses, his government will certainly face international condemnation and sanctions that could jeopardize Guyana's oil windfall. Guyanas two main political parties have an ethnic component. APNU+AFC is largely made up of Guyanese of African descent, whereas the PPP is mostly Guyanese whose ancestors came from India. There is always potential for conflict in such circumstances. But Guyanas democratic ways have gone a long way toward keeping tensions under control. Granger must act now in a way that upholds this peace. The people of Guyana stand to gain much in the years ahead, and it will be to their own immense credit as a citizens of a peaceful, democratic country. Tod Lindberg is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. The views expressed are the author's own. CNN travel has posted an article claiming that Vietnams Central Highlands resort city of Da Lat is capable of producing some of the best cheese in all of Asia. The US-based media outlet stated that Da Lat is the country's leading agricultural producer, adding that it's also a highly popular vacation destination for both Vietnamese and international tourists. Moreover, the Central Highland city is also earning fame for the source of some of the best cheeses produced throughout Asia, including creamy mozzarella, burrata, and camembert. According to the article published by CNN travel, the Don Duong cheese factory, first established in 2011 by popular Vietnam-based Italian cum Japanese restaurant chain Pizza 4P's, is a location where the majority of Vietnamese cheese is made and then sold on to hotels, restaurants, and dairy shops regionally. When the cheese factory initially started out they were using less than 50 litres of milk each day. That is in contrast to today where they boast 30 workers who use 5,000 litres of milk a day in order to produce 13 varieties of cheeses, from ricotta to bocconcini. Indeed, all of their cheese is 100% natural and includes no additives. The milk supply comes from various farmers and producers such as the Da Lat Milk Farm. However, in an effort to improve the overall quality of their products and consistency even further, Pizza 4P's is now seeking to build its own dairy farm. The US news agency points out that one of the most notable items on the menu of the Don Duong cheese factory is the creamy burrata and mozzarella, something that is liberally sprinkled on all of their pizzas and generously cut open in order to reveal a creamy centre. Each day, farmhands make a staggering 1,500 to 2,000 pieces of burrata, along with 2,000 to 3,000 balls of mozzarella, CNN report. Although they have a strong French influence, the cheese is developed in a Vietnamese style. Furthermore, camembert is another popular choice among cheese lovers. According to Keinosuke Konuki, manager of the Pizza 4P's cheese factory in Da Lat, the camembert cheese was developed in collaboration with a craftsman who had been trained in France. The Laughing Cow, a global cheese brand, is commonly used in banh mi around the country, as well as street-style rice paper pizzas, said to have been created in Da Lat, CNN state. Peter Cuong Franklin, chef and owner of Anan Saigon restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, originally hails from Da Lat, although he doesn't remember cheese being popular when growing up. "There is not much history of cheese-making in Da Lat until recently," says Franklin. "It seems as if the French were content with importing cheese from their home country, and the Vietnamese did not have a great affinity towards cheese, with the exception of 'The Laughing Cow' cheese." Franklin, a chef who is well-known for his fusion of street foods, is reported by CNN to make his own version of The Laughing Cow cheese by using mozzarella and scamorza cheese that comes from the Don Duong cheese factory whilst featuring plenty of fresh herbs from the region. Franklins "Da Lat Tasting Menu" will be on offer in his restaurant and will include Da Lat cheese, artichokes, and strawberries which were "cultivated during the French colonial era. The conclusion of the CNN piece also suggests that visitors head to Da Lat, When Vietnam reopens to international travel, tourists can try the country's freshest local cheeses paired with some local wine and ripe strawberries, or visit one of Pizza 4P's' restaurants in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Trang. VOV/ CNN travel Chinese foreign ministry says it never detained Indian soldiers after media reports said 10 of them were released. China has said it never detained Indian soldiers after Indian media reports said 10 of them were released after they were captured in a high-altitude border clash in the Himalayas which also left at least 20 Indian soldiers dead. When asked about Indian media reports on Friday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said China hasnt seized any Indian personnel after the two sides fought with nail-studded batons and hurled rocks at each other in the disputed Galwan Valley the deadliest such clash in 45 years. Zhao said the right and wrong is very clear and the responsibility lies entirely with the Indian side, according to the Associated Press. He added the two sides are in communication over diplomatic and military channels. We hope India can work with China to maintain the long-term development of bilateral relations, he said at a daily briefing. Earlier on Friday, Indias PTI news agency and other media reported that China released 10 Indian army soldiers, including at least two senior officers, late on Thursday. Their release followed several rounds of major-general-level talks between the two armies in a bid to ease tensions, the reports said. Returned unharmed The Indian Express newspaper, quoting officials it did not name, said all 10 soldiers were released by China around 5pm (11:30 GMT) on Thursday. The released soldiers were medically examined and provided a preliminary debriefing, reports said. They were returned unharmed, said The Hindu. The Indian Express said it was the first time after the 1962 India-China war that Indian soldiers were taken into custody by the Chinese side. While China's maps in the past claimed most of the Galwan river but not its western end, it now increasingly appears Beijing has extended its claims west of the LAC to the Galwan-Shyok confluence 1/2 Ananth Krishnan (@ananthkrishnan) June 19, 2020 The Indian army on Thursday denied its soldiers were in Chinese custody. No Indian troops missing in action, a statement released by the army said. Later in the day, the Indian army said 76 of its soldiers were wounded in Monday nights clash in Galwan Valley. It added that 56 of those wounded had been cleared to return to work within a week. China was yet to officially disclose if it suffered any casualties in the deadliest clash between the two nuclear-armed Asian neighbours in decades. India and China have not exchanged gunfire at the border since 1967, despite occasional flare-ups. Soldiers are under instructions to keep their rifles slung at their backs. Since the clash, there is no sign of a breakthrough between the two Asian giants. The situation remains as it was, there is no disengagement, but there is also no further build up of forces, said an Indian government source aware of the ground situation. Decades-old border conflict India said its soldiers were killed in a premeditated attack by Chinese troops at a time when top commanders had agreed to defuse tensions on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), or the disputed and poorly defined border between the two nations. China rejected the allegations and blamed front-line Indian soldiers for provoking the conflict which took place at the freezing height of 14,000 feet (4,300 metres) in the western Himalayas. The 4,056-km (2,520-mile) border between India and China runs through glaciers, snow deserts and rivers in the west to thickly forested mountains in the east. The Galwan Valley is an arid, inhospitable area, where some soldiers are deployed on steep ridges. It is considered important because it leads to the Aksai Chin, a disputed plateau claimed by India but controlled by China. Military chopper and fighter jet activity seen in Leh, Ladakh pic.twitter.com/1OoeEIPgrw ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2020 The border tension with China has become Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis most serious foreign policy challenge since he took power in 2014. Hardline nationalist groups tied to Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have stepped up calls for a boycott of Chinese goods and the cancellation of contracts with Chinese firms. Amid calls for a boycott, thousands attended funerals on Thursday for many of the 20 Indian soldiers killed in the clash. Chinese flags and posters of Chinas President Xi Jinping were burned in at least two cities. Indians burn photographs of Chinese President Xi Jinping during a protest against China in Lucknow, India [Rajesh Kumar Singh/AP Photo] US condoles with India The United States offered condolences to India on Friday over the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers killed in the vicious combat with Chinese troops. We extend our deepest condolences to the people of India for the lives lost as a result of the recent confrontation with China, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a message posted on Twitter. We will remember the soldiers families, loved ones, and communities as they grieve. As a non-aligned nation, India has always sought to balance the influence of super-powers, while maintaining an independent course in foreign policy matters. But in the past two decades, New Delhi has built closer political and defence ties with Washington, and the US has become one of Indias top arms suppliers. In the wake of the rising tensions with Beijing, there are rising calls from top former Indian diplomats for an even tighter relationship with the US and its allies such as Japan to help face the economic and military might of China. This is an opportunity for India to align its interests much more strongly and unequivocally with the US as a principal strategic partner and infuse more energy into relations with Japan, Australia, and ASEAN, former foreign secretary Nirupama Rao wrote in The Hindu. [June 19, 2020] World Insurance Associates Acquires Dan Woron Insurance Agency of Port St. Lucie, FL World Insurance Associates LLC (WIA), a Top 100 Insurance Agency, announced today that it acquired Dan Woron Agency on June 1, 2020. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Dan Woron Insurance Agency of Port St. Lucie, Florida, is an independent agency committed to offering the best value-added service in the industry and ensuring its clients receive the most affordable rates for the best policy coverages. Dan Woron Agency specializes in homeowners, auto, business, and life coverage, as well as retirement and employee-benefit products. They pride in their longstanding relationships with their carriers, which allows them to offer better options and solutions to their clients. Dan Woron Agency has served the Treasure Coast and South Florida territories since 1982. "We are excited to have Dan Woron Agency as part of our growing World Insurance team," states Rich Eknian, CEO and Co-Founder of World Insurance Associates LLC. "This acquisition expands our representation in Florida to four offices." Daniel Woron, Agency Owner, states, "We look forward to offering expanded products and resources to our clients as part of World, and being part of World's ongoing success." About World Insurance Associates LLC World Insurance Associates LLC is headquartered in Tinton Falls, NJ, and is a nationally ranked, full-service insurance brokerage providing world-class asset and lifestyle protection with risk management, insurance, and benefit consulting services for individuals and businesses. Since its founding in 2012, WIA has completed 63 acquisitions and serves its customers from 49 offices in 12 states and Washington, DC. WIA has been named one of The Most Successful Companies in America by Inc. 5000, is a Top 100 P/C Agency by Insurance Journal and Business Insurance, a four-time honoree by NJBIZ Fast 50, and a Business Insurance Best Place to Work. For more information, please visit www.worldins.net. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200619005457/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A key target is expected to be the H-1B visa, often issued to computer programmers and other skilled workers who critics say often displace Americans from such jobs. The order is also expected to temporarily halt other visas, including L-1s, for executives transferred within companies; H-2Bs, for seasonal workers who often work in landscaping and hospitality; and J-1s, issued to au pairs, students on work-study summer programs and others. The administration is also likely to freeze or downsize a popular program, Optional Practical Training, that enables graduates of U.S. universities like Ms. Nasr to work in the country for up to three years if they are in science, technology or mathematics fields. Once in the program, the graduates are often sponsored for H-1Bs by their employers, who eventually may help them get green cards. In the 2019 fiscal year, almost 139,000 new H-1B petitions were approved; 77,000 L-1 visas were issued, as well as 66,000 H-2Bs, visas for unskilled workers that Mr. Trump has regularly used to staff his resorts. There were about 200,000 new J-1 workers hired in 2018, according to the latest data available. About 225,000 graduates of U.S. universities were authorized to remain in the country to work. The visa suspensions would likely extend into the next fiscal year, starting Oct. 1, according to people familiar with the planning. The proposed limits on foreign worker visas, if adopted, would be the latest restriction on immigration imposed by the Trump administration since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Immigration opponents argue that recipients of nonimmigrant visas compete with Americans for jobs, and that the present unemployment level justifies a clampdown. The president should insist that certain employers who have found it to be cheaper and more convenient to hire visa workers instead cast down their bucket here first, and get used to hiring U.S. workers again, said Jessica Vaughan, policy director at the Center for Immigration Studies, which lobbies to curb immigration. She said she was regularly consulted by White House aides on the matter. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 19, 2020 / Mota Ventures Corp. (MOTA:CSE)(1WZ:FSE)(OTC PINK:PEMTF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Dr. Markus Backmund MD, PhD, as Principal Investigator and Director of Clinical Research for its wholly owned subsidiary, Verrian GmbH ("Verrian"). Prof. Dr. Backmund serves as Chair of the German Society of Addiction Medicine and is regarded as a pioneer in addiction medicine. On June 2nd, Mota announced the $20,000,000 acquisition of Verrian, a European pharmaceutical manufacturer of natural psilocybin extracts. Verrian is focused on psychedelic and cannabis treatments of opiate addiction. Prof. Dr. Markus Backmund will play a vital role in leading the research and development efforts of our world-renowned addiction medicine experts, resulting in best of breed psychedelic derived treatments for the global marketplace. Ryan Hoggan, Chief Executive Officer, stated "We're honoured to be working with a pioneer in addiction medicine, an authentic patient-first specialist like Dr. Backmund, who has worked his entire career to change how patients who suffer from addiction are treated. We are thrilled to be working with him in ground-breaking psychedelic and cannabis research as he continues to seek new treatments to help patients overcome addiction". ABOUT PROF. DR. BACKMUND Prof. Dr. Backmund is a Medical Doctor and specialist in infectious disease, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and addiction. Prof. Dr. Backmund holds professorship at Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, is the Founder and co-Editor of "Suchtmedizin" - the specialist Addiction Medicine Journal - and is the fifth-time Chairman of the Board of the German Society for Addiction Medicine (DGS eV). In February of 2020, Prof. Dr. Backmund became the President of the umbrella organization of the German Addiction Society. Prof. Dr. Backmund also founded and operates the private clinic Praxiszentrum im Tal, an in-patient recovery center in Starnberg, Germany, located south of Munich. Story continues "The professional, human and sociopolitical challenges make addiction medicine the exciting field of medicine for me." stated Prof. Dr. Backmund. On June 6, 2020, Prof. Dr. Backmund's research and contributions to the medical community were featured in a national German publication. A digital copy of the articles can be found here: https://www.motaventuresco.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Backmund-3.pdf-3.pdf-3.pdf Prof. Dr. Backmund's most notable research project, Qualified Withdrawal Treatment, commenced in 1991. Following initial criticism by all specialist sizes, the results of Prof. Dr. Backmund's project were established nationwide as an alternative treatment method in Germany. Prof. Dr. Backmund's approach to alternative addictions medicine steered away from prevailing doctrine of the time, and focused on empirical results and on best outcomes for his patients, substantiating that patients need not suffer the mental and physical afflictions associated with withdrawal in order to conquer addiction. Following Qualified Withdrawal Treatment, Prof. Dr. Backmund engaged in a subsequent successful research project which focused on alternative treatments for addicts afflicted with Hepatitis C, an infectious disease and often a concurrent condition affecting many addicts. Prof. Dr. Backmund's resulting research demonstrated that people with addiction and concurrent Hepatitis C, can also undergo difficult one-year drug therapies, and demonstrate treatment adherence similar to patients in the general population. These subsequent research findings were presented at the American Consensus Conference and have ultimately led to a reduction in the discrimination in treatment methods against addicts with Hepatitis C, and to a change in the US and in Europe in recommendations and treatments for these type patients. This press release is available for investor discussion on the Company's AGORACOM Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders. About Mota Ventures Corp. Mota Ventures is an established eCommerce, direct to consumer provider of a wide range of natural health products including CBD and psychedelic medicine products in the United States and Europe. In the United States, the company sells a CBD hemp-oil formulation derived from hemp grown and formulated in the US through its Nature's Exclusive brand. Within Europe, its Sativida brand of award winning 100% organic CBD oils and cosmetics are sold throughout Spain, Portugal, Austria, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. In Germany, Verrian currently produces natural psilocybin extract capsules under the PSI GEN and PSI GEN+ brand. Mota Ventures is also seeking to acquire additional revenue producing CBD brands and operations in both Europe and North America, with the goal of establishing an international distribution network for CBD products. Low cost production, coupled with international, direct to customer, sales channels will provide the foundation for the success of Mota Ventures. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MOTA VENTURES CORP. Ryan Hoggan Chief Executive Officer For further information, readers are encouraged to contact Joel Shacker, President, at +604.423.4733 or by email at IR@motaventuresco.com or www.motaventuresco.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statement All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including with respect to research and development of psychedelic derived treatment, its plans to become a vertically integrated global CBD brand, and its plans to acquire revenue-producing CBD brands and operations in Europe and North America. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited those identified and reported in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law. SOURCE: Mota Ventures Corp. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/594444/Mota-Ventures-Appoints-Prof-Dr-Markus-Backmund-as-Director-of-Research-for-Opiate-Treatment-Research Church's 'Servant boat' brings aid to thousands of islanders impacted by Cyclone Amphan Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A charity boat operated by a network of over 12,000 churches in Asia has provided humanitarian support to thousands of people impacted by Super Cyclone Amphan, a Category 5 storm that forced millions of people in Eastern India and Bangladesh to evacuate their homes last month. In the wake of the storm that lasted from May 16 to May 21, thousands of families are suffering from the loss of their homes and need food and humanitarian aid. Believers Eastern Church, a Christian denomination that says it has nearly 4 million members in 16 countries planted by the United States-based missions organization Gospel for Asia, has come to the aid of many who live on the Sundarbans cluster of islands in the Bay of Bengal. The region was already battling a health and hunger crisis amid the coronavirus pandemic before Amphan made landfall. Remember in America, we had this unforgettable hurricane in Lousiana, Katrina. Of course, [another] in Houston, Texas, [Harvey]. When you take a country like Bangladesh, Assam and the East coast of India, you have to remember that these are tens of thousands of mud houses. People live on the barest of essentials, Believers Eastern Church presiding bishop and founder K.P. Yohannan told The Christian Post. Believers Eastern Church has reached islanders off the east coast of India and Bangladesh through the use of its Servant Boat. Devastation was so huge. Along with the COVID-19 virus crisis, by the grace of God and His mercy, we have 54 congregations on 54 islands, Yohannan said. Our boat carries people to provide help for the suffering people with food and materials and all these things. Although [the storm] happened three weeks ago, every day the need increases because millions are displaced. Cyclone Amphan made landfall in West Bengal on May 20, bringing hurricane-force winds and heavy rains that caused widespread damage across the region. According to the International Water Management Institute, Amphan was the strongest tropical cyclone to strike the Ganges Delta since Sidr in 2007. It is said to be the first super cyclonic storm to occur in the Bay of Bengal since 1999. Yohannan, who also founded Gospel for Asia, said that he's heard stories of families who have lost all their livestock, homes and their livelihoods as a result of the hurricane. One of the saddest and worst things is these islands, the main way [the people] make a living and get food is basically [through the] ponds they have beside their huts where they raise fish in clean water. When this cyclone happened, all the seawater flooded all the ponds and killed all the fish, he added. In America, when this type of thing happens, the whole country converges to help with roadways and helicopters and everything. It is nothing like that there. These people have been left on their own. Yohannan said that Gospel Asia has been serving in the islands for more than 15 years, and he expects the recovery efforts in the region to continue for months and months. The poverty is maybe 90% of the problem right now, Yohannan said. They lost their jobs. It is a very sad thing. I am getting reports on a daily basis. I thank God for people who are praying and doing everything they can to help. Since the cyclone, Yohannan said the boat has been to over 80 islands in the Sundarbans. These are islands that can only be reached by boat, he said. We used to hire boats but now we have our own boat that can carry 75 people. There are 15 brothers that live on the boat and they go island to island continually ministering. They are going to islands they have never been to with food, rice, beans and oil and basic needs to help the people. The relief team is led by Justin Mor Thomas Episcopa. Yohannan said the boat is stocked with essential items that also include wheat, sugar, tea, oils and medicine to help treat common illnesses. Along with dry rations, the team is also handing out cloth and masks. The effort is part-funded by donors in the U.S., Europe, as well as local donors, Yohannan said. Over the years, Yohannan said that the boat has helped tens of thousands of people on 60 different islands. Since the cyclone, the boat has provided aid to hundreds of families on 80 islands. On one week, they helped 600 families that lost everything, he said. They were able to help people who lost their hut and have nowhere to stay. Basically, the people are left and everything else is gone. Yohannan said that while he has not personally been on the boat during the Amphan relief efforts, he regularly speaks with workers on the phone about the situation. They are broken-hearted even talking about the suffering of these people, he said. They are hearing about some people committing suicide because they have nothing else to live for: their husband is gone, their wife is gone, their children are gone, everything is gone. As Christians in India are often falsely accused by Hindu radicals of committing forced conversions in their efforts to proselytize and aid certain communities, Gospel for Asia was accused by a Hindu advocacy group of predatory proselytization after a 2004 tsunami. Yohannan told CP that neither GFA nor Believers Eastern Church have ever required aid recipients to convert to Christianity to receive aid. However, he did stress that witnessing to those in need is a component of the ministry. I dont even think that is a godly thing to do, to go to any people and say, 'I will give you money or food or clothes if you believe in my faith or force or any kind of brainwashing, Yohannan said. Because God loves all people. He provided His only son to die on the cross to relieve mankind. It is an offer He makes. When we tell people, that is all we are supposed to do. We cannot say, Now, I am going to force you to do this and this. But enemies of the Gospel accused us of giving money and material things and converting people. On one side, the people are accused of all these things. But on the other side, the government has recognized that we do this because of the love of Christ, he continued. We want people to know that the Lord Jesus loves them and cares for them and that is why we are doing what we do. In 2019, GFA reached a $37 million settlement over allegations that the nonprofit mishandled millions in donations. However, the organization has maintained that it did not act fraudulently. Yohannan and others, such as popular preacher Francis Chan, have defended the integrity of the organization. Yohannan touches on the lawsuit in his book released in April, Never Give Up. It talks about the last few years with the fire, pain, and crisis we went through with people accusing us and saying all kinds of things and we dont know why they did it, Yohannan 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 ILLUSTRATION: Red Dot United SINGAPORE Singapores newest political party announced on Friday (19 June) that it will contest the upcoming general election (GE) with a team of five members, possibly in Jurong GRC. Red Dot United (RDU) also unveiled its symbol, a compass rendered in the national colours of red and white. The compass represents safety as those on a journey rely upon its ability to point them in the right direction, navigating tumultuous seas and unfamiliar ground, said the party in a press release. Just as a compass does, RDU will strive to consistently point towards the principles and values which must be present in the decision-making process of the government and country. RDU, the 13th political party to be registered in Singapore, was officially given the green light by the Registry of Societies on Thursday. Its mission statement: Politics with Principles, Vision with Values Campaign plans RDU said that it is prepared to contest the upcoming GE with a team of five, but will not contest any constituency should there be a three-cornered fight. At present, we have open lines of dialogue with the other opposition parties and none of them have currently indicated they will be contesting Jurong GRC. If this constituency remains unchallenged, RDU will represent the opposition to the best of our ability, said the party. On Thursday, the Elections Department announced that, should Singapores next GE be held amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, physical rallies will not be allowed and a cap of five persons per group must be observed during walkabouts and door-to-door campaigning. While the next GE is due on 14 April 2021, comments by senior leaders have raised expectations that Singaporeans will be going to the polls in the coming months. In a television interview last month, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat said that the sooner polls are held, the earlier the elected government can rally Singapore together to deal with significant long-term economic challenges. Story continues Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore Related stores: Ex-PSP members Michelle Lee and Ravi Philemon form Red Dot United, aim to contest in GE Blow for Progress Singapore Party as party member Ravi Philemon resigns CHONGQING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- A team of 10 medical experts sent by the Chinese government returned to southwest China's Chongqing Municipality Thursday after completing mission of aiding Palestine's efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic. The team, which left Chongqing on June 10, was put together by the National Health Commission with members selected by the municipal health commission of Chongqing from various departments including respiratory and infectious diseases, traditional Chinese medicine, epidemiology, and nursing. During their stay in Palestine, the Chinese experts visited local hospitals, labs and other medical facilities, held meetings with their Palestinian peers and shared their experience of COVID-19 treatment, prevention and control. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Ishtaye, Health Minister Mai al-Kaila and other government officials appreciated the Chinese experts' aid efforts. All non-essential shops in Wales will be able to re-open from 22 June, as part of a gradual relaxation of lockdown which will see further easing of restrictions every Monday for the next three weeks. The return of non-essential retail, which comes a week after similar measures in England, was announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford and is conditional on stores being made Covid-secure. Pupils will return to Welsh schools on 29 June and the requirement to remain within five miles of your home will be lifted if conditions allow on 6 July. Mr Drakeford also put the Welsh tourism industry on alert to start preparations to reopen if the spread of the virus continues to decline - but put no date on any relaxation of restrictions on visitors. The threat of coronavirus hasnt gone away but thanks to the efforts we have all made over the last few months, the number of people contracting coronavirus each day in Wales is falling, so too is the risk of meeting somebody with the virus, said Mr Drakeford. Given the progress we have made, we are able to take some additional cautious steps to further unlock our society and economy. This includes more retailers being able re-open their businesses, as long as they take measures to minimise the risk to their staff and to the customers who visit their stores. Our focus continues to be on the health risks of the outbreak, but we can now begin to cautiously focus much more squarely on the wider economic and societal impact the virus is having. We have provided a huge amount of support to businesses and jobs as they hibernated during the pandemic now we start to take these careful steps to restart our economy. A billionaire founder of a real estate firm was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of sexually molesting a 9-year-old girl at a five-star hotel in Shanghai, a local court ruled on Wednesday. Wang Zhenhua, a native of Changzhou, Jiangsu province, who was 57 at the time, was chairman of the board of Seazen, a property developer based in Shanghai and listed in both Shanghai and Hong Kong. He was also a member of the municipality's political advisory body. According to a report from Xinmin Evening News, a friend of the girl's mother had taken the girl to the city on the pretext of visiting Disneyland, but eventually took the girl to the hotel. The friend, Zhou Yanfen, who was 49 then and a native of Jiangsu, was sentenced to four years in jail. The trial, which was closed to the public to protect privacy, lasted 16 hours from Tuesday through Wednesday, and was heard at Shanghai Putuo District People's Court. The chief judge of the case told People's Court Daily that Wang molested a minor under 12 years old and left her with a level 2 minor injury, which both constituted the maximum punishment. Wang denied the accusation of molestation throughout the police investigation and the court hearing, according to the judge. Local media reported that at first, a veteran lawyer from Shanghai served as Wang's attorney, but later he was replaced by one from Beijing and another from Zhejiang province. Xinmin Evening News reported that the offense occurred on June 29, leaving the child with injuries to her genitalia. The girl made a phone call about the incident to her mother, who was in Jiangsu. The mother contacted Shanghai police, and Wang and Zhou were detained by police on July 3. Child molestation refers to sexually assaulting a child in a way that doesn't include sexual intercourse. The case sparked public outrage and calls for a thorough investigation of Wang's possible involvement with other children. The company's stock endured consecutive losses over the following days after the crime was made public. When Wang was detained by police, Seazen announced that his son, Wang Xiaosong, was elected at a board meeting to take over the company. On July 8, Wang Zhenhua was removed from the Shanghai political advisory body. The Jiangsu provincial government and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security revoked awards given to Wang as a provincial-and national-level model worker in July and May respectively. The Terra An Hung project based in Hanoi, developed by Van Phu Invest Accordingly, Lotte Land and Van Phu Invest (HSX: VPI) will set up joint ventures to start a raft of residential and commercial real estate projects throughout the country. As both groups boast a significant track record ranging from feasibility studies to the execution of project deployments their co-operation is expected to augment each sides resources, providing a catalyst to spur development. Leveraging both sides synergies, Lotte Land and Van Phu - Invests co-operation promises to usher in new developments for the firms, simultaneously giving birth to new sizable projects of regional significance in Vietnam in the near future. With over 15 years of experience in the real estate field, particularly in the planning and deployment of urban real estate projects in many cities and provinces throughout Vietnam, Van Phu Invest holds a crucial role in land site study and associated planning criteria, helping to ensure an effective investment. Moreover, Van Phu - Invest possesses large land funds in several good locations along the coastline or in bustling urban centres, such as Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho. Finally, the groups diverse portfolio features large-scale residential and commercial real estates across different market segments. Meanwhile, Lotte Group is a powerful multi-national and multi-disciplinary enterprise that is headquartered in Seoul. Lotte is currently the fifth-largest conglomerate in South Korea and ranked among the top 10 in Asia, with more than 120,000 local and 60,000+ overseas employees. Since the groups foundation in 1948, it has made significant contributions to the South Korean economy. Lotte Group has made forays into Vietnam since 1996 and can show off some impressive results. The recent move in which the groups real estate arm, Lotte Land, shook hands with Van Phu - Invest is deemed a positive one, helping the group to scale up its investment in Vietnam. Leveraging both sides synergies, Lotte Land and Van Phu - Invests co-operation promises to usher in new development opportunities for the two businesses, simultaneously paving the way for giving birth to new sizable projects of regional significance in Vietnam in the near future. Area animal shelters showered with funds in memory of Betty White The online fundraiser challenged fans of actress Betty White to donate to a local animal rescue or shelter in honor of her Jan. 17 birthday. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, with backup from France and the European Central Bank, warned the rest of the European Union's leadership that they will be jeopardizing the bloc's economic recovery and risking a market rout if they fail to complete negotiations over a massive stimulus package next month. The EU's 27 leaders held their first debate on a proposed 750 billion-euro ($840 billion) plan to help their economies heal from the covid-19 lockdowns during a video conference on Friday and agreed to meet in person next month with the aim of reaching an agreement. The proposal also seeks to tackle divergences in the region's internal market that have widened as a result of the uneven impact of the outbreak and differing national responses. The program, which needs to win the backing of every capital, would be funded by joint debt issuance in a significant step toward closer economic integration. Yet even as leaders all concurred that an agreement must be struck as soon as possible, several leaders dug in their heels as the key fault lines emerged clearly: the size of the funds, the strings attached to them, how they will be repaid and, crucially, how they will be distributed to different nations. "The bridges we still have to build are large, that's without question," German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters after the virtual summit. "Germany is for a swift agreement. It's no exaggeration to say we're before the biggest economic challenge in the history of the European Union," she said. The meeting amounted to little more than each country airing its opening position, and the real work of forging a compromise will begin now. But the German chancellor signaled she's ready to turn up the pressure on those who dig in their heels at the next round of talks, wondering aloud if some people are yet to grasp just how difficult the coming months will be for the EU, according to officials familiar with her comments. Her remarks echoed concerns voiced by ECB President Christine Lagarde, who told the group that the recent calm in financial markets is in part because investors have priced in action from governments. If they fail to reach a timely agreement on funding the recovery, then sentiment could shift, according to officials familiar with her comments on a videoconference. French President Emmanuel Macron, who met with Boris Johnson in London on Thursday, pointed out that the bloc will also have Brexit negotiations to contend with when leaders return from their summer breaks. The ECB is forecasting a quarter-on-quarter decline of 13% in the second quarter and a contraction of 8.7% in 2020. Lagarde said the worst impact on labor markets is still to come and unemployment could end up as high as 10%, a person familiar with her remarks at the summit said. Yet despite the pressure from Paris, Berlin and Frankfurt, disagreements loomed large. Four fiscally hawkish nations including the Netherlands and Austria have been chafing at the idea that their taxpayers could wind up on the hook for spending in countries that were struggling financially long before the virus hit. To them, the aid needs to come faster, be more targeted, focus on loans and to be distributed under tighter criteria. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte brushed off talk of a market selloff, in a sign that he won't allow his country to be railroaded into a deal. "Nothing terrible will go wrong if there is no deal by mid July," he told reporters afterward. "A great rush is not necessary." All the same, his tone during the videoconference was relatively moderate, one official said. Austria, Luxembourg and Sweden argued that the European Commission's plan to use economic data from before the pandemic to allocate aid would be unfair and called for an approach that takes into account the damage caused by the outbreak, officials familiar with the discussion said. The recovery debate is complicated by the fact that the proposed recovery fund will have to be agreed alongside the EU's next long-term budget, which is set to kick in next year. But that also creates more scope for compromise. During Friday's discussions, leaders seemed to signal there is room for bargaining. The four budget hardliners are all net payers to the EU budget and Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden received rebates totaling more than 1 billion euros on their contributions under the EU's previous spending plan. Those rebates wouldn't necessarily carry over into the next budget and the Danish have said explicitly that they care more about maintaining their rebate than winning changes to the structure of the recovery program. While countries like Spain shot down the payments, suggesting they are not appropriate at this time, others were more pragmatic. Macron said he was not a fan of the correction payments, one official said, but he could live with them if that was necessary to get a deal done. An open pipe in a busy sidewalk is just waiting for an unwary pedestrian to step in it and go for a tumble. And if they manage to waltz around it, theres still a chance they could catch a foot on the raised edges of the sidewalk bricks surrounding the open pipe. One of Torontos transformative areas is the Lower Don Lands, where fallow industrial land became a neighbourhood of condos and a playground for the families who inhabit the shiny towers. That would be the Corktown Common Park, on the east side of Bayview Avenue, which includes a sprawling re-naturalized area where visitors may feel as if theyve briefly given the slip to the hum of the city. Its a focal point for a downtown community that doesnt have back yards that are taken for granted in suburbia, which means a lot of people coming and going, especially with summer settling in. But if theyre crossing Bayview, at the southwest corner of Lauren Harris Square, to get to or from the park, they better watch their step. Phil Paquet sent me an email with Ankle Breaker and Animal Wild Life in capital letters in the subject line, an attention-grabbing summary. There is an open pipe across from the Corktown Common park which could result in serious injury, especially to a small child, he said. There was no further mention of animal wildlife. I went there and found an open pipe about six inches in diameter, next to a utility cover that looks like it connects to underground telecom equipment. The pipe is just big enough for someone with a smaller foot like a child to step in it. The problem is made worse by the absence of a paver brick that surrounded the pipe, leaving the edges of bricks adjacent to the missing one exposed to pedestrians who could catch a foot and stumble over them. STATUS: Eric Holmes, a spokesperson for transportation services, emailed to say city staff will investigate the location (Thursday) and ensure the hazard is clearly marked and visible to members of the public, so as to avoid, until further action can be determined by staff. Members of the public are encouraged to contact 311 with concerns about potential hazards in the public right-of-way. Whats broken in your neighbourhood? Wherever you are in Greater Toronto, we want to know. Email jlakey@thestar.ca or follow @TOStarFixer on Twitter Police in Richmond, Virginia, have released bodycam footage after one of their officers was reportedly injured at a protest on June 15. Police said the officer was taken to hospital to be treated for a leg injury after being hit by a chunk of asphalt thrown by a protester. Protesters also threw urine-filled balloons and smoke grenades and pointed lasers at officers, according to police. Protesters gathered outside the police headquarters on June 15 as demonstrations against racism and police brutality continued. Police used chemical irritants, flash-bangs and pepper spray to disperse protesters. Credit: Virginia State Police via Storyful Exam results could be slashed amid forecasts suggesting teachers have marked pupils affected by the coronavirus pandemic too generously this year, while other pupils to be impacted by the virus will benefit from a 1billion support package. As some pupils face longer school days and new social distancing measures, data published by FFT Datalab suggests exams regulator Ofqual will have to bring down the results of Year 11 and Year 13 pupils this year. After compiling preliminary results from 1,900 schools across the country, the datalab said: 'The proposed grades submitted to the exam boards will still have been above those awarded last year. 'Consequently, it seems likely that Ofqual and the exam boards will have to apply statistical moderation to the grades submitted by schools, bringing them down on average.' Headteachers will be encouraged to hire private tutors to run intensive after-school classes. Pictured: Year 10 pupils have their temperature checked as they arrive at school Qualifications and exams regulator OfQual has been tasked with assessing the grades teachers have given pupils, based off their own attainment in class and previous work, after the coronavirus pandemic cancelled end of year exams for the class of 2020. According to FFT Datalab, the average mark teachers put forward for 2020 was higher than the grade average for 2019 in every subject it looked at - it suggested Ofqual could cut grades by a third, The i reported. One anonymous exam industry source told The i: 'It was exactly what I would have expected to see.' Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, told the paper: 'It is understandable if a proportion of grades awarded by schools and colleges are higher than last years results. They are not marking exams, they are making their best assessment.' It comes as ministers revealed a 1billion for schools to fund catch-up classes for children who have lost out due to the lockdown. Headteachers will be encouraged to hire private tutors to run intensive after-school classes to help millions of pupils who have lost more than a term of their education since schools were ordered to close in mid-March. Schools will be given cash to assess all pupils and identify and help those who have fallen furthest behind. As the Mail revealed yesterday, children could be asked to work a longer school day. And specialist help will be available for those who have difficulties adjusting to the return to school after months at home. Heads will be encouraged to run summer camps on their premises, although they will not be asked to provide formal lessons. But ministers accept that it could take a year or more for children to catch up on their lost learning, meaning that much of the catch-up will have to take place in term time. The plans will be unveiled by Boris Johnson and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson later today. The Prime Minister, who is expected to visit a reopened school to see the challenges first hand, last night stopped short of guaranteeing that all children will be back at school full-time by September. He said: I am determined to do everything I can to get all children back in school from September, and we will bring forward plans on how this will happen as soon as possible. The money will be available to all state primary and secondary schools. Pictured: A year 7 pupil in Plymouth, Devon, has a temperature reading The 1billion fund includes 350million for a national tutoring programme aimed at helping the most disadvantaged children and 650million for measures to help all pupils deemed to have lost out. The Education Endowment Foundation will provide guidance to heads on a toolkit of measures which will qualify for funding. The organisations chief executive Becky Francis last night said that tutoring was the catch-up approach supported by the strongest evidence. The money will be available to all state primary and secondary schools, but not nurseries or further education colleges. While heads will be encouraged to hire private tutors, they will not be able to hire regular teachers or pay overtime to existing staff. A study by UCLs Institute of Education this week found that two million children have done less than an hour a day of schoolwork during lockdown. Only 17 per cent have done more than fours a day. Paul Whiteman, of the National Association of Head Teachers, last night welcomed the scale of the funding and the decision to give heads flexibility over how it is spent. This is a considerable sum of money which will empower schools to provide the support that pupils will need as they return to school, he said. A red triangle was once a common sight at Nazi concentration camps, a part of history now thrust into the national spotlight by a banned political campaign ad. Facebook moved Thursday to remove ads from President Donald Trump's reelection campaign that the company said violated its policies on "organized hate" and were a "banned hate group's symbol," an upside-down red triangle. The symbol is not listed in the Anti-Defamation League's database of symbols of hate and resembles an emoji that can be easily used. At particular issue currently: It may also be tied to antifa, an umbrella term for leftist militants. In the historical context of Nazi concentration camps, however, the meaning of the symbol is well-documented. 'Driven by re-election': John Bolton book accuses Donald Trump of seeking foreign help for political gain Prisoners in concentration camps were identified using a system of symbols, according to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The practice of using triangles in that system started in the late 1930s, according to the . Siegmund Sobolewski of the Auchwitz Awareness Society in Alberta, Canada, dressed in a uniform used by prisoners at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, rests during memorials marking the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the death camp, Thursday, Jan 26, 1995. Sobolewski was a prisoner at the camp for over four years. Some examples of how the system would work, according to the sites: Gay victims were forced to wear pink triangles. Criminals, including those convicted of minor offenses, were given green triangles. Jewish people were given yellow triangles arranged to form the Star of David. The top triangle in the star could be another color to mark them as an additional type of prisoner. Political prisoners were forced to wear red triangles. And those red triangles were common in the camps. The Auschwitz Memorial tweeted Thursday that 95% of prisoners at Auschwitz were accused of political crimes in August 1944. A letter could also be included inside the triangle to mark a person's nationality, the museum said. A red triangle that marked 'political prisoners' was the most common category of prisoners registered at the German Nazi #Auschwitz camp. In August 1944, political prisoners constituted 95 percent of camp prisoners'. A letter inside the triangle could mark the nationality. pic.twitter.com/jBuNn0xmL1 Auschwitz Memorial (@AuschwitzMuseum) June 18, 2020 "Social Democrats, Communists, trade unionists and other persons regarded as political opponents by the Nazis wore red triangles. Often a joke about Hitler or a denunciation could suffice for someone to be arrested as a 'political,'" according to an article published by the International Center on Nazi Persecution. Story continues Political opponents were among some of the first victims of Nazi concentration camps, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum reports. People considered "enemies of the state" were housed at various types of camps, some open for more than a decade, the museum says. The term "concentration camp" can include a variety of incarceration sites, including forced labor camps and "killing centers" used for mass genocide, particularly of Jewish people, the museum says. Contributing: Nicholas Wu, USA TODAY; The Associated Press. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nazis used red triangles. Are they a symbol of 'organized hate'? For centuries, the Chinese Tajiks have guarded China's western frontier in Taxkurgan County. CGTN spoke with Tasha Memetrehim, who is the third generation in his family to serve on duty 24 hours a day for long-term patrols and shifts on the remote Pamir Plateau. This is one of many human stories in our exclusive documentary 'Tianshan Still Standing: Memories of fighting terrorism in Xinjiang.' You can watch the full documentary here. Authorities presume the attack is in revenge for anti-racism protesters toppling the statue of a prominent slave trader in Bristol Casts of the headstone and footstone of an enslaved African man, in the entrance to St Mary's church, in Bristol, England, Thursday June 18, 2020, where the memorial for an enslaved African man have been vandalised in St Mary's churchyard in an apparent "retaliation attack" following the toppling of a statue of slave trader Edward Colston during anti-racist protests held in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in the US.(AP) London: British officials said Thursday the grave of an enslaved African man has been vandalized in an apparent retaliation attack after anti-racism protesters in the city of Bristol toppled the statue of a prominent slave trader. Two headstones in memory of Scipio Africanus, who lived in Bristol in the 18th century, were smashed. A message scrawled in chalk nearby called for the statue of Edward Colston to be restored. Now look at what you made me do ... put Colstons statue back or things will really heat up, the message read. Earlier this month, protesters attending a Black Lives Matter demonstration toppled a bronze statue of Colston from its plinth in Bristol city center. The statue was dragged to the harbor and dumped into the water. The vandalized grave, a brightly-painted memorial in a churchyard in Henbury, Bristol, is listed as a structure of historical interest to be preserved. This looks like a retaliation attack for the recent events involving the Colston statue, local official Mark Weston said. Im absolutely gutted. The listed grave is part of the communitys history. To see it has been wantonly damaged has caused a lot of upset among residents, he told Sky News. Police said they have received a report of criminal damage to a monument at Henbury Parish Church. It said it believed the incident took place on Tuesday or Wednesday, and appealed for anyone with information to come forward. Bristol Diocese said it was shocked and saddened to hear about the damage. Were in touch with the council and the police about the incident and praying for peace and reconciliation, it said in a statement. Historic England said the tomb provided valuable evidence for research into the clouded early history of black people in England. It said the tomb was an early example of a memorial to a man born into slavery and who ended his life as a servant in an English aristocratic household. He died on Dec. 12, 1720. During his life, Scipio Africanus was a servant to Charles Howard, the 7th Earl of Suffolk. We know very little about the lives of individual men, women and children brought to England as slaves. Graves represent one of the few forms of tangible evidence regarding the existence of slaves in England, and such graves are rare; the vast majority died without trace, Historic England said on its website. This record of Scipio Africanuss history serves to remind us of the many histories which have been lost. Monuments and statues around the world relating to colonialism and the slave trade have become flash points amid global anti-racism protests. Bristol officials have retrieved Colstons statue and said it will be displayed in a museum, together with placards from the anti-racism protest. On Wednesday, Oxford Universitys Oriel College said its governing body had voted in favor of removing a statue of the Victorian imperialist Cecil Rhodes after a long-running student campaign to remove it. India confirms Jaishankars participation in trilateral with China and Russia India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 19: External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar will take part in the foreign minister-level trilateral RIC (Russia-India-China) meeting on June 23. Jaishankar will interact with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi through video conferencing, New Delhi has confirmed. The meet would be a crucial one as it comes in the wake of the tensions between the two nations along the Line of Actual Control. The meeting is an important one and comes in the wake of talks being held at the military level as well. India-China Galwan faceoff: China releases 10 Indian soldiers from custody | Oneindia News India, China working to resolve Galwan standoff through diplomatic, military channels: Official All eyes would be on this meet. Sources tell OneIndia, that the issue pertaining to the border tensions is likely to be raised by India. Talks are on at the military level and the diplomatic channels have already been opened up. Jaishankar is likely to raise the issue relating to the prevailing situation, the source also said. Amidst the multiple intrusions and the death of 20 Indian soldiers, India has ramped up its military readiness along the Indo-China border. Meanwhile, New Delhi has said peace on border with China is essential for ties to grow, India as said as the stand-off continues. Major General level talks between India-China held for third consecutive day The meeting is significant as Russia, the current RIC chair has shown interest in ensuring dialogue at a time, when India and China are at logger heads. "The existence of the RIC is an undisputable reality, firmly fixed on the world map. As for the current stage of the trilateral cooperation, there are no indications that it might be frozen," Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev had tweeted. "Finally, and certainly not least importantly, we need to legalize marijuana," Sanders said, as Marijuana Moment first reported. "In the midst of the many crises we face as a country, it is absurd that, under the federal Controlled Substances Act, marijuana is at Schedule I, along with killer drugs like heroin." Using technology platforms to disrupt the status quo comes naturally to Paul Bassat, co-founder of online jobs site Seek and the man at the helm of the most powerful venture capital fund in Australia, Square Peg Capital. With $1 billion in funds under management Square Peg is now at the top of a pool heavyweight local venture capital firms, including AirTree Ventures and Blackbird Ventures, that have enormous sway on helping established technology start-ups hit the bigtime. Its not a perfect science but Bassat has built a healthy reputation of backing winners: some overseas, a few local ones and almost invariably businesses with runs on the board. Square Peg Capital co-founder Paul Bassat has hit the $1 billion funds under management milestone. Credit:Wayne Taylor Buoyed with fresh funds, Square Peg is gearing up to sharpen its focus emerging companies in Australia, Israel and across South East Asia and this broad geographic spread has also been a distinguishing feature of the firm, with existing investments in Fiverr and Aidoc in Israel and PropertyGuru and Finaccel in South East Asia. 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. Petoskey High School band directors, assistant principal remain on administrative leave Superintendent Chris Parker addressed the situation regarding three band instructors and an assistant principal who are all currently on paid leave during Thursday's board of education meeting. Kabuki artists showed lower survival compared with the other three types of traditional arts performers (based on data of Hayashi and Kezuka, Lifespan of Japanese traditional artists Harvard Dataverse, V1, 2020). Credit: Naoyuki Hayashi, Kazuhiro Kezuka By analyzing longevity data for professional Japanese traditional artists, researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) have found that kabuki actors, known for their vigorous movements, surprisingly had shorter lifespans compared with other traditional arts performers who lead mostly sedentary lifestyles. The findings suggest that job-related strenuous exercise throughout life may not necessarily extend longevity. Frequent exercise is often touted as key to leading a long and healthy life. But few studies have delved into comparisons in longevity between those who partake in vigorous physical activity and those who lead mostly sedentary lifestyles as a result of their occupation throughout their lives. Now, Naoyuki Hayashi and Kazuhiro Kezuka of Tokyo Tech's Institute of Liberal Arts have conducted an unusual study that calls into question the idea that vigorous daily exercise positively correlates with longevity. They compared the lifespans of four groups of Japanese traditional arts performers by examining data from a total of 699 professional male artists, both living and dead, whose birth and death records are all publicly available. They hypothesized that kabuki actors would lead longer lives owing to the high-level physical activity involved in their theatrical performances, compared with Sado, Rakugo and Nagauta practitioners, who are known to perform tea ceremonies, recount comic stories and play musical instruments while sitting, respectively. Using a method called Kaplan-Meier analysis, they found that contrary to expectations, the lifespan of kabuki actors was shorter than that of the other three types of traditional artists. The researchers postulate that one reason for the shorter lifespans of kabuki artists could be that excessive endurance training and physical activity overwhelms the beneficial aspects of regular physical exercise. Another reason might be that in the past, kabuki actors have often worn oshiroi (white powder used for make-up) containing lead, which carries a significant health risk. The use of oshiroi was only banned in Japan in 1934. The researchers point out their study is not without limitations. For example, the data examined male-dominated professions only, and therefore does not give a portrayal of population-wide longevity including females. Further work would be needed to evaluate the optimal amount of exercise for protecting health. The possibly beneficial effects of "non-exercise" activities such as speaking, singing and playing musical instruments would also need further exploration. Overall, the researchers say their study represents "a novel way of extracting information from publicly available data" and "contributes to the global trend in addressing reproducibility in science." Explore further Variety is key for the fittest Americans More information: Naoyuki Hayashi et al, The influence of occupation on the longevity of Japanese traditional artists, Palgrave Communications (2020). Naoyuki Hayashi et al, The influence of occupation on the longevity of Japanese traditional artists,(2020). DOI: 10.1057/s41599-020-0476-6 She recently shared a 'swollen' bikini photo on Instagram to show what happens if she 'eats too much'. But Davinia Taylor looked unrecognisable as she shared her incredible weight loss transformation with snaps uploaded to Instagram on Friday. The Hollyoaks actress, 42, posted a before picture as she wore a grey vest top, figure-hugging leggings and a beige overcoat. Before and after: Davinia Taylor looked unrecognisable as she shared her incredible weight loss transformation with snaps uploaded to Instagram on Friday Alongside it, she posted an after snapshot as she flaunted her toned physique in a black bikini and sported a darker hair style. Davinia uploaded the snaps with a lengthy caption that read: 'What a difference a bit of #Biohacking makes !!! Detox, reduce inflammatory foods, run, sauna, supplement, wim Hof, Cold exposure, NAD+, nootropics, kombucha, Intermittent fasting, gut health ..all these protocols have helped me stay mentally healthy and if I do that the body follows suit !!! 'Think I'm pushing a size 16 there and then I'm down to an 8 (and maintained it for years !! No yo-yo or massive cravings either) All beings in the brain #brainhealth #goodfats #lowsugar #paleo [sic].' Healthy: Davinia uploaded the snaps alongside a lengthy caption that began: 'What a difference a bit of #Biohacking makes !!!' Her transformation snaps come after she shared a 'swollen' bikini photo on Instagram to show what happens if she 'eats too much' but says it's no big deal. Telling her followers she is neither pregnant or overweight, Davinia revealed that she changes shape when she eats. She wrote on social media: 'I know women who eat and they do not change shape... I am not one of them. 'But I am super healthy, super fit and super ok with a bit of swelling while my Thai green curry, stivia chocolate, bottle of kombucha, coconut cappuccino, sourdough butty and handful of olive oil crisps digest!!!! 'Not pregnant or overweight, just ate too much': Her stunning snaps come after she shared a 'swollen' bikini photo to show what happens if she 'eats too much' 'However I do eat far too quickly!!!! Fret not if you have to undo your pants a bit as long as your not eating ultra processed foods you will digest, assimilate and excrete the tasty fuel regardless!!!! Enjoy your dinner #body #bodypositive #biohacking'. Davinia looked incredible in her brown bikini as she posed in front of her mirror to show her followers her honest post. Then taking to Instagram Stories, Davinia, who is living in Spain, also shared how happy she was that she was going to soon be reunited with her son, Grey, 12. Grey is Davinia's son with Dave Gardner and he is currently living in the UK. She said: 'Yay! Spain are going to open their borders, so I can get my son over here.' Quality time: She also shared pictures from her weekend with three of her four sons Davinia also said she was planning on giving a talk at on her Stories about inflammation. She said: 'Inflammation is my big bug-bear. It brings water weight and what inflames one person doesn't inflame another. 'I'll also be talking about the inflamed mind, as well. Depression.' Davinia is also mother to sons Luxx, nine, whose father she has never revealed, and Asa, six, and four-year-old Jude, with her partner Matthew Leyden. Former 2014 protest leader Joshua Wong announced he will run in forthcoming elections for Hong Kong's Legislative Council (LegCo), in spite of concerns that he could be targeted for political reprisals by Beijing. Wong announced he would run in primary elections run by pan-democratic parties in the city, which are hoping to sweep the board in LegCo in forthcoming elections this September. The election comes as the ruling Chinese Communist Party prepares to impose a draconian subversion and sedition law on the city, bypassing LegCo, that will see China's feared state security police allowed to operate in the city, in spite of promises Hong Kong would retain its traditional freedoms and status as a separate jurisdiction. Wong said he hopes to win "the endorsement of the people of Hong Kong" for his approach to the protest movement, which has been to use his international profile to build overseas alliances and support for the pro-democracy movement. "Since the passing of the U.S. Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act [last November], we have seen increased support from international allies and successfully forced the government to withdraw [legal changes allowing extradition to mainland China]," Wong said. "This is the outcome of our local resistance [to China] and highlights the importance of our international connections," said Wong, who has already been publicly denounced by Chinese officials for being a "black hand" corrupting the youth of Hong Kong. The draft national security law currently being discussed by the National People's Congress (NPC) standing committee in Beijing criminalizes "acts of secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign or external forces to endanger national security." State media have said that the law targets activities and actions that currently occur in Hong Kong, and that must be "prevented, stopped and punished." Chinese and Hong Kong officials have repeatedly claimed that front-line protesters have engaged in "terrorism" and have been incited to do so by "foreign forces." Law widely criticized The law has been widely criticized by foreign governments and rights organizations as being in breach of China's obligations under the 1984 treaty governing the 1997 handover of Hong Kong, and as paving the way for further political prosecutions of peaceful critics of the government, democracy campaigners, and rights activists. Wong said he hopes that a landslide victory in LegCo elections could make it clearer to Beijing and the rest of the world just how much Hong Kong's voters oppose the national security law and support the move to boost overseas support for the protest movement. "The more people vote for candidates active in the international campaign, the more opposition Beijing will face in its campaign to wipe out our international support," Wong said. "The Hong Kong people's opposition to the national security law and support for our international and online campaign and links with our allies, will be quantified at the ballot box," Wong said. Pan-democrats are aiming to win more than 35 of LegCo's 70 seats in the Sept. 6 general election. Primaries for the pro-democracy camp will take place on July 11 and 12. Nathan Law, who co-founded the political campaign group Demosisto with Wong and Agnes Chow in the wake of the 2014 Occupy Central pro-democracy movement, also said he would run in the primaries. "The fact that I am doing this doesn't mean I'm not afraid," Law said, announcing his candidacy on Friday. "Nobody would be so naive as to think that Nathan Law, Joshua Wong, and Demosisto aren't on the list [of targets under the national security law]." "But it's important to make sure that if they do go after us and try to suppress us in future, that it's going to cost them more [politically] to do that, because the rest of the world will notice," Law said. Developments closely watched United Nations Human Rights chief Michelle Bachelet said her office is closely following events in Hong Kong. She said the implementation of the law, regardless of its final wording, "must fully comply with China's human rights obligations and respect the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong." The UN Human Rights Office and independent UN human rights experts have previously said that a similar law adopted in mainland China doesn't comply with international human rights standards. "Such laws can never be used to criminalize conduct and expression that is protected under international human rights law," Bachelet said in a statement on the agency's website. Reported by Lau Siu-fung for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Taking down a statue wont change history. Nothing can change history. People can ignore it, gloss over it or pretend it doesnt matter, but we cant erase it. If it happened and someone saw or could figure it out, at least an oral detailed account exists. Thats a good thing, because no matter how awful, embarrassing and uncomfortable a historical account might be, it is important that we preserve the details of our history. Despite the many unfortunate side effects weve suffered because of the information age, the preservation of our collective story and the ease of dissemination is one thing weve got working for us. Telling our story and understanding why we did things and why we stopped doing those things prevents us from repeating the mistakes of our past. But statues arent our history, theyre just fancy markers of where weve been. Statues are mans egotistical way of aggrandizing someone or something for future generations. Pay attention, say the larger-than-life figures that loom large in front of courthouses and town squares, high schools and universities, parks and airports. We did something grand in the eyes of some people, they say as they peer into a future where they dont belong. Here we are, enshrined and preserved in metal or stone. But when cool heads and beating hearts prevail, self-introspective people have the ability to look back and honestly confront our past. We are not made of metal and stone; we have the ability to heal the past wounds weve inflicted upon ourselves and each other. We are not committed to the harsh edges and unbecoming angles forged by outdated ideas and primal fears; we have changed, and the way we are living isnt set in stone. We dont have to remain restricted by a painful past; we are choosing to change, and we are moving forward. Statues of colonial giants or Confederate war heroes dont move forward they dont move at all and they can hold us back. Those barriers work for some people; moving ahead can be scary for those who have a history of hanging on to mistakes that look like something else from one very specific angle, an optical illusion created by the sculptors. And change can be terrifying for those who become as unyielding as metal and stone, because it can break things that seemed unbreakable. Thats what fear is all about. In 2003, Iraqis pulled down a large statue of Saddam Hussein with the help of an American tank, some beating the statue with their shoes in a show of disrespect as the image of the man who killed so many of his people hit the ground. Bringing down the statue didnt bring back the dead, nor did it nullify Saddams deeds; it didnt even do away with those who embraced his way of doing business. But it was a clear symbol of change for every Iraqi; they were about to face new challenges for which they might not be prepared, but they wouldnt have to fight this particular monster anymore. Thats the spirit behind doing away with certain statues, renaming institutions and doing away with symbols that embody the idea that skin color determines ones fate in America. Thats what happened during the colonization of our country, its what led to the Civil War, and its whats literally at work in the industries that keep us fed, even during a pandemic. But make no mistake about the history. America must never forget that it was built at the cost of families who were here long before Columbus stumbled upon this land and claimed it as a discovery. We must remember that even though the confederacy only lasted four years we were in Iraq much longer than that white supremacy didnt go away. And our history books have to include more detail about the countrys southern border and the people it crossed. We must remember that our story isnt complete unless every contribution and every injustice is acknowledged. We can do that; were not bound by limitations. Its not about erasing or even changing history. Its about being honest and telling the whole story. mariaanglinwrites@gmail.com Government Rajindra hospital, which is one of the tertiary health care institutes of Punjab, with the strength of around 12,000 employees, has only collected 800 samples so far, while the district health department has collected 16,000 samples. The first Covid-19 case was recorded in Punjab on March 5 but the hospital only started taking samples of suspected patients after June 1. Before June 1, all samples had been collected by the district health department. An official of the health department, requesting anonymity, said, Rajindra hospital has trained staff and doctors while we have had to include untrained dentists and ayurveda doctors in our teams. Had the hospital had started collecting samples from beginning, it would have eased the work load of the health department. MISMANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES A doctor, pleading anonymity, said, Resources have been mismanaged. Rajindra hospital has a Covid-19 testing lab, trained and experienced doctors but they delayed sample collection. Had they started earlier, the situation could be different as the contacts of positive could be traced and treated sooner, he added Government Rajindra College and Hospital principal Dr Harjinder Singh said, Earlier, the government had not allowed Rajindra Hospital to collect samples. PRIVATE LAB SEALED FOR NOT TAKING PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES The district health department has sealed the Ashoka Clinical laboratory for not taking precautionary measures while collecting blood samples. The department also served the laboratory a notice. The department said a 47-year-old Covid-19 patient had visited the lab a few days ago and the staff had taken her blood samples without following precautions. District epidemiologist Dr Sumeet Singh said, The lab was sealed for seven days for violating the Covid-19 safety guidelines. The breech was discovered while tracing the contacts of a Covid-19 patient. At the lab, we found that none of the staff had been wearing masks and gloves. The lab was also located in the common area where staff members were interacting with the public. As per government guideline, the lab should be located in a separate area from a public dealing place, he said. David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi, has ordered that all courts in the state be shut down immediately. Speaking during a broadcast on F... David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi, has ordered that all courts in the state be shut down immediately. Speaking during a broadcast on Friday, the governor said the courts will be closed for 10 days for fumigation. The governor also announced the first COVID-19 death in the state, and he asked all judicial officers and their families to undergo COVID-19 tests. It is unfortunate that we have recorded one death due to this COVID-19 and it makes me so sad, Umahi said. I am directing that in line with the COVID-19 law, all the courts in Ebonyi state be shut down for the next 10 days. The judiciary, state high court, industrial court, federal high court, magistrate court should all be shut down. Also, I advise all the judiciary officers and their families to undergo COVID-19 tests. I have ordered that all the judiciary buildings and premises should be immediately fumigated within the 10 days. We are not contemplating closing markets and churches but we advise them to please take this matter serious. If you are working ensure that you sanitise yourself every 10 minutes. This is very serious. We have a spike because we have a high testing. People may have the COVID-19 but wont show any symptoms but will go about spreading it. Some people with the virus will argue that they are not showing any symptoms. Yes, your immune system is fighting it but the next person that may be weaker than you is at danger and our job is to protect everybody in Ebonyi. In June, Umahi ordered the closure of all government offices for fumigation after some members of the state executive council contracted the disease. Ebonyi has recorded a total number of 234 confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far. File: Inspired by the actions of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Woodrow Wilson High School football coach Preston Brown and most of his coaching staff, along with nearly all of the players kneel while the national anthem is played before a game in 2016. Read more Camden School Superintendent Katrina McCombs said the district this summer will rename Woodrow Wilson High School, one of its two traditional high schools, citing the segregationist views and ideas of the former president that in recent years have drastically reshaped his legacy. McCombs said the decision, announced this week, came in light of the outrage and protests around the country following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis. Our students will walk into a new building not tied to a racist past, McCombs said Friday. Renaming the school will fall to a committee of current Wilson students, alumni, and community leaders. The action follows similar steps across the country, as protesters seeking racial justice following the killings of Floyd and other black men have focused on removing monuments honoring figures from Confederate soldiers to Christopher Columbus. Philadelphia took down a controversial statue of former Mayor Frank L. Rizzo. Rutgers-Camden said this week it would cover up a mosaic frieze on a campus building that depicts Native American figures and that some in the community have labeled racist. The frieze, titled America Receiving the Gifts of Nations, was designed by DAscenzo Studios of Philadelphia in 1916. Its message reflects the mistreatment of Native Americans by the federal government, said artist Kimberly Camp. It should be covered up and used to tell the story in the right way, said Camp, who owns Galerie Marie in Collingswood. A university spokesperson, Mike Sepanic, said the university will obscure the frieze for now and later explore a long-term option. Rutgers-Camden is a place of inclusion. The image depicted on this frieze does not reflect those values, he said. The decision to honor Wilson with his name on a school is nearly as old. Located on Federal Street in East Camden, Woodrow Wilson High School opened as a junior high school in 1930. It became a high school in 1933. As president from 1913 to 1921, Wilson was known for progressive policies and leadership during World War I. But he also oversaw unprecedented segregation in federal offices, with workers separated by race. That racist legacy has come to the forefront in recent years. At Princeton University, where Wilson served as president between 1902 and 1910, students have protested to have his name and image removed from the Ivy League campus. Wilson was also a former New Jersey governor. Monmouth University said it also would rename a building that had honored Wilson. READ MORE: Slave auction historical marker unveiled near Camden waterfront, where hundreds were brought and sold McCombs said the predominantly black and Hispanic public school system, which enrolls about 6,000 students, began talking about how to tackle systemic racism after a district-wide day off earlier this month to reflect on Floyds death. McCombs, who was educated in Camden schools, announced plans to rename Wilson during her monthly report to the advisory school board this week. READ MORE: Camden native says she is humbled to lead hometown school district Can you really feel valued if you attend a school named after someone with some pretty strong racial values? asked district spokesperson Alisha Brown. The superintendent said Wilson is the only school name the district is considering changing. The district has 19 buildings. Vodafone Ghana has distributed Vodafone branded nose mask to its trade partners across the country in line with its commitment to support COVID-19 fight and efforts to cushion stakeholders. The initiative which is an industry first activity by Vodafone Ghana was led by the Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Ghana and a delegation of Vodafone staff to ensure all trade partners including Vodafone Cash agents, distributors, and freelancers are safe in the markets. Speaking during the distribution, Chief Executive Officer for Vodafone Ghana, Patricia Obo-Nai said, the gesture was an act of love and appreciation for Vodafone trade partners for the contribution towards the growth of Vodafone. This gesture is on behalf of the Management team of Vodafone Ghana to demonstrate our appreciation to our agents who are on the ground selling our SIM cards and scratch cards. This is one of the many ways Vodafone wants to say thank you to all our agents across the 16 regions in Ghana, she said. Also, following the directive from the president on the 14th of June declaring the wearing of masks as mandatory, we want to make sure all our trade partners in the country adhere to the measures during this challenging period to avoid contracting the virus. If Vodafone is going to survive, we need to always look out for the people on the ground working for the company. If something happens to these agents and their families, Vodafone dont have a business. So we want to them to safe by always wearing their nose mask while they work and serve our customers, she added. Reiterating the companys commitment to the fight of COVID-19 in Ghana, Mrs. Obo-Nai, stated that, since the pandemic hit in Ghana, the company has been supporting students learn while they stay home, ensuring employees are safe and introducing innovative initiatives for customers and the society at large. We have launched our pioneering Healthline Medical Call Centre to help provide guidance and dispel the misinformation out there about COVID-19. The Centre is open daily from 8am to 8pm and can be accessed for free by simply dialing 255 from any Vodafone number or MTN number for FREE. We have also donated boxes of PPE to the Ghana Medical Association, key hospitals leading the treatment of COVID-19 in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, Brong, and Ashanti Upper West Regions, and the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) in the Greater Accra Region to support the assembly with the distribution of nose masks to residents, drivers, traders and market women within the various communities in La. We are reassuring our trade partners and our cherished customers of our support in these unprecedented times, she concluded. 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 By PTI NEW DELHI: An all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation along the India-China border on Friday saw leaders of major political parties putting across their views on the sensitive issue. The virtual meeting began with participants paying tributes to the 20 Indian soldiers killed in the violent face-off with Chinese troops in East Ladakh earlier this week. Prime Minister Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were seen standing in silence as a mark of respect for the fallen army men. Singh and Jaishankar spoke on the stand-off at the meeting, according to early visuals. Congress president Sonia Gandhi, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, TRS leader K Chandrashekhar Rao, JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, DMK's M K Stalin, YSR Congress Party's YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray were among those who attended the meeting. The government had invited presidents of major political parties for the meet. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have been asking the government to be transparent about the situation on the border and slammed its handling of the issue. Modi has asserted that the sacrifice of Indian soldiers will not go in vain. Defence Minister Singh had said that Indian soldiers displayed exemplary courage and valour in the line of duty and sacrificed their lives in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Hyderabad, June 19 : Indian Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria will review the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad on Saturday. The Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) will be held to mark the successful completion of pre-commissioning training of flight cadets of various branches of Indian Air Force (IAF). The event assumes significance as it is being held amid the ongoing tension with China over the killing of 20 Indian soldiers in Ladakh on Monday. In this context, it will be significant on what the IAF chief says in his address at CGP and at the likely interaction with the media. During the CGP, he will confer the 'President's Commission' to 123 graduating trainees, including 19 women cadets, of various branches. The CGP symbolises the culmination of rigorous training and transformation of a cadet into a young officer to shoulder the nation's responsibility, a Defence release said. The ceremony will include presentation of 'Wings' and 'Brevets' to the flight cadets who successfully completed flying and navigation training respectively. Officers of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard who underwent flying training at Air Force Academy will also be presented 'Wings'. The award of 'Wings' or 'Brevets' represents a significant milestone in every military aviator's career and is the culmination of a demanding and rewarding period of training. The parade will be commanded by the flight cadet standing first in overall order of merit. He will be awarded the 'Sword of Honour' along with the 'President's Plaque' by the reviewing officer for his achievements. The Air Chief Marshal will also present the President's Plaque to the flight cadet who stands first in the overall merit in the ground duty branches. The parade will be followed by fly past by formations of Pilatus, Kiran Hawk, Chetak helicopters and an aerobatic display by Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT). Officials said in view of the prevailing Covid-19 situation, the cadets will get commissioned while taking all necessary safety precautions. The parents and relatives of the passing out cadets will not be able to attend the ceremony. The parade will be broadcast live on Doordarshan and the social media handles of the Indian Air Force. After commissioning, the cadets will be directly moving to their respective units. After the Cincinnati city council cut the public-input part of the police department budget meeting, a group of protesters who were anti-police set an American flag ablaze, Thursday night. According to Fox, David Mann, a member of the city council motioned to end the public-input portion shortly after members of the crowd started to boo a speaker who suggested that the city should increase the budget for the PD instead of cutting it. Mann also said that the evening transitioned from being emotionally charged into becoming close to a mob. He said that the crowd did not show respect to the speaker who voiced out his opinions simply because he was pro-police. Moreover, he explained that he tried to calm the people down and told them to listen, but they did not take his advice. Thus, after the meeting, Mann had to leave the building with a police escort in order to keep him safe from the angry crowd. Later that day, photos of the Old Glory set on fire bu several people holding cigarette lighters were posted on social media. On the photo, the American flag is seen on a sidewalk just outside the Duke Energy Convention Center. Meanwhile, a local journalist stated that other people who saw the flag on fire attempted to save it by pouring water on the burning banner. Reports also said that before it was set on fire at around 11:00 PM, the flag was found flying outside the center before the crowd found it after the meeting ended at 8:30 in the evening. In a report by the Cincinnati Enquirer, several members of the anti-police protesters raised a "Juneteenth" flag to replace the American flag. In addition, some of them painted the street outside the convention center with the words, "Defund the police." It was also reported by the newspaper that some of the protesters vandalized the convention center with graffiti that said, "Blue Lives Murder." Read also: India Soldiers Reportedly Mutilated to Death By Chinese Troops During Brutal Himalayan Encounter A clash of opinions The burning of the flag happened after the crowd got upset when the public-portion was suddenly put to a stop after a speaker identified as Carl Beckman suggested that the police force needs more funding despite the "Defund the police" calls that have erupted all over the country. Beckman was met with boos and jeers which prompted Mann to suggest ending the public portion. The audience got upset with Beckman's calls of increasing police funds and Mann's move to stop the public inquiry. According to Mann, he was disappointed with the crowd and that he did not appreciate how the anti-police protesters were not willing to listen to viewpoints that were opposite of theirs. He said that people should be willing to listen to both sides in order for the system to work. Meanwhile, other members of the city council who stayed after Mann took off allowed the crowd to resume giving their opinions after the outbursts have subsided. Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, a member of the city council noted that an official meeting is not needed in order to hear the people's opinions. She added that the forum was intended for the people to be able to speak, thus, they stayed to hear them out. Related article: Police Across United States Quitting: Is it Due to Public Pressure? @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. One of the three cops involved in Breonna Taylor's killing is being fired, the Lousiville Mayor announced on Friday, but the Kentucky Attorney General is still weighing whether or not to bring charges. Brett Hankison - who had previously been accused of sexual assault on the job - has been fired. The other two cops - Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrave - have not been fired. The Mayor refused to say why Hankison had been fired over the other two. The announcement came as FBI agents searched Breonna's home for evidence as part of their revived investigation. 'Unfortunately, due to a provision in state law that I would very much like to see changed, both the chief and I are precluded from talking about what brought us to this moment or even the timing of this decision,' he said at a Friday press conference. It came after the Kentucky AG said on Thursday that he was still investigating the case and that he hadn't yet decided on charges. Taylor, 26, was shot dead in March when three plain clothes officers performed a no-knock arrest warrant at her apartment in Louisville. The officers said they were investigating drugs offenses and that Taylor's boyfriend opened fire on them when they entered. Scroll down for video Brett Hankison has been fired, the Louisville Mayor announced on Friday. Hankison was one of three cops involved in Taylor's death in March The FBI put up a tent outside Breonna's apartment in Louisville on Friday as they searched for more evidence FBI officers were seen at Breonna's apartment on Friday Her family say neither she - a hardworking EMT - nor her boyfriend used drugs and that he fired his gun because he thought the three plain clothes officers were intruders. On Friday afternoon, the family lawyer told CNN they welcomed the officer's firing but that they wanted to see the other two cops fired, and ultimately all three prosecuted. 'I don't know why it's happening now. We are happy that it's happening now. 'We still want the other officers involved in Breonna's murder terminated as well and we still want them prosecuted,' Lonita Baker said. AG Daniel Cameron said his office had still not yet decided on whether or not charges should be brought. 'Our office is undertaking a thorough and fair investigation. 'We are working around the clock to follow the law to the truth. everyone involved in this case deserves nothing less. 'An investigation of this magnitude requires time and patience...however I can assure you, that at the end of our investigation, we will do what is right. We will find the truth,' he said. Lonita Baker, a lawyer for the family, told CNN they were happy with the decision but that they wanted all of the cops to be fired and then charged When asked about the letter that was addressed to him by Beyonce which demanded transparency in the case, he said it meant nothing more to him that it came from a celebrity than a member of the public, and that he is committed to justice. 'Whether it's a celebrity or Kentuckian or any interested party. 'I take great care and concern in every letter we receive and completely understand the interest surrounding his case. 'It doesn't matter who sends me a piece of mail, it won't have any bearing on the case. 'Our responsibility is to the facts and the law.' he said. Earlier this week, Louisville PD released a heavily redacted incident report which said she had no injuries despite her having been shot eight times and found in a pool of blood, according to witnesses. Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove remain employed. They were carrying out a 'no knock' warrant which was in relation to a drug investigation Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron on Thursday announcing that he had not yet come to a conclusion and that his investigation was ongoing Margo Borders (left) and Emily Terry (right) both accused Hankison of sexual assault. They shared their stories on social media Now, the family says the city is deliberately ignoring subpoenas for records relating to her death that were requested as part of a lawsuit filed by Breonna's mother, Tamika Palmer, in April. In a press release issued on Tuesday, Ben Crump - who is also representing the family of Ahmaud Arbery, the unarmed 26-year-old shot dead by two white vigilantes in Georgia - said the city is refusing to turn over subpoenaed records. Friday marked a deadline for the coroner's office to hand over Breonna's autopsy along with its communications with the government, and for the police to to hand over personnel files and sign in and out sheets for the three cops involved. Mayor Greg Fischer was also due to hand over all communications he'd had in relation to her death, Crump said. But none of the documents have been handed over and, Crump claims, Mayor Fischer directed the departments to only give them to the city's lawyers and not Breonna's family's. 'To date, Tamika and the community have been left in the dark,' a statement issued by Crump on behalf of the family read. He went on to say that Louisville had done the least of any of the police departments in the country since the Black Lives Movement gathered steam and swept the nation, partly due to Breonna's death. Beyonce wrote the Kentucky Attorney General earlier this week to complain about the situation 'Of all the cities dealing with the tragedies of officer-involved shootings and violence inflicted upon black lives, Louisvilles administration has been the least transparent, the slowest and the most frustrating. Breonna Taylor was shot and killed in her own apartment on March 13 but many of the details around her death remain unknown because the Louisville Police Department has not made records public 'This administration simply believes it is above the law. 'This silence has gone on for far too long. 'You know what happened. You were there or youve otherwise been told. 'Your silence is complicity. 'Your honesty and decision to speak out against these actions and against racism will help rebuild this city and unite us all,' the statement went on. Mayor Fischer's office has not yet responded to their comments. The police department sparked outrage by releasing a highly redacted report which claimed Breonna suffered 'no injuries'. The lack of transparency from the police department has prompted widespread outrage. Earlier this week, Beyonce wrote to the Kentucky Attorney General demanding more answers. Giant posters on buildings in Jerusalem feature photos of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump. (JTA) - While the world has had its attention fixed on the George Floyd protests and the ongoing threat of COVID-19, a political development with monumental implications has been brewing in the Middle East: Israel's potential annexation ofa parts of the West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised his supporters during multiple election campaigns last year that he would make areas outside of the country's borders part of the state. Now his chance is fast approaching. The terms of a government coalition deal he struck with political rival Benny Gantz allow Netanyahu to put a... New Delhi, June 20 : Around 20 people belonging to the Voice of Northeast India, an organisation working for the people of the region, staged a protest at the Teen Murti Marg on Friday against the killing of Indian Army personnel at Galwan Valley, the police said on Friday adding that no one was detained. The protestors raised slogans and chanted for around 10-15 minutes and later left peacefully. All of them adhered to all the social distancing norms and were wearing masks, a senior police official said. Earlier on Wednesday, around seven ex-Army personnel had gathered near the Chinese Embassy under the banner of Martyr Welfare Association. According to the police, they were requested to disperse from the spot and they left immediately. However, 10 protestors from the Swadeshi Jagran Manch who had gathered at Teen Murti to stage a protest against China were detained. For this years Juneteenth weekend, dozens of Portland restaurants have agreed to donate as much as 19% of their days profits to the Black Resilience Fund, an emergency fund that provides immediate resources to Black Portlanders. Founded by local activist and former Q Center director Cameron Whitten along with organizer and policy researcher Salome Chimuku, the fund has already raised more than $670,000 through a separate GoFundMe. Black Portlanders in the metro area can apply online for funds to purchase a warm meal or groceries, pay for a phone bill and more via the funds website at blackresiliencefund.com. The fund was created on June 1 and had given away more than $100,000 by Wednesday. Happy Juneteenth!!@blackresiliency Fund Morning Update We love the 100 (and more!!) businesses, like @revnatscider, donating this weekend to help us reach $1 million! Donate & share the link: https://t.co/Z0lQm2TRSB#BlackLivesMatter #WeDoHeal https://t.co/YTS6dm3omN Cameron Whitten (@CameronWhitten) June 19, 2020 Juneteenth the celebration of the day in 1865 when all enslaved black people in the U.S. learned they had been freed from bondage -- has been proclaimed a holiday and day of remembrance by the state of Oregon, the City of Portland as well as private businesses throughout the metro area. Here are the Portland restaurants donating funds to the Black Resilience Fund this weekend. Aviv Baby Blue Pizza Baerlic Brewing Bellas Italian Bakery Bless Your Heart Burgers 33rd Avenue Bollywood Theater Bye and Bye Cafe Eleven Cherry Sprout Produce Coffee Beer DC Vegetarian Devils Food Catering Doe Donuts Dream Cakes East Glisan Pizza Lounge Extracto Coffee Roasters Farm Punk Salads Fire on the Mountain Buffalo Wings Freeland Spirits HOTLIPS Pizza (Killingsworth, Pearl and Hawthorne locations) Jet Black Coffee Kates Ice Cream Mac Wine Cellars Mama Sesame Mediterranean Exploration Company Migration Brewing Missionary Chocolates New Deal Distillery Next Level Burger Portland Nossa Familia Coffee Off The Griddle Ps & Qs Market Pizza Doughnais Por Que No Taqueria Radar Restaurant Ranch PDX Red Sauce Pizza Rudys Pizza Seven Virtues Coffee Roasters Shalom Yall Shoofly Vegan Bakery St. Jack StormBreaker Brewing Sweet Hereafter Tasty n Alder Tasty n Daughters Tea Bar The Oregon Public House The Sudra Tiny Moreso Toro Bravo Tusk Victoria Water Avenue Coffee -- Michael Russell, mrussell@oregonian.com, @tdmrussell Subscribe to The Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg chairs a NATO defence ministers meeting via teleconference at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels, on June 17, 2020. (Francois Lenoir/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) NATO to Probe France-Turkey Naval Incident in Mediterranean BRUSSELSNATO will investigate an incident between Turkish warships and a French naval vessel in the Mediterranean, as France accused Turkey of repeated violations of the U.N. arms embargo on conflict-torn Libya and branded Ankara an obstacle to securing a cease-fire there. According to a French defense official, the frigate Courbet was lit up three times by Turkish naval targeting radar when it tried to approach a Turkish civilian ship suspected of involvement in arms trafficking. The ship was being escorted by three Turkish warships. The Courbet backed off after being targeted. The French frigate was part of NATOs naval operation in the Mediterranean, Sea Guardian, at the time of the June 10 incident. France claims that under the military alliances rules of engagement such conduct is considered a hostile act. Turkey has denied harassing the Courbet. We have made sure that NATO military authorities are investigating the incident to bring full clarity into what happened, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters June 18 after chairing a video meeting between the alliances defense ministers, where he said the issue was addressed by several participants. I think thats the best way now to deal with that, clarify what actually happened, he added. In remarks to a French Senate committee, Defense Minister Florence Parly said that eight NATO member countries are supporting Paris over the incident, which she described as serious and unacceptable. In a statement prior to the NATO meeting, the French foreign ministry took aim at Ankara, saying that the main obstacle to the establishment of peace and stability in Libya today lies in the systematic violation of the U.N. arms embargo, in particular by Turkey, despite the commitments made in Berlin talks early this year. The European Union has a naval operation in the Mediterranean aimed at helping to enforce the embargo, but Turkey, a NATO member whose efforts to join the EU have stalled, suspects that it is too one-sided, focusing on the internationally recognized Libyan administration in Tripoli, which Turkey supports. Asked whether the 30 members of the military alliance should respect the arms embargo, Stoltenberg said that NATO, of course, supports the implementation of U.N. decisions, including U.N. arms embargoes. Libya has been in turmoil since 2011 when a NATO-backed uprising toppled leader Moammar Gadhafi, who was later killed. The country has since been split between rival administrations in the east and the west, each backed by armed groups and different foreign governments. The government in Tripoli led by Fayez Sarraj is backed not just by Turkey, which sent troops and mercenaries to protect the capital in January, but also Italy and Qatar. Rival forces under the command of Khalifa Hifter, who launched an offensive on Tripoli last year, are supported by France, Russia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and other key Arab countries. Turkeys support for the government of national accords offensive goes directly against the efforts to secure a ceasefire, which we support, the French ministry said. This support is aggravated by the hostile and unacceptable actions of Turkish naval forces toward NATO allies, which is aimed at undermining efforts taking place to uphold the U.N. arms embargo. This conduct, like all foreign interference in the Libyan conflict, must cease, it warned. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is trying to secure NATOs support for Europes own naval effort, Operation Irini, possibly in part to avoid such incidents in the future; diplomats and officials have said that Turkey is likely to block any such move. Borrell, who took part in the NATO video meeting, said June 17 that he hopes an EU-NATO cooperation agreement can be set up shortly because helping to enforce the arms embargo is in the security interests of both organizations. Asked what the response might be, Stoltenberg said we are looking into possible support, possible cooperation, but no decision has been taken. There is dialogue, contacts, addressing that as we speak. Borrell has highlighted some of the challenges the EU naval operation faces. He said its personnel tried to make contact last week with a suspicious Tanzanian-flagged cargo ship that was being escorted by two Turkish warships. He said the ship refused to respond, but its Turkish escorts said the cargo was medical equipment bound for Libya. The EU operation tried to verify the information with Turkish and Tanzanian authorities, and reported the incident to the United Nations, but there was nothing more it could do, he said. SARS-CoV-2 (shown here in an electron microscopy image). Credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH The world is now in the grips of a historic pandemic. The death toll from the novel coronavirus has climbed to more than 117,000 in the United States and 448,000 around the world. Total cases of the disease, called COVID-19, have soared past 2 million in the US and 8.3 million globally. Debates are now raging about whether US states have begun to move too quickly to reopen restaurants, stores, barbershops, and the myriad other engines of life and commerce after weeks of lockdown. But there is one area of widespread agreement, says Robert Tjian, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator at the University of California, Berkeley: the safe path out of the pandemic requires enormous amounts of testing. In the May 1, 2020, issue of the journal RNA, Tjian, study coauthor Meagan Esbin, and their colleagues reviewed recent advances in COVID-19 testing techniques and highlighted barriers facing widespread testing. To trace the pathogen's spread and stop the chain of transmission, it's crucial to test both for the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself and for evidence that people have previously been infected, Tjian explains. The countries that have so far successfully quashed their outbreaks, such as New Zealand, Taiwan, South Korea, and Iceland, have done the best job of identifying cases. In contrast, "the United States has done quite poorly," says Lawrence Gostin, professor of medicine and public health expert at Georgetown University. That failing is not for lack of effort in the scientific community. Scores of researchers around the country have dropped what they were doing to tackle the challenge in the US, Tjian says. In fact, he adds, in compiling the many studies described in his group's paper, he was "surprised at how quickly so many labs have converted to working on COVID-19." These labs have devised innovative new approaches for testing, as well as for overcoming the bottlenecks that hampered testing efforts early in the pandemic. Some labs, like at Berkeley, have set up their own rapid testing operations to serve local communities, quickly publishing their methods "so that everyone doesn't have to reinvent the wheel," says Tjian. These and many other efforts are helping to answer some of the basic questions about fighting the pandemic. Why is testing so important? SARS-CoV-2 is an especially pernicious virus. It is both highly contagious and relatively lethal, with a mortality rate that's still uncertain but higher than that of flu10 times or more higher, some data suggest. But the virus's wiliest feature is that it can be spread by people who don't even know they are infected. In contrast, victims of the original SARS virus in 2003 weren't contagious until severe symptoms struck, making it easy to isolate those people and cut the chain of transmission. In the United States, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases has surpassed two million. Case density shown in red. View full dashboard with case tally by country. Credit: Johns Hopkins University "That people can have COVID-19 without symptoms is one of the most challenging aspects of preventing spread," explains Eric Topol, founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute. One unknowingly infected person can infect dozens of others, as shown by "superspreading" events like a choir practice in Washington state, with 32 confirmed cases, and a man who visited several South Korean nightclubs, infecting more than 100 people. In addition, testing may spot SARS-CoV-2 only when an infected person is actively producing lots of the virus, says Tjian. That's why three types of testing are vital, he says. People with any COVID-19 symptoms should be tested, to spot new cases as soon as possible. People who have been in contact with an infected person also should be tested, even if they have no symptoms. And finally, he says, health care providers should test people for antibodies to the virus, to identify those who may have already been infected. Scientists have designed several testing methods to spot SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The method used in almost all testing to date and considered the "gold standard" relies on a technique for amplifying tiny amounts of viral genes. Credit: Howard Hughes Medical Institute How do scientists test for the new coronavirus? SARS-CoV-2 reproduces by getting into human cells, then hijacking the cells' machinery to make many copies of its genetic material, called RNA. Scientists have designed several testing methods to spot this distinctive viral RNA. The method used in almost all testing to date and considered the "gold standard" relies on a technique for amplifying tiny amounts of viral genes. First, a swab collects infected cells from a person's throat, gathering bits of viral RNA. That genetic material is typically purified and then copied from RNA into complementary DNA. The DNA is then copied millions of times using a standard method known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Finally, a fluorescent probe is added that emits a telltale glow when DNA copies of the viral RNA are present. PCR isn't the only viable approach. Scientists at MIT and other universities have also repurposed the gene editing technique called CRISPR to quickly detect SARS-CoV-2. CRISPR uses engineered enzymes to cut DNA at precise spots. The testing approach harnesses that ability to hunt for a specific bit of genetic code, in this case a viral RNA, using an enzyme that fluoresces when it finds the distinctive SARS-CoV-2 target. In early May, the Food and Drug Administration gave emergency authorization to the test developed by the MIT team, which is led by HHMI Investigator Feng Zhang. Another testing technique quickly reads each RNA "letter" of the viral genome, using a process called genetic sequencing. That's overkill for detecting the virus, but it has been particularly helpful at charting the virus's relentless march around the globe. And some researchers are experimenting with clever DNA "nanoswitches" that can flip from one shape to another and generate a fluorescent glow when they spot a piece of viral RNA. Scientists can also see telltale signs of infection in the blood. Once people have been infected, their immune systems respond by creating antibodies designed to neutralize the virus. Antibody tests detect that immune response in blood samples using a protein engineered to bind to SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Creating an antibody test that's both sensitive and accurate can be tricky, however. Though coronavirus testing in the US has struggled to reach the levels needed, "the science is not the complicated part," says Tjian. "Like anything else in research, there is more than one solution." Instead, the real problem has been accelerating the pace of testing. What is the US's track record on testing? Even as the virus rampaged through Wuhan, China, in January 2020 and started to kill Americans in February (or perhaps even earlier), the US government failed to prepare for the spreading pandemic. There was essentially "no response" from the federal government, Tjian says. "You could not have imagined a worse leadership team to be dealing with this worldwide pandemic." The Trump Administration declined to use a PCR-based test developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), for example, and a test produced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) turned out to be faulty. The lack of a coordinated national effort left states, companies, and university labs scrambling to fill the gap. As labs and states in the US raced to boost their testing capabilities, they ran into bottlenecks and roadblocks. For example, "only a few supply houses were providing the reagents [needed for the PCR reactions] and supplies were woefully inadequate," says Tjian. Even basic equipment, like the swabs used for collecting samples, was hard to find. "That was one thing that caught us by surprise," recalls Tjian. "Who would have imagined that the most rate-limited piece of this whole puzzle was the swab?" It turned out that the major producer of swabs approved by the CDC was a factory in northern Italy, a region among those hardest hit by the virus. Without sufficient testing, there was a "tragic data gap undermining the U.S. pandemic response," writes health service researcher Eric C. Schneider in a commentary in the May 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Instead of being able to test every person with symptoms and all those they had been in contact with, as countries like South Korea did, the shortage meant reserving tests for hospitalized patients and for helping prevent health care workers from transmitting COVID-19, he explains. Antibody tests detect an immune response in blood samples using a protein engineered to bind to SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. But creating an antibody test that's both sensitive and accurate can be tricky. Credit: Howard Hughes Medical Institute The lack of data on case numbers has made it challenging to model the path of the pandemic, writes Schneider, of the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation aimed at improving the health care system. As a result, it has been difficult to anticipate where emergency medical services, hospital beds, and ventilators are most needed. By mid-May, the testing capacity in the US had finally risen from a few thousand a day to about 300,000 a day. Still, that's far short of what's needed. The Harvard Roadmap to Pandemic Resilience estimates, for example, that the country will require testing at a rate of "20 million a day to fully remobilize the economy." To safely reopen, "we need massive testing capacities don't currently exist," says Georgetown's Gostin, one of the authors of the report. How can scientists overcome testing bottlenecks? Scientists around the world have responded to the challenges posed by the novel coronavirus. The Berkeley group, for example, dramatically boosted its testing capacity and reduced costs to near $1 per test with improvements such as skipping one stepRNA purificationand making their own reagents. "It's not rocket science, but it took us five weeks to figure out the details because commercial companies don't tell you what's in their reagents," explains Tjian. The research team has made their home-brewed test freely available to any lab that wants to replicate it. Meanwhile, groups at Rutgers, Yale (including HHMI Investigator Akiko Iwasaki), and other centers have eliminated the need for throat swabs by showing that saliva samples work just as well. That opens the door to home testing wider, since spitting into a tube and mailing it to a lab is far easier than swabbing. Progress is also being made in testing for antibodies. Most of the dozens of so-called serology tests initially on the market didn't have the sensitivity and specificity to pick out only those antibodies directed at SARS-CoV-2. The challenge is that the tests require using copies of a viral protein that binds to the antibodies. One key to solving that problem, it turns out, is using mammalian cells to make the viral protein with the precise shape needed to home in on just the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. How will testing help tame the pandemic? The basic strategy for overcoming COVID-19 is identifying infected people, finding and testing anyone they came in contact with, and quarantining infected individuals. That's not practical for big cities or entire countries, given the staggering numbers of needed tests, logistical challenges, and thorny privacy issues. But there are clever ways to cast a wider net without so many individual tests. One is lumping together many samples in a pool, so that large groups of people can be monitored with only one test. Then, if the virus does show up in the pool, public health officials can test the individuals in that group to pinpoint the infections. Perhaps even more powerful is monitoring sewage. The virus can appear in a person's feces within three days of infectionfar earlier than the onset of first symptoms. Scientists could use the standard PCR test on sewage samples to detect the virus. And by collecting samples from specific locations, such as manholes, scattered throughout a community, it would be possible to narrow down the location of any infections to a few blocks or even individual buildings, like an apartment complex or a college dorm. "You can determine the viral load and how it is changing over time with one test a day," says Tjian. "That would be amazing." Tjian and many others are now figuring out how these approaches might be used to safely reopen a university or a business. Large-scale testing efforts would be labor-intensive and not inexpensive, he says, but far cheaper than locking down a whole economyand far safer than reopening without adequate testing, as some states are now doing. And as scientists continue to increase testing capacities and create cheaper and better tests, this strategy should soon be within reach. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak More information: Meagan N. Esbin et al, Overcoming the bottleneck to widespread testing: a rapid review of nucleic acid testing approaches for COVID-19 detection, RNA (2020). Meagan N. Esbin et al, Overcoming the bottleneck to widespread testing: a rapid review of nucleic acid testing approaches for COVID-19 detection,(2020). DOI: 10.1261/rna.076232.120 Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriza Pinandita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, June 20, 2020 06:01 581 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40660359dc 1 World UN-Human-Rights-Council,racism-in-indonesia,racial-discrimination,racial-violence,racial-discrimination-in-indonesia,#BlackLivesMatter,#PapuanLivesMatter,UN Free Indonesia urged the international community to speak up and take decisive action against racial violence at a United Nations forum in Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday. However, Indonesias call comes amid concerns of racial discrimination at home. The UN Human Rights Council held on Wednesday an urgent debate on racial violence, the forum of which was requested by several African countries in response to the rise of racial violence, particularly in relation to the murder of African American George Floyd that has attracted global attention and given greater prominence to the antiracism movement Black Lives Matter. According to a statement from the Indonesian Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, Indonesia called on the council and the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights to strengthen cooperation in the eradication of racial discrimination in law enforcement. Read also: Jayapura Police question students for holding forum protesting Papuan activists trial In connection to this, Indonesia, among others, called for respect and tolerance of racial and ethnic diversity at the community level, the strengthening of the rule of law and accountability of law enforcement agencies and the expansion of human rights education in police academies and other law enforcement agencies," the statement read. In addition to speaking in a national capacity, Indonesia, represented by Indonesia's permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, Hasan Kleib, was also entrusted with delivering the joint statement on behalf of the core group of the Convention Against Torture Initiative (CTI), which consists of Chile, Denmark, Fiji, Ghana, Indonesia and Morocco. On behalf of CTI members, Indonesia called for a zero-tolerance policy against racism and discrimination and reiterated the importance of a people-centered and violence prevention approach in law enforcement. However, Indonesia's vocal stance on the global stage is tainted by persistent issues of racism at home. As the Black Lives Matter movement began to go global, Indonesians flooded public forums with the hashtag #PapuanLivesMatter, drawing attention to several controversial cases of alleged racial discrimination, including the prosecution of the Balikpapan Seven a group of Papuan student activists put on trial for their involvement in a series of antiracism protests in Jayapura, Papua, in 2019. Read also: Voice of solidarity rises from Depok campus: Better late than never The protests came in response to a racially charged incident in which Papuan university students living in a dormitory in Surabaya, East Java, were targeted. Reports said the students were physically and verbally attacked by security personnel and members of local mass organizations, who accused them of refusing to celebrate Indonesias 74th Independence Day. Despite arguments that the seven students Buchtar Tabuni, Ferry Kombo, Irwanus Uropmabin, Hengki Hilapok, Agus Kossay and Stevanus Itlay staged the protests in a peaceful manner, a court in East Kalimantan found them guilty of treason. Ironically, the issuance of the verdict coincided with the Geneva forum, during which Jakarta, in its national capacity, also delivered a statement expressing concern about the acts of violence and discrimination in many parts of the world, particularly due to the rise of racial violence and hate crimes. The Balikpapan District Court in East Kalimantan sentenced the students to months in jail on Wednesday. Members of public and activists had demanded the defendants be cleared of all charges, while prosecutors sought sentences of up to 17 years imprisonment. Contacted by The Jakarta Post for comment on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said that as a matter of principle, Indonesia is against any form of racism and discrimination. In the national context, racism is an aberration to our motto of unity and diversity, as Indonesia is a mosaic of multiple ethnicities and cultures. Read also: Churches union conveys 'deep concerns' over handling of 7 Papuan protesters The decision by the lower court in Balikpapan was made with due diligence, he added. "The incident of mistreatment of Indonesians of Papuan origin are isolated and do not in any way reflect the policies of the government, Faizasyah told Reuters recently. Colors' popular stunt-based reality show, Khatron Ke Khiladi 10 has been in the news since its inception. The show hosted by Rohit Shetty, was shot in Bulgaria. It also had interesting line-up of contestants - RJ Malishka, Rani Chatterjee, Adaa Khan, Shivin Narang, Tejasswi Prakash, Dharmesh Yelande, Karan Patel, Karishma Tanna, Balraj Syal and Amruta Khanvilkar. KKK 10 was one of the top five shows on the TRP chart. However, the new episodes were stopped due to the lockdown and the finale of the show wasn't shot yet. So, the makers didn't want the viewers to lose connection with the show mid-way, and hence decided to air the new episodes post lockdown. As per the latest update, the makers have decided to shoot the grand finale in Mumbai. As per reports in Republic, the grand finale was planned to be shot in Bangkok earlier. Also, the makers had arranged for all the contestants' air tickets, activities and accommodation, but due to the lockdown, the plan got cancelled. Also, their flights to Bangkok too were cancelled as international travel was barred. Apparently, Rohit Shetty wanted to shoot the finale in Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad after their plans to shoot in Bangkok got cancelled. But, the studio turned down the team as the number of people on the show's set exceeded the number permitted by the Telangana government. So finally, the team decided to shoot the grand finale in Mumbai, as Maharashtra government permitted filming in the city as long as the number of people is limited. It is also being said that the Sooryavanshi actors-Katrina Kaif, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn will be promoting the film during the grand finale of the show. Stay locked to this space for the latest updates of the show! Also Read: Khatron Ke Khiladi 10: Shivin Eliminated; Top 3 Finalists Revealed; Here's Who Might Win The Show! Also Read: Naagin 5: Surbhi Chandna & Hina To Play Naagins; Shivin Drops Hint Of Being A Part Of Ekta's Show! Strict physical distancing restrictions have resulted in cleaner air, but atmospheric carbon dioxide levels continue to rise. Credit: PeteLinforth/Pixabay Physical distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus has resulted in reports of reduced air pollution in some countries. However, this is not showing up as reduced carbon dioxide emissions. In Indonesia, the Climate Center Risk and Opportunity Management (CCROM) of IPB University in collaboration with the National Institute for Environmental Studies-Japan has recorded reduced air pollution via real-time air-quality monitoring in Bogor city of West Java province. The level of nitrogen dioxide, a greenhouse gas harmful to human health and the environment, dropped 7.2% between April and May 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. However, the global trend of increasing levels of carbon dioxide, another greenhouse gas, has continued during the pandemic. The Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii recorded an increase of 2.4 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide (CO) to a total of 471.1 ppm in May 2020. It means the pandemic has had no direct impacts on reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. This is why. Still prone to fires Strict physical distancing does not correlate to reduced fire hotspots in Indonesia. Instead, the Terra/Aqua MODIS satellites, with a confidence level of more than 80%, recorded 155 and 66 hotspots in Indonesia in April and May 2020, respectively. Hotspots do not directly reflect a fire occurrence. Rather, it captures a heat source on the land surface that can be used to assess fire risk in a region. In 2015, fires ravaged 2.6 million hectares due to slash-and-burn methods to clear areas that were dominated by peatlands. A dry season influenced by El Nino climate variability also contributed to the increasing spread of hotspots. That year, NASA satellites detected more than 130,000 hotspots. These fires in peat area released 802 million tons (Mt) of COe (carbon dioxide equivalent) in 2015, making it one of the worst emission events in the country. The first one was forest and peat fires back in 1997 during a very strong El Nino event. Fires burned down an estimated 45,600 square kilometers or 4.5 million hectares in Kalimantan and Sumatra, releasing an estimated between 0.81 Gt and 2.57 Gt of carbon or 2,970-9,423 Mt of COe. The average annual emission from peat fires from 2000 to 2016 was 248Mt of COe. Dried peatlands expose the upper soil to oxygen, triggering decomposition and making it flammable. Burning peat releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Satellite image of Southeast Asian haze in 2015. Credit: wikimedia Approaching peak dry season in August, peatland will still be vulnerable to fires. If no efforts are made to restore peatlands by rewetting them, these will become a major source of emissions. Since May, the Indonesian government has been preparing to create rain over Sumatra and Borneo islands to prevent forest and peat wildfires. The country has been struggling to control these fires, which are becoming an annual event. Bounce back better While there are immediate efforts such as cloud seeding to create rain and reduce emissions from the forestry sector, this is a time for reflection on the need to adopt sustainable development pathways. The pathway of sustainable development isn't a new one for Indonesia. There are multiple policies that already aim for greener development, such as REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) and promoting renewable energy development. Currently, however, the REDD+ scheme excludes peat fires due to high uncertainty about estimates of burnt peat areas. Under REDD+, Indonesia's emissions were cut by 11.23 million tons of COe in 2017. Indonesia will receive US$56 million from Norway for this effort. The scheme allows countries with forests to receive payments for preserving their forests areas by, for instance, planting endemic trees and implementing bans on logging specific trees, and for managing to reducing releases of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere while revitalizing local economies of communities near forest areas. It produces multiple benefits for Indonesiasaving the forests, receiving payments and reducing carbon emissions. The latter is linked to Indonesia's commitment to reduce emissions by 2030 by 29%, or 834 million ton of COe, under a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario, and by 41% (1,081 million ton COe) with international support. However, the coronavirus pandemic is challenging climate change commitments. Nations will be focusing on bouncing back economically. With predicted cuts to economic growth resulting from this virus, concerns are growing that Indonesia will clear more forests and depend on cheap fossil fuel to buffer the financial impacts. Under these circumstances, keeping Earth healthy is fundamental. Hence, this is a good opportunity to shift to a sustainable development pathway that produces low carbon emissions and promotes renewable energy. Even though physical distancing restrictions have reduced air pollution, greenhouse gasses are still being emitted and we are still in climate crisis. At this moment, we should get ready to take a great leap during the post-pandemic economic rebound to catch up on delayed mitigation actions and consider immediately shifting to renewable energy. Explore further Indonesia starts cloud seeding to keep forest fires at bay This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. IT all began in Kingston, Ont. I was a young graduate student, working on an MA in geography under the direction of professor Peter Goheen at Queens University. He urged me to write about the citys small Ukrainian community. I resisted, convinced the topic was parochial, quite pedestrian. But I did as I was told. Peters advice proved prescient. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion IT all began in Kingston, Ont. I was a young graduate student, working on an MA in geography under the direction of professor Peter Goheen at Queens University. He urged me to write about the citys small Ukrainian community. I resisted, convinced the topic was parochial, quite pedestrian. But I did as I was told. Peters advice proved prescient. Another Queens professor, the history departments Richard Pierce, recommended I do oral histories, as the archival record about Ukrainians in Kingston was very limited. So, over several months in 1977-78, I went about with a tape recorder, asking questions of the sort you might expect all the while wondering how any of it would amount to anything deserving of an MA. Dicks plan panned out. I recall the day I went to chat with Mrs. Charitoniuk. A widow and interwar immigrant, whose husband had served in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Second World War, she was always generous when we came carolling at Ukrainian Christmas. Yet I also thought she was odd, so I wasnt expecting much. I couldnt have been more wrong. What she told me altered the course of my life, personally and professionally. For when I asked if there had been Ukrainians in Kingston around 1914 she shared a name, one I had never heard before: Nick Sakaliuk. I found him in Toronto, on Feb. 14, 1978, Valentines Day. When I asked whether he had been in Kingston during the Great War, he confirmed he had, and even told me the date on which he arrived: Oct. 17, 1914. I thought it remarkable how he recalled a precise date more than six decades after the fact. Paying that detail no mind, however, I went on to ask about where he had worked was it in the Davis Tannery, at the Locomotive Works, or perhaps at the grain elevators out in Portsmouth Village? Nope, he said, "I was up in Fort Henry." A mason repairing the fortifications, I questioned? No, he nonchalantly replied, "I was a prisoner." After that, I did not know what to ask. I had never been told or taught that Ukrainians and other Europeans were branded as "enemy aliens" under the War Measures Act during the First World War, or of how thousands were subsequently transported to 24 camps set up across the Dominion (including two in Manitoba). I did not know Fort Henry was Canadas first permanent internment camp. And I am Kingston-born. Most men confined up in the fort were "first class" (that is, German) PoWs. Those deemed "second class" racialized eastern Europeans would be dispersed into this countrys frontier hinterlands, held behind Canadian barbed wire, under armed guard, forced to do heavy labour for the profit of their jailers. Sakaliuk was shipped to CFB Petawawa, to help carve an artillery range out of the boreal forest, then sent on to an even more distant location, Kapuskasing, to build an experimental agricultural farm that exists to this day. Intrigued by what Sakaliuk recounted, I did more research and, in 1980, published Internment Operations: The Role of Old Fort Henry in World War One. After that, I did not think much about this subject until 1988, when Dr. Pierces Limestone Press published A Time For Atonement, my booklets title derived from a comment found in The Daily British Whig. 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. Writing on Sept. 7, 1917, about the War Time Elections Act, which disenfranchised thousands of "enemy aliens" even as it extended the right to vote to some Canadian women (so securing the electoral victory of Robert Bordens Unionist government over Wilfrid Lauriers Liberals), an anonymous editorialist remarked: "It is very probable that if this proposal becomes law, the alleged foreigners and hitherto naturalized Canadians will bear their reproach meekly, but they will have sown in their hearts the seeds of a bitterness that can never be extirpated. The man whose honour has been mistrusted, and who has been singled out for a national humiliation, will remember it and sooner or later it will have to be atoned for." Inspired, I sallied forth to secure this predicted atonement. Unexpectedly, that campaign took decades. Finally, on May 9, 2008, the government of Canada, as represented by Jason Kenney, then minister for multiculturalism (and the present-day premier of Alberta), signed an agreement providing for symbolic redress. Fittingly, this happened at the Stanley Barracks, in Toronto, once an internee "receiving station." This endowment has since supported various memorial and educational projects across Canada, including a permanent exhibit at Fort Henry and a statue on the grounds of the Manitoba legislature. And all of the victims will be hallowed nationally, on June 20, the 100th anniversary of the end of Canadas first national internment operations. Im sure Nick Sakaliuk and Mrs. Charitoniuk are pleased. Lubomyr Luciuk is a professor of political geography at the Royal Military College of Canada. The pastor of a large Winnipeg evangelical church is calling on members of his congregation to not sign a petition calling for the unrestricted opening of places of worship. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The pastor of a large Winnipeg evangelical church is calling on members of his congregation to not sign a petition calling for the unrestricted opening of places of worship. "This petition is a terrible idea," said John Neufeld, lead pastor of The Meeting Place, a Mennonite Brethren church located in downtown Winnipeg. "Please DO NOT SIGN this petition," he posted on his personal Facebook page. Neufeld, who has been the lead pastor at the church for 12 years, first heard about the petition about a week ago. "I was hoping that good judgment and lack of support would cause it to fade away," he said. But he realized it was gaining steam when members of his church, which counts 750 to 800 people gathering for two services each Sunday morning, asked if they should sign. "I told them please dont," he said, citing two objections. The first is the premise of the petition that the restrictions on the number of people who can gather is an infringement on constitutional freedoms. "I profoundly disagree with this premise," he said. "I dont see this as a Charter issue. Churches in Manitoba are allowed to gather. They must simply respect the public health guidance." His second objection is how the petition may harm the witness of the church. "This protest and petition is already bringing a terrible reputation on followers of Jesus and ultimately on Jesus," he said. Noting a verse in the book of Acts that described the early followers of Jesus as people who "praised God and enjoyed the favour of all the people," he said by calling for special rules for churches, the petition damages the witness of Christianity in the province. It shows Christians to be "people of poor judgment," he said, adding it could also harm the witness of the church by suggesting Christians are anti-science. "The premiers response was telling," he said, noting how Brian Pallister reminded the creators of the petition they are not experts in the area of health. Neufeld is also worried that the petition doesnt show people of faith as wanting to be "good citizens" by working in partnership with other segments of society that are also facing challenges as they adapt to the limitations posed by the pandemic. As for worries the restrictions will hamper the ability of churches to serve their members, he said congregations just need to become more creative. "The church is not a location, building or address," he said. "Its about shared life, not events." He noted the early Christians met in homes, and suggested churches in the province could do something similar by inviting members to meet in person in small groups in homes or backyards during the pandemic, while following social-distance and other health guidelines. Churches finding that more difficult, such as those belonging to denominations that are more sacramental in nature and require a priest or minister to bless the elements during communion or Eucharist, could respond by providing multiple smaller services for small numbers of people during the week, he said, adding all churches could continue with online gatherings. After posting his comments online, Neufeld said he received many positive affirmations, including from other clergy in the province. While disagreeing with the petition, he understands the desire to gather in person again at church services. 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. "There is a deep longing for community by people of faith and by others," he said. Neufeld also appreciates the financial stress many churches are facing due to the impact of the virus; The Meeting Place has reduced its budget, laid off six of its staff, left vacancies unfilled, frozen salaries and he has taken a pay cut. Despite the challenges, the pandemic is also an opportunity "to get people out of their buildings and into the lives of their neighbours, to get back to sharing the good news of Jesus the way it was meant to be shared," he said. The petition will only hamper the ability of churches in the province to share that good news, he said. "We want to be seen as people of good reputation because of how we meet and how we serve the community," he said. "If we damage the credibility of the church, we affect that message." faith@freepress.mb.ca New Delhi: In an all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (June 19), Congress president Sonia Gandhi asked the government whether there was any intelligence failure on the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where 20 Indian Army personnel sacrificed their lives in a violent face-off with Chinese troops. Sonia Gandhi asked specifics about when Chinese troops intruded into the Indian territory in Ladakh and whether the country's external intelligence agencies did not report any unusual activity there. She also sought an assurance from the prime minister that status quo ante would be restored at the border and China will revert to its original position. She said that even at this stage they were in the dark about many crucial aspects of the crisis as she posed a set of questions to the government. She also asked if the government had not received satellite pictures of the border area and the Military Intelligence did not alert it about the intrusion and the build-up of massive forces along the LAC. Congress president Sonia Gandhi's address: "Mr Prime Minister, Ministers, Leaders of Political Parties, We meet today in the aftermath of a tragic conflict and our hearts are filled with great sorrow & anguish. Let me begin by paying homage to the brave soldiers of our Army, who laid down their lives as also convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. To the injured jawans, we wish them a speedy recovery and good health. This meeting, in my view, should have come sooner and immediately after the government had been reportedly informed about the Chinese intrusion on May 5th, 2020 into several places in Ladakh and elsewhere. As always, the entire nation would have stood together like a rock and fully supported the government of the day in the steps required to defend the territorial integrity of the country. Alas, that was not to be. In fact, even at this late stage, we are still in the dark about many crucial aspects of the crisis. We have some specific questions, for the Government: On which date did the Chinese troops intrude into our territory in Ladakh? When did the government find out about the Chinese transgressions into our territory? Was it on May 5th, as reported, or earlier? Does the government not receive, on a regular basis, satellite pictures of the borders of our country? Did our external intelligence agencies not report any unusual activity along the LAC? Did the Military Intelligence not alert the government about the intrusion and the build-up of massive forces along the LAC, whether on the Chinese side or on the Indian side? In the governments considered view, was there a failure of intelligence? We in the Congress Party believe that valuable time was lost between May 5 and June 6, the date on which the Corps Commanders meeting took place. Even after the June 6 meeting, efforts should have been made to talk directly, at the political and diplomatic levels, to the leadership of China. We failed to use all avenues, and the result is the loss of 20 lives as well as dozens injured. I would urge the Prime Minister to kindly share with us all the facts and the sequence of events beginning April this year till date. The question is, what next? What is the way forward? The entire country would like an assurance that status quo ante would be restored and China will revert back to the original position on Line of Actual Control. We would also like to be briefed on the preparedness of our defence forces to meet any threat. In particular, I would like to ask what is the current status of the Mountain Strike Corps, with two mountain infantry divisions, was sanctioned in 2013? Should the Government not treat it with utmost priority? We in the Indian National Congress and the entire opposition unitedly stand by our defence forces and are prepared to make any sacrifice to ensure they are battle-ready. The Entire nation expects that government will take all Opposition Parties & the country into confidence and brief us regularly so that we may present to the world a picture of unity and solidarity. Prime Minister Modiji I thank you for inviting the Indian National Congress to this meeting. Jai Hind!" [June 19, 2020] Cutting Edge medical advancements in technology - MoviWearMed is geared to protect the most vulnerable population during Covid-19 TORONTO, June 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jacob Moshinsky, founder of MoviWear has once again created buzz, this time in the medical industry. MoviWearMed is a new medical platform that allows 24/7 virtual patient monitoring. MoviWearMed is the pioneer of the 5G NurtureWatch, a cloud-based virtual platform that monitors ones vital signs, promptly alerting to changes in their overall health such as changes in heart rate, temperature and oxygen. This new innovative health monitoring platform monitors in real time as well as remotely from our HIPPA compliant platform. Users of this platform should feel safer in the event of a medical emergency. MoviWear was created in 2017 to help prevent catastrophes like the one that affected the founders uncle who died alone at home from a heart attack and was found dead two days later. This death could have been prevented with the MoviWears NurtureWatch. Helping your vulnerable loved ones stay safe during this Coronavirus pandemic is now a top priority. As remote doctor appointments hav quickly become the new norm, Jacob Moshinskys Company is leading the way to a new medical future. This revolutionary technological advancement makes it possible to monitor patients vitals virtually with MoviWearMed health monitoring system. Now costly cumbersome hospital supervisions can be greatly reduced. This product allows individuals to be semi supervised in the comfort of their own homes or places of retirement, keeping patients safe and not draining their savings on caregivers. The advanced mode of technology brings the best virtual medical care available to your home, not only eliminating the risk of contracting Covid-19 but also providing doctors with crucial monitored data at the speed of the internet, while providing safety and social distancing. Who can use MoviWearMed? Anyone can, but seniors are the ones that generally require a monitoring system. Many doctors, retirement homes, telemedicine platforms & PSW agencies are buying this life saving service. If you would like to meet Jacob Moshinsky, he will be attending the Collision Conference on June 23-25, 2020. Forbes says this is the best technology conference on the planet because of its large networking opportunities. If you are interested and would like to learn more about this product, please contact: Jacob Moshinsky CEO/Founder [email protected] Lisa Gruszecki Publicist Make it PRfect Inc [email protected] 416-662-1025 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Remarkable Places To Eat Rating: Tutankhamun In Colour Rating: Going out to enjoy a meal, remember that? And how about sitting in close proximity to your dining partner and not having to wipe the cutlery down with antibacterial wipes before tucking in? Those were the images of life before Covid-19 that the BBC taunted us with on Remarkable Places To Eat (BBC2). Filmed pre-lockdown and with tourists outnumbering locals two to one, hawkers stood on every street corner trying to lure diners in with laminated menus showing lurid photos of their offerings In search of authentic food, rather than tourist traps serving Westernised versions of local dishes, maitre d Fred Sirieix visited Marrakesh with food writer and chef Andi Oliver, who promised to open her little black book of secrets and treat him to some real Moroccan cooking. Filmed pre-lockdown and with tourists outnumbering locals two to one, hawkers stood on every street corner trying to lure diners in with laminated menus showing lurid photos of their offerings. By-passing them all, Andi took Fred to Al Fassia a few miles outside the Medina, a restaurant run by the Chaab sisters, with a kitchen staffed entirely by women and no head chef. The pair munched their way through 15 salads and the restaurants signature slow cooked lamb, so succulent a dish that it sent Fred into absolute raptures. The next day he visited the farm where his lamb had been raised, which felt a little, well, sadistic. Why would you want to see the happy first home of the animal youd just wolfed down? The moment when Carter and his team lifted the lid to reveal the now famous golden mask suddenly came alive Freds enthusiasm felt somewhat forced at times. Im not sure that what looked like pretty ordinary bread and an omelette merited quite so many superlatives when he and Andi went for breakfast. His introduction to the real Marrakesh concluded with him enjoying a traditional chicken tagine at a restaurant where locals ate. The feast looked mouth-watering, the surroundings less so as Al Baraka is on a petrol station forecourt. There was nothing particularly original about this two-parter. But Freds charm, Andis passion for cooking and the sight of people actually eating in restaurants while on holiday made it far more joyous than it would, ordinarily, be. Trips to Egypt may also be off limits but, as we discovered in Tutankhamun In Colour (BBC4), in the 1920s it was the place to go for wealthy Europeans. The reason they were flocking there rather than the south of France was down to the most famous archaeological discovery of all time the tomb of Tutankhamun, in 1922, by British Egyptologist Howard Carter. This moment was captured on black-and-white stills and old cinema newsreel. But the images were grainy and damaged. Oxford professor Elizabeth Frood, an Egyptologist, hoped colourisation specialists might be able to bring Carters discovery to life. Colouring old footage is a skilled and painstakingly laborious process. But, as we saw when Peter Jackson used this method in his World War I film They Shall Not Grow Old, it can transform history for us. Thanks to the skilled colour artists, Professor Frood was able to really see the contents of the first chamber of the tomb including gilded chariots, chairs and statues of gods all piled up. Colouring old footage is a skilled and painstakingly laborious process. But, as we saw when Peter Jackson used this method in his World War I film They Shall Not Grow Old, it can transform history for us It took another three years before the coffin of the Boy King was found. The moment when Carter and his team lifted the lid to reveal the now famous golden mask suddenly came alive. Carter was described as a prickly, difficult man, but perhaps thats what a decade of digging in the blazing heat does to you. It was wonderful to see the Pharaohs tomb just as he had all those years ago. Christopher Stevens is away. Fright of the night: Dawn, from Cumbria, went on You Are WhatYou Wear (BBC1) because she said her scruffy clothes made her look like a raving redneck. Unfortunately, by the time the stylists had finished, she looked like Velma from Scooby-Doo. Australia's government, health and education services and various industries are being targeted by sophisticated state-based cyber attacks, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Friday. Morrison said that while the threat wasn't new, the frequency of the attacks had been increasing over many months and he urged all organizations to improve their cyber resilience. He didn't reveal the source of the attacks, but said that there weren't many "state-based actors" that could engage in such activities. Morrison said the issue was constantly raised with Five Eyes intelligence partners and that he briefed U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the matter Thursday night. "This activity is targeting Australian organizations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organizations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure," Morrison said. "We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the tradecraft used." Russia, China and North Korea are among nations that have in the past been accused of sponsoring or carrying out malicious cyber activity, including Russia's efforts to disrupt U.S. elections. China last year rejected speculation that it was behind an attack on Australia's Parliament House that breached the systems of the nation's major political parties. Australia's main internet site that provides online access to government services was hit by a cyber attack in March. During the press conference, Morrison was asked how he would respond to speculation that China could be behind the recent rise in attacks, particularly in light of escalating tensions between the two nations. "The Australian government is not making any public attribution about these matters," he said, and also declined to reveal whether the government actually knows the source of the attack. Morrison said there had been no large scale personal data breaches as a result of the attacks. China's foreign ministry on Friday denied that the country had been involved in the attacks and accused the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, a Canberra-based think tank established by the Australian government in 2001 and partially funded by its defense department, of "hyping up or creating all kinds of anti-China topics." The institute "has no reputation at all. The attacks and blame coming from this institute against China is totally baseless and nonsense," ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters in Beijing. KYIV -- A court in Kyiv has sent the head of the regional council in Kherson to pretrial detention under suspicion of ordering a deadly attack on anti-corruption activist Kateryna Handzyuk in 2018. The Pechera district court late on June 18 ruled that Vladyslav Manher must remain under pretrial arrest without bail until July 28. On June 16, officers of the Ukrainian Security Service detained Manher while he was at a hospital in the city of Kherson and transferred him to Kyiv. Manher had failed twice to show up for the hearing about his pretrial restrictions, citing his own health problems, as well as those of his daughter. Manher has denied any involvement in the attack. Handzyuk, a 33-year-old civil activist and adviser to the mayor of the Black Sea port city of Kherson, died in November 2018 -- three months after she was severely injured in an acid attack. Prosecutors arrested Manher in February last year and charged him with ordering the attack. Manher was later released on bail. In June 2019, five men were sentenced to prison terms of between three and 6 1/2 years for organizing and executing the attack, after they made plea deals with investigators. Human rights activists have accused Ukrainian law enforcement agencies of failing to thoroughly investigate the growing number of attacks on activists, and even of collusion with the perpetrators in some cases. Nobel Peace Prize winner and Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai is over the moon after the completion of her bachelor's degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from UK's prestigious Oxford University. Yousafzai, who was pursuing her degree at Oxford's Lady Margaret Hall, took to Twitter on Friday to announce her graduation from the university. She celebrated the milestone by cutting a cake that read: 'Happy Graduation Malala'. "Hard to express my joy and gratitude right now as I completed my Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree at Oxford," Malala, smeared in cake, wrote in a tweet. In another photograph, the activist was snapped with her family relishing the moment. Hard to express my joy and gratitude right now as I completed my Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree at Oxford. I dont know whats ahead. For now, it will be Netflix, reading and sleep. pic.twitter.com/AUxN55cUAf Malala (@Malala) June 19, 2020 Yousafzai, however, added she wasn't sure what the future had in store for her but till then Netflix, reading, and sleeping was definitely on her menu. Soon after her announcement, her well-wishers congratulated her for the feat on microblogging site. Yousafzai rose to the world fame after she survived a gunshot wound to her head from Islamic extremists who were against her fight for women's right to education. Congratulations @Malala from all of your friends and admirers @harvardcpl and @Kennedy_School Rest well as your prepare for your next amazing chapter. Wendy R. Sherman (@wendyrsherman) June 19, 2020 HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!!! So proud to hear this and very very well done!!!! Sukh Dubb (@SukhSDubb) June 19, 2020 Congratulations on your graduation @Malala! For so many, higher education is the start of great things. For you, great things preceded it and I can only imagine the even greater ones to follow. The world is lucky to have you on it. Anne McClain (@AstroAnnimal) June 19, 2020 Enormous congratulations and every good wish for your well-earned break! Sarah Parcak (@indyfromspace) June 19, 2020 Congratulations, Malala! Hard work always pays off! Thanks for being such an inspiration! pic.twitter.com/llPFkzVPkw Oliver (@OlisTweets) June 19, 2020 Back in October 2017, as the Pakistani activist was headed for her bachelor's degree in Britain, Yousafzai had asked for Twitterverse's assistance to help her pack her bag for university. Cornerstone Television Network's Flagship Program, 'Real Life' Becomes 'Hope Today' This Monday NEWS PROVIDED BY Cornerstone Television Network June 19, 2020 WALL, Penn., June 19, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- On Monday, June 22, 2020, Cornerstone Television Network -- a faith-based television network -- will officially unveil Hope Today (the makeover of its flagship talk/inspiration program) to begin airing at 9 AM (LIVE), 1 PM & 8 PM/ET, Monday-Thursday. For the past seven years, the program previously known as "Real Life" served the ministry well, reflecting a message of faith and abundant life. And while those priorities remain, Cornerstone Network has transformed and re-named the program to Hope Today to reflect a growing need for hope and inspiration in our culture. Anchored by Cornerstone TV veterans Tom Hollis and Sydni Goldman, "Hope Today" will provide encouragement and spiritual direction to help viewers in both personal and practical ways. Other friendly faces include Amanda Brougher, Amy Schafer, Anna Frye, J. Anthony Gilbert, and Tom McGough -- adding special interviews. "Our society has always needed hope, but never more than today. Through Christ, we can provide hope for each day. We are excited for 'Hope Today' because of the timeliness of the message of HOPE coupled with the timelessness of the Gospel," shared Tom Hollis (Chief Operating Officer & Co-host for "Hope Today"). "Our programming is changing to reflect the times that we are living in; Hope Today is an opportunity for us to provide viewers with the spiritual tools they need to navigate through todays challenges, whether it is a pandemic, racial injustice, or any other challenge that we face as a nation and as individuals, says Steve Johnson (President and CEO, Cornerstone Television Network). Thats why Cornerstone Television is going live at 9 AM/ET Monday-Thursday, with a format that addresses both current events and current issues that viewers are dealing with on a personal level. Hope Today's Guest Lineup (Week One): MONDAY, June 22 -- Debra Fileta, licensed professional counselor, challenges viewers to have a psychologically and spiritually healthy approach to relationships. TUESDAY, June 23 -- Sue Detweiler (author, mother, and co-pastor of Life Bridge Church in Dallas, TX) -- shares what is happening to drug addicts in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and how we can turn the rising tide of drug addiction. WEDNESDAY, June 24 -- Dr. Steve Green, Publisher & Executive Vice President of Charisma Media Group, will be sharing what is on his heart during this time of pandemic and what he sees God doing in the days ahead. THURSDAY, June 25 -- Michael Johnson, President of Slavic Gospel Association, will talk about "Christ Over COVID and Global Prayer as the coronavirus ravages Russia and the former Soviet nations. Ways to Watch "Hope Today" on Cornerstone TV -- at 9 AM, 1 PM & 8 PM/ET 24/7 Online Livestream: www.ctvn.org/watch Roku Users: Add Cornerstone Network Local users: Look for Cornerstone Television Network on your cable channel guide. About Cornerstone Television Network Cornerstone Television Network is a Christian media ministry based in Wall, PA. Through its national affiliate network and Western Pennsylvania broadcast markets, Cornerstone TV reaches over 6 million households across the U.S. (including the 1.45 million TV households in Pittsburgh-Altoona, PA). The network offers an expansive line up of inspirational, educational, and life-changing programming twenty-four hours a day, for people of all ages. SOURCE Cornerstone Television Network CONTACT: Crystal Bynum, 412-607-4716 (cell), cbynum@ctvn.org Related Links www.ctvn.org Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday instructed the officials to prepare a new tourism policy in such a way that the state should be synonymous to tourism. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has said that Andhra Pradesh should be synonymous to Tourism and a new Tourism policy should be framed to attract tourists, which should also include regulating the industry and providing best facilities to attract tourists . During review meeting on tourism held here on Friday, the Chief Minister instructed the officials to prepare a new Tourism policy in such a way that the state should be synonymous to tourism and big companies should also be taken into the fold. As the tourism policy has expired on March 31, there is need to bring in a new policy that should attract foreign tourists as well and the facilities should match those of seven star hotels at the 12 places, which we will be identified along with resorts, he said. The details of our tourist places and resorts should be given to big companies and take their suggestions before drafting the tourism policy. As there are no specific regulations for tourism, the tourism trade should be regularised. All hotels, detailing the amenities available there, Tour Operators, Adventure Tourism places and the facilities available there should register with the government and this process should begin soon, he said. If foreign tourists are to come in large numbers, the facilities should also be that of seven star hotels, the Chief Minister said. Guidelines should be framed in such a way to attract big industries for sponsorship and the officials should be in touch with them and take their opinion beforehand. Shiparamams at various places should be reviewed, the Chief Minister said. Ministers Avanti Srinivas, Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and other officials attended the meeting. On the other hand , Andhra CM inaugurated 9 Boating Control Rooms to regulate boating operations in the State in the tourism sector and monitor whether the boats are following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) or not. The Chief Minister held video conference with district collectors and informed that this is an initiative taken by the government to provide a hassle-free boating for the tourists. After the boat accident in River Godavari, the government has considered the issue seriously and has taken effective steps by setting up nine control rooms where boats are being operated and SOPs issued which should be followed strictly from giving licences to operating the boats. The controls rooms initiative is one among the measures taken to check the safe movement of boats and to regulate their operations. The concept of control rooms fully equipped with men and material must be the first of its kind in the country. The nine control rooms that were inaugurated by Chief Minister online include, Singapalli (West Godavari), Gandi Pochamma (East Godavari), Perantalapalli (West Godavari), Pochavaram (West Godavari), Rajahmundry (East Godavari), Rishikonda (Visakhapatnam), Nagarjuna Sagar (Guntur), Srisailam (Kurnool) and Berm Parm (Vijayawada). For all the latest National News, download NewsX App Australians have rushed to defend The Wiggles after American parents accused the popular children's band of not being diverse enough. As Black Lives Matter protests sweep the U.S. following the death of George Floyd, some fans suggested on Twitter this week that The Wiggles should set a better example by recruiting a black member. But Aussies hit back on Friday, saying the criticism from overseas was 'a load of rubbish' and that the group does in fact encourage diversity. 'What a load of rubbish!' Australians have rushed to defend The Wiggles after American parents accused the popular children's band of not being diverse enough. Pictured (L-R) Lachlan Gillespie, Anthony Field, Emma Watkins and Simon Pryce In response to a Daily Mail Australia article about the initial backlash, an Australian fan wrote: 'What a load of rubbish! They have a wide variety of multicultural guests! 'What about Robbie, he's a Maori, and Lee Hawkins, he is a Native American. Christine Anu, a Torres Strait Islander. Keep doing what you are doing The Wiggles.' Another wrote: 'Shouldn't it be who is the most talented and best person for the job?' A third added: 'It's The Wiggles for god's sake and they entertain kids not represent the United Nations. Next thing they'll want AC/DC diversified.' Criticised: As Black Lives Matter protests sweep the U.S. following the death of George Floyd , some American fans suggested on Twitter this week that The Wiggles should set a better example by recruiting a black member 'They entertain kids': Furious Aussies hit back on Friday, saying the criticism from overseas was 'a load of rubbish' and that the group does in fact encourage diversity One Facebook user said that children 'can't tell' skin colour until they are taught about racial difference by their parents. Another commented: 'Being Aboriginal myself, I've seen what The Wiggles do for us and it's awesome.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted a representative for The Wiggles for comment. Lack of representation: The popular band, which was formed in 1991, features an all-white lineup. Pictured at the ARIA Awards in Sydney on November 23, 2016 The popular band, which was formed in 1991, features an all-white lineup, including Emma Watkins, 30, Lachlan Gillespie, 34, Simon Pryce, 48, and Anthony Field, 57. Jeff Fatt, an Australian of Chinese descent, was the group's only non-white performer but he retired in 2012. Earlier this week, American parents took to social media and blasted the group for its 'lack of diversity'. Previously: Jeff Fatt, an Australian of Chinese descent, was the group's only non-white performer but he retired in 2012. Pictured on December 23, 2012 in Sydney 'Get some black Wiggles': The criticism mostly came from American parents, not Australians One person tweeted: 'We're watching the Wiggles this morning and I'm surprised by the lack of diversity and stereotypical gender roles for a current children's show. What's going on in Australia? Back to Sesame Street!' Another wrote: 'My daughter loves the Wiggles. Can y'all get some black wiggles together for her?' A third commented: 'Watching the wiggles with Moo I wanna turn it off because it's no black ppl on here but she's dancing so hard.' Avatar J found the winners circle last week in the Saturday evening top class at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park, but he may have a larger task ahead of him this time. The 10-dash Saturday card gets underway at 6:00 p.m. Avatar J is the morning line choice in the $3,200 Preferred pace, carded as the ninth race. Jason Hughes will drive Avatar J from Post 5 for trainer Danny MacDonald and owners Jody Sanderson of Cornwall, PEI and Dean Larkin of Edwards, Ont. The American Ideal six-year-old scored a 1:54.2 decision in his seasonal debut on red soil while fending off the advances of Screen Test. With Screen Test drawing just inside of his main competition in Post 4 for driver Corey MacPherson and trainer Ron Gass, he may prove an even bigger threat this week. Simple Kinda Man makes his Island debut with rail control for driver Marc Campbell, trainer Chris MacKay and owners D Racing Stable of New York and Donald MacRae of Vernon Bridge. The five-year-old son of Sportswriter has been racing between Pennsylvania and New York, showing miles in 1:53-1:54 over a half-mile track. Lisburn returns to the East Coast and will leave from Post 2 for trainer-driver Kenny Arsenault. A top performer in this class during the last half of 2019, Lisburn had been racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park in Ontario in the Tony OSullivan stable. Bugsy Maguire makes a jump up in class to land in Post 3 for Saturdays contest but the Brodie MacPhee-driven pacer has shown he is more than up the task. Trained by Wade Sorrie, Bugsy Maguire was a winner in last years Cecil Ladner Memorial final, and a finalist in the Governors Plate. Race analyst Les MacIsaac will elect for Screen Test to return to his winning ways in his Saturday evening predictions. Screen Test hit another gear in his first start and circled the field and had it not being for having to go three wide last week, he might have won again, MacIsaac said. His excellent current form will make him hard to deny. Catch the worldwide broadcast at Redshores.ca and wager online at HPIBet.com or at the drive-in wagering venue at Red Shores Charlottetown from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. every race day. To view the entries for Saturday's card, click the following link: Saturday Entries - Charlottetown Driving Park. (Red Shores) Seattle business owner says CHOP protesters threatened to kill him for detaining thief, arsonist Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Seattle business owner whose auto shop was broken into by a CHOP protester that stole money and started a fire in the building says he repeatedly called 911 but police never arrived even though the business is located outside the "autonomous zone." John McDermott, the owner of Car Tender, said he and his son were left to defend their business as protesters knocked down a fence at the auto shop and threatened to kill them and their employees if they didn't release a man who had stolen money, car keys, and started a fire at their business Sunday night. A huge mob just attacked "Small Tender" business demanding a release of man who went into the business and started a fire, the business is located inside the 6 blocks of #CHAZ a 'no-cop zone'. Reporting on the ground in #Seattlepic.twitter.com/GeTRheQXFo Jorge Ventura Media (@VenturaReport) June 15, 2020 The suspect, who has since been arrested and charged with alleged arson and vandalism, has been identified as 21-year-old Richard Hanks. The McDermotts told news station KIRO that the suspect, who entered the building by breaking a window to get inside, poured hand sanitizer all over cassette tape film and the auto shop's front counter to ignite the fire. Fortunately, the McDermotts walked in just after the fire had been started and were able to extinguish the flames. Mason McDermott temporarily detained the Hanks, who struck him multiple times with a box cutter as he attempted to flee with stolen hard drives, checks and other property. While the box cutter slashed McDermott's clothes, he did not sustain any injures from the weapon. McDermott and his father said they called 911 as many as 19 times, but police never arrived. They eventually had to release Hanks, who took off with the stolen goods after protesters showed up at their property, demanding his release. Although Mason McDermott believes police want to protect Seattle residents and businesses in and around the so-called Capitol Hill Organized Protest, he says they can't because of politics. Previously known as the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, CHOP is based around the Seattle Police Department's now-closed East Precinct. I was streaming when the incident happened at CHAZ last night in Seattle. An auto shop near the zone was broken into (Car Tender), property stolen, and a fire started. The owners called the police and fire dept but they were told they would not show up. Full THREAD with clips ? pic.twitter.com/zmPS3EBmxm Shawn Whiting (@ShawnGui_) June 15, 2020 The elder McDermott and his wife had just returned home from an anniversary dinner when he got a call from neighbors near the auto shop who witnessed someone breaking into the business. When he and his son arrived, they first thought it was a false alarm. "We were notified by some neighbors at the property here that someone was in our parking lot swinging a hammer around and trying to break into the building," Mason McDermott told The Epoch Times in an interview on Monday. "We headed over here immediately, and we called the authorities to let them know we were coming here. Once we did that, we showed up here and it appeared to be fine, And then, we went to the front door and the building was on fire. My dad put the fire out and I caught someone who was in the building with their stuff who was trying to break out." He added: "We called the police a number of times and there was no response. They never showed up. It's really disheartening; when you call, you hope they show up. And we know they (the police) want to be here for us but they can't, due to politics. Maybe the mayor's office and governor's office can come together to form some kind of solution and allow the police force to come back and help the citizens here because they're wanted, they're needed, and they want to be here." McDermott said that a mob of protesters who descended on their business were "threatening to kill us if we didn't let the guy go that we caught for trying to burn down our building." "We were waiting for the police to show up and they never came," McDermott added. At a news briefing on Monday, Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best said officers responded to the call, but instead of going to the scene they "observed from a distance." "The officers responded to the call and they observed the location from a distance. They did not see any signs of smoke or fire or anything else and they did not see a disturbance," Best said, according to the Seattle Times. "The officers did not observe, from the report that I read, anything they perceived as a threat to life safety and they did not go in." Best pushed back on suggestions that Seattle is now a cop-free zone, but reiterated the department's earlier admission that response times to the area following 911 victim reports of rapes and robberies have been delayed or even worse, not responded to at all. "It's taking three times longer to get there. We can't continue in that vein. It's really untenable," she said. The police chief added that the Seattle Police Department would respond to life-threatening calls inside CHOP, but in other cases, dispatchers and officers will only meet with crime victims or callers outside the CHOP boundary if it's "feasible, reasonable and safe to do so." "We do not want to escalate, under the current situation, any potential danger to the community and put them unnecessarily in harm's way," Best said, noting that police still haven't been able to return to the East Precinct that's under CHOP occupation. In response to inquiries into why the Fire Department also didn't respond, Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins said the department must first get authorization from the police department before it enters CHOP. But he didn't know why they weren't called in since McDermott's business is outside the autonomous zone. He added that there wasn't any fire damage to the property except the counter that was lit on fire and the business owner was able to extinguish it. A resident who lives in the Capitol Hill area that's under CHOP occupation told the Daily Caller in an interview where his identity was concealed that he fears for his life and often hears gunshots and "screams of terror" at night. "I'm scared," Brandon said. "I've been scared every day since Sunday, and I haven't gotten a lot of sleep. For the first time in my life in Capitol Hill, I hear gunshots every single night. I've heard people screaming every single night outside. And they're not protest screams I've also heard screams of terror out there, and I don't know what's happening out there." Brandon also recounted watching a standoff between rioters and police and hearing a protest leader on a megaphone "loudly and calmly" urge police to kill themselves by repeatedly saying the words "Seattle police, pull out your guns and commit suicide" over-and-over again. "It sounded like the devil," he said, because the man was so calm. When asked about the city's future, Brandon indicated that the situation is hopeless and said he plans to move as soon he's able to freely enter and exit his apartment building without fearing harassment or violence. "I have no hope this will return to normal. Because my mayor, Mayor [Jenny] Durkan, was on TV and she called this the 'summer of love.' At the same exact time, our Police Chief, Carmen Best, did a press conference saying it was taking them an hour to respond to 911 calls for rape and robberies. ... This is not civil unrest; this is some kind of anarchist homegrown movement. It will never go back to normal." " " The U.S. federal government maintains at least 24 operational GPS satellites at any given time. That critical network of satellites helps people with everything from navigating across town to determining when, exactly, they got cash from the ATM. And some think we're way overdue to make that network more resilient. John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images If you think GPS is there only to help you navigate to that new restaurant or find the fastest route across town, you'd be wrong. The signals from GPS satellites are fundamental to every network in the United States internet, power grid, financial trading, telecommunications and, yes, transportation. But there's no backup to the system, which means a big disruption, spoof or hack could bring the entire country to its knees. A new system called eLoran, which has its origin in World War II ground-based radio technology, could complement GPS and give it the resilience it needs. Other countries have such a backup, including China and Russia. But despite administrations as far back as 2008 announcing the U.S. would build such a system, it has yet to do so. "This is a national infrastructure issue," says Dana Goward, president of Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports policies and systems to make GPS more resilient. " " That constellation coverage ensures that you can spot at least four different satellites from pretty much anywhere on Earth. NASA For GPS and the systems that depend on it, it's all about the timing. Literally. The 24 operational satellites in orbit around Earth each carry as many as four atomic clocks onboard that keep precise time down to the nanosecond and are all synchronized with each other and to Coordinated Universal Time. When satellites broadcast signals, they're broadcasting their time and position to receivers on Earth, like your smartphone, located along those critical networks. The receivers use the differences in arrival time of those signals to determine position. The signals are why you get an alert when your Lyft driver is about to arrive. Nodes in the internet use the signals to keep track of packets of information moving at light speed across the network. They need to know what time it is so that they can reassemble the packets of information that originated in Omaha onto your laptop in Boston. On the electrical grid, phase measurement units use GPS signals to make sure that sine waves of electricity match up where two grids come together. A mismatch can generate too much heat and create energy loss. Telecommunication networks use GPS signals to keep their cellphone towers synchronized to prevent your call from dropping on that train ride to grandma's house. Your credit card purchases, ATM withdrawals and financial market transactions all have precise time-stamps thanks to GPS. You can see where we're going here. A snafu in GPS can create some seriously snarly problems. And it's not too difficult to do. GPS satellites transmit weak, very high-frequency signals that travel to Earth through 12,645 miles (20,350 kilometers) of space and atmosphere. Space weather can mess them up by accident. People can mess them up on purpose. There are products sold online that, depending on cost and quality, can illegally jam GPS signals in a radius anywhere between 100 feet (30 meters) and 30 miles (48 kilometers). "It's not a problem until it's a problem," says Goward. Advertisement And There Have Been Problems In April 2016, Reuters reported that dozens of South Korean fish vessels had to return to port because their GPS devices had been jammed evidently by North Korea. On Jan. 12, 2016, two U.S. Navy boats sailed 50 miles (80 kilometers) into Iranian territorial waters and were seized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. Goward wrote an editorial for the Christian Science Monitor suggesting that Iran may have spoofed the boats' GPS devices with fake signals, purposely throwing the vessels off course. Last January 2016, the U.S. Air Force decommissioned a GPS satellite, something it's routinely doing, and in the process introduced a 13.7-microsecond error to ripple through half of the GPS satellites still in orbit. The error created thousands of disruptions around the globe for the next 12 hours, including system errors in telecommunication networks, the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), an aircraft tracking safety system and first responder networks in North America. "Fortunately, as far as we can tell, nobody died and unfortunately, there were no headlines. So things have pretty much continued on as they were," says Goward. "But it is evidence that these systems are all linked and these faults and failures occur even when there's a really, really small discrepancy in GPS." Advertisement The Backup The eLoran system provides a backup plan. The system, first called LORAN which stood for "Long Range Aid to Navigation" was originally a secret system deployed by the U.S. across much of the globe during World War II. After the war, the U.S. Coast Guard maintained a number of transmitter sites overseas in support of the Department of Defense, and a network of more than 25 in the United States. Each of the transmitters used atomic clocks synchronized to the Naval Observatory's Coordinated Universal Time and broadcast precise time signals. But then the more accurate GPS came along and the United States set Loran aside. An enhanced Loran, or eLoran, under development by the U.S. Coast Guard, was picked up, perfected, and demonstrated by commercial entities and the British maritime navigation authorities. The plan in the United States is to reuse the same terrestrial infrastructure as the previous Loran system to broadcast low-frequency, very high-power time signals that are 1.3 million times stronger than those coming from GPS satellites, says Goward. The combination of low-frequency radio waves transmitted at a super high power make them virtually impossible to jam. They can penetrate buildings, underground and even go underwater which could help with navigational apps in these places. Research has shown, says Goward, that when eLoran is used in tandem with GPS, the combination is more accurate than either alone. This past July, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill stating that, "Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall provide for the establishment, sustainment, and operation of a reliable land-based enhanced LORAN, or eLORAN, positioning, navigation, and timing system." The same month, the House also passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, which allocated $10 million to build a proof-of-concept system to complement and back up GPS. Goward thinks that money could go toward a first phase of the final system, which could involve enhancing four of the eight remaining towers across the middle of the continental United States. "You could immediately establish a time signal to provide protection for critical infrastructure," he said. "It could be done in less than a year. The $10 million dollars would be a good start on that effort." The rest of it may cost between $400 million and $500 million to build. But Goward doesn't think the government should do it. His foundation advocates for a private-public partnership between government and business. The idea is that a company would build out the rest of the infrastructure, sell a subscription to the government and sell higher resolution services to private companies which the government would get a cut of while also providing basic service to the public for free. At this stage, it's unclear how the U.S. government will proceed. But technology marches on without the government, and as the world grows increasingly dependent on networks and automation, something will have to give. "We're relying on what the Department of Homeland Security calls a single-point-of-failure for critical infrastructure" says Goward. "That means when it fails, that has the potential to cause even bigger failures." National security advisor John Bolton listens as President Trump speaks to the news media on July 10, 2019. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) The Times obtained a copy of "The Room Where It Happened," John Bolton's memoir of his 17 months as President Trump's national security advisor. The book is scheduled for release on Tuesday, although the Justice Department has asked a federal judge to intervene, claiming the memoir contains classified material. Here are five takeaways from the book: 1. Start at the end. The self-justification for the entire exercise comes after some 483 pages, when Bolton tries to explain why he refused to testify during Trump's impeachment in the House only to lay it all out in this book, for which he was given a $2-million advance. Grumbling about House Democrats' "self-imposed scheduling limitations" and "partisan approach," he accuses them of "committing impeachment malpractice" for refusing to risk extending the process for months to allow a judge to rule on whether he and others were compelled to respond to subpoenas. Bolton also faults Democrats for focusing too narrowly on Trump's pressure campaign toward Ukraine, offering up claims about other impeachable acts including Trump repeatedly using foreign policy to help his reelection campaign. "I am hard-pressed to identify any significant Trump decision during my tenure," Bolton writes, "that wasn't driven by reelection calculations." 2. Not so tough on China. Or Turkey. According to Bolton, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping were discussing trade at the Group of 20 summit in Japan in June 2019 when Trump "stunningly, turned the conversation to the coming U.S. presidential election ... pleading with Xi to ensure hed win." Trump urged Xi to increase Chinese purchases of soybeans and wheat, stressing "the importance of farmers ... in the electoral outcome." These details could undermine Trump's frequent boasts about being tough on China, one fragile pillar of his reelection argument. Story continues Bolton says the president also signaled his approval of China's plan to imprison more than 1 million ethnic Chinese Uighurs in camps, and his indifference toward Taiwan's independence, a cornerstone of U.S. policy toward China for decades. Bolton also writes that Trump told Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he would try to get the Justice Department to drop a criminal case against the Turkish financial institution Halkbank that might have implicated Erdogan himself in Bolton's view, an attempt by the president "to show he had as much arbitrary authority as Erdogan." 3. The details corroborate what's already known. Bolton's ponderous portrayal shows Trump as an unfocused, incurious, moody and often vindictive narcissist with two preoccupations: news coverage of himself and his reelection. His lack of loyalty comes across again and again. During a secret overnight flight to visit U.S. troops in Iraq on Christmas night in 2018, Trump sought input from Bolton and others on Air Force One about dumping Vice President Mike Pence from the 2020 ticket in favor of Nikki Haley, who had just stepped down as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Intent on a legacy-making nuclear disarmament deal with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, Trump lashed out at Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo at one point, telling him, "I don't give a shit [about the details], we need a victory on this." Bolton, who flew to Mongolia in June 2019 to avoid accompanying Trump for a photo op with Kim at the buffer zone between North and South Korea, leaves no doubt about his feelings. "The whole thing made me ill," he writes. 4. Coronavirus claims. Bolton writes that National Security Council staffers "did their duty" when first warned in January about the coronavirus. He denied reports that trimming the NSC's global health and biodefense arms might explain the administration's slow initial response to the pandemic. The streamlining of NSC bureaucracy, Bolton writes, "was no more than a quiver of a butterfly's wings in the tsunami of Trump's chaos." Bolton blames the contagion, which has killed more 118,000 Americans and put more than 40 million out of work, on China and on a White House that only seemed to react once the stock market began to slip. "Trump's reflex effort to talk his way out of anything," Bolton writes, "only undercut his and the nation's credibility, with his statements looking more like political damage control than responsible public health advice." 5. Exhaustion. In Bolton's portrayal, Trump has exhausted the patience and goodwill of numerous high-ranking aides. None comes across as more forlorn and frustrated than former Chief of Staff John F. Kelly. In one chapter, Bolton describes Kelly failing to dissuade Trump from stripping security clearances from former CIA Director John Brennan, who had become a Trump critic on cable news. "'Has there ever been a presidency like this?' Kelly asked me, and I assured him there had not," Bolton writes. Kelly, a retired four-star Marine general whose son was killed in action a decade ago in Afghanistan, had grown upset about what he believed to be the president's cavalier attitude about American troops. "'Trump doesn't care what happens to these guys,' Kelly told Bolton, saying the president had said it would be "cool" to invade Venezuela. After Trump blew up at Kelly in the Oval Office over so-called caravans of migrants approaching the southern border, Bolton said he and Kelly ducked into the Roosevelt Room for a private conversation. "What is the alternative if you resign?" Bolton asked Kelly, who responded with a question of his own. "What if we have a real crisis like 9/11 with the way he makes decisions?" Kelly said. WASHINGTON A lawyer for the U.S. government said Friday that former national security advisor John Bolton's decision to publish a damning book about his time serving President Donald Trump is "a flagrant breach of" Bolton's agreement to not write about classified matters. Deputy Assistant Attorney General David Morrell also argued, during a court hearing before a federal judge, that it is Bolton's responsibility to now "claw back" all copies of his book, "The Room Where it Happened," which is due to be released next Tuesday. "He's created this mess, he's created this problem," Morrell contended in support of his request that Senior Judge Royce Lamberth issue an injunction in U.S. District Court in Washington barring the book from being published, for now. The Justice Department alleges in a lawsuit that the memoir contains classified information, and on Thursday, asked Lamberth to halt distribution and sale of the book, details of which already have been widely reported. Morrell said that Bolton had agreed as part of his job in the federal government that he would not publish a book containing classified information. "In exchange for money, he has broken that promise," Morrell said during the hearing, which was conducted via telephone due to the coronavirus pandemic. "This is a problem of his own making, the onus on him to solve it." Morrell called Bolton's move to publish the book before receiving approval from the government as part of a review process for classified material "a flagrant breach of the defendant's commitment." "It is not his role or entitlement to decide when the process is done," the lawyer said. But before Morrell argued his case, the judge raised the question of whether it was too late now to stop the book from being sold, given the fact that copies of it have already been shipped nationwide. "The horse, as we used to say in Texas, seems to be out of the barn," Lamberth said. "It certainly looks difficult to me what I can do about those books all over the country." Morrell told the judge that "deterrence matters, and that there's a massive government interest" in making sure agreements to not disclose classified information "are not breached willy-nilly." He said that Bolton could direct the book's publisher, Simon & Schuster, to contact distributors and ask for copies of the book to be shipped back. Bolton's lawyer, Charles Cooper, told the judge, "Ambassador Bolton fulfilled his contractual obligation not just in spirit, but to the letter." But Lamberth shot back, "That's not true. He didn't get written authorization." The judge added, "I don't understand why he didn't" file suit against the government if he thought the review process was taking too long, or was making incorrect determinations about what material in a draft of the book was classified. Cooper later said that "until these motion papers were presented by the government, there was never even a hint a hint! that there might be sensitive compartmentalized information in the manuscript." After two hours of arguments, Lamberth declared a recess in order to review the government's classified material designations behind closed doors. The ruling Congress won two and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) the remaining one Rajya Sabha seat that went to the polls in Rajasthan on Friday with social distancing measures in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Congresss Wajib Ali wore a personal protection equipment suit as he voted since he returned from Australia on Thursday evening but has tested negative for Covid-19 twice. The BJP questioned why Ali was allowed to vote and not put under quarantine upon his return. BJP MLA Ram Lal Sharma said the central and state governments have issued guidelines for compulsory quarantine for people returning from abroad. We raised the objection as he was putting other life in danger. The returning officer stopped him to vote, conducted the Covid19 test and then allowed after wearing PPE kit, he said. Ali maintained he tested negative for the disease in Australia as well as before voting. Returning officer Pramil Kumar Mathur said Neeraj Dangi and K C Venugopal (Congress) and BJPs Rajendra Gehlot were elected and that they received 59, 64 and 54 votes. A candidate required 51 first preference votes to win. Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted to congratulate Venugopal and Dangi. He said their victory is that of the ideology, policies and programmes of Congress Party under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi. He had accused the BJP of trying to poach Congress lawmakers ahead of the polls. The BJP had rejected the allegation. Venugopal thanked Sonia Gandhi, former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, Ashok Gehlot, Rajasthans deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot and Congress lawmakers and promised to become states voice and raise issues of farmers. Known to be close to Ashok Gehlot, Venugopal is a former Lok Sabha member from Keralas Alappuzha and has also served as a Union minister. He was elected to the Kerala assembly in 1996, 2001 and 2006. Dangi, a close confidant of Ashok Ghelot, has been the state president of Youth Congress and a three-time assembly member. Rajendra Gehlot is a two-time assembly member, who has served as minister in the state. Congress has a strength of 107 in the 200-member Rajasthan assembly. It also enjoys the support of 18 lawmakers, including 13 independents. The BJP has 72 lawmakers and support of three Rashtriya Loktantrik Party MLAs. Of the 200 lawmakers eligible to vote, minister Bhanwar Lal Meghwal and Girdhari Lal, a Communist Party of India (Marxist) member, could not vote because they were unwell. Political expert Narayan Bareith said the good thing in this election was that both the parties fielded their workers and not outsider. The BJP was legally entitled to field second candidate but morally was not as they didnt have the numbers. This create an atmosphere of possibilities of trading, which had happened in past be it in Gujarat, Goa or Manipur. The result was Congress camped their MLAs together, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON 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. To me anybody can be in a position of authority in Nigeria. It is not an exaggeration if I say that a child (foetus) in the womb is qualified to be in any leadership position in this country. The reason is that being a leader in this part of the globe does not need any fresh idea, just copy what your predecessors did in a similar situation and paste it.There is basically nothing new to add in leadership as the people have been taught intuitively to live as if they had none. Though very laughable and childish, yet the threat of sacking resident doctors demanding their right is not new.We are used to it as it is one of the factors that are considered before embarking on any strike. Did Jonathans then Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, not sack resident doctors in 2014? Did that last for a month? The minister knows that he has no legal right to sack resident doctors because he was not the one that employed them. I challenge him to show me any appointment letter he personally signed to employ any resident doctor in Nigeria. Our people say that it is only a mad man that does things the same way and expects a different result. Common knowledge should have taught our so-called leaders that shouting at a crying child without attending to the childs needs, does not solve the problem because peace is not the absence of war but the presence of justice. Dear Minister of Health, few weeks before Nigeria recorded the first Covid-19 case,you boasted severally that Nigeria was ready to fully handle Covid-19 cases. I can vividly remember that while that news was trending on social media, somebody comically wrote: Dear Covid-19, dont listen to our health minister. He was just joking. We all laughed it off but that post paradoxically conveyed its message. At times, I wonder if our leaders use same dictionary we use? Is there any other meaning to the word ready that I do not know?How could the Minister of Health claim that the country was ready to handle Covid-19 cases when many states did not have designated isolation centres as at the time of making such claim? When I read the story of a 70-year woman that died in Enugu isolation centre a day before her Covid-19 result came out negative,my heart trembled and I felt ashamed of being a Nigerian.The daughter of the late elderly woman came on social media to lambast my colleagues at Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital ,ESUTH, Parklane over what she described as neglect, inhuman environment and treatment meted to her late mother. What was the next reaction to her claims? Police barricaded the newly improvised isolation centre at Colliery Hospital,Enugu preventing people from having access to the centre possibly to prevent people from filming the poor state of the isolation centre to corroborate the story of the bereaved. Using dilapidated and abandoned buildings only inhabited by snakes and other reptiles, was it part of the claim of being ready to manage Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria? As at the time you repeatedly boasted that we were ready for handling the pandemic, the whole of Southeast and South-South had one testing centre at Irrua, Edo State. Other regions were even worse off except probably the Southwest and North Central because of Lagos and Abuja respectively. Releasing the results of patients many days after their deaths,was it part of the claim of being ready for the pandemic? It is a shame to us as a nation and the so-called Giant of Africa, that the result of that old woman came out a day after her death and it proved negative when in saner climes the results could have been produced less than 24 hours. What is the distance from the remotest part of Southeast or South-South to Irrua in Edo state? As a minister ready to handle Covid-19 pandemic, was there any arrangement on how samples collected from suspected patients would be sent to testing centres immediately? If yes, is it by land, by air or the use of drones? The newly established Abakaliki and Port Harcourt testing centres came along many weeks after the covid-19 cases were recorded in Nigeria. Now, Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) is asking for part of what should have constituted your claim of being ready to handle the Covid-19 pandemic in a country and all you can do is to threaten to sack them when you should have been the one tendering your resignation letter for deceiving the people that your ministry was ready to handle the pandemic in Nigeria when we were far from your claim? Do you want to create another Dr Stella Adadevoh who saved Nigeria from Ebola but today she is forgotten and her family abandoned? If she was probably the breadwinner for her family as her rank as a doctor could automatically made her, the governments posture would probably be that her dependants might as well go to hell since after all it was just her own contribution to nation building. Dear Minister,I want you to lead by example by consulting in one of the tertiary hospitals in Abuja without wearing PPE, who knows some gullible colleagues may be convinced to join you and become sacrificial lambs for the pandemic. The Genesis of the NARD Strike First, NARD is demanding that adequate PPE should be provided to Nigerian doctors and other health workers in order to fight the pandemic. My people say that it is only a tree that will hear of its planned death(cutting) and will still stand.We have seen and heard of the number of deaths recorded in countries with most developed healthcare system let alone Nigeria that ranked 187th by the World Health Organisation (WHO) among 195 member states on health issues. It seems that being sacked while alive is better for doctors than for them to intentionally embark on a suicide mission of treating suspected Covid-19 patients without adequate PPE. I dont think there is a motivational speech that will make a goat accept a duel with a lion or that will make a sane person stand on the path of a moving train . A paragraph of the new Hippocratic oath clearly states as follows: I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well-being, and abilities in order to provide care of the highest standard. Hence, asking for PPE for resident doctors and other health workers is not enough reason for the minister of health to threaten to sack resident doctors. Second, the government has repeatedly claimed that it has paid the insurance companies for the Life Insurance cover of the health workers. Regrettably, this claim cannot be confirmed as none of the families(beneficiaries) of the frontline medical doctors who died in the course of handling the pandemic has either been contacted by the so-called Insurance firms nor any money paid to them. Is it not preposterous for the Ministry of Health or that of Labour to claim that it does not have the list of affected doctors? Is asking for evidence of the agreed Life Insurance cover for the frontline health workers enough reason for the minister to threaten to sack resident doctors? Third, NARD is demanding implementation of the agreed hazard allowance for the health workers involved in the fight against the pandemic. I know that Nigerian press will never tell Nigerians that before now that the hazard allowance of Nigerian doctors was five thousand naira (N5000). Yes, you read it right! It is because of N5000 that many of my colleagues have contracted dreaded diseases while some have died in the course of handling their patients. On the issue of Hazard allowance for the frontline health workers,NARD is only asking that the government should show evidence of such payment as there is no way the government will keep on deceiving doctors that the money has been released when none of NARD members has received any dime to that effect. Is asking for evidence of money government claimed to have released which resident doctors have not received,enough reason for the health minister to threaten to sack the resident doctors? Fourth, on the issue of skipping arrears there is no way some health workers will be paid and resident doctors are not paid as even S.42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic 1999 (as amended) abhors discrimination in its entirety. What is the flimsy excuse that federal ministries of Health and Labour are giving for not paying the resident doctors their skipping arrears? They claim that they are waiting for a ruling of an appeal still pending in the court. Nigerians can see that what is sauce for the goose is no longer sauce for the gander when it is the turn of the resident doctors. Is asking why resident doctors should be discriminated against in the payment of skipping arrears enough reason for the health minister to threaten to sack them? Fifth,on the issue of differences in the salaries of doctors working with the federal and state governments, to me there is nothing to negotiate here since there is no disease called federal or state disease. Both doctors working with the federal and state governments face the same patients and occupational risks. They face same punitive measures if the management of the patient goes awry.So, why should there be a dichotomy in their salaries? If there is no discrepancy in the amount they pay in renewing their annual practising licences, why should there be a discrepancy in the amounts they receive as salaries and wages? Nigeria is the only country in the world where patriotism is interpreted as citizens forfeiting their rights while the leaders live in opulence and affluence because in saner climes, such a dichotomy in salaries and wages is unheard of. If the government claims that this is not the right time for resident doctors to embark on a nationwide strike,then the same government should realise that this is not the right time to be insincere with the resident doctors. I challenge the ministers of health and labour to produce facts that will refute my claims above and I want to strongly remind them that there is no best time for the health workers to embark on any strike hence government should be sincere with the health workers. On the Issue of UPTH Pulling Out of the National Strike The press will always like to report controversial matters because that increases the number of sales, in the case of printed media, or online traffic/visitors in the case of non-printed media . Almost all media houses have portrayed the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital(UPTH) chapter in good light without knowing the politics going on there.It may interest the members of the press to know that for more than a year, there has been a leadership crisis in ARD-UPTH chapter where there are two factions. One faction is led by Dr Samuel Ameh while the other faction is led by Dr Solomon Amadi. From the body language of the UPTH management, it is clear that it is solidly behind Dr Samuel Ameh-led faction as the management was eager to issue query to Dr Solomon Amadi while leaving Dr Samuel Ameh. This is simple power politics; Dr Solomon Amadi is recognized by NARD so his faction will obey NARD nationwide strike. On the other hand, Dr Samuel Amehs faction is not recognised by NARD but recognised by the UPTH management so his faction will dance to the tune of the management because if his faction is rejected by both NARD and UPTH management then his faction will immediately cease to exist as it will go into political extinction. It is somewhat embarrassing, unfair and biased when the members of the press carry headlines like: Resident doctors in Port Harcourt boycott strike due to Covid-19 Covid-19:Resident doctors in Port Harcourt pull out of strike Covid-19:Resident doctors in UPTH pull out of national strike Resident doctors in Rivers shun national strike Strike:we cannot abandon our patients say Rivers doctors ARD-UPTH pulls out of NARD strike However, such headlines are misleading as they dont reflect what is on ground. It is expected that the press should specify the particular faction that is not involved in the strike in the case of UPTH such as adding Dr Samuel Ameh led faction of ARD-UPTH to their headlines. Did the press bother to listen to the Dr Solomon Amadi-led faction or have they been bought over by Dr Samuel Ameh led faction and the UPTH management? Is such reportage not against the principles of balanced and investigative journalism? As a senior registrar who needs the help of the management for his permanent employment after his residency training, it is obvious that Dr Samuel Ameh is likely going to sell our collective birth-right (NARD demands) over a plate of porridge (his personal recognition and cordial relationship with the UPTH management).Will Dr Ameh tell me that his members have received all that NARD is demanding? Recently, the NMA Rivers issued a press release through the chairperson of the association in the state where all the demands of NARD were reiterated. If Dr Samuel Ameh faction has enough PPE, he should please donate some to NMA Rivers state as the recent response by the Commissioner of Health in the state to the press release by NMA Rivers over PPE and other demands was not funny at all. Political observers will tell you that there is a cold war between the leadership of NMA in Rivers state and the state government as the state governor recently accused the NMA chairperson of venturing into politics and at same time reminding her that she is a civil servant and anybody knows that it is against civil service rule to criticise the government while still working as a civil servant. Dr Samuel Ameh can end this cold war by simply donating the surpluses his faction has to NMA Rivers after all the holy book says blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called children of God. I am sure he will not do that because he needs to make peace with his rival, Dr Solomon Amadi, that is recognised by the national body (NARD). One thing is clear, Dr Samuel Ameh and the members of his executive would go down in history as a team that sabotaged the struggle of their colleagues.I am sure that they might have weighed the NARD punitive measures for members that sabotage their struggles such as not eligible to contest any NARD posts et cetera, Dr Samuel Ameh and his executive might have believed that as they would soon exit the training that there was no need going for NARD elective posts but the truth remains that members of NARD today will still be members of MDCAN (Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria) and NMA at large, tomorrow. I challenge the Dr Samuel Ameh-led faction of the ARD-UPTH chapter to produce evidence where his faction sat and agreed with the ARD-UPTH congress as contained in the ARD-UPTH constitution before playing to the gallery to announce that ARD-UPTH chapter was pulling out of the national strike. Dr Ameh-led faction of ARD-UPTH hatred and disobedience to NARD but still answers ARD is what Ayi Kwei Armah called Chidodo bird in his novel , The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born. The said Chidodo bird hates excreta but feeds on the maggots that feed on the excreta. What is ARD without NARD? Dr Ameh should have allowed the management of UPTH coin a new name for his faction instead of answering ARD. Also, I advise the members of the press to launch an investigative journalism to my claims above. I need not to teach them what to do in a situation like this, however I can make suggestions to them, they can interview different doctors in UPTH to corroborate my claims .If the doctors in the centre refuse to grant such interviews due to expected intimidation and victimization by the management, then the journalists can undercover as patients or patients relatives in the centre to know if all activities are fully going on in the centre . The members of the press should ensure their investigations and reportage in the ARD-UPTH leadership crisis should be fair and balanced. Dr Paul John Port Harcourt, member Medinews ( NMA national quarterly magazine) 2016-2018, [email protected] ,08083658038 Not taking kindly to the Kerala government making Covid-free certificates mandatory for expatriates hoping to return to the state from the Gulf countries, Kerala Congress president Mullapally Ramachandran said the state health minister KK Shailaja was not interested in saving lives and mocked her with a Covid Rani epithet. The state Congress chief said the health minister was only after records and laurels. She is trying to get the label of Covid Rani and earlier she was fighting for the title of Nipah Rajkumari, he said after inaugurating the one-day sit-in protest by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala. He was referring to the nipah outbreak which was localised and contained effectively in 2018. More than 200 people died in the Gulf due to covid-19 in the last three months. Our people are desperate to come back. But the government is scared of its numbers and image. It is after records and recognition and shedding crocodile tears for poor expatriates who made Kerala, he said. The state government, said Ramachandran, should be held responsible for these deaths. Many took to social media to slam the state Congress chief, calling out his speech as misogynistic and unparliamentary. CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat and CPI leader Annie Raja sought teh Congress leaders apology. The CPI(M) youth wing the Democratic Youth Federation of India said the leaders remarks exposed culture of the party. Last week the state had issued an order making a certificate mandatory for all foreign travellers coming to the state but the Centre said it was impractical. After the issue snowballed into a controversy, Ramachandran clarified that his remarks were not against womanhood but against an insensible government and minister. He said full credit for fighting virus should go to health workers not to the government which hijacked it. On Thursday, CM Pinarayi Vijayan had suggested that the state will send testing kits to embassies. There are an estimated 18 lakh people from the state in the middle-east and at least four lakh are expected to return. More than 80,000 people have returned in the last one month. The state was forced to take such a decision after 80 per cent of recent cases were found to be imported - people who came from abroad and other states. Kerala was the first state to report a Covid-19 case in the country in January, but has since managed it well with high recovery and lowest mortality rates. The state health minister has been hailed for her leadership role in effectively fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Kasautii Zindagii Kay actor Parth Samthaan got his fans worried on Friday, when he shared a photo of his injured leg on his Instagram story. Though he didn't say how he injured himself, the actor informed his fans that he is doing fine and has "almost recovered." Shooting for Kasautii Zindagii Kay is going to resume soon. Parth had travelled to Hyderabad during the lockdown and kept sharing pictures and videos from there. He seems to be back in Mumbai for the shoot. Erica Fernandes, who plays the lead role opposite Parth, recently said that she is not looking forward to resume shooting. Maharashtra Chief Minster Uddhav Thackeray had announced that shoots will be allowed to resume provided people followed the rules of social distancing. But Erica told Pinkvilla, "It's not a simple question of yes or no. There is a lot to it. People have been out of work for a very long time. Some do not have the luxury of making a choice if they should get back to work or not. But if you personally ask me, I am not up for it, not now at least, maybe a little later yes, and this is due to multiple reasons." Read: Kasautii Zindagii Kay's Erica Fernandes Not in Hurry to Resume Shoot, Here's Why Meanwhile, the show needs a new actor to play its antagonist. Hunt for a replacement for the role of Mr Rishabh Bajaj is on, after Karan Singh Grover, who earlier essayed this role, refused to start shooting anytime soon. Names such as Karan Patel, Gaurav Chopra and Sharad Kelkar have been doing the rounds. Read: Sharad Kelkar, Gaurav Chopraa in Talks to Replace Karan Singh Grover as Mr Bajaj in Kasautii Zindagii Kay? Follow @News18Movies for more New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh board is set to announce the Class 10 result 2020 in the next week. The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP), which is responsible for conducting the board exams for Intermediate and High School, is expected to announce the class 10 result next week. The students who took the class 10 exams will be able to check their result 2020 on the UPMSP's official website- upmsp.edu.in. The students also check find their results on other websites- upresults.nic.in and upmspresults.up.nic.in. The students can get their results on their mobile phones via SMS. They need to go to the message option and type UP10ROLLNUMBER - and send it to 56263. The students can check their UP Board Class 10 result 2020 following the steps given below: 1. The students should first visit the websites - upmsp.edu.in, upresults.nic.in or upmspresults.up.nic.in 2. They should click on the link- UP Board Result 2020 Class 10 3. They should put their roll number and other requisite credentials 4. The result with subject wise score will now be displayed on the screen 5. Students are advised to download their copy for future reference The state's Deputy CM Dinesh Sinha, who also holds secondary education portfolio, recently stated that the state education board is gearing up to release the results. Notably, the UPMSP, Prayagraj, usually announces the UP Board Result in the month of April or May, but this year, it has been delayed due to the COVID-19 lockdown. BUFFALO As 16-year-old Danica Boyce stood in tears on the stage at Crazy Woman Square, a crowd of roughly 100 chanted up at her: We love you. It was the crescendo of Monday nights peaceful solidarity protest organized by a trio of recent Buffalo High School graduates who said they wanted to offer community members an opportunity to speak out against racial injustice. Protests have spread across the country and the world since George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee against Floyds neck for almost nine minutes. All four officers involved were fired after the May 25 incident, and Chauvin faces charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter. Surrounded by friends before the Buffalo protest, Boyce said she felt protected. Its mostly scary to just kind of stand up as a minority, showing yourself as a person and showing what you want the change that you want to see for people of your skin color and people of your ethnicity, she said. Many protesters wore T-shirts painted with the image of an upraised fist and #BLM, a reference to the Black Lives Matter movement that was founded in 2013 to combat systemic racism and police brutality. Kevin Thomas, of Buffalo, said his wife created the shirts. Thomas, who is Black, attended the protest with his son, daughter and niece. I want them to know that what Im doing is for their future, in order for them to grow, in order for them to be better people in society, he said. I will agree, all lives do matter, but until Black lives matter, there cant be any justice. Editor's note On Friday, The Associated Press changed its recommendation for the word "Black," which it now capitalizes when used as "an adjective in a racial, ethnic or cultural sense." "Use of the capitalized Black recognizes that language has evolved," the AP Stylebook's update reads, "along with the common understanding that especially in the United States the term reflects a shared identity and culture rather than a skin color alone." The AP Stylebook also accepts the term "African American," though it is not always interchangeable with Black. The Star-Tribune generally adheres to the AP Stylebook, with some exceptions. Rowan Heil, Keegan Hansen Bennett McDonnell and Georgia Wages organized the event. The Black Lives Matter movement has never been bigger than it is right now, Heil said. I think that its up to us to stand up and to listen to them and to do our part. The protests that followed Floyds death began in large cities but have since spread to small towns and rural areas in all 50 states. In Wyoming, large protests continue to take place in Laramie but have also appeared in towns like Dubois and Pinedale. A reported crowd of 500 attended a protest in Sheridan earlier this month. Although some of the initial protests in larger cities turned violent, those in Wyoming have remained largely peaceful. Theres ignorance everywhere, Boyce said. Ive definitely felt a little bit more of it here, just from living in a smaller community with more conservative viewpoints, but I feel like the fact that we can have this kind of thing is showing the change. Mondays march began in front of the Johnson County Judicial Center and moved on the sidewalk along Fort Street until it reached Crazy Woman Square. The assembled crowd spanned all age groups: Children rode on parents shoulders, while one older marcher walked with the assistance of a cane. At the request of organizers, almost all of the participants wore masks due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. They stayed on sidewalks throughout the walk so as not to impede traffic, carrying signs with slogans such as, Dont let isolation make you ignorant, and Being silent is complicit. In block lettering, one sign read, This is fighting for my country. Black lives matter to veterans. Although three or four pickups flying Confederate and Gadsden flags and Trump 2020 banners buzzed up and down Fort Street in counterprotest, many other passing cars brought honks and cheers of support. The organizers had notified the Buffalo Police Department about the event a week in advance, Chief Jason Carder said. Police vehicles with their lights flashing insulated the group from the front, back and sides throughout the walk downtown. Our goal is that everyone gets a chance to be safe, Carder said. He paused to shout for a fellow officer: Get that truck out of here! as a pickup circled Crazy Woman Square, revving its engine. Some states and police departments have committed to new practices and training procedures in the wake of protests, but Carder said that the Buffalo Police Department didnt plan to make any changes. Unfortunately, were in a new era, Carder said. But we always stay on top of our training, were always working with our communities. Thomas, the protester, said he appreciated the police presence at the march. I personally know almost every single police officer in this town, and we have great rapport with each other. I love talking to them; they talk to me and my kids, he said. Thomas said he was raised in a poor neighborhood in Texas, growing up amid guns, a lot of racism and killing, things he said havent been a part of his experience since moving to Buffalo 12 years ago. One thing I love about Wyoming, period, out of everything Ive been through in my life, Wyoming has taught me to love and embrace my fellow man, he said. It lets me raise my kids in a different environment from what I grew up in. Once the group reached the square, the protesters observed 8 minutes, 46 seconds of silence, representing the amount of time that Chauvin knelt on Floyds neck. Amid the stillness, a group of roughly 10 counterprotesters, who later identified themselves as high school students, ran around the square with flags yelling, Trump 2020! and All lives matter! Several adults across the street also shouted at the protesters, telling them not to kneel before the American flag that was displayed on the stage. Buffalo Mayor Shane Schrader watched the event from a distance with several police officers. They have the right to a peaceful protest and so does everybody else, he said. A succession of speakers took to the stage to address the crowd, amplifying their voices with a brown cardboard megaphone. I am an Indigenous woman in America, said Corrin LaMere of Sheridan, who is of Chippewa Cree, Crow and Pueblo heritage. My dad is Black, and I fear for his life every single day. I fear for my sisters lives every single day. I shouldnt have to fear for their lives because of the color of their skin. I shouldnt have to fear for my own life as a woman of color in Wyoming. The gathering concluded as Boyce stood in front of a kneeling crowd and sang the national anthem in a strong, clear voice. Before she reached the final home of the brave, many of her fellow protesters had already joined in the refrain. Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Supreme Court told the government Friday that it expected all stranded migrants to be sent home free of cost by the June 24, the deadline set by it. Organisations helping migrants had complained to the court over the alleged lack of publicity about the schedule of Shramik Special trains launched in May to ferry migrant workers home. Also, there were allegations that migrants had to pay for their journey home. We issued appropriate directions to all states (on June 9). All migrant workers have to be transported in 15 days, the bench of justices Ashok Bhushan, SK Kaul and MR Shah said, reiterating its order through video conferencing. Our order is very clear that no migrant worker has to pay for the ticket. Senior advocate Gopal Shankaranaraynan, who appeared for the National Law Universities Alumni Association, told the court that members of his group were helping migrants stuck in Maharashtra to reach destinations in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. He alleged that there was lack of information on the trains.He complained that migrants were being asked to pay for tickets. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta said the Centre will make available trains within 24 hours of receiving a request. The court posted the matter on July 8 to monitor implementation of its directions. States and Union territories received a mandate on June 9 from the court to ensure the return of all workers stranded by the lockdown to their home states and to inform it about welfare programmes, including job opportunities, they plan to offer the returnees.The court also asked states and Union territories to identify migrant workers who have returned and prepare an inventory of the vocational skills they possess and their employment history. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Beirut, Lebanon Strike up a conversation about the general situation in Lebanon today and at some point, in an exasperated voice, the phrase will be uttered: How much more can this country take? Lebanon has been beset by disruptions and bad decisions that have spawned a political crisis, widespread social unrest and plunged its economy deeper into crisis. While many of Lebanons plagues are rooted in years of financial mismanagement and a culture of corruption among the countrys elites, some are beyond Beiruts control like the coronavirus pandemic and the war next door in Syria. Now, a new set of wide-ranging United States sanctions threaten to add to Lebanons troubles. Analysts warn that the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act could foster greater political instability and conflict in Lebanon over the divisive issue of ties with Syria and Iran-backed Hezbollahs outsized role in the country. 200615103238508 I dont think Lebanon will succeed in mitigating the impact of this legislation. Its part of an increasing pressure campaign on Syria, Iran and its prime proxy in the region, Hezbollah, Hilal Khashan, a professor of political studies at the American University of Beirut told Al Jazeera. The internal situation in Lebanon is heading towards some fragmentation, and I dont think a full-blown conflict with Israel is out of the question, given growing US efforts to decisively encircle Iran and its allies. Noble goals The Caesar Act was conceived as a tool to pressure and sanction those who aid the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad most notably Russia and Iran, the countries credited with turning the tide of Syrias nine-year war in al-Assads favour. The act is named after a Syrian military photographer who leaked some 55,000 pictures of people who were systematically tortured and killed by al-Assads regime, and aims to punish and pressure the regime, stop human rights abuses and push for a political transition. A Lebanese riot policeman walks near fires during a protest against the fall in the pound currency and mounting economic hardship, in Beirut, Lebanon [File: Mohamed Azakir/Reuters] The first round of sanctions announced this week target individuals within Syria including al-Assad, members of his family, officials and business people tied to the regime. It also targets any foreign person or entity that provides aid or material support to al-Assads government or works with specific Syrian industries like construction and the energy sector. The Act seeks to deny the Assad regime the financial resources that his regime uses to fuel its campaign of violence and destruction that has killed hundreds of thousands of civilians, a US State Department official who asked not to be identified told Al Jazeera. The Act is meant to send a clear signal that no external actor should enter into business with or otherwise enrich such a regime. That targeting of foreign entities could scupper long-held hopes by Lebanese politicians and companies of participating in Syrias lucrative reconstruction. The administration of US President Donald Trump also promised to step up sanctions on Hezbollah and its affiliates in Lebanon, part of a so-called maximum pressure campaign aimed at Iran. Strong informal economic ties Lebanon and Syria enjoy a long history of cross-border trade. While the volume of formal trade has decreased as political divides over the Assad regime have frozen official relations between the two countries, informal commerce has flourished. The value of Lebanons overall exports in the first half of 2019 was $1.73bn, with Syria accounting for less than 7 percent of that or $115m. This places Syria behind Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, according to BLOMINVEST, the research arm of one of Lebanons leading banks. Syria does not even crack the top 10 countries for Lebanese imports. But official trade figures obscure far deeper informal transactions. The two countries have a long history of smuggling through official border crossings as well as dozens of clandestine crossings that dot their 400km (248-mile) border. Sami Nader, director of the Levant Institute for Strategic Studies, told Al Jazeera that by making formal trade more difficult, the US sanctions will drive commerce further underground and turbo-charge the smuggling of fuel, wheat and other basic goods. Moreover, since those goods are subsidised, ie purchased by the Lebanese government with foreign currency and sold at a discount to the Lebanese people an increase in smuggling will further deplete Lebanons already squeezed US dollar supply. Lebanons central bank reserves are estimated to be around $20bn and are being rationed mostly for imports of basic goods. Im worried about how the situation in Syria will lead to bleeding the Lebanese foreign-currency reserves slowly through the smuggling of subsidised goods and increased demand for our few remaining dollars, Nader said. Demonstrators throw stones during a protest against the fall in the pound and mounting economic hardship, in Tripoli, Lebanon [File: Omar Ibrahim/Reuters] Demand for US dollars in Syria and Lebanon increased sharply as people sought to hoard greenbacks as the deadline neared for Ceaser Act sanctions to take effect, Nader said. The rush on US dollars saw the value of both the Syrian and Lebanese currencies plunge sharply on parallel and black markets in recent weeks. When asked by Al Jazeera whether Washington is prepared to mitigate the unintended fallout on Lebanon of Ceaser Act sanctions, the senior State Department official responded that the US remained a steadfast partner of the Lebanese People,and had contributed $750m in economic development, humanitarian aid and security assistance in 2019 alone. Lebanons defence, foreign and information ministers, and the head of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee did not respond to Al Jazeeras requests for comment. No Energy? No problem Lebanons single consistent official transaction with the Syrian state has been the purchase of power, up to 250 megawatts in recent years according to a source at state-run power company Electricite du Liban. But the source told Al Jazeera that Lebanon was not currently purchasing power from Syria and had not been for some time now, though they could not give an exact date. This signals that Lebanon should be relatively insulated from sanctions should they affect power purchases from Damascus. Lebanon only produces around 2000 megawatts of power but has a peak summer demand in excess of 3500 a gap that was previously bridged in part by energy from Syria, but mostly by hundreds of privately-run diesel generators. Political pressure to turn east Aside from its potential economic effects, the Caesar Act could also fuel tensions in Lebanons fractious political landscape that is split between Hezbollah and its allies who favour strong ties with Syria and those who vehemently oppose ties with al-Assads regime, such as former Prime Minister Saad Hariris Future Movement. In a speech on Wednesday night, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said the Caesar Act aimed to starve people in both Syria and Lebanon, and that Lebanon should turn from the US and Europe and look east to Iran and China as sources of potential aid. The US was looking to shut down all the possibilities in front of you as people to live a dignified life and secure job opportunities and create industry and sell your industrial products and agriculture and to make a productive economy, so you go hungry, Nasrallah said. But Nader believes the Act will make the argument for normalising ties with Damascus much less palpable. This was a hard sell before and now its really not politically feasible, he said. I mean just imagine the weight of the sanctions that would come to bear. Already, companies large and small are succumbing to the effects of the coronavirus. They include household names like Hertz and J. Crew and comparatively anonymous energy companies like Diamond Offshore Drilling and Whiting Petroleum. And the wave of bankruptcies is going to get bigger. Even a meaningful economic rebound is unlikely to save a number of companies already on the edge. Credit:Bloomberg Edward Altman, creator of the Z score, a widely used method of predicting business failures, estimated that this year will easily set a record for so-called megabankruptcies filings by companies with $US1 billion ($1.5 billion) or more in debt. And he expects the number of merely large bankruptcies at least $US100 million to challenge the record set the year after the 2008 economic crisis. Even a meaningful rebound in economic activity over the coming months won't stop it, said Altman, the Max L. Heine professor of finance, emeritus, at New York University's Stern School of Business. "The really hurting companies are too far gone to be saved," he said. WASHINGTON - Former White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney critiqued President Donald Trump's hiring decisions, saying the president did not choose the right people. Mulvaney, who served as the top aide to Trump in an acting capacity until March, made that assessment during an interview on CNN on Friday morning when asked about the many high-ranking officials who have criticized the president after leaving his administration. "If there was one criticism I would level against the president, he didn't hire very well," Mulvaney said. "He did not have experience at running government, and didn't know how to put together a team that could work well with him." The conversation came amid this week's buzz over Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton's tell-all book about his time in the White House, in which he describes a morally corrupt president fixated on his own political success. The list of Trump administration officials-turned-critics is long and includes former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, former Navy Secretary Richard Spencer and former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Mulvaney claimed most of the people now chiding the president are from the military and said that's "not the personality that works well with Donald Trump who is a small-business man who did extremely well." Trump famously said during the 2016 presidential campaign that if he became president he would "surround myself only with the best and most serious people. We want top of the line professionals." But in the past three and a half years, there's been high turnover in the White House, and Trump has attacked many of the people he once hired, such as former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, whom he now despises. At an event at the White House on Thursday, as reporters were escorted out of the room, one correspondent yelled to the president: "Why do you keep hiring people that you believe are ;wackos' and 'liars'?" - the names he's called Bolton. Trump sat stone-faced and ignored the question. Chinas insects and other invertebrates are spoilt for choice with the countrys array of deserts, rainforests, mountains and tropical coastlines. The winning photographs of the Wild China Biodiversity Photography Contest hosted by Wild China Film present the countrys sweeping lands and rare plants from unexpected perspectives. Here is a pick of the crop Jan 21, 2022 06:20 PM As the entire country mourns the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, his fans are demanding justice for the actor. While many are demanding a CBI probe into the actor's death, the police are trying to connect all the dots of Sushant's suicide. They have been interrogating those close to the actor. Reportedly, three days before the death of the actor, he had cleared salaries and payments of his staff and household help. Times Now reports that while paying salaries to them he asserted that it won't be possible for him to pay them further. To which his staff had replied, "Aap ne humein itna sambhala hai, aagey hum kuch na kuch kar leinge". Rajput's close friend Rhea Chakraborty was quizzed by the Bandra police on Thursday for more than ten hours in connection with the late actor's suicide case. Earlier, casting director Mukesh Chhabra and Sushant's family members had recorded their statements. Actor's business manager Shruti Modi and Radhika Nihalani from his PR team were also questioned. The actor had hanged himself on Sunday at his flat in Mumbai's Bandra. On Monday, Sushant was cremated in Mumbai and from there, his ashes were brought to Patna. Sushant's family immersed his ashes in the Ganga near Dighaghat in Patna, where his late mother's ashes had also been immersed. Follow @News18Movies for more An elderly woman has been taken to hospital for treatment for burn injuries after an oven fire incident at her home in Cork city today. The alarm was raised just after lunchtime today. Kimberly Drew, "This Is What I Know About Art" (detail) (Ashley Lukashevsky / Penguin Random House) Artists often look around the world, do not see themselves and so set about the imaginative process of making a world that includes them front and center. Kimberly Drew is not an artist but she thinks like one. Drew is a writer, and her newly published book for young adults is a smart narrative of a sometimes muddled, sometimes clarifying journey of artistic imagination. This Is What I Know About Art, out this month from Penguin Workshop, tracks the awakening of her steadily growing appetite for painting, sculpture and other forms of cultural production, as well as for the institutions that chronicle and house it. She puts herself in the middle of the tale. The timing couldnt be better. Drew, born in Orange, N.J., in 1990, is Black and gay, and gay Black women have been instrumental in leading the protests against police brutality and structural racism that have galvanized the nation since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. There is anger about institutional inequality in this book, as there should be. In 2014, while working as social media manager at the Studio Museum in Harlem, the then-23-year-old wrote angry posts about the lack of diversity in the newly released list of artists for the next Whitney Biennial. Museum spokespeople dont often publicly attack other museums, so the posts were widely noticed. Studio Museum Director Thelma Golden called Drew into her office not to dress down the younger woman but to consider how she could be more effective with her incisive observation. It was not just enough to be angry, Drew writes. I had to be strategic. Drews anger reminded me of James Baldwin nearly 60 years ago. The writer famously told a 1961 radio interviewer, To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a state of rage almost, almost all of the time and in one's work. This Is What I Know About Art, chronicling a dawning of cultural consciousness and aimed squarely at high school and young-adult readers, is an example of doing that work. Goldens immediate advice merges with Baldwins historical counsel. Its a story of how, in an American society where art is of marginal public interest, the author came to discover its power. And its a story in which many (maybe most) people who have emerged as artists and art workers will recognize themselves. Story continues (Penguin Random House) One pivotal moment in that evolution came, ironically enough, in the Whitneys galleries, where Drew had taken her mother on an outing. Excited to show her an Andy Warhol painting, Drew was shocked when her dear mom, a woman she describes as brilliant, had never heard of arguably the worlds most famous contemporary artist. On one hand, I immediately realized that my mother was part of a majority of Black people who do not frequent museums, Drew writes, citing a familiar institutional complaint. But she takes the rote observation one step further, which orthodox museum proselytizers rarely do: Her mother hadnt set foot inside an art museum since her daughter was born, but the omission also seemingly had little impact on her life. A life well lived without art museum attendance? Sure why not? Many in my own family have done it. Call this a meaningful, profoundly personal lesson in scale and complexity, themes essential to any deep understanding of works of art, museum cultures and how they operate in American life. The experience revealed something Drew hadnt been taught at her Rhode Island boarding school or during otherwise excellent classes in art history and African American studies at prestigious Smith College. Put it like this: Art and art museums are not for everybody; but they are for anybody, which isnt the same thing. Barriers against anybody need removal. This Is What I Know About Art starts with Drews not uncommon youthful cluelessness that being an artist or an art professional curator, gallerist, critic, historian, etc. is an actual thing that grown-ups do. She started college with a career in math in mind, then slid through chemistry, engineering and architecture, since math was applied to all those disciplines. She was never fully comfortable in any of them. Finally, thanks to an unusually perceptive academic adviser who taught African American studies, she applied for and got a paid summer internship at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Everything changed. The changes werent easy, and Drew is candid in describing failures and anxieties, not just successes, along the way. (The target teen and young-adult readership is plainly in mind, but codgers benefit too.) Back in school, art history classes began to fill her schedule. Quickly she arrived at the inevitable question: Where are the Black artists? Almost none turned up in her varied coursework. Cultural erasure is its own form of violence. For partial explanation, Drew quotes scholar and social activist bell hooks: Throughout African American history, performance has been crucial in the struggle for liberation, precisely because it has not required the material resources demanded by other art forms. In her junior year at Smith, Drew launched on Tumblr the Black Contemporary Art blog, recording the genre's present and catapulting its visibility. Drews book is short (just 61 pages of text). But her private and professional experience in digital social media no doubt honed the evident skill she put to good use with brevity here. On social media, 280 tight Twitter characters, a few graphs of Facebook text or a series of captioned Tumblr photographs can go a long way, diverging on infinite digital networks. Perhaps well know more in December, when Black Futures, Drew's joint book project with New York Times journalist Jenna Wortham, is published (also from Penguin Random House). Yet, by managing social media at the upstart Studio Museum, which is focused on art by people of the African diaspora, and doing similar work at New Yorks establishment titan, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is encyclopedic in scope, Drew has been instrumental in establishing a new field. Drews memorable social media moniker is @museummammy. It shows her cultural savviness pop and otherwise. In 1964, New York artist Joe Overstreet painted Aunt Jemima tossing a hand grenade and blazing away with an assault rifle amid a pancake shower. Los Angeles assemblage artist Betye Saar soon equipped a grinning array of vintage Mammy memorabilia with tools like a Molotov cocktail and assorted guns. In the same way that Drews millennial generation reclaimed "queer," transforming a cruel epithet into a smart honorific, @museummammy gave a wry side-eye to a coerced figure of genuine domestic care, now taking the reins in public. Subservience became empowerment. Anger got strategic, which her target audience needs to know. Prof. LI Chuanfeng, XU Jinshi, and XU Xiaoye from University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), collaborating with Prof. CHEN Jingling from Nankai University, realized the non-contacing exchange of the polarization of two photons, revealing the unique quantum characteristics of the "Quantum Cheshire Cat". The study, published in Nature Communications, deepens the understanding of the fundamental problem of physics, "what is physical reality." In classical world, an object should carry all of its physical properties. However, in quantum world, a quantum object may not act in such a manner - it can temporarily leave some of its physical properties where it never appears. This phenomenon is first proposed in 2013 by Yakir Aharonov, which is known as the quantum Cheshire cat effect. Cheshire Cat is a grinning cat in the fairy tale "Alice in Wonderland". It can disappear, but its grin is still hanging in the air. In the next few years, experimental physicists observed the separation of the particle properties from the particles in the neutron and photon interference experiments. Scientists soon realized that the results of these experiments could be explained by the classic interference theory. To show the unique quantum effects of "Quantum Cheshire Cat", however, more complicated experiments were needed. Prof. LI's group, for the first time, used the two-photon system to demonstrate the unique quantum effect of two "quantum Cheshire Cats" exchanging grins. Weak values are required to characterize the location of Cheshire cat and its grin in experiments. However the extraction of weak values in multi-body quantum systems is a big problem. In this study, scientists proved that the traditional weak measurement method can be bypassed by applying a perturbation to the system. The weak value can be obtained directly by using the inherent relationship between the system detection probability and the strength of the perturbation. They prepared a two-photon hyper-entangled state, that is, the polarization and path degrees of freedom of the two photons are respectively in the maximum entangled state but there are no correlations between the two degrees of freedom. Then imaginary time evolution introduces perturbation to obtain the weak value of path and polarization of the photon. Through these weak values, scientists observed that every photon and its polarization are separated, and finally the polarization of the other photon is obtained. The non-contacting grin exchange of the two "quantum Cheshire cats" is realized. ### Yves here. Richard Murphys observations about QE hitting its limits are clearly relevant to the US. Sadly, things will have to get worse before ideas like a job guarantee or Green New Deal-type work schemes even get a hearing. By Richard Murphy, a chartered accountant and a political economist. He has been described by the Guardian newspaper as an anti-poverty campaigner and tax expert. He is Professor of Practice in International Political Economy at City University, London and Director of Tax Research UK. He is a non-executive director of Cambridge Econometrics. He is a member of the Progressive Economy Forum. Originally published at Tax Research UK The Bank of England has just announced that: At its meeting ending on 17 June 2020, the MPC voted unanimously to maintain Bank Rate at 0.1%. The Committee voted unanimously for the Bank of England to continue with the existing programme of 200 billion of UK government bond and sterling non-financial investment-grade corporate bond purchases, financed by the issuance of central bank reserves. The Committee voted by a majority of 8-1 for the Bank of England to increase the target stock of purchased UK government bonds, financed by the issuance of central bank reserves, by an additional 100 billion, to take the total stock of asset purchases to 745 billion. So QE is to increase by 100 billion, and the total corporate debt owned is to be left at 10 billion, meaning that the Bank of England will now own 735 billion of UK government debt. To put that in context, even assuming 300 billion more debt will be issued this year (by no coincidence, the exact sum that the Bank has agreed to buy) this means that the Bank will now own more than a third of UK national debt. And, as importantly, this also means that all the government deficit for this year will be funded by the Bank of England and none by private savers, which appears to be a quite extraordinary move when it would seem as if financial markets are anxious for that debt. So what is happening here? First, there is direct monetary finance of the government by the Bank of England going on, whatever the Bank and the government might like to say. Second, because quantitative easing is being used private markets are involved and a rake-off from the QE programme will go to the financial services sector, entirely unnecessarily. Third, quantitative easing does have a history of inflating private sector asset prices, and so of massively contributing to growth in inequality in the last decade. This is likely to happen again. Fourth, it would seem likely that there are now too few gilts in the market to meet private demand: that may leave private savers exposed to unnecessary risk right now. Fifth, the charade that the government is not funding itself goes on, and so the pressure for austerity is wholly unnecessarily maintained. Sixth, nothing in this programme requires that actual investment takes place: this is merely a money generation programme. That is, of course, what MMT says a government can do albeit it would much prefer that it did not happen behind these sham arrangements and was instead out in the open for all to see but what MMT also says is that such programmes need to be targetted to work. That means that they need to be designed to have an impact in the real world where people work, whoever their employer might be. And so far there appears to be no plan to back up this level of spend, which is what is troubling about it. And that is why I think that QE is running out of road. I have used the word unnecessarily in this post a surprising number of times. That is because that is precisely what quantitative easing is: unnecessary. What we need is an honest economic policy that explains precisely how in the current situation government is funded, so that people know the truth. And what people need to know is precisely how the government is going to spend to support them in the crisis that we are facing. QE lets the government hide from this degree of honesty, and that is unacceptable when very high trust is required right now. QE has done its job. Can we now have some honesty about how we move on from here? And might we then talk about green QE and direct funding for the government? Because that way the government cannot hide from accountability for what it is doing. India to Purchase 33 MiG-29, Su-30MKI Jets Under Emergency Order Amid Border Tension With China Sputnik News 17:47 GMT 18.06.2020 New Delhi (Sputnik): India and Russia have been negotiating the purchase of MiG-29 and Su-30MKI aircraft since last year. In 2019, a top-level Indian Air Force (IAF) team visited a Russian facility to check the MiG-29 fighter jets; later, it submitted a favourable report to the IAF headquarters. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to purchase 33 fighter jets from Russia under an emergency clause amid an ongoing border stand-off with China. Government sources have confirmed that the IAF has moved a proposal to the Defence Ministry for approval in which it has suggested the acquisition of 21 MiG-29s and 12 Su-30MKIs from Russia. "The Air Force has been working on this plan for some time but they have now fast-tracked the process and the proposals expected to be worth over $800 million (INR 6,000 crore) would be placed before the Defence Ministry for its final approval next week at a high-level meeting", government sources told ANI. The move comes after the IAF team found the price offered by Russia to be competitive. In 2008, India and Russia signed a $964 million contract for the modernisation of 62 MiG-29 twin-engine single-seat air superiority fighters (54 fighters and 8 trainers). The IAF has also decided to expedite the purchase of additional Su-30s from Russia, which will serve as substitutes for jets which have been lost in accidents. IAF head Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria, in a media interaction in October 2019, confirmed that the additional Sukhoi-30MKI fighters would be built by HAL in Nasik. "We are moving towards ordering 12 more Sukhoi-30s. Whether we need some more in lieu of aircraft that are going to get phased out from 2025 onwards we will have to take a look later. But at the moment, 12 is what is being followed up straightaway", Bhadauria said. Last year, India's state-funded Hindustan Aeronautics Limited offered to produce 40 more Sukhoi-30MKI fighters at a cost of around $64 million per unit, which is lower than that of the multi-role fighter Rafale. MiG-29 fighter jets piloted by the Swifts aerobatic team perform at the MAKS-2019 international air show in Zhukovsky, outside Moscow. The IAF is facing a shortage of over 200 fighter jets in order to meet the contingencies of a two-front war with China and Pakistan. Earlier, on Tuesday, the Indian government gave additional powers to the armed forces to stock up war reserves. Border ties between India and China have been strained for over a month and a series of high-level meetings have been conducted to resolve the border issue in the Galvan Valley, where at least 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a brutal clash with the People's Liberation Army. However, no conclusion has been reached so far. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A Toronto doctor who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy was struggling to express his identity as a gay man, said a discipline panel in deciding to impose no punishment. A discipline panel at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario ruled in a rare split decision last month that Dr. Farooq Khan should receive no penalty and not have to pay any costs for his discipline proceedings. In doing so, the majority of the panel rejected a joint submission from both the colleges and Khans lawyers that said the doctor should receive a 12-month suspension and pay $20,550 in costs. Khan had admitted before the panel to an allegation of having been found guilty of an offence that is relevant to his suitability to practise related to the fact that he pleaded guilty in court in 2015 to a criminal charge of sexual assault. He received an absolute discharge in court, meaning he didnt get a criminal record as a result of the guilty plea and didnt have to serve a sentence. The charge related to a 2009 incident in a which a then-24-year-old Khan, who was a medical resident at the time, was sleeping over at the home of a 16-year-old boy identified as AB in the discipline panels decision. The two were sharing a bunk bed, and one night Khan went down to the bottom bunk and fondled AB while masturbating, believing him to be asleep, according to the panels decision. In the discipline proceedings, three of the panels five members two doctors and one community member rejected the proposed punishment of a 12-month suspension submitted by both sides. Joint submissions, whether at the college level or in court, are typically accepted. The Supreme Court of Canada has said they should only be rejected if it would bring the administration of justice into disrepute or would otherwise be contrary to the public interest. After reviewing evidence from mental health experts, the majority on the panel found that it was a single offence that happened in the remote past, that it was impulsive, that Khan was at a low risk to reoffend and that he has shown remorse for his actions. There is another delicate issue to consider. The assault took place when Dr. Khan was a young gay man struggling to express his identity in particularly trying circumstances, wrote the three majority members, Drs. Deborah Hellyer and Harvey Schipper and community member Major Abdul Hafeez Khalifa. They continued: It is important to be clear that this is mentioned not to excuse the offence, only to contextualize it. Dr. Khan has been forthright and unwavering in that view, supported by ample expert evidence: nobody gets off the hook for a criminal action by virtue of their colour, ethnicity or sexual orientation. However, the committee gives some recognition to the fact that prejudicial social pressures which, in recent years, our society has made strides in relieving, did play a role here. Lawyers specializing in sexual assault cases who spoke to the Star questioned whether the majority had fallen into myth and stereotype in coming to its decision to not impose a penalty. The heart of what theyre saying perpetuates one of the most dangerous myths and stereotypes about gay men: which is that in struggling to come to terms with their sexual identity, they are predatorial, assaultive and target young boys, lawyer Angela Chaisson said. I dont know a queer person who hasnt struggled with their sexual identity, we all go through that period, but we dont assault children as part of that figuring out process. She added: I think that all queer people would be insulted by this. Lawyer Gillian Hnatiw said the case comes down to the issue of consent, and that the ruling struck her as off. I think it plays to those antiquated stereotypes that theres something inherently deviant or perverse about being gay and that somehow explains or excuses his conduct in a way that it wouldnt have if it turned out he was straight, she said. The dissenting two members of the panel would have accepted the joint submission on Khans penalty. A 12-month suspension, even in the face of significant insight and rehabilitation, should give the public confidence that the profession will not tolerate sexual misconduct by any member of the profession, wrote panel chair Dr. Carole Clapperton and community member Peter Pielsticker. Khan worked as an emergency room physician for University Health Network in Toronto after receiving his certificate to practise medicine in 2014. He notified his superior of his criminal charge in 2015, who then notified the college, according to the panels decision. A UHN spokesperson said Khan left in 2019. His lawyers did not return the Stars request for comment this week. The discipline committee is independent of the college. The regulator told the Star it is reviewing the decision and considering its options. This perpetuates that stereotype of doctors will protect doctors, said lawyer Simona Jellinek, who specializes in civil sexual abuse cases and who described as very reasonable the joint submission on penalty that the majority rejected. While I applaud the fact that the college is sensitive to such matters, the fact remains that the college has a bigger duty than to that one physician who may have been struggling with his identity, and that is the protection of the public. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said conditions may become favourable for the advancement of southwest monsoon in Delhi and Haryana around June 25 even though it is unlikely to progress further till June 21. The conditions may also become favourable for its advance into Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and parts of the western Himalayan region between June 22 and 24, according to the weather department. The monsoon is likely to come around Jharkhand between 22 to 24. The conditions are becoming favourable between June 22 and June 24, during which the monsoon will arrive in parts of Uttar Pradesh and the mountainous regions of the Himalayas. Monsoon is expected to arrive in Delhi-NCR around June 25, Anand Sharma, IMDs deputy director general, was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. The national capital sweltered under the stifling heat with the mercury crossing the 46 degrees Celsius-mark in some parts on Thursday. The Safdarjung observatory, which provides representative figures for the city, recorded a maximum of 42.5 degree Celsius, three notches above normal. The weather station at Ayanagar recorded the maximum temperature in the city at 46.4 degree Celsius. The Pusa observatory recorded a high of 45.1 degree Celsius. IMD has predicted a partly cloudy sky on Friday. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to settle at 43 degree and 30 degree Celsius, respectively. The weather bureau has forecast widespread rain/thundershowers with isolated heavy rainfall likely over North-East, east and adjoining central India, along the west coast and islands. Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall likely over rest parts of the country except over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit Baltistan and Muzaffarabad, West Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat state where isolated rainfall is likely, the IMD has said, according to ANI. The United States on Friday condoled the death of Indian soldiers, killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, and said their bravery will not be forgotten. IMAGE: Army personnel and political leaders pay tributes to Hawaldar Sunil Kumar, who lost his life in a violent clash with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in Ladakh, during a wreath-laying ceremony at Jaiprakash Narayan Airport in Patna. Photograph: ANI Photo French Ambassador to New Delhi, Emmanuel Lenain, also conveyed condolences to India, over the death of the soldiers. 'Our heartfelt condolences to the people of India and our thoughts to the mourning families of the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty over the past few days,' Lenain tweeted. 20 Indian Army personnel, including a colonel, were killed in clashes with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff in the region. 'The US Mission in India sends our heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who were lost at Galwan. Their bravery and courage will not be forgotten,' US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster tweeted. The casualties from the clashes on the Chinese side are not yet known. However, government sources, citing an American intelligence report, claimed the total number of soldiers killed and seriously wounded could be 35. Sorry! This content is not available in your region New Delhi, June 19 : The Old Rajinder Nagar area in central Delhi was on Friday declared as a containment zone after 39 new COovid-19 cases emerged in the area. Old Rajinder Nagar area has the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Karol Bagh Market. Central Delhi's District Magistrate Nidhi Srivastava said the area needs to be contained as it is congested, which increases the possibility of interaction between residents and can further spread the disease. The District Collector of Karol Bagh Zone has been directed to immediately sanitise the entire area. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central, has also been asked to immediately cordon off the entire area. Besides, the DCP has been directed to initiate action against violators under various provisions of IPC, Disaster Management Act read with Epidemic Disease Act. The DCP was also asked to ensure social distancing while distribution of food and ration in the area. Srivastava also said that the Chief District Medical Officer will ensure collection of sample and conduct of tests thereof and ensure home quarantine of the contacts of the Covid-19 patients in the area. Sub Divisional Magistrate of Karol Bagh and SHO Rajinder Nagar are further directed not to allow the residents of aforesaid area to move out of their houses and to ensure supply of essential commodities in cordoned-off areas in coordination with Market Associations or by any other appropriate mechanism for uninterrupted supply of essential commodities. A leading union figure has stressed that strike action by nurses could be resumed within seven days as it has been warned the health service in Northern Ireland is just months away from "an absolute crisis". Pat Cullen, director of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Northern Ireland, has fired a warning shot at the Health Minister that crippling strike action by thousands of healthcare workers has been suspended but not called off entirely. Ms Cullen has revealed that staff who staged strike action to secure better pay and conditions and to drive up safety standards across the health service are still waiting to be reimbursed for pay that was docked from their wages during industrial action that ran into the start of this year. This is despite the fact 1.6m was given to the Department of Health in May by the Department of Finance to ensure staff who staged industrial action are not left out of pocket. She told the Stormont health committee that the NHS in Northern Ireland is facing a potential exodus by nurses who cannot afford to cover the cost of childcare from September as schools plan phased and partial returns amid the Covid-19 pandemic. "They are really, really concerned about what will happen in September when children are returning to school on a phased basis," she said. If the level of people coming to us for support to reduce their hours, take a career break, or leave the service continues at the rate we are being asked, we will be in an absolute crisis Pat Cullen, RCN "It is an enormous amount of pressure on nurses, they can't afford to continue to work, it is an untenable position to place our members in. "If the level of people coming to us for support to reduce their hours, take a career break, or leave the service continues at the rate we are being asked, we will be in an absolute crisis." It emerged during Thursday's evidence session that although the money required to reimburse staff involved in strike action was passed to the Department of Health in May, officials have deemed the matter "contentious". This means that Mr Swann wants to bring the matter to the Executive to make a decision before the money is paid to staff. However, addressing the committee on Thursday, Ms Cullen urged the Department of Health "to do the right thing". It is my members that constantly remind me that it will take seven days to restart industrial action Pat Cullen, RCN She continued: "The permanent secretary said the health service was at the brink of a precipice and I believe, as director of the RCN, that it was our nurses and other healthcare workers who brought it back from that precipice to the position where we were able to respond to the pandemic. "We would ask the Executive ministers, those at the highest level of government, to pay nurses and other healthcare workers their value. "Surely to God we have to start to put value on these people? "It's really important, our industrial action, it has been suspended, because the level of trust has been eroded over many years with our members and they need to build up that trust again to enable them to bring industrial action to an absolute end. "It is my members that constantly remind me that it will take seven days to restart industrial action." Ms Cullen said RCN members voted to suspend industrial action after an agreement was reached over a pay rise and the implementation of safe staffing legislation that will improve conditions for nurses, as well as drive up standards across the NHS. While Ms Cullen said she understood there has been a shift in priorities as a result of the pandemic, she said it is essential that the Department of Health moves on the issues of safe staffing legislation. She also called on Mr Swann to ensure nurses receive the reimbursed pay next month. BAGHDAD (AP) Baghdad on Thursday summoned ambassadors from Turkey and Iran over their countries separate military operations this week targeting Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq, calling the attacks an affront to Iraqs sovereignty. In an airborne-and-land operation dubbed Operation Claw-Tiger, Turkey airlifted troops into northern Iraq on Wednesday to root out the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which it says maintains bases across the border in Iraq. Turkey regularly carries out air and ground attacks against the PKK in northern Iraq, and has defended these operations saying that neither the Iraqi government nor the regional Iraqi Kurdish administration have taken measures to remove PKK insurgents. The operation by commando forces is being supported by warplanes, attack helicopters, artillery and armed and unarmed drones into the border area of Haftanin, some 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the Turkey-Iraq border. The ground operation was launched following intense artillery fire into the area on Tuesday. Turkish Ambassador Fatih Yildiz was first handed a summons to the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday and again on Thursday, as the operation continued overnight. According to an Iraqi ministry statement, the Turkish ambassador was given a strongly worded protest note calling for the cessation of such provocative acts." We stress the necessity of the Turkish side's commitment to stop the bombing and the withdrawal of its forces from Iraqi territories that it penetrated yesterday, the statement said. The ministry also called for the removal of Turkish forces from the Bashiqa mountain in Nineveh province, where Turkey has maintained a presence since 2015. In a tweet, Yildiz said the summons was a new occasion to emphasize that we will continue to fight the PKK wherever it is, unless Iraq takes steps to end the PKK presence in the country. Turkey began expanding its military footprint in Iraq last summer in an intense operation against PKK targets following the July 17 assassination in Irbil of Osman Kose, who worked for the Turkish Consulate there. Ankara has blamed the PKK for his killing. Iraq on Thursday also summoned Iranian Ambassador Iraj Masjedi to protest the bombardment of border villages in the Haji Omran area outside of Irbil the previous day. The shelling resulted in property damages to the villages, the statement said. Iran routinely attacks its own Kurdish rebels who have bases in northern Iraq. In a statement, the Iraqi ministry condemned the attack and called on Iran to respect Iraqs sovereignty and encouraged bilateral cooperation to maintain security along the shared border. A lab at U-M demonstrated that reference objects can help a robot more quickly find something in complicated environments. Credit: University of Michigan Robots can learn how to find things faster by learning how different objects around the house are related, according to work from the University of Michigan. A new model provides robots with a visual search strategy that can teach them to look for a coffee pot nearby if they're already in sight of a refrigerator, in one of the paper's examples. The work, led by Prof. Chad Jenkins and CSE Ph.D. student Zhen Zeng, was recognized at the 2020 International Conference on Robotics and Automation with a Best Paper Award in Cognitive Robotics. A common aim of roboticists is to give machines the ability to navigate in realistic settingsfor example, the disordered, imperfect households we spend our days in. These settings can be chaotic, with no two exactly the same, and robots in search of specific objects they've never seen before will need to pick them out of the noise. "Being able to efficiently search for objects in an environment is crucial for service robots to autonomously perform tasks," says Zeng. "We provide a practical method that enables robot to actively search for target objects in a complex environment." But homes aren't total chaos. We organize our spaces around different kinds of activities, and certain groups of items are usually stored or installed in close proximity to each other. Kitchens typically contain our ovens, fridges, microwaves, and other small cooking appliances; bedrooms will have our dressers, beds, and nightstands; and so on. A comparison of different object search methods in Jenkins and Zengs experiments. The model pictured on the far right makes use of their technique and results in the fastest and most direct path. Credit: University of Michigan Zeng and Jenkins have proposed a method to take advantage of these common spatial relationships. Their "SLiM" (Semantic Linking Maps) model associates certain "landmark objects" in the robot's memory to other related objects, along with data about how the two are typically located spatially. They use SLiM to factor in several features of both the target object and landmark object in order to give robots a more robust understanding of how things can be arrayed in an environment. "When asked where a target object can be found, humans are able to give hypothetical locations expressed by spatial relations with respect to other objects," they write. "Robots should be able to reason similarly about objects' locations." The model isn't simply a hardcoding of how close different objects usually are to one anotherlook around a room from one day to the next and you're sure to see enough changes to quickly make that effort futile. Instead, SLiM accounts for uncertainty in an object's location. "Previous works assume landmark objects are static, in that they mostly remain where they were last observed," the authors explain in their paper on the project. To overcome this limitation, the researchers used a factor graph, a special kind of graph for representing probability distribution, to model the relationships between different objects probabilistically. With this knowledge of possible object relations in tow, SLiM guides the robot to explore promising regions that may contain either the target or landmark objects. This approach to search is based on previous findings that demonstrate locating a landmark first (indirect search) can be faster than simply looking for the target (direct search). The model used by Jenkins and Zeng is a hybrid of the two. Credit: University of Michigan In experiments, the team tested the performance of five different search models in the same simulated environment. One was a naive direct search with no knowledge of objects' spatial relations, and the remaining four used SLiM's spatial mapping combined with different search strategies or starting advantages: Direct search with a known prior location for the target, but not accounting for any likelihood that the object may have been moved Direct search with a known prior location for the target that accounts for the likelihood that the object may have been moved Direct search with no prior knowledge of the object's location Hybrid search with no prior knowledge of the object's location. In the end, SLiM combined with hybrid search successfully found target objects with the most direct route and with the least search time in every test. This work was published in the paper "Semantic Linking Maps for Active Visual Object Search." Explore further What we can't see can help us find things More information: Semantic Linking Maps for Active Visual Object Search. Semantic Linking Maps for Active Visual Object Search. 7948cefb-1ef7-4c55-96df-fcb8d5 bf00733b21bfcbe9.pdf President Donald Trump once again lashed out at Fox News for a new poll showing former Vice President Joe Bidens lead over him widening as the November election looms closer. @FoxNews is out with another of their phony polls, done by the same group of haters that got it even more wrong in 2016. Watch what happens in November. Fox is terrible! the president wrote Friday, disparaging the network. In May, Fox News polling found Biden had 48% support, which rose to 50% in the June poll. As Bidens increased two percentage points, Trumps decreased by the same amount, falling from 40% in May to 38% in June. Trump has been lashing out as polls show him losing to the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee in recent weeks, going so far as to hire his own pollster and demand CNN apologize for one of its polls. Also Read: Trump Hires New Pollster to Counter Latest 'Fake' Polls That Show He's Falling Further Behind Joe Biden CNN responded last week to the demand from Trumps re-election campaign. CNNs general counsel called the letter factually and legally baseless. The general counsel, David Vigilante, said he was unaware of another time in the companys 40-year history it was threatened with legal action because an American politician or campaign did not like CNNs polling results. To the extent we have received legal threats from political leaders in the past, they have typically come from countries like Venezuela or other regimes where there is little or no respect for a free and independent media, he went on. Notably absent from the letter Trumps self-retained polling unit wrote in response to the CNN poll was Fox News, though Trump attacked Fox on Twitter on May 22 after a poll from that network showed him trailing behind Biden and his approval down, too. After tweeting that Fox News should fire their Fake Pollster, he wrote at the time, Why doesnt @FoxNews put up the CNBC POLL or the (believe it or not!) @CNN Poll? Hope Roger A is looking down and watching what has happened to this once beautiful creation! Read original story Trump Calls Fox Terrible as Latest Poll Shows Him Losing Ground to Biden At TheWrap Vanessa Bryant called on Congress to pass the Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act on Thursday, something that she believes will help make helicopter travel significantly safer in the country. The bill named after her late husband and 13-year-old daughter, who were among the nine people killed in a helicopter crash outside of Los Angeles in January was officially introduced in Congress on Thursday, following similar legislation that was introduced in January. I strongly urge that the United States Congress pass a federal law that would improve the safety of helicopters operating in this country, Vanessa said in a statement on Thursday, via CNN. I believe there is a chance that Kobe and Gianna would still be alive today if their helicopter had been equipped with the safety equipment required by this pending federal legislation. The legislation would require all helicopters made for six or more passengers to be equipped with a Terrain Awareness and Warning System, a flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. I believe that these safety measures will save many lives, Vanessa said in a statement, via CNN. As passengers traveling on aircrafts we assume that proper safety measures are in order to prevent accidents from happening before we fly. Its unfortunate that this is not the case and aircraft companies must do their part to protect lives. The National Transportation Safety Board released details of the moments just before the crash this week, saying that pilot Ara Zobayan may have been disoriented at the time of the crash. The NTSB said that he communicated with air traffic controllers that he was climbing to 4,000 feet when he was actually descending toward the crash site. It also revealed that he expressed concern about the weather the night before. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing. Vanessa filed a lawsuit against the company that operated the helicopter in February, and was joined by families of the other victims in the lawsuit in April. Story continues Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) introduced similar legislation in January. That was updated, he told CNN, after the Bryant family reached out to say they supported their efforts. Having Kobes and Giannas names associated with this federal law that has the potential to save countless lives would be a fitting tribute to their memory, Vanessa said in a statement, via CNN. Kobe Bryant's wife, Vanessa, arrives to speak during the "Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant" service at Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 24, 2020. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images) More from Yahoo Sports: Alan Hughes and Ciara Doherty from Ireland AM with Lorraine and Sophie Gleeson Greystones' 'Devoted to Cakes' was chosen by Virgin Media as one of the businesses the TV station would like to support in their Backing Business Programme. The fund was established to help small and medium businesses affected by Covid-19 to advertise their wares. Owner Lorraine Gleeson said that since Covid-19 they have had to cancel all baking and decorating workshops, parties, camps and events. They have adapted by running an online bake-along on their Facebook page and connecting with families from Ireland and around the world. Virgin Media's backing has given them the opportunity to reach more families, ahead of their online baking school which will open in July. Last week, Lorraine and her daughter Sophie (9) had an outdoor photo-shoot at Ireland AM where they met the presenters and got the chance to show off their products. The sun was shining and they had plenty of treats, including seashell and mermaid cupcakes, ice-cream cookies and lemon drizzle cake. The star of the show was Sophie, who helps with the bake-along each week and keeps it relevant for kids. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Global Fracking Chemicals Market is anticipated to reach over USD 65 billion by 2026 according to a new research published by Polaris Market Research. In 2017, the horizontal well segment dominated the global market, in terms of revenue. North America is expected to be the leading contributor to the global market revenue during the forecast period. A significant growth in urbanization, population increase, and industrialization along with government initiatives and funding is expected to support the growth of fracking chemicals market. Other driving factors include growing demand for natural gas as a fuel and favorable regulatory policies. Increasing demand from developing nations, development of environment-friendly fracking chemicals, and technological advancements are expected provide numerous growth opportunities to fracking chemicals market players during the forecast period. Request for sample of this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/fracking-chemicals-market/request-for-sample North America generated the highest revenue in the fracking chemicals market in 2017, and is expected to lead the global market throughout the forecast period. The high economic growth in the region, growth in drilling and exploration industries, and growing energy demand are factors expected to drive the fracking chemicals market growth. Increasing disposable incomes, growing urbanization, and increasing industrialization in countries of North America are further expected to support fracking chemicals market growth. Rising shale gas explorations, and rising demand for natural gas as fuel in the region are expected to further provide growth opportunities during the forecast period. The key players operating in the fracking chemicals market include Halliburton Co., E.I. Dupont De Nemours & Co., BASF SE, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, Baker Hughes Incorporated, The DOW Chemical Company, Calfrac Well Services Ltd., Albermarle Corporation, Akzo Nobel N.V., and Schlumberger Ltd. These companies launch new products and collaborate with other market leaders to innovate and launch new products to meet the increasing needs and requirements of consumers. Direct buy Now @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/checkouts/4771 Contact us: Polaris Market Research. Ph no : +1-646-568-9980 Mail id : sales@polarismarketresearch.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 05:55:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RAMALLAH, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian government announced on Friday that a series of emergency meetings will be held on Saturday to debate the significant increase of COVID-19 cases in the Palestinian territories. Reports of the medical committee on the increase of the infections will be discussed at the meetings, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye said in a press statement. Proper measures will be taken to confront the spread of the virus in a new wave the Palestinian territories have recently witnessed, he added. Ishtaye called on the Palestinian citizens to be more committed to the public safety measures until the pandemic is overcome. The Palestinian government made the decision right after the Health Minister Mai al-Kaila announced 75 new COVID-19 cases on Friday in the cities of Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus and Bethlehem. Meanwhile, about 6,500 Palestinians are still stranded abroad, according to Ahmad al-Deik, a Palestinian official of the foreign ministry. Enditem New Delhi, June 19 : Amid the spurt of coronavirus cases in the national capital, the city government has reached out to the Delhi Medical Association to provide doctors who are experienced in handling small hospitals and nursing homes to run banquet halls which are being turned into Covid-19 facilities. The Delhi government is seeking to augment the number of beds available for Covid-19 patients by setting up makeshift facilities in over 70 banquet halls in the city. The challenge is to find sufficient numbers of doctors to staff the halls. Talking to IANS, Delhi Medical Association President Girish Tyagi said: "DMA has come in agreement with the Delhi government. After getting a green signal from the government to take over the halls, we will ask our members to manage them." Private doctors will be asked to take charge of a certain number of beds and use their own staff to manage it. "Delhi government will be providing infrastructure and other logistics like oxygen supply and PPE kits. In these centres, only patients with asymptomatic or mild symptomatic will be treated," the DMA President said. The national capital is under immense pressure to improve the health infrastructure as the city government expects the coronavirus cases to climb upto 5.5 lakh by July-end. Currently, the capital city has over 50,000 cases - the third highest in the country, and over 2,000 deaths. The preparations took up the speed after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that there will be one lakh cases and the city would require 15,000 beds by June 30. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) The weirdest name I heard someone use was motherless meat. Gross. The name game can be a bizarre rabbit hole. Because of that, I stuck to a term thats scientifically accurate and not aphoristic. Were there any misconceptions you had about the industry going into it? It turned out to be a more dramatic story than I anticipated. At one point, through pure happenstance, I watched firsthand the dramatic collapse of one startups attempt to serve up cell-cultured meat in the Netherlands. That was the moment I really understood that theres an edible space race going on among cultured meat companies, and the winner will get the first shot at capturing public imagination and tons of investment. Who are the key players? In the short term, in the U.S. folks in business are going to gravitate toward Memphis Meats, which has a regulatory edge; JUST, an already-functioning food company; and Finless Foods, which is ahead of the curve in seafood. Mosa Meat in the Netherlands has a great shot at getting E.U. approval first. In the long term, though, Im most drawn to whats happening in Israel, at Aleph Farms and Future Meat Technologies. Whats the strangest thing you ate during your reporting? The first thing I was served was foie gras. On its surface that seemed pretty ho-hum, but then I realized it was basically just cultured meat paste thatd been scraped out of a bioreactor. It was fine, but mentally took a minute to process. What do you hope readers take away from the book? Theres enough money and influence behind cell-cultured meat that, even if it inspires squeamishness, it simply cant be ignored. There are a ton of upsides, especially in light of how the coronavirus has pummeled the U.S. meat industry. It may be the most optimistic and realistic shot weve got at addressing animal agricultures massive environmental footprint. The speed read Deals The coming I.P.O. of Albertsons, the grocery-market giant, could raise as much as $1.5 billion for existing investors like Cerberus. (FT) CureVac, a drug maker seeking to develop a Covid-19 vaccine, is said to be working on an I.P.O. in the U.S. (Bloomberg) A digest of recent news from the EBRD President Chakrabarti: EBRD is changing lives EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti took stock of his eight years at the helm of the Bank in a wide-ranging interview with the Financial Times and said: When it comes to really changing peoples lives in development terms, the EBRD is where it is at. He also urged the EU to make common cause with the UK on development policy after Brexit and portrayed the EBRD as a potential bridge between Brussels and London. Learn more The EBRD and Turkey: the way forward Addressing a virtual meeting held by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) of Turkey, Suma Chakrabarti urged Turkish companies to turn the current coronavirus crisis into an opportunity: In the new world we are now entering, companies will be putting considerable emphasis on resilience and diversification. Turkey, with its strong potential to significantly scale up exports, is one of the countries that stands to gain most from this new dynamic, Learn more here and here Turkeys Anadolu Agency quoted President Chakrabarti with an appeal for closer ties between Turkey and the EU, which would benefit both parties". Learn more EBRD delivers in Serbia The EBRD scored a hat-trick of new signings in Serbia in the last week alone with a total amount of 175 million in credit lines extended to the local subsidiaries of UniCredit Bank, Erste Bank and ProCredit Bank. The financing will support local small businesses as the country seeks to recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more here, here and here The EBRD also retained its high-profile in Serbia with an opinion piece by Regional Director Zsuzsanna Hargitai in the Financial Times in which she said: Serbia looks well placed to emerge strongly from the coronavirus pandemic. Attracting further direct investment will require transparency and guaranteeing a level playing field, she argued. Learn more Meanwhile, Harry Boyd-Carpenter, EBRD Director, Energy, welcomed Serbias plan to move towards a sustainable low-carbon economy. The mood is shifting towards a recognition that renewables can be competitive, he told the Financial Times. Learn more Warsaw joins EBRD Green Cities Warsaw, the capital of Poland, has become the countrys first city to join EBRD Green Cities, the Banks flagship urban sustainability programme this week. The Bank and the city will work towards a greener future by investing in its public transit system and on a comprehensive strategy to improve environmental performance. Learn more Egypts response to the crisis In an interview with Enterprise Magazine, Heike Harmgart, EBRD Managing Director for the SEMED region, said: Its critical to make sure that domestic investment and domestic demand remains strong. The Central Bank of Egypt has been giving banks liquidity to lend to SMEs, and government investments in vital infrastructure will form the base for a more resilient and faster economic rebound. Learn more Hannes Takacs new head of Mongolia Associate Banker Hannes Takacs has been appointed new EBRD Head of Mongolia. He will start his new role on 14 July. On the same day Alex Pivovarsky will become Director for local currency and capital market development Learn more EBRD publishes 2019 corporate reports The EBRD published its Annual Review and its Financial Report for 2019 this week. The Annual Review describes the impact of the EBRDs investments, projects and policy work during the year, and outlines the EBRDs innovation in key sectors and initiatives. Learn more The Financial Report includes the approved and audited financial statements, as well as additional reporting and disclosures on the EBRDs risk management, corporate governance and structure. Learn more Project Signings In Belarus The Bank is arranging a US$130 million loan to Sodrugestvo Group (SG), an international agro-industrial conglomerate active throughout the EBRD regions, to boost cross-border cooperation and benefit local farmers, sourcing, transportation, processing and distribution of animal feed products. Learn more In Turkey A loan to the mobile payments provider TPAY MOBILE will increase the availability of cashless payments for customers who do not own a bank account or those without a credit card. Learn more In Cyprus SMEs in Cyprus will benefit from export and import opportunities available through a trade finance limit increase from 50 million to 100 million provided by the Bank to Bank of Cyprus under the EBRD Trade Facilitation Programme. Learn more New podcast: Is technology in the era of Covid-19 a threat to democracy? In this seasons last episode of the EBRD podcast Pocket Dilemmas, Jonathan Charles and Kerrie Law were joined by Peter Pomerantsev, Senior Fellow at LSE and Samuel Woolley, Professor at University of Texas at Austin, and discussed if technology in the era of Covid-19 is a threat to democracy. Listen here Client stories In Turkmenistan Tach Hill, a hygienic goods manufacturer and member of EBRD Blue Ribbon, launched the first production of gel hand sanitisers in the country on response to the coronavirus. Learn more In Moldova Ponti, a manufacturer of textile products, is responding to the crisis by integrating online channels and social media marketing into their sales strategy with EBRD and EU support. Learn more Social Media EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti announced on Twitter @ebrdsuma that he is leaving the EBRD on 02 July after 8 years as President. Tweet A new special edition of the Vienna Initiative NPL Monitor H1 2020 discusses the potential implications of Covid-19 on the quality of banks loans portfolio in the central, eastern and south-eastern Europe and measures to mitigate potential new flows of NPLs resulting from the crisis. Learn more Newly approved projects In Egypt, the EBRD approved a loan of up to US$100 million to National Bank of Egypt for on-lending to SMEs facing the impact of the Covid-19 crisis. Learn more In Kosovo, the EBRD approved a loan of US$2 million to the microfinance institution AFK for on-lending to MSMEs, reaching out to more remote regions of the country. Learn more In North Macedonia, the Bank will further support efforts by local companies to improve their competiveness in cooperation with the EU with a 5 million credit line to NLB Banka Skopje. Learn more The EBRD approved a loan of up to US$100 million to Commercial Bank International in Egypt to help corporates and SMEs with the challenges following the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more Were going to have to be very cautious of how we spend until we get a better picture. The challenge is going to be not to overreact, too, he said, adding county services and employees have to be protected. Illustration by Kelly Caminero/The Daily Beast/Getty The ugliest claim made by John Bolton in the former national security advisers new tell-all book is that President Donald Trump encouraged Chinese leader Xi Jinping to continue rounding up Uighur Muslims into the concentration camps where they are tortured, separated from their families, and reeducated. Boltons forthcoming memoir presents Trumps dismissiveness to the crisis as part of the presidents broader efforts to secure foreign assistance for his reelection. But several officials told The Daily Beast its also just a part of who Trump is. Throughout his presidency, nine current and former senior administration officials say, Trump has exhibited a callous indifference to what has been described as crimes against humanity and cultural genocide taking place in Chinas western Xinjiang province. He couldnt give a shit, said a former senior Trump administration official, whos been in the room when Trump has discussed the Uighur crisis. This official added that in their experience, there has never been any indication when the issue comes up that the president cares or is even making any effort to fake it. John Bolton Shows That All the Presidents Men Are Cowards In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, published shortly after excerpts from Boltons book were reported, Trump said it was not true that he had encouraged Xi to keep building the concentration camps. But according to others whove worked with the president on the issue, he has beenat the very leastconsistently indifferent to the crisis. Three other former or current senior officials say that at various points during his first term in office, when the human-rights issue is broached or when Trump has been briefed on it, the president has often quickly changed the subject. Sometimes, he will add an Oh, wow or an Oh, really? in response to a horrific data point or piece of related information, before moving on. None of these sources were confident that Trump was even paying full attention during these discussions, given his appearance of boredom. Usually, the president is content to deputize other top officials, particularly Vice President Mike Pence, to deal with it and handle much of the public relations on the matter, including by way of delivering speeches and meeting with religious freedom activists. Story continues One current administration official said that Trump will, at times, show signs of fleeting concern or a peep of outrage in private meetings. But the source added that this is typically undercut by his limited attention span. This official recounted that during one policy discussion early last year, when the Uighur Muslims came up, President Trump interjected: How is that our problem? It was clear to most based off my conversations with the national security team that the president couldnt care less about this, one former Republican national security official said, referring to the Uighur camps. A senior administration official pushed back on the notion that Trump had not shown interest, saying the president has a strong, action-oriented record of holding the Chinese government accountable for its atrocities in Xinjiang, including with regard to the largest incarceration of ethnic minorities since World War II. Many of the actions that the official listed were sanctions put into place against Chinese companies for human rights violations and moves, such as visa restrictions, that had been announced by the State Department. President Trump has demonstrated repeatedly that he protects those who cannot protect themselves both here and abroad, said NSC spokesman John Ullyot. President Trump has led strongly from day one challenging wrongdoing by countries or institutions, and any suggestion that hes doing otherwise when it comes to the Uyghurs is preposterous. Chinas Uighur Terror Attack Trumps indifference to a crisis that has, according to United Nations estimates, kept over one million people in detention, is not for lack of knowledge. Even in an authoritarian country like China, where information is often tightly controlled, the outlines of the Uighur cultural genocide have been clear for much of his presidency. Two individuals familiar with the matter said that Trump was repeatedly briefed on the Uighur situation by the intelligence community and others, including particulars about the camps and the number of individuals rounded up by the Chinese government. I know the breadth and depth of whats been happening in Xinjiang has been made available to Trump, said Paul Heer, who was the national intelligence officer for East Asia from 2007 to 2015. Heer, now a distinguished fellow at the Center for the National Interest, said that while he had no specific knowledge of what was briefed to Trump, as a matter of course, the topic is important enough to be incorporated routinely [in briefings] to the White House. He had every opportunity to know of this. Multiple former and current national security officials, some of whom worked under Bolton, said the National Security Council has for years tried to persuade Trump to take a greater interest in the Uighurs. And State Department cables obtained by The Daily Beast show the department actively working to confront the issue in public settings. For example, in April, U.S. Ambassador Peter Hoekstra met with Uighur activists and community members in the Netherlands. During the April 9 lunch with Ambassador Hoekstra, the Platform chairman and government liaison described the conditions of the Chinese government-run camps in Xinjiang and estimated that between 2.5 and five million Uighurs have been interned there, one cable said. He explained that torture occurs in these camps, which are divided into A/B/C regimes, with those in the harshest regime unable to even see the sunlight. The cable went on to note that Hoekstras subsequent tweet about their lunch had gained significant attention with 148 retweets and 264 likes as of April 16. The tweet also attracted the attention of the Minister Counselor of the local Chinese embassy, Ribiao Chen, who criticized via tweet Posts outreach as a distraction from the spread of COVID-19 in the United States. Chinas Xi Jinping Sees Trump as a Walking Power Vacuum Outside of State, officials say, its been mostly the National Security Council, by way of Matt Pottinger, the deputy National Security Advisor, who has tried to press the president and other senior administration officials to use the Uighur camps as a way to hold Xis government accountable. The NSC last year brought on a Uighur American, Elnigar Iltebir, as the director of the China desk. Its something the China folks in the administration have cared a lot about. Its the one issue that they felt like they had shifted the debate in a useful way, said the former Republican national security official. They think theyve shifted the conversation. Theres been a lot of international attention on this. And its all been on the part of the national security team. Can they claim they have changed things on the ground? Thats harder to say. On Capitol Hill, the discussion has been far different. The plight of the Uighurs has attracted outrage among lawmakers and spurred bipartisan action. A bill to sanction the Chinese government over its conduct passed Congress on May 27 with near-unanimous support. It was signed into law by Trump the day that Boltons allegations broke. And on Thursday, very few of the Senate GOPs China hawks seemed eager to make an issue of the books shocking account or to even call on Trump to address it. I cant imagine the president saying, yeah, concentration camps are fine, Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), a frequent critic of the Chinese governments treatment of religious minorities, told The Daily Beast. Asked about Trumps appetite to take up the Uighurs cause versus Congress, Lankford replied, its not that hes done nothing on it... The challenge is, where do you find the leverage to be able to change that behavior? In 2014, Beijing launched what it called its Strike Hard Campaign against Violent Terrorism. It was an intensification of already-repressive measures in Xinjiang. Political reeducation, conducted violently, has been its primary characteristic, with a goal of erasing Uighur culture and faith. A Regulation on De-extremification pushed by Beijing in March 2017 accelerated internment of the Muslim minority. It prevented outward displays of Muslim faith in the western Xinjiang province, including the wearing of religious hair-coverings, the growth of what it called abnormal beards and even private displays of faith. A Uighur man, Kairat Samarkan, described to Amnesty International researchers his experiences in a re-education camp with 6,000 others from October 2017 to February 2018. Torture was rife, featuring techniques that the CIA notoriously used in its unacknowledged black-site prisons against terrorism suspects. Leaked Chinese documents published by the New York Times contained references to Xi urging the Chinese Communist Party to emulate aspects of Americas war on terror after the Sept. 11 attacks. Samarkan was hooded, made to wear shackles on his arms and legs and was forced to stand in a fixed position for 12 hours when first detained, according to a September 2018 Amnesty report. Internees at the camp were coerced into chanting Long live Xi Jinping before meals and study speeches of the CCP. The same Amnesty report found, by September 2018, an estimated one million people interned in the camps. State surveillance, rife through the widespread unencrypted WeChat platform, enables the internment of Muslims. So does Chinas advanced use of facial-recognition software, biometric data collection and even DNA. A contemporaneous Human Rights Watch report found that it is common for Xinjiang residents to have numerous relatives in a mix of political education camps, pre-trial detention, and prison. But during the first two years of the Trump presidency, the White House never asked the Pentagon to consider the Uighur Muslim situation, recalled a former senior Defense Department official. The presidents signing [this week] of an 11th-hour bill to sanction China for human-rights abyss seems more like a reaction to Amb. Boltons book revelations, rather than a reflection of Trumps concerns about human rights, said the ex-senior Pentagon official. Congress began receiving briefings on the dire situation in Xinjiang as early as 2013, and would ask for increased detail from 2014 to 2018 "as things were ramping up with the concentration camps and the system of mass surveillance techniques the Chinese put into play," according to a Senate Democratic aide who requested anonymity. While that aide had no knowledge of what information was made available to Trump, the aide said it would be "incomprehensible" for the president not to have been briefed about the plight of the Uighurs ahead of Xi's April 2017 visit to Mar-a-Lago, the first time the two leaders met face to face. For a variety of reasonsincluding his prioritizing of a trade deal and his strong personal affection for Xithe president rarely weighs in on the repression of Uighurs while in public. And when he does, it can lead to jarring moments on live TV. In July 2019, Trump met at the White House with several envoys of persecuted religious minorities; part of the meeting was televised or streamed online live. One of the attendees was a Uighur rights advocate. When the activist began telling Trump about concentration camps, mentioning that she hadnt been able to see her detained dad since 2013, the president responded: Where is that? Where is that in China? 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. With the 12th list, AAP announces candidates from all 117 seats People of Dhuri have always showered immense love upon me: Bhagwant Mann Washington County added to quarantine list for troublesome bug The Maryland Department of Agriculture has added several areas, including Washington County, to its quarantine list regarding the spotted lanternfly. For almost two months now, Carmen Parra has been working 12- and 24-hour shifts as part of an ambulance crew in Peru that visits suspected COVID-19 patients in their homes and transports those who are critically ill to hospital. Despite sometimes going days without seeing her three children, who she leaves in the care of a close friend, she is proud to have been selected to become part of the COVID-19 response team. I am happy to work, to support people who need it, to put my skills to good use, says Carmen, a 35-year-old widow who worked as a doctor in Venezuela before seeking asylum in Peru in 2017. She spent the next two years working as a waitress and a sales assistant, and then as a receptionist at a radiography clinic before the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, and a local NGO helped her get her medical credentials recognized in Peru. She returned to the radiography clinic early this year, but this time as a doctor. When the clinic closed soon afterwards because of the pandemic, she applied to join Perus COVID-19 response as part of the ambulance team. This World Refugee Day, Carmen is not the only refugee fighting on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. From health workers to educators, to broadcasters and volunteers, many refugees are finding ways to play a part, even as they face the same loss of work, schooling, and face-to-face contact with family and friends that so many people around the world have struggled with in recent months. "We need soap now more than ever." Midia Said Sidos contribution is making soap so that her children and other Syrian refugees living in her community in southern Lebanon can wash their hands regularly and reduce the spread of the virus. We need soap now more than ever, she points out. Back in Aleppo, Midia used to watch her parents boil ingredients to make the regions renowned laurel soap. Through a course offered by UNHCR in Lebanon, she learned how to use a cold process to make soap at home. When asked if she would like to contribute to coronavirus prevention efforts by producing medical soap, she quickly agreed and joined an online training session. Its something good for me, and it can benefit other people too, she says. I would like to teach other women how to make it. Venezuelan doctor Carmen Parra is part of an ambulance crew in Peru that visits suspected COVID-19 patients in their homes and transports those who are critically ill to hospital. Courtesy of Carmen Parra After taking a virtual soap-making course, Syrian refugee Midia Said Sido has been making soap at home for her children and other refugees in her community in southern Lebanon. UNHCR/Houssam Hariri While schools have been closed in Jordan's Za'atari refugee camp, 14-year-old Syrian refugee Sidra Median Al-Ghothani has been helping her younger brother and her neighbour's children to study at home. UNHCR/Shawkat Al-Harfoosh Former Syrian refugee Heval Kelli is a cardiology fellow at a large hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. He has also been volunteering at a COVID-19 drive-through testing site. UNHCR/Heval Kelli With churches closed in Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp, Djuba Alois, a 75-year-old pastor, is using his bicycle to preach to his flock and share information about COVID-19. UNHCR/Samuel Otenio Shadi Shhadeh shops at a supermarket in Geneva, Switzerland. With fellow Syrian refugee volunteers, he delivers food and supplies to vulnerable people who are shielding from the coronavirus. UNHCR/Elisabet Diaz Sanmartin Twenty-year-old former Iraqi refugee and radio presenter Narjis Al-Zaidi shares information about COVID-19 with her listeners in Wellington, New Zealand. UNHCR/Kodrean Eashae Fourteen-year-old Sidra Median Al-Ghothani, a Syrian refugee living in Jordans Zaatari refugee camp, shows that age is no barrier to playing a part in responding to the pandemic. An aspiring teacher who believes that education builds the human personality, she did not want to see her younger brother and her neighbours children fall behind when schools in the camp closed due to the coronavirus. Students had to study using e-learning applications or televised education, she explains. But many students need help with these education methods, and their parents couldnt support them, so I volunteered to teach my neighbours children. The biggest challenge, Sidra adds, has been patiently persuading her young pupils to do their schoolwork rather than watching cartoons. Heval Kelli knows about the importance of education. He arrived in the southern US town of Clarkston, Georgia, in 2001 as an 18-year-old Syrian refugee and enrolled at Georgia State University 10 months later. Nearly 20 years on, he is a cardiology fellow at a large Atlanta hospital and has co-founded several non-profit organizations focused on mentoring the next generation of doctors from migrant and refugee communities. Recently, he has also found the time to work as a volunteer physician at a COVID-19 drive-through testing site and to do online education with members of the Kurdish community about the virus. We need refugees to be part of the fight, because in our resilience and what weve been through, we could actually be a supporting arm for a lot of the native countries that accept us, Heval told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a recent video call that was widely shared on social media. "I believe solidarity is a human responsibility" Shadi Shhadeh, a Syrian refugee living in Geneva, Switzerland, also believes that refugees experiences of surviving danger and uncertainty make them well-placed to understand the need to work together during the current pandemic. I believe solidarity is a human responsibility, he says. As a refugee, I understand what is the meaning of a crisis. Back in March, when the Swiss government issued advice that older people and those with pre-existing conditions should stay at home, Shadi and his wife, Regula, realized that many people would need help. Shadi swiftly enlisted his Syrian friends in Geneva and Lausanne to put up flyers in apartment building lobbies and supermarkets offering to do shopping or run errands for those unable to go out. Within weeks, the volunteers most of them Syrian refugees were shopping for some 200 people. Djuba Alois, a 75-year-old refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, says there are two kinds of refugees in Kakuma, the refugee camp where he lives in Kenya: those who are informed about the coronavirus, and those who are not. He has made it his mission to educate the uninformed. As a pastor, Djuba is used to sharing information from a pulpit, but with churches closed during a COVID-19 lockdown, he has re-purposed his bicycle to serve a similar function. With a hand-drawn poster attached to the front of the bike and a microphone mounted on the handlebars, he pedals through the camp urging people to wash their hands. I will create awareness every day so that people stay safe from coronavirus, he says. Creating awareness among refugees scattered around Wellington, New Zealands capital, requires a different approach. Twenty-year-old former Iraqi refugee Narjis Al-Zaidi is a university student and presenter of a radio programme called Voice of Aroha, which aims to create an inclusive platform for people from refugee and non-refugee backgrounds to share their views and experiences. She and her co-presenters began talking about COVID-19 with their listeners, and sharing information with them via social media, when they realized that official advice wasnt immediately available in languages such as Arabic, Amharic, Farsi and Spanish, or accessible to those who werent digitally literate. Coming from a refugee background can feel isolating on its own, Narjis says. We wanted to keep our listeners informed because it was an overwhelming situation we all had to deal with and most of the discomfort came from the uncertainty of [not knowing] what was going to happen next and how it would affect us. Narjis, Pastor Alois, Shadi, Dr Kelli, Sidra, Midia and Carmen all feature in a video UNHCR has produced to commemorate World Refugee Day on 20 June. The video is narrated by South African actor and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Nomzamo Mbata. It is more vital than ever that we stand together with refugees and show how [they] are coping and contributing in the fight against this virus, she commented. Everyone can make a difference. Everyone counts. In his message on World Refugee Day, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi paid tribute to the refugees who have been stepping up to help respond to the pandemic, despite their own often precarious status. As we battle COVID-19, I draw inspiration from the resilience refugees have shownand their determination to improve their own and others lives, he said. Writing by Kristy Siegfried, with reporting by Regina De La Portilla in Lima, Peru; Warda Al-Jawahiry in Beirut, Lebanon; Mohd Al-Taher in Zaatari camp, Jordan; and Samuel Otieno Odhiambo in Kakuma camp, Kenya. Google could strengthen their already dominant market position by harvesting intimate data of Fitbit users, Australia's competition watchdog fears. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is concerned the tech giant's $US2.1 billion acquisition of the fitness company will come at the cost of user's privacy and data. Fitbit, which produce activity trackers and smartwatches, have collected customer's health information, including daily step counts, heart rate and sleep data, for more than 10 years. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is concerned Google's $US2.1 billion acquisition of Fitbit will come at the cost of user's privacy and data. Pictured: A woman exercising while wearing a Fitbit The ACCC announced on Thursday they will work with competition authorities overseas to review the transaction, which was proposed in November last year. ACCC Chair Rod Sims said past acquisitions by Google have 'further entrenched' the technology company's position. 'Our concerns are that Google buying Fitbit will allow Google to build an even more comprehensive set of user data, further cementing its position and raising barriers to entry to potential rivals,' he said. 'The ACCC's Digital Platforms Inquiry found that Google's substantial market power is built on its concentration of search and location data, and data collected via third-party websites and apps.' 'The access to user data available to Google has made it so valuable to advertisers that it faces only limited competition.' Mr Sims acknowledged it was a rapidly evolving sector but said the competition regulator cannot conclude there will be no lessening of competition because the future remains unclear. The ACCC announced on Thursday they will work with competition authorities overseas to review the transaction, which was proposed in November last year. ACCC Chair Rod Sims (pictured) said: 'Our concerns are that Google buying Fitbit will allow Google to build an even more comprehensive set of user data, further cementing its position and raising barriers to entry to potential rivals' 'Our position is where there is uncertainty, especially surrounding such important markets, the ACCC must thoroughly investigate the potential for an acquisition to stymie future competition,' he said. 'As a competition regulator it is our job to weigh carefully the potential issues concerning data and advertising that may follow transactions such as these. 'We will work very closely with other competition authorities in other jurisdictions that are also reviewing this transaction.' The ACCC said they are seeking submissions from market participants and will make a decision on Google's purchase of Fitbit on August 13. Fitbit announced it entered an agreement to be acquired by Google for US$2.1 billion on November 1, 2019. New Delhi: Amid India's recent tensions with Nepal and China, the two countries are set to hold a virtual workshop to share "experience on running the party and government". While several leaders said that they were not aware of the meeting, foreign policy analysts said that Nepal 'training' was part of an exercise by Beijing to export its ideology, which goes hand-in-hand with the flexing of its financial and technological muscles across the world. According to the Kathmandu Post, the virtual meeting was scheduled to be held from party headquarters Dhumbarahi in Kathmandu on Friday afternoon and leaders from all seven provinces were to join in, while the Communist Party of China's leaders from Tibet Autonomous Region were also said to join. The School Department of the Nepal Communist Party, headed by Ishwar Pokhrel, is organising the meeting from the Nepali side, the report stated, adding that from the Chinese side, the International Department of the Communist Party of China, which is headed by Song Tao, is taking the lead. The report quoted a central member on condition of anonymity, saying that he was wondering if the timing for the meeting was right, given the border stand-off between India and China and souring of the relationship between Kathmandu and New Delhi over Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura. Last year too, weeks before Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to Nepal, the ruling Nepal Communist Party had organised a two-day symposium in Kathmandu, where scores of senior Communist Party of China leaders had participated. Though ruling party leaders had maintained that the symposium was about learning from Chinas ruling party particularly on functioning and discipline many believed the event meant the arrival of the Chinese President Xi Jinpings doctrine, widely known as Xi Jinping Thought, to Kathmandu. According to party leaders, more than 100 leaders and cadres of the ruling Nepal Communist Party are scheduled to participate in the virtual meeting from Kathmandu and provinces, the report stated. Balter supports carbon tax; whats Conoles stance? To the Editor: The June 14 Post-Standard provided a good guide for Democratic voters relative to where candidates Dana Balter and Francis Conole stand on various issues as the local primary approaches (NY primary election 2020: Where Balter, Conole differ on the issues). Unfortunately, under the topic of the urgent crisis of climate change, only one actual policy prescription that would tackle the issue is mentioned, and that is Dana Balters support for a carbon tax. More specifically, Balters website shows that she favors a carbon fee-and-dividend approach, which represents a durable, effective and potentially bipartisan approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Estimates are that such an approach would reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions 40% in 12 years. Climate voters know that we need bold action on climate change and are unlikely to be swayed, for example, by support for the Paris accords, something that a House member will never have the opportunity to vote on. Conole also should articulate his support for a carbon dividend approach to climate change, which, in addition to being effective would, as Balter says, have the potential for bipartisan support in Congress. Or alternatively, he should identify a policy he will support as a member of Congress that will achieve similar reductions in greenhouse gases. Democrats in NY-24 who are concerned with climate change will surely vote accordingly. Joseph Piraino Citizens Climate Lobby Volunteer Cicero Lemondes has leadership, maturity for Assembly To the Editor: As someone who grew up in the town of LaFayette, I have been following the race for 126th district of the New York State Assembly. After reviewing the candidates to replace Gary Finch, it is clear that John Lemondes is by far the best choice. He was endorsed by the Republican party and will be on the ballot in November representing the Conservative and Independence parties. I encourage his fellow Republicans to vote for him as well in the upcoming primary, rather than splitting the vote. We need the leadership that his years as a colonel in the U.S. Army gives him, the experience that he has as the owner of Ellys Acres Farm (named after his daughter), and the maturity of a loving father of three. Please join me in supporting John Lemondes to fight and collaborate for us Central New Yorkers in our State Assembly this Tuesday, June 23 Michael Sutton Syracuse Fitzpatrick focused on issues important to CNY To the Editor: As chairman of the Republican Party in the town of Camillus, I encourage voters in the 126th Assembly District to vote for Danny Fitzpartick for State Assembly. He has, from the beginning, run a positive issue-based campaign unlike his opponent. He is focused on opening the economy, repealing bail reform, saving Interstate 81, protecting our watershed, saving local hospitals, and keeping Bill Gates and Andrew Cuomo out of our classrooms. He knows how to get things done and he will be honored to fight for us in Albany. Vote Danny Fitzpatrick on Primary Day! Michael J. Luber Camillus Balter shows respect to constituents, will lift them up To the Editor: A main reason that Dana Balter will represent us best in Congress is that she has hustled to build her campaign and win the support that she has. Shes figured out the best ways to campaign, to fundraise through grassroots networks, to build relationships with organizations and individuals throughout the district. She has never acted like shes entitled to anything, but as if its a position worth earning -and not earning for her own prestige or power, but because she cares genuinely about working for justice and for Central New York - for we are not a rich and powerful district. Shes not going to be accountable to party leadership or big donors. Shes going to be accountable to us and understands truly what that means and will speak out when it matters, including to Democratic leadership when it is in our best interest. I had a mentor once reprimand me for kneeling down to talk to people in power. She said: You kneel to talk to people whose voices we are working to uplift, with them you stand. Dana understands this she knows how to kneel and show respect for her constituents. None of us are big, wealthy folks, and she knows how to stand up to people in power. Ive seen her do it time and time again in meetings with folks of all political stripes. Shes the best kind of leader someone who listens, understands and speaks out in a clear and intelligent way. Shes the one to represent us. Jonah Minkoff-Zern Syracuse MORE PRIMARY COVERAGE 5 familiar faces vie for 2 spots in Democratic primary for Syracuse City Court Danny Fitzpatrick, John Lemondes battle in GOP primary for NY Assembly Balter, Conole differ on healthcare in only debate before NY primary Want to vote in the 2020 NY primary election? Heres what you need to know (Newser) President Trump's planned rally in Tulsa got the go-ahead Friday from the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which rejected a lawsuit that could have canceled the event. The city then called off a three-day curfew, causing confusion among police, after Trump tweeted that he'd spoken to Tulsa's mayor. Trump had issued a warning to potential protesters earlier in the day; thousands of supporters and opponents of the president are flooding into the city before the event Saturday, the Washington Post reports. Mayor G.T. Bynum had declared a civil emergency and had the area around the arena cleared Thursday night, saying law enforcement officials expected violence. Trump posted that the curfew had been repealed after he spoke with Bynum. "Thank you to Mayor Bynum!" he wrote. story continues below Tulsa residents and businesses had filed suit to postpone the indoor rally unless the arena agrees to impose enforce social distancing guideline, per the New York Times. The group's lawyer told the court that allowing the event to proceed at a time when coronavirus cases are climbing in Tulsa would be "madness." But the court ruled that under Oklahoma's reopening guidelines, social distancing is at the discretion of business owners. Face masks are not required at the rally, though the campaign said it will check the temperature of those entering the arena. "The city is under siege," a photojournalist near the arena said. Convenience stores already are boarded up, he said, and National Guard troops had arrived. The rally is scheduled for 8pm EDT, per CBS. (Read more Tulsa stories.) NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP >> Newtown Township will be applying for federal funding to bolster its career firefighting force. And its crossing its fingers and hoping the third times a charm. At its Jan. 12 meeting, the board of supervisors voted unanimously to resubmit its SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to... TULSA, Okla. - Tulsa was a city on edge Friday night, as Donald Trump fans and counter protesters gathered in anticipation of the president's first campaign rally in months set for Saturday, raising fears of a violent confrontation and a worsening spread of the coronavirus as local cases spike. Authorities set up perimeter around the 19,000-seat BOK Center in downtown Tulsa, where those eager to see Trump started lining up at midweek. Businesses around the area boarded up their windows, the mayor issued a state of emergency and set up a curfew out of concern that outside groups were headed to town to raise trouble. But the city announced it was rescinding the safety measures after Trump tweeted: "I just spoke to the highly respected Mayor of Tulsa, G.T. Bynum, who informed me there will be no curfew tonight or tomorrow for our many supporters attending the #MAGA Rally," Trump said. "Enjoy yourselves - thank you to Mayor Bynum!" The surprise decision threw another dose of chaos into the mix, as Trump moved forward to stage a rally that was controversial on two fronts. Not only did it come in a racially torn city at a fraught moment, but it flouted health guidelines that recommend against mass gatherings amid the coronavirus epidemic, with opponents of the rally on health grounds unsuccessfully pressing their objections at the state Supreme Court. Outside the perimeter of the center Friday, Trump fans were already chanting "All lives matter" at one counter protester chanting and waving a "Black lives matter" sign. About a mile from the arena, thousands more people gathered Friday for the emancipation celebration of Juneteeth in the historic black community of Greenwood, once known as Black Wall Street, where an estimated 300 black residents were killed by a white mob in 1921. Celebrants painted "Black Lives Matter" on the street in yellow paint, an echo of the District of Columbia's street mural in front of the White House. The Rev. Al Sharpton and other black leaders were scheduled to speak at the rally, set to stretch into the evening. The looming sense of anticipation permeating the streets here transformed Tulsa, a still-divided oil town of 400,000 in the heart of Trump-friendly Oklahoma, into ground zero for a combustible mix of crises that have further polarized the nation along racial and partisan lines in the lead-up to the presidential election. The president's decision to hold his first campaign-style rally since the pandemic began in Tulsa on the weekend of Juneteenth angered many across the county and comes as the country is in the midst of a historic reckoning on race after the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25. Trump, who has used divisive language about race, originally planned the rally to be held on Juneteenth itself, but moved it a day after widespread outcry. He told the Wall Street Journal earlier this week he had never heard of the celebration until one of his black Secret Service officers explained it to him. "I did something good: I made Juneteenth very famous," Trump claimed, though observances happen annually across the country on June 19. "It's actually an important event, an important time. But nobody had ever heard of it." Friday, the Rev. Robert R.A. Turner stood in front of the Historic Vernon A.M.E. Church - where the basement was one of the few structures that survived the devastation in 1921 - and watched as crowds streamed past one group selling Black Lives Matter clothing and another registering people to vote. "We know that people came here nearly 100 years ago and sought to destroy black Wall Street," Turner said. "We don't want other individuals to come finish the job. I just hope and pray that the president keeps his people calm, but I have no faith in this president. He has shown a propensity to incite violence." Earlier in the day, Trump on Twitter had warned that "any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma, please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle or Minneapolis. It will be a much different scene!" Although Oklahoma is a solidly Republican state, Trump campaign officials said they chose the city for Trump's first campaign rally in months because Oklahoma is already well into reopening after the coronavirus shut down and view it as a celebration of sorts that the worst of the crisis is over. Trump and others have said about 1 million people have requested tickets to the event. The campaign intends to supply rallygoers with masks and hand sanitizer, but will not be keeping attendees six feet apart. Oklahoma's new cases have spiked since the state moved into an aggressive reopening plan on June 1. Eric Feigl-Ding, an epidemiologist at Harvard University's Chan School of Public Health, said Oklahoma has the second-fastest-growing per capita rate of new coronavirus infections in the country, based on a seven-day average. As of Thursday, infections were up 140 percent in the state, according to estimates by the Federation of American Scientists, a nonpartisan policy institute where Feigl-Ding is a senior fellow. As Friday, Tulsa County had 2,070 cases and 65 deaths, and Oklahoma had 9,706 cases and 367 deaths. The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Friday rejected an appeal of a lawsuit filed on behalf of local residents, business owners and a community center in Greenwood earlier this week that had demanded that the arena's manager adhere to social distancing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or cancel the rally. The city's top health official, Bruce Dart, has said he was worried the rally could become a "super spreader" event and said Wednesday that he had recommended the rally be postponed until it was safe. "I know so many people are over covid," Dart said. "But covid is not over." Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, has said he will be welcoming the president with open arms Saturday. "My question back to all the folks that say you shouldn't have a rally, when is the right time?" he said on Fox Friday. "Do we really think that in July or August or in November coronavirus is not going to be here? We've got to learn to deal with this. We've got to learn to be safe, take precautions, but we've got to learn to also live our lives." Trump's supporters said that they were unconcerned about the perils of coronavirus or of protesters. "I'm not going to let those people run me off," Terri Whisenhunt, 49, of Wagoner, Okla., vowed. "And covid-19 is not going to keep me locked in my house. I think it's all a bunch of B.S." She said she would not be wearing a mask inside the rally, echoing the sentiments of many of Trump's top staffers, including press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, who said Friday no one in the administration has any reservations about going forward with the rally during the pandemic. Asked why Trump is taking the risk of spreading infection, she said, "Look, I think we're confident we can operate safely in Tulsa." McEnany said she will be at the rally and will not wear a mask, which she said is a personal choice. Around the BOK center Friday, vendors hawked T-shirts and face masks, and small clusters of people wearing MAGA hats and Trump T-shirts roamed the streets, taking photos. Dozens of people clustered in soggy lawn chairs and huddled under umbrellas and tents in the rain after being moved from their spots in front of the arena Thursday night. At one point in the afternoon, a young African American man clashed with a white Trump supporter who had parked his pink bicycle with a Confederate flag flying from a pole at the intersection of West 4th Street and Boulder Avenue. After a scuffle over the flag, the owner of the Confederate flag pulled a knife, which he kept to his side, while the other man yelled, "Make my day." The busy traffic was punctuated with frequent blasts from horns of Trump supporters and also pounding bass from vehicles rolling by playing a rap song at full blast with the lyrics, "Hey, hey f--- Donald Trump." A woman in a Trump 2020 hat approached one, a Chevrolet Tahoe with the passenger-side window partially rolled down, and handed the occupant a white carnation, which was received. Standing on the corner nearby, Trump supporter Roberta Marracino shook her head and called the music "obnoxious." Marracino, 54, traveled from Bloomingdale, Ohio, near the Pennsylvania border. She arrived late last night with her 15-year-old daughter for her fourth time seeing the president speak. "He needs our support now more than ever," Marracino said. "It's appalling the vile, nasty things they say about him and they get away with it. The more they throw at him, the more I support him." Marracino said she thinks the president deserves more support from minorities because the economy had lowered the unemployment rate. "He loves the American people, of all races, all colors, all backgrounds." Another vehicle rolled by blasting rap music. She couldn't be sure if it was the same song. "Rap pretty much sounds the same to me," she said. Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale disputed the idea that the president's supporters would cause unrest, telling "Fox and Friends" Friday morning, "You know, I've been here since day one, and I've found all Trump supporters to be really, you know, caring, loving people that care about this country." "I think you see people coming in. They're trying to disrupt. They're trying to create scenes," he added. The city released a statement Friday explaining why they had rescinded the earlier stricter curfew that had been put in place Friday morning. The city said officials were first contacted on Thursday by the Secret Service, which asked the City of Tulsa and Tulsa Police Department to put in place a curfew around the BOK Center. Bynum, a Republican, said in the statement: "Last night, I enacted a curfew at the request of Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin, following consultation with the United States Secret Service based on intelligence they had received. Today, we were told the curfew is no longer necessary so I am rescinding it." City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper, a Democrat, who represents the Greenwood District, said she was left confused by the mayor's decision to rescind the curfew. "I'm totally at a loss to be honest with you," Hall-Harper said. "I don't have words. The statement I saw didn't set out an explanation. They were doing it for security reasons, then the president calls, according to his tweet, and now they are not. I guess security isn't important anymore?" - - - The Washington Post's Colby Itkowitz and Mark Berman in Washington and Ziva Branstetter in Tulsa contributed to this report. I remember it well. Chef Omar Tate, looking up amid the whiffs of smoke and sound of hot links sputtering on the grill, wiping his brow, mouth pushing toward a smile of satisfaction as he surveyed the scene. People dancing, playing dominoes, talking about music and politics. Ben Bynum, the local legend behind several Philly restaurants and jazz clubs, sprinkling paprika atop his famous potato salad. Kurt Evans, then the chef and culinary director at Drive Change, checking his barbecued chicken for doneness. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Princes Summertime playing on the radio, punctuated by the call of the muezzin at the local mosque beckoning people to prayer. But as my South Carolina grandfather used to say, Time go, time go. It now seems like decades have passed since that backyard Juneteenth cookout in Philadelphia, though it was only last year. In the intervening months, COVID-19 has made large gatherings impossible; it has exposed long-standing socioeconomic and health disparities in the immutable terms of a body count proportionally higher in Black and Brown communities. A trio of high-profile racially motivated murders of African Americans, followed by others, has forced the entire nation (and many other parts of the globe) into acknowledging the twin sins of anti-Blackness and the overreach of law enforcementa crisis of violence against people of color. And so, as America collects itself and corrects its memory in preparation for yet another Juneteenth, everything is the same, and yet, everything is new. Photo by MAMADI DOUMBOUYA Photo by MAMADI DOUMBOUYA, FOOD STYLING BY PEARL JONES, PROP STYLING BY SHANNON MALDONADO Juneteenth is one of the nations only deliberate observances of the formal ending of racial chattel slavery. Though President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in late 1863, it wasnt until June 19, 1865, just after the Civil War ended, that the U.S. Army forced Texas slaveholders to comply. Until then most had continued to rely on enslaved labor, using their relative geographic isolation to withhold the knowledge that freedom had come. Story continues The liberation celebration, often centered on food, spread among African American communities in the South through the early 1900s, and during the Great Migration, across the country. Today millions celebrate some version of the holiday, though how they do it varies widely by region. At last years Philadelphia Juneteenth cookout, the South was present but not dominant. Tate, Bynum, and Evans were all born in Philly, but their roots span Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, Louisiana, and beyond. The stoops and tighter quarters of the urban North meant the barbecue came from a grill instead of a traditional pit; the music from a radio instead of a gospel choir. The chefs shared Islamic faith, common in Philadelphia, also played a part: Beef, chicken, and shellfish were favored over pork. But still, African-based folk tradition was observed in the serving of symbolically red foodspunch, bell peppers, paprikawhich Tate said were meant to show reverence for their ancestors perseverance. Large-scale desserts like Bynum's brown butter peach cobbler were made with the kind of loving care that turns a block into a village. Photo by MAMADI DOUMBOUYA, FOOD STYLING BY PEARL JONES, PROP STYLING BY SHANNON MALDONADO Photo by MAMADI DOUMBOUYA Tate has been connecting food and history since 2018 through his successful pop-up, Honeysuckle, where he explores the ongoing narrative of Black existence through highly personal dishes and stories. Cooking on Juneteenth with Bynum and Evans last year was a family reunion of sorts; the chefs mixing and matching recipes from their mothers while drawing upon the historic legacies of more distant ancestors. I want my son to know how important it is to preserve our culture, Tate told me then as he passed a plate to 12-year-old Bashir. We dont need to assimilate or upgrade to be as good as anyone else. As long as theres Black joy, its already a legit celebration. Since last year, all of our chefs have experienced drastic changes in their professional and personal routines to survive in an anxiety-ridden new world. Immediately after COVID-19 decimated the restaurant industry, Tate moved from New York City back home to Philly, where he now trades off kitchen space at South Philly Barbacoa with Evans. The two chefs take turns providing affordable take-out meals to the community through both Tates Honeysuckle pop-ups and Evans new program, Everybody Eats. Evans is currently rebooting his Down North pizza shop for soft openings while keeping alive his mission to recruit and hire the formerly incarcerated, who are being hit particularly hard by COVID-19. We need to let people out accordingly, he says, people with minor offenses, eldersotherwise we will have a bigger crisis on our hands inside and outside of the prisons. Photo by JONATHAN COOPER Photo by MAMADI DOUMBOUYA, FOOD STYLING BY PEARL JONES As Tate wrote recently in an essay for Esquire, federal bailouts wont save pop-ups like his, just as the government wont save Black America. In a rush to save the restaurant business, many Black culinarians have found themselves left behind while corporations sop up much of the funds. Yet despite serious tragedies and setbacks, including Tate losing a beloved uncle to the virus, our three chefs have used the power of community to keep moving ahead, creating new paradigms based on old practices. As Juneteenth returns once again, this intersection of revolution and evolution means the recipes and culture expressed here will endure even as their creators morph to meet the demand for tastes of a pre-COVID-19 world. And so, Tate turns once again to his son, who is now coming to grips with the enormity of racial strife in American life. You dont know how much power you have, he tells Bashir. Then he turns to me: Its challenging, but this is a living teachable moment. Its an opportunity to educate my son on where weve been and where were going. And through all this, the Black joy must not stop. Michael W. Twitty is a culinary historian, scholar, historical interpreter, and James Beard Awardwinning author of The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South. He is currently at work on a second book. Find him on his blog, Afroculinaria. Get the chefs Juneteenth recipes: Originally Appeared on Bon Appetit He did not give details to substantiate his comments or say which foreign country was involved. President Alexander Lukashenko said on Friday Belarus had foiled a foreign plot to destabilise the country ahead of the presidential election in August, a day after the arrest of his main political rival sparked protests. There had been a large-scale plan to foment a revolution akin to the Maidan street protests in Ukraine in 2014, Lukashenko said, Reuters reported. Read alsoLukashenko sacks Belarus government He said political forces from "both from the West and from the East" had concentrated their interests in Belarus, and that "certain forces" had intensified their efforts, according to the official BelTA news agency. He did not give details to substantiate his comments or say which foreign country was involved, although relations with Russia have been strained in recent months. "That was the goal. The masks were torn not only from certain puppets we had here, but also from puppeteers who sit outside Belarus," he said. Lukashenko has ruled the ex-Soviet country with an iron fist for 26 years but faces the biggest challenge in years as frustration over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic combined with grievances over the economy and human rights. On Thursday the authorities arrested his most serious opponent, Viktor Babariko, who was the head of the local unit of Russia's Gazprombank before running for president. A top security official said Babariko was controlled by Russian "puppeteers." Ties between the two traditional allies have been strained by Russia's decision to scale back subsidies and oil supplies to its neighbour. Belarus has also resisted Russian calls for closer economic union. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia had no plans to intervene. "The Kremlin does not have a candidate at the Belarusian elections. The candidate at the elections is the Belarusian people," he said. This is an August 2006 file photo of then-Cpl. Jeff Annunziata of the Erie Bureau of Police, on the scene of a traffic accident on Erie's east side. A veteran Erie Bureau of Police officer defended his profession, criticized journalists and broadly stated that Black people seeking social justice cannot take care of their own or anyone else without playing the race card in a long email sent to several Erie Times-News reporters and copied to Mayor Joe Schember. Sgt. Jeff Annunziata, the chief traffic investigator for Erie police and a 34-year veteran of the police bureau, sent the email from his city account on Monday night to Schember and four Erie Times-News reporters. The email from Annunziata, 62, also states that citizens do not understand compliance; asserts that most police officers try to avoid confrontation; suggests without evidence that the Clinton Foundation and billionaire George Soros are funding Black Lives Matter and antifa, and makes a point of mentioning that Erie officer Richard Burchick was shot and killed in 1991 by a Black man. Why are the facts ignored about the killing in this country and how small, the minute numbers of Police officers that kill a black man in the line of duty? Annunziata wrote. There is not one police officer that I have met around the country that seeks out controversy instead of an agreement NOT ONE, Annunziata wrote. Schember initially told the Erie Times-News on Wednesday he had read Annunziatas email and responded to it in writing, and that he also had talked with Annunziata briefly about what the officer wrote. Police Chief Dan Spizarny is also aware of the email, Schember said. But later, on Wednesday afternoon, Schember declined further comment about Annunziatas email and would not voluntarily forward a copy of his written response to Annunziatas email to the Times-News after the newspaper asked for it. The Times-News has since requested a copy of Schembers email via the states Right-to-Know Law. Contacted by telephone Wednesday, Annunziata said he was ordered by Schembers administration not to comment further. Story continues Annunziata sent his email shortly before 7 p.m. Monday. It is unclear whether Annunziata was working when he wrote or sent the email. A few hours earlier, about 3:30 p.m. Monday, Schember announced that another city police officer, who was caught on video kicking a seated protester during unrest downtown in late May, would be suspended without pay for three days and would be assigned to desk duty until he completes sensitivity training. The entire department will also undergo sensitivity training, Schember announced. Schembers administration has refused to identify the officer who kicked 21-year-old protester Hannah Silbaugh on the advice of City Solicitor Ed Betza, which has angered some members of the public. In his email, Annunziata referred to George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25. Annunziata also generally mentioned protesters, as Floyds death has sparked demonstrations throughout the world, including in Erie. Why is the fact that the officer(s) in Minnesota are paying for their lack of judgment, Annunziata wrote. What gives the protesters the right to cause damage and disobey public order? Annunziata also questioned in his email why reporters do not report on the officers in this city that were injured trying to protect what people have built. You as reporters have a responsibility to report the whole story not the part you want to report for your own satisfaction and that of unnecessary movements. The Erie Times-News reported on June 10 that one of the 14 city police officers injured during the late May rioting downtown suffered a serious knee injury and will be off work for an extended period of time. The newspaper has also reported on the injuries suffered by other officers during the downtown disturbance. Annunziata, in his email, asked where is the protest for police officers murdered nationwide and mentioned the Confederate flag, saying that prohibiting someone from displaying it is a violation of the First Amendment. Addressing Schember, Annunziata wrote: Mr. mayor how many officers need to be hurt before you speak out. He also wrote The deep state media, reporters are responsible and the radical liberal politicians are right behind them. He wrote of those groups: they show the problem but do not offer solutions, fair solutions we can all agree on. Annunziata ended his email by writing that officers across the country always look for a peaceful resolution, but when we are confronted with dissension, weapons of all kinds and argument we have a job to do and hopefully with peaceful results. As we know this does not happen when a law is broken and the suspect or citizen does not understand what they have done, was done wrong and against the law. Erie City Councilman Michael Keys called Annunziatas email disappointing and said he believes Schember needs to publicly address it. Keys, who is Black, reviewed the email at the request of the Times-News. What strikes me is that theres absolutely no empathy in that email for the people who have been disproportionately affected by police brutality and systemic structural racism, Keys said. I am also concerned that a member of our police force expresses these kinds of views about some members of the public that he is supposed to protect and serve, Keys said. Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ETNflowers. Text of the email Erie Police Sgt. Jeff Annunziata, 62, the citys chief traffic investigator, sent the following email on Monday evening to four Erie Times-News reporters and Erie Mayor Joe Schember: People, Why are the facts ignored about the killing in this country and how small, the mInute numbers of Police officers that kill a black man in the line of duty? Why is the fact that the officer in Minnesota are paying for their lack of judgement ? What gives the protesters the right to cause damage and disobey public order? Minorities (BLACK PEOPLE) talk of SOCIAL JUSTICE when they cannot take care of their own or anyone else with out playing the race card, why? I see this all the time and many well know people of color agree with this, but are subsequently called Uncle Tom. All I want to see is equality also, but watch the reverse that has taken hold here in this country with the destruction of this countries history in the SOUTH AND OTHER STATES. Right or wrong it is the History of this Country. Why do you reporters not comment on the Destruction and Vandalism of National monuments WHY? I am glad I am a police officer in this city because we have adapted to change and how to treat people in the community. Those other communities need to adapt but it is not going to happen with rioting, looting and destruction of your neighborhoods and cities. Why is it that reporters do not report on the officers in this city that were injured trying to protect what people have built. You as reporters have a responsibility to report the whole story not the part you want to report for your own satisfaction and that of unnecessary movements. BLM is know to have attached itself with ANTIFA WHY? why is the Dem party with the likes of backers like George Soros & the Clinton foundation who are funding BLM & Antifa why? To say BLM and not all lives matter is racist, to stop a confederate flag from waving is a violation of the first amendment, why is this ignored. What about police lives that are killed in this country, why was there no protest when my friend and brother officer Richard Burchick was murdered by a black man? Why is the murder of retired ST. Louis Police Captain (Black Cop David Dorn) murdered and there was no protest for him, he was killed by a young black male ? 48 officers were killed in felonious acts in 2019, where is the protest for their deaths? Why is it important to kneel during the anthem when if they did this immediately after, I believe it would be widely accepted and participated in even by the fans. The protest is right and just, the timing has been dictated by the media. Mr. mayor how many officers need to be hurt before you speak out about the what is going on, this issue affects us all. The 'deep state' media, reporters are responsible and the 'radical' liberal politicians are right behind them. Their argument serves no purpose but perpetuates the problem because they show the problem but do not offer solutions, fair solutions we can all agree on. Remember we as police interact when we are called upon for help, and sometimes things get out of hand because People do not understand compliance. There is not one police officer that I have met around the country that seeks out controversy instead of an agreement NOT ONE. I have been around the country talking to police officer in my 34+ years career, we always look for a peaceful resolution, but when we are confronted with dissension, weapons of all kinds and argument we have a job to do and hopefully with peaceful results. As we know this does not happen when a law is broken and the suspect or citizen does not understand what they have done, was done wrong and against the law. Jeff Annunziata citizen, taxpayer and police officer. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie police officer emails mayor, reporters with complaints, concerns PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Capgemini (CGEMY.PK, CAPP) has agreed to work with the Defence Digital unit of the UK's Ministry of Defence to provide the next generation of services for the IT Service Center. The Service Center is at the core of Operational Service Management, which delivers the MOD's essential IT services. The center will use Capgemini's AI and Smart Analytics capabilities to increase self-service. Tom Thicknesse, Executive Sponsor for the Program at Capgemini in the UK, said, 'Having worked with the MOD for several years, this contract is testimony to our highly collaborative relationship. Today's agreement underlines Capgemini's continued commitment to the public sector in the UK.' 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Saturday, June 20, is the Summer Solstice, traditionally known as the longest day of the year. But with the longest day comes the shortest night, and that's the part of the Summer Solstice that White Castle, known by loyal Cravers as a nighttime hotspot, wants to celebrate. Saturday, June 20, is the Summer Solstice, traditionally known as the longest day of the year. But with the longest day comes the shortest night, and thats the part of the Summer Solstice that White Castle wants to celebrate. White Castle is releasing three Cocktails and Craves pairings, each one featuring a mouthwatering White Castle Slider and a delightful custom drink mixed with a beverage from Coca-Cola Freestyle machines found in virtually every White Castle. So just in time for the annual astronomical event, White Castle is releasing three "Cocktails and Craves" pairings, each one featuring a mouthwatering White Castle Slider and a delightful custom drink mixed with a beverage from Coca-Cola Freestyle machines found in virtually every White Castle. Cravers everywhere are encouraged to indulge in one, two or all three of the pairings in honor of the special, once-a-year occasion. "The night of June 20th won't last long, so we want to help make every moment count," said Jamie Richardson, vice president of White Castle. "We've come up with three custom cocktail recipes so that Cravers will have what they need to get in the spirit of the celebration." Dropbox link to photo assets White Castle has enlisted Mr. Gandy, a one-of-a-kind Craver, to introduce its "Cocktails and Craves" pairings and the original cocktail recipes in a series of video posts that will appear on White Castle's Facebook and Instagram accounts as well as its website beginning Saturday and running over the next few weeks. But no worries if you can't wait until then because we're providing a sneak peek at the "Cocktails and Craves" pairings: "Orange Afterglow" perfect with the Original Slider " Castillo Rosado Margarita " perfect with a Jalapeno Cheese Slider "Midnight Merlot Punch" perfect with a Cheese Slider White Castle is making it easy for Cravers to make these custom cocktails. Its social media posts will include a coupon for a complimentary 30-ounce medium drink from one of its Coca-Cola Freestyle machines. No purchase is necessary. Cravers can pick up some Sliders and a drink at their nearest White Castle or purchase the cocktail ingredients and a box (or two or three) of Sliders from the freezer aisle at their favorite grocery store to make at home. As part of the shortest night celebration, White Castle has created a special "Night Castle" t-shirt, which will be available at White Castle's House of Crave online gift shop. White Castle is also encouraging Cravers to share their own original cocktail recipes using the hashtag #CocktailsAndCraves. "Everyone knows the vibe changes after dark at White Castle," Richardson said. "When the sun goes down, White Castle turns to 'Night Castle.' What better place to celebrate the shortest night of the year?" Here are the recipes for the custom "Night Castle" cocktails. Please drink responsibly. 1. Orange Afterglow (perfect complement to the Original Slider) 12 oz. lager beer 4 oz. Seagram's Ginger Ale orange 1 orange slice, for garnish Pour the beer into a chilled pint glass. Gently add the Seagram's Ginger Ale orange. Garnish with a fresh orange slice. Serve. 2. Castillo Rosado Margarita (perfect complement to a Jalapeno Cheese Slider) 1 lemon wedge, for rimming glasses 2 c. ice c. fresh lemon juice c. triple sec 1 c. tequila 2 c. Minute Maid pink lemonade 4 lemon slices, for garnish Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of four glasses, then dip rims into salt. To each glass, add ice, lemon juice, triple sec, tequila and pink lemonade. Stir to combine. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice. Serves 4. 3. Midnight Merlot Punch (perfect complement to a Cheese Slider) 5 oz. Merlot red wine 6 oz. Sprite raspberry Ice 1 orange slice, for garnish 1 pineapple chunk, for garnish 1 strawberry slice, for garnish 1 lemon wedge, for garnish 1 mint sprig, for garnish Fill a tall glass with ice and top with the Merlot. Gently add the Sprite Raspberry. Garnish with the orange slice, pineapple chunk, strawberry slice, lemon wedge, and mint before serving. About White Castle White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty sliders as a family-owned business for more than 99 years. Based in Columbus, Ohio, White Castle started serving The Original Slider, made from 100% USDA inspected beef, in 1921. Today White Castle owns and operates more than 365 restaurants dedicated to satisfying customers' cravings, morning, noon and night and sells its famous fare in retail stores nationwide, in a growing number of international locations, and at military exchanges around the world. The Original Slider, named in 2014 as Time Magazine's most influential burger of all time, is served alongside a menu of creatively crafted sliders and other mouthwatering food options, including White Castle's Impossible Slider, named by Thrillist in 2019 as the "Best Plant-Based Fast Food Burger." White Castle's commitment to maintaining the highest quality products extends to the company owning and operating its own meat processing plants, bakeries and frozen-food processing plants. White Castle is known for the legendary loyalty of its team members, more than one in four of whom have worked for White Castle for at least 10 years, and of its faithful fans, affectionately referred to as Cravers, many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app, available at iTunes App Store or Google Play , makes it easy for Cravers to access sweet deals and place pick-up orders any time. They can also have their orders delivered using one of White Castle's delivery partners. For more information on White Castle, visit whitecastle.com. SOURCE White Castle Related Links http://www.whitecastle.com A San Antonio man was hospitalized Thursday night after being shot twice in the chest on the Northeast Side, according to the San Antonio Police Department. Officers responded to a report of a shooting on the 4800 block of Castle Sword at 10:54 p.m. They found a 34-year-old man on the front porch with two life-threatening gunshot wounds to the chest. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez yesterday announced a 4.25 billion package to bolster the country's battered tourism industry. "The good news is that thanks to how the epidemic has evolved, we've been able to move forward the re-opening of our borders," Sanchez said Thursday at a speech in Madrid, referring to the decision to allow members of certain European countries to enter Spain freely as of June 21. The 4.25 billion package includes a previously announced 2.5 billion tranche of the government's loan guarantee program that can be used exclusively by companies in the tourism industry. New measures include 200,000 euros for guidelines on cleaning and other safety measures and 859 million in loans to bolster tourism companies' digitalisation, use of renewable energy and modernisation of facilities. The package also includes a moratorium on mortgage-loan payments for some tourism businesses. Thursday's announcement follows a bumper stimulus program for the country's car industry announced earlier this week, as the government takes steps to shore up key areas of the economy slammed by the coronavirus pandemic. Executives in the car and tourism industries have been clamouring for additional financial support from Madrid. They say the government's 100 billion loan guarantee program and the funds spent to support millions of furloughed workers, among other emergency aid, have been vital - but still short of what's needed to weather the unprecedented downturn. Spain's Hostelry Association said they weren't satisfied with the tourism announcement because, among other reasons, it didn't include tourism vouchers to encourage Spaniards to spend on restaurants and hotels in their own country. More than 80 million tourists visited Spain last year, making it one of the world's most popular travel destinations. The blow to such a crucial sector from the pandemic is one reason Spain's economy is expected to contract more than most of its European neighbours. The Spanish central bank forecasts a worst-case-scenario contraction of as much as 15pc this year. While some German tourists have been allowed to fly directly to Spain's Balearic Islands as part of a special program, the rest of the country opens up to most European Union visitors on June 21. Most Spaniards still aren't allowed to travel between provinces as the government slowly eases one of Europe's strictest confinements. The shortened summer season has put tens of thousands of jobs at risk. Swathes of the Spanish workforce depend on paychecks earned from May to September to make it through the rest of the year. Sanchez's government has expanded such workers' access to unemployment benefits but economists are concerned many will remain jobless - or at least face lower demand for their work - for several years. The Bank of Spain expects the unemployment rate to remain above 17% through at least 2022. Among Spain's largest tourism companies are hotel chains Melia Hotels International SA and NH Hotel Group SA, state-controlled airport manager Aena SA, airline booking software firm Amadeus IT Group SA and airline operator International Consolidated Airlines SA's Iberia unit. As part of government's push to support tourism, Aena will be cutting airplane landing fees in Spanish airports, Chairman Maurici Lucena said in an interview published Thursday in newspaper Expansion. Restaurants and small retail shops - essential to tourism industry - are likely to suffer among the greatest job losses in Spain because of social-distancing restrictions put in place to stem the pandemic, according to a research report published by the Bank of Spain in May. Workers in those areas don't have the necessary skills to find jobs in sectors that are likely to see increased demand in the coming months and years, such as e-commerce. The central bank's economists are calling for a nationwide re-training program for those workers to ensure Spain's already high structural unemployment doesn't surge even higher. (c) Bloomburg / The Washington Post 2020 Sign up for our free travel newsletter! Like what you're reading? Subscribe to 'Travel Insider', our free travel newsletter written by award-winning Travel Editor, Pol O Conghaile. Washington Post Halfway down the High Street in Oxford, past the chain pubs and boutiques, stands a grandiose building in honey-coloured stone. There, above the central arch, is the little statue of Oriel Colleges benefactor, the Victorian diamond magnate Cecil Rhodes, after whom the building is named. In truth, though, youd never notice it were it not for the shrieking protesters who have made it a focal point in recent years. And in any case, the Rhodes Building contains something much more interesting. To pick just one example, Lieutenant Ambrose Austin (left) landed by glider in Normandy on D-Day, aged 22. With the area swarming with German patrols, he was killed almost immediately. Michael Allmand (right) left Oxford early to join the Army and was attached to the 6th Gurkha Rifles. Two years later, during the infamously bloody Burma campaign, he led his company into an attack on a vital railway bridge Turn through the doors and into the arch, and you see it almost immediately: a list of names, carved in the stone wall beneath the dates 1939 and 1945. These are the young men of Oriel who died for their country during World War II. The are 78 of them in alphabetical order, from Richard Anstey and Geoffrey Arnold to Edward Worsley and William van Wyck. Many of them were barely out of their teens. But when their country called, they were not found wanting. Unflinching: Former Oriel student Alexander Cheale of the Queens Own Royal West Kent Rifles, who was 20 when he died on May 23, 1940 Inspired by the rhetoric of Sir Winston Churchill and buoyed by the songs of Dame Vera Lynn, they risked their lives in the service of freedom. But like so many young men in those terrible, glorious years, they never returned. To pick just one example, Lieutenant Ambrose Austin landed by glider in Normandy on D-Day, aged 22. With the area swarming with German patrols, he was killed almost immediately. According to an obituary in his school magazine: He will be remembered most of all for the happy disposition which made him a host of friends, for the soundness that made one feel he must automatically bypass what was second-rate, and for the perfect form of his tackling on the footer field. Dated as those words may sound today, Austins personality shines through. Oriel is right to be proud of him. It is the first name on the list, though, that really stands out. Michael Allmand went up to Oriel to study history in 1941, aged 18. Prodigiously clever, he founded a literary magazine and began writing a book about the 18th-century thinker Edmund Burke, the intellectual father of conservatism. At the end of 1942, Allmand left Oxford early to join the Army and was attached to the 6th Gurkha Rifles. Two years later, during the infamously bloody Burma campaign, he led his company into an attack on a vital railway bridge. As the citation for his richly deserved posthumous Victoria Cross put it: Captain Allmand, although suffering from trench-foot, which made it difficult for him to walk, moved forward alone through deep mud and shell-holes and charged a Japanese machine-gun nest single-handed, but he was mortally wounded and died shortly afterwards. Our debt to Michael Allmand, and to all the young men on that Oxford memorial, will never fade. For as long as Britain endures, their defiance of the twin monstrosities of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan will always inspire us. And it was their sacrifice I thought of on Wednesday evening when I heard that Oriels governing body, with unforgivable cowardice, had caved in to the activists demanding Rhodess statue must come down. I thought of them again the next morning when I heard that Dame Vera, the soldiers darling in our darkest hour, had died at the age of 103. With poignant timing, the news came with Frances President Emmanuel Macron on his way to London, where he was due to mark the 80th anniversary of Charles de Gaulles broadcast urging his countrymen to join the resistance against Nazi occupation. This might have been a moment of tremendous cross-Channel pride. But even as our leaders remembered our struggle against Hitlers tyranny, there was a grim reminder of the ranting, intolerant hysteria that has poisoned our own public life. Only hours before President Macrons arrival, workmen disinterred Churchills statue from its grey sarcophagus, where our wartime leader had been imprisoned to protect him from the rival mobs of anti-racist and far-Right protesters. What, I wonder, would the men on that Oriel memorial make of the fact that we can no longer look our greatest Prime Minister in the face? And what would they make of those young men and women on the other side of the Oxford archway, shouting and screaming that Rhodes must fall? I know, of course, that the men who served in World War II were not all paragons. You have only to read some of their diaries to realise that, in many ways, they were youngsters like any other. They drank and squabbled; they chased girls and broke the rules. Only hours before President Macrons arrival, workmen disinterred Churchills statue from its grey sarcophagus, where our wartime leader had been imprisoned to protect him from the rival mobs of anti-racist and far-Right protesters Like so many students today, most of the men on that memorial were privileged. The majority, like Captain Allmand and Lieutenant Austin, were public schoolboys from middle-class families. And even they were not immune to the siren calls of utopian idealism. There were plenty of student communists in Oxford before 1939, after all. But it is the differences, not the similarities, that are most striking. Most of the young men who went off to fight in 1939 were deeply, quietly patriotic. They knew Britain was not perfect. But they loved it nonetheless, and were intensely proud of its history and culture. They would have been horrified at the thought that 81 years later, mobs of their successors would be touring the country, intent on demolishing the statues of Britains greatest if, of course, flawed heroes. They would have been appalled by the idea that in the future, students and academics would try to silence alternative opinions. They would have laughed in disbelief at the idea that young activists would demand the toppling of Churchill, the cancellation of William Gladstone, the demolition of Sir Francis Drake, Sir Robert Peel and Admiral Lord Nelson. And what they would surely find most unimaginable would be the idea that in the face of this infantile, hysterical nonsense, the Oxford authorities would limply roll over, promising to tear down the statue of Oriels greatest benefactor merely to appease the mob outside. In the past few days, the contrast between the generations has been almost too excruciating to contemplate. Todays young activists never miss an opportunity to congratulate themselves on their unprecedented moral self-righteousness. But there is nothing brave about posturing in the street during a pandemic. Nor is there anything idealistic about haranguing journalists a mob of activists tried to intimidate the columnist Peter Hitchens in Oxford earlier this week who might happen to disagree with their cause. By contrast, the wartime generation were genuinely brave. They were stoical and resilient, modest and self-effacing. Contrary to myth, they were not afraid to show their feelings. But they never believed their feelings were paramount, and refused to luxuriate in victimhood and self-pity. How many times have you heard a World War II veteran insist he was not especially heroic and was just doing his bit? Im not a hero, wrote Reg Twigg, who survived the Burma Railway, in his memoir Survivor On The River Kwai. I survived the Railway because once there was nobody to tell me what to do, my tough childhood memories kicked in and I coped on my own. What a contrast with other news from Oxford this week! For it turns out dozens of students are suffering traumatic effects after the killing of George Floyd, a black man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis this month. I dont dispute that his death was a shocking tragedy. Even so, I find it frankly unbelievable that Oxford dons are being encouraged to make allowances for these supposedly mitigating circumstances, which actually unfolded 4,000 miles away, if their students perform badly in exams. The poor darlings! However will they cope with the outside world? Theres more. Not unreasonably, we often think of Britain in 1939 as painfully class-bound. But in the face of the enemy, even the poshest public schoolboy found common cause with his working-class comrades, bound together by their deep love of country. Would the same be true of the pampered youngsters who parade their principles up and down Oxfords High Street? After all, they never miss an opportunity to dismiss white, working-class Britons as unenlightened racists, and to sneer at people they regard as their moral inferiors. Nothing captures that better than the story of Ntokozo Qwabe, the South African-born Rhodes Scholar who founded Oxfords Rhodes Must Fall movement five years ago. On his Facebook page, he bragged that when he was served by a white waitress, he took pleasure in telling her he would only give her a tip when you return the land. The waitress, he wrote, started shaking and burst into typical white tears. In other words, a hugely privileged Rhodes Scholar took great delight in taunting and humiliating a poorly paid young woman so he could flaunt his supposedly progressive principles. Hows that for snobbery? Narcissism in numbers: Students and protesters march in Oxford earlier this month to insist on the statues removal And then, perhaps most depressingly of all, there is the issue of free speech. The young men on that Oriel memorial were fighting for freedom. They gave their lives to defeat a regime that burned books, outlawed disagreement and murdered dissenters. And in Churchill, they had a leader who believed passionately in the principle of intellectual freedom. Even when the British people kicked him out of Downing Street after VE Day, Churchill saw the silver lining. They are perfectly entitled to vote as they please, he said. This is democracy. This is what weve been fighting for. But todays student activists see things differently. Dissenting opinions are not welcomed; they are silenced. Speakers who dare to question their cherished principles are cancelled or no-platformed. Even books some of these activists regard as objectionable are removed from the curriculum, to preserve the safety of their delicate little minds. According to The Guardian, a newspaper that once gave full-throated support to the slave-owning Confederacy and bitterly opposed the anti-slavery president Abraham Lincoln, the attack on free speech in our universities is merely a Right-wing myth. But this is simply not true. In the past few weeks alone, three academics have told me that they no longer teach Mark Twain, Joseph Conrad or Philip Larkin three of the greatest writers who ever lived for fear of being accused of racism. Is this really what the young men of Oxford fought for, all those years ago? All this sounds pretty downbeat, I know. And it would be easy to draw a pessimistic conclusion. Thanks to the corrosive effects of social media, the culture of narcissism seems unlikely to disappear. Young people are told, again and again, that they are special, they are different and they are victims. They live in a world in which free speech is routinely dismissed by the supposedly progressive Left, and in which they are insulated from challenging views or competing values. And depressingly, nobody has the courage to stand up to them. Oxford, my own alma mater, has a truly shameful record of pandering to its most radical students, from the toppling of Cecil Rhodes to this weeks pathetic promise to decolonise its maths and science degrees to make them more inclusive and diverse. If even senior professors are too spineless to stand up for scholarship, standards and our own history, then what hope do we have? But it would be wrong to conclude on such a gloomy note. For not all young people are as strident, ignorant and intolerant as the self-appointed censors parading through the centre of Oxford. Millions of youngsters are not students, and even most students arent activists. Most young Britons are as sensible, open-minded and kind-hearted as they have ever been, as so many of them have shown during the coronavirus pandemic. And if there is hope, it lies with this great, silent majority: the teenagers who keep their heads down, the students who just get on with studying, the ordinary, decent youngsters who dont pretend to occupy some unassailable summit of moral superiority. The Secret People, the writer G. K. Chesterton once called them. We are the people of England, runs his poem, and we have not spoken yet. It is they, not the self-righteous, intolerant minority, who are the true heirs to the heroes on the Oriel memorial. I just hope they do find their voices before its too late. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as John Bolton, national security advisor, listens during his meeting with Klaus Iohannis, Romania's president, not pictured, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, Aug. 20, 2019. EPA U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday blamed his former national security adviser, John Bolton, for the current deadlock in nuclear talks with North Korea. Trump's attack on Bolton comes as news media have reported unflattering revelations about the president using excerpts from the former adviser's yet unpublished memoir. "When Wacko John Bolton went on Deface the Nation and so stupidly said that he looked at the 'Libyan Model' for North Korea, all hell broke out," Trump tweeted, referring to Bolton's April 2018 interview on the CBS show, "Face the Nation." The Libya model Bolton suggested centers on getting North Korea to first surrender its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and then receive concessions in return. If there's one thing I know for certain, it is that we have changed and we are still changing because of this pandemic as individuals, as families and as businesses. We've all felt that shift and tried to make sense of so many things over the past few months and according to a survey Ulster Bank has just completed, 85pc of us have changed our priorities. Most of us want to spend more time with our families, to exercise more, to stop spending money on things we don't need. And we are far more worried about our health and our families' health than the prospect of another recession. That being said, many of us are getting comfort in the knowledge that, even though priorities are changing, there will be a time when will be able to see our families, go on holiday have our hair done, or enjoy a nice meal out. Of course, there are some things we're not looking forward to, but what we want is that choice and 64pc of us want to be empowered to feel more in control of our destiny. Change brings opportunities too, especially if you want to build on new habits and make them permanent. Organisational change has always been tough, but since mid-March we, like most businesses, have taken a quantum leap in how we work, where we work and for many, when we work. Ulster Bank now has about 2,000 colleagues working from home. Most of them were able to do that overnight, others took a little longer, some needed to be in branches as essential workers and our service has been pretty seamless. Thanks to our colleagues throughout the bank we have continued to serve customers and many of those customers have done their banking in different ways. During the pandemic, we're all rising to the challenge and responsibility of the restrictions, doing things safely and successfully and in ways that we thought were only possible in the future. Harnessing these ways of working presents a really great opportunity for individuals to reconsider how life and work can be better harmonised. It shouldn't be an abstract concept. For many people, working from home removes a long commute, removes a stressful morning and evening rush involving childcare drop-offs and collections. It also puts diversity and inclusion on the table more than ever before. We know that flexible working is one of the single biggest drivers of diversity and inclusion, particularly for women. It's been one of the cornerstones of what makes Ulster Bank a great place to work for a long time. And it's not just about working from home either, it's about working outside of the confines of 9 to 5, understanding that some people will log on at different times because of different home life situations and also because its what some of our customers prefer. If companies can really embrace flexible working in the true sense of the word, we as a society have a real opportunity to open up the workplace to people who previously may have felt excluded. As we evaluate our priorities, a change like this would certainly be empowering. Of course, not everybody will want to work from home as much as they have had to during lockdown, so we believe that offering a balance to our colleagues is the way forward. We were in the middle of a search for a new Dublin headquarters before the restrictions began, we now will re-evaluate our needs to serve our customers, as a business, and our colleagues' needs. The banking industry has, quite rightly, undertaken a lot of self-examination over recent years and we promised our customers that we would work hard to rebuild their trust through responsible practices and by doing the right thing. We've done a lot of work on that already but in my experience, the veracity of those kinds of undertakings are tested during times of challenge. We moved quickly to respond to help customers. For example, making the branches safe so they could stay open for those who needed access to them, providing over 11,000 payment breaks, providing a bespoke service for vulnerable customers and fraud awareness. As Ireland and the world moves into the next phase of Covid-19, we have to continue to demonstrate that culture by behaving responsibly and continuing to build a sustainable bank for the future. It's clear that the banking sector, along with other stakeholders, will be key in the months ahead if we are to recover strongly as a people and as an economy. We are committed to playing our part in that recovery and to support our customers, many of whom have experienced huge personal tragedy and haven't had the physical support of their communities in their grief. There is no doubt that there are challenging times ahead and uncertainty is a huge factor. There are customers out there who are worried about affording their mortgage after their payment break ends, or businesses wondering how they can survive the economic downturn. There are no guarantees. Not for anyone. The situation is very uncertain. One thing that is certain, however, is that those customers who engage with their banks will have a better outcome. In the recent past, our experience is that we can find solutions for 4 out of 5 customers in mortgage difficulty, when they have engaged with us. If you are worried don't wait - please contact us. After this, things will be different and how we move forward as a society is a conversation that everyone, including banks, has a stake in. In the midst of all of this change, I remain proud of my colleagues - who carried on helping customers in branches, on the phones and behind the scenes - as well as all of those across health services and retail who kept other essential services going throughout the restrictions. I will always be grateful. I look forward to taking the best of the opportunities for change, and in doing this to focus even more on customers and improve our business. If recent events have taught us anything, it's that life is for living and we want to support our colleagues and customers to do just that. Jane Howard is CEO of Ulster Bank. Suspect arrested for attack on Temple Mount activist Yehuda Glick (JNS) A suspect was arrested on Friday in connection with the assault on former Likud Knesset member Yehuda Glick a day earlier, at the mourning tent of an autistic Arab man shot by Jerusalem police on May 30. The suspect, who is in his 20s, is from the Wadi-al-Joz neighborhood north of the Old City of Jerusalem, denied any involvement and was released to house arrest. Glick was assaulted and thrown down a flight of stairs while trying to pay condolences in eastern Jerusalem to the family of Iyad Halak, who was killed in... Scientists in Japan have found they can pollinate fruit trees using soap bubbles coated in pollen. A team of researchers from the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, led by Eijiro Miyako, created a soapy solution that can be blended with up to 2,000 pollen grains per bubble and blown out of a plastic gun or dropped from above via drone. The team used the bubbles to pollinate pear trees in a small test orchard, and had a 95% success rate, about the same as manually pollinating the plants with a brush. Scientists at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology developed a new method of pollinating plants and fruit trees using soap bubbles coated with pollen 'Some might dismiss this as something of a fantasy, but the soap bubble is effective for pollination,' Miyako said in an interview with the BBC. 'I was probably the only person on the planet to believe this when I started the "playful" work. Maybe I still am now." The idea came to Miyako one day while he was playing with his young son, who was accidentally hit in the face by one of the soap bubbles they had been blowing. 'There was no damage because soap bubbles are soft, light, and flexible,' Miyako recalled. 'But I got an inspiration because I thought the bubbles won't damage the flowers and would be an ideal material for pollination.' Researcher Eijiro Miyako got the idea after watching his son react to being hit with a soap bubble, which left him impressed with their gentle and flexible nature The team found the soap bubbles had a 95% success rate when used to pollinate pear trees in a small test orchard, about the same as the manual brush-based pollination many commercial orchards currently use Miyako went to the lab and tested whether pollen grains would actually stick to the soap bubbles, and then worked on creating a solution that wouldn't be toxic to plants but would have enough surface tension to form bubbles. He settled on a solution with a 0.4% concentration of lauramidopropyl betaine, a disinfectant that's common in many baby shampoo. Miyako says the solution is so non-toxic it's even safe for humans to drink. Miyako created a custom soap solution to ensure the bubbles wouldn't damage the plants as they burst on them, and claims it's safe enough for humans to drink Miyako and his team had the highest success pollinating plants with a handheld bubble gun, but a test drone they've built was also highly effective, with a pollination rate of 90%. The team is currently working on designing a more capable navigation system for the drone so it can remain effective in heavy winds, rain, and negotiate misshapen branches and other environmental obstacles. The search for alternate plant pollination methods has gained new urgency after global bee populations have drastically declined in recent years. The team also showed drone distribution of the bubbles had a 90% success rate, and are currently developing more advanced navigation options to help the drones deal with heavy wind and rain Some scientists are worried that alternative pollination techniques might ultimately worsen the bee crisis by normalizing the structural conditions that have contributed to it. Dave Goulson of University of Sussex worried that artificial pollination might encourage farms to use even more pesticides, one of the factors that's harmed bee populations. 'It concerns me that our response to the pollination crisis is to find ways to do without pollinators, rather than investing our efforts in looking after our environment better,' Goulson told the New York Times. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 20:35:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HANOI, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam reported seven new cases of COVID-19 infection on Friday, bringing its total confirmed cases to 349 with zero death so far, according to its Ministry of Health. The latest cases are all Vietnamese citizens recently returning to the country from Europe on a same flight, said the ministry, noting that they have been quarantined upon arrival and are being treated in Hanoi. One more patient was given all-clear on Friday, bringing total cured cases in the country to 326, according to the ministry. Vietnam has recorded no local transmission for 64 straight days while there are nearly 6,200 people being quarantined and monitored in the country, said the health ministry. Enditem Australian authors and academics have savaged the Morrison government's plan to more than double the cost of humanities courses as part of sweeping changes to higher education policy. Award-winning author Richard Flanagan, who studied history at university, said he was tired of defending what other countries regard as the "bedrock" of culture and democracy. Australian author Richard Flanagan. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen "This act is of a piece with a society that has for decades now placed ever less value on the creative, the critical and the questioning, and which regards conformity as the greatest good," Flanagan said. "Nothing is more helpful in preparing the road to authoritarianism. The government will save a few dollars today and Australia will pay a heavy price in the years to come." Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan said on Friday the government wanted to encourage university students to pursue subjects that are high-priority employment areas. Teaching, nursing, clinical psychology, maths and agricultural course fees would be slashed by as much as 62 per cent. The receipt "When the waltz first debuted as a form of dancing, it was incredibly erotic, incredibly dangerous. It was bodies together, very intensely, moving. "They're seducing each other they're flirting. People living out their wildest fantasies. This Brindisi is not a charming cruise down the Danube. It's an illicit, erotic, sexy event that's the highlight of a party." When he puts it like that, it's a happy thought that OA boss Lyndon Terracini has all but confirmed we will get to see Costi's Traviata next year instead. Lunch is at seafood restaurant Manta on Woolloomooloo Wharf. We're early and have the outside seating mostly to ourselves on one of those sparkling Sydney days where it's hard to imagine anywhere else you'd rather be. I leave the ordering to my lunch guest. He's probably forgotten more about seafood than I've ever know. He's a Costi, as in as in De Costi, a name synonymous with seafood for a generation of Australians, and he's been involved in the family business since before he can remember. Scallop Ceviche. Credit:Janie Barrett He chooses a selection of grazing dishes, beginning with a plate of plump, unbelievably sweet five-year-old oysters grown in Nelson Lake, Tathra. There's melting scallop ceviche, chargrilled West Australian octopus, sourdough-crumbed King George whiting and grilled rainbow trout. My trust in his expertise was not misplaced. Costi grew up on Sydney's North Shore, the son of Greek Cypriot (his father's side) and Italian (his mother's side) migrants. His grandfather came from Cyprus in the 1930s and opened a fish and chip shop in Lakemba. "My dad and his two sisters and brother lived above the shop," says Costi. "They learned the family trade and they went from there and started De Costi Seafoods. It's something I've been doing my entire life filleting fish and working in the markets at the fish shop. Chargrilled West Australian Octopus. Credit:Janie Barrett "There was even a period a few years ago when my brother [Michael], who's a playwright, and I were running our own little stall at Birkenhead Plaza on Saturdays and Sundays, working 18-hour days and then rehearsing avant-garde theatre pieces during the week." Family is central to Costi's life and he's conscious his own success owes much to the decisions and hard work of the family. "I'm just a very lucky person to have come along at the time I came along. [Otherwise] I probably should have been a farmer in Cyprus, pulling potatoes out of the ground and helping the goat give birth." While his parents, Steve and Connie, knew little or nothing about the world of opera that had captured their son, they were happy to back him and his siblings in whatever directions they chose. "They were incredibly supportive [but] they weren't particularly educated themselves beyond high school. They married very young and their lives were family and work. And that's a beautiful thing in itself. "But I think they were just excited by us following our passions. I'm really lucky. It isn't the stereotype of the traditional Mediterranean family. We were free to explore what we wanted and we were totally encouraged." 'I probably should have been a farmer in Cyprus, pulling potatoes out of the ground and helping the goat give birth.' After leaving St Ignatius College Riverview, he studied film at UTS "on a whim" and then began staging plays for his friends. "I directed The Merchant of Venice and I wanted [director] John Bell to come and see it just for feedback," he says. "I'd be so intimidated now, but I was young and I didn't know who I was dealing with, this great figure in the Australian theatre landscape." On the back of his youthful enthusiasm and a fair dose of old-fashioned cheek, he was invited to intern with Bell, who then encourage him to study at NIDA. "He beautifully and very kindly wrote me a handwritten reference. I still cherish it to this day." Costi describes his time at NIDA as gruelling. "It was kind of like Full Metal Jacket for theatre nerds. They break you down and rebuild you. I found it incredibly challenging and incredibly rewarding." Along with his friend, conductor Luke Spicer, Costi decided to mount a production of Puccini's one-act opera Il Tabarro at a warehouse space in Enmore. A 20-piece orchestra of friends was assembled on the promise of pizza and beer. They rigged their own set and lighting and even built the seating. Grilled Rainbow Trout. Credit:Janie Barrett And then, once more fired by the confidence and innocence of youth, he invited Lyndon Terracini, artistic director of Opera Australia to check out his DIY production. "It was a bit rough and there was an old mattress you had to jump over to get to the seats," recalls Costi. "But Lyndon came and saw it and off the back of that I was offered some revival work at Opera Australia." So how did he feel that night when he realised Terracini was in the audience? "I hid under the desk!" Costi continued learning from the giants of contemporary opera, working alongside Barrie Kosky at the Berlin Komisch Oper and then with David McVicar in Vienna ("just magical and terrifying"). Pan fried sourdough crumbed King George Whiting. Credit:Janie Barrett He has evidently learned well from this extraordinary apprenticeship. Recently, he was co-director, with Elijah Mojinsky, of Massenet's Werther and assistant director to William Kentridge of the universally acclaimed Wozzeck byAlban Berg. We've been forced to wait to see how Costi will use all that experience in his La Traviata but it's clear the passion ignited by that Debussy recording still burns brightly. He refers to an early working title for the opera, Amore e morte (love and death). "That's the opera. That's what it's about," he said. "these two inescapable forces and also, what's oscillating between those two things is sex. "But that's not to say it's not a glamorous night out and that there are some toe-tapping tunes. I love a tune you can whistle on the bus on the way home but there is something deeper going on." There will be plenty of family support when opening night does finally come around, including from his proud parents. "I'm living in a different world but they love it and they adore it," says Costi. "What's really great is what they have given me. Skills like negotiation, people skills, and also passion. "My dad is very passionate about what he does and works his arse off. His medium is being a fishmonger. There's an art to what he does and there's a love to what he does. Passion is passion and you can't ignore it when it's there." Today, a mission of Lithuanian medical workers and experts arrived in Armenia within the scope of international cooperation and mutual assistance in the fight against the novel coronavirus and will be in Armenia for 14 days, as reported the news service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. Medical supplies and equipment have also been transported to Armenia via the same plane. The medical workers and experts were greeted and the medical supplies were received by First Deputy Minister of Health of Armenia Anahit Avanesyan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Avet Adonts, Ambassador of Lithuania to Armenia Inga Stanyte-Tolockiene, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia Andrea Wiktorin and Temporary Charge dAffaires of Sweden in Armenia Birger Karlsson. The Kingdom of Sweden and the European Union provided financial assistance for this mission. Earlier, Lithuanian had provided support to Armenia with medical supplies as part of the assistance provided to the four countries of the Eastern Partnership. Photo: Province of BC By Greg Kyllo The first of three phases of the long-awaited Salmon Arm West highway expansion project has finally gone to tender three years behind schedule and now projected to cost B.C. taxpayers an additional $40 million, or 34 per cent more than was previously estimated. Bid tender documents identify phase one as 1st Avenue SW 10th Avenue SW four-laning, including a new bridge over the Salmon River, with a construction completion date of November 2022. We have also learned that the second segment of the project will not get underway until 2023, and astonishingly, the third phase of the project has been removed from the construction schedule. Government has indicated that phase three remains a priority, but the removal from their construction schedule should be of considerable concern to local residents. When the current government came to power in 2017, they committed to finishing the project, and yet, despite their assurances year after year that it will be completed, we have only just now seen them make progress on phase one of the project. This even after the Minister reassured me last spring that the project would go to tender before the end of last year. The premier's mandate letter to the Transportation Minister expressly calls for acceleration of expansion of Highway 1, yet we are seeing the exact opposite in project delays. The government said what was convenient yet failed to take action in following through on their promise. In addition to significant project delays, and now the uncertainty of the entire project being completed, escalating project costs are also of concern. The major contributing factor is the government's plan to proceed under their Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) framework. I have written in this space many times before about the considerable problems with CBAs. They are discriminatory and exclude 85 per cent of B.C. construction workers. They are complicated, favouring large unionized firms at the expense of local contractors and extending the timeframe of projects. And, as is exemplified in the case of the Salmon Arm West highway improvement, CBAs prove to be very costly for British Columbians. Obviously, this is not the best-case scenario for British Columbians and not the best-case scenario for us in the Shuswap. While I am happy to see this project advance, I am disappointed that we have had to deal with multiple delays and unnecessary price escalations attributable to discriminatory hiring practices. I hope that going forward we will see consistent progress on the Salmon Arm West project so that residents of the Shuswap will soon be able to benefit from its construction. Greg Kyllo is the BC Liberal MLA for Shuswap; he is the official opposition critic for BC Hydro and was appointed by the Legislature to the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs. A huge explosion at an oil factory that sent smoke billowing into the air has left three workers injured. Eyewitnesses described hearing as a 'loud explosion' coming from the industrial unit in Erith, south east London, this morning. All the surrounding buildings were evacuated with around 80 employees seen standing outside as the inferno raged. Eyewitnesses described hearing as a 'loud explosion' coming from the industrial unit in Erith, south east London, this morning Three workers were taken to hospital following this morning's explosion in Erith More than 40 firefighters from across south east London battled the blaze Emergency services rushed to the scene and three people were taken to hospital with burn injuries. Around 40 firefighters from stations across south east London rushed to the scene at around 9.15am. One witness said he works opposite the affected building and the explosion made the building shake. He said: 'The explosion was so huge our building shook - we ran out to see this.' Another witness who gave her names as Eleanor, saw the initial fire and said: 'I was delivering to a customer on the other side of the dual carriageway this morning. 'I got back in my van to leave and looked up and saw a fireball and lots of smoke.' London Fire Brigade said the flames are now under control but the cause of the blaze is yet not known. The site of the fire is at an AMB plant that processes oilseed, and a nearby Conway asphalt plant said it was not affected by the blaze. Hundreds of workers were evacuated from nearby units while the fire was brought under control The explosion took place at an oilseed crushing plant and injured three workers from a neighbouring facility Witnesses filmed the dramatic smoke as it rose into the skies over south east London The brigade control centre received 21 calls alerting them to the explosion, with a huge plume of smoke seen rising from the unit that could be seen from miles away. A hazardous area response unit (HART) and two London's Air Ambulance trauma teams were also sent to the scene. A Met Police spokesman said: 'Three people suffered injuries consistent with burns. They have been taken to a London hospital where we await an update on their condition. 'The surrounding buildings have been evacuated and Church Manor Way has been closed while enquiries are carried out. Officers remain on scene and enquiries continue.' ADM confirmed that at 9am this morning an explosion happened at its oilseed crushing plant, leaving three contractors who were working outside in a nextdoor silo with burn injuries. A spokesman said: 'ADM confirms that at approximately 9 am on June 19, 2020, an explosion occurred at the oilseed crushing plant located in Erith, UK. The explosion happened in the extraction area of the facility. Investigators are working to establish the cause of this morning's explosion 'Three contractors who were working outside, in an adjacent silo, suffered injuries and were taken to a local hospital where they are being treated. 'The safety and health of our colleagues and the community where we operate is our priority, the fire brigade is currently working onsite, and the plant was evacuated and shut down. 'At this point, we do not know the cause of the explosion.' London Ambulance Service confirmed three people have been taken to hospital. A spokesman said: 'We dispatched a number of ambulance crews and specialist response teams to the scene, including our hazardous area response unit. We also dispatched a London's Air Ambulance trauma team. 'We are working closely with other members of the emergency services at the scene. We have treated three people and taken them to hospital. 'We remain on the scene as a precaution.' An African national living in Balbriggan has spoken of the racism he and others in the African community have experienced in the Fingal town, and of the ongoing struggle towards cultural acceptance of a marginalised population. John Uwhumiakpor has lived in Balbriggan the past 14 years, and in that time has witnessed degrees of discrimination and intimidation against the black community, despite the town being hailed as the most diverse community in Ireland. John, who ran as a candidate in this year's general election, explains his experience of racism in Balbriggan, and portrays a migrant community striving to be accepted into their adopted home. He says: 'I was attacked twice in Balbriggan...There was no confrontation (the first time), because I ran when the guy was chasing after me for apparently no reason. 'Then another time, I was coming from the shop heading towards where I had parked my car and this guy with a hoody on his head came towards me. 'I ran to my car and central locked the door and the guy punched the window and I had to zoom off. So those are the two attacks I've gotten directly.' John says one problem in Balbriggan is that gardai, 'at one point in time' had a misconception of African youths, targeting them for questioning if they were seen in groups. 'When youths were seen gathered in numbers, he explains, there was often confrontation from gardai, creating a climate of fear in the African community. Such encounters, John says, have created 'a kind of tension. If you come down here (to Balbriggan) and ask an average African, they're going to say there's that sense of racism.' Speaking of how he believes racism can be combated at both a local and national level, John says: 'It has to come from the media, how they project the lives of the minority, that is the key. then education is another aspect. 'The one that is key above all is how the policy makers or the leaders of every community or every part of society or the government itself that they make up policies that really bring everyone together.' He says: 'When we're talking about integration it has to be two-way traffic...so when the minority that are living in the community are trying to integrate and the host is not really open up to that, it's going to be very difficult for integration. 'Balbriggan is a very diverse community, and I think it's one of the most diverse communities in Ireland, so we are working together to make sure we have that sense of integration and a united community.' 19.06.2020 LISTEN Reports emanating from the Manso-Nkwanta Constituency of the NPP indicate that the incumbent Member of Parliament who was bent on manipulating delegates last Thursday evening got the shock of his life when delegates of about 350 protested against his intentions of camping them until Saturday 20th June 2020 which happens to be the day of the NPP primaries. According to the concerned delegates, the Honourable MP, Joseph Albert Quarm only proposed to have a meeting with them only for him to tell them stay overnight at a hotel at Pakyi also in the constituency but later in the evening, they were told to spend the next two days until the morning of Saturday. A delegate who spoke to the media on condition of anonymity said most of the delegates got angry because that was not the information sent around before the meeting by the Member of Parliament adding that they were afraid to agree due to the rising cases of the COVID-19 pandemic while observations to the protocols were not in full adherence. Meanwhile, Hon. Joseph Albert Quram has clandestinely proposed to the delegates to spend Fridays night at his residence at Nsiana in the constituency to pray and commit the elections in the hands of God. The delegate disclosed, "most of us resisted his plans to camp us there because of the COVID-19 disease. He never also told us of his plans to camp us until Saturday since we could not tell our families. But he has also told us to come to his residence at Nsiana to pray until tomorrow which I know it is unusual of him because Prof. Quarm has never organized an all-night prayer session for the party before.. The Member of Parliament who won last elections with just a vote is currently facing stiffer competition from Mr. George Obeng Takyi and the former Member of Parliament Hon. Grace Addo ahead of crucial Saturday elections. For fear of losing hugely, he has resorted to dubious tactics to deceive unsuspecting delegates to vote for him. We, therefore, call on party executives and bigwigs within NPP to call the current MP to order to safeguard the sanctity of the elections tomorrow. Donald Trump's controversial return to the campaign trail faced yet another hurdle on Thursday, as the operators of the venue in Tulsa asked for 'a written plan' on how they would deal with the threat of coronavirus. The rally - his first since March - has been deeply problematic ever since it was announced on June 10. The original date of Friday, June 19, was switched to Saturday after uproar about the clash with Juneteenth - the annual celebration marking the end of slavery. Then concerns begun to mount about the spread of COVID-19. On Thursday the BOK Center, a 19,000-seat arena where Saturday's event will be held, sent the Trump campaign a letter asking for a written plan identifying 'the steps the event will institute for health and safety.' The BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has asked the Trump campaign for written plans for COVID Tulsa County tracked 89 new coronavirus cases on Monday and 96 new cases on Tuesday both the biggest single-day upticks since the outbreak began. In response the campaign said it was reviewing the letter, adding 'we take safety seriously, which is why we're doing temperature checks for everyone attending, and providing masks and hand sanitizer.' The campaign has already asked attendees to register and acknowledge the risk of exposure to COVID-19 at the rally. They have to promise not to sue Trump's campaign or the venue if they fall ill there. Masks have been ordered to be distributed, but wearing them will not be compulsory. On Monday Trump tweeted: 'Almost One Million people request tickets for the Saturday Night Rally in Tulsa,' despite the venue seating just over 19,000. He tweeted 30 minutes later: 'the Far Left Fake News Media, which had no Covid problem with the Rioters & Looters destroying Democrat run cities, is trying to Covid Shame us on our big Rallies. Won't work!' A group of Tulsa attorneys requested a hearing to impose a temporary, emergency injunction stopping the rally this week, but a Tulsa judge denied the effort on Tuesday. On Wednesday the top health official, Bruce Dart, said he was worried the rally could become a 'super spreader' event and recommended it be postponed. Coronavirus cases across the U.S. on June 18. Texas, Florida and California are of concern G.T. Bynum, the mayor of Tulsa, said on Wednesday he wished 'some other city' had the rally Coronavirus cases in the U.S. as of June 18. More than 2.1m people are known to be infected The Oklahoma Department of Health has urged senior citizens and other vulnerable individuals to 'stay home' ahead of the president's rally and watch a livestream of the event instead. Commissioner Lance Frye said those looking to attend the president's rally 'will face an increased risk of becoming infected with COVID-19.' The department has tripled its contact tracing team ahead of the rally, and Dr Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, when asked if he would attend replied: 'Of course not.' Even the Republican mayor of Tulsa, G.T. Bynum, admitted he wished it was not happening. 'I would love for some other city to have tried this first,' he said at a press conference Wednesday. 'But the president chose this city, and so it falls on us to set that standard moving forward.' The anger at the date meant that the rally got off to a bad start. Brad Parscale, Trump's campaign manager, chose the site and the date, The New York Times reported. Trump supporters camp out near the BOK Center on Thursday, ahead of Saturday's rally Fans of the president have been arriving at the site of his first campaign rally since March Lines of people wait for the doors to open on Saturday for the Trump rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma Oklahoma was chosen for its deep red character - Trump carried the state by 36 percentage points four years ago. Tulsa has a supportive Republican mayor, and in early June Oklahoma was the furthest along of any state in the country in terms of reopening, having seen fewer than 400 COVID-19 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. Yet Trump and his aides failed to grasp the significance of holding a rally on Juneteenth. Nor did they appear to realize that Tulsa was the site of one of the country's bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence, after a white mob killed attacked the affluent black community in 1921. As many as 300 people were killed, more than 10,000 remained homeless, and according to the Tulsa Race Riot Report of 2001, an estimated $1,470,711 was incurred in damage - equal to about $20 million today. 'Think about it as a celebration,' Trump said in an interview with Fox News, when asked if the date was intentional. 'My rally is a celebration.' Pictured is Tulsa during the 1921 onslaught 'Think about it as a celebration,' Trump said in an interview with Fox News, when asked if the date was intentional. 'My rally is a celebration.' About 30 hours later, he changed the date to Saturday. Senator James Lankford, Republican of Oklahoma, said he had discussed changing the date with Trump. 'I spoke to the president on Friday and he asked me if I thought it would be more respectful to move the rally date off of Juneteenth,' he said. 'I told him yes.' Trump announced that he was changing the date of his Tulsa rally, scheduled for Juneteenth The rally in Oklahoma will now be held on Saturday, instead of the Friday night as planned The error, however, is said to have refocused attention on how few African-American aides work on Trump's campaign or in the White House. 'They're stinging from it, they're reeling from it,' said former Representative J.C. Watts of Oklahoma, who was the first black Republican elected to Congress from south of the Mason-Dixon Line since Reconstruction. 'Juneteenth was on the schedule before any rally was. People are reeling from it.' On Thursday Trump claimed that he had actually acted to raise awareness of the date. He said he had made Juneteenth 'very famous.' He added: 'nobody had ever heard of it' until he scheduled his rally for that day. On Friday night, the Rev. Al Sharpton is planning to discuss the state of race and policing in the country. Other activists told CBS they were dreading the weekend. 'We've had several events take place over the last two weeks starting with the protests over George Floyd,' said Dr. Tiffany Crutcher, whose brother, Terence, was killed by the police in Tulsa in 2016, and who has worked on reforming policing procedures ever since. 'Add Donald Trump to the mix, it's a recipe for disaster. 'I think that would be the fuel to the fire.' Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 10:34PM After receiving the green light from South Korea's drug safety agency, Samsung is now rolling out its blood pressure monitor feature to the Galaxy Watch Active 2 via a firmware update. The move means the smartwatch can now keep track of its wearer's heart rhythm via its ECG sensor and blood pressure. But it's currently limited to the said country. While it might not be available here, this update gives us a glimpse of what the Galaxy Watch Active 2 can do. To get this feature to work, the wearer needs to calibrate with the watch with a traditional cuff-style blood pressure monitor. Afterwards, the smartwatch uses pulse wave analysis to keep track of the wearer's blood pressure. Calibration needs to be done every four weeks to ensure accuracy. The readings will be synced to the watch's accompanying Samsung Health app, where users can track their data over days, weeks, and months. The information can then be shared directly with their healthcare provider if they want. Source: Engadget China asserting its hegemony with its increasingly authoritarian leadership, appears to traverse on a similar path. In handling domestic issues, China uses its military might to create fear among the workers and peasantry. by Lionel Bopage Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the global scene, neo-liberalism was fraying,as evident from the appearance of powerful and aggressive populist, nationalist and fundamentalist currents on the world stage. COVID-19 heightened these fissures.It is in this context we need to discuss the escalating tensions between China and the West. The attack led by the US ruling class was instrumental in attempting to pull countries like Australia and the United Kingdom intoan unholy alliance against China. The racial riots in the US, has blunted this mobilisation to a certain extent, but the campaign continues, especially in South Asia, wooing India, which is led by a neo-liberal and religious fundamentalist regime, to have a go against China.At the moment,there is a tense standoff between Indian and Chinese troops along the contested border. The key factor driving the heightened tensions between them is the US push to harness India to its strategic agenda of transforming South Asia and the Indian Oceanto thwart Chinas belt and road initiative. Therefore, we need to understand that this is a new cold war situation, where the west is increasingly intensifying their intimidation of China.Looking at China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, we also need to be mindful of the class nature of their respective working people. Taiwan At the end of Chinese Civil War in 1948, the Chinese Communist Party and the Peoples Liberation Army defeated the Kuomintang. The Kuomintang retreated to Taiwan. The Chinese mainland population in Taiwan grew to 10 percent of itspopulation and was known as the Outside People. They constituted a political and economic elite during the Chiang Kai-sheks iron fist rule. The rest of the Local People comprised mainly of those who had arrived with the early Han migration waves, combined with 1 to 2 percent of the indigenous people. Social tensions in Taiwan grew due to a combination of factors: cultural estrangement caused by the "de-Japanization" program, economic hardships caused by a failed post-war economy, and the growing friction between the Outside People and the Local People. Island wide clashes once escalated into an uprising against the Taiwanese authority. Troops deployed to suppress opposition led to many killings, disappearances and imprisonments. This was the prelude to the white terror of the fifties.After decades of Chiang Kai-shek authoritarianism, the democracy movement turned Taiwan into a liberal democracy. The Kuomintang was in power for several decades and remains a major political player. It is conservative but supports unification with mainland China. The major issue in Taiwanese electoral politics appears to be nationalistic and relates to independence versus unification agenda. The Democratic Progressive Partyin power today was a left-leaning party and followed major socio-economic reforms but has become increasingly conservative on many fronts. The Democratic Progressive Party is unravelling the labour reforms carried out in late 2017.It can hardly be identified as a left leaning party anymore. The DPP and other more pro-independence political parties rely on US imperialism as a way of preventing military threats mainland Chinais posing. Yet, the US actually seem to prefer Kuomintang because their pro-unification stance is seen as providing more stability regarding cross-strait relations.The political left in Taiwan has been pro-independence and has been an influence on the anticolonial uprisings and the self-determination of the Taiwanese people. Many parties in Taiwan with names associated with working class appear to be identified as labour because they hold pro-unification positions or have pro-Beijing ideological orientations. The labour movement in Taiwan is weak despite having to endure the fourth-longest working hours in the world. The Kuomintang regime repressed unions during its authoritarian rule. Only state sponsored unions were allowed to exist, and the state used them as tools for leveraging labour to suit the ruling juntas political, strategic and economic agenda. According to reports, Taiwan has seven hundred thousand-plus Southeast Asian guest workers, i.e., 6 percent of the workforce and growing. With migrant worker marriages, the demographics of Taiwan is said to be changing. There are different nationalities and an informal working class. Organising these workers has become one of the key challenges of the labour movement. The current radical labour activism appears associated with the Sunflower Movement. In many recent strikes, including those of the Chinese airlines and flight attendants, the workers who took part were quite young. Most of the worker mobilisations appear to come from young activists but split on the lines of independence or unification with the mainland China. With current Hong Kong protests being associated with kidnappings, disappearances, killings and possible suicides and being similar to what they experienced during the four decades of political suppression, the fear of an authoritarian nationalist China appears to be rising in Taiwan. Many in the traditional left support unification because they see China as a socialist paradise, while some others have moved beyond that conception. A political exchange is difficult as some of the left activists in Taiwan cannot travel to mainland China or Hong Kong, due to the fear of being kidnapped or being refused entry. Those of the left overseas need to collaborate with the working people in Taiwan and the Taiwanese left in a spirit of international solidarity. Hong Kong Hong Kong has been a pressure cooker for a long time, being politically divided with those who support autonomy and those who wish for unification with China. Causes of the protests are many-fold and include demands for democratic rights andrecognising national identity of Hong Kong residents, and the contradictions between the two social systems. Obviously, protestors are extremely dissatisfied over the vast social and class inequality. There are calls for self-determination, worker rights, gender equality, minority rights etc. and appear to comprise a more militant younger generation of activists. Some of these movements are said to be supported by the US based National Endowment for Democracy.Strong right-wing populist and nativist currents tap into the growing Hong Kong national identity.Also, many residents, owners of small businesses, and financial and tourism companies appear to have been offended by the violence and destruction caused by the protests. Hong Kong and China are one country. Ultimate aim of the one country, two systems model was the full integration of Hong Kong with the mainland by 2047. As China increasingly asserted its sovereignty and authority over Hong Kong, contradictions and clashes were inevitable. Elections in Hong Kong today are limited in scope. Through direct elections, the electorate can choose only half of the Legislative Council representatives. The other half are elected through associations from lists of approved candidates. An Election Commission selects the Chief Executive. Hong Kong does not have extradition laws with China, or Taiwan. Also, Hong Kong does not fully enjoy the democratic rights assured under the Basic Law. The 2019 protests including violent confrontations with authorities, strikes, and student boycotts, including the June 16 and August 18 demonstrations that drew 1.7 million participants were sparked by the introduction of an Extradition Law. In the wake of the continuing protests, the Hong Kong Chief Executive, first used an extremely violent heavy hand and then withdrew the bill but has not given assurances that the bill will not be reintroduced. With China suppressing and censoring political opposition, it is not surprising the people of Hong Kong are suspicious and nervous. People of Hong Kong were not consulted. Many believe the Extradition Law will be used against anyone holding different political views to the Chinese Communist Party.Some countrieswith extradition treaties do not take into account the democratic rights of the people to be extradited. This is clearly demonstrated in the attempts to extradite the Australian Julian Assange to the US. In China where Australian citizens, irrespective of whether they have committed a criminal offence or not, have not being granted access to lawyers. The Hong Kong government states that the protesters are voicing additional demands beyond the original ones.China believes that the U.S. and the British are exploiting the mass discontent to provoking an attempt to separate Hong Kong from China. From Beijings point of view, this could spread to the mainland and undermine Chinas socialist system. This scenario is a plausible one to anyone who needs to transform the global exploitative system to a non-exploitative one.Nevertheless,the size of the protests, scope of their demands and the persistence of their agitations appear to belie such a scenario. The Umbrella Movement was a product of opposing the electoral changes China approved, i.e., for appointing an election committee to pre-approve candidates for the chief executive position before voters cast their votes at an election. The extended protests ended when the Hong Kong Legislative Council ditched proposed reforms. The pro-democracy campaigns and leaders appear to have grown out of Hong Kong Civil Human Rights Front that emerged from the Umbrella Movement of 2014. Some of them are said to be backed by the right-wing U.S. based National Endowment for Democracy.Yet, the protests appear to involve broader segments of society taking more anarchistic forms. The Hong Kong Occupy type protest movement came into being during the global financial crisis. It rejected capitalism characterised by extreme wealth inequality, the power of oligarchs, rapid urban development, and environmental destruction. Rampant corruption has led to a longstanding housing crisis. Property sales are the primary source of government revenue. Property prices have grown many fold, making the situation of young people hopeless without being able to afford housing and thus to start a family. Hong Kong workers have their own protest history. Often strikers walk off jobs demanding better pay and conditions. Wages are stagnating. The government spends bare minimum on health care, education, housing, and other social programs. The trade union movement in Australia needs to do more to protest against Chinas repression in Hong Kong, Xinjiang and against their own workers strikes. International worker solidarity can be highly effective in this regard. China We understand that the Chinese path of social development did not go through a bourgeois democratic phase that allowed people to enjoy the rights of freedom of expression, association and movement. Yet, while the rest of the capitalist world grinds its working class into poverty, the wages of Chinese have grown dramatically every year. In the last several decades, China has lifted several hundred millionpeople out of poverty. Nevertheless, the very same economic reforms appear to have created historically unprecedented economic, social, and political issues. This June marksthe 31st anniversary of the gruesome massacre in Beijing. China was in the throes of a mass movementthat paralysedBeijing thatspread tomany other cities.In 2018 left-wing activists, students and workers were suppressed in the aftermath of a workers struggle in southern China. These workers and youth were also accused of colluding with foreign forces, a charge used to denigrate every form of opposition.In the Muslim-majority region of Xinjiang, an entire population is being terrorised with more than a million incarcerated in the so-called vocational training centres. The entire region appears to have become more or less a digital police state. China has what it calls a socialist democracy rooted in Chinese nationalism, with the Chinese Communist Party as the single ruling party headed by a life-long leader. It appears to have an authoritarian way of empowering people. Having undergone colonial humiliation of dismembering its territory, China does not want it to happen again. In addition, China does not want the current social disturbances to destabilise the existing socio-economic and politico-legal system in the mainland. Conclusion If the Chinese Communist Partyfollows an inclusive path in its political trajectory, it can achieve its declared aim of socialism. Otherwise it will follow a path similar to the one that led to Soviet Unions demise. Soviet Unions politically decadent and unaccountable leadership, corrupt bureaucracy, autocratic policies, its interventions in Afghanistan and its deformed socialism contributed to its collapse. The aggressive actions of the American empire abetted that demise.Soviet Union also intervened militarily in Hungary, Poland and Czechoslovakia crushing popular movements and propping up puppets who did their bidding. In spite of its overwhelming military prowess, it overreached itself and self-immolated. China asserting its hegemony with its increasingly authoritarian leadership, appears to traverse on a similar path. In handling domestic issues, China uses its military might to create fear among the workers and peasantry. A similar situation in handling problems of ethnic and religious discrimination and of minority rights in the autonomous regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang. In the meantime, China is entangled with the problems in Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Japan and Vietnam. In the new cold war situation, taking on the American Empire in addition, could lead China towards the same destination that the Soviet Union went to, being forced to fight battles on all fronts, instead of negotiating with its own minorities and neighbours.The most important ingredient for socialism to be victorious in China is to rely on its own working people. A victorious movement of the working people in Hong Kong and Taiwan will not depend only on their own workers, but also on the international solidarity the workers of mainland Chinacould extend. That is the incredible potential of the Chinese working class. I believe what is necessary today is active international solidarity and a proletarian outlook-basededucation program that would engender working class consciousness. This requires reviving the best internationalist traditions of the working-class movement, re-emphasising the eternal need of the workers to speak and act independently of capitalist regimes and their ruling elites. What the workers in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan need is grassroot working class solidarity against state violence, authoritarian policies, and anti-working-class regimes. Flash U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday blasted his former national security adviser John Bolton over the foreign policy hawk's memoir. "Bolton's book, which is getting terrible reviews, is a compilation of lies and made up stories, all intended to make me look bad," Trump tweeted. "Many of the ridiculous statements he attributes to me were never made, pure fiction." Additionally, the president claimed "Bolton's dumbest of all statements set us back very badly" with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, "even now." Bolton plans to release his memoir, "The Room Where It Happened," on June 23, which has been delayed for months as a result of a prepublication review process. The Trump administration is seeking to block the book's release, arguing that the manuscript contains classified information that would compromise national security if published before a government review is completed. Simon & Schuster, the book's publisher, has called the move "a frivolous, politically motivated exercise in futility." "Hundreds of thousands of copies of the book have already been distributed around the country and the world," it said in a statement on Wednesday. Bolton, who served as Trump's third national security adviser from April 2018 to September 2019, was ousted over disagreements with the president on a range of issues. Longtime television meteorologist and former restaurant owner James Brown announced on Thursday his resignation from KBMT, citing a difference of opinion with the station on their coverage of racial tensions. I will not go into detail of my resigning, as not to get caught up in this revolution or whatever you want to call it, he said in his letter of resignation, which was shared by local media personality Kevin Steele. My opinion does not make any difference to anyone but me, however, I still believe Red, Yellow, Black, and White, we are precious in His site. Adding fuel to a fire that is out of control is not in me to associate with. The abrupt move comes as sustained protests and continued calls for police reform sweep the country following the killing of George Floyd and other African-Americans at the hands of police officers. Those discussions also have sparked conversations about racial justice and equality in other industries, including newsrooms. Juneteenth, recognized on June 19 of every year, celebrates the day slaves were freed in Texas in 1865. Tegna, the parent company of local stations KBMT and KJAC, announced Thursday that it would recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday company-wide. Last week TEGNA announced initiatives to support racial equality and become more inclusive, including a $100K donation from the TEGNA Foundation to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the company announced on social media. In support of our Black colleagues and #BlackLivesMatter, this year we will be observing Juneteenth as a paid holiday. Paul Bergen, the President and General Manager of the station, confirmed Browns resignation but declined to comment further, citing a policy on personnel matters. In the letter Brown decries what he calls imbalanced coverage of racial tensions. I will not and cannot be a part of this injustice by my beliefs as a Christian, and Proud American, Brown reportedly said in the letter. I support the Constitution and I pledged allegiance to our flag many years ago. I still stand firm. Brown was a weatherman at KFDM from 1990 to 2013, where he also hosted a cooking show. He left to open James Brown's Gumbo House and Grill in Vidor, which he owned and managed until it closed in 2019. Related: Local weatherman opening Vidor 'Gumbo House and Grill' Brown cited rising food costs and high taxes as reasons for the closure, and soon after returned to TV news to report the weather for KBMT. Browns time in media stretches back to the 70s when he was a radio DJ, according to his biography on the KBMT website, which still listed him as a weekend news anchor as of Thursday afternoon. Also according to that page, Brown has been active in the Port Neches Masonic Lodge and various other community groups like the American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life committee. Not knowing how I will support my wife and family, I have put my trust in Gods hands, Brown says in his resignation letter. He will provide for all of our needs. Therefore, I resign from all my duties as Meteorologist and Anchor at KBMT and K-JAC immediately. James Brown did not return multiple requests for comment by press time. isaac.windes@hearstnp.com twitter.com/isaacdwindes LINE Flyer "LINE Flyer" enables clients to optimize their reach to their target audiences, and to verify campaign performance by obtaining and checking "browsing" and "store visit" data. That's why the service allows them to run the PDCA improvement cycle in their offline marketing promotions. transcosmos inc. hereby announces that the company has started selling "LINE Flyer," a smartphone optimized digital flyer service by LINE Corporation (Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; Chief Executive Officer: Takeshi Idezawa). By distributing personalized flyers via the communication app "LINE," the service enables businesses not only to extend their reach but also run the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle by optimizing their target base and verifying the results of each campaign. Simply put, "LINE Flyer" helps clients run highly effective offline marketing promotions. By enhancing its support framework for Online-Merge-Offline (OMO) services by offering OMO-based services, transcosmos continues to help clients achieve their digital transformation with a focus on the distribution and retail industries. About "LINE Flyer" "LINE Flyer" is a smartphone optimized digital flyer service that allows businesses to deliver highly personalized product information that best fits each user's interests and local area, at the right time via "LINE," instead of using traditional offline channels such as flyers and direct mails. "LINE Flyer Media Format," the service transcosmos has started to offer, is one of the service formats that lets clients deliver product information optimized for each LINE user based on their attributes and service usage data. Users will receive personalized product information available at their local shops and recommended items on LINE based on various data such as their browsing history and registered stores and favorite products. What's more, the service enables clients to optimize their reach to their target audiences, and to verify campaign performance by obtaining and checking "browsing" and "store visit" data, thereby allowing them to run the PDCA improvement cycle in their offline marketing promotions. In January 2020, transcosmos formed two teams designed to support clients' OMO initiatives, namely, "Nationwide Distributor Sales Promotion Office" under the Sales Division and "OMO Policy & Strategy Office" under the Services Division. Since then, the two teams have been enhancing their marketing promotion support services designed for convenience stores, drugstores, DIY stores, supermarkets and others in the distribution and retail industry as well as for the restaurant industry. transcosmos enhances Online Merge Offline (OMO) services framework for distributors & retailers https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/company/news/200121.html transcosmos continues to serve as an OMO solutions consultant including "LINE Flyer" to assist each client in solving their specific challenges. Ultimately, transcosmos will further beef up its OMO support services to help nationwide chain stores achieve digital transformation as well as assist manufacturers in succeeding in their OMO initiatives that integrate manufacturing and sales. Key OMO services by transcosmos "Gotcha!mall" "Gotcha!mall" is a smartphone-based platform which connects consumers with products and stores (business method patented). Whilst converting a massive amount of offline shopping data into valuable data that leads businesses to success, Gotcha!mall also offers numerous opportunities to consumers to enjoy shopping in stores in and out of Japan by using its proprietary gamification and algorithms. "Yext" Yext offers Yext Search Experience Cloud which enables businesses to disseminate their offline store information via more than 150 search engines, social networking services (SNS) and map apps across the globe. On the platform, users can update consumer data collected at various touchpoints all at once. "LINE Sales Promotion" LINE Sales Promotion lets businesses readily run LINE-based campaigns and grasp consumer purchase behavior. The API helps businesses solve challenges they face in sales promotion activities, with a focus on offline store campaigns that involve manufacturers, retailers and end users. transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. In Japan and other countries. Other company names and product or services names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies. About transcosmos inc. transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have combined superior "people" with up-to-date "technology" to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients' business processes focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 169 bases across 30 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of e-commerce market on the global scale, transcosmos provides a comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce services to deliver our clients' excellent products and services in 48 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos aims to be the "Global Digital Transformation Partner" of our clients, supporting the clients' transformation by leveraging digital technology, responding to the ever-changing business environment. https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/ LATEST June 21, 6 a.m.: San Francisco Archbishop Salvadore Cordileone criticized the pulling down of the Junipero Serra statue in Golden Gate Park. What is happening to our society? A renewed national movement to heal memories and correct the injustices of racism and police brutality in our country has been hijacked by some into a movement of violence, looting and vandalism, he said in a statement Saturday night. Serra was an 18th century Roman Catholic priest who founded nine of Californias 21 Spanish missions and is credited with bringing Roman Catholicism to the Western United States. Serra forced Native Americans to stay at those missions after they were converted or face brutal punishment. His statues have been defaced in California for several years by people who said he destroyed tribes and their culture. The Associated Press contributed to this report. June 20, 2:00 p.m. This afternoon, protestors painted "Defund the Police" and "BLM" in large yellow lettering in front of San Francisco City Hall. June 20, 1:30 p.m. On Saturday, Mayor London Breed addressed Friday night's protests that saw two statues torn down from pedestals by protesters in Golden Gate Park. In a statement to the San Francisco Chronicle, Breed criticized the toppling of statues in Golden Gate Park on Friday night, saying, "Every dollar we spend cleaning up this vandalism takes funding away from actually supporting our community, including our African American community. [] I say this not to defend any particular statue or what it represents, but to recognize that when people take action in the name of my community, they should actually involve us. And when they vandalize our public parks, that's their agenda, not ours. Later Saturday afternoon, Breed called for a review of the appropriateness of statues across the city by the Arts Commission, Human Rights Commission, and Recreation and Parks Department, the Chronicle reported. June 20, 7:00 a.m. Marching from the Port of Oakland to Oscar Grant Plaza, thousands of protesters were joined by speakers Angela Davis, Danny Glover and Boots Riley for a monumental Juneteenth demonstration in Oakland led by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. Dockworkers shut down the port, not only in Oakland, but all ports across the West Coast. The historic strike in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement marked the first time an international union had staged a labor stoppage on Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the emancipation of slaves in the United States. People chanted for justice, played instruments and danced in the streets as a caravan spanning hundreds of cars honked in support. Passengers waved signs from their sunroofs while motorcyclists led the way, roaring down the pavement. "When we march, lets remember George Floyd," said ILWU International President William Adams. "He paid the ultimate price with his life. So we must continue this movement. Because the eyes of the world are on you today here in Oakland. The whole world is watching. Its not what we say, its what we do." Read the full story and photo essay from SFGATE's Amanda Bartlett and Doug Zimmerman. June 19, 11:20 p.m. Protesters toppled two statues in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park on Friday, according to multiple reports. Videos on social media showed people tearing down the likenesses of Francis Scott Key, the composer of "The Star Spangled Banner" in 1814 and a slave owner, and Junipero Serra, founder of the missions of California. June 19, 10:26 p.m. Three people were arrested Friday after protesters in a Juneteenth Black Lives Matter "March Across the Carquinez Bridge" that originated in Vallejo shut down westbound traffic on the Carquinez Bridge. About 55 protesters entered the pedestrian walkway of the Carquinez Bridge about 1:30 p.m. and some went over the concrete barrier and onto the traffic shoulder about 10 minutes later and then into vehicle lanes, halting traffic, according to the Golden Gate Division of the California Highway Patrol. The CHP said it intermittently opened one lane to relieve the traffic backup before clearing the lanes about 3 p.m. "One CHP officer was assaulted by a protestor and the protestor was later arrested," officials said in a social media post. "The CHP officer sustained minor injuries." Those arrested were Princess Hodges, 20, of Benicia; Jeremy Christian Smith-Batha, 27, of Sacramento; and Michael Joshua Alonso, 22, of Vallejo. June 19, 5:10 p.m. A peaceful, socially distanced protest is now under way at Lake Merritt in Oakland. Actor Jamal TruLove ("The Last Black Man in San Francisco") is due to speak at the event. TruLove was notably awarded $13.1 million after being framed by police for a murder. He spent six years in prison before a retrial and subsequent acquittal. Also due to speak outside the Pergola (column area) at Lake Merritt are "black speakers, comedians, poets, musicians and historians." June 19, 5 p.m. Juneteenth looks very different this year as a new set of organized demonstrations around the Bay Area took shape Friday. With recent nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd, Juneteenth celebrations will continue to focus on the stand against police brutality. And as that effort continues, a number of Bay Area organizations and businesses are showing their support. June 19, 4:15 p.m. Sean Monterrosa, the unarmed 22-year-old San Francisco man shot in Vallejo by police while on his knees, was laid to rest Friday. He was killed by an officer on May 25 following a suspected looting of a Walgreens store. As the Chronicle reported, many in attendance wore shirts that said "Long Live Tucan," a nod to his nickname. June 19, 4 p.m. Police arrested a San Francisco man on felony threat and hate crime charges Thursday after he allegedly threatened to shoot a family wearing "Black Lives Matter "shirts at a Burlingame restaurant. Steven Cibotti, 55, was booked into San Mateo County Jail following an 11-day investigation into the June 7 incident outside Flights Restaurant. Read more from SFGATE's Mike Moffitt. June 19, 3:15 p.m. Filmmaker and activist Boots Riley spoke to the crowd of protestors at Oakland City Hall on Friday afternoon. What is power? How does it work? What is our power? Thats what today is answering. Our power comes from the fact that we create the wealth. Wealth is power. We have the ability to withhold that power, said Riley in his speech. LATEST June 19, 2:15 p.m. Protesters have reportedly slowed traffic on the Carquinez Bridge, KCBS and onlookers reported Friday afternoon. A woman was seen sitting down in the middle of the bridge as police officers surrounded her. The march was announced on Instagram Thursday. This story is developing. June 19, 2:10 p.m. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Friday that portraits of four past speakers who served in the Confederacy will be removed from the walls of the U.S. Capitol. Pelosi noted the change was "in honor of Juneteenth." We have a moral duty to oppose injustice wherever it appears," she wrote on Twitter. "There is no room in these halls for honoring men who embody racism & hatred." June 19, 1:30 p.m. Protesters began to gather at San Francisco City Hall Friday afternoon, taking caution to socially distance, as NBC Bay Area found: Gwen Woods, mother to Mario Woods, who was shot by SFPD officers in 2015, addressed the crowd. Dont let this be a moment," she said. "Let it be a movement. Across the Bay, in Oakland, Port of Oakland protesters are beginning to arrive to Oakland's City Hall. June 19, 12:45 p.m. San Francisco Mayor London Breed released a statement on Juneteenth Friday, recalling the celebrations she took part in as a child in San Francisco. In part, it reads: "Juneteenth has always been a special time for me, as an African American woman this tradition, here in my own neighborhood, celebrating my people WITH my people it made me feel part of something larger than myself, and it made me feel valued. "It wasnt just about the celebration. Juneteenth has always been so much more than a festival its a reminder of our history, a reminder of the bonds of slavery, of our long struggle for equality. And its a reminder that, despite our progress, we continue to face so many challenges. There are still so many barriers to equality, to equity and to justice. "When we came together during Juneteenth, we were empowered to celebrate, unapologetically, our community, our culture, and our significance to this country. As we celebrate Juneteenth this year, at a time when there is a renewed call an awe-inspiring DEMAND for justice, and for change, we must recommit ourselves to the work we have to do. Our charge is to create a more equitable society for all of us, because all lives cant matter unless BLACK lives matter! On Friday, Breed also announced a $1.5 million fund to support the city's black-owned businesses severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. In collaboration with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), Main Street Launch, and the San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce, the fund will offer stimulus to such businesses that have been underserved by private banks. Our Black owned small businesses have suffered for years trying to survive through high rents, outmigration of community, gentrification and isolation, said Supervisor Shamann Walton in a statement. This fund will provide much needed resources for Black businesses to survive this pandemic and continue to pay their employees. I am most excited about the loan forgiveness options available to recipients of the fund. Without this support, we would be complicit in the possible complete eradication of Black businesses in San Francisco. Zero-interest loans of up to $50,000 will be disbursed through Main Street Launch, and will prioritize long-standing community businesses and those most seriously impacted by the shelter-in-place order. June 19, 12:30 p.m. Civil rights activist Angela Davis spoke to a large crowd of protesters at the Port of Oakland Friday afternoon, thanking them for shutting down the port to honor George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others "whose lives have been claimed by the structural violence of racism." Davis heralded this Juneteenth as "the day we memorialize those who offer us hope for the future, [and] the day when we renew our commitment to the struggle for freedom." Michael Brown, Sr., father to Michael Brown, the teenager shot by police in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014 also spoke to the crowd in Oakland. "I strongly believe in 'an eye for an eye' that would make this world a better place but the human in me just wants real change and justice for all," he said. "Until you stop killing and harming us were going to hurt your pockets every chance we get." Actor Danny Glover, who was not feeling well so did not attend the protest in person, called in to protest organizers to relay his statement to the audience. "Let's use this power and get it done," he said. "It's not going to be tomorrow. It's not going to be next month. It's going to be a long time." June 19, 12:15 p.m. Tesla told its workers Friday that they could take Juneteenth off to observe the day that celebrates the end of slavery. The news came too late for some employees, who had already started their shifts at the automakers facilities. Full story from SFGATE's Mike Moffitt here. June 19, 11:50 a.m. Senators Kamala Harris (D- Calif.), along with Cory Booker (D-NY), Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Tina Smith (D-MN) on Friday proposed legislation to make Juneteenth a national holiday commemorating the federal order to release slaves. On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, Major General Gordon Granger issued an order in Galveston, Texas that "all slaves are free." The bill would also call for the creation of a commission that encourages appropriate celebrations and activities for the holiday. On Juneteenth, we remember the millions who suffered, died, and survived the crushing reality of slavery in America, and recommit ourselves to continuing in the fight for equal justice for all," Harris said in a statement. "Without question, it should be recognized with the respect of a federal holiday." June 19, 11:15 a.m. A crowd of thousands are gathering at the Port of Oakland Friday morning for Juneteenth in solidarity with ILWU Locals 10, 34, 75 and 91 Oakland longshoremen and dock workers to protest police brutality. NBC's Jacob Ward reported a conversation with Local 10's President Trent Willis Friday from the Port. A woman ILWU member makes the same as a man. A black man ILWU member makes the same as a white man ILWU member, a Muslim ILWU member makes the same as a Christian, and so on, and so forth," Willis said. "All of my brothers behind me and sisters behind me have been taught, since we came into the union that this was, this is the right thing to do. If the model that the ILWU uses was a model that we used in this entire country, then we would immediately be lifted out of poverty, all across the country. Speakers at the Friday Port of Oakland protest include activist Angela Davis, actor Danny Glover, filmmaker Boots Riley and activist Cat Brooks. June 19, 10:50 a.m. A federal judge ruled in favor of protesters this week, issuing a temporary restraining order against police officers that in effect limits the use of projectiles, flash-bang grenades and gas from being used by police. Exceptions include instances of protecting against death or serious injury, or in the event of threatened destruction of Oakland City Hall, the Oakland police headquarters or Eastmont police substation. This is a moment where people should feel safe to express their rage, their anger, their demand for change in government," said Mayor Libby Schaaf to KCBS. "We cannot tolerate threats to life but we have to also create safe spaces for protests. Interim Oakland Police Chief Susan Manheimer said such tactics are meant to "provide a warning." "Sometimes we will use gas or other smoke to ensure that we can do that," she continued. "We dont want to arrest individuals." June 19, 10:30 a.m. Cephus Johnson, co-founder of Families United for Justice and uncle to Oscar Grant, who was killed by BART police in Oakland in 2009, testified (virtually) in front of Congress Friday morning, calling for drastic police reform ad use-of-force policies. Johnson cited the "horrific killings" of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Rayshard Brooks, saying, "There is no horror more terrible than watching your loved ones be murdered. That is forever etched in our memory, perhaps because it could have been prevented." Use of force, he continued "must be guided by the goals of safeguarding human life and protecting human rights," pointing out that such policies disproportionately impact people of color." "We strongly recommend a national use of force policy to be included in state and local policy for policing agency standards, mandatory de-escalation treatments for all officers and policies that require the use of de-escalation tactics as a priority, prohibiting of all physical restraint on or above the neck. No chokeholds. Police qualified immunity should be removed." Johnson also condemned loopholes that limit police accountability in "an in an environment that fosters racial tension," and pushed for a mandatory requirement that other present officers intervene when use of force is improperly and dangerously applied. See his testimony here. June 19, 9 a.m. Juneteenth marches and rallies are happening across the Bay Area Friday, and range from a march across the Carquinez Bridge to a yoga protest at Dolores Park in San Francisco to swim in solidarity at SF's Aquatic Park. A rally at the Port of Oakland is anticipated to draw a large crowd. Juneteenth celebrations mark June 19, 1865, the date that enslaved people in Texas were told the Civil War had ended and they were free under terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. Bay Area events on Friday coincide with events planned around the world in response to the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police and to support the Black Lives Matter movement. The Oakland port demonstration is one of 29 planned at seaports in California, Oregon and Washington on Friday, port officials said. At 10 a.m., longshore workers at the Port of Oakland will hold a work stoppage, followed by a rally and march starting from 1717 Middle Harbor Road in Oakland. At the end of the march, at Oakland City Hall, labor leaders will speak, and Angela Davis, Danny Glover and Boots Riley have also been invited to the event, organizers said. A rally and march will be held in San Francisco at 1 p.m., with organizers calling for defunding San Francisco police and removing police from public schools. The march starts at city hall, 1 Carlton B. Goodlett Place and ends at board of education offices at 555 Franklin St. in San Francisco. Find more events below and on the SF Fun Cheap website. Oakland - Juneteenth West Coast Port Shutdown & Caravan to Frank Ogawa Plaza 10 a.m.: A rally organized by the Committee to Stop Police Terror and End Systemic Racism, Starts at SSA Terminal and ends at Oscar Grant Plaza with a rally at p.m. Daly City - Juneteenth Vigil, 11 a.m., 333 90th St.: Latinx leaders to urge authorities to keep black lives safe. Antioch - Juneteenth Reimagining Antioch & March for Justice, 11 a.m. This march in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement will take place at 11:00 a.m. in Antioch at 2nd St. and I St. Downtown. San Francisco - March for Freedom and Justice, noon: This march begins at the San Francisco Ferry Building and ends at San Francisco City Hall. San Mateo - San Mateo Medical Center Solidarity, 12:15 p.m.: Doctors and nurses at San Mateo Medical Center will hold solidarity events with the black community at several locations, including the San Mateo Medical Center at 222 W. 39th St. in San Mateo and the Coastside Clinic, 225 S. Cabrillo Highway in Half Moon Bay. Oakland - 2nd Annual Bike 4 Justice Rally, 12:30 p.m.: This event takes place at West Oakland's Little Bobby Hutton Park at 18th and Adeline. San Jose - Juneteenth 10-hour Protest, Celebration and march to City Hall: This march begins at 1 p.m. at 70 W Hedding Street in San Jose and will end at the city's city hall. San Francisco - Juneteeth 2020 Black Space and Expression, 1-3 p.m, African American Art & Culture Complex: Registration is required for entry. Oakland - Juneteenth at the Lake, 1 p.m.-sunset, Lake Merritt Art, food, music, performers, and speakers. San Francisco - Juneteenth in the City," 1-2 p.m., Dolores Park San Francisco - Bay Swimmers in Solidarity, 5 p.m., Aquatic Park: Bay swimmers float in solidarity. Bay City News contributed to this story. MORE COVERAGE ON THE BLACK LIVES MATTER AND JUNETEENTH PROTESTS: Sign up for 'The Daily' newsletter for the latest on Bay Area protest coverage here. This article, How boogaloo members allegedly used Facebook to plot a murder, originally appeared on CNET.com. Steven Carrillo met Robert Justus for the first time when he picked him up at the San Leandro, California, train station on May 29. But the two were already familiar with each other, according to court documents unsealed earlier this week. They'd connected in a Facebook group that was geared toward members of the far-right extremist boogaloo movement. The two men had reportedly hatched a plan to drive to Oakland, California, and attack federal law enforcement officers, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. By the end of that night, Dave Patrick Underwood, a federal security guard, would be dead and his colleague severely injured. The alleged murder was coordinated to take place at the same time as mass protests against the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who was killed by a white police officer. For Carrillo, 32, and Justus, 30, the protests would serve as a cover for their plot, according to court documents. "Go to the riots and support our own cause," Carrillo wrote in the Facebook group, referencing the boogaloo movement's anti-government beliefs and desire to spark a second civil war. "Use their anger to fuel our fire. Think outside the box. We have mobs of angry people to use to our advantage." Facebook has increasingly become the place where extremist fringe groups coalesce and plan. It's where anti-government, pro-gun protesters coordinated demonstrations over coronavirus quarantines and where the far-right, neo-fascist group Proud Boys schemed to infiltrate George Floyd protests. Facebook is also where the boogaloo movement has taken off over the past year. The movement is loosely knit and strongly opposed to law enforcement. The name comes from the 1984 cult film Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo and is used ironically to refer to a second civil war. Some members stay staunchly focused on anti-government activities and rhetoric, while others slide into white supremacist or neo-Nazi ideologies. In recent months, several boogaloo members took their activities offline and have been arrested for crimes, including building pipe bombs and conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism. Facebook is home to at least 125 boogaloo groups with roughly 73,000 members -- though some people might be in more than one group, according to the Tech Transparency Project, part of the nonpartisan watchdog Campaign for Accountability. More than half of the groups were formed between February and April. The Institute for Strategic Dialogue, a global think tank that studies extremism, has linked the growth of boogaloo members' online activity to the novel coronavirus pandemic, particularly in February and March. During those months, the institute reports, more than 200,000 posts across social media included the term "boogaloo" with a spike of 52% on Twitter, 22% on Reddit and 12% on Tumblr. "Social media sites, like Facebook, serve as virtual meeting halls for people who not only like to chat, but for extremists," said Brian Levin, the director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University in San Bernardino. "You'll find that there's this whole ecosystem right out in the open." While Facebook allows boogaloo groups to be active on its platform, the company said that earlier this month it stopped recommending them through its sidebar algorithm. Facebook also said that it would remove any content with statements or images in boogaloo groups that depict armed violence. Additionally, the company said, anyone claiming a boogaloo affiliation who has attempted to commit mass violence will have their account pulled under its "dangerous individuals" policy. The social media company said it has a team of 350 people with law enforcement, counterterrorism and radicalization expertise who study behavior related to violence on its platform. The team looks at new trends in speech and how various groups evolve over time on the site. With 2.6 billion monthly active users on Facebook, however, a lot of violent and extremist activity can still fall through the cracks. As for Carrillo and Justus' alleged plan to attack law enforcement officers in Oakland, Facebook said it didn't pinpoint the plot until the day after it happened. Once Underwood was killed, Facebook pulled the two men's accounts under its "dangerous individuals" policy. "We designated these attacks as violating events and removed the accounts for the two perpetrators along with several groups," a Facebook spokeswoman said. "We will remove content that supports these attacks and continue to work with law enforcement in their investigation." "The boogaloo boys show the potency of a well-timed message with the dry kindling that is the internet." Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism Joe Scarborough, the host of MSNBC's Morning Joe, was infuriated by Facebook's response and used his show to blast the company, its CEO and chief operating officer in a seven-minute tirade on Wednesday. "Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg are only interested in protecting their billions," Scarborough said, his voice nearing a scream. "So when you find that a federal officer is mowed down by a right-wing extremist group and it's Mark Zuckerberg whose platform is promoting that group by pushing people to that group, then his words are meaningless." Manhunt Carrillo, an active-duty sergeant in the US Air Force, was driving a white Ford van when he picked up Justus at the train station on May 29. As Justus climbed in, Carrillo offered him body armor and a firearm, according to court documents. Justus declined, so Carrillo told him to take the drivers' seat. Earlier, Carrillo had briefly sketched out his plan in the Facebook group. The FBI obtained those conversations from Facebook with a search warrant. The Federal Bureau of Investigation "It's a great opportunity to target the specialty soup bois," Carrillo wrote in the Facebook group, using a boogaloo term that refers to federal law enforcement agents. He added two fire emojis and a YouTube video showing a large crowd violently attacking California Highway Patrol vehicles. "Let's boogie," Justus replied. As the two men drove to downtown Oakland, the George Floyd protest was growing in size. Justus parked the van at about 9:30 p.m. in front of a federal courthouse, according to court documents. It was just three blocks from the protest. About 15 minutes later, he started up the engine and drove toward a guard post outside the courthouse. Carrillo then allegedly slid open the rear passenger side door and fired several rounds at the two security guards out front. The FBI was later able to reconstruct much of this incident with surrounding surveillance videos and by tracking Carrillo's T-Mobile phone records. But that night, the two men got away. Justus went home and said he didn't see Carrillo again, according to court documents. Hours after the shooting, Underwood's name started trending on social media with people blaming Black Lives Matter protesters for his death. President Donald Trump even mentioned it during a speech on June 1, saying, "These are not acts of peaceful protest. These are acts of domestic terror." The Federal Bureau of Investigation Those acts, however, weren't carried out by the protesters. For Carrillo, the shooting appeared to be just the beginning. Eight days later, on June 6, he allegedly fatally shot Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Deputy Damon Gutzwiller and wounded another officer. As the FBI pieced together the evidence from these alleged crimes, agents said they recovered several items linking Carrillo to the boogaloo movement. In his van, authorities said they found a ballistic vest with a patch that showed an igloo and Hawaiian-style print, both popular symbols with boogaloo members. At one point, Carrillo also reportedly used his own blood to write boogaloo phrases on the hood of a car, including "boog" and "stop the duopoly," referring to control of the Republican and Democratic parties. Carrillo has been charged with murder and attempted murder. If found guilty, he could face the death penalty. Justus is charged with aiding and abetting murder and attempted murder. Jeffrey Stotter, Carrillo's lawyer, said that beyond the federal complaint, he hasn't yet seen independent evidence linking Carrillo to the boogaloo movement. He said any calls for violence or violent action are unconscionable, but everything remains an accusation at this point. "We're looking into what extent [the boogaloo movement] may have influenced Mr. Carrillo," Stotter said. "He certainly reported to express a great love for this country and a great love of what this country stands for." It was unclear who was representing Justus at the time of publication. Jeffrey Stotter A spokesman for Travis Air Force Base, where Carrillo was stationed, told CNET that its members are fully cooperating with the authorities in their investigation and "our thoughts and condolences are with anyone affected by these incidents." Facebook said it's removed the groups Carrillo and Justus were members of and it will continue to review other boogaloo groups. It also said it will remove any content that praises what Carrillo and Justus allegedly did. Levin, the director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, said removing those few groups likely won't have much of an effect. The boogaloo movement will just continue to adapt, he said. Extremist groups used to be more largely organized, he added, but now they've become splintered and localized -- as was likely the case with Carrillo and Justus. "The boogaloo boys show the potency of a well-timed message with the dry kindling that is the internet," Levin said. "You're going to see a lot of hornets making a lot of smaller nests." CNET's Andrew Morse contributed to this report. A coastal carpet python has been found sleeping behind a car steering wheel prompting snake catchers to warn motorist to properly lock their vehicles overnight. Snake catcher Brendan Dyer shared the picture of the 2.5-metre python to his Facebook on Thursday. The snake was curled up next to the speedometer of the Great Wall ute in Capalaba, south-west of Brisbane. The vehicle owner discovered the reptile when he left home to do his shopping. The car was parked on grass next to the man's property, which backed onto rugged bushland. Snake catcher Brendan Dyer shared a picture of the 2.5-metre python to his Facebook on Thursday. The snake was curled up next to the speedometer Mr Dyer said he received the call out about midday on Thursday and sprung into action as the owner anxiously awaited by the vehicle until the snake catcher arrived. 'The man said the snake was on the dashboard and by the time I had gotten there he had finished sunbathing and curled up for a nap,' Mr Dyer told Daily Mail Australia. Mr Dyer said the reptile must have slithered into the vehicle through a door overnight. 'I don't believe a snake that big can fit in the vents of a car, so the man might have left his windows down when he parked the car before he drove to it's final destination,' he said. This could suggest the man had been driving around in his car with the coastal carpet python in his car unknowingly. Mr Dyer said the catch and release went exactly to plan allowing the man to continue with his shopping trip. He used a hook to wake up the snake before using his hands to grab the snake behind the head and lift it up. He said his five-year-old daughter, Tara, who has been assisting him on call outs and knows not to touch snakes unless he approves it, released the snake into protected bushland. Pictured: Tara releasing another carpet python Mr Dyer then supported the weight of the snake before putting it in the bag. He said his five-year-old daughter, Tara, who has been assisting him on call outs and knows not to touch snakes unless he approves it, released the snake into protected bushland. Social media users were shocked at the discovery. 'Snake wanted to go for a morning coffee, drive-thru,' one person joked. Another said: 'I've said it to you before I'll say it again... keep those snakes away.' The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese puts questions to the Prime Minister Scott Morrison during Question Time in the House of Representatives in Canberra, Australia on Feb 5. (Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images) Australian Opposition Leader Supports MP to Remain Deputy Chair of Intelligence and Security Committee Amid Branch Stacking Probe National Labor leader Anthony Albanese has endorsed Anthony Byrne to remain as deputy chair of federal parliaments intelligence and security committee after the prime minister said he would take Albanese recommendations on the matter. This has come after Adem Somyurekthe man at the center of the branch stacking and corruption scandalentangled Byrne, his mentor and friend, by releasing a selection of foul-worded text messages exchanged by the pair to the media. In response, Byrne accused Somyurek of cherry-picking the texts, News Corps The Australian reported. Byrne said: Somyurek has selectively released a hand-picked selection of my text messages to him sent over two years just hours after I made a public statement that I had contacted authorities and would assist with their corruption investigations into him, he said. That speaks for itself, he added. During a doorstop press conference on June 18, Adem Somyurek told 9News: Anthony Byrne is someone that I respect, who taught me everything about branch work. I have a lot of respect for the man. On June 18, Albanese said he had sought and received assurance that Byrne has acted legally at all times. The Text Messages News Corps The Australian newspaper published the contents of the texts on June 18, which had been released by Somyurek to The Age the day before, after Byrne publicly supported the investigation into Somyureks actions. Spanning over two years, the selection of texts contained disparaging comments about fellow Labor Party colleagues. In the texts, Byrne wrote about wanting to urinate on the beheaded corpse of a former Labor Party MP and called former Labor Senator Sam Dastyari crooked and corrupt. Read More Foreign Political Donations Will Be Illegal in Australia From 2019 Byrne also accused an unnamed female Labor staffer of playing dirty politics and threatened to expose her via one of ABC Four Corners well-known in-depth investigative programs on Chinawhich he referred to as their hatchet job on China. The ABC reported Labor leader Anthony Albanese as saying: The comments that are published today from Mr Byrne are completely unacceptable and inappropriate and Ive counselled Mr Byrne about his language and the inappropriateness of those comments. Byrne Is Strongly Critical of Chinese Communist Party Byrne is a high profile figure in the Australian Labor Party who is strongly critical of Chinas recent behaviour. He currently holds the position of deputy chair and has been a long-serving member of the parliamentary intelligence and security committee. On April 9, amid the height of CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic (commonly known as novel coronavirus), Byrne explained on Twitter that he and West Australian MP Andrew Hastie, who chairs the committee, were concerned about Australias relationship with the Chinese Communist Party. Thanks @RitaPanahi . Its great working with Andrew on what needs to be a fundamental rebalancing of our supply chains and our relationship with the CCP post COVID19. https://t.co/Mtb1h3y3Vm Anthony Byrne (@AnthonyByrne_MP) April 9, 2020 Byrne has also been outspoken about Chinese telecommunications company Huaweis attempt to supply 5G networks globally. In February, The Age reported that unnamed sources inside the room revealed that Bryne had strongly criticised the UKs Foreign Secretary Dominic Rabb during a meeting, after Britain said in late January that it would not ban Huawei from building the countrys 5G mobile network. How would you feel if the Russians laid down infrastructure in your own networks? Thats how we feel about Huawei, Byrne purportedly told Raab. Related Coverage UK Plans to Phase Out Huawei From 5G Network, Reports Say British Prime Minister Boris Johnson would later (upon recovering from COVID-19) direct officials to reduce Huaweis involvement in UK infrastructure projects to zero by 2023. Byrne, who has served on Australias intelligence committee for 13 years, and is highly regarded in the intelligence community, was also instrumental in developing the federal governments foreign interference laws. Parliaments Non-Partisan Anti Wolf Warrior Club China hawk Anthony Byrne is also reportedly a member of a non-partisan Parliamentary group called the Parliamentary Friends of Democracy that displays wolf claws on their front office windows as a statement representing Chinas aggressive wolf warrior diplomacy, The Age reported. The informal group is co-chaired by Labor senator Kimberley Kitching and Liberal MP Andrew Hastie, and includes Liberal senators James Paterson and Amanda Stoker. The group meets and interacts with stakeholders on matters that uphold the tenants of Australias democracy, including the rule of law. Parents, students demand change after Olathe teacher charged Parents are calling for changes in the Olathe school district after a teacher was charged with misconduct involving a young student. James Loganbill is charged with reckless stalking, which court documents say was "sexually motivated." A protest Thursday had a strong message for the school district. Danger for students in the Golden Ghetto inspires parents to take to the streets . . . Take a look: PM Modi tribute to Acharya Mahapragya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday remembered Acharya Mahapragya on his birth centenary. In his address to people, PM Modi highlighted his teachings and philosophy of living. PM Modi tribute to Acharya Mahapragya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to Acharya Mahapragya, the tenth Acharya of the Jain Swetamber Terapanth Sangh, on his birth centenary. Addressing the people, the Prime Minister said: People who had the pleasure of attending his Satsang and interacting with him must experience their spiritual energy. Acharya Mahapragya Ji used to say, I will leave you and all will be yours. This mantra of his, his philosophy was also visible in his life. This philosophy of living life can be easily found but it is hard to come across those people this kind of life. One has to meditate to lead life to this position, to serve society and service. Our Atal ji, who himself was a connoisseur of literature, used to often say, I am an admirer of Acharya Mahapragyas literature, the depth of his literature, his words and his knowledge, the Prime Minister said. He said that Mahapragya has written over 300 books in Sanskrit, Hindi, Gujarati and English on philosophy, politics, psychology and economics. The more deeply he has written on spirituality, the more broad vision he has given on subjects like philosophy, politics, psychology and economics, he added. Also Read: India China standoff: IAF Chief reviews operations in Ladakh, fighter aircraft moved to forward bases Also Read: Delhi conducts 20,000 Covid-19 tests, Kejriwal promises increase in upcoming days The Prime Minister said that Acharya Mahapragya taught the art of depression-free life to millions of people through yoga. It will also be an occasion for us all of us to contribute to the realisation of the dream of Mahapragya of happy family and prosperous nation, to convey his ideas to the society, he said. Mentioning Acharya Mahapragyas mantra of healthy person, healthy society, healthy economy, the Prime Minister said that this principle is a big inspiration for all of us in todays situation. Also Read: Galwan clash: 76 soldiers injured, all stable, say army sources For all the latest National News, download NewsX App Participants discuss on the sidelines of the workshop in Ba Ria Vung Tau on June 18 (Photo: VNA) Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Nguyen Hong Linh said from now to 2025, Ba Ria Vung Tau is going to focus resources on developing modern seaports and related logistics services. It will reserve 20 trillion VND (859.6 million USD) for investing in transport infrastructure linking seaports and regions, along with 2,000ha of land for developing the logistics system and a modern goods certification centre during the period. The province will also select capable investors to develop seaport logistics services, set up a management board of the Cai Mep Thi Vai port complex to create the best possible conditions for businesses and shipping firms when using the port system, and develop this complex into an export and import gateway of the southern key economic region, Linh noted. Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Nguyen Van Tho said seaport and logistics services are defined as important components of the local economy, adding that Ba Ria Vung Tau has worked with relevant ministries and sectors to carry out numerous solutions to boost investment in the services and reaped practical outcomes. He cited statistics as showing that the volume of cargo transported by sea and handled in the province has increased by 10 percent between 2016 and 2020. In particular, container freight delivered by vessels has grown by over 20 percent annually. At the workshop, Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Cong said the ministry is considering the allocation of medium-term capital to dredging the Cai Mep Thi Vai marine passage. He asked Ba Ria Vung Tau to accelerate the progress of Ben Luc Long Thanh Expressway project, as well as the construction of roads connecting the Cai Mep Thi Vai port complex with Phuoc An bridge, Ben Luc Long Thanh Expressway and Bien Hoa city in nearby Dong Nai province to boost demand for goods transportation via the complex. Cong also suggested the province attract more big investors to create more export sources and build logistics zones before putting ports into operation. The Cai Mep Thi Vai port complex was the one posting the worlds fastest growth in 2017 and also among the 21 ports around the world able to handle vessels of up to 200,000 tonnes. Of the 69 port projects planned in Ba Ria Vung Tau, 48 have become operational, and they are able to deal with 141.5 million tonnes of cargo each year. Meanwhile, 2,312ha of land has been zoned off for developing logistics facilities, with 20 projects covering 224ha already put into use. You can now make Google Duplex, i.e. Assistant check stock of various stores via a simple call. The latest version of the Google My Business Help pages reveal the futuristic inventory status inquiries are already live in the majority of the United States. 48 states in total, to be more specific. Only Kentucky and Louisiana are yet to receive access to the new Google Assistant functionality as of today, June 19th. Its presently unclear why the American Southeast will be the last to embrace Google Duplexs intelligent inventory inquiries. The Occams razor herein would be that Google simply doesnt see much potential for B2C AI mediators in the region. After all, the so-called Dixie zone isnt exactly a stronghold of the tertiary economic sector. Advertisement Google Duplex is perfect for the service industry Looking at the broader picture, the services industry is what Google Duplex is all about. Because Alphabets subsidiary designed this AI helper as a versatile mediator meant to facilitate consumer-to-business interactions. And the American Southeast is much more focused on the first two economic segments like mining, manufacture, agriculture, etc. Meaning its not as conducive to the rapid growth of consumer-facing software solutions such as Google Duplex. Hey Google, could you check if the Galaxy S20+ BTS Edition is in stock? In practice, the latest Duplex capability allows you to instruct Google Assistant to e.g. find out if a local Samsung reseller has any more Galaxy S20+ BTS Edition units in stock. Like all things Duplex, the service does so by calling a given business directly. Advertisement Thats at the very least a neat party trick, not to mention an AI foundation with nearly limitless potential. So long as you dont worry your pretty little gray matter cells with nonsense like ethics, of course. Anyhow, the newest addition to the Google Duplex feature list adds value to the service in a rather straightforward manner. Its also entirely free for both businesses and their clientele since the dial-happy assistant is still deep inside the growth-dedicated phase of its roadmap. Which is becoming increasingly more important given how some rivaling solutions generated quite a few momentum in recent years. After all, Alexa doctor appointments have been a thing for over a year now, with Amazon taking less than a year to copy this key functionality from Google Assistant. Advertisement More importantly, it did so while consistently ramping up efforts aimed at developing numerous unique selling points of its own digital helper. So, Google certainly cant rest on its laurels despite pioneering so many technologies in the AI space. HAMILTON A once-beloved pizzeria torched to the ground by a troubled arsonist a decade ago now faces a social-media firestorm. Protesters gathered to rally outside Vincents Pizza on Nottingham Way after many racist posts surfaced from the Facebook profile of one member of the family who own the Hamilton landmark. The Trentonian was provided with more than a dozen examples that Michael Sciabbarrasi contends were cherry-picked from his page after a disagreement with somebody over the shooting of a black man at a Wendys in Atlanta. Sciabbarrasi shared memes that relied on harmful stereotypes about blacks, including ones that contained the N-word, a historically offensive comparison to apes and mocked a starving child in another country. Michael Sciabbarrasi was identified as an owner at Vincents Pizza in a podcast. He is the son of Giusseppe Sciabbarrasi, who is the registered agent of Vincents Pizza, according to state business records. Michael Sciabbarrasi confirmed to The Trentonian in a phone conversation Thursday that Giuseppe is his father. He said he regretted making the posts, some dating back to 2013, saying they seemed funny at the time but he realizes theyre inflammatory and insensitive. I feel sick about everything, he said. People want to destroy my business. Ill be honest. I really dont have anything else to say, man. I know how this is going to play out. Its all going to be used against me, so I appreciate the phone call. I appreciate the opportunity, but I have no more comment. Then he hung up the phone. In the aftermath of the online outrage, Michael Sciabbarrasi and Vincents Pizza took down their Facebook pages. The pizzeria is the latest township business to face backlash over a prominent stakeholders Facebook posts. Upset customers boycotted The Stone Terrace by John Henry last week after Joseph Russo, the former executive chef and self-proclaimed co-owner posted memes denigrating George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement. In the meme that Michael Sciabbarrasi shared comparing blacks to apes, a white toddler and baby orangutan made the same arm gesture. Stop racism, it reads. Black children and white children are the same. Another showed a Black Monopoly board filled with go-to-jail spaces, suggesting blacks are criminals. Another showed a black man reading a How to Get Welfare book. 1. Be black, the offensive meme said. 2. Collect welfare check. Yet another, posted in March 2017, was of a black man in a casket. The face you make when you dont understand what stop resisting means. That one inflamed passions in the township after what happened to Floyd, a Minneapolis man who died under the knee of a white cop while saying he couldnt breath. Floyds death sparked protests about police brutality and the deaths of unarmed black men. Before the offensive memes came to light, Vincents Pizza was a beloved restaurant with a sympathetic history. The family rebuilt the restaurant after it was torched in 2010 during a gas-fueled blaze set by then-19-year-old Karl Heisler during a crime spree. The popular pizzeria was where Barbara Plumeri, chairwoman of the Hamilton Democratic Municipal Committee, first met Jeff Martin to discuss him challenging then-Mayor Kelly Yaede in last years mayoral race. Plumeri conducted an interview with The Trentonian at the Nottingham Way business following Martins victory over the two-term incumbent. During the pandemic, Vincents Pizza was one of the businesses that Martin stopped by to distribute masks during the coronavirus pandemic. Martin denounced Russos Facebook posts, and later met with John and Catherine Henry for a candid discussion in which the owners pledged to do more for the community to try to repair their image. The hateful posts might have cost Vincents Pizza one of its most visible township customers. Martin condemned Michael Sciabbarrasis rhetoric in a phone interview. I never got the sense anybody was being treated differently, he said of his previous visits. Im not going to be going back there. Its ugly and unacceptable. It just shows how much work we have to do and how much work there is still left to do to get us to a better place where more people realize racism is unacceptable. Everybody needs to treat each other with decency. Michael Sciabbarrasi phoned the newspaper back to apologize again for the posts. He also slammed cancel culture as a disease. Never ever intended to hurt anybody or make anybody uncomfortable, he said, adding he and his family treat all customers equally whenever they come to the pizza joint. I love everybody. I dont know what I was thinking about it at that time. It makes my stomach turn. Im not that guy who is being portrayed right now. I dont have a hateful bone in my body. ICICI Direct's research report on Canara Bank Derivatives & Quantitative Outlook The banking space has taken the lead in the recent up move of the market while stocks from consumption and technology have taken a back seat. Heavily beaten down stocks from the BFSI space are showing noteworthy momentum and resilience in any intermediate market correction. In the PSU banking space, Canara Bank is one such stock that is showing early signs of recovery and is likely to continue its upward momentum in the coming weeks. Like most stocks, open interest in Canara Bank has also declined substantially during the sharp decline seen in February and March. The OI in the stock has come down from profit booking seen in March. The OI has come down from 23 million shares to just over 7 million shares in March. However, since then, the stock has seen gradual OI build-up along with the price recovery. We believe there is ample room for further OI addition while the stock is likely to continue its positive momentum on the back of long additions. For all recommendations 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 In a high-stakes case with multiple implications for education, the U.S. Supreme Court has blocked the Trump administrations decision to unwind deportation relief for nearly 700,000 undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. The court ruled 5-4 that the 2017 rescission of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program started in 2012 under President Barack Obama, was carried out in an arbitrary and capricious manner in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act. We do not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said in the June 18 majority opinion in Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of the University of California (Case No. 18-587). The wisdom of those decisions is none of our concern. We address only whether the agency [DHS] complied with the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action. The decision does not prevent the Trump administration from starting over in trying to properly end the program, but political considerations and the crises on President Donald Trumps plate during this election year may make that difficult. Do you get the impression that the Supreme Court doesnt like me? Trump tweeted Thursday, in apparent reference to both the DACA decision and Mondays 6-3 ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga., which rejected the administrations arguments and held that federal employment-discrimination law covers sexual orientation and gender identity. As President of the United States, I am asking for a legal solution on DACA, not a political one, consistent with the rule of law, Trump said in another tweet. The Supreme Court is not willing to give us one, so now we have to start this process all over again. Higher education institutions, the American Federation of Teachers , immigration civil rights groups, and individuals are among the parties that challenged the rescission of DACA, which allows applicants who meet certain age, educational, and other criteria to legally work or attend school. Current DACA recipients range in age from about 18 to 39. Under the litigation, the federal government has processed renewals for existing recipients, but has not allowed those who would have aged into the program at 15 to enroll. Today, the Supreme Court told hundreds of thousands of DACA beneficiaries that they can breathe, AFT President Randi Weingarten said in a statement. Its a temporary reprieve, but it means thousands of educators, nurses, bus drivers, and grocery clerks who are on the frontlines in the coronavirus battle can stay in the United States. Considering Hardship Roberts said that Homeland Security Department officials failed to properly consider the issues of whether to retain the DACA policys two-year forbearance of deportation and what if anything to do about the hardship to DACA recipients. The chief justice cited several briefs by groups supporting DACA for the idea that the original Homeland Security memorandum rescinding the program had failed to take into account ways in which recipients were relying on the programs relief. The consequences of the rescission, [DACA supporters] emphasize, would radiate outward to DACA recipients families, including their 200,000 U.S.-citizen children, to the schools where DACA recipients study and teach, and to the employers who have invested time and money in training them, Roberts said. The chief justice was joined on the key holding that the rescission violated administrative law by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen G. Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan. Sotomayor did not join a portion of Robertss opinion that rejected a claim that the rescission violated the equal-protection guarantee of the Fifth Amendment. She wrote a separate opinion saying she would have allowed the plaintiffs equal-protection claims to go forward based on claims that Trumps frequent anti-immigration statements were motivated by animus. They bear on unlawful migration from Mexicoa keystone of President Trumps campaign and a policy priority of his administrationand, according to [DACA supporters], were an animating force behind the rescission of DACA, Sotomayor said. Claims of Unilateral Action Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito Jr., Neil M. Gorsuch, and Brett M. Kavanaugh dissented on the question of whether the rescission violated the APA, writing or joining several separate opinions. To state it plainly, the Trump administration rescinded DACA the same way that the Obama administration created it: unilaterally, and through a mere memorandum, Thomas wrote, in a dissent joined by Alito and Gorsuch. Todays decision must be recognized for what it is: an effort to avoid a politically controversial but legally correct decision. Kavanaugh said in a dissent for himself that all nine members of the court accept, as do the DACA plaintiffs themselves, that the Executive Branch possesses the legal authority to rescind DACA and to resume pre-DACA enforcement of the immigration laws enacted by Congress. He said that for 20 years the nation has had consequential policy, religious, and moral debates about the young immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. They live, go to school, and work here with uncertainty about their futures, Kavanaugh said. Like Thomas and the other dissenters, Kavanaugh said a later memorandum justifying the rescission by then-Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen was not a post-hoc rationalization of the administrations policy. Although I disagree with the courts decision to remand, the only practical consequence of the courts decision to remand appears to be some delay, Kavanaugh said. The legislative process, he added, could produce a sturdy and enduring solution to this issue, one way or the other, and thereby remove the uncertainty that has persisted for years for these young immigrants and the nations immigration system. The Proper Hoops Ilya Shapiro, a legal analyst with the libertarian Cato Institute, said the decision was bad judging on top of bad lawyering that has good short-term practical effects but makes policy reform harder in the longer term. The technical reason for blocking DACA rescissionthat the administration didnt jump through the proper hoopsis debatable, and I think Justice Kavanaughs dissent has the better of that argument over Chief Justice Robertss majority opinion, said Shapiro, whose think tank filed a friend-of-the-court brief supporting DACA as a matter of policy, but the Trump administration as a matter of law. David A. Strauss, a law professor at the University of Chicago, said the Trump administration faced a challenge in arguing that DACA was illegal or unconstitutional. So as the cases went through the courts, the Trump people started to backtrack and obfuscate about exactly what was wrong with DACA and why it had to be rescinded completely, Strauss said. Today the Supreme Court essentially said: we cant tell any more what your reason for rescinding DACA is. Go back, reconsider, and if you want to rescind it, come up with a coherent set of reasons. Several education groups had filed or joined briefs in support of DACA, including the National Education Association , the National PTA , the National School Boards Association, AASA, the School Superintendents Association, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the American School Counselor Association , and Teach for America . JoAnn Bartoletti, the executive director of NASSP, said in a statement that the nations principals are relieved to see that Dreamersmany of whom are our students, parents, and teacherswill not be torn from the fabric of their school communities by an ill-conceived effort to rescind DACA. Francisco M. Negron Jr., the general counsel of NSBA, said his group was happy because the decision at least temporarily removes uncertainty for DACA recipients, which include many students and teachers. We have many hard-to-fill areas in our teaching ranks, and DACA recipients have been helping to fill those, he said. Negron also was heartened to see Roberts embrace some of the arguments put forth in the brief of NSBA and other school groups, that there is an important part the Supreme Court plays in reviewing the role of the executive branch in complying with the law. She's been enjoying some time away from her typically busy schedule with her loved ones amid the coronavirus pandemic. And Sienna Miller was in good company as she walked her pet dog with her 'fiance' Lucas Zwirner and her daughter Marlowe, seven, in New York City on Thursday afternoon. The actress, 38, who reportedly got engaged to her art gallery owner boyfriend, 29, in January after one year of dating, cut a typically chic figure as she highlighted her slender figure in a white and purple slip dress, complete with tie-dye printing. Family outing: Sienna Miller was in good company as she walked her pet dog with her 'fiance' Lucas Zwirner and her daughter Marlowe, seven, in New York City on Thursday afternoon Mixing style with comfort, the American Woman star teamed her patterned ensemble with a pair of white trainers. The thespian injected more colour into her appearance as she carried her essentials in a large brown handbag, rounded off with square-framed shades, a chain bracelet and her dazzling engagement ring. With her tresses worn in a loosely-tousled fashion, Sienna opted for minimal make-up and sported a face mask around her neck. Style savvy: The actress, 38, cut a typically chic figure as she highlighted her slender figure in a white and purple slip dress, complete with tie-dye printing Lucas, meanwhile, dressed down in a casual blue T-shirt, grey shorts and stone-coloured sandals as he strolled along the streets of the Big Apple with his love and her little girl. The Yale-educated literature expert, who joined the family business to grow his father's eponymous art gallery, David Zwirner Books, is said to have popped the question earlier this year. He now currently oversees 25 book releases a year as editorial director of the company and revealed he plans to extend the gallery to publish more than books. Her love: The thespian and Yale-educated literature expert Lucas got engaged in January (pictured together in May 2019) The pair are said to be blissfully happy together and have begun making plans for their wedding. Sienna shares her only child with actor ex Tom Sturridge, 34, and previously dated her Alfie co-star Jude Law. The former on-off couple got engaged on Christmas Day 2004, split in 2006 before reuniting in 2009 and breaking up again in 2011. The Electoral Commission Thursday organised a demonstration session for its stakeholders on how the new Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits operate. The Commission also gave an insight into how the anti-COVID-19 pandemic protocols would be observed at the registration centres on from Tuesday, June 30, when the registration for a Voters Roll commences. The stakeholders include the representatives of the National Democratic Congress, Liberal Party of Ghana, New Patriotic Party, JOY, People Action Party, National Media Commission, the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG). Dr Serebour Quarcoe, the Director of Elections at the Commission, also took the representatives through the health protocol processes they should expect at the centres They involve the washing of hands, checking of temperature and joining the two-metre distance marked queues. He explained that a person would first need to show either a passport or the Ghana Card as proof of identity and provide details to enable the officer to fill the form A. After that table, the individual would proceed to the next table, where the persons biometrics, including fingerprints, picture and facial details, would be taken before proceeding to the last stage where the card is issued. He also took them through the process of vouching for a person who would not have any of the two identification cards, and the online process for pregnant women and persons above 60 years. The Reverend Dr Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance for Christian Advocacy Africa, asked political parties to make sustainable peace and development their guiding principles. Opposing factions will not go into a competition and behave like there nothing at stake. Every election season we hear allegations and counter allegations, he stated. These allegations dont mean that they dont love their nation; but they all mean well. Nobody wants Ghana to crush. All stakeholders want the best for the country. The people in-charge must, therefore, listen to the issues and take steps to correct them. It will also help improve and deepen our democracy. We all want the country to progress Commenting on the event, he expressed satisfaction at the processes, saying that because he had one of the identification cards the process was smooth. He said the Commission had taken the COVID-19 safety protocols such as the washing of hands, checking of temperature, use of hand sanitizer and social distancing very serious. However, he said, There was a little bit of technical hitch, but I think these are machines I cannot speak to that. Mr Peter Mac Manu, the 2020 Election Campaign Manager of the ruling NPP, expressed satisfaction, especially at the safety protocols and the speed of registration process, saying it was encouraging. Overall, I spent about seven minutes. At the first table, where my data was taken, it took just three minutes to complete it and at the second table, I spent about four minutes. The EC has done very well and this shows the real registration will be successful, he said. Mr Osei Kwame Griffiths, the Director of IT for the NDC, however, said the average registration time would not be enough to register all Ghanaians at the stipulated time. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video In response late Thursday, Boltons lawyers filed a motion to dismiss, arguing, If the First Amendment stands for anything, it is that the government does not have the power to clasp its hand over the mouth of a citizen attempting to speak on a matter of great public import. They said Bolton has no power to stop publication given that 200,000 copies of the book have already been printed and distributed to booksellers. A hearing is set for Friday. ALBANY - Progressive candidates for several state Assembly seats are looking to shake up the Democratic establishment in this years primary election, buoyed by an upheaval that rocked the Senate two years ago. On Tuesday, New Yorkers will cast votes for 50 primaries in state legislative races, including third-party challenges, with several of those races featuring progressive candidates challenging long-time incumbent Democrats. The 2018 primaries were a cathartic cycle for the state Senate where the IDC was basically wiped out and where challengers helped establish and helped solidify a progressive voice of the Senate Democratic Caucus, said Evan Stavisky, a partner at the Parkside Group political consulting firm. This year the battleground is in the Assembly. John Hudak, senior fellow and deputy director for the Center for Effective Public Management at The Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., said progressive challenges to incumbent Democrats are happening across the country as demographics change in many communities. It reflects a couple of trends that are happening in Democratic politics. The first is that there is some divide between whats often called the more establishment Democrats and the progressive wing of the party, Hudak said. You have some incumbents in Congress and state Legislature races and elsewhere who have represented places for long periods of time and their constituency has gotten more liberal over time. But Hudak cautioned against linking the individual campaigns to an overall trend, as some challengers may have entered a race due to the incumbent casting a vote that riled constituents or getting wrapped up in a scandal that discredited the legislator, he said. While most of the challenges are centered on Assembly races in downstate districts, the Capital Region has its own contested race for the 108th Assembly District, currently represented by Assemblyman John McDonald, D-Cohoes. Albany County Legislator Sam Fein is seeking to unseat McDonald, who is in his fourth two-year term with the legislative body. Fein, who was elected to his second, four-year term in the county Legislature last year, has been endorsed by the progressive advocacy group Citizen Action, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and also the Working Families Party. Fein said residents in the district are tired of business as usual politics and contends he would be a voice for the people. People want change and they really want a representative who answers to them, he said. I will be a champion of issues that really impact people in the district. I wont be afraid to stand up to the interests there. The Assembly district encompasses the cities of Albany and Troy, along with several other smaller cities along the Hudson River, including Cohoes and Rensselaer, as well as suburban and rural areas of Rensselaer, Saratoga and Albany counties. Fein has been critical of what he said have been McDonalds slow response to champion issues that Fein says are important to constituents, including legalizing adult use of marijuana, reforming police policies such as the recent repeal of a statute that shielded police records, and increasing taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers. McDonald said he takes a more deliberative, measured approach because the district is not heavily progressive and constituents political leanings are scattered across the spectrum. He also noted that the measures Fein is pushing for he supports. Thats why I should be back in office because, quite frankly, its not about running to represent one small faction of a political party, he said. Government is not about yelling and screaming. The reality is God gave me two ears and God gave me a mouth. I use the ears first and then I use the mouth. Its not actually what I say, its what I do. Other contested legislative races strike a similar tone: challengers asserting the incumbents have not represented constituents on the issues that matter most to the district and incumbents pointing to their records. The coronavirus pandemic and the recent anti-police protests across the country also are playing a major role in primary elections, with some incumbents facing criticism for their response to the pandemic that disproportionately impacted communities of color and left over 2 million New Yorkers jobless. Nominate your favorite people and places now Its the 25th anniversary of our Best of the Capital Region readers survey. Nominate your favorite people, places and businesses between Jan. 21 and Feb. 4. Amid the pandemic, protests against police brutality and systemic racism following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on Floyds neck for nearly nine minutes, also indicate a shift in public opinion. Working people, immigrants and black and brown New Yorkers are bearing the brunt of our state's failed response to both coronavirus and racist policing, Working Families Party State Director Sochie Nnaemeka said in an emailed statement. In this moment, it's clearer than ever that we must shift the balance of power in Albany back to working people by electing leaders who will deliver for our communities. Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, who is challenging Assemblyman Michael DenDekker in the 34th District, criticized the Democratic incumbent for voting for the state budget, which included reductions to Medicaid and a $10 million cut to Elmhurst Hospital. In a community that is 88 percent people of color, we cant afford any more failures. Representation matters when inequality kills, Gonzalez-Rojas said in an emailed statement. I will be a champion to fight for the resources that our communities need to live, work and raise a family in our district. DenDekker, who has represented the district since 2008, did not respond to a request for comment by deadline. Three other people also are seeking the Democratic line: Nuala ODoherty-Naranjo, Angel Cruz and Joy Chowdhury. Gonzalez-Rojas is among several candidates who have received the backing of the Working Families Party. Other incumbents already considered further to the left than longtime Democrats, also are facing challenges for the party line, including Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou, who is being challenged by Grace Lee. Whether the progressive candidates will be successful in their respective districts remains to be seen, but they could have an impact on the incumbents themselves, Hudak said. I think liberal challenges, whether successful or not, tend to move the Democratic party more to the left, he said. Nudging incumbents to be a little bit more liberal than they would have been without a challenge. An earlier version incorrectly stated that Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas had received the backing of the political group Democratic Socialists of America. Wirecard's chief executive Markus Braun resigned on June 19 after the search for $2.1 billion of cash missing from the embattled electronic payments firm hit a dead end in the Philippines. Braun, who built the German company into one of the hottest investments in Europe, leaves Wirecard facing a looming cash crunch amid allegations of fraud over the missing money. James Freis, a former compliance officer at Germany's stock exchange, has been appointed as interim CEO. Wirecard is holding emergency talks with banks to secure a financial lifeline, three people with knowledge of the matter said, after its auditor, EY, refused to sign off on its accounts. The company warned on Thursday that loans of roughly 2 billion euros ($2.24 billion) could be terminated if its annual report is not published on Friday. It has until this evening to strike a deal with banks, the people said. The company's shares tanked again after two Philippine banks said the German payments company was not a client of theirs and alleged that documents had been falsified. Braun, who has aggressively defended the company against accusations of accounting fraud, had earlier said that the firm could itself have been the victim of fraud. Braun had not identified those he suspected of fraud, while BPI and BDO, the two Philippine banks, both issued statements denying any relationship with Wirecard. "Wirecard is not a client of the bank. The document claiming the existence of a Wirecard account with BDO is a falsified document and carries forged signatures of bank officers," BDO said. "The matter has already been reported to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas," BDO added in a statement, referring to the Philippines' central bank. BPI also said Wirecard was not a client. "Their external auditor presented to us a document that claimed that they are a client. We have determined that the document is spurious. We continue to investigate this matter," BPI said in a statement. EY had regularly approved Wirecard's accounts in recent years, and its refusal to sign off for 2019 confirms failings found in an external probe by KPMG in April. Wirecard was a welcome technology success story in Germany, which made its name in heavy industry. But its fortunes unravelled after a whistleblower alleged that it owed its success in part to a web of sham transactions. Braun faced calls to resign but he and the company dismissed the claims and its failure to win a clean bill of health this week from auditors for its accounts shattered investor confidence. Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) The Nigerian Presidency on Friday labelled as misrepresentation the report of the United Kingdom (UK) All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Religious Freedom or Belief which raised concerns at the dramatic and escalating violence in Nigeria characterised as the farmer-herder conflict Boys Basketball: Watertown wins over Rapid City Stevens Reese Stark and Drew Norberg combined for 41 points to propel Watertown to a 61-51 high school boys basketball win over Rapid City Stevens. Serbia: elections, Vucic calls for mass turnout Radical opposition boycotts, 'no to authoritarian regime' (ANSAmed) - BELGRADE, JUNE 19 - An electoral silence goes into effect in Serbia beginning at midnight ahead of the vote on Sunday to renew the country's parliament and local administrations. The conservative Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) led by President Aleksandar Vucic enjoys an enormous advantage, with the last poll in recent days showing it has more than 58% of the vote, far ahead of the Socialist Party (SPS) of Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, in second place with just over 12%. The two political forces are allied in the coalition of the outgoing government. The opposition, which in recent months despite various positions seemed to want to unite against Vucic, has since divided, with the most radical members having decided to boycott the vote. Other smaller parties and movements with a more moderate position have decided to participate in the vote, although they have little chance of surpassing the 3% minimum threshold. The radical forces maintain that conditions don't exist for holding correct, free, and democratic elections, and a boycott is needed in order to avoid legitimising the "authoritarian regime" and the "autocratic power" of the president, who they maintain has total control over the media. In addition, the health and epidemiological situation is not an ideal one for organising an election. Vucic spoke in a televised speech on Thursday evening and called for voters to turn out en masse on Sunday to show support for his policy of reforms, economic progress, and the modernisation of Serbia, the results of which he said are clear for all to see.(ANSAmed). (ANSA). Its entirely possible to watch The Politician and not know whether its take on politics is meant to be meaningful and relevant or and this may be the better way to enjoy it completely and coldly meaningless. The Politicians burn-it-down regard for all politics is a tired stance and a bit off topic in the current moment, which so badly needs a rebuilding of good politics and good people. Last week, Deanna Robertson and her two sons stood on their front lawn in western Virginia scanning the sky for a drone they could hear humming from almost a mile away. When it finally arrived, hovering above their heads, the boys rushed forward to take what it offered: a copy of All Quiet on the Western Front, required summer reading and possibly the first library book delivered by drone in history. With students unable to make it to the library because of the coronavirus, the Montgomery County Public School district has partnered with Wing, the drone-delivery unit of Googles parent company, Alphabet, to deliver books to their homes. One week into the project, there have been more than 35 successful deliveries, said Kelly Passek, a middle-school librarian and the mastermind of the project. I thought that this would be a great way to get our resources to our students, Ms. Passek said. Now that weve entered this time of social distancing and remote learning, its become even more necessary. Twelve months after being forced to tie-up two ships due to manpower shortages, the Naval Service continues to haemorrhage personnel and may have to take another vessel off operational duties later this year. Military sources have told the Irish Examiner that fears about tying up yet another ship are well justified due to a number of factors. The current strength of the Naval Service has fallen to less than 880, whereas it should be 1,094. Last June, a decision was made to take LE Orla and flagship LE Eithne off seagoing duties because of manpower shortages and health and safety concerns. On-the-job training in the Naval Service was cancelled due to Covid-19 so that the Defence Forces could provide as much manpower as possible to help in the national emergency. But, as lockdown measures continue to ease, training is returning and that means there will be fewer people available to man ships. At any one time, there are up to 200 cadets, recruits, and technicians normally in full-time training. In addition, even if the Navy was awash with recruits, social distancing regulations mean it will have to reduce recruit class numbers. Normally there would be around 40 people in a recruit class, but sources have suggested that the maximum they would be able to take in at any one time would be 30. This means that they are unlikely to keep pace with the numbers continuing to leave. Meanwhile, LE Roisin is currently undergoing a mid-life refit and LE Niamh is due to go into dock for similar work soon. There is also a real possibility that the Government may commit a ship to a new EU mission in the Mediterranean Sea. Some Defence Forces personnel have been assigned to desk duties in Rome with the mission known as EU NAVFOR Irini. Pressure may mount on the Government to become more involved in overseas missions as a result of getting a seat on the UN Security Council. Tanaiste Simon Coveney recently commented that previous missions in the Mediterranean Sea were great for retention of personnel in the Naval Service. The Defence Forces press office said that in line with national return-to-work guidelines some training courses have already resumed at the Naval College. It added that 48 personnel have been discharged from the Naval Service so far this year. PDForra president, Mark Keane, said the ongoing manpower crisis results from a vicious cycle of the conditions not meeting the value of the work undertaken" by Naval Service personnel. He said this is leading to more personnel discharging and placing greater strains on those left behind, leading to burnout. We have spoken to our members enduring increasing levels of stress burnout which will not let up until the recruitment challenges are tackled head-on. Central to attracting recruits is not having a remuneration package that reflects the difficult nature of the job we do, Mr Keane said. MUSKEGON, MI - The annual Juneteenth holiday, marking the end of slavery in the U.S., was honored with a protest and community gathering in downtown Muskegon on Friday. About 100 locals marched around Hackley Park, 350 W Webster Ave., with chants that have become familiar on local streets in recent weeks: No justice, no peace, no racist police, Black lives matter, and the names of Black victims of violence by police. The theme of the day, titled The Great Reset by organizers, was the need for action in order to force change, as spurred by ongoing demonstrations against police brutality and racism nationwide. They follow the high-profile deaths of two Black Americans at the hands of police: George Floyd, in Minnesota, and Grand Rapids native Breonna Taylor, in Louisville, Ky. Change is here, said Leonna Watson, an organizer of the event who also helped lead last months peaceful protest outside the Muskegon County courthouse and administrative building. It aint coming - its already here, she said. In keeping with that theme, as residents marched, representatives from Organizing Together - Muskegon County, a conglomerate of different local political action groups, sat at the parks southeast corner, registering people to vote and reminding them to fill out their Census forms. Josie James, the secretary and political action chair of the local NAACP chapter, which is nonpartisan, said they had registered more people that day than they expected. They are also encouraging people to register to vote absentee, which she said drives up turnout and decreases voter fraud. The NAACP is beginning to circulate a petition calling for an end to choke holds - the police practice that killed Floyd, after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes - and no-knock raids, which allow police to enter a residence without announcing or identifying themselves - the practice that killed Taylor. They will also be calling for a line-item audit of Muskegon police expenditures, James said, and will call for money used on training for practices deemed abusive and military-style equipment to be redirected to community programs. Leaders from RESTORE Muskegon, a new group formed in the wake of this protest movement, were present as organizers, and also handing out water and snacks. Juneteenth, held on June 19 each year since 1865, is also known as Freedom Day, and has historically been celebrated with cookouts, church barbecues, and other festivities. Muskegons event on Friday blended that community spirit with specific calls for action - including to push for police reforms locally, and for white people to intervene when they witness injustice. Wearing a T-shirt that read, I am Black History, Watson, one of the organizers, dedicated the day to our ancestors, including enslaved people. We are putting the footprints in the sand today, she said. This is the new way. The day also included a remembrance of a local man fatally shot by a police officer. So in Hackley Park on Friday, the name of Muskegons own Julius Allen-Ray Johnson was added to the list of names chanted and remembered. Speaking before the crowd, Tamar Porter told Johnsons story. Johnson was killed by a police officer in 2009. That officer, Charles Anderson, was found last year to have KKK memorabilia in his home and was suspended from the Muskegon Police force. He later signed a separation agreement with the city and on Dec. 31, he will officially retire with a pension and retiree health insurance, and his unused sick and vacation time will be paid out. That Muskegon County prosecutor at the time of Johnsons death in 2009, Tony Tague, found the shooting to be justified, following an investigation by the Michigan State Police. Johnson is alleged to have beaten Anderson about the head. Andersons separation from the police force sparked calls for a reinvestigation into his shooting of Johnson. Porter called out local institutions, as well as MLive, for allowing police brutality to occur unchecked. I cant talk about George Floyd if I dont talk about Julius Johnson, he said. After Porter spoke, Lauryn Jackson, 16, a senior at Mona Shores High School, took to the stage to share an original poem that ended with the line, We hunger for change. Jackson will host another protest next weekend, to keep the message going, she said. The need for ongoing pressure and activism was another theme highlighted on Friday, and the reason for the formation of RESTORE Muskegon, said Kelly Gooden, one of its six leaders. We didnt know each other three weeks ago, said Gooden. Its very much grassroots. Gooden said that the group is going to begin advocating for a community center for young people that will also help meet social and emotional needs not addressed at school. It also will push for Black studies curriculum in all schools - not just as an after-school program, she said. Were here for the long haul, Gooden added. This is only the very beginning. Juneteenth celebrations will continue through tomorrow, with a fireworks display in Muskegon Heights this evening and a family-friendly festival at Smith Ryerson Park, 650 Wood Street, tomorrow afternoon, among other planned events. Social distancing guidelines and the use of masks remain in effect for all large gatherings. Read more on MLive: Juneteenth to be a time of celebration and protest in Muskegon Sherwood Forest knockoff festival planned at site of Electric Forest Proposed abstract sculpture at Lake Michigan beach draws criticism Hundreds gather in Muskegon to march for racial justice By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Opposition UDF has opened a new front against the Left government for neglecting the state's expatriates. Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala staged a dawn-to-dusk fast in front of the Secretariat to protest against the central and state governments over their attitude to expats. Coming down heavily on the Left government for its double standards, Chennithala urged the government to immediately withdraw its order saying that pravasis cannot be treated like guest workers. The government is not interested in bringing back expats and is deliberately creating hurdles, he alleged. "First, the LDF government made Covid 19 certificate mandatory for expats. Now a directive has been issued saying that they cannot be treated like guest workers. This kind of discrimination is irresponsible and cruel. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should stop his inhuman treatment of expatriates," he said, adding that the UDF will continue to fight the step-motherly treatment meted out by the state government to expats. While Gulf countries have been providing humanitarian aid to expatriates who work there, the Kerala government has shut the door on them, Chennithala claimed. During the floods that ravaged Kerala, expatriates based in Gulf countries had rendered liberal help to the state. And now when they are caught in a crisis, the Chief Minister is turning a deaf ear to them, he alleged. The number of flights under the Vande Bharat Mission is very few. Despite knowing that it is impossible for the majority of expatriates to get a COVID-19 certificate before boarding a flight, the government has deliberately come up with such conditions as they dont want expats to return, said Chennithala. Inaugurating the fast, KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran said the remittances sent by expatriates, especially those who work in Gulf, are the life-blood of the state. By refusing to help expatriates in their hour of need, the LDF government stands exposed. IUML leader MK Muneer who presided over the meet, said while the government initially claimed to have arranged facilities for quarantining two lakh people, it later had to swallow its own words. Three days after state Sen. John Flanagan announced he will resign later this month, New York state Senate Republicans have a new leader. State Sen. Rob Ortt, a North Tonawanda Republican, has been elected by the GOP conference to serve as Senate minority leader. He is the first western New Yorker to lead a Senate conference since Earl Brydges, who majority leader for seven years in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Ortt emerged as a leading contender to succeed Flanagan, a Long Island Republican. There were two other candidates who expressed interest in the leadership post: State Sen. Patrick Gallivan, who is also from western New York, and state Sen. Andrew Lanza, a Staten Island Republican. Lanza withdrew from consideration and backed Ortt. Gallivan pulled out of the race Friday morning. Senate Republicans held a virtual meeting Friday and made it official: Ortt is their new leader. "I'm eager to unite our remarkable conference and work with Republicans from across our great state to fight for our party and our values," Ortt said in a statement. "Hard-working taxpayers, small businesses and families from all walks of life and every region will have a fierce ally in the Senate Republican Conference." Ortt takes over a conference that is facing an uphill battle to reclaim the majority. Democrats hold 40 of the 63 seats in the Senate. Several Senate Republicans, including state Sen. Jim Seward who represents parts of Cayuga County, are retiring at the end of this year. Ortt is a military veteran. He joined the New York Army National Guard in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2008. His professional background includes working as a personal financial analyst. His public service career began in 2007 when he was appointed by the North Tonawanda Common Council to serve as the city treasurer. He was elected to a full four-year term later that year. In 2008, North Tonawanda voters decided to merge the city clerk and treasurer offices. Ortt was the city's first clerk-treasurer. Ortt was elected mayor of North Tonawanda in 2009. He served as mayor until his election to the state Senate in 2014. New York Republican Chairman Nick Langworthy highlighted Ortt's experience in a statement Friday. "Rob is a fighter who knows how to win tough battles, and that's exactly what's needed as we fight to win back control of the state Senate and put an end to (Gov. Andrew Cuomo's) dictatorial reign and the extreme left policies that are destroying this state," Langworthy said. Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding. Love 2 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. New York, June 19 : Social distancing and limited access to contraceptive during the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and young adults, say researchers. The researchers from Columbia and Rutgers University in the US addressed how these challenges, as well as peer and romantic relationships, are being navigated. The study was published in the journal Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. "Huge changes for adolescents and young adults include school closures, potentially much more time with family, the interruption of the normal trajectory toward increased independence and, for many, very limited or no physical proximity to sexual and romantic partners," the study authors wrote. Even though the pandemic may lead to fewer opportunities for sex for some young people, disruptions in access to contraception and abortion can be extremely problematic for adolescents and young adults who are still able to be physically close to their partners during the pandemic. "The good news is that some services, including obtaining many forms of contraception and receiving testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases can be handled through telemedicine," said study researcher Leslie Kantor from Rutgers University. "If telemedicine remains as widely available as it has been during the coronavirus pandemic, access to sexual and reproductive health care may actually improve for young people," Kantor added. However, the research team said that lack of privacy and confidentiality, which many adolescents and young adults are experiencing while living at home with family, can also hinder the ability to get necessary sexual and reproductive healthcare. In terms of testing for sexually transmitted infections or seeking abortion care, there is not a lot of data specifically on young people, the authors said. But many states in the US have tried to restrict abortion access by arguing it is not an essential service despite the fact that abortion clearly is essential and needs to be timely. There also have been very concerning declines in vaccinations for all children older than age two and the use of the HPV vaccine, which prevents cancer-causing infections and pre-cancers, has plummeted. While social disruption resulting from the pandemic affects young adults' sense of health and well-being, one positive aspect is that young adults are digital natives familiar with online platforms and social media. "Young people are supposed to be gaining independence at this time in life, so for those who have had to return home after a period of being away, maintaining relationships with friends and romantic partners at a distance may be particularly challenging," said study researcher David Bell from the Columbia University. Recently, a study published in the preprint repository medRxiv, found that one in five adults in the US have experienced change -- mostly a decrease -- in their sexual behaviour during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Another research, published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health journal, revealed that adolescents could be more susceptible to negative effects of physical distancing during COVID-19. Asa, 33, had been with her partner David for one year when lockdown struck. We were together at the time and decided to continue living with one another so long as we could create space to stay in touch with our other lovers, she tells me. Asa and David are in an open relationship with one another. They are also polyamorous. This means that not only do they share a desire for sexual relationships outside of their own, but that they also have meaningful relationships with multiple people at once. The logistics of a polyamorous relationship vary from couple to couple. I have one lover, explains Asa, and David has one person who he sees regularly but other lovers that he sees from time to time as well. Typically, Asa and David would only see each other once or twice a week and the occasional weekend. But spending lockdown together has brought them closer to one another. Recommended Millennial Love listeners share socially distant date stories At the start, we bought a tantric sex book that teaches couples to intensify their sex lives in just 28 days through meditation, words of appreciation, breathing exercises, and weekly love-making rituals lasting four to six hours. They have been keeping in touch with other lovers via WhatsApp, and meeting others through virtual orgies. We have gone to sex parties before, but not as a couple. When we saw that our favourite sex party Killing Kittens launched virtual events, I surprised David by buying two tickets for our date night which was virtually interacting with hundreds of other people watching, enjoying other having sex us included. It was held via Zoom. Its not clear how many polyamorous people there are in the UK. According to one YouGov poll from 2015, 34 per cent of Britons believe polyamory to be morally acceptable while 39 per cent said they dont think human beings are monogamous by nature. In the US, there is clearer data, with one study published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy in 2017 suggesting that just five per cent of the American population identify as polyamorous, though up to 20 per cent have attempted some form of consensual non-monogamy in their lifetime. Polyamory works for people who are happier with more than one partner and choose to get their needs met in a variety of different places, explains psychologist and sex educator Dr Lori Beth Bisbey. It can benefit people who have high self-esteem and are confident in their place in each of their relationships. For the first 50 days of quarantine, I stayed at my girlfriend Megans house where she lives with her other boyfriend Billy Procida But lockdown has forced polyamorous couples around the world to disrupt the dynamics of their relationships in order to comply with isolation measures. Some, like Asa, have had to choose a primary partner to live with, and thus risk becoming more detached from their other partners, while others have had to isolate with their partner and their partners partner. That was the case for comedian and podcaster Billy Procida, 30, who spent the first 50 days of quarantine in New York City living with his girlfriend, Megan, and her other boyfriend, Kyle*. We dont really know each other, Billy says of Kyle. It felt like a roommate relationship. But honestly, it was fine. The only tension was that Im a little messy sometimes. Billy, who normally lives in Brooklyn, has since moved in with his mother to give Megan and Kyle some space. She comes up here for a few days and I spend a couple of nights down there. Were making it work. Because Megan, Kyle and Billy began isolation together, they have refrained from seeing their other partners in order to prevent spreading Covid-19 between households. This has intensified things between Billy and Megan. Im seeing her way more than usual, he says. Our other sexual partners are all moving to sexting or on pause. So my relationship with Megan has gone from 0 to 100, but its a good thing because its forced us to communicate better about when we need alone time and when we need support. As illustrated by Billy and Megan, being in lockdown has imposed a degree of monogamy on polyamorous couples. For some couples, this might work in the short-term. But in the long-term, it could create difficulties as it goes against the very core of their ideologies regarding relationships. It is particularly difficult for polyamorous people to suddenly not be able to see the partners they regularly see, says Dr Bisbey. Not only will they miss the physical contact with other people, but those who are living with one partner risk making their other partners envious. It might also be difficult spending all your time with just one partner because it puts pressure on that relationship to meet the needs that your other partners have been meeting, she adds. And of course, not being able to see your lover for an indefinite amount of time can be frustrating and cause anxiety. It might also be difficult spending all your time with just one partner because it puts pressure on that relationship to meet the needs that your other partners have been meeting Dr Lori Beth Bisbey The inability to travel abroad has also made things difficult for New York native Daniel Saynt, 37, founder of the NSFW (New Society for Wellness) sex club. I was at a music festival in Sint Marten when the virus struck. I flew out with my partner, Moses, for my birthday expecting to be there for a week. We ended up trapped for almost three months. Previously, Daniel and Moses would only see each other once a week, and while spending so much time together has strengthened their relationship, it has left Daniel feeling unfulfilled. I miss my other partners and a sex life that doesnt feel so limited, he says. EN-Depth is weekly interview podcast with journalists from the San Antonio Express-News. Produced by Joy-Marie Scott and Luis Vasquez. Listen and subscribe on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Stitcher TuneIn iHeart Radio All Episodes Stefan Bowers is chef and partner in Playland pizza, Battalion and Rebelle restaurants. His epic Facebook post about the challenges of running restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic has resonated with industry colleagues and customers. Its elaborate detail and eloquence caught the attention of Express-News restaurant critic and food writer Mike Sutter who followed up with him for a longer discussion. Read the full story: Chef Stefan Bowers of Playland, Battalion and Rebelle speaks about San Antonio restaurants during coronavirus In this latest episode of EN-Depth, Sutter also talks about the challenges of being a restaurant critic during the pandemic, "I don't want to be the jerk who's complaining about too much broth in the soup when everyone's just struggling to survive... COVID has force me to reinvent my beat." Listen to more from EN-Depth. Click here to read the full article. A few weeks ago, a post made its rounds on social media hoping to assemble a demonstration in upper Manhattan over the police killing of George Floyd and encouraging participates to wear a suit, a shirt and tie or your best to honor Floyds life and death. The idea was spearheaded by wardrobe stylist Gabriel M. Garmon, along with designer Brandon Murphy and art curator Harold James Alexander Waight. With more than 1,000 people marching, the trios June 4 protest sent a powerful message. Fathers brought their sons, many in suits, while the iconic New York neighborhood of Harlem birthplace of the Harlem Renaissance in the Roaring Twenties, the Black intellectual, social and artistic movement that continues to influence culture today looked on. It was just this amazing moment, Garman says. Ill never forget it because I know were doing this for the youth. Just so they so their struggle isnt that bad. For the three fashion industry veterans, the momentum continues with their next demonstration today, Juneteenth. The 19th of June, also called Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marks the day the last enslaved people in the U.S. were told they were free in 1865, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. And while it has been celebrated in Black communities since the 1800s, many Americans have only heard of it recently. This year, the holiday resonates more loudly with fresh eyes, given the widespread daily protests since Floyds tragic killing. Companies from Apple to Target have made it an official paid holiday, while there will be protest marches throughout the U.S. to continue the movement toward racial equality and to press the message that Black lives matter. Here, the trio of Black creatives sits down with WWD to discuss their Juneteenth celebration, offer a critique of the fashion industry though their unique experience and speak to what systemic changes they, and countless others, are fighting for. Story continues WWD: Your first protest was on June 4, which coincided with George Floyds funeral in Minneapolis. Why did you want to create your own protest? Gabriel M. Garmon: I originally was inspired by another protest that was going on in Atlanta; I dont know if they named it, but it was similar to ours. I saw how important this one would be, and I wanted New York to get a piece of that as well. We just really wanted to commemorate and honor George Floyd and our other brothers and sisters that weve lost. Brandon Murphy: Why we wanted to do this was also to create a sense of unity within our community. And I guess that kind of goes back to the reason why we wore the suits, to show unity and also to create a different vision in the media against not only Black men, but, the men and women of color. I think that was just really important. It really boosted the morale in everybody, everybody felt spiritually uplifted because, not for nothing, these are very, very heavy times. And we wanted to bring people together to feel like, Hey, we can do this if we work together and we can really make a difference in a very powerful and impactful way. WWD: Thinking about Sixties civil rights activists, they used dress as a tool of resistance, helping to shape how they were seen in the media. There were many images of impeccably dressed Black men and women being assaulted by white police. What does that history mean to you now and how has that influenced your recent protests? B.M.: Back in the Civil Rights era, I think dressing up wasnt as taboo as it is today. Men and women dressed up all the time. Men wore three-piece suits, top hats, good shoes. And I think just the fact that they were in suits, like today, it shows optics. And with the media, it creates a different vision of how Black people are perceived in America. So, we definitely wanted to expound upon that that vision and create a sense. This is really, really about unity and making an impactful impression on America. So definitely we were inspired by the Sixties civil rights activists. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Bayard Rustin and the list goes on and on. We wanted to show the way that we do it, for lack of a better term. Harold James Alexander Waight: When it comes down to dressing up, Ill be honest with you guys I did get some feedback like, We shouldnt have to dress up, We shouldnt have to put on suits, We shouldnt have to be a certain way in order for us to get respect. But it was just more so this is our way of honoring the lives that were lost. This is what we chose to do. And I think as individuals and creatives, we should all have the liberty to be able to express ourselves the way that we want to. And that for us is through fashion, through our suits, through what we decided to wear, because perception is everything. And in our minds, thats who we want to be perceived as the people in the suits. We want to be taken seriously. Not saying that other people wont, but this is how we take ourselves seriously as well. G.M.G.: Ive received the feedback as well. Were all artists. Were visuals. Fashion is our first love. So thats how I will express myself always. If we look back even prior to the Civil Rights Movement, we can look back to the Womens Liberation Movement with the bras or even the Black Panthers, their uniform. Its something about a uniform that does unify, that shows more respect and gets my point across. B.M.: Obviously youre anything that you do youre going to get feedback, positive or negative. But I think if you stick to your vision and you know that you know what youre doing comes from the heart and its right within yourself, then theres really not much anything anybody can say about it or what youre doing. Were out here trying to get our voices heard and were trying to make a difference. And if us putting on suits shows unity in a different vision in the media, I think that our point has been made. And we had kids coming out, older men, thousands of people. We had men that brought extra suits and ties for it, for people that didnt have it, you know, and that was just incredible. Just seeing that gave me hope, that made me feel like, We can do this. We can really make a change in our community if we work together and really stick to a unified vision and move forward. And it really, really, really touched my heart. Were all making a difference. WWD: How you been mobilizing to organize for Fridays Juneteenth celebration? Is there a similar dress suggestion for the event? B.M.: So Juneteenth that was the day that slavery was abolished, the ending of slavery in the United States. So Juneteenth is actually a very, very historical celebration and its worldwide. The thing that we wanted to do is just to continue that celebration, but also bringing light to whats going on in this world right now. You know, were seeing a lot of reckless police brutality. Its an abuse that has been happening to not only Black men and women, but our trans brothers and sisters and nonbinaries there people are getting massacred out here just for being themselves and being different. We want to continue that sense of unity and have our voices amplified even more, and weve had some progress, which is great. But were not satisfied. We want to continue that fight and keep working. So Juneteenth is going to be a really, really big day. H.J.A.W.: With Juneteenth, people are asking, are we going to be in suits? Are they allowed to come out and be dressed however they want to? And that answer is all are welcomed. You know, this is one question that was also proposed the first march when women saw the flyer and they wanted to be included. And we said, this is for everybody. We want to make sure that at the end of the day, what matters is that the message is getting across. How we choose to present ourselves is one way. But we want to make sure that the focus never, never deters anyone. WWD: Over the past few weeks, theres been a reckoning among fashion brands and media outlets. Some gestures are being called out for being performative such as social media posts from organizations that have little or no Black employees. What are some changes that youd like to see in fashion or in other creative spaces in terms of the Black voice? H.J.A.W.: I think a lot of times we forget to put the word equal in front of opportunities. In the fashion industry right now a lot of brands are taking a different approach. Theyre saying, OK, were going to hire more people of color, Were gonna hire more Black employees, Were going to offer those opportunities on corporate levels, Were gonna open the doors. Right? But what theyre forgetting is that were not just asking for opportunities, our communities are asking for equality with these opportunities as well. Same rate of pay, we want that because Black people still make way less than white people do, and thats just statistics. You can have the same education, you can have the same experience, and statistics will show that, unfortunately, because of your skin color, you will still make less. Did they offer you an opportunity? Yes. But was it an equal opportunity? No. So I think, you know, a lot of different fashion brands and companies need to really take a look at that and really try to not just put on a show for the public and say, OK, were going to put somebody whos Black, who could represent that community so we could say, You know, were all-inclusive.' But no, really be about that. What are the changes that youre actually implementing within your companies outside of just putting a picture up? No, we dont just want a picture up. We want to have the same opportunities, the same equal opportunities. Be about that walk, not just that talk. G.M.G.: We can see it with Pride Month. Weve seen companies theyll throw a rainbow up just because. And July 1, its down. Like, no, the work continues. Dont just show up now. We need that to continue. We need to keep it going. Become an ally with us. B.M.: Its like were experiencing like the Great Awakening. And that America is trying to erase its years of guilt. This dates back 400 years ago to slavery. But with our industry, it feels like the fashion industry is just realizing that we wanted to be a part of it. It just feels like they didnt even realize that we were their assistant designers, their assistant editors or what have you. Weve always worked in this industry and we want to be a part of it in a bigger way than just working in the stores or working assistant jobs. This is about building equity within the Black community and within Black creatives. We need to be able to have ownership of our own brands and our own businesses. This is a much bigger conversation than just putting up a post saying Black Lives Matter on your page and in the next post is Were having a 40 percent off sale. Its much deeper than that. And I hope that this time that were having right now is not just that: a time. I think this is a movement and a continuation of how we need to be moving forward. We need to make sure that businesses are held accountable. And we need to look at, you know, not just the creative level, but at the executive level, you know, how many Black people are on the executive board and on your executive teams? These executive teams need to look like how the world looks. Its all about perspective and experience. So what Im trying to say is the fashion industry is about experience and perspective. And if theres no diversity in our industries, you know, in our government, our executive team that were only showing one perspective and thats a preferential experience. We dont want this to be like a marketing ploy that Black Lives Matter. This is for real peoples livelihoods, their lives. H.J.A.W.: This isnt new. And I feel its important to mention this racism and race thats been going on in our country. Its almost as if the society has had a moment where the curtains been peeled. And weve all said, A-ha we caught you. So it is going on. So now heres the proof for you. You see it on video. Its going on. But this is nothing thats new. We dont want this to trend. We want change to come and change for it to remain permanent. We dont just want it to be advertised like its another sale because they want business. No, we want change to come because the people that are working within these companies are the Black people and people of different colors that are working in this company. We all have so much more to offer than just fetching coffee. Then just being in the background. And in fashion, youll see that. The fashion community, the industry, has adopted so much of our language, so much of our culture but why are we not being represented as much if everything thats being sold is part of our culture? B.M. I can give an example, too. There was a brand that I was working for, it was like a tailoring brand. And on the floor were predominantly Black associates. But their office was right upstairs on the third floor and you go up to that office and its nothing but white people. So Im like, what does that show? You know, in any kind of promotions, youd have to really jump through hoops to get to the next level in that business or in that company. So it was one of those things where if youre not a part of this culture or youre not a part of this visual standard, youre not going to progress within that company. I think those are the kind of things that really, really discouraged me in fashion. And I feel like do I even belong in this industry, you know? An industry that was not even built for me. For us. WWD: By its nature, protest and activism, those are massive political statements and November is coming. What are you hoping this movement can shape as far as the presidential election? B.M.: People need to vote more than anything. Weve been coming out in extremely large numbers. And just even this past what was it? Saturday or Sunday, we had that Black Trans Lives Matter march. What was it, 15,000 people? H.J.A.W.: They estimated it at over 30,000. B.M.: Huge, huge. In numbers and, you know, people protesting in L.A. and just thousands of people. But my prayer is that all of that translates to the polls. All of that translates to people signing petitions. All of that translates to people staying informed and making sure that they are aware of whats going on in this community and whats going on in the government. And staying vigilant and knowing that, if we work together and if we stay focused, we can make real changes. And that starts at the polls. So we need to vote. And vote like our lives depend on it. Because it does. G.M.G.: Because it does. H.J.A.W.: Yes, Black Lives Matter is like the main topic thats trending right now. Right? But then there are other reasons we need to vote as well. Like the whole health-care rule that was just passed on Friday where, you know, health care can be denied to people LGBTQ community, trans and nonbinary thats another issue. Theres several other issues that are going on that are just blatantly wrong. Against humanity and equality within this government. Theres so many reasons that we have right now that we shouldnt have an excuse to not go out and vote, you know, and it affects all of us. So thats the most important thing we have to remember: The goal is to vote and get this change to happen. And we can only do that if we all stay united. WWD: We touched on the recent Black Trans Lives Matter demonstration in Brooklyn. Thinking on the intersection of Black queer and trans voices into the Black Lives Matter movement its not always the voice that we hear about in the media coverage. B.M.: Yeah, I think its all about peoples fear for something different. And peoples fear of change. You know, we just did a press conference yesterday with the New York State Attorney General, Letitia James. And we were speaking on the effects of the health-care ruling that Trump made on this past Friday and how its going to affect that community. And we had a number of people from the trans and nonbinary community speak on their experiences and how it affects them. Because its not just about that they cant go to the doctor. This creates a mental fear in them. And it creates mental health issues within them and we need to address that immediately. Theyre being treated as if theyre not human beings. Its all about visibility. So having been on that press conference and speaking, gives their voices a face. It gives them, a chance to say, Hey, Im human, I may be different from you, but Im just like you. You know, these are our neighbors. These are our friends. These are family members. These are people within our community. And we need to treat them with the respect they deserve. I think Ive had it with this conversation of the exclusivity factor of it all. We are all on this earth to make a difference and we are all on this earth to support each other and love each other. And if youre not on that, that wave, then, you know what you need to sit back and question what is your role in this country? And how are you working to the betterment of the Black community and just our country? What is your role in making this life better? And if you dont have an answer to that, then I think you need to reevaluate your stance in life and the actions that you make. H.J.A.W.: I want to make something very clear, because a lot of people are under the wrong impression of all the marches and protests and demonstrations. The fight isnt against the race. The fight is against racism and the act of racism. So, you know, LGBTQ community thats right underneath Black Lives Matter. Black Lives Matter didnt signify that not all Black lives matter. And it didnt signify that not other races matter. It just means that if you have melanin in your skin, any type of melanin in your skin and you can be shot at before you could even speak or say what your resume is youre at risk. Im a mixed man. So, you know, Im Black first, but Im also mixed. Nobodys asking you what is your education before they shoot you. Theyre not asking you, Do you speak Spanish? Theyre not asking you, Oh, who are you related to? No. If you have melanin in your skin, that is our fight. That is what were fighting right now. Were fighting against racism. Were not fighting other races. And I think thats what people need to understand is also when it comes down to the LGBTQ community. Theyre not going to ask, Oh, youre gay, OK? Then youre excluded. No. Youre a part of this as well. And we need everybody to understand because I think that message is getting lost. Now, you have people saying, We dont feel like Black Lives Matter is representing us? And I say, how can you not feel like that represents you when it actually is thats one of our battles. Yes. We [queer and black] have double the battle to fight. We could be in a so much better place right now in this world if we could just put our differences aside and focus on getting to those goals and focus on, you know, human progress. We as a human race are stuck on things that shouldnt determine somebodys worth. A communitys worth. That shouldnt determine if were good enough for something. What should determine that is our experience, our education, and we matter simply because we exist first. And thats the point I wanted to get across when Im being asked, You know, what is this march for? What is this demonstration for? I say its the fight against racism, not for race. We have several white allies, Latin, Asian. It doesnt matter. Were all in this together. WWD: What in this moment is giving you hope? G.M.G.: The youth. Its the youth for me. Even at our demonstration. And we had a child getting a tutorial on how to tie a tie. Weve seen them march alongside of us. Ill never forget it because I know were doing this for them. I know its not going to happen overnight, but just that little bit of hope there, just looking at them, its just very moving. B.M.: Just seeing how the Black creatives have just come together to support each other. And were talking about taking care of each other and also just self-care and checking up on one another. And I think were relearning the meaning of boundaries. And understanding that we are fighting more than one fight. And this is extremely overwhelming. What also gives me hope is the continuing of this conversation and that although were still questioning, how genuine the support is that comes from the big businesses. But at least, theyre saying something, and thats creating a conversation. And that conversation creates another conversation. I see a lot of just Black people coming together to support one another. And I think that gives me hope. H.J.A.W.: Where I get hope from right now is the future. We have to acknowledge that yesterday happened and we have to live in today. But our actions today are going to be what determines our future for tomorrow. And being that were all taking action. Some people cant be out in protest, rather some people are making paintings, some are writing poetry, some people are singing songs. I think that action that everyones taking right now is where Im getting my hope for the future. And even right now, I decided to put together like a little small book. I call it CAR: creators against racism. Where many people are contributing different materials to put together from the protest, the marches. And these are people who are artists. Theyve been asking, How can my paintings help? To spread the word about whats going on. How can my photographs spread the word about whats going on? Not everybody can be out there on the frontlines. Its not for everybody. But the action thats being taken, that action thats allowing people to say, OK, Im going to create something thats going to be impactful, you know, that gives us all hope for the future. B.M.: Now, I do love that. I love that people are using different avenues as a form of protest. Like Ive a friend that is creating not necessarily a picnic in the park but more so a lounge kind of thing in the park. They are just being around their friends and relaxing and taking a moment to clear their minds and just sitting out and meditating and praying together, laughing together. And I think thats a great way of protesting. You know, self care is a form of protest. You know, taking care of each other is a form of protest. Video: Watch the complete roundtable here Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. T he Spanish government has announced a near 4.3 billion (3.8 billion) plan to help rescue the countrys tourism industry. Spain, the worlds second-most visited country after France, will reopen its borders next week to visitors from the EU, including the UK, after a three-month closure. The crisis has devastated the countrys tourism industry. Revenues about halved in the four months to April and no tourists travelled to Spain at all that month and the next because of its strict lockdown. Announcing the tourism move, Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez said: We are a world leader and each step we take will be safe. Most of the package, about 2.5 billion (2.25 billion), is made up of credit guarantees offered by the government for tourism operators. The aid package will include advertising campaigns and cash transfers to state-controlled airport operator Aena to cut landing fees and other charges. The government will help companies by suspending mortgage payments for up to 12 months and grant aid for health and safety measures and training for workers. Denying all reports of Chinese intrusion and capture of Indian territory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday night said Chinese forces have neither stepped into Indias borders nor captured any Indian post. He was speaking at a virtual all-party meeting convened to discuss border tensions with China after 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel, were killed by Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakhs Galwan Valley on the night of June 15. Modi said even though the soldiers attained martyrdom, they taught a lesson to those who dared raise their eyes at mother India. Nobody dare set their eyes on even one inch of Indian soil, he added. Whether it is deployment, action or counteraction, on land, sea or air, our forces are doing whatever is required to protect the country. We have the capability to ensure that nobody can set their eyes on one inch of Indian soil... today Indian forces have the capability to move all at once in different sectors as required, said Modi. Modi said in the past few days, the government had to protect its integrity, giving a huge boost to border infrastructure development. To augment the strength, we have given priority to procurement of fighter jets, advanced helicopters and missile defence technology. Because of the new infrastructure at the border, our patrolling on the border has also increased, because of which our vigilance has improved and the range of intel about activities on the border has also expanded, he added. Modi said all these efforts had helped the forces get over the blind spots and had increased the overall monitoring capabilities of the country. Hinting at the Chinese forces, he said those who were never questioned regarding their movements are now stopped at every step. Modi reiterated the message he had delivered in his last address two days ago that India wants peace and friendship but not at the cost of its integrity and sovereignty. He said Indian forces had been given a free hand to deal with all eventualities at the border. Leaders of all parties present at the meeting expressed their commitment to stand united with the government and repose their faith in the leadership of the prime minister. At the meeting, Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi questioned the government on the details about the intrusion by Chinese forces, failure of intelligence and the current status of the proposed Mountain Strike Corps. On which date did the Chinese troops intrude into our territory in Ladakh? When did the government find out about the Chinese transgressions into our territory? Was it on May 5th, as reported, or earlier?" Gandhi asked. "Does the government not receive, on a regular basis, satellite pictures of the borders of our country? Did our external intelligence agencies not report any unusual activity along the LAC? Did the Military Intelligence not alert the government about the intrusion and the build-up of massive forces along the LAC, whether on the Chinese side or on the Indian side? In the governments considered view, was there a failure of intelligence? Gandhi added that the nation needs assurance that status quo ante is restored. What is the current status of Mountain Strike corps? Opposition parties should be briefed regularly. Sources said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged Modi to do everything possible to defeat China, urging everyone to speak with unity, think with unity and work with unity. "The all-party meeting is a good message for the nation. It shows we are united behind our jawans," said Banerjee. "The TMC is strongly in solidarity with the government Dont let China enter telecom, railway and aviation sectors. We will face some problems but we wont allow the Chinese to enter." JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also called for political unity, highlighting the nationwide anger against China and the need to ban Chinese products. There is nationwide anger against China. There should be no differences among us. We are together," he said. "Parties should not show any disunity that can be exploited by other nations. Chinas stand on India is known. India wanted to give respect to China. But what did China do in 1962. Kumar said that goods from China flooding Indian markets have major problems -- they are plastic-heavy, not eco-friendly and harm the environment. "The electronic waste associated with them is high. It's our duty to be one and support the Centre," he added. CPI's D Raja urged Modi to resist US efforts to drag us into their alliance, while CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury stressed on the principles of the Panchsheel agreement. NCP chief Sharad Pawar said the question of whether soldiers carried arms or not is decided by international agreements and we need to respect such sensitive matters. Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray said the country stands in solidarity with Modi to convey a message to China that India is strong and not helpless. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao suggested to Modi to pursue long- and short-term strategies to deal with China, adding no hasty decisions should be taken and interests need not be compromised. "We should prepare long-term and short-term strategies to face China's aggressive attitude. There should not be any hasty act from our side under any circumstances," an official press release quoted Rao as saying. "There should not be any compromise as far as our nation's security and interests are concerned. Have strategic partnership with countries friendly with us." YSR Congress Chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said his party will fully support whatever strategy Modi adopts to resolve the border issue. "I stand by you in these testing times..I would like to convey wholehearted support of the 6 crore people of my state. All of us are behind you. Passing these testing times, whatever strategy you put forth in place, we will firmly stand by you," he said. Sikkim Krantikari Morcha president and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said, "In the past too, when it comes to national security, PM has taken landmark decisions." NPP's Conrad Sangma said that infrastructure work along the border should not stop. "China-sponsored activities in Myanmar and Bangladesh is worrying. PM has been working on North East infrastructure and it must go on," he added. Others who attended the meeting included BJP president JP Nadda, BSP chief Mayawati, DMK's MK Stalin, among others. A political controversy had erupted ahead of the meeting with the RJD and AIMIM crying foul over not being invited. The parties werent called for the meeting reportedly based on their negligible presence in Parliament. AAPs Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh had also lashed out at the government and the BJP over the apparent snub, but party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal brushed it aside. We stand with the country and our security forces. Strict action should be taken against China, he said, An aspiring parliamentary candidate for Dome Kwabenya constituency, Dr Michael Aaron Oquaye Jnr, has asked delegates in Saturday, June 13s crucial parliamentary primaries of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to make the party proud by strictly adhering to the rules of engagement on polling day. We must all make the great elephant proud by ensuring that there is no violence at any of the centres. We must also be vigilant to avoid cheating at any time because we have an image to protect, he said. Dr Oquaye, who is also Ghanas High Commissioner to India gave the advice in an interview with Graphiconline on June19, as he discussed his vision for the constituency and preparations so far ahead of the competitive primaries to determine who stands on the partys ticket in the general election. He said it behooves the delegates to also ensure that they voted the right people who can survive the general elections to help the party maintain its overwhelming majority in Parliament while maintaining the reins of power. Many eyes will be on the Dome Kwabenya constituency because of the stature of two stalwarts in the party who are contesting the elections to annex the ticket to represent the party come December. Although highly favoured to annex the slot, Dr Oquaye will face off with the incumbent Member of Parliament for the area, Ms Adjoa Sarfo who is also the Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament and Minister of Procurement. Accepting the verdict Speaking with a lot of confidence, the High Commissioner to India said it is the responsibility of the candidates to help the authorities to have a free and fair elections that befits the status of the party. Losing candidates should be magnanimous in defeat and pledge to support the winning candidates in their quest to make the party proud at the end of the day. Defeat is painful but we must know that the party, the elephant, is bigger than us all and, therefore, we must conduct ourselves well to protect our image both locally and internationally. Vision for the constituency On his reason to contest the seat, Dr Oquaye said the party within the constituency had lost steam and the confidence of the executives of the party were fast waning. According to him, it was based on these and many others that the delegates and members of the executives confronted him to help salvage the situation to prevent further division, acrimony and bitter squabbles that could break ranks and give room for surprises in the general election. We cannot lose this seat to the opposition and therefore, we must be careful to have somebody who is a unifier to bring the people together to retain the seat, he said. He said when elected, he will constitute a Constituency Policy Formulation Conference to gather views from all relevant persons and groups such as constituency officers, polling station executives, physically challenged, council of elders, artisans and traders including market women, out which a framework with guide the vision of the new MP for the constituency will be crafted. I will pursue unity among the rank and file of the party and all factions and diverse groups because I strongly believe in the mantra of United we stand and divided we fall. Dr Oquaye who has also been touted as one of the countrys finest High Commissioners to India said when elected, he will work to promote the interest of all members and polling station executives of the party at all times because they form the base of the party and should be well empowered to deliver to the best of their ability. He said the present situation where the incumbent runs the party structure without the involvement of the executives and the grassroots members was dangerous for the party because the of the bitterness those who help to get the party win power habour yet they are relegated to the background in favour of cronies. Traits On his traits, Dr Oquaye said he has always been highly accessible and a good listener and that will not change just because he is elected as an MP. The party people here know that because, it started with my father and will continue because we respect and value our great party, he said. He pledged to work with the party structures at all times and resource them to deliver more effectively; accord the highest respect to all officers and members of the party irrespective of their status and also operate an open door policy. Dr Oquaye said he will also endeavor to promote the wellbeing of officers and members through equitable distribution of employment opportunities and resources; empower women, nurture the party in the constituency; provide a health post and a fire service station for the people. I will also ensure a functional scholarship scheme that will be of benefit to the people using my past experiences to cater for the needy but brilliant people, he said. Confidence Dr Oquaye was confident of a resounding victory this time around saying history will not repeat itself because the Battle is the Lords. I expect my competitor to show the same magnanimity as I did for her when I was first defeated because this is my time and I will require her to do same in the bigger interest of our party. 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 A new study found that shellfish seafood was instrumental in the movement of prehistoric people as they migrated and radiated out of the cradle of civilization in Africa. Migrating prehistoric peoples may have used shellfish to sustain their journey in their movement out of the African continent in times of famine and drought. The study looked at fossil reefs located near areas in the Red Sea shoreline, which marked the migratory routes of prehistoric people to Arabia. The study's findings point to the Red Sea coast as the source of seafood that made the journey out of the gateway from Africa possible, especially in periods with little rainfall that made other food items scarce. The research was led by scientists from the University of York, and is entitled: "Shellfish resilience to prehistoric human consumption in the southern Red Sea: Variability in Conomurex fasciatus across time and space." It was published in the journal Quaternary International. The research team studied a total of 15,000 shells that date from 5,000 years ago during a time of aridity in the region. The coastlines of the original migratory routes were submerged from the rise of sea levels after the end of the previous Ice Age. The shells originated from nearby islands, such as the Farasan Islands group located in present-day Saudi Arabia. The scientists found that marine mollusk populations were abundant enough that they retained their sustainability even after many continuous harvests with no significant adverse environmental effects. Their availability in great numbers will have allowed people to survive during drought. University of York Department of Archaeology Associate Researcher and lead author Niklas Hausmann said that having available food resources was crucial in our understanding of past migrations by human hunter-gatherer populations. He says that their study shows that the Red Sea shoreline may have had the needed resources that made the passage possible. The researchers also obtained confirmation that the migrating communities that settled at the shorelines may have relied on the shellfish for a year-round sustainable food source. Hausmann says that they found that during the periods when terrestrial food resources were hard to get, local seafood was there to fill in the gaps. Past studies showed that for millennia, the southern Red Sea people consumed shellfish all year. The researchers now know that these ancient peoples did not deplete the resource, and the shellfish population continued to thrive. The species of shellfish present in Farasan Islands archaeological sites were abundant in the fossil reefs as well. These fossils date more than a hundred thousand years in the past, which indicates that the shellfish were available as a food resource much earlier than what the archaeological sites suggested before. La Trobe University researcher and study co-author Matthew Meredith-Williams said that the conditions of food resource availability in land and water are different. He says their study shows that marine foods have been resilient and abundant and that ancient people exploited them in times when terrestrial food was unreliable. The European Research Council funded this study. India has once again demanded that the two sides go back to the status quo as of mid-April but it wont be an easy task to compel the Chinese to leave the vantage points they have seized both in Galwan and the Finger area around the Pangong Tso lake. PTI Photo The outrage by the Peoples Liberation Army in Ladakhs Galwan Valley earlier this week, with at least 20 Indian soldiers killed and perhaps many officers and men taken hostage, should be a wake-up call to this country on Chinas real intentions. No matter what its foreign ministry spokespersons may say about Beijings so-called peaceful intentions, the reality was the wilful way its soldiers made mincemeat of a series of agreements between the two countries over decades to shun the use of force to resolve differences at the Line of Actual Control. For the first time, China also laid claim to the entire Galwan Valley as sovereign territory, while hitherto it was always regarded as disputed territory, a matter to be resolved peacefully in negotiations. India has once again demanded that the two sides go back to the status quo as of mid-April but it wont be an easy task to compel the Chinese to leave the vantage points they have seized both in Galwan and the Finger area around the Pangong Tso lake. While it may be a mistake to completely rule out the military option, the Indian Army will find it somewhat challenging to push the PLA out of the areas it has occupied by force. China is no Pakistan and must be handled differently. A series of negotiations between major generals took place on the ground even after Mondays clash, but high-level intervention is vital both at the diplomatic and political levels. More important, we in this country need to rethink the way we look at and respond to China. For too long, we have mollycoddled them, trying to understand their sensitivities. Have the Chinese ever tried to understand Indias sensitivities, and modified their behaviour accordingly? Just after the Peoples Republic was born in October 1949, and for decades, Jawaharlal Nehrus India stayed silent on the invasion and occupation of Tibet, even as it welcomed and gave shelter to the fleeing Dalai Lama. It was India that was one of the first to campaign for Chinas UN seat (then held by the Nationalists in Taipei) to be given to the PRC. And we all know how China paid us back in 1962. Lets review our One China policy. The Republic of China, or Taiwan, is, like India and unlike the PRC, a democracy, and we have a thriving economic and cultural relationship, along with direct flights. Whats the harm if our diplomats and politicians engage it on a more formal basis? For starters, we can support Taiwans application for membership of international bodies like WHO and ICAO. Also, the Tibetan people who were driven into exile in India, and their succeeding generations, have become an intrinsic part of our national life, and the Dalai Lama is a revered figure across this country. Why not give him the Bharat Ratna, for which there have been persistent demands? Every time a Chinese minister or delegation visits New Delhi, the police routinely rounds up Tibetans protesting peacefully outside the Chinese embassy. Why are we so desperate to avoid annoying the Chinese? The India-China economic relationship is an unequal one, where we have a $53.7 billion trade deficit. Despite the widespread calls, any economic disengagement may not be a viable option immediately. Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, traveled to Regensburg today to be alongside his brother Georg, accompanied by Archbishop Ganswein, the vice commander of the Vatican Gendarmerie, and a small group of health care professionals and collaborators. UPDATED By Alessandro de Carolis Pope emeritus Benedict left the quiet of the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican for a visit to Germany to be close to his brother, Georg. He is 96 and in poor health. The emeritus pontiff traveled Thursday morning accompanied by his personal secretary Archbishop Georg Ganswein; his doctor and his nurse; a collaborator from the Memores Domini community; and the vice commander of the Vatican Gendarmerie. A statement from the Diocese of Regensburg indicated that Benedict arrived in Munich at 11:45. He was greeted by Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer, who accompanied him to Regensberg, where he will reside at the diocesan seminary. The statement from the diocese asked the faithful to respect the wishes of the two brothers, who requested that the "deeply personal meeting remain private." Hence no public appearances are anticipated. According to Matteo Bruni, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Benedict will remain in Germany for as long as necessary." Always very close, the two Ratzinger brothers, born three years apart, were ordained priests on the same day, 29 June 1951, in the Cathedral of Freising. The circumstances of life have taken them in different directions: Georg, a brilliant musician, and Joseph a noted theologian. Their mutual bond has always remained firm, however, as evidenced by the numerous visits Monsignor Georg Ratzinger has made to the Vatican between 2005 and 2013, during the years of his brother's pontificate, and even after his resignation. When, in 2008, the city of Castel Gandolfo offered honorary citizenship to his brother, Benedict XVI expressed himself with these words: "From the beginning of my life my brother has always been for me not only a companion, but also a trustworthy guide. For me he has been a point of orientation and of reference with the clarity and determination of his decisions." The Popes remarks showed his great affection for his brother, when experiencing happier circumstances, made all the more poignant in this moment. "Nothing is certain" about the future of the small American team Haas in Formula 1. That is the admission of team boss Gunther Steiner, who admits the outfit has been hit hard by the corona crisis and financial fall-out. Even driver Kevin Magnussen knows Haas is in trouble. "It's a major crisis," he told Ekstra Bladet newspaper. "It's not going to be easy, that's for sure, but I don't think we're the only ones in this situation." Indeed, Williams is for sale and McLaren is looking for a 30 percent buyer, while Haas has halted all car development for 2020. "We are not planning any upgrades until we know the budget for the year and how many races there will be," boss Steiner told Ekstra Bladet newspaper. "We have to be very careful about what we do. I can't spend money that I don't know if I have." However, he dismissed renewed rumours that Haas, like Williams and McLaren, is for sale. "This is the third time this kind of rumour has started," said Steiner. "Someone is trying to stir things up. "I would like to state clearly that Gene still owns the team 100 percent. If that changes, you will know. But if anyone wants to buy a team, Williams is officially for sale." He said owner Gene Haas will make a decision about the team's future once Liberty Media presents the teams with a new Concorde Agreement. "We haven't seen the new Concorde deal yet, but it's coming soon," said Steiner. "When we see it, we will decide on the future. "Right now, it's his (Gene Haas') plan to stay," he insisted. "But it's only Gene who decides and nothing is certain until he does. But I believe that we will stay in Formula 1." (GMM) 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. A 60-year-old San Francisco man was arrested on suspicion of murder and elder abuse Thursday, officials said. Police were sent to a home on the 400 block of 16th Avenue at about 4:23 p.m. on Wednesday to check on the well-being of an elderly woman. Officers found her dead and deemed the incident a homicide. Investigators identified the womans roommate, Min Guan, as a suspect and arrested him. He was booked into San Francisco County Jail early Thursday. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, police said. Officials have not yet released the victims identity. Anyone with information should call the departments 24-hour tip line at 415-575-4444. Tips may also sent by text to 847411, and the message should begin with SFPD. Callers may remain anonymous. Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan Like in Pakistan, religious persecution of minorities, especially Hindus, continues to be rampant in Bangladesh too. The World Hindu Federation, Bangladesh chapter has released a press note which lists a series of incidents conducted by religious fanatics against Hindus in the the month of May. Apart from other incidents of temple vandalisation, forced conversion, rapes and abduction of Hindu girls, the press note mentions as many as 4 incidents where Hindus were murdered in the month of May in Bangladesh. Moreover, it stated 12 cases of loot, around 435 acres of land grabbed from Hindus, 43 Hindu families displaced and almost 10 Hindu families exiled last month. May 1: Around 50 local Muslims attacked Ananta Biswass house in Lakhirpara village in Kotalipara Upazila of Gopalganj in Bangladesh, over allegation of breaking the branches of a small tree, They threatened the members of the Hindu family with dire consequences if they did not leave the country. All the members of the family were seriously injured. Hindu persecution increasing in Bangladesh. About 150 local Muslims attacked Ananta Biswass house in Lakhirpar village in Kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj dist: & threatened to leave the country on 01/05/2020 friday. They were seriously injured & admitted nearest Hospital. pic.twitter.com/I20f0LyhCW Joyanta Karmoker( ) (@JoyantaKarmoker) May 4, 2020 May 1: On the same night, some goons led by Upazila Chairman MA Moeed Farooq attacked and vandalized Shri Deenbandhu Sens poultry farm in Amtail Village falling under Juri Police Station, Moulvibazar District, Bangladesh. In the attack, Sen incurred a loss of 40 lakh Taka. MA Mueed Farooq, chairman of the area and his forces attacked and vandalized the chicken farm of the hindu minority Deenbandhu Sen of Juri upazila in Moulvibazar district of Bangladesh on May 1, 2020.#we_want_to_Justice pic.twitter.com/ry2sE66e6Z Raju Das ?? (@RajuDas77136393) May 2, 2020 May 1: In yet another incident of atrocity against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, a Hindu identified as Rony Satyarthi, a student of Manikgong Debendra College, was arrested over false allegations of writing a derogatory post about Islam and Prophet Muhammad on his Facebook page. Soon after this became known, miscreants attacked and looted Ronys house. He was also forced to flee from his village. May 4: One Dr Kajal Kumar Bhowmik was attacked by terrorists when he was on his way to home from Sripur local market Comilla, Bangladesh at around 8:30 pm on May 4, 2020. He was seriously wounded and taken to Comilla Medical College Hospital in critical condition. Hindu Doctor Kajal Kumar Bhowmik are attacked by terrorists when he going to home from Sripur local market Comilla, Bangladesh at night 8:30pm on 04/5/2020 today. He were seriously wounded & The local Hospital doctor are refers to Dhaka Medical College for his better treatment. pic.twitter.com/9ui93DnQyt Joyanta Karmoker( ) (@JoyantaKarmoker) May 4, 2020 May 4: The body of a man named Swapan Chandra Sarkar (55) was found floating in the Someshwari river. The police and fire service personnel recovered the body and handed it over to the relatives. It was reported that the body of the deceased was recovered after 33 hours after his disappearance from Durgapur in Netrokona. May 4: On the same day, Bangladesh police had arrested one Sanjay Sarkar, son of Rajkumar Sarkar of Subidpur village in Habiganjs Baniachang upazila on charges of insulting religion of Islam. May 4: In yet another incident, the police recovered the body of one Dulan Rajbhar. Locals had spotted his body floating in the nearby river somewhere at noon, after which thei informed the police. Rajbhar is survived by his wife and a 2 years old son. May 5: The police have arrested a Hindu young man named Rakesh Chakraborty (18) on charges of hurting religious sentiments at social media Facebook Messenger at Nawabganj upazila in Dhaka. May 5: On the same day, some unidentified terrorists broke into the house from the back of the house and started beating Karthik with sharp weapons and sticks with the intention of killing him. At that moment, his wife and other family members woke up and started shouting. Then the assailants fled. May 5: 15-20 local terrorists tried to occupy one local Hindus house and build a new structure there. The Hindu identified as Chittaranjan and his two daughters Pinki Devi (24) and Kali Devi (26) was critically injured in the attack and were admitted to Sitakunda Government Hospital in Chittagong. May 5: Kalidas son Ravi Das was beaten and injured by local criminals. At night the group of people attacked Ravi Das house and set it ablaze. The women of the house were also brutally tortured by the local criminals. May 7: Local land mafia Mintu Mia and his goon attacked 10 Hindu families in Kalia Upazila in Narail district, Bangladesh. They vandalized their houses, cut of trees and threatened them to leave the country. May 8: Terrorist killed Sunil Chandra, a Hindu day labourer and fled leaving him in a bamboo bush next to his house. Wound marks were found on his body. May 9: Rubel Mia and his associates attacked Ranjit Debnaths house at Nathpara village of Nasirnagar Upazila in Brahmanbaria district and seriously injured his family members. They then entered the house and looted gold and silver jewellery, and 2,10,000 taka in cash. May 9: In another incident, a drug mafia named Matin Gangra attempted to attack one Sudhir Kumars house and tried to occupy the house and property. May 10: Terrorists attacked Hindu families and vandalized houses and temples over comments on Facebook at Tatikona village of Chhatak Municipality in Sunamganj district. At least 10 Hindus were injured in this gruesome attack. May 10: Some members of the Nasirnagar Upazila Sub-Registrar office in Brahmanbaria district attacked and looted valuable things from the Hindu gold trader, Shri Mihir Dev. May 12: A former member Bancharampur Union, Md Omar Farooq forcefully took the dead body of one Hindu named Tagore Das from a crematorium and buried it in a graveyard. He did this to allegedly degrade and dishonour the Hindu religion and Hindu beliefs. May 13: At least ten Hindu people including men and women were injured and their houses were vandalized when local criminals attacked them with the intention of grabbing their properties at Kurushaferusha village of Phulbari Tenaodanga Union in Kurigram district. May 13: 14-year-old Hindu girl Sanchita Shabdakar committed suicide after repeated sexual molestation, harassment and attempt to abduct by a Muslim youth named Madhu Miah in Kamalganj sub-district under Moulvibazar district of southeastern Bangladesh. The accused also threatened to abduct and marry the victim, and assaulted both her and her father in an attempt to do so. The next morning, when her mother went to the toilet, Sanchita hung herself in her room from the roof. 14-year-old Hindu girl Sanchita Shabdakar committed suicide after repeated sexual molestation, harassment and attempt to abduct by a Muslim youth named Madhu Miah in Kamalganj sub-district under Moulvibazar district of southeastern Bangladesh.https://t.co/Ctktbwah2w Ramaswamy Iyer ?? (@iyer_rn) May 23, 2020 May 14: Miscreants set fire to the barn of Nayan Malliks house on May 14 (Thursday). Malliks cow and a bull were burnt to death in the incident while other two cows received 80 per cent butnr injuries. May 15: Local union chairman and his goons took about 20 minority Hindu men to the union council office and thrashed them as the police watched silently. Another large attack took place to the Hindu community at Monpura in Bhola district by spreading rumors of blasphemy. May 16: Three Hindu women were seriously injured when criminal Sultan and his goon attacked a minority Hindu family in Pakhimara village of Kalapara in Patuakhali district. The attack was carried out to allegedly grab the lands belonging to these Hindus. May 17: Some unidentified miscreants set fire to the house of Baul Ranesh Chakraborti Tagore (55) of Ujandhal village of Dirai upazila inSunamganj district. Police have not yet able to identify the perpetrators. May 18: Police recovered the body of one Mohan Lal Das (48 years), a Hindu farmer, from Tilpara of Nasirnagar police station in Brahmanbaria district. According to the press release by World Hindu Federation, Bangladesh chapter, the Hindu farmers body was found in a jute field at Rasulpur. May 19: A Hindu priest, Shri Sameer Haldar (55) of and his wife were physically assaulted by local chairman Shahjahan Ali Khan and his goon at Ambria village of Morelganj in Bagerhat district to occupy the residential house and land of this Hindu priest. May 25: Tapas Das, a Hindu Chhatra League activist from Patuakhali district, was stabbed to death in political revenge while undergoing treatment at Barisal Sher-E-Bangla Medical College. May 28: Local land mafia Md Abdus Salam tried to occupy the ancestral land of a Hindu girl, Ms Suma Vishnu. When she tried to stop him, he hit on her head with an iron rod. May 28: On the same day, terrorists attacked Bipul Mahantas, a Hindu businessman, at Ghoshpara, a town under Sherpur police station in Bogra district. The miscreants vandalised his house and looted jewellery and other valuable things kept in the house. His family members were injured in the attack. May 29: Md Abdul Jalil, Shafiqul Islam, Md Mamun and Naki Khatun had forcedone Sridham Biswas and Saral Biswas to leave the country by embroiling them in false cases at Fatepur village of Kaligonj in Satkhira district. Such hooliganism by Islamists in Bangladesh has become quite a routine. The Hindu minorities have been badly oppressed in the hands of Muslims in the Islamic state. Earlier OpIndia reported, how Islamists in Bangladesh, vandalised at least ten temples, that too only in the month of May 2020. FLINT, MI -- Measures taken by the University of Michigan-Flint to mitigate declining enrollment exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis has affected 41 percent of UM-Flint staff, faculty and administration, officials said. The university is preparing for a fiscal year 2020-2021 shortfall of at least $8.4 million, requiring significant budget cuts, according to a statement by University of Michigan Flint. Jaipur: The Congress won two Rajya Sabha seats in Rajasthan while the Bharatiya Janata Party won one in the biennial elections held on Friday. Congress candidates KC Venugopal and Neeraj Dangi, and BJP`s Rajendra Gehlot were declared the winners to the Rajya Sabha by Returning Officer and Assembly Secretary PK Mathur after the votes were counted. However, the BJP`s second candidate and former Rajya Sabha member Onkar Singh Lakhawat lost the election. Out of Rajasthan`s 200 assembly members, two did not turn up for the voting. The two MLAs who did not turn up for the polls were Congress Minister Bhanwar Lal Meghwal, who has been recuperating at a hospital in Gurugram for over a month and Dungargarh CPI (M) MLA Girdhari Lal who was unwell. The election was prompted by the seats being vacated by three BJP Members of Parliament from the Rajya Sabha -- Narayan Lal Panchariya, Ram Narain Dudi and Vijay Goel -- after their terms ended on April 9, 2020. The elections were initially scheduled for March 26, but were postponed because of the lockdown announced nationwide to slow the spread of coronavirus. Chief minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted saying, "Congratulations to Congress national general secretary KC Venugopal ji and Neeraj Dangi ji for winning #RajyaSabhaElections from #Rajasthan. It is a victory of the ideology, policies and programmes of Congress Party under the leadership of CP Smt. #SoniaGandhi ji. "My compliments to all MLAs from other parties & Independents, who voted for our candidates & who remained firm in supporting us despite several attempts by the BJP to lure them. "We are happy that together we ensured those forces, which plotted to disrupt the democratic process on basis of money power get defeated." Voting for 19 Rajya Sabha seats spread across 8 states concluded peacefully at 4 pm on Friday. Voting began at 9 am in the respective Assemblies and concluded at 4 pm. Polling took place in 8 states simultaneously - Gujarat (4 seats), Andhra Pradesh (4 seats), Rajasthan (3 seats), Jharkhand (2 seats), Manipur (1 seat), Meghalaya (1 seat) and Mizoram (1 seat). Apart from routine preparations, the Election Commission had made special arrangements for sanitisation, social distancing etc. in view of coronavirus outbreak. The EC had arranged separate entry and exit gates. MLAs were allowed to enter the Assemblies after the thermal screening. 18 of the 19 seats are part of the 55 Rajya Sabha seats which fell vacant earlier this year. Out of these 55 seats, 37 were filled uncontested. Justin Arthur Allen Couch, 25, has been charged with aggravated battery after allegedly attacking someone with a machete A man from Florida with a distinctive machete tattoo on his face has been accused of a machete attack. Justin Arthur Allen Couch, 25, has been charged with aggravated battery after he was arrested on Tuesday following a weekend attack on Central Florida's Gulf Coast. The victim, a man, ended up being taken to hospital and survived according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office but is unable to use his left hand as a result of the attack. The pair got into an argument at the Couch's home on Saturday night after the victim had been inside and was asked to leave, according to the sheriff's office. After the victim agreed to leave he told Couch that he needed to go back inside to fetch his wallet and cellphone according to Fox 13. Couch refused to let him back in which resulted in an argument outside and subsequent alleged attack. Couch told the victim no and said, 'There's nothing here for you, leave.' The victim insisted he be allowed to go back inside at which point Couch began striking the victim. Couch was at a 'gathering' and began arguing with the victim 'for no reason' which then resulted in an alleged assault using a machete (file photo) Couch is alleged to have hit the victim with the machete on his arm and leg with the flat side of the blade. 'Couch then swung the machete at the victim's face. In order to block the strike, the victim quickly placed his left arm in front of his face. The victim's left forearm was struck with the blade of the machete. The victim felt severe pain and then passed out,' the victim explained to the Hernando County Sheriff. The victim told deputies that Couch later took him to a friend's house and that another friend drove him to the hospital. 'Deputies spoke with two individuals who live at the address regarding the incident. One individual did witness the altercation and provided a sworn statement. The other individual advised he did not see or hear anything, but he did pick up the victim and take him to the hospital,' reads a Facebook posting by police about the incident. Justin Arthur Allen Couch was charged with aggravated battery and is being held on $10,000 bond. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. RALEIGH, N.C., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The following quote may be attributed to North Carolina Farm Bureau President Shawn Harding: "North Carolina Farm Bureau applauds the selection of Peter Hans as the new president of the UNC System. Mr. Hans knows North Carolina well from his time growing up in Southport and Hendersonville, to his most recent service as the president of the North Carolina Community College System, he has a deep understanding of the needs of rural North Carolina and the challenges facing rural residents. We believe this experience, combined with his unmatched knowledge of the broad mission of the University System, makes him the best candidate to lead us forward and provide the stability the System needs. "We commend the search committee for their untiring, thorough recruitment process under these difficult and unprecedented circumstances. They listened to stakeholders and chose someone who has a proven record of reaching across the aisle and bringing folks together to get things done. We look forward to working with Mr. Hans as we seek to ensure all North Carolinians have access to a world-class education and the skills necessary to move North Carolina forward together." About North Carolina Farm Bureau North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation was formed in 1936 as a non-profit general farm organization to serve farmers and provide a unified voice for the interests and needs of the farming community. Today, North Carolina Farm Bureau serves as an advocate for our members at the local, state, national, and international levels providing educational, economic, public affairs, marketing, and various other services to our members. Over the years, North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation has grown into the largest general farm organization in the state with more than 500,000 member families, yet we remain true to our grassroots heritage and steadfast in our mission to advocate for farm and rural families. CONTACT: Lynda Loveland, 919-302-6222, [email protected] SOURCE North Carolina Farm Bureau City Brain, a smart city system powered by cutting-edge technologies, such as big data and cloud computing, is making Hangzhou in East Chinas Zhejiang Province a more intelligent city in terms of urban governance. With the system, enterprises can transfer rental subsidies granted by the government to their employees in just two seconds, a process that used to take around 10 business days. The City Brain was initially developed to tackle traffic congestion when Hangzhou firstly explored urban governance in digital methods in 2016. By sample analysis of vehicles and monitoring traffic data, the city innovatively introduced a traffic delay index that can make traffic lights smarter. The system improved the average speed of traffic flow by 15 percent, though the city has witnessed a net inflow of 1.2 million people and 400,000 vehicles, as well as a 20 percent decline in road areas caused by metro and other constructions in the recent three years. Achieving an outstanding performance in reducing traffic congestion, the system later extended its reach to digital urban governance, with its innovative achievements being introduced to livelihood sectors, including urban community governance, culture and tourism, and health care. For example, given the multi-dimensional integration of commercial and government data, visitors can access a park in 20 seconds, and check into a hotel in 30 seconds. Such service has been introduced to 163 tourist attractions and cultural venues, as well as 414 hotels. The city is also home to 603,000 leave-and-pay parking spots, freeing the drivers from queuing up to pay for the parking fees. Besides, a total of 254 hospitals in the city now offer only pay once service, benefiting over 32 million patients and involving a total expense of 1.5 billion yuan ($212 million). It only took 3 days for a couple and a young man in our company to rent their respective apartments, and both of the houses are spacious and have great exposure, Yu Jinzhu, assistant manager of Binjiang Property Management Co., Ltd. in Hangzhous Jianggan district told Peoples Daily, who was quite satisfied when speaking of the experience of helping his non-local employees find proper apartments through a new type of government-business platform under the City Brain. Such satisfaction came from the City Brains excellent ability in data analysis, as data from 5 municipal-level departments has been shared with the system to guide the site selection of economical apartments and match the housing demand of different employees. The city is also combining big data with grid management to make social governance more efficient and targeted. In Hubin community of the citys Shangcheng district, the information of 10,736 apartments has been incorporated in a unified address database, and 689 senior citizens living alone are given special attention based on big data analysis. Once sudden and dramatic changes are spotted in electricity consumption and other data, the City Brain will inform relevant grid-controllers to go for inspection. So far, the City Brain has been exploited by 96 government departments and 317 information system programs in Hangzhou, processing an average of 120 million pieces of data every day. In the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic this year, the city responded quickly with digital approaches. The color-based QR code indicating health conditions, the digital platform facilitating work resumption, and the government-business platform it launched have all powered epidemic control and production resumption in digital means. The number of patients received by major hospitals fever clinics is also transmitted to the City Brain in real time, which served as important references for the citys epidemic prevention and control. The Museum of Modern Art presented the film Right On! this week as part of the art worlds nationwide act of solidarity with progressive politics. The digital screening was a better idea than social medias #BlackoutTuesday stunt (posting black squares on ones personal profile or feed), which inadvertently advised silence and blankness a day of noncommunication although intending to proclaim racial justice. MoMA curators Raj Rajendra and Ron Magliozzi wisely chose to let Right On! made by producer Woodie King Jr., director Herbert Danska, and legendary rap group the Last Poets speak for itself. Reviving this 1970 film revealed how far contemporary protest has come since that era of sane, honest, and artful provocation. Never before in the history of black American culture has its urge to proclaim liberty been so overtaken by others. But the Last Poets originated in 1968 in response to the fervor of that decades Black Nationalist movement. Harlem-born Gylan Kain, David Nelson, and Felipe Luciano star in Right On! (several other members were involved in the groups complex early history). The group struck a nerve by defying the very notion of well-meaning white solidarity. The Last Poets demonstrated that black artists can speak, march, protest, and dance for themselves and do it best because its their own passion. The Millennial fashion to always equate contemporary race issues with Sixties civil rights and Black Power shows a narrow, stereotyped way of thinking about race and about black life. (Bay Area writer Ishmael Reed denounced the glib anachronistic appropriation of James Baldwin.) To suggest that these contrasting eras are the same is just another type of profiling and stereotyping and it denies history in the same condescending sense that white liberals often admit with surprise that a black person is articulate. Right On!s 28 numbers in 75 minutes preserve the cultural fact that Seventies black artists were more truly articulate than todays jargon-riddled pontificators who are unable to reason beyond their superficial feelings or the usual talking points borrowed from the media. Story continues Director Danska focuses Right On! as a performance film in a realistic setting. It fulfills producer Woodie King Jr.s legendary mission to create theater as community sustenance (black theater being virtually nonexistent today). The Last Poets combined literature and performance, craft and inspiration (the skills Chuck D described as I dont freestyle much but I write em like such). Danska locates their verse as spoken from rooftops, in between documentary street-life images that anticipate the neorealism of Charles Burnetts Killer of Sheep. In 1970, when Felipe Luciano shouted mother***er in the rap Hey Now! it was a shock. Its feeling contained nerve and audacity, not the jivey shtick that todays music industry pays black kids to turn into hits. Without originality and felt experience, black pop language has been co-opted into bogus audacity. Only a clueless liberal would mistakenly think that the Last Poets and James Brown and Marvin Gaye have Millennial equivalents in Common, Alicia Keys, or John Legend. Right On! exposes the chasm between what used to be black pop consciousness and todays political attitudinizing. The films most captivating moment occurs when Kain, Nelson, and Luciano weave R & B lyrics into their own personal expressions. Metaphorical lines from I Wish It Would Rain, My World Is Empty Without You, and Reach Out, provide a political connection to a larger, more vital and sustaining culture. Theres anger in the Last Poets declaiming, but the energy is joyous whereas the retaliatory expression in Black Lives Matter and the 1619 Project sounds vicious and psychically disturbed. After all, the Last Poets werent theorists or politicians, but, agitated by the dystopia surrounding them, they became culturally spontaneous, as asserted in Nelsons dreamy, youthful litany I am the spirit of the world / the living voice / I am Nat Turner, Marcus Garvey, and DuBois / I am Bird and Lester Young I am Dinah and Lady Day, I am Malcolm and Martin Luther King. I am the Magi. I have walked in the shadow of pyramids. The Last Poets performances, though often profane, derive from the tradition of gospel preaching (a vocation eventually claimed by some of the members). When the trio sings Wade in the Water (from Alvin Aileys once-popular ballet Revelations), it coheres with the films closing rendition of People Get Ready, written by Curtis Mayfield and made famous by the Impressions, as a tribute to the spiritual edification that used to define black American political activity. Right On! was filmed the same year Miles Davis recorded his game-changing Jack Johnson album. Side one of Daviss danceable opus was titled Right Off, knowingly riffing on the slang affirmation. This was a period of extraordinary personal and political expression for black artists who could be simultaneously popular and radical as when Davis enlisted actor Brock Peters to perform an aural equivalent of both mens ebony physiognomy and race-man status for the albums closing Jack Johnson quotation: Im Jack Johnson, heavyweight champion of the world. Im black. They never let me forget it. Im black, alright, Ill never let them forget it! Davis and Peters distilled the Last Poets credo. That brash eloquence is missing today. It is clear now, in the highly funded grantsmanship era churning out poorly argued, tendentious rhetoric, that this moment of white pity and condescension is the worst thing to happen to black artistic expression. Gatekeepers want to keep themselves and black artists in a place of self-righteous narcissism. All the history and culture the Last Poets espoused has been replaced with shrill, unpoetic, non-spiritual self-assertion, parroting Communist rhetoric. Right On! contains no chant so infelicitous as no justice, no peace. Felipe Luciano recorded an introduction for MoMA that claims, The prophetic voice . . . We were right then, we are right now. Right on. Public Enemy, Geto Boys, De La Soul, and Son of Bazerk surpassed the Last Poets example, and in the aftermath of hip-hops decay and given the way that mainstream media has come to control much black expression Luciano, Kain, and Nelson appear to have been the first of the last poets. More from National Review LIVONIA, Mich., June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Experts weighed in today on the challenges Michigan public schools face as they look to reopen this fall. The webinar, "COVID-19 And Michigan Public Schools: What Do We Need To Get Schools Back In Session This Fall," was hosted by the non-profit, Neighbors for Public Schools. It gathered experts from across the state to discuss potential solutions. "This is a very serious virus that's stricken our country, our society and also our state. But communities of color, like the city of Flint which I represent, has been stricken heavily with this," said Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley. The Mayor went on to emphasize that whether schools "do virtual education or a brick-and-mortar education or a combination of both," that schools need the level of resources required to deliver technology and support services for students. Parents, teachers, administrators, and public school advocates have pointed to an underinvestment in public schools by the Trump Administration as an issue impacting public schools across the country. Out of the roughly 2.2 trillion dollars in the CARES Act, only 13.5 billion of that went to K-12 public schools. Chris Wigent, the Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators cited a recent report on Internet connectivity in Michigan. "A survey was run right after we had the closing of schools, and the survey found that approximately one-third of the children in the state, 500,000, either did not have a device or did not have internet access." Currently, Michigan's public schools are facing up to a $700 per-student funding cut that is raising concern among school leaders across the state. Panelists acknowledged that Michigan's leadership is doing everything it can to help public schools, but more federal resources are needed. "Right now, we can make the decision that we're actually going to invest in kids or we can make the decision that we can make our kids bear the brunt of this," said Jared Burkhart, the Executive Director of the Michigan chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics. "It's a decision that we have to make. If we can bail out other industries, we can invest in our kids." Decades of previous funding cuts to public schools have caused Michigan to rank among the worst in the nation for the ratio of students to nurses in schools. According to the latest estimates, there is only 1 nurse per 6,570 students in Michigan. Over 800,000 have no access to clinical services at all. "We must recognize the fact that students' basic physical and mental health needs must continue to be met. So with the management of [COVID-19] and the entrance of even just a typical cold and influenza season, the need for additional school nurses is paramount," said Rachel VanDenBrink, President-Elect of the Michigan Association of School Nurses. "The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends one nurse to every school building, which is definitely a goal to set." In recent weeks, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has taken funding intended for public schools in the CARES Act and instead used it to fund private schools many of them for-profit schools. Secretary DeVos's actions have come under heavy criticism in light of the challenges facing public schools in Michigan and across the U.S. About Neighbors for Public Schools Neighbors for Public Schools (NFPS) is a community of parents, teachers, education experts and community leaders who are dedicated to understanding the challenges facing public schools and the commonsense solutions to improving them. NFPS's mission is to educate Michigan's communities about the challenges facing K-12 public schools, and to analyze solutions to those challenges. Neighbors for Public Schools Corporation is organized and shall be operated exclusively for charitable purposes in accordance with Code Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. SOURCE Neighbors for Public Schools Related Links https://neighborsforpublicschools.org Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Reuters) Beirut, Lebanon Fri, June 19, 2020 17:34 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406601f551 2 People Jimmy-Keyrouz,Lebanon,director,film,Cannes-Film-Festival,COVID-19,coronavirus Free Many directors would have been devastated when their plans to show their first feature at the Cannes Film Festival were wrecked by the spread of COVID-19. But Lebanon's Jimmy Keyrouz said he took heart from the themes of his movie Broken Keys, which tells its own story of finding hope in the midst of disaster. The film follows a young man called Karim living somewhere in Iraqi and Syrian territory occupied by Islamic State militants and dreaming of escaping to Europe to become a musician. At the start of the film, the fighters smash up his piano. He then tries to rebuild the instrument to sell it to fund his journey. "If I was to summarize the spirit of the film in one sentence or saying I would say: 'Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass - it's about learning to dance in the rain'," Keyrouz told Reuters TV, quoting artist and author Vivian Greene. "I guess it sums up the film pretty well and sums up our situation. You just gotta keep working, keep moving forward." Read also: Wes Anderson, Pixar movies among Cannes would-be highlights Keyrouz said he filmed part of Broken Keys in the Iraqi city of Mosul. "We filmed at the last area that ISIS (Islamic State) fought, and even there in some places we smelled ... dead bodies under the rubble." Cannes chose the film for its 2020 lineup, alongside works by Wes Anderson and other star directors. But the world's biggest cinema showcase, usually held in May on the French Riviera, called off its events during the lockdown. Organizers this month published the list of their 56-film line-up, saying they still wanted to use the festival's cachet to help promote the movies. "I can only be very happy and grateful for Cannes to have supported and selected the film, despite not having the festival," Keyrouz said, adding that he was still hoping to start releasing the film later this year. Sushant Singh Rajputs sudden demise has not only left the entire nation shaken up, but has lead to his overseas fans send out beautiful tributes and messages too. The latest grand gesture to commemorate the actors career was seen in Indonesia. A video surfaced on the internet with one of his songs from MS Dhoni: The Untold Story being played in a theme park in Indonesia. Before this, a Cambridge PhD scholar, Namrata Dutt, who had met Sushant in Paris said she did not know he was an actor and mistook him as a physicist. She said, "I had no idea he was a Bollywood star. I thought he was a physicist studying in France. The way he was explaining physics was mesmerising. Later he told me he is an actor and I actually asked him Why?" Sushant died by suicide on Sunday, June 14 after a rather long struggle with depression. The actor was found in his Mumbai residence by the police and an investigation was launched to find exactly what happened and why the actor took the step. The Met Police has denied reports a letter sent to Madeleine McCann's parents revealed evidence of her death. (PA) The UK police force investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has denied a letter sent to her parents revealed evidence of her death. It comes after German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters, who is leading the investigation into the German main suspect in Madeleines disappearance, was reported as saying we have written to the McCanns to tell them Madeleine is dead. The McCanns hit back at the reports earlier this week, saying: The widely reported news that we have a received a letter from the German authorities that states there is evidence or proof that Madeleine is dead is FALSE. The Met Police followed this on Friday, saying in a statement: Following reports in the national press about the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, we are issuing this clarification. Kate and Gerry McCann said reports claiming German authorities have sent them evidence showing their daughter is dead are false. (Joe Giddens/pool via AP) The Met received one letter from the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) on 12 June, which was passed to the family. The letter did not state that there was evidence or proof that Madeleine is dead the Met continue to investigate Madeleines disappearance as a missing person investigation. No letter has been received by the Met from the German prosecutor. It follows the revelations that a German man is being investigated as part of a murder investigation into Madeleines disappearance, while the Met continues to treat the case as a missing person investigation. German authorities have said they are investigating a man called Christian B over her murder. They are investigating him in connection with her disappearance in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007. The suspect is reportedly in prison. Major central banks across Europe and Japan will reduce the frequency of their seven-day dollar liquidity-providing operations from July as the market tension caused by the coronavirus pandemic has eased, the Bank of Japan said on Friday. In view of improvements in US dollar funding conditions and after consulting with the US Federal Reserve, the Bank of England, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank and the Swiss National Bank have jointly decided to reduce the frequency of their seven-day operations from daily to three times a week, the BOJ said in a statement. The change will take effect on July 1, it said. "These central banks stand ready to re-adjust the provision of U.S dollar liquidity as warranted by market conditions," the statement said. "The swap lines among these central banks are available standing facilities and serve as an important liquidity backstop to ease strains in global funding markets," it 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 In a bid to address the market turbulence caused by the pandemic, the Fed in March increased the frequency of seven-day maturity operations from weekly to daily as part of its swap line arrangements with the major central banks. Dollars were in huge demand in March and supply was tight, but conditions have stabilised recently after a raft of measures taken by major central banks to ease market jitters over the fallout from the pandemic. China Tries Quelling Fears Over the Virus; Google Gets Warning Over Censorship The Federalist, a right-leaning news website, was forced to remove its entire comment section after Google threatened to ban the platform from using its ad services. Google was allegedly pushed to ban advertisements for both The Federalist and liberatian news website ZeroHedge. NBC News wrote a story on June 16 saying Google would demonetize both websites, after the NBC News Verification Unit informed Google about a British nonprofit, the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), tied to the British Labour Party, put the websites, and Breitbart on its blacklist for allegedly benign racist Fake News. And Beijing is now partially locked down. Many people are not allowed to enter or leave the city, schools have been suspended, and many businesses and services have been closed. Many residents are attempting to flee the city before a full lockdown goes into place. These stories and more in this episode of Crossroads. Crossroads is an Epoch Times show available on Facebook and YouTube. Join Patreon to Support Crossroads: https://www.patreon.com/Crossroads_Joshua Kangana now targets Mahatma Gandhi, says 'offering another cheek' gets 'bheek' not freedom We want Mahatma Gandhi's India, people of Kashmir cannot live with Godse's India: Mehbooba Mufti Mahatma Gandhi statue vandalised in Amsterdam International oi-Vicky Nanjappa Amsterdam, June 19: A statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been vandalised here in the capital of Netherlands by unknown miscreants with graffiti and spray painting, amid a wave of attacks on controversial figures following the protests around the world after the custodial killing of African-American George Floyd, according to media reports. The statue of Gandhi on the Churchilllaan in Amsterdam was covered with red paint and the pedestal has 'racist' and an abbreviation for an expletive against the police chalked on it, Metro, the Dutch newspaper, reported. So sorry, says US Ambassador to India on desecration of Mahatma Gandhis statue India-China Galwan faceoff: China releases 10 Indian soldiers from custody | Oneindia News According to alderman Rutger Groot Wassink, the municipality will file a declaration for daubing. "Obviously, we are opposed to any form of vandalism and daubing of these things is completely unacceptable," the city official was quoted as saying by the AD.nl. "It is logical that we will file a declaration, the image will be cleaned," Wassink said. It is not yet known who is behind the daubing. An employee of the Kunstwacht, who provides maintenance and repairs, says that the cleaning work can take hours. A 75-year-old man saw the daubs on Wednesday and called the municipality. "I have lived here for forty years and I have never experienced this. I have been watching the statue for years," the man said. Since the death of 46-year-old Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis, US, and subsequent worldwide Black Lives Matter protests, there has been much debate about street names and statues of people with a colonial past. All over the world, statues of controversial historical figures are brought down or defaced. Recently, images and buildings have been defaced in various places that refer to the colonial past of the Netherlands, including the Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam and the statue of Piet Hein in Rotterdam. These are anti-racist expressions that follow the death of Floyd through a white police officer, Metro reported. Gandhi was known as a champion of human rights and non-violence. But in his twenties, which he spent in South Africa, he still called black people "troublesome, very dirty and they live like beasts" and found that the white people were the "dominant race". Later he renounced those ideas, the report added. The statue was unveiled on the Churchillaan on October 2, 1990, in honour of Gandhi's 121st birthday. The design was made by the sculptor Karel Gomes, who died in 2016. At the time, the plan for the statue came from the Hindu organisation Triveda. Gandhi is depicted walking, featuring robes around the body, slippers on the feet, a book in one hand and a stick in the other. The board of governors of the United Nations atomic agency issued a resolution on June 19 urging Iran to provide access to two sites where nuclear activity may have occurred in the past. It is the first resolution of its kind since 2012. The resolution calls on Iran to "fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and satisfy the Agency's requests without any further delay, including by providing prompt access to the two sites in order to clarify whether undeclared nuclear activity took place there during the early 2000s. Iran has been blocking access to the sites for months, prompting a growing diplomatic dispute. The resolution was passed by 25 votes in favor of the resolution -- which was put forward by France, Germany, and Britain with support by the United States. Russia and China voted against while seven countries abstained -- Azerbaijan, Pakistan, India, Mongolia, South Africa, Thailand, and Niger. Kazem Gharib Abadi, the Iranian ambassador to the IAEA, said his country strongly rejects this resolution and will respond appropriately in due course." Iranian officials have said that such a resolution could hurt relations between Tehran and the UN agency. Russia's ambassador to the UN in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, tweeted that the resolution can be counterproductive, while also stressing the need for Tehran and IAEA to settle this problem without delay. The sites in question are not thought to be directly relevant to Iran's current nuclear program. But the IAEA says it needs to know if activities going back almost two decades have been properly declared and whether all nuclear materials have been accounted for. The IAEA says it still has the access it needs to inspect Iran's declared nuclear facilities according to its mandate under the landmark nuclear deal reached in 2015 between Iran and world powers. The United States pulled out of the agreement in May 2018 and reimposed sanctions that have hurt the Iranian economy. In response, Tehran has been progressively breaking the restrictions laid down in the agreement, saying that it can reverse them if the remaining parties to the deal -- Britain, France, Germany, China, and Russia -- comply with the deal. U.S. sanctions make it difficult for other parties to abide by their commitments. The United States has also pushed for an extension of an arms embargo on Iran beyond October, when it was set to be progressively eased under the nuclear accord. After meeting in Berlin on June 19, the foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany said that they too opposed lifting the embargo, saying that the move "would have major implications for regional security and stability." But the ministers also said their countries would not back U.S. efforts to unilaterally trigger the reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran. Any unilateral attempt to trigger UN sanctions snapback would have serious adverse consequences in the UN Security Council," they said in a joint statement. However, they added that they "wish to address the issue in close coordination with Russia and China." With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, ISNA, and dpa FILE PHOTO: The logo of French telecoms company Orange on one of its stores in Paris PARIS (Reuters) - French telecoms operator Orange has been ordered by a Paris court to pay local rival Digicel nearly 250 million euros ($280 million) in compensation for anti-competitive practices in the French Caribbean, the company said on Friday. The Paris Appeals court ruled this week that Orange must pay Digicel 181.5 milion euros in damages and 68 million euros in interest, a spokesman for Orange said, confirming a report by Capital magazine earlier on Friday. It is the biggest single financial penalty to be paid by the Paris-based group and the company is considering whether to launch an appeal in France's highest court, the Cour de Cassation, the spokesman said. After a first ruling in 2017, Orange set aside 346 million euros in an escrow account to cover the cost of compensation. The case dates back to the early 2000s, when state-controlled Orange dominated the telecoms markets in Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana. France's competition watchdog found in 2009 that Orange had hindered the rise of rivals in these markets, notably by signing exclusivity agreements with independent distributors and repair shops, prompting Digicel to sue for damages. Digicel did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday. The Jamaica-based telecoms company was founded by Irish businessman Denis O'Brien in 2001 and is present in 31 markets across the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. (Reporting by Mathieu Rosemain and Dominique Vidalon; Editing by David Goodman) The body of a man in his 60s has been recovered from cliffs at Fair Head near Ballycastle. It is believed at this time to have been a climbing accident. The RNLI launched their all-weather and inshore lifeboats at 1.35pm following reports that a man had been injured in a fall onto rocks at Boulder Field. Red Bay RNLI joined the Coastguard helicopter from Prestwick, the NI Air Ambulance and Coastguard cliff teams from Ballycastle and Coleraine in response to the emergency. The casualty was winched onboard the Coastguard helicopter before being transferred by Air Ambulance to hospital. Red Bay RNLI Coxswain Paddy McLaughlin said: "This is a difficult location to access and both lifeboats stood by on scene to offer any assistance from the water if needed. "Fair Head is a popular area for walkers and climbers at this time of year and we respond to a number of callouts in this area each year." UUP councillor Joan Baird said: "I was very sorry to hear of the tragic accident when a man has lost his life whilst climbing at Fair Head. "I want to send my deepest sympathy to his family and friends. "I know our community here in Ballycastle will be shocked and saddened by this tragic event and I speak for everyone here sending our thoughts and prayers for his family. "Fair Head is a beautiful place and attracts climbers and walkers from far and wide but it can prove treacherous as it has today." SDLP councillor Margaret Anne McKillop sent her condolences to the man's family and loved ones. "The local community was deeply shocked and saddened to learn that an elderly man had fallen from a considerable height and tragically lost his life," she said. "This death is a tragedy and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones through this most difficult time." "I want to commend the emergency services for their efforts. I would urge everyone to take extra care and show caution around the coastal areas at all times." Police have said the Fair Head car park has been closed to the public for use by emergency services. The PSNI appealed for motorists to avoid the area to allow emergency vehicles access to the site. The annular solar eclipse will be visible in India and some other parts of the world on June 21. However, some parts of Tamil Nadu will be witnessing a rare partial eclipse. S Soundararajaperumal, executive director of the Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre, told The New Indian Express, "In Chennai, only a partial phase of the eclipse will be visible. However at maximum eclipse, 34% of the disk of the Sun will be covered by the Moon. In Chennai, the eclipse will begin at 10:22 am and end at 1.41 pm. Maximum eclipse will be at 11:58 am. It must be noted that this is the first solar eclipse of the year. According to timeanddate.com, the eclipse will be seen in India, parts of Europe, Asia, north of Australia, Africa etc. This annular solar eclipse will be visible for six hours. The full eclipse will start at 10:17 am and will go on till 2:02pm. The maximum eclipse will be visible at 12:10 pm. According to NASA, the eclipse is basically a phenomenon that occurs when the moon is farthest from Earth. However, what must be noted is the fact that the sun should not be seen with naked eye during a solar eclipse. Looking at the sun with bare eyes during the eclipse can severely damage your eyes. Experts assert that looking at the sun for more than 90 seconds during an eclipse can cause severe retinal damage. Another thing that needs to be taken care of is that the eclipse should not be viewed through a phone or a pair of binoculars. (TNS) In a bid to help close the digital divide, Qualcomm donated 900 custom-built, cellular-connected laptops to the San Diego Unified School District on Thursday to support continuing distance learning programs.The computers run on the company's Snapdragon processors and include built-in cellular connectivity, giving students with limited access to Wi-Fi another avenue to learn remotely.Qualcomm arranged to have the computers assembled by a contract manufacturer in Taiwan.The laptops, along with three months of free cellular data from AT&T, totaled more than $400,000, said Susie Armstrong, vice president of engineering for Qualcomm."In a case like distance learning, there is a tremendous amount of well-intentioned hardware donations," said Armstrong. "But the key point is, how do you actually get those to have connectivity."During the COVID-19 shutdowns, many coffee shops or libraries where students typically would go to link to Wi-Fi were shut down."I never want to donate a lump of hardware and software without data plans and some way to financially make sure that they get connected and stay connected," said Armstrong.While the current donation covers three months of cellular data, Qualcomm and the school district are working to find additional funding sources so that data plans can be available to students for at least the full school year.One possibility is to seek funding from E-Rate, the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service program for schools and libraries.San Diego Unified this week announced plans to return to school in person on Aug. 31 while following public health safety guidelines. That likely means that some students will choose not to come back to campuses at this time, said Superintendent Cindy Marten.The district has about 9,000 students with asthma and another 1,000 who are considered medically fragile."It might not be a good idea for them to come to learn in person," she said. "So we want to make sure our online option is even more robust. These computers are part of that."Qualcomm had some excess Snapdragon processors used for always-on, always-connected computers. The company has worked with the district for years though Thinkabit Lab and other STEM outreach programs.When the district approached the company about helping with distance learning, it eventually led Qualcomm to build the white label laptops.The computers include the latest Windows operating system software and education suite from Microsoft, long battery life and both Wi-Fi and cellular connections.The computers are expected to be distributed later this summer after Qualcomm makes the official grant to the Board of Education. The company spent more than $260,000 assembling the machines and $141,000 for the cellular data plans."We are deeply committed to closing the connectivity gap," said Marten. "This partnership goes a long way at supporting our students and teachers." FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE At one time, distributors didn't want to touch the film Reversal, because they feared the blowback from a story dealing with a mixed-race relationship during a time of social turmoil in the near future. It is a time where the blacks and Hispanics are in power and whites have become an underclass. The film features a Romeo and Juliet type romance between two high school seniors -- a popular black high school jock from a socially prominent family and a white girl from a poor family. Making the relationship even more difficult, her father becomes a protest leader after being unfairly dismissed from a factory job. But now that the Blacks Lives Matter movement has exploded into public consciousness in response to the killing of George Floyd, there is renewed concern with racial inequality in America and a new determination to make changes in society to address this long history of injustice to Black Americans. This new interest is shown by the increasing interest of the American public in educating themselves about this past history, reflected in the booming interest in books on racial justice. For example, almost all of the top-selling books on Amazon and Barnes and Noble are about race and anti-racism, and 15 of these books hit the New York Times nonfiction best-seller list. The recently released film Just Mercy is about a Harvard- educated lawyer who goes to Alabama to defend those wrongly condemned, including a Black man on death row, despite a lack of evidence he committed the crime. The film ends with all the charges against him dropped and his release from prison. And now Reversal has just been released for distribution by Shami Media with a major digital deal pending. As the story goes, in a near future when blacks and Hispanics are in power and whites and Asians are in the lower class, a black high school jock interested in history falls in love with a white classmate -- a poor girl with a feisty independent streak. Meanwhile, his father is a very wealthy conservative company owner, while her father has recently been fired from his factory job and is organizing a protest about conditions in society. While her parents come to be more accepting of the relationship, his father and mother are adamantly opposed, given their privileged position in the social hierarchy, and the other students at school mock the union. Thus, the film reflects the many challenges faced by African-Americans in society today and is sure to be talked about. The trailer for the film is at https://youtu.be/b4apZjdan8A . Reversal is the 10th film produced by Changemakers Productions, based in Lafayette, California, www.changemakersproductions.com, and Dear Skyyler Production, www.dearskyyler.com, based in L.A. and New York. The writer/executive producer of these films, Gini Graham Scott, has a long history of successes in publishing and writing, as well as over 10 years' experience in the criminal justice system, as an evaluator of criminal justice programs and as an author of books and scripts on the topic. She has published over 50 books with major publishers and has published over 200 print and audio books through her own publishing company. More about her and her company is at www.changemakerspublishingandwriting.com. Jack Skyyler of Dear Skyyler Productions has won several best director awards and directed over a dozen other films, including crewing on multi-million dollar Hollywood productions. Let me know if you would like more information or to set up interviews with any of the principals of the film. Sincerely, Karen Andrews Executive Assistant Changemakers Productions Changemakers Publishing and Writing www.changemakerspublishingandwriting.com www.changemakersproductions.com Lafayette, California changemakerspub@att.net (925) 385-0608 Amazon is ramping up its efforts to tackle counterfeiting on its platform by aiming for the higher end of the fashion market. Today the e-commerce giant announced that it has jointly filed a lawsuit with Italian luxury brand Valentino against Buffalo, New York-based Kaitlyn Pan Group, LLC and New York resident Hao Pan for copying a famous Valentino shoe style -- the Garavani Rockstud, pictured above -- and subsequently selling those products on Amazon and Kaitlyn Pan's own site, "in violation of Amazons policies and Valentinos intellectual property rights." Amazon said that any proceeds that result from the suit will go straight to Valentino itself. We've asked how much the companies are seeking in damages and will update this post with more information as we get it. We are embedding the suit below the article. Notably, this is the first time that Amazon has teamed up with a luxury brand to go after counterfeiters in the courts, although it has partnered with other brands in the past. As with those previous cases, it's important for Amazon to work with the brands to show it's a friend to legitimate commerce by working actively to stop illicit sales. Alongside that, however, Amazon has been making huge efforts to raise its game in fashion, and so it's extremely important that it fights against the image that it's a fertile ground for selling and buying illegal knock-off items of famous brands. Getting off on the right foot -- so to speak -- with Valentino is part of that. The Garavani Rockstud ("Garavani" comes from Valentino's full name, Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani) is one of Valentino's most iconic styles, with its metallic lines of studs making an appearance on a range of Valentino footwear, including sandals, heels and flats. They were first introduced in 2010 and Valentino has design patents on the style. Kaitlyn Pan currently sells a number of models that riff on that basic concept. Typically, authentic Valentino Rockstud shoes retail for between $425 and $1,100, while the Pan versions sell for significantly less, around $100. Story continues You can see where the problem lies. While the shoes are not being sold as Valentino and do not use the Rockstud branding, they could easily be mistaken for them (and may have even been promoted using that keyword when they were still being sold on Amazon): One thing that isn't really covered in the Amazon/Valentino suit, but you have to wonder about, is the role that others play in enabling the illicit sales of the items. In the case of Kaitlyn Pan, the site is powered by none other than Shopify, for example. The vast majority of sellers in our store are honest entrepreneurs but we do not hesitate to take aggressive action to protect customers, brands and our store from counterfeiters," said Dharmesh Mehta, vice president, Customer Trust and Partner Support, in a statement. "Amazon and Valentino are holding this company accountable in a court of law and we appreciate Valentinos collaboration throughout this investigation." Amazon said that it shut down Kaitlyn Pans seller account in September 2019, and it did not specify how many pairs of Pan's shoes were sold via Amazon before then. As of today, the Pan models are still being sold directly on Kaitlyn Pan Shoes. And rather audaciously, despite getting forced out of Amazon's marketplace and being slapped with cease and desist orders from Valentino, Kaitlyn Pan has applied to the United States Patent and Trademark Office to trademark the style. Valentino, like other expensive luxury brands, regularly gets copied and counterfeited, and that has been the case for decades. But arguably, the rise of e-commerce, where it can be harder to trace sellers and products have a higher chance of being disseminated more widely, has compounded that problem. So the company has made a more concerted effort to fight back. In the past three years, it's worked with United States Customs and Border Protection to seize more than 2,000 counterfeit products and work on a surveillance system to detect counterfeit products on sale in the U.S. market, leading to the removal of more than 7,000 listings across multiple marketplaces, 360 websites and more than 1,000 social media accounts. The Maison Valentino is one of the main protagonists of International fashion and plays a major role in the luxury division by sustaining Made in Italy," Valentino said in a statement. "The brand represents in the global market, one of the Italian excellences in the execution of the industrial process in Italy and of the artisanal and handmade workmanship that are entirely produced in the historic Atelier of Piazza Mignanelli in Rome. We consider Made in Italy to be a fundamental value to be fully endorsed, respected and at the forefront of our business and creations. Valentino is an Italian brand operating globally and is a mirror of society. One of our core missions is to safeguard our brand and protect the Valentino Community by celebrating inclusivity and with creativity at the heart of everything we do. We feel this connection with Amazon will highlight the importance also in fashion for greater awareness, knowledge and understanding by shielding the brand online and its resources. Amazon's role in creating an avenue for counterfeit items to be sold has been a problematic one for the company for years. It has invested in building technology to tackle the problem: In 2019, it said that it had invested over $500 million and dedicated 8,000 employees to work on fraud and abuse (which includes IP infringement and counterfeit goods), and it works with law enforcement and collaborates with authorities to build cases against infringing companies and people. Its critics continue to call out the company and its track record, saying it still has not done enough to address the issue -- which of course still results in sales, and thus revenues -- on its platform. But Amazon argues that this is a misconception and overall its a net negative for the company to carry these goods. "Counterfeit damages our brand, disrupts the integrity of our store, and challenges the trust we have worked hard to earn from customers," a spokesperson said. "Our customers are always protected by our A-to-z Guarantee, so when a bad actor doesnt pay, Amazon covers the cost of returns, refunds, claims and other issues related to the sale of counterfeit goods." We'll update this post as we learn more. View this document on Scribd By ANI MUMBAI: In an apparent attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, over the killing of 20 Indian soldiers in the violent face-off with Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan valley, the Shiv Sena has in its mouthpiece, Saamna, termed the incident as the biggest attack on self-esteem and integrity. It goes on to state that "if those who used to blame Pandit Nehru do some introspection, the sacrifice of 20 soldiers will become meaningful." "Chinese soldiers surrounded, kidnapped and brutally beat them up with barbed sticks in the Galwan valley. Indian soldiers were not attentive and were suddenly attacked by Chinese soldiers. Earlier, the Pakistani army had beheaded our soldiers in Kashmir. Then we were all screaming that we would bring ten heads instead of one," read the editorial. "Now the Chinese monkeys brutally killed 20 of our soldiers. More than 150 soldiers are seriously injured. Prime Minister Modi has now called an all-party meeting in a hurry. Modi had earlier said, 'India will never compromise on integrity. If someone tries to provoke us, we will give him a befitting reply'," the editorial said. "The Prime Minister is also saying, 'India will protect its self-respect and every inch of land. Modi says, befitting reply will be given if provoked. 20 soldiers were brutally martyred. Is this not provocation enough?" it asked. In a strong message to China after the incident, Prime Minister Modi had earlier said that India wants peace but is capable of giving a befitting reply, if instigated and asserted that sacrifices of Indian soldiers will not go in vain. The editorial added that the Chinese army attack is as dreadful and deadly as 1962. "This is the biggest attack on self-esteem and integrity. It is now being said that the sacrifice of our soldiers will not go in vain... But we can only threaten Pakistan. How can we free the country from the illusion that we are unable to deal with China?" it asked. According to the Marathi daily, our soldiers were dealing with odd circumstances in 1962 war but even now we have every day today but we lost 20 soldiers. "Today everything is there, but still Chinese brutally killed our soldiers. If those who used to blame Pandit Nehru do some introspection, the sacrifice of 20 soldiers will become meaningful!" it said. Saamna said that it is certainly possible to some extent put China in a financial crisis and goods coming from China should be boycotted. "What are you going to do for many Chinese companies in India? If a Chinese company are stopped from Maharashtra, any other state can make a deal with it. Therefore, the Central government should make national policy on Chinese companies. There is a trade of 6 lakh crores rupees between both the countries. There is both investment and employment, but China benefits the most," it said. I cant, I told my publishers when they asked if Id like to narrate my own audio book. Im not an actor. Not any more, anyway. I was grateful to be asked, of course. And curious would I even remember how to do it after so long? But I was too scared. In much the same way that you might avoid running into the ex who once smashed your heart to bits, I had avoided the ghost of my former career for more than 10 years and I still wasnt quite ready to face it. Sometimes you have to fine tune your passions to make them work. Credit:iStock As a kid, I was into all kinds of artsy things: singing, drawing, ballet, books (always books), but it was theatre that ultimately stole my heart. I became obsessed, and I followed my dream wherever it led me. School plays, youth theatre, a drama degree and then, the holy grail, three dizzying years at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Richard Attenborough was president at the time, Alan Rickman a vice-chairman. I once met Sean Bean at the student bar. I was literally seeing stars. But four years after graduation, it all fell apart. Id had quite a good run, with jobs on stage and screen, but one day I realised I was miserable more than I was happy, more often sobbing into a bottle of chardonnay than not. The rejection, the uncertainty, the trickle of income it all just got too much. I loved acting, but it didnt love me back. A senior African-American U.S. State Department official has resigned because of President Donald Trump's handling of racial tensions, saying his actions "cut sharply against my core values and convictions," the Washington Post reported on Thursday. Mary Elizabeth Taylor, the assistant secretary of state for legislative affairs, submitted her resignation on Thursday, according to the newspaper. A State Department spokesman declined comment on whether she had resigned, saying "we do not comment on personnel matters." The agency's website said Taylor took up her post on Oct. 1, 2018. According to her resignation letter, which was quoted by the newspaper, Taylor's departure was directly related to Trump's response to racial injustice. There have been widespread protests since the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The officer was charged with second-degree murder. "The President's comments and actions surrounding racial injustice and Black Americans cut sharply against my core values and convictions," Taylor wrote in her resignation letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the newspaper reported. "I must follow the dictates of my conscience and resign," she added. In public comments, Trump has called for crack-downs on protesters and stressed a forceful and militarized response to the social unrest sparked by the death of Floyd and others. His May tweet that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" drew condemnation, although he later sought to walk back the comment and said he understood why Floyd's killing sparked protests about police violence against African Americans. Your seat reclined, the engines' hum, a good book resting in your lap, the dull clinking of ice cubes in your plastic glass, and far below the pleasing sight of empty seas and scudding clouds. Air travel has become such a faraway, exotic memory at this point that I'd happily watch just about any film about flying - except maybe for this one. Don't get me wrong: Patrick Vollrath's debut feature is a fine film, admirably spare and focused in its intentions, made for half nothing and relentless in its pursuit of tension. It just doesn't make you feel very good about airplanes. Even during the opening sequence, you know you're in trouble. Over soundless titles, video surveillance cameras aimlessly scan passengers at Berlin Airport going through the grim security rigmarole necessitated by the 9/11 attacks. Lone men look shiftily left and right, gripping hold of their bags: some of them could be dodgy. Our attention then shifts to the cockpit of Flight 7500. At the controls are Captain Michael Hutzmann (Carlo Kitzlinger) and First Officer Tobias Ellis (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), two seasoned campaigners who joke and chat and discuss the weather as they prepare to take a routine flight ostensibly bound for Paris. It will never get there. Patrick Vollrath's subtle direction keeps you squinting through these early scenes: was that one of those dodgy guys we saw on the surveillance cameras snaking past the welcoming stewardesses? You bet it was, and no sooner has Flight 7500 taken off than the pilots notice something is not right. Through a camera that gives them a clear view of the cockpit doorway, we see the curtain separating the attendants' area from the cabin ominously twitching. Then men appear, bearing homemade shivs, their hands and arms already bloody. By unhappy chance, a stewardess had left the cockpit's impregnable door half open: the men burst in and stab both pilots, who then manage to repel them and close the door. But the captain is badly injured, and soon will die, leaving Ellis on his own to cope with a difficult situation that will quickly become intolerable. Because as he attempts to right the nose-diving plane and tend to the serious stab wound on his arm, the attackers use various impromptu rams to try and bash the door down, then resort to more sinister tactics. Through his cockpit camera, Ellis watches in horror as one of the terrorists pulls in a passenger with a blade to his neck, and through the stewards' phone tells the pilot he will slit the man's throat unless he opens the door. Ellis cannot, of course: there are 84 other passengers on board, and for all he knows these maniacs are planning to fly them all into the side of a building. So he must resist, and do nothing while the poor man's throat is slit. But then the terrorist goes back into the cabin and returns with one of the stewardesses: what the attacker doesn't know is that she is Ellis' partner, the mother of his child. Video of the Day Five or six years ago, Joseph Gordon-Levitt was a big cheese: eye-catching turns in films like Looper, Lincoln, The Walk and The Dark Knight Rises led to him being shortlisted for all sorts of blockbuster roles - even Batman. Instead, things went strangely quiet, through bad choices perhaps, or the inexplicable lulls that afflict some film careers. He has a quiet intensity, though, a sturdy everyman veracity he puts to great use here. All the suppressed emotion and panic in 7500 is channelled through him, and it's via his unblinking eyes that we see and process and understand the story. With a tiny cast and a budget of just $5m, Vollrath (a young German filmmaker with a background in live action shorts) does a brilliant job of maintaining tension and making his debut feature consistently interesting. His visual invention is impressive, especially given the fact that 99pc of his drama takes place inside a cramped cockpit. Impressionistic views through the cockpit windows of the plane's ascent into an evening sky are dreamy, almost soporific, but Herr Vollrath is lulling us into a false sense of security. And when things go bad, he doesn't miss a beat when it comes to ramping up the pressure on his unfortunate protagonist. As I watched it, I realised with a shudder that this is how it must have played out on those awful flights on September 11, when cockpit doors were easily battered open and it had occurred to no one that planes could be used as flying bombs. This link is implied but never overtly stated, and in a clever twist Vollrath suggests that not all terrorists are fully committed to evil. Streaming movies: Your guide to all the weeks latest releases online The Ground Beneath My Feet (Virgin, Amazon, Sky Store, BFI Player) Thoughtful and restrained, edgy and Hitchcockian, Marie Kreutzer's sombre drama stars Valerie Pachner as Lola Wegenstein, a high-flying Austrian corporate executive with a skeleton in her closet. Namely her older sister, Conny (Pia Hierzegger), who has a serious mental illness and has just attempted suicide. Lola is working in Germany, going places and also sleeping with her female boss: she has a lot on her plate, but cares deeply for her sister and begins to suspect she may have a touch of mania herself. This is a clever film, spare and tense, and Valerie Pachner is brilliant as the driven, desperate Lola. The Ascent (Google, iTunes, Amazon) This cheap and nasty British horror held together by rubber bands and bits of string begins (I think) in the Balkans, where a group of international mercenaries stumble from firefight to firefight. Why? Because they're actors, and actors will do just about anything for money. When they wipe out an enemy brigade, their bumptious commander orders them to shoot a local woman found captive in a tent. Bad move, because she was witchy, and returns to suck their souls when the group goes back to Britain and gets stuck in a kind of breezeblock purgatory. It's silly, portentous, and feels like a bad episode of Doctor Who. Chron.com is following the latest headlines on the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the Houston area. Wednesday marked the second-largest single-day increase for new COVID-19 cases in Texas, following a record increase on Tuesday. From Tuesday to Wednesday, cases increased by 3.54 percent, or 3,364 cases, bringing the statewide total up to 98,464 confirmed cases, according to the Houston Chronicle's data team. The state reported 40 new deaths; the death count is now up to 2,085, a 2 percent increase from the day before. CODE ORANGE: Houston launches new COVID-19 public health threat level system It is important to note that it is still unclear how many of the state's new cases can be attributed to jail inmates from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, as outbreaks have been reported in some prisons. In the Houston region, cases had risen by 3.45 percent, or 856 cases, and is now at 25,648 cases total. An additional nine deaths were reported yesterday, bringing the region's death count up to 442 deaths. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Texas set a new record for COVID-19 hospitalizations in four of the last five days, officials said. Hospitals are scrambling to accommodate the spike. Harris County saw a 2.54 percent day-over-day increase in cases, or 450 new cases, and is now at 18,157 cases total. NOTE: The numbers included in this report represent a one-day change in confirmed cases from Tuesday, June 16 through Wednesday, June 17. rebecca.hennes@chron.com HARTFORD As a Black Lives Matter flag flew above them outside the Capitol, Senate Democrats on Friday called for the statewide anti-racism movement to help them pass an ambitious, historic series of reforms this summer, aimed at unraveling generations of discrimination. While the senators are trying to seize the moment, its unlikely that in a brief General Assembly session with uncertainty over how to return hundreds of people in the Capitol, lawmakers will be able to accomplish the raft of initiatives, from police accountability to housing, education and economic reforms. In addition to punishing police violence, the Senate majority will propose mandating body cameras on cops; widening civilian review of incidents; banning chokeholds, the purchase of surplus military equipment and no-knock arrest warrants, as well other tactics linked to brutality on the part of law enforcement. But the senators, citing the Juneteenth commemoration of the emancipation of the last remaining slaves after the Civil War in 1865, also want to support big-picture issues such as more affordable housing outside the racially affected major cities. They want measures to back minority-owned businesses and recruitment of more public school teachers of color. They want to tackle health-equity issues that were exposed in the coronavirus pandemic. In all, they rolled out a 33-point plan, some general concepts, some specific ideas all aimed at a special session toward the end of July . This state has to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Everything is on the table, said state Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven, co-chairman of the legislative Judiciary Committee. Nothing that were doing is what weve done. Peter Hvizdak / Hearst Connecticut Media Gov. Ned Lamont indicated later Friday that a lot of the major systemic changes might be too much to consider in a short special session. Theres still more that we need to do in addition to those issues to address the complex and difficult problems of racial and economic inequality, Lamont said in a written statement. I look forward to working with legislators and other stakeholders on those issues during the next regular session. By mid-afternoon, House Majority Leader Matt Ritter said the session would also include expanded absentee balloting rules for the November election. Christine Stuart /CT News Junkie / Led by three African Americans in the 22-member Senate majority, the Democrats stressed the need for supporters of Black Lives Matter throughout the state, particularly suburban and rural towns whose lawmakers have stifled decades of social, educational and economic change, to lobby their lawmakers now, before exact legislative proposals have been drafted. We have said what we expect to see, Winfield said. Others may be saying what they expect to see, and thats where the conversation starts at. There are a lot of parts to this. He said its going to be up to a majority of 151 House members and 36 senators to realize the failures of the past and the need for systemic change. I keep getting asked the question, Well, how can we do it? My question is how did we do what we did? How have we allowed it that people in our state get to lead lives that are completely unrecognizable when you really understand the lives they live, to the majority of the state. This is not a stunt, this is a commitment to doing as much as we can in a special session, said Sen. Marilyn Moore, D-Bridgeport, whose district includes Trumbull and part of Monroe. When you talk about a new normal, we are creating a new normal. Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media She said that many minority workers, particular health industry employees, have been treated unfairly and exposed to health risks during the coronavirus pandemic, which as of Friday had been connected with 4,238 deaths. Its our responsibility to come in here and do as much as we can. We can find out who wants to be on the right side of history and who wants to be on the wrong side. We need to change government and we need to change law enforcement, said Sen. Douglas McCrory, D-Hartford, co-chairman of the Education Committee. He said that in past sessions some reform measures failed, but after the national reaction to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, there is a new feeling of urgency. contributed / Thats why its so important to do it right now, McCrory said. We need allies. More than allies, we need accomplices. I want somebody who understands what were saying to get in there. I honestly believe that residents of Connecticut are looking for us to make bold changes. Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, D-New Haven, said the target date for a special legislative session is the third week in July, after technical issues for safely bringing 187 lawmakers and hundreds of staff and the public back into the Capitol, which has been closed since March 12 in the coronavirus pandemic. Ken Dixon / Hearst Connecticut Media In reaction, Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, said Friday that there is a lot to support in the Democrats proposals. He understands the need to introduce a variety of issues. Jessica Hill / Associated Press It makes sense, he said in a phone interview. If you were to roll out an agenda and pick some and leave others off, somebody is going to get mad. Looking at the 10,00-foot level, I understand. There are a lot of things there. I think theres room for conversation, room for agreement, and on others we may have agreement on some things. Housing is a difficult topic to wrap your head around. But outside review of police actions and body cameras are things he is open to. I think we can do a lot of this on a bipartisan basis, Fasano said. House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, said Friday that the sheer scope of the Senate Democrats goals is likely to work against certain portions of it in a special session. Catherine Avalone / Hearst Connecticut Media I respect their feelings on these things, Klarides said in a late-afternoon phone interview. She said that the bipartisan leaders of the Judiciary Committee will draft legislation that can win votes from both sides of the aisle. The issue of absentee ballots is thorny because the state Constitution limits the use of mail-in ballots only for limited reasons, including sickness, but not fear of sickness. If were in a health care crisis people shouldnt be afraid to go to vote there or even work at the polling places, Klarides said, stressing the need to have a debate on the issue. Ritter said he expects the House of Representatives and the Senate will not be in the state Capitol on the same days, in order to keep with social-distancing protocols. The House is open to defining police accountability broadly, and the issues of zoning, economic and health care, Ritter said, stressing the need to approve the new mail-in voting law by July 31 so it can go into effect by the Nov. 3 presidential election. The real test now is that we have to start drafting bills in cooperation with the governor, Ritter said, adding the state budget set to start on July 1 has a projected deficit in the billions of dollars, with no signal from Congress on whether state governments will receive more federal aid in the pandemic. I think in July, Connecticut will pass a national model in police accountability, Ritter said. And I hope that bill can address other things. No matter what we vote on in July, there is a lot more work ahead for now, next May and 2025. Its not a one-bill solution. We need to capture that momentum. This is not the same world we left here in March, Moore said. kdixon@ctpost.com The quarantine protocol for Delhiites who test positive for Covid-19 is all set to change with institutional quarantine for at least five days made compulsory for those who test positive. Top officials in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) told CNN-News18 the decision has been taken to ensure better treatment and isolation. "People in Lutyens Delhi might have a separate room with attached washroom, but in large parts of Delhi, there are single room tenements where isolating a positive patient from the rest of the family is not possible," an official said. This seems to be partially in sync with the health ministrys observation about the implementation of home isolation in Delhi. "It is highlighted that instances have come to our notice wherein home isolation is allowed in routine in certain states. This may lead to the spread of disease among family members and neighbours" Lav Aggarwal, joint secretary, Ministry of Health wrote in his letter to health secretary, Delhi chief secretary and additional secretary UT, MHA. So far asymptomatic patients and those with mild symptoms were advised to quarantine themselves at home. The letter written by Agarwal points at discrepancies in home isolation but doesnt ask for home isolation to be discontinued all together in Delhi. What is also noteworthy is that the health ministrys own guidelines for home isolation are still in place and not revised yet. The guidelines issued on May 10 say the criteria for home isolation is essentially that a person should be clinically assigned as a very mild case/pre-symptomatic case by the treating medical officer. Such patients should have the requisite facility at their residence for self-isolation and also for quarantining the family contacts. A caregiver should be available to provide care on 24 x7 basis. A communication link between the caregiver and hospital is a prerequisite for the entire duration of home isolation. The caregiver and all close contacts of such patients should take hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis as per protocol and as prescribed by the treating medical officer. The Aarogya Setu app should be downloaded and the patient shall agree to monitor their health and regularly inform about their health status to the district surveillance officer for further follow up by the surveillance teams. The patient will fill in an undertaking on self-isolation and shall follow home quarantine guidelines. The government on several occasions has spoken about the need to recuperate at home, underscoring that it is a practice world over. Officials said home minister Amit Shah categorically told Delhi government officials in a recent meeting that home isolation was not being implemented and hence Covid-19 numbers in the capital are rising. He asked for infrastructure to be ramped up so that all those who test positive are taken to institutional quarantine. When asked if this would not add pressure on Delhis already strained medical infrastructure, MHA official said that work is underway to spruce up infrastructure, but no timeline has been set. "Even those who have a separate room at home to self-isolate may need medical attention. A number of cases have come to light where situation has suddenly worsened. By the time the patient reaches a hospital, it is too late. We want to avoid such a situation," the official told News18. The move is polar opposite of what the Delhi government had been advising patients so far. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had in the past urged people with no or mild symptoms to recuperate at home to avoid additional burden on the citys already overwhelmed healthcare facilities. As is procedure, the Delhi government issued an order on the mandatory institutional quarantine on Friday. Notably, minutes later, the health ministry reiterated its guidelines on home isolation issued on May 10, which said very mild and pre-symptomatic Covid-19 patients can opt for home isolation provided the patient has a room to himself/herself with toilet facility and has an adult attendant/caregiver. The mandatory institutional quarantine is the home ministrys second major directive on the coronavirus pandemic in the national capital. Earlier on Friday, a high-powered committee, set up by home minister Amit Shah, recommended fixing the cost of a Covid-19 isolation bed in Delhis private hospitals in the range of Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 and an ICU bed with ventilator at Rs 15,000-Rs 18,000 per day. The total number of Covid-19 cases in Delhi inched closer to 50,000-mark on Friday, including 1,969 deaths and 21,341 recoveries. Reacting to the order, the Delhi government termed the decision as "arbitrary" and said it will "seriously harm" the city. In a statement, the Delhi government said this will discourage many people from getting tested and will "spread coronavirus" further as asymptomatic patients or those with mild symptoms will resist testing. Urging L-G Anil Baijal to reconsidered the decision, it pointed out that the city already has a "serious shortage" of doctors and nurses to provide care for COVID-19 patients, and asked where would the extra manpower come from. (With inputs from PTI) GUELPH Kitchener-South Hespeler MP Marwan Tabbara is scheduled to be back in court on August 28. On Friday morning, Tabbaras name was read off a list by a court justice in Guelph, adjourning his case to the presumptive date later this summer. Guelphs Ontario Court of Justice is not open to the public, but matters could be heard over a conference call. Its unclear if the local MP was on the call or not. Tabbara faces several charges including two counts of assault, break and enter and criminal harassment. He was arrested in Guelph on April 9 but neither the Guelph Police Service or Tabbara made these charges known to the public. On June 5 media outlets were reporting the allegations against him and within hours Tabbara announced he would be stepping back from the Liberal caucus. He still continues to work as an MP. The Prime Ministers Office said it only learned of the charges on the morning of June 5. On Friday in Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the House of Commons has a rule that requires the Speaker to be officially notified if an MP is arrested. He said this rule has not been followed or enforced and suggested this might be something Parliament should address. CBC News reports Friday the Liberal party had conducted an internal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made against Tabbara during his last mandate. Citing unnamed sources with knowledge of the allegations, CBC says the alleged misconduct included inappropriate touching and unwelcome sexual comments directed at a female staffer dating back to the 2015 election campaign. BEIRUT (Reuters) - Many directors would have been devastated when their plans to show their first feature at the Cannes Film Festival were wrecked by the spread of COVID-19. But Lebanon's Jimmy Keyrouz said he took heart from the themes of his movie "Broken Keys", which tells its own story of finding hope in the midst of disaster. The film follows a young man called Karim living somewhere in Iraqi and Syrian territory occupied by Islamic State militants and dreaming of escaping to Europe to become a musician. At the start of the film, the fighters smash up his piano. He then tries to rebuild the instrument to sell it to fund his journey. "If I was to summarise the spirit of the film in one sentence or saying I would say: 'Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass - it's about learning to dance in the rain'," Keyrouz told Reuters TV, quoting artist and author Vivian Greene. "I guess it sums up the film pretty well and sums up our situation. You just gotta keep working, keep moving forward." Keyrouz said he filmed part of "Broken Keys" in the Iraqi city of Mosul. "We filmed at the last area that ISIS (Islamic State) fought, and even there in some places we smelled ... dead bodies under the rubble." Cannes chose the film for its 2020 lineup, alongside works by Wes Anderson and other star directors. But the world's biggest cinema showcase, usually held in May on the French Riviera, called off its events during the lockdown. Organisers this month published the list of their 56-film line-up, saying they still wanted to use the festival's cachet to help promote the movies. "I can only be very happy and grateful for Cannes to have supported and selected the film, despite not having the festival," Keyrouz said, adding that he was still hoping to start releasing the film later this year. (Reporting by Imad Creidi and Maria Semerdjian; Writing by Andrew Heavens; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) More Vietnamese nationals repatriated from Africa A Vietnam Airlines flight landed at Van Don International Airport in the northern province of Quang Ninh today, June 19, transporting 309 Vietnamese citizens affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in Angola home. Most of the passengers on the flight were people aged under 18, the elderly, sick individuals, tourists, and migrant workers whose work visas have expired. The passengers from the flight land at Van Don International Airport on June 19. After arriving at the airport, the passengers were all sent to a quarantine site for 14 days and the airliner was sterilized as regulated. Earlier on Thursday, the flight transported more than a half a tonne of medical products, including masks, hand wash and protective clothes to the Vietnamese Embassy in Angola. The whole batch is exempted from taxes and surcharges by Vietnam Airlines. According to the World Health Organisation, Africa is home now to more than 194,000 Covid-19 cases. In the coming time, the ministries of foreign affairs and transport will continue to co-operate with local authorities to conduct more flights to help repatriate Vietnamese nationals abroad. Express-News file photo Lunch is on the Spurs at an East Side restaurant in honor of Juneteenth. Spurs Give, the team's official non-profit, opened a tab at Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen to mark the day about 250,000 slaves in Texas found out they were were free on June 19, 1865, two years after Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. The student-built HUNCH lockers loaded onto the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule prior to flight. The signatures of students who contributed to the project can be seen on the front of the locker. Credits: SpaceX/NASA Pulling that final zipper closed on a stuffed suitcase or getting the tailgate of a packed car shut is a true feeling of victory at the start of any road trip. Sending supplies to the International Space Station--including on NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 test flight that launched the first astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley on SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule May 30 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida--requires a different packing method and special lockers to transport supplies. Four such lockers launched on Demo-2 were built by students from around the country through a program called NASA HUNCH--High school students United with NASA to Create Hardware. HUNCH's goal is to empower and inspire students through a project-based learning program and by providing opportunities to students to play an active role in the space program. One student-built locker also will return to Earth from the space station at the end of the mission. The lockers contain important supplies for space station maintenance and daily operations. "It is exciting for us and the students," said Bob Zeek, NASA HUNCH co-founder and project resource manager at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. "Even with 70 HUNCH-built lockers delivered to the International Space Station Program and 58 of those flying to the space station, the Demo-2 flight adds a new flavor." Each locker is comprised of approximately 280 components, including 41 parts machined by the students and more than 200 rivets, fasteners and bearings. The pieces are manufactured with high precision to the tight tolerances required of any piece of hardware making the journey to the orbiting laboratory. Schools in all four time zones across the United States contributed to the creation of the lockers, including schools that regionally supported the Johnson Space Center, Glenn Research Center, Kennedy Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center and Langley Research Center. For example, students from Grissom High School in Huntsville, Alabama, created the rear close-out plates, while the integration of the lockers was done at Clear Creek High School in League City, Texas. Industrial Machining Specialists--a commercial firm and a NASA HUNCH partner located near the Career Academies of Decatur--helps manufacture parts for SpaceX employing HUNCH graduates. Launched in the four lockers stowed beneath the seats of astronauts Hurley and Behnken were: - Liquid cooling ventilation garments used by astronauts to help maintain proper body temperature during spacewalks. - Glenn Harnesses, which are used to ensure astronauts can properly run on the space station's treadmill. Exercise helps to keep the crew's bones and muscles strong during their time in space. - Shoes and other miscellaneous items. - Each student and instructor signs the lockers they helped build and when the units are in orbit, the astronauts take pictures with the lockers, providing the builders a memento of their efforts. HUNCH is an important asset for the International Space Station program, and the demand for the lockers the program creates is only increasing. "We are contracted to deliver 40 or more lockers per year, and that is up from 20 required before the Commercial Crew Program and other resupply vehicles came online," Zeek said. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, which forced schools to finish their academic year virtually, Zeek and fellow Marshall HUNCH mentor, Bill Gibson, were allowed to complete locker production to meet the flight deadline. They used the fabrication facility set up at the Career Academies of Decatur. "We picked up where the students left off," Zeek said. HUNCH started in 2003 with two schools in Alabama and one in Texas. Now, 277 schools in 44 states participate in six focus areas: design and prototyping, software, hardware, sewn flight articles, video and media and culinary arts. The program has produced more than 1,500 items for flight or training for the space station program, representing approximately 20,000 individual flight parts, with nearly 1,300 parts flown to the space station or delivered for flight. For more information about NASA HUNCH, visit https://nasahunch.com/ Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. NFU Scotland has called for 'certainty and continuity' for farmers and crofters after it warned a no-deal would be 'catastrophic' for Scottish agriculture. The union has urged 'focus and momentum' on seeking a 'stable future' for Scotlands agricultural sector as Brexit trade deal negotiations get underway. It comes as the Agriculture (EU Retained Law and Data) (Scotland) Bill referred to as the Scottish Agriculture Bill heads into Stage 2 of the Scottish parliamentary process. NFU Scotland president, Andrew McCornick said he believed the Bill offered the 'route to stability, the ability to simplify existing rules and the opportunity for continuity of the Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme.' Political and economic eyes are focused on the UK and EU negotiations as we move towards the end of June a critical milestone in determining the future relationship between the UK and the EU from 31 December this year," he said. The government has already confirmed there would be no pause to the current negotiations and no Brexit extension, fuelling the possibilities of a no-deal. NFU Scotland called this possibility 'catastrophic' for farmers: The UK government appears unequivocal in its stance," Mr McCornick said. "In turn, questions persist around issues of direct interest to Scottish agriculture trading arrangements, immigration policy, and the form and funding of future support. Aside from the politics and possibilities of Brexit, Scottish agriculture needed 'certainty and continuity' from 2021, he added. "Absolutely key to that certainty and continuity is the Scottish Agriculture Bill. This legislation is the route to stability in the immediate aftermath of departing the EU and leaving the CAP. It will ensure payments and processes under existing and familiar schemes continue for the time being underpinning all Scottish agricultural businesses," he said. But the Bill also offers much more than certainty and stability its a clear opportunity to simplify and improve current support schemes and act as a stepping-stone to more significant and much needed change. There is clear scope to simplify and improve inspections and penalties in relation to existing schemes and the Scottish Agriculture Bill provides a clear opportunity to do so, Mr McCornick said. Photo: The Canadian Press USS Theodore Roosevelt In a stunning reversal, the Navy has upheld the firing of the aircraft carrier captain who urged faster action to protect his crew from a coronavirus outbreak, according to a U.S. official. The official said the Navy also extended the blame for the ship's pandemic crisis, delaying the promotion of the one-star admiral who was also onboard, concluding that both men made serious errors in judgment. The spread of the coronavirus aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt while on deployment in the Pacific in March exploded into one of the biggest military leadership crises of recent years. More than 1,000 members of the crew eventually became infected, and one sailor died. The ship was sidelined for weeks at Guam but recently returned to duty. The decision by Adm. Mike Gilday, the chief of naval operations, to hold both Capt. Brett Crozier and his boss, Rear Adm. Stuart Baker, accountable is a confirmation of concerns expressed by top Pentagon officials who demanded a deeper investigation last month when the initial probe recommended Crozier's reinstatement as the ship's captain. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a report not yet made public. After the India-China face-off in Ladakh, many Indians have called for a boycott of Chinese goods and several Indian leaders have suggested ways to block investment and increase tariffs for the northern neighbour. The demand to ban Chinese products and phone applications started after the spread of the novel coronavirus, but the campaign swiftly gathered momentum across the country when news emerged of the violence in the Galwan Valley, where soldiers fought in hand-to-hand combat, with stones and clubs wrapped in barbed wire reportedly used as weapons by the Chinese. This deadly border clash left 20 Indian soldiers died and 76 got injured. The number of casualties on the Chinese side is yet to be confirmed. At Kolkatas Terreti Bazaar a wholesale market of electrical items and lighting, which also has food stalls almost everything on the shelves, like electronics and lights, is made in China. But traders and businessmen of this market now do not want to sell Chinese products. However, even if they dont want to, they have to clear the stocks to earn their livelihood and not incur a huge loss. Businessmen from many districts come here, but the key trade is of the Chinese lights that are available at this market at cheap prices. Just around Durga Puja and Diwali, it becomes difficult to even enter the market as it gets extremely crowded. Chandeliers and many other kinds of lights for decorating houses are sold here at cheap rates. So, buyers usually prefer Chinese lights, but after the border violence they have started asking for Indian ones. According to a trader, "The lights that are imported from China are cheaper than the ones manufactured in India. Due to this price difference, people choose to buy Chinese lights." The traders of this market will have to face huge losses if sales of Chinese products stop immediately. Just before lockdown was the last time goods were imported from China. After that, the market was closed for the past 2 months. The traders are worried as the campaign to boycott Chinese products is picking up momentum. "We dont want to sell Chinese products but need to clear the stock that we have already purchased or else we will face a huge loss," said one of them. Traders are also keeping India-made lights and products at their shops. One of them said, "If lights like these are manufactured in India, why will we depend of Chinese lights then? We want that lights like these get made here in India so that we can sell them to our customers." WASHINGTON - On Monday, President Donald Trump's long-deferred pick to head the U.S. Agency for Global Media, finally started work after a bruising, two-year Senate confirmation battle. By the end of Wednesday, Michael Pack had achieved a clean sweep of the top offices of every division he oversees - including venerable news outlets like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe. The swift purge of former appointees has increased the worry among Democrats and press freedom advocates that the Trump administration is attempting to gain control over an independent but federally funded media organization with among the largest audiences in the world. On its own, the Voice of America delivers television and radio programs to 236.6 million people - and in some countries dominated by state media, it is the only free and unshackled news source. "USAGM's role as an unbiased news organization is in jeopardy," said Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Wednesday in a statement. Pack, he added, "needs to understand that USAGM is not the Ministry of Information." Yet the machinations of recent weeks also epitomize Trump's knack for turning a relatively obscure issue or backwater agency into fodder for a culture war - with little more than a tweet. The president first nominated Pack, who is in his mid-60s, for the USAGM job in 2018. Pack is revered in Republican circles as something of a unicorn - a documentary filmmaker with solid conservative credentials (he served as president of the Claremont Institute, a prominent think tank) who could also make PBS-quality work. His projects have included "God and the Inner City," about three faith-based organizations; a film on the 1994 Republican takeover of Congress; and an appreciative documentary about the life of Clarence Thomas, featuring extensive interviews with the Supreme Court justice. Pack was recommended for the post by Stephen Bannon, the co-founder of the far-right Breitbart News who later served as senior counselor to Trump. "He's my guy, and I pushed him hard," said Bannon in an interview. The two met a decade earlier while working on an Iraq War documentary, "The Last 600 Meters." Bannon believed that the U.S. media agencies should be "on point" with the administration's foreign policy, especially in confronting Chinese communist officials. But Democrats held up the Pack confirmation - in part because of allegations under investigation by the District of Columbia's attorney general that a nonprofit organization Pack ran diverted funds to his production company. Pack had also served a short tenure as a senior vice president at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, where he resigned after tensions over his push to add more conservative programming, such as PBS shows for Tucker Carlson and Paul Gigot, the editorial page editor of the Wall Street Journal. Pack's nomination languished, with Republican leaders such as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., more focused on getting conservatives confirmed for federal judgeships than little-known agency posts. Meanwhile, despite Trump's obsession with the media, there was little reason for the news products of Voice of America and its sister organizations - all aimed at an overseas audience - to land on his radar. But this spring, two factions of Trumpworld converged to place Pack's nomination front and center. China hawks - such as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and White House trade adviser Peter Navarro - have long had VOA in their sights and recently chafed at elements of VOA's coronavirus coverage that did not align with their own campaign to demonize China's role in the pandemic, according to people familiar with their views who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal conversations. (The Voice of America was among the topics Pompeo raised in his meeting with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi in Hawaii this week, according to a person familiar with the discussions.) Meanwhile, Trump's White House staff - notably former Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell and John McEntee, head of the Presidential Personnel Office - saw a moment to call attention to one of the last held-up nominations by appealing to the president's concern for loyalty in his ranks, these people said. Trump's anger about the delay in Pack's nomination was "a confluence of two things - the loyalists and the hard-liners," Bannon said. And Trump had some heightened awareness of VOA because of tough questions he had fielded at coronavirus press briefings from its White House correspondent Steven Herman. In April, Vice President Mike Pence's office threatened to retaliate against Herman, who disclosed that Pence's staff had told journalists they would need masks for a visit to the Mayo Clinic, undermining Karen Pence's claim that her husband failed to wear a mask because he did not know about the policy. In April, Bannon lashed out publicly at Voice of America and its former editor. "Amanda Bennett should be fired today. She's a running dog for the Chinese Communist Party," he said on his podcast. Bennett, who enjoyed a long career at the Wall Street Journal, the Philadelphia Inquirer and Bloomberg before joining VOA, declined to comment. That same month, the White House went on the offensive. In a stunning statement, the White House accused VOA of promoting "foreign propaganda" because of stories that suggested China's Wuhan lockdown had achieved some success in stemming the virus's spread; the statement also blasted VOA for tweeting a video of the Chinese government's light show celebrating the end of the shutdown. Trump's social media director, Brad Parscale, tweeted a similar slam on VOA. A week later, Trump himself called VOA "disgusting" during a press briefing. "We have never promoted propaganda for anyone," Bennett told The Washington Post at the time. "We cover stories from all different sides. That's part of the reason we are so trusted by people around the world." A spokeswoman for the Voice of America referred questions to the Agency for Global Media. Conservatives have long viewed public broadcasting with suspicion. In 1995, Newt Gingrich, then speaker of the House, called it "this little sandbox for the rich" which was supported by "a small group of elitists who want to tax all the American people so they get to spend the money." But Trump's antipathy toward the media and his willingness to take punitive action against his critics within the government have caused Democrats to see his push to get Pack appointed as particularly ominous. Pack started the job more than a week after his June 4 Senate confirmation, in part because he wanted to have his new office swept for bugging devices, said two people with knowledge of the agency's inner workings, who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fears of retribution. Surprisingly, the agency heads fired by Pack on Wednesday included two Trump appointees - Alberto Fernandez, who headed Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and Jamie Fly, who headed Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Also dismissed were the directors of Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting and the Open Technology Fund. VOA director Bennett and Deputy Director Sandy Sugawara resigned Monday in anticipation of the moves that Pack was expected to make. On his podcast Thursday, Bannon exulted over Pack's confirmation and first-week personnel moves, saying he had "accomplished in one day what people have been trying to do for 15 years," in purging directors that Bannon's allies perceive as too soft on China. Lawmakers on Thursday blasted Pack for the firings, as well as a move to disband advisory boards for each of the agency's divisions with plans to replace them with his own aides. New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Pack was "hollowing out" the agency to appoint new managers he could control - a move he said would "undermine its historic role" and independence. He called the firings "an egregious breach of this organization's history and mission from which it may never recover." Michael Abramowitz, president of Freedom House, which monitors and encourages democratic movements and institutions around the world, warned that "illiberal leaders abroad" take careful note of restrictions placed on news outlets in the United States - and may follow the Trump administration's example by cracking down on VOA or other news organizations in their own countries. "The United States should be an exemplar, not a detractor, of press freedom around the world," he said. Pack's team clapped back at critics late Thursday in a news release complaining about "obstructionism" that held up his nomination. It also indirectly disparaged prior leadership, by vowing to eradicate "the known mismanagement and scandals that have plagued the agency for decades." The statement, though, did not explain or describe the scandals it was referring to. In a particularly vivid passage, the news release portrayed staff as greeting Park's introductory message "with an overwhelmingly positive response" and provided some pointed examples: "One noted, 'you emphasized that we all have a mission that unfortunately some have forgotten in recent and past years, to the disgrace of all.' Another said, 'I am sure that with your arrival we will be able to rejuvenate our agency, to get rid of any bias and partisanship.' " None of the agency staffers quoted were named in the news release. - - - The Washington Post's Paul Farhi contributed to this report. The federal government on Friday successfully evacuated 300 stranded Nigerians from Dubai, 56 others from Pakistan alongside four Pakistani in line with the new protocols for evacuation. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, disclosed this via his verified Twitter handle @GeoffreyOnyeama. Eventually, 56 Nigerians and 4 Pakistanis were safely evacuated from Islamabad to Abuja on a chartered aircraft operated by TARCO AVIATION Co. Ltd. READ ALSO: An Emirates flight from UAE conveying about 300 Nigerians is expected to land at about 3.55 p.m. from Dubai, Mr Onyeama tweeted. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new protocol for evacuation requires all returnees to undergo the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing within 72 hours. They are also expected to go into the 14-day self-isolation. (NAN) PINOLE, Calif. - Family and friends mourning a federal law enforcement officer who was fatally shot while guarding a U.S. courthouse in Oakland voiced poignant pleas Friday for an end to the violence that cut short his life, saying America needs to overcome discrimination and hatred. David Patrick Underwood, 53, was remembered as a soft-spoken and gifted natural athlete, a lefty pitcher in high school who was valiant on the mound and graceful on the basketball court. In life and in work, he was confident but never arrogant, friends and family said in moving tributes. He treated people with dignity and had a deep love for family and the uniform he proudly wore, they added. He didnt judge people by the colour of their skin, but by what was in their heart, they said. Local and federal officials joined the two-hour ceremony in Pinole, California, a San Francisco Bay Area city, at the high school where Underwood was a star baseball player in the 1980s. Wearing face masks, mourners packed into the schools theatre, where social distancing was mostly ignored, and paid tribute to Underwood, whose body lay in a blue casket on a gold stand. Underwood, who was black, was killed May 29 while guarding the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building in Oakland as a large demonstration was underway nearby over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. We must not be embittered by this horrific injustice. Hate, vengeance and violence solves nothing, said his older sister, Angela Underwood Jacobs, a recent Republican candidate who sought to fill a vacant U.S. district seat north of Los Angeles. She added: We will, we must, as individuals and as a society overcome discrimination, bias, hatred and violence of any kind whether it be against African Americans or people who wear the uniform in peace, as our brother did, to protect and serve and to ensure the safety of all. Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, joined the ceremony to honour Underwood and to deliver an American flag to his family. Gov. Gavin Newsom sent an officer of the California Highway Patrol who presented the family with a California flag. In a separate video tribute, Wolf condemned the senseless cowardly violence that took Underwoods life. Officer Underwood gave his life protecting us and we owe him and his family and colleagues a debt of gratitude we will never be able to fully repay, said Wolf. Underwood died from gunshot wounds in a drive-by shooting the night of May 29 as a protest in downtown Oakland that began peacefully sank into chaos. Underwood and a colleague were working that night as contract security officers for the Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Protective Service. Federal authorities say the shooter used the protest as cover for the crime. Authorities say that Underwood was targeted because he wore a uniform. Last week, the FBI announced murder charges against Air Force Staff Sgt. Steve Carrillo. Authorities say Carrillo used the same homemade AR-15-style rifle eight days later to kill a Santa Cruz deputy in a hail of gunfire that wounded four other officers. Carrillo faces separate state charges for the June 6 fatal shooting of Santa Cruz County sheriffs Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller. Authorities allege that Carrillo, 32, had ties to the far-right, anti-government boogaloo movement and had hatched a plan to target federal law enforcement officials during the Oakland protest. Colleagues described Underwood as hard-working, highly respected and conscientious. Friends and family talked of his hearty laugh, his personal style he was a sharp dresser and his giving heart. When he stopped playing baseball as an adult, he donated to local youth organizations, so he could help kids find joy in the sport he loved. Underwood was the kind of guy you went to for advice, his older sister said. Hed always say, Angie, believe in yourself. Work hard, and ask for what you want, which is exactly what our mom and dad would have said, Jacobs said in a tribute to her brother. Now that hes gone, who am I going to call now? She added: A brother, a friend, a mentor a leader, a good man has wrongly been taken from us. ___ Gecker reported from San Francisco. Loading But few political candidates have featured the issue front and centre in their campaigns. "It was somewhat of a verboten topic for political figures in the past," said William Darity, a public policy professor at Duke University and author of From Here to Equality: Reparations for Black Americans in the Twenty-First Century. "There's been a real fear that there could be a political penalty from the white electorate from any intimation that you might seriously consider it." In the past year, that attitude appears to have shifted: "It's striking to me that people campaigning to be elected officials are mentioning the word at all," Darity said. "There seems to be a sea change." Candidates around the country have found the idea of reparations to be a powerful way of engaging young progressive voters. Charles Booker, the state legislator running in the Democratic primary to challenge Republican Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, in Kentucky, mentions reparations on his campaign website, noting his own family's history of lynching and enslavement. Jamaal Bowman, running in the Democratic primary against Elliot Engel in New York, has said that he believes in reparations, citing author Ta-Nehisi Coates' testimony at last year's congressional hearing. While the political push has long come from veteran black lawmakers, white candidates are discussing the issue of reparations too. At a recent Senate primary debate between Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Joe Kennedy, both the Massachusetts Democrats said they were open to the idea. Kennedy said in an interview that the conversation should "go beyond debate over a study" of the issue, where the legislative focus has remained for decades. Loading Andrew Romanoff, a Democratic candidate for Senate in Colorado, announced that he supported reparations for both Native and black Americans during a recent primary debate. Romanoff started his career working at the Southern Poverty Law Centre and later led an undercover investigation on employment discrimination for a state civil rights agency. He has made racial justice a central part of his policy platform. "Like other big ideas, reparations is one arriving more swiftly to the realm of the possible," he said. "For a long time it was stuck in a debate over the mechanics and the money. How much would it cost? The first step is to recognise the moral obligation." A Black Lives Matter rally in Brooklyn at the weekend. Race and class are inexorably linked in the US. Credit:AP The mechanics are no doubt fiercely debated; reparations has been used to describe a variety of proposals, although at its heart refers to financial compensation from the government to the descendants of enslaved people. Romanoff, and many others, looks to the precedent set by Germany in paying reparations to victims of the Holocaust when arguing for the plausibility of a similar effort in the United States. Romanoff said he has heard voters describe reparations as "too extreme" or "too far left." But he views its polling popularity as "beside the point" and said he sees his campaign as an opportunity to educate voters about the feasibility of ideas that may seem politically unpalatable. "If you agree it's the right thing to do, then the fact that it may not poll well isn't a concern," Romanoff said. "Consensus doesn't magically materialise, it has to be forged." Some polls indicate that current conditions may be ripe for forging consensus on issues that long seemed beyond the sphere of political possibility. In the two weeks after the killing of George Floyd, public support for the Black Lives Matter movement increased almost as much as it had in the preceding two years. The idea of defunding or abolishing the police, which was for years relegated primarily to the realm of a hashtag, has inched closer to reality in Minneapolis, where a veto-proof majority of the City Council has pledged to disband its police department. And the country has now seen both a public health crisis and an economic crisis that disproportionately hurt black Americans. "Whenever we have an economic shock, you see black people have a harder time recovering because of historical discrimination connected to the wealth gap," said Andre Perry, a Brookings Institution fellow and a co-author of a recent report on reparations. "Now you see how easily we found money to give out when white people were suffering because of COVID and you scratch your head." Practicality is not the only impediment mentioned. A nationwide poll conducted last year found that while a majority of black Americans favour reparations, they think of the proposal as less helpful than other progressive policies such as a higher minimum wage and stronger anti-discrimination laws. The country's first systematic attempt to offer a form of reparations for slavery came when Union General William Sherman issued an order, in 1865, promising 40 acres, and later a mule, to former slaves. The idea originated in a conversation the general and War Secretary Edwin Stanton held with 20 leaders of the black community in Savannah, Georgia. But Andrew Johnson, president Abraham Lincoln's successor, overturned the order months later. (The name of the House reparations bill, HR 40, is a reference to those promised 40 acres.) "With 40 acres and a mule, what slaves were asking for was the ability to become functioning members of society, by working," said Royce West, a Texas state senator who is running in a Democratic primary for US Senate. At a recent debate he said he leaned in favour of reparations; his opponent, MJ Hegar, did not go that far, saying she would want to study the issue further. "That particular promise was never kept by government because the politics did away with it," he added. More than a century and a half later, West is hopeful that the politics constraining that unfulfilled promise have changed. "Right now you have corporate America throwing money at the problem," he said, referring to the millions of dollars poured into racial justice organisations in recent weeks. "The question is how will that money be spent." Here's a wine tasting exercise for you: Compare two wines made from carmenere in Chile and two made with cabernet franc in the Loire Valley of France. New World versus Old World. Carmenere is an old Bordeaux variety that has become a specialty of Chile; it offers a smoky, leafy take on traditional Bordeaux flavors - and in these two examples, it delivers exceptional value. Cabernet franc from the Loire Valley in France tends to be earthier and more energetic in flavor and texture. We round out this week's selection with a juicy red blend from South Africa. GREAT VALUE Las Casas de Vaqueria Corral A18 Reserva Carmenere 2019 3 stars Maule Valley, Chile, $12 This wine is impeccably balanced, with savory notes of tobacco leaf, black olives, dark cherry and spice. It shows exceptional elegance for the price and will partner well with meats off the grill, though I would be tempted to hide some away for sipping alone after dinner. Lovely, and a tremendous value. Alcohol by volume: 13.5%. GREAT VALUE Tagua Tagua Gran Reserva Carmenere 2017 3 stars Rapel Valley, Chile, $17 Here is a plush version of carmenere, pushing the ripeness envelope without breaching it. Think of the instant a piece of fruit is at peak ripeness, just before it teeters on the precipice of pruniness. You can taste danger here - the winemaker is tempting fate to lean over the ledge, but the wine pulls back just in time. ABV: 14%. GREAT VALUE Domaine Gouron Chinon Rouge 2018 3 stars Loire Valley, France, $20 A hint of smoke accents aromas of dark cherries, black currants and white pepper. On the palate, this cabernet franc brims with flavors of dark fruit, spice and black olives, with the electric quality wine lovers often call "tension." This beauty sure seized my attention from the first sip. Sustainable. ABV: 14.2%. Famille Duveau Saumur Champigny 2018 2.5 stars Loire Valley, $23 Tobacco and leather aromas frame a core of dark cherries and plums on this scintillating cabernet franc. Give it a slight chill and it will be an ideal pairing with grilled ribs, burgers and steaks. Sustainable. ABV: 14.4%. Babylonstoren Babel 2018 2.5 stars Western Cape, South Africa, $25 This drinks like a bordeaux-style blend, with hints of graphite (pencil shavings), cassis and spice, but the effusive fruit marks it as a New World wine. Shiraz, which is not a bordeaux grape, actually is the main component of the blend, along with the five traditional bordeaux grapes of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, petit verdot and cabernet franc. A sploosh of South Africa's native pinotage rounds out the blend and provides local character. This is a lovely wine to match assertive summer meat dishes. ABV: 14%. - - - 3 stars exceptional, 2 stars excellent, 1 star very good - - - Availability information is based on distributor records. Wines might not be in stock at every listed store and might be sold at additional stores. Prices are approximate. Check Winesearcher.com to verify availability, or ask a favorite wine store to order through a distributor. The madam of a Melbourne brothel where a teenage girl was being sold for sex claims she had no idea the child was underage. Ying Yang, 51, and Cheng Li, 32, both from Mitcham, and Xiang Zhang, of Doncaster, are accused of forcing the 16-year old child into sex work. Yang was the madam of Heidelberg Angel in September last year when police stormed the premises and rescued the child. Ying Yang, 51, leaves Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday. She is accused of being the madam of a brother that allegedly employed a 16-year old as a sex worker at the Vernon Street brothel. Cheng Li, 32, can be seen directly behind her Melbourne brothel Heidelberg Angel has been caught up in a child prostitution investigation that has already seen three people charged The brothel advertised that it was the 'Best Asian Brothel' in Melbourne Cheng Li, 32, both from Mitcham, had nothing to say as he left a Melbourne court on Friday. He is accused of pimping out a teenager She appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday with each of her co-accused. It is understood both Yang and Li claim to have been duped by the teenager with a fake ID and plan to contest the charges. Meanwhile, the court heard charges against Zhang remain up in the air while police work to ascertain if footage captured from the premises is in fact him. The 60-year old is expected to have the charges dropped at his next appearance in July. Outside court, all three of the accused child pimps refused to comment. In April, Daily Mail Australia revealed none of the accused had even been placed on bail by police following their arrest in March. Back then, Leading Senior-Constable Glenn Holland told Daily Mail Australia the alleged pimps' were released on summons while detectives prepared the case. It is understood the alleged victim had worked at the Vernon Street brothel - 10kms northeast of Melbourne - between August and September last year. However, they were not charged until March 25. All three face charges of: causing a child to take part in sex work; obtaining payment for sexual services by a child; agreement for provision of sexual services by a child; and allowing a child to take part in sex work. The two men were also charged with failing to have supervision of a brothel. The brothel promotes itself to largely Asian clientele. Leading Senior-Constable Glenn Holland has brought the charges against the alleged child pimps. He charged the group on summons in March as Victorians went into COVID-19 lockdown Heidelberg Angels (pictured) has been busted for allegedly employing a child as a sex worker Xiang Zhang, of Doncaster, is questioned by Channel 9 newshound Eliza Rugg. The 60-year old is expected to have his charges dumped 'Just 5 minutes from Northland Shopping Centre, Heidelberg Angel is one of the hottest Asian brothels you can find in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne,' it boasts. 'Heidelberg Angel is your stop-by for some gentlemans fun.' Police will allege the teenager was offered for sex for as little as $100. The brothel claims to abide by Victoria's Sex Work Act of 1994. 'To protect our girls and ensure their rights while offering our customers great gentleman fun,' it states. 'We follow every single rule of the Sex Work Act 1994 from Victoria for a legal and licensed environment to both you and our girls.' Ying Yang, 51, faces a swag of child sex exploitation charges amid accusations she put up a 16-year old for sale Heidelberg Angel listed its rates on its website. Police allege a teenage girl was being hired-off to its customers for sex It remains unclear where the alleged victim originates, with the brothel claiming to employee girls from Australia and China, to Japan, India and the United Kingdom. 'Our angels come from all around the world to bring you an authentic sexual experience across the globe,' it claims. Google reviews of the establishments reveals the brothel was under pressure from customers to hire younger women. 'The girls are too old and the service was too short and less than the time i paid for,' one disgruntled customer posted just under a year ago. 'Only 2 old ladies when I was there, won't come back,' another wrote. One review received a response from the owner defending the supposedly old age of its employees. 'Dear customer, I am sorry for giving you a bad feeling! There were eight girls in their 20s at our store todayWe update girls every day, welcome to visit again,' the post stated. All three of the accused were released back into the community until April next year, with charges against Zhang likely to be dealt with by the end of next month. The specialised unit that busted the brothel visited legal brothels more than 50 times and suspected illegal brothels 150 times last year. Brothels are among the long list of venues that have been banned from operating during the coronavirus pandemic. Police have been cracking down on companies operating illegally during this time. A Sydney brothel was fined $5000 for continuing to operate and three staff were each fined $1000 on March 29. Though the start of school is less than two months away for more than half of Alabamas school districts, there are still a lot of unknowns about what classrooms might look like and just how many students will actually return, leaving school officials stressed and with many decisions left to make. Typically, by this time, school and district officials would be finalizing master schedules showing which students are in which classrooms with which teachers at which time of the day. Not this year, according to Ryan Hollingsworth, the director of the State Superintendents Association. "There are a million questions, and it's what, June 18th?" Superintendents are waiting to get more information on the states reopening plan with (state superintendent) Dr. Mackey, Hollingsworth said. School officials arent yet sure how much flexibility the plan will contain and that makes it hard to finalize anything right now. Even after the plan is made public, Hollingsworth said, it's still up to local school officials to get schools reopened. Mackey is set to share that plan with the state's 138 local superintendents at the SSA conference next week in Gulf Shores. Alabamas reopening plan will be released to the public on June 25, Mackey told AL.com. Some states began releasing their plans last week. Letter to Pirate Family in June pic.twitter.com/vJa9Dmmoxn WCS (@winpiratetales) June 17, 2020 Hollingsworth is a member of the statewide task force working on the plan to reopen schools in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that shut down all schools in mid-March. He said the plan continues to change as more information becomes known about COVID-19 and how best to keep students and teachers safe. A big problem for school officials is that there is still a lot that is unknown about how COVID-19 spreads and what is known continues to change. "We're still learning about how the virus affects children," he said. More local data about the spread of COVID-19 is needed for school officials to make ongoing good decisions about how to handle groups of students and whether, for example, schools should be closed or daily schedules should be modified, he said. "We pray for data at the ZIP code level," he said. And when positive cases are found at school, he added, contact tracing will become even more important to keep communities safe. Districts are in various stages of preparation, he said, and while some have already fully developed their plans and are waiting to see if it is compatible with whatever the state plan says, others are just beginning the process of surveying their communities about the level of interest in continuing school remotely versus returning to classrooms. Knowing how many students will be in buildings or learning remotely at home affects decisions about everything from how many teachers are needed to where buses will run to how much food will be needed for school meals. Mackey said some districts have found as many as 20% of students may choose to attend school virtually. The state department is finalizing the purchase of a statewide virtual school platform that local schools can use if they don't already have a virtual program of their own. Hoover City Schools recently released results from a survey they conducted showing less than half of parents and teachers are comfortable returning to school buildings when school starts this year. Officials announced Wednesday they will offer a full K-12 virtual school option for students. HCS Engaged Learning Full-Time Virtual School Option - DESCRIPTION: In response to COVID-19, Hoover City Schools... Posted by Hoover City Schools on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 Huntsville City Schools has already started enrolling students in their virtual school, called Huntsville Virtual Academy. Registration opened June 5 and is open to students zoned to attend school within the district. School starts August 6 in Hoover and August 17 in Huntsville. ACS families are receiving an email w/ a survey on traditional learning vs. virtual model.#ALSDE is set to provide more info later in June. pic.twitter.com/vTdrwSy4lK Auburn City Schools (@AuburnCityEdu) June 17, 2020 Though a lot of families may choose virtual school, Hollingsworth expects the majority of the state's 730,000 students to return to traditional classrooms, bringing up a whole new set of questions. "Even if I'm in school," Hollingsworth asked, "what kind of school am I having?" Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that if schools open, they may want to keep children in small groups throughout the school day, forego recess, and eat meals inside the classroom rather than the cafeteria. Beyond any orders from local or state public health departments or requirements from the state department of education, local school officials will have final say over which guidelines are put into place inside school buildings and buses. Some districts are posting regular updates on social media, letting their communities know where they are in the planning process. Jefferson County Superintendent Walter Gonsoulin said in a YouTube video posted Thursday that he expects to release more information after July 4. Students there will start back to school on August 25. Related: Alabama college enrollment will be impacted by coronavirus, official says Related: Teachers in masks, lunches in classrooms, CDC guidelines envision stark new year for schools Update: The start date for Hoover City Schools is August 6, not August 17. We apologize for the error. P Ramdas By Express News Service KOCHI: A native of Ernakulam in Kerala reached Chennai by car recently to join her husband who is working in the Tamil Nadu capital. A mandatory test for interstate travellers conducted by Tamil Nadu health department found her Covid positive. To the surprise of her family members, she did not have any symptoms of the disease and she had not travelled much during the lockdown period. In a worrying trend, Keralites arriving in Chennai have been increasingly testing positive for Covid-19 for the past one month. According to Tamil Nadu health department, 47 Keralites who arrived in Chennai in the past 30 days (from May 19) have tested positive. This indicates silent community transmission happening in Kerala which has escaped the eyes of the health department. Definitely, there will be asymptomatic cases in the society. The rate of random tests is very low in Kerala and, as SARS-CoV-2 is an airborne virus, the chances of infection are very high. As most of the cases are asymptomatic, it is difficult to spot. The only solution is to increase tests, said epidemiologist A Sukumaran, who was part of the states integrated disease surveillance programme during the Nipah outbreak in 2018. According to him, the chances of community transmission are high in Kerala because of the high density of population. The antibody testing is not effective in identifying Covid cases. The accuracy rate of antibody tests is less than one per cent as per the report of the Indian Council of Medical Research. At present, Kerala is not conducting RT-PCR tests on anyone without symptoms for Covid-19, except for sentinel surveillance. The statistics show that three Keralites who arrived in Tamil Nadu by road and rail tested positive on Thursday. The number was five on Wednesday and three each on Monday and Tuesday. The first case of a Keralite testing positive on arrival in Tamil Nadu was reported on May 19. As per the protocol of Tamil Nadu government, all passengers from other states are tested for Covid-19 and they are quarantined in government-run institutions till their results come. If their test returns positive, they are moved to hospitals. If not, they can go home but have to quarantine themselves for 14 days. Dr Padmanabha Shenoy of Kochi, who has closely followed the situation in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, said the statistics should be taken seriously. It is very difficult to trace the contact details of all persons going from the state to Tamil Nadu. He also cited the recent incident of three nurses, who left for Kuwait from Kochi airport, testing positive for Covid-19 after their arrival in the Gulf country. These clearly show that there has been silent transmission in Kerala and this may lead to community transmission. Test must for people arriving in Tamil Nadu As per the protocol of Tamil Nadu government, all passengers from other states are tested for Covid-19 and they are quarantined in government-run institutions till their results come. If their test returns positive, they are moved to hospitals. President Donald Trump painted a dire image of America if he loses his reelection, warning in an interview with his son that the economy would collapse, law enforcement would disappear and the "whole country will be Minneapolis." His threat that without him the country would look like the Midwestern city was alluding to the looting and riots that beset the city for several nights following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in police custody. He did not mention that during the day there were largely peaceful demonstrations in the city (or that there's an entire meme about how nice Minnesotans are). "I feel that if the Democrats get in, we are literally going to end up in a recession-slash-depression the likes of which you've never seen," Trump said. "There will be tremendous negative growth, tremendous bedlam all over the place, there won't be law and order. You'll have a Seattle, you'll have a Minneapolis like you've never seen before. The whole country will be Minneapolis." Trump's dystopian prediction came during a 20-minute interview with Donald Trump Jr. on his online show "Triggered" that ranged in topics from which Trump child is his favorite ("All the same, 100 percent") to "Saturday Night Live" ("I don't find it funny") to Don Jr.'s quarantine beard ("I don't like it on you"). Trump slammed Democratic-run cities, specifically deriding the creation of an autonomous, police-free zone in a Seattle neighborhood and taking credit for easing the unrest in Minneapolis. "The Democrat-run cities are the ones having the trouble," he said. "You look at Seattle, when you go to Minnesota and you take a look at what's taken place there, it's incredible. They tried to take over a great city, Minneapolis, and they had taken it over before I said, 'you have to send in the National Guard'." Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, activated the Minnesota National Guard after the protests turned violent. Trump's son asked him how he could convince voters in Democratic-led states to vote for him. The president replied: "I happen to think it's explaining to people that are getting ready to vote on November 3 that there's only one answer and you can't go back to the bedlam," Trump said. "The country I don't believe would ever recover from it. You'd have a situation like Seattle times one thousand. The country would never survive it." Chinese military planes enter Taiwan's ADIZ for third time this week ROC Central News Agency 06/18/2020 05:28 PM Taipei, June 18 (CNA) Two Chinese military planes were spotted for the third time this week entering Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Thursday, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND). The Chengdu J-10 and Shenyang J-11 fighter jets briefly entered the airspace that morning, prompting Taiwanese patrol aircraft to respond with radio warnings until they were driven out of the ADIZ, the MND's Air Force Command Headquarters said in a press release. Air activity over the waters surrounding Taiwan are constantly monitored by the military, the Air Force said. According to the MND, it was also the fifth time this month that Chinese military aircraft have been spotted flying near Taiwan, following similar occurrences on June 9, June 12, June 16 and June 17. (By Chen Yun-yu and Ko Lin) Enditem/J NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Police, community members and others meet near the Columbia Heights Metro Station to discuss recent shootings and other crime in the area on Jan. 20. (Matt McClain/The Post) Residents, who on Thursday toured the area with D.C. police and city leaders, say shootings have made them feel unsafe in their neighborhood. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during the daily media briefing at the Office of the Governor of the State of New York in New York City, N.Y., on June 12, 2020. (Jeenah Moon/Getty Images) New York Gov. Warns CCP Virus Spread Could Start All Over Again Amid Rise in Other US States New York Governor Andrew Cuomo warned that the spread of the CCP virus in his state could start all over again if people in other U.S. states with a rising number of cases travel to New York. If those states are going up, they could spread the virus to New York, he told reporters at his daily press briefing on the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, also known as the novel coronavirus, on Thursday. They have a higher rate of infections than New York, he continued. What happens if those people get on planes and fly to New York? Thats how we got here in the first place, right? People landing on our airports. So we do have a selfish interest, the same interest that so many states expressed when we were at the beginning of this and they were worried about New Yorkers going to their states. We lived through that. Well, now its the inverse, he added. Cuomo pointed out a number of states have seen recent increases in CCP virus-related hospitalizations. Among 20 states he says have been on the increase, Cuomo called out Arizona, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah, Montana, and Alaska. Its 20 states are on the increase, and then compare that to New York where we are on the decrease, he said. Weve been on the decrease for the past 60 days. Two months of decline, then going up now, how do you explain that? Protesters rally near the edge of Times Square in New York, Sunday, June 7, 2020. (Seth Wenig/AP photo) Cuomo said earlier this month that people who have been participating in rallies and marches to protest following the death of George Floyd should get a test for the CCP virus. He said the state would open 15 testing sites dedicated to protesters so they can get results quickly. I would act as if you were exposed, and I would tell people you are interacting with, assume I am positive for the virus, Cuomo said at the time. The call is similar to those made in Seattle, San Francisco, and Atlanta following massive demonstrations, with free testing for protesters. New York has been the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak, with black communities hit especially hard. White House officials had announced in late March that anyone who leaves New York should self-quarantine for 14 days. At the time, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Debbie Birx said that about 56 percent of all the CCP virus cases in the United States, including 60 percent of all the new cases, were from the New York metro area. President Donald Trump announced in mid-April a 3-phase set of guidelines designed for governors to reopen their states. Trump said at the time that the final decision was in the hands of governors as every state is different with regard to the CCP virus situation. President Donald Trump speaks in the briefing room at the White House in Washington, on April 16, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Governors will be empowered to tailor an approach that needs the diverse circumstances of their own states, he said at the time. If they need to remain closed, we will allow them to do that and if they believe it is time to reopen, we will provide them the freedom and guidance to accomplish that task and very quickly, depending on what they want to do. We are also encouraging states to work together to harmonize their regional efforts. Cuomo said on Thursday that New York state has reported the lowest number of hospitalizations1,358since March 19, and said that there had been 29 CCP virus-related deaths on Wednesday across the statean increase from 17 deaths on Tuesday. Most of New York state is in Phase 3 of the states reopening plan. Mid-Hudson and Long Island are in Phase 2, and New York City is set to move to Phase 2 soon. Cuomo said that New York City is on track to move to Phase 2 of reopening on Monday. The governor also said on Thursday that businesses that violate health guidelines can face the immediate loss of their liquor license or a shut down order. He also said he will issue an Executive Order to hold bars responsible for overseeing the sidewalk or area in front of their establishments. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The development goes against earlier reports of bilateral cooperation on the desert locust outbreak as Islamabad gives no formal response. Pakistan on Thursday skipped a crucial meeting with India to tackle recent locust attacks that led to extensive crop damage in both countries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. As per the available information, Pakistan has refused to join the meeting which was proposed to be held today, said Anurag Srivastava, MEA spokesperson on meeting between India and Pakistan on locust management. Officials from both India and Pakistan were expected to hold a technical level meeting on June 18. Islamabad had not given any formal response on the request to hold discussions over the issue earlier, according to the diplomatic sources. The Pakistan Foreign Office had said on June 5 that Pakistan and India are cooperating with each other to tackle the issue of desert locust under a forum administered by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Pakistan and India are members of FAOs Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in South-West Asia (SWAC). Read also: India-China Standoff: PM Modi to chair an all party meeting today Read also: No soldier missing in action: Indian Army Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui, in the weekly media briefing, had said that the ministerial meeting of the commission was held in March during which it was decided to reactivate communication between the member states on the locust situation and a Technical and Operational Coordination (ToC) team was formed to exchange information, enhance coordination at the border areas and increase synchronisation to combat desert locust outbreak in the region, Dawn reported. She said Pakistan had been participating in the SWAC meeting on a weekly basis. She said cooperation in exchanging information in bordering areas of Pakistan and India was fruitful, according to the report. We believe that the respective technical teams have been coordinating appropriately through FAO, she had said. Farooqui said that Pakistan remains committed to cooperating with all SWAC member states, including India, in combating desert locust outbreak. Pakistan and India are facing the worst locust attack in recent years. The desert locust is a species of locust, a swarming short-horned grasshopper and poses an unprecedented threat to food supply and livelihoods of millions of people. Locust swarms from Pakistan entered Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh threatening standing crops. Rajasthan is the worst affected state. Read also: S Jaishankar hits out at Rahul Gandhi on Galwan violence, asks him to get facts straight For all the latest National News, download NewsX App THE Regal Picturehouse in Henley could re-open next month, writes David White. The cinema in Boroma Way has been closed for three months after all non-essential businesses were ordered to shut because of the coronavirus pandemic. The chain says it will re-open its branches from Friday, July 10, but this is subject to final clarification and confirmation regarding government restrictions. It will confirm which locations are due to open on that date in the coming weeks. It says that in order to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for its employees and audiences new safety guidelines will include: Social distancing throughout the cinema Hand sanitiser available A limited number of seats available to ensure social distancing Enhanced cleaning throughout the day Film screenings with staggered start times to allow for safe entry and exit Employees will receive specific covid-19 training PPE will be provided where deemed necessary Protective screens at the kiosk where social distancing cannot be maintained Contactless payments where possible Cafes and bars will remain closed until further notice The company says it will monitor and adapt to this new situation as necessary and will continue to follow future advice from the relevant government agencies. A statement said: We have all had a challenging few months and we thank you for your patience, ongoing support and passion for cinema. Weve missed you and are looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the best of cinema on the big screen. The full film programme will be announced soon but Christopher Nolans highly anticipated new film Tenet is now confirmed to open on July 31. Other titles coming this year include No Time To Die, Mulan, A Quiet Place Part II, Black Widow, Wonder Woman 1984 and Wes Andersons The French Dispatch. A man has been charged in relation to the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. The man, aged in his 40s, is due to appear before a special court sitting in Co Roscommon tonight. Mr Horkan was shot dead in Castlerea on Wednesday night. It comes as hundreds of people gathered in Mayo and Roscommon to pay their respects to Mr Horkan. There were emotional scenes in Ballaghaderreen as the hearse carrying the remains of Mr Horkan made its way through the town towards his home in Charlestown on Friday. Expand Close The hearse arrives in Ballaghaderreen in Co Roscommon (Michael McCormack/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The hearse arrives in Ballaghaderreen in Co Roscommon (Michael McCormack/PA) The cortege was flanked by gardai on motorcycles, while people lined the streets where Mr Horkan had worked for several years. Floral tributes were left outside Ballaghaderreen garda station. In Castlerea, where the garda was shot dead, many people queued to sign a book of condolence. Mr Horkans funeral will take place at St Jamess Church in Charlestown on Sunday. I have opened online Book of Condolence to allow Dubliners to express their sympathies to family & colleagues of Detective Garda Colm Horkan who was killed while on duty serving and protecting the people of Ireland. It can be signed at https://t.co/W1upVqEoi5 until Tues 23 June pic.twitter.com/t49fiiG7ud Lord Mayor of Dublin (@LordMayorDublin) June 18, 2020 Mr Horkan was shot dead while on duty on Wednesday night. The man was arrested shortly after the murder and was questioned by gardai for almost two days. Gardai believe Detective Horkans gun was taken from him after he became involved an altercation while he was on patrol in the town. Signing the book of condolence for the late Detective Garda Colm Horkan in Wexford Garda Station. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/xF47C8VqRC BrendanHowlin (@BrendanHowlin) June 19, 2020 Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has described the killing as a random act. Hundreds of local people gathered in Castlerea on Thursday evening for a vigil paying tribute to Detective Garda Horkan. Gardai are examining how a State funeral will be held for Detective Horkan given the Covid-19 restrictions as members of the public will also want to pay their respects. Books of condolence have opened at garda stations around the country. Dublin City Council has opened an online book of condolence, with all messages to be presented to Detective Horkans family. Signing the book of condolence for Detective Garda Colm Horkan, opened today in Cabra Garda Station. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam https://t.co/Y9qTLSka36 pic.twitter.com/6Kxjz4u7R5 Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) June 19, 2020 Meanwhile, Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran said the death of Detective Garda Horkan has caused outrage in the area and appealed for calm. Bishop Doran said the community in Co Roscommon is still trying to come to terms with Detective Horkans death. There is an actual feeling of revulsion in people about what happened it is important we dont allow what has happened to bring our society down to that level. What has happened and the cruel way in which it happened, does not and cannot define the kind of society that we are, he told Shannonside FM. Politicians were among those signing books of condolence. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and Labour TD Brendan Howlin were among those to pay their respects. Its a difficult decision to make: as Joffrey CEO Greg Cameron said, The loss of The Nutcracker alone more than half of the Joffreys annual earned revenue compounds a financial crisis for the company that began this past spring. Yet, as NYCB artistic director Jonathan Stafford put it, It became apparent that there would be no way to pull this production together safely. The New York Times WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump plans to host an Independence Day celebration again this year, despite the coronavirus pandemic, with military demonstrations, fireworks, and a speech to "salute our amazing heritage," the White House announced Friday. Trump and first lady Melania Trump, along with the Interior Department, will host the 2020 "Salute to America" on the South Lawn of the White House and the Ellipse on July 4, the White House announced Friday. The president has drawn fire recently for planning large gatherings, such as a rally expected to take place in Tulsa on Saturday, in the midst of the coronavirus shutdown and social distancing restrictions. This year's event will be a somewhat scaled-down version of Trump's first "Salute to America," last year, in which the president gave a speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial, flanked by armored vehicles and with military jets passing overhead. Presidents typically have not participated in July Fourth celebrations on the Mall. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan took part in what was billed as a "Star Spangled Salute to America" at the Jefferson Memorial on July 3. In prior years, Trump had tried to host patriotic events such as a military parade. His event last year was welcomed by some but derided by others, who said Trump was turning a beloved nonpartisan tradition of celebrating independence into something akin to a political rally. Two people were arrested for burning a flag in front of the White House. The District of Columbia government cannot dictate what the federal government does on federal land, and the office of District Mayor Muriel Bowser did not immediately respond to questions on Friday about the White House's plan. As for celebrations on local streets, Bowser, a Democrat, said in May that she would not issue any permits for local Fourth of July parades, such as the popular annual neighborhood parade in the Palisades, while the city remains under coronavirus guidance that prohibits large gatherings. Since then, Bowser herself has attended some of the protests over George Floyd's death in Minneapolis, which were far larger than the current cap on 10 people per gathering or the new cap, starting Monday, of 50 people. She has continued to urge Washingtonians to practice social distancing to contain the spread of the virus. For decades, the National Park Service has set off fireworks on the National Mall on July Fourth, and musicians and the National Symphony Orchestra have performed free concerts on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This year's event will include music, military demonstrations, and flyovers "to honor our nation's service members and veterans," according to the White House news release. After Trump's speech about independence, fireworks will be ignited over the National Mall. Photograph: Justin Lane/EPA The Trump administration will go to court on Friday in an effort to halt publication of John Boltons memoir of his time as national security adviser, on the grounds it contains classified material. Related: John Bolton says Trump is 'not fit for office' as fallout continues over book live Justice department lawyers are likely to face an uphill struggle in Washington district court, as hundreds of thousands of copies of The Room Where It Happened, due for publication on Tuesday, have already been sent to booksellers, excerpts have appeared in the press, and Donald Trump had on Twitter denounced it as a compilation of lies and made-up stories, dismissing Bolton as a wacko. Trumps description of Boltons book as a work of fiction will make it hard for the government to prove the assertion in its court filing that the disclosure of the manuscript will damage the national security of the United States. Bolton, meanwhile, continued to step up pressure on his former employer, describing Trump as not fit for office, and not having the competence to carry out the job. He made the comments in an interview with ABC News, the full version of which will be aired on Sunday. In an excerpt screened on Thursday, Bolton said Trump was a stunningly uninformed man whose ignorance could be easily manipulated by foreign adversaries. He was so focused on the re-election that longer-term considerations fell by the wayside, Bolton said. There really isnt any guiding principle that I was able to discern other than whats good for Donald Trumps re-election. As Trumps longest serving national security adviser, Bolton attended the presidents meetings with Russias Vladimir Putin, Chinas Xi Jinping and North Koreas Kim Jong-un before resigning from the White House last September. According to Bolton, Trump told Xi last year that the mass incarceration of Muslim Uighurs was exactly the right thing to do and appealed to the Chinese president to buy more US farm produce as it would help get him re-elected. Story continues When asked about Trumps three summits with Kim, Bolton told ABC News: There was considerable emphasis on the photo opportunity and the press reaction to it, and little or no focus on what such meetings did for the bargaining position of the United States. I was sick at heart over Trumps zeal to meet with Kim Jong-un, he wrote, according to an advance copy seen by ABC. Bolton said he would be hard-pressed to identify any significant Trump decision during [his] tenure that wasnt driven by re-election calculations. Wacko John Boltons exceedingly tedious(New York Times) book is made up of lies & fake stories. Said all good about me, in print, until the day I fired him. A disgruntled boring fool who only wanted to go to war. Never had a clue, was ostracized & happily dumped. What a dope! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2020 Trump, lashed out at Bolton on Twitter, implying he had caused the failure of the diplomatic initiative with North Korea when the he appeared on television in 2018 to suggest the US follow the Libya model for disarming North Korea. Muammar Gaddafi surrendered his embryonic nuclear programme in 2003 in pursuit of better relations with the west, but it did not save him from being overthrown and killed in the Arab spring revolt of 2011. Trump said that after Boltons interview, all hell broke out. Kim Jong-un, who we were getting along with very well, went ballistic, just like his missiles and rightfully so. Trump continued on Twitter: He didnt want Bolton anywhere near him. Boltons dumbest-of-all statements set us back very badly with North Korea, even now. I asked him, What the hell were you thinking? He had no answer and just apologized. That was early on, I should have fired him right then and there! Many North Korea experts saw Boltons Libya model intervention as a deliberate attempt to sabotage Trumps summitry with Kim, but almost all agree that Trumps efforts failed because Kim never had any intention of giving up his nuclear arsenal. Bolton, an ultra-hawk on most foreign policy issues, says in his book that the turning point in his decision to leave the Trump administration was the presidents last-minute decision to call off air strikes against Iran in June last year. In one of a string of angry tweets devoted to Bolton, Trump said his book was a compilation of lies and made-up stories, all intended to make him look bad. Many of the ridiculous statements he attributes to me were never made, pure fiction. Just trying to get even for firing him like the sick puppy he is! Trump said. The Room Where It Happened includes multiple anecdotes that portray Trump as ignorant about the world. According to Bolton, the president was unaware that the UK had its own nuclear weapons. Related: Donald Trump did not know UK had nuclear weapons, Bolton says in new book He recalls a meeting in 2018 with the then prime minister, Theresa May, at which a British official referred to the UK as a nuclear power. Trump replied, Oh, are you a nuclear power?, in a tone of voice that made Bolton believe it was not intended as a joke, according to a Washington Post excerpt from the book. A former US official confirmed the account and described a similar conversation with May when Trump made a state visit to the UK in June 2019. He told May the No 1 existential threat is still nuclear weapons, and not climate change or any of these other issues that all these other people were raising, the former official told the Guardian. When May asked how that would affect the UK deterrent, the official said Trump appeared taken aback by the question. In his view, this was all about the US and Russia, the official said. He didnt really factor in the other countries. Democrats have castigated Bolton for his failure to testify at the impeachment hearings, accusing him of withholding evidence of presidential abuses to boost sales of his book. They are considering a subpoena to force Bolton to repeat his assertions about Trump under oath before Congress. Joe Biden, Trumps rival for the White House in the November presidential election, called the alleged actions by Trump morally repugnant. If these accounts are true, its not only morally repugnant, its a violation of Donald Trumps sacred duty to the American people to protect Americas interests and defend our values, Biden said on Wednesday night. LOS ANGELES, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Caring Brands International ("CBI"), a portfolio company of Levine Leichtman Capital Partners ("LLCP"), announced today that it has successfully completed the acquisition of its Bluebird Care Master Franchise in the Republic of Ireland. Through the acquisition, CBI adds direct franchising rights in the Republic of Ireland, which it serves through its Bluebird Care brand, and 26 franchise locations to its portfolio of over 550 locations across the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The franchisees in the Republic of Ireland will now have direct access to the wide-ranging support and services of Bluebird Care, one of the United Kingdom's largest homecare providers, and CBI. Founded in 1966, CBI is the largest franchisor of home healthcare services globally and produces approximately $1.1 billion of annual systemwide sales across its brands. CBI offers franchises under three brands: Interim HealthCare (United States), Bluebird Care (United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland) and Just Better Care (Australia). CBI's franchisees offer individuals a full continuum of care at home including skilled nursing, assistance with daily living activities and end-of-life hospice care. Jennifer Sheets, CEO and President of Caring Brands International, commented, "I look forward to supporting our Irish franchisees as they continue to grow their businesses and enhance their market leadership. We are very eager to extend our award-winning support services to the team in the Republic of Ireland, so that they can continue to provide the highest standard of care to customers in their own homes, now during COVID-19, and in the future." Matthew Frankel, a Partner at LLCP, stated, "This acquisition demonstrates the continued support of our CBI investment. We remain focused on building value for the benefit of all CBI's stakeholders, including franchise owners, patients, caregivers, and investors. We are excited to partner with the Irish franchisees on their next stage of growth." CBI is a portfolio company of Levine Leichtman Capital Partners Fund V, L.P. About Levine Leichtman Capital Partners Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, LLC is a middle-market private equity firm with a 36-year track record of successfully investing across various targeted sectors, including franchising, professional services, education and engineered products. LLCP utilizes a differentiated Structured Equity investment strategy, combining debt and equity capital investments in portfolio companies. This unique structure provides a less dilutive solution for management teams and entrepreneurs, while delivering growth and income with a significantly lower risk profile. LLCP's global team of dedicated investment professionals is led by seven partners who have worked together for an average of 21 years. Since inception, LLCP has managed over $10.8 billion of institutional capital across 14 investment funds and has invested in over 85 portfolio companies. LLCP currently manages $6.9 billion of assets including its most recent flagship fund, Levine Leichtman Capital Partners VI, L.P., which closed in 2018 with $2.5 billion of committed capital and has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Chicago, Charlotte, Miami, London, Stockholm and The Hague. Media Contact: Mark Semer or Ross Lovern Kekst CNC [email protected], [email protected] (212) 521-4800 SOURCE Levine Leichtman Capital Partners Few passengers wait at the Beijing Railway Station on Thursday. Since the new outbreak in the city started on June 11, virus control measures have been implemented that include community access restrictions, requiring people to take nucleic acid tests and enacting new travel curbs and rules. [Photo by Zou Hong/China Daily] The recent outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Beijing is under control as the city has seen a decline in confirmed cases, but the caseload will continue to grow for some time, health expert Wu Zunyou said on Thursday. "It's positive that Beijing has controlled the epidemic. All the cases reported today were infected before June 12," said Wu, chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. He added that the full tally of locally transmitted cases will continue to emerge in the coming days, but the number of cases will decrease over time, since the newly added cases were just new confirmations, not new infections. The city reported 21 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, 10 cases less than the previous day. All the cases are related to Xinfadi wholesale market in Beijing's Fengtai district, according to Pang Xinghuo, deputy head of the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Beijing reported eight clusters of coronavirus infection as of Wednesday, all of which were closely connected with the Xinfadi market, according to Pang. Research and sampling have been conducted at the market over the past few days, which showed that infected seafood vendors outnumbered vendors with positive results in beef, mutton and other sections. Those seafood vendors tended to show COVID-19 symptoms earlier than other workers, Wu said. The facility with the seafood section also was found to be more contaminated by the novel coronavirus, he said, adding that in the early stages of the epidemic, cluster infections were found in a seafood market in Wuhan, Hubei province. Research being conducted is expected to provide more clues, he added. "One possible reason is that the freezing and humid environment at the seafood section might contribute to preserving the virus. But more analysis is needed to determine how it triggered the new outbreak," he said. Workers disinfect a waiting area in Beijing Railway Station on Thursday. [Photo by Zou Hong/China Daily] "The recent cases in Beijing, as well as the sporadic infections across the country, are within expectations given the global spread of the virus." Wu mentioned that Beijing would have become comparable to "Wuhan early this year" if the city had not rapidly taken strict measures to halt the spread in an accurate way after the first case was reported on June 11. In addition to mass nucleic acid testing for all people who had been to Xinfadi or had contact with people linked to the market, schools in Beijing also are taking strict measures to curb the spread of the virus. Dongcheng district is requiring all graduating students in junior and senior high schools to have a coronavirus test before they can take entrance exams for college or high school, both scheduled to take place next month. Security inspection stations have been set up on the city's highway toll booths, giving departure permission only to those travelers with a recent negative nucleic acid test report, Pan Xuhong, deputy director of the municipal public security bureau, said on Thursday. People with confirmed or suspected cases, close contacts and those with positive test results but no symptoms will not be allowed to buy airline or train tickets. People who have traveled to Xinfadi wholesale market or who have had close contact with market workers since May 30, as well as the residents living in areas designated as medium-and high-risk, are also forbidden to leave Beijing. "However, strengthening the management of high-risk groups by banning them from leaving the city doesn't mean there's a lockdown," Pan said. "Travelers with negative nucleic acid test results can leave the city after a temperature check." Also, the National Development and Reform Commission has organized the delivery of 5,000 tons of vegetables from neighboring Hebei province to Beijing to help ensure the supply of daily necessities to residents of the city, according to Wang Hongcun, an official at the municipal commerce bureau. (Source: China Daily) Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has refused to rule out the possibility that the position of prime minister may be created in an upcoming referendum as a way to see him retain power past the constitutional limit of two terms for a president. Mr Kenyatta is due to leave office in 2022. In a streamed interview with Financial Times journalist Katrina Manson, the president refused to comment on "non-existent positions". He however was categorical that he would not stay on as president beyond his two terms, saying the constitution and the people of Kenya were very clear about that. "Kenyans are very clear about the two-term limit since 2002, when it came into effect. No president has broken that. And I have no intention of being the first," he said. The president said Kenya would hold a referendum soon to, according to him, "change parts of the constitution that would periodically need amendments, a fact that even its creators acknowledged". He also addressed concerns about the free trade deal being negotiated between Kenya and the US, saying it would be a negotiation of equals despite the different economic and political power of the two countries. A host of civil society organisations, who maintain that the trade deal will be a disaster for the Kenyan economy, tweeted their opposition under the hashtag #NoToKenyaUSFTA. Mr Kenyatta also had a message for those holding Black Lives Matter protests in the US and across the world: "All lives matter, but there should not be any targeted oppression of any group in society." 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 Phoenix-area shoppers can now complete every step of their car-buying purchase online with the Earnhardt Hyundai No Bull Express services. Online shopping tools on the Earnhardt Hyundai website are giving local shoppers the ability to purchase a new vehicle from the comfort of their home. The dealerships No Bull Express services are giving interested buyers the opportunity to bring their entire car-buying experience online. The simple online tools available on the Earnhardt Hyundai website walk individuals through each step in the automotive purchase process. Users begin by filtering through the dealerships online inventory to find the vehicle that is fit for them. Once a customer has picked their vehicle, they can begin the online purchase process. Shoppers will navigate through a series of steps, including applying for financing options, choosing loan or lease terms, receive an appraisal for their trade-in and finalizing their deal. After the deal is finalized buyers will then schedule a delivery day to have their new Hyundai delivered straight to their home. The Earnhardt Hyundai showroom offers interested customers a variety of new Hyundai vehicles and a wide selection of pre-owned models. The local dealership houses sedan, crossover and SUV models, offering something for every shopper. Anyone can view the dealerships entire inventory online by visiting the Earnhardt Hyundai website, https://www.earnhardthyundai.com/. For any specific inquiries a dealership representative can be reached by phone, 833-331-0148. The Earnhardt Hyundai sales department is open seven days a week with hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The Earnhardt Hyundai showroom is located at 10401 W Papago Fwy, Avondale, AZ 85323. 'Given the way in which the PLA operates today, I don't believe local commanders were necessarily acting without approval of higher levels.' 'They were acting in a way which they believed they were carrying out the intent of the higher levels.' IMAGE: An Indian Army convoy moves along the highway leading to Ladakh, June 18, 2020. Photograph: Danish Ismail/Reuters M Taylor Fravel is the leading expert on China's border issues. Based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr Fravel provides the context for the deadly clash on the India-China border. Dr Fravel, who has written often about China's border disputes, including Strong Borders, Secure Nation, argues that better delineation of the Line of Actual Control could reduce the chance of conflict, and that both China and India are better served by avoiding tension, especially at a time that China views the United State as its main adversary. "I don't think China is looking for a wider conflict with India on the China-India border," Dr Fravel tells Senior Rediff.com Contributor P Rajendran. What do you make of the situation? For the last six weeks, there has been a clear increase in Chinese activity along the Line of Actual Control -- the intrusions apparently in several areas. These are kind of unprecedented, right? Before, China generally would intrude in one area; here, maybe it intruded in three or four at the same time. The Chinese posture was very different from 2013 in Depsang, 2014 in Chumar, even 2017 in Doklam. That created conditions for the kind of clash that we saw on Monday night. I don't think China necessarily intended for there to be a clash. It looks like it was part of a struggle over the implementation of the June 6 commanders meeting. That (set off) the deadliest clash since 1967. There were some military commanders who took on more aggressive postures, but appeared quite conciliatory when the Doklam impasse was addressed in 2017. Would that argue that local leaders of China's People's Liberation Army (an offshoot of the Communist Party of China) were acting on their own? Given the way in which the PLA operates today, I don't believe local commanders in China were necessarily acting without approval of higher levels. They were acting in a way which they believed they were carrying out the intent of the higher levels. Tactics on the ground can vary. At the same time I don't think that China is looking for a wider conflict with India on the China-India border. China's main strategic concern and adversary is the United States, it's not India. So (a local conflict) distracts China from its focus on the United States, or creates opportunities for the United States to gain influence on China's borders. So the moderate tone of the individual you are referring to probably reflects that strategic consideration for China. India is really a secondary concern; the United States is a primary concern. A wider clash (with India) would distract China from focusing on that. IMAGE: Border Security Force soldiers guard the Srinagar-Ladakh national highway. Photograph: PTI Photo Isn't the PLA working closely along with the people in the senior Chinese political system? They certainly are. Clearly, up until this point the PLA appears to have been taking the lead... I don't think the PLA was acting without higher approval. It was carrying out a clear and deliberate plan. But certainly in terms of the interaction with China, it was primarily limited to talks among the military commanders. Given the history, what do you think is likely to happen next? It's unclear what will happen next. If you look at the Chinese statement, China believes India violated the June 6 commanders meeting agreement. India believes that China violated the agreement. (India states the Chinese did not withdraw as agreed upon; China states Indian soldiers crossed the Line of Actual Control). But the focus of both sides on that agreement is that the likely way to resolve this in the short term would be to go back and focus on implementing that agreement if that is still possible. I don't think India wants a wider conflict either. I think both sides, at the national, political level, have an incentive to prevent further escalation. The recent phone call between the Indian external affairs minister and the Chinese foreign minister, I took to be a positive sign that attention was being elevated within the respective political systems from the military level to the political and diplomatic levels. What would be a possible solution to the situation? This sounds idealistic. I don't know if both sides would be willing to do it. But it seems clear to me that what India and China need is an agreed upon the Line of Actual Control -- or maybe just a Line of Control, where each side clearly acknowledges the limits of their presence -- not necessarily the limits of their sovereignty claims, but the limits of their physical presence and use that as a way to reduce the potential for all these kinds of clashes. This is basically the fourth major incident in seven years, and there has been a number of minor incidents. This is by far the most significant (going) by the reports. They all have had to deal with the lLine of Actual Control. India and China both tried to improve their positions there. That increases the activity there. That increased activity creates more opportunity for conflict to occur. IMAGE: Border Security Force personnel stand guard at a checkpoint along a highway leading to Ladakh, at Gagangeer in Kashmir's Ganderbal district June 17, 2020. Photograph: Danish Ismail/Reuters What about the sovereignty issue? Would that not be the ultimate solution? Sovereignty would be the ultimate solution, but both sides haven't been able to agree upon it, going back to at least 1960, when (then Chinese premier) Zhou Enlai visited New Delhi and proposed a settlement -- a package deal solution. India is not going to make any concessions in the eastern sector in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, and China is not going to make any concessions in the western sector. (They need to) agree to sort things in each sector at a broad level. Then you would have to figure out where the actual border would lie. And that may involve some additional negotiations. From China's viewpoint, India's improved position on the LAC in the western sector (threatens its claims there). Which goes back to main reasons why China fought India in 1962, which was to protect the road that connected (the regions of) Tibet and Xinjiang through Ladakh or Aksai Chin and, from China's perspective, maintain its territorial integrity. There have been suggestions that involve India ceding part of Ladakh and China dropping claims on Arunachal Pradesh. Would that be an equitable solution as you see it? Swapping Arunachal Pradesh for Ladakh? In terms of square kilometres, that would give India 90,000 kilometres versus 33,000 kilometres to China. India would keep an area three times as big. China would be giving up an area three times as big as it keeps. My fear is that if the two sides pursue a sector-by-sector approach, and negotiate each sector separately, China will adopt a far more stringent position in the eastern sector and actually demand concessions wherever that happens. Strategically, isn't Ladakh more important to the Chinese than Arunachal Pradesh? Yes, absolutely. Strategically, Ladakh is much more important to China. There are a variety of reasons why we see greater crises on the western sector, but one of them is that China cares a lot about it. It doesn't trust India, going back to 1962 regarding Indian pressure. Production: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com New Delhi, June 19 : The Narendra Modi government is unlikely to take any rash decision despite the recent military aggression by China over the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which left 20 Indian soldiers killed and over a billion Indians seething in anger. Anger against China did result in some action. For instance, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) scrapped its contract with Beijing National Railway Research and Design Institute of Signal and Communication Group Co. Ltd. "In view of poor progress, it is decided by DFCCIL to terminate the contract with Beijing National Railway Research and Design Institute of Signal and Communication Group Co. Ltd," the Indian Railways said in a statement. However, the government's overall response, military or economic, is set to be calibrated and well thought-out. Reason? India's economy is largely linked to the dragon country. China is India's second biggest trade partner, the first being the US. India is dependent on supplies from China for critical raw materials, including active pharmaceutical ingredients or APIs required for production of drugs and antibiotics, components used by automobile and other white goods manufacturers. Notwithstanding the clarion call by many associations including the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) to boycott Chinese goods, the government will not rush into taking any extreme measure. That apart, there are many Indians who are operating out of China or have factories in the country. India is likely to push the pedal on manufacturing so that the Make in India scheme takes off and replaces imports. "It is a wait-and-watch situation. The factories run by Indians in China have not been affected and it is business as usual for them as of now," Anil Bhardwaj, secretary general, Federation of Indian Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises (Fisme) told IN. He added that the situation may ease soon. A shortage of API could have far-reaching implications on the Rs 175 lakh-crore drug industry, especially at a time when the country has been hit by the spread of coronavirus. Not only will this make medicines more expensive but in many cases there could be shortages too. India's exports of medicines could also be impacted. Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) president Sharad Kumar Saraf, who has a factory in mainland China, said that work has not been interrupted. Meanwhile, India's trade with mainland China and Hong Kong showed a drop of 7 per cent in 2019-20 to $109.76-the sharpest fall in the last seven years. In 2018-19, trade between the two countries grew by only 3.2 per cent after a huge increase of 22 per cent in the previous financial year. Indian consumers have been gradually turning away Chinese goods even before the spread of the virus and the border conflict. There has been an unprecedented rise in anti-Chinese sentiment in the country after the spread of the coronavirus dented India's economic activities leaving many jobless and others with lower wages. While India may not be able to choke imports of raw materials required for finished goods, demand for Chinese finished goods could see a huge drop in the coming months. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The lockdown restrictions did not affect the agriculture export sector as it saw more business as compared to last year. According to officials, export of commodities like lemon, ginger, muskmelon, green chilli, banana, eggplant (brinjal) and potato was more as compared to 2019, and trade basket of grapes, mango, pomegranate, okra and garlic saw a dip. Sunil Pawar, managing director, Maharashtra Agricultural Marketing Board, said, Post lockdown relaxations, agricultural export is increasing. Export of Kesar mangoes has started. We are yet to collected the sale growth figure. With major export of state happening from Mumbais Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and by air, the data is expected soon. Bhaskar Patil, head, Maharashtra Agricultural Export Monitoring Committee, said, Agriculture export is carried out through sea to Dubai, Middle east countries, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Export by airway is to European countries, but the quantity is less. The agro export panel head said that the government machinery ensured that agriculture export is not hampered by lockdown restrictions. As all these countries that buy our commodities do not have their own produce, they mainly depend on us, he said. Patil said, We have data till May 31. Export is increased more in June as compared to previous month but data collection is going on. Anoop Kumar, principal secretary (agricultural marketing, animal husbandry and fisheries), and Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) managing director Sunil Pawar helped to bring coordination between various departments and sort out issues. Various departments are involved in export work. Agricultural export gainers Commodity/ export in April and May 2019 in metric tonnes/ export in April and May in 2020 in metric tonnes Banana/27,980/39,470 Lemon/453/719 Green chilli/1,601/2,020 Muskmelon/1,380/2,041 Ginger/767/1620 Eggplant (brinjal)/946/1,125 Potato/886/893 Agricultural export losers Commodity/export in April and May 2019 in metric tonnes/ Export in April and May 2020 in metric tonnes Grapes/13,947/10,305 Mango/22,892/11,760 Pomegranate/3,931/1,972 Okra (ladys finger)/441/195 Garlic/2,360/375 Air cargo facility shutdown hits mango export Maharashtra Agricultural Export Monitoring committee head Bhaskar Patil said, MSAMB had made preparations for mango export from its facility located at Vashi in Mumbai. Every year mango is exported to America, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, but as air travel facility is unavailable, the cargo is not lifted. Despite the Vashi market being closed, MSAMB ensured that packing houses for export located on market committee premises remain operational though the market was closed. The impression you get from outside is that everything is closed, he told me in a telephone interview Thursday. From inside, you get a very different vibe. Lees clothing store, he said, was completely looted. But she had bought a little bit of inventory and she had set it out and was trying to sell again, to let people know that she was there. The Director of Nursing at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Ms Evelyn Danikuu has made a passionate appeal to corporate bodies and individuals to support the hospital with ventilators to meet the demanding needs of patients. She said currently the hospital has only two ventilators and that was making their work extremely difficult as all departments in the hospital depended on it. Ms Danikuu made the appeal when Operation Smile Ghana, an international health organisation operating in Ghana donated a quantity of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and some medical items to the TTH last Wednesday, June 17, 2020, to support the facility in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The PPE include 10 safety googles, 20 surgical gowns, 24 surgical face masks, 110 face masks, 15 examination gloves and five patient monitor worth GH24, 580 were to support the hospital response against the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms Danikuu who expressed her appreciation for the items appealed to Operation Smile Ghana and well-meaning organisations to support hospital with more ventilators to enhance patients care at the facility. The Deputy Director, Administration, TTH, Mr Iddrisu A. Tanko who received the items on behalf of the hospital, applauded Operation Smile Ghana for the gesture which has come at the right time. According to him, the hospital has successfully carried out several surgical operations with the utmost support of Operation Smile Ghana. That, he said the hospital welcome them and were opened to collaborate with them to deliver quality health services. Donors An Executive Board Member of Operation Smile Ghana, Mr Henry Quist said although their activities in Ghana has been impacted by COVID-19, however they deemed it necessary to support health facilities in their response against the virus. He added that their decision to donate the items was not only to fight COVID-19 but to also support the hospital to improve the digital delivery system of the hospital. He reiterated the organisation's quest to support health facilities to improve quality of surgical health delivery services. That, he said was in line with their vision of ensuring that every child suffering from cleft lip or cleft palate gets exceptional surgical care. "We believe that the support should go beyond the fight against COVID-19 to building hospital capacities, improving the digital service systems and building human resources to tackle surgical needs", Mr Quist 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 As many firms mark Juneteenth for the first time, will they devote resources to boost diversity and redress racism? From Nike Inc. to Target Corp., dozens of companies are for the first time commemorating June 19, the effective end of American slavery, but the differences in how are stark. Some, like J.C. Penney Co. and Spotify Technology SA are giving a paid day off. JPMorgan Chase & Co. will close its bank branches early, while Bank of America Corp. and Citigroup Inc. told staffers they can take a personal day, something they can request any day of the year. Automakers General Motors Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV are observing a moment of silence. The corporate response to Juneteenth comes after the killing of George Floyd sparked worldwide protests and shows how companies want to be seen as agents of change during a fraught moment. Widening observance of the holiday has been driven by employees calling for action from their employers, said Kristen Herhold, a marketer at Clutch, a Washington-based ratings and reviews company. About 62% of workers support the anti-racism protests, and 55% say their employer should respond directly to racial issues, according to a Clutch survey of more than 750 people conducted from June 5 to 7. Its been a complete mindset shift thats emboldened some staff to call out their management, Herhold said. Never before have employees been so comfortable talking about the protests and the issues that stem from racism and diversity in general in the workplace. Target said it would close its Minneapolis headquarters and pay hourly workers time and a half on June 19. It also pledged to listen to employees and community partners in coming months after Floyds killing in the city sparked local demonstrations that spread around the world. We recognize that the racial trauma the country is experiencing now is not new, but throughout recent weeks there has been a sense that this time is, and has to be, different, Chief Executive Officer Brian Cornell said in a blog Juneteenth takes on additional significance in this moment. While the moves to recognize Juneteenth have been welcomed by many, companies will be scrutinized by the public to see whether theyre devoting resources to making concrete, measurable changes in areas such as hiring and vendor diversity, said Howard Belk, co-CEO of Siegel+Gale, a brand-strategy firm. The communications really need to come from the most senior people at the organization to signal that commitment without that, its going to sound really hollow, really quickly, Belk said. If its just a holiday and they move on with business as usual, I actually think it could hurt them. The speed at which corporations moved this year to commemorate Juneteenth may put pressure on governments to do the same. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said this week he would make Juneteenth as a holiday for state employees and advance legislation to make it an official state holiday next year. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam made a similar announcement. Juneteenth is already an official state holiday in Texas, and while 46 states and the District of Columbia mark the occasion as a holiday or day of observation, it was still lesser known outside the Black community until recently. Today I will sign an Executive Order recognizing #Juneteenth as a holiday for state employees. I will advance legislation to make it an official state holiday next year. Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 17, 2020 Its monumental that theres an acknowledgment, because for 400 years we have endured oppression, said Stephen Green, chair of New York-based Faith for Black Lives, a coalition of religious leaders, and a pastor at the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York. Green convened JusticeCon, a virtual social justice convention on Juneteenth, scheduled to feature speakers including Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer, Kamala Harris and Cory Booker. To have major companies acknowledge that were not a post-racial America or a utopian ideal of a nation that never wrestled with this original sin of racism, it speaks volumes, Green said. (Reorders the first and second paragraphs.) With assistance from Gabrielle Coppola and Donald Moore. VALLETTA (Reuters) - Malta's prime minister called for an investigation after Reuters reported on Friday that a company owned by the man charged with ordering the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana made a profit when the state energy company, Enemalta, bought a wind farm in Montenegro. If what is reported is true, I am disgusted. Maltas law enforcement officers must investigate anyone connected, Robert Abela told reporters when asked to comment on the report by Reuters and the Times of Malta. (Reporting by Christopher Scicluna; Editing by Andrew Heavens) ATLANTA - A judge on Friday denied bond for the former Atlanta police officer who has been charged with felony murder and other crimes after fatally shooting Rayshard Brooks in the back after Brooks fired a stun gun in his direction. Judge Jeffrey Frazier found probable cause exists to detain Garrett Rolfe for the slaying of Rayshard Brooks outside a Wendys fast food restaurant in Atlanta, court records show. Rolfe is white. Brooks was Black. Disciplinary records released Friday by police show that Rolfe, who became an Atlanta police officer in September 2014, was cleared after investigations into several citizen complaints over the years but was once reprimanded for pointing a gun at a car during a chase. Brooks killing rocked a city and a nation still reeling after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis last month. Floyds death set off nationwide protests that have urged an extensive rethink of policing and an examination of racism in the United States. Police were called to the Wendys on June 12 over complaints of a car blocking the drive-thru lane. An officer found Brooks asleep in the car. Police body-camera video showed Brooks and officers having a relatively calm and respectful conversation for more than 40 minutes before things rapidly turned violent when officers tried to handcuff him and Brooks resisted. Brooks and the two officers wrestled, and then Brooks grabbed one of their stun guns and fired it in their direction as he ran through the parking lot. An autopsy found that Brooks was shot twice in the back. In announcing charges Wednesday, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said Brooks wasnt a deadly threat when he was shot and that Rolfe kicked him and offered no medical treatment for over two minutes as Brooks lay dying. Another officer, Devin Brosnan, who the prosecutor said stood on Brooks shoulder as he struggled for his life, was charged with aggravated assault and violation of his oath. Howard also said the pair failed to tell Brooks he was under arrest before trying to handcuff him. Lawyers for both men have said their clients actions were justified. Rolfe was fired and Brosnan is on desk duty. Police Chief Erika Shields stepped down less than 24 hours after Brooks died. Atlanta police officers called out sick beginning Wednesday night and continuing through Friday to protest the filing of murder charges, according to Vince Champion, southeast regional director for the International Brotherhood of Police Officers. Interim police Chief Rodney Bryant said enough officers remain to protect the city. Bryant confirmed Thursday that the Atlanta Police Foundation was funding a bonus of $500 for each officer to boost morale. The felony murder charge against Rolfe, 27, carries life in prison or the death penalty, if prosecutors decide to seek it. He was also charged with 10 other offences punishable by decades behind bars. The district attorney said Brosnan, 26, is co-operating with prosecutors and will testify. But his attorneys said he hasnt agreed to be a witness for prosecutors. One of his lawyers, Don Samuel, said Brosnan suffered a concussion during the struggle with Brooks and put his foot on Brooks only briefly when he heard gunshots because he didnt know where they were coming from and was worried Brooks may have had access to a weapon. Lawyers for Rolfe have said the officer feared for his safety and that of others around him and was justified in shooting Brooks. Rolfe opened fire after hearing a sound like a gunshot and saw a flash in front of him, apparently from the stun gun, they said. In the September 2016 incident for which Rolfe was reprimanded, he told investigators he was in the passenger seat of a patrol car when it pulled up next to the suspects vehicle during a chase. He couldnt see into the windows and, based on their flight and his experience with similar case, he was afraid the occupants might be armed. He drew his gun to be prepared to conduct a stop and to protect himself if gunfire began, but he didnt have his finger on the trigger, he said. The letter of reprimand says he violated a policy that says officers shouldnt point a gun at people unless firing the gun would be justifiable. He was also cleared of a number of citizen complaints after the department investigated and had a number of minor car wrecks, some his fault, some the fault of the other drivers. Police said Brosnan, whod been an officer since February, had no prior discipline records. Boca Raton, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/19/2020 -- GovernmentAuction.com is a California-based company, which has earned the status of being the largest and most trusted online auction company in the US. With profound industry experience, the company specializes in organizing live online land and asset auctions across the globe. GovernmentAuction.com has already sold over 24,000 properties with free and clear titles and has a solid track record of selling over one million assets through online auctions. They include rare coins, antiques, classic cars, electronics, fine art, GIA diamonds, guns, Rolex and Cartier watches, and women's handbags from big brands like Louis Vuitton. While answering a query related to GovernmentAuction.com, the company spokesperson stated, "To make the most of online bidding, investors must have a clear idea about the whole process. Half knowledge can be bad, whereas complete knowledge can make online bidding a win-win situation for them. To enable all our new and experienced investors to make their online bidding fruitful, we have dedicated an entire page on our website to useful information. The page includes comprehensive information on topics, such as benefits of buying land for investment purposes, types of land auctions, the difference between financed and single-payment sales, how to bid in timed land auctions, and a step-by-step auction tutorial." As GovernmentAuction.com is a leading online land auction company in the US, it can be an ideal choice for those who want to buy land for sale in Nevada or anywhere else. Be it a first-time buyer, corporate client, or experienced land investor, all can easily find land lots matching their diverse tastes, preferences, and requirements. This is because the land parcels that GovernmentAuction.com sells through online auctions are of different types, meant to fit the needs of all. The spokesperson added, "We at GovernmentAuction.com aim to spoil bidders for choices when it comes to picking an ideal piece of land for a solid investment. Types of land available for sale online include underdeveloped land, farmland, and hunting land ranging from 1-acre to 640 acres. Therefore, those looking for hunting land for sale online can contact us. We have some rules and regulations for all the land and asset live online auctions that we organize and have mentioned them clearly in the 'Auction Rules' page present on our website. We announce all the terms and conditions at the time of the sale and those who wish to bid online have to accept them." GovernmentAuction.com purchases large volumes of land through surplus land and liquidation sales, foreclosures, and tax lien sales at incredible prices. The company then passes on the savings to buyers, as it sometimes sells land at up to 60% savings. This way, buyers can make a sizeable profit when they decide to sell their land. About GovernmentAuction.com Based in California, GovernmentAuction.com is an eminent and credible land and asset live online auction company. Those who wish to find land for sale in Colorado through online bidding can contact company executives or can simply visit the company's information-rich website to seek answers for their queries. Photo credit: David Crotty - Getty Images From ELLE When Courtney Love traded her kinderwhore trappings for an Atelier Versace gown that clung to her like Saran Wrap at the 1997 Oscars, some fans felt betrayedas though their grunge goddess had sold out. But these days, when a young artist like Billie Eilish shows up on a red carpet in Gucci or Chanel, it doesnt feel like a corporate co-option of a subculture. Instead, musicians like Eilish, FKA twigs, and Solange Knowles have become innovatorsmolding designer fashion in their images, rather than bending to some outside idea of it. Of course, music has always influenced fashion, but now the relationship between the two feels less like an extreme makeover and more like a collaboration, with pop stars consistently wearing the most daring, directional looks from the runway. Think of Cardi B in floral Richard Quinn, complete with full face mask, or Eilish in an oversize Burberry check ensemble and a bonnet cap at this years Brit Awards. Photo credit: Beretta/Sims/Shutterstock The artists themselves have plenty of input into their style, but the unseen architects behind these internet-breaking fashion moments are well-connected stylists like Kollin Carter (Cardi B), Kyle Luu (Knowles), Samantha Burkhart (Eilish and Rosalia, among others), Kat Typaldos (Maggie Rogers), and Matthew Josephs (FKA twigs). Their jobs can be launchpads to the design world, too: Jahleel Weaver, Rihannas stylist, is now deputy creative director of her brand, Fenty. Photo credit: Kevin Mazur For Burkhart, Eilishs love of oversize streetwear silhouettes is always the starting point. When she first began working with her about four years ago, Burkhart found her a dress for a photo shoot, then realized, Theres something not quite right about this girl being in a dress. Luckily, fashion brands have been willing to adapt their runway looks to her specifications and, as she puts it, take their DNA and bend it to make it more Billie. They get that this girl is really the future of music right now. Im able to go to them and say, Look, we know shes going to want a certain kind of fit. Story continues Photo credit: Rich Fury/VF20 Photo credit: David M. Benett Josephs uses FKA twigss music as a visual guide; for her most recent album, Magdalene, he opted for a New Romantic aesthetic with modern updates. For the Brit Awards this year, We did a take on a YSL-like Le Smoking look, through British eyes, which translated to a suit with tracksuit-style pants and faux boxers above the waistband. It was a risk to see something like that on the red carpet rather than a gown, he says of the look, by up-and-coming designer Ed Marler (who is also Josephss partner). Also risky: her daredevilish stage performances, which Josephs has to game out sartorially. For example, FKA twigs has been known to perform with a sword, which makes sleeves tricky. (The sword cant get caught in any cuffs or anything like that, he says.) She has also done routines that involve pole dancing, including at this years Grammys. Before the show, Josephs worked directly with Riccardo Tisci and his Burberry design team on a custom look. The conversation went something like this, in Josephss telling: Okay, so the back of the leg has to be exposed, the inner thigh has to be exposed, the armpit has to be exposed, the elbow inside has to be exposed, but the outside cant be exposed, so where can you put the feather? Photo credit: Pierre Suu This cohort of musicians is also helping elevate the profiles of some of the most exciting new designers working today. FKA twigs has worn a clingy, wet-look Grecian gown by Greek designer Dimitra Petsa; Rosalia is a fan of Paris-based Korean label Kimhekim; and Eilish has stayed loyal to streetwear brands Siberia Hills, Freak City, Left Hand, and The Incorporated. Luu, Knowless stylist, says that her client is particularly open to emerging names. Were looking on Instagram for things that we love. Its not about numbers or press, its not about getting on the best-dressed list or even worrying about that, she says. If [the pieces] are loud or super-experimental, how do we refine that and make it a little more digestible, for something like a red carpet? Or do we not want it to be digestible, for something like a music video or editorial? When she was working with Knowles on her album packaging for When I Get Home, she looked to creatives from all over the world, from Sweden to China to Georgia. Some of them werent even fashion designers, per se, like Dutch artist Esmay Wagemans, who designed the clear thermoplastic bodice Knowles wore for her album visuals. As the red carpets of movie premieres and acting awards shows get tamerlikely due to actors limited by brand deals or cowed by the terror of the worst-dressed listmusic videos, album packaging, and performance looks are getting even weirder and wilder. Says Burkhart, Musicians want to wear something thats so future-forward no ones seen it before. I think theres less pressure in terms of red-carpet dressing for musicians than there is for actors. Right now, for actors, theres this impossible idea of having this perfect red-carpet moment, and theres so much pressure about getting all the pieces right. Luu concurs. As a stylist, you always hear, Grammys: You can go a little more wild for it. Oscars: No, tone it down. I think actors tend to be like, I need to be taken seriously, so I cant be too loud and crazy. Whereas musicians are like, Were expressing ourselves. Were raging! This article originally appeared in the Summer 2020 issue of ELLE. GET THE LATEST ISSUE OF ELLE You Might Also Like The womens wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the United Kingdom (UK) has condemned attacks on the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs Jean Mensa, by some opposition political parties and individuals. In our quest to hold the EC accountable, it is imperative that we refrain from the use of abusive and threatening language, we all as a collective body owe it a duty to be decorous and constructive in our criticisms, while she is not beyond criticisms like any other head of institutions, the unwarranted attacks on her person has become one too many and baseless, it said. In a statement signed and issued by Shirley Kyei, the womens organiser recounted that since Mrs Mensa assumed office on July 23, 2018, she has been subjected to a barrage of verbal attacks and threats on her life from various groups, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The latest of such attacks, it said, occurred earlier when Pastor Kwabena Owusu Adjei, in a video that went viral, insulted and pronounced death on her and while allegedly accusing the NDC of master minding the attacks on the EC, the statement described the pronunciations by Pastor Adjei as loathsome and criminal and urged the law enforcement agencies to deal ruthlessly with him if found culpable. It extolled the credentials of Mrs Mensa including her work as the Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs and her legal experience, and wondered why her good works were being frustrated. Her entire career has been centred on developing and implementing policy alternatives that represent both international and local best practices, this is a woman whose integrity is not in doubt, so we call on the Christian Council of Ghana, the various women advocates and advocacy groups, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to condemn such acts of irresponsibility and barbarism, the statement said. Source: The Ghanaian Times Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Oil turned around last weeks setback, extending a slow but relentless rise since falling into negative territory in April. U.S. benchmark crude futures rose 2.3% Friday to close at the highest level since March 6. The 9.6% increase for the week marks the seventh gain in the last eight weeks. Oil traders Vitol Group and Trafigura Group and exporter Saudi Aramco all talked up the strength of the demand recovery in recent days, and prices for some of the worlds major oil products have begun to roar higher. OPEC+ gave reassurance on output cuts on Thursday. You had three key ingredients making the market climb this week, said Thomas Finlon of Houston-based GF International. A drop in U.S. refined product inventories, OPEC compliance and falling crude inventories at Cushing, Oklahoma, all contributed to the price strength, he said. Inventories in Cushing, the delivery point for West Texas Intermediate futures, have contracted every week since early May. WTI traded above the $40 a barrel for much of the session on Friday before fresh evidence of a rise in U.S. coronavirus cases dampened sentiment. California, Florida and Arizona posted their biggest jumps in cases since the pandemic began, further signs the outbreak is worsening in some Sun Belt states. A potential resurgence of the virus in China, the worlds biggest crude importer, is clouding the long-term outlook. Traffic in Beijing has plunged as authorities battle a fresh outbreak. PREVIOUSLY: Oils rally sparks concern U.S. production returning too fast Data from the Energy Information Administration this week showed output declined for an eleventh straight week to just above 10 million barrels a day last week. That comes as the number of rigs drilling for oil has fallen 72% over the past 14 weeks to a level not seen since before the shale-oil revolution kicked off at the beginning of the last decade. Timespreads also showed signs of strength. WTIs front-month spread rose Friday to strongest level in a month. The July-dated contract expires Monday, which could add extra volatility early next week. Meanwhile, Brent crudes prompt spread settled in backwardation -- a bullish indicator that points to tighter supply conditions -- on Thursday for the first time since early March. OPECs deal with allies including Russia to curb production has also helped spur the price recovery. Even OPECs habitual quota cheat, Iraq, said it will implement its cuts in full this month. OPEC+ is on the right track to re-balance the global oil market but still has a long way to go, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said on Thursday at the groups Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee. He said the next two weeks will be critical for OPEC+ to demonstrate all countries are adhering to the cuts. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. In Indias bicameral Parliament inspired by the British system the Rajya Sabha or upper house enjoys nearly all the powers of the Lok Sabha or lower house, except that it cant veto a budget or any money bill. As Indias federal laws need the approval of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the upper house whose members arent directly elected by the public can reject a bill or seek amendments. Also, a legislation introduced in the Rajya Sabha has no shelf life and will remain alive till it has been passed by the House. How the members are elected? While Lok Sabha members are elected directly by voters, the Rajya Sabha members come through a complex process of proportional representation and by votes of the legislators of their respective state. The calculation is: Total number of legislators of the state no of seats going to polls in the state + 1. Each legislator or MLA will give ranking of candidates according to his or her preference. If a candidate gets the minimum requisite votes, he or she will be elected. But in a contest, if a candidate fails to get the requisite votes from the first preference of the voters, the second preference votes will be counted. How many members are there in Rajya Sabha? The strength of the Rajya Sabha is 245, of whom 233 are elected from the states and union territories. The remaining 12 are nominated by the president. The number of Rajya Sabha MPs from a state depends of the size of its population. Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state, sends 31 MPs to the upper house, while Arunachal Pradesh has just one seat. Who are the nominated members? These members are nominated by the president because of their special knowledge or practical experience in fields such as literature, science, art and social service. Nominated members enjoy the same perks and privileges as that of elected members except on one count they cant participate in the election of the president. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A film inspired by late actor Sushant Singh Rajputs life and career is in the works. Titled Suicide Or Murder?, the film will be produced by Vijay Shekhar Gupta and directed by Shamik Maulik. Talking about the movie, Gupta shared with indianexpress.com, Sushant Singh Rajputs death by suicide came as a shock to all of us, but it is not new. Many actors who come to the industry to chase their dreams of making it big here end up not getting work. Many take this route, and some keep struggling all their lives. So, we wanted to tell a story of how actors from small towns who dont have godfathers in Bollywood struggle. Sushant passed away on June 14. He died by suicide, Mumbai police confirmed. Gupta added, The film is not Sushants biopic. It is inspired by his life and work. We are writing the script. It will be based on thorough research of the stars life, and we will be talking to a lot of other actors who are considered outsiders in the industry. Star kids will not be a part of this film. We will be working with a rising star who is not a star kid. We should be able to start shooting in a few months. Sushant's death has caused an uproar amongst his fans, with many blaming a section of Bollywood for not treating him and other outsiders at par with other star kids. His death has also brought light to other issues like bullying, power politics amongst others that take place in Bollywood. A criminal complaint was also filed in a court in Bihar on Wednesday, accusing Bollywood celebrities like Salman Khan, Karan Johar, Ekta Kapoor, Aditya Chopra and Sanjay Leela Bhansali of abetting the suicide of Sushant. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 19:40:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KIEV, June 19 (Xinhua) -- An expert has spoken highly about the convening of the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 on Wednesday and hailed China's commitment to supporting Africa's efforts to combat the virus. Speaking to Xinhua on Thursday, Aleksey Koval, member of the Board of the Ukrainian Association of Sinologists, said China's assistance is important for those countries in Africa that cannot cope with COVID-19 epidemic due to financial and economic difficulties. "For me, the main results of the summit was that China reaffirmed its commitment to help African countries, promised to review their debt obligations and expressed its intention to continue to provide medical supplies to African countries. Among all the major countries in the world, China is now the leader in humanitarian assistance to Africa," said Koval. The China expert also hailed the partnership forged between China and Africa in other areas. "Cooperation between China and the African continent is mutually beneficial. China has invested heavily in infrastructure projects, agriculture and security in Africa. At the same time, Africa exports rare earth metals and minerals which China needs. This is beneficial for the development of the Chinese economy, especially in the field of high technology," underlined Koval. China has so far sent medical supplies to over 50 African countries and the African Union, dispatched medical experts to the continent, and held several video conferences to share its anti-epidemic experience. China will offer more assistance to African countries in the fight against COVID-19, and continue to do all in its power to offer support, according to the white paper "Fighting COVID-19: China in Action" released earlier this month by China's State Council Information Office. Enditem Frozen star Josh Gad has paid tribute to Sir Ian Holm as the beating heart of the Lord Of The Rings trilogy following his death at the age of 88. Last month, Gad hosted a reunion for the cast of Peter Jacksons much-loved films as part of his Reunited Apart YouTube series, attended by stars including Sir Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom and Elijah Wood. Despite being unable to attend, Sir Ian, who played the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, sent a letter to his castmates. Gad wrote on Instagram: A few weeks ago, I got to read a letter from this beautiful man to his co-stars and partners from #TheLordOfTheRings on #ReunitedApart. To think that a mere 30 days later he is gone is heartbreaking beyond words. He added: Bilbos journey with the ring would set up everything that would transpire and with a lesser actor, it would not have had nearly the same effect. With a legacy that includes Brazil, Time Bandits, The Madness of King George, Alien, Chariots of Fire, Ratatouille, and so many more. His is a legacy that very much resembles that of Bilbos Expand Close Josh Gad (Matt Crossick/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Josh Gad (Matt Crossick/PA) Video of the Day A legacy of so many life-changing adventures, thrills and journeys, all of which in turn made us all the more lucky and blessed to be a part of it. Peace to you on your greatest adventure yet Sir Ian. The artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Gregory Doran, described Sir Ian as one of the RSC greats. The acclaimed actor joined the Stratford-based theatre company in 1958. Mr Doran added: Ian perfectly expressed the cross-fertilisation between classics and new writing that Peter Hall forged in the early days of the RSC. He married the technique of a classical Shakespeare actor and the intense naturalism and economy of style of a modern tradition Ian was entirely original. Entirely a one-off. He had a simmering cool, a compressed volcanic sense of ferocity, of danger, a pressure cooker actor, a rare and magnificent talent. Theres a great spirit gone. Expand Close Mia Farrow was among those paying tribute to the actor (Andrew Parsons/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mia Farrow was among those paying tribute to the actor (Andrew Parsons/PA) Actress Mia Farrow recalled her experience of working with Sir Ian during and RSC production of The Iceman Cometh when he developed stage fright. Awful news that Ian Holm has died, she said, adding: He was among the giants of the theatre. We met while working at the RSC where, mid-performance of Iceman Cometh, terror seized him and he left the stage for 14 years. She added that he was an unfailingly brilliant actor. Expand Close Eddie Izzard also paid tribute to Sir Ian (Matt Crossick/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Eddie Izzard also paid tribute to Sir Ian (Matt Crossick/PA) Comedian Eddie Izzard described Sir Ian as a great. He added: Wonderful actor and its so sad to see him go. Farewell, you did great work Sir. The National Theatre paid tribute to Sir Ian in a post on their official Twitter page. It said: Were very sad to hear that Ian Holm has passed away. He was an extraordinary actor and we have wonderful memories of his performance at the National Theatre as King Lear. Bafta said in a statement that they are very sorry to hear of the death of Ian Holm, while comedian Robert Webb described him as a splendid actor. Actor Reece Shearsmith said that Sir Ian had a lifetime of incredible performances. Sean Williams's life changed four years ago at his local grocery store in Long Island, N.Y. Williams, a 37-year-old black man and father of three, was running errands with his youngest daughter when a white woman approached him. She wanted to commend him for "sticking around," he said. This wasn't the first time Williams received this type of comment. In his predominantly white neighborhood, the stay-at-home dad recalled getting frequent praise from neighbors who applauded him for being an involved black father. Williams knew why people were congratulating him: They were perpetuating the racist and pervasive myth of the "missing black father," which purports that black fathers are too often absent from their children's lives. "I spoke with my friends who are all active black dads and asked them if they had similar experiences," said Williams. "The answer was yes." After the grocery store incident, Williams made it his mission to shatter a stereotype that he knew was baseless. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that the majority of black fathers do, in fact, live with their children. The same study also showed that black fathers are more likely to feed, bathe, diaper, dress and play with their children on a daily basis than their white and Hispanic counterparts. Williams aimed to debunk the misconception of black fatherhood by creating an initiative called The Dad Gang. He began by posting photos of him and his kids, now ages 15, 4 and 3, on social media. Then he started posting photos of other black fathers he knew. "It started as an Instagram page, with the goal of focusing exclusively on positive stories, images and videos of active black dads," said Williams. "I wanted to showcase the reality of black fatherhood and rewrite the narrative." When he and some friends called out to black fathers to share their stories, submissions started overflowing. The account, which now has more than 86,000 followers, features dads doing it all: from braiding hair to dancing, teaching to cooking, The Dad Gang Instagram page is a limitless scroll of black fathers collectively smashing the stereotype. Over the last year, The Dad Gang grew from merely a digital platform to a sprawling community of fathers across the country. Last June, Williams organized a "Strollin' with the Homies" event in New York City, where more than 100 dads came together with their kids for a group walk. "The purpose of the stroll was to visually demonstrate the strength of black fatherhood. I don't think anyone has seen black dads congregate and connect on such a large scale like that," said Williams. "It became a real movement after that." It was then that Williams decided The Dad Gang needed to transcend social media. He began organizing regular in-person events, including father-child karaoke, brunches, workshops and community playdates. He also facilitated a discussion panel at Google, both in New York and Washington, D.C. Edward Smith, 34, is Williams's right-hand man, and helps to facilitate the events and organize their efforts. Smith's own father wasn't around when he grew up, and though he isn't yet a father himself, "I wanted to help change the narrative," he said. "When you Google 'dad' you rarely see black dads," said Smith. "There is such a limited, one-dimensional representation of black fathers." "For too many years, it's been projected that all black fathers are not in their children's lives," said Kevin Riley, 32, a father of two children, ages five and 16 months, who has also been actively involved with the initiative since the beginning. "The Dad Gang has become more than a platform; it's a support group." Muhammed Nitoto, 36, agreed. He got involved with The Dad Gang by connecting with Williams over social media. Nitoto is the mastermind behind the popular Instagram account Chronicles of Daddy, where he blogs about his experiences as a black father of six. "Images are powerful," said Nitoto. "They change the perception of people, which is why it's so important to have platforms that display black dads in a positive light." Amid the recent reckoning of race in America, spurred by the death of George Floyd, Williams said the need for The Dad Gang has grown exponentially. "Now more than ever, we need to fight against injustice and social inequality, and bring black fathers together" said Williams. "I feel this is my purpose." To mark Father's Day, The Dad Gang has organized a group walk in the nation's capital this Sunday. "So many fathers, including George Floyd, will never be celebrated as fathers again," said Williams. "We are walking for them, and for the fatherless children who have been left behind." Williams said more than 300 people have already registered for "March of Dads," and he expects the turnout will be even higher. All dads, regardless of their race, are welcome to join. The march will begin at the National Museum of African American History and Culture at 10 a.m. and will end at Black Lives Matter Plaza. Luc Gabriel, 40, who is Williams's brother-in-law and lives in Baltimore, said he'll be there. "I want to set an example for my children and black men in general," he said. "As a father, I believe The Dad Gang fills a crucial role. They are a voice that's needed." Williams's ultimate plan is to take The Dad Gang across the country - and possibly even the globe - by adding local chapters where black fathers can go for support and community. "It's an ambitious mission to say we're going to change the way the world sees black fathers," said Williams. "But we're going to try." Highlights Lava Mobiles to bring two new smartphones to the Indian market next month. One of the devices could be the Lava Z66 that has been listed on Geekbench. Lava's offerings will come at a time when people are shunning Chinese brands. India's Lava Mobiles is planning to launch two smartphones in India in July. The company has been silent since the launch of its last smartphone Z53 in February, but it has "some exciting plans" for the Indian consumers that have poured in a deluge of responses for an Indian smartphone brand. India Today Tech has learnt from sources that Lava Mobiles will introduce two smartphones next month to increase the competition in the market, especially at a time when there is a backlash against Chinese brands. Lava, an Indian smartphone manufacturer headquartered in Noida, is getting ready for the launch of two new smartphones. The company also has plans to launch more smartphones, which could be positioned across price ranges, in the coming months, India Today Tech has learnt. One of the smartphones could be called Z66, as per the listing spotted on the Geekbench benchmarking website. The presence of the smartphone on the platform suggests the Lava Z66 is imminent to launch in India. The listing has also revealed some of the key details about the Lava Z66, including the processor information. According to the Geekbench listing, the Lava Z66 will be powered by a 1.20GHz octa-core Unisoc processor with the model number sp9863a_3c10, although the name of the chipset is not known. The device has scored 153 in single-core and 809 in multi-core, per the listing. The Lava Z66 will likely run on Android 10, without any skin on top presumably. Lava's previous offerings do not have a customised interface, although it has been found full of bloatware apps. There will also be 3GB of RAM on the smartphone, the listing has revealed. The development comes at a time when social media is buzzing with anti-China sentiments, fuelled by the recent Galwan river valley clash between India and China. A mass boycott movement is rampant on social media, impacting the outreach of the tech brands that belong to China. However, for Indian companies, it seems like an opportune time that they are apparently leveraging to wrest customers. Another Indian smartphone manufacturer, Micromax has teased it is coming up with new "Made for India" and "Made in India" smartphones soon. A report has suggested there will be three smartphones from the brand, which will mostly be positioned in the budget- and mid-ranges. Micromax has been leveraging the backlash against Chinese products to divert the attention of people towards its upcoming products. However, Micromax has previously been reported to repackage smartphones from Chinese brands and sell them in India under different names. Chennai: Even as all of India is under unlock phase beginning June, Chennai and its three adjoining districts will be under a 12-day lockdown starting Friday (June 19) early morning till June 30. Tamil Nadu has become the only state to announce a strict lockdown which is based on the suggestions of a medical committee. A member of the expert committee that is advising the State government told WION that the panel had only suggested a few specific strategies and not a lockdown. But the government had decided to go in for a shut down based on the decisions taken at their cabinet meeting. The senior medical professional emphasised that the government needed to focus on better inter-department coordination and monitor ground-level implementation of its initiatives. The committee had also suggested that the government go in for rapid testing and more mobile clinics. As COVID-19 cases in the state surpass 52,000, experts say that the government needs to plan and execute many more steps in tandem with the lockdown. These steps are highly crucial at a time when the state has been seeing over 2000 new cases for the last two days. Specialist in Infectious Diseases Dr. Subramanian Swaminathan said that a 12-day lockdown alone would be inadequate to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. To interrupt transmission, mathematical models suggest at least a three week lockdown. We also need a clear audit process to verify the grassroots data that health workers are collecting on a door-to-door basis. Only when we have authentic data can the authorities plan adequately and take measures he said. When asked about the top precautions that the public must follow during the lockdown, Dr. Swaminathan emphasised on the need for wearing masks and following social distancing rules. In most areas with high cases, people are not wearing masks, thats why there is an explosion of cases. When we compare between disinfectant spraying and wearing of masks, mask-wearing is more important in controlling transmission at source, he said. Public health experts reiterated the view that lockdowns need to be bolstered with additional measures, which need to be strictly implemented at the ground level. They feel that the public has the larger responsibility of following basic cleanliness and health practices to keep danger at bay. Washing out hands with soap is far more effective than using sanitizers. Sanitizers can be used for disinfecting medical equipment, personal belongings, billing counters etc. We must keep the elderly people indoors and ensure that they take their medication (for existing heath issues) regularly, besides eating healthy food. Health workers on door-to-door campaigns can also use pulse oximeters to check the health of those who are vulnerable Dr. Kolandaisamy, Retired Director of Public Health, said. Lockdowns are not just about restrictions, but about performing more tests and tracing, isolating the affected individuals. Tamil Nadu has done nearly 25,000 tests on Wednesday alone and it is a significant number. The authorities have been talking about scaling up efforts in coming days. When this is done consistently for about a month or more, then definitely we will be able to bring the situation under control said Healthcare Consultant and Senior journalist Dr. Sumanth C Raman. While mask wearing is important, doctors dont recommend the N-95 and 3-ply masks for common people. They say that two-layered, washable cotton masks would be adequate, whereas a dupatta or a handkerchief would not be advised. The announcement for the 12-day lockdown was made on Monday, and had come as a surprise to the people of Tamil Nadu as the Chief Minister E Palaniswami himslef had called talks of an impending lockdown in the state as rumors, only to make a flip-flop on Monday. League City Mayor Pat Hallisey is questioning the timing and messaging behind a new initiative promoting local businesses just as Galveston County officials warn about an increase in COVID-19 cases. If you read the numbers every day, you have to ask yourself about the wisdom (of saying were open for business) and acting like everything is OK, he said. Its not OK. During a June 17 ceremony, the city launched Summer of Fun Passport, created by members of the League City Emergency Turnaround Taskforce, which was a group formed by City Council, to encourage residents to support local businesses and city attractions as the reopening process continues. Also involved in the project was the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce and City Council members. Hallisey was not part of the project. In the same week, the Galveston County Health District released a press release with officials warning of a rise in coronavirus cases in the last several weeks throughout the county. We are at a point now where its a critical juncture, said Dr. Philip Keiser, the local health authority. If we dont start seeing changes in behavior, we can expect to see the numbers continue to rise and we can expect to see the strain on the hospitals increasing dramatically. We want to desperately avoid that. Of the 1,378 positive COVID-19 cases in the county, more than one third have been reported since June 1, according to a press release from the Galveston County Health District. Keiser attributed the uptick to people not wearing masks in public or properly social distancing. Hallisey stresses that while he believes Gov. Abbotts initial plans to reopen may have been premature, he supports the reopening overall and is eager about promoting the recovery of the local economy. I make this point all the time my wife and I have recently been going out to different restaurants after being cooped up for two months (because Im high risk) and Im impressed with what businesses are doing, he said. Theyre separating people, theyre all wearing masks and safety seems to be a priority. As the mayor of the largest city in Galveston County, accounting for the highest number of cases countywide at 396 as of June 17, Hallisey is concerned that Summer of Fun Passport puts the emphasis on a blanket reopening and not enough on the underlying risks that remain during the pandemic, referring to the promotional information about the initiative. With all good intentions, it suggests we dont have a care in the world, Hallisey said. On the citys website, a promotional flyer for Summer of Fun Passport and a news release invites residents to get out and explore the city by visiting sights and attractions like museums, parks, boutiques and restaurants while supporting local businesses recovering from the challenges of COVID-19, which is the only reference to the pandemic. With the tagline, The more places you visit, the more you win the flyer promises stickers to residents who frequent businesses to be redeemed for prizes and a chance to enter contests and more prizes. I think it sends a message whether stated directly or implied that were passed the danger, and the numbers dont correspond with that, he said. I think some responsibility should have entered into the message behind (the promotion). When our health experts are looking at how the numbers have jumped in the last month and telling us that we have a rough summer ahead of us, were going to have to deal with it. If this is the new normal, we have to be really cautious about how we tell people were open for business, and I think were sending a mixed message. Efforts to obtain a response from City Council member Hank Dugie, a member of the committee that created the initiative, were unsuccessful by presstime. Scott Livinston, the city's economic development director, declined to respond to Hallisey's statements. Im not mad at anybody, Hallisey said, and both the city and chamber have good intentions; so its not that kind of deal, but when we put out a message, we need to be consistent with what the county is doing. This is not a partisan issue, its a public health issue, and I want (the chamber and city) to treat it that way. Hallisey has underlying health issues and said he has been cautious about attending large events, although he did make an appearance at an event in support of Black Lives Matter in the wake of the George Floyd killing, which he said was a personal decision as a city official. Im at risk, but I thought there was a greater good with that, he said of his participation Hallisey reiterates his support of local business recovery following the shutdown and is supportive of efforts on the part of the chamber and city. I know that businesses are open and are being responsible because if theyre not responsible, theyre going to find themselves liable; so they are being careful and I appreciate that, Hallisey said. Its all about the messaging, he said. The truth is, if you read the numbers every day, you have to ask yourself about the wisdom of going out in a public forum and acting like everything is OK, he said. Halliseys questioning of the promotion come as mayors across the state pressure the governor to either mandate the wearing of masks statewide or allow them the authority to make that requirement so as coronavirus cases spike. Hallisey said that for public officials, the pandemic is uncharted territory, and its going to continue to raise questions on how to balance the economic uncertainties with public health concerns and consequences, he said I dont want the city to be responsible for someone getting hurt and Im not the kind of person that says X amount of deaths is acceptable, he said. Whats more important? That a business stays afloat, or people stay alive? Thats a tough question for public officials. yorozco@hcnonline.com U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Reuters/Jim Young Sen. Amy Klobuchar has withdrawn from the running to be former Vice President Joe Biden's vice president. Speaking to MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell on Thursday, she said Biden should choose a woman of color as his running mate instead. "This is a historic moment," she said. "I think this is a moment to put a woman of color on that ticket." Klobuchar's decision comes after weeks of protests sparked by the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Sen. Amy Klobuchar has withdrawn from the running to be presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden's vice president, saying that he should choose a woman of color instead. Speaking to MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell on Thursday, the Senator from Minnesota and former 2020 contender said that she called Biden yesterday and told him to choose a woman of color as his running mate. "This is a historic moment," she said. "America must seize on the moment and I truly believe as I actually told the VP last night when I called him that I think this is a moment to put a woman of color on that ticket," she continued. "And there are so many incredible, qualified women. But if you wanna heal this nation right now, my party yes, but our nation, this is a helluva way to do it," she added. Biden said last month that he hopes to announce his vice president pick by August 1. The 77-year-old has narrowed down his list of vice presidential candidates, according to The Washington Post, and several Black women, including Sen. Kamala Harris, former national security adviser Susan Rice, Rep. Val Demmings of Florida, and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, have been shortlisted. Klobuchar's decision comes after weeks of protests sparked by the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd, a Black man, died after he was knelt on for nearly nine minutes by a white police officer. Floyd's killing has prompted calls for police reform across the nation and has ignited protests for racial justice in the US and around the world in solidarity. Read the original article on Business Insider European Central Bank head, Christine Lagarde, told European Union leaders on Friday that their economy was in a "dramatic fall" and called on the bloc to act to spearhead revival, diplomatic sources and officials said. Lagarde addressed EU leaders meeting via video conference to wrangle over how to engineer a recovery from the crisis. "(The) EU economy is experiencing a dramatic fall," she told the gathering, according to the sources. She said the euro zone economy was headed for a "sharp decline" of some 13% in the second quarter and reiterated the bank's forecasts for a GDP drop of 8.7% in 2020 and a rebound of 5.2% in 2021. She said the full effects of the EU's worst economic downturn have not yet manifested themselves fully on the labor market and that the euro zone's unemployment rate could hit 10%. She called on the leaders to agree on their recovery plan swiftly to spearhead economic revival and said financial markets were relatively calm due to expectations that the bloc would act to show that "the EU is back" in action, the sources said. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie The Philadelphia school board heard from students and advocates of removing police from schools during a virtual hearing Thursday. Read more Amid the national debate over race and policing sparked by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Philadelphia students and advocates pressed the school board on Thursday to remove police from district schools. They dont look at us like students, they look at us like criminals, Alison Fortenberry said during a virtual board hearing. Fortenberry, who said she was one of the few black seniors at Masterman, one of the citys top magnet schools, said she had been humiliated and criminalized in front of my peers when an officer searched her backpack without explanation in the security line last year. She was one of several students who were joined by advocates, district staff, and parents in telling the board it was time to pull police from schools, in light of the Black Lives Matter movement that has spurred calls for defunding police and greater investment in black communities. We cant chant Black Lives Matter ... and not ensure that black schools matter, said Tamir Harper, a 2018 graduate of Science Leadership Academy who leads a nonprofit called UrbEd. He urged the board to reallocate funding from school police to neighborhood schools and support systems. The district plans to spend $28.8 million next year on school police, out of a $3.5 billion budget. During a news briefing earlier Thursday, Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. said the district had already been focused on shifting the role of police in schools. Kevin Bethel, who was appointed last year as the head of the districts school police force, has pledged to focus on trauma and deescalation and creating a welcoming environment for students. The districts police officers do not carry guns and do not have arrest powers. Hite said the district had drastically reduced the presence of officers from the Police Department. Those officers are not assigned to schools, he said, but rotate in and out. READ MORE: Phillys new school police chief pledges less law-and-order, more mentoring of students To a large degree, I agree with the young people. They want to see more adults in schools that are helping them as opposed to policing them, Hite said. Thats exactly what were trying to move toward. Yet advocates who spoke Thursday including with the Philadelphia Student Union, which has pushed the district to phase out police said the districts force should be removed entirely, calling for money spent on police to instead fund counselors and social workers. They said police did not make schools safer and noted incidents involving school police including an alleged assault of an 8-year-old by an officer in his elementary school. The mere presence of police in schools can create stress for some students and impact brain function, said Annike Sprow, who said she had worked in Philadelphia schools and helped train teachers on dealing with trauma. Its impossible to become a truly trauma-informed district without the removal of school police, Sprow told the board. The board took no action during Thursdays hearing, which was held for the public to voice opinions on the year ahead. Other topics included the toll of the coronavirus outbreak and the districts plans for reopening schools, and calls from students to invest in schools despite the economic downturn brought on by the pandemic. It wasnt the first time the board has heard from opponents of school police. Last March, it voted to mandate metal detectors in high schools, prompting activists to shut down a board meeting. Two board members who spoke Thursday said they were taking the concerns seriously. I am committed to pushing this here at the board, that we are radical in our decisions moving forward to really change ... the systemic problems that have plagued our School District for years, member Angela McIver said. ST. LOUIS Police on Friday released the name of a man who was fatally shot more than two months ago by officers in the Carondelet neighborhood. The man was identified as Carlos Castaneda, a 34-year-old resident of Kirkwood. He lived in the 1900 block of Hunting Lake Court. Castaneda died April 10 after being shot by officers in the 900 block of Bellerive Boulevard in St. Louis. He died at the scene. Police said he had fired shots at them first and charged toward the officers. No officers were hurt. Police went to the neighborhood that morning after a resident reported a burglary. Police Maj. Eric Larson said in April that arriving officers had seen a man run from the home and go into a nearby garage. The suspect fired shots at officers from inside the garage, police said, even as officers tried to negotiate with him. He eventually came out of the garage and charged at officers before being fatally shot, police said. The St. Louis officer who fired the fatal shot was a 36-year-old man who has been with the city police force 12 years. The resident who reported the burglary was a 32-year-old man who was an off-duty police officer from another department. St. Louis police havent said where the officer worked. The resident said someone was trying to break into his home. Castanedas relatives could not be reached for comment Friday. Asked why there was a delay in releasing Castanedas name, St. Louis police Officer Michelle Woodling said in an email, As you know, our Department does not identify any deceased person unless they have been positively identified and their next of kin has been notified. Positive IDs can be done either by family members or forensically, which takes time. Additionally, it can be difficult locating next of kin that is not local. As with every police shooting, authorities review the case to determine if it was justified. Allison Hawk, a spokeswoman for Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardners office, said Friday that the case is still being investigated. Kim Bell covers breaking news for STLtoday.com and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow her on Twitter here. 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. This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments of STLtoday.com had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com By Andrei Makhovsky MINSK (Reuters) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's main rival was detained on Thursday and accused of siphoning $430 million out of the country, in a widening crackdown on opponents before an Aug. 9 presidential election. By Andrei Makhovsky MINSK (Reuters) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's main rival was detained on Thursday and accused of siphoning $430 million out of the country, in a widening crackdown on opponents before an Aug. 9 presidential election. Lukashenko has allowed little dissent in the former Soviet republic since coming to power in 1994 but faces the biggest challenge to his authority in years, with thousands taking to the streets to support opposition candidates. [nL8N2DE1YC] Viktor Babariko, widely seen as Lukashenko's main challenger in the election, was "a direct organiser, a leader of illegal activities", the head of the State Control Committee (KGC), Ivan Tertel, said on state television. Babariko was accused of trying to influence witnesses, hiding previous crimes and taking $430 million out of Belarus in money-laundering schemes, Tertel said. Hundreds took to the streets of Minsk in solidarity with Babariko and other detained opponents of Lukashenko. Babariko has accused Lukashenko of using criminal cases to put political pressure on him, which Lukashenko denies. Babariko's lawyers said they were not allowed into the building where he was taken. "This is a flagrant violation of the constitutional right to defence," said one of his lawyers, Dmitry Loevsky. Babariko's election team said the authorities were also conducting a search at Babariko's house. Public frustration with Lukashenko's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and grievances about the economy and human rights have reinvigorated opposition to his rule. Babariko is a former head of the local unit of Russia's Gazprombank, whose offices were raided in June in a tax evasion and money laundering case. Belgazprombank has been taken into temporary administration and 15 employees have been detained. [nR4N2DH02D] [nL8N2DP4L4] Another election candidate said this week she was pressing on with her campaign despite receiving a threat to have her children taken away. [nL8N2DT3VI] Svetlana Tikhanouskaya decided to run after her husband, an anti-Lukashenko blogger, was arrested last month for threatening public order. [nL8N2DM2A4] (Writing by Matthias Williams, Editing by Timothy Heritage and Giles Elgood) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Picture the day in six months, a year and a half or in 2023 when university researchers or a pharmaceutical company announces a breakthrough against the virus that causes Covid-19. Maybe its a successful vaccine or an effective treatment, a discovery that brings hope and relief especially to the older adults most vulnerable to the disease, eager to return to their pre-pandemic lives. Imagine, however, that the researchers neglected to enroll many people in their 70s or 80s in the clinical trials that established the effectiveness of this treatment. As a result, its unclear how much the treatment will benefit older people, what risks it might pose, or if the dose that works for younger people is the best one for an older population. Could that really happen? Certainly there is a long history of older people being excluded from clinical trials, even when the diseases in question disproportionately affected this group. They have been underrepresented, for instance, in studies of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis. Advertisement China has sent bulldozers to divert the course of a river near the disputed border where Chinese and Indian soldiers fought in a deadly clash at 14,000 feet on Monday, satellite images suggest. The images appear to show China deploying new machinery and damming a river in the Himalayan mountainside where tensions boiled over into the worst violence on the border since 1967. The machinery was sighted on Tuesday, having not been there a week before - and Indian media suggests the Chinese troops involved in Monday's clash might have 'surged' from these positions. One US-based expert said China appeared to be blocking the river which crosses the Line of Actual Control, a move which would frustrate Indian troops who have just built a new 200ft bridge on their side. India says 20 soldiers were killed in what it claimed was a pre-meditated attack near the line which separates the world's two most populous countries. China blames Indian soldiers for provoking the conflict, which is thought to have left around 45 Chinese soldiers dead or injured. But US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took India's side last night, offering his 'deepest condolences to the people of India for the lives lost'. This satellite image shows 'bulldozers' blocking the flow of a river in the Galwan Valley close to where Indian and Chinese soldiers had a deadly clash on Monday night The images appear to show China bringing in pieces of machinery and cutting a trail in the Himalayan mountainside in the last 10 days Indian media described this as a Chinese 'motorcade' and one expert said China appeared to be 'constructing roads in the valley and possibly damming the river' for unknown purposes This is the Galwan valley where the brawl between Indian and Chinese soldiers took place. The unofficial border between the two countries runs through the middle of the photo on the dotted red line. The Chinese bulldozers appear to have been diverting the river on the right of the photo, on their side of the border. The Indians have built a bridge over the river downstream on the left of the picture A satellite image from Google Earth of the Galwan Valley. No military forces are visible in this earlier image The satellite pictures, taken by Earth-imaging company Planet Labs, show signs of altering the landscape of the valley through widening tracks, moving earth and making river crossings, one expert said. 'Looking at it in Planet, it looks like China is constructing roads in the valley and possibly damming the river,' Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at California's Middlebury Institute of International Studies. 'There are a ton of vehicles on both sides - although there appear to be vastly more on the Chinese side. I count 30-40 Indian vehicles and well over 100 vehicles on the Chinese side.' The images also show machinery along the mountains and in the Galwan River. According to the Hindustan Times, India has just finished building a 200ft strategic bridge over the river which allows for 'rapid military mobilisation' - but rerouting the river could make the bridge pointless. 'We did not pause work on this bridge through the stand-off and kept working despite the violent face-off on June 15,' a senior army officer was quoted as saying. Indian broadcaster NDTV said the Chinese build-up also included 'pre-fabricated huts for accommodation' and a Chinese 'motorcade' near the site of the clash. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said he was unaware of the specifics on the ground but claimed that the Indian army had crossed into Chinese territory in several places in recent days. Soldiers have been facing off on the border in the barren, uninhabited mountains since early May amid claims of intrusion on either side. The tension boiled over into a deadly clash on Monday in which soldiers fought with nail-studded batons, rocks and even their fists at 14,000 feet. It was the most serious incident since 1967 on the bitterly disputed unofficial border between the two nations. Under an old agreement between the two nuclear-armed powers, no shots are fired at the border, but there have been sporadic fisticuffs in recent years. At least 20 Indian soldiers, including a colonel, were killed and at least 43 Chinese men were wounded or killed on Monday night along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), a disputed border in the Himlayas (the red territory is controlled by India, and the beige and grey stripes, Aksai Chin, is Chinese but claimed by India, the white line which surrounds is what Indian believes its border should be, whereas the black line was agreed after then 1962 Sino-Indian War - a heavy defeat for India) An Indian army convoy drives on a highway leading towards the Chinese border today, four days after the deadly clash in the Himalayas which saw the worst violence on the border since 1967 An Indian army soldier look towards an Indian fighter plane from a convoy of trucks making their way towards Leh, a town in the Indian-controlled area of Ladakh Members of Narendra Modi's BJP party burn images of Chinese leader Xi Jinping and throw away Chinese products during a demonstration in Mumbai today People carry the coffin of Satnam Singh, an Indian soldier killed in the border clash, during his funeral in Gurdaspur yesterday Beijing today released 10 Indian soldiers who were seized in Monday's clash, ahead of fresh talks to ease tensions. India's army said there were no remaining soldiers 'missing in action' after the troops were freed. India says the dispute was triggered by a row over two Chinese tents and observation towers allegedly built on the wrong side of the line. China had sought to erect a 'structure' on India's side even after military officials had reached an agreement on June 6 to de-escalate, Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar claimed on Wednesday. Indian colonel Santosh Babu was one of those killed in the hours-long brawl, which is thought to have involved up to 900 soldiers. Emotions were high in the southern city of Hyderabad, where thousands watched the colonel's funeral procession on Thursday. Post-mortems showed that the 'primary reason for death is drowning and it looks like they fell from a height into the water because of head injuries,' one Indian official said. The clash has fanned growing anti-Chinese sentiments in India, which were already high because of the coronavirus pandemic. Indian PM Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that 'there should be no doubt that India wants peace, but if provoked, India will provide an appropriate response'. An Indian fighter plane flies on the Indian side of the border today - with India's prime minister Narendra Modi facing demands for tough action from the opposition and media Indian military vehicles drive towards Leh today following an outbreak of violence on the border and signs that China has been literally altering the landscape of the region An Indian convoy drives on the mountainside today following the violence which broke out in the disputed area on Monday Nationalist Modi was elected to a second term following a campaign focused on national security after spiralling tensions with old enemy Pakistan. Tension with China, whose economy is five times bigger than India's and which spends three times as much on its military, has become Modi's most serious foreign policy challenge since he took power in 2014. He is now facing pressure to respond aggressively with the opposition and media demanding that India 'push back' against China. 'There is a lot of pressure on the Indian side, the emotions are high among the public,' defence analyst Rahul Bedi said. 'It remains to be seen whether India will sit down at the negotiating table with China and say it will like to change these agreements to make them a little more aggressive or offensive in nature,' he said. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao rejected the Indian version of the events leading up to the clash. 'The rights and wrongs of this incident are very clear. The responsibility does not lie with China,' he said. China rejects the allegation of intrusion and has asked India not to build roads in the area, claiming it to be its territory. Unlike in India, the incident did not receive wall-to-wall coverage in China, where official media reported a statement on the incident from the Chinese army's Western Command. Indian activists burn an effigy of Chinese President Xi Jinping during a protest in war memorial near Dharamsala today Tibetan and Indian activists hold a banner declaring 'Boycott China' at McLeod Ganj, near Dharamsala, India, today New Data Shows Shopify Was a Godsend for Mom and Pop During Coronavirus 68-year-old Jan Buerge was days away from losing everything. For 35 years, she has run Worlds Window in Kansas City, a store that sells artisanal items from around the world. In March, she was forced to close her doors because of coronavirus. But she didnt give up. She just needed a plan, and fast. She snapped pictures of her remaining items. And quickly got them online with the help of her husband and nephew. Within three days, business was booming. Buerge was shipping baskets made from South African telephone wires and metal plaques made in Haiti to customers around the nation. Buerge didnt do it alone. As Ill show you, a once hated stock has been a savior for millions of mom-and-pop shops across America . It handles all the plumbing of online selling Like payments, shipping, and marketing and its poised to rocket higher in the years ahead Im Talking About Shopify (SHOP) Shopify helps entrepreneurs create and manage their own online stores. Its easy-to-use website rescued tens of millions of these small businesses, just like Buerges. In fact, merchants with Shopify stores recouped 94% of lost in-person sales with online orders. So for every dollar lost to coronavirus, these businesses recovered 94c thanks to Shopify. And have you checked out Shopifys stock recently? Its soared around 90% since the lockdowns started, as you can see here: Today Shopify Is a Wall Street Darling But a couple of years ago, it was totally hated. Think about what Shopify was trying to achieve run an online marketplace where smaller businesses could sell their goods. Thats stepping into Amazons (AMZN) territory. And how could a tiny startup compete with an 800lb. gorilla like Amazon? Most investors thought Shopify would be out of business in a year or two. But heres the thing: folks who bought Shopify in 2016, when it was out-of-favor, are sitting on 3,500% gains today. It was the perfect hated stock play. How did Shopify Compete with Amazon? Selling goods online is a tough business. You have to build the website, rent servers to handle all the internet traffic, and collect payments. You have to ship your products, accept returns, and run marketing campaigns. Just setting up an online store is a full-time job and will set you back thousands of dollars at a bare minimum. So most small businesses looking to sell online chose to partner with Amazon. In fact, roughly two-thirds of goods sold on Amazon come from independent sellers. Amazon handles all the not-so-fun parts of selling online but it comes at a cost. Selling on Amazon is like placing your products on another retailers shelves. Its almost impossible to build your brand, and the online gorilla takes a chunk of your sales. Shopify is the anti-Amazon. It gives businesses the tools to build their own online store. Think of Shopify like an invisible partner that allows you to build your own brands. You wouldnt know it from looking at their websites, but The Economist, Penguin Books, Unilever, Red Bull, Heinz, Budweiser, Pepsi, and Nestle are all examples of online stores powered by Shopify. And Now Shopify Runs Websites for Over One Million Mom-and-Pop Shops Heres how it works: The company offers a simple tool that helps anyone set up a custom online store for as little as $29/month. Shopify can even fulfill your orders, which means it holds your inventory at its warehouses and ships your products. You dont have to maintain software or servers. You dont need to hire expensive programmers or be into coding yourself. You dont have to bother with shipping. In minutes, you can have a full-fledged online store thats running on autopilot under your business name, just like Amazon. Its like getting a fully furnished retail store with trained sales clerks all for a few bucks. You just put your products on the shelves, hang a storefront sign, lean back, and watch sales come in. And Shopifys business is booming. In 2012, it had just 42,000 merchants. Today, more than 1,000,000 businesses around the globe have set up an online store with Shopify. Businesses sold $60 billion worth of goods through its platform last year. For perspective, thats a 600% jump in sales since it was hated back in 2015. And get this: Shopify is now the worlds 15th largest retaileronline or offline . It sits just behind DIY superstore Lowes. Shopify Is Opening Up the World for Entrepreneurs Take Jan Buerge and her artisanal store for example. Only folks living in Kansas can visit her store. But with her Shopify-powered store, now she can sell to folks all over America. By handling all the plumbing of online selling like payments, shipping, and marketing, it leaves Jan free to focus on finding unique artisans around the world. Shopify is the worlds most disruptive retailer that most investors arent paying attention to. This is a stock to own for the long term as it cements itself as the anti-Amazon. The Great Disruptors: 3 Breakthrough Stocks Set to Double Your Money" Get my latest report where I reveal my three favorite stocks that will hand you 100% gains as they disrupt whole industries. Get your free copy here. By Stephen McBride http://www.riskhedge.com 2020 Copyright Stephen McBride - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. US President Donald Trump said he has heard interesting things about Roswell, the crash site of an alleged UFO. Mr Trump made the comments in an interview with his son, who asked if the White House incumbent could let us know whats really going on. I wont talk to you about what I know about it, but its very interesting, he replied. Mr Trump in the past has spoken sceptically about the possibility that there is something out there. The Fathers Day-themed interview was hosted by the presidents reelection campaign. In 1947, a rancher discovered unidentifiable debris in his sheep pasture outside Roswell in New Mexico. Air Force officials said it was a crashed weather balloon, but sceptics questioned whether it was in fact at extraterrestrial flying saucer. Decades later the US military acknowledged the debris was related to a top-secret atomic project and the UFO theory has flourished. The president in the past has spoken sceptically about the possibility that there is something out there. Expand Close The president was also asked about Netflix hit Tiger King (Netflix/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The president was also asked about Netflix hit Tiger King (Netflix/PA) After his father offered that he heard some interesting things about Roswell, Mr Trump Jr asked the president might declassify that information someday. Well, Ill have to think about that one, the president responded. Mr Trump also said that he had watched a couple of episodes of Netflix show Tiger King. Joseph Maldonado-Passage, known as Joe Exotic, the star of the popular docu-series, is serving a 22-year prison sentence after he was convicted for hiring a hit man to murder a rival. Mr Trump said during a press briefing in April that he was unfamiliar with Tiger King, after his son jokingly said on a radio show that he was lobbying the president for a pardon for Exotic. The president on Thursday did not say when he was considering a pardon but sounded intrigued by the star of the show. Thats a whole strange deal going on, Mr Trump said. Ill tell you thats a strange guy and a lot of strange people surrounding him. The Daily Beast Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/GettyWhen volunteers at Venue Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, arrived at their pastors house last November, they were hoping to raise his spirits with a surprise visit. Instead they got a shock: Pastor Tavner Smith was alone with a female church employeeshe in a towel, he in his boxers.The charismatic 41-year-old hurriedly explained that the two of them had been making chili and hot dogs and gotten food on their clothes, according to one (Newser) Today is Juneteenth, and this year marks 155 years to the day since 2,000 Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, bringing news that slavery had been abolished some two years earlier. There hadn't been enough Union troops in Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation before that point, according to Juneteenth.com. The National Archives on Thursday apparently unearthed the original military order, handwritten by a general's aide on June 19, 1865, informing Texans that "all slaves are free," per the Washington Post. It shares photos. The order was located in a formal order book kept in the Archives' Washington HQ. Celebrations generally include music, dancing, storytelling, cookouts, and community, though special attention will be paid to physical distancing and hand-washing this year, per NPR and NBC News. There's also the raising of the Juneteenth flag, which is full of symbols. CNN decodes them. Some 46 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth as an official state holiday or observance. Virginia followed some other states in making it a paid holiday this year. In New York, it's now a paid holiday for state employees. Employees at companies including Twitter, the NFL, Nike, JCPenney, Target, Uber and Lyft will also have the day off, per CNN. story continues below This comes amid a push to recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday. Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson and GOP Sen. John Cornyn, both of Texas, have each said they will introduce legislation recognizing June 19 as a federal holiday. If approved by Congress, it would be the first established since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983, per NPR. "Many whites don't know [about Juneteenth]" because it isn't taught in schools, Gwen Ragsdale, executive director of Philadelphia's Lest We Forget Slavery Museum, tells NPR. Historians argue we are failing our children in failing to teach Black historical events that don't match with the idea of a progressive history of the US. "In many ways we wouldn't have a Black Lives Matter movement if Black lives mattered in the classroom," LaGarrett King, an associate professor at the University of Missouri, tells NBC News. First Lady Melania Trump released a video of her reading Angela Johnson's children's book All Different Now, telling of the first Juneteenth, in honor of the holiday. "My hope for everyone today is that by understanding and reflecting upon even the worst part of our country's past, we can commit to lifting each other up and celebrating the freedom we all deserve," she says. At USA Today, Rev. Al Sharpton writes of "a long journey ahead until all of our lives are valued equally; until we have the oppressive chokehold of racism removed from our necks; until we are all viewed as equal under the law; and until we all have decent housing, education, jobs, health care and the ability to achieve that promised American dream. Then and only then will we be fully unshackled from the chains of oppressive discrimination." (Read more Juneteenth stories.) MINSK -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka claims to have thwarted an attempt to foment revolution in the Eastern European country, a day after his government ordered the arrest of a popular, would-be presidential candidate, prompting thousands to take to the streets to protest what they see as increased harassment of opposition leaders. Speaking at a government meeting on June 19, Lukashenka said that forces in the East and West were trying to destabilize Belarus but that their masks have been torn off and the puppets and puppet masters abroad identified. In the afternoon, dozens of people gathered in central Minsk for a final day of signature gathering for would-be candidates in the August 9 presidential election. The participants were lining up along Independence Boulevard when police pushed them to a nearby square, amid reported disruptions of Internet connections in the area. At one point, officers told people to leave the square. Several people were detained, including RFE/RL reporter Alyaksandra Dynko and her cameraman, Andrey Rabchyk. The previous day, thousands of people took to Independence Boulevard in what was dubbed a picket of solidarity after Viktar Babaryka, who headed the Russian-owned Belgazprombank for 20 years, was detained on suspicion of financial crimes, as well as his son who heads his presidential election campaign. Belarusian authorities on June 15 took control of the bank and arrested more than a dozen top executives on charges of tax evasion and money laundering. Babaryka, 56, has said the actions taken against Belgazprombank were part of an intimidation campaign conducted on political orders. On June 19, the European Union called on Belarus to immediately release Babaryka and his son from detention and to guarantee full respect of the rule of law. "Any investigation must be impartial and without political pressure," EU foreign policy spokesperson Peter Stano said in a statement. The crackdown on Babaryka and Belgazprombank which is nearly 100 percent owned by Russian natural gas giant Gazprom and its affiliate Gazprombank -- comes as Lukashenka faces what experts say is one of the biggest challenges ever to his rule, which stretches back to 1994. Belarus, with a population of some 9.5 million, has one of Europes highest infection rates for the coronavirus, which Lukashenka dismissed as a mass psychosis and ignored calls by the World Health Organization and others to institute any social-distancing measures. The World Bank predicts the Belarusian economy will contract 4 percent this year as a result of the pandemic, while some informal, online polls put Lukashenkas public support at just 3 percent. Seeking A Sixth Term In the election on August 9, Lukashenka will be seeking a sixth term in office. No election, either for president or parliament, during his rule has been deemed free and fair by Western governments and institutions. Babaryka has risen in popularity as the vote nears, and his election campaign says it has collected nearly 435,000 signatures -- more than four times the required 100,000 minimum to get on the ballot -- to support his bid to get on the ballot by a June 19 deadline. The Belarusian Central Election Commission cleared 15 would-be candidates to collect signatures to get on the ballot, while rejecting others, including potential candidates like popular vlogger Syarhey Tsikhanouski and opposition politician Mikalay Statkevich, who challenged the authoritarian leader in 2010 and was imprisoned for protests that followed that disputed vote. WATCH: Thousands Form Human Chain In Minsk Following Arrest Of Opposition Candidate The Committee for State Control (KDK) said on June 18 that Babaryka was arrested for allegedly attempting to influence witness testimony and illegally withdrawing large amounts of cash from bank accounts, among other things. KDK head Ivan Tertel said that almost 20 employees of Belgazprombank had been arrested, adding that many of the suspects "confessed" that they had illegally transferred hundreds of millions of dollars to Latvia via a scheme organized by Babaryka. Babaryka's election campaign staff said lawyers for the two men were not allowed to be present during the questioning, and that Babaryka's home in Minsk was searched by law enforcement officers. In recent weeks, opposition rallies and gatherings in support of would-be candidates have attracted thousands of people across Belarus as the authoritarian Lukashenka seeks a sixth term. Several opposition activists, politicians, and bloggers were sentenced to up to 15 days in jail this week for taking part in what authorities called "unsanctioned rallies." In his statement, Stano demanded that Belarus refrain from any restrictions of the rights of potential candidates, avoid any detentions of peaceful protesters, and immediately release all arbitrarily detained activists. "No potential candidate should be prevented from fulfilling the registration procedure due to politically motivated restrictive measures," he added. Deputies Shoot and Kill Half-Brother of Man Found Hanging in California The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department confirmed that the half-brother of a black man who was found hanging from a tree last week was shot and killed in an incident with sheriffs deputies. The law enforcement agency said an investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Terron Jammal Boone, 31, is accused of beating his girlfriend and holding her in captivity for about a week, authorities said in a news release. A shootout occurred on Wednesday after the Los Angeles County Sheriff Departments Major Crimes Bureau attempted to stop a vehicle driven by a woman. A 7-year-old girl was also in the vehicle with Boone. Detectives effected a traffic stop of the vehicle to identify the occupant and if confirmed, arrest the suspect. The vehicle was driven by an adult female, who was unrelated to the crime being investigated, the news release said. As the vehicle came to a stop inside the parking lot of an apartment complex on 15th Street West, the suspect opened the front passenger door of the vehicle and fired several shots at the deputies, from a black, semi-automatic handgun, impacting a detectives vehicle. Four officials returned fire, hitting Boone several times in the upper torso, sheriffs officials said in the release. Paramedics were called to the scene to render medical treatment, but Boone was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said, adding that his handgun was also recovered. The female driver was also shot in the incident, but she was taken to a hospital and later was released. The 7-year-old girl was not harmed, officials added. Boone was the half-brother of 24-year-old Robert Fuller, who was found dead and hanging from a tree in Palmdale. Fullers death was initially ruled as a suicide, but the FBI confirmed that its investigating the case. The FBI said in a statement on June 15: The FBI, U.S. Attorneys office for the Central District of California, and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division are actively reviewing the investigations into the hanging deaths of two African American men in the cities of Palmdale and Victorville to determine whether foul play or civil rights violations played a role. However, Fullers sister, Diamond Alexander, said that his family does not believe he killed himself. She told the Los Angeles Times: My brother was not suicidal. He was a survivor. The LA Times also reported that Fuller attended a Black Lives Matter protest in the days before his death. A day before the shooting, Boone was charged in Los Angeles County Superior Court with assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment, domestic violence and criminal threats, according to The Associated Press. Two travellers from Switzerland and Brazil who were kidnapped along with their pet dogs by dissident rebels in Colombia at the start of the coronavirus pandemic were rescued by the military on Thursday, ending a three-month ordeal. Daniel Max Guggenheim and Jose Iban Alburqueque - and their Pomeranians - were freed after soldiers got wind of their location and chased after the man who was guarding them. The men were described as healthy but said they endured a hellish ordeal that included long hours in cold temperatures and the ridicule of rebels who poked fun at them for traveling together. In mid-March, when Colombia started instituting a nationwide quarantine, the two men were in the Pacific port city of Buenaventura, an area with a long history of drug violence that in more recent years has begun to attract tourists. They decided to make their way back to Bogota using a smartphone to help determine the fastest route. The journey took them through Corinto, in the Cauca department, where they decided to stop to and rest, Guggenheim said. Shortly after continuing onward, they were stopped by two men on motorcycles and one of them put a gun to a window of their vehicle. Youve arrived at the cemetery, he told them. The rebels identified themselves as dissidents of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - the group that signed a peace accord in 2016 - and took them to a nearby area where coffee beans were being dried. Eventually the men were taken to a home where they were held in a room for four days. The rebels demanded tens of millions in pesos, but Guggenheim said he had just $3,600. Unsatisfied, the rebels called Guggenheims daughter, asking for more. In all, the men were held in 11 different locations, Guggenheim said. While they were often cold, he said they were given food and never physically harmed. The rebels even went to a nearby town to buy dry food for their dogs, one of which is a 13-year-old purebred Pomeranian that Guggenheim has had since a puppy. Most of 11,000 Colombian rebels who signed the peace accord to end Latin America's longest-running conflict are now living as civilians, but a small number who defected or never joined the agreement are still battling the government. The Pacific coast region, including Buenaventura, has seen a rise in violence as the FARC dissidents, the National Liberation Army guerrilla group and drug gangs compete for lucrative trafficking routes. IOWA GOV. Kim Reynolds, a Republican who took office in 2017, has vowed to end her states lifetime ban on voting by former felons the nations last remaining such blanket prohibition. Yet even as she announced this week that she will issue an executive order automatically restoring ballot access to tens of thousands of Iowans before the fall elections, Ms. Reynolds has gone squishy on the exact timing and details or even if she will act in time for these disenfranchised ex-convicts to register and vote in this falls elections. The United States on Thursday expressed its deepest condolences to India on the loss of lives of its soldiers in violent clashes with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in Ladakh early this week. We extend our deepest condolences to the people of India for the lives lost as a result of the recent confrontation with China, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a tweet, hours after his meeting with top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi. 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 Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday advocated aggressive steps to take back the Galwan Valley territory seized by the Chinese and urged the Union government to issue an ultimatum to Beijing to vacate the occupied land immediately, with a clear warning that failure to do so will lead to serious consequences for them. While India will also have to suffer some consequences of such an act, it can no longer afford to allow such intrusion and attacks on its territorial integrity, said Captain, while interacting with the media at the Chandigarh airbase where he had gone to pay tributes to the three sepoys whose mortal remains were flown in from Galwan Valley. Laying a wreath on the mortal remains of Sepoys Gurbinder Singh from Sangrur, Gurtej Singh from Mansa and Ankush from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, Captain said the nation is forever indebted to them. Amarinder said past experience shows that when faced with aggression, the Chinese have always backed off. Its time to call their bluff, he said, reiterating that Indians want a befitting response to be the Chinese. Questioning the so-called agreement which prevented the Indian troops from firing, Amarinder demanded to know who had come up with such an agreement. How can one have an agreement of this nature with a hostile neighbour? he asked. It is clear that the attack on Indian soldiers was a pre-meditated move by the Chinese, who had come prepared with deadly weapons, he said, adding, by carrying nail-studded lathis and barbed-wired clubs and by attacking our troops, they abrogated whatever agreement was in place. In such circumstance, the Indian soldiers had full right to retaliate using weapons. If the situation is allowed to escalate, China, in collusion with Pakistan, will get further emboldened to encroach upon Indian territories, Captain said. RFI La coalicion militar liderada por Arabia Saudita en Yemen nego el sabado su responsabilidad en el ataque aereo que la vispera mato a al menos 70 personas y dejo un centenar de heridos, en una prision gestionada por los rebeldes huties De acuerdo a lo informado por la ONG Medicos sin Fronteras, al menos 70 personas murieron y 138 resultaron heridas este viernes 21 de enero en un ataque aereo llevado a cabo contra una prision en control de los rebeldes huties en Yemen y situada en la ciudad de Saa Investors weighing up the risks of a COVID-19 relapse have sent the local sharemarket into a spin, however, the local buy now, pay later (BNPL) sector is seemingly immune to the daily gyrations of the index. BNPL stocks - led by sector leader Afterpay - hit record highs this week in the clearest signal yet that investors see the payments phenomenon as more than a match for the biggest economic shock since the Great Depression. Afterpay has gone from a low of $8 in March to just short of the $60 mark on Friday, with Bell Potter and Ord Minnett setting price targets of about $65 for the company. Ord Minnett, in particular, is bullish about Afterpay's enormous growth potential in the US, with the company's current user base of 5 million in the country representing just 2 per cent of the population. Afterpay is growing quickly in the US. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer But it was Afterpay's credit card-based rival, Splitit, which really burnt the short sellers this week, with the stock more than doubling from 66 to $1.47 after it announced a new partnership with Mastercard on Thursday. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 23:42:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), presides over a bi-weekly seminar held by the CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, June 19, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese national political advisors discussed improving the regulation of the food delivery sector at a bi-weekly seminar on Friday. The seminar, held by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, was presided over by Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee. Wang stressed innovation in the supervision and regulation, calling for efforts to promote the sound development of the food delivery market and ensure people's health and safety. Political advisors and specially invited representatives put forward their suggestions, while nearly 60 political advisors voiced their opinions via an online platform. They noted the contributions made by the food delivery services in the fight against COVID-19, including ensuring that people's basic needs were met, and creating jobs. Stressing the bottom line of safety, and the necessity of fair competition, they said relevant laws and rules should be improved to better regulate the market's various links, including procurement, processing, packaging, and delivery. They also urged relevant service platforms to strengthen the qualification examination of restaurants, noting that the review, complaint, and compensation mechanisms for consumers should also be improved. Enditem To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Texas schools will be safe places for students and staff to return to in the upcoming school year, though families with health concerns will receive flexibility to continue online learning, Education Commissioner Mike Morath said in a prepared statement Thursday. Texas Education Agency officials are expected to release detailed guidance Tuesday on reopening school buildings amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which caused the shutdown of campuses for the final 2 months of the 2019-2020 school year. School districts already are planning how to bring students and faculty back into schools in August and keeping them a safe distance from each other. They are especially anxious about how they will be funded for student attendance. A recent increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations throughout Texas and the San Antonio area has heightened concerns about large gatherings. School officials have been surveying families to gauge how many were prepared to send their children to school and how many want to continue with remote learning instead. Almost half of 14,454 parents surveyed in Northside Independent School District early this month said they were not comfortable sending their children back to school. Alternating full days in-person is the most preferred option, but 73 percent of survey respondents said they would not send their children to school if community cases of the virus were increasing, Northside trustees learned in a presentation this week. The district has more than 106,000 students. Required Reading: Get San Antonio education news sent directly to your inbox As the pandemic closed campuses this year, Morath waived the requirement that based school funding on attendance. It pegged state outlays on previously reported enrollment, but that cant be used to fund distance learning for a whole school year, TEA spokesman Jake Kobersky said. Average daily attendance funding was discussed in a call with Gov. Greg Abbott, Morath and legislators Thursday and will be included in the guidance issued next week, said a spokesman for state Sen. Pete Flores, R-Pleasanton, who was on the call. In a call Wednesday with Morath and members of the Texas House Public Education Committee, Morath said the plan is to allow districts to get full average daily attendance funding for students whether theyre physically present in class or engaging remotely, either in real time or asynchronously. However, Morath warned, the plan was not final, said Rep. Diego Bernal, D-San Antonio, who was on the call. The brief statement issued Thursday by the TEA, attributable to Morath, offered no details. I dont think that can work unless districts get full ADA funding for all three scenarios, especially since I suspect students who will be learning from home will be doing real-time synchronous learning and some independent learning, Bernal said. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio schools planning for fall social distancing and theres a lot of math Bernal and nine other legislators who represent all or part of Bexar County sent a letter to Morath last week urging him to fund districts for remote learning, in-person instruction and a hybrid of the two. Districts will need resources for additional training, technology, connectivity and safety measures to handle this shift in teaching and learning and to provide the best learning environment for their students, now and moving forward, the letter said. Northside ISD Superintendent Brian Woods said he has sent similar recommendations to the TEA. Northsides fiscal year starts Sept. 1. North East and San Antonio ISDs are set to adopt their budgets Monday a day before the TEA issues its guidance for fiscal years that begin July 1. Krista Torralva covers several school districts and public universities in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Krista, become a subscriber. Krista.Torralva@express-news.net | Twitter: @KMTorralva Top White House scientist Dr Anthony Fauci has said the US does not need further lockdowns to bring Covid-19 under control and is 'optimistic' about a vaccine soon. 'I don't think we're going to be talking about going back to lockdown,' he said when asked whether places like California and Texas that are seeing a surge in their caseload should reissue stay-at-home orders. 'I think we're going to be talking about trying to better control those areas of the country that seem to be having a surge of cases.' The US leads the world in the number of confirmed infections and in deaths, with the fatality toll approaching 120,000. 'I don't think we're going to be talking about going back to lockdown,' Anthony Fauci said when asked whether places like California and Texas that are seeing a surge in their caseload should reissue stay-at-home orders Coronavirus cases across the U.S. on June 18. Texas, Florida and California are of concern But while former epicenters New York and New Jersey have controlled their outbreaks, the virus is now increasing in 20 states - creating a plateau in the national case graph. Fauci stressed a localized approach as the country returns to normal - including on the crucial question of when to reopen schools. 'Counties where there are certainly no cases at all, there's no problem with the schools opening,' he said. 'There are other parts where there's a modest amount of infection (where) you may delay school openings.' For those regions in between, 'you want to make some modification of the process, namely: alternate days, morning versus afternoon, seating people apart from each other wearing masks.' On the question of re-opening the country's borders, he struck a cautious note. 'Obviously, there is an interest in getting back to some form of normality in our interactions with other countries,' he said, adding the topic was reviewed almost daily but refusing to give a timeline. The 79-year-old has led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984, and has overseen the nation's response to every epidemic from HIV onward. A mural of Dr. Anthony Fauci on the front of boarded up restaurant on the Lower East Side of New York on Thursday Diners are seated in an outdoor dining area on a sidewalk, Thursday, June 18, 2020, at Limey's Pub, in Norwood, Massachusetts Coronavirus cases in the U.S. as of June 18. More than 2.1m people are known to be infected A growing issue however has been a loss of public faith in science, especially during the current crisis. 'Even when the recommendations are to wear a mask, a recommendation that I've been involved in making, there are some groups that actually do the recommendations very strictly,' said Fauci. 'And then... you see pictures of people in bars and in congregations without that. So again, it's a mixed bag.' Many within the scientific community have described the development of a vaccine for the SARS-CoV-2 virus as a 'Moonshot' given there has never been a successful vaccine for any human coronavirus. Then there is the fact that scientists have failed to develop a vaccine for HIV, despite trying for decades. Fauci stressed that the two weren't comparable. 'The reason I have more confidence with coronavirus is that we know the majority of people recover from COVID-19 because their immune system clears the virus,' he said. 'So nature has already given you a proof of concept that it can be done.' Since people who recover produce virus-fighting antibodies, scientists are confident that these antibodies can also be elicited by a man-made antigen. People wait for health assessment check-in before entering Jackson Memorial Hospital, as Miami-Dade County eases some of the lockdown measures put in place during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Miami, Florida Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Anthony Fauci speaks as US President Donald Trump and US Vice President Mike Pence listen during the daily briefing on the novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, in the Brady Briefing Room at the White House on April 13 Fauci added he was 'cautiously optimistic' about the National Institutes of Health's early animal studies on the Moderna vaccine, as well as early results from the human study which produced 'encouraging' neutralizing antibodies. But he added that just because the Moderna vaccine and another produced by Oxford University appeared to be 'temporally ahead,' it did not mean their final results would be the best. On the treatment front, Fauci said he was 'very impressed' with results from a British trial into the steroid dexamethasone, which was found to reduce deaths among COVID-19 patients on ventilators by a third. However, given it works by suppressing the abnormal immune response that damages the body's organs, rather than attacking the virus, Fauci cautioned it should not be prescribed too soon after a person was infected. 'It had no effect, if not maybe even a suggestion of making things worse early on,' he said. 'This is perfectly compatible with knowing that early on in infection, you need the immune system to suppress the virus.' This month, retired Marine Todd Winn pulled his old military uniform from the back of the closet, removed it from a protective garment bag and stared at his dress blues in silence for several minutes. He wondered whether the uniform would still fit 15 years after he last wore it, but, more importantly, Winn said, he wondered whether he was worthy of wearing it. "To be honest, I wondered if I had lived up to the ideals I had sworn to live by as a Marine," he said. "I had taken a vow to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution. And after what happened to George Floyd, I wondered if I'd done enough to advocate for change." Several days later, Winn, 36, went to a barbershop to get a haircut, then returned to his home near Salt Lake City to suit up. Although his jacket and pants were a little tight, "I decided they would do," he said. He put a quick polish on his shoes, pinned on his medals (including two Purple Hearts) and fetched his Marines dress cap, a pair of white gloves and a protest sign he had made the night before. Then he asked his girlfriend, Katie Steck, to drive him to the entrance of the Utah State Capitol. It was Friday, June 5 - the hottest day of the year so far in Salt Lake City, with the afternoon temperature hitting 100 degrees. Although the heat was stifling, Winn put on his gloves, made sure that his snug jacket was buttoned properly, then affixed a piece of black tape to his mouth that read, "I can't breathe." The words were among the last uttered by George Floyd on May 25 while a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck, killing him. For the next three hours, Winn stood at attention, holding a sign at his side that featured Floyd's name and the names of several other African Americans killed in police shootings. "Justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tamir Rice and countless others," it read. Most people who saw him honked or waved as they drove past, he said, and some stopped to ask Steck questions. "I couldn't answer," Winn said. "My silence was meant to be a moment of silence for everyone who has been victimized, including George Floyd." When local photographer Robin Pendergrast spotted Winn and snapped photos of his one-man protest at the Capitol - including pictures of his shoes crumbling in the heat - it didn't take long for the images to show up on social media and get shared thousands of times. Comments soon began pouring in from people across the country, Winn said, mostly in support of his actions: "Being disappointed in your country enough to take direct, independent action to improve the quality of life for your fellow citizens is the definition of patriotism," one person wrote. "Bravo! Well said and good for you to stand up for what you believe for," another wrote. "Human rights isn't political. My hat is off to you sir." Winn said he has also received more than a few messages from those who view him as a "disgrace" to his uniform, but he isn't upset by the criticism. "I want to make it abundantly clear that I understand and respect the feelings of people who are unhappy that I wore my uniform for the purpose of my silent protest," he said. "I love this country and the people of this country. That's why I put on my uniform for the first time after enlisting and that's why I did it again on that Friday." Winn, who enlisted as a Marine in 2004 after moving to Utah, suffered traumatic brain injuries in Iraq in 2005, he said, when he was twice caught in roadside explosions. "I'd dreamed of being a Marine since I was a kid," said Winn, who grew up in a military family in Wichita and was a senior in high school during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. "Because of my injuries, I was only able to serve in the Marines for three years, but they were three great years," he said. "I loved the camaraderie and the brotherhood, and I really miss my time in the military." After returning to the United States and receiving an honorable medical discharge in 2010, Winn said he suffered for years from PTSD, memory loss and depression. He hung his uniform in the closet, never thinking that he'd wear it again. And then came May 25, 2020. As he watched the news footage of Floyd's death, Winn said, he was horrified and saddened, and he suddenly realized that "I'd been watching the same thing happen over and over again my entire life and I hadn't stood up for change." Winn thought back to his time in the military, he said, remembering the bond he had formed with Marines of all backgrounds, from every corner of the country. "I felt that in keeping my silence, I had not done justice to these brothers," he said. After retrieving his dress uniform from the closet, he said, the idea for his protest at the Utah State Capitol began to form. When he told Steck what he had in mind, she enthusiastically encouraged him. After Steck, 31, drove him to the Capitol, she stood to observe on the sidelines with bottles of water - all of which Winn declined. "I wanted to keep that tape on my mouth and the sentiment, 'I can't breathe,' " he said. "It was hot, most definitely. I was feeling the effects of heat exhaustion, but it was important to me to stand at attention the entire time, except for brief periods of 'parade' rest, with my legs apart, shoulder-width." For the final 8 minutes 46 seconds of his protest, Winn knelt on one knee in remembrance of Floyd, as the soles of his military dress shoes crumbled in the heat. When it was over, he returned home exhausted, he said, and decided to write a letter about his protest. "Every voice, large and small, must come together as one to condemn the racism, intolerance and bigotry that seeks to tear our societies apart," he wrote. "It has been and continues to be my great honor to serve my fellow Americans. My love for this country and its people is what drove me to serve in 2004, and what motivates me still today . . . it is never too late to stand up for what is right." Now that his uniform has been returned to the closet, along with his melted shoes, Winn said he has no plans to wear his dress blues in protest again. "It got a lot bigger than I expected, and I don't enjoy the attention," he said. "But I've come to accept that it was a necessary discomfort to spread the message to more people. America is not a war zone - the American people should not be the enemy. We have to come together as a human species and recognize that the diversity of our humanity is our greatest strength." [June 19, 2020] Nokia first to demonstrate live C-Band network in the U.S. Press Release Nokia first to demonstrate live C-Band network in the U.S. Nokia completes first successful U.S. based 5G trial in C-band spectrum, reaching speeds of over 1 Gbps using commercial 5G AirScale portfolio Nokia C-Band solutions are ready to deploy ahead of the expected U.S. spectrum auction in December 2020 Nokia already supplying 5G services to all U.S. carriers 19 June 2020 Espoo, Finland Nokia today announced that it has successfully completed a series of Over-the-Air (OTA) 5G NR (new radio) trials in C-band spectrum, in Dallas, Texas. The drive tests, which achieved stable peak throughput speeds of over 1 Gbps, confirmed that Nokias solution is ready for commercial deployment ahead of the U.S. C-band spectrum auction in December. The C-band, between 3.4 GHz and 4.2 GHz, is a crucial resource for operators to offer the best mix of 5G network capacity and coverage to subscribers across the U.S. The demonstration was performed in Dallas Cypress Waters neighborhood using Nokias AirScale 5G base station equipment that is an industry-leading, commercial end-to-end 5G solution enabling operators globally to capitalize on all their 5G spectrum assets (from 600MHz to 39GHz). It offers huge capacity scaling and market-leading latency and connectivity by enabling all air-interface technologies on the same radio access equipment. The setup utilized 100 MHz of spectrum at 3.75 GHz with a 4x4 MIMO and configuration in Non-Standalone (NSA) mode combined with Nokias Core network. During drive testing, Nokia monitored network performance and demonstrated that the handovers successfully happened between C-Band base stations as expected. The connection and performance was stable throughout the entire test, highlighting the robustness of the solution and its readiness for commercial implementation. The U.S. will hold a spectrum auction for the C-band in Decembr with network deployments expected in the first half of 2021. C-band spectrum will be prime spectrum for providing leading-edge 5G services in the U.S., especially when combined with already deployed network infrastructure and spectrum bands via TDD/FDD Carrier Aggregation and other interworking features. Nokias C-band solution is based on its AirScale 5G radio frequency (RF) products. It has a full portfolio of 3.5GHz solutions, including 64TRX and 32TRX massive MIMO for extreme capacity; 8T8R radios for deployable coverage solutions; 4T4R micro RRH for street level and venue deployments; and Indoor pico RRH to provide extensive in-building coverage. Nokia is already shipping each of these solutions in high volumes to leading carriers around the world. The difference between these global solutions and the solutions needed for the U.S. C-band are the hardware changes needed to match the exact frequency range and country specific RF requirements. These adaptions are low technical risk based on Nokias already commercial platforms, including its own ReefShark System on Chip (SoC) technologies. This C-Band demonstration was using Nokias AirScale 5G baseband solution. Nokia is also offering U.S. Carriers the option of deploying C-Band with its 5G AirScale Cloud RAN solution in vRAN2.0 configuration, in which the whole baseband will be in Cloud connected to the radio via an ORAN compliant eCPRI 7.2x interface. Nokia recently announced that it has achieved 5G speeds of up to 4.7 Gbps in OTA tests performed on AirScale base station equipment being deployed in major U.S. carriers' commercial networks. This most recent achievement in C-Band is another example of the strong progress Nokia has made in 5G over the past 18 months. Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, commented: The mobile industry is dependent on the allocation of new spectrum to increase capacity and deliver enhanced mobile broadband services. This test, in the C-band, is significant because it proves that we have a solution ready-to-go following the completion of the spectrum auctions in the U.S. later this year. We are already working with all major U.S. carriers and look forward to strengthening our relationship with them further by deploying C-band and delivering incredible 5G experiences to business and subscribers across the country. Resources Webpage: Nokia AirScale About Nokia We create the technology to connect the world. Only Nokia offers a comprehensive portfolio of network equipment, software, services and licensing opportunities across the globe. With our commitment to innovation, driven by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, we are a leader in the development and deployment of 5G networks. Our communications service provider customers support more than 6.4 billion subscriptions with our radio networks, and our enterprise customers have deployed over 1,300 industrial networks worldwide. Adhering to the highest ethical standards, we transform how people live, work and communicate. For our latest updates, please visit us online www.nokia.com and follow us on Twitter @nokia. Media Inquiries: Nokia Communications Phone: +358 10 448 4900 Email: [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A judge has criticised the outdated structure of parts of the criminal law system, labelling it Victorian. Judge Desmond Zaidan says that the gardai should be given powers to issue a fixed penalty fine for relatively minor issues such a breach of the Public Order Act, and minor road traffic or theft offences. Read more County Kildare news Instead, many of these cases come before Naas District Court, adding to the already long list of matters yet to be dealt with. Some relatively minor matters like petty theft may, if the alleged perpetrator chooses, be heard at the higher Circuit Court after a twelve member jury has been sworn in. This means additional costs for the taxpayer. In Ireland, we inherited the British judicial system, but even in Britain they have moved away from this, Judge Zaidan commented. Here, you have the option of a jury trial that could cost 30,000-50,000 if you steal a sandwich, he said. Judge Zaidan added: Im stating the obvious, Im calling a spade a spade. Carnival Cruises Posts $4.4 Billion Loss as Virus Hammers Industry Cruise lines struggle to stay afloat as cancellations bite Carnival Cruise Lineswhich includes brands such as Cunard, Princess Cruises, Aida, and P&Ohas posted a massive $4.4 billion loss for the second quarter, and is fast-tracking plans to sell 6 of its ships in a bid to reduce costs and raise cash. As the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus crisis wreaked havoc on the travel industry in April and May, and on cruise operators in particular, cruise lines were forced to adopt extreme measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. As cruises were canceled and revenue nosedived, Carnival said in a statement that it had to return 260,000 cruise passengers to their homes, and repatriate some 60,000 crew members to 130 countries around the world. Important update for guests on select future sailings. pic.twitter.com/5hm35dF8DW Carnival Cruise Line (@CarnivalCruise) April 1, 2020 According to CNN, the companys massive losses of $3.30 per share surprised analysts, who were forecasting losses at just over half of that. Carnival revenues fell to $700 million in the second quarter of this yeara huge drop from $4.8 billion for the same period last year. Carnival said it will need to collaborate with a wide range of government and health authorities before it can resume guest operations in what it described as a phased manner. However, the company also stressed that it was unable to definitively predict when it will return to normal operations. Other cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands) have also been forced to revise their plans for resuming cruise operations. Norwegian announced on June 16 that it would be extending its previously announced suspension of voyages to include all voyages embarking between August 1 and September 30, 2020 for all three of its brands. Trying to Stay Afloat Carnivals preliminary forecasts for the second quarter would indicate the company has sufficient liquidity, with $7.6 billion available. However, the company will burn through cash at a rate of $650 million per month in the second half of the year, despite a wide range of cost-cutting measures. Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Ecstacy cruise ship is docked at the Port of Jacksonville amid the CCP virus outbreak in Jacksonville, Fla., on March 27, 2020. (Greenwood/Getty Images) The cuts include slashing operating expenses such as crew payroll, food, insurance, fuel, and port charges by pausing ships at anchor with minimal crew levels. Marketing and sales budgets have been slashed, which could impact future earnings potential, and hiring has been frozen. Those workers not already laid offincluding senior managementhave experienced a combination of furloughs, reduced working weeks, and cuts to salaries and benefit plans. Consulting and contractor roles have been sharply reduced. The company is moving to maximize liquidity by accelerating the disposal of ships expected to be sold in the coming years, with preliminary agreements reached for the sale of 6 ships within the next 3 months. Carnival has also availed of or renegotiated credit facilities, and taken advantage of debt holidays where possible. The company says it is also working on the potential sale of non-ship assets. Most major cruise lines are not legally based in the United States, and therefore were not eligible for any of the first CCP virus stimulus package of $2 trillion. Carnival is incorporated in Panama, Royal Caribbean in Liberia, and Norwegian in Bermuda, though all three have corporate headquarters in Miami. However, Carnival qualified for around $700 in Federal Reserve program aid designed to support struggling businesses. CNN wire service contributed to this report. The Kremlin denied on Friday an assertion by a former senior US White House official that Russian President Vladimir Putin thought he could play US President Donald Trump "like a fiddle" and found it easy to manipulate him. John Bolton, Trump's former national security adviser, was quoted on Thursday by ABC News on Twitter saying "I think Putin thinks he can play him like a fiddle". Asked to comment on a conference call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said "No, Putin can't play Trump like a fiddle". The Supreme Court on Friday termed its 1976 judgment during the Emergency as "retrograde" while reaffirming that right to life and liberty cannot be taken away without a due process of law even during such proclamations. A bench, headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan, referred to the judgment in ADM Jabalpur wherein a majority of the judges had taken the view that after proclamation of Emergency under Article 352, no proceedings can be initiated for enforcement of right under Article 21 (life and liberty). It further cited another judgment in 1977 which reiterated that Presidential orders dated June 27, 1975, and January 8, 1976, had unconditionally suspended the enforceability of the right conferred upon any person to move a court of law for enforcement of fundamental rights. The bench, which included Justices MR Shah and V Ramasubramanian, also noted that the "retrograde steps taken in respect of right protected under Article 21" in the ADM Jabalpur judgment was negated by Parliament through 44th Constitutional amendment in 1978, by laying down that rights under articles 20 and 21 will not be suspended even during the Emergency. "The sting of the judgment of this Court in ADM Jabalpur and retrograde steps taken in respect of right protected under Article 21 was, thus, immediately remedied by the Parliament by the above Constitutional Amendment," the court said. It added the ADM Jabalpur was formally overruled by a seven-judge bench in the 2017 Aadhaar case by giving precedence to life, liberty and freedom of individuals. The order by the bench came as it mapped out the powers of police during the lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bench was specific that right to life and personal liberty could not be affected adversely on the ground of the lockdown, and hence, delay by police to file a chargesheet will entitle an accused to bail. It ruled that statutory bail to a person for delay in submitting a chargesheet cannot be denied on the ground of nationwide restrictions. It accepted contentions by senior advocate Sidharth Luthra that the Supreme Court's March order extended the deadline for filing petitions, suits and appeals only in civil matters, but did not extend the time period for police to file chargesheets under Section 167 of the CrPC. The top court agreed with Luthra that provisions in Section 167 CrPC are for protection of personal liberty and in event chargesheet has not been filed by police within the stipulated period within 60 or 90 days, the appellant is entitled for default bail. The bench shot down the judgment by Madras High Court which had maintained that lockdown announced by the government is akin to proclamation of Emergency. "We are of the clear opinion that the learned Single Judge in the impugned judgment erred in holding that the lockdown announced by the Government of India is akin to the proclamation of Emergency," said the bench, adding even during such proclamation, right to life and liberty cannot be suspended. The apex court said that the view of the single judge that the restrictions should not give right to an accused to pray for grant of default bail even though chargesheet has not been filed within the time prescribed is erroneous and not in accordance with law. Clarifying that the top court's March order on extension of limitation does not apply to the CrPC provisions, the bench then granted bail to Luthra's client over delay in filing of chargesheet. To the editor: I did not seek white male privilege but was born with it. A couple weeks ago, I participated in the Midland Black Lives Matter rally with a like-minded friend. Heres why. Years ago while reporting for the Clare Sentinel and seeking an accident report at the old Mount Pleasant State Police post, a black trooper greeted me at the desk. He left to find help and was replaced by two white troopers. While looking for the report they referenced the black officer using racial slurs in their banter. I did nothing about this but it has stayed with me ever since and surfaces in my mind each time another atrocity committed by police is documented. I tend to believe only a fraction of police officers commit these acts. Most admirably live up to their mission to protect and serve. A Michigan trooper once changed a tire for me in the rain as I was dressed for a wedding. A warning has usually followed the occasional speeding infraction. My profile does not instill fear or suspicion. Ive witnessed the opposite regarding black people many times. We all must act with respect and compassion for our fellow humans. ED RACHWITZ Beaverton Agartala/ Karimganj : , June 19 (IANS) A total of 245 Indians, who were stranded in Bangladesh for more than three months, returned to the country by road and were admitted to institutional quarantine centres, officials said on Friday. In a separate move, 32 Bangladeshis, who were stranded in India since the first lockdown was imposed on March 25, have been sent back to the neighbouring country through a checkpoint in southern Assam's Karimganj district. According to the police and civil officials, 245 Indians, including women and children, belonging to Tripura, entered through the Akhaura-Agartala integrated check-post (ICP), adjacent to Agartala, on Thursday and Friday. "Immediately on their return, all the 245 people were sent to institutional quarantine centres for seven days, after which they have to be under home quarantine for another seven days," a health official said. Officials in Karimganj (southern Assam) said that 32 Bangladeshis, including 18 women, returned to their country. Of the 32 Bangladeshis, eight were studying in NIT Silchar in Cachar district while some others came to India for medical treatment and got stranded due to the lockdown. The Bangladeshis were screened by a medical team of the district before being sent back. Earlier on May 28, 235 stranded Indians had returned to Tripura and Assam from Bangladesh, of which many had tested positive for Covid-19. The last day of school is a day to which many students look forward. It means the start of summer. This year, students and teachers marked the last day of school and celebrated eighth-grade promotion ceremonies and high school graduations in a different way. Virtual and drive-up ceremonies are the norm now due to the coronavirus pandemic. Schools have had to find alternative ways to celebrate the end of the year while adhering to the recommended social distancing guidelines to slow the spread of the virus. Its been a rough few months. Families have faced the challenges of distance learning for the latter part of the school year and now graduating students are missing the opportunity to participate in traditional commencement exercises. Students are not be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with their classmates, be congratulated by administration or hug their friends in celebration. Schools throughout the Greater New Milford area have stepped up in a big way to make sure the end of the year is special. Bubbles blew on the wind, horns beeped and teachers cheered and held up signs on the sidewalks Tuesday at Sarah Noble Intermediate School in New Milford as families participated in a parade of cars. My daughter rolled down her window and watched out anxiously to see her fourth-grade teacher. As we drove along the route, Eleanor commented how much fun the parade was. I agreed and shared that I wouldnt mind doing a sendoff like this every year. While the events offered arent what students had expected, these events are memorable. Both Sherman School and Kent Center School held their eighth-grade graduations June 12. Sherman students held a social distancing ceremony, while Kent students participated in a drive-up ceremony. Families and students of Sherman School decorated a vehicle and parked in Veterans Field. Students walked in procession six feet or more apart and accepted their diploma one at a time (see photographs, this page and Page S1 and S9). Warren School also offered its own celebration. Eighth graders at Schaghticoke Middle School in New Milford received their diplomas at three separate team drive-up ceremonies Monday. Students arrived in decorated vehicles and were cheered on by staff that held congratulatory signs, sprayed bubbles and danced to music played by a disc jockey as the vehicles traveled throughout the parking lot, ending at a tent where Principal Christopher Longo presented students their diploma through the car window. Shepaug Valley High School and New Milford High School seniors will participate in a parade of cars and conclude with a special ceremony Saturday. New Milfords parade will start at Sarah Noble Intermediate School and end at the high school, where they will earn their diploma. Shepaug students are invited to participate in a parade through Washington, Roxbury and Bridgewater. They will then head to the Bridgewater fairgrounds where they will receive their diploma. In addition to the altered format of NMHS ceremony, something unique will happen. This will be the first time since at least 2003 that New Milford students will graduate on high school property! New Milford High School has held its commencement exercises at Western Connecticut State Universitys ONeill Center to accommodate a large class size and students families and general logistics. Many schools in the region use the ONeill Center for that reason. Having graduated on the grounds of New Milford High School myself, I recognize how special it is to graduate on school property. After all, thats where I spent four years of my high school career. I hope all graduates will pause and reflect on just how special the end of the school year is. It may not be what anyone expected or hoped for, but it is unique and memorable. And NMHS grads, youve got an added bonus of being on school grounds to receive your diploma. Treasure this moment. Congratulations, everyone! Deborah Rose is a lifelong New Milford resident who has worked at The Spectrum since its inception in 1998. She can be reached by email at drose@newstimes.com. Slaven Vlasic/Getty ImagesUsher has marked Juneteenth by penning a compelling essay reflecting on the ongoing injustices in our country, juxtaposed with the desperate need for change toward black Americans. In a Washington Post op-ed, the multi-Grammy winning artist lets those who aren't aware know: "Juneteenth is our authentic day of self-determination." "It is ours to honor the legacy of our ancestors, ours to celebrate and ours to remember where we once were as a people," Usher writes. "And it should be a national holiday, observed by all Americans." "While President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was issued two and a half years prior, and the Civil War had ended in April of that year, it wasn't until June 19, 1865, that almost all of our ancestors were free. We should honor their lives and celebrate that day of freedom forever," the essay declares. Usher also recalls his childhood, when he was taught one version of U.S. history that frequently excluded black history. Now, he says, "this country must change, quickly." "Recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday would be a small gesture compared with the greater social needs of black people in America. But it can remind us of our journey toward freedom and the work America still has to do," he writes. Going forward, Usher hopes people support black culture, black entrepreneurship, and black businesses every day, as opposed to treating the day like a regular calendar holiday and taking off from work. "A national Juneteenth observance can affirm that Black Lives Matter!" he says. Many state and federal government officials are proposing that Congress make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Earlier this week, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared it a holiday in his state. By Rachel George Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. "This experience was one of the highlights of my masters degree. Jessica Quinn, a 2019 scholarship recipient The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) is now accepting applications for 2020 Travel Enrichment Experience scholarships that will be awarded this summer to five graduate students in weed science. Each scholarship of up to $2,000 will fund a five-day educational experience hosted by weed scientists working in industry, government or university settings outside each students home region. One winner will be selected from each of WSSAs five affiliated organizations the Canadian, North Central, Northeastern, Southern and Western Weed Science Societies. Applications are due by July 1. Entry instructions and a list of host opportunities that students can choose from can be downloaded from WSSAs website. Winners will be notified by July 15. Each will have the opportunity to give a 10-minute presentation on their travel experience during the 2021 WSSA Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. Feedback on the travel scholarship program has been overwhelmingly positive, as illustrated by the experiences shared by several 2019 winners. Kayla Eason, a Ph.D. student at the University of Georgia, used her scholarship to travel nearly 2,200 miles into the heart of Canadian agriculture. Her hosts were Steve Shirliffe, Ph.D., and Eric Johnson, Ph.D., at the University of Saskatchewan. I wanted to learn about the agricultural industry in Canada and see the multitude of crops not grown in my region of South Georgia, she said. During my visit, I spent time with a wide variety of people in a wide variety of disciplines. The management techniques and overall agronomic practices were incredible to learn and to see implemented in the field. Nick Steppig, a Ph.D. student at Purdue University and former president of WSSAs graduate student organization, traveled to Idaho to spend the week with Marty Schraer, an R&D scientist with Syngenta. He hoped to broaden his exposure to weed science and to research in crops outside of his Midwestern comfort zone. Marty provided me with exposure to multidisciplinary research in potato, onion, pea, wheat, sugarbeet, hops, and even corn and soybean crops, just to name a few, Steppig said. The breadth of diversity in Idaho agriculture production was eye-opening and allowed me to realize the importance of adaptability and critical thinking for an industry-based field scientist. John Schramski, a masters degree student at Michigan State University, visited with Carroll Moseley, Ph.D., a senior environmental stewardship and policy manager for Syngenta in North Carolina. Schramski said the experience offered him a much better understanding of the herbicide registration process. I learned about the wealth of data generated prior to submission of a label to the EPA and how the company goes above and beyond to promote stewardship of agricultural products, he said. I also learned more about sales and marketing, agronomic support and product reregistration. Jessica Quinn, a student in the masters degree program at the University of Guelph, traveled to Montana State University to visit with Sharlene Sing, Ph.D., and Sarah Ward, Ph.D. She had the opportunity to learn firsthand about collaborative efforts to manage invasive weeds on federal and state-owned forest and rangelands using biological controls. Having a background primarily in chemical weed control, I was intrigued with biological control methods, she said. I learned about the years of research, extensive regulatory measures and strategic implementation involved. This experience was one of the highlights of my masters degree. Entry Requirements Applicants for the Travel Enrichment Experience must be current degree-seeking graduate students in good academic standing at an accredited college or university. They must be currently conducting or have recently completed weed science research, and they must be active members of WSSA. Applicants will be evaluated based on the contributions of their research to the discipline of weed science and to the objectives of WSSA, as well as on their academic records, scholarly achievements and potential contributions to the future of weed science. About the Weed Science Society of America The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment. The Society promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems, and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world. For more information, visit http://www.wssa.net. Yoga plays a crucial role in promoting health in a holistic manner by improving physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Yoga can be termed as a one-size-fits-all solution to fight stress and also alleviate other ailments including depression and anxiety. Since June 21, 2015, the International Day of Yoga has been celebrated annually across the world, coinciding with the Summer Solstice each year. The practice of yoga originated from ancient India and has been promoted by several spiritual gurus over centuries. At the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a day to practice and celebrate yoga which has since been recognised by the United Nations. In his address PM Modi said, Yoga is an invaluable gift of Indias ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in well being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day. Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this years theme is Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family. People residing in Texas and adjoining US states are all-set to roll out their mats to bend and twist their bodies in complex postures from the safety of their homes with acclaimed yoga guru Baba Ramdev on livestream to mark the International Day of Yoga on June 21 amid Covid-19. The two-hour live programme from 10 am to 12 noon will commence with an opening ceremony and brief remarks by Aseem R Mahajan, the Consul General of India in Houston, followed by a yoga session with postures, breathing techniques and meditation led by baba Ramdev, the Indian consulate said. The virtual session will be live streamed on the CGI Houston Facebook page as well as the Facebook page of India House. This years International Day of Yoga, themed Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family, will be celebrated only on digital platforms in view of the coronavirus pandemic, Consul General Mahajan told PTI. The event highlights the intrinsic link between yoga and sustainability and the idea is to encourage people on how to stay active and healthy amidst this lockdown, he said. Since 2015, people in Texas have been celebrating the Yoga Day in mass gatherings at sprawling parks, followed by throwing colour on another like in Holi and dancing to the tunes of popular Bollywood songs. However, this year due to the coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions on large public gatherings and the social distancing measures in place, the decision to take the celebrations to every home though the digital platform has been lauded by the yoga enthusiasts. San Antonio in Texas will celebrate the day on June 20. An all-day yogathon with free yoga community classes will be streamed live throughout the day, starting at 6 am until 6 pm. -- with PTI inputs Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter Now that EastEnders is screening classic episodes (having run out of normal ones during lockdown), its interesting to reflect on scenes that instantly come to mind in the history of soap. Top of my list would be Dallas when, in response to outrage at the departure of Patrick Duffy, who played Bobby Ewing, the show resurrected him. His partner Pam woke up to discover the whole of the previous year had been a dream. Alas, the sister show Knots Landing never heard, and continued to grieve for the dead brother. Among home-grown soaps, inevitably EastEnders Den serving Angie divorce papers on Christmas Day 1986 is the most-watched soap episode ever with more than 30 million viewers and was voted the most dramatic Christmas TV moment of all time. In Corrie, there are so many brilliant, memorable moments its hard to single one out. However, Gails accusation of serial killer husband Richard being no more than Norman Bates with a briefcase was genius. Finally in Emmerdale, every animals death is a moment to remember. Batley the dog being euthanised? Im still crying. EASTENDERS MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE Angie Watts tells Dirty Den (pictured) that she has six months to live in order to stop him from leaving her, in an episode of EastEnders that first aired in 1986 Drinking is an occupational hazard with pub living, but no one managed it quite as spectacularly as Angie Watts. Married to bad boy Dirty Den (a man who makes Harvey Weinstein look like the Angel Gabriel), life was tough. On Tuesday, the show brings us the iconic, 90-minute two-parter between the couple, first aired in 1986. Sh Clutching a bottle of gin and still in her bathrobe, Angie concocts the massive lie that she has six months to live in order to stop Den leaving her. Quite frankly, hed have had trouble getting through the front door with Angies busby blocking the way; Ive seen Afghan hounds with less hair. In response to the news, Dens bedside manner leaves a lot to be desired Damn... Damn. Linguistic prowess was never his forte. Den, of course, uncovers the lie, which leads to the famous Christmas Day episode and the most memorable ending of all time: Appy Christmas, Ange. DOOF DOOF. Monday brings us Secrets From The Square, a series featuring some of the shows stars re-living their best moments, and also some events behind the camera. First up is superfan Stacey Dooley with Danny Dyer (Mick) and Kellie Bright (Linda). CORONATION STREET NO FOOD FOR THOUGHT In Coronation Street, Shona invites David (pictured) up to the flat, following a panic attack in the Bistro David and Shona had a difficult enough courtship the first time (David a psycho, Shona a thief and the mum of Clayton, who murdered Davids wife, et al), so imagine how stressful it is having to go through it all again (not least for viewers). What a lot of hurdles Shona has to overcome: her care worker Aaron takes her to Roys flat, where she meets Nina, who has the look of someone whos been skinny dipping in mascara; then, David asks her out for a bite to eat (given his tiny frame, a bite is probably literally all it will be). It all goes horribly wrong when Shona has a panic attack in the Bistro (doesnt everyone? Have you seen their prices?) and tells him shed rather go to the chippie. Given we havent seen a chef in the Bistro in weeks (or is it months?), thats probably wise. Shona later invites David up to the flat. In more boring news, Seb and Alina admit they still have feelings for each other. Oh, not again; were so over this. Why the show keeps resurrecting this relationship is anyones guess. Its a difficult week for couples all round, with Fiz moaning that all her conversations with Tyrone are about food and The Girls. Could she really be missing the psycho stalker? And what is Swede Art when its at home? Its quid pro quo, Swede Art, said a threatening Jordan to Carla last week. Theyve been watching too much EastEnders. EMMERDALE LOCKDOWN LOCK-IN Paddy (pictured, with Chas) is intent on drinking the cellar dry, as he spends lockdown in a pub in Emmerdale There are many places you wouldnt want to be in lockdown, but if its inevitable, a pub is surely the best. Chas, however, is finding it difficult and feels cut off from her old life; Paddy is less troubled and seems intent on drinking the cellar dry. At least theres no possibility of his finding anyone enjoying sex among the bottles down there always a risk when venturing down to change a barrel. But is his enjoyment of the alcohol just a cover for hiding whats really going on in his head? Its a time of reflection for the couple (pictured). Another shot, please. Make it a triple. 3D reconstruction of a Northern Rio Grande Pueblo community dating to the 14th century CE based on unmanned aerial vehicle survey. Credit: UAV imagery from Archaeogeophysical Associates, Inc., reconstruction by Richard Friedman. Today's modern cities, from Denver to Dubai, could learn a thing or two from the ancient Pueblo communities that once stretched across the southwestern United States. For starters, the more people live together, the better the living standards. That finding comes from a study published today in the journal Science Advances and led by Scott Ortman, an archaeologist at the University of Colorado Boulder. He's one of a growing number of antiquarians who argue that the world's past may hold the key to its future. What lessons can people living today take from the successes and failures of civilizations hundreds or thousands of years ago? Recently, Ortman and Jose Lobo from Arizona State University took a deep dive into data from the farming towns that dotted the Rio Grande Valley between the 14th and 16th centuries. Modern metropolises should take note: As the Pueblo villages grew bigger and denser, their per capita production of food and other goods seemed to go up, too. Busy streets, in other words, may lead to better-off citizens. "We see an increasing return to scale," said Ortman, an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology who is also affiliated with the Santa Fe Institute in New Mexico. "The more people work together, the more they produce per person." Whether the same thing is true today remains an open question, especially amid the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on cities and human proximity. But the results from the sunny Southwest suggest that it's an idea worth exploring. "The archaeological record can help us to learn about issues we care about today in ways that we can't do using the data available to us from modern societies," Ortman said. The good dishes The research is an offshoot of an effort that Ortman leads called the Social Reactors Project, which has explored patterns of growth in civilizations from ancient Rome to the Incan world. It's an attempt to chase down an idea first proposed in the 18th century by Adam Smith, often known as the father of modern economics. In The Wealth of Nations, Smith made the case for the fundamental benefits of market sizethat if you make it easier for more people to trade, the economy will grow. Just look at any city in the U.S. where you might find a hair salon next to a bakery next to a doggie daycare. "As people interact more frequently, a person can make and do fewer things themselves and get more of what they need from their social contacts," Ortman said. The problem, he explained, is that such "agglomeration-driven" growth is difficult to isolate in today's big and complex cities. The same isn't true for the Rio Grande Valley. Before the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century, hundreds of villages spanned the region near what is now Santa Fe. These settlements ranged in size from a few dozen residents to as many as 3,000 people, most of whom made their living by growing crops like maize and cotton. Such a subsistence lifestyle didn't mean that these communities were simple. "The traditional view in ancient history was that economic growth didn't happen until the onset of the industrial revolution," Ortman said. He and Lobo decided to put that assumption to the test. The duo pored through an exhaustive database of archaeological finds from the regioncapturing everything from the number and size of rooms in Pueblo communities to the pottery from rubbish heaps. They unearthed a clear trend: When villages got more populous, their residents seemed to get better off on averageexactly as Smith predicted. Living spaces grew in size and families collected more painted pottery. "You might think of it as more sets of dishes for sharing meals together," Ortman said. Social connection That growth, the team discovered, also seemed to follow a pattern that researchers on the Social Reactors Project have seen in a range of civilizations throughout history. Every time villages doubled in size, markers of economic growth increased by about 16% on average. Ortman said that the effect doesn't happen in the same way everywhere. Factors like inequality and racism, for example, can keep urban residents from working together even when they live in cramped spaces. But, Ortman added, these Pueblo communities hold an important lesson for modern-day societies: the more people can connect with others, the more prosperous they become. "All other things being equal, urbanization should lead to improvements in the material conditions of life for people everywhere," he said. "We suspect this is why the world continues to urbanize, despite all of the associated problems." Explore further Ancient DNA used to track Mesa Verde exodus in 13th century More information: S. Ortman at University of Colorado Boulder in Boulder, CO el al., "Smithian growth in a nonindustrial society," Science Advances (2020). advances.sciencemag.org/content/6/25/eaba5694 Journal information: Science Advances S. Ortman at University of Colorado Boulder in Boulder, CO el al., "Smithian growth in a nonindustrial society,"(2020). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba5694 In late March, the organisers of Ruhrtriennale, an annual music and arts festival that takes place in the Ruhr area of Germany, announced that the Cameroonian philosopher and post-colonial theorist, Achille Mbembe, would be delivering the keynote address at this years event. Mbembe, a professor at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, is globally renowned for his writings on colonial legacies and neoliberal capitalism. He is also very popular in Germany. In the last few years, he has been a guest speaker at a number of public events and received several prestigious academic and literary honours in the country. Thus, there should have been nothing newsworthy about his planned participation in a German arts festival. Nevertheless, the announcement of Mbembes planned keynote address at the Ruhrtriennale quickly stirred controversy. Several German politicians and public figures accused Mbembe of anti-Semitism and Holocaust relativisation and called on the festivals organisers to rethink their decision. This years Ruhrtriennale was eventually cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the widespread and vocal opposition to Mbembes planned attendance triggered continuing discussions about the limits of free speech and criticism of Israel in Germany and revealed the countrys reluctance to face its own colonial legacy. Accusations of Holocaust relativisation and anti-semitism The first prominent figure to publicly oppose Mbembes attendance to the Ruhrtriennale was Lorenz Deutsch, the group spokesperson of the Free Democratic Partys (FDP) North Rhine-Westphalian faction. In an open letter published on March 23, the conservative politician urged the director of the Ruhrtriennale, Stefanie Carp, to disinvite Mbembe from the festival due to his alleged support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement and the comparisons he made between Apartheid South Africa, Israel and Nazi Germany in his academic writings. He particularly took issue with Mbembes 2016 essay, Society of Enmity, and claimed that it makes an impermissible comparison between the apartheid system in South Africa and Israels treatment of the Palestinians. Deutsch also accused the Cameroonian academic of Holocaust relativisation for arguing in the same essay that: The apartheid system in South Africa and the destruction of Jews in Europe the latter, though, in an extreme fashion and within a quite different setting constituted two emblematic manifestations of [a] phantasy of separation. A few weeks later, the politician doubled down on his accusations against Mbembe in an essay published on his personal website. In the essay, titled Postcolonial Israel Hostility, he accused Mbembe of regularly making distorting representations of Israel and the occupation in his writings and listed sections from his body of work which he deems anti-Semitic. Deutsch claimed that Mbembes criticisms of Israel are aimed at delegitimising the state and questioning its right to exist, and are therefore unacceptable. He added, however, that there is, of course, constructive support for Palestinian interests, which is also critical of Israeli politics, but does not unfairly defame Israel as a whole. In arbitrarily drawing the limits of permissible criticism, Deutsch tried to confine criticism of Israel to a space that he deems acceptable. His reasoning was clearly rooted in a colonial mindset, which expects the colonised peoples in this case, the Palestinians to respect the red-lines drawn by the colonisers in their criticism of, and revolt against, the system that is oppressing them. Germanys Federal Commissioner for Jewish life and the fight against anti-Semitism, Felix Klein, also came out against Mbembes participation in the Ruhrtriennale. In an interview on April 15, repeating Deutschs talking points, Klein accused Mbembe of questioning Israels right to exist and classified the comparisons he made between Israel and Apartheid South Africa as anti-Semitic. Following Kleins interview, the topic was widely discussed in German media. While several prominent public figures and analysts supported Klein and Deutschs stance on the issue, many others refuted their allegations as unfounded and dangerous. BDS as a litmus test Mbembes alleged support for the Palestinian BDS movement has been at the centre of the accusations of anti-Semitism directed at him in Germany. The movement was initiated in 2005 by the Palestinian civil society. Its goal is to peacefully pressure Israel into complying with international law and granting the Palestinians civil and citizenship rights. Although support for the BDS movement is quite marginal in Germany, the German parliament passed a non-binding resolution in 2019 which labelled it as an entity that uses anti-Semitic tactics to fulfil its political goals. All major political parties supported the anti-BDS motion which called on the government to not provide premises and facilities under the administration of the Bundestag to organisations that express themselves in anti-Semitic terms or question Israels right to exist. Mbembe was accused of being a BDS supporter, and therefore an anti-Semite, simply because he signed a petition calling for an academic boycott of Israel some 10 years ago. For his part, the academic said while he is committed to Palestinian equality and freedom, he has no relationship whatsoever with the BDS. But the passing of the resolution equating the BDS movement with anti-semitism did not only cause any organisation or person openly supporting the peaceful movement to be labelled as anti-Semitic. It also paved the way for people critical of Israel, who have no direct ties to the movement, to be smeared as anti-Semites and excluded from public events. Indeed, individuals are now expected to have a particular position on Palestine/Israel in order to be allowed to participate in public events in Germany, regardless of the topic of their work. As a result, attempts to start an honest debate on Israels treatment of the Palestinians are regularly obstructed in Germany. Conversations on apartheid and settler-colonialism are terminated in advance with a discourse of appropriate language, and Israel is shielded from any criticism through the weaponisation of accusations of anti-Semitism. Concerns over freedom of speech Despite the widespread support for the states anti-BDS policies across the German political establishment, there are many in the country and across the world who believe that the muzzling of critical voices through unfounded accusations of anti-Semitism could have dangerous consequences for free speech in Germany. Following the controversy surrounding Mbembes attendance at the Ruhrtriennale, more than 400 scholars, including Judith Butler, Noam Chomsky, and Etienne Balibar, signed a pledge opposing ideological or political interference and litmus tests in Germany. Meanwhile, dozens of anti-Semitism researchers published an open letter in support of Mbembe and rejected the misuse of the term anti-Semitism for political interests that have nothing to do with the fight against anti-Semitism. Particularly in Germany, they argued, everyone should be aware of the seriousness of the anti-Semitic threat and the urgency to act against it. These concerns were also repeated in another open letter by Jewish scholars and artists, calling on German Chancellor Angela Merkel to replace Klein. The scholars said they consider Kleins attempt to frame Mbembe as an anti-Semite baseless, inappropriate, offensive and harmful and accused Klein of harming academic freedom. They warned of an increasing climate of fear in Germany, deterring intellectuals, journalists and the public at large from exercising free speech regarding controversial issues that should be publicly debated. Jewish Voice for a Just Peace in Near East, a group that itself has faced unfounded accusations of anti-Semitism in Germany, also called on German politicians and institutions to stop silencing criticism of Israels human rights violations. In a letter co-signed by other rights groups, it argued that [t]he attempt to silence the intersectional approach to racism through an unsubstantiated accusation of anti-Semitism is another low point in the emerging censorship culture in Germany. German Colonialism Indeed, the intersectional approach to racism is particularly unwelcome in Germany, and for good reason. Germanys support for colonialism in Palestine cannot be separated from its calculated and continuous amnesia about its own colonial crimes. Confronting settler-colonialism in Palestine requires confronting colonialism as a whole and all of its surviving legacies. But this has proven rather difficult in Germany. During its Colonial Era, the German Empire committed the first genocide of the 20th century against the Herero and Nama peoples in present-day Namibia. Decades later, West Germany supported the apartheid regime in South Africa and actively tried to hinder the struggle for freedom and equality in the country. It took Germany more than a century to even marginally acknowledge its crimes in Africa. Berlin is still fighting the descendants of the victims of its genocide in Namibia in court. Despite all this, many Germans still do not know much about their countrys colonial past. Articles on Mbembe often describe him as an African or Cameroonian post-colonial theorist, but rarely mention the fact that his home country is a former German colony. Apartheid analogies that involve Israel are categorically dismissed as racist, but Germanys support for the former South African apartheid regime remains largely ignored. Germanys refusal to talk honestly about its own colonial legacy contributes greatly to the hostile reception of Mbembe and other African post-colonial thinkers in the country. Coupled with a guilt-ridden desire to protect and support Israel unconditionally, Germanys colonial amnesia lays the groundwork for African voices talking of the legacies of European colonialism in Palestine and beyond to be aggressively silenced. In a letter to the German government, more than 700 African intellectuals condemned the accusations of right-wing extremist xenophobic and right-wing conservative groups in Germany against Mbembe. The signatories also stressed their dismay over the ongoing attempts in Germany to stigmatise, intimidate and silence African intellectuals. In the German context, defending Israel unconditionally also means shielding Berlin from accountability. It helps the country to atone for the Holocaust and allows it to avoid having an honest debate about its colonial history. Today, Germany is using unfounded accusations of anti-Semitism not only to protect Israel but also to stifle intersectional discussions about racism that would force it to take responsibility for its past crimes. It is thus no coincidence that Mbembe, a Black man from a former German colony, stands accused of racism in Germany. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. The PNG Government has signaled that it favors public investment in the mining sector at the expense of private investment, according to the President of the Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, Gerea Aopi. The amendments to the Mining Act, introduced in Parliament last week, and statements related to their introduction, will cause private sector explorers and foreign investors to reconsider investment plans for PNG. Taken in conjunction with the government decision to not renew the Porgera Special Mining Lease they diminish PNGs mineral investment potential and increase its country risk profile as an investment-friendly destination. Mr Aopi said, PNGs development of a world-class mining industry has required billions of Kina in private investment over the last 40 years. This involved foreign multinational and junior mining companies that have been complemented in the past decade by a healthy group of junior explorers driven by Papua New Guinean mining professionals and entrepreneurs. The latest amendments to the Mining Act diminish the role of foreign and local private sector investors with privileges accorded to Kumul Minerals or other state-owned entities. The changes increase tenure risk for existing exploration tenement holders, many of them Papua New Guinean explorers, who may have to offload development rights to a state entity. The changes also marginalize landowners and provincial governments by making development forums optional, where Kumul Minerals or another State-owned company takes over ground covered by a mining tenement under the new provisions. The government strategy is based on a philosophy that privately-owned mining companies, whether multinational mining corporations or locally owned, have nothing special to offer PNG and that exploration and mining can be more profitably conducted by state-owned companies, said Mr Aopi. The record in PNG and globally shows that mineral exploration and discovery of commercial deposits is time consuming and highly risky. Exploration for, and development of, mining resources requires large amounts of capital, while facing significant social, technical and economic challenges. Having State-owned entities shoulder the burden of exploring and developing PNGs mining potential will shift the burden of risk from private investors to the PNG taxpayers, and will stymie the entrepreneurial nature of these activities. Should government inherit the significant risk and burden of exploring and developing minerals at a time when it faces challenges in providing adequate health, education and other social services to the populace? Many countries in Latin America and Africa, which are major mineral producers, have been down the nationalization path for similar reasons, at significant cost to economic and social development progress for those countries. Having failed to make significant headway, most are actively inviting foreign and private investors with the requisite capital and technology to undertake these activities, with several African countries now ranked as the fastest growing economies worldwide. PNG is now pursuing a similar high-risk strategy that will threaten the living standards of the people in the same way it has previously done in other countries. Foreign investment is economically desirable, and can contribute to strong economic growth and greatly-improved living standards. It should be encouraged, not deterred. The Chamber considers that amendments in the PNG Parliament were introduced under a false premise, namely that the current Mining Act prohibited or disfavored local investors. As Mining Minister Johnson Tuke claimed in Parliament: It was drafted in a way that was intended to allow only foreign investors to do mineral exploration and mining in PNG. It does not necessarily enable the State to deal with its mineral resources potential. Mr Aopi said, This is a misrepresentation of the Mining Act, which takes a neutral regulatory stance regarding the source of investment, whether foreign or local. The Act states that any person may apply to the Mineral Resources Authority for an Exploration Licence and, on making a viable discovery, submit a Development Application. That is why there are a healthy number of Papua New Guinean exploration licence holders now, doing expensive and time-consuming work to discover mineral resources. While it is true that this sector is dominated by specialized foreign corporations, some of them with global operations, this is because of the high risks and costs of mineral exploration, the need for sophisticated technology and expertise and the capital-intensive nature of mineral development, and not because of any inherent bias in the legislation. The Mining Minister is apparently unaware that Kumul Minerals some years ago was 100% owner and operator of the Tolukuma gold mine in Central Province, where the company also did considerable exploration. Tolukuma Gold Mines was placed in liquidation two years ago. The mining amendments paves the way for the takeover and operation of mines by State-owned companies like Kumul Minerals, by declaring the area a reserve under a recent Gazette notification and giving the State-owned company a priority right over other investors in the country. Mr Aopi noted that the amendment to Section 7 of the Mining Act relates to all reservations in the future, giving an advantage to the State that other investors will consider to be unfair and anti-competitive. The amendments compel an explorer to provide all its data gained from its exploration work on an exploration lease to the State, and makes it possible for the State to reserve the land when the exploration lease expires so that the state-nominated entity, Kumul Mineral, can take up the exploration licence, displacing the original licence holder who risked capital to identify the mineral resources in the tenement area. The newly-proposed Part VA of the Bill also makes little sense other than to continue to erode the rights of existing investors. There are other significant changes with the State being able to be awarded a Mining Lease even before an Environment Permit has been granted, in contradiction to the Environment Act 2000. The Bill also removes the legal requirement for the Minister to hold a Development Forum before the license is granted. The latest amendments, introduced through Parliament without constructive dialogue with stakeholders despite commitments by the Prime Minister and Minister for Mining to consult, beg the question whether local and foreign investments are welcome in PNG, said Mr Aopi. Next : Bougainville Copper Ltd plans to restart Panguna Mine That same month, the White House went on the offensive. In a stunning statement, the White House accused VOA of promoting foreign propaganda because of stories that suggested Chinas Wuhan lockdown had achieved some success in stemming the viruss spread; the statement also blasted VOA for tweeting a video of the Chinese governments light show celebrating the end of the shutdown. Trumps social media director, Dan Scavino, tweeted a similar slam on VOA. A week later, Trump himself called VOA disgusting during a press briefing. We have never promoted propaganda for anyone, Bennett told The Washington Post at the time. We cover stories from all different sides. Thats part of the reason we are so trusted by people around the world. Alabama posted a 9.9 percent unemployment rate in May as tens of thousands of Alabamians apparently returned to work after the widespread layoffs and furloughs brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Alabama had an unemployment rate of 13.9 percent in April, revised upward from 12.9 percent, its highest in almost four decades and almost 10 percentage points higher than the previous month. The U.S. unemployment rate was 13.3 percent in May. Mays rate was below the states highest unemployment rate during the last recession, in October, November and December of 2009, when it was 11.8 percent. A year ago, Alabamas unemployment rate was 3 percent. The May number reflects 221,811 unemployed persons in May, compared to 302,535 in April, a subtraction of more than 80,700 workers from the jobless ranks, according to the Alabama Department of Labor. Secretary of Labor Fitzgerald Washington said the number of employed rose by more than 128,300, during the month. The largest monthly gains in jobs were seen in the leisure and hospitality sector, with more than 23,600 and education and health services with 9,600. The Alabama Department of Labor shows the unemployment rate for each of Alabama's counties for May 2020. More than 575,000 Alabamians have filed for unemployment benefits in the weeks since March 14, when coronavirus lockdown procedures went into effect. Weekly filings for jobless benefits peaked in the first week of April when 106,739 claims were logged in. Weekly totals have quickly fallen since then, with 18,367 filing for the first full week of June. The Department of Labor has disbursed nearly $2 billion in COVID-19 related unemployment compensation benefits since mid-March, paying out about 95 percent of the claims. Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement that a monthly decrease of nearly four percentage points is certainly a positive. Alabama, along with the rest of the nation, will be feeling the impacts brought on by this virus for months to come, Ivey said. My administration is committed to helping return Alabamians to their jobs safely, and to helping Alabama businesses to reopen and grow. * US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, in Hawaii on Wednesday (June 17), in high-level face-to-face talks that have become rare amid tensions between the two strategic rivals. * Ratings agency Fitch cut its outlook for India to "negative" from "stable" on Thursday, saying that the coronavirus outbreak had an unfavourable impact on the economy. It maintained its rating for India at 'BBB-'. * Republic of Korea's chief nuclear negotiator will hold talks with officials in Washington on Thursday amid flaring tensions with Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea after Pyongyang blew up an inter-Korean liaison office and threatened military action. Lee Do-hoon's unannounced trip came days after the DPRK blew up a joint liaison office in Kaesong, near the ROK border and declared an end to dialogue with the South. * Nearly 80 million people worldwide, or 1% of humanity, were uprooted at the end of 2019 after fleeing wars or persecution, a record figure capping a "tumultuous" decade of displacement, the United Nations said on Thursday. The figure rose by some 9 million from a year earlier and is close to double the 41 million recorded in 2010, despite COVID-19 restrictions slowing down movement, the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR said. * Thailand on Thursday reported six new coronavirus infections and no new deaths, bringing its total to 3,141 confirmed cases, of which 58 were fatalities. Thailand has eased many of its restrictions and has recorded no new local transmissions for 24 days in a row, while 2,997 patients have recovered. * The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 580 to 187,764, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Thursday. The reported death toll rose by 26 to 8,856, the tally showed. * Iran said on Thursday its navy had successfully fired a new locally made cruise missile during war games in the northern Indian Ocean and near the entrance to the Gulf. The test-firing comes as the United States is seeking an extension of a U.N.-imposed arms embargo against Iran, which is due to expire in October under Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Washington withdrew from that pact. * The Spanish government announced on Thursday a EUR4.25 billion (US$4.78 billion) plan to help the crucial tourism industry recover from the coronavirus crisis. * President Emmanuel Macron visits the United Kingdom on Thursday to mark the 80th anniversary of General de Gaulles appeal to the French resistance and to talk Brexit with Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that the visit showed that despite some difficult episodes in centuries of Franco-British relations, the two neighbours stood beside each other in times of need. * Iran on Thursday condemned as inhumane a fresh round of US sanctions against its regional ally Syria and said it would expand its trade ties with Damascus. The United States on Wednesday imposed its toughest sanctions targeting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to choke off revenue for his government and force it back to U.N.-led negotiations on ending his country's war. * The Czech Republic will loosen many remaining restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the coming weeks, allowing larger crowds to gather, people to mostly ditch face masks and zoos and museums to return to normal operations. The country of 10.7 million has reported a total of 10,176 cases of the novel coronavirus, although almost three quarters have recovered. Its death toll of 333 people is a fraction of that in much of western Europe. * Russia on Thursday reported 7,790 new cases of the novel coronavirus, its lowest daily rise in infections in six weeks, bringing the nationwide total to 561,091. Russia's coronavirus crisis response centre said 182 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 7,660 since the crisis began. * Kazakhstan will close shopping malls, markets and parks in major cities on June 20-21 and make additional hospital beds available for COVID-19 patients, the Central Asian nation's government said on Thursday. The government said the restrictions were needed due to a worsening of the outbreak there. It also ordered all provinces of the country to broaden their coronavirus testing. * Norwegian salmon exports to China fell by a third last week to 240 tonnes, Norway's state-owned seafood marketing organisation said on Thursday. The 34% decline came as imports of salmon to China were halted towards the end of the week when the novel coronavirus was discovered at stalls processing the fish at a major Beijing wholesale food market. Norway and China have both concluded that the salmon itself was not the source of the virus, Norway's fisheries minister said on Wednesday. * Saudi Arabia has proposed a framework to end the latest standoff in southern Yemen between nominal allies under a Saudi-led coalition, three sources said, as violence escalates with the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in the north of the country. Previous clashes between Yemen's Saudi-backed government and the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group, have complicated U.N. efforts to end Yemen's ruinous conflict and protect its fractured health sector from COVID-19. * Turkish forces have hit more than 500 Kurdish militant targets in northern Iraq as part of an operation in the region against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), the Defence Ministry said on Thursday. Turkish warplanes struck PKK targets in various regions of northern Iraq on Sunday and Tuesday in two separate raids, which Ankara said were in response to an increase in militant attacks on Turkish army bases. Ankara launched the "Claw-Tiger Operation" on Tuesday in northern Iraq's Haftanin region. Exploiting a pandemic from bikes to prisons, Hepburn, June 18 Bob Hepburns column suggests bike lanes are being built in response to pressure from pro-bike activists. But this isnt the full story. A January EKOS poll found 79 per cent of Torontonians support protected bike lanes. Interestingly, 75 per cent of motorists back the lanes. This infrastructure is going forward not just because activists want it, but because the majority of residents, including folks who rely on cars, endorse it. The new chief of US-funded global media is facing a conservative backlash over his decision to fire the heads of two international broadcasters, adding to concerns about the direction of the agency, which oversees the Voice of America and other outlets. The criticism of Michael Pack, who defended his personnel moves, is unusual because its coming from supporters of President Donald Trump who had backed his controversial nomination to run the US Agency for Global Media over staunch Democratic objections. Trump allies, including former adviser Sebastian Gorka, have offered public support for the ousted head of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Alberto Fernandez, while others have taken issue with the firing of the head of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Jamie Fly. Pack, a conservative filmmaker and onetime associate of Trump adviser Steve Bannon, sacked both of them late Wednesday in a purge of USAGMs outlets, which also include Radio Free Asia and the Cuba-focused Radio/TV Marti. Those moves have alarmed Democrats who fear Pack intends to turn the agency into a Trump administration propaganda machine. Every action I carried out was and every action I will carry out will be geared toward rebuilding the USAGMs reputation, boosting morale, and improving content, Pack said in a statement released by the new agencys new public affairs staff. The statement called the moves significant and long-overdue and said Pack and his team are committed to eradicating the known mismanagement and scandals that have plagued the agency for decades. In addition to the agency chiefs, Pack dismissed veteran broadcast news executive Steve Capus, who had been a senior adviser to the organization and its leadership, according to two congressional aides and an AGM employee, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Capus, who was previously president of NBC News for nearly eight years, did not respond to a query sent to an AGM work email address. And, he ousted the head of the Open Technology Fund, a non-broadcast arm of the AGM that works to provide secure internet access to people around the world. Last week, Fund chief Libby Liu submitted her resignation, effective in mid-July, but she was removed with the others. There was no public explanation of why Pack would dismiss any of the officials, let alone those favored by conservatives beyond the general statement of improving the agency. The firing of Fernandez, in particular, has raised conservative hackles. A former career diplomat fluent in Arabic, Fernandez had been hailed by conservatives for bringing what they saw as balance to the Arabic-language outlets AlHurra television and Radio Sawa. Ambassador Fernandez was the greatest asset America had in foreign broadcasting, Gorka wrote on Twitter shortly after the dismissals became public. Michael Doran, a former National Security Council and State Department official during President George W. Bushs administration, called Fernandezs ouster asinine and said that without him, Pack will be as effective as a drugged bug in a bottle. David Reaboi, a noted conservative national security analyst, was even more critical, calling Fernandezs removal shameful. It was unusual for the pro-American side to get represented, and Alberto always made sure it did, he told the AP. It was a model for recapturing territory from the far left and righting the ship. Michael Pack gets confirmed by the Senate and, rather than take stock and talk to people who know whats happening, he fired everybody, Reaboi wrote. Michael Pack destroyed that because he was too dumb to listen or too dumb to be able to figure out the difference between friends and enemies. The dismissal of Fly, a former staffer for Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., also attracted criticism, including from Mark Dubowitz, a well-known advocate of the Trump administrations hawkish policies on Iran. Poor decision to fire (Fernandez) and (Fly) whose exemplary leadership of MBN and RFE/RL respectively, made Americas public diplomacy more effective, more persuasive and more consistent with American interests and values, he wrote. Juan Zarate, a Republican former NSC and Treasury staffer, agreed, calling the two dismissals incomprehensible. Ive watched both for years work with integrity to promote US interests abroad, he wrote. In addition to Fernandez and Fly, Pack also removed the head of Radio Free Asia, Bay Fang, and the acting chief of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting on Wednesday. He replaced each outlets corporate board of directors with allies and installed himself as chairman of each. One of the people added to the board of Radio Free Asia, Jonathan Alexandre, attracted particular concern from Democrats who noted that he is also director of public policy for the conservative Liberty Counsel, a group that the Southern Poverty Law Center has designated a hate group for opposing gay rights. The director and deputy director of the Voice of America, Amanda Bennett and Sandy Sugawara, resigned from their positions on Monday. Taken together, top House Democrats who oversee AGM funding said Packs moves were dangerous. That Mr. Pack took this drastic measure in his first week on the job is shocking, and we have deep concerns that he takes the helm of a critical agency with the intent to prioritize the Trump administrations political whims over protecting and promoting independent reporting, which is a pillar of freedom and democracy, said Eliot Engel, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Nita Lowey, chair of the House Appropriations Committee. The top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, denounced the firings as an egregious breach of the agencys mission. Menendez had led an unsuccessful fight to block or at least delay Packs confirmation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A fugitive Iranian judge sought by Tehran for alleged corruption was found dead after apparently falling from a hotel room in Bucharest, Romanian police said Friday. The police said an investigation was under way after a foreign national aged 52, who they identified as Gholamreza Mansouri, was found in the early afternoon. It was not clear if he had fallen or been pushed from his sixth-floor room. Mansouri had been arrested last week in the Romanian capital and was placed on probation for a month pending an Iranian extradition request. Mansouri was wanted in his homeland over alleged corruption within the countrys judicial system amid reports he accepted 500,000 euros ($530,000) in bribes. Reporters Without Borders meanwhile has accused him of torture and crimes against humanity following the 2013 detention of 20 journalists in Iran. The pressure group filed a complaint with the public prosecutor generals office in Karlsruhe, Germany, on June 12. The group had said at the time it believed Mansouri was probably currently in Germany for medical treatment and demanded his immediate arrest. A man in China has been rescued after trying to commit suicide because he was convinced he had COVID-19. Mr Li experienced flu-like symptoms, including coughs and high fevers, and decided to take his life to 'avoid spreading the virus to others', according to reports. The man was rushed to a hospital after plunging from an overpass. He tested negative for the disease, doctors said. He suffered severe bone fractures, but is in stable condition. A man (pictured right), known by his surname Li, who thought he had coronavirus has been saved and tested negative for the contagion after jumping off an overpass in China Mr Li, 27, was travelling in a taxi before the incident took place last Friday in Changzhou, Jiangsu province of eastern China. The man suddenly asked the driver to pull over as the car was passing through the bridge, according to the local media. Mr Li is seen in dashcam footage sitting in the back seat as he tries to kick open the car door. After the taxi driver was forced to stop, the passenger got out of the vehicle and jumped off from the overpass. Mr Li was rushed to a local hospital after the taxi driver called for an ambulance. Dr Xu, an ICU doctor, said that the patient was in a life-threatening condition when he was admitted to the Wujin People's Hospital. 'He suffered severe bone fractures and lost a lot of blood,' said the medic. 'We immediately conducted the rescue. Currently, [his] condition is relatively stable.' The man has been gradually recovering after being treated at the intensive care units for three days. The Chinese man suddenly asked the driver to pull over as the car was passing through an overpass, according to the local media. Mr Li is pictured sitting in the back seat as he tries to kick open the car door before the incident takes place on June 12 in Changzhou city The Chinese man, known by his surname Li, has been gradually recovering after being treated at the intensive care units for three days. He is pictured at the hospital ward in Changzhou The doctor said that Mr Li's results came back negative after running a series of coronavirus testing on the man. Mr Li told the local media that he thought he contracted the virus after having cold symptoms. 'I was coughing and having a fever. I thought I had the coronavirus,' the man said. 'I didn't want to spread it to others, so I jumped.' Mr Li said that he regretted his decision after testing negative for the contagion. 'Doctors said I don't have it. I'm not a coronavirus patient,' Mr Li told a reporter from his hospital bed. '[I feel] regretful.' Mr Li is currently being treated at the hospital and will soon undergo surgery to help him recover, according to state media. For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details President Donald Trump on Friday, gearing up for his first campaign rally in months in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday, threatened any protesters who show up outside or try to disrupt the event, saying it will be a much different scene than how they've been dealt with in "New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis." "Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis. It will be a much different scene!" Trump tweeted Friday morning. Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis. It will be a much different scene! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 19, 2020 MORE: Democrats aim to undermine Trumps pitch to black voters with Tulsa rally counter-programming It wasn't clear exactly what Trump meant or what he could do to carry out his threat, but he has taken an increasingly hostile tone towards protesters in recent weeks, this time putting protesters in same category as anarchists looters and lowlifes. He has blamed "antifa" for violence at protests, without evidence, and has repeatedly bragged about how the National Guard in Minneapolis dealt with protesters like a "knife cutting butter." A curfew was imposed beginning Thursday night and into the weekend, according to Tulsa's mayor, citing concerns abut organized groups coming to the city. But Friday afternoon the curfew was rescinded. Last night, I enacted a curfew at the request of Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin, following consultation with the United States Secret Service based on intelligence they had received, Mayor G.T. Bynum said in a statement, Today, we were told the curfew is no longer necessary so I am rescinding it. Story continues Trump tweeted, "I just spoke to the highly respected Mayor of Tulsa, G.T. Bynum, who informed me there will be no curfew tonight or tomorrow for our many supporters attending the #MAGA Rally. Enjoy yourselves - thank you to Mayor Bynum! MORE: Tulsa officials announce precautions ahead of Trump's 'unprecedented' rally PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable with governors on the reopening of America's small businesses, in the State Dining Room of the White House, June 18, 2020, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP) Trump's rally was initially scheduled for Friday, June 19, known as Juneteenth, the holiday marking when the last people who were still enslaved were told they were freed, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. In a rare instance of his backing down under pressure, the president, after saying he spoke with two black Secret Service agents, announced last week that he would reschedule the rally for the next day. The city also is tense because it's the site of a race massacre in 1921 in which whites killed as many as 300 black residents. PHOTO: Photograph of an African-American man with a camera looking at the skeletons of iron beds which rise above the ashes of a burned-out block after the Tulsa Race Massacre, Tulsa, Okla., 1921. (Oklahoma Historical Society/Getty Images) Concerns of the rally go beyond race, as the state is still battling coronavirus and has seen an recent uptick in cases. PHOTO: Supporters of President Donald Trump line up to attend the Trump's campaign rally near the BOK Center, site of tomorrow's rally, June 19, 2020 in Tulsa, Okla. (Win Mcnamee/Getty Images) Trump, in another tweet Friday, also said he views his rally in Tulsa as the re-launch of his reelection campaign, saying, "Big crowds and lines already forming in Tulsa. My campaign hasnt started yet. It starts on Saturday night in Oklahoma!" The rally is expected to draw as many as 100,000 Trump supporters, some of whom had lined up outside the 19,000-seat Bank of Oklahoma Center in Tulsa, days before the rally. Trump claimed this week that over a million people had requested tickets for the event and his campaign has been exploring possible venues for an overflow crowd. PHOTO: Supporters of President Donald Trump camp outside the BOK Center, the venue for his upcoming rally, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, June 17, 2020. (Lawrence Bryant/Reuters) Oklahoma's Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt backed the rally when he met with Trump at the White House Thursday at an unrelated event focused on government assistance for small businesses. MORE: Trump pushes ahead with Tulsa rally, while Pence misleads and coronavirus cases rise Stitt assured that the rally would be safe even as the citys health official has called an event like the rally "a huge risk factor" for spreading the coronavirus. Its a crowd like, I guess, nobodys seen before. We have tremendous, tremendous requests for tickets, I think, probably has never happened politically before, Trump said, bragging about the demand for tickets to his first rally amid the ongoing pandemic and telling Stitt one of reasons his campaign chose Oklahoma was because the state has handled the pandemic incredibly well. We're so excited to have you, Stitt told Trump. And like you said, I don't know if people caught that but over a million people have requested tickets to come to come to this event so it's just gonna be amazing. Trump campaign spokesperson Erin Perrine told ABC News the campaign "takes the health and safety of rally-goers seriously and is taking precautions to make the rally safe," including checking the temperatures of attendees and providing them with face masks and hand sanitizer. ABC News' Jordyn Phelps contributed to this report. Trump threatens protesters ahead of Tulsa rally originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Nabler is a powerhouse of end to end digital analytics consulting. It helps enterprises and media agencies analyze digital data to better understand customer behavior and make revenue driving decisions. Founded in 2004, with offices in Charlotte and Bangalore, Nabler has advised some of the top 100 global brands and Fortune 500 firms. It helps marketers to take advanced data-driven decisions and boost the effectiveness and success of their digital By Trend Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 22 times, Trend reports on June 19 referring to Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. The Armenian armed forces were using sniper rifles. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on the withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Please register or log in to keep reading. No credit card required! Stay logged in to skip the surveys. Sarkodie and his wife, Tracy Sarkcess, and their daughter, Titi Sarkcess, have finally arrived in Ghana after months of staying abroad due to the closure of the Ghanaian borders. Upon their arrival on the night of Wednesday, June 17, 2020, Sarkodies wife was spotted holding a baby. While their arrival has generated a lot of attention, it is the newly born baby Tracy was carrying that has got the most traction. This stems from the fact that Sarkodie and his wife categorically denied reports that they had welcomed a new baby boy back in January. As reported by odarteyghnews.com there had been viral reports on social media suggesting that Tracy Sarkcess had delivered a prince for Sarkcess music. But in a swift reply, Sarkodie stated that the report was not true. It has there been surprising for many to see Tracy Sarkcess carrying such a newly born baby upon their arrival. Following the social media buzz about the baby, a video has popped up showing a closer view of the baby. The video sighted by odarteyghtv is also from their arrival as they waited to be bused away to begin their 14-day mandatory quarantine The video has Tracy Sarkcess siting wuth the newly born baby lying on her laps while Sarkodie walked nearby with Titi playing around. The video gives a clearer view of the newborn baby and confirms that he is a boy as earlier reported. Watch video below An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar has extended his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Detective Garda Colm Horkan who died following a shooting incident in Co Roscommon. "I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the Garda who has died in the course of their duties. "Every day our Gardai put themselves on the frontline of crime prevention, on behalf of all of us. This requires regular acts of bravery and courage. Sometimes the outcome is tragic and a Garda makes the ultimate sacrifice in the course of their duties. "Our thoughts today are with all those grieving as a result of this tragic incident." Also read: Garda Commissioner pays tribute to Detective Garda Colm Horkan who was fatally shot in Roscommon Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, said he is deeply shocked and saddened at the shooting of Detective Garda Colm Horkan in Roscommon last night and a full murder investigation is underway. The brave Detective Garda who died last night died in the line of duty, serving and protecting the community. His death will cause untold heartbreak to his family, loved ones and all his colleagues in An Garda Siochana across the whole country. It is also a loss to wider Irish society. His heroism and the debt of gratitude which we owe to him and his family will never be forgotten. The women and men of An Garda Siochana serve the whole community and work to keep Ireland safe. In their everyday duty, they put the welfare of others ahead of themselves, as they work to shield us from harm and to connect our communities. It is to them that we turn in times of crisis, including during the current pandemic. All throughout this period, Gardai have been selflessly working to protect our health and wellbeing, in the best tradition of the service. As Minister for Justice and Equality, I convey my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to his parents, family and friends and indeed to the whole family of An Garda Siochana. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. Also read: Murder investigation launched as Garda dies in Roscommon shooting incident Sinn Fein TD for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane has said that the killing of Detective Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea is a truly shocking incident. She has extended her sympathies to the Garda's family and colleagues at this very difficult time. She said: "I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of the Garda killed in Castlerea last night. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. "This is a truly terrible incident and has caused major shock amongst the entire community in Castlerea and the wider region. "My thoughts are with the Garda's family and colleagues at this very difficult time. I hope that whoever is responsible is speedily brought to justice." Note that May sales are for contracts typically signed in March and April - when the economy was shutdown - so the report for May is pretty weak. Sales will pick up in the June / July reports. From SacRealtor.org: May 2020 Statistics Sacramento Housing Market Single Family Homes May closed with 1,032 sales, up 1.9% from the 1,013 sales in April. Compared to one year ago (1,630), the current figure is a 36.7% drop. ... The Active Listing Inventory decreased 2.6% from April to May, from 1,823 units to 1,775 units. Compared with May 2019 (2,314), inventory is down 23.3%. The Months of Inventory decreased from 1.8 Months to 1.7 Months. This figure represents the amount of time (in months) it would take for the current rate of sales to deplete the total active listing inventory ... The Median DOM (days on market) increased from 7 to 9 and the Average DOM decreased from 16 to 19. Days on market represents the days between the initial listing of the home as active and the day it goes pending. emphasis added 1) Overall sales decreased to 1,032 in May, down 36.7% from 1,630 in May 2019. Sales were up 1.9% from April 2020 (previous month).2) Active inventory was at 1,775, down from 2,314 in May 2019. That is down 23.3% year-over-year. This is the thirteenth consecutive month with a YoY decline in inventory. WASHINGTON - In vowing to pull thousands of American troops from Germany, President Donald Trump is following a pattern of disruptive, sometimes punitive, moves against allies that have dismayed his fellow Republicans and cast doubt across the globe about the future of partnering with the United States. Trump has consistently promised to bring American troops home, dismissing the conventional view that a far-flung U.S. military presence, while costly, pays off in the long run by ensuring stability for global trade. President Trump has had Americas alliances in his sights for a very long time, said Mira Rapp-Hooper, a senior fellow on Asia policy at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of Shields of the Republic: The Triumph and Peril of Americas Alliances. She recalled newspaper ads Trump bought in 1987 to urge Washington to stop paying to defend countries like Japan that can afford to protect themselves. He also has argued for a faster withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Addressing newly minted officers graduating from West Point last Saturday, Trump said, We are ending the era of endless wars. In its place is a renewed, clear-eyed focus on defending Americas vital interests. It is not the duty of U.S. troops to solve ancient conflicts in faraway lands that many people have never even heard of. Germany, long the centerpiece of American defence strategy in Europe, has lately been the focus of Trumps ire. His former national security adviser, John Bolton, writes in his new book that Trump wanted U.S. troops out of not just Germany but also as many other countries as possible. On Monday, in announcing that he would reduce the U.S. troop level in Germany to 25,000 from the current 34,500, Trump asserted that the Germans had long shortchanged the United States on trade and defence, declaring that until they pay more for their own defence, he will reduce U.S. troops. Twenty-two Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee fired back with a letter to Trump saying a reduced U.S. commitment to Europes defence would encourage Russian aggression and opportunism. Removing thousands of U.S. troops from Germany could be a lengthy process, and if Democrat Joe Biden is elected in November, he might reverse Trumps decision. The former vice-president has said he would act to strengthen U.S. alliances. The Trump approach is welcomed by some who see declining value in the NATO alliance. Ted Galen Carpenter, a senior fellow for defence and foreign policy at the CATO Institute, wrote in an essay last week for The National Interest that cutting U.S. troop levels in Germany carries little strategic risk. There is no totalitarian Soviet threat, and the Red Army is not poised to pour through the Fulda Gap in Germany and try to sweep to the Atlantic, Carpenter wrote, referring to the nightmare scenario of the Cold War era that prompted the U.S. to station over 300,000 troops in Germany for a time. Todays Russia is a pale shadow of the USSR in terms of population, economic output, and military power. While Trump has repeatedly blasted Germany and others in NATO for spending too little on defence, he has taken a friendlier approach to Poland, which has lobbied for a bigger U.S. troop presence as a bulwark against potential Russian aggression. The Poles floated the idea of flattering Trump by offering to pay the cost of establishing a Fort Trump as a permanent U.S. base, an idea that went nowhere. Polish President Andrzej Duda is to visit Trump next week. Last year the U.S. agreed to increase its rotational military force in Poland by 1,000. In targeting Germany, Trump cast his troop cut not as an improvement for U.S. national security but as economic punishment for Germany. He stressed that the German economy benefits from spending by the U.S. troops based there. The Pentagon also has thousands of civilian employees in Germany. This is the kind of antagonism toward allies that bothered Trumps first defence secretary, Jim Mattis, so much that he quit. At the time of his resignation in December 2018, Mattis was upset by Trumps sudden decision later amended to remove all American troops from Syria, abandoning their Kurdish partners. But that was only the latest instance of what Mattis saw as Trumps disrespect for allies. Trump more recently has created a rift with South Korea over sharing the cost of hosting the approximately 28,000 troops based there. Last year, the administration stunned Seoul by demanding a five-fold increase in South Koreas share of the cost, to $5 billion, and the two sides remain at loggerheads. In his book Bolton quotes Trump as telling aides that if Seoul refused to pay the $5 billion, Lets get out. Rapp-Hooper, of the Council on Foreign Relations, said she sees the demand as a pretext for troop cuts. The quintupling request is so astronomical that it begs the question of how the administration came up with the number or how it could ever expect its ally to pay that much more, she said in an interview. She suspects it was meant to signal Japan that it, too, will be asked to pay more to host U.S. troops. This is a particularly shocking alliance approach that defies the logic of international relations because of course the reason American troops are on the Korean peninsula is to deter and defend against threats from North Korea, which now includes threats to the American homeland, Rapp-Hooper said. In Congress, Republicans as well as Democrats have answered Trumps Germany announcement with strong caution. Sen. Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, said in a Senate floor speech Wednesday that although the U.S. troop presence is unpopular among some Germans, justifying second thoughts in Washington, it would be a mistake to de-couple American security from that of decades-old allies in Europe. Since World War II, we have reluctantly accepted the lesson that our geography and goodwill alone cannot protect us from being dragged into other things around the globe, particularly conflicts, he said. - Associated Press writers Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report. When the full record of the coronavirus in America is written, historians may argue that President Donald Trumps biggest mistake was not what he failed to do in early 2020, when the right strategy for combating the virus was widely debated, unproven and hard. No, they will point to what Trump failed to do in June 2020, when the right strategy was clear, proven and relatively easy. No doubt, this virus is inscrutable. It pops up, it disappears, it reappears, some people are symptomatic, some asymptomatic, some seem to have natural immunities to it that we dont understand, and once it infects people it hits in radically different ways: It comes in the equivalents of decaf, regular and double macchiato and you never know if youre going to get the mild or the extra-strength version. But there is so much that we do know now that could make this post-lockdown phase so much less dangerous and so much more economically viable than it is. We know that countries where everyone wears a mask outside the home sharply reduce the spread and that people who practice strict social distancing infect fewer people and are infected less often. And we know that people who avoid superspreading events large, prolonged social gatherings, religious services and crammed nightclubs and workplaces, where one highly contagious person can quickly spew the virus to many others are less likely to get infected. Top government expert Dr. Anthony Fauci has pointed out that taking just these relatively easy steps, plus testing, tracing chains of transmission and quarantining the infected, would tamp down what appears to be a brewing, post-lockdown resurgence and limit the number of people needing hospitalization as we await a vaccine. And yet we have a president who, instead of wearing a mask, turns defiance of mask-wearing into a heroic act of defiance against liberals; who forces 1,100 West Point cadets to travel back to campus, and quarantine for two weeks, so he can get a photo op addressing their graduation; who is planning a mass rally in Tulsa, Okla., on Saturday where the most notable precaution is that you sign a legal disclaimer that you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Donald J. Trump for President Inc. liable and who hails governors who open bars and restaurants for people to crowd together. It is absolutely devilish like Trump wakes up every morning and asks himself: What health experts advice can I defy today? What simple gesture to reduce the odds that the coronavirus continues to surge, post-lockdowns, can I ignore today? What quack remedy can I promote today? Ive argued from the onset of this pandemic that our goal had to be a sustainable strategy that maximizes saving lives and livelihoods, and Ive been stunned by the criticism that anyone talking about saving lives and jobs in the same breath is an unfeeling capitalist. Thats crazy. We now have 40 million Americans unemployed. The physical and mental health consequences of that number, if it continues for six more months, will be devastating. But Trump wants as many Americans back to work now, and the stock market to rise now, without asking Americans to take even easy precautions. Thats not just cynical, its incredibly stupid if youre Trump. Because people are not going to go back to work or out to dinner if they see lots of family, co-workers and friends getting sick and dying, no matter what he says. What would a real president be urging governors to do today? Prepare detailed plans to get people back to work on a risk-stratified basis with proper protections, along the lines recently proposed by public health experts Dr. Darria Long and Dr. David Katz. The data are now overwhelming, from here in the U.S. and all around the world, that this infection is a grave threat to the elderly and chronically ill but generally mild for younger, generally healthy people, said Katz in an interview. To get back to normalcy requires widespread immunity to the coronavirus, which happens in only two ways. One is a vaccine that is safe, effective, mass produced and universally distributed. That would be the best solution, and God willing, a vaccine will come in the fall and everyone can get back to work safely in subsequent months. But it may not, and we cant just keep the economy on hold. The other, said Katz, is natural herd immunity, achieved by those of us at low risk for severe infection, who can most safely go back to work and school and life as we knew it, while taking the right, reasonable protections. Meanwhile, we should guard those most vulnerable until we can sound the all-clear. Only this kind of thoughtful, risk-stratified approach can allow for herd immunity with maximal safety and minimal total harm from infection and the consequences of prolonged lockdown alike. Our current haphazard approach is just begging for trouble. @tomfriedman A boy with Down Syndrome missing for the past week in Michigan was found deceased Friday in a pond near his family home. Charles Cordes, 15, went missing on Thursday, June 18 after he was seen riding his bike in a hay field near his home in Atlanta. His bike, slippers, belt and glasses were later found in the hay field but he remained missing. Cordes family home is located on M-33 southeast of Atlanta but the the sheriffs department were not sure which direction he might have been headed once the bike was abandoned in the hayfield. A family friend reported hearing helicopters overnight as officers combed through the local woods. His body was found during the police search at around 4pm Friday. Charles Cordes, 15, disappeared on June 18 and was missing for a week before authorities found his body in a pond near his family home in Atlanta, Michigan, on Friday Cordes was last seen rising his bike in a hay field near his home. His bike, slippers, belt and glasses were later found in the hay field, but he remained missing until Friday A 15-year-old child Charles Cordes was found deceased in a pond near his home, Montmorency County Sheriffs office confirmed to DailyMail.com. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Cordes family. We would like to thank the community for the overwhelming support during this difficult time. The sheriffs office also confirmed that an investigation into his death will continue. Authorities said that further details would be released at a later time. Montmorency County Sheriffs office confirmed his death on Friday Northern Regional Deputy Treasurer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Kpeli has called for a united front within his party ahead of the December 7, polls. He said the NDC will be more formidable to be defeated if the party is more cohesive. I am deeply convinced that together we can. Until John Mahama is decorated the winner and president of the Republic of Ghana in the 2020 elections, lets drop our individual differences and galvanised a strong force for the Job. Together we can. He noted John Kpeli made this assertion when donating items and cash to some constituencies in the northern sector to help prepare his party towards December polls. In Kpandai constituency, items worth thousands of cedis were donated this includes, 300 bags of salt, bathing soaps, and floor tiles for the constituency office. The people in Wulensi constituency benefited 20bags of cement for the renovation of the party constituency office. Bimbila constituency also received GHC1000 to reconnect electricity for the constituency office after five years of disconnection. Zabzugu constituency also received an undisclosed amount to fix stronger security doors whileGushegu and Totale constituencies benefitted from beautiful metal chairs. Nanton constituency received 30bags of cement to complete the constituency party office which was started years ago. Saboba constituency received bundles of roofing sheets. 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 DENVER Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Friday signed into law a broad police accountability bill introduced amid protests over the police killing of George Floyd. Colorado is one of several states and cities considering proposals aimed at limiting excessive force and increasing accountability after Floyd, a black man, died May 25 when a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on his neck for nearly eight minutes. Polis, a Democrat, said the new law will help restore trust between law enforcement and the community and that black Americans deserve to feel safe. We cannot go back to normal, Polis said. We need to create a new normal where everybodys rights are respected. The measure eliminates the qualified immunity defense that protects police officers from lawsuits and it now allows them to be sued for misconduct. The law also bans chokeholds and limits other uses of force and prohibits police from aiming non-lethal weapons like tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters heads, pelvises or backs. The new law requires all local and Colorado State Patrol officers who have contact with the public to be equipped with body cameras by July 1, 2023. Unedited footage from body cameras must be released to the public within 21 days of the filing of misconduct complaints. The law bars police from using deadly force against suspects they believe are armed unless there is an imminent threat of a weapon being used as suspects attempt to escape Grand juries under the law will be required to release reports when they decide against charging officers accused in deaths. Polis signed the bill during a ceremony in the state Capitol with state Sen. Rhonda Fields, Rep. Leslie Herod, Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Senate President Leroy Garcia, the bills Democratic sponsors. The state Legislature overwhelmingly approved the bill 10 days after it was introduced on June 3. This is not the end, said Gonzales-Gutierrez. This is one small step and there is a tremendous amount of work ahead of us. In wartime the casualty lists are divided into three categories: dead, wounded, and missing. The present coronavirus war is only different in one respect: there are no missing, only dead and wounded. If the casualty list were to be further broken down into categories of business activity, restaurants and bars would head it. The current list names 60 restaurants, mostly 'dead' in that they have closed definitively, although a few 'wounded' do plan to reopen sometime. The deceased are many all-time classics of gastronomy, most having operated for decades. The group comprising such top establishments as Le Pont de La Tour, Quaglino's and Coq d'Argent is closing all of its 38 restaurants with immediate effect, having already shut down its Paris and New York operations. Catering group Compass issued a profit warning after closing almost half its outlets. The UK government's advice to stay away from pubs, clubs and restaurants to stop the virus from spreading has been a terminal gesture. As one restaurant owner stated, "I won't question the government's advice [...] but to do this to an industry without any fiscal support whatsoever condemns us to death." He urged the Chancellor to stage an "enormous state intervention", pointing to measures for business announced by the French president, Emmanuel Macron, on Monday. This column is not the place for statistics, but suffice to say that, starting with the long-time classic, Le Caprice, the list of closures runs to 60+, all first-class establishments with decades of success behind them. Many of Britain's top chefs have found themselves in the dole queue. Mumbai, June 19 : Actress Tamannaah Bhatia is in a state of confusion whether she should workout or not. On Instagram Stories, she shared a video where she is seen making a confused face. She is seen dressed in a blue T-shirt with her hair pulled back. On the video, she wrote: "To workout or to definitely workout?" Tamannaah, who has made a name for herself in Telugu, Tamil and Bollywood films, recently faced flak on social media for her #AllLivesMatter post, with users calling her out for endorsing fairness creams in the past. On the work front, she will next be seen "Bole Chudiyan", co-starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Kabir Duhan Singh. The film is directed by bNawazuddin's brother Shamas Nawab Siddiqui. She will also be seen in the Telugu films "Seetimaarr" and "That Is Mahalakshmi". New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair an all-party meet on Friday to discuss the situation on the India-China border at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The meeting is scheduled to take place at 5 pm today. According to reports, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to top opposition leader and heads of all political parties and invited them to the all-party meet on China conflict, to be chaired by PM Modi today evening. Among those who are expected to attend Friday's all-party meet are: Congress president Sonia Gandhi Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray Lok Janshakti Party president Chirag Paswan Siromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal TRS chief and Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao Biju Janata Dal President and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik CPI-M Secretary General Sitaram Yechury NCP supremo Sharad Pawar YSR Congress president and Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy JDU president and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar DMK president MK Stalin Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee BSP chief Mayawati Reports stated that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been excluded from today's meeting. According to sources, a political party with more than 5 MP has been called for Fridays meet. Since the AAP party has 4 MPs in parliament, so it has not been invited. This is the first time since the eruption of border tensions in April that the PM has called for an all-party meeting to discuss the conflict. So far, his virtual meetings with opposition leaders have been on the coronavirus pandemic. Significantly, the key Opposition party - Congress - has said that it stands with the government at a time like this. The timing of the meeting is important because the ruling BJP government is under pressure from all political parties, especially the Congress, to issue a detailed statement over the issue. PM Modis call for the all-party meeting is also crucial as it points to the need for a political consensus on the border conflict with China. Atleast 20 Indian Army personnel, including Colonel Santosh Baby, were killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15, the biggest military confrontation in over 5 decades that has escalated the already volatile border stand-off in the region. New Delhi, June 19 : BJP national General Secretary P Muralidhar Rao on Friday asked Chinese leader Xi Jinping if the body of Tamil Nadu native Army jawan K. Palani was a "gift" from him for the hospitality he received in the state during a summit meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October last year. Palani was among the 20 military personnel killed by the Chinese soldiers during a violent face-off on Monday night in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. Modi had met with the visiting Chinese President in Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu in October 2019 and held a summit meeting. Modi had also taken Jinping on a guided tour of UNESCO heritage monuments at Mamallapuram. "Receiving the dead body of Havildar Palani, the people of Tamil Nadu question whether this is the gift for the honour and hospitality provided to Xi Jinping months ago," the BJP leader tweeted. In another tweet, he said: "What China has now lost is the trust of 135 crore people. It takes years to gain this and is paramount for any nation in today's world order." Rao reminded the Chinese leader: "Goodwill of world's second largest population has huge value, which need not be underestimated. Using violence in a treacherous manner will not resolve disputes. Deception & deceit achieves nothing than losing friends. The day is not far when China has to rue for this act." The mortal remains of 40-year-old K. Palani were cremated at his native village Kadukkalur in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu on Thursday morning. Voters in East Mount Airy, almost all of them black, waited in line to vote during the June 2 primary election. Read more The Pennsylvania NAACP sued the state Thursday demanding an overhaul of the electoral system before November because, it said, the system in place for the June 2 primary was not equally accessible and disenfranchised black and Hispanic voters. Among the changes the civil rights group seeks are stricter limitations on how many polling places a county can close, better notice of changes to locations, in-person early voting, automatic sending of mail ballot applications to all voters, and universal use of hand-marked paper ballots at polling places. To adapt to the coronavirus pandemic in the primary, voting places were sharply limited in many counties and officials were overwhelmed by applications for mail ballots and not able to process them quickly. The changes the group is seeking are necessary, it said, because most epidemiologists expect the pandemic to continue in the fall. On June 2, voters who went to the polls had to risk their lives and health while those who tried to vote by mail were not always able to do so, the NAACP Pennsylvania State Conference said. READ MORE: Tens of thousands of Pennsylvania mail ballots were turned in after the deadline. November could be worse. As the primary election made clear, many Pennsylvanians have been burdened by the hardships of voting in a pandemic under Pennsylvanias current scheme. Still, these burdens were not, and in the future will not be, shared equally among Pennsylvania voters. [W]hile some voters can vote burden-free, African-American and Latino voters are more likely to face an unacceptable and unnecessary risk to their lives and health, the suit reads. READ MORE: The Philadelphia voters most likely to vote in person or not at all live in coronavirus hot spots In particular, the NAACP pointed to mass closures of polling places in some counties, including Philadelphia, last-minute changes to polling places that caused confusion among voters, touchscreen voting machines that could have spread the coronavirus, and mail-ballot deadlines thousands of voters were unable to meet. In short, the current voting regime needlessly permitted the crisis to disenfranchise the voting rights of Pennsylvanians during the primary election. Absent judicial intervention, there is no reason to believe things will be different in the fall, the suit says. The lawsuit names Kathy Boockvar, the secretary of state, and Jessica Mathis, director of the bureau of election services and notaries, as defendants. The Pennsylvania Department of State declined to comment. READ MORE: The Pa. primary wasnt a disaster. But it showed theres work to do before November This years elections were already poised to be complicated because of increased turnout due to the high-stakes presidential race, new voting machines that in most counties have only been used once or twice, and changes to election law that now allow any voter to vote by mail. Then came the coronavirus pandemic, which fueled a surge in mail voting and made in-person voting risky and harder for county officials to staff and run polling sites. READ MORE: Pennsylvanias primary election results are finally in. Heres what they mean for November. Several lawsuits challenged the states electoral system, mostly mail ballot deadlines so tight they can disenfranchise voters who request ballots at or near the legal deadline. Those lawsuits were largely unsuccessful, though in the end Gov. Tom Wolf extended the deadlines for six counties by executive order. Others received extensions from their local courts. Kevin Greenberg, a Democratic election lawyer in Philadelphia who is not involved in the suit, urged the state legislature to make changes for November. I would prefer I think everybody involved in elections would prefer if the legislature would fix this, which would take a dramatic action to make it easier for people to vote remotely in the upcoming election, he said. The Republican-controlled legislature has in some cases been willing to work with Wolf, a Democrat, to change election laws, as they did in March to pass emergency legislation postponing the primary and changing some rules. At other times, there has been partisan gridlock on voting issues. We unquestionably have the kind of emergency situation that makes judicial intervention to protect the constitutional right to vote a real and important possibility, Greenberg said. READ MORE: Pennsylvania is getting a different kind of early voting in time for the 2020 election The plaintiffs know theyre asking for a lot. Thats in part because multiple parts of the system require fixing, said Sozi Pedro Tulante, a former Philadelphia city solicitor and partner at Dechert LLP who is leading the lawsuit. (Dechert and the nonprofit Free Speech for People are representing the NAACP.) Were looking at the entire system, the entire machinery of how we do elections, he said. The harm that were alleging, in conducting a general election during a pandemic, is so broad, we want the relief to be broad enough to cure that harm. Reports are now beginning to crop up that Google plans to deliver the on-device variant of Assistant to Chromebooks. The typically-cloud-based AI helper was first announced at Googles 2019 I/O Developers Conference. And it first appeared on the companys own Pixel handsets. Now, it could arrive as early as Chrome version 88. Thats based on the appearance of a new flag setting found in the Chromium Gerrit. Specifically, thats in Chrome Canary, presently on version 85. The flag, as of this writing, doesnt actually do anything. But a commit associated with the feature appears to point to the above-mentioned version of Chrome OS. Evidence also suggests that tablet-format Chromebooks are the driving factor here. Initial submissions point to the feature arriving on devices such as the Lenovo Chromebook Duet first. And it will be activated by default on those devices when it lands. Advertisement That should mean that on-device Google Assistant for Chromebooks appears not just on tablet devices. But that it will also appear on others by default when theyre placed in tablet mode. Or it may be the case that Google is simply choosing to start with the more hub-like end of the platform. In that case, it should appear everywhere, turned on by default, at some point. What is the on-device Assistant and how will it benefit Chromebooks? For the time, being Chromebooks will still be stuck using Google Assistant in its current form. Thats the cloud-based version of the AI helper. Now, that may seem to suggest that on-device Assistant doesnt need a connection but it does. Thats not the advantage here. Instead, where on-device Assistant excels is on storage space and speed. To begin with, Google has essentially taken a tool that usually weighs in excess of 100GB. Thats been whittled down to under half of just 1GB. Because it doesnt need to access the cloud for processing, its also a lot quicker on the responses. Advertisement Google claims, in fact, that its as much as 10-times faster. Thats in terms of both understanding requests and interactions as well as processing them. And thats compared to the current version of Google Assistant thats found on Chromebooks. So users can get the help their looking for or interact with their Chromebooks via Google Assistant much more quickly if not necessarily any more easily. When is the new Assistant coming? As noted above, the current experimental flag setting for the new on-device Google Assitant for Chromebooks isnt currently working. That suggests that testing has not begun in earnest, even if preparations for the feature are being made. Advertisement The feature is also marked as being intended for version 88 of Chrome OS. And that likely presents a bigger issue, even if developers have commented to say the chosen number was arbitrary rather than binding. Chrome version 88 isnt currently on the radar in terms of the release schedule Google has publicly posted. The present variant of the browser and OS is 83. Chrome and Chrome OS 84 arent slated for release until mid- and late-July, respectively. Version 85 and 86, by comparison, arent scheduled to launch until late-August and early-October. Although the reference to Chrome 88 is arbitrary, the feature freeze for version 85 has already passed in the interim. All of that paints a picture that indicates it will probably take a few months, at the very least, before the on-device version of Google Assistant is ready for Chromebooks. WASHINGTON - A federal judge Friday castigated former Trump aide John Bolton for publishing a White House memoir without formal government confirmation that it revealed no classified information but seemed doubtful he could block its imminent publication. In a 90-minute hearing held by videoconference in Washington, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth grilled the Justice Department over how he could prevent the sale of hundreds of thousands of copies of Bolton's book, which in advance of a Tuesday release has already been distributed around the world and heavily excerpted in the media. "The Room Where It Happened" recounts Bolton's 19 months as President Donald Trump's top national security official and offers a withering portrait of the president as an "erratic" and "stunningly uninformed" leader. Bolton called Trump incompetent and "unfit for office" in promotional interviews. "The horse, as we used to say in Texas, seems to be out of the barn," Lamberth said to Deputy Assistant Attorney General David Morrell. But the judge also blasted Bolton's attorney for not waiting for the government to complete a pre-publication review for classified information before publishing, saying Bolton "didn't get written authority." "Once he invoked that process, he can't just walk away, and he didn't tell the government he was walking away," Lamberth said. Lamberth said he would rule swiftly after reviewing sealed government submissions of alleged classified secrets in Bolton's manuscript later Friday. Analysts predicted a split verdict in the legal and political showdown - Bolton may get to release his book but never reap the financial benefits and some publication activity might be barred or delayed. The government sued Bolton Tuesday, seven days before the planned June 23 publication, targeting any of Bolton's profits from the 592-page book, including a reported $2 million advance. The government did not sue publisher Simon & Schuster but argued in a potentially precedent-setting step for the court to enjoin Bolton, his publisher and bookstores from distribution. "Disclosure of the manuscript will damage the national security of the United States," the Justice Department wrote in a 37-page emergency request Wednesday, citing declarations by four of the government's highest-ranking national security officials. The filing included a sealed submission alleging six examples of book passages requiring protection. Bolton attorney Charles Cooper said in Friday's hearing that Bolton participated in an "exhaustive, meticulous, deeply searching pre-publication process." He was informed April 27 by a career White House official assigned to conduct the review, Ellen Knight, that the final version of the book did not contain classified material, Cooper said. At that point, Cooper argued, Bolton fulfilled his obligation to the government. But Trump and White House aides withheld a final confirmation letter, "attempting to run out the clock before the [November] election," Bolton said in a declaration. Cooper accused the administration of politicizing and abusing the review process to silence Bolton. On Friday, Lamberth pressed Morrell on whether President Trump himself was involved in the process of clearing the book for publication and if high-level officials normally intervene in classification reviews. Morrell said he had not met with Trump and knew of no precedent, but said the case involved "an extraordinary set of facts." "What you have here is a national security adviser . . . detailing or providing details about ongoing policy matters during the same administration in which he served," Morrell said. Morrell said Bolton chose to "bail" on the pre-publication process and now must be "creative" to solve "a problem of his own making." Cooper argued the hearing was mere "theater" for the government because Bolton is "utterly powerless" to stop a book already made public. More than 200,000 copies have already been distributed around the world, Cooper said. He cited "surreal" images Thursday of a CBS News reporter asking a White House spokeswoman about the emergency request with a book in hand. Bolton's liability turns on a complex legal question - whether the manuscript includes properly classified information that Bolton agreed never to disclose without approval, particularly the most sensitive category of top secret "sensitive compartmentalized information" or TS/SCI. If the judge agrees, the Justice Department also could seek to prosecute Bolton for publishing the book without authorization. In government filings, Michael Ellis - a former aide to Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., and the National Security Council's new senior director for intelligence - said passages of the memoir "reasonably could be expected to cause damage, serious damage, or exceptionally grave damage to the United States." In a separate declaration Wednesday, Gen. Paul Nakasone, director of the National Security Agency, said a limited portion of the draft manuscript "implicates" TS/SCI. He said "compromise of this information could result in the permanent loss of a valuable [signal intelligence] source and cause irreparable damage to the U.S. [signal intelligence] system." At the hearing, Morrell acknowledged he could confirm only three of the samples given to the judge were classified before Ellis took over the review. However, Morrell said one of the six samples was TS/SCI. Cooper called Ellis's review of the book "very troubling," noting the official only received authority to classify information March 1, and was not trained until after he completed reviewing Bolton's book. Cooper added that before Wednesday, "at no point in any of these proceedings lasting over six months did the government even hint there was SCI in this." Lamberth said he would need a sealed hearing to evaluate the classified claims, and that he would later seek to learn more from Knight. Even if the book contains properly classified material, Cooper and First Amendment advocates representing U.S. writers, book publishers and news media, including The Washington Post, argued the court cannot prevent the harm the government claims it will suffer by entering a sweeping order barring Simon & Schuster and individual booksellers from sales. The Supreme Court has never upheld an attempt to stop publication of a work on matters of public importance, First Amendment law specialist Theodore Boutrous Jr. said in a friend-of-the-court brief for PEN America, a nonprofit writers group. He added the government has sought to circumvent that doctrine of so-called prior restraint on free speech and free press by asking the court to order Bolton to stop his publisher. "The President is employing the apparatus of the federal government to punish his political enemies, thwart freedom of speech and pursue his political interests in an election year," Boutrous wrote. Mark Zaid, a lawyer who has represented more than two dozen current and former government employees who have sought to publish books, said the likelihood of the government being able to show "irreparable harm" if the injunction is not granted is "literally impossible." "Nothing in the Government's classified, in camera filing will change that fact," Zaid said. "But absent some cataclysmic event occurring, Bolton is facing loss of millions of dollars." Changes demanded Tuesday by the White House were "sweeping" and apparently would eliminate passages describing most of Trump's conversations with advisers, foreign leaders and numerous others portraying him in an unflattering light, Bolton said in a court filing. Among its disclosures already reported, the book states Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to help him win the 2020 U.S. election, confirms Trump attempted to use military aid to pressure Ukraine on political investigations, and says Trump expressed willingness to halt or obstruct criminal investigations as personal favors to authoritarian foreign leaders. Trump has responded on Twitter by calling Bolton a "Wacko" and claimed that the former close aide's account is "a compilation of lies and made up stories, all intended to make me look bad." NetEase Games logo is seen above the company's booth one day before the 2019 China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference (ChinaJoy) at Shanghai New International Expo Center on August 1, 2019 in Shanghai, China. Fresh off the back of its secondary listing in Hong Kong, Chinese gaming firm NetEase is aggressively pursuing international expansion using big name franchises to appeal to a global audience. NetEase, China's second-largest gaming company behind Tencent, announced earlier this week it's developing a mobile game called "The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War" based on J.R.R. Tolkien's epic set in Middle Earth. The game is another major collaboration between Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and NetEase after last year unveiling "Harry Potter: Magic Awakened." Big name franchises and partnerships with major brand owners underscore one part of NetEase's global strategy. "For NetEase, our globalization strategy is powered by strong in-house R&D capabilities, while partnerships with world-famous IP (intellectual property) powerhouses not only further enhance this strength, but also contribute to our ambition to deliver more popular titles in the global markets," the company said in a statement to CNBC. For major brands, partnering with NetEase also allows them to monetize their franchises in China, one of the world's largest gaming market. It was 147 years ago today June 19, 1865 when Texas slaves finally learned of President Abraham Lincolns post-Civil War Emancipation Proclamation, which had been in effect since Jan. 1, 1863. While this date is of historical significance for all of Texas, African-Americans in the Plain view area have said they want to remember it, reflect and teach younger generations that part of their heritage. Its special day to remember, what was a long time coming, said longtime community leader Essie Givens. As reported in the Herald last week, elder members of the local African-American population have been looking forward to festivities planned for this weekend, and using it as a learning tool for their youth. We want everyone to come out and please help us celebrate, said local Juneteenth committee President Jackie Ervine. Youll enjoy yourself and there will be lots of fun, Celebrations will commence Friday with free hamburgers, music, a street dance and games beginning at 5 p.m. at Givens Park. On Saturday, a parade rolls at 10 a.m. from downtown to Givens Park. A free barbecue and chili dog lunch will be served at 1 p.m. The official announcement in Texas took place in Galveston, where history records show slaves rejoiced in the streets. Juneeteenth has been a tradition since the late 19th century, and whats known as the Modern Juneteenth Movement started in 1994 as African-American leaders across the country convened at a Baptist church in New Orleans to seek national recognition of Juneteenth, according to multiple historical reports. Most recently, since 2010, the Annual Galveston Juneteenth National Holiday Observance includes a Juneteenth flag raising ceremony and prayer service. Locally, Ervine said plans are to dance in the streets, play games, enjoy tasty food and have an all-around good time. To comment: ssissom@hearstnp.com 806.296.1350 Scientists in Italy have found traces of coronavirus in wastewater collected from Milan and Turin in December 2019. It suggests COVID-19 was already circulating in Northern Italy before China reported the first cases on December 31. The Italian National Institute of Health looked at 40 sewage samples collected from wastewater treatment plants in northern Italy between October 2019 and February 2020. An analysis released late on Thursday said samples taken in Milan and Turin on December 18 showed the presence of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. The first confirmed case of coronavirus in Italy came on January 31. Scientists in Italy have found traces of coronavirus in wastewater collected from Milan and Turin in December 2019 'This research may help us understand the beginning of virus circulation in Italy,' Giuseppina La Rosa, an expert in environmental wastewater at the Italian National Institute of Health who co-led the research, said in a statement detailing the findings. Small studies conducted by scientific teams in the Netherlands, France, Australia and elsewhere have found signs that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be detected in sewage, and many countries are beginning to use wastewater sampling to track the spread of the disease. La Rosa said the detection of traces of the virus before the end of 2019 was consistent with evidence emerging in other countries that COVID-19 may have been circulating before China reported the first cases of a new disease on December 31. A study in May by French scientists found that a man was infected with COVID-19 as early as December 27, nearly a month before France confirmed its first cases. It suggests COVID-19 was already circulating in Northern Italy before China reported the first cases on December 31 La Rosa said the presence of the virus in the Italian waste samples did not 'automatically imply that the main transmission chains that led to the development of the epidemic in our country originated from these very first cases'. Samples positive for traces of the virus that causes COVID-19 were also found in sewage from Bologna, Milan and Turin in January and February 2020. Samples taken in October and November 2019 tested negative. The institute said it plans to launch a pilot study in July to monitor wastewater at sites identified in tourist resorts. It comes after previous research by University College London's Genetics Institute suggested coronavirus may have emerged as early as October last year. An analysis of sewage released late on Thursday said samples taken in Milan and Turin on December 18 showed the presence of the SARS-Cov-2 virus A genetic study of samples from more than 7,500 people infected with COVID-19 indicated that the new coronavirus spread quickly around the world after it emerged in China sometime between October and December last year. Researchers at University College London's Genetics Institute found almost 200 recurrent genetic mutations of the new coronavirus - SARS-CoV-2 - which the UCL researchers said showed how it is adapting to its human hosts as it spreads. 'Phylogenetic estimates support that the COVID-2 pandemic started sometime around October 6, 2019 to December 11, 2019, which corresponds to the time of the host jump into humans,' the research team, co-led by Francois Balloux, wrote in a study published in the journal Infection, Genetics and Evolution. Balloux said the analysis also found that the virus was and is mutating, as normally happens with viruses, and that a large proportion of the global genetic diversity of the virus causing COVID-19 was found in all of the hardest-hit countries. 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. Chenxi, a 27-year-old woman suffering from progressive muscular dystrophy, has recently gone viral on the Internet for making dolls out of clay while receiving oxygen therapy. Diagnosed when she was eight, Chenxis condition became worse starting from the beginning of this year. To maintain normal respiration, she needs to wear a breathing instrument for at least 15 to 18 hours every day. However, from Wuxi, east China's Jiangxu province, she remains optimistic about life. After opening an online school last year to teach others how to make dolls out of clay via live broadcasts, the dolls have been well received by the public. So far, Chenxi has taught over 260 students, among whom over 20 are disabled. Well aware of physical pains, she understands how hard life is for the disabled and would teach them how to make and sell clay dolls for free. Her courage and optimism have impressed many netizens, who have commented online to cheer on and encourage her. New Delhi: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs signed MoU with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in order to engage SIDBI as the Implementation Agency for PM Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) - a Special Micro-Credit Facility for Street Vendors. PM SVANidhi was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairshad, on June 01, 2020 for providing affordable Working Capital loan to street vendors to resume their livelihoods that have been adversely affected due to Covid-19 lockdown. SIDBI will also manage the credit guarantee to the lending institutions through Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), an official release said. It will develop and maintain a customized and integrated IT Platform providing end-to-end solutions, including documentation of all the processes and workflows for an end-to-end solution, through a Portal and a Mobile App, to ensure engagement and information flow between Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Lending Institutions, Digital Payment Aggregators and other stakeholders. It will leverage the network of lending Institutions like Scheduled Commercials Banks (SCBs), Non-Bank Finance Companies (NBFCs), Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs), Co-operative Banks, Small Finance Banks (SFBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), etc. for the Scheme implementation. With a view to ensure effective implementation, SIDBI shall also provide a Project Management Unit (PMU), comprising of domain experts in training/ capacity building, project and platform management, Information Education and Communication (IEC), banking, NBFC and MFI sectors etc., for the period of PM SVANidhi i.e. upto March 2022, the release said. This scheme targets to benefit over 50 lakh Street Vendors. Under the Scheme, the vendors can avail a working capital loan of up to Rs 10,000, which is repayable in monthly instalments in the tenure of one year. On timely or early repayment of the loan, an interest subsidy 7% per annum will be credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer on quarterly basis. There will be no penalty on early repayment of loan. The scheme promotes digital transactions through cash back incentives up to an amount of Rs 100 per month. Moreover, the vendors can achieve their ambition of going up on the economic ladder by availing the facility of escalation of the credit limit on timely or early repayment of loan. The Midland area community is navigating life one month after the dam failures and historic flooding. Data is being collected, clean-up efforts are underway, and some questions remain unanswered. Disposing of debris With more than 97,000 cubic yards of flood debris that was generated by flood damage, the City of Midland reopened its landfill to residents in late May after it had been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Midland Landfill Superintendent Scott O Laughlin said in the last few weeks, there have been about 6,500 vehicle loads of flood debris on top of 3,800 loads of non-flood debris brought to the landfill. This is about 3.5 times the typical waste volume for one month, he said. Still, the landfills capacity still has a long life, O Laughlin said, with 40-60 years of space remaining. He said the flood generated dramatic quantities of debris, but accelerated the lifespan of the landfill by about three months. Structural devastation On Monday, Whitmer officially requested a major disaster declaration for the five counties affected by flooding, after the Edenville Dam collapsed on May 19, followed by the failure of the Sanford Dam. If the declaration is granted by President Trump, it could provide supplemental financial assistance from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist individuals, small businesses, local governments and the community. In 2017, it took just over a week for President Trump to make the declaration. Based on preliminary damage assessments, Midland County was most heavily affected with damage concentrated in the City of Midland and in Sanford Village. According to FEMA, there were 49 homes destroyed, 509 that had major damage, and 614 with minor damage or that were affected. Across the region, more than 2,340 homes were destroyed or sustained damage for a total damage estimate of $190 million. This week, at least 130 residents are still displaced from their homes and the Midland County Emergency Management is working to get a more accurate snapshot of how many people need long-term, temporary housing. The American Red Cross has established 24 non-congregate shelters, such as at hotels, and at its peak, had 240 people in temporary shelters. The preliminary damage assessment also concluded that an overwhelming majority of the affected households did not have flood insurance. Across five area counties, just 14% of affected households had insurance policies covering flood damages. Lost services and changing landscapes In addition to loss of property, about 300 Gladwin County residents lost access to water through their wells, and phone and internet services are finally being restored to about 1,000 TDS Telecom customers after the company announced its central hub in Sanford was a total loss. In the weeks following the flood, 4,675 people filed for unemployment in Saginaw, Midland, Arenac, Gladwin and Iosco counties, which is a 400% increase compared to the number of claims made during the same time last year. In the first week of the flood, May 16-22, 1,703 unemployment claims were made. With the failure of Edenville and Sanford Dams came the loss of the lakes they created Wixom and Sanford Lakes. Erosive soil now remains in their place, posing safety concerns to patrons in and around the lakebeds. Officials have warned to stay out of the bottomlands. In the last few weeks, cleanup and volunteer efforts have been underway many volunteers coming from outside communities. This sparked a drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at Dow Diamond, in which 2,435 people were tested. Of that group, the Midland County Health Department reports just five were found to be positive for the virus. The flooding also prompted visits by several politicians, including Whitmer and her lieutenant governor, U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, and U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow. Unanswered questions The stability of riverbanks and threat of migrated soil contaminants like dioxins and furans is still under scrutiny as the state, Dow and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) work to understand the impacts the flooding had on contamination cleanup efforts. Sediment and soil samples are being taken and results are expected in the next couple weeks. In addition to understanding environmental impacts, an investigation into exactly why the Edenville Dam failed is currently underway by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). However, the Four Lakes Task Force and local lawmakers like Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, and Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, have called for an independent, third-party investigation. EGLE Media Relations and Public Information spokesperson Nick Assendelft said an independent, third party will do the forensic investigation, however until that's announced, EGLE is compiling information that "may be beneficial to the probe." As remediation efforts continue, several class action and mass tort lawsuits have been filed pointing blame of the event at the dams owner, the local counties, EGLE, and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, among others. These cases will take multiple years to play out and resolve, and they are in the very early stages. However, the Edenville Dam had a long history of safety concerns. Specifically, it was known at least as early as 2004 that the dams spillway capacity was not adequate and 14 years later in September 2018, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission finally revoked owner Boyce Hydro Powers license to operate energy on the dam. Regulatory oversight then went to EGLE and around the same time, the lake associations formed the Four Lakes Task Force to take over ownership and maintenance of the dams. In addition to the dams and lakes, many home and business owners are faced with uncertainties as they look to rebuild. Those living in the floodplain are faced with decisions of whether to fill in their basements, raise the level of their home above the floodplain, or whether its even feasible for them to rebuild. The long-term effects on Midlands population is unclear, though City Manager Brad Kaye acknowledged that many residents will choose to relocate. Community Support Twice this year, the Midland Area Community Foundation (MACF) responded quickly to emergencies by setting up relief funds. First, a pandemic, and one month ago to the historic flooding and dam failures. Initially, the Flood Relief Project Fund had $250,000 contributed by MACF and $250,000 in matching funds but it has since had a total of $1.7 million in contributions. To delegate the funds, the community foundation is working with Midland County Emergency Management as well as a disaster recovery group formed by local partners and nonprofits to identify and address needs in the community. MACF is currently working to use the fund to hire two case workers to help with construction management and rebuilding needs. I have been so amazed and touched by the outpouring of support from our community, our state and our country, Mortensen said. The past month has tested all of us personally and professionally in ways we never imagined. We have an amazing team of community partners and volunteers willing to do whatever is needed to help our neighbors. The compassion, kindness and care shown by all those involved has been inspiring. Omar Gomez and Maria Lopez were beaming as they described the news they received Thursday morning, sharing the details with an almost breathless excitement. Just five hours after he went to sleep, Gomez said he roused to a text from his brother that had a headline about the U.S. Supreme Courts latest decision. Now years after President Donald Trump announced in 2017 that he would rescind Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which protects people who might have entered the country illegally as children, the Supreme Court rejected the action that would affect Dreamers such as Gomez, Lopez and more than 650,000 others nationwide. As soon as I got that text, I was so happy and so relieved I just couldnt go back to sleep, Gomez said. I was lying in bed the whole time just thinking, 'Wow. This actually happened. I really was not expecting this.' Lopez similarly woke up to the good news in the form of mobile alerts from the Dreamers advocacy groups she follows. I think we were all expecting the worst, to be honest, so it was pretty shocking, she said. This is not what I expected, but Im so happy about it. The decision will allow Gomez to apply to medical school after a last semester as a Northern Arizona University graduate student and Lopez to continue operating her familys two Mexican restaurants in town. Arizona leaders commended the decision on social media Thursday. Representing #AZ01, I've been lucky to meet with many AZ DREAMers, Rep. Tom OHalleran shared on Twitter. They are doctors & nurses on our front lines, teachers in our classrooms, & neighbors on our streets. Today, the Supreme Court reaffirmed what we already knew: DREAMers are here to stay. Alongside the celebrations, many others, including Arizona Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Martha McSally, acknowledged these young immigrants have more work to do. Although the Supreme Court recognized the Trump administration went about ending the program in the wrong way, it did not determine the status of DACA going forward. It is definitely a huge win and it warrants a big celebration for us because now it means that even the Supreme Court has said that we have a place here, Gomez said. But at the same time the celebration also has to have a bit of a call for action. Theres a lot more things that need to get done because, ultimately, [DACA] can get struck down again. It can get challenged." This is good, but were afraid people are going to stop fighting for more because theyre going to get comfortable with the idea that DACAs OK, Lopez said, sharing her surprise that in the eight years since DACA was first introduced a better policy has not yet been implemented. Unlike some of their younger friends, the two said they remember the time before DACA, when it seemed they didnt have any opportunities. Since DACA was first offered, they both completed bachelors degrees from NAU and have worked countless hours in Flagstaff, where they have lived since they were toddlers. For now, following Thursdays decision, these Dreamers expect things will continue as they have, renewing their DACA status every two years and facing the same obstacles they have in the past, such as facing the lack of in-state tuition rates. With the approaching election season in mind, they expressed a need for more inclusive and permanent solutions, noting a similarity between these calls from DACA recipients and those for racial equality from participants in the Black Lives Matter movement. These small, little things are Band-Aids. Theyre not a fix. Theres a bigger problem but we need to find a solution thats more inclusive, Gomez said. Its not just certain people who have DACA, its people from all over the world. So having something that caters to all of us I think is necessary. Kaitlin Olson can be reached at the office at kolson@azdailysun.com or by phone at (928) 556-2253. Love 9 Funny 1 Wow 3 Sad 0 Angry 19 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. A wide-ranging abortion restriction bill, once believed to be scrapped for the year, will now become law in Tennessee. The bill, part of Gov. Bill Lee's legislative agenda that was largely abandoned earlier this spring amid the coronavirus pandemic, found new life through last-minute budget negotiations between the House and Senate on Thursday. It passed the Senate 23-5 just after 12:30 a.m. Friday on a party-line vote. In addition to banning abortions after the point a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which is as early as six weeks, the legislation also prohibits the procedure: If the doctor knows that the woman is seeking an abortion because of the child's sex or race; If the doctor knows the woman is seeking an abortion due to to a diagnosis of Down syndrome; For juveniles in custody of the Department of Children's Services, including removing the current option to petition a judge for permission. While there is an exception to the restrictions if a woman's life is in danger, there will be no exceptions for rape or incest. Gov. Bill Lee, announces plans to introduce legislation that would make Tennessee the latest state to allow residents to carry guns without obtaining a permit during a press conference on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn. The legislation was also amended to require that abortion clinics post a sign in the waiting room and in patient rooms informing people that it may be possible to reverse a chemical abortion, and impose a fine of $10,000 for failing to do so. Abortion rights organizations have previously vowed to challenge the legislation. Similar six-week bans have been struck down in Mississippi, Ohio and other states. Last-minute passage despite earlier signals The bill was passed with Senate rules suspended, as it wasn't on the chamber's legislative calendar, and without any members of the public present. "This is a 60-page bill that we're bringing up at midnight," said Senate Minority Leader Jeff Yarbro, D-Nashville. "This is the most notable bill we'll pass this year. We're doing it in a closed Capitol." Republicans in the legislature have said they hope the legislation will propel their anti-abortion fight to the U.S. Supreme Court, though Tennessee's approach, similar to legislation passed in Missouri, is not backed by National Right to Life or most other major anti-abortion groups. Story continues While House leadership had maintained in recent weeks that they planned to move forward with the bill despite Lee saying it was no longer a priority while state government focused on the pandemic, the Senate had dug in its heels, arguing they would not pass it without the governor requesting them to do so. But that changed in Thursday's give-and-take between chambers on the budget. Despite the House always planning on having passed the bill, Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, spoke on the floor while the Senate debated the legislation a chamber over. "I feel like there was a bargain made on my reproductive health rights in order to get the budget passed," Johnson said. Democrat: 'We're going to be pushing them into the alleys' Unlike last year's heartbeat bill, which passed in the House but did not receive support from Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, in the Senate, the new approach includes the additional abortion restrictions and a severability clause. If the courts strike down the six-week ban, in conjunction with the detection of a fetal heartbeat, the legislation goes on to automatically enact abortion bans at eight, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 weeks of gestation. It would also make it a Class C felony for a doctor to perform an abortion in any of those situations, and the physician must also: Determine and inform the mother of the gestational age of the fetus; Allow the woman to hear the fetal heartbeat and explain the location of the unborn child within the uterus; Conduct an ultrasound and display the images to the mother; Provide an explanation of the fetus's dimensions and which external body parts and internal organs are present and visible. Sen. Brenda Gilmore, D-Nashville, argued that rich women would still be able to travel to other states to have abortions. "But poor mothers, we're going to be pushing them into the alleys like it was years and years ago and still endangering them," Gilmore said. The governor announced the initiative in January, surrounded by dozens of Republican lawmakers who joined him in supporting the measure. ACLU promises legal challenge McNally has said he believes the current version of the heartbeat bill will hold up in court, despite raising concerns last year over constitutionality. It's unclear how the new legislation would have a better chance of passing constitutional muster. "As promised, we will see them in court," said Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee in a statement early Friday. The Tennessee General Assemblys passage of this dangerous, flatly unconstitutional bill is unacceptable," Weinberg said. "Lawmakers used this measure in a game of political maneuvering to pass the state budget pushing it through without regard for the actual Tennesseans who will be denied access to the care they need, including abortion." Adam Kleinheider, a spokesman for McNally, said the legislation had been a priority of the Senate before the pandemic. "The bill was a result of an exhaustive public Senate summer study and thoroughly vetted in committee this year," Kleinheider said in a statement. "Due to conflicting House and Senate versions and the prospect of a difficult and time intensive debate, the Senate did not place it on a floor calendar during the first weeks of this limited budget-focused session." Follow Natalie Allison on Twitter: @natalie_allison This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee approves heartbeat bill, ban on abortions for Down syndrome Niamey, Niger (PANA) - In Niger, the coronavirus disease curve, which was flattened as at June 15, surged upwards in recent days, the Minister of Public Health, Dr Idi Illiassou Mainassara, announced during a meeting of the interdepartmental committee managing the response to the pandemic The recently announced closures of Providence Hospitals Inpatient Psychiatric Services and Holyoke Medical Centers Birthing Unit highlight a harsh reality in our country. Our healthcare system is broken. While both hospitals have presented a long list of reasons for closing their services, both administrations ultimately cite the same challenge: maintaining profits. The shuttering of these units is the latest example of a multi-decade pattern of regional closures and corporate consolidation in the medical industry, fueled by predatory Wall Street firms, and enabled by a say-nothing, do-nothing approach to government oversight. The impact of healthcare profiteering is felt all around our country, but its effect on western Massachusetts is particularly devastating. Closures, consolidations, and price increases have the greatest impact on communities of color and those who live in rural districts. That the color of your skin, income level, or neighborhood should impact your access to healthcare is a national travesty. That any healthcare services are being forced to close in the midst of a global pandemic while Congress is handing out hundreds of billions of dollars in unchecked bailout money to non-tax paying private corporations only adds insult to injury. As mayor, my advocacy for Medicare for All does not stem from political polling data or party platforms; it comes from hearing, seeing, and living the experience of being a Holyoke resident. I can resoundingly say the private system we have, even with expanded access from Obamacare, is fundamentally broken. While there is no magic wand to create a new system of Medicare for All overnight, we can build the system we seek in short order. But the change we seek will not be possible unless we root out the corrupting influence of corporate money on our politics. The politicians we elect to represent our interests are funded by the very corporations that benefit from the broken status quo. So long as insurers, private equity firms, and the pharmaceutical industry get to write the laws, the American people will be denied the access to care that they deserve. These new hospital closures and consolidations come on the heels of decades of closures and consolidation of manufacturing, local banking, and other institutions that provide a source of income and pride to our communities. The outcome of this pillaging has been devastating health impacts, the sowing of discord and distrust in the community, and cities and towns that are reliant on the state and federal government for support, instead of being empowered to create their own change. Tackling these national problems has been my greatest challenge as the mayor of Holyoke and it is why I am running for Congress. Our access to inpatient beds, prenatal care, and birthing centers, must not be dictated by profiteers. These services should be provided to all who need them, because healthcare is a human right. I stand with the thousands of voices in our community calling for the halting of these closures, and I am calling on our federal delegation to do the same. Lets pave the way for a healthcare system that puts people before profit. Alex B. Morse is mayor of Holyoke. He is also a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, 1st District. Bangkok, June 19 : The disappearance of a Thai dissident living in self-exile in Cambodia after his reported violent abduction in broad daylight in Phnom Penh has sparked outrage in Thailand along with a wave of criticism against the government. Wanchalearm Satsakit, 37, who fled to Cambodia after the 2014 coup, was last seen on June 4 in CCTV footage that shows a group of unknown armed men shoving him into a black vehicle in the centre of the Cambodian capital while he was talking on the phone to his sister, reports Efe news. The last words that Wanchalearm's sister heard him say before his disappearance were the same ones that became a global protest symbol after being uttered by African-American man George Floyd as a police officer fatally knelt on his neck in the city of Minneapolis: "I can't breathe". The incident in Cambodia was first brought to light by non-profit Human Rights Watch, and soon Thai social networks were filled with condemnation and the hashtag #SaveWanchalearm began trending on Twitter. Small demonstrations were also held in front of the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok and other parts of the capital. Meanwhile both Thai and Cambodian authorities were yet to comment on the issue. Since the coup, at least eight activists have disappeared under circumstances that have led to rights groups terming them forced disappearances, and the mutilated dead bodies of two of them were found later in a section of the Mekong river between Thailand and Laos. The government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, who headed the 2014 coup and won last year's election, has denied any connection to the disappearances of dissidents abroad. Wanchalearm, like many other Thai dissidents in exile, had been critical of the government and the monarchy, and his case has reignited the debate on Thailand's lese-majeste law, one of the harshest in the world, with many netizens calling for its abolition in recent days. However the use of this law has dropped since King Maha Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne in 2016, after the death of his father, the revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, at the insistence of the monarch himself. Remdesivir, Gilead Sciences much touted coronavirus drug, is reportedly set to be widely available in India by June-end as domestic players step up production. Gilead signed license agreements for production and sale with Indian drugmakers in May while the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) approved the drug in June. India-based licensees Dr Reddys Laboratories, Cipla, Mylan, Hetero and Zydus Cadila are, however, yet to receive the green signal from DCGI. A senior executive at one of the drugmakers told Business Standard that test batches are yet to checked for stability by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), but if things go well, then approval can come in eight to 10 days, and the drug will be available in the market by the end of this month. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report. Once locally available, it would cost Rs 55,000 for an 11-dose course per patient (Rs 5,000 per dose), the source added. This would be significantly lower than the rate currently being imported from Bangladesh as much as Rs 10,000 per vial. 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 competitive prices seem more likely as domestic pharmaceutical companies claim capability to produce the drug without active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) import from China, it added. Bangladesh imports the APIs for Remdesivir from China. Follow our LIVE Updates on the coronavirus pandemic here Remdesivir, which has been found to reduce hospital stay of patients, is the only drug authorised for COVID-19 treatment in the United States. At present, it is only being used for severely-ill patients under restricted emergency use in India. Another licensee added that competitive pricing would be possible depending on demand and supply. Today a patient is paying between Rs 35,000-60,000 a day in hospitals. This drug reduces at least three to four days of ones hospital stay. In that way, the drug will pay for itself, he said. A Gilead spokesperson told the paper the timeline for the drug in India would depend on the licensees. (It is) a process that Gilead does not control. Our individual licensees will also file applications with the CDSCO to manufacture and sell remdesivir, while waiving the requirement for undertaking local clinical trials, the spokesperson had said. CDSCO meanwhile stated that despite wanting to bring the drug to Indian markets soon, one has to weigh the safety and do a risk-benefit analysis in such a critical situation. Industry sources added that if the DCGI does not make its decision by next week, the next set of data would take another 60 days to generate, the report added. Neeva has not set a price for its subscription. It will be free for initial users until the end of the year. After that, Mr. Ramaswamy said he aimed to charge a monthly subscription of less than $10 and he hopes to bring the price down over time as more users sign up. In conversations, Mr. Ramaswamy, 53, is measured and cerebral, very much like the academic teaching computer science that he was before he joined Google in 2003. But its still jarring to hear about the pitfalls of ads from someone who was once hailed the most important figure in online advertising. He said that he was not anti-ad and that ad-supported businesses made sense in some instances. But once a company turns to advertising for its primary source of revenue, he said, it starts making small compromises like adding more ads to the top of search results that ultimately lead to an outcome that youre not particularly happy about. When asked why he, as one of Googles most senior executives, did not intervene, he said there was an implicit understanding that his teams job was to keep money flowing. The core idea that you have to help revenue grow and that was important to the companys success were not things you questioned. Im not defending this. I was very much a part of this, he said. As software engineer, Mr. Ramaswamy never imagined a career in advertising. In 1989, he came to the United States from his native India and earned a doctorate in computer science from Brown University. Before he joined Google, he did stints in academia; at Bell Labs, a research facility owned at the time by Lucent; and at another start-up. The Urban League of Springfield today announced a $500,000 contribution from the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. to be used for its ongoing work for racial equity. The national spotlight that has been shined on the inequities in America represents a tipping a point for all of us and we see this contribution as an investment in the Urban Leagues mission and fuel to help us navigate the turbulent waters that have reached unimaginable heights, said Henry M. Thomas III, president of the Urban League. All citizens deserve adequate access to health and wellness services, the ability to build wealth, and an opportunity for a level playing field across the board, Thomas added. Roger Crandall, president and CEO of MassMutual, said he hopes the contribution will have a meaningful impact within the community where the company has had its home for more than a century. At MassMutual, we are deeply committed to supporting efforts that establish greater equality, fight injustice, and dismantle systemic racism and an important part of that is supporting the organizations that have been doing this critical work for a long time, said Crandall. The Urban League of Springfield is leading the way to a more equitable region through its investments in education and opportunities to improve the economic health and well-being of the African American and black community, Crandall added. Crandall also said he hopes other members of the business community will follow suit and support ways to bring sustainable, lasting change that will build a better world for all. The Urban League and MassMutual have had almost parallel histories in Springfield with MassMutuals founding in 1851 and the Urban Leagues founding in 1913. The Urban Leagues programming spans across all generations, from youth development to productive aging, health and wellness, economic and workforce development, and advocacy, according to Thomas. The Urban League, in announcing the contribution, said the insurance company has shown up to build sustainable change across the US and here in its hometown throughout history when the city has needed help rebuilding, revitalizing and reenergizing. Now MassMutual has stepped up again to build upon its longtime investment in the community and citizens of all ages and abilities in Springfield. South Africa: Law catches up with public servants doing business with State The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has begun laying criminal charges against government employees illegally conducting business with the State. Public Service and Administration Minister, Senzo Mchunu, expressed concern at the high number of public servants still conducting business with the State. We are following up on these cases with the relevant departments, so that identified individuals will be dealt with within the framework of the law, since doing business with the State is a criminal offence, he said. The Minister said the department will ensure that criminal charges are laid with the police in an effort to curb the culture of pillaging State resources with impunity. The number of government employees found to be doing business with the State and those who failed to disclose their financial interests is concerning. This situation must be dealt with as the Sixth Administration has committed itself to fighting corruption and maladministration. Mchunu said corruption in the public service is inconsistent with the values and principles governing the public administration, stipulated in Section 195(2) of the Constitution and must be tackled head on. South Africa, he said, has to make a shift towards observing ethics and combatting corruption, both in the public and private sectors. Corruption remains a major contributor to economic decline and therefore, it is even more important for South Africa to act swiftly against this scourge, Mchunu said. In a statement issued on Thursday, Senior Management Service (SMS) members are required to disclose their financial interests annually by 30 April. As a department, we have written letters to the relevant departments to take action against identified employees and to report investigation and disciplinary outcomes, said the Minister. Heads of Department and Executive Authorities are required to submit the disclosed financial interests to the Public Service Commission (PSC) by 31 May 2020. The PSC can then determine if there is potential or actual conflict of interest regarding the disclosed financial interests, he said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. On Monday, the Supreme Court declined to review all ten of the Second Amendment cases it had pending on its docket. Though the cases presented different fact patterns and procedural postures, the Court simply refused to weigh in on any of them. There seems to be one likely reason: Chief Justice Roberts does not want the Court to take a stance on the Second Amendment. We know because it only takes four justices to agree to hear a case but five to reach a decision once a case is heard and there are four justices on record as being in favor of the Courts reviewing Second Amendment issues. Justice Thomas has been dissenting from the Courts refusal to review those issues for years, and he did so again on Monday, writing to protest the Courts decision to pass on Rogers v. Grewal, a case addressing New Jerseys unconstitutional handgun-carry-permit laws: This case gives us the opportunity to provide guidance on the proper approach for evaluating Second Amendment claims; acknowledge that the Second Amendment protects the right to carry in public; and resolve a square Circuit split on the constitutionality of justifiable need restrictions on that right. I would grant the petition for a writ of certiorari. Justice Alito authored the landmark 2010 McDonald v. Chicago opinion, which incorporated Second Amendment rights to cover the states, and recently filed a scathing dissent to the Courts decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. City of New York: Twelve years ago in District of Columbia v. Heller . . . we held that the Second Amendment protects the right of ordinary Americans to keep and bear arms. Two years later, our decision in McDonald v. Chicago . . . established that this right is fully applicable to the States. Since then, the lower courts have decided numerous cases involving Second Amendment challenges to a variety of federal, state, and local laws. Most have failed. We have been asked to review many of these decisions, but until this case, we denied all such requests. Story continues Alitos dissent goes on to review the underlying merits of the case and argue that the New York City gun-control law at issue is certainly unconstitutional. Justice Kavanaugh is also in favor of the Courts weighing in on Second Amendment issues. He wrote a well-known dissent in Heller II, a follow-up case stemming from the Heller decision Alito references, in which he chastised the D.C. Circuits reasoning and directly applied the Supreme Court test that was established in Heller. More recently, he joined Thomass dissent against the Courts refusal to hear Rogers, and wrote, in a concurrence to the New York State Rifle decision: I share Justice Alitos concern that some federal and state courts may not be properly applying Heller and McDonald. The Court should address that issue soon, perhaps in one of the several Second Amendment cases with petitions for certiorari now pending before the Court. Finally, Justice Gorsuch, while being quieter on the subject, has voiced his support for a review of Second Amendment issues as well: He has joined a couple of dissents penned by Justices Thomas and Alito, in Peruta v. California and New York State Rifle, respectively. If youre counting along at home, thats four Justices Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch, and Kavanaugh in favor of the Courts reviewing Second Amendment issues. Those four together can grant certiorari in any case they wish. One presumes that the only reason they didnt do so in one of the ten Second Amendment cases the Court passed on Monday is that they were unsure how Chief Justice Roberts would vote once the cases were heard. To be clear, the Court wasnt in want of choice. The ten cases pending before it covered issues ranging from New Jerseys handgun-carry regulations (Rogers) to Californias presumptively unsafe handgun law (Pena v. Horan) and Massachusetts assault weapon and high-capacity magazine bans (Worman v. Healey). Some of the ten also showed a clear circuit split a conflict between two or more courts of appeals in the nation as to how to decide a similar or identical issue which tends to make the Court far more likely to hear a case. In this instance, there was and is a clear split between circuits on the applicability of the Second Amendment outside the home. So, ruling out votes and issues, the remaining roadblock would seem to be Chief Justice Roberts. What is unclear is why. Some have speculated that Roberts wants to avoid risking the Courts reputation on a controversial case during a tense political cycle. But, if the Court had granted certiorari in one of these cases today, the case would have been briefed over the summer, argued in late 2020 or early 2021, and decided in early or mid 2021, well after the next president had been elected. Does Roberts actually align with the four progressive-leaning justices on the Court when it comes to the Second Amendment? Not likely. Remember, the four progressive-leaning justices can grant review of a case just as the four conservative-leaning justices can. Given that they didnt on Monday, they likely dont believe Chief Justice Roberts is on their side of the issue. The conclusion were left with is that Chief Justice Roberts doesnt want the Court to weigh in on the Second Amendment right now, and neither the four conservative justices nor the four progressive justices were confident enough of his siding with them on the issue to risk granting certiorari in any of the ten cases. Keep in mind, when the chief justice is in the majority on a decision, he gets to pick who writes the opinion.If Chief Justice Roberts is the swing vote in a case, hell be in the majority however he decides, and could easily assign himself the opinion. Given that the rest of the Court is evenly split, no matter how he drafted it, the justices who agreed with the outcome of the opinion would almost have to sign on, regardless of its reasoning, and that could spell trouble. For now, we will have to rely on the decisions of the circuit courts in gun-rights cases. But while its unclear what the impact of this week will be on the future of Second Amendment jurisprudence, those of us committed to defending Second Amendment-protected rights will not give up the fight. More from National Review Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has formally joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The governor made this known on Friday afternoon when he led some of his appointees and supporters to the PDP secretariat in Benin-City. The leadership of the PDP had on Wednesday met with Mr Obaseki who is seeking a second term in office. Mr Obaseki was disqualified by his former party, APC, from seeking re-election allegedly for submitting questionable certificates. The Edo governor later announced his resignation from the APC. However, the APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, whom Mr Obaseki blames for his travails has now been suspended from office, following an appeal court ruling. Details later. June 18, 2020 Release Secretary Mark T. Esper Message to the Force on DOD Diversity and Inclusiveness Today, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper released a video address to members of the Department on diversity and inclusiveness. In his address, Secretary Esper announced three initiatives to build a better U.S. military that pursues equal opportunity and aspires to true meritocracy. "I recently shared with you my pride in being a member of an institution the United States military that embraces diversity and inclusion, and rejects hate, bigotry, and unlawful discrimination in all forms," said Secretary Esper. "More often than not, we have led on these issues. However, we are not immune to the forces of bias and prejudice whether visible or invisible, conscious or unconscious. We know this bias burdens many of our Service members, and has direct and indirect impact on the experiences of our minority members, the cultural and ethnic diversity of the force, and representation in our officer ranks. These things have no place in our military; they have no place in our country." These three initiatives are: 1) standing up a new, internal "Defense Board on Diversity and Inclusion in the Military," which will conduct a 6-month sprint to develop concrete, actionable recommendations to increase racial diversity and ensure equal opportunity across all ranks - especially in the officer corps; 2) begin the process of standing up a "Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion in the Armed Services" an external body that will mirror the well-regarded and successful Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services that will provide long-term and sustainable guidance to the Department's leadership on these issues; and 3) directed the civilian and uniformed leadership of the Pentagon to immediately present actionable ideas that the department can begin implementing now. https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2224494/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NZ Police Commissioner Andrew Coster speaks to media during a press conference at Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, on April 23, 2020. (Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images) Officers Down, Active Search for Shooter Underway in New Zealand Police are searching for a gunman after two New Zealand officers were seriously injured in Auckland on Friday. New Zealand police wrote on Twitter: At around 10.30am, a police unit has performed a routine traffic stop on Reynella Drive. There has been shots fired at Police officers. Two officers have been shot and have been seriously injured. Police are responding to an incident in the Massey area. This incident has occurred within the last hour and details are still being confirmed. This is very much an unfolding matter and we will be releasing confirmed information as soon as it becomes available. pic.twitter.com/FmwqDMk4Ty New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) June 18, 2020 Local media 1 NEWS reported earlier in the day that they understood one of the officers has since died. This was later confirmed by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster at a press conference held at the Wellington Airport Police Station. The two officers were unarmed, which is the usual procedure in New Zealand, where only specialist police like those at airports or in tactical response teams routinely carry guns. Superintendent Naila Hassan, the Waitemata District Commander, released a statement saying that a member of the public had also been hit and injured by the vehicle involved in the traffic stop. Cordons are in place and schools in the local area have been advised to lockdown. Police have advised all members of the public to avoid the Massey area of West Auckland, in particular the areas around Don Buck Road, Waimumu Road, Hewlitt Road, and Triangle Road. Police are responding to an unfolding serious incident in Massey, West Auckland. At around 10.30am, a police unit has performed a routine traffic stop on Reynella Drive. There has been shots fired at Police officers. Two officers have been shot and have been seriously injured. New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) June 18, 2020 This article has been updated upon confirmation that an officer died. Benjamin Shapiro, a 39-year-old father, husband and writer, was home with his family on Thursday night when he started receiving messages from friends. They told him that the chief of police had just displayed screenshots from his Facebook page at the Huntsville City Council meeting. Chief Mark McMurray, while explaining the use of tear gas on Huntsville protesters, labeled Shapiro an ANTIFA sympathizer and social media influencer and said the man was associated with multiple groups organizing demonstrations/protest. This image shows a slide used by Huntsville police Chief Mark McMurray in a presentation to the City Council on Thursday, June 19, 2020. The man shown in the photo is Benjamin Shapiro, a 39-year-old father, husband and writer from Huntsville. The photo was posted to Facebook in December of 2016. But Shapiro told AL.com those things werent true. He said hes not an anarchist nor an antifa sympathizer. He said he hasnt attended local protests, nor has he called for violence. Theyre defaming my character with absolutely no evidence in a live stream city council meeting with the vaguest attempt at hiding my identity but telling everybody what city I live in, Shapiro told AL.com. Huntsville police had edited the photos to black out a portion of Shapiros face but that didnt do enough to make him unidentifiable. McMurray told AL.com that he included Shapiros images in the presentation in an attempt to educate the public about antifa and anarchists. He said some deny that antifa is in Huntsville and believe police overreacted to the protesters. He says he was trying to prove them wrong. I didnt accuse him of anything, McMurray said. Sympathizers are here. If youre posting sympathetic likes and finds on your website, you very likely could be (a sympathizer). They put that on their website, not me. Shapiro was one of several people whose social media posts were displayed in the police chiefs presentation to the City Council. [You can watch the full city council meeting here] Shapiro also disputed McMurrays claims that he is an influencer on social media. He has only about 300 friends on Facebook and as of Thursday night, his Twitter account had just six followers. I dont think people should be burning stuff down, he said. And I think ANTIFA if it was an actual organization, which even thats in question they support anarchy. Im not a big fan of anarchy. Im a very routine kind of guy. I like things to be chill and good. McMurray spoke at length at the council meeting on Thursday to give the police departments account of what happened earlier this month at downtown protests, which were broken up with tear gas and other riot gear. Like many other cities across the nation, Huntsville saw large protests in the days following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. [Related: As Huntsvilles police chief defends using tear gas, protests call for an apology] McMurray on Thursday defended the decision to use tear gas to disperse the crowd on June 1 and again on June 3. He said law enforcement saved Huntsville from being looted or burned. The chief claimed that such damage was probable because antifa members and sympathizers are in the city. But Shapiro said he believes the police department inaccurately portrayed his Facebook posts in an attempt to paint a false narrative about Huntsville protesters. He questioned whether the chief was retaliating against him for speaking out against police violence. Benjamin Shapiro of Huntsville is shown in a contributed photo. At the council meeting, the chief displayed a screenshot from June 1, which shows that Shapiro made a temporary profile picture with a symbol associated with the antifa movement. Shapiro said he posted the symbol what he described as a German resistance flag from World War II because hes against white supremacy. But the chiefs presentation also included a photo that was taken and posted on Facebook nearly four years ago, showing Shapiro holding a gun, and a photo of Shapiro from last year. A review of Shapiros Facebook page shows that most of his photos are selfies, memes or images of his family. It required searching through hundreds of images to find those used in the chiefs presentation. Shapiro said he believes the police department stalked his Facebook page and selected scary images to falsely portray him. This image shows a slide used by Huntsville police Chief Mark McMurray in a presentation to the City Council on Thursday, June 19, 2020. The man in the photo is Benjamin Shapiro. The photo was posted to his Facebook page in July of 2019. They didnt do anything to vet those photos, he said. They found photos that fit their narrative and were thinking theyre going to be able to bully whoever it was into silence. He says the police department never contacted him. If they had asked him about the antifa flag, he says he would have told them it wasnt a threat or anything to take seriously. Most of my photos are not anything scary, he said. They would have had to dig for that. Im curious to know how long it took them to find that photo. The images of Shapiro and his Facebook page were included in a slideshow section about the events of June 3, the night that protesters in Huntsville were dispersed by multiple police agencies with tear gas, rubber bullets, flash bangs and other riot gear. Shapiro said he did not attend that protest nor any others. Ive got a family, so I dont go to the protests because Im not trying to get arrested, he said, and Im not trying to get shot with tear gas or rubber bullets. Shapiro recently posted a poem he wrote, titled Thin Blue Rope. The poem is about police violence against black people. Shapiro said he also recently made a joke about antifa in a reply to a Tweet from the Huntsville police department. The Tweet, which was posted in the days after police tear gassed protesters downtown, shows a police vehicle in Big Spring Park on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Real caption: An HPD Vehicle Surrounded by ANTIFA at Big Spring Park. Benjamin Shapiro (@Benjami55281273) June 8, 2020 Shapiro replied: Real caption: An HPD Vehicle Surrounded by ANTIFA at Big Spring Park. He told AL.com he made the comment as a joke to question HPDs claims that antifa was in town. He wonders if he was included in McMurrays presentation as retaliation for his criticism of the police department and other city leaders. Its an invasion of privacy, he said. Its kind of disgusting. It feels like an abuse of power. Why are you using police resources to stalk people on Facebook? I play video games, he said. I write poetry. I write screen plays. Thats me. I dont say people should burn stuff down. I dont think people should break windows. But I also dont think peaceful protesters should be attacked. And I also dont think that the government should lie to us and make things up to scare parts of the populous that they think are more important than others. "We extend our deepest condolences to the people of India for the lives lost as a result of the recent confrontation with China," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a tweet, hours after his meeting with top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi. New Delhi : The United States on Thursday expressed its deepest condolences to India on the loss of lives of its soldiers in violent clashes with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in Ladakh early this week. "We will remember the soldiers' families, loved ones, and communities as they grieve," said Pompeo. The State Department did not say if the recent India-China confrontation along the Line of Actual Control in East Laddakh appeared during the Pompeo-Yang talks in Hawaii. A day earlier, the White House had said President Donald Trump is aware of the fierce clashes between the Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Laddakh. Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a colonel, were killed in the clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley on Monday night, in the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two countries. "The president is aware of it. We're monitoring the situation between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany had told reporters when asked about the border clash. "We have seen the Indian Army statement that 20 Indian soldiers died as a result of the confrontation today, and we extend our deepest condolences on that," she had said. McEnany stressed that there are no formal plans to mediate between India and China. No formal plans on that beyond what I already said in expressing our absolute condolences to the Indian soldiers that died as a result of today's confrontation. We extend our deepest condolences there, she said. I would note just that during the phone call on June 2 of this year that President (Donald) Trump had with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, they did discuss the situation on the India-China border, McEnany said. Monday's face-off was the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while over 300 Chinese army personnel were killed in the face-off. According to a report in the US News, at least 35 Chinese troops including one senior official died in the violent clash with Indian soldiers. The Indian Army has been fiercely objecting to border transgressions and has demanded their immediate withdrawal for the restoration of peace and tranquillity in the area. Both sides have held a series of talks in the last few days to resolve the row. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it. Calvert St., 100 block, 10:34 a.m. June 4. During an argument at a mobile home park, a man struck a female family member with a door and kicked the family dog. While police investigated the incident, the man fell unconscious and was taken to a hospital, where he regained consciousness, became disorderly and struck two nurses. He then struck, bit and spit on officers that attempted to detain him. Minor injuries were reported. The 25-year-old Woodbridge man was arrested and charged with three counts of assault and battery of law enforcement, two counts of assault and battery on a health care provider, domestic assault and battery and animal cruelty. - John Mahama has called out President Akufo-Addo for failing to fulfill his 2016 campaign promises to Ghanaians - The NDC leader said the NPP government is now saying their promises are visions - Mr. Mahama also said he will name his running mate very soon - Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in John Dramani Mahama has taken a swipe at the NPPs Nana Akufo-Addo for making promises he did not keep. According to the former president, his successor has failed woefully in fulfilling his lofty promises made to Ghanaians. Mr. Mahama also said President Akufo-Addo has now turned around to call his promises visions for Ghana. READ ALSO: NPP to acclaim Akufo-Addo on June 27 The NDC presidential candidate made the statements on Thursday night (June 18, 2020) in a live Facebook broadcast. Ghanaians understood perfectly well what promises were made to them in 2016, Mr. Mahama opined. He added that come December 7, 2020, Ghanaians will take to the polling booth what their understanding and perception of what they believe constitute the level of fulfillment of the promises that Akufo-Addo made to them before the last elections. Touching on his choice of running mate for the upcoming polls, John Mahama said his campaign team, running mate, and party manifesto will all be finalised soon. READ ALSO: COVID-19: Ghanaians to get 10 years jail term or GH60,000 fine if they fail to wear face mask ...the Council of Elders and the National Executive Committee (NEC) to finalise my constitutional obligation to consult these bodies on the choice of my running mate. We have also agreed on our choice of the 2020 campaign team and will announce this shortly. Our manifesto committee is also wrapping up its work and we expect to launch our 2020 manifesto in August, he added. YEN.com.gh earlier reported that John Dramani Mahama, has sent a stern warning to the New Patriotic Party ( NPP) indicating the NDC will match them boot-for-boot in the 2020 elections. According to the former president, the NPP must be ashamed of themselves for deploying violent tactics ahead of the polls. The impact of COVID-19 on trotro business in Ghana | #Yencomgh Have national and human interest issues to discuss? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: YEN.com.gh CHANDIGARH: Till last year, International Yoga Day that is celebrated on June 21 used to be a group activity on a large scale, but this time Covid-19 guidelines of social distancing have changed the way the event is being observed. This time, the theme for the day says it all: Yoga at home, yoga with family. For the first time, since its inception in 2015, there will not be a mass gathering at centralised places for group yoga. To mark the day and engage more people, government authorities and different yoga associations have opted for virtual yoga. Since the United Nations passed a resolution to celebrate June 21 every year as International Yoga Day, there has been a manifold increase in the number of yoga enthusiasts. Covid-19, however, has driven people to include breathing exercises in their daily lifestyle to boost the immune system to fight the pandemic. Yoga has turned out to be one of favourite fitness regimens during the lockdown. ONLINE CLASSES AND SESSIONS Though this time we wont have any mass gathering to celebrate International Yoga Day, the count of people doing yoga on a regular basis has increased as compared to pre-Covid times. Many of our passouts, who are professional yoga instructors, are already taking online yoga classes on a daily basis and they will do it on Sunday too to celebrate the day, says yoga expert Kulwant Singh, who is working as an instructor at Government College of Yoga Education and Health, Sector 23, Chandigarh. Yoga has turned out to be one of favourite fitness regimens during the lockdown. (AFP) Every year, we used to hold a yoga camp in the college premises that would culminate with the Yoga Day celebrations on June 21. But this time, because of Covid-19 and keeping social distancing in mind, we started an online camp from June 13. Both morning and evening sessions are held live on the colleges Facebook page and YouTube channel and we are getting a decent response. For June 21, we will be having a special session in which six of our colleges yoga instructors will be going live online, says yoga college principal Sapna Nanda. Our institute in collaboration with yoga scholars of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) organised a webinar on Relevance of yoga in present day scenario in the run-up to yoga day celebrations today. YOGA FINDS NEW FOLLOWERS With gyms and other fitness centres closed to check the spread of Covid-19, more people are opting for yoga that has seen many new entrants in the last three months. We will be having special online yoga sessions spread across the first-half of the day to mark International Yoga Day on Sunday. Yoga institutes from six countries, including India, Australia, Japan, and Malaysia, will be joining us, says Indian-origin yoga guru based in Australia, Rajendra Damodara Yenkannamoole, whose organisation Vasudeva Kriya Yoga runs 17 centres in Melbourne and one in Bengaluru. Indian-origin Australia-based yoga guru Rajendra Damodara Yenkannamooles organisation Vasudeva Kriya Yoga runs 17 centres in Melbourne and one in Bengaluru. (Gurminder Singh/HT) We will be having sessions on yoga as therapy, yoga for health, yoga for mobility and strength, said the yoga guru, who has a YouTube channel and website vasudevakriyayoga.com. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The NSW government has refused to attend future meetings with other states over the Murray-Darling Basin Plan after Queensland and South Australia rejected its call to extend the deadline for returning water to the river system beyond 2024. NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey on Friday said legislative change was needed as her state was unable to meet the plan's existing timetable and it would instead negotiate directly with the federal government. The Murray and Darling rivers meet at Wentworth in NSW. Credit:Justin McManus The basin plan requires states to recover a total of 3200 gigalitres of water from irrigation by 2024 to boost the health of the river. "There is no plan that can be met at this point in 2024," Ms Pavey said. "Under the current arrangement, there is no point in having ministerial council meetings with other states that don't want to listen or respect our advice." I covered criminal justice in the Midwest for the Wall Street Journal before this assignment in Hong Kong, and have no illusions about the long and complicated path it will take to sustain the scale of the reforms some in the United States are pushing for. The root cause of the anger, too, is without comparison. And there is the issue of Americans right to carry firearms, which makes the policing landscape very different. Concerts and music festivals as we know them have been put on the backburner due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but one of the summers highly anticipated festivals is bringing the atmosphere to your home this weekend. Body & Soul, which was due to take place at Ballinlough Castle, Co Westmeath from June 19 to 21 with Roisin Murphy and Metronomy among the headliners, are teaming up with The Isolation Station Radio to bring you #SolsticeSessions Saturday on June 20th. They plan to crack open the Body & Soul vault and journey through some of their favourite artists and DJs from the past 10 years. From 3pm-2am on June 20th, make the #SolsticeSessions your audio backdrop for your Body&Soul at home by visiting bit.ly/SolsticeSessions After the wilds of Saturday nights solstice celebrations, Sundays #SoulSessions will highlight the softer side of Body & Soul by offering the perfect wind-down for your weekend from 10am-1pm. Tune into ritual, aerial performance, live music, yoga, spoken word with you & yours all broadcast across the Body&Soul Facebook page. Be sure to tag @bodyandsoulirl and #SolsticeSessions with pictures of your DIY festival where they are also offering downloadable and printable wristband and posters for that authentic feel. The festival will also be giving away scores of tickets to Body & Soul 2021 for Best Camp, Best Installation, Best Drink and Best Family Camp. Full lineup details will be posted on their social media channels. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday said that a school will be named after Ganesh Ram Kunjam, who lost his life in the violent clash with Chinese troops in Ladakhs Galwan Valley. The wreath-laying ceremony of Kunjam was performed in Raipur today, which was also attended by Baghel and former Chief Minister Raman Singh. Baghel, in a tweet, also announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh and a government job to a member of Kunjams family will be given by the state government. A school will be named after Ganesh Ram Kunjam. An ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh and a government job to a member of his family will be given by the state government, Baghel said in a tweet in Hindi. Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, had lost their lives in a violent face-off that happened in the Galwan Valley, as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to unilaterally change the status quo during de-escalation in eastern Ladakh. A week in the life of Ben Crump - last week, to be precise. Tuesday in Houston to attend George Floyd's funeral, where the Rev. Al Sharpton introduced Crump as "black America's attorney general, probably because we don't feel like we have one." Wednesday in Washington to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on racial profiling and police reform. Thursday in Louisville, to convince the city council to pass a law in Breonna Taylor's name banning no-knock warrants, which passed unanimously. Friday, a return to Houston. The coronavirus pandemic slowed much of the world but the killing of black Americans continued, often at the hands or bended knee of the police. And it didn't slow Attorney Crump, as he's known to clients and associates. Ahmaud Arbery jogging in Brunswick, Ga., on Feb. 23. Taylor in her Louisville apartment in the early hours of March 13. Sean Reed, who live-streamed his own death in Indianapolis, on May 6. Floyd, whose final, agonizing eight minutes and 46 minutes became a global call to action, in Minneapolis on May 25. Crump represents all their families. Each case remains singular, with its own set of horrendous circumstances. Yet a shared mission runs through all of them. Crump turns down a dozen requests for every case he takes, selecting ones that will "shock the conscience" of the American people. "I'm not stunned that this is happening in 2020. It takes extraordinary effort in America for black people to get simple justice," says Crump, 50, during an evening phone interview from his Houston office. "I feel like I'm running out of time." Crump is an attorney of our times, as much a creature of the green room as the courtroom. In a nation lousy with lawyers, he has become the go-to advocate for families who have lost relatives to police brutality, as though his is the only name on the list. He accomplished this by being fluent in the language of the church, tort law, racial inequality and what he deems "the mediasphere," paired with an indefatigable drive to be everywhere. While Crump scores civil monetary awards - "we never lose these cases" - criminal justice has proved largely elusive. "We can't depend on the justice department," he says. "It's become up to the people who have been on the front line." Local prosecutors, state and city officials, activists. Cited as "the black Gloria Allred" in The New Yorker, Crump appears to have never met a camera he didn't woo. The Ben Crump Law website is placarded with numerous recent cable news appearances, many conducted from his Tallahassee home during quarantine. The firm has grown to eight offices, 12 lawyers and a network of more than 100 national co-counsels. Crump hosted the six-part A&E documentary "Who Killed Tupac?" (2017) and scored a three-project deal with Netflix, partnering with "Blackish" creator Kenya Barris to produce documentaries and drama rooted in his cases. During his spare time, he's co-writing and producing a special on Nichelle Nichols. Yes, the black actress with a pioneering role on "Star Trek." Critics argue such Hollywood peregrinations weaken Crump's legal wallop. But television is the firm's new business generator, where he serves as proxy for current and future clients. It's not a diversion. It's part of the quest. "We're creating content for social justice. If Thurgood Marshall was alive, that's what he would be doing," he says, citing his hero, his conversational North Star. "When Tupac was killed, he was treated like any other black man," Crump says. "They never charged any of his killers in one of the most public drive-by shootings. I bet you if that was Elvis Presley, they would have found them." Bob Hilliard is an attorney based in Corpus Christi, Texas, and Crump's sometime co-counsel. "This moment has tapped Ben on the shoulder," he says. "He will slow it down. He will slow down the violence and anger. He is like a blanket of reassurance." He's an old-fashioned Southern gentleman, his language salted with "yes, m'ams," but Crump owes his prominence and winning record in part to his harnessing of new technology. Cellphones, video surveillance and police body cams, a continuous loop of can't-look-away evidence, altered the trajectory of his practice. "Ocular proof that black people weren't lying, that police were brutalizing them," he says. Winning comes through mastering the storytelling, building on a grand oral tradition, Crump says, "We are changing the narrative." Floyd's death became the crucible of global protest, Crump says, because "coming off the coronavirus pandemic, people were looking at social media more than ever." The video "is a documentary of his death narrated by him." Crump likes to say - he likes to say many things repeatedly, the necessity of staying on message - that he argues cases twice: first and relentlessly "in the court of public opinion," then in civil court, where jury selection is paramount. He knows the math. This is a predominantly white nation with a preponderance of white jurors. Key is securing white jurors "who believe that the black person is equal," he says. "If you can't get the equal consideration, then we've lost even before we begin." Police brutality in America, Crump argues, dates its origins to colonial slave patrols in the early 18th century. But "videos have changed everything. They've shifted believability," says Kenneth Mack of Harvard Law School. Generating publicity in advance of trial has a history among civil rights attorneys, including Marshall, Mack says. "Crump's engaged in multimedia advocacy," he says. "Putting pressure on state authorities to investigate cases that otherwise would not be investigated." In a case like Floyd's, while Minnesota is prosecuting the officers, Crump appeals to the House for reforms and the U.N. to intervene. The legal team often files or sues for public records, advocates for tougher sentencing and uses the media to challenge police accounts. Crump has won more than 200 police-violence cases, his firm earning a third of each settlement. And yet the deaths continue. He realizes that with so many killings, cases like Reed, who was shot by Indianapolis police during a car chase, can be overshadowed in the wake of the latest deaths. More than a thousand Americans were shot and killed by the police in the past year, a pileup of fatalities that does not include Floyd, who died of "asphyxiation from sustained pressure" as stated in the independent report ordered by Crump and the family to dispute the official coroner version. Black people account for less than 13 percent of the nation's population, yet are more than twice as likely as white Americansto be shot and killed by law enforcement. Crump gained national renown representing the families of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown. In both cases, he won civil judgments while Martin's shooter in Florida was acquitted and Brown's in Ferguson, Mo., was never charged. "It's infuriating," Crump says, his voice perpetually hoarse. "It sends a message to society that when this person is not convicted and imprisoned that it's OK. It does not stop people from doing it again." "It's open season, always-justified legalized genocide of black Americans," Crump adds, "Open Season" being the title of his 2019 polemic on criminal injustice. "They kill us in the courtroom with all these qualified immunities for the police." After Martin's shooting, "Ben knew back then in 2012 that this case was going to wither on the vine unless he kept it in the public eye," says Mark O'Mara, who successfully defended Martin's shooter, George Zimmerman, and took issue with some of Crump's maneuvers to try the case in public. "Justice is not going to come from silence. Justice is only going to come from loud voices and that is what Ben is good at." - - - At age 6 or 7, Crump's not sure, he witnessed his uncle being brutalized by the police, allegedly for speeding but Crump believes it was because he was college-educated and driving a nice car. "They were making an example that it doesn't matter who you are, where you go, you will always be a second-class citizen," he says. He has idolized Marshall since attending the fourth grade at an integrated school in Lumberton, N.C. Crump was the beneficiary of the civil rights giant's legal triumph in Brown v. the Board of Education but the school was also his first encounter with racial and economic inequality. Law was his only dream. Crump moved to Florida in middle school, and attended Florida State University for college and law school, but Lumberton, his mother Helen and his church remain primary influences. He prays before every meal. He promised his mother that alcohol would never touch his lips. His minister prays with him over his cases, and often invites him to share them with the congregation on Sundays. "I don't see law being his career. I see law being his calling. It's pastoral," says the Rev. R.B. Holmes Jr., pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. "He has been used to give people their voice, and a sense of hope and purpose, how to turn literal pain into purpose." Crump always appears nattily attired, a large eagle of justice pin affixed to his left lapel (he owns two, silver and gold), but he doesn't sound slick. He is married to Genae Angelique Crump, who runs a juvenile justice education program, and father to a 6-year-old daughter, Brooklyn Zeta. How does his wife deal with his workload, his nomadic schedule? "She realizes I'm doing important work, and she has access to the bank account," Crump says, laughing. "Ben is more than a lawyer for these families," says Sean Pittman, a friend of three decades. "He's their pastor. He's their therapist. He's their best friend. Ben is devout in anything he's involved in." Scott Carruthers, the firm's white managing partner, calls Crump "a lawyer-preacher." After Crump split with his original partner, Carruthers approached him in 2017 to help create a new national firm. Crump is the sole name on the door. "Ben is the brand. It's his reputation and his trust he's engendered with people of color around the world." Crump launched his career with medical malpractice and personal injury cases, the type of law advertised on bus-stop benches. His firm still handles plenty of these cases, winning handsome payouts. "It was a way to fund the civil rights work," he says, part of the mandate of "trying to get justice from the underserved." He's involved in class-action suits involving Flint, Mich.'s tainted water and Johnson & Johnson talcum powder, the latter he's fighting on behalf of women of color with ovarian cancer. "I believe as passionately about the talcum powder case as I do about George Floyd." As he recites his vast caseload, Crump stops at Pamela Turner, shot by police in Baytown, Texas. Her family says she struggled with paranoid schizophrenia. "Her case is getting lost. I don't believe it's getting enough attention," he says. "What can we do to push the envelope to make America care?" Turner was killed May 13 of last year, a year to the day before Taylor and a thousand police shootings ago. "If we don't seize this moment to make real systematic reforms in policing in America, it will be squandered," he says. "If we don't do something, I predict that, in the next 30 days, another person is going to be killed by the police and there will be another hashtag created." Crump's prediction was off. That Friday night in Atlanta, June 12, Rayshard Brooks was shot twice in the back by police at a Wendy's drive-through. And a fresh hashtag was ignited. JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (GuideWell), the parent to a family of forward-thinking companies focused on transforming health care; Florida Blue, the state's leading health insurer; and Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Florida Blue, today announced $25 million in investments over five years to organizations focused on diversity and inclusion and health equity in the communities the organizations serve. The commitment coincided with the launch of the company's Equity Alliance, an initiative focused on addressing systemic racism and resulting health disparities for Black Americans. The new financial commitment builds upon the organizations' existing contributions and programs to support economic, social and health causes in their communities. In 2019, the enterprise donated more than $1.2 million in grants to more than 80 Black and community development organizations. "We are at a turning point in the historical fight for equal justice, opportunity and better health care for Black people," said Pat Geraghty, president and CEO of GuideWell and Florida Blue. "We cannot fulfill our mission of helping people and communities achieve better health without doing the urgent and necessary work to end systemic racism. Equity Alliance represents our long-term commitment and responsibility to accelerate support of our Black employees, members and communities. We have a long history of standing up for social and racial equality, but we need to do more. Our strength lies in our diversity and ability to solve problems together. We will make financial and operational investments to foster unity and an equal playing field and create a meaningful and lasting impact in the communities we serve." Equity Alliance will be led by a task force of internal stakeholders and outside advisors and work in conjunction with ASPIRE, the company's employee affinity group for people of color, to develop and implement efforts to combat systemic racism and improve health care outcomes in underprivileged communities. Initial efforts include: Evaluate and approve organization grant requests and expand volunteer efforts to support community partners; Conduct an internal assessment of organizational leadership and employee diversity representation and pay equity; Commission internal and external research on the impact of systemic racism on health care outcomes; and Convene community leaders and like-minded companies and organizations at the statewide and hyperlocal levels on ways to advance racial justice and health care outcomes in communities. About GuideWell GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (GuideWell) is a not-for-profit mutual holding company and the parent to a family of forward-thinking companies focused on transforming health care. The GuideWell organization includes the leading health insurance company in Florida; a portfolio of clinical delivery organizations; a health care consumer marketing, sales and engagement company; a provider of administrative services to state and federal health care programs; and a leader in risk adjustment and population care management. The GuideWell enterprise serves 27 million people in 35 states and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla. For more information, visit www.guidewell.com. SOURCE GuideWell; Florida Blue; Florida Blue Foundation RIVERSIDE Criminal charges have been filed against a mother who disappeared June 11 with her two young children after police in Northumberland County say she did not have custody rights. Sawsan Hadidi is charged with two counts each of interference with the custody of children, endangering the welfare of a child and concealment of the whereabouts of a child. Hadidi and her children Danny, 4, and Dana, 3 months, were last seen about 4 p.m. June 11 on 11th street in Riverside. Hadidi had been staying with a family in the borough that is across the North Branch of the Susquehanna River from Danville. Criminal charges have been filed against Sawsan Hadidi, who disappeared June 11 with her two young children after police in Northumberland County say she did not have custody rights. Hadidi and her children Danny, 4, left, and Dana, 3 months, were last seen about 4 p.m. June 11 on 11th street in Riverside. County Children and Youth Services reported them missing but its director Katrina Gownley said privacy issues prevent her from discussing the case. Police said they have enlisted the assistance of federal marshals and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in an effort to locate Hadidi and her children. She is believed to be driving a purple 2012 Toyota Scion with Virginia registration UUA4239. Anyone with information on Hadidi and her children is asked to call Riverside police at 570-275-4305. Callers who get the answering machine can either leave a message or call the communications center at 570-784-6300. - In a WHO update of coronavirus outbreak in Africa, the continent has a total number of 265,356 cases - South Africa has a whopping number of 80,412 with Egypt and Nigeria following in the second and third positions respectively - Madagascar has recorded 12 death so far despite its purported herbal cure for the deadly disease - Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in World Health Organisation (WHO) has released the Covid-19 situation reports for African countries for Thursday, June 18. According to WHO, Africa has a total number of 265,356 cases with recorded death cases of 7,098. On the table, South Africa has the most infection cases at 80,412. Egypt is the second most hit country with 47,856 cases as Nigeria takes the third position with 17,735 infected people. Madagascar has a total number if 12 deaths despite its supposed cure for the disease. Namibia, Uganda, Eritrea, Seychelles, and Lesotho are countries without recorded death cases of the virus on the continent. READ ALSO: UK prime minister Boris Johnson involved in car crash, his condition unknown See the full table in the photo below: The table showing how Covid-19 has affected African countries. Photo source: Twitter/WHO Source: UGC Meanwhile, YEN earlier reported that breakthrough treatment was identified to reduce fatalities amongst seriously ill Covid-19 patients. Dexamethasone has proven effective in reducing deaths by 33% when it comes to patients on ventilators, according to a study by the University of Oxford. Patients on oxygen support were observed to have improved odds by 20% on the steroid treatment. The drug emerged the victor from the world's largest trials testing existing treatments for the virus and there is good news for South African citizens. This steroid is cheaply available from as little as R149 (N3,369.21) an injection and even produced by the company Aspen in South Africa. READ ALSO: Swiss authorities in search for owner of $191.6K gold bars left in train In other news, an American man with the name James Henderson lamented how his 22-year-old grandson caught coronavirus. Grandpa James said the young man went to a party with about 30 people without observing any form of social distancing or wearing a mask. The man said he and 9 other people came down with the disease. In his final words, he said that this is a warning to young people who think their immune system is stronger than the virus. "Not wearing a nose mask is an offence" - Nana Akufo-Addo | #Yencomgh Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: YEN.com.gh The U.S. Supreme Court blocked the Trump's administration's effort to end the Obama-era program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), that protects and provides work permits to more than 800,000 undocumented immigrants who came to the country as children. In a 5-4 decision, with Chief Justice John G. Roberts joining the ruling, the young immigrants called Dreamers who face deportation are granted a reprieve, the New York Times reports. While the court said the administration may still seek to terminate the protections, that is unlikely to happen before the November elections. According to Inside Higher Ed, the Supreme Court's decision came after it concluded the administration failed to offer adequate reasons to end the program. The ruling is one of the biggest legal defeats of Trump's presidency and served as a setback for the president who promised to terminate the program in his election campaign, the Wall Street Journal said. What is DACA? The program, which was introduced by former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2012, aimed to shield the young people who have grown up and identify themselves as Americans from deportation. DACA does not provide undocumented immigrants with a pathway to citizenship. The protection allows non-U.S. citizens who meet the qualification to remain in the country, get work permits and obtain health insurance from employers, as reported by ADL. Requesting DACA requires immigrants to pay a fee of $495 every two years. An applicant must also be enrolled in high school, or have a diploma or G.E.D, or have served in the military. Individuals with criminal histories are not eligible. The program also grants Dreamers access to higher education, drivers' licenses, in-state tuition, grants, and loans. Immigrants who arrived in the country before age 16 and have lived here since June 15, 2007, are qualified to receive the protection and the benefits. They undergo background checks, fingerprint, and other biometric tests. Protected Immigrants According to the Times, most people under the DACA program are immigrants from Mexico, while others were born in Central or South America, the Caribbean, or Asia. Since the DACA program was enacted, more than 787,000 people have received protection from deportation. A 2017 national study claimed 91 percent of undocumented immigrants who are signed up in the program have been employed with an average hourly wage of $17.46 per hour. An estimated 454,000 are enrolled in various colleges and institutions in the country. The University of California enrolls about 4,000 undocumented immigrants, most of whom are DACA recipients, Inside Higher Ed reported. The program stopped accepting new applications since the Trump administration made efforts to stop the program in 2017. Advocates managed to keep DACA alive through legal challenges. Lower courts have also allowed the people who were granted protection to renew it until the Supreme Court issued its ruling. Want to read more? Hindu nationalist leader of the worlds fourth worst-hit nation says yoga is a trusted friend in building immunity. Indias Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extolled yoga as a way of building a protective shield of immunity against the coronavirus, as his nation battles a surge in infections. Modi, a keen yoga practitioner who has long espoused the benefits of the ancient Indian practice, gave the advice in a YouTube message ahead of International Yoga Day on Sunday. We all know that until now nowhere in the world have they been able to develop a vaccine for COVID-19 or coronavirus, Modi said in the video published on Thursday. Which is why right now, only a strong immunity can act as a protective shield or a bodyguard for us and our family members yoga is our trusted friend in building this protective shield [of immunity]. The Indian leader, a teetotal vegetarian, set up a ministry to promote yoga, Ayurveda and other traditional Indian treatments when he came to power in 2014. Members of the Indian Navy perform yoga on the flight deck of INS Viraat, an Indian Navy decommissioned aircraft carrier, during International Yoga Day in Mumbai in this June 21, 2019 photo [File: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters] UN approval Modi initially proposed World Yoga Day to the United Nations, winning approval the same year. On June 21, 2015, the first International Yoga Day was observed across the world. The day normally see masses of people gather for public yoga events not only in India but worldwide but Modi called for people to this year go indoors. Modi also hailed yoga as a way to ease the extraordinary stresses people are enduring because of the virus. Yoga has the potential to cater to the mental, physical and psychological challenges. It puts to test how one can live in challenging times, he said. In January, the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy) released an advisory on how ancient homeopathy and Ayurveda remedies could help Indians combat the coronavirus. But organisations including the United Statess National Institutes of Health, have warned that no scientific evidence that any of these alternative remedies can prevent or cure COVID-19. Indias national and state governments have also stressed the importance of mask-wearing and social distancing. The South Asian nation of 1.3 billion people is the fourth worst-hit country in the world with more than 380,000 virus infections and over 12,000 deaths, official figures show. Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Teagasc and Dairy Sustainability Ireland publish the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) interim report Teagasc and Dairy Sustainability Ireland have published the first Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) interim report. The report focuses on the establishment and implementation of the ASSAP in 2018 and interaction with farmers up until the 31st December 2019. The ASSAP programme is a key part of a wider government and community effort to improve water quality in 190 selected water bodies around the country by reducing agricultural and non-agricultural pressures. The ASSAP advisory service is a sectoral/industry wide collaborative approach to improving water quality in Ireland. Established as part of Irelands 2nd River Basin Management Plan (RBMP), it has adopted a changed philosophy from the regulatory one size fits all approach towards a new engagement based approach with farmers. The programme is tasked with working on a voluntary basis with farmers and identifying and implementing the right measure in the right place on farms located in Priority Areas for Action (PAAs). This is the first such approach adopted in Ireland and it provides an alternative mechanism to work with the agricultural sector in order to make an improvement in water quality in our streams and rivers and help achieve the Water Framework Directive (WFD) targets. A free and confidential farm visit from an ASSAP advisor is available to all farmers in a Priority Area for Action (PAA) where water quality is at risk from agricultural activity. To date, the programme has contacted some 1,652 farmers, with 1,168 farm assessments completed by 31st December 2019. Central to the ASSAP has been the support the programme has received from Government, the Dairy Industry and the farming sector. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD welcomed the interim report published today and reinforced the importance of the innovative Government/industry collaborative initiative, which is supported by the farm organisations. The Minister added that while a new approach to delivering on improvements in water quality, the programme has provided considerable free and confidential agricultural advice to farmers. Industry involvement in ASSAP is vital to the future sustainability of the programme and in improving water quality in the short term. Commenting on the ASSAP interim report, Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy TD said that As we look to the future, we are faced with increasing pressures on our water resources from a growing population and economy. It is essential that we continue to take strong steps to protect and improve our water quality; by both making river basin management plans and implementing them effectively. The ASSAP advisory service is a critically important first step under the plan in supporting farmers to transition to more environmentally sustainable practices. Pat Murphy, CEO Kerry Ingredients and Co-Chairman of the Dairy Sustainability Forum, commented that ASSAP is a unique example of industry/government/farmer collaboration all working together to improve water quality. All stakeholders deserve great credit for their efforts thus far, but we are just at the start of the process and achieving improvements in water quality will require on-going and strong commitment to sustainability. Speaking at the launch of the report, Noel Meehan, Teagasc ASSAP Manager said working with farmers is the best way to realise improvements in water quality where agriculture is a pressure. The farming community has engaged very positively with the advisors and the science provided by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) is helping to focus mitigation actions at farm level that will help to reduce nutrient, sediment and pesticide losses to waters. Carol McCarthy, Catchments Team Manager with LAWPRO added that the science is showing that there is a great variation in pressures and issues across the PAAs and that the new approach in the second River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) of identifying the appropriate action for the pressure identified is the correct methodology. The expertise being developed through the local catchment assessments will help to provide a better understanding of catchment science into the future. The ASSAP interim report is available on the Teagasc website here ASSAP Interim Report #1 A legal obstacle that had delayed construction of new council houses in Portlaoise for the past year, has been overcome. Laois County Council in partnership with Co-Operative Housing Ireland plans to build 34 new council homes as part of a major regeneration of OMoore Place estate on the Mountmellick road. The plan was held up since mid 2019 while the housing body sought to reach an agreement with the owner of the adjoining field. That field on the town side of the estate had long been the target of anti-social behaviour, including joy riding. Laois County Council confirmed at the May council meeting that Heads of Agreement have been completed to progress with the plan. Already last September the council prepared the way for the new houses by upgrading the existing estate by investing 400,000 to knock six derelict houses. They also installed new carparking spaces, footpaths and a turning area for emergency vehicles for easier access to the narrow cul de sac estate which was built over 70 years ago. Many of the houses had since been sold privately with some allowed to go derelict. The new houses will be built and owned by the housing body with Laois County Council choosing the tenants from their waiting list, which stands at about 1,400 names. The Supreme Court on Monday directed multinational firm JP Morgans Rs 187 crore lying attached with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to be utilized for the stalled housing projects of the Amrapali Group. In its investigation, the ED had found that JP Morgan Mauritius Company had invested Rs 85 crore in an Amrapali firm in September 2010 to acquire shares at an artificially exorbitant rate per share. Last month, the agency had attached assets of JP Morgan worth Rs 187 crore as proceeds of crime after getting permission from the top court. On Thursday, the bench realized that instead of the amount lying idle with the ED, it could be utilized for Amrapalis unfinished flats. The bench of Justices Arun Mishra and UU Lalit directed the amount to be transferred to the UCO bank account in the court complex. Two companies Rudraksh Infracity Private Limited and Neelkanth Buildcraft Private Limited bought shareholding from JP Morgan at a valuation amounting to Rs 140 crore. This amount was transferred to these two companies between 2013 and 2015. Upon forensic audit, the two firms were found to be shell companies. Senior advocate Harish Salve, who appeared for JP Morgan, sought time to ascertain the case with the ED. The court on Thursday asked SBI Caps on providing stress funds to aid the projects being executed by National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC). Salve, who appeared for SBI Caps, informed the court that the approval for funds requires final touches. SBI held a series of meetings with the court-appointed receiver, senior advocate R Venkatramani, and court-appointed forensic auditors, to firm its proposal. A final offer will be in place by the next hearing on July 10. Venkatramani told HT, SBI Caps has in principle agreed to support three projects in Greater Noida and two projects in Noida, totaling to approximately ~900 crore. Appearing for homebuyers, advocate ML Lahoty urged the court to direct attachment of three companies linked to Surekha Group, which owed more than ~760 crore. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON 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 Dave Franco will make his directorial debut in a feature film in The Rental, starring real-life wife Alison Brie, Dan Stevens, Sheila Vand and Jeremy Allen White. The first trailer dropped Thursday for the horror movie that was co-written by Franco and Joe Swanberg. The Rental, filmed on location in Oregon, centers on two couples who rent a seaside vacation home for what should be a celebratory weekend get-away. Rough weekend: Scare fest: Dave Franco makes his directorial feature debut in the horror film The Rental, starring real-life wife Alison Brie (pictured); The Rental, filmed on location in Oregon, centers on two couples who rent a seaside vacation home for what should be a celebratory weekend get-away With eerie music and images of the ocean and the rental home, the teaser quickly sets the tone that all is not right with this idyllic scenery. After getting an introduction from the property owner the foursome quickly begin to think all is not well and that the owner may be spying on them. 'Tell me that's not a camera,' Vand's character, Mina, says to Charlie, played by Stevens, as she points to a device in a shower head. First trailer: The first trailer dropped Thursday for the horror movie that was co-written by Franco and Joe Swanber Taste: The first trailer for The Rental also showed some picturesque scenes Creepy: With eerie music and images of the ocean and the rental home, the teaser quickly sets the tone that all is not right with this idyllic scenery. Couples retreat: The story centers on two couples who rent a seaside vacation home for what should be a fun weekend before it all goes awry Peeper? After getting an introduction from the property owner the foursome quickly begin to think all is not well and that the owner may be spying on them Scene by scene things get ominous, and before long, what should have been a relaxing, fun weekend trip turns into something far more sinister. And eventually well-kept secrets are exposed and the four old friends come to see each other in a whole new light. The Rental will open in select theaters, drive-ins and on demand July 24. All in the family: Franco directed Brie in the horror thriller Eye watching: There's even a creepy shower scene where one of the ladies begins to think someone in peeping on her Scary: 'Tell me that's not a camera,' Sheila Vand's character, Mina, says to Charlie, played by Dan Stevens, as she points to a device in a shower head Franco and Brie started dating in 2012 and eventually tied-the-knot in 2017. Franco, the younger brother of actor James Franco, is best known for his roles in the films 21 Jump Street (2012), Now You See Me Now (2013), Neighbors (2014) and their sequels. He has previously directed the short film Dream Girl w/Dave Franco & Alison Brie,' that also featured Brie and was co-directed by Brian McGinn. Familiar: Jeremy Allen White is best known for his role on the hit series Shameless Building momentum: Scene by scene thing get ominous, and before long, what should have been a celebratory weekend trip turns into something far more sinister More is revealed: Eventually well-kept secrets are exposed and the four old friends come to see each other in a whole new light Scary movie: The trailer showed ominous interactions among the characters Coming: The Rental will open in select theaters, drive-ins and on demand July 24 Northwest location: The film's trailer included eery scenes in the darkness Brie first gained prominence in Hollywood with her role as Trudy Campbell in AMC's hit series Mad Men (2007-2015) and as Diane Nguyen in the animated comedy series BoJack Horseman. She currently portrays Ruth Wilder in the comedy-drama series GLOW (2017present) for which she received nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Award and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress Television Series Musical or Comedy. Sydney, June 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of Paul Budde Communications focus report on Lesotho outlines the major developments and key aspects in the telecoms markets. Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Lesotho-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses Telecom services in Lesotho are managed by a privatised national operator, Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL). Mobile penetration remains below the regional average, while the small size of the market provides little incentive for new players to enter the market. Fixed-line teledensity is also low, but the fixed network has gained value since DSL services were launched in 2007. In parallel, ETL has rolled out a fixed-wireless network. In addition, the company has introduced a fixed-mobile convergence product and is capitalising on its multi-platform capabilities. Vodacom was the first operator to introduce mobile broadband services in the country, supplemented with a WiMAX network. In late 2014 the company launched commercial services based on LTE technology. This was followed by fixed-wireless 5G trials in early 2019 based on a trial 3.5GHz licence. Vodacom Lesotho was among the first network operators in the region to conduct such trials. Although landlocked, Lesotho has benefited from connectivity to the several submarine fibre optic cables which land on African east and west coasts. These have considerably improved international bandwidth, though access prices for the two ISPs remain high and as a consequence internet take-up among consumers has been stymied. BuddeComm notes that the outbreak of the Coronavirus in 2020 is having a significant impact on production and supply chains globally. During the coming year the telecoms sector to various degrees is likely to experience a downturn in mobile device production, while it may also be difficult for network operators to manage workflows when maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure. Overall progress towards 5G may be postponed or slowed down in some countries. On the consumer side, spending on telecoms services and devices is under pressure from the financial effect of large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes. However, the crucial nature of telecom services, both for general communication as well as a tool for home-working, will offset such pressures. In many markets the net effect should be a steady though reduced increased in subscriber growth. Although it is challenging to predict and interpret the long-term impacts of the crisis as it develops, these have been acknowledged in the industry forecasts contained in this report. The report also covers the responses of the telecom operators as well as government agencies and regulators as they react to the crisis to ensure that citizens can continue to make optimum use of telecom services. This can be reflected in subsidy schemes and the promotion of tele-health and tele-education, among other solutions. Key developments: Vodacom Lesotho continues with 5G trials; ETL expands FttP network; Safaricom and Vodacom Group acquire the M-Pesa brand; Improved internet connectivity following landing of international cables; Universal Service Agency expanding base tower infrastructure in remote areas; Report update includes ITU statistics, regulators ICT market report, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, operator data to Q1 2020, assessment of the global impact of COVID-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments. Companies mentioned in this report: Telecom Lesotho, Econet a, Vodacom Lesotho, Eskom, Comnet. Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Lesotho-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses PITTSFIELD - A third suspect has been taken into custody as part of an investigation into a Berkshire County-based telephone scam operation that targeted the elderly across the country, according to the office of Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington. Parth Peter Chaudhari, 23, of Adams, was apprehended in Albany Thursday on a fugitive from justice warrant issued by Massachusetts. He was being held without bail pending his return to Massachusetts to stand trial for charges of larceny by false pretenses over $1,200, larceny from a person over the age of 65, and conspiracy. The two other men, Ajaykumar Chaudhari, 24, of Pownal, Vermont, and Jitendra Chaudhari, 27, of Williamstown, were arrested this week on the same charges. They pleaded innocent at their arraignment in Northern Berkshire District Court and are being held in lieu of $100,000 bail. The relationship between the three Chaudharis has not been disclosed. According to Harringtons office, the arrests were the result of an investigation that began in March when police departments from different parts of the country began contacting Adams police with reports of people sending potentially fraudulent payments of thousands of dollars to an address in Adams. A search of two businesses, a residence and vehicles turned up $50,000 in cash, and accounted for another $300,000 that was returned to victims. Harrington said the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is advised to contact their local police, Harrington said. Ombudsman Moskalkova proposes extension of Civic Chambers human rights work RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 17:54 19/06/2020 MOSCOW, June 19 (RAPSI) Russias High Commissioner for Human Rights Tatiana Moskalkova proposed that the Civic Chamber members extend their work on education in the law at a plenary meeting of the Chamber on Friday. In particular, Moskalkova offered them to open education in the law projects related to the enhancement of public monitoring in penitentiary and other closed facilities including mental hospitals. She invited the Chamber members to join the extended work increasing guarantees of human rights and interests. On Friday, Lydia Mikheyeva was reelected as the Civic Chambers Secretary for the next three years. The Hero of Russia Vyacheslav Bocharov was chosen as her first deputy. Other deputies are ex-Far East Development Minister Alexander Galushka, Honored Lawyer of Russia Vladislav Grib and Director of the Museum of Victory Alexander Shkolnik. A Frenchman gives the thumbs up as he is discharged from the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi after recovering from Covid-19, April 2, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy. Vietnam has done better than many major economies in recovering from Covid-19, ranking 13th among 184 countries and territories. In Asia, Vietnam ranked fifth after Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea and Malaysia, according to the Global Covid-19 Index updated June 16 by Malaysia-based consulting firm Pemandu Associates in collaboration with Malaysias Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Sunway Group. The index measured global economies on how well they coped with the Covid-19 crisis based on recovery and severity ratings. Vietnam scored 73.3 points, with 0 the worst and 100 the best in terms of recovery rating measured by how a country was performing on its path to recovery in comparison to other countries. This, in turn, is based on active cases per population, recoveries per confirmed case, tests conducted per confirmed cases and tests conducted per population. The country also scored 15.4 points in terms of severity in which 100 is considered the worst and 0 the best. The severity rating covers key dynamic parameters that would change daily, including confirmed cases per population and death rate due to Covid-19. Vietnam, a country of 96 million people, where the first Covid-19 infections were confirmed January 23, has reported only 342 infections and no deaths as of Friday. The recovery rate of confirmed cases in Vietnam is 95 percent, as 325 patients have recovered and only 17 are undergoing treatment. A British pilot, Vietnams most critical Covid-19 patient who was comatose for more than two months, is recovering well. Australia topped the ranking for the responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by Thailand and Denmark. The worlds largest economies like the U.S. and China scored poorly in the global recovery index. China, which is facing a new Covid-19 outbreak linked to the Xinfadi wholesale food market in Beijing, ranked 31st while the U.S., the worlds largest Covid-19 hotspot, ranked 126th. Honduras in North America scored lowest, following Africa's Sao Tome and Principe, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau. Politico, a U.S.-based political news organization, last month said Vietnam has responded best to the Covid-19 pandemic in terms of health and economic impacts. Many other leading organizations and news sites around the world have also hailed Vietnam for its success in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic. Vietnam, which shares a long border with China, eased social distancing measures after April 22 and most economic and trade activities have returned to normal. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 03:30:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ZAGREB, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Croatia recorded a notable surge of COVID-19 infections as 11 new cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours, the government announced on Thursday. After nearly a month with no or less than five daily new cases, the sharp increase is reminding people of a potential second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. Health Minister Vili Beros said on Thursday that the situation is under control. He noted that Croatia wants to attract tourists, which brings some risk, although new cases in Croatia are not connected with tourists who arrived. He said that the virus was brought from the Croats who were traveling in the neighboring countries that are recording spikes in new infections. Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic said that the latest increase was "a warning that the virus is still here and that the recommendations by the Public Health Institution need to be observed," adding that two ships will bring over 400 tons of purchased and donated medical and protective equipment from China later this month, local news portal N1 reported. Since the start of the pandemic on Feb. 25 in Croatia, 2,269 people have been infected and 107 people have died as of Thursday afternoon, according to Croatian Institute of Public Health. The southeastern European country is very dependent on the tourism sector that makes almost 20 percent of the GDP. The pandemic has caused severe damage to its economy, as the government expects to generate only 30 to 35 percent of last year's tourism revenues. Croatia has been gradually relaxing restrictive measures since late April. It has reopened borders for citizens from 10 European countries and is resuming air traffic with European cities. Enditem 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. These cookies are not used in a way that constitutes a sale of your data under the CCPA. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work as intended if you do so. You can usually find these settings in the Options or Preferences menu of your browser. Visit www.allaboutcookies.org to learn more. Functional 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. These cookies are not used in a way that constitutes a sale of your data under the CCPA. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work as intended if you do so. You can usually find these settings in the Options or Preferences menu of your browser. Visit www.allaboutcookies.org to learn more. Performance 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. These cookies are not used in a way that constitutes a sale of your data under the CCPA. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work as intended if you do so. You can usually find these settings in the Options or Preferences menu of your browser. Visit www.allaboutcookies.org to learn more. Sale of Personal Data 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. Social Media 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. 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. Former President John Dramani Mahama has once again taken a swipe at governments handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana. According to the NDC flagbearer, government has been more concerned with praising itself than addressing the spread and realities of the virus in the country. Addressing Ghanaians through his Digital Address, Mr Mahama said the spread of COVID-19 could have been put in check if government had listened to sound reason from Ghanaians. Parading students leaders, Council of State Members among others to sing praises on you at the Jubilee House doesnt stop the spread of the virus, Mahama said. Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases in Ghana have risen to 12,929 as at the latest count on Thursday. The death toll remains at 66 with recoveries standing at 4,468. Greater Accra Region 7,573 Ashanti Region 2,403 Western Region 1,051 Central Region 732 Eastern Region 299 Volta Region 291 Upper East Region 241 Oti Region 101 Western North Region 81 Northern Region 61 Savannah Region 37 Upper West Region 32 Bono East Region 23 North East Region 2 Bono Region 1 Ahafo Region 1 Source: ghanaweb Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A fugitive Iranian judge wanted by Iran on corruption charges and by rights groups for jailing and torturing journalists was found dead of apparent suicide Friday at a hotel in Romania where he had been staying, according to Iranian officials. The judge, Gholamreza Mansouri, was a co-defendant in a major financial corruption trial involving several senior judges accused of embezzlement and bribery. Mr. Mansouri fled Iran, with Iranian prosecutors saying he absconded with a half-million euros he had obtained through bribery. Irans chief of international policing, Hadi Shirzad, said on Friday that according to information Iran had received from Interpol in Bucharest, Mr. Mansouri had jumped out of a hotel window to his death. We have asked Romanian authorities to give us an official statement explaining the exact reasons this incident had happened, said Irans Foreign Ministry spokesman, Seyed Abbas Mousavi. J ohn Bolton hit back today at a White House bid to block his explosive tell-all book about Donald Trump as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blasted the former national security adviser as a traitor who damaged America. In court papers filed this morning, Mr Bolton accused the Trump administration of trying to stop him publishing embarrassing facts that could hurt the President in an election year. Leaked revelations from the book, The Room Where It Happened, include claims that Mr Trump didnt know that Britain was a nuclear power, asked if Finland was part of Russia, and pleaded with China to boost his re-election chances by agreeing a trade deal to buy more American farm goods. Mr Pompeo joined other Trump loyalists in dismissing his former West Wing colleagues allegations. Donald Trump / AP Ive not read the book, but from the excerpts Ive seen published, John Bolton is spreading a number of lies, fully spun half-truths, and outright falsehoods, he said in a statement. It is both sad and dangerous that John Boltons final public role is that of a traitor who damaged America by violating his sacred trust with its people. To our friends around the world: you know that President Trumps America is a force for good in the world, he added. In the book, Mr Bolton claims the Secretary of State disparaged the President in private. According to excerpts reported in the US media, after a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore in 2018 Mr Pompeo said of Mr Trump, he is so full of shit. Mr Bolton also claims Mr Pompeo told him the summit had zero probability of success. Mr Trump has branded his former aide, axed as national security adviser last September after 17 months in the job, a wacko, and claimed he should face criminal charges for using classified information in the book. Federal district judge Royce Lamberth will rule today on whether to stop next Tuesdays planned publication of the memoir, which is already a pre-release bestseller on Amazon. Mr Bolton, said to have been paid $2 million (1.6 million) to write the book, argued in court filings that he has not breached any state secrets and that stopping the book would violate his constitutional right to free speech. He said: The government does not have the power to clasp its hand over the mouth of a citizen attempting to speak on a matter of great public import. CDC analysis of data from the National Vital Statistics System published in April 2020 found that the suicide rate in the U.S. had increased 35 percent between 1999 and 2018. It reported that suicide was the 10th leading cause of death for all ages, and the second leading cause of death for those ages 10-34. This was enough to lower overall life expectancy in the country.Theres been no definitive explanation for this trend. A flood of high-powered, toxic opioid painkillers , social media bullying, post traumatic stress disorder among veterans and the prevalence of readily accessible firearms have all been identified as contributing factors. Economic disruption and enforced social isolation resulting from efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus havent helped. Most recently, suicide has become intermingled with the fallout from protests over police violence, including concerns from union leaders that officers could be pushed toward it by the wave of public anger coming at them. In recent months, legislators have introduced dozens of bills addressing some aspect of this public health challenge. Among these were resolutions urging the end of restrictions imposed to prevent contagion, citing suicide among potential consequences worse than the cure. Some examples: SF4587 inestablishes a supplemental aid program for counties that must be used to address increased social-service costs related to depression, despair, suicide and abuse brought on by the pandemic. The program would be supported by federal funds received by the state under the CARES Act. HB20-1411 , abill, notes that the isolation and disruption resulting from the pandemic have increased the risk of suicide among children and adolescents in the state. It allocates $2 million to support the efforts of school-based health centers to provide services such as telehealth to school-aged children. S2421 inwould create a Purple Ribbon Schools Program in its Department of Education to recognize public and private schools with a positive school climate that is safe and inclusive for students and staff alike. A primary consideration in determining that a school has earned a Purple Ribbon designation would be whether it provides programs to raise awareness of and prevent youth suicide. HR343 notes that the posting of explicit images and videos of non-consensual activity can have consequences ranging from humiliation and harassment to suicide. It asks Congress to amend the Communications Decency Act to hold online services accountable if they fail to remove such content when persons depicted in it request its removal. H2448 inrequires that a phone number for a 24/7 suicide prevention hotline be included on identification cards provided to students in grades six through 12. It also mandates that this information be posted on school websites and in the offices of counselors and school principals. S8283 notes that veterans are at greater risk of suicide than other members of the U.S. population, with the rate highest among those ages 18-24. It establishes a Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Flag as the official state flag to remember veterans and calls for the commissioner of general services to establish protocol for flying it. Angela Merkel gave a downbeat statement from Berlin during the virtual EU summit. - Christian Marquardt/Shutterstock Angela Merkel warned EU leaders that Europe faced the worst recession since the Second World War during summit talks about the coronavirus crisis on Friday. The German Chancellor said the EU needed to agree a recovery plan to kickstart the economy before the end of the summer at the European Council meeting, which was held online because of the pandemic. The heads of state and government of the 27 EU member states discussed a European Commission proposal for a 750 billion rescue fund and a boosted 1.1 trillion EU budget for the next seven years. Christine Lagarde, the head of the European Central Bank told leaders the EUs economy was in a dramatic fall but, beset by divisions, the heads of state and government made no progress in agreeing a massive stimulus plan. Very, very difficult times were ahead, Mrs Merkel said before calling for another EU summit where leaders would meet in person as soon as possible. Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, said the next summit would be held in mid-July. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, said a deal had to be struck before the end of July because of the pressure of the Brexit trade negotiations, which will be entering their endgame. The rescue plan is controversial because it involves common borrowing from the market, which is unprecedented on such a huge scale, higher national contributions to the budget and new EU tax-raising powers for the commission. The proposal, which requires unanimous support, is opposed by the frugal four of Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden. It is backed by France, Germany and club med countries such as Italy and Spain, who were worst hit by the pandemic. Mark Rutte, the prime minister of the Netherlands, said, "There are still huge difference of opinion. The atmospherics were great in the meeting but the differences in point of view were very great." Story continues He added there was no reason for hurry and that "no big damage" would be caused if the July summit was a failure. Sebastian Kurz, Austrias chancellor, said that the plan should not create a debt union before the summit. He and the other frugals want the funds to be paid out as loans which must be repaid rather than grants. Mr Macron said that out of 750 bn , preserving the 500 bn euros in grants was France's top priority. Mr Kurz said that the recovery funds should only be paid out if they bring about reforms. Do they make us more competitive?, he asked, Or will it be blown off by being spent on ideas like a universal basic income or travel vouchers? (Photo : Simon Dawson/Pool via REUTERS) A blood sample is held during an antibody testing program at the Hollymoor Ambulance Hub of the West Midlands Ambulance Service, operated by the West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, in Birmingham, Britain June 5, 2020. (Photo : REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli) Nurse Luciane de Souza Silva treats a patient suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Municipal Hospital Parelheiros SPDM in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 3, 2020. A European study found genetic variations and a link to blood type that may show who may be severely affected by COVID-19, and even die of the disease. The study was published on June 17 in the New England Journal of Medicine. It was first released as a pre-print last month. According to CNN, the study offers possible explanations why some people become more seriously ill with COVID-19 while others don't even show symptoms. Scientists find a probable cause of severe COVID-19: Genetics The study results showed that people with Type A blood have a higher risk of getting a severe case of COVID-19, while those with Type O blood have a lower risk. "Our genetic data confirm that blood group O is associated with a risk of acquiring COVID-19 that was lower than that in non-O blood groups, whereas blood group A was associated with a higher risk than non-A blood groups," the researchers wrote. This somehow confirmed preprints of other non-genetic studies showing the susceptibility of ABO blood type groups for COVID-19. Compared with other blood types, Type A blood shows a 45% higher risk of acquiring the virus while Type O blood just has a 65% risk of getting infected. This new report confirmed a previous study from China showing the blood type link to coronavirus. "Most of us discounted it because it was a very crude study," said Dr. Parameswar Hari, a blood specialist at the Medical College of Wisconsin to CBS News. After the study came out, Hari said he now believes the Chinese study as "it could be very important." Coronavirus link with blood types The molecular medicine professor at the University of Kiel in Germany, Andre Franke, led the research that compared more than 1,900 severely ill coronavirus patients in Spain and Italy with 2,300 healthy people. Using a genome-wide association study, they trawled through the entire genetic map of these volunteers to find two DNA variations that were more common among the sickest patients. The researchers found "a novel susceptibility locus at a chromosome 3p21.31 gene cluster" that confirmed a potential connection of the ABO blood-group system with the coronavirus. Also, the two places in the genome were associated with respiratory failure risk. While the study cannot confirm if blood type directly causes the risk differences, the genetic changes that affect someone's risk also just happen to be linked with blood type. Meanwhile, these genetic variations could be associated with how the immune system responds. An overwhelming overreaction of the immune system called a cytokine storm, which triggered the deadliest effect of coronavirus. Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in San Diego, said that the evidence of the blood type link is "tentative" and insufficient proof. However, Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Medicine Chief Dr. Roy Silverstein said the blood type link is possible since the genes that induce blood type also affect the sugars on the cell surfaces. This could influence how the virus infects the cells. Also, severe coronavirus infections result in unusual blood clotting throughout the body, which is linked to blood type. However, as a hematologist, Silverstein said the findings mean very little for the average person, but the risk may sound large over a whole population. "The risk reduction may be statistically significant, but it is a small change in actual risk. You never would tell somebody who was Type O that they were at a smaller risk of infection," he told CNN. Overall, researchers wrote in their report that these findings may be useful in creating drugs or vaccines against the coronavirus. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. According to a latest update from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Indian economy is expected to contract by 4.0% in fiscal 2020, then grow by 5.0% the following year as economic activity normalizes gradually. Growth in Indian GDP slowed to 3.1% in the last quarter of fiscal year 2019 (FY2019, ended 31 March 2020), its slowest since early 2003. Economic growth slowed to 4.2% in the whole of FY2019 as both exports and investment started to contract. High-frequency indicators such as purchasing managers' indexes fell to all-time lows in April, reflecting the bleak outlook. Migrant workers have gone home to their villages after losing their jobs in the cities and will be slow to return even after containment measures are relaxed. GDP is expected to contract by 4.0% in FY2020 before rebounding by 5.0% in FY2021. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the second phase, we must begin to (re-)engage with one another by aligning efforts to more comprehensively support those in need. Strategic partnerships and alliances should be pursued with haste during this phase. Such collaborations must be inclusive by design and meant to cut cost, deepen efforts and innovate. It is during this phase that allied voices in advocacy and strategic communications, as well as deeper investments in social justice and community organizing, are needed to ripen the conditions for change. As we work to revamp inequitable systems preventing communities and individuals from achieving economic mobility and security, we must engage our entire community in shaping local policies and priorities to collectively co-create a brighter future for our region. The market is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 4. 0% from 2020 to 2027. The endodontic reparative cement marketis growing primarily due to risein endodontic procedures, and availability of high quality endodontic reparative cement varieties in the Europe region that are boosting the growth of the market over the years. New York, June 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Europe Endodontic Reparative Cement Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Regional Analysis By Product Type ; Indication ; End User and Country" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05915421/?utm_source=GNW Restraining factors, such as lack of access to dental care, unavailability of insurance cover, and COVID-19 pandemicarelikely to damage the growth of the market in the coming years. Additionally, adoption of clinical practices of endodontic and advancements in endodontic proceduresare likely to increase the growth of the endodontic reparative cement marketduring the forecast period. Endodontic reparative cement is extensively used in a range of regenerative endodontic procedures, particularly, in performing repairs, as apical materials in teeth with necrotic pulps, and root canal filling in surgical processes. Additionally, the market has seen demands for these cements for managing periapical health in immature teeth with pulp necrosis and where roots are underdeveloped. As the root canal procedure is safer and efficient, it is widely performed across EU. For instance, according to the dental statistics UK, 11.4 million dental treatments in total were delivered to children in the UK in 2017 and 39.2 million dental treatments delivered to the adults throughout the 2017-18 period. More than a quarter of young children in the UK currently suffer from tooth decay - usually impacting an average of three to four of their teeth encouraging the rise of dental treatment in the British people. Thus, the growing number of endodontic procedures is boosting the demand for endodontic reparative cement. The high cost of root canal procedures and limited coverage for dental care creates challenges for endodontic procedures.However, the presence of alternative techniques such as vital pulp therapy (VPT) and basic root canal therapy (BRT) are expected to accelerate the use of endodontic reparative cement for sealing. The VPT has gained importance due to the long-term cumulative success rate, and it has shown effective results in children.It is indicated for the clinical diagnosis of reversible pulpitis. The VPT includes some procedures such as indirect pulp capping, direct pulp capping, partial (superficial) pulpotomy, and complete (cervical) pulpotomy.These techniques utilize endodontic reparative cement, such as MTA and calcium hydroxide, as cavity liner pulp capping agents. The cost-effectiveness of VPT, compared to root canal treatment, has gained much attention and is expected to fuel the demand for endodontic reparative cement. Among all European countries, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and the UK are most affected due to the increasing number of COVID-19cases and deaths associated with it. As per the worldmeter as of 28 April 2020, in Spain, Italy, Germany, France and the UK the number of cases are229,422, 199,414; 158,758; 165,842; 157,149; respectively and number of deaths are also high. 64% of surgical procedures were postponed, and more than half have had follow-up appointments rescheduled. There was an early report of one case of COVID-19 infection in Germany with transmission through contact with an asymptomatic patient, this was the case of cross-infection risk, hence advised to create possible social distancing and avoid regular checkup. In 2019, the bioceramic-based sealers segment accounted for the largest market share in the Europe endodontic reparative cement market.The growth of bioceramic-based sealers segment is due to growing preference in orthopedic treatments, such as joint or tissue replacements, and for coating metal implants to improve biocompatibility. Therefore, due to large force of acceptance it is likely to grow duringthe forecast period. Some of the significant secondary sources for endodontic reparative cement market included in the report are the World Health Organization (WHO), Dental Defense Union (DDU),National Health Services (NHS), and others. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05915421/?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 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. Pacific Islander leaders have called for unity as hundreds of mourners gathered at the site of Solomone Taufeulungaki's death to remember their son, brother and friend. On Friday afternoon, three days after 15-year-old Solomone was fatally stabbed outside Brimbank Shopping Centre, a group of his friends walked to the site in traditional Tongan dress and performed a haka. Victoria University Secondary College school captain Poasa Telepe performs the haka during a memorial for Solomone Taufeulngaki outside Brimbank Shopping Centre on Friday evening. Credit:AAP Hundreds of people gathered for a blessing ceremony on Friday night, singing hymns and leaving flowers at the Deer Park site, which is across the road from his family's Mormon church. Representatives from the Pacific Islander community spoke and gave prayers during the hour-long ceremony. Many used their speeches to call for an end to violence among young people. - Former Senator Antonio Trillanes challenged the Palace to appoint Vice President Leni Robredo as the head of the COVID-19 task force - Trillanes shared that Robredo would be more efficient in flattening the curve in the country - However, the Palace rejected the suggestion of Trillanes and told him to stop making issues when there is none - Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque urged Trillanes to stop twisting his words for the sake of his political relevance PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV dared the Palace to assign Vice President Leni Robredo as the head of the COVID-19 task force in the Philippines. KAMI learned that for Trillanes, the Vice President would be more efficient in flattening the curve if she would lead the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease. In a report by the Inquirer (authored by Christia Marie Ramos), Trillanes slammed Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque for criticizing VP Robredo despite her COVID-19 efforts. Kung si Vice President Leni ang mamumuno at magpapatakbo ng IATF, mas marami itong magagawa at siguradong mas maganda ang kampanya natin laban sa COVID-19, Trillanes said. Bulag ba o nagbubulag-bulagan itong si Roque sa mga nagawa at kasalukuyang ginagawang pagtulong ng Bise Presidente sa ating mga kababayan sa harap ng pandemyang ito? he added. PAY ATTENTION: Shop with KAMI! The best offers and discounts on the market, product reviews and feedback As reported by ABS-CBN News, the Palace rejected the suggestion of Trillanes. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that Trillanes should stop twisting his words. "Let us not make an issue when there is none. My remarks that Vice President Robredo could have offered solutions is simply a response to a specific question by media," Roque said. "We call on Mr. Trillanes not to twist my statement for the sake of political relevance and just do his share to alleviate the plight of our people amid this pandemic, he added. PAY ATTENTION: Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! In a previous report by KAMI, Robredo backed President Rodrigo Duterte when he said that there should be no physical classes if there is still no COVID-19 vaccine. Leni Robredo is the incumbent and 14th Vice President of the Philippines. She is the widow of the late former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo. 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 One worker died and another was injured when a structure at an old West Virginia power plant collapsed while being prepped for demolition, officials said. Mason County dispatchers told news outlets that workers were dismantling and salvaging materials at the former Philip Sporn Power Plant in New Haven. The Frontier Group of Companies, which specializes in redeveloping large-scale industrial and commercial property, said the workers were preparing a small ancillary structure at the site for demolition on Monday when it collapsed prematurely. Both workers were taken to a hospital. One died and the other remains hospitalized, news outlets reported, citing a statement from the company. Neither worker was identified. We will complete a thorough and exhaustive investigation into this incident, so that we can understand what happened, why it happened, and take every measure possible to ensure that something like this doesnt happen again, Frontier said. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Virginia Sushant Singh Rajput's close friend Rhea Chakraborty was quizzed by the Bandra police on Thursday for more than ten hours in connection with the late actor's suicide case that is currently undergoing investigation. Earlier, casting director Mukesh Chhabra and Sushant's family members had gone on record with the information that they might have in relation to the case and on Thursday, Rhea, Sushant's business manager Shruti Modi and Radhika Nihalani from the late actor's PR team were questioned by the agencies. Shruti was associated with the deceased actor from July 2019 to February 3, 2020, as per her statement to the police, reported a website. Shruti revealed that Sushant was working to create a social service organisation called Nation India for World and wanted to work with college students for the environment and society. She further stated that he had planned to start a project titled Geniuses and Drop Outs. As for Rhea, the interrogation was long and took up the actress' entire day. Post her meeting with the police authorities, she was seen making her way out as her father accompanied her. She did not say anything to media persons who were gathered outside the venue and was on her way. She has reportedly been quizzed about their relationship and alleged breakup, his film projects, his alleged clinical depression and mental state before he died by suicide on June 14. Meanwhile, Sushant's ashes were immersed in the holy river Ganga in his hometown Patna in Bihar on Thursday. This news piece may be triggering. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata). Follow @News18Movies for more President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday told the services chiefs that their excuses will no longer be tolerated as regard insecurity in the country. The President said this during a meeting with security heads at the presidential villa, he expects them to live up to expectations going forward. Babagana Monguno, national security adviser (NSA), who spoke with state house correspondents at the end of the meeting said the president was briefed on how the rising security challenges across thec ountry are being tackled. President Muhammadu Buhari says the covid-19 pandemic has so far inflicted a high level of disruption on countries socio-economic such that countries are struggling to cope. Speaking at the virtual extraordinary China-Africa summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 co-hosted by the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation on Wednesday, he added that the health systems of many nations had also been severely tested by the pandemic. Advertisement Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor, says schools in the state have remained shut because the guidelines for reopening are not ready. The governor who spoke during the 15th press briefing held at the State House in Marina to give updates on Lagos COVID-19 response said schools cannot be allowed to reopen with the increasing cases of COVID-19 in the state. Tragedy struck on Wednesday as no fewer than three officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) attached to the Ogun State Sector Command met their untimely death after a lightning struck. According to reports, the incident happened around 10am while the victims were planning for the morning parade at their office in the old tollgate, Ilese, in the Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of the state. Adams Oshiomhole, suspended national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Wednesday said he has accepted the decision of the appeal court which upheld his suspension. Oshiomhole said this when he appeared on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme. President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed grief over the demise of Dr Taye Abe, chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, South Africa chapter. The deceased passed on at the age of 65 years old. EFCC Lagos Zonal Office has arrested suspected internet fraudsters in Ota, Ogun State, and Victoria Island, Lagos. The function also released names of the suspects and their photos as they made the news known to the public. Those apprehended in Ogun are Adeshina Michael, Ayeni Emiloju, Odenigbo Anthony, Afolabi Gbenga and Oyibogbola David Seun. Penguin Director: Eshwar Karthic Cast: Keerthy Suresh, Linga and Madhampatty Rangaraj Keerthy Sureshs Penguin, which is the second mainstream Tamil film to directly release on Amazon Prime Video, is one of those thrillers thats mounted on a very promising idea. Its a straightforward story of a mother who wont give up until she finds her firstborn, even though its been six years since hes gone missing. While the film opens as a serial-killer thriller, it soon turns into an emotional journey of a mother who will go all the way to find her son. Keerthy, who plays Rhythm, believes her son has been taken by a masked killer, who has been preying on young children in the town. The film opens to a chilling scene in which we see the killer wearing a Charlie Chaplin mask slashing a kid, then picking up the body and submerging it in the nearby river. The opening sets the perfect mood but unfortunately, the film isnt consistently eerie. Penguin doesnt quite blow you away but thanks to a terrific Keerthy Suresh who effectively carries this film completely on her shoulders the emotional angle in the plot works far better than the serial-killer angle. Maybe it was a deliberate attempt by first-time writer-director Eshwar Karthic to focus more on the emotional core than on delivering the thrills with a sinister serial killer subplot. But the film is peppered with some genuinely thrilling stretches in the first half, especially when the killer comes to Rhythms home and the scene is quite terrifying, thanks to Karthik Palanis visuals. Also read: Shraddha Kapoor recalls fond memories with Sushant Singh Rajput, describes him as one who makes you feel special Penguin, when it nears the end, has so much in common with recent Telugu investigation thriller HIT Chapter 1. If only Penguin had an equally gripping investigative narrative and some more thrills up its sleeves, it wouldve been as arresting as HIT. Nevertheless, Penguin has a lot going for it and all of it is very competently headlined by Keerthy Suresh, who stands out. The film needed a better supporting cast to have made a stronger impact. Except for Keerthy, nobody else manages to even register a decent performance, let alone shine. Both the men in Keerthys life Linga and Madhampatty Rangaraj have very little to do and even in their limited screen space, they struggle to own a single scene. The film is technically rich and one of the primary reasons why the film maintains its eerie tone consistently is because of Karthik Palanis cinematography and Santosh Narayanans music. Keerthy Suresh proves yet again shes an artist with a lot of potential. If not for her commendable performance, the film wouldve struggled to make an impact with its convoluted writing. She owns the film from the first frame to the last, and she delivers one of her career-best performances. While Mahanati is still in a different league altogether, Penguin deserves a mention as its Keerthys show all the way. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 06:41:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LOS ANGELES, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Residents in the U.S. state of California are required to wear face coverings in public spaces to help slow the spread of COVID-19, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday. "Science shows that face coverings and masks work," said Newsom in a statement. "They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open and restarting our economy," he added. Starting Thursday, Californians must wear face coverings in common and public indoor spaces and outdoors when distancing is not possible, according to the state guidelines released by Newsom's administration. "Over the last four months, we have learned a lot about COVID-19 transmission, most notably that people who are infected but are asymptomatic or presymptomatic play an important part in community spread. The use of face coverings by everyone can limit the release of infected droplets when talking, coughing, and/or sneezing, as well as reinforce physical distancing," the guidelines noted. "Together -- we can slow the spread. Do your part. Wear a mask," the governor also tweeted. Children aged two and under and persons with a medical, mental health, or developmental disability that prevents wearing a face covering are on the list of individuals who are exempt from wearing a face covering. The governor has repeatedly stressed the importance of masks in the state's public safety and reopening strategy amid the pandemic. Newsom's office said earlier this month that Chinese manufacturer BYD Company is shipping 150 million N95 masks to California after 110 million surgical masks from BYD have already been distributed to help sectors in the state reopen safely. A number of counties in California, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, require residents to wear face coverings whenever they are outside their homes, while some other counties, such as Orange County, walked back from the mask requirement amid backlash from local residents. The most populous U.S. state is in the second stage of a four-stage plan for a gradual reopening of the country's largest state economy. Retail, related logistics and manufacturing, office workplaces, limited personal services, outdoor museums, child care and essential businesses can open with modifications in the second stage. Newsom issued a statewide stay-at-home order on March 19 in response to the rapid spread of COVID-19. California, one of the hardest-hit U.S. states in the pandemic, has reported 161,099 cases with 5,290 deaths as of Thursday, according to the California Department of Public Health. Enditem The University of Edinburgh in Great Britain claims Asians are more likely to die in Coronavirus compared to other races, specifically South Asian. One of the main arguments that supported this claim is the fact that this race also shown increase cases in diabetes. Therefore, treating patients with both these diseases may have a more negative effect on their treatment. Why Asians are likely to die in COVID-19 due to Diabetes? 27 institutions across the United Kingdom, with several universities and 260 hospitals, joined in one to find out whether a person's race affects his vulnerability with the virus. Based on the info of 35,000 COVID-19 patients across England, Asians are the only ethnic group that has the highest death risks when diagnosed with the positive Coronavirus disease. "South Asians are definitely more likely to die from Covid-19 in hospital, but we don't see a strong effect in the black group," Prof Ewen Harrison, from the University of Edinburgh, told the BBC. Research shows 290 die out of every 1,000 white people needing hospital treatment for COVID-19, while 350 die out of every 1,000 South Asian people needing hospital treatment for Covid-19. BBC said that there are 20% chances that Asian people are likely to die in hospitals due to COVID-19. This is compared to minority ethnic groups or even white people that don't have the same death rate level. Why diabetes affects Asians Researchers from the team concluded and supported this study through another research saying that Asian races suffer in higher diabetes risks than other races. "People of South Asian origin are more prone to diabetes because of the way their muscles burn fat," BBC News reported. This was the main reason Asians could be affected more with the virus since diabetes could also affect other body parts mostly targeted by the virus. Around 40% of South Asian patients had either type 1 or 2 diabetes compared with 25% of white groups. The diabetes disease relation with the COVID-19 cases was also used to explain the effect of the virus on South Korea. This Asian country was once had the highest virus cases in the world. Not only diabetes but heart problems and Vitamin D deficiency too The Queen Mary University of London found that diabetes was not the only disease that could increase negative effects in patients with Coronavirus. Heart diseases and vitamin D deficiency may also contribute to the increased death risks of patients. However, Asian-theory research was praised by other experts. "This is a really important question and one that we need to address urgently," said Dr. Raisi-Estabragh and Prof Petersen. "There is a wide range of possible explanations, including sociological, economic, occupational, and other biological factors such as different genetic susceptibilities that need to be considered." ALSO READ: Experts Predict Coronavirus Will Persist Until 2021, Bringing a Million Deaths Due to COVID-19 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Weve always considered ourselves a borderless movement, and thats even more true in this pandemic. Community is not cancelled, and our leaders are still doing great work all around the world to create positive change for girls everywhere, said Melissa Kilby, Executive Director of Girl Up. Girl Up, the gender equality initiative of the United Nations Foundation, will host its global Leadership Summit virtually this year, widening access to its leadership development programming for three days. The leadership conference for young female leaders and gender equality activists will be free and open to the public this year, taking place online on July 13-15, 2020. In the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and rising activism in the United States and abroad, Girl Up is excited to convene its community of Clubs and supporters in a virtual space. 2020 marks Girl Ups 10th anniversary and its ninth year hosting Leadership Summits for young activists around the world. This years Summit, presented by P&G, is themed We Need To Talk, pushing conversations about issues intersecting with gender equality, like representation in STEM and sports, access to education, organizing for change and how to create solutions for gender-based violence. Past Summit speakers include Cara Delevingne, Cathy Hughes, Ayanna Pressley, Monique Coleman, Charlotte Flair, Sophie Trudeau, Yara Shahidi, Ashley Graham, and Soledad OBrien. This years speaker lineup will feature: Nadia Murad, 2018 Nobel Peace Laureate, UN Goodwill Ambassador, and Founder and President of Nadia's Initiative Sheryl Sandberg, COO Facebook and Founder of LeanIn.Org and OptionB.Org Storm Reid, Actress and Activist Dr. Tererai Trent, Global Humanitarian, Author, Scholar and Educator Monique Coleman, Emmy Nominated Host, Actress, Champion for Young People Liz Plank, Author, Activist and Journalist Wade Davis, Thought Leader, Writer, Educator on Gender, Race, and Orientation Equality Weve always considered ourselves a borderless movement, and thats even more true in this pandemic. Community is not cancelled, and our leaders are still doing great work all around the world to create positive change for girls everywhere, said Melissa Kilby, Executive Director of Girl Up. The in-person version of Girl Ups flagship Leadership Summit in the nations capital has brought together more than 3,000 young activists to learn the issues and lobby Congress in recent years. Girl Up expects thousands more to join this years Summit in an online setting. Registration is open until July 13, 2020. Visit GirlUp.org/Summit to learn more. ### About Girl Up Girl Up is a global leadership development initiative, positioning girls to be leaders in the movement for gender equality. With resources in six languages and 3,500 Girl Up Clubs in more than 120 countries, weve trained 65,000 girls of all backgrounds to create tangible change for girls everywhere. Girl Up provides leadership training and gives girls tools to become gender equality advocates and activists. Through our programs, girls broaden their social impact skill set, benefit from a platform to tell their stories, and apply STEM for social good. Our girl leaders create real policy change at local and national levels, help raise millions of dollars to support United Nations programs that reach tens of thousands of girls around the world, and build community-based movements. Girl Up was founded by the United Nations Foundation in 2010, and continues to work across a global community of partners to achieve gender equality worldwide. About P&G P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always, Ambi Pur, Ariel, Bounty, Charmin, Crest, Dawn, Downy, Fairy, Febreze, Gain, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Lenor, Olay, Oral-B, Pampers, Pantene, SK-II, Tide, Vicks, and Whisper. P&G aspires to build a world free from gender bias with an equal voice, equal opportunity, and equal representation for all individuals. Through their powerful voice in advertising, P&G brand campaigns like Always #LikeAGirl, Olay #FaceAnything, and Secret #AllStrengthNoSweat are sparking conversations that motivate change. P&G is helping remove barriers to education for girls and economic opportunities for women while also creating an inclusive, gender-equal environment inside P&Gand advocating for gender-equal workplaces beyond P&Gwhere everyone can contribute to their full potential. Rents are being slashed in the centre of Australia's biggest cities because of coronavirus - making water view apartments affordable for middle-income earners. Advertised leases on a Sydney city studio apartment, a short walk from Circular Quay and the Opera House, have been reduced by 25 per cent. Accommodation near Wynyard train station is now typically available for less than $450 a week, with similar properties as recently as March advertised for $600 a week. A similar studio apartment with views of Sydney Harbour is now available for $395 a week. Rents are being slashed in the centre of Australia's biggest cities because of coronavirus - making water view apartments affordable for middle-income earners. A similar studio apartment with views of Sydney Harbour is being advertised for $395 a week Eliza Owen, the head of research with real estate data group CoreLogic, said the closure of Australia's border on March 20 was causing a surge in rental vacancies. 'One of the big drivers of demand for rental accommodation is overseas migration,' she said. 'Most people that come to Australia from overseas, whether they are a skilled migrant, a temporary visa visitor or a refugee, will rent when they first come to Australia.' Before coronavirus stopped global travel, Sydney and Melbourne each received 70,000 new immigrants, or about 60 per cent of the national intake of 240,000 new arrivals. Eliza Owen, the head of research with real estate data group CoreLogic, said the closure of Australia's border on March 20 was causing a surge in rental vacancies, with 3,000 extra properties available for lease in Melbourne during May. Pictured is a Southbank apartment, across the Yarra River from the city centre, available for lease at $370 a week Ms Owen said the temporary suspension of immigration meant more properties were empty in Australia's biggest and previously most globalised cities. Where COVID-19 has caused most job losses 1. Inner Melbourne: down 10.6 per cent 2. Inner Sydney: down 10.57 per cent 3. Tasmania south east: down 10.47 per cent 4. Melbourne north west: down 9.43 per cent 5. Warrnambool and Victoria south west: down 9.4 per cent 6. Hobart: down 9.33 per cent 7. Launceston and Tasmanian north-east: down 9.33 per cent 8. Victoria north west: down 9.07 per cent 9. Melbourne north east: down 8.98 per cent 10. Gold Coast: down 8.82 per cent Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics payroll data showing job losses between March 14 and May 30, 2020 Advertisement 'This may be why an increasing amount of properties across the cities are sitting vacant,' she said. Across greater Sydney, total rental stock being advertised rose from 4.3 per cent in April to 4.5 per cent in May. In Melbourne, the proportion of investment properties on the market for tenants rose from 3.2 per cent to 3.6 per cent during the same time frame. 'While 3.6 per cent may sound small, it represents a total rent listing uplift of more than 3,000 across Melbourne, up to about 27,000 properties for rent over the month,' Ms Owen said. 'This corresponds to a rise in vacancies, and falling rental prices, particularly in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne.' Separate data from SQM Research this week showed Sydney's city centre had a record-high vacancy rate of 16.2 per cent in May - a level double where it was a year earlier. Melbourne's Southbank precinct, across the Yarra River from the city centre, has an even higher 16.8 per cent vacancy rate. Brisbane's city centre has a 13.3 per cent vacancy rate, a level that is almost triple the level of the same month in 2019. SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said renters were likely to keep having plenty of choice as Australia's national border remained closed. 'Still no imminent opening of the international border, I still think rental vacancy rates are going to remain elevated for 2020,' he said. City centre areas also suffered the most from the coronvavirus shutdowns, Australian Bureau of Statistics payroll data showed. Between March 14, before the COVID-19 trading restrictions, and the end of May, the number of jobs in central Sydney and Melbourne both plunged by 10.6 per cent, a level significantly deeper than the national average of 7.5 per cent. Martin Lewis has shared his advice on how to successfully get a cash refund from TUI following the Anglo-German airline's decision last week to extend the suspension of flights from Britain. Appearing on his own ITV Q&A last night, the Money Saving Expert, 48, from London, explained that some people are struggling to obtain their money using the online system and then found it difficult to get through to TUI's phone line before being cut off. Martin said this was linked to customers who paid in store rather than via the firm's website before suggesting they ring the branch at the optimum time, which is in the afternoon. Under the Package Travel Regulations, customers are legally entitled to a full cash refund within 14 days if their provider cancels their holiday. Martin Lewis (above) has shared his advice on how to successfully get a cash refund from TUI following the Anglo-German airline's decision last week to extend the suspension of flights from Britain He recalled that he'd chatted to a woman during his appearance on ITV's This Morning on Thursday who failed to get through to TUI's call centre. Martin then took to social media and asked people about their experiences with the travel company, to which he received mixed reviews from those trying to get a refund online. 'It was really split - some people said it was a brilliant system, really easy and some people said it was a nightmare.' TUI now allows customers who want a cash refund to exchange the vouchers they were initially given via their website. But the financial expert said holidaymakers who paid in store rather than online were facing some difficulties, before explaining the reason for this. Appearing on his own ITV Q&A last night, the Money Saving Expert, 48, from London , explained that some people were struggling to obtain their money using the online system and then found it difficult to get through to TUI's (above) phone line before being cut off Martin (pictured) said this was linked to customers who paid in store rather than via the firm's website before suggesting they ring the branch at the optimum time, which is in the afternoon 'On their computerised system if you booked online it's pretty simple and it should work quite simply,' Martin said. 'But, if you paid in store, they've tried to use a legacy system and transport that data into the online system because the stores are closed, and they've had some problems with that. 'If addresses were put in the wrong order, that might stop you getting a refund, so that's difficult.' What are your rights on airline refunds? Under the Denied Boarding Regulations, if you're due to fly with an airline based in the UK or EU, or are flying from an airport in the UK or EU, you're protected if your flight is cancelled, and should be refunded within seven days. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced last month that it will be reviewing airlines' handling of refunds during this crisis. It came after consumer watchdog Which? found that airlines and travel operators were flouting the law by delaying refunds for cancelled holidays. Advertisement He added: 'When I talked to [TUI] about the phone line they said there could be an issue if you select speak to somebody in branch after 5.30pm or near 5.30pm because branches close before customer service. 'But you should be able to get through on the phone line. What I'm being told is that it can be very busy in the morning. The time to call is in the afternoon when the average waiting time is 15 minutes.' Martin then told viewers: 'If you're struggling with TUI, try online. If it doesn't work, then call them up, but do it in the afternoon... and see whether you get through in the afternoon. 'If not, by this time next week get in touch with me again and I'll go back to TUI and I'll say "Well, you told me that would work but it hasn't, what do people do now?".' But Martin warned that TUI phone lines could be even busier today following his suggestion. Tui last week extended the suspension of holidays for customers from the UK due to coronavirus travel restrictions as the government brought in a 14-day quarantine policy for international arrivals. The company cancelled all trips from the UK up to July 10, having previously set a date of June 30. TUI is giving a refund credit for the full value of cancelled holidays, as well as a booking incentive up to 20 per cent - or customers can apply for a cash refund even if they have already been sent a refund credit code. Recent attempts made by European leaders to call the Soviet Union an aggressor in World War II highlight the level of Russophobia on the continent which is detrimental to ties with Russia, Zoran Jovanchev, a leading official from North Macedonia's Rodina political party, told Sputnik MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th June, 2020) Recent attempts made by European leaders to call the Soviet Union an aggressor in World War II highlight the level of Russophobia on the continent which is detrimental to ties with Russia, Zoran Jovanchev, a leading official from North Macedonia's Rodina political party, told Sputnik. Over recent months, several European countries, and the European Union itself, have attempted to portray the Soviet Union as an aggressor in World War II. According to Jovanchev, these efforts reflect long-standing Russophobia that seeks to prevent economic, political, or cultural cooperation with Russia. "Statements by European officials on the role of the Soviet Union in World War II are not only a reflection of Russophobia but also a continuity in defense of the geopolitical strategic interests of certain EU member states. Russophobia that is aimed at preventing economic, political, and cultural ties with Russia, which they still see as a geopolitical competitor, which on the other hand is detrimental to Europe's future," Jovanchev stated. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin published an article in the National Interest magazine to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, ahead of the rescheduled Victory Parade in Moscow on June 24. In the article, the Russian president harshly criticized any attempts to revise history and distort the facts of World War II. "Rodina Macedonia fully agrees with the statement of the Respected President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, that the history of World War II cannot be revised," Jovanchev commented. The European Union this past September passed a resolution that placed blame on both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union for the outbreak of World War II. In the National Interest article, Putin stated that the resolution was intended to cause a scandal. PPC: Zimbabwe cement sector needs support ICR Newsroom By 19 June 2020 Zimbabwes largest cement producer, PPC Zimbabwe, has called for urgent measures to protect the domestic cement industry from cement imports. Despite having adequate capacity to supply the local market, Zimbabwe remains a destination for cheap and substandard cement products, which are finding their way through the countrys borders as well as via smuggling, according to PPC Zimbabwe Managing Director, Mr Kelibone Masiyane, in The Herald. Mr Masiyane went on to say that the local cement industrys competitiveness when compared to regional players is at a disadvantage, leaving the industry vulnerable to cheaper imports. Moreover, several countries in the region have adopted import tariffs to protect their industries, but this has not been the case for Zimbabwe. High selling prices have combined with regional overcapacity to fuel import levels into Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe and its six neighbouring countries have a total production capacity of around 39Mta, compared with a total demand of 23.5Mta. South Africa, Mozambique and Zambia all have considerable levels of overcapacity. Between 2016-18 Zimbabwes cement capacity utilisation rate increased by around 3.1 percentage points from 48.2 per cent, but last year this dropped to around 30 per cent. Published under The logo of Reliance Jio, the mobile network of Reliance Industries Ltd., is displayed inside a store in Mumbai, India, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020. Reliance Industries, India's biggest company by market value, posted a 13.5% jump in quarterly net income as growth in telecom and retail business helped outweigh a slump in petrochemical operations. Photographer: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg via Getty Images Billionaire Mukesh Ambani has found yet another high-profile firm to write a massive check to his telecom venture Reliance Jio Platforms at the height of a global pandemic. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, said on Thursday it will invest $1.5 billion in Jio Platforms for a 2.32% stake in the top Indian telecom operator. With this deal, Jio Platforms, which is India's largest telecom operator with more than 388 million subscribers, has secured $15.2 billion from 10 investors, including social giant Facebook, in the past nine weeks by selling a 24.7% stake in its business. For some comparison, India's startup ecosystem raised $14.5 billion last year -- in what was its best year. Todays announcement further illustrates the opportunities foreign investors see in Jio Platforms, a three-and-a-half-year-old subsidiary of Reliance Industries (India's most valuable firm) that has upended the telecommunications market in India with cut-rate voice calls and mobile data tariffs. Analysts at Bernstein said this week they expect Jio Platforms to reach 500 million customers by 2023, and control half of the market by 2025. Jio Platforms competes with Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, a joint venture between British giant Vodafone and Indian tycoon Kumar Mangalam Birlas Aditya Birla Group. In a statement, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of PIF, said, "We are delighted to be investing in an innovative business which is at the forefront of the transformation of the technology sector in India. We believe that the potential of the Indian digital economy is very exciting and that Jio Platforms provides us with an excellent opportunity to gain access to that growth. This investment will also enable us to generate significant long-term commercial returns for the benefit of Saudi Arabias economy and our countrys citizens, in line with our mandate to safeguard and grow the national wealth of the Kingdom." Story continues Jio Platforms also owns a bevy of digital apps and services, including music streaming service JioSaavn (which it says it will take public), on-demand live television service JioTV and payments app JioMoney, as well as smartphones and broadband business. These services are available to Jio subscribers at no additional charge. Pankaj Jain, a high-profile angel investor, told TechCrunch that Jio Platforms digital services suite appeared to have helped it attract foreign investors. Foreign investors see that owning the pipes is a race to the bottom in terms of ARPU (average revenue per user) but having so many bundled services seems like its the future for telecommunications companies. By solidifying their content strategy, they have appealed to investors that are seeing this same strategy play out in other markets, he said. Unfortunately, its still to be seen whether content can help increase margins significantly in India. Though Reliance Jio Platforms has not revealed why it is raising so much money, this capital could be deployed to cut oil-to-retail giant Reliance Industries net debt of about $21 billion, said Mahesh Uppal, director of communications consultancy firm Com First, in a conversation with TechCrunch. Ambani pledged to clear Reliances debt due by early 2021. Reliance Industries had no debt in 2012, but that changed when the company decided to enter the telecommunications market. "From Oil Economy, this relationship is now moving to strengthen Indias New Oil (Data-driven) Economy, as is evident from PIFs investment into Jio Platforms. I have greatly admired the defining role PIF has played in driving the economic transformation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," said Ambani, India's richest man, in a statement today. Commenting on the FMAs consultation document, chief executive Katrina Shanks says the idea of difference licenses to suit different types of businesses will be widely supported across the industry. Financial Advice NZ supports a system that offers licences that fit the scale, size and different financial advice that businesses provide, be they for a single-adviser business, a multiple adviser business, or something more complex, such as a licensed FAP engaging multiple advisers as well as having nominated representatives, Shanks said. This system will be beneficial to small businesses that do great work providing personalised financial advice to clients and who will have a system thats fit for purpose. The Financial Services Legislation Amendment Act is due to come into force by March of next year, and the full regime will take effect two years later. Shanks says the long consultation period will be welcomed by advisers, and that four of the FMAs eight conditions will be of particular interest to the sector. Read more: FSC on licensing: You dont have as long as you think Will Waldron/Times Union ALBANY Stewart's Shops said it has allocated $790,000 to more than 209 different organizations responding to COVID-19 relief efforts. Recipients include organizations like the United Way, which has constant requests for personal protective equipment. The company donates about $2.5 million each year to nonprofits in the arts, education, recreation, health, social services, and civic fields. Applications are available for nonprofits in need of COVID-19 relief. The newspaper ad offers Ten Dollars Reward! Ran away from the Subscriber, on the night of the 15th instant, a Negro Boy, named Cesar, 18 years old, nearly 6 feet high, stout and well made, walks pretty erect, speaks fluently. The advertiser, Samuel MClellan, explains that Cesar had run away for fear of being punished for theft. Whoever will return said Negro, or secure him so that his master may get him again, shall receive the above reward, and all reasonable charges All persons are forbid harboring, trusting or employing said Negro, on penalty of the Law. A Southern state? No. Woodstock, Connecticut, May 16, 1803. It would be another 45 years before slavery would end in the Land of Steady Habits. Far from being free of slavery, Connecticuts history is bound up with the oppression of African Americans, as well as with their fight for freedom. La Amistad landed in New Haven in 1839 when Africans being brought from Sierra Leone to Cuba to be sold rebelled against their captors. A statue in front of City Hall commemorates the incident and the Africans leader Joseph Cinque. The captives ultimately were freed by the U.S. Supreme Court. But in 1738, the Martha & Jane docked in Middletown with 126 enslaved Africans aboard, 23 having died during the voyage. A plaque on the citys riverfront remembers those Africans and others brought up the Connecticut River to be sold. Hearst Connecticut Media file photo John Brown, who led a failed slave rebellion in Harpers Ferry, W.Va., in 1859 and was the first American hanged for treason, was born in Torrington in 1800. Harriet Beecher Stowe, another abolitionist, whose depiction of slavery in the South in Uncle Toms Cabin helped bring on the Civil War, lived in Hartford. Eli Whitney of New Haven, on the other hand, invented the cotton gin, which enabled the Southern plantation owners to switch from tobacco to more lucrative cotton, bringing with it a need for more free labor. It would not be until June 19, 1865, 2 years after president Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. on the day now known as Juneteenth that slavery would be fully abolished in this country. This year, Juneteenth will include marches and peaceful protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd. I think its always important, at least from my perspective, to remind people that the African-American experience is a part of the whole of American history, and that talking about African-American history creates a false dichotomy, said the Rev. Frederick Jerry Streets, pastor of the Dixwell United Church of Christ, the first Congregational church founded by African Americans, many of whom were formerly enslaved. Its 200th anniversary this year had to be postponed because of COVID-19. While there were few enslaved people left in Connecticut by 1848, there were 951 counted in the 1800 census, according to slavenorth.com. The gradual emancipation law passed in 1784 was a way to strike a compromise between the aspiration to abolish slavery and the property rights of slaveholders, said Edward Rugemer, a professor of history and African-American studies at Yale University. No one was freed in 1784, but the children of enslaved women would become free at age 25 for men and 21 for women. Its often called freeing the womb, Rugemer said. I call it legislative compromise, but it was really tilted toward slaveholders. Slavery in New England had begun in the 17th century, when it was codified in law gradually, colony by colony, Rugemer said. At the start of the American Revolution, there were ore than 6,400 enslaved people in Connecticut, the most of any New England state, according to slavenorth.com, a result of Connecticut having a more prosperous middle class than neighboring colonies. New London had the largest number of enslaved people and the highest percentage of enslaved to free. By independence in 1783, most of the founders fathers, as well as many of the founders themselves, had owned slaves, so it was no small feat to overturn it, he said. Massachusetts did so by a court ruling that slavery was incompatible with the state Constitution, Rugemer said. At that point, New England shipping buttressed the slave trade both in the South and in the Caribbean, supplying food and supplies. Middletown made its fortune on the West Indian sugar and slave trades, said Deborah Shapiro, municipal historian for Middletown and former director of the Middlesex County Historical Society. Food, rope, made in Middletown from hemp, and even horses were shipped to the islands, and they would return with sugar, rum and enslaved people, Shapiro said. A marker was erected in September by the Port Marker Project Committee, when Middletown was designated a Site of Memory in UNESCOs project, The Slave Route: Resistance, Liberty, Heritage. We were actually the first location in the whole country that used the UNESCO logo on their plaque, Shapiro said. Slavery undergirded the Connecticut economy in the 18th and early 19th centuries, directly and indirectly because manufacturers depended on Southern cotton. A lot of peoples livelihood was dependent on sending cotton up here, Shapiro said. That brought opposition to abolitionists such as the Anti-Slavery Society in Middletown. Mobs would try to break up the meetings, Shapiro said. Even within the abolitionist movement, there were those who wanted slavery ended immediately, and others who sought a more gradual end. Meanwhile, slave catchers were coming to New England to capture formerly enslaved people to take them back to the South, Streets said. While not the only Connecticut center of slave-trading, which was also significant in New Haven, New London, Greenwich and other coastal ports, Middletown was one of the biggest ports in New England through the 1700s, said Jesse Nasta, a visiting assistant professor of African-American studies at Wesleyan University and executive director of the county historical society. At least 200 enslaved people were brought from Africa directly to Middletown and there were at least two men who were listed as slave dealers right on Main Street, he said. Going even further back into history, if you go back to the 1600s you had enslavement of predominantly Native American people with the trade of Africans just picking up, Nasta said. With Memorial Day weekend approaching I have decided to run a paint scheme honoring the U.S. Army Infantry and SGT. Cameron A. Meddock. SGT. Cameron Meddock, 26, died January 17 2019 in Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries sustained from small-arms fire Jan. 13 in Badghis Province, Afghanistan The experience wont be the same as gathering on the third floor of Powells City of Books or in the big corner space at Powells at Cedar Hills Crossing. But author events are back on the Powells calendar. Starting Tuesday, June 30, Powells will resume hosting authors, via the Zoom virtual conferencing platform. Powells will continue to make the events free, except for occasional special events. Before the novel coronavirus arrived in Oregon, the citys largest independent bookseller hosted authors almost nightly, sometimes at three locations in a single evening. The stores website says it hopes to resume those in-person events as soon as possible. Heres a look at the virtual author events scheduled so far: To attend an event, visit powells.com/featured/powellsbooksvirtualevents and click the registration link under the event description. In addition to Powells, two other Portland bookstores, Broadway Books and Annie Blooms Books, also were known for hosting author events. Sally McPherson, co-owner of Broadway Books in Northeast Portland, said Friday of resuming author events, It is unlikely that this is something that we would take on until the fall. McPherson said the store traditionally took a break from author events in July and August anyway. Annie Blooms Books, in Southwest Portland, has held seven virtual readings since April, featuring Steven Mayfield (Treasure of the Blue Whale), Liz Prato (Volcanoes, Palm Trees & Privilege: Essays on Hawaii); Laura Munson (Willas Grove); Dana Haynes (St. Nicholas Salvage & Wrecking); Kate Ristau (Shadow Queene); Trace Kerr (The Names We Take); and Marilyn Sewell (In Times Shadow). Michael Keefe, who handles the stores events, said by email Friday that the majority of those livestream readings were originally scheduled as in-store events. The virtual versions havent led to particularly strong book sales, Keefe said, and most authors would prefer to wait until fall, when the store hopes to resume in-person readings. For now, no additional livestream readings are planned. Keefe said Annie Blooms already had several in-store readings tentatively scheduled for the fall. We are cautiously optimistic, while remaining committed to the greater health and safety of the community and our staff. As with everything these days, well see what happens! Meanwhile, you can get an author event fix at 7 p.m. Monday, June 22, when the Portland nonprofit Literary Arts presents its 2020 Oregon Book Awards ceremony as a half-hour broadcast on Oregon Public Broadcasting. The ceremony was to feature 35 finalists, five books in each of seven categories. Since the finalists were announced several months ago, the number of books has gone down to 34. Rebecca Robinsons Voices From Bears Ears: Seeking Common Ground on Sacred Land was withdrawn from the general nonfiction category after the author moved from Oregon to Washington. Literary Arts requires Oregon Book Award winners to live in Oregon at the time the awards are conferred. awang@oregonian.com; Twitter: @ORAmyW Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Several notable trees in California are named after Robert E. Lee. Above, a giant Sequioa tree in Sequoia National Park. (Los Angeles Times) To the editor: National parks are opening up across America, and rules have changed as the National Park Service phases in visitors. However, one thing hasn't changed in some of our most treasured parks in California. There are still four magnificent redwoods named for a despicable American traitor, Robert E. Lee. One is not just any tree, but the fifth-largest redwood in the world, and it stands in Kings Canyon's General Grant Grove. It is past time for all references to this violent defender of slavery to be removed from places of public honor. They certainly have no place in California. I propose this tree be renamed for the great abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass. He is a more fitting complement to the nearby tree named for Ulysses S. Grant. In regard to the three additional awe-inspiring trees named for Lee (in Yosemite, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Park), I propose they be named for Cesar Chavez, the famed Japanese American 442nd Infantry Regiment and Rosa Parks. They are all deserving giants who fought for freedom and democracy. Jill Fields, Los Angeles .. To the editor: When I took my daughter to Washington in 2019 for Nancy Pelosi's second swearing-in as House speaker, we toured the Capitol building's National Statuary Hall, where each state is allowed to send two statues. Alabama commissioned and donated a statue of Helen Keller, and a sculpture of a seated Rosa Parks also sits in the hall. California? We are represented by Ronald Reagan and Junipero Serra. Not unlike your average colonizer, Serra is known by many for his subjugation and forced labor of the local population conducted in support of his religious goals. I would like to suggest that national heroes Cesar Chavez and Sally Ride replace them. Individual states may rotate their statues out 20 years, and the effort must originate in their legislatures. As we are now reexamining the public monuments used to represent our values, the time has come for us to reflect a more inclusive and aspirational California in the National Statuary Hall. Sarah Bradshaw, Los Angeles Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in a teleconference call today at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow - Alexei Nikolsky /Shutterstock Poland has accused Vladimir Putin of manipulating history after he wrote an article claiming the pre-war Polish government threw its own people under Hitlers machine of destruction. The article comes out just a week before Mr Putin is to host the annual Victory Day parade previously cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak, and ahead of a nationwide vote that could allow him to stay in power until 2036. Mr Putin has used the Soviet Unions decisive contribution to defeating Nazi Germany in 1945 as an argument to justify Russias special place in the world. Dwelling on the events of 1939 Mr Putin writes that Poland only has itself to blame for the Nazi invasion of September. The blame for the tragedy that Poland then suffered lies entirely with the Polish leadership, which had impeded the formation of a military alliance between Britain, France and the Soviet Union and relied on the help from its Western partners, throwing its own people under the steamroller of Hitler's machine of destruction, he states. Later, he says Red Army units were sent into the so-called Eastern Borderlines instead of writing that the Soviet Union invaded Poland under the terms of Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. Poland reacted furiously, Stanislaw Zaryn, director of the National Security Department of the Polish prime ministers office, said It is not the first time the Russian president has manipulated history with the goal to present a false picture of WWII. Russias continued memory war aims to whitewash the disgraceful Soviet past, erase from collective memory the fact that during the war Stalin and Hitler colluded with each other, and underpin the myth of the Soviet Union as a sole conqueror of Nazi Germany. While Russian authorities in the 1990s publicly condemned and apologised for multiple crimes committed by the Soviet regime, the Kremlin in recent years sought to defend its wartime record, arguing among other things that a 1939 non-aggression pact between the Soviet Union and Germany, carving up Europe into spheres of influence was a necessary evil. The long-standing allegation of mainland India apparently neglecting the interests of the North East region has once again come to the fore. Amid the border standoff with China, Pradyot Manikya Debburman, the former Congress leader and head of the Tripura royal family, has taken to Twitter to complain about North East regional parties not being invited for the all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. China has a huge interest in the Northeast and sadly no regional party ( as it has less than 5 Mp) has been invited in the all party meet . These are small things which impact us on a day to day lives .Maybe Delhi knows better than us but do they ? Pradyot_Tripura (@PradyotManikya) June 19, 2020 Arguing that China, which shares a long border with North Eastern states like Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, has a huge interest in the region, he tweeted: "China has a huge interest in the North East and sadly no regional party (as it has less than 5 MPs) has been invited in the all party meet . These are small things which impact us on a day to day lives. Maybe, Delhi knows better than us but do they?" At least 20 political parties are likely to attend the all-party meeting, called by Modi to discuss the situation at the border areas with China, sources told ANI. The reason for the exclusion of the North East parties from the meeting could be the criteria set by the Centre, as per which invitation has only been sent to political parties with five or more MPs in the parliament. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5 pm. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had on Thursday personally invited all leaders on behalf of Modi, ANI added. Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the opposition party in the Bihar Assembly, has also not been invited for the meeting. Taking strong exception to the exclusion, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Friday sought clarification from Rajnath over the party not being invited to the all-party meeting. "Rashtriya Janata Dal is the largest party in Bihar and it has 5 MPs in the Parliament but we have not been invited to today's all-party meeting on India-China face-off. We want Rajnath Singh ji to clarify as to why RJD has not been invited," Yadav told ANI. Trump made several changes to it, reflecting his general unease with the subject, Bolton writes. Ultimately, Trump decided not to use the document. He wanted me to raise the subject of election interference, which I said I would do in the scheduled working lunch, but obviously I wouldnt be in the one-on-one with Putin he wanted so much. In playwright Brian Friels masterpiece Translations, the British have come to Ireland in the 1830s to rewrite the incomprehensible Gaelic names of streets and towns and rivers into pronounceable English. A new map is being made of the whole country, a character explains. Not literally, of course. The land abides. But in the renaming, the language, culture and memory of a people were in the process of being erased for the administrative ease and comfort of colonial masters, and to the profound loss of the indigenous population. Its an eviction of sorts, a Brit lieutenant admits. Names matter. Naming things in public spaces is a privilege, and it has no small impact on a communitys sense of self. To name things is to embed into the spoken and textual landscape of a place certain values, cultural touchstones, subliminal messages. It is to give urban streetscapes a political sub-text. What we remember through the names of streets and parks, what we choose to commemorate in the form of statues and public honours, defines us. From Paleolithic tribes to modern nations, whoever controls memory holds power, Michael S. Malone wrote in his book The Guardian of All Things. Memory can vanish because of an absence of common reminders, just as it is sustained when such reminders are preserved in myriad civic manifestations. Thats whats up for debate in these tumultuous times, as old orders crack and power begins to shift. The seismic events in the United States, after the death of George Floyd under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer, have exposed many instances of systemic racism. The presence of names and monuments to inglorious individuals or events is arguably among them and as a result the statues of Confederate generals fall. In Toronto, Andrew Lochhead looked up the naming origins of the citys Dundas Street and found that Henry Dundas, the 1st Viscount Melville, enthusiastically obstructed the abolition of slavery. Lochhead began a petition to have the street renamed and had soon accumulated more than 10,000 signatures and an undertaking by City Hall to look into it. Mayor John Tory has asked the city manager to form a working group from relevant departments, including the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit and the Indigenous Affairs Office, to examine the issue of renaming streets. Renaming a major street or public space does create many practical challenges, he said. But we should have a process that can examine what are very important and relevant historical questions, along with all of the practical matters involved. Toronto is far from alone. There have been calls for the renaming of several Ontario municipalities whose namesakes had racist pasts, including Vaughan, Kitchener and Russell Township. Advocates for change say the people for whom the municipalities were named have histories of exploitation, domination and enslavement that can no longer be accepted within their communities. Some local leaders are resisting the change. But next month, Russell Township will discuss finding a new namesake while keeping its name. The debate about renaming certain places as an act of liberation, as an opportunity for renewal, as a gesture of good faith to all citizens, seems to be gathering steam. Even in the heart of the old empire, change is afoot. Protesters in Bristol, England, tore down a statue of Edward Colston, a 17th-century slave trader, and dumped it in the harbour of the port city. While in Edinburgh, there have been calls to tear down a statue of Dundas a measure a city council leader said would create absolutely no sense of loss. Looking at what we call things, which aspects of history we choose to remember and celebrate by the everyday taxonomy of our environment, is a good and necessary exercise. The names of things form the landscape and background to daily lives, constantly arising in routine conversation and exchange. Too much of our history, and the people who made it, are out of daily consciousness and earshot. Out of sight and out of hearing truly means out of mind. To fear calls for renaming of public places as an eradication of history is unfounded. History is recorded and there for reference. What we celebrate, through monument and name, is a different matter. It is the presentation to the world of who and what we are. After all, if names and words didnt matter, why do corporations and governments and politicians spend so much time parsing every syllable of what theyre to be called, make such a fuss over, say, the difference between customers and guests, change or transformation, affirmative action or quotas. The change will inevitably be controversial. Names are almost by definition personal and as such emotional. There will also be costs and temporary confusion. But it is scarcely beyond us. Names of public places have been changed in post-Nazi Germany, after German reunification and, notably, in South Africa after apartheid. And to drive Albertina Sisulu Rd. from Oliver Tambo International Airport in Gauteng province is to know you have arrived in a different place, and can contemplate a future more hopeful than the past. Turkish weapons manufacturer Roketsan, like most Turkish defense firms, has had a hard time getting export orders for its new products. A recent example is the TRG-300 rocket system. This 300mm rocket has a range of 30 to 120 kilometers and comes in guided (by GPS) and unguided versions. Four rockets are carried on a 6x6 ten-ton truck. The rockets are stored and fired from box-like containers. The vehicle can carry either four 300mm rockets or 40 122mm rockets stored and fired from replaceable pods each containing two 300mm or twenty 122mm rockets. TRG-300 first appeared in 2016 with just unguided rockets but a year later, as promised, the GPS guided version appeared. That produced one export sale of several TRG-300 vehicles to Azerbaijan. Turkism arms sales efforts are first directed at Moslem majority nations, especially those with money to spend. This approach tends to drag Turkey into some complicated and violent situations. Azerbaijan needs better weapons, has wealth and has been losing a long war with neighboring Armenia over a property dispute. Armenia is poor but it is Christian and supported by Russia. Turkey suggested that the TRG-300 system would improve Azeri chances if the conflict with Armenia got violent again. Armenia has no oil and spends far less on defense than Azerbaijan. Although Azerbaijan has three times more people and much more money, the Armenians are better soldiers and the dispute has been stalemated. In 2011 Armenia signed a pact with Russia that, in effect, puts it under the protection of Russia. The deal extends the lease on a Russian military base in Armenia from 2020 to 2044. The 3,000-man Russian force in Armenia may be increased and Russia, in effect, guarantees Armenia's security. Armenia needs all the help it can get, as it is a landlocked Christian nation surrounded by three hostile Moslem states (Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iran). To the north, there is Georgia which, while Christian, has its own problems with Russia. This deal makes any major move against Armenia by Azerbaijan very risky. While the Russians want to remain friendly with Azerbaijan, they have definitely taken sides here. In return for this security Armenia has to follow Russia's lead in diplomacy and any other area the Russians feel is important. Meanwhile, the Russians provide new weapons and equipment for the 43,000 troops in the Armenian military and help arm an even larger reserve force. At the same time, Azerbaijan is making a serious effort to create an effective military and revive its economy. Azeri defeats at the hands of better trained, led, and organized Armenian troops were caused, in part, by Azerbaijani corruption and double-dealing among themselves. Moreover, the Armenians have a military tradition going back centuries. The Azeris are working hard to redress the military balance, thus the Armenian-Russian alliance and the sharp jump in Azeri military spending. But while Armenia only has to worry about one enemy, Azerbaijan has both Armenia and Iran to deal with. In response to that Azerbaijan has bought over a billion dollars worth of weapons from Russia and a smaller, but growing quantity of high-tech weapons from Israel. As a bonus, Iran hates Israel in a major way. Up until 1813, modern Azerbaijan was part of Iran. Then the Russians showed up. Armenia and Azerbaijan were the last conquests of Russia as it advanced down the Caucasus Mountains (between the Black and Caspian Seas) in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Russians stopped when they ran into the Turkish and Iranian empires, but not before taking a chunk of Azerbaijan from Iran. The Iranians have not forgotten. It has not gone unnoticed that those TRG-300 guided rockets could be aimed at Iran if the need arose. Turkey has other ties with Russia and many Turkish designed weapons are based on Russian models. For example, in 2018 Russia introduced its 300mm BM-30 (or 9K58) Tornado-S GPS guided rockets. Tornado guided rockets are based on the earlier unguided version. These entered service in 2014 and were later used in Syria as the Tornado-G MLRS (multiple launch rocket system). Both guided and unguided versions are fired from the same six-cell launch vehicle. This six-cell launch vehicle has a GPS equipped guidance system so that the three-man crew can quickly determine the exact launcher location before positioning the vehicle and raising the launch cells when firing unguided rockets. For firing GPS guided the fire control needed to confirm the range from the launcher to the GPS coordinates for the target, to ensure the target was within range. The vehicle can be ready to fire in three minutes and can move on within two minutes of firing. The original BM-30 could fire all twelve rounds within 38 seconds and required only twenty minutes to reload. The older Tornado-G is an 800 kg (1,760 pound) rocket with a range of 90 kilometers. In 2016 the GPS guided version of the 300mm rockets, called Tornado-S, appeared and began a long period of testing and development before entering service. Tornado-S rockets weigh 820 kg each and have a max range of 120 kilometers. The six-cell Tornado rocket launcher was developed from a variant of the BM-30 Tornado launcher vehicle. The original BM-30 entered service in the late 1980s using a 42-ton 8x8 (or 10x10) vehicle carrying twelve launch cells for 300mm rockets. In 2007 a lighter, six-cell BM-30 launch vehicle was developed and was called Tornado-M. While also using an 8x8 truck it was a model that weighed half as much, was more agile and cheaper and easier to transport by air. Tornado-M ultimately proved more popular and effective, especially when using the GPS guided 300mm rocket. By 2011 the success of the Tornado-M launch vehicle led Russia to replace its Cold War era Grad MLRS with the new launcher vehicle that could handle 122mm, 220mm or 300m rockets by simply carrying a different launch cell pod. This mounted launcher could carry fifteen, eight or six launch tubes, depending on the rocket diameter. The original, 1960s, Grad system was a truck-mounted launcher holding forty 122mm with a range of 20 kilometers. Later models got the range up to 40 kilometers. There were also some Grad systems with larger caliber rockets, like the BM-30. All the Grads were unguided. These were replacements for the World War II models. Russia invented modern MLRS in the late 1930s. The Tornado G truck-mounted launcher with twelve 300mm unguided rockets was popular with existing Russian customers. India bought some of these in 2005 and in 2008 obtained manufacturing licenses for them, as did China. But there are still warranty problems on some of the systems purchased plus some components that are still obtained from Russia. Russia has been selling the BM-30 vehicles for about $12 million each (including a supply of rockets and technical support). Russia has about 300 BM-30s. Over 200 have been exported so far and China initially reverse-engineered the BM-30 as the A100, which was introduced in 2002. But the A100 was inferior to the BM-30, especially in terms of reliability. China bought a manufacturing license in 2008 so that it could improve the effectiveness of its A100 systems, especially the propellant in the rockets (which the Chinese have had a lot of trouble with). Pakistan builds the A100 under license. In the early 1980s, the U.S. put its first modern rocket system into service. The M270 MLRS, firing either twelve 227mm (295 kg/650 pound) or two 610mm (1.6 ton) rockets provided Russia with some needed competition. The smaller rockets had a max range of 70 kilometers, the larger ATACMS ones 300 kilometers. The rockets are carried on a 25-ton tracked vehicle with a crew of three. In 2005 there was a big breakthrough as the lighter, wheeled HIMARS version of the MLRS launcher entered service. Only costing about $3 million each, these smaller, truck-mounted MLRS (HIMARS) rocket launcher systems were so popular they replaced the original tracked MLRS. HIMARS carries only one, six-rocket pod. But the 12-ton truck can fit into a C-130 transport (unlike the 25-ton tracked MLRS) and is much cheaper to operate. The first HIMARS entered service about a year after GMLRS (GPS guided MLRS rockets) did. At that point, Russia was the follower in the MLRS department, after being the leader since the 1930s. But the Russians did catch up and both their 300mm rocket launcher vehicles are popular export items and both can fire guided or unguided rockets. All this explains Turkish pride at finding an export customer for their own 300mm guided rocket system. The Turkish manufacturer would not have developed the TRG-300 without the expectation of orders from the Turkish military and the more remote possibility of export orders. Like Russia, Turkey used its TRG-300 in Syria so that there would be two new 300mm rocket systems that could claim to be combat-tested. Turkey will need all the help it can get because there are several other nations producing similar large GPS guided rockets. These are not high-tech items and competition for export sales is intense. Since the 1990s Turkey has been encouraging local firms to develop, produce and export weapons and military equipment. Turkey has the industrial capacity for this and has produced most of its own weapons for centuries. Currently, about two-thirds of the weapons used by the Turkish military are locally made. Turkey does get sales because its weapons are Moslem made and with Moslem-majority nations that does make a difference. The Supreme Court has blocked the Trump administration's plan to put an immediate end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. A 5-4 majority led by Chief Justice John Roberts cited the administrations failure to provide a reasoned explanation for the termination as the basis for its judgment. This is a second major setback for the Trump administration on the legal front this week, following Mondays ruling which held that an existing landmark Civil Rights law protects gay and transgender people against workplace discrimination. DACA, instituted through an executive order by Barack Obama at the end of his first term, provided limited rights to some 700,000 undocumented immigrants who were brought into the United States as children. To be eligible for DACA, immigrants had to show that they had arrived in the United States before they turned 16 and that they were now no older than 30, had lived in the United States for at least the previous five years, had committed no serious crimes and were enrolled in a high school or already had a diploma or GED, or had served in the military. Groups gathered from all across the U.S. to demonstrate support for DACA. (Flickr/Bread for the World) The program allowed eligible youth to apply for a temporary status that protected them from deportation and provided them with work permits. What this meant was that those eligible for the program could, depending on the states in which they lived, qualify for drivers licenses, in-state tuition, state-funded educational grants and loans, and state-subsidized health insurance. DACA status, once obtained, was not permanent and had to be renewed every two years. A politically motivated gesture by Obama during the lead-up to the 2012 election, DACA was carefully calibrated to put a gloss on an abysmal anti-immigrant record that was already earning the Democratic president the title of deporter-in-chief. It targeted a section of immigrants who enjoyed wide public sympathy, since those who were brought to the country illegally as children had clearly not broken the law. And it made only limited concessions, with no pathway to citizenship. Despite these limitations and the stringent requirements, the program attracted over 700,000 youth, who registered with the federal government and were therefore at the mercy of the future good will of the capitalist state. Trump, whose administration carried out a series of vicious anti-immigrant measures, had initially been equivocal about his stance on DACA. In 2017, claiming to support the program and wanting to preserve it, Trump tweeted: Does anybody really want to throw out good, educated and accomplished young people who have jobs, some serving in the military? This changed within a very short period, however. In September 2017, after what has been widely reported to be a contentious debate within the administration, in which the fascistic Stephen Miller and then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions prevailed, Trump announced that he was terminating DACA. In his formal statement, he declared: I do not favor punishing children [but] the program is unlawful and unconstitutional and cannot be successfully defended in court. More informally, Trump defended his position in language that has become quite familiar. In a tweet last year, he declared: Many of the people in DACA, no longer very young, are far from angels... Some are very tough, hardened criminals. The attempt to terminate DACA immediately provoked widespread national protests, as well as legal challenges that wound their way to the Supreme Court. Immigrant rights groups, as well as the initial lawsuit filed by the attorneys general of 15 states and the District of Columbia, argued that the Trump administrations decision reflected racial animus towards a group that was more than 80 percent of Mexican origin. By that time, Trump was already on record disparaging Mexicans as rapists, criminals, thugs and bad hombres. The Supreme Courts ruling, however, does not engage with either the motivations behind the ending of DACA or the substance of the policy. Instead, it narrowly focuses on a procedural point raised by the plaintiffs, that the Trump administration had violated federal procedures in promulgating the executive order rescinding DACA. Chief Justice Roberts reiterated this in his majority opinion: We do not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies We address only whether the agency complied with the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action. The five justices, he stated in his ruling, found that the justifications given by the administration were insufficient, and therefore did not constitute sufficient grounds for terminating the program. However, nothing in the ruling prevents the administration from trying again to shut down the program with adequate reasons. In his dissenting opinion, Clarence Thomas, joined by Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch, declared: Todays decision must be recognized for what it is: an effort to avoid a politically controversial but legally correct decision [this ruling] has given the green light for future political battles to be fought in this court rather than where they rightfully belongthe political branches. In typical form, Trump responded to the ruling with a series of tweets that managed to both personalize the decision, while using violent rhetoric to incite his base: Do you get the feeling that the Supreme Court doesnt like me?... These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republicans or Conservatives. We need more Justices or we will lose our 2nd. Amendment & everything else. Vote Trump 2020! The claim that political considerations swayed the Supreme Courts ruling is undoubtedly correct. It is worth noting that these considerations in fact reflect the ratcheting up of factional strife within the ruling class, particularly in the face of intensified protests around the country. In late November 2019, when the court held oral arguments on the DACA case, comments made by the justices were interpreted to mean that the administrations action would be upheld by a 5-4 majority. Roberts, who shapes the courts rulings as both chief justice and swing vote, seems to have switched sides in view of the changed political climate. The growing unrest amongst masses of workers and youth, fueled by the coronavirus death toll and the accompanying economic depression, and triggered into open protest by stark instances of police brutality, has hardly gone unnoticed by the ruling elite. As in the LGBT decision issued Monday, it is likely that Roberts, as a class-conscious representative of the financial aristocracy, is concerned about pouring more gasoline on the fire by backing Trumps unpopular and bigoted attacks on gays and lesbians and undocumented youth. In both the LGBT and DACA cases, Roberts, as chief justice, assigned the writing of the main opinion to the most right-wing justice availableGorsuch for the LGBT ruling, himself for DACA. Far from using these cases as an opportunity to expand the struggle for democratic rights, the majority opinions are framed in such a way as to block the most reactionary aspects of the Trump administrations policies in the narrowest possible fashion. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 11:08:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Despite Beijing's strong opposition, a so-called human rights act related to China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was signed into law in Washington on Wednesday. The act deliberately slanders the human rights situation in Xinjiang, maliciously attacks China's Xinjiang policies, flagrantly tramples on international law and basic norms of international relations, and grossly interferes in China's internal affairs. It has exposed Washington's sinister intentions to curb China's development and to seek hegemony on the pretext of protecting human rights in Xinjiang. The act has clearly reflected some Washington politicians' ideological bias and obsolete cold-war mentality. Among those politicians who sponsored the act, as well as scholars, human rights groups, journalists and think tanks being quoted in the text, some have never been to Xinjiang, while others refused to recognize China's achievements in human rights development. Through colored lenses, they distort truth and fabricate rumors to smear China. No wonder the act is full of groundless speculations and prejudices based on unreliable analyses and false evidence. The interventionist move has also revealed Washington's plot to meddle in China's internal affairs. Fundamentally speaking, the issue of Xinjiang is not about human rights, ethnicity or religion, but about countering terrorism and separatism. The region was deeply disturbed by extremism and terrorism, and people's lives and properties were seriously threatened. To turn this situation around, the Chinese government has carried out law-based measures, which have effectively contained violence, safeguarded national unity and security, and protected the basic rights of the people of various ethnic groups in Xinjiang. The efforts of the Chinese government have won applause from the international community. However, some U.S. politicians have chosen to turn a blind eye and are seeking to interfere in China's internal affairs in the name of human rights. That is a serious violation of the basic norms of international relations. Moreover, the act has revealed Washington's attempts to undermine stability in Xinjiang and curb China's development. Terrorism and extremism are a common enemy of humanity. Terrorist acts, like the 9/11 attacks, have brought great harm to people across the world. Efforts to contain terrorism should not be distorted or misinterpreted. Washington's smear campaign against China's anti-terrorist efforts is a clear proof of its double standards on anti-terrorism, and its insidious intention to impair China's sovereignty as well as national security. As a matter of fact, the United States itself is faced with serious human rights problems. The still ravaging COVID-19 pandemic in the country and the death of African American man George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer have once again spotlighted its persistent problems such as social divisions, a widening wealth gap and racial discrimination. Philip Alston, United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, said that in the United States, "low-income and poor people face far higher risks from the coronavirus due to chronic neglect and discrimination, and a muddled, corporate-driven federal response has failed them." Overseas, the United States launched wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and other countries in the name of protecting human rights and battling terrorism. Yet those military adventures have caused tremendous loss of lives of innocent people, stirred regional turmoil and created one humanitarian catastrophe after another. In addition, Washington's sanctions against Iran, Venezuela, Cuba and others have aggravated humanitarian crises in those countries. Amid the pandemic, the United States has repatriated a large number of illegal immigrants to Mexico and Central American countries without giving them COVID-19 tests. Such an irresponsible act poses a serious threat to these countries whose public health care systems are fragile. Washington has always tried to portray itself as a human rights defender. Yet its track records over the years as a human rights violator, plus its latest act related to Xinjiang, have only exposed its hypocrisy on human rights. Washington should immediately correct its mistakes and stop using the act to harm China's interests or interfere in China's internal affairs. Otherwise, Beijing will surely take countermeasures to safeguard its sovereignty, security and rights to development. Enditem - Raffy Tulfo was able to read a comment on social media that uses the hashtag Hija ako - He then aired his honest opinion about the long-been issue of victim-blaming in the country - The statement of the said broadcast-journalist opposed the belief of his brother Ben Tulfo - It can be remembered that Ben warned girls to dress up properly to avoid being harassed PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Raffy Tulfo straightforwardly aired his opinion about the long-been issue of victim-blaming. KAMI learned that the veteran broadcast-journalist stated in his popular program that girls clothing has nothing to do with why they are being harassed by offenders. He firmly believes that if a man really wants to commit a heinous crime, he will do it no matter what the circumstances are. Watch the video of Raffys statement here: 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 statement of Raffy appeared to be contrary to the stand of his brother Ben Tulfo about the re-awakened issue of blaming victims. It can be remembered that Ben warned women to dress up properly because they might be inviting the beasts with what they are wearing. PAY ATTENTION: Shop with KAMI! The best offers and discounts on the market, product reviews and feedback In a previous article by , Raffy vowed to give a house to a Filipino in Zambales who has a mental health problem. Raffy Tulfo is undoubtedly one of the most popular broadcast-journalist in the Philippines. He always shows his willingness to help other people who are in need. POPULAR: Read more news about Raffy Tulfo! Please like and share our Facebook posts to support KAMI team! Dont hesitate to comment and share your opinion about our stories either. We love reading about your thoughts! Source: KAMI.com.gh A'niya Taylor, a 16-year-old student at Baltimore City College, smoothed her green hair and held onto a microphone. "This is not a moment, but a movement!" she shouted. Taylor has organized protests before, for students bucking against climate change and, more recently, for young people resisting police brutality. On a recent afternoon she corralled a group of about a thousand teenagers in front of Baltimore School for the Arts, a public high school nestled in the city's Mount Vernon neighborhood. The teens were bubbling; many hadn't seen each other in person since March, when the novel coronavirus forced school buildings to shutter. But the story behind the reunion was more somber. Motivated by the death of George Floyd, and eager to ride the national momentum generated by movements like Black Lives Matter, the teens assembled on a hot afternoon to demand that Maryland schools rewrite their curriculum to be more honest about systemic racism and slavery. In Baltimore - a city still mourning the life of Freddie Gray, 25, who died five years ago of a spinal-cord injury he sustained in police custody - roughly three out of four public school students are black. But those students say they feel neglected - by unconsciously biased teachers, by a Eurocentric curriculum, by racist policies. Statewide, black children comprise about one-third of the student body. Nyah Jackson, 17, one of the protest's lead organizers, just finished her senior year at the arts high school. State and city school officials "have not done enough to be completely anti-racist," she said. She and several arts-school classmates demanded reforms across Maryland's 24 school districts. They want more equitable access to resources, improved mental health support for black children, and heartier lessons onblack history and literature. After watching fiery riots explode in other cities and police clash violently with protesters in their own, say they teenagers just want to learn - mostly about how America reached the point of chaos. "We shouldn't have to learn this on Twitter," Jackson said. "It's sad to me that a lot of people see so much going on but don't understand the historical systemic oppression of black people and how it exudes in our daily lives." Taylor led the Baltimore mass past honking cars and in front of restaurants, including one that set pitchers of water outside for protesters. She faced the crowd, walking backward, her shiny, silver backpack bouncing to the rhythm as she marched and chanted: "Power! Transformation! Miracles! I neeeeed it!" The signs that sprouted from the sea of protesters made direct requests to educational leaders: "Teach Anti-Racism," "Our Curriculum Needs to Represent Our Students," "#TeachTheTruth." Some educators are clearly listening. Matthew Caffrey, a white high school math teacher arrived at the protest with a box of about 20 books written by black authors, including "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander and three Toni Morrison novels. "They were just sitting on my shelf. I wanted to contribute," Caffrey said. "All these books, they're not going to learn about in public schools." Some of Caffrey's titles are named in the student organizers' list of demands, which push schools to require more books by black authors. In a time when misinformation spreads rampant, students just want accurate information, they said. "We don't know the truth," said Kayah Calhoun, a rising senior at Baltimore School for the Arts. Black people "don't get the respect or recognition we deserve" in history lessons. Makayla Downs, 11, marched with her sister, Kimora, 12, and mom, Tina. She wants to learn about "not just the Greek gods, but the African gods," she said as the group arrived at its destination: the headquarters of Baltimore City Public Schools. Students want to learn about successful black uprisings and the history of white supremacy, organizers said. They want a history unit dedicated to the role black women played in the civil rights movement. Rickelle Polley, 17, said the school district's curriculum is "built on white supremacy." Maybe more education would prevent another George Floyd, the rising high school senior said, perched on a cement ledge outside the district's office. On one hand, the changes students are calling for can be slow-moving. History textbooks can take months to rewrite and republish. But students say they're encouraged by districts that are swiftly removing police from campuses and scraping the names of Confederate leaders off buildings. Curriculum changes may come fast, too. In California, the Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously to mandate students take an ethnic studies course before they graduate. Facing History and Ourselves, an educational nonprofit and professional development organization for middle and high school teachers, reported that an online guide for educators who want to talk to their students about Floyd's death caused a surge in web traffic. "We've heard from many educators expressing appreciation for resources they can use in the classroom to help their students process this painful and rapidly evolving story," said Valerie Linson, a spokeswoman. Sonja Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, attended the student-led protest and acknowledged "racial patterns" in the school system. She stood a few feet away from the crowd that filled the plaza in front of her office, near a vendor selling waist jewelry, with other district officials who "wanted to see what the young people had to say." Santelises said the district has tried to attack the problems outlined by demonstrators, developing strategies to recruit and retain more black teachers and hosting equity training sessions for educators. It also launched BMore Me, a series of three-week courses about African American history in Baltimore that have been piloted in a handful of schools. But Santelises admitted there is more work to do. She and other educational leaders need to figure out "what we do next, what do we accelerate that we already have been doing," Santelises said. At the state level, leaders said they have tried in recent years to revise school curriculum to include the perspectives of underrepresented groups, said Lora Rakowski, a Maryland Department of Education spokeswoman. The state agency recently established equity a priority in education, and is looking for ways to incorporate student voices in curriculum development, Rakowski added But students have yet to feel the effects. Quinn Fireside, 18, a white organizer, graduated recently from Baltimore School for the Arts, where students must audition to get in. A majority white staff that decides which students to admit have "made the school whiter than it should be," Fireside said. As a result, she said, "Everything is told through a white perspective." And when her high school closed to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, students had access to carts of laptops and tablets, Fireside said. But in one of the city's lowest-income neighborhoods, administrators at the predominantly black New Song Academy struggled to find tech for every child, The Baltimore Sun reported. Now, young people are blocking off traffic, hoisting signs and demanding educational leaders upend a system in which they say resources are unevenly distributed, black students are disciplined at disproportionate rates, and microaggressions are enmeshed in daily classroom life, exacerbating the effects of racist curriculum. Some teachers have "really low expectations for students of color," said Melanie Smith, an eighth-grade teacher. She said she's encountered educators who assume black students can't handle challenging coursework or that black parents aren't involved in their children's lives. Research supports her experience, and shows that the differences between how teachers treat black and white students contribute to long-standing achievement gaps. Outside the city's school district office, the protesters, some of them weeping, knelt in silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds - the amount of time Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin spent pressing his knee to George Floyd's neck. Smith held a sign that called on the school district to adopt an anti-racist stance. "To not be racist," she said, "is not enough." In what could the first of its kind initiative for an airline in India, national carrier Air India has introduced 'special quarantine leave' for its employees. "An employee, who has been associated (in contact) with an infected person or a contaminated environment will be sent immediately on 'home quarantine' for a period of 14 days," the airline said in a notice to its employees on June 19. "ln view of the threat of community transmission, wherein the source cannot be traced, it is proposed that employees turning corona positive will also be immediately sent on 'home quarantine'," the airline added. More importantly, the special leave won't be debited from the employee's leave account. 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 Moneycontrol has seen a copy of the notice. Every June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the 1865 emancipation of slaves in Texas, who were among the last to be freed despite a formal decree two years earlier. In 2020, amid a pandemic, protests and racial tensions across the country, Connecticut community leaders tell us what Juneteenth means to them today. Online fashion and lifestyle store Myntra has hired 5,000 employees across its supply chain and customer care departments for its 12th edition of 'End of Reason Sale' that started on June 19. The sale will end on June 22. This will be the first time Myntra's employees will work from home during a sale. The entire EORS event has been managed digitally by employees connecting with each other through live video conferencing. During the End of Reason Sale, shoppers from across the country will have access to over 7 lakh options from 3,000 plus brands. Myntra expects about 30 lakh people to shop on its platform during the sale. Myntra CEO Amar Nagaram said categories like fashion essentials, women's ethnic wear, kidswear, active and sportswear, and beauty and personal care have seen strong growth in the 'Unlock 1.0' phase, and are also expected to drive sales during EORS. "Our teams are geared to handle 20,000 orders per minute during peak, and over 7.5 lakh concurrent users at peak...we are expecting 3 million people to shop during the 12th edition of the EORS," Nagaram said. Also, 15,000 kirana partners will cater to 75 per cent of the overall deliveries spanning about 300 cities, the CEO added. Over 3,500 Indian handloom products from more than 400 brands are being offered on the platforma, giving impetus to SMEs, Nagaram said. Besides, the fashion e-tailer has also introduced "recharge leave", that is two days off for all employees after wrapping up the sale. In the previous edition of the sale, Myntra had seen 2.85 million customers placing 4.2 million orders for 9.6 million items. Also read: Mukesh Ambani fulfils promise to shareholders as RIL becomes net-debt free months before target Also read: India-China border clash: PM Modi calls all-party meet; Sonia Gandhi, Uddhav Thackeray to attend A friend of Christian Brueckner was convicted of sexual assault on an eight-year-old girl years after Brueckner ran a kiosk business in the same building where the assault took place. Brueckner, the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeline McCann, operated the kiosk between 2012 and 2014 while the man known as 'Robert M', aged around 15 at the time, lived in the same building and attended a nearby school. Now, as more information emerges about Brueckner - a link between the two cases has been drawn by German newspaper Bild, who have reported that the pair knew each other well while Brueckner ran the kiosk, and the then-teenager could have been influenced by Brueckner. According to one neighbour: 'The boy was often with Christian downstairs, and could even write to him whenever he had no money. They liked each other,' one neighbour told the German newspaper.' Pictured: The interior of the building where Christian Brueckner used to run a kiosk, and where 'Robert M', someone Brueckner used to know before leaving the area, abused an eight-year-old girl in the attic. Robert M was convicted in 2019 Pictured: A handout picture taken in 2018 and released by Italian Carabinieri on June 5, 2020 shows Christian Brueckner, when he was arrested for drug trafficking in Italy. It is believed that Brueckner knew 'Robert M', a 20-year-old who was convicted of sexual abuse of an eight-year-old girl in 2019, when Brueckner ran a kiosk in Braunschweig between 2012 and 2014 In February 2019, Robert M accosted an eight-year-old girl, as she returned home from school in the north-central city of Braunschweig (Brunswick). Bild reports that he was waiting outside the apartment door, and when she arrived he spoke to her. Robert M, 20, was known to her as he lived in a neighboring house, and he was able to lure her into the back yard before forcing her to go to the attic of the apartment building. After the abuse, Jessica was able to free herself and managed to get home, and the man was later arrested and brought before a judge the following day. In December, Robert M was sentenced to two years in prison by the Braunschweig Regional Court for serious sexual abuse. Year earlier, between 2012 and 2014, Brueckner ran a small store in Braunschweig, and operated the store from the same building in which the incident with Robert M took place some five years later. Brueckner ran a small store (pictured) selling drinks and snacks in the northern German town of Braunschweig between 2012 and 2014 'Robrt M' lived in the apartment above the Kiosk with his parents, and was convicted in 2019 of child sexual abuse after he lured an eight-year-old girl into the attic of the building While working there, he would shower youngsters with toys and teddy bears as they walked to a school barely 100 yards from the kiosk. It has since been revealed that Brueckner knew Robert M well during his time operating the kiosk. At the time, the then-15-year-old lived with his parents in the apartment above the shop, according to Bild. 'The boy was often with Christian downstairs, and could even write to him whenever he had no money. They liked each other,' one neighbour told the German newspaper. Neighbour Brigitte Szegedi, 56, said that Brueckner was friendly towards all the children in the neighbourhood, often handing out free gifts. Because of this, his shop reportedly became a popular spot for children to meet, and one of the regulars was Robert M, who often came to visit Brueckner after school. Brueckner (right) is the key suspect in the disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine (left) from Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007 and is currently languishing in a German prison in Kiel on a drug-related sentence Peter Erdmann, 64, who worked at the Grundschule Hohsteig, a primary school for around 300 children, said: The kids would come to school holding ponies and teddy bears. I used to ask them where they got them from, and they used to tell me, Christian at the kiosk gave it to us. He used to give the kids the presents when they walked past the kiosk in the morning. Mr Erdmann, who worked at the school between 1999 and 2016, added: At the time, I did not think anything of it. I used to go and see Christian in the kiosk, and he always came across as friendly. I even asked him if he gave gifts to the kids, and he told me he had a little box full in the kiosk. It turns my stomach now to think of his intentions and I wish I had raised what was going on with my bosses at the time.' Lenta Johlitz, 34, worked for him at the corner shop and told German newspaper Bild: Once he totally lost it when we sat together with friends and had a conversation about the Maddie case. 'He wanted us to stop talking about it. He shouted, The child is dead now and thats it. Detectives believe Brueckner, the latest main suspect in the McCann case, was living out of a German campervan in 2007 Peter Erdmann, 64, (pictured) who worked at the Grundschule Hohsteig, a primary school for around 300 children, said: The kids would come to school holding ponies and teddy bears. I used to ask them where they got them from, and they used to tell me, Christian at the kiosk gave it to us.' At the same time, Brueckner was speaking to like-minded people on the internet about his twisted fantasies, with German news outlet Der Speigel reporting that he wanted to 'capture something small and use it for days.' When the person he was speaking to objected, he said 'Oh, if the evidence is destroyed afterwards.' German newspaper Bild speculated that Brueckner could have spoken to Robert M about his fantasies at the time, and that there could be a link between the pair's crimes. In 2014, Brueckner gave up his shop, and by 2015, there were several accusations against him. During this time he lived in a tent in Braunschweig, or in a campervan, but was reportedly seen by neighbours at his former shop. According to Bild, public prosecutes have denied to say whether there is a connection between the two cases, but the newspaper has speculated that given their relationship, it's possible Brueckner influenced Robert M that ultimately led to his abuse of Jessica. Madeleine McCann prime suspect was 'twisted loner' at school, former classmate reveals - as police hunting 'knockout' clue put him on watch hoping he confesses to cellmate Madeleine McCann's suspected murderer Christian Brueckner was a twisted loner who was hated by the other children at school, a former classmate has revealed. The ex-classmate, who wants to remain anonymous, said Brueckner would spend his days annoying the other pupils and getting into fights. He added that Brueckner was even hated by the teachers and he 'knew he'd turn out bad'. It comes as German police are thought to have put sex offender Brueckner, now 43, under surveillance in prison in the hope that he lets slip a 'knockout' clue to his cellmate. Now, an ex-classmate has revealed how Brueckner was deeply unpopular at school, winding up and annoying his fellow pupils and even goading teachers before laughing in their faces. The former pupil said: 'I've only ever had one fight in my life and that was with Christian Brueckner. 'He spent a year talking about me behind my back. He would not stop making nasty comments. 'One day I exploded and told him to go back to the orphanage where he had come from. 'We all knew he was adopted, so I shouldn't have said that but I lost my temper with him. 'He jumped on me and we traded punches until a teacher pulled us apart. Everyone hated him in class and they all kept their distance. 'But it wasn't just the children it was the teachers as well.' The former classmate, who is in his 40's, said he knew Brueckner would end up a criminal but never guessed he would become involved in Madeleine McCann's disappearance. He added: 'I always knew he would turn out bad but it is unbelievable to think he might he involved.' Advertisement Brueckner moved from Germany to Praia da Luz in 1995 after serving part of a two-year sentence for molesting a six-year-old girl in Wurzburg. At the time of Madeleine's vanishing he was living in the area about a 10-minute drive away. British detectives believe Brueckner was living out of a battered VW T3 Westerfalia campervan in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz at the time of Madeleines disappearance in 2007. Former neighbours said he often slept in his van, which had a distinctive white upper body and yellow skirting. A witness has claimed to have spotted Madeleine getting into a German-owned VW van with a man just weeks after her disappearance, it was revealed on June 7. A police file details how the witness saw Madeleine emerging from a restaurant in the Spanish seaside town of Alcossebre before climbing into the van with an unidentified man. According to the witness, Madeleine was seen at 11am on May 28, 2007 three weeks after she vanished coming out of popular local restaurant Tunnels in Alcossebre, some 600 miles from Praia da Luz. At the time, Leicestershire Police Detective Constable John Hughes issued an international Interpol alert with a risk to life missing person warning demanding that Spanish and German police investigate. He urged Spanish police to check the location for CCTV and witnesses and asked for the German vehicle keeper details. It is unclear what checks were made. The police report, issued as part of Operation Task, says: A caller has reported a possible sighting of Madeleine McCann, 11am, 28th May 2007. Location given as a restaurant called Tunnels, in an old castle at an area called Cap Y Corp, Alcossebre, Spain. She was seen to leave with a man in a Volkswagen van. We request the Spanish police check the location for any CCTV or witnesses. We request German vehicle details. Can the vehicle be circulated for a stop and check to be carried out if seen. German police said there were indications that he could have used either the van or a Jaguar model XJR 6 with a German number plate to commit the crime and appealed for help tracking where they were parked. Detectives say that the day after Madeleines disappearance, Brueckner re-registered the Jaguar in the name of Alexander Bischof, who lives in Augsburg, Germany, despite the vehicle never having left Portugal. It also emerged that Brueckner sold the VW van for 5,000 in 2015 to a German compatriot running an unofficial scrapyard in the Silves area of the Algarve. Portuguese police officers seized the vehicle in 2019. The owner of the yard said: The police said they needed the van as part of the investigation. It was all very sudden there had been nothing on the TV or in the papers about the case at that time. Im not sure Id ever get it back, but if it turns out Christian had something to do with Madeleines disappearance, then I dont want it back. It wouldnt be right. Scotland Yard said Brueckners Volkswagen van had a Portuguese registration plate. It is not known whether he changed the registration plate at any time. As part of the appeal for information, the Met Police said in a statement that the suspect had access to this van from at least April 2007 until sometime after May 2007. It added: We believe he was living in this van for days, possibly weeks, and may have been using it on 3 May 2007. Following his naming by German police, he has been linked to the disappearances of six-year-old boy Rene Hasse in the Algarve, 1996, and five-year-old girl Igna Gehnricke in Germany, 2015. In 2005, two years prior to the infant's disappearance, he raped a 72-year-old American woman on a waterfront villa less than a mile from the Ocean Club hotel where Madeleine went missing. Concrete pipe manufacturing company Indian Hume Pipe on Friday said it has bagged an order worth Rs 234.91 crore from the Uttar Pradesh government. In a regulatory filing the manufacturer of hume pipes and allied products said that the company has received the Letter of Award from the State Water & Sanitation Mission, Namami Gange & Rural Water Supply Department, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh for the said order. Under the project, the company will provide water supply scheme to groups of villages in Kuraicha, District - Jhansi and relevant works including commissioning, operation and maintenance for 10 years, the filing added. The project is to be completed within two years. Shares of Indian Hume Pipe were trading at Rs 162 a piece, up 4.65 percent in morning trade on BSE. By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 18, 2020 | 09:30 PM | PADUCAH The Council for Advancement and Support of Education has announced that West Kentucky Community and Technical College is among more than 100 U.S. educational institutions to be recognized with a 2020 Educational Fundraising Award. KCTC's award was listed in the Public Two-Year Institutions category. The Educational Fundraising Awards take place annually, and recognize the best development programs based on a blind, independent review of data that has been submitted to the CASE Voluntary Support of Education (VSE) survey by CASE members. Additionally, WKCTC received the Overall Improvement Award, which recognizes schools that demonstrate significant program growth across three years of data. Winners were not selected exclusively based on the total amount of funds raised. Two committees of experienced fundraisers take the time to review hundreds of pages of data. A lot goes into that consideration, including the following: patterns of growth in total support; evaluation of what contributed to the total support figure; overall breadth of fundraising; patterns of growth in gifts from sources including alumni, other individuals, corporations, and foundations; impact of the 12 largest gifts on total support; giving to areas such as current operations, endowment, and property/buildings; amount raised per student; amount raised relative to expenditures; alumni participation. "I am very pleased that WKCTC continues to receive these national recognitions. The CASE award reflects the leadership of Lee Emmons and the advancement team and the support of the PJC foundation," said WKCTC President Anton Reece. "Advancement resources are critical to supporting the depth and breadth of the teaching and learning mission of the college." Lee Emmons, WKCTC's Vice President of institutional advancement, shared the following reasons for WKCTC's success: highly qualified team members who strive for excellence and work toward continuous quality improvement; the college's foundation board of trustees made up of avid supporters who provide valuable guidance; a supportive president, faculty and staff who embrace philanthropy and believe in our fundraising mission; and continuous internal review of processes and duties with a willingness to make changes as needed to ensure best practice standards are met. You can find additional information, and see a full list of 2020 winners at the link below. West Kentucky Community and Technical College has received a national fundraising award. On the Net: The World Health Organization (WHO) said more than 150,000 cases of COVID-19 were reported on Thursday - the highest daily increase since the pandemic began. (Reuters) The coronavirus pandemic is accelerating after a record number of infections were recorded in just one day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned. The global health body said more than 150,000 cases of COVID-19 were reported on Thursday - the highest since the pandemic began. In a media briefing on Friday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said nearly half of the newly reported cases were in the Americas, with significant numbers also in south Asia and the Middle East. Tedros told a virtual press briefing: The pandemic is accelerating. "The world is in a new and dangerous phase ... the virus is still spreading fast, it is still deadly, and most people are still susceptible. Many people are understandably fed up with being at home (and) countries are understandably eager to open up their societies. But Tedros noted how measures such as social distancing, mask wearing and hand-washing are still critical. He said the toll would be especially great on refugees in particular, of whom more than 80% live in mostly developing nations. He added: We have a shared duty to everything we can to prevent, detect and respond to the transmission of COVID-19 detected among refugees in hospitals. The situation appears to be worsening in some US states. (AP) It comes after a new Reuters tally showed more than 8.53 million people have been infected by coronavirus globally, with the worldwide death toll now at 453,834. The US has the worst outbreak in the world, with 2.1 million Americans infected and at least 118,435 who have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. On Thursday, California, North Carolina and a string of US cities mandated or urged mandatory mask use to get a grip on spiraling coronavirus cases as at least six states set daily records. A month after many governors reopened their economies, a growing number are adopting U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance that masks are essential to prevent community spread. Between them, Florida and California posted more than 7,000 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, with Oklahoma reporting its second day of record coronavirus cases. Story continues The increased concerns came amid suggestions from Donald Trump in an explosive interview with the Wall Street Journal that China may have intentionally spread the virus, though he added he thought it was unlikely. In south Asia, according to the Xinhua news agency, the total number of fatalities in Pakistan reached 3,093 on Thursday, as the number of positive cases reached 160,118. In India, 334 new deaths and 12,881 positive cases were reported during the past 24 hours, taking the death toll to 12,237 and new cases of infection to 366,946. The R number refers to how many people a person with coronavirus infects on average. (PA Images) Bangladesh reported 3,803 new cases, taking the total cases to 102,292, with 1,343 deaths. Meanwhile in the UK, the R rate has remained between 0.7 and 0.9 for the nation as a whole, the government has confirmed. The R range is higher in some regions, with London seeing a rate of between 0.7 and 1, and between 0.8 and 1 in the Midlands. 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 - Rapper Sarkodie and his family have finally arrived in Ghana - Their arrival follows months of them staying abroad because of the closure of Ghana's borders -Photos show the couple came with a new baby Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Ghana Award-winning rapper Sarkodie, known in private life as Michael Owusu Addo, and his family have finally arrived in Ghana after months of staying abroad. As it has been widely reported, Sarkodie, his wife, Tracy Sarkcess, and daughter, Titi Sarkcess, have stayed abroad for about four months now. The family had travelled to London earlier in the year but their stay got extended after they got caught up in lockdown and the closure of Ghana's borders. But the family has finally arrived in Ghana and has already been checked into quarantine mandatory. Photos of their arrival which has popped up on social media shows Sarkodie, Tracy and Titi dressed in black and wearing nose masks. Beside them was a man dressed in full PPE gear. From the photos, it looks like Sarkodie and his family were being checked into a bus to be taken away to begin their 14-day quarantine. Interestingly, Sarkodie's was seen carrying a newborn baby rekindling earlier rumours that the couple had given birth to a baby boy. Photo credit: Instagram/Famebugs Source: Original Meanwhile, Sarkodie has dropped a new song barely 24 hours after she and his family touched down in Ghana. The song which features Manifest is titled Brown Paper Bag. Ghanaian female accounting graduate and mushroom farmer recounts her experience | #Yencomgh: Have national and human interest issues to discuss? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page Source: YEN.com.gh WASHINGTON -- Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate Friday would make Juneteenth a national holiday, according to NBC News. Celebrated yearly, Juneteenth marks the anniversary of a federal order to free all slaves in Texas, which was announced on June 19, 1865, two years after slavery was abolished in the U.S.. Juneteenth began as a holiday in Texas in 1980 and today is recognized in 47 states and the District of Columbia as either a state holiday or a day of observance. The bill was introduced by Sens. Ed Markey, D-Mass., Booker, Tina Smith, D-Minn., and Kamala Harris, D-Calif, while it is co-sponsored by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. The Hill reports Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Texas is introducing the same bill in the House of Representatives. Juneteenth is about reclaiming our history, rejoicing in the progress weve made, and recommitting to the work yet undone, said Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., in a press release. Our nation still has a long way to go to reckon with and overcome the dark legacy of slavery and the violence and injustice that has persisted after its end, Earlier this week, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a proclamation for the state, observing it as a state holiday. Michigan has observed Juneteenth since 2005. Celebrations are planned across the state Friday, including in Flint. BY Anton Andrew Times Guest Columnist Friday, June 19, marks the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, the belated (by more than two years) commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. It would be another 100 years before the right to vote of those slaves and their descendants would be protected by law. Belatedly it seems, our nation does progress toward racial equality, yet we still have a long way to go before we attain equality and justice for all. The senseless killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer has sparked demonstrations calling for racial justice that stretch from right here to across the nation and globe. However, the real roots of these protests lie in a long history of systemic racism and discrimination that are an undeniable part of our society. Supporting racial justice is not a partisan issue. More Americans than ever want a racially just society. In 2015, barely half of all Americans thought racial discrimination was a big problem. Today, more than three quarters of us recognize the challenge we face. Regrettably, leadership in Washington is dividing our communities at precisely the time when we should be coming together to achieve our common goal of a more equal and just society. As a black man and the son of immigrants, I have personally experienced racism and race-based police harassment. It was one of the reasons I chose to become a public defender. On the other hand, I have had countless personal and professional interactions with police officers, the vast majority of whom were public servants trying to do good. The job of being a police officer is difficult, especially in a society as heavily armed as ours. Its even harder when police are asked to do things they arent well-trained or equipped to do, such as de-escalate mental health crises, respond to those suffering from the disease of addiction, and provide security in schools. We cannot and should not rely on the police to solve all of societys problems, nor can we make them scapegoats for our societal failures. We must relieve police of the overwhelming responsibilities we have placed on their shoulders and appropriately re-distribute those duties and the financial resources that go with them. We have to define the role of our police departments more narrowly, and then hold our officers to the highest standards, which includes simplifying the process to prosecute police officers for gross misconduct when it occurs. These common-sense reforms are a huge step in the right direction, but they will not fix systemic racism. In order to fix systemic racism, we have to fix the system itself. Racism has become a systemic problem because of the countless ways in which discrimination and inequality have been subtly written into policies that cover a wide-range of issues that are seemingly unrelated to race. Fully and fairly funding our schools, creating jobs that pay a living wage, dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline, and providing access to affordable, high-quality healthcare are all fundamental to addressing systemic racism. Economically disadvantaged communities are overwhelmingly communities of color, but making investments that will enable them to lift themselves up will also benefit all communities throughout Pennsylvania. We are all in this together and we must support public policies that recognize that fact. Achieving a more just and equal society means making many changes. Making those changes will require elected leaders with the political courage to stand up for our shared values. The path ahead is difficult, but I believe we can achieve our common goal if we walk that path together. Anton Andrew of Kennett Township is the Democratic candidate in the 160th state Legislative District. This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. 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 A new virtual reality headset designed for mobility will serve as an entry point into a new virtual world, its maker announced Tuesday. The US$599 Mova headset from XRSpace, founded by former HTC chief Peter Chou, will support 5G and be the exclusive on-ramp to Manova, a social reality platform that aims to defy the boundaries of space and time to bring people together. Users can roam Manova as full-body avatars with a users personal features to socialize, work and play in a number of public and private spaces, according to XRSpace. The battery-powered Mova headset is built around the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor. The unit comes in two colors, white and orange. It is 20 percent lighter than any other VR headset on the market, XRSpace claims. It pairs a set of optical sensors with proprietary scanning technology that allows hand gestures to control objects and navigate virtual worlds. Gestures are getting better and are a more natural way to control the headset, said Kevin Krewell, principal analyst at Tirias Research, a high-tech research and advisory firm based in Phoenix, Arizona. XRSpace touts the absence of wires and controllers in its promotional material for Mova, but its likely that controllers will be introduced later to provide the more accurate control needed for some games and detailed work, he told TechNewsWorld. Mova also has space scanning applications for creating real world physical locations inside the device. Our mission is to bring people together through the power of 5G XR, surpassing the limited experience of smartphones today, Chou said. The singular goal of XRSpace is to take XR to the masses by redefining how people connect, socialize, and collaborate by simplifying the hardware and user experience. Not Priced for Masses There are some doubters about XRSpace taking virtual and augmented reality to the masses, considering the Movas $599 price tag. A D V E R T I S E M E N T VR is already a niche market, said Tuong Nguyen, senior principal analyst atGartner, a research and advisory company based in Stamford, Connecticut. Six hundred dollars will limit the headset to niche adopters, so XRSpace is going for a niche within a niche, he told TechNewsWorld. I dont expect it to get much traction. VR is having a moment right now, as people look for new experiences due to the isolation wrought by the pandemic over the past few months, observed Ross Rubin, principal analyst at Reticle Research, a consumer technology advisory firm in New York City. However, that moment could be fleeting. In general, it hasnt reached the mainstream, Rubin told TechNewsWorld. Part of that is due to price, so this is not going to be a democratizing headset. Big Gamble Introducing an expensive VR headset at this time could be risky business for XRSpace. I think it is a big gamble. The trend is toward relatively less expensive headsets to hit more mainstream adoption price points, Krewell said. Its a huge gamble to go with a new hardware release, maintained J. P. Gownder, principal analyst at Forrester Research, a market research company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Although the founder has a background in hardware at HTC, VR is a terribly tricky and disappointing market for consumers, he told TechNewsWorld. Oculus and HTC Vive have spent years honing their offerings and, as importantly, their relationships with developers. Developers can make or break headset sales, Tirias Krewell noted. XRSpace has to face off with more established VR competitors who already have a pretty good library of content, he said. As weve seen with the launch of Half Life: Alyx, good content can drive more headset sales. Made With Mobility in Mind The addition of 5G to Movas repertoire may be a mixed bag for the device. 5G eventually will be a boon for virtual reality because it will deliver high bandwidth and massive collaborative experiences with low latency, Gartners Nguyen noted. If you look at where we are in 5G, were barely getting started. Including 5G is reasonable, but how many people who buy the headset are going to be able to use 5G? he wondered. Its hard to judge how 5G will appeal to consumers, said Krewell. 5G is just rolling out, but its important to the sales channels of the wireless carriers. The Mova headset may well be sold bundled with a 5G data plan subsidy. The Mova clearly is designed with mobility in mind, observed David MacQueen, executive director for the global wireless practice at Strategy Analytics, a research, advisory and analytics firm based in Newton, Massachusetts. The inclusion of 5G and using gesture control as the default means you dont have to carry controllers around, he told TechNewsWorld. AR, VR Convergence Its unusual that Mova was launched with a single, consumer-focused application, suggested MacQueen. The use-cases for VR which require mobility tend not to be consumer, and are more in the prosumer and enterprise areas, for uses such as drone control, he explained. There is an opportunity for the headset with mobile carriers, MacQueen noted. Many carriers are looking to VR to demonstrate the benefits of 5G, and as one of the first headsets to feature VR connectivity, Mova could see some traction amongst carriers. How the carriers position the device likely will depend on their local markets, he explained. In China, where home PC and console ownership is very low, and carriers often have well-developed consumer content plays, a standalone device with built-in connectivity may fare well. In North America and Western Europe, it might struggle as a consumer device. The price point of the headset is high, MacQueen acknowledged, but the component cost must be relatively high, too. The 5G connectivity module is likely to be the main driver of the high price relative to the competition right now. Many VR headsets will have 5G in the future, Rubin said. It makes sense for augmented reality because that experience can take place anywhere, he pointed out. For virtual reality, because its a more immersive experience that tends to take place in the confines of a room, 5G may not be as critical, Rubin said. Its widely accepted by companies on both VR and AR sides of this technology that the two will converge, he continued.Today we think of VR as this thing where you have blinders on, and youre creating a world unto itself, whereas augmented reality takes place in the real world with overlays of digital objects. In the future, there will be more of a spectrum of experiences. AN initial report on the police use of tear gas against a group of protesters on Sunday has been completed. The report, compiled by officers involved, is expected to be reviewed and recommendations made on if any protocols were breached by the officers engaged in the activities at the Queens Park Savannah in Port of Spain. WAIMEA, Hawaii, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Trustees of Parker Ranch Foundation Trust are pleased to announce that the Trust will be increasing its annual distribution by nearly 50% in 2020, as compared to 2019, to $3.6 million. This decision was based on a multi-year effort by the Trustees, with assistance from the management team and input from the Beneficiaries, in reformulating the methodology for determining the distribution formula and the annual payout to the four charitable organizations which receive these funds. According to the Chair of the Trustees, Tim Johns, "This has been a coordinated project across the entire organization and incorporating strategic thinking from our leadership and external advisers, including Northern Trust and Callan. This distribution is meaningful for two other important reasons. First, the significant increase comes at a time that our local economy needs support. Our Beneficiaries are charitable organizations focused on health care and education, parts of our economy under severe strain given the broad impact of COVID-19. Second, this distribution brings the cumulative total distributions to slightly more than $40 million since the creation of the Trust in the early 1990s. Hopefully, Richard Smart would be pleased with our efforts to support our Beneficiaries, if he were alive today to see its positive contribution to our community." The Beneficiaries shared the following statement: "We are collectively very grateful for the gracious gift by Richard Smart which provides ongoing support to the four Beneficiaries of the Trust. This support is especially important in the challenging times we all face today. The effort to modify the distribution policy was thorough and substantive. We greatly appreciate the contributions of the Trustees and the management team in adopting this new approach to setting distributions." Dutch Kuyper, President and CEO of Parker Ranch, Inc., also commented on the decision to increase the distribution. "Our management team has been working hard supporting the Trust in developing an integrated view of our investment portfolio, real assets and various operating business, including the ranching operation. We worked in close collaboration with our investment advisers to evaluate various distribution policies studying a variety of approaches including the models adopted by Yale and Princeton. We believe our new approach can withstand the test of time in a variety of market conditions while ensuring the purchasing power of the distribution is maintained." About Parker Ranch Parker Ranch is one of the largest and oldest cattle ranches in the United States. Parker Ranch Inc. is owned by Parker Ranch Foundation Trust whose beneficiaries are four non-profits: Queen's North Hawai'i Community Hospital, Hawai'i Preparatory Academy, Parker School and Hawai'i Community Foundation. To learn more, please visit www.parkerranch.com or www.prft.org SOURCE Parker Ranch Related Links http://www.prft.org/ The All Progressives Congress (APC) is contesting a court order permitting its deputy national secretary, Victor Giadom, to act as the national chairman for another 14 days. An FCT High Court on Thursday extended an order earlier permitting Mr Giadom to take over the role of National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, whose suspension was reaffirmed by an Appeal Court on Tuesday. Hinging on a court order, Mr Giadom contested the partys announcement of the former Oyo governor, Abiola Ajimobi, as the interim chairman, and declared himself the legitimate acting national chairman of the APC on Wednesday. He immediately called for the Edo governorship primary screening to be redone, a process earlier conducted under Mr Oshiomhole which had disqualified the incumbent governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, from gunning for a second term. Mr Obaseki has been having a running political war with his predecessor, Mr Oshiomhole, and believes he was denied the partys ticket because of this conflict. He has since moved to the opposition party, the PDP. Meanwhile, Mr Giadoms declaration was later dismissed by 15 out of the 21 members of the APCs National Working Committee (NWC). They renounced the deputy national secretary as a non-member of the body. In another twist to the ongoing crisis in the party, on Thursday, an FCT High Court granted Mr Giadom a two-week extension of the courts March 16 interim order. Still no vacancy In a statement issued Friday evening by the partys spokesperson, Lanre Issa-Onilu, the ruling party said there were existing orders from superior courts that neutralised the judgement Mr Giadom is hinging his claim on. He said the order, which was granted on March 16, was to fill the vacant office of the National Chairman ahead of a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which turned out to have been convened in contravention of the APC Constitution. He argued that, the Federal High Court had on March 13, 2020, in the case of HON. TUNDE BALOGUN V ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (SUIT NO. FHC/L/CS/414/2020 affirmed the appointment of Sen. Abiola Ajimobi as Acting Deputy National Chairman (South) by the APC National Working Committee (NWC). Quoting a section of the judgement, Mr Lanre added that there was an interim injunction restraining the defendant or anyone from refusing to recognise Mr Ajimobi alongside two others appointed to the vacant seats in March. READ ALSO: The court of appeal is of course a higher court in the hierarchy of courts and without prejudice to Sen. Ajimobis role as acting national chairman, by its decision and the operation of law, there was indeed no vacancy to fill necessitating the said order. It will interest the public to note that it is the same Exparte Order of March 16, 2020 granted in the face of the pending orders of both the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal that is being alleged by Victor Giadom to be extended by the FCT High Court, he said. On the basis of the above analysis, we wish to restate that none of the defendants in the alleged suit where the said Exparte Order was obtained has been served with any process of court, he explained. This includes copies of the order itself as well as that alleged extension of same order yesterday, June 18, 2020 which has been circulating on social media. Perhaps, the orders are intended for use only on social media. By Azernews By Akbar Mammadov Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have discussed the situation in the Russian-Azerbaijani border, the presidential website reported on June 18. During the telephone conversation, the presidents exchanged views on the current situation at the border of the two states and agreed to give additional instructions to the relevant government agencies to resolve the situation. Regarding that, President Aliyev said that since his telephone conversation with the Russian President on May 18 this year, about 700 Azerbaijani citizens have been repatriated from Russia through the Samur checkpoint, and about 1,000 Azerbaijani citizens by land and air within a month. The Azerbaijani president also informed Putin that his pre-planned participation in the military parade in Moscow dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Victory was not possible in connection with the extension of quarantine measures in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan will be represented in the parade by the Defense Minister and 75 military servicemen of the Azerbaijani Army. On June 16, Azerbaijan repatriated 155 citizens stranded on the border with the Dagestan Republic of the Russian Federation due to the lockdown over COVID-19. It should be noted the problem related to the citizens of Azerbaijan stranded on the borders were discussed between the presidents of the two countries on May 18, who agreed on step-by-step repatriation of citizens across the border. Under the agreement, every 15 days, the embassies prepare lists of citizens wishing to return. According to the weekly schedule, 120 people crossed Samur checkpoint on May 19, 131 people on May 26, 122 people on June 2 and 130 people on June 9. Presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev said on June 16 that Azerbaijan has repatriated 2,976 citizens from Russia. Azerbaijani citizens stranded on the border are staying in temporary tents set up in Dagestan. Azerbaijan closed its borders with Russia over COVID-19 on March 18. The federal government says it has released N4.5 billion to 31 federal teaching and medical centres across the country days after resident doctors began an indefinite strike. Labour and employment minister, Chris Ngige, said Friday that the payment covers hazard and inducement allowances for April and May. He said the government expected the doctors to suspend the industrial action soon. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, made this disclosure while briefing State House Correspondents, in the company of the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, after they met President Muhammadu Buhari, on the strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). The doctors had on Sunday instructed its members to stop work over shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and poor remuneration for members as they battle the raging coronavirus pandemic. Just this morning, before we went to see Mr President, the Ministry of Finance reported that as at this morning, 3 am, they have paid the allowances for hazard and inducement to 31 teaching and Federal Medical Centres and specialist hospitals of the federal government service and they have expended close to N4.5 billion in the payment because we are paying them the arrears of April and May. The payment for June will also be done immediately these ones are sorted out, Mr Ngige said. He said there was an arrangement for a meeting between the doctors and the Nigerian Governors Forum. The issue of health is on the concurrent list, so the federal government will do its own and the state government will be expected to do their own. Some of their grievances border on what they feel the state governments have not done, he said. Mr Ehanire, the health minister, said: We hope that there is a solution in sight; what we have done is to brief the president of the country, who as we all know has the final responsibility for everything that goes on in government. Those of us who are ministers administer our ministries and have to report to him periodically. In this particular case, it has been important to report to him how things have been because of the strike action of resident doctors. We have to report to him the implications and the possible consequences of such a strike action. He listened to us carefully, of course, he is not happy that it has come this way and we all hope that it would be resolved after all the demands that were made have been resolved. The Minister of Labour have listed those demands and how all of them have been fulfilled except those of them which are not within our ambit. OTTAWAThe four candidates vying for the Conservative leadership spent most of Thursday night studiously ignoring each other. On a Toronto stage for the second and final debate of the partys leadership contest, Peter MacKay, Erin OToole, Leslyn Lewis and Derek Sloan were in violent agreement on the need to maintain party unity and expand beyond their traditional base. Unlike Wednesdays nights testy French-language debate, the four candidates barely engaged with each other, instead sticking to their scripts, talking past, rather than over, each other. We need to get the party together to keep the country together; its that serious, said MacKay, the presumed frontrunner in the race. Its unlikely the debate, watched by roughly 6,500 people on the partys YouTube feed, will have a decisive impact on who will ultimately replace Andrew Scheer as the partys third permanent leader. But it did expose some key aspects of what the candidates think it will take to win. OToole said a credible plan on the environment will be necessary for the Conservatives to win over suburban voters. Acknowledging attacks from the MacKay campaign that his proposals would be worse than the Liberals carbon tax, a political third rail for the Conservatives base, OToole fought back. I will make sure we grow our movement to win, that is what is key. And part of it is having a platform that takes the environment seriously, that shows we can balance building pipelines while respecting programs our provincial partners are doing on the environment, OToole said. Lewis agreed that the Conservatives need to focus on their environmental pitch. But the party must also reach into those who have left the fold, moving to the Peoples Party, or the Green Party, and make inroads in urban centres, Lewis said. I feel that we need to broaden our supporter base, looking to the urban centres. Making sure that we can reach out to new immigrants, we can reach out to people of colour, and we can bring them into the party. Im the person who can do that, Lewis said. Sloan, a rookie MP from Ontario courting a more hardline social conservative demographic, said the party cannot focus only on the economy; it needs Conservative answers to issues from housing, to poverty, to drug addiction. The Conservative party has to be known to the party that has answers to every question facing Canadians, Sloan said. The Conservatives leadership race has existed in kind of a parallel reality since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Canadians stayed tuned in to near-daily statements from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and provincial leaders such as Doug Ford, partisan politics, especially internal Conservative partisan politics, have largely been put on the back burner. Next to the life-and-death stakes of a global health crisis, choosing Andrew Scheers successor hasnt garnered the level of attention it could have in normal circumstances. Even Conservative stalwarts and former senior operatives have privately expressed ambivalence about the race, despite the partys dominance in federal politics for almost a decade leading up to the 2015 election. Thursday nights debate, along with the French-language version the night before, is likely the only time the four candidates will share a stage during the race before the mail-in ballots decide the outcome on August 21. What party members got out of these debates is probably what they were expecting. MacKay, seemingly comfortable in his frontrunner role, trying to stay above the fray. OToole, the underdog still hoping for an upset, trying to poke holes in MacKays arguments and public career. Social conservative candidates Lewis and Sloan, virtually unknown before the race began, were a tier to themselves. Few believe they have a chance at the top spot, even with dedicated organizing and support from socon camps. With Parliament winding down and Canadians trying to navigate a summer under lockdown, the leadership campaigns are expected to focus on preaching to the converted, the partys base, and motivating those new members they signed up to mail their ballots in. The partys next leader will be chosen on August 21, or whenever those ballots can be safely tallied under pandemic conditions. Read more about: I think that Juneteenth is a necessary moment of observation because our government and, to a certain degree, our nation and our culture has not really acknowledged the trauma of 4 million enslaved people and their descendants. It hasn't acknowledged the impact this institution has had on this country and continues to have on this country. There hasn't been a national accounting, and I think the Juneteenth holiday is kind of a reminder of that. And it will continue to be a reminder and a haunting until we do. It's necessary, but it isn't sufficient in terms of what we need to when it comes to acknowledging this history. Former "Friends" star Jennifer Aniston was reportedly fuming after her ex-husband and rumored on-again lover Brad Pitt has put his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie, his top priority. In a report by Closer UK, it was reported that the "Ad Astra" actor arranged to help Aniston with her plans to adopt a baby after they have reunited at the SAG Awards last January. Following that, however, Pitt has reportedly decided to make amends with Jolie because of their children. Because of what happened, the "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" actor bailed on Aniston since his priority remains to be his children with his former co-actor at the same film. Before Shiloh's 14th birthday, the "Maleficent" actress allegedly given Pitt permission to celebrate the special occasion as a family. "Things are finally on an even keel with Brad and Angelina after a messy split. Brad prioritized the kids and made such an effort for Shiloh's birthday," the source told Closer. "But the shift in Brad's behavior and his rekindled friendship with Angelina has left Jen feeling uneasy. She understands that the children come first, but she can't help wondering how this new dynamic might affect things between them." The source further claimed that Jennifer Aniston took years to rebuild the trust she had for Brad Pitt, and now, she feels like she has been put to the side again because of Angelina Jolie. "She's loved them reconnecting and had been hoping he could be a part of her life as she forges ahead with her adoption plans. But with Ange now back in the same mix, she fears it might not happen." The two ladies in Pitt's life is said to be competing once again, with the insider claiming that tensions have reached an all-time high. "There's no love lost between Jen and Ange, and it's no secret they'll never be friends because of the history between them," the source said. "Jen feels as though she and Brad were really getting somewhere, and now their friendship might be put on the back burner as he turns his focus to Ange and the kids." However, one should take this report with a grain of salt, as there is no confirmed report from reliable sources, nor have representatives from the star's camps have said that these stories are real. Brad Pitt Fathered Secret Children? Now To Love have recently reported that Brad Pitt has fathered two secret love children after a series of many hookups. They claimed that the actor had a love child after hooking up with a few British women while filming "Interview With the Vampire" in the UK. According to their insider, Brad Pitt panicked after learning that he got someone pregnant. But since it has been alleged that Pitt and Aniston are back together, one of his main concerns is telling the actress the news. Another unnamed insider claimed that Pitt fathered another child, but failed to provide details of their hookup. The story has been debunked by Gossip Cop recently. The claims came after rumors that Pitt has also knocked up an LA-based woman. READ MORE: Angelina Jolie Dated Jennifer Aniston Ex-Husband Justin Theroux to Spite Her The Supreme Court, in an important judgment on two test cases, has ruled that two refugees who became citizens here are entitled to seek enhanced family reunification rights under the Refugee Act 1996. The ruling is significant because a person with family reunification rights under the 1996 Act does not have to meet certain requirements for family reunification under the Immigration Act 2004 or the Non-EEA National Family Reunification Policy, which sets out financial and other eligibility criteria. The five judge court's unanimous judgment today allowed appeals by two women refugees who later became Irish citizens over the Court of Appeal's finding they were not entitled to seek enhanced rights under Section 18 of the 1996 Act. The 1996 Act has been replaced by the International Protection Act 2015, which latter has narrowed family reunification rights. The COA ruled in March 2019 neither woman was entitled to the enhanced rights under section 18 because, as a result of citizenship, they are no longer refugees. Overturning that decision today, Mr Justice John MacMenamim ruled the fact that the women, from Somalia and Uzbekistan, became Irish citizens did not deprive them of the right to apply for family reunification under section 18. The Minister's interpretation of section 18 and other sections of the Act was "not logical" and would require section 18 to be interpreted restrictively "when the indications are that the intention of the Oireachtas was, then, to be generous". It would also create substantial legislative uncertainty when the purpose of the 1996 Act was to achieve clarity, he said. Possible benefit to 50 others The Supreme Court's interpretation of section 18 may not just potentially work to the benefit of the two but may also benefit up to 50 others similarly situated, provided they are otherwise eligible to avail of section 18, he said. The judgment "may also set to rest concerns" about people who, as citizens, got family reunification here between 2010 and 2017, he added. During those years, Ministers for Justice operated on the basis of 2010 legal advice that refugees who became citizens could avail of section 18. In the women's appeals, the Minister argued that legal advice was incorrect. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, which made submissions in the appeals focussing on the right to family unity under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, welcomed the judgment, which came on the eve of World Refugee Day, as a "positive and progressive ruling for refugee rights in Ireland". Minister's 'stark' position: As Irish citizens living here, the appellants could no longer be called refugees In the judgment, Mr Justice MacMenamin noted the Somali woman, aged in her thirties, got refugee status in 2008. Before she became an Irish citizen in 2013, she got permission for her children, her mother and her wards to join her here. After re-establishing contact with her husband in late 2016, she sought family reunification in respect of him under the 1996 Act but was refused on grounds of her Irish citizenship. The second woman, aged in her forties, got refugee status here in 2009 and citizenship in 2012 but was refused family reunification rights under section 18 for her eldest daughter and two grandchildren due to her citizenship. Mr Justice MacMenamim said section 18 of the "innovative" 1996 Act, provides that a refugee, "in relation to whom a declaration [of refugee status]is in force", may apply for family reunification. The Minister's "stark" position was that, as Irish citizens living here, the appellants could no longer be characterised as refugees under section 2 of the Act because they were no longer outside "the country of their nationality", which country, the Minister argued, was Ireland. The Minister argued in order to apply for family reunification under section 18, the applicant must still be a refugee within the meaning of section 2. The Somalian woman had to flee Somalia, "the country of her nationality" to seek refugee status but the Minister's case was, on becoming an Irish citizen, her country of nationality became Ireland, he said. The logic of that is that the "refugee" purportedly unable to avail themselves of the protection of the country of their nationality and in fear of persecution "in and by this State" is nonetheless to be understood as seeking to bring family members into this same State. "That is not logical," he said. In addition to section 18, the 1996 Act conferred very considerable benefits, including to seek and enter employment, on those who got declarations of refugee status and this was also "telling" as a matter of interpretation. The Supreme Court judgment, the judge stressed, "says nothing" about what is contained in the 2015 Act on the questions raised in the appeal. FCA assembly workers arrive for an early morning shift re-opening last month at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in Warren, Michigan. / Reuters DETROIT Automakers are speeding up U.S. assembly lines to meet recovering demand, increasingly confident coronavirus safety protocols are working to prevent outbreaks in their plants but wary of the challenges workers face outside. Screening workers for COVID-19 using temperature scans and questionnaires, the automakers have detected some people who reported for work despite being sick. Some plants have been briefly shut down for disinfection, but so far, there has not been a major outbreak within a U.S. auto plant since most reopened May 18, company and United Auto Workers union officials said. The risk of an infection picked up outside a plant spreading along assembly lines remains a prime concern, however. An outbreak could shut down a factory costing a manufacturer millions of dollars a day. The disruption caused by the pandemic is creating other challenges as well. At Ford Motor Co's F-series pickup truck plant in Louisville, Kentucky, the company has given more than 1,000 workers leave related to COVID-19 concerns. It hired temporary workers to fill their jobs as the plant accelerates production of trucks critical to Ford's financial recovery. Demand for pickup trucks helped boost U.S. auto sales in May, and contributed to stronger than expected overall U.S. retail sales for the month. Officials of UAW Local 862, which represents workers at the Louisville plant, said a lack of child care was a significant issue for members. It had led many to stay away from the plant and collect increased unemployment benefits provided under the federal CARES coronavirus relief act. Ford has now begun arranging subsidized child care for UAW workers, Gary Johnson, the automaker's head of manufacturing told Reuters. "As we have rolled out this program in Kentucky and elsewhere, the number of people gone under the CARES Act has dropped," Johnson said. Story continues On the job, auto workers are required to wear masks and face shields, sit or stand six feet (1.83 meters) apart and avoid touching, following protocols the major manufacturers and the UAW have jointly developed. But outside the plant, there is widespread flouting of mask and social distancing recommendations nationally, union and company officials said. "People leave work and then they have their own protocols outside of the workplace," said Gerald Kariem, UAW vice president and director of the union's Ford department. "But in terms of the workplace, the protocols are probably better than the protocols that you'll see out in the general public." With COVID-19 cases rising in some states where it has factories, Toyota Motor Corp within the past week has redoubled efforts to tell employees at its U.S. plants that the safety protocols they observe on the job should be carried into their lives away from work. The company is adopting the slogan "Safe Anywhere." "Once people leave the plant and leave the gates, it becomes hit or miss," said Norm Bafunno, vice president of manufacturing for Toyota's North American operations. Toyota has identified 40 plant employees who came to work, reported symptoms or risk factors for coronavirus infection and turned out to have the virus, company spokeswoman Kelly McNeff said. Managers and workers are trying to improve on the safety procedures instituted when factories reopened. A concern across the industry is how uncomfortable it can be to wear a mask on a fast-moving assembly line as heat and humidity rise. Toyota workers are testing face screens that have small fans installed at the top, run from battery packs, Bafunno said. At Ford, the company is producing enough masks on its own that it can now offer workers up to five a day. A 71-year-old bicyclist is in critical condition at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse after being hit by a pickup truck in Jefferson County, state police said. Willard A. Moulton of Syracuse was hit by the truck about 3 p.m. Thursday while riding his bike westbound on State Route 12E in Cape Vincent, New York State Police said in a news release Friday afternoon. The driver of the 2017 Dodge pickup, Patrick A. Amell, 37, of Dexter was traveling west on the same road when the passenger-side mirror of the truck hit the bicyclist, police said. Moulton, who was conscious when police arrived, was transported to Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown and later transferred to Upstate with a severe head injury, troopers said. The investigation is continuing, police said. The BGL report features a roundtable of leading executives in the CCO sector who share their insights on developing industry trends, including how technology and work-from-home (WFH) models are changing the customer care landscape forever. Today's contact centers have embraced the significantly increased need for the highest quality service capability. Technology has broadened communication channels facilitating multiple customer touch points, or "contact" points voice, messaging, chat, social media, email, and self-servicefor a seamless omni-channel experience. Investment in technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), self-help tools, and chatbots, is expected to increase efficiency, lower cost, and significantly improve the overall customer experience. "These technologies represent substantial opportunities to improve our ability to deliver more efficient and rewarding customer engagements," offered Doug Kearney, chief operating officer at Qualfon and a participant in the BGL roundtable. "There is going to be a lot more discussion and push around how you leverage AI, RPA, and chatbots as a result of COVID-19." Technology has also supported expansion of the WFH model, making remote workers now a permanent element of the "next-generation" contact center. The COVID-19 crisis escalated the critical nature of remote platforms and further solidified WFH as an alternative to the traditional hub-and-spoke delivery model. Frank Pettinato, chief executive officer at Avantive Solutions, shared his view: "There will be a lot of questions about business continuity, specifically WFH. Clients are going to be demanding it as part of their proposals." "COVID-19 accelerated deployment of the WFH model industry-wide," added Inktel Chief Executive Officer Ricky Arriola. M&A activity was continuing at a brisk pace pre-COVID-19, with industry diversification, service capability enhancement and geographic expansion acting as primary drivers for strategic and financial buyers alike: Competence Call Center, acquired by TELUS International, and the purchase of Webhelp by Groupe Bruxelles Lambert represent recent notable corporate transactions that significantly expanded the scale, scope, and geographic footprints of the combined organizations. Private equity investment activity underscores the optimistic outlook for the industry's growth prospects. Atento (sale of Bain Capital equity stake to an investor group comprised of HPS Investment Partners, GIC, and Farallon Capital Management) and Sequential Technology International (acquisition by AP Capital Partners) highlight large platform assets that traded in recent months. M&A is also a lever to build technology portfolios, illustrated by acquisition activity from Sykes Enterprises in AI (XSELL), RPA (Symphony Ventures), self-service (Qelp), and digital marketing (Clear Link); TTEC Holdings in AI and analytics (Motif); and RingCentral in cloud computing (Connect First). The fragmented landscape continues to present M&A opportunities, and buyers are proceeding with a highly strategic approach to acquisitions in the current environment. We anticipate the second half of 2020 to be actively driven by the accelerated outsourcing trend and the view that high-quality customer care is an essential service. About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company Brown Gibbons Lang & Company is a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm focused on the global middle market. The firm advises private and public corporations and private equity groups on mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, capital markets, financial restructurings, valuations and opinions, and other strategic matters. BGL has investment banking offices in Chicago, Cleveland, and Philadelphia, and real estate offices in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, and San Antonio. The firm is also a founding member of Global M&A Partners, enabling BGL to service clients in more than 30 countries around the world. Securities transactions are conducted through Brown, Gibbons, Lang & Company Securities, Inc., an affiliate of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company LLC and a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information, please visit www.bglco.com. SOURCE Brown Gibbons Lang & Company Related Links https://www.bglco.com The Supreme Court Friday said it "cannot pass interim orders" without seeing the replies of all the five states on a plea by JNU student and anti-CAA activist Sharjeel Imam who has sought clubbing of multiple FIRs levelling sedition charges against him for allegedly making inflammatory speeches. The apex court was informed that governments of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh have filed their counter affidavits on Imam's plea but no responses have been filed by Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. "We cannot pass interim orders without seeing the replies of other states," a bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan and V Ramasubramanian said. The counsel representing Assam sought time to file reply on the plea. "We will give time," said the bench, which heard the matter through video-conferencing. The apex court granted two weeks time to Assam, Manipur and Arunachal to file their replies and said that rejoinder be filed within a week thereafter. The bench has posted the matter for hearing after three weeks. Senior advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for the petitioner, told the court that all these cases lodged against Imam should be consolidated. The apex court had on May 26 sought responses from Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur on the plea and had given another opportunity to the Delhi government to file its reply in the matter. On May 1, the top court had sought Delhi government's reply on the plea. In his plea, Imam has also sought transfer of all criminal cases against him to the national capital and probe by a single agency. Imam's counsel had earlier told the top court that five FIRs have been registered against him in different states in connection with two speeches given in Delhi and in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. The lawyer had said that FIRs are lodged against Imam in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh and he has been booked under sedition charges. Delhi Police has booked Imam under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), he had said. The PhD student at the Jawaharlal Nehru University's (JNU) Centre for Historical Studies has been booked on sedition and other charges after purported videos of his alleged inflammatory speeches made during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) were circulated on social media. An FIR was registered against him by Delhi Police on January 25 under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 124 A (sedition) and 153 A (promoting or attempting to promote disharmony or feelings of enmity on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste or community or any other ground whatsoever) among others. "Two videos came to light, one was on December 13 at Jamia Milia Islamia and other was on January 16 at Aligarh, where it was noticed that Imam had delivered very inflammatory speeches in opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens and such comments can potentially affect religious harmony and weaken the unity and integrity of the country," police had said. A graduate in computer science from IIT-Mumbai, Imam had shifted to Delhi for pursuing research at the Centre for Historical Studies at the JNU. HARBOR BEACH Examining the history of the former Edison Power Plant in Harbor Beach, it should have been no surprise that the demolition of the remaining shell stirred strong feelings with some in Huron County. Construction on the facility began in 1966 and it was dedicated May 20, 1968. The power plant had stood at its highly visible position on the shore of Lake Huron for more than 52 years. Harbor Beach Mayor Gary Booms said he has heard from numerous fishermen who have used the stacks as means of navigation over the years. It was a landmark, he said. It was always used as a point of reference. A lot of fisherman, before GPS, that is what they used was the Edison stack. The plant cost The Detroit Edison Company $15 million to construct the planned 114,000 kilowatt coal fueled power facility, which was built by the Bechtel Corporation, a company with a long history in power generation facilities. At the time, the plant was said to have state-of-the-art air control standards including a 99.6% dust collection efficiency and its 300-foot stack. The construction of the plant was said to have employed approximately 50 locals in the area, and throughout its construction provided a construction task force that exceeded 250 people. At the time The Detroit Edison Company was reporting a weekly payroll of $50,000 for the facility. According to a Tribune article from 1968, the property the was purchased by Detroit Edison for an undisclosed amount of money. The construction of the power generation facility was announced in 1965. Considerable work was involved in site preparation projects by subcontractors, the article reads. More than 400,000 cubic yards of fill material were required; about 8,000 yards of gravel were used for the roadway; and 300,000 yards of silt were dredged from the site for the access channel. The construction of the sites foundation was substantial and involved drilling down to rock for more than 130 caissons, which were then filled with concrete. After the substructure and foundation was completed, the construction of the plants superstructure required more than 1,000 tons of structural steel. Detroit Edison stockpiled more than 70,000 tons of coal in advance of the plants opening to fuel the anticipated 114,000 kilowatt facility, which was to provide power to an estimated 60 cities. When the plant was dedicated on May 20, 1968, it was concurrent with the states 15th annual observance of Michigan Week. This new facility will contribute to the sound growth of your community and area, and will improve to a still higher degree the reliability of electric served in the impressive Michigan Thumb Area an area surely destined to become increasingly attractive to economic growth, Edison Chairman Walker L. Cisler said during the ceremony. It is significant too that our dedication occurs during the 15th annual observance of Michigan Week, which has its purpose the recognition of the great potential of our state for further development in so many ways, based upon what the people of Michigan have so far accomplished their many skills and aspirations, and all the resources of nature which they have around them to utilize and enjoy. Cisler was correct in the importance of the power generation plant, which twice stepped up to provide light during widespread outages. First in 1993 and again in 2003, the Harbor Beach DTE power plant was the first to go back online after a widespread blackout impacted an eastern portion of the U.S. However, despite the benefits the area and region reaped from the power plant, federal regulations began putting increased pressure on DTE and other utilities to abandon the use of coal for power generation. Coupled with increased incentives for clean, renewable energy, DTE plans to have retired all but six of its 17 coal-fired units by 2023. In 2013, DTE closed the Harbor Beach power plant, which was providing two dozen jobs to the area when it was shuttered. According to a Tribune article at the time, the plant had generated $860,000 in local tax revenue for the community in 2011. Booms said when the city began to get word that the power plant would cease operation, it began to reorganize some of its debt and spending to shelter itself from the lost revenue. When I came into office, they were already talking about shutting the plant down, Booms said. We paid off some debt, got rid of some payments and made some decisions to offset the lost revenue. We have done what we had to do to function more efficiently. While the final flame for the power plant was snuffed out in 2013, the plant continued to stand until it was sold to St. Louis, Missouri-based Commercial Liability Partners last year. CLP announced it was planning on demolishing the facility and repurposing it for future development. We are excited about the partnership with DTE Energy and the opportunities available at the Harbor Beach Power Plant site, CEO Ron Froh said last year. We look forward to working closely with city officials and community stakeholders as we enter the initial phase of the demolition and remediation portion at the site. Our goal on this project as it is on every project is to minimize the disturbance to the local community and to maximize the potential for long-term opportunity at the site. CLP, which has a track record of demolition and abatement of industrial sites, cleaned up the site before scheduling it for demolition last week, bringing a close to the Harbor Beach Power Plant and the history it held. Booms said DTE and CLP have both worked with the city, to keep leadership informed on the progress of the property. Booms said the city is excited to see the progress of the property and looks forward to its future development. The city has an agreement that whatever the property becomes, the city has a say in it, he said. We have a lot of flexibility in the development of that property. Booms said over the years there have been numerous parties interested in the property, but remediation of the property was a big concern. However, that issue should be resolved with CLPs work in demolition and cleanup of the facility and property. Booms said much of the success of Harbor Beach comes from its balance as a community that provides tourism and industry. Booms said the citys partnership with companies such as DTE, Corteva Agriscience and Sensient Technologies has led to much of its success. It is unclear if the 85-acre site is publicly listed for sale, but Booms said he believes that DTE and CLP have been marketing it, because of the developer interest the city has seen. I am glad to see the progress made and I am looking forward to the future, Booms said. Rajya Sabha election, the countrys first major voting exercise during the Covid-19 pandemic, began on Friday. There are 19 seats - four each from Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, three each from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, two from Jharkhand and one each from Manipur, Mizoram, and Meghalaya - for which the elections are being held. Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted to say on Friday morning that he reached the state assembly (Vidhan Sabha) to cast his vote. Gehlot also said that all health protocols are being followed for the safety of all legislators in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic. In Madhya Pradesh, Congress MLAs reached the state assembly in buses from partys sate unit president Kamal Naths residence to cast their vote. Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has also cast his vote. The voting also began for the four Rajya Sabha seats in Gujarat. The contest between the Congress and the BJP in Gujarat is likely to go down to wire as none of the two parties have absolute numbers. The BJP has fielded three candidates for four seats, while the Congress has given tickets to two candidates. Watch l Key contests in Rajya Sabha polls: All you need to know Both the parties have expressed hope that all their candidates will win the Rajya Sabha polls. Eight Congress legislators have resigned from the Gujarat assembly since the Rajya Sabha polls were first announced in February, reducing the partys strength to 65 from 79 in 2017. Nearly 1,000 legislators will vote across these states. Health departments of these states oversaw the preparations for the elections. The Election Commission has also appointed a nodal officer for each state to ensure Covid-19 guidelines are followed. The ruling BJP is set to win two seats in Madhya Pradesh as the Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party, which have two and one lawmakers respectively, as well as two of the four independent legislators pledged support to the party on Thursday. The BJP has fielded former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sumer Singh Solanki while Congress Digvijaya Singh and Phool Singh Baraiya. Congress two candidates, KC Venugopal and Neeraj Dangi, are expected to win from Rajasthan as the party enjoys the support of a total 125 legislators, including independents and those from smaller parties. The BJP has 72 legislators and can easily win one seat as 51 votes are required for that. The BJP has fielded Rajendra Gehlot and Onkar Singh Lakhawat. In Jharkhand, ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren is set to win his seat. The ruling YSR Congress Party is poised to win all four seats given its strength - 151 in the 175-member House - in the Andhra Pradesh assembly. The BJP-led coalition government in Manipur was dealt a blow on Wednesday after three of its legislators resigned and a key alliance partner withdrew its support two days before the election to the lone Rajya Sabha seat from the state. Before the crisis, the BJP-led government had 39 lawmakers in the 60-member House. The Opposition had 21. To win the Rajya Sabha seat, a candidate requires 26 votes. (With inputs from PTI) Inside one of the Chinese labs racing to create a coronavirus vaccine, researchers work weekends, lab monkeys are in short supply and plans are being made for human trials abroad. Yisheng Biopharma, a company based in the northeastern city of Shenyang, has been working non-stop since January to find the silver bullet against the disease that emerged in China late last year. A resurgence of cases in Beijing -- after China had largely brought the virus under control -- has highlighted the urgency for the world to find a vaccine against the coronavirus, which has killed more than 450,000 people around the world. Yisheng is better known for making rabies vaccines, but it has converted one of its nine workshops into a coronavirus inoculation production line and will recruit up to 50 extra workers. The company is still in the early stages of development. But it will take the risk of starting production of its vaccine in September, before completing clinical trials, so the shots are ready sooner for the public if the product is approved. "This vaccine must appear quickly, and it is impossible to wait until the next epidemic season to complete the trial and the third epidemic season to use the vaccine," Yisheng chairman Zhang Yi told AFP. Zhang said his researchers had not had any rest on weekends since they got the gene sequence of the coronavirus, on the second day of Chinese New Year in late January. "There is too much work to do," he said. - Pricey monkeys - The company's planned vaccine is at the animal testing stage, which precedes human clinical trials. Zhang said tests on mice and rabbits had shown good results, giving the animals high levels of neutralising antibodies. The vaccine is expected to not only protect the healthy against infection, but also heal patients with COVID-19, according to the company. The next step will be to test it on monkeys, which have become expensive due to high demand from labs testing an array of COVID-19 antibody drugs and vaccines, according to Yisheng chief executive David Shao. Yisheng used to pay between 10,000 and 20,000 yuan ($1,400 and $2,800) each for macaques, Shao said. Now each animal is worth 100,000 yuan, according to Shao. Chinese labs mainly use rhesus and cynomolgus macaques, farmed in the country's southern provinces. China is a large provider of lab monkeys, exporting 20,000 of them last year and using 18,000 in local research, said Liu Yunbo, chairman of Beijing HFK Bioscience, a lab animal provider. "This year's consumption is quite large, so the supply is not enough," he said. - 'Racing for time' - Yisheng has spent about $3 million on its vaccine research so far, with plans to start production in a few months and make it available to the public this year. "It's more expensive than other vaccine products," Shao said, adding that there was a shortage of resources and research material. "We are really racing for time." The company plans to spend another $180 million for the clinical trials following the animal tests. "We can have as many as 10 production lines and produce 500 million doses a year," Zhang said. With too few infections now in China to test the vaccine on humans, Yisheng plans to apply for clinical trials in the United States, Europe, Singapore and Australia in collaboration with a US company. Thirteen clinical trials are taking place around the world, five of them in China. Zhang said competitors were likely to beat his company in the race to produce the first vaccine, but that was not his priority. "It's about who can produce the quantity. Who can get good results and make a high quality and effective product, he said. "This is what really counts. Being first doesn't mean anything." Yisheng Biopharma has converted one of its nine workshops into a COVID-19 vaccine production line The company's researchers have not had any rest at weekends for months Yisheng has spent more than 20 million yuan on its vaccine research so far Yisheng plans to recruit up to 50 extra workers for the vaccine effort Yisheng Biopharma said it would be able to produce 500 million vaccine doses a year Four German Shepherds have been reunited with their owners after they were cruelly snatched from their home. Mahzyar Farokhnejad had his six-week old puppies stolen from his home in Thomastown, in Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon. Remarkably, the next morning the 'shaking' pups were found in a nearby front yard on Mr Farokhnejad's street by a mother walking her daughter to school. Mr Farokhnejad said he had no idea who the thieves could be as police continue to hunt them down. Mahzyar Farokhnejad (right) was reunited with his six-week old puppies on Wednesday morning after they were stolen on Tuesday afternoon The four puppies were found dumped in a front yard on the same street as Mr Farokhnejad's house 'I thought they would be safe at my house, stealing puppies is just the saddest thing you could do,' Mr Farokhnejad told The Herald Sun. 'I couldn't sleep at all, I was just thinking about the puppies and if they were alright. '(The mother Milo) was very upset that her pups were gone.' The robbery unfolded when a stranger knocked on the door of Mr Farokhnejad's home around 2.30 on Tuesday. His girlfriend answered and it's then believed the man's accomplice jumped into the backyard and stole the dogs. She went to check the puppies and found all but one had gone, and the back gate was wide open. All the puppies except one and their mother Milo were stolen in the heartless act Police are still looking for the thieves which stole the dogs around 2.30pm on Tuesday The couple shared an alert on social media which was then shared more than 2,000 times in one day. The woman who spotted the puppies in a nearby yard recognised them from the post and phoned Triple 0. Police believe the attention the dogs received on social media prompted the thieves to dump the animals. Senior Constable Michael McAuley is urging people to keep an eye out for the thieves. The woman who spotted the puppies in a nearby yard recognised them from a social media post and phoned Triple 0 'It was very cruel. It was quite cold this morning, (the puppies) were shaking,' he told reporters. 'Fortunately for us and the victims (the thieves) got scared and left them there. 'Essentially the person going to the front door yesterday could have been a decoy for the other person taking the puppies, so we're looking for one to two offenders at least.' Police are looking for a man with a solid build and tanned skin. Updated at 9:53 a.m. ET on 2020-06-19 The Indonesian foreign minister said Thursday there was no reason to negotiate as she reaffirmed Jakartas stance that it has no overlapping claims with Beijing in the South China Sea, days after Indonesia sent the U.N. chief another letter on the topic. The diplomatic letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, dated June 12, was in response to one submitted by China to the U.N. chief 10 days earlier. In its letter, Beijing had invited Jakarta to negotiate what it called overlapping claims of maritime rights and interests in the contested sea region. Indonesias position is very clear that based on UNCLOS 1982 there are no overlapping claims with China. Therefore, there is no reason to negotiate, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said during a press conference in Jakarta, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In its latest letter to Guterres, Indonesia stated that features in the Spratly Islands a chain in the South China Sea were not entitled to an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or continental shelf and therefore could not overlap with Indonesias EEZ or continental shelf. It also rejected Chinas claim of historic rights in parts of the sea that do overlap Indonesias EEZ and said that even if any such rights existed, they had been superseded by provisions in UNCLOS 1982. Indonesia sees no legal reasoning under international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982, to conduct negotiation on maritime boundaries delimitation with the Peoples Republic of China or on any other matters pertaining to maritime rights or interests claims made in contravention to international law, the letter said. Beijings letter calling for a negotiation, dated June 2, was responding to a first diplomatic note sent by Indonesia to the U.N. secretary-general on May 26, in which Jakarta rejected Chinas Nine-Dash Line map or claim of historical rights to nearly all of the strategic waterway. There is no territorial dispute between China and Indonesia in the South China Sea. However, China and Indonesia have overlapping claims on maritime rights and interests in some parts of the South China Sea, Chinas permanent mission to the United Nations said in its letter. China is willing to settle the overlapping claims through negotiation and consultation with Indonesia, and work together with Indonesia to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, the letter said. The notes were among a flurry of documents from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China following a Malaysian submission to the U.N. in December 2019. The Malaysian government claimed sovereignty over an extended continental shelf in the South China Sea off its northern coast, potentially an area with significant undersea resources. Persistent objection An expert on international relations at Gadjah Mada University, I Made Andi Arsana, said it was important for Indonesia to persist with its objection to Chinas claims. It must be done continuously because that is also what China is doing with their claims, he told BenarNews. Falsehoods that are repeated enough times without objections can seem like truth, he said. The Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam all ASEAN members are among countries that, along with China and Taiwan, have competing claims in the South China Sea. Indonesia is not among the claimant countries, but in early 2020 and in 2016, tensions flared between Jakarta and Beijing over the presence of Chinese fishing boats swarming in South China Sea waters near Indonesias Natuna Islands. In 2002, the 10-nation ASEAN bloc and China agreed on a Declaration of Conduct, which was a statement of principles on how parties should behave in the South China Sea. But completing a more detailed and binding Code of Conduct (CoC) has proved much harder to establish. Negotiations began in earnest in 2016 with a tentative deadline for acceptance in 2021. A draft of the text of the agreement has been released. Jose Taveras, the Indonesian foreign ministry official who leads its office on ASEAN cooperation, said talks on the code of conduct had been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Negotiations are very difficult and cannot be done virtually because they are very technical, he told reporters Wednesday. Talks in Indonesia and China scheduled for August and October, respectively, were likely to be postponed, he said. It should have been completed in 2021 but at this stage it is difficult to set a new target. It all depends on the COVID-19 situation, he said. CORRECTION: An earlier version misspelled the surname of the United Nations secretary-general. Saranac Lake, N.Y. Hand him a calendar and Joshua Collins could tell you a story. Collins, a longtime Syracuse resident who recently relocated to his hometown of Saranac Lake, was a volunteer for many years at the Onondaga Historical Association, where his knowledge and interest of history particularly presidential history flourished. Collins, 40, died Wednesday in Saranac Lake when his bike collided with a garbage truck, the Adirondack Daily Enterprise reported. At the OHA, Collins helped with administrative support, including membership database and renewals and mailings, as well as with special events and archives. While in Syracuse, Collins received an associate degree in IT from Bryant & Stratton College in Liverpool. If you have ever received anything from OHA, chances are very good that Josh helped to make it happen, said Pamela Priest, OHA archivist and research center manager. Collins knowledge of history was vast. Pick a day of the year and hed likely be able to rattle off a list of historical events that happened on that date. Tell him where you lived and he could tell you your zip code. He knew zip codes like no one else, Priest said. Hed post U.S. presidential trivia questions for followers of his Facebook page. Did you know that President James Garfield was both the first left-handed president and could simultaneously write Latin with one hand and Greek with the other? Josh Collins did. When not volunteering at OHA, Collins worked as a parking attendant for Centro during the New York State Fair, a job Priest said Collins absolutely loved. An Eagle Scout, Collins was also an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts. Hed sometimes ask Priest for help putting up flyers for spaghetti dinners benefiting the troop. As a teen in 1994, Collins participated in the New York State Parks Games for the Physically Challenged, where he won gold medals in the 400-meter, 800-meter and 50-meter freestyle, as well as a silver medal in shot put and discus, the Adirondack Daily Enterprise reported. Collins was autistic. Collins was a member of the Church of the Latter-Day Saints on East Colvin Avenue in Syracuse. There he helped put out the weekly bulletins, Priest said, and would organize a group of guys from the church to volunteer at the OHA. Even after moving back to Saranac Lake to be closer to family, Collins would keep in touch with those he grew close with at the OHA. Sometimes hed check in with the staff to make sure everything was running smoothly. Other times hed just want to tell a joke or share a fun tidbit of history. A GoFundMe fundraiser to pay for Collins funeral and other expenses has raised more than $6,500. To say he will be greatly missed is an understatement, Priest said. Contact Jacob Pucci at jpucci@syracuse.com or find him on Twitter at @JacobPucci. Subconsciously, cultural preferences of emotion lead to hiring biases among employers. (Getty) Winning over a potential employer in a job interview takes more than just experience and an impressive CV. You want them to recognise your skills and abilities, but also warm to you personally and see that you are a good fit for both the job and the company. It can be hard to strike the right balance between calm, excited and interested during an interview, particularly when youre feeling nervous. But according to research, the emotions employers value when meeting job candidates also vary across different cultures. To find out more, Stanford psychology researchers Professor Jeanne Tsai and Lucy Zhang Bencharit, now an assistant professor at California Polytechnic State University, carried out five studies in different workplace settings. READ MORE: Why women need to stop apologising at work In four of the experiments, the researchers compared European Americans and Asian Americans living in the United States with Chinese living in Hong Kong In one study, Tsai and Bencharit told participants to imagine they were hiring an intern and to highlight the qualities the ideal candidate should have. The researchers found that European Americans wanted applicants to show excitement, but Hong Kong Chinese preferred calm. Asian Americans fell somewhere in between. Subconsciously, these cultural preferences of emotion lead to hiring biases among employers. Cultural bias is the tendency to judge people by standards inherent to one's own culture which may lead to unconscious or implicit bias, explains Carina Cortez, Glassdoors chief people officer. Because these biases support stereotypes of cultures this can unintentionally lead to ethnic or racial profiling. At its worst, this leads to prejudice, rather than drawing conclusions about a person based on merit. Unconscious bias can have a problematic affect on our judgement and cause us to make decisions in favour of one person or group to the detriment of others, Cortez adds. To put it another way, its easy to like someone who looks and acts like you, she says. As a candidate, this could mean that if you do not share similar interests, experiences and backgrounds with the team you are looking to join, you could be at a distinct disadvantage in the hiring process. Story continues Similarly, bias can play a role at the beginning of the recruitment process when a hiring manager first reviews a resume too. Rather than assessing someone on their skills, abilities and achievements, they may well make a decision based on their name, where they are from or where they went to school or university. READ MORE: Why do women of colour pay an 'emotional tax' at work? So what can employers do to tackle cultural bias when hiring? Rework your job descriptions to avoid, for example, stereotypically gendered words so that you can avoid overuse of masculine or feminine language, Cortez says. Provide your team with awareness training to allow employees to recognise that everyone possesses unconscious bias to a certain extent and identify their own. It can also help to create a systematic process for reviewing applications and resumes that blanks out demographic characteristics and focuses on specific qualifications and talents instead. When interviewing someone, ask standardised, skill-based questions that provide each candidate with a fair chance to stand out. Compare candidates on skill and merit rather than traits that can cloud your judgement, Cortez adds. Do not be too quick to judge and falsely assume things about a person without knowing their full story. Ask your hiring team to submit their individual opinions about a candidate separate from one another after an interview ends, to avoid individuals swaying their opinion to match the opinion of the majority. READ MORE: Can you ever 'fix' a broken culture at work? And to avoid always hiring people that are simply likeable and make a good first impression, rate candidates on their likeability and give it a score, allowing you to compare that factor with other factors such as skills. Ultimately, studies have shown that having diverse and inclusive teams leads to better products, innovations, and revenue, Cortez says. The ability to be aware of and manage your own cultural and unconscious biases is but the first step in creating a culture of belonging in your work environment. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 19:21:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RABAT, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan police announced on Friday that they have seized 7.2 tons of cannabis in two operations, which took place Thursday near the the Atlantic city of El Jadida and the northern city of Fez. During the first operation, 5 tons of cannabis were seized on board a car in the town of Chouffani near El Jadida, police said in a statement, adding that one person was arrested. A total of 2.2 tons of cannabis were seized in the second operation in a farm in the town of Lamhaya near Fez. Two people with suspected links to a criminal drug trafficking network were arrested. According to the statement, the arrestees were remanded in custody to complete the probe, while investigations are underway to arrest all the suspects involved in the cases. Despite efforts in the past decade to crack down on cannabis harvesting, Morocco remains one of the world's largest producer of the cannabis resin. Enditem BEIRUT - The United Nations on Friday called on the parties involved in the war in Syria to allow tens of thousands of high school students taking their final exams to move from the areas where they live, as residents or displaced, to exam sites. The call comes as militants from various sides have blocked the movements of thousands of students, who are often subjected to intimidation and violence. In a statement released Friday morning by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the organisation called on the warring parties in Syria to allow at least 23,000 students in the regions of the northeast (under Kurdish-American control) and the northwest (under Turkish-Russian control) to be able to move freely to reach sites for exams scheduled on Sunday in government areas. DR Congo's military is receiving weapons and training from multiple countries without notifying the United Nations as required by a 2004 resolution, according to a recent report to the Security Council. Some of the weapons have fallen into the hands of armed groups operating in the east of the country, warns the confidential report by UN experts that was obtained by AFP on Thursday. The Democratic Republic of Congo's east is one of Africa's flashpoints, gripped by militia violence that has claimed more than 1,000 lives in a matter of months and caused more than half a million people to flee their homes. The government in Kinshasa has in the past accused neighboring countries of seeking to destabilize it. These governments have in turn said that DR Congo, a vast country the size of western continental Europe, is a haven for groups that oppose them. The UN experts are monitoring sanctions against the country that expire at the end of June. The experts point to instructors and equipment from Albania, Romania, Turkey, South Africa, Israel, China, Iran, the United Kingdom, North Korea, Sudan and the United States, among others. DR Congo and its military have not been subject to an arms embargo since 2008, though one still applies to armed groups. However, the training of the military or delivery of arms to them remains subject to notification. UN sanctions may also include travel bans and asset freezes. The report noted that several countries "delivered significant quantities of arms, ammunition, equipment and military vehicles" to the military. That included civilian helicopters transferred for military use, the report says. "Over the last decade, a large part of the air logistics of FARDC (the military) relied on a fleet of foreign civilian-registered cargo carriers operating in contravention of international and national civil aviation norms and regulations," it states. "Some of the material delivered to FARDC was later diverted to armed groups in eastern" DR Congo, the report continues. Chinese authorities have said they are investigating the claims, while Iran denied it had ever transferred any material to the DR Congo, igniting fears the equipment had been sent by a third party. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 19) Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Friday challenged Malacanang to appoint Vice President Leni Robredo as the head of the government's COVID-19 task force following the comments of Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. Roque was quoted in a television interview suggesting Robredo should offer solutions on how to ensure locally-stranded individuals will not test positive for COVID-19 when they arrive in their hometowns instead of allegedly criticizing the government's response. Trillanes, a critic of the Duterte administration, said the government should consider asking Robredo to lead the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases. Kung si Vice President Leni ang mamumuno at magpapatakbo ng IATF, mas marami itong magagawa at siguradong mas maganda ang kampanya natin laban sa COVID-19, he said. [Translation: If Vice President Leni leads the IATF, she can do more and our COVID-19 response will be more effective.] The IATF is led by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, who is currently being investigated by the Ombudsman for alleged irregularities and anomalies in his department's COVID-19 response. Roque rejected Trillanes' challenge, claiming the former lawmaker twisted his words. "She is helping in her own ways and if her intentions are genuine, there is no need for her to be appointed or designated in the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF)," he said in a statement posted by state media PTV. He clarified he is not downplaying Robredo's efforts in helping Filipinos in need amid the COVID-19 crisis. He said the Vice President can submit her suggestions on how to ensure that those who earlier tested negative for COVID-19 in Metro Manila will not test positive once they reached their provinces. Roque said he would be "more than willing to submit her proposed solutions" to the task force. Education campaigner Malala Yousafzai has expressed her joy and gratitude after completing her philosophy, politics and economics degree at Oxford University. The 22-year-old shared two pictures of herself covered in confetti on Twitter with the caption: Hard to express my joy and gratitude right now as I completed my Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree at Oxford. EXCLUSIVE: Netflix Australia has appointed Que Minh Luu as Director, Local Originals for Netflix Australia, responsible for commissioning our local original content. She has resigned her role as an ABC executive producer working across scripted drama, comedy and digital content at the ABC, most recently on The Heights, which she co-created, plus Harrow, Deadlock, Frayed, Content and Diary Of An Uber Driver. She previously worked in development at Matchbox Pictures and as an independent produced working across radio/podcasting as well live and digital platforms including co-writing and producing the geo-locative historical drama Ghosts of Biloela, for which she won an AWGIE. Update: Que Minh Luu tweeted, With sadness, today is my last day at @ABCTV. I am leaving Aunty to join @NetflixANZ as Director, Local Originals for Australia. I am ready to get crackin on this streaming biz. She added, In these uncertain times, the ABC will endure. I am a passionate advocate for the ABC and the critical function it performs for the public. Its been a privilege to contribute to, and to confront, issues of diversity and inclusion within the org and the content it makes. Sally Riley, ABC Head of Drama, Comedy & Indigenous content: Que has been an incredibly important member of the ABC scripted team, bringing an energy and determination to her role that has lifted our content to greater heights. She is a driver of new and innovative ideas and she will be sorely missed by our team and the ABC. Australian PM Warns Nations Institutions Under Attack From Sophisticated State-Based Cyber Actor Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned that the Australian government as well as private organisations have been subject to sustained cyber-attacks from a sophisticated state-based cyber actor on Friday morning during a news conference. The announcement comes just days after Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne called out online disinformation campaigns from China and Russia. Scott Morrison read a prepared statement to reporters in Canberra saying that the activity was targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers, and operators of other critical infrastructure. We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the tradecraft used, he said. When questioned on which country was involved, Morrison would not be drawn, saying, The threshold for public attribution on a technical level is extremely high. Australia doesnt engage lightly in public attributions, and when and if we choose to do so is always done in the context of what we believe to be in our strategic national interests, he said. A screenshot of a cyberattack shows hackers with the ability to alter credit limits on credit cards and debit cards. (Courtesy of Ed Alexander) Morrison did say however, What I can confirm is there are not a large number of state-based actors that can engage in this type of activity and it is clear, based on the advice that we have received, that this has been done by a state-based actor, with very significant capabilities. Regrettably, this activity is not new. Frequency has been increasing, he added. Morrison said he was making this announcement now to raise awareness of these specific risks and encourage organisations to take expert advice and to implement technical defences to thwart this malicious cyber activity. The prime minister outlined a series of measures that the government has taken regarding cyber security, saying that the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) and private security providers are working together to thwart this activity. The ACSC has also been actively working with targeted organisations to ensure that they have appropriate technical mitigations in place and their defences are appropriately raised, he said. Morrison said the government had a $230 million (US$157 million) Cyber Security Strategy (2016) and invested $156 million (US$106 million) into building cyber resilience and expanding the cyber workforce. However, the prime minister said that due to the fast-paced, changing nature of the digital landscape, efforts to protect Australias interest requires constant persistence and application. The prime ministers announcement comes just days after Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne spoke at the National Security College in Canberra on June 16 saying: The European Commission issued a report last week that concluded foreign actors and countriesin particular Russia and Chinahad carried out targeted disinformation campaigns seeking to undermine democratic debate and exacerbate social polarisation, and improve their own image in the COVID-19 context. A day later, Twitter disclosed over 32,000 accounts as state-linked information operations, which the company attributed to Russia, to China, and to Turkey. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute released a report on June 12 saying the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) had engaged in sustained influence campaigns via Twitter and Facebook to shape, manage and control narratives related to its handling of the CCP virus pandemic, the Hong Kong protests, Taiwan, and outspoken Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds, who was present at the press conference, told reporters that Australian organisations who were concerned about cyber security could implement three steps. Firstly, patch your internet-facing devices promptly, ensuring that any web or email servers are fully updated with the latest software. Secondly, ensure you always use multifactor authentication to secure your internet access, infrastructure and also your cloud-based platforms. Thirdly, its important to become an ACSC partner to ensure you get the latest cyber threat advice to protect your organisation online, she said. Information on cyber security is available at www.cyber.gov.au I t's only been on Netflix a matter of days, but already the nation is obsessed with 365 DNI. For those who haven't yet seen the movie (do catch up, already!) it's based on the Polish-language book series by Blanka Lipinska and is a cross between 50 Shades of Grey and cult classic, The Room. Laura, a sales director from Warsaw, get kidnapped by a Sicilian gangster named Massimo, who challenges her to fall in love with him - all within just 365 days. Naturally, when you get two ridiculously hot people and put them in a hostage/hostage taker situation, things get a little...saucy. There's no denying the sex scenes are *wild* and it seems more than a few viewers were left hot under the collar. Here are just 18 of the best reactions to the raunchy Netflix movie so far... Move over, Christian Grey Every time Massimo says "You lost, baby girl?" That boat scene, tho... There are no words THIS!! It could be a long wait Massimo! Over here, honey We. Need. Answers. 365 DNI is available to stream on Netflix now US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo late Thursday ripped into John Bolton for his explosive memoir about working for President Donald Trump, calling the former national security advisor a 'traitor.' 'John Bolton is spreading a number of lies, fully-spun half-truths and outright falsehoods,' Pompeo said in a statement. 'It is both sad and dangerous that John Bolton's final public role is that of a traitor who damaged America by violating his sacred trust with its people.' 'To our friends around the world: you know that President Trump's America is a force for good in the world.' US President Donald Trump is accompanied by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (left) and then national security advisor John Bolton (right) at a July 2018 press conference Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denounced John Bolton a 'traitor' proclaiming the book to be full of 'lies' despite not having read it, as the White House tries to prevent its release Pompeo said he had not yet read the book, The Room Where It Happened, which the Trump administration is trying to block from publication. But according to excerpts published by major newspapers, Bolton said that Pompeo - one of the rare aides never to clash publicly with Trump - disparaged him in private. The Justice Department is suing John Bolton to stop publication of his memoir, which is due out on Tuesday According to The New York Times, Bolton writes that he received a note from Pompeo during Trump's historic first meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, saying of the president, 'He is so full of s***.' Pompeo traveled four times to North Korea in 2018 to jumpstart diplomacy for Trump, who has hailed his own efforts as worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize. But Bolton wrote that Pompeo, a month after the Singapore summit in June 2018, dismissed Trump's North Korea diplomacy, saying it had 'zero probability of success,' according to the Times report. Bolton is well-known for his hawkish views on North Korea and left in September shortly after Trump, accompanied by Pompeo, again met Kim on the Demilitarized Zone in Korea. The government had asked a federal court for a temporary restraining order to prevent the release of the book, claiming it contains classified material. But the book, set to be released Tuesday, is already sitting in warehouses. The 577-page book paints an unvarnished portrait of Trump and his administration. Bolton writes that Trump 'pleaded' with Chinas Xi Jinping during a 2019 summit to help his reelection prospects and that political calculations drove Trump's foreign policy. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday branded former White House national security adviser John Bolton 'a traitor' In his memoir, 'The Room Where It Happened,' Bolton includes a photo of himself on a government plane, surrounded by reporters. 'Always an experience: reporters accompanying me on one of several Middle East trips on board our military aircraft,' the caption reads Trump on Thursday called the book a 'compilation of lies and made up stories' intended to make him look bad. He tweeted that Bolton was just trying to get even for being fired 'like the sick puppy he is!' The two sides are set to face off Friday in U.S. District Court in Washington, adding Bolton's name to a long list of authors who have clashed with the government over publishing sensitive material. Bolton filed a motion late Thursday to dismiss the government's complaint. 'The Government cannot plausibly argue that Ambassador Bolton has power to stop the Amazon delivery trucks in America, unshelve the copies in Europe, commandeer the copies in Canada, and repossess the copies sent to reviewers or in the possession of major newspapers,' Bolton's court filing says. The government says Bolton violated a nondisclosure agreement in which he promised to submit any book he might write to the administration for a prepublication review to ensure government secrets aren't disclosed. President Trump began push back against Bolton after the book leaked. The President said Bolton was a 'liar' and people in the White House hated him After working for months with the White House to edit, rewrite or remove sensitive information, Bolton's lawyer says his client received a verbal clearance from classification expert Ellen Knight at the National Security Council. But he never got a formal clearance letter, and the Trump administration contends that the book, titled The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir, still contains sensitive material. The case 'has the makings of being the defining litigation for nondisclosure agreements for decades,' said Jonathan Turley, a constitutional law expert at George Washington University who has handled cases involving classified materials for decades. 'Both sides have now dug in.' The White House has tried to use the firestorm sparked by the book to its advantage, as it looks to animate the president's loyal base of supporters against the media and Democrats. White House aides have circulated quotes from both groups critical of Bolton in an effort to highlight what they view as a sudden embrace of the departed aide now that he's turned critical of Trump. White House lawyers again this week raised concerns that Bolton's book contains classified material that presents a national security threat Bolton's book is highly critical of the president and much of the senior administration staff, including Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law who serves as a senior adviser in the West Wing. In the book, Bolton describes every Trump decision as being guided by concerns for his own reelection, a claim that evokes the scandal that sparked Trump's impeachment last year. The book alleges that Trump directly tied providing military aid to Ukraine to the country's willingness to conduct investigations into the Bidens. In one conversation, Trump said 'he wasn't in favor of sending them anything until all the Russia-investigation materials related to Clinton and Biden had been turned over,' Bolton writes. According to The New York Times, Bolton writes in his book that he received a note from Mike Pompeo during Trump's historic first meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, saying of the president, 'He is so full of s***.' Trump's decision to withhold military assistance to Ukraine until it agreed to investigate Biden led the House to charge Trump was abusing his power. The aid was ultimately released once the hold-up became public. The GOP-controlled Senate ultimately acquitted the president on that count and a count of obstructing Congress' investigation of the incident. Bolton was called to testify before House lawmakers conducting the impeachment inquiry, but he declined, suggesting he wanted a federal court to decide whether he should heed a White House directive not to cooperate with the inquiry. Additionally in Bolton's book, it's revealed that: Trump agreed to 'back off' criminal probes as 'personal favors' to dictators; Told Chinese President Xi Jinping should go ahead with building camps the regime was constructing for Chinese Uighurs; Asked China for help winning a second term, saying a trade deal benefiting farmers would help him at the polls; Put Jared Kushner in charge of several foreign policy matters; Spent part of Osaka summit 'pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win' reelection by buying U.S. crops'; Believed Finland was part of Russia; Said invading Venezuala was 'cool' and said the nation was 'really part of the United States' Made it a 'high priority' to get Mike Pompeo to hand a copy of Elton John's 'Rocket Man' to North Korean Dictator Kim Jong-un; Did not know Great Britain was a nuclear power; and Defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the killing of Jamal Khashoggi to distract attention from Ivanka Trump using personal email. The White House claims Bolton's book contained classified information even as Bolton's lawyers say it's been through the proper government review process and is ready for distribution. Trump told Sean Hannity on Fox News Wednesday night that the book contains classified information. Earlier this week Trump claimed all his conversations are classified. 'He broke the law, very simple. I mean, as much as it's going to be broke. This is highly classified. That's the highest stage. It's highly classified information and he did not have approval. That's come out now very loud and very strong,' Trump told Hannity. A Bolivian TV channel sparked controversy after broadcasting live the final minutes of a coronavirus patient's life while doctors tried desperately to save him. The No Lies programme said it took the decision to show a Covid-19 patient's death in a hospital in Santa Cruz to jolt into action authorities who had neglected the health services. The show airs nightly on the Santa Cruz-based PAT channel, in a region with some 60 percent of Bolivia's 21,000 cases and around half its 679 deaths. In neighbouring Brazil, South America's Covid-19 epicentre, more than 970,000 people have been infected and 47,700 have died from the disease. A Bolivian TV channel sparked controversy after broadcasting live the final minutes of a coronavirus patient's life while doctors tried desperately to save him (pictured) The No Lies programme said it took the decision to show a Covid-19 patient's death in a hospital (pictured) in Santa Cruz to jolt into action authorities who had neglected the health services The broadcast in Bolivia showed the patient's death over a 30-minute period as doctors tried to resuscitate him. The country's ombudswoman Nadia Cruz slammed the broadcast for 'sensationalism,' saying it 'repeatedly and morbidly ' exhibited 'images showing cardiopulmonary treatment being carried out on a person, which unfortunately ended in death.' The broadcast 'evidently conflicts with the national legal order,' Cruz said, adding that it 'can generate a kind of collective fear.' Her office is an independent body appointed to investigate complaints against the government or public organizations. The broadcast (pictured) in Bolivia showed the patient's death over a 30-minute period as doctors tried to resuscitate him The broadcast was widely criticized on social networks, including by prominent journalists. 'What a lack of respect for the family, for the deceased. We lost a lot of things with this virus, including empathy,' said journalist Maria Trigo, from the newspaper El Deber de Santa Cruz, in a Twitter message. Fabiola Chambi, a journalist with the Cochabamba daily Los Tiempos said broadcasting the death showed 'a lack of respect and humanity.' The government has yet to comment on the controversy. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 02:21:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ANKARA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The daily new COVID-19 cases in Turkey on Friday started again to decline after a week of a slight increase, said Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca. Turkey reported 1,214 new COVID-19 cases and 23 more deaths, taking the tally of infections in the country to 185,245 and the death toll to 4,905, the minister tweeted. "Istanbul and Ankara have reported the lowest numbers of cases in the past week. New cases continue to decrease across the country," Koca said. A total of 1,494 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, raising the total number of recoveries to 157,516. The minister said 41,316 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours, raising the overall number of tests to 2,863,632. Turkey is currently treating 769 patients in intensive care units, while 310 are intubated. Turkey reported the first COVID-19 case in the country on March 11 and stepped up the normalization process since June 1. In the past week, daily new cases had exceeded 1,500, causing the Turkish authorities to warn citizens to obey individual precautions. Turkey and China have supported each other in the fight against COVID-19. The leaders of the two countries held a phone conversation on April 8, pledging to cooperate on combating the pandemic and deepen the bilateral ties. China has facilitated the procurement of medical supplies by Turkey. On April 10, Chinese doctors and medical experts held a video conference with Turkish counterparts to share China's experience in treating coronavirus patients, protecting medical workers, and controlling the spread of the virus. Enditem Investors spent more than a year-and-a-half obsessing over President Donald Trump's intentions toward China. Markets gyrated as the president whipsawed in tweets and other public utterances between threats of tariff escalations and reconciliation. John Bolton's book, through explosive revelations told in detail, obliterates the notion President Trump was serious about forcing a fundamental overhaul of the U.S.-China relationship. Instead, Bolton depicts a president in over his head on the world stage, in thrall to his authoritarian counterpart, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and motivated primarily by desperation to cut a trade deal he could tout on the campaign trail. Most damning, Bolton writes that Trump centered trade negotiations on his own reelection bid, explicitly seeking Xi's help in his race. The president made that request when the two leaders met on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit last June in Osaka, Japan. Trump opened by telling Xi there was "great hostility" to the Chinese among Democrats. "Trump then, stunningly, turned the conversation to the coming U.S. presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability and pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win. He stressed the importance of farmers and increased Chinese purchases of soybeans and wheat in the electoral outcome," Bolton writes, according to an excerpt in the Wall Street Journal. "Trump's conversations with Xi reflected not only the incoherence in his trade policy but also the confluence in Trump's mind of his own political interests and U.S. national interests," he writes. "I am hard-pressed to identify any significant Trump decision during my White House tenure that wasn't driven by reelection calculations." Trump offered sweeping but seemingly contradictory rebuttals to Bolton's accusations Wednesday evening. He told the Wall Street Journal in an interview that Bolton "is a liar." And he tweeted the accusation: "Wacko John Bolton's "exceedingly tedious"(New York Times) book is made up of lies & fake stories. Said all good about me, in print, until the day I fired him. A disgruntled boring fool who only wanted to go to war. Never had a clue, was ostracized & happily dumped. What a dope!" But in an interview with Fox News's Sean Hannity, Trump said Bolton "broke the law, very simple, as much as it's going to be broken," adding Bolton revealed "highly classified information," which would indicate the account is accurate. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer also weighed in with a specific denial of Bolton's Osaka anecdote. "Absolutely untrue. Never happened. I was there," he said at a Senate hearing Wednesday. "I've no recollection of that ever happening. I don't believe it's true. I don't believe it ever happened." The president reversed penalties on Chinese telecom giants Huawei and ZTE to court favor with Xi, he writes. Both companies faced punishment for sanctions violations. But Trump intervened on ZTE's behalf against his own Commerce Department's actions in 2018. And in June 2019, his administration had recently barred Huawei from doing business with U.S. companies when Trump and Xi talked by phone. Xi told Trump the move imperiled the relationship between the countries, and Trump floated including the matter in trade negotiations. As the WSJ's Michael Bender and Rebecca Ballhaus reported, "During their G-20 meeting two weeks later, Mr. Xi continued pushing on Huawei, 'sensing weakness' in Mr. Trump, Mr. Bolton writes. When Mr. Xi agreed to include Huawei in the trade talks, Mr. Trump agreed to lift the then-month-old ban, he says." And as Bolton reiterates, those trade negotiations were "primarily about getting Trump reelected in 2020." The U.S. had been considering sanctions against Beijing for its treatment of its Uighur population. But at that eventful Osaka summit, "Xi had explained to Trump why he was basically building concentration camps in Xinjiang. According to our interpreter, Trump said that Xi should go ahead with building the camps, which Trump thought was exactly the right thing to do," Bolton writes. "In my government experience, it was the most irrational thing I ever witnessed any president do," he said, per Josh Dawsey's write-up of an advanced copy of the book. The president signed a measure Wednesdayto potentially punish Chinese officials for their role in interning Uighurs - and pointed to the move in his Wall Street Journal interview as evidence he is tough on China. The bill, the Uighur Human Rights Policy Act, had passed the House and Senate unanimously. Bolton writes that when massive protests broke out in Hong Kong over Chinese attempts to assert control there, Trump turned a blind eye. "I don't want to get involved," the president said, according to the book. "We have human-rights problems too." He refused to issue a statement marking the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, remarking, "Who cares about it? I'm trying to make a deal," per Bolton. And the president "was particularly dyspeptic about Taiwan, having listened to Wall Street financiers who had gotten rich off mainland China investments," he writes. "One of Trump's favorite comparisons was to point to the tip of one of his Sharpies and say, 'This is Taiwan,' then point to the historic Resolute desk in the Oval Office and say, 'This is China.' So much for American commitments and obligations to another democratic ally." The longtime foreign policy hand could have gone public with what he knew when he knew it - or, at least, testified about it during Trump's impeachment, critics say. But there are several reasons to believe Bolton's account. There's the administration's last-minute bid to block its publication on the grounds it reveals classified information. And Bolton drew the book in part from contemporaneous notes he took so diligently in the White House that the practice spooked his then colleagues. Plus, his take on Trump's posture toward China comports with previous coverage of the president's approach - and the insights of the reporters behind it and experts tracking the story. From the New York Times's Ana Swanson: "Bolton's piece makes explicit something I often heard sources say while reporting on China trade talks: the president didn't care about structural issues with the Chinese economy, he was focused on rewarding his political base with agricultural purchases>" From Bloomberg senior writer Shawn Donnan: "Big takeaway from this excerpt from Bolton's book confirms something people who have tracked Trump on China closely know: Trump is not the China hawk his hawks want him to be... " After signing the U.S.-China trade deal in January, Trump went out of his way to protect it. As evidence mounted that Beijing had misled the world about the extent of the threat posed by the coronavirus, Trump lavished praise on Xi's leadership with an eye toward preserving their agreement. "Worries about rattled financial markets and their effect on the economy as well as the delicate negotiations with China over a trade deal - a key to Trump's reelection - have played a large role in influencing the president's friendly posture toward China over the deadly coronavirus, according to several senior White House and administration officials," Yasmeen Abutaleb and Josh Dawsey reported in mid-February. Tensions between the superpowers have spiked amid the pandemic. But Trump officials are working to keep relations on track. Lighthizer defended the trade deal in House testimony on Wednesday, saying "he expects China to fulfill its promise to buy an additional $200 billion in American goods and services over the next two years, despite its slow start to placing new orders amid the coronavirus pandemic," David Lynch reports. And Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with his Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi, in Hawaii. "The two governments have sparred over several issues in recent months, including the origin of the novel coronavirus, mass protests promoting democracy in Hong Kong and denouncing racism in the United States, mutual accusations of lying, and the expulsion of journalists in both countries," the Post reported. "As if to underscore the gulf between them, U.S. and Chinese officials both told foreign diplomats that the other side requested the meeting in Hawaii." Trump is arguing the Chinese would prefer Joe Biden win the November election. But despite the renewed rockiness, the Chinese reportedly have reached a different conclusion. Bloomberg's Peter Martin reported this week. In interviews with nine current and former Chinese officials, Martin found a "shift in favor of the sitting president." Q: I always change over to winter pyjamas on the occasion of the winter solstice. My wife tells me the correct date is June 1, as this was the date the NSW Corps changed into winter night attire. What is the protocol? R.S., Castle Hill, NSW Illustration: Simon Letch Credit: A: Now I cant stop thinking about you and your wife in bed together, and I have to say, its not a very romantic scene. Theres you, shivering in your little summer jammies, thinking, Okay brrrrr I must endure this discomfort brrrrrrrrrrr until the winter solstice on June 21 BRRRRRRRRRR, then dragging your blanket up over your frostbitten nose. And beside you, your wife, looking snug and smug, dressed in her 18th-century NSW Corps military winter attire (with regimental sleeping-cap), thinking to herself, The NSW Corps sure knew what they were on about, even if they disbanded in 1818. Then guzzling down another mug of rum from her bedside rum barrel. Loading As much as I admire you and your wifes commitment to a strict pyjama-changing schedule, the rest of us tend to be less specific with a date, relying more on the concept of not being cold at night, like, uhhh, any time. Egypt has urged the UN Security Council to 'act promptly' over the Nile dam row to protect international peace and security Egypt said on Friday it has lodged a formal complaint with the UN Security Council over Ethiopias controversial dam on the Blue Nile after Addis Ababa said it would go ahead and start filling the dams reservoir even without a deal. The latest round of talks over the giant $4.8 billion hydropower project, which also involved Sudan, stalled this week after Ethiopia rejected to enter into a binding agreement on its operation. Egypt has asked the Security Council to intervene to affirm the importance of the three countries resuming the negotiations with goodwillto reach a fair and balanced solution over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the foreign ministry said in a statement late on Friday. It said the move came after the recent talks have been halted as a result of Ethiopian stances that are not positive. Egypt, which is almost entirely reliant on the Nile for agriculture and drinking water, fears the filling of the dam will significantly cut the rivers flow, while Ethiopia says the project is key to its development efforts. The announcement came just hours after Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew said it was not mandatory to reach an agreement before starting filling the dam, confirming that Addis Ababa would commence the filling process in the coming rainy season. We are working hard to reach a deal, but still we will go ahead with our schedule whatever the outcome is, he said in an interview with the Associated Press. The senior Ethiopian diplomat accused Egypt of playing a political gamble and seeking to control the river. In response, Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said he regrets Ethiopias hostile and aggressive tone, while stressing that Cairo is always seeking political solutions, negotiations and middle grounds. Shoukry, in TV comments, urged the Security Council to act promptly to stave off tension between the two countries that would threaten international peace and security. In its letter to the UN Security Council -- a copy of which was seen by Ahram Online -- Cairo said moving forward with the filling would represent an alarming attempt by Ethiopia to establish and exercise unfettered control over the transboundary river. It requested to take part in the UN body's meeting that would discuss the matter. Heightened Urgency The flaring tensions come weeks ahead of Addis Ababa's plans to start filling the reservoir of what is set to be Africa's largest dam in July. Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan resumed talks on 9 June via video conference after more than three months of deadlock, but the renewed negotiations failed to strike a deal. Sudan then requested the matter be referred to the prime ministers of the three countries to restart the talks and solve the impasse, a proposal Egypt said had been rejected by Ethiopia. Major contentious points include agreeing on the amount of water that will be released downstream from the dam during prolonged periods of dry years and drought. Khartoum has repeatedly stressed a deal between the three nations should be signed before the start of the filling of the dam. It said it would be significantly affected by the project, located around 15 kilometers from the Sudanese borders, as it fears it could endanger its own dams. The United States intervened late last year to broker a deal, but Ethiopia skipped a meeting in February that was due to result in a final accord, and accused Washington of siding with Egypt. Imperil The US National Security Council said this week that 257 million people in east Africa are relying on Ethiopia to show strong leadership, which means striking a fair deal. Last month, Egypt sent a letter to the Security Council to inform it about the developments of the years-long diplomatic spat, but had stopped short of demanding an intervention. Both Sudan and Ethiopia sent similar letters to the UN body. Some 85 percent of the Nile waters that reach Egypt flow from Ethiopian highlands, mainly from the Blue Nile, one of the Niles two main tributaries. Egypt says it currently has a water share of around 570 cubic metres per person annually, well below the water scarcity level of 1,000 cubic metres per person per year. The figure is expected to drop further to 500 cubic metres by 2025. The country releases 55.5 billion cubic metres of water annually from its High Aswan Dam, while it needs over 80 billion cubic metres. It bridges the gap by water recycling and reuse. Search Keywords: Short link: Bobby Pierce of Illinois led all 25 laps of the "Clash at the Mag" opener Thursday night at Magnolia Motor Speedway, earning the $5,000 victory with the Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model series co-sanctioned with the COMP Cams dirt series. Pierce (# 32), a second generation racer (son of "The Tall Cool One" Bob Pierce) picked up his first victory of 2020 after being narrowly defeated two weeks ago in the $50,000 "Stream" race in Ohio at Tony Stewart's dirt track. Current LODLM points leader Jimmy Owens of Newport, Tennessee raced past last Friday's winner Ross Bailes of South Carolina for the runners-up spot. Georgia's Shane Clanton was fourth with Texan Tyler Erb fifth in the quickly contested non-cautioned feature. Friday another 25 lap feature is on-tap, at the Columbus based facility near the Alabama/Mississippi state line, leading into Saturday's 100 lap / $15,000 to-Win finale. Tennessee's Volunteer Speedway, just northeast of Knoxville, hosts a pair of World of Outlaw Late Model series features Friday and Saturday paying $10,000 to-Win each night in Bulls Gap. Both series events are broadcast live on the Internet for subscribers of Lucas Oil Racing TV and DIRTVision respectively. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Everyone knows that theres no love lost between Mayor Bill de Blasio and many Staten Islanders. But that doesnt mean we should want Gov. Andrew Cuomo to boot de Blasio out of office. But two city councilmen, Brooklyn Democrat Carlos Menchaca and Queens Republican Eric Ulrich, have submitted resolutions calling for just that. Funnily enough, the lawmakers have their own, diametrically opposed reasons for wanting de Blasio to get the boot. Menchaca says that de Blasios refusal to defund the NYPD is standing in the way of real police reform. Ulrich, meanwhile, slams the mayor for failing to maintain law and order during the recent George Floyd protests. The Council resolutions each call upon the Council to express a loss of confidence in the mayor, and call on Cuomo to remove de Blasio from office. You really do have to feel for de Blasio sometimes. The left cant stand him, and the right has never had any use for him. Talk about a man without a country. The governor apparently does have the power to remove the mayor from office under the state Public Officers Law and the City Charter, even if the whole process is a bit vague. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would apparently serve out the remainder of de Blasios term, which ends at the end of 2021. The governor no doubt loves to make de Blasios life as difficult as possible, but the disruption that removing the mayor from office would cause would be a bridge too far even for Cuomo. Besides, how can Cuomo keep torturing de Blasio if Big Bill is out of office? The last time that a New York governor moved on a New York City mayor was 1932, when Franklin Delano Roosevelt wanted to remove the crooked Jimmy Walker. But FDR feared the wrath of Tammany Hall. Walker eventually got the hint and left office. For all his faults, and they are legion, de Blasio was elected and re-elected overwhelmingly by city voters. He got 73 percent of the vote against Republican Joe Lhota in 2013, and beat Staten Island GOP Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis with 66 percent of the vote four years later. Both years, de Blasio lost just one borough, the Island, to his GOP challenger. Its no fluke that hes mayor. Absent some hellish scandal or no-doubt-about-it criminal activity, why should Cuomo be able to overturn the will of city voters? Who is this governor, any governor, to interfere in our affairs that way? It would set a terrible precedent. Who wants Cuomo to throw that kind of weight around? Removing de Blasio now, after coronavirus has torn through the city and as were about to dig out of a huge financial hole, would cause absolute chaos. Does Cuomo really want to be responsible for that when hes got his eye on another term in Albany and possibly a White House run down the road? Hes got his own budget problems to deal with. Cuomo should worry about himself. De Blasio will be gone soon enough on his own. None of this means that de Blasio is home free. The fact that hes getting it from both the left and the right shows that the mayors got big political problems. Its a bad spot to be in when hes going to need a new job in less than two years. De Blasio also wants to boost his wife, First Lady Chirlane McCray, into elected office somewhere. But it doesnt look like the mayor will have much political capital left when he leaves Gracie Mansion. The de Blasio brand has taken a beating. Many of us frankly cant wait for de Blasio to be gone. But the last thing we should want is for Cuomo to bigfoot the mayor out of office. Crest Insurance Group of Tucson, Ariz., has added Eddie Hjort as director of Fleet Management, effective June 2020. Hjorts background includes 26 years of final mile driver/management/safety experience. He spent 26 years with Airborne Express/DHL system and managed territories consisting of sevent cities (Amazon) & 29 cities (DHL Express) across the Southeast U.S. Hjort was most recently Director of Safety for Direct Hit Logistics with close to 1,000 power units. He will be based out of Charleston, South Carolina, and he will also assist in designing and implementing safety plans for Crests customers, in addition to handling large auto claims. Crest has offices in Tucson, Scottsdale, Flagstaff, Sierra Vista, San Diego, CA & Denver, and Ft. Collins, Colo. The brokerage firm writes insurance business throughout the Southwest and continental United States. Topics South Carolina Chandigarh, June 19 : Punjab Police on Friday arrested an Amritsar resident, who is said to be the key shooter involved in the firing at the Chandigarh residence of liquor baron Arvind Singla on May 31, and his associate. Nitin Nahar was apprehended from his hometown along with Bikramjit Singh, who had provided him with a hideout. The arrests came during an intelligence-led operation conducted by a joint team of Amritsar (Rural) Police and Organized Crime Control Unit (OCCU), said a police spokesperson. Initial investigations had revealed that Nitin was a close associate of gangster Bobby Malhotra lodged in Ferozepur Jail, and further associated with the Lawrance Bishnoi gang who had ordered the attack at the Sector 33 house of Singla. The arrested accused have disclosed that they had been tasked to carry out such incidents in Punjab, Chandigarh and Rajasthan also by Lawrance Bishnoi. A new system of charging is to be brought in for the Wolfe Tone Street carpark (at the back of Billy Byrnes and Guineys) in a bid to stop people leaving their vehicles parked there all day. A study carried out by the council shows that two in every three cars using it remain there all day. Its mostly workers occupying the spaces, meaning almost none are available for people coming in to shop. Local councillors have been calling for more supports for businesses in the John Street area, and its thought that encouraging greater turnover of parking spaces will help with this. The carpark is pay and display with the first hour free and a 2 daily rate, but that is about to change. From next Tuesday, June 22, patrons will be charged 1 for the first two hours, and 1 per hour thereafter, with a maximum daily charge of 5. There are 122 spaces in the carpark, and at Fridays meeting of Kilkenny City Muncipal District, city engineer Ian Gardiner said it was generally pretty full throughout much of the day. On a weekday, the average number of vehicles using it is 291, while on a Saturday it is around 230. Two thirds [of spaces] are full throughout the day and so are not available, he said. Mr Gardiner said an optimal occupancy of spaces was about 80%, so that people continue to go to the carpark assuming they will get a space, and not avoid it thinking that it is always full or queuing out on to the road for a space. Wolfe Tone Street is operating at less than half the turnover of Johns Green and Market Yard carparks,Mr Gardiner concluded. "It operates primarily as a long stay carpark. He said a new charging regime would benefit businesses in the area. Councillors welcomed the move as a measure to increase space turnover and help businesses, but said the council must be mindful of the impact on people working in the city. Cllr Eugene McGuinness said he had raised the matter on a number of occasions. People are staying all day and it doesn't do anything for the businesses on John Street, he said. The independent councillor added that not everyone could afford parking, and it would have to be made clear there were other long-stay options available nearby. Cllr Andrew McGuinness said it had been an ongoing issue, and this was about helping traders. His party colleague Joe Malone agreed, and said it was to benefit the shoppers and business on John Street. That includes Johns Green, and the vegetable shop there, he said. I shop in John Street every weekend, on Saturday. The local vegetable shop there is one of the best in Ireland. Id like to see some of you over there in Johns Green tomorrow morning. Cllr David Fitzgerald said he also shopped in the area, albeit apparently at a different time to Cllr Malone. He said there was a wider parking issue to address. Part of the reason the carpark is used all day long is there is a shortage of parking spaces for workers in the city, he said. Hopefully, the new bus service will help but most workers are coming from outside the city. It is something we need to address. If we want to keep the city alive, we cannot penalise workers. He suggested an approach be made to the owners of the former mart site, asking them to consider allowing temporary parking on the site if nothing was currently happening. Mayor John Coonan seconded this. Mr Gardiner said the executive would be coming back to the members with a full report on parking in the city, which had been put on hold during Covid lockdown. [ 2019 ] State of the Internet / Web Attacks & Gaming Abuse Criminals go where the money is. And these days, theres real money to be stolen in the virtual world of gaming. Akamais latest State of the Internet / Security report delves into the growing popularity of credential stuffing attacks against the gaming industry. In one 17-month period, they counted 12 billion attacks. They went over to the darknet and found some surprising reasons why. They also found another surprise in their study: Two vectors account for nearly 90% of all web application attacks. Also in this issue, Akamai CMO Monique Bonner shares three unexpected observations about security professionals. The Western Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr Felix Ofosu- Agyeman together with Members of the Regional Electoral Security Taskforce have called for a strong collaboration with the media to promote peace, before, during and after the 2020 general elections. DCOP Ofosu-Agyeman pointed out that the media has a key role to play in promoting peaceful elections since they inform and educate the populace on issues pertaining to elections. He said with this important responsibility, it was imperative for the media to be fair and truthful in their line of duty without aligning themselves to any political party. The Regional Police Commander said this during a 'Peace Forum', organized by the Regional Police command for the media and other stakeholders in Sekondi. DCOP Ofosu-Agyeman called on media houses within the Region to perform their duties in such a manner that it would sustain the current peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed by the people of the Metropolis. He urged journalists to be factual and truthful in their reportage and endeavour to crosscheck their facts before going public with their news articles. Mr Moses Dotsey Aklobortu, Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association, pointed out that speculative reportage triumphed on restricted access to information and called for cordial relationship between security agencies and the media. "The cooperation between the media and the security agencies should be a two way affair" he added Mr Aklobortu advised the security agencies to desist from affiliating with political party executives in a manner that would cause them to lose the peoples trust and confidence. He tasked both journalists and security agencies to use the upcoming NPP primaries as a test case to ensure peace, before, during and after the December elections. 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 Much can be said about Juneteenth, and over the years this day will become a holiday for Americans to remember the celebration to end slavery. One of the great historical documents of the black struggle for freedom is Martin Luther King Jrs letter from the Birmingham Jail. His struggle remains our struggle, and it isnt over until all our free. April 16, 1963 MY DEAR FELLOW CLERGYMEN: While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities unwise and untimely. Seldom do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would have little time for anything other than such correspondence in the course of the day, and I would have no time for constructive work. But since I feel that you are men of genuine good will and that your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I want to try to answer your statements in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms. I think I should indicate why I am here in Birmingham, since you have been influenced by the view which argues against outsiders coming in. I have the honor of serving as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization operating in every southern state, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. We have some eighty-five affiliated organizations across the South, and one of them is the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights. Frequently we share staff, educational and financial resources with our affiliates. Several months ago the affiliate here in Birmingham asked us to be on call to engage in a nonviolent direct-action program if such were deemed necessary. We readily consented, and when the hour came we lived up to our promise. So I, along with several members of my staff, am here because I was invited here. I am here because I have organizational ties here. But more basically, I am in Birmingham because injustice is here. Just as the prophets of the eighth century B.C. left their villages and carried their thus saith the Lord far beyond the boundaries of their home towns, and just as the Apostle Paul left his village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to the far corners of the Greco-Roman world, so am I. compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my own home town. Like Paul, I must constantly respond to the Macedonian call for aid. Moreover, I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial outside agitator idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds. You deplore the demonstrations taking place in Birmingham. But your statement, I am sorry to say, fails to express a similar concern for the conditions that brought about the demonstrations. I am sure that none of you would want to rest content with the superficial kind of social analysis that deals merely with effects and does not grapple with underlying causes. It is unfortunate that demonstrations are taking place in Birmingham, but it is even more unfortunate that the citys white power structure left the Negro community with no alternative. In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self-purification; and direct action. We have gone through all these steps in Birmingham. There can be no gainsaying the fact that racial injustice engulfs this community. Birmingham is probably the most thoroughly segregated city in the United States. Its ugly record of brutality is widely known. Negroes have experienced grossly unjust treatment in the courts. There have been more unsolved bombings of Negro homes and churches in Birmingham than in any other city in the nation. These are the hard, brutal facts of the case. On the basis of these conditions, Negro leaders sought to negotiate with the city fathers. But the latter consistently refused to engage in good-faith negotiation. Then, last September, came the opportunity to talk with leaders of Birminghams economic community. In the course of the negotiations, certain promises were made by the merchantsfor example, to remove the stores humiliating racial signs. On the basis of these promises, the Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth and the leaders of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights agreed to a moratorium on all demonstrations. As the weeks and months went by, we realized that we were the victims of a broken promise. A few signs, briefly removed, returned; the others remained. As in so many past experiences, our hopes bad been blasted, and the shadow of deep disappointment settled upon us. We had no alternative except to prepare for direct action, whereby we would present our very bodies as a means of laying our case before the conscience of the local and the national community. Mindful of the difficulties involved, we decided to undertake a process of self-purification. We began a series of workshops on nonviolence, and we repeatedly asked ourselves: Are you able to accept blows without retaliating? Are you able to endure the ordeal of jail? We decided to schedule our direct-action program for the Easter season, realizing that except for Christmas, this is the main shopping period of the year. Knowing that a strong economic withdrawal program would be the by-product of direct action, we felt that this would be the best time to bring pressure to bear on the merchants for the needed change. Then it occurred to us that Birminghams mayoralty election was coming up in March, and we speedily decided to postpone action until after election day. When we discovered that the Commissioner of Public Safety, Eugene Bull Connor, had piled up enough votes to be in the run-off we decided again to postpone action until the day after the run-off so that the demonstrations could not be used to cloud the issues. Like many others, we waited to see Mr. Connor defeated, and to this end we endured postponement after postponement. Having aided in this community need, we felt that our direct-action program could be delayed no longer. You may well ask: Why direct action? Why sit-ins, marches and so forth? Isnt negotiation a better path? You are quite right in calling for negotiation. Indeed, this is the very purpose of direct action. Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue. It seeks so to dramatize the issue that it can no longer be ignored. My citing the creation of tension as part of the work of the nonviolent-resister may sound rather shocking. But I must confess that I am not afraid of the word tension. I have earnestly opposed violent tension, but there is a type of constructive, nonviolent tension which is necessary for growth. Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half-truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, we must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood. The purpose of our direct-action program is to create a situation so crisis-packed that it will inevitably open the door to negotiation. I therefore concur with you in your call for negotiation. Too long has our beloved Southland been bogged down in a tragic effort to live in monologue rather than dialogue. One of the basic points in your statement is that the action that I and my associates have taken .in Birmingham is untimely. Some have asked: Why didnt you give the new city administration time to act? The only answer that I can give to this query is that the new Birmingham administration must be prodded about as much as the outgoing one, before it will act. We are sadly mistaken if we feel that the election of Albert Boutwell as mayor will bring the millennium to Birmingham. While Mr. Boutwell is a much more gentle person than Mr. Connor, they are both segregationists, dedicated to maintenance of the status quo. I have hope that Mr. Boutwell will be reasonable enough to see the futility of massive resistance to desegregation. But he will not see this without pressure from devotees of civil rights. My friends, I must say to you that we have not made a single gain for civil rights without determined legal and nonviolent pressure. Lamentably, it is an historical fact that privileged groups seldom give up their privileges voluntarily. Individuals may see the moral light and voluntarily give up their unjust posture; but, as Reinhold Niebuhr has reminded us, groups tend to be more immoral than individuals. We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct-action campaign that was well timed in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the word Wait! It rings in the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This Wait has almost always meant Never. We must come to see, with one of our distinguished jurists, that justice too long delayed is justice denied. We have waited .for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God-given rights. The nations of Asia and Africa are moving with jetlike speed toward gaining political independence, but we still creep at horse-and-buggy pace toward gaining a cup of coffee at a lunch counter. Perhaps it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging darts of segregation to say, Wait. But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim; when you have seen hate-filled policemen curse, kick and even kill your black brothers and sisters; when you see the vast majority of your twenty million Negro brothers smothering in an airtight cage of poverty in the midst of an affluent society; when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six-year-old daughter why she cant go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television, and see tears welling up in her eyes when she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children, and see ominous clouds of inferiority beginning to form in her little mental sky, and see her beginning to distort her personality by developing an unconscious bitterness toward white people; when you have to concoct an answer for a five-year-old son who is asking: Daddy, why do white people treat colored people so mean?; when you take a cross-county drive and find it necessary to sleep night after night in the uncomfortable corners of your automobile because no motel will accept you; when you are humiliated day in and day out by nagging signs reading white and colored; when your first name becomes nigger, your middle name becomes boy (however old you are) and your last name becomes John, and your wife and mother are never given the respected title Mrs.; when you are harried by day and haunted by night by the fact that you are a Negro, living constantly at tiptoe stance, never quite knowing what to expect next, and are plagued with inner fears and outer resentments; when you no forever fighting a degenerating sense of nobodiness then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait. There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair. I hope, sirs, you can understand our legitimate and unavoidable impatience. You express a great deal of anxiety over our willingness to break laws. This is certainly a legitimate concern. Since we so diligently urge people to obey the Supreme Courts decision of 1954 outlawing segregation in the public schools, at first glance it may seem rather paradoxical for us consciously to break laws. One may won ask: How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others? The answer lies in the fact that there are two types of laws: There are just and there are unjust laws. I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that an unjust law is no law at all Now, what is the difference between the two? How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust? A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquinas: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust. All segregation statutes are unjust because segregation distorts the soul and damages the personality. It gives the segregator a false sense of superiority and the segregated a false sense of inferiority. Segregation, to use the terminology of the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber, substitutes an I-it relationship for an I-thou relationship and ends up relegating persons to the status of things. Hence segregation is not only politically, economically and sociologically unsound, it is morally wrong and awful. Paul Tillich said that sin is separation. Is not segregation an existential expression of mans tragic separation, his awful estrangement, his terrible sinfulness? Thus it is that I can urge men to obey the 1954 decision of the Supreme Court, for it is morally right; and I can urge them to disobey segregation ordinances, for they are morally wrong. Let us consider a more concrete example of just and unjust laws. An unjust law is a code that a numerical or power majority group compels a minority group to obey but does not make binding on itself. This is difference made legal. By the same token, a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow and that it is willing to follow itself. This is sameness made legal. Let me give another explanation. A law is unjust if it is inflicted on a minority that, as a result of being denied the right to vote, had no part in enacting or devising the law. Who can say that the legislature of Alabama which set up that states segregation laws was democratically elected? Throughout Alabama all sorts of devious methods are used to prevent Negroes from becoming registered voters, and there are some counties in which, even though Negroes constitute a majority of the population, not a single Negro is registered. Can any law enacted under such circumstances be considered democratically structured? Sometimes a law is just on its face and unjust in its application. For instance, I have been arrested on a charge of parading without a permit. Now, there is nothing wrong in having an ordinance which requires a permit for a parade. But such an ordinance becomes unjust when it is used to maintain segregation and to deny citizens the First Amendment privilege of peaceful assembly and protest. I hope you can see the distinction I am trying to point out. In no sense do I advocate evading or defying the law, as would the rabid segregationist. That would lead to anarchy. One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly (not hatefully as the white mothers did in New Orleans when they were seen on television screaming nigger, nigger, nigger), and with a willingness to accept the penalty. I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law. Of course, there is nothing new about this kind of civil disobedience. It was seen sublimely in the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to obey the laws of Nebuchadnezzar, because a higher moral law was involved. It was practiced superbly by the early Christians, who were willing to face hungry lions and the excruciating pain of chopping blocks rather than submit to certain unjust laws of the Roman Empire. To a degree, academic freedom is a reality today because Socrates practiced civil disobedience. In our own nation, the Boston Tea Party represented a massive act of civil disobedience. We should never forget that everything Adolf Hitler did in Germany was legal and everything the Hungarian freedom fighters did in Hungary was illegal. It was illegal to aid and comfort a Jew in Hitlers Germany. Even so, I am sure that, had I lived in Germany at the time, I would have aided and comforted my Jewish brothers. If today I lived in a Communist country where certain principles dear to the Christian faith are suppressed, I would openly advocate disobeying that countrys antireligious laws. I must make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers. First, I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion 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; who constantly says: I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another mans freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a more convenient season. Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection. I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and that when they fan in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress. I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that the present tension in the South is a necessary phase of the transition from an obnoxious negative peace, in which the Negro passively accepted his unjust plight, to a substantive and positive peace, in which all men will respect the dignity and worth of human personality. Actually, we who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive. We bring it out in the open, where it can be seen and dealt with. Like a boil that can never be cured so long as it is covered up but must be opened with an its ugliness to the natural medicines of air and light, injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates, to the light of human conscience and the air of national opinion before it can be cured. In your statement you assert that our actions, even though peaceful, must be condemned because they precipitate violence. But is this a logical assertion? Isnt this like condemning a robbed man because his possession of money precipitated the evil act of robbery? Isnt this like condemning Socrates because his unswerving commitment to truth and his philosophical inquiries precipitated the act by the misguided populace in which they made him drink hemlock? Isnt this like condemning Jesus because his unique God-consciousness and never-ceasing devotion to Gods will precipitated the evil act of crucifixion? We must come to see that, as the federal courts have consistently affirmed, it is wrong to urge an individual to cease his efforts to gain his basic constitutional rights because the quest may precipitate violence. Society must protect the robbed and punish the robber. I had also hoped that the white moderate would reject the myth concerning time in relation to the struggle for freedom. I have just received a letter from a white brother in Texas. He writes: An Christians know that the colored people will receive equal rights eventually, but it is possible that you are in too great a religious hurry. It has taken Christianity almost two thousand years to accomplish what it has. The teachings of Christ take time to come to earth. Such an attitude stems from a tragic misconception of time, from the strangely rational notion that there is something in the very flow of time that will inevitably cure all ills. Actually, time itself is neutral; it can be used either destructively or constructively. More and more I feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than have the people of good will. We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people. Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be co-workers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation. We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right. Now is the time to make real the promise of democracy and transform our pending national elegy into a creative psalm of brotherhood. Now is the time to lift our national policy from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of human dignity. You speak of our activity in Birmingham as extreme. At fist I was rather disappointed that fellow clergymen would see my nonviolent efforts as those of an extremist. I began thinking about the fact that stand in the middle of two opposing forces in the Negro community. One is a force of complacency, made up in part of Negroes who, as a result of long years of oppression, are so drained of self-respect and a sense of somebodiness that they have adjusted to segregation; and in part of a few middle class Negroes who, because of a degree of academic and economic security and because in some ways they profit by segregation, have become insensitive to the problems of the masses. The other force is one of bitterness and hatred, and it comes perilously close to advocating violence. It is expressed in the various black nationalist groups that are springing up across the nation, the largest and best-known being Elijah Muhammads Muslim movement. Nourished by the Negros frustration over the continued existence of racial discrimination, this movement is made up of people who have lost faith in America, who have absolutely repudiated Christianity, and who have concluded that the white man is an incorrigible devil. I have tried to stand between these two forces, saying that we need emulate neither the do-nothingism of the complacent nor the hatred and despair of the black nationalist. For there is the more excellent way of love and nonviolent protest. I am grateful to God that, through the influence of the Negro church, the way of nonviolence became an integral part of our struggle. If this philosophy had not emerged, by now many streets of the South would, I am convinced, be flowing with blood. And I am further convinced that if our white brothers dismiss as rabble-rousers and outside agitators those of us who employ nonviolent direct action, and if they refuse to support our nonviolent efforts, millions of Negroes will, out of frustration and despair, seek solace and security in black-nationalist ideologies a development that would inevitably lead to a frightening racial nightmare. Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself, and that is what has happened to the American Negro. Something within has reminded him of his birthright of freedom, and something without has reminded him that it can be gained. Consciously or. unconsciously, he has been caught up by the Zeitgeist, and with his black brothers of Africa and his brown and yellow brothers of Asia, South America and the Caribbean, the United States Negro is moving with a sense of great urgency toward the promised land of racial justice. If one recognizes this vital urge that has engulfed the Negro community, one should readily understand why public demonstrations are taking place. The Negro has many pent-up resentments and latent frustrations, and he must release them. So let him march; let him make prayer pilgrimages to the city hall; let him go on freedom ridesand try to understand why he must do so. If his repressed emotions are not released in nonviolent ways, they will seek expression through violence. This is not a threat but a fact of history. So I have not said to my people: Get rid of your discontent. Rather, I have tried to say that this normal and healthy discontent can be channeled into the creative outlet of nonviolent direct action. Now this approach is being dismissed as extremist. I must admit that I was initially disappointed in being so categorized. But as I continued to think about the matter, I gradually gained a measure of satisfaction from the label. Was not Jesus an extremist for love: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Was not Amos an extremist for justice: Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Was not Paul an extremist for the Christian gospel: I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Was not Martin Luther an extremist: Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise, so help me God. And John Bunyan: I will stay in jail to the end of my days before I make a butchery of my conscience. And Abraham Lincoln: This nation cannot survive half slave and half free. And Thomas Jefferson: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that an men are created equal So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremist for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice? In that dramatic scene on Calvarys hill three men were crucified. We must never forget that all three were crucified for the same crimethe crime of extremism. Two were extremists for immorality, and thus fell below their environment. The other, Jesus Christ, was an extremist for love, truth and goodness, and thereby rose above his environment. Perhaps the South, the nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists. I had hoped that the white moderate would see this need. Perhaps I was too optimistic; perhaps I expected too much. I suppose I should have realized that few members of the oppressor race can understand the deep groans and passionate yearnings of the oppressed race, and still fewer have the vision to see that injustice must be rooted out by strong, persistent and determined action. I am thankful, however, that some of our white brothers in the South have grasped the meaning of this social revolution and committed themselves to it. They are still too few in quantity, but they are big in quality. Somesuch as Ralph McGill, Lillian Smith, Harry Golden, James McBride Dabbs, Ann Braden and Sarah Patton Boylehave written about our struggle in eloquent and prophetic terms. Others have marched with us down nameless streets of the South. They have languished in filthy, roach-infested jails, suffering the abuse and brutality of policemen who view them as dirty nigger lovers. Unlike so many of their moderate brothers and sisters, they have recognized the urgency of the moment and sensed the need for powerful action antidotes to combat the disease of segregation. Let me take note of my other major disappointment. I have been so greatly disappointed with the white church and its leadership. Of course, there are some notable exceptions. I am not unmindful of the fact that each of you has taken some significant stands on this issue. I commend you, Reverend Stallings, for your Christian stand on this past Sunday, in welcoming Negroes to your worship service on a non-segregated basis. I commend the Catholic leaders of this state for integrating Spring Hill College several years ago. But despite these notable exceptions, I must honestly reiterate that I have been disappointed with the church. I do not say this as one of those negative critics who can always find. something wrong with the church. I say this as a minister of the gospel, who loves the church; who was nurtured in its bosom; who has been sustained by its spiritual blessings and who will remain true to it as long as the cord of life shall lengthen. When I was suddenly catapulted into the leadership of the bus protest in Montgomery, Alabama, a few years ago, I felt we would be supported by the white church felt that the white ministers, priests and rabbis of the South would be among our strongest allies. Instead, some have been outright opponents, refusing to understand the freedom movement and misrepresenting its leaders; all too many others have been more cautious than courageous and have remained silent behind the anesthetizing security of stained-glass windows. In spite of my shattered dreams, I came to Birmingham with the hope that the white religious leadership of this community would see the justice of our cause and, with deep moral concern, would serve as the channel through which our just grievances could reach the power structure. I had hoped that each of you would understand. But again I have been disappointed. I have heard numerous southern religious leaders admonish their worshipers to comply with a desegregation decision because it is the law, but I have longed to hear white ministers declare: Follow this decree because integration is morally right and because the Negro is your brother. In the midst of blatant injustices inflicted upon the Negro, I have watched white churchmen stand on the sideline and mouth pious irrelevancies and sanctimonious trivialities. In the midst of a mighty struggle to rid our nation of racial and economic injustice, I have heard many ministers say: Those are social issues, with which the gospel has no real concern. And I have watched many churches commit themselves to a completely other worldly religion which made a strange distinction between body and soul, between the sacred and the secular. So here we are moving toward the exit of the twentieth century with a religious community largely adjusted to the status quo, standing as a tail-light behind other community agencies rather than a headlight leading men to higher levels of justice. I have travelled the length and breadth of Alabama, Mississippi and all the other southern states. On sweltering summer days and crisp autumn mornings I have looked at the Souths beautiful churches with their lofty spires pointing heavenward. I have beheld the impressive outlines of her massive religious education buildings. Over and over I have found myself asking: What kind of people worship here? Who is their God? Where were their voices when the lips of Governor Barnett dripped with words of interposition and nullification? Where were they when Governor Wallace gave a clarion call for defiance and hatred? Where were their voices of support when tired, bruised and weary Negro men and women decided to rise from the dark dungeons of complacency to the bright hills of creative protest? Yes, these questions are still in my mind. In deep disappointment I have wept over the laxity of the church. But be assured that my tears have been tears of love. There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love. Yes, I love the church. How could I do otherwise? l am in the rather unique position of being the son, the grandson and the great-grandson of preachers. Yes, I see the church as the body of Christ. But, oh! How we have blemished and scarred that body through social neglect and through fear of being nonconformists. There was a time when the church was very powerful. It was during that period when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town, the people in power became disturbed and immediately sought to convict the Christians for being disturbers of the peace and outside agitators But the Christians pressed on, in the conviction that they were a colony of heaven, called to obey God rather than man. Small in number, they were big in commitment. They were too God intoxicated to be astronomically intimidated. By their effort and example they brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide. and gladiatorial contests. Things are different now. So often the contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often it is an arch supporter of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the churchs silent and often even vocal sanction of things as they are. But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If todays church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century. Every day I meet young people whose disappointment with the church has turned into outright disgust. Perhaps I have once again been too optimistic. Is organized religion too inextricably bound to the status quo to save our nation and the world? Perhaps I must turn my faith to the inner spiritual church, the church within the church, as the true ecclesia and the hope of the world. But again I am thankful to God that some noble souls from the ranks of organized religion have broken loose from the paralyzing chains of conformity and joined us as active partners in the struggle for freedom. They have left their secure congregations and walked the streets of Albany, Georgia, with us. They have gone down the highways of the South on tortuous rides for freedom. Yes, they have gone to jail with us. Some have been dismissed from their churches, have lost the support of their bishops and fellow ministers. But they have acted in the faith that right defeated is stronger than evil triumphant. Their witness has been the spiritual salt that has preserved the true meaning of the gospel in these troubled times. They have carved a tunnel of hope through the dark mountain of disappointment. I hope the church as a whole will meet the challenge of this decisive hour. But even if the church does not come to the aid of justice, I have no despair about the future. I have no fear about the outcome of our struggle in Birmingham, even if our motives are at present misunderstood. We will reach the goal of freedom in Birmingham, and all over the nation, because the goal of America is freedom. Abused and scorned though we may be, our destiny is tied up with Americas destiny. Before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth, we were here. Before the pen of Jefferson etched the majestic words of the Declaration of Independence across the pages of history, we were here. For more than two centuries our forebears labored in this country without wages; they made cotton king; they built the homes of their masters while suffering gross injustice and shameful humiliationand yet out of a bottomless vitality they continued to thrive and develop. If the inexpressible cruelties of slavery could not stop us, the opposition we now face will surely fail. We will win our freedom because the sacred heritage of our nation and the eternal will of God are embodied in our echoing demands. I must close now. But before closing I feel impelled to mention one other point in your statement that has troubled me profoundly. You warmly commended the Birmingham police force for keeping order and preventing violence. I doubt that you would have so warmly commended the police force if you had seen its dogs sinking their teeth into unarmed, nonviolent Negroes. I doubt that you would so quickly commend the policemen if .you were to observe their ugly and inhumane treatment of Negroes here in the city jail; if you were to watch them push and curse old Negro women and young Negro girls; if you were to see them slap and kick old Negro men and young boys; if you were to observe them, as they did on two occasions, refuse to give us food because we wanted to sing our grace together. Im sorry that I cant join you in your praise of the Birmingham police department. It is true that the police have exercised a .degree of discipline in handing the demonstrators. In this sense they have conducted themselves rather nonviolently in public. But for what purpose? To preserve the evil system of segregation. Over the past few years I have consistently preached that nonviolence demands that the means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek. I have tried to make clear that it is wrong to use immoral means to attain moral ends. But now I must affirm that it is just as wrong, or perhaps even more so, to use moral means to preserve immoral ends. Perhaps Mr. Connor and his policemen have been rather nonviolent in public, as was Chief Pritchett in Albany, Georgia but they have used the moral means of nonviolence to maintain the immoral end of racial injustice. As T. S. Eliot has said: The last temptation is the greatest treason: To do the right deed for the wrong reason. I wish you had commended the Negro sit-inners and demonstrators of Birmingham for their sublime courage, their willingness to suffer and their amazing discipline in the midst of great provocation. One day the South will recognize its real heroes. They will be the James Merediths, with the noble sense of purpose that enables them to face jeering, and hostile mobs, and with the agonizing loneliness that characterizes the life of the pioneer. They will be old, oppressed, battered Negro women, symbolized in a seventy-two-year-old woman in Montgomery, Alabama, who rose up with a sense of dignity and with her people decided not to ride segregated buses, and who responded with ungrammatical profundity to one who inquired about her weariness: My feet is tired, but my soul is rested. They will be the young high school and college students, the young ministers of the gospel and a host of their elders, courageously and nonviolently sitting in at lunch counters and willingly going to jail for consciences sake. One day the South will know that when these disinherited children of God sat down at lunch counters, they were in reality standing up for what is best in the American dream and for the most sacred values in our Judaeo-Christian heritage, and thusly carrying our nation back to those great wells of democracy which were dug deep by the founding fathers in their formulation of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Never before have I written so long a letter (or should I say a book?). Im afraid it is much too long to take your precious time. I can assure you that it would have been much shorter if I had been writing from a comfortable desk, but what else can one do when he is alone for days in the dull monotony of a narrow jail cell, other than write long letters, think strange thoughts and pray long prayers? If I have said anything in this letter that overstates the truth and is indicative of an unreasonable impatience, I beg you to forgive me. If I have said anything that understates the truth and indicates my having a patience that allows me to settle for anything less than brotherhood, I beg God to forgive me. I hope this letter finds you strong in the faith. I also hope that circumstances will soon make it possible for me to meet each of you, not as an integrationist or a civil rights leader but as a fellow clergyman and a Christian brother. Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear-drenched communities, and in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty. Yours for the cause of Peace and Brotherhood, Martin Luther King, Jr. June 18, 2020 Release Readout of Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper's Remarks at the NATO Defense Ministerial Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper participated in and provided remarks during three sessions at the June 17-18, 2020, NATO Defense Ministerial. On day one, Secretary Esper noted that the security challenges that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic still exist today, and the Alliance must take steps to ensure the health crisis does not become a security crisis. He discussed the importance of the Alliance's continued focus on strengthening defense and deterrence, and the continued emphasis on defense spending. Secretary Esper addressed missile challenges presented by Russia, and welcomed decisions by the Alliance to strengthen our defenses in response to Russia's destabilizing behavior. Secretary Esper stressed the importance of a strong, modernized nuclear deterrent to preserve peace and deter aggression against the U.S., NATO, and our Allies and partners. He also talked about the urgency of engaging in meaningful trilateral arms control efforts with both Russia and China. On Afghanistan, Secretary Esper emphasized the continued U.S. commitment to helping Afghans create a secure and stable country, by supporting inclusive efforts to achieve peace. He thanked the Alliance for their continued efforts, welcomed recent steps taken toward intra-Afghan negotiations, and reemphasized the U.S. commitment to ensuring Afghanistan never again becomes a safe-haven for terrorists to threaten the security of the United States homeland, our allies, or interests overseas. On Iraq, the Secretary stressed our commitment to the enduring defeat of ISIS and long-term regional stability. He welcomed NATO's increased role for NATO Mission Iraq. On day two, Secretary Esper highlighted NATO's unique capabilities and contributions during the COVID-19 response. He expressed support for Supreme Allied Commander Europe U.S. Air Force Gen. Tod Walters' plan to prepare for a second wave. He also encouraged Allies to sustain military readiness, expose disinformation and propaganda, guard against predatory foreign direct investment, and increase resilience by reducing dependence on Chinese or Russian suppliers for medical equipment, telecommunications, and other necessities. Secretary Esper affirmed the U.S. commitment to European security, the Alliance, and the importance of confronting security challenges together. https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2225228/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. Colombia's army said Thursday it had freed a Swiss and a Brazilian kidnapped three months ago by suspected guerrillas. Daniel Max Guggenheim and Jose Ivan Albuquerque were rescued during a military operation in the southwestern Cauca department, one of the areas most blighted by drug-trafficking violence. The two men fell into the hands of the "Dagoberto Ramos Mobile Column" in mid-March, the army's anti-kidnapping unit said in a statement. The guerrillas are among around 2,300 armed dissidents from the former rebel FARC movement who refused to lay down arms during the historic 2016 peace accord that ended a 50-year struggle by the Marxist group. The unit said it also captured one of the suspected kidnappers, who was guarding the pair when they were rescued. Guggenheim, who is retired, said in a press conference that he and Albuquerque were kidnapped while visiting the Pacific coast as tourists. As they were returning to the capital Bogota, they were kidnapped at gunpoint from a restaurant in the Cauca department. "He told us we'd reached the cemetery," said Guggenheim about their armed assailant. The two men were taken hostage alongside two pet Pomeranian dogs. Since breaking away from the FARC, disparate dissident groups have continued armed resistance to the government, financing themselves through drug-trafficking and illegal mining. The more than half-century conflict left nine million people dead, missing or displaced. A handout photo from the Colombian National Army press office shows Swiss tourist Daniel Max Guggenheim (C) and Brazilian tourist Jose Ivan Albuquerque (R), who were kidnapped in March 2020 by alleged dissidents of the FARC guerrillas A handout photo from the Colombian National Army press office shows Daniel Max Guggenheim (L) and Jose Ivan Albuquerque (R), who were taken hostage alongside their two pet Pomeranian dogs Voting for three vacant Rajya Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh concluded on Friday afternoon after all the 206 MLAs, including a Congress legislator who has tested Covid-19 positive, cast their votes. Voting began at 9 am in the state assembly complex here and ended around 1.15 pm, an assembly official said. The Congress legislator, who is a Covid-19 patient, was the last one to cast his ballot wearing a PPE suit. He came to the assembly complex in an ambulance, the official said. Both the parties- the BJP and the Congress- had fielded two candidates each for the three seats of the Upper House of Parliament. While the BJP fielded senior leader and former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and former professor of a government college, Sumer Singh Solanki, from the Congresss side, veteran politician Digvijaya Singh and Dalit leader Phool Singh Baraiya were in the fray. BJP members, including state Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, cast their votes in the morning. Former chief minister Kamal Nath and other Congress leaders also cast their ballots soon after the process began. Chouhan was the first member to cast vote, followed by the Home Minister Narottam Mishra. The members were seen wearing masks and standing in a queue maintaining social distance in view of Covid-19 pandemic. For winning a seat in the Rajya Sabha polls from MP, a candidate needs 52 votes. As per the numerical strength of the two parties, BJP is set to win two seats as it has 107 MLAs of its own and has the support of two MLAs of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), one MLA of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and two Independents, party sources said. The saffron party has the support of 112 in the 230 member Assembly whose effective strength is 206. Scindia and Solanki, thus, can get the 52 votes each needed for victory. Leaders of the BSP and the SP said they voted in favour of the BJP. Talking to reporters after the polls, SPs Rajesh Shukla said, It is our compulsion to go with the government. I have voted for the BJP on my own for the development of the area. There was no directive from the party leadership on the issue. BSPs Sanjeev Kushwaha said, The Congress government collapsed not because of us, but due to its internal differences. There was no directive from the party for us. Therefore, we voted for the BJP on our own for the development of our region. The BSP will contest the upcoming by-polls on all the seats. In the 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly, 24 seats are currently vacant. Congress has been left with 92 MLAs after 22 of its legislators, including six who were ministers then, quit the party in support of Scindias move to join the BJP. Thus, Congress is set to win a single seat out of the total three for which polls are being held, sources added. The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) had asked 54 of its 92 MLAs to cast their first preference vote for Digvijaya Singh. The former chief minister needs 52 votes to get elected to Rajya Sabha for the second consecutive term. Baraiya, placed after Singh in the pecking order by his party, does not have the numbers on his side to win. The counting of votes will begin at 5 pm. PTI MAS NP NP While Oregon ranks highly nationwide for its gender-affirming policies and health care for transgender women, many of those polices are not fully realized in practice, a recent study from Oregon State University found. Monday's Supreme Court decision barring employment discrimination against LGBTQ people brings national law more in line with laws that have been in place in Oregon for several years -- laws that have led some trans people to move to Oregon from more conservative states. The Oregon Equality Act of 2008 protects trans people against employment and housing discrimination, while the expansion of Medicaid in 2015 expanded health coverage to include gender-affirming care like hormone-replacement therapy and transition surgery. However, those legal protections are not enough to address social determinants of health such as financial status and access to housing, or the everyday discrimination still felt by many trans women in Oregon, said Jonathan Garcia, a researcher ins the OSU College of Public Health and Human Sciences said. The cumulative effect of those subtler forms of discrimination takes a significant toll on trans women. In spite of ranking so highly in terms of Oregon's support for gender-affirming care, the impact of social discrimination is so great that it challenges policy implementation and the lived experience of people. This is how discrimination sort of gets in between the cracks -- it plays out in more complicated and indirect ways so that you can't really weed it out." Jonathan Garcia, researcher ins the OSU College of Public Health and Human Sciences Garcia's study, published earlier this month in the Transgender Health journal, gathered detailed interviews with 25 trans women in Oregon, ages 18 to 39. Of those 25, six had been homeless at some point in the 12 months prior and only 20% had full-time employment, though all had some form of health insurance. According to the study's findings, one of the biggest challenges facing Oregon trans women is navigating the health care system. Though the law requires insurance to cover hormone-replacement therapy, many trans women, especially those in rural areas, couldn't find a doctor trained to provide those hormones, and the doctors they could access did not know where to refer them for more specialized care. In other cases, trans women had to undergo a psychological evaluation to obtain a diagnosis of gender dysphoria -- the distress people feel when the sex they're assigned at birth doesn't match the gender with which they identify -- before they could begin to access hormone replacement therapy. This route is much more time-consuming and cost-prohibitive than the "informed consent model," wherein trans patients can attest that they understand the risks and benefits of pursuing gender-affirming medical treatment, without first having to prove psychological distress. For some study participants, the idea of gender dysphoria made them feel like they had a medical problem and invalidated their lived experience. "All of that is really, really confusing," Garcia said. "It requires them to become experts in their rights, in the law, in the availability of these services and where they are offered." Most trans women who were able to navigate that system credit their success to their social support network of other trans people. In addition to this informal network, Garcia said, the system needs to have trained and properly compensated health workers in place who can act as navigators, and they need to understand not just health care but the intersections with housing and the legal system that affect people's access to care. "We need help with navigating these systems and establishing trust, so that people are actually able to claim and enjoy the rights that they have, so that the rights don't remain on paper," he said. The study was limited in that 21 of 25 participants were white women. Despite numerous efforts to recruit Black and Latinx trans women, Garcia said, they were unable to reach them through participant referrals and community center contacts. He attributed this to their extreme marginalization in queer spaces in Oregon. "But we can tell that whatever this set of women is experiencing, I expect the experience of trans women of color to be far more challenging," Garcia said. "Specifically because of structural racism and disenfranchisement from queer networks, which were a critical resource for the women who were able to navigate these systems." Garcia anticipates that Monday's Supreme Court ruling will result in some trans women in neighboring states not feeling as compelled to move to Oregon for its more affirming policies because they can remain in their home states and receive more protection under the law than before the court's decision. Garcia's co-author was Richard Crosby at the University of Kentucky. New data shows that there has been a rapid increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in US prisons since the middle of May. According to the New York Times, in the last month the number of confirmed cases among inmates has doubled to over 64,000. The number of confirmed deaths from COVID-19 in this population is currently 607. Additional data from The Marshall Project also shows that at least 9,180 prison staff have had COVID-19, with 38 deaths. The actual toll of the outbreak is undoubtedly much higher. According to the latest numbers from the John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, five and a half percent of confirmed coronavirus cases in the US have ended in death. If this mortality rate is extended to the prison population, the estimated number of deaths would be at least 3,500. There have also been severe outbreaks across other parts of the USs huge web of incarceration facilities. According to The Sentencing Project, there have been 634 cases confirmed among juvenile detainees, while 716 youth prison staff have also tested positive. The COVID-19 Behind Bars tracking project shows that at least 2,067 detainees at immigrant detention camps have tested positive, with at least four deaths. However, many detention camps run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have not released any data since May 1, and some have not released any information on infections or deaths at all. State and federal prisons have become the epicenters of the outbreak of the disease in the US. In fact, despite huge outbreaks at meatpacking plants, factories and care homes, the five largest known clusters of the coronavirus in the US are at incarceration facilities. Marion Correctional Facility has had the most acute outbreak with at least 2,429 cases. In April, Ohios National Guard was called to the facility under the pretense of assisting with the facilitys COVID-19 response, nonetheless the outbreak has continued to intensify. Ten facilities across the country have over 1,000 inmate infections. As of June 18,federal prisons have an average infection rate of 116.17 per 1,000 compared to just 6.01 for the US population as a whole. Since the first concerns about an outbreak of the virus in prisons were raised in late March, efforts to combat the pandemic, such as testing, inmate releases and lockdowns, have been implemented reluctantly and haphazardly. This has led to unnecessary deaths, increased rates of community transmission, and torturous conditions within prisons. Testing has been almost non-existent in many states. Illinois, Mississippi and Alabama have tested less than two and a half percent of inmates. New York state, despite being the epicenter of the international pandemic in March and April, has only tested three percent of its prison population of 40,000. Forty percent of those tested in the state were positive. California, with an annual prison budget of $12 billion, has only tested seven percent of its prison population. On May 21, the WSWS reported that only a handful of US prisoners had been released in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite highly publicized executive orders by governors and US Attorney General William Barr nominally authorizing mass releases. Even with the low number of releases, police forces and the bourgeois media are conspiring to end the early release of non-violent criminals. In an interview given to NBC News, New York Police Department commissioner Dermot Shea claimed that of the 2,500 prisoners released from Rikers Island Jail, 250 have been re-arrested. These social crimes are primarily the product of the abject poverty experienced by released prisoners, who are reentering society at a time of historic unemployment. The NBC report featured the case of one man who had been re-arrested for stealing a pair of socks. Before the pandemic hit, on any given day 29,000 people were admitted to jail in the US. While this decreased slightly during the pandemic, this daily churn of thousands of inmates means jails have acted as vectors for the spread of COVID-19 throughout the country. The arrest of at least 11,000 people across the US since May 25 for protesting police violence has undoubtedly sharpened this effect. Many of those arrested were held overnight in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions. Despite the rapid rise in infections both in and outside of prisons, many states are relaxing the restrictions put in place in response to the pandemic. With nearly 8,000 positive cases total, and at least 2,350 active cases as of June 18, Texas jails will restart the transfer of inmates to the states prison system on July 1. In late May, despite having the highest number of inmate deaths from the virus, Ohio prisons opened their doors for new transfers. Annette Chambers-Smith, head of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, justified the move in an interview stating, when you reopen the community, youre going to have more laws broken also. It is not the premature reopening of states across the US that will lead to more crime, but the malign neglect of the capitalist class that will lead to increasing crime rates. With no relief, high unemployment and record numbers of evictions, individuals across the US will face desperate circumstances. Figures such as Chambers-Smith and police chiefs like Shea will happily carry out the diktats of the state by brutalizing and exploiting societys most vulnerable. Another consequence of measures adopted in prisons across the US has been the increase of individuals in conditions of solitary confinement. Before the onset of the pandemic around 60,000 prisoners on any given day were in solitary confinement. Following a series of partial and full lockdowns in federal and state facilities, 300,000 prisoners in the US are currently in isolation, according to the Marshall Project. Prison experts fear that these conditions might become the new normal following the pandemic. Judith Resnik, a specialist on solitary confinement at Yale University Law School explained to NPR, There is really a long legacy of many prisons not all but many prisons turning to solitary confinement, turning to lockdown in the face of other public health problems. So, theres always a concern that once the system is sort of used to one mode of controlling people, that that will continue. Tens of thousands of lives are at risk without immediate measures to halt the rapid spread of the virus in prisons and to protect inmates. A campaign of rapid testing, tracing and quarantining must be put in place. Prison cells, cafeterias and shared spaces must be properly sanitized, and inmates must have access to adequate personal protective equipment. If prisoners do contract the virus their right to high-quality medical treatment must also be ensured. Where measures are taken to enforce social distancing, they must accommodate the needs of prisoners, including safe human interaction. Most significantly, those prisoners who are non-violent and test negative for the virus must be instantly released and provided with adequate financial support and housing. In the last four decades of imperialist war, the use of methods of violence and repression by US forces abroad have become common place. The violent repression of peaceful protests triggered by the murder of George Floyd by militarized police is one sign these methods will increasingly be utilized at home against. The murderous neglect of the poorest sections of society during the COVID-19 pandemic, including over two million prisoners, is a continuation of the capitalist classs policies of death, war and repression. A newly-released 2017 internal review of security practices at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) confirms that the top secret agency had developed an arsenal of cyber espionage tools and would not have known about the massive Vault 7 data hack of them had WikiLeaks not made it public. Vault 7 is the name given to a trove of hacked documents from the CIAs Center for Cyber Intelligence (CCI) that were anonymously shared with WikiLeaks, which the online site began publishing information about on March 7, 2017. The hack obtained nearly the entire arsenal of espionage tools and the methods by which the CIA was conducting illegal electronic surveillance and cyber warfare around the world. The internal report says that the CIA could not determine the precise scope of the data breach, We assess that in spring 2016 a CIA employee stole at least 180 gigabytes to as much as 34 terabytes of information. This is roughly equivalent to 11.6 million to 2.2 billion pages in Microsoft Word. It was the largest unauthorized disclosure of classified information in the history of the CIA. Julian Assange speaking on the CIA Vault 7 data breach in March 2017 [Photo credit: WikiLeaks] Significantly, the heavily redacted and partially released, WikiLeaks Task Force Final Report from October 17, 2017 says, Because the stolen data resided on a mission system that lacked user activity monitoring and a robust server audit capability, we did not realize the loss had occurred until a year later, when WikiLeaks publicly announced it in March 2017. Had the data been stolen for the benefit of a state adversary and not published, we might still be unaware of the lossas would be true for the vast majority of data on Agency mission systems. The CIA report also says that WikiLeaks published primarily user and training guides from a collaboration and communication platform called Confluence along with limited source code from a repository called DevLan: Stash and that All of the documents reveal, to varying degrees, CIAs tradecraft in cyber operations. The task force report was initially provided to the Washington Post on Tuesday by the office of Democratic Party Senator from Oregon Ron Wyden, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, who obtained the incomplete documentpages 15 through 44 have been removedfrom the Justice Department. The same limited version of the report had been introduced as evidence in the trial of Joshua Schulte, a former CIA employee who worked at CCI and has been accused of stealing the Vault 7 documents and handing them over to WikiLeaks. Schulte pled not guilty to eleven charges covered by the US Espionage Act and went to trial in early February. The federal case ended in a hung jury in early March on the most serious eight charges against Schulte and convicted him only on the lesser charges of contempt of court and making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As the World Socialist Web Site explained at the time, the failure to convict Schulte of leaking the Vault 7 trove created a stumbling block for the US government in its attempt to extradite WikiLeaks founder and editor Julian Assange, who is currently being held in Londons Belmarsh Prison in violation of his rights. The mistrial in the case of Schulte has so far prevented the US from adding anything about the Vault 7 breach into the already trumped up US charges against Assange. However, Assistant US Attorney David Denton told a judge in the Southern District of New York on May 18 that the Department of Justice does intend to retry Mr. Schulte on the espionage charges. The Vault 7 release by WikiLeaks exposed the CIAs use of special software to take control of cars, smart TVs, web browsers, smartphones and personal computers for the purpose of spying on individuals and organizations. The exposure of the CIAs cyber espionage and warfare repository yielded extensive information about these programs by their code names and what function they perform. An example is a malware tool called Athena which was developed in conjunction with the release of Microsoft Windows operating system 10 in 2015. The Athena malware, which was jointly developed by the CIA and a New Hampshire software company called Siege Technologies, hijacks the Windows Remote Access services utility on Windows 10 computers, enabling an unauthorized user to gain access to the PC and steal and delete private data or install additional malicious software. Another tool developed by the CIA called Scribbles is designed to track whistleblowers and journalists by embedding web beacon tags into classified documents in order to trace who leaked them. This tool was designed to interact with Microsoft Office documents whereby when any CIA watermarked document is opened, an invisible document hosted on the agencys server is loaded into it, generating an HTTP request that gathers information about who is opening the file and where it is being opened. It has been estimated that training and user information as well as the source code for as many as 91 such CIA tools were released in the Vault 7 breach. The majority of corporate media coverage of the newly released document has focused on the vulnerability of the CIA servers and what the agency intends to do about it, the purpose of the Senate Intelligence Committee attempt to make the report public in the first place, to the exclusion of any mention of the tools that were being developed and the blatantly criminal activity of the CIA associated with them. They have also not drawn attention to the fact that the CIA had, until the Schulte trial and release of the redacted review document, refused to officially acknowledge the existence of the cyber espionage and warfare tools. At the time of the WikiLeaks Vault 7 revelations, when asked about the authenticity of the trove, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Michael Hayden, replied that the organization does not comment on the authenticity or content of purported intelligence documents. The only other government official to mention the enormous hack of the CIA was President Donald Trump, who, on March 15, 2017, stated during an interview with Fox News host Tucker Carlson that the CIA was hacked, and a lot of things taken. In typical fashion, Democratic Representative Adam Schiff of California, then the Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee, issued a news release the next day that said, In his effort to once again blame Obama, the President appeared to have discussed something that, if true and accurate, would otherwise be considered classified information. ALBANY The Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration's attempt to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an Obama-era program that protects from deportation hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. Carmen Murillo, an Albany mother and DACA recipient, was at home with her two children when she heard the news and for the first time in a while she felt relieved. For months while the court deliberated, one question kept coming to Murillos mind: Would she be separated from her children? She couldnt bear the thought of having to leave her two young daughters, ages 6 and 1, behind. Its a feeling thats all too personal for Murillo. For most of her childhood, she grew up without her parents. They left her home country of Ecuador for the United States when she was four, and once they arrived in America, they left her in the care of her aunt. I grew up without parents, and I know what its like, Murillo said. I dont want my kids to go through that. I dont want them to wonder, why is my mother not with me? That fear has subsided at least for now. In the 5-4 ruling, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion that the governments justifications for ending the program were insufficient, but added that the administration can make another attempt to shut down DACA. Sarah Rogerson, a professor at Albany Law School and director of the school's Immigration Law Clinic, said there are other avenues for the administration to challenge the legality of DACA, but she doesnt think thats going to happen anytime soon. It would take time, Rogerson said. I dont think before the election there will be a successful attempt to dismantle DACA. President Donald Trump voiced his frustrations with the ruling on Twitter. These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republicans or Conservatives. We need more Justices or we will lose our 2nd. Amendment & everything else. Vote Trump 2020! he wrote. However, Rogerson said the judges actually laid out a very conservative thought in their opinions. Theyre not political (decisions) because the Supreme Court made them political. They are political because the president and Congress have made it political, Rogerson said. Its a big nothing statement," she said, referring to Trump's tweet. "What hes trying to do is delegitimize the court in the eyes of the American public, and thats the dangerous element. Ultimately, dismantling the program would come with a host of logistical difficulties, Rogerson said. One scenario is that after a recipient's DACA term expires, they would receive a notice to appear in court and then go through immigration removal proceedings in a system that is already overwhelmed. However, Rogerson feared if it were to happen, the DACA recipients wouldnt even get their day in court. We were really concerned about this administration shortcutting any judicial process and just rounding people up, she said. Nominate your favorite people and places now Its the 25th anniversary of our Best of the Capital Region readers survey. Nominate your favorite people, places and businesses between Jan. 21 and Feb. 4. Rogerson also explained that ending DACA would be a major blow to the economy because about 90 percent of DACA recipients are employed. As well, Rogerson said, there are about 700,000 young immigrants who could possibly be deported if the program were to come to an end. Although the decision received backlash from the White House, many organizations and other politicians praised the court for its ruling. New York Bar Association President Scott M. Karson said it was a triumph on many levels. This decision is also a victory for the rule of law, as the court rightly recognized the Trump administration failed to engage in a deliberative and genuine process when it undertook its effort to end DACA three years ago, Karson said. To that end, we agree with Chief Justice John Roberts determination that government, regardless of who is in the White House, has a duty and responsibility when making policy that was absent in this instance. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand wrote in a statement that the decision was a good first step. She believes the next action should be passing the DREAM Act, a proposal that provides young immigrants a pathway to permanent legal status through college, work or the armed services. While we celebrate todays ruling, we must remember there is still work to be done because for many DREAMers, this is the only country theyve ever called home, Gillibrand said. We must keep our promise to them, pass the DREAM Act, and finally put them on a path to citizenship. U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) also released a statement advocating for the DREAM Act. He said until it becomes law DACA recipients will continue to lack the certainty of security they deserve. Dan Irizarry, board chairman of Capital District Latinos, also echoed that the courts decision is a victory, but also a temporary solution. He hopes this incites the Hispanic community to go to the polls, both this month for the primary vote and for the general election in November. The larger point that shouldnt be lost to the Hispanic community is that whoever we elect to be the next president of the United cant be an enemy of our community, Irizarry said. That means we have an even greater obligation to go and vote, seeing that this is just a limited remedy right now. KENT COUNTY, MI Michigan Software Labs, a software consulting firm based in Ada, is getting home. The company is partnering with an investment firm owned Cheri DeVos to build a three-story building in Ada Township, located at 7471 River St. SE. The total cost of the new build is $4.5 million. The firm will share the first floor of the building with a new restaurant being developed by the owner of Luna, a Mexican restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids. Mark Johnson, managing partner and co-founder of Michigan Software Labs, said the building is expected to be completed by spring of 2021. His company has 35 employees, but the new building will provide the firm with enough space for 75 people. In a June 16 news release, Michigan Software Labs says its seeing increased demand for software development services such as apps and websites. We are having many conversations with Fortune 500 companies who are getting very serious about developing software and shifting more budgets over to digital efforts, Johnson said. Several companies are shifting their existing large events budget set aside for onsite events to custom software development to continue to grow their business and our team is here to help them in that process. Michigan Software Labs is currently headquartered in a nearby building at 425 Ada Dr. SE. Johnson said he wasnt immediately able to disclose how much of that total DeVos firm, CDV5, is paying for. The new building is located amid the Ada Village development, where several new retail and office buildings have been constructed in recent years. Amway and CDV5 are among those leading the redevelopment of the area. CDV5, for instance, was listed as one of the owners of a proposed hotel planned for the area, known as Ada House. The hotel project was announced in February. Read more: Michigan Medicine nearly cuts layoffs in half; 738 employees to be cut by end of June Attorney wants to disqualify Kent County Prosecutors Office from downtown riot case EPA fines Enbridge $6.7M over pipeline safety issues across Minnesota and Wisconsin Outdoor social zone restaurant seating opening today in Grand Rapids More than gloom it was a sense of pride and patriotism that prevailed among the people who had gathered in large numbers to watch the family members perform the last rites of martyred sepoy Rajesh Orang at Belgoria village in south Bengals Birbhum district on Friday. 26-year-old Orang, was among the 20 soldiers killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops along the undefined Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Bipul Roy from Alipurduar district in north Bengal was also martyred in the same incident. The Army cortege arrived from the Panagarh military hospital, where the body of Orang was kept for the night after a military aircraft brought his Tri-colour draped body from Leh via Chandigarh on Thursday evening. Army personnel carried the coffin to Orangs home around 9 am, where his family members father Subhash Orang, mother Mamata Orang and sister Shakuntala Orang - broke down into tears. We are all proud of him. Given a chance I want to join the Indian Army and avenge his death, said Abhijit Orang, his cousin. The two had spoken over the phone two weeks before Rajesh was killed. Villagers started shouting patriotic slogans Bharat mata ki jai, Vande Mataram and Jai Hind - and showered petals as army personnel arrived with Orangs coffin on their shoulders. People from all across the district had gathered at the otherwise nondescript village of Belgroia from where Orang hailed. I have come from Dubrajpur which is around 30 km away. I just wanted to get a glimpse of the martyred soldier. I dont belong to his village. But still I am feeling proud, said Paresh Bauri, who had come all the way on his bicycle to witness the proceedings. Rajeshs body was buried in a field at the entrance of the village after a gun salute by the army. Villagers claimed that there are proposals to rename the village after Rajesh Orang. Leader of political parties, including MPs and MLAs, also could be spotted at the occasion. In north Bengals Alipurduar district, the mortal remains of martyr Sepoy Bipul Roy was expected to reach the Bindipara village around 4 pm. Thousands of people thronged on both sides of the road leading to the village to pay their last respect. His body was kept at Hasimara air base after it was brought at 9.30 pm Thursday. Bakul Roy, younger brother of Bipul said: Though I have lost my brother, I want peace to be restored between China and India. I get scared every time I think about the future of my sister-in-law and niece, Bakul who works as a daily wage labour in Bhutan said. Bipul Roys last rites were completed in his native village in Alipurduar district around 9:30 pm on Friday. Meanwhile, as a mark of protest, Chinese goods were thrown out and set on fire in places like Bagdogra near Siliguri. Protests also erupted in other parts of the state where small groups of people were seen burning effigies of the Chinese President Xi Jinping and raising slogans calling for a boycott of Chinese goods. Emma Sheerin has welcomed Assembly support for a motion to include hill farmers in the 25 million Covid-19 Support Scheme. The Mid Ulster MLA said the move was important in ensuring Northern Irelands 20,000 sheep and beef farmers were properly supported during the crisis. I welcome the support of the Assembly for our motion calling on the Agriculture Minister to properly fund our sheep and beef farmers through the 25m scheme, she said. Our farmers are facing huge challenges as a result of the current health pandemic. The closure of hotels and restaurants has led to a reduction in demand and a collapse in prices. At the same time, the cost of feed and fertiliser has risen, applying more pressure to our food producers. Ms Sheerin warned that beef and sheep farmers would be worst affected by the crisis and urged the Agriculture Minister to acknowledge this in the scheme. There are 20,000 beef and sheep farmers in the north, and it is they who will be hardest hit, she said. As farmers face the prospect of Brexit and the severe weather, it is essential this funding should go where it is most needed. The Agriculture Minister must heed the wishes of the Assembly before any scheme is finalised. Beijing: China on Wednesday said it "attaches importance" to Pakistan's stand on Kashmir but hoped that New Delhi and Islamabad resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation to "safeguard" peace and stability in the region. China's Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said China wants "relevant parties" to resolve the issue through consultation. Liu said this during an interaction with a special Pakistani delegation on Kashmir . A brief statement posted on the Foreign Ministry's website in Mandarin said Liu "listened" to the briefing by the special envoys on Pakistan's position on the Kashmir situation. Liu "emphasised that China pays attention to the recent situation in Kashmir and attaches importance to Pakistan's relevant position", the statement said. "China believes that Kashmir issue is an issue left over from history and should be resolved by relevant parties through dialogue and consultation. China hopes that India and Pakistan can strengthen their communication and dialogue, properly handle differences, improve relations and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region," it said. The delegation was reportedly part of a move by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to send special envoys to brief foreign countries on the situation in Kashmir. Significantly, the delegation had to meet the Chinese vice minister and not the Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Liu's comments follow earlier remarks by Foreign Ministry officials urging India and Pakistan to peacefully resolve their differences, declining to back reports from Islamabad about Beijing expressing its support to Pakistan. On September 26, China had snubbed Pakistan by declining to back the well-publicised reports in Islamabad that claimed Beijing's support in the event of any aggression and for its stand on Kashmir. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. He was truly, one of a kind, said actor Shraddha Kapoor, on Thursday, while sharing her memories of the late actor and her Chhichhore co-star Sushant Singh Rajput on Instagram. The demise of the Kai Po Che actor has sent shock waves among celebrities and netizens alike, with many taking to the social media platforms to recall the times spent with Rajput. Shraddha Kapoor penned a heartfelt note remembering the person Rajput was, as she said someone who is full of humility, intelligence, curiosity about life, seeing beauty in everything, everywhere! He danced to his own tune!. Been trying to accept what has happened and coming to terms with it is very difficult. There is a huge void Sushant! Dearest Sush! her caption read. Kapoor, who shared screen space with the late actor in the 2019 released movie Chhichhore, explained that she used to look forward to seeing him on set, and kept wondering about the next captivating interaction they would have. She revealed that they used to have conversations about the cosmos and lifes philosophies. Apart from being a wonderful co-actor who put his heart and soul into his work, he was at his core, an amazing person. He cared for people and wanted to see them happy. His kind smile, the conversations we had at shoot about the Cosmos, different philosophies, the moments we spent together, were filled with magical wonderment! the Saaho actor wrote. Recalling her visit to his home with the whole movie gang, the Stree actor added: During a lovely musical and poetry filled get together at his home (he loved music and poetry), he showed me the moon from his telescope and I was so speechless that I could see its exquisite beauty up close!! He wanted to share that feeling! Our Chhichhore gang went to his beautiful home in Pavna, where we were awestruck together with the peace and calm of the nature around us he loved nature! He saw things through a kaleidoscopic lens and wanted to share that with everyone around him. He was mesmerised by the simplest things and would muse on them in a genius way! He was truly, One of a kind Ill miss you.. dearest Sush.. Shine on, she added. She also shared a photograph of a book that was gifted by Rajput to her with a special note. On Monday, Rajput was cremated in Mumbai at Vile Parles Pawan Hans crematorium amidst heavy downpours and a small gathering of his relatives and close friends from the cinema industry. Several Bollywood celebrities including Shraddha Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Mukesh Chhabra, Vivek Oberoi, Varun Sharma, and others had arrived at the crematorium. Rajput had died of suicide at his Bandra residence by hanging himself on Sunday, as per the police. For all the latest Entertainment News, download NewsX App This I-Lab has been created in a record time of 8 days by the Andhra Pradesh Med-tech team with the support of DBT The Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurated and flagged off Indias first I-Lab (Infectious disease diagnostic lab) for Covid testing in rural and inaccessible areas of India, recently. This mobile testing facility will be deployed through the DBT testing hubs to remote regions of the country for Covid testing. There are now over 20 hubs in the country with 100 testing laboratories and these have tested more than 2,60,000 samples. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology along with Andhra Pradesh Med-tech Zone (AMTZ) has initiated the DBT-AMTZ COMManD [COVID Medtech Manufacturing Development] Consortia to address the shortage of critical healthcare technologies in India and move progressively towards a stage of self-sufficiency. Under this Consortia, Indias first I- lab (infectious disease diagnostic lab) has been built at AMTZ in record time of 8 days from the date of receipt of Automotive Chassis, from Bharat Benz. This is a mobile diagnostic unit with biosafety facility. The I- lab is a BSL-2 facility with on-site ELISA, RT-PCR, Bio chemistry analysers. It can run 50 RT-PCR reactions and about 200 ELISA in a day.Double set of Machines can help increase the capacity to about 500 per day in 8 hours shift. It can be deployed in remote areas and can be lifted from Automotive Chassis and can be put on goods train for sending to any location in the country.The BSL -2 Lab is as per NABL specifications and is being attached to DBTs certified Testing centres. A restaurant waitress got revenge against a chef who slapped her bottom by encouraging her friends to post negative reviews of the establishment online. University student Farah Istanbouli, who has won a 9,000 payout at tribunal, said she felt embarrassed and humiliated when Hussein Agha smacked her behind while they were dancing in the kitchen. But after she complained to the owner of Persian eatery Sinuhe, in Londons West End, he threatened her with being blacklisted from getting another job and refused to sack the chef. The then 19-year-old resigned and told her friends what had happened and they then started to post negative online reviews of the restaurant, despite never having eaten there, the tribunal was told. She has now won more than 9,000 after the restaurant was found guilty of sexual harassment and victimisation. The hearing in London was told that Miss Istanbouli had started working part time at Sinuhe in September 2018 while she was studying at the University of London. In November of that year Mr Agha and another staff member persuaded her to play some traditional wedding music in the restaurant between shifts. Miss Istanbouli said the two men then began to dance. At first, I was just watching and laughing, she told the London tribunal. Then they told me to dance with them. So I walked over to them and just waved my hands back and forth, which is a manly way to dance to such music. (They) were getting into it and I felt like I was finally part of the team, she said, explaining that she then let out a traditional Arabic wedding call known as a zaghloot. She said: Mr Agha then shooshed me loudly and slapped my lower back and then he slapped my butt hard which hurt and made a really loud sound. I became really embarrassed and did not know how to react. (They) started laughing hard and were tearing up from laughter. I left the kitchen and felt humiliated. Miss Istanbouli texted friends to protest that that the chef had just slapped my ass and complained to owner Hossein Torfinejads wife and daughter. In a conversation with Mr Torfinejad she demanded that Mr Hussein be sacked or she would resign and then quit when he refused to do so. A week later the restaurant was forced to send Miss Istanbouli a legal letter asking her to stop the campaign of negative reviews that it had started to receive. Miss Istanbouli admits that she had some conversations with some friends, and some of her friends then wrote some bad reviews of the restaurant despite not having been to the restaurant, the tribunal judgement found. (She) says she did not encourage them to do this. We find that lacks credibility. We conclude (she) was well aware of their plans to try to damage the restaurants reputation before they did so. The tribunal concluded that even though Miss Istanbouli who now lives in Saudi Arabia could be seen smiling after the bottom slapping incident it had been an intrusion that had impacted upon her dignity and caused her to feel humiliated. It ordered the restaurant to pay her 8,600 compensation for injury to feelings and a further 476 for breaching employment regulations. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Darrell Shoaff, who works in facilities for STARR restaurants, installs clear acrylic dividers at Morimoto in Center City Philadelphia, Pa. on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. The dividers are in place for when restaurants are allowed to re-open following the coronavirus shutdowns. Read more Philadelphias restaurant comeback has officially begun. The big question: Will its dining scene be recognizable in six months? An array of newly permitted tables bloomed on sidewalks and patios last weekend, as outdoor dining was finally allowed for the first time since the shutdown in March. Clear acrylic sheets are being carved into partitions intended to keep guests airspace contamination-free when dining rooms eventually reopen. Our masks are on, the menus are accessed on our phones, the bill can be paid contact-free. And servers? They possibly just had a wellness check with their temperature taken before being allowed to approach your table provided they felt comfortable taking the risk to come back to work. If an employee has [an elevated] temperature, theyre immediately sent home, says Josh Levine of Starr Restaurants, which has spent over $30,000 to retrofit its 20 restaurants in the region, rewritten service manuals to minimize contact, and created a new role in some locations solely focused on sanitation. Theres little doubt this awkward coronavirus-era dinner dance is going to happen and that the pent-up public craves it, too. The Center City District released a survey Tuesday that 55% of its 1,910 respondents plan to eat at a restaurant within the next three to four weeks. (An earlier survey of Eater Philly readers was less optimistic.) But theres no question the historic disruption of the past three months of devastating revenue and job losses plus the added dynamic of the social justice movement following the death of George Floyd is reshaping the restaurant industry. With the prospect of dining rooms reopening soon at 50% capacity, everything is on the table to be rethought, from restaurant design and operations to inventive business models. There is also a push to address deep-seated flaws in restaurant culture that have fostered wage disparities, poor access to health care, workplace harassment and systemic racism. How will the history books remember this time? says Pat OMalley, the baker and now sole owner of Hungry Pigeon who finds his restaurant at the center of several of these swirling forces. Are we going do anything different together [as a restaurant scene]? The much-lauded all-day cafe in Queen Village was already struggling to make its labor-intensive concept profitable, cutting hours drastically at the end of 2019 before the pandemic sent the Pigeon into a take-out meal scramble. Then came the swiftly negotiated resignation of his former partner, chef Scott Schroeder, over Schroeders racist Instagram post following the Floyd protests that was called-out on Medium by laid-off and former staffers, who also alleged harassment. It was one of several food institutions that stumbled over their reactions to the Black Lives Matter movement after being taken to task on social media by employees. So now OMalley, who disavows Schroeders comments and behavior (I dont talk like that. I dont think like that.) is in the process of both reinventing Hungry Pigeons business as a cafe more focused on its bakery while trying to repair its reputation and strengthen its commitment to social causes by revamping its operation as a more equitable and nurturing place to work. But survival is hardly a given for the Hungry Pigeon and so many other restaurants, with projections by the National Bureau of Economic Research showing fewer than 30% of independent restaurants will survive an extended pandemic even with aid from the Small Business Administrations Paycheck Protection Program. Weve all had a kickstand under us with the PPP, says Tyler Akin of Stock, Res Ipsa, and Le Cavalier, under construction at the Hotel Dupont in Wilmington. But speaking with my colleagues here in Philly, its a bleak picture. We barely make ends meet when were on full throttle and now we have to spend extra dollars on personal protective equipment and revenues are generally 20 to 40% the norm. Akin is a board member of the Independent Restaurant Coalition which backed a bipartisan bill proposed Thursday in Congress to make $120 billion in assistance through a stabilization fund available to 500,000 independent restaurants employing 11 million workers impacted by the pandemic. Even so, Akins Res Ipsa, a Top 25 Italian BYOB with one of Phillys best roast chickens but only 10 seats at 50% capacity, has no liquor license, no outdoor seating, a handmade pasta menu that doesnt travel well for takeout and likely no future in its current form, he says. What we stand to lose [across the region] is a generation of intellectual property and vision, says Akin, not to mention community institutions. Its a genuine concern shared by many kinds of restaurants, although BYOBs with limited seating, which embody Phillys intimate, yet sophisticated restaurant scene are especially vulnerable. Several have transformed into hybrid restaurant-neighborhood markets [Helm, Spot Burger] or busy take-out operations like Kalaya, June BYOB, and Pumpkin. Im too stubborn to close, said Ian Moroney, whos been turning-out 100 three-course take-out dinners for $35 on busy nights at 26-seat Pumpkin, where theyd normally serve 50 diners. It would be financial suicide at this point to open [for inside dining] at half capacity. Cadence in South Kensington saw its busy take-out business evaporate overnight after the protests began, as the cause took precedence over both dinner plans and the social media networks that were previously used for menu news. But the award-winning BYOBs co-owners, Jon Nodler and Samantha Kincaid, have since turned their sights on a two-part strategy to diversify revenues. Theyre determined to make the most of their 12 outdoor seats for now and deliver an elevated dining experience which must be reserved and paid in advance supplemented by new daytime hours featuring inventive tacos to go made from house-ground masa. Its crazy to think youre taking your entire business and livelihood day by day, says Nodler, whose restaurant celebrated its two-year-anniversary the night before the shutdown. But thats all we can do right now. Prepaid meals are among the many blue sky revenue solutions that have failed in the past, but that restaurateurs have revived out of practicality. With customers already embracing cashless prepayment to minimize contact, its become a reflex, at least for takeout. A renewed effort to do away with tipping in favor of a set service charge has also regained traction to correct persistent wage disparities between the kitchen and front of the house, and also to fund health care. Martha in Kensington announced such an initiative last week. Marc Vetri decided to opt out of the usual FICA tip tax credit at Fiorella, his 20-seat pasta counter, to distribute gratuities among the entire staff on top of a guaranteed minimum wage for all. This Fiorella model manageable, not open every day, with a small squad where everybody is responsible for everything thats the future, said Vetri, who recently installed movable acrylic barriers for his counter in anticipation of reopening the dining room. Angelina Branca of recently closed Sate Kampar says, we really need to come together as an industry and figure out what is a reasonable baseline wage that includes benefits like health care and is also inclusive of workers who have earned the job, whether or not they are documented. ... If humanity is driving everyones actions, then laws can be rewritten. Branca closed her much loved Malaysian grill house on East Passyunk Avenue due to lease and landlord issues. Her situation will no doubt become a recurring theme as other hobbled restaurants try to negotiate a sustainable path forward after this year. Meanwhile, she has kept her small staff employed by cooking hundreds of meals per day for front line health care workers and others in need funded by nonprofits like Off Their Plate and Save Philly Eats which, along with Jose Andres World Central Kitchen, has sustained several restaurant staffs across the city. That charity-minded impulse will continue once the pandemic is over as South Philly Barbacoa, a WCK hub, has plans to convert their former El Compadre space into a full-time community kitchen. Im trying to create the most radical restaurant concept I can, says chef Ben Miller, who aims to fund-raise and produce hundreds of meals a day for $6 or less. We have so much hunger and poverty in this city, thats a great use of this commercial kitchen. At the other end of the spectrum, big restaurant groups like Starr are spending what it takes to retrofit their dining rooms and redesign floor plans to get back to business with social distancing. About 1,600 square feet of clear acrylic sheets have been divided into hundreds of partitions, including 47 panels to extend the booths at Morimoto alone. Kitchens have been reconfigured to allow for more space between workers. New technology platforms for online menus and contact-free payment have been launched alongside new policies, like time limits on seating for the reduced number of outdoor tables at Parc. Were fighting to pay the rent, basically, says Stephen Starr, whose company has already seen a bounceback of business at its restaurants in Florida following reopening there. Up to 70% of revenues have returned to restaurants like Makoto, which have large outdoor seating areas. But Florida has also seen a dramatic spike in new COVID-19 cases thats drawn concern that Sunbelt economies rushed to reopen at the expense of public health. The virus remains a threat. Some restaurant employees are reluctant to return to work out of health fears: Of the 30 to 40 offers I made to come back to work, five of them were accepted, said Akin, who reopened Stock. And Richard Stokes, the Philadelphia-based architect who redesigned 25 floor plans for Starr and other clients in recent weeks, said COVID-19 will leave a legacy of design changes on new projects. Community tables and big open rooms are out. Flexible private dining rooms will become a new priority, as will outdoor seating and take-out windows to allow restaurants to streamline this now essential revenue stream. The city itself, meanwhile, has been busy rethinking its own public spaces to accommodate more outdoor dining with streamlined permitting, streetery parklets transforming parking into space for tables, and proposed street closures that could allow pedestrian-friendly zones where restaurants could also expand. The city estimates a closure of 13th Street between Walnut and Chestnut, for example, could allow for 226 seats with social distancing, according to Nicole Marquis of HipCityVeg, whos been a vocal advocate with the Save Philly Restaurants coalition lobbying various levels of government for changes. Lets embrace outdoor dining like the streets and alleys of Old San Juan and Europe, said Marquis, whose vegan empire includes HipCityVeg and Latin-inspired Bar Bombon on 18th Street, where she had yet to get her official permit but had already begun seating on Moravian Street, the dumpster-lined alley shes vowed to beautify. But the reopening wave is already happening, propelled by an urgency for the industry to emerge more sustainable, ethical, and equitable. This was the first weekend, Marquis said, that were starting to feel that energy again. George Clooney has sarcastically jibed President Donald Trump over his claim that he 'made Juneteenth famous' and has donated $500K to a charity that fights against racial inequality in his 'honor.' Trump originally scheduled his first post-coronavirus campaign rally on the same date as the Civil Rights holiday, but rescheduled it for the following day after it sparked outrage. 'Thank you President Trump for 'making Juneteenth famous', Clooney said in a statement on Friday to PEOPLE Magazine. 'Much like when Bull Conner made 'Civil Rights' famous.' Trolling: George Clooney has sarcastically jibed President Donald Trump over his claim that he 'made Juneteenth famous' by donating $500K to a charity that fights against racial inequality. Politician Bull Conner became a symbol of institutional racism after strongly opposing the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, and it's second time this month that Clooney has made the reference when talking about Trump. The Oscar-winning actor added: 'My family will be donating 500 thousand dollars to the Equal Justice Initiative in honor of your heroic efforts.' Clooney's chosen charity EJI works to end mass incarceration, excessive punishment, and racial inequality. Claims: President Trump said this week that he made 'Juneteenth famous' and that nobody had heard of it before he started tweeting about it Clooney, 59, penned a powerful essay earlier this month where he made a dig at Trump for 'stoking hatred and violence' and said that Bull Connor was 'more subtle' when it came to his politics. Connor served as Commissioner of Public Safety for the city of Birmingham, Alabama for more than two decades, and denied civil rights to black citizens, especially during the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's Birmingham campaign of 1963. Trump told the Wall Street Journal during an Oval Office interview published Wednesday: 'I did something good: I made Juneteenth very famous.' 'It's actually an important event, an important time. But nobody had ever heard of it. Very few people have heard of it,' the president claimed referring to negative news coverage he received after announcing the rally date. Clooney went public with his message and donation on the holiday itself, as many celebrated to the official end of slavery in the U.S. in 1865. Celebrities including Lizzo and Taylor Swift have been posting about the date on their social media channels Friday, along with a host of other stars. Meanwhile Trump has put out a warning on Twitter over potential protesters turning up to his weekend rally in Oklahoma. 'Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis. It will be a much different scene!' Trump tweeted Friday morning. The tweet was posted before Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum shared a message on Facebook about how 'We will go through it as a community.' New Delhi: Days after Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death by suicide, once again the ghost of nepotism has caught fire. The actor was found hanging at his Bandra apartment on June 14, 2020. He was battling depression for past few months. After many stars such as Kangana Ranaut, Sahil Khan shared their own experiences of facing nepotism in the industry, actor Abhay Deol has opened up on how the Bollywood lobby works. He wrote: "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, released in 2011. Need to chant this title to myself everyday nowadays! Also a great watch when anxious or stressed. I would like to mention that almost all the award functions demoted me and Farhan from main leads, and nominated us as supporting actors. Hrithik and Katrina were nominated as actors in a leading role. So by the industrys own logic, this was a film about a man and a woman falling in love, with the man supported by his friends for whatever decisions he takes. There are many covert and overt ways in which people in the industry lobby against you. In this case it was shamelessly overt. I of course boycotted the awards but Farhan was ok with it. #familyfareawards Very creative artwork @kalakkii Abhay Deol was last seen in Netflix Originals movie 'Chopsticks'. He made his Tamil debut in 2019 with 'Mahadev'. He then featured in ZEE5 release 'Line of Descent'. Abhay Deol turned producer with 'What Are The Odds'. Sevilla's plan to stop Messi's freekicks FC Barcelona - La Liga Six in the wall, Munir on the floor, Kounde on the line Sevilla know the goalscoring threat Lionel Messi poses better than anyone. The Argentine has netted 37 times against the Andalusian club over the course of his Barcelona career and he was looking to add to that tally on Friday night. Barcelona were awarded a freekick in the 20th minute to the right of the goal - a perfect spot for a left-footer like Messi. Julen Lopetegui's side had a plan to deal with the Blaugrana captain, however. The hosts put up a six-man wall, plus Munir lying on the ground behind it to stop Messi going low with his effort. When the forward did bend the ball over the wall, Jules Kounde got back to clear the ball off the line, with Tomas Vaclik also diving over to meet the shot. Dhaka commuters hitting the streets again after a months-long lockdown are opting for bikes to maintain social distancing -- and discovering that pedal power is a way to beat the city's notorious traffic. Bangladesh lifted restrictions on movement at the end of May to revive its stuttering economy, including on the fume-spewing three-wheelers and crowded buses that serve as public transport in the capital. But the city's snarling gridlock -- in which cars often crawl along at a snail's pace -- has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. That's partly because many are staying home over lingering fears they will catch the virus. For latest updates on coronavirus outbreak, click here But for increasing numbers thronging Dhaka's Bangshal Bike Bazar -- home to some 150 specialty stores -- pedaling to work or school is becoming the new normal. "Bike sales have grown to a historic high," shop owner Mohammad Ibrahim, who now sells nine bicycles a day instead of three, told AFP. "Most people now avoid buses, taxis or auto-rickshaws... (and) buying bicycles as alternatives." Salesman Abdus Sobhan said mid-range bicycles selling at 10,000-25,000 taka ($US120-$300) had sold out. "I think a bicycle would be much safer for my commute," college student and part-time call-centre worker Toufikul Islam told AFP as he bought a new two-wheeler. Coronavirus Worldometer | 15 countries with the highest number of cases, deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic Rezoan Mahbub, a senior executive at a paper-importing firm, said the lockdown made him realise the benefits of owning a pushbike. "Bicycles are more convenient than cars or motorbikes," he told AFP. Other major cities are experiencing similar spikes in sales, the Bangladesh Bicycle Merchant Assembling and Importers Association told AFP. "This year... we expect bike sales will double," association spokesman Mohammad Rasel said of the $500 million markets, where around 1.5 million pushbikes are sold each year. Mahbub said he was optimistic that the turn to two-wheelers in Dhaka would see residents breathing cleaner air in the city. "It is really encouraging how young people are getting used to bicycles instead of cars or motorised vehicles. It is indeed a positive change," he said. [June 19, 2020] DEFINITION 6 and The Savannah College of Art & Design Create a First-Class Virtual Graduation The Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) was not about to let the Class of 2020 graduate without a celebration they would never forget. Social distancing may have kept the class apart but they were determined to create a commencement event that would bring them all together. SCAD enlisted the services of the digital marketing agency DEFINITION 6 to help realize their vision. DEFINITION 6 collaborated with the institution to rethink, reimagine and reinvent the traditional graduation ceremony. The goal was to create an event that was innovative and personal while highlighting their tremendous sense of community. The DEFINITION 6 team delivered a custom-built, cutting-edge platform that gave every graduate, over 3,000 strong, a personalized experience. This one-of-a-kind offering gave students their very own, customizable yearbook page. Not only could they add content, but their friends and family could also gain access and upload even more personal touches. Each student also received their own video based on the yearbook pages that could be downloaded and shared. And, when the main event arrived there was no shortage of special moments for every single senior. They were able to invite their family and friends to watch the ceremony on their very own commencement page. This fun-filled page included a live commenting feature nd a "roll call" moment complete with confetti allowing them to celebrate their loved one's milestone moment in real time. 76,000 assets were uploaded, 7,000 minutes were spent rendering video, more than 11,000 guests contributed to the content pages for each and every senior all adding up to...1 extraordinary, unforgettable, virtual event. DEFINITION 6 is proud to partner with SCAD and wishes the Class of 2020 the best of everything in the future. Go Bees! DEFINITION 6 is a digital customer experience agency that leverages Technology, Analytics, and Content to create innovative solutions that drive results for brands. Together with their clients, they build stories that shatter expectations, advocate authenticity and celebrate brands. For more information, visit www.definition6.com. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a private, nonprofit, accredited university offering more than 100 academic degree programs in more than 40 majors across its locations in the U.S., Europe, and online via SCAD eLearning. SCAD enrolls more than 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 115 countries. The innovative SCAD curriculum is enhanced by advanced, professional-level technology, equipment, and learning resources, as well as opportunities for internships, professional certifications and collaborative projects with corporate partners. In 2019, the prestigious Red Dot Design Rankings placed SCAD as the No. 1 university in the U.S. and in the top two universities in the Americas and Europe for the third consecutive year. Also in 2019, The Rookies ranked SCAD as the Best 3D Motion Graphics School for the fourth consecutive year. Career preparation is woven into every fiber of the university, resulting in a superior alumni employment rate. According to a recent study, 99% of SCAD graduates were employed, pursuing further education, or both within 10 months of graduation. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200619005043/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Opinion Article 19 June 2020 Balance Sheets deserve more attention and are an often-overlooked financial statement. While it is the Operator's responsibility[1] to ensure accuracy, the simple fact that it isn't tied to management fees means there is often little effort going into keeping it accurate. Meanwhile, the P&L statement predominates negotiations and is keenly scrutinized by all partners involved in the Hotel. However, it is of vital importance to question the P&L statement's accuracy, and this can largely depend on the validity of the Balance Sheet. Unfortunately, the importance of a strong Balance Sheet, in particular when it comes to working capital, is not something that is reviewed as regularly or as detailed as a P&L. There is a direct correlation between both financial statements, which can have a profound impact on valuations as part of either financing or a sale/purchase. Worse still, errors are sometimes only caught once the true-up period has passed. Owners and Asset Managers who don't control their Balance Sheet, don't understand the Hotel itself and are therefore unable to truly be in charge of any transaction relating to that Hotel. Advertisements One of the many impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is that it has highlighted the importance of working capital. "Cash is King" is all the more irrefutable as businesses in industries worldwide struggle to meet lenders' and creditors' demands. With companies lacking reliable forecasts, more investors now gauge performance based on Balance Sheet metrics, namely debt levels, asset liquidity, covenants, and stable cash flows. These are now, more than ever, favoured by owners and investors to assess if management can keep meeting obligations during the crisis. Now is the perfect time to do some long-overdue housekeeping, and dig deep into this statement. We've compiled some recommendations for Owners, Controllers, and Asset Managers conducting their next forensic Balance Sheet review, focusing on line items that have the most impact. This review will help identify and define current risks and opportunities. Assets Accounts Receivable Hotels that are temporarily closed have the advantage that their guest ledger should currently be empty and their trade debtors very low. All invoices should have been sent out and, hopefully, paid. If not, it is clear to locate and aggressively chase the outliers. It is essential to be realistic and either write off or provide for accounts such as Thomas Cook or other casualties. Asset Managers should keep a close eye on the liquidity of the numerous travel agencies that will not be in a position to pay when dealing with excessive cancellations. Before reopening, you need to ensure that your credit policies are robust and can identify companies changing their payment practices. Upon reopening, Asset Managers should be prudent with the allocation of credit, but simultaneously assess the impact on trading. Only once things have stabilized can you take a fresh, realistic look. The less credit allocated the more you protect your future cashflow; the upcoming financial crisis is going to be difficult for a lot of companies and leave unpaid invoices (e.g., the case of Marsans in Spain back in 2010). Asset Managers should work with operators to improve the rigour of collection processes. It is easy to get lax about receivables when operations are thriving, but with cash flow increasingly crucial before and after reopening, it is time to take a hard look at the management of receivables. Encourage the Operator to question procedures and identify patterns in issues experienced in the past. Areas of focus include an analysis of customer payment performance and the creation of practices supporting timely and precise invoicing. Inventory A closed property planning to reopen is ideal for undergoing a full inventory review. While perishables should have been disposed of before closure, alcohol is likely to be one of the current top items. Ensure that none have passed their sell-by date, paying particular attention to mini-bar items that are rarely refreshed. Review your guest amenities and marketing collateral and question whether they are still usable. Ensure they respect the most updated brand logos; if not, they need to go. Make sure that only new and packaged items form part of your stock. Start thinking and stocking guest amenities, cleaning supplies and other equipment that will be demanded after reopening as part of the post-COVID-19 ways of operation, such as facemasks, hand sanitizers, PPE and the like. Revise the need for silver/glass/china/linen, and check whether the orders you placed before the COVID-19 period are still necessary. A lot of hotels have habitually placed new orders for these items, which, with the reduced forecasted occupancy might not be needed. You may be able to cancel/reduce some of them and help your cash flow. Sundry Debtors and Prepaid Expenses Any other debit balances in your Balance Sheet are potential costs that have not been recognized in your P&L to date. Be sensible about regular prepayments such as insurance, maintenance, or advertising contracts. Work together and see how best to use the available time and expertise to get the asset in the best position possible for reopening. Ask whether you should be installing sanitizer dispensers or applying floor decals promoting social distancing. Now is an excellent time to question if your S&M should change their strategy or target a different audience. Still, remain critical of the relevance of any pre-booked S&M trade shows or events. Liabilities Accounts Payable You should review your creditors in the same detail as the accounts receivable. Test how far you can push out some payments, especially for Capex, without degrading your relationships. This is only achievable through open communication with suppliers and partners. Meanwhile, tighten your vendor payment controls. Collect any credit notes from suppliers that you don't do regular business with and make sure that all payables are current. Any invoices that are unpaid and not chased by the suppliers may not be valid and can mean a welcome 'write back' into the P&L. Your purchasing department should look at how their supplier networks have been impacted while re-evaluating and comparing other supplier possibilities. Purchasing should also be encouraged to review their payment policies and question how well they're followed and how they should be improved. Furthermore, check with the said suppliers whether they can revise their fees, especially the marketing ones, as they may not have been used during this period. You can either ask for a credit note or an extension of the contract for Alternatively, ask suppliers if you can explore reducing minimum ordering levels in order to receive retro rebates. While the hospitality industry is often praised for its guest-facing innovation, the back-of-house often remains as archaic. Switching to automated ERP and accounting could be a transformative opportunity for hotels and their Balance Sheets. More and more technologies are being developed that allow users to predict cash requirements, track vendor balances, and set up automated processes to either approve, prioritize, or delay payments. These can be integrated with other software that limits manual processes, like the entry of AP invoices. Altogether, these technologies have the potential to streamline and optimize account payable management better than many operators' current procedures. Accruals & Other Creditors All accruals and provisions for goods received without invoices must be accurate. If they are too low, there will be a P&L income at some stage. Guest deposits have been the subject of many discussions triggered by the pandemic. On the one hand, each Hotel should be flexible. At the same time, it should offer guests to re-book at later dates as opposed to refunding deposits and losing cash in these difficult times. Some companies give an extra night for free to their clients in order to postpone and not cancel their bookings, which would be a threat to their cashflow. For Owners working with large, global management companies, it could be possible to explore arrangements where incentive or even management fees are postponed. Alternatively, Asset Managers should push to make the FF&E a 'nominal' account instead of a restricted bank account. This cash should be used to continue paying and supporting staff during closure and the uncertain recovery expected. Check that the accruals you build for holidays or 13th month for the staff are correct. You might have some old accrued holidays there which you can give them to the team and reduce costs if the occupancy allows it or the furlough measures are not enough. The same applies to the NI costs. Check whether you can get any subsidy following all the governmental measures taken in your country. Income Taxes Payable With many governments introducing corporate support schemes, it is crucial to stay informed of any relevant tax ordinances and ensure they are reflected in the Balance Sheet. This applies for all government support schemes; responsibility must be allocated for keeping track of finishing any application paperwork properly and on-time. Still, you must be wary of the risk any subsidies will pose for future credit. Fixed Assets This might be the right moment to make an inventory of your assets and write off any items that might not have been depreciated. Some companies keep buying new machinery, but they forget to depreciate the replaced/broken ones fully. You might find some items which you can depreciate, decrease your NOI and pay fewer corporate taxes. Conclusion The explored importance of the Balance Sheet means it shouldn't just be a duty placed on the management company. At the end of the day, when a hotel's livelihood is at stake, it is the responsibility of all parties involved to work together and ensure it is safe against this pandemic and all the instability yet to come. Asset Managers, Operating Companies and Owners should support and work together to produce correct statements, instead of pointing fingers. Ultimately, now is the time to get things clear and understand the risks and opportunities a hotel faces. We encourage you to appreciate the importance of the Balance Sheet and reflect it in your actions long after reopening. Please contact us at [email protected]; we would be delighted to offer you our assistance in conducting your next forensic Balance Sheet review. A special thank you to our partner, Alex Slors, for sharing his expertise on the topic. Sources of Information Bloomberg Professional Services. (April 23, 2020). For investors, COVID-19 has us going back to balance sheets. Retrieved from www.bloomberg.com/professional/blog/for-investors-covid-19-has-us-going-back-to-balance-sheets/ Simon, E. (May 15, 2020). Stay Cal Hospitality expands Hotel Investor Apps partnership. Retrieved from hotelmanagement.net/tech/stay-cal-hospitality-expands-hotel-investor-apps-partnership [1] Except in the case of Amortisations, and the accounts related to financing, capital etc., which are usually the responsibility of the Owner Click here to read the full article. Ian Holm, the classically trained Shakespearean actor best known to film audiences for his performances in films including the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, Chariots of Fire and Alien, has died. He was 88. A rep for the actor has said Holm died in hospital on Friday morning. The actor had been battling Parkinsons Disease for a number of years. However, as recently as January, Holm appeared in person to collect the Newport Beach Film Festivals Icon Award in London. More from Variety Holm, who was celebrated for interpretations of most of the Shakespeare canon, including a towering King Lear, also excelled onstage in the original production of Harold Pinters The Homecoming, which he also brought to Broadway. He began working in films only midway through his career, debuting with an adaptation of his stage performance in A Midsummer Nights Dream in 1968. In later years, however, he worked increasingly in movies and more selectively onstage, appearing in high-profile films such as Alien, The Fifth Element, Lord of the Rings pics The Fellowship of the Ring and The Return of the King and Hobbit movies An Unexpected Journey and The Battle of the Five Armies. But his finest work was contained in independently made productions like Oscar best picture winner Chariots of Fire, which brought him a nomination as best supporting actor in 1982; The Madness of King George; Joe Goulds Secret; Big Night; and The Sweet Hereafter. He also worked regularly on British television series such as The Borrowers, Bells, Mr. and Mrs. Edgehill, We the Accused and Game Set and Match. Holm was remarkably versatile and, despite his short stature, rarely limited in his selection of roles. He was very much an actors actor, too chameleon-like to have a strong star impact. In 1998, he received his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to drama. Story continues Holm had been working as an actor for decades when he first achieved mainstream notice for his work as an android in 1979s Alien and as the Olympic trainer Sam Mussabini in 1981s Chariots of Fire. Over the next decade the roles became larger and more distinctive, including Napoleon in Time Bandits, Polonius in Zeffirellis Hamlet alongside Mel Gibson, Captain Fluellen in Kenneth Branaghs Henry V, as well as turns in Dreamchild, Brazil, Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes, Wetherby, Dance With a Stranger and Woody Allens Another Woman. During the 90s he had meaty starring roles in Steven Soderberghs Kafka and David Cronenbergs Naked Lunch as well as in Nicholas Hytners The Madness of King George, Branaghs Frankenstein and The Fifth Element. Holm turned in several outstanding performances in top independent movies including Stanley Tuccis Big Night and Joe Goulds Secret and, especially, in Atom Egoyans The Sweet Hereafter, where his performance as the pained lawyer futilely seeking redress in the wake of a Canadian towns tragedy was bottomless with its subtlety, Roger Ebert said. He worked for Cronenberg again but was wasted in eXistenZ. The actor, who cut his teeth in the theater, still did stagework occasionally. Holm starred as Astrov in Uncle Vanya in 1979 and as King Lear in 1997. The latter brought him an Olivier award as best actor, and he repeated both performances on television, winning an Emmy for Lear in 1999. In 1993, he starred in a production of Pinters Moonlight onstage with wife Penelope Wilton. He returned to the role of Napoleon in 2001 film The Emperors Clothes. (He had first played Bonaparte in the 1972 TV series Napoleon and Me, then comically in Time Bandits.) In a generally negative review of the film, the New York Times said, In a sly, deadpan performance, Mr. Holm does his best to realize the movies gentle comic vision. In his 70s Holm continued to show up in high-profile films none more high profile than the Lord of the Rings movies, in which he played Bilbo Baggins. He was a sadistic doctor in the Hughes brothers From Hell, with Johnny Depp, and played meteorologists in Roland Emmerichs disaster epic The Day After Tomorrow and Martin Scorseses The Aviator. But he was also one of the starring voices in the stylish animated film noir sci-fier Renaissance and the delightful animated feature Ratatouille. Holm made some other interesting choices in the 2000s, appearing in the indie comedy Strangers With Candy; as an outrageous psychoanalyst in The Treatment; and as David Ben Gurion, the first president of Israel, in Elie Chouraquis O Jerusalem. He returned to the role of Bilbo Baggins for two Hobbit films, An Unexpected Journey and The Battle of the Five Armies. Ian Holm Cuthbert was born in Goodmayes, England, and entered the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1950, leaving in 1953 to do his military service. The following year he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford-on-Avon and made his debut as a spear carrier in Othello. Holm made his West End debut in 1956s Love Affair and toured Europe with Laurence Olivier in Titus Andronicus, rejoining the RSC in 1957 and breaking out in 1959 with his celebrated Puck in A Midsummer Nights Dream and as the Fool in King Lear. He remained with the RSC until 1967, appearing in starring roles in The Tempest (as Ariel), Richard III, Henry V and Henry IV, Part 1 and Part 2. In 1965 he appeared to great acclaim as Lenny in the original production of Pinters The Homecoming; he won a Tony when he repeated the role on Broadway in 1967 and played the role again in Pinters 1973 big-screen adaptation. In 1968 he made his film debut in The Bofors Gun, a British film that brought him a BAFTA Award for supporting actor. Thereafter, he appeared more regularly in movies and on television than onstage. Over the next few years, he had supporting roles in A Midsummer Nights Dream, The Fixer, Oh! What a Lovely War, Nicholas and Alexandra and as King John in Robin and Marian. Other assignments included Young Winston, Juggernaut, Shout at the Devil and, for television, Les Miserables, The Man in the Iron Mask, All Quiet on the Western Front and Jesus of Nazareth. For the American miniseries Holocaust and Inside the Third Reich, he played Heinrich Himmler and Joseph Goebbels, respectively. He won a second Emmy in 2001 for his roguish work opposite Judi Dench in HBO telepic The Last of the Blonde Bombshells. With wife Wilton he appeared in The Borrowers and The Return of the Borrowers for Brit TV, and he was one of an all-star cast of voices that contributed to the live-action version of Animal Farm that aired on TNT in the U.S. Holm also did a considerable amount of voiceover and narration work. He narrated the documentaries Stalin, Elizabeth R: A Year in the Life of the Queen and Hiroshima: The Decision to Drop the Bomb; The Seas of Zanzibar and Skin Deep, both for the Discovery Channel; and Holocaust on Trial for PBS. Holm was married four times, first to Lynn Mary Shaw. His second wife was film still photographer Sophie Baker. Their marriage ended in 1986. Holm married Wilton in 1991, and divorced in 2001. He is survived by his fourth wife, artist Sophie de Stempel, whom he married in 2003; three daughters, Jessica, Sarah-Jane, who did some film acting, and Melissa, a casting director; and two sons, Barnaby, who acted as a child, and Harry, a filmmaker who makes music videos. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. First, let me say welcome to all new readers. Second, I have written quite a bit about the debate that Moynihan, a distinguished sociologist, diplomat and Democratic senator from New York, touched off. Before he died in 2003, I also had the edifying pleasure of interviewing him a couple of times about the decline in numerous families in the industrial world, not just black folks. Two books about Trump are being released by Simon & Schuster. Former national security adviser (and the third in Trumps administration) John Boltons book, The Room Where It Happened, is set to be published on June 23rd while another book, written by Trumps niece, Mary Trump, will come out at some point in July. While Boltons book focuses more on the administration, scandals, and political maneuverings, Mary Trumps book, Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the Worlds Most Dangerous Man, will focus largely on Trumps upbringing and the personal scandals within his own family. Trump has already fought to delay the release of Boltons book, with the Justice Department suing to block the release of the scandalous text, while experts think that Trump may move to do the same thing with his nieces book. But what do the books suggest about the Trump administration and, ultimately, the Trump family? Nothing good, early reviews say. Mary Trumps Book Will Reveal Harrowing, Salacious Stories About Trump According to The Daily Beast, Mary Trumps book will be published weeks before the Republican National Convention on July 28. The book will reveal that Ms. Trump was one of the main sources behind the New York Times reporting into Trumps fraudulent tax schemes. The book will also reveal how Donald J. Trump and his father neglected Marys father, Fred Trump Jr., as he descended into an alcohol addiction that would ultimately kill him, and how the president and his siblings cut off medical benefits to one nephew in the family who had cerebral palsy as payback for challenges to the Trump patriarchs will. There may be some psychoanalysis at play as Ms. Trump is a psychologist, as well as palace intrigue much of the book is based off of stories from Maryanne Barry, Trumps sister and retired judge. The book marks the first time a family member of the president has published a tell-all about the administration, at a time when there is a veritable book micro-economy of tell-all books of former Trump administration officials. Story continues Of course, no one should expect the book to be a flattering portrait of the president. The last time Mary Trump spoke at length, publicly, about her family, was during the fight over her grandfathers will that would tear the family apart. Apparently, allegations that the patriarch suffered from dementia and that his will had changed before his death, cutting the descendents of Marys father out of the will, chaos ensued. My aunts and uncles should be ashamed of themselves, she said in 2000. Im sure they are not. Boltons Book Will Suggest The Same But About Politics John Boltons book, which comes out on Tuesday, basically asserts that every single move Trump makes is singularly about his re-election including asking a foreign government, the Chinese government, for help with re-election, supporting Chinas concentration camps that imprison and re-educate Uyghur Muslims, and that Trump offered to help Recep Erdogan, the Turkish president, help to avoid a Justice Department investigation into events that may have violated US Iran sanctions. Bolton also paints a picture of a president who has no interest, or understanding, in administrative politics or even what countries exist where he once asked advisers if Finland was a satellite country of Russia. He also was surprised to learn that Britain was a nuclear power, and apparently pushed Attorney General Bill Barr to jail CNN reporters. Dysfunctional family, dysfunctional administration. Related Articles: The post Trumps Psychologist Niece Says Her Family Is a Dysfunctional Mess appeared first on Fatherly. In a meandering Wall Street Journal interview filled with blatant and outlandish lies such as the claim that he personally "made Juneteenth famous" President Donald Trump on Thursday called COVID-19 testing "overrated" and admitted that he is putting the health of some of his supporters at risk by moving ahead with a planned rally this weekend in Tulsa. Oklahoma has reported an "exponential & meteoric" rise in coronavirus cases in the past week, according to new research from an epidemiologist at Harvard University. For the week ending June 18, the states daily average of new COVID-19 cases rose by 140.3 percent from the figure reported the previous week "I personally think testing is overrated, even though I created the greatest testing machine in history," Trump said. "I've created the greatest testing machine in history. And I think testing is overrated." Pressed to explain his position, the president said testing "makes us look bad." "We report every case," said Trump. "So, if we test 20 times more than some other country, we're going to find cases. They call them cases. And that's only because our testing is much better." Trump and Vice President Mike Pence both falsely claimed earlier this week that increased testing rather than an actual surge in infections is behind recent spikes in COVID-19 cases in more than 20 states across the U.S., which has lagged behind other nations in tests per capita. The White House has come under constant criticism from lawmakers and public health experts for failing to implement a nationwide testing strategy. "The U.S is now conducting more than 3 million coronavirus tests a week, a big improvement over the shortages and failures that worsened the pandemic this spring. But the country risks another dangerous testing deficit this fall when schools and businesses try to reopen," Politico reported. "Safely reopening schools and businesses could require up to 30 million tests per week, rather than the current three million, certain experts say." Pull Quote Safely reopening schools and businesses could require up to 30 million tests per week, rather than the current three million, certain experts say. As Vox's Dylan Matthews wrote Thursday, contrary to Trump's dismissal of its importance, widespread testing is needed to "identify people with mild symptoms, so they can isolate and avoid spreading the virus to other people." "You need tests to conduct contact tracing: the tedious work of interviewing people who test positive for COVID-19, finding out with whom they've been in close contact, and then informing those people of their potential exposure and asking them to self-isolate and you guessed it get tested," Matthews wrote. "When you conduct more tests, you would expect the positive test rate to go down, because along with some more positive tests, you would get many more negative ones," Matthews continued. "So, experts are concerned because in states like Arizona and Florida and Texas, the positive test rate is actually increasing. That is what suggests increased spread of COVID-19 is behind some of rising case numbers not simply more tests being conducted. Pull Quote Trump blames the increase in testing for the rising number of new cases. But experts say that increased testing makes the positive rate go down, because many more negative cases also are discovered. Trump went on in the Journal interview to admit that by holding a rally in Tulsa on Saturday despite the warnings of public health officials, he is putting his supporters at risk of infection. "Well, people have to know that, yes," the president said. "But it's tiny. You know, it's a very small percentage." Tulsas largest newspaper ran an editorial urging Trump not to stage his rally there at this time. Trump said rally-goers will not be required to wear face masks, which the president characterized as "a double-edged sword" that "could be a false sense of security." Ardent Trump followers refuse to wear masks as a symbol of fealty to their leader, who treats mask-wearing as a contemptible sign of weakness and conformity. Trump followers have harassed and even assaulted people for wearing protective masks.Co As Common Dreams reported last week, the Trump campaign is requiring prospective rally attendees to sign a waiver vowing not to sue if they contract COVID-19 at the event. "The Trump campaign may have shied away from such a move if it could be held accountable for the resulting illness and potential deaths that are likely to follow," said Public Citizen president Robert Weissman. "Instead, it aims to escape liability and any measure of accountability by forcing attendees to waive their rights through contract terms that they are unlikely even to notice." FILE PHOTO: A logo is pictured on the headquarters of the WHO in Geneva By Francesco Guarascio and Elvira Pollina BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European governments are working with the United States on plans to overhaul the World Health Organization, a top health official for a European country said, signalling that Europe shares some of the concerns that led Washington to say it would quit. The European health official, who spoke on condition of anonymity while discussing initiatives that are not public, said Britain, France, Germany and Italy were discussing WHO reforms with the United States at the technical level. The aim, the official said, was to ensure WHO's independence, an apparent reference to allegations that the body was too close to China during its initial response to the coronavirus crisis early this year. "We are discussing ways to separate WHO's emergency management mechanism from any single country influence," said the official. Reforms would involve changing the WHO's funding system to make it more long-term, the official said. The WHO now operates on a two-year budget, which "could hurt WHO's independence" if it has to raise funds from donor countries in the middle of an emergency, the official said. U.S. President Donald Trump has accused the WHO of being too close to China and announced plans to quit and withdraw funding. European countries have occasionally called for reform of the WHO but have generally shielded the organisation from the most intense criticism by Washington. In public the European position has usually been that any reform should come only after an evaluation of the response to the coronavirus crisis. EVALUATION AND REFORM But minutes of a videoconference of EU health ministers last week suggested European countries were taking a stronger line and also seeking more European influence at the WHO in future. The German and French ministers told their colleagues "an evaluation and reform of the WHO was needed", the minutes said. Story continues That was stronger wording than in a resolution last month which the EU drafted and which was adopted by all 192 WHO member countries. That resolution called for an evaluation of the response to the coronavirus crisis, but it stopped short of calling for reforms. The German and French ministers also told their colleagues"The EU and its MS (member states) should play a bigger role at the global level," the minutes showed. A spokesperson for the German health ministry said Berlin sought stronger engagement with the WHO ahead of Germany taking over the EU presidency on July 1. A German government source told Reuters the aim of the intervention at the health ministers' meeting was to encourage debate among EU member states about how to reform the WHO. Asked whether Germany was now pushing for quicker changes, instead of waiting until after the crisis, the official said: "Reforms of international organisations normally take years, not months." A French health ministry spokesman also said the WHO would be on the agenda of Germany's presidency of the EU, and Paris would work on it with Berlin. France backed WHO reform but changes should follow the evaluation of the organisation's handling of the COVID-19 crisis, he said. A British government spokesperson said Britain worked with organisations including the WHO "to encourage and support transparency, efficiency and good management". The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the WHO did not respond to requests for comment. The WHO drew criticism for public praise of China's efforts to combat the disease in the early days of the crisis, even as evidence emerged that Chinese officials had silenced whistleblowers. The EU and its governments funded around 11% of the WHO's $5.6 billion budget in the 2018-19 period, and the United States provided more than 15%. China covered just 0.2%. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio @fraguarascio in Brussels; additional reporting by Elvira Pollina in Milan, Andreas Rinke in Berlin, Matthias Blamont in Paris; Editing by Peter Graff) WASHINGTON - The two senior commanders on a coronavirus-stricken aircraft carrier didnt do enough, soon enough, to stem the outbreak, the top U.S. Navy officer said Friday, a stunning reversal that upheld the firing of the ships captain who had pleaded for faster action to protect the crew. Capt. Brett E. Crozier and Rear Adm. Stuart Baker, commander of the carrier strike group, made serious errors in judgment as they tried to work through an outbreak that sidelined the USS Theodore Roosevelt in Guam for 10 weeks, said Adm. Mike Gilday, the chief of naval operations. The Crozier decision was a surprise since Gilday had recommended that the captain be restored to his command less than two months ago after an initial inquiry. The pandemic set off a dramatic series of events that led to Croziers dismissal, the abrupt resignation of the acting Navy secretary who fired him and the push for a broader review of the Pacific fleets top commanders and how they handled the virus outbreak. The spread of COVID-19 aboard the carrier while on deployment in the Pacific in March exploded into one of the biggest military leadership crises of recent years. More than 1,000 crew members eventually became infected, and one sailor died, in what was the most extensive and concentrated spread of the virus across the U.S. military. It eventually sent all of the 4,800 crew members ashore for weeks of quarantine, in a systematic progression that kept enough sailors on the ship to keep it secure and running. More broadly, it put out of commission a massive warship vital to the Navys mission of countering Chinas power in the Asia-Pacific region. Gilday said at a Pentagon news conference that Crozier and Baker failed to tackle the problem head on and take charge, as the virus spread throughout the ship, and their actions fell well short of what we expect of those in command. They did not do enough, soon enough, he said. Gildays decision to hold both Crozier and Baker accountable is confirmation of concerns expressed by top Pentagon officials who demanded a deeper investigation when the Navy presented the results of a preliminary probe in April. Gildays recommendation that Crozier be reinstated as a result of that probe was never acted upon, because the broader investigation was launched. Had I known then what I know today, I would have relieved him of command in April, Gilday said. Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite, who took office after the deeper probe was begun, said at the news conference that emotions got in the way of determining the full story of what happened aboard the Roosevelt, resulting in a too-narrow initial investigation. He said there had been a rush to judgment, but he did not say who he blamed for that. Among other findings, as described by Gilday, the investigation determined that the likely source of the coronavirus infection was obtained during a port visit in Vietnam in March. He said investigators were unable to determine who among the crew was the first person to be infected. The investigation, done by Adm. Robert Burke and endorsed Friday by Gilday, found that Crozier failed to stem the outbreak or properly communicate the escalating crisis to senior commanders. It also concludes that the ships slow response to the virus was not his fault alone, and that Baker also failed to take decisive actions to address the problem. Interviews with Crozier and Baker cited in the investigation report reveal confusion, conflict and poor communications among the leaders, their commanders across the fleet and in the Pentagon. A key disagreement involved Crozier and his medical teams insistence on better food and quarantine conditions for the crew, including individual hotel rooms, so that CDC guidelines were met. Other commanders in the fleet pushed to quarantine 150 to 200 crew members together in larger facilities, while they worked through negotiations on hotel space. Gilday said Friday that in several instances he believes Crozier put the crews comfort ahead of its safety. He said the commanders were slow to move the sailors off the ship and released sailors from quarantine in one area of the ship too quickly. Based on the findings, Crozier and Baker would be able to remain in the Navy and move to other jobs at their current rank, but the admonishments are likely career-enders for both men. Gilday said Crozier will not be eligible for command again. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., chairman of the House Armed Service Committee, said Friday that the panel is launching its own investigation to better understand the full range of mistakes that were made, including by civilian leaders and more senior commanders. Croziers firing upset the carriers crew at the time, and he received cheers and applause as he walked off the ship. When the coronavirus outbreak was discovered on the Roosevelt, Crozier sent an email to several commanders pleading for more urgent Navy action, including the removal of nearly all sailors from the ship to protect their health. That email was leaked to the media, and the acting Navy secretary at the time, Thomas Modly, accused Crozier of bad judgment and directed that he be relieved of command April 2. Days later, amid an uproar of his handling of the matter, Modly resigned and was replaced by James McPherson. Braithwaites nomination to be secretary was still pending at the time. He took over earlier this month after being confirmed by the Senate. In the report Friday, Gilday concluded that Crozier did not intentionally leak the email. The Roosevelt, meanwhile, spent weeks in port in Guam, as crew members rotated ashore for quarantine. After about two weeks of training at sea, the carrier returned to operations at sea with a reduced crew on June 4. Sailors have continued to fly back to the ship from Guam after they have recovered from the virus or completed two weeks of quarantine. The Roosevelts experience with the virus, however, spurred the development of widespread cleaning and health precautions across the military. And it gave federal health authorities a population of sailors to test, providing greater insight into the science and the spread of the virus. Dejero to Support Juneteenth Petition March Coverage Use of Smart Blending Technology opens a new world of opportunity in live remote production for Artistic Visual Studios as they prepare for multi-camera livestream of momentous Opals Walk to DC Waterloo, Ontario( ) Dejero, an innovator in cloud-managed solutions that provide Emmy award winning video transport and Internet connectivity while mobile or in remote locations, is providing a range of its Smart Blending Technology solutions to production company, Artistic Visual Studios (AVS) for its live production of Opals Walk; a petition march from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington D.C, led by 93 year old Opal Lee. Ms. Opal aims to gather one million signatures on her way to Congress today in order to make Juneteenth (June 19th) a national holiday to commemorate the abolition of slavery in the United States. AVS, who also produced a powerful campaign video of Ms. Opal seeking Nikes support of what could be a historically significant petition march, will be reaching a new enterprise level of professional live event production. They will be using Dejeros GateWay, WayPoint, CuePoint, EnGo and LivePlus app for reliable connectivity and high quality live video transmission to capture this momentous occasion. The live broadcast will be available on Ms. Opals Facebook page (opalswalk2dc) and on local radio station 97.9 The Beat - Urban One | RL (www.thebeatdfw.com). Dejeros solutions have opened up a new world of opportunity for us. Theyve allowed us to cut the cords of the constraints weve experienced with limited connectivity. Now, whether were in the studio, a fixed venue and especially on location we can be so much more agile, get even closer to the action, provide more vantage points and interviews on the move and most importantly, deliver enterprise level, crisp quality live productions for future multicultural events in a way that hasnt been delivered before, said Doug Johnston, founder & CEO, Artistic Visual Studios. Four Dejero EnGo mobile transmitters will serve AVS camera operators strategically positioned in the field as they broadcast live from the crowds and conduct interviews with supporters as they march. The Dejero LivePlus mobile app will also be accessible to further AVS crews, on the ground via their smartphones, capturing multiple viewpoints to document the excitement and passion of the campaigners. Additionally, using the LivePlus mobile app on a smartphone, mounted on a selfie stick, will allow AVS to deliver exclusive live footage of Ms. Opal herself, up close, as she walks from the Fort Worth Convention Center to the Will Rogers Auditorium. Using Smart Blending Technology, which aggregates diverse network technologies from multiple network operators, the Dejero EnGo dynamically and intelligently manages fluctuating bandwidth, packet loss, and latency differences in real-time, meaning AVS will not need to be concerned with congested local cellular networks or any signal degradation to achieve the connectivity required for this quality live broadcast coverage. A Dejero WayPoint receiver will provide AVS with the ability to switch between four simultaneous feeds from its studio in Dallas and reconstruct the video transported over multiple IP connections from the Dejero transmitters, decode HEVC and AVC, and output to SDI. Were proud as a company to offer our clients, and the causes we support, a unique story-telling production service that truly captures the tone, atmosphere and sincerity of their stories in an intimate and impactful way, continued Johnston. The technology that Dejero has provided will amplify our offering by helping us to deliver even richer content, especially in live and remote production situations; starting with Ms. Opals walk, added Russell Lopez, business development at Artistic Visual Studios. To enable AVS camera operators on the route of the march to identify when they are live in real-time, a Dejero CuePoint return video and teleprompter server has been installed, with low latency return feeds accessible to field crews through their smartphones. A Dejero GateWay M6E6 network aggregation device, also located in AVSs Dallas studio, will guarantee AVS fast, reliable and secure internet connectivity, by monitoring the connection from the companys internet provider as well as serving as a back-up should primary connectivity fail due to a weather event or service interruption. Because of our great relationship with Ms. Opal and her team, we believe that our live coverage and documentation of this incredible event will offer a more intimate and more compelling experience to our live streaming audience than any of the attending news outlets because of the freedom that Dejeros powerful technology gives us, concluded Johnston. Supporting AVS as they capture a piece of history in the making for their inspiring client, Ms. Opal is an honour, said Bogdan Frusina, founder, Dejero. Being able to provide organisations with new opportunities to help them deliver compelling live content without boundaries from a connectivity and video quality perspective, is what drives Dejero to continue innovating. About Dejero Driven by its vision of reliable connectivity anywhere, Dejero blends multiple Internet connections to deliver fast and dependable connectivity required for cloud computing, online collaboration, and the secure exchange of video and data. With its global partners, Dejero supplies the equipment, software, connectivity services, cloud services, and support to provide the uptime and bandwidth critical to the success of todays organizations. Headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, Dejero is trusted for broadcast-quality video transport and high-bandwidth Internet connectivity around the world. For more information, visit www.dejero.com. About Artistic Visual Studios Our expertise is in providing advanced broadcasting solutions and creating visionary live-streaming TV technology for music concerts, sporting events, corporate events and award shows through our strategic program development methodology and Over the Top (OTT) media solutions to help foster a connection to our customers targeted audience. We also focus on developing creative content for artists, actors, athletes, social media influencers, business entities, that reaches audiences anywhere. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Artistic Visual Studios is devoted to delivering tailored broadcast solutions across the globe. For more information visit www.artisticvisualstudios.com All trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal Three proposed ordinances aimed at helping Albuquerque workers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic have drawn the ire of local business groups, whose leaders say the rules would hurt businesses just as theyre beginning to recover. Albuquerque City Councilors Isaac Benton and Lan Sena introduced the three ordinances at a meeting Monday. One proposal would require employers to provide workers with up to 80 hours of paid sick leave for a variety of ailments, including the novel coronavirus. Another would require certain essential businesses to pay some employees up to $75 extra per shift in emergency premium pay. A third would require some employers to provide personal protective equipment, such as masks, for their employees. The proposals would apply to businesses within Albuquerques city limits. Terri Cole, president and CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, said the measures were a surprise and a huge disappointment. Cole and Lynne Andersen, president of NAIOP New Mexico, said they fear the bills will be pushed through without enough discussion and, if approved, would place an excessive burden on businesses that have already been hammered by shutdowns related to the pandemic. The entire action lacks sensitivity to business concerns, Cole said. It lacks a respect for transparency and public process. By contrast, Andrea Serrano, executive director of workers rights nonprofit OLE, said the proposed rules are designed to create a framework that supports vulnerable Albuquerque workers during a particularly tenuous period. Their safety has to be at the forefront as we talk about reopening as an economy, Serrano said. Serrano wouldnt say whether OLE had a role in crafting the ordinances, but said the nonprofit supports all three. Benton did not respond to requests for comment and Sena was unavailable for comment Thursday afternoon. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Kellers office didnt take a stance on the bills Thursday. We will review these pieces of legislation from the City Council, spokeswoman Jessie Damazyn wrote in an email. Our focus is on the health of our city, the recovery of our economy and public safety. Policies this wide-reaching need full public vetting with stakeholders from all walks of life. Premium pay The Public Health Emergency Premium Pay Ordinance requires a variety of businesses categorized as essential by the governors public health emergency executive orders and that employ more than 50 people to pay workers who are exposed to the public or other workers an extra $30 to $75 per shift, depending on the length of the shift. To qualify for the extra pay, an employee must earn $15 an hour or less. Serrano said the purpose of the bill is to provide a boost for low-paid employees who have been most responsible for keeping the economy running during the pandemic. Andersen objected to the broad definition of essential workers, which ranges from grocery store clerks to laundromat attendants. Cole said potential punishments for violating the rule, which include petty misdemeanor charges, in addition to civil penalties, are unnecessarily onerous, calling the ordinance heavy-handed. Sick leave The proposed sick leave ordinance resembles others proposed in previous years, which have stalled in the council or been defeated at the ballot box. The councilors proposal would require employers to allow full-time workers to take up to 80 hours of sick leave enough for a two-week quarantine through the end of 2020. The bill also allows for a more conventional paid sick leave system, to be implemented on a permanent basis in 2021. That system would require employers to provide up to 56 hours per year of leave for mental and physical illnesses, injuries and preventive medical care for workers and their families. Andersen said the proposal uses the pandemic as a reason to set up mandatory paid sick leave in perpetuity. Cole said the emergency portion of the sick leave bill may be largely redundant after a recent federal law requiring certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave if they cant work due to COVID-19. We are a long way from getting to the end of this pandemic and all business right now is still struggling, Cole said. Despite that, Serrano said some employees still lack sick leave, and the pandemic underscores the perils of forcing employees to choose between their health and their income. Its a response to the immediate need, and its a response to the long-term need, she said. The bills will be discussed during a council meeting June 29. If approved, the ordinances would go into effect five days later. JACKSON, MI From a flock of ducklings being rescued from a Jackson sewer, to a Jackson County commissioner being charged for causing a six-car crash on U.S. 127, a lot has been going on in the Jackson area. Here are some headlines you might have missed this week. Jackson man climbs into sewer to save ducklings. I had to, he said Monica Cyrocki was going about her day on Friday, June 12, when her mail carrier alerted her there were ducklings crying out from a storm drain outside. Cyrocki first called Kyle Morgan, her fiance, for help. Then neighbors began to hear the ducklings in distress, too, and about 10 of them gathered on the street, Cyrocki said. The group sprung into action, getting six ducklings out of the drain before realizing three more were trapped deeper into the sewage pipe underneath the road at the corner of Morrell and Sixth streets. Jackson County commissioner charged in 6-car crash on U.S. 127 A Jackson County Commissioner has been charged after allegedly causing a six-car crash on U.S. 127 in January. Commissioner Phil Duckham, R-Brooklyn, is facing one misdemeanor charge of moving violation causing serious impartment of body function. If he is found guilty, he can be sentenced to 93 days in jail, a fine up to $500 or both. Jackson County commissioner misses 2 votes while sleeping during virtual meeting A Jackson County commissioner slept for nearly 20 minutes at Tuesdays board of commissioners meeting while residents voiced support for a resolution calling racism a public health crisis. Phil Duckham, R-Brooklyn, who could be seen sleeping by those calling in to view the June 16 virtual meeting, also slept through two roll call votes. Michigan Center graduates cross the finish line, instead of the stage to get diplomas Michigan Center graduates crossed the finish line at Michigan International Speedway as they completed their senior year with a graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 13, 2020. Seniors had the opportunity to drive around the track three times during the ceremony. The pace car led the graduates around the track to Pomp and Circumstance for the first lap. During the second lap seniors were given their diplomas and a rose. During the final lap the seniors waved goodbye as their school fight song filled the stadium. Current times kind of a rollercoaster for historic Michigan Theatre, director says Steve Tucker remembers when patrons would pack the 1,226 seats in Jacksons Michigan Theatre. It wasnt too long ago that the theater, which celebrated its 90th year April 30, was full of people enjoying cinematic and live performances. The dilemma now for Tucker, the theaters executive director, is trying to figure out how, when and what reopening the theater will look like due to the coronavirus pandemic. Disqualified from ballot, Jackson attorney running as write-in for judge Jackson attorney George Lyons is running as a write-in candidate for Jackson County District Judge. Lyons originally filed to run on the Aug. 4 ballot, but his nominating petition was disqualified for an incorrect heading. He failed to clarify he was not an incumbent for the 12th District seat, per Michigan Secretary of State documents. Online shopping put a dent in sales at Jackson boutique, but COVID-19 finished it off Britches-N-Bows Childrens Apparel Shoppe opened in 1983 in a house on Lansing Avenue in Jackson. It has been a staple of the community for 37 years, selling childrens dress clothing and school uniforms for children in the Jackson region. Now it is on Wildwood Avenue, moved from its original location on Lansing Avenue that also was the home of its original owner: Winifred Thomas, who died in 2012. Karen Lewan runs it today, as she has the last seven years. Lewan announced in late May that the business would be closing after nearly 40 years in a Facebook post. JC Penney, other stores reopen in Westwood Mall as things look a little bit different, official says More stores are reopening inside Jacksons Westwood Mall. JC Penney reopened Wednesday, June 17, upping the number of stores open in the mall to 15, including Walmart, per the malls website. The mall closed in March, after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a stay-home order. Stores were allowed to start reopening June 1. Armed man who broke into home, stole guns, threatened owners wanted by police in Hillsdale County Police were searching for a possibly armed and dangerous man who allegedly broke into a relatives home on Tuesday, stole several guns and threatened to kill the residents before leaving. The incident occurred shortly after 3 a.m., June 16. With the assistance of the public and the Michigan State Police, the man was located and arrested shortly after 11 a.m. the same day. It wont be the same, owner of Chips Place at Jackson YMCA dies Roberta Louagie remembers waking up at midnight to the smell of pork chops cooking. It was her then-teenage son, Chip, cooking for his friends because they were hungry. Chip loved cooking, Roberta Louagie said. His older brother, Bob, would actually pay him to make grilled cheese sandwiches growing up, she said. They were 17 months apart and inseparable, Bob Louagie said, sharing friends and a love for all sports. Gerald Michael Chip Louagie died June 1, at age 49. While he was not in perfect health, his family was not prepared for his death, Bob Louagie said. File image A high-powered committee, set up by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has recommended fixing the cost of an COVID-19 isolation bed in any hospital in Delhi in the range of Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 and an ICU bed with ventilator at Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 per day, the Home Ministry said on Friday. The committee, under the chairmanship of V K Paul, Member NITI Aayog, was constituted on Sunday to ensure the availability of 60 per cent beds by private hospitals at lower rates and fix the rate of corona testing and treatment. "The committee has recommended Rs 8000-10000, 13000-15000 & 15000-18000 including PPE costs for isolation bed, ICUs without & with ventilator respectively to all hospitals as compared to the current charges of Rs 24000-25000, 34000-43000 & 44000-54000 (excluding PPE cost)," a Home Ministry spokesperson said. Heritage Florida Jewish News is accepting nominations for the 2020 Heritage Human Service Award, which will be presented at the annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando in August. For more than 30 years, individuals who have made major, voluntary contributions of their talent, time, energy and effort to the Central Florida community have been honored with the selection and presentation of this award, said Jeff Gaeser, editor and publisher of the Heritage. Last years recipient was Dick Weiner. Former recipients have included Stuart Farb (2010)), Burt Chasnov (2008), and Bob Yarmuth (2004). According to Gaeser, Each recipient chose their own path, but made considerable and long-lasting contributions to the Jewish community. Nominees for the 2020 award are individuals who do not look for recognition, but perform tikkun olamrepairing the worldout of internal motivation. Nominations should be emailed to news@orlandoheritage.com with the subject Human Service Award, or typed on 8 1/2 x 11 paper and sent by mail to Heritage Florida Jewish News, Human Service Award, 207 OBrien Road, Suite 101, Fern Park, FL 32730. Included should be the name and phone number of the nominee, a documented list of his or her accomplishments, and the name and phone number of the nominator(s). The Heritage is accepting nominations until Friday, June 26. The real estate and buyout investors who control Acme Markets and other supermarket chains in 34 states are putting their enterprise up for a stock sale, hoping to sell up to $1.5 billion worth of shares at $20 each, according to a Thursday filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Albertsons Companies Inc., the Idaho-based owner of 2,200 supermarkets including Safeway stores, has boosted sales and hired an extra 40,000 workers since the coronavirus restaurant shutdowns sent Americans rushing into grocery stores. Albertsons now employs about 300,000 workers, serving 33 million customers a week, the company says. Even as the investors prepared to sell off just part of the firm about a sixth for 15 times their cash payment seven years ago, they also told the SEC they are cutting the pay of their workers. The firm said it reduced the hourly wage by $4 on Saturday, reversing recent increases. The Albertsons chains had boosted pay by $2 an hour March 15 as coronavirus warnings unnerved employees. The chains added another $2 just for this week, giving employees a small bump for a week before pay falls to pre-pandemic levels. Many of its workers are paid minimum wage, or a few dollars an hour extra in low minimum wage states such as Pennsylvania, where many Acme employees are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers union. Pennsylvanias minimum wage is now set to the federally imposed floor of $7.25 an hour but is to go up to $8 on July 1. The company also plans to start giving shareholders $228 million a year in quarterly dividends, double the cost of its current dividend program, according to its SEC filing. That is a big chunk of Albertsons profits. Net income totaled $466 million last year, after taxes and dividends, on $62.5 billion in sales, according to the SEC filing. Thats a 0.7% return. Chief executive Vivek Sankaran, hired last year from PepsiCo, has said he hopes to cut future expenses and boost profits by increasing online ordering and pickup and the use of self-checkout lanes. He also wants to improve shipping and storage. All of this would allow the company to employ fewer people. Sankaran collected $29 million in salary, bonuses, and stock awards last year. He owns stock worth $38 million at the price set for the initial public offering.. He will not be selling shares as part of the IPO. But other significant owners, led by former Chrysler Corp. owner Cerberus Capital Management, will be unloading about 16% of their shares in the IPO. These sellers include Philadelphia-based Lubert-Adler Real Estate Funds, cofounded by former Penn State board chairman and Valley Forge Casino owner Ira Lubert, which invests for the Pennsylvania state workers and teachers pension plans (SERS and PSERS), and other clients. The rest of the business will still be owned by those firms and by a group of smaller investors, including company executives and directors. Cerberus, Albertsonss largest investor, hopes to sell 28 million shares, worth $560 million, in the IPO. Lubert-Adler, Schottenstein Stores Corp., and Klaff Realty LP each hope to sell 10.4 million shares, worth $208 million each. Smaller investors also plan to sell some shares. The four large firms will remain Albertsonss largest owners. Their IPO price suggests they set the value of the entire concern at about $10 billion. The investors will keep all the IPO proceeds, leaving nothing for the supermarkets. Albertsons has around $400 million in cash on hand, and net debt totaling around $7 billion, though that has fallen about $3 billion since 2017. These owners bought Acme and several larger store chains from Supervalu Inc. in 2013 for $100 million in cash and assumed its $3.2 billion in debt. It currently operates 50 supermarkets in Pennsylvania, 73 in New Jersey, and 50 in Delaware. The sale, led by Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and other Wall Street investment banks, marks the third attempt the owners have made in five years to sell shares to the public. No date for the sale was announced. In 2015 and 2017, Albertsons delayed plans for an IPO as it variously faced heightened competition from industry leader Walmart and from Amazons fast-growing home delivery service. Investors had speculated Albertsons might again cancel its IPO plans in the face of investor indifference after the stock market fell sharply in March as restaurants, hotels, and other employers laid off more than 20 million Americans due to coronavirus shutdowns. U.S. stock prices have since regained most of the March losses, though they remain volatile. President Donald Trump, who is running for reelection, has said he plans to keep stimulating the economy in hopes of replacing lost jobs this year. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has warned that recovery could take longer than Trump has forecast. Correction: This story has been changed to correct figures concerning last years profits by Albertsons. Napa restaurant Trancas Steakhouse is under fire after a May Facebook post by the owner resurfaced this week, and quickly drew the ire of locals on social media due to what many saw as the messages racist undertones. Trancas owner Norm Sawicki privately shared a post that included an image of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in a white suit underneath a caption that reads, Well I do declare boy, you aint black unless I say you black, a reference to a recent gaffe by Biden. Another Facebook user posted a public screenshot of the image Tuesday. The screenshot had more than 130 comments as of Thursday afternoon. The restaurants Yelp page has also seen more negative reviews mentioning the May 23 Facebook post. The review site sometimes seeks to discourage such off-topic posting driven by media attention by placing a warning on business pages, but it has not yet done so in the case of the Napa steak house. The negative attention for Trancas comes at a precarious time for restaurants in Napa County. Businesses are beginning to explore limited dine-in service, which was approved for the county in May. And negative reviews online, which in the case of Trancas include reasons outside of food or service, can diminish revenue instrumental to surviving the pandemic. Trancas Steakhouse has been a popular spot among locals in Napa for years. The business is known not only for its steaks but also for a jovial, blue-collar atmosphere imbued with wine, beer, tequila shots and karaoke nights. In a 2016 story by The Chronicle, Sawicki described the restaurant as kind of like the Cheers bar. In response to the growing tumult, Sawicki posted an apology on the Trancas Steakhouse Facebook page Wednesday. Recently on my personal Facebook page I posted a meme that was hurtful to the community. I admit when it comes to some issues, that I am really uneducated about how my posts can be so hurtful. ... Recently this was brought to my attention and I was made aware of the impact to others, he said. I stand against any racism and I plan on working hard on my actions, instead of my words, to prove this to the community which has been so good to me and my family. According to many Facebook comments, as well as a growing number of Yelp reviews, Sawickis post with the Biden photo is consistent with what they say is the restaurateurs history of racially insensitive behavior on social media the last few years. The overtly racist posts are just shocking the hell out of me. The racists are so loud and proud. At least we can see them for who they are and choose to not frequent their business and/or to unfriend them, one Facebook user wrote. Several people emailed The Chronicle screenshots purported to be from Sawickis personal Facebook page from 2019. Included among them is an image of a middle finger colored as the American flag, and underneath it are the words, Hey Kaepernick, a reference to former San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick. Another Facebook post shows the cartoon character Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes urinating on the head of a cartoon image of Kaepernick, who over the years has become a prominent figure in the world of social justice. Similar screenshots are being shared on Yelp and various public Facebook accounts. When asked about the specific images, Sawicki said in an email: Not my posts. On Yelp, which by Thursday had at least 10 one-star reviews referencing the posts, one user said: The owner has been sharing overtly racist and disgustingly sexist content on his personal but public Facebook page for years, also linking his business to it by tagging Trancas Steakhouse as his employment location. If he doesnt respect everyone in his community then he doesnt deserve our business. In a separate email to The Chronicle, Sawicki said it was stupid of him to post the image. I did post Joe Biden saying if you dont vote for me you aint black, then without my knowledge someone added ... Send them back to the plantation. I totally disagree with the comment, he said. Sawicki was caught in a social media whirlwind in 2018 behind his now-closed Red Hen restaurant. That June, former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked to leave a restaurant of the same name in Lexington, Va., because of her role in the Trump administration. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Online, people confused the Napa Red Hen with the Virginia one, and inundated Sawickis restaurant with negative reviews. Sawickis businesses arent the only ones in the Bay Area in recent years to be criticized on social media over incidents involving politics and race. In 2018, a Berkeley coffee shop, then called Elmwood Cafe, closed after people began comparing the controversial arrest of two black men at a Philadelphia Starbucks in 2018 to a 2015 incident at Elmwood Cafe involving Bay Area comedian and CNN contributor W. Kamau Bell. Elmwood Cafe reopened later that year with new owners under the name Baker & Commons. That same year, the owner of an Emeryville popcorn shop garnered negative reviews after its owner was accused of using a racial slur against black customers. Still, in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Bay Area diners, especially on social media, are being vocal about the political and social leanings of businesses. And in Wine Country, it isnt unusual to see business owners with conservative opinions. A significant number of prominent wine industry owners and executives have made notable contributions to Donald Trumps 2016 and 2020 campaigns. While Sawicki didnt address his political affiliations in the email, he described his post as a big mistake. I am not (an) anti-minority person. I hire on ability, not the color of someones skin, he said. Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @JustMrPhillips A 24-year-old man has been charged with murder after a police officer died during a shooting rampage in New Zealand. Two officers were shot, one fatally, and a member of the public was hit by a vehicle during the incident in Massey, west Auckland, on Friday morning. A large-scale search was sparked after the gunman fled the scene in the car, forcing local schools into lockdown. The man was arrested on Friday night and has been charged with multiple serious offences including murder, attempted murder and dangerous driving causing injury. The man will appear in the Waitakere District Court on Saturday. Police commissioner Andrew Coster said he would not rule out the possibility of more people being charged. Armed police are seen on Friday morning in Massey (pictured), west of Auckland, where one officer was shot dead and another seriously injured during a traffic stop A police officer keeps guard of the area after the shooting in western Auckland (pictured on Friday) with the gunman still on the run The tragedy unfolded during a routine traffic stop. It is understood the shooter used a long-barreled shotgun they pulled from their car. Speaking at a press conference just before lunchtime, police commissioner Andrew Coster confirmed an officer had died. 'It is absolutely devastating news,' he told reporters. 'Our whole organisation is in a state of shock [it's] the worst news that police, and police officer's families can receive.' The officers were shot in the Auckland suburb of Massey, 17km west of the city's CBD, on Friday morning Emergency services are seen treating a police officer on Friday morning (pictured) after an apparent shooting in west Auckland An officer is seen cordoning off the area of the shooting on Friday morning (pictured) which left one police officer dead He said it had been a routine traffic stop, adding 'at this stage, there was nothing to indicate this job was going to be anything out of the ordinary'. 'The incident points to the real risk that our officers face as they go about their job every day,' commissioner Coster added. 'Our officers walk towards danger every day. Our job is to making sure we keep them safe.' Investigators are seen examining the scene of the incident in western Auckland (pictured) on Friday morning, after three people - including two police officers - were taken to hospital Police are seen at the scene of the Auckland shooting (pictured) which left one officer dead and another badly injured on Friday morning The officers themselves were not armed at the time of the traffic stop, he confirmed. Police minister Stuart Nash said the country was 'heartbroken' by the tragic shooting. 'We want all our police officers to get home safely at the end of every working day,' he said. 'This is a tragic day for our police family.' St John confirmed three people have been taken to hospital. Firearm officers are seen patrolling the area on Friday (pictured) where the shooting took place An armed officer is seen standing guard in Massey, western Auckland, on Friday morning (pictured) following the shooting of two police colleagues Armed police are seen standing guard on Friday morning (pictured) with the gunman still at large after fleeing in a car Helicopters have been deployed to the area and are circling overhead in search of the gunman, who fled the scene in his car but may have since abandoned it. Paula Bennett, the MP for Auckland's Upper Harbour wrote on Twitter: 'Our local west Auckland police are the best Ive ever known. 'A love for their community, a real desire to protect and serve. 'There are no words to express my sincere sadness as they and their families deal with the worst possible event. We are all with you at this time.' The last police officer to die in the line of duty in New Zealand was back in February 2011 during the Canterbury earthquake when the CTV building collapsed in Christchurch. An armed police officer is seen holding a gun at the scene on Friday morning (pictured) in western Auckland Police swarmed around the area on Friday morning (pictured) after two officers were shot by a driver who then sped away from the scene, hitting a pedestrian Elaine Taniela, who lives near the area, told the New Zealand Herald she heard three gunshots. A family friend even witnessed the terrifying scene, and saw an officer laid on the ground. 'He was shaking telling us,' she said. 'As he neared the first roundabout (near Gallony Avenue) he saw a cop on the ground. He said it looked like he was having a seizure. He was shaking. 'He wanted to help the cop. But the neighbours and another cop yelled out to him - telling to carry on driving.' Emergency services are seen treating a patient at the scene in Massey on Friday morning (pictured) after the shooting President Donald Trump has invited Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York to join him Saturday night in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the presidents first campaign rally since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Stefanik, who represents a North Country district, told her supporters in a fundraising email Friday that she accepted the presidents invitation. Stefaniks campaign spokeswoman said she could not provide additional details or say whether the third-term Republican will have a speaking role at the event. Trump said Monday in a tweet that his campaign received almost 1 million ticket requests for the rally, which will be held in a Tulsa arena that seats about 19,000 people. Almost One Million people request tickets for the Saturday Night Rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2020 In her email, Stefanik said she was proud to serve as Trumps New York campaign co-chair and she expected tens of thousands of constituents from the North Country will be tuning in to watch Saturday nights rally. Her fundraising appeal offered to quadruple campaign donations and split the total with Trumps presidential campaign. Trump called Stefanik a GOP rising star in November after she emerged as one of his most outspoken defenders during impeachment hearings in the House Intelligence Committee. In January, Trump selected Stefanik to serve on his impeachment defense team. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Kingwood High Schools Director of Bands Destry Balch has been selected to be the Director of Fine Arts starting in the 2020-21 school year. In his new position he will be over all of fine arts, which include band, choir, orchestra, visual arts theater and dance. While elementary level courses include music and arts, middle and high school students choose their own electives. COVID-19 UPDATES: Harris County to issue new mask order for businesses I believe I can positively affect more students in my new role by supporting the teachers who come in contact with them every day, Balch said. Blach joined Humble ISD in 2001 at the Kingwood Ninth Grade Campus. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas and has 32 years of experience in education, during which time he served as the KHS Director of Bands for 16 years, according to a press release from Humble ISDs Chief Communication Officer Jamie Mount. Balch aims to focus on communication and involvement to continue the success of Humble ISDs fine arts program. His success in Humble ISD includes leading the Kingwood Mighty Mustang Military Marching Band at the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Chicago St. Patricks Day Parade, the Veterans Day Parade in San Diego, and in performances at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Carnegie Hall, and Pearl Harbor, according to the press release. During the 2017-2018 school year, Hurricane Harvey disrupted life in the Lake Houston area, flooding homes, vehicles, and created a challenge for so many in the community. While Kingwood High Schools classes were relocated to Summer Creek High School for six months, the band under Balchs leadership found strength in their music. We stood and performed. We made it happen because of and for the people that we teach the students, Balch said. Before joining Humble ISD, Balch began in 1988 as Assistant Band Director at Lufkin High School, after which he also worked as the Director of Bands for Lufkin Junior High West, Spring Hill High School in Longview, and Van High School. In the 2007-2008 school year, Balch was named the Kingwood High School Teacher of the Year. savannah.mehrtens@chron.com Michigan gyms may reopen on June 25, based on a ruling issued by a federal judge Friday, June 19. U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney struck down portions of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmers executive orders, including a blanket ban on the reopening of gyms and workout facilities statewide. This court must uphold the governors executive orders as long as they are supported by some relation to the public health, Maloneys opinion said. Unfortunately ... the court has not been presented with any evidence that shows a rational relation between the continued closure of indoor gyms and the preservation of public health. Maloney said gyms will be required to follow existing safety precautions Whitmer has established for the reopening of other businesses. The court does not wish to flip the switch and open gyms immediately, as that would be inconsistent with Gov. Whitmers practice, Maloney wrote. The governor strongly disagrees with the ruling, Whitmer spokeswoman Tiffany Brown said. With this ruling, the court is playing a dangerous role it should not play: second-guessing and upending the data-informed decisions that have saved thousands of lives in Michigan, Brown said. The idea that gyms with their high levels of heavy respiratory activity, shared indoor spaces, and shared surfaces might be one of the later businesses to come back online in the midst of this global pandemic is hardly surprising and highly sensible. Brown did not say if the ruling will be appealed. Rochester-based attorney Scott Erskine on May 22 filed the lawsuit on behalf of organizations and owners representing nearly 180 Michigan gyms. Faced with imminent harm, plaintiffs presented (the defendants) with a simple question: why must we remain closed? Maloneys opinion said. Defendants answered with a blanket trust us statement that is insufficient to uphold a no-longer-blanket rule. The complaint argued gyms have been arbitrarily forced to remain closed without the presentation of any scientific data supporting the governors orders. Erskine said his clients, the League of Independent Fitness Facilities and Trainers and several other fitness facilities in the state, are relieved by the judges ruling, as many were on the verge of insolvency. Read the full ruling: COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. Read more on MLive: Mask rule places retailers in no-win situation Whos wearing masks, results from 37 Michigan stores Coronavirus in Michigan: Maps, charts and the latest reports Whitmer to extend Michigans state of emergency Ballaghaderreen stood in silent tribute this afternoon as the remains of the late Garda Colm Horkan were brought through the town on route to Charlestown. The cortege, flanked by a number of Gardai on motorcycles, stopped for a couple of moments outside Ballaghaderreen Garda Station before moving through the town. The streets were lined with people who clapped as the hearse made its way to the Charlestown road. Garda Horkan had spent a number of years in Ballaghaderreen before moving to Castlerea. Gardai who were stationed with the 49-year-old formed a guard of honour for the Garda who has been described as an absolute gentleman. Also this afternoon Boyle Municipal District observed a minutes silence in memory of the late Detective Horkan. Outgoing Chairman Cllr Joe Murphy said the late Detective Garda served an area that stretched from Ballaghaderreen to Tarmonbarry. He described his death as a huge tragedy for Castlerea and expressed his sympathies to the deceaseds family. The Garda force is so important in rural areas, said Cllr. Murphy before condemning some of the coverage of Detective Garda Horkans death, on social media. While theres a flood of sympathy, at times like this Social Media and parts of it are not good, he observed. Sometimes the language used tips into incitement and hatred. It has to be remembered our Garda force are very important. Cllr Murphys comments were echoed by party colleague, Cllr John Cummins, who said the Castlerea Garda District straddled much of the Boyle Municipal area. Detective Garda Horkan Im sure would have served in this town (of Boyle). Its absolutely appalling this should happen in a civilised society and harder still that this should happen in Castlerea, Cllr Cummins remarked. History is repeating itself. People should be concentrating on the positives on Social Media, said Cllr. Cummins before extending his condolences to the communities of Castlerea and Charlestown. A cross erected this evening at the scene of the death of Det. Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Cllr Tom Crosby said the death of Detective Horkan was a huge trauma to the whole community of Castlerea. The Gardai are so important we all rely on them in time of need, said Cllr Crosby, a former chairman and incoming chairman of the countys Joint Policing Committee -JPC-. We need to set up that committee in solidarity with Gardai. I lived in Castlerea at the time both Gardai John Morley and Henry Byrne lost their lives. To see that repeating itself is unbelievable. Cllr Michael Mulligan said the late Colm Horkan served in Ballaghaderreen for fourteen years describing him as nothing but a gentleman he never got excited. I know his father and I knew his late sister they had a pub in Charlestown called the Dew Drop Inn. The family are very well respected. Colm Horkan was a true Garda. He did his job without fear or failure. It is so sad. Some of the reports on Social Media leave a lot to be desired. There is another family involved in this and they are grieving too. You dont want to build up any hatred either, Cllr Mulligan said. The remains of Detictive Garda Colm Horkan, make their way through Ballaghadreen. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins A man has lost his life and all we can do is pray for his family. I remember coming from Limerick at the time Garda Henry Byrne and John Morley were shot. Garda Horkan was an excellent Garda who had progressed to being a Detective. Cllr Liam Callaghan described Detective Sergeant Horkan as a man of huge dignity, a great sportsman and a great community man adding: this was a random act. It was outlandish what has happened. To all Gardai, I send my deepest sympathy. On behalf of Roscommon County Council, Director of Services Shane Tiernan extended his sympathies to Detective Garda Horkans family and friends, remarking there has been a strong co-operation between Roscommon County Council and the Gardai, particularly during the Covid-19 crisis. This affects us all. Representatives of Eirgrid, led by their representative Aidan Corcoran who made a presentation to members on North Connacht 110 KV project, also expressed his sympathies to the community and the family of the late Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Prev 1 of 16 Next SANTA FE New Mexico would open its primary elections to independent voters if they agree to register with a political party before casting their ballot under legislation that won bipartisan support Friday in the state Senate. The proposal, Senate Bill 4, now heads to the House as lawmakers continue a fast-paced special session largely dedicated to balancing the state budget. Sen. John Sapien, D-Corrales, described the proposed election change as a small step toward opening up New Mexicos closed primary system. Only Democrats, Republicans and Libertarians the states major parties are now permitted to vote in primaries. Sapien won approval Friday for an amendment passed on a 37-5 vote that changes a broader election proposal. It wouldnt completely open New Mexico primary elections. But the measure would allow voters who arent affiliated with a political party to register as a Democrat, Republican or Libertarian at a voting location and then cast a ballot. Under the current system, voters have to change their affiliation at least 28 days before the election. The proposal wouldnt permit Democrats to switch to Republicans or vice versa. But independents could register with a party for the primary election. They would remain registered with that party going forward unless they switched back later. What were doing here is more of a compromise, Sapien said, not a fully open primary system. Allowing independent voters to participate, he said, would force the major parties to appeal to a broader group of voters rather than just their traditional base. Senate Bill 4 now heads to the House. If approved there, it would go to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The action comes during an unusual special session that began Thursday. The Capitol is closed to the public because of the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation approved Friday outlines a variety of temporary changes for the 2020 general election to respond to the health emergency. It would permit county clerks, for example, to mail absentee ballot applications to registered voters. An earlier version of the bill would have allowed broader voting by mail without requiring an absentee application but it was removed before reaching the full Senate for consideration. The bill approved Friday includes provisions aimed at ensuring voting locations in Native American communities remain open, allowing absentee ballot applications to be sent out earlier than allowed now and requiring a bar code system on ballot envelopes to make it easier to track them. Those changes would be temporary, but the modified open primary system would be permanent. Todays overwhelming Senate vote was a win for strengthening our democratic process here in New Mexico, said Heather Ferguson, executive director of Common Cause New Mexico, a nonpartisan advocacy group for voting rights. Lawmakers have debated changing New Mexicos closed primary system for years. Senators on Friday described Sapiens amendment as a breakthrough. This is something weve been kicking around for a long time, Sen. Sander Rue, R-Albuquerque, said. Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, an Albuquerque Democrat and co-sponsor of the bill, said the legislation represented the collaboration of senators on both sides of the aisle. This bill, I think, is a good balance, Ivey-Soto said. The final vote on the bill was 40-2, sending it on to the House. About 22% of the states registered voters arent affiliated with a major party. Democrats make up 46% of the voter rolls, Republicans compromise 31% and Libertarians 1%. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 20:35:15|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JAKARTA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- AirAsia Indonesia was back to serving passengers under health protocols on Friday as the country's business activities have gradually restarted, the carrier said in a statement here. The flight resumption is gradual, starting with Friday's flights serving international and domestic routes, comprising those from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, North Sumatra province's capital of Medan to Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta to Bali's Denpasar and Jakarta to Medan. "Now we are focusing on the gradual recovery of all flight networks along with monitoring the development of the situation related with the COVID-19 pandemic," AirAsia Indonesia's President Director Veranita Yosephine Sinaga said in a statement. The flight resumption came after the government eased restrictions on air travels earlier this month to ramp up the virus pandemic-dashed airline industry along with the gradual reopening of the economy. Under the relaxed rules, planes are allowed to carry passengers with a maximum of 70 percent to 100 percent of their seat capacities, according to the Transport Ministry. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit hard the tourism sector, plunging the number of foreign tourist arrivals for 86 percent to 160,000 people in April, according to data from the National Agency of Statistics. Indonesia has gradually restarted business activities under tight health protocols to avert further risks of the pandemic on the economy which has stretched deep albeit the virus infection rate remains afloat as of late. The Health Ministry reported on Friday that the virus has killed 2,373 people across the vast archipelagic nation and infected 43,803 others. Enditem North Korea has been ramping up tensions with South Korea in recent weeks, but the campaign seems aimed at making a renewed push for sanctions relief by recapturing the attention of a U.S. administration that is distracted by domestic issues. North Korea blew up a joint liaison office on its side of the border last week, declared an end to dialogue with South Korea and threatened military action. After three historic meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un failed to lead to a denuclearisation deal, U.S. President Donald Trump's attention is fixed elsewhere, including the coronavirus epidemic, anti-racism protests and the November presidential election. Kim, however, is facing real-world consequences for the failed talks, with North Korea's sanctions-hit economy further strained by a border lockdown imposed to prevent a coronavirus outbreak, potentially threatening his support base among the elites and military. Analysts say one of Kim's goals in lashing out at U.S. ally South Korea is to remind Washington of the unresolved issues with North Korea, potentially forcing it to intervene. "Trump could feel the need to talk to the North to manage the situation for now, and publicly claim that he had warded off the possible military provocations that Kim has threatened," said Chang Ho-jin, a former South Korean presidential foreign policy secretary. "By raising inter-Korean tensions, North Korea could also be hoping South Korea will push harder to get sanctions exemptions for joint economic projects that have so far been elusive." 'LAST-DITCH EFFORTS' A diplomatic source in Seoul said U.S. officials, including Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun who had led negotiations with North Korea, are willing to make "last-ditch efforts" before the U.S. election. "There was anxiety among them that they couldn't just idle away the first half of this year," the source said, noting Washington would switch to full election mode soon. But a U.S. source familiar with the matter told Reuters that while Washington is willing to talk with Pyongyang at any time, there will unlikely be any negotiations that lead to a significant breakthrough in the near future, especially if North Korea only offers to dismantle its main Yongbyon nuclear facility. The source said that sanctions relief is likely far away, as North Korea has been unwilling to discuss abandoning enough of its nuclear programmes for the United States to consider rolling back sanctions. The pandemic, anti-racism protests and the rise of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden may have changed Kim's strategy for winning concessions, said Wi Sung-lac, a former South Korean chief nuclear negotiator. In his New Year address, Kim vowed to unveil a "new strategic weapon," after Washington ignored a year-end deadline he had set for a restart of talks, but North Korea appears to have fallen off Trump's agenda as he found himself mired in domestic crises. "North Korea had been expected to stage a serious provocation such as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, but COVID-19 and the ensuing U.S. political situation seem to have provided Kim a new calculation," Wi said. "With Trump already in trouble, firing an ICBM would only benefit Biden, so he resorted to short-range missile testing as a stop-gap measure and now is targeting the South." If Biden is elected, any negotiations would be "much more painful" for Kim as he would take a more principled approach and empower seasoned negotiators without summitry extravaganzas, said Cho Tae-yong, a South Korean lawmaker who previously as vice foreign minister worked with Biden's foreign policy advisers. Some experts do not rule out a return to ICBM testing if Trump looks increasingly likely to lose in the election, but that would also upset China which has been lobbying for Pyongyang to ease international sanctions. "Serious provocations like an ICBM test could backfire, so Kim must be thinking hard not to overplay his hand until November," Wi said. The alliance is aimed at developing responsible use of AI which is grounded in human rights, inclusion, diversity, innovation and economic growth. India joined hands with nations like USA, UK, EU and Australia as a founding member to launch a Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence. The alliance is aimed at developing responsible use of AI which is grounded in human rights, inclusion, diversity, innovation and economic growth. The global body will work as a guide to evolve a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities around AI and utilise the experience and diversity of the participating countries. The initiative will also support AI-related research and applied activities. Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted on Monday, "Delighted to announce that India has joined the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence or #GPAI today as a founding member. This multi-stakeholder international partnership will promote responsible and human-centric development and use of AI. #ResponsibleAI." The Global Partnership on AI also comprises Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, and Singapore among other nations. By joining GPAI as a founding member, India will actively participate in the global development of Artificial Intelligence, leveraging its experience around use of digital technologies for inclusive growth," the statement from Indian government said. India also announced a National AI Strategy with the Indian Government launching a first of its kind National AI Portal that brings together the best minds and ideas along with resources to tackle the subject of artificial intelligence across sectors and industries. The GPAI will be supported by a secretariat, which will be hosted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, along with two Centers of Expertise, one in Montreal and another in Paris. The British teenager looking out to sea near Ayia Napa where the alleged gang rape took place - ITV The judge who convicted a British teenager of lying about an alleged gang rape in a Cyprus holiday resort acted with such discourtesy that the young woman did not receive a fair trial, her lawyers will argue as they appeal the conviction. The 19-year-old from Derbyshire was found guilty of public mischief in January and given a four-month suspended sentence by the judge, Michalis Papathanasiou. He ruled that she had lied when she claimed she was repeatedly raped by a group of Israeli tourists in a hotel room in the party town of Ayia Napa last July. Her lawyers immediately pledged to appeal the ruling to the Cyprus Supreme Court and have now released their principal arguments for challenging the conviction. It will be submitted that the trial judge acted with discourtesy towards the teenager in such a way as to deny the teenager a fair trial, said the legal team, which includes Lewis Power, a London-based QC, and Michael Polak from Justice Abroad, which helps Britons who find themselves in legal trouble overseas. Activists take part in a demonstration in support of the 19-year-old after she was found guilty of faking the rape claim, outside the courthouse in Paralimni - Reuters They cited a recent civil case in which the presiding judge was found by an appeals court to have developed an animus towards the claimant. During the trial, the defence team complained of the judges brusque manner towards the clearly traumatised British teenager and objected when he shouted at her. The defence team have submitted a 154-page skeleton argument which will form the basis of their appeal, due to be heard by the Supreme Court in Nicosia later this year. They will challenge the conviction on the basis that the teenager signed a statement retracting her original gang rape claim after being questioned in a police station for seven hours, without a lawyer, family member or translator present. The British woman had been placed under intense pressure to retract the rape allegation, her lawyers said. They will repeat arguments they made during the trial that the retraction statement was written in such poor English that it was most likely dictated by a Cypriot police sergeant rather than penned by the teenager, who was articulate and had obtained several unconditional university offers. Story continues The Israeli youths celebrated after being released from custody in Cyprus and allowed to fly home - AP The sergeant denied that allegation during the trial. The police did not record their questioning of the teenager. We have submitted a detailed skeleton argument which sets out exactly why the teenagers conviction, which was reported around the world in January, is unsafe and needs to be overturned, said Mr Polak. It refers to a number of authorities from Cyprus, common law jurisdictions, and the European Court of Human Rights which strongly support what we have been saying about this case for a long time, that the teenager should not have been found guilty and that for her to have to go through life with this conviction would be a miscarriage of justice. The lawyers referred to other trials which were almost factually identical to the teenagers case in that many of them refer to confession evidence taken in circumstances which render that evidence unreliable, such as where it involves a young person, put under pressure, without a lawyer, and without any other procedural safeguards such as the recording of police interviews. Ayia Napa is the most popular resort in Cyprus - AFP The judge had failed to take into account crucial evidence, including a condom which bore DNA evidence from three of the Israeli youths as well as blood. If the appeal to the Supreme Court fails, the defence team say they will take the case to the European Court of Human Rights. In his sentencing remarks in January, the judge said the charge of public mischief was a serious crime, saying the teenager had falsely incriminated 12 Israeli men, who were arrested after the alleged attack. He ruled that there had been no rape at all and that the testimony she gave the court was false. He said he handed down a suspended sentence after taking into account the womans young age and her fragile emotional state. The 12 Israeli tourists, aged between 15 and 20, denied any wrongdoing and returned home after being freed from police custody. The following editorial appeared in Friday's Japan News-Yomiuri: - - - The spread of the new coronavirus has subsided and economic activities are being resumed. It is hoped that traffic to and from overseas will be eased in a phased manner while taking care to prevent infections. As a first step in easing restrictions on entering and exiting Japan, the government has started making arrangements to allow business trips to Vietnam, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. Passengers for business purposes from these four countries are also expected to come to Japan. Japan currently prohibits foreigners from 111 countries and regions from entering the country in principle. The government has issued a travel cancellation recommendation to 129 countries and regions, and is now restricting travel out of the country. This is an unusual situation in an increasingly globalized economy. The tourism and airline industries are struggling to get by, as demand from foreign visitors has disappeared. It is appropriate to regain the international flow of people while taking measures at the border to prevent an influx of the virus. Vietnam, which has few cases of coronavirus infections, has already resumed domestic economic activity. Thailand, Australia and New Zealand have also kept the spread of infections under control. It would be appropriate to reopen the nation to these countries. The government will require polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for those entering the country. They will not be allowed to use public transportation for two weeks and will only be permitted to go to places they report in advance. It is easier to limit the areas of activity of businesspeople than tourists and foreign students. Companies should comply with these measures. It is said about 30% of infections may fail to be caught with PCR testing. Even with thorough border measures, it is inevitable that a certain number of infected people will enter the country. If the virus is introduced from a country with an outbreak of the coronavirus, it could trigger a resurgence of infections in Japan. The government plans to ease limits on countries from which people can travel to Japan and on the number of people entering the country. It is realistic to gradually expand the number of people and countries while assessing the situation of infections. The epidemic is still continuing in Europe and the United States. Quite a few countries have resumed economic activities although they have not been able to contain infections. In countries such as Brazil and Russia, the numbers of infected people are far greater than in Japan. The level of infection control measures varies from country to country. It is necessary to accurately grasp the actual situation of infections in each country. As the number of people leaving and entering Japan increases, it becomes a challenge to strengthen the preparedness of PCR testing. It is urged to set up testing centers that can quickly determine the test results and are able to carry out a large number of tests efficiently. Restrictions on cross-border travel between prefectures will be lifted on Friday. Requests to close nightclubs and live music venues will end at the same time. As people move around domestically and abroad, the virus will spread. It is imperative that each person continues efforts to prevent spreading the virus. ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) was recently awarded a five-year contract to support the Force Development and Integrated Warfare Offices of United States Fleet Forces Command (USFFC). Under this contract, SPA will support the Director of Fleet Capabilities and Force Development with analysis and assessment of capabilities to assist with USFFC Force Development's role to deliver a more lethal Fleet. "Providing knowledge based solutions to help the U.S. Navy identify capabilities and requirements to maintain a robust Fleet well into the future is what our team of dedicated professionals is passionate about," said Dr. William Vantine, SPA President and CEO. "We are excited to undertake this new work supporting United States Fleet Forces Command and look forward to a successful partnership." Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc., provides knowledge based solutions integrating technical, operational, programmatic, policy, and business factors in support of important national security objectives. Our employees have expertise in many domains, including: Land, Undersea, Surface and Air Warfare Operations; Radar and Sensor Systems; Unmanned Systems and Counter Systems; Nuclear Deterrence Policy, Safety and Security; Defense Industrial Base; Space Systems; Ballistic Missile Systems; and Hypersonics. Our capabilities include: Advanced Analytics; System Engineering and Safety Analysis; Strategy, Policy and Compliance; Program and Acquisition Management; Software Tool Development. To learn more about SPA, please visit www.spa.com and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. SOURCE Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. Related Links http://www.spa.com Some 131 persons have been arrested by the Central Regional Police command for breaching COVID-19 safety protocols for not wearing nose masks. Speaking at the launch of a disinfection exercise in basic and senior high schools in the region by waste management company Zoomlion, Regional Police Commander COP Paul Manly Awini said the arrested persons will be processed for court while officers engage stakeholders to ensure all directives are adhered to. We are very much aware that our role is a humanitarian one in support of the lead agency which is the Ghana Health Service. And so from day one when these protocols were issued by his Excellency, I must say that some people fallen foul of the law as far as observing some of these protocols were concerned. Today, we have arrested 131 persons who breached these protocols, and they are all being processed for court. A new Executive Instrument (E.I. 164) signed by President Akufo-Addo on June 15, 2020, as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has made it an offence for refusing to wear a face mask in public. The punishment is a prison sentence of four to 10 years or a fine of GH12,000 to GH60,000 or both. The E.I. was issued by the President pursuant to the powers granted him under the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012). Per E.I. 164, which was gazetted on Monday, June 15, the mandatory wearing of face masks shall be in force for three months and shall apply to all parts of Ghana. The Ghana Police has been mandated to enforce compliance of the E.I. President Akufo-Addo in his 11th nationwide address to the nation announced that the wearing of face masks has now been made mandatory in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central and Western regions where the number of people contracting the virus has surged. Ghanaians must remember that the wearing of masks is now mandatory. Leaving our homes without our face masks or face covering on is an offence, the President said in the Sunday address. ---citinewsroom Nikita Prices father named him after Nikita Khrushchev, the Soviet premier, during the height of the Cold War, and it was just the sort of gesture Nikita would appreciate, his friends said: defiant, outraged, but with a sly wink at the absurdity of it. Khrushchev! In Rochester, N.Y., in the 1950s! Nikita, of course, called himself Hendrix, after Jimi. He was a conga player, an amateur Cajun chef, a single father and a relentless advocate for people experiencing homelessness, in part because he had been such a person himself. He campaigned against police abuse of New Yorks homeless and worked to include their voices in political decision making. When the organization he worked for ran out of money, he kept the office open anyway to ensure that its homeless members had a place to go. To friends, his greeting was always the same: Big ups, family. His ambition, he once said, was to open a restaurant in Cuba. He died on May 21 in his apartment in the Bronx, where he lived with two young daughters. His oldest daughter, Nikki, said the cause was a heart attack. He was 63. Yangon Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein (C) smiles with other Myanmar delegates during the second nationwide congress of the National League for Democracy party in Yangon, June 23, 2018. An attempt to impeach Yangons chief minister by opponents of Myanmars ruling National League for Democracy failed on Thursday, with lawmakers in the regional parliament rejecting the measure in a mostly party-line vote, the legislators said. The 77-25 vote came only days after minister Phyo Min Thein, who was seen as a possible successor to Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, told RFA that he would not contest November general elections because of a health condition, leaving his future unclear. Opposition lawmakers in the regional parliament for Yangon, Myanmars largest city and commercial capital, had sought to remove the presidential appointee for seven offenses first raised by some 30 regional lawmakers in a letter to the parliamentary speaker early this month, sparking an investigation. The complaints against Phyo Min Thein included that he attended a Buddhist religious event in Yangon with other officials last month in violation of restrictions on public gatherings to fight the coronavirus pandemic, and alleged questionable spending on public works. Phyo Min Thein denied the accusations, and the investigation committee concluded that the accusations were invalid. The failed motion to dismiss Phyo Min Thein was submitted by legislator Tin Win from the opposition Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and military lawmakers. What I have done did was just try to seek accountability by the legislative branch for what the administrative branch has done according to democratic principles, he said. Frankly speaking, we expected fairness everyone wanted the outcome based on the truth, he added. NLD spokesman Monywa Aung Shin said the attempt to impeach Phyo Min Thein was meant to sully his image. What I see is that the motion was meant to taint the political image of the chief minister, he said. Breaking the law Nyo Nyo Thin, a former Yangon regional legislator and founder of Yangon Watch, said that NLD regional lawmakers often have criticized Phyo Min Theins administration. In this impeachment case, NLD MPs might have regretted their votes against the USDP and military MPs, because they [NLD MPs] were publicly very vocal critics of the incompetency and unaccountability of the chief minister and the Yangon regional government in the media over the course of the past four years, she said. In reality, the [NLD MPs] were not able to decide according to their own consciences. When a political party single-handedly controls both the legislature and the administration, the legislative body is no longer able to check and balance the administrative body, she added. NLD regional lawmaker Kyaw Zay Ya, however, said the parliamentary review of the complaints raised in the letter excluded probes into questionable transactions raised in past auditing reports. He pointed to specific decisions by Phyo Min Theins administration such as investing 10 billion kyats (U.S. $7 million) in the Yangon New City project on the western bank of the Yangon River during fiscal year 2016-17 without parliaments prior approval, and the 30-billion-kyat cash purchase of a generator. These were [instances of] breaking the law, Kyaw Zay Ya said. Phyo Min Thein had been nominated by the NLD to run again in November for his current Yangon regional parliamentary seat. He won the seat in the NLDs landslide victory in the 2015 general elections, and has served as a local MP concurrently with his job as chief minister of Yangon. In remarks to RFAs Myanmar Service on Monday, Phyo Min Thein, 51, who underwent heart surgery four years ago, did not elaborate on his health condition or his future political plans. I will keep contributing to the partys works and nation-building efforts, he told RFA. Reported by Kyaw Lwin Oo for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Maung Maung Nyo. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice brought first-degree murder and attempted murder charges against active duty Air Force Sergeant, Steven Carrillo and his accomplice, Robert A. Justus Jr. for the killing of a federal security officer outside of a U.S. courthouse in Oakland, California and the wounding of Santa Cruz police officers in a subsequent armed confrontation that concluded the eight-day manhunt that resulted in Carrillos capture. The original crime was carried out in a drive-by shooting that occurred during a protest at the Oakland courthouse on May 29 over the brutal slaying of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Justus, the getaway driver, as well as Carrillo, the shooter, have been linked to an amorphous online extremist group dubbed Boogaloo in the media, whose members have self-described as a libertarian, while also expressing support for BLM on occasion, according to Forbes and lending credence to pushback offered by some members against claims it is a right-wing outfit. Some followers have even called the group the real Antifa. The groups name is said to come from a mid-80s dance battle movie called Breakin 2: Electric Boogaloo, although followers reject the moniker and use that name only to denote what they believe will be a new civil war triggered by the governments confiscation of guns, reflecting the common ground among members of various viewpoint, who communicate through online forums like 4-Chan and Reddit, of support for originalist sentiments about the second amendment. A composite image shows booking photos for Boogaloo aficionados, Steven Carrillo, left, and Robert Alvin Justus Jr. The group has sought to visually differentiate themselves by wearing Hawaiian shirts when participating in public rallies, in a quasi-branding practice that has become ubiquitous in the age of social media. But, the group also recently made headlines when three of their members were apprehended over a supposed plot to terrorize protestors at a rally in Las Vegas that took place in April. According to the criminal complaint in that case, the broader goal of these violent acts is to force the government to show its hand and bring about some kind of revolution in the United States. So far, members of the group have been arrested for trying to incite violence in five different states and a large portion of those apprehended have ties to the U.S. Military, which in itself, raises suspicions about the true nature of the group and its ostensibly seditious plans. Camera Left Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum, so-called Antifa and Black Lives Matter (BLM) groups have continued to prolong the ant-police brutality protests, entrenching themselves around the country in large gatherings reminiscent of the Occupy movement. So-called autonomous zones have sprung up in cities like Seattle, where a protest outside of a police precinct had seen clashes between demonstrators and police over several days until Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan deescalated the situation by issuing a 30-day moratorium on tear gas and ordering the evacuation of the police precinct. Protestors have since remained in the area, declaring it a police-free zone. Originally called Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ), it has been renamed Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) by its BLM contingent. CHOP has attracted hundreds of people to the 11th and Pine intersection on Capitol Hill for a largely peaceful expression of civil disobedience. Despite the reality on the ground, conservative news media outlets like Fox and The Blaze, among others, have tried to characterize it as an agglomeration of domestic terrorists, going so far as doctoring photos to push that narrative forward. (Alliance News) - daVictus PLC on Friday said its annual loss widened as administrative expenses rose in advance of its Typical Dutch deal. The Jersey-headquartered company, established to pursue food and beverage sector opportunities in Asia, posted a GBP239,567 loss for 2019, widened from a GBP141,377 loss in 2018. This resulted from administrative expenses, which rose to GBP240,422 from GBP142,458 in 2018. During 2019, the company worked on its acquisition of the intellectual property of Typical Dutch NV, including recipes and a collation of graphics for the HAVANA Rolled Cigar Music Cafe restaurant concept brand. This did not complete in 2019 and so no revenue was recognise for the period. However, UK Financial Conduct Authority approved the deal in February 2020 and a memorandum of understanding was signed in March 2020 with Asia Food Venture Sdn Bhd to appoint the first franchisee of the restaurant concept in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. So far, the impact of Covid-19 in the business has been limited, although the opening of its first franchisee's restaurant could be slightly behind the initial schedule. "The company takes this opportunity to assist franchisees revise restaurant guidelines to adapt with the new normal of post Covid-19 customer behaviour after reopening the economy," said daVictus. "The company will continue to monitor this matter very closely and will keep the overhead low to maintain the business liquidity and stay resilient during this unexpected situation in year 2020," daVictus added. Shares in daVictus were untraded on Friday, having last closed at 8.50 pence. By Anna Farley; annafarley@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. By Express News Service BENGALURU: A coalition of organisations and volunteers who have joined hands to help migrants during the lockdown, have stressed that contrary to the version given by the state government, many migrants are still desperate to return to their hometowns. An open letter released by Bangalore With Migrants states that a Supreme Court order on June 5 this year has given 15 days to all states to help migrants travel back home. Just a few days to go, not even 50 per cent of those registered on the Seva Sindhu portal had left for their hometowns, as per the governments own records. This points to huge gaps between government intent, as manifested in their Writ Petition to the Supreme Court and various government circulars, and the actual implementation on the ground, it said in its letter. However, a senior official told TNIE that many who had registered on the portal were not inclined to leave for their homes anymore. When our staff contacted them so that they could go back, they did not not show interest, he said. The absence of enough patronage on trains was the reason that it had to ask railways to cancel some Shramik Specials, the official added. Another official said that though some migrants in West Bengal and Odisha wanted to leave, their respective governments were showing a lack of interest. MODIFY MIGRANT WORKERS TRAVEL POLICY: HC TO STATE The Karnataka High Court on Thursday directed the state government to modify some aspects of its policy on facilitating the travel of migrant workers back to their home states. Going through the policy, which the State government submitted on Thursday, a division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice BV Nagarathna directed the state to inform workers that they must mandatorily reach mustering centres where their accommodation and meals would be taken care of until trains have been arranged. When AICCTU counsel Clifton Rozario submitted that around 200 migrants from Manipur and Nagaland are stranded in Bengaluru, the court asked the counsel to provide the details to the government so that travel arrangements could be made. Ukraine receives $60mn worth of military aid from US Iran Press TV Thursday, 18 June 2020 9:32 AM Ukraine has received more than 60 million dollars' worth of weapons and other equipment from the United States, following an initial freeze in military aid to the country that prompted an impeachment trial against President Donald Trump. The military assistance, which was announced by the US Embassy's Office of Defense Cooperation in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, on Tuesday, included Javelin anti-tank missiles, radio systems, and other ammunition. The US mission said in a tweet on Wednesday that, "The United States stands strongly with Ukraine in support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity" against what it called "Russian aggression." An armed conflict erupted in eastern Ukraine in 2014. An uprising had toppled the democratically-elected government in the country earlier in the year. And people in the Crimean Peninsula had voted in a referendum to separate from Ukraine and unite with the Russian Federation. People in the eastern region of the Donbass the majority of them ethnic Russians similarly sought to assert autonomy, and took up arms to protect themselves against a military crackdown by the new, pro-Western government. The Ukrainian military and militia forces have since been involved in military operations to subdue the pro-Russians in the Donbass. Kiev and its allies accuse Russia of aiding the pro-Russians. Moscow denies involvement in the conflict. Ukraine has depended heavily on US support during the six-year war. The country received the first batch of Javelin missiles in 2018. Back in June 2019, the Pentagon announced plans to provide 250 million dollars to Ukraine in additional training and equipment to boost the capacity of the Ukrainian army. However, the military aid package was frozen last year on an order by Trump, who tied its release to a Ukrainian investigation of his domestic political rivals and prompting an impeachment. Separately on Wednesday, the US State Department announced that it had approved a possible delivery to Ukraine of up to 16 patrol boats and related equipment for an estimated cost of 600 million dollars. Russia has consistently warned against the procurement of weapons to Ukraine, citing concerns of an escalation of the conflict in the east of that country, which has claimed the lives of some 13,000 people since 2014. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Convenience Store Fuels Institute Creates EV Council Research will focus on information that will give fuel retailers the knowledge needed to prepare for EVs. ALEXANDRIA, Va. June 19, 2020; The electrification of the transportation industry has gone from doubt and denial to acceptance. Now retailers face the need to gauge the disruption and prepare their stores. To assist the fuel marketing industry, the Fuels Institute has created the EV Council. The EV Council is the industrys response to gaps in hard data that are necessary to fill for the fuels industry to future-proof its companies. Participation in the EV Council has been enormous and includes companies all across the industry lines, supporting research into electric vehicle technology and fuel infrastructure needs, among others. The vast majority of the EV research has been strictly focused on light duty vehicles (LDV) as that market sector is expected to grow rapidly. As the Fuels Institute published its recent report, Electric Vehicle Adoption: Focus on Charging, the council took things one step further and asked what is happening with the heavy duty EV (HD EV) market? OEMs have been developing class 4 to class 8 vehicles at rapid rates. Because of this, the council has set out to determine how this activity will impact fuel retailers and, in particular, what infrastructure will be necessary to support these types of vehicles, which pose the need for enormous amounts of energy. In California, the biggest HD EV pilot study ($90,000,000) to-date is under way. The pilot study, Volvo Lights, includes fleets, fuel retailers and EV supply equipment providers, among others. The EV Council recently had the opportunity to interview Dawn Fenton, Volvo Group North America (vice president, government relations and public affairs) and Kimberly Okafor, (zero-emission solutions manager) Trillium, in the most recent Carpool Chats, to discuss the project, along with what it will mean for the future of the HD vehicle market. Convenience retailers interested in providing electricity to drivers of electric vehicles need to understand the business into which they are entering. The fundamentals of servicing EV drivers includes types of charging services, methods of sale and options providing various levels of support. Types of Electric Vehicles The term electric vehicle (EV) is often applied without specificity to a broad range of potential vehicles. The electrified vehicle market includes three primary variations: Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) Hybrid vehicles are those equipped with a battery system that provides additional power to a traditional vehicle that relies primarily on an internal combustion engine. Sometimes these vehicles are capable of operating purely on battery power for short distances, but the primary energy consumption is liquid. These vehicles recharge their batteries during vehicle operation and do not have a plug-in feature to receive electricity from the electric grid. However, they are often included in forecasts regarding electrified vehicles since these drivers are deemed likely to purchase an electric vehicle in the future. The three best-selling HEVs in 2019 included the Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Prius Hybrid Hybrid vehicles are those equipped with a battery system that provides additional power to a traditional vehicle that relies primarily on an internal combustion engine. Sometimes these vehicles are capable of operating purely on battery power for short distances, but the primary energy consumption is liquid. These vehicles recharge their batteries during vehicle operation and do not have a plug-in feature to receive electricity from the electric grid. However, they are often included in forecasts regarding electrified vehicles since these drivers are deemed likely to purchase an electric vehicle in the future. The three best-selling HEVs in 2019 included the Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Prius Hybrid Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles feature two distinct powertrains an electric drive system which receives power via plug-in feature directly from the electric grid and an internal combustion engine which derives power from liquid fuel. PHEVs are capable of running purely on electricity for 20 to 40 miles, after which time the vehicle relies upon the internal combustion engine and liquid fuel for power. Within the electrified vehicle market, PHEVs are most often associated with electric vehicles because they are able to draw electricity from the grid. They are also often categorized as PEVs, or plug-in electric vehicles. The three best-selling PHEVs in 2019 were the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid and the Ford Fusion Plug-In Hybrid. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles feature two distinct powertrains an electric drive system which receives power via plug-in feature directly from the electric grid and an internal combustion engine which derives power from liquid fuel. PHEVs are capable of running purely on electricity for 20 to 40 miles, after which time the vehicle relies upon the internal combustion engine and liquid fuel for power. Within the electrified vehicle market, PHEVs are most often associated with electric vehicles because they are able to draw electricity from the grid. They are also often categorized as PEVs, or plug-in electric vehicles. The three best-selling PHEVs in 2019 were the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid and the Ford Fusion Plug-In Hybrid. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) Battery electric vehicles refer to those vehicles which rely exclusively on power drawn from the electric grid via a plug-in feature. These vehicles are not equipped with an internal combustion engine and cannot rely upon liquid fuel for power. BEVs vary greatly in their overall range available from a fully charged battery, with some offering up to 90 miles of total range and others offering more than 350 miles. BEVs are referred to as electric vehicles and also as PEVs. The three best-selling BEVs in 2019 included the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model X and Chevrolet Bolt. For more information on the types of electrified vehicles, visit the U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. Types of Chargers and Charger Locations Most analysts estimate that, for current drivers of PEVs, as much as 80% of their charging occasions occur either at home or at work. The balance is completed at destination or opportunity charging locations. However, as PEVs increase their share of the vehicle population, more drivers will reside where charging at home may not be a viable option (i.e., their homes do not have a secure garage or they live in a multi-unit dwelling without sufficient charging infrastructure). Consequently, it is generally accepted that the availability of destination or opportunity charging locations will be critical to support the growing market for PEVs. Understanding the differences between electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) is important when considering the business case for offering charging services to these drivers. EVSE is broken down into three main classifications (more details are available from the U.S. Department of Energy): Level 1: Level 1 charging is provided by a 120 V alternating current (AC) plug, similar to what would power a television or refrigerator. This is the slowest means of delivering electricity to a PEV and typically delivers two and five miles of driving range per hour of connected charging. Many PEV drivers rely on this type of service to charge their PEVs overnight in their personal garage. There is no special equipment required to charge a PEV with a Level 1 outlet. Level 1 charging is provided by a 120 V alternating current (AC) plug, similar to what would power a television or refrigerator. This is the slowest means of delivering electricity to a PEV and typically delivers two and five miles of driving range per hour of connected charging. Many PEV drivers rely on this type of service to charge their PEVs overnight in their personal garage. There is no special equipment required to charge a PEV with a Level 1 outlet. Level 2: Level 2 charging is provided by a 240 V AC current in residential settings (such as the outlet for a home washer and dryer) or up to 280 V AC current in commercial settings. Leve 2 charging can be accomplished by simply connecting a mobile charging cable into a NEMA 14-50 outlet (the same outlet as your washer and dryer) or by installing special equipment that will deliver a slightly faster charge to a PEV and can be installed for either residential or commercial use. Level 2 charging can deliver between 10 20 miles of range per hour of connected charging. Level 2 chargers are often found within residences or multi-unit dwellings, places of work, destinations where drivers are expected to spend significant periods of time (i.e., shopping malls, movie theatres, restaurants, etc.). Level 2 charging is provided by a 240 V AC current in residential settings (such as the outlet for a home washer and dryer) or up to 280 V AC current in commercial settings. Leve 2 charging can be accomplished by simply connecting a mobile charging cable into a NEMA 14-50 outlet (the same outlet as your washer and dryer) or by installing special equipment that will deliver a slightly faster charge to a PEV and can be installed for either residential or commercial use. Level 2 charging can deliver between 10 20 miles of range per hour of connected charging. Level 2 chargers are often found within residences or multi-unit dwellings, places of work, destinations where drivers are expected to spend significant periods of time (i.e., shopping malls, movie theatres, restaurants, etc.). DC Fast: DC Fast charging is provided by direct current charging equipment delivering up to 480 V of AC equivalent power. This the fastest delivery of electricity to PEVs, with charging times ranging from 60 80 miles per 20 minutes of connected charging. (It is expected new charging equipment, when connected to capable vehicles, may deliver as much as 75 miles per 10 minutes of charging.) DC Fast chargers are equipped with one of three distinct charging ports: CCS Also known SAE J1772 combo, this configuration allows the PEV driver to use the same charging port when connecting to Level 1, Level 2 or DC Fast charging equipment. Its maximum power output is 350 kW, which would enable delivery of 200 miles of range in 15 25 minutes of connected charge time. Vehicle manufactures compatible with CCS include GM, Ford, VW, Audi, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Hyundai, Honda and Harley-Davidson. CHAdeMO CHAdeMO is primarily used by Japanese manufacturers of PEVs, including Nissan, Kia, Mitsubishi and Toyota. (Tesla vehicles can also use CHAdeMO chargers with a connector.) CHAdeMO chargers deliver a max power output of 100 kW, which would enable delivery of 200 miles of range in 35 - 70 minutes of connected charge time. Tesla Tesla vehicles and chargers are equipped with a unique charge port that can only be used by Tesla manufactured equipment. The Tesla superchargers are capable of delivering more than 250 kW and 200 miles of range in as little at 15 minutes. DC Fast charging is provided by direct current charging equipment delivering up to 480 V of AC equivalent power. This the fastest delivery of electricity to PEVs, with charging times ranging from 60 80 miles per 20 minutes of connected charging. (It is expected new charging equipment, when connected to capable vehicles, may deliver as much as 75 miles per 10 minutes of charging.) DC Fast chargers are equipped with one of three distinct charging ports: The rate at which a vehicle can charge when connected to specific charging equipment is a function of both the capacity of the charger as well as the design capabilities of the vehicle. Not all vehicles are equipped to receive a charge at 350 kW nor will all vehicles be able to receive the maximum miles per charge time as a charger is capable of delivering. PEVs and EVSE communicate with each other to ensure that the electricity delivered to a vehicle is appropriate for that vehicles configuration. In addition, to protect the vehicles battery from damage, maximum charging can only be delivered when the battery in between 20% and 80% state of charge. (State of charge refers to the level of charge of a battery system relative to its maximum charge capability.) Cost of Electric Vehicle Service Equipment The cost to install EVSE varies greatly and is influenced by a wide variety of factors. These include the number of chargers installed, the type of service (Level 2 or DC Fast) being provided, the maximum electricity delivery capacity of the chargers (150kW vs 350 kW), the proximity of the charger location to the incoming electricity supply, etc. Providing a generic cost estimate is impossible due to the variety of factors influencing the ultimate cost. From discussions with professionals in the EVSE market, NACS has learned that a DC Fast charging system could be installed from as little as $30,000 if all that is needed is the charging equipment to as much as $500,000 if additional electricity service and site development is needed. For an objective assessment of the associated costs and variabilities in EVSE installation, please refer to a recent report by the Rocky Mountain Institute, Reducing EV Charging Infrastructure Costs and analysis and case studies published by the U.S. Department of Energy. CHICAGO - Amy Klobuchar says she is dropping out of the running to be vice-president and urging Democrat Joe Biden to select a woman of colour instead. The white Minnesota senator, who had seen her prospects fall as racial tensions swept the nation, said Thursday that she called the presumptive presidential nominee Wednesday night and made the suggestion. Biden had already committed to choosing a woman as his running mate. I think this is a moment to put a woman of colour on that ticket, Klobuchar said on MSNBC. If you want to heal this nation right now my party, yes, but our nation this is sure a hell of a way to do it. Biden praised Klobuchar in a tweet Thursday, citing her grit and determination and saying, With your help, were going to beat Donald Trump. Klobuchars chances at getting the VP nod diminished after the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis. Klobuchar was a prosecutor years ago in the county that includes Minneapolis, and during that period, more than two dozen people mostly minorities died during encounters with police. Floyds death last month set off days of protests across the country and criticism that as the countys top prosecutor, Klobuchar didnt charge any of the officers involved in citizen deaths. Officer Derek Chauvin, who was charged with Floyds murder, was involved in a fatal October 2006 shooting of a man accused of stabbing people and aiming a shotgun at police. Klobuchars successor as prosecutor, Mike Freeman, sent Chauvins case to a grand jury, which was customary practice for the office at the time, and the grand jury in 2008 declined to prosecute. Freeman has said Klobuchar, who won election to the Senate in November 2006 and took office in January 2007, had no involvement in the Chauvin case. Klobuchar, 60, was among a large field of Democrats who had sought the 2020 presidential nomination, running as a pragmatic Midwesterner who has passed over 100 bills. She dropped out and threw her support behind Biden before the crucial March 3 Super Tuesday contests after struggling to win support from black voters, who are crucial to Democratic victories. Her best finish of the primary was in overwhelmingly white New Hampshire, where she came in third. The third-term senator had to cancel one of the final rallies of her campaign after Black Lives Matter and other activists took the stage in Minnesota to protest her handling of a murder case when she was prosecutor that sent a black teen to prison for life. Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, a close Biden ally and Congress highest-ranking black lawmaker, said in the days after Floyds death that he believed it made Klobuchar a less likely pick for vice-president, though he said she is absolutely qualified for the job. This is very tough timing for her, Clyburn said. Even before Floyds death, activists were pushing Biden to consider a woman of colour, saying it would help build a multiracial coalition behind the Democratic ticket and motivate people particularly younger voters who may be underwhelmed by the 77-year-old former vice-presidents bid. The founder of She the People, a network of women of colour, called news that Biden had asked Klobuchar to undergo formal vetting a dangerous and reckless choice. To choose Klobuchar as vice-president risks losing the very base the Democrats need to win, most centrally women of colour, and could be a fatal blow to the Democrats chance to win the White House, Aimee Allison said in May. Others wanted Biden to choose a more progressive candidate, who could bring in support from voters who backed Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren in the primary. Like Biden, Klobuchar disagreed with Sanders and Warren during the campaign on major issues such as health care, calling Medicare for All unachievable and pushing instead for changes to the Affordable Care Act. Democrats with knowledge of the process told The Associated Press last week that Bidens search committee had narrowed the choices to as few as six serious contenders after initial interviews. Among the group still in contention: Warren, California Sen. Kamala Harris and Susan Rice, who served as President Barack Obamas national security adviser. Warren is white; both Harris and Rice are black. Biden has said he will announce his VP decision by Aug. 1. ___ Associated Press writers Amy Forliti in Minneapolis, Julie Pace in Washington, Bill Barrow in Atlanta and Ashley Thomas in Savannah, Georgia, contributed to this report. California Connections Academy honors the Class of 2020 I am continually inspired by our 2020 graduating class. These students have worked incredibly hard to finish the school year strong and I am so proud of all of their achievements. California Connections Academy, a tuition-free network of online public schools serving students in grades TK-12 across 32 counties in California since 2004, celebrated more than 800 graduating seniors on June 17. While graduates were unable to walk across the stage to receive their diploma as tradition holds, school administrators and teachers honored the graduates with proper pomp and circumstance during the virtual graduation ceremony. Students gathered with family members, friends, teachers and administrators in an online setting to commemorate this milestone and celebrate the many accomplishments of the Class of 2020. Fortunately, due to the schools full-time virtual curriculum, seniors at California Connections Academy were able to finish their semester and complete all courses despite the public health crisis. The Class of 2020 is comprised of graduates from six California schools California Connections Academy Central, California Connections Academy Central Coast, California Connections Academy Monterey Bay, California Connections Academy North Bay, California Connections Academy Ripon and California Connections Academy Southern California residing in 32 counties throughout the state. Among the graduating class, 65% plan to attend two- or four-year colleges or universities, 11% plan to enter the work force and 8% plan to attend vocational or technical school or join the military. Collectively, the graduating class earned more than $856,000 in scholarship funds and students have been accepted to notable in-state and out-of-state universities including UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis, Boston University, Columbia University, Carnegie Mellon, and NYU, among many others. Among the graduates is California Connections Academy Ripon valedictorian Nthenya Maithya, who came to California Connections Academy in 2018 seeking a flexible schedule that would allow her to excel academically at her own pace. Maithya will attend Villanova University in the fall to study mechanical engineering. While attending California Connections Academy, I felt that I had the power to take my education into my own hands and learn about myself along the way, shared Maithya. She added that she never thought she would be valedictorian. I always push myself to be the best I can and set high standards for myself. At Connections Academy, I could see that paying off. I am continually inspired by our 2020 graduating class, said Dr. Richard Savage, California Connections Academy Executive Director. These students have worked incredibly hard to finish the school year strong and I am so proud of all of their achievements. I have no doubt these students will be the next generation of successful and thoughtful leaders. California Connections Academy accommodates the needs of a variety of learners through unique curriculum opportunities, close-knit collaboration with fellow students and staff, supportive teachers and the flexibility to learn from anywhere with an internet connection. Currently providing more than 7,600 students across six schools with a high-quality, personalized online education, the schools combine California-credentialed teachers with structured LiveLesson(R) online classroom sessions, and a curriculum that meets rigorous state education standards. Through advanced technology tools, teachers work closely with students to nurture their strengths and provide additional support for areas of difficulty, while parents can consistently monitor how their child is performing and progressing. The safe learning environment enables a dynamic student schedule and offers a solution to families with a variety of needs. For additional information about online education and enrollment, the school is hosting free events for families to learn more. To learn more about California Connections Academy and begin the enrollment process, visit the schools website. About California Connections Academy California Connections Academy is a network of tuition-free, high-quality, highly accountable online public school serving students in grades TK-12 throughout 32 counties via six school sites in California. All six schools are fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). California Connections Academy provides students a safe, supportive learning environment with the flexibility to learn from anywhere with an internet connection with an innovative curriculum that meets rigorous state education standards. The combination of state-credentialed teachers, an award-winning curriculum, personalized teacher support, unique electives and community experiences creates a supportive and successful online learning opportunity for families who want an individualized approach to education. For more information, call 1-800-221-2720 or visit the schools website. FP Trending The University of Minnesota has developed a 3D printing technique to print electronic sensors directly on organs that are expanding and contracting. According to a Science Daily report, this latest 3D printing technique could even have near-future applications in diagnosing and monitoring the lungs of patients with COVID-19. The research was carried out by the mechanical engineers and computer scientists of the University of Minnesota by harnessing motion capture technology similar to that used in Hollywood to make motion pictures and realistic animation. According to the report, the new technique allows for even more sophisticated tracking that allows for 3D printing sensors onto organs like the heart or lungs. The results of the study were published in Science Advances, a peer-reviewed publication by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Speaking about the study, Michael McAlpine, a University of Minnesota mechanical engineering professor and senior researcher on the study told TechXplore that they are pushing the boundaries of 3D printing in ways it was not imagined even years ago. "3-D printing on a moving object is difficult enough, but it was quite a challenge to find a way to print on a surface that was deforming as it expanded and contracted," McAlpine added. According to EurekaAlert, the research started in a lab with a balloon-like surface and a specialised 3D printer. Researchers used motion capture tracking markers to help the printer adjust its path to the expanding and contracting movements of the surface, ultimately becoming successful in printing a sensor on an artificially inflated animal lung. Elaborating that the broader idea behind the research is to combine 3D printing tech with surgical robots McAlpine added, "In the future, 3D printing will not be just about printing but instead be part of a larger autonomous robotic system. This could be important for diseases like COVID-19 where health care providers are at risk when treating patients. UN expresses concern over disappearance of 2 activists in Afghanistan Carnival in Rio de Janeiro postponed due to omicron strain More than 9,300 Afghans claiming protection were taken to Germany Scientists suggest that under surface of one of Saturn moons lies ocean Russian Foreign Ministry: US and NATO launched toxi campaign against Moscow Sergey Nersesyan dismissed from post of Yerevan Deputy Mayor British Foreign Secretary to visit Moscow in February for talks with Lavrov 48-year-old man dies of frostbite in Yerevan 1,822 criminal cases launched in Kazakhstan after January riots Tatoyan: Expired drugs found in mental health centers in Armenia 6.3 magnitude earthquake strikes off coast of Alaska Putin and Pashinyan discuss by phone prospects for further cooperation within CSTO First batch of military aid to Ukraine from US arrived in Kyiv 6.0 magnitude earthquake strikes off Philippine coast Armenia confirms 940 new coronavirus cases, no deaths Armenian rescuers pull out 50 stuck cars and provide necessary aid to 80 citizens Papua New Guinea parliament repeals death penalty law TikTok starts testing paid subscriptions Israeli fighter jets, refueling planes hold massive drills aimed at Tehran France announces gradual lifting of coronavirus restrictions Fountains in Athens' central square illuminated with Armenian tricolor Austria approves Europe's first mandatory COVID-19 vaccination mandate World War II aircraft crashed in India found after 77 years Armenian Parliament Deputy Speaker meets EU delegation Deputy Speaker of Armenian parliament meets Russian Ambassador to Armenia Germany won't pay compensation if Nord Stream 2 doesn't comply with German, EU laws NEWS.am digest: EU special rep. is in Armenia, Roma's Mkhitaryan turns 33 today Child injured in Artsakh car accident taken to Yerevan by Russian peacekeepers' helicopter Taiwanese woman faces death penalty for setting island's deadliest fire Turkey passes law to exempt converted lira deposits from corporate tax Blinken says he discussed Iran nuclear deal with Lavrov Erdogan says Turkey has peaceful relations with Russia like never before New German government wants to attract 400,000 skilled workers from abroad every year Israeli Attorney General orders to investigate police allegations of spyware Blinken: Any Russian invasion of Ukraine will be met with swift response Candidate: Ombudsmans institution is one of few established institutions in Armenia Lavrov summarizes the results of talks with Blinken UN agrees on definition of Holocaust denial Lavrov and Blinken talks kick off in Geneva Australian FM says issue of sending direct military aid to Ukraine is not considered Armenia PM receives EU delegation, need for full operation of Karabakh peace process is stressed Armenia National Assembly debating on new ombudspersons candidacy Katherine Tai: The world can't go back to the 2019 trading system Dollar gains value in Armenia Armenia legislature told hold secret ballot to elect TV and radio commission new members NATO intends to hold largest military exercises beyond Arctic Circle in early March 7 new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh 'Zangezur corridor' will unite Turkic world, says Azerbaijan presidential office official Armenia FM highlights need for full resumption of Karabakh peace talks Armenia ex-defense minister: In our time it was shame to immediately turn to CSTO in case of Azerbaijan provocations UN General Assembly head calls for peace during Beijing Olympics Armenia Tourism Committee has new chairperson Russian MFA: Priority today is to start Azerbaijan-Armenia border delimitation, demarcation process Parliament passes, in first reading, bill restricting gambling advertising in Armenia UK considering sending hundreds of additional troops to Ukraine's neighbors Warships of Russia, Iran and China work out counteraction to maritime piracy Armenia first deputy minister of justice dismissed Israeli defense minister tests positive for COVID-19 Karabakh conflict resumption likelihood is moderate, its impact on US interests is low, report says Antonio Guterres thinks Russia will not invade Ukraine 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 Top left, a castle on its high "motte" with its vulnerable "bailey" sprawled below. The "Motte and Bailey" is in fashion as a rhetorical device now, whereby an indisputable Motte assertion -- i.e., lower-case "black lives matter" -- is used to defend a vulnerable agenda. By John Murawski, RealClear Investigations June 19, 2020 At first blush, the most incendiary political slogans of our time come across as calls for kumbaya. What sort of person wouldnt believe that black lives matter? Whats wrong with believing women? Who doesnt want to make America great? (Maybe ISIS doesnt, but you get the idea.) As Monty Python demonstrated in the 1970s, a castle or "motte" is an ideal high ground for waging verbal war. Those almost anodyne claims turn out to be deeply divisive because they can provide linguistic cover for far more controversial corollaries: abolishing the police, suspending due process, or voting for Donald Trumps border wall. While such tactics are not new, they are becoming a weapon of choice as political disputes morph into hashtag wars. So much so that academics have pinned a name on this debating trick: the Motte and Bailey. The Motte is the slick sales pitch used to sell you a package; the Bailey contains lot more than you bargained for. This is a very powerful device of sophistry, said Nicholas Shackel, the Cardiff University philosopher who first identified the trick and coined the term in 2005. This way of defending their precious beliefs is used by many people with many different doctrines. Usually proponents start with the Motte, but sometimes they lead with the Bailey. Consider the most recent example currently active on the Twittersphere: Defund the Police which in its unadulterated form can function as a Bailey. When the proposal was criticized as impractical and dangerous, the demand was softened to a suggestion (the Motte) no reasonable person could disagree with: demilitarize or reform the police to make encounters between police and civilians less violent. As soon as the critics calmed down and let down their guard, activists resumed their Bailey calls for abolishing the police. The lowercase assertion is very defensible. The uppercase agenda -- Black Lives Matter, or the Bailey -- is very debatable. Such toggling back and forth between the radical and mild versions, confounding your opponent into submission, is a key feature of the Motte and Bailey, said Christopher Anadale, an associate professor of philosophy at Mount St. Marys University in Emmitsburg, Md. He has taught the Motte and Bailey to students and thinks its effectiveness is underappreciated. That richness and complexity help explain why the Motte and Bailey is more than a simple fallacy. Rather, Shackel calls it a doctrine because it is a rhetorical strategy that encompasses a range of logical fallacies and rhetorical feints such as bait-and-switch, good cop/bad cop and strategic equivocation that serve as evasive maneuvers in intellectual jousting. As it identifies, for the first time, a unifying principle for these various strategies, it provides a name for an increasingly common method of discourse. Several philosophy scholars contacted by RealClearInvestigations said a widely circulating example that is prone to Motte and Bailey manipulation is black lives matter (the Motte) and Black Lives Matter (the Bailey), two very different concepts that can be interchanged almost without notice. The Motte is the slogan. The Bailey is the program not everyone can salute. The lower-case form is a self-evident truth where an activist can safely retreat if pressed on the politics of the organization that bears the same name. The capitalized version is a political movement with an agenda that includes slavery reparations, queer advocacy, anti-capitalism and disrupt[ing] the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure. The result: Well-intentioned people -- and virtue-signaling companies and other organizations -- may hesitate challenging Black Lives Matter for fear of being accused of rejecting the unassailable idea that black lives matter, as if the two were identical. As brazen as it appears, many people become flustered, unaware that the stratagem depends on a simple equivocation. I think its a very useful concept to have in my arsenal of concepts to analyze whats going on, said Kenny Easwaran, philosophy professor at Texas A&M University and co-editor of the Journal of Philosophical Logic. Its behavior weve seen, but we see so much more of it now. James Lindsay, an independent academic and blogger, noted that Make America Great Again functions in much the same way, exposing critics to the charge of being unpatriotic and not wanting to make America great again. The lower-case version is a harmless cliche (the Motte) that is almost undeniable, while the upper-case political slogan (the Bailey) is associated with such controversial propositions as Build the wall, Lock her up, Fake news, Deep State and other aspects of President Trumps rhetoric that many people find odious. Nicholas Shackel: Coiner of the phrase. The Motte and Bailey formulation derives from the Norman French words for a high mound and an enclosed area -- common features in hundreds of medieval English castles. The pairing, which sounds like the name of a law firm or description of a chess move, describes the castles defense fortification, making it easy to conceptualize and to remember. The Bailey is the productive area around the castle containing stables, workshops and other places exposed to enemy attack and difficult to defend; in the modern usage, it represents the controversial doctrine that is hard to defend philosophically but produces the desired political results. The Motte is a steep mound topped with an impregnable tower, or a keep, thats good for a hasty retreat and for shooting arrows at the encroaching foe. In philosophy, the Motte is the easy-to-defend, fallback pabulum that has no political value or cultural stock except as a bad faith evasive maneuver to save the Bailey. You shuffle between two claims like a three-card monte dealer, said Anadale. This one has the advantage of having a cool name and a really easy to visualize metaphor for whats happening: skirmishes in the Bailey, and then you retreat to the Motte, and then you come back out to plant your victory flag in the Bailey and pretend as though there is this identification between the claims, Anadale explained. Humpty Dumpty: In "Through the Looking Glass," Alice didn't think the egg man's Motte and Bailey was all it was cracked up to be. Part of the Motte and Baileys mystique draws on its relatively recent application to philosophy and addition to the Western panoply of logical fallacies which include straw man arguments, ad hominem attacks, appeals to emotion and false dilemmas. The Motte and Bailey is so new that it still hasnt worked its way into textbooks and general parlance, but some logicians who specialize in rhetoric say that given its prevalence in public discourse, its only a matter of time. It is finding a receptive audience online, where the strategy is often deployed in the culture of digital dueling. Its been mentioned almost daily on Twitter lately, but documenting its rate of adoption is nearly impossible because the term is still commonly used to refer to actual medieval castles, not just the rhetorical trickery that shares the same name. More broadly, though, the Motte and Bailey functions as a mirror reflecting our post-truth age of fakery and deceit. Its one of a number of new debating gimmicks and fallacies that seem to have surfaced in recent years, almost all of them tied to the scorched-earth ideological warfare waged on social media. The toxic realm of cancel culture has given rise to such digital psy-ops as gaslighting; what-aboutism; well-poisoning; as well as sea-lioning, or wearing down your opponent with incessant demands for evidence and proof; and Kafkatrapping, a debating trick that treats a denial, or attempt at self-defense, as evidence of guilt. Shackel originally posited the Motte and Bailey to analyze a duplicitous tendency he saw with Michel Foucault and other post-modernist philosophers in academic treatises. That was a year before Twitter was established in 2006 and long before Shackel could have foreseen that his apposite discovery would become amenable to a broader application. But he intuited that the Motte and Bailey was connected to something devious and dangerous in human nature. Hydroxychloroquine: The Motte is that suffering people need it for hope. The Bailey is that it's unproven. I saw this as being a feature of belief systems in general that worried me, Shackel said in a phone interview. "It is scary to see how the belief systems that motivate people are able to defend themselves against the obvious refutations that can be given." He wrote that the simplest way of setting up a Motte and Bailey is through the arbitrary redefinition of a word. To illustrate the stratagem, Shackels 2005 paper offered an example from Lewis Carrolls childrens classic, Through the Looking Glass, in which Humpty Dumpty petulantly redefined the word glory to mean a nice knock-down argument. When I use a word, Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, it means just what I choose it to mean neither more nor less. When Alice objects to this 19th-century version of the Motte and Bailey, Humpty offers a retort presciently expressing the post-modernist tenet that the function of language is not to express truth but to consolidate power: The question is, said Humpty Dumpty, which is to be master thats all. Shackels ingenuity may have lain dormant forever if not for its citation in 2014 in the Slate Star Codex blog that has an avid following among technologists, scientists, philosophers, and other academicians and intellectuals. 'The Thing Social Justice Does' At a time when Black Lives Matter was taking shape and social justice activism was taking over college campuses, Slate Star Codex noted that the Motte and Bailey is a term for the thing social justice does. The thing the blog had in mind was the redefinition of two common words privilege and racism -- that were expanded and deployed to cow people into submission. Why couldnt people who want to talk about structural oppression make up their own word, thus solving the confusion? the blog asked. And how come this happens with every social justice word? Slate Star Codex revisited the Motte and Bailey in another blog post that same year, noting that the fallacy is not limited to social justice activism but widely used to make unprovable claims in religion, feminism, pseudoscience, and rationalism as well as by singularitarians, or futurists who believe in the inevitable evolution of computers into a god-like super-intelligence that will guide human affairs. The motte and bailey doctrine sounds kind of stupid and hard-to-fall-for when you put it like that, but all fallacies sound that way when youre thinking about them, Slate Star Codex said. The Motte is often presented in the form of a taboo, rendering it immune to attack. The example given from feminism will look familiar to any habitue of academe: Christopher Anadale: The Motte and Bailey fallacy allows the arguer to claim that hes never actually been refuted. Bailey: A demand that everybody support controversial policies like hiring preferences for women and affirmative consent laws. Motte: But feminism is just the belief that women are people! Dubious science comes in a similar flavor: Bailey: Such-and-such unregulated and unapproved treatment will cure cancer or alleviate pain. Motte: People need hope, and even a placebo solution will often relieve stress and help people feel cared for. Case in point: President Trump saying, "What do you have to lose?" in urging people to try unproven hydroxychloroquine against COVID-19. This writer was recently treated to a Motte and Bailey during the course of reporting an earlier story that looked at teaching elementary-schoolers to celebrate gender pronouns and gender fluidity. When asked if that was the intention of the original policy, which was billed as promoting the teaching of LGBTQ contributions in history and culture, the sponsor of the legislation hid behind a Motte: To me it sounds like all theyre teaching children is to be tolerant, kind and respectful of their classmates thats the underlying intention. In other words: Questioning the age-appropriateness of teaching first-graders about non-binary genders was akin to intolerance, unkindness and disrespect for trans folks. Andrew Aberdein, a philosophy professor at the Florida Institute of Technology, said the Motte and Bailey is memorable as a meme and as an idea, making it an ideal concept for the digital era. Whats more, he said, it was much harder to expose a Motte and Bailey in the past, when most informal communications were spoken and not recorded; but now Tweets and other social media posts are preserved online and searchable, which makes it that much easier to indict the speaker with a Motte and Bailey. The Motte and Bailey fallacy allows the arguer to claim that hes never actually been refuted, Anadale told Mount St. Marys seminary students in a 2018 lecture posted on YouTube. Your arguer might claim that the critic is himself a fool or morally deficient for rejecting or calling into question the obvious Motte claim that everyone agrees with, he said. This is obviously a planned maneuver, just as if youre defending a castle: You skirmish in the courtyard and withdraw behind the tall walls and just shoot arrows or throw filth at people. Several hundred "Dreamers" in the military received a conditional guarantee from the Supreme Court on Thursday that they could continue serving without fear of deportation by the Trump administration. In the second surprising ruling this week with major implications for the military, the Supreme Court barred the administration from ending protections for about 700,000 immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children. Read Next: For First Time in Decades, Female Soldier Completes Final Phase of Special Forces Training The court did not state that the administration was wrong for seeking to end the protections for the Dreamers under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, but rather said that the administration had failed to come up with a rational basis for wanting to do it. In his majority opinion in the 5-4 ruling, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, "We do not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies. "We address only whether the agency [Homeland Security] complied with the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action," he added. Roberts said the administration could try again at a later date to come up with adequate reasons, but the ruling effectively blocks President Donald Trump from fulfilling his campaign promise to end the DACA program, which was put in place by executive order by former President Barack Obama. Roberts was joined in the majority by the court's more liberal judges -- Associate Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor. In February 2018 in an informal session with Pentagon reporters, then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that the estimated 800 "Dreamers" then serving were not in danger of deportation, and those who were honorably discharged were also protected. "Right now in terms of the DACA situation -- in other words, our guys on active duty and that sort of thing or in the active delayed enlistment program -- are not in any kind of jeopardy," Mattis said. He did not spell out whether he had solid assurances from the administration but said he had spoken to Homeland Security on the issue "in great detail." The DACA ruling was the second this week by the Supreme Court that went against policies of the Trump administration. In a 6-3 ruling Monday, with the majority opinion written by Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch, a Trump nominee, the court said that a 1964 civil rights statute against sex discrimination in the workplace extended to gay and transgender individuals. Advocacy groups said the ruling backed up their ongoing lawsuits to overturn the administration's restrictions on transgender service in the military. On Twitter, Trump railed against the Supreme Court's rulings. He asked, "Do you get the impression that the Supreme Court doesn't like me?" Trump added, "The recent Supreme Court decisions, not only on DACA, Sanctuary Cities, Census, and others, tell you only one thing, we need NEW JUSTICES of the Supreme Court. If the Radical Left Democrats assume power, your Second Amendment, Right to Life, Secure Borders, and Religious Liberty, among many other things, are OVER and GONE!" -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Related: Push to Overturn US Military Transgender Ban Gets Boost from Supreme Court Ruling New Delhi: Billionaire Mukesh Ambani on Friday said his flagship firm Reliance Industries is now net-debt free after a record Rs 1.69 lakh crore fund raising in under two months. In a statement, Ambani said Reliance raised Rs 1.15 lakh crore from global tech investors by selling a little less than a quarter of the firm's digital arm, Jio Platforms Ltd, and another Rs 53,124.20 crore through a rights issue. The company had a net-debt of Rs 1.61 lakh crore as on March 31, 2020. "I have fulfilled my promise to the shareholders by making Reliance net-debt free much before our original schedule of March 31, 2021," he said. New Delhi: Gold in the national capital rose by Rs 144 to Rs 48,334 per 10 gram in-line with gain in international prices of the precious metal, according to HDFC Securities. In the previous trade, gold had closed at Rs 48,190 per 10 gram. Silver also gained Rs 150 to Rs 49,160 per kg from Rs 49,010 per kg in the previous trade. "Spot gold prices for 24 carat gold in Delhi were trading up by Rs 144 with strong international gold prices and rupee depreciation," HDFC Securities Senior Analyst (Commodities) Tapan Patel said. The rupee settled 6 paise lower at 76.20 (provisional) against the US dollar on Friday as strengthening of the US currency and rising COVID-19 cases weighed on investor sentiment. In the international market, gold was trading with gains at USD 1,729 per ounce and silver at USD 17.49 per ounce. Gold prices continued upside trend on Friday over rising tensions between the US and China, he added. Another Syrian refugee living in Germany has been identified as a members of the regimes militia and responsible for cracking down on protestors reports Zaman Al-Wasl. Zaman Al-Wasl has obtained documents revealing the identity of a pro-Bashar al-Assad militant and security agent who applied for asylum in Germany after participating in cracking down on Syrian activists and leading most of them behind bars. Tariq Hassan Alour, originally from southern Quneitra province, has been living as a refugee in Monchengladbach city since 2015. German politician seeks to hold Syrian war criminals accountable, and urge refugees to report to the authorities, those that they suspect. According to a Zaman Al-Wasl source who is willing to testify in court, Alour was an agent in the Intelligence 220th Branch in Sasa town with his father and uncles. They arrested of dozens of Quneitra protesters, many of whom were either disappeared, detained, or passed away under torture. Alour was part of the raids, arrest operations and military checkpoints in the region, especially Khan Arnaba, al-Saqri, al-Sahraa checkpoints, as well as non-permanent barriers set by regime intelligence to ambush civilians. According to the source, Alour has exploited the refugees in Germany and a few other European countries, procuring identity documents especially passports that he acquired from intelligence branches, in exchange for large amounts of money. He has also worked in transferring money illegally to Syria, which allowed him to buy lands and real estate in his village. The source added that Alour has helped coordinate and organize pro-regime marches in Germany. Zaman Al-Wasl has obtained videos showing him at the head of the procession calling for loyalty to Assad and condemning the opposition. According to our sources, Tariqs father works as a security guard in the Directorate of Finance, where he has a great deal of authority due to his close relations with a large number of military and security officers, even before the revolution. He previously worked as a driver for a member of the Peoples Assembly. The source added that Tariqs uncle, one of the leaders of the shabiha militias of the Sasaa branch, and was awarded an honorary military rank due to his great loyalty to the regime and the officers of the branch. Although German law prohibits refugees from visiting their mother country, a few months ago, Alour entered Syria through Lebanon with the assistance of his father and uncle, without passport stamps to avoid losing his asylum status. In Germany, the Crimes Against International Law Act applies in cases of serious international crimes, such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, regardless of the nationality of the suspect, or the place where the crime was committed. This applies against Alour who officially resides in Germany. Zaman Al-Wasl thanks all witnesses and individuals who interacted with our initiative, providing us with evidence and information that will help us continue looking into these criminals and building files against them. And we urge everyone who has any relevant information or evidence to contact us with guaranteed confidentiality and discretion. 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. Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, second from left, walks with Kim Ki-nam, head of the Device Solutions Division, left, and Jung Eun-seung, right, head of the Foundry Business Division, during his visit to the company's semiconductor research center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, Friday. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics Ahead of June 26 opening of citizen committee, Lee visits company's key local semiconductor plant with senior executives By Baek Byung-yeul Samsung Electronics is putting more focus on the fifth-generation (5G)-operational telecom network market given the sector's huge growth potential amid carriers' shift toward expanding 5G mobile lineups. On Friday, Samsung Electronics said it was chosen as a 5G networks infrastructure supplier for Canadian telecommunications company TELUS. This is Samsung's second contract win in the North American country, following a supply deal to Canadian vendor Videotron in December 2019. Samsung said the supply deal will help the firm pave the way to improve its presence in the region. "With this latest agreement, Samsung will play a large part in helping TELUS build out its nationwide 5G network, laying groundwork for Samsung's presence as one of the primary telecom vendors in Canada," the company said in a statement. Friday's announcement came as Huawei Technologies' ambitions to become a major player in Canada's 5G network are in doubt there, after Canada recently chose Sweden-based Ericsson and Finland's Nokia as suppliers of radio access network parts. Ottawa was continuing its review of Huawei's possible and expanded role in Canada's 5G networks over security concerns because of the rising suspicions about Huawei's close partnership with the Chinese central government. Washington already warned Ottawa and London, as well as other key allies, that it will limit intelligence sharing with countries that will have Huawei telecom equipment in their 5G networks citing its possible use by China, though the allegations were strongly denied by Huawei. It is still unknown whether or not Samsung's recent contract was because of Huawei's dispute with Canada after the arrest of then Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver in December 2018 at the request of the U.S. Justice Department, which wants her to face charges of fraud. But following Washington's expulsion of Huawei, its chief rival Samsung is increasingly expanding its influence in the market. In the last seven months, the company has secured four new 5G contracts including with Videotron in December, U.S. Cellular in February and New Zealand telecommunications firm Spark in March. "Samsung is rapidly expanding its customer pool, signing four new 5G contracts in the last seven months, including operators in Canada, the U.S. and New Zealand. Deploying a 5G network for TELUS exhibits Samsung's ongoing global commitment to advancing a new era in 5G expansion," the company added. TELUS is one of three major mobile carriers in Canada with 9.6 million subscribers, following Rogers with 10.8 million and Bell with 9.9 million. Amid growing uncertainties surrounding the company due to the prolonging COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S.-China and Korea-Japan trade disputes, Samsung is also actively working on widening the technological gap with its competitors in the semiconductor sector. Its leader Lee Jae-yong visited its semiconductor R&D center in Hwaseong, the provincial city where Samsung operates cutting-edge chip fabrication lines, to inspect its future strategy for the chip business. This is the second time this year that the de facto leader of Samsung Group made a visit to the R&D center. "We are in a situation facing severe risk," Lee told the researchers. "Our survival depends on how fast we can secure future technologies. We do not have much time." Samsung has been accelerating its efforts to improve its competence in the contract-based chip foundry business. Last year, it unveiled a plan to become the top player in the system semiconductor sector by 2030 by investing 133 trillion won ($110 billion). Despite the pandemic, Lee has been actively visiting the company's core units. Last month, Lee made a visit to Xian in China to inspect the company's key semiconductor plant. The lockdown has not only caused trans men in rural and urban India to be stuck in unsupportive quarantine spaces, but also increased the inaccessibility of regular testosterone shots and gender affirming surgery, thus adding to their dysphoria and other mental health issues. When India went into Phase I of its lockdown to combat the coronavirus pandemic, with little to no preparation for millions of its most vulnerable citizens, 28-year-old Aryan Pasha took it upon himself to help as many as he could. Aryan a lawyer who is also known as Indias first trans man bodybuilder and his partner Laxmi Tripathi began delivering rations, testosterone injections and hand wash to over 250 transgender men in Delhi alone. The fact that they were reaching out to trans men raised a singular challenge: For trans women, you can donate to an organisation or the dera where they live, but trans men dont live [together] in one place, Aryan points out. Trans men do not have options like staying within a gharana system. What this meant was that Aryan had to go door-to-door in his quest to provide support; on one occasion, he travelled 46 km to help a man in rural Bihar. He has also reached out to volunteers in urban and rural Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bihar, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Manipur and Orissa. Indias lockdown has imposed a heavy toll on the lives of transgender people. While some have had little recourse but to rely on donations from organisations and philanthropists, others have had to return home to unsupportive and abusive families, while living with increased gender dysphoria. As reported in Firstpost, the government of India had assured Rs 1,500 each as relief to 4.88 lakh transgender persons. But just like our conversations on inclusion and policies, this figure and the half-hearted assurances of the government fail to include transgender men. Emphasising that the issues of transgender men are different from those of the rest of the LGBTQ+ community, Anand Kumar, who returned to his village in Patna due to the lockdown, notes, Nobody talks about the problems our community is facing right now. If there is anyone helping this community, it is the members of the community themselves. Driven and determined by their own experiences to help other young transgender persons, it is members like Aryan Pasha, Lucky Neog and Ayaan, who are among the few providing essential supplies and constant online and offline support to others in the community over the past three months. *** Ten years ago, Aryan was the first teenager in India to transition at the age of 18 with enthusiastic support from his family. Not everyone receives such support at home. As an eminent member of the community, Aryan feels he must reach out and help teenagers and young adults who have begun their gender affirmation process. Teens who ran away from home to start their transition are now stuck. Trans men with graduate degrees are looking for work as manual labourers because they dont have money for gas. Teenagers are vulnerable. Within the community as well people try to take advantage of others, says Aryan, who is quick to answer youngsters queries on Instagram. Apart from financial problems and delays in delivering rations and hormone kits, Aryan faces unnecessary questioning from within the community itself. Only a person on HRT (hormone replacement therapy) knows how much they need it. People who have missed their shots have been requesting me to help them. If a transitioning male does not get his hormone shots on time, his menstruation cycle can start again. Because of that, a person could be at very high risk for suicidal tendency, anxiety and depression. *** There are broadly two types of testosterone shots of different dosages in India Testoviron and Sustanon. However, the hormone shots, costing around Rs 300 each, are not available and accessible in all regions, especially during a lockdown. Men who are transitioning are prescribed to take regular amounts of testosterone every two or three weeks, depending on the brand and dosage. Before the coronavirus outbreak, many transgender persons visited their doctors or nurses to get their hormone shots, but now apprehensive about visiting hospitals and dispensaries, some have learnt to self-inject the shots at home. Twenty one-year-old Shivv, who is working from his home in Agra, watched many instructional videos on YouTube before taking a testosterone shot with the help of his girlfriend for the first time. Like him, many young transgender men are relying on DIY (do-it-yourself) videos on YouTube to continue their hormone replacement therapy at home. Lucky Neog, a filmmaker who works in Tezpur, Assam, is one such YouTube publisher who uploads experiential and informational videos on female-to-male (FTM) transitioning. Lucky, 25, began hormone replacement therapy two years ago, and having learnt to self-inject regularly, shares with his subscribers his experiences with availing testosterone shots in Assam. The testosterone shots prescribed to Lucky are not locally available in the state, so he purchases it online. When we went under lockdown, the delivery for hormone shots stopped. If I do not take it every two weeks, there is a chance of getting my period again. But so far, I have not experienced getting my period in between shots, said Lucky. This lockdown is not the only time the state of Assam has completely shut down: Lucky has previously missed taking his testosterone shot during the Assam bandh when there were widespread protests in the state against the contentious and exclusionary Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Two days after the lockdown began, Lucky put up a video called Akele mat saho, baat kar lo mujhse (You dont have to face it alone, talk to me) for transgender community members and anyone who is affected mentally because they are living with unsupportive families. Since then, young people from different regions, including non-resident Indians from other countries, have called and messaged Lucky for advice on FTM transitioning, family and partner issues. When I did not know about transitioning, I used to look for other people from the community and did not get enough help. So, my aim was to reach out to people in remote areas and in villages who do not have enough awareness. I have been successful because my videos are also watched in Pakistan and Bangladesh, Lucky says. As a transgender man in Assam, Lucky says that lack of institutional sensitisation and accessibility to endocrinologists and surgeons pose the biggest challenges. There is no place to get gender affirming surgery done here. So, a lot of trans people from remote areas go to cities and get it done without doing research, and it does not go well, Lucky says. There are very few endocrinologists in the eight northeastern states only one in Assam! *** This April, 24-year-old Ayaan pledged to provide support to the LGBTQ+ community; he shared his own number as a helpline, calling it the Safe Quarantine Network, for queer people with unsupportive families, friends or partners and those living in a traumatic quarantine space. He began receiving 10-12 distress calls daily, from all over India. Queer kids forced to live at home during quarantine talk to me about the consequences on their mental health. Some kids were being beat up by their parents. Some were taking hormone shots by themselves at home. Some called to say they do not have enough money to get gender affirming surgery, explains Ayaan. Apart from phone calls, Ayaan gets Instagram messages and Zoom calls as well. The number of distress calls per day has now come down to one or two. People seem to have made peace with the lockdown now, says Ayaan, who continues to take calls on the helpline number. Everyone cannot be silent. Someone has to be vocal. All I do is listen. The challenges of being in quarantine with ones family are not unfelt by Ayaan who has been working from his home in Jaipur since April. Though he came out to his family five years ago, he feels his family is still in denial of his gender identity. But they are slowly coming to terms with it, he adds. Thats okay. Its family. You always want their support. The lockdown has not only caused transgender men in rural and urban India to be stuck in unsupportive quarantine spaces, but also increased the inaccessibility of regular testosterone shots and gender affirming surgery, thus adding to their dysphoria and other mental health issues. Hormone replacement therapy and gender affirming surgery makes trans men cis men to society, says Ayaan. That makes them less noticeable, and thats what trans men want. Recently, Awake Security researchers discovered a spyware effort that attacked people via over 32 million downloads of Google Chrome extensions. Google stated that the company removed over 70 malicious add-ons from Chrome Web Store after the researchers alerted Google last month.Scott Westover, a Googles spokesperson informed media outlets that its company takes action when it is alerted of extensions in the Web Store that violate Chromes policies. The free extensions siphoned off the browsing history of users and data that provided login credentials to internal business tools.Gary Golomb, co-founder and chief scientist at Awake Security, stated that this is the most far-reaching malicious Chrome Web Store campaign . However, Google denied to provide details on how this spying effort compared with previous campaigns. The company also declined to provide details on why Google did not detect and removed the bad extensions on its own.It is still not known who was behind this spying effort. Awake stated that the developers delivered fake contact info while submitting the bad extensions on Google. Ben Johnson, founder of Carbon Black and Obsidian Security, and a former National Security Agency engineer, stated that anything that gets you into the browser or email or other sensitive areas of other users will be a target for organized crime and national espionage.Golomb explained that the developers designed these extensions to avoid being detected by antivirus software. The researchers discovered that if a user used the browser on a home PC, it would link to various websites and transfer information.Over 15,000 of the domains in question were interlinked, and they were purchased from a small registrar in Israel, Galcomm. Moshe Fogel, Galcomm owner informed media outlets that their company is not involved in any malicious activity, plus they will cooperate with law enforcement and security agencies.The ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) stated that it received few complaints related to Galcomm in the past, but it did not receive any complaint about malware. In 2018, Google stated that the company would enhance security by increasing human reviews. However, in Feb 2020, a Chrome campaign was discovered by Jamila Kaya and Cisco Systems Duo Security that stole data from approximately 1.7 million users. Then, Alphabet Incs Google discovered 500 fraudulent extensions.Photo: S3studio/Getty ImagesRead next: Google Confirms That The Company Is Experimenting To Hide The Complete Address From URL Bar In Chrome (TNS) When the coronavirus pandemic arrived in Phoenix, it felt like a call to duty for nurse Karen Garcia."I've never felt more needed at my job than right now," she said.She works 12-hour shifts at Valleywise Health Medical Center tending to the gravely ill, dozens of whom she has watched die, all the while knowing that her mask, gown, gloves and face shield are no guarantee that she won't become infected and take the virus home to her family.But her biggest fear hasn't been the virus.It was the U.S. Supreme Court.Garcia, 30, is among roughly 700,000 so-called Dreamers who came to the United States as children, grew up without legal status and were allowed to stay under the Obama-era policy of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, better known as DACA.Their fate came to rest with the court, which Thursday rejected the Trump administration's plan to repeal the protections, saying it did not provide adequate justification."The uncertainty, the waiting, it's been difficult," Garcia said. "I'm just relieved the waiting is over and I can focus on my work."In one powerful sense, the coronavirus pandemic had come to illuminate what immigrant rights activists and much of the public have regarded as the injustice of trying to end protections for DACA recipients.At least 27,000 DACA recipients, like Garcia, work in healthcare, and many have spent the past few months attending to patients with COVID-19, which has killed more than 118,000 people nationwide.A majority of those medical workers live in Arizona, California or Texas three states where the rate of new infections is accelerating."They are our frontline workers helping aid those who are most ill," said Ricardo Zamudio Guillen, organizing director for LUCHA, an Arizona-based immigrant rights group. "They're protecting us."Blanca Sierra-Reyes, a 27-year-old Dreamer and social worker at a Scottsdale, Ariz., hospital, said the Supreme Court ruling provided some respite during an exhausting time.For weeks, she has had to call families whose loved ones are alone in the emergency room battling the virus. She has listened to their cries and tried to console them.She also has spent time thinking about her own future."The ruling is a win," she said. "This gives Dreamers relief and the ability to continue living without fear."For Garcia, the ruling felt like an acknowledgement that Arizona is her truest home.She was 4 when her family moved from Mexico City. Her parents were always upfront with her about her immigration status, but that didn't change the fact that all her memories were formed here."This is home," she said. "Right here in America."As a little girl, while her father installed carpets and her mother worked as a hotel housekeeper, Garcia became fascinated with medicine and decided she wanted to become a nurse.That dream became more pressing when, during an emergency room visit, she watched a nurse struggle to speak Spanish with her mother. Garcia wanted to better serve her community.After graduating high school, she worked for several years as a waitress at a small family-owned restaurant and began saving up for college.She soon met her husband and at 22 the same year they had their first child, Donovan she received DACA protections.For the first time she felt deeply optimistic about her future in the United States. The couple had a daughter, Natalia, and in 2017, Garcia began pursuing a nursing degree at Arizona State.She left the program a year later after a state Supreme Court ruling ended in-state tuition rates for DACA students."That hurt a lot," Garcia recalled of the state ruling. "I saw it as an attempt to derail my dreams."But she bounced back and managed to get her degree at Gateway Community College. Most of the patients at Valleywise Health are Latino."Every day is an honor to work and serve my community," Garcia said. "As a nurse, I can help make a difference every day. That's meaningful to me."This year, she ran for chair of the Phoenix chapter of the National Assn. of Hispanic Nurses and won.In February, coronavirus began to spread throughout the country and before long emergency room beds began to fill up. Her hospital took steps to prepare for a surge, and eventually it came."Everyone is working around the clock," she said. "We're trying to save lives. That's my job helping to save lives. I've tried not to think about my immigration status while working, but it's always there in the back of my mind."Garcia would spend the downtime trying to quiet the nagging fears that her career, her friendships and her whole life could, at a moment, turn upside down. Sometimes, she would look at her sick, coughing patients and wonder if they were in the same stressful situation.The Supreme Court ruling does not guarantee DACA will be around forever, but it almost certainly means the Trump administration cannot end the policy before the November election.Garcia said she sees the ruling as an opportunity to help promote more DACA nurses in the city and across Arizona, which is estimated to need an additional 1,200 nurses by 2030."We can help fill that void," she said.In the hours after ruling was announced, Garcia texted other nurses and members of local immigrant rights groups. It was her day off and a moment to celebrate.But she also kept an eye on the local news, watching as confirmed cases of the virus ticked up in Arizona faster than in any other state in the nation. Some local area restaurants that had reopened last month were closing again.Arizona has recorded 41,159 coronavirus cases and 1,252 deaths, with Phoenix and surrounding Maricopa County among the hardest hit.Another wave, she thought, was about to begin.Lee reported from Phoenix and Martinez from Los Angeles.2020 the Los Angeles TimesVisit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Flash Senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi has urged steering China-U.S. relations back to the track of coordination, cooperation and stability in a recent meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, saying China is firmly resolved in safeguarding its core interests, according to a foreign ministry spokesperson here on Thursday. Spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks when responding to media queries about the meeting. Yang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, expounded China's basic attitude toward developing China-U.S. relations and its positions on important and sensitive issues concerning Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang, according to Zhao. Yang said China and the United States benefit from cooperation and suffer from confrontation, and cooperation is the only correct choice for both sides. China is committed to working with the U.S. side to develop a relationship featuring non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, while firmly safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests, Yang added. "It is hoped that the U.S. side will work with China to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and bring bilateral relations back to the track of coordination, cooperation and stability," said Yang. On the Taiwan question, Yang Jiechi stressed that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The one-China principle is the political foundation of China-U.S. relations. "China is resolutely determined to safeguard its core interests. We demand the U.S. side to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues," said Yang. On issues regarding Hong Kong, Yang said Hong Kong affairs including the establishment and improvement of the legal system and enforcement mechanism to uphold national security in Hong Kong are purely China's internal affairs. Saying China is resolutely determined in advancing the national security legislation, Yang stressed China firmly opposes U.S. interference in Hong Kong affairs and the Group of Seven (G7) Foreign Ministers' Statement on Hong Kong. China urges the U.S. side to respect China's sovereignty, view the legislation objectively and fairly, and stop meddling in Hong Kong's internal affairs in any form, Yang said. On issues regarding Xinjiang, he said thanks to the counter-terrorism and de-radicalization measures taken by the Chinese government in accordance with law, the security situation in Xinjiang has been turned around and the rights to life, health and development of all ethnic groups there have been effectively safeguarded. China strongly deplores the U.S. signing of the "Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020", Yang said, urging the U.S. side to respect China's counter-terrorism and de-radicalization efforts, stop applying double standards on counter-terrorism issues, and stop using Xinjiang-related issues as a pretext to interfere in China's internal affairs. Please visit: https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/en/register/selectiveId for boundless opportunities! During the signing ceremony, Li Jinqi, Secretary-General of the China Import and Export Fair and Director-General of the CFTC, said: "Canton Fair has served as a crucial platform for China's opening-up over the past sixty-three years and exemplifies our dedication to strengthening economic ties between China and the world." He noted that the 127th online Canton Fair aims to create a win-win opportunity for global companies where they can showcase new products and innovative technologies, injecting a new impetus to the global trade growth and stabilizing supply chains. "Canton Fair has a strong appeal to buyers from all over the world. The 126th Canton Fair attracted 2,400 buyers from Egypt. The 127th virtual Canton Fair marks another milestone in proving its innovation and ingenuity. I am glad to sign this partnership agreement with CFTC via the cloud platform which will undoubtedly usher in a new era for our cooperation", said Ezz Alaa, First Secretary of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce. Majidreza Hariri, President of Iran-China Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said that the partnership agreement "highlights the achievements of the 127th virtual Canton Fair in breaking through geographic barriers to open up more trade opportunities for Iran and China. "I am convinced that this Canton Fair will further consolidate our economic ties and friendship," he said. Jiri Vancura, Chairman of the Czech Republic Governance Institute, said that the Canton Fair is an efficient communication platform for the two countries which brings concrete benefits to companies from China and the Czech Republic. He hopes that the Canton Fair can channel more trade resources to Central and Eastern European markets through the partnership with the Czech Republic Governance Institute. To offer better services to its partners and buyers, CFTC initiated the "Canton Fair Global Partnership Program". To date, CFTC has established partnerships with 133 institutions in 75 countries, including 36 institutions from 56 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. The initiative aims to establish cooperation with leading international industrial and commercial institutions to create a mutually beneficial trade eco-system where enterprises on all sides can share trade resources and channels. It is also designed to facilitate the business process and promote the development of the global economy and trade relationships. For more information, please visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1193019/666_0719.jpg Related Links https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en/ SOURCE Canton Fair New Delhi, June 19 : To counter the BJP onslaught on the China issue, the Congress has initiated a social media campaign in which party's prominent leaders are posting videos supporting the Army and criticising the government for mishandling the issue with different hashtags. A Congress source said that after some media houses tried to blame the Army and the BJP tried to implicate the Congress, the party has gone on an overdrive to support the Army on all social media platforms. "Congress is not a 'cheerleading' squad of the BJP government, it is the representative of the people who deserve to know why first time in 45 years our soldiers have lost their lives in Ladakh sector. INC always stands with armed forces who serve the Nation and not any particular government," said Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill. He also posted one such video and said about the drive to corner the BJP. "Congress has always played a role of constructive opposition by supporting the government in an hour of crisis and at the same time holding it accountable in the public interest." Apart from Shergill, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal also posted a video and said, "Our entire nation pays homage to the supreme sacrifice of our martyrs. The nation is asking some pertinent questions from the Government of India; will the PM & RM answer to the nation?" The Congress made videos of its spokespersons and leaders and used #TreacherousChina and #OurArmyOurPride among other hashtags and posted on social media. The Congress said on its social media accounts,"Government of India must be far more firm in responding to Chinese aggression. India cannot let the ultimate sacrifice made by our armed forces to go in vain." Another spokesperson Sharmishtha in the video said, "At a time when the whole world is reeling under the deadly threat of COVID-19, China's aggression towards this peaceful neighbour is not only unacceptable, but cowardly" "Did BJP's ego & denial of the truth put our brave jawans at risk? The govt must answer, who is responsible for the martyrdom of our soldiers? tweeted the party. To my beloved countrymen and -women. I, Samuel L. Holmes Sr., an American citizen born in these United States of America on July 25, 1949, am blessed to have lived 70 years on this continent of North America. I have the right and do exercise the liberty to set forth this document. I was born black in historic Natchez, Mississippi, one of 13 children the oldest, I might add. We lived on the Saragossa plantation and it was in the mid-60s that the hard struggles of life began to have real meaning to me. After our country home burned, our parents moved within the city limits of Natchez. In 1965, my mother and father divorced. Yet, while we youngsters were coping with adult problems feeding the younger ones, clothing and schooling the Lord brought us all out all right. In 1965, in the height of social injustice, violence and racial divide in Natchez, my mother, my brother, classmates, more than 400 black American citizens and I were arrested for marching in protest of overt, unjust, immoral, discriminatory practices in Natchez, Adams County. The youngsters 14-15, some older along with adults were taken to The City Auditorium. This was the holding cell until some children were taken to county jail. Our mother, having given birth to a baby girl 6 months prior, along with busloads of other women and men, was forced to go to Parchment Prison in Mississippi. There, they suffered horrible and deplorable treatment. It was for this cause that, on Oct. 26, 2019, a monument titled Proud to Take a Stand was erected in our honor. Who I am as a person is not important. I am proud to say that I took a stand. I was a sinner saved by grace. I could have become an angry black man, but I chose to be grateful and thank God for being who he is. I also thank him for the Constitution of the United States. This document is written to address the state of our much-fractured republic. America is 243 years old and we the people have not figured out a few simple facts. Beloved, please take into account the following facts: In 243 years, America has never been fair and just in dealings with people of color at home or around the globe. Not one administration has led the nation without some group of people suffering at the hand of the wicked and powerful or the politically partisan. Not in 243 years. Please consider that we have had renowned men and women in office and positions of power and knowledge to demand change such that the Constitution wouldnt have become what it is today, a farce. Why is it that graduates from such well-known universities as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Stanford, Princeton and so many others cannot fix the broken nation? Why have the wise ones not been able to figure out the answer to the nations problems? In fact, so many of them tell the truth while giving the answer without realizing that the small foxes spoil the vines. They quote with heightened arrogance, the devil is in the details. Dont they understand that as long as the devil is in the details, they could never fix America, let alone the rest of the world? They have said for 243 years that we will fix it so it doesnt happen again, regarding every troubling situation. This is parallel to Isaiah 9:10: the bricks are fallen down but we will build with hewn stones; the sycamores are cut down but we will replace them with cedars. These words were spoken in ancient times and are arrogantly used today with great frequency. At this point, I am compelled to share a horrible vision of things that are now and soon to come. It was in 1991 that I saw and documented America as a giant octopus. In her belly was a cancer that had made her sick and weak. The tentacles of the octopus were stretched to their limits around the globe; her arms were rendered useless to defend herself or the world. I saw the carcinogens that are causing the cancer to grow rapidly. They are as follow: Drugs of every sort, an increase of drug sales, murder, healthcare costs, lack of productivity in the workforce, hatred and greed, racism, sexual promiscuity, public shootings, political upheaval and hordes of people in the American streets looting and rioting. The America that we know is becoming more drunken with deceit. I saw lewdness and sins of abomination committed in high places, murder of the unborn and other sins of omission and commission. Our beloved nation is given over to too much idolatry. These things I testify to with infallible proofs. We must fix America within the confines of our own borders and there is no time like the urgency of now. Not to do so, not to fix it, is to suffer the consequence of losing the greatest gift that God ever gave to earth that is America. We have dismantled this nation through self-determination and self-will. For 243 years, we have failed miserably. We failed the day that we began to lock out the true and living God from the business of our nation at its inception. We have neglected to honor his great power as God the creator that is written of in the preamble of our constitution, who is testified to in every state constitution. It must be noted that God is rarely mentioned in our governmental institutions and public institutions of learning. He is rarely praised by our governments for anything. He is a forgiving father and it is because of our wickedness that his judgment has come down on us. Here is warning and prophecy: because he is a loving father, he heard Rachel weeping and mourning for her children and cannot be comforted because they are not therefore he shall soon make the nations bow; and all mankind shall know that he is God. Here is the only answer for America and the world. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Last words: If our nation would do what the king of Nineveh did, we shall be saved and if not we shall come to an abrupt end of the American civilization as we know it. It has been said that the coronavirus and racism are the two diseases that are destroying the country at present. I agree that these two are deadly and are significant carcinogens in the belly of the dying octopus. The coronavirus has killed millions across the earth and so has racism. None of these will be eradicated ever unless we follow the message of 2nd Chronicles 7:13-14 in scripture. The president of the United States would have been a blessing to himself and the hurting nation if he would have simply opened the Bible and read verse 14 to the people. Paul Findley, a former Jacksonville resident who served in Congress from 1961 to 1983, wrote in a 1991 article in the Journal-Courier titled: Deep roots of racism still remain: I once believed that I would live long enough to see it (racism) disappear. I believe it no longer, even though my life expectancy still remains, I hope, substantial. African Americans, although no longer bought and sold like cattle, still suffer harsh treatment even brutality because of their race. Many white citizens regard blacks as inferior, believing that they have their place and should stay there. Much of todays racial prejudice is rooted in the slavery era when only a few blacks were able to attain freedom. The rest were property and deliberately kept illiterate by their owners. This ugly tradition created the unjustified stereotypes that persist to this day. Jacksonville is a microcosm of the United States. Since we the people will not accept His grace, the time that God has allowed us to fix it, we reject and refuse his divine council. Now his swift judgment is upon the children of disobedience and has literally just started. With infallible proof, we can see that we are at war on many fronts race wars, political wars, economic wars, coronavirus. You name it, we are fighting it. The problem is we are fighting wars with the wrong weapons and we will never win there are not enough guns and bombs in the world to fix this. The answer is 2nd Chronicles 7:13-14. Written through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, God bless the world. Samuel L. Holmes Sr. is pastor of Community Temple Church of God in Christ in Jacksonville. Surya Grahan 2021 on December 4: What can I expect to see during a solar eclipse? Solar Eclipse 2021 effect on rashi: Know which sun signs will get affected Solar Eclipse 2021 on December 4: Popular myths and superstitions you should know Last Solar Eclipse of 2021 today: Visibility in India, Do's and don'ts to follow 'Ring of fire' solar eclipse 2020: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru timing India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, June 19: Star gazers in India are in for a treat on June 21 as the country is set to witness its 'deepest' annular solar eclipse of this century on Sunday. It will be an annular eclipse in some parts while for most of the country it will be partial. In India, the Surya Grahan will start near Gharsana in Rajasthan around 10:12 am. Where & when to watch the June 21st solar eclipse & what is it: Explained in 1 minute |Oneindia News The annular solar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon and the Earth are aligned in a straight line and almost on the same plane. Solar Eclipse 2020: Time, Date, Visibility The annular phase will begin around 11:49 am and end at 11:50 am, Director of the MP Birla Planetarium Debi Prasad Duari told news agency PTI. The 'ring of fire' can best be seen, just for a minute, from Suratgarh and Anupgarh in Rajasthan, Sirsa, Ratia and Kurukshetra in Haryana, and Dehradun, Chamba, Chamoli and Joshimath in Uttarakhand. Annular Solar Eclipse timings in India Eclipse begins: 9.15 am Partial Eclipse begins: 10.10 am Maximum or Greatest Phase of the Eclipse: 11.43 am Percentage Obscuration of Sun by Moon: About 35 per cent Partial Eclipse ends: 1.26 pm Total duration of the eclipse: 3h 16m Magnitude: 0.345 Visibility in India: Annular/ Partial Solar eclipse Delhi timings Partial Eclipse Begins: Sun, 21 Jun 2020, 10:20 Maximum Eclipse: Sun, 21 Jun 2020, 12:01 0.95 Magnitude Partial Eclipse Ends: Sun, 21 Jun 2020, 13:48 Duration: 3 hours, 29 minutes Solar eclipse Bangalore time Partial Eclipse Begins: Sun, 21 Jun 2020, 10:12 Maximum Eclipse: Sun, 21 Jun 2020, 11:47 0.47 Magnitude Partial Eclipse Ends: Sun, 21 Jun 2020, 13:31 Duration: 3 hours, 19 minutes Solar Eclipse Kolkata timings Partial Eclipse Begins: Sun, 21 Jun 2020, 10:46 Maximum Eclipse: Sun, 21 Jun 2020, 12:35 0.73 Magnitude Partial Eclipse Ends: Sun, 21 Jun 2020, 14:17 Duration: 3 hours, 31 minutes Solar eclipse Mumbai timings Partial Eclipse Begins: Sun, 21 Jun 2020, 10:00 Maximum Eclipse: Sun, 21 Jun 2020, 11:37 0.70 Magnitude Partial Eclipse Ends: Sun, 21 Jun 2020, 13:27 Duration: 3 hours, 27 minutes Solar eclipse Chennai time Partial Eclipse Begins: Sun, 21 Jun 2020, 10:22 Maximum Eclipse: Sun, 21 Jun 2020, 11:59 0.46 Magnitude Partial Eclipse Ends: Sun, 21 Jun 2020, 13:41 Duration: 3 hours, 19 minutes People in Congo in Africa will be able to see the eclipse first and then it will progress through South Sudan, Ethiopia, Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the Indian Ocean and Pakistan, before entering India over Rajasthan. Later it will move on to Tibet, China, Taiwan, before ending somewhere over the Pacific Ocean. The eclipse, however, will not be as prominent this time as it was on December 26 last year. A couple from England are battling every day to keep their daughter alive after she was born with a rare genetic condition that has severely compromised her breathing. Following genetic testing, doctors have confirmed that the toddler has a mutation that has never been documented before anywhere in the world. Three-year-old Isla, from Leicester, is a little fighter who is full of life despite being a medically fragile child; the baby girl is braving through the rare genetic disorder that has left her with abnormal bone development, premature aging, and slow growth. Talking to The Epoch Times, dad Kyle recalled the moment when a specialist informed them how Isla is the only one in the world who has got the medical condition. That was, Ill be honest, it felt like somebody had just punched me in the stomach, Kyle said. Concerns about Islas health were sparked as soon as she was born. Medics quickly realized her oxygen levels were low and tried to intubate her to assist her breathing, but they were unable to get the tube in place. Her airway was narrow, as her chin was set back, which then pushed her tongue over the top of her airway. And so it was at that point that they rushed her off, mom Stacey said. Isla was placed in an incubator as she had been born four weeks premature. However, the hospital medical team began to find other abnormalities with the child, including club fingers and a smaller-than-normal aortic valve in her heart. These findings prompted the genetic testing, but before the results came back, Isla was allowed to leave the hospital and join her parents and big sister, Paige, at home. It took several months after Islas birth before her medical team could discover the reasons for her serious breathing difficulties and other health issues. Because little Isla was the first case ever, her life hung in the balance as doctors scrambled to come up with answers for her distraught parents. During the eight-month wait for results, Islas breathing difficulties continued. She was also back and forth from the hospital due to being unable to feed or gain weight; her life was a constant struggle. But Islas ongoing health issues came to a nightmarish head when she choked and began to turn blue. Stacey immediately started basic life support while her husband, Kyle, phoned for an ambulance. It was one of those moments where pretty much we kind of feel that even to this day, if it wasnt for our actions on that day, Isla still might not have been here, dad Kyle said. The emergency spelled another extended stay in the hospital for Isla for more medical investigations. However, Stacey and Kyle feel they had been playing Russian roulette with their babys life, but she had survived for a reason. There is a reason why shes here, Stacey said. To figure out how to keep Isla alive, the medical team undertook a procedure to insert a tiny camera into Islas airway. At this stage, a tracheotomya surgery to directly insert a tube into Islas airway to allow her to breathewas being regarded as a last resort. However, as the procedure got underway, it soon developed into an emergency that left the consultant with little option but to perform the tracheotomy to save little Islas young life. After leaving the operation theater, the ENT specialist spoke with Stacey and Kyle and pulled no punches over what had just happened. [The ENT] went on to explain that she, basically, almost passed away on the operating table with the camera. So it was done on an emergency procedure to save her life again, Kyle said. Plucky Isla was a fighter and not willing to give up on life. From the very moment she was born, Isla had been cheating death. And she had defied the odds for a fourth time on the operating table. Due to the tracheotomy, the medical team warned that Isla would not be leaving the hospital for another four or five months. This new protracted hospital stay was because Stacey and Kyle would have to undergo training on how to manage her breathing. Around two weeks after returning home with Isla, Stacey and Kyle received the genetic testing results. They had pinned hopes on the test results resolving their doubts and fears. But this was not to be. Their hospital appointment to go through the testings outcome raised more questions than answers. The testing indicated mandibuloacral dysplasiaa rare condition that causes abnormalities in bone development, skin pigmentation, and premature aging (a medical condition called progeria). But Islas condition did not appear to be either of the two types known to medicine. There were similarities to both types, but the test results did not match any other recorded genetic condition. Isla was unique from a medical perspective. Isla with her sister, Paige. (Courtesy of islaspaige) Back home, there was a mix of relief and trepidation. The stress they were all living through eventually led Stacey and Kyle to separate. Kyle, who had lost his mother to cancer a few years ago then, was experiencing issues with his mental health and struggling to cope with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). They are now reconciled to an extent. Though not together as a couple, they are together as a team. Though the strain of Islas situation has pushed them apart, Stacey and Kyle now acknowledge that they are the best team to care for Isla. The one member of the family who has taken everything in her stride is the older sister, Paige. Though still young, Paige has stepped up to the plate as a protective big sister and is curious to know as much as possible about Islas condition. Paige has also learned Makaton, a sign language, along with Isla so the two can communicate better as the tracheotomy makes speech difficult for Isla. Talking about their little daughters future, Kyle said: Shes got a future. Were going to live together as a family, and were going to enjoy the rest of our lives. With so much involved in caring for Isla, the family now has the help of caregiver and friend Shawna to take some of the workload and give Stacey a little downtime for other things. Shawnas role as a carer has proven to be a game changer for Stacey and Kyle, allowing them to be parents to both girls. Shawna has slotted in so well she is now regarded as another member of the family and knows every bit of Islas care regime inside out. Weve got two girls that are going through bigger battles than us, Stacey said. So, all we can do is support them through that, and just do the best. I definitely feel like Islas was sent to sent to, to train to changes. I think we should pour a lot of positivity. Kyle said as his late mother couldnt be here to pull him out of his lifes struggle, he believes his mom sent him Isla to pull him out of his miseries. Both my kids are my saviors, Kyle said. Watch Islas story in the video below: One Of A Kind: 2 Years Old Girl Suffers Benjamin Button Disease Even though this little girl is the only one who suffers from Benjamin Button disease in the world, her smile melts everyone's heart. Posted by Inspired on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.nyc A California court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Magic Leap against Chinese augmented reality company Nreal, according to a report from TechNode. Magic Leap had accused Nreal, which was founded by its former employee Chi Xi, of stealing its technology to quickly create a competing product in the form of the Nreal Light augmented reality glasses. "Whereas Nreal purported to develop its Nreal Light product in under two years, Magic Leap developed its technology after extensive investment of time (multiple years), money (hundreds of millions of dollars spent on research and development) and human resources (hundreds of engineers)," reads the lawsuit filed in June 2019. Now, almost a year later, the court has dismissed the lawsuit because Magic Leap failed to explain exactly how the alleged IP theft took place. Documents obtained by TechNode reveal the court granted Nreal's motion to dismiss due to a lack of "factual support" for Magic Leap's allegations. Nreal also claimed that Magic Leap's accusation was "vague and unsubstantiated," and that it was "filing lawsuits to slow down new entrants into the AR market." "From the beginning weve firmly stated that Magic Leaps claims against Nreal are meritless," added Nreal founder Xu Chi in a statement. "The fact that the court found that Magic Leap failed to state a single viable claim is telling." PM Modi (India Government Press Information Bureau via AP) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified that China did not enter Indian border, nor has taken over any Indian military posts. The prime minister made the statement on June 19 while addressing the all-party virtual meeting, called to discuss the the tense situation in Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh. Addressing concerns of the political parties, PM Modi asserted: "those who dared Bharat Mata were taught a lesson. Neither has China intruded into our border, nor has any post been taken over by them." "Whether it is deployment, action, counter-action...air, land or sea, whatever our armed forces have to do to protect our country they will do. Today, we possess the capability that no one can eye even one inch of our land. India's armed forces have the capability to move into multiple sectors at one go," he added. Click here for LIVE updates on India-China border news He said that the Centre has given a lot of importance to infrastructure development to protect our borders. "The requirements of our armed forces, be it fighter planes, advanced helicopters, missile defence systems, that too is being given importance," he added. Stating that India wants peace, but upholding sovereignty is foremost, PM Modi asserted, "We have given our armed forces full freedom for taking any appropriate action necessary." Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for an all-party meeting to brief the political parties on the situation in Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladkah, where 20 soldiers were killed during a "violent face-off" and dozens have been injured. It was chaired by PM Modi, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Also Read: China says Galwan Valley on its side of LAC The meeting came against the backdrop of demands by the Opposition seeking details of the violent standoff. Presidents of various political parties, including the BJP, Congress, TMC, AIADMK, DMK, TRS, JD(U), BJD, LJP, BSP, SP, Shiv Sena and NCP among others, are taking part in this virtual meeting. During the meeting, Congress President Sonia Gandhi said that the all-party meeting should have happened much earlier. She presented certain questions on behalf of the Congress: "What date did Chinese troops intrude? When did the Govt find out about the transgressions? Does the govt not get satellite pictures? Did intelligence not report about unusual activity?" "Nation needs assurance that status quo ante restored. Opposition parties should be briefed regularly," she said further. Certain parties, including the Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Laly Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Asadussin Owaisi's AIMIM, were not invited for the meeting. The Ministry of External Affairs has said that China had departed from the consensus to disengage at the Galwan Valley and unilaterally changed the status quo of the Line of Actual Control. (LAC) The clash, being touted as the biggest military confrontation in over five decades, has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two neighbours. The white Atlanta police officer who was charged with assault during the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks in a Wendys parking lot on Friday night said the 27-year-old black man was friendly and respectful and his death was tragic. Officer Devin Brosnan on Thursday denied allegations by Atlanta prosecutors who say that Officer Garrett Rolfe kicked Brooks after he shot him in the back. Brosnan's lawyer also blasted Fulton County prosecutors for charging him with aggravated assault for allegedly standing on Brooks' shoulders for two minutes as he lay dying on the pavement. Brosnan issued the denial on the same day that he and Rolfe surrendered to authorities in Fulton County, Georgia. Rolfe was booked on felony murder and assorted other charges on Thursday afternoon at the Fulton County Jail, where he remains held without bond. Attorney Don Samuel (left) and his client, Atlanta Police Officer Devin Brosnan (right), denied allegations by Fulton County prosecutors that Rayshard Brooks was kicked or assaulted on Friday night Fired officer Garrett Rolfe (left in mugshot) was booked on felony murder and assorted other charges on Thursday afternoon. Devin Brosnan, who was present but did not fire shots, is seen in a mugshot on Thursday Brooks, 27, was fatally shot on Friday after he resisted arrest and stole a Taser from an Atlanta police officer Rolfe, who shot Brooks in the back with his gun as Brooks fired a stolen police Taser at him, faces 10 other charges in addition to felony murder, which in Georgia applies when someone is killed as the result of a separate felony, such as arson. Brosnan, who was present at the scene but did not fire, was freed on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond after being charged with aggravated assault charge. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard had told a news conference on Wednesday that Brosnan had turned 'state witness', agreeing to help prosecute Garrett Rolfe, the other officer charged in the killing of Brooks on June 12. Brosnan, who did not discharge his weapon, faces a handful of lesser charges, including aggravated assault and violation of his oath. He made no comment as he was released on a signature bond on Thursday afternoon. During an interview with MSNBC on Thursday, Brosnan expressed sadness for how the events unfolded that night. Brosnan said: 'I think this is a tragic event, and it's a total tragedy that a man had to lose his life that night'. Explaining what happened before Brooks was shot, Brosnan said: 'My initial encounter with him, I thought he was friendly. 'He was respectful, I was respectful to him. He just seemed like someone who potentially needed my help. And I was just there to see what I could do for him, initially. He was safe.' Brosnan's lawyer Samuel, said that while his client had told Howard's office 'everything that happened' during a lengthy interview and would cooperate with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's probe he had not agreed to be 'state's witness'. Brosnan walks out following his release from the Fulton County Jail on Thursday in Atlanta. Authorities have charged Brosnan with four counts, including aggravated assault in the shooting death of Rayshard Brooks Brosnan is surrounded by media following his release from the Fulton County Jail on Thursday Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard had told a news conference on Wednesday that Brosnan had turned 'state witness', which Brosnan's attorney says is false Samuel told MSNBC: 'There appears to have been some misunderstanding on the prosecutor's office. We have been cooperative with the District Attorney's office. We spent three hours with them two days ago answering all of their questions.' 'But he's not a state's witness or a defense witness, he's witness. He's going to answer anyone's questions accurately. 'Right now, the DA has charged him with a crime, so he's a defendant there. And he's not going to answer the DA's questions while they bring these false charges.' In an emailed statement, Samuel described the decision to charge his client 'irrational' and politically-motivated. He said Brosnan's conduct on the night of the shooting was 'exemplary' and a 'textbook example' of how an officer should approach a situation involving someone inebriated, as Brooks was that night. While Brosnan did not fire his gun, Howard charged him with aggravated assault for allegedly standing on Brooks' body after he was shot and for violating his oath of office by not rendering medical aid immediately after he went down. Samuel rejected the allegations against his client, saying that Brosnan pressed his feet on top of Brooks arm for seconds to make sure that he was not a threat to reach for his weapon. Pictured: A combination of photos shows Officer Garrett Rolfe, left, and Officer Devin Brosnan. Rolfe, who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks in the back after the fleeing man fired a Taser at him, was charged with felony murder and 10 other charges. Brosnan, who prosecutors say stood on Brooks' shoulder as he struggled for life after a confrontation, was charged with aggravated assault If you look at the video, as Officer Brosnan approaches and Officer Rolfe is already there, he doesnt even know that Mr. Brooks has been shot at first, Samuel said. He doesnt even realize that at first. And he goes up there and hes trying to figure out Is this scene secure? Is it safe? Samuel said: [Brosnan] puts his foot on his hand or on his arm to make sure he couldnt get a weapon because he didnt know what the situation was. So, literally for a matter of seconds, seconds, he puts his foot on his arm to make sure he cant grab a weapon. The lawyer lambasted the DA for charging Brosnan with aggravated assault.. He was not standing on his shoulders, Samuel said of his client. This description by the DA is completely belied by the video if you look at it. Pictured: Police body cam footage from the arrest of Rayshard Brooks on June 12, 2020. Brooks was being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence Its all on video, and the district attorney just kinda exaggerates this and makes it look like some terrible event where hes standing on his shoulders. Its preposterous and its not true. And all you gotta do is look at the video and itll show it. Rolfe was fired from the force and faces a felony murder charge. Rolfe's attorney has said that Brooks 'was not running away' when he died. Lance LoRusso also disputed a number of other claims made by Howard when the charges of felony murder for the shooting of Brooks were announced. 'Mr. Brooks was not running away,' he said, while speaking to Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Wednesday on her show, The Ingraham Angle. 'Mr. Brooks turned and offered extreme violence toward a uniformed law enforcement officer. If he was able to deploy the Taser, it would incapacitate Officer [Garrett] Rolfe through his body armor, and at that point, if he decided to disarm another officer, he would be in possession of a firearm.' LoRusso also contended DA Howard's claim that the officers did not provide medical assistance to Brooks for two minutes and 12 seconds after he was shot, and the claim that Rolfe kicked Brooks as he lay dying on the floor. 'My client never kicked Mr. Brooks,' the lawyer said. 'If there was a video of my client kicking Mr. Brooks, you would have seen it. 'He [the DA] shows a still [where] one leg is planted and the other one's bent. He could be leaning down to try to give him first aid, it could have been when he was trying to evaluate whether he needed handcuffs. 'This officer gave him CPR, monitored his pulse prior to that, talked to him to try to keep him breathing and called for EMS and coordinated other efforts on the scene.' In his MSNBC interview, Brosnan also insisted that he did not see Rolfe kick Brooks after he had been shot. His lawyer added: 'If you look at the video and what happened after the scuffle. Officer Brosnan got a concussion he was thrown to the ground and shot by his own taser. 'He starts running up and hears the shots, and is disoriented not only by the concussion but the crowds who have already started yelling. He doesn't even know who shot the gun, and actually hides behind a car when he hears the gunshots. 'So he didn't see Officer Rolfe's first encounter with Brooks, so he can't provide any information on that at all, one way or the other.' LoRusso also went on to contest the attorney general's claim that he has never seen another officer testify against a colleague, to which LoRusso said that that Rolfe had 'testified against an Atlanta Police officer in the grand jury when that officer had done something wrong. 'So, this is an officer who's known to the law enforcement community, he's known to the DA's office, and he was actually cleared of another use of force [incident] and he testified on behalf of the DA to prosecute a bad officer,' he told Ingraham. Intense negotiations through diplomatic and military channels, including three rounds of talks between senior Army officers, led to the release of 10 Indian soldiers detained by the Chinese side after the violent brawl on June 15 in Ladakhs Galwan Valley, people familiar with developments said on Friday on the condition of anonymity. The soldiers were being debriefed by senior officers at Leh, the headquarters of the Armys 14 Corps, on the over 60 hours they spent in Chinese custody, said one of the persons cited above. Theres a protocol for debriefing and thats being followed, he said. Another person said the 10 soldiers, including two majors and two captains, were returned to the Indian side on Thursday evening, three days after the violent face-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that left 20 Indian soldiers, including a colonel, dead. The debriefing is critical. It will be a formatted military narration of what they went through in Chinese captivity. This will form the basis of what really happened during those three days and how was the military posturing and conduct of the people who detained them, said Lieutenant General AS Lamba (retd), a former army vice chief. The negotiations for their release were kept tightly under wraps due to concerns for the safety of the soldiers amid the heightened tensions between the two sides, said the first person cited above. There was no official word on the development. All that the Indian Army and the external affairs ministry said on Thursday was that no Indian soldiers were missing in action. The release of the Indian soldiers reflects Chinese intent. It perhaps shows the Chinese want to de-escalate and disengage, said Lieutenant General Vinod Bhatia (retd), a former director-general of military operations. However, a top retired army commander, who did not want to be identified, said China had already achieved what it set out to achieve gaining control over the Galwan Valley and the strategic feature Finger 4 near Pangong Tso Lake, where a significant Chinese buildup has taken place over the last six weeks. The gesture of returning the soldiers is a message to the world that they [the Chinese] are not the aggressors and they have returned people who intruded into their territory, he said. The release of the 10 soldiers figured in three rounds of talks between Indian and Chinese delegations, led by major generals, near Patrol Point 14 in the Galway Valley between Tuesday and Thursday. Major General Abhijit Bapat, commander of Karu-based 3 Infantry Division, and his Chinese counterpart met for the third time on Thursday. The meetings were part of ongoing military engagements to de-escalate the situation and to disengage on the disputed border. The two senior military officers have met seven times since the stand-off began in early May. The 10 soldiers were medically examined and found to be in good health, said the second person cited above. Monday nights seven-hour brutal clash involving over 500 rival troops also marked the first time India has suffered combat fatalities in an incident involving Chinese troops since 1975. Following reports that an unspecified number of soldiers were unaccounted for after Monday nights clash, the Army had on Thursday only said that none of its personnel were missing in action. It is clarified that there are no Indian troops missing in action, the army said in a statement. An army spokesperson had said the statement was in reference to an article published in The New York Times on Wednesday. Asked about the specific issue of the status of Indian soldiers after the clash on June 15, external affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava told a weekly media briefing on Thursday: This has been clarified by the army earlier today afternoon that there are no Indian troops missing in action. China has so far not acknowledged any casualties while 76 Indian soldiers were also injured. The Army has said 43 Chinese were killed or seriously injured, citing radio intercepts and other intelligence. The Chinese fatal casualties reportedly include a colonel-ranked officer but HT could not independently verify this. India has attributed the clash of June 15 to Chinese forces crossing to the Indian side of the LAC and attempting to build a structure. It has also rejected Chinas Peoples Liberation Armys claim of sovereignty over the Galwan Valley. Angela Underwood Jacobs might have been a year older than her brother, David, but she often turned to him as if he were the older sibling. Angie, believe in yourself, she recalled him telling her whenever she called him for advice after the death of their parents. Work hard and ask for what you want, which is exactly what our mom and dad would have said. And now that hes gone, who am I going to call now? Speaking near a blue casket Friday at Pinole Valley High School, Jacobs said she and others have struggled in their search for logic in the illogical following the shooting death of David Patrick Underwood, who was gunned down May 29 while standing watch at the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building in Oakland. Underwood was killed in a spray of bullets that fatally wounded him and injured a colleague in what federal authorities called an act of domestic terrorism. A contract security officer of more than a decade for the Department of Homeland Security, Underwood was 53. Hundreds of people gathered at the service Friday to remember Underwood as a peacemaker who loved his friends, family, music, cooking, work and his three cars. The soft-spoken man excelled at sports filling his parents home with trophies as a youth but passed on an opportunity to play for the San Diego Padres when he was still a high school student. Federal and local officials joined Underwoods family and friends in honoring his life and service, filling the auditoriums theater seats. Social-distancing requirements instituted due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic were largely ignored amid the grief, but most attendees wore face coverings and masks as they cheered and applauded Underwoods life. Chad Wolf, acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said Underwood was among the brave individuals who sacrificed everything. The agency will remember his name and service for future generations, he said, calling Underwood a brother. There is one thing that binds us together: Thats our desire to be part of something greater than ourselves by protecting our homeland, Wolf said. As large and as diverse as we are, it is that bond that creates a sense of family. Pat shared that desire. Wolf added, Pats watch has come to an end, but his legacy has not. Underwood was killed as people protested police brutality blocks away when a man, identified by federal authorities as Steven Carrillo, shot at the federal building from a white van. Carrillo was charged this week with the killing and has also been charged in the fatal shooting of a Santa Cruz County sheriffs deputy, whom he allegedly killed in an ambush a week later. An accomplice who allegedly drove the van in Underwoods killing, Robert Alvin Justus Jr. of Millbrae, was charged this week with aiding and abetting Carrillo. Underwood was the younger brother of Jacobs, a Republican candidate for Congress in Lancaster (Los Angeles County), and they grew up in Richmond and Pinole. Underwood graduated from Pinole High in 1985. Pinole Police Chief Neil Gang read a proclamation from the mayor and City Council honoring Underwood, as well as a poem called The Dash about time spent on Earth. Upon reading the poem, Gang said there are two paths forward from the tragedy: focusing on the negative or focusing on finding hope. 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. Hope for a better tomorrow. Hope for the healing of our country, Gang said. And hope for equality for all. Underwood believed everyone had a purpose, Jacobs said. He did not tell anyone how to live, but he loved living his life always smiling, and pouring all his love into relatives and friends. A brother, a friend, a mentor, a leader, a good man has wrongly been taken from us, she said. Jacobs said she was angered by his death, but she would not remain angry. We cannot let anger or emotion drive our lives. We cannot let others hateful actions drive us to hate them back, she said. We must not be embittered by this horrific injustice. Hate, vengeance and violence solves nothing. Alejandro Serrano and Jill Tucker are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: alejandro.serrano@sfchronicle.com, jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @serranoalej, @jilltucker The first time he met with presidential candidate Donald Trump, six weeks before the 2016 election, "Trump did most of the talking," John Bolton writes in his upcoming book. When Trump ended the session at Trump Tower in New York, he told Bolton, "You know, your views and mine are actually very close." The next time they spoke, nine days after Trump's victory, the president-elect told Bolton he was under consideration for "a number of situations" in the new administration. It took more than a year for a mutually agreeable position as Trump's national security adviser to become available. By that time, the two had had near-monthly phone calls or White House sit-downs, by Bolton's account, and he had repeatedly been assured, as then-chief of staff John Kelly told him as they left the Oval Office together in late 2017, "The guy loves you." There is clearly little love lost between them today. But in perhaps the final irony in their brief but tumultuous relationship, their futures may be inextricably linked. For Trump, Bolton's relentless description of the president as a churlish, ill-informed liar, interested only in his own political fortunes, could be a factor in his reelection prospects. Bolton's position as a leading voice in American national security - and his place in a Republican Party that has heartily embraced Trump's noninterventionist ethos over Bolton's hawkish, traditional conservatism - may also be dependent on Trump's defeat. "If Trump were to win, or if the isolationism of Trump world were to survive as a live force in the party, then he's isolated himself from all the roads forward," said presidential historian Jon Meacham. "But if Trump loses, and it's a wipeout or wave election, then the party could consider reconstituting itself and ask if it's going to have a hawkish, non-'America First' foreign policy. In that scenario, Bolton could have a larger role to play." Trump and his allies have cast Bolton as a diminished and craven relic of the Republican past. The president has branded him a "wacko" and a "sick puppy." Bolton's book, "The Room Where It Happened," leaked and described in numerous media accounts this week, is "a compilation of lies and made up stories, all intended to make me look bad," Trump tweeted Thursday. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro called him "big lie Bolton" and "book-deal Bolton," telling reporters: "He's doing it for the money, that's pretty clear. My view is that it's the Washington swamp's equivalent of revenge porn." The John Bolton PAC and super PAC - the political action committees he rejoined after leaving the White House last year - have been active in recent months, but it is unclear whether his support will be welcome in key races. Last September, Bolton announced his support for GOP hawks such as Sens. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and Cory Gardner, R-Colo., both of whom are mired in difficult reelection contests. Inside the more establishment wing of the party, there has been hesitation to offer Bolton support for breaking so dramatically with Trump months before the election - and criticism for revealing conversations that were often confidential even if they were not classified. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, who also worked in the George W. Bush administration, told CNBC on Thursday: "I've known John quite a while. I have considered him a friend. And I also worked in two White Houses. And, you know, if I felt that way about either of my two bosses, Bush 41 or 43, you know, I would have resigned. "I don't know if what he says is true or not. I do know that, you know, in my day, and maybe this is old school, but, you know, what happens in the Oval Office and conversations with the president is meant to remain confidential," Portman said. Longtime political consultant Steve Schmidt, who worked on the late Arizona senator John McCain's GOP presidential campaign but is now a Trump critic, tweeted that Bolton is a "despicable man" who "failed in his duty to protect America" and should never again serve in government. Other Republicans who have long criticized Trump saw this moment as a test of whether the party will abandon one of its longtime leading lights. "Bolton may not be the kindest or most gentle person, but he's an honest person and he's not making things up," said William Kristol, a veteran conservative commentator who served in the George H.W. Bush administration. "This is not a test for Bolton, but for the people who have known him for years. Will they speak up when he's called a liar by the president of the United States?" Bolton reports little of the substance of his early conversations with Trump, before his arrival in the White House. But they surely filled a need for each other. Trump knew Bolton as a regular presence on Fox News, where he was a foreign policy hawk and an outspoken critic of President Barack Obama. Bolton sounded "just like he does on television! . . . I love it!" Trump exulted in one of their meetings, according to Bolton. But Bolton, after spending years out of government writing and speaking about his own hard-line policy prescriptions on issues such as arms control, Iran and North Korea, had much more ambitious plans. Having turned down a number of lesser offers from Trump, serving as the president's national security adviser, after Trump fired the second man to hold the position, H.R. McMaster, was finally a chance to "accomplish my objectives," he writes. Finally at the top of the nation's bureaucracy, he says, "my goal was not to get a membership card, but to get a driver's license." Where Bolton wanted to drive administration foreign policy was no secret. In previous, lesser positions in Republican administrations, he had advocated regime change in Iran, military action against North Korea, and withdrawal from international organizations and treaties. He also became known among both admirers and critics for his grasp of how to manipulate the bureaucracy and the policymaking process. The son of a Baltimore firefighter whose first political act was campaigning for Barry Goldwater's presidential bid in 1964, Bolton considers himself a "true" conservative, rejecting both the "neoconservative" position of more modern times and the current isolationist credo of Trump's party. What was considered his abrasive and arrogant style kept him from being confirmed by the Senate when George W. Bush nominated him as United Nations ambassador, and a number of Republicans voted against him. Bush then appointed Bolton anyway, for a recess term that lasted only about 16 months, until Democrats retook the Senate in 2006. After the wilderness Obama years, Bolton was eager to return to government, this time in a job that he thought would really make a difference. In the book, he pays homage to Brent Scowcroft, George H.W. Bush's national security adviser, frequently referred to as the "gold standard" of national security advisers for his withdrawal from any policymaking pretensions and determination to serve largely as a synthesizer and conduit of Cabinet views to the president. Yet Bolton writes, "I was determined to have a disciplined, thorough process, but I would judge my performance on how it actually shaped policy, not how outsiders compared it to prior administrations." Once in office, Bolton quickly pared down the staff and installed loyalists in some key positions. His relationships with other members of the national security team, including Kelly and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, are alternately described as competitive and as sympathetically sharing the tasks of saving Trump, and the country, from the president's ignorance, temper tantrums and tweets. On one of several occasions that Trump decided to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, replace them with Arab forces and charge the Arabs for the favor, he orders Bolton to tell Persian Gulf leaders. Bolton, who found the idea laughable, slow-rolled it, turned it over to Pompeo and effectively killed it. Throughout, Bolton lists successes as his own, and as frequently accomplished despite Trump. While the president, in withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, stressed that he was not pursuing regime change and was open to negotiations with the Islamic Revolutionary government there, Bolton was privately having none of it. "A lot remained to be done to bring Iran to its knees, or to overthrow the regime, Trump's stated policy to the contrary notwithstanding," he writes, "but we were off to a great start." Bolton's bombshells are quickly becoming fodder for the presidential campaign. John Weaver, an adviser to the Lincoln Project, a group of anti-Trump Republicans, said elements of the book will be part of the case the group makes this summer as it "prosecutes" Trump's record. "It'll be part of what we lay out to Republican and Republican-leaning independents in battleground states," he said. "You don't have to move too many voters to have an impact." Others disagree. Former House speaker Newt Gingrich, a Trump ally who once had an office opposite Bolton at the American Enterprise Institute, said he believes Bolton sold out after "someone said to him, 'We'll give you $2 million for an anti-Trump book.' " "It's sad to me, because John was a serious man and should have known better. In the end, it will have no historic or political meaning, and it won't affect how anyone votes in November." While discussions on decolonization of Africa have mainly focused on politics and economics, little attention has been paid to the issue of religion especially the role of Islam in the decolonization project. Scholars and policymakers have noted the necessity of challenging and discarding political and economic structures that colonialists introduced and used to conquer, control, exploit and subdue African societies. However, there has seldom been an allusion to interrogating religious icons and facilities that imperialists employed to subordinate cultures and peoples of Africa. African elite has conducted themselves as if there is no imperialist capital in the colonial religions. In this piece, I draw from the case of Mubarak Bala and the reactions of Muslims in Kano and beyond to show the necessity of de-mythologizing the prophet of Islam and by extension prophets of other imperialist religions. I argue that the de-mythologization of the prophet Muhammad is critical to the consummation of Africas decolonization project. Demythologizing prophet Muhammad is an exercise in African independence, mental liberation, and critical awakening. I submit that the decolonization of the African mind is in jeopardy if Africans continue to resist and violently oppose -as in the case of Mr Bala- the de-mythologization of Muhammad. By way of definition, to de-mythologize means to divest of supernatural trappings and regalia, to explain something or somebody without allusion to supernatural or transcendental properties. To de-mythologize Prophet Muhammad means to deconstruct his prophethood; to explain his life and legacy in ways that de-emphasize the mysteries and counterintuitive appendages to his life. It is to humanize and historicize him as opposed to the superhuman, divinized, ahistorical status in Islam as we know it. Mythologized Muhammad is an Arab invention. Arabs forged the myth for a purpose- to enable Arab rule and domination of the world. Arabs created a mythical perfect and inscrutable Muhammad and turned it into a weapon to legitimize imperialism and global empire-building. Thus Muhammad is to Arab imperialism what Jesus is to western imperialism in Africa, which is an emblem to seal the conquest and control of peoples and societies. For centuries, Arab religious imperialists and their African subalternists have used violence and threats of violence to shield the prophet of Islam from de-mythologization. They have used mythical Muhammad to mobilize and maintain power, and to assert and sanctify Arabs racial and cultural superiority. By fiercely opposing the de-mythologization exercise, Middle-eastern religious overlords have maintained tight grip and hold on the minds of Africans and their colonized territories worldwide. Arabians and by extension Muslims have used mythologized Muhammad to demand special respect and ensure privilege for their cultural myths, God and dogmas. They have weaponized mythical Muhammad to justify oppression where they are in the majority. They demand from societies and cultures where they are in the minority, rights and privileges that they institutionally deny religious and non religious minorities in Saudi Arabia and the Middle-east and in other places where they are in the majority. At independence, African countries inherited a mythologized Muhammad but a de-mythologizable Jesus. Thus African countries inherited two imperialist religions that slightly differ in their relationship to the de-mythologization, mutatis mutandis, decolonization of Africa. The tragedy is not that African countries inherited imperialist religions with varied mythological formations, but that Africans, or better, African Muslims have vehemently refused to embark on the de-mythologization project. Africans blindly espouse mythical Muhammad as handed down to them by Arabs to the detriment of the project of decolonization. As killings related to blasphemy allegations in Nigeria have shown, Africans have continued to demonstrate to their Arabian overlords that they have not uttered and are not ready to alter any aspect of mythical Muhammad as handed down to them. By refusing to challenge or accommodate critique and criticism of the prophet of Islam, African Muslims have jeopardized their mental liberation and emancipation. African Muslims have institutionalized cultural inferiority and subordination to Arabs. It is against this background that one can adequately make sense of the posts of Mubarak Bala and the reactions of Muslims in Kano. On April 28, Police arrested Bala, not for assault, kidnapping, murder, theft or other crimes that are pervasive in the region, but for allegedly posting blasphemous comments on Facebook. According to the complainants, Bala called the prophet of Islam a terrorist and a pedophile. As the petitioners noted, these comments angered Muslims and could make them take laws into their hands. Over forty-five days after his arrest, the police in Kano are holding Mubarak Bala incommunicado. They are punishing him to appease the petitioners and the Islamic base. The police have not given him access to a lawyer. They have not formally charged him in court. Police in Kano have denied Bala his human and constitutional rights. Some Muslims have threatened to kill Bala if the state did not adequately punish him. Now imagine this. For posting comments on Facebook that were critical of the prophet of Islam, some Muslims have caused the imprisonment of Bala. Some want to extra-judicially murder him. African Muslims have been brainwashed and indoctrinated to value mythologized Muhammad more than the life and dignity of fellow Africans and fellow human beings. Many African Muslims have been mentally conditioned and inclined to destroy Africa and be ready to decimate Africans in their quest to protect and shield the name of Muhammad from any real or imagined insults. Even African scholars and politicians who agitate and clamour for the decolonization of Africa have not denounced the arrest of Mubarak Bala. Africanists and Pan Africanists have not uttered a word to condemn this outrageous development and a classical betrayal of the decolonization project. Balas comments are an exercise in the de-mythologization of prophet Muhammad and African emancipation. They highlight aspects of Muhammads person and history that have been hidden from the public. They have drawn attention to those aspects of Islamic religion that inform the events in the world today including Islamic terrorism and the emergence of jihadist individuals and groups. Balas comments are expressions of independence of mind and an affirmation of intellectual freedom. Look, Africans are not truly free if they cannot freely say what they think about any prophet or religion without fear of being killed, arrested, or imprisoned. Africa is not truly decolonized if Africans cannot openly and publicly challenge, question, and interrogate icons and prophets of colonial religions. After all, those who brought and introduced Islam to Africa never accorded traditional African religions, gods, sacred texts and prophets the 'respect' that contemporary African Muslims are demanding from other Africans. The de-mythologization of Muhammad is a de-mythologization of Islam. It is a critical discourse that sheds some light on a religion that holds profound sway in Africa and the world. It is an engagement of a religion that has motivated non-Africans -as well as Africans-to kill and maim and exploit people with impunity. It is a process that enables the challenging and questioning of colonial religious structures. The de-mythologization of Muhammad is a de-mythologization of Arabs and Middle-easterners. It foregrounds aspects of mythical and mythologized Muhammad, mythical and mythologized Allah, mythical and mythologized Arabia which Arab imperialists and their African subalternists have used to legitimize colonization, subordination, and manipulation of the Africa mind and society. Representative image After the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) revoked the emergency use authorisation (EUA) status it had earlier granted to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), the country's National Strategic Stockpile is now left with as many as 66 million doses of the drug, according to a report by The New York Times. The FDA on June 15 withdrew the EUA for Chloroquine Phosphate (CQ) and Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate (HCQ), as it no longer believes the drugs may be effective in treating COVID-19 and that their side-effects may outweigh any potential benefit. As early as March, the US government had started stockpiling donated HCQ when it was touted as being effective against the coronavirus. The age-old anti-malarial drugs gained much popularity after US President Donald Trump hailed the medications as magic bullets for treating COVID-19. Track this blog for latest updates on the coronavirus crisis On March 28, USFDA had granted EUA to CQ and HCQ, despite serious differences among the medical community about using this drug without data. After trump championed the drug, initially raising expectations of its efficacy, conflicting reports later added to the confusion about the decades-old drug. 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 British scientists last week halted a major trial after it found that the drug was "useless" at treating COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, India, a leading exporter of generic medicines across the world, has also lifted the ban on the export of hydroxychloroquine earlier this month. The export ban on HCQ was put in place in March as the coronavirus outbreak disrupted supply chains. Follow our coverage of the coronavirus crisis Legislation, which includes a prohibition on abortions where a fetal heartbeat exists, was approved by a vote of 23 to 5 Friday by the Tennessee Senate. Senate Bill 2196, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), Senator Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville), and Senator Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol), is part of Governor Bill Lees legislative priorities for the 2020 session. This legislation defends the right of our most vulnerable citizens, the unborn, said Leader Johnson. I am proudly pro-life and have been a long-time opponent of abortion. I appreciate Governor Lee championing this historic legislation and believe we have a strong bill that will withstand a constitutional challenge. Tennessee is a state that values life, said Senator Gresham. This comprehensive, life-affirming legislation prohibits abortion once a heartbeat has been detected. I am very pleased it has been passed to protect those who are unable to speak for themselves. I also appreciate the work done by our Senate Judiciary Committee in helping get the bill in the best shape possible to move forward. Last summer, the Senate Judiciary Committee studied ways to implement pro-life legislation that will meet court scrutiny. What we have offered is the nations strongest opportunity to protect the life of the unborn, added Senator Lundberg, who is vice-chairman of the committee. The legislation includes a layered structure that prohibits abortion after the unborn child reaches certain gestational age milestones. The ladder provision bans abortion at 11 gestational age milestones ranging from 6 weeks to 24 weeks, with severability clauses for each step of the ladder. It is modeled after a Missouri law to protect against legal challenges. A medical emergency exception is provided, under the bill, if certain requirements are met. This bills multi-provision approach significantly enhances our states pro-life laws, while testing the limits of current court precedents, said Senate Judiciary Committee Mike Bell. This is the most comprehensive legislation considered by any state to protect unborn children. The bill calls for mothers to undergo an ultrasound prior to an abortion where the gestational age and the fetal heartbeat will be determined. The proposal also prohibits discriminatory abortion based on the unborn childs race, sex, or Down syndrome diagnosis. As amended, the legislation also requires abortion facilities to display signage informing women that a chemical abortion may be reversed following the first dose of a two-pill protocol. It requires a physician to provide the same information during informed consent, 48 hours prior to the abortion procedure. In addition, the legislation eliminates the requirement that the Department of Childrens Services provide court advocates and other information about judicial procedures to minors who are considering an abortion. The legislation now goes to Governor Bill Lee for his signature. Planned Parenthood released the following statement: "In an egregious move, the Tennessee legislature, in the dead of night and using police force to keep the public out of the Capitol building, passed a sweeping abortion ban. The bill, one of the most restrictive abortion bills in the country, bans abortion at nearly every stage of pregnancy, including before most people even know theyre pregnant. The bill also includes more medically unnecessary abortion restrictions and anti-science measures like forcing doctors to give patients the misinformation that they can reverse their abortion. It also bans abortion if the reason for the abortion is gender, race, or potential fetal diagnosis. Similar bans throughout the country have been struck down as unconstitutional. "Just last week, the Iowa legislature pulled a similar move waiting until the wee hours of the night to pass a harmful bill against abortion access. Its becoming the new shameful playbook for anti-abortion politicians who are willfully ignoring police violence and COVID-19, both public health crises disproportionately killing Black people. Following suit, Tennessee politicians have now passed a deeply racist and discriminatory bill which preys upon inaccurate and offensive stereotypes of communities of color, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, in order to ban abortion. "Furthermore, this bill will do nothing to address actual discrimination against women and girls, and instead would open the door to interfere with doctor-patient relationships, open and honest doctor-patient conversations, and a patients right to make private medical decisions. "Each and every one of these bans are part of a coordinated strategy to overturn Roe v. Wade and ban abortion outright." Alexis McGill Johnson, acting president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said, It is a disgrace that in the face of a true public health crisis, Tennessee politicians wasted their time with this last-minute move to attack abortion access before closing up shop this session. We know that the goal of the politicians behind this bill is simple: a total ban on safe, legal abortion. Politicians know that this bill is blatantly unconstitutional. And they dont care. Amidst protests against police violence and fear around COVID-19, politicians are doubling down pushing racist stereotypes and ignoring public health to ban abortion. But we wont let them. Were going to do everything in our power to fight back and stand up for reproductive freedom. Ashley Coffield, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Tennessee and North Mississippi, said, What happened tonight flies in the face of democracy. In the dead of night, Tenessee politicians hellbent on chipping away at abortion access blocked citizens from entering the state Capitol while they used this draconian abortion ban to pass the state budget. While Tennesseans are concerned about their health and safety during a pandemic, politicians used womens lives as a bargaining chip to push their political agenda. This comes after weeks of Senate leadership making public statements that they would not take up this bill. Governor Lee already failed at trying to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic by banning abortion through an executive order, and now he is trying to use every restriction he can think of to strip patients of their reproductive rights. Tennessee is already grappling with a botched response by Gov. Lee to the pandemic, and the deep racial divide in the state thats finally getting the attention it deserves. Well continue fighting these egregious attacks on our patients rights no matter what. The announcement from the ministry stated that the specifics of the next measures and procedures will be discussed via diplomatic channels. Both governments have cooperated closely in the prevention and control of COVID-19 and Vietnam highly praised the important results that Japan has achieved in preventing the spread of the epidemic, the document said. On May 25, Japan announced a lifting of the country's state of emergency. The Government of Japan also highly appreciated the Government of Vietnam for its success in preventing and fighting the COVID-19 epidemic and for the fact that there have been no new cases of infection in the community for more than two months. The two sides shared a common understanding of the importance of continuing to strengthen the extensive strategic partnership between the two countries in all fields, in the context of ensuring the requirements in the fight against COVID-19 in full compliance with the relevant regulations on prevention and control of COVID-19 in each country. A social rights activist has handed back her British Empire Medal claiming the award 'reinforces the hostile environment' as well as 'institutional and everyday racism'. Anisa Morridadi from Birmingham received the BEM in 2013 for services to education and young people. However, Ms Morridadi said she was inspired by the Black Lives Matters movement and could no longer keep the medal. Anisa Morridadi from Birmingham received the British Empire Medal in 2013 for services to education and young people. She accepted the award despite feeling uncomfortable about the history of the British Empire Ms Morridadi, pictured, received the honour for her work with young people in Birmingham As a result, she has written to the the region's Lord Lieutenant John Crabtree, to explain why she feels it is necessary to return the medal. Ms Morridadi is the founder and chief executive of city social enterprise Beetfreeks. Ms Morridadi explained that she was grateful for the people who nominated her for the award, but was also concerned by its links to Empire. She said: 'I accepted this believing I could use the platform to make a change.' However, in the past seven years she has reconsidered the position, especially due to the work of the Black Lives Matter movement, who she describes as 'inspiring'. She said their activists were willing to risk everything - including their lives, careers and freedom - in the battle for justice and equality. She wrote: 'I can't stand for this too if I don't actively reject the honours system. 'Celebrating and memorialising the Empire through awards and celebrations has real life impact now; it reinforces the hostile environment, institutional and everyday racism. She admitted she had been considering returning the medals since the day she accepted it. 'I've been considering returning the BEM since the day I accepted it but I now have the courage to say it.' The rights and wrongs of accepting honours has been a challenge, with prominent celebrities and activists rejecting awards. Benjamin Zephaniah turned down an OBE in 2003, writing: 'Benjamin Zephaniah OBE - no way Mr Blair, no way Mrs Queen. I am profoundly anti-empire.' George the Poet turned down an MBE because of the 'pure evil' of the British Empire. He said while he 'deeply appreciated' the gesture, he did not want to accept the honour because of 'the colonial trauma inflicted on the children of Africa'. What is the British Empire Medal? Members of the public can nominate people for awards, such as an OBE or an MBE. These nominations go forward to an honours committee who decide whether someone is suitable for an award and in which category. The British Empire Medal (BEM) Awarded for a hands-on service to the local community. The British Empire Medal, pictured, is awarded for 'hands-on' service to the local community This could be a long-term charitable or voluntary activity, or innovative work of a relatively short duration (3 to 4 years) that has made a significant difference. Advertisement Film maker Ken Loach said of his offer of an OBE in 1977: 'It's all the things I think are despicable: patronage, deferring to the monarchy and the name of the British Empire, which is a monument of exploitation and conquest.' Others to have famously rejected honours include David Bowie, John Lennon, Nigella Lawson, Danny Boyle and French and Saunders. Ms Morridadi, who works with young creative people in Birmingham to connect them with businesses and government agencies to help give them influence. She said: 'We're interested in getting young people their share of power in order to work with business, government and funders to build the institutions of the future.' Ms Morridadi said the honours system is not representative of British society, especially those form Black, Asian and minority backgrounds, claiming only six per cent of honours go to BAME people. She said: 'We need a new system of recognition and honours for service to public life that is divorced from Empire and colonialism. As statues fall, so must the other antiquated symbols and emblems that do not represent the country we live in today and definitely not the one we are building for tomorrow. 'We need better education for young people on British history and heritage. Not whitewashed. The full picture should be understood and acknowledged including the history of Commonwealth so that we can explore what it means to move forwards. I am still learning. I have so much more to do and to understand. This is something I intend to reflect on and push actively through my role on the Legacy and Benefits committee of Birmingham2022.' She is backing calls to make black British history compulsory in schools. John Crabtree, Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands, and holder of an OBE, said today he respected Ms Morridadi's decision. 'I know and have huge respect for Anisa and for what she does. She was a very worthy recipient of the British Empire Medal but I fully respect anyone's individual view on receiving the award, or not.' I continue this series of exclusive reports on my section 1983 lawsuit against Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm and Minnesota Department of Health press officer Michael Schommer with an account of the argument on the two motions heard by Judge Donovan Frank via Zoom yesterday morning. I was the only reporter in the Zoom. When it comes to the story of this lawsuit, as the old Hair Club for Men guy used to put it, Im also a client. Judge Frank convened the hearing on the two motions a few minutes before 9:30 and let counsel argue as long as they needed. The hearing ran nearly two hours. I took 22 pages of detailed notes on the hearing but want to keep this report brief. Judge Frank did not tip his hand on either motion. In his opening remarks, however, Judge Frank invoked the limited public forum case law that provides the framework of our analysis of the case. He homed in on the issue of media access and my exclusion on April 27. He differentiated between my possible right to participate by asking a question or participate by being on the conference line even if not called on and defendants freedom not to call on me and to avoid answering my questions. First up was the motion to dismiss brought by defendants. Assistant Attorney General Oliver Larson argued on their behalf that they can treat me however they see fit, that I have no First Amendment right to participate in the daily press briefings other than by tuning in to see them on television. I have no right to address questions to them and they have no obligation to answer. The daily briefings are nothing more than government speech that implicate no press rights. Accordingly, my complaint against defendants fails to state a claim on which relief can be granted. We concede defendants have no obligation to answer my questions, but we argue I should have the opportunity to ask even if they dont call on me. MDH established the conference calls for the purpose of allowing the press to cover the daily MDH COVID-19 briefings. Defendants cannot deny me access to that conference line, created expressly for reporters, based on my point of view or some arbitrary whim. Relying on Larsons own brief, we contend that [t]he Department rents a conference line to allow journalists to ask questions of Commissioner Malcom and others during the media updates. This isnt just an issue of government speech. On my behalf Theresa Bevilacqua hammered mercilessly on defendants inclusion of me on the calls and response to my questions until April 27, when Schommer forwarded my questions of that day to the staff of Governor Walz and flagged them for further discussion. I thought that Ms. Bevilacqua administered the forensic equivalent of lethal force to defendants motion. Judge Frank seems to see the case within the framework of the limited public forum analysis on which our argument mostly depends. As I say, his very first comment at the outset of the hearing went to the distinction between the right of access versus the right to be allowed to ask a question and any obligation to answer it. We distinguish between the two, based on the case law. The argument on defendants motion to dismiss got into detailed discussion of the case law on both sides. Our motion for a preliminary injunction presents a closer question than the legal sufficiency of my claims. We argue that, based on the direct and circumstantial evidence, I am likely to prevail on the merits of the case. Moreover, we assert, the deprivation of the opportunity to ask questions constitutes irreparable harm. Judge Frank raised the question of cost they say they have spent $40,000 on the conference call line to which I seek the restoration of access. We point out that they havent put in evidence of the incremental cost of adding me back or the saving from cutting me off. Any such expense could be handled by conditioning the injunction on the posting of a bond if the evidence supported it. Judge Frank also wondered where the list of other excluded sites is. So do we. On behalf of defendants, Larson suggested it was over in Schommers office somewhere. They are all apparently too busy to dig it out. They are too busy even to commit the policy on which they have excluded me to writing. They aint got time to read. I was impressed by Judge Frank. He is a decent man and fair judge. His questions were all on the button. He was incredibly well prepared. In his concluding remarks, according to my notes, Judge Frank stated that this is an important case. He treated it that way at the hearing and I certainly appreciated that. If this is an important case, I should like to think its not because it illustrates the governments power to do what Malcolm and Schommer have done to me. I was included in the daily MDH press briefings until April 27. I participated in them to the extent that I asked relevant questions, was provided answers, and made the answers known to Power Line readers. My behavior comported with the purpose of the forum Malcolm and Schommer created and controlled. On April 27, however, I asked questions that triggered review by the governors staff and the subsequent cut-off without explanation. Malcolm and Schommer assert that there is nothing to see here, but my complaint alleges otherwise and my allegations control the disposition of their motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim. They do not even expressly argue that they could lawfully exclude me because of the content of my questions; they know they could not lawfully do so. Anyway, that is my case. I remarked in an earlier post that, if I lost these motions, it would be due to a failure of advocacy on our part. I retract that statement. Judge Frank understands the issues. We havent failed to make the case clear to him. If we lose, it will be because Judge Frank understands the applicable law differently than we do. In his last word, Judge Frank noted that he hoped to issue his ruling by the end of next week. T he bus which features in the book and film Into the Wild has been removed from the Alaskan wilderness after a number of tourists died or had to be rescued while trying to visit it. A US Army helicopter airlifted the vehicle from its position near the Teklanika River on Thursday, the states National Guard said. The abandoned bus was made famous by John Krakauers 1996 book Into the Wild, which tells the true story of Chris McCandless, a 24-year-old adventurer. McCandless lived in the bus during the summer of 1992 and died of starvation after 114 days in the Alaskan wilderness. Abandoned Into The Wild Bus - In pictures 1 /10 Abandoned Into The Wild Bus - In pictures via Reuters via Reuters via Reuters via Reuters AP via Reuters AP via REUTERSvia Reuters The book was adapted into a 2007 film directed by Sean Penn starring Emile Hirsch. According to the National Guard the bus had to be removed because fans of the story were risking their safety to venture out into the dangerous Alaskan wild to find the abandoned vehicle. The Department of Natural Resources said the state made 15 search and rescue operations related to the bus between 2009 and 2017. Two people died from drowning while travelling to the bus, one in 2010 and one last year. Alaska State Troopers rescued five Italian hikers in February, one of whom suffered severe frostbite. The National Guard said local Alaskans had asked authorities to deal with the risk posed by the vehicle. Corri A Feige, commissioner for the Department of Natural Resources, said: We encourage people to enjoy Alaskas wild areas safely, and we understand the hold this bus has had on the popular imagination. However, this is an abandoned and deteriorating vehicle that was requiring dangerous and costly rescue efforts, but more importantly, was costing some visitors their lives. Im glad we found a safe, respectful and economical solution to this situation. The bus was removed by a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. A suitcase which holds sentimental value to the McCandless family was also safely transported by the aircrew, the National Guard said. Mr Feige said the bus will be stored at a secure site while the Department of Natural Resources decided where it will be placed permanently. New Delhi, June 19 : The standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers in eastern Ladakh region in the last one-and-a-half months is likely to fester for longer than any other such faceoffs in recent years, and could surpass the 73-day conflict in Doklam in 2017. The eastern Ladakh crisis is an unprecedented situation if compared to the Doklam standoff, which was resolved after little more than 70 days. The tense situation in Galwan Valley in all likelihood would be a prolonged feud since India has lost 20 of its soldiers. Also, what is disturbing is that 10 Indian soldiers, including officers, were in the captivity of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) for three days after one of the bloodiest attacks was carried out by China on June 15 at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). There is a renewed fury in Indian security establishments after it came to light that a total 10 Indian Army men, including two officers of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and Major, were in Chinese Army captivity for three days and were released only on Thursday evening. The barbaric assault on Indian Army soldiers at patrolling point 14 on June 15 has left little scope to ease the tension between the two countries in the near future. China's deceptive method to change the status quo: China has changed the status quo at four places in eastern Ladakh to which India has objected. The four standoff points are Finger Four in north bank of Pangong Lake, patrolling point 14 near Galwan Valley, patrolling point 15 and patrolling point 17A, which is also known as Hot Springs. At these four points, troop concentration has increased manifold as China changed the status quo. The Chinese deceptive move underlining its expansionist design kick-started after India had begun building road infrastructure in its territory near the Line of Actual Control for easy movement of troops. The Galwan Valley attack on Indian soldiers on June 15 was not an isolated incident. The unprovoked offensive by the Chinese PLA started from May 5 and kept happening over few intervals, leading to the barbaric attack on the night of June 15 in which 76 soldiers were injured and 20 were killed. Those were the first casualties faced by the Indian Army in a clash with the Chinese PLA since 1975 when an Indian patrol was ambushed by Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh. Indian Army troops were outnumbered by 1:5 ratio when PLA troops attacked patrolling point number 14 at the Line of Actual Control. PLA troops "savagely attacked" Indian Army personnel, sources said on Wednesday. "The numbers of Indian Army troops compared to PLA troops were of 1:5 ratio," said sources, adding that China used thermal imaging drones to trace Indian army soldiers before brutally attacking them. "It was the deadliest attack carried on Indian Army personnel," government sources said. The Doklam crisis: The Doklam crisis of 2017 was totally different from the current situation in the eastern Ladakh region, as it was not taking place on a territory disputed between the two countries. China was carrying out infrastructural development work in Doklam, the tri-junction of three countries -- India, China, and Bhutan -- to which India had objected. China then claimed that there was a boundary dispute between Bhutan and China in which India had no claims. However, India refuted and stood its ground, matching the deployment of Chinese troops for 73 days. The standoff was triggered by China, which said it was constructing a road within its territory. This was disputed by India, which said the Chinese road construction site was Bhutanese territory. In Doklam, India feared that the Chinese road would give its military access to heights from where it could threaten the Siliguri Corridor, India's tenuous link with its northeastern regions. The crisis was resolved with diplomatic maturity without losing any ground. There was no change in the status quo on the ground and the faceoff ended on August 28, 2017. The Eastern Ladakh Crisis: The faceoff in eastern Ladakh, where China has intruded into Indian territory, has escalated into intense hostility and both the countries have increased troop deployments at four strategic locations. The Chinese are trying to usurp Indian land and even launched a massive propaganda campaign to claim that its troops were positioned within the Chinese border, which is a lie that has been exposed by international think-tanks keeping a close watch on India-China border developments. The Chinese military has positioned itself at strategic locations in such a way that it will give them the edge to challenge road construction by India. China does not want any threatening build-up of military infrastructure in the Sub Sector North, which lies just to the east of Siachen glacier and is the only area that provides direct access to Aksai Chin from India. In the meantime, India has maintained that it needs to build infrastructure in its own territory at the Line of Actual Control and cannot compromise on it. This has led to the current crisis. Escalated Hostility: In his first remarks on the bloody border clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made it clear on Wednesday that India wants peace, but is capable of giving a befitting reply if provoked. The Prime Minister said, "I would like to assure the nation that the sacrifice of our jawans will not go in vain. For us, India's unity and sovereignty is most important and no one can stop us from protecting them. No one should have a doubt on this point. India wants peace, but is capable of giving a befitting reply in every way." This clear message comes against the backdrop of the Chinese army and its Foreign Ministry's blatant lie claiming control over the Galwan Valley. Although historical facts and documents have exposed Chinese sinister claims, the move itself highlights Chinese intent to change the status quo in the Ladakh region. The Indian security establishments have clearly said that India will not let the Chinese take even an inch of its territory. The Indian government and security officials believe that the situation will remain tense in the coming months even as both countries are trying to resolve the vexed issues through dialogue. India is also looking at a multi-pronged approach to deal with China by curtailing its business activities in the country. (Sumit Kumar Singh can be reached at sumit.k@ians.com) -- Syndicated from IANS One of the three Louisville, Kentucky, police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor in March is being fired, Mayor Greg Fischer announced Friday morning. Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Rob Schroeder is initiating termination procedures against Officer Brett Hankison, the mayor said in a statement. Louisville police officer Brett Hankison (Louisville Metro Police Department) "Unfortunately, due to a provision in state law that I very much would like to see changed, both the Chief and I are precluded from talking about what brought us to this moment, or even the timing of this decision," the statement said. He directed any questions about the state law that precludes city officials from commenting further to Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell. The FBI announced on May 21 that it was investigating Taylor's death. Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron has said that he was asked to serve as a special prosecutor in the case. Taylor, 26, an African American emergency-room technician who was killed by police on March 13 after three plainclothes officers used a no-knock warrant to enter her apartment around 12:40 a.m. during a drug investigation. Taylor was shot eight times. Taylor's family has named Hankison along with officers Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove in a wrongful death lawsuit. Attorneys for Taylor's family say her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fearing a home invasion, called 911, grabbed a gun and fired, shooting an officer in the leg. He had a license to carry and kept firearms in the home. Taylor was unarmed. The lawsuit accuses the officers of "blindly firing" more than 20 shots into the apartment. The suspect at the center of the police investigation had already been taken into custody at another residence, the lawsuit states. Taylor and Walker had no criminal history or drug convictions, and no drugs were found in the apartment during the raid, the lawsuit states. At a news conference on the day of the shooting, police said officers had knocked several times and announced their presence as police who were there with a search warrant. Mattingly and Cosgrove are on administrative reassignment while an investigation is conducted into the death of Taylor. The Louisville Metro Council voted unanimously last Thursday to pass a ban on no-knock warrants, a measure known as Breonnas Law. Several thousand Tunisian healthcare workers launched a general strike Thursday and protested in the capital to demand better public hospital management and a law regulating their status after the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses and technicians working in public hospitals gathered in front of the health ministry in Tunis, carrying placards reading "public health is a national asset", among other slogans, an AFP journalist said. The protesters demanded a specific law to regulate their status, highlighting that they had been on the front lines of the fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak and continued to work through the crisis, unlike other civil servants. "During the COVID-19 crisis, there were two or three sectors that did not stop working and that assumed their responsibilities for the country," said Othmane Jallouli, a trade union leader from the General Health Federation. "But as usual, we (healthcare workers) are on the front lines of the war and the last to be thanked." Current legal provisions, common to all civil servants, are not tailored to healthcare work and do not allow for certain overtime hours to be paid, demonstrators lamented. The strike took place across all public hospitals in the country after a call from the powerful Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), according to which only emergency services were working on Thursday. While Tunisian medical workers are well-trained, the country's public hospitals suffer from a lack of resources and poor management. Tunisia this week lifted the majority of restrictions put in place in early March to combat the novel coronavirus. The country has reported 1,128 cases of the virus, including 50 deaths, and there are currently no hospitalised COVID-19 patients. A few new cases are confirmed each day, the majority among people repatriated via quarantine centres. VANCOUVERA British Columbia park that straddles the 49th parallel with Washington state will be closed because its overwhelmed with visitors using it as a cross-border meeting point. The government says Peace Arch Provincial Park was scheduled to be shut Thursday evening to address public safety and traffic concerns after the volume of visitors reached nearly twice the number counted on a peak summer day. The significant increase in visitors at Peace Arch Park has become unmanageable and raising public safety and traffic concerns for surrounding communities, Environment Minister George Heyman said in a statement. BC Parks said it has consulted with the RCMP, border officials and local communities. Several measures were tried to manage the numbers of visitors, such as increasing enforcement patrols, installing a permanent gate and reducing hours, but those didnt work in controlling the numbers of people using the park from both sides of the border, it added in a statement. Heyman and BC Parks acknowledged the difficulties those with loved ones across the border have faced in trying to stay in contact, but emphasized the risks of keeping the park open had grown too large. BC Parks expressed hope that exemptions to the Quarantine Act would also help soften the blow for those who have family members across the border. The federal government is allowing immediate family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to enter Canada with family members as long as they have no symptoms of COVID-19 and self-isolate for 14 days after arrival. Kimiko Carpoff, who lives on the border, said shes noticed an increase in traffic since the park reopened in May, but disagrees with the decision to close it. What, were supposed to play on the street? Sit on the street? People use the park because its a park, she said. Personally, I think its much more problematic to close the park. Its our green space. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the park was not closed because of COVID-19, but because of concerns about the number of people it was attracting. While the decision is not related to public health, Henry said the restrictions on border crossings because of the pandemic caused people to connect with family and friends through the park. I am not aware of any cases that are related to contacts in the park, she told a news conference in Victoria. The issues are related to COVID-19, but not specifically the risk of transmission. ... Its a very challenging time for many people and some people were able to be in contact at the park with their loved ones. But like the rest of us in the province, we need to find other ways of being able to contact our family and friends and our neighbours who live in Washington state. A spokeswoman for Washington state said there are no plans to close the park on the American side. While our parking lots have been full most days, we do not have the same challenges as our Canadian counterparts and do not have any safety concerns at this time, Anna Gill of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission said in an email. The Canadian side of the Peace Arch Park was officially dedicated in 1939, 18 years after the creation of its famous arch. Read more about: On Sunday, June 21, a significant date in Taurangas history, a few hundred people are expected to gather at dawn at the Te Ranga battle site which is located in a paddock on Pyes Pa Road near the corner of Joyce Rd. Commemorations will begin at 7.30am at Te Ranga Reserve with Western Bay of Plenty District Council Mayor Garry Webber, Tauranga City Council Deputy Mayor Tina Salisbury, Rev Leanne Rolleston, and Aquinas College students Trevel Gardner-Hano and Nic Scott speaking during the one-hour service. Refreshments at Western Bay of Plenty District Council offices will follow. The Te Ranga battle is significant due to its outcome, in that many see that the loss of lives was significant in terms of the leadership at that time. Its like New Zealand after the first World War, when a whole of generation of future leaders was lost; it was the same for this battle for Tauranga Maori, says Buddy. And then not long afterwards followed the confiscation of the land. In 1864, following their humiliating defeat at the battle of Gate Pa which shocked New Zealands European settler community and its military and political establishment, some of the British force at Tauranga returned to Auckland. Lieutenant-General Duncan Cameron also returned to Auckland, leaving Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Greer in command of a large British garrison on the Te Papa peninsula. Greer was ordered to attack immediately should Maori forces begin constructing another pa in the district. Meanwhile their opponents, led by Rawiri Puhirake and comprising fighters from Ngai Te Rangi, Ngati Ranginui, Ngati Rangiwewehi and Ngati Pikiao from Rotorua, and Ngati Porou from the east coast, began building a pa at Te Ranga, five kilometres inland from Gate Pa. Unfortunately for the Maori, British reconnaissance discovered this fortification before it was completed. On the morning of June 21, Greer left Camp Te Papa, now the Tauranga CBD, with a force of 600 -700 men. Five kilometres inland from Gate Pa, the British force discovered the 500 to 600 Maori working on the defensive earthworks at Te Ranga. Early that afternoon, following the arrival of reinforcements, Greer ordered men from the 68th and 43rd regiments and 1st Waikato Militia to advance. The 43rd mad for revenge for their losses at Gate Pa 68th and 1st Waikato regiments stormed the rifle pits. The battle that followed has been described as among the bloodiest of the New Zealand campaigns. In desperate hand-to-hand fighting, British troops exacted terrible vengeance for Gate Pa. The Maori garrison was unable to hold the incomplete defences and slowly withdrew. When Puhirake, the hero of Gate Pa himself was killed, the retreat became a rout. British cavalry gave chase, but could not penetrate the nearby bush. More than 100 Maori, including the chivalrous Henare Taratoa, were killed or mortally wounded at Te Ranga, as were 13 British troops. The visiting iwi suffered heavy casualties, which contributed to their subsequent enthusiasm for the Pai Marire insurgency. The Maori defenders including Puhirake were buried in the trenches at Te Ranga. Twenty-seven severely wounded Maori were taken to hospital at Te Papa camp. Fourteen did not long survive the battle and were buried at Mission Cemetery. Among the mortally wounded was Te Tera of Ngai Te Rangi, the only one to be identified in official reports. The one-sided battle at Te Ranga largely crushed resistance in the vicinity of Tauranga Harbour. Some Ngai Te Rangi and Ngati Ranginui surrendered arms to the British at Camp Te Papa in ceremonies on July 21 and 25. Much of their land was subsequently confiscated. Peace came to Tauranga although this was far from the surrender the British claimed it to be. Everyone is welcome to attend the public event on Sunday. The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) survey on the enactment of Hong Kongs National Security Law found 98% of journalists disagree with the National Peoples Congress (NPC) plan to enact the law. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) stress the importance of freedom of expression in Hong Kong and oppose the national security legislation. China's legislative body, the National People's Congress is pushing Hong Kongs controversial national security law targeting separatism, subversion of state power, terrorism and interference. Press freedom organisations analysis of the law suggest it will single-out sensitive issues such as Xinjiang and Tibets independence and Taiwans membership in the World Health Organisation, opening the media up to prosecution. The law could target other aspects of a journalists job, including collecting information and reporting on national security related crimes In response to concerns for Hong Kongs press freedom amid the national security law, HKJA conducted a survey amongst its members with results indicating 98% of respondents disagreed with the law and 87% of respondents believe it will seriously affect Hong Kongs press freedom. A further 137 respondents (91%) expressed concern for their safety if the national security law passed. Only one journalist who responded to the survey believed self-censorship would not be an issue if the national security law passed. HKJA said: Freedom of expression, freedom of the press and freedom of publication is the cornerstone of the success of Hong Kong as an international city. They are under protection in the Basic Law. The enactment of Hong Kong national security law is like having a knife hanging over the head of Hong Kong people. It will pose a threat, both in substantive and psychological terms, to journalists, worsening the problem of self-censorship and second-guessing of political bottom-line. The room of freedom will be further shrunk. Ultimately, the status of Hong Kong as an international financial city will be shaken. The IFJ said: The undeniably negative response to the National Security Law from journalists is a clear indication Hong Kongs press freedom, freedom of expression and democratic institutions are at risk of failing. After a year of police brutality against journalists covering Hong Kongs public order events, trust in police and the government has significantly declined alongside Hong Kongs democracy. The IFJ calls on the Hong Kong government to allow journalists to carry out their job uninterrupted, without censorship or fear of retribution. YEREVAN, JUNE 19, ARMENPRESS. A plane carrying medical items departed today from Poland to Armenia to help combating the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Armenian Embassy in Poland reports. The aid provided by Polands Solidarity state fund includes 20,000 face masks, 2400 face shields and 2700 liters of hand and face sanitizers. The ceremony of the departure of the luggage at the airport was attended by Armenias Ambassador to Poland Samvel Mkrtchyan, deputy Polish FMs, top diplomats, representatives of the Solidarity state fund and reporters. Poland also send an aid to Georgia. At the ceremony the Armenian and Georgian Ambassadors thanked the Fund and the organizers for the support. In turn the Polish side expressed readiness to constantly assist the friendly countries in difficult moments. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan TULSA, Okla. David Riniker says nothing scares him: not the cancer he was diagnosed with two years ago, and not attending an indoor campaign rally for President Donald Trump here amid a surge in coronavirus cases in Oklahoma. I dont fear anything. If today is the day I die, today is the day I die," said Riniker, 62, who drove to Tulsa from his home in Arkansas earlier this week to attend what he said was his first political rally since Ronald Reagan was running for office. "I'm not paranoid, I'm not afraid." Riniker brought a homemade mask that his neighbor had given him and said he would wear it "if the need arises," but doubted it would come that. "I'm not stupid," he said Friday, on the eve of Saturday's rally. "I'm not going to jump in a den of snakes and sit in front of someone who is coughing uncontrollably. But I do have a mask just in case." David Riniker in line for President Trump's rally in Tulsa, Okla. (Lauren Egan / NBC News) In conversations with dozens of Trump supporters lined up outside a convention center in downtown Tulsa to attend the presidents campaign rally on Saturday, many said they were not worried about contracting the illness and did not plan to follow strict precautions during the event. Many supporters also cast doubt on the severity of the outbreak and said that, regardless, they had a right to choose to put themselves at risk. I think [the coronavirus] has been hyped up more than it is.Theres flu, theres cancer, theres COVID-19, said Mary Legan of Claremore, Oklahoma, adding that she brought a fanny pack full of hand sanitizer and masks for her and her husband, Ken. Neither were sure if they would wear masks the whole time while inside the arena, commenting on how uncomfortable they can be, especially when it is hot out. Mary and Ken Legan sit in line for President Donald Trump's Saturday rally in Tulsa, Okla. (Lauren Egan / NBC News) When youre in your 70s, you can't go hide in your basement. You don't have that many more years, Legan said. If Trump felt comfortable having it here, then Im comfortable. Trump has faced criticism for holding the Tulsa event, the first campaign rally in months, as the country continues to face the coronavirus. The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Friday denied a request by some Tulsa businesses and residents to order the Bank of Oklahoma Center, the arena the rally is being held in, to enforce federal recommendations for preventing the spread of the coronavirus at the event. Story continues The Trump campaign has said it will have coronavirus-prevention measures in place, including temperature checks for attendees on their way in and hand sanitizer stations inside. Masks will also be available for all attendees, but won't be required. Even some health care workers who said they had experienced the impact of the coronavirus firsthand were undeterred. Im a nurse. Ive worked ER for 15 years, and if we want to come to a rally, it's our decision," said Sheri Todd from Park Hill, Oklahoma. "Ive had friends who had it; they were sick for a couple of weeks. But it's still our choice. "As far as I know, Im still an American," said Tom Todd, Sheri's husband and a retired welder. "This is a free country and I can do what I want. If I want to wear a mask, I wear a mask. If I dont, I don't. If I get sick, I get sick. That's my choice," Tom continued, adding that he thought the number of coronavirus deaths was being "padded." Sheri agreed: "Some of these numbers aren't real." Jill and Trish, two childhood friends who asked not to be identified by their last names, said they had always talked about meeting up at a Trump rally and finally decided to do so due to what they believed to be a disparity in reporting on the recent Black Lives Matter protests compared to Trump's announcement that he would hold a campaign rally. "We didnt hear anything about the coronavirus for two weeks while the looting and protesting was going on and none of them were wearing masks," said Trish, who traveled into town from Springfield, Illinois. "And now that Trump is holding a rally it's all we hear. The hypocrisy is unbelievable." Jill and Trish said they were not worried about catching the virus and would not wear masks inside. The two women said they regularly avoid going to grocery stores or other public places back home that require a mask. Im not going to live my life in fear. I want to get back to the normal not a new normal, but the old normal," said Jill, who lives in Orange County, California. But for the Trump supporters already gathered outside the convention center more than a day before the president's rally, the "old normal" never seemed to have left. Strangers huddled together under tents when it started to rain. Some invited newly made friends to their nearby hotel rooms to shower and dry off. People passed around pizza and doughnuts. Others lent out blankets and chairs. There were few masks in sight. by Shafique Khokhar The epidemic is worsening and, like Iranians and other prisoners released from Pakistani prisons, Christians should also be released immediately. The U.S. State Department asks Pakistani government to release the prisoners. Karachi (AsiaNews) - On June 18, 2020, a protest (pictured) was organized by the National Christian Party in front of the Karachi Press Club, for the immediate release of 24 prisoners accused of blasphemy and held in several prisons of the Punjab province during the pandemic. The demonstration was also against the kidnapping of minority girls and their forced conversions. Participants held placards and banners calling for the release of the 24 Christians, chanting slogans and asking the government to take the matter seriously. Shabir Shafqat, the head of the National Christian Party, (in the photo) in his harsh words said that their protest is a slap on the faces of all those leaders who are seated abroad and do politics and speak for the rights of the Christian minority in Pakistan, but they do not raise these issues. He also said that the epidemic is getting worse and, like the Iranians and other prisoners released from Pakistani prisons, our innocent 24 Christians should also be released immediately. Shabir added that many prisoners have been released for coronavirus, but there is no pity in Pakistan for those in the minority. During the same protest it was also made known that Shakeel Anjum (a Pakistani American national, journalist and public figure) registered eight detainees for religious blasphemy in Pakistani prisons as religious prisoners. Shakeel also asked the US authorities to take note of the innocent Christians who have been tricked into blasphemy. In this regard, the U.S. Department of State has asked the Pakistani government to release these religious prisoners immediately, due to the coronavirus epidemic. Pastor David Khushi of the Protestant church of Karachi in his comments asked the authorities and in particular Prime Minister Imran Khan to immediately take note of this problem, and also asked the national and international community to highlight and raise the issues of the innocent accused of blasphemy and of forced marriages and forced conversions of minority girls in Pakistan. Since 2004, Pakistan has issued at least 4,500 death sentences, an average of one per day and since then Pakistan has executed 515 people, while 4,225 others await execution on death row. During the first week of June 2020, prisoner rights groups from around the world called for a worldwide moratorium on the death penalty during the coronavirus pandemic. Similarly, the Pakistani non-governmental organization, Justice Project Pakistan (JPP), which represents prisoners and the World Coalition against the Death Penalty, called on all countries to end executions because during the pandemic it is impossible to hold fair trials or guarantee a just legal representation. Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti issued guidelines to more than 11,000 Ganesh Mandals in the city Mumbai: Ganeshotsav, the most popular festival in Maharahstra, will be a low-key affair this year due to Covid-19 pandemic. Shorn of processions and decorations, the festival will also see a cap on the height of Ganpati idols, one of the big attractions for devotees. In view of rising spread of coronavirus, the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS) an umbrella organization of city Ganesh mandals in Mumbai has already issued guidelines to more than 11,000 Ganesh Mandals in the city asking them to celebrate the festival in a simple and subdued manner. Giant idols, some measuring up to 25 feet, and decorated pandals have always been the highlight of the festival, which attracts thousands of devotees. However, the BSGSS this year has asked the mandals to curb the height of the idols, preferably made up of clay. It has also appealed them to spend less on pandals, lighting and decoration and instead spend the money on sanitisation and anti-corona activities. We have also appealed the big mandals, which are financially capable, not to accept donations. Keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic, the mask and sanitizer have been made compulsory for mandal volunteers. Instead of cultural events, the committee has asked mandals to hold health camps, blood donation camps and public awareness campaigns. The mandals have been asked to immerse the idols in artificial ponds. It was important to issue these guidelines from the safety point of view, said Narendra Dahibawkar, the president of BSGSS. In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, the GSB Ganeshotsav Samiti in Wadala has already postponed the celebration to Magh Shudh Chaturthi in February next year. The mandal is considered as one of the richest mandals in Mumbai. The 10-day festival begins on 'Ganesh Chaturthi', which falls on August 22 this year. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday addressed the various Ganesh mandals through a video conference on Thursday. He asked them to set aside the usual celebrations with pomp and gaiety this year in view of the Covid-19 pandemic and celebrate it with social responsibility. "There is a need to celebrate the festival in a simple way. Under the 'Mission Begin Again' we have to take every step cautiously. But while doing this, we have to ensure that our culture and traditions should not be affected," Mr Thackeray said. General Officer Commanding of 3 Corps Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita along with other senior officers of the Army visited the site of the gas well fire tragedy at Baghjan in Assam on Friday to monitor the progress of the work to cap the well. The Army is part of a multi-agency effort to cap the Oil India Limiteds well in Assam's Tinsukia district. Gas is being spewed from a well for about three weeks now and fire is raging there for over a fortnight. The production by the PSU major has been hit in the face of public ire and the company has so far lost 7,042 MT of crude oil and 9.23 MMSCM of natural gas output in the last 24 days due to bandh and blockades, the company said. "Lt General Rana Pratap Kalita, General Officer Commanding of the 3 Corps with other senior officials from 3 Corps, Indian Army visited blowout area today at Baghjan to monitor the progress of work at ground zero," Oil India Ltd (OIL) said in a statement. The Army is constructing an around 150 m long bailey bridge over a water body adjacent to the blowout well at Baghjan. Kalita had a detailed discussion with OIL Director (E&D) P Chandrasekaran, other senior officials from the company and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), the statement said. "Materials sent from Misamari for construction of bailey bridge by 3 Corps, Indian Army have been unloaded from 11 trucks at Baghjan and unloading of remaining four trucks is underway," the OIL statement said. It said 34 heat shields for Indian Army personnel have been handed over and fabrication of additional numbers of heat shields are in progress at OIL's engineering workshop. The PSU said assembling and testing of the blowout preventer is on to douse the flames. "Testing of other equipment mobilised from ONGC is on by an expert team of Alert, Singapore at OIL CMT yard and equipment yard in association with CMT-ONGC team and OIL technical team," it added. On production loss due to the agitation by locals and some groups, OIL said there was an output cut of 504 MT of crude oil and 0.62 MMSCM of natural gas as reported on Thursday on account of disruption in 33 oil and five gas wells. "Cumulative production loss since May 27, 2020 due to bandh and blockades is 7,042 MT crude oil, 9.23 MMSCM of natural gas," it added. Referring to the company's outreach to the affected villagers, OIL said mosquito repellent cream and other essential items were distributed to around 9,000 people lodged in 13 relief camps. It said as part of the effort to douse the flames, vehicles carrying the second load of heavy equipment from ONGC's Rajamundry and Vadodara facilities are on the way to Assam. Various assessments and impact studies of the blowout as well as the blaze in villages and nearby forest areas are being conducted by multiple agencies such as ERM India, TERI, CSIR-NEIST and Assam Agricultural University, the PSU said. Well number 5 at Baghjan in Tinsukia district of Assam has been spewing gas uncontrollably since May 27 and it caught fire on June 9. The fire claimed the lives of two of OIL's firefighters at the site. The blaze at the well is so massive that it can be seen from a distance of more than 30 kms with thick black smoke going up several metres high, endangering the local biodiversity in the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. Though there is no fire in the periphery of the well site at present, the company has declared an area up to 1.5 km of radius as "red zone" to avoid any untoward incident and damage to the general public. Two officials of the OIL have been suspended for alleged negligence of duty at the gas well site, while a show cause notice has been sent to John Energy Pvt Ltd, the outsourced private operator of the well. An FIR has also been registered against Oil India and John Energy for the blowout. Google is now officially bringing its limited Photos-based monthly prints subscription service to an end, reports indicate. The company emailed monthly prints subscribers about the change, stating that the service will end in just 11 days on June 30. Specifically, this is the subscription plan that offered up the ability to order prints directly through the Google Photos app and have them delivered. That cost users right around $8 per month. The plan in question was already novel, to begin with. Separate from the Print-to-Store features in Photos and driven by Googles photo analysis algorithms, its primary focus was convenience. In fact, subscribers didnt even need to select the photos to be printed. Instead, Google chose the best of a users shots automatically. The photos, mailed to customers, arrived printed on quality cardstock. All of that became available to some Google account holders in the US back in February. Advertisement What does this mean for Google Photos monthly prints subscribers Not only is Google ending its subscription program for Photos prints on June 30. The company is also removing all associated UI. That means that order histories associated with the subscription are going away too, according to the companys email. At the very least, thats the case for the Google Photos website and presumably the app. Subscription related order history information will be available via Google Takeout through July 15. Thats Googles somewhat obscure backup-creation utility. The company is urging customers to take action and create a backup of their order history for their own records prior to that date. Google will not charge users who signed up and are still under a free trial offer for the final month of service. But the company decided not to ship photos to at least some who are signed up at all for the final month too. Thats going to depend on a number of factors. Google points out that subscription timing will largely be the determining factor. Advertisement Those users who have not seen a review email by June 25, wont be receiving any more photo prints. Thats the email sent by the search giant letting users see which photos have been selected for the month. Google also wont charge those customers that dont receive the prints. But those customers are going to want to look elsewhere for prints if they want them delivered. You can still order photo books or photos for pickup Now, none of this has any impact on the Google Photos prints services users outside of the subscription service. Features associated with the ability to order up a custom photo book on-demand are sticking around. CVS and Walmart locations in the US will still print photos for pickup too. The primary change applies only to those who had ordered photos on a monthly basis for a monthly cost. As noted by the language in the email sent to subscribers, this was only a trial. And, given Googles track record with these kinds of services and apps, its demise isnt entirely surprising. But it does mean that those few users who were able to get in on the trial will face a bit more inconvenience. Or thats going to at least be the case with regard to their photo prints being delivered. Advertisement The company also notes that it will likely be re-launching the feature later on, with improvements made based on trial feedback. So customers may be able to resubscribe later on for even better service. Otherwise, users are going to need to search out another app for a similar experience from the plethora of apps available. A group of 20 marched through drizzling rain on the downtown Houston streets Friday where thousands had just gathered for George Floyd, now demanding justice for a Hispanic man killed by police in April. The rally ended in front of the Harris County Criminal Justice Center, where about a dozen more supporters joined and called for Houston police to release body camera footage of the incident in which 27-year-old Nicolas Chavez was fatally shot by lawmen while, according to a cell-phone video of the encounter, on his knees. I know that theyre going to make him look bad and theyre going to try to justify what they did, said his mother, Leantha Chavez. In the end, it doesnt matter what he did. He was on his knees when they shot him and he was unarmed. Chavezs family and friends emphasized that he seemed to be undergoing a mental crisis. His 5-year-old son stood nearby during the gathering outside of the courthouse, holding a sign that read, Abolish the police! Houston Police Department spokesman Kese Smith said while the family viewed their footage, the agency needs to consult with the Harris County District Attorneys Office before releasing video to the public. The familys wishes are obviously a very important part of it, but we have to have conversations with the District Attorneys Office as well, Smith said. We are certainly available to police if they want to discuss concerns about body cam videos or any other evidence, said Dane Schiller, spokesman for the Harris County District Attorneys Office. We independently review all officer-involved shootings and we present all the evidence in every instance to a grand jurors, regardless of whether it has previously been made public, so they can determine whether a criminal charge is warranted. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo has asked the FBI to review the April 21 death of Chavez. He called the cell phone video difficult to watch but has yet to make public any of the police department's roughly 70 videos that captured the shooting. At least four officers opened fire on Chavez after a 14-minute confrontation, according to authorities. The officers said Chavez charged at them with a pointy object, which was later identified to be a piece of rebar. Officers arrived at the scene in Denver Harbor after receiving 911 calls of a man jumping fences and threatening bystanders, police said. Officers approached Chavez and fired a Taser and bean bag projectiles at him, police said, but Chavez at one point picked up an officers already deployed Taser and pointed it at them. The cell phone footage, however, appeared to show Chavez on his knees and rising to his feet before stumbling back down when lethal rounds were fired. The march for Chavez was markedly smaller than the recent protests over the death of Floyd, a man from Houstons Third Ward who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck. The officer was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, and he and others who were standing by were fired from the department. Agustin Pinedo, director of the League of United Latin American Citizens District 18 in Houston, on Friday criticized Acevedo for his public presence on national television during Floyds protests, saying he has simultaneously failed to take action on a spate of six fatal police shootings locally. To this day there have been no arrests, no indictments, Pinedo said. You have to call a murderer a murder, and were not getting this here in Harris County. Gloria Rubac, 74, said she has been protesting police brutality for decades. Floyds killing has re-galvanized a movement and drawn attention to cases like Chavezs, she said. This has got to stop, Rubac said. Its a shame that a guy from Houston, Third Ward, had to die before the masses of people come out. Civil rights attorney Randall Kallinen and the local chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens organized the march, which was also attended by members of the Brown Berets, American GI Forum, National Lawyers Guild-Houston Chapter and the immigrants rights organization FIEL. Rain poured on the group before they took off on the milelong walk, slowing to a drizzle and clearing up by the time they reached the courthouse. Several police cars followed nearly a block behind the protesters, and officers watched as marchers held a news conference afterward in front of the criminal justice center. Some of the protesters yelled, Que viva, Nicolas Chavez, Long live, Nicolas Chavez. Another chanted followed: How did he die? On his knees. Who killed him? HPD. Cynthia Delarosa, 53, didnt know Chavez but said she stands with his family as someone who has also experienced abuse by police in Washington state. Hes everyones brother and everyones friend, she said. As is customary with officer-involved shootings, the district attorneys office is investigating and will present the case to a grand jury. samantha.ketterer@chron.com Governors on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have welcomed Godwin Obaseki, govenor of Edo, into the party. The P... Governors on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have welcomed Godwin Obaseki, govenor of Edo, into the party. The PDP had announced Obasekis defection to the countrys main opposition party, on Friday. Breaking News! The governor of Edo State, H.E. @GovernorObaseki has defected to our great Party, the @OfficialPDPNig. The declaration was made this afternoon at the state Secretariat of our party in Benin city, Edo State. Power to the people. #EdoIsPDP, it tweeted. @officialKolaO pic.twitter.com/GV36MSYrGx Breaking News! The governor of Edo State, H. E. @GovernorObaseki has defected to our great Party, the @OfficialPDPNig . The declaration was made this afternoon at the state Secretariat of our party in Benin city, Edo State. Power to the people. #EdoIsPDP June 19, 2020 Shortly after the announcement, Obaseki confirmed that he will be seeking re-election on the platform of the PDP. I, as always, remain committed to engendering good governance and sustainable development of our dear state. I have officially joined the @OfficialPDPNig to advance my ambition to seek re-election as Governor of Edo State.I, as always, remain committed to engendering good governance and sustainable development of our dear state. June 19, 2020 In a statement issued by C.I.D. Maduabum, director-general of the PDP governors forum, the governors assured Obaseki of a level-playing field as he seeks reelection on the partys platform. They urged Obaseki to use the PDP as a vehicle to enthrone rapid economic, social and infrastructural development in Edo. We welcome you to the PDP Governors Forum under the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR and all other PDP Governors in the Forum, the statement read. Your entry into the PDP family is a homecoming to a democratic platform that accommodates all Nigerians desirous of good governance, accountability and deepening of democratic tenets. The PDP Governors welcome you to use the PDP as a vehicle to enthrone rapid economic, social and infrastructural development of Edo State. As you subject yourself to the forthcoming primaries of the party, we wish you success and Gods blessings and guidance. The Forum extends the solidarity and support of your colleagues to you and all of your teeming followers into the party and assures you all of accommodation and level playing field. I have officially joined the @OfficialPDPNig to advance my ambition to seek re-election as Governor of Edo State. I, as always, remain committed to engendering good governance and sustainable development of our dear state, he wrote. June 18, 2020 News By Jim Garamone , DOD News Defense.gov DOD Has Pedal to the Metal on Hypersonics Hypersonic missiles are a technology the Defense Department must field to remain competitive with other great powers, said the director of defense research and engineering for modernization. Mark J. Lewis, who spoke with Marcus Weisgerber at the Defense One Tech Summit yesterday, noted that Russia has announced fielding a hypersonic capability and that China is investing heavily in the technology. Hypersonic missiles are fast very fast and agile in a way that ballistic missiles or cruise missiles are not. He said the U.S. goal is to have the technology fielded at scale by the mid 2020s. The Defense Department has one main effort by the services, and DOD agencies have parts because hypersonics is more than just one thing, said Lewis, who holds a doctorate in aeronautics and astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "The Army and the Navy both have very active programs as well looking at ways to develop this technology," he said. "Our key here is we want to deliver hypersonics at scale; and by that I mean, we want to go beyond the prototypes." That means bridging the proverbial "valley of death" between a research effort and a funded and viable service program that leads to a capability, he explained. "We all have this firm, fixed goal of delivering capability," Lewis said. "These are no longer science projects, are no longer things that are being confined to the lab. So with that mindset, across the range of activities that we're involved in, I think we're making headway in bridging that that valley." He noted that the Air Force is working with the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency on the Arrow program. Scientists in both organizations are working closely together and solving problems together and sharing information. At one time, the United States had the lead in hypersonic research. He noted the Air Force X-51 program, which last flew in 2013 and then was discontinued. It was a different world then, Lewis said, and the decision at the time was to not invest in the technology. "I think now we have leadership at all levels of the Pentagon but coming from the front office recognizing the importance of this technology, and realizing we need to put our foot on the proverbial gas," he said. "That's that's certainly what's driving this." What was once a walk in the park has become a race with near-peer competitors, Lewis said. "We kind of did the homework for the rest of the world," he said. U.S. researchers did the original work on hypersonics and early development. "And then, because we took our foot off the gas, other people were able to pick up on what we had done and build on our successes," he said. Those nations Russia and China most obviously recognized the importance of the technology and began their own programs. Now, the United States must not only build an offensive capability, but also must handle the defensive portion, Lewis said. "The defensive part is absolutely critical as we go forward," he added. "If I'm going to defend against hypersonic systems, there are a couple of key things that I need to do. The very first thing I need to do is to be able to detect a hypersonic weapon flying at me and respond quickly enough." DOD via the Space Development Agency is investing in this capability. Once detected, there must be a response. "Let me not get into specific weapon systems, but I can say that depending on the hypersonic weapon they each have their own responses," he said. "It is very difficult to stop a hypersonic weapon. That's why we want to pursue them. That's why our peer competitors are pursuing them. But it's not impossible." Some existing technologies may be used, he said, as may some technologies in development. "So there are answers, there are solutions, but it's definitely an area that we see a need for increased effort," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Oil eclipsed $40 a barrel in New York on Friday, extending a slow but relentless rise that's been fueled by a pick-up in demand and could signal a reawakening for U.S. shale production. Two of the world's biggest commodity trading houses, Vitol Group and Trafigura Group, said global oil demand is recovering at a rapid pace this month, while Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman also said he sees encouraging signs of a consumption recovery. The rally allows the industry some breathing room on its high debt burden, giving confidence to lenders and investors as U.S. shale seeks to rebuild after the worst price collapse in a generation. But with producers planning to turn on the taps once again, it could also be short-lived. "To a certain degree producers will come back," said Bob Yawger, director of the futures division at Mizuho Securities USA. "It's not the sweet spot by any stretch of the imagination," he added, but "people will come back." U.S. producer Continental Resources Inc. said this week it will start bringing back some of its shut-in oil production next month following EOG Resources Inc.'s pledge to accelerate output in the second half of the year. West Texas Intermediate crude prices for 2021 have traded above $40 for much of this week, a level that could entice producers to hedge their output. Timespreads are also showing strength. Brent crude's prompt spread is rallying after settling in backwardation -- a bullish indicator that points to tighter supply conditions -- on Thursday for the first time since early March. WTI's front-month spread also rose Friday. OPEC's deal with allies including Russia to curb production has also helped spur the price recovery. Even OPEC's habitual quota cheat, Iraq, said it will implement its cuts in full this month. UBS Group AG said it expects an under-supplied market in the second half of this year and in 2021. OPEC+ is "on the right track" to re-balance the global oil market but still has "a long way to go," Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said on Thursday at the group's Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee. He said the next two weeks will be "critical" for OPEC+ to demonstrate all countries are adhering to the cuts. Meanwhile, U.S. oil production has a ways to go to regain the momentum it had earlier this year when output topped 13 million barrels a day. Data from the Energy Information Administration this week showed output declined for an eleventh straight week to just above 10 million barrels a day last week. Though the outlook for crude has brightened in recent days, a potential resurgence of the virus is clouding the long-term outlook. Traffic in Beijing has plunged as authorities battle a fresh outbreak, while some U.S. states are still seeing cases surge. Crude also got a boost Friday from equity markets in Europe and the U.S., which gained following the latest breakthrough in trade negotiations between America and China and stimulus talks in Europe. Crude has been embroiled in equity-market sentiment for much of this week. "Oil prices find a lot of support in line with equity markets," said ABN Amro's senior energy economist, Hans van Cleef. "Risk-on mode is supportive for commodities." Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 21:28:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JOHANNESBURG, June 19 (Xinhua) -- South African Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula on Friday announced that 1.135 billion rand (about 65 million U.S. dollars) in relief has been allocated to the taxi industry to cushion the losses of thousands of taxis and their operators during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Government has offered the taxi industry a relief package of 1.135 billion rand. Reaching agreement within government for this relief support for the taxi industry was a difficult process that involved extensive lobbying and convincing the relevant authorities on the importance and need for this fund," Mbalula said on Friday. The government announced national lockdown as from March 26 which restricted the carrying capacity of taxis and their operating times. Mbalula emphasised that the funding was not compensation for loss of revenue as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, but rather assistance from government within the available resources and means. "Industries have fallen apart. Such industries should be saved if we can save them,"he said. "This relief must be equally looked at through a longterm view of the opportunity created by COVID-19 pandemic to achieve longterm sustainability of the industry through formalisation and ultimately, subsidisation." Enditem Actor Kangana Ranaut has made another video, speaking her mind about the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. In her latest, Kangana talks about how the media ganged up on her during the release of Manikarnika and the harm caused by blind items. Kangana began her video by calling Sushants death a murder, saying it was all planned by the movie mafia. Sushant was found hanging in his Bandra home on Sunday. The police has said that he died by suicide and was depressed. The Simran actor also quoted Sushants father, his ex-girlfriend Ankita Lokhande and filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor and even read out a few blind items published about Sushant by the media. She said that she never said anything when the media targeted her but confronted a journalist after they spoke against freedom fighter, referring to Rani Laxmi Bai. I have never spoken about all that has been written about me but when they wrote ill about a freedom fighter, I confronted that journalist. And that overnight four senior journalists made a guild against me and declared that my film should be banned, flopped, she said. Three thousand journalists ganged up against one girl and the society doesnt say anything, the law doesnt say anything. I tried to file a case against them but they disappeared a month later, my film released and they disappeared, she added. She also asked why such blind items are never written against nepo kids. Emotional, psychological, and mental lynching on an individual happens openly and we all are all guilty of watching it silently. Is blaming the system enough? Will there ever be change? Are we going to see a monumental shift in the narrative on how outsiders are treated, Kangana wrote with her video. Also read: Maharashtra minister Jitendra Awhad seeks probe in Sushant Singh Rajputs death: No newcomer should go through such torture In a video posted earlier this week, she spoke highly of Sushant and said a person holding ranks in engineering entrances cannot be weak-minded. Sushant Singh Rajputs demise has shaken us but there are people who are running a parallel narrative and saying that he committed suicide because he was depressed. How can a persons mind be weak if he holds ranks in engineering entrances? she asked. In his last interviews, he is clearly asking why is the industry not accepting him. He felt like a leftover. Do you feel that this does not hold importance in this incident (his demise), she asked. This was not a suicide but a planned murder. The only mistake that Sushant made was to succumb to their planning, she said. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON "What we're doing, we're obviously watching the India-China border dispute very closely," David Stilwell, the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific, said on Thursday while briefing reporters on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's meeting with Chinese Communist Party politburo member Yang Jiechi in Hawaii "This activity is similar to activity we've seen in the past on border disputes with the PRC (Peoples Republic of China). "The actions that we've seen out of the PRC of late - and you all know this as you watch the beat... have been not really constructive as we look at India, the South China Sea, Hong Kong issues, and just go around the perimeter," Stilwell said. He did not reply directly to a question from a reporter whether Washington had communicated any warnings about Beijing's actions, "especially regarding India", and if China had tried to draw "red lines for the US". He said that the US did not have an official position on China's motives behind heightening tensions recently. "I'm not going to offer an official US Government position on that, but there are some - numerous explanations out there for that," he said referring to media reports. According to several articles, Stilwell said: "One explanation for creating multiple fronts like this is an assessment in Beijing that the world is distracted and is focused entirely on survival, right, recovering from the corona pandemic, which then possibly is seen as an opportunity to take advantage of distraction." Stilwell, a former Air Force Brigadier General and adviser on Asia to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon, saw a pattern in China's actions against India. He pointed to the 2015 conflict on the eve of China's President Xi Jinping visit to India when he said "the PLA invaded this contested area deeper and longer, with more people, than ever before historically". More than 200 Chinese troops had entered Indian side of the Line of Actual Control in the Chumar sector of eastern Ladakh in an attempt to construct a road leading to a face-off between the two sides' forces. "Whether that was a negotiating tactic or a - just a punch in the nose to demonstrate their superiority, I don't know. But then we saw the Doklam issue down near Bhutan, where we saw similar concerns," he added. In 2017, there was a standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in Doklam when Chinese personnel intruded into Bhutan's territory to build a road. Stilwell said of Chinese intent: "I wish I knew. Again, we don't have a lot of visibility and we don't have a lot of open dialogue with our Chinese counterparts." On Wednesday, President Donald Trump's spokesperson Kayleigh McEnany said he was monitoring the situation along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh where 20 Indian military personnel were killed in a conflict with Chinese troops. "We extend our deepest condolences," she said. Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had discussed the situation along the India-China frontier in a phone call on June 2, she added. Besides the intrusions in Ladakh leading to a clash this month, China has been opening up several fronts while the world is dealing with the COVID-19 crisis caused by a virus originating in that country. There have been several incidents in the South China sea involving Vietnam and Malaysia, and Beijing has laid claims to Indonesian waters. China is also moving to further curb Hong Kong's autonomy by imposing a national security law. In the middle of these developments, Trump signed a law for sanctions against Chinese officials abusing the human rights of Uyghur Muslim minority. Beijing has threatened to "resolutely take countermeasures" for the US action. The tensions over trade and confrontations have increased with Trump accusing China of spreading the coronavirus by not alerting the world to it and taking action to stop its global contagion. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in) --IANS al/ksk/ Iranian officials initially denied responsibility and insisted the plane crashed as a result of a technical fault. Relatives of victims who died in the downing of the Ukrainian civilian airliner flight PS752 by Iranian missiles in January have claimed their loved ones' possession were "looted". In a press conference held online on Tuesday, 160 days after the tragedy, Hamed Esmaeilion, who lost his wife and nine-year-old daughter in the crash, said: "Our families' belongings were looted, and what was not looted was confiscated by Iranian officials. No one knows where my wife's wedding ring and my daughter's pink doll is; they have not been returned," MiddleEastMonitor reported. Esmaeilion said he lost his daughter's wristband, coat, carry on and both her Canadian and Iranian passports in the aftermath. Other families also lost possessions including laptops, mobile phones, according to Esmaeilion. "We have photos of Iranian officials just searching the bags and the luggage to find something. We do not know what they were doing," he said. Tackling how the possessions were lost, the Iranian-Canadian told the conference the crash site was razed with bulldozers, burnt and destroyed after the Ukrainian airliner was downed, before an investigation could take place. The Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 was downed by missiles fired the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on January 8, killing all 176 onboard. Read alsoPS752 downing: Ukraine releases intercepted tower communications proving Iran was aware of missile launch all along Iranian officials initially denied responsibility and insisted the plane crashed as a result of a technical fault. Days later, however, the Iranian military admitted it had shot down the plane, allegedly mistaking it for an incoming cruise missile. Victims' relatives speaking at the press conference also raised other unanswered questions, including why Iranian officials have failed to hand over the black boxes to investigators and have now claimed the boxes are damaged, despite initially stating they were intact. After "160 sleepless nights", families and supporters of the PS752 victims are demanding a plan for holding Iran to account. Coronavirus Outbreak Updates:Maharashtra, the worst-affected state, on Saturday recorded 160 deaths and the highest single-day rise of 3,874 new infections, pushing the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state to 1,28,205 and the toll to 5,984., said the state health department. Auto refresh feeds At least 3,066 patients have been discharged taking the COVID-19 recovery rate to 61.25 percent in the state. Of the total, there are 1,928 active cases while, nine deaths have been reported so far, said Sarma. At least 102 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Assam, taking the total number of infections to 5,006 on Saturday, ANI quoted health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as saying. The toll climbed to 2,035 after 66 more people succumbed to the viral disease in the past 24 hours. With 3,137 new positive cases, Delhi reported the highest number of COVID-19 infections in a single day taking the total in the National Capital to 53,116 on Saturday. At least nine patients have recovered so far. With 10 more people testing positive for COVID-19 in Mizoram, the total number of confirmed cases in the state rose to 140, informed the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Mizoram on Saturday. Of the total, there are 131 active coronavirus cases. He has been asked to respond to the notice within three days, reported ANI. Director of Directorate of Medical Education & Research, Maharashtra, issues show-cause notice to the Dean of a government hospital in Latur district for allegedly asking a COVID-19 patient to buy medicines from the market. "Delhi is reviewed regularly in the Ministry of Home Affairs and it was observed that 'home isolation' without physical contact to monitor the patients may be a reason for increase in spread of increase in COVID-19 infections in Delhi," Baijal said in a letter to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and top officials of the Delhi government. Blaming lack of "physical contact to monitor patients" during home isolation for the spurt of coronavirus cases in the National Capital, Baijal directed the authorities to conduct physical surveillance of those in self-quarantine. No COVID-19 patient must be allowed to undergo home isolation before mandatory five-day institutional quarantine, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal said in an order, prompting a sharp response from the Delhi government, which has been grappling with an acute shortage of hospital beds. While the COVID-19 toll in the city reached 3,423 after 114 patients succumbed ot the disease. Of 114 deaths, 55 deaths were recorded between 16-18 June and the remaining 59 were recorded before 15 June. Mumbai registered a total of 64,068 COVID-19 infections on Saturday after 1,269 more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). After 41 more individuals tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Jharkhand, the state's total confirmed cases reached 1,961 on Saturday. Of the total, there are 615 active coronavirus cases in the state. One more policeman died of COVID-19 in Mumbai on Friday, taking the number of casualties in Mumbai Police to 31. A total of 2,349 police personnel have contracted the disease so far in the city, ANI quoted Mumbai Police PRO, Pranay Ashok, as saying. With 375 more deaths in the past 24 hours, the COVID-19 toll across the nation jumped to 12,948. India registered 14,516 new COVID-19 infections for the first in a single day, taking the total confirmed cases over 3.9 lakh on Saturday, according to the latest data of the health ministry. Of the total 3,95,048 COVID-19 infections, there are 1,68,269 active cases across the nation, said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday. As many as 12948 deaths were recorded so far, taking the COVID-19 mortality rate to 3.3 percent. While, there are 1,68,269 active cases in the country of the total 3.95 lakh cases. The total number of COVID-19 recoveries in India was more than the active cases on Saturday. After 2,13,831 patients were cured of the viral infection, the COVID-19 recovery rate across the nation climbed to 54.13 percent. Modi will launch the scheme worth Rs 50,000 crore through video conference in presence of Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a massive rural public works scheme, the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan, on Saturday to create jobs for millions of migrant workers who returned home during the coronavirus pandemic. The programme will cover 116 districts across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha. All these districts have received more than 25,000 migrant workers during the lockdown. The campaign of 125 days across 116 districts in six states, the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan, aims to work in mission mode to help migrant workers. "His latest CT scan report shows that the pneumonia patches in his lungs have increased. He experienced increased giddiness and tiredness today. The advice of doctors will be followed," Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said. The minister is experiencing difficulty in breathing and is running high fever. He has also developed pneumonia. Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain, who tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday, has been shifted to a private hospital and will be given plasma therapy, doctors said. "As per our calculation, Delhi needs 15,000 beds by 30 June but after this order, now we need 90,000 beds by the end of the month. From where will we get 90,000 beds?" said AAP MLA Raghav Chadha after Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal ordered to make five-day institutional quarantine mandatory for COVID-19 patients. The Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan, a rural public works scheme, will involve intensified and focused implementation of 25 different types of works to provide jobs and create infrastructure in the rural regions of the country with a resource envelope of Rs 50,000 crore. Rajasthan reported 158 COVID-19 cases till 10.30 am on Saturday, taking total number of cases to 14,314 out of which 2,860 cases are active. Number of deaths due to the disease stood at 333, said the state health department. Migrant workers who have returned to Bihar are now wiling to stay back in their native places hence, it is important to create employment opportunities for them, said Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar said during the launch of Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan on Saturday. More than 20 lakh people came to Bihar via trains and we made arrangements for them in quarantine centres in every district, said Kumar. During the lockdown, I interacted through video conference with labourers in different districts after they returned to Bihar. I felt that they don't want to go to other states for work, said Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar during the launch of 'Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan' on Saturday. The nation is proud of the sacrifice made by the Indian Army soldiers in Ladakh. Today when I am speaking to people of Bihar, I will say the valour was of Bihar Regiment, every Bihari is proud of it. I pay tributes to those who laid down their lives for the nation, said Narendra Modi during the launch of Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan on Saturday. Of the total, there are 1,543 active cases in the state. With 179 more people testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Odisha, the total number of confirmed cases climbed to 4,856 on Saturday, said the state health department. "Ending home isolation is against ICMR guidelines and will create chaos in Delhi," said Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia. The Delhi government will oppose Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal's order to end home isolation of COVID-19 patients in the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) meeting scheduled for 12 pm on Saturday. After the death of a 60-year-old COVID-19 patient in Puri district, the toll in Odisha climbed to 12 on Saturday, said state health department. 179 more people tested positive for the viral disease, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 4,856. "COVID-19 is a huge menace, the whole world has been shaken by it but you stood tall. The way India's villages have fought coronavirus, it has taught a lesson even to the cities," said Modi. During the launch of the Rs 50,000-crore employment scheme for migrant workers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded the efforts of the villages in its attempt to curb the fast-spreading novel coronavirus. Under the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan, for the development of villages, Rs 50,000 crores will be spent to give you employment. With this amount, about 25 work areas have been identified for employment in villages, for development works, said Narendra Modi on Saturday. The whole world was affected by Corona, but you stood firm. The way coronavirus has been fought in the villages of India, it has also given a big lesson to the cities, said the prime minister. In a country with more than 6 lakh villages, which is over two-thirds of India's population, you have effectively prevented the infection of coronavirus in rural India, said Narendra Modi on Saturday. "It is our endeavour that workers get jobs near home; till now you were developing cities, now you will help your village," he said. Talking about the role of rural India in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "The way villages have fought coronavirus has taught big lesson to cities. Whether someone acknowledges your work or not, I hail your contribution in fighting coronavirus." He said this will make people evade testing which will further increase the spread of infection, ANI quoted sources as saying. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday opposed L-G Anil Baijal's decision of five-day compulsory institutional quarantine for COVID-19 patients at the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) meeting. "There is already a shortage of healthcare staff, how will it be possible to arrange doctors and nurses for thousands of patients at quarantine centres," said Kejriwal. Opposing Lt Governor Anil Baijal's order to "scrap" home isolation, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said when the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is allowing home-isolation for asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic cases across the country, then why different rules are being implemented in Delhi. As many as 131 COVID-19 patients were cured of the viral infection. Puducherry recorded 52 fresh cases of COVID-19, taking total number of infections to 338 on Saturday, said the health department. So far, seven deaths have been recorded in the Union Territory. Another meeting will be held at 5 pm on Saturday to further discuss the issue, said Sisodia. A consensus could not be reached at the SDMA meeting on rates of beds at private hospitals and Delhi L-G's order of ending home isolation, said deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Saturday. With this, the state added highest single-day deaths in the state till date. Punjab recorded 217 fresh COVID-19 cases on Friday, pushing the total to 3,832, and reported nine more death, taking the toll to 92, according to an official statement. Of the 217 fresh cases, Jalandhar recorded 79 cases and Amritsar 35. The state health department said 2,636 patients had so far recovered, and the number of active cases stood at 1,104. The COVID-19 patients who died in Punjab were from Amritsar, Moga, Barnala, Sangrur, Jalandhar, Patiala and Tarn Taran districts. "Currently, there are more than 10,000 people under home isolation and there are only 6,000 beds at quarantine centres, where will we accommodate all the people?," said Manish Sisodia, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that if home isolation ended in the National Capital for asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic COVID-19 cases then there will be chaos. Each tablet is priced at Rs 103. It will be available at hospitals and at chemist shops and will be sold under medical prescription. Glenmark Pharma's antiviral drug Favipiravir (branded as FabiFlu) for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 patients in India is expected to be available from Saturday evening. The fresh cases raised the virus count in the northeastern state to 135 on Friday, the official said. Arunachal Pradesh registered its highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases as 32 more people tested positive for it, a senior health official said on Saturday. Most of the 27 COVID-19 patients in Daman are factory workers who cross the border to work in industrial units at Vapi in neighbouring Gujarat and vice versa, the officials said. The number of COVID-19 positive patients in Daman district of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu has gone up to 27 with eight fresh cases, following which the administration has sealed the districts border with Gujarat border for a few days, officials said on Saturday. According to the report , Shenashishs mother-in-law and father-in-law were also diagnosed with the virus last week. Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly's family members have tested positive for Coronavirus. Snehashish Ganguly, the secretary of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and Souravs elder brother, has been infected by COVID-19, the health state department said on Friday. Also, Snehashish's wife has been infected with the virus. Odisha also recorded 179 new cases of the respiratory ailment, including 18 disaster response personnel, he said. "Regret to report the death of a 60-year-old COVID positive male of Puri district while under treatment at hospital," the Health and Family Welfare Department said in a statement. "The deceased was also suffering for long from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease," it said. A 60-year-old man from Puri district became the latest COVID-19 fatality in Odisha, raising the death toll due to the contagion in the state to 12, a health department official said on Saturday. With another death, the COVID-19 toll in the police force climbed to 46. So far, 2,925 cops have been cured of the infectious disease. In the past 48 hours, at least 140 fresh coronavirus cases were reported among police personnel, taking the total number of confirmed infections to 3,960 on Saturday, ANI quoted Maharashtra Police as saying. Close to 2,75,000 Indians, who were stranded in foreign countries, have been brought back to the country in flights and ships during the lockdown, said Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday. "Any suggestion that international traffic has opened up and we are the only one not to open up needs reality check. The exact time when we will resume international flight depends on the other countries to be open to receive flights," said the aviation minister. Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday said that repatriation flights under managed and controlled conditions will continue until there's an absence of decision in resuming international flights by other countries. In the third and fourth phases of Vande Bharat Mission, 750 repatriation flights will be operated by domestic private carriers to bring back stranded Indians from foreign countries, said Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday. "Out of 1000 beds, 300 are ICU beds with oxygen supply and other facilities. It will be operational by the end of June," BMC said. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set up a special COVID-19 hospital with 1,000 beds in Richardson and Cruddas (engineering company) premises in Mumbai's Byculla. Tamil Nadu reports 2,396 fresh COVID19 cases and 38 deaths today, taking the total number of cases to 56,845, reports ANI quoting the state health department. According to the latest update, there are 24,822 active cases now in the state while the toll has touched 704. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority has approved recommendations of the high-level expert committee to fix rates of beds for COVID-19 patients. Rates for isolation beds,ICUs without and with ventilator in hospitals are capped at Rs 8000-10000,13000-15000 and15000-18000,respectively, ANI quotes Delhi LG Anil Baijal as saying. 136 deaths and 1,197 new coronavirus positive cases were reported in Mumbai today, taking the total number of such cases to 65,265. The death toll is at 3,559, reports ANI quoting the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. A stenographer in Delhi cabinet minister Rajendra Pal Gautam's office died due to coronavirus, an official told PTI on Saturday.. Ashok Kumar (48), a resident of Ashok Vihar breathed his last at Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital on Friday afternoon, the official said. Kumar had a fever and was put on a ventilator two days ago. His younger brother had died of the deadly infection on June 7, the official said. Kumar's wife and son have also tested positive for coronavirus. Telangana reports 546 new cases, taking the total number of cases to 7,072. Death count stands at 203 after five more fatalities reported today, reports ANI quoting the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, Telangana. The number of COVID-19 cases in Chhattisgarh increased to 2,076 after 49 people, including four ITBP and three CRPF troopers, tested positive for novel coronavirus on Saturday, a health official said. An elderly COVID-19 patient died due to comorbidity at a hospital \, taking the number of coronavirus fatalities in the state to 11, he said. As many as 63 patients were discharged as well during the day, he added. The Punjab government will cap the hospitalisation and treatment charges for coronavirus patients in private hospitals and those not adhering to it will be shut down, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said on Saturday. The fee structure for private hospitals and clinics is expected to be finalised by Monday, he said during his #AskCaptain session on Facebook. Maharashtra, the worst-affected state, on Saturday recorded 160 deaths and the highest single-day rise of 3,874 new infections, pushing the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state to 1,28,205 and the toll to 5,984, reports ANI quoting the state health department. The Karnataka government on Saturday issued an order notifying private empaneled hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients, reports PTI, Pointing out that a total of 518 private medical colleges or hospitals throughout the state are empaneled under the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka scheme (ABArK), a note by the state health department said they are permitted to admit and treat COVID-19 patients as per the government protocol and criteria. Bengaluru has 44 such medical colleges or hospitals. The US National Institutes of Health said on Saturday it has halted a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The study found that hydroxychloroquine, which President Donald Trump has frequently touted a possible treatment, did not provide any benefit to the patients, even though it did no harm, NIH said in a statement. Delhi reports highest single-day spike of 3,630 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number of such infections in the National Capital to 56,746. Death toll rises to 2,112 with 77 deaths today, reports ANI. the highest rise in a single day, a health official said on Saturday. The number of COVID-19 cases now stands at 15,004, while the death toll reached 584 after 15 people lost their lives to the infection during this period, he added. The number of coronavirus positive cases in Pune district in Maharashtra crossed the 15,000- mark after 823 people tested positive in the last 24 hours, Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: Maharashtra, the worst-affected state, on Saturday recorded 160 deaths and the highest single-day rise of 3,874 new infections, pushing the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state to 1,28,205 and the toll to 5,984., said the state health department. 136 deaths and 1,197 new coronavirus positive cases were reported in Mumbai today, taking the total number of such cases to 65,265. The death toll is at 3,559, reports ANI quoting the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. Gujarat High Court has ordered that the Jagannath Rath Yatra that was scheduled to take place on 23 June in Ahmedabad will not be held in view of the coronavirus pandemic. The state reported 539 new COVID-19 cases and 20 deaths on Saturday, taking the case count to 26,737 and fatalities to 1,639. During the last 24 hours, a total of 9,120 COVID-19 patients have been cured, taking the total number of recoveries to 2,13,830, stated a PIB release quoting updates from the Union health ministry. The recovery rate is 54.13 percent, it said, adding that there are 1,68,269 active cases and all are under active medical supervision. Tamil Nadu reports 2,396 fresh COVID19 cases and 38 deaths today, taking the total number of cases to 56,845, reports ANI quoting the state health department. Delhi LG Anil Baijal has withdrawn the order mandating five-days institutional quarantine for COVID-19 patients in the National Capital, said reports. "Regarding institutional isolation, only those COVID positive cases which do not require hospitalisation on clinical assessment and do not have adequate facilities for home isolation would be required to undergo institutional isolation," he said on Twitter. The Andhra Pradesh government has decided not to conduct 10 class exams in the wake of COVID-19, ANI quotes State Education Minister Adimulapu Suresh as saying. The exams were scheduled to be held from 10 July. Close to 2,75,000 Indians, who were stranded in foreign countries, have been brought back to the country in flights and ships during the lockdown, said Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday. In the past 48 hours, at least 140 fresh coronavirus cases were reported among police personnel, taking the total number of confirmed infections to 3,960 on Saturday, ANI quoted Maharashtra Police as saying. With another death, the COVID-19 toll in the police force climbed to 46. So far, 2,925 cops have been cured of the infectious disease. Glenmark Pharma's antiviral drug favipiravir (branded as FabiFlu) for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 patients in India is expected to be available from Saturday evening. Each tablet is priced at Rs 103. It will be available at hospitals and at chemist shops and will be sold under medical prescription. Punjab recorded 217 fresh COVID-19 cases on Friday, pushing the total to 3,832, and reported nine more death, taking the toll to 92, according to an official statement. With this, the state added highest single-day deaths in the state till date. A consensus could not be reached at the SDMA meeting on rates of beds at private hospitals and Delhi L-G's order of ending home isolation, said deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Saturday. Another meeting will be held at 5 pm on Saturday to further discuss the issue, said Sisodia. Opposing Lt Governor Anil Baijal's order to "scrap" home isolation, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said when the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is allowing home-isolation for asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic cases across the country, then why different rules are being implemented in Delhi. "There is already a shortage of healthcare staff, how will it be possible to arrange doctors and nurses for thousands of patients at quarantine centres," said Kejriwal. Under the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan, for the development of villages, Rs 50,000 crores will be spent to give you employment. With this amount, about 25 work areas have been identified for employment in villages, for development works, said Narendra Modi on Saturday. During the lockdown, I interacted through video conference with labourers in different districts after they returned to Bihar. I felt that they don't want to go to other states for work, said Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar during the launch of 'Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan' on Saturday. More than 20 lakh people came to Bihar via trains and we made arrangements for them in quarantine centres in every district, said Kumar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a massive rural public works scheme, the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan, on Saturday to create jobs for millions of migrant workers who returned home during the coronavirus pandemic. Modi will launch the scheme worth Rs 50,000 crore through video conference in presence of Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi. The total number of COVID-19 recoveries in India was more than the active cases on Saturday. After 2,13,831 patients were cured of the viral infection, the COVID-19 recovery rate across the nation climbed to 54.13 percent. While, there are 1,68,269 active cases in the country of the total 3.95 lakh cases. India registered 14,516 new COVID-19 infections for the first in a single day, taking the total confirmed cases over 3.9 lakh on Saturday, according to the latest data of the health ministry. With 375 more deaths in the past 24 hours, the COVID-19 toll across the nation jumped to 12,948. One more policeman died of COVID-19 in Mumbai on Friday, taking the number of casualties in Mumbai Police to 31. A total of 2,349 police personnel have contracted the disease so far in the city, ANI quoted Mumbai Police PRO, Pranay Ashok, as saying. No COVID-19 patient must be allowed to undergo home isolation before mandatory five-day institutional quarantine, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal said in an order, prompting a sharp response from the Delhi government, which has been grappling with an acute shortage of hospital beds. Blaming lack of "physical contact to monitor patients" during home isolation for the spurt of coronavirus cases in the National Capital, Baijal directed the authorities to conduct physical surveillance of those in self-quarantine. "Delhi is reviewed regularly in the Ministry of Home Affairs and it was observed that 'home isolation' without physical contact to monitor the patients may be a reason for increase in spread of increase in COVID-19 infections in Delhi," Baijal said in a letter to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and top officials of the Delhi government. The number of coronavirus cases in India rose by 13,586 pushing the nationwide tally to 3,80,532, while the toll rose to 12,573 with 336 new fatalities, according to the Union health ministry data. On the other hand, the number of recoveries reached 2,04,710, while there are a total of 1,63,248 active cases, according to the updated official figure at 8 am. "Thus, around 53.79 percent patients have recovered so far," an official was quoted as saying by PTI. India is the fourth worst-hit nation by the pandemic after the US, Brazil and Russia. According to the Johns Hopkins University, which has been compiling COVID-19 data from all over the world, India is at the eighth position in terms of the death toll. According to health ministry's data, of the 336 new deaths reported till Friday morning, 100 were in Maharashtra, 65 in Delhi, 49 in Tamil Nadu, 31 in Gujarat, 30 in Uttar Pradesh, 12 each in Karnataka and West Bengal, 10 in Rajasthan, six in Jammu and Kashmir, five in Punjab, four each in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, three in Telangana, two in Andhra Pradesh and one each in Assam, Jharkhand and Kerala. Of the total 12,573 deaths, Maharashtra accounted for the highest 5,751 fatalities followed by Delhi with 1,969 deaths, Gujarat with 1,591, Tamil Nadu with 625, West Bengal with 518, Madhya Pradesh with 486, Uttar Pradesh with 465, Rajasthan with 323 and Telangana with 195 deaths. The COVID-19 death toll reached 134 in Haryana, 114 in Karnataka, 92 in Andhra Pradesh, 83 in Punjab, 71 in Jammu and Kashmir, 44 in Bihar, 26 in Uttarakhand, 21 in Kerala and 11 in Odisha. Jharkhand has registered 11 deaths, Chhattisgarh 10, Assam 9, Himachal Pradesh 8, Puducherry 7, Chandigarh 6 while Meghalaya, Tripura and Ladakh have reported 1 fatality each, according to the Health Ministry. More than 70 percent deaths took place due to comorbidities, the ministry said. India has witnessed a surge of 1,89,997 infections from 1 to 19 June with Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh among the top five states that have seen a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases. Maharashtra has reported maximum number of cases at 1,20,504 followed by Tamil Nadu at 52,334, Delhi at 49,979, Gujarat at 25,601, Uttar Pradesh at 15,181, Rajasthan at 13,857 and West Bengal at 12,735, according to the Health Ministry's data. The number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 11,426 in Madhya Pradesh, 9,218 in Haryana, 7,944 in Karnataka, 7,518 in Andhra Pradesh and 7,025 in Bihar. It has risen to 6,027 in Telangana, 5,555 in Jammu and Kashmir, 4,777 in Assam and 4,512 in Odisha. Punjab has reported 3,615 novel coronavirus cases so far, while Kerala has 2,794 cases. A total of 2,102 people have been infected by the virus in Uttarakhand, 1,946 in Chhattisgarh, 1,920 in Jharkhand, 1,155 in Tripura, 705 in Goa, 687 in Ladakh, 606 in Manipur and 595 in Himachal Pradesh. Chandigarh has registered 374 COVID-19 cases, Puducherry has 271 cases, Nagaland has 193, Mizoram has 130, Arunachal Pradesh has 103, Sikkim has 70, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu together have reported 58 COVID-19 cases. Meghalaya and Andaman and Nicobar Islands have registered 44 infections each so far. "Our figures are being reconciled with the ICMR," the ministry said, adding 8,927 cases are being reassigned to states. State-wise distribution is subject to further verification and reconciliation, it added. Delhi health minister's condition deteriorates Additionally, Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain was admitted to the ICU after being diagnosed with pneumonia. He had tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday along with AAP MLA Atishi and two senior functionaries in the Delhi government. An official statement was quoted by News18 as saying that Jain "has been put on oxygen support after his lung infection worsened". "Jain has been shifted to Saket's Max Hospital, where he will be administered plasma therapy for COVID-19," the report added. MHA caps cost of isolation beds in Delhi pvt hospitals Meanwhile, a high-powered committee set up by Home Minister Amit Shah recommended fixing the cost of an COVID-19 isolation bed in private hospitals in Delhi in the range of Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 and an ICU bed with ventilator at Rs 15,000-Rs 18,000 per day, the Home Ministry said on Friday. The committee, under the chairmanship of NITI Aayog member VK Paul, was constituted on Sunday to ensure the availability of 60 percent beds by private hospitals at lower rates and fix the rate of coronavirus testing and treatment. "The committee has recommended Rs 8,000-10,000, Rs 13,000-15,000 and Rs 15,000-18,000 including PPE costs for isolation bed, ICUs without and with ventilator, respectively, to all hospitals as compared to the current charges of Rs 24,000-25,000, 34,000-43,000 and 44,000-54,000 (excluding PPE cost)," the spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs tweeted. The spokesperson said the committee was set up by Shah to provide relief to the common man in the national capital and to fix rates charged by private hospitals in Delhi for isolation beds, ICUs without ventilator support and ICUs with ventilator support. The Delhi government has also capped the rate of COVID-19 RT-PCR test at Rs 2,400 with the city witnessing an alarming spurt in coronavirus cases. SC asks Centre to fix uniform testing rate in all states The Supreme Court Friday took note of the differences in COVID-19 testing charges in various states and asked the Centre to decide on the issue, and said all states should set up panel of experts to inspect hospitals to ensure proper care of the patients. A bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan, SK Kaul and MR Shah, which would pass the order later, observed during the hearing that there should be uniformity in COVID-19 testing charge in all states. It indicated, however, that the court will not venture into the fixation of the charges which will be taken care of by the Centre. It said the court may also consider passing an order for installation of CCTVs in hospitals to ensure monitoring of patient care. Additionally, the apex court also directed the Centre to ensure that migrant workers wanting to return to their home states before the deadline of 24 June. The court reiterated that those travelling should not be asked to pay any part of the fare. DGCI approves restricted use of antiviral drug Favipiravir In the meantime, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) on Friday approved restricted use of antiviral drug Favipiravir for COVID-19 treatment. According to News18, the DCGI's directions for the use of Favipiravir stipulate that it "can be used only in case of emergency and family consent will be mandatory. Course duration is 14 days and conditions of the first 1,000 patients will be monitored". Glenmark will conduct phase 3 clinical trials of Favipiravir with 150 patients, the report added. WHO says COVID-19 vaccine likely by year-end The World Health Organisation's chief scientist, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, on Thursday said that the agency is optimistic and hopeful that the COVID-19 vaccines could be available before the end of this year. Addressing a press briefing from Geneva on the latest coronavirus drug trial findings, the top WHO scientist also said that clinical trials have now definitively shown that anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine does not have an impact on preventing deaths from COVID-19. "I'm hopeful, I'm optimistic, but vaccine development is a complex undertaking and comes with a lot of uncertainty. The good thing is we have many different vaccine candidates and platforms," she said, adding that WHO's focus is also on accelerating and scaling up a potential vaccine. "If we are lucky, there will be one or two successful candidates before the end of this year," she said. There are about 10 candidates which are in human testing phase and at least three of them are entering the new promising phase-three stage which proves a vaccine's efficacy. Global scenario on COVID-19 Globally, the pandemic is waxing and waning in many places, with numbers of cases soaring in Indonesia, Brazil and Mexico (besides India) but appearing to be under control or contained in Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and New Zealand. On Friday, Britain, which has Europes highest pandemic toll with more than 42,000 virus-related deaths and over 300,000 confirmed cases, lowered its coronavirus threat level one notch Friday, becoming the latest country to claim it's getting a national outbreak under control. Meanwhile, Germany reported the country's highest daily increase in virus cases in a month after managing to contain its outbreak better than comparable large European nations. The Robert Koch Institute, Germany's disease control center, listed 770 new confirmed cases, taking the country's total to 188,534. Japan released an app Friday, using technology developed by Apple and Google, to help trace people who may have been exposed to the virus. Officials say data will only be recorded and stored in individual users' phones and deleted after 14 days to protect their privacy. Singaporeans were able to wine and dine at restaurants, work out at the gym and socialise with up to five people at a time as of Friday, after the city-state removed most of its pandemic lockdown restrictions. China declared a fresh outbreak in Beijing under control after confirming 25 new cases among some 360,000 people tested. That was up by just four from a day earlier. In South Korea, outbreaks have inspired second-guessing on whether officials were too quick to ease social distancing guidelines in April after a first wave of infections waned. Officials reported 49 cases of COVID-19 on Friday as the virus continues to spread in the densely populated capital area of Seoul, where half of its 51 million people live. About 30 to 50 new cases have been confirmed per day since late May. The novel coronavirus has infected more than 85 lakh people worldwide and killed more than 4,54,000, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University. The actual number is thought to be much higher because many cases are asymptomatic or go untested. In the United States, which has reported the most confirmed cases at nearly 22 lakh, states have pushed ahead with emerging from full or partial pandemic shutdowns despite surges in new cases in many places, including Texas, Oklahoma, Florida and California. Aid group Doctors without Borders said Friday that at least 10 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed at one of the worlds largest refugee camps, the sprawling Dadaab complex in Kenya. With inputs from agencies Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - To assist Gambia fight the Covid-19 disease, the Chinese government has donated 10,032 test kits, 10,000 protective face masks for medical use, 100,000 surgical face masks, 5,000 disposable protective clothing, 3,000 disposable medical goggles, 3,000 disposable surgical gloves and 3,000 disposable shoe covers to the government of Gambia Germany has reported its highest daily increase in coronavirus cases in a month after managing to contain its outbreak better than comparable large European nations. The Robert Koch Institute, Germanys disease control centre, listed 770 new confirmed cases, taking the countrys total to 188,534. A flurry of positive tests this week from an outbreak at a slaughterhouse in the western region of Guetersloh contributed the biggest daily increase since May 20. The German government has stuck to its course of gradually reopening the country while seeking to clamp down swiftly on localised outbreaks. Employees stand outside the headquarters of abattoir company Toennies in Rheda-Wiedenbrueck, from which an outbreak occurred and increased positive virus cases A free app launched on Tuesday to help trace people who may have been exposed to the virus has already been downloaded 9.6 million times in Germany, which has a population of 83 million. Japan released a similar app on Friday, also using technology developed by Apple and Google. Officials say data will only be recorded and stored in individual users phones and deleted after 14 days to protect their privacy. We hope a widespread use of this app will lead to prevention of infections, Japanese health minister Katsunobu Kato said. China declared a fresh outbreak in Beijing under control after confirming 25 new cases among 360,000 people tested. That was up by just four from a day earlier. A Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention official said the number of cases was expected to fall soon in the outbreak centred on Beijings main wholesale market. The capital has confirmed 183 new cases over the past week. New daily coronavirus deaths in Germany, the country has been seeing a steady decline in the number of daily deaths The 25 new cases reported on Friday in Beijing were among 32 nationwide in China, four among Chinese residents who had returned from overseas. The pandemic is waxing and waning in many places, with cases soaring in Indonesia and India, Brazil and Mexico but appearing to be under control or contained in Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and New Zealand. India recorded 13,586 newly confirmed cases on Friday, raising its total to 380,532, but shops, factories and places of worship have been allowed to reopen while schools and cinemas remain closed. Infections surged in rural areas after hundreds of thousands of migrant workers left cities after losing jobs in a lockdown announced in late March. Such precautions are now restricted to high-risk containment zones. In South Korea, outbreaks have inspired second-guessing on whether officials were too quick to ease social distancing guidelines in April after a first wave of infections waned. New daily coronavirus cases in Germany, June 17 saw 345 new daily cases and 30 daily deaths Officials reported 49 cases on Friday as the virus continued to spread in the densely populated capital area of Seoul, where half of its 51 million people live. About 30 to 50 new cases have been confirmed per day since late May. Singaporeans were able to wine and dine at restaurants, work out at the gym and socialise with up to five people at a time from Friday, after the city-state removed most of its lockdown restrictions. Coronavirus has infected more than 8.5 million people worldwide and killed over 454,000, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University. In the US, which has reported the most confirmed cases at nearly 2.2 million, states have pushed ahead with emerging from full or partial shutdowns despite surges in new cases in many places, including Texas, Oklahoma, Florida and California. Aid group Doctors without Borders said at least 10 cases had been confirmed at one of the worlds largest refugee camps, the sprawling Dadaab complex in Kenya. Humanitarian organisations have warned that the virus could have devastating impacts on crowded refugee camps, especially as travel restrictions have made the delivery of aid increasingly difficult. US Senator Amy Klobuchar effectively pulled herself out of contention to be Democratic presidential candidate Joe Bidens running mate on Thursday, saying she felt that the historic moment required picking a woman of color. This is a moment to put a woman of color on that ticket, and there are so many incredible qualified women, she said in an interview on MSNBC. If you want to heal this nation right now my party, yes, but our nation this is sure a hell of a way to do it. Biden, who will take on Republican President Donald Trump in the November 3 election, is under pressure to pick a black woman as his understudy as racial tensions flare over instances of police brutality, including the videotaped death last month of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes. Klobuchars record as the top prosecutor for the Minnesota county that includes Minneapolis, where Floyd died, came under scrutiny. Some Democrats took issue with her record on police misconduct and other prosecutions. Klobuchar, who competed against Biden for the partys presidential nomination before endorsing him, said she spoke with Biden on Wednesday night. Biden late on Thursday praised Klobuchars grit and determination on Twitter and said that with your help, were going to beat Donald Trump. Biden has already promised to pick a woman as his running mate, and several black candidates are on his short list, including Senator Kamala Harris and Representative Val Demings. He has also considered candidates of other backgrounds, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, who is white. Some African-American leaders and activists have said that a black woman on the ticket would help demonstrate to black voters, a crucial component of the Democratic base, that Biden is committed to addressing issues such as criminal justice reform and police misconduct. An are located in the southeastern region of Austin, Texas has Elon Musk's Tesla targeting it. They are planning to construct a site for a base of production for the Tesla Cybertruck. Tesla has filed an application with a Travis County school district in Austin seeking a tax abatement. This information was found in publicly-filed documents. Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced this March that the company would start looking for a site to construct a factory that can produce its in-development Cybertruck, as well as Model Y crossovers for Tesla customers on the East Coast. What Did Tesla's Filing Say? According to the filing, Tesla is looking closely at the possibility of the construction of an electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Texas county Travis County. They are considering a site that's more than two thousand acres big and the site is currently a facility for ready-mix concrete that's owned by Martin Marietta Materials Inc. If everything is approved, the construction of the site will start on this year's third quarter. The almost 5 million square feet wide production facility would have 5 thousand job openings for workers. It will become the fourth vehicle assembly plant of Tesla. The first vehicle assembly plant is located in Fremont, California, which Tesla bought from Toyota Motor Corporation during the global financial crisis for more than $40 million. Tesla's second vehicle assembly plant is located in Shanghai's outskirts, where it produces Tesla Model 3 sedans. The third vehicle assembly plant is located near Berlin, and it's where they're planning to produce vehicles next year. There were eight states that were initially considered to be a suitable contender and there were incentive packages that were given ahead of the decision of which ones to select. Since then, the search has been narrowed. Read Also: [ANALYSIS] Should You Believe Elon Musk When He Says Tesla Cars are the Safest? Here are the Facts! Tesla Needs A Tax Abatement The filing mentioned that their current target states were Texas and Oklahoma. Tesla claims that winning the school tax abatement from the school district of Del Valle will affect the decision of where the plant will be located. Texas has a high amount of real and personal property taxes compared to other states, which makes the tax abatement especially vital. Sean Kouplen, the Secretary of Commerce of Oklahoma, mentioned that Tulsa is still hunting for the assembly plant. According to Kouplen, they put together an incentive package that they claimed is compelling, well-balanced, and responsible. They are hoping they can attract Tesla to have their plant in Oklahoma. Elon Musk declaring that Tesla would build a Cybertruck plant prompted many offers from states and cities across the United States of America hoping to get the manufacturing project built in their locality. This is similar to what happened in 2014, where they made an announcement that they had a plan to build a large battery factory. Nevada is where Tesla built the massive battery factory after an incentive package of $1.3 was offered. Elon Musk threatened to move the Tesla headquarters and other future programs to Nevada or Texas after a California county hindered Tesla's reopening of the factory on Fremont in the middle of the global COVID-19 pandemic. A few days after Musk threatened to move, Tesla restarted production and defied county health officials in the process. The Cybertruck plant that's currrently being planned would fulfill one of Elon Musk's long-time ambitions. In a blog post from 2016, Musk mentioned that Tesla's line-up would cover all major types of terrestrial transport. Pickup trucks are a form of terrestrial transport. Read Also: Tesla Rival Nikola's Debut Truck Isn't As Great As Milton Said It Was Supposed To Be Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s Sanajaoba Leishemba, who is Manipurs titular king, won the lone Rajya Sabha seat from the state on Friday by securing 28 votes amid an ongoing power tussle between the two parties following the defections of nine lawmakers from the governing coalition on Wednesday. Leishemba defeated Congresss T Mangibabu. Leishemba sailed through after Manipur assembly speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh allowed four of the seven lawmakers, who had defected from the Congress to BJP after the 2017 polls, to vote but barred the three others. The Manipur high court had on June 9 barred the seven from entering the assembly until the speaker took a call on the disqualification proceedings against them. On Thursday, the high court asked the speaker not to decide on their cases till Friday. A Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator, who was among those who withdrew support to the BJP on Wednesday, was also not allowed to vote, forcing his to move the high court against it. The 60-member Manipur assemblys strength was reduced to 59 after BJP lawmaker Thounaojam Shyamkumar Singh, who had defected to the Congress in 2017, resigned after a Supreme Court order. On Friday, 52 of the 59 voted. The polling ended at 4 pm, but the counting of votes started around 8:30 pm as the Congress complained about the irregularities during the voting process and the Election Commission (EC) took time to look into them. The Congress has asked the EC to reject votes of two lawmakers, including that of the speaker, for violating polling norms. Chief Minister N Biren Singh thanked the people of Manipur and everyone who took part in the election. We are very happy to elect our titular king as a Rajya Sabha Member, he said. He added they got 28 of the 52 votes polled and added the result shows the BJP-led government has the majority to stay in power. Leishemba said Rajya Sabha would give him a good platform to work for Manipur and its people. The Congress on Thursday staked a claim for form the next government in Manipur after three BJP lawmakers resigned and six others withdrew their support to the ruling coalition. A delegation of the newly-formed Congress-led Secular Progressive Front (SPF) met Manipur governor Najma Heptullah on Friday to seek a special assembly session for a trust vote. Today, Congress has 24 MLAs [members of legislative assembly] while the BJP has only 18. Therefore, to uphold democracy, a trust vote is needed soon, said Manipur Congress spokesperson Ningombam Bupenda Meitei. Former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, former Manipur Congress president Gaikhangam and National Peoples Party (NPP) leader Y Joykumar Singh were also a part of the delegation. Okram Ibobi Singh wrote to Heptullah on Thursday, saying they have moved a no-confidence while calling for the session at the shortest possible time to vote on it. He wrote alternatively, since the present ministry is in minority, it may be dismissed outright. He appended letters of support from other members of SPF20 from Congress, four from NPP, one TMC, and an independent lawmaker. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A former Fred Meyer employee who says he was fired from a Portland, Ore., store after he complained about a pattern of racism has filed a $2 million lawsuit against the grocery store chain. Michael Mangum, who is 26 and African American, says in his lawsuit filed this week that he and other employees complained to higher ups, but Fred Meyer retaliated by ending his employment, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. Mangum worked in the produce department of the Interstate store from 2014 to 2019, according to his suit. Among other racist comments, Mangums suit says his manager had commented to him that the African American shoppers were buying up the watermelons and collard greens and when he saw black women shopping he would tell Mangum that his mother was in the store, according to the lawsuit. The manager said it was a joke, according to an investigation by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. The state agency sided with Mangum finding substantial evidence that Mangum was subjected to increased scrutiny after he complained and that Mangum was terminated as a result. A spokesman for Fred Meyer and Kroger, the stores parent company, didnt return requests for comment. But in a response to BOLI, Fred Meyer said it gave the manager a verbal warning about one comment. The BOLI investigator found that Fred Meyers response to the manager or at least the file documenting the companys response was lacking. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed issued a proclamation encouraging Alabamians to use Juneteenth as a day for remembrance and reconciliation. Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19 in recognition of the day in 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger announced the end of the Civil War and of slavery in Galveston, Texas. President Lincoln had declared an end to slavery in the Confederate states with the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, but many slaves remained in captivity after that. Congressional Research Service fact sheet on Juneteenth. Related: Array of Juneteenth events planned across Alabama This story was edited at 7:17 p.m. to change the headline and first sentence because the mayors office sent out a revised version of the proclamation that did not call for a state holiday. David Butow / Corbis via Getty Images Tesla told its workers Friday that they could take Juneteenth off to observe the day that celebrates the end of slavery. The news came too late for some employees, who had already started their shifts at the automakers facilities. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Josa Lukman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 13:44 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40660100f7 1 Art & Culture #entertainment,#films,#tradition,#culture,#dance,#identity,#Indonesia,#GarinNugroho,#Kucumbu-Tubuh-Indahku,#lengger,#gender Free The rise of social conservatism has certainly affected public perceptions of issues that are considered to be deviant from the norm. Take, for example, Garin Nugrohos film Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku (Memories of My Body), which explores the life of a traditional Javanese dancer named Juno. Despite winning eight of its 12 nominations at the 2019 Indonesian Film Festival awards and becoming the Indonesian entry for the 2020 Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category, Kucumbu was subject to controversy at home because of its perceived homoerotic nature, with several cities banning theater screenings altogether. Big win: Producer Ifa Isfansyah (left) receives the Citra Award for Best Feature Film at the 2019 Festival Film Indonesia Awards for the film 'Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku' (Memories of My Body). The film won eight of the 12 awards it was nominated for at the festival. (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama) In an online seminar hosted by Philadelphia-based Indonesian dance company Modero, Garin said the movie was born from a collaboration with dancer Rianto after he visited his hometown of Banyumas in Central Java, the birthplace of the traditional cross-gender dance lengger. We always discussed masculinity and femininity. [...] The choreography came from Rianto, but the film the concept is from me, which took inspiration from his life, he said, adding that the film explored the intersection between gender, culture and art in Indonesia. In the lengger dance, it is believed that indang (spirits) enter the bodies of the dancers. The dancers themselves are men dressed as women. Possessed: The dance highlighted in the movie is 'lengger', where dancers are men dressed as women and believed to be possessed by 'indang' (spirits) during the performance. (Courtesy of Fourcolours Films/-) The term lengger is the shortened form of the Javanese phrase diarani leng jebule jengger, which roughly translates to thought to be a woman, turned out to be a man. The late dancer Dariah could be considered an icon of lengger. She received an award from then-President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2011. Born as Sadam, Dariah lived as a woman until passing away at the age of 97 in 2018. Rianto, who plays the adult Juno as well as the narrator in Kucumbu, said that as a lengger dancer himself, he never thought of his gender. In my dance, its on and off in my body the femininity and masculinity in my body so if I thought about myself as a man or a woman [in the dance], it wouldnt be fair to myself. Instead, I am a human, a body to continue living, because what I do is for ibadah [prayer]. Rianto is now an established dancer with his own dance studio in Tokyo, teaching gamelan traditional orchestra and performing Javanese dances. Dede Oetomo, a LGBT rights campaigner and the founder of GAYa Nusantara, noted that other cultures in Indonesia beside the Javanese lengger also had transgender customs. He highlighted the Bugis people of South Sulawesi, who traditionally recognize five genders, including bissu a gender-neutral identity considered a sacred spiritual figure. In the Bugis creation myth epic La Galigo, which narrates the origins of the Bugis tribe in South Sulawesi from the 13th to 15th centuries, Dede said the first two humans who descended to earth were accompanied by 28 bissu. Even in Aceh of course the Acehnese will not recognize this anymore if you read the old classical Aceh manuscripts, there are actually relationships between men. These days in Aceh, they will be whipped, Dede said. Indonesia, he said, had forgotten its roots, with Indonesian culture copying the West at its worst, when, meanwhile, the West had woken up to gender identities beyond the male-female binary. Indonesia was becoming like the old Westerners in attitude, exacerbated by politicians and religious leaders. Garin found that attitudes about LGBT issues had shifted, though censorship often came from parts of society, such as radical religious groups, which he considered among the biggest problems in the country. Despite these attitudes, LGBT-related films have always been a part of Indonesian cinema, such as the 2011 drama Lovely Man, the 2010 superhero comedy Madame X or even the 1978 comedy Betty Bencong Slebor as played by the late Benyamin Sueb in drag. Award-winning role: Actor Donny Damara stars as a transvestite working on the streets of Jakarta in the 2011 movie 'Lovely Man'. (Courtesy of Karuna Pictures/-) While the controversy surrounding Kucumbu was notable, Garin said there were many communities interested in screening the film, including Muslim communities. The importance of this film is that the LGBT [identity] is part of humanity and everyday life. The second point is that young people experiencing pop culture can understand the history of gender in this country. They ask many questions about reog [traditional dance] and lengger, he said. Garin said the film acted as a new reference for learning about history and culture, as shown by the Cultural Diversity Award it received under the Patronage of UNESCO at the 2018 Asia Pacific Screen Awards. As for the lengger community, Rianto said they were pleased that the art had been highlighted and brought to public attention. Many lengger dancers, after performing, return to their homes as a masculine person. Many people do not know about the personal lives of lengger dancers, but in this movie, it very much reflects their simple lives in the village, he said. (ste) City-based budget airline GoAir on Friday operated its maiden flight from Kuwait to Jaipur under the central government's Vande Bharat Mission with 180 passengers. GoAir flight G8 7098, which took off at 1040 hours (local time) from Kuwait and landed at Jaipur with 180 passengers aboard, operated with all the precautionary measures and guidelines laid down by the governments of the countries and other stakeholders, the airline said in a release. "Today (Friday) was a day that had special feelings across our cockpit crew, cabin crew, airport staff and the various teams involved in making the Vande Bharat flight happen and as we flew back our stranded citizens and reunited them with their families," a GoAir spokesperson said. GoAir is thankful to the governments of India and Kuwait besides to the governments of Rajasthan and Gujarat for allowing the airline to operate this special flight at this crucial time, with safe return of Indian citizens, he added. Also read: Vande Bharat Mission: Over 2.5 lakh Indians brought back home from abroad, says MEA Andrew Lloyd Webber has called on the theatre industry to be positive about its future amid the pandemic. The 72-year-old plans to trial measures at The London Palladium after Phantom Of The Opera continued in South Korea with strict hygiene measures and no social distancing. It has been absolutely awful to see everything that Ive loved in my life gone, the theatre impresario said. I want to prove that they can be open. The composer told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: What I hope to do is to be able to demonstrate to the Government what has happened in Korea, at The London Palladium, hopefully in the first week of July Were going to do a whole series of tests there to see whether or not its going to work, said Lord Lloyd-Webber, who has ordered hygienic door handles and thermal imaging cameras. I really believe that we in theatre must be positive and use everything we can to demonstrate we can open. If having done that we fail, at least weve tried. He said he had spoken to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden. I would love to say that I think that they (the Government) understood a little more I sincerely hope that (a forthcoming report on the theatre) doesnt contain some of the things Ive seen in some of their advice, one of which was a brilliant one for musicals that youre not allowed to sing. Cameron Mackintosh, his producing partners and Delfont Mackintosh Theatres have had to take the difficult decision of delaying the return of their productions of Les Miserables, Mary Poppins, Hamilton and The Phantom of the Opera. Click for statement https://t.co/R0XTNmQI1N pic.twitter.com/4TLYwuOBF2 The Phantom Of The Opera (@PhantomOpera) June 17, 2020 His comments came after Les Miserables, Mary Poppins, Hamilton and The Phantom Of The Opera were pulled from the West End for the rest of the year. Story continues Theatre owner and producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh blamed the decision to axe the popular musicals until 2021 on continued uncertainty over when the Government will completely withdraw social distancing measures. Kwame Kwei-Armah, the artistic director of the Young Vic, also called for help after stars warned that the UK theatre industry stands on the brink of ruin. He said that around 70% of theatres up and down the country will run out of cash by December. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 20:50:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The British government on Friday unveiled a 1-billion-pound (1.24-billion-U.S. dollar) fund for pupils in England "to directly tackle the impact of lost teaching time" during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the government, 350 million pounds (433.5 million dollars) would be used to provide one-to-one online tuition for the most disadvantaged young people, while the rest 650 million pounds (805 million dollars) will be shared across all state primary and secondary schools for all pupils over the 2020/21 academic year. Headteachers will decide how the 650 million pounds (805 million dollars) is spent, but the government said it expects the funding to be used for small group tuition for whoever needs it. "We cannot afford for any of our children to lose out as a result of COVID-19. The scale of our response must match the scale of the challenge," said Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. The announcement came after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said last week that school pupils will undergo a "massive catch-up operation over the summer and beyond" to get up to speed on work they have missed. Ministers have come under pressure to get children back to school amid concerns about the damage being caused by lockdown measures to pupils' attainment and wellbeing. Children in Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 have begun returning to primary school in England, and some Year 10 and Year 12 pupils returned to secondary school in England this week. Enditem The funeral details for Detective Garda Colm Horkan who was shot in Castlerea, Co Roscommon shortly before midnight on Wednesday have been announced. The deceased will repose at the family home in Charlestown on Saturday afternoon, with removal from the home on Sunday morning to arrive in St Jame's Church in the town. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 12 noon, followed by a burial in the adjoining cemetery. His family has requested for family flowers only. His funeral service will adhere to the public health coronavirus guidelines and the mass will be broadcast online at https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/charlestown and Midwest Radio and those attending are asked to current HSE guidelines and restrictions at all times. A garda spokesman said that in support of these guidelines: "An Garda Siochana, Garda Staff, Garda Reserves and retired members of An Garda Siochana seeking to show their respects and express their sympathy and solidarity with the family of Detective Garda Colm Horkan will parade at their local Garda Station/ permanent assigned Garda Station and will observe a formal public one (1) minutes silence at 12 noon on Sunday 21st June 2020. "An Garda Siochanas minutes silence will be led by Deputy Commissioner John Twomey and the Garda Band at Garda Headquarters." Members of the public who want to express their condolences are invited to do so by observing a one minute silence at 12pm at their own homes on Sunday. Detective Garda Horkan is predeceased by his mother Dolores and twin sister Colette. According to his rip.ie notice, he is survived by his father Marty, sister Deirdre, brothers Aiden, Brendan, Dermot and Padraig, sisters-in-law, aunts, Kitty (Walsh, Charlestown), Colette (Brennan) and Vera (Hora, USA), nieces, nephews and other relatives. An online book of condolences was opened by Dublin Lord Mayor Tom Brabazon yesterday for those wishing to pay their respects. I have opened online Book of Condolence to allow Dubliners to express their sympathies to family and colleagues of Detective Garda Colm Horkan who was killed while on duty serving and protecting the people of Ireland, he tweeted. Speaking to Independent.ie, Lord Mayor of Dublin Tom Brabazon said that since the online book was opened up yesterday, it stood at 1,000 signatures this morning. "There's a huge feeling of solidarity and shock in Dublin for Detective Horkan," he said. "He was a gentleman and a family man and he was cut down in the frame of his life. It's an absolute shock and it is certainly an attack on democracy when a peacekeeper is attacked." Read More A book of condolences is currently in Castlerea garda station and was signed by justice minister Charlie Flanagan who attended the town yesterday. It will be open to the public once the streets of the town are reopened later this afternoon. Books of condolences have been opened up in all garda stations across the country. Expand Close United front in face of terror: Members of An Garda Siochana arrive at the Hub in Castlerea for a memorial service for Det Garda Colm Horkan. Picture: Frank McGrath / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp United front in face of terror: Members of An Garda Siochana arrive at the Hub in Castlerea for a memorial service for Det Garda Colm Horkan. Picture: Frank McGrath Several hundred people gathered on the main street in the town centre in Castlerea Co Roscommon yesterday evening for a vigil for Detective Garda Colm Horkan. A small green marquee was set up in the Fairgreen in the Main Street and tributes were led by local Fianna Fail Councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice and parish priest Fr John McManus. Heavy rain lashed down as the small town mourned the passing of the garda. The terrible sad occasion that happened here last night is a tragedy that I suppose we will never, ever forget, said Cllr Fitzmaurice. District Officer Supt Goretti Sheridan also paid tributes to the garda friend and colleague. I want to thank everyone for coming this evening, it means a lot to us. Were obviously devastated at the death of our friend and colleague Colm, we appreciate your support, she said. As tensions escalate between India and China on border issue after Galwan valley stand-off, Prime Minister Narendra Modis all-party meeting on Friday concluded on a high note as the nation supremo assured all Indians that the countrys security forces are fully capable of protecting the borders. He added the armed forces have been given full freedom to take any appropriate action necessary to ensure nations sovereignty and integrity. PM Modi said that neither China intruded into our border, nor did they capture any post. 20 jawans were martyred but, those who dared to harm Bharat Mata, were taught a lesson. He also assured the soldiers that the entire country is with them. Highlighting the development in the region and advancements in the army, PM Modi said that the government have given importance to infrastructural development in the past few years to protect the countrys borders. Efforts have also been driven towards meeting the requirements of armed forces, be it fighter planes, advanced helicopters and missile defence systems. Also Read: Indo-China border clash: The way forward Also Read: More than 2 lakh people surveyed in Delhi containment zones for Covid-19: Home Ministry In the meeting, leaders across party lines pooled in several suggestions on how to tackle the situation. Most leaders expressed their confidence in way the Modi government handled the situation. Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi posed several questions to PM Modi on the current status on mountain strike corps, what date did Chinese troops intrude, when did the government find out about Chinese transgressions, doesnt the government have access to satellite pictures and whether the Intelligence reported any unusual activity or not. She added that an all-party meeting like this should have happened much earlier. Moreover, the opposition parties should be briefed regularly. Congresss efforts to create wedges were trashed by KCR, Prem Singh Tamang and other leaders. NCP Chief and Former Defence Minister Sharad Pawan Sharad Pawar stressed that issues of whether soldiers carried arms or not are decided by international agreements and we need to respect such sensitive matters. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who is also Sikkim Krantikari Morcha chief, displayed utmost confidence and faith in PM Modi and commended him for taking landmark decisions in matters of national security. Biji Janta Dals Pinaki Misra and DMKs MK Stalin also extended their full and unconditional support to the government. Telangana CM KCR and TRS Chief K Chandrashekar Rao, on the other hand, commented that PM Modis clarity on Kashmir, emphasis on the areas development and call for an Atmanirbhar Bharat has rattled and angered China. NPPs Conrad Sangma emphasised on the development of North East region and said that China sponsored activities in Myanmar and Bangladesh are worrying but the infrastructure work along the borders must not stop. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee said that since China is not a democracy but a dictatorship, it can do anything it wants. However, Indians must unite and speak with unity, think with unity and work with unity. This way, India will win and China will lose. She added that the Indian government should not let China enter sectors like telecom, railway and aviation. This might lead to some problems but Chinese should not be allowed to enter. BSP leader Mayawati appreciated the detailed presentation by EAM. She stressed on taking appropriate measures on trade and investment front to counter China. She also said this is not the time for politics and she firmly stands with PM Modi on whatever decisions he takes. Also Read: Strong earthquake in Delhi cannot be ruled out, says WIHG For all the latest National News, download NewsX App As Syria tries to recover from a nearly decade-long war, the US has imposed crippling new sanctions under the Caesar Act that target reconstruction. For Syrians, sanctions on reconstruction and on oil and gas are likely to be felt most acutely, the Washington Post reports. The Caesar Act will probably limit the governments ability to procure oil, further hurting the already low quality of life. The new sanctions follow earlier coercive measures that had already hurt Syrian civilians, compounding the destruction of a lengthy proxy war fueled and funded by the US and its allies. Guest: Elijah Magnier, veteran war correspondent who has covered the Middle East for more than three decades. Reuters Top officials from Facebook Inc, Alphabet Inc's Google and Twitter Inc were grilled by US lawmakers on Thursday at a virtual hearing on foreign influence and election security, ahead of the 3 November presidential contest. Leaders from Facebook and Twitter told the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee that they had not seen evidence of coordinated foreign interference in conversations about absentee voting or about recent protests on anti-racism and policing. However, Twitter's director of global public policy strategy and development Nick Pickles said the company had seen a shift from platform manipulation to public tweets from state media and government accounts. Democratic Representative Jim Himes pressed Facebook's head of security policy Nathaniel Gleicher on what the company was doing to deal with worries that its algorithm promotes polarization and anger. Gleicher said Facebook's users did not want to see divisive content and the platform had refocused to emphasize content from friends and family. (Also read: US Justice Department proposes curbing protections for big tech platforms like Google, Facebook, Twitter) The debate over content moderation has intensified in recent weeks as Twitter and Facebook diverged on how to handle inflammatory posts by President Donald Trump. Trump, in turn, has accused social media companies of censorship and called for the government to roll back liability protections for tech platforms. A builder in China has miraculously survived after accidentally shooting a nail into his brain through his chin at work. The 25-year-old man was trying to fix his nail gun, which had stopped working, when he unwittingly fired the 1.6-inch nail into his head, according to reports. Surgeons removed the sharp object from him during a four-hour emergency open-brain operation. A Chinese news clip shows Mr He's wound on the chin when he was recovering in hospital The nail had rammed across Mr He's brain and before getting lodged in his head, doctors said Surgeons removed the 1.6in nail from him during a four-hour emergency open-brain operation The patient, known by a pseudonym He Peng, is expected to make a full recovery soon, according to Guangdong 999 Hospital, which is treating him. The accident took place at around 9am on April 29 in the city of Foshan in southern China's Guangdong Province. Mr He was doing decoration works on the ceiling when he met technical difficulties with the nail gun. When he turned the tool to check on it, the gun suddenly started working again, Mr He shot a nail into his head, it is alleged. It remains unclear whether or not he was looking down the barrel of the nail gun. Blood suddenly spewed out of his face, and his co-workers rushed him to a hospital nearby. The nail missed all the arteries and 'that was the great fortune of misfortune', a doctor said The news clip aired by Guangdong Public Channel shows the wound on Mr He's head Upon examining Mr He's condition, the local hospital suggested Mr his co-workers take him to a bigger hospital for better medical attention. Mr He was then taken to the Guangdong 999 Hospital, which is around 20 miles away in the nearby city of Guangzhou. Doctors there received him around four hours after the accident. Dr Zhang Liang, a director at the hospital, said when Mr He arrived, his face was covered in blood, but he was still conscious and his vital signs were normal. After giving Mr He a series of medical scans, Dr Zhang discovered that the nail had rammed across his brain and before getting lodged at the back of his head. Miraculously, it had missed all the arteries. 'That was the great fortune of misfortune,' the medic told Guangdong Public Channel. The hospital arranged emergency surgery to remove the nail on the same day of the accident Mr He is in stable condition and due to be discharged by the hospital soon, his doctors said The hospital arranged emergency surgery to remove the nail from Mr He. 'The most difficult part of the operation was to find the nail. Secondly, we had to try to protect the surrounding brain tissue,' Dr Zhang added. The medic said it was also challenging for the surgeons to clean the blood outside wounded vessels and prevent further bleeding. The procedure lasted four hours, and surgeons extracted the nails successfully. Recalling the accident, Mr He told a reporter from his hospital ward: 'I was working and fired the nail into my chin by mistake. I lost consciousness immediately.' Mr He is in stable condition and due to be discharged by the hospital soon, according to his doctors. [June 18, 2020] Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market 2020-2024 | Improved Manageability and Protection to Boost Growth | Technavio Technavio has been monitoring the disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) market and it is poised to grow by USD 27.44 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 43% 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/20200618005830/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Please Request Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impact The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. Amazon.com Inc., Broadcom Inc., Cisco Systems (News - Alert) Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., iland Internet Solutions, International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp., NTT Communications Corp., Oracle Corp., and Sungard Availability Services LP are some of the major market participants. The improved manageability and protection 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. Improved manageability and protection has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market is segmented as below: Deployment Public Cloud Private Cloud Hybrid Cloud Geography North America Europe APAC 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=IRTNTR43407 Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) 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 disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) market report covers the following areas: Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market Size Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market Trends Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market Industry Analysis This study identifies the increasing adoption of cloud-based disaster recovery solutions as one of the prime reasons driving the disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) market growth during the next few years. Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of vendors operating in the disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) market, including some of the vendors such as Amazon.com Inc., Broadcom Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., iland Internet Solutions (News - Alert), International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp., NTT Communications Corp., Oracle Corp., and Sungard Availability Services LP. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) 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 Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) market growth during the next five years Estimation of the disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) market vendors Table Of Contents: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem Value chain analysis Market Sizing Market definition Market segment analysis Market size 2019 Market outlook: Forecast for 2019 - 2024 Five Forces Analysis Five Forces Summary Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition Market Segmentation by Deployment Market segments Comparison by Deployment Public cloud - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Private cloud - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Hybrid cloud - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Deployment Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison North America - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Europe - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 APAC - 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 by geography Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors Amazon.com (News - Alert) Inc. Broadcom Inc. Cisco Systems Inc. Dell Technologies Inc. iland Internet Solutions International Business Machines Corp. Microsoft Corp. NTT (News - Alert) Communications Corp. Oracle Corp. Sungard Availability Services LP Appendix Scope of the report Currency conversion rates for US$ Research methodology List of abbreviations 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/20200618005830/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A day after India rubbished Chinas claim of sovereignty over Galwan Valley, at the heart of a tense border standoff between the two sides, Beijing on Friday claimed the region on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control and had been patrolled by its troops for many years. The claim was made in what was described as a step by step account of the Galwan clash by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian that was posted on the Chinese embassys website shortly before midnight on Friday. Chinas Peoples Liberation Armys (PLA) western command had in a statement issued on Tuesday initially raised the issue, saying: The sovereignty of the Galwan River Valley has always been ours. Also Read: Taught them a lesson: PM Modi explains the big picture in stand-off with China On Thursday, external affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had dismissed the PLAs claim as exaggerated and untenable. On Monday night, Indian and Chinese troops were involved in a seven-hour violent face-off in Galwan Valley that left 20 Indian soldiers dead and at least 76 injured. Another 10 Indian soldiers held by the Chinese side were released on Thursday. The so-called step by step account by Zhao said: The Galwan Valley is located on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control in the west section of the China-India boundary. For many years, the Chinese border troops have been patrolling and on duty in this region. It further claimed that since April, Indian troops had unilaterally and continuously built roads, bridges and other facilities at the LAC in the Galwan Valley. China made representations and protests on multiple occasions but India has gone even further to cross the LAC and make provocations, Zhao said. Also Read: Ladakh isnt South China Sea, will not allow status quo to change: Official Zhao contended Indian troops crossed the LAC by night and trespassed into Chinas territory on May 6 and then built fortification and barricades, which impeded the patrol of Chinese border troops. They deliberately made provocations in an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo of control and management. The Chinese border troops have been forced to take necessary measures to respond to the situation on the ground and strengthen management and control in the border areas. Referring to a meeting of senior Indian and Chinese military commanders held on June 6, Zhao said the two sides reached consensus on easing the situation. He claimed the Indian side promised that they would not cross the estuary of the Galwan river to patrol and build facilities and the two sides would discuss and decide the phased withdrawal of troops. Zhao claimed that on June 15, Indian troops violated the agreement reached on June 6 and once again crossed the Line of Actual Control for deliberate provocationand even violently attacked the Chinese officers and soldiers who went there for negotiation, thus triggering fierce physical conflicts and causing casualties. He reiterated various accusations levelled by the Chinese side in recent days about the violation of agreements. There was no immediate reaction from Indian officials to Zhaos account. A readout issued by the external affairs ministry after a phone conversation between external affairs minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on June 17 had clearly accused Chinese troops of provoking the clash on June 15 by entering the Indian side of the LAC. The readout had said the Chinese side sought to erect a structure in Galwan valley on our side of the LAC. It had added: While this became a source of dispute, the Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties. It reflected an intent to change the facts on ground in violation of all our agreements to not change the status quo. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON By Joeffrey Maddatu Calimag On June 1, the Ministry of Justice of Korea announced the changing of the term "alien" in the Alien Registration Card (ARC) through an initiative of the Immigrants' Mentor Club composed of 22 countries from Europe, the Americas and Asia. I got the impression that the step to change the term "alien" came from the idea that the amount of respect and status received by a non-Korean varies depending on his or her ethnicity, physical appearance and profession. Koreans who see the ARC are those usually with transactions with non-Koreans such as in banks or registering a new phone. Koreans requiring an ARC most probably do not bother to look at the term "alien" in the card but just make sure that the identification card is valid by looking at the Korean word that says "wae-guk-in deung-nok-jeung (Alien Registration Card)." Speaking on behalf of perceived marginalized fellows, it did not really come to our attention that we were looked down upon simply because of the term "alien." I must say that it is fine changing it or not. As symbolic as it may seem to appear to those who pushed for it, I want to know more about the impact and value of this proposal, and on how it is going to change the mindset of Koreans toward the target subjects. I have yet to see data from a survey or study to support this. Otherwise, I do not want to speculate. Having said the aforementioned, we may as well educate everyone to refrain from promoting division among Koreans and non-Koreans alike through other terms being used. For example, "expatriates" and "migrant workers" or "migrants" referring to those who have white collar jobs (mostly from the "west") and those working for manufacturing or immigrant wives from South East Asia, respectively. They are all non-Koreans. Interestingly, if a Filipino or an Indian is a professor, doctor or a high-valued engineer or scientist, they are still seen as "migrant workers" because of their skin color. In international business, "an expatriate" is a manager sent by a multinational corporation (MNC) for overseas assignment. But is commonly used now to refer to non-locals. Similarly, the words "migrant" or anything to that effect and "global/international" refer to two separate cultural events. This representation further widens the gap among non-Koreans. If we are sensitive to terms and aspire to be politically correct, we should do it across the board. Subconsciously, the terms we use gives an impression of disparity on how we see ourselves that eventually serves as our basis on how we treat others. Likewise, the perception of Koreans toward non-locals has been induced by media, th educational system and partly culture that has led to this misunderstanding. Moreover, simply saying that non-Koreans who are discriminated against in Korea because of the word "alien" is faulty. It is not a simple dichotomy of Koreans or foreigners, but more of a complex spectrum on how Koreans perceive non-locals, I call it polarized perception. The word "foreigner" was raised as an alternative. We must understand that English is not an official language in Korea and changing the word "alien" in ARC won't have a significant impact. Koreans will still refer all non-Koreans as "wae-guk-in," which means "outside-country-person." It is culturally ingrained that the way Koreans think and speak is "us" and "them," which sets a divisive tone. We see this as well in "woori-nara-saram," which means "our-country-person." Even naturalized Koreans are not called "han-guk-in" or Korean, but instead referred to as "kwihwa-ja," that literally translates to "naturalization-person." If our desire is inclusivity and tolerance, the word "foreigner" is a euphemism and it is inappropriate. It ignites an anti-immigrant rhetoric and automatically labels "others." So why replace a term with another problematic term where it contains derogatory sense and feeling? We do not want to be offended because of the term "alien" but why offend others by using "foreigner" at a time when everyone seems offended by almost anything and everything. So instead of "foreigner residence card," I simply suggest "Non-Korean Residence Card." It covers all non-Koreans legally residing in Korea and simply differentiates those who are Koreans and those who are not, without offensively labelling anyone. Or much better yet, is to completely drop the word "alien" and simply call it "Residence Card." I find this initiative to improve the welfare of those "looked down upon" superficial as the bases were not cultivated from the very root factors on how and why Koreans treat them as such. There are more pressing issues that need immediate attention, to say the least. Though, I appreciate the effort. Finally, the intention of our actions is geared toward breaking barriers to achieve a more global mindset and norm that will eventually result in a harmonious Korean society, full of respect. However, may I suggest to go deeper into the discussion, especially when dealing with the policymaking process. Dr. Joeffrey Maddatu Calimag (joef_calimag@yahoo.com) is a Stanford Certified Project Manager and a professor of international business, trade and global management and Korean economy and conglomerates at the University of Ulsan, South Korea. He is also the president of the Council of ASEAN Professors in Korea. NEW DELHI: Two days after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a brutal clash with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria made a low-key visit to Ladakh to review the Indian Air Forces preparedness in the sensitive sector where the IAF is operating its fighter jets and new attack and heavy-lift helicopters, people familiar with the development said on Friday on condition of anonymity. Apart from Sukhoi-30s and upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets, the IAF is operating Apache AH-64E attack helicopters and CH-47F (I) Chinook multi-mission helicopters --- both imported from the United States --- in the sector that has been the focus of current border tensions with China, said one of the persons cited above. The IAF chief visited the forward airbases --- Leh on Wednesday and Srinagar on Thursday --- at a time of increased Chinese military activity across the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) where Indian and Chinese troops have been caught in a tense confrontation for over seven weeks and efforts to de-escalate have failed. In these times of heightened alert, the movement of air force assets is to be expected and hence basing of fighters and helicopters upfront is but normal and should not lead to any extreme deductions, said Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (retd), additional director general, Centre for Air Power Studies. The Chinese deployment in its so-called depth areas or areas within its side of the LAC includes more than 8,000 troops, tanks, artillery guns, fighter bombers, rocket forces and air defence radars. Satellite imagery has revealed a Chinese buildup in the Galwan Valley and fresh inputs also suggest heightened Chinese activity in the Finger Area (a cluster of strategic features) near Pangong Tso where new Chinese positions and observation posts have come up in the last six to seven weeks, said the second person cited above. The Finger Area is sensitive and the armies need to disengage there, said Lieutenant General Vinod Bhatia (retd), a former director general of military operations. He said both sides had hardened their positions along the LAC but talks were on to resolve the border row. Bhadauria visited the Ladakh sector at a time when the Indian armed forces are on the highest state of alert to deal with any threat to national security following the significant escalation of the border conflict with China. The Chinese PLA is fully deployed in Xinjiang and Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) with air, artillery and missile support, and the PLA Air Force has activated its bases in both Xinjiang and TAR with fighter aircraft making a show of strength in Aksai Chin area, as reported by Hindustan Times on Friday. The army has strengthened its posture across the length of the LAC --- from Ladakh to Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh --- where reinforcements have been sent and the IAF also has kept its contingency plans ready, the officials said. Tensions have surged between India and China after the June 15 Galwan skirmish that marked the first Indian casualties in a border clash with the Peoples Liberation Army since October 1975 when Chinese troops ambushed an Indian patrol in Arunachal Pradeshs Tulung La sector and shot four soldiers dead. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The trafficking and production of child abuse material has exploded during the coronavirus lockdown in Victoria amid concerns paedophiles are also turning to online games and social media platforms to groom isolated children. New figures from Victoria Police show the number of child abuse images and videos being traded online in Victoria has more than doubled in the last year. Child sexual abuse investigators. Detective Senior Constable Jason Regan and Detective Senior Constable Emma O'Rourke. Credit:Justin McManus At least 7.4 million files of child abuse material were detected circulating on peer-to-peer networks in the state in May 2020 - a number that police believe is likely to be a significant under-estimate of the true level of activity. While theres been a lot of talk about a decline in the overall crime rate during isolation, one of the crime types that has taken off is child exploitation, said Detective Superintendent Jane Welsh, head of the Victorian Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team. Ireland has pushed for more than the allocated 3bn in EU Covid-19 emergency funds, arguing that the country has suffered a lot worse than has been calculated by Brussels. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar pressed his counterparts at a virtual EU council meeting to release a bigger sum for Ireland, also in part because of the predicted looming damage from Brexit. His spokesman said after the EU leaders meeting that Mr Varadkar had called for a "distribution of funds that better reflects the full impact of the Covid crisis on the economy and employment, including in Ireland, and that is targeted at those sectors and regions most affected". Under the current rules for the proposed 750bn Covid-19 recovery fund, Ireland will get just 3bn, in part because we are considered a wealthier EU state but also due to the way the money is calculated. The government is pushing for the full impact of the virus on Ireland to be considered, as well as the expected financial shock from Brexit. Officials also argue that the EU methodology is backward-looking, and reflects a snapshot of the Irish economy when it was booming It is also thought that Ireland resisted proposals to introduce a digital tax, and a special levy for large corporations, in order to help pay for the virus emergency fund. The fund, to be approved by leaders, is expected to be made up of 500bn in grants and 250bn in loans and to be administered through the bloc's seven-year budget. Mr Varadkar's spokesman also said that EU leaders were given an update on talks between the EU and UK on their future relationship. Leaders agreed to intensify their discussions on the recovery fund with a view to reaching agreement at a meeting in person in Brussels in July. STAMFORD A federal grand jury has levied new, serious charges against three men already held in the March robbery that took the life of a Stamford jewelry store owner. The accused now face the possibility of long prison sentences while two stare at the potential for life behind bars or the death penalty. The three men were previously charged with parole violations following the robbery of Marco Jewelers on March 28, during which, according to authorities, Stamford resident and longtime store owner Mark Vuono was shot and killed. The grand jury, convened in New Haven, has charged Robert Rallo, 56, of Brooklyn, New York, Thomas Liberatore, 62, of White Plains, New York, and Paul Prosano, of Brooklyn, with interference with commerce by robbery, an offense that carries a maximum prison term of 20 years, and interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum term of 10 years. The indictment also charges Rallo, aided and abetted by Liberatore, a native of Stamford, with using a firearm to cause a death during a robbery. If convicted of this offense, Rallo and Liberatore face a mandatory term of imprisonment of life, or death if the government seeks the death penalty in this matter, read a joint statement released by United States Attorney John H. Durham, Chief States Attorney Richard J. Colangelo, Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg, Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw and Greenwich Police Chief James J. Heavey. Liberatore was previously charged with offenses relating to the alleged armed robbery of Byram Jewelers in Greenwich on arch 18. He faces a minimum of 10 years on those charges. Stamford Police Capt. Richard Conklin, whose Bureau of Criminal Investigations was assigned to the case, called the work by his officers, the FBI, Greenwich police and New York City police to find and arrest the three really law enforcement at its best. These officers from the many different departments working toward the same goal resulted in spectacular arrests, Conklin said Thursday. There were all kinds of jurisdictional issues to contend with but everyone hunkered down and worked around the clock to find those responsible. According to police, on March 28, at approximately 2:48 p.m., Stamford police officers responded to Marco Jewelers on Sixth Street after a customer entered the store and found Vuono shot dead. When officers arrived, they found evidence of a robbery. Emergency medical personnel arrived and pronounced Vuono deceased. Investigators analyzed surveillance video from Marco Jewelers, surrounding businesses and Stamford city cameras. Video showed Prosano driving Rallo and Liberatore in a black Jaguar to Marco Jewelers, authorities said. Rallo and Liberatore then entered the store, police said. Rallo, who authorities say was armed with a handgun, allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with Vuono, while Liberatore stole items from the display cases, police said. Vuono, who also possessed a firearm, according to authorities, and Rallo struggled next to a large open safe, police said. During the three-minute struggle, Rallo reached into the safe and pulled out a third firearm, a .357 Magnum revolver, police said. Rallo allegedly shot and killed Vuono with the .357 revolver, police said. It is alleged that, following the robbery, law enforcement located the black Jaguar in Staten Island and maintained surveillance on the vehicle. Two days later, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a black BMW X3, driven by Prosano, pulled up beside the black Jaguar, police said. Rallo exited the rear door of the BMW and entered the drivers door of a black Jaguar, police said. The two vehicles then left the area and rapidly accelerated, police said. The Jaguar crashed on Tompkins Street, according to police, and Rallo allegedly attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended. The BMW crashed into a tree and parked car at an intersection, police said. Prosano also attempted to flee and was apprehended, police said. A search of the BMW revealed 63 rings, eight bracelets, two tie pins, an earring and a cufflink, and a search of Prosanos residence revealed 23 pairs of earrings and three rings, police said. It is alleged that the items were stolen from Marco Jewelers on March 28. jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com CLEVELAND, Ohio Amtrak plans to dramatically cut service on its long-distance trains, including the two routes that travel through Cleveland, because of declining ridership due to the coronavirus pandemic. Starting in October, service on both the Lake Shore Limited and the Capitol Limited, which travel through Cleveland, will be reduced to three times per week. Both currently operate daily. The Lake Shore Limited travels from New York City and Boston to Chicago, via Cleveland and numerous stops; the Capitol Limited travels from Washington, D.C. to Chicago, through Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Toledo and other cities. Amtrak has not said which days the Lake Shore will run, and which days the Capitol Limited will operate. Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said the train service hopes to restore some long-distance travel as soon as next summer, as traffic picks up. Stu Nicholson, executive director of All Aboard Ohio, a nonprofit organization that advocates for passenger rail service in the state, said the cuts are outrageous. This is not a formula at all for increasing ridership, he said. What increases ridership is reliability of service, frequency of service. If youre cutting any of that back, you will lose ridership. He said once service is taken away, its very difficult to bring it back. As evidence, he cited Amtraks Cardinal route, which travels from New York City to Chicago via Cincinnati, but only runs three times a week. It last ran daily in the early 1980s. He is urging riders to contact members of Congress and ask them to oppose the reductions. In recent weeks, he said ridership has picked up quicker on Amtraks long-distance routes than any other in the Amtrak network, including shorter-distance trains that operate in the Northeast United States. Amtrak was created to be a national passenger rail service, and theyre getting to the point where theyre anything but, he said. He said Amtraks obsession with the Northeast corridor is unfair to the rest of the nation. The rest of the country has to suffer through three-day-a-week train service, he said. I think thats patently discriminatory. Theyre basically saying that the rest of the country doesnt matter. However, spokesman Magliari said Amtrak already has reduced frequency in the Northeast corridor, as well as numerous state-supported routes in Michigan, Illinois and elsewhere. The long-distance reductions are timed to the start of Amtraks 2021 fiscal year on Oct. 1. Amtrak received $1 billion in pandemic-related aid from Congress this year, part of the CARES Act, to help the train service manage a dramatic drop in demand. Amtrak estimates that ridership in fiscal year 2021 may drop to 16 million, or roughly 50 percent of pre-pandemic levels. Other long-distance routes scheduled to be cut to three days include the California Zephyr (Chicago to San Francisco), City of New Orleans (Chicago to New Orleans), Empire Builder (Chicago to Seattle), Southwest Chief (Chicago to Los Angeles) and others. The Auto Train, which runs from Washington, D.C. to Orlando, is the only long-distance route that will continue to operate daily. Amtrak's Capitol Limited, shown here, and Lake Shore Limited will be reduced to three times per week in October. Both routes pass through Cleveland in the middle of the night. (Susan Glaser, The Plain Dealer)Susan Glaser, The Plain Dealer Read more: Amtrak from Cleveland to Chicago: A relaxing ride despite middle-of-the-night departures, late trains Cleveland Hopkins airport gradually adding back flights, with leisure destinations leading the way THE RIVER Deel was in the news recently not for its beautiful features, but as a place for dumping dead donkeys and horse manure. The rivers of our country are great dumping grounds due to thoughtless individuals who have no regard for nature and our beautiful countryside. A river still touches our imaging as it has done for centuries, for as Robert Louis Stevenson reminds us it has long been the place of wishes and dreams: "I will make my kitchen and you shall keep your room, Where white flows the river, and bright blows the broom." In these lines from "Songs of Travel", he associates the river with an idyllic way of life, that is lived in close harmony with nature. The River Deel rises southwest of Dromina in north Cork, where it then flows into county Limerick. It meanders along through west Limerick for 39 miles before emptying into the Shannon estuary. Along its route to meet the River Shannon it flows through the villages of Milford, and Castlemahon. It skirts past Newcastle West, and then it continues through the towns of Rathkeale, and Askeaton. The Deel derives its name from "daol", an Irish word for beetle, insect, or worm because of its winding , bending shape, and it has numerous tributaries. After leaving its source the first village of any significance which the river Deel flows through is Milford on the Cork-Limerick border. While the river in the village is spanned by a road bridge, this was not always the case. In Irish the village is known as Ath an Mhuilinn-"The Ford of the Mill "a throw back to when there was no bridge at this location. In 1848 a corn mill was built in the village and this resulted in improvements to the river and associated mill races. The Milford Drainage Board was formed in the mid-1880s and they spent around 5,000 lowering and widening the river. The mill building has been used as a store and was also one of the first creameries in Ireland. The river then flows through the countryside and to the east of Dromcollogher. It is joined by the Finglasha river, and the Ahavarragh stream between Feenagh and Kilmeedy. It is joined by the Owenskaw River from the east and the Banoke river from the southwest, just east of the Banoke bridge on the Newcastle West to Dromcollogher road. The Deel flows through the village of (Mahoonagh olden name) Castlemahon, before turning sharply to the right. The ruins of Mahoonagh Castle, which was built by the Fitzgerald's at the end of the 12th or the beginning of the 13th century, can be seen on the northern riverbank. The bridge over the river in the village built in 1761 by Owen McCarthy was described by Samuel Lewis in 1837 as "a good stone bridge." It takes in The Glashnakirka Stream, Ehernagh Stream, and the Arra River, that flows through Newcastle West, and the Arra River, and the Ballyfrawley Stream. Between Coolanoran and Reens it is joined by the Slewnaun stream, which rises around Kerrikyle not far from my own house. The river flows through the town of Rathkeale which has a significant traveller population, and the largest concentration of descendants of the German Palatines who immigrated to Ireland in the early 18th century. The main bridge in the town is known as the "Deel Bridge." This humpback five-arch-bridge was built in 1747 and is over 7m wide. This bridge replaced an earlier bridge which was just 4.7mwide and which had fallen into a dilapidated and dangerous condition. Another important bridge in the town is a two-span former Railway bridge which was constructed in 1867, as part of the Rathkeale to Newcastle West line. It no longer carries trains but remains an important local right-of-way route over the river Deel. On the south western edge of Rathkeale, and on the southern bank of the Deel can be found Castle Matrix. This was once owned by Thomas Southwell who rescued 200 Palentine families from Germany and settled them in the grounds of the castle in 1709. Sir Walter Raleigh met the poet Edmund Spenser at the Castle. By the 1960s, the castle had fallen into disrepair, and American Sean O'Driscoll bought the castle and restored it to its former glory. The castle had a vast library that contained a collection of original documents relating to the Wild Geese. The writer Sean O'Faolain wrote a lot about the birthplace of his mother beside the river Deel. The river turns north and just south of Newbridge the Kissaghatrodaun Steam joins it. The last stop on the river Deel is the town of Askeaton, and over the years the river has had a major influence on the town. Located on an island in the river in the middle of the town is Askeaton Castle, which was founded around 1199, and most likely by William de Burgo. The tower which can be seen at present, dates to the 15th century, but it replaced a much older tower. The castle was also the location of one of the finest Banqueting Halls in the country. It was 72 feet long by 30 feet wide and was built by James Fitzgerald, 6th Earl of Desmond around 1440-1459. The castle was abandoned by 1652. Beside the island is Askeaton Bridge, a five-arch road bridge built around 1700, and there is evidence of medieval fabric in its construction. Other impressive remains on the east bank of the river Deel is the Franciscan Friary. This was founded by the 4th Earl of Desmond around 1400. It includes, with magnificent cloisters with 12 arches on each side, a beautiful east window, mediaeval carvings, and a chapter room that is the final resting place of the martyrs Bishop Patrick O'Healy and Fr Conn O'Rourke. The friars were attacked several times and the friary permanently closed in 1740. Samantha Harris is one of Australia's most lauded models in the fashion industry. But in the wake of global Black Lives Matter protests, the 29-year-old has revealed that she has been the target of racism. In an interview with Channel Seven on Friday, the indigenous beauty explained: 'I still can't believe that I've been singled out about my culture and my race. Difficult: Samantha Harris is one of Australia's most lauded models in the fashion industry. But in the wake of global Black Lives Matter protests, the 29-year-old has revealed that she has been the target of racism. Pictured in 2017 'I've been told that I'm a token Aboriginal model, and that I'm only a model because I'm Aboriginal,' she said. Sam added: 'Racism is still very loud and dominant in the country and in the world. It's heartbreaking that it's still happening to this day. 'It's 2020 - why is racism still happening? It just breaks my heart. It has affected me and it really upsets me that it's still happening. In an interview with Channel Seven on Friday, the indigenous beauty explained: 'I still can't believe that I've been singled out about my culture and my race. I've been told that I'm a token Aboriginal model, and that I'm only a model because I'm Aboriginal' Sam added: 'Racism is still very loud and dominant in the country and in the world. It's heartbreaking that it's still happening to this day' 'This happened to my mum when she was growing up. For people to single you out, and single a race out, it's not right. 'There is one race, the human race, that's what I like to say', she concluded. Samantha became a household name after she won the Girlfriend Model Search at the age of 13. By the age of 18, she became the the second Indigenous model to ever appear on the cover of Vogue. Outspoken: 'For people to single you out, and single a race out, it's not right. There is one race, the human race, that's what I like to say' she added Sam recently revealed she is often attacked by nasty trolls on social media. In an interview with POPSUGAR Australia Samantha confessed people often leave 'horrible' comments on her Instagram posts. 'There are a lot of people, with a lot of opinions, and some of them aren't very nice,' she confessed. 'I've had some horrible things come my way, but I just take it with a grain of salt. It does hurt my feelings, but I'd rather them be saying it to me than a young girl that hasn't had as much life experience and can handle it.' Chinese troops were neither able to enter the country nor take over any post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told an all party meeting on Friday evening, assuring the country and political parties that the armed forces were capable of action in more than one theatre. PM Modi had convened the all party meeting after a border stand-off with Chinese troops at four locations in eastern Ladakh escalated at one point in Galwan region on Monday night. PM Modi, who had started the meeting with rich tributes to the 20 soldiers who laid down their lives at the bloody Galwan face-off, praised them for their courage. Those In Ladakh, our 20 jawans got martyred. But they taught a lesson to those who were eyeing Indian territory, he said. Twenty Indian soldiers lost their lives in this deadly face-off. But information available with South Block indicates that the soldiers were able to cause heavy losses on their adversaries. According to this information, the Chinese side ended up with about 35 casualties - soldiers who died or were seriously injured. The dead include the Peoples Liberation Armys commanding officer and his second-in-charge. Also read | Ladakh isnt South China Sea, will not allow status quo to change: Official PM Modi kept his thrust sharply on Indias improved military capability, telling political parties - friends and rivals alike - that the armed forces were doing all that they could. Right from deployment, taking action or counter-action. We have the capability that no one can cast an eye on an inch of our territory, the prime minister said, echoing his commitment to the country this week that India wanted peace but had the capacity and the will to strike back if provoked. Indias armed forces were capable of simultaneously moving into different theatres, he said, a reference to the oft-repeated concern around the militarys capability of fighting a two-front war on its western and northern borders. There has been a lingering concern within Indias strategic community that Pakistan was likely to try to exploit the situation in case a conflict between India and China blows up. Back in 2017 when he was the army chief and led the army into the Doklam crisis, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat had underlined that China was gradually trying to take over territory and testing Indias threshold and India needed to be prepared for a two-front war. At the all party meeting on Friday, PM Modi also stressed the vast improvement in border infrastructure and military capacities that had taken place over the last few years. We have also addressed other requirements of the forces such as fighter planes, modern helicopters, missile defence systems, he said. These factors had raised Indias capacity of patrolling along the Line of Actual Control. Because of the improved patrolling, our vigilance has gone up and the military gets to know what is happening on the borders at the right time, he said, pointing that our soldiers were able to intercept the Chinese forces who earlier had a free run. If you keep on intercepting them, it is obvious that tensions will rise, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON LOS ANGELES, June 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises investors that the firm has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company (Hamilton Beach or the Company) investors that acquired Hamilton Beach securities (NYSE: HBB) between February 27, 2020, and May 8, 2020. Hamilton Beach investors have until July 21, 2020 to seek appointment as a Lead Plaintiff for the class. Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy , by phone 310-692-8883 or email , to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case via the www.portnoylaw.com Hamilton was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Glen Allen, Virginia. The Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, markets, and distributes small electric household and specialty housewares appliances. The Company sells its products through a network of mass merchandisers, e-commerce retailers, national department stores, variety and drug store chains, specialty home retailers, distributors, and other retail outlets. As a holding company, Hamilton primarily operates through its subsidiaries, which are located throughout the U.S. and internationally, including Mexico. According to the Companys most recent annual report on Form 10-K, Hamilton has two Mexican subsidiariesGrupo HB/PS S.A. de C.V. and Hamilton Beach Brands de Mexico S.A. de C.V. The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about Hamiltons business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (i) Hamilton had inadequate disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, particularly with respect to one of its Mexican subsidiaries; (ii) consequently, the Companys accounting included certain irregularities with respect to the timing of recognition of selling and marketing expenses and the classification of certain expenditures within the statement of operations at this Mexican subsidiary, as well as potential misconduct with respect to the realizability of certain assets of the Mexican subsidiary; (iii) as a result of all the foregoing, Hamilton could not accurately attest to its financial results, particularly with respect to these metrics, and was consequently at an increased risk of delaying the filing of its periodic reports with the SEC; and (iv) as a result, the Companys public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On May 11, 2020, during pre-market hours, Hamilton announced that it could not timely file its 1Q20 10-Q because of certain accounting irregularities with respect to the timing of recognition of selling and marketing expenses and the classification of certain expenditures within the statement of operations at its Mexican subsidiary. Hamilton further stated that its Audit Review Committee has commenced an internal investigation regarding the realizability of certain assets of the Mexican subsidiary. Following these disclosures, Hamiltons stock price fell $1.03 per share, or 8.99%, to close at $10.43 per share on May 11, 2020. Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information. If you suffered a loss you have until July 21, 2020 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq. Admitted CA and NY Bar lesley@portnoylaw.com 310-692-8883 www.portnoylaw.com Attorney Advertising The headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is seen in Geneva, Switzerland, on Dec. 11, 2019. (Robert Hradil/Getty Images) China Drops Landmark WTO Dispute Against EU China on June 15 dropped its landmark World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute aimed at forcing the European Union to recognize it as a market economy in trade investigations. The WTO is a collection of 160 countries that cooperate on international trade matters under negotiated rules, and is overseen by an administrative system based in Brussels, Belgium. According to a note by the Secretariat of the World Trade Organisation, China allowed the dispute to lapse, having initially bought it in late 2016, requesting consultations with the European Union concerning certain provisions of the EU regulation pertaining to the determination of normal value for non-market economy countries in anti-dumping proceedings involving products from China. Hearings on the issue began within WTO in late November 2017 and, at the time, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer testified before Congress that this issue is the most serious litigation that we have at the WTO right now, noting, I have made it very clear that a bad decision with respect to the non-market economy status of Chinawould be cataclysmic for the WTO. China lost an interim ruling on the matter last year after the WTO rejected the argument that Beijings 2001 agreement to join the WTO automatically granted it the right to be treated as a market economy in anti-dumping investigations after 15 years. The United States and the EU said Chinese goodsespecially commodities such as steel and aluminumwere still heavily underpriced because of subsidies and state-backed oversupply, giving Chinese exporters an unfair advantage. The row had become an explosive issue for the United States, with President Donald Trump threatening to quit the WTO if the organization did not shape up. One trade official close to the case told Reuters that so much of the ruling had gone against Beijing that it had opted to pull the plug before the result became official. They lost so much that they didnt even want the world to see the panels reasoning, the official said. Without a WTO ruling in Beijings favor, the EU and the United States can keep imposing higher duties on cheap or dumped imports from China on a case-by-case basis while disregarding its claim that they are fairly priced. On the same day that China allowed the dispute to lapse, the EU announced an unprecedented attempt to block Beijings subsidies to exporters. The 27-nation bloc will also unveil a proposal this week to protect European companies from Chinese takeovers. With reporting from Reuters. SANTA FE Santa Fe joined a host of cities across the nation on Thursday morning, removing one of its controversial statues in the wake of protests. City workers removed the statue of Don Diego de Vargas, a 17th century conquistador, from Cathedral Park, where it had been dedicated in 2007. City Parks and Recreation Director John Munoz said the de Vargas statue was removed for safety concerns ahead of a protest scheduled for later in the day. He said the statue had been moved to an undisclosed location. However, he said it would not be correct to say the statue is gone permanently. Where it will end up will be decided after the community has had a chance to weigh in. I personally think it would be beneficial to have a conversation, he said. De Vargas is revered by some as being an early leader among Spanish settlers in New Mexico, but many Native Americans decry his brutal treatment of native people following the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. The removal of de Vargas came one day after Mayor Alan Webber announced he supported the removal of three controversial monuments in and around the Santa Fe Plaza. They include the de Vargas statue, an obelisk in the middle of the Plaza dedicated to U.S. veterans and another obelisk, located in front of the U.S. Courthouse, dedicated to Kit Carson. The obelisk in the Plaza is controversial because of an inscription that reads, To the heroes who have fallen in the various battles with savage Indians in the Territory of New Mexico. The word savage was chiseled out of the monument decades ago. Protesters against the monuments filled the Plaza on Thursday afternoon in an event organized by the Three Sisters Collective, a Santa Fe organization that advocates for the rights of Native Americans. Many speakers called for the removal of both obelisks in Santa Fe, saying they carry reminders of crimes committed against indigenous people. I knew who these people were and what they represented, Elena Ortiz said to the crowd, referencing field trips she had to take to these monuments as a child. She, like many other speakers, also acknowledged Webber for calling for the monuments removal, even if that decision was based in fear. A statue of conquistador Juan de Onate in Alcalde was removed Monday, while a similar statue of Onate in Albuquerque was removed Tuesday. Steven Ray Baca, a former Albuquerque city council candidate, faces several charges including aggravated battery following the shooting of a protester Monday as demonstrators attempted to tear down the statue themselves. Photo credit: Hearst Owned From Town & Country To my Daughter in a season of national reckoning: Its the summer before your senior year in high school. And like the rest of the nation and the world, an eight-minute-and-46-second video of a white police officer perversely taking a knee on the neck of George Floyd, effectively choking him to death, has made you question how self-evident our country holds the truth that all men are created equal. Some of our fellow citizens are shocked to discover the yawning gulf between our cherished democratic ideals and the lived reality of millions. Remember, our racial hierarchy is 400 years old, and because we have never truly faced our history as a nation, like clockwork, every 25 years or so we are torn asunder by its contradictions. Photo credit: Tommaso Boddi - Getty Images Thomas Jefferson believed that a post slavery multiracial society was doomed to fail. In his only book, Notes on the State of Virginia, he warned, Deep rooted prejudices entertained by the whites, ten thousand recollections by the Blacks of the injuries they have sustained, new provocations, the real distinctions which nature has made and many other circumstances will divide us into parties and produce convulsions which will probably never end but in the extermination of the one or the other race. His solution? Dispatch freed Blacks back to Africa, a continent many had never known. (Followed to its logical conclusion, his prescription would have led to the exile, upon his death, of his slave, and his wifes half-sister, Sally Hemings, and the children they shared.) I grew up in a home and a family that stood as a refutation of Jeffersons dire prediction. Your grandmother, the daughter of Black Haitian political exiles who came to these shores in 1919 and your white Anglo-Saxon protestant grandfather, whose ancestors came in the 17th century, married in 1958. At the time interracial marriage was taboo in the North, and illegal in most of the South. Photo credit: Bettmann - Getty Images Nonetheless, both of their families rose above the prejudices of their time and embraced their choice. I have had the glorious gift of living the motto e pluribus unum: out of many one. And so, while knowing how much work remains to be done, I have always shared your grandmothers unshakeable faith in the possibility and promise of building a more perfect union. Story continues When you were born 17 years ago, I was determined to pass on my mothers optimism but chose not to impose upon you the When and where I enter, the whole race enters with me ethos with which, like so many other African-American children, I had been raised. That was the belief that our individual excellence would, over time, undo the myth of Black inferiority thereby creating opportunities for others of our race. As a person of color growing up with well-connected parents of means, I took this charge as seriously as any medieval oath of noblesse oblige, never questioning the absurdity of having to petition for acceptance in a country for which people of colorincluding my 18th century Haitian ancestor, Napoleon Premice, a soldier in the American Revolutionhad fought and died. I did not want you to be bound by the stifling perfectionism of the racial emissary and mascot. I wanted you to be free to run and stumble, to try things and do them badly without fearing the fate of the entire African American race hung in the balance. As your generation has realized, people of color in this country shouldnt have to be flawless to be treated as equal, to be truly free. When you were three, I introduced you to our countrys history of separatism by telling you, over ice cream, about the public outrage surrounding your grandparents marriage. You tossed your little head back and laughed, channeling the irreverence of your late grandmother, and underscoring the absurdity of a system in which, since the first Africans had arrived, those in power had practiced segregation by day and integration by night. While you were in kindergarten, you witnessed Barack Obamas presidential run. The first time you saw his picture, you gleefully deduced That means my daddy could be president! Photo credit: New York Daily News Archive - Getty Images After Obamas victory, certain pundits and intellectuals declared the dawn of a post racial age in America. Yet, in spite of the presence of a Black man in the Oval Office, even the most privileged mothers of African-American boys I knew lived in fear, knowing that no amount of education or wealth could shield their sons from being gunned down in broad daylight. Our country has always progressed in fits and starts; moments of great advancement have usually been followed by equally great backlashes. You turned 13 as the Obama era ended. That same year, I discovered that our own Anglo-Saxon familys myth of brave revolutionary fighters, intrepid New England ships captains, and daring entrepreneurs was built, at least in part, on a lie of omission. Photo credit: Vivien Killilea - Getty Images Our ancestors had indeed fought for freedom and helped build the nation, but they had also profited until the early 19th century from the Rhode Island branch of the Transatlantic slave trade. Just as our country not only gave the world one of historys greatest blueprints for a democracy, the Constitution, it also created the template for Nazi Germanys Nuremberg laws with the Jim Crow code of racial segregation. We as a family and a country struggle to understand this tangled legacy, to reconcile the promise of opportunity with the racial inequities in housing, health, education, criminal justice, and wealth. Slavery, slave trading, segregation (as well as its stepchild, redlining), and police abuses all share a common root, one revealed in the last name of George Floyds tormentor, Derek Chauvin, which in French means unreasoning devotion to ones race. The denial of the full humanity of Black people embodied in the Constitutions three fifths clause still haunts us. When people chant Black lives matter, they are not saying that others do not. They are simply reclaiming the other two fifths of Black personhood. Though in my 57 years, I have witnessed two cycles of revolt against our racial caste systemone nationwide in 1968, and the other in Los Angeles in 1992I have never witnessed the universal reckoning unfolding before us today. The protestors are of every color and every walk of life. Institutional racism is no longer a concept relegated to obscure left wing scholarly journals but is now being spoken of by politicians and business leaders of every political affiliation. (May their deeds match their words.) At long last, we as citizens seem prepared to face our history squarely, in all its horror and glory. The peaceful protests are themselves an act of patriotism, a proclamation of faith in a better future. You dont demand more from your country if you dont love it and believe deeply in the possibility of its redemption. Though this season of tribulation has stripped you and your peers of your innocence, it also brings you true reason to hope. As you once said to me, my darling Bristol, Believe. You Might Also Like Two dozen people, some of them armed, gathered at the Pennsylvania Capitol Friday morning to remember George Floyd, whose death while in police custody last month set off a wave of Black Lives Matter protests. A man who identified himself as J said the organizers, who he variously called the collective and the movement, came out on Juneteenth as a show of solidarity. Some of them brought rifles, he said, in order to exercise their second-amendment rights just as the predominantly white reopening protesters had a month earlier. J said he was not a Harrisburg resident but members of the group that organized Fridays protest were from in or around the capital city. They planned to continue to appear and to organize such events, focusing much of their energy on mobilizing the black community. On Friday, he encouraged the group who gathered for eight minutes and forty-six seconds of silence in Floyds memory to stay in Harrisburg, to get to know one another and to support local black-owned businesses. Although Facebook posts prior to the event noted that security was on hand to serve as security for our right to gather, J said he wasnt aware of any planned counter-protest. No Harrisburg or Capitol police officers were present for the demonstration Friday. Nonetheless, the protest was peaceful. Wallace McKelvey may be reached at wmckelvey@pennlive.com. Follow him on Twitter @wjmckelvey. Find PennLive on Facebook. Read the The hunt for Ray Gricar. 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. Henry Golding recently enjoyed a camping trip with wife Liv Lo, as they got away to Big Bear, California. The actor has since returned to his daily quarantine routine at home in Los Angeles. He cut a casual chic look in black Thursday as he stepped out with Liv to make a coffee run in Venice Beach during a break from isolation. Coffee run: Henry Golding cut a casual chic look in black Thursday as he stepped out with wife Liv Lo to make a coffee run in Venice Beach during a break from isolation The 33-year-old sported a black hoodie with grey jeans, black and white Adidas kicks, a silver watch and a blue face mask. Liv, 35, donned a cropped blush cardigan with faded jeans, floral sandals and toirtoseshell sunglasses, as she carried a cognac leather handbag. Henry took to Instagram the day before with a cute selfie of them snuggling in a hammock on their Big Bear camping trip. He played chef for the outdoor excursion, posting a photo of himself chopping onions for the grill with some custom knives. Back in black: The 33-year-old sported a black hoodie with grey jeans, black and white Adidas kicks, a silver watch and a blue face mask Pretty in pink: Liv, 35, donned a cropped blush cardigan with faded jeans, floral sandals and toirtoseshell sunglasses, as she carried a cognac leather handbag Camping trip: Henry took to Instagram the day before with a cute selfie of them snuggling in a hammock on their Big Bear camping trip Chef Henry: He played chef for the outdoor excursion, posting a photo of himself chopping onions for the grill with some custom knives The Simple Favor star was previously seen with Liv at a Black Lives Matter protest earlier this month in LA. They marched with their hands up in honor of unarmed Black man George Floyd, who was killed by Minneapolis ex-police officer Derek Chauvin. Henry previously took to his Instagram story to call out Miss Universe Malaysia 2017 Samantha Katie James, who said Black people 'chose to be born as a "coloured" person in America for a reason.' He wrote: 'I usually try to keep a cool head when it comes to these things, but reading your comments @samanthakayty infuriated me. 'You have zero idea what black people have to go through on a day to day bases. For you to be talking such racist s*** on a platform like yours needs to be called out.' Yet, as he did during the trade war, Trump has maintained an oddly cordial relationship with Xi, refraining from directly criticizing him. It is on this account that Boltons book could prove most damaging, portraying the president as even more unctuous in private so eager to curry favor with the Communist Party leader to help his own reelection chances that he was willing to overlook, or even endorse, Chinas atrocious human rights abuses. BEIJING (AP) Chinese prosecutors charged two detained Canadians with spying Friday in an apparent bid to step up pressure on Canada to drop a U.S. extradition request for a Huawei executive under house arrest in Vancouver. Michael Kovrig was charged by Beijing on suspicion of spying for state secrets and intelligence. Michael Spavor was charged in Dandong, a city near the North Korean border, on suspicion of spying for a foreign entity and illegally providing state secrets. The charges were announced by Chinas highest prosecutors office in brief social media posts. Asked what evidence China had against the two, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said only that each is charged with secretly gathering state secrets for overseas forces with particularly serious consequences. The facts are clear and the evidence solid and sufficient," Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing. Zhao gave no details. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was very disappointed by China's latest move and called it a very difficult time for the two Canadians and their families. The Chinese authorities have directly linked the case of the two Michaels to the judicial proceedings against Mrs. Meng, which is extremely disappointing," Trudeau said. These Canadian citizens are being held for no other reason than the Chinese government being disappointed with the independent proceedings of the Canadian judiciary. Trudeau said they will continue to press the Chinese for their release and said Canada's allies are equally concerned. Both men have been held for 18 months. They were detained shortly after the December 2018 arrest of Meng Wanzhou, a top executive at Chinese tech giant Huawei. The daughter of Huaweis founder was arrested at the request of U.S. authorities who want her on fraud charges related to trade with Iran. A Canadian judge ruled this month that the U.S. extradition case against Meng could proceed to the next stage. China has denied any explicit link between her case and the lengthy detention of the two Canadian men, but outside experts see them as tied and Chinese diplomats have strongly implied a connection. Story continues Meng has been released on bail while her extradition case proceeds in court and is residing in one of her two Vancouver mansions where she is reportedly working on a graduate degree. Kovrig and Spavor are being held at an undisclosed location and up to now, have been denied access to lawyers or family members. China has also sentenced two other Canadians to death and suspended imports of Canadian canola, while saying those moves were also unrelated to Mengs case. Relations between Canada and China are at their lowest point since the Chinese militarys bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests centered on Beijings Tiananmen Square in 1989. "I was heartbroken and I was really angry when I learned of the latest development with the two Michaels, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said. We will not rest until they are able to come home. Freeland also said China must provide consular access to them. Canadian officials have not been granted consular access to to them since mid-January. Kovrig worked as a Hong Kong-based analyst at the non-government International Crisis Group. He previously worked as a diplomat for Canada. This is yet another arbitrary and baseless step in a case that has been arbitrary and baseless from day one. Michael was not endangering Chinas security: everything he was doing was in the open and well known to Chinas authorities, International Crisis Group President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Malley said in a statement. The tensions appear to be causing further harm to Huaweis reputation in the Americas, with two of Canadas three major telecommunication companies announcing earlier this month that theyve decided not to use the Chinese tech giant 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. Huawei is the worlds biggest supplier of network gear used by phone and internet companies, but has long been seen as a front for spying by Chinas military and its highly skilled security services. The U.S. has urged Canada to exclude Huawei equipment from their next-generation wireless networks, saying 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 intelligence a charge the company denies. ____ Associated Press writer Rob Gillies in Toronto contributed to this report. Children as young as eight can show signs of susceptibility to type 2 diabetes about 50 years before it is usually diagnosed, a study has found. Experts from Bristol studied some 4,000 participants in a long-running health study, hunting for the point at which signs of diabetes vulnerability appear in blood tests. They found that indicative changes in levels of so-called 'good cholesterol' can be seen as early as the age of eight with other signs kicking in the mid-teens. The findings may help experts understand how diabetes develops and potentially indicate new approaches to tackle the onset of the diseases and its complications. Children as young as eight can show signs of susceptibility to type 2 diabetes about 50 years before it is usually diagnosed, a study has found 'We knew that diabetes doesn't develop overnight. What we didn't know is how early in life the first signs of disease activity become visible and what these early signs look like,' said paper author Joshua Bell of the University of Bristol. 'We addressed these by looking at the effects of being more genetically prone to type 2 diabetes in adulthood on measures of metabolism taken across early life.' 'Diabetes is most common in older age, but we see signs of disease susceptibility very early on - about 50 years before it's usually diagnosed.' 'Knowing what these early signs look like widens our window of opportunity to intervene much earlier and stop diabetes before it becomes harmful.' In their study, Dr Bell and colleagues tracked over 4,000 participants from the so-called 'Children of the 90s' a long-running study which recruited a total of 14,000 pregnant women in 1991 and 1992 and monitored them and their children's health. The team combined genetic analysis of the participants with blood samples taken at the ages of 8, 16, 18 and 25 years using the latter to measure the small molecules in the blood looking for patterns specific to the development of type 2 diabetes. The young participants in the study were generally free of both type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. Looking for how early signs of diabetes susceptibility can manifest, the team found that the level of certain types of high-density lipoproteins sometimes called the 'good' cholesterol were reduced at age eight before others were raised. In addition, inflammation and amino acids were also seen to become elevated by the ages of 16 and 18 years old with all these differences widening over time. 'We're talking about the effects of susceptibility rather than of clinical disease itself. This does not mean that young people "already have adult diabetes",' Dr Bell said. 'These are subtle differences in the metabolism of young people who are more prone to developing it later in life.' 'These findings help reveal the biology of how diabetes unfolds and what features may be targetable much earlier on to prevent the onset of disease and its complications,' Dr Bell added. 'This is important because we know that the harmful effects of blood glucose such as on heart disease are not exclusive to people with diagnosed diabetes but extend to a smaller degree to much of the population.' The full findings of the study were published in the journal Diabetes Care. Two Alabama probation officers were shot at Thursday in the Bessemer area in western Jefferson County. Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles spokesman Terry Abbott said the two officers Officer in Charge Sidney Yarbrough and Officer Steven Motley were at the home to conduct a supervisory visit with an offender. The address was not disclosed. Abbott said parole and probation officers make home visits as part of the process of supervising offenders transition back into the community after criminal convictions. On Thursday, they approached a building next to the home they were visiting when someone from inside that building opened fire. The officers took cover and called for backup to help bring the situation under control. Other parole and probation officers in the area converged on the scene, as did Jefferson County sheriffs deputies. No injuries were reported. The probationer Terry Easter is suspected of firing shots, Abbott said. He was arrested on a probation violation incident following the incident. More charges are possible against him following the ongoing investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencies. Officers of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles put their lives on the line every day working to help keep communities all across the state safe, Bureau Director Charlie Graddick said. Our officers are courageous and dedicated to public safety, and our state is a better place because of their work. We are so grateful that Officers Yarbrough and Motley were not hurt, and we are grateful for the assistance of the Jefferson County Sheriffs Department, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and our other parole and probation officers on the scene. ALBANY Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who at times endured criticism for New York's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, on Friday conducted his final task force briefing on the health crisis, reflecting on the effect it had on him and his family personally as the nation is continuing to battle an infectious disease that is expected to kill more than 200,000 people in the United States. "We did act as one. It was extraordinary," Cuomo said, referring to the phrase "e pluribus unum" out of many, one that was added to the state seal during the height of the pandemic. "I have never seen or felt anything like it." Cuomo declared victory against the virus in New York, noting the state has the lowest rate of infection and is reopening its economy, even as other states are seeing surges in infections and hospitalizations from faster reopening strategies that the governor has criticized. "Forty-two days up the mountain and 69 days down the other side," Cuomo said. "Everyday hurt and was hard. It was frightening and sad. But I really believe we will be the better for it." He said that his daughter Michaela, who graduated from college this spring, told him that she was "disappointed about missing the ceremony, but that she had learned a lot over these past three months" about herself, government and people. Latest coronavirus-related cancellations, postponements The latest coronavirus numbers in NY Sign up for the Times Union coronavirus newsletter Full coronavirus coverage "She's right, and after 62 years when I thought that I had seen it all, I got an education, too," he said. "We didn't just put the words on our state seal, we made the words come true, we made the words come to life. ... Why would it take a crisis to bring us together? ... Why can't it motivate us by love rather than hate. Why doesn't government urge us to realize we are members of the same community ... and we all benefit when we work together." As the pandemic continues its grip on many states, the nation has also endured mass protests in recent weeks and rioting and looting by people lashing out against police tactics in the wake of the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes while he was handcuffed. "The only way forward is if I protect you and you protect me. I wear a mask for you and you wear a mask for me," Cuomo said. Cuomo, whose briefings had normally been followed by questions-and-answer sessions with reporters, delivered his final task force remarks from the privacy of his Capitol office. Nominate your favorite people and places now Its the 25th anniversary of our Best of the Capital Region readers survey. Nominate your favorite people, places and businesses between Jan. 21 and Feb. 4. "No matter how dark the day, love brings the life. That is what I will take from the past 111 days," he said. "It inspires me and energizes me and excites me. ... this impossible task. ... There is nothing that we can't do and we will be better and we will be stronger for what we have gone through. It shows us that we have great potential to do even more and we will." During the height of the pandemic, Cuomo received fierce criticism for an executive order that required nursing homes to accept residents who were infected with COVID-19, hastening the spread of the disease in many of those facilities across the state. The state had roughly 6,000 people die in nursing homes from the disease and Cuomo's administration scrambled at times to beat back what they said were misleading claims about the state's directive. Last month, Seema Verma, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the governor's claim that it was following federal guidelines on its nursing home policies was inaccurate. "Under no circumstances should a hospital discharge a patient to a nursing home that is not prepared to take care of those patients' needs," Verma had said on Fox News Radio. The federal guidelines are absolutely clear about this. Cuomo's spokesman, Richard Azzopardi, fired back at Verma's statements and said many were trying to "exploit" the pandemic for political purposes. "Federal guidelines and state law both state that facilities need the space, the staff and the protective equipment to care for a patient or they have to be transferred and that remained the standard during this pandemic," he said. The launch of the Staying Connected initiative at Lusk Community Nursing Home, led by Mayor Eoghan OBrien Skerries Age Friendly Town is working to get the older members of the local community connected during the COVID-19 crisis. Skerries Age Friendly Town is a working group under the umbrella of the Skerries Community Association and an initiative of the Fingal Age Friendly County programme. It decided to take action to address the needs of our more vulnerable older community. The 'Staying Connected' initiative is a smart technology solution called ACORN to enable older people to stay in touch. It is a new venture for the town and is a response to Covid-19. The 'Staying Connected' Initiative was launched on Friday, June 5 in Lusk Community Nursing Home by the Mayor, Cllr. Eoghan O'Brien. More than 20 ACORN smart tablets were donated to the nursing homes in Rush, Lusk, and Loughshinny along with Skerries and Lusk Community Day Care Service. The initiative was made possible due to the support that the Skerries Age Friendly Town Working Group received from the Skerries Community Association, Skerries Rugby Club and Fingal County Council's Age Friendly County Programme. The project also received financial support from both the business and local community in Skerries. Michael McKenna, chair of Skerries Community Association said: 'Events like Covid-19 can test a community. This project shows how local businesses, organisations and individuals can make a positive difference. These tablets will make digital communication so much easier for people in the nursing homes and the day care service and their families.' The initiative also received generous support from SuperValu, Sonica Fitout, Conway Construction, the Shoehorn, McMeels Pharmacy and the McMeel family, The Windmill Surgery, Sean Oakes Pharmacy, C&T Supermarket, Jimmy's Takeaway, Des Byrne Butchers. The townspeople themselves have been really generous in making contributions to the initiative. 'We knew Skerries was a town with a proud tradition of supporting local community initiatives, but we never expected the response that we got, it has been heart-warming,' said Mary Conway, Chair of the Skerries Age Friendly Town. Skerries Age Friendly Town is working with Fingal County Council and the Dublin North Integrated Care Team - Older Person to deliver on this initiative that will target the most vulnerable in our community, enabling them to keep in touch with family and friends while, at the same time, helping HSE Day Care workers keep in touch with clients. With the support and guidance of the Integrated Care Team Older Person, the devices will be made available to nursing homes in the locality and, through the Skerries Community Day Care Service to vulnerable people, on a loan arrangement, and will enable them to enjoy virtual contact. According to Patrice Reilly, HSE, Social Work Team Leader, Dublin North Integrated Care Programme for Older Person's Team: 'Social distancing and visiting restrictions, while necessary for physical and public health, can impact a person's emotional and psychological health and wellbeing. I am excited to be involved in this initiative and hope that it will provide a means whereby older people can better connect during these difficult times with their families and communities.' Fingal County Council's Chief Executive, AnnMarie Farrelly, also added her words of congratulations: 'It is good to take time to acknowledge the 'Staying Connected' project. That it addresses the needs of our citizens in Nursing Homes, helping them to stay connected with their families and friends, would not have happened without the support and drive of the Skerries Age Friendly Town Committee. 'I really welcome this 'Staying Connected' initiative and the use of the ACORN Tablets within Nursing homes across the Fingal area. It is indeed a project to be proud of.' 'I am delighted to support this 'Staying Connected' initiative,' added Margaret Geraghty, Fingal County Council's Director of Housing and Community. 'Age Friendly Fingal is proud to have worked with the ACORN team over the last two years. It is heartening to see this product now being used with our most vulnerable citizens.' The ACORN Age-Friendly Smart Tablet ACORN is a smart tablet which provides those with limited technology skills the ability to be fully engaged online. It is designed as an age-friendly digital device, purpose-built to improve the quality of life of its older users by supporting their primary life needs. The Acorn smart tablet has been designed as a product that helps to address the challenges of sustained independent living, both at home and within the community. www.MyAcorn.ie If you wish to know more about the 'Staying Connected' initiative contact: Mary Conway email marydeasyconway@gmail.com or phone 086 397 7118 Judge Seamus Hughes has refused jurisdiction on a case after hearing how a man threatened to shoot and cut the balls off some fishermen at the canal in Killashee last year. Thomas McDermott, 65 Cluain na Sibhe, Killashee, Co Longford, appeared at a recent sitting of Longford District Court where two fishermen gave evidence against him. Jeff Cooke, an English fisherman, who has lived in Ireland for 25 years, told the court that he was fishing with a friend at the canal near Killashee on September 25, 2019, when he first met Mr McDermott. At about 2.30pm, I noticed a gentleman walking up the bank with two dogs, he explained. He walked up adjacent to me and my friend and started throwing logs in the water and getting the dogs to jump in after them. He did it a couple or three times and I said that wasnt very considerate. He then went crackers. Mr Cooke explained that the accused then walked up to him and held a log in a threatening manner at the back of the fishermans head. He turned on me and said keep your f***ing mouth shut or Ill f***ing sort you out, you c***. He said you dont own the canal; you dont even live here and he kept waving the log behind my head, said Mr Cooke. I said I do live here and have lived here for 25 years. What struck me was he spoke with a broad cockney accent. Mr Cooke explained that the accused then bent down and took a photograph of him and said Ive dealt with you before, you f***ing p****; you were born in Yorkshire. He told me he had previously assaulted another Yorkshire p**** on the canal, he said. I said you took my photo, can I take yours and he said you can try you f***ing p****. He said he has my number and would kill me and my whole family. He threatened to slit my throat and cut my f***ing balls off. When someone is waving a log behind your head, you become very subservient. He said youre only a couple of p****s; look at the fishing rods youre using - only a p**** would use those. Then he walked away, said Mr Cooke. We decided to leave and we met another gentleman who spoke to us. I asked if he knew a man with two dogs and he said he did and that he threatened him too. Mr Cooke went on to explain that he used to work in an institution for the criminally insane, and that he recognised something in Mr McDermott. I know that kind of threat because, in a previous life, for seven years, I worked in an institution for the criminally insane and I recognised immediate danger, he said. A second fisherman, who was not the friend with Mr Cooke at the time, but came across Mr McDermott on a separate occasion, also gave evidence in court. Anthony Nicholson explained that he has been living in Ireland since 2004 and that he and Mr Cooke dont fish together, but met while they were fishing. I was fishing with my friend, Tony, when this man came with his two dogs, Mr Nicholson explained. He was fishin on February 16, 2019. As he went past me, he threw some sticks into the water and the dogs jumped in after them. I asked him if he needed to do that here, he added. He got very abusive and started swearing and cursing. He was very nasty and I was quite worried and frightened. He walked off with the dogs and when he came back, he threatened to shoot me and shoot my family. The whole episode frightened me. I havent been back fishing since then - not there. Observing Mr McDermott in the court room that day, Judge Hughes said that he was rather sullen-looking and would be an intimidating character for anyone to come across. I wouldnt like to meet him on the canal. But he doesnt own the canal, said Judge Hughes. This seems to be a campaign by this man to take over exclusive use of the canal for his dogs. That cannot be tolerated. It is not lost on me that one of the men worked in the psychiatric service. If I were trying this case, Id be looking for a psychiatric report. With that, Judge Hughes refused jurisdiction and remanded Mr McDermott on bail until July 21 for DPP directions. The National Assembly has passed the Public-Private Partnership Law which allows the government to share financial risks with companies in public infrastructure projects. The law will allow for a 25 percent band on either side of targeted revenues in a public-private partnership (PPP) project, and its provisions will only kick in if that is breached. Thus, if a private companys revenues fall by more than 25 percent from the agreed amount, it will receive 50 percent of the difference from the government as indemnification. Whereas, if the revenue exceeds the projected amount by more than 25 percent, the company will have to hand over half the excess amount to the government. Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said with the law the government seeks to attract greater private sector participation in infrastructure development to reduce the pressure on public funds. The law will take effect on January 1, 2021. Foreign businesses have said that PPP projects in Vietnam are too risky and the government should protect investors by ensuring a reasonable return on their investment. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Norman Harsono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 12:44 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406600c12f 1 Business green-energy,green-economic-recovery,Surya-Nusantara,solar-energy,solar-panel,energy-and-mineral-resources-ministry,IESR,energy-subsidy Free A think tank and the government are working on an ambitious billion-dollar plan to recover Indonesias virus-ridden economy by installing thousands of rooftop solar panels. The scheme ultimately entails installing panels with a combined capacity of 1 gigawatt of peak power GWp) a year for millions of Indonesias poorest households over the next four to five years. The scheme, dubbed the Solar Archipelago (Surya Nusantara) plan, is expected to cost Rp 15 trillion (US$1.07 billion) annually. Local think tank Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), which initiated the plan, estimates the scheme will generate up to 22,000 jobs from installing the panels and save the government billions of dollars in electricity subsidies. Cutting back subsidies is particularly attractive for the cash-strapped Indonesian government, namely the Energy and Mineral Resources and the Finance Ministrys Fiscal Policy Agency (BKF), both of whom are working to develop the scheme. We expect implementation to start next year, but preparations must begin from today, IESR executive director Fabby Tumiwa told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday. Fabby, who is also a member of the Indonesian Solar Energy Association (AESI), said much work remained, including training new panel installers via a government training program. Indonesia currently lacks the manpower to install one GWp of panels each year. He said the project would realistically kick off with 100-200 megawatt (MW) in Nusa Tenggara and Bali in its first year. Those provinces have the highest electricity supply costs (BPP) in Indonesia. Energy analysts globally are calling for governments to invest in green technology as countries begin disbursing billions of dollars in post-COVID-19 economic recovery schemes. The analysts argue that such investments could stimulate growth and create jobs without sacrificing environmental commitments. The period after the COVID-19 crisis could determine whether the world meets or misses the emissions goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement, said consultancy McKinsey & Company in an article on May 27. Indonesia, a signatory of the landmark Paris Agreement, has pledged to make solar contribute 5.7 percent of the countrys power by 2025, yet solar only contributed 0.1 percent last year. The Indonesian government has budgeted Rp 695.2 trillion in economic recovery funds, slated for healthcare system, social safety nets, incentives for small businesses and job creation, among other things, but there is no specific mention of renewable energy. To put that money back into coal would be a mistake, Rudolf Rauch, renewable energy program coordinator of the GIZ, Germanys federal enterprise for international cooperation, told the Post on Monday. Rauch commended the green economic recovery plan but pointed out that Indonesia lacked the manpower to just jump into installing 1GWp of panels. He suggested that the government start by installing 200 MW in the first year, then double the figure every following year. The Energy ministrys renewables director Harris said the ministry was in talks with the BKF over the plan. He also expected the scheme to create local employment opportunities and grow the domestic solar industry. Everyone can benefit, and the government can save on long-term subsidies, Harris said. The government has allocated Rp 97.42 trillion for this years energy subsidy, according to Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 54/2020 on the 2020 state budget revision. However, Finance Ministry Fiscal Policy Agency head Febrio Nathan Kacaribu said earlier this month that the energy subsidy budget had been lowered to Rp 92.2 trillion following the plunge in oil prices. Indonesia currently has 31 million households eligible for electricity subsidies. The government spent Rp52.7 trillion on subsidies for those homes last year. BKF special advisor Joko Tri Hariyanto said the agency was trying to diversify the green economic recovery programs funding, such as by adding government debt papers (SUN) and sharia-compliant bonds (sukuk), instead of fully relying on the state budget (APBN), as IESR initially planned. The BKF is currently awaiting feedback from the energy ministry and the IESR on the scheme, Joko told the Post on Friday. If the energy ministry were to redirect electricity subsidy funds, they would need to talk to PLN, he said. If this program does have a good multiplier effect, whether in terms of peoples income or local job creation, then that Rp 15 trillion may come from the state budget. President Donald Trump has said he's heard some 'interesting things' about aliens, and, in an interview with his son Don Jr, unveiled a new campaign advert claiming Joe Biden has been endorsed by Osama bin Laden. Trump made the comments Thursday in a Father's Day-themed interview with his eldest son, hosted by the president's reelection campaign. The pair discuss Roswell, the New Mexico city known for its proximity to arguably most famous UFO event. Don Jr asked his father if he would reveal what he had been told about alien life 'Before you leave office, will you let us know if there are aliens?' Don Jr said. 'Because this is the only thing I really want to know. Would you ever open up Roswell and let us know what's really going on.' Trump responded: 'I won't talk to you about what I know about it, but it's very interesting.' In 1947, a rancher discovered unidentifiable debris in his sheep pasture outside Roswell. Air Force officials said it was a crashed weather balloon, but skeptics questioned whether it was in fact at extraterrestrial flying saucer. Decades later the U.S. military acknowledged the debris was related to a top-secret atomic project. Still, the UFO theory has flourished. The president in the past has spoken skeptically about the possibility that there is something out there. Last year Trump said he received a short briefing on UFO sighting, but also offered: 'People are saying they're seeing UFOs. Do I believe it? Not particularly.' After his father offered that he heard some 'interesting' things about Roswell, Trump Jr. asked the president might declassify that information someday. 'Well, I'll have to think about that one,' the president responded. Area 51 near Roswell, New Mexico, has long been a source of fascination for UFO watchers Law enforcement stand near barb wire as people gathered to "storm" Area 51 in September Don Jr also asked his father if he knew about documents found during the May 2011 raid which killed bin Laden. The secretive documents, first reported in 2012 by The Washington Post, outlined a plan to take out Obama and top U.S. military commander David Petraeus as they traveled by plane. 'The reason for concentrating on them is that Obama is the head of infidelity and killing him automatically will make [Vice President] Biden take over the presidency,' bin Laden wrote to a top deputy. 'Biden is totally unprepared for that post, which will lead the U.S. into a crisis. 'As for Petraeus, he is the man of the hour ... and killing him would alter the war's path' in Afghanistan. Don Jr interviewed his father for a Father's Day special, which aired on Thursday Don Jr told Trump that bin Laden had wanted Biden as president. Trump asked if that was true The interview then cut to a new advert, claiming Biden has been endorsed by the dead terrorist Don Jr said he had recently been made aware of the documents. 'There was paperwork from Osama bin Laden saying that he wanted to kill President Obama, because it would put Joe Biden in charge,' he told his father. 'And essentially he's so grossly incompetent it would lead to the destruction of America. 'What does it say to you that, basically, the Democrat nominee got the posthumous Osama bin Laden endorsement? That this is the guy they put forth?' Trump said he was unaware of it, but would 'immediately make a great commercial'. Don Jr replied: 'That's your Father's Day present.' Osama bin Laden, who was killed in May 2011, wanted to kill Obama and leave Biden in charge Bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, was where the documents were found The interview then cut to a campaign advert, saying: 'Joe Biden - China's candidate, Iran's candidate, and Osama's candidate.' It also seized on Biden's admission that, in April 2011, he advised Obama to wait for further confirmation that bin Laden was actually in the compound in Pakistan before acting. Biden also, months later and ever since, claimed that in a one-on-one meeting with Obama immediately after the security council meeting, he told the president to 'follow your instincts,' knowing that the president was inclined at that time to move forward with the raid. The new campaign was greeted with bemusement by Trump's adversaries. 'Can you smell the desperation?' said Tim Miller, an advisor for Republican Voters Against Trump. Bill Kristol, an outspoken Republican critic of Trump, tweeted: 'The Trumps cavort in the gutter: "Bin Laden Endorsed Biden." 'This would be another moment, another opportunity, for decent Republicans who have yet to step forward to say, No, we cannot vote in 2020 for Donald Trump.' Trump was asked about the economic performance of the U.S. under his presidency, and said he was doing well until 'the Chinese plague' came over. He said his actions, though, had saved 'millions of lives'. The president then addressed the protests that sprung up after the May 25 killing of George Floyd, saying that Seattle had been 'taken over' and saying it was 'sad' that Minneapolis was 'almost taken over'. 'You cannot go back to the bedlam,' he said. 'You'd have a situation like Seattle times a thousand.' Don Jr described the election in November as 'the last hurrah of the swamp'. Trump agreed, saying if the Democrats get in, the US will be in 'a recession, slash depression, the likes of which we've never seen before. You'll have another Seattle, another Minneapolis.' He said he should have sent the National Guard in 'on night one'. The interview cut to feature clips of riots, and Trump said that if he loses in November there will be 'another Seattle, another Minneapolis.' The president blamed Democrat mayors Trump also divulged that he watched 'a couple' of episodes of Netflix's 'Tiger King.' Joseph Maldonado-Passage, known as Joe Exotic, the star of the popular docuseries, is serving a 22-year prison sentence after he was convicted for hiring a hit man to murder a rival, the animal-rights activist. Trump said during a April press briefing he was unfamiliar with the 'Tiger King' when asked about Don Jr. jokingly saying on a radio show that he was lobbying the president for a pardon for Maldonado-Passage. The president on Thursday did not say whether he was considering a pardon but sounded intrigued by Maldonado-Passage. 'That's a whole strange deal going on,' Trump said. 'I'll tell you that's a strange guy and a lot of strange people surrounding him.' A national audit of labour hire firms in the construction industry by the government regulator found almost 80 per cent had broken workplace laws, with 64 per cent underpaying workers. The Australian Building and Construction Commission said it had recovered $563,850 for 1337 affected workers, however, it did not fine or name the companies. The watchdog has found pay issues are rife in the construction labour hire industry. Credit:Bloomberg The Construction, Forestry, Mining, Maritime and Energy Union seized on the data to argue it was disproportionately targeted by the commission, which has repeatedly castigated the union for breaches of workplace rules. The report comes on the eve of discussions between unions and employer groups on how Australia should enforce its pay laws and is likely to boost the union's case for tougher measures. BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European markets ended mostly higher on Friday as optimism about economic recovery after the European Union's proposal for a massive fiscal stimulus helped offset concerns about a second wave of coronavirus infections, and prompted investors to pick up stocks. The recent strong retails and jobless claims data from the U.S. further aided sentiment. The pan European Stoxx 600 gained 0.56%. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 advanced 1.1%, while Germany's DAX and France's CAC 40 ended higher by 0.4% and 0.42%, respectively. Switzerland's SMI settled 0.78% higher. Among other markets in Europe, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain and Turkey ended on positive note. Austria, Belgium and Sweden declined, while Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland and Ireland ended flat. Among the stocks in UK's FTSE 100 index, Aveva Group, Taylor Wimpey, Centrica, Diageo, 3i Group, Smurfit Kappa Group, Hikma Pharmaceutical, Compass Group and Severn Trent gained 3 to 4.5%. Scottish Mortgage, Unilever, HSBC Holdings, Ashtead Group, WPP and Anglo American also rose sharply. Berkeley Group, Whitbread, Barclays, Royal Bank and Rio Tinto closed weak. In Germany, SAP moved up more than 2.5%. E.ON, Lufthansa, Fresenius, Beiersdorf, Bayer and Henkel gained 1.2 to 2%. Wirecard shares plunged more than 35%, extending a staggering 60% loss it posted in the previous session. The stock tumbled after the payments processor said it has suspended the member of the Management Board Jan Marsalek on a revocable basis, after revealing that auditors couldn't find about 1.9 billion euros in cash. Also, the company's Chief Executive Officer Markus Braun stepped down following EY's decision to decline to sign off 2019 full-year accounts. In the French market, Danone gained about 3.4%. Dassault Systemes, Essilor Exottica, Orange, Sanofi, Airbus and Carnival gained 1.2 to 2%. Valeo shares declined by about 6%, while Credit Agricole, Societe Generale, Peugeot and BNP Paribas lost 1.4 to 2%. In economic releases, the euro area current account surplus fell to EUR 14.4 billion in April from EUR 27.4 billion in March, data from the European Central bank showed. This was the lowest since April 2017, when the surplus was EUR 11.7 billion. The surplus on trade in goods narrowed to EUR 13 billion from EUR 32 billion a month ago, while the surplus on services doubled to EUR 4 billion from EUR 2 billion. U.K. retail sales recovered at a faster than expected pace in May driven by non-food store sales and the budget deficit reached a record high amid high expenditure, official data from the Office for National Statistics showed. Retail sales volume increased at a pace of 12% on month, in contrast to an 18% decrease in April, the data showed. Sales were forecast to climb 5.7%. Meanwhile, European Union governments kicked off negotiations today over a proposal for a 750 billion euro recovery fund to tackle the Covid-19 crisis. However, the members are somewhat divided over the stimulus plan. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de The Mormon Church has 224 temples around the world, including 96 in the United States, which are used for weddings and other ceremonies. Though the churchs regular Sunday services at meetinghouses are open to the public, only baptized members of the church are allowed into temples. Education campaigner Malala Yousafzai has expressed her joy and gratitude after completing her philosophy, politics and economics degree at Oxford University. The 22-year-old shared two pictures of herself covered in confetti on Twitter with the caption: Hard to express my joy and gratitude right now as I completed my Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree at Oxford. I dont know whats ahead. For now, it will be Netflix, reading and sleep. Hard to express my joy and gratitude right now as I completed my Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree at Oxford. I dont know whats ahead. For now, it will be Netflix, reading and sleep. pic.twitter.com/AUxN55cUAf Malala (@Malala) June 19, 2020 Ms Yousafzai was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman at the age of 15 after campaigning for girls to be educated in her native Pakistan. She went on to become the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2014. Congratulations! Philip Pullman (@PhilipPullman) June 19, 2020 Thousands replied to Ms Yousafzais Twitter post, including former Oxford student and writer Philip Pullman, who simply wrote: Congratulations! Nasa astronaut Anne McClain who studied in England also replied, writing: Congratulations on your graduation @Malala! Congratulations on your graduation @Malala! For so many, higher education is the start of great things. For you, great things preceded it and I can only imagine the even greater ones to follow. The world is lucky to have you on it. Anne McClain (@AstroAnnimal) June 19, 2020 For so many, higher education is the start of great things. For you, great things preceded it and I can only imagine the even greater ones to follow. The world is lucky to have you on it. - Veteran actress Chanda Romero is seeking plasma donors for her mother who is now batting with COVID-19 - She made the announcement on June 16 as her mother was confined at the Cebu Doctor's University Hospital - She said that they are in dire need of plasma from patients who have already recovered and that they would be truly grateful for all the help - The urgency can be felt from the tone of the veteran actress who is clearly worried about her mother, Meding PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Veteran actress Chanda Romero sought the help of COVID-19 survivors to donate plasma for her mother who is confined at a hospital for COVID-19. Her mom Meding, is confined at the Cebu Doctors' University Hospital and is in dire need of plasma donation. In a Facebook post, she also stated, "If there is anyone out there who is willing to donate plasma, please PM me your contact number and we will call you." At the end of her plea, she said that their whole family will be grateful for any help that donors can extend. On June 17, the actress made another plea, "My dear Mother is in dire need of plasma. Please help us." PAY ATTENTION: Shop with KAMI! The best offers and discounts on the market, product reviews and feedback Latest reports from the City Health Department of Cebu showed that there are more than 2000 active cases of COVID-19. PAY ATTENTION: Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! In a previous KAMI report, celebrities reacted upon learning that Sylvia Sanchez was positive for COVID-19. Both the actress and her husband tested positive. Chanda Romero is one of the most well-respected actresses in the Philippines. She is mostly seen on GMA network. 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 Boris Johnson has revealed a 1 billion plan to help pupils catch up with their education after spending months out of school during the coronavirus lockdown. The scheme will see the most disadvantaged children in England given access to funds to pay for personal tutors, while the majority of the funding will allow schools to step in to cover lost teaching time. The Prime Minister said last week that school pupils would undergo a massive catch-up operation over the summer and beyond to get up to speed on work they have missed, with thousands of youngsters having been out of class since March. Announcing the fresh wave of funding before his visit to a school in Hertfordshire on Friday, Mr Johnson said: This 1 billion catch-up package will help head teachers to provide extra support to children who have fallen behind while out of school. I am determined to do everything I can to get all children back in school from September, and we will bring forward plans on how this will happen as soon as possible. The money will mean the most disadvantaged children will have access to tutors through a 350 million national programme for the 2020/21 academic year, to prevent the attainment gap from widening further. A further 650 million will be shared across state primary and secondary schools over the 2020-21 academic year to help children from all backgrounds who have lost teaching time, the Department for Education said. While head teachers will decide how the money is spent, the Government expects it to be used for small group tuition for whoever needs it. Expand Close The Government was forced to abandon plans for all primary pupils to return before September due to social distancing constraints (Jacob King/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Government was forced to abandon plans for all primary pupils to return before September due to social distancing constraints (Jacob King/PA) The announcement comes after ministers were put under pressure to get children back to school amid concerns about the damage being caused to pupils attainment and wellbeing. Children in nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 have begun returning to primary school in England, and some Year 10 and 12 pupils returned to secondary school and college this week. But all pupils are not due to return to school until at least September after the Government was forced to abandon plans to get all primary school children back in class before the summer break. Controversy is also brewing about exam results after the i newspaper reported that millions of GCSE and A-level grades are due to be marked down because of generous predictions made by teachers as a result of exams being scrapped during the pandemic. In Northern Ireland, most pupils are set for a return to full-time education in the autumn after ministers agreed to cut the social distancing measure to one-metre. But Health Secretary Matt Hancock, speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing on Thursday, said the same would not happen in England until the virus was under control. Expand Close Health Secretary Matt Hancock at Thursdays daily Downing Street briefing (PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Health Secretary Matt Hancock at Thursdays daily Downing Street briefing (PA) Mr Hancocks comments come as the Government prepares to reveal the latest UK Covid-19 reproduction number referred to as the R value which will be used to guide ministers on whether further lockdown lifting can take place. Pubs and restaurants, as well as hairdressers and beauty parlours, are hoping to be given the green light to reopen on July 4. The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) last week confirmed the UK rate was between 0.7 and 0.9, meeting the Governments target of keeping it below 1.0. Meanwhile the Government on Thursday was forced into an embarrassing U-turn over its tracing app, announcing that it was ditching ambitions to develop its own software and instead will work with tech giants Apple and Google on a new, improved design. Expand Close The Government will work with Google and Apple to come up with a coronavirus tracking app, having abandoned plans for an in-house version (PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Government will work with Google and Apple to come up with a coronavirus tracking app, having abandoned plans for an in-house version (PA) Mr Hancock said developers had been working on both the app created by the NHSs digital arm, NHSX, and the design offered by Apple and Google since May, but the NHSX app had hit a technical barrier during testing on the Isle of Wight. Having previously promised the tracing app would be rolled out in mid-May, Mr Hancock refused to put a date on when the new software would be ready. Officials, at an earlier briefing, said they hoped an app will be ready by the autumn-winter flu season, a crucial point when many could exhibit coronavirus-like symptoms even if they do not have the disease. 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. "WMH is proud to be a part of the design that will ultimately serve millions of Bay Area residents. This project is an important link to the region's economic vitality, and will surely improve traffic and quality of life for all commuters." The overall Silicon Valley BART Extension (SVBX) Project, a 10-mile extension of BART service from the City of Fremont to the City of San Jose is set to open service on June 13th. The extension will allow riders to travel to San Francisco in under one (1) hour. The Berryessa and Milpitas BART station campuses serve as key local and regional connections to the high-tech, job-rich northwestern areas of Santa Clara County. The WMH Team was responsible for design of both campus site improvements including at-grade parking, parking structures, access streets, grading and drainage, and utility services. Unique to the Berryessa station, is a new trail connection along Upper Penitencia Creek. The trail is Bicycle and Pedestrian-friendly, accessible and connected to different engaging areas. The multi-use trail helps to close an important gap in the Citys overall trail system. WMH President and CEO, William Hadaya, noted: "This is a significant undertaking with decades in the making. WMH is proud to be a part of the design that will ultimately serve millions of Bay Area residents. This project is an important link to the region's economic vitality, and will surely improve traffic and quality of life for all commuters. A huge thank you and congratulations to all for this milestone achievement!" On Tuesday, May 19th, VTA General Manager and CEO Nuria Fernandez and San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit Districts (BART) General Manager Robert Powers signed the Project Safety and Security Certificate officially indicating that the system can begin service. The signing ceremony included attendance from Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President and VTA Board Chair Cindy Chavez, BART Board President Lateefah Simon, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and Silicon Valley Leadership Group CEO Carl Guardino. The Notice of Intent to Operate was signed by Powers on May 22nd. Expanding travel options in one of the Bay Areas most congested corridors is key to an economic revival, said Powers. Connecting Silicon Valley to the rest of the Bay Area will not only beef up our public transportation network but create new opportunities for much-needed housing near transit. He's been in quarantine with his wife Keely Shaye Smith at their family cottage on the island of Kauai. And Pierce Brosnan was in full relaxation mode as he enjoyed a day at the beach near his home in Hawaii on Friday. The James Bond icon, 67, showcased his youthful physique as he went shirtless during a stroll along the sandy shores of the holiday hotspot. In his element: Pierce Brosnan was in full relaxation mode as he enjoyed a day at the beach near his home in Hawaii on Friday The TV and film star looked every inch the silver fox as he sported a full grey beard and kept comfy in patterned trunks. Following a dip in the sea, the thespian, who held onto thick swimming goggles, dried himself with a large grey towel. Last week, Pierce revealed two of his lifelong friends have died after battling coronavirus. Downtime: The James Bond icon, 67, showcased his youthful physique as he went shirtless during a stroll along the sandy shores of the holiday hotspot Handsome: The TV and film star looked every inch the silver fox as he sported a full grey beard and kept comfy in patterned trunks The media personality branded the virus 'a war' and an 'awful threat to life looming' during a cover feature with the latest issue of Parade magazine. He said: 'I lost two friends to COVID-19. They were friends of 45 years, and I am godfather to his son. 'No matter where you are and how beautiful it may be, you still have this awful threat to life looming. 'You have to keep pushing the rock uphill, and you have to keep involved in life. We are at war. People are dying. The actor added that he hopes a silver lining of the pandemic may be that people are kinder and more aware of the 'fragility of our planet.' The screen star and his long-term partner Keely, who married in 2001 at Ballintubber Abbey in County Mayo, Ireland, are parents to sons Dylan, 23, and Paris, 19. A reported attempt by a Chinese military-linked hacking outfit to access data in WA's Department of Premier and Cabinet is believed to be part of a series of major computer network attacks on Australian governments and companies that prompted warnings from Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday morning. The attacks by "a sophisticated state-based actor" have been putting pressure on critical infrastructure and public services, with China understood to be a likely source of the threat. On Thursday, the Australian Cyber Security Centre released an advisory on "copy-paste compromises" similar to a January attack on the WA Premier's department. According to a report in the New York Times, the Naikon group in January compromised a network in Indonesia's embassy in Canberra before launching an attack on a staffer in Mr McGowan's department working on health policy. I can think of a few explanations for this. The first is that as the pandemic has worn on, and everyone has learned more, covid-19 no longer seems so threatening. The virus is clearly deadliest to the very elderly; more than 40 percent of all deaths in the United States are linked to nursing homes or long-term-care facilities, whose residents are presumably even less healthy than others in their age group. For the rest of us, the risk seems smaller than it did in March. In 1587 a group of English settlers arrived on Roanoke Island to start a new life, but three years later more than 100 of the colonists vanished sparking one of America's oldest unsolved mysteries. Now, some 400 years later, archaeologists have stumbled upon evidence that sheds light on their disappearance. Scott Dawson, a native of Hatteras Island and hobby archaeologist, spent more than a decade excavating a site on the island, pulling thousands of artifacts from the ground. The trove was mostly tools, beads and arrow heads of Native American origin, but along with the objects were those that belonged to English settlers. Dawson believes he and a team of experts have located what was a 'survivors camp,' where most of the colonist moved and integrated with the Croatoan tribe. Scroll down for video Scott Dawson, a native of Hatteras Island and hobby archaeologist, spent over a decade excavating a site on the island, pulling thousands of artifacts from the ground The Lost Colony of Roanoke is one of America's oldest unsolved mysteries, which has attracted experts from around the world to what is now the Outer Banks of North Carolina, with the hopes of uncovering clues to what caused the disappearance of 115 English settlers. Dawson has always been intrigued by the history and grew up hearing stories of the colony, Wavy News 10 reports. He recently published a book entitled 'The Lost Colony and Hatteras Island' that describes his findings along with a team of archaeologists from the University of Bristol. Not only does the book discuss the Lost Colony, but also highlights the Native Americans who inhabited the area for thousands of years. Some theories suggest the settlers traveled to Hatteras Island. This theory holds more evidence, as the word 'Croatoan' was found carved into a wooden post in the Roanoke colony The trove was mostly tools, beads and arrow heads of Native American origin, but along with the objects were those that belonged to English settlers, such as this iron rapier. Experts have located what was a 'survivors camp,' where most of the colonist moved and integrated with the Croatoan tribe 'We've got some evidence of a runaway slave they were harboring, there's lots of side stories that are in this book that have nothing to do with the colony,' Dawson told Wavy News 10. 'The biggest accomplishment of this book is not that we found the colony. It's that these Indians are no longer here.' 'They showed nothing but love and charity and kindness to take these people in and feed them and assimilate with them and show them love and kindness and no one even knows who they are.' More than 400 years ago, Queen Elizabeth I and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh had hoped the 1580s expedition to America would create a new capital for England, but something went terribly wrong. The ship, carrying 115 explorers, was the first to bring women and children to the Americas. The group included Governor John Whites pregnant daughter Eleanor White Dare. Several weeks after they landed in Roanoke, Eleanor gave birth to the first English baby born in the New World and named her Virginia Dare. Governor White soon returned to England to ask for more supplies, but was held up in England for three years while the English warred with Spain. When he was finally able to make it back in 1590 on his granddaughter's third birthday, the colony was deserted. Numerous theories have surfaced about what happened to the 115 English settlers. Some suggest they died from disease, were massacred by either Native Americans or Spanish settlers or assimilated into a nearby Native American tribe, either as friends or slaves. However, others believe a group traveled to Hatteras Island. The Lost Colony of Roanoke is one of American's oldest unsolved mysteries, which has attracted experts from around the world to what is now the Outer Banks of North Carolina This theory holds more evidence, as the word 'Croatoan' was found carved into a wooden post in the Roanoke colony. Bad weather conditions prevented White and the returning explorers from going to the second island after discovering the engraved signs, and instead were forced to return to England - never to see his family or the rest of the explorers again. The Croatoan was a small group of Native Americans that lived along the coast of what is now North Carolina. The tribe received its name from the nearby island, Croatoan, which is now Hatteras Island. Like many of the natives living in America when settlers arrived, they fell victim to infectious disease, such as smallpox in 1598. And experts say they became extinct in the early 17th century. This tribe had learned English and was also able to communicate with the Roanoke colonists, which led Dawson to search Hatteras Islands for clues. He and Mark Horton from the University of Bristol began digging on the island in 2009, where they found copper rings, sword handles, earrings, a token, writing slates and glass leading them to believe they came from the Lost Colony. However, it was the items that appeared to have once belong to women, as the 1587 voyage was the only one that brought them to the New World. Scott Dawson (pictured) Dawson has always been intrigued by the history and grew up hearing stories of the colony He recently published a book titled 'The Lost Colony and Hatteras Island' that describes his findings along with a team of archaeologists from the University of Bristol 'When these colonies become abandoned, you get massive political eruptions and disagreements and people walking out and things,' said Horton. 'So it's not unlikely that one group might have gone up the Chesapeake, up the Albemarle. 'But I'm pretty confident one group at least, probably the pretty substantial part, came out to Hatteras Island.' He explained that the island provided clear views of ships coming to the shore, which would be an ideal spot to setup came to wait for the returning vessel. The Native American communities living there were also friendly and served as allies for the settlers who just arrived on the unknown land. Dawson believes Hatteras Islands was home to the 'survivor's camp,' where the explorers may have setup camp when they first arrived on Hatteras from Roanoke. He also believes that the colonists eventually integrated with the tribe. The team was supposed to excavate the site this spring, but the coronavirus pushed the work back to 2021. Another clue was discovered in 1937, the Dare Stone. Discovered on the North Carolina-Virginia border, the stone was believed to be written by Eleanor White Dare, Roanoke Governor John White's daughter, and possibly tells the story of what happened to the settlers when they left their colony on Roanoke. Scholars have since been able to transcribe the markings. On the first side, below a cross (the emergency symbol) the message reads: 'Ananias Dare & / Virginia Went Hence / Unto Heaven 1591 / Anye Englishman Shew / John White Govr Via'. Another clue was discovered in 1937, the Dare Stone. Discovered on the North Carolina-Virginia border, the stone was believed to be written by Eleanor White Dare, Roanoke Governor John White's daughter, and possibly tells the story of what happened to the settlers when they left their colony on Roanoke The other side of the stone told the supposed story of what happened to the colonists after Governor White returned to England in 1587, in more detail. Written from the perspective of Eleanor, the writer says the colonists left Roanoke and had two years of 'Misarie'. According to experts , the stone says more than half the settlers died and eventually there was news that a ship had arrived off the coast. The Native Americans worried the Europeans would take revenge, so they fled. Soon after that, shamans warned of angry spirits and all but seven of the rest of the colonists were killed, including Eleanor's husband Ananias and her daughter Virginia. The stone says they were buried four miles east of 'This River' and their names have been written on a second rock. The stone also notes it should be taken to Governor White and the Native American to bring it to the governor will receive 'Plentie Presents'. It was signed 'EWD' for Eleanor White Dare. For the second time since 2018, Iran has lost a major ship to an accident. The latest incident, on May 10th, saw the 650-ton Konarak accidentally hit by a Chinese designed C-802 anti-ship missile fired from a nearby Iranian corvette. The Konarak was built in the Netherlands in 1988 as an unarmed naval support ship. With a crew of fifteen and top speed of 39 kilometers an hour, Konarak is used for tasks like transporting and setting up floating targets for test firings of anti-ship missiles. This was what it was doing in the Gulf of Oman when it was hit by the missile fired from the Iranian corvette Jamaran. Konarak was apparently not far enough away from the smaller floating target when the Jamaran fired one of its Noor (C-802) missiles. The radar in the nose of the Noor detects the specific target to be hit and homed in on the larger Konarak instead of the smaller target the Konarak had carried and unloaded for the exercise. The missile obliterated the superstructure of the Konarak, killing 19 of the people aboard and wounding another fifteen. The additional people on the Konarak may have included specialists to unload and set up the target as well as observers and photographers to get a closer look at what happened to the target. The Konarak did not sink and the wreck was eventually towed back to a naval base where it remains. The Konarak experienced several other explosions after it was hit as the ship was also carrying recently installed weapons. To make matters worse, it took several hours for other navy ships to arrive to deal with the still floating Konarak and the wounded. Video later appeared on the Internet showing local fishermen showing up soon after the Konarak was hit to rescue the wounded from the water and the burning Konarak. The fishing boat was about 16 kilometers away and noticed the smoke from the burning Konarak. Meanwhile, the government and navy leadership ordered all details of the incident kept secret. Anyone who was caught releasing details would be punished. That had the predictable result and details soon appeared on the Internet, posted by anonymous sources and including video of the fishing boat arriving first to render aid. That led to online and offline discussions and criticism of the government and navy leadership. This made the situation worse, which seems to be standard government procedure even though that is not the intent of the secrecy and threats. The government is out of touch with Iranians and situations like this are just another affirmation. Konarak may also have had its crew size increased since a 2018 refurbishment that upgraded the engines and other equipment and added weapons; two C-704 anti-ship missiles and a 20mm autocannon. Technically this turned Konarak into a warship. The two missiles and the autocannon weighed less than two tons for a ship designed to carry 40 tons of cargo on deck. Konarak had earlier been equipped to carry up 90 troops over short distances. Konarak was hit by an Iranian built version of the 650 kg Chinese C-802 subsonic anti-ship missile called Noor. Because this missile uses a small jet engine, it can travel at relatively low altitude for long distances, in this case, 170 kilometers, initially guided by an unjammable INS (Inertial Navigation System) to the general area of the target. Then the special hard-to-jam radar in the nose is used to spot and home in on a target. Iran had ordered 150 C-802s from China in the 1990s but the arms import sanctions on Iran halted deliveries after 60 had arrived. Apparently China allowed Iran to build a copy of the C-802. At the time the C-802 was new but it was older tech. The Noor has been illegally smuggled to the Hezbollah terrorist organization in Lebanon and more recently to Shia rebels in Yemen. Both of these groups have used the Noor against warships. In 2006 Hezbollah fired two against an Israeli warship but the Noor guidance system was jammed or defective and only clipped and damaged the Israeli ship. In the Red Sea, the Yemeni rebels have had more success, inflicting damage on cargo ships. One or two were fired at an American destroyer offshore, as part of an international blockade, but failed to hit because the destroyer's anti-missile defenses worked. The two anti-ship missiles carried by the Konarak are later models called the Nasr-1. This is an Iranian version of the Chinese C-704. This missile uses a solid-fuel rocket and moves at a higher (but still-subsonic) speed than the Noor. Range is 35 kilometers although there is a version (C-705) with a more powerful jet engine (than Noor) with a range of 170 kilometers. The C-704/5 has a much-improved guidance system that can pick out and hit a specific type of ship. In 2011 Israel intercepted a ship trying to smuggle six C-705 to Islamic terror group Hamas in Gaza. Israel released many photos and details of the C-705. This missile got more unfavorable publicity when two of them failed during a demonstration for the president of Indonesia. The first one failed to launch on command but unexpectedly fired anyway five minutes later and did not hit the target. The second missile fired on command but failed during flight and also did not hit the target. China says it has improved the reliability of the C-705 and developed more advanced anti-ship missiles. China often develops new models quickly. For example, the C-704 entered service about six years after the C-802. Both are widely exported. Iran also had problems with its locally built Jamaran class corvettes. The first Jamaran entered service in 2010 followed by Sahand in 2012 and Damavand in 2013. In 2018 Iran has lost its largest warship in the Caspian Sea, the 1,500 ton Damavand, to an accident. In early 2018 Damavand ran aground on rocks near a jetty protecting the harbor it was attempting to enter during bad weather. At first, Iran played down the severity of the situation but after a month it was clear the ship was badly damaged and probably unsalvageable. Iran insists it will repair the Damavand but so far that has not happened. With the loss of the Damavand Iran has only two recently built large (over 1,000 tons) surface warships. The Damavand was the second of what was supposed to be a class of seven ships and took longer to arrive because it was built in a smaller Caspian Sea shipyard. A third, a slightly larger (2,000 tons), version of this type of ship, the Sahand, is listed as completed in 2012 but all that was completed at that point was the hull and superstructure. The Sahand was apparently completed in 2018, but not with all the weapons and equipment it was designed to have. The first Jamaran is based in the Persian Gulf, with most of the Iranian Navy, which consists mostly of small coastal missile boats, small locally built submarines and lots of speedboats manned by fanatic members of the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps). The Iranian navy could certainly use some new warships. Currently, the only major surface warships it has except for the Jarmaran and Sahand are three elderly British built Alvand class frigates (1,540 tons each) and two U.S. built Bayandor class patrol frigates (1,100 tons each). The 560-ton Government Yacht Hamzeh was also refitted as a warship by installing a 20mm autocannon, two machineguns, and four C-802 anti-ship missiles. Hamzeh is probably used for training new sailors to use weapons. Hamzeh is now the largest Iranian warship in the Caspian Sea. There are about fifty smaller patrol craft, ten of them armed with Chinese anti-ship missiles. There are another few dozen mine warfare, amphibious, and support ships. The three most powerful ships in the fleet are three Russian Kilo class subs. There are about fifty mini-subs, most of them built in Iran. There are some serious quality problems with Iranian built warships, and not just because of budget problems and sanctions. Iran's naval shipbuilding facility at the Bushehr shipyard has lots of labor problems. That includes strikes and lockouts as well as complaints of poor designs and sloppy management. Iran has, for the last two decades, announced many new, locally made, weapons that turned out to be more spin than substance. Iran does have commercial shipbuilding firms that produce merchant ships that are larger than destroyers. Thus, it was believed that Iran could build something that looks like a destroyer. The Jamaran (or Moudge) class ships have Chinese C-802 anti-ship missiles, but a lot of the other necessary military electronics are harder to get and install in a seagoing ship. Iran has coped by using commercial equipment. This does not make for a formidable warship but does enable high seas operations. Iran is trying to expand its growing (slowly) naval power on all its coasts (Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Indian Ocean). Thus since 2011, Iran has had one or more of its few surface warships working with the international anti-piracy patrol off Somalia. This was the first time since the 1970s that the Iranian Navy has conducted sustained operations outside its coastal waters. Despite their own Islamic radical government, the Iranian sailors have got along with the other members of the patrol, including the United States, which is officially the "Great Satan" back home. Encouraged by this, Iran announced that it would send more of its warships off to distant areas, mainly to show the world that Iran was a naval power capable of such reach. These voyages often ran into problems and the Iranians learned to send a resupply ship along that contained a large stock of spare parts and skilled ship techs to install them as needed. The Jamaran class is the largest locally built surface warship in Iran and it was based on the British built Alvand class frigate (also known as Vosper Thornycroft Mk 5). The Jarmarans were described as destroyers when first announced (as under construction) in 2010. In fact, it's a 1,500 ton corvette. The ships have a crew of 140 and are equipped with anti-aircraft artillery in form of one reverse engineered Bofors 40mm clone and two Oerlikon 20mm cannons, two Fajr anti-air missiles (Iranian clone of the SM-1), anti-submarine weapons (six 324mm light torpedoes), and anti-ship missiles (four C-802s), in addition to a 76mm Fajr-27 double purpose cannon, which is an Iranian copy of the common OTO Melara 76mm cannon. In 2014 the ships were modified with phased array radars, replacing terribly obsolete parabolic antenna radars, boosting their still modest air defense capabilities. The ships also have a small helicopter pad. It wasnt until November 2012 that Iran announced it was building the new and slightly larger and better equipped version of the Jamaran; the Sahand. This larger ship was supposed to be in service by 2015 but the collapse of oil prices halted that and it wasnt until 2018 that Sahand was completed. There are four other Jamarans under construction but work appears to be stalled. This was embarrassing because in 2012 the Iranians couldnt wait to announce what a great ship the improved Jamaran would be. These announcements are seen as useful to cheer the population up. The Sahand, despite Iranian reports of being an improvement over the earlier Jamaran class corvettes, seems to be just another Jarmaran, just a bit larger. A much larger new ship, a 7,500-ton destroyer was announced in 2013 but construction has not made much progress and even the press releases have dwindled. Again, its a matter of resources. The collapse of world oil prices in 2014, more than the numerous economic sanctions, crippled the expansion plans for the Iranian Navy. Most of the sanctions were lifted in a 2015 treaty but that has not helped the navy much because a lot of the additional cash went to prop up the Assad government in Syria and finance the pro-Iranian Shia militias in Iraq and Yemen. Then the U.S. revived the sanctions in 2017 and that further depleted Iranian finances, leading to more cuts in defense spending. What it comes down to is that the navy is not nearly as high a priority as the ground and air forces. Iran has never been a major naval power and that does not appear to be changing any time soon. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused former national security adviser John Bolton late on Thursday of "spreading a number of lies, fully-spun half-truths, and outright falsehoods" in his upcoming tell-all book. Why it matters: The book "recounts Pompeo breaking with the president across a broad spectrum of his foreign policy issues, from his near-war footing with Iran, transactional dealings with China, diplomatic flirtations with North Korea and freewheeling discussions with allies," according to the Washington Post, which obtained an advanced copy. Bolton claims that Pompeo slipped him a note during Trumps 2018 meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un that commented on Trump, saying: he is so full of shit, in an advanced copy of the book obtained by the Times. Pompeo reportedly dismissed Trump's North Korea diplomacy as having "zero probability of success. What he's saying: "I've not read the book, but from the excerpts I've seen published, John Bolton is spreading a number of lies, fully-spun half-truths, and outright falsehoods. It is both sad and dangerous that John Bolton's final public role is that of a traitor who damaged America by violating his sacred trust with its people. To our friends around the world: you know that President Trump's America is a force for good in the world." Pompeo wrote in a statement on Thursday Go deeper: Highlights from the excerpts of John Bolton's book Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: The first COVID-19 patient to undergo plasma therapy at Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) has recovered and was discharged late on Wednesday. "The comorbid patient has shown remarkable improvement in her health condition. Samples taken on the 14th and 15th day of her treatment have tested negative," said an official. The 45-year-old was brought to SVIMS from a Kadapa hospital on June 3 after her condition deteriorated. "As per the guidelines prescribed by Indian Council of Medical Research, we gave her the first dose of 250 ml the next morning. She was not able to talk let alone sit when she was brought here. However, even before we gave her the second dose, she was stable eough to sit and talk without showing any breathlessness," the official added. ALSO READ| COVID-19 caseload in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district reaches 746 At the time of admission, the patients respiratory rate was 40 breaths per minute against the normal 18 breaths per minute. After the first dose, the rate came down to 24 breaths per minute.The woman was suffering from pneumonia, and has been a patient of diabetes and hypertension. To add to the problems, she survived a heart attack just two months ago. Speaking to TNIE, the woman said: "I have a heart problem and had gone to a hospital in Kadapa as I was not feeling well. There, they asked my husband to take me to SVIMS, Tirupati where I was brought in an ambulance. During treatment, I was isolated in a room and no one from my family was allowed to visit me. The medicines they gave me in the initial two days of treatment were changed, after which my health started improving faster. Then I had the energy to sit, talk and eat by myself. Although the treatment was good, I never knew that I was being treated for the coronavirus." ALSO READ| Big COVID-19 spike in Andhra Pradesh with 425 fresh cases; death toll rises to 92 On why the patient did not know that she was being treated for COVID-19, the official said: "We had taken the patients, as well as her husband's, consent before giving her plasma therapy, which is a must as per the ICMR guidelines. Maybe, she does not remember signing the consent form as at the time when her signature was taken, her condition was critical. But her husband knew that she was being treated for the coronavirus." The official explained the procedure for the therapy issued by the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research: "As per the guidelines, we send details of eligible patients to ICMR, which randomly categorises patients into case group and control group." "The 45-year-old woman fell in case group: she was given blood plasma and prescribed drugs. A 53-year-old woman was put in the control group, and she was only administered medicines prescribed in the therapy, but not the blood plasma," said an official. ALSO READ| Andhra Pradesh: 20 staff of Adoni's Mother and Child Hospital test positive for COVID-19 The official added that as much as 500 ml of plasma from one donor is to be given to a patient for two days (250 ml per day) with a gap of 24 hours between the doses. Ursula von der Leyen warned Boris Johnson's government needs to obey EU principles in order to achieve a 'future relationship' deal. (European Commission) Ursula von der Leyen has warned the UK needs to obey EU principles in order to achieve a Brexit future relationship deal. Von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, warned Boris Johnson at a press conference on Friday: We have to bridge wide divergences which remain to be solved. The topics are known: level playing field, fisheries, governance, the scope of our police and judicial co-operation. These are important points for the EU because these are principles fair competition, rising social standards, protecting our citizens and the rule of law at the heart of the EU. Boris Johnson discussed post-Brexit arrangements with French president Emmanuel Macron on Thursday. (AP/Frank Augstein/pool) Negotiations between the UK and EU for a post-Brexit future relationship deal have stalled. Johnson, having previously delegated to his chief negotiator David Frost is set to take part in talks himself later this month. Von der Leyen promised the EU will do everything to reach a one-of-a-kind agreement with the UK. Her comments came after EU leaders met via video conference on Friday for the latest European Council summit. The UK, after leaving the EU on 31 January, is currently in a transition period in which the two sides have until 31 December to agree their future relationship. During the transition period, the UK effectively remains a member of the EU. Last week, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove formally confirmed the UK wont seek an extension to the transition period. There is mounting concern among business already hit hard by the fallout from the pandemic at the prospect of a cliff edge break to the UKs remaining access to the EU single market with no new deal to replace it. Welcome to the 'Never Trump' camp, John Bolton. It took you a long time to get there. In 2016, you gave this vapid celebrity TV host credibility on the right by praising him for having a "serious" foreign policy vision. You did not join the 'War on the Rocks' letter signed by 122 Republican national security professionals, including me, warning that Donald Trump would "make America less safe, and...diminish our standing in the world". You chose to ignore those warnings. Was it perhaps because you wanted to preserve your lucrative career as a right-wing lecturer and talking head - and your ambitions for higher office? Read More Reading the excerpt from your new book makes clear that you are confirming - and then some - the indictment of Trump by his critics. The president is every bit as ignorant, incompetent, capricious and heedless of the public interest as many of us have been saying while you stayed silent or supported him. You write: "I am hard-pressed to identify any significant Trump decision during my White House tenure that wasn't driven by re-election calculations," and you provide ample documentation for that grave charge. Indeed, you quote Trump asking Chinese President Xi Jinping to help his re-election campaign. You then demonstrate Trump's contempt for human rights when you quote him urging Xi to build concentration camps for China's Uighurs - "which Trump thought was exactly the right thing to do". His hostility for human rights abroad was matched by his hostility for human rights at home: You quote him saying that reporters were "scumbags" who should be jailed or even executed for failing to reveal their sources. This makes clear that the private Trump is every bit as odious as the public one. Your view of the 2018 Helsinki summit, where Trump was utterly supine before Vladimir Putin, is just as damning as that of the Never Trumpers. "This was hardly the way to do relations with Russia, and Putin had to be laughing uproariously at what he had gotten away with in Helsinki," you write. While obsequious to our enemies, you note, Trump is hostile to our friends. You reveal that during a Nato summit in July 2018, Trump said he had decided to withdraw from Nato if the allies did not commit to massively increase their defence spending. You say he dictated a message to you: "We will walk out, and not defend those who have not [paid]." He did not carry out that threat because - mercifully - he has the attention span of a hyperactive six-year-old. For instance, you note, that Trump, at the urging of Florida Republicans, agreed in January 2019 to support opposition leader Juan Guaido as the rightful president of Venezuela. Yet within 30 hours Trump was already second-guessing himself and talking about changing course. Not surprisingly, Nicolas Maduro remains entrenched as Venezuela's dictator. You confirm that Trump's ignorance is as vast as his ego, writing that he did not realise the UK was a nuclear power and that he wondered if Finland was part of Russia. You also suggest that Trump is simply unhinged: You quote him saying it would be "cool" to invade Venezuela. In sum, your book presents an ironclad case that Trump is utterly unfit for the office. As you write: "He second-guessed people's motives, saw conspiracies behind rocks, and remained stunningly uninformed on how to run the White House." But here's the thing you may not realise. The stronger you build the case against Trump, the more you indict yourself for not speaking out sooner. You could have aided the impeachment managers by testifying under oath. But you refused. Instead you waited for a subpoena that never came and saved your revelations for a book that is now a bestseller. I hope you will at least now have the decency to campaign against Trump as he seeks a second term. ( Washington Post) The Greens have moved a step closer to entering government after influential deputy leader Catherine Martin backed a historic coalition deal with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. But the party split over the issue was underlined last night as her husband, fellow TD Francis Noel Duffy, rejected the programme for government that his wife helped negotiate, claiming it would make the Greens "complicit" in "regressive" policies. Their disagreement played out amid a broader 'virtual' battle for the hearts, minds and votes of Green members. Two-thirds of speakers at a special online convention backed the deal and that proportion must be replicated in a postal ballot of over 2,600 members for the Greens to go into government with the Civil War parties. The result of the vote will be announced next Friday when results of ballots in Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are also expected. There remains some uncertainty over whether the Greens will pass the deal, with opponents like Mr Duffy and finance spokesperson Neasa Hourigan speaking strongly against it. Ms Hourigan said last night that the deal would make the climate emergency and housing crisis worse, claimed it might be "the most fiscally conservative government in a generation" and warned: "We might miss the boat here - but this boat might be the Titanic and people might drown." Ms Martin spearheaded the Green negotiating team and is challenging party leader Eamon Ryan for the leadership in a contest to take place next month. Risk Closing the conference, Mr Ryan appealed to members, saying the Greens needed to serve the Irish people by going into government. Earlier in the day, Ms Martin backed the deal while telling colleagues she wants it reviewed every two months and renegotiated in December 2022 when the Taoiseach's role is rotated. While she said entering a coalition was not without risk, she described it as the "best achievable" in the circumstances. Vietnams government on September 25 signed off on implementing a 30 percent corporate income tax cut for the 2020 financial year. The reduction will apply to all businesses with revenue of less than US$8.8 million (VND200 billion) for 2020 The Decree No. 115/2020/ND-CP guiding the implementation of the CIT reduction took effect on August 3. Vietnams government on September 25, 2020, signed off on implementing a 30 percent corporate income tax (CIT) cut for certain businesses for the 2020 financial year. The Decree No 115/2020/ND-CP guiding the implementation of Resolution No. 116/2020/QH14 took effect on August 3, 2020 Earlier, Vietnams National Assembly on June 19 ratified the governments proposal to cut corporate income tax by 30 percent. The reduction was approved by more than 90 percent of all State members. Of note, the most important factor is that the CIT reduction will apply to all businesses if their total revenue does not exceed the VND 200 billion (US$8.8 million) threshold in 2020. This means that most small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will be eligible for such tax break regardless of the number of employees and the actual financial loss due to the pandemic. The purpose of the ratification is to ensure an equal subsidy policy for businesses that have been making their best efforts to retain employees, which substantially contribute to social welfare. As mentioned in our previous article, the tax reduction is primarily based on the principle of self-assessment. Businesses are expected to review their actual business circumstances and self-assess their eligibility for such tax breaks. Who is eligible? The CIT cut applies to all businesses that are involved in the production and trade of goods as well as services in accordance with Vietnamese law; The CIT reduction will apply to the total revenue of the enterprise including incomes such as capital transfer, real estate transfer, and services subject to special consumption tax; and The 30 percent CIT reduction will apply to the business CIT payable for the 2020 fiscal year minus the CIT incentives eligible for enterprises as per the Law on Corporate Income Tax. Businesses that have been in operation for less than 12 months are also eligible. However, their tax cut will be calculated by total revenue earned in 2020 divided by the number of months they have been in operation, multiplied by 12. As mentioned earlier, the CIT reduction is based on self-assessment. Businesses are required to determine the CIT reduction themselves when paying CIT. Businesses will have to specify the CIT tax reduction on forms provided in Circular No. 151/2014/TT-BTC and the declaration of CIT reduction as per Resolution No 116/2020/QH14 in the provided Appendix. Follow our alerts to remain apprised This insight is a summary based on the recent approval from the government and does not constitute professional advice. Businesses should continue to follow our alerts for further updates. For further information and assistance, please contact our tax, payroll, and HR professionals at Dezan Shira & Associates. Note: This article was first published in June 2020, and has been updated to include the latest developments. Chinese prosecutors said on Friday they have charged two detained Canadians for suspected espionage, indictments that could result in life imprisonment, in a case that has driven a diplomatic wedge between Ottawa and Beijing. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was "very disappointed" and would keep pressing China to release the duo. Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were arrested in late 2018 on state security charges, soon after Canadian police detained Huawei Technologies Co's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, on a U.S. warrant. While China maintains the detentions are not linked to Meng, former diplomats and experts have said they are being used to pressure Canada. China has repeatedly called for Meng's release, and has warned Canada it could face consequences for aiding the United States in her case. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing on Friday that the indictments were "of particularly serious circumstances which violated Article 111 of the Criminal Law of the Peoples Republic of China," which pertains to espionage and state secrets. Under that article, a conviction can carry a sentence of from 10 years to life imprisonment. "The facts are clear and the evidence is solid and sufficient. He should be held accountable for criminal responsibility under the above mentioned charge," Zhao said of Kovrig, before making the same statement about Spavor. The charges mean a formal trial can begin. Trudeau, speaking to reporters in the Quebec town of Chelsea, said it was "a real shame" China did not appear to understand that governments in Canada could not interfere in the justice system. "We will continue ... to put pressure on the Chinese government to cease the arbitrary detention of these two Canadian citizens who are being held for no other reason than the Chinese government is disappointed with the independent proceedings of the Canadian judiciary," he said. The Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday that consular visits to detainees had been suspended due to the coronavirus. The ruling Communist Party's Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission said last year that Kovrig is accused of "stealing and spying on sensitive Chinese information and intelligence." It said Spavor provided Kovrig with intelligence. Kovrig works for the International Crisis Group (ICG), a non-governmental organization that focuses on conflict resolution. ICG has previously said the accusations against Kovrig are "vague and unsubstantiated." Spavor, 44, is a businessman with deep ties to North Korea. Last month, Huawei's Meng lost a legal bid to avoid extradition to the United States to face bank fraud charges. The news you need, when you need it, by the editors you trust. Get continuing news coverage and educational information on crops, livestock, soil health and other topics you select. Hundreds of protesters celebrated and shouted 'just drop it' as a crane removed a 112-year old Confederate monument in Atlanta. The 30ft stone obelisk was taken down close to midnight to rapturous applause from those who had flocked to watch, in what was described as a 'victory for this country'. Onlookers in Decatur jeered as The Lost Cause monument, which was erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1908, was lifted from its base with straps. They were kept back from the monument by sheriff's deputies when it was lowered to ground, and the obelisk will now be put in storage indefinitely. And there goes the confederate monument in Decatur. @ajc pic.twitter.com/0DDVd4bth5 Joshua Sharpe (@JoshuaWSharpe) June 19, 2020 Mawuli Davis, a driving force behind the lobby to remove it, watched with others as it was slowly lowered on to its side and slid on to a waiting flatbed truck. Mr Davis's organisation, the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights, had demonstrated in front of the monument a day earlier, pleading for its removal. The yellow crane lifts the 30ft obelisk from its base, in what protesters called a 'a victory for this country' A worker helps to steady the monument with ties and ropes as it is lifted away from the base, before being slowly tilted on its side A crane was enlisted to ensure the safe removal of the 30ft-tall monument from the square in Decatur, Georgia Workers look on as the monument, strapped to ropes, was brought down late last night in Decatur 'This feels great. This is a people's victory. All of our young people from Decatur High School that made this happen. 'All of these organisers, everybody came together. 'This is it. This is a victory for this country. This is an example of what can happen when people work together.' Groups such as his and Hate Free Decatur had been pushing for the obelisk to be removed since the deadly 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Protesters jeered 'Just drop it!' as many were kept back from the momument by sheriff's deputies. Crowds (pictured above) cheered as the monument was removed at close to midnight Crowds holding red cups celebrated as the monument was brought down, some lowering their face masks to cheer The monument was one of many across the US that had became flashpoints for protests against police brutality and racial injustice in recent weeks, following the killing of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis. The city asked a Georgia judge last week to order the removal of the monument, which was often vandalised and marked by graffiti, saying it had become a threat to public safety. In recent days the monument (left) had been defaced and Black Lives Matter tributes placed at its base. Last night workers removed the monument by using a crane to lower it to the ground (right) Hundreds of community members wearing face masks gathered to watch the removal of the Lost Cause monument after the city asked a Georgia judge last week to order the removal of the monument, which was often vandalised and marked by graffiti, saying it had become a threat to public safety Workers remove the base of the 30ft obelisk after a county judge ordered the monument was 'immediately relocated' The monument came down on the eve of Juneteenth - the holiday celebrating the day in 1865 when all enslaved black people learned they had been freed from bondage - as workers chipped it loose and the crowd cheered DeKalb County Judge Clarence Seeliger agreed, and ordered for the removal of the 30ft obelisk in Decatur Square by midnight on June 26 and placed in storage indefinitely. His order came hours before a white Atlanta police officer fatally shot another black man, 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, in the back, sparking renewed protests in Georgia's capital region. Instead, the monument came down on the eve of Juneteenth - the holiday celebrating the day in 1865 when all enslaved black people learned they had been freed from bondage - as workers chipped it loose and the crowd cheered. Workers hold on to either end of the monument to help steady it as it is lowered to the ground Protesters filmed and photographed the huge obelisk after workers lay it on the floor Protest signs had been placed in recent days at the foot of the obelisk, including graffiti that said 'abolish the police' Megan Beezley, who rushed to the square with her daughter after hearing about the removal from a Facebook post, said: 'It's always been troubling to see that monument over there on the square. 'We spend a lot of time up here and it's troubling that our friends and our loved ones and other people of colour have to look at that monument to slavery and to the Confederacy.' DeKalb County had spent several years trying to rid itself of the monument. A marker added to the monument last September said the obelisk was erected to 'glorify the 'lost cause' of the Confederacy' and has 'bolstered white supremacy and faulty history'. On Wednesday, Twitter announced that it added a new feature that will enable iOS users to create tweets using their voice. Hear us out: were testing a new way to start a conversation, it tweeted, sharing a flashing black-and-white image of its logo against a black background and an audio clip in which one can hear a voice saying, One, two. One, two, mic check. (Taps mic.) Is this thing on? Tweet with your voice. But its tweets immediately drew backlash from several members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, who pointed out the features inaccessibility. Jaipreet Virdi, a deaf historian of medicine, technology, and disability at the University of Delaware, tweeted in response, Theres already too many videos on Twitter that arent captioned and hence, inaccessible. @Twitter this was your chance to design with accessibility from the start, not as an afterthought. Im tired of companies telling me to hear them out when they give no way to do so. Emily Ladau, who edits Disability Rights Washingtons Rooted in Rights blog, is hard of hearing, and uses a wheelchair, tweeted, Hey @TwitterSupport, this tweet might as well say Hear us out: were testing a new way to make tweets inaccessible. At the very least, this shouldnt have been rolled out without including a way to caption it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The audio tweets are also inaccessible to other users with disabilities. They show a flashing image of the users profile photo, even though flashing content is discouraged by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelineswhich is often referred to as the gold standard for digital accessibilitybecause it can cause seizures in people who have photosensitive epilepsy. Audio tweets also present issues for blind and low-vision users who use screen readers and braille technology that cant identify an audio tweet. In replies to Ladau and other Twitter users with similar complaints on Wednesday, Twitter said, This is an early version of this feature. Making these types of Tweets accessible to everyone is important and were exploring ways to make that happen. Advertisement But experts say that accessibility cannot be an afterthought in product design, because ignoring the needs of disabled people invariably leads to the creation of bad products that dont serve all users. No modern business, especially in the high tech industry, would launch a new product with privacy violations or security issues or a new website with broken links or missing content, said Heath Thompson, who uses a wheelchair and is the chief executive officer at AudioEye, a web accessibility company, in an email interview. Why is accessibility being treated differently in this regard? When you dont make digital accessibility a core part of the offering, you are shipping a half-baked product that leaves out a quarter of your addressable audiencepeople with disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement More than one in four American adults is disabled, and some argue that the Americans With Disabilities Act, which lawmakers passed 30 years ago to address inaccessibility in the physical world, applies to the internet, too. Former Rep. Tony Coelho, who has epilepsy and was a primary sponsor of the ADA, certainly thinks it does. This digital connectivity is absolutely critical in our world today, he said in an email. Twitter is also now a way that emergencies, natural disasters, and local events are being communicated quickly. Not having access to this critical information can be life threatening. Many courts seem to share Coelhos perspective; in a landmark decision, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Dominos Pizza violated the ADA because its website didnt work with a blind mans screen reader software. In October, the Supreme Court declined to hear Dominos petition to review the case, leaving the ruling in place. Most web accessibility cases are also settled quicklyaccording to a 2019 report by 3Play Media, a company that provides captioning, transcription, and audio description services, 55 percent of cases filed in 2019 were settled within 60 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After more than a day of sustained criticism from digital accessibility experts, disabled people, and disability rights organizations, Twitter finally issued an apology late Thursday. Were sorry about testing voice Tweets without support for people who are visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing, its tweet reads. It was a miss to introduce this experiment without this support. Accessibility should not be an afterthought. In two additional tweets in the thread, Twitter added that it fixed several issues related to vision accessibility, including making voice Tweets identifiable on the timeline and making accessibility improvements to the voice Tweet experience and that the updates will be available later. Were already exploring ideas for how we could support manual and auto transcriptions. Were also looking at how we can build a dedicated group to focus on accessibility, tooling, and advocacy across all products, in partnership with the @TwitterA11y and @TwitterAble teams, the final tweet reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Twitter hasnt removed the feature, continuing to draw condemnation from the disability community. Some celebrities are vowing not to use it until Twitter has made it accessible. Lin-Manuel Miranda responded to a complaint from a fan who couldnt hear him singing and encouraged him not to use the feature until it is made accessible, I hear you and I can roll w that. No more until accessibility issues resolved. Deleting my last one, keeping this one so your response has context. But this isnt the first time Twitter has dropped the ball on digital accessibility. Elizabeth Ellcessor, an assistant professor of media studies at the University of Virginia who studies the accessibility of technology, tweeted that this text-based platform managed to be inaccessible to screen reader users for nearly a decade. Twitter was created in 2006, but Twitter didnt make it possible for users to add image descriptions to images they post to the website until 2016. Image descriptions, also known as alt-text, enable blind and low-vision users to read images like any other text post. Advertisement Advertisement But Even that feature still requires users to opt-in, meaning that casual Twitter users never see or are prompted to think about access, Ellcessor said in an email interview. Twitter also hasnt remediated other accessibility issues, such as its lack of automatic captions on videosa feature that has been available for several years on Facebook and YouTube. Advertisement Instagram has also faced criticism from disabled people for inaccessibility. Shaylee Mansfield is a deaf 11-year-old actress who stars in the film Feel the Beat, released Friday on Netflix, and who communicates using American Sign Language. In April, she posted a captioned video to Instagram urging Adam Mosseri, the chief executive officer of Instagram, to add auto-captioning to its platform. I dont understand my favorite people on Instagram, she said, referring to hearing content creators. Why? No captioning! Her mother, Sheena McFeely, who is also deaf, said in an email interview, Wed love to hear from IG directly and work together, but has yet to receive a response despite multiple attempts to make contact with Instagram representatives. Advertisement Highly trafficked social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter should be further along when it comes to accessibilitytheir billions in annual advertising revenue give them the resources to employ digital accessibility experts and consult the disability community before releasing new features. The inaccessibility of social media platforms may partially stem from the lack of web accessibility training in computer science education. According to a global 2018 survey conducted by WebAIM, a nonprofit that provides web accessibility solutions, 92.8 percent of web accessibility practitioners said they didnt learn anything substantive about accessibility during their studies. Rather, they were self-taught or learned on the job. Advertisement Advertisement But Ellcessor points to ableismthe belief that people with disabilities are less valuable or worthy of consideration than nondisabled peopleas the reason why social media companies like Twitter arent proactively designing their services with disabled people in mind. These companies are looking to build cultural and financial value and turn that into an advantage in the marketplace, she said. Disabled users are not perceived as offering that value, likely because cultural narratives of disability continue to emphasize deficit and stigma. Social media companies must undergo a sea change to effectively design services for disabled users, Ellcessor said. The biggest change would be for these companies to treat accessibility as a foundational part of their work; this promotes accessible development, and often leads to more robust interfaces and features for all users. This change, in turn, requires that all employees have some training in how and why to create accessible systems, and that accessibility expertise be sought out and recognized in leadership structures. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Is China using the worlds preoccupation with the Covid-19 crisis to enlarge its position on several border disputes and target rivals that could have a say in shaping the post-pandemic global order? Thats a question now being debated by experts and analysts following a string of actions by China over the past few weeks and months. India-China border standoff: The most urgent of the crises is the tense weeks-old face-off between Indian and Chinese border troops in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that has sparked at least three clashes since early May, the latest being the violent brawl of June 15 that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. India has accused China of taking premeditated and planned action that reflected an intent to change the status quo on the LAC. Reasons advanced for Chinas actions have ranged from anger over Indias beefing up of infrastructure along the strategic Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road and Indias decision last August to scrap Jammu and Kashmirs special status and create the union territory of Ladakh, which Beijing has indicated had an impact on its territorial claims in the region. Experts have also pointed to Chinas desire to protect its considerable investments in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a key part of which is located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Australia cyber attack: The Australian government said on Friday it was dealing with a massive cyberattack targeting all levels of the administration, industry, education, essential services, critical infrastructure, and political organisations. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said a malicious and sophisticated state-based cyber actor was behind the attack, adding that there are not a large number of state-based actors that can engage in this type of activity. Though Morrison didnt name any country, Australian experts and observers pointed the finger at China. Peter Jennings, executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, told CNN there was a 95% chance that it is China who is responsible for this attack. Australia has been vocal in recent months about an international investigation into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic and backed Indias calls for reforms of the World Health Organization for its initial handling of the crisis. China retaliated with tariffs on Australian exports, including barley and beef. India and Australia have also spoken about working together to shape the post-Covid world order. South China Sea: There has been no let-up in Chinas activities to bolster its presence in the South China Sea, where it is embroiled in maritime boundary disputes with several countries, despite the Covid-19 pandemic. A Vietnamese vessel was rammed by a Chinese ship near Paracel Islands on June 10, months after another Vietnamese boat was sunk by Chinas coast guard in the same area. Numerous Chinese vessels have been spotted near Thitu Island, controlled by the Philippines but claimed by China. Earlier this month, Filipino authorities launched work on critical infrastructure on Thitu, located just 24 km from an artificial island created by China and equipped with radars and missiles. Over the past two months, an exploration vessel operated by Malaysias state-run oil company Petronas has been harassed in the South China Sea by Chinese vessels. Of these three countries, Vietnam has often turned to India to back its position in the South China Sea. Last year, Chinese vessels repeatedly operated in areas close to the waters where state-owned ONGC Videsh is engaged in oil and gas production. Senkaku Islands: On Thursday, China set a new record of sorts by sending its vessels into waters off the Senkaku Islands for 66 consecutive days. The islands in the East China Sea are controlled by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing, and Chinese vessels have been spotted in Japans contiguous zone every day since April 14. The contiguous zone is the area beyond the territorial sea and extending up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline that a country can claim. Technically, the presence of the Chinese vessels is not an intrusion but Japan regards it as a provocation. Japans chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga told the media on Wednesday the Senkaku islands are unquestionably our territory historically and under international law and that a protest had been lodged with China over the presence of the vessels. We think it is extremely serious that these activities continue, he said. Both Japan and India are part of the Quadrilateral security dialogue or Quad, which was upgraded to the level of foreign ministers last September. Hong Kong: China has never been happy with the one country, two systems principle put in place for governing the special administrative region of Hong Kong when it was returned by the UK in 1997. After Hong Kong was roiled by protracted and widespread protests last year over the local administrations efforts to push a bill that would allow people to be extradited to mainland China for trial, Beijing has moved amid the Covid-19 crisis to draft a new national security law for the region that analysts say will undermine the semi-autonomous regions systems. The draft law, submitted to a standing committee of the National Peoples Congress this week, covers secession, subversion of state power, terror activities, and foreign interference. India, in line with its long-standing policy of not speaking on the domestic and internal politics of China, has not publicly commented on last years protests or the new draft law. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Not long after researchers completed their work with mice, guinea pigs, ferrets and monkeys, Human Subject 8, an art director for a software company in Missouri, received an injection. Four days later, her sister, a schoolteacher, became Subject 14. Together, the sisters make up about five per cent of the first-ever clinical trial of a DNA vaccine for the novel coronavirus. How they respond to it will help determine the future of the vaccine. If it proves safe in this trial and effective in future trials, it could become not only one of the first coronavirus vaccines, but also the first DNA vaccine ever approved for commercial use against a human disease. Hundreds of experimental vaccines for the new coronavirus are being developed across the world. The vaccines ability to advance will depend not only on science and funding, but also on the willingness of tens of thousands of healthy people to have an unproven solution injected into their bodies. In many of these studies, the vaccine recipe isnt the only thing on trial. Gene-based vaccines and at least 20 coronavirus vaccines in development fall into this category have yet to make it to market. Should one end up in doctors offices amid the rush to shield billions from COVID-19, it would represent a new chapter for vaccine development. Though vaccine research has never moved this quickly potentially meaning enhanced risks for volunteers it has never been easier to recruit subjects, according to Dr. John E. Ervin, who is overseeing the DNA vaccine trial at the Center for Pharmaceutical Research in Kansas City, Mo., in which the sisters are involved. For the Phase 1 trial of the vaccine, which was developed by Inovio Pharmaceuticals, 90 people applied for the 20 slots in Kansas City. We probably could charge people to let them in and still fill it up, he said. (In fact, the participants were paid per visit.) The art director, Heather Wiley of Independence, Mo., said realizing she would make around $1,000 (U.S.) for her participation was a bonus, not her primary motivation. Im in the middle of the country trying to process 100,000 dead and how all those people died alone, she said. Her fears for her family left her so anxious she couldnt sleep. While looking up vaccines, she stumbled on Ervins trial, which was recruiting volunteers about 30 kilometres from her. Two months shy of 50 and healthy, she qualified. A shot with computer-engineered DNA Two weeks later, Ervin was injecting Wiley just beneath the skin of her upper arm with a transparent liquid containing the experimental vaccine. The solution contains a computer-engineered DNA sequence, which includes genetic instructions for building the spike that makes the coronavirus so superb at entering its hosts cells. Cells are equipped to read genetic instructions. When these instructions arrive, the cells follow them and make the very same spike protein present on the surface of the coronavirus now wreaking havoc on the world. The immune system responds to these spike proteins, now being manufactured by the body, and mounts a defence. These spike proteins are harmless; they are not attached to a virus. But the hope is that in the future, should a virus wearing spikes with that same genetic code attempt to invade, the immune systems arsenal would be prepared. Inovio researchers engineered the vaccine in just three hours, according to Kate Broderick, the companys senior vice-president for research and development. Or, rather, their computer algorithm did: on Jan. 10, when Chinese researchers released the genetic code of the novel coronavirus, the team ran the sequence through its software, which popped out a formula. The timeline struck some in the financial sector as too good to be true. Citron Research, which advises investors on companies to bet on, called Inovio the COVID-19 version of Theranos, referring to the blood-testing-device company that imploded as its supposedly revolutionary product was revealed to be a hoax. Much like Theranos, Inovio claims to have a secret sauce that, miraculously, no pharma giant has been able to figure out, Citron Research wrote. This is the same secret sauce that supposedly developed a vaccine for COVID-19 in just three hours. There are several reasons vaccine scientists are skeptical we will ever see a DNA vaccine for the coronavirus. But speed is not one of them. Thats the beauty of these DNA vaccines, said Wolfgang W. Leitner, the chief of the innate immunity section at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. They are simple and fast in terms of development. Nor are vaccine scientists concerned about the supposed secret sauce. In fact, its quite the opposite: they are skeptical precisely because the technology behind DNA vaccines has been around for decades and has been applied toward so many infectious diseases HIV, the flu, malaria yet none of the vaccines have made it to market. They believe this approach is capable of producing immunity. Already, DNA vaccines have been licensed for use in pigs, dogs and poultry. But the big if, according to Dr. Dennis M. Klinman, a vaccine scientist who worked at the Food and Drug Administration for 18 years, is whether one will ever be able to generate strong enough an immune response in humans. A series of zaps to steer the DNA Even though Wiley had read the packet on the science of it all, the next step felt like entering uncharted territory. Shortly after the initial injection, a nurse handed Ervin a device resembling an electric toothbrush. He pressed the head which contains three tiny needles instead of bristles over the raised skin on her arm, where shed just had a shot. Then he zapped her. It was not painful, but its unlike anything Ive ever experienced, Wiley said. The carefully calibrated electrical pulses basically steer the DNA into the cells by briefly opening up pores in their membrane, according to David B. Weiner, the director of the vaccine and immunotherapy centre at the Wistar Institute and an adviser to Inovio. Although it may sound fantastical, the technology, called electroporation, dates to the 1980s, when a similar approach was first used to make transgenic plants, according to Leitner. Phase 1 trials are focused on safety. As a whole, DNA vaccines are known to be very safe, Klinman has written. Early fears that they might change a persons DNA, for example were proved unfounded long ago. But there is still no way to know how subjects will respond to the new formula or how the new approach to administering the vaccine will go over. When Ervin used a different electrical pulse system in an Ebola DNA vaccine trial in 2018, Boom! They were ready to jump off the table, he said, adding he wished he could have paid the subjects extra. (Ervin runs trials for many biotech companies and is not involved in deciding dosages or implementation methods. His job is to follow the companys instructions and report back, he said.) Wait for side effects Wiley spent the next couple of hours after her injection watching The Kings Speech as researchers monitored her for an adverse response. But she felt only relief at being useful in some way. Im not a health-care worker; Im not an essential worker, she said. But Im healthy, so I can do this. Soon her sister, Ellie Lilly, 46, a seventh-grade history teacher in Lees Summit, Mo., had enrolled as well. Throughout a Phase 1 trial, the newest subjects receive larger doses than participants who started earlier. Lilly, who entered the trial as Subject 14 four days after her sister, learned she would be receiving twice as many shots and zaps. Still, the pulses didnt hurt. It just feels strange, she said. By the time Lilly got home, she felt exhausted and a little nauseous, she said. She told a nurse who called to check in that she wasnt sure if that was a function of the vaccine or an emotional day. Either way, she felt well enough the following day that her husband wanted to enrol. (He was rejected.) Four weeks after their first injections, the sisters returned for their second and final doses. Wait to see if its deemed safe, and whether it did anything The first hint of whether anyone in the trial developed the coveted antibodies, which would suggest the vaccine might be helping the immune system, wont come until Inovio releases that data this month. That report will include findings from both the Kansas City trial and a simultaneous trial of 20 volunteers in Pennsylvania. The data will influence whether the vaccine dies in the first stage, as most do, or whether it moves on. The Phase 1 trial has already been expanded to include older patients at a third location. If everything goes as hoped, the FDA has granted the company permission to start testing effectiveness in the community, according to Inovio. At that point, researchers would inject thousands of people with the vaccine and thousands more with a placebo. No one would be intentionally exposed to the coronavirus, but by studying rates of infection of the two groups, the researchers could draw conclusions about the effectiveness of the vaccine. The sisters are rooting for the Inovio vaccine. But even if it doesnt work, were still a piece of the research, Lilly said. Lilly knows the chances are low that her two experimental doses will protect her, but she cant help hoping. Come fall, she is headed back to the classroom, where it feels inevitable that sooner or later, she, too, will be exposed to this tiny but powerful virus. All the recent trouble with South Korea like ramping tensions at the border is to reportedly distract United States President Donald Trump to enter the negotiation table. Recently, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un, raised tensions after condemning the border leaflets, and with the demolition of the liaison office at the Kaesong border with North Korea. Aside from raising tensions and showing South Korea their stance, the North regime also have another purpose. The end game of North Korea is having the sanctions lifted by the US that have been in place for some time, according to Reuters. Dictator's sister shows aggression Last week, Kim Yo Jong carried out a threat that started with anti-Kim Jong-Un leaflets. These were flown via balloons over the border and she wanted the activity to stop, or there will repercussions like military action. Without any compliance from the South Korean government, the North Korean military placed charges and blew up the building, and soon after Kim Yo Jong stopped negotiations. The South Korean side did express regret and was trying to cajole the North Koreans, who ignored it and closed avenues of communication. Three summits were held between North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un whose main goal was to discuss nuclear talks with US President Donald Trump. Talks between them went nowhere and no deal was made. Later, the coronavirus pandemic, then the George Floyd protest, and now the November US elections made North Korea a non-priority for now, as reported in the National Post. In Pyongyang, Kim Jong Un is beset by the failure of the talks, one is the slumping economy because of sanctions with locked out border courtesy of COVID-19 to keep the outbreak at bay. Also read: Kim Jong-Un Reappears: North Korea Wants New Policies for 'Nuclear War Deterrence' Kim Jong-Un trying to get Trump's attention? The North Korean dictator is concerned because all these factors affect his bases like the elites and the military establishment too. Most analysts agree that by venting ire on South Korea, a staunch US ally in the Korean peninsula should make Trump remember all the issues that should be resolved with Pyongyang, and intervention is the only option for the US. Chang Ho-jin, former South Korean presidential foreign policy secretary, stressed that President Trump's attention is needed to defuse tension with the two Koreas. Most important is to stave off military confrontations, which is hinted by Kim as he has implied it, according to the British Herald. More tension between North and South Korea is geared by the north so that South Korea will be the vehicle in removing sanctions that will generate money through projects. Pyongyang needs capital and resources. According to diplomatic sources, Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun has done negotiations with North Koreato reach a resolution before presidential elections, as reported by Head Topics. One source said the wasting time and not finishing the deal with North Korea is important before Washington is tied up with the elections full time. To get a US deal and also gains negotiations, more offerings in Pyongyang's proposal for de-nuclearisation are needed. The US wants a hefty deal so it goes back to the nuclear table, according to Reuters. One condition to remove economic sanctions is to halt all North Korean programs and that will bring the US back to negotiations. For now, everything is fluid with Kim Jong Un, who needs to get a deal by increasing tension with the South. Another is dealing with Trump, not Biden, who will make it harder for Pyongyang. Related article: Tension Builds Up as North Korea Blows up Border Liaison Office, Will South Korea Retaliate? @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Montgomery County public health officials are warning residents to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19 as they confirm the 34th death from the virus and a spike of 71 new cases Friday. Additionally, the number of active cases and hospitalizations have logged increases this week as well according to the data. Since Monday, there have been 255 new cases confirmed. The total number of cases is now 1,555. Of those 1,555 cases, 604 are active with 15 of those hospitalized. To date, 917 people have recovered. BACK TO SCHOOL: Conroe ISD plans for in-class instruction after TEA statement The death is a Conroe woman in her 50s who was hospitalized at the time of her death. Today is the largest one-day increase in positive COVID-19 tests that we have experienced in Montgomery County since the beginning of the pandemic, said Montgomery County Hosptial Districts Misti Willingham. While Willingham did not attribute the increase to anything specific, several factors like gatherings Memorial Day weekend, recent protests and residents becoming too comfortable with going out could all contribute to the spike. The spike in cases comes on the heels of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issuing an order Friday mandating that businesses require customers to wear masks, an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Hidalgo orders Harris County businesses require customers wear masks as hospitalizations rise However, Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough wont follow suit. I want to take a measured approach to this, he said. If a business wants to limit people coming into their place of business and wants them to wear a mask they have under the constitution the right to do that. The customer doesnt have to go in and has the freedom to go somewhere else. Keough added like health officials, residents should take appropriate steps to help stop the spread by practicing the techniques issued by the CDC. To reduce the spread, it is imperative for residents to abide by CDC guidelines, Willingham said. If you do not feel well, stay home, she said. If you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you should stay home for 14 days to monitor yourself for symptoms. If you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, and do not have symptoms, you can still be tested to help protect those around you. MORE FROM THIS AUTHOR: Montgomery County commissioners explore cost cutting efforts ahead of budget workshops Health officials recommend the following measures in a public place: stay at least 6 feet from others at all times; wear a cloth face covering to help protect yourself and others; 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; and bring hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol to use if soap and water are not available. The MCHD/MCPHD COVID-19 call center is open for residents needing COVID-19 testing through the countys voucher program, or for general questions. Call 936-523-5040 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free COVID-19 testing is available at the Sterling Ridge Park and Ride. This testing site will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through June 21. Residents who would like to be tested must register either online at www.txcovidtest.org or by phone at 512-883-2400. Beginning Monday and continuing through Wednesday, Kroger will sponsor a free testing site at the Montgomery County Fair Grounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kroger asks that registration be completed online to expedite the testing process at www.krogerhealth.com/covidtesting, but if you are unable to register online. Kroger will register you on site. cdominguez@hcnonline.com As Missouri struggles to contain one health crisis, its Legislature has, for the eighth straight year, decided to ignore another. Lawmakers last month once again failed to create a statewide prescription drug monitoring program to battle the spread of opioid abuse. As usual, a few key Republicans blocked it, in part on grounds it would be governmental overreach a demonstrably extremist view given that 49 other states, red and blue both, have managed to take this crucial step. What the rest of the country has figured out while Missouri has been nursing its right-wing persecution fantasies is that the most effective way to address the opioid crisis is to monitor prescriptions. By creating a confidential database that shows doctors what prescriptions a patient has received from other doctors, they can prevent people from doctor shopping to get around prescription limits. This is the height of common sense. Prescription limits are there to prevent people from becoming addicted and potentially overdosing. Allowing people to circumvent them as Missouri effectively does by refusing to set up a statewide monitoring system is inevitably costing lives. St. Louis Countys own monitoring system, which other counties have joined, is better than nothing, but the mere fact that local leaders felt the need to start it is a reminder of Jefferson Citys stunning abdication of its duty to public health on this issue. Legislation to set up an opioid database looked promising this session, passing the Senate and passing in altered form in the House. But as the Post-Dispatchs Tynan Stewart reported, the House removed a Senate provision criminalizing fentanyl trafficking a separate issue that could have been addressed in separate legislation. That alteration, which was approved by the Republican-majority House, infuriated the Republican-majority Senate, effectively killing the bill. Some of the Republican opponents in both chambers made it clear that their problem with the bill wasnt just disagreement over the fentanyl issue, but the more fundamental (and unreasonable) argument theyve been making for years: That creating a database to enforce prescription limits is a government intrusion on privacy. If youve enjoyed this experience under COVID-19, of the government telling you to wear a mask then I guess youre OK with this bill, because thats what this bill is, Rep. Justin Hill, R-Lake Saint Louis, said during House debate. Where to even start? Some of them have, ludicrously, tied it into Missouris Wild West approach to gun restrictions, positing that creating a database to track prescriptions could somehow evolve into a database of gun ownership. A doff of the tinfoil hat to that one. Texas has a prescription database. Georgia has a prescription database. Alabama has a prescription database. But Missouri Republicans still think its a left-wing plot? If we didnt know better, we would think they were on something. Argentina was one of the first countries in Latin America to impose a lockdown. Argentina is expected to extend coronavirus restrictions near the capital, where most of its new infections are concentrated. Still, it appears to have weathered the pandemic better than its neighbours. Al Jazeeras Teresa Bo reports from Buenos Aires. The global duty-free liquor market size was valued at $2.8 billion in 2018, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% to reach $3.7 billion by 2026. Duty-free liquor refers to the liquor exempted from payment of national taxes and duties, and other certain local taxes. Duty-free liquor are sold to travelers travelling to some other country. Such shops or retail outlets are available at various channels such as airports, cruise liners, railway stations, and border, downtown, and hotel shops. The growth of the global duty-free liquor is majorly driven by development of the travel & tourism industry. The rise in tourism promotion, increase in number of passengers and frequent fliers, and others, are expected to fuel the growth of the duty-free liquor market. Request for Report Sample: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/13286 As per the WHO and other organizations, Africa and Asia are the major regions that are expected to witness a rapid urbanization trend and are projected to account for 56% and 64% urbanization rate, respectively, by 2050. India and China are the two major countries with increase in urban population and potential markets for the duty-free liquor market. Also, increase in disposable income of individuals, particularly in Europe and Asia-Pacific, is anticipated to witness high growth, thus driving the overall growth of the market However, stringent government rules, especially for airport retailing, are expected to hamper the market growth. This is due the strict baggage rules for air travel passengers that limit the baggage capacity or charge extra for excess baggage. The global duty-free liquor market is segmented based on type, and channel. Depending on type, the industry is divided into beer, wine, vodka, cognac, and whiskey. By channel, it is classified into cruise liners, airports, railway stations, and border, downtown, and hotel shops. The report highlights the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and growth strategies adopted by the key players to understand the dynamics and potential of the industry. Key players operating in the duty-free liquor market are profiled to provide a competitive landscape of the marketspace. The major players profiled in the report are Brown-Forman, Diageo, Erdington, Bacardi, Heineken, Glen Moray, Accolade Wines, Constellation Brands, Inc., REMY COINTREAU, Pernod, Ricard. KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS The report includes an in-depth analysis of different segments and provides market estimations between 2019 and 2026. Porters five forces model illustrates the potency of buyers & sellers, which assists the market players to adopt effective strategies. Key market players are profiled to gain an understanding of the strategies adopted by them. This report provides a detailed analysis of the current trends and future estimations from 2019 to 2026, which helps identify the prevailing market opportunities. Get Access to sample pages: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/covid-19-analysis/13286 KEY SEGMENTS By Type o Beer o Wine o Vodka o Cognac o Whiskey By Channel o Cruise liners o Airports o Railway Station o Border, downtown and hotel shops By Region o North America U.S. Canada Mexico o Europe Germany France UK Italy Spain Rest of Europe o Asia-Pacific Japan China Australia India Rest of Asia-Pacific o LAMEA Brazil Argentina Saudi Arabia South Africa Rest of LAMEA Health experts are warning that Americans need to change their behaviors because the COVID-19 pandemic will last well into 2021 without a magic bullet vaccine - as cases and hospitalizations continue to surge to record highs across Sun Belt states. Florida, Texas, Arizona and California are among those that have seen spikes in the number of daily cases this week as states push ahead with reopening and people start to relax their social distancing measures. As states allow businesses to reopen to restore their damaged economies, health professionals are urging Americans to adapt their behaviors and reset their expectations because the virus will likely still be a threat next year. With restrictions being lifted, the health experts say people are trying to return to how life was in 2019 - but that isn't possible because an effective vaccine is yet to be developed. Instead, they say it is now about working out how to co-exist with the virus to avoid future outbreaks. As states allow businesses to reopen to restore their damaged economies, health professionals are urging Americans to adapt their behaviors and reset their expectations because the virus will likely still be a threat next year 'People are fatigued. They mistakenly feel that things were going away,' Cameron Wolfe, an infectious-disease doctor and associate professor of medicine at Duke University, told Bloomberg. 'We're going to have to figure out a way to live with this.' Some scientists who are tracking virus trends say, for example, that allowing restaurants to reopen isn't controlling the threat of the virus. 'I understand there is a perception of the need to balance on these economic considerations,' said Ada Adimora, an epidemiologist and professor of medicine in infectious diseases at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. 'But to the extent that we open up society and have people going to restaurants - you can't wear a mask while you eat - you are not really working to control the threat of the virus.' Infectious disease expert Amesh Adalja, who works with the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, acknowledged that no reopening or activity would be without risks. 'No activity will be without the risk of coronavirus,' Adalja said. 'It's just how much risk people think is worth assuming.' Even with the uptick in cases in some US states, public health officials, including Dr Anthony Fauci, have said they don't believe a second widespread lockdown will be necessary. FLORIDA CASES: The number of new coronavirus cases in Florida surged to 3,207 on Thursday, bringing total infections across the state to nearly 86,000 FLORIDA DEATHS: Florida's daily death count increased by 43 on Thursday, bringing the state's total number of fatalities to just over 3,000 FLORIDA HOSPITALIZATIONS: The state's total number of hospitalizations over the pandemic is now at 12,577. Pictured above is the weekly trend showing visits to emergency departments New York threatens 14-day quarantine for anyone who travels to NY from states where COVID cases are rising New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday threatened to impose a 14-day quarantine for anyone coming to the state from elsewhere in America or overseas to avoid a second wave of infection. New York City was the undoubted epicenter of the virus in April but since then, the numbers have lowered so drastically that fewer than 1 percent of those being tested. To ensure the progress continues, Cuomo said he is considering imposing a mandatory two week quarantine for anyone entering the state. Florida, which is seeing cases spike, has introduced its own 14-day quarantine to try to get a handle on the escalating number of new infections. Cuomo said on Thursday at one of his last daily coronavirus briefings: 'I havent made a decision yet, but I have had experts advise me of that. 'It is a real concern. It could happen, and its something Im considering.' He credited New Yorkers for performing a 'complete 180' when projections estimated that as many as 130,000 people would need hospital beds in New York City at the height of the crisis. At its worst, 18,000 across the entire state of New York were hospitalized. Advertisement He told AFP on Thursday that he was optimistic the world would soon have a vaccine that would end the pandemic, calling early trial results 'encouraging'. 'I don't think we're going to be talking about going back to lockdown,' he said when asked whether places like California and Texas that are seeing a surge in their caseload should reissue stay-at-home orders. 'I think we're going to be talking about trying to better control those areas of the country that seem to be having a surge of cases.' The US leads the world in the number of confirmed cases and deaths. Currently, the death toll from coronavirus in the United States is now more than 118,000 and the number of infections have surpassed 2.2 million. Experts are predicting that the global death toll, which is currently at 454,000, will likely reach one million or more by next year. While former epicenters New York and New Jersey have managed to control their outbreaks, the virus is now increasing in 20 states that reopened and lifted restrictions earlier. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday threatened to enforce a 14-day quarantine for people traveling to New York from states where cases are increasing. Fauci has stressed a localized approach as the country returns to normal. California, North Carolina and a string of cities in other states mandated or urged mandatory mask use on Thursday to get a grip on spiraling coronavirus cases. 'Even when the recommendations are to wear a mask, a recommendation that I've been involved in making, there are some groups that actually do the recommendations very strictly,' Fauci said. 'And then... you see pictures of people in bars and in congregations without that. So again, it's a mixed bag.' A month after many governors reopened their economies, a growing number are adopting the CDC's guidance that masks are essential to prevent community spread. TEXAS CASES: Texas recorded a record high number of cases on Thursday with more than 3,100 new infections TEXAS HOSPITALIZATIONS: Over 2,700 hospitalizations - a metric not linked to increased testing - were confirmed in the latest data from the Texas health department TEXAS DEATHS: Texas has seen an increase in deaths this week with 43 deaths recorded on Thursday. The peak deaths in the state so far have occurred on May 14 with 58 fatalaties Putting aside concerns about individual rights and political unpopularity, governors and mayors said they were turning to compulsory face coverings to stop the virus running out of control as economies reopened. On a day when Florida posted 3,207 new cases, its second daily record in a week, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings ordered obligatory mask use, telling residents of Orlando and other cities it would help them avoid a second shutdown. California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered mask use in most places as the state for the second day in a row registered over 4,000 new cases. As Arizona posted another daily case record, the Democratic mayors of Tucson and Phoenix respectively ordered and prepared to vote on mandatory face coverings after Republican Governor Doug Ducey bowed to pressure and let cities set mask rules. 'This piece of protection may even save your life,' North Carolina Democratic Governor Roy Cooper said, adding that he was considering statewide obligatory mask use on a day when statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations set a new high. In Texas, the mayors of the states nine biggest cities asked Republican Governor Greg Abbott this week to grant them authority to set mask regulations. As Oklahoma reported its second day of record coronavirus cases, the Tulsa arena hosting a Trump rally on Saturday said it would encourage all attendees to remain masked throughout the event and issue staff with personal protective gear. Resistance to face masks has taken on a partisan edge after President Donald Trump opposed them, saying that some people wear them to show opposition to him. ARIZONA CASES: In Arizona, 2,500 cases were reported on Thursday, bringing the state's total to more than 43,000 ARIZONA DEATHS: There were 32 new deaths reported in Arizona on Thursday - a record high ARIZONA HOSPITALIZATIONS: The number of patients being admitted to Arizona hospitals with COVID-19 or suspected of having the virus continues to increase ARIZONA BED CAPACITY: Hospital bed capacity hit a record high in Arizona on Wednesday with 84 capacity of ICU beds It comes as Florida has recorded its highest number of new COVID-19 cases in a single day throughout the entire pandemic - as new projections show the state could become next large epicenter and risks being 'the worst it has ever been'. The number of new coronavirus cases surged to 3,207 on Thursday, bringing total infections across the state to nearly 86,000, according to Florida's health department data. The daily case count surpassed the previous record set on Monday when more than 2,700 cases were confirmed. Florida's daily death count increased by 43 on Thursday, bringing the state's total number of fatalities to just over 3,000. The state's total number of hospitalizations over the pandemic is now at 12,577. At least some of the increase reflects expanded testing especially among people who are younger and without symptoms. While the number of deaths per day is not rising, the percentage of new positive tests is, hitting 8.8 percent on Thursday, compared to 5.5 percent the week before. New cases across the state have been spiking ever since Memorial Day after large gatherings were held and as pandemic-related restrictions continue to ease up across the state. The easing of restrictions has accompanied new outbreaks across Florida and has already forced some local leaders, including in Tampa and Miami, to halt reopenings. New COVID-19 forecasts from the PolicyLab at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has experts issuing dire warnings for Florida. 'Florida has all the makings of the next large epicenter the risk there is the worst it has ever been in our projections,' the PolicyLab researchers say. The model, which uses cellphone data to track changes in mobility to predict the trajectory of new infections over the next four weeks, is forecasting a surge in new cases in areas like Miami and Tampa. New daily cases are projected to rise to 500 in Palm Beach and nearly 350 in Orlando by mid-July, according the model. The warnings for Florida come as several other states this week have also seen record high number of daily infections and hospitalizations. Texas also recorded a record high number of cases and hospitalizations on Thursday. More than 3,100 cases and over 2,700 hospitalizations were confirmed in the latest data from the Texas health department. Alabama, Arizona, California, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon and South Carolina have all also seen surges in the last week. Hospitalizations in Arizona have been hitting record daily highs all month. Health officials in many states attribute the spike to businesses reopening and Memorial Day weekend gatherings in late May. Many states are also bracing for a possible increase in cases stemming from tens of thousands of people protesting to end racial injustice and police brutality for the past three weeks. Across the United States, 17 states saw new cases rise last week - compared to the week prior - and 13 states reported weekly increases in deaths related to COVID-19. New deaths from coronavirus nearly doubled in Georgia and Missouri in the second week of June compared to the prior seven days. New cases of COVID-19 nearly doubled in Alabama and South Carolina in the second week of June compared to the prior seven days. Yves here. Tom mentions in passing the role of Pinkertons as goons for hire to crush early labor activists. Some employers like Ford went as far as forming private armies for that purpose. Establishing police forces were a way to socialize this cost. By Thomas Neuberger. Originally published at DownWithTyranny! [In the 1800s] the police increasingly presented themselves as a thin blue line protecting civilization, by which they meant bourgeois civilization, from the disorder of the working class. Sam Mitrani here Its a commonplace to say the primary job of police is to protect and serve, but thats not their goal in the way its commonly understood not in the deed, the practice of what they daily do, and not true in the original intention, in why police departments were created in the first place. Protect and serve as we understand it is just the cover story. To understand the true purpose of police, we have to ask, Whats being protected? and Whos being served? Urban police forces in America were created for one purpose to maintain order after a waves of immigrants swept into northern U.S. cities, both from abroad and later from the South, immigrants who threatened to disturb that order. The threat wasnt primarily from crime as we understand it, from violence inflicted by the working poor on the poor or middle class. The threat came from unions, from strikes, and from the suffering, the misery and the anger caused by the rise of rapacious capitalism. Whats being protected? The social order that feeds the wealthy at the expense of the working poor. Whos being served? Owners, their property, and the sources of their wealth, the orderly and uninterrupted running of their factories. The goal of police departments, as originally constituted, was to keep the workers in line, in their jobs, and off the streets. Looking Behind Us The following comes from an essay published at the blog of the Labor and Working-Class History Association, an academic group for teachers of labor studies, by Sam Mitrani, Associate Professor of History at the College of DuPage and author of The Rise of the Chicago Police Department: Class and Conflict, 1850-1894. According to Mitrani, The police were not created to protect and serve the population. They were not created to stop crime, at least not as most people understand it. And they were certainly not created to promote justice. They were created to protect the new form of wage-labor capitalism that emerged in the mid to late nineteenth century from the threat posed by that systems offspring, the working class. Keep in mind that there were no police departments anywhere in Europe or the U.S. prior to the 19th century in fact, anywhere in the world according to Mitrani. In the U.S., the North had constables, many part-time, and elected sheriffs, while the South had slave patrols. But nascent capitalism soon created a large working class, and a mass of European immigrants, yearning to be free, ended up working in capitalisms northern factories and living in its cities. [A]s Northern cities grew and filled with mostly immigrant wage workers who were physically and socially separated from the ruling class, the wealthy elite who ran the various municipal governments hired hundreds and then thousands of armed men to impose order on the new working class neighborhoods. [emphasis added] America of the early and mid 1800s was still a world without organized police departments. What the Pinkertons were to strikes, these thousands of armed men were to the unruly working poor in those cities. Imagine this situation from two angles. First, from the standpoint of the workers, picture the oppression these armed men must have represented, lawless themselves yet tasked with imposing order and violence on the poor and miserable, who were frequently and understandably both angry and drunk. (Pre-Depression drunkenness, under this interpretation, is not just a social phenomenon, but a political one as well.) Second, consider this situation from the standpoint of the wealthy who hired these men. Given the rapid growth of capitalism during this period, maintaining order was a costly undertaking, and likely to become costlier. Pinkertons, for example, were hired at private expense, as were the thousands of armed men Mitrani mentions above. The solution was to offload this burden onto municipal budgets. Thus, between 1840 and 1880, every major northern city in America had created a substantial police force, tasked with a single job, the one originally performed by the armed men paid by the business elites to keep the workers in line, to maintain order as factory owners and the moneyed class understood it. Class conflict roiled late nineteenth century American cities like Chicago, which experienced major strikes and riots in 1867, 1877, 1886, and 1894. In each of these upheavals, the police attacked strikers with extreme violence, even if in 1877 and 1894 the U.S. Army played a bigger role in ultimately repressing the working class. In the aftermath of these movements, the police increasingly presented themselves as a thin blue line protecting civilization, by which they meant bourgeois civilization, from the disorder of the working class. This ideology of order that developed in the late nineteenth century echoes down to today except that today, poor black and Latino people are the main threat, rather than immigrant workers. That thin blue line protecting civilization is the same blue line were witnessing today. Yes, big-city police are culturally racist as a group; but theyre not just racist. They dislike all the unwashed. A recent study that reviewed all the data available on police shootings for the year 2017, and analyze[d] it based on geography, income, and poverty levels, as well as race revealed the following remarkable pattern: Police violence is focused overwhelmingly on men lowest on the socio-economic ladder: in rural areas outside the South, predominately white men; in the Southwest, disproportionately Hispanic men; in mid-size and major cities, disproportionately black men. Significantly, in the rural South, where the population is racially mixed, white men and black men are killed by police at nearly identical rates. As they have always been, the police departments in the U.S. are a violent force for maintaining an order that separates and protects societys predator class from its victims a racist order to be sure, but a class-based order as well. Looking Ahead Weve seen the violence of the police as visited on societys urban poor (and anyone else, poor or not, who happens to be the same race and color as the poor too often are), and weve witnessed the violent reactions of police to mass protests challenging the racism of that violence. But weve also seen the violence of police during the mainly white-led Occupy movement (one instance here; note that while the officer involved was fired, he was also compensated $38,000 for suffering he experienced after the incident). So what could we expect from police if there were, say, a national, angry, multiracial rent strike with demonstrations? Or a student debt strike? None of these possibilities are off the table, given the economic damage most of it still unrealized caused by the current Covid crisis. Will police protect and serve the protesters, victims of the latest massive transfer of wealth to the already massively wealthy? Or will they, with violence, maintain order by maintaining elite control of the current predatory system? If Mitrani is right, the latter is almost certain. Guadalupe Gomez, who came to the United States at age 14, considers Southeast Texas her home. She went to West Brook High School, earned her degree from Lamar University and works in education in the city that raised her. On Thursday morning, Gomez received news that she and about 650,000 other Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy recipients were hoping for a U.S. Supreme Court ruling keeping the Barack Obama-era immigration policy alive. In a 5-4 ruling, the court blocked the Trump administrations efforts to end DACA. Conservative Chief Justice John Roberts voted with the courts liberal wing in the decision and wrote the majority opinion. Gomezs phone vibrated for what seemed like minutes with notifications from friends and colleagues informing her of the good news. Its going to continue and that makes me really happy, Gomez said. When I saw my phone, I got the chills and I began to watch the news. Gomez and others across the country can breathe a sigh of relief, for now at least. DACA, created in 2012, allows undocumented immigrants who were brought into the country by their parents when they were children to file for a two-year period of deferred deportation and receive eligibility for work permits. Gomez and other DACA members renew their applications every two years in order to continue working or going to school. The application can be tedious and can cost as much as $500. In addition to the fees and application, in order to be eligible, you must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent and no criminal record. Gomez has been a member of the DACA program since 2014 and it gave her the opportunity to earn a bachelors degree in sociology with a minor in Spanish. Thanks to DACA and daily support, it helped me realize all the struggles were worth it, Gomez said. Every single late night and all the internships was worth it. I am living proof of how important (DACA) is. Gomez remembers in 2017 when then-U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced plans to phase out the DACA program. Instead of feeling devasted about the news, she decided she was going to do something about it. So she began her involvement in the Hispanic Proactive Coalition (HPAC). One of her first events as a volunteer was helping others apply for DACA protection under the deadline set by the Trump administration. Gomez has been actively volunteering with HPAC for the past three years helping members of the community register to vote, acting as translators at community events and helping the Spanish-speaking community fill out important documents during hurricane season. Despite being so active and doing everything in her power to help her community, she could not help but think about the Supreme Court case. The life she knew was riding on it. I had the best moments of my life happen here (in Southeast Texas). I was really scared before todays decision, Gomez said. I didnt know if I was going to have to adjust and start my life all over again (in Mexico). There were a lot of things on my mind before today. Gomez came to the United States and Southeast Texas from Mexico City at age 14. She is one of 106,090 DACA recipients in Texas, second-most behind California, according to migrationpolicy.org. Texas was home to 16% of the 643,560 total DACA recipients as of March 2020. The website says 80% of recipients are from Mexico. At Lamar University, 101 DACA students were enrolled for the spring semester and 45 for summer, according to Shelly Vitanza, LU spokesperson. While the Supreme Court decision is relevant most directly to DACA recipients, Jesus Abrego, director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Beaumont, said the ruling affects the entire community. We have nurses, teachers, business owners and engineers who are DACA members in our community. I know of two nurses who are working to help fight the coronavirus right now, Abrego said. The challenge is this is a temporary fix. If this administration looks to stop this program again, we are going to lose a lot of young professionals whose only issue was they were brought to this county. The battle to change public opinion on immigration is one Gomez will continue to fight. A permanent solution is obviously the best thing, but getting people to educate themselves about this topic is important, Gomez said. I realize everybody has their opinion and I respect it. But you dont know anything until youve seen it from another persons perspective and seeing both sides of the coin is important when trying to educate yourself. jorge.ramos@beaumontenterprise.com https://twitter.com/byjorgeramos Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 14:12:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Five militants were killed Friday in a fierce gunfight with government forces in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said. The gunfight broke out at Bandapoh village of Shopian district, about 65 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. "A joint operation was launched last evening on specific intelligence information suggesting the presence of militants," a police official posted in Shopian said. "No sooner the joint contingents approached the suspected area, it came under heavy fire triggering gunfight." Stand-off went on throughout the night. Indian army spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said five militants were killed in the gunfight. According to Kalia, the operation was in progress in the area. Immediately as the gunfight started, authorities snapped mobile internet service in the district. Reports said on Thursday street protests broke out in the area soon after the gunfight. The protesters threw stones on government forces, who responded by firing tear smoke shells. Police said the identity of slain militants was being ascertained. Local media reports identified them as local cadres. The government forces have not suffered any damage in the gunfight. Meanwhile, a separate gunfight is underway in adjacent Pulwama district since Thursday. One militant was killed while two others are holed up in the area. On Tuesday three militants were killed in a fierce gunfight with government forces in Shopian district. According to police officials over 90 militants were killed in gunfights with government forces since the beginning of this year. Enditem Delhi, June 19 : The investigation report on Jallikattu events in Tamil Nadu in January 2020, compiled by the India chapter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), extensively documents the cruelty meted out to the bulls and disregard for human life. The report was filed in the Supreme Court on Thursday, as part of PETA's petition seeking to overturn the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act, 2017, which allows the conduct of Jallikattu events in the state. The 103-page report coupled with video footage gathered information from seven Jallikattu events which the animals' rights group investigated in Ariyalur, Dindigul, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli districts in Tamil Nadu. The investigations were conducted between January 15 and January 19, 2020. "Year after year, PETA India's investigations tell the same story of mass human and bull deaths and the deliberate torment of bulls who are forced to take part in jallikattu," said PETA India CEO Manilal Valliyate. "Jallikattu is an inherently abusive and dangerous practice that has no place in our modern and progressive society. PETA India is calling for an immediate reinstatement of the ban on these cruel events," Valliyate added. The findings of the report based on calculations from various news reports showed that ever since the Tamil Nadu government legalised Jallikattu in 2017, at least 22 bulls and 57 humans have reportedly died while 3,632 humans were injured in events organised throughout the state. PETA India contended that as bull deaths and even many human injuries are not always recorded, the figures are likely to be vastly underestimated. PETA India's investigations reported alleged acts of cruelty and dangerous situations such as bulls being brazenly hit with bare hands, whipped with ropes, and jabbed with nail-tipped wooden sticks, metal rods and metal sickles. The report also detailed how the bulls' tails were savagely bitten, twisted and yanked to force them into the crowds. Nose ropes were roughly handled, causing the bulls to bleed in the nostrils. The report noted that panicked bulls fled onto village streets, injuring onlookers and even goring some to death. It also recorded that onlookers hit and jumped onto the bulls fleeing the collection yards and engaged in the illegal practice of "parallel Jallikattu". "Bulls sustained severe injuries, and some collapsed from exhaustion. Many bulls were not adequately physically examined by veterinarians," the report noted. In 2017, PETA India had filed the original petition questioning the constitutional validity of the new Tamil Nadu state law and sought direction to strike it down. The animal rights body pointed out that the law was contrary to the object and purpose of the central Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which mandates that animals be protected from unnecessary pain and suffering. Furthermore, it violated Article 51A(g) of the Constitution of India, which grants animals the fundamental right to be treated with compassion and dignity, PETA India contended. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text European Union leaders found that a quick deal on the bloc's future long-term budget and a multibillion-euro post-pandemic recovery plan remained beyond their reach on Friday as the coronavirus ravages their economies. A long-term budget has been proposed by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, but failed to win approval from the 'Frugal Four' - the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria and Sweden. There were also disagreements over hoe best to distribute the funds. The four nations are against issuing too much common debt to support countries that have been hardest hit, and believe money should be distributed in the form of loans instead of grants. Following a four-hour video summit aimed at paving the way for a compromise this summer, there was common ground on the need for a quick response but divergences persisted among the leaders of EU member nations. 'It is essential to take a decision as soon as possible,' EU Council President Charles Michel said, announcing he plans to call an in-person summit for the leaders of the 27-nation bloc for mid-July. Pictured: European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen from Germany speaks during a four-hour video summit aimed at taking steps to establish a long-term budget and a multibillion-euro post-pandemic recovery plan to help nations recover from the coronavirus The meeting was the first step in intense discussions on the European Commission's plans for a 1.1-trillion-euro seven-year budget and a 750-billion-euro ($825 billion) recovery fund. Devised to help member states' economies cushion the impact of the coronavirus, the package is far from being unanimously welcomed and more time will be needed to find a deal, possibly in July during an in-person summit. 'We don't underestimate the difficulties,' Michel said. To tackle the economic crisis, Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a revised long-term budget for the 2021-2027 period that would represent around 1.1% of European GDP after the U.K.'s departure, coupled with the temporary reinforcement of the 750 billion euros set aside to combat the virus. The whole package represents a huge 1.85 trillion stimulus for the bloc's struggling economies. A blend of debt mutualisation, grants and loans, the aid plan has failed to gain the approval the Frugal Four who oppose issuing too much common debt to support the hardest-hit countries and argue that the money should mainly be handed out in loans instead of grants. Another divisive topic relates to how the money will be allocated. The Commission proposed to work it out based on criteria including the size of population, gross domestic product per capita and unemployment. One top European diplomat said on the eve of the meeting that the range is too limited and should be adapted to take into account the real damage of the coronavirus. Pictured: European Union flags flutter outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, June 5, 2020, where the summit was held on 19 June 2020. There was common ground on the need for a quick response but divergences persisted among the leaders of EU member nations Under the commission's plans, the recovery fund should be incorporated in the 2021-2027 EU budget. Two-thirds of the fund - a half-trillion euros - would take the form of grants. The plan is backed by France and Germany, the bloc's two most powerful countries. With their allies, they need to convince the countries opposed to debt mutualisation or increases in the EU budget that grants will benefit the whole bloc. To fund the plan, the Commission proposed borrowing money on financial markets. The European Commission has a triple A credit rating, which would give it favorable loan terms. Repayments would not begin before 2028, with the full amount due after 30 years. To facilitate the reimbursement, several member states are pushing for the rapid development of new EU funding sources that could take the form of taxes on carbon or single-use plastic. Such revenues would make the EU budget less dependent on national contributions from member states, which are reluctant to pay more. The plan has been under review since at least April, and with PM Modis recently announced self-reliance campaign to promote local products India plans to impose higher trade barriers and raise import duties on around 300 products from China. (AFP Photo) NEW DELHI: India plans to impose higher trade barriers and raise import duties on around 300 products from China and elsewhere, two government officials said, as part of an effort to protect domestic businesses. The plan has been under review since at least April, according to a government document seen by Reuters, and is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis recently announced self-reliance campaign to promote local products. The new duty structures are likely to be gradually outlined over the next three months, said the sources, who asked not to be named as the plan is still being finalised. Indias finance ministry and trade ministry, which is involved in the discussions, did not respond to requests for comment. The government is considering raising import duties on 160-200 products and imposing non-tariff barriers - such as licensing requirements or stricter quality checks - on another 100, according to the officials. The decision will target imports worth $8-10 billion with the aim of deterring non-essential lower quality imports which render Indian products uncompetitive, said the first official, who has direct knowledge of the plans. We are not targeting any country, but this is one of the ways to reduce a trade deficit that is lopsided with countries like China, the second official said. Bilateral trade between China and India was worth $88 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2019, with a trade deficit of $53.5 billion in Chinas favour, the widest India has with any country. Between April 2019 and February 2020, the latest data available, Indias trade deficit with China was $46.8 billion. A separate industry source familiar with the matter said engineering goods, electronics and some medical equipment were among items being considered under the plan. A third government source said non-tariff barriers, such as more stringent quality control certification, could apply to imported products such as air conditioners. Modi has vowed to promote and protect local manufacturing since he swept to power in 2014. He has promoted a Make in India programme in recent years, and last month announced an Atmanirbhar Bharat, or a self-reliant India, campaign. India already raised taxes on imports of goods such as electronic items, toys and furniture in February, drawing criticism that it was a protectionist move against foreign businesses. Swedens IKEA, for example, said at the time it was disappointed with the higher tariffs. The government document showed feedback had been sought from various Indian ministries to arrive at the list of around 300 products, which has not been seen by Reuters. India has increased duties on more than 3,600 tariff lines covering products from sectors such as textiles and electronics since 2014, the document added. Were pushing for a policy to strengthen Indian manufacturing keeping in view its strengthens and weaknesses, a fourth government official said. The country was, in February, put on the list of jurisdictions that require increased monitoring. These are done to counter money-laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing in a more efficient manner. Mauritius plan to wriggle out of the Financial Action Task Forces (FATFs) grey list - by the end of this year - could be hit by COVID-19. The country was, in February, put on the list of jurisdictions that require increased monitoring. This list is often referred to as the grey list. Jurisdictions under increased monitoring actively work with the FATF to address strategic deficiencies in their regimes. These are done to counter money-laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing in a more efficient manner. While Mauritius aims to fulfill all requirements ahead of schedule, the assessment of its progress report by the FATF may be delayed by the pandemic, thereby impacting investments routed through the country, said people in the know. Globally, the FATFs grey list could create a negative perception towards Mauritius, especially among large investors like pension, endowment, and sovereign wealth funds, said experts. The RBI, too, rejected a few applications for NBFC licences recently, as the investment was routed through Mauritius. The FATF has identified areas in which Mauritius has to demonstrate higher effectiveness of its AML/CFT system. It has obtained technical assistance from the EU-funded AML/CFT Global Facility and the German government (through German Development Agency, GIZ) to support implementation of the FATF Action Plan. Mauritius meets 53 out of the 58 recommended actions, including the big six recommendations, and there is an agreed timeline to cure the identified shortcomings. The country is committed to implement the action plan one year ahead of the schedule, as agreed with the FATF. Various technical committees have been set up to address each of the five shortcomings with a strict time frame and outcomes, said a person familiar with matter. Mauritius has submitted a report to the FATF, addressing the five issues raised. The Mauritian government is fully committed to exiting the FATF and EU lists. "Mauritius is largely compliant with 35 of the 40 recommendations by FATF, said Neha Malviya, director at Wilson Financial Services. Last month, the European Commission included Mauritius in its revised list of high-risk countries, with strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing frameworks. The Mauritian Authorities delivered on their commitment and a first progress report was sent to the FATF on the agreed date. "Regrettably, the FATF process has been halted owing to the Covid situation, and the progress report could not be assessed, a May 9 communique by the Ministry of Financial Services and Good Governance observed. Photograph: Zammit Lumi/Reuters YourCareEverywheres Temma Ehrenfeld, who lives in New York City, shares her experience after contracting and being diagnosed with COVID-19. People are always curious how I was infected with the new coronavirus. Ill never know for sure, but there are two strong possibilities: the soup kitchen or the woman who cleans my house. On March 22, a Sunday after New York City had been shut down except for essential functions, I biked through the eerily quiet streets of Manhattan to the soup kitchen at a local church. I didnt hesitate over this trip: we were getting sad emails saying it would close without volunteers and reminding us that it fed hundreds of homeless people. I biked, I wore a mask, I didnt touch anybody. But I joined a group of 10 people who werent wearing masks, and we put sandwiches into bags standing next to each other beside a long table. Then I handed the lunch bags to the people waiting in line for food. For five hours, I was well within six feet of many unmasked people. The other possibility is a woman Ill call C., who came to clean my apartment on Monday. We always talk and hug. When I called her to say I was sick, she told me she had three other clients who were ill. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: How Helpful will COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Antibody Testing Be? By Thursday, I went to an urgent care facility in my neighborhood complaining of a urinary tract infection and fever. Did I have a kidney infection? The doctor asked me if I could be exposed, and I told her about the soup kitchen. She gave me the nasal swab to test for COVID-19 (coronavirus). By Friday I had a headache and heavy chest and fever. On Saturday night, I was panting as I sat on my couch. I texted a friend who had already recovered from the virus: Were you panting? No! she texted. She called me and was alarmed. I couldnt finish a sentence without catching my breath. Go to the hospital, she said. But I knew the hospitals in Manhattan were overwhelmed. I would be more exposed to the virus there or Id infect someone else, and I might end up in a hallway on a gurney. I navigated my insurance companys computer interface for Doctor-on Call and at the end it said, Call 911. So I called my own doctor, Dr. Leo Galland, who called me back in minutes, and timed how long I could hold my breath. I shouldnt go to the hospital, he told me, unless I couldnt hold my breath for 20 seconds. Over the next days my helpers magically appeared. My friend Jamie called me from New Mexico every morning and every evening to take my measurements, how long I could hold my breath, how long I could stand, and my temperature. Later, when my heart rate shot up, we took my pulse. Steve in Massachusetts called every morning at 10 and gave me his attention for 15 minutes we timed it (and I always went over). Sally did my shopping, David, the chairman of my co-op board, who I barely knew, texted daily with hilarious quips and picked up prescriptions. I was afraid of being alone and falling unconscious, so I had a system: I would text every two hours and if I didnt call, a designated helper would call me, usually Caroline in Philadelphia, and if I didnt respond, David would come bang on my door, which I kept unlocked, and if I didnt answer, call 911. Dr. Galland was in touch every day. Over the course of my treatment, I took supplements he recommended, antibiotics, and two drugs that have shown some promise for this coronavirus but are unproven: the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and a drug for head lice, ivermectin. I have a CPAP machine for sleep apnea that blows air into your lungs. I had stopped using it before getting the virus, but now I slept with it and stayed on it during the day. After four days of panting in bed, I was more frightened. Dr. Galland and I decided I would go to the urgent care again and get a chest x-ray. I texted my board chairman that I was going out and using the elevator (he emailed everyone in the building not to use the elevator until it was disinfected after my return, though he kindly didnt identify me by name). My chest x-ray said I had mild pneumonia. I was prescribed antibiotics. I hadnt been outside in so long. It was Friday night, just before 7, when I left the urgent care. At a busy intersection that should have been thick with people, there were only about 20. The cars were honking, the people clapping and cheering. It was the nightly thank-you to the medical and essential workers, which I had only heard before from my window. Over the next weeks I took antibiotics, and the hydroxychloroquine, but it made my pulse go up and is known for causing heart irregularities, so I stopped taking it. I stopped using the CPAP during the day and began sitting at my computer to write and read and watch TV and movies instead of sleeping. Six weeks in, I went back for another chest x-ray. My chest was clear. It was only the second time I had left the house, in all that time. I was still having moments of fast breathing, waves of exhaustion, occasional nausea and diarrhea, and fevers. Yes, I was better than I was six weeks ago, but I still felt like I had a virus. Dr. Galland is following my case closely. I also enrolled in a telemedicine service organized by the Mt. Sinai hospital network, which has, perhaps, treated more COVID-19 patients than any other healthcare system. I fill out a phone app questionnaire every day, and every week I speak to my doctor there, Alexander Ruvinsky, by video. He tells me that Im not alone. Many patients like me, many of whom were not hospitalized, still have symptoms like mine. Another group is much worse. They are too exhausted to do much at all. I now put in about two-thirds of my usual work hours, and I can walk eight flights to my apartment (yes, theres an elevator if I want it!). I can walk in the park with a masked friend and his dog. But I get tired. I was a person who easily biked 40 miles. Now its an effort to walk four. I dont regret volunteering at the soup kitchen. The church has changed their system so that volunteers arent packed together. The organizers simply didnt know earlier in the virus pandemic how easily you could be infected. We all had gloves. They thought that was enough. C., my cleaning person, wanted to keep working; she needed the cash. I begged her not to. It didnt occur to her to ask the service company to pay her anyway. It turned out that when she opened up the conversation, they did, and she stayed home. New York City has recently opened. But the problem isnt over. If you get sick, you might feel nothing, you might be sick a week, or two, you might have symptoms for weeks or months, and you might die. You dont know which group youll be in. Besides wanting to know how I got infected, people ask me if I was tested. That test back in March turned out to be negative. Should I get an antibody test? Im too irritated at the chance that it will be negative, too. Even if I do have antibodies, we dont know what they mean. Could I get sick again? Yes. Either way, Im wearing the mask, Im keeping my distance, and Im getting the vaccine, when it becomes available. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Our Cold and Flu Care section A GRANDMOTHER who falsely claimed more than 150,000 in benefits from the Department of Social Protection has avoided an immediate prison sentence. Anne Brennan, 67, of Lawn Way, John Carew Park, Southill had admitted stealing the money over a 17-year-period. During a sentencing hearing, Sergeant Kevin Heffernan told Limerick Circuit Court an investigation was launched in late 2016 after concerns emerged when Ms Brennan presented at the Intreo offices at Dominic Street. He said an alert was raised through the use of facial recognition technology and that the Department became concerned that Ms Brennan was claiming benefits she was not entitled to. Her home was searched in February 2017 and it was subsequently established the defendant who has 27 grandchildren had been claiming a variety of benefits using the identity card of another woman who has a similar name. Ms Brennan, who works as a cleaner, has pleaded guilty to 14 sample charges having been charged with more than 70 relating to offences which happened on dates between October 2000 and February 2017. The theft charges related to offences which were committed at the GPO, Cecil Street involving amounts of money ranging from 98.40 to 460.60. Judge Tom ODonnell was told a total of 157,603 was falsely claimed by the defendant in illness and pension benefits. Lorcan Connolly BL said his client has worked hard all her life but has nothing to show for her offending. She succumbed to temptation, she knows the wrongness of what she did. She did not benefit personally, he said adding she has a dilapidated house and an old car. Mr Connolly said his clients offending had snowballed out of control and that there was an element of relief when she was caught. He added that while some monies are being deducted by the department, there is is no reality to all of the money being repaid. Imposing sentence, Judge ODonnell said it was a difficult case to assess and he commented that there was a significant loss to the taxpayer as a result of the defendants behaviour. He accepted Ms Brennan was the main bread winner for her family and that the monies had been used to pay household costs. The judge noted there has been damage to her standing in the community as a result of the court proceedings and that one of her daughters died suddenly earlier this year. I must look at the offence and the circumstances of the offender, he commented adding that Ms Brennans previous good record and her admissions were significant mitigating factors he was entitled to consider. He imposed a two and-a-half year prison sentence which he suspended in its entirety. Part of Cathryn McGills work is to help people understand and be more proficient in a digital world. As the founder of the New Mexico Black Leadership Council, McGill tirelessly works to get the message to the African American community in New Mexico. These days, its become almost nonstop, as her phone rings constantly. Its a good thing because its about strengthening the community. Were going to make it through, McGill says of todays changing social climate. People are doing the best they can to keep the community informed. McGill is helping lead the way in educating the public about Juneteenth, which is commemorated on Friday, June 19, as well as the Black Lives Matter movement sweeping the world. I think the issues have come to the forefront because the distractions are gone. This has always been an issue, McGill says. Were focusing more on these things because that we had the luxury of ignoring before. This has become an opportunity to see what do we really want to focus on, and how do we move forward together. Sean Cardinalli, a local writer, says that in light of the expanding Black Lives Matter movement around the globe, its important this year, more than it has been in decades, for Juneteenth celebrations to incorporate an even more communal aspect. African Americans have the worlds attention, and in places all over New Mexico, Juneteenth will be part artistic showcase, part prayer service, part vigil, part barbecue, part protest, and part catharsis. There is a particularly keen notion that black New Mexicans, like black Americans everywhere, see Juneteenth not only historically, but through the contemporary lens where our lives are still burdened by de facto and de jure racism; its a reminder that African Americans still arent completely free. So the significance of Juneteenths story of delayed freedom is, understandably, even more palpably felt this year, he writes. As Coretta Scott King once said, Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won. You earn it and win it in every generation. Cardinalli says that as black New Mexicans celebrate Juneteenth this year and invite all other New Mexicans to do so as well, there is still work to be done to receive and maintain freedom. Coming together as a community in artful and prayerful celebration and even some protest seems a natural course of action for a deeply African American holiday birthed from freedom denied and delayed, he says. In this weeks Venue, we highlight voices in the black community. You can also see comments about the importance of fighting for freedom. Respectfully, Adrian Gomez Venue editor 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. Several Juneteenth events in the works Friday around the region include a morning rally and march by labor unions at the Port of Oakland. Juneteenth celebrations mark June 19, 1865, the date that enslaved people in Texas were told the Civil War had ended and they were free under terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. Bay Area events on Friday coincide with events planned around the world in response to the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police and to support the Black Lives Matter movement. The Oakland port demonstration is one of 29 planned at seaports in California, Oregon and Washington on Friday, port officials said. At 10 a.m., longshore workers at the Port of Oakland will hold a work stoppage, followed by a rally and march starting from 1717 Middle Harbor Road in Oakland. At the end of the march, at Oakland City Hall, labor leaders will speak, and Angela Davis, Danny Glover and Boots Riley have also been invited to the event, organizers said. A rally and march will be held in San Francisco at 1 p.m., with organizers calling for defunding San Francisco police and removing police from public schools. The march starts at city hall, 1 Carlton B. Goodlett Place and ends at board of education offices at 555 Franklin St. in San Francisco. Other events around the bay include: -- An 11 a.m. Juneteenth Vigil in Daly City by Latina leaders to urge authorities to keep black lives safe. The event will be held at 333 90th St. in Daly City. -- At 12:15 p.m., doctors and nurses at San Mateo Medical Center will hold solidarity events with the black community at several locations, including the San Mateo Medical Center at 222 W. 39th St. in San Mateo and the Coastside Clinic, 225 S. Cabrillo Highway in Half Moon Bay. 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. After MTV fired Dee Nguyen and Taylor Selfridge for their previous racially insensitive comments, fans began calling for the network to part ways with Jordan Wiseley for his behavior on The Real World. His fiance and The Challenge star Tori Deal has largely remained quiet. However, she recently addressed the racism allegations in an Instagram Story. Aneessa Ferreira, Jordan Wiseley, Simone Kelly, Veronica Portillo, Hunter Barfield, Camila Nakagawa and Tori Deal | Lars Niki Jordan Wiseley accused of being a racist In 2012, then 22-year-old Jordan Wiseley made his reality television debut on The Real World: Portland. After a night filled with alcohol, he and his new roommate Nia Moore got into a heated argument after she poured cereal on his bed. Jordan put some of the Cheerios in his mouth and spit it in her face. The two continued arguing, and he repeated the n-word multiple times as well as mocked his black roommate with monkey noises. The following day, Marlon Williams, one of their roommates, also Black, confronted Jordan over his offensive actions. Jordan Wiseley spits in Nia Moores face while walking off saying the n word (Real World Portland) pic.twitter.com/qDbTNqsaDO MTVexposed (@wedontknow36) June 11, 2020 RELATED: The Challenge Fans Want Jordan Wiseley Fired Next for Past Racially Insensitive Comments But, the Oklahoma-native cut him off and insisted he was only drunk. The two ended up getting into a verbal altercation that almost turned physical and resulted in their pairing for competition spinoff series, The Challenge: Rivals II. They placed third, earning $7,500 each with Jordan taking home an extra $500 for a solo challenge he won. The now 29-year-old has continued competing on the series, winning three more seasons, bringing his total earnings so far to $833,000. Jordan Wiseley and Nia Moore talked about their experience In June 2020, Jordan and his fiance Tori Deal had the opportunity to present at the 7th annual Reality TV Awards. However, the ceremony cut the couple out due to fans asking for his removal because of his racially charged comments from The Real World. Therefore, Jordan and Nia went on Instagram Live together to address what happened between them. She explained the two are currently good friends and have gotten past the painful experience. The 30-year-old claimed she also did and said things to provoke Jordan that night and didnt attach his remarks to anything racial. However, she let him take the fall when Marlon confronted him because they hadnt made up, and she was still angry at him. Additionally, she noted he used the n-word with an a not an er and only because she called him it first. RELATED: The Challenge: Fans Are Slamming Jordan Wiseley for His Past Racist Remarks on The Real World Nia also pointed out that they were both coming from a hurt place when they argued and didnt believe Jordan made his remarks out of hate. She closed by telling the viewers that she and the three-time champ have grown from the experience. Jordan called people retweeting the clips of his behavior trolls and said fans should instead focus on how everyone can also grow from it. Tori Deal addresses racism allegations surrounding Jordan Wiseley As fans expressed their opinions on the situation as they werent pleased with the explanation and wanted an apology, Tori flooded the comment section with hearts, annoying many. She then explained her stance on the situation in an Instagram story the following day, as shes previously dated Black men. The Are You the One? star started by saying she saw the clips of Jordan and Nia last year, and it made me incredibly uncomfortable. via Tori Deal Instagram story RELATED: The Challenge 35: Are Jordan Wiseley and Tori Deal Becoming the New Cara Maria Sorbello and Paulie Calafiore? She also claimed she was disturbed after watching them without the full context of the video. However, the AYTO star said she realized that both people were deeply hurting and attacking one another from a place of pain. Tori denounced Jordans response and insisted she doesnt stand behind the hurtful things he said. However, from the bottom of my heart, the MTV star knows hes not a racist. She continued, writing, I hope you see the growth and transformation he has undergone since that situation occurred. However, she understands if people choose not to forgive him. via Tori Deal Instagram Story RELATED: The Challenge: Fans Are Calling Out Dee Nguyen for Hating On Jordan Wiseley and Tori Deal The Challenge star also addressed why shes stayed friends with co-stars who have said racially charged things in the past, and explained shes personally addressed them. Additionally, Tori noted that if someone wants forgiveness and help to grow she will not leave them in dark as she believes in healing, not shunning. The AYTO star ended her statement by affirming her stance behind the Black Lives Matter movement and asking followers to forgive her fiance, if they can find it in our hearts. via Tori Deal screenshot 3 RELATED: The Challenge: Fans Think Tori Deal Is Insecure in Her Relationship and Fears Jordan Wiseley Will Leave Her Secretary of State Mike Pompeo looks on as President Donald Trump attends a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (not pictured) during the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 28, 2019. Kevin Lamarque/Reuters President Trump's top advisers mock the president behind his back, former White House national security advisor John Bolton writes in his new book. In one instance during the president's 2018 meeting with Kim Jong Un in Singapore, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo passed Bolton a note saying Trump was "so full of s--t," The New York Times reported Wednesday, citing Bolton's memoir. The book, "In The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir," is set to be released on June 23, but it is currently hung up in a legal battle with the Trump administration. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. President Donald Trump's top advisers, including those who appear most loyal, mock the president behind his back, former White House national security advisor John Bolton writes in his new book, according to multiple reports. After a phone call with the South Korean president prior to the historic 2018 summit meeting between Trump and Kim Jong Un in Singapore, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Bolton derided the president's handling of the call, the latter writes in his book,"In The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir," The Washington Post reports. Bolton, who described the call as a "near death experience," writes that Pompeo, who listened in on the phone call from the Middle East, told him he was "having a cardiac arrest in Saudi Arabia." During Trump's later meeting with Kim Jong Un, Pompeo slipped Bolton a note saying that the president is "so full of shit," The New York Times reported, citing Bolton's new book. Pompeo's predecessor Rex Tillerson reportedly once called Trump a "moron" behind his back. For the anecdotes presented in Bolton's book, it is unclear exactly what the president did or said to trigger such a response from his top advisers. The former White House national security advisor writes in his memoir that shortly after he arrived at the White House, Trump's then White House Chief of Staff John Kelly said: "You can't imagine how desperate I am to get out of here. This is a bad place to work, as you will find out." Story continues Bolton's bombshell book details a number of foreign policy missteps, from not being aware that Britain is a nuclear power, to asking whether or not Finland was a part of Russia, to encouraging Chinese President Xi Jinping to have China spend more on agricultural products to boost support for Trump among American farmers and help him win the election. Bolton served the Trump administration for almost a year and half and was involved in a number of high-level discussions with the president during that time. He has taken criticism from the Trump administration's opponents for not voluntarily testifying during the presidential impeachment proceedings earlier this year. At the same time, he is taking fire from the administration, which is suing Bolton over the upcoming release of his book. Trump fired John Bolton in September 2019 over policy disagreements, tweeting that he "disagreed strongly with many of his suggestions, as did others in the Administration." He said that Bolton's services were "no longer needed at the White House." Read the original article on Business Insider A case of pink eye is now reason to be tested for COVID-19, according to University of Alberta researchers. Coughing, fever and difficulty breathing are common symptoms of the illness, but a recent case study involving an Edmonton woman and published in the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology has determined that conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis can also be primary symptoms. In March, a 29-year-old woman arrived at the Royal Alexandra Hospital's Eye Institute of Alberta with a severe case of conjunctivitis and minimal respiratory symptoms. After the patient had undergone several days of treatment with little improvement--and after it had been determined that the woman had recently returned home from Asia--a resident ordered a COVID-19 test. The test came back positive. What is interesting in this case, and perhaps very different to how it had been recognized at that specific time, was that the main presentation of the illness was not a respiratory symptom. It was the eye. There was no fever and no cough, so we weren't led to suspect COVID-19 at the beginning. We didn't know it could present primarily with the eye and not with the lungs." Carlos Solarte, Assistant professor of ophthalmology at the U of A According to Solarte, academic studies at the outset of the pandemic identified conjunctivitis as a secondary symptom in about 10 to 15 per cent of COVID-19 cases. Since then, scientists have gained greater knowledge of how the virus can transmit through and affect the body's mucous membrane system, of which the conjunctiva--the clear, thin membrane that covers the front surface of the eye--is an extension. While the finding provides important new health information for the public, it also makes eye exams more complicated for ophthalmologists and staff. "The patient in this case eventually recovered well without any issues. But several of the residents and staff who were in close contact with the patient had to be under quarantine," said Solarte. "Fortunately, none who were involved in her care also tested positive." Patients coming into an eye clinic with conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis are now treated as potential cases of COVID-19 and extra precautions are taken by staff. Workers performing an eye exam are strongly advised to wear personal protective equipment to minimize potential exposure to the illness. "It's important to ensure that everyone is well protected. Our residents are now using gloves, gowns and facial masks every time they see one of these patients," said Solarte. "We need to be really careful about protective measures to examine these patients." Ever wondered if there are tons of people who can drive like Letty in Fast and Furious? Maybe you've wondered if The Village should have reconsidered sending blind children to scrounge for medicine? Did The Prestige miss the whole point of cloning? Well, alleged "Doctor" Jordan Breeding certainly has, and this week he's unraveling some of cinema's most needlessly complicated movie schemes. Inspired by the article 5 Idiotic Plot Holes Everybody Missed In Famous Movies Writer: Jordan Breeding Director of Photography: Caleb Gritsko Editing: Andy Sowar, Jordan Breeding, Caleb Gritsko Special Thanks: Devin Byam Check out more of Jordan's Cracked work, see his other work, or connect on Twitter. And be sure to subscribe to Cracked's YouTube channel to check out episodes of our new and classic series. New episodes of "Your Brain on Cracked" run every Friday at 3pm EST, or catch up on past YBOC episodes. The group Public Health Advocates is citing two new studies, one from the UC Davis Center for Regional Change and the other from Youth Forward, to argue that rather than spend state cannabis revenue on more law enforcement, such funds should go toward community-led public health initiatives and investing in communities of color. Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. The foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany on Friday said they opposed lifting a UN arms embargo on Iran this year, after the UN's nuclear watchdog passed a resolution critical of Tehran. "We believe that the planned lifting of the UN conventional arms embargo established by Resolution 2231 next October would have major implications for regional security and stability," the ministers said in a joint statement. The statement by the three key European powers on Iran will be a blow to Tehran, which had urged a lifting of the embargo despite US pressure for it to remain in place. The ban on selling weapons -- such as battle tanks, combat aircraft, warships and missiles or missile systems -- to Iran had been set to be progressively eased from October. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani earlier this month urged UN Security Council members to oppose a US "conspiracy" to extend the arms embargo. The three powers said they plan to address the arms embargo issue "in close coordination" with UN Security Council permanent members Russia and China. The board of governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had passed a resolution on Friday urging Tehran to provide inspectors with access to two sites to clarify whether undeclared nuclear activity took place there in the early 2000s. It was the first such resolution since 2012 and came against a background of tension over the Iranian nuclear programme, with Iran's position causing increasing exasperation in Europe. "Since 2019, Iran has taken nuclear measures contrary to its commitments" under the 2015 deal on its nuclear programme with world powers, the ministers' statement said. It added that Iran "has denied the access requested by the agency for many months" to the sites. But the powers insisted they remained committed to the 2015 nuclear deal, which analysts believe has been greatly undermined by the withdrawal of the United States in 2018. They said sanctions should not be reimposed and that they opposed the "maximum" pressure policy against Iran of the administration of US President Donald Trump. "We firmly believe that any unilateral attempt to trigger UN sanctions snapback would have serious adverse consequences" in the UN Security Council. "We remain committed... (to the nuclear deal) and, in order to preserve it, urge Iran to reverse all measures inconsistent with the agreement and return to full compliance without delay," said the statement. Search Keywords: Short link: A 33-year-old Barnala resident succumbed to Covid-19 at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital in Model Town area on Thursday, confirmed hospital authorities. The victim was rushed to the hospital in a critical condition on Wednesday and tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday morning. He was suffering from strong symptoms of an influenza-like illness (ILI). Eleven people from other districts and states have died due to the virus in city hospitals, while 13 persons from the district have succumbed to the deadly illness. As many as 480 people have tested positive in Ludhiana so far. TOKYO, JAPAN / ACCESSWIRE / June 19, 2020 / Students from around the world are being invited by Bernet international to apply for the opportunity to be part of a trial of virtual internships. With the current global pandemic of Covid-19 suspending the majority of international travel, Bernet International have developed a pioneering opportunity to allow the company to continue to offer students opportunities to gain experience in the financial world. The company have planned for the 14 day internship to help students both domestic and international gain necessary skills and experience required for a career in the fast paced financial industry. Bernet International join companies such as Google, Marks and Spencer, and Vodafone who are already offering a similar service in the United Kingdom. An online survey conducted in March of 2020 concluded that almost 60 percent of students who are set to graduate, had job applications paused or withdrawn due to the pandemic, and the number of soon to be graduates who were confident in their ability to secure a career after graduation had dropped to below a third. Bernet International have said that the virtual internship scheme has been created and implemented as a proactive response to the growing concerns by international educational institutions surrounding the potential fallout from the coronavirus crisis. While the virtual internships have been designed for those students looking to enter the financial industry, the company have said that any student over the age of 18 with studies in a related field are able to apply. Speaking on behalf of Bernet International, a spokesperson said "While the world focuses on economic recovery, we as a company want to ensure that the generation that follows us has all of the necessary skills and support they need to maximize the opportunities they have available to them. Over the last 5 years, we have had the ability to offer a large number of student's access, through our internships, to a wide range of financial experts, who each can teach the students how to get ahead in the financial world and build a brighter future for themselves. We will continue to do our best under these current circumstances to continue to offer this service." The experience gained by these students who get to work with a team of industry experts, will be invaluable as they pursue their own careers in the financial sector. Bernet International looks forward to working with the chosen students, and also looks forward to assisting the next generation on their path to success. Bernet international has been offering their clients a large selection of financial advice and services since 2013. Working with individuals and companies, we aim to construct and execute efficient and effective strategies that are proven to generate the returns that you are looking for. Media contact Bernet International Aika Takahashi Press@bernetinternational.com https://www.bernetinternational.com SOURCE: Bernet International View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/594467/Bernet-International-Plans-to-Offer-Budding-Finance-Students-Virtual-Internships Australia's prime minister revealed Friday his country was under a broad cyberattack from a "state-based actor" targeting government, public services and businesses, with suspicions falling on China. Warning Australians of "specific risks" and an increased tempo of attacks, Scott Morrison told a press conference that a range of sensitive institutions had been hit. "This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure," he said. Morrison levelled blame at a "sophisticated state-based cyber actor", but declined to name the culprit, while saying that it could only come from one of a handful of states. China, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Russia, the United States and a number of European countries are known to have developed advanced cyberwarfare capabilities. But suspicions immediately fell on Beijing, which has clashed repeatedly with Canberra as it looks to increase the cost of Australia speaking out against Communist Party interests. Most recently Australia enraged China by calling for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. But Canberra has also pushed back against what it describes as China's economic "coercion", covert influence campaigns and the use of technology companies like Huawei as a tool of intelligence gathering and geopolitical leverage. China has warned its students and tourists against going to Australia, slapped trade sanctions on Australian goods and sentenced an Australian citizen to death for drug trafficking. Last year Australia's parliament, political parties and universities were targeted by state-backed cyberattacks, with China seen as the likely culprit. Public broadcaster ABC cited "senior sources" confirming that China was believed to be behind today's ongoing attacks as well. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Friday that China was "a staunch defender of cybersecurity" and has "always resolutely opposed and cracked down on all forms of cyberattacks". Beijing has previously described such allegations as "irresponsible" and an attempt to "smear" China. Experts say attribution is often difficult, time-consuming and, if made public, could escalate tensions further. - 'Malicious' - The current attack appears designed to hide authorship, using so-called "copy-paste" cyber tools that can be easily found open source, Australia's signals intelligence agency said. They included "proof-of-concept exploit code" that targeted vulnerabilities in old versions of Microsoft, Telerik, SharePoint and Citrix products as well as "web shell" software that is uploaded and remains on compromised servers. The attacks also used "spearfishing" techniques, sending emails with malicious files, links and Office 365 prompts. Morrison said that he had notified the leader of the opposition and state premiers of the "malicious" cyberattacks, but said no personal data had been compromised and many of the attacks were unsuccessful. "They are not new risks, but they are specific risks," he said. "We encourage organisations, particularly those in the health, critical infrastructure and essential services to take expert advice and to implement technical defences," he said. That warning is likely to raise alarm bells as the country's medical facilities -- already on crisis footing because of the coronavirus pandemic -- could come under further strain. Morrison's vagueness about the threat and its source is deliberate, according to Ben Scott, a former Australian intelligence official now with the Lowy Institute, a think tank. "Public attribution ? and the threat of doing so -? is seen as one way of warning and deterring an opponent," he said. "But early attribution can also be provocative," he added, saying China was "almost certainly" behind the attack. "Australian agencies may hope that the PM's statement will deter the attackers from moving on to extract large volumes of information or engaging in any sabotage." Australia is part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network -- along with Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States -- which give the country access to advanced capabilities, but also makes it a rich target for adversaries. Australia warns the country is under a broad cyberattack from a 'state-based actor' targeting government, public services and businesses Beijing and Canberra have also sparred over access to natural resources, maritime claims and the use of Chinese state-backed technology companies Victoria Beckham has reportedly been loaned a 6.4 million lifeline to save her ailing fashion empire in new records published this week. The Spice Girl turned fashion designer's company has allegedly racked up 42 million worth of losses over the past four years. Victoria, 46, will reportedly be able to keep control of her 'flagship Victoria Beckham Ltd' after being 'backed by a private investment agreement'. Reports: Victoria Beckham has reportedly been loaned a 6.4 million lifeline to save her ailing fashion empire in new records published this week The Sun reports that London Investments Sarl will have its cash converted into shares if they are not repaid. The Luxembourg-based company is said to have put 30 million into the fashion empire in 2017 for a 28 per cent share. The newspaper also claims that David and Victoria control '48.4 per cent of shares' and pal Simon Fuller has 23.6 per cent. A 'financial expert' told the publication: 'Posh wouldn't want to relinquish any more control in a business which is formed in her name. Yet desperate times require desperate measures. Ouch: The Spice Girl turned fashion designer's company has allegedly racked up 42 million worth of losses over the past four years (flagship store pictured in London) 'Control': Victoria, 46, will reportedly be able to keep control of her 'flagship Victoria Beckham Ltd' after being 'backed by a private investment agreement' (pictured at her LFW show in February) 'The move will secure a much-needed cash injection and after racking up record losses last year of some 12million they can't afford not to do something radical.' MailOnline has contacted both Victoria and David's representatives for comment. In November 2019, it was reported that Victoria's fashion business plunged almost 36 million into the red after making losses of 12.5 million in 2018. Her company Victoria Beckham Holdings Limited filed accounts for 2018 which showed she had failed to turn round the troubled fashion empire. It has now made losses for every year since 2013. The news came as profits from her husband David's company DB Ventures halved over the span of a year, from 23.2 million in 2017 to 11.5 million in 2018. Losses: Graph shows how losses have mounted up for Victoria Beckham Ltd since it launched in 2013, the 2018 figures show that the company lost 42.3 million David, 45, is thought to have lent wife Victoria some 600,000 for her Victoria Beckham Ltd business, after he bailed out his wife's company with a 23 million cash injection in January 2019. But it's not all woe: the couple were ranked 372 on last year's Sunday Times Rich List, with a combined wealth of some 355 million and were named among Britain's 50 biggest taxpayers in The Sunday Times Tax List. David has endorsement arrangements with brands including Pepsi, Samsung, H&M, Haig whisky and Adidas which give him a cut of rising sales. The Beckhams' property portfolio includes a 31.5 million mansion in West London and a lavish 6 million country abode in the Cotswolds, where they are currently self-isolating at during the COVID-19 lockdown. Revenue for Victoria's holding company went down from 42.5 million in 2017 to 35.8 million last year as the company was restructured. Overall losses for the company have risen from 23.5 million to 36 million. The Sun claims they are now at 42 million. Business: In November 2019, it was reported that Victoria's fashion business plunged almost 36 million into the red after making losses of 12.5 million in 2018 (pictured in February) Documents also revealed that the company breached the terms of a 10 million HSBC bank loan 'several times' but for the time being 'HSBC has remained supportive by allowing time to explore the options available to the group and shareholders'. Despite the devastating figures, the report insisted that changes were being made to turn the company round and to make it more in line with Victoria Beckham's 'aesthetics and values'. The accounts said: 'Whilst revenues and profits were down in 2018, the business performed in line with shareholders' expectations by cutting costs, focusing on its digital channels and refining its products to more closely reflect Victoria Beckham's aesthetics and values.' It also said that the company had 30 million in new investments which had been ploughed into the appointment of a 'world class leadership team'. The documents said the investment was targeted at digital marketing and other strategies to enable the company to distribute to over 120 companies. It said the strategy was paying off and sales were increasing in 2019 in 'certain segments' as well as a reduction in losses. Impressive: The Beckhams' property portfolio includes a 31.5 million mansion in West London and a lavish 6 million country abode in the Cotswolds, where they are currently self-isolating at (Cotswolds property is pictured in 2017) Victoria recently launched a new make-up range, it includes a 180 Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum and 92 Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturiser. The Sun claimed that David paid 11.1 million from his profits in the family company Beckham Brand Holdings which he and Victoria co-own. It was also reported that David's lendings to Victoria's fashion company now total 16 million. MailOnline contacted representatives for David and Victoria Beckham for comment at the time. In 2016, the former England captain reportedly bailed out Victoria's fashion empire with 5.2 million after her designer brand lost 3.8 million in a year. Victoria's losses were previously blamed on 'design, marketing and sales' spending by a spokesperson for the Victoria Beckham brand. Victoria saw a boost in sales and cut her staffing by a third in April. Help: It has been claimed that David's lendings to Victoria's fashion company now total 16 million In contrast David, who is one of the directors at DB Ventures Ltd, made a profit of 23.2 million the same year and paid himself 18.75 million in dividends. The fashion label has a flagship store in Mayfair, London and sells items such as coats for up to 2,900 each. In 2016, the firm was 8.4 million in the red and 4.7 million the year before that. In April, Victoria was met with public backlash following her decision to furlough her staff, which she has since reversed. Pricey! Victoria recently launched a new make-up range, it includes a 180 Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum and 92 Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturiser The star, whose family is worth 335million, had planned to use the Government's Covid-19 scheme to pay 80 per cent of the wages of some of her staff. The fashion brand, which employs 120 people, sent letters to 30 members of staff warning them that they were going to be furloughed under the Government's scheme for two months. She told The Guardian: 'We will not now be drawing on the government furlough scheme. At the beginning of the lockdown the shareholders agreed with senior management to furlough a small proportion of staff. 'At that point we didn't know how long the lockdown might last or its likely impact on the business. The welfare of my team and our business means everything to me.' New Delhi: In the all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (June 19) to discuss India-China violent faceoff in the Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), most leaders expressed their confidence in the steps taken by the central government to handle the situation, according to sources. NCP chief Sharad Pawar stressed that issues of whether soldiers carried arms or not are decided by international agreements and we need to respect such sensitive matters. Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, however, said that all-party meeting should have been convened much earlier. She said that even at this late stage parties are kept in the dark and raised specific questions. She asked, on "which date did Chinese troops intrude. When did the government find out about the transgressions," adding "Did the government not get satellite pictures? Did intelligence agencies failed to report unusual activity?" Other parties' reactions are given below, according to sources. - Left parties refused to condemn China. They harped on Panchsheel and blames the United States. - D Raja of CPI spoke that we need to resist US efforts to drag us into their alliance and Sitaram Yechuri stressed on principles of Panchsheel. - Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray said, "We are all one. This is the feeling. We are with you. We are with our forces and their families." "India wants peace but that doesnt mean we are weak. Chinas nature is betrayal. India is 'Mazboot' not 'Majboor'. Our government has the ability to - 'Aankhien Nikalkar Haath Me de dena'," he added. - TMC chief Mamata Banerjee said, "Dont let China enter telecom, railway and aviation sectors. We will face some problems but we wont allow the Chinese to enter," adding "All-party meeting is a good message for the nation. Shows that we are united behind our Jawans. TMC strongly in solidarity with the government." She added, "China is not a democracy. They are a dictatorship. They can do what they feel. We, on the other hand, have to work together. India will win, China will lose. Speak with unity. Think with unity. Work with unity. We are solidly standing with the government." - JDU chief and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said, "Parties should not show any disunity that can be explored by other nations. Chinas stand on India is known. India wanted to give respect to China. But what did China do in 1962? There is nationwide anger against China. There should be no differences among us. We are together." CM Nitish Kumar further added, "Goods from China flooding Indian markets have major problems. They're plastic heavy, aren't eco-friendly and they harm the environment. Electronic waste associated with them is high. Chinese products dont even last long. It's our duty to be one and support the Centre." - Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav said "Nation is one. 'Neeyat' of Pakistan and China is not good. India will not be Chinas dumping ground. Impose 300% duty on Chinese goods." - Northeast parties firmly stood with PM Modi and warned against Chinese designs. - Prem Singh Tamang of SKM said "We have full faith in the PM. In the past too, when it comes to national security, PM has taken landmark decisions." - K Chandrashekhar Rao (TRS) said that PMs clarity on Kashmir has irked China. PMs emphasis on Kashmirs development has also angered China while stressing that the PMs call of AatmaNirbhar Bharat has rattled China. - Pinaki Mishra of BJD said, "Sarkar ko jawab dena padega, strong action will have to be initiated (against China). Whatever that action may be, the BJD will fully support the government. Shri Naveen Patnaik ji's appeal to all parties is not to indulge in a blame game at this point. We must be in lockstep with the government, the entire country needs to talk in one voice." - BSP chief Mayawati appreciated the detailed presentation by EAM. She stressed on taking appropriate measures on trade and investment front to counter China. She also said this is not the time for politics and firmly stood by PM Modi on whatever decisions he takes. - Jagan Mohan Reddy of YSRCP said, "Thanks to PM, Indias reputation has risen globally. He has built key strategic partnerships across the world. You are our strength Prime Minister. India has gained envy of many. They (China) are trying to destabilise India." - MK Stalin of DMK said, "We are united when it comes to patriotism." Welcoming the recent statements of PM Modi on the China issue, he said "Efforts should also have been made to talk politically. We failed to use all such avenues and the result was the loss of lives." Stalin further said, "PM should share more details. The nation needs assurance that the status quo ante restored. What is the current status of the mountain strike core? Opposition parties should be briefed regularly." -Conrad Sangma of NPP said, "Infra work along the border should not stop. Strong Infra on border areas shouldnt stop. China sponsored activities in Myanmar and Bangladesh is worrying," adding "PM has been working on infra in the Northeast and that must go on." He further said, "please let us not say anything to the press. Or something wrong to the people that shows differences. China exploits this. We should not speak anti-government." Traces of coronavirus were found in wastewater collected in Italy during December 2019 Examiners wear face shields and masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, during end of year secondary school exams at high school Liceo Kennedy, in Rome. (AP) Milan: Scientists in Italy have found traces of the new coronavirus in wastewater collected from Milan and Turin in December 2019 - suggesting COVID-19 was already circulating in Northern Italy before China reported the first cases. The Italian National Institute of Health looked at 40 sewage samples collected from wastewater treatment plants in northern Italy between October 2019 and February 2020. An analysis released late on Thursday said samples taken in Milan and Turin on Dec. 18 showed the presence of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. This research may help us understand the beginning of virus circulation in Italy, Giuseppina La Rosa, an expert in environmental wastewater at the Italian National Institute of Health who co-led the research, said in a statement detailing the findings. Small studies conducted by scientific teams in the Netherlands, France, Australia and elsewhere have found signs that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be detected in sewage, and many countries are beginning to use wastewater sampling to track the spread of the disease. La Rosa said the detection of traces of the virus before the end of 2019 was consistent with evidence emerging in other countries that COVID-19 may have been circulating before China reported the first cases of a new disease on Dec. 31. A study in May by French scientists found that a man was infected with COVID-19 as early as December 27, nearly a month before France confirmed its first cases. La Rosa said the presence of the virus in the Italian waste samples did not automatically imply that the main transmission chains that led to the development of the epidemic in our country originated from these very first cases. Samples positive for traces of the virus that causes COVID-19 were also found in sewage from Bologna, Milan and Turin in January and February 2020. Samples taken in October and November 2019 tested negative. The institute said it plans to launch a pilot study in July to monitor wastewater at sites identified in tourist resorts. PENDLETON The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners has unanimously adopted an order that expresses support for local police officers and says that recent protests against police brutality and racial injustice disregard and disrespect members of law enforcement. The order adopted Wednesday references a horrific event in Minneapolis but does not mention George Floyd by name, the East Oregonian reported Thursday. Floyd died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyds neck for nearly eight minutes as Floyd pleaded for air and for his mother. The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners strongly objects to the horrific act that took place in the City of Minneapolis ... at the same time, we are also troubled by a movement across the country to disregard and disrespect the 800,000 sworn officers who have taken an oath to protect the citizenry and preserve the peace, the order stated. Commissioner John Shafer, a former sheriffs dispatcher, said in a separate interview with the newspaper that there is no way any local police officers would behave the same way and said the commissioners felt all law enforcement officers are being unfairly criticized for the actions of a few. So many of the people that I know of got into the profession in the first place to help people, Shafer said. These people are having the worst day of their lives, and they turn to these professionals ... thats why they chose that profession. And now for them to be chastised for that decision it makes me sick. Umatilla County is a county of about 80,000 residents located about 210 miles east of Portland. Portland has seen thousands of people march and protest every night for more than three weeks protesting Floyds death and police brutality. Protests have also happened throughout Oregon. Portland lawmakers on Wednesday voted to slash nearly $16 million from the police budget and move the money to social programs instead. The police budget had stood at about $245 million before the commission action. --The Associated Press Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. With the threat of the pandemic still looming over our shoulders, everyone still has to take precautionary measures to keep themselves safe and secure. Film and TV productions are being delayed, non-essential businesses have remained closed, concerts and events are cancelled or postponed. However, if there is one advantage that this outbreak has caused, it's that people and businesses have found newer and more innovative ways to keep going by going digital. Physical Event Cancelled Just as the San Diego Comic Convention is finally going online bringing fans all around the world closer together, the Crunchyroll Expo 2020 is doing the same for its spread out fans. In their website, the virutal expo is described as a digital event that celebrates the best and brightest in anime. "Join us September 4 - 6 as we come together with our passionate community for amazing guest panels, interactive events, special announcements and more." as posted in their main page. Fans can subscribe to their newsletter for the latest updates and news here. If the pandemic subsides by next year, Anime News Network wrote that the next on-site Crunchyroll Expo might take place on August 6-8, 2021 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California. Last year, the American distributor, publisher, and licensing company for anime and maga announced that it was partnering with pop culture events organizer Reedpop to produce this year's event at the same convention center from September 4-6. Check out their tweet below. Stay tuned for more news on MORE: pic.twitter.com/R7TaN8z5Ln We're inviting you to join our passionate community at Virtual Crunchyroll Expo, September 4 - 6, to check out the best and brightest in anime!Stay tuned for more news on #VCRX starting mid-July right here!MORE: https://t.co/ZyrIGS5nlL Crunchyroll Expo (@crunchyrollexpo) June 18, 2020 Read Also: Warner Bros Japan Will Host Virtual Event 'Stay Connected With Anime' Next Month: Here's Where to Watch Attending the Crunchyroll Virtual Expo 2020 So far, there updates have been made on whether fans should purchase tickets for the anime expo or not. All it states in their website is to stay tuned for more details and announcements in their newsletter. Ticket Refund Don't worry about your tickets. You are going to be refunded. But, if you want to use those tickets for next year's Crunchyroll Expo instead, it will automatically be transferred by early July as a new confirmation e-mail will be sent to you within the next 6-8 weeks. However, for those who really want their money back, then you will need to fill out the form by clicking here before July 10, 2020. If you do not see your refund after a month or need additional information, please contact them through this email: CrunchyrollExpoInfo@reedexpo.com. For more questions and concerns with regards to this year's expo, you can check out their FAQ page here. Read Also: A SpongeBob Squarepants Anime Trailer Has Been Allegedly Leaked Online?! Watch Here! New Delhi, June 19 : The Youth Congress distributed corona NYAY kits comprising of rations, gloves, masks, sanitizers and Vitamin-C tablets to NDMC workers in New Delhi on the occasion of Rahul Gandhi's birthday. The Congress leader had decided not to celebrate it because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the martyrdom of Indian soldiers in Galwan Valley. Similar programmes were organised by the state, district, assembly and block units on Friday and corona NYAY kits were distributed across the nation to the people in need, said the Congress youth wing's leader BV Srinivas. The Youth Congress also arranged transportation for residents of Sitamarhi, Bihar, who were stuck in Delhi due to the corona virus and the subsequent lockdown. "They started their journey on Friday at 11.30 a.m. from IYC Headquarters at 5, Raisina Road, New Delhi," said Amrish Ranjan Pandey, IYC spokesperson. Youth Congress in-charge Krishna Allavru said "Service to the poor and NYAY to the last man standing in the line is Rahul Gandhi's idea of serving the nation. With this service we honour the martyrs as well as provide food and basic medical help to the people hardest hit by poverty and the lockdown." --IANS miz/bg * -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Minister Kim Yen-chul submits his resignation after escalation of threats and the bombing of the inter-Korean relations office in Kaesong. Seoul's difficult role as mediator between Pyongyang and Washington, but also between China and the USA. Seoul (AsiaNews) - President Moon Jae-in accepted the resignation of Kim Unified Minister Kim Yeon-chul this morning. Kim asked to leave after North Korea blew up the North-South liaison office in Kaesong and after heavy threats towards Seoul and Washington. Kim was appointed minister in April last year, just as relations between the North and the United States were beginning to run aground. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with US President Donald Trump in 2018 and 2019, but failed to obtain the lifting or suspension of international sanctions imposed because of his country's nuclear and missile programs. Washington set North Korean disarmament as a precondition and this has not occurred. Meanwhile, in addition to the bombing of Kaesong, the North has sworn that it will suspend all communications between both governments and the military, also abandoning an agreement signed in 2018 to reduce conventional threats. This means that from now on skirmishes, small clashes and (sometimes) killings on land and sea borders are possible. This has resulted in the ratcheting of tension in the South, with a corresponding dip in popularity for Moon, who had made detente policy with the North one of the pillars of his government. The opposition has often criticized him for being too optimistic. Several groups of North Korean refugees, linked to the opposition, continued to provoke the North with the launch of air balloons containing critical flyers of Kim Jong-un's regime and leadership. The latest threats against the South in recent days appear to be motivated by these flyers. Seoul has often blocked the launch of balloons, but has always said that it cannot block them entirely because the authors exercise their right of freedom of expression. In the North Korean crisis, the Moon Jae-in government has found itself mediating between the North, the US and Beijing. Many analysts maintain that Kim Jong-un wants guarantees of survival in order to dialogue and that his regime uses threats to force opponents to compromise. But there are also analysts who attribute the responsibility for Pyongyang's "harshening" towards the US to China and that it is an attempt by Beijing to force Washington to dialogue with China itself. CARLISLE - Camp Hills chicken sandwich war now rests with a Cumberland County judge, who pointedly avoided promising speedy delivery of a decision after a two-hour oral argument session Friday. In the argument before Judge Thomas A. Placey, developer Consolidated Properties argued that borough officials - under growing pressure from a group of grassroots opponents - reached for technical, administrative and erroneous reasons to kill development plans for a Chick-fil-A fast food restaurant proposed for the southeast corner of 32nd and Chestnut streets last year. The boroughs action constituted a failure to consider the plans in good faith, as municipal officials are obligated to do under state land use laws. This was a concerted effort to keep putting more and more hurdles in the path of the developer, to keep the developer from reaching the finishing line, attorney Helen Gemmill argued on behalf of Consolidated, which first submitted sketch plans for the project in October 2018. Ron Lucas, the boroughs special counsel for the case, countered that rather than intentionally moving goalposts, the borough was simply reacting to significant changes that Consolidated was making to its plans - also with an eye to the opponents - which triggered different issues along the way. In the end, Lucas noted, it was developers who short-circuited the ongoing review process by refusing to develop a revised plan last fall that could have addressed the latest set of those issues. The popular chicken sandwich chain is seeking to put a store at an underdeveloped corner on one of the major commercial crossroads in Cumberland Countys densely-populated West Shore. The Chick-fil-A project had come to generate fierce opposition from nearby residents, who as a threat to overwhelm existing de facto boundaries between the highway Camp Hill that motorists pour through from three directions on a daily basis, and whats left of the residential quality of life in the close-in neighborhoods that abut it. Those opponents, many of them aligning with the grassroots group Safe Streets Camp Hill, had routinely packed borough meetings on the plans over the last year, and their people power campaign ruled the day when the council, in a 6-0 vote, rejected the plan on Dec. 11. Consolidated did ask for a fresh start to the planning process right before the councils vote. Camp Hill residents packed an August 2019 meeting in opposition to a proposed Chick-fil-A restaurant at 32nd and Chestnut streets.Charles Thompson Consolidateds owner, Michael Serluco, has argued that in the 33 points that make up its formal denial, Camp Hill officials misapplied various sub-division and land development ordinance requirements; raised technical matters that are easily addressable; and cited issues that heretofore were presented to the firm as suggestions or recommendations, but not mandatory. As one example, Gemmill cited the boroughs finding fault with a parking space table in the planning document that is headed Restaurant, as opposed to Restaurant - Fast Food, which the plan actually seeks to comply with. Gemmill called it an editing error that she could fix with eight strokes of her pen. The issue isnt whether this plan is popular or unpopular, Gemmill said. The question before the court is whether the plan itself complies with Pennsylvania law and borough ordinances. But Lucas argued many of the issues are far more substantial, like Consolidateds late decision to change an existing alley right-of-way running north and south from Chestnut Street that will serve as the main entrance / exit into the restaurant into a minor street for planning purposes - a change made to avoid using residential ground for commercial purposes since streets, technically, arent zoned. That, Lucas explained, added another layer of setback requirements to the plan - the space between a building and street frontage - and the borough would have been negligent to not revisit them. Camp Hill officials also contend Consolidated is using less-stringent traffic study standards to avoid addressing predicted traffic impacts at 32nd & Chestnut, the already-congested crossroads at the proposed stores doorstep that simultaneously makes this a property any restaurant would want, but also so hard to develop. Consolidated has said in the past that its unable to build a full access to state Routes 11/15, which track on Market Street along the west end of the 1.4-acre tract, because any curb-cut there would likely be judged by the state Department of Transportation as too close to the existing intersection. But Gemmill also noted the borough cant make the developers here to fix all of Camp Hills traffic woes: Just because youre adding the last car, you dont have to fix everything... it doesnt work that way. The borough, Lucas summed up, has plenty of good reasons to reject the plan as proposed. But its not a no development, ever, decision, he added. Consolidated is still within its rights to come back in with plans for a Chick-fil-A with a smaller restaurant to reduce parking requirements, other modifications that would better fit the site, or plans for a different kind of use altogether. Chick-fil-A, about the time planning started for the Camp Hill location, opened two test stores with no dine-in seating whatsoever. Based on other recent development projects around the country, the Camp Hill store as proposed appears to be the standard size for the fast-growing chain based in College Park, Ga. As of 2018, Chick-fil-A became the nations third-largest restaurant chain with $10.5 billion in sales, according to Nations Restaurant News, trailing only McDonalds and Starbucks. Placey, at the conclusion of Fridays argument, noted that court schedules are backed up because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that and the size of the record in this case, he said, neither side should expect a particularly quick decision. Its going to be a slow process, the judge warned. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said Thursday that she has urged former vice president Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, to pick a woman of color as his running mate, effectively withdrawing herself from consideration. "After what I've seen in my state, what I've seen across the country, this is a historic moment and America must seize on this moment," Klobuchar said Thursday night on MSNBC. "I truly believe, as I actually told the vice president last night when I called him, that I think this is a moment to put a woman of color on that ticket." Biden praised the senator on Twitter after her interview aired. "Amy - from the moment you announced you were running for president in a snowstorm, it wasn't hard to see you had the grit and determination to do anything you set your mind to," he wrote. "You know how to get things done. With your help, we're going to beat Donald Trump." Klobuchar's comments come as the country grapples with the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd in police custody, which has sparked a nationwide reckoning with systemic racism in law enforcement and society. Floyd, an unarmed black man, was killed after a white police officer in Minneapolis knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while he was handcuffed on the ground. As speculation has ramped up in recent months about Biden's pick for vice president after he pledged to choose a woman, Klobuchar emerged early as a leading contender, joining a list that includes Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, among others. Amid the protests, though, Klobuchar's record as a former prosecutor in Minnesota has recently come under renewed scrutiny from black activists. Some even warned that Biden, who prompted outcry last month over remarks about black voters, could jeopardize his presidential aspirations by choosing her. "I think that would be suicide for Joe Biden's campaign," Lenard Larry McKelvey, who goes by Charlamagne tha God, told The Washington Post in May. McKelvey hosts "The Breakfast Club," a radio program popular with black audiences, which Biden was on when he suggested that African Americans who are considering voting for President Trump "ain't black," a comment he later walked back. "He would be a fool not to put a black woman as his running mate," McKelvey said. Questions about Klobuchar's prosecutorial record, namely her involvement in a controversial murder conviction of a black teenager when she was the top attorney in Hennepin County, have dogged the senator since she announced her presidential bid last year. Klobuchar also has faced criticism for declining to prosecute cases involving police accused of using excessive force against black suspects, The Washington Post's Elise Viebeck and Michelle Ye Hee Lee reported. After Klobuchar dropped out of the race for president in March and endorsed Biden, criticism of her strained relations with African Americans surged again once it became clear that she was being strongly considered as a candidate for vice president. On Thursday, MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell asked Klobuchar if she had given any thought to how her history as a tough-on-crime prosecutor would have factored into her ability to function as Biden's running mate. "I think I could have functioned fine," she said. "There's a lot of untruths out there about my record and now is not the time to debate those. ... What this moment should be about is uniting our country and bringing us together. I will do everything, and my resolve has not changed in any way, to help Joe Biden get elected." An aide for Klobuchar told The Washington Post that the senator's decision to withdraw from consideration came together Wednesday and that her choice to do so was made "entirely on her own." While Klobuchar's remarks Thursday were met with approval from Biden's camp, her suggestion that he choose a woman of color was perceived by many as a direct shot at to Warren, who is reportedly among the group of vice presidential hopefuls currently undergoing more comprehensive vetting. Earlier this week, more than 100 liberal activists, leaders and celebrities signed a letter calling on Biden to choose the Massachusetts senator. Other white candidates in the running include Whitmer, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and Rhode Island Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo. Meanwhile, Klobuchar on Thursday emphasized that Biden's decision could help "heal" the country. "There are so many incredibly qualified women, but if you want to heal this nation right now, my party yes, but our nation, this is sure a hell of a way to do it," she said. - - - The Washington Post's Sean Sullivan contributed to this report. The new memoir by President Donald Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton exposes alleged fissures between the president and his closest foreign policy adviser, Mike Pompeo, a man who elevated himself into Trump's inner circle through unmatched loyalty and messaging discipline. The 592-page book - the most blistering and comprehensive insider account of the Trump presidency yet - recounts Pompeo breaking with the president across a broad spectrum of his foreign policy issues, from his near-war footing with Iran, transactional dealings with China, diplomatic flirtations with North Korea and freewheeling discussions with allies. Pompeo, who leads Trump's signature foreign policy objective to denuclearize North Korea, described the president's diplomacy with Pyongyang as having "zero probability of success," Bolton writes in the book, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Post. Pompeo's skepticism about the effort started before Trump's first summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore in 2018, and only grew dimmer, Bolton writes. After listening to Trump speak with South Korean President Moon Jae-in ahead of the summit, Pompeo and Bolton shared their mutual disgust over the president's handling of the conversation. Pompeo, having listened in on the call from the Middle East, told Bolton he was "having a cardiac arrest in Saudi Arabia," Bolton writes. Bolton shared his similar disappointment with the call, describing it as a "near death experience." As the negotiations progressed, Pompeo fretted that he and his colleagues were in the "danger zone" of Trump undercutting his own North Korea goals because he so badly wanted a deal. When Trump finally came face-to-face with Kim in Singapore in 2018, the young dictator blamed the troubled relationship between North Korea and the United States on "hostile policies of past U.S. administrations," Bolton writes. Trump "agreed with Kim's assessment, noting that there were some very militant people on the U.S. side." At that moment, Pompeo passed Bolton a note saying "he is so full of s---," Bolton writes. It is unclear from Bolton's writing if Pompeo was talking about Trump or Kim, but the secretary of state clearly disagreed with the two men's belief that the United States was to blame for the bad relations between the two countries. Pompeo lashed out against Bolton on Thursday night, calling his book "lies, fully-spun half-truths, and outright falsehoods." "It is both sad and dangerous that John Bolton's final public role is that of a traitor who damaged America by violating his sacred trust with its people," Pompeo said in a statement.He did not rebut any of the specifics of Bolton's claims. Pompeo, a former member of Congress from Kansas, has outlasted all of his peers on Trump's national security team who either resigned in anger, such as former defense secretary Jim Mattis, or were fired unceremoniously like former secretary of state Rex Tillerson. One person close to Pompeo said the secretary would survive the book because Trump despises Bolton, whose ouster he announced last September in a tweet. "Trump won't believe the book is true because he hates Bolton," said the person, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment on the book. A senior White House official said that Pompeo still has the confidence of the president. But Trump's reaction to media reports about his advisers insulting him can be difficult to predict. Despite Trump's antipathy toward NBC News, after the network reported that Tillerson called him a "moron" in 2017, the president repeatedly seethed about the insult, and the relationship never recovered. The key to Pompeo's longevity has been creating zero daylight between himself and the president, reflexively defending Trump's most controversial policies and tolerating the president's sporadic micromanagement of the department, including his request to fire the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, a decision that became the focal point of the House impeachment proceedings. On Yovaonvitch's firing, Bolton writes that Pompeo declared to him that there were "no facts" to support allegations made by Trump's personal attorney Rudolph W. Giuliani against the American ambassador. At the State Department, Yovanovitch's colleagues urged Pompeo to publicly stick up for the career diplomat. Pompeo dragged his feet about removing her from her post but did not publicly defend her. Bolton writes that Trump repeatedly asked for Yovanovitch to be ousted. After one tongue-lashing from Trump on the subject in April 2019, Bolton writes that he called to report Trump's outburst to Pompeo. Pompeo responded that had already shortened Yovanovitch's planned tenure, which had seemed to satisfy Trump. "Pompeo wanted to leave it at that," Bolton writes. "I told him the mood was pretty volcanic because she wasn't gone entirely, which was met with a groan." Pompeo then agreed to order Yovanovitch back to Washington that very night. Bolton's book, "The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir," is the subject of an escalating legal battle with the Justice Department, which filed a lawsuit Tuesday seeking to block its publication by alleging that it contains classified material. Bolton's attorney has said the book does not contain classified material and that it underwent an arduous review process. Bolton comes to his newfound position as a Trump critic after a lifelong reputation as a rock-ribbed conservative, Fox News commentator and Republican serving in administrations dating back to the 1980s. During his tenure under Trump, Bolton and Pompeo often clashed behind the scenes, and last September Pompeo defended Trump's decision to fire him, saying there "were definitely places that Ambassador Bolton and I had different views about how we should proceed." But the two men have long shared a similarly hawkish foreign policy, which led them to confide in each other and express dismay about the president's actions, Bolton writes. For instance, in one key Dec. 10, 2018, meeting, Bolton writes that he met with Pompeo to express his worry that Trump engaged in "obstruction of justice as a way of life," indicating that he told Pompeo this was a state of affairs they "could not accept." He said he told Pompeo that Trump's softening of sanctions against Chinese companies accused of violating sanctions and endangering U.S. telecom infrastructure amounted to appeasing the United States' enemies. "Somewhere nearby was resignation territory, I said, which Pompeo agreed with," Bolton writes. Many of Bolton and Pompeo's objections to Trump related to the two men's extremely hawkish positions on foreign policy issues. For instance, the two men shared their sense of anguish in the summer of 2019 when Trump decided against bombing Iran in response to its downing of a U.S. drone. "This is really dangerous," Pompeo said, according to Bolton's book, as both men fumed about the president's refusal to use military force. After Trump pulled out of the Iran strikes at the last minute, Pompeo said he was so distressed that he stayed up until 2 a.m. "I can give him latitude in what he decides he wants, but I can't figure out how to do what he wants. We can keep telling people we are concerned about Iran's missile programs, but who will believe us?" Pompeo says, according to the book. During a different discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron over a potential Iran nuclear deal, Trump said that he would be willing to relieve oil sanctions for a while, the book recounts. The proposed concession on relieving the sanctions was "beyond belief to him," Bolton says, describing Pompeo's reaction. Pompeo said he would call Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham, S.C., Ted Cruz of Texas and Tom Cotton of Arkansas to stir up GOP opposition to negotiations. "Once again Pompeo was ready to resign, and he said it was only a matter of time until we both made that call," Bolton writes. Pompeo is regularly depicted as trying to keep Trump from pulling troops out of various countries, including the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula. "Pompeo said he feared Trump was back to leaving the Peninsula entirely," Bolton writes of the aftermath of one Trump-Kim summit. Pompeo has previously dismissed accounts of palace intrigue as inaccurate, including ones about him fighting with Bolton that were later confirmed. But the Bolton book, buttressed by copious notes and vivid details, may be more difficult for Pompeo to dispel. Still, Pompeo has proven himself to be an eager member of the Trump Cabinet, forgoing a bid for a Senate seat from Kansas this month despite Trump's encouragement that he run and keep it in Republican hands. People close to the secretary said he enjoys being at the nexus of power even in an administration run in ways he thinks are troubling. "Becoming the junior senator from Kansas isn't remotely as appealing," said a close confidante of Pompeo's. - - - The Washington Post's Josh Dawsey and Rosalind S. Helderman contributed to this report. PORTLAND, Maine - Homebound travellers desperate to venture out for the first time since the pandemic are confronting a vacation landscape this summer that may require coronavirus tests for the family and even quarantines. States from Maine to Hawaii are trying to strike a balance between containing the new coronavirus and encouraging out-of-state visitors to spend their cash on hotels, restaurants and other businesses. The measures have gotten a thumbs-down from many in the tourism industry, who fear visitors will choose to wait things out until they can hit the beach without worrying about violating a state-imposed quarantine or searching for a testing site. During a pandemic, discretion is the better part of valour, said Pauline Frommer, editorial director for Frommers.com and Frommers travel guidebooks. I think its important to look at what our safe options are. You dont want to die because you went on vacation, she said. Some states like Hawaii have settled on quarantines. Maine, Alaska and Vermont have some version of a testing alternative. In Vacationland, as Maine dubs itself, Democratic Gov. Janet Mills thought she was doing the tourism industry a favour by providing an alternative to the 14-day quarantine. Visitors can skip the quarantine altogether if they can show theyve tested negative for the virus within 72 hours before arrival. Some innkeepers and restaurateurs complain the measure falls short of what is needed to attract tourists and salvage their summer season. We dont think visitors are going to jump through hoops like that. Theyll just choose another destination, said Steve Hewins from HospitalityMaine, the states tourism trade group. Hawaii Gov. David Ige extended the states mandatory two-week quarantine for all arriving travellers, even as the state scrambles to produce a screening process that could allow some travellers to return. In Florida, which has recently seen a spike in cases, visitors from New Jersey, New York and Connecticut are required to quarantine. New York, meanwhile, is considering requiring Florida visitors to quarantine. Travellers to Alaska who are tested upon arrival are allowed to avoid further quarantine if they test negative. But theyre encouraged to limit their activities until they obtain a second negative test result. In Vermont, visitors can cut short the two-week quarantine if they get a test after a week that comes back negative. There is pent-up demand, people are wanting to come to the state, so anything to help travellers plan and reduce their burden is a good thing, said Tim Piper, president of the Vermont Inn and Bed and Breakfast Association. New Hampshire, meanwhile, is requiring out-of-staters to attest to having quarantined at home for 14 days before staying at a hotel or other lodging property. That idea was adopted after the state rejected the idea of forcing visitors to quarantine. Safety concerns are real in Maine, the state with the nations oldest population, a segment thats vulnerable to the coronavirus. Maine, which touts its lobster, lighthouses and rocky shore as attractions, depends heavily on tourism. Its population of 1.3 million swells with 37 million visitors during a typical year. Visitors can avoid a quarantine by being tested before they arrive, or they can reduce the quarantines duration by being tested after arrival. But the state is encouraging visitors to test before arrival, and know before you go. Vermont and New Hamsphire residents are exempted from the rules. Maine innkeepers say the tests are burdensome because theyre potentially costly and not readily available. At the Cod Cove Inn, owner Ted Hugger questions whether out-of-staters will pony up for the tests, which cost $150 if paid out of pocket. He also questioned whether tests will keep people safe since those 18 and under and travelling with adults are exempt. It just doesnt make sense, he said. Its not a viable option. Jeremiah Hawkins, 72, of New York, said the changes may make him rethink his August visit to the Maine coast. He said its not easy to get tests, especially within a 72-hour window before arrival. Its draconian, said the retired film executive. Why do I want to go there if no one wants me? Hewins, of HospitalityMaine, winces at the idea of a teenage hotel desk clerk being put in the awkward position of turning away families with reservations whove driven hours to vacation in the state. He prefers the approach in neighbouring New Hampshire, which has something closer to an honour system for visitors. Mills, the governor, said quarantines and tests are necessary to prevent an even greater calamity as the coronavirus remains a threat. More than 2,800 people have tested positive and more than 100 people have died from COVID-19 in Maine. Those are modest numbers compared to hard-hit states but Maines rural hospitals could be overwhelmed if millions of visitors arrived without any safety provisions, the governor said. I can think of nothing more devastating than an outbreak or resurgence of this deadly untreatable virus during the height of tourism season, she said. ___ Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Becky Bohrer in Juneau, Alaska; Caleb Jones in Honolulu; Bobby Caina Calvan in Tallahassee, Florida; Wilson Ring in Montpelier, Vermont; and Holly Ramer in Concord, New Hampshire. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. The Tamil Nadu unit of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a helpline to support applicants secure a bank loan under various government schemes, arguably the first occasion a political outfit is openly intervening in the lending activity of financial institutions. The BJP unit published details of the helpline on its website www.tnbjp.in . Once you have registered, upload the requisite details on the site. Our administrators will contact you soon and help you obtain a bank loan, the website says. The promise of loans by BJP comes in the backdrop of the poor response to the Rs 3 lakh crore MSME loan scheme launched by the central government. State-run banks, which are under heavy pressure to disburse loans, have distributed only Rs 18,306 crore against the sanctioned amount of Rs 36,486 crore until June 16. The sanctioned amount is roughly 12 percent of the total scheme mount of Rs 3 lakh crore and the disbursed amount only about 6 percent. But political intervention and micromanagement in the business of banks have long been cited as a big reason for the bad loan mess in the banking sector. About 60 percent of Indias banking system by assets is controlled by government banks. The Bank Loan BJP Helpline was launched on June 8, 2020 by Tamil Nadu BJP President L Murugan. According to the details on the site, those who wish to get bank loan have to register their details on the website. BJP leaders will then directly contact them in person and do the needful. The BJP unit has also formed a committee comprising retired bank officers. The committee will be headed by one retired bank managing director. Suba Nagarajan, BJPs Tamil Nadu State Vice President, confirmed that loans will be made available through this website for applicants. Our president L Murugan launched this platform. Loans for agriculture and small businesses will be made available, Nagarajan told Moneycontrol. Want a loan? Are you looking for a bank loan to start your enterprise or pursue a business? TN BJP has stepped in to help meritorious persons of Tamil Nadu get a bank loan directly, without paying intermediaries or brokers, the website says. According to the website, 19,000 people have applied for loans, five applications have been processed and Rs 20 lakh loans was released. It is not clear how the BJP unit assures loans to borrowers. Borrowers can directly approach all PSU banks to avail the loan facilities under various government schemes, including the recently launched Rs 3 lakh crore micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) loan scheme. The question of an intermediary or broker doesnt arise. Borrowers can directly approach banks, said CH Venkatachalam, general secretary of All India Bank Employees Association. It is up to the banks to decide whether a borrower is eligible for a loan. What is the role of a political party in this? In the past, politicians have intervened in bank loan process under schemes like Mudra, Venkatachalam added. "Such intervention from the BJP has happened in the past too. The finance ministry needs to urgently intervene and address this issue," Venkatachalam said. Poor response to MSME loan scheme Among the public sector banks, State Bank of India (SBI), the countrys top lender by assets, has sanctioned the most MSME loans until June 16, at Rs 15,317 crore. Against this, the bank has disbursed Rs 9,489 crore loans. SBI disbursed this amount to 91690 accounts. Bank of Baroda comes second in the charts, sanctioning Rs 4,560 crore loans of which Rs 1,255 crore has been disbursed. Canara Bank has cumulatively sanctioned Rs 3,683 crore loans of which disbursed amount is Rs 1,619 crore loans. Punjab National Bank has cumulatively sanctioned Rs 3,371 crore loans of which Rs 1,187 crore has been disbursed. Under the scheme, existing MSME borrowers of PSBs can get additional funds of up to 20 percent of their loan outstanding as on February 29. The government will provide complete guarantee to banks on these loans including the interest amount. This was announced as part of the Rs 20 lakh crore economic package to fight COVID-19 induced economic slowdown. Besides, the government had also launched a Rs 5,000 crore street vendor loan scheme guaranteed by the government and a Rs 2 lakh crore concessional credit scheme for farmers. These are some of the measures announced as part of the Rs 20 lakh crore package. Just as the Great Suppression is wrecking the finances of households and businesses, it is also wrecking the financial health of our governments. Through April, the state has collected $731 million less in General Fund revenue this fiscal year than it did during the first 10 months of the prior year. The 2020-21 budget deficit could well be $4 billion. During previous (milder) downturns, North Carolina governors of both parties instituted spending controls at the first sign of trouble. This time, it took until late April for the administration to restrict state purchases, travel, and hiring. Our leaders should be responding to this fiscal crisis with great urgency. Gov. Roy Cooper is not. Back in March, some of us questioned the governors decision to issue regulations such as stay-at-home orders without approval of the Council of State or meaningful consultation with the General Assembly. We were told that statutes previously enacted by the legislature gave the governor such authority. This was, at best, a dubious claim about statutory language clearly written to address gaps in local responses to disastrous storms. Latest News Westpac makes first fixed rate move of 2022 New year, same rate action as major lenders continue rate hikes Inside the property market explosion in regional Australia Regional broker explains just how crazy the property market has been in one NSW town Yesterday, the ACCC revealed it will not oppose Australian Finance Groups (AFG) proposed acquisition of Connective after determining robust competition would remain within the market even if the two groups were to merge. Connective CEO Glenn Lees was quick to welcome the decision. The ACCC review has been comprehensive and rigorous and its decision is a reflection of the ever-changing competitive landscape where new technology and regulation are driving fundamental change in the mortgage broking sector, he said. The merged business will provide a strong and sustainable channel for non-major lenders, deliver consumers a broad range of home loan products at competitive prices and help ensure embedding of comprehensive compliance systems whilst also enabling further investment in digital technologies and innovation. While the ACCC decision is a substantial step in the process, the transaction is also subject to court approval, a process which has already begun, but with an initial decision not anticipated until after the second half of 2020. The Connective and AFG brands will continue to operate concurrently following completion of the proposed transaction. According to the ACCC, a substantial lessening of competition [is] not likely to arise as a result of the merge, a conclusion arrived at after two rounds of inquiries and an extensive public review and consultation. Mortgage brokers will still have a range of other aggregators, should they become dissatisfied with the combined AFG-Connectives pricing or service, explained ACCC Chair Rod Sims. Lenders will likewise have a range of aggregators through which they can access potential consumers. The ACCC communicated that other established aggregators such as Finsure and NAB-owned PLAN Australia, Choice Aggregation Services and FAST, are likely to continue to provide strong competition within the industry. Further, the merging of AFG and Connective will not impact the aggregators incentive to have lenders on their panel which are popular with consumers, as well as to maintain a broad and diverse panel of lenders so as to attract brokers. Here are todays top news, analysis and opinion. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times. In 1st major poll amid Covid-19, voting for 20 Rajya Sabha seats today Elections to 20 vacant Rajya Sabha seats will be held on Friday amid fears of poaching that have prompted political parties to move their lawmakers to hotels and resorts in some states. Read more Indias UNSC election: Govt slams Pakistan for misusing international fora India hit out at Pakistan after the election to the UN Security Council. Pakistan reportedly did not vote for India in the UNSC election. Pakistans move was in vain; India got 184 votes against the minimum requirement of 128. Read more Nitin Gadkari underlines need to produce EV parts locally, not depend on China Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said India should no longer depend on China and instead focus on research and innovation to ramp up domestic manufacturing. Read more Chaman Bahaar movie review: Jitendra Kumar plays Kabir Singh on a budget, in an equally bad film Its unusual for a film to open with a deleted scene. It is even more unusual for it to be based on a wildly inappropriate premise that unfolds without a hint of irony, but somehow, Chaman Bahaar manages to do both. Read more World Music Day: Top smart speakers that you can buy World Music Day is right around the corner. The day that is dedicated to music, artists and music lovers is celebrated on June 21 every year. Read more International Yoga Day 2020: Quotes, images, Facebook and WhatsApp Status Over the past many years, Yoga has become a popular form of exercise around the world especially since it not only exercises the body, but also the mind. Read more Stunning Karim Benzema strike crowns Real Madrid win over Valencia Real Madrids Karim Benzema scored one of the goals of the season as they beat Valencia 3-0 at home on Thursday to stay in touch with La Liga leaders Barcelona, but the visitors were left fuming after having a goal ruled out following a VAR review. Read more Guillen was last seen in a black T-shirt and purple fitness-type pants in the parking lot of her Regimental Engineer Squadron headquarters between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Her car keys, barracks room key, ID and wallet were found in the armory room where she had been at work repairing small arms and artillery. She is 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighs 126 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday ordered the immediate arrest of Garga Chatterjee, a Kolkata-based "nationalist", for hurting Assamese sentiments by allegedly insulting Ahom king Chaolung Sukaphaa. Chatterjee had described Sukaphaa, who was the founder of Ahom dynasty in Assam, as a Chinese invader. Sonowal directed Guwahati Police Commissioner Munna Prasad Gupta to leave for Kolkata on Friday itself, arrest the man and bring him to Assam. "The Chief Minister has directed the Guwahati Police Commissioner to leave for Kolkata by today itself to arrest Garga Chatterjee and bring him to Assam for his offensive remarks on social media against the founder of greater Assam Chaolung Sukaphaa and the Ahom community," an official statement said. ALSO READ | Shops without keepers in Northeast spread honesty, halt virus spread In the wake of the Chinese attack on Indian soldiers in Ladakh, Chatterjee had on Wednesday tweeted: "There is a State in India where the 'State Day' is celebrated to commemorate a Chinese invader who brutally attacked India with Chinese troops. This invader is considered a hero by #China-funded anti-Indian separatist group ULFA." A man in Assam's Dibrugarh had on Thursday filed a case against Chatterjee for his remarks against Sukaphaa and for his accusation that BJP uses "Indian tax money" to put up statues of the 13th-century ruler. The Assam Day or "Sukaphaa Divas" is observed on December 2 to mark the arrival of the Ahom king from Mong Mao, now in Yunnan Province of China. New Phuket Governor arrives PHUKET: New Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew arrived at Phuket Provincial Hall at 9:30am today (June 19) to take up his post as Bangkoks top-ranking official on the island. By The Phuket News Friday 19 June 2020, 01:25PM Narong Woonciew, the new Governor of Phuket, arrives at Phuket Provincial Hall this morning (June 19). Photo: PR Phuket Governor Narong previously served as Governor of Chaiyaphum province. The welcoming party was out in force, with many officials present to greet him with flowers. I will do my best for Phuket, to develop and lead Phuket to move forward, Governor Narong told the press as he entered Provincial Hall. Governor Narong was immediately aware of the plight many people on the island are suffering without any income amid the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, I will start working with Phuket people on the suffering situation. Please unite and work together for a better future, strong and bright, he said. The first step is to restore Phukets economy, but you must be aware of COVID-19 and keep [new infections] to zero right now. You must observe social distancing, wear face masks and clean your hands, he added. Asked what his first action will be, Governor Narong replied, I cannot tell you right now. I need time to educate myself and conduct some surveys first. Then I will keep updating people later. I thank all the people who welcome me on this day, he added. Former Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana has been transferred to Phetchaburi province, where he is to serve as Governor. Governor Phakaphong arrived in Phuket on Oct 1, 2018, amid the economic fallout from the Phoenix dive boat disaster of July 5 that year that killed 47 Chinese tourists. Among his top priorities was marine safety, and one of his first goals publicly announced was to see work resume on the still-unfinished B450 million new Provincial Hall, which today still stands incomplete on the south side of Phuket Town. Americas Racial Reckoning: What you need to know Full coverage: Race & Reckoning Demographic changes: How the racial makeup of where you live has changed since 1990 Newsletter: Subscribe to About US to read the latest on race and identity George Floyds America: Examining systemic racism through the lens of his life Resources: Understanding racism and inequality in America China has 68 authorized trust companies and at the end of March, the total outstanding value of financing-related trust products stood at 6.18 trillion yuan. As risks mount in Chinas trust sector amid the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, the countrys banking and insurance regulator is stepping up efforts to rein in trust financing, informally telling some institutions to cut their exposure to the business ahead of new regulations to control how they manage client funds. Trust firms including Zhongrong International Trust Co. Ltd., China Minsheng Trust Co. Ltd., Northern International Trust Co. Ltd. and Guotong Trust Co. Ltd., have received window guidance to downsize their trust financing business according to tailored specifications provided by the regulator, multiple sources have told Caixin. Trust financing involves providing loans to businesses that are packaged into trust products and sold to investors. The unofficial orders from the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) follow a surge in demand for loans as companies scramble for cash to help them weather the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak or to repay maturing loans. Many businesses are turning to the shadow banking industry, and trust companies in particular, as they are often unable to get loans from commercial lenders. This is not the first time the regulator has sought to control the trust financing business. In March, a number of trust firms received (link in Chinese) window guidance to curb the business. China has 68 authorized trust companies and at the end of March, the total outstanding value of financing-related trust products stood at 6.18 trillion yuan ($872 billion), accounting for about 29% of all trust products and up from 5.83 trillion yuan at the end of last year, according to data (link in Chinese) from the China Trustee Association, the industrys state-backed self-regulatory body. The window guidance was issued as the CBIRC is preparing regulations to put the countrys $3.1 trillion trust industry under closer oversight. The draft rules, which were put out for public comment in May, will govern how trust companies manage client funds, clarify requirements on trust products and toughen regulation of their loan-related investments. The new draft rules will cap trust companies total investments in so-called nonstandard credit assets assets such as loans which cannot be easily valued or sold at 50% of the total funds they raise from investors. Trust companies can invest no more than 30% of their net assets in nonstandard credit assets backed by the same company and affiliates, according to the draft rules. Some major trust firms, such as Citic Trust Co. Ltd., have already suspended their business in nonstandard credit assets. However, scandals that have emerged in recent months such as Anxin Trust Co. Ltd.s misappropriation of investments in trust products and Sichuan Trust Co. Ltd.s default on its trust-of-trust products, may have added to regulators growing concerns. While restrictions on the trust financing business will help companies improve their internal risk management controls, those that have already built up significant exposure to the higher-risk nonstandard assets may have difficulty reducing their holdings. An executive at one trust firm said that limiting their ability to roll out new financing-related products was akin to having banks stop issuing new loans, and could have the unintended consequence of increasing their overall risk exposure and making asset allocation more difficult. Han Wei contributed to this report. Contact reporter Timmy Shen (hongmingshen@caixin.com) and editor Nerys Avery (nerysavery@caixin.com) Caixin Global has launched Caixin CEIC Mobile, the mobile-only version of its world-class macroeconomic data platform. If youre using the Caixin app, please click here. If you havent downloaded the app, please click here. Types of obituaries The Missourian publishes two types of obituaries family obituaries and life stories. A family obituary is the version submitted by a funeral home or family. Please see the submission form for details on cost and deadlines. Family obituaries A life story is a closer look at a person's life and involves a reporter contacting family and friends. Life stories are based on newsworthiness and consent of the family. Life stories. President Akufo-Addo has urged the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to come out of its primaries stronger. On Saturday, there will be no individual winners, neither will there be losers. It is the NPP that must emerge stronger, united, and victorious. We have a collective responsibility to demonstrate to the country, once again, our credentials of being the party with the strongest attachment to the principles of democratic accountability. We dare not fail the Ghanaian people, President Akufo-Addo said in a statement. NPP is set to organise phase two of its parliamentary primaries tomorrow, Saturday, June 20, 2020. The party, in September 2018, held primaries in constituencies it has no sitting Members of Parliament, known as orphan constituencies. Ahead of tomorrows primaries, Akufo-Addo urged aspirants to put the party first. Let us join hands, in the aftermath of the primaries, to advance the principles and ideals of our party, the realisation of which are essential to the freedom, progress, and prosperity of the Ghanaian people. We must remember, at all times, that we are the only party capable of supervising the transformation of our economy and the nation that all Ghanaians want, he added in the statement. He further urged the party to respect the enhanced hygiene and the social distancing protocols the Electoral Commission has put in place to guarantee the safety of the party. Read President Akufo-Addos full post below: ---citinewsroom As Peru battles with the ongoing pandemic three months into lockdown, Lima residents are organizing to help feed their neighbors. Clara Arango wakes at 4 a.m. daily to make a "community pot" with eighteen pounds of oats, using reclaimed wood to light a fire in the street and feed more than 150 people. Arango lost her job as a janitor when her employer closed his shopping mall in Lima's wealthiest neighborhood due to the antivirus shutdown that began on March 16. A single mother of two, Arango said is better for her to pool her resources with her neighbors to support each other. "Community pots" are a phenomenon that's become ubiquitous across Peru in recent months, and recent independent polls believe than more than a third of Peru's 32 million are involved in community cooking. Often operating with help from the Catholic Church and private charities, soup kitchens and community pots have become a symbol of the conundrum facing a region where most of the working population labors outside the formal economy. Without unemployment benefits or enough food, poor Latin Americans are still leaving their homes each day to earn a living as construction workers, street vendors or other types of day laborers. The inability to keep people at home is proving a major factor in the spread of the coronavirus around the continent. Despite some of the strictest antivirus measures in the region, Peru has diagnosed 237,000 cases of coronavirus and counted 7,000 deaths, the highest number of cases per capita in the region and the second-highest per capita count of deaths. Furthermore, the number of infections overall is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick. PENSACOLA, Fla.An adult performer who was arrested on charges in March related to child porn was arrested again this week on human trafficking charges. According to court documents, a tipster called the Florida Abuse Hotline in January to anonymously report that a Pensacola clips performer who goes by the stage name Shesleah illegally masturbated in public areas. That tip led to a full-blown investigation in March by local authorities, which included a search warrant, and found that masturbation videos depicting Shesleah were purportedly recorded in a childrens room and in a doctors office while small children were heard in the background, according to court documents. After an initial search of her home and interrogation by the Escambia County Sheriffs Office deputies, Shesleah was charged with two counts of child pornography and four counts of lewd behavior with a victim under 16. Deputies said they uncovered videos of the clips performer, along with children heard in the videos. Apparently without an attorney present at the time, Shesleah, 27, went on to tell deputies that she is an actress who does taboo videos in a pornographic manner, according to an arrest report. An arresting deputy added in the report that Shesleah stated in order to fulfill the taboo fantasy, the voices of her children are pre-recorded and she only plays them during the filming her videos without them present. At the time, deputies charged her with lewd and lascivious behavior, possession of child pornography, aggravated assault and resisting arrest. But now, Shesleah also is accused of financially benefiting from sexual activity involving minorsa crime defined under Florida law as human trafficking. She is charged under the human trafficking statute, but under the provision that makes it a crime to engage in commercial sexual activity during which any child under the age of 18 is involved, Florida Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille said in a statement this week. Shesleah was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail on Monday without bond and remained in custody as of today. Bukola Saraki, former president of the senate, says Adams Oshiomhole, suspended national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (A... Bukola Saraki, former president of the senate, says Adams Oshiomhole, suspended national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is about to meet his waterloo. In a statement on Friday, Yusuph Olaniyonu, media aide to Saraki, quoted the former senate president as saying this while welcoming Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Exactly one week ago, Obaseki was disqualified from contesting the governorship primary election in the All Progressives Congress (APC) over a defective certificate. He resigned his membership of the APC and finally joined the PDP on Friday. Saraki thanked PDP governors for the role they played in ensuring that Obaseki defected to the party. The former governor of Kwara state said he knew a day would come when Oshiomholes masquerade will dance naked in the market. I also thank Obasekis colleagues, the PDP governors, for their role and for ensuring that while bringing him into the party, they carried along the local chapter and refrain from just unilaterally taking decisions without the input of the leaders of the party in Edo state, he said. The truth is always constant and no matter how far falsehood travels, the truth will catch up with it one day. Oshiomhole can fool people for a long time but he cannot fool the people all the time. What is happening to him now is a moment of truth. This same man who was garrulously proclaiming the end of the political career of some other people is now about to meet his waterloo. He has continued to use his mouth to divide his party and I believe there is a lesson for all politicians to learn from the fate of the suspended APC chairman. No autocrat can successfully pretend to be a Democrat. The true character of a man will come out one day. After Ibrahim Oloriegbe of the APC defeated Saraki in 2019 Kwara central senatorial election, Oshiomhole had taunted the ex-senate president, saying he had been buried politically. Those who wish to immerse themselves in all things Omega can do so in one day and at one place. Omegas latest boutique, now open in Biel/Bienne, marks the final stage in a major development that includes a new museum and state-of-the-art factory. New Omega boutique in Bienne Omega A truly global brand, Omega has luxury boutiques all over the world, but the watchmaking company has always been Swiss, and its 8th corporate boutique, now open on home soil, is a source of pride. With 278sqm of floor space, visitors to the new Biel/Bienne boutique have plenty of room to move. All of Omegas current watches, fine jewellery and accessories are on display. As well as this extensive selection of product choices, there is also the benefit of full Customer Service, providing an efficient on-hand expertise for all Omega needs. Just a short stroll away is an opportunity for guests to explore the legend behind their purchases. The new Museum, a space at Omegas campus La Cite du Temps, tells the story of the global watchmaker through immersive movies, compelling displays and fun interactive experiences. President and CEO of Omega, Mr. Raynald Aeschlimann, described the new retail space as a local boutique with a truly international clientele and expressed pride in the role it serves at Cite du Temps. With the opening of our new boutique, its now possible for visitors to Biel to enjoy the complete Omega experience, he adds. They can see where the watches are made, explore our history and take home their own Omega timepiece, all in one location. New Omega boutique in Bienne Omega Along with the new boutique and museum, the site in Biel is home to Omegas impressive, eco-friendly factory, where all of the brands watches are made and tested. Nouvelle boutique Omega a Bienne Omega Overall, the ultimate day out for Omega enthusiasts, passionate watch fans, industrial historians, technology aficionados, families, the vaguely curious or just about anybody. A national day of creativity for children and young people, Cruinniu na nOg took place on Saturday and Fingal played its part. Children and young people were invited to take part in a range of events and workshops presented to you by Fingal County Council. All events were free of charge, child-centred and activity-based. It's a day for lots of doing, making and creating. Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, and as part of the Government's #InThisTogether campaign, Fingal County Council brought Cruinniu na nOg online for 2020. Mayor Eoghan O Brien said: 'This years programme of events includes free online workshops in coding, photography, photogram, storytelling, dance, singing, visual arts, yoga and even ice cream making. 'The importance of harnessing creativity in our young people cannot be underestimated particularly in the current climate and we are proud to present a programme of events which allows the voice of our young people to be heard and nourishes their wellbeing through participation in creative activities.' Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said: 'Cruinniu na nOg has gone from strength to strength over the past two years in Fingal and we are proud to participate again this year making available over 25 free online workshops for children and young people across a broad range of creative disciplines.' UPDATE (8:10 p.m.): Talent Testing Service CEO Sixto Pacheco gave AVN the following statement Friday evening: "We have decided not to participate any longer in the PASS system as we feel it is more of a liability than a benefit to performers." CHATSWORTH, Calif.The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced in a statement Friday afternoon that Talent Testing Service (TTS) has withdrawn as a participating testing facility from FSC's Performer Availability Screening Services (PASS) system. AVN has made multiple requests to TTS for comment on this move, but had received no response as of post time. FSC's full statement follows: Talent Testing Services (TTS) has withdrawn from the FSC PASS system. TTS has refused to send test results to PASS, in objection to PASS policies that allow performers and crew to test for COVID-19 at locations other than PASS-certified labs, such as TTS. TTS is no longer replying to emails or returning phone calls from FSC. Without a relationship or a contract, we have no assurance that TTS would alert FSC in the case of a potential positive test, either for COVID or HIV, or participate in contact tracing in the event of a positive. Performer safety should be a higher priority than profit or market share, says Michelle L. LeBlanc, Executive Director of Free Speech Coalition. Everyone is trying to navigate through this uncertain time as safely as possible. Production is slowly resuming with new health and safety recommendations that are adding potentially hundreds of dollars in costs per month. People should be able to use insurance-covered tests or free local tests where available. TTSs refusal to participate in PASS is putting performers in a risky position. In regions where TTS has been the only option, performers are being asked to go without work or risk working outside of PASS. Unlike PASS, TTS has no mechanism for calling a production hold in the event of a positive test, nor have they committed to alert the adult community if there is a potential exposure. This move fractures the industry and puts everyone at risk at a time when we need to be more cautious than ever. FSC PASS allows performers and other set personnel to test for COVID separately from PASS, in order for them to take advantage of free local tests and tests covered by insurance. TTS insisted that PASS participants who test with them also pay for the TTS COVID test. This was a decision made entirely by TTS, says LeBlanc. Based on our last conversations with TTS, we expect this to be permanent. Fortunately, we were vetting two additional providers with national lab networks that can fill the gap left by TTS, and expand into areas they didnt cover, without added draw fees and shipping costs. PASS-certified lab networks Cutting Edge Testing (CET) and Adult Industry Testing (AIT) will continue to send the results of the STI panel to PASS. Performers and crew can test for COVID along with their standard STI panel, or test for COVID at a location that is less expensive or more convenient to them. CET has locations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles (Sherman Oaks) office, and will have PCR COVID-19 testing available early next week. For more information, visit https://cuttingedgetesting.com/. Las Vegas Hours: Monday Saturday, 8:00am 1:00pm Sherman Oaks Hours: Monday Friday 10:00am 5:00pm, and Saturday 9:00am 1:30pm AIT is available at eight different locations in the LA area, and will have PCR COVID-19 testing available shortly. You can find specific information on their website https://www.ait-labs.com/index.aspx. Please read our FAQ for more information about COVID-19 and PASS. Read more about FSCs recommended production guidelines regarding COVID-19. The media and other Democrats have tried to take out President Trump with many tactics dating from before he was elected. John Bolton is the newest line of attack. A couple years back, Bolton was so hated and distrusted that he couldn't get through the Senate for confirmation to any national security position. But all of a sudden, he now is a respected, honest man, because he attacks Trump. For four years, we have been treated to endless known lies as to how Trump colluded with Russia. Now we are told that Trump has been colluding with China to win the 2020 election. Trump must be the worst colluder ever: the Russian disinformation dossier was used by Hillary, the DNC, and the Justice Department to destroy Trump, not help him. The Chinese virus has decimated the U.S. economy, and China hoarded medical supplies and equipment. Bolton says Trump caters to dictators he likes. He clearly is mixed up as to which president he is referring to. It was Obama/Biden, not Trump who: Catered to the Castros and Cuba. Gave kickbacks and rewards to the terrorist tyrants in Iran who pledge death to America. Did not honor a commitment to put missile shields in Poland and the Czech Republic to appease Putin. Refused to give defensive weapons to Ukraine to appease Putin. Had Putin monitor the chemical weapons of Assad and Syria. It was Obama/Biden and several previous presidents who continually allowed manufacturing jobs to China. On that last point, to take just one of them, Trump has been fighting to bring them back since he took office. Obama said it would take magic to bring manufacturing jobs back when all it takes is good policies. But let's take a trip down Memory Lane to see what the left had been saying about Bolton before turned on Trump: Senators React to Trump's Dangerous Appointment of John Bolton as National Security Advisor Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): John Bolton's poor judgment and record of reckless right-wing warmongering should disqualify him from any White House role, much less National Security Advisor. Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) : Ambassador Bolton's stated positions on today's major issues, most notably North Korea's and Iran's nuclear programs, are overly aggressive at best and downright dangerous at worst. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) : (1/2) This is the new National Security Advisor? Disqualified by horrible judgment and dangerous for America and the world. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) : Mr. Bolton's tendency to try to solve every geopolitical problem w/ the American military first is a troubling one. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) : .@realDonaldTrump promised to reduce US involvement in wars overseas, but his new National Security Advisor has never met a war he didn't like. The last thing we need is someone like John Bolton who embraces military solutions first and puts us all at risk. Now Bolton has become a media darling, going on all the airwaves to sell his book. Know what this reminds us of? Creepy porn lawyer Michael Avenatti, now a career criminal, who went on CNN 121 times and MSNBC 108 times to serve the left's attempt to destroy Trump. At one time he was touted as a presidential candidate to run against Trump in 2020. Michael Avenatti once dominated cable news. Now he's watching it. By the count of NewsBusters a conservative-leaning site that tracks the mainstream media the Maddow-Avenatti moment was among 254 TV news appearances turned in by the telegenic lawyer over a year starting in March 2018. Cable watchers are familiar with his landing pads: CNN accounted for 121 Avenatti appearances, with MSNBC right behind at 108. Michael Avenatti was just found guilty on all charges in his Nike extortion trial. The media love Democrats like Avenatti, (and Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden), who greatly enrich themselves with other people's money. It's not very different now. The media and other Democrats love George W. Bush now that he hangs with Clinton and Obama and refuses to support Trump. In 2000 and 2004, however, he was called a racist, and Dan Rather ran a fake hit piece to take him out. Here's what the New York Times had at the time THE 2000 CAMPAIGN: THE AD CAMPAIGN; Emotional Appeal Urges Blacks to Vote The N.A.A.C.P. began a $2 million advertising campaign last week featuring Renee Mullins, the daughter of James Byrd Jr. of Texas, who was chained to a truck and dragged to his death in 1998. This television commercial briefly recounts the story of his killing and urges viewers to vote on Nov. 7. An earlier advertisement asked viewers to call Gov. George W. Bush of Texas and demand that he support hate crimes legislation. Here's how Dan Rather caper turned out: Rather Shameful When CBS's 60 Minutes Wednesday broadcast its lead storyreported by Dan Rather and produced by Mary Mapeson the evening of September 8, 2004, it was given the anodyne title "For the Record," as though it constituted little more than a disinterested historical footnote. In reality, the story was a bold fabrication about President George W. Bush's long-ago service in the Texas National Guard, intended to damage him in his campaign for reelection against John Kerry. The media and other Democrats also loved John McCain as he attacked Trump and kept Obamacare intact, but in 2008, when he was running for president, he was a racist and NYTimes ran continuous hit pieces, with anonymous sources, to take him out. All they cared was that he was a Democrat. There also was this one, back when Mitt Romney was running for president. Since he's turned against Trump, today, it's this: The Washington Post has been endorsing presidents since 1980 and have never supported a Republican. The NYT has not endorsed a Republican for president since IKE in 1956. Almost all media outlets are essentially arms of the Democrat Party. They will seek to destroy all Republicans as they pretend they are for unity. The race, sex, homophobe, xenophobe cards will always be used. That is not new with Trump. They will gladly run fake stories to take out people that happen to have an "R' behind their name. They do not care how many people they destroy in the process. They are not empathetic. All they care about is power. They will not run on their leftist policies because they are unpopular so they seek to destroy opponents. It is truly a shame that people like McCain, Bolton, Romney and others allow themselves to be used since they will never be supported for office unless they switch parties. Image credit: Official photo via Wikipedia public domain. As we all know, the world has been struck by the COVID-19 pandemic and it is not going away anytime soon. But some countries were fortunate enough to take preventive measures before the virus spread any further. And thanks to such efforts, these countries were not as badly affected like the rest and still managed to keep the economy going. You probably heard that New Zealand and Taiwan are among those countries aforementioned in being the least affected by the COVID-19. But did you also know South Korea is included in that list? That's right, and apparently, the economy in Korea is growing to the point that there is a sharp increase in demand for premium and luxury cars- one of which is BMW and even Porsche. In a news report by ABS-CBN, Holger Germann CEO of Porsche Korea told Reuters that 2020 will be one of their strongest years stating a 46% increase in sales with almost 3,500 vehicles sold in just the first 5 months of 2020 compared to 4,285 vehicles in all of 2018, and 4,204 in 2019. While the sales of BMW has also rose to the same percentage as the Porsche to selling almost 22,000 vehicles from in the same time frame. With the data presented by Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association, it confirms that South Korea has surpassed the United States as the top country for sales of the BMW 5 series from January to April this year, according to BMW's South Korean unit. A local BMW dealer in Seoul who goes by Kim Hyo-Hun mentioned that consumers are buying more vehicles with the virus slowing down. Another dealer of imported cars saying that Porsche and BMW are so popular that there are not enough of them. While demand is strong, supply constraints due to COVID-19 manufacturing shutdowns in Europe and the United States are expected to slow sales, dealers say. Sales of imported cars priced over 100 million won ($82,511) jumped 70 percent to 15,667 vehicles from January to May this year, compared with a year earlier. Read Also: Tax Documents Confirm Tesla's Cybertruck Factory Sites Would Be In Texas and Oklahoma: Here's What the Filing Says The Wide Gap between the Rich and the Poor Yang Jun-ho, a professor teaching economics at Incheon National University explains that these increasing sales are a "testament to the rising consumption power of the top class despite the pandemic," as noted by Yahoo Finance. He added that the rich people benefited from rising stock and property prices, while vulnerable workers at mom-and-pop stores lost their jobs. Just as sales for luxury cars in South Korea, so has the unemployment rate surged to its highest level in more than 10 years in May. Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, the monthly average income of the wealthiest 20% of households rose by 6% from January to March, while the poorest 20% of households saw income unchanged. Read Also: Ford Mustang Mach-E Automatic Driving Review: Did the New Software Finally Get it Right? By Aisha Jabbarova Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Leyla Abdullayeva has said that Azerbaijan will continue repatriating its citizens from abroad despite the strict lockdown that will enter force on June 21. Work is underway to repatriate to Azerbaijan citizens temporarily staying in foreign countries. This is a phased process. There is no plan to suspend the process during the tough quarantine regime. But the borders will be closed till August 1. The international flights may be resumed in accordance with the mutual agreements, Abdullayeva said. Speaking about Azerbaijani citizens who have been stranded on the Russian-Azerbaijan waiting for their repatriation, Abdullayeva said: The Azerbaijani embassy in Russia, as well as we have repeatedly appealed to citizens and urged them not to leave their place of residence, to wait for an answer after passing registration and to observe the rules established in the country of residence. Citizens must be patient, the spokesperons said. Abdullayeva stressed that citizens are repatriated after registering on the I am going home (Evegedirem) website, adding that some people who have been registered on the website gather near the borders of the countries. Furthermore, she said that over the past month, about 1,000 citizens have been brought back to Azerbaijan by planes and vehicles. Earlier, presidential aide Hikmat Hajiyev has said that Azerbaijan has repatriated 2,976 citizens from Russia through Samur checkpoint since late March when the two countries shut down the border over COVID-19, local media reported on June 16. Azerbaijan has so far repatriated over 25,000 citizens have been repatriated from around the world since mid-March via land borders and through special charter flights. A strict quarantine regime will enter force from 00:00 on June 21 to 06:00 on July 5 in the territories of Baku, Ganja, Sumgayit, Lankaran, Yevlakh, Masalli, Jalilabad and Absheron region. The Cabinet of Ministers announced the lockdown decision during a briefing on June 18. The country has also extended the nationwide quarantine regime until August 1. Azerbaijan registered its first coronavirus case in February and imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 24. The fourth stage of quarantine regime easing came into force on May 31. The country imposed two-day special quarantine regimes on June 6-7 and June 14-16 to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Azerbaijani Management Union of Medical Territorial Units (TABIB) warned on June 12 that the country may transition from weekend lockdowns to long- term tightened quarantine regime if there is further surge in infection cases. As of June 19, the country has registered 11,329 COVID-19 cases and 139 coronavirus-related cases. (CNN) The Australian government is grappling with massive cyber attacks from what Prime Minister Scott Morrison has described as a "malicious" and "sophisticated" state-based actor. Morrison revealed the existence of the attacks during a press conference on Friday, adding that a "state-based cyber actor" is "targeting Australian organizations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organizations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure." He did not specify which agencies or businesses are believed to be under attack, nor did he detail the exact nature of the attacks though he did say that the government's investigation has not uncovered any "large-scale personal data breaches." Morrison also did not say which state Australia believes to be behind the attack. But he told reporters that "there are not a large number of state-based actors that can engage in this type of activity." "It is clear ... that this has been done by a state-based actor with very, very significant capabilities," Morrison added. The attacks are also not new, and Morrison made clear that such threats are a "constant issue for Australia to deal with." But he added that he was prompted to speak Friday because the "frequency has been increasing" over "many months." A possible culprit While Morrison declined to say who may be behind the attacks, the scale and timing led many political observers to immediately point the finger at China. Asked by journalists Friday about whether Beijing was responsible, Morrison said he "couldn't control speculation." China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment. Relations between Beijing and Canberra have cratered in recent months. Australia led the call for an international investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, and was damning in its criticism of China's initial handling of the outbreak. Beijing then imposed tariffs against Australian beef and barley, and Chinese officials have threatened a consumer boycott if relations continue to worsen. China has long been accused by foreign powers of orchestrating large-scale cyber attacks against other governments. Most recently, Washington in May warned that China was likely behind efforts to steal coronavirus vaccine research from US research institutions and pharmaceutical companies. China has maintained that it is a major victim, rather than a perpetrator, of cyber attacks. The country consistently denies claims about its cyber espionage activities. Capability and motive Peter Jennings, executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), told CNN Business that there was a "95% chance that it is China who is responsible for this attack." "It really comes down to understanding the capacity and interest that any country might have in wanting to engage in this sort of attack against Australia," said Jennings, a former senior Australian Defense Department official. "There are some other countries that are capable, namely Russia and North Korea, but in both cases they don't have the scale to go as comprehensively as China has." He added that neither Russia nor North Korea has a major "strategic interest in Australian politics" at present. Chinese officials have attacked ASPI's independence and credibility, calling its reports "fact-distorting and ridiculous." "There is only one country which has the combination of capability and motive and that's China," Jennings said. "And frankly there is also a pattern of this behavior by China over the years in this." Canberra has avoided pinning blame in the past on other countries for major cyber attacks, including an operation launched against the country's parliament and major political parties in 2019. Months after the attack, Reuters reported citing Australian government sources that Canberra had concluded in private that China was the culprit. "China's Foreign Ministry denied involvement in any sort of hacking attacks and said the internet was full of theories that were hard to trace," Reuters reported at the time. This story was first published on CNN.com "Australia says it has been targeted by a 'sophisticated' state-based cyber attack" RingCentral Goes Back to School By Maurice Nagle - Web Editor As COVID-19 started to rear its head, and the world went home, organizations around the globe were faced with the fact that if operations arent virtual; they arent happening. This mass migration hit higher education mid-semester, accelerating digital transformation initiatives to ensure faculty, students and staff stay connected. A number of institutions of higher learning turned to RingCentral to manage the shift to remote operations with a reliable, integrated and secure cloud communications platform. Berkeley College is able to overcome the obstacles of transitioning six locations between New York and New Jersey to support online learning for its entire student body. In addition, its staff is benefiting greatly from the Salesforce integration and real-time dashboards to enhance experience. At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), RingCentral was the solution chosen to replace its on-prem communications system. SNHU isnt burdening IT, as with RingCentral, the unified platform is easily managed, and when disaster strikes, system architecture ensures business continuity. Forth Worth, Texeas-based Texan Christian University (TCU) found RingCentral the right partner to support the migration of almost 1,000 faculty and staff to remote operations, enabling near business as usual operations from any device within 24hrs. Millions of people around the world are learning how to go about their daily lives via new generation cloud communication platforms and we believe the experience should always be seamless, said Anand Eswaran, president and chief operating officer, RingCentral. At RingCentral, we are steadfast in our focus on the future of work and remote learning, and we are pleased that we could enable these institutions to modernize their communications infrastructure so they are still connected, even when physically separated. Are your communications in the cloud? Please enable JavaScript to view the Edited by Maurice Nagle For the first time, China laid claim to the entire Galwan Valley as sovereign territory India has once again demanded that the two sides go back to the status quo as of mid-April but it wont be an easy task to compel the Chinese to leave the vantage points they have seized both in Galwan and the Finger area around the Pangong Tso lake. PTI Photo The outrage by the Peoples Liberation Army in Ladakhs Galwan Valley earlier this week, with at least 20 Indian soldiers killed and perhaps many officers and men taken hostage, should be a wake-up call to this country on Chinas real intentions. No matter what its foreign ministry spokespersons may say about Beijings so-called peaceful intentions, the reality was the wilful way its soldiers made mincemeat of a series of agreements between the two countries over decades to shun the use of force to resolve differences at the Line of Actual Control. For the first time, China also laid claim to the entire Galwan Valley as sovereign territory, while hitherto it was always regarded as disputed territory, a matter to be resolved peacefully in negotiations. India has once again demanded that the two sides go back to the status quo as of mid-April but it wont be an easy task to compel the Chinese to leave the vantage points they have seized both in Galwan and the Finger area around the Pangong Tso lake. While it may be a mistake to completely rule out the military option, the Indian Army will find it somewhat challenging to push the PLA out of the areas it has occupied by force. China is no Pakistan and must be handled differently. A series of negotiations between major generals took place on the ground even after Mondays clash, but high-level intervention is vital both at the diplomatic and political levels. More important, we in this country need to rethink the way we look at and respond to China. For too long, we have mollycoddled them, trying to understand their sensitivities. Have the Chinese ever tried to understand Indias sensitivities, and modified their behaviour accordingly? Just after the Peoples Republic was born in October 1949, and for decades, Jawaharlal Nehrus India stayed silent on the invasion and occupation of Tibet, even as it welcomed and gave shelter to the fleeing Dalai Lama. It was India that was one of the first to campaign for Chinas UN seat (then held by the Nationalists in Taipei) to be given to the PRC. And we all know how China paid us back in 1962. Lets review our One China policy. The Republic of China, or Taiwan, is, like India and unlike the PRC, a democracy, and we have a thriving economic and cultural relationship, along with direct flights. Whats the harm if our diplomats and politicians engage it on a more formal basis? For starters, we can support Taiwans application for membership of international bodies like WHO and ICAO. Also, the Tibetan people who were driven into exile in India, and their succeeding generations, have become an intrinsic part of our national life, and the Dalai Lama is a revered figure across this country. Why not give him the Bharat Ratna, for which there have been persistent demands? Every time a Chinese minister or delegation visits New Delhi, the police routinely rounds up Tibetans protesting peacefully outside the Chinese embassy. Why are we so desperate to avoid annoying the Chinese? The India-China economic relationship is an unequal one, where we have a $53.7 billion trade deficit. Despite the widespread calls, any economic disengagement may not be a viable option immediately. SCHAGHTICOKE Employees of the Diamond Hill nursing home in Schaghticoke held a silent vigil outside the facility on Thursday to highlight the grief and concern they feel over the homes handling of the coronavirus crisis. The 120-bed nursing home had one of the deadliest outbreaks in the Capital Region, with 16 residents falling ill and dying after they contracted the virus, according to figures provided by Rensselaer County. More than 100 residents and staff at the facility tested positive for the virus this spring. While building-wide testing helped bring the virus under control, staff say they believe that managements actions throughout the crisis such as a failure to isolate infected residents early on and train staff in the proper use of personal protective equipment may have exacerbated the outbreak. Unionized members of staff are also trying to revive contract negotiations, which were delayed during the pandemic. Were fighting for our contract, were fighting for our residents, were fighting for fairness, said Dorothy Collins, a certified nursing assistant who attended the vigil. Were fighting for just properly fitting PPE and education in how to use it. Were fighting for everything we should have already had but dont. Around 10 employees ultimately ended up attending Thursdays vigil about a couple dozen short of the number organizers expected. Ruthie Young, administrative organizer for 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, which represents the staff, said thats because the owner, Ari Grinspan, scheduled a last-minute town hall meeting for the exact time the vigil had been planned. Grinspan did not respond to a request for comment Thursday, nor did Clara Tryon, the homes administrator. When we sent out the reminder card for the vigil, management turned around the next morning and trained everybody on the use of PPE, Young said. So June 17 three months after the coronavirus arrived staff were finally trained on PPE. The lack of PPE early on in the crisis, and subsequent lack of training in how to use it when it finally did arrive, may have put residents and employees at risk, staff said. Many staff began calling out sick, either because they had caught the virus or were afraid of bringing it home to their family, Collins said. We lost a lot of staff, she said. We had staff who just didnt want to come into the building, but can you be mad at them? The homes director of nursing, who was also the facilitys infection control specialist, fell sick and was out of work for weeks, she said. Crystal Carmona, a certified nursing assistant at Diamond Hill, said she began experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in early May. She tested positive and quarantined at home for two weeks, then was tested again when she returned to work. She said she was told the second test came back negative, only to learn later that it had actually come back positive. They allowed me to walk back into the building while knowing I was still positive, she said. I just saw my best friends baby. I wouldnt have did that if I knew I was positive. Communication was just awful. The facilitys website notes various precautions the home has taken since the onset of the pandemic, including screening employees for symptoms prior to their shifts, providing PPE to staff, routine disinfection of hallways and common areas, and close communication with local and state health officials. County officials have disputed the latter claim, noting that the homes management was less than cooperative when the county health department tried to assess their outbreak early on. Diamond Hill employees are also trying to revive contract negotiations that were placed on pause during the pandemic. They are trying to secure competitive wages, raises and benefits that would help reduce turnover and chronic short-staffing, organizers said. During the pandemic, 1199SEIU agreed to pause negotiations in exchange for hazard pay for its members. Management agreed, but recently ended those payments after deeming the crisis under control, Collins said. According to them, were no longer in the middle of a crisis right now, she said. But what it seems like theyre saying is, our lives arent worth the pay. Actress Rhea Chakraborty arrived at Bandra police station on Thursday morning to record her statement in regards to the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Rhea, widely rumoured to have been the late actor's girlfriend, arrived at the police station dressed in white and wearing a mask. Sushant was found hanging at his Bandra residence on Sunday morning. It is reported that the actor was going through clinical depression over the past six months or so. Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh announced in a video clip on his Twitter account that the police would investigate the cause of Sushant's depression.So far, Mumbai Police have recorded the statement of Rajput's cook, caretaker and managers, along with close friend and filmmaker Mukesh Chhabra, who was directing the actor in his upcoming film, "Dil Bechara". Also read: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan condoles Sushant Singh Rajput's death Shine on: Sushant Singh Rajput gets a special wish from Shraddha Kapoor Sushant Singh Rajput's Indonesian fans pay a tribute to late actor A Darien Police commissioner has resigned after a resident wrote a letter to the Board of Selectmen charging tweets on his personal Twitter account were a degradation of the town and countrys very ideals, according to First Selectman Jayme Stevenson. Thomas Joyce, a Republican commissioner since 2014, offered his resignation to Stevenson on Thursday afternoon as per her request, Stevenson confirmed. Darien resident Reed Barthold, who recently wrote an op/ed in The Darien Times calling on town leaders to improve diversity efforts, sent a letter to the board with examples of Joyces tweets. Calling for profiling, sexualizing & objectifying women, and defending assault are unbecoming of any public official, but especially a police commissioner whose function it is to set and enforce the proper standard for socially responsible police behavior, consistent with public safety, Barthold wrote. On Saturday, Alexander Davidson, chairman of Dariens Republican Town Committee, said the committee repudiates the reprehensible comments made by a former police commissioner on social media. We are grateful to First Selectman Jayme Stevenson for acting decisively and asking for his immediate resignation. We pledge to work quickly and thoughtfully to find the most qualified Republican candidate for consideration by the Board of Selectmen, he said. The tweets The Twitter account that Barthold quoted, @TomJoyce222, is no longer accessible. But one example among tweets Barthold included was from January 2018, which said: Watched a lot of the Golden Globes. Found it interesting that so many of the women wearing black to protest sexual harassment had their breasts hanging out, dressed like sex objects. Kind of a mixed message ... Others referred to Muslims. In July 2016, he tweeted All these attacks are from young Muslim men. Its time for profiling. In September 2016, he tweeted, Gee, shocking...A young Muslim male trying to kill people. Where have I heard that before? Time for profiling. Not PC. On Friday, Joyce issued a statement to The Darien Times. I understand that some of the tweets I made on my personal account are insensitive. I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve the Town of Darien as Police Commissioner for the past several years, during which time I always acted with the utmost integrity and always had the interests of the people of Darien at heart, Joyce said. The letter comes at a time when the country is being rocked by protests against police brutality after the death of George Floyd, an African-American man who died in custody after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes, as captured on video. Darien has held a Cross Walk and more recently a Black Lives Matter protest. Friday night, a Black Lives Matter vigil has been planned for Tilley Pond Park. Response to resignation Stevenson said she asked Joyce for his resignation immediately after seeing the tweets. Commissioner Joyces comments are not reflective of the high standards and ideals required by the first selectman and Board of Selectmen in our appointments to the Darien Police Commission, Stevenson said in a statement. The Board of Selectmen is in agreement on this course of action. Barthold told The Darien Times his goal in reaching out to the board with Joyces comments is to highlight areas where this town and its leadership can start to grow. The comments made by the police commissioner are not entirely unique many people share his beliefs, however, tolerating that problem is just as bad as never recognizing it. I shared that ignorance growing up here and this is something not talked about often enough, Barthold said. As a kid, I made reprehensibly ignorant jokes based on stereotypes not because I truly felt that way, but because I failed to educate and expose myself. I was not proximate to the problem, Barthold said. The Darien Police Commission currently serves as the Town's Legal Traffic Authority and consists of three members who serve three year overlapping terms. The remaining members of the Commission are Kim Huffard and Kevin Cunningham. The Commission approves personnel decisions for the police department, including hiring, raises and promotions. It gets regular updates from the department on its management and current events. On Friday morning, Huffard said she received a copy of Commissioner Joyces resignation addressed to First Selectman Jayme Stevenson. As is stated in the Town Charter, the selection and reappointment of commissioners is the responsibility of the Board of Selectmen, Huffard said. As chairman of the Police Commission, I am very proud of the work the Darien Police Department does to keep us safe while ensuring an adherence to the highest standard of policing. Our officers are professional, highly trained, and fully engaged in our community, she said. Commissioner Cunningham and I will continue the important work of the Darien Police Commission in providing support and oversight to Chief Anderson and the rest of the Department, she said. Darien Police Chief Donald Anderson in a statement thanked Joyce for over six years of dedicated service to the Town of Darien. Darien Police He always performed his duties as a police commissioner with integrity, due diligence and a strong sense of reasonableness and pragmatism, Anderson said. Anderson recently told CNBC in their story that while he had a good working relationship with Joyce as a police commissioner, Joyces tweets are clearly not in line with the Darien Police Department or practices of the department. Those tweets were a complete surprise to me and to the commission, said Anderson. Read more of that story here. I never heard or saw anything of this nature from Joyce during his tenure on the commission, the chief said. It was a complete shock. Prior to being named Chief of Police in 2019, I had the pleasure of working closely with the Police Commission for quite a few years as the administrative services bureau captain, working under both Chief Duane Lovello and Chief Ray Osborne. Commissioner Joyce always demonstrated that he kept the best public safety interests of the Town of Darien (as a whole) at heart in all decision making, Anderson said. Traders' body CAIT on Friday urged the Maharashtra government to cancel its agreements with three Chinese firms signed earlier this week in the wake of clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh. "We hope you will take an immediate decision to cancel the MoUs with the three Chinese companies. This step by you will be in consonance with the current mood of the nation and propriety demands that the elected governments stand in solidarity with national sentiments," Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said in a communication to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Three Chinese firms are among the 12 companies from different countries with which the Maharashtra government has signed MoUs collectively worth Rs 16,000 crore. The investment of the three Chinese companies is collectively worth over Rs 5,000 crore, a statement has said. The MoUs were signed on Monday under the 'Magnetic Maharashtra 2.0' hours before the violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh, in which 20 Indian Army personnel were martyred. All the three Chinese companies- Hengli Engineering, PMI Electro Mobility Solutions JV with Photon and Great Wall Motors will invest in Talegaon in Pune district. Hengli Engineering will invest Rs 250 crore, PMI will invest Rs 1,000 crore in the auto sector, it said, adding that Great Wall Motors will set up an automobile company with investment of Rs 3,770 crore. The first agreement between India and China was signed in 1993 and related to border disputes and maintenance of peace until final resolution. But what does the treaty actually say on peace and wartime SOPs. Whether or not the Indian soldiers, who faced the brunt of Chinese incursion in Galwan Valley recently, were armed sufficiently has become a topic of political mudslinging between the Centre and the Opposition. Opposition sticks to its claim that the army personnel were unarmed at a forward border post despite tensions stewing from several weeks, whereas the Centre claims otherwise, stating that they did have weapons but refrained from opening fire to respect a treaty signed in 1996 and in 2005. Meanwhile, many others yet questioned the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's claims stating why were the soldiers asked to adhere to the very treaty that China disparaged, while being bludgeoned to death. Let me get this straight. Indian troops were armed but didn't use them while being clubbed to death because they were adhering to a protocol not to use their arms? How credible is this?Forget protocols, why would someone allow themselves to be clubbed to death when they're armed? Rupa Subramanya (@rupasubramanya) June 18, 2020 Unfortunate to see you hiding behind agreements that in no way were intended to facilitate murderous attacks on our soldiers. Just a few months ago you said: "confronted by security challenges, this India has also responded with a new grit. Instead we get feeble excuses. Amitabh Dubey (@dubeyamitabh) June 18, 2020 Some also pointed towards China's own repeated breaches of the signed agreements in questioning the government's response, while others noted that the said articles in the treaties referred to peace-time SOPs and not the norms during violent clashes. Jaishankar's single line reply to his detractors invokes agreements signed under the previous Congress governments. The first agreement between India and China was signed in 1993 and related to border disputes and maintenance of peace until final resolution. But what does the treaty actually say on peace and wartime SOPs. "In case of contingencies or other problems arising in the areas along the line of actual control, the two sides shall deal with them through meetings and friendly consultations between border personnel of the two countries. The form of such meetings and channels of communications between the border personnel shall be mutually agreed upon by the two sides." But the agreement also mentions that neither side should transgress the Line of Actual control. "Neither side shall use or threaten to use force against the other by any means. No activities of either side shall overstep the line of actual control." It also stated, "In case personnel of one side cross the line of actual control, upon being cautioned by the other side, they shall immediately pull back to their own side of the line of actual control." This agreement, the first to have thawed India-China ties on paper after the Indi-China war, was signed under the Congress government lead by PV Narsimha Rao. When it was deemed 'not enough' to ensure lasting peace, the governments of the two countries signed another agreement in 1996, which Jaishankar also referred to. This agreement made it incumbent upon both sides to not use their armies against each other. "Neither side shall use its military capability against the other side. No armed forces deployed by either side in the border areas along the line of actual control as part of their respective military strength shall be used to attack the other side, or engage in military activities that threaten the other side or undermine peace, tranquility and stability in the India-China border areas." The death of 20 soldiers in this case, by stone pelting and physical combat, points to a different interpretation or a complete disregard to the above by the Chinese side. The 1996 agreement also categorically mentioned that neither side were to use firearms against each other. "Neither side shall open fire, cause bio-degradation, use hazardous chemicals, conduct blast operations or hunt with guns or explosives within two kilometers from the line of actual control." It is this part, mentioned within Article VI of the 1996 treaty that is cited in explaining why firearms were not used at the border. However, the same agreement also makes it binding upon the two governments to respect the Line of Actual Control, not deploy heavy artillery against each other, and maintain communication about any border infrastructure. On the subject of face-offs, the agreement also specifies use of maximum self restraint, and the pointer against not using fire arm was in the same spirit. It obviously did not envisage a situation where blunt force will be used to deliberately cause major injury and even death. "If the border personnel of the two sides come in a face-to-face situation due to differences on the alignment of the line of actual control or any other reason, they shall exercise self-restraint and take all necessary steps to avoid an escalation of the situation. Both sides shall also enter into immediate consultations through diplomatic and/or other available channels to review the situation and prevent any escalation of tension." The 2005 agreement further mirrored the principles laid down in the 1996 treaty, further adding modalities to settle the border dispute. It too laid down procedure to avoid a violent situation. "Pending an ultimate settlement of the boundary question, the two sides should strictly respect and observe the line of actual control and work together to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas," it said. Reports defy almost all of the above pointers as both sides have heavy deployment at the border despite efforts underway to diffuse the situation. Latest media reports, citing satellite images, suggest that despite talks being underway to disengage, there is a heavy troop buildup on the Chinese side, with massive construction equipment in tow. The Economic Times report that despite agreeing to maintaining a temporary no-man's land, the People's Liberation Army remains deployed in Indian territory near Patrol Point 14. BR Deepak, an expert on Sino-India relations and professor at the Centre for Chinese and South East Asian Studies of the Jawaharlal Nehru University, echoed similar views. He told News18 in an interview that Article IX of the same agreement was to do with the right of either side to seek clarifications from the other side in case it felt that the agreement was not being followed in spirit. "Chinese side repeatedly abused this article of the agreement. We know that they arduously expanded infrastructure on their side of the border, against the spirit of the agreement, but when India tried to follow suit, they used this article to warn Indians that the agreement was not being followed," he said. The clash in the Galwan Valley is the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while the death toll on the Chinese side was over 300. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long LAC. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it. With inputs from PTI The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, has today announced the third call for proposals under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The Fund is part of the Department of Rural and Community Developments Rural Development Investment Programme which is funded under Project Ireland 2040. The Fund is providing 1 billion in investment over 10 years to support the regeneration and development of rural towns, villages and outlying areas. Initial funding of 315 million was allocated on a phased basis over the period 2019 to 2022. The first call for applications to the Fund closed in September 2018. Arising from the first call, 38 successful Category 1 projects and 46 Category 2 projects were announced, with funding of 86m provided from the Fund to support projects worth 117m. The second call for Category 1 applications for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund closed in August 2019. Arising from the second call, 26 projects were approved for funding of 62 million to support projects costing 95 million. To date, the Fund has now provided 148 million for 110 projects across Ireland, worth a total of 212 million. I am pleased to announce the launch of the third call for proposals under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The impact of the funding allocated under previous call to the Fund has been transformative for rural communities, said Minister Ring. Since the conclusion of the first call in late 2018, this Fund has provided 148 million in support for over 100 projects, located all across the country, worth a combined total of 212 million. The funding of these projects was very well timed, as they are right now delivering an immediate and much needed economic stimulus in rural Ireland. The assistance provided by this Fund has meant that businesses and communities have benefitted from the activity and jobs provided in delivering these projects, at precisely the time they have been most needed. This call under the Fund is for Category 1 applications, which relate to capital projects that have planning in place and are ready to commence at the date of application. It is expected that a funding announcement relating to the second call for Category 2 applications for projects which require assistance for project development work in order to reach full delivery readiness will be made shortly. This call for applications to the Fund seeks to provide assistance in supporting economic recovery in rural areas in light of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and to assist in delivering sustainable regeneration in rural towns and villages, driving greater economic activity and helping to address challenges such as dereliction and vacancy. Applications to the Fund which support in the decarbonisation of the economy and environmental sustainability are particularly welcome. The level of investment provided by the Fund is more important than ever to address the challenges arising from the COVID-19 crisis and to drive the economic recovery and sustainable development of rural areas. The focus of this third call will be to support large-scale strategic projects that will significantly assist our rural towns and villages to bounce back from the crisis in the months ahead, the Minister continued. It is vitally important that the project proposals for the Fund seek to make a tangible and sustainable contribution to economic recovery, the continued development of rural towns, villages and their communities and help support the transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy. In order to make certain that we receive the very best applications possible and that the requirement for communities, agencies and Local Authorities to source the necessary match funding is kept to a minimum, I have increased the funding rate that will apply to projects approved under the third call under the Fund to a maximum of 90%, he concluded. The Fund is seeking to support large-scale, ambitious projects which deliver on the objectives set out above. In that regard, applications of scale are sought, with a minimum funding request of 500,000. Applications to the Fund must be led by a State-funded body - Local Authorities, Local Development Companies, State agencies, commercial State bodies etc. - but collaboration between parties, including with communities, is strongly encouraged. The closing date for the receipt of proposals is 12 noon, on Tuesday 1st December 2020. Full details of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund are available on the Department of Rural and Community Development website at https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/c77144-rural-regeneration-and-development-fund/ The federal government has rejected the new levels of misrepresentation in the United Kingdom All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Religious Freedom Report on Nigeria. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, made this position known in a statement in Abuja on Friday. The report released by the UK based Group on International Religious Freedom Report on Nigeria on June 15, had alleged that the Nigerian government was allowing armed Islamist groups to kill, maim and displace Christians, through a systematic cleansing. The report, titled Nigeria Unfolding Genocide?, painted a picture of an ongoing religious/ethnic cleansing ongoing in Nigeria, with government doing almost nothing to end the reign of terror, which it claimed was particularly targeted at northern Christians. Attacks by armed groups of Islamist Fulani herdsmen have resulted in the killing, maiming, dispossession and eviction of thousands of Christians. The presidential aide, however, condemned the report, saying: Although it is difficult reading, the statement also acknowledges the importance of accurate, unbiased, depoliticised and truthful information when it comes to understanding the realities and addressing the challenges for those of faith in Nigeria. In this regard when uncritical attention is afforded to critics with dubious intentions, it only becomes harder for both the government and people of Nigeria to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve our differences, and uphold what is enshrined in our Constitution and laws: that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Mr Shehu said it is clear for all to see that there have, for generations in Nigeria, been tensions between two major religions, Christianity and Islam and between herders and farmers. He said the conflict between herders and farmers was informed by the struggle for access to ever-decreasing arable and farmland due to a rapidly rising population, temperatures and desertification through global warming. Exacerbating those tensions, our nation has also been in recent times and focused within the northern states subject to vicious and criminal attacks by the terror group Boko Haram. In concert with our American and British allies, Nigerias military have pushed back the terrorists and largely reduced their capacity over the last five years compared to the previous decade, he maintained. He maintained that the Boko Haram sect had been targeting Christians and Churches specifically because they know it drives forward religious and land tensions already existent in the country, saying the sect also attacked mosques and Muslims in the country. READ ALSO: He said: In the months and years ahead, our President who is Muslim and our Vice President who is an evangelical Christian pastor are irrevocably committed to addressing these multiple and long-term challenges for todays and future generations. These include: Continuing and increasing Nigerias efforts alongside our allies to fully defeat and finally finish Boko Haram, in order to bring security to the north of the country. Continuing to seek, negotiate for, and secure the return of all those held hostage and in captivity by the terrorists, regardless of the religious faith or belief. Uniting our nation through dialogue organised around respect for difference in religion. Such a programme is already underway under the leadership of the Vice President, Pastor Yemi Osinbajo. Addressing, through Joint Federal and State Governments programmes, access to arable farmland with land mandated both for farmers and herders. The federal government will issue detailed measures regarding this plan and its rollout in the coming weeks Countering fake news particularly on social and digital media by working with the non-partisan stakeholder community, the National Broadcasting Commission and social media platforms themselves, to address the proliferation of false and inflammatory commentary. The presidential aide assured that the federal government would at all times work with those both within and without Nigeria with a concern for the rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. In this regard, he said, the Nigerian government looked forward to welcoming members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group to Nigeria to see for themselves the work that is going on to promote these fundamental rights of our citizens. (NAN) ahahahahaha yes call em all out, make em all pay Reply Thread Link Yeah, Im no fan, but Im not about to just randomly believe text blocks on Instagram with no receipts. Reply Thread Link Agreed. This kind of shit is toxic. Reply Parent Thread Link Mte Reply Parent Thread Link His face is enough of a receipt for me Reply Parent Thread Link Sounds like something a stupid ass white high schooler would say. But Im not going to cancel someone just because an Instagram confessional says something with no proof to back it up. Reply Thread Link how are they supposed to have proof of that Reply Parent Thread Link Fair point. But just seems like a slippery slope if Instagram texts posts can get you cancelled with nothing to back them up but a trust me guys Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Can a potato even be canceled tho? Reply Thread Link why did we even let him be a thing in the first place? he's so charmless and fugly Reply Parent Thread Link His parents are rich and well connected Reply Parent Thread Expand Link It's called blight Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Stop offending potatoes or I'll cancel you. Reply Parent Thread Link This aint atkins. We do NOT cancel potatoes here. Reply Parent Thread Link yep, we about to turn him into potato skins for the eat the rich brunch. *scoops a dollop of sour cream* Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Look potatoes are delicious and I think we need to find a new food to call these bland white guys. What about moldy bread? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link The entire thread is great wheeze. Reply Parent Thread Link my doctor cancelled potatoes for me this week ;__; Reply Parent Thread Link What did potato do to deserve this treatment? Reply Parent Thread Link Im not defending him but like isnt it stupid... didnt he like raise money for blm :\ this argument is going to be used whenever somebody gets called a racist now, isnt it? Reply Thread Link It's the new "I can't be racist I have a black friend!" Reply Parent Thread Link In a post a few weeks ago when someone criticized that racist Camilla person a different commenter said something to the effect of "but she donated to BLM before it was popular." Like what???? This isn't carbon offsetting, sheesh... Reply Parent Thread Link oh my god the mental hoops people jump through for their faves Reply Parent Thread Link oh my god that video of him singing sorry, I am deceased Reply Thread Link i believe it tbh sounds like the edgy thing white frat dudes do and then befriend one black guy to make it seem like they're not racist, and greet them saying "my brutha" Reply Thread Link Goodbye Reply Thread Link i'm confused, does the ig post say that the ansel in question was ansel elgort? or just a random ansel that went to the school he went to and everyone's assuming it's elgort? also, kinda ot and youtube-related: has anyone else been keeping up with the tana mongeau thing? a youtuber named kahlen barry made a video calling her out for a bunch of microaggressions she made towards him when he was a minor working on her collab channel. his video is really sad but she's ignored it while having her manager silence mutual friends so they don't speak up in his favor, and her (mostly) white friends have mocked him for the video. all the while also tweeting about blm and retweeting petitions. Reply Thread Link Did he go to LaGuardia? Reply Parent Thread Link yes. he was classmates with timmy. eta: ansel's a year older, but they went to the same school. Edited at 2020-06-19 02:17 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link ansel elgort??????...my mans...my bby...my fucking cinnamon apple??? Reply Thread Link oh my, what is the context of this gif??? Reply Parent Thread Link yes, i'd like to know too lol Reply Parent Thread Link Camillas expression is great. I put down my Chardonnay for this?! Reply Parent Thread Link Off topic but I'm kinda sick of seeing posts about people from SNL Ben Affleck ana se armas can we get some more interesting people in our game Is Britney made some bangs for herself Adele she posted something about Grenfell towers Edited at 2020-06-19 01:10 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link Off-topic comments are against the rules. You're free to scroll past the posts of celebs who aren't "interesting" to you. If you want to see a post about a certain celebrity or topic then make one. Reply Parent Thread Link So I guess not much of a community Reply Parent Thread Expand Link People go ot all the time Reply Parent Thread Expand Link You should submit these posts to break up the constant Batfleck/Armas posts tbh. Be the change you wanna see bb Reply Parent Thread Link Art thou fingers broken? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Rodrigo works very hard to snap those Ben and Ana pics for your entertainment, he doesnt need this disrespect Reply Parent Thread Link Rodrigo needs to be paid don't make him lose his coin. :/ Reply Parent Thread Link I was going to say werent there tweets already exposing his racist ass? but then I remember I was thinking about Shawn Mendez. I always mix those two up. Reply Thread Link I am unsure as to which one should be insulted here. Reply Parent Thread Link "She and the rest of the family have made Ansel's inevitable success something of a family project. Don't mess with the Elgorts: They stick up for one another. When Ansel did not get the only part he really wanted in the fifth grade play at Trinity, the fancy Manhattan prep school where all three Elgort kids were enrolled, his mother removed him from the school." https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/news/a2660/ansel-elgort/ I mean, his parents removed him from a school when he didn't get the lead in a 5th grade play. Him being racist is not that surprising!"She and the rest of the family have made Ansel's inevitable success something of a family project. Don't mess with the Elgorts: They stick up for one another. When Ansel did not get the only part he really wanted in the fifth grade play at Trinity, the fancy Manhattan prep school where all three Elgort kids were enrolled, his mother removed him from the school." Reply Thread Link "don't mess with the elgorts" i just heaved Reply Parent Thread Link IKR! Like, what the hell? He had no control over being raised by entitled parents, but to report this as a charming anecdote over a decade later shows his cluelessness. Also, in this interview a female director mentions casting him because he kissed an actress during the audition, which she said is really not typical! Like, WTF??? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Seriously Reply Parent Thread Link Rich people are pathetic. Reply Parent Thread Link Wow id be so embarrassed :| Reply Parent Thread Link lol. Draco Malfoy irl vibes. Reply Parent Thread Link "I mean, his parents removed him from a school when he didn't get the lead in a 5th grade play." Whoa, him and Lea Michele should date. Reply Parent Thread Link god this explains so much about him Reply Parent Thread Link Is this real life or Law & Order Reply Parent Thread Link NY/New England aristocracy and upper rich are so fucking entitled. Pieces of shit, all of them. Reply Parent Thread Link oooo mummy removed bb potato from school because bb potato lacked talent oooooooooooooo Reply Parent Thread Link I read the whole article and boy... white privilege and entitlement are written all over it. Reply Parent Thread Link Bonkers Reply Parent Thread Link jesus christ that's pathetic Reply Parent Thread Link His Charles Dickens novel looking ass was always cancelled for me, so no loss here. Reply Thread Link https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/news/a26827/ansel-elgort-cherchez-la-femme-interview/ I guess these kids don't remember him from his TFIOS days when he outted himself as an asshole in that disastrous interview. Reply Thread Link I can remember several interviews where he just revealed himself to be a terrible person, and this is one of them! Like, he's awful. Reply Parent Thread Link Chinese businesses support African countries in epidemic fight From:ChinaDaily | 2020-06-17 16:11 Chinese business companies have stood firmly behind African countries in the fight against COVID-19, with both State-owned enterprises and private companies becoming vital forces. Chinese Enterprises of Commerce in Liberia donated a batch of medical supplies and food to help the Liberian government stop the spread of the epidemic. Donations, including 300 bags of rice, 50 hand-washing buckets and 40 cartons of bleach, were handed over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Frontpage Africa Online reported Monday. The institution is committed to developing economic and trade cooperation between Chinese enterprises and the government of Liberia, as well as the business community, said Sun Yongbo, president of China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Liberia. Chinese enterprises have created many employment opportunities in Liberia, covering several sectors, such as construction, mining, fisheries and agriculture, Sun added. Faced with the sudden attack of COVID-19, China and Africa have been supporting each other and making concerted efforts, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a press conference on Friday. According to a communique issued on Saturday by the African Union, China has ensured the supply of 30 million testing kits, 10,000 ventilators and 80 million masks each month for Africa. China Airport Construction Group Corp donates medical supplies to help Togo fight against the COVID-19. [Photo/mofcom.gov.cn] China Airport Construction Group Corp donated 100,000 medical masks to Togo on May 26, devoting efforts to provide support and help to the African country. A representative from the government thanked the Chinese side for donating the COVID-19 pandemic response commodities, which are greatly needed in Togo. It demonstrated that Chinese enterprises are taking on more social responsibility and the friendship between Togo and China is becoming closer and closer. Last month, Cosco Shipping (Africa) Inc also donated 10,000 medical masks and 200 bottles of hand wash gel to Transnet, South Africa's national freight and logistics group, to support local port enterprises to fight against COVID-19. Shipping enterprises are a key part of global logistics chain, Zhou Ronghua, general manager of the Container Management Department of Cosco Shipping (Africa), said, adding that the company will carry on its social responsibility and join hands with local people in fighting the virus. Reagent and testing equipment manufacturer Sansure Biotech Inc, a Hunan, Changsha-based biotech company, also responded in a timely manner to help African countries fight COVID-19. The company adopted video calling to help African peers solve training problems and provide technical guidance. Africa's confirmed COVID-19 cases surpassed the 250,000-mark to reach 251,866 with 6,769 deaths as of Tuesday afternoon, maintaining a mortality rate far below the global average. The continent's anti-epidemic efforts have achieved better-than-expected results, thanks to strict preventive measures, a young population and COVID-19 cooperation with China, according to a Xinhua report. Jennifer Lawrence has joined Twitter to speak out against racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd's killing last month. The Oscar-winning actress has gone public on her own verified Twitter account with the handle @JLawrence_RepUs. In her first tweet, Lawrence retweeted a video from the organization RepresentUs which the actress is a board member of featuring actor Omar Epps detailing the high percentage of black men incarcerated in the United States. Nearly 1 in 4 Black men in America will be locked up at some point in their life. In this short video, @omarepps & @desmondmeade explain how corruption has broken our criminal justice system& what we can do to fix it. #UnbreakingAmerica #JusticeForSale https://t.co/nBgujzH2BH pic.twitter.com/Jhw4Jtav5L Jennifer Lawrence - Represent.Us (@JLawrence_RepUs) June 16, 2020 Lawrence's second tweet features a personal statement from the actress regarding the death of Breonna Taylor, a black woman who was killed in her own home by Louisville Metro Police in March. The officers involved in Taylor's murder have yet to be charged and are still employed by the LMPD. "As a Louisvillian, as a human being, I cannot be silent. I join all those who are speaking out against this grave injustice, calling upon Attorney General Daniel Cameron to take immediate action to hold those responsible for her death accountable," the Kentucky native wrote. "Mr. Cameron, the longer you wait to bring criminal charges against officers Jonathan Mattingly, Myles Cosgrove, and Brett Hankinson, the more trust erodes," the actress continued. "I urge you to commit to transparency in the investigation and prosecution of these officers, and address the LMPD's insufficient response to Breonna Taylor's murder. Lawrence added, "We must not allow the erasure of Black women to continue in America. As many activists and leaders have been imploring for years: #SayHerName." Follow @News18Movies for more Fran Ruchalski, The Enterprise / The Enterprise Lamar State College Orange confirmed one case of the coronavirus Thursday, and is investigating a second contracted from this week, both students attending the college. LSCO is working with the local health department to follow-up with any individuals who were potentially exposed, the district announced in a statement. LSCO is also working with the campus cleaning services to ensure classrooms are fully cleaned and sanitized. Former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson will serve as interim president of the University of Wisconsin System starting July 1, the UW Board of Regents announced Friday. The appointment of the states longest-serving governor comes after a deeply divisive search that left thousands of System employees feeling left out of the process and identified a single finalist who dropped out last week amid mounting opposition from faculty, staff and students. Thompson, 78, will serve for at least a year and steer the Systems 26 campuses through an unprecedented chapter: Universities are attempting to safely reopen this fall amid a pandemic, they face increasing financial losses related to COVID-19, and they are nearing the next round of state budget negotiations in which many expect the coronavirus-rocked economy to bring more cuts to campuses. Thompson takes the reins from Ray Cross, who has led Wisconsins public university system since 2014 and announced his retirement last fall. Cross officially leaves office June 30 but will stay on as a consultant for 90 days. He has often been caught between a Republican-controlled Legislature reluctant to give the System more money and campus employees who say he does not advocate on their behalf strongly enough. A spokesperson for Thompson said he was not available for an interview Friday. In a statement, Thompson said the System is Wisconsins most valuable asset. I will be its biggest advocate and its toughest evaluator, he said. No other institution in the state can do more to improve lives, communities, and Wisconsins economy. The board met behind closed doors Thursday afternoon for nearly two hours to consider candidates for interim president and did not publicly vote on or discuss candidates. Regent President Drew Petersen has authority under board policy to name an interim president on his own. He asked Thompson to jump into the position, though Petersen also said the former governor had unified support from the board, which currently includes eight members appointed by former Republican Gov. Scott Walker, eight appointed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and two who serve by virtue of their state leadership position. Regent Karen Walsh, an Evers appointee, said the selection of Thompson reflects the boards commitment to move forward in a bipartisan way. We need him to work across the aisle, she said in a Friday video call with reporters. With the job we have ahead of us, we need all hands on deck. Elected governor in 1986, Thompson served four terms before stepping down to become U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under Republican President George W. Bush. At Thompsons request, he will be paid $489,334, the minimum annual salary under board policy. Failed search A search committee that lacked any faculty or staff identified a single finalist, University of Alaska System President Jim Johnsen, in early June after months of closed-door meetings. Johnsen withdrew his name from consideration last week, citing process issues that the System needed to work out. Reflecting on the search that began last fall and has been marred with criticism, Petersen said the board learned the importance of transparency. Good leaders learn from mistakes and going forward there will be discussions between members of the Board of Regents on the importance of having a committee that is expansive, he said on the call. I think were open to that. Asked if the board would commit to naming multiple finalists, Petersen again said he was certainly open to the concept. Were going to do some internal discussion and review about where we go going forward, he said. By no means am I or the Board of Regents rigid. On the advice of the Systems search consultants, the board will not open a search until this time next year. Over the next 12 to 18 months, Walsh said its important for the System to lead through listening and collaboration because the next permanent president will be watching. Referring to the search that just concluded as failed, she said creating an environment where people work across the aisle will help attract the best applicants as the board gears up to try again. Reaction across Wisconsin Many politicians praised the boards selection of Thompson. Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, called him a legend. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said he couldnt be happier with the boards pick. Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, said he didnt always agree with Thompson on public policy, but called him a conscientious leader who takes the time to explore all sides of an issue. Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, urged Thompson to be a champion of the System who wont submit feeble budget requests. An Evers spokeswoman did not provide requested comment on Thompsons appointment. Thompson was born in Elroy and earned his bachelors and law degrees from UW-Madison. He was a member of the state Assembly in 1971 when it voted to create the UW System. UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank called Thompson a tireless supporter of the states flagship campus and said he brings valuable political and executive experience to the table. Professors, too, welcomed Thompsons hiring. A statement signed by a group of faculty members who regularly meet with System officials said Thompson has a long track record of supporting public higher education in Wisconsin. UW-Milwaukee professor Nick Fleisher, who leads the Wisconsin conference of the American Association of University Professors, said one of Thompsons strengths is that he carries enough personal and political clout to throw away Cross blueprint, a plan unveiled last month that calls for most campuses to begin the process of cutting academic programs and eventually laying off employees. The plan prompted backlash from professors, and Cross has since backed away from what he called the plans aggressive timeline. Petersen and Walsh seemed to step further away from the plan on Friday, with Petersen describing it as a series of thoughts that amounted to a quasi-exit interview for Cross. He said Thompson will get direction from campuses and the board before making a decision. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Love 10 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 1 Angry 6 Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 09:48:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close AUCKLAND, New Zealand, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Two officers were shot and seriously injured in a shooting incident in New Zealand's West Auckland, the police said on Friday. Superintendent Naila Hassan, Waitemata District Commander, said that the local police were responding to an unfolding serious incident in Massey, West Auckland. "At around 10.30 a.m., a police unit has performed a routine traffic stop on Reynella Drive. There have been shots fired at police officers," said Hassan. Two officers were shot and seriously injured. A member of the public was also hit by the vehicle and was injured, said the police. Multiple sources including local media reported that one police officer was shot dead. However, the New Zealand police have not confirmed it. It was reported that the offender has fled the scene in a vehicle, and the police have a large presence actively searching for the offender. The police have advised all members of the public to avoid the local area. Local schools are in lockdown due to the incident. Enditem Kington, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/19/2020 -- QuickBooks file merge services are used when data is entered into a local data file not into the networked data file, when data is entered into two different data files and files needed to be combined, when consolidating multiple QuickBooks data files into a single file after adding a class to each data file. File merge services are also used to merge data files prior to uploading to QuickBooks Online and when amalgamating companies and continuing operations as a single entity. The merge process involves two steps: Merging lists which includes the Chart of Accounts, Customers, Vendors, Employees, Items, and Other Names and merging transactions which includes all financial transactions. If a list name is present in the primary file, it will be merged; if not, the name will be added to the primary file. All transactions from the secondary files are transferred to the primary file. The QuickBooks 'classes' feature is used to track data by department, entity, or location.Two classes can be merged by editing the second class and make the name identical with the first class. QuickBooks Online company files can be merged as long as they are converted to the QuickBooks Desktop format prior to the merge. The desktop files are merged and will need to be uploaded to a new QuickBooks Online company file. The merged desktop file can be uploaded back to the QuickBooks Online as long as it is not more than 60 days old. QuickBooks does not allow payroll transactions to be merged from the secondary files into the primary file. Username are not transferred from the secondary files to the primary file and budget data cannot be merged. E-Tech offers an industry-standard solution to combine data from multiple company files into a single company file with a money-back guarantee. Classes are added to all transactions in each company file which can be used for reporting purposes. The merged file is then audited to ensure all transactions were merged correctly. For more information on this service, visit: https://quickbooksrecovery.co.uk/quickbooks-file-data-services/quickbooks-file-merge-service/ About E-Tech E-Tech is the leading service provider of QuickBooks File Repair, Data Recovery, QuickBooks Conversion and QuickBooks SDK programming in the UK and Ireland. In their 20 years plus of experience with Intuit QuickBooks, they have assisted over 1000 satisfied customers with their requirements. E-Tech UK covers US, UK, Canadian, Australian versions which include Reckon Accounts, and New Zealand versions of QuickBooks through PC and Mac platforms. For media inquiries regarding E-Tech, individuals are encouraged to contact Media Relations Director, Melanie Ann via email at Melanie@e-tech.ca. To learn more about the company, visit: https://quickbooksrecovery.co.uk/ NASSAU, Bahamas, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation is preparing for Phase 2 of the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, which will begin on Wednesday, July 1 and allow for the resumption of international travel to The Bahamas, with the exception of visitors from China, Iran, Italy and France. Policies and Procedures for all travellers visiting The Bahamas beginning July 1 are as follows. Plans continue to evolve in response to COVID-19 trends, and so additional guidance will be communicated as details are available. Due to the recent increase of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., and in an abundance of caution for the health and safety of both travellers and residents, all incoming visitors must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test upon arrival. Results must be no more than ten (10) days old. Select individuals will be exempt from testing, which includes children under the age of two, private pilots who do not deplane, and Bahamian citizens, residents and homeowners returning from English speaking CARICOM countries. All travellers will be required to complete an electronic Health Visa. Additional information is forthcoming. No quarantine will be required upon arrival, however, travellers who show symptoms of COVID-19 may be transferred to an area away from other passengers for further testing and evaluation. All inter-island travellers must complete an electronic Domestic Travel form at travel.gov.bs prior to departure and for any inter-island travel within The Bahamas . An automated response will be provided upon completion. All travellers must have their confirmation on hand upon arrival to their destination. This is a crucial step for contact tracing purposes. . An automated response will be provided upon completion. All travellers must have their confirmation on hand upon arrival to their destination. This is a crucial step for contact tracing purposes. At airports and seaports, healthcare personnel will conduct temperature screenings for all incoming visitors. Travellers will be required to wear a face mask in any situation where it is necessary to enforce physical distancing guidelines, such as when entering and transiting air and sea terminals, while navigating security and customs screenings, and at baggage claim. As part of Phase 2, hotels and vacation rentals, including Airbnb and HomeAway will open to guests. Domestic and International airlines are permitted to resume service, and many are beginning to announce plans for their return to The Bahamas: Delta Airlines will be resuming its twice daily Atlanta to Nassau service July 2 to service United Airlines announced its daily Houston to Nassau service will resume July 6 and the Saturday-only Denver to Nassau service will resume July 11 . to service will resume and the Saturday-only to service will resume . American Airlines will resume flights to Nassau and Exuma on July 7 . and Exuma on . Air Canada is scheduled to resume flights from Toronto to Nassau on July 3, 2020 Additional airlift resumptions are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Travellers should check with airlines directly for details on recommencement of service and any protocols for travel. This July 1 tourism re-entry builds on and supports existing government rules and regulations, which already allows for the resumption of travel for international boaters, yachters and those traveling on private aviation as well as inter-island domestic travel for Bahamian citizens and residents. Once on island, travellers should expect to follow The Bahamas' "Healthy Traveler Campaign" that encourages both visitors and residents to continue practicing social distancing measures, regularly wash hands or use hand sanitizers, and pack appropriate PPE such as face masks, just as they would their swimsuits and sunscreen. A Certification Agency has been established - representing a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health, and other regulatory agencies - to enforce a Clean & Pristine certification program across the islands. All tourism related, customer-facing entities in The Bahamas must verify they have in place and are adhering to the Government approved health and safety guidelines to receive Clean & Pristine certification. Adequate signage outlining policies will be clearly displayed at all locations helping to guide staff and visitors. Travellers are encouraged to visit direct business websites prior to booking or traveling to ensure they are aware and comfortable with the policies they will need to abide by. Additional details about on-island protocols can be found at www.bahamas.com/travelupdates. Reopening of borders will continue to be monitored and guided by The Bahamas government and health officials. Reopening dates are subject to change based on COVID-19 trends, if there is a deterioration in improvement or if government and health organizations deem these phases unsafe for residents or visitors. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation believes it is an absolute baseline requirement for consumers to have a comfort level that The Bahamas is a safe and healthy destination to visit, and the ultimate goal is for that to remain the case. For more information, or to view the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, please visit: www.bahamas.com/travelupdates. All COVID-19 inquiries should be directed to the Ministry of Health. For questions or concerns, please call the COVID-19 hotline: 242-376-9350 (8 a.m. 8 p.m. EDT) / 242-376-9387 (8 p.m. 8 a.m. EDT). PRESS INQUIRIES Anita Johnson-Patty Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation [email protected] Weber Shandwick Public Relations [email protected] SOURCE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Related Links http://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates My Telegraph column for last Saturday, Alton residents have long history of fighting racism, included thumbnail biographies of our citys abolitionists and civil rights activists. Since it dealt with local history, I shared it on several Facebook pages that invite posts about Altons past. Responses from readers were generally favorable. One post, however, was so bizarre that I read it twice just to make certain that my eyes werent deceiving me. It read: These idiots will want to take down Elijah Lovejoys (sic) next! They dont know anything about history. By these idiots, he surely meant the protesters who are demanding the removal of statues honoring Confederates. In some instances, these protesters have taken matters into their own hands by vandalizing these statues. This gentleman believes that Altons own Elijah Lovejoy is next on the protesters hit list. Gee, where to start? Perhaps I should begin by pointing out the very obvious. The statue of Elijah Lovejoy, the abolitionist newspaper editor, cant possibly be removed because it doesnt exist. Lovejoy, killed in Alton 1837 by a mob determined to destroy his newest printing press, is honored by a magnificent monument in Alton Cemetery, where he is buried.. This gentleman saw images on TV of statues across American that are being vandalized by activists. It evidently eluded the gentleman who posted that comment, however, that these statues were erected to honor the soldiers and politicians who served the Confederacy, which rested on the twin toxic pillars of white supremacy and perpetual slavery for blacks. These impassioned activists pose no threat to a monument that immortalizes the memory of one who lost his life in the struggle against slavery. As I posted on that Facebook thread, The only persons who would agitate for the removal of a monument honoring an abolitionist are white supremacists. Theres a horrendous misconception among conservatives that the campaign to remove statues depicting long-dead Confederates is part of some nefarious plot concocted by liberals to erase our nations history. I assure you that isnt the case. Indeed, we liberals encourage the study of American history because it will make more Americans understand why these statues should be taken down. Protesters in Richmond, Virginia brought down a statue of Jefferson Davis, who was president of the Confederacy. Davis served as secretary of war in the pre-Civil War Pierce administration, which makes his treason to the United States even more odious. He was a white supremacist who proclaimed while serving as Confederate president that slavery was established by the decree of Almighty God and was sanctioned in the Bible, both Testaments. Ill now pose what I hope is a rhetorical question for most of you. Does a traitor who was also a white supremacist deserve to be honored with a statue? Were not erasing history. One learns history by reading books, not by gazing at statues. The long-ago generations of Americans that raised these statues were so racist that they believed even traitors who fought to perpetuate white supremacy in an entire region of the United States deserved to be honored. Most Americans today no longer hold such a toxic belief, which explains why these statues are coming down. Nancy Pelosi has called for the removal of eleven statues of Confederates from the halls of Congress. One of these statues honors Confederate Vice-President Alexander Stephens, who proclaimed that the Confederacy is founded uponthe great moral truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery, subordination to the superior race is is natural and moral condition. Stephens was such an ardent supporter of slavery that, on the eve of the Civil War, he was agitating for the resumption of the Atlantic slave trade, which had been banned since 1808. A traitor and racist such as Stephens does not deserve to be honored by having a statue in our nations capitol or anywhere else in the United States. John J. Dunphy is an author, the Godfrey 15th Precinct Democratic Committeeperson and recording secretary for the Godfrey Democrats. Dozens of scientists are calling on a leading medical journal to retract a study that suggested wearing face masks protected tens of thousands of people in New York and Italy from coronavirus infection. The group slammed the study for 'egregious errors' and unfounded assumptions in a formal retraction request letter to the journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). It's not so much the key takeaway of the study - that masks help prevent coronavirus infection - that the group takes issue with, but the conduct of the researchers who published the paper. The concerned scientists point out that the study's findings are based on claims that are 'flatly untrue' about when and what public health measures and used these inaccurate assumptions to claim airborne particles were the 'only viable route for spreading the disease' in April. Earlier this month, two other consequential coronavirus studies were retracted from the medical journals the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) and The Lancet after scientists raised concerns over the data on which they relied. Experts warn that the breakneck pace of studies on coronavirus may be undermining the accuracy of research at a crucial moment. Scientists are urging the journal PNAS to retract a study that claimed mask wearing prevented 66,000 infections in New York City, citing 'egregious errors' and 'flatly untrue' statements 'The paper made extraordinary claims about routes of transmission, the effectiveness of mask-wearing, and by implication, the ineffectiveness of other non-pharmaceutical interventions,' wrote the concerned group of scientists. 'While we agree that mask-wearing plays an important role in slowing the spread of COVID-19, the claims in this study were based on easily falsifiable claims and methodological design flaws.' The PNAS study concluded that wearing a face mask has prevented tens of thousands of people from being infected with the novel coronavirus. Researchers found that the requirements lowered the number of infections 66,000 in New York City, the former epicenter of the US outbreak, in just three weeks. And in northern Italy, formerly the center of the pandemic in Europe, infections were decreased by nearly 80,000 over the course of a month. The researchers said that mask-wearing is even more important for preventing the spread of the virus than social distancing and stay-at-home orders. This, they wrote, was because coronavirus is an airborne virus that is most commonly spread when people talk or cough and infected droplets are spewed into the air. But these conclusions relied in part on false representations of the steps being taken in various parts of the US and Europe to slow the spread, the retraction request letter charges. The study authors - led by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Dr Mario Molina, a professor at the University of California, San Diego - claimed that the entire US was under the same social distancing and stay-at-home orders by April 3, with the exception of New York City, where face masks were also mandated. The study was led by Nobel Prize-winning UC San Diego chemist Dr Mario Molina, who said that critics simply 'didn't understand the paper' It was on the basis of that statement that the authors concluded 66,000 prevented infections could be attributed to face masks alone. 'It is flatly untrue that there were no other regulatory differences between NYC and the rest of the US on those dates; it is also untrue that NYC was the only region in the US mandating use of face coverings,' wrote Dr Noah Haber, a postdoc at Stanford University on behalf of the concerned scientists. In fact, New York's mask order wasn't in effect until April 17, although New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio recommended that residents wear face coverings outdoors on April 2. New Jersey was the first state to mandate masks on April 8. By April 20, Maryland, Connecticut, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island had all signed similar requirements into law. While the PNAS study is only one of many to find that masks are effective at reducing the spread of coronavirus, it stood out for its suggestion that this measure was solely responsible for such significant reductions in case counts. Numerous other studies have found that social distancing and lockdowns were also crucial in controlling coronavirus outbreaks. In a retraction request, scientists say the authors of the PNAS study incorrectly represented the timing of mask orders in New York City as compared to measures in place across the US 'While masks are almost certainly an effective public health measure for preventing and slowing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the claims presented in this study are dangerously misleading and lack any basis in evidence,' wrote Dr Haber and his co-signers. 'As societies debate the risks of re-opening and relaxing social distancing measures, it is crucial that decisions rely on a solid evidence base.' PNAS told The New York Times it is aware of the potential issues and is investigating. Dr Molina has adamantly defended the study in interviews with the Times. 'We show in the paper itself that we know things are complicated, we know that theres social distancing, we know that its sometimes perfect, sometimes not,' he said, although Dr Molina admitted that some of the paper's sentences may have been 'exaggerated.' 'The just didn't understand the paper,' he added. His posture was quite different from that of the lead author of a highly controversial study on hydroxychloroquine, which was retracted from The Lancet earlier this month. 'We all entered this collaboration to contribute in good faith and at a time of great need during the COVID-19 pandemic. We deeply apologise to you, the editors, and the journal readership for any embarrassment or inconvenience that this may have caused,' wrote Dr Mandeep Mehra, a Harvard cardiologist in an apology co-signed by two of his three co-authors. More than 120 scientists worldwide raised concerns about data used in that paper and a second on blood pressure medications and coronavirus, also led by Dr Mehra and published in the NEJM. Both studies have been retracted, and alarm bells over the speed of COVID-19 science and resulting errors or potential fraud have been sounding throughout the medical and scientific community yet. PNAS has not yet released a decision on the mask paper's fate. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has pledged to ensure the M20 between Cork and Limerick is progressed amid doubts over the route under the proposed coalition. Mixed messages around the long-promised motorway have triggered one of the first controversies in the planned government and before any vote has even been counted on parties supporting the deal. In a statement to the Irish Examiner, Mr Martin pledged that he, as Taoiseach, and his party would be 100% behind the intercity route. Mr Martin said: I am fully behind the M20 motorway project and my party will ensure its progression over the next few years. This upgrade is badly needed in terms of taking traffic out of the villages and towns along the route, reducing travel times, and most importantly saving lives. Fresh doubts over the promised Cork to Limerick motorway have emerged after Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe admitted the key route must still be negotiated if the new coalition is formed. Green TD Ossian Smyth has triggered the debate about the proposed M20 motorway after saying this week that it will not be complete during the next five years and that a rail line could be an option. While he and key figures in the proposed three-way coalition have scrambled to allay concerns about the route, it emerged there was no certainty the M20 will be agreed under the coalition pact. Speaking to Newstalk, Mr Donohoe said Fine Gael wanted the route. He said: I and my party remain absolutely committed to road projects such as the Cork to Limerick project and we will be very firmly arguing the case for projects like that and indeed in the programme for government it makes very clear that the government will support those projects that are about joining up our cities. And I believe that is a project that fits that criteria. Nonetheless, there is no certainty the three-way deal with Fianna Fail and the Greens will guarantee the motorway goes ahead. He confirmed: If we are in government, we will be arguing very firmly for that project to go ahead. When pressed about Mr Smyth's comments, Mr Donohoe said there would be areas that require negotiation in the new coalition. That is the nature of a coalition government that is going to involve three different parties. We have done our best in the programme for government to get agreement on that which we have in common. "But I think it is the case if the government is formed, that there will be much debate and there will be areas that require negotiation and careful engagement. While there is no specific mention of the M20 in the coalition document, plans are already underway for the 80km motorway to connect the two largest cities outside of Dublin and to improve road safety. The document also says the three parties will continue to invest in new roads infrastructure to ensure that all parts of Ireland are connected to each other. Deputy Green leader Catherine Martin also tried to quell any row, suggesting to RTE earlier that it would go ahead. If there are commitments there and investment has gone in, then those roads will go ahead. Nonetheless, she also left mixed messages, saying there was a commitment in the coalition document for a two-to-one investment in public transport versus roads. That's where we need to be. The confusion triggered calls for clarity, after communities in Munster have waited years for the intercity connection. Labour Cork East TD Sean Sherlock said: The N20 is one of the most dangerous roads in the country with numerous serious accidents every year. "The design contract for the M20 was finally awarded earlier this year and we have been assured by Fine Gael and Fianna Fail that the project is going ahead, yet this morning we now hear that it is up for negotiation. The M20 is a vital piece of national infrastructure that is important for the economic development of the South West as a strong economic counter-balance to Dublin and the East Coast and for balanced regional development. "I am calling on the three parties seeking to form the next Government to clarify whether the M20 will proceed with the current timetable. At present, the best-case scenario for completion of this critical infrastructure is 2027 and any attempts by the Green Party to delay the project will kick this date into the next decade. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has backed the politician who was kicked out of the countrys parliament on Wednesday for calling a member of another party racist. Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), had to leave the House of Commons after trying to pass a motion acknowledging the existence of systemic racism in Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Mr Singh had called Alain Therrien, a member of the Bloc Quebecois party, racist after he refused to support the motion, which also called for a review into the polices use of force. As his language constituted a breach of parliamentary protocol, the speaker ejected Mr Singh from parliament for the rest of the day. The prime minister told reporters on Thursday: "It is important that we recognise when the only racialised leader in the House of Commons makes a statement like that, that it comes from a place that yes, will make people uncomfortable, but needs to be dealt with as we move forward as a country. Mr Singh, who became the first minority leader of a national political party in Canada, later posted a video on Twitter explaining his actions. The NDP leader cited some examples of systemic racism in Canada in recent months, including the treatment of indigenous chief Allan Adam, who was beaten up by an RCMP officer in March over an expired license plate. He accused the Canadian government of not confronting systemic racism and police violence, following the global protests that were sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. Referring to Mr Therriens objection to his motion, he added: "I'll be honest, I got angry. But I'm sad now. Because why can't we act? Why can't we do something to save people's lives? We can do something, and why would someone say no to that?" Recommended Canadian indigenous chief Allan Adam battered by police during arrest The Bloc Quebecois party tweeted on Wednesday asking Mr Singh to apologise for his comments, which it said were damaging to Mr Therriens reputation. It also said that racism was a major issue in Canada, before adding that it had objected to Mr Singhs motion on the grounds that the House of Commons public safety committee was already looking into systemic racism in the police. The glass ceiling is a metaphor used to describe the phenomenon where minorities, like women, find themselves unable to advance further in the corporate ladder. Though many would like to believe that we are now in a more progressive society, it is an unfortunate fact that there are still such barriers in the way of many who want to rise in the ranks. That's what makes it all the more impressive when those people who aren't white men do somehow find their ways into the upper echelons of company hierarchy. This list will celebrate these female leaders, ranked by the 2020 Fortune 500 list of the companies that they run. 10. Vicki Hollub Starting off the list is Vicki Hollub the leader of Texas-headquartered hydrocarbon and petrochemical company Occidental Petroleum. The company was founded in 1920 and Vicki came to head it in 2016. At the time of her initial appointment, she became the first woman to head a major American oil company. And it's no wonder with her background in and extensive knowledge of mineral engineering. 9. Lynn Good Secretary R. Perry meets with Lynn J. Good. Image credit: US Department of Energy/Flickr.com Next is Lynn Good. This Miami University graduate helms the large Duke Energy Corporation, a North Carolina-based operation that works in electrical power, with assets in the US and Canada. Lynn became the CEO of this firm in 2013. Her career history is storied, going from partnering at Arthur Andersen and Deloitte before making her way to the energy sector where she continued to rise to power. 8. Kathy Warden Northrop Grumman Corporation, Beechcraft. Image credit: Eric Salard/Wikimedia.org Kathy Warden at the age of just 48 is an incredibly powerful businesswoman, having recently come in as the CEO and president of Northrop Grumman in 2019. Her work in the aerospace and defense technology company is backed up by her background in cybersecurity and information technology. She originally joined the company in 2008 and in the 10 years that she worked there, she managed to make her way up to executive level. 7. Tricia Griffith Tricia Griffith became the CEO of the aptly named Progressive Corporation in July of 2016. The company itself is an Ohio-based insurance company that is one of the largest providers of car insurance in all of America. It also provides insurance in Australia and is a powerhouse of a company in its position in no small part due to the efforts of its woman leader. 6. Phebe Novakovic General Dynamics Corporation is yet another aerospace and defense corporation, coming in as the fifth-largest defense contractor in the US in 2019. Headquartered in Fairfax County, Virginia, it produces an array of hardcore military hardware. And this intimidating company is run by a former intelligence officer, Phebe Novakovic. Of Serbian descent, Phebe graduated from the Smith College in Massachusetts in 1979 before making her way into General Dynamics. 5. Safra Catz Oracle is one of the biggest computer technology corporations, with business in database software, cloud engineered systems and enterprise software products, particularly in its own line of database management systems. This massive company is run by no one else but Safra Catz who in addition to being a technology executive is a billionaire banker. She's run the company as one of two joint CEOs since 2014. 4. Corie Barry Corie Barry was appointed as the CEO of the well-known chain Best Buy in 2019. The retailer is considered to be the largest in its industry of consumer electronics and is headquartered out of Richfield, Minnesota. It sells its products internationally in Canada and Mexico, and at one point even operated in China and Europe. 3. Carol Tome Carol Tome has an impressive career even before coming to power as the CEO of the United Parcel Service, or UPS for short. At one point she worked for Home Depot and in her time there the company saw massive expansion and growth. Now at UPS she still does an admirable job, running the package delivery service with aplomb and skill. 2. Gail Koziara Boudreaux Gail Koziara Boudreaux. Image credit: The White House from Washington, DC/Public domain This next organization isn't quite as much of a household name as some of the other entries in this list. Anthem is a health insurance provider. But it's not just any insurance provider, it's actually the largest for-profit managed health care company in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. And it's run by CEO Gail Koziara Boudreaux. 1. Mary Barra Mary Barra. Image credit: US Government/Public domain The last and highest-ranked organization and CEO pair on this list is General Motors and its helmswoman Mary Barra. GM, for short, is a Detroit-based company that designs, manufactures and distributes vehicles and vehicle parts, and is the largest American automobile maker as well as one of the largest in the world. Mary Barra came to run it in 2014 and was at the time the first female CEO of a major automaker. This illustration shows NASA's Cassini spacecraft flying through plumes on Enceladus in October 2015. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech Several years ago, planetary scientist Lynnae Quick began to wonder whether any of the more than 4,000 known exoplanets, or planets beyond our solar system, might resemble some of the watery moons around Jupiter and Saturn. Though some of these moons don't have atmospheres and are covered in ice, they are still among the top targets in NASA's search for life beyond Earth. Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's moon Europa, which scientists classify as "ocean worlds," are good examples. "Plumes of water erupt from Europa and Enceladus, so we can tell that these bodies have subsurface oceans beneath their ice shells, and they have energy that drives the plumes, which are two requirements for life as we know it," says Quick, a NASA planetary scientist who specializes in volcanism and ocean worlds. "So if we're thinking about these places as being possibly habitable, maybe bigger versions of them in other planetary systems are habitable too." Quick, of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, decided to explore whetherhypotheticallythere are planets similar to Europa and Enceladus in the Milky Way galaxy. And, could they, too, be geologically active enough to shoot plumes through their surfaces that could one day be detected by telescopes. Through a mathematical analysis of several dozen exoplanets, including planets in the nearby TRAPPIST-1 system, Quick and her colleagues learned something significant: More than a quarter of the exoplanets they studied could be ocean worlds, with a majority possibly harboring oceans beneath layers of surface ice, similar to Europa and Enceladus. Additionally, many of these planets could be releasing more energy than Europa and Enceladus. Scientists may one day be able to test Quick's predictions by measuring the heat emitted from an exoplanet or by detecting volcanic or cryovolcanic (liquid or vapor instead of molten rock) eruptions in the wavelengths of light emitted by molecules in a planet's atmosphere. For now, scientists cannot see many exoplanets in any detail. Alas, they are too far away and too drowned out by the light of their stars. But by considering the only information availableexoplanet sizes, masses and distances from their starsscientists like Quick and her colleagues can tap mathematical models and our understanding of the solar system to try to imagine the conditions that could be shaping exoplanets into livable worlds or not. While the assumptions that go into these mathematical models are educated guesses, they can help scientists narrow the list of promising exoplanets to search for conditions favorable to life so that NASA's upcoming James Webb Space Telescope or other space missions can follow up. "Future missions to look for signs of life beyond the solar system are focused on planets like ours that have a global biosphere that's so abundant it's changing the chemistry of the whole atmosphere," says Aki Roberge, a NASA Goddard astrophysicist who collaborated with Quick on this analysis. "But in the solar system, icy moons with oceans, which are far from the heat of the Sun, still have shown that they have the features we think are required for life." To look for possible ocean worlds, Quick's team selected 53 exoplanets with sizes most similar to Earth, though they could have up to eight times more mass. Scientists assume planets of this size are more solid than gaseous and, thus, more likely to support liquid water on or below their surfaces. At least 30 more planets that fit these parameters have been discovered since Quick and her colleagues began their study in 2017, but they were not included in the analysis, which was published on June 18 in the journal Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. With their Earth-size planets identified, Quick and her team sought to determine how much energy each one could be generating and releasing as heat. The team considered two primary sources of heat. The first, radiogenic heat, is generated over billions of years by the slow decay of radioactive materials in a planet's mantle and crust. That rate of decay depends on a planet's age and the mass of its mantle. Other scientists already had determined these relationships for Earth-size planets. So, Quick and her team applied the decay rate to their list of 53 planets, assuming each one is the same age as its star and that its mantle takes up the same proportion of the planet's volume as Earth's mantle does. This animated graph shows levels of predicted geologic activity among exoplanets, with and without oceans, compared to known geologic activity among solar system bodies, with and without oceans. Credit: Lynnae Quick & James Tralie/NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Next, the researchers calculated heat produced by something else: tidal force, which is energy generated from the gravitational tugging when one object orbits another. Planets in stretched out, or elliptical, orbits shift the distance between themselves and their stars as they circle them. This leads to changes in the gravitational force between the two objects and causes the planet to stretch, thereby generating heat. Eventually, the heat is lost to space through the surface. One exit route for the heat is through volcanoes or cryovolcanoes. Another route is through tectonics, which is a geological process responsible for the movement of the outermost rocky or icy layer of a planet or moon. Whichever way the heat is discharged, knowing how much of it a planet pushes out is important because it could make or break habitability. For instance, too much volcanic activity can turn a livable world into a molten nightmare. But too little activity can shut down the release of gases that make up an atmosphere, leaving a cold, barren surface. Just the right amount supports a livable, wet planet like Earth, or a possibly livable moon like Europa. In the next decade, NASA's Europa Clipper will explore the surface and subsurface of Europa and provide insights about the environment beneath the surface. The more scientists can learn about Europa and other potentially habitable moons of our solar system, the better they'll be able to understand similar worlds around other starswhich may be plentiful, according to today's findings. "Forthcoming missions will give us a chance to see whether ocean moons in our solar system could support life," says Quick, who is a science team member on both the Clipper mission and the Dragonfly mission to Saturn's moon Titan. "If we find chemical signatures of life, we can try to look for similar signs at interstellar distances." When Webb launches, scientists will try to detect chemical signatures in the atmospheres of some of the planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system, which is 39 light years away in the constellation Aquarius. In 2017, astronomers announced that this system has seven Earth-size planets. Some have suggested that some of these planets could be watery, and Quick's estimates support this idea. According to her team's calculations, TRAPPIST-1 e, f, g and h could be ocean worlds, which would put them among the 14 ocean worlds the scientists identified in this study. The researchers predicted that these exoplanets have oceans by considering the surface temperatures of each one. This information is revealed by the amount of stellar radiation each planet reflects into space. Quick's team also took into account each planet's density and the estimated amount of internal heating it generates compared to Earth. "If we see that a planet's density is lower than Earth's, that's an indication that there might be more water there and not as much rock and iron," Quick says. And if the planet's temperature allows for liquid water, you've got an ocean world. "But if a planet's surface temperature is less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), where water is frozen," Quick says, "then we have an icy ocean world, and the densities for those planets are even lower." Explore further Astronomers find formula for subsurface oceans in exomoons More information: Lynnae C. Quick et al, Forecasting Rates of Volcanic Activity on Terrestrial Exoplanets and Implications for Cryovolcanic Activity on Extrasolar Ocean Worlds, Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (2020). Lynnae C. Quick et al, Forecasting Rates of Volcanic Activity on Terrestrial Exoplanets and Implications for Cryovolcanic Activity on Extrasolar Ocean Worlds,(2020). DOI: 10.1088/1538-3873/ab9504 HOUSTON, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Lancium, a data center technology company, and MP2 Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shell Energy North America (US), L.P., today announced the first successful load-only Controllable Load Resource (CLR) designation by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). While available since 2004, achieving this designation is a first in ERCOT for a load only and without generation. Power consumption can be the single largest expense for companies that play in the High-Throughput Computing (HTC) space, like machine learning, cryptocurrency mining, and fluid simulations, and this energy optimization option can significantly reduce those costs. "As demand response pioneers, we are thrilled to partner with MP2 on this breakthrough achievement," said Lancium CEO, Michael McNamara. "Lancium has been dynamically ramping server power consumption for years. Being the first designated CLR is a testament to our technical and IP leadership." High-Throughput Computing data centers are electricity intensive and energy demand from these data centers is growing around the world. This solution from Lancium and MP2 Energy allows customers to decrease data center power consumption and dispatch excess energy into the energy grid during times when energy is most expensive. Conversely, they can resume power consumption during low price periods. With this revolutionary advancement, data centers will also be able to earn additional revenue providing ancillary services to ERCOT like a traditional generator; they can respond to ERCOT instructions in seconds while simultaneously providing Primary Frequency Response to stabilize the grid. Taken together, these solutions will have the potential to allow data center customers to reduce their average electricity costs by more than 50 percent. It also allows them to respond to ERCOT instructions in seconds, to meet the response characteristics required for CLR. "After collaborating with Lancium, we recognized the value in the unique flexibility of their solution. Combining our capabilities put us at the forefront of an evolving grid that helps reduce cost for our customers," said MP2 Chief Executive Officer David Black, "The increasing volatility of energy supply associated with greater levels of renewable power creates reliability challenges for the electricity grid. This product helps to stabilize the grid in an extremely effective manner, reach new customers and positions us as a leader in demand response, not only in ERCOT, but throughout the U.S." The CLR designation was achieved using Lancium Smart Response software which is covered by existing and pending patents. The Controllable Load Resource designation was achieved at the Compute North Data Center in Big Spring, TX. Compute North is an industry leader in high-powered, large-scale data infrastructure for blockchain, cryptocurrency mining and the broader high-performance computing space. About Lancium: Lancium is a technology company creating software and technical solutions that enable the faster growth of renewable energy. Lancium products include Lancium Smart Response for server power management, the Lancium Compute platform for High Throughput Computing applications and Lancium Clean Compute Centers that absorb excess renewable energy. Lancium solutions help ensure that renewable energy can power our future. LANCIUM, LANCIUM SMART RESPONSE, LANCIUM COMPUTE and LANCIUM CLEAN COMPUTE CENTERS are trademarks of Lancium, LLC. SOURCE Lancium, LLC Burma KIA Warns Civilians Fighting with Myanmar Military Could Erupt Anytime Kachin Independence Army soldiers in Kutkai. / Kyaw Kha / The Irrawaddy YANGONThe Kachin Independence Army (KIA) warned civilians in northern Shan States Kutkai this week that clashes could erupt anytime in the area between the ethnic armed group and the Myanmar military, or Tatmadaw. Since June 1, the Myanmar military and the KIA have clashed violently in Kutkai five times. The township has also seen clashes between the Myanmar military and a KIA ally, the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA). [More] clashes can break out anytime. [Civilians] need to be very careful, KIA spokesman Colonel Naw Bu told The Irrawaddy. Clashes broke out on June 6 and 7 in Kutkai between the Myanmar military and the KIA, and another round of violence took place from Tuesday to Thursday, creating a climate of fear among Kutkai residents. Dozens of people taking shelter at a camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Zup Awng Village in Kutkai had returned to their villages to farm and search for food, as their community has seen a shortage of food due to COVID-19. The renewed fighting on Wednesday forced around 30 of them to flee back to the camp. On Thursday, Myanmar military troops reportedly forced five locals in Kutkai to serve as guides for them, holding them until the evening. There was no fighting on Friday as of midday, according to local residents. The fighting in Kutkai has erupted despite the fact that the Myanmar military has declared a ceasefire due to COVID-19, which is in effect until August 31. There was a clash with the KIA around 9 a.m. on Thursday some 2,500 meters from Namhu Village to the west of the Hsenwi-Kutkai Road, Myanmar military spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told The Irrawaddy. He claimed that clashes took place because KIA troops trespassed into territories controlled by the Myanmar military. But the KIA said it has not reached any agreement with the Myanmar military about troop deployments as it is still in discussions with the Myanmar government and military about signing a bilateral ceasefire agreement. The Myanmar military spokesman gave the same reason for the clashes on June 6 and 7 in Kutkai. But the KIA said the clashes occurred because the Myanmar military sent three columns of troops to attack a hill that houses the frontline headquarters of KIA Battalion 9. Col. Naw Bu has urged Kutkai residents to pay close attention to political and military developments in Kutkai as four ethnic armed groups including the KIA, the TNLA, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA) are all active in the area. The TNLA, the MNDAA and the AA, which have dubbed themselves the Brotherhood Alliance, have also announced a unilateral ceasefire effective until August 31. However, there have already been five clashes between the TNLA and the Myanmar military since early June. Zup Awng IDP camp currently provides shelter for over 1,000 people. Job opportunities are limited due to the COVID-19 crisis and displaced residents have rely on local forests to search for food. But camp advisor U Naung Latt said that since the clashes began, residents can no longer go into the forest. We want a ceasefire during the COVID-19 crisis. The government cant take responsibility to feed the [displaced] people, and no one else can. They have to find food for themselves in forests. Displaced people are now in deep trouble, between COVID-19 problems coupled with renewed clashes, he said. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. You may also like these stories: Hungry Villagers Flee Fighting in Myanmars Rakhine Twenty-Six Killed, Over 100 Injured by Land Mines in Myanmar Since January, Says Report Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Sydney, Australia Fri, June 19, 2020 12:15 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406600ad7c 2 World #Australia,#mining,Rio-Tinto,Aboriginal-heritage-site,destruction Free Mining giant Rio Tinto launched a high-level review of its operations in Western Australia on Friday after the company blew up a 46,000-year-old Aboriginal heritage site to expand an iron ore mine. In announcing the move, Rio Tinto chairman Simon Thompson issued a formal apology to indigenous communities for the destruction on May 24 of ancient rock shelters in the Juukan Gorge in Western Australia's Pilbara region. "The decision to conduct a board-led review of events at Juukan Gorge reflects our determination to learn lessons from what happened and to make any necessary improvements to our heritage processes and governance," he said in a statement. He said the review would begin immediately and would work with the Pinikura and Puutu Kunti Kurrama Aboriginal (PKKP) communities who are the traditional owners of the region. It will issue a final report by October, the company said. Rio Tinto initially defended its blasting in the Juukan Gorge as authorized under a 2013 agreement with the state government. But emotional protests by Aboriginal leaders, who said they hadn't been informed of the planned blasting until days before it happened, led the company to apologies and announce the review. The cultural importance of Juukan Gorge was confirmed by an archaeological dig carried out at one of the rock shelters a year after Rio Tinto obtained approval to blast in the area. The dig uncovered the oldest known example of bone tools in Australia -- a sharpened kangaroo bone dating back 28,000 years -- and a plaited-hair belt that DNA testing linked to indigenous people still living in the area. "There are less than a handful of known Aboriginal sites in Australia that are as old as this one", Puutu Kunti Kurrama Land Committee chair John Ashburton said, describing the site as one of the earliest-occupied locations nationally. "Our people are deeply troubled and saddened by the destruction of these rock shelters and are grieving the loss of connection to our ancestors as well as our land," he said. The state government also said it would review the laws governing mining operations near indigenous heritage sites. The issue surfaced again last week when another mining giant, BHP, said it had just been given government approval to destroy up to 40 indigenous heritage sites in the ore-rich Pilbara. BHP subsequently said it would also review its plans, but did not commit to protecting the Aboriginal sites as it pursues an Aus$4.5 billion (US$3.1 billion) expansion of its South Flank iron ore mine. Iron ore is Australia's top export, worth more than Aus$77 billion to the economy last year. Much of it is extracted from the sparsely populated Pilbara, where indigenous groups have ownership rights over large swathes of the region. London: She is known the world over for her campaign for girls' education. Now Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has finished her degree at Oxford University and, like all students, is just looking forward to some sleep and some movies. With universities in Britain temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Yousafzai posted pictures on social media which showed her celebrating with a cake and balloons, and covered in foam, paint and confetti as per tradition for Oxford students on the last day of their final exams. "Hard to express my joy and gratitude right now as I completed my Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree at Oxford. I dont know whats ahead. For now, it will be Netflix, reading and sleep," she said on her Twitter and Instagram feeds. Congratulations poured in on social media, including from aid charity Oxfam, which said: "Congratulations, you are an inspiration!". Hollywood and Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who has 54 million Instagram followers, said: "Congratulations Malala!! Thats amazing." Wirecard, once hailed as the darling of Germany's financial technology scene, is now facing a fight for survival amid scrutiny into its accounting practices. The payments processor said Thursday, for the fourth time, that it couldn't publish its financials for 2019. Auditors at EY couldn't account for 1.9 billion euros ($2.1 billion) of cash on its balance sheet, it said. Wirecard added that there were indications a trustee tried to "deceive" EY about the existence of those cash balances. To be clear, 1.9 billion euros represents about a quarter of the company's balance sheet. On Friday, it was announced that CEO Markus Braun had resigned "with immediate effect" and that incoming board member James Freis would take his place as interim CEO. But these are just a couple of events in an extensive saga that has seen the financial technology company's share price collapse thanks to a string of fraud accusations. Here's a summary of Wirecard's rise and subsequent fall from grace. Where it all began Wirecard's origins date back to 1999, when its Berlin-based predecessor InfoGenie was founded. Wirecard listed its shares on Frankfurt's stock exchange through a reverse merger with InfoGenie in 2005. Markus Braun, CEO of the technology and financial services company Wirecard, poses in the company headquarters in Aschheim near Munich, southern Germany, on September 18, 2018. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP) (Photo credit should read CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP/Getty Images) CHRISTOF STACHE | AFP | Getty Images Markus Braun, an Austrian computer scientist, joined Wirecard in 2002 and became both chief executive and chief technology officer of the company. Braun saw the firm through an aggressive international expansion, launching an Asia-Pacific subsidiary in Singapore and reaching into the U.S. market through the acquisition of Citigroup's prepaid card services division. Wirecard's main line of business is processing electronic payments for merchants. According to its website, Wirecard's customers include FedEx, Fitbit and Dutch airline KLM. It also owns a licensed-back subsidiary, as well as its own mobile payment app called Boon. Notable among Braun's achievements was overseeing the sharp increase in Wirecard's share price, and its replacement of Commerzbank on Germany's blue-chip DAX index in 2018. Once a little-known name, the company had by then gained a reputation as one of Germany's top tech companies, climbing to the ranks of the likes of SAP and Infineon. FT allegations However, Braun's achievements have been eclipsed for the last 18 months by an investigation into Wirecard's accounting practices by the Financial Times. It began in January last year, when the newspaper published a report about the alleged use of forged and backdated contracts at its Singapore office to inflate revenue. The paper described a practice called "round-tripping," where allegedly, a series of potentially dubious transactions are made across borders to various units in order to make them appear legitimate to local auditors. A separate FT story in October claimed that staff at Wirecard's finance team appeared to conspire to fraudulently inflate sales and profits at subsidiaries in Dubai and Dublin and potentially mislead EY. Wirecard did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by CNBC, but put out a video online on Friday in which Braun said it "cannot be ruled out" that Wirecard was itself the victim of "considerable" fraud. The company has repeatedly denied the FT's allegations and even sued the newspaper over its reporting, accusing it of colluding with short-sellers. The FT in turn rejected those accusations, and an external, independent review last year from law firm RPC into the FT's reporting on Wirecard found no evidence of collusion with market participants. Missing cash balances On Thursday, the company made a stunning revelation: Its auditor couldn't find 1.9 billion euros of cash balances on trust accounts to be included in its 2019 consolidated financial statements. An illuminated logo sits on the exterior of Wirecard's headquarters in the Aschheim district of Munich, Germany. Michaela Handrek-Rehle | Bloomberg | Getty Images The situation has thrown Wirecard's future into jeopardy. The firm says that if it cannot produce audited financials this week, about 2 billion euros worth of loans could be terminated Friday. It presents a liquidity crunch for the firm, according to Richard Sbaschnig, a senior analyst on the forensic team at investment research firm CFRA. That's in part due to the fact that 1.7 billion euros of Wirecard's cash is held by regulated entities Germany-based Wirecard Bank and U.K.-based Wirecard Card Solutions. "There are typically regulatory restrictions on accessing this cash for general corporate purposes," said Sbaschnig. The company's market capitalization, once as high as 24 billion euros, has collapsed to less than 5 billion euros. Its share price is down more than 70% since the FT's investigation was first published on Jan. 30. On Friday, it's shares were down 46%, adding to Thursday's huge 62% loss. Barry Norris, founder of fund manager Argonaut Capital, which holds a short position in Wirecard, said he believes the company could be "declared insolvent by the weekend." "Braun has brazenly tried to portray the company as a victim of fraud and instead tried to focus investors on apparently strong reported revenue growth," said Norris. "If the cash balances are non-existent, then logic would also suggest that current trading is equally fictitious." The exit of Braun on Friday marks a sudden and dramatic conclusion to his 18 years at the helm of Wirecard. Braun had previously resisted calls to resign from investors, repeatedly defending the company's accounting procedures. Has Germany been too lenient? [June 18, 2020] COVID-19 Impact and Recovery Analysis - Global Cleanroom Technology Equipment Market 2020-2024 | Evolving Opportunities with Alpiq Holding Ltd. and Ansell Ltd. | Technavio The global cleanroom technology equipment market is expected to grow by USD 1.36 billion as per Technavio. Steady growth is expected to continue throughout the forecast period, and the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6%. The report also provides the market impact and new opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200618005822/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Cleanroom Technology Equipment Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Request for Technavio's latest reports on directly and indirectly impacted markets Market estimates include pre- and post-COVID-19 impact on the cleanroom technology equipment market - Download free sample report Demand for cleanroom technology from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries is expected to drive the market. Cleanroom technology enables users to control the environment and prevent contamination from pollutants such as dust, microbes, airborne particles, chemical vapor, and water vapor. As a result, the market is expected to grow at a neutral rate, unlike different industrial sectors, that are expected to witness a steep decline in terms of market growth due to the outbreak of COVID-19. 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/cleanroom-technology-equipment-market-industry-analysis The market is driven by the growing healthcare industry. In addition, the introduction of new universal standards for air filters is anticipated to boost the growth of the cleanroom technology equipment market. The aging population and the increasing prevalence of various diseases have been fueling the growth of the global healthcare industry. For instance, the national health expenditures in the US grew at a rate of 4.8% in 2019 compared to 4.4% in 2018. In addition, the 20-year patents of many branded drugs are expected to expire in the coming years. This is expected to attract significant investments in the development of generic drugs. In the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, cleanrooms are used to eliminate contaminants from operators as well as from the air to ensure the quality of products. Therefore, the growth of the global healthcare industry is expected to have a positive impact on the cleanroom technology market during the forecast period. 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 Major Five Cleanroom Technology Equipment Companies: Alpiq Holding Ltd. Alpiq Holding Ltd. operates its business through segments such as Generation Switzerland, Generation International, and Digital and Commerce. The company offers and supports the installation of cleanrooms for the pharmaceutical, electronics and food industries, hospitals, plastic manufacturers, and research laboratories through its product Alpiq InTec. Ansell Ltd. Ansell Ltd. operates its business through segments such as Industrial and Healthcare. The company offers a line of products such as BioClean cleanroom grade gloves with high standards. Ardmac Ardmac operates its business through a unified segment. The company offers industry-leading cutting edge cleanroom solutions to global clients with modular HVAC systems, while delivering cost-effective solutions through standardization. Azbil Corp. Azbil Corp. operates its business through segments such as Building Automation, Advanced Automation, and Life Automation. The company offers a line of products such as Multi-Loop Controller and Multifunction Display Model C7G/C7S with resistive touch-panel which is easy to operate in cleanrooms. Clean Air Products (News - Alert) Clean Air Products operates its business through a unified segment. The company offers a line of products such as air showers for modular cleanrooms to reduce or eliminate the product defects for increased yields. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Cleanroom Technology Equipment Product Outlook (Revenue, USD bn, 2020-2024) Consumables Equipment Cleanroom Technology Equipment Market Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD bn, 2020-2024) North America APAC Europe South America MEA Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report About Technavio 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/20200618005822/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] San Antonio officials reported 408 new coronavirus cases and two new deaths on Thursday as a resurgence of COVID-19 continued unabated. Some 267 patients were being treated for COVID-19 in San Antonio-area hospitals, an increase of 26 from Wednesday. In the past few days, we have seen staggering increases in both positive cases and hospitalizations, said Mayor Ron Nirenberg, speaking at a televised briefing. These are trends that we should be concerned about and act accordingly. The two deaths brought Bexar Countys total since the start of the pandemic to 92. Nirenberg said the victims were both Hispanic males, one in his 70s, the other in his 80s. The newly confirmed cases brought the countys total to 5,550. Of the COVID-19 patients in area hospitals as of Wednesday, 92 were in intensive care, one more than on Tuesday. Forty were on ventilators, three fewer than the day before. Still, both indicators were markedly worse than at the start of June, when there were 39 patients in intensive care and 20 on ventilators. The latest coronavirus figures were reported a day after Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff issued orders mandating that businesses require employees and customers to wear masks. Testing for COVID-19 is now available to everyone, with or without symptoms. People over 60 and with underlying health risks such as hypertension or diabetes are encouraged to get tested. For more information, call 311 or the citys COVID-19 hotline, 210-207-5779, or visit covid19.sanantonio.gov. Scott Huddleston covers Bexar County government and the Alamo for the San Antonio Express-News. To read more from Scott, become a subscriber. shuddleston@express-news.net | Twitter: @shuddlestonSA Jean Kennedy Smith, the last surviving sibling of former United States President John F. Kennedy, died at the age of 92. Her daughter, Kym Smith, confirmed the sad news and said that her mother passed away on Wednesday in her New York apartment. In an interview with CNN, Kym said that her mother lives a vibrant life up until her last breath. "It is the end of an era. She lived a great life," Kym said. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on February 20, 1928, Jean Kennedy Smith was the youngest daughter of Rose and Joseph Kennedy. She shared eight siblings, namely Senators Robert F. Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy, Eunice Shriver, Patricia Kennedy Lawford, and the late U.S. President JFK. For decades, the Kennedy family had been a major influence in American society and politics. Jean was the first Kennedy woman of her generation to embark on a serious political role. In 1990, she became a U.S. ambassador to Ireland. She played a major role in ending decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, which she is most proud of, according to her daughter. "She did an amazing job on the peace process. She worked tirelessly," Kym Smith noted. Jean Kennedy Smith's Career According to the Kennedy presidential library, Jean was first exposed to national politics when she helped the Presidential campaign of her brother, then-Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy, in 1960. When her brother secured the presidency, Jean would often accompany him on official visits. One particular event was JFK's June 1963 visit to the home of their ancestors in Ireland five months before his assassination in Dallas. In 1974, Jean established a non-profit organization called "Very Special Arts," which was affiliated with the Kennedy Center that provides art education opportunities for persons with disabilities. Even beyond her retiring age, JFK's sister worked tirelessly and was also appointed as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland at the age of 65. She served as Ambassador from 1993 to 1998. Jean mostly dedicated her life doing philanthropy works and charity functions. In 2011, she received a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama for her role with "Very Special Arts." Family Life Jean was always seen as the devoted and quiet sister who stayed away from the spotlight while still supporting her politically-inclined family. In her 2016 memoir "The Nine of Us," Jean described her childhood as something "unexceptional." "It is hard for me to fully comprehend that I was growing up with brothers who eventually occupy the highest offices of our nation, including president of the United States," Jean said in the book. "At the time, they were simply my playmates. They were the source of my amusement and the objects of my admiration." In 1956, Jean married the Kennedy family's financial adviser and future White House chief of staff, Stephen E. Smith, at the age of 28. The couple shared four children, namely,Stephen Jr., William, Amanda and Kym. READ MORE: Kristen Stewart Is The New Princess Diana -- But Is She The Right Choice? Amid growing international conflicts over Libya, the eastern Mediterranean Sea and Syria between great powers and regional powers, the Turkish Armed Forces have invaded Iraqi Kurdistan. They reportedly aim to destroy Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militias in Shingal in Nineveh province, and Makhmour, Qarachogh, Mount Qandil, Khuakurk, and Zap across the Kurdistan region. After launching airstrikes on regions of northern Iraq controlled by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), code-named Operation Claw-Eagle, on early Monday, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday on Twitter that a new Operation Claw-Tiger has begun. Commando forces are already in Iraqs Haftanin region, it said, to neutralize the PKK and other terrorist elements that threaten the security of Turkish people and borders. Yesterday, according to Turkeys state-owned Anadolu Agency, Turkish forces hit over 500 targets of the PKK with F-16 jets, howitzers and multiple rockets. The Turkish invasion of Iraq comes after a series of operations against the PKK in Turkey and against its Syrian section, Peoples Protection Units (YPG) in Syria, since the Trump administration green-lighted a Turkish offensive targeting YPG last October. Turkish soldiers conduct patrol on outside Manbij, Syria. (Wikimedia Commons) The Turkish Interior Ministry claimed that there are only 438 PKK militants in Turkey now, and that this number was around 2,780 in 2016. This month, the government accused the PKK of killing six road construction workers in two separate attacks in Van and Srnak with roadside bombs. After the Turkish airstrikes, Baghdad summoned Turkeys ambassador to Iraq, Fatih Yldz and gave him a formal memorandum, asserting that the airstrikes contravene international law and principles of mutual respect, according to Iraqi Kurdistans Rudaw agency. However, Iranian forces have carried out their own air strikes into Iraq simultaneously. Yesterday Iraqi Foreign Ministry summoned both the Turkish and Iranian ambassadors in Baghdad over airstrikes. We stress that Turkey must stop its bombardment and withdraw its attacking forces from Iraqi territory, the ministrys statement said on Thursday, calling the invasion a provocative action. We deplore the penetration of Iraqi airspace by the Turkish planes whichat a depth of 193km from the Turkish border inside the Iraqi airspacetargeted a refugee camp near Makhmour and Sinjar, Iraqs Joint Operations Command said in a statement. Turkish jets struck the Khinera area in Sidakan sub-district, killing a shepherd named Abbas Maghdid, aged 30, the mayor of the Sidakan district told Rudaw on Thursday. Maghdid was the first reported civilian casualty. Although there have been no official statements from Ankara or Tehran about a joint military operation against PKK militias in Iraq, several reports have suggested that it is a coordinated offensive. Rudaw cited a report from ISWNEWS, stating, The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has shelled positions of groups of PJAK [Iranian section of the PKK] and PKK in northern Iraq. The air and artillery strikes into Iraq came immediately after an official visit to Istanbul by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif last weekend. Both the Turkish and Iranian bourgeoisie fear that a potential Kurdish state in Iraq or Syria could promote similar sentiments among Kurds living within their borders. As a resulteven though Ankara has supported the NATO war for regime change against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has the backing of Russia and IranTurkey and Iran have an unstated agreement on the need to prevent the YPG from building a US-backed Kurdish state inside Syria. While this unofficial joint military operation by Turkey and Iran against the US-backed Kurdish nationalist forces in Iraq is doubtless closely followed by the United States and the European imperialist powers, they have made no official statement so far, even though a NATO defense ministers summit took place on Wednesday. There are growing tensions between France and Turkey in particular over Libya, the eastern Mediterranean and Syria. Although Paris has not made any statement on the Turkish invasion of Iraq yet, on Wednesday the French Foreign Ministry accused Turkey's navy of acting in a hostile manner towards its NATO allies in the Mediterranean to keep them from enforcing a UN arms embargo on Libya. France and Turkey support rival factions in the Libyan civil war. Last month, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu accused Paris of wanting to help YPG elements carve out a terror state in northern Syria. As a clear confirmation that Turkish states growing attacks on Kurdish nationalists in Syria, Iraq and inside the country are bound up with these broader geopolitical conflicts, the United Arab Emirates, a French ally in Libya, denounced the Turkish and Iranian military operations in Iraq in a statement. It said that they constituted a violation of the sovereignty of a sisterly Arab country and led to intimidation and the spread of terror among innocent civilians. On June 8, President Erdogan called his American counterpart, Donald Trump, in particular over Libya. Afterwards, Erdogan declared we had some agreements during our conversation, but did not give any details. The Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), an umbrella group including the PKK, the Democratic Union Party (PYD) in Syria, and the PJAK in Iran, recently issued a statement. It accused not only Turkey but also Washington and its imperialist allies, the Iraqi government, and the major Kurdish bourgeois parties in Iraqi Kurdistan, the KDP and PUK, of backing the military operation. It stated: The coalition forces led by the USA and the Iraqi state are responsible for the airspace of the attacked areas The coalition forces led by the USA approve these attacks and have become a partner in the Kurdish genocide. However, almost at the same time with Turkish ground operation against PKK militias in Iraq, Kurdish parties in Syria announced an initial political agreement towards Kurdish national unity under US auspices on Tuesday. The agreement has been made between Syrian Kurdish National Council, an affiliate of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) led by the Barzani family in Iraqi Kurdistan, and the Kurdish National Unity Parties (PYNK) led by the PYD. In their statement, US-backed Kurdish nationalist parties declared that this agreement was reached under anti-ISIS international coalitions representative William Reubucks watch, adding: We would like to thank the United States for its contributions to a democratic future that will include the rights of all organizations. On Wednesday, the US embassy in Syria welcomed the agreement with a Tweet. On the other hand, the Turkish government continues its crackdown on the legal Kurdish nationalist Peoples Democratic Party (HDP), which received about 6 million votes in the elections. At the beginning of the month, two HDP deputies were stripped of their parliamentary mandates. Dozens of HDP majors have been dismissed by the government since the March 2019 local elections. Organizing a democracy march against these growing attacks, the HDP is oriented not to the working class, the only social base of a struggle to defend democratic rights, but to the bourgeois Republican Peoples Party (CHP), a traditional Turkish-nationalist party that has always supported oppression of the Kurdish people and wars in the interests of the Turkish ruling class. What brings these parties together is their common orientation to NATO and to imperialism, and to installing a new government more directly aligned with these forces. Amid rising international geopolitical conflicts that could easily erupt into war, and growing working class struggles globally amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the only way to oppose war and defend democratic rights across the Middle East is to build a united, international working class movement against both the imperialist powers and the local bourgeois factions in a struggle for socialist workers power in the region and internationally. Citymapper President Omid Ashtari is leaving the company to join market research start-up StreetBees, according to people familiar with the situation. Ashtari, also Citymapper's head of business, has been with the urban navigation start-up for over six years, making him one of the longest serving employees. Citymapper did not immediately respond to CNBC requests for comment. His departure comes after what was characterized as a falling out between himself and Azmat Yusuf, Citymapper's CEO and founder, according to two former Citymapper employees who asked to remain anonymous given the nature of the discussions. "Omid had been at Citymapper since the early days and always used to be Az's right-hand man, but they had a big falling out at some point in the last couple of years, so when I was there they would barely talk to each other except to make dismissive comments," one of them said. The other said: "Things were strained between them when I was there." Ashtari denied there had been any falling out. "There has been no falling out with Azmat and my departure is very much amicable," he told CNBC. "After more than six years with Citymapper I'm looking for a new challenge and am excited about the opportunity at Streetbees. I will still formally stay involved as an advisor with Citymapper." Ashtari has been an investor and non-executive director at StreetBees since September 2016, according to his LinkedIn profile. He is understood to have handed in his notice at Citymapper around April and is expected to leave in the next month or two. Before joining Citymapper, Ashtari spent seven years at Google, and two and a half years at Foursquare, where he was the managing director of Europe. Citymapper's app provides transportation options for 42 cities worldwide including London, New York, Moscow, Boston, Seattle, Paris, Berlin, Hong Kong and Melbourne. The app consistently appears in the top 10 free navigation apps in the App Store and the Google Play store. Citymapper has not had an obvious revenue stream for much of its life. However, it has experimented with several products over the last few years including a "smart" bus service and a "Citymapper Pass" that can be used to access transport across London. The bus service known as Smartbus, then SmartRide, then Ride was launched in 2017 and terminated in 2019, while the Citymapper Pass lives on. Citymapper's most recent company accounts show that it has racked up losses in excess of 20 million. The company is on the hunt for a buyer, according to a Sky News report from January. Apple, Google, and Uber have all been linked to a Citymapper acquisition at one stage or another but a sale has never gone through. The company raised a $10 million series A round led by Balderton Capital in 2014 and a $40 million series B round led by Index Ventures and Balderton in 2016. Earlier this week, Ashtari told CNBC that Citymapper had raised another round of capital from external investors. Citymapper and StreetBees did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment. Air-Launched BrahMos Missile Receives Combat Clearance Amid Border Conflict With China - Source Sputnik News Rishikesh Kumar. Sputnik International 12:10 GMT 18.06.2020 New Delhi (Sputnik) - The air-launched version of the BrahMos missile, named after India's Brahmaputra River and Russia's Moskva River, has an operational range of 290 km. It can be dropped from 500 to 14,000 metres. The Indo-Russian developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has received combat clearance amid raging border tensions with China in the eastern Ladakh area, an official source at BrahMos Aerospace told Sputnik. "The BrahMos missile system has received 'fleet release clearance' from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification of Defence Research and Development Organisation. This was the final clearance and now the Indian Air Force can deploy all the fighter jets equipped with BrahMos in a combat mission", the official said. The official added that a large fleet of jets equipped with missiles under the BrahMos-Su-30MKI weapon-platform integration programme are ready for deployment. Responding to a question about the size of the delivery, the official said "it is large in number" but gave no additional details, citing the sensitivity of the matter in the current scenario along the Chinese border. Currently, over 100 fighter jets, including Su-30MKI, are positioned at forward bases that include Leh, which is close to the standoff site in Galwan. The Indian Air Force had emphasised in the past that the air version of the BrahMos missile provides a much desired capability "to strike from large stand-off ranges on any target at sea or on land with pinpoint accuracy by day or night and in all weather conditions". The air-launched version of the missile is around 0.65 tonnes lighter in comparison to the ground-launched version weighing 3.2 tons. It is 50 cm shorter than the 8.4 m length of the ground-launched variant. The Indian government cleared a $1.5 billion proposal in 2012 to procure over 200 air-launched versions of the missile, which included money to be spent on integration and testing of the missile with the Su-30MKI. BrahMos Aerospace has been aiming to develop a hypersonic version of a missile that will be able to hit targets five times faster than the speed of sound. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MPs depart question time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House, on June 18, 2020 in Canberra, Australia. (Sam Mooy/Getty Images) NSW Labor MP Stands Aside After Report NSW Labor MP Julia Finn has stood aside from shadow cabinet after she was referenced in a report into branch stacking in western Sydney, but she maintains her innocence. The report suggests seven party members engaged in unworthy conduct, and evidence had been found that meeting records were falsified at several branches, The Daily Telegraph reported. Finn was alleged to have breached party rules, but no action was recommended against her following an investigation by former Queensland Labor secretary Evan Moorhead. #BREAKING: Julia Finn will stand aside from the shadow ministry over allegations of branch stacking within her Sydney electorate.https://t.co/zHR0r6RM8D The Australian (@australian) June 19, 2020 The Granville MP and opposition spokeswoman for consumer protection and carers rejected any wrongdoing on Friday, when she announced she would stand aside from shadow cabinet. Finn said she had asked NSW Labors internal tribunal to urgently consider matters raised about me in an anonymous dossier and in the Moorhead independent review. She said the Moorhead report had found no wrongdoing. NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay accepted Finns explanation regarding a reference in the report, which was handed down in March, but has not been made public. Julia Finn maintains she has not breached any rules, and she is entitled to have her name cleared, McKay said in a statement on Friday. Her decision today to stand aside, and her request to have the matter fully examined by Labors Independent Appeals Tribunal as soon as possible, gives her an opportunity to do this. Finn in a previous statement said the investigation considered an ALP branch meeting in 2014, before she became an MP. She had passed on her apologies as she was unlikely to make the meeting because of her schedule but was pleasantly surprised to arrive before it finished and signed the attendance book. Seven people have been charged by Labor over the unworthy conduct allegations and will front the party tribunal. With COVID-19 restrictions easing, the tribunal will expedite hearings against seven party members whom the Moorhead inquiry found had cases to answer. Their party memberships have been suspended, McKay said. I note the NSW Labor Party adopted the reports recommendations in full when it was handed down in March. Sydney The University of Cape Coast School of Business has been organizing series of e-seminars on various topics to engage the public, students, lecturers and alumni to reflect on challenges and opportunities brought by the Covid-19. On Wednesday 17th June, 2020 the 4th session of the e-seminar was organized on the topic Coronavirus Pandemic: implications for workplace reforms and employee wellbeing. In his introductory comment, the Dean of the Business School, Prof. John Gatsi called for huge investment in ICT to enhance the correction of disruptions to work. He supported his call with data from ILO in which only 10.7% of households in Africa have computers in 2019 and internet use was just about 28% when Europe was 83%. He asked Human Resource experts to unearth other critical challenges that the pandemic has brought apart from job losses such as health and safety, illnesses related to Covid-19 but not through infections to establish a basis for comprehensive solutions. One of the discussants Mr. Francis Eduku, the Vice President and Human Resource Director of Goldfields Ghana Limited explained that one of the issues labor unions and leaders are silent about is the effect of the pandemic on psychological contract which is about the unwritten contracts which cannot be found in the collective bargaining agreements but have become part of the work culture, motivation and recognition. He said all these things have been eroded such that all the unwritten promises made by management and employers to employees for which performance was good could not be fulfilled. He explained that with Covid where people work from home and virtually in many cases nobody is providing work place socialization, acknowledging and recognizing as before. In some cases no employer is interested in whether the home setting provides a conducive environment to work. Mr. Eduku said some workers are isolated and filled with anxiety. He therefore charged the Department of Human Resource Management of the School of Business to conduct a survey into the impact of the pandemic on psychological contracts to provide a balanced perspective of the effect on employees. He also called for collaborative, caring and engaging relationship between employees and employers. On the part of Dr. Hannah Vivian Osei, a senior lecturer at the Department of Human Resource and Organizational Development, KNUST, the work place for some employees have moved to the home with inappropriate set up for work coupled with destructive surroundings. She called on organizations and individuals to invest in virtual infrastructure and assets that will make employees deliver in the new work environment because Coronavirus Pandemic is a strong trigger for reforms to embrace technology intensive work place. Dr. Osei explained that with technology and proper capacity building, everywhere could become the work place. Dr. Osei asked Governments in Africa to invest in ICT to enhance inclusion of Employees and potential employees in the new work place because access to internet and ownership of computers in households is abysmal and that this should attract attention.She also appealed to organizations not to terminate at the least misconduct but to promote negotiations and empathy during the period. She advised employees to protect data and information of their organizations with upscale sensitivity saying flexible work place and working hours should not increase the risk of organizational secrets and information.Dr. Osei advised organizations to place premium on human dignity, pain and empathy to inform any employee who out of extreme consideration and with regards to the law has to be laid off. Dr. Hannah Vivian Osei explained that one positive observation about the pandemic is the serious attention being paid to health and safety at the work place but called for more investments into office layouts to sustain the benefits to employees. On his part Dr. Agbettor encouraged employers not to live in fear that the multiple work locations and flexibility being experienced will expose their vital information to wrong people. He rather asked employers to build such capabilities for their employees to improve trust. Dr. Agbettor who is also the Executive Director of the Institute of Human Resource Practitioners Ghana explained that Covid-19 has increased socialization risk for both employers and employees because to many their source of joy, sharing of experiences for a longtime is the interaction at fixed work place. The challenge now he said is how to build into the new work models the work place socialization. He appealed to employees to provide interest free loans to employees if they have the means and alternatively negotiate with financial institutions for flexible loans to their employees to minimize the financial anxiety. Dr. Agbettor asked employers and organizations not to hide behind the pandemic to deny their employees legitimate expectations and they should be transparent with employees. Dr. Nana Yaw Oppong, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Human Resource Management, University of Cape Coast School of Business, discussed the challenges that the pandemic poses to collective bargaining agreements especially post-Covid and call on labor unions to start discussing the issues. He advised employers to follow redundancy procedures and negotiations. He advised further that redundancy reason as provided by the law is critical. Dr. Oppong explained that employers should not treat employees as victims of the pandemic that should be laid off at the will of the employers without following the redundancy process. BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed improving strategic management to promote high-quality development of the armed forces. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the important instruction at a teleconference on strategic management training of the armed forces. Noting the significance for the armed forces to hold strategic management training, Xi said efforts should be focused on objectives, problems and results to update the management concept and improve the system and mechanism of strategic management. Xi demanded efforts to fully implement the 13th five-year plan for the building of the armed forces and to carry forward the formulation of the 14th five-year plan for military development. CMC vice chairmen Xu Qiliang and Zhang Youxia, who are both members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and CMC members Wei Fenghe, Li Zuocheng, Miao Hua and Zhang Shengmin, attended the event. Samsung Galaxy Note20 is expected to come in two versions - vanilla and Plus-sized that might or might not be named Ultra. Now the prolific leakster Ice Universe shared some specs and dimensions of the phone. The phone will be the successor of the Galaxy Note10+ and will come with the Snapdragon 865+ chipset that is yet to be announced. It will be a bit narrower, with smaller bezels and smaller punch hole for the single selfie camera. A Samsung Galaxy Note phone The new phone will have a 120Hz display of QHD+ resolution, and unlike the Galaxy S20 series, you will get the option to use both at the same time. The Galaxy S20 family allows only a 60 Hz refresh rate with the highest resolution. The display itself will be LTPO OLED which will allow for better power efficiency. Size-wise, the Galaxy Note20 Ultra will be 0.3 mm thinner, while the hole for the front-facing cam is reduced by 1mm in diameter. Bezels on the sides will be narrower than the Galaxy Note10+ by 0.29mm. The top and bottom bezels will also be trimmed down by 0.4mm. While the phone is scheduled to arrive in August, industry insiders shed some light on other devices from the Galaxy portfolio - the Note20 lineup might debut alongside the new Galaxy Watch, while the Galaxy Fold2 and the 5G Galaxy Z Flip will appear allegedly appear in September. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 (in Korean) Trump issues threat day after US top diplomat for East Asia described relations between two countries as tense. US President Donald Trump on Thursday renewed his threat to cut ties with China, a day after the countries two top diplomats held talks and his trade representative said he did not consider decoupling the economies of the United States and China a viable option. The top US diplomat for East Asia described US-China relations as tense after their first high-level face-to-face diplomatic talks in months, although he said Beijing did recommit to the first part of a trade deal reached this year and that the coming weeks would show if there had been progress. Trump has made rebalancing the enormous US trade deficit with China a priority, but relations have worsened as his campaign for re-election in November heats up. On Thursday, Trump took to Twitter to clarify his position after trade representative, Robert Lighthizer, spoke at a House of Representatives committee. The US certainly does maintain a policy option, under various conditions, of a complete decoupling from China, he wrote. It was not Ambassador Lighthizers fault (yesterday in Committee) in that perhaps I didnt make myself clear, but the U.S. certainly does maintain a policy option, under various conditions, of a complete decoupling from China. Thank you! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2020 Lighthizer told the committee on Wednesday that he did not see that as viable. Do I think that you can sit down and decouple the United States economy from the Chinese economy? he said. No, I think that was a policy option years ago. I dont think its a reasonable policy option at this point. His office had no immediate comment on Trumps tweet. US-China relations have reached their lowest point in years since the coronavirus pandemic that began in China late last year. The US has been hit hard, and Trump and his administration have repeatedly accused Beijing of not being transparent about the outbreak. Points of friction Among multiple points of friction, the countries are also at odds over Chinas move to impose new security legislation on Hong Kong, which has prompted Trump to initiate a process to eliminate special US treatment for the territory. Trump made clear the deterioration in the relationship last month when he said he had no interest in speaking right now to President Xi Jinping, whom he has previously hailed as a friend, and suggesting he could even cut ties with China. Lighthizer said he expected to see more supply chains moving to the US because of tax and regulatory changes, but also noted that the US-China trade deal would result in significant positive changes and increased Chinese purchases of US goods and services. The Phase 1 US-China trade deal calls for China to buy $200bn in additional US goods and services over two years, but sceptics say the pandemic and resulting economic slowdowns will make it difficult for Beijing to reach its targets for this year. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Chinas top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, for a day of talks in Hawaii on Wednesday, but those appear to have done little to improve the mood. As the Hawaii meeting began, Trump signed legislation calling for sanctions against those responsible for the repression of Uighur Muslims in Chinas Xinjiang region, prompting Beijing to threaten retaliation. Tense relations David Stilwell, the assistant secretary for East Asia, told reporters that Chinas attitude in the talks could not be described as forthcoming and described relations as tense. He said recent Chinese actions, over India, in the South China Sea and over Hong Kong, had not been constructive and that Washington looked forward to seeing China reconsider its plans for security legislation for Hong Kong. At the same time, Stilwell said China did recommit to following through on the trade agreement and added that efforts to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons were another area of potential cooperation. The trade deal the Chinese have recommitted to that numerous times and they insist that they will follow through, Stilwell said. This is a good acid test to see if they will be cooperative partners. Well see in the next week or two, or however long it takes, [if] they begin to live up to their commitments, he said. China described the Hawaii talks as constructive, but its Foreign Ministry said Yang told Pompeo that Washington needed to respect Beijings positions on key issues and halt its interference in matters such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Xinjiang, while working to repair relations. Hours after the meeting ended, China said its top parliamentary body would review draft Hong Kong security legislation during a session that began on Thursday. Earlier, foreign ministers of the G7 countries, including Pompeo, issued a statement calling on China not to follow through with the legislation, which critics call an assault on the territorys democratic freedoms. Time devoted to prayer can never become an alibi for neglecting our neighbour in need, Pope Francis said in his message for the Fourth World Day of the Poor. Indeed, he added, prayer attains its goal when accompanied by service to the poor. Instituted by Pope Francis at the end of the Jubilee of Mercy in 2016 with the Apostolic Letter Misericordia et Misera, World Day of the Poor, 2020 will be celebrated on 15 November, 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. The following is the English text of the Holy Fathers message. Stretch forth your hand to the poor (Sir 6:7) Stretch forth your hand to the poor (Sir 6:7). Age-old wisdom has proposed these words as a sacred rule to be followed in life. Today these words remain as timely as ever. They help us fix our gaze on what is essential and overcome the barriers of indifference. Poverty always appears in a variety of guises, and calls for attention to each particular situation. In all of these, we have an opportunity to encounter the Lord Jesus, who has revealed himself as present in the least of his brothers and sisters (cf. Mt 25:40). 1. Let us take up the Old Testament book of Sirach, in which we find the words of a sage who lived some two hundred years before Christ. He sought out the wisdom that makes men and women better and more capable of insight into the affairs of life. He did this at a time of severe testing for the people of Israel, a time of suffering, grief and poverty due to the domination of foreign powers. As a man of great faith, rooted in the traditions of his forebears, his first thought was to turn to God and to beg from him the gift of wisdom. The Lord did not refuse his help. From the books first pages, its author presents his advice concerning many concrete situations in life, one of which is poverty. He insists that even amid hardship we must continue to trust in God: Do not be alarmed when disaster comes. Cling to him and do not leave him, so that you may be honoured at the end of your days. Whatever happens to you, accept it, and in the uncertainties of your humble state, be patient, since gold is tested in the fire, and chosen men in the furnace of humiliation. Trust him and he will uphold you, follow a straight path and hope in him. You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; do not turn aside in case you fall (2:2-7). 2. In page after page, we discover a precious compendium of advice on how to act in the light of a close relationship with God, creator and lover of creation, just and provident towards all his children. This constant reference to God, however, does not detract from a concrete consideration of mankind. On the contrary, the two are closely connected. This is clearly demonstrated by the passage from which the theme of this years Message is taken (cf. 7:29-36). Prayer to God and solidarity with the poor and suffering are inseparable. In order to perform an act of worship acceptable to the Lord, we have to recognize that each person, even the poorest and most contemptible, is made in the image of God. From this awareness comes the gift of Gods blessing, drawn by the generosity we show to the poor. Time devoted to prayer can never become an alibi for neglecting our neighbour in need. In fact the very opposite is true: the Lords blessing descends upon us and prayer attains its goal when accompanied by service to the poor. 3. How timely too, for ourselves, is this ancient teaching! Indeed, the word of God transcends space and time, religions and cultures. Generosity that supports the weak, consoles the afflicted, relieves suffering and restores dignity to those stripped of it, is a condition for a fully human life. The decision to care for the poor, for their many different needs, cannot be conditioned by the time available or by private interests, or by impersonal pastoral or social projects. The power of Gods grace cannot be restrained by the selfish tendency to put ourselves always first. Keeping our gaze fixed on the poor is difficult, but more necessary than ever if we are to give proper direction to our personal life and the life of society. It is not a matter of fine words but of a concrete commitment inspired by divine charity. Each year, on the World Day of the Poor, I reiterate this basic truth in the life of the Church, for the poor are and always will be with us to help us welcome Christs presence into our daily lives (cf. Jn 12:8). 4. Encountering the poor and those in need constantly challenges us and forces us to think. How can we help to eliminate or at least alleviate their marginalization and suffering? How can we help them in their spiritual need? The Christian community is called to be involved in this kind of sharing and to recognize that it cannot be delegated to others. In order to help the poor, we ourselves need to live the experience of evangelical poverty. We cannot feel alright when any member of the human family is left behind and in the shadows. The silent cry of so many poor men, women and children should find the people of God at the forefront, always and everywhere, in efforts to give them a voice, to protect and support them in the face of hypocrisy and so many unfulfilled promises, and to invite them to share in the life of the community. The Church certainly has no comprehensive solutions to propose, but by the grace of Christ she can offer her witness and her gestures of charity. She likewise feels compelled to speak out on behalf of those who lack lifes basic necessities. For the Christian people, to remind everyone of the great value of the common good is a vital commitment, expressed in the effort to ensure that no one whose human dignity is violated in its basic needs will be forgotten. 5. The ability to stretch forth our hand shows that we possess an innate capacity to act in ways that give meaning to life. How many outstretched hands do we see every day! Sadly, it is more and more the case that the frenetic pace of life sucks us into a whirlwind of indifference, to the point that we no longer know how to recognize the good silently being done each day and with great generosity all around us. Only when something happens that upsets the course of our lives do our eyes become capable of seeing the goodness of the saints next door, of those who, living in our midst, reflect Gods presence (Gaudete et Exsultate, 7), but without fanfare. Bad news fills the pages of newspapers, websites and television screens, to the point that evil seems to reign supreme. But that is not the case. To be sure, malice and violence, abuse and corruption abound, but life is interwoven too with acts of respect and generosity that not only compensate for evil, but inspire us to take an extra step and fill our hearts with hope. 6. A hand held out is a sign; a sign that immediately speaks of closeness, solidarity and love. In these months, when the whole world was prey to a virus that brought pain and death, despair and bewilderment, how many outstretched hands have we seen! The outstretched hands of physicians who cared about each patient and tried to find the right cure. The outstretched hands of nurses who worked overtime, for hours on end, to look after the sick. The outstretched hands of administrators who procured the means to save as many lives as possible. The outstretched hands of pharmacists who at personal risk responded to peoples pressing needs. The outstretched hands of priests whose hearts broke as they offered a blessing. The outstretched hands of volunteers who helped people living on the streets and those with a home yet nothing to eat. The outstretched hands of men and women who worked to provide essential services and security. We could continue to speak of so many other outstretched hands, all of which make up a great litany of good works. Those hands defied contagion and fear in order to offer support and consolation. 7. This pandemic arrived suddenly and caught us unprepared, sparking a powerful sense of bewilderment and helplessness. Yet hands never stopped reaching out to the poor. This has made us all the more aware of the presence of the poor in our midst and their need for help. Structures of charity, works of mercy, cannot be improvised. Constant organization and training is needed, based on the realization of our own need for an outstretched hand. The present experience has challenged many of our assumptions. We feel poorer and less self-sufficient because we have come to sense our limitations and the restriction of our freedom. The loss of employment, and of opportunities to be close to our loved ones and our regular acquaintances, suddenly opened our eyes to horizons that we had long since taken for granted. Our spiritual and material resources were called into question and we found ourselves experiencing fear. In the silence of our homes, we rediscovered the importance of simplicity and of keeping our eyes fixed on the essentials. We came to realize how much we need a new sense of fraternity, for mutual help and esteem. Now is a good time to recover the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world We have had enough of immorality and the mockery of ethics, goodness, faith and honesty When the foundations of social life are corroded, what ensues are battles over conflicting interests, new forms of violence and brutality, and obstacles to the growth of a genuine culture of care for the environment (Laudato Si, 229). In a word, until we revive our sense of responsibility for our neighbour and for every person, grave economic, financial and political crises will continue. 8. This years theme Stretch forth your hand to the poor is thus a summons to responsibility and commitment as men and women who are part of our one human family. It encourages us to bear the burdens of the weakest, in accord with the words of Saint Paul: Through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: You shall love your neighbour as yourself Bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ (Gal 5:13-14; 6:2). The Apostle teaches that the freedom bestowed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ makes us individually responsible for serving others, especially the weakest. This is not an option, but rather a sign of the authenticity of the faith we profess. Here again, the book of Sirach can help us. It suggests concrete ways to support the most vulnerable and it uses striking images. First, it asks us to sympathize with those who are sorrowing: Do not fail those who weep (7:34). The time of pandemic forced us into strict isolation, making it impossible even to see and console friends and acquaintances grieving the loss of their loved ones. The sacred author also says: Do not shrink from visiting the sick (7:35). We have been unable to be close to those who suffer, and at the same time we have become more aware of the fragility of our own lives. The word of God allows for no complacency; it constantly impels us to acts of love. 9. At the same time, the command: Stretch forth your hand to the poor challenges the attitude of those who prefer to keep their hands in their pockets and to remain unmoved by situations of poverty in which they are often complicit. Indifference and cynicism are their daily food. What a difference from the generous hands we have described! If they stretch out their hands, it is to touch computer keys to transfer sums of money from one part of the world to another, ensuring the wealth of an elite few and the dire poverty of millions and the ruin of entire nations. Some hands are outstretched to accumulate money by the sale of weapons that others, including those of children, use to sow death and poverty. Other hands are outstretched to deal doses of death in dark alleys in order to grow rich and live in luxury and excess, or to quietly pass a bribe for the sake of quick and corrupt gain. Others still, parading a sham respectability, lay down laws which they themselves do not observe. Amid all these scenarios, the excluded are still waiting. To sustain a lifestyle which excludes others, or to sustain enthusiasm for that selfish ideal, a globalization of indifference has developed. Almost without being aware of it, we end up being incapable of feeling compassion at the outcry of the poor, weeping for other peoples pain, and feeling a need to help them, as though all this were someone elses responsibility and not our own (Evangelii Gaudium, 54). We cannot be happy until these hands that sow death are transformed into instruments of justice and peace for the whole world. 10. In everything you do, remember your end (Sir 7:36). These are the final words of this chapter of the book of Sirach. They can be understood in two ways. First, our lives will sooner or later come to an end. Remembering our common destiny can help lead to a life of concern for those poorer than ourselves or lacking the opportunities that were ours. But second, there is also an end or goal towards which each of us is tending. And this means that our lives are a project and a process. The end of all our actions can only be love. This is the ultimate goal of our journey, and nothing should distract us from it. This love is one of sharing, dedication and service, born of the realization that we were first loved and awakened to love. We see this in the way children greet their mothers smile and feel loved simply by virtue of being alive. Even a smile that we can share with the poor is a source of love and a way of spreading love. An outstretched hand, then, can always be enriched by the smile of those who quietly and unassumingly offer to help, inspired only by the joy of living as one of Christs disciples. In this journey of daily encounter with the poor, the Mother of God is ever at our side. More than any other, she is the Mother of the Poor. The Virgin Mary knows well the difficulties and sufferings of the marginalized, for she herself gave birth to the Son of God in a stable. Due to the threat of Herod, she fled to another country with Joseph her spouse and the child Jesus. For several years, the Holy Family lived as refugees. May our prayer to Mary, Mother of the Poor, unite these, her beloved children, with all those who serve them in Christs name. And may that prayer enable outstretched hands to become an embrace of shared and rediscovered fraternity. Rome, Saint John Lateran, 13 June 2020 Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua Franciscus The wall of separation insulates our religious beliefs and practices from governmental tyranny. But without episcopal fidelity and courage, the wall crumbles. by Andrew P. Napolitano Here is a pop quiz on the Constitution. What is the first freedom protected by the Bill of Rights? If you guessed speech or press, then you are close. The first protected freedom is religion. The two religion clauses in the First Amendment keep the government out of our pockets for religious purposes and out of our churches for all purposes. That was, at least, the intent of the framers. The tyrannical behavior of many state governors, who have issued executive orders purporting to regulate private behavior on private property even religious behavior in houses of worship and in the process have enforced these orders as if they were laws, has ignored this. In America, governors do not write laws; only legislatures do. There are no pandemic or public health or emergency exceptions in the Constitution. Here in New Jersey, Catholics were permitted permitted to attend public Masses last Sunday for the first time in 88 days. This has deeply troubled many of the faithful, and many non-adherents, who understand the concepts that only legislatures write laws and that no legislature can write a law telling a religious institution when and how to permit worship. So, who closed all the houses of worship? Why did Catholic bishops dispense with a nearly 1,600-year-old rule which survived all sorts of wars and pestilence requiring attendance at Sunday Mass? What became of the wall of separation? Here is the backstory. When first-year law students are asked the meaning of the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause in the First Amendment, they often argue that these clauses mandate a wall of separation between church and state. Some students even offer to find the "wall of separation" language in the Constitution. They are still looking for it. While it is accurate to use the wall of separation phrase, it is nowhere in the Constitution or in any federal statute. It was first publicly used in an 1802 letter from President Thomas Jefferson to a congregation of Baptists in Danbury, Connecticut. The congregation had written to Jefferson complaining that Connecticut was taxing all landowners to pay for the state-supported Congregationalist Church. They told him that the state regarded their religious freedom as a privilege to be doled out, rather than as an inalienable right as the congregation believed it to be and as he had characterized it and other rights in the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson understood the values underlying the religion clauses of the First Amendment to mean that while only Congress was prohibited from establishing a church or interfering with worship, the states should not do so either. In his famous letter, he opined that the First Amendment erected "a wall of separation between church and state." To Jefferson, the word "state" in that context meant all governments. Though the imposition of state taxes to support churches ended during the 19th century, it wasn't until 1947 that the Supreme Court ruled with clarity that the First Amendment the language in which only restrains Congress applies to the states as well. We know that it does because the 14th Amendment prohibits all states from abridging the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States. The phrase "privileges or immunities" connotes attributes of national citizenship first among which are a prohibition on government establishing a religion or interfering with its free exercise. Stated differently, the right to worship or not, and the right not to be charged for someone else's worship, are personal human rights as Jefferson called them, inalienable rights. Now, back to the governors and the bishops. The governors permitted crowds at Walmart and arrested folks for attending funerals. They permitted thousands of demonstrators in public streets and arrested not one of them for marching without masks or not socially distancing. My friend Professor John Rao of St. John's University wrote: "Our troubled world continues along its current revolutionary path with no clear idea as of yet just how far the diabolical disorientation that has been unleashed may go. One thing and one thing alone seems definite to me in the midst of the general uncertainty. With a few very notable exceptions, the leadership of our beloved Church, legitimate though that leadership is, has proven itself to be utterly subservient" to the state. It was not the governors who shut the churches; it was with some courageous exceptions the gutless American Catholic bishops who did so. Never before in the history of America has the Church become an arm of the state. The governors told the bishops to close their churches, and they complied. Their predecessors were martyrs. They are cowards. That is not rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's. That is rendering to Caesar what is God's. Faithful Catholics believe that we consume the Bread of Life at Mass. The bishops have no more moral right to deny us that salvific sacrament than do the governors. Faithful Catholics also believe that Holy Mother Church is the route to eternal salvation and the Bread of Life is the food for that route. What mother would deny her children food? One in the hands of state-subservient bishops. When the Supreme Court explained the two religion clauses, it ruled that they prohibit both conspicuous governmental aid to religion and all government interference with it, and all excessive entanglement between church and state. In another time and place, how different this might have been. One hundred years ago, the Church was outlawed in Mexico and militias hunted down priests. Saying a public Mass then was the functional equivalent of a capital offense. Yet, there were more Masses celebrated for the faithful per day in Mexico in those years than in America in the last 88 days. The wall of separation insulates our religious beliefs and practices from governmental tyranny. But without episcopal fidelity and courage, the wall crumbles. Police Department officials said they never tried to stop the Health Department from making the findings public. But after they backed away last year, the project languished. Oxiris Barbot, Dr. Bassetts successor at the Health Department, which is responsible for reporting all deaths in New York, still hasnt published the report. The citys chief medical examiner, Barbara Sampson, was also involved in the review. None of these officials alerted the City Council, much less the public, about what they found. Asked about the three-year delay in reporting, a Health Department spokesman blamed the demands of the coronavirus pandemic. He wouldnt say when or whether the report would be published. We remain committed to creating a robust and accurate record of law enforcement related deaths in our vital statistics, he wrote in an email to me. Dr. Bassett was one of Mr. de Blasios most high-profile hires, a well-known expert on racial disparities in health in the United States and elsewhere. She now leads the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. In 2015, after reading an investigation by The Guardian that found deaths caused by the police were vastly undercounted in the United States, she decided to review the data her own agency was reporting. Dr. Bassett said the idea was to improve New Yorks reporting on police-involved deaths and make it readily available to the public. She also hoped to save black lives. Theres never been a single year since the United States founding when black people havent been sicker and died younger than whites, she said in a phone interview. The reasons for this are social in origin. That means they can be changed. The draft report of the departments 2017 findings obtained by The Times shows that the reasons for New Yorks undercount were many. The citys official count often excludes people who die in incidents related to police activity, such as after running into traffic while being pursued by officers. In some cases, police activity wasnt indicated on medical examiner reports, leading the Health Department to misclassify the deaths. Dr. Sampson, the chief medical examiner, said that she would support changes to the way the city identifies these deaths, but that it wasnt her call. It really in my mind falls upon the Department of Health to make those recommendations, she told me. C6 Launch Systems Richard and his team have been very clear about their needs and hugely supportive of our plans to provide a route to market for small satellites here in Shetland. C6 Launch Systems and the Shetland Space Centre today announce the signing of a Letter of Intent for C6 Launch to use the Shetland Space Centre (SCC) in Unst as its primary launch facility. In SCC, C6 Launch finds a perfect partner. Shetland Space Centre will provide all the infrastructure from launchpad to data communications and tracking that we could ask for. Being at the northernmost location in Scotland gives us the latitude we need to insert nano satellites to the perfect orbit, said Richard McCammon, President of C6 Launch Systems. C6s initial orbital launch capability is being designed for 30 kg payloads in a 16U configuration to be delivered into a nominal 600 km Sun Synchronous Orbit (SS0). Other orbits, altitudes and payloads are also planned. C6 Launch will provide dedicated launch capacity for nano and CubeSat operators on demand. Shetland Space Centre will house all launch operation facilities, payload processing and integration/assembly facilities, multiple launch pads and a variety of operational and security services. Frank Strang, CEO of Shetland Space Centre, said: We are looking forward greatly to this collaboration with C6 Launch Systems. Richard and his team have been very clear about their needs and hugely supportive of our plans to provide a route to market for small satellites here in Shetland. A 2018 business case by Frost and Sullivan, estimated the potential UK smallsat launch services market at USD$5.5 billion from 2021 to 2030. The report said the existing rideshare market which is growing at 5% a year can only meet less than 35% of the total smallsat launch demand. According to Frost and Sullivan, rideshare models are not fulfilling smallsat launch demand and a smallsat operator compromises on orbit based on the primary payload and has a wait period of about 1824 months. Shetland Space Centre recently completed its first community consultation as part of the process toward approval and licensing of launch operations by the UK Government. Shetlands expects to complete all submissions to the UK Government by the Fall of this year in order to be approved for launch operations in 2021. The Shetland location was cited an independent Deimos Sceptre report for the UK Space Agency as the best location in the UK for vertical launch out of eight potential sites. The remote northerly location means rockets can avoid overly populated areas on their way into orbit and is ideally situated for high-demand polar and SSO orbits. About C6 Launch Systems Small Payloads On Time. On Target C6Launch Systems is a Canadian-based space technology company developing a dedicated small-sat launch capability to place payloads up to 30 kg in a nominal 600 km Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO). This means that small-sat game changers, first movers and those with urgent operational requirements can deploy payloads where they want, when they want without compromising their orbit or mission. The C6 Rocket utilizes proven, best-in-class capabilities from the engine to the deployer, with integration and other technologies from C6s talented, expert team of space engineers. C6 is led by veteran entrepreneur Richard McCammon (Delego). For more information visit http://www.C6launch.com About Shetland Space Centre SSC plans to build and operate a satellite launch site and a ground station in Unst, Shetland, the UKs most northerly island. It follows the identification in a major report for the UK Space Agency of Saxa Vord in Unst as the best location in the country for such a facility. SSC is already at work projects with several launch providers. Interest in SSCs launch and ground station plans from the space industry, commercial and military, across the world is huge. https://shetlandspacecentre.com Builders of the $6.7 billion West Gate Tunnel have accused Transurban of delaying a resolution to a major dispute holding up the project, with tunnelling on the toll road falling nine months behind schedule. The claim comes as the Andrews government joins the Supreme Court case between Transurban and the project's joint-venture partners CPB Contractors and John Holland, despite initially insisting the dispute was a matter between the toll road giant and its contractors. The West Gate Tunnel construction. Credit:Joe Armao Barrister Neil Young, QC, representing the builders, told a hearing on Friday morning that the builders wanted to resolve the dispute in arbitration, but Transurban was delaying this process. The builders tried to rip up their contract with Transurban in January, claiming an impasse over how to manage soil contaminated with a chemical known as PFAS posed a force majeure event an unforseeable circumstance that makes it impossible to fulfil the terms of the contract. Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And the process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Party is always right. George Orwell, 1984 When I saw people painting over the mural of former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo last week, I felt a lot of different emotions. Anger, mostly, at the destruction of a tribute to a man who, although imperfect, devoted his life to the city of his birth. A man who integrated the police force. Who was beloved of many in the black communities he helped keep safe from the drug scourge. A man who made enemies, and friends whod take a bullet for him. The anger was accompanied by bemusement at the foolishness of the act, one that was as unnecessary as it was futile. Erasing Rizzos face, or tearing down his massive metal effigy, will not remove him from our collective institutional memory. To tell us not to remember, to look away, is a guarantee that we will seek out that memory in defiance. But the most visceral emotion was fear, tied to the increasingly successful efforts to turn George Orwells prophecy into our current reality. People on the left have been quite busy these days downplaying the significance of what is happening. To them, fascism can only be experienced on the right, and takes the shape and form of a president who fires tear gas into a crowd of peaceful protesters. But as Orwell expressed so well, fascism is not a partisan phenomenon, and can exist wherever and whenever a society decides to exert dominion over its citizens by usurping the one true thing that sets them apart as human: their independent minds. Taking hold of a mans mind by denying him access to the truth can turn him into something less than human. It makes him into an unthinking, unquestioning half-creature that might breathe and eat and walk and work and even love, but who is a simple cog in the wheel of the state machine. When I saw the aftermath of the Rizzo murals destruction, a chill took over me. There was a blank place where there used to be color, where there was life and history. Drained from that wall was the figure of a man who represented not only himself, but generations of Italians and their pride. That empty space was more upsetting than the graffiti on the Rizzo statue, because it was a first successful result of what I call the Crusade to Erase. The irony is that the mural was on private property, and Ive been told that the owner would have left it up but for the threats he started receiving. Other businesses in the neighborhood demonstrated their cowardice by signing a letter agreeing to have the mural destroyed. But in good Orwellian style, they will insist it was an effort to honor black lives. This will be the new normal: Honor one culture by insulting another. Now they say they are coming for Christopher Columbus, who has been caricatured as the great genocidal Satan. They are trying to teach our children that he was an evil man, crushing context, creating facts, conning the naive. Orwell knew the playbook and blueprint intimately, and wrote it down for us. I have represented asylees and refugees from totalitarian states. They understand what it is to live in countries where society, either directly through the government or by the intimidation of special interest groups, tells you what to think. They fled their own private hells to escape, to find freedom. I am horrified to have them see those tragic histories repeat themselves here. And so, I will not say the appropriate things. I will not apologize for a guilt I do not bear. I will not engage in pithy, socially woke slogans. I will not grovel, bend the knee or worry that my words might get me ostracized, unemployed or even killed. I choose to follow Orwells warning. I hope Ill have company. Christine Flowers is an attorney and a columnist. She can be reached at cflowers1961@gmail.com. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Parry & Co Limited, Daniel Kojo Twimasie has donated an undisclosed sum of money on behalf of his family to support the construction of the 100-bed infectious disease isolation and treatment facility in Accra. This was after the family had visited the project site at the Ga East Hospital in Accra. Mrs. Adadzewa Twimasie said the donation was in response to the president's call for support in the fight against the spread of Covid-19 in the country as well as the campaign by the Ghana Covid-19 Private Sector Fund for individuals and organisations to contribute towards the building of the infectious disease facility which will cater for critically ill patients. The Ghana COVID-19 Private Sector Fund continues to raise fund towards the project which is fast-nearing completion just about eight weeks after ground was broken for the construction to begin. After touring the site Madam Twimasie indicated that the private sector, working hand in hand with the public sector, has produced marvelous results with the construction of the 100-bed infectious disease facility. In her view, the facility will present a lot of benefits to the country by relieving the pressure on other health centres where Covid-19 patients are being treated. She made a passionate appeal to Ghanaians to support a worthy cause as this project will help each and every Ghanaian. Project Manager, Lt. Col. A.B. Tekyi, who received the donation from the Twimasie family expressed gratitude for the gesture. "We are most grateful for the donation and we can assure you that your contribution will be used well, he said. The 100-bed infectious disease isolation and treatment facility is Ghanas first infectious disease and treatment facility. It is scheduled to be completed and ready for use by the end of June. The construction of the facility has been spearheaded by the Ghana COVID-19 Private Sector Fund in collaboration with the Ghana Medical Association and the Government of Ghana with donations from several private individuals and organisations. Watch video below: The Gamma Knife Center S.A. Operates the Only Gamma Knife Facility in Ecuador San Francisco, CA, June 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- American Shared Hospital Services (NYSE American: AMS) ("AMS"), a leading provider of turnkey technology solutions for advanced radiosurgical and radiation therapy services, today announced that its 81% owned subsidiary, GK Financing, LLC (GKF), has completed the acquisition of approximately 98% of the total outstanding shares of Gamma Knife Center Ecuador S.A. (GKC Ecuador) purchased from GKC Ecuador's majority shareholders Global Medical Investments GMI AB, Scandinavian Care Investments AB, and Brock Investment Limited (the "Acquisition). At a later date, AMS plans to acquire the remaining outstanding shares of GKC Ecuador by entering into a separate stock purchase agreement with the remaining minority shareholders of GKC Ecuador. The total purchase price for the Acquisition, including acquisition of the minority shares is expected to be approximately $2.0 million, or about 1x historical annual revenue of GKC Ecuador. This purchase price has been paid with $575,000 in cash and a $1.425 million loan from the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). The purchase price is subject to certain post-closing adjustments, including adjustment for GKC Ecuador's working capital and excess cash. The DFC loan is denominated in U.S. dollars, which is also the currency of Ecuador. GKC Ecuador is a well-established Gamma Knife operation founded in 2009 as a private clinic to introduce advanced stereotactic radiosurgery into Ecuador. GKC Ecuador's center is located in Ecuadors largest city, Guayaquil, which has a population of nearly 2.5 million people. Ecuador has a total population of approximately 16 million people. Sixty, or 30%, of the approximately 200 neurosurgeons practicing in Ecuador have referred patients to the center, which has treated over 1,400 patients to date. Story continues GKC Ecuador was the first healthcare institution to provide stereotactic radiosurgery in Ecuador and continues to operate the only Gamma Knife unit in the country. GKC Ecuador owns its facilities which are adjacent to Hospital Alcivar, one of Ecuadors leading healthcare providers. "The accretive acquisition of GKC Ecuador is a great fit for AMS and a further diversification of our business model that provides us with an additional revenue stream for future growth. Located not far from our Gamma Knife Center in Peru, the acquisition also meshes well with our strategy to expand further into international markets, commented Ray Stachowiak, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of AMS. Looking ahead, we believe that there is a large opportunity to increase GKC Ecuadors patient volumes by expanding coverage to include Ecuadors growing segment of private patients with health insurance provided by employers, further expanding the centers public sector reach and increasing the number of referral sources. GKC Ecuador currently operates a Leksell Gamma Knife model 4C which is under contract to be upgraded to a Gamma Knife Perfexion ("Perfexion"). The Perfexion is expected to be installed in late 2020 or early 2021. The Perfexion system allows for greater ease of use, faster treatment times and can treat a wider range of anatomical structures, all of which can drive higher patient volume. When this upgrade is complete, GKC Ecuador will be one of the few centers offering this gold standard technology in all of South America, added Ernest R. Bates, VP of Sales and Business Development at AMS. About American Shared Hospital Services (NYSE American: AMS) American Shared Hospital Services provides turnkey technology solutions for advanced radiosurgical and radiation therapy services. AMS is the world leader in providing Gamma Knife radiosurgery equipment, a non-invasive treatment for malignant and benign brain tumors, vascular malformations, and trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain). The Company also offers proton therapy, and the latest IGRT, IMRT and MR/LINAC systems. For more information, please visit: www.ashs.com . Safe Harbor Statement This press release may be deemed to contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, the future plans of American Shared Hospital Services (including statements regarding the expected continued growth of the Company the Company's expansion into new markets, the Company's Future acquisitions and potential market segments for its products and the expansion of the Company's Gamma Knife, proton therapy and MR/LINAC business), which involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the risks of variability of financial results between quarters, the risks of the Gamma Knife and proton therapy businesses, the risks of developing The Operating Room for the 21st Century program, the risks of changes to CMS reimbursement rates or reimbursement methodology, the risks of the timing, financing, and operations of the Company's Gamma Knife, proton therapy, MR/LINAC businesses, the risks of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the Company's business operations and financial condition, the risk that the Company will be unable to conduct an effective executive search, the risk that the Company will be unable to identify and attract a permanent successor to the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, the risk of expanding within or into new markets, the risk that integration or continued operation of acquired businesses could adversely affect financial results and the risk that current and future acquisitions may negatively affect our financial position. Further information on potential factors that could affect the financial condition, results of operations and future plans of American Shared Hospital Services are included in the filings of the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, and the definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 26, 2020. Contacts: American Shared Hospital Services Ray Stachowiak Interim President and Chief Executive Officer p. (415)788-5300 rstachowiak@ashs.com A police officer has died in Auckland after being shot at by a gunman, with another seriously injured in hospital, officials have confirmed. The shooter is still on the loose after the incident on Friday morning and armed officers are at the scene in Massey, west Auckland. The gunman fled the shooting in the car, hitting a pedestrian, and forcing local schools into lockdown as police hunt for the driver. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the officer's death was 'devastating news'. 'To lose a police officer is to lose someone working for all of us, but also a family member, someones loved one and friend,' she said. 'My condolences go to them and to their police whanau.' New Zealand Police said that at around 10.30am, which is 8.30am Sydney time, a police unit performed a routine traffic stop on Reynella Drive when the shooting started. Armed police are seen on Friday morning in Massey (pictured), west of Auckland, where one officer was shot dead and another seriously injured during a traffic stop A police officer keeps guard of the area after the shooting in western Auckland (pictured on Friday) with the gunman still on the run 'There have been shots fired at police officers,' a statement read. 'Two officers have been shot and have been seriously injured. 'A member of the public has also been hit by the vehicle and has been injured. 'Cordons are in place and schools in the immediate area have been advised to lockdown.' It is understood the shooter used a long-barreled shotgun they pulled from their car. Speaking at a press conference just before lunchtime, police commissioner Andrew Coster confirmed an officer had died. The officers were shot in the Auckland suburb of Massey, 17km west of the city's CBD, on Friday morning Emergency services are seen treating a police officer on Friday morning (pictured) after an apparent shooting in west Auckland An officer is seen cordoning off the area of the shooting on Friday morning (pictured) which left one police officer dead 'It is absolutely devastating news,' he told reporters. 'Our whole organisation is in a state of shock [it's] the worst news that police, and police officer's families can receive.' He said it had been a routine traffic stop, adding 'at this stage, there was nothing to indicate this job was going to be anything out of the ordinary'. 'The incident points to the real risk that our officers face as they go about their job every day,' commissioner Coster added. 'Our officers walk towards danger every day. Our job is to making sure we keep them safe.' Investigators are seen examining the scene of the incident in western Auckland (pictured) on Friday morning, after three people - including two police officers - were taken to hospital Police are seen at the scene of the Auckland shooting (pictured) which left one officer dead and another badly injured on Friday morning The officers themselves were not armed at the time of the traffic stop, he confirmed. Police minister Stuart Nash said the country was 'heartbroken' by the tragic shooting. 'We want all our police officers to get home safely at the end of every working day,' he said. 'This is a tragic day for our police family.' St John confirmed three people have been taken to hospital. Firearm officers are seen patrolling the area on Friday (pictured) where the shooting took place An armed officer is seen standing guard in Massey, western Auckland, on Friday morning (pictured) following the shooting of two police colleagues Armed police are seen standing guard on Friday morning (pictured) with the gunman still at large after fleeing in a car Helicopters have been deployed to the area and are circling overhead in search of the gunman, who fled the scene in his car but may have since abandoned it. Paula Bennett, the MP for Auckland's Upper Harbour wrote on Twitter: 'Our local west Auckland police are the best Ive ever known. 'A love for their community, a real desire to protect and serve. 'There are no words to express my sincere sadness as they and their families deal with the worst possible event. We are all with you at this time.' The last police officer to die in the line of duty in New Zealand was back in February 2011 during the Canterbury earthquake when the CTV building collapsed in Christchurch. An armed police officer is seen holding a gun at the scene on Friday morning (pictured) in western Auckland Police swarmed around the area on Friday morning (pictured) after two officers were shot by a driver who then sped away from the scene, hitting a pedestrian Elaine Taniela, who lives near the area, told the New Zealand Herald she heard three gunshots. A family friend even witnessed the terrifying scene, and saw an officer laid on the ground. 'He was shaking telling us,' she said. 'As he neared the first roundabout (near Gallony Avenue) he saw a cop on the ground. He said it looked like he was having a seizure. He was shaking. 'He wanted to help the cop. But the neighbours and another cop yelled out to him - telling to carry on driving.' Emergency services are seen treating a patient at the scene in Massey on Friday morning (pictured) after the shooting Boris Johnson has suggested campaigners should focus less on symbols and statues in the wake of a series of anti-racism protests across the UK. After weeks of protests by supporters of Black Lives Matter, the prime minister said that he wanted to focus on the substance of the issue. He also backed fans who sing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot at rugby matches, even though he admitted he did not know the words to the song. An Oxford college has become the latest institution to say it will remove a statute, this time of Cecil Rhodes, in reaction to the protests, sparked by the murder of George Floyd by police officers in America. Campaigners said the statue of the controversial politician was a symbol of imperialism and racism. Recommended Raab ridiculed for claiming taking a knee comes from Game of Thrones Last week, Louise Richardson, the vice-chancellor of Oxford University, warned of what she suggested were the dangers of hiding the past. Mr Johnson has said that removing statues would be to lie about our history but he understood how emotive statues and other symbols were. He told Sky News: I think what people need to do is focus less on the symbols of discrimination or whatever. There's all these issues that people are now raising to do with statues and songs and so on and I can see why they are very emotive, I understand that. But what I want to focus on is the substance of the issue. And yes, of course I see that Black Lives Matter. Mr Johnson said his government would address all the issues raised. But he added: "We should be talking about success and about (how) young black kids are now doing, far, far better in some of the toughest subjects in schools. We've got more black and minority ethnic people going to university... than ever before. On a visit to a school to publicise the governments plans for a catch-up programme for pupils whose schoolwork has been affected by the coronavirus crisis, Mr Johnson also gave his views on the controversy over the unofficial rugby anthem Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. Mr Johnson, who described himself as a rugby fan, said that he did not know all of the words. He said that when he goes to watch rugby matches nobody, as far as I understand it, seems to know the words. But he added: I certainly dont think there should be any prohibition on singing that song. Elsewhere, the education secretary said the country should be "proud" of its history after being asked whether there should be greater focus in schools on Britain's role in the slave trade. Speaking at the Downing Street daily briefing, Gavin Williamson said: "Our national curriculum covers the issue of the British Empire and the incredibly rich history this nation has. "And it is absolutely vitally important, incredibly important, that when children are learning about our nation's history, they learn all aspects of it, both the good and the bad. "But we mustn't forget that in this nation we have an incredibly rich history and we should be incredibly proud of our history because time and time and time again this country has made a difference and changed things for the better right around the world. "We should as a nation be proud of that history and teach our children about it." Montreal Quebec, June 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Montreal, Quebec, June 19, 2020 - SRG Mining Inc. (SRG.V) (SRG or the Company) is pleased to announce that all resolutions as set out in the Companys notice of meeting and information circular dated May 15, 2020, were passed by the requisite majority at its annual general meeting held in Mont-Royal Quebec on June 19, 2020 (the AGM) PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants were re-appointed as auditors of the Company for the ensuing year and shareholders approved the Companys 2020 10% rolling stock option plan and DSU Plan. The following seven incumbent directors were re-elected: Benoit La Salle FCPA, FCA; Marc-Antoine Audet; Marc Filion; Yves Grou; Rene Lessard; Yacouba Sare; and Abdoul Aziz Nassa Company is also pleased to announce that at the AGM, shareholders approved the appointment of Dr. Alhamdou Diagne to the Board of Directors. Alhamdou Diagne, an officer of the French Legion of Honor is a veterinary doctor, specialist in reproductive pathology and animal production in hot countries and tropical pathology. Dr. Diagne is a graduate of the Veterinary Academy of Ukraine (gynecological-obstetrics department), the ENVA of Maisons-Alfort in France (reproductive pathology and animal production and tropical veterinary medicine), the IEMVT (Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Tropical Countries for Tropical Pathology and Animal Production of Hot Countries), of the CES of Epidemiology (Institut Pasteur France), the London School of English and the Paris Center for Diplomatic and Strategic Studies in International Relations and expert in international investments). Dr. Diagne acts as President of D.A.-Consulting in Paris in the search for financing, business development, international investments and follow-up of consulting files. He is also an advisor to several Heads of State and governments, thanks to his strong experience and extensive relationship network in Africa. He is also a member of the Africa, Asia and Latin America committees of the Medef International of French employers. He collaborates in the opening of banks in Africa as well as in the mobilization of financing funds and investors for the energy mining infrastructure sectors Story continues Following the AGM, the Board of Directors re-appointed Benoit LaSalle FCPA FCA as Executive Chairman of the Board, Ugo Landry-Tolszczuk as President, COO and CFO, Elias J. Elias as Vice-President Legal and Corporate Affairs and Corporate Secretary and Raphael Beaudoin as Vice President Operations, Metallurgy and Process Design. STOCK OPTION GRANT The Company is pleased to announce that, pursuant to its Stock Option Plan and subject to regulatory acceptance, it has granted an aggregate total of 950,000 incentive stock options to certain directors, officers and consultants of the Company, subject to certain vesting provisions. These options will be exercisable at a price of $0.51 per common share and will expire on June 18, 2030. DSU GRANT The Company is pleased to announce that, pursuant to its DSU Plan and subject to regulatory acceptance, it has granted an aggregate total of 171,570 Deferred Share Units (DSUs) to directors. The DSUs were priced based on the closing price of the common shares on the TSXV the day before the date of the grant of the DSUs. The DSUs may not be exercised until a director ceases to serve on the Board. ABOUT SRG SRG is a Canadian-based company focused on developing mineral deposits located in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. SRG is committed to operating in a socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible manner. For additional information, please visit SRGs website at www.srggraphite.com. About SRG Mining SRG Mining is a Canadian-based mining company focused on developing the Lola graphite deposit located in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. SRG is committed to operating in a socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible manner. For additional information, please visit SRGs website at www.srgmining.com. Or contact: Ugo Landry-Tolszczuk Email: ugo.landry.tolszczuk@srgmining.com Benoit La Salle, FCPA FCA Email: benoit.lasalle@srgmining.com Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Generally, such forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as firm, anticipated, potential, will, continue, demonstrate, deliver, believe, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would" or "might". 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 the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: (i) volatile stock price; (ii) the general global markets and economic conditions; (iii) the possibility of write-downs and impairments; (iv) the risk associated with exploration, development and operations of mineral deposits and mine plans for the Companys mining operations; (v) the risk associated with establishing title to mineral properties and assets including permitting, development, operations and production from the Companys operations being consistent with expectations and projections; (vi) fluctuations in commodity prices, finding offtake takers and potential clients or enforcing such agreements against same and other risks and factors described or referred to in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the MD&A of the Company and which is available at www.sedar.com, all of which should be reviewed in conjunction with the information found in this news release. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information has been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's business, operations and exploration plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is given as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update such forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Ugo Landry-Tolszczuk SRG Mining ugo.landry.tolszczuk@srgmining.com kathleen jones-bartels srg mining inc. 604 341-7474 kathleen.bartels@srgmining.com 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: 19 June 2020 Number of Public Shares purchased: 5,541 Shares Highest Price Paid Per Share: 1,952 pence 24.14 USD Lowest Price Paid Per Share: 1,930 pence 23.87 USD Average Price Paid Per Share: 1,943 pence 24.03 USD Trading Venue: Euronext Amsterdam Ticker: PSH Date of Purchase: 19 June 2020 Number of Public Shares purchased: 16,022 Shares Highest Price Paid Per Share: 24.25 USD Lowest Price Paid Per Share: 23.95 USD Average Price Paid Per Share: 24.08 USD PSH will hold these Public Shares in Treasury. The net asset value per Public Share related to this buyback is 34.75 USD 27.64 GBP which was calculated as of 16 June 2020 (the "Relevant NAV"). After giving effect to the above buyback, PSH has 196,007,086 Public Shares outstanding, or 201,940,215 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 14,949,664 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. 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/20200619005477/en/ Contacts: Camarco Ed Gascoigne-Pees Hazel Stevenson +44 020 3757 4989, media-pershingsquareholdings@camarco.co.uk India insisted on 'complete disengagement' in all its talks with China on eastern Ladakh row: Govt Ladakh standoff: China says presently it hasnt detained any Indian soldiers India oi-Madhuri Adnal Beijing, Jun 19: China on Friday said that "presently", it has not detained any Indian soldiers, amidst reports that the Chinese military took some Indian troops captive after a deadly clash in the Galwan Valley on June 15. The brief statement of the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian came a day after the Indian Army said that all Indian soldiers involved in the clashes with the Chinese army at the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night have been accounted for. China releases 10 Indian soldiers India-China border dispute: IAF chief makes quiet visit to forward air bases | Oneindia News "As far as I know, China presently has not detained any Indian personnel," Zhao told a media briefing here while answering questions on the tense standoff between the Indian and Chinese troops at the Galwan Valley. Asked if there are any Chinese soldiers detained by India, he said, "China and India are (engaged) in a dialogue to resolve the matter on ground through diplomatic and military channels. I don't have any information for you at the moment". Ten Indian Army personnel including two Majors were released by the Chinese military on Thursday evening following three days of negotiations, people familiar with the development said in New Delhi. Indian and Chinese militaries held a Major General-level dialogue on Thursday for the third consecutive day on disengagement of troops as well as restoring normalcy in areas around the Galwan Valley. The clash in Galwan Valley is the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while the death toll on the Chinese side was over 300. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stands with the country and its security forces and demanded strict action against China while answering a question on Centres decision to not invite AAP for the all party meet to discuss the violent clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers at Galwan Valley on Monday night resulting in deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. We stand with the country and our security forces. Strict action should be taken against China: Delhi CM and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal on AAP not invited for an all-party meeting called by PM, Kejriwal was quoted as saying by ANI. He didnt comment on his partys exclusion from the invitees for the all party meet on Friday evening. His colleagues in the party, however, didnt mince words and hit out at the central government for leaving AAP out of the meeting. HT Exclusive: Galwan river bridge that China tried to stop in Ladakh is complete, says official The BJP government should take everyone along on serious issues concerning national security. It is unfortunate for our democracy that a three-time elected chief minister was not invited for consultations on such an important issue, AAP leader Sanjay Singh said. He has also accused the centre of hiding information from the country. It is treacherous to not give a truthful account of the border dispute to the nation. The central government will have to answer why it hid information from the country, he said. Also Watch: China may have instigated clash to grab Indian territory: US Senator Other political parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar and AIMIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen) in Telangana have also expressed their disappointment at not being invited for the meet. Defence minister Rajnath Singh had on Thursday invited leaders of 20 parties on the behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to reports. The meeting will be also attended by Union home minister Amit Shah and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda, they said. Reports said all recognised national parties, those with more than five MPs in the Lok Sabha, leading parties from the northeast and parties with Union cabinet ministers have been invited for the all-party meeting. AAP has decided to launch nationwide protests against the Chinese aggression on Saturday with party MLAs in Delhi staging protests in their respective constituencies. The Revered monarch of Benin Kingdom, Omo NOba NEdo Uku Akpolokpolo, oba Ewuare II, has declared that godfatherism and consensus candidate must be eradicated from the politics of Edo state. The Oba, in a statement on Thursday, said these two political vices are antithetical to the fundamental basis of democracy as he spoke on the political events in the state in lieu of the states governorship election. Godwin Obaseki has been at loggerheads with Adams Oshiomhole, suspended national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) leading to the formers disqualification and eventual exit from the party. Meanwhile, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a former PDP governorship aspirant in Edo, is reportedly to be backed by Oshiomhole, to run on the platform of the APC. The traditional ruler, in his statement, denied reports suggesting that his palace prevailed on some aspirants to step down for a particular candidate in the upcoming primaries of a certain political party. His Royal Majesty, Omo NOba NEdo, Uku Akpoiokpolo, the Oba of Benin has said times without number that the Palace of the Oba of Benin does not get involved in partisan politics, the statement read. The three prayer points of the Oba of Benin in the democratic process have always been as follows; that God and our ancestors should give us a governor that will accord respect to traditional institutions, develop this state and provide food on the table for the masses. The Omo NOba strongly advises that in order to eschew recurrent socio political conflict that seems to constantly ravish the state, making Edo people a laughing stock to the rest of the country in how politicians manage the affairs of Edo people, our Edo political actors must eradicate the twin evil political vices of Godfatherism and CONSENSUS CANDIDATE. These two practices seem antithetical to the very fundamental basis of democracy. In other words this business of coercing aspirants to step down for another candidate for whatsoever reason is undemocratic, It will not augur well for the development of democratic process in Nigeria. The oba said the palace is very weary of the imposition of candidates whom only certain individuals want, not the majority. Ghana Must Go politics should end in the State. Politicians should stop cashing in on the poor masses and exploiting them for their votes, he said. As the various political parties go about the process of selecting their candidates through their respective party primaries, we urge all to exercise the highest standards of maturity and sportsmanship, as the desire to bring about the best for the people of Edo State cannot be compromised nor sacrificed on the altar of intolerance, rumour mongering and fake news. Rumour mongers are reminded that there is an ancestral curse on anyone who attempts to tarnish the image of the Oba of Benin and the ancient throne of Benin Kingdom, which will normally be for their selfish ends. Now is the time for Congress to come together and pass bipartisan legislation to codify protections for undocumented students. The Supreme Court of the United States today ruled against the Trump administration, preventing it from ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The administration has for several years been attempting to end the program, created under the Obama administration. The 2017 decision to rescind the DACA program which would impact hundreds of thousands of individuals, most of whom arrived in the country at an average age of 7 years old and have lived here for more than 20 years was quickly challenged in court. NASFAA President Justin Draeger issued the following statement on the decision: Today, the Supreme Court handed down a decision that will protect hundreds of thousands of undocumented students for now. For 20 years, NASFAA has stood with both Republicans and Democrats in support of undocumented students. Dreamers were brought to this country by no choice of their own, have been raised on the same soil as other Americans, and ask only for the right to earn an education, work, and contribute to our society. While we applaud the courts decision to uphold the program, it is not a permanent solution. Now is the time for Congress to come together and pass bipartisan legislation to codify protections for undocumented students. To request an interview with a NASFAA spokesperson on the Supreme Courts decision on the DACA program, contact Director of Marketing and Communications Erin Powers. About NASFAA The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) is a nonprofit membership organization that represents more than 28,000 financial aid professionals at nearly 3,000 colleges, universities, and career schools across the country. NASFAA member institutions serve nine out of every 10 undergraduates in the United States. Based in Washington, D.C., NASFAA is the only national association with a primary focus on student aid legislation, regulatory analysis, and training for financial aid administrators. For more information, visit http://www.nasfaa.org. Syracuse, N.Y. -- Mayor Ben Walsh will sign into law a package of police reforms aimed at updating police training and policies and improving transparency within the department. The reforms include passing a law called the Right to Know Act, installing dashboard cameras in every patrol car, fully equipping the department with body-worn cameras, reviewing the use of no-knock warrants and providing training for every officer about the history of racism in Syracuse and the United States. Walsh will sign an executive order Friday afternoon enacting a total of 16 items aimed at reform. Its his first executive order in two-and-a-half years as mayor. The sweeping changes come at an unusual rapid pace for Walshs administration, which typically conducts thorough, exhaustive reviews of new policies. Walsh said hes been working to reform policing since he took office, but has felt public pressure to enact more significant changes and to do it more quickly. I feel pressure. We all do, he said. Thats the beauty of protests. Thats why through the course of the history of this country the most significant changes happen when people take to the streets and make their voices heard. The reforms come a week after various protest groups released a list of demands for changes to policing. Walsh addressed nearly all of those demands, though didnt make specific commitments to many of them. Top among the reforms, Walsh will immediately enact the Right to Know law. Civil liberties advocates brought a version of the law to Walshs administration more than a year ago, and have been frustrated by the sluggish pace at which its been reviewed by the legal department. The Right to Know law requires police officers to give their name, rank and the reason theyre stopping someone during every interaction with the public. If no arrest is made, the officer must leave his or her information with the person. The law is based on a similar policy in New York City. Walsh admitted Friday he could have and should have acted sooner to install the law. He said the current movement calling for police reform spurred action. We should have done it sooner, he said. What Ive said from the beginning of this movement is that it has heightened the urgency of getting these things done and ultimately is going to accelerate getting things done. And thats exactly what happened here. Other reforms include securing more body-worn cameras for patrol officers and equipping every squad car with a dashboard camera. Walsh said he was surprised to learn when he took office that most Syracuse police cars do not have dashboard cameras. The police department will establish new training for all recruits and current officers that teaches them about the history of racism in Syracuse and the United States. Recent weeks have been a learning process for everyone, Walsh said. And we think its critically important that everyone...has complete knowledge of the role that racism has played in our city and our country. The city will also develop a new model for safety and security in the school district. Currently, Syracuse police officers are assigned to the citys schools as resource officers. There have been calls to remove the police from schools. Walsh said some of the reforms will take longer than others. But he insisted that all of them will happen. Here is a summary of the 16 reforms in Walshs executive order: We all have been rocked by the tragic death of former Houston resident George Floyd while in police custody and witnessed street protests and calls to address persistent antiblack racism. As deans of leading law schools in Dallas and Houston, we join together to provide background on these historic events, to condemn all forms of discrimination, and to issue a call to action to work with the legal community to eradicate the continuing scourge of racism and other forms of discrimination. We note that today is the Juneteenth observance to commemorate emancipation. Some commentators have described race and racism as Americas original sin. Even though slavery, Jim Crow segregation and many acts of blatant de jure discrimination ended many years ago, we are frequently reminded of this scourge. Despite the persistence of racism, there has been important progress. But there is still much work to be done. The United States is a continuous work-in-progress, reinventing itself and expanding notions of equality. Although the legal architecture of the Jim Crow era is gone, many legal remnants still persist. It is evident in health care disparities, as demonstrated most recently in the much higher rates of COVID-19 infection and deaths among African Americans. It is evident in the income and wealth disparities of African Americans as compared to whites. It is evident in the types of jobs that racial minorities hold, which are often lower paid with few benefits. It is evident in the communities where people of color often live, or are steered to, that are isolated and marginalized with limited access to basic services. It is evident in educational attainment and achievement gap of students of color, especially in kindergarten through 12th grade. It is evident in the criminal justice system with the disproportionate number of men of color who are incarcerated. The law has many times been the answer to reversing this continued inequality. Historically, through advocacy and court decisions, lawyers and judges tore down the barriers of overt discrimination and made the United States a more just and equal society. But there is still much more that the legal profession can and must do. There is still an underrepresentation of African Americans in the legal profession, in law schools, in big law firms, in the judiciary and in government. For the state of Texas, this underrepresentation in the profession is even more dire given the increased percentage of minorities as a component of the overall Texas population. We need a legal profession that is more reflective of the population. Here are three challenges that we hope the legal community will join with us to improve. The percentage of African American attorneys in Texas remains low as compared to the percent of the population. Currently African Americans account for 12.8 percent of the general population in Texas, but only 6 percent of the attorneys. The percentage of students and faculty members of color, especially those of African American origin, also remains low at the law schools in the state. The percentage of African American partners and associates at big law firms in Houston and Dallas also remains very low. Heres how we can begin to remedy these inequities: Research shows that many students of color who study law make that decision by high school, so law needs to be introduced as a viable and worthwhile career option during elementary and secondary education and reinforced in college. The pursuit of a high U.S. News ranking that is satisfactory to alumni, prospective students and legal employers has led many law schools to funnel the vast majority of their financial aid to merit scholarships, reducing the benefit to students with the greatest need. These law school rankings need to begin considering diversity and socioeconomic factors into their formulas. Hiring decisions made by many law firms and government employers often focus almost exclusively on first-year grades. Law students who are the most successful in their first year are often those who enter with the most privilege those who already have lawyers in their family or had the greatest opportunity to receive meaningful feedback on their writing skills in high school and college. A more holistic hiring approach focusing on broader indicia of merit would provide legal employers with a much wider array of talented students who will go on to be leaders in both the profession and their communities. Our two law schools plan to organize a joint workshop this fall among Texas legal leaders to work on addressing the underrepresentation of African American and other minorities in our legal profession. By working together to increase these numbers, we can ensure that, unlike 170 years ago, the progress of African Americans in the state is not further delayed. We can combat anti-black racism and take an important step to assure that the legal community is truly reflective of the diversity of the inhabitants of our great state. Baynes is Dean and Professor of Law at the University of Houston Law Center. Collins is the Judge James Noel Dean and Professor of Law at the SMU Dedman School of Law in Dallas. A global reinsurance company that was paid to cover work on the Adani Carmichael coal mine in central Queensland has ruled out any future financing of the controversial coal project. Leaked invoices obtained by The Age and Sydney Morning Herald revealed Bermuda-based Aspen Re was one of four companies paid to underwrite early construction works on the mine. Activists are regarding Aspen Re's commitment to not renew policies with Adani as a win. Credit:Dan Peled The other three insurers Liberty International Underwriters, HDI and XL Australia said their policies would not be renewed after residual agreements expired in the coming years. Aspen Re initially refused to answer questions about which aspect of the project it had insured or whether involvement with Adani contradicted its vocal stance on climate change. However, Aspen released a statement on Friday confirming it would not renew any insurance policy associated with the Carmichael mine. The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered the gravest restrictions on rights in Canada since the 1970 October crisis, warns the Canadian Civil Liberties Association in a damning new report obtained by the Star. In a 60-page study to be released Friday, entitled Canadian Rights During COVID-19, the watchdog said it has been a half century since the country was plunged into such peril. It comes against the backdrop of a coronavirus outbreak that has already killed more than 8,200 Canadians and led politicians to curb individual freedoms on the advice of public health officials in order to limit the spread. Polls suggest strong support for the moves thus far. The 1970 October crisis, when members of a Quebec separatist movement kidnapped a government official and a British diplomat, was the last time that civil liberties were restricted to a similar degree. Even though the kidnapping happened in Quebec, civil liberties were suspended across the entire country, the report says. At the time, CCLA criticized prime minister Pierre Trudeaus unnecessary invocation of the War Measures Act, the previous incarnation of todays emergencies legislation, it continues. While Trudeaus son, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has resisted invoking the updated and renamed federal Emergencies Act, the CCLA believes that similar overreach is happening now especially at the provincial level. The Alberta government passed Bill 10, which allows a single minister to exercise the awesome law-making power of a parliamentary majority for up to six months after the end of the emergency, the report says. In Ontario and Quebec, the provinces worst hit by COVID-19, governments wove a dragnet of social distancing rules that included a $750 minimum fine for sitting on an empty park bench, it says. A public health pandemic became mischaracterized by governments as a public order crisis, thanks to public anxiety, anger and fear, the study notes. Cmon people!was the paternalistic crie de coeur of Torontos Mayor (John Tory) on behalf of all those filling up the snitch lines with their invective for others presumed to be guilty of one form of COVIDiot misbehaviour or another. In an introduction to the report, the CCLAs executive director and general counsel Michael Bryant said COVID-19 has brought out the best of times and the worst of times, in Canada, when it comes to our civil liberties. It allowed Ontario to decarcerate its provincial prison population by nearly a quarter, after which no crime pandemic followed, demonstrating just how overpopulated our prisons have been, writes Bryant, a former Ontario attorney general. Federalism also allowed health-care workers to innovate in one jurisdiction, then share with another. It allowed a Liberal Deputy Prime Minister (Chrystia Freeland) to publicly declare a Conservative Premier (Doug Ford) as her personal therapist, as they collaborated to fend off one of many diplomatic crises with the United States, he continues. Nevertheless, mixed motives intruded upon some laws, which may have satisfied those seeking stricter isolation measures, but were nevertheless unnecessary and disproportionate in terms of their impact upon our civil liberties. Bryant points out that the need to control the uncontrollable translated into a ticketing pandemic: over-policing, primarily by bylaw officers but also by the Surete du Quebec and other police forces, contrary to the wisdom of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. An Aurora mom with her baby was ticketed for standing still, alone, for too long, outdoors. The bylaw officer charged her in his vehicle, like a scene from COPS, he writes, referring to the long-running U.S. reality show cancelled last week in the wake of outrage over the police killing of George Floyd, a Black man, in Minneapolis in May. A Nigerian-Canadian was assaulted by another bylaw officer in Ottawa, it was admitted by the city, but only after hed been carded not long after the Ontario government tried to legalize this discriminatory and invasive tactic infamous for racial profiling. In Newfoundland, outsiders were urged by the Come From Away province to bloody well stay away. Contrary to our constitutionally protected mobility rights, and contrary to Canadas raison detre, we unstitched our confederation in a panic, he writes. The response to COVID-19 within Canada is more mangrove shrub than maple tree. Many branches, tangled, no trunk to elevate the whole. But the report says there was one consistent civil rights concern across the nation: the catastrophic impact on elderly people in Canadian long-term-care homes, where four-fifths of COVID-19 deaths have occurred. Some government responses to COVID-19 have certainly led to more death in care homes. Governments and decision-makers across Canada should therefore understand the pandemic as having a discriminatory effect on elderly persons civil and human rights, the report says. Moreover, Canadians may reasonably view government failures to respond to the pandemic as discriminatory failures to protect its elderly population. Given other countries experiences with COVID, Canadian governments should have anticipated how COVID would devastate care homes and Canadas elderly people. Robert Benzie is the Stars Queens Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie Read more about: Prosecutors across the country are defying traditionally cozy relationships with police departments, swiftly charging officers with murder, assault and other crimes following protests over the death of George Floyd and dropping charges against demonstrators. Even just a few years ago, when protests erupted over the killings of other black men by police, officers were rarely arrested for suspected criminal acts during the demonstrations. Its been rare to charge police with crimes in the death of civilians, and winning a conviction is harder. But the tide may be turning, led by progressive prosecutors pressing for criminal justice reforms to better hold police accountable for wrongdoing. Prosecutors realize that theyre being watched, said Mark Dupree Sr., district attorney for Kansas Wyandotte County, which includes Kansas City. My hope is that this is a change and that we are turning a tide. On Wednesday, Fulton County prosecutors charged Atlanta officer Garrett Rolfe with murder for a shooting during a sobriety check gone awry near a Wendys. The other officer involved in Rayshard Brooks death faces lower-level charges. The shooting happened less than a week ago. Derek Chauvin, the officer who pinned George Floyd to the ground by the neck, was charged with murder days after Floyds death, and three other officers were charged shortly afterward. Most of the time it takes months, if not years, to charge an officer in an on-duty death. Meanwhile, in New York City, a police officer caught on video shoving a woman to the ground is facing criminal charges, and prosecutors in Buffalo charged two officers with assault after a video showed them knocking down a 75-year-old protester. Atlanta police were charged with assault in a protest-related stop. In Philadelphia, a police officer faces aggravated assault stemming from video that shows him striking a student protester in the head with a metal baton. And in Chicago, investigators are looking at whether more than half a dozen officers broke the law after security video captured them lounging around a side-street office with its windows smashed in, making popcorn and napping on a couch, as a shopping center was ransacked nearby. This is the time to be aggressive, Kim Foxx, the first black woman to hold the top prosecutors job in Chicago, said about pressing for overhauls of contracts with police that have helped abusive officers sidestep charges. Her office is looking at whether the officers who seemed so uninterested amid the chaos committed a crime or were following orders, which could mean they arent subject to charges. Prosecutors are also investigating whether some officers covered their badges during protests, turned off their body cameras or wielded their batons on protesters without cause. To date, no officers have been charged. In Manhattan, Miami and Houston, charges have been dropped against hundreds of protesters arrested for minor offenses, such as curfew violations, unlawful assembly or trespassing. Foxx and others ushered into office on promises of overhauling the criminal justice system are seizing the moment, throwing weight behind proposals to scrap laws that conceal police records and barring prosecutors from accepting campaign cash and police union endorsements. Too often in the past, negotiators have resisted pushing hard for overhauls of police union contracts from fear of being cast as anti-police, Foxx said. Thats now changed, she said, as the city looks to hammer out a new contract. The politics of not wanting to appear to go against the police union are over, Foxx said. Transforming collective bargaining contracts that for decades enshrined protections for officers accused of misconduct is the biggest piece of criminal justice reform that can happen, Foxx said. The top prosecutor in Boston is also butting heads with the citys largest police union. Officers accused Rachael Rollins, the first woman of color to serve as district attorney in Massachusetts, of inciting violence against police after she tweeted: We are being murdered at will by the police No more words. Demand action. Rollins rebuffed the unions criticism, saying on Twitter, White fragility is real people. But Rollins said in an interview that not all of the blame can lay at the feet of police. Prosecutors have failed to hold officers accountable for wrongdoing, she said. District attorneys have been complicit and co-conspirators in this lack of oversight. And we deserve to be called out about it. Thats exactly why I ran for office, said Rollins, district attorney for Suffolk County. In Kansas City, Dupree said he plans to expand an independent unit that will be dedicated to investigating accusations of excessive police force or misconduct and is setting up a hotline for people to report complaints about officers. The district attorney for San Francisco this month announced a new policy to ensure prosecutors review all available evidence, like body camera footage, before filing charges against people accused of resisting arrest or assaulting officers. District Attorney Chesa Boudin said its designed to ensure people arent wrongfully charged. For decades, we didnt have the benefit of social media, of cellphone camera recordings or body camera footage. Now we do and it is incumbent upon us to not simply accept the narrative in a written police report in these cases, he said. Some lawmakers have proposed creating independent state prosecutors to investigate police misconduct and abuse, in part because local prosecutors work closely with police every day. Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville will partner with the American Eagle Foundation to celebrate National American Eagle Day on Saturday, June 20. Americas Oldest Brewery already partners will the foundation to aid in furthering the care and protection of the bald eagle for future generations, noted Debbie Yuengling, a sixth-generation member of the family. As their partner we have worked to help them grow their education, conservation and rehabilitation program. We sponsor the Northeast Florida Eagle Netcam and we are raising awareness throughout limited-edition AEF lager cans. For National American Eagle Day, Yuengling will sponsor the AEF release of an eaglet named Lager. The eagle has not only played a prominent role in American history but also in Yuenglings history, she explained. In 1829 our great-great-great-grandfather David G. Yuengling immigrated from Germany. He was determined to build a legacy for our family. He established the Eagle Brewery right here in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and he debuted the iconic eagle on our beer labels. The eagle represents strength and freedom. And, although were known as Yuengling Brewery, the eagle is still a mark of inspiration for us today. For more than 190 years the eagle has remained an integral part of our brand imagery and identity, as well as a symbol of resilience and independence for everything, from what we brew to what we want to inspire in our customers. Lager the eagles release at 10 a.m. Saturday will be livestreamed on the Facebook pages of both Yuengling Brewery and the American Eagle Foundation. Following the release, Debbie Yuengling will speak more about Yuenglings history as the Eagle Brewery and its longstanding partnership with AEF. Fans can also raise further awareness for AEFs conservation efforts by purchasing limited-edition AEF Lager cans. The American Eagle Foundation is a not-for-profit founded in 1987 to protect and preserve the U.S. living symbol of freedom, the bald eagle, and other birds of prey. Its headquartered at the Dollywood Family Theme Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. 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. Contact Marcus Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com. Across the U.S., records are being set this week in terms of the number of new cases of COVID-19 being reported in several states, one of which could possibly be the next epicenter of the countrys health crisis. According to a report by CNN, 10 states saw a record number of new cases on Thursday, and Florida was one of them. On Thursday, Florida saw the largest single-day count in the state since the beginning of the pandemic. Floridas state health department reported 3,207 additional coronavirus cases that day, and according to data, the states total reported cases reached nearly 86,000, the CNN report said. According to projections from a model by scientists at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania, Florida has all the markings of the next large epicenter of coronavirus transmission, and risks being the worst it has ever been, the report cited. That makes me very worried because, at the numbers theyre now seeing, its very easy to start doubling and lose control of the epidemic, Dr. David Rubin, director of PolicyLab at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, told CNN on Thursday, the report said. According to the report, Rubin said model predictions are matched by actual cases in Florida and confirmed by increasing hospitalizations from Tampa to Orlando to Miami-Dade County and up the east and west coasts of the state. CNN quoted Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, director of the division of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham: The potential for the virus to take off there is very, very nerve-racking and could have catastrophic consequences because of the states aging population and the prevalence of nursing homes and retirement communities. In addition to Florida, the report said a CNN analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University reveals that nine other states - Alabama, Arizona, California, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina and Texas - are seeing record-high seven-day averages of new coronavirus cases per day. The report said the governors of Florida and Texas are among state and national leaders who attribute the increase in cases to more testing and other factors. However, the report said epidemiologists argue case numbers should go down with greater testing, because theoretically health officials should be able to trace the cases and slow the spread of the virus. Also, the report said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis blamed the surge in cases, in part, on crowded living conditions in migrant families. Hospitalizations are on the rise in Florida. The frequent response of Health experts, such as Dr. Aileen Marty, is that hospitalizations are a sign of a real increase in cases, the report said. Marty, an adviser to the Miami-Dade County mayor and an infectious diseases professor at Florida International University, told CNN: The reality remains that there are more hospitalizations happening here right now, so we know this is a real increase in cases, the report quoted. The report said that according to data from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, more than three quarters of Floridas adult intensive care unit beds are currently occupied, and that general hospital beds were at nearly 75% capacity across the state. People in Miami are extremely concerned. According to the report, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez told CNN on Thursday night that the increase in cases and hospitalizations have the people in Miami extremely concerned. Were going to do everything we can to keep Miami from becoming an epicenter, Suarez said. What actions will be taken in response to the increase in numbers? According to the report, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman told CNN on Thursday: Certainly as we reopened, we did expect to see an increase but not like this, he said. Kriseman is requiring all workers at businesses who come face-to-face with customers to wear masks. There are all kinds of alarm bells that are going off for me. Im not comfortable with what I see happening in my community and thats really the reason I took the actions I took. I think youre going to see mayors across the state of Florida that are going to take actions in response to these numbers because were just not seeing that from our leadership in Tallahassee, the report quoted Kriseman. For instance, the report said that in Miami-Dade County, police officers were being dispatched to stores, beaches and parks to enforce social distancing and mask wearing. Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez, in a YouTube video message, vowed enforcement actions against business and vacation rentals used as party homes. Were going to get tough, said Gimenez in the message, adding that violating business and rental properties would be shuttered. People are getting way too comfortable. According to the CNN report, Miami will be stepping up enforcement of protective measures for businesses to try to slow the spread, Suarez said, and stricter measures could be brought back if the virus is out of control. If hospitalizations increase further, Suarez said, Everything has to be on the table, the report quoted. 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. This Sunday will be day 99 of Lockdown in Spain. It is also the end of the State of Alarm. I doubt that its a coincidence that the next day we begin our New Normal instead of entering Lockdown Day 100. In February I knocked out half a tooth while chomping on a hidden olive stone and immediately made an appointment at the local dentist. But the first one available would be at the end of March; I thought then that I would just about cope with a jagged molar for a whole month. But of course all appointments were cancelled due to the virus and a filling wasnt considered an emergency. So, I had to wait a further three months. When I finally entered the practice last week I had to do the following: Put on my face mask, sanitize my hands, put plastic covers over my shoes, resanitise my hands. I had to have my temperature taken, fill in two forms about whether I have or had the virus or symptoms, or had contact with someone who possibly has/had the virus. With no tests available to the general public, I dont think I am alone in answering No to all of the questions without any evidence to back it up. Upon entering the surgery my bike helmet and bag were placed in a plastic container with a lid, and my sunglasses into a separate one. The dentist wore full PPE, over which she put another layer of PPE, and her assistant did similar. I was finally asked to remove my mask, which joined the sunglasses in its box, and I took my seat. A hard plastic covering with flaps was then put in and around my mouth. Im a little claustrophobic so I dont know how I didnt have a panic attack during the hour and 15 minutes that both ladies had their instruments and fingers inside my mouth, which had water and plastic swishing around it. When the old filling was removed and while the new one set, my teeth were cleaned. Paying for the excellent job done was the pleasant part it cost just 55. Afterwards my body was so stiff and my mouth so numb that I decided to go for a cycle to Corbera dEbre along the Ebro river. At a length of 930 kilometres, it is the second longest on the Iberian Peninsula. Were in the Terra Alta (High Lands) which wine lovers might recognise as producers of grapes such as the Garnacha or Chenin Blanc. Corbera dEbre is famous primarily for being one of the centrepoints during the Spanish Civil War. The town was completely destroyed in 1938 during the 115-day Battle of the Ebro, which turned out to be the longest and most decisive battle in a very bloody war. The International Brigade comprised military volunteers from some 50 countries and included hundreds from Ireland, about a quarter of whom died in battle. The lower part of the town was rebuilt but the remains of the Poble Vell or, Old Town have been preserved as a reminder of the destruction. This Civil War is sometimes referred to as the dress rehearsal for the Second World War. The next day I cycled up river and stopped at Garcia to refill my water bottle. Every town and village has public fonts in the plazas and I have become reliant on these, both for drinking water at home, and on excursions. Personally, I believe it should be compulsory for every town council in the world to ensure that its citizens have free and unlimited access to drinking water. Unfortunately about half of the fonts I encounter these days are taped off and are not to be used during coronavirus. The first one that I found in Garcia even had its supply cut, so I asked two locals seated nearby if there was a functioning font in their village. Twenty minutes later I would leave still thirsty but having had a great conversation with the men. They took face masks out of their pockets and joked about not bothering to wear them. One of the spritely gents, Juan, is soon to celebrate his 90th birthday, and I realised that they have lived through the Civil War and World War II. DONT MENTION THE WAR! Juan asked me questions in Spanish and relayed the information in Catalan to Benedict, his aurally challenged friend. In this autonomous community where many actively seek independence from Spain, the discovery that Im Irish inevitably draws much approval and interest. But before I left, when I asked the pair if I could take their photo Juan was very concerned that I might use his image for some political purpose, so I will leave that subject there! Mr Abdul Malik Jeleel, the Convention People's Party (CPP) Chairman of the Adentan Constituency, Thursday, extended his best wishes to the New Patriotic Party in its Saturday Parliamentary Primary and urged all participants to endeavour to comply with all the safety protocols. All the delegates and aspirants must be mindful of the global pandemic and observe the COVID-19 protocols of social distancing and the wearing of face marks during the voting, counting of votes and declaration of results. Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the NPP's June 20 Parliamentary Primary in the 168 constituencies, where the ruling Party has sitting Members of Parliament, Mr Malik said, it was imperative for both aspirants and delegates to keep the pandemic in mind in whatever actions they may take to contain the spread. He predicted victory for the incumbent Member of Parliament, Lawyer Yaw Buabeng-Asamoa, who is also the Party's Communications Director. However, Mr Malik said, he was hopeful that 2020 presented the best opportunity for the CPP to win the Adentan seat. "The CPP is ever ready to take on both the NPP and NDC in the December Parliamentary Election. The CPP is, however, yet to elect its candidate. Mr Malik stated that, although the Party's top hierarchy had gone through some challenges recently to resolve issues in court, it was normal and good in every revolutionary partys restructuring. 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 Australia is under cyber attack from a malicious 'state-actor' with banks, transport networks, electricity grids and the military all under threat - but a security analyst says the most vulnerable target is the nation's open, democratic system of government. Other security experts have pointed the finger squarely at Beijing, with former officials claiming the cyber invasion is payback for Australia's decision to ban Huawei from the national 5G network. The Chinese telecommunications giant is the world's largest 5G infrastructure builder but Canberra hit the brakes on their involvement in Australia's critical infrastructure roll-out in August 2018, citing national security concerns. Although the perpetrator of the cyber invasion has not been named, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said a 'sophisticated state-based actor' was behind ongoing attacks which have hit Australian universities, hospitals, industry and governments. Chinese President Xi Jinping drives in a Hong Qi car after inspecting the troops during a parade to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China The cyber attacks which involved various 'spearphishing' techniques such as sending links to credential harvesting websites, emails with links to malicious files, and emails with other 'click-through events' While critical infrastructure and information intelligence remains Australia's most heavily protected cyber assets, experts warn that trust in democratic institutions is our most vulnerable target. They say authoritarian powers like China, Russia, North Korea and Iran are trying to overwhelm the west with paranoia and distrust in governments, media, science and independent judiciary. 'While the nominal targets of this attack are unidentified, the deeper target is the institutional trust that enables Australia's open democratic system to function,' Flinders University national security analyst Dr Zac Rogers told news.com. 'The threat of an enemy at the gates can pale in comparison to the damage done by the monster under the bed. 'The irony of the age of information would be that it could herald the end of influence.' Australian Strategic Policy Institute executive director Peter Jennings said he is 95 per cent sure the attacker is China. 'The Russians could do it. The North Koreans could do it, but neither of them have an interest on the scale of this. They have no interest in state and territory government or universities,' he told The Australian. 'The only country that has got the interest to go as broad and as deep as this and the only country with the sophistication and the size of the intelligence establishment to do it, is China.' But the authoritarian regime has denied any involvement, and even said that China is the victim. 'China is a staunch upholder of cyberspace security and we have been the biggest victim of cyber attacks,' Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said. 'We have been firmly opposing and combating all forms of cyber attacks. Our position is clear and consistent.' China and Australia have shared an increasingly frosty relationship in recent months. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia is under increasing cyber attack from a 'sophisticated state-based cyber actor,' Who was behind attack and why? Senior sources have said that government agencies believe China is behind the campaign. Cyber expert Nick Savvides, director of strategic business at Forcepoint, told Daily Mail Australia there are ten to 15 states that could be behind the attack including Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. He said motivation for a state-sponsored cyber attack can be to gain a foothold in an enemy's systems to shut down schools, hospitals and key industries in the event of war. 'Attribution is really hard because you can be anyone you want to be in cyber space,' Mr Savvides said. 'Hackers can make operations look like they come from another state by mimicking another state actor. 'To some it may sound like Scott Morrison is trying to get out of naming a suspect but I sympathise with him. 'We're in a heightened geopolitical climate so you would want to be absolutely sure and have evidence you can publicly state before you name some-one.' Mr Savvides said the Prime Minister had used 'very powerful language' by declaring the attack was by a state. He said current trade tensions with China may lead people to believe the attack was ordered by Beijing - but another state could be capitalising on this to get away with it. Mr Savvides said he believed Mr Morrison gave the press conference today to tell the attackers 'we're on to you and we know what you're up to'. Australian Strategic Policy Institute executive director Peter Jennings said he is 95 per cent sure it was China. 'The Russians could do it. The North Koreans could do it, but neither of them have an interest on the scale of this. They have no interest in state and territory government or universities,' he told The Australian. 'The only country that has got the interest to go as broad and as deep as this and the only country with the sophistication and the size of the intelligence establishment to do it, is China.' Advertisement Beijing and Canberra have been at loggerheads since Mr Morrison called for an inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus and the role of the Communist Party in covering up the initial outbreak. China retaliated by slapping an 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley and telling students and tourists not to travel Down Under in an apparent attempt to damage the Australian economy. Intelligence officials attributed a major cyber attack on the Australian parliament last year to China - and critics say intensifying attacks could be part of a Chinese campaign to intimidate or bully Australia as tensions over trade foment. This time, all levels of the Australian Government are believed to have been targeted in the cyber attacks which involved various 'spearphishing' techniques such as sending links to credential harvesting websites, emails with links to malicious files, and emails with other 'click-through events', The Australian Cyber Security Centre said. The education sector has been targeted by the cyber attacks which have been happening for months How are the attacks carried out? The Australian Cyber Security Centre has identified the actor utilising various spearphishing techniques. This spearphishing has taken the form of: Links to credential harvesting websites Emails with links to malicious files, or with the malicious file directly attached Links prompting users to grant Office 365 OAuth tokens to the actor Use of email tracking services to identify the email opening and lure click-through events Source: Australia Cyber Security Centre Advertisement The New South Wales State Government was among the major targets of the cyber raids, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Australian Cyber Security Centre said 'advanced persistent threat actors' or APTs even went after Australian COVID-19 data. 'APT groups may be seeking information and intellectual property relating to vaccine development, treatments, research and responses to the outbreak as this information is now of higher value and priority globally,' the centre said. 'Accordingly, Australia's health or research sectors could be at greater threat of being targeted, and potentially compromised, by malicious APT groups.' Chinese troops marching during a military parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China iStock/appsky(NEW YORK) -- BY: MINA KAHI, LENA CAMILLETTI, and GIO BENITEZ American Airlines is banning the passenger who was kicked off a flight after refusing to wear a face covering as airlines step up enforcement of mandatory mask requirements. Conservative activist Brandon Straka is the first passenger reported to be banned by a major U.S. airline after they doubled down on their mask policies this week following complaints that they were not being enforced. A spokesperson for the airline explained that Straka will be banned from flying American for as long as its mask requirements are in place. "American Airlines thoroughly reviewed an incident on June 17 involving one of our customers, Brandon Straka," the airline said in a statement. "As a result of this review, Mr. Straka will not be permitted to fly American, as he failed to comply with our stated policy and crewmember instructions." "We expect customers who choose to fly with us to comply with these policies, and if necessary, we will deny future travel for customers who refuse to do so," the statement continued. "Restricting travel is a step we take very seriously, and it will only occur after a comprehensive review of the facts of an incident. Mr. Straka will be permitted to fly with us once face coverings are no longer required for customers." Straka "declined to wear a face covering" after boarding his flight from LaGuardia Airport in New York City to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on Wednesday, the airline confirmed in a statement. "After he refused to comply with the instructions provided by the flight crew, our team members asked him to deplane," the statement continued. Straka recorded parts of the incident on board the aircraft. "You're asking me to do something that's not a law," Straka tells the flight attendant, who responds that it is the "procedure American Airlines follows." There is no federal mandate requiring passengers to wear masks onboard a plane, but by May 11 all major U.S. airlines put new policies in place, stating that passengers and crew have to wear face coverings in order to fly. Exceptions exist for kids, passengers eating and drinking and for those with certain medical conditions. The last thing Straka says before the flight attendant asks him to step off the aircraft is that he doesn't "like wearing masks," according to the video he filmed. Straka founded the #WalkAway Campaign, which encourages people to leave the "Democratic Party of today," according to its site, which also sells face masks for $20. "This is insane. Absolutely insane," Straka said in a video he posted on Periscope. "We don't even have a choice anymore." Straka told ABC News that after being kicked off the first flight he disclosed to the airline that he couldn't wear a mask due to a medical condition. The airline is not allowed to legally ask Straka to reveal his medical condition. Straka said he was able to board a second flight to Seattle, connecting in Charlotte, without a mask. ABC News' Amanda Maile contributed to this report. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. It would be interesting to be a fly on the Martin/Duffy kitchen wall at breakfast time to puzzle out this one. Catherine Martin is for this coalition deal, while her husband and Dail colleague, Francis Noel Duffy, is against it. Dublin-Rathdown TD Martin is deputy leader of the Green Party, an opponent of even entering coalition talks, but leader of the party's negotiating team. Duffy, newly elected TD for Dublin South West, was one of the three party TDs who abstained on this deal. During the six hours of the party's video conference, he stridently explained why he is voting against the coalition deal and urging fellow members to follow suit. Ms Martin banished some residual doubt about her approval of the coalition project by strongly endorsing it in a move that could yet prove pivotal in this membership approval process, which requires a two-thirds majority. There were, of course, caveats that will raise eyebrows in Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. Read More Notably, she urged a rolling review of progress, which could be updated every two months. She reasonably expects a big review in December 2022, when Micheal Martin and Leo Varadkar respectively step out and then in again. That would surely happen automatically - if we get to government and it lasts. Suffice to say that the other parties have long been amazed by the level of membership consultation that goes on in the Green Party. In October 2009, after two and a half years of coalition with Fianna Fail, a significantly revised government programme negotiated by the party principals had to be again voted on by the party membership at a special convention, just like the original one in June 2007. There was also a membership vote to endorse the establishment of Nama. The Fianna Fail negotiators and leader merely ran the new programme past their own parliamentary party for a rubber stamp. One key Fianna Fail figure lamented the bugbear of having to put every other issue before the Green membership. Often, as contentious issues arose or there were points of internal tension, the party leader wrote a circular email letter to the members, laying out the facts. The reality is that it led to more cohesion, and in very difficult circumstances, that coalition held together for three and a half years, a span that was beyond the average at that time. The reality is that the member consultation the Green Party was doing in 2007-2011 is now being done, to a lesser degree, by many of the other parties. Fianna Fail now has 'one member, one vote', which is being used for the first time. Fine Gael has a much paler, more manageable version from a HQ standpoint, which gives members 25pc of the say. They give the most volatile element of the membership, the councillors, just 15pc, with 10pc going to the national executive, but the lion's share, 50pc, is reserved for the TDs, senators and MEPs. And while Green Party politicians such as Dan Boyle and Ciaran Cuffe enraged their Fianna Fail partners by using social media to voice dissent last time, now the vast bulk of politicians do the same. So, for now the Greens are the most consulted members - but that is changing. T he Government has been warned it still "has a long way to go" to strip all high-rise buildings of dangerous cladding like that which covered Grenfell Tower. Some 300 buildings are still undergoing work to remove aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding, three years after the tower block fire in west London. A report by independent watchdog the National Audit Office (NAO) has found that the Government plans have "lagged behind (their) own expectations" when it comes to stripping all buildings over 18m of their ACM. Officials at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) identified a total of 455 buildings over 18m tall covered in ACM like that which was on the Grenfell Tower, which set alight in 2017, killing 72 people. In total, 155 of these buildings have had all of the ACM cladding removed, and 300 are still undergoing work - known as remediation - to be cleared of the material. Removal work has not yet begun on 160 of these high-rises. The Grenfell Tower Fire, three years on Buildings can be classed as undergoing remediation if the cladding has been removed, but not received a final sign off. The NAO noted that work has been particularly slow on private sector buildings, of which only 14% of the 207 identified have had the cladding fully removed by May 2020. This compared with 68.5% of the 54 student accommodation blocks and 48.7% of the 154 social housing buildings which had been fully remediated by the same point. Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: "MHCLG has made progress in overseeing the removal of dangerous cladding from many buildings, particularly in the social housing sector. "However, the pace of progress has lagged behind its own expectations, particularly in the private residential sector. "It has a long way to go to make all high-rise buildings safe for residents." He added: "Going forward it is important that the department successfully manages the administrative challenges of funding building owners to carry out remediation work, particularly given its intention to commit a further 1 billion in full by the end of March 2021." Last week, a parliamentary committee warned fixing all serious fire safety defects in high-risk residential buildings could cost up to 15 billion. In addition to the buildings covered in ACM, another 1,700 are thought to have cladding which could potentially be unsafe. The flames which rapidly engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in June 2017 were fuelled by its ACM, which had a polyethylene core, the inquiry into the disaster has previously heard. The cladding system had a heat combustion akin to diesel and close to lighter fluid, the hearing was told. An MHCLG spokesman said: "We are clear that building owners must keep their residents safe and we are providing them with unprecedented support to do so. "The Government has provided 1.6 billion to ensure unsafe ACM and non-ACM cladding is removed swiftly from high-rise buildings, and is bringing forward the biggest change in building safety in a generation. "We have made progress with the removal and replacement of ACM cladding, but it is clear there is much more still to be done and building owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their building is safe." Mumbai, June 19 : Actor Rajeev Khandewal is looking forward to the shoot of the remaining portions of the upcoming web show "Naxal", once the lockdown is over. "The cast and crew (of the show) has undergone a major rejig because of the whole Covid thing. But eventually we have all very capable people on board. I am looking forward to working with Aamir (Ali), Satyadeep (Mishra), Tina (Dutta) and others as my co-actors," he said. Rajeev also shared how he has been utilising the lockdown time to rehearse his character. "I have never had the opportunity of working with any of them (his co-stars), so it makes it even more exciting. We have had table readings for the show, and I have used this time away from set, to work on my character. I hope it is a treat for my fans because they have never seen me in a role like this. My character, of an STF agent, should surprise the audience because it has many shades -- from humour and action to a lot of emotion," Rajeev added. Directed by Kunal Kohli, "Naxal" will stream on Zee5. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Kim Yeon-chul / Yonhap President Moon Jae-in accepted Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul's resignation Friday, Cheong Wa Dae announced. The move came a couple of days after Kim offered to step down to take responsibility for worsening inter-Korean relations. Moon formally approved his offer at around 10:40 a.m., according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kang Min-seok. Moon had dinner with Kim on Thursday and "listened to his position" in connection with his decision to quit, Kang added. But he did not reveal the presidential office's plan related to Kim's successor. Vice Unification Minister Suh Ho is expected to serve as acting minister for the time being, with Kim scheduled to leave office later Friday. On the media-driven shortlist of possible candidates to replace Kim are Lee In-young, a four-term lawmaker who once served as the ruling Democratic Party's floor leader, and Im Jong-seok, former chief of staff to Moon. Speculation is also rampant that Moon may be pushing for a broader shake-up of his diplomatic and national security team, especially amid a call to replace Chung Eui-yong, director of national security at Cheong Wa Dae, and National Intelligence Service Director Suh Hoon. Cross-border tensions are running high after North Korea blew up an inter-Korean liaison office in its border town of Kaesong and threatened to redeploy troops to border areas over the sending of propaganda leaflets by defectors into the North. Pyongyang also confirmed it has rejected Moon's proposal to send Chung and Suh there as his special envoys in a bid to diffuse tensions. (Yonhap) AI Healthcare Stocks Will Mint the Worlds First Trillionaire You wont read about these stocks in the mainstream media. The average investor doesnt even know they exist. But dont let that fool you: because a small hidden group of companies is figuring out how to merge artificial intelligence with medical technology. I call them AI healthcare stocks. In a minute, Ill tell you why theyre hands down the #1 way to make big money in AI stocks. But first you must understand: not everyones excited about AI. Some folks are even scared of it. They think AI could eventually try to wipe out the human race. They imagine human-like robots like Ava from the film Ex Machina or Skynetthe computer program that tried to wipe out the human race in the Terminator movies. AI in real life isn't what you see in the movies. It's not about robots or computers that outthink and enslave humans. It's about computers with mind-boggling processing powers that solve problems faster than teams of scientist PhDs ever could. Other investors ignore AI because they assume its impact will be felt for decades. But AI is already improving your life in ways you probably dont even realize. AI is why Netflix (NFLX) is so good at recommending movies. And why Spotify (SPOT) is so good at recommending music that suits your tastes. Its also how Amazons (AMZN) Alexa can tell you everything from the weather to who Americas fourth president was in just seconds. AI is also how Teslas (TSLA) Model X can navigate traffic on the highway on its own without you laying a finger on the steering wheel! These breakthroughs are all thanks to AI. But theyre just a taste of whats to come. Theres Still Time to Make Life-Changing Money off AI Stocks According to tech entrepreneur and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, the worlds first trillionaire wont be a hedge fund manager, oil baron, or social media tycoon. It will be someone who masters AI. A trillion dollars is almost an unfathomable amount of money. To put this in perspective, Amazon founder Jeff Bezosthe worlds richest manis worth around $117 billion. Thats more than the annual economic output of Ecuador. And yet, a trillionaire would be worth at least ten times as much as Bezos! But heres the thing. You dont have to be a genius inventor or entrepreneur to strike gold in AI. Just like prior megatrends, everyday investors stand to make millions off of AI. According to ARK Invest, AI could add $30 trillion to the global equity markets over the next two decades. Thats almost as much as the entire US stock market is worth today! And the best way to take advantage isnt with traditional AI companies. As I mentioned above, its with AI healthcare stocks. The fusion of AI and healthcare is one of the most lucrative opportunities Ive come across in my entire career. AI Is Already Making It Cheaper, Faster, and Easier to Understand How the Coronavirus Spreads Researchers at MIT have already used AI to identify a powerful new antibiotic compound for the coronavirus. Scientists in China were able recreate and copy the coronavirus genome sequence in just one month! Chinese tech giant Alibaba (BABA) recently created a new AI algorithm that can diagnose the coronavirus in as little as 20 seconds! Thats 45 times faster than humans can. And its reportedly 96% accurate. Insilico Medicine used AI to successfully identify thousands of molecules for potential medications in just four days. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of an AI-driven diagnostic for COVID-19 developed by AI radiology company Behold.ai. The tool analyzes lung x-rays and provides radiologists with a tentative diagnosis as soon as the image is captured, reducing time and expense. In short, AI will likely be the reason we never experience an outbreak like the coronavirus again. But thats certainly not the only way AI is revolutionizing healthcare . AI is also being used to identify a drug candidate that could be repurposed for different uses. It can also help medical professionals parse through data faster than ever before. I cannot overstate the importance of this. Every year, 1.2 billion unstructured clinical documents are created every year. A staggering amount of data is contained in these documents. And thats only going to increase. The amount of medical data is poised to double every couple of months! Its nearly impossible to search and make sense of this data without the help of AI. AI Will Also Help Usher in the Era of Personalized Medicine Genomics companies will play a major role in this revolution . But AI will play a massive role in this revolution, too. You see, analyzing genomic sequences takes time and a ton of computing power. AI rapidly accelerates this process. It greatly reduces the time it takes to develop valuable drugs. Not only that, it drives down drug development costs. And increases the success rate of trials. Money is pouring into AI companies at a breathtaking rate. According to CB Insights, $4 billion was invested in private healthcare AI startups last year. And that included 367 deals. That was the most money of any sector! Its also a huge spike from 2018 when $2.7 billion was invested across 264 deals. Its easy to see why venture capitalists (VC) are betting so big on healthcare AI. According to Grand View Research, the market is growing at nearly 42% per year! By 2025, its projected to be a $31 billion industry. When an industry grows this fast, fortunes stand to be made. You No Longer Need to Be a VC or Angel investor to Profit from This Booming Market You can get in on the ground floor of this trend by buying the right AI healthcare stocks. Im not talking about Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), or any other blue-chip tech company using AI for their healthcare initiatives. These companies are already behemoths. They dont offer explosive upside. So, I wouldnt focus on the usual suspects. Instead, pay attention to the smaller AI healthcare stocks. Many of which have gone public recently. These are still unknown to most of the investing world. And they offer the best chance to multiply your money in the coming months. The Great Disruptors: 3 Breakthrough Stocks Set to Double Your Money" Get our latest report where we reveal our three favorite stocks that will hand you 100% gains as they disrupt whole industries. Get your free copy here. By Justin Spittler Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. John Mauldin Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. OSLO, Norway, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Reference is made to the announcement published on 19 June 2020, regarding the commencement of the application period in a private placement of new shares (the "Private Placement") in Aker BioMarine AS (the "Company"). Aker ASA and the Company have been informed that the Joint Bookrunners (defined below), during the course of today received orders such that the Private Placement is oversubscribed. The application period closes at 16:30 CEST on 26 June 2020. The application period may be shortened or extended at any time and on short notice. In the event of an extension of the application period, the allocation date, the payment due date and the date of the listing as set out in the announcement on 19 June 2020 may be changed accordingly.Arctic Securities AS, DNB Markets, a part of DNB Bank ASA and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ.) (Oslo branch) have been engaged as Joint Bookrunners (the "Joint Bookrunners") for the Private Placement. Advokatfirmaet Schjdt AS is acting as legal advisor to the Company. For further information, please contact: Katrine Klaveness, Chief Financial Officer, Aker BioMarine AS Telephone: +47-99-15-89-15 Torbjrn Kjus, Chief Economist & Head of Investor Relations, Aker ASA Telephone +47-94-14-77-30 Atle Kigen, Head of Corporate Communications, Aker ASA Telephone + 47-90-78-48-78 NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, HONG KONG, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO MIGHT CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF LOCAL SECURITIES LAWS OR REGULATIONS. IMPORTANT NOTICE The information contained in this announcement is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy, fairness or completeness. None of the Joint Bookrunners or any of their respective affiliates or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, advisors or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for, or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available, or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. This announcement has been prepared by and is the sole responsibility of the Company. Neither this announcement nor the information contained herein is for publication, distribution or release, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into or from the United States (including its territories and possessions, any State of the United States and the District of Columbia), Australia, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, South Africa or any other jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant laws of such jurisdiction. The publication, distribution or release of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This announcement does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy or subscribe for any securities referred to in this announcement to any person in any jurisdiction, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong or South Africa or any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The securities referred to in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and in accordance with applicable U.S. state securities laws. The Company does not intend to register any securities referred to herein in the United States or to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States. Any offering of the securities referred to in this announcement will be made by means of a set of subscription materials provided to potential investors. Investors should not subscribe for any securities referred to in this announcement except on the basis of information contained in the aforementioned subscription material. In any EEA Member State, this communication is only addressed to and is only directed at qualified investors in that Member State within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive ("Qualified Investors"), i.e., only to investors who can receive the offer without an approved prospectus in such EEA Member State. This communication is only being distributed to and is only directed at persons in the United Kingdom that are Qualified Investors and that are (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order") or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom this announcement may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This communication must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this communication relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Persons distributing this communication must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so. This announcement is made by and, and is the responsibility of, the Company. The Joint Bookrunners and their affiliates are acting exclusively for the Company and Aker and no-one else in connection with the Private Placement. They will not regard any other person as their respective clients in relation to the Private Placement and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the Private Placement, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein. In connection with the Private Placement, the Joint Bookrunners and any of their affiliates, acting as investors for their own accounts, may subscribe for or purchase shares and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell or otherwise deal for their own accounts in such shares and other securities of the Company or related investments in connection with the Private Placement or otherwise. Accordingly, references in any subscription materials to the shares being issued, offered, subscribed, acquired, placed or otherwise dealt in should be read as including any issue or offer to, or subscription, acquisition, placing or dealing by, such Joint Bookrunners and any of their affiliates acting as investors for their own accounts. The Joint Bookrunners do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so. Matters discussed in this announcement may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and may be identified by words such as "believe", "aims", "expect", "anticipate", "intends", "estimate", "will", "may", "continue", "should" and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions. Although the Company believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and other important factors which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond its control. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and other important factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in this release by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and cannot be relied upon as a guide to future performance. The Company, Aker, each of the Joint Bookrunners and their respective affiliates expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. The Private Placement and the contemplated Listing may be influenced by a range of circumstances, such as market conditions, and there is no guarantee that the Private Placement will proceed and that the Listing will occur. Certain figures contained in this document, including financial information, have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, in certain instances, the sum or percentage change of the numbers contained in this document may not conform exactly with the total figure given. The information, opinions and forward-looking statements contained in this announcement speak only as at its date and are subject to change without notice. This announcement is for information purposes only. It does not purport to be complete, and it is not to be relied upon in substitution for the exercise of independent judgment. It is not intended as investment advice and under no circumstances is it to be used or considered as an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities of the Company. Neither the Joint Bookrunners nor any of their respective affiliates accepts any liability arising from the use of this announcement. Each of the Company, Aker and the Joint Bookrunners, and their respective affiliates, expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any statement contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. The distribution of this announcement and other information may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Persons into whose possession this announcement or such other information should come are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions. This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/aker-asa/r/aker-asa-aker-biomarine-as---update-on-the-private-placement,c3136410 During the first five months of 2020, six civilians were killed, another 42 were wounded, and 90 civilian objects were damaged in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine. "During the first five months of 2020, the SMM registered more than 91,000 ceasefire violations in Donbas, 48 civilian casualties, including six deaths, and damages to 90 civilian objects, including schools, houses, apartments, shops, as well as gas infrastructure facilities," Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna Yevhenii Tsymbaliuk said during an online meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on Thursday, June 18, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. In addition, dozens of other reports of civilian casualties and damages to facilities are pending confirmation, as stated in the OSCE SMM weekly report of June 10. "The Ukrainian military continue to defend their land from the illegal armed formations which are led, armed and financed by Russia. Just last week, one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and 11 more were wounded on the contact line amid a 90% increase in ceasefire violations as it was recorded by the SMM. All these are direct results of the conflict unleashed by Russia, which has been going on for more than six years already," Tsymbaliuk said. Ukraine wants the war in Donbas to continue not a single day, the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna stressed. "Ukraine did not start this war. We want not a single day of its continuation. We are doing everything possible to stop this war peacefully by political and diplomatic means but, of course, without crossing such 'red lines' as Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he stressed. According to the diplomat, Ukraine is actively seeking the ways of peaceful settlement within the Normandy format and the Minsk process, including by strengthening its representation in the Trilateral Contact Group. Instead, Russia continues to evade its responsibility as a party to the conflict, hiding behind its puppets in Donbas and making demands that cannot be met to accuse Ukraine of such a failure. As reported, 26 civilians were killed and 140 more were wounded in Donbas in 2019. ol G avin Williamson said the Government is looking at returning class sizes to 30 pupils as he hinted England will reduce the two-metre rule. The Education Secretary said the Government is looking at creating larger "bubbles" to allow class sizes to expand in time for the autumn term. He told Fridays Downing Street briefing: "We've been creating bubbles of children in the classroom, creating a protective environment for those children. "Currently that is at 15, what we would be looking at doing is expanding those bubbles to include the whole class." He said signs the virus was reducing meant ministers could look at "making sure every child returns to school". It comes after the Northern Ireland Executive agreed that social distancing of one-metre as opposed to two is "safe and appropriate" for children and young people at school. Asked about this, Mr Williamson said England was actually much further ahead than Northern Ireland with the range of children that have already returned to school. He added: But this is why weve said clearly that we are going to be publishing the further guidance within the next two weeks so that schools have the maximum amount of time to prepare for the next phase of welcoming children back. It comes after Boris Johnson made a similar hint that social distancing rules may be relaxed. The Prime Minister said to "watch this space" when asked whether social distancing restrictions could be cut to help schools to return in autumn. He also said today it is his intention that children of all ages in England should be able to return to school on a five-day-a-week basis in September. His comments came as the Government announced a 1 billion plan to help pupils catch up with learning. Turkish-backed militants persecuting Christians, Yazidis after US troop pullback: USCIRF Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A religious freedom scholar told the United States' top religious freedom panel that the U.S. troop pullback in northeastern Syria has created a vacuum that has allowed Turkish forces and affiliated opposition groups to carry out war crimes against Christians and other religious minorities. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom held a hearing last week focusing on the opportunities and challenges related to religious freedom in northeast Syria amid the Turkish occupation and President Donald Trumps decision to pull back U.S. troops in the region. It is the same region where the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria held territory and severely persecuted religious minorities until the jihadis were pushed out by Kurdish-led and U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces and coalition partners in 2017. But since early 2018, operations by the Turkish military and Turkish-backed Islamic militant groups have taken over areas that were once under the control of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and have reportedly killed, abducted and persecuted civilians. The offensive has led to the displacement of tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands. It was in the northeastern pocket of Kobane that Syrian Democratic Forces staged what began as a last stand but with the support of U.S. military and a committed multinational force became a four-year effort to turn back and eventually defeat ISIS, USCIRF Chairman Tony Perkins said at the beginning of the hearing. It was also in this part of Syria that those same democratic forces and their supporters forged a unique initiative to introduce local governance autonomous from the Assad regime based on principles of inclusion, diverse representation and personal freedoms, including religious freedom, that aligns more closely with the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights than anything else in that region. But in October 2019 after a phone conversation with Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. military would pull back its troops in advance of a Turkish offensive against SDF-controlled areas. Critics feared the move was an abandonment of allies in the fight to defeat the Islamic State. The Turkish offensive caused thousands to flee from their homes. Because it is led by Kurdish fighters, Turkey has considered the U.S.-backed SDF to be a terrorist group and accuses it of being aligned with the Kurdistan Workers' Party. I visited northeast Syria in late 2019 where I was able to see for myself the devastation brought upon the Christian villages near the area Turkey had invaded, USCIRF Vice-Chair Nadine Maenza said. I met with religious and community leaders and heard about the remarkable religious freedom conditions under the autonomous administration and how that is now nonexistent in the area Turkey occupies. Turkey is now threatening the crucial population centers of Kobane and Qamishli even as it has used the worlds complete inattention to forcefully repopulate abandoned towns with refugees from other parts of Syria, just as it had done in Afrin [in February 2018], she added. [These] are actions that Genocide Watch has just indicated are war crimes fitting the legal definition of crimes against humanity. Amy Austin Holmes, a senior fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center and a professor at the American University in Cairo, told the panel that Christians, Yazidis and other religious minorities that have existed in the region for centuries are again facing existential threats. Holmes noted that some of the fighters in the Turkish-backed militias are former members of the Islamic State. They have been killed, disappeared, kidnapped, raped, detained, subjected to forced religious conversions and held for ransom until their families pay exorbitant sums of money to secure their release, Holmes explained. They have been forcibly displaced and driven from their homes. Their places of worship have been defaced, destroyed and looted. Even their cemeteries have been demolished and vandalized. The international community has failed to take action. Holmes, who is also a visiting scholar at the Middle East Initiative of Harvard University, explained that the partial withdrawal of U.S. forces in October 2019 created a vacuum allowing these crimes to take place. Christian and Yazidi organizations warned that this would happen before the Turkish intervention, she said. Holmes said that since the Turkish occupation of Afrin in early 2018, all 23 Yazidi villages and all 19 Yazidi shrines have come under Turkish control, many of which have been defaced or looted. Yazidis are a religious minority community, thousands of who faced some of the most atrocious killings and enslavements under the Islamic State. She said that an estimated 90% of the Yazidi population has fled from Afrin, saying that some estimates suggest that what was once a population of 20,000 to 30,000 Yazidis in Afrin is now down to 2,000-3,000. Kurds and Yazidis have been kidnapped by Turkish-back militias who charge large ransoms from their families for release, she noted. This is a way to engage in ethnic cleansing and demographic change without actually killing people because they cannot afford to pay this ransom, Holmes said. As a result of the Turkish intervention last October as part of its Operation Peace Spring, Holmes said that at least 137 Christian families were displaced. I also provided a list in my written testimony of those Christians who been displaced and the villages from which they have been forcibly displaced, she said. The second deadliest site of the Armenian genocide is under the control of Turkey and Islamist militias. Holmes explained that the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, in areas it controls, is attempting to dismantle the laws that guarantee religious equality, religious freedom and gender equality that were created by the autonomous administration. This includes attempts to force Yazidis, in particular, to renounce their religion and convert to Islam. This includes signs that have been placed in Afrin that demand that women wear a veil. Women have been arrested by Turkish-backed militias in Afrin and elsewhere who travel without a male relative. This is the same policy that ISIS enforced on women in areas that ISIS used to control. They required that Muslim women if they wanted to leave their homes, had to travel with a male guardian. Holmes further warned that there are 35 Assyrian Christian villages within less than six miles of the front lines of the Turkish intervention. The Syrian Democratic Forces are the only armed group in Syria that has a policy of not discriminating on the basis of religion, ethnicity or gender, Holmes argued. My survey data shows that the SDF has incorporated members of all religious groups, of all ethnic groups. Arabs from every major and minor tribe in Syria have members how joined the SDF. In her remarks, Maenza, a longtime speaker, writer and advocate, warned that the U.S. troop drawback in northeast Syria signaled tacit approval for Turkey to cross the border. In December, former deputy assistant secretary for Department of Defense policy in the Middle East told Foreign Policy magazine, Looking back at it, one could say we helped facilitate the military incursion because essentially, we helped the Turks do reconnaissance. And since the SDF were with us, they believed they werent going to be attacked and disabled several of their defensive positions. USCIRF, an independent council that advises the federal government and Congress on issues of religious freedom, recommends that the U.S. government exert significant pressure on Turkey to provide a timeline for its withdrawal from Syria. USCIRF also recommends that the U.S. increase its engagement with and assistance to the autonomous administration in northeast Syria and called on the U.S. government to exempt the autonomous region from sanctions as well as work with nongovernmental organization and international partners to fund and develop local programs that promote religious tolerance, human rights and alleviate sectarian tensions. On Friday, USCIRF condemned Turkeys latest round of airstrikes and ground operations near civilian areas in northern Iraq and called for an immediate end to these actions. Turkeys operations in Iraq and northeastern Syria make it clear that regional ambitions not domestic security are driving its actions today, and it cannot be allowed to do so with impunity, Perkins said in a statement. We call upon the administration to utilize all diplomatic and economic leverage to protect vulnerable religious minorities in northern Iraq as well as neighboring northeastern Syria from Turkeys indiscriminate military operations. Since the Indian government imposed Covid-19 restrictions on March 25, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has recorded 17 legal cases brought against journalists in India. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the National Union of Journalists (India) (NUJI) express concern over the increase in violations and urge the government to respect freedom of expression. Punjab health minister Balbir Singh Sidhu speaks to the media before attending a meeting with health officials on the government's Covid-19 nationwide lockdown on May 31, 2020. Credit: NARINDER NANU / AFP Under the cover of the pandemic, the Indian government has introduced restrictions on expression, resulting in a growing number of legal cases and summons against journalists. The IFJ's South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN) Digital Hub has recorded 17 incidents of law enforcement agencies prosecuting and investigating journalists since India went into lockdown on March 25. A recent report released by a New Delhi based independent think-tank, the Rights and Risk Analysis Group (RRAG), contained similar findings with 22 recorded First Information Reports (FIR) filed against media workers and ten journalists arrested since the lockdown began. This week, police continued their investigation into Vinod Dua, a television anchor for HW News Networks political analysis program, the Vinod Dua Show for alleged sedition. Himachal Pradesh police issued Dua a summons on June 12 in response to an FIR filed against him for false contextual reporting, misreporting Delhi riots and blaming the riots of Indias prime minister Narendra Modi. In Kashmir, the new 2020 Media Policy introduced by the Jammu and Kashmir administration has been labelled by the Indian Express newspaper as Orwellian, believing it will result in further intimidation of journalists. NUJI urge the Indian government to conduct an impartial investigation into all the media rights violations and ensure the safety of journalists. The IFJ said: The governments targeting of journalists during the Covid-19 pandemic is a strategic attempt to limit the ability of the media and citizens to hold the government accountable. The IFJ urges the Indian government to consult with media groups and establish protections for journalists during the pandemic. Two men have pleaded guilty to a large number of pharmacy burglaries around the midlands and south of the country. Siminica Matei, of no fixed abode, and Sorin Aurelian Damaschin, 263 Crumlin Road, Flat 2, Dublin 12, both of Romanian origin, appeared before Longford Circuit Court earlier this month and were remanded in custody until June 25, when they will reappear in Tullamore court. Both men pleaded guilty to a count of theft of a Michael Kors handbag, which contained cash, a mobile phone and vouchers in Nenagh on May 13, 2019. They also pleaded guilty to a count of burglary at a pharmacy in Enfield, Co Meath on June 25, 2019, where cosmetics and cash were taken. The pair also pleaded guilty to a burglary spree across a number of counties including Longford on July 1, Tipperary on July 3, Roscommon on July 4, Wexford on July 6 and Waterford on July 9. All burglaries were at pharmacies and all saw the theft of perfume, cosmetics and/or cash. In Longford on July 1, 2019, cosmetics, perfumes and toiletries to the value of 21,815, cash of 1,000, a computer system valued at 1,100 and two tills valued at 1,000 were taken from the premises. None of the goods were recovered. Investigating Gardai believe the pair are part of an international gang who export stolen perfumes and cosmetics to Romania, where such goods are considered a luxury. A total of 87,000 in goods was stolen across all burglaries, with none of the products being recovered. City council will vote a final time Monday to consider four new proposals for using more than $50 million in proceeds from the upcoming sale of the city-owned electricity distribution system to Hydro One. The deal to sell Peterborough Distribution Inc. is expected to close Aug. 4. Although the sale price is $105 million the city anticipates receiving somewhere between $50 million and $55 million, once fees and debts are paid. Council will vote a final time on Monday to investing the sale proceeds and spending only the returns but beyond that, no decision has been made yet on where exactly to invest. Councillors had previously considered banking the proceeds in a Toronto investment firm or backing its own renewable energy company, but now they may also think about four new ideas: Creating a home energy retrofit program, as proposed by climate activist and physicist Al Slavin. Creating a trust to support renewable energy projects, as proposed by Transition Town Peterborough founding director Fred Irwin. Investing the money locally at BMO Nesbitt Burns, as proposed by investment adviser George Ripoll. Banking most of the money but investing at least $10 million with the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough. City council approved the sale of Peterborough Distribution Inc. (PDI) more than three years ago after a contentious debate. The deal was finalized in the summer of 2018 and approval from the Ontario Energy Board came in April. PDI is the distribution arm of Peterborough Utilities Inc., which will continue to exist as a power generation company. The agreement to sell PDI to Hydro One includes the wires, poles and transformers of Peterborough Utilities, which delivers electricity to 37,000 customers in Peterborough, Lakefield and Norwood. Although the sale closes this summer, council may not have settled yet on a final plan yet and if thats the case, city staff suggests the money be placed in a short-term investment. PDI is a branch of Peterborough Utilities Inc., which was founded 105 years ago. The previous councils decision to sell it wasnt popular with some residents who said at public meetings they didnt want the city to lose control of the asset because electricity rates could increase over time. But City of Peterborough Holdings Inc., which governs PDI, had advised council at the time that replacement of PDIs aging infrastructure would cost so much it would soon threaten the distribution systems viability and so the city was better off to sell. joelle.kovach@peterboroughdaily.com Read more about: "The case has the makings of being the defining litigation for nondisclosure agreements for decades," said Jonathan Turley, a constitutional law expert at George Washington University who has handled cases involving classified materials for decades. "Both sides have now dug in." The White House has tried to use the firestorm sparked by the book to its advantage, as it looks to animate the president's loyal base of supporters against the media and Democrats. White House aides have circulated quotes from both groups critical of Bolton in an effort to highlight what they view as a sudden embrace of the departed aide now that he's turned critical of Trump. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lashed out at Bolton in a statement late Thursday, declaring him a "traitor". Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Bolton is a traitor, spreading lies. Credit:AP "I've not read the book, but from the excerpts I've seen published, John Bolton is spreading a number of lies, fully-spun half-truths, and outright falsehoods," Pompeo said. "It is both sad and dangerous that John Bolton's final public role is that of a traitor who damaged America by violating his sacred trust with its people." The White House insists that classified material remains in the Bolton book even though he worked on revisions for months with Knight. The government said in its court filing that after Knight finished her review, the White House ordered a second review to be done by Michael Ellis, a political appointee who has been senior director for intelligence on the National Security Council since March and previously was the NSC's deputy legal adviser. Loading "The fact that the White House wanted multiple, sequential reviews is way out of the ordinary and it suggests the obvious point that there is a political motivation at work," said Steven Aftergood, a classification expert at the Federation of American Scientists. Ellis began his review of the Bolton book on May 2 at the behest of national security adviser Robert O'Brien. The lawsuit said Ellis has had "original classification authority" since 2017, allowing him to make decisions to classify material. A classification expert, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution from the administration, disputed that. The expert said it is highly irregular for a political appointee like Ellis to be involved in the prepublication process. The expert said Ellis has never done a prepublication review of a book and only received his initial "original classification authority" training, which is required every year, during the first week of June, a month after he was asked to review Bolton's book. Turley and other legal experts wonder why the government waited until the last minute to go to court to stop the book's release. "It's a rather curious way to protect classified information if you allow thousands of these books to be held in barely secured warehouses around the country," he said. Classification battles have popped up regularly over the years. In 2010, the Defense Department negotiated to buy and destroy all 10,000 copies of the book, Operation Dark Heart, a story about the Afghan war by Anthony Shaffer, a former defence intelligence officer. It was initially cleared for publication by Army reviewers, but when spy agency reviewers took a look, they claimed it included classified information that could damage national security. Matt Bissonnette, who wrote No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission that Killed Osama bin Laden, was ordered to forfeit an estimated $6.8 million to the federal government in 2016 when he skipped a prepublication review by the Pentagon. The Defence Department claimed the book contained classified information. The publisher denied it did. Permanent Record by Edward Snowden. Credit: In 2008, a former undercover CIA officer writing under the pen name Ishmael Jones published The Human Factor: Inside the CIA's Dysfunctional Intelligence Culture, which recounted his work on weapons of mass destruction and terrorism. In 2011, a federal judge ruled that he had broken the law by not going through the CIA's prepublication review process, which Jones claimed the agency had stalled. A case that went all the way to the Supreme Court dealt with a book by Frank Snepp, who signed a nondisclosure agreement as part of working at the CIA and then published a book about the agency's activities in South Vietnam. He didn't get clearance from the CIA. A lower court denied Snepp royalties from the book, and the Supreme Court upheld that ruling in 1980. The Justice Department filed a similar action over former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden's book, seeking to collect all the proceeds because it didn't undergo a prepublication review. Under the law, the executive branch has the sole discretion to determine what material is classified. Aftergood said the Bolton case has turned the government's little-known prepublication review process into national news. "It's becoming clear that the whole policy needs to be reexamined and rewritten," Aftergood said. "As it stands, it's arbitrary and subject to abuse." Loading Stephen Vladeck, a University of Texas School of Law professor who specializes in constitutional and national security law, said that while the court might be hesitant to prevent publication of the book, the Trump administration might "have a very good shot at preventing anyone from making any money off the book." Keith Urbahn, one of Bolton's literary agents and founding partner of Javelin, based in Alexandria, Virginia, said the book has sparked interest in the past two days from television and film representatives, but no deals have been signed. Urbahn said it's too early to tell if the Bolton saga will lead to more books being published without full government sign-off. AP Vapers have been largely reassured by recent EU safety regulations, but some have been pushed to the black market for stronger hits - according to new research from the University of East Anglia. Researchers studied reactions to vaping legislation. The EU's Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) was introduced in 2017 - to ensure safety, provide consumer information and deter young people who had never smoked before, from trying it. The regulations include things like a maximum volume for liquid, limits on nicotine concentration, and the need for health warning labels. The legislation also prohibits specific hazardous ingredients. The study reveals how, from a consumer perspective, future regulation should not further restrict liquid or tank volumes and nicotine concentration, but should focus on ensuring e-liquid product safety. Lead researcher Dr Emma Ward, from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: "Switching to vaping is now the most popular way for people to stop smoking in the UK. "Studies have shown that while vape liquid can contain potentially harmful compounds, it is much safer than smoking tobacco. "But regulation of e-cigarettes varies considerably around the world, from no legislation at all in around half of countries, to total bans in 29 countries." Prof Caitlin Notley, also from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: "There have been significant concerns from consumers, industry, and even some in the scientific community about the potential negative impact of the TPD rules. "We wanted to find out how consumers perceived and experienced the regulations." The study is the first to investigate consumers' views and experiences of the TPD regulations. The research team looked at 160 interviews and surveys as part of a wider study into e-cigarette use. Dr Ward said: "We found that awareness about safety legislation was not universal but on the whole, vapers were reassured by manufacturing regulations and requirements for ingredients labels. "Some of the participants felt the regulations led to more plastic waste, because it meant they needed to use smaller bottles of e-liquid, with more packaging. "But the most worrying thing that we found was that the restrictions caused some people to buy higher strength e-liquids and prohibited components on the black market via countries where regulations do not apply such as China and the US - potentially putting their safety at risk." "A large proportion of participants didn't know much about the EU regulations and many said they wanted regulations which were already in place. "Public health bodies, Stop Smoking Services, and healthcare professionals should consider raising awareness about the regulations to smokers, to offer reassurance about vaping products and e-liquid ingredients. This could help more smokers switch to vaping. "Harm reduction messages on packaging, comparing e-cigarettes to tobacco could also nudge smokers to switch to less harmful vaping," she added. Prof Notley said: "All of this is particularly important right now during the Covid-19 pandemic. "Since completely switching from smoking to vaping improves cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, smokers who switch to vaping might be expected to have a better prognosis if infected by Covid-19." ### The research was led by UEA, in collaboration with London South Bank University and the University of Leicester. It was funded by Cancer Research UK. 'A Qualitative Exploration of Consumers' Perceived Impacts, Behavioural Reactions, and Future Reflections of the EU Tobacco Products Directive (2017) as Applied to Electronic Cigarettes' is published in the journal Tobacco Use Insights on Friday, June 19, 2020. Tomorrow, Saturday, June 20, 102,000 delegates are expected to decide the fate of 308 aspirants seeking to represent the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 101 constituencies. The candidates will represent the party in those constituencies in the December 7, 2020 parliamentary election. Out of the aspirants, 47 are women, with 12 of them going unopposed while the remaining 35 will be in a fierce contest with other males. The females represent 15.26 per cent of the 308 aspirants. COVID-19 protocols According to party sources, the primaries are to be held in strict compliance with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) safety protocols. In line with that, the party is providing nose masks to all delegates and officials, alcohol-based sanitisers, Veronica buckets and soap. Social distancing protocols will also be strictly observed. The party has also instituted safety and security measures to ensure that all the delegates, aspirants agents, officials of the Electoral Commission (EC) are protected, both physically and from contracting COVID-19. 67 Unopposed Although the primaries are to be held in 168 constituencies, 67 candidates will go unopposed while 308 aspirants will slug it out in 101 constituencies. Among those going unopposed are the Minister of Health, Mr Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, for Dormaa Central; the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu, Bekwai; the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Suame; the Minister of Defence, Mr Dominic Nitiwul, Bimbilla; the Minister for the Interior, Mr Ambrose Dery, Nandom; the Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ms Freda Prempeh, Tano North; the Minister of Education, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Manhyia South, and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr Hassan Tampuli, for Gushegu. Per the partys guidelines for the primaries, all unopposed aspirants are to be acclaimed between June 15 and June 19, 2020. The primaries will, therefore, be taking place in constituencies that have more than one aspirant on Saturday. Kwadaso primary However, the primary in the Kwadaso Constituency in the Ashanti Region will be held on June 24, 2020. Candidates are expected to end their campaigns tonight. Presidential acclamation Meanwhile, the party has scheduled, on Saturday, June 27, 2020, to acclaim President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as its presidential candidate for the 2020 Presidential election. The acclamation of the Presidential Candidate together with his running mate will be done at a special National Council meeting of the party to be held in Accra with the media and relevant stakeholders in attendance, the NPP said in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Mr John Boadu. It will be recalled that in filing his nomination forms, President Akufo-Addo announced that the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, would partner him for the 2020 presidential election. Security Meanwhile, the party has invited the Ghana Police Service to provide security in all the areas where voting will take place. The delegates will be required to produce their NPP membership ID cards or any other recognised national ID card to entitle them to vote. The names and pictures of the delegates are already in each constituencys album, but the provision of the ID or even another party official guaranteeing for them is to ensure the process is not disrupted. Context The party, at a press conference on June 8, 2020, fixed June 20 for its parliamentary primaries with the suspension of the primaries in three constituencies Kwadaso in the Ashanti Region; Gushegu in the Northern Region and Dormaa Central in the Bono Region. Sixty-five candidates were to go unopposed but at its meeting last Wednesday, the party resolved all the issues surrounding the three constituencies, thereby increasing the number of unopposed candidates to 67, while that of Kwadaso has been fixed for June 24, this year, increasing the number of constituencies for the contest to 101. Two aspirants in the Gushegu contest withdrew, leaving the party hierarchy to select Mr Hassan Tampuli to contest on its ticket. Safety The Director of Elections of the NPP, Mr Evans Nimako, told the Daily Graphic in an interview that the primaries would be conducted in strict compliance with the COVID-19 health protocols. He said all delegates and officials accredited for the primaries must be in nose masks. The party, he added, was also making available alcohol-based hand sanitisers at each polling centre for delegates to sanitise their hands before participating in the polls. Mr Nimako said queue controllers would also be engaged to enforce the social distancing protocols. Resolution Throwing light on the resolution of the issues on the three constituencies which were initially on hold, he said with the Gushegu Constituency, the party, after extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders and in line with Article 12 of the NPP Constitution, selected Mr Tampuli as its parliamentary candidate for the constituency. It said that followed the decision of the two aspiring candidates, Mr Iddi Ziblim and Osman Mahama, to withdraw from the parliamentary contest. In the Dormaa Constituency, the statement said the incumbent Member of Parliament and Minister of Health, Mr Agyemang-Manu, shall go unopposed following the decision of his sole contender, Dr Yao Yeboah, to withdraw from the contest after the implementation of a successful road map. The statement said the primary in the Kwadaso Constituency shall be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, following an amicable resolution of the issues regarding the constituency album. It commended all the aspiring candidates who graciously withdrew from the contest and respected the partys decision. 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 Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 23:47:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BANGKOK, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Thai police on Friday released a report indicating that more than 40,000 people were arrested for defying the night curfew, which was intended to curb the spread of COVID-19. Over the course of 72 days, which began on April 3 and ended on June 14, a total of 41,941 violators were apprehended nationwide, that is an average of 582 per day, according to Pol Lt Gen Piya Uthayo. Piya said out of the 41,941 violators, 37,358 people were caught outside their homes during curfew hours without permission or good reason. "The rests of the offenders said they were about to head home or that they had emergency business to deal with after curfew hours," said Piya. "For example, one common excuses for breaching the curfew was that one of their family members fell ill during the curfew hours, and had to go out to see help." On June 15, the Thai government had completely lifted the night curfew as the number of new COVID-19 cases domestically had fallen flat since mid May. Enditem (L-R) Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, two Canadians who were detained in China following the arrest of Meng Wanzhou in Canada on a U.S. extradition request. (AP photo) As Beijing Charges Kovrig and Spavor, Poll Shows 80% of Canadians Want Stronger Voice Against Chinas Rights Abuses On the heels of the Beijing regimes announcement that espionage charges have been laid against two Canadians detained in China, a new survey indicates that 80 percent of Canadians think Ottawa should speak out more strongly against Chinas human rights abuses and defiance of international rules. Having informed respondents of recent accusations of rights abuses by the communist regime, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI) poll asked respondents to rate the performance of Canadas politicians in speaking out against such abuses. When asked, should Canada and other democracies speak up a lot more about the government of Chinas wrongdoing or be quiet, more than 80 percent of respondents agreed that the government should speak up more, with 40 percent saying the government should speak up a lot more. Clearly Canadians are united in their belief that Canada must respond to Chinas routine human rights abuses, said MLI Managing Director Brian Lee Crowley. Equally importantly, Canadians believe in large part that this government is failing at that crucial task. The results of the poll of 1,000 Canadians were released on June 19, the same day that China formally charged Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor with spying, in a move that is widely viewed as politically motivated. The Peoples Procuratorate of Beijing Municipality filed a prosecution against Kovrig, a former diplomat, for spying on state secrets and intelligence, while Spavor, a businessman, was charged with spying and illegally providing state secrets. The two men were first detained more than 18 months ago, shortly after the arrest of Huawei senior executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver on a U.S. warrant relating to multiple charges, including bank fraud and violating U.S. sanctions against Iran. According to the MLI poll, 52 percent of Canadians responded somewhat or very negatively when asked to rate Canadian politicians for speaking up about Chinas human rights infractions, while 24 percent had a positive view and another 24 percent were neutral. The poll results also show nearly 90 percent of Canadians who voted Conservative in the last election think the government should speak out at least somewhat more. Forty-three percent of Liberal voters, meanwhile, rate the government as doing poorly on speaking out against Chinas rights abuses; 77 percent think the government should condemn such abuses. Liberal voters differed from others in that 36 percent of Liberals rated Canadian politicians performance at least somewhat positively, the poll said. An Angus Reid survey released in May showed that only 14 percent of Canadians think Chinese telecom giant Huawei should be allowed to participate in building Canadas 5G network. Just 11 percent thought Canada should focus its trade efforts on Chinadown from 40 percent in 2015while 76 percent said Canada should prioritize human rights and the rule of law over economic opportunity. The survey found that just 14 percent of Canadians say they have a positive opinion of China. Charles Burton, senior fellow at the Macdonald Laurier Institute (MLI) and former Canadian diplomat in China, speaks at a round-table hosted by MLI in Ottawa on Sept. 12, 2019. (Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times) In light of these findings, MLI Senior Fellow Charles Burton has described Canadians increasingly negative perception of China as a turning of the tide of Canadian public opinion on China. In what should be a wake-up call for the federal government, the Canadian publics perception of China appears to be swinging dramatically, he wrote in the Globe and Mail. With files from the Canadian Press. With reporting by Katabella Roberts. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 16:10 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406601aaeb 1 News Garuda-Indonesia,COVID-19,coronavirus,new-normal,virus-corona,virus-korona-indonesia,face-mask,personal-protective-equipment,face-shield,flight-attendants Free Flag carrier Garuda Indonesia is scrapping a plan to replace the use of face masks for its flight attendants after passengers complained they could not tell whether the cabin crew was smiling or frowning because half of their face is covered. Garuda president director Irfan Setiaputra previously announced the airline was considering face shields as an alternative to masks to ensure positive interactions between the cabin crew and travelers. On Friday, however, Irfan said face shields will not replace face masks but will complement them instead. We are evaluating the most appropriate and safe PPE [personal protective equipment] to be used by our flight crew while also considering the comfort and freedom of interaction with passengers, Irfan said in a statement. Read also: Garuda to require entry permits from Jakarta-bound passengers Garuda corporate secretary Mitra Piranti said on Wednesday that cabin crews would still wear masks and gloves during flights while the airline waits for a new safety guideline to be issued. Other forms of PPE will also be issued for flight attendants, including single-use aprons to be worn when serving in-flight meals, he added. Garudas plan to replace face masks with face shields received backlash from social media users, who slammed both the complaining passengers as well as the airline. "Passengers who complain should just be shoved out of the plane. Why do cabin crew have to risk their health just for the sake of stupid passengers who want to check out [the attendants]?" @polluxa tweeted on Wednesday. Penumpang yang ngeluh mending disapu keluar pesawat aja. Kenapa awak kabin mesti mempertaruhkan kesehatan mereka cuma demi penumpang goblok pengen cuci mata? Polluxa (@polluxa) June 17, 2020 "How can such a thing become a priority instead of the passengers and flight crews safety?" posted @athenneee. While allowing airlines to operate regular flights, the Transportation Ministrys civil aviation directorate general requires flight attendants to wear masks and gloves for their personal safety, except in cases in which wearing such protective equipment would interfere with their safety duties. (mfp) One Turkish soldier died on Friday in clashes with "terrorists" from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the operation area in northern Iraq, the defence ministry said in a statement. Turkey launched an air and ground offensive against Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq on Wednesday, calling it Operation Claw-Tiger. The defence ministry said the Turkish soldier was wounded "in clashes with terrorists in the Operation Claw-Tiger area" and died in hospital later, without providing details where exactly the clashes were. The militants' targets across the border came under "intense" Turkish fire, it added. The Turkish military regularly carries out operations against PKK hideouts in southeast Turkey and its rear bases across the border. The PKK, which has fought an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, is banned as a terrorist group by Ankara and its Western allies. Turkey's latest operation has drawn protests from Baghdad which demanded Ankara immediately halt its assault in northern Iraq. Search Keywords: Short link: By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran has courted controversy with his allegation that Health Minister KK Shailaja was trying to earn fame by seeking to become a 'Nipah princess' and now a 'Covid queen'. Mocking her, Mullappally said the minister used to camp at Kozhikode like a guest artist during the Nipah outbreak there. "Now the credit has gone to the government. Like her attempt to be known as a Covid queen now, she was trying to claim fame as a Nipah princess then," Mullappally said. The real credit for preventing Nipah goes to the health workers including doctors who rendered sincere efforts, he added. Inaugurating Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala's fast in front of the Secretariat to protest against the central and state governments for ignoring expatriates on Friday, Mullappally came down heavily on the state Health Minister over lapses in COVID-19 preventive measures. Instead of making the necessary interventions to control the outbreak, the minister was trying to seek fame, he alleged. The remarks have invited criticism from various quarters, with Left leaders demanding an apology from the Congress leader. Terming it an insulting remark, CPM Politburo member Brinda Karat said Mullappally should publicly apologise. "He was selected as KPCC president by the Congress High Command which should make it clear whether they support such a culture," said Brinda. The DYFI also urged Mullappally to withdraw his remark and apologise. New Delhi, June 19 : Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi, participating in the the all-party meet called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday on the Chinese intrusion in the Galwan Valley and the killing of Indian soldiers, contended that "valuable time had been lost" and asked what the government doing next. She said that the all party meeting should have been convened earlier. "We in the Congress Party believe that valuable time was lost between May 5 and June 6, the date on which the Corps Commanders meeting took place. Even after the June 6 meeting, efforts should have been made to talk directly, at the political and diplomatic levels, to the leadership of China, she said, as per a party statement. "The question is, 'What next? What is the way forward?' The entire country would like an assurance that status quo ante would be restored and China will revert back to the original position on the Line of Actual Control," she added. Gandhi claimed that the government failed to use all avenues, and the result is the loss of 20 lives as well as dozens injured. "I would urge the Prime Minister to kindly share with us all the facts and the sequence of events beginning April this year till date," she said. "We have some specific questions, for the Government: On which date did the Chinese troops intrude into our territory in Ladakh? When did the government find out about the Chinese transgressions into our territory? Was it on May 5, as reported, or earlier? "Does the government not receive, on a regular basis, satellite pictures of the borders of our country? Did our external intelligence agencies not report any unusual activity along the LAC? Did the Military Intelligence not alert the government about the intrusion and the build-up of massive forces along the LAC, whether on the Chinese side or on the Indian side? In the government's considered view, was there a failure of intelligence? "In fact, even at this late stage, we are still in the dark about many crucial aspects of the crisis," she added. Gandhi said that this meeting should have come sooner and immediately after the government had been reportedly informed about the Chinese intrusion into several places in Ladakh and elsewhere, the entire nation would have stood together like a rock and fully supported the government on the steps required to defend the territorial integrity of the country. The Congresss chief also said that they would like to be briefed on the preparedness of the country's defence forces to meet any threat. "In particular, I would like to ask what is the current status of the Mountain Strike Corps, with two mountain infantry divisions, that was sanctioned in 2013? Should the Government not treat it with utmost priority?" she asked. Gandhi said that the Congress and the entire opposition unitedly stand by our defence forces and are prepared to make any sacrifice to ensure they are battle ready. "The entire nation expects that the government will take all opposition parties and the country into confidence and brief us regularly so that we may present to the world a picture of unity and solidarity," she added. Gandhi also paid homage to the brave soldiers, who laid down their lives and offered condolences to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery to the injured. MANZINI Police were called to Siteki Public Health Unit (PHU) as the nurses strike continued yesterday. Following the incident which took place on Thursday, where the office of a senior staff member was trashed, police were called to the health facility yesterday in fear that peoples lives could be in danger. However, according to sources within the institution, the presence of the police did not deter the nurses from carrying on with their strike as they abandoned their workstation and would from time to time picket around the premises of the facility. The nurses first downed their tools on Monday and this was after the senior staff member, whom they no longer want as their supervisor, reported for duty after she successfully recovered from COVID-19. The strike continued on Tuesday, but on Wednesday the nurses resumed their duties because the senior staff member in question did not report for work. However, on Thursday and yesterday, she was present and the healthcare workers abandoned their duties. The insiders said yesterday morning, senior police officers from Siteki Police Station came to the facility and had an audience with the administration. Afterwards, they said the law enforcers engaged the senior staff member in question, but there were no fruitful outcome as the strike continued. Later on, they said the Lubombo Regional Health Management Team (RHMT) intervened and asked the senior staff member not to come to work while the administration was dealing with the matter. Message However, the insiders said she asked that this message should be communicated in writing and the developments were communicated to the office of the director of Health Services. The insiders added that the workers made it clear that even if government could slap them with the no-work-no-pay rule, they would not resume their duties for as long as the senior staff member in question was present at the facility. On the same note, the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) President, Bheki Mamba, said they had heard that management was allegedly trying to threaten their members. He said they were of the view that the senior staff member in question should be transferred because her relationship with the rest of the workers was already sour. It was wrong for her to work at the Lubombo Referral Hospital and Siteki PHU at the same time, the president said. He added that they had since requested to meet the Ministry of Health on Monday to discuss the matter. Meanwhile, the Director of Health Services, Dr Vusi Magagula said the administration, who are the immediate supervisors of the senior staff member in question were still addressing the matter. Decisions He said decisions would be taken, implemented and a report would be sent to him so that he could report to the office of the principal secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Health. On the other hand, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said police went there to maintain peace and order. It is worth noting that the principal concern of the nurses with the senior staff member was that she was deployed to Lubombo Referral Hospital with a doctor who was also from the health centre. After being redeployed, sources claim that the pair would frequently return to the facility, which the nurses felt was something against the COVID-19 protocol. Complaints This code of behaviour stipulates that workers who have direct contact with COVID-19 patients should be confined. Due to this, the sources claimed that the workers at the unit made formal complaints to the facilitys management, which the doctor respected, while the senior staff member allegedly did not as she continued to visit the facility. Thereafter, the nurses made a formal plea to management that the senior staff member be transferred to another facility, preferably in another region. Again, it is also worth noting that the nurses strike affect about 150 people per day, which is an average number of patients who receive medical assistance in a day at the facility. King said Pruitt submitted her conference expenses to her secretary after the trip. More than a month after a reimbursement to her account went through, a clerical staffer filed a second claim for the conference and it was approved, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 23:20:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WUHAN, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Ndjike Pierre Paulin, a Cameroonian national, carefully sanitized every floor of the accommodation area of international students in Hubei University of Technology, carrying a blue container filled with 20 liters of disinfectant on his back. In recent days, the disinfection work has been reduced for Ndjike, who is a student coordinator of the university, from once a day between January and April to twice a week, as the COVID-19 epidemic waned in Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province. "Earlier, I had to refill the container at least five times to disinfect all seven buildings, each of which is four or six stories tall. And, it took me more than two hours every day," Ndjike said, recalling the time when the outbreak was at its peak. When Wuhan enforced a lockdown on Jan. 23, most of the university's staff were on their Spring Festival vacation and were unable to return due to the entry restrictions. Ndjike and two of his Chinese colleagues, who were among the few staying on the campus, took the initiative to guard the international students against the virus. "I never thought about leaving. The university has done a lot to help me, so I should stay back and help them," said the 30-year-old Cameroonian, who has been studying and working in the university for four years. During the lockdown, Ndjike used to get up at 7 a.m. to carry out disinfection and to check on every student to ensure they are safe. The arduous daily chores wouldn't allow Ndjike to rest until midnight. Sometimes he would also try and help relieve the mounting anxiety among quarantined students through chats. "I saw the solidarity between Chinese and foreigners in Wuhan. Everyone wants to do something for society. And all the people are disciplined," said Ndjike. Huang Yongjun, vice dean of the university's School of International Education, said after several rounds of evacuations due to the outbreak, 277 of their 1,035 international students stayed back on the campus, 95 percent of whom are from Africa. None of them was infected. Many African students volunteered to alleviate the severe manpower shortage on the campus. Since January, Osei Ebenezer Yaw from Ghana has taken on responsibilities like delivering groceries and topping-up electricity cards for other students. "It is impressive that Wuhan was locked down very quickly. And soon after that, free masks, food and water were provided to us," observed the 21-year-old who is pursuing his bachelor's in international economics and trade. Students believe a first-hand experience could help the world better understand what transpired in the virus-ravaged city. "I used to know 'lockdown' just as a word and I never thought I would experience it practically in my life," said Henok Neguse Negash, an Eritrean Ph.D. student at the Zhongnan University of Economics and Law. He had to shelter his winter vacation plan of visiting other Chinese cities due to the lockdown. "The initial three to four days were difficult. But the university kept us informed and created online shopping platforms. Besides, doctors were available online to assist us. I then got used to the new normal of living behind closed doors," recalled Negash. Confined to his apartment, Negash used to unwind by strumming his guitar, doing exercises, chatting with friends, and writing diary entries. Negash, along with some of his other foreign friends, chronicled the unfolding events since the beginning of the virus outbreak, in the form of a group diary. "Some of us traveled abroad and are unable to return to Wuhan, some are living away from their spouse for months, and some were stranded at home. We candidly recorded our experiences," he said. Negash is also working on another book based on his own diary, in which he penned down stories that touched him. "I remember the night when Wuhan people waved flashlights from their phones and shouted 'Wuhan Jiayou' (Wuhan stay strong) from their windows. I cried. The solidarity was remarkable," he said. "It is also touching to see that after China controlled the outbreak, it started to help other countries. Masks and protective suits were sent from China to Africa, Europe, America and so on, which helped a lot," said Negash. He hopes to wrap up the two diaries by the end of summer. "The city is getting back to normal. The time has come for Wuhan to smile again, and I cannot wait to eat my favorite hot-dry noodles." Enditem Vale informs that its subsidiary Vale Canada Limited (VCL) has signed, together with Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. (SMM), the definitive agreements for the sale of a 20% stake of PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (PT Vale) to PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Persero)1, also known as Inalum. Transaction background In October 2014, PT Vale signed the amendment to its 1996 Contract of Work with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, which is set to expire in December 2025. In order for PT Vale to be entitled with the extension of its license to operate beyond 2025, certain requirements need to be fulfilled, including the divestment of 20% of PT Vale shares to Indonesian participants. Indonesia plays a major strategic role within the global nickel industry. This transaction represents an important development in PT Vale's long presence in Indonesia and reinforces Vale's commitment to keep investing in the region. The transaction Inalum is the Indonesian state-owned entity for investments in the mining sector and its association with PT Vale significantly contributes to the continuous development and operational expansion of its businesses in Indonesia. The final terms and conditions were settled in the Agreements and include, among others, (i) the secondary purchase of 20% of PT Vale shares by Inalum, and (ii) the maintenance of financial and operational control of PT Vale by VCL, as well as the financial and production consolidation in its financial statements. After the closing of the transaction, Inalum will have acquired 20% of PT Vale shares, being 14.9% from VCL and 5.1% from SMM. Vale and SMM will then have a stake of 44.3%2 and 15.0% in PT Vale, totalling a 59.3% participation. For its stake, VCL will receive IDR 4,126 billion, approximately US$ 290 million3 in cash upon closing of the transaction, which is expected to happen by the end of 2020, after the satisfaction of standard regulatory approvals. Vale takes this opportunity to praise the alliance with Inalum and SMM, reinforcing PT Vale's long-standing commitment to the prosperity, sustainability and local empowerment in Indonesia. 1 Recently renamed MIND ID. 2 The 44.3% stake Vale will have in PT Vale after this transaction includes the participation through VCL (43.8%) and Vale Japan Limited (0.5%). 3 Considering IDR 14,234/USD and share price of IDR 2,780/share. Meghan Markle was spotted wearing Krewe sunglasses while in Sydney, Australia, according to the brand's Instagram, making the New Orleans-based eyewear brand officially duchess-approved. Markle and Prince Harry were on hand for the Invictus Games. Markle has been seen wearing their Gravier Matte Black 24K aviator sunglasses at least twice: Once when she paired them with an ivory dress and beige trench coat, a snap of which was shared on Krewe's Instagram, and another time while on the water with Prince Harry. The second time was noted in Fashionista's blog, Meghan Markle Wore a Thing. New Orleans native Stirling Barrett created Krewe here in 2013, and the line continues to be designed locally. Barrett told Fast Company his team is inspired by the city "to create colorful and unique designs," which are often named with nods to local streets and landmarks. Since its birth, a handful of celebrities have been seen sporting the Krewe shades, like Gigi Hadid, Emma Watson, Blake Lively, Beyonce and Serena Williams, who recently celebrated her wedding in New Orleans. "The connection between product and place doesn't matter to everybody," Barrett told Fast Company. "But as designers, we know that New Orleans permeates the products we make, even if the customer doesn't fully understand it. It's fine if they just take away the sense that a New Orleans brand is able to execute elevated design." Inspired by his late father, Muzi Shongwe's passion for business culminated in Muzi Bricks and Project - a brickmaking business helping build Soshanguve - the community in which he operates. Muzi Shongwe, founder, Muzi Bricks and Project Tell us a bit about yourself and your background. What prompted you to start a business in brickmaking? What are some of your achievements of which you are most proud? How can the public and private sectors best support young entrepreneurs like yourself? What keeps you motivated? The Covid-19 crisis is likely to have a significant impact on the opportunities available for skills development for young South Africans. Do you have any words of encouragement? What to you is the significance of Youth Month in 2020? You've been voted SA's president for the day. What's the first thing on your to-do list? Empowered through a four-year partnership with PPC, Shongwe's business is able to produce up to 1200 bricks a day, supplying 100% local, quality bricks to his community.We chatted to Shongwe this #YouthMonth to find out more about how he got started in the brickmaking business, what kind of support entrepreneurs like him most need, and his thoughts on the significance of Youth Month this year.My name is Ernest Muzi Shongwe. I was born and raised in the township in Pretoria where I also completed my Grade 12 at Tshwane North College. I am the first-born son of five children to my late father Samson Dingaan Shongwe and mother Sandra Shongwe whom I love very much. I stay with my five siblings.I was once employed as a receptionist for a medical and dental centre - that is where I got most of my administrative experience training. Little did I know that one day I will have my own business.I was inspired by my late father - after I lost my day-job as a receptionist, I had to go home and come up with a plan to survive. My father had a brickmaking machine he had bought to make bricks for our house and an old pickup truck 67 model Ford. When my father passed away, I had to make a living with what I had, so I started making bricks in 2012 and nine years later I am manufacturing and distributing quality bricks and PPC cement throughout the township.My biggest achievement will be meeting with PPC, giving me an opportunity to realise my business plans, picking me up from zero to where I am now. I will never forget the day I called PPC for assistance.By giving them equal share in the business market, formal business education and help to identify opportunities and utilise them.Transforming my community from shacks to brick and mortar houses. Knowing I get to be part of this transformation gets me going.Do not give up, hang in there, it will pass. We will be alright.It gives me a chance to reflect on who I am today. With my fathers tools, my families love and support, I would be nothing. It gave me the courage to pickup the phone and take a chance to talk to PPC. Because of them and my family, Im changing the shape and look of my community every day.If I was president, I would directly put my focus on disadvantaged communities and businesses, especially youth-owned local business. The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks! Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics. The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc. The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics. The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates. Access to college recruiters and advisors its harder to line up higher education. Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family. Vote View Results Former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams is among 250 faith leaders calling on Boris Johnson to guarantee the rights of lone migrant children to seek refuge here. In a letter to the prime minister today (Sat), they say Britain has a 'moral duty to act' because two schemes for claiming asylum are ending. MPs and charities say without the legal routes more of those stuck in migrant camps could fall prey to ruthless trafficking gangs. One route known as the 'Dubs Scheme', created in 2016 and which allows lone minors with no family here to re-settle, reached its 480-place capacity last month. And child migrants with relatives already here will lose their right under EU law to be reunited with them when the Brexit transition period expires at the end of this year. Former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams (pictured) is among 250 faith leaders calling on Boris Johnson to guarantee the rights of lone migrant children to seek refuge here In their letter to the PM, which includes dozens of Church of England bishops, senior rabbis and imams, the faith leaders write: 'With the 'Dubs scheme' over and with child refugees losing their access to family reunion after we exit the EU, very soon there could be no safe, legal routes for child refugees in Europe to seek sanctuary in the UK. 'As a signatory to the Global Compact on Refugees and one of the world's richest countries, seeking to build and demonstrate global cooperation and goodwill, we have a moral duty to act.' Dr Williams, now a crossbench peer in the House of Lords, told the Mail: 'We've all been more conscious than ever in these last few months of the cost of isolation, and how much more painful this is at a time of sickness and vulnerability. 'There are still thousands of unaccompanied children isolated in refugee camps and holding centres, especially in the Greek islands, who are more at risk than ever at this time of pandemic disease and who urgently need safe and legal means of settling in secure environments. 'We are simply pleading with the Prime Minister to honour the best traditions of this country, the commitments made by previous governments and to respond to the Europe-wide challenge to guarantee safety. Tory MP Tim Loughton (pictured), who sits on the Home Affairs Committee, has joined forces with Labour to table an amendment to the Immigration (EU Withdrawal) Bill which would transfer the EU's Dublin Regulation into UK law when the Brexit transition period ends 'They need the same security and love that our own children need. And we need to show what we all hope is true: that our moral compass as a country has been strengthened and not weakened by the trials we have been going through.' It comes after 47 migrants, including lone children, were reunited with family members in Britain under the EU's Dublin Regulation after being flown in from Greek islands last month. The Mail highlighted the plight of lone children in squalid conditions after visiting the island of Lesbos and telling their stories. The UK has its own family reunion and relocation scheme. But charities and MPs point out it is not as generous as the EU's Dublin Regulation, which has a wider definition of what qualifies as a relative. Tory MP Tim Loughton, who sits on the Home Affairs Committee, has joined forces with Labour to table an amendment to the Immigration (EU Withdrawal) Bill which would transfer the EU rule into UK law when the Brexit transition period ends. The Mail highlighted the plight of lone children in squalid conditions after visiting the island of Lesbos and telling their storie. Pictured: A migrant family wearing handmade protective face masks on the island of Lesbos on March 28 He said: 'It's the right thing to do. We are often dealing with kids who have parents killed in wars and they need any relative they can to establish a link with the UK. 'You may find children who currently qualify no longer do after this year.' However, reunion rights are still subject to the outcome of ongoing Brexit talks and there is no guarantee the amendment will pass. Labour's Yvette Cooper, chair of the Home Affairs Committee, said: 'Britain has a long history of helping vulnerable child refugees - especially those who are alone with no one to care for them. 'We need to make sure that current arrangements for helping lone child refugees rejoin family can continue otherwise those children and teenagers will be easy prey for dangerous trafficking and smuggler gangs. That's why we have put forward a cross-party amendment to the Immigration Bill.' Lord Dubs, who introduced legislation to set up the Dubs Scheme in April 2016, said: 'It's important child refugees should have safe paths to safety, otherwise they fall into the hands of the traffickers or other terrible dangers like trying to cross the ocean. We should continue to share responsibility with other countries.' The faith leaders' letter to the PM was organised by charity Safe Passage. Its CEO Beth Gardiner Smith said: 'Last winter, the Government gave repeated assurances in Parliament that it was committed to helping child refugees join their relatives in the UK, but it has now published a Brexit negotiating position that would replace concrete family reunion rights with a watered-down, discretionary system. 'There is a clear moral case for the UK to take leadership of this issue and provide safe and legal routes for child refugees.' A Government spokesman said: 'We have a proud record supporting vulnerable asylum seeking children, and in the year up to March 2020 we granted protection to over 7,300 children, and more than 44,900 children since 2010. 'In fact, last year we received the highest number of unaccompanied asylum seeking children since 2008 and more than any EU country last year. 'Protecting vulnerable children is a key priority for this government and the progress we have made with generous support from local authorities - underlines our commitment to that.' The EU is dissatisfied with its relations with China, but does not want a break. Europeans are studying measures to defend themselves from Chinese dumping and export subsidies. An EU-China investment agreement is now in doubt. For a former NATO secretary general, European companies should move away from China if Beijing does not open its market. Brussels (AsiaNews) - The European Union seems unwilling to follow the United States in its aggressive strategy towards China. For analysts, the EU is dissatisfied with its political and trade relations with China, guilty also of hiding the coronavirus pandemic in its early stages and using it to achieve geopolitical advantages. Yet, despite this, it does not want a break with China, but seeks instead to play a balancing role in the power struggle between Washington and Beijing. China will increase its global role. We have to engage with China to achieve our global objectives, based on our interests and values, said Josep Borrell, the head of European diplomacy, speaking before the European Parliament yesterday. The EU wants to compete economically with China. It does not plan sanctions, like those announced by the US in response to Beijing's decision to adopt a national security law for Hong Kong. However, the EU is vetting trade measures to defend European companies from Chinas unfair practices. On Wednesday, the EU Commission presented a new plan to protect the European market from Chinese dumping[*] and Chinese export subsidies to its companies. The initiative is aimed at all non-EU countries, but China is the main target. Europe's economy is open and closely interlinked to the rest of the world, said Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age. For the Danish politician, trade and investments must be fair, and this cannot happen if foreign companies can openly buy companies in the EU space, but European investors cannot do the same outside the EUs borders. Since Chinese companies have full access to the European market, the EU wants equal treatment for European companies that wish to invest in China. This is the major stumbling block in the negotiations over a trade agreement between the EU and China that is supposed to be inked by the end of the year. According to Anders Fogh Rasmussen, a former NATO secretary general, if China does not open up its market adequately to European companies, the latter should move production to other countries. This is the line taken by the Trump administration, which is looking at incentives to get US companies to leave China and return to the United States. [*] To sell goods in foreign market at below price to drive out local competition. Pregnant women with coronavirus can now participate in a trial using plasma from survivors of the infection to treat them, a rare occurrence in drug testing. Clinical trials that aren't specific to assessing drugs or treatments intended for pregnant women have overwhelmingly excluded this group, citing concerns over endangering a woman and her unborn child. In fact, only two percent of some 900 COVID-19 trials have studied how the disease and its treatments affect pregnancy. Most others simply leave pregnant women out, according to the University of Pennsylvania, which is running the plasma trial. But pregnant women - and their developing babies - are no less vulnerable to coronavirus than are their peers, and not including them in trials means prolonging uncertainty about how they can be treated for the life-threatening infection. Scientists are still studying just how effectively plasma from recovered coronavirus patients is at treating those who still have the virus, but at least now a safe potential treatment will be available to the pregnant women in the trial, and doctors will better know how it affects them. University of Pennsylvania is allowing pregnant women with coronavirus to enroll in its trials of plasma from COVID-19 survivors to treat the infection (file) Thousands of American coronavirus survivors have donated their blood plasma in the hopes that it may contain antibodies to the virus that will help others fight off the infection. Plasma transfusions, generally speaking, are considered safe. The treatment protocol has been used for hundreds of years, during emergencies ranging from battlefield infection prevention to treating the 1918 influenza pandemic. And a recent Mayo Clinic study found that just one percent of patients treated with convalescent plasma had serious side effects. With a good safety profile, plasma makes a good candidate for coronavirus treatment testing in pregnant women. For U Penn, it will be the Perelman School of Medicine's first clinical trial not related to pregnancy itself to include women who are expecting. Researchers there believe it's the first COVID-19 trial not related to pregnancy to enroll pregnant women. In all medical research, 'we have a natural misplaced default action to exclude pregnant women from trials,' Emma Meagher, vice dean for clinical research at the Perelman School of Medicine, told WHYY radio. 'And part of that historically is you have to consider two lives, and the impact on the child is virtually impossible to assess in utero.' It's far too soon to know how coronavirus infection during pregnancy will affect a woman's newborn over the course of their life. In the meantime, doctors are approaching the matter with extreme caution - even to a fault, some have suggested. One woman in Montreal gave birth to a premature baby amid the coronavirus pandemic. The yellowish, liquid component of blood, plasma (pictured) contains immune cells, including antibodies that may fight coronavirus infection. A recent Mayo Clinic study found the treatment safe, and U Penn researchers will now administer it to pregnant COVID-19 patients Because she tested positive for COVID-19 at the time of her baby's birth, physicians at Sainte-Justine Hospital felt it was unsafe for her to touch her infant. But she continued to test positive for 55 days thereafter, even after her symptoms had subsided, Stat News reported. So long as she was covid-positive, the staff at Sainte-Justine continued to keep her separate from her baby - perhaps unncessarily, as some virologists believe she was unlikely to have still been shedding infectious viral particles at that point, but the test was unable to distinguish between active and inactive virus. Treatment with convalescent plasma might help pregnant women recover more quickly from coronavirus and avoid such long separation periods from infants. U Penn is conducting two plasma trials: one is recruiting only patients on mechanical ventilators, and the second is recruiting those severely ill with coronavirus and hospitalized, but not necessarily on ventilators. The latter is recruiting 80 patients, who will be randomly assigned to receive or not receive plasma. Pregnant women may be among them. Pregnant women were excluded for the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) multi-arm trial of potential coronavirus treatments, as well as from the NIH trial that led to emergency use authorization for the antiviral remdesivir. Not only does that mean doctors have little information on the safety of such treatments for pregnant women, it means pregnant women aren't getting the potential treatments. So far, rates of severe illness or death don't seem to be higher any higher among pregnant women than among other people - in fact, women appear to get less sick, less often, compared to men. But two months ago, we also thought that children might be relatively unaffected by coronavirus. Now, doctors are scrambling to find treatments for a new, life-threatening pediatric inflammation condition that is believed to be triggered by coronavirus. 'What COVID really brought to the forefront was a need for us to challenge this accepted principle and dogma that pregnant women cannot be enrolled' in trials, Dr Meagher told WHYY. 'And it was so stark, because at the time these studies were designed, there was no accepted therapy.' All Mineli Polanco wants is to return to her day job, waiting on customers at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City as a costumed beverage server. With two teenagers at home, shes been unemployed since the middle of March. The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered Atlantic Citys casinos, leaving many of its thousands of employees without work or benefits. But for the last few months, casino workers have had a reprieve. Unite Here, a union representing employees in the hotel, gaming and transportation industries, has stepped in with an insurance fund to cover the months of April, May and June. That fund will run dry at the end of June and workers are demanding casino companies step in. Unite Here Local 54, a South Jersey affiliate of the international labor organization, has planned a car caravan protest for Friday, calling on companies like Caesars and MGM to extend healthcare benefits to all of their employees. I hope that the company realizes that we are front of the line employees, we do our job with a lot of love and dedication to provide our customers with great service, to make them feel safe, and we want to feel safe as well, Polanco said. We want to be happy doing what we do, every day. We need our benefits, we need them to step it up. We have put so many hours into this industry, at least we need something back. The caravan, which organizers expect will draw hundreds of participants, will start from the Atlantic City Expressway, run through the Atlantic City-Brigantine Connector, do two laps around Harrahs Resort Atlantic City and the Borgata, and end on Renaissance Point Boulevard. There, after honking their horns and gathering attention, workers will exit their cars to hold a socially-distanced rally. The purpose of Fridays event is to make the companies hear our voices and understand how important extended healthcare is to their employees, our members, said Donna DeCaprio, Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Local 54 . Union leaders are currently in discussion with casino owners, hammering out an agreement. We are working with the leaders of Unite Here to reach an agreement regarding health coverage, said an MGM resorts spokesperson. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino declined to comment and Caesars which owns Harrahs, Ballys Atlantic City and Caesars Atlantic City could not be reached for comment. If the parties cannot reach a decision by the end of the month, workers will be left uninsured indefinitely. Gov. Phil Murphy has not yet announced when casinos can reopen, but said the state is shooting for the July 4 weekend. A number of casinos have unveiled their health and safety plans for reopening. The Hard Rocks plan appears to be the most cautious, requiring employees and guests to have their temperature taken and wear masks, whereas MGM and Caesars properties will not. Jason McKnight, a bartender at Harrahs who is participating in Fridays caravan, worries what will happen if he is called back into work part-time and catches the virus from a guest. The guests dont have to wear a mask, the guests dont have to have their temperature taken, only we do, McKnight said. So, youre going to put us in harms way, but at the same time, youre saying, Hey, youre not working enough hours, you dont have healthcare. Though the state has not released a formal timeline and casino companies have not announced in what capacity they will bring back employees, it is possible that formerly full-time workers will come back in for reduced shifts. If the workers are part-time employees, then the companies will not be required to provide them with health insurance. Earlier this week, the New Jersey State Senate voted for a series of tax breaks that would help the shuttered casinos recover their losses. At the end of March, Caesars reported a strong liquidity position with more than $2.8 billion of cash on hand; though, in April, Atlantic City casino revenue plummeted 69 percent. Union representatives are calling for the taxpayer-funded tax and fee cuts to be applied toward healthcare coverage if the bill passes the State Assembly. Several people participating in Fridays caravan just returned from another caravan in Washington D.C. on Wednesday. They joined other unions members to demand lawmakers pass AFL-CIOs Americas Five Economic Essentials, which includes provisions for safety, employment and health insurance. We are a fighting union, we are going to continue fighting until we have our healthcare protected, said DeCaprio. Weve been in fights before, we know how to fight. Our members are very resilient, theyre the toughest around. With more than 10,000 Local 54 members working as waiters, housekeepers, cooks, and doormen in Atlantic City, union members are antsy for the parties to reach an agreement and quickly. Im not alone, said Polanco. Its hundreds of employees. Atlantic City depends on this. Josh Axelrod may be reached at jaxelrod@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Ireland was a very late convert to the idea of a global deal that would tax some of the profits of multinationals in countries where they made their sales, fearing it would eat into the corporate tax receipts which have kept the Exchequer afloat in recent years. After sustained pressure from elsewhere in Europe Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe got behind the idea just last year after the US engaged with the process. Now Washington has blown up the entire edifice and instead of an orderly set of rules which would have allocated a bare minimum of those profits to countries, and left Ireland's hefty and growing corporate tax receipts largely intact, there will a potentially damaging tax free-for-all. The importance of corporate taxes to Ireland was shown in the latest data on government finances, which have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. In May there was 6bn hole in the budget and that would have been a lot worse had company taxes, 80pc of which are paid by the likes of Apple and Google, not doubled in that month alone to 2.6bn. Those taxes are paid here, rather than in France or India say, because corporations domicile in low-tax jurisdictions such as Ireland or the Netherlands. Companies now provide a fifth of the State's tax take and corporate tax reciepts of just 3.5bn in 2011, have surged to close on 11bn. That has allowed Ireland to spend a lot more money each year and at the same time run a balanced budget - at least until Covid hit. Research from the Independent Commission for the Reform of International Corporate Taxation showed the OECD proposals "would have moved little of the profits declared in tax havens back to the countries where the real economic activity takes place". That would been a huge win for Ireland. Not only would the losses have been small but the process would be enshrined in law, giving a measure of reassurance to the companies here and reinforcing a predictable regime. Now the US has withdrawn from the proposed pact, countries such as France and Spain, who are looking to fill their coffers for the fight against Covid, will have a green light to press ahead with their own digital taxes. Quite how much Ireland could lose from a tax stream that has grown by a fifth year-on-year is unclear. UCC economist Seamus Coffey, former head of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, believes the impact here would relatively small. Some estimates of the potential loss to the State are as low as 1bn a year. Other forecasts go as high as 6bn. Those numbers are based on a calculation that seeks to identify the amount of revenue that cannot be explained by "normal economic activity". That measure itself is little better than informed guesswork, as is shown by the huge range of possible outcomes. Christian Aid Ireland's Sorley McCaughey says unilateral action "will be seen by some as very threatening" to Ireland. The biggest losers, he says, will be poor countries whose ability to fund basic healthcare and eduction has been hollowed out by tax shifting. "The ability of one powerful country, the US, to derail the process puts a lie to the idea that this was ever an inclusive process," he said. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Geely Automobile Holdings Limited (called Geely Auto for short) announced on June 17 that its board of directors has approved a preliminary proposal for the possible issuance of RMB shares and listing on the Science and Technology Innovation Board (Sci-Tech Board) of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE). The decision comes as China's central government is stepping up capital market reforms to encourage domestic listings. It is also good news for the China's Nasdaq-like Sci-Tech Board, which is striving to attract as many as more high-tech firms. The company said the proposed issuance of the RMB shares shall be conditional upon and subject to, among other things, market conditions, the approval of shareholders at the general meeting, and the necessary regulatory approvals. (Geely Auto's WeChat account) According to Geely Auto's preliminary plan, the RMB shares to be issued shall not exceed 15% of the company's issued share capital as enlarged by the issuance and allotment of the RMB shares contemplated under the proposed issuance of RMB shares. Besides, the RMB shares will all be new shares, and no conversion of the existing shares will be involved. Regarding the nature of the shares, the RMB shares to be listed on the Sci-Tech Board will be ordinary shares that enjoy equal rights to Geely Autos existing ordinary shares which are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, featuring the same par value of HK$0.02 per share, the same rights to vote, dividend and return of assets. After deducting the issuance expenses, the proceeds gained from the aforesaid issuance are set to be used for business development and general working capital of Geely Auto and its subsidiaries. Geely Auto, whose parent is Zhejing Geely Holding Group, is currently listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with a market capitalization of HK$116.77 billion ($15.07 billion) when the closing bell ran on June 17. The Zhejiang-based automaker has publicly expressed its intention of returning to the domestic A-share market. However, it is rather difficult for Geely Auto as a red-chip company as it has to cope with a slew of complicated procedures and the laws and regulations within and without the Chinese mainland. Now, the time has come. According to a document released by the China Securities Regulatory Commission on April 30, the red-chip companies whose market capitalization is not fewer than 200 billion yuan ($25,805,620,000), or which possess self-developed and global leading technologies, boast strong scientific and technological innovation capabilities and have a market capitalization of above 20 billion yuan ($2,580,562,000), will be encouraged to go public on Sci-Tech Board under a pilot program. As an industry's bellwether, Geely's return to A-share market may set an example for other firms that have similar attempts. How it will perform is likely to affect the market valuation of relevant companies, said Pan Helin, executive director of the Digital Economy Academy of the Zhongnan University of Economics and Law. Geey Auto considered that opening the financing channel in the domestic A-share market will help the company further diversify its financing methods and optimize its capital structure, so as to effectively elevate its capital strength and supplement the capital for the strategic development of automobile electrification, intelligence, connectivity and sharing. In terms of whether Geely's move will lead to a spree of automakers returning domestics capital market, Mr. Pan said it is normal to see many automakers intend to go public domestically if there were enough proper polices and other supporting factors. Besides, they are eager to raise more money through this method as this is an industry highly dependent on capital. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden speaks in Darby, Pa., on Wednesday. (Associated Press) The biggest super PAC focused on electing Joe Biden grew dramatically in recent weeks, as donors moved to help whittle the financial advantage that President Trump has held heading into their presidential contest. The group, Priorities USA, said it has raised more than $38 million in contributions and commitments since early May, with more than two-thirds of the donations made over the last three weeks, according to figures shared with The Times. The organization is planning to spend at least $200 million to help elect the prospective Democratic nominee. "Momentum is building for Joe Biden, and that is translating into an increase in donor support for Priorities, said Guy Cecil, chairman of the organization. We've been matching the Trump campaign and his super PAC on TV and online in key battleground states and successfully filled the gap prior to the Biden campaign's spending. Priorities and other super PACs for Democrats have been battering Trump on the airwaves while Biden was focused on winning the party's nomination race and then shoring up his campaign infrastructure and fundraising as he reoriented toward the general election campaign against Trump. The Biden campaign has now unleashed its first wave of general election spending and will continue ramping up. The super PACs will also keep spending heavily to elect him, though by law they operate independently of the campaign. The windfall for Priorities comes as Biden has seen his own bonanza in recent weeks. The former vice president, whose history as a weak fundraiser initially worried some Democrats, has been routinely holding hourlong fundraisers that raise several million dollars per event. A recent online event with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren netted the Biden campaign $6 million. Biden and the Democratic National Committee raised almost $81 million in May. The infusion of campaign cash has occurred as donors are motivated to act both by the civil rights protests that have erupted nationwide and by the Trump administrations erratic handling of the pandemic. The sums are fast helping Democrats catch up with Trump financially as the election approaches. Story continues Biden recently outspent the Trump campaign on Facebook advertising, a notable benchmark in a medium Trump has long dominated. Priorities and other super PACs, meanwhile, have used their surge of cash to match Trumps spending in advertising in key battleground states. The spending is aimed at consolidating recent gains in the polls for Biden, who now leads Trump nationally by more than 8 percentage points, according to the Real Clear Politics polling average. Biden is ahead in most of the battleground states, and his supporters are beginning to campaign in other places that long had seemed hopeless for Democrats. Polls show Trump is now vulnerable in Texas, Kentucky and Iowa, for example, and trailing in Arizona, a longtime Republican stronghold. The shift has forced the Trump campaign and its allies to expend resources in several states that initially had been expected to be safely in the presidents column. That is cutting into the funds available to them for more traditional battlegrounds Trump must win, including Michigan and Pennsylvania. Trump is down by 8 points in Michigan, according to the polling average. Priorities and other groups supporting Biden have been advertising heavily there, matching advertising spending by pro-Trump groups. The Democratic groups have done the same in Pennsylvania, Florida and Wisconsin. They are now making a big push into Arizona. Conversations about rape will not be ending anytime soon, as victims keep coming out to tell their traumatic stories. On this episode of Grub & Rub with King Tonto, Nollywood actress and philanthropist Tonto Dikeh got emotional as she discussed rape with her guest Haye Okoh who is the first lady of Nigeria Aisha Buharis personal photographer. Captioning her video, the mum of one wrote: Rape culture has suddenly taken a turn for the worst in recent times, but many with voices and commendable actions are stepping up to protect others and give them a voice Join your favorite KING TONTO and my guest @hayeokoh of @iamawwas as we try to understand the surge of rape culture and how to prevent it! [embedded content] Related PRETORIA, South Africa, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The United Allied States (UAS) is announcing the formation of its new sovereign government. "The founding principles of UAS are freedom, respect for human life and free-market enterprise," says Cory Cozad, Congressman of UAS. "We have a unique opportunity to take principles from history's decisions and develop a united, prosperous nation." New Government to Build a Global Nation of Sovereign States Expansion Through Collaboration Vision The vision of the UAS is the establishment of a worldwide, sovereign nation of states, each offering its residents an unparalleled level of freedom and prosperity. Utilizing principles that are proven to facilitate economic growth and foster the creation of wealth, the UAS will promote the values of individual freedoms; respect for human life; and free enterprise. All with the fierce determination to drastically impact the lives of, not only its citizens, but its allies, partners and the continent of Africa as a whole. The UAS believes that together, we can build the American dream in Africa, and around the World. Expansion through Collaboration The central goal of the United Allied States is to establish freedom focused, sovereign special economic zones across the globe. Each sovereign special economic zone will act as a permanent state providing energy, infrastructure, food, jobs, and critical resources to its partner nation. This sovereignty is accomplished by the signing of a treaty between the UAS and this ally. This treaty allows the UAS to offer foreign companies, foreign investors, and its citizens an economically and politically stable, income tax-free, business-focused territory to develop costly infrastructure in areas that would otherwise be considered high risk. These states act as a beacon of opportunity and prosperity in regions suffering from economic hardship and instability, providing well-paying jobs to the host nation, pouring money into its local economy, and opening up resources and infrastructure that would otherwise be impossible to obtain. The UAS will utilize its stable government framework to adopt policies of low taxation, minimal regulation, and business security. Not only significantly enhancing the lives of its citizens but also the lives of the citizens within partnering nations. Individual Rights and Liberties The United Allied States was founded on the belief that government institutions are only there to serve and protect their people. It is guided by the principles of preserving individual rights and liberty; by protecting life; and by promoting a free-market enterprise that fuels small business. Free-Market Economy UAS maintains laissez-faire market conditions empowering businesses to grow and innovate, and enabling all workers to prosper. Citizens and businesses pay 0% personal income tax and 0% corporate tax, respectively, and there is no property tax. The World's Most Efficient Government Nearly all government departments and services will be interconnected using one of the most advanced blockchain systems on Earth. Every Citizen and Resident of the UAS will utilize the UAS National Government Platform where services will be made simple to understand and accessible. Residents will be able to access all of their documents in one location. Whether you are incorporating a company, registering a vehicle or filing your yearly taxes, it can all be done in a matter of minutes. "UAS will create conditions that give citizens maximum freedom, as well as accelerate growth for companies," says Cozad, of UAS. "It's a place that protects the sanctity of human life and empowers businesses to flourish through a highly-responsive, free-market economic system." The United Allied States (UAS): United Allied States (UAS) is an independent, sovereign entity with the determination to become the freest and most prosperous nation on Earth. The nation promotes the values of freedom; respect for human life; and free-market enterprise. Media Contact: Wessel Sevenster (512) 360-0438 [email protected] https://uas.govt.agency/ SOURCE United Allied States Related Links https://uas.govt.agency/ Seek and ye shall find but only if you make the effort. An online course can monetize ones expertise, expand influence and publish content that helps others. An expert on virtually any subject can leverage any of the following: PDFs, live Q&A sessions, YouTube videos, speeches, presentations, podcasts, published research and more. Theres a serious challenge to this, though: Much like New Years resolutions that quickly get abandoned, most eager learners buy a course and never actually complete it. They take two steps forward and permanently stop, which may lead prospective students to question the course creators competency, communication skills and/or credibility. For massive open online courses (MOOCs), the dropout rate can be extreme. A 2019 M.I.T. study found that 96 percent of students drop out of MOOCs over a five-year period. A different study in 2015 found the completion rate at a mere 5 to 15 percent. Why is this, exactly? Well, would-be learners purchase a course based on desire or impulse, but many balk at hard work. This undermines an experts abilities. It harms reputations and future entrepreneurial undertakings. A corporate client wont hire you as a speaker or trainer if audiences tune out, stare at their phones and rush out for lunch only to never come back. Moreover, a student who never finishes a course certainly wont recommend it and wont get the results they claim to seek. People disengage for many reasons. Expectations change. They forget. Family gets in the way. Boredom sets in theres a myriad of excuses, really. As a course creator, however, it remains your job to answer the following: How can I make my course appealing enough to the point of widespread completion? Fortunately, there are a few things you can do. 1. Be extremely prepared Many experts are tempted to wing it because of the vast knowledge they possess. However, doing things this way will make your course disorganized and unprofessional. And novices wont learn as much as they could have if you wouldve properly prepared. If you truly want to help others, be more effective with your courses preparation. And I mean it prepare your material weeks in advance. This includes talking points, slides, guest appearances, interviews, statistics, sources, etc. You also need to kick any non-essential content to the curb, so as to make your course more digestible. Many wont understand unnecessarily complex ideas or jargon that audiences wont connect with. Simplicity enables learning and engagement. Resist the egos urge to make things harder than they need to be. Related: Take A Free Sneak Peek Into Our On-Demand Start Your Own Business Course Now 2. Create feedback loops Students should continuously communicate and provide feedback. I recently spoke with Sean Castrina, an entrepreneur who hosts online business courses and advised, Ask for questions in advance of new sections. If your next section is about team-building, ask attendees what theyre looking to learn. And after the section is over, see if they actually learned it. In other words, check to see if you actually delivered on your students expectations. Push for immediate feedback when sharing content live, as audiences are able to ask questions and make comments in real-time. Give attendees a course evaluation sheet so they can rate your teaching ability and lesson presentation on factors such as communication skills, quality of materials and availability. These will identify areas for improvement and hopefully strengthen your long-term reputation as a bonafide course creator. 3. Get a live facilitator Course facilitators work for course creators, but directly with students. If you have the budget, hire one. Facilitators provide one-on-one support, as well as observe how students are progressing. They really work wonders for enhancing the overall student experience and can hold students accountable, as well. Furthermore, depending on your courses format, it may be possible to hire a virtual assistant to help with engagement, such as answering emails and responding to students questions or comments on social media. The skinny of the situation? When you engage, your classroom will, too. 4. Encourage discussion Create opportunities for attendees to learn from each other via group chat. Students can answer each others questions, many of which year after year, time and time again will be repeated throughout the course. Satesh Bidaisee, a professor and assistant dean at St. Georges University in Grenada, shared this key advice for online teachers with Inside Higher Ed: While you cannot replicate the in-person back-and-forth of a classroom, encouraging students to utilize social media channels or set up virtual discussion groups to work together can help mimic that collaborative environment. This will motivate students to succeed and allow them to turn to each other as they work through the material. Simple, easy-to-navigate discussion forums are made readily available through apps like Slack, Facebook, Quip and Zoom, bringing students together and creating a deeper, more meaningful sense of community. Related: 3 Tips for Building an Engaged Community Around Your Business The big takeaway is to remember why you created your course in the first place. Initially, it was probably because you wanted to leverage your expertise to help others and create a new source of revenue, of course. To ensure that this happens, organize your course materials. Look for (and welcome) feedback so you can tweak and optimize your coursework as you go, as well. And, of course, if your budget will allow for it, hire a facilitator to help answer students questions and encourage students to participate in discussions. Theyll answer each others questions, as well as bring up additional topics in class that could very well inspire a whole new course of yours for the coming months and years. Remind people of the benefits of your online course, and hopefully theyll come back for more. Related: How Ecommerce Companies Can Grow During a Recession How Entrepreneurs Can Address Unconscious Bias 5 Reasons Your Ecommerce Store Needs a Mobile App Today Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Officials of the New Patriotic Party who would be in charge of polling stations during the primaries of the Party scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2020 have been urged to comport themselves during proceedings. Mr Kwame Boamah Dwira, (NPP) Chairman for New Juaben South Constituency in the Eastern Region, said the primaries was to elect parliamentary candidates for the Party for the 2020 parliamentary elections and hence was opened strictly to delegate According to Mr Dwira, smooth and peaceful election can only be achieved by comportment from both polling agents and electorates and therefore urged the delegates to the primaries to cooperate with the polling officials to ensure a peaceful elections. Mr Dwirah was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Koforidua said the Constituency Parliamentary Committee of the Party had made arrangements for security personnel to be available at all the 34 polling stations of Constituency to help enforce law and order during the primaries. He said the Party would comply with all the regulations and safety protocols of the government and the Constituency Parliamentary Committee including the practicing of social distancing and mandatory wearing of face masks. He said veronica buckets, soap and hand sanitizers would be available at all polling stations in the Constituency to help prevent the spread of coronavirus during the exercise. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Free Zones Board, Mr Micheal Okyere Baafi is battling out for the second time with Dr Assibey Yeboah, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee of Finance who is also an incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for New Juaben South Constituency who is contesting for the third time as the party goes to the poll. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The decision was supported by 264 lawmakers. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has backed the appointment of Roman Abramovsky as Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine. Some 264 lawmakers voted for respective resolution No. 3586, according to an UNIAN correspondent. Read alsoRada passes legislation to support culture, creative industries, tourism While introducing Abramovsky's candidacy in parliament, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal recalled that the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Protection would be split into two agencies the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources. Abramovsky in turn outlined a number of tasks that need to be addressed, in particular he mentioned waste management, including that of radioactive waste. "If the Ukrainian parliament gives me the opportunity to prove myself as a minister, I will soon present a clear-cut plan that will correlate with the government's action plan. You had the opportunity to read its environmental block, and I don't think there was any significant criticism of it, of the implementation of the program," he said. After voting for the appointment, Abramovsky took his oath of office. UNIAN memo. According to information from open sources, Roman Abramovsky worked in the business sector for a long time. In 2013, he became an assistant to ex-MP from the then Party of Regions Oleksandr Bobkov. The latter is known for organizing the Oplot militant movement and participating in hostilities on the side of terrorists. In 2015, Roman Abramovsky worked as Deputy Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities Services for several months. In 2019, he became Deputy Energy and Environment Minister. A federal judge on Friday ordered a Philadelphia protester jailed without bail pending her trial on charges that she torched two police cars during the May 30 protest in Center City of the death of George Floyd. Acting on a recommendation from prosecutors, U.S. Magistrate Judge Marilyn Heffley ruled that Lore-Elisabeth Blumenthal the 33-year-old massage therapist the FBI identified through news footage and social media posts documenting the incident was a danger to the community and a potential flight risk. Blumenthals lawyer, Paul Hetznecker, vowed to appeal. Nothing in her background warrants detention, he said. The governments purpose in seeking detention was to single her out and send a message to protest movements seeking racial justice. This is a property crime that would have resulted in bail if it were charged in state court. But prosecutors maintained that by setting two police cars ablaze during what had been a largely peaceful demonstration, Blumenthal put hundreds of protesters at risk. Then when agents showed up to arrest her, she fought them off and tried to evade arrest, prosecutors said. In a tweet sent after Fridays hearing, U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain needled Blumenthals fellow demonstrators who rallied to support her. For any of you out there who might have contributed to her bail fund, he wrote, you can now ask for your money back. Since Blumenthals arrest Monday, her case and others like it in cities across the United States have emerged as a lightning rod in the ongoing national debate over police tactics and accountability, and the tenor of the demonstrations that have gripped U.S. cities over the last three weeks. Prosecutions like hers around the country have alarmed civil rights advocates. They have questioned the FBIs use of protesters social media and internet histories to track down and identify those accused in violent or destructive acts especially given that peaceful demonstrators have heavily relied on those same modes of communication to organize and spread their message. Meanwhile, others including U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.) have cheered on law enforcement efforts to use all tactics available to identify and prosecute those who turned what started as a peaceful protest in Center City three weeks ago into three-days marked by looting and destruction. In Blumenthals case, the FBI started only with TV news footage of a masked woman hurling a flaming piece of a police barricade into an SUV parked outside City Hall, as thousands gathered in outrage over Floyds death at the hands of Minneapolis police. With little more to go on than a distinctive peace sign tattoo on her right forearm and a T-shirt agents say was only sold in one shop on the online marketplace Etsy, investigators followed a trail Blumenthal left over the internet for years to conclude that she was the woman depicted in the original video. But in court Friday, Hetznecker argued that nothing in Blumenthals past would suggest she posed an ongoing threat to community safety. She has a negligible criminal history: a stint on probation tied to a 2008 retail theft arrest. And the courts probation office recommended Friday that she be released to her mothers house in Montgomery County pending trial on the federal charges. A graduate of William Penn Charter School, Blumenthal trained for years as a yogi and massage therapist, eventually opening her own studio in Jenkintown. Roughly 20 supporters submitted letters to the court highlighting her past charity work on behalf of the elderly, homeless, and those suffering from addiction. Blumenthal had been unemployed since the coronavirus pandemic forced her business to close and was living in a house in Germantown with several roommates at the time of her arrest. Prosecutors said that when the FBI showed up Monday with a warrant to search the residence, she repeatedly refused to let them in and tried to flee into the house. Agents eventually used a battering ram to break down the door, and it took two of them to restrain Blumenthal as she screamed and struggled, according to the governments account. She remained uncooperative during booking, prosecutors said, contorting her body to keep agents from photographing her tattoos. While searching her home, agents say, they found the same goggles, backpack, and flame-retardant gloves worn by the masked woman in the video who set the squad cars ablaze. In court Friday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Reinitz argued that the fact that Blumenthal brought them with her to the May 30 protest suggests she set out with the intention to destroy property. She also noted that Blumenthals past international travel and the fact she has a boyfriend in Iceland could make her a flight risk. The defendant has repeatedly shown that she has no respect for either law enforcement or the criminal justice system, Reinitz wrote in court briefs. Any family ties, previous employment or other ties to the community have not been sufficient to prevent her from setting fire to two police cars. Federal authorities have not publicly suggested that Blumenthal was part of any organized group of agitators. Since protests erupted nationwide after Floyds May 25 death when a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck, Justice Department lawyers have overwhelmingly sought to keep defendants charged with federal crimes for violence or property damage in detention without bail. In several notable cases including one involving two New York lawyers accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at a police van in Brooklyn judges have denied the requests. The government appealed the bail decision in that case and both lawyers were taken back into custody pending a hearing before the federal appellate court. No date has been set for Blumenthals trial. If convicted, she faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison. A patient who met many of the published safety guidelines for chloroquine therapy against COVID-19 was observed to have a very abnormal ECG pattern after treatment began, leading to multiple episodes of torsade de pointes (TdP), a life-threatening arrhythmia in which the lower chambers of the heart beat out of sync with the upper chambers. Her condition was resolved after chloroquine was discontinued, investigators report in Heart Rhythm, the official journal of the Heart Rhythm Society, the Cardiac Electrophysiology Society, and the Pediatric & Congenital Electrophysiology Society, published by Elsevier. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are commonly used to treat malaria and some rheumatic diseases. Their use as a treatment for COVID-19 has been widely debated in medical journals and the popular press. The authors of this case report present the first description of TdP due to chloroquine treatment in a patient with COVID-19. Lead investigator Yishay Szekely, MD, Department of Cardiology, Sourasky Tel Aviv Medical Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel, observes, "On the one hand, these drugs are known to cause prolongation of a specific ECG interval called QT interval. On the other hand, there is no evidence of sudden, unexplained death when they are used to treat malaria. And by the same token, neither the American nor the European rheumatology societies recommend electrocardiographic (ECG) surveillance for patients who receive long-term treatment with hydroxychloroquine." The patient, an 84 year-old women with a history of breast cancer and controlled hypertension was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19. Her medications included letrozole, prescribed for breast cancer, and memantine, prescribed for Alzheimer's disease. An ECG found her corrected QT (QTc) interval was 462 milliseconds, borderline high but still below the 500-millisecond limit suggested by safety guidelines for chloroquine treatment. Her condition worsened and chloroquine therapy was introduced. After five days of treatment, there was no change to her clinical status, however, a follow-up ECG showed signs of an extremely elongated QTc interval of 627 milliseconds. Chloroquine was discontinued, as were other drugs known or suspected of causing QT-prolongation, including memantine and letrozole. The patient was placed on a continuous ECG monitor and given potassium supplements to prevent arrhythmias. Six hours later episodes of TdP were noted on her ECG. She received treatment that led to an immediate resolution of the ventricular arrhythmias, and her QT interval gradually normalized. She was released after two weeks. Dr. Szekely notes that the memantine the patient was taking likely contributed to the proarrhythmic effects of chloroquine. However, her QTc interval spiked only after chloroquine was introduced. "This clearly points to chloroquine as the culprit drug of her TdP." The breast cancer medication letrozole is actually considered safer from a QT interval point of view than other medications used to treat breast cancer. "Chloroquine therapy is not free of risk in patients with COVID-19, particularly in those with high risk features for QT prolongation and TdP," says Dr. Szekely. "Given its questionable efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19 and risk of QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes, chloroquine treatment must be considered thoroughly and reviewed on a regular basis." Boston Police Commissioner William Gross issued a statement Thursday evening after U.S. Attorney General William Barr met with him earlier in the day in Boston. Gross acknowledged that the surprise visit would stir controversy, stating: A meeting does not mean I agree with his policies in any way, but I hope he walked away knowing a little more about ours. As Police Commissioner, I often have to put my personal feelings aside, he said. The top law enforcement official in the country requested a meeting with the Boston Police Department and I would rather take the opportunity to educate someone on what we are doing in Boston on how we value and work with the community, and how we support our officers in this work, than close a door. The U.S. Justice Department tweeted about the meeting on Thursday, noting it is the first time a U.S. Attorney General has visited the Boston Police Department. Thank you, Comm. Gross, for your wonderful hospitality and invaluable insight and advice, the Tweet says. Several Boston politicians condemned the meeting, including City Councilor Michelle Wu. In a Tweet, she referred to the visit as a disgrace to our city. Racism Is A Public Health Crisis...aka dont welcome the person who dismisses systemic racism & creates/enforces racist policies through abuses of power!!! her Tweet says. Racism Is A Public Health Crisis...aka dont welcome the person who dismisses systemic racism & creates/enforces racist policies through abuses of power!!! This is a disgrace to our city & a breach of trust to our communities. https://t.co/tfhxVajm8Y Michelle Wu (@wutrain) June 18, 2020 Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell also tweeted about the visit, stating: Defund whatever the hell this is. Her tweet comes as cities across Massachusetts grapple with police reforms in the wake of the officer-involved death of George Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis. Protests across the country have called upon leaders to defund police departments. Defund whatever the hell this is. https://t.co/q0b3lxCXX5 Andrea J. Campbell (@CampbellforD4) June 18, 2020 Asked about the visit earlier in the day, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said he didnt know what the meeting was about. Got a news tip or want to contact MassLive about this story? Email newstips@masslive.com or message us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also call our news tips line at 413-776-1364. The Ghana Police Service has given the assurance that it is prepared to provide adequate security for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries on June 20. It has, therefore, called on all role players in the primaries to observe the rules governing the exercise and arrangements made by the police. This was in a statement cited on the Service's Facebook platform, where it advised persons who may have any grievance to resort to due processes for redress. "Police are prepared to provide adequate security for the New Patriotic Party Primaries, which comes off on Saturday 20th June, 2020." Respective regional police commanders are being supported by the National Headquarters to provide maximum security in this area of operation, it added. Personnel were expecting full compliance with the mandatory wearing of face masks, face shield or any other face covering that completely covered the nose and mouth in the course of the exercise. "It is our hope that organisers will also be mindful of the necessary hygienic protocols to stop the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) in Ghana." 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 ORLANDO, Fla. - Halfway through the extended effort to count every U.S. resident, civil rights leaders worry that minority communities are falling behind in responding to the 2020 census. With outreach efforts to motivate minority responses upended by a global pandemic, both the National Urban League and the NALEO Educational Fund are sounding the alarm that communities with concentrations of blacks and Hispanics have been trailing the rest of the nation in answering the census questionnaire. The once-each-decade count helps determine where $1.5 trillion in federal funding goes and how many congressional seats each state gets. Going into 2020, we knew the census was going to be extremely challenging. We knew the Census Bureau didnt have sufficient preparations to do all of its tests to make sure it would work out the way it should be ... and then COVID-19 hit, said Arturo Vargas, CEO of NALEO Educational Fund said this week during a virtual town hall. The pandemic is disproportionately affecting the Latino population, he said, so we have to figure out how we break through the real noise affecting their daily lives to do something as ordinary as going through the mail and filling out their forms. People can respond either online, by phone or through the mail, but many Americans havent taken the initiative. The nations self-response rate was 61.5% this week. Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, New York and Texas states with large concentrations of Hispanics were lagging. California, which invested $187 million in outreach efforts, was doing slightly better, with 62.6% of its households responding, he said. A more detailed analysis of response rates in late May and early June conducted by the Center for Urban Research at the City University of New Yorks Graduate Center showed that neighbourhoods with concentrations of black residents had a self-response rate of 51%, compared to 53.8% for Hispanic-concentrated neighbourhoods and 65.5% for white-dominant neighbourhoods. Advocates at the National Urban League are particularly worried that the count will miss black immigrants, blacks in rural communities, formerly incarcerated men and women, and children under age 4. The Census Bureau already plans to send out as many as 500,000 workers this summer to the homes of people who havent responded, but the leagues president and CEO, Marc Morial, says it must do more hiring still more door-knockers, targeting more advertising to minority communities and mailing out another round of paper questionnaires. They need to use their bully pulpit, Morial said. Its been quiet. The Census Bureau had allotted $500 million for its outreach campaign. Another $160 million was added after the start of the pandemic for advertising and engaging with community partners. With the new coronavirus spreading, the Census Bureau suspended field operations in mid-March for a month and a half, including efforts to drop off census forms at households in rural areas with no traditional addresses. The Census Bureau on Thursday said it had finished dropping off the forms to almost all of the 6.8 million mostly rural households. Because of the pandemic, the Census Bureau pushed back the deadline for finishing the 2020 census from the end of July to the end of October, and asked Congress for a delay in handing over apportionment and redistricting numbers. Getting a higher self-response rate is important because it saves money on outreach and makes for a more accurate count. The 2010 census undercounted blacks by 2.1% and Hispanics by 1.5%, according to the bureau. We are risking another decreased count in 2020 census, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, a Democrat from New York City, said Thursday during a conference call. Her Queens district is one of the most diverse in the nation. Any mistake or inaccurate count we make becomes a 10-year mistake and affects our neighbourhoods and communities for a very long time, she said. ___ Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeSchneiderAP Too little, too late? As a number of British institutions and corporations respond to Black Lives Matter protests with pledges of reparations for their historic links to slavery and exploitative colonialism, some are asking whether their moves are no more than "empty gestures." Calling it "an unacceptable part of English history," the Bank of England issued an apology late Thursday for its leadership's involvement in the slave trade during the 18th and 19th centuries. "As an institution, the Bank of England was never itself directly involved in the slave trade, but is aware of some inexcusable connections involving former Governors and Directors and apologizes for them," a spokesperson for the bank said in a statement to NBC News. The names and images of former governors and directors involved in the slave trade would be removed from display, the statement said, adding that the bank would work with its staff, particularly Black and other ethnic minorities, to find ways to be more inclusive. "That's not an apology," Kehinde Andrews, a professor of Black studies at the Birmingham City University, said. "It's frankly offensive." Characterizing the bank as not having a direct hand in the slave trade minimizes its role in the financing of those involved, he added. The Bank of England's announcement followed similar pledges by the insurance firm Lloyd's of London and Greene King, a brewery operating more than 2,700 pubs, restaurants and hotels across the United Kingdom. Lloyd's delivered an apology June 10 for its involvement in the slave trade, while promising to take "meaningful and measurable action" by investing in Black talent in its industry and financially supporting charities involved in Black and minority communities. It also said that it would ensure it upholds nonracist policies. For Andrews, that's not enough to compensate for the company's history of insuring slave ships and hosting a pickup point for the return of runaway slaves in London. Story continues "I don't think Lloyd's could actually do anything short of give all of its money to Black communities to atone for its role in slavery," he said. Image: A Greene King plaque outside its brewery and headquarters in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, Britain (Paul Childs / Reuters file) Greene King Chief Executive Nick Mackenzie said in a statement the company would make "a substantial investment" to benefit the Black and minority ethnic, or BAME, community through its partner charities, while acknowledging one of its founders had profited from slavery and argued against its abolition. However, Andrews said these commitments come across as "empty gestures." "Lloyd's, the Bank of England are talking about diversity as though that's some kind of solution. Lawyers say they're going to donate to charity but no one puts a figure on it, " he said. "It's about PR. It's not actually dealing with the problem." The Bank of England and Lloyd's said they had nothing to add to their initial statements. Greene King did not initially respond to requests for comment. But Tara Van Ho, a lawyer who specializes in business and human rights at the University of Essex, said reparations can be done right. As an example, she said that Swiss banks were sued in the United States and ordered to pay $1.25 billion in 1998 to hundreds of thousands of Holocaust survivors who had their wealth stolen by the Nazis during World War II. That case and others like it worked because the corporations came together to provide compensation, preventing a "splintered" uneven effort, she said. Victims had an equal voice and involvement in its distribution, she added. But Van Ho also cautioned that she had seen reparations done poorly, with businesses choosing a figure based on their bottom line and processes that benefited them, leaving communities hurt over unfulfilled promises. Without a figure attached to the promises of reparations offered by corporations in recent weeks, Van Ho said "the lack of detail does make it difficult to scrutinize." "Right now, they get the benefit of the doubt, but with a healthy dose of skepticism," she said. Andrews also cautioned that the practice of providing reparations could undermine important discussions about today's inequalities. The problem with these gestures is it suggests, 'Oh, a few people did some bad things in the past and everything's fine now.' No, everything's not fine, he said. The fact that people in the 21st century need to remind everybody that Black Lives Matter just tells you that the system hasn't changed at all. New Delhi: Unfazed by India and three other SAARC member nations deciding not to participate in the groupings summit, Pakistan on Wednesday said it will go ahead and host the event in November. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup, however, said that according to SAARC rule, if any one head of state or govt pulls out from SAARC Summit, it has to be postponed. Under the SAARC charter, the summit is automatically postponed or cancelled even if one member country skips the event. Vikas Swarups latest statements: #SAARC Summit will be postponed since 4 nations have decided to not attend SAARC Summit in Islamabad, there's no other way #SAARC rule position is very clear, any one head of state or Govt decides not to participate in SAARC Summit, it has to be postponed #However, a formal announcement can only be made by Nepal after they have done their internal consultation #Unfortunate that Pakistan continues to pursue the path that has led to this current decision: Vikas Swarup #Our commitment to SAARC, to regional connectivity, to regional contact and prosperity remains intact #But we cannot conceive of SAARC summit happening when cross border terrorism and cross interference in our internal affairs continues-Swarup #Now 3 countries also joined India in conveying same message, its time for Pak to introspect kind of relationship it wants with SAARC ALSO READ: SAARC summit in Pakistan cancelled after boycott by India, 3 other nations, say reports Pakistans reaction: Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said Pakistan will host the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit in November, Radio Pakistan reported on Wednesday. Zakaria was quoted as saying that it was learnt from the Indian External Affairs Ministrys tweet that India is not going to participate in the SAARC Summit, a decision he called unfortunate. While we have not received any official communication in this regard, the Indian announcement is unfortunate, he said. The spokesperson also said Pakistan is committed to regional peace and will continue working for the broader interest of the people of the region, according to the report. Pakistan calls it Indias propaganda: Separately, Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said India is making propaganda to foil the conference that was scheduled to be held in November, according to Pakistan Today newspaper. Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan boycott Islamabad SAARC summit Soon after India said no to 19th SAARC summit to be held in Islamabad, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also pulled out of Summit in November, saying the environment is not right for the successful holding of the meet. The decision was conveyed by Bangladesh and Bhutan Tuesday to the SAARC Chair Nepal and by Afghanistan on Wednesday. What happened on Tuesday? On Tuesday, MEA had announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not participate in the upcoming SAARC Summit in Islamabad in view of the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of Uri attacks, in which 18 jawans were martyred. Pakistan had said that they have not received and official communication in this regard and they got to know about the development through MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup's tweet. Pakistan had called India's decision to not to participate the SAARC summit is unfortunate. Below is the official statement from Nepal, confirming the communication from SAARC Secretariat on India and three other countries' decision to not to participate on the summit: For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. A 'smart' system that controls the storage and release of energy from wind turbines will reduce the risk of power cuts and support the increase of wind energy use world-wide, say researchers at the University of Birmingham. The system uses the variable speed of the rotors in wind turbine systems to more closely regulate the supply of power to the grid. This means that when electricity demand is high, stored kinetic energy in the turbines can be used intelligently to keep the grid stable. University of Birmingham Enterprise has applied for a patent to protect the system. Regulating the supply of electricity to keep pace with demand is a continual challenge. Sudden outage of power generation, such as when a generator gets damaged, can cause a 'frequency dip', which can lead to power cuts. The UK's large power stations currently manage these dips by pushing out more electricity. However, as more wind turbines are integrated into the system, it becomes more difficult to balance supply and demand and keep the system stable, as frequency dips in national power grid occur more quickly and more severely than before when wind generation became such a significant element of electricity generation. Lead researcher Professor Xiao-Ping Zhang, Director of Smart Grid in the Birmingham Energy Institute, comments: "By 2030 wind is expected to provide half the UK's power, so it's important that we can use the wind farms provide a vital safety mechanism of controlling frequency dips of UK's national power grid. Our proposed frequency control system for wind turbines could revolutionise the UK's power grid's frequency control and, importantly, uses our existing infrastructure of wind turbines and it will not need additional devices and investments." The most recent severe power cut, in August 2019, caused blackouts across the Midlands, South East, South West, North West and North East of England, and Wales. The incident was triggered by two almost simultaneous unexpected power losses at Hornsea and Little Barford due to lightning strikes. Thousands of homes were left without power, while people were stranded on trains and traffic lights stopped working. Power was restored some 40 minutes later, but problems on the rail network carried on over the weekend. In this situation, frequency control response services from wind turbines, if available using our proposed approach, would have protected the national grid system from the power cut. "As the UK increases its reliance on wind power, it will become even more important to find effective ways to use the turbine systems to provide this service and maintain effective regulation of the grid. Current methods of using wind turbines to regulate electricity struggle to provide consistent support because of variable wind speeds and other system conditions," adds Professor Zhang. The method proposed by the Birmingham team harnesses the potential of wind turbines to operate at variable speeds to provide the flexibility required to respond to fluctuations in supply and demand. Their results are published in IEEE Open Access Journal of Power and Energy. The team has already validated their approach in an industry-standard power grid simulator and is seeking industrial partners to explore commercial opportunities for the technology. The protests in the United States in response to the May 25 killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer are making waves across the world. The Middle East is no exception. Here are four examples in Israel, Palestine, Tunisia, and Egypt of how the protests are playing out in the regional context: Israel: Ethiopian-born officials press for dramatic police reform The killing of George Floyd sparked memories of the police shooting last year of Solomon Tekah, an 18-year-old Israeli of Ethiopian origin. The riots following Tekahs funeral were among the most violent ever observed in Israel. As Mazal Mualem wrote at the time, the protests gave voice to a growing sense of distrust among weaker sectors of the population for the various law enforcement agencies, chief among them the police and the Department of Internal Investigations. For the Ethiopian community, these two bodies represent the institutionalized racism they face because of the color of their skin, more than anyone else. This month, the incoming deputy minister of public security, Gadi Yevarkan, a member of the Likud party and a child of Ethiopian immigrants, has proposed legislation to dismantle the Internal Affairs department and place it under the Justice Ministry. His ally in the fight is Pnina Tamano-Shata, the first Israeli of Ethiopian origin to serve in the Knesset (parliament) and the minister of immigrant absorption. The very fact that Yevarkan and Tamano-Shata were appointed to senior positions in government is especially important to the fight against institutional racism, Danny Zaken writes. Their test will be whether they succeed in bringing about real change in the coming years. Palestine: Palestinian lives matter Palestinian feminists and Israeli and Palestinian activists organized protests across the West Bank and in Israeli cities to protest the shooting of Eyad Hallaq, an autistic Palestinian, at the entrance of Al-Aqsa Mosque, five days after Floyds murder. Signs and chants of Palestinian lives matter and I cant breathe have become mainstays of the demonstrations. Activists presented the case of Hallaq as a clear example of the racist practices against them and the oppression they face only because they are Palestinians, comparing their situation to that of African Americans in the United States, reports Aziza Nofal from Ramallah, speaking with activists involved in the protests. Although Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz promised an investigation into the killing, International and Israeli human rights organizations have come to the conclusion that Israeli investigations of killings of unarmed Palestinians are not taken seriously, writes Daoud Kuttab. Tunisia: Public awareness of racism rising Although Tunisia was only the second African country, after South Africa, to criminalize racial discrimination, racism is still pervasive, writes Hanan Jebli. Darker-skinned Tunisians find themselves being excluded from elite society and cultural events, discriminated against when renting property, called hurtful names and denied service by cabbies and store owners because of skin color. Another flagrant aspect of racism in Tunisia is the allocation of separate buses to transport black people in the Kasba area and Sidi Makhlouf from the southern governorate of Medenine in order to avoid the daily quarrels and differences between black and white people there, writes Jebli. Discrimination does not end there, as separate cemeteries are allocated to black people on the southern Tunisian island of Djerba, located on neglected land and known as the slave cemetery. Tunisia was one of the first countries to abolish slavery (in 1846, before France in 1848 and the United States in 1865). The country also benefits from a thriving civil society and activism that is pressing the case for changed attitudes at the social and educational levels. Egypt: French statue, pyramids are staying Calls for removing offensive statues and monuments with perceived racist overtones have played out differently in two cases involving Egypt. In the first case, a sculpture in Paris of Jean Francois Champollion, the French archaeologist known for his groundbreaking work on hieroglyphics, including deciphering of the Rosetta Stone, has been deemed racist by Egyptian activists because Champollions left shoe is on a Pharaonic kings head, as Salwa Samir reports. A shoe on the face or head is considered an extreme insult in Islamic culture. The sculptor, it turns out, is Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the creator of the Statue of Liberty. Despite the hope among some Egyptians that the "tear down the monuments" movement might give renewed attention to concerns over the statue, the effort has so far gotten little traction outside of a small activist circle in Egypt. And no traction at all, it seems, in Paris. For its part, France isnt budging on any of its statues. French President Emmanuel Macron said June 14 that France will forget none of its artworks, it wont take down statues." In the second case, an alleged call for the pyramids to be dismantled created a mild Ttwitter dust-up, but the call appears to have been based on exaggeration and misinformation. But as this was Egypt, and the pyramids, it didnt end there. Egyptologists and archaeologists took the opportunity to remind those concerned that the pyramids were built by conscripted laborers, not slaves. And the campaign may have oddly worked to the advantage of the Egyptian government. Shahira Amin reports that the controversy reminded people of remarks by the largely forgotten Salafi radical cleric Sheikh Morgan Al Gohary, who in November 2012 called for the destruction of the pyramids and the Sphinx because God demanded elimination of idols. Gohary was reportedly known to brag about what a jolly time he had as a guest of the Taliban during the demolition of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan in 2001. Goharys remarks spooked those who worried about empowerment of the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist groups and figures during the presidency of Mohammed Morsi. The contretemps could actually bolster Egyptian tourism, Amin reports, by reminding people of the wonders and beauty of the pyramids and antiquities. Egyptian Nile cruises were early incubators and spreaders of coronavirus. The tourism industry needs a comeback for Egypts economy to recoup from the losses it suffered during the pandemic lockdowns. Denise Welch revealed she used drinking as a way to 'take away the pain' as she struggled with depression. In an excerpt from her new book, The Unwelcome Visitor: Depression and How I Survive It, the Loose Women panellist, 62, admitted on Thursday that she tried to fight her loneliness with alcohol but said it left her in 'a dead zone.' The TV star also claimed her depression got so bad at one stage while she was filming Coronation Street that she would hide in her dressing room or pretend to be asleep so that she wouldn't have to interact with others. Honest: Denise Welch said she would drink to 'take away the pain' of depression but claimed it put her in 'a dead zone', in an excerpt of her book released on Thursday In an excerpt of her book obtained by The Mirror, Denise explained: 'Because of my mental illness, there were times I didnt know if I was going to make it through. 'Alcohol made things worse. I drank a lot, reaching for anything to take away the pain and keep me going... to lift the isolation and loneliness. It put me into kind of a dead zone. 'For the two or three hours I was actually consuming alcohol, it obliterated my illness. That is why so many people with depression drink.' Struggle: Denise said she tried to fight her loneliness with alcohol, as she explained: 'there were times I didnt know if I was going to make it through' (pictured in 2003) Denise was diagnosed with clinical depression after her first son, The 1975 frontman Matthew Healy, was born in 1989. She went on say she wasn't sure whether her alcoholism caused her depression or vice versa, as she claimed one problem feeds off the other. The actress also explained that Princess Diana's death in 1997 impacted her very deeply, causing her to 'start wailing in grief' and see everything as 'red' as she became consumed by terror. Detailing several subsequent mental breakdowns, Denise added that she realised she needed help during a holiday in Turkey, and turned to fellow Corrie star Kevin Kennedy to help her get into AA. The ex-Waterloo Road star spoke candidly about her 'unwelcome visitor' and the challenge with trying to be 'kinder' to herself in a post shared to social media last September. She also revealed her depressive episodes make the colour 'drain out of her life' within 30 seconds and leave her 'dead behind the eyes'. The media personality, who has been sober for eight years, previously turned to self medicating her depression with drink and drugs. Candid: Denise said of her alcoholism, 'I drank a lot, reaching for anything to take away the pain and keep me going... to lift the isolation and loneliness' (pictured in 2011) Despite saying her teenage son Louis, 19, considers their sober household 'a bit boring', she insisted she has more fun now than she did when she was drinking. Denise said on Lorraine back in 2018: 'We're very open about it. Obviously Louis grows up in a sober household which Im sure he thinks is a bit boring sometimes, when I dont want turn a blind eye to parties of 84 people traipsing through my house. 'Ultimately, its got to be a good thing and being sober doesnt mean being boring, I have more fun than Ive ever had now than when I was drinking.' The Unwelcome Visitor: Depression and How I Survive It comes out on June 25. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123, visit a local branch or go to www.samaritans.org. Anyone battling similar issues should contact AA on: 0800 917 7650 Email helpline: help@aamail.org. Australia is under increasing cyber attack from a sophisticated State-based cyber actor, the Australian prime minister said Friday. Canberra: Australia is under increasing cyber attack from a sophisticated State-based cyber actor, the Australian prime minister said Friday. Prime Minister Scott Morrison would not name the State, and he said he made the growing threat public to raise awareness. Australian organisations are currently being targeted by a sophisticated State-based cyber actor, Morrison told reporters. This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure, he added. Although the threat was constant, the frequency of attacks had increased over many months. This is the actions of a State-based actor with significant capabilities. There arent too many State-based actors who have those capabilities, Morrison said. Morrison said he particularly wanted organisations involved in health, critical infrastructure and essential services to bolster technical defenses to thwart such malicious attacks. Defence minister Linda Reynolds said the government's cyber agency, Australian Cyber Security Center, and the Home Affairs Department had published on Friday a technical advisory on how organisations can detect and mitigate cyber threats. Morrison would not comment on the inevitable speculation that the cyber attacks were part of Australia's increasingly hostile rift with China. China in recent weeks banned beef exports from Australia's largest abattoirs, ended trade in Australian barley with a tariff wall and warned its citizens against visiting Australia. The measures are widely interpreted as punishment for Australia's advocacy of an independent probe into the origins and spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Australia's foreign minister this week accused China of using the anxiety around the pandemic to undermine Western democracies by spreading disinformation online, prompting China to accuse Australia of disinformation. Morrison said Australia doesn't engage lightly in public attribution and would not name the country behind the current cyber campaign. I can't control what speculation others might engage in on this issue, he said. Morrison said he had discussed the growing cyber security threat with Australia's allies and had spoken overnight to British prime minister Boris Johnson on the subject. Australian investigations to date had not uncovered any large-scale personal data breaches, Morrison said. Australian cyber security authorities had thwarted many attacks, he said. Martin Gugino (pictured) is going into hiding after receiving death threats, his lawyer has said The 75-year-old longtime peace activist who cracked his head open and suffered a brain injury after he was pushed to the ground by Buffalo cops during a Black Lives Matter protest is going into hiding after receiving death threats, his lawyer has said. Martin Gugino will not return home on his release from hospital because 'concerning and threatening messages and one letter' sent to the elderly man have sparked fears over his safety, lawyer Kelly Zarcone said Thursday. 'It is not clear that these are credible death threats,' Zarcone told the NY Post. 'In order to avoid the risk, Martin will be recovering in an undisclosed location when he is released from the hospital.' His lawyer added that the cancer sufferer is not expected to be well enough to leave hospital for 'a good week' after he suffered a skull fracture in the unprovoked attack by officers back on June 4. Two Buffalo cops Robert McCabe and Aaron Torgalski were arrested and charged earlier this month with second degree assault after they were caught on camera pushing Gugino to the ground, causing him to crack his head open on the sidewalk and leaving him lying in a pool of his own blood. The footage went viral on social media and sparked outrage over police brutality at a peaceful protest where demonstrators had gathered to demand an end to police brutality and systemic racism following the Memorial Day 'murder' of black man George Floyd at the hands of a white cop. McCabe and Torgalski were suspended and each face up to seven years in prison if convicted of the class D felony. They both pleaded not guilty and were released without bail to appear back in court on July 20. The 75-year-old longtime peace activist who suffered a brain injury after he was pushed to the ground by Buffalo cops during a Black Lives Matter protest (pictured) will not return home on his release from hospital because 'concerning and threatening messages and one letter' sent to him have sparked fears over his safety, lawyer Kelly Zarcone said Thursday The footage went viral on social media and sparked outrage over police brutality at a peaceful protest where demonstrators had gathered to demand an end to police brutality The incident and subsequent charges have divided the nation, with calls for the cops to do jail time and for widespread police reform on one side while their law enforcement colleagues and Donald Trump have come out in defense of the officers on the other. DA John Flynn said the two cops had 'crossed the line' and 'violated the law' when he announced the charges earlier this month. He added that Gugino was just 'a harmless 75-year-old man' and said the severity of the charges was necessary because the law in New York states that if the victim is 65 years or older and the perpetrator is 10 years younger than them then it is classed as a felony charge. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo welcomed the charges after saying the footage had made him 'physically sick'. 'I was sick to my stomach... it was the same feeling I had for 90 of the past nights when I got the death tolls for coronavirus. I was physically sick to my stomach,' he said of the footage earlier in the month. It marks just one of many shocking incidents were cops have been caught on camera violently attacking peaceful protesters in recent weeks, fueling mounting calls for police reform across America. Cuomo announced a package of new bills for the state in the wake of the attack and an executive order mandating all local governments and police agencies develop and adopt plans to reform local police departments. However, Trump has waded in on the incident and leveled criticism at Gugino himself. The president made the unsubstantiated claim that Gugino is an Antifa 'provocateur' and even went as far as claiming the elderly victim staged the incident. 'Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur. 75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment,' the president said in a Tweet on June 9. Trump has been slammed for his remarks and was accused of floating a 'baseless conspiracy theory'. Cuomo blasted his comments 'reprehensible' and 'wholly unacceptable'. Aaron Torgalski (left) and Robert McCabe (right) pictured in their mugs. They were each charged with one count of assault in the second degree At McCabe and Torgalski's initial court hearing on June 6, hundreds of non-uniformed colleagues gathered outside the city court in a show of solidarity for the cops and greeted them with a hero's welcome when they were released (pictured) 'And from the president of the United States at this moment of anguish and anger. He pours gasoline on the fire,' Cuomo said in a press briefing. 'If there was ever, if he ever feels a moment of decency, he should apologize for that tweet.' He added that there is 'not a piece of proof. Personally disparaging when the man is still in the hospital. Show some decency, some humanity.' Gugino's lawyer has also insisted Gugino has no connection to Antifa. Law enforcement officers have also sided with their two colleagues charged with assault. At McCabe and Torgalski's initial court hearing on June 6, hundreds of non-uniformed colleagues gathered outside the city court in a show of solidarity for the cops and greeted them with a hero's welcome when they were released. This came after the entire Buffalo Police Department's Emergency Response Team resigned in outrage at the two cops' suspension without pay. All 57 officers in the Emergency Response Team resigned from their positions the day after the incident. The Buffalo Police Benevolent Association said the resignations came as a show of 'disgust' at the treatment of their two colleagues but some cops later cast doubt on those claims. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ardila Syakriah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 07:32 582 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdffc33b 1 National #COVID19,COVID-19,COVID-19-in-Indonesia,dexamethasone,#dexamethasone Free Indonesian medical experts are mulling over the possibility of using dexamethasone, an inexpensive and widely used steroid recently hailed as a major breakthrough in treating COVID-19 severe cases, as they seek to update their protocol following recent global studies on various potential treatments. "We, from [professional organizations], have been discussing [for the] past three days about dexamethasone because the results in England were quite convincing," said pulmonologist Agus Dwi Susanto, the chairman of the Indonesian Society of Respirology (PDPI) who helped draft the country's coronavirus treatment protocol. Indonesian doctors have been relying on a protocol issued by the PDPI, Indonesian Cardiologist Association (PERKI), Indonesian Internist Association (PAPDI), Indonesian Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy Association (PERDATIN) and Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI). The protocol includes another kind of steroid, hydrocortisone, for severe and critical cases, Agus said, adding however that there had been no further study of its efficacy. Results of trials conducted and announced recently by Oxford University, known as RECOVERY trial, showed that dexamethasone reduced the death rate by around a third among the most severely ill COVID-19 patients admitted to hospitals, Reuters reported. Martin Landray, an Oxford University professor coleading the trial, said the results showed that if COVID-19 patients on ventilators or oxygen were given dexamethasone, it would "save lives" at a "remarkably low cost". The anti-inflammatory drug is commonly used to treat diseases like arthritis, allergic reactions, immune system disorders and respiratory disorders among others. Read also: Public urged not to buy dexamethasone for COVID-19 treatment Agus said the medical associations were still in discussion of whether or not to include dexamethasone in an updated protocol that was currently in the works as experts began to take into account emerging studies on other drugs by other countries. If the associations deemed the study scientifically valid with desired results, they would add the drug to the new protocol, which Agus expected would be launched next week. "Because we are indeed in need of medicines that can speed up recovery in severe cases. With the recent study, dexamethasone has become one of the options," he said. Indonesia has recorded the highest number of fatalities in Southeast Asia at 2,339 deaths from 42,762 confirmed cases and 16,798 recoveries as of Thursday. Indonesian Pharmaceutical Association (GP Farmasi) executive director Dorodjatun Sanusi said dexamethasone had long been commonly used in the country, where some 10 companies have permits to market the drug. He could not give an estimate of the drug's current stock as it would depend on the availability of imported materials, which could be difficult to purchase now as prices had spiked amid disruptions in global supply chains. If Indonesia were to use the drug, he said, there should be a projection on how much would be needed to allow industries to prepare themselves. Read also: Indonesia records new daily highs in cases during transition to 'new normal' Maksum Radji, a clinical microbiologist at the University of Indonesia's (UI) School of Pharmacy said that while experts had pinned their hopes on dexamethasone, clinicians must remain cautious as the announced results were only preliminary, especially as they had not been fully peer-reviewed and published in an international scientific journal. "Some doctors have expressed concerns that using dexamethasone can worsen patients' immune system against the virus [...] Dexamethasone is not an antiviral drug, so when it's used later, there need to be further studies on how to combine dexamethasone with antiviral drugs that can inhibit the COVID-19 virus," he said. As dexamethasone is easily accessible and affordable, Maksum warned against self-medicating of the drug, which he said was categorized as an immunosuppressant, meaning it inhibited the immune system. Some of the side effects are fever, nausea, headache and insomnia, he said, adding that there must be extra caution when prescribing the drug to those with a history of tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, kidney diseases and blood clotting disorders. The World Health Organization said it was looking forward to the full data analysis of the study and would update its clinical guidance to reflect how and when the drug should be used in COVID-19 treatment, Reuters reported. Read also: WHO moves to update COVID-19 guidance after great news in drug study It also announced on Wednesday that it would halt testing on the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine in its large multicountry trial of treatments for COVID-19 patients, which involves Indonesia, after new data and studies showed no benefits. Health Ministry official Irmansyah, who is part of Indonesia's Solidarity Trial steering committee, said the country would stop recruiting new patients for the hydroxychloroquine trial. He added that so far, 25 Indonesian hospitals were participating in the trial, 22 of which have recruited some 420 patients; 70 for testing hydroxychloroquine. He said no serious safety problems were found in patients taking it. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said in late March that the government would provide millions of hydroxychloroquine pills, not long after United States President Trump called the drug a potential "game-changer". Agus of the PDPI said clinicians could still use hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 patients in Indonesia, as recent studies had found no meaningful clinical and statistical links between the use of the drug and an increase in deaths or other side effects, such as fatal arrhythmia. He said, however, the medical associations would look further into the matter to decide on whether the drug would still be added to the new protocol. At least three suspects who specialize in manufacturing of fake and adulterated fertilizer have been paraded by the Command Headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, in Abakaliki. Parading the suspects before Newsmen, State Commandant, Lucy Samu who was represented by the Command's PRO, Mr Paul Odimba said they were arrested at Hosanna motor park in Abakaliki with the Fertilizers. Mr Odimba also said that the suspects were arrested in connection with 101 bags of adulterated fertilizer in the state after a tip-off. They sell such adulterated products to unsuspecting members of the public and the arrest is in line with the Corpsmandate of protecting lives and public infrastructure in the country. "The Command assures the public that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and the culprits alongside their sponsors prosecuted according to law,. Special Assistant to Governor David Umahi on Fertilizer Development, Mrs. Emerald Ude-Akaji explained that the suspects violated the law recently accented to by President Muhammadu Buhari on fertilizer adulteration and distribution. Ude-Akaji who is also the Acting General Manager of Ebonyi Fertilizer and Chemical Company, said that the Governor stepped down the law by directing her to constitute a taskforce to check fertilizer adulteration in the State. Ebonyi is the only state in the South East geopolitical zone that has a fertilizer blending company and subsequently supplies the product to states in the zone. The task-force, is therefore, empowered to fish out individuals who adulterate fertilizers in the zone and the arrest will make the public know that such adulterated products do not come from us." The Governors aide said that genuine fertilizer products must have four components: Diamonous Phosphate (DAP), Mornate of Potash (MOP) urea and limestone. The fertilizers seized from the suspects only contain urea and limestone and this will have adverse effects on the crop yield of farmers. When farmers use such product on their crops, it will deceptively appear greenish and fresh but will never yield fruits." She noted that the products were packaged under the name of Golden Fertilizer, so that it can be sold at the same price with the genuine Golden Fertilizer. I and the producers of Golden Fertilizer are members of the Fertilizer Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) and we know that Golden Fertilizer has not produced the 27; 13; 13 brand of the product for long,. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the State Fertilizer Adulteration Taskforce, Mr Vincent Uguru assured farmers, especially the Agro Dealers, that it would unearth the Manufacturers of the fake fertilizers so as to rid the State and zone of such unwholesome practice. Gov't to inject UAH 8 bln for bonuses to medics 22:15, 19.06.20 1825 The Cabinet offers to increase salaries to all medics, regardless of status. Armenias political leadership hit back on Thursday at the head of a coalition of Europes center-right parties who accused it of suppressing political opponents and rolling back democracy. Donald Tusk, the president of the European Peoples Party (EPP), tweeted on Wednesday that the pan-European umbrella group is concerned by numerous instances of backsliding of democracy in Armenia. We call on Armenian authorities to refrain from pressuring the opposition, he wrote without specifying any of those instances. In a separate tweet, Tusk also said that the EPP will support the implementation of Armenias Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the European Union signed in 2017. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian clearly responded to Tusk when he chaired a weekly session of his cabinet the following day. There are bodies that told Armenia to fight against corruption, vote buying and electoral fraud for 30 years, said Pashinian. Now that a real fight is underway they are saying, Why are you suppressing the opposition? Because corrupt individuals [who were in power] for 30 years are now in opposition. I have the impression that they are trying to tie our feet and hands and telling us not to do anything, he said. A close Pashinian associate, deputy parliament speaker Alen Simonian, went further, accusing Tusk of meddling in Armenias internal affairs and siding with former President Serzh Sarkisian. I think that Mr. Tusk sees Armenia through the eyes of Serzh Sarkisian, charged Simonian. Eyes that are detached from reality. Sarkisians Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) is affiliated with the EPP, as are most of Europes major conservative and centrist parties, including German Chancellor Angela Merkels Christian Democrats. The EPP has had the biggest representation in the European Parliament for the past 20 years. Tusk, who headed the EUs top decision-making body from 2014-2019, voiced the criticism after a video conference with leaders of the EPP parties, including Sarkisian. Sarkisian strongly criticized the current Armenian authorities when he addressed the conference from Yerevan. He accused them of populism, inept governance and undemocratic practices. The former Armenian president also slammed the Pashinian administration when he spoke at an EPP congress in Croatia last November. He was charged with corruption two weeks later. Sarkisian continued to reject the charges as politically motivated when he went on trial in late February. Despite the trial, he was allowed to visit Brussels and meet with Tusk and other European politicians in early March. Sarkisian, 65, faced opposition allegations of vote rigging and corruption when ruled Armenia from 2008-2018. He resigned amid Pashinian-led mass protests sparked by his attempt to extend his decade-long rule. Tusk criticized Yerevan one day after the Armenian parliament allowed law-enforcement authorities to arrest and prosecute Gagik Tsarukian, the leader of its largest opposition faction, on vote buying charges. Tsarukian rejects the charges as government retribution for his recent calls for Pashinians resignation. Pashinian insisted on Wednesday that the criminal proceedings against the wealthy leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party are not politically motivated. The Army on Friday said there is no connection between the Pakistan-initiated ceasefire violations along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and the situation on the Line of Actual Control with China in the Ladakh region. It, however, asserted that no "misadventure" would be allowed along the borders in the union territory. "The ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) are happening as per the old strategy in which it wants to push in more terrorists into the valley. If there is one entity in the world which is not happy with the peace in ... Orange County, CA, June 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coastline College announces that most of its classes will remain online for the fall 2020 semester, due to the continued threat of COVID-19. Colleges and universities still face unprecedented changes in methods of instruction as institutions of higher learning develop a new path forward in education. Coastline College however, for over 40 years, has provided high quality educational opportunities where its students live and work while providing outstanding support for those students at a distance - 80% of Coastline of which are online. Coastline College has long been recognized to effectively deliver innovative hybrid and online instruction while employing a digital learning environment. This fall Coastline is taking that innovation a step further: Coastline ONLINE Students have the flexibility of working on their coursework on days and times which are convenient for them and are not required to be online or at any location at a specific time or date. Coastline LIVEONLINE Students are required to attend class sessions online on the days and times listed in the schedule of classes. Face-to-Face The College only has a few classes which will meet on campus (mostly science labs). Coastline College has decided to continue to offer the substantial majority of our credit courses online for the Fall 2020 semester, states Vince Rodriguez, Vice President of Instruction, Coastline College Services offered by the Online Library and Student Services Center will continue to take place online, and the classes being offered face-to-face or through a combination of in-person and online could transition exclusively online if public health restrictions are re-imposed in the event of a resurgence of COVID-19. The schedule of classes can be found at coastline.edu. Coastlines fall semester begins on August 25. Current Coastline students can register electronically via www.coastline.edu /apply . For more information on the courses available, fees, and registration, contact the Coastline Admissions Office at CCCAdmissionsOffice@coastline.edu. About Coastline College: Coastline College steadfastly focuses on providing access and supporting student success and achievement. Inspired by an innovative and student-centered mindset, Coastline delivers flexible courses and services that cultivate and guide diverse student populations across the globe to complete pathways leading to the attainment of associate degrees, certificates, career readiness, and transfer to four-year colleges/universities. Coastline is a recognized leader in the design, development, and use of innovative technology-based teaching and learning practices, processes, and systems for anytime-anywhere learning to achieve and sustain outstanding student success. Allirajan M When Rishi Raj Arya, a 34-year-old from Vadodara in Gujarat and working in an MNC, wanted to raise a loan against the investments he had in equity mutual fund (MF) schemes to meet his emergency financial requirements during the lockdown, he was in for a shock. While he was able to get an overdraft facility for his equity schemes in fund houses serviced by CAMS (Computer Age Management Services; one of Indias largest registrar and transfer agents), he couldnt get the same for his other holdings. Worse still, he was initially told by his bank that they do not provide such a facility for investments in Franklin Templeton MF, which had announced the winding up of six of its debt MF schemes. Rishi had investments in Franklin Templetons equity schemes. Banks reluctant to lend against MFs HDFC Bank (where he has an account) has finally agreed to lend against his investments in Franklin Templeton MFs after two months of follow-ups and exchange of mails. But it has refused to do the same for his holdings in Sundaram MF and Mirae MF without assigning any reasons. Though they are not among the larger fund houses, their schemes have delivered good returns and compare well with the ones managed by leading firms. With equity markets remaining volatile and illiquidity in lower-rated debt securities hitting investors hard, banks are increasingly playing it safe when it comes to lending against MF investments. I needed funds urgently to meet certain payment obligations. Since a good part of my investments was in Franklin Templeton, I wanted to raise a loan, Rishi says. And although just the six debt schemes of Franklin Templeton have come under the scanner, and not its equity funds, Rishi was originally denied a loan. HDFC Bank did not respond to our queries. Moneycontrol also reached out to the likes of ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank, but they too refused to share the decision-process they follow for providing such loans. An e-mail questionnaire sent to these banks and SBI (State Bank of India) on the eligibility and reasons for refusing loans against MF investments made with certain fund houses did not get any response till the time of writing this article. Swarup Mohanty, chief executive officer (CEO), Mirae Asset India mutual fund says, This is a common occurrence and has happened in the past. He said that if banks do not recommend certain fund houses to their customers, then the branches also dont give loans against such funds. The liquidity crisis in the fixed-income part of the MF industry is a first-of-its-kind that has brought to the fore a new risk in the eyes of a prudential lender. The lender is now looking at what can go wrong and is trying to minimise losses, says Sunil Subramaniam, managing director, Sundaram MF. He says that the criterion for such loans is the scheme type and not fund house specific. For instance, the lender would look at small-cap funds of a MF with caution, as the risks are higher. A lower proportion only made available Some private banks explicitly state that they would lend only against MF holdings with CAMS as the transfer agent. Banks offer an LTV (loan-to-value) of 50-60 per cent against equity MF investments and 80-85 per cent for debt MF investments, but are quite choosy when it comes lending now. HDFC Bank also told Rishi that the loan against the MF schemes in his portfolio belonging to fund houses that are managed by KFintech would take longer than those taken care of by CAMS for processing. In simple words, Rishi was told that loans would be given at a faster pace against CAMS-managed schemes vis-a-vis those under the purview of KFintech. Loan against mutual funds happens instantly when an investor approaches a lending agency with whom we have a tie-up, says Sreekanth Nadella, CEO, KFintech. For other lenders, the process takes 3-4 working days, he says. KFintech says that it has not come across instances of undue delay in processing such loans. Banks charge 9.75-12.75 per cent a year for loans against equity and debt MFs. For raising a loan, the borrower has to submit the relevant KYC (know-your-customer) documents, latest statement of holdings, pledge form for the creation of pledge and a guarantor form, which is mandatory in case of a joint holding. Some banks demand IT (Income Tax) returns for the preceding two years and bank statement of the latest three months. Banks evaluate your portfolio on a weekly basis. They conduct an interim revaluation if there is a sharp fall in the prices of the securities, or net asset values of mutual funds, pledged as collateral. If the equity markets fall, you would be asked to offer more units in lien. The minimum and maximum loan amounts for equity MF investments vary, but most banks have kept it at Rs 25,000-50,000 with the maximum going up to Rs 20 lakh. For debt MFs, the minimum and maximum loan amounts are higher and could go up to Rs 5 crore. Since these loans are typically in the form of an overdraft, they do not have a fixed tenure. However, you have to renew the loan once a year. Moneycontrols take With equity markets falling and debt markets being spooked by liquidity related issues, taking loans against MFs is a good idea, as they offer a window to realise the full potential of the investments on a sunny day later. But with banks increasingly turning selective, you may not get enough money for your requirements. Also, you may have to provide more units as lien on a regular basis as markets have turned volatile with a negative bias consistently in the past few months. Yet the sudden school closures announced at the end of February that plunged the country's schools, teachers, students and their parents into a mad scramble for alternatives, exposed the fact that Japan had fallen behind much of the world in introducing technology into the classroom, regardless of a global reputation for innovation. Once the restrictions and mass lockdowns intended to stop the spread of Covid-19 began being enforced in China in February, then in Japan, South Korea and other countries, EEO's online learning platform ClassIn witnessed a sudden explosion in usage and business, as schools clutched at new online solutions to keep children in class. The number of overseas clients, mostly educational institutions in South-East Asia, doubled following the outbreak, while new business continues to emerge from countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore. ClassIn, with its capacity to be adopted across many different learning environments, is, in fact, tailor-made to a global pandemic. In a few easy steps, teachers and students are able to set up one-to-many online interactive courses and video communication from a laptop. Thus, it enables schools, even in the midst of a global health crisis, to continue teaching, while at the same time providing students a new experience that will hopefully stimulate and motivate them to learn and communicate more while stuck at home. Not only that, but teachers and students have been responding increasingly positively to the new online learning format and its fun, functional, and growing, set of interactive tools. The most basic of these include a "raise hand" function for students to answer questions, and 'trophies' for teachers to "hand out" to students as a reward for answering or performing well. Since its establishment in 2014, Beijing-based EEO has served the education market in China and across the world, with Its ClassIn platform, launched the following year, now used by in excess of 20,000 educational institutions across 70 countries, which includes over 12 million students who spend an average of 4.3 hours on the platform per month. Clients include some of the world's leading educational companies from both China (New Oriental, TAL Education) and abroad (Udacity, Pearson), while the tertiary sector has also embraced ClassIn, with several world-renowned universities in China (e.g. Peking University, China University of Science of Technology, Shanghai Jiaotong University) and abroad (Roland University and Alcala University) adopting the platform. Meanwhile, EEO has partnered with The British Council. The company has improved the efficacy of the platform over several interactions based on R&D and feedback from educational institutions. With schools back, many of them adopting an OMO approach, ClassIn is hosting a maximum number of students per day of 2.6 million, with about 500 institutions coming on board each month. For its part, Sony, which continues to expand technologies for online learning in partnership with Japan's government under the national GIGA (Global Information and Governance Academic) School Initiative, believes the platform co-developed with ClassIn can provide Japan the best long-distance learning program in the world, while also helping solve other problems such as lack of access to education or imbalanced teacher resources once the pandemic ends. Sony and EEO plan for an official platform release this year. Both companies plan to explore more in-depth applications of online education after the pandemic, hoping to establish a bridge between online education industries in China and Japan. In the meantime, EEO continues to work closely with educational organizations across the globe to reduce the pandemic's impact on education systems. About EEO Empower Education Online Ltd. (EEO) was founded in 2014 with the purpose of developing the world's leading online classroom platform. ClassIn, one of the first online classrooms in the world, was released in 2015. ClassIn's powerful capabilities introduced a professional and accessible tool for online teaching both throughout the education industry in China and abroad. Since then, EEO has served more than 6,000 clients, including leading Chinese education companies, such as New Oriental (NYSE: EDU) and TAL Education Group (NYSE: TAL), as well as international companies like Udacity and Pearson (LSE: PSON). For more information, please visit: www.eeo.cn/en/ SOURCE Empower Education Online Ltd. A total of 833 young people were held in Queensland police watchhouses for at least one night in the eight months to April this year, figures released by the office of Youth Minister Di Farmer show. It comes after serious concerns were raised last year by revelations children were treated "like animals", and denied maths and drawing lessons, in Brisbane. Children as young as 10 have spent days in Queensland police watch-houses. Credit:Toby Crockford The numbers represent a drop compared with the six months to June last year, when 2577 youth were kept in the adult holding cells, but follow calls from child advocacy and legal groups for an end to the practice. Minister Farmer at the time said the Labor government was committed to "changing the life trajectories" of young people in the justice system, with the LNP opposition calling for action to build appropriate temporary accommodation to house them instead. A giant fossilized egg of an extinct marine reptile has been found in the 68-million-year-old nearshore marine deposits in Antarctica. Named Antarcticoolithus bradyi, the new fossil is the first fossilized egg found in Antarctica. The specimen exceeds eggs of all known non-avian dinosaurs in volume and differs from them in structure. Measuring 29 by 20 cm (11.4 by 7.9 inches) and weighing 6.5 kg, it is the largest soft-shell egg ever discovered and the second-largest egg of any known animal. Although the elephant bird egg is slightly larger, its eggshell is roughly five times thicker. University of Texas at Austin paleontologist Lucas Legendre and his colleagues from the United States and Chile think that Antarcticoolithus bradyi was laid by a giant marine reptile, such as a mosasaur a discovery that challenges the prevailing thought that such creatures did not lay eggs. The fossil egg is from an animal the size of a large dinosaur, but it is completely unlike a dinosaur egg. It is most similar to the eggs of lizards and snakes, but it is from a truly giant relative of these animals, Dr. Legendre said. The researchers found several layers of membrane that confirmed that Antarcticoolithus bradyi was indeed an egg. The structure is very similar to transparent, quick-hatching, eggs laid by some snakes and lizards today, Dr. Legendre said. However, because the fossil egg is hatched and contains no skeletal material, the scientists had to use other means to zero in on the type of reptile that laid it. They compiled a data set to compare the body size of 259 living reptiles to the size of their eggs. They found that the reptile that laid the egg would have been 7 m (23 feet) long from the tip of its snout to the end of its body, not counting a tail. Adding to that evidence, the rock formation where the Antarcticoolithus bradyi egg was discovered also hosts skeletons from baby mosasaurs and plesiosaurs, along with adult specimens. Many authors have hypothesized that this was sort of a nursery site with shallow protected water, a cove environment where the young ones would have had a quiet setting to grow up, Dr. Legendre said. The study was published in the journal Nature. _____ L.J. Legendre et al. A giant soft-shelled egg from the Late Cretaceous of Antarctica. Nature, published online June 17, 2020; doi: 10.1038/s41586-020-2377-7 A storm with heavy rain has ripped off roofs of classroom blocks of three second-cycle institutions and a basic school in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta region. The affected schools are Likpe Senior High School, Alavanyo Secondary Technical School, Evangelical Presbyterian (E.P) Technical Vocational Institute, and the E.P. Primary School, Alavanyo Kpeme. Madam Menu Mawuli Rose, Headmistress of Likpe Secondary School told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that a total of 330 students were expected to resume academic activities and adherence to the 25 students per class would require a total of 13 classrooms and described the incident as unfortunate. She said although the damage caused would affect academic activities, management was prepared to ensure learning and teaching activities were not interrupted. At the Evangelical Presbyterian (E.P) Technical Vocational Institute in Alavanyo, the bungalows of the Principal, Vice Principal, and the Bursar were affected by the rainstorm. The Institute's mechanical and electrical workshop for final year practical lessons and the boys' and girls' dormitories were also ripped off with student mattresses soaked in water. Mr. Christian Kwame, Principal of the Institute told the GNA that the food store of the Institute was also affected by about 86 bags of rice soaked. Mr. Andrews Teddy Ofori, the Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) who toured the affected schools said the Assembly would re-roof the classroom blocks ahead of the reopening of schools. He called on management and teachers of the second-cycle institutions to ensure strict adherence to all the safety protocols and precautionary measures when students returned for academic work. ---GNA On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger of the U.S. Army informed the people of Texas that all slaves were freed. The order came more than two months after the end of the Civil War and more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, Grangers order read, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. Theres a reason why this date which is known as Juneteenth is considered a second Independence Day. America may have cast off British rule decades before, but it wasnt truly free until it could begin to live up to its foundational ideals, namely that all are created equal. African Americans have been celebrating Juneteenth since 1866 and Texas was the first state to recognize it as a holiday in 1980. Today, 46 other states and the District of Columbia officially mark the date. On Tuesday, Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia, once the seat of the Confederacy, said he would propose making Juneteenth a paid state holiday. Such an important date deserves more than a piecemeal approach, though; it demands to be honored as a national holiday. Juneteenth is not only a celebration of the end of slavery in the United States, a step toward correcting an evil the Founders should never have accepted, it commemorates the sacrifice of generations of African Americans who helped build this country but shared few of its spoils for more than 200 years. It stands as a reminder that shortly after the Civil War ended, a cold war against black lives began, an institutional assault blunted but undefeated by the struggle for civil rights. America must finally acknowledge these historical truths in order to be fully free. Bringing Juneteenth to nationwide prominence is more important now than ever, as the wave of protests in the wake of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery call out for a reckoning over our nations history of white supremacy, a history whose echoes still tragically reverberate today. Slavery may be long gone but the spirit of subjugation lives on. Across a host of issues poverty, health care, incarceration, education racial disparities are the norm. The examples are many, and often right in front of our noses. These manifestations and many others are no less fatal than the police brutality that has snuffed out so many black lives and which seems to have finally spurred us into action. There are positive signs that America is finally ready to face its past. Public support for the Black Lives Matter movement has grown for all demographics and, across the country, people are questioning the exaltation of Confederate symbols and there are genuine discussions about police reform. This year, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lees annual resolution recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth has more than 200 co-sponsors, and the Houston-area representative plans to introduce a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Congress should move swiftly to make it so. Many companies including Twitter, Target and Nike arent waiting and have announced this Juneteenth as a company holiday in solidarity with the fight against racial disparities. Elevating Juneteenth will no more end racism than Grangers order did 155 years ago, but it can stand as an important symbol that Americas eyes are open, and it can no longer turn away from what it sees. New Delhi: Government will offload 7 per cent of its stake in Hindustan Copper Ltd from Thursday, through which it aims to raise about Rs 400 crore. The President of India (acting through and represented by the Mines Ministry), promoter of Hindustan Copper, submitted a copy of notice of offer for sale of up to 6,47,65,260 equity shares of the company, the firm said in a regulatory filing. Government holds 89.95 per cent stake in Hindustan Copper. The firm has invited non-retail investors for the share sale on September 29, 2016. On September 30, retail investors can participate in the share sale, it added. The shares represent 7 per cent of the total paid up equity share capital of Hindustan Copper, it said. The floor price for the offer shall be Rs 62 per equity share, it added. SBICAP Securities, ICICI Securities, Edelweiss Securities and Deutsche Equities India are acting as brokers for the sale. The sale is part of governments disinvestment plan, wherein it aims to raise Rs 56,500 crore in 2016-17. It is also being done to meet the guidelines for having minimum 25 per cent public shareholding in listed state-owned firms. 19.06.2020 LISTEN A taxi driver has met his untimely death after been trapped in his car by a falling tree during raining at Mbrom, in the Kumasi metropolis on Thursday, June 18, 2020. The incident happened on the Kejetia-Suame Roundabout highway, near the Asanteman Senior High School, around 4:30 in the evening. The driver, yet to be identified, was taking cover in his cab boot during the rain. According to Otec News reporter, Kwame Agyenim Boateng, the tree was huge that eyewitnesses could not do anything to help the situation. The driver could be seen in the cab, with blood flowing, according to the reporter. Some mechanics brought a chain saw machine to cut the falling big trees in an attempt to save the driver, but the lack of fuel hindered them, he added. Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were yet to come to the scene at the time of filing the report. ---OtecfmGhana.com || Francis Appiah This is the disgusting moment a Black Lives Matter protester coughs at police and threatens to punch them during fierce clashes in central London. The thug, who is among 35 suspects the Met are hunting over violence at demonstrations, was caught wheezing over officers in Whitehall. Shocking footage shows the West Ham United fan at the front of the crowd near the Cenotaph on June 6, pushing and swearing at riot police. He is marshalled back by one officer but bows his head and coughs at them, before raising his fists to another. One policeman tells him 'no violence, peaceful', but the yob continues with his vile tirade. The thug (pictured), who is among 35 suspects the Met are hunting over violence at demonstrations, was caught wheezing over officers in Whitehall Shocking footage shows the West Ham United fan at the front of the crowd near the Cenotaph on June 6, pushing and swearing at riot police It came amid the coronavirus pandemic, when Britain was still recording 1,557 new cases a day. The killer bug is incredibly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets in the air, which can be caused by coughing or sneezing. The thug was one of 35 people pictured by the Metropolitan Police who they want to speak to in connection with violence at the London protests. Clashes have broken out in the capital in recent weeks, where there have been demonstrations in support of BLM while others guarded historic statues in the city. Police said they are seeking people in relation to a number of violent public order offences which occurred during demonstrations between June 3 and 13. Police have released images of 35 people they want to speak to in connection with violence at protests in London this month Police have released images of 35 people they want to speak to in connection with violence at protests in London this month Commander Bas Javid, brother of former Chancellor Sajid, said the vast majority of people had protested peacefully but 'a small minority have attended with the sole purpose of attacking police officers, or violently confronting other protesters'. He said almost 230 arrests have been made so far, 128 of which related to Saturday's gathering which saw far-right demonstrators clash with officers in Westminster. Mr Javid appealed to the public for their help to identify people, saying: 'We are now asking for the public's help in identifying people, who we need to talk to about the violence seen at the protests. If you have any information, no matter how small, please get in touch.' Police have been looking through hours of CCTV, officers' body worn video and social media footage to identify people who might have been involved in violence. The force added there is a 'high likelihood' they will be releasing more images of others wanted in connection with the clashes 'in due course'. BLM protests erupted worldwide following the death of George Floyd, 46, who died after police officer Derek Chauvin put his knee on his neck in Minneapolis on May 25. Demonstrators have flouted social distancing rules to flood the streets across Britain in protests against racial injustice and police brutality. While many protests have remained peaceful, police, demonstrators and members of the media have been injured in the violence. Activists, some wearing face coverings or face masks as a precautionary measure against Covid-19, hold placards as they attend a BLM protest to Trafalgar Square in London on June 12. There is no suggestion those pictured here and below are wanted by police Officers carrying protective shields stand guard after a flare hits the pavement during the anti-racism rally in London, June 7 A firework is set off as clashes take place between police officers and Black Lives Matter demonstrators in Whitehall, June 7 Historic statues from Britain's imperial past have become the focal point of many demonstrations in recent weeks. It came after a monument of 17th century slave trader and politician Edward Colston was torn down in Bristol and dumped in the harbour. The police appeal came after the Prime Minister said protesters desecrating war memorials will face tough new laws in the wake of demonstrations across Britain. Boris Johnson used Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday to warn attacks on public property will be 'met with the full force of the law'. Ministers are believed to be considering sentences of up to 10 years for the worst offenders after the Cenotaph and the statue of Britain's greatest Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill were targeted by BLM protesters. A far-right protester was also jailed for 14 days this week for urinating next to a memorial to a PC Keith Palmer, who was killed in a terror attack on Parliament. Mr Johnson told the Commons: 'I can also confirm we are looking at new ways in which we may legislate against vandalism of war memorials.' People taking part in a BLM protest in Marble Arch, London, June 13. Demonstrations erupted globally after the death of George Floyd , 46, who died after police officer Derek Chauvin put his knee on his neck in Minneapolis on May 25 Ministers are believed to be considering sentences of up to 10 years for the worst offenders, after the Cenotaph and a statue of Britain's greatest PM Sir Winston Churchill were targeted The police appeal comes after Boris Johnson used Prime Ministers Questions to warn attacks on public property will be 'met with the full force of the law' Mr Johnson also said he was a 'huge admirer' of one of his aides who has questioned the existence of institutional racism and hit out at a 'culture of grievance'. No10 advisers are said to be keen for the PM to take stands on cultural issues, focusing on improving life chances instead of bowing to pressure from the Left. The choice of Munira Mirza, the head Mr Johnson's policy unit, to set up the new race commission appears to be a sign of the government's approach. Supporters say she is an advocate of data-driven policies but campaigners and Labour MPs claim she is a denier of institutional racism. They say that she should not be playing a key role in the response to the BLM protests. Supporters of Munira Mirza say she is an advocate of data-driven policies, but campaigners and Labour MPs say she is a denier of institutional racism They also raised concerns over her alleged decision to give a role to Trevor Phillips, the former head of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, who has angered some with past comments on British Asian communities. Mr Johnson was asked if he agreed with Dr Mirza on her 'culture of grievance' remark. He said: 'I am a huge admirer of Dr Munira Mirza, who is a brilliant thinker about these issues and we are certainly going to proceed with a new cross-governmental commission to look at racism and discrimination. 'It will be a very thorough piece of work looking at discrimination in health, in education, in the criminal justice system. 'It is clear from the Black Lives Matter march and all representations that we've had that more work needs to be done.' U.S. energy dominance is over. Output is probably going to drop by 50% over the next year and nothing can be done about it. It has nothing to do with the lack of shale profitability or other silly memes cited by people who dont understand energy. Its because of low rig count. The U.S. tight oil or shale rig count has fallen 69% this year from 539 in mid-March to 165 last week. Tight oil production will decline 50% by this time next year. As a result, U.S. oil production will fall from to less than 8 mmb/d by mid-2021. What if rig count increases between now and then? It wont make any difference because of the lag between contracting a drilling rig and first production. The party is over for shale and U.S. energy dominance. Energy Dominance is Over Tight oil is the foundation of U.S. energy dominance. The U.S. has always been a major oil producer but it moved into the top tier of oil super powers as tight oil boosted output from about 5 to more than 12 mmb/d between 2008 and 2019 (Figure 1). Conventional production has been declining since 1970. It fell from almost 10 mmb/d in 1970 to 5 mmb/d in 2008. Figure 1. Tight oil is the foundation for U.S. Energy Dominance. Conventional production has been in decline since 1970. Tight oil boosted U.S. production to more than 12 mmb/d in 2019. Source: EIA and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc. Tight Oil Rig Count and Oil Production Rig count is a good way to predict future oil production as long as the proper leads and lags are incorporated. It takes several months between an upward price signal and a signed contract for a drilling rig. It takes another 9-12 months from starting a well to first production for tight oil wells. With pad drilling, usually all wells on the pad must be drilled before bringing in a crew to frack the wells. Tight oil horizontal production reached 7.28 mmb/d in November 2019 when the lagged rig count was 613 (Figure 2). That corresponded to 12.9 mmb/d of U.S. oil productiontight oil is about 55% of total output. Approximately 600 rigs are needed to maintain 7 mmb/d of tight oil and 12.5 mmb/d of U.S. production. Related: Pirates Threaten Oil Operations In Gulf Of Mexico The horizontal rig count is now 165 so it is unavoidable that production will fall. The considerable lags and leads mean that production decline cannot be expected to reverse until well into 2021 assuming that it starts to increase immediately. That wont happen because of constrained budgets and low oil prices. Figure 2. 600 tight oil rigs to maintain 7 mmb/d tight oil/12 mmb/d total U.S. output. May tight rig count was 207 so U.S. decline to 8 mmb/d by Q2 2021 is unavoidable. Production should increase this summer with shut-in re-activation then fall in Q4 2020. Source: Baker Hughes, IEA DPR, Enverus and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc. U.S. producers shut in most of their wells in May because oil prices had collapsed and storage had reached its limits. Tight oil production has fallen more than 1 mmb/d to 6.2 mmb/d and total U.S. output is around 10.5 mmb/d. With the storage crisis now apparently averted and with somewhat higher oil prices, most tight oil wells are being re-activated. Production should increase until all shut-in wells are back on line and then, it will resume its decline. Based on rig count analysis, U.S. oil production will probably be about 8 mmb/d by mid-2021 or more than 4 mmb/d less than peak November 2019 levels. Killer Decline Rates Require Lots of Rigs Lower U.S. crude and condensate production is unavoidable with rig counts where they are today. That is because tight oil decline rates are really high. Figure 3 shows Permian basin shale play decline rates by year of first production. The average of all years is 27% per year. More recently drilled wells decline at higher rates because of better drilling and completion technology. The problem is that the wells dont have greater reservesthey just produce the reserves faster. That means higher decline rates. Figure 3. Permian basin annual decline rate is 27% for horizontal tight oil wells Decline rates generally increase for wells drilled in more recent years because of higher initial production rates. Source: Enverus and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc. This is not a criticism of the plays or the companies. Its just a fact. And thats why its critical to keep 500 or 600 rigs drilling all the timeto replace the 30% of output lost every year to depletion. Production can be turned off and on as it was in May and June. Production cannot be increased without adding rigs and drilling new wells. Assuming there was infinite capital available to add rigs and drill wells, it would take several years to increase rig count to levels needed to maintain 2019 output levels. Drilled, uncompleted wells (DUC) may be brought on to slow the rate of production decline somewhat. It is important to note, however, that completion accounts for at least 50% of total well cost. Capital constraints and low oil prices will affect the ability and enthusiasm of companies to complete DUCs. Related: Saudi Arabias Oil Exports To The U.S. Set To Drop To 35-Year Low After the last oil-price collapse, it took 2.5 years for tight oil rig count to increase from 193 in May 2016 to 618 in November 2018 (Figure 3). There were thousands of DUCs during the last oil-price collapse in 2014-2017 but they didnt have much effect on production decline. The current June rig count of 165 will continue to fall for several months because of low oil price & capital budgets. Figure 4. It took 2.5 years for tight oil rig count to increase from 193 in May 2016 to 618 in November 2018. June rig count of 165 will fall for several months based on oil price & capital budgets. Source: Baker Hughes, IEA DPR, Enverus and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc. Rigs Dont Produce Oil, Wells Do Ive shown how rig count, lagged production and decline rates are used to estimate future levels of production. That approach is useful but the truth is that rigs dont produce oilwells do. Another approach, therefore, is to compare the number of tight oil wells that were drilled and completed during each of the last 5 years to the corresponding average production rates for each of those years. Then, using year-to-date drilling and completion data, we can annualize and project what 2020 production is likely to be. This approach suggests that 2020 tight oil production will be about 30% less than in 2019 (Figure 4). Since tight oil represented 56% of total U.S. output in 2019, we may then estimate that U.S. production will average about 8.7 mmb/d in 2020. Figure 5. 2020 U.S. production will be less than ~8.7 mmb/d vs 12.3 mmb/d in 2019. Number of completed tight oil wells expected to be ~30% less than in 2019. 8.7 mmb/d is about 25% less than EIA U.S. forecast for 11.6 mmb/d in 2020. Source: EIA and Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc. That is similar to the estimate obtained from the rig count approach. It is, however, about 25% less than EIAs 2020 forecast for U.S. crude & condensate production. Energy Dominance and Green Paint Much lower U.S. oil production is bad for Trumps Energy Dominance anthem and its corollary that the U.S. is energy independent. Its even worse for oil prices and the U.S. balance of payments once demand recovers. We will have to import even more oil than we do today and it will cost more. The idea of U.S. energy independence is ignorant at best and fraudulent at worst. The U.S. imported nearly 7 mmb/d of crude oil and condensate in 2019 and more than 9 mmb/d of crude oil and refined products. Thats almost as much as Chinathe worlds second largest economyconsumes. The U.S. is a net exporter in the same way that shale companies are making huge profitsby accounting sleight-of-hand. The U.S. imports other peoples crude oil, refines it and then, exports it. If a country imports unpainted cars, paints them green and then exports them, is it a net exporter of cars? No. Its an exporter of green paint. The U.S. is screwed when it comes to near- to medium-term oil production. Its not because of Covid-19. U.S. rig count began to decline 15 months before anyone had heard of Covid-19. Even if the road to economic and oil-demand recovery is faster than I believe it will be, it will take a long time to get back to 12 or 13 million barrels per day of production. There are good reasons to expect that much lower U.S. oil production will eventually lead to higher oil prices. That may result in renewed drilling and another cycle of over-supply and lower oil prices. That is how things have developed in the past. But a new phase of economic reality and oil pricing is unfolding and no one knows where it will lead. Lower demand may mean that reduced U.S. oil output is appropriate. The only thing that seems certain is that the U.S. will not be the oil super power it was before 2020. By Art Berman More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Hong Kong: Arts, culture sector to get more aid The Government will disburse an additional subsidy from the Arts & Culture Sector Subsidy Scheme under the Anti-epidemic Fund to help small and medium-sized arts groups stage live performances and support their operations after the reopening of performance venues. Major facilities of the Leisure & Cultural Services Departments performance venues, such as concert halls, theatres, auditoriums, cultural activity halls and arenas reopened for performances with live audiences today. The Home Affairs Bureau announced an additional subsidy of $80,000 from the $150 million scheme will be disbursed to 44 Arts Development Council-funded arts groups, 14 venue partners under the LCSD and 34 Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme grantees. After the completion of this disbursement, the Government will have handed out about $110 million from the Arts & Culture Sector Subsidy Scheme. This story has been published on: 2020-06-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. There was nothing magical about a period of 30 years, Dr. Caplin said; it simply proved useful, making payments predictable and affordable by stretching them out over decades. It was designed from a viewpoint of a consumer, who wouldnt find it too hard to understand exactly what they had committed to, Dr. Caplin said. But now, as the world warms, that long-term nature of conventional mortgages might not be as desirable as it once was, as rising seas and worsening storms threaten to make some land uninhabitable. A retreat from the 30-year mortgage could also put homeownership out of reach for more Americans. Changes to the housing market are just one of myriad ways global warming is disrupting American life, including spreading disease and threatening the food supply. It could also be one of the most economically significant. During the 2008 financial crisis, a decline in home values helped cripple the financial system and pushed almost nine million Americans out of work. But increased flooding nationwide could have more far-reaching consequences on financial housing markets. In 2016, Freddie Macs chief economist at the time, Sean Becketti, warned that losses from flooding both inland and along the coasts are likely to be greater in total than those experienced in the housing crisis and the Great Recession. If climate change makes coastal homes uninsurable, Dr. Becketti wrote, their value could fall to nothing, and unlike the 2008 financial crisis, homeowners will have no expectation that the values of their homes will ever recover. In 30 years from now, if global-warming emissions follow their current trajectory, almost half a million existing homes will be on land that floods at least once a year, according to data from Climate Central, a research organization. Those homes are valued at $241 billion. Currently, new research shows banks rapidly shifting mortgages with flood risk off their books and over to organizations like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, government-sponsored entities whose debts are backed by taxpayers. In a paper this month in the journal Climatic Change, Dr. Keenan and Jacob T. Bradt, a doctoral student at Harvard University, described the activity, which suggests growing awareness among banks that climate change could cause defaults. Defence minister Rajnath Singh is expected to visit Russia next week to participate in the Victory Day parade in Moscow on June 24, people familiar with developments said on Friday. The people, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the visit is on as of now and that Singh will be accompanied by senior Indian officials. He is expected to travel a day or so before the parade, they added. There is a proposal from the Russian side and we are considering it. The visit is on as of now, said one of the people cited above, declining to give details. The people said the visit will be closely linked to developments on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a tense standoff since early May. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley on June 15, exacerbating tensions. A high-level Chinese delegation will be present for the Victory Day parade though no meetings are expected with the Indian team, the people said. It was originally expected that defence secretary Ajay Kumar would accompany Singh to Russia, but the defence minister is now expected to travel with senior defence and military officials as Kumar is recovering from Covid-19. Officials had confirmed on June 3 that Kumar had tested positive for Covid-19. India on Thursday confirmed that external affairs minister S Jaishankar will join a virtual meeting of the Russia-India-China (RIC) grouping on June 23, a day ahead of Indian and Chinese military contingents marching in the Victory Day parade. Russia formally announced the virtual meeting of the RIC foreign ministers on Wednesday, quashing doubts about Indias participation in the aftermath of the violent clash along the LAC. A day after the RIC meeting, military contingents from India and China will participate in the Victory Day parade in Moscow, which marks the Soviet Unions victory over Nazi Germany on May 9. Each year, Russia organises a massive military display involving thousands of troops and tanks parading through the Red Square. This years event has been delayed by the pandemic. A 75-member Indian tri-service contingent left for Russia on Friday. China sent a 105-member contingent of the Peoples Liberation Armys (PLA) honour guard on June 15. Moscows relations with New Delhi and Beijing are currently very good, and Russian diplomats, in recent remarks to the Indian media, have spoken of the need for easing tensions between India and China for regional stability. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Two tourists and their pet dogs were rescued Thursday by Colombian security forces after spending three months in captivity after being kidnapped by dissident rebels, who demanded millions of dollars for their freedom. Daniel Max Guggenheim and Jose Iban Alburqueque - and their Pomeranians - were freed after soldiers learned of their location and chased after the man who was guarding them. The travelers from Switzerland and Brazil had gone missing at the start of the coronavirus pandemic when they were abducted by dissident members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia [FARC] in March. Both individuals were described as healthy but said they endured a hellish ordeal that included long hours in cold temperatures and the ridicule of rebels who poked fun at them for traveling together. 'It's something one suffers more in the heart than the body,' a tearful Guggenheim said as he clutched one of his dogs after being brought to a military airport in the capital, Bogota. 'It has given me nightmares.' Swiss citizen Daniel Max Guggenheim (left) and Brazilian native Jose Iban Alburqueque (center) meet reporters Thursday after they were rescued by the military in Colombia. Both individuals were kidnapped in March by dissident members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia [FARC] Colombian armed forces learned of the location of the two kidnapped tourists and chased the man (center) who was guarding them before he was arrested Daniel Max Guggenheim (left) and Jose Ivan Albuquerque (right), with his pet dog. Guggenheim said the kidnappers fed and did not harm them, and they also provided food for their dogs during their three months of captivity before they were rescued by the Colombian military Thursday As the Colombian government started instituting a nationwide quarantine in mid-March, the two men were in the Pacific port city of Buenaventura, an area with a long history of drug violence that in more recent years has begun to attract tourists. They decided to make their way back to Bogota using a GPS app on a smartphone to help determine the fastest route. Guggenheim said their journey took them through Corinto, in the department of Cauca, where they decided to stop and rest. Shortly after continuing onward, they were stopped by two men on motorcycles. One of the individuals placed a gun on the window of their vehicle, telling them, 'you've arrived at the cemetery.' The Colombia military launched an operation Thursday that led to the rescue of Daniel Max Guggenheim (center) and Jose Ivan Albuquerque (right). Guggenheim said they were held in 11 different locations The rebels identified themselves as dissidents of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - the group that signed a peace accord in 2016 - and took them to a nearby area where coffee beans were being dried. The rebels took the keys of their car and began rummaging through their suitcases. Eventually the men were taken to a home where they were held in a room for four days. The rebels demanded tens of millions in pesos, but Guggenheim said he had just $3,600. Unsatisfied, the rebels called Guggenheim's daughter, asking for more. In all, the men were held in 11 different locations, Guggenheim said. While they were often cold, he said they were given food and never physically harmed. The rebels even went to a nearby town to buy dry food for their dogs, one of which is a 13-year-old purebred Pomeranian that Guggenheim has had since a puppy. 'We survived,' he said, talking through a face mask. 'It's been more than a month and a half since we spoke to our families. It was hard.' Swiss citizen Daniel Max Guggenheim (left) receives his pet Pomeranian from a Colombia military officer Jose Iban Alburqueque is led away by the Colombia military after his rescue Most of 11,000 Colombian rebels who signed the peace accord to end Latin America's longest-running conflict are now living as civilians, but a small number who defected or never joined the agreement are still battling the government. On Thursday, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice announced $10million rewards each for information leading to the capture of Luciano Marin and Seuxis Hernandez. Marin, who is also known as Ivan Marquez, and Hernandez, who goes by the alias of Jesus Santrich, were key figures in ironing out the South American nation's historic peace process in 2016. Both men had been given seats in Colombia's congress but fled amidst accusations that they had continued drug trafficking under the regime of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro. The Pacific coast region including Buenaventura has seen a rise in violence as the FARC dissidents, the National Liberation Army guerrilla group and drug gangs compete for lucrative trafficking routes. Guggenheim said he harbors no ill will toward Colombia. 'A million thanks to Colombia,' he said. 'I love the country in spite of everything.' Germany's already strict online hate speech law is about to become even more severe. On Thursday, the country's federal government passed a new provision (via TechCrunch) that will require companies like Twitter and Facebook to forward suspected illegal content to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), Germany's equivalent of the FBI. The law also obligates those companies to pass on some of the poster's personal information, including their IP address. The provision is an amendment to Germany's Network Enforcement Act -- known as NetzDG, for short. Previously, the main requirement of the law was that companies delete potentially illegal content. NetzDG was already controversial when the government first passed it in 2017. At the time, the Human Rights Watch argued that it overly incentivized online platforms to take down objectionable content due to the steep fines they could face for failing to do so. In some instances, companies can be fined as much as 50 million (roughly $56 million) for failing to comply with the law. As you might imagine, privacy advocates aren't thrilled with this latest revision, either. One concern is that it will force private companies to help police build a database of people's personal information. Particularly worrisome is the fact the law obligates companies to transfer someone's data before there's suspicion of criminal wrongdoing. Another issue is that the law effectively puts the onus of identifying and forwarding potentially harmful content on companies like Facebook and Twitter. The addition to NetzDG is part of a broader push by Germany to control online hate speech, which the government has linked to an increase in right-wing extremism. In 2019, a neo-nazi extremist murdered Walter Lubcke, a pro-migrant member of chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU party. In the lead up to the crime, Lubcke received multiple death threats. The good news is that the German government is considering a broader reform of NetzDG that would make the law more transparent by enforcing more robust user notifications. If passed, it would also give people the right to have their posts restored in cases where theyve successfully appealed a deletion. Michigan U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, said George Floyds death is spurring Congress to take concrete steps toward policing reforms. A haunting video of Floyd slowly dying while a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes sparked protests against police brutality in all 50 states and several Michigan cities in the last month. Floyds death also inspired a variety of bipartisan legislation aimed at preventing future incidents and providing more equitable outcomes in interactions between police and people of color. Peters said Congress is reacting to the demand for action expressed across the country. This week, he introduced legislation co-sponsored by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, which would provide federal grants for police recruits who work in the community they live. Theres no question that we have to act, Peters said in an interview. We cannot keep talking about this, because we have seen these images over many years but certainly the murder of George Floyd set off even more energy. Enough is enough. I think its incumbent upon us to deal with this in a bipartisan way. Bipartisan solutions are always those that are longer-lasting, and I hope that we can come together and pass meaningful reforms. Peters bill is an attempt to help local law enforcement reflect the demographics of neighborhoods they police. On a press call with reporters, Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon said the bill would goes a long way toward addressing the issues departments often have in recruiting, training and retaining recruits from their communities. Napoleon said police departments should be allowed to require people to live in the areas they are responsible for protecting, noting the stipulation was in place when he was hired. Napoleon served as chief of the Detroit Police Department from 1998 to 2001. While Detroit has not been without incident, you did not see some of the violent extensive violence that you saw in other communities and quite frankly, I think that is because the city of Detroit is the beneficiary of over 45 years of a very active police-community relationship that started when I was a young rookie in the police academy until the time I left as chief of police in 2001, Napoleon said. Peters is also working to advance legislation that would create a congressional commission charged with performing an 18-month review of the criminal justice system and American law enforcement practices. The senator said this would be the first comprehensive review since President Lyndon Johnsons effort in the 1960s. The Johnson Crime Commission included 200 recommendations, including the creation of a national emergency phone number, the collection of crime statistics, improved training and standards for law enforcement and other sweeping reforms. More recently, former President Barack Obama organized a task force that created a set of recommendations. President Donald Trump also assembled a commission on law enforcement in January. Peters bill passed in the Senate at the end of 2018 but was not taken up in the U.S. House by the end of the legislative session. The bill boasts support from the NAACP, National Association of Police Organizations and the Police Officers Association of Michigan. Peters said his National Justice Commission should be complemented by immediate reforms to ban the use of chokeholds and create better opportunities for local police departments to access de-escalation training. The senator said the commission could advance more long-term measures, like creating a system that ensures complaints against officers are reviewed by an independent body. Right now, for most departments, if a police officer is accused of wrongdoing, the police department internally investigates them and makes a determination, Peters said. That should move to an independent investigator so that the people in the community trust the decision that was actually made. All too often people will look at a decision made internally within the department believes that the good old boys network is protecting its own. And thats not acceptable. Peters said hes undecided on whether he supports efforts to end qualified immunity, which prevents government officials from being held personally liable for constitutional rights violations. U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, I-Cascade Township, introduced a bill that would allow people to obtain financial relief when their constitution rights are infringed. Im reviewing the legislation, Peters said. Its a complex issue ... I think the goal is to make sure that folks are held accountable for actions, particularly actions that are blatantly illegal. Now the question is, what is the best way to accomplish that? Additional possible topics of review that Peters highlighted included ways to speed up the justice system and prevent people from enduring lengthy stints in jail while awaiting trail. He said efforts to reduce recidivism and ensure formerly incarcerated people have access to good-paying jobs is also vital. Peters said he was disappointed legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., did not require independent investigations when deadly force is used by law enforcement officers. Scott, the Senates lone black Republican, is leading the GOP effort to pass policing reform in the Senate. Peters said he is still reviewing the legislation and has yet to make a decision on whether he will support it. Unlike a police reform package put forward by House Democrats, the Senate bill does not ban the use of chokeholds by law enforcement or no-knock raids. READ MORE: Detroit police officer suspended amid investigation of MLive photographer shot with rubber pellets while covering protest Mandatory bias training for police passes Michigan Senate Juneteenth to be a time of celebration and protest in Muskegon Protesters call for UM to provide more resources to Flint, Dearborn campuses Almost nothing about response to George Floyds death surprises University of Michigan fellow studying racial politics of police violence Albany The proposed Champlain Hudson Power Express, which would carry Canadian hydropower to New York City via a cable under Lake Champlain and the Hudson River, should be subject to another environmental study and set of hearings before it can move forward, given the changes that have taken place since it was first proposed a decade ago, according to the Sierra Club, one of the projects opponents. We believe evidentiary hearings will be necessary to help review changes that have come with insufficient commentary both in the execution of alternatives and analysis of why inferior routes or practices were approved previously without proper scrutiny, Roger Downs, conservation director for the Sierra Clubs Atlantic chapter wrote to state Public Service Commission lawyers on Monday. The underwater power line, proposed by Transmission Developers Inc., has federal approval and PSC approval. But proposed changes in the route and in the circumstances surrounding New Yorks energy needs should require more review, Downs argued. Champlain Hudson Power Express would connect a series of massive hydroelectric plants in northern Quebec, Canada, with New York City via a cable that would run from the border under Lake Champlain and the Hudson River toward the city. The provincial owned Hydro Quebec operates a series of hydroelectric dams in the north of Quebec and is looking to export power. They have pointed out that hydroelectric power is created without emissions, is renewable and cheap. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has said he wants to contract to buy the power, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo has also endorsed the concept. But there are opponents ranging from in-state power plant operators who say associated jobs should go to New Yorkers, and some environmental groups like the Sierra Club. Champlain Hudson Brief by rkarlin on Scribd One of their concerns has centered on the disruptions to lands that the large hydrodams have created in Canada. Now, the Sierra Club is also noting that the most recent map for the project includes eight areas where the power line would be re-routed. One would go through constitutionally protected Forever Wild land in the Adirondacks near Putnam Station along Lake Champlain. Another would re-route the line through Scotia in order to avoid going through Schenectady where there are a number of redevelopment projects. There also are concerns about changes that would bring the line through delicate wetlands along the Hudson River downstate. Additionally, with the states new Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, there are new timetables and incentives for building green energy solutions in New York that didn't exist a decade ago when Champlain Hudson was first proposed. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Considering that there have been major climate laws enacted in the past few years the evidentiary hearing process should be broad enough to reexamine how the CHPE project, in this new climate context, has direct bearing on environmental compatibility and needs of New Yorkers, Downs told the Times Union in an email. One of the recent developments includes a plan to erect a series of large wind turbines off the coast of Long Island, which like hydroplants, would generate green energy but much closer to New York City. Activists also worry about what they say are potential loopholes in sales to New York City customers. They worry that building owners, for instance, could get credits for committing to buy hydropower. But with those credits in hand, they might avoid making needed improvements such as better insulation or elimination of dirty oil boilers for heat. TDI spokeswoman Jennifer Laird-White, said We are aware of this letter. The matter is under consideration by the PSCs Administrative Law Judges and we look forward to their decision. TDI has also noted that some of the route changes came after outreach to localities where the line is envisioned. The PSC said that a judge is reviewing the Sierra Club's request along with a similar request from the North American Megadam Resistance Alliance. rkarlin@timesunion.com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTU Most Chattanoogans remember Harry Porter as one of the pioneers in aviation in the Chattanooga area. In that capacity he achieved a lifetime of recognition as the principal supporter of Chattanooga aviation beginning in the 1920s. However, less is known of his daredevil feats as a motorcycle racer and stock car driver. In 1921-1922, he raced at the Chattanooga Interstate Fair at the old horse racing track at Warner Park in his No. 7 Dodge automobile. He completed the Five Mile Elimination Race in five minutes and forty-nine and a half seconds. In the 25-mile feature race he finished second to future Lake Winnepesaukah developer and owner Carl Dixon with a time of 34 minutes and 32 seconds. Porter had also previously raced motorcycles in the Chattanooga area during this period on his 1912 Indian model. He was a true daredevil and enjoyed the excitement of speed in any category. Harry first flew a plane from Marr Field in East Chattanooga in 1923. Marr Field was located on the west side of Missionary Ridge and was susceptible to violent crosswinds that resulted in many aviation accidents. As a result, Lovell Field on the eastern side of the ridge was constructed at its present location in 1930. During this early stage of his aviation career Harry participated in barnstorming and flying shows across the South. He also performed air shows every Sunday and gave plane rides. Soon people began asking for flying lessons that turned into Porter Flight Service in 1931. In 1938 the Tennessee Bureau of Aeronautics started a free flight instruction program with Harry as the instructor. Said program was a boost to aviation in every major Tennessee city. Also in 1938 the first Chattanooga Flyers Club was established with several private pilots holding ownership rights to a few planes that would be available for use on an hourly rate. By pooling their efforts more pilots could fly at a lower individual cost. The state's Civilian Pilot Trainee Program was started in 1942 and changed the name to War Training Service. Porters Flight Service was employed to train pilots for military service. Student pilots would attend classes in the morning at the University of Chattanooga and take flight instruction at Lovell Field in the afternoon under Porter's supervision. The program continued until 1944 and over 800 pilots obtained the primary training that would qualify them for the Army Air Corps flight program. On March 26, 2003, 82-year-old Soddy native James Thomas McClure gave an interview in the Veterans History Project that vividly described his aviation training with Harry Porter. He would later convert that training into a career as an Army Air Corps instructor and Trans World Airways (TWA) pilot for 28 years and was highly complementary of the flight instruction that he received from Harry Porter and Buck Frame at Lovell Field. In a 1987 interview, Harry Porter recalled the two times he met famed aviator Charles Lindbergh. He first met the Lone Eagle in Americus, Georgia, at a government flight school in the early 1920s and described him as just an average guy. Porters second meeting with Lindbergh was on his 1927 stop in Chattanooga following his celebration tour after his historic New York to Paris flight. Porter had a 64-year career in all aspects of aviation. In 1967 he sold his business to another fixed base operation, Hangar One, but remained a full-time consultant until his death in 1988. In 1974 he was given the Amelia Earhart Award by the 99s, an international womens flying organization, in recognition of his 80th birthday. When he flew a plane at the age of 90 he was considered the oldest active pilot in the country. In the 80s, the new air traffic control tower was named the Harry Porter Tower in his honor. He served as a sergeant in World War I in France and is accordingly buried in the National Cemetery in Chattanooga when he died in 1988 at the age of 94. In March 2003, the Chattanooga Regional History Museum opened an exhibit in the metropolitan airport at Lovell Field to honor Harry Porter and to display some of the memorabilia that he had acquired during his lengthy aviation career. Originally located in the Baggage Claim area of the airport as a tribute to Porter it was later donated to the Chattanooga Regional History Museum. On June 12, 2017, the successor to the Regional History Museum, the Chattanooga History Museum, transferred legal title and all literary property rights of Porter to the Chattanooga Public Library and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Hopefully the community will recognize the importance of preserving this important part of aviation history and the memories of the contributions of Harry Porter. * * * Jerry Summers (If you have additional information about one of Mr. Summers' articles or have suggestions or ideas about a future Chattanooga area historical piece, please contact Mr. Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com MOSCOW, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Andrey Guryev, the CEO of PhosAgro and President of the Russian Fertilizer Producers Association, took part in the 16th International ForumCompetition for Students and Young Scientists on topical issues related to the rational use of natural resources. The competition was organised by the St Petersburg Mining University and the International Competence Centre for Mining Engineering under the auspices of UNESCO. PhosAgro is an official partner of the competition, which will host more than 1,000 speakers and experts from 49 countries. In addition to Mr Guryev, the participants were addressed by Valery Falkov, Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education; Kirill Molodtsov, aide to the Chief of Staff of the President of the Russian Federation; Peggy Oti-Boateng, Director of the Division of Science Policy and Capacity-Building at UNESCO; Alexander Yakovenko, member of the Board of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Rector of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Charles Hendry, President of the Governing Council of the RussoBritish Chamber of Commerce; and representatives of leading specialised universities from all around the world. In his opening remarks, Vladimir Litvinenko, Rector of the Mining University, announced that participants' research would be presented in 17 thematic sections, and that each section would include more than 50 speakers from countries all over the world. Their work will be evaluated by leading international experts. "This forumcompetition is an opportunity for more active integration among the academic community, for scientists studying problems related to the rational use of natural resources to interact with one another. I am firmly convinced that young researchers, young specialists and scientists are [the basis of] a promising future for our sector, and they are already making important scientific contributions to its development," said Mr Litvinenko. Science and Higher Education Minister Falkov also welcomed participants and organisers. "The topic of the rational use of natural resources is one of the most important issues on the current global environmental and economic agenda. Only deliberate and rational developments and safe and efficient mining and use of minerals will ensure a balance between human interests and nature. Science has a key role to play in the search for approaches to the rational use of natural resources. I hope the forum provides an opportunity for interesting and intense work, promising new professional contacts, innovative projects and success in implementing them," said Minister Falkov. According to Mr Molodtsov, an aide to the Chief of Staff of the President of the Russian Federation, the geological industry is the basis of any country's economy, ensuring mineral, raw materials, energy and economic security. "This competition, which has already established itself as a scientific and practical platform for the development of new approaches to science, is a major event. In this sense, the Mining University hosting it and our colleagues taking part will set the tone for the development of the geological and other sectors of our economy," said Mr Molodtsov. According to Ms Oti-Boateng, Director of the Division of Science Policy and Capacity-Building at UNESCO, the organisers of the forum took on an important mission: to bring together people from all over the world to interact with one another and to solve global problems as a unified whole. "The whole world is looking at you, young researchers, and our future depends on you. It's up to you to discover new breakthroughs for the benefit of sustainable development," said Ms Oti-Boateng in encouraging those taking part in the competition. Mr Yakovenko, Rector of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted the high level of interest in the forum not only in Russia but also abroad. "I completely agree with the representative of UNESCO: this forum will provide a further impetus to international cooperation, as well as an additional opportunity for young researchers to make a name for themselves. For our part, with the permission of Vladimir Litvinenko, we will publish the results of the best research and share them with the ambassadors of foreign states accredited in Moscow. This will enable mining specialists all around the world to become familiar with the results of the work of the competition winners," said Mr Yakovenko. Mr Hendry, President of the Governing Council of the RussoBritish Chamber of Commerce, concurred with Mr Yakovenko, saying that the contacts and cooperation that would be generated among forum participants should last for decades and be of huge benefit to the scientific community. "This forum is a celebration of what young people can achieve by pushing the existing boundaries of science and knowledge to meet the challenges that are confronting us today and the challenges that we will face in the future," said Mr Hendry. Mr Guryev, CEO of PhosAgro and a member of the Board of Governors of the International Competence Centre for Mining Engineering under the auspices of UNESCO, noted that, by holding a major international scientific event with participants from 232 universities from around the world, the Mining University had confirmed its status as a leading specialised university on a global scale. "In spite of the pandemic, which has forced many countries to close and to put up barriers to cooperation, scientific life will be buzzing with activity at this forum, and it will continue to march ahead," stressed Mr Guryev. He added that PhosAgro, which supports young researchers around the world through the Green Chemistry for Life programme, in conjunction with UNESCO, would follow the forum with interest and that the Company's specialists would serve as experts in sections of the competition. "For PhosAgro, one of 36 companies in the world recognised by the United Nations for its commitment to doing business as the leader within the Global Compact, it is very important that some sections of the forum will be devoted to the principles of sustainable development in the areas of mining and the sustainable use of minerals. This will help establish a new ethics of scientific progress that calls for preservation of the planet's natural diversity and concern for the well-being of future generations," concluded Mr Guryev. About PhosAgro PhosAgro (www.phosagro.com) is one of the world's leading vertically integrated phosphate-based fertilizer producers in terms of production volumes of phosphate-based fertilizers and high-grade phosphate rock with a P2O5 content of 39% and higher. PhosAgro's environmentally friendly fertilizers stand out for their high efficiency, and they do not lead to the contamination of soils with heavy metals. The Company is the largest phosphate-based fertilizer producer in Europe (by total combined capacity for DAP/MAP/NP/NPK/NPS), the largest producer of high-grade phosphate rock with a P2O5 content of 39% and one of the leading producers of MAP/DAP globally, one of the leading producers of feed phosphates (MCP) in Europe, and the only producer in Russia, and Russia's only producer of nepheline concentrate (according to the RAFP). PhosAgro's main products include phosphate rock, 39 grades of fertilizers, feed phosphates, ammonia, and sodium tripolyphosphate, which are used by customers in 100 countries spanning all of the world's inhabited continents. The Company's priority markets outside of Russia and the CIS are Latin America, Europe and Asia. PhosAgro's shares are traded on the Moscow Exchange, and global depositary receipts (GDRs) for shares trade on the London Stock Exchange (under the ticker PHOR). Since 1 June 2016, the Company's GDRs have been included in the MSCI Russia and MSCI Emerging Markets indexes. More information about PhosAgro can be found on the website: www.phosagro.com. SOURCE PhosAgro The ruling YSR Congress Party in Andhra Pradesh won all the four Rajya Sabha seats from the state, elections for which were held on Friday. The four YSRC candidates Alla Ayodhya Rami Reddy, Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose, Mopidevi Venkata Ramana and Parimal Nathwani were declared elected as they polled the number of votes required for their election. Ayodhya Rami Reddy and Parimal Nathwani are industrialists the former heading the Ramky Group of Industries while the latter is senior group vice-president of Reliance Industries. The remaining two were, hitherto, members of the legislative council and are part of the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy cabinet. While Subhash Chandra Bose is a deputy chief minister holding the revenue portfolio, Venkata Ramana is the state excise minister. All the four YSRC candidates would have been elected unanimously because the party has enough strength in the assembly 151 out of 175 MLAs, but the election was necessitated with the Telugu Desam Party fielding its candidate Varla Ramaiah despite the fact that it has only 23 MLAs in the assembly technically, including three rebels, and requires another 17 votes to win the seat. TDP president and leader of the opposition N Chandrababu Naidu said the party knew it wont win the Rajya Sabha seat, but had chosen to contest only in the spirit of democracy. At the same time, the TDP was also hoping to expose three rebel MLAs Vallabhaneni Vamsi from Gannavaram, Karanam Balarama Krishna Murthy from Chirala and Maddali Giridhar from Guntur (West) constituencies, if they voted for the YSRC. The party issued a whip to all the MLAs. However, the TDP candidate ended up getting only 17 votes, as four votes of the party were declared invalid. The three rebel MLAs ensured that their votes become invalid so that they could avoid being disqualified. Another TDP MLA Adireddy Bhavani from Rajahmundry also messed up in marking her first preferential vote in favour of party candidate Varla Ramaiah, as a result of which her vote also was declared invalid. Two other TDP legislators also could not cast their votes. While Tekkali MLA K Atchen Naidu could not exercise his franchise as he is in judicial custody in connection with the Employees State Insurance Scam, another MLA Anagani Satyaprasad from Repalle excused himself stating that he was in self-quarantine at home as he had come in contact with Telangana MLA M Yadagiri Reddy who had tested Covid-19 positive. Imagine that your comfort zone, your safest place on earth, your safe haven where you take out all your anxieties, worries and fears, the warmest place for you imagine that this turns into a source of toxicity, danger and insecurity. Imagine that you are trapped in it with no other place to go to. Many women around the world are living this reality during crises and pandemics that are associated with high rates of domestic violence. The rates of domestic violence increased in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. In Japan, sexual and physical violence against women occurred during the 1997 and 2010 earthquakes. After Hurricane Katrina in the United States in 2005, the rate of rape among women who moved to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailer parks was 53.6 times higher than the highest base rate for the state of Mississippi in 2004. In Uganda, the rates of domestic violence, child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) have increased during prolonged droughts. Due to the spread of the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone some years ago, the rates of child marriage increased during school closures. An unprecedented increase of 75 per cent in maternal deaths occurred due to complications of pregnancy and delivery within 18 months of the Ebola crisis in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The UN childrens fund UNICEF reported that many adolescent females had left school and married during the period of the health emergency and more than 14,300 girls had become pregnant and mostly could not return to school. As we face the threat of the global Covid-19 pandemic today and the importance of staying at home to limit its spread, mental disorders are occurring worldwide due to home quarantine accompanied by feelings of disappointment and boredom and causing a state of tension and anger. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for the enhanced protection of women and girls from domestic violence under the economic and social pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic. He has urged all governments to make the prevention and redress of violence against women a key part of their national response plans to Covid-19. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a report showing increasing rates of violence against women during disasters. The increase in violence against women during the Covid-19 pandemic may be due to measures of social distancing and staying at home, fears and worries at losing jobs, a lack of money and rare contacts with family and friends who can offer support and protection from violence. The physical stress resulting from bearing the heavier burdens of looking after the family, particularly after school closures, as well as the psychological stress due to the fear of family members getting infected, have added further pressures on women. In April, a global report issued by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), in association with Johns Hopkins University in the US, Victoria University in Australia and Avenir Health estimated that there could be 15 million additional cases of domestic violence in 2020 if the average period of lockdown reached three months, 31 million cases if the lockdown reached six months, 45 million cases if the lockdown reached nine months and 61 million cases if the lockdown reached one year. The report also warned that 47 million women in 114 low and middle-income countries could lose access to contraceptives, possibly resulting in more than seven million unwanted pregnancies. The report suggested that Covid-19 could seriously undermine the progress being made towards achieving a number of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including ending the unmet need for family planning and ending violence against women. The report estimated that the Covid-19 pandemic could slow down progress towards ending FGM by 33 per cent, with an around two-year delay through 2020-2021. It expected that the total impact of the Covid-19 pandemic could lead to 13 million additional child marriages, as well as to negative impacts on ending preventable maternal deaths and lower resources to offer support, counselling and care for violence survivors. Those facts have led countries worldwide to take measures to protect women from domestic violence during the Covid-19 pandemic. EGYPTIAN MEASURES In Egypt, the Egyptian Centre for Public Opinion Research (Baseera), a NGO, in collaboration with the National Council for Women (NCW) and UN Women conducted a survey on women and Covid-19 in Egypt from 4 to 14 April. The survey revealed that 11 per cent of married women in Egypt had been subject to spousal violence during the week before the survey and after the Covid-19 outbreak. It indicated that less-educated women were the most exposed to violence, given that the proportion declined from 14 per cent among women of below-intermediate education to four per cent among women of university education or above. Exposure to violence also declined with a higher economic level, given that the proportion declined from 14 per cent among the lowest economic level to six per cent among the highest. There were no clear discrepancies between different areas. Women aged 30 to under 50 were the most vulnerable to spousal violence compared to other age brackets (12 per cent and nine per cent among younger and older women, respectively). Among the victims of violence, seven per cent had never been subject to spousal violence prior to the outbreak of Covid-19, while four per cent had been subject to spousal violence. It is striking that the proportion of those who were exposed to spousal violence in the week before the survey and had never been exposed to spousal violence before was four per cent for women aged 19 to 29 and rose to eight per cent for women aged 50 and above. The survey said that family problems had increased by 33 per cent and violence among family members by 19 per cent. The National Council for Women Complaints Office, mandated to handle womens complaints, has also been monitoring different forms of violence against women. The Office received 9,887 complaints through its hotline 15115 and via its branches all over Egypt from 1 March to 20 April, including 370 complaints of violence. The complaints included 241 requests for debt repayment, the postponement of loans received by women and threats to take legal procedures against them in case of failure to pay installments. The office took the necessary actions to help the complainants in collaboration with the concerned bodies. A decision was issued to postpone the payment of loan installments. The provision of financial assistance to women was discussed in coordination with the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and NGOs. A total of 129 complaints at physical, verbal or social violence was received, including complaints from women who had been exposed to assault or verbal abuse by husbands or fathers. Such incidents may often include fathers threatening to kidnap children. Preliminary actions were taken to offer legal and psychosocial support to women victims of this type of violence. The NCW Complaints Office received 8,587 requests to meet economic and social needs nationwide, including requests for financial assistance. Groups of irregular workers were assisted to register their data on the website of the Ministry of Manpower. The Egyptian policy paper The Rapid Response to Womens Situation during the Covid-19 Outbreak was the first of its kind published by any government in the world. This was done through the NCW on 30 March, and it suggested response measures on both the immediate and medium terms and post the Covid-19 response under four main pillars, among them Women, Voice and Agency that focuses on violence against women and leadership and decision-making during crises. The pillar looks at how womens participation in decision-making processes can enhance health security control mechanisms and ensure womens access to relevant information. It also considers how response measures can provide psychosocial, legal and advisory support for women who may be subject to violence during this time. PROTECTION AND REPORTING The National Council for Women also established the Women Policy Tracker on Responsive Policies and Programmes during the Covid-19 Pandemic and documented 52 measures taken by the government in response to womens needs during the outbreak. Work on this is in progress. Egypt has also applied many protection and reporting mechanisms, including the hotline of the NCW Complaints Office, which has been extended to receive more complaints and offer legal and psychosocial support. The hotline receives complaints for 12 hours a week, and these are addressed by legal experts, social workers and psychologists. There is also a child helpline, 16000, operated by the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, the Human Rights Sector of the Ministry of the Interior, the cabinet complaints line, 16528, the complaints line of the Ministry of Social Solidarity, 16528 and the hotline of the General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment at 0800880700. The Ministry of Social Solidarity has also intensified its precautionary measures and published more awareness-raising materials in womens shelters. A service package has been launched for women and girls subject to violence. It includes medical protocols, case-referral pathways, a standards handbook for judicial proceedings, a manual on procedures, a handbook on effective police responses, a manual for the Womens Complaints Office, a procedural manual for establishing anti-violence units in Egyptian universities, a trainers guide for medical service providers and a guide on the provision of social services and processes in survivor shelters. These have been provided in partnership with the NCW, the national concerned bodies and the United Nations. Egypt is also committed to protecting women from all forms of violence in its 2014 Constitution. The penal code identifies the crimes of physical and moral violence, and it criminalises verbal abuse, harassment, sexual harassment and any acts that target defamation or humiliation including when using the media. All acts of assault from beating, to FGM, to indecent assault and rape are criminalised. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak, cases of domestic violence have increased in many countries, including China, Spain, the UK, Belgium, Turkey, France, Australia, Mexico, Kenya, Singapore, Argentine, Chile, Brazil, India and Uganda. Countries that have taken measures regarding the protection of women from violence under present circumstances include Spain and France. Both have developed violence reporting mechanisms using special codes to be given to women in pharmacies. France has also established a number of instant counselling centres in shopping malls. Canada, Australia and Finland have allocated budgets to identify the mechanisms behind such violence. We should not underestimate violence against women, and precautionary measures should be taken in parallel with measures to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Violence against women is a crime, whether or not during pandemics. It is a betrayal of our humanity, and we have to end it to protect women once and for all. The writer is president of the National Council for Women. *A version of this article appears in print in the 18 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: By Jamie Freed and Lisa Baertlein SYDNEY/LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - An air cargo boom driven by demand for protective gear against the coronavirus has peaked and rates, while still 50% above normal levels, are falling in a worrying trend for airlines relying on freight revenue in the absence of passengers. Declining prices may deal a blow to carriers that are scrambling to move cargo to offset weak passenger revenues as they rebuild networks by flying reopened routes with half-empty cabins. "The early-mover advantage has disappeared and I can see why some of the rates are coming down," said Phil Seymour, president of aviation consulting firm IBA. "The market is becoming flooded with belly freight capacity." About half of the air cargo carried worldwide normally flies in the belly of passenger jets rather than in dedicated freighters. But flight cuts due to weak travel demand squeezed freight capacity at a time when demand for masks, gloves and other protective gear was surging, leading many airlines to fly empty passenger jets as freighters. Global air cargo capacity was down 27% in the week starting May 31 compared with a year ago, according to Accenture data, but capacity is rising as passenger flights return. Air freight rates from China to the United States surged to more than $7 a kilogram in April and May and China-Europe rates were at more than $6 a kilo, Frederic Horst of Cargo Facts Consulting said. Rates have since softened, although they remain 40%-50% above normal levels closer to $3 a kilo, he added. "I wouldn't say they have come back to earth, but they are heading toward it," Brian Bourke, chief growth officer of U.S.-based SEKO Logistics said of rates. The International Air Transport Association estimates cargo will contribute 26% of airline industry revenue in 2020, up from 12% in 2019, due mostly to a sharp fall in passenger revenue that will lead to forecast losses of more than $84 billion. Air freight demand had been depressed before the pandemic due to subdued global economic growth and a U.S.-China trade war and recessionary conditions will make for a slow recovery, said Oliver Plogmann, Singapore-based aviation lead at Accenture. Story continues "We estimate around 100 passenger freighters are flying globally and we think the number is going to reduce over the next weeks and months when more capacity comes back into the market because it is simply not viable," he said. Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd <0293.HK>, one of the world's biggest freight carriers, said last week that demand for medical supplies had softened in the latter half of May. It flew nearly 900 cargo flights with passenger planes in May but that could be reduced as demand falls. Taiwan's China Airlines Ltd <2610.TW> said it was concerned about the outlook for cargo given there was no obvious global economic recovery trend. "PPE (personal protective equipment) via air freight has drastically slowed down in the last couple of couple weeks, and it's probably because the second round can afford to go ocean freight," said David Goldberg, chief executive of DHL Global Forwarding USA. "We've seen more rationalisation of the air freight rates. They're still at high levels." Logistics group C.H. Robinson said it helped the state of Minnesota save $500,000 in shipping costs for surgical gowns by selecting fast boat services over air freight. (Reporting by Jamie Freed in Sydney and Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; additional reporting by Sonya Dowsett in Madrid, Laurence Frost in Paris, Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee in Taipei and Tim Kelly in Tokyo; writing by Jamie Freed; Editing by Stephen Coates) 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. EZULWINI The country expects a decline of at least 25 per cent in SACU receipts a result of reduced economic activity in the region caused by COVID-19. SACU is the Southern African Customs Union made up of Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. It is a major source of revenue for the country. Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg estimated the decline in SACU revenue to be as high as 25 per cent but said it would not be very soon. The minister was speaking during the presentation of the annual monetary policy statement by Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) Governor Majozi Sithole at Royal Villas at Ezulwini yesterday. The event was themed, Ensuring price and financial stability to support economic growth in times of COVID-19. Were fortunate it wont affect us next year, but the year after. Were not 100 per cent sure on how much that effect would be but it might be around 25 per cent if not worse, said the minister. Revenue For 2019-20, SACU receipts for Eswatini increased from E5.8 billion to E6.3 billion and contributed about 36 per cent to the total revenue, which is equivalent to nine per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). Traditionally, South Africa, who has equally been hardest hit, is by far the biggest contributor to the shared revenue pool, reaching as high as 97 per cent contribution. For 2018-2019, the pool distributed about E98 billion, with South Africa receiving E44 billion. According to the current financial year projection, the country expects E8.3 billion from SACU revenue The minister, in response to a question on the sectors they needed to focus on for recovery, said government was coming up with accelerators in response to the COVID-19, and were related to the strategic road map. The interventions will spell out what will be done in the next 18 months. They will be ready in the next few weeks. The minister commended the partnership between the private sector and government in working on the recovery strategy. Governor Majozi Sithole, on the other hand, had stressed on the need to ensure that reserves were at four months of imports cover. One common rule of thumb is that reserves that can cover three months worth of imports are adequate. Yesterdays event brought together various stakeholders who included representatives from the Eswatini Banking Association (EBA) and the business community. They included Business Eswatini CEO Nathi Dlamini and FESBC Vice President Hezekiel Mabuza. FESBC is the Federation of the Eswatini Business Community. The former had wanted clarity on the recent report by Moodys and it was reported that the B2 negative outlook was maintained. Theres a good chance the phone youre using right now was assembled by Indian hands and on the Indian soil in factories spread across the country. India has emerged as the 2nd largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world. In the last 5 years, more than 200 Mobile Phone Manufacturing units have been set up, according to Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Electronics & Information Technology Minister of India. There are over 200 mobile phone manufacturing plants in India that are operational and were responsible for exporting 36 million units of smartphones in FY 2020 alone. In comparison, the country more than doubled the production of smartphones from 17 million in FY 2019. Under the leadership of PM @narendramodi, India has emerged as the 2nd largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world. In the last 5 years, more than 200 Mobile Phone Manufacturing units have been set up. #ThinkElectronicsThinkIndia pic.twitter.com/fGGeCRpj87 Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) June 1, 2020 While the anti-China sentiment is strong in the country at the moment, it is worthy to point out these factories provide employment to thousands of Indians. For example, workers are responsible for assembling, packaging and distributing your phones. These phones are then delivered by logistics personnel for websites like Amazon, Flipkart and other local distribution channels. And finally, these phones are sold by numerous small shops in small towns that employ sales people who recommend phones based on your budget. There is an entire economy that depends on smartphones which is the reason why India became the second largest phone market in the world. If youve ever wondered why Chinese smartphones are cheaper than anything else in the market, its because these companies manufacture their products in India enabling aggressive pricing and little to no import duties. These factories also gave employment to thousands of Indians who are responsible for Indias burgeoning smartphone industry. Here are some of the Chinese brands in India that actually operate, provide employment and pay taxes in India: 1. OPPO, Realme, and OnePlus Oppo Oppo, Realme and OnePlus manufacture their phones at a massive facility near New Delhi that employs over 3,000 workers at the moment. The factory is expected to expand their workforce to 10,000 soon that will be responsible for assembling, testing and distributing smartphones in India and around the world in the form of exports. 2. VIVO VIVO also has its own manufacturing plant in Noida, Uttar Pradesh and is responsible for all the assembly, testing and distribution of their phones across hundreds of offline stores. It employs over 2000 Indians and is capable of churning out 8 million phones annually. VIVOs second plant which was set up earlier is capable of producing 25 millions phones that employs over 8,000 Indian personnel. 3. Xiaomi Twitter/Manu Kumar Jain 99% of the phones Xiaomi sell in India are assembled at the Sri City special economic zone in Andhra Pradesh and the other at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. These factories also make phones that are exported to countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka that contribute to Indias economy and foreign echange. It is also worthy to point out about 65 per cent of Xiaomi phone components are sourced from within the country which results in more affordable prices for Indian customers. While the anti-China movement is warranted due to the recent border tensions, banning products could result in unemployment in various regions. Let us know in the comments what do you think about the job loss it could cause to thousands of Indians. Every city has its own fast food urban legend. All of Toronto still mourns the now-closed Parkdale McDonald's, a location so famously weird that the guy who brought in a full desktop computer to watch porn was actually considered one of the better customers. In Long Beach, they swear by Sweet Dixie Kitchen, which was notoriously exposed for buying Popeye's fried chicken, smuggling it in the back door, and reselling it at a slightly higher price. And nobody in Chamblee, Georgia can order Domino's without remembering the time a deranged gunman named Kenneth Noid took two employees hostage, believing that the chain's nationwide "Avoid the Noid" advertising campaign was aimed at him specifically. But there's a new champion on the scene. A story so hilariously insane that you simply would not believe it, unless we added that it took place in Pittsburgh. Everything is true in Pittsburgh, the only town where children's stories about a guy with no face wandering around at night turned out to literally be a guy with no face who enjoyed late-night walks (his name was Raymond and he was reportedly a lovely man). This particular tale was sinking into the mists of local folklore until it was highlighted by Twitter user ohip13, who has something of a specialty in bizarre Pittsburgh legends. We're talking, of course, about the South Side Fake Burger King. Google Maps At least McDowell's had a little pizzazz. Continue Reading Below Advertisement The first thing to note is that this particular Burger King was never exactly going to win awards. It's drive-thru facility can only be described as a terrifying murder tunnel, while online reviews include phrases like "some shady guy charged me a dollar to use the bathroom," "a homeless guy stole another homeless guy's shoes" and "If you've ever said to yourself 'Hey I want to eat lunch in a dirty bus station...this place is for you!'" There was a McDonald's a couple miles away that was selling Happy Meal toys stuffed full of heroin and it still got better reviews. But around the start of 2014, things went even further downhill, to the point that people started asking "Is this even a real Burger King at all?" Carlos Carson was crossing the parking lot of the low-budget motel in Tulsa, Okla., where he'd stayed the night when a shower of pepper spray hit him in the face, seemingly out of nowhere. Overnight, the 36-year-old's car had been vandalized, and he'd exchanged words over the damage with the motel's manager and later its armed private security guard, a man named Christopher Straight. Carson was in the process of booking another night on June 6. But as Carson walked outside the motel, a cup of coffee in his hand, Straight instigated what police would later call an unprovoked attack, one that places the role of armed security guards - especially those with a checkered past in law enforcement - in the middle of the nation's current conversation over police reform. Surveillance footage obtained by The Washington Post shows Straight, who is white, fire a thick stream of pepper spray at Carson, who is black, from inside his pickup truck. Carson then throws his coffee at Straight and charges at him. Seconds later, Straight pulls a gun and shoots Carson in the head. The father of three, recently working to get back on his feet after time in prison and struggles with mental health, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Tulsa Police Department took Straight in for questioning and arrested him on a complaint of first-degree manslaughter the same day. Tulsa County prosecutors filed first-degree manslaughter charges June 10 against Straight, who did not respond to a request for comment from The Post. Straight told detectives he was using the pepper spray to "deter" Carson from being aggressive so he could detain him for trespassing. But in the arrest affidavit, authorities said Straight's behavior appeared unprovoked. "You don't get to pick a fight and then claim self-defense," Lt. Brandon Watkins, who leads the Tulsa Police Department's homicide unit, said in an interview with The Post. But for Carson's family, including a brother who is in law enforcement himself, the shooting was the inevitable result of a system in Oklahoma that empowered Straight to use lethal force as an armed security guard despite allegations of misconduct stretching back to his years as a detention sergeant with the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office. The private security industry across the country grants guards similar authority to that of law enforcement officers, but offers little oversight. In some states, including Oklahoma, armed guards are not mandated to report use of force unless it involves a firearm, are not scrutinized for their past work in law enforcement and are allowed to remain on the job after being charged with serious crimes. "Law enforcement does have a tendency to kick the can down the road," said Ananias Carson, Carlos' older brother and a veteran Tulsa police officer. Before Straight became a private security guard, he spent 16 years working at the Tulsa County Jail, where he faced multiple accusations of misconduct including racial discrimination, was the subject of four internal affairs investigations and was facing a demotion when he retired early in 2018, according to federal lawsuits against Straight and his personnel file from the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office. After he retired from law enforcement, Straight began working as an armed security guard, records show. He was fired from one private security company and investigated by the Tulsa Police Department while working for another for allegedly spraying a woman with pepper spray - just weeks before he attacked Carson. Records indicate the woman was black and that the attack was also unprovoked. "It was going to happen. We just didn't know when," Ananias Carson said. "And unfortunately, it was my brother." The killing of Carlos Carson comes amid a national reckoning over the deaths of black men and women at the hands of law enforcement and as President Donald Trump heads to Tulsa for a rally initially scheduled on Juneteenth, a commemoration of the day enslaved African Americans in Texas learned they were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation. Trump's campaign rescheduled the event after an outcry over the symbolism: Tulsa was the site of one of the most consequential acts of racial violence in the nation's history, the 1921 attack by a white mob on what was then one of the wealthiest black communities in the United States. Even with the new date, some Tulsa residents have said that the rally will inflame racial tensions as the country grapples with its past and pushes for reform. As Americans press for overhauls of police departments across the country, the discussion has largely left out the lightly regulated private security guard industry that employs more than a million people in the United States - nearly double the number of police officers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Our society is expecting more of people in security, and so they need to be trained in order to provide their services to those expectations," said Robert McCrie, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice who has studied the private security industry. "The stakes run a gamut from inappropriate behavior to lethality. Somewhere in the middle is use of excessive force. More to the lighter side is the use of inappropriate language. So there are these vast array of offenses that an improperly selected trained and supervised security officer might participate in." Armed guards are governed by a patchwork of regulations, with 14 states having no requirements at all, according to a 2017 study in the International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice. In Oklahoma, armed security guard licenses are issued by the state's Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training. More than 5,000 people in the state currently hold armed security guard licenses, according to CLEET. Straight obtained his in 2018. Preston Draper, the general counsel at CLEET, said he was not able to answer specific questions about Straight's application process to become an armed security guard. But broadly speaking, Draper said those who seek a license in Oklahoma are required to undergo a criminal background check and receive training. Those with previous law enforcement experience are eligible for exemption from the training. Nothing in state statute authorizes CLEET to include in its background check process a search for internal affairs investigations or civil lawsuits against a former member of law enforcement, Draper said. In criminal cases involving private security, it can be difficult to know what an applicant's background is and whether someone gave them "a can of pepper spray and gun and just said, 'Go for it,'" Watkins said. "They don't get a lot of training, they don't get a lot of backup, and unfortunately, a security guard probably should just keep his place safe and call police to do anything," he said. "He shouldn't be doing any kind of force." The results can be tragic. In one Tulsa case closely covered by local media, a security guard named Ricky Stone shot 15-year-old Monroe "Trey" Bird III after approaching him in the parking lot of a Tulsa apartment complex. Bird was paralyzed and died months later due to complications of the shooting, according to The Frontier, an Oklahoma investigative news site. When armed security guards in Oklahoma discharge a firearm, they are required by state statute to report the incident to CLEET. But the statute does not include explicit language about chemical weapons such as pepper spray, Draper said. And CLEET is only explicitly notified about a guard's misconduct once he or she is convicted of a crime - meaning Straight, who was released on $50,000 bond, could continue to work as an armed security guard up until his trial. Straight waived his Miranda rights in the aftermath of the shooting and spoke openly with Tulsa police officers about what happened between him and Carson, according to the affidavit. He said "that Carson did not actually make an aggressive move towards him to provoke him," according to the arrest affidavit, arguing that he used the pepper spray to "deter him from being aggressive." His plan was to detain him for trespassing. Straight had been warned in the past after pepper spraying people without reason, Watkins said. Officers who responded to the shooting said that they had previously "tried to explain to him, 'you just can't spray someone,'" he added. On May 22, Watkins said, officers issued Straight a criminal citation alleging misdemeanor assault after he pepper sprayed a woman and she called police. But she decided against signing the citation and it was voided on the spot, Watkins said. Part of the problem, Watkins said, is that Straight's targets often seemed to be homeless or vulnerable and unwilling to cooperate with police or appear in court. "You would assume that Mr. Straight would have learned his lesson the first time he's written a citation for spraying somebody," he said. "But unfortunately, that just didn't happen the whole way around." Straight's career in law enforcement began at the Tulsa County Jail in the early 2000s, records show. At the time, the jail was privately managed by Corrections Corporation of America, which employed Straight. When the sheriff's office resumed jail operations in 2005, Straight was kept on as a detention corporal. Just two months later, he was briefly placed on administrative leave with pay for an internal affairs investigation of unspecified origin, records show. Straight was demoted to detention officer. Over the next 13 years, Straight was promoted to the rank of sergeant while also facing three additional internal affairs investigations. He was placed on administrative leave with pay during an investigation "for violations of the TCSO Policy and Procedures." He was later suspended for five days without pay and mandated to undergo supervisory training after his "behavior as an officer . . . compromised the professionalism of the Sheriff's Office," according to records. In his final years with the Sheriff's office, Straight was accused in three civil lawsuits and in a sworn deposition of mistreating inmates and discriminating against a black coworker. Godwin Ehiremen, a former guard, alleged in a 2015 deposition that when a Nigerian inmate was deported, Straight, his supervisor, questioned whether Ehiremen was also in the country illegally. Ehireman said in the deposition he is of Nigerian descent. "We might have to check you out with this man to see if you have a green card 'cause we don't know what you're doing here," Ehiremen recalled Straight saying. "If you don't have a green card and you've been here for so long, you might not even have one, so I'm going to pressure to see that." In federal court complaints filed without the help of attorneys between 2017 and 2018, three inmates alleged that Straight mistreated them while on duty. One claimed Straight took away his commissary items, while another said he wrongly accused him of stealing another inmate's phone calls, which resulted in him being placed in segregation and then assaulted by two other inmates. The third man claimed Straight failed to protect him from being assaulted by another inmate. All three cases were dismissed by the court, according to federal court records - a common outcome in lawsuits filed by incarcerated people representing themselves. In 2018, a fourth and final disciplinary hearing determined Straight would be demoted from sergeant to detention officer. Instead, Straight wrote to the sheriff that he preferred to resign and request early retirement. "I have really tried to set a good example for the troops and to go above and beyond in boosting moral on my shift," Straight wrote in his resignation letter, "but it has become an uphill battle this last year to where I seem to stay on the chopping block for one thing or another and have been placed in a no win situation with the administration running the jail." Around the same time, Straight began working as a private security guard at Gold Star Security and Investigations. Vice President Mark Shelton said he was not aware of Straight's personnel record when Gold Star hired him around June 2018. His resume seemed promising: He'd worked in the jail for years, was licensed as an armed security guard and had good references. In hindsight, Shelton said of Straight's disciplinary issues at the sheriff's office, "I would have loved to have known that." Straight worked for Gold Star for a little over a year in a low-stakes assignment that involved sitting behind a desk and "pushing a button to let employees in," Shelton said. But by November of 2019, Straight was on his way out over what Shelton, citing employment laws, would describe only as "labor relations-type stuff" and "kind of a lot of negativity." He added that Straight was talking about starting his own private security company and trying to bring other Gold Star employees along with him, causing additional tension. Straight eventually landed a new job with Response Protection LLC, a private security company formed in November 2019 and registered to a home in Sapulpa, Okla. Attempts to reach representatives with the business, which was licensed by CLEET, were unsuccessful. Straight often made Facebook posts seeking guards for the company, at one point saying a guard was needed "for a graveyard shift in a pretty rough area." As protesters took to the streets in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, Straight on June 5 posted an image saying, "How about all lives matter. Not black lives, not white lives. Get over yourself no one's life is more important than the next. Put your race card away and grow up." In the caption, he wrote, "For real." His encounter with Carson came the next day. Watching the surveillance footage of the shooting, Watkins said, all of the detectives "kind of had the same reaction: this was manslaughter." Straight had assaulted Carson with the pepper spray "right off the bat and for no provocation." And maybe Carson shouldn't have attacked Straight in response, Watkins said. But Straight never should have pepper sprayed him. Carson's family has been left to mourn the father of three, remembered as a jokester who liked to fish and kept close to family. He struggled to find steady work after serving stints in prison on charges including possession of a controlled substance, false personation and burglary. And in recent months, his family had been helping him seek mental health treatment. After the shock of his death, Ananias Carson said, the family wants to see something change. "From the family standpoint, they just don't want it to be in vain," Carson said, "just like he just got killed for nothing." Most south-east Asian countries have successfully flattened their coronavirus infection rates, but Indonesia is losing its battle with COVID-19. Australia's giant northern neighbour is now poised on the edge of nasty precipice, with the national government showing few signs it is willing to take the tough decisions needed to clamp down on rapidly growing infection rates. While the world's attention is focused on the United States, India, Russia and Brazil, which are recording daily infection rates in the tens of thousands, Indonesia is currently flying under the radar. Workers prepare a grave to bury suspected COVID-19 victims at Pondok Ranggon cemetery in Jakarta, Indonesia, last Friday. Credit:AP But for eight of the last 10 days, it has recorded more than a 1000 new infections each day (and just under 1000 on the other two days) and epidemiologists are concerned the number of cases could pass 60,000 (it's currently 42,762) in the next two weeks. (Natural News) Homosexuals, transgenders and all others in the rainbow tribe are full of pride after the recent Supreme Court decision adding LGBTQ protections to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But what about conservatives, who are still discriminated against while being afforded no protections? The landmark 6-3 vote expands the definition of a key provision known as Title VII that prohibits discrimination against someone on the basis of sex, which the court now says includes LGBTQ status or expression. Employers can no longer do anything to homosexuals or transsexuals that might be deemed as discrimination, in other words. An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex, stated Trump appointee Justice Neil Gorsuch, who wrote the decision for those in favor of the change. Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what Title VII forbids. The only dissenters to the ruling were Justices Samuel Alito, Brett Kavanaugh, and Clarence Thomas. Writing for the dissenters, Justice Alito explained that it is preposterous for the court to try to convince readers of Title VII that it somehow includes protections for the full LGBTQ spectrum of perversion. Even as understood today, the concept of discrimination because of sex is different from discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender identity,' he wrote, explaining that the ruling does not represent merely enforcing the terms of [Title VII]. Listen below to The Health Ranger Report as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses how leftists who support these types of agendas are infused with demonic evil that is diametrically opposed to God himself: LGBTQs are societys fakest and most privileged victims who perpetually receive more special treatment than anybody else Known as Bostock v. Clayton County, the case that led to this ruling involved a homosexual man by the name of Gerald Bostock who had worked in child welfare services in Georgia before allegedly being fired for joining an LGBTQ softball league. Bostock says he was criticized by his supervisor for his sexual orientation and made to feel less than before ultimately being terminated for conduct unbecoming of Clayton Countys employee standards. Now, some 8.1 million LGBTQ workers across the United States will be shielded from scrutiny, as anything that comes their way that might be unpleasant, whether it be a reprimand for poor work performance or sexually suggestive behavior towards other employees, could be dubbed discrimination and ruled as such by the legal system. The case represents the first involving LGBTQ issues since Justice Anthony Kennedy retired and was replaced by Brett Kavanaugh. Kennedy, as you may recall, was the author of the landmark ruling in 2015 that legalized so-called same-sex marriage. Meanwhile, conservatives, Christians, and other apparent minority groups still have no legal shield against discrimination, hate and violence. They can still be wrongfully terminated from their jobs, or driven out of them by the leftist mob, without consequence. Will the Supreme Court under Trump ever declare that conservative Christians in America must be afforded the same protections as everybody else? Will they be protected from being driven out of their jobs and livelihoods, or protected from having to bake cakes and perform other business functions that violate their free expression of religion? At this point in time, only the LGBTQs are getting special treatment, as is usually the case. Somehow, they are always the perpetual victims in society, even as they get most of the attention, support and praise from society for their bravery in just being who they are. To keep up with the latest news about the LGBTQ agenda, be sure to check out Evil.news. Sources for this article include: Breitbart.com Oyez.org NaturalNews.com Fall brings histories of war declarations and peace negotiations, government cover-ups and journalistic exposes, leftist revolutions and conservative takeovers, earth-shattering tragedies and monumental leaps forward. Top 10 The Daughters of Yalta: The Churchills, Roosevelts, and Harrimans: A Story of Love and War Catherine Grace Katz. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Sept. 29 ($28, ISBN 978-0-358-11785-8) Katz reveals what the daughters of Churchill, FDR, and Averell Harriman, U.S. ambassador to the U.S.S.R., were up to as their fathers tangled with Stalin at the 1945 Yalta Conference. First Principles: What Americas Founders Learned from the Greeks and Romans and How That Shaped Our Country Thomas E. Ricks. Harper, Nov. 10 ($29.99, ISBN 978-0-06-299745-6) The founding fathers vision for American democracy was largely influenced by their knowledge of the classics, according to this intellectual history from the two-time Pulitzer winner. Gambling with Armageddon: Nuclear Roulette from Hiroshima to the Cuban Missile Crisis, 19451962 Martin J. Sherwin. Knopf, Sept. 22 ($35, ISBN 978-0-307-26688-0) Sherwins chronicle of the Cuban missile crisis also examines the clashs origins and ramifications. The Good American: The Epic Life of Bob Gersony, the U.S. Governments Greatest Humanitarian Robert D. Kaplan. Random House, Oct. 6 ($30, ISBN 978-0-525-51230-1) State Department consultant Bob Gersony, who conducted fact-finding missions in Bosnia, Gaza, Iraq, North Korea, and Sudan, gets the star treatment in this biography. The Great Secret: The Classified World War II Disaster That Launched the War on Cancer Jennet Conant. Norton, Sept. 8 ($27.95, ISBN 978-1-324-00250-5) Conant documents the medical advances that resulted from the 1943 sinking of a U.S. cargo ship carrying chemical weapons. The Last Million: Europes Displaced Persons from World War to Cold War David Nasaw. Penguin Press, Sept. 15 ($35, ISBN 978-1-59420-673-3) Nasaw details the refugee crisis that followed WWII, when millions of Holocaust survivors, political prisoners, and POWs were trapped in Germany. The Quiet Americans: Four CIA Spies at the Dawn of the Cold WarA Tragedy in Three Acts Scott Anderson. Doubleday, Sept. 1 ($30, ISBN 978-0-385-54045-2) U.S. foreign policy failures are scrutinized in this portrait of four spies at the start of the Cold War. Reaganland: Americas Right Turn 19761980 Rick Perlstein. Simon & Schuster, Aug. 18 ($37.50, ISBN 978-1-4767-9305-4) In the conclusion to his quartet on American conservatism, Perlstein examines Ronald Reagans comeback from losing the 1976 Republican presidential nomination to win the White House. Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All Martha S. Jones. Basic, Sept. 8 ($32, ISBN 978-1-5416-1861-9) This historical survey highlights the impact of African American women on the 19th Amendment, the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and other milestones in the fight for equal rights. The Virginia Dynasty: Four Presidents and the Creation of the American Nation Lynne Cheney. Viking, Sept. 29 ($36, ISBN 978-1-101-98004-0) Cheney returns with a group portrait of the first four Virginians to serve as U.S. president. Listings Abrams Thebes: The Forgotten City of Ancient Greece by Paul Cartledge (Sept. 22, $30, ISBN 978-1-4683-1606-3). Classicist Cartledge recounts the rise and fall of the ancient city-state of Thebes and establishes its central place in the politics and culture of ancient Greece. Algonquin Paper Bullets: Two Artists Who Risked Their Lives to Defy the Nazis by Jeffrey H. Jackson (Nov. 10, $27.95, ISBN 978-1-61620-916-2) unearths the story of a French lesbian couple who waged a campaign to demoralize Nazi troops on the occupied island of Jersey during WWII. Amistad The Short Life and Curious Death of Free Speech in America by Ellis Cose (Sept. 15, $23.99, ISBN 978-0-06-299971-9) probes the history of First Amendment court cases and the co-option of free speech protections by private companies and special interest groups at the expense of ordinary individuals. Atlantic Monthly Chicagos Great Fire: The Destruction and Resurrection of an Iconic American City by Carl Smith (Oct. 6, $28, ISBN 978-0-8021-4810-0) chronicles Chicagos rapid growth after the Civil War, near-total destruction during the 1871 fire, and swift recovery from the catastrophe. Basic Ruin and Renewal: Civilizing Europe After World War II by Paul Betts (Nov. 17, $35, ISBN 978-1-5416-7246-8). The Oxford University historian documents efforts to salvage the culture and identity of Europe after the continent fell from the heights of civilization to the depths of depravity during WWII. A Traitor to His Species: Henry Bergh and the Birth of the Animal Rights Movement by Ernest Freeberg (Sept. 22, $30, ISBN 978-0-465-09386-1) revisits the campaign to win new laws protecting dogs, trolley horses, and other animals living alongside humans in the industrial cities of the Gilded Age. Belknap Tomorrow, the World: The Birth of U.S. Global Supremacy by Stephen Wertheim (Oct. 27, $29.95, ISBN 978-0-674-24866-3) scrutinizes the shift among U.S. foreign policy officials from believing that no country should dominate global affairs to advocating for America to lead the postWWII world. Bison The Last Sovereigns: Sitting Bull and the Resistance of the Free Lakotas by Robert M. Utley (Oct. 1, $24.95, ISBN 978-1-4962-2022-6) chronicles Sioux chief Sitting Bulls life from 1877 to 1881, when he led his people into Canada to escape retribution for defeating General Custer at Little Bighorn. Bloomsbury The African Lookbook: A Visual History of 100 Years of African Womanhood by Catherine E. McKinley (Jan. 19, $30, ISBN 978-1-62040-353-2) draws from McKinleys personal collection of historical and contemporary photographs to examine how African women have been represented visually from the colonial era to today. Bold Type The Kidnapping Club: Wall Street, Slavery, and Resistance on the Eve of the Civil War by Jonathan Daniel Wells (Oct. 20, $28, ISBN 978-1-56858-752-3) exposes the network of bankers and law enforcement officials who sanctioned and profited from the kidnapping of black people into slavery in antebellum New York City. Chronicle She Votes: How U.S. Women Won Suffrage, and What Happened Next by Bridget Quinn (Aug. 11, $35, ISBN 978-1-4521-7316-0). According to PWs review, this vibrant and witty chronicle of womens rights in America...has something for neophytes and experts alike. Crown Agent Sonya: Moscows Most Daring Wartime Spy by Ben Macintyre (Sept. 15, $28, ISBN 978-0-593-13630-0) recounts the WWII espionage career of Soviet intelligence agent Ursula Burton, who gathered atomic secrets and ran a network of spies from her cottage in the Cotswolds. Doubleday Metropolis: A History of the City, Humankinds Greatest Invention by Ben Wilson (Nov. 10, $32.50, ISBN 978-0-385-54346-0) surveys 26 cities and 7,000 years of world historyfrom Uruk in 5000 BCE to 21st-century Shanghaiin this account of how urban living has spurred the advancement of human culture. The Zealot and the Emancipator: John Brown, Abraham Lincoln, and the Struggle for American Freedom by H.W. Brands (Oct. 6, $30, ISBN 978-0-385-54400-9) examines the impact of revolutionary abolitionist John Browns execution on the antislavery debate and Abraham Lincolns path to civil war. Dutton We Gather Together by Denise Kiernan (Nov. 10, $25, ISBN 978-0-593-18325-0) details the story of Thanksgiving and 19th-century writer and magazine editor Sarah Josepha Hales efforts to make it a national holiday. Farrar, Straus and Giroux Black Spartacus: The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture by Sudhir Hazareesingh (Sept. 1, $30, ISBN 978-0-374-11266-0) explores the ironies and contradictions of the Haitian revolutionarys life, including his ownership of slaves and taking of a white mistress, as well as his impact on the postcolonial world. Dark Archives: A Librarians Investigation into the Science and History of Books Bound in Human Skin by Megan Rosenbloom (Oct. 20, $26, ISBN 978-0-374-13470-9). Medical librarian Rosenbloom shines a light on the origins of books bound in human skin and the people who collect and study them. Magic: A History: From Alchemy to Witchcraft, from the Ice Age to the Present by Chris Gosden (Oct. 13, $30, ISBN 978-0-374-20012-1). This sophisticated and wide-ranging study of the role of magic in human history... offers many intriguing glimpses of early human societies, according to PWs review. Hachette The Iron Sea: How the Allies Hunted and Destroyed Hitlers Warships by Simon Read (Nov. 3, $30, ISBN 978-0-306-92171-1). Military historian Read draws on war diaries and combat reports to chronicle the efforts of Allied sailors and pilots to sink the Bismarck and other Nazi warships. Harper Land: The Ownership of Everywhere by Simon Winchester (Jan. 19, $29.99, ISBN 978-0-06-293833-6). After exploring the worlds two biggest oceans in Atlantic (2010) and Pacific (2015), Winchester turns to the history of how humans have acquired, developed, fought over, and shared the solid surface of the planet. Saving Freedom: Truman, the Cold War, and the Fight for Western Civilization by Joe Scarborough (Nov. 17, $29.99, ISBN 978-0-06-295049-9). MSNBC talk show host Scarborough analyzes the origins of the Truman doctrine and its impact on domestic politics and world affairs. Harvard Univ. Prisoners of the Empire: Inside Japanese POW Camps by Sarah Kovner (Sept. 15, $35, ISBN 978-0-674-73761-7). Columbia University scholar Kovner investigates the causes behind the harsh conditions and high rates of death at POW camps in the Pacific theater of WWII. Knopf Tecumseh and the Prophet: The Shawnee Brothers Who Defied a Nation by Peter Cozzens (Sept. 15, $35, ISBN 978-1-5247-3325-4). This dual biography of Shawnee leader Tecumseh and his younger brother, Tenskwatawa, chronicles their complementary efforts to build a pan-Indian confederation in early-19th-century America. America and Iran: A History, 1720 to the Present by John Ghazvinian (Oct. 6, $38.95, ISBN 978-0-307-27181-5). Iranian-born historian Ghazvinian tracks the history of U.S.Iran relations from Thomas Jeffersons admiration for the 18thcentury Persian Empire to the mutual antagonisms of today. Hitler: Downfall: 19391945 by Volker Ullrich, trans. by Jefferson Chase (Sept. 1, $40, ISBN 978-1-101-87400-4). In the conclusion to his two-volume biography of the Nazi leader, German historian Ullrich focuses on the character traits that led Hitler to overrule his subordinates and invade the Soviet Union. Library of America Plymouth Colony: Narratives of English Settlement and Native Resistance from the Mayflower to King Philips War, edited by Lisa Brooks and Kelly Wisecup (Nov. 3, $45, ISBN 978-1-59853-673-7). The publication of these letters, memoirs, and speeches by the Plymouth colonists marks the 400th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower at Plymouth Rock. Liveright The Domestic Revolution: How the Introduction of Coal into Victorian Homes Changed Everything by Ruth Goodman (Oct. 20, $27.95, ISBN 978-1-63149-763-6) contends that the invention of the cast-iron stove and its innovative uses by Victorian women were catalysts for the Industrial Revolution. Melville House Midnights Borders: A Peoples History of Modern India by Suchitra Vijayan (Jan. 26, $29.99, ISBN 978-1-61219-858-3). Foreign policy analyst and lawyer Vijayan spent seven years traveling Indias 9,000-mile land border to report on the violent legacies of the colonial era and the 1947 partition of British India into two separate countries. Metropolitan A Demon-Haunted Land: Witches, Wonder Doctors, and the Ghosts of the Past in Post-WWII Germany by Monica Black (Oct. 6, $29.99, ISBN 978-1-250-22567-2) explores how guilt over the Holocaust led bizarre phenomena in post-WWII Germany, including incurable illnesses, Virgin Mary sightings, and witchcraft accusations. Morrow Operation Vengeance: The Astonishing Aerial Ambush That Changed World War II by Dan Hampton (Aug. 11, $28.99, ISBN 978-0-06-293809-1). According to PWs review, colorful details, no-nonsense prose... and meticulous research make this an essential retelling of the mission to kill Japanese admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. Thomas Nelson Beyond Valor: A World War II Story of Extraordinary Heroism, Sacrificial Love, and a Race Against Time by Jon Erwin and William Doyle (Aug. 18, $26.99, ISBN 978-1-4002-1683-3). Filmmaker Erwin recounts the life-saving actions that earned his grandfather the Medal of Honor in WWII. New Press Blood on the River: A Chronicle of Mutiny and Freedom on the Wild Coast by Marjoleine Kars (Aug. 11, $27.99, ISBN 978-1-62097-459-9) documents the 17631764 slave revolt in the Dutch colony of Berbice in present-day Guyana. PWs review called it a vivid and accessible chronicle... [that] unearths a meaningful chapter in the history of slavery. Norton A World Beneath the Sands: The Golden Age of Egyptology by Toby Wilkinson (Oct. 20, $30, ISBN 978-1-324-00689-3) profiles the adventurers and archaeologists who scoured Egypt in the century between the deciphering of hieroglyphics in 1822 and the discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb in 1922. ONE World War in the Shadows: Resistance, Deception and Betrayal in Occupied France by Patrick Marnham (Oct. 27, $30, ISBN 978-1-78607-809-4). Journalist Marnham unearths his former French tutors career as a WWII resistance fighter and the links between the breaking of her network and the arrest and torture of resistance leader Jean Moulin. Oxford Univ. The Hitler Conspiracies: The ProtocolsThe Stab in the BackThe Reichstag FireRudolf HessThe Escape from the Bunker by Richard J. Evans (Oct. 1, $27.95, ISBN 978-0-19-008305-2). In light of the dangers posed by todays fake news, Evans revisits the conspiracy theories that fueled Hitlers rise and persist after his death. Pegasus The Tsarinas Lost Treasure: Catherine the Great, a Golden Age Masterpiece, and a Legendary Shipwreck by Gerald Easter and Mara Vorhees (Sept. 1, $29.95, ISBN 978-1-64313-556-4) recounts the 1771 sinking of a merchant ship carrying Dutch artist Gerrit Dous painting The Nursery to Russian empress Catherine the Great, and the discovery of the wreck 200 years later. Princeton Univ. Conservatism: The Fight for a Tradition by Edmund Fawcett (Oct. 20, $35, ISBN 978-0-691-17410-5). Journalist Fawcett follows Liberalism (2014) with a history of political conservatism in Britain, France, Germany, and the U.S. from the 19th century to today. PublicAffairs Hitler and Stalin: The Tyrants and the Second World War by Laurence Rees (Nov. 3, $35, ISBN 978-1-61039-964-7) draws on accounts by people who worked for Hitler and Stalin to portray the viciousness and brutality of their regimes, and to investigate how they maintained their grip on power. War of Shadows: Code Breakers, Spies, and the Secret Struggle to Drive the Nazis from the Middle East by Gershom Gorenberg (Jan. 19, $34, ISBN 978-1-61039-627-1). Journalist Gorenberg explores how the breaking of top-secret American and Nazi codes influenced the battle for North Africa in WWII. Random House Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America: A Recent History by Kurt Andersen (Aug. 11, $28, ISBN 978-1-984801-34-0) studies how the social and economic reforms of the New Deal, the civil rights era, and the Great Society were rolled back from the 1970s to today. War: How Conflict Shaped Us by Margaret MacMillan (Sept. 22, $30, ISBN 978-1-984856-13-5). University of Toronto historian MacMillan probes how war has determined human history and given rise to political, social, and technological innovations from the classical world to the modern era. Scribner Unsinkable: Five Men and the Indomitable Run of the USS Plunkett by James Sullivan (Dec. 8, $28, ISBN 978-1-982147-63-1) follows five men aboard the destroyer USS Plunkett as they sailed from Casablanca to Anzio, Italywhere they endured one of the most savage aerial attacks on a Navy ship in WWIIand then on to Omaha Beach for D-Day. Simon & Schuster Deepest South of All: True Stories from Natchez, Mississippi by Richard Grant (Sept. 1, $26, ISBN 978-1-5011-7782-8) probes the legacy of slavery on Natchez, Miss. Readers will be enthralled by Grants lively prose and the colorful contradictions of this unique and haunted place, per PWs starred review. Fallout: The Hiroshima Cover-Up and the Reporter Who Revealed It to the World Lesley M.M. Blume (Aug. 4, $27, ISBN 978-1-982128-51-7) chronicles the U.S. governments campaign to diminish the dangers of radioactive fallout from the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and journalist John Herseys efforts to report the truth. St. Martins The Fighting Bunch: The Battle of Athens and How World War II Veterans Won the Only Successful Armed Rebellion Since the Revolution by Chris DeRose (Nov. 3, $28.99, ISBN 978-1-250-26619-4) recounts how a group of WWII veterans overthrew a corrupt state senator and his police accomplices in McMinn County, Tenn., in 1946. Inventing Equality: Reconstructing the Constitution in the Aftermath of the Civil War by Michael Bellesiles (Oct. 20, $28.99, ISBN 978-1-250-09191-8) examines the people and the politics behind the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the U.S. Constitution during and after the Civil War. Univ. of California Lost in a Gallup: Polling Failure in U.S. Presidential Elections by W. Joseph Campbell (Aug. 25, $29.95, ISBN 978-0-520-30096-5) scrutinizes the history of U.S. election polls, and why eminent political journalists including Jimmy Breslin, Christopher Hitchens, and Edward R. Murrow treated them skeptically. Viking City at the Edge of Forever: Los Angeles Reimagined by Peter Lunenfeld (Aug. 11, $28, ISBN 978-0-525-56193-4). Per the starred PW review, this immersive and highly original cultural history draws surprising links between the artistic, political, and economic milieus of Los Angeles. The Conquistadores: The Untold History of Spanish Discovery and Empire by Fernando Cervantes (Nov. 24, $35, ISBN 978-1-101-98126-9) reexamines the Spanish conquest of the New World and the motivations that drove explorers including Hernan Cortes and Francisco Pizarro, as well as their critics. Yale Univ. Goerings Man in Paris: The Story of a Nazi Art Plunderer and His World by Jonathan Petropoulos (Jan. 26, $35, ISBN 978-0-300-25192-0) details German art dealer Bruno Lohses theft of more than 22,000 artworks during WWII, and the postwar trade in looted masterpieces. Return to the main feature. The summary of the book We Gather Together has been updated for clarity. Police have launched a murder investigation after a man was fatally shot in a suburb in south-west London. The family of the victim are "devastated" following the incident in North Cheam, Sutton, in the early hours of Friday, said Scotland Yard. Armed officers were called to the scene in Brocks Drive shortly after 1.10am to reports of a man, believed to be in his 20s, suffering from a gunshot wound. The London Ambulance Service and Londons Air Ambulance also attended the scene but despite their best efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene at 1.45am. His family have been informed but he has not yet been formally identified. Detective Chief Inspector Richard Leonard, who is overseeing the investigation, said: We are in the very early stages of our investigation and at this time need to hear from residents or people who were walking or driving through Brocks Drive around the time of the incident. Recommended Sister of woman murdered by ex issues plea over domestic abuse bill Did you see anyone acting suspiciously? No matter how insignificant it may seem, you could have crucial information. A man has lost his life in violent circumstances and his family have been devastated. They need and deserve answers and the community can help us provide them. If you have information, video or images that could help us, please contact us immediately. There have been no arrests and a crime scene remains in place as enquiries continue. WASHINGTON - The government's top cancer doctor warned Thursday that delays in screenings, diagnoses and treatment because of the coronavirus pandemic are likely to result in thousands of "excess" deaths from the disease in coming years. Norman "Ned" Sharpless, director of the National Cancer Institute, said new estimates by the institute show there will be 10,000 more breast and colorectal cancer deaths over the next decade than would have been expected without the coronavirus. Those deaths represent about a 1 percent increase in the almost 1 million deaths expected from those malignancies in the next 10 years. Breast and colorectal cancer account for about one-sixth of all cancer deaths. Sharpless said his estimates were based on a "conservative" analysis of the two cancers - perhaps too conservative, he said. The researchers estimated, for example, that there has been a 75 percent decrease in mammograms and colonoscopies in recent months, but now think the number might be 90 percent or more. In either case, he said, the estimates show that even a relatively short disruption of screening and care can lead to more deaths. The cancer institute head spelled out his views in an editorial published Thursday by Science; he elaborated on them in an interview. He wrote that while there has been a steep drop in cancer diagnoses in the United States since the start of the pandemic, "there is no reason to believe the actual incidence of cancer has dropped." The result, he said, is that "cancers being missed now will still come to light eventually, but at a later stage ("upstaging") and with worse prognoses." While delaying screenings and care was, to some extent, prudent during the height of the pandemic, "ignoring life-threatening non-COVID-19 conditions such as cancer for too long may turn one public health crisis into many others," he added in the editorial. He said doctors can take steps to try to keep the effects from getting worse. They need, for example to make patients feel comfortable about returning to hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices for screening and treatment. "If we let them be afraid for six months or a year," he said, "the numbers get worse and worse." His concerns are echoed by many oncologists and cancer centers. "We are all worried there is a downstream ripple effect where screening studies were omitted completely," said Margaret Van Meter, an oncologist who treats breast cancer at Intermountain Healthcare in Murray, Utah. Routine mammograms - for women without symptoms - were canceled for months at most facilities across the United States, while mammograms for women with symptoms typically continued. Medical centers also postponed many cancer surgeries they deemed less urgent, such as early-stage breast cancers that could be treated first with medication. Van Meter said some of her patients who were longtime cancer survivors were happy to switch to telemedicine visits and probably suffered no ill effects. Many newly diagnosed patients with aggressive malignancies have not hesitated to come in for treatment, she said. "When faced with two very serious threats, they are choosing to get cancer treatment," she said. "They are taking precautions but have not been crippled by coronavirus fear." In addition to cancer treatment, Sharpless in the editorial expressed concern that an unprecedented disruption in cancer research may slow the development of needed therapies. "Given the long timeline between basic cancer research and changes to cancer care, the effects of pausing research today may lead to slowdowns in cancer progress for many years to come," he said. Comcast will continue to offer 60 days of free internet service for new low-income customers. Read more Comcast will continue to offer 60 days of free internet service for new low-income customers, as the coronavirus pandemic drags on and forces consumers to study and work from home. The Philadelphia cable giant is extending the broadband offering through the end of the year. It was initially set to expire June 30. The company cited schools possibly relying on remote learning when they reopen in the fall. The 60 days of free service are for customers who sign up for Comcasts low-income broadband program, called Internet Essentials. The service costs $9.95 a month after that period and provides download speeds of 25 mbps and upload speeds of 3 mbps. As of March 31, roughly 32,000 customers signed up for the free service during the first quarter of this year, according to an earnings report. Now more than ever, connectivity has become a vital tool for families to access educational resources for students, important news and information about their community and the world, telehealth applications, or to stay in touch with family and friends, Dana Strong, president of consumer services for Comcasts Xfinity unit, said in a statement. The extension comes as the coronavirus continues to keep many students and employees at home, forcing them to rely on their own internet service for work and class. Thousands of students in Philadelphia were without internet access when the pandemic first hit. The School District has distributed tens of thousands of Chromebooks to students to promote remote learning, with Comcast CEO Brian Roberts donating $5 million to help pay for them. Still, school officials, lawmakers, and activists have asked Comcast the nations largest home internet provider to do more to help close the digital divide during the pandemic. Last month, Philadelphia School District Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. said he asked Comcast and other internet providers to open residential WiFi networks to others so all students could learn through their laptops, but they all refused. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D., N.J.) signed a letter in May urging Comcast to open all WiFi hot spots for schoolchildren, too. Comcast has taken important steps to help Americans get connected during this global public health emergency, the letter said. But it can and should do more to help children and teachers. READ MORE: Comcast is still charging late fees, but you dont have to pay them Comcast has said its residential WiFi networks were not engineered for broad public use. The company has made business and outdoor WiFi hot spots free for everyone. Our residential access points are designed to support our customers and their guests in the home, Comcast spokesman John Demming said in a statement. They are not intended for broad, public use and are not engineered to support the high volume of users that our business and outdoor hot spots can handle. To qualify for Internet Essentials, customers must be eligible for public assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Medicaid, or SNAP. They also must not have been a Comcast internet subscriber within the last 90 days, though that restriction doesnt apply to Philadelphians. For the rest of the year, Comcast is waiving another requirement that typically prohibits customers with an outstanding debt from signing up for the program. I grew up in the Fourth Ward, also known as Freedmans Town, and now referred to as Midtown. Early on, we lived in the 300 block of Andrews Street, an area referred to as across the bridge, because the houses closest to downtown Houston like ours were cut off from the rest of the neighborhood when Interstate 45 was built. At that time, our house was directly behind the church that I grew up in, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, still standing today at 500 Clay St. Today, as we celebrate Juneteenth, we recall that formerly enslaved people settled in Freedmans Town. I remember when it was a thriving community filled with the lives of many people doing their best to adapt. It was common in the 50s and 60s to see signs advertising rooms for rent. People were doing whatever was necessary to make ends meet. I grew up in a house with many colorful occupants. That simply means that they were from all walks of life and backgrounds. My daddy being a gregarious, witty man with many flaws, loved people and did not want to see anyone hungry, even if it meant giving away his last. He was the one that deemed it necessary to have these various boarders living with us. Everyone plainly understood their boundaries when it came to my sister and me. The occupants would rather cut off a hand than inappropriately interact with us. One boarder stands out in my mind, a man by the name of Clarence Nix. He was one of my unofficial godfathers. Some years passed between our encounters, and we moved to the 800 block of Cleveland Street. Nix, as everyone called him, would pick right back up where he left off. I had no idea where he would go and often wondered if maybe he was in prison. I was just glad to see him, he was a gentle and kind soul. Nix always wanted me to go somewhere with him in a taxi cab. During that era, we couldnt count on most cabs to serve us, and there were certain cabs that catered to the black community. Jacks cab was one of them. We would embark upon our journey, as Nix had business to take care of. We ended up on Dowling Street at Wolfs Department Store & Pawn Shop, and I always waited patiently as he handled his affairs. That part of Third Ward was lined with black businesses and was recently renamed Emancipation Avenue. I knew that after he completed his transaction, there would always be something in it for me. Once I received $50, which was like a million dollars to a kid. To the best of my recollection, this was sometime in 1961. After this monetary windfall, I decided to make myself a few purchases. I walked down Crosby Street to West Dallas Street and made a right to Weiners department store right before Heiner Street. The store was cluttered and had an old smell that I can still remember today. I proceeded to make purchases, 9 years old and unsupervised. I bought a cancan (petticoat), loafers and a yellow raincoat. I was so proud of my accomplishment and couldnt wait to show my mama once she returned from work. She said, Mildred, why would you do that? I had no answer for her. She allowed me to keep the merchandise, and I learned my first lesson in quality. As I walked in the rain, wearing my newly purchased items and rain gear, by the time I reached Gregory Elementary School, which was segregated, I was a mess. I was drenched and the soles of my shoes had started to detach. I was so embarrassed, because a layer of my cancan fell on the floor. The teacher allowed me to go in the restroom and remove it. I threw it in the trash. Everything appeared to have been dry rot, so needless to say, I never ventured out again on a shopping spree as a kid. Nix and I had a few more cab adventures to Wolfs, but the last time he came, it was only for a weekend visit in 1964. I was 12 years old. I had a heaviness in my heart, however, at the time I could not put my feelings into words. Life had taken its toll on him and my father. They shared a bed and as they lay side by side, they were rehashing some of the ups and downs they had together as friends. They laughed and they cried, and I had no idea what I was witnessing. They both became double amputees. Due to medical conditions, they both had their legs removed below the knees. In the black community, we would refer to what remained as their nubs. As that visit came to an end, we took Nix to Continental Trailways bus station. As he crawled up the steps on the bus, once he reached the top step, he turned and waved bye. My heart sank, as it was something so final about it. He reached his destination and a short time later, we received a call from his friend, Ms. Daisy, saying that he had passed way. As time goes on, I look back on those days and even now, wonder to myself, how is it that when opportunity and adversity are in the same room, some people flourish and others falter under the pressures of life? I still dont know. These days, I read about efforts to preserve what remains of Freedmans Town with mixed emotions. I applaud the tireless efforts to preserve the houses, brick streets and churches. Those houses where I grew up have been replaced by lofts, luxury apartments and parking garages. Only the church is left standing on Andrews Street. About 15 years ago, I was driving down Dowling Street and looked up and saw Wolfs. I had always known it was there, but it hit me like a ton of bricks. This is the place where Nix and I would go. It is a pawn shop. Oh my, at that point I knew, he was trading in something for cash. The only thing I could say was thank you Lord, for the journey and blessing me with each encounter. All of it molded me into who I am today, and I feel nothing but love with a remnant of sadness as I travel down memory lane. Scott is a retiree of the U.S. Postal Service and a crossing guard at Travis Elementary. Museums can often be slow to respond to current events, a benefit for a vocation that's focused more on the past than the present. But amid the ongoing protests against police violence and systemic racism, institutions nationwide are recognizing a unique urgency, and they're responding accordingly - with dozens now rushing to chronicle and contextualize American history, right as it's being made. "History isn't just about keeping records of random events," said Aaron Bryant, a photography and social protest historian at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). "It's really about documenting and evaluating the evolution of human progress and our humanity. This moment would be a part of that story." To that end, the NMAAHC, though closed like other museums because of the coronavirus pandemic, is asking protesters to digitally upload protest-related pictures, videos and audio recordings and hold on to physical objects such as signs, T-shirts and artwork for future donation. The New-York Historical Society, meanwhile, has begun collecting flyers and signs from the protests to be added to its History Responds initiative, alongside added items from the covid-19 pandemic. And the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC), in George Floyd's hometown, is one of many institutions deploying social media to garner submissions, asking users to #preservetheculture through photos and stories documenting their communities. "It's rare to be so aware of a significant moment when you're living through it, but this is a season of vast change," Peggy Monahan, director of content development at the Oakland Museum of California, told Artnet News. Among those changes: a reconsideration, in books, the media, museums and elsewhere, of the way that America's stories are told. At the Smithsonian, Bryant says he's focused on allowing historically marginalized voices to shape the narrative of the demonstrations. Tina Burnside, a civil rights attorney and curator for the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG), says such an approach for museums is crucial. "A lot of times, when historical moments are told, they're usually told from the perspective of white people," Burnside said. "They're the ones writing the narratives, even if it happens to African Americans, so it's very important to document the voices of black people that are ignored or often not heard." The MAAHMG, located in the protests' crucible of Minneapolis, where Floyd was killed by police May 25, will showcase two new exhibits on racism in the state when it reopens next month. The first will be a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of a 1920 Duluth lynching of three black men: Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson and Isaac McGhie. The second will be an interactive exhibit on the Floyd memorial in Minneapolis, filled with protester interviews and a series of photographs from the site. Burnside says a few other projects are in the works, too, including an installation of symbols and messages from the plywood boards that have covered up local businesses' windows during the protests. The exhibits will further the overarching mission of the museum - the first of its kind in Minnesota - to open visitors' eyes both to the deep injustices African Americans have faced in the state and to their countless contributions to it. "Minnesota has always been known as a very progressive state, but beneath that progressive exterior, there have been a lot of racial problems, and it hasn't been dealt with," Burnside said. "I want people to start to really try to understand what has caused this movement - the problems, the disparities, the pain, the emotion, and why people are reacting the way that they are - and not to casually dismiss it, but really try to understand what is going on so that we can move forward to work on solutions." That fuller racial context is in demand and, Bryant says, critical: To him, the demonstrations and unrest feel like history repeating itself, giving the nation a prime opportunity for honest conversations that can help it evolve. With that in mind, the NMAAHC launched a free online portal called "Talking About Race" on May 31 to "help people explore issues of race, racism and racial identity." In it, users can dive into topics such as "Bias," "Being Antiracist" and "Historical Foundations of Race" through words, graphics, TED Talks, discussion prompts and more. Other museums are taking on similar roles. Early this month, the Museum of Modern Art, in New York, added a resource guide on its website to connect visitors to dozens of organizations fighting for racial justice; the Oakland Museum is highlighting its own list, sourced by staff, of local and national groups to which visitors can donate in support of black lives. Some museums have even become targets for generosity themselves. The African American Museum of Iowa, located in Cedar Rapids, received a huge influx of donations that executive director LaNisha Cassell, in an interview with a local television station, attributed to people looking for direct ways to support the black community. "This is a clear message that what we do matters to communities across the state," Cassell said in a statement. The work will also matter, museum leaders hope, to the country at large, too. "Every single one of us is responsible for contributing in some way to shaping our democracy," said Bryant. "Every one of us is responsible for telling our own stories, and every single one of us has a responsibility in shaping history." Sony unveiled the PlayStation 5 last week, sharing with the world the consoles design, specs, games and accessories. One question remains in everyones mind: How much will it cost? Devindra and Cherlynn are joined by deputy managing editor Nathan Ingraham to discuss this devices eye-catching appearance, size and speculate how much it will cost. Nate also tells us why The Last Of Us II is a heartbreaking game worth the emotional investment. Then, our hosts take a look at the latest developments in major tech companies facial recognition systems, as well as Twitters new voice message format. Listen below, or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you've got suggestions or topics you'd like covered on the show, be sure to let us know on our form or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcasts, the Morning After and Engadget News! Subscribe! Timestamps We finally know what the PS5 looks like! 1:10 but its going to be pretty expensive 5:13 Games announced for PS5 (Spiderman, Stray) 8:05 Nathan Ingraham reviews The Last of Us, Part II 13:57 Nintendo announces a bunch of Pokemon games 24:47 Big tech pauses work on facial recognition 26:56 Other News 33:58 Picks 40:43 Links Credits Hosts: Devindra Hardawar and Cherlynn Low Guest: Nathan Ingraham Producer: Ben Ellman Music: Dale North and Terrence O'Brien Strictly Come Dancing bosses have reportedly imposed new restrictions to ensure the forthcoming series complies with the Government's coronavirus guidelines. According to sources, TV executives hope celebrities and their professional dancers will be able to 'exclusively bubble' by the show's anticipated launch date in September. Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman could front the show from separate rooms to adhere to the social distancing rules, while costume fittings may be conducted over Zoom as producers adjust to the TV industry's new normal. The new normal: Strictly bosses have reportedly imposed restrictions to ensure the new series complies with COVID-19 guidelines (Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly pictured) An insider told The Mirror: 'At the moment only singles can bubble with another household but by September its very likely to have been extended to couples and even whole households. 'The celebs and their pros will exclusively bubble together allowing them to dance all day and still go home to their loved ones in the evening. 'Itll be easier for Tess in the main studio than Claudia in the so-called Clauditorium, where shell have to try and stay apart from all the dancers.' Aims: TV executives hope celebrities and their professional dancers will be able to 'exclusively bubble' by the show's launch date (winners Oti Mabuse and Kelvin Fletcher pictured) The source added that weekly coronavirus tests and daily temperature checks may be included as part of the crew's new routine, while hair and make-up artists can resume their normal duties using suitable PPE. As reported last week, the choreographers will isolate together in a hotel for two weeks from the end of July to practise and pre-record their group dances. Judge Bruno Tonioli, who is currently in Los Angeles, is said to have pulled out of the franchise after prioritising the US series Dancing With The Stars over the UK version of the hit show. Closer than ever: Strictly pros will isolate together in a hotel for two weeks to pre-record group dances (2019 line-up of professional dancers pictured) Shake-up: Judge Bruno Tonioli, who is currently in Los Angeles, is said to have pulled out of the franchise after prioritising the US series Dancing With The Stars Sources have claimed that no decision has been made about the future of Blackpool, after reports alleged that producers scrapped the much-loved week in an attempt to save the show. The publication also states that a same-sex pairing could be delayed until next year, while bosses are said to have secured the majority of the line-up, with Jamie Laing expected to make a return after departing the show prematurely due to an injury. MailOnline has contacted BBC representatives for further comment. By PTI NEW DELHI: Opposition parties like the RJD, AAP and AIMIM reacted angrily on Friday over not being invited to the all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation along the India-China border and raised questions over the criteria for the invitation. The Lalu Prasad-led Rashtriya Janata Dal MPs, including his daughter Misa Bharti and Manoj Jha, also staged a protest at Mahatma Gandhi's statue inside the Parliament complex and contended that despite being the chief opposition party in Bihar and the single largest party in the Assembly, it was not invited. Jha also wrote a letter to Prime Minister Modi expressing "deep anguish" at being excluded from the all party meeting on an issue of such national importance. According to sources, the criteria followed for sending invites to parties was -- all recognised national parties, those with over 5 MPs in the Lok Sabha, leading parties from the Northeast and parties with Union Cabinet ministers. Hitting out at the criteria, Jha tweeted, "The untenable logic of 'FIVE MEMBERS' gets exposed. First through our strength of 5 in RS and second TDP- 4 MP invited, Apna Dal- 2 MPs invited, SAD- 2 MPs invited, CPI- 2 MPs invited, NC- 1 MP invited. There is more to it than what meets the eye." The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was also miffed at not being invited at the all-party meet with its Rajya Sabha leader Sanjay Singh saying the party has a government in Delhi and in Punjab, it is the main opposition party, but still the BJP does not want its opinion on such an important matter. "The BJP government at the Centre should take everyone along on a serious issue like national security. It is unfortunate for democracy that a three-time chief minister has not been called for suggestions on an important subject," Singh told reporters. In its official statement, the AAP said it is proud that "All Party Meeting is taking place in New Delhi, where AAP governs, and hopes that the meeting will bring about honourable solutions to the threat posed by China and to the ongoing crisis in Ladakh, bringing back Galwan Valley back into India". "The AAP remains committed to stand up for India in all respects. It remains disappointed at its exclusion from the meeting but stands committed to its outcome," it said. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also questioned the criteria for inviting parties to the meet. Jha, in his letter to Modi, also said his party has five MPs in Rajya Sabha, which makes it qualify this "strange and arbitrary criteria". All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi also wrote to Modi, expressing disappointment at his party not being invited to the all-party meet. At a time when national consensus and a unified response is essential, it is unfortunate that AIMIM was not invited to the meeting, Owaisi said in his letter. "Furthermore, the 'criteria' of the invitees betrays any rational explanation. It is absurd to limit the invitee-political parties only to those with over 5 Lok Sabha MPs, parties with Union Cabinet Ministers, and recognized national parties. "This situation required the government to include every political party with a Member of Parliament," he said. "It is essential to convene Parliament at the earliest so that opposition parties may seek accountability from the ruling party and the government is bound to answer queries of representatives regarding occupation of Indian territory," Owaisi said. He also urged the government to set up a review committee so that objective facts must be shared in the public domain regarding extent of Chinese incursions, extent of lapses in Indian decision-making and the consequent loss of Indian territory to Chinese occupation. The government must publish the Committee's findings in a White Paper and make it accessible to the public, he demanded. Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Deve Gowda, who also was not invited to the meeting, said he fully appreciated the prime minister's decision to call the all-party meet. Gowda offered his suggestions, saying a senior serving military officer and diplomat should make a detailed presentation to opposition leaders on the ground situation, and the progress of talks. "Only with this information could there be a meaningful exchange of ideas between the government and the opposition leaders. The demand here is not for classified details, but truthful information," he said. The virtual all party meeting comes after 20 India Army personnel, including a colonel, died in a violent clash with Chinese troops in Galwan valley in Ladakh. BJP chief J P Nadda, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, TRS leader K Chandrashekhar Rao, JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, DMK's M K Stalin, YSR Congress Party's YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray were among those who attended the meeting. Opposition parties, including the Congress, had asked the government to be transparent about the situation on the border and slammed its handling of the issue. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 12:32:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, June 19 (Xinhua) -- One year on, Hong Kong resident Peter Bentley often remembers the shocking scenes of violence that brought him to tears. On July 1, 2019, the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, large groups of rioters stormed the Legislative Council (LegCo) building of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and wreaked havoc inside, marking one of the most provocative and offensive crimes during months of disturbances last year. Passing by the wreaked building the following morning, Bentley, in his early 70s, was invited to express his views on camera. During the interview, Bentley said he cried when watching the ugly scenes on TV and pointed out that no one has the right to commit such acts of violence. "It broke my heart to see the damage... and I just said what was on my heart," Bentley told Xinhua when recalling the unexpected interview. Bentley, a British expatriate in Hong Kong, has a strong connection to both the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong. He first came to Hong Kong in 1981 and started to work in the mainland for an international vacuum technology company as an engineering specialist in the mid 1980s. Since his retirement in 2013, he has resided more in Hong Kong, experiencing the illegal "Occupy Central" movement in 2014 and the prolonged upheaval in 2019. He was deeply concerned about Hong Kong being plunged into political turmoil and condemned the myriad rampant acts of violence that undermined the cornerstone of Hong Kong, including the rule of law, safety and freedom, among others. After the interview went viral on the internet, Bentley was frequently recognized by strangers on the streets who wanted to shake his hand and express their deep gratitude to him for speaking out on their behalf. "I think I was actually speaking for a lot of Hong Kong people," Bentley said. "Not just westerners like me who have lived here most of their lives, but a lot of mature, sensible and patriotic Hong Kong people who felt the same." Although the sudden popularity made him a little embarrassed, Bentley said he did not regret speaking up. "Because I believe it really helped spark the feeling among mature people who love Hong Kong and who love China that they're not alone." NOTHING TO FEAR As an upcoming national security law for Hong Kong stoked concerns about the freedoms and rights of the residents, Bentley said there is no need to worry and believes the legislation will on the contrary help Hong Kong, which used to be one of the freest and safest places in the world, to regain its glory. "It's a non-question as to whether anyone should be scared," Bentley said. "Every modern country in the world... has something equivalent to the national security law to prevent sedition, to prevent anarchy, to prevent insurrection and to prevent all the things which the new law (for Hong Kong) will make illegal," he said. "Why shouldn't Hong Kong (as a part of China) have a law like that?" Bentley believes there will be "practically zero difference to everyone's life" and Hong Kong can truly restore peace and order from a chaotic 2019 after the legislation. "The great majority of Hong Kong people, at least 95 percent, will breathe a huge sigh of relief to say 'thank goodness'" as there will hopefully be no more riots on the streets and no political tricks in the LegCo and people will finally be able to get business done, he said. Bentley pointed out that only those genuinely trying to subvert the nation and promoting "Hong Kong independence" should be afraid. WITNESSING THE RISE Over the past nearly four decades, Bentley traveled frequently between the mainland and Hong Kong, witnessing the mainland's rapid development since the reform and opening-up and the continued prosperity of Hong Kong after its return to the motherland in 1997. Bentley recalled a train trip back from Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province, to Hong Kong in the early 1980s, which for the first time showed him the development gap between the two places. Looking through the window of the train as it ran through Guangdong, he saw expanses of green fields and little development, Bentley said. "Suddenly we hit Hong Kong with all the modern built-up buildings. That was a bit of a shock." However, the image Bentley had of China being an agricultural country in those days is now far removed. Bentley has always been caught in surprise by the rapid development of the mainland, with superhighways, skyscrapers and modern airports built at an unprecedented pace across the country. "If you leave any Chinese city for more than six months or a year, when you come back you can't recognize it sometimes," Bentley said. Riding the wave of China's economic miracle, the company Bentley worked for also flourished in the mainland market. With the first office set up in Guangzhou in the mid 1980s, the company went on to forge close partnerships with homegrown businesses and established dozens of factories and joint ventures. Its revenues in the mainland became equivalent to that of the European market. Bentley attributed the company's success to the decision to build its presence in the mainland at such an early time. The company was just one of the numerous foreign businesses entering the mainland markets since the reform and opening-up, a large proportion of which established and expanded their regional headquarters in Hong Kong to take advantage of its close ties with the mainland, as well as its high-quality talent, financial resources and professional services. Under "one country, two systems," Hong Kong has retained its position as a global financial, commercial and shipping center and continued to make progress after returning to the motherland. "Hong Kong obviously owes its success to the fact that it is physically part of China," Bentley said. WORDS TO THE YOUTH During the months of disturbances in Hong Kong last year, shops and restaurants were trashed, public facilities vandalized, and police officers and innocent residents ferociously attacked. "Hong Kong had been one of the most peaceful and safest cities until the riots," Bentley said. Bentley was particularly worried about the involvement of youngsters in the violence and urged them to cherish their lives in Hong Kong, which, as a place to call home, is the envy of many youngsters living elsewhere in the world. "They think they are fighting for democracy and freedom, but in fact they are being used by politicians and foreign forces who have their own private agendas," Bentley said. "They are bewitched by propaganda advocating violence and hatred towards the mainland." Having worked and lived in the mainland for more than 30 years, Bentley called on young people to drop the idealized image of Hong Kong under British colonial rule, forget biased media reports about the mainland, and see for themselves what their country is really like. Bentley said he had also been misled by negative media reports about the mainland but eventually found out the truth after going there himself. "When I started going to China on business, I found it was completely different from what I'd read in the newspapers," he said, stressing that he was impressed by seeing genuinely happy people and the incredibly fast progress the mainland had made. "Go there and see the real country. And then make your own judgment. You will be surprised at what you find," he said. Enditem Members of the Tourism Business Council in South Africa (TBCSA) want the government to open the tourism border. Through a written proposal, the board members have requested the South African government to allow international trips again. The South African government spokesperson had recently reported that the country might open in February 2021. However, the tourism board members believe that the earlier proposed reopening date, February 2021, is quite too far and would only deteriorate the countries economy further. The council also believes that a further delay in the countries reopening would make South Africa lose its tourism market share to the other leading African safari countries such as Kenya and Tanzania. In line with the statement, the TBCSA members are confident that they can safely carry out their normal tourism activities in the countries and observe the precautionary measures. Speaking after sending the proposal, Mr. Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, the TBCSA chairman, said, We hope that South Africa will open its tourism borders by September 2020. By then, we believe that the country will be safe to carry out regular tourism activities. Kenya has already opened its economy for domestic wildlife safaris, and we should too or risk being left behind. Besides retaining the countrys tourism market share, the TBCSA body argues that the state reopening would create more demand. According to them, the tourism sector would not make profits immediately after reopening, but rather, the reopening would only create room for bookings. Most safari bookings take up to four months, and so, an early reopening would secure the most visitors by next year. We do not expect to make profits when we open. We, however, want our visitors to start the booking arrangements. Most of the bookings take between two to four months. Hopefully, we will attain a break-even if the proposed September opening goes well, added the TBCSA CEO. In response to the proposal, the government committee believes that September would be too early for the nation to reopen its tourism sector. The country has not yet healed, and reopening the international borders would only risk the lives of the South Africans. Besides, South Africa has not yet reached its COVID 19 peak, meaning that the infections could be very in high in September, responded Supra Mahumapelo. According to the government committee, the country would be better off when it opens its boundaries, but the approach needs proper calculations, not an abrupt reopening. Effects of COVID 19 in South Africa South Africa was among the earliest countries to close their borders. The countries ministry of health confirmed the first coronavirus case ion 5th march and announced travel restriction on 23rd, the same month. On May 1st, the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a national lockdown to contain the virus, and prevent further spread. Like other nations, the South African tourism sector has had its fair share of challenges in the past few months. The leading hospitality firms have lain off their workers, and leading travel agencies such as Masaimarasafari.in and AjKenyasafaris.com have postponed multiple bookings. However, the government is still hesitant about opening the nation, with the fear of creating more mess. If the reopening proposal fails to go through, the tourism industry will most likely experience more losses, considering that the South Africa high season for tourism runs from September to March. A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to suspended Jammu and Kashmir DSP Davinder Singh after the Delhi police failed to file charge sheet against him during the statutory period of 90 days in a conspiracy case. However, Singh continues to remain in the jail in the case probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in which he was arrested while ferrying two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists in a vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway early this year. Additional Sessions Judge Dharmendra Rana granted bail to Singh and another accused--Irfan Shafi Mir on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh with two sureties of like amount in the case that Delhi police had filed. In March, the Delhi polices special cell(anti terror unit) filed a case against Singh, for alleged criminal conspiracy and activities against the interest of the country. considering the fact that despite the lapse of statutory time limit to complete investigation, charge sheet in the instant matter has not been filed till date, both the applicants/accused persons, namely Davinder Singh and Irfan Shafi Mir are entitled to be released on bail., the judge said in its order. The courts order comes after both the accused moved a bail application through their counsel MS Khan stating that both Singh and Mir were arrested on March 14 and March 19 respectively and have been in custody since then. Advocate Khan told the court that the statutory period to file the charge sheet has also elapsed and hence his clients should be granted bail. He also contended that there is no evidence to connect the accused with any terrorist outfit or to show the existence of any conspiracy. Singh and Mir were booked by the Special Cell under section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The police claimed the duo was training young people from Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab to carry out terrorist activities. The two were brought to Delhi to investigate whether there were plans to carry out terror activities in Delhi. Singh is also being investigated by the NIA after he was arrested on January 10 while ferrying two terrorists on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway. Davinder Singh was intercepted when he was travelling on the national highway to Jammu along with two Hizbul Mujahideen commanders Naveed Babu, Rafi Ahmed Rather. Singh, suspected of going rogue, was arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, or UAPA, the anti-terror law. Accused Davinder Singh continues to be in judicial custody in NIA case. We have adequate evidence against him and he will be chargesheeted in due course, an NIA spokesperson said. During a search of the car, one AK-47 assault rifles, three pistols, five hand grenades, 174 live rounds of AK-47 and 36 live rounds of pistol ammunition and other incriminating material were recovered. After initial investigations by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the case was taken over by NIA and several teams of the central agency have been questioning the suspended police officer in Jammu. A senior Delhi Police officer said on condition of anonymity that the special cell is in no hurry to file a charge sheet just because there is a statutory time limit. We arrested him because we had inputs about his links. We worked on the information derived from him during interrogation and even made some arrests based on that. But we will file a charge sheet only when we have strong evidence against him that will stand in court, said the officer. The main terror charges against him continue to stand and he remains in jail, the officer added. Reacting to Singhs bail, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor tweeted-- We all want to ask How did the government allow this to happen? But the real question is How do we as Indians allow the government to get away with this shameful non-performance?( sic) To this, NIA replied on Twitter, Delhi Police had arrested Davinder Singh in a separate case. He continues to be in judicial custody in NIA case. Investigation is in full swing in NIA case and a chargesheet will be filed against Davinder Singh and other accused persons in the first week of July, 2020. A wave of sophisticated cyber attacks against the NSW government and other critical Australian infrastructure spurred Prime Minister Scott Morrison's warning for the nation to be on guard against more attempted hacks. Australian security agencies believe China is behind the cyber raids on all levels of government, industry and critical infrastructure including hospitals, local councils and state-owned utilities. Prime Minister Scott Morrison would not say who was behind the attack, but said only a few countries had the capability to do it. Credit:AAP Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday revealed Australian companies and governments were being targeted by a "state-based cyber actor", but did not name the country involved in the series of attacks. The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age can reveal the NSW government was a major target of the cyber attacks carried out in recent months, which alarmed Australian security agencies. "I was at this place where I was a father of a newborn, but my dad was still very much alive and very healthy. And I felt like I was in the middle of a telescope," Stanton said. "I could see back in time, as equally as I could see forward in time, to being a son and a father. ... That's always the best place to be as a writer. ... You almost are compelled to try to express this thing you're going through." Two years ago, one of the most conservative congressional districts in the state almost went blue. Rep. Chris Collins had been indicted on charges of insider trading and was awaiting trial but he didnt step down from his position representing the 27th Congressional District. Democrat Nate McMurray sought to take advantage of Collins precarious situation, but lost to him by less than half a percentage point. Collins went on to relinquish his seat in Congress, shortly before pleading guilty last year, meaning that voters in this Republican-heavy district wont get a rematch between an indicted Republican and a lesser-known Democrat. Instead, Republican state Sen. Chris Jacobs is the frontrunner to replace Collins. But as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, hes competing in both a delayed special election against McMurray to serve out the remainder of Collins tenure as well as the Republican primary on the same day. The unusual situation means Jacobs could conceivably win just one of the two elections hes competing in but short of a major upset, Jacobs is likely headed to Congress for at least the next two-and-a-half years. Gov. Andrew Cuomo originally announced April 28 as the date of the special election to replace Collins, which would have coincided with the Democratic presidential primary. But the coronavirus crisis upended that plan, and when the governor postponed the presidential primary, he pushed back the Western New York congressional special election as well to June 23, the same day as the primary in the district. And while Cuomo ultimately canceled other state and local special elections due to the overlap and to avoid confusion, he did not have the authority to do the same for a federal contest. All this means that Republicans in the 27th Congressional District get to vote twice and Jacobs is the only one competing in both races. Theoretically, he could lose the special election, but win the Republican primary, putting him at a minor disadvantage come November since he wouldnt be the incumbent. He could also win the special but lose the primary, limiting his tenure in Congress to several months. Jacobs could also lose both races. But given the conservative nature of the district and the strong support that he has received, this scenario seems the most unlikely. Multiple Republicans sought the party nomination to run in the special election, including two who are still running in the primary attorney Beth Parlato and Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw. Jacobs won the partys backing to face off against McMurray in a race hes heavily favored to win. Even before Collins stepped down, Jacobs announced his intention to run against the disgraced incumbent. Jacobs argued last August that Collins is the only person putting this district in jeopardy of not staying Republican. The conventional wisdom about the district one of the few in the state where Republicans outnumber Democrats, and where Trump won by nearly a 25-point margin in 2016 is that hes right. A victory in an April 28 special would have granted Jacobs the power of incumbency in the June 23 primary. Instead, hell have to rely on voters to pick him twice on Election Day, rather than potentially splitting the vote between him in the special and one of his competitors in the primary. In the heart of Trump country in Western New York, in a district that was represented since 2103 by Collins, one of Trumps earliest and staunchest supporters, Republicans support for the president is paramount. Jacobs, who has a history as a moderate, dodged questions about then-candidate Trump in 2016 and supported other Republicans in the presidential primary. He has shifted his tune since then, saying that he voted for Trump and showering praise on the president. And while Mychajliw and Parlato put themselves forward as Trump candidates, the president openly endorsed Jacobs. Trump has tweeted multiple times in support of Jacobs candidacy, first on Feb. 18 to say Jacobs has his Complete Endorsement, and most recently on June 16, a week before Election Day. Parlato, who has painted herself as an outsider opposing career politicians Jacobs and Mychajliw, has the backing of the Conservative Party. She has dismissed Jacobs voting record as too liberal for the districts conservative voters. Notably, he expressed support for abortion rights in 2006, and was a registered Democrat in the late 1990s. And while Jacobs has far outraised his primary opponents, Parlato has raised and spent much more campaign cash than Mychajliw, and won support from an influential conservative PAC. Jacobs not only has more cash and the support of Trump, but he enjoys strong name recognition. He represents a part of the district in the state Senate and has a long history in state and local politics going back more than a decade. He comes from a prominent Western New York family, whose name is emblazoned on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Jacobs Institute. Indeed, both the special election and the GOP primary are Jacobs to lose. Jetstar has sold 220 tickets a minute while Qantas doubled its domestic flight bookings in a massive flash sale. The airlines launched frequent flyer offers and discounted fares on 200,000 seats on Friday morning in a bid to reboot the Australian tourism industry. Jetstar's record-breaking sale also included 10,000 fares for $19 which were snapped up in just four hours. Jetstar (pictured) sold 220 tickets per minute in a massive flash sale on 200,000 seats on Friday that saw some fares discounted as low as $19 Qantas (pictured) offered triple points on all flights between 27 June and 31 October and said domestic bookings were more than double recent levels Almost 70,000 of the discounted seats were purchased in the first five hours and Jetstar reported its tickets sold at a rate of 220 per minute. The single day sales record included fares on 35 routes to 15 destinations across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory and South Australia. One-way routes featured for $19 included Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney to Gold Coast and Adelaide to Cairns. Qantas, Jetstar's parent company, were offering triple points on all flights between 27 June and 31 October across 92 routes and 57 destinations. The national carrier said domestic bookings were up by more than double recent levels during the Friday sale. Flight searches were also more than three times higher than at any point since travel restrictions were brought in. Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the sale revealed a demand for domestic travel. Jetstar said almost 70,000 of the discounted seats were purchased in the sale's first five hours 'There is huge pent up demand for air travel, with people wanting to get away after months of being stuck at home. Our research tells us more than 75 per cent of Australians intend to fly in the next six months. 'We know that these low fares will encourage even more people to get on a flight to take a short holiday or visit family and friends,' Mr Joyce said. He explained Qantas would be adding more flights to Queensland in anticipation of the border opening in July. 'We've already seen our flights from Sydney to Cairns fill up on the days after the proposed Queensland border opening date of July 10, so we're adding more. 'As the national carrier we have an important role to play in driving tourism and reviving the industry that has been devastated by COVID-19. 'We have a lot of aircraft on the ground with fixed costs attached to them, so if we can put some of them back in the air by offering special fares, it's a positive for us, for our people, for tourism and for consumers,' Mr Joyce explained. The Jetstar sale runs until Monday June 22, unless sold out prior, and the Qantas sale will end on June 24. Both carriers will release flights to Western Australia and Tasmania after the states indicate when their border restrictions will be eased. New York City Former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says he doesnt want to die in prison while his lawyers urge a judge to spare the obese 76-year-old man from contracting COVID-19 behind bars. The statements by Silver and his lawyers were made in submissions late Wednesday in Manhattan federal court, where a judge is scheduled to sentence the Democrat on July 20. Prosecutors on Wednesday urged the judge to sentence him to seven years in prison for a bribery and extortion conviction, calling it a classic example of bribery. In a handwritten letter to the judge, Silver apologized profusely, blaming his political demise on a sense of entitlement that developed as he rose in the state's political circles. And he pleaded for mercy. Your Honor, I do not want to die in prison. This case has been going on for more than five years, but I feel like I have aged 15 or 20 years. My fate is in your hands, Silver wrote. Silver said he would warn those in the Assembly today to beware of any sense of entitlement, which he said developed for himself as he gained seniority and power and felt he was helping people. If I was doing good for New York, after all of the years of work and sacrifice, I felt entitled to the financial windfalls that came my way while doing what I thought was good work. But I was dead wrong, he said. I was hurting the state I love by undermining public confidence in our public officials and institutions, which we need now more than ever. Silver said he ruined his legacy and was now angry, sad and ashamed and believes: I am ruined. His lawyers, meanwhile, said Silver was an obese man in his 70s with a history of cancer, chronic kidney disease and other health problems that make him among those most at risk of dying from COVID-19. They also noted the recent release from prison of 72-year-old former New York state Senate leader Dean Skelos, who served 15 months of a four-year and three-month prison term after he was convicted of extortion, wire fraud and bribery for pressuring wealthy businessmen to give his son roughly $300,000 for no-show jobs. Skelos, a Republican, contracted and recovered from the coronavirus while in prison. Silvers 2015 conviction was overturned on appeal after the U.S. Supreme Court redefined in another case what constitutes bribery for a public official but Silver was convicted again in 2018. He was convicted a second time of trading favors to collect nearly $4 million in fees to help a cancer researcher and real estate developers. In a recent ruling, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals tossed out charges related to legal fees Silver collected to refer mesothelioma cases to a law firm. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Last year's polling data on the first season of Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan's Netflix series "The Politician" came back somewhat mixed, as it should have. This cynically satirical series, which charts the political rise-fall-rise cycle of a supremely confident and self-interested young man named Payton Hobart (Ben Platt), takes an all-too-easy theme (politics is corrupt) and stretches it well past its usefulness or comic potential. "The Politician," as the kids says, is a lot. Owing its tone and stylistic approach to a chaotic blending of Wes Anderson, Tracy Flick and Selina Meyer (and speaking in Murphy and company's native tongue of speed-sass), "The Politician" has apparently ignored some of the voters' feedback on Season 1. The show almost certainly needs fewer characters but has instead added more. And instead of getting some breathing room, the remaining oxygen is spent running in circles for all seven episodes of Season 2 (which premiered Friday). Rather than sharpen its cleverest ideas, it unleashes several more half-thought scandalous subplots, most of which have to do with sex. It's a romp, after all - a show about people who've lost any semblance of moral compass, which, as TV viewers in the 21st century, we should be plenty used to by now, whether this lack of goodness is personified in dramas, comedies or our actual breaking news. It's entirely possible to watch "The Politician" and not know whether its take on politics is meant to be meaningful and relevant or - and this may be the better way to enjoy it - completely and coldly meaningless. "The Politician's" burn-it-down regard for all politics is a tired stance and a bit off topic in the current moment, which so badly needs a rebuilding of good politics and good people. Let us fall back, then, to the show's only sure defense: It's a comedy. In that regard, there are plenty of campy pleasures here. After his life veers in a direction he never expected (his dreams of Harvard dashed; his high school political career in tatters), Payton ended up at New York University at the end of Season 1, happily apolitical until his loyal toadies (Laura Dreyfuss and Theo Germaine) convinced him to run against an incumbent state senator, Dede Standish (Judith Light). The second season picks up with that campaign. There's no understating the immediate way Light's presence (along with Bette Midler as Hadassah Gold, Dede's conniving chief of staff) lifts "The Politician" into a more crackling realm. Payton and his advisers immediately take to New York-style dirty politics, upsetting Dede's ambitions to join a Texas senator's presidential ticket. Dede's personal life is a minefield (as we learned in Season 1, she's secretly part of a "throuple" with two male partners), but Payton's past is also exploitable - such as the photograph of him when he was 6 years old, dressed as Geronimo for Halloween. "I've never met anyone whose enemies take so much pride and pleasure in destroying them," one of Payton's staffers observes. "People really hate you." Everything that first seemed smart, snarky and on-point about "The Politician" begins to wear thin; the jokes that it makes - as well as the contemporary real-life debacles it lampoons - are too easily made. (The old observation that "This stuff writes itself" also holds true for the binge viewer. Shows like this tend to enjoy themselves, exclusively, as you zone in and out.) As with last season, "The Politician" is at its best in an episode about the actual voters who exist far outside of the campaign war rooms. Last season, "The Voter" was a deeply apolitical teenage boy who cared little for the school election battles that raged around him - a voter who could not be reached. This season, "The Voter" episode smartly zeros in on the "OK boomer" divide shaping up between Generation Z voters (whom Payton panders to on climate issues) and their elders (who feel a loyalty to Dede, mainly because they've always been loyal to Dede). As Dede herself observes in a moment of bitter clarity: "Since AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez), no incumbent is safe." When at last the show seems exhausted by its own shenanigans, it finds a way to put Platt (the Broadway musical star) behind a barroom piano and have him showtune his lungs out - which only serves to remind the viewer that he's much better playing a theater kid than he is at playing a politician. Moments of reflection and reckoning are too little, too late; they're also the show's clumsiest scenes. The grand plan, as I understand it, is for "The Politician" to follow Payton for several more seasons on his path to the White House - or as close as he can get to it. If that plan holds, the show could use another rethink. It would be great if its attempt to have a heart could match its disdain for the political process. - - - "The Politician" (seven episodes) is available for streaming on Netflix. Iran envoy warns IAEA BoG over lack of prudence IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, June 18, IRNA -- Iran's ambassador to the Vienna-based international organizations Kazem Gharibabadi in a message described Vienna as the last bastion of multilateralism saying unfortunately the IAEA board of Governors did not show enough prudence this week. "Vienna is almost the last bastion of multilateralism that was able to maintain its true spirit in recent years, but unfortunately it will be a forgotten story if the IAEA Board does not show enough prudence this week," Gharibabadi was quoted by the Permanent Mission of the Iran in Vienna as saying on Thursday. He had earlier warned that any political decision by abusing the Board of Governors would weaken cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Kazem Gharibabadi told reporters that despite Iranian extened cooperation with the IAEA, the three European countries are lobbying with the Board of Governors to pass a resolution about the Agency's two requests for access. "While Iran is cooperating extensively and constructively with the Agency, drafting a resolution with the purpose of asking Iran to cooperate and fulfill the two demands of the IAEA is a regrettable and completely non-constructive action." The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reportedly made allegations of undeclared nuclear activities in two places in Iran. Meanwhile, Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi said that the agency continues to verify non-diversion of Iran's declared nuclear material and evaluate the absence of undeclared materials and activities in accordance with the safeguards agreement. As Iran had also announced that it would continue to cooperate with the Agency "as in the past", Grossi said that IAEA has observed no changes in the level of cooperation by Iran in relation to Agency verification and monitoring activities under the JCPOA. On May 8, 2018, US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the international deal between Iran and the six world powers. Then, he re-imposed illegal sanctions against Iran in November 2018, the sanctions which as he said were at the highest level. Reciprocally, Iran started reducing commitments to the JCPOA from the first anniversary of the US withdrawal. Tehran's decision to reduce its commitments to the JCPOA was taken based on Articles 26 and 36. Then, Iran set a deadline for Europeans to remedy breaches. 9376**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address June 19 : Actor Shraddha Kapoor pens a heartfelt note for late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, saying she will miss him and he was one of kind actor. The demise of the 'Kai Po Che' actor has sent shock waves among celebrities and netizens alike, with many taking to the social media platforms to recall the times spent with Rajput. Shraddha Kapoor wrote a heartfelt note and shared a photograph of a book that was gifted by Rajput. The note read, Been trying to accept what has happened and coming to terms with it is very difficult. There is a huge void... Sushant...! Dearest Sush...! Full of humility, intelligence, curiosity about life, seeing beauty in everything, everywhere! He danced to his own tune! I always looked forward to seeing him on set, wondering what captivating interaction we would have next! Apart from being a wonderful co-actor who put his heart and soul in to his work, he was at his core, an amazing person. He cared for people and wanted to see them happy. His kind smile, the conversations we had at shoot about the Cosmos, different philosophies, the moments we spent together, were filled with magical wonderment! During a lovely musical and poetry filled get together at his home (he loved music and poetry), he showed me the moon from his telescope and I was so speechless that I could see its exquisite beauty up close!! He wanted to share that feeling! Our Chhichhore gang went to his beautiful home in Pavna, where we were awestruck together with the peace and calm of the nature around us - he loved nature! He saw things through a kaleidoscopic lens and wanted to share that with everyone around him. He was mesmerized by the simplest things and would muse on them in a genius way...! He was truly, one of a kind... Ill miss you...dearest Sush..Shine on... Meanwhile on work front, Shraddha will next star opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Luv Ranjan's as-yet untitled project. Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery UW American Heritage Center Announces 2020 Fellowship Recipients Three professors and two graduate students are recipients of fellowships from the University of Wyomings American Heritage Center (AHC). Each fellowship supports a 20-day research stay at the AHC. This years fellowships include three new awards: the Alan K. Simpson Fellowship, the George A. Rentschler Fellowship and the Women in Public Life Fellowship. Academic scholars at any level, from graduate students to tenured faculty, were encouraged to apply. Professors Oleski Navarro, Rachel Sailor and Ryan Tate, along with doctoral candidates Gabriel Raeburn and Brian Sarginger, were awarded AHC fellowships. The AHC is pleased to award its largest number of fellowships and travel grants in recent years, says AHC Director Paul Flesher. The present health emergency has imposed complications on travel, especially international travel, but this years fellows and grant recipients are excited about coming and are looking forward to spending time investigating our collections once the center opens in August. Award recipients and projects are: Alan K. Simpson Fellowship in Western Political History Tate is a doctoral graduate in history (2020) from Rutgers University. He is researching in the AHC political and economic geology collections for his forthcoming book, titled Saudi Arabia of Coal, based on his prize-winning dissertation, Coal Frontier: Corporate Power and the Making of Powder River Basin, 1965-1995. Raeburn is a religious studies and history doctoral candidate from the University of Pennsylvania. Raeburn is studying AHC collections on conservatism to document the rise of the Prosperity Gospel and its impact on modern American politics from the Great Depression through the end of the 20th century. Bernard L. Majewski Research Fellowship in Economic Geology Navarro is a visiting professor of Spanish and Latin American studies at Augustana College. Navarro will include personal recollections of Venezuela found at the AHC for his book chapter, titled Crude and Blood: Racial Reconfiguration in Venezuelas Burgeoning Oil Industry (1922-1975), for an upcoming edited volume on oil culture in Latin America. George A. Rentschler Fellowship on the Study of the American West Sailor, a UW Department of Visual and Literary Arts associate professor, is analyzing pictorial photographs at the AHC. She notes that the photographs -- artful images made by regional and rural photographers -- will be a significant component of her current book project, titled The Broad Movement: Pictorial Photography in the American West, 1900-1950. Women in Public Life Fellowship Sarginger is a history doctoral candidate at the University of Maryland. Sarginger is including the papers of activist investor Wilma Soss in his dissertation arguing that American shareholders, such as Soss, organized to reform corporate policy and augment their own powers and rights within corporations. Travel Grants In addition to the fellowships, the AHC awarded 12 travel grants to help researchers pay for traveling from locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Australia to conduct research in the AHC collections. They seek to investigate a wide variety of topics, including the rise of the American ski industry, eugenics in the early 20th century, fanzines and storytelling in Disney animated films, Flesher says. The AHC awards travel grants and fellowships annually. The next application deadline is March 2021. For more information about the AHCs travel grant and fellowship program, visit the website at www.uwyo.edu/ahc/grants/. For more information, call AHC Archivist Leslie Waggener at (307) 766-2557 or email lwaggen2@uwyo.edu. Syria has condemned the Caesar Act and has said that recent events in the US strip them of all moral authority reports Al-Masdar. Syria considers Washingtons decision to implement the Caesar Act sanctions a violation of all international laws and norms. The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs published on its website a statement by an official source affiliated with the ministry, stating that, the first round of American Caesar Law measures against Syria reveals the American administrations violation of all international laws and norms, and the level to which this administrations officials will sink, matching the behavior of gangs and bandits. The source said that the American administration that chases its citizens in the various streets of its states, and kills people in cold blood, and practices the most heinous forms of racial discrimination in the reproduction of the crimes of its founding fathers against the indigenous people of the country, is the last entity to talk of human rights, because the American administration established its state on the culture of killing, it does not value any values, and it is contemptuous of all norms and laws. On Wednesday, the US implemented the Caesar act against Syria, as they attempt to force the administration in Damascus to agree to regime change. 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. Sushant Singh Rajput case: Cops seek details of his contracts with YR Films India oi-Madhuri Adnal Mumbai, Jun 19: The Mumbai Police, probing the case of alleged suicide of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, has sent a letter to Yash Raj Films, seeking details of the contracts it had signed with him, an official said on Friday. Rajput, 34, known for films like "Kai Po Che!", "MS Dhoni: The Untold Story", "Chhichhore", was found hanging in his Bandra apartment on Sunday, sending shockwaves in the film industry and elsewhere. Sushant Singh Rajput's ashes immersed in Ganga India-China border dispute: IAF chief makes quiet visit to forward air bases | Oneindia News "Police are investigating various angles, including that of professional rivalry, in the case," the official said. So far, Bandra police have recorded the statements of over 13 people, including Rajput's family members and close friends like actor Rhea Chakraborty and casting director Mukesh Chhabra. "Keeping in view the professional angle, police have started calling some prominent production houses for inquiry. As part of that, police on Thursday sent a letter to Yash Raj Films, seeking details of all the contracts it had signed with the deceased actor," a senior police officer said. "We have also asked for the copies of the contracts that Yash Raj Films had signed with the actor," he added. In the next few days, police may also call those people, who had played a role in signing of contracts between the actor and the production houses for their projects, the officer said. Rajput had worked in two Yash Raj Films movies - "Shuddh Desi Romance" (2013) directed by Maneesh Sharma and in director Dibakar Banerjee directed "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!" (2015). His third film with the banner was supposed to be "Paani", directed by Shekhar Kapur. However, YRF had reportedly backed out of the project later. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S Jaishnakar hit out at Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi for his questions over why troops on the border were unarmed. How dare China kill our UNARMED soldiers? Why were our soldiers sent UNARMED to martyrdom? Gandhi questioned in a tweet. In response, Jaishankar tweeted: Let us get the facts straight. All troops on border duty always carry arms, especially when leaving post. Those at Galwan on 15 June did so. Long-standing practice (as per 1996 & 2005 agreements) not to use firearms during faceoffs. Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy also hit out at Gandhi saying, Rahul Gandhi doesnt understand local, national or international issues therefore there is no need to reply to his questions. He has totally failed and is irrelevant in Indian politics. The war of words between the government and Congress comes after 20 Indian soldiers were killed on June 15 in the Galwan Valley area in Ladakh in the worst ever faceoff with Chinese troops along the LAC. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sought to corner the government over a contract for a key infrastructure project awarded to a Chinese company amid the border tension. Our 20 soldiers have been martyred. In such a situation, the central government should give a strong message, but it has adopted the strategy of kneeling down and has awarded the contract of Delhi-Meerut Semi-High Speed Rail Corridor to a Chinese company. All Indian companies are also capable to build this corridor, she tweeted in Hindi. Congress spokesperson R S Surjewala also lashed out at Jaishankar. Stop quoting Agreement on Border Management to justify sending Soldiers Unarmed in tactical military situation with lives at stake, he tweeted. BJP postpones virtual rallies The BJP has postponed all its political programmes including virtual rallies for the next two days as a homage to the martyrs. The BJP is holding virtual rallies to commemorate the anniversary of the NDA government. Leaders and Union ministers are connecting with workers through virtual rallies. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12 By Jeila Aliyeva - Trend: Turkmenistans Yenis clothing factory has manufactured products worth 12 million manat ($3.4 million) from January through May 2020, Trend reports with reference to Business Turkmenistan information portal. The factory, which is located in Turkmenistans Mary region, has been using modern equipment and advanced technologies since 2013. Clothes for men, women and children are manufactured taking into account the market demand and customers requirements. In addition, the factory also produces military uniforms upon requests, said the report. Fabrics for the shirts are produced from domestically grown organic cotton. The ready clothing is offered by the factory through specialized and online stores. According to the report, one of the leading enterprises of Turkmenistans textile industry is a cotton spinning factory in the city of Dashoguz, the center of the Dashoguz region. Its annual capacity is processing of more than 16,600 tons of cotton fiber and producing of 14,500 tons of high-quality cotton yarn of the Ring brand, which is in high demand in the world market. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @JeilaAliyeva Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 13:57:15|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SUVA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Preserving Fiji's environment and biodiversity is critical to ensure that the future generations do not face extreme drought or desertification in Fiji, said a Fijian minister on Friday. According to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), Fiji's Minister for Environment Mahendra Reddy said the onus is on all Fijians to ensure there is sustainable land management practices done. Reddy said they are undertaking a number of activities to make sure that sustainable land management is in place. "Under these two strategic objectives, we have a number of activities and sub-activities which contributes towards sustainable resource management. We are required for certain plant species that if we cut down a particular tree, for example mangroves, we are required to plant six mangrove plants." With the theme "Food.Feed.Fibre," this year's World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2020 is focused on changing public attitudes to the prominent driver of desertification and land degradation. "It's important that we educate ourselves, the future generation, our children so that we all cherish, nourish, accept and look after our natural and biological diversity, our resources and environment," he said. The Ministry of Environment is encouraging Fijians to be mindful of their activities to ensure they are not jeopardizing the natural ecosystem for future generations. The rapid decline in biodiversity is linked to the lack of action in the survival and well-being of Fiji's biodiversity, Reddy said, adding that the survival of biodiversity depends on human actions and it is no secret that people's biodiversity life is rapidly declining on a daily basis. Enditem Even if omicron peak nears, Long Beach cases and hospitalizations will still be up for weeks, official says Workers secure a Confederate monument with straps after removing it from its base in Decatur, Georgia (Ron Harris/AP) A Confederate monument that had stood in the town square of a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, for more than a century has been removed. Hundreds of people watched as a crane moved in and took down the stone obelisk as midnight approached. The Lost Cause monument, which was erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1908, was lifted from its base with straps amid jeers and chants of Just drop it! from onlookers in Decatur, who were kept at a safe distance by sheriffs deputies. Expand Close Workers remove the Confederate monument in Decatur, Georgia, with a crane (Ron Harris/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Workers remove the Confederate monument in Decatur, Georgia, with a crane (Ron Harris/AP) Mawuli Davis, a driving force behind lobbying to remove it, watched with others as it was slowly lowered on to its side and slid on to a waiting flatbed truck. Mr Daviss organisation, the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights, had held a demonstration in front of the monument a day earlier, pleading for its removal. This feels great. This is a peoples victory. All of our young people from Decatur High School that made this happen. All of these organisers, everybody came together, he told the Associated Press. This is it. This is a victory for this country. This is an example of what can happen when people work together. The confederate monument in @DowntownDecatur was erected in 1908 to remind Black people that our lives didnt matter. Everyday it remains says that our lives still dont matter. Dismantling white supremacy requires the uprooting & removal of the false history which supports it. pic.twitter.com/x3qITWJ9aJ Mawuli Davis (@MawuliMDavis) June 18, 2020 Groups such as his and Hate Free Decatur had been pushing for the obelisk to be removed since the deadly 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The monument was among those around the country that became flashpoints for protests over police brutality and racial injustice in recent weeks, following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis. The city asked a Georgia judge last week to order the removal of the monument, which was often vandalised and marked by graffiti, saying it had become a threat to public safety. DeKalb County Judge Clarence Seeliger agreed, and ordered the 30ft (9m) obelisk in Decatur Square to be removed by midnight on June 26 and placed in storage indefinitely. His order came hours before a white Atlanta police officer fatally shot another black man, 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, in the back, sparking renewed protests in Georgias capital region. Expand Close Local residents and protesters hold a rally calling on DeKalb County to follow a judges order to swiftly remove the Confederate monument from Decatur Square (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Local residents and protesters hold a rally calling on DeKalb County to follow a judges order to swiftly remove the Confederate monument from Decatur Square (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AP) Instead, the monument came down on the eve of Juneteenth the holiday celebrating the day in 1865 that all enslaved black people learned they had been freed from bondage as workers chipped it loose and the crowd cheered. Megan Beezley, who rushed to the square with her daughter after hearing about the removal from a Facebook post, said: Its always been troubling to see that monument over there on the square. We spend a lot of time up here and its troubling that our friends and our loved ones and other people of colour have to look at that monument to slavery and to the Confederacy. DeKalb County had spent several years trying to rid itself of the monument. A marker added last September said the obelisk was erected to glorify the lost cause of the Confederacy and has bolstered white supremacy and faulty history. Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki speaks during a meeting with economy-related ministers at the government complex in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki on Friday renewed calls for the National Assembly to approve the third extra budget to help revive the virus-hit economy, saying the government will spare no efforts to achieve positive growth this year. Earlier this month, South Korea proposed its third extra budget of 35.3 trillion won (US$29 billion) meant to help key industries cushion the economic blow from the coronavirus pandemic and protect jobs. "I earnestly ask the National Assembly to approve the third extra budget bill by the end of this month," Hong told a meeting with economy-related ministers. If approved, South Korea will spend more than 75 percent of the budget within three months, Hong said. Starting in July, the government will provide 5 trillion won in loans to subcontractors for key industrial sectors, Hong said. The loans will be offered after the government set up a 1 trillion-won fund, and the fund will allow banks to buy debts of the subcontractors, Hong said. The move will help channel liquidity into the subcontractors, which have been struggling to get bank loans because of their low credit ratings, Hong said. The government will also push for fresh financial support of 2 trillion won for subcontractors of automakers, Hong said. The pandemic has disrupted trade and halted production around the globe, with a rising number of countries fully shutting their borders. South Korea's auto exports more than halved in May from a year earlier due to falling demand in the face of the pandemic. South Korea's economy contracted 1.3 percent in the January-March period from the previous quarter, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK). The first-quarter contraction is the worst quarterly drop since the final quarter of 2008, when it shrank by 3.3 percent. Although the BOK predicts the nation's economy to contract 0.2 percent this year, the finance ministry expects the economy to grow 0.1 percent. South Korea's export-reliant economy is expected to suffer a bigger setback from the pandemic as the novel coronavirus disrupted global businesses and ravaged consumer demand. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula heightened this week after North Korea demolished the inter-Korean liaison office in the North's border city of Kaesong. After the meeting, Vice Finance Minister Kim Yong-beom told reporters that the government is closely monitoring financial markets and will swiftly and sternly take measures, if necessary. North Korea's threats are expected to have a limited impact on South Korea's financial markets, but the government will exercise heightened caution in dealing with the situation, Kim said. (Yonhap) New Delhi, June 19 : Soon after Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik said that the attack on the Indian soldiers by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) was pre-planned, former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi sharpened his attack on the Narendra Modi government saying the government was caught sleeping. "It's now crystal clear that -- the Chinese attack in Galwan was pre-planned, the Government of India was fast asleep and denied the problem and the price was paid by our martyred Jawans (soldiers)," Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet, attaching a news report. His remarks came soon after Naik while speaking in Panaji said that the June 15 attack on the Indian soldiers by the PLA troops was pre-planned and the Indian Army will give a befitting reply. Rahul Gandhi, who did not celebrate his 50th birthday on Friday slammed the government at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to hold an all party meeting later in the day over the India-China border faceoff and killing of 20 Indian soldiers, including an officer by Chinese PLA troops issue. On Thursday, he raised questions about the soldiers being sent unarmed to face the Chinese on the LAC. "By killing the unarmed soldiers of India, China has committed a big mistake. I want to ask who sent them unarmed towards the danger and why, who is responsible?" Rahul Gandhi said in a video message. He questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the killing of the Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley on Wednesday. "Why is the Prime Minister silent? Why is he hiding? Enough is enough. We need to know what has happened. How dare China kill our soldiers? How dare they take our land?" Later in the day, he also took a jibe at Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for taking two days to condole the death of the 20 Indian soldiers. "If it was so painful, why insult Indian Army by not naming China in your tweet? Why take two days to condole? Why address rallies as soldiers were being martyred? Why hide and get the Army blamed by the crony media? Why make paid-media blame Army instead of government of India?" Rahul said in a tweet on Wednesday. Rajnath Singh had addressed a virtual BJP rally as part of 'Jan Samvad' on Sunday and Monday in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand respectively. At least 20 Indian soldiers, including an officer, were killed in an unprecedented violent clash with Chinese PLA troops in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The abandoned bus where American adventurer Chris McCandless died almost 30 years ago has been airlifted away from its longtime resting place in the Alaskan wilderness. A helicopter on Thursday removed the 1940s-era Fairbanks city bus, which became a sometimes deadly tourist attraction, from the Stampede Trail on the remote side of the Teklanika River near Healy, Alaska. The operation was a joint effort of Alaska's Department of Natural Resources and the Alaska Army National Guard. "After studying the issue closely, prioritizing public safety and considering a variety of alternatives, we decided it was best to remove the bus from its location on the Stampede Trail," Alaska Natural Resources Commissioner Corri Feige said in a statement. "We're fortunate the Alaska Army National Guard could do the job as a training mission to practice airlifting vehicles, at no cost to the public or additional cost to the state." PHOTO: A National Guard Chinook helicopter lifts Fairbanks Bus 142, made famous by the book and film 'Into the Wild,' from the remote Stampede Trail outside Denali National Park, near Healy, Alaska, on June 18, 2020. (Alaska Army National Guard) The dilapidated bus will be stored in a safe location while Alaska's Department of Natural Resources considers options for its permanent disposition, according to Feige. 'Into the Wild' Chris McCandless' sister says he was determined to cut ties with parents The vehicle had been hauled to the Stampede Trail decades ago by a construction crew to house workers who were building a pioneer access road linking Stampede with Lignite on the Alaska Railroad. The bus was subsequently abandoned upon completion of the road in 1961 and used since as an emergency shelter, according to a press release from Alaska's Department of Natural Resources. PHOTO: A National Guard Chinook helicopter lifts Fairbanks Bus 142, made famous by the book and film 'Into the Wild,' from the remote Stampede Trail outside Denali National Park, near Healy, Alaska, on June 18, 2020. (Alaska Army National Guard via AFP/Getty Images) The bus was made famous by John Krakauer's 1996 book "Into the Wild" and a 2007 movie by the same name that told the story of 24-year-old McCandless, who in April 1992 hitchhiked to Alaska where he set out on the Stampede Trail with little food and equipment, hoping to live a simple life. He found the abandoned Fairbanks Bus 142 while hiking along the snow-covered trail and used it as a makeshift shelter that summer. Story continues 'Into the Wild' inspires adventurers, but at what cost? McCandless, who documented his trek with journal entries and snapshots, apparently tried to head back to civilization after a couple months, but the trail was blocked by the swollen Teklanika River, so he returned to the bus. He is believed to have died of starvation in mid-August 1992, approximately 113 days after he had walked into the wild. A group of moose hunters came across the bus that September and discovered McCandless' body inside. PHOTO: Fairbanks Bus 142, made famous by the book and film 'Into the Wild,' sits at an interim staging point during it removal by the Alaska Army National Guard from the Stampede Trail in Alaska, on June 18, 2020. (Alaska Army National Guard ) Hundreds of fans and sightseers have sought to reach the abandoned bus by retracing McCandless' steps along the Stampede Trail. Many have died, were injured or required search-and-rescue services while doing so. Since 2010, at least two people have drowned on their way to or from the bus while crossing swollen rivers, according to Alaska's Department of Natural Resources. "We encourage people to enjoy Alaska's wild areas safely, and we understand the hold this bus has had on the popular imagination," Feige said. "However, this is an abandoned and deteriorating vehicle that was requiring dangerous and costly rescue efforts. More importantly, it was costing some visitors their lives." 'Into the Wild' bus airlifted out of Alaskan wilderness due to concerns over tourist safety originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Ten million dollars, that funds a lot of different nonprofits, Welton said. That funds a lot of different professionals, medical professionals. That would fund a lot of different people who are actually trained to deal in the services of the people. And the city and the elected officials, they work for the people. So if we put that money back into the people, just imagine what that would do. Palestinians fear they will be forced from their land if Israel goes ahead with annexation plans for occupied West Bank. Palestinians across the Jordan Valley have voiced concerns over Israels annexation plan, saying it will further displace them from their lands and restrict access to their farmlands. For generations, the people of Fasayil herded animals on the desert bluffs and palm-shaded lowlands of the Jordan Valley. Today, nearly every man in the Palestinian village works for Israeli settlers in the sprawling modern farms to the north and south. The grazing lands to the west and east, leading down to the banks of the Jordan River, have been swallowed up by illegal settlements or fenced off by the Israeli military. Instead of leading sheep out to pasture, the men rise before dawn to work in the settlements for around thee dollars an hour or they move away. Everyone here works in the settlements, theres nothing else, said Iyad Taamra, a member of the village council who runs a small grocery store. If you have some money you go somewhere else where there is a future. Palestinians fear communities across the Jordan Valley will meet a similar fate if Israel proceeds with its plans to annex the territory, which accounts for around a quarter of the illegally occupied West Bank and was once seen as the bread basket of a future Palestinian state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to annex the valley and all of Israels far-flung occupied West Bank settlements, in line with President Donald Trumps Middle East plan, which overwhelmingly favours Israel and has been rejected by the Palestinians. The process could begin as soon as July 1. Netanyahu has said Israel will annex the land but not the people who rely on it, telling an Israeli newspaper they will remain in an enclave under limited self-rule, with Israel maintaining security control. Few, if any, Palestinians would be given citizenship, leaving their legal status uncertain. In a region that heavily relies on agriculture, the loss of farm and grazing land could force many to relocate. Restrictions in place The Jordan Valley is home to around 60,000 Palestinians, according to the UN, but nearly 90 percent of the land is part of what is known as Area C, the three-fifths of the West Bank that is under complete Israeli control. In the Jordan Valley, it includes closed military areas and around 50 agricultural settlements housing some 12,000 Israelis. Palestinians are barred from those areas, and from the lands they own. They are forbidden from digging wells or building any kind of infrastructure without hard-to-get military permits. From 2009 until 2016, less than two percent of more-than-3,300 permit applications in Area C were successful, according to Peace Now, an Israeli anti-settlement group, citing official statistics. Anything built without a permit, from home extensions to tents, animal pens and irrigation networks, is at risk of demolition by the Israeli military. If you dig a well they will come the next day and fill it with concrete, said Hani Saida, a farmer from the town of al-Auja. They may annex this area, but they will never give us equal rights. Theyll keep trying to drive us away. Impact on farming, trade Abdul-Malik al-Jaber, a Canadian-Palestinian businessman and the chairman of a large company that exports dates from the Jordan Valley, says the process of obtaining permits is a nightmare, even for big investors. Jaber said his company has spent the last two months and around $35,000 trying to secure a permit to build a modern date-packing plant on land he owns. He was told the Israeli military considers it a training area, even though farmers live there and work on the land. He fears annexation will only make things more difficult, by cutting off workers from the companys fields and factories, and further complicating the export process. Carving out Palestinian land Shaul Arieli, a retired Israeli military commander who worked on border demarcation during the peace process in the 1990s, estimates that the Palestinians would lose up to 70,000 acres (280 square kilometres) of private land. He expects Israel will carve out a new 200km (124-mile) border between the Jordan Valley and the rest of the occupied West Bank, and a 60km (37-mile) border around the Palestinian city of Jericho. He based his conclusions on maps presented by Netanyahu and the White House, which show Israel extending sovereignty over large swaths of land while leaving most populated areas outside its borders. COGAT, the Israeli military body that oversees civilian affairs in the West Bank, declined to comment. Israels annexation plans have sparked an international outcry, with European and Arab countries warning that it would violate international law and threaten any remaining hopes for a two-state solution. Last week, hundreds of international law professors and scholars signed an open letter condemning the Israeli plans to annex territory in the West Bank, calling it a flagrant violation of bedrock rules of international law, and would also pose a serious threat to international stability in a volatile region. Kevin Jon Heller, an international law professor, told Al Jazeera the Israeli planned annexation is a clear and fundamental violation of international law that prohibits annexation of territories taken by force. The attention of the media has been drawn to information within the Offinso South constituency, purported to be emanating from the camp of one of the aspiring candidates of the Offinso South NPP Primaries. Some of the worried NPP members have spoken to Peacefmonline.com. They accused one of the candidates of bribing delegates in the constituency with various items and cash including GHc 4,000, 32 TV set, a mobile phone, Knapsack sprayer and a hair dryer for each delegate. The intriguing aspect of this money sharing technique, according to information available to this portal, is that the said candidate has strategically budgeted to sort out only five hundred and twenty (520) delegates out of the about six hundred and ninety-eight (698) delegates at the Offinso South constituency. The five hundred and twenty (520) delegates who received the items from the candidate have been made to take an oath not to disclose the package to the remaining 178 delegates as they have been sidelined because of perceptions that they belong to opposing camps. The beneficiaries were allegedly coerced into swearing in the name of the Ashanti deity antoa nyamaa and other gods to keep their lips tight and sealed. Some constituency executives are said to be angry at the turn of events and have accused candidates supporters of being those who rained curses on NPP National Executive Council and constituency executives. They said the candidate has earned the nickname Dr. duabor because of the uncouth actions of his supporters and assigns. One of the constituency executives said If youre a delegate from Offinso South constituency and you have not been given any package yet, its obvious youre one of those delegates who has been sidelined. Delegates should be admonished to know that power belongs to them and shouldnt allow anybody to intimidate them with their so-called gods. Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday prayed for the speedy recovery of Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain after his condition worsened and he was shifted to the Max Hospital in Saket. The Home Minister took to Twitter and tweeted, Praying for the speedy recovery of Shri Satyendra Jain, Health Minister of Delhi who is battling with COVID-19 infection. Praying for the speedy recovery of Shri Satyendra Jain, Health Minister of Delhi who is battling with COVID-19 infection. Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 19, 2020 The condition of Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Friday worsened, two days after he tested positive for coronavirus. Jain has been diagnosed with pneumonia and is having trouble breathing. He is constantly being monitored and is being kept on and off oxygen support. The 55-year-old Jain has now been shifted to the ICU ward of Max Hospital in Saket from Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, where he was admitted earlier this week. He was put on oxygen support after his lung infection increased. Jain was tested twice this week after he developed symptoms of coronavirus, including high fever and breathing difficulty. He tested positive the second time on Wednesday. On Sunday, he was present at a meeting between the Union Home Ministry and the Delhi government. The meeting was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, L-G Anil Baijal, and Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan. Earlier on Friday, another Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi Marlena tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently in quarantine in her house. This came amid a sudden spurt in cases in the national capital. In Delhi, the cases are inching towards the 50,000-mark and over 1,969 people have succumbed to the disease. On June 9, Chief Minister Kejriwal had tested for the coronavirus after he complained of mild fever and sore throat. His test report, however, came out as negative. Fitzborne Chambers, the brother of Acting Police Sergeant Philbert Chambers who died in the line of duty, April 26, 2020, has appealed to police officers here to dedicate themselves to serving their country. Speaking at a Plaque Unveiling Ceremony in commemoration of the fallen officer, at the Central Police Station on Thursday 11th June, Fitzborne, himself a former police officer, implored the officers ".not to look at promotion, not to look at the way the station is, the condition. Not to look at leave .. do like Philbert, dedicate yourself to the service of your country. Not to the Commissioner of police, not to the Prime Minister, not to anybody else. He described his brother as a very hard-working and dedicated officer, who wanted to see improvement in the Police Force. "Philbert, he said, "had an interest in seeing the Force develop, and that is the reason why he would have been involved in youth clubs that is why he worked at a very high standard; the Judge will tell you that, the Magistrate, the Prosecutor, the Commissioner and his team would tell you Chambers was different in the performance of his duty. He added, "If every police officer emulated Philbert, then our country will be far much better less crime, less violence, better youths and so on. And as for reforms in the Police Force, Fitzborne called on the authorities to address this need with urgency, a need he said he had identified when he was a serving police officer. Commissioner of Police, Collin John also addressed the ceremony. He described Chambers as a vibrant leader in the police youth club, excellent investigator and good at community policing. John revealed that it was the first time they were unveiling a plaque to a fallen officer. "This is the first time that we are unveiling a plaque of a fallen comrade. We are honestly hoping it is the last because we dont want any police officer to die in the line of duty, but we know the nature of the job and it is very likely that things of this nature may happen again, the Commissioner told the gathering. Also speaking at the Ceremony was Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. He said that he was saddened by Chambers death. He also said that he was advised by the Chief Medical Officer to stay away from funerals for the time being, hence the reason he did not attend the late officers funeral. Also in attendance was the fallen officers immediate family, including his mother, Coleen, and father, Calvert. His father expressed how pleased he was that his son was honored for his service. A memorial to fallen officers is to be established at the old Montrose Police Station, it is understood. Harish Murali By Express News Service CHENNAI: Many found something new about them during this pandemic and the lockdown. A set of law students and lawyers across the country too have found that they can help out people in need of legal advice by using technology. "Lawyers Go Pro Bono" is an online initiative started by a group of law students that took root during this COVID- 19 pandemic lockdown. The website (www.lawyersgoprobono.com) offers answers to any legal queries free of cost for people across the country. Radhey Soundarya,22, the founder and a fourth-year law student at the Gujarat National Law University from Chennai is the person behind the initiative. "The website was set up to help everyone who needs legal advice in these difficult times of COVID-19. We offer quick, free and simple solutions to people who require legal remedies." "When everyone around me was aiding in some possible way to people in distress during the lockdown, I also wanted to do something to the society thus the idea sprung up", says Radhey. "I witnessed several people including my friends asking basic things on the rules and laws that ought to be followed in the lockdown; Fine amounts levied by the police; Easy Monthly Installments (EMIs) on the loans; Airline travel; Quarantine procedures; What are the essential services? " she adds. A total of 30 members are spread across India to keep the website www.lawyersgoprobono.com interactive. It went live on April 12, says Aathma Kumar, also part of the development team while speaking to Express. At least 40-50 queries have been answered by the team in this lockdown period. With the team comprising law students and also senior lawyers who are experts in various laws it has become easy to redress the grievances that are being raised online. "We offer them simple legal solutions for easy understanding as legal terms and laws confuse a number of people in the country", emphasizes Radhey. " We also tell them if there is even a case or not", she adds. Questions on people losing jobs due to lockdown, labour laws and the courts to approach to seek remedy were also raised by users. With the aim to cater to the masses, the website also provides a google form in eight different regional languages, said Vishal Sinha, also a part of the team. Megha Saha, another team member, recollects an incident which they received a month ago from a girl in Jaipur. When the lockdown was at its peak the girl's parents went to buy essential medicines and were caught by the police. Their car was seized and charges were slapped against them for violating the lockdown. "The helpless daughter soon found our website and raised a query on the legal measures. Our team quickly responded and advised them to attend the legal proceedings. We told them to seek an extension and to be heard after the lockdown. The person carried out the same and lauded our efforts", she added. With several people visiting the website seeking legal solutions, the team has planned to tie up with law institutions in each state. Britain has ditched its current contact tracing app, and announced on Thursday that it would switch to Apple and Google technology for the test-and-trace application. According to international media reports, both Apple and Google have been in talks with Britain about their model that has attracted the interest of over 20 countries. Further, Apple and Google's model uses a 'decentralized' approach. Britain's adoption of this approach will in line with a growing number of European countries. The current app that is being used by the UK is being tested on the Isle of Wight, off the southern coast of England where it proved to work well on Google's Android operating system, but not on Apple's iPhones. While several ministers had admitted to technical issues with the app, it was declared that the app was not ready to launch on May 28 for England's test and trace system. Read: WHO welcomes trial results of dexamethasone, congratulates UK govt and Oxford While Apple and Google's model has attracted several countries, some governments have reportedly also complained about the restrictions that the smartphones have imposed as it undercuts the technology's usefulness by prioritizing user privacy. Meanwhile, the test-and-trace program is seen as a key measure in order to re-open the country. However, it has also been criticized after the nationwide roll-out of a National Health Service (NHS)-developed smartphone app that slipped from last month towards the end of the year. Read: UK report: Racism means minorities harder hit by virus WHO welcomes Dexamethasone trial On June 16, the World Health Organisation (WHO) welcomed the preliminary clinical trial results from the United Kingdom that show Dexamethasone-- a steroid that can be lifesaving for coronavirus patients who are kept under ventilator or oxygen support. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom congratulated the UK government, which partially funded the trials that were led by Oxford University. Meanwhile, British Health Minister Matt Hancock stated that COVID-19 patients in the UK will be given dexamethasone immediately. According to the minister, Britain had already started stockpiling the drug since March. Becoming the fifth country in line, according to the latest reports, there are over 300,469 cases of coronavirus in the United Kingdom, out of which around 42,288 deaths have been reported to date. Read: UK Health Minister says COVID patients to get dexamethasone drug immediately Read: VE Day: Queen Elizabeth II praises Britain's response to Coronavirus crisis Govt has already approached World Bank seeking termination of contract. The progress of the project was just 20 per cent though the contract was awarded in 2016. Amid the India-China faceoff at the Galwan Valley in the east of Ladakh, the Indian Railways on Thursday decided to cancel a Rs 471-crore contract given to a Chinese company for a Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC). The Railways said it would cancel the signaling and telecommunication work for a 417-km stretch on the Kanpur-Deen Dayal Upadhyay section, which is part of the eastern DFC being set up by the Railway PSU Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation (DFCCIL). The government has approached the funding agency, World Bank, seeking termination of the contract citing poor progress. For such projects, cancellation of any contract requires a nod from the multilateral agency. According to a Railway official, the government might have to consider funding the project itself in the event of the World Bank deciding not to terminate the project. The progress of the project was just 20 per cent though the contract was awarded in 2016, affecting the overall completion deadlines for the DFC. In view of poor progress, it is decided by the DFCCIL to terminate this contract, said a Railways document. While the Eastern DFC is funded by the World Bank through Rs 13,625-crore loan, Japan International Cooperation Agency is providing debt of Rs 38,722 crore for the western DFC. The total project cost for Eastern DFC comes to around Rs 30,358 crore, while that of Western DFC is Rs 51,101 crore. Metro projects face political ire On Thursday, Maharashtra Minister Jitendra Awhad asked the Centre to scrap the Delhi-Meerut Metro work contract bagged by Shangai Tunnel Engineering Corporation (STEC). The Chinese firm is also a joint venture partner for L&T. The joint venture was awarded package one and package seven for Mumbais underground metro corridor in 2016 and is under implementation. Outside the JV, STEC was earlier awarded phase one of package 15 for the Mumbai metro network. An email sent to L&T on Thursday remained unanswered. The other Chinese firm executing packages for Mumbai metro network includes China Harbour Engineering. In 2018, Tata Projects and China Harbour Engineering in a JV were awarded package nine and package 11 on the Mumbai metro-4 corridor. Photograph: Kind courtesy, flamingotravels.co.in Activists of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) shout slogans as they hold posters and Chinese flag during an anti-China protest in Siliguri on June 17, 2020. China has returned 10 Indian soldiers captured during a deadly border clash earlier this week, a Indian government source said on Friday, as two Asian nuclear powers sought to de-escalate tensions on their disputed border in the western Himalayas. The Indian army did not comment on the release, which according to the source took place on Thursday evening, instead referring to a government statement that said all of its soldiers were accounted for. Twenty Indian soldiers, including an officer were killed in vicious hand-to-hand combat on Monday night in the Galwan Valley, according to the government, making it the deadliest clash on the India-China border in more than five decades. India has said the Chinese side also suffered casualties too, but the Chinese government has not disclosed any. Tensions remain high, despite the two governments agreeing they would seek to de-escalate the confrontation. And a day after the funerals of some of the soldiers in their hometowns, the public mood was hardening in India, with growing calls for revenge and a boycott of Chinese-made goods. Since the clash, military officials have held talks but there is no sign of a breakthrough. "The situation remains as it was, there is no disengagement, but there is also no further build up of forces," said a second Indian government source, who is aware of the ground situation. The official said at least 76 Indian troops were wounded during the clash, and had been hospitalized. "No one is critical as of now," he said. With his nation in shock over the loss its soldiers lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces one of the most difficult foreign policy challenges since he came to power in 2014. On Friday evening, Modi will hold an all-party meeting in New Delhi to discuss the crisis on the border with China. LOS ANGELES, June 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises The GEO Group, Inc. ("GEO Group" or the "Company") (NYSE: GEO ) investors that the firm has initiated an investigation into possible securities fraud, and may file a class action on behalf of investors. Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy , by phone 310-692-8883 or email : lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case via www.portnoylaw.com . The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses. The investigation focuses on whether The GEO Group misled investors concerning its regulatory and litigation risk in connection with the company's alleged lack of COVID-19 prevention measures. On June 17, 2020, The Intercept published an article entitled "GEO Group's Blundering Response to the Pandemic Helped Spread Coronavirus in Halfway Houses." The article reported details of a significant COVID-19 outbreak at the Grossman Center, a halfway house in Leavenworth, Kansas operated by GEO Group-which "was for weeks the hardest hit federal halfway house in the country" in terms of confirmed cases of COVID-19. Citing interviews with residents of the Grossman Center, The Intercept characterized GEO Group's response as "blundering" and reported, "that the virus spread not in spite of the facility's efforts to contain it, but because of it." According to the article, the Grossman Center continued to keep its residents in overcrowded conditions without enforcing personal protective measures even as COVID-19 diagnoses at the facility increased. On this news, GEO Group's stock price fell $1.03 per share, or 7.8%, to close at $12.17 per share on June 17, 2020. Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information. The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq. Admitted CA and NY Bar lesley@portnoylaw.com 310-692-8883 www.portnoylaw.com Attorney Advertising As family violence incidents hit a record high in Victoria, men have reported increased stress and more conflict at home but most do not know where to get support. Nearly half of men (47 per cent) told a national study there had been "more tension, yelling and conflict in the home" and more than two-thirds said isolation had increased their stress levels. A national survey found men were under more stress during isolation and some felt aggressively towards people in their homes, but most did not where to find help. One in 10 said the situation had led to aggressive thoughts towards people in their household, but most men from the general public surveyed by the Men's Referral Service said they did not know where to go to seek support. Jacqui Watt, CEO of No to Violence, which runs the Men's Referral Service, said men cited unemployment and job insecurity, general economic stress and financial pressures as reasons for their increased stress. The Delhi government on Friday tested 12,680 people for the coronavirus infection using Rapid Antigen Testing kits and found at least 951 positive samples, Delhis deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said. Today, 12,680 people in Delhi were tested for Covid-19 using Rapid Antigen Testing Kits, out of whom 951 people were found positive, Sisodia said in a tweet. The deputy chief minister has recently taken additional charge of Delhis health ministry after health minister Satyendar Jain tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government began Covid-19 tests through the rapid antigen procedure in and around containment zones of the national capital on Thursday. A total of 341 teams were involved in the rapid-antigen testing that gives results within 30 minutes. In a tweet yesterday, Sisodia said, 7,040 people underwent rapid-antigen tests at 193 centres across Delhi. Of this, 456 people have been found positive. He indicated that those residing in containment zones are being tested in the initial phase and the process would be gradually expanded to other areas in Delhi. ALSO READ | Covid-19: Manish Sisodia to chair meeting on increasing ICU beds in Delhi hospitals The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has said a certificate will be issued to those people tested at various centres, subject to clearance from AIIMS and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). According to Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, the Centre plans to conduct at least six lakh rapid-antigen tests at these facilities. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal too tweeted on Thursday saying, Two important things happened today. Covid-19 testing rates in Delhi have been reduced to Rs 2,400 and rapid-antigen testing has started. I hope people wont face any problems in getting themselves tested now. The rapid antigen kits, called Standard Q Covid-19 Ag detection, have been developed by South Korean company S D Biosensor. The testing method involves looking for antibodies, which are produced when the body is exposed to a pathogen. With a surge in coronavirus cases recently, Delhis infection tally stands at 49,979 and 1,969 people have died till date due to the coronavirus disease as of Friday. The tension along the contested areas of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has been continuing despite several rounds of meeting between Indian and Chinese officials. A meeting was held on Thursday to defuse the situation after the skirmish at Galwan Valley on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. This was the seventh meeting since the stand-off began in May and third since the Monday night clash. Here are the latest developments in the India-China border stand-off: India on Thursday asked China to restrict its activities to its side of the Line of Actual Control - a significant move following external affairs minister S Jaishankars assertion during a phone conversation with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Wednesday, that Chinese troops entered the Indian side in Galwan Valley and sought to erect a structure. The Indian Army has said that no soldier was missing in action after the violent brawl of June 15, in which the Chinese side also purportedly suffered casualties. It is clarified that there are no Indian troops missing in action, the army said in a terse statement, responding to reports that some troops were unaccounted for after the seven-hour clash that involved more than 500 rival troops. The brawl left 76 Indian soldiers injured, including 18 with serious injuries who are now said to be stable. News agency PTI reported that 18 personnel are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Leh while 58 are admitted to various other hospitals. India has rubbished Chinese claims of sovereignty over Galwan Valley where the incident took place. Late on Thursday, people aware of the development indicated that 10 soldiers, including two officers, were released by the Chinese side. Official word on this development was awaited. Indian and Chinese delegations, led by major generals, met on Thursday near Patrol Point 14 in Galwan Valley as part of military engagements to defuse tensions on the disputed border. The two sides had a long discussion on the border situation after the clash. They agreed to hold more talks in the coming days. These talks will be held at different levels, an Indian Army official said on condition of anonymity. Thousands attended funerals on Thursday for many of the 20 Indian soldiers killed in the clash. The two armies were engaged in a standoff in Galwan and several other areas of eastern Ladakh since May 5 when the two sides clashed on the banks of the Pangong Tso. The trigger for the face-off was Chinas stiff opposition to India laying a key road around the Pangong Tso Lake besides construction of another road connecting the Darbuk-Shayok-Daulat Beg Oldie road in Galwan Valley. India has already decided not to stall any border infrastructure projects in eastern Ladakh despite Chinese protests. The last time the Chinese military had taken Indian soldiers captive was in July 1962 after a clash in Galwan Valley. - Angel Locsin became a hot topic again due to her recent photos that spread on social media - The photos show Angel being simple and humble despite being rich and famous - The Kapamilya star is seen in the pictures riding a tricycle in Mauban, Quezon - Angel was there to shoot scenes for her upcoming program Iba Yan, which features her team helping the citizens of the town, according to the Facebook page Maubanin Ako PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Angel Locsin has once again gone viral due to her recent photos that spread on social media. KAMI learned that the photos show Angel being simple and humble despite being rich and famous. PAY ATTENTION: Shop with KAMI! The best offers and discounts on the market, product reviews and feedback The viral pictures feature the Kapamilya superstar riding a tricycle in Mauban, Quezon. According to the Facebook page Maubanin Ako, Angel was there to shoot scenes for her upcoming program Iba Yan, which features her team helping the citizens of the town. 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 Angel sent a message to the policemen who detained six jeepney drivers for protesting amid the COVID pandemic. Angel Locsin is a famous actress and endorser in the Philippines, best known for her portrayal of the superhero Darna. She is also known as one of the most charitable celebrities in the country. The actress is currently engaged to her partner, Neil Arce. 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 The death toll is 985 people as of today. The number of new confirmed cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus per day in Ukraine is nearing 1,000. "According to the Public Health Center, there were 34,984 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 19. Of them, 921 cases were reported in the past 24 hours," the country's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on June 19. Read alsoUkraine may re-impose strict quarantine in some regions from June 22 The death toll is 985 people as of today. Some 16,033 patients have already recovered. A total of 542,247 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have been conducted. The total number of confirmed cases per region is the following: 1,596 cases in Vinnytsia region; 1,673 in Volyn region; 1,021 in Dnipropetrovsk region; 350 in Donetsk region; 1,201 in Zhytomyr region; 1,960 in Zakarpattia region; 547 in Zaporizhia region; 1,940 in Ivano-Frankivsk region; 604 in Kirovohrad region; 4,176 in the city of Kyiv; 2,142 in Kyiv region; 3,540 in Lviv region; 71 in Luhansk region; 338 in Mykolayiv region; 1,200 in Odesa region; 289 in Poltava region; 2,693 in Rivne region; 246 in Sumy region; 1,605 in Ternopil region; 1,744 in Kharkiv region; 185 in Kherson region; 608 in Khmelnytsky region; 4,211 in Chernivtsi region; 585 in Cherkasy region; 459 in Chernihiv region. Data from Russia-occupied areas the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions is not available. COVID-19 tests were conducted by the Public Health Center's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories. As of the morning of June 19, 2020, the Center had received 1,192 reports of suspected cases. In total, there have been 76,946 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020. The ministry urged Ukrainians to comply with its recommendations to counter the epidemic, including wearing face masks, using hand sanitizers, and social distancing. As UNIAN reported earlier, on June 17, the Ukrainian government extended the so-called adaptive quarantine until July 31 over a spike in the incidence in the past week. The easing of the coronavirus-related lockdown started on May 22. The adaptive quarantine means that the respective restrictions will be lifted only in those regions where the epidemic situation allows. In other regions, the quarantine-related measures may be enhanced if the situation worsens. As of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 18, there were 34,063 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine. They included 966 deaths and 15,447 recoveries. Some 829 new cases were recorded in the past day. Australian researchers believe they've made a breakthrough in testing for young children with asthma. Researchers in Western Australia have been taking urine samples to determine whether wheezy children may go on to suffer from chronic respiratory problems. Doctors are currently unable to accurately diagnose the medical condition in children under six due to a lack of clinically viable testing methods. This means the 20 per cent of Australian children who suffer wheezing in the first three years of their life are often misdiagnosed and unnecessarily medicated. Australian researchers believe they've made a breakthrough in testing for young children with asthma The research is being headed up by Paediatric respiratory doctor Andre Schulz with funding from the Telethon Kids Institute and the Western Australia government. Researchers having been taking urine samples from more than 200 families with young children aged between two and ten. This includes four different groups- healthy school aged children, school aged children with asthma, wheezy pre-schoolers and healthy pre-schoolers. They discovered older children with asthma have a distinct 'chemical fingerprint' which was the same as some wheezy preschoolers. Researchers will continue monitoring the children involved in the trial for a five year period to see if the preschoolers develop asthma. The research is being headed up by Paediatric respiratory doctor Andre Schulz (pictured) with funding from the Telethon Kids Institute and the Western Australia government Dr Schulz told the West Australian this could prevent younger children without the illness from being treated with potentially harmful medication. 'If you put a pre-school age child on inhaled steroids for months, there's a very good chance that it will influence the final adult height,' he said. 'It might only be by a centimetre or so, but if any treatment in a pre-school child can influence what they're going to look like 15 years later, it's potent stuff. Dr Schulz came upon the idea of using metabolomics to test for asthma back in 2008, but didn't have the expertise to secure funding for the research. The researcher is hopeful the 'leap of faith' in exploratory research could pave the way for a major breakthrough in asthma globally. 'But it worked and it certainly looks like there are strong signals coming through,' he said. Congressman Richie Neal speaks at South Congragational Church's Community Food Pantry on Friday. Vanguard Renewables and H.P. Hood provided 400 gallons of milk to the pantry. Mary Wheat explains the pantry's operations to Neal and Eugene Dellea, president of Fairview Hospital and a friend of Neal's. PreviousNext Neal Delivers Milk to Pittsfield Food Pantry Neal speaks with pantry coordinator Mary Wheat and state Sen. Adam Hinds. PITTSFIELD, Mass. U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, in partnership with Vanguard Renewables and H.P. Hood, delivered 400 gallons of milk to the South Congregational Church Community Food Pantry. It is hard enough for the food pantry to serve all those in need. Throw a pandemic in the mix and resources have to be stretched even further. "Food security in the pandemic is critical," Neal said Friday afternoon. "One of the things that really got my attention, you would see these photos of farmers having to dump milk. Throwing away perishables. That got my attention." This is the fifth milk donation event sponsored by Vanguard Renewable, a national leader in the development of food and dairy waste-to-energy projects. Hood is a national dairy and food distributor headquartered in Lynnfield. "We have donated more than 1,000 gallons that is pretty successful," Neal said. "You are always reminded of the human dimension to it all. A lot of the time people are not getting the necessary sustenance." This is the fifth milk donation event sponsored by Vanguard Renewables. Other events were held in Boston on May 7, in Providence, R.I., on May 27, in Plainville on June 4, and Springfield on June 5. Pantry coordinator Mary Wheat gave Neal a tour, pointing to the different stations of food allowing the proper social distancing. She touched on the pantry's drive-through pickup and other creative ways it is providing hundreds of people with food a week. "There are a lot of people hungry," she said. "We keep getting calls." She said she was thankful for all the donations and noted organizations and businesses have really stepped it up during the pandemic. Neal said he was very familiar with the workings and the necessity of food pantries having started one when he was the mayor of Springfield. "I take some pride in having started one in Springfield," Neal said. "It was always a reminder of how grim it could be for a lot of people." In the kitchen, Neal discussed some of the programs helping people through the pandemic. He said sustenance is one thing, the other issue is getting money in the hands of those who need it the most. He said these programs will likely have to ramp back up. "We haven't seen the other side of this yet. We are only in the middle of this. It is going to be this way for a while," he said. "The good news is there is a decrease in the number of people who have filed for unemployment benefits. The bad news is there are more than 30 million who have filed unemployment." He said Congress will likely try to send another check to households and focus more resources on these programs. "We are likely to do another check. We are likely to do more unemployment insurance, hospital money, the job retention job credit, the paycheck retention program," he said. "I think it did what it was supposed to do." He specifically said the paycheck retention program worked well in the Berkshires and benefited a lot of employers "We used really good minds and really good people and when you look at the paycheck programs. Look what that has done in the Berkshires," he said. "The money flowed through the system and stabilized things quickly." He said now is not the time to be complacent and that he was very proud of the House Ways and Means Committee, which he chairs. Not with just its more recent work but what it has been able to accomplish over the past few years. "The committee wrote two-thirds of all of this legislation and I am so proud of it and how successful we have been and what we have done over the past few years," he said. "We did find a path forward to deliver these things and we are going to have to do it again." All Images Credit Fullerton Hotels Singapore is the epitome of a rags to riches story. This small country at the tip of the Malaysian peninsula is a tale of triumph over adversity to become an uncontested success story. Smaller in size than New York City, this quaint country was ruled by the British, occupied by the Japanese during World War II, handed back to British rule until forming an independent union with Malaysia. Singapore then went its own way and struggled from its independence in 1965 and through the 1970s with rampant unemployment and poverty. 55 years later, Singapore is the polar opposite and has become one of the worlds most stunning jet-set cities with glitzy skyscrapers, one of the busiest shipping ports in the hemisphere, and sparking malls filled with the most opulent luxury goods that money can buy. Singapore is, after all, the homeland of Crazy Rich Asians. One landmark and national treasure has laid witness to Singapore transformation over the last century is today one of the countrys most opulent grand dame hotels, the Fullerton Hotel. This rich history is the foundation of makes Singapore so special. The city embraces its past with buildings from the turn of the last century mixed with brand new shiny towers. In front of the Fullerton Hotel is a curious looking iron marker is set in cement with the annotation, Mile Zero. Mile Zero marks the place where the postal system of those early days began to measure the distance from the central post office outward to where the countrys letters and parcels traveled to their final destination. Today that marker is a remnant of an era gone yet the grand Palladian-style edifice adjacent to it, which was once Singapores central post office, is today one of the citys most opulent hotels. This former mail depot turned respite for the well to do is a national treasure and UNESCO World Heritage site. The Fullerton Hotel is a five-star hotel located in literally the center of Singapore and faces the Singapore Bay in the front and the financial district and colonial-era section at its rear. Built in1928, the building reminds one of a stately government building with neoclassical facade, massive Doric columns, and soaring portico. The welcoming atrium lobby is a five-story, sunlit courtyard, a buzz with activity. Singapores high society and hotel sophisticates take their afternoon tea there while others in nattily business attire are engrossed in business negotiations. It is a posh setting with elegant furnishings, fresh cut flowers, and sparkling marble floors. From a second-floor balcony, a live harp plays as the musical notes waif through space adding to the refined ambiance. In 2001, the former government building was transformed into a national icon and one of Singapores most highly regarded luxury hotels. The facilities are extensive with 400 elegant accommodations, two top-notch restaurants, a spa and a suite of first-class amenities such as the 80 ft infinity edge pool that overlooks the Singapore River and the historic part of town. On the second floor of the hotel is an outdoor terrace and an outdoor bar ideal for taking in the panoramic sights and sounds of the bay. The hotel is just across the road from the Singapore Bay and the One Fullerton, Esplanade with shops and cafes and bars. The waterfront area is a 10-minute walk through an underground tunnel which also takes you to Singapores version of the Statue of Liberty and Eiffel Tower, the Merlion statue. The Fullerton Hotel is walking distance from many tourist favorites such as the historic trading houses that are now repurposed into swanky restaurants and bars of Boat Quay and the nightlife and happening hotspot of Quay Clarke. The hotel offers a range of services that appeal to the upmarket traveler. Well-heeled guests will want to choose accommodations that provide access to their Straights Club. This is a VIP Lounge that provides a cadre of indulgent services including exclusive check-in, concierge services, clothes pressing, as well as business services. The Straights Clubs most cherished perks are of course the meals served throughout the day from a robust Chandon champagne breakfast to high tea service and gourmet canapes and cocktails in the evening. The Straights Club also makes an ideal place to relax and read the paper or work away from your room. Attentive service is also the norm from a caring staff that goes out of their way to ensure guests' comfort and needs are met. The opulent 371 rooms and 28 suites feature classic architecture, finely crafted interiors, a calming color palette, elevated ceilings, and an exquisite decor with Peranakan style touches. The accommodations range from entry-level rooms to the magnificent presidential suite that is more like a pied-a-terre than a hotel room. A fine option is the Straits Club Premier Quay Room with a lovely balcony overlooking the Marina Bay waterfront. The posh interiors include a kind sized bed, top notch electronics with 50 inch television and a bedside room controls that dim the lights and close the curtains. The marble tiled bathrooms are luxurious as well with marble floors, soaking bath, separate shower, and designer bathroom amenities. The Fullerton Hotel boasts several dining outlets and signature restaurants such as the upscale Chinese restaurant, Jade and the formal Italian fare restaurant, the Lighthouse. Dinner at the Lighthouse is set in what was once a lighthouse overlooking the Singapore straight before reclaimed land, where the Marina Bay Sands now sits, made it a bay. The views are stunning from the restaurant as well as the restaurants upstairs terrace and outdoor bar. The Lighthouse perennially ranks as one of the top Italian restaurants in the city. The head chef hails from Milan where he worked at Michelin star restaurants before coming to Singapore so expect cuisine on the level of European standards. Dinner at the Lighthouse is an intimate, formal, and truly the highest echelon of dining in Singapore. Theres so much to do in the area which makes the hotel and an ideal base to explore the city. Theres plenty to do there as well without venturing outside of the hotel. The second-floor pool scene is a great place to start with attentive service, views of the city below, and the imposing Palladian facade of the building as a backdrop. The Fullerton always has a series of revolving exhibits as well from artist and other interesting topics. Theres also a museum that showcases the history of the building and Singapore as well as regularly scheduled guided tours with talks about the hotel and citys colonial history and transformation. The Fullerton Hotel has a beautiful story that parallels Singapore itself. Take something old that is not working and transform it into a masterpiece for all to admire. For an opulent stay, close to everything, look no further than Singapores grand dame hotel and a stay in the Fullerton Hotel. Dr Helmut Marko has confirmed that world champion Lewis Hamilton apologised for this week's media misunderstanding. The Mercedes driver had slammed the top Red Bull official after Marko was quoted as suggesting Hamilton was "distracted" by the Black Lives Matter movement. The comments attributed to Marko, however, were false. Marko said Red Bull is now considering legal action against the website that published them. "If it was up to me, I wouldn't do anything," Marko, 77, told Auto Bild. "We live in a time when madness should not be fought with more madness. "But since Red Bull Racing was mentioned, the British are examining whether to take legal action against the website. It is no longer in my hands," said the Austrian. As for Hamilton, though, Marko said he considers the matter to be closed. "Lewis is just committed - that's a good thing," he said. "He apologised to me and that's the end of it." F1's authorities, on the other hand, are standing firmly behind Hamilton's latest push into political matters, including Spanish bullfighting, the destruction of statues, and even Belgian colonialism. "I have the greatest respect for Lewis Hamilton and his work on social media," FIA president Jean Todt is quoted by Speed Week. And Yath Gangakumaran, Formula 1's Director of strategy, added: "What Lewis has done helps us to accelerate the changes we want to see in Formula 1. "Gone are the days when an athlete could hide behind his sport." (GMM) PLA Xizang Military Command holds coordinated exercise in plateau region EditorChen Zhuo Time2020-06-19 17:21:11 Recently, a brigade under the PLA Xizang Military Command organized a coordinated exercise at the elevation of more than 4,700 meters, which highlighted the reconnaissance and strike conducted by unmanned system, precise strike with missile-gun integrated weapon system, combined fire strike system, all-dimensional assault and control, etc. The participating troops included forces of artillery, anti-aircraft, special operations army aviation, electronic warfare, engineering and anti-chemical warfare. In an interview with NewsX, Foreign policy expert Dr Suvrokamal Dutta suggests that India should form an alliance with USA, Israel, Australia, Japan and South Korea to take China head on. Q1) In the view of what has happened in Galwan, how do you think India can teach a lesson to China diplomatically and economically? After the recent flare-up between India and China in the Galwan Valley, time has come for India to teach China a lesson once for all. China unilaterally tried to capture the Galwan valley, which is a part and parcel of India. The barbarism of the PLA shown in their recent assault against the Indian army in which 20 of our soldiers were martyred is beyond all civilized norms. By this brutal action, PLA has proved that it is not a modern professional army but a group, which can be addressed as a terrorist outfit, similar to the ISIS. It is time for us to isolate China diplomatically at the global level. We should warn China to give back the whole of Aksai Chin, which is our land. We should, from now on, address Aksai Chin as Aksai Hind. We should immediately recognise Tibet and Xinjiang as Independent Nations and allow them to open their embassies in New Delhi, India. We should allow Taiwan and Hong Kong to open their embassies in New Delhi India and recognize Hong Kong as a separate Nation. India should form a group of USA, Israel, Australia, Japan and South Korea and take China head on. It should take Russia into confidence. Economically, Indian people and Indian Industries should completely boycott Chinese goods and Chinese investors. Government of India should ask the existing Chinese companies to quit India. Heavy tariff duty and import duties should be imposed on Chinese goods. Q2) While the PM has been talking about a self- reliant India and there is an anti-China sentiment prevailing in the country- do you think completely boycotting Chinese goods is a feasible option? Complete boycott of the Chinese goods by Indians is surely a good and viable option for India. In fact, the huge middle class market in India is a huge market base for China for selling its cheap third-rate goods and items. If this market base is taken away from China, its economic foundation would be largely broken. It would create huge economic and financial chaos and upheaval in China. Q3) If China delays in demarcating the forward line of control do you think India should be prepared for a military option as well? If China refuses to demarcate the forward line of control then military option should be an option but only as a final option. India should ask China to hand over the whole of Aksai Chin back to us. In fact India should stake her claims on lands up to Mount Kailash as our land and ask China to hand it over back to India because areas right up to Mount Kailash were always historically and culturally associated with Indian Culture as such India should ask for its return. Q4) Would you say that the current dispensation has not been able to read Chinas real intentions? Did we ignore the aggressive land-grabbing side of China which goes way beyond the shores of Mahabalipuram? Yes perhaps. As a civilised and peace loving nation, we trusted China expecting it to behave in the same civilised and peace-loving manner. We should have been over cautious after the Doklam issue and also during the aggressive posturing of the PLA in the borders for the land grabbing of Indian lands during the seashore meetings of Mahibalipuram, should have alerted us then. Q5) The opposition has directly blamed the Modi govt of not being able to stop the Chinese from intruding into our territory to begin with- Rahul and company say thats the reason for todays standoff. What would you say about their assessment? Arguments of the opposition, especially of Shri Rahul Gandhi, in my understanding is extremely childish, illogical and absurd as such. I do not give any credence to it. Mr Rahul Gandhi should first answer as to when the PLA and China grabbed 100 sq kms of our land in the Ladakh area during the UPA rule. Why was the Congress silent then? Why did it hide the facts then? What action did the UPA take against China and the PLA then?! Q6) Today new satellite images have come up which show how China has been aggressively building infra near Galwan doesnt this clearly show Chinas intention? What do you think India can do in this scenario? Yes, the satellite images do prove the real intention of China in the Galwan Valley area. It should be a warning bell for us. We should be diplomatically and militarily be totally prepared for any eventualities in near future from China and the PLA and give it a befitting reply, which China should remember it for centuries. Q7) Given that almost all proof shows how this attack by China was pre-meditated, do you think India should start aligning with anti-powers China like the US more openly isnt it time that India builds a Intl community to take on China? Now that it is clear that the recent moves of China and the barbarism attached to it was clearly pre-meditated move of China, India should now more openly and clearly align with USA. In fact, India should form an axis of India-USA- Israel -Australia -Japan -South Korea to take China head on. India should take Russia into confidence. India should now lobby for its entry into NATO and APEC ( SUVROKAMAL DUTTA- a renowned right wing media think tank and foreign policy expert.) For all the latest National News, download NewsX App (TNS) A man accused of hacking the human resources databases at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center starting in 2014 and stealing the data of 65,000 employees was arrested Tuesday in Detroit.Justin Sean Johnson is under indictment in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with the 2014 hack at UPMC.Prosecutors said Mr. Johnson conspired with others in South America, including a Cuban national living in Venezuela who was prosecuted here for his role as a middle man, to sell the stolen data on the dark web, resulting in the filing of bogus tax returns for IRS refunds.The Venezuelen man, Yoandy Perez Llanes, was sentenced here in 2017 and subsequently deported.Llanes had pleaded guilty to money laundering, conspiracy and aggravated identity theft for what prosecutors said was a "back end" role in the scheme.The 43-count indictment against Mr. Johnson was returned on May 20 and unsealed today; he appeared briefly Wednesday in the Eastern District of Michigan.Mr. Johnson, 29, known online as "TDS" and "DS," stole names, Social Security numbers, addresses and salary information of Pennsylvania's largest health care system, U.S. Attorney Scott Brady said."His theft left over 65,000 victims vulnerable to years of potential financial fraud," Mr. Brady said in a statement.He promised to pursue similar hackers until they are in custody and held accountable. Former U.S. Attorney David Hickton made a similar claim when Llanes was finally extradited to Pittsburgh after fighting extradition all the way to Venezuela's highest court. The extradition was hailed as a victory for the Justice Department in trying to bring international cybercriminals to U.S. courts to face punishment.Tom Fattorusso, agent in charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation, said the victims in stolen ID cases such as the UPMC employees are victimized repeatedly by fraudsters after their information is hacked. He said victims have to deal with the stress of knowing their personal data is out there on the dark web and being used to file false tax returns or sold to others who file false returns."This causes a hardship for the innocent victims when they try to file their own tax returns," he said. "Victims are then left to deal with credit issues caused by the unscrupulous actions of the criminals.At Llanes' sentencing in 2017, a UPMC nurse whose information was hacked and sold to file bogus returns said her sense of security had been forever violated."Although his crime was against the the U.S. government and I received my IRS refund money back, my devastation is not about the money," she said. "I am a proud American and was affected deeply by this invasion of my privacy. You have no idea what I went through when I discovered I was hacked."Mr. Johnson hacked UPMC's human resources database in 2014, the grand jury said. He sold it for use by conspirators who then filed hundreds of fake 1040 tax returns in 2014 using the UPMC employee data. The filings caused the IRS to send some $1.7 million in false refunds.The files directed that the refunds be issued onto Amazon.com gift cards, which the filers applied toward the purchase of electronics on Amazon.From February through March 2014, about $885,000 in electronic merchandise bought on Amazon, such as cell phones and games, was ordered using the gift cards with instructions for delivery to Venezuela through reshipping services in Miami.Co-conspirators in Maracay and Maracaibo, Venezuela, received the shipments, the grand jury said. One of them was Llanes. Two others are named only by initials M.N. and J.M.The grand jury said the merchandise was later sold in online marketplaces in South America.Mr. Johnson was ordered detained by a judge in Michigan on Thursday and was headed to Pittsburgh for an initial hearing. European shares opened higher on Friday, ahead of the European Council's meeting to negotiate the EU recovery fund, with Germany's Lufthansa gaining on signs of movement in its stalled government bailout. The pan-European STOXX 600, which like other global markets has struggled in the face of new bouts of coronavirus infections in the China and a number of other economies, rose 0.5% at 0705 GMT, with Frankfurt shares leading gains. The European Council will have its first meeting to discuss a commission's proposal to raise 750 billion euros worth of debt to top up spending from joint coffers to be worth 1.1 trillion euros in 2021-27. COVID-19 cases continued to rise as around 400 workers at a slaughterhouse in northern Germany tested positive for the virus on Thursday, while cases rose in several U.S. states and Beijing. Among stocks, Lufthansa rose 3.5% after its biggest shareholder, German billionaire Heinz Hermann Thiele, reached out to Berlin politicians for talks, newspaper Handelsblatt reported, the latest step in a standoff over the airline's 9 billion euro bailout. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie On Tuesday, a Supreme Court majority ruled in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, written to protect against discrimination on the basis of sex, also protects against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. That Trump-nominated Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote the majority opinion (joined also by Bush-nominated Chief Justice John Roberts) helped to occasion on some quarters of the right a bout of despair and fatalism more redolent of eras when Republican-nominated justices did not ostensibly control the Court. The dolor doubled Thursday, when a Roberts-led 54 majority in DHS v. Regents of the University of California rejected the Trump administrations ending of the Obama administrations Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, essentially a legislative act of executive protection for an otherwise unauthorized group of resident aliens. One person not sharing in the grief, at least concerning the first decision, was Iowa Republican senator Chuck Grassley. Its the law of the land, Grassley said about Bostock. And it probably makes uniform what a lot of states have already done. And probably negates Congresss necessity for acting. A member of the legislative branch what is theoretically the most powerful branch of government expressing relief for not having to legislate is a far cry from the design of the Constitution. The Federalist Papers, written before the Constitutions ratification to advocate its adoption, justify the documents proposed separation of powers as a means to keep one branch from growing more powerful than any other, thus precluding tyranny. Ambition must be made to counteract ambition, Federalist No. 51 reads. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. Yet Congress today is ambition-deficient. One of the few ambitions of Republicans in Congress during Trumps presidency has been to confirm judges. This is partly a reactive measure, responding to the Lefts transformation of the judiciary into a legislative body (one that often legislates in its direction), as most notoriously embodied in Roe v. Wade. Its partly a product of circumstance: namely, the fact that the legal wing of the conservative movement, especially as represented by the Federalist Society, seems uniquely competent at finding, training, and placing its chosen people, especially compared with other factions on the right. And its partly a consequence of Congresss own defects: the aforementioned unwillingness to legislate, gridlock, etc. The elevation of the Supreme Court and the decline of Congress as a serious lawmaking body have combined to make Congresss main purpose, for Republicans, to fill the federal judiciary. A not-inconsiderable number of nose-holding votes for Trump in 2016 came from Republicans hoping to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court; a considerable amount of Trump defense continues to come from efforts in which his administration has since participated to shape the judiciary. Story continues All of this has led Republicans to accept a greater emphasis on the courts, especially the Supreme Court, as a means to resolve what might once have been political questions. Senators promise to appoint conservative justices; voters dutifully support them as essentially a rubber stamp for judicial appointments and little else. But when Republicans put greater emphasis on the courts, it makes the sting all the more painful when they do not deliver sought-after outcomes (even if failures sometimes get more fanfare than successes). This is the connection between Grassleys relief and voter anger: Senators are relieved to be relieved of difficult legislation; those who elect them are angry that the people to whom Congress has passed the buck of legislating are not acting rightly. This is an unsustainable position. And it is, to be fair, not one entirely of the Rights creation. The transformation of the Supreme Court, and of the courts more generally, originated primarily as a phenomenon of the Left, an attempt to re-engineer the Constitution without having to bother with votes. But the degree to which those on the right have acquiesced merely to working within this framework is beginning to approach complicity in it. It is one thing to demand conservative judges; it is different to make this demand while absolving Congress of its responsibility to legislate for itself. Just because the Federalist Society is a confident and capable organization doesnt mean that those on the right should give up on expecting Congress to do the rest of its job. To do so is to surrender, in a sense, to the notion that political questions are best resolved judicially, and to further rule by lawyers (though to be fair, Congress has plenty of those, too). This has helped create our current situation, one whose remove from consent and other legitimating pathways seriously threatens our political stability. However one feels about the recent decisions, they properly belong in Congress, not the Supreme Court. But ours is a difficult situation to change. The deck is stacked considerably against Congress, legally, politically, and culturally. Its members are given to grandstanding, consumed by gridlock, and unused to the process of give-and-take that actually produces legislation. The Supreme Court, meanwhile, must deal only with nine members and increasingly takes on an august stature that many of its members have done little, in the past 100 years or so, to restrain, and in fact tend to abet. Voters themselves elect congresses that seem hopelessly at odds, and then abide by their failure to legislate. And a focus on the courts is understandable, given their considerable power; concern for them remains justified. But the degree and extent of congressional dereliction surpass explanation by merely these factors. Much of it is self-willed, though some members see the problem. Perhaps if conservative voters expected more of those they elected than merely to confirm judges to do Congresss work for it, then members of Congress would rise to the occasion. The alternative is more inaction, a further warping of our constitutional order . . . and more whining. More from National Review Indian and Chinese Army talks on further disengagement at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh seem to be getting back on track after China released 10 Indian Army personnel from captivity. The personnel, including two Majors, two Captains, and six Jawans from two units were sent back to Patrol Point 14 on Thursday at 5.30 pm. The Indian Army men were held captive by the Chinese Army after a violent face-off between the two sides on June 15 in Eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley. The fatal confrontation led to the killing of 20 Indian soldiers. India and China held Major General level talks over the last three days which revolved around the release of 10 Indian Army personnel in the Chinese Army's captivity. Also Read: India-China border row: Traders' body CAIT releases list of 500 Chinese items to be boycotted Meanwhile, no further talks are scheduled for Friday after the personnel's release, but a dialogue for further disengagement at the LAC is expected to continue later, according to sources. The Indian Army and External Affairs Ministry also clarified that none of the personnel were missing or unaccounted for. While the men have returned to their units, the situation on the ground remains volatile. The troop build-up continues in Galwan Valley and Pangong Lake, the epicentres of standoff between India and China. Also Read: India-China border clash: What happened on June 15-16? Following a violent confrontation between soldiers from both sides in Galwan Valley, there have been skirmishes on the north bank of Pangong Lake. China has set up a camp at a point, which has always been under Indian control, in its bid to change the status quo. India had been seeking to restore the status quo as of April end, even before the standoff began, but the Chinese have not yet retreated from the area. The Defence Headquarters has said that troops of Air Task Force, Operation LAFIYA DOLE have destroyed a Boko Haram Terrorists Tactical ... The Defence Headquarters has said that troops of Air Task Force, Operation LAFIYA DOLE have destroyed a Boko Haram Terrorists Tactical Command Centre and neutralized some of their fighters at Yuwe in the Sambisa Forest axis of Borno State. Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. Enenche explained that the operation was executed on June 17 following series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that observed the significant presence of Boko Haram terrorists in the settlement. The statement read: The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has destroyed a Boko Haram Terrorists Tactical Command Centre and neutralized some of their fighters at Yuwe in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State. The operation was executed on June 17, 2020, after series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions observed the significant presence of BHTs in the settlement and also established that a prominent compound with solar panel-mounted rooftop and a large tree in the middle with a nearby flag-mounted sentry post was being used by the BHTs to coordinate their operations in the area. The operation was executed on June 17, 2020, after series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions observed the significant presence of BHTs in the settlement and also established that a prominent compound with solar panel-mounted rooftop and a large tree in the middle with a nearby flag-mounted sentry post was being used by the BHTs to coordinate their operations in the area. Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets dispatched by the ATF to take out the Command Centre took turns in attacking the location scoring accurate hits, leading to the destruction of the Centre and surrounding structures as well as the neutralization of several fighters. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, commends the ATF for their dedication and professionalism. See video below NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg sees no 'imminent threat' to alliance members from China, Russia, CNBC reported. Those two nations [China and Russia] are two very different challenges for NATO. We dont see any imminent threat against any NATO ally, Stoltenberg told CNBCs Hadley Gamble from Brussels. But we have to respond to a changing world where we see a more assertive Russia, we see a Russia which is investing heavily in new modern capabilities, including new missiles, and we have seen the aggressive actions of Russia against Ukraine. At the same time we see a fundamental shift in the global balance of power with the rise of China, the secretary-general said. They will soon have the largest economy in the world. They have the second-largest defense budget, and theyre investing heavily in missiles and nuclear weapons programs that can reach all NATO-allied countries. Hundreds of marine animals are losing their homes as a British coastal zoo closes its doors for good, citing irreparable financial losses as a result of the coronavirus lockdown. Living Coasts in the town of Torquay in Devon, southwest England, houses a range of marine animals including African penguins, macaroni penguins, South American fur seals, sea ducks, ruffs, and terns; all have been rendered homeless by the permanent closure of the attraction as of June 2020. According to the Mirror, the zoos 44 employees are also likely to lose their jobs. Staff at Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo, two additional attractions run by the same authority, Wild Planet Trust, are also at risk of closure. Living Coasts marine zoo in the town of Torquay in Devon, England (Screenshot/Google Maps) The Trust made the regretful announcement on the Living Coasts website. Falling visitor numbers and the forced closure of all [Living Coasts] zoos due to COVID-19 has meant that [the Torquay site] has had to look at its cost base and make efficiencies, they stated. After nearly twenty years of operation, the site also needed substantial maintenance that the Trust is no longer in a position to afford, they added. The next stage is to find homes for the animals once movement restrictions have been lifted. The Torquay site, a marine conservation program and zoo attraction which opened in 2003, has been designed to mimic its marine inhabitants wild habitats. The site includes a penguin beach, a tropical mangrove swamp, and underwater viewing areas for visitors. Moving the sites hundreds of inhabitants will be no simple feat, as all of the animals will require specialist facilities. Living Coasts is part of a worldwide network of zoos and aquariums. However the Living Coasts website stated its intention to relocate the animals to another site, or sites, within this network. Our priority is the welfare of our animals, they said. In the event that suitable shelter cannot be found, the Trust was upfront about the fact that their staff may need to consider euthanasia as an appropriate measure but stressed that it does not anticipate this being likely. The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) voiced its concerns in a statement to the Independent, claiming that Living Coastss closure is a huge blow to the conservation community. Though, some animal welfare activists have offered a different perspective. (Illustration Ocskay Bence/Shutterstock) Sam Threadgill, director of campaigning for the charity Freedom for Animals, speculated that the zoos closure could be a win for lobbies against keeping animals in captivity. Let us hope that the closure of Living Coasts is the first step towards a complete phasing out of zoos, he said. Threadgill says he hopes for a transition to a society where animals are not exhibits to be held captive and gawped at, but fellow inhabitants of the earth who are respected and conserved in their natural habitats. A number of UK tourist sites, including London Zoo, Chester Zoo, and Longleat Safari Park, reopened to visitors on June 15 with social distancing restrictions in place. Yet for Living Coasts in Torquay, the doors remain closed. Living Coasts is confident that good new homes for the animals will be found, Wild Planet Trust states, but at present it is unclear how long this process may take. We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.nyc CLEVELAND, Ohio The state of Ohio on Thursday notified Cleveland that 29 more residents have been confirmed as testing positive for COVID-19 coronavirus, Mayor Frank Jacksons administration announced. There were no new fatalities reported. Seventy-five deaths in Cleveland have been attributed to the coronavirus. The new cases push the total confirmed cases in Cleveland to 1,889. Those cases involve males and females ranging in age from under 11 years old to more than 80 years old. Want more? Get insider texts about Cleveland City Hall on your phone from Robert Higgs, cleveland.coms City Hall reporter. Sign up here. It costs less than 15 cents a day. Cleveland Department of Public Health has identified 468 probable cases. Those cases lifted the citys total caseload to 2,357. Those infected have ranged in age from less than 1 year old to more than 100 years old. Cleveland has more confirmed coronavirus cases than 82 of Ohios counties and more deaths related to coronavirus than 81 counties. Twenty percent of those cases required hospitalization, according to the Cleveland Department of Public Health. Fifty-three percent of the cases involve women. About 59% of all those infected are African American. About 16% are white. Asian residents comprise about 1% of the cases. Race is unknown for 16% of the cases. The Cleveland Department of Public Health will work to identify any people who were in close contact with the newly confirmed patients to determine who now would require testing or monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19. Ohio had at least 43,122 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases on Thursday, which is up 700, according to the Ohio Department of Health. At least 2,633 Ohioans have died with confirmed or probable coronavirus, up 22. The increase in cases and deaths doesnt necessarily mean they all occurred in the past 24 hours. There is a lag time between when local entities notify the state. But Gov. Mike DeWine expressed concern Thursday over a spike in cases around Dayton and Cincinnati: Montgomery, Greene, Clark, Warren and Hamilton counties. The state reported 5,220 cases in Cuyahoga County as of Monday. There were 315 deaths reported. New numbers are expected Friday. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions updated tally on Thursday reported 2,115,572 cases and 116,632 deaths in the United States. Those numbers tend to lag other reporting sites. Johns Hopkins University of Medicine reported that as of Thursday evening 2,181,762 people had become infected with the coronavirus. By its tally, deaths in the United States totaled 118,279. More from Cleveland City Hall Cleveland restaurants, bars can get permits to expand patios into sidewalks, streets to cope with coronavirus distancing challenges Cleveland fires four officers accused of drinking while on duty and in uniform Cleveland City Council votes to put moratorium on new discount dollar stores while city tightens regulations Cleveland City Council approves tax incentives to help Sherwin-Williams build its new headquarters In Press Club of Cleveland forum, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson wont rule out seeking a fifth term If you listened to the messages of Chinese propaganda or Western conspiracy theorists circulating over the internet, the origin of COVID-19 may have started in a laboratory. The science, as it stands, doesnt support the theory. The virus that caused the outbreak is known as SARSCoV2, a newly discovered virus closely related to bat coronaviruses, pangolin coronaviruses, and SARS-CoV. Its origin is hypothesized to have come from the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, though researchers from the World Health Organization have been undertaking an epidemiological detective investigation to better understand the whole picture of its emergence in human populations. What we do know is that genetically modified viruses do exist and occur when a virus has been altered or generated using biotechnology methods. Subsequently, the threat of biological warfare is something that has been discussed in counterterrorism circles for decades. But seeing is believing. Its one thing to consider how the world would react to a global pandemic naturally occurring or otherwise but its another thing to watch it shut down countries for months, cripple global economies, bring about mass unemployment, and lead to stay-at-home orders the world over. (Bioterrorism) is actually the first thing I thought about, said Colin Clarke, senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, a U.S. nonprofit threat and security research organization. Clarke is a world-renowned researcher in counterterrorism and spent over a decade at RAND Corp. where he was a senior political scientist focusing on terrorism, insurgency and criminal networks. Before leaving in 2018, his last research project involved evaluating the threat level of bioterrorism. I think this sets up the stage for a group to push up its timeline and try something that maybe before they wouldnt have attempted to do, he said. Its a huge benefit to these groups to be able to play that big of a role in geopolitics. And its been attempted before, though never on a world scale. In the case of the Japanese cult movement Aum Shinrikyo, which came into public attention in 1995 when it co-ordinated the release of sarin gas on three subway lines of the Tokyo Metro, its leader, Shoko Asahara, was able to recruit scientists with the capabilities of developing low-level chemical and biological weapons. The group, after rigorous investigation by the authorities, had also successfully produced other nerve agents such as VX, and attempted to produce and use botulinum toxin, a potential agent used for bioterrorism. This was a religious doomsday group that while also incorporating elements of yoga, Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism believed in an incoming apocalypse and sought the creation of a World War Three through a war between the U.S. and Japan. The group has never actually confessed to the attacks, claiming the attackers acted on their own accord. Its not as easy as we think to secure the right kind of knowledge (for biological warfare), said Lorne Dawson, a University of Waterloo professor and co-founder of the Canadian Network for Research on Terrorism, Security and Society. The religious group might have the advantage because the scientists didnt get involved to kill people, they became involved thinking they were in a crisis. In general, scientists and highly educated people are harder to recruit to terrorist or extremist groups, he said, but it doesnt mean they wont try. (The Islamic State) could come back in five years and look at this whole COVID situation and say, Look, here really is an example of instead of us doing what we did again wouldnt it be better to try and develop a biological weapon along these lines? Researchers have been tracking the re-emergence of the Islamic State in Iraq over the last year since losing its caliphate. There have been hundreds of attacks since January, all following a similar guerrilla-style warfare that was seen in its early emergence before 2010. Never think it cant be done because it can be, said Dawson. When considering jihadist terrorist groups like al-Qaida or the Islamic State, Clarke said the research shows there was at least expressions of interest in weapons of mass destruction whether that be chemical, radiological or biological. And while much of the focus has been on the possibility of these groups getting their hands on radioactive material with the intent to create nuclear weapons, Clarke said both chemical and biological options would be easier, on paper, to create. He said its also important to understand the relationship between terrorism and fear. Sometimes, he said, the act itself is more important than its physical damage. In the readings of Osama bin Laden, one of the primary founders of al-Qaida, he often referred to the U.S. as a paper tiger that would pull back if you caused the necessary economic pain. With the pandemic driving various world economies into recessions, its economic impact has been swift and far-reaching. Why I think it matters for COVID is if you look at how inept the response was, I think it really surprised a lot of people, Clarke said. It certainly surprised me. The conditions created through the pandemic response isolation, unemployment, lack of trust in authority has also allowed for far-right extremist groups to prey on the disenfranchised, ramp up recruitment techniques, and infiltrate Black Lives Matter protests in the U.S. and around the world. I call it an extremist buffet, said Clarke. Because its allowed groups across the ideological spectrum to all take advantage of it at once. Everybody is able to use this event in order to frame it in their own world view. This is happening in the developing world, but it can also be of serious consequence in developing countries across Africa, said Dawson, where COVID-19 is running rampant and leaving the vast majority of local populations destitute. It is not without reason that a jihadist group could seize the opportunity, he said, leading to further instability. And the rest of the world is distracted, said Dawson. People are exploiting the circumstance to advance their agenda. That does include recruiting people to join the far-right in the West, and to join these jihadist groups in the developing world. A new study from the London-based Institute for Strategic Dialogue found that more than 6,600 right-wing extremist social media pages and accounts were linked to Canadians. The study found acts of far-right terrorism in Canada have increased by 320 per cent over the last five years. Moonshot CVE, a U.K.-based organization specializing in counter-extremism work, released a separate report last week finding that Canadian searches for extremist content spiked during lockdown. The organization has found similar spikes in the U.S., where tensions are rising heading into the presidential election in November. Youre constantly trying to deal with the endless problems around managing the next immediate crisis, said Dawson. And in your rush to do that, you drop the ball on the long-term things that you know are just sitting there brewing. Read more about: YEREVAN, JUNE 19, ARMENPRESS. The 2nd airplane carrying humanitarian aid of medical supplies reached Armenia from Serbia on June 19. ''Help in difficult periods for the Armenian people is a guarantee for bright future'', President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said. The 1st airplane had landed in Armenia on June 18. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Armenian President's Office, Serbia provided Armenia with 10 artificial respiration devices, 10 monitors monitoring the patient's condition, 500 thousand surgical 100 thousand breathing masks, 25 thousand protective glasses, 25 thousand medical protective clothing and other necessary items. Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Serbia in Armenia Tatjana Cvetkovic assessed the act of providing Armenia with humanitarian aid be Serbia as a bright prove of excellent relations between the two countries. ''Until recently fight against coronavirus was the central task of the Government in Serbia and we fully comprehend what means fighting against COVID-19'', she said. Editing and translating by Tigran Sirekanyan The Arab League said it had received a request from Egypt for an emergency meeting at the ministerial level to discuss developments on Libya. Arab League Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki said on Friday that there was ongoing coordination with Oman, which is presiding over the current session, to determine a date for the virtual meeting, although it is expected to be held next week. Cairos request garnered support from several states, Zaki said. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi this month announced a peace initiative to end the civil war in Libya, proposing a ceasefire and an elected leadership council. El-Sisi announced the initiative following a tripartite meeting with the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar and the speaker of the Libyan parliament Aguila Saleh. The initiative, dubbed the Cairo Declaration, mandates a Libyan-Libyan resolution as a basis for resolving the countrys conflict, following resolutions by the UN and past efforts in Paris, Rome, Abu Dhabi, and most recently in Berlin. The Cairo plan comes after the collapse of an offensive launched by Haftar in April to capture the Libyan capital, further extending the Government of National Accords (GNA) control of most of northwest Libya. Egypt, the UAE and Russia are backing Haftar, while Turkey supports the GNA. Search Keywords: Short link: Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 19:32:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said playing the "blame game" will only diminish global efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic and called for international solidarity, according to a statement from the foreign ministry released Friday. He made the remarks Thursday at the High-level Video Conference on Belt and Road International Cooperation: Combating COVID-19 with Solidarity, the statement said. "Any politicization of the outbreak or resorting to a blame game will only diminish the benefits of the international anti-pandemic efforts," Sokhonn said. "Without international cooperation and solidarity, we cannot win the fight against this pandemic." He said that countries need to focus on strengthening their collective capacities to address this public health crisis through exchanging technical expertise and experience, good practices, and exploring joint research and development of medicines and vaccines. In this regard, Cambodia supports the creation of a Health Silk Road initiative, he said, adding that to build the Health Silk Road, it is vital for countries to share information and best practices, and enhance equitable and affordable access to health products, including vaccines, which should be recognized as global public goods. Sokhonn, who is also Cambodia's deputy prime minister, highly commended China's contribution to fighting the pandemic worldwide. He noted that in the current context, countries should reaffirm their commitment to supporting the role of the World Health Organization (WHO). "The WHO must be given the means to better fulfill its normative mission," he said. While the COVID-19 curve has been flattened in some parts of the world, it is time to start exploring and securing ways and means to create a conducive environment for a post-pandemic economic recovery, Sokhonn said. "Emerging markets and developing countries are critical, both as suppliers and markets. Ensuring unfettered connectivity amongst us will strengthen our economies," he said. He added that as a firm believer in multilateralism and an active actor in the Belt and Road cooperation framework, Cambodia is calling for deeper engagement of all state and non-state actors in various Belt and Road cooperative programs. Foreign ministers or officials at ministerial level from 25 countries took part in Thursday's video conference, with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and UN Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner also participating. Enditem MIAMI, Fla.Joslyn Jane has debuted a new fauxcest title at her Joslyn Jane has debuted a new fauxcest title at her ManyVids store The statuesque blonde star is in lustful MILF mode in the high-concept release Catching My Stepson Jacking Off. Its a tale as old as time, with a stepmother knocking on her stepson's door but not receiving an answer. Jane, the stepmom in question, decides to walk in and ends up surprising not only the boy but herself when she catches him jacking off. Jane, in the mood for some fun, rallies and begins sucking his cock. After two days of funerals of soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in what appears to have been a deliberate and well-planned attack by Chinese troops, India heaved a sigh of relief when 10 of its soldiers were released from captivity. But even as the political class is standing solidly behind the government's resolve, as evidenced by the all-party meeting called on the matter by prime minister Narendra Modi, to move forward in protecting our sovereignty and dignity, citizens in a democracy are wont to feel disappointed if their own government is found less than transparent in informing them about happenings on the Himalayan borders. The safe return of our captured soldiers gives credence to the view that China cannot afford a war, nor is it keen to immediately escalate tensions. Their tactical withdrawal, after unprovoked aggression in violation of all agreements, seems less designed to gain tactical advantage through domination of points such as in the Galwan Valley or Pangong Tso Lake, than a demonstration of outright Chinese superiority over neighbours it sees as ganging up against it. Consider some of the recent actions by China: several Chinese Sukhois (Su-30) fighters flew into Taiwanese airspace and over the island nation that it claims as its own, on June 9. On June 12, a Chinese ship rammed into a Vietnamese fishing boat in one of the Paracel Islands that is claimed by both nations. On June 15/16, Chinese troops attacked the 16 Bihar regiment in barbaric fashion. On Friday, the Australian prime minister Scott Morrison announced that all levels of his government and institutions had been victims of a massive cyber-attack; though he did not name China he said it was a state actor so there was no mistaking who he blamed. And lets not forget that barely a month ago, China unilaterally passed restrictive national security laws in Hong Kong as if to let the people engaged in a year of protests know who was boss. It is clear that China is in an assertive mood, whatever be its internal motivation. Fortunately, statements from the US State Department as well as its ambassador to New Delhi have been supportive of India. We welcome that. And though the foreign ministers will be meeting virtually next week in a conference hosted by their Russian counterpart, it is clear that New Delhi finds itself pushed away by China and, over the next few years and decades, will be growing closer to the US whether Russia likes it or not. The government should make greater common cause with other nations that feel victimised by the dragon. Even as the country mourns the loss of its soldiers, we must resolve that the errors that led to enemy entering and squatting on our territory, whether in Kargil over two decades ago or the western LAC lately, will never be allowed to repeat, and we will keep our liberty by paying the price it seeks eternal vigilance. SCHIRP & PARTNER Rechtsanwalte mbB: Wirecard disaster of June 18th, 2020: Must EY compensate the investors?DGAP-News: SCHIRP & PARTNER Rechtsanwalte mbB / Schlagwort(e): Jahresergebnis/Rechtssache SCHIRP & PARTNER Rechtsanwalte mbB: Wirecard disaster of June 18th, 2020: Must EY compensate the investors?19.06.2020 / 14:44 Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich.WIRECARD disaster of June 18th, 2020: Must EY compensate the investors?Berlin-based law firms Schirp & Partner and Dr. Marc Liebscher have filed their first lawsuits against EY (Ernst & Young) following the WIRECARD disaster of June 18th. Further lawsuits are in preparation. The aim of the lawsuits is that EY should compensate the WIRECARD investors (shares, bonds, derivatives) for their losses. In the past years, EY has always been WIRECARD's auditor and has audited the annual financial statements up to and including 2018 without objections. Only now, in June 2020, has the audit certificate for the 2019 financial statements been refused.Dr. Wolfgang Schirp, Berlin: "We are the first to hold EY accountable in court. Our lawsuit is based in particular on the fact that EY has audited WIRECARD's alleged equity capital of up to EUR 1.9 billion in recent years without objection, although no sufficient evidence was available. This procedure is very peculiar and, according to our analysis, does not correspond to the dutiful procedure of an auditor. Having recently been able to obtain judgements against an inadequately working rating agency (against Scope regarding the MS "Deutschland" bond), we now also want to vigorously demand the liability of auditors such as EY. We do not want to allow auxiliary persons, whose reputation and good name made it possible to damage investors in the first place, to escape without consequences".Dr. Marc Liebscher, Berlin: "From today's point of view, is it possible to make a prognosis for WIRECARD that the continuation of the company is probable at all? In any case, this is doubtful. On the one hand, according to market reports, it is possible to call in around EUR 2 billion in borrowed capital today because the 2019 balance sheet is missing. On the other hand, major Wirecard customers will have to consider whether they should terminate their contractual relationships for good cause: After all, Wirecard, their contractual partner for payment services, has "lost" EUR 1.9 billion according to its own statements. Whoever therefore wants to enforce damages should therefore not turn against WIRECARD, but against potent third parties. This is the reason why we are taking action against EY, and indirectly against their liability insurance. This is currently the only promising course of action. Many institutional investors will also take this path."For further information, please contact us:Dr Wolfgang Schirp, Schirp & Partner Rechtsanwalte mbB, Leipziger Platz 9, D - 10117 Berlin, Tel. 0049-30-3276170 and 0049-179-5320213, mail: schirp@schirp.com, URL: www.schirp.comDr. Marc Liebscher, Dr. Spath & Partner Rechtsanwalte mbB, Kurfurstendamm 102, D - 10711 Berlin, Tel.: 0049-30-88701617 and 0049-176-93150194, mail: marc.liebscher@gmx.net, URL: www.dr-spaeth.com19.06.2020 Veroffentlichung einer Corporate News/Finanznachricht, ubermittelt durch DGAP - ein Service der EQS Group AG. Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich.Die DGAP Distributionsservices umfassen gesetzliche Meldepflichten, Corporate News/Finanznachrichten und Pressemitteilungen. Medienarchiv unter http://www.dgap.de1074443 19.06.2020 It has been a headline-grabbing 2020 for Canadian cannabis producer Aurora (ACB). There has been a reverse stock split, an entrance into the U.S. CBD space via its Reliva acquisition and a much better-than-expected fiscal Q3 earnings report. All of which have steered Aurora further away from the edge over which it was previously hovering. As a result, despite a recent pullback, shares have popped 61% since the May split. But is sentiment shifting again after another executive bid farewell? On Tuesday, Aurora announced the departure of President Steve Dobler. The co-founder will say his goodbyes on June 30. Doblers exit follows those of COO Cam Battley, who left last year, and CEO and co-founder Terry Booth, who parted ways with the company during Februarys restructuring. Considering there have been other high profile exits this year, as more CPG-focused executives have taken over the reins from the entrepreneurs who formed the cannabis companies, Jefferies analyst Owen Bennett doesnt see the development as much of a surprise. However, the analyst claims the disappointment among investors is based on the fact that Aurora did not disclose any succession plans. Bennett said, The continuation of executive departures is obviously not helpful for sentiment, but what we think is actually more damaging is the lack of new replacements. In our view, the market (retail investors especially) are hoping for the announcement of a new CEO to act as a positive catalyst. With the search for a new CEO beginning in February, there will be many who would have hoped that a release today may have been related to this rather than a further executive departure. Bennett, though, alleviates any concerns that Doblers exit might have a negative impact on the share price, should the co-founder decide to liquidate his position. Dobler holds less than 0.5% of those outstanding, following significant share sales already back in March. No change, then, to Bennetts Underperform rating and C$14.00 ($10.33) price target. The figure implies shares could decline by 21% in the next 12 months. (To watch Bennetts track record, click here) Story continues Overall, with 3 Buy ratings, 9 Holds and 2 Sells, the analyst consensus currently rates Aurora a Hold. In addition, there is downside in the cards, as the C$15.32 ($11.31) average price target indicates the stock could drop by 13.5% over the next year. (See AMD stock analysis on TipRanks) To find good ideas for cannabis stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights. A young Kenyan man was stoned to death by locals after attacking his estranged wife Boniface Kivuku Mutua, 30, (pictured) with a machete leaving her so badly hurt that doctors had to amputate her hands A young Kenyan man was stoned to death by locals after attacking his estranged wife with a machete leaving her so badly hurt that doctors had to amputate her hands. Boniface Kivuku Mutua, 30, visited his wife's parents' home in Mbooni in the southern Kenyan county of Makueni at around 11pm on June 13. Purity Muthoki Makau, 24, had gone to live with her parents after three years of marriage with Mutua in the neighbouring county of Machakos. Ms Makua - who survived the traumatic ordeal - agreed to meet with her estranged husband for a family dinner at around 8pm. After the meal, the victim's father Nicolas Makau Munywoki went to a neighbour's house to let the separated couple talk for a while. While he was at his neighbour's home, he heard his daughter's screams and rushed to help her, according to reports. The suspect allegedly slashed his wife's hands and head with a panga, a machete-type blade. Ms Makau, 24, (pictured in hospital) had gone to live with her parents after three years of marriage with Mutua in the neighbouring county of Machakos Local media said the door had been locked from the inside and the father could not get in. Meanwhile, a group of locals quickly gathered outside. The suspect eventually opened the door and tried to flee the house, but the angry mob caught up with him and stoned him to death, according to police spokesperson Joseph Ole Naipeyan. The victim was taken to the Makueni County Referral Hospital (pictured) where both her hands had to be amputated The victim was taken to the Makueni County Referral Hospital where both her hands had to be amputated. Dr Athman Lugogo said: 'We received the patient in the wee hours of the morning, both her wrists had deep cuts and were hanging by a thin flesh of skin hence the amputation.' The doctor added that the 24-year-old victim was in a stable condition and will undergo counselling for the ordeal in the near future. It is unclear whether the local authorities are investigating the alleged stoning incident. Christopher Hotchkiss, who quit as CaptureRxs CEO last summer before becoming embroiled in litigation with the San Antonio health care technology company, may return as a consultant under an agreement reached in court this week. The consulting agreements terms still need to be negotiated and approved by CaptureRxs board and Hotchkiss. Those discussions still are in the infant stages, said Derick Rodgers, a San Antonio attorney representing Hotchkiss. Hotchkiss has dedicated a significant portion of his life to the development of that company, Rodgers said Thursday. He still values the company and values all the people that work at the company, and so he would like to see those people taken care of and that the company succeed. If he can assist in that process, I think he would very much be interested in helping continue the good work that they have been doing together, Rodgers added. Express-News file photo Hotchkiss and a partner founded the business in 2000. It acts as an administrator for hospitals, clinics and health centers participating in the 340B program, a government initiative requiring pharmaceutical companies to sell drugs at a discount to health care providers caring for underserved populations. Its regarded as one of the largest technology companies based in downtown San Antonio. On ExpressNews.com: Like a resurrected hippie, this barefoot San Antonio CEO takes on health care titans Hotchkiss known for strolling around the office sans shoes and socks quit in July amid allegations that he threatened managers and employees. In an April lawsuit filed against the company in state District Court in San Antonio, he cited frustration with certain executives and board members for his decision to leave. He denied making any threats. CaptureRx is accused in the complaint of defaming Hotchkiss by publishing false statements related to his departure. He seeks $1 million in damages. It countersued, alleging he owes it more than $1 million on a nearly $3 million loan. After Hotchkiss sued the company, shareholders voted to remove him as a board member. Lyle Hotchkiss, Christophers father, supported the termination, two minority shareholders alleged in a complaint filed last month. In May, though, Christopher and Lyle Hotchkiss attempted to appoint Lyles brother Lee and son John Hotchkiss Christophers uncle and cousin to CaptureRxs board, the two shareholders further alleged. The pair Billy Tauzin and Talmage J. Whitehead accused Christopher and Lyle Hotchkiss of attempting to stack the board in their favor to have the votes to reinstate Christopher Hotchkiss as CEO or as a board member. File photo Tauzin and Whitehead also alleged Hotchkiss owes the company close to $2 million. Tauzin and Whitehead said no meeting was held to nominate, much less elect, Lee and John. On ExpressNews.com: Accused of making threats and creating a toxic workplace, San Antonio health-care CEO resigns David Clay Snell, a San Antonio attorney who represents Lyle, Lee and John, said his clients believe Lee and John were properly appointed to the board. Given that Lyle controls a majority of the membership interest in the company 94 percent he can unilaterally vote his interest to appoint managers without a board meeting, Snell added. Lyle is taking steps to cure any problem with the board appointments following the agreement reached Tuesday before state District Judge Aaron Haas, Snell said. /Express-News file photo If that happens, it presumably means Lyle, Lee and John would support the plan to hire Christopher Hotchkiss as a consultant. Tauzin and Whiteheads suit said the other two board members Whitehead and Christopher Hotchkiss brother Richard had opposed Christoper Hotchkiss return as a CEO or board member. Under a deal that was not put in writing at the court hearing, Snell said Tauzin and Whitehead agreed the board can hire Christopher Hotchkiss as a consultant. The board has not convened to consider that, but the board can engage him as a consultant, Snell said. I suspect the board will because Lyle Hotchkiss values Chris input and vision for where the company should go. File photo An attorney for Tauzin and Whitehead couldnt be reached Thursday. A CaptureRx spokeswoman said the company had no comment. Lyle views Hotchkiss involvement with CaptureRx as critical, Snell said. Lyle believes without Chris, the company wont be around very long, Snell said. And so he believes that Chriss involvement is essential to keeping the company alive and without it, the company could be under water in a year or two. 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 GLYFADA, Greece, June 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Globus Maritime Limited (the Company) (GLBS) announced today the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 34,285,714 units at a price of $0.35 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share (or pre-funded warrant in lieu thereof) and one Class A warrant to purchase one common share, and will immediately separate upon issuance. The gross proceeds of the offering to the Company, before underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, are expected to be approximately $12.0 million. Each Class A warrant is immediately exercisable for one common share at an exercise price of $0.35 per share and will expire five years from issuance. The offering is expected to close on or about June 22, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. Maxim Group LLC is acting as sole book-running manager in connection with the offering. The Company has granted the underwriter a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 5,142,857 shares of common stock or pre-funded warrants and/or 5,142,857 Class A warrants, at the public offering price less discounts and commissions. The offering is being conducted pursuant to the Company's registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-238119) previously filed with and subsequently declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on June 17, 2020 (the Registration Statement). A final prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov . Electronic copies of the prospectus relating to this offering, when available, may be obtained from Maxim Group LLC, 405 Lexington Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10174, at (212) 895-3745. 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, these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification of these securities under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Story continues About Globus Maritime Limited Globus is an integrated dry bulk shipping company that provides marine transportation services worldwide and presently owns, operates and manages a fleet of five dry bulk vessels that transport iron ore, coal, grain, steel products, cement, alumina and other dry bulk cargoes internationally. Globus subsidiaries own and operate seven vessels with a total carrying capacity of 300,571 Dwt and a weighted average age of 12.1 years as of March 31, 2020. Safe Harbor Statement This communication contains forward-looking statements as defined under U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements provide the Companys current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements include statements about the Companys expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, intentions, assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts or that are not present facts or conditions. Words or phrases such as anticipate, believe, continue, estimate, expect, intend, may, ongoing, plan, potential, predict, project, will or similar words or phrases, or the negatives of those words or phrases, may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected or implied by the forward-looking statements. The Companys actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements for many reasons specifically as described in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, you should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this communication. Globus undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events after the date of this communication or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should, however, review the factors and risks Globus describes in the reports it will file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission after the date of this communication. For further information please contact: Globus Maritime Limited +30 210 960 8300 Athanasios Feidakis, CEO a.g.feidakis@globusmaritime.gr Capital Link New York +1 212 661 7566 Nicolas Bornozis globus@capitallink.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 07:01:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HOUSTON, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Harris County in the U.S. state of Texas on Friday issued a face covering mandate for all businesses as the state saw sharp increase in new COVID-19 cases. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed an order mandating businesses to require wearing of face coverings for all employees and customers over 10 years old inside businesses. "We've recently seen disturbing #COVID19 trends and we must act swiftly to keep folks safe. We'll use every tool available in this fight," Hidalgo tweeted after signing the order. The order will be in effect from June 22 till June 30. According to the order, businesses may refuse service to a costumer who does not wear face covering. Businesses that do not comply the order will face a fine up to 1,000 U.S. dollars. Texas has seen an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalized patients. In the past three days, there are more than 10,000 new cases reported in Texas, bringing the state's total confirmed cases to over 100,000 as of Friday, according to the Texas Health and Human Services. Enditem Jean Kennedy Smith with Gerry Adams in New York in 1999 Jean Kennedy Smith, the last surviving sibling of President John F Kennedy and a former ambassador to Ireland who played a key role in the peace process, has died aged 92, her daughter confirmed. Ms Smith - who granted Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams a controversial visa in 1994 to visit the US amid serious opposition - died at her home in Manhattan, her daughter Kym told the New York Times. Last night, Mr Adams said her appointment as Irish ambassador had been "pivotal to the development of the peace process". "She was a wonderful, compassionate, formidable woman who played a key role in persuading her brother Senator Ted Kennedy to support a visa for me in 1994," he said. Though she never ran for office, she campaigned for her brothers, travelling the country for then-Senator John F Kennedy as he sought the presidency in 1960. In 1963, she stepped in for a travelling Jacqueline Kennedy and co-hosted a state dinner for Ireland's president. The same year, she accompanied her brother, the first Irish Catholic president, on his famous visit to Ireland. Their great-grandfather, Patrick Kennedy, was from Dunganstown in Co Wexford. Three decades later, she was appointed ambassador to Ireland by President Bill Clinton, who called her "as Irish as an American can be". During her confirmation hearing, she recalled the trip with her brother, describing it as "one of the most moving experiences of my own life". As ambassador, she helped persuade Mr Clinton to grant a visa to Mr Adams in defiance of the British Government, which branded him as a terrorist. She later called criticism of her actions "unfortunate" and said she thought history would credit the Clinton administration with helping the peace process in Northern Ireland. The then-Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said in 1998 that "it is not an understatement to say that if (the visa for Adams) didn't happen at the time, perhaps other events may not have fallen into place". In 1996, though, Ms Smith had been reprimanded by Secretary of State Warren Christopher for punishing two of her officers who objected to the visa for Mr Adams. In December 1998, Ms Smith again risked controversy by taking communion in a Protestant cathedral in Dublin, going against the bishops of her Catholic church. Her decision was a strong personal gesture of support for Irish President Mary McAleese, a fellow Catholic who had been criticised by Irish bishops for joining in the Protestant communion service. "Religion, after all, is about bringing people together," Ms Smith told The Irish Times. "We all have our own way of going to God." When she stepped down as ambassador in 1998, she received Irish citizenship for "distinguished service to the nation". In 2009, along with her brother Ted Kennedy, she was awarded the prestigious Tipperary Peace Prize for her contribution to the Northern Ireland Peace Process. Irish President Michael D Higgins said the death will have been received with "great sadness by many, both in the United States and in Ireland". "As United States Ambassador to Ireland in the 1990s Ambassador Kennedy Smith played a pivotal role in the initiatives that led to the Good Friday Agreement which helped bring the violence in Northern Ireland to an end," he said. "She will be forever remembered as the diplomat who had a sense of Irish history and of what had influenced the Irish in the United States. An activist diplomat, she was not afraid to break with convention or explore the limits of her mandate. She brought passion and clear values to her role, providing many of the elements that promoted peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland." Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: "She proved an extraordinary diplomat during the crucial years leading up to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, building lasting relationships with all sides and becoming an instrumental figure in the Northern Ireland Peace Process. "Her courageous and determined diplomacy helped to bring peace to our island, built bridges, opened doors to all communities, and to all those striving for peace when peace was not a certainty," Mr Varadkar added. Ms Smith was the eighth of nine children born to Joseph P and Rose Kennedy, and she tragically outlived several of them by decades. Her siblings included the president, assassinated in 1963. Nigerian health minister Dr Osagie Ehanire announced on Thursday that Nigeria will start the clinical trials of the drug dexamethason to aid in the treatment for Covid-19 patients. **Follow all the latest coronavirus related news in Africa on our dedicated live blog** Dexamethason trials in Nigeria "The medicine in not new and is already used for other purposes as a steroid," Eharnie said in his speech before adding, "it's easy to try it out because we already know its side effects." It's important to mention that British prime minister Boris Johnson had already referred earlier to the effectiveness of dexamethason when tried on patients who suffered from the severe symptoms of Covid-19 and its reduction of the risk of death from the virus. An ampoule of dexamethasone. YVES HERMAN (REUTERS) Johnson stated that according to UK researchers the drug has reduced death risks for patients on ventilators by almost one third, in addition to the drug being affordable and widely-available. Scientists have actually gone as far as to say that it could have saved around 5,000 lives if it had been brought in earlier to the UK. Nigerian clinicians, as well as citizens, are looking forward to the results of these trials, hoping they can produce a positive outcome like that of their peers in Britain. Nigeria recorded new 745 confirmed Covid-19 cases according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Thursday, so the total number of confirmed cases has increased to well over 18,000 while 6,307 patients have left isolation centres following their recovery. Sadly 475 have passed away due to virus-related complications. The volume of new cases has surged recently in several African countries although the continent was believed to be the one with the least cases across the world since the virus outbreak. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Alex Pigman (Agence France-Presse) Brussels, Belgium Fri, June 19, 2020 09:26 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406600447a 2 Business EU,European-Union,COVID-19,recovery-plan,recovery-funds,stimulus-package Free European Union leaders launch fraught negotiations Friday on a major recovery fund to revive a European economy ravaged by the coronavirus outbreak, deeply divided on the way forward. Europe faces its biggest recession in the bloc's 63-year history, and states are under pressure to look beyond their own borders and to find ways to lift the whole continent. On the table at Friday's virtual summit is a proposal from European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen for a 750 billion euro (US$840 billion) rescue fund that, if accepted, would mark a historic milestone for EU unity. But opposition is fierce from countries known as the "frugal four" The Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Austria who have promised to fight deep into the summer to rein in the spending. "It is clear that we expect no essential agreements at this summit," said a government official in Germany, which takes over the EU's rotating presidency on July 1 and will drive the negotiations. "We know about the difficulties. This will be a big piece of work," the official said. A French source called it a "warm-up round" that would "take the temperature" before leaders land a compromise in late July. Sending the bill Lined up against the frugals are EU countries such as Italy and Spain that were the first and hardest hit by the pandemic, and quickly asked for help from their better off partners. Crippled with overstretched finances, these countries lack the ability to fight the recession with a wave of extra spending and are looking for a highly visible act of solidarity. The commission's plan is inspired by a German and French proposal in which EU money is raised on the financial markets to spend Europe-wide in the biggest slice of joint borrowing ever undertaken by the union. By endorsing the plan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel broke Germany's long-held taboo against pan-European pooled borrowing, catching the "frugals" off guard. They have vowed nonetheless to fight on, most notably in insisting that the funds should be released as loans with strict conditions and not as grants or subsidies. Speaking in the Swedish parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said it was important that funds raised should not "be handed out as grants, without any requirements for repayments, thus sending the bill to future taxpayers." In an interview with AFP, Italian Prime Minister tried to assuage these concerns, assuring that the money would build "a better Italy" that would be more modern and greener. No petrol To help pay for the recovery plan, the proposal floats EU-wide taxation on big tech, or carbon emissions, to provide the European Commission with funds of its own. "Own-resources are essential to the construction of this idea", said a European source, who called the lack of own-resources like "a motor without petrol". But this too could prove too controversial for several member states that are loath to see the EU financially self-sufficient and too close in spirit to the federal government in the United States. Complicating matters still further, the recovery fund is linked to the EU's long term, seven-year budget which is being negotiated in parallel. This has countries usually on the receiving end of EU spending many in eastern Europe worried that funds historically coming their way could be cut because of the recovery plan and they have also threatened to block the talks. The fund, as well as the EU budget, requires the unanimous approval of the EU's 27 member states making compromise difficult. "Our ultimate goal is to reach a deal as soon as possible, said EU Council president and video conference host Charles Michel, who will coordinate talks among national leaders in the coming weeks. "We will succeed if we enter talks with a sense of responsibility and the willingness to come out of this major challenge united and strong," he said. Xiaomi India managing director Manu Kumar Jain at the phone-makers Sri City facility in Andhra Pradesh. File photo When Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on May 12 to announce a Rs 20-lakh-crore stimulus package for the economy to cushion the fallout of the coronavirus, he said the outbreak was a chance for India to be self-reliant, or Atamnirbhar as he put it. He called people to be "Vocal For Local" to support the economy battered by the pandemic that has forced India to extend for the fourth time the almost two-month-long lockdown by another two weeks beginning May 18. As soon as Modi uttered those words, social media exploded with messages calling for a boycott of foreign and especially Chinese products. But the senders missed one small detail--most of the messages were being sent from foreign phones, the majority of which were Chinese. Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, POCO, iQoo, Honor and Huawei are Chinese brands. Samsung and LG are South Korean. Nokia is Finnish and Apple is American. 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 Can you spot an Indian brand in this alphabet soup? And why does the country of origin suddenly matters? Wuhan may be the reason. With global coronavirus infections going past 4.7 million and death toll climbing to 315,000, the anti-China sentiment is rising across the world. Led by the US, several countries have accused China of playing down the severity of the outbreak that was first reported in the city of Wuhan late last year. Several conspiracy theories, including the one claiming that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is lab-made, are doing the rounds. To be sure, the call for going local is to promote Indian products and cut down imports not shun them. In a global economy, it is just not possible and like it or not, China is the worlds factory, its manufacturing hub. Where are Indian smartphones? When was the last time homegrown companies like Micromax, Karbonn or Intex launched a new phone? Today, these brands have almost no presence in the smartphone market. Barely four years ago, they were being talked about in glowing terms but the debut of Motorola's Moto G-series followed by the entry of Xiaomi decimated them. Their fate was sealed in 2016 when they failed to launch 4G phones at affordable prices. Xiaomi was still a newbie, but it played its cards well and grew exponentially. All along players like Vivo and OPPO were lining up with eye-popping budgets to find a toehold in the worlds second-largest smartphone market. Getting a share of the pie was the goal, even if it meant operating in the red for a while. The Chinese flooded the Indian market with their offerings. These brands were product-focused and delivered a better user experience at affordable rates, something that Micromax and Karbonn failed to do. In fact, Micromax was caught rebranding a Chinese phone and importing it to India. It wasnt making phones in India but relied on Chinese imports. So, even if the brand was "Indian", the phones were still Made in China. Indian brands didnt invest with a long-term outlook. Hardly a surprise then that Micromax's valuation plunged more than 90 percent in four years. Technically, these were import-export businesses and not phone-makers. They didnt invest in research and development, after-sales were very poor and users soon realised they were being taken for a ride. On the other hand, foreign players have established India-centric research and development centres. Android skins like MIUI, OxygenOS, and Realme UI have features built to cater to the Indian consumer. Indian startups like CREO and Smartron tried to enter the market but couldnt go up against established players. Today, these companies have pivoted to the internet of things and other enterprises. After Modis address, Indian brand Lava said it will shift production from China to India and invest Rs 800 crore over five years. Considering the size of the Indian market, it is peanuts and counts for little. Foreign but still Indian What about Chinese brands in India? They account for 75 percent of the Indian smartphone market, according to Counterpoint Research's Q1 2020 figures. South Koreas Samsung has a 16 percent share. Micromax only finds mention in the feature-phone segment and that, too, with a measly 7 percent share. Yet, the lions share of these brands, irrespective of the country of origin, are primarily Indian because they Make in India. How did that happen? The government has over the years increased import duty on finished phones to 20 percent to encourage the "Make in India" campaign. Foreign companies looking for a big play in India were ready. Xiaomi is the top smartphone maker in India with a 30 percent market share. It set up its first factory in Sri City in Andhra Pradesh, in 2015. Two years later, with its partner Foxconn of the iPhone fame, the brand opened its second factory and added four more units to keep up with the demand, a spokesperson told Moneycontrol. These plants employ more than 30,000 people, 95 percent of whom are women. These facilities assemble phones. "Currently, more than 99 percent of the Xiaomi devices sold in India are made in India," the spokesperson said. The companys India headquarters is in Bengaluru, right next to the base of Indias first big homegrown e-commerce success Flipkart, which has since changed hands and is now owned by the American giant Walmart. Manu Kumar Jain is the vice-president of Xiaomi Global and Managing Director of Xiaomi India. That is as "Indian" as a company can get. Samsung is another big player in the market. In 2018, the company opened the world's largest mobile phone factory in Uttar Pradeshs Noida. The facility can produce more than 120 million handsets every year. Realme India CEO Madhav Sheth said the company assembled all its smartphones at its Noida plant. This facility also makes OPPO phones. OPPO also confirmed that the phones sold in India were assembled locally. It employs a workforce of 7,500. Realme is an interesting reverse story, if you may. It started from India and is now looking to make its mark in the home country. It is backed by Chinese-giant, BBK Electronics. The parent company also owns brands such as Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus and iQoo. Recently, there were reports that Apple was planning to move 20 percent of its iPhone production to India from China. It could translate to $40 billion over five years. The Cupertino-based giant already assembles some iPhone models in India in partnership with Wistron but wants to expand. Assembling vs manufacturing Assembling is an act of putting things together. So when multiple components are brought together to make a finished product, it is called assembling. Manufacturing is when each part is built from scratch. India relies on imports for a considerable chunk of these components. It is critical for India's long-term technology future. Listed companies like Dixon Technologies Ltd, which has a TV manufacturing plant in Tirupati, are Xiaomi's local partners in India. Coming back to smartphones, Xiaomi says 65 percent of the device value is locally sourced. It manufactures printed circuit boards, the basic unit of a device that connects electronic components, in India. More than 50 percent of Realmes component suppliers are Indian. They manufacture screens, battery, packaging and internal components. These small steps are essential for creating industry clusters that can run independently in the future. The local workforce is trained as well in the process. According to a media report, 3.6 crore handsets were exported from India in FY 19-20. Made in India India is expected to have 900 million internet users by 2023 and of these, 780 million will be smartphone users, a February 2020 report by Cisco has said. TV would be the second biggest medium to connect to the internet, the report said. Five years ago, premium phones were cheaper abroad and a must-buy during a visit. But not anymore, localisation has made smartphones cheaper in India. Brands can price their offerings aggressively because of the import duty bypass. Except the so-called premium phones like the latest iPhone or the Mi 10, pretty much every phone in the market today is Made in India. This is true of the wider market as well. Honda is a Japanese company but makes its cars in India. PepsiCo is an American firm but it makes cola and chips, under the brand Lays, in India. The call for local is aimed at reducing imports to save precious foreign currency and, as the ruling party later clarified, local does not only mean products made by Indian companies but also those manufactured in the country by multinational companies. Yes, these brands ship profits to parent companies and that is still an outflow. But, for the time, this is how it will be. For decades, Indias IT companies have shied away from product-based models and focused on services. China leads the smartphone race because it has clusters like Shenzhen, where innovation is embraced and mass production facilities are available. India has a long way to get there and it will call for huge monetary and technical support from the government. For now, Made in India is the best we have. (The author writes on technology, aviation, and mobility.) Advertisement By Tim Brockwell Jun. 19, 2020 | MURRAY By Tim Brockwell Jun. 19, 2020 | 01:53 PM | MURRAY Murray State University says it supports the relocation of the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee on the grounds of the Calloway County Courthouse. Murray State Executive Director of Marketing and Communication Shawn Touney told West Kentucky Star Friday afternoon the university is in agreement with the Murray City Council, whose members voted unanimously on June 11 to draft a resolution formally requesting that the Calloway Fiscal Court relocate the statue. "Murray State University, like the City of Murray, firmly supports the relocation of the statue. The university has no jurisdiction over this matter, and ultimately this is a decision of the Calloway County Fiscal Court." Touney said. At a Wednesday Fiscal Court meeting, Calloway County Judge-Executive Kenny Imes and commissioners took no action on the matter, citing numerous legal hurdles that must be overcome before the statue can be relocated. Imes said the public response to the issue has been overwhelming, with more than 500 calls per day coming into the courthouse. He added that he plans to call a public meeting in the near future to discuss the matter further. The monument, erected in 1917 during the height of the Jim Crow era, honors county residents who fought for the South in the Civil War. It is owned by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. (CNN) The Australian government is grappling with massive cyber attacks from what Prime Minister Scott Morrison has described as a "malicious" and "sophisticated" state-based acto Morrison revealed the existence of the attacks during a press conference on Friday, adding that a "state-based cyber actor" is "targeting Australian organizations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organizations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure." He did not specify which agencies or businesses are believed to be under attack, nor did he detail the exact nature of the attacks though he did say that the government's investigation has not uncovered any "large-scale personal data breaches." Morrison also did not say which state Australia believes to be behind the attack. But he told reporters that "there are not a large number of state-based actors that can engage in this type of activity." "It is clear ... that this has been done by a state-based actor with very, very significant capabilities," Morrison added. The attacks are also not new, and Morrison made clear that such threats are a "constant issue for Australia to deal with." But he added that he was prompted to speak Friday because the "frequency has been increasing" over "many months." A possible culprit While Morrison declined to say who may be behind the attacks, the scale and timing led many political observers to immediately point the finger at China. Asked by journalists Friday about whether Beijing was responsible, Morrison said he "couldn't control speculation." China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment. Relations between Beijing and Canberra have cratered in recent months. Australia led the call for an international investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, and was damning in its criticism of China's initial handling of the outbreak. Beijing then imposed tariffs against Australian beef and barley, and Chinese officials have threatened a consumer boycott if relations continue to worsen. China has long been accused by foreign powers of orchestrating large-scale cyber attacks against other governments. Most recently, Washington in May warned that China was likely behind efforts to steal coronavirus vaccine research from US research institutions and pharmaceutical companies. China has maintained that it is a major victim, rather than a perpetrator, of cyber attacks. The country consistently denies claims about its cyber espionage activities. Capability and motive Peter Jennings, executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), told CNN Business that there was a "95% chance that it is China who is responsible for this attack." "It really comes down to understanding the capacity and interest that any country might have in wanting to engage in this sort of attack against Australia," said Jennings, a former senior Australian Defense Department official. "There are some other countries that are capable, namely Russia and North Korea, but in both cases they don't have the scale to go as comprehensively as China has." He added that neither Russia nor North Korea has a major "strategic interest in Australian politics" at present. Chinese officials have attacked ASPI's independence and credibility, calling its reports "fact-distorting and ridiculous." "There is only one country which has the combination of capability and motive and that's China," Jennings said. "And frankly there is also a pattern of this behavior by China over the years in this." Canberra has avoided pinning blame in the past on other countries for major cyber attacks, including an operation launched against the country's parliament and major political parties in 2019. Months after the attack, Reuters reported citing Australian government sources that Canberra had concluded in private that China was the culprit. "China's Foreign Ministry denied involvement in any sort of hacking attacks and said the internet was full of theories that were hard to trace," Reuters reported at the time. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Australia says it has been targeted by a 'sophisticated' state-based cyber attack." Denny ONeil, a leading comic-book writer who in the 1970s acquainted readers with Batmans tougher, urban roots and injected social issues into the joint adventures of Green Lantern and Green Arrow, died on June 11 at his home in Nyack, N.Y. He was 81. His son, Lawrence, said the cause was cardiopulmonary arrest. Mr. ONeil not only reinvigorated Batman and unified Green Lantern and Green Arrow; he also wrote comic books featuring Spider-Man, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Daredevil and the Question in a 35-year career that included two stints at both DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Jim Lee, DCs chief creative officer and publisher, wrote on Twitter that Mr. ONeils focus on social issues pushed comics to wider respectability & acceptance as an art form, adding, Through his work & mentorship, he influenced generations of writers & artists. In 1970, Mr. ONeil and the artist Neal Adams created a series in which Green Lantern and Green Arrow traveled the United States in stories that took on issues like racism, drug addiction and the environment. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Seoul Fri, June 19, 2020 12:12 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406600a437 2 World #SouthKorea,#NorthKorea,#Unified-Korea,#unification,South-Korea,North-Korea,Unified-Korea Free South Korea's Unification Minister, its point man for relations with the North, resigned on Friday over heightened tensions on the peninsula, days after Pyongyang blew up its liaison office with the South. President Moon Jae-in "accepted Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul's offer to resign", the presidential Blue House said in a statement, without giving further details. Kim had offered to step down on Wednesday, a day after the North demolished the liaison office, saying he "takes responsibility" for the worsening of inter-Korean relations. Since early June, North Korea has issued a series of vitriolic condemnations of the South over anti-Pyongyang leaflets, which defectors send regularly, usually attached to balloons or floated in bottles. Analysts say the North may be seeking to manufacture a crisis to increase pressure on the South to extract concessions. On Tuesday it reduced the building on its side of the border that symbolised inter-Korean rapprochement to rubble, and the following day threatened to bolster its military presence in and around the Demilitarized Zone. Inter-Korean relations have been in deep freeze for months, following the collapse of a summit in Hanoi between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump. That meeting foundered on what the nuclear-armed North would be willing to give up in exchange for a loosening of sanctions. A pro-engagement academic and a longtime confidant of Moon, Kim was appointed to the post in March last year, days after the Hanoi meeting. Reports say John Bolton, the former US national security advisor, criticised Moon in his new memoir for encouraging both Kim and Trump to have unrealistic expectations of the other. Moon, who has also long backed engagement with the North, has been called unrealistic by his critics for his dovish approach. On Monday the left-leaning president gave a speech calling for inter-Korean dialogue and stressing the importance of peace on the peninsula. But Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of the North Korean leader, called the speech "disgusting" and "shameless and impudent", adding Moon "seems to be insane though he appears to be normal outwardly". The two Koreas remain technically at war after hostilities in the Korean War ended with an armistice in 1953 but not a peace treaty. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Vapers have been largely reassured by recent EU safety regulations, but some have been pushed to the black market for stronger hitsaccording to new research from the University of East Anglia. Researchers studied reactions to vaping legislation. The EU's Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) was introduced in 2017to ensure safety, provide consumer information and deter young people who had never smoked before, from trying it. The regulations include things like a maximum volume for liquid, limits on nicotine concentration, and the need for health warning labels. The legislation also prohibits specific hazardous ingredients. The study reveals how, from a consumer perspective, future regulation should not further restrict liquid or tank volumes and nicotine concentration, but should focus on ensuring e-liquid product safety. Lead researcher Dr. Emma Ward, from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: "Switching to vaping is now the most popular way for people to stop smoking in the UK. "Studies have shown that while vape liquid can contain potentially harmful compounds, it is much safer than smoking tobacco. "But regulation of e-cigarettes varies considerably around the world, from no legislation at all in around half of countries, to total bans in 29 countries." Prof Caitlin Notley, also from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: "There have been significant concerns from consumers, industry, and even some in the scientific community about the potential negative impact of the TPD rules. "We wanted to find out how consumers perceived and experienced the regulations." The study is the first to investigate consumers' views and experiences of the TPD regulations. The research team looked at 160 interviews and surveys as part of a wider study into e-cigarette use. Dr. Ward said: "We found that awareness about safety legislation was not universal but on the whole, vapers were reassured by manufacturing regulations and requirements for ingredients labels. "Some of the participants felt the regulations led to more plastic waste, because it meant they needed to use smaller bottles of e-liquid, with more packaging. "But the most worrying thing that we found was that the restrictions caused some people to buy higher strength e-liquids and prohibited components on the black market via countries where regulations do not apply such as China and the USpotentially putting their safety at risk." "A large proportion of participants didn't know much about the EU regulations and many said they wanted regulations which were already in place. "Public health bodies, Stop Smoking Services, and healthcare professionals should consider raising awareness about the regulations to smokers, to offer reassurance about vaping products and e-liquid ingredients. This could help more smokers switch to vaping. "Harm reduction messages on packaging, comparing e-cigarettes to tobacco could also nudge smokers to switch to less harmful vaping," she added. Prof Notley said: "All of this is particularly important right now during the Covid-19 pandemic. "Since completely switching from smoking to vaping improves cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, smokers who switch to vaping might be expected to have a better prognosis if infected by Covid-19." Explore further Public health expert discusses the dangers of vaping and e-cigarettes Jammu/New Delhi: The NIA on Wednesday secured 10 days remand of two guides from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir who allegedly facilitated infiltration by Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists responsible for the brazen attack on an army camp in Uri earlier this month. The twoFaisal Hussain Awan and Ahsaan Khursheedboth residents of Muzaffarabad in PoK, were produced before a designated court in Jammu which remanded them in NIAs custody. The duo has since been brought to the national capital where they would be interrogated by a joint team of officials of various security agencies besides being subjected to scientific tests. During their preliminary interrogation, the two were claimed to have admitted to having facilitated infiltration by a group of four JeM militants who carried out the Uri army camp attack. On being shown the photographs of the four terrorists killed in retaliatory action, accused Faisal Hussain Awan identified one of them as Hafeez Ahmed, a resident of village Dharbang, Muzaffarabad, in PoK. The two were arrested in a joint operation by the BSF and the army at Angoor Post at Gavalata village in Uri last Saturday when they were trying to infiltrate into India. As both were residents of PoK, the army authorities interrogated them about whether they had any knowledge regarding the Uri attack in which four terrorists had stormed an army camp on September 18 and killed 18 soldiers. The duo initially said they had inadvertently crossed over into India but during sustained interrogation were claimed to have admitted that they had facilitated the infiltration by Uri attackers and also helped their interrogators identify one of the militants involved in the assault, the sources said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - A board member of the Bank of Japan said monetary easing was expected to last even longer and it was important to implement measures that encouraged the active lending attitudes of financial institutions, the minutes of the April meeting showed Friday. At the April meeting, the board called for relaxing the conditions for the commercial paper and corporate bonds and a few members expressed the view that the bank should expand the range of eligible collateral and increase the eligible counterparties. At the meeting, the board removed the limit for government bond purchases. Policymakers said they will not hesitate to take additional easing measures if necessary after closely monitoring the impact of coronavirus, or Covid-19 pandemic. In the subsequent meeting in May, the bank had introduced a new lending program to help financing small and medium-sized firms. Some policymakers said possibility that the impact of the spread of Covid-19 would last and that it would be necessary for the Bank to continue to support financing mainly of firms for quite a long period. Early this week, the bank raised the size of the coronavirus lending program to JPY 110 trillion from JPY 75 trillion. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Bank of England Bank has expanded the size of its bond-buying programme by 100bn to mitigate economic impact of coronavirus pandemic. The Bank of England (BoE) has apologised over its former leaders historic links to the slave trade, vowing to remove any pictures of them from Threadneedle Street. It comes a day after insurance giant Lloyds of London and pub chain Greene King also issued similar denunciations of their ties to 18th and 19th century slavery. Both promised to do more to tackle challenges facing ethnic minorities, including funding external organisations and internal diversity and inclusion measures. It marks the latest development in the wake of the toppling of a slave traders statue during a Black Lives Matter protest in Bristol, triggered by the deaths of George Floyd and other black Americans at the hands of the police. A BoE spokesperson called slavery an unacceptable part of English history. At least 17 million Africans are thought to have been enslaved over several hundred years as a result of the transatlantic slave trade. READ MORE: Lloyds of London and Greene King say sorry over slavery ties As an institution, the Bank of England was never itself directly involved in the slave trade, but is aware of some inexcusable connections involving former governors and directors and apologises for them, said the central banks statement. The Bank has commenced a thorough review of its collection of images of former governors and directors to ensure none with any such involvement in the slave trade remain on display anywhere in the Bank. The BoE is now activity engaging with staff and particularly ethnic minority workers to improve its efforts to be as inclusive as possible. It is the latest in a string of British organisations to issue a mea culpa over slavery after increasing scrutiny of their past, with the Church of England also apologising over clergymens ties. It said that while it recognises the leading role clergy and active members of the Church of England played in securing the abolition of slavery, it is a source of shame that others within the Church actively perpetrated slavery and profited from it. Story continues A spokesperson said: In 2006 the General Synod of the Church of England issued an apology, acknowledging the part the Church itself played in historic cases of slavery. The Church of England is actively committed to combatting slavery in all its forms today, particularly through the work of the Clewer Initiative which works with our 42 dioceses to help support victims of modern slavery and identify the signs of exploitation in their communities. Many institutions and organisations have been asked by news outlets in the wake of fresh Black Lives Matter protests about their links recorded in a University College London (UCL) database on slave-owners and their legacy. READ MORE: How to be a role model for change and the importance of taking space But some say the statements do not go far enough. The reparations committee of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), a trade bloc of 15 nations, called for British institutions to provide more development funding to make atonement for their past. "Unfortunately, one cannot go back and remake the history but you can make atonement: it is not enough to make your apology as a public spectacle," Hilary Beckles, chair of the committee, told Reuters. "It is not about public relations it is about a negotiated settlement whereby everyone finds closure within a moral framework," he said. "Public consciousness is catching up with history: that moment has come. With International Yoga Day right around the corner, cure.fit, Indias leading integrated holistic healthcare services provider, will embark on an endeavour to achieve ten million Surya Namaskars being done on the day. The challenge, which will be launched on the cure.fit app on Yoga Day, 21st June, hopes to see participation from one million people doing Surya Namaskars, a movement that is at the very core of Yoga. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has led to all cure.fit and mind.fit classes being conducted digitally, 170+ live Yoga classes will be held all day to mark the occasion. Surya Namaskar will also be a part of the warm up and cool down regimen on that day for non-Yoga formats too to encourage more participation. A live counter will keep track of the number of Surya Namaskars being done and we will also be hosting quizzes on the app for our users. The day-long event will have Q&A, information sessions with experts, star trainers and see participation from all of cure.fits employees. This challenge is part of our initiative to keep people moving and healthy in their homes in a safe manner. Yoga is one of the best ways to increase strength, improve mental health and build immunitythe key requirements for all of us today. We want to use this challenge as a way to encourage everyone to embrace all the health benefits that this practice can provide, said Ankit Nagori, Co-founder, cure.fit. The Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine did not consider Babikov as an official lawyer of Yanukovych. First Deputy Director of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) of Ukraine Oleksandr Babikov has denied he was a lawyer of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, but confirmed he had participated in court hearings and filed a number of documents in his interests. Read alsoLeading faction chief opposes putting Yanukovych's ex-lawyer to senior post at SBI "As for Yanukovych, yes, I participated in the court hearing on choosing a preventive measure against him and filed several procedural documents. However, I was not part of the group that dealt with the case and defended Yanukovych," he told the RBC Ukraine news agency on June 18. According to Babikov, the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine did not consider him as an official lawyer of Yanukovych, but this did not prevent him from submitting motions and applications. Babikov added he had not denied participation in the court hearings and the submission of documents in the former president's interests. At the same time, Aver Lex lawyers were allowed only to some hearings, whereas a free lawyer defended the suspect at other ones. As UNIAN reported earlier, prosecutor of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yanis Simonov confirmed Babikov had represented Yanukovych in court. The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has urged resident doctors in the country to call off their strike action, saying the present government will keep to its promises to them. Dr Ehanire made the appeal on Friday during his appearance on Channels Televisions Sunrise Daily. While reacting to claims that the government has not kept to its promises to the health workers, Dr. Ehanire said the President Muhammadu Buhari government has a track record of being sympathetic to the people and keeping its promises. We have made it clear to them (doctors) that this government is the most sincere and serious government this country has ever had. His (Buhari) word is his bond, the minister assured. According to him, This government has a record of being sympathetic to people, of meeting its obligations and keeping to its promises. He recalled that the present government paid the Nigerian Airways pension arrears as well as kept to other promises it made to Nigerians. The Minister, however, lamented that it is hard to convince people who do not want to be convinced about the governments sincerity, adding that a lot has changed in the country since this present administration came on board. He, therefore, called on the striking doctors to reconsider their action for the interest of the country, assuring that government will keep to its end of the bargain. This government does things differently, he explained. This is a government that says its word and keeps to its words. We would not do anything to hurt you. We work in your (doctors) interest. According to him, Nigeria cannot afford to have the doctors on strike at this time when the health system is strained globally due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Ehanire added: We are going through a very difficult time with other countries and this is quite clearly not the time to add more to our problems by deciding to go on strike. I am worried that we are probably the first and only country where doctors have decided to go on strike. Members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Nobel Prize-winning activist Malala Yousafzai, who moved to Britain after being shot for campaigning for girls' education in Pakistan, described her joy Friday at graduating from Oxford University. Almost eight years after she was attacked by the Taliban on her school bus in the Swat Valley, the 22-year-old posted photos on Twitter of her celebrations with her family. "Hard to express my joy and gratitude right now as I completed my Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree at Oxford," she said. "I don't know what's ahead. For now, it will be Netflix, reading and sleep." The photos show Malala covered in brightly coloured bits of paper and foam -- a student tradition -- and having a cake with her family, decorated with the words "Happy Graduation Malala". Malala first rose to prominence aged just 11 with a blog for the BBC's Urdu-language service charting her life in Swat under the Taliban. She was shot in the head by a Taliban hitman in October 2012, and after being flown to Britain for life-saving medical treatment, the family settled in Birmingham, central England. She was at school there when she heard in 2014 that she had won the Nobel Peace Prize along with Indian activist Kailash Satyarthi "for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education." The youngest ever Nobel laureate, she has continued to speak out for girls' education. The victory of BJP candidate in Manipur in the Rajya Sabha election on Friday came as a boost for the saffron party grappling with the "political crisis" since resignation of nine MLAs from the coalition government on Wednesday. BJP candidate for the lone Rajya Sabha seat, Leishema Sanajaoba, the titular king received 28 of the 52 votes polled on Friday. Congress' T. Mangibabu got 24 votes even as the party on Thursday claimed the support of 26 MLAs. The traditional king enjoys strong reputation and respect in Manipur society. "It is a big victory for BJP and for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. This shows people of Manipur are with the BJP," Chief Minister N. Biren Singh told reporters at Imphal minutes after the result for Rajya Sabha polls was announced. The result was delayed due to complaint by the opposition Congress over Speaker Yumnum Khemchand's decision to allow three of the seven Congress MLAs, who had earlier switched over to BJP, to vote on Friday. The seven MLAs were earlier barred by Manipur high court from entering the Assembly till the Speaker's decision regarding their disqualification under anti-defection law. Congress on Thursday sought removal of the Speaker alleging "authoritarian style" of functioning in the disqualification issue. Three BJP MLAs and the lone Trinamul Congress legislators, who resigned on Wednesday and joined a Congress-led front were also not allowed to vote in the Rajya Sabha polls. Sources said two Congress MLAs cross voted in favour of Sanajaoba giving an edge to the BJP candidate in the middle of the political crisis. The victory comes a day after nine MLAs, three from BJP, four from NPP, one from TMC and one Independent resigned from N. Biren Singh-led coalition government, which wrested power from Congress in 2017. All nine later joined the Congress-led Secular Progressive Front and decided to support efforts to topple the government. The front led by former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh met Governor Najma Heptulla on Thursday and staked claim to form their government. They also sought dismissal of the "minority government" led by BJP and a special session of the Assembly for a floor test. All eyes are now on the Governor's next couse of action. 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. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f0486ce8cf8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f0486cedef0)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f0486ce8cf8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f0486cedef0)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f0486e86e30)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f0486cedef0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f0486cedef0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04868fd800)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f0486ce84b8)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f0486ce84b8)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 19) House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano called on law enforcers to make sure there will be "zero abuses" to the controversial anti-terrorism measure once it is passed into law. The government should "prove the critics wrong," Cayetano said during the turnover of donations to military frontliners in the fight against the coronavirus disease. "Kayong mga kritiko (To you critics), we appreciate your criticisms but in this case, we hope that you are wrong. And if you are not wrong, at any point in time, we can amend or repeal," Cayetano said. "Some of you will say it might be too late. 'Yun rin po ang sinasabi namin e, pag sumabog na yung bomba, patay na yung mga tao, nagiba na yung airport, wala nang turistang pupunta sa atin, it's also too late," he added. [Translation: Some of you will say it might be too late. That's what we're saying also. Once the bomb goes off and people are killed, or the airport is destroyed and tourists could no longer visit us, it's also too late.] The anti-terrorism bill, which is expected to be enacted by President Rodrigo Duterte, will repeal Human Security Act of 2007, giving more surveillance powers to government forces. Among its contentious provisions is allowing suspected terrorists to be arrested without warrant and detained without charges for up to 24 days. Critics of the measure say it relaxes safeguards on human rights and is open to abuse. Cayetano reiterated that the measure is "at par" with the laws of other countries and it would not be used against law-abiding citizens. BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - JinkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd. (JKS) responded to the Regional Court of Dusseldorf's recent determination concluding that third-party cell technology contained in certain JinkoSolar modules, no longer in production, infringes a patent held by Hanwha Q CELLS. 'We respectfully disagree with the recent decision of the Dusseldorf court, which did not take any independent expert evidence and based its decision on one sided allegations,' said Kangping Chen, CEO of JinkoSolar. JinkoSolar believes the Dusseldorf court came to an erroneous conclusion and will appeal the decision. JinkoSolar is also challenging the Hanwha patent's validity at the European Patent Office. JinkoSolar continues to believe that Hanwha's claims are without merit and were brought solely to slow down its business momentum. Importantly, the scope and impact of the Dusseldorf court's decision is limited to Germany. Additionally, the decision relates to third-party cells included in older versions of JinkoSolar-branded modules which are no longer in production. As such, the decision has no impact on current JinkoSolar customers, and JinkoSolar may continue to import and sell modules that use its own cell technology to customers in Germany. 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. WASHINGTON - The National Archives on Thursday located what appears to be the original handwritten "Juneteenth" military order informing thousands of people held in bondage in Texas they were free. The decree, in the ornate handwriting of a general's aide, was found in a formal order book stored in the Archives headquarters building in Washington. It is dated June 19, 1865, and signed by Maj. F.W. Emery, on behalf of Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger. "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, 'all slaves are free,' " the order reads. "This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor." The order sparked jubilation among African Americans in Texas and resulted in generations of celebration. It rings poignant today, as in recent weeks outpourings of anger against police brutality and racism have filled America's streets. It is modest, two-paragraph entry in the book labeled "Headquarters District of Texas, Galveston . . . General Orders No. 3." But it affected the lives of about 250,000 enslaved people. The order was located by Trevor Plante, director of an archives textual records division, who, because of current interest in the subject, was asked to search for it. Printed versions of the order have long existed, Plante said Thursday. "But this is something that we haven't tracked down before," he said. The handwritten entry "absolutely" predated the printed versions of the order, he said. "This is done June 19, 1865," he said. "This would have been done the day of." "It's in good shape," he said. "You can read it, and it's legible." David Ferriero, head of the Archives, said of the find: "I think it's terrific. I think the timing is just amazing." Granger was an accomplished but abrasive officer who fought heroically at the Battle of Chickamauga and in the Chattanooga campaign. He arrived in Galveston with 2,000 Union soldiers 10 weeks after the main Confederate army under Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox on April 9. But the war didn't end with Lee's surrender. Areas of rebellion remained, especially in distant parts of the dying Confederacy like Texas. Galveston was 1,200 miles from Appomattox. The decree "was something that he felt compelled to do," Plante said. "As the Union army was getting into these areas, I think he realized that this was needed. "A lot of people think Appomattox was the end of the war. There were still pockets of resistance . . . They still needed to send more troops down and take over these areas and show more of a force than was there before." Native American health care officials are voicing their concerns with the state and citys response to COVID-19 as cases continue to surge in Rapid City, on reservations and across the state. The latest data from the state Department of Health on Thursday showed that 13 percent of the states COVID-19 cases came from Native patients, while the Native population accounts for 9 percent of the states total population. Jerilyn Church, CEO of the Great Plains Tribal Chairmens Health Board, told Law360 that the state has not responded to requests for mass testing resources, a partnership with the Department of Health for contact tracing and for a data exchange. In spite of the lack of response from the DOH, Oyate Health Center is moving forward with its own mass testing event for Saturday in partnership with Indian Health Services, Sanford Lab and Northern Plains Lab, said Brandon Ecoffey, spokesperson for Oyate Health Center. He said IHS partnered with the hospital to acquire equipment and testing supplies, and estimated 200 people have expressed interest in the event so far, based on registration. The mass testing event comes after the hospital has seen 114 total positive cases of COVID-19 among its patients throughout the pandemic after running 544 total tests. Church also said shes concerned the state has not issued a stay-home order for all its residents, noting the decision has been left entirely up to cities to set their own coronavirus guidelines. Churchs concerns for a statewide mandate come months after Gov. Kristi Noem said a stay-home order is herd mentality, not leadership, and that it would not have prevented the spread of COVID-19 in South Dakota or in meatpacking plants like Smithfield. We are much more vulnerable because we are living within the states jurisdiction and there are no real efforts to contain the spread, Church said to Law360, noting that the Native population also has heightened risk factors such as higher rates of diabetes and obesity than the general population. Native communities were among the first groups in the state to uphold stricter COVID-19 precautions, with many families self-quarantining, avoiding unnecessary trips and travel and three reservations in particular taking more steps to protect members than the state, which was one of five states without a stay-home order at the time. Rosebud, Oglala and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes all implemented tighter restrictions for members by April, with the latter two setting up border checkpoints to protect reservation residents against possible COVID-19 exposure. Most of Oyates patients are members of the Oglala Sioux, Cheyenne River Sioux and Rosebud Sioux Tribes. So far, Cheyenne River has reported six cases; Oglala Lakota county has seen 54 cases and the Rosebud COVID-19 Task Force has reported 62 total cases as of Tuesday. With fewer restrictions in place across the state and in Rapid City, and with 25% of people keeping up with social distancing in the community, Church said the Native population in Rapid City is still at a heightened risk for contracting COVID-19. Much of Rapid Citys homeless population is Native, Church said, and many Native families live in multi-generational homes where self-quarantine may be difficult for sick family members. Despite these concerns for the homeless population, the city chose Wednesday to close its 100-bed emergency COVID-19 shelter at the Civic Center by June 26. Mayor Steve Allender said the shelter is averaging a much lower number of patients than emergency officials prepared for. Oyate Health Center still operates its alternative care site at a hotel, where 45 people have quarantined to-date, Law360 said. We have this population of elders who are not in nursing homes but need a safe place to quarantine that is not the shelter, Church said. Oyate Health Centers positive rate of tests has remained at greater than 20% since May 6. The CDC recommends governments see 20% or fewer tests coming back positive for 14 days before they consider reopening, according to the Law360 story. Local positivity rates were at 4.1 percent for the week ending June 9, according to the Great Plains Tribal Epidemiology Center, which the Oyate Health Center does see as encouraging. However, the hospital itself is seeing higher rates of COVID-19 in the area for its Native patients. Oyate Health Center first reported a 60% drop in routine care visits in late April as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the nation. Furloughs of workers at the hospital were imminent before coronavirus cases first appeared locally, which Church said was an all hands on deck situation. 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. While various companies unexpectedly moved to demonstrate a deeper awareness of the problems facing Black people in the World, Google joined the commemoration of Juneteenth's 155th anniversary with a Google Doodle video. Juneteenth has its origins in Texas' long-awaited moment of emancipation, where more than 250,000 enslaved black people were liberated on June 19, 1865. ALSO READ: Amazon 'Happy to Lose' Customers Who Oppose Black Lives Matter Stance After Jeff Bezos Shares Abusive Email Doodle to educate people with history The Doodle --- in collaboration with artist Loveis Wise, music producer Elijah Jamal and narrator LeVar Burton --- aims to educate people who are not familiar with this part of history. Set to the first verse of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," the video starts with the order Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger read the group of enslaved people in Texas. The official told the oppressed people they were liberated through the General Order No. 3. Over 90 seconds, the video shows scenes of black people in the past and present, doing stuff like hanging out in a park, voting, and getting married. Google has also released a series of similar responses for Assistant for those unfamiliar with this Second Independence Day and its meaning. Its Arts & Culture unit also partnered with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture to create a new exhibit online. Abolition of chattel slavery had a much slower, more complicated end Although the proclamation of emancipation was signed in 1863, Google pointed out that the abolition of chattel slavery was a much slower and more complicated end than many realize. Angelique McKinley, the creative director of the Doodle project for Google, wrote in a blog post that many believe the Declaration of Emancipation magically abolished chattel slavery. Still, she noted the history taught in grade school for decades is not the case at all. "At its best, this limited narrative reduces the struggle for Black liberation in America to a singular moment," McKinley said. "And at its worst, it perpetuates an incomplete truth that robs every American of understanding what actually happened after slavery was reformed," she added. In the years since, as McKinley alludes to, the original chattel slavery system has morphed into other unjust systems continuing to discriminate on the Black people in the United States. Although Juneteenth offers a day to remember, McKinley noted that "Juneteenth's absence in the mainstream U.S. historical narrative has made it an unknown holiday to many for decades." Recently, the public has indeed taken note of the holiday. Google's search interest in "Juneteenth meaning" has spiked over 800 percent in the past week, and Juneteenth hit an all-time high search, Mashable reported. Google announced a series of commitments to improve racial equity in its workplace, including increasing the number of underrepresented leadership groups. The tech giant provided more than $175 million in an economic opportunity package to support Black business owners, start-up founders, job seekers, and developers. ALSO READ: Couple Who Got Married After Joining Black Lives Matter Protest Said They Planned for A Quiet Ceremony Until Their Wedding Went Viral 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Fox News political analyst Gianno Caldwell on Thursday pushed the false narrative that restaurant employees have intentionally poisoned police officers, likely referencing an infamous claim that was debunked by the New York Police Department. During an appearance on Fox News Your World with Neil Cavuto, Caldwell, who is Black, was asked by anchor Neil Cavuto about the growing push to make Juneteenth a national holiday, something Caldwell said he supported. Honestly what people dont know is that Juneteeth was established by Republicans, he added. As we all know, Lincoln freed the slaves. So I absolutely support that. Cavuto then contrasted the current move to be more conscious of social and racial justice issues with the recent Atlanta police sick-out, wondering aloud if we are treating all sides fairly here. After saying that he supported police reform and highlighting the fact that the majority of Americans agree, Caldwell expressed concern that law enforcement was being unnecessarily targeted. Im reminded of an incident in a restaurant where somebody put bleach in some drinks that officers were drinking, he said. It is very, very disappointing. Because that is not where we really get a true reform. It is unclear which specific alleged incident Caldwell was referencing, but he was most likely referring to the incident earlier this week in which three NYPD officers claimed that Shake Shack employees put a bleach-like substance in their milkshakes. This prompted the local police unions to baselessly assert that the restaurants employees intentionally poisoned the cops. Hours after the claims emerged, however, the NYPD cleared the workers and restaurant of any criminal wrongdoing. Despite that, some Fox News stars continued to push the false narrative onlineeven after the chief NYPD detective publicly debunked it. And Caldwell is no stranger to dropping baseless speculation or allegations into his on-air analysis. Story continues Earlier this month, after Attorney General William Barr said that hed seen evidence that antifa and other similar extremist groups had instigated violence during proteststhough no anti-fascists have yet been chargedCaldwell referenced conservatives favorite bogeyman while going down a conspiratorial rabbit hole. Is it George Soros that's helped fund some of the operations? Caldwell asked at the time. If it is, and if antifa is declared a domestic terrorism group, would he possibly face some charges because of his association with it? Its any number of things that could absolutely come up with A.G. Barr. After publication, Caldwell took to Twitter to apologize for his remarks, acknowledging that the New York police found no wrongdoing in the case. Earlier today, I referenced a claim regarding an attack on law enforcement officers while at a restaurant, he wrote. I apologize to our viewers as I was not fully knowledgeable on the incident. This claim was investigated and there was no criminal wrongdoing found, I regret this error. 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. Syracuse, N.Y. A nationwide unemployment insurance scam that often targets school employees has struck at least two more Central New York school districts. Fraudulent unemployment insurance claims have been filed electronically on behalf of about 12 employees of the Onondaga Central School District and one employee of the LaFayette district by crooks who stole their Social Security numbers and other personal information. Syracuse.com reported Thursday the scam has affected 100 to 150 employees of the Syracuse City School District. The scam came to light in the Onondaga Central schools last week after some of its employees got letters from the state Labor Department requesting additional information about unemployment claims they never filed, said Rob Price, the school districts superintendent. The district also started receiving notifications from the state Labor Department asking it to verify unemployment requests for employees who were never laid off. Its scary that this is out there, Price said. Jeremy Belfield, LaFayette superintendent, said his district reported its one case to the state Labor Department and encouraged the affected employee to contact law enforcement. Its unfortunate this is hitting schools and other employers at such a challenging time, Belfield said. The scam comes at a time when New York and other states are struggling to keep up with high volumes of unemployment claims filed by people who have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic. Unemployment insurance fraud, unfortunately, is a scourge that the DOL fights every day, but those who seek to exploit a global pandemic for these criminal purposes are especially despicable, said Deanna Cohen of the state Department of Labor. She said the agency investigates all reports of fraud, but would not comment on the school cases. People become victims of unemployment insurance fraud after their personal information such as full name, Social Security number and date of birth is stolen and used to file a phony claim under their name with the state. Cohen said this is not caused by a breach of the labor departments computer system, but may be related to previous hacks of computer systems at banks, insurance companies and the victims employer. The Onondaga and LaFayette superintendents said there is no evidence hackers broke into their computer systems to obtain personal information of employees. A Syracuse district official said the same thing. The city district was hit by a cyberattack a year ago that crippled its computer system. District spokesman Michael Henesey said there is no indication the fraudulent claims are related to that attack. There have been many reports nationwide of school employees being targeted by the scam. A Secret Service memo said a Nigerian fraud ring is behind the massive scam that often targets school, employees, first responders and government workers. The memo obtained by The New York Times said the scheme could result in potential losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Cases have been reported in Washington, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Florida and Upstate New York. WHEC-TV in Rochester recently reported school employees in the Brockport, Greece, East Irondequoit, Batavia and Rush-Henrietta districts have been victimized. The state Attorney Generals Office says on its website the unemployment insurance scam is similar to schemes that involve filing for fraudulent federal and state tax refunds. In those schemes, scammers recruit people to receive direct deposits from the phony transactions. The AGs Office says victims should contact the nearest office of the U.S. Secret Services which is investigating the scam. The state Labor Department said victims should also report their cases to its office. The department advised victims to: Change passwords, logins and personal identification numbers for online accounts, especially bank accounts; Place a free fraud alert on accounts with the three credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax; Get a free credit report from creditreport.com Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission; File a report with local police departments. James T. Mulder covers health news. Have a news tip? Contact him at (315) 470-2245 or jmulder@syracuse.com Naftogaz Ukrainy Executive Board Chairman Andriy Kobolev is cautious about an idea of signing long-term contracts to supply liquefied natural gas to Ukraine by Louisiana Natural Gas Exports. In his opinion, in particular, the potential import of LNG in previously announced volumes of 5.5 billion cubic meters by the U.S. company is possible only in case of further re-export of LNG to European countries. "I have a certain skepticism regarding the viability of this business model and its feasibility. The import of such volumes of gas can be viable only if there is subsequent re-export to the countries of the European Union, since I think that we won't see such a volume of consumption of imported gas [domestically] any time soon. There are many other questions there," he said during a hard talk titled "Naftogaz. What's Next?" broadcasted on YouTube on Thursday. "I do not understand this model yet, but I am careful about it, because not everything that I do not understand has no right to go live," he added. As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine at the end of May 2020 approved a memorandum with Louisiana Natural Gas Exports on possible LNG supplies from the United States to Ukraine and the development of gas infrastructure with Poland. Inivata Joins Blood Profiling Atlas in Cancer (BloodPAC) Consortium Research Triangle Park, NC, USA and Cambridge, UK, 18 June 2020 - Inivata, a leader in liquid biopsy, announces that it has joined Blood Profiling Atlas in Cancer (BloodPAC), a consortium working to accelerate the development and validation of liquid biopsy assays to improve the outcomes of patients with cancer. BloodPAC is a US-based not-for-profit organization which has developed a collaborative infrastructure that enables the sharing of information between stakeholders among the public, industry, academia, and regulatory agencies. The consortium includes large pharmaceutical companies alongside prestigious academic institutions and research organizations such as the American Cancer Society. Inivata is committed to contributing its clinical validation data comparing the circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) next-generation sequencing (NGS) profile from advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients to the NGS profile from tissue using the commercially available InVisionFirst-Lung assay. In addition to this test for advanced NSCLC patients, Inivata recently launched RaDaR, a patient-specific solution utilizing the InVision platform for residual disease and recurrence detection. This personalized assay has exceptional sensitivity with significant potential applications in clinical trial settings. As a partner, Inivata will collaborate with other members of the BloodPAC to contribute its experiences in pre-analytical solutions, bioinformatics, workflow automation and other laboratory needs to develop further insight into the application of liquid biopsy in cancer care. Clive Morris, Chief Executive Officer of Inivata, commented: We are honored to join the BloodPAC Consortium amongst such high-profile names in the liquid biopsy space. We look forward to sharing the valuable genomic insight that we have gained, through this collaborative approach, to drive the development and utilization of liquid biopsy technologies and enable physicians to make better clinical decisions in the treatment of cancer patients. Story continues Lauren Leiman, Executive Director of BloodPAC, commented: Were so pleased to welcome Inivata to the BloodPAC consortium. Inivata joins a uniquely collaborative group, where companies share time, expertise and data to drive the field forward and accelerate the development of liquid biopsy technologies for the benefit of patients. Especially as we begin to assess how BloodPACs model of collaborating to compete may support innovation in other global markets, we appreciate the insights that a European partner like Inivata can bring. About Inivata Inivata is a leader in liquid biopsy. Its InVision platform unlocks essential genomic information from a simple blood draw to guide and personalize cancer treatment, monitor response and detect relapse. Inivatas technology is based on pioneering research from the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge. Its lead product, InVisionFirst-Lung is commercially available internationally and through NeoGenomics in the US. It offers competitive sensitivity and turnaround, providing molecular insights that enable clinicians to make more informed treatment decisions for advanced NSCLC patients. Inivata has also launched the personalized RaDaR assay allowing the highly sensitive detection of residual disease and recurrence. Inivata is partnering with pharmaceutical, biotechnology companies and commercial partners in a range of early and late stage cancer development programs. The Company has a CLIA certified, CAP accredited laboratory in Research Triangle Park, NC and R&D laboratories in Cambridge, UK. For more information, please go to www.inivata.com . Follow Inivata on Twitter @Inivata. About the Blood Profiling Atlas in Cancer (BloodPAC) The Blood Profiling Atlas in Cancer (BloodPAC) is focused on accelerating the development and validation of liquid biopsy assays to improve the outcomes of patients with cancer. BloodPAC is a nonprofit consortium managed by the Center for Computational Science Research, Inc. (CCSR), which is an Illinois-based not-for-profit corporation. Members support BloodPACs work by contributing liquid biopsy data, protocols, and expertise into an open data commons. BloodPAC participants include: American Cancer Society (ACS), Arkansas Bioinformatics Consortium (AR-BIC), AstraZeneca, Bio-Rad, Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), Bristol Myers Squibb Company, The Center for Genetic Medicine Research at Children's National Medical Center (CNMC), Ceres Nanosciences, Inc., College of American Pathologists (CAP), Eli Lilly and Company, Epic Sciences, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Foundation Medicine, Freenome, Friends of Cancer Research, Guardant Health, Horizon Discovery, Illumina, Inivata, Lexent Bio, Inc., Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Movember Foundation, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Novartis, Open Commons Consortium (OCC), Personal Genome Diagnostics (PGDx), Pfizer, Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium (PCCTC), Seracare Life Sciences Inc., SolveBio, Streck, Inc., Sysmex Inostics, Thermo Fisher Scientific, University of Chicago, University of Southern California, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Windber Research Institute. For more information on how to contribute or participate in BloodPAC, an open consortium, visit www.bloodpac.org and connect with BloodPAC on Twitter @blood_pac . Media Contacts: Consilium Strategic Communications Chris Gardner/Angela Gray/Sarah Wilson Paul Kidwell (US) inivata@consilium-comms.com +44 (0)20 3709 5700, +1 516 503 0271 People stay in a viewpoint looking at the Mediterranean sea in Palma de Majorca, Spain (Joan Mateu/AP) Visitors to Spains Balearic Islands are finding that some of the excesses of pre-pandemic holidays have been rolled back as the authorities look to ensure public safety while luring back the tourists that keep the economy ticking over. Thermometer guns, face masks and plastic gloves can be seen in airports, hotels and restaurants. Shops are closed in sleepy streets while nightlife is discouraged. However, Spain still hopes the Mediterranean blue waters, warm sun and sandy beaches are enough to lure visitors back. Expand Close Tourists sit on the beach (Joan Mateu/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tourists sit on the beach (Joan Mateu/AP) We enjoy the fact that were allowed to be pretty much alone here, the beach is empty, German tourist Martin Hofmann said while walking along the beach of Palma, Majorcas main city. OK, unfortunately, a lot of places are also closed, Mr Hoffman said. Theres only two or three places open here at Playa de Palma now. But, whatever. Thats new and fun. Mr Hoffman and his wife Serra were among the first of 10,900 German tourists scheduled to arrive in the Balearic Islands over the next two weeks for whom the Spanish government has waived the current 14-day quarantine requirement. As happy as the islands are to have tourists back, that number represents only 0.91% of the visitors that Majorca and the three other Balearic Islands welcomed in the second half of June last year. Expand Close People enjoy the warm weather (Joan Mateu/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People enjoy the warm weather (Joan Mateu/AP) It may be a trickle of tourists, but they are like manna from above for the archipelagos struggling economy. Tourism generates 12% of Spains GDP and supports 2.6 million jobs. In Spains Balearic and Canary Islands, however, the dependence on tourism jumps to over 30% of their economies. Competing with other European countries that are similarly desperate to fill their hotels, museums and tourist sites, Spains government announced a 4.2 billion aid package for its tourism industry on Thursday. The president of the Confederation of Business Associations of the Balearic Islands said Wednesday that the islands economy had contracted 4.5 % in the first quarter of the year and that the second quarter was expected to be even worse due to the prolonged national coronavirus lockdown that Spain has only recently started rolling back. The Balearic Islands economy is on course for a very deep recession, said Carmen Planas, the president of the business group. On top of that, the Balearic Islands is facing a completely unknown and atypical tourist season that is full of uncertainties. Spain is dropping its quarantine requirements for travellers from Europes Schengen zone on June 21. But until then, the Balearic Islands are off-limits for visitors, even for Spaniards from the mainland, except for the trial run of German tourists. Expand Close People enjoying time on the beach (Joan Mateu/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People enjoying time on the beach (Joan Mateu/AP) Authorities hope the Germans can help them test out best tourism practices amid the coronavirus era. Xisca Sitjar, who runs one of the first hotels to reopen, said her hotel will be back to half of its capacity thanks to the German visitors. Her employees greeted the first busload of Germans on Monday with cheers. The pressure is on us, Ms Sitjar told Onda Cero radio. We know that everyone is watching us and wants to know the results. I believe it will be a success. Many retailers and restaurants are counting on the tourists return. Usually at this time we would see a lot of tourists, a lot of people on the beach, on the promenade, but now we dont see anyone here, said Juan Bouzas, owner of a shoe store. I think things will get better, but very slowly. Expand Close A view of Punta Ballena, the main club strip in Magaluf, Majorca during pre-pandemic times (Nick Ansell/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A view of Punta Ballena, the main club strip in Magaluf, Majorca during pre-pandemic times (Nick Ansell/PA) The situation is even bleaker outside Majorcas main city in Magaluf, a beach town known for offering young Europeans, especially British, a party atmosphere. Majorcas fellow island of Ibiza also caters to the party-going crowd but for now, nightclubs remain closed on government orders. No previous health checks are required for the Germans to travel but they must complete a questionnaire aimed at identifying possible infections. On landing, they face temperature checks, get information on Spains social distancing and mask-wearing rules and have their contact information taken. Local officials have developed detailed protocols to prevent outbreaks and to send the message that Spain, and especially the Balearic Islands, is a safe place to kick back in times of global anxiety. Face masks are required in all indoor public areas at hotels. Guests get their temperatures taken before the enter hotels restaurants. Gloves are mandatory each time a guest requests food from a buffet, where a worker serves them. Arrows have been put on the floor to map out one-way routes for guests to keep people from crossing paths as much as possible. Expand Close A woman sits in a terrace bar (Joan Mateu/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A woman sits in a terrace bar (Joan Mateu/AP) Government health workers make random calls to check on the tourists. If a guest has symptoms of the Covid-19 virus, a cough or a fever, authorities say they will get them tested within 24 hours. Those with positive results will be isolated in apartments the government has rented for the summer season. A team of contact tracers, which has been bolstered by 150 new hires, will seek out any people who could have been infected. Locals want to make sure that tourists do not import new infections. Spain has officially reported over 27,000 deaths in the pandemic but with lockdown measures has drastically reduced the number of patients in hospital with the virus. We wanted to be the first tourist destination in Spain to open for international visitors because we want to show that we are a safe destination, Francina Armengol, the regional head of the Balearic Islands government, told TV3 television. If we do not maintain good health practices, then there will no chance to reactivate our economy, she said. Sign up for our free travel newsletter! Like what you're reading? Subscribe to 'Travel Insider', our free travel newsletter written by award-winning Travel Editor, Pol O Conghaile. To receive Steve Gutterman's Week In Russia each week via e-mail, subscribe by clicking here. The consecration of a colossal cathedral for the successor of the Soviet Army. A school surveillance-camera system called Orwell. Spray-equipped tunnels set up at the Kremlin and President Vladimir Putins main residence to protect him from the coronavirus. And a regional leader whose denial of a plot to murder a journalist seems to double as a threat. Plus, trials in Moscow and Pskov deepen concerns about the governments use of the courts as a tool to achieve its political and economic aims, and the Russian state stands accused of killing a perceived enemy in a Berlin park last summer. All this and more as Russia readies for a vote meant to put the peoples stamp of approval on constitutional changes allowing Putin to seek 12 more years as president after his current term runs out in 2024. Polls show Putins support among those very people has waned over the past few years and the past few months, since the advent of the coronavirus which continues to infect thousands of people in Russia every day following the lifting of lockdowns that government critics say were imposed too late. Tunnel Vision And now, an almost comically apt symbolic measurement of Putins distance from the people has emerged -- in the form of disinfection tunnels set up in the Kremlin and at Putins residence at Novo-Ogaryovo, outside Moscow, to protect the man who could potentially remain president until 2036, the year he turns 84. Visitors walk through the rectangular gates and are sprayed with disinfectant from nozzles in the sides and above. "When it comes to the head of the state, additional precautionary measures are justified," Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov who himself was hospitalized with COVID-19 and released in late May, said of the tunnels. He told the AP they were installed when the coronavirus, which also infected Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and others in government, was in full swing in Russia. In another additional precautionary measure, World War II veterans who are to sit near Putin to watch the rescheduled Red Square military parade marking 75 years since Nazi Germanys defeat are reportedly being kept in isolation ahead of the June 24 event. Nearly 80 veterans were brought to a health resort outside Moscow for a 14-day stay ahead of the delayed Victory Day parade, Bloomberg reported, citing two unnamed officials with knowledge of the preparations. Oh, (Big) Brother Younger Russians, meanwhile, may be subjected to more long-term monitoring in a development not directly related to the coronavirus. Some Russian schools and possibly almost all of them, eventually are being equipped with surveillance cameras linked to a system that is called Orwell, after the British novelist who wrote the book several books, actually, including 1984 on totalitarian states. The mist-spraying coronavirus tunnels and Orwell security cameras made for some wry remarks and mocking memes on social media. But they were probably eclipsed by the response to the consecration on June 14 of the huge cathedral that has been built at Patriot Park outside Moscow, with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, in attendance. Putin was absent and had tamped down criticism ahead of time by saying, according to Peskov, that it was premature to honor his performance as head of state by depicting his face in a mosaic along with Shoigu, among others. But there was plenty to catch the eye, and several observers drew comparisons to the film The Death Of Stalin, a British black comedy about Soviet generals, bureaucrats, and high-level toadies jockeying for power following the demise of the dictator. One commentator said it seemed like some kind of extremely dark parody, while opposition politician Aleksei Navalny described it as pure gold: Members of the CPSU (Communist Party of the Soviet Union) since 1975 posing not only as combat generals but also as believers. A delight. Putin, with more than 20 years in power as president or prime minister, has mixed symbols from tsarist times and the Soviet era in a persistent bid to bolster his own image and incite patriotism. And the church ceremony seemed to serve as a reminder that, within a few weeks, the Russian Constitution is all but certain to mention God for the first time. Thats one of a slew of amendments on social and economic issues, mainly -- that are overshadowed by the wording permitting Putin to run for reelection in 2024 and 2030. Even as that prospect looms, one development this past week appeared to underscore the limits of Putins control at least when it comes to Ramzan Kadyrov, the former rebel fighter he has relied on to rule the Chechnya region, the site of two devastating post-Soviet wars and an Islamist insurgency, for about 15 years. Rights activists say that Kadyrov rules through repressive measures and has created an environment of impunity for security forces in the region. They claim Kadyrov is responsible for abuses of political opponents that include kidnappings and forced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings -- some of them carried out abroad and that Putin turns a blind eye to the regional leaders conduct. A Killing In Berlin The Kremlin certainly seemed unconcerned by the ominous wording Kadyrov chose to use when denying accusations that he was behind an alleged plot to kill Giorgi Gabunia, a Georgian journalist who insulted Putin on air in July 2019. "Believe me, if someone is acting on my orders, he will carry them out, and if a mission is to be accomplished quietly, nobody...would learn about it," Kadyrov, who has called himself Putins foot soldier and vowed at the time to punish Gabunia, wrote on Telegram. He added that the journalist should "go down on his knees and ask for forgiveness.... Otherwise, he will, I repeat, remain my enemy." Peskov called the allegations against Kadyrov "absurd." Putin has not commented on the matter. Kadyrovs remarks came two days before prosecutors in Germany announced they have filed murder charges against a Russian national accused of killing a Georgian man of Chechen ethnicity in Berlin in August 2019, and accused the Russian state of ordering the slaying. The victim has been identified in media reports as Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, who had fought alongside separatists in Chechnya 20 years ago. There was no indication of a direct link to Kadyrov, but the German prosecutors claim echoed accusations of Russian state involvement in attacks on perceived enemies abroad, such as the radioactive polonium-210 poisoning of Aleksandr Litvinenko in 2006 and the nerve-agent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter in 2018, both in Britain. The assertion that the Russian state was behind a slaying in the heart of Europe in broad daylight has added to concerns in the West about Russias conduct beyond its borders, from violence to alleged meddling in elections. Two trials inside Russia, meanwhile, have elicited criticism of the governments treatment of its own citizens and compounded claims that it uses fabricated or exaggerated criminal cases against foreigners as a geopolitical tool, essentially holding the accused hostage and employing them as bargaining chips in potential prisoner swaps or to seek other concessions from countries ranging from Ukraine to the United States. On June 15, a Moscow court convicted American Paul Whelan of espionage and sentenced him to 16 years in prison after a trial denounced by the U.S. ambassador as a mockery of justice. Swap Meat? Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called Russias treatment of Whelan appalling and said the United States is outraged by the conviction that came after a secret trial, with secret evidence, and without appropriate allowances for defense witnesses. He said the trial was unfair and demanded the immediate release of Whelan, who said he was innocent and was set up by Russian authorities. Two days after the verdict was pronounced, the Russian news agency Interfax reported that Russian and U.S. officials were negotiating a possible swap of Whelan for two Russians serving lengthy sentences in U.S. prisons Viktor Bout, an arms dealer nicknamed the Merchant of Death, and Konstantin Yaroshenko, who was sentenced to 20 years for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the United States. The Interfax report cited an unnamed official and could not be verified, but it added to indications that Moscow would like to negotiate a deal leading to the release of Bout and Yaroshenko. Meanwhile, at a trial hearing in the northwestern city of Pskov on June 16, journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva, a freelance contributor to RFE/RLs Russian Service, rejected charges that she had "justified terrorism" by publishing an online commentary that linked a suicide bombing with Russias political climate as her trial resumed proceedings. Human Rights Watch called Prokopyevas prosecution a violation of freedom of expression that sends yet another chilling message that in Russia, raising uncomfortable questions can have severe repercussions -- a lesson the authorities have been giving the media for years." Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. Matt Hancock is facing a fresh storm over the failed NHS contact tracing app today after it emerged the government pumped more than 11million into the failed project. Government transparency information showed at least 11 contracts have been awarded to private firms for work on the project, worth a total of 11,297,811. It is not clear how much of the money has been paid out, or whether any can be clawed back. Evidence of the costs - which ministers have refused to give up to now - emerged after Mr Hancock humiliatingly admitted last night that the NHSX app was being abandoned. The software, originally promised for mid-May and touted as crucial for ending lockdown, was unable to spot 25 per cent of nearby Android users and a staggering 96 per cent of iPhones in a trial on the Isle of Wight. Meanwhile, the Apple and Google technology can spot 99 per cent of close contacts using any type of smartphone but Mr Hancock said it cannot reliably tell how far away they are. The clash came after Matt Hancock (pictured at the Downing Street briefing last night) humiliatingly admitted that the NHSX app, once hailed by ministers as crucial to ending lockdown, was being abandoned Nicola Sturgeon waded into the row today by insisting the shambles 'vindicated' her decision not to build Scotland's test and trace system around an 'untested app' The app developed by the NHS didn't work for people using Apple iPhones and effectively went into sleep mode, failing to pick up nearby devices using Bluetooth (stock image) THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE NHS AND GOOGLE/APPLE TECHNOLOGY It is not clear why the NHS app was so much worse as using Bluetooth to detect other phones than the Apple/Google technology is. And officials have not explained why or how it is better at measuring the distance between two phones. The main difference between the two apps is the way they store data. Both keep a log of who someone has come into close contact with - but the NHS's app would have kept information in a centralised database, while the Google/Apple app is de-centralised. NHS app: Lists on NHS servers The NHSX app would create an alert every time two app users came within Bluetooth range of one another and log this in the user's phone. Each person would essentially build up a list of everyone they have been in 'contact' with. This would be anonymised so the lists were actually just be numbers or codes, not lists of names or addresses. If someone was diagnosed with the coronavirus or reports that they have symptoms, all the app users they got close to during the time that they were considered infectious - this will vary from person to person - would receive an alert telling them they have been put at risk of COVID-19 - but it wouldn't name the person who was diagnosed. NHSX insisted it would have deleted people's data when they get rid of the app, but not data uploaded to the NHS server if they or a contact tested positive. Apple/Google: Contained on phones In Apple and Google's de-centralised approach, meanwhile, the server and list element of this process is removed and the entire log is contained in someone's phone. That app works by exchanging a digital 'token' with every phone someone comes within Bluetooth range of over a fixed period. If one person develops symptoms of the coronavirus or tests positive, they will be able to enter this information into the app. The phone will then send out a notification to all the devices they have exchanged tokens with during the infection window, to make people aware they may have been exposed to COVID-19. The server database will not be necessary because each phone will keep an individual log of the bluetooth profiles someone has come close to. These will then be linked anonymously to people's NHS apps and alerts can be pushed through that even after the person is out of bluetooth range. It is understood that if someone later deletes the Google/Apple app and closes their account their data would be erased. Advertisement At the Downing Street briefing last night the Cabinet minister appeared to point the finger at Apple, saying: 'Our app won't work because Apple won't change their system'. But an Apple source told The Times today that it had not been informed of the announcement or consulted on the plan to work together. 'We don't know what they mean by this hybrid model. They haven't spoken to us about it,' the source said. On the idea that its version was less accurate at measuring distance than the government's NHSX model, the source said: 'The app has been downloaded by six million in 24 hours in Germany, the Italians have had it going since Monday, the Dutch government and Irish government have it, and there has been no issue about proximity detection.' MailOnline understands Apple was aware of the government's concerns about the accuracy of the model, but the company pointed out that Germany has concluded it is 'better than relying on people's memories'. Official records analysed by PA Media show that software firm Zuhlke Engineering was awarded more than 5 million across two contracts for development and support on the app. The Department of Health and Social Care also awarded more than 4.8 million to developer VMware and its subsidiary Pivotal in three contracts for work on the creation of the app. A number of other contracts to several other firms were also awarded for work on security testing of the application, ranging in value from 67,000 to more than 162,000. In a round of interviews this morning, schools minister Nick Gibb was unable to confirm whether a contract had been signed between the Government and Google and Apple to develop the contact-tracing app. Asked if a deal to develop the app had been completed with the tech giants, the school standards minister told Sky News: 'Well, that's a matter for (Health Secretary Matt Hancock). 'He's working with Google and Apple, I don't know the details of the contracts that they have.' He added: 'What I do know is that we are working with Google and Apple to iron out these problems with the system to make it robust and accurate in how it tracks and traces.' Mr Gibb said there was no point rolling out a system that then fails. He said: 'We want to have ambitious plans to track and trace, and that's what the app is about, but it has to be properly tested. 'There's no point in rolling out a system that then fails because what you're asking people to do when they're contacted by the tracers is to self-isolate and you have to be able to trust the information.' Officials refused to reveal how much money has been spent on the now-scrapped NHSX app. Mr Hancock, appearing alongside the head of NHS test and trace Baroness Dido Harding, could not say when an tracking app would be ready - amid claims it won't be rolled-out until the winter. 'We're not going to put a date on it... But I am confident we will get there,' he said. Apple and Google announced on April 10 that they would join forces to create the technology, by which time the NHS had already started work. All parties put their software into action around a month later, in mid-May. Developers in the NHS will now work alongside the tech giants to try and roll its detection software and the NHS app's distance-measuring ability which they said was significantly better together to make a hybrid app that actually works. The Labour Party said 'precious time and money' had been wasted in the app fiasco, which represented further 'poor management' of the Covid-19 crisis, which has seen more than 42,000 Brits die of the disease. Here's how the NHS contact tracing app fell apart: When used on iPhones the NHS app went into background mode and stopped recording nearby phones; As a result it only managed to detect four per cent of possible contacts for Apple phone users. In contrast, it detected 75 per cent for Android phone users; The technology developed by Apple and Google could detect 99 per cent of nearby phones, officials said, but could not say how close they actually were; Health bosses said the Apple/Google technology couldn't differentiate someone 3m (9'8') away with their phone in their hand from someone 1m (3'3') away with it in their pocket; Officials now want to merge the two, to have Apple/Google's detection capability with the NHSX app's ability to calculate distance. The NHS app has faced a series of setbacks since ministers announced it was being developed, with experts raising serious privacy concerns, others saying it wouldn't work in crowded tower blocks where people live in close proximity, and constant delays putting back its launch date at first by weeks and then months. But senior politicians have stuck by the technology and promised it would come to fruition. Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast in May that it would be an 'incredibly important part' of Britain's fight against the virus. Boris Johnson has repeatedly said the test and trace system, with the app as a central part of it, would be 'world-beating'. The debacle has prompted renewed speculation about Mr Hancock's position in the next reshuffle. One Government source acknowledged the episode was a 'shambles', adding: 'He has overpromised and under-delivered and we have seen too much of that.' Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will today make Ireland's case for a bigger share of the planned 750bn EU coronavirus economic aid fund. The EU leaders will hold what is hoped to be their last video summit today with their first discussion on the virus economic recovery aid unveiled by the EU Commission last month. There is widespread division among the member governments about the proposals - backed by France and Germany - for 500bn in non-repayable grants and 250bn in low-interest loans. Indications from Brussels were that Ireland would get in excess of 3bn from this. But EU Affairs Minister Helen McEntee has told the Dail the Government believes this share-out was based on Ireland's thriving economy pre-Covid-19 and the Taoiseach will be seeking changed procedures at today's talks. These coronavirus aid talks will enmesh with ongoing conflict about a 1.1trn 2021-2027 EU budget programme. Ireland is among a number of mainly southern and former Eastern Bloc states seeking more funds and protection for traditional farming, regional and social fund grants. But the so-called 'frugal four' of the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden and Denmark want a tighter rein on EU spending and coronavirus aid, seeking an emphasis on soft loans to member states. They oppose the Commission plan for the EU itself to borrow for virus grant aid, which Brussels would repay from the bloc's coffers over 30 years. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hopes agreement on coronavirus aid and the EU seven-year budget plan can be done by the end of next month. A series of summit meetings face-to-face in Brussels are tentatively planned to that end. The EU leaders may not discuss a nomination for head of the World Trade Organisation boss. The name of Commissioner Phil Hogan has been linked with this but it is unclear whether he has enough EU support. Ireland is ready to back his candidature for the job to be filled by the end of August. Democratic U.S. presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden is greeted by U.S. Senator Kamala Harris during a campaign stop in Detroit, Michigan, March 9, 2020. Brendan McDermid | Reuters UPDATE: Since this story was first published, Joe Biden selected Kamala Harris to be his running mate. By all accounts, Sen. Kamala Harris stands near the top of Joe Biden's list of potential 2020 running mates. Harris would bring a lot to the presumptive Democratic nominee's ticket as he tries to beat President Donald Trump in November. Even so, the California Democrat and former prosecutor could exacerbate one of Biden's key liabilities as a candidate: criticism that he reinforced racist failings in the criminal justice system. At 55 years old with several statewide election wins to her name in California, Harris has a combination of vigor and experience matched by few others on Biden's short list. Key allies have urged the former vice president, a 77-year-old white man, to choose a woman of color as his running mate. Harris, a daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants and one of three Black U.S. senators, would bring a vital perspective to the ticket during a national reckoning over systemic racism. But critics have contended the senator took some regressive stances during her time as district attorney of San Francisco and attorney general of California charges sharpened during her bid for the Democratic nomination last year. While Harris has defended her record and been a champion for anti-lynching and police reform legislation in recent weeks, some observers of her career say she could alienate parts of the Democratic Party, particularly younger Black voters. "Kamala Harris I think would undermine the hostility that Black Americans have toward Donald Trump," said James Lance Taylor, a professor of politics at the University of San Francisco. Even so, it is unclear how much of an effect Harris or any other Biden running mate will have on an election increasingly looking like a referendum on Trump's first term in office. The list of potential choices got shorter Thursday, when Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said she would take herself out of the running and urged Biden to pick a woman of color. Kamala Harris' resume Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) joins fellow Democrats from the House and Senate to introduce new legislation to end excessive use of force by police and make it easier to identify, track, and prosecute police misconduct at the U.S. Capitol June 08, 2020 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images Harris enjoyed a steady rise through the legal ranks in California. After she graduated from historically Black Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of Law, she became the deputy district attorney for northern California's Alameda County. Harris held the job from 1990 to 1998. She then joined the San Francisco District Attorney's Office. In 2003, Harris defeated incumbent Terence Hallinan to become the city's top legal official. She served as San Francisco's district attorney from 2004 to 2010. Harris was elected California attorney general in 2010, narrowly defeating Republican Steve Cooley. After her 2014 reelection, she ran for Senate in 2016. She easily defeated former Democratic Rep. Loretta Sanchez to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, garnering more than 60% of the vote. Harris ran in the 2020 Democratic primary, but failed to make it as far as the Iowa caucuses. She briefly vaulted higher in polls in July after she targeted Biden for opposing busing policy during the integration of public schools and for comments about working with segregationists in the Senate. But Harris failed to gain much more traction and dropped out of the race in December. Even at the heights of her campaign, Black poll respondents overwhelmingly preferred Biden over other Democrats, partly driven by a feeling that he had the best shot to deny Trump a second term. The public disagreements during the primary have not appeared to hurt Biden and Harris' relationship. At a fundraiser earlier this month where she helped Biden's campaign raise $3.5 million, she praised the former vice president as someone who "always has a sense of how people are experiencing this world," highlighting the "many contrasts" between him and the president. Biden called Harris a "fighter and a principled leader." He also said he "won't forget" when he saw the senator after the death of his son Beau. Biden said Harris told him, "I love you, and I loved Beau." Work in the Senate During her time in the Senate, Harris' prosecutorial grilling of Trump administration officials and nominees, from Attorney General William Barr to Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, has earned her plaudits from Democrats. She has aimed to take a leading role in holding the Trump White House accountable for abuses of power a helpful practice if she eventually has to debate Vice President Mike Pence or target the president on the campaign trail. After a May 2019 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in which Barr declined to answer Harris' questions about whether the White House asked him to open investigations into anyone, the senator called on him to resign. She said "this attorney general lacks all credibility and has, I think, compromised the American public's ability to believe he is a purveyor of justice." Harris has since brought her oversight push to the federal coronavirus response. She has sought better disclosure of how the Trump administration has used money meant to go to struggling small businesses and health-care providers. The senator has supported a range of benefits for essential employees during the pandemic, from raises to paid leave and better protections in the workplace. Harris also co-sponsored one of the most ambitious proposals to sustain Americans' income during the coronavirus shutdowns. The bill introduced in May would give individuals $2,000 a month during the crisis. The plan marked at least the second time she joined Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in backing a sweeping social safety net proposal. In April 2019, Harris signed on to "Medicare for All" legislation. The senator later muddied her health-care position during the presidential primary as she faced questions about whether her plan would abolish private insurance. A running mate's policy preferences may not prove all that important "because the presidential candidate is going to set the agenda," said Robert Shrum, a veteran political consultant and professor of the practice of political science at the University of Southern California. He noted one possible exception in Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., a vice presidential contender whose bankruptcy plan Biden adopted after she dropped out of the primary earlier this year. The push for reform Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman provided the details of PM Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan,to provide employment opportunities to migrant workers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be launching the scheme on June 20 to empower and provide livelihood opportunities to migrant workers who returned to their home states during the coronavirus lockdown. PM Narendra Modi will unveil a public work scheme worth 50,000 crore this week. The Centre has selected over 25,000 returned migrant labourers from 116 districts of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha for the campaign. The central and state governments have mapped the skill sets of the migrant workers who have returned in large numbers to the 116 districts in these 6 states. Government is set to pool 25 different projects to give jobs to migrant workers who have returned amid coronavirus crisis. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) VK Paul Committee issues new recommendations, slashes prices for isolation beds, ICUs without ventilator support and ICUs with ventilator support in Delhi's private hospitals Days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah took charge of tackling Delhis coronavirus situation, the MHA on Friday announced that the VK Paul Committee has recommended new lower rates for COVID beds in private hospitals in the city. The new rates would be Rs 8,000-10,000 rupees per day for isolation bed, Rs 13,000-15,000 ICU daily without a ventilator, 15,000 to 18,000 daily with ICU ventilator. An order is expected to be issued soon by the Delhi government. Earlier hospitals were charging 24,000-25,000 for isolation ward beds per day, 34,000-43,000 for daily ICU without a ventilator, 44,000-54,000 for daily bed with ICU ventilator. The charges did not include PPE kits. To provide relief to the common man in Delhi, Home Minister Amit Shah constituted a committee under Member of NITI Aayog to fix rates charged by Pvt hospitals in Delhi for isolation beds, ICUs without ventilator support and ICUs with ventilator support, Home Ministers office tweeted. To provide relief to the common man in Delhi, HM @AmitShah constituted a committee under Member of @NITIAayog to fix rates charged by Pvt hospitals in Delhi for isolation beds, ICUs without ventilator support & ICUs with ventilator support. Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) June 19, 2020 Read also: India to use aerial spray for locusts as Pak skips crucial meeting Read also: PM Modi pays tributes to Acharya Mahapragya on his birth centenary Committee has recommended Rs 8,000-10,000, 13,000-15,000 and 15,000-18,000 including PPE costs for isolation bed, ICUs without and with ventilator respectively to all hospitals as compared to the current charges of Rs 24,000-25,000, 34,000-43,000 and 44,000-54,000 (excluding PPE cost), it added. Home Ministry has also said that sample testing has been doubled immediately in pursuance of decisions taken by Shah in a series of meetings. A total of testing samples of 27,263 have been collected in Delhi from 15 to 17 June 2020 against the daily collection which varied between 4,000-4,500 earlier. Read also: Delhi conducts 20,000 Covid-19 tests, Kejriwal promises increase in upcoming days For all the latest National News, download NewsX App TORONTO, June 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Torex Gold Resources Inc. (the Company or Torex) (TXG.TO) announces the appointment of Fred Stanford as Executive Chair, Rick Howes as Lead Independent Director, and Jody Kuzenko as President & Chief Executive Officer of the Company following the Companys 2020 annual and special meeting of shareholders (the Meeting) held virtually today. The results of the Meeting are set out below. The Meeting also marked the retirement of Terry MacGibbon as founding Chairman of the Board, as well as Jim Crombie and Bill Shaver as directors. Fred Stanford, Executive Chair of Torex, stated: On this significant day in the history of Torex, I want to express my utmost gratitude to our three retiring directors Bill, Jim and Terry, whose contributions over the years have set a solid foundation for the future direction and success of the Company. I especially want to acknowledge our founding Chairman Terry MacGibbon, who more than a decade ago had the courage and foresight to believe we could build something very special in Mexico something that today continues to return significant value not only to shareholders, but to our surrounding communities and society. Jody Kuzenko, President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company, stated: I am honoured and humbled to step into the position of CEO, a position that Fred held brilliantly over the past decade as he built the Company from the ground up. With a world-class team in place, Torex will continue to not only deliver operational excellence, but poise itself for continued growth and value generation as a respected and responsible gold company. Item 1. Election of Directors At the Meeting, all director nominees listed in the Companys management information circular (the Circular) dated May 5, 2020, were elected as directors of the Company. The detailed results of the vote by ballot are as follows: Director Vote Type Number of Votes Percentage of Votes Frederick M. Stanford For 64,023,178 98.60 Withheld 910,785 1.40 Andrew B. Adams For 52,280,881 80.51 Withheld 12,653,082 19.49 Robin A. Bienenstock For 64,741,313 99.70 Withheld 192,650 0.30 Franklin L. Davis For 52,597,039 81.00 Withheld 12,336,924 19.00 David A. Fennell For 41,152,828 63.38 Withheld 23,781,135 36.62 Richard A. Howes For 64,754,200 99.72 Withheld 179,763 0.28 Michael D. Murphy For 43,691,720 67.29 Withheld 21,242,243 32.71 Roy S. Slack For 64,756,495 99.73 Withheld 177,468 0.27 Elizabeth A. Wademan For 64,569,757 99.44 Withheld 364,206 0.56 Jody L.M. Kuzenko For 64,745,157 99.71 Withheld 188,806 0.29 Item 2. Appointment of Auditor Story continues On a vote by ballot, KPMG LLP, Chartered Public Accountants, were re-appointed as auditors of the Company. Votes For % Votes For Votes Withheld % Votes Withheld 68,501,712 99.83 114,199 0.17 Item 3. Approval of Amendments to By-Law No. 1 On a vote by ballot, a resolution was passed whereby By-Law No. 1 of the Company was amended to increase the quorum required at each meeting of shareholders as described in the Circular. Votes For % Votes For Votes Against % Votes Against 64,868,184 99.90 65,779 0.10 Item 4. Approval of Amendments to By-Law No. 2 On a vote by ballot, a resolution was passed whereby By-Law No. 2 of the Company was amended with respect to advance notice of nomination of directors, bringing the Companys advance notice provisions in line with institutional investor guidelines and corporate best practices as described in the Circular. Votes For % Votes For Votes Against % Votes Against 44,185,447 68.05 20,748,517 31.95 Item 5. Approval of Reconfirmation and Amendment of Shareholder Rights Plan On a vote by ballot, a resolution was passed whereby the shareholders rights plan of the Company was amended and reconfirmed as described in the Circular. Votes For % Votes For Votes Against % Votes Against 63,268,987 97.44 1,664,978 2.56 Item 6. Executive Compensation On a vote by ballot, a non-binding advisory resolution was passed accepting the approach to executive compensation disclosed in the Circular and delivered in advance of the Meeting. Votes For % Votes For Votes Against % Votes Against 62,865,002 96.81 2,068,963 3.19 The formal report on voting results with respect to all maters voted upon at the Meeting will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . About Torex Gold Resources Inc. Torex is an intermediate gold producer based in Canada, engaged in the exploration, development, and operation of its 100% owned Morelos Gold Property, an area of 29,000 hectares in the highly prospective Guerrero Gold Belt located 180 kilometres southwest of Mexico City. The Companys principal assets are the El Limon Guajes mining complex (ELG or the ELG Mine Complex), comprising the El Limon, Guajes and El Limon Sur open pits, the El Limon Guajes underground mine including zones referred to as Sub-Sill and ELD, and the processing plant and related infrastructure, which commenced commercial production as of April 1, 2016, and the Media Luna deposit, which is an early stage development project, and for which the Company issued an updated preliminary economic assessment in September 2018 (the Technical Report). The property remains 75% unexplored. For further information, please contact: TOREX GOLD RESOURCES INC. Jody Kuzenko President and CEO Direct: (647) 725-9982 Email: jody.kuzenko@torexgold.com Dan Rollins Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations Direct: (647) 260-1503 Email: dan.rollins@torexgold.com CAUTIONARY NOTES ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Notwithstanding the Company's efforts, there can be no guarantee that the Company will not face unforeseen delays or disruptions of its operations including without limitation, delays caused by blockades limiting access to the ELG Mine Complex and the Media Luna Project or by blockades or trespassers impacting the Companys ability to operate. Forward-looking information also includes, but is not limited to a solid foundation has been set for the future direction and success of the Company, the Company has built something that today continues to return significant value not only to shareholders, but to our surrounding communities and society, and Torex will continue to not only deliver operational excellence, but poise itself for continued growth and value generation as a respected and responsible gold company. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "believes", future or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results can, "may", "could", "would", "might", on track, "be achieved", or to deliver. 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 the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, without limitation, those risk factors identified in the Technical Report and the Companys annual information form and managements discussion and analysis. Forward-looking information is based on the assumptions discussed in the Technical Report and such other reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Ross said that Stawinski lacked support among younger community members, especially those under 40 who also tend to be the most affected by policing. He said that he learned about Stawinskis resignation before the local chapter of the NAACP met, so they did not need to hold the vote of no confidence that was planned. NORTHAMPTON A dog was killed by a black bear early Monday night near a home on Marian Street. Investigators said the incident occurred when the dog ran from its yard into the woods and confronted the bear, which then climbed up a tree, said Craig Gilvarg, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Environmental Police. At some point the bear came down from the tree, leading to an encounter between the animals which was fatal for the dog, Gilvarg said. The bear then left the area. Gilvarg, press secretary for the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, said city police notified Environmental Police of the dogs death shortly after 6:15 p.m. Responding officers found the dog body about 50 feet from the home. The Daily Hampshire Gazette reported the dog was a 2-year-old dachshund-schnauzer mix named Poppy that had been in the yard with her owner. The Marian Street property abuts the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area. David Wattles, black bear and furbearer project leader for MassWildlife, told the Gazette June is a busy time for bears as the mating season begins and yearling cubs start to fend for themselves. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Praneeth Yendamuri and Dhruv Vohra (The Jakarta Post) Singapore Fri, June 19, 2020 09:15 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066003e8b 3 Opinion COVID-19,Southeast-Asia,consumer-behaviour,e-commerce,online-shopping,Bain-Company,Facebook Free While COVID-19 may be among the most devastating of all black swan events to hit Southeast Asia, it by no means is the first and like previous crises in the world, it is introducing long-lasting changes to consumer behavior and digital adoption. Now, C0VID-19 is moving consumers online faster than consumer goods companies thought was possible. Among the biggest consequences: the pandemic is hastening development of digital ecosystems in which consumer goods companies partner with food delivery services, online marketplaces, gaming companies or others for everyones benefit. It also is showing businesses how to adapt their playbooks - and some are making the thoughtful, agile moves that will help them maintain strong footing both today and for a post-C0VID world. Bain and Facebook have been studying the exponential growth of digital consumer behavior in Southeast Asia for three years. As we move into the second half of 2020 and the next normal, we examine what has changed, what hasnt changed and consider what the future will look like for companies. COVID-19 is intensifying the move online and serving as a catalyst for important changes. Online purchasing, digital consumption and average online basket size all have risen substantially and will continue to grow at record-setting rates, providing an opportunity for traditional businesses, large marketplaces and disruptive business models to thrive. Virtually overnight, COVID-19 has led consumers to alter their spending habits. Worried consumers stockpiled basic goods, looking for value and trusted brands. They cut back on apparel and consumer electronics. And, in record numbers, they started buying online. Our analysis of buying patterns of 8,600 consumers in six Southeast Asian countries found that while 47 percent of consumers decreased offline purchases, 30 percent increased their online spending. Our analysis helped us identify six critical themes in Southeast Asia among digital consumers who have made purchases online in the last six months. At home and contactless here to stay. Working from home has delivered an unanticipated benefit: eliminating hours-long commutes from daily schedules has boosted productivity. When restrictions lift, many are likely to continue working from home. Southeast Asias digital consumers also report that they intend to stay at home for shopping and leisure more than they did pre-C0VID. The regions consumers are 1.5 times less likely to dine out or visit a cinema than their counterparts in the US a big cultural shift in a region where consumers were almost twice as likely as those in the US to eat out every day. Meanwhile, consumers in Southeast Asia are embracing innovative contactless services. Even in Southeast Asias cash-dominant markets, for instance, contactless payment platforms have achieved high growth in both users and transaction volumes. Discovery of new apps accelerates. Southeast Asias consumers have never been shy about trying new apps. The Philippines is the world leader in the volume of text messaging. Jakarta has traditionally sent more tweets than New York, Tokyo, London or Sao Paulo. The pandemic has opened the regions consumers up to more options. During the pandemic, 77 percent of surveyed digital consumers tried a new app that they plan to continue using post-COVID-19. This spiked interest in social media, video and other digital options cuts across age groups and has caused companies to respond. For example, with more consumers using social media apps, social commerce is flourishing. Essentials are moving online. Whether they are quarantined or fearful of contact with others, consumers across Southeast Asia are spending more online during the pandemic, with essential goods such as fresh or packaged grocery accounting for much of their purchases. Having shifted online, many now anticipate they will continue relying on e-commerce after the crisis ends. For example, roughly 83 percent of those shopping online are likely to continue their increased spending online after restrictions are lifted. Value for money is a key consideration. Facing economic uncertainty, digital consumers now are more thoughtful about the purchases they make. As they stockpile or plan for an unstable future, they know what they want to buy and are turning their backs on splurges and impulsive spending. Value for money is a key purchase criterion for 57 percent of Southeast Asias digital consumers. An average 60 percent of the regions digital consumers say they plan to save more money in the future they are nearly twice more likely than digital consumers in the US. Reliable brands are on the rise. Southeast Asias digital consumers have always been open to trying new brands, with purchasing habits largely inspired by an openness to digital discovery. This year we looked closely at the types of brands these consumers buy and learned that they showed a strong preference for trusted and established brands. Forty two percent said they bought more established brands in recent months. Established brands have the consumer trust and robust supply chain to ensure their products are available and visible both in physical stores and online. Another trend that is gaining momentum: consumers are more aware of the importance of their overall wellness. This comes at a time when digital services have made it cheaper to maintain health. More consumers have recognized the services available in telemedicine and digital health, for example. Also, many realize that anyone with an internet connection can take advantage of workout videos it doesnt require expensive gym or health club memberships. The renewed interest in well-being is reflected in consumption behavior. When asked to prioritize their purchasing criteria, 39 percent of digital consumers in Southeast Asia cited health and wellness as a top priority. In the Philippines, 81 percent of consumers say they are likely to be more health conscious in the future. Throughout the region, consumer goods companies that are likely to come out the strongest will be those that have adapted quickly to these long-lasting changes in consumer behavior and digital adaption. *** Praneeth Yendamuri is Bain & Company partner based in Singapore. Dhruv Vohra is Facebooks industry director for digital natives and technology. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. The North Face has become the first major brand to pull advertising from Facebook after civil rights groups urged companies to boycott the social media giant claiming it 'promotes hate, bigotry, racism, antisemitism and violence'. The outdoor apparel brand announced the news on Twitter, sharing a post from NAACP President Derrick Johnson, which read: 'It is clear that Facebook and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, are no longer simply negligent, but in fact, complacent in the spread of misinformation, despite the irreversible damage to our democracy.' The North Face then wrote: 'We're Out @Facebook. #StopHateForProfit'. The company subsequently shared a statement with CNN, which read: 'The North Face is halting all activity and U.S. paid advertising with Facebook until stricter policies are put in place to stop racist, violent or hateful content and misinformation from circulating on the platform'. The company's commitment to pull their advertising also extends to Instagram - which is owned by Facebook. CNN reports that the North Face's parent company, VF Corp, has not yet stated whether other brands in its portfolio will also boycott the social media giant. VF Corp also owns shoe companies Vans and Timberland, and reportedly spent $756 million on advertising in the last year. The North Face has become the first major brand to pull advertising from Facebook after civil rights groups urged companies to boycott the social media giant amid claims it 'promotes hate, bigotry, racism, antisemitism and violence' The outdoor apparel brand announced the news on Twitter, above a post from the NAACP which was critical of Facebook Facebook has come under fire in recent weeks for its refusal to fact-check posts published by President Donald Trump. Late last month, CEO Mark Zuckerberg defended his decision to leave up a particularly inflammatory post by the Commander-in-chief, which stated in part: 'When the looting starts, the shooting starts'. Twitter hid the same message behind a warning that it 'incited violence'. Several Facebook employees staged a 'virtual walkout' over Zuckerberg's decision. The Facebook co-founder then held a conference call with civil rights leaders who condemned him for failing to remove the post. 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.' Facebook has come under fire in recent weeks for its refusal to fact-check posts published by President Donald Trump. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been accused of 'refusing to acknowledge how Facebook is facilitating Trump's call for violence against protesters' Color of Change subsequently joined forces with a number of other civil rights group to launch the '#StopHateforProfit' campaign earlier this week, encouraging companies to pull ads from Facebook. Other organizations in the campaign include the Anti-Defamation League, the NAACP, Sleeping Giants, Free Press and Common Sense. On Wednesday, the campaign took out a full page ad in the Los Angeles Times pushing for companies to boycott Facebook. The social media giant reportedly made close to $70 billion in ad revenues last year. 'What would you do with $70billion?' the #StopHateForProfit ad asks. 'We know what Facebook did. They allowed incitement to violence against protesters fighting for racial justice in America in the wake of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks and so many others'. The ad goes on to accuse Facebook of 'turning a blind eye to voter suppression' and 'amplifying white supremacists'. The groups took out a full page ad (pictured) in the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday that's titled: 'What would you do with $70billion?' Other prominent voices have also hit out at Facebook in recent days. Earlier this week, Nancy Pelosi said companies could use their 'tremendous leverage' to 'discourage platforms from amplifying dangerous and even life-threatening disinformation'. On Wednesday, MSNBC star Joe Scarborough launched a withering attack on Facebook accusing the company of 'promoting extremism'. 'I've seen a lot of insincere statements put out. Gonna say Mark Zuckerberg talking about how deeply saddened he was by the things he's seen the president say is near that top of it considering that he makes billions of dollars off of spreading lies and letting people spread lies, hateful lies,' the MSNBC host raged. Scarborough then brought up the murder of federal officer Damon Gutzwiller, 38, who died in an ambush allegedly started by Air Force sergeant, Steve Carillo, 32, last weekend. Authorities said Carillo scribbled far-right extremist phrases in blood after he killed a Gutzwiller and wounded two others. Carillo is said to be a part of 'boogaloo', a movement of far-right anti-government extremists. Facebook has been scrubbing 'boogaloo' and 'Proud Boys' Facebook pages. The company considers both to be hate groups. Joe Scarborough accused Facebook of actively 'promoting extremism' in a fiery monologue Wednesday morning as civil rights groups urged big advertisers to pull spending from the social media giant for its failure to make its platform less hostile Following Scarborough's monologue, Facebook announced that it removed another 900 social media accounts linked to the Proud Boys and the far-right American Guard after members discussed plans to bring weapons to protests decrying police brutality against black people. The company announced Tuesday that it recently took down 470 accounts belonging to people affiliated with the Proud Boys and another 430 linked to members of the American Guard. 'In both cases, we saw accounts from both organizations discussing attending protests in various US states with plans to carry weapons but we did not find indications in their on-platform content they planned to actively commit violence,' the company said. Nearly 200 other accounts linked to the groups were removed late last month. Facebook officials said they had been monitoring the groups' social media presence and were led to act when they say posts attempting to exploit current George Floyd protests unfolding across the country. Meanwhile, on Friday, the company reacted to news of The North Face's advertising boycott, stating: 'We deeply respect any brand's decision and remain focused on the important work of removing hate speech and providing critical voting information. Our conversations with marketers and civil rights organizations are about how, together, we can be a force for good.' A hilarious video has shown an alpaca stopping police in their tracks after the officers attempted to search a property. In the video shared by WA Police on Wednesday, two officers from Kellerberrin, a rural town two hours west of Perth, were ambushed by by animal named Alan. The beast was seen following the police car before he ran in front of the 4WD and stared down both of the officers. Two police officers from Kellerberrin, west of Perth, were ambushed by a strange looking alpaca when they attempted to search a property 'That is a guard alpaca,' said one officer while another is heard laughing uncontrollably in the background. 'Look at those teeth, oh he's actually going to block us.' The video which has thousands of views was captioned: 'Looks like alpaca my bags'. The officers were attempting to execute search warrant on the property and were eventually able to get past before taking a picture of his huge teeth. A spokesperson from WA Police said the alpaca was 'not aggressive' but was 'very inquisitive and protective of his home'. The officers were able to execute the search warrant but the alpaca kept a close eye on both officers the entire time. The alpaca was seen herding the police 4WD before he ran in front of the car and stared down both of the officers People online where highly amused by the encounter and many said it was a much needed laugh in a difficult period. 'Its the start of the Alpacalypse! Never a dull day on the office,' one man said. 'Looks like obstructing justice to me,' said another. While others were more entertained by the police officer's infectious laugh. 'It's the laughing in the background that's making me crack up,' Megan Matthews thought she was dying. "I thought my head was blown off," said Matthews, 22, who was hit in the eye with a sponge-tipped projectile fired by law enforcement at a May 29 protest in Denver. "Everything was dark. I couldn't see." Matthews, a soft-spoken art major who lives with her mother, had gone to the demonstration against police brutality carrying bandages, water bottles and milk so she could provide first aid to protesters. "I couldn't really grasp how bad my injury was," said Matthews, who sustained injuries including a broken nose, fractured facial bones and multiple lacerations on her face. "So much blood was pouring out. I was wearing a mask, and the whole mask was filling up with blood. I was trying to breathe through it. I kept telling myself, 'Don't stop breathing.'" Three weeks later, Matthew is struggling with her vision and her doctor says she may never completely heal. Others fared far worse. In a joint investigation into law enforcement actions at protests across the country after George Floyd's death in police custody, KHN and USA TODAY found that some officers appear to have violated their department's own rules when they fired "less lethal" projectiles at protesters who were for the most part peacefully assembled. Critics have assailed those tactics as civil rights and First Amendment violations, and three federal judges have ordered temporary restrictions on their use. At least 56 protesters sustained serious head injuries, including a broken jaw, traumatic brain injuries and blindness, based on news reports, interviews with victims and witnesses and a list compiled by Scott Reynhout, a Los Angeles researcher. Photos and videos posted on social media show protesters with large bruises or deep gashes on the throat, hands, arms, legs, chest, rib cage and stomach, all caused by what law enforcement calls "kinetic impact projectiles" and bystanders call "rubber bullets." At least 20 people have suffered severe eye injuries, including seven people who lost an eye, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Photographer Linda Tirado, 37, lost an eye after being hit by a foam projectile in Minneapolis. Brandon Saenz, 26, lost an eye and several teeth after being hit with a "sponge round" in Dallas. Leslie Furcron, 59, was placed in a medically induced coma after she was shot between the eyes with a "bean bag" round in La Mesa, California. Twenty-seven-year-old Derrick Sanderlin helped defuse a confrontation at a protest in San Jose, California, on May 29. While he was trying to protect a young woman from police, he was hit with a projectile that ruptured a testicle and, his doctor said, may leave him infertile. With terms like "foam," "sponge" and "bean bag," the projectiles may sound harmless. They're not. "On day one of training, they tell you, 'Don't shoot anywhere near the head or neck,'" said Charlie Mesloh, a certified instructor on the use of police projectiles and a professor at Northern Michigan University. "That's considered deadly force." Floyd's death sparked the nation's most widespread street protests in decades, drawing a massive response from police dressed in riot gear. Although many large metropolitan police departments own these projectiles, they had never before been used on a national scale, Mesloh said. Witnesses say law enforcement in several major cities used less-lethal projectiles against nonviolent protesters, shot into crowds, aimed at faces and fired at close range each of which can run counter to policies. Police have said they fired these weapons to protect themselves and property in chaotic, dangerous scenes. These projectiles, intended to incapacitate violent aggressors without killing them, have evolved from the rubber bullets developed in the 1970s by the British military to quell uprisings in Northern Ireland. They are designed to travel more slowly than bullets, with blunt tips meant to cause pain but not intended to penetrate the body. They come in many forms, including cylindrical wooden blocks, bullet-shaped plastic missiles tipped with stiff sponge or foam, fabric sacks filled with metal birdshot, and pepper-spray balls, which are about the size of a paintball and contain the active chemical in pepper spray. Some are fired by special launchers with muzzles the diameter of a cardboard toilet-paper roll; others can be fired from shotguns. They can cause devastating injuries. A study published in 2017 in the medical journal BMJ Open found that 3% of people hit by projectiles worldwide died. Fifteen percent of the 1,984 people studied were permanently injured. "Given the inherent inaccuracy" of the projectiles and the risk of serious injury, death and misuse, the authors concluded they "do not appear to be an appropriate means of force in crowd-control settings." Yet manufacturers continue to market them on their websites for that purpose. Defense Technology says its "eXact iMpact" sponge projectile is "used for crowd control, patrol and tactical applications." PepperBall says the uses for its projectiles include "anti-riot" and "crowd control." Security Devices International describes its "blunt impact projectiles" like weapons of war, saying they're "designed for military, peacekeeping, homeland security, law enforcement, correctional services and private sector security." It adds, "they are ideal for crowd control." The companies did not respond to requests for comment. There are no national standards for police use of less-lethal projectiles and no comprehensive data on their use, said Brian Higgins, an adjunct professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. So the nation's more than 18,000 law enforcement agencies establish their own rules for when they should be used, who's allowed to fire them and how to hold their officers accountable. Many police departments don't require officers to document their use of projectiles, Higgins said, making it difficult to know how often they're used. Denver's policy says officers should use projectiles only on a "combative or physically resistive person whose conduct rises at least to the level of active aggression," to prevent others from being harmed, or to "incapacitate a suicidal person who cannot be safely controlled with other force." Denver also forbids officers from targeting the "head, eyes, throat, neck, breasts of a female, genitalia or spinal column" of a suspect "unless deadly force is warranted." Matthews said she was standing 5 feet from other peaceful protesters at the Denver demonstration and nowhere near anyone rowdy. She suspects her shooting was no accident. "Either they targeted her face or they fired indiscriminately at the crowd," said Ross Ziev, Matthews' lawyer. "Either way, that poses a tremendous safety hazard." A federal lawsuit accuses Denver police of "targeting protesters, press, and medics" and aiming projectiles "at the heads and groins of individuals, in a clear tactic to inflict maximum damage, pain and distress." The Denver Police Department "takes complaints of inappropriate use of force seriously and has initiated Internal Affairs investigations into officers' actions during demonstrations that may be violations of policy," a department spokesman said. A federal judge in Denver issued a temporary order limiting the use of projectiles and tear gas. Police may use them only with the approval of a supervisor and only to respond to "specific acts of violence or destruction of property that the command officer has personally witnessed." In his ruling, U.S. District Judge R. Brooke Jackson found a "strong likelihood" that Denver police violated protesters' constitutional rights "in the form of physical injury and the suppression of speech." The Denver Police Department "has failed in its duty to police its own," Jackson wrote. Judges in Seattle and Dallas have issued similar injunctions, and cities such as San Jose, Atlanta and Austin have moved to curb their use. 'We've opened the floodgates' As of 2013, 37% of police departments in the U.S. authorized the use of "soft projectiles," according to the most recent survey released by the U.S. Department of Justice. That included the largest police departments in the country and more than half of those serving 10,000 or more citizens. Law enforcement used the projectiles widely during the 2014 protests in Ferguson, Missouri, sparked by the death of black teenager Michael Brown. But in day-to-day policing in the United States, kinetic impact projectiles are rarely used, according to a study published in 2018. Fewer than 1% of police use-of-force incidents involved such weapons, researchers found. Something changed when protests erupted after George Floyd's death, said Higgins, a former police chief of Bergen County, New Jersey. "It's almost like we've opened the floodgates," Higgins said. In general, instructors teach officers to target only people who are "extremely dangerous," said Higgins, who teaches classes on how to use these munitions. Projectiles should be "your last resort before you go to lethal force," Higgins said. "That's how dangerous they are." And officers need to aim shotguns or launchers carefully. "You should never fire indiscriminately into a crowd," Higgins said. "You should always pick your target." Projectiles can be fired directly at a target, while "skip rounds" are fired at the ground in the hope of hitting the target as they ricochet upward. That method of shooting is notoriously inaccurate, Mesloh said. Mesloh said he has spoken out about the problems with police projectiles for years, to little effect. There are no manufacturing standards or quality control measures for less-lethal projectiles, Mesloh said. In field tests, he has found that bean bag rounds can travel far faster than advertised. He focused on rounds that were supposed to fly out of a shotgun at 250 to 300 feet per second, 2 to 3 times faster than a major league fastball. Several traveled 600 feet per second. One bean bag clocked in at 900 feet per second, about the same speed as a .45-caliber bullet, he said. Faster projectiles are more likely to kill than slower ones, and they fly straighter. So an officer who expects the projectile will dip and hit a suspect's leg could end up hitting him on the torso or head, Mesloh said. Police can also make dangerous errors if they shoot projectiles while wearing gas masks. "The visibility with gas masks is zero," Mesloh said. "I wouldn't want to shoot anything while wearing one." Instructors typically get eight hours of training with less-lethal projectiles before they're allowed to teach others. Their students regular police officers receive four hours of instruction, including just five or six practice shots. Bean bag rounds used with shotguns cost $6 each, which limits how many can be used for training, Mesloh said. Police and their advocates emphasize that officers dealing with crowds must make high-stakes decisions in chaotic situations without time for reflection. Often they fear for their physical safety, said Nick Rogers, a detective and the president of the Denver police union. "Unfortunately, the narrative of the protests has kind of been hijacked," he said. "We probably had 30 to 40 police suffering injuries from bricks and rocks. And that's not being reported." Denver police didn't respond to a request to confirm that. In San Jose, police Capt. Jason Dwyer said firing projectiles is safer than trying to control a crowd using nightsticks. Dwyer, who was struck by a rock, said at a press conference that police were justified using projectiles and tear gas against the crowd, who turned his city into a "war zone." "I've been a cop for 21 years, spent about half that time in special operations," Dwyer said. "But I can tell you, I've never seen anything like it." A South Carolina law enforcement leader defended the response against protesters in Columbia on May 31, a clash that included the firing of projectiles. "There was no doubt what their intent was, and that was to destroy property, police cars, police buildings, whatever," Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said during a news conference. "So we had to stop them. And we did stop them." But Patrick Norris, 28, said he was protesting peacefully when he was shot in the back. He and a group of 150 to 200 protesters were met by about 50 officers from the Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff's Department and the South Carolina Department of Corrections, according to a federal lawsuit Norris filed against the sheriff, the sheriff's department, the city of Columbia and its police department and unnamed officers with the agencies and the state Department of Corrections. Court summonses have been issued to the defendants, who have not yet filed responses. Officers carried protective shields and were clad in body armor and riot helmets, said Norris, a truck driver and veteran of marriage equality rallies and gay pride parades. For about two minutes, the protesters chanted, "Hands up, don't shoot," Norris said. Then it appeared that someone ordered the officers to move forward. Almost instantly, the scene escalated into a battle. "They met us with immediate and intense force for no reason," Norris said. "It was pure chaos, with a large group of armed people unloading on unarmed protesters." Local media reported that the protesters had thrown objects at the law enforcement officers and tried to sneak into Columbia Police Department headquarters. Norris scoffed at that. He said he saw a bright flash, followed by a loud explosion that left shrapnel injuries on one of his legs. "Multiple loud pops were heard," believed to have been "the first of the rubber bullets fired into the crowd by unknown law enforcement officers," the lawsuit alleged. "Officers then began shooting tear gas canisters into the crowd of protestors," the lawsuit said. Norris, who had turned to run, "was struck numerous times in the back" by projectiles that left red welts seen in photos included with the lawsuit. The Columbia Police Department policy on the use of force states that less-lethal weapons meant to be fired directly at a target can't be used indiscriminately against a crowd, even if it's violent, and "shall not be used for crowd management, crowd control or crowd dispersal during demonstrations or crowd events." The use of force policies of the other law enforcement agencies could not immediately be determined. Norris said he doesnt know who fired at him. Shot without warning Soren Stevenson, 25, said he was unarmed when he was shot by law enforcement May 31 in Minneapolis. Protesters were peaceful but unnerved by police in riot gear, Stevenson said. He moved to the front of the crowd, about 30 feet from police, to protect protesters behind him. Suddenly, officers launched two explosive devices at demonstrators. Tear gas filled the air. The police knew it was a peaceful protest, Stevenson said. "I did not hear any instructions or commands from police. It went from protest to shooting, just like that. Stevenson said he was trying to comprehend the explosions when something slammed into his face, knocking the lenses from his glasses and spinning him around. I was very confused. I reached up and touched my face, and it was just soft that whole left side," he said. "It broke a lot of bones in my face, and my nose was moved from where it belongs to underneath my right eye. Stevenson doubled over, but stayed on his feet. He said he didnt notice blood or pain until volunteers cleansed the wound at a medic station. Stevenson said there were fractures to his skull, cheekbone, nose and jaw. He also suffered a concussion. Doctors immediately performed reconstructive surgery. On June 10, surgeons took out Stevensons eye. They inserted a prosthetic that is expected to eventually settle with surrounding tissue, and hell get a glass lens at some point. But hell never again have normal vision. In three decades as an ophthalmologist, "I've seen just about everything bad that can happen to an eye," said Dr. George Williams, who has not been involved in Stevenson's care. "I can't imagine a more effective way to destroy an eyeball than these so-called kinetic impact technologies." "Frankly, you're better off being stabbed in the eye with something sharp that creates a clean, plain wound," said Williams, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. "This creates irregular wounds where the tissue is just blown out. There is oftentimes nothing left to fix." His group and Physicians for Human Rights have called for a ban on less-lethal projectiles, including sponge-tipped bullets, pepper-spray balls and bean bag rounds. These projectiles "don't seem to be very effective at crowd control," Williams said. "All they seem to do is hurt people." Frozen with fear Nadia Rohr, 24, froze when Detroit police aimed what looked like "a bright-orange Nerf gun" directly at her. She and her girlfriend were at the front of a group of marchers when they turned a corner and came face-to-face with a wall of police in full riot gear, banging their batons on their shields. "I locked eyes with a police officer," said Rohr, who said she was peaceful and unarmed at the May 31 protest. "I was in a direct line of fire. Rohr said her girlfriend tried to pull her away, but the projectile still hit her in the back of the head. According to Rohr's medical records, the projectile fractured her skull, caused bleeding beneath the outer lining of her brain and ripped a deep gash across her scalp that took nine stitches to close. The Detroit Police Department didn't respond to requests to review its policy. Guidelines from 2014 authorize Detroit officers to use less-lethal force only to protect someone from physical harm, stop dangerous or criminal behavior or control someone resisting arrest. C.J. Montano, 24, has a bruise on his forehead in the shape of a circle visible evidence of the projectile that caused bleeding inside his brain. "They shot me directly in the face," said Montano, a former Marine who was hospitalized in the intensive care unit after attending a May 30 protest in Los Angeles. "It was definitely intentional." Montano described a chaotic scene. He and a group of nonviolent protesters knelt on the ground, yelling and chanting, about 5 feet from a line of officers armed with projectile launchers. Nearby, other protesters were throwing water bottles at police mostly Los Angeles officers, though some sheriff's deputies were there too, Montano said. Montano said he told police he would ask the protesters to stop throwing water bottles at the police if the officers didn't shoot him. He did so, but they shot him anyway with small projectiles, he said. The police announced they would move forward, and he warned the crowd that they would have to back up. As the crowd moved back amid tear gas, he and another man were left in a no man's land, 50 feet from police and another 50 feet away from the crowd, Montano said. Officers shot again. "I got hit in the hip and the stomach at the same time with larger rounds," Montano said. "They shot the other gentleman. Although my hands were up, they shot me in the rib cage. I fell on the ground and moved behind a sign to catch my breath. Their shots were getting higher and higher every time I stood up." Five minutes later, Montano said, he stood up with his hands in the air. He said that's when he felt a powerful force hit his forehead. "It was just like a really, really hard thud," Montano said. "I lost all vision in my left eye, all hearing in my left ear." The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating 56 allegations of misconduct by officers during the protests that decried police brutality half of which involved alleged use of force. The problem with police response in many cities was that leaders assumed crowds would be hostile, said Chris Stone, a criminal justice expert and professor at the University of Oxford. Stone sat on a panel that reviewed the death of a woman in Boston who was shot with a pepper ball in the early 2000s. Uniform standards for using less-lethal projectiles would go a long way in strengthening professionalism, strengthening proportionalism and a reasonable response to the protests, he said. Officers violated rules against shooting nonviolent people Montano's description of the shooting appears to violate the Los Angeles Police Department's policy, which explicitly prohibits police from using pepper-spray balls, sponge and foam projectiles and other less-lethal force against people who passively resist or disobey them. According to the Los Angeles policy, police should fire projectiles only "if an officer reasonably believes that a suspect or subject is violently resisting arrest or poses an immediate threat of violence or physical harm. Demonstrators in Minneapolis, San Jose, Denver and Dallas described being shot with less-lethal projectiles even though those departments don't allow them to be used against nonviolent people. In some cases, such as in Denver and Minneapolis, law enforcement from other agencies were called in to help and it's unclear who fired. In San Jose, attorney Sarah Marinho, who is representing Sanderlin, said that police violated their rules when they shot him, that he was armed only with a small cardboard sign. At the time he was shot, Sanderlin was begging police to stop firing at unarmed people, including women, at close range. "The facts are not in dispute," said Marinho, noting that a TV news team recorded the scene. "He was a safe distance away. He was not invading the police officers' space." A San Jose police duty manual states that specially trained officers may fire projectiles against people when suspects are "armed with a weapon likely to cause serious bodily injury or death" or in "situations where its use is likely to prevent any person from being seriously injured." In an interview with the San Jose Mercury News, Sanderlin said he stepped between protesters and the police to ask them to stop firing at peaceful demonstrators, including a woman who had been hit in the chest. Police told him to move, he said. "I shook my head, held my sign over my chest, and thought, 'I really hope this guy doesn't shoot me," said Sanderlin, who volunteers with a group that trains San Jose police recruits on how to avoid racial bias. "He fired off a rubber bullet, and I realized he wasn't aiming for my chest. I was hit directly in the groin." San Jose police have said they are investigating the shooting; they did not return phone calls for this story. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo tweeted, "What happened to Derrick Sanderlin was wrong," and he pledged to push for a ban on less-lethal projectiles. Stephen James, an assistant research professor at Washington State University, said he was disheartened to see countless videos showing "officers appearing to indiscriminately use pepper balls as if they were paint-balling on a Sunday afternoon." Police departments have more trouble enforcing discipline with weapons during protests or riots because officers almost never train for those circumstances, may be fatigued and often are fearful, he said. Though these projectiles should never be used to disperse a crowd, he said, they do have an important role in the law enforcement arsenal. If police are heavily outnumbered in riot or protest situations, less-lethal firearms can be used as a "credible threat" to maintain safety and order. "I would never advocate for taking them away," James said. "If you take away less-lethal weapons, then deadly force is the fallback." Learning from the past For residents and police in Baltimore, Floyd's killing recalled one of the city's most painful moments. Five years earlier, Baltimore erupted in violence after a man named Freddie Gray died in police custody. A Justice Department investigation concluded Baltimore police had routinely violated residents' constitutional rights, discriminated against blacks and used excessive force. Baltimore brought in new leadership. Community groups began working with police. Policies changed. And after video showed a Minneapolis police officer kneeling on George Floyd's neck, a curious thing happened in Baltimore: Demonstrations were peaceful. There are no accounts of police firing less-lethal weapons. Erricka Bridgeford, founder of the Baltimore Ceasefire 365 anti-violence group, said officers marched and knelt with protesters, prompting cheers from the crowd. "They allowed people space to yell and vent their pain," she said. Baltimore now has strict rules governing the use of kinetic impact projectiles. In the police department's use-of-force policies, the No. 1 principle is the "sanctity of human life." Whenever a less-lethal weapon is fired in the line of duty, it must be reported and investigated within 24 hours. Bridgeford said she was heartbroken when she saw police in other cities shooting demonstrators with rubber bullets and pepper-spray balls. She didn't call them "less lethal," saying those words make police feel free to open fire. Those weapons are used to instill fear, she said, "like siccing dogs on people or pulling out water hoses." The weapons aren't "a way to de-escalate. It's a way to harm people," Bridgeford said. "Treating a crowd of people like animals? 'Oh, my God, they're shooting into the crowd!' How is that a good strategy?" 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. She's one of the millions of Australian thrilled to get back to the spa after COVID-19. And Snezana Wood (nee Markoski) showed off her post-facial glow on Thursday after getting a laser treatment. The 39-year-old flaunted her ageless visage, while opening up about her melasma journey. 'That fresh glow': The Bachelor's Snezana Wood showed off her flawless visage after getting a laser facial 'That fresh glow and feeling after having some much needed Laser Genesis treatment,' Snezana wrote in the caption. She continued: 'No down time and most importantly no need to remove my winged eyeliner. 'I'm also really started to like the positioning of my chloasma/melasma, it's growing on me.' Stunner: Snezana Wood (nee Markoski) showed off her post-facial glow on Thursday after gettting a laser treatment. Pictured with daughter Charlie Melasma are darker toned patches on the skin, often known as a pregnancy mask as it often occurs amid hormonal changes. Snezana and her husband Sam Wood welcomed their daughter Charlie in last July. Appearing on Channel Seven's The Morning Show earlier this year, Sam said: 'Little Charlie took her first steps on the weekend, so that was a big milestone.' 'That means she's more mobile than ever,' the personal trainer added with a laugh. On the move: Meanwhile, earlier this year Snezana and Sam (pictured), 39, revealed on Seven's The Morning Show that Charlie took her first steps Host Larry Emdur then asked the couple: 'Was Charlie's first step a normal step or more of a lunge?', to which he jokingly answered: 'It was a one-legged burpee with a clap.' Snezana and Sam met on the third season of The Bachelor in 2015, and married late last year in Byron Bay. They are proud parents to three children: Charlie, daughter Willow, two, and 14-year-old Eve - Snezana's daughter from a previous relationship. 'A firm national resolve can only deter and defeat the nefarious designs of the adversary,' notes Rup Narayan Das. IMAGE: Family members garland the mortal remains of Colonel Santosh Babu, who was murdered by Chinese soldiers, during his last rites in Suryapet, Telangana. Photograph: PTI Photo At a time when the country is passing through the twin threats from China -- first the coronavirus and now the premeditated attack at the Line of Actual Control and the horrendous killing of Indian soldiers in a most gruesome manner defying the Geneva Convention, political consensus cutting across party lines is very critical. The onus is as much on the government as on the Opposition. While the government must take the Opposition into confidence, it is incumbent on the Opposition parties to extend support to the government at this moment of grave national crisis. A firm national resolve can only deter and defeat the nefarious designs of the adversary. There is unprecedented nationalism reminiscent of the similar crisis when China attacked India in October-November 1962. When parents of the martyrs take pride in their son-soldier's supreme sacrifice, what more evidence does one need of the rock solid resolve of the Indian people? The mood of the nation resonated in Parliament when the Chinese attack took place in October 1962. The Chinese attack ignited a debate on India's foreign policy, including non-alignment, India's defence policy, economy and planning process. The attack exposed India's vulnerability in terms of defence preparedness and there was the demand for beefing up defence preparedness through indigenisation of defence production and procurement of advanced weapons from friendly countries. Participating in a debate on November 8, 1962 on the proclamation of a national emergency on October 26, 1962 on account of the outbreak of the war, Professor N G Ranga recalling Acharya J B Kripalani's earlier statement that Panchasheel was born out of the rape of Tibet, said Mao Zedong 'was clever enough to get these things incorporated into the India-China treaty over Tibet.' Questioning India's non-alignment, Professor Ranga pondered, '...How are we becoming strong if we hang on to this non-alignment policy... Non-alignment has not served us; does not serve any longer. The sooner we get rid of it, the better, the sooner we turn our back to it, the better...' Making a plea to have a relook at our foreign policy, he argued that all democratic countries including the US, the United Kingdom, Canada, France had been noble enough to offer unconditional support to India. After a long debate and discussion, Parliament passed the resolution which placed on record its high appreciation of the valiant struggle of men and officers of the armed forces while defending the country's frontiers and paid respectful homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives in defending the honour and integrity of the motherland. The resolution affirmed 'the firm resolve of the Indian people to drive out the aggressor from the sacred soil of India, however long and hard the struggle may be.' MPs also demanded that until the Chinese invaders were driven out from the Indian territory, there should be no negotiation for the settlement of the dispute. It is against this backdrop that the government needs to take Parliament on board on the sensitive issue as how best to deal with China. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said the government would make a statement in Parliament. As it is uncertain when Parliament will meet, it is good that Prime Minister Modi has called an all party meeting to discuss the issue. This initiative can be carried forward by convening a virtual meeting of the Parliamentary consultative committees, particularly on external affairs and defence and the respective standing committees of Parliament. The benefit of the consultative committees is that the concerned ministers can directly brief MPs and interact with them to benefit from their perspectives. Since the proceeding of such meetings is held in camera, there can be free and frank interactions. Be that as it may, it needs to be recognised that India-China relations is currently delicate and critical and there should be absolute trust and confidentiality between the government and the Opposition. In December 2018, the Parliamentary standing committee on external affairs under the chairmanship of Dr Shashi Tharoor endorsed the government's position on 'Sino-Indian Relations including Doklam, border situation and cooperation in International Organisations'. In a very bold approach, the report recommended that 'It comes as a matter of concern to the Committee that even when India is overly cautious about China's sensitivity while dealing with Taiwan and Tibet, China does not exhibit the same deference while dealing with India's sovereignty concerns, be it in the case of Arunachal Pradesh or that of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)'. The government should engage Opposition leaders in its international campaign to expose China. Rup Narayan Das, PhD, is a senior fellow at the Indian Council of Social Science Research at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi. Production: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister K P Anbalagan, who was actively involved in COVID-19 containment efforts in this metropolis, has tested positive for Coronavirus, two top sources in the government told DH on Friday. Anbalagan is being treated at a private hospital after his swab samples returned positive on Thursday. He went to the hospital on Wednesday for a check-up and tested positive for coronavirus the next day. The Minister is part of a committee constituted by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami to oversee and coordinate COVID-19 containment efforts in Chennai, which has over 37,000 cases. Anbalagan was given in-charge of three zones in the city a fortnight ago. Track live updates on coronavirus here Yes. He tested positive for COVID-19 and is under treatment, two top government officials told DH. Both officials are a crucial part of COVID-19 containment efforts in Tamil Nadu. The minister had also attended a review meeting on Wednesday in which nearly half-a-dozen of his colleagues also participated. Anbalagan was also part of the media briefing that the ministers held after the review meeting. The press briefing was criticised as ministers did not follow social distancing protcols. Anbalagan is the first minister in the Tamil Nadu cabinet to get infected with coronavirus. Two MLAs J Anbazhagan of DMK and K Palani of AIADMK also tested positive for COVID-19. However, Anbazhagan died on June 10 on his 62nd birthday, while Palani is under treatment. Though the government was silent on Anbalagans health, Opposition Leader and DMK President M K Stalin said he spoke to the Higher Education Minister over phone after hearing that the latter tested positive for COVID-19. He (Anbalagan) should recover fast and come back to serve the people. People who are in public life should be more careful and exercise caution (while stepping out), Stalin said. The Minister testing positive for coronavirus set the alarm bells ringing as he was quite active in COVID-19 containment efforts till a couple of days ago. Later, the Ministers, including Anbalagan, spoke to the media during which social distancing norms were thrown to the wind. The impromptu press briefings by ministers have come under criticism from the public, who have been taking to social media to ask those in power to practice what they preach. Anbalagan, who hails from Dharmapuri district, was elected to the Tamil Nadu assembly from Palacode constituency in 2011 and again in 2016. He was appointed Higher Education Minister by the then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in 2016. By Karen Thompson The June 19, 1865 announcement by Union soldiers that enslaved people were free in Texas received months after the Civil War ended remains jarring in its dissonance: The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. The last 200,000 Black people to be made aware of their absolute equality of personal rights were told, in the same breath, to remain quietly at home. That first taste of freedom was never meant to be a taste of equality, but instead a sugar-coated new set of restrictions, placing the upper limits of liberty well below the bare minimum of equality. The general order of supposed emancipation was, in truth, a call to action to reset the bones of white supremacy. Juneteenth, the day memorializing that announcement, is clearly a celebration of freedom for Black people in America. It is also a glaring example of obstructed information being released and thus serves as a cautionary tale for this moment. Until we shine a light on hidden places, statements from our leaders that Black Lives Matter ring hollow, like the caveats in that Texas order that spat out news of freedom. To truly repair the damage of our uniquely American legacy of racial inequality, we must bring about true transparency and accountability in policing. Achieving equality, like truly obtaining freedom after slavery, requires unfettered access to information. The bright light of information, whether from a cellphone camera, public records, or a forensic DNA test, safeguards the Fourth Amendment and other essential rights, which are too often only legal fictions for Black America. To this end, the ACLU of New Jersey recently proposed three immediate actions the legislative and executive branches can take to rein in misconduct as we begin the work of broadly re-imagining policing. That list included truly empowering civilian complaint review boards and limiting the principle known as qualified immunity, which lets police officers escape legal consequences for misconduct. But at the top of the list was transparency. Attorney General Gurbir Grewals June 15 order requiring departments to disclose names of officers who commit serious misconduct was a powerful step in the right direction, but nowhere close to where we must be. We need more than the promise of internal affairs summary reports and the names of officers with sustained major discipline allegations. We must know not just names, but histories, including past complaints that have never seen the light of day. We cannot stop at police licensure. We need standards for police officers at least as rigorous as those we require from our hairdressers, lawyers, and plumbers. We must codify the ability of Civilian Complaint Review Boards to oversee police abuses in their own communities, on their own terms, with real powers both to investigate wrongdoing through actionable subpoena powers and to hold wrongdoers accountable when misconduct is found, powers the Office of the Attorney General vehemently fights. We cannot allow misconduct to be buried, or for abusive officers to continue moving from one police department to another unpunished. We must place checks on the legal doctrine of qualified immunity, which allows police to evade legal responsibility for their actions in those rare instances when misconduct is able to be undeniably exposed. Our institutions reflect the culture they emerged from, a mindset captured on the editorial page of the Cincinnati Enquirer a city that was the first stop past the border for refugees fleeing the South just says after the Confederate surrender: Slavery is dead, the negro is not; there is the misfortune. By demanding true transparency and accountability, we undo these racially damaged foundations and midwife equality into a policing structure with origins in injustice. We create space to reinvent governmental and law enforcement institutions to serve people rather than power. We can only ensure that Black lives do, in fact, matter, if their importance is not relegated to hashtags and cardboard signs, but reflected in the living relationship between government, law enforcement, and person. The very existence of Juneteenth reveals how the absolute equality of personal rights can be thwarted by information deferred. As we seek to address centuries-old injustices, we must learn Juneteenths essential lesson: freedom, this time, must be on time. Karen Thompson, Esq., is the senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey. 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. Kabul (AFP) - The Taliban on Friday played down concerns that Afghanistan could be used as a launching ground for future attacks on the West, after the US said it had so far upheld its pledge to reduce its military presence in the country. The top US commander for the region said it cut the number of troops to around 8,600 in line with a deal agreed with the insurgents in February, but warned conditions must be met for a full withdrawal by next year. General Kenneth McKenzie, the head of US Central Command, said "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us -- that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan". McKenzie said the Taliban were "no friends" of the Islamic State group, but that it needs to see "deeds and not words" about what they would do against al-Qaeda -- the group responsible for the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington. "And so we're very focused on what the Taliban is doing, how they're participating in these negotiations as we go forward," he told a panel discussion hosted by the Aspen Institute on Thursday. "The jury is still very much out." The Taliban on Friday said it was committed to the February deal, "especially the US and the West's concern about a threat to them from Afghanistan". "Our country will not be used against anyone. They should not be concerned," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP. The February deal calls for all US and foreign troops to withdraw from Afghanistan by mid-2021, nearly 20 years after Washington invaded the country following the September 11 attacks. Under the agreement, the United States said it would pull out all troops in return for security guarantees from the insurgents and a pledge to hold peace negotiations with the Afghan government in Kabul. However, a recent expert report to the UN Security Council said that Al-Qaeda and the Taliban "remain close" and were in regular consultations over the negotiations with the United States. Story continues The Afghan government which has moved closer to talks with the Taliban in recent weeks, has long accused the insurgents of providing a platform to groups such as IS and Al-Qaeda to carry out attacks in the country. President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election in November, has said repeatedly that he wants US troops out of Afghanistan as soon as possible. burs-ecl/ds/je "Savills is an outstanding organization, I am excited by this appointment, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Board and my many exceptionally talented colleagues across North America and the globe to deliver for our clients," said Mitchell Rudin. "Savills is very well positioned to capitalize on a broad range of opportunities to grow our platform and continue to diversify and enhance our services. I would also like to thank Mitch for his valuable leadership and partnership over the last 18 months." Said Mitch Steir, "the global pandemic Covid-19 has forced all of us to pause and reassess our approaches to both business and everyday life. After much reflection, I have concluded that it is time for me to step down from my current position as CEO. Leaving the company I helped build and saying goodbye to my many friends and wonderful colleagues has not been an easy decision. I am extremely proud of how we grew the business from a half a dozen offices into a diversified real estate services group with 35 offices across the US, and which is now an integral part of a global company of over 600 offices. I take tremendous pride in what we've accomplished. It's been so much more than a job; it's been one of the great joys of my life. And of course I'll be cheering for everyone's continued health, happiness and success, and I'm sure that the business will continue to go from strength to strength." Prior to his role as President of the Company, Mr. Rudin served as CEO of Mack-Cali Realty Corporation, where he was instrumental in transitioning Mack-Cali's portfolio from troubled suburban offices to a dynamic mix of office and multi-family properties situated along the New Jersey waterfront and in transit-rich locations. Prior to Mack-Cali, Rudin served as CEO and President of U.S. Commercial Operations at Brookfield Office Properties where he was responsible for overseeing a strategic plan and rebranding effort for Brookfield's 50-million-square-foot portfolio of 80 buildings spread across the country. Before Brookfield, Mr. Rudin spent two decades at CBRE, eventually as CEO and President of CBRE's New York Tri-State Region where he doubled revenue. Mr. Rudin received a B.A. from Franklin & Marshall College and a J.D. from Boston College Law School. About Savills Inc. Savills helps organizations find the right solutions that ensure employee success. Sharply skilled and fiercely dedicated, the firm's integrated teams of consultants and brokers are experts in better real estate. With services in tenant representation, workforce and incentives strategy, workplace strategy and occupant experience, project management, and capital markets, Savills has elevated the potential of workplaces around the corner, and around the world, for 160 years and counting. For more information, please visit Savills.us and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. SOURCE Savills Related Links https://www.savills.us PM Narendra Modi is meeting opposition leaders as anti-China sentiment grows following killing of 20 Indian soldiers. Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi is meeting top opposition leaders as the government tries to lower tensions with China after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in hand-to-hand combat in a Himalayan border region. India and China accuse each other of instigating the fight this week in the Galwan Valley, part of the disputed Indian-administered Ladakh region. It was the deadliest conflict between the two sides in 45 years. China has not said whether it suffered any casualties. Indias Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to the heads of various political parties on Thursday to discuss a consensus on the situation. Modi on Friday hosted the leaders of more than a dozen opposition parties in a virtual meeting. Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs all-party virtual meeting to discuss India-China border situation, at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg; 20 parties attend the meeting pic.twitter.com/CIix9MI6rp ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2020 Some political parties, including Delhis governing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and Bihar state-based Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) expressed anger over not being invited to the all-party meeting. The main opposition Congress party said the country deserves to know the truth. It deserves a leadership that is willing to do anything before allowing its land to be taken, it said in a statement. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi writes to PM Modi stating, "it is disappointing that my party was not invited to today's "All Party Meeting" on China border issue which was to be chaired by you." pic.twitter.com/9RmyJLKg0g ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2020 War unlikely, say experts India and China said they were communicating through military and diplomatic channels, and stressed the importance of their broader relationship. Experts say the two nations were unlikely to head to war, but that easing tensions quickly will be difficult. On Thursday, Indias foreign ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will take part in a trilateral virtual meeting with Russia and China next week. But the deadly Himalayan clash has also fanned growing anti-Chinese sentiments in India, which were already high because of the coronavirus pandemic, which began in China late last year. Indias caseload has climbed to fourth-highest in the world Emotions were on display in the southern city of Hyderabad, where thousands watched the funeral procession of Colonel B Santosh Babu, one of the casualties in Mondays clash. An Indian business confederation called for a boycott of 500 Chinese goods, including toys and textiles, to express strong criticism of Chinas action in Ladakh. China will never be friendly Taylor Fravel, director of the Security Studies programme at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said China was trying to put pressure on India, and he did not think Beijing wanted a violent clash between their armies. From a strategic perspective, Fravel said, China should want to drive a wedge between India and the United States to prevent any kind of counter-balance coalition. The deaths and the clash on Monday night will probably very quickly and much more rapidly push India closer to the United States, which I think is probably not what China wants, he said. G Parthasarathy, a retired Indian diplomat, said both China and Pakistan another hostile neighbour of Indias were aiming at low-cost containment of India. China has a hangup against India and its civilisation. For us to expect China will be a friendly neighbour it will never be a friendly relationship. The clash escalated a standoff that began in early May, when Indian officials said Chinese soldiers crossed the border in three places, erecting tents and guard posts and ignoring warnings to leave. That triggered shouting matches, stone-throwing and fist fights between the opposing sides, much of it replayed on TV news programmes and in social media. The deadly brawl on Monday night took place along a remote stretch of the 3,380-kilometre (2,100-mile) Line of Actual Control the border established following a war between India and China in 1962 that resulted in an uneasy truce. China denies detaining soldiers 200617112706985 Indian officials said the 20 deaths were caused by severe injuries and exposure to sub-freezing temperatures. The Indian army said 76 other soldiers were hospitalised with injuries, with 56 among them likely to return to work within a week. On Friday, Indian media reports said China freed 10 Indian soldiers seized in the clash following several rounds of talks between the two sides late on Thursday. But hours later, China denied it had detained Indian soldiers. China claims about 90,000 square kilometres (35,000 square miles) of territory in Indias northeast, while India says China occupies 38,000 square kilometres (15,000 square miles) of its territory in the Aksai Chin Plateau in the Himalayas, a contiguous part of the Ladakh region. India unilaterally declared Ladakh a federal territory while separating it from disputed Kashmir in August 2019. China was among the countries to condemn the move, raising it at forums including the UN Security Council. India was elected to the council this week. National Security Adviser John Bolton listens as President Donald Trump holds a Cabinet meeting at the White House, April 9, 2018. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters WASHINGTON Former national security advisor John Bolton filed a motion in federal court asking the judge to dismiss a last-minute Trump administration lawsuit against him that seeks to halt the release of his damning memoir, "The Room Where it Happened." The motion by the Justice Department late Thursday was the latest tactical maneuver in an ongoing battle between the career Republican foreign policy wonk and President Donald Trump over the book, which is scheduled for release Tuesday. The Justice Department alleged in a lawsuit against Bolton filed one week before the book's release that the memoir contains classified information. A day later, it asked a judge to halt distribution and sale of the book, details of which already have been widely reported. In the motion to dismiss, Bolton attorney Charles Cooper denied there is classified information in the book, and detailed a months-long prepublication review process that Bolton underwent with the National Security Council. This editing process ended in late April, Cooper said, when Bolton received an email from the official reviewer saying his manuscript did not contain any classified information. The fact that the government never sent Bolton an official letter clearing the book for publication is meaningless, he argued. The White House's subsequent claim that the NSC reviewer missed some classified information is "pretext designed to cover up what is in fact a determined political effort to suppress Ambassador Bolton's speech," said Cooper. But barring all of this, Cooper said, the entire question of blocking the book's release is already moot, because thousands of copies have already been shipped to stores across the United States and around the world. A preliminary hearing on the government's lawsuit is scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m. ET via videoconference. A damning portrait of Trump Trump's personal interest in quashing Bolton's memoir goes as far back as February, when he told reporters at a private lunch: "We're going to try and block the publication of the book. After I leave office, he can do this. But not in the White House." It's easy to see why Trump wanted Bolton muzzled as long as Trump was in office. "The Room Where it Happened" paints Trump as a "stunningly uninformed," craven and mendacious chief executive, and one who repeatedly signaled his willingness to sell out the nation's security interests if it meant advancing his own interests. One of the key takeaways from the book is that it supports the heart of impeachment charges filed against Trump alleging that the president withheld U.S. foreign aid to Ukraine to coerce the U.S. ally into helping Trump's reelection campaign as Kyiv battled a war with Russia-supported insurgents. Bolton did not testify before the House impeachment inquiry but said he would testify at the Senate trial if ordered by a court. Before voting to acquit Trump, Senate Republicans blocked Democratic efforts to call him as a witness. "Trump commingled the personal and the national not just on trade questions but across the whole field of national security," Bolton wrote in an excerpt of the memoir published by The Wall Street Journal. "I am hard-pressed to identify any significant Trump decision during my White House tenure that wasn't driven by reelection calculations." In another damning chapter, Bolton describes watching Trump in 2019 ask Chinese leader Xi Jinping to help Trump get reelected by agreeing to purchase agricultural products from American farmers. In the published version of the book, Bolton writes that NSC reviewers made him remove Trump's exact words to Xi during the meeting from his final draft. President Donald Trump meets with China's President Xi Jinping at the start of their bilateral meeting at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019. Kevin Lemarque | Reuters But Vanity Fair's Gabe Sherman reported Thursday that he had seen an unredacted copy of that section of the book, and that Trump allegedly said to Xi, "Make sure I win." Trump continued: "I will probably win anyway, so don't hurt my farms. Buy a lot of soybeans and wheat and make sure we win." CNBC has not seen the unredacted pages, but Bolton's legal motion Thursday cited Sherman's previous reporting on the book, suggesting that Bolton sees him as a credible source. Bolton also uses the book to settle scores with his former colleagues. He accuses former Defense Secretary James Mattis of being obstructionist, claims Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is "basically a Democrat" and says Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and advisor, was constantly out of his depth. A murky argument The administration lawsuit against Bolton is only one piece of a ferocious pushback it has mounted against "The Room Where it Happened." The book's imminent release has sent the West Wing into a spiral of damage control and defense in recent days, led by the president himself. Ever since reports emerged about the book's contents, Trump has alternated between calling Bolton a liar on one hand, and insisting that Bolton illegally revealed classified information on the other. "He broke the law, very simple, I mean, as much as it's going to be broken. This is highly classified," Trump said of Bolton's book during a Wednesday interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity. "It's highly classified information. And he did not have approval. That's come out now very loud and very strong." Twelve hours later, Trump said the book was nothing but lies. "Bolton's book, which is getting terrible reviews, is a compilation of lies and made up stories, all intended to make me look bad," Trump tweeted Thursday morning. "Many of the ridiculous statements he attributes to me were never made, pure fiction. Just trying to get even for firing him like the sick puppy he is!" Legal scholars say Trump's dual claim that the material in Bolton's book is classified, but is also false, is a very tricky one to make. "One interesting wrinkle for the government is that in order to claim elements of Bolton's book are classified, the government must admit the information in question is true," Susan Hennessey, a senior fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution, tweeted Wednesday. "There's no such thing as a classified lie." So far, neither Trump nor his top White House aides have detailed exactly what they believe to be false in Bolton's book. Instead, they have attacked Bolton's motives for writing it, his patriotism and his sincerity. On Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo carefully avoided directly challenging any of Bolton's specific recollections in a statement he released about the book. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attends a news conference at the State Department in Washington, DC, June 10, 2020. Andrew Harnik | Pool via Reuters Among the details that went unchallenged was Bolton's account of Pompeo passing him a note during a 2019 negotiations with North Korea. "He is so full of s---," read the note, which Bolton understood to be in reference to Trump. Instead of challenging Bolton on the specifics, Pompeo accused him of "spreading a number of lies, fully-spun half-truths, and outright falsehoods," but he did not say what any of those were. "It is both sad and dangerous," said Pompeo's statement, "that John Bolton's final public role is that of a traitor who damaged America by violating his sacred trust with its people." Like Trump, Pompeo seems to be arguing that the book is full of lies, and at the same time, that it is full of damaging state secrets. Mnuchin and trade advisor Peter Navarro also lashed out at Bolton on Thursday, as did several of Trump's allies on Capitol Hill. This task was made easier by talking points provided by the White House reportedly asking allies to claim that Bolton broke the law by publishing the book. "Mere months after he left the White House, Bolton negotiated a $2 million deal and drafted a 500 plus page manuscript rife with classified information," say the talking points, according to The Washington Post. Despite all the White House firepower pointed in his direction, Bolton's response to Trump's public fury has been relatively muted this week, consisting mainly of clips from an upcoming ABC special on the book. "I don't think [Trump's] fit for office. I don't think he has the competence to carry out the job," Bolton says in one of the clips. "There really isn't any guiding principle that I was able to discern other than what's good for Donald Trump's reelection." For Trump's reelection, however, this book could hardly have come at a worse time. Bigger problems OTTAWA - SNC-Lavalin Inc. will pay Ottawa $1.9 million for rigging bids on municipal infrastructure contracts in Quebec as part of a federal settlement. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The SNC-Lavalin headquarters is seen in Montreal on February 12, 2019. SNC-Lavalin Inc. has been ordered to pay Ottawa $1.9 million for rigging bids on municipal infrastructure contracts in Quebec as part of a federal settlement.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson OTTAWA - SNC-Lavalin Inc. will pay Ottawa $1.9 million for rigging bids on municipal infrastructure contracts in Quebec as part of a federal settlement. The Competition Bureau says the Public Prosecution Service of Canada settlement, filed Friday in Quebec Superior Court, ends the agency's investigation of the company's role in a scheme in which several engineering firms conspired to rig bids for municipal contracts between 2003 and 2012 in Montreal and the Quebec City area. The settlement takes into account SNC-Lavalin's reimbursements through Quebec's voluntary reimbursement program and the fact that the individuals involved in the scheme no longer work for the firm. 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 is the fourth settlement with an engineering firm resulting from the bureau's investigation. Dessau, WSP Canada (formerly Genivar), and Norda Stelo (formerly Roche) were previously ordered to pay $1.9 million, $4 million and $750,000 respectively for their roles in the bid-rigging scheme. The investigation also resulted in guilty pleas by four former executives of engineering firms Cima+, Genivar and Dessau for bid-rigging on City of Gatineau infrastructure contracts. They received conditional prison sentences totalling five years and 11 months, and court-ordered community service totalling 260 hours. Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin also settled criminal charges last December related to business dealings in Libya, with its construction division pleading guilty to a single count of fraud that helped tie off a long-standing scandal that tarnished its reputation and ensnared the highest office of the Canadian government. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2020. Companies in this story: (TSX:SNC, TSX:WSP) Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) share price hit all-time high in early trade today after the firm said it has become net debt free after raising Rs 168,818 crore in just 58 days. In August 2019, chairman Mukesh Ambani had said the firm planned to become debt free by March 31, 2021. The Mukesh Ambani-led firm said it raised Rs 115,693.95 crore from global tech investors and Rs 53,124.2 crore through rights issue. The stock has gained 3.39% in last two days. RIL stock rose to all-time high of Rs 1,788.60 on BSE. The stock rose up to 8% or Rs 132 intraday against previous close of Rs 1656.25. The large cap stock hit a fresh 52-week low of Rs 867 on March 23, 2020. Since then, the stock has gained 106% on BSE. On Nifty, the stock rose to Rs 1,788 compared to the previous close of Rs 1655. Total 3.29 lakh shares changed hands on BSE amounting to turnover of Rs 55.21 crore. Market cap of the firm crossed Rs 11 lakh crore on BSE. RIL stock price has gained 5.52% in one week and 19.06% in one month. It has gained 10.73% since the beginning of this year and risen 31.24% during last one year. RIL stock trades higher than its 5 day, 20 day, 50 day, 100 day and 200 day moving averages. Along with the stake sale to BP in the petro-retail JV, the total fund raise is in excess of Rs 1.75 lakh crore, the firm said. It's raining cheques for Ambani! Saudi Arabia-based PIF to invest Rs 11,367 crore in Jio Platforms Jio Platforms has raised Rs 115,693.95 crore from leading global investors including Facebook, Silver Lake, Vista Equity Partners, General Atlantic, KKR, Mubadala, ADIA, TPG, L Catterton and PIF since April 22, 2020. PIF's investment marks the end of Jio Platforms' current phase of induction of financial partners. Stocks in news: RIL, Cipla, Bajaj Consumer, Whirlpool, PNB, LIC Housing, Oil India, Cadila and more On Thursday, Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund (PIF) became the 11th investor to announce fund infusion in Jio Platforms. PIF will invest Rs 11,367 crore for a 2.32 per cent equity stake in Mukesh Ambani's Jio Platforms Limited on a fully diluted basis. The investment values Jio Platforms at an equity value of Rs 4.91 lakh crore and an enterprise value of Rs 5.16 lakh crore. With this, Jio has seen 11th investment in mere 9 weeks. Share Market LIVE: Sensex, Nifty trade muted amid weak global cues; RIL hits new 52-week high File image: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal The AAP has not been invited to an all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the border conflict with China, two senior party leaders claimed on Friday. AAP leader Sanjay Singh said the party has a government in Delhi and in Punjab, it is the main opposition party, but still the BJP does not want its opinion. "A strange ego-ridden government is running at the Centre. The Aam Aadmi Party has a government in Delhi. Punjab has a main opposition party. There are four MPs all over the country, but still the BJP does not want its opinion on such an important matter. What will the prime minister say in the meeting, the whole country is waiting for it," Singh also tweeted. He also said that during a national emergency, all parties should be brought together. AAP leader and Delhi minister Gopal Rai said it is unfortunate that the AAP was not invited. "Instead of taking all the parties together, the BJP is using mathematical formulas to ascertain who should be invited and who should not be. It is unfortunate," he said. It has been learnt that all recognised national parties -- those with over five MPs in the Lok Sabha, leading parties from the northeast and parties with Union Cabinet ministers -- have been invited for the all-party meeting. The meeting will take place on Friday and it comes against the backdrop of demands by the opposition seeking details of the violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh which left 20 Indian Army personnel dead. Rai said the AAP will also launch nationwide protests against the Chinese aggression on Saturday and party MLAs will stage protests in their respective constituencies. "In protest against the attack on Indian soldiers by China, Aam Aadmi Party will hold 'aakrosh pradarshan' tomorrow on June 20 at 11:00 am. There will be demonstration in all the 70 assembly constituencies of Delhi. India will not stand disrespect of brave soldiers," Rai said in a tweet. FILE PHOTO: Chinese Yuan banknotes are seen behind illuminated stock graph in this illustration By Samuel Shen and Alun John SHANGHAI/HONGKONG (Reuters) - As the novel coronavirus swept the world this year, Chinese hedge fund manager Yuan Yuwei made lucrative short-selling bets against stocks such as New York-listed Starbucks Corp, Yum China Holdings Inc and Walt Disney Co. At home, he barely bothered. "Short-selling is too inefficient in China. Either there are no available stocks to borrow, or it takes too long," said Yuan, who runs a global macro fund for Olympus Hedge Fund Investments. Short sellers sell borrowed shares in the hope of buying them back when prices fall and pocketing the difference. Those such as Carson Block of Muddy Waters and Dan David of Wolfpack Research have made their name shorting Chinese stocks but, like Yuan, their bets have been against stocks in New York or Hong Kong, not Shanghai or Shenzhen. This could be about to change. Last Friday, regulators relaxed short-selling rules for Shenzhen's $1 trillion (804.63 billion pounds) startup board, ChiNext, for domestic market participants. They are also considering letting foreigners borrow or lend mainland stocks to short. Such reform could increase competitiveness and bring China's markets a step closer to more robust capital-raising centres such as New York and Tokyo. Shares loaned for shorting in Shanghai and Shenzhen as of June 16 totalled $3.96 billion versus a stock market capitalisation of $8.9 trillion - a ratio of 0.044%, official data showed. While markets do not calculate short data in exactly the same way, figures from IHS Markit show short interest in the United States of $780 billion, or 2.4% of market cap, and 1.5% for Tokyo. Due to reform, however, Broker TF Securities estimates short selling in China is likely to grow 10-fold this year and double next year. Others point to myriad hurdles - both operational and cultural. "In the short term, many obstacles are insurmountable," said Wang Li, chief executive of hedge fund Full Harvest and former BlackRock money manager. "Little has changed after so many years, so I'm a bit disillusioned." Story continues REAL REFORM Friday's changes mark a major shift since 2015, when regulators blamed "malicious" short sellers for illegally "manipulating" the futures market and triggering a crash. Keen to attract international money, regulators said they are more receptive to shorting as a hedging tool used by long-term investors and as a means of profiting by betting against stocks deemed over-valued. Regulators also hope it could act as a stabilising force if short sellers' bearish views help limit speculative bubbles. Their ChiNext changes, likely effective from August, are part of reforms to the board's listing system. Under these reforms, a wider group of domestic participants, including strategic investors, mutual fund managers, pension funds and insurers, will be allowed to lend stock. Investors will also be able to short stock as soon as it debuts, compared with the main board's three-month lag. While borrowers and lenders must still conduct transactions through China Securities Finance (CSF), both will be given greater scope to negotiate deal terms. The next development participants are watching for is allowing foreigners to short - and lend - mainland shares. "I'm optimistic that we can see more progress this year," said Lyndon Chao, head of equities and post trade at ASIFMA, which represents global asset managers and brokers in Asia, and regularly discusses market issues with mainland officials. Foreigners seeking to hedge mainland exposure - which elsewhere would typically involve stock shorting - can currently only short index futures. FRICTION While reform is welcomed, participants said implementation may not be straightforward. One problem is finding shares to borrow. "Many Chinese institutions trade frequently for quick profit making them unlikely lenders," said Full Harvest's Wang. Another issue is the cost of a centralised system, designed to ensure government oversight. "When you have CSF as a middleman, you add friction. They also charge you another two percentage points," said Fang Ming, vice general manager of hedge fund house MingShi Investment. Fang and others said allowing participants to set their own terms will help, but not solve, issues created by having an intermediary. The cost of borrowing mainland-listed stock is more than 8% annually of its value, versus 0.9% to 1.2% in Hong Kong, according to brokerage data and people familiar with the markets. ULTIMATE TEST The reforms come as support for short sellers publicly calling out potential problem companies has grown following a series of accounting scandals, such as that involving Luckin Coffee Inc, the U.S.-listed Chinese coffee chain that in April said executives falsified last year's sales. Luckin's sales growth had been questioned two months previously in an anonymous report publicised by Muddy Waters. Olympus' Yuan said a more open short-selling mechanism can help root out problem companies. "You need short sellers to shoot them down and kick them out. Otherwise, they harm investors." Chinese regulators have vowed "zero tolerance" toward listed company fraud. The ultimate test for their newfound acceptance of shorting will be whether they let short sellers fire those shots, rather than punishing them as in 2015. "I could write articles criticising some listed companies, but I need to be very cautious, and the wording has to be gentle," Xin Chen, professor at the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance, told venture capitalists in a recent video seminar. Wolfpack's David put it more simply: "Without some form of freedom of speech, short selling cannot exist." (Reporting by Samuel Shen and Alun John; Editing by Jennifer Hughes and Christopher Cushing) June 19, 2020 | Questions are being raised about interferons role in treating SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the likelihood that it could inhibit lung tissue healing. And a new AI tool could track changes in the genetic structure of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Plus more from this weeks COVID-19 news and research in the clinical research industry. Research Updates Different groups are raising red flags about using type III interferons (IFN- ) to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lungs. In three different studies published this week in Science, separate teams presented research that calls for rethinking the pathophysiological role of IFN- and its possible use in the clinical practice against endemic viruses. The team from Boston Children's Hospital and the University of Milan reports that IFN- is present in the lower, but not upper, airways of COVID-19 patients. In mice, we demonstrate IFN- produced by lung dendritic cells in response to a synthetic viral RNA induces barrier damage, causing susceptibility to lethal bacterial superinfections. DOI: 10.1126/science.abc3545. Researchers from the Francis Crick Institute found that interferon signaling interferes with lung repair during influenza recovery, with IFN- driving these effects most potently. Excessive or prolonged IFN-production aggravates viral infection by impairing lung epithelial regeneration, they say. The team advises that the timing and duration of any interferon therapeutic strategies be carefully considered. DOI: 10.1126/science.abc2061 Researchers have shown that nanoparticles cloaked in human lung cell membranes and human immune cell membranes can attract and neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus in cell culture, causing the virus to lose its ability to hijack host cells and reproduce. They published their findings in ACS Nano Letters. The "nanosponges" were developed by engineers at the University of California San Diego and tested by researchers at Boston University. In the next few months, the UC San Diego researchers and collaborators will evaluate the nanosponges' efficacy in animal models. The UC San Diego team has already shown short-term safety in the respiratory tracts and lungs of mice. If and when these COVID-19 nanosponges will be tested in humans depends on a variety of factors, but the researchers are moving as fast as possible. DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c02278. Italian researchers surveyed 204 patients with COVID-19 and found that taste reduction was present in 55.4% of patients, and smell reduction was present in 41.7% of patients. They recommend that COVID-19 should be suspected when severe reduction of taste and smell are present in the absence of nasal obstruction. Their results are published in JAMA Otolaryngology. DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2020.1155 Massachusetts General Hospital reported on the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in women admitted to such maternity units in four affiliated Boston hospitals. The findings are published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. Universal testing in the labor and delivery units began more than 30 days after physical distancing orders were placed in Massachusetts. Over 18 days of universal testing, 757 women were tested. Eleven women tested positive who reported some symptoms of COVID-19; nine women who reported no symptoms tested positive. None of the positive asymptomatic women developed COVID-19 symptoms during their hospitalization. DOI: 10.1017/ice.2020.255 University Health Network (Toronto) researchers have designed an AI tool to track changes in the genetic structure of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The COVID-19 Genotyping Tool (CGT) offers an online, user-friendly platform where researchers can compare the genome sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in their hospital against the global picture. By following these changes, researchers can learn more about how the virus is moving and evolving, which has direct implications for vaccine design, drug development, and our collective effort to combat COVID-19. The work was published in Lancet Digital Health. DOI: 10.1016/S2589-7500(20)30140-0 Researchers at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and Medical University, Guangzhou, in China, have created a gene therapy approach that can convert any lab mouse into one that can be infected with SARS-CoV-2 and develops COVID-like lung disease. The international team has published their work in Cell and made their gene therapy vector freely available to any researchers who want to use it. The "trick" is the use of an adenovirus gene therapy vector that is inhaled by the mice to deliver the human ACE2 protein into mouse airway cells. This is the protein that SARS-CoV-2 uses to infect cells. Once the mouse airway cells express the hACE2 protein, the mice become susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2 and they develop COVID-19-like lung symptoms. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.06.010 Researchers at Regeneron investigated the development of resistance against four antibodies to the spike protein that potently neutralize SARS-CoV-2, individually as well as when combined into cocktails. These antibodies remain effective against spike variants that have arisen in the human population. However, novel spike mutants rapidly appeared following in vitro passaging in the presence of individual antibodies, resulting in loss of neutralization. The research was published in Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.abd0831 Also in Science, researchers from the Netherlands and the US isolated monoclonal antibodies from three convalescent COVID-19 patients using a SARS-CoV-2 stabilized prefusion spike protein. These antibodies had low levels of somatic hypermutation and showed a strong enrichment in VH1-69, VH3-30-3 and VH1-24 gene usage. A subset of the antibodies were able to potently inhibit authentic SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition to providing guidance for vaccine design, the antibodies described here are promising candidates for COVID-19 treatment and prevention. DOI: 10.1126/science.abc5902 Finally, a team led by Scripps Research studied a cohort of recovered SARS-CoV-2 patients and isolated potent neutralizing antibodies to two epitopes on the receptor binding domain and to distinct non-RBD epitopes on the spike protein. The researchers developed neutralization assays to interrogate antibody responses, adapted our high-throughput antibody generation pipeline to rapidly screen over 1800 antibodies, and established an animal model to test protection. The work is published in Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.abc7520 Researchers from Norway and Estonia explored how existing treatment options could work for COVID-19. They looked at convalescent sera and broad-spectrum antivirals and published their findings in Viruses. The findings were mixed. The team identified six existing safe-in-humans broad-spectrum antivirals that worked against the disease in laboratory tests. Two of the six, when combined, showed an even stronger effect in infected cell cultures. However, they found the use of antibody-laden plasma from recovered patients to treat the severely ill may only work if the donor has recently recovered from COVID-19. DOI: 10.3390/v12060642 Company Updates The All of Us Research Program is seeking new insights into COVID-19--through antibody testing, a survey on the pandemic's impacts, and collection of electronic health record information. All of Us will test blood samples from 10,000 or more participants who joined the program most recently, starting with samples from March 2020 and working backward until positive tests are no longer found. The tests will show the prevalence of novel coronavirus exposure among All of Us participants, and help researchers assess varying rates across regions and communities. All of Us has also deployed a new online survey to better understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on participants' physical and mental health. This 20- to 30-minute survey is designed both for participants who have been ill with COVID-19 and those who have not, and includes questions on COVID-19 symptoms, stress, social distancing and economic impacts. Finally, All of Us is rapidly collecting relevant information from participants' electronic health records. More than 200,000 participants have shared their electronic health records with the program so far, offering a rich dataset for analysis. A number of participants have either been diagnosed with COVID-19 or sought health care for related symptoms. The program is working to standardize EHR information to help researchers look for patterns and learn more about COVID-19 symptoms and associated health problems, as well as the effects of different medicines and treatments. Press release. BERG will use the Summit supercomputer at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory for rapid drug discovery research in the fight against COVID-19. Summit is already used to conduct computational simulations to analyze drug compounds that could prevent host cell infection. The partnership will extend this effort by combining BERG's human derived disease model for rapid identification of targets with ORNL's drug development research to identify the best-ranked treatment candidates. Press release. Researchers from Scripps Research Institute, Johns Hopkins University, and University of California, Los Angeles are developing better statistical models and visualization software to look at how SARS-CoV-2 is moving around the world and what factors may be driving its spread and evolution. The project has won a $1.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, with operations based out of the Scripps Research-led Center for Viral Systems Biology. The funding supplements an initial $15 million NIH grant that enabled Andersen to launch the center in 2018, with the goal of helping eradicate infectious diseases such as Ebola and Lassa. Press release. Data scientists at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health have compiled a state-level COVID-19 dashboard that sorts data by age, race/ethnicity, and sex. The Demographics by State COVID-19 Reporting (DSCovR) Dashboard allows policymakers, scientists, and the lay public to visualize and compare COVID-19 trends and demographic information among cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across states. Dashboard. Researchers at the University of South Florida are using wearable wrist and chest sensor technology from Shimmer Research to look at the human bodys physiological response to COVID-19. The researchers hope to monitor the physiological conditions of more than 100 study participants that have tested positive for COVID-19. Shimmers wearable device will track a variety of markers, including skin temperature, thoracic bioimpedance, oxygen saturation (SpO2) and more. Once the data is collected, scientists will use machine learning and artificial intelligence to synthesize the information and find patterns within the physiological fluctuations. These patterns will then be used to develop various profiles for potential patient outcomes and predict patients who may be at risk for severe infection. Press release. Ethos Laboratories has entered a strategic partnership with Genscript to offer the first quantitative surrogate Viral Neutralization Test (sVNT) to evaluate COVID-19 protective immunity in the United States. This test, marketed as Tru-Immune, will measure and quantify the neutralizing capacity of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The Tru-Immune lab test will identify patients with the most effective antibody response capable of inhibiting virus replication. The commercialization of the new serological test, marketed by Ethos Labs in the U.S., will assist government officials and medical authorities to determine population health immunity levels for re-entry into the workforce. Press release. The University of Rochester has made its self-screening chatbot tool available free as open source software. University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) employees have been using the tool since April 9, to self-check for COVID-19 symptoms before they report to work. The University's chatbot technology also is the foundation of a "ROC COVID" community screening tool recently launched in thirteen counties in the Finger Lakes, N.Y. region to track potential new outbreaks of COVID-19 cases. University of Rochester's open source code includes a simple user interface accessible from an employee's smartphone, tablet, PC or other device, seven avatars representing a range of friendly onscreen health professionals who conduct the daily symptom checks on a rotating basis, a survey with questions determined by individual employers, and daily email or text messages to remind employees to complete the brief survey questions. Press release. Cobra Biologics has signed a supply agreement with AstraZeneca UK to provide GMP manufacture of the adenovirus vector-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate AZD1222, previously known as ChAdOx1 n-CoV-19. The production agreement is part of AstraZenecas recently announced in-licensed program with the University of Oxford to ensure broad and equitable supply of the vaccine throughout the world, at no profit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cobra, AstraZeneca, and other manufacturing organizations are working to provide large scale manufacturing capacity of AZD1222 vaccine. Cobra, along with other consortium members, will be manufacturing the vaccine with first deliveries to begin in the UK in September 2020. Press release. Planned Parenthood endorses Joe Biden, plans to triple spending for Democrats in 2020 Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The political fundraising arm of Americas largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, has endorsed Democrat Joe Biden for president as the organization and its partner groups have vowed to triple their spending in the 2020 election cycle. This election is a fight for our countrys very survival, Planned Parenthood Action Fund Acting President Alexis McGill Johnson said in a statement. We have seen the Trump administration dehumanize us, and disregard our health, our rights, and our lives. Trump has attacked access to abortion and reproductive health care, and he has attacked the people that Planned Parenthood health centers serve: women, black people, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community and more, she claimed. According to Johnson, Biden is the only candidate left in the race who will stand up for abortion at a time when the Trump administration has enacted policies that limit government funding for organizations that provide abortions domestically and overseas. Last year, various state governments enacted pro-life laws designed to restrict abortion past certain points of pregnancy. As many as 58 life-affirming laws were passed and signed into law across 22 states. A pro-life law in Louisiana requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals is being considered by the Supreme Court this year. It's the first abortion-related case to be argued before the Supreme Court since the confirmations of Trump appointees Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch. [Biden] was instrumental in the creation of the Affordable Care Act, which expanded birth control with no co-pay to 63 million women, and in helping to ensure that sexual and reproductive health care was accessible across the country, Johnson said. Biden has committed to champion access to sexual and reproductive health care including access to abortion and to fight for our communities. Biden had a 100% voting record from Planned Parenthood before he left the Senate in 2009 to become vice president under President Barack Obama. As a candidate, Biden has vowed to expand access to contraception and protect abortion rights, including with his judicial nominations. According to Planned Parenthood, Biden has also vowed to reverse policies enacted by the Trump administration and some states relating to abortion. Such policies include Trumps Title X rule that prevents clinics that receive Title X family planning funding from referring patients for abortion. The rule led to Planned Parenthoods decision to leave the Title X program, which provides funding for contraceptives, cancer screenings, STD testing and other health care services for low-income patients. Planned Parenthood has labeled the policy a gag rule. Planned Parenthood is also opposed to a policy enacted by Trump in 2017 what it calls a "global gag rule" prohibiting taxpayer funding from going to organizations that perform abortions overseas. Donald Trump is dangerous. We must do everything we can to get him out of office this November, Johnson argued. "This election we have a choice between Donald Trump, whose incompetence and disregard for the law are a danger to us all, and Joe Biden, who is committed to fighting for reproductive health and rights for all. In 2016, Planned Parenthood Action made its first-ever presidential endorsement when it endorsed Democrat nominee and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Some believe that Clintons support for late-term abortion up to birth hurt her in the election. Trumps pro-life supporters say that a defining moment of the election came in October 2016 when Trump and Clinton debated late-term abortion and the Republican nominee went on to describe what a late-term abortion entails. Meanwhile, Clinton defended her position that the government should allow abortion during the last days of pregnancy just before birth. During the 2020 campaign, Biden has shifted his views on abortion, as he no longer supports the Hyde Amendment, a law that prevents taxpayer dollars from being used to support abortion. In the past, Biden, a Catholic, has said he believes that life begins at conception but doesnt want to impose his view on others who might not feel the same way. Last October, Biden was denied communion at a South Carolina church over his stance on abortion. The denial of communion came after Biden publicly opposed a proposal to outlaw abortions in South Carolina after six weeks of pregnancy, including in cases of rape or incest. Planned Parenthood's endorsement of Biden comes as its advocacy and political organizations announced they will spend $45 million in key battleground states during the 2020 election. In January, Planned Parenthood Votes launched its We Decide 2020 campaign, a people-powered electoral program to elect champions for reproductive rights up and down the ballot in 2020. Planned Parenthood advocacy and political organizations around the country will be mobilizing 15 million Planned Parenthood supporters to help people get involved and build on their power for the upcoming election, a statement from Planned Parenthood Action reads. Planned Parenthood Action Fund also plans to mobilize over half a million Action Fund members this election to volunteer for and elect our endorsed candidates including Vice President Joe Biden. In the 2016 election, Planned Parenthoods affiliated political groups spent just under $15 million on federal elections. Susan B. Anthony List, an influential advocacy group that opposes abortion, and its political action committee, Women Speak Out PAC, have budgeted over $52 million toward a grassroots campaign to inspire Americans to vote based on pro-life values in 2020. Before the coronavirus pandemic, SBA List pledged to make 4 million visits to voters in battleground states. But since the pandemic has limited the ability for canvassers to have face-to-face interactions, SBA List workers have reached out to voters by phone. SBA List Vice President of Communications Mallory Quigley told The Christian Post in a recent interview that the SBA List is optimistic it will hit its fundraising goal for 2020. She said SBA List has not seen a drop in donations even though the pandemic has pushed many people out of work. When the coronavirus hit and the states started closing down, out of concern for not only our canvassers, we suspended door-to-door canvassing and immediately switched everyone over to the phone calls, Quigley said. We have been making direct voter phone calls for [about three] months. We wanted to keep the canvassers active during this time so that we can immediately relaunch as it is safe to do so. She said that SBA List workers have spoken with hundreds of thousands of people in six states over the phone. While the organization has field offices set up in Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina, Quigley said the organization is hiring for field directors and canvassers in Michigan, Montana, and Pennsylvania. Canvassers, she said, visited over 800,000 voters before suspending field operations. In 2016, SBA List canvassers canvassed 1.1 million homes and 2.7 million in 2018. Compared to past election cycles, Quigley said voters have been more eager to talk over the phone. Nothing compares to a face-to-face conversation. This is a difficult issue and a very personal issue, she said. Since 2014, I have gone canvassing with the team. Because our field team is passionate about the pro-life issue, it is more than just a political conversation happening at the door. Thai social media has been abuzz about a particular skin whitening cream after a number of online promoters published before and after photos which suggested that the cream worked a bit too well. Skin whitening creams are big business in South-East Asia, with many brands competing to attract the millions of people obsessed with having a fairer complexion. One of the best ways to do that is social media promotion, only some so-called influencers often try too hard when pitching a product to their audience, as was recently the case with a whitening cream called Milk Lotion Whitening Skin. Before-and-after pictures doing the rounds online this past week showed some pretty dramatic changes, with users skin going from light brown to a macabre white. On June 16, photos showcasing the alleged skin bleaching power of Milk Lotion Whitening Skin went viral, but not for the reason the original posters had hoped. People were just shocked by the whiteness of the skin in the after photos, with some claiming that it looked like the skin of a dead person, a White Walker, or even that of Powder protagonist Jeremy Powder Reed. Judging by the general feedback, the photos not only failed to convince people to buy the cream, but actually managed to freak out many of them. This kind of dead white is more suitable for zombie movie special effects, one person wrote on Facebook. That arm looks like a dead persons, someone else commented. Express News Service NEW DELHI: Even as New Delhi dismissed Beijings contention that the Galwan Valley in Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) was its territory, saying China must not make exaggerated and untenable claims, India on Thursday confirmed its participation in the Russia, India, China summit next week. As we have conveyed earlier today, External Affairs Minister and the State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China had a phone conversation on recent developments in Ladakh. Both sides have agreed that the overall situation should be handled in a responsible manner and that the understandings reached between senior commanders on 6th June should be implemented sincerely. Making exaggerated and untenable claims is contrary to this understanding, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said. The statement came after the Eastern Theatre Command spokesperson of the Peoples Liberation (PLA) Army on Tuesday said Galwan Valley was part of the sovereign territory of China.For its part, the Chinese foreign ministry continued to blame New Delhi for the June 15 violence, which resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley. Indian frontline troops broke the consensus and crossed the Line of Actual Control, deliberately provoking and attacking Chinese officers and soldiers, thus triggering fierce physical conflicts and causing casualties. India must not misjudge the current situation or underestimate Chinas firm will to safeguard its territorial sovereignty, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. Even as political tensions rose, military-level dialogue between the two sides continued on Thursday. The Division Commanders of the two sides met and the atmosphere during the talks was more positive. The Chinese team heard Indias issues and both sides agreed to take the talks forward. More meetings between the two sides are expected on Friday and the day after. There was also no movement of troops and both sides resorted to disengagement, a senior Army officer said on the condition of anonymity. The MEA spokesperson also confirmed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars participation in the RIC summit, scheduled to be held on June 23. Russia is the current chair and it has called for the summit. EAM Jaishankar will participate, he said. Jaishankar meanwhile joined issue with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for questioning why troops in Galwan were unarmed. Let us get the facts straight. All troops on border duty always carry arms, especially when leaving post. Those at Galwan on 15 June did so. Long-standing practice (as per 1996 & 2005 agreements) not to use firearms during faceoffs, Jaishankar tweeted in reply to Rahul. All personnel accounted for: Army The Army on Thursday rejected reports claiming that a number of its soldiers were missing after the Galwan clash. It is clarified that there are no Indian troops missing in action, it said in a statement The dragons Indian footprint Amid demands to ban Chinese goods, heres a look at how they are invested in India, proliferate as their products do from cell phones to toys and dolls Sizing it up $26 bn Chinas existing and planned investments in India, estimated by Brookings research group in its March report. $2.378 bn FDI equity inflow from China as of March 2020, according to govt data. Big Chinese companies have lined up further investments in almost all sectors in India. For example, Fosun Group is reportedly close to acquiring 51% stake in a Bengaluru-based real estate firm for $115 mn. Colombia's army said Thursday it had freed a Swiss and a Brazilian kidnapped three months ago by suspected guerrillas. Daniel Max Guggenheim and Jose Ivan Albuquerque were rescued during a military operation in the southwestern Cauca department, one of the areas most blighted by drug-trafficking violence. The two men fell into the hands of the "Dagoberto Ramos Mobile Column" in mid-March, the army's anti-kidnapping unit said in a statement. The guerrillas are among around 2,300 armed dissidents from the former rebel FARC movement who refused to lay down arms during the historic 2016 peace accord that ended a 50-year struggle by the Marxist group. The unit said it also captured one of the suspected kidnappers, who was guarding the pair when they were rescued. Guggenheim, who is retired, said in a press conference that he and Albuquerque were kidnapped while visiting the Pacific coast as tourists. As they were returning to the capital Bogota, they were kidnapped at gunpoint from a restaurant in the Cauca department. "He told us we'd reached the cemetery," said Guggenheim about their armed assailant. The two men were taken hostage alongside two pet Pomeranian dogs. Since breaking away from the FARC, disparate dissident groups have continued armed resistance to the government, financing themselves through drug-trafficking and illegal mining. The more than half-century conflict left nine million people dead, missing or displaced. From the moment she was named commissioner of Canadas national police force, Brenda Lucki has been on the hot seat. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. From the moment she was named commissioner of Canadas national police force, Brenda Lucki has been on the hot seat. In 2018, when she became the first woman to permanently take the helm of the RCMP, the forces reputation had been tarnished by ongoing complaints of sexual harassment and discrimination against female officers and civilian employees. RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki is trying to answer the difficult question of systemic racism within the RCMP, openly and honestly, and struggling with the definition of a complex concept that befuddles many Canadians.(Adrian Wyld / The Canadian Press files) Those cases continue to wind their way through the courts, but Ms. Lucki has gone on record stating the intimidation these women endured is unacceptable. But the commissioners seat became even hotter this week when a Saskatchewan senator demanded she resign or be replaced following comments she made about systemic racism in the RCMP. In one national interview, Ms. Lucki said she was "struggling" with the term systemic racism and had heard "15 or 20 definitions" of it, adding she couldnt say for certain whether that form of racism exists within the force she leads. Two days later, after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged the RCMP and other police agencies have a problem with systemic racism, she walked back her initial remarks. "I did acknowledge that we, like others, have racism in our organization, but I did not say definitively that systemic racism exists in the RCMP," Ms. Lucki said in a media statement. "I should have." But that change of mind wasnt good enough for Sen. Lillian Dyck, who stated on Monday the commissioners "about-face" proves she doesnt have the "necessary knowledge or skills" to remain Canadas top cop. In a written statement, the senator said the RCMP commissioner should either step down or be removed immediately. "Her recent statements show that she does not fully understand what systemic racism is; thus, she will not be able to implement or envision the way forward to eliminate systemic racism in the RCMP," Ms. Dyck asserted. 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. I have confidence in Commissioner Lucki and I know that the changes that she has already begun to bring to our national police force, and the work that were going to be doing together in the coming months, is going to make a huge difference in combating systemic racism and reducing it in this country. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Mr. Trudeau was quick to defend Lucki, stating, "I have confidence in Commissioner Lucki and I know that the changes that she has already begun to bring to our national police force, and the work that were going to be doing together in the coming months, is going to make a huge difference in combating systemic racism and reducing it in this country." It is understandable Ms. Dyck, a member of the Progressive Senate Group and the first First Nations woman named to the upper chamber, would be concerned by Ms. Luckis reversal. It comes as the world is witnessing an unprecedented wave of protests against police brutality and discrimination directed at Black and Indigenous people. But making Ms. Lucki a sacrificial lamb would be counter-productive. It would suggest no one is capable of learning and growing in their job. This is a sensitive time, and words do matter, but no one is well served by ousting a respected leader who, in hindsight, might have phrased something better. In her media interviews, Ms. Lucki was not downplaying the existence of racism; she was trying to answer a difficult question openly and honestly, and struggling with the definition of a complex concept that befuddles many Canadians. The top Mountie did say the right thing it just took her a couple of extra days to do it. To her credit, she was not simply offering a pat answer to a difficult question, which is critical, because when it comes to systemic racism, there are no easy answers. Of even greater import, however, will be the reforms she undertakes in the aftermath of her thoughtfully revised response. In the wake of 20 Indian soldiers being killed in a skirmish with Chinese troops, the governing body of Indian Premier League (IPL) has decided to review its sponsorship deals. A meeting in this regard will be convened next week. "Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPL's various sponsorship deals," a tweet on IPL's official Twitter handle said. Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPLs various sponsorship deals IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 19, 2020 The meeting of the IPL Governing Council will review the yearly Rs 440 crore title sponsorship deal with Vivo among others. Apart from Vivo, PayTm is also one of the sponsors. The company has Chinese firm Alibaba as one of its investors. Alibaba has 37.15 per cent stake in PayTM, which is one of BCCI's premier sponsors. Tencent, one of the biggest video game companies in the world, has a minor stake -- 5.27 per cent -- in Swiggy and a majority stake in Dream 11. All these companies are among Board's list of sponsors. Apart from that, BCCI's national team shirt sponsors BYJUs pay Rs 1079 crore for five years since last year. Tencent has a stake in BYJUS. It is understood that discussion will be on whether to invoke the exit clause or honour Vivo's contract till 2022. "PayTM and BYJUS are related to the Indian team. First priority is IPL sponsorships -- Vivo, Dream 11 and Swiggy which have Chinese investments. Can't say the same about PayTM and BYJUS but you never know it can also come up for discussion," an IPL governing council member told PTI. The BCCI decision to review the deal comes a day after BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal told PTI that money from Chinese sponsorship is helping Indian economy but they would always put country first if the situation demands. Anti-China sentiments are running high in India following the border clash between the two countries at Galwan valley earlier this week. A colonel was among the 20 Army personnel killed in the face-off on Monday night, the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La. At that time, India lost around 80 soldiers, while over 300 Chinese army personnel were killed in the confrontation. (With PTI input) Australian governments and industry are being targeted by major cyber attacks that could put pressure on critical infrastructure and public services, with China understood to be a likely source of the threat. Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed the "malicious" attacks on Friday morning after briefing state premiers as well as Labor leader Anthony Albanese on Thursday night, saying the threat showed a level of sophistication that could only come from a state-based actor. "Based on advice provided to me by our cyber experts, Australian organisations are currently being targeted by a sophisticated state-based cyber actor," Mr Morrison said. "This act is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure." June 12, 2020 marks the 57th anniversary of the killing of my cousin, Medgar Evers, who was shot in the back in his driveway by a white supremacist and member of the KKK. It took 31 years to get a conviction for his murder. Some could finally call it justice, but justice is never served when someone you love is murdered. It was the same hatred in the man who killed Medgar and many others because of their skin color that we saw kill George Floyd on May 25. This time, unlike 57 years ago, it was done in the light of day and captured on camera. It is unimaginable, heartbreaking and disgraceful that what we saw continues to be played out in America. There was no remorse. And yet again, the killer carried the title of police officer, although he does not deserve that title. It should be a bad cop, hater, racist and cold-blooded murderer. His weapons of choice were his knee and hatred. Yes, so many of us hurt, and we cry. In fact, we cannot stop crying; we are angry and well beyond being sick and tired. We continue to see this type of hatred and unjust killing, time and time again. These incidents are often at the hands of bad cops, but there should be no such thing as a bad cop. And sometimes, others carry out these heinous crimes as well. I fear daily for the two young Black men that I helped to raise, along with my partner, brothers, nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues and all those who carry the title Black man or Black boy in America. You see, their lifes journey and walk in this country is very different from mine and others. Their walk is often one of being harassed, profiled, full of fear, uncertainty and shock. Being parents, guardians, family members of Black males, our walk is also different; it is one of worry, anxiety, constant prayer and restless nights. And days when they are out, the crying begins. We all know racism. I know it well, and I know its effect. I also know what it is like to have racism and hatred as the cause of a loved ones death. Because of such hatred, I have faced death by murder on many fronts. This is not new, yet it continues year to year and even day to day. Every day, I live in fear for our Black men and boys in this country, known and unknown, because of this wicked, abiding hatred. I still remember writing a poem in 1994 about being a mother to Black males in America, when my nephew lived with me and wanted to go out one Friday night. The poem was called: A Black Mothers Cry Its Friday (Saturday, Sunday, Monday) and my son wants to go out and play (go to the movies, hang out with his friends, get a bite to eat). Tick tock, Tick tock, I watch the clock and pray to God Please let my son come back for another day. Its Friday night and my son wants to go out and play I watch the clock; I watch the door and sometimes I fall to the floor and pray and pray, cry and cry That my son comes back for another day. A Black Mothers Cry Tick tock, tick tock I watch the clock And pace back and forth on my feet And in my mind only to watch and pray. Tick tock, I watch the clock. The door opens and thank God my son made it home for another day. A Black Mothers Cry Throughout this time, we will see and feel a host of emotions. The key for us now is what we need do to ensure: REAL JUSTICE for George Floyds family, change in our country, government, and real sustaining action that truly makes a difference for all. What will we do beyond the marching, beyond the praying and beyond the crying? What will we do to make our communities safe and our walks in life better? We all want justice for George Floyd and his family. We all want justice for Breonna Taylor and her family. We all want justice for Ahmaud Arbery and his family. We all want justice for all of those who lost their lives unjustly. Some people expect many of us to loot and burn down the businesses in our communities. I expect us to take action. We need to decide how and where we spend our money, invest in our businesses, get involved in our communities. We must fight for things such as criminal justice reform, equal access to quality education and technology and other changes that will make a lasting difference. Not to mention, reforms in voter mobilization and registration. We must get out and vote. To all the Black men and boys: we hurt, we cry, and we continue to ask why? We know being Black aint easy in this country, but we also know we must be a part of the solution. Until that time, when we are truly free from racism, discrimination, police brutality, killings and fear for our black men and boys walking the street We hurt, we cry, and we continue to ask: Why? A Black Mother Still Cries (2020) I grew up somebodys child, Naive and ignorant of the things that waited for me in the wild, I never understood the importance of my mothers home, Until now that I have a child of my own, Hes naive just like me, And thinks hes invincible with not a worry in his heart, Ive tried to prepare him as best I can from the start, But still young people have to live, and learn on their own, So, every day I sit and pray, that my child makes it home, Every day when he leaves for school, I pray that I will see him soon, Anytime he leaves for work, I pray that he will not be hurt, When I dont hear from him and feel the fear, I cry a mothers cry, asking God to bring him here, On Friday nights when the worry never stops, tick tock I watch the clock, and pray to God, A ring of the phone will make my heart drop, I might collapse if I hear a knock, But when I hear that knob turn, my prayers have been answered cause my child has returned, He has no idea when he sees my eyes, just how much a Black mother cries. Still a Black Mother Cries. Sandra J. Evers-Manly is president of the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center and can be reached at: Email: everssa@yahoo.com. James Norton in the movie "Mr. Jones." (Robert Palka / Samuel Goldwyn Films) Early in the historical political thriller Mr. Jones, a senior advisor to British politician David Lloyd George counsels that Herr Hitler will soon learn theres a great deal of difference between holding a rally and running a country. The year is 1933 and the words are spoken derisively to Gareth Jones, a young Welsh journalist just back from interviewing the newly appointed German Chancellor Adolf Hitler and his propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels. Its a chilling rejoinder, especially given the current state of U.S. and world politics. As a foreign affairs advisor to the still powerful Lloyd George, whose tenure as Britains last liberal prime minister ended in 1922, Jones (earnestly played by James Norton) has cautioned his elder colleagues not to underestimate Germanys ambitions and that their only hope is an alliance with Russias Josef Stalin. But with the global economy a shambles, his warnings go unheeded. Determined to interview Stalin and find the truth behind the Soviet Unions purported economic vitality despite the weak ruble and worldwide despair, Jones travels to Moscow. Mr. Jones feels like several potentially good movies unsuccessfully merged to form a lesser one. Director Agnieska Holland (Europa Europa) and screenwriter Andrea Chalupa obscure Jones epic pursuit of a story, overloading it with stylistic and narrative shifts and flourishes. The events depicted cover months, but in the film's first hour it feels like years. The sequences in Moscow, where Jones finds himself down a rabbit hole of Jazz age decadence, corruption and baffling bureaucracy, are staged as noir mystery with Vanessa Kirby as a femme fatale-like fellow journalist and Peter Sarsgaard as the duplicitous Walter Duranty, the New York Times' Pulitzer Prize-winning bureau chief. Its all handsomely mounted, but theres a deadly loss of urgency. Its only when Jones flees the city, determined to investigate rumors of famine in Ukraine, where his mother was once a teacher, that the film regains its momentum. Story continues Once in the countryside, he is confronted by mass starvation. The bleak, brutal landscape, desaturated by Holland, numbs his senses and reeks of death. Long, wintry silences pierced by the wail of a hungry child haunt Jones as he bears witness to the horrors of the Holodomor, as it is now known, a man-made event perpetuated by Stalin that killed millions. The experience transforms the already intrepid reporter into a crusader. The film is bookended with English author Eric Blair better known as George Orwell writing his allegorical novella Animal Farm, inspired by Jones reporting from the Soviet Union. Its an intriguing concept but needlessly detracts from Jones compelling saga (and apparently much of the 20 minutes excised since the films premiere at Berlin in 2019 involved the Orwell thread). Though its a shame that Mr. Jones is not more cohesive, the remarkable story of Gareth Jones retains its potency. Its a bracing reminder that we can never allow the advocates of truth to be silenced. Boujdour (Refugee Camps), June 17, 2020 (SPS) - The wilaya of Boujdour hosted Wednesday the celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of the historic Zemala Uprising and the National Day of the Disappeared, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Frente POLISARIO, Mr. Brahim Gali, Members of the National Secretariat of the Frente POLISARIO, the Government and many participants. A conference was organised on the occasion highlighting the turning point uprising in the history of the Sahrawi national resistance, with its mass momentum and its prominent role in the break with colonialism, revealing its plans and the impact left by its outstanding leader, Sidi Brahim Basiri, the symbol of peaceful resistance in Western Sahara. The Zemala Uprising was the essence of the beginning of the Sahrawi national dream of the need for an alternative national entity for political nihilism and the beginning of peaceful resistance against Spanish colonization. SPS 125/090/ New Delhi: India's Narendra Modi government has asked the country's Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) to execute covert strikes against Pakistan, according to the report in Pakistani website The News International. The Pakistans intelligence establishment has got the information that RAW will target offices of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) or Milityary Intelligence (MI) offices, The News International says in its report. Read More | Indian Army conducted surgical strike on Pakistan's side of LoC; many terrorists killed, massive damages caused The report further says that the Indian agency has 'received the orders' from Modi Government to speed up execution of its plans to kill Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar. The News International report quotes a senior Pak security official source as saying, "After the Indian military command advised PM Modi against any surgical strike or going for war with Pakistan, the option of covert strike against Pakistan has been approved." The RAW has been asked to execute a covert strike as an Indian response to Uri attack in Kashmir, the report adds further. Earlier on Sept 22, the same news website had reported that India, under it 'Cold Start Doctrine', moved the units of Indian Army and Indian Air Force to forward air bases near Line of Control (LoC) to launch surgical strikes as part of India's three-phased strategy. Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours are running high following the terrorist attack on an amry camp at Uri Sector in Kashmir and it caused speculations of Indian retaliation on social and mainstream media in Pakistan. In its sharpest attack on Pakistan, India has called it a "terrorist state" which carries out "war crimes" by using terrorism as an "instrument of state policy", after Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif glorified Hizbul commander Burhan Wani at the United Nations. India also strongly rejected Sharif's call for "a serious and sustained" bilateral dialogue "without any conditions", saying that Pakistan, which "seems to be run by a war machine rather than a government", wants talks with a "gun in its hand". India also decided not to take part in the SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November this year. Bhutan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh also decided to not atend the SAARC summit after India's decision to boycott SAARC meeting in Pakistan. India on Wednesday said the SAARC Summit in Islamabad has to be postponed as it and three other countries have pulled out of the meet. Read More | Who is India's NSA Ajit Doval and what is the 'Doval Doctrine'? For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. George Floyds murder has become a rallying point for protests across the United States and around the world. As communities continue to grieve and demand justice, the family of George Floyd is moving forward with a case against the police officers involved in Mr. Floyds death. The family has asked Attorney William Pintas to join the legal team fighting for justice alongside renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump. He will act as Chief Legal Strategist as the family seeks recognition, justice, and compensation for the alleged murder of their loved one at the hands of those tasked with serving and protecting. An effective attorney with more than 30 years of experience under his belt, Pintas has represented clients in over 10,000 cases and hopes to use this wealth of knowledge to drive this case forward. Attorney Ben Crump Takes On the Case Noted civil rights attorney Ben Crump has taken on the George Floyd case as well as the cases of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. While acknowledging the righteous anger that has sparked outrage and protests in all 50 states, Ben Crump has called for peace and healing as he and his legal team pursues justice. Attorney William Pintas Joins the Team In early June, attorney William Pintas was asked by George Floyds family to serve as Chief Legal Strategist with the Ben Crump legal team. As the Chief Legal Strategist, Pintas will assess and analyze the details of the case against Chauvin and the three former Minneapolis police officers who stood by while Mr. Floyd was murdered. He will work with attorney Ben Crump to develop a comprehensive plan to pursue justice for this devastated family. About Attorney Ben Crump A graduate of Florida State University, attorney Ben Crump is a renowned advocate for marginalized communities. He has represented clients in some of the most monumental and pivotal cases of the modern era, including Jannie Ligons, Robbie Tolans, and Trayvon Martin. A native of Lumberton, North Carolina, and the oldest of nine children, Mr. Crump continues to focus his practice on civil rights initiatives. About Attorney William Pintas Since founding his law firm in 1985, attorney William Pintas has represented clients in over 10,000 cases, focusing primarily on personal injury law. His work has resulted in the collection of hundreds of millions of dollars in recovery for his clients. As a personal injury lawyer, William Pintas fiercely advocates for justice on behalf of the victims of violence and negligence. He is honored to join the fight for equality and to help the nation, in the words of Ben Crump, take a breath to heal this country. By Phil Stewart WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Kathryn Wheelbarger, one of the Pentagon's most prominent and respected policy officials, is resigning after three years in the job at a time when critics have accused President Donald Trump of prioritizing perceived 'loyalists' for top national security posts, sources told Reuters on Thursday. Wheelbarger, who is highly regarded by national security experts in Trump's Republican Party and among Democrats, did not explain the reasoning for her departure in a copy of her resignation letter obtained by Reuters. By Phil Stewart WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Kathryn Wheelbarger, one of the Pentagon's most prominent and respected policy officials, is resigning after three years in the job at a time when critics have accused President Donald Trump of prioritizing perceived "loyalists" for top national security posts, sources told Reuters on Thursday. Wheelbarger, who is highly regarded by national security experts in Trump's Republican Party and among Democrats, did not explain the reasoning for her departure in a copy of her resignation letter obtained by Reuters. She had been named by the White House on Feb. 13 to a senior intelligence position https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/president-donald-j-trump-announces-intent-nominate-appoint-individuals-key-administration-posts-30 but in a surprise move last week, the White House instead announced plans to nominate Bradley Hansell https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/president-donald-j-trump-announces-intent-nominate-appoint-individuals-key-administration-posts-42, a former special assistant to Trump, to become deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence. Both current and former U.S. officials accused the White House of passing over Wheelbarger because of her past work with the late Republican Senator John McCain, a fierce Trump critic and former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Wheelbarger handled the committee's intelligence portfolio and was well regarded by Congress. "It looks like she failed the loyalty test somehow," said one former U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity. A congressional source said it was disappointing that the Trump administration didn't recognize "one of its greatest assets." "She was one of the few really thoughtful, compelling voices that people really seemed to respond to," the congressional source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. In her letter, Wheelbarger said she trusted her colleagues would "continue to be guided by the U.S. Constitution and the principles of our founding, which ensure both our security and our freedom." The letter said her resignation would be effective from July 4. Invoking the constitution has become a refrain increasingly used by Pentagon leaders as former top brass voice concerns about Trump's politicization of America's military, which is meant to be apolitical. Her departure will come as Trump attempts to overcome stiff Senate opposition among Democrats to his nomination of retired Army General Anthony Tata, a strong defender of Trump on Fox News, to the Pentagon's most senior policy position. Tata has misportrayed former President Barack Obama as a Muslim and falsely accused him of being a "terrorist leader" working to benefit Iran, according to now-deleted Twitter posts seen by Reuters. Democrats, including Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the chamber's Armed Services Committee, have signaled they would oppose Tata's nomination. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who is also on the committee, called Tata "by far Trump's most unqualified & ill-suited senior defense nominee a high bar." "An Islamophobic conspiracy theorist who called President Obama a 'terrorist leader' should not be #3 at the Pentagon," Warren said in a statement. It's unclear if Hansell's nomination will face such resistance. One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, questioned Hansell's qualifications and said Wheelbarger appeared far more experienced for a Pentagon leadership post. Hansell, a retired Army special forces officer, had worked as senior director for transnational threats on Trump's National Security Council staff. He is currently at the Boston Consulting Group. Less than a month ago, the U.S. Senate confirmed Representative John Ratcliffe, a staunch Trump political ally, as director of national intelligence. Ratcliffe has far less intelligence experience than any previous director of National Intelligence. (Reporting by Phil Stewart, additional reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Franklin Paul and Bernadette Baum) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. DES MOINES -- Some of the most critical Iowa-specific data on the new coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, have been trending in a positive direction for multiple weeks. Still, some serious warning signs remain. For more than two months in Iowa, the most critical COVID-19 figures deaths and hospitalizations have been steadily getting lower, with little interruption. As of Friday afternoon, according to state public health data compiled by the Des Moines Bureau: The seven-day average of new deaths (5.4) was at its lowest since April 25. That was nine weeks ago, and just a month after the first virus-related death was recorded in Iowa. That figured peaked on May 25 at 15.0, and has been falling steadily in the three-plus weeks since. The seven-day average of Iowans hospitalized by the virus (193.4) was at its lowest since April 21. That figured peaked on May 11 at 407.7, and has been falling steadily in the five-plus weeks since. And the seven-day average of Iowans recently admitted to the hospital for virus-related symptoms (19.4) was as low as it had been since April 17, which was just one week into the state publishing that data. That figure peaked on May 5 at 41.1, and has been falling steadily in the six-plus weeks since. Because single-day figures can sometimes be outliers and thus misleading, and because of delays in reporting, seven-day averages provide a more complete view of the virus activity. The number of positive cases can also provide valuable information regarding the virus spread, but that data can be influenced my multiple factors, including the amount of testing taking place and where testing is focused at any given moment. Ergo, while case numbers are important, deaths and hospitalizations portray a better measurement of the virus activity and impact. And among those numbers, Iowa has been headed in a positive direction for more than a month, even as businesses across the state have started to re-open. How does Iowa compare nationally? Its 22 deaths per 100,000 residents is 20th in the nation, according to multiple sites that track the data nationally. Positive case numbers also, generally, have been trending downward statewide. Certain areas have seen spikes Buena Vista and Story counties are two recent examples, due in part to outbreaks at a meat packing plant in the former and possibly on the Iowa State University campus in the latter. But while it has been a little more sporadic along the way, the statewide, seven-day average of new cases has been falling steadily since peaking at 547.9 on May 4. Over time, Iowans have proven that theyre willing and able to do their part, and weve seen the difference that that can make, Reynolds said this week. But there are some data points that indicate Iowas COVID-19 outlook is not all roses. The number of new cases and new hospitalizations both increased late this week, although those could be temporary two-day bumps during the larger downward trend. More notably, the rate of the virus spread in Iowa has been increasing slowly but steadily since the beginning of May, right when businesses started to re-open, according to multiple sites that track and publish state public health data. A states Rt is the effective reproduction rate of the coronavirus. Values over 1.0 mean more cases can be expected in the state, and values under 1.0 mean fewer cases can be expected. As of Friday afternoon, Iowas Rt was 0.96, just on the good side of the line, according to the website Rt.live. But that number has been steadily increasing since it bottomed out at 0.78 on May 4. Exactly one week earlier, on April 27, Reynolds had issued the first round of proclamations that began relaxing some of the mitigation strategies that had been put in place to contain the virus. That first order allowed many businesses, including restaurants, malls and libraries, to re-open in 77 of the states 99 counties. Since then, more businesses have been allowed to re-open, and the states Rt has steadily increased. And the current trajectory would put it above 1.0, possibly later this month or early July. Other states, including Florida, are seeing case spikes and Rt rates crossing well above 1.0. That has not yet happened in Iowa, and Reynolds this week said she is confident the states re-opening will not be disrupted by the virus. Were just going to do like we do every day: were going to continue to manage and do everything that we can to contain the virus, Reynolds said. Thats not going to change. While black and Latino Iowans have been burdened with an outsized share of coronavirus cases, the share of virus-related deaths have been more in line with their populations. Among Iowas population, 6% are Latino and 4% are black. And yet a whopping 27% of cases have been confirmed in the states Latino population, and 10% among black Iowans. Those numbers, in part, are because those populations are more likely to work hourly wage, at-risk jobs, like those in meat-packing plants, in nursing homes, and at grocery stores and other essential businesses. However, among Iowans who have died of virus-related causes, 7% have been Latino and 5% have been black. There is more data by which to measure the virus impact in Iowa, as the state this week began reporting whether individuals who have tested positive and those who have died of virus-related causes had previous health conditions. As of Friday, 7 of 10 Iowans who died of virus-related causes had pre-existing conditions, according to state public health data, while only 6% of Iowans who died of virus-related causes were confirmed to have no previous conditions. For the remaining 24%, it had not yet been determined whether the individual had a previous condition. Estimates of how many Americans have pre-existing conditions vary. The Kaiser Family Foundation in 2019 estimated 27% of non-elderly adults have a declinable health condition, and the Gallup polling service in 2018 reported that 27% of U.S. adults said they have a long-term medication condition, illness or disease that a health insurance company would consider a pre-existing condition. While every death is tragic and heartbreaking for the families who have lost a loved one, understanding these details about COVID-19 can help clearly identify populations at risk and target our efforts appropriately, Reynolds said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 1 The Government has advised theatres to ban singing when musicals return to the West End, according to Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber. Lord Webber revealed his plans to test hygiene technologies needed to bring back stage productions in London's Palladium, to be showcased in the first week of July this morning. The composer, 72, said he had spoken to the government about reopening theatres with health procedures in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus. But he revealed he was not impressed with some of the safety provisions being considered by officials, including a ban on singing. The Government has advised theatres to ban singing when musicals return to the West End in London, according to Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber Lord Webber's The Phantom of the Opera currently being shown in Seoul, South Korea, as part of its world tour Lord Webber said: Ive had a couple of phone calls with Oliver Dowden about it, the Culture Secretary. I would love to say that they understand it a little more. 'I have seen a report - I dont know whats going to be in the [final] report that comes out one Monday, but I sincerely hope that it contains some of things Ive seen in their advice. 'One of which is a brilliant one for musicals, which is that you are not allowed to sing.' A representative for Lord Webber told MailOnline the government advice he was referring to applied to singing on stage specifically. Experts have warned that singing is particularly dangerous in terms of spreading the coronavirus Lothar Wieler, the head of Germany's RKI diseases institute, says the droplets can 'fly particularly far' when singing. Several states in Germany have banned choir singing in church services, even as shops and restaurants have reopened. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Lord Webber said it has already been proven that theatres can reopen safely in South Korea. A woman walks past disinfectant before entering a theatre for Phantom of the Opera in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday The Phantom of the Opera has been running in the Seoul with strict hygiene practices in place. Believed to be the only large-scale English-language production anywhere in the world, the show's world tour has been attracting large audiences to the capital's 1,600-seat theatre. The show had a mandatory three-weak break in April after an outbreak of Covid-19 among staff, but has since run without problem. LW Theatres chief executive Rebecca Kane Burton explained how the system works in an interview with the Stage newspaper: 'There is an infrared camera at the stage door, your temperature is taken remotely as you walk in, and a great big dashboard flashes up [to indicate] whether you can come in the building or not. 'As soon as it does, the airlock releases, the door opens and you go in.' Despite being unable to socially distance in a theatre, Lord Webber said the show proved you could sufficiently protect the health of viewers and cast. 'What I hope to do is to be able to demonstrate to the Government what has happened in Korea, at The London Palladium, hopefully in the first week of July,' Lord Webber said. 'The key thing they have is incredibly good hygiene in every possible way. Both backstage and in the front of the orchestra. 'The whole point is to make people feel as safe and secure as they can. Musical giants Les Miserables, Mary Poppins and Hamilton will not return to the West End this year 'Were going to do a whole series of tests there to see whether or not its going to work. 'I really believe that we in theatre must be positive and use everything we can to demonstrate we can open. If having done that we fail, at least weve tried. 'One lives in hope but all you can do is to try and demonstrate and stay positive. I want to prove that they can reopen.' Earlier this week, producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh criticised the government's current position of banning theatres in the West End reopening until next year. Sir Cameron Mackintosh, producer of the stage production of Les Miserable, has urged the Government to 'take action' regarding the ongoing coronavirus battle Sir Cameron said: 'Despite the Government engaging with the desperate pleas from everyone in the theatre industry, so far there has been no tangible practical support beyond offers to go into debt, which I don't want to do. 'Their inability to say when the impossible constraints of social distancing will be lifted makes it equally impossible for us to properly plan for whatever the new future is. 'This has forced me to take drastic steps to ensure that I have the resources for my business to survive and enable my shows and theatres to reopen next year when we are permitted to.' Burma Over 8,000 Citizens Prosecuted in Myanmar for COVID-19 Breaches Police carry out a nighttime patrol in Yangon after the authorities imposed a curfew on April 19. / Aung Kyaw Htet / The Irrawaddy YANGON More than 8,000 people were prosecuted in nearly three months across the country for breaching COVID-19 rules, according to the Presidents Office. Myanmar reported the first COVID-19 cases on March 23 and has since reported 286 cases with six deaths and more than half of the patients recovering. Several COVID-19 restrictions, including a ban on public events and large gatherings, suspension of travel visas and international flights were extended until June 30 after the continuation of imported cases as nationals returned from overseas and a few infections inside the country were reported. Presidents Office spokesman U Zaw Htay told the media on Friday that 8,470 people have faced action since late March under the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases Law and 176 people under the Natural Disaster Management Law. Businesses which failed to follow the governments coronavirus prevention instructions have also been prosecuted. Violations have included assaulting and abusing health care workers, refusing to stay in or fleeing from quarantine centers, organizing religious gatherings and weddings or other defiance of the ban on gatherings and failing to follow nighttime curfews. Last month, Yangons chief minister U Phyo Min Thein, his wife and members of his cabinet were reported with the Yangon police for allegedly breaking the Natural Disaster Management Law for attending a Buddhist event. The chief minister denied the accusations and the police did not accept the report. The National League for Democracy told the media that it had warned the chief minister against breaching restrictions on gatherings. The communicable diseases law carries a maximum punishment of six months in prison while those prosecuted under the disaster law can face up to three years in prison. A man has been arrested in connection with an illegal rave in Manchester where three people were reportedly stabbed. Up to 2,000 people attended last Saturday's event held on waste ground in Carrington, Trafford, despite a ban on mass gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic. There were reports of three separate stabbings and the rape of an 18-year-old woman at the "quarantine rave". On Friday police raided a house in the Salford area and arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance and criminal damage. Officers also seized a laptop and audio/visual equipment. Police said enquiries are ongoing. Local residents helped clear up Daisy Nook Park in Manchester after 4,000 descended on a rave / PA On the same weekend another 4,000 people gathered at a similar rave last Saturday at Daisy Nook Country Park in Oldham. At Carrington there were reports of three separate stabbings and the rape of an 18-year-old woman, while a 20-year-old man died of a suspected overdose at Daisy Nook. Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey said: Since last weekends raves at Carrington and Daisy Nook in Oldham, teams of officers have been gathering intelligence this work is continuing. Police released footage of their emergency response to a stabbing at last weekend's illegal rave in Oldham / PA One suspect is in custody but our investigation is ongoing to ensure we identify anyone involved in the organisation of illegal raves which, as we saw last weekend, put people at risk. It comes as police issued a warning for members of the public not to attend any unlicensed events planned for this weekend. According to reports in The Manchester Evening News "organised criminals" were behind the raves, with revellers reportedly being charged up to 30 for a wristband to enter the events. Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey, for Greater Manchester Police urged those who are thinking about attending a rave to "think beforehand" and ask themselves if it's worth it. Daisy Nook Park in Manchester was littered with bottles and nitrous oxide canisters after the rave / PA "We are sending a strong warning to those thinking about attending such events - you could face enforcement action and receive a criminal record," he said. "I would also like to send a really clear message to organisers of illegal raves and events. I would implore you to seriously consider the risks and understand that as organisers, it is your responsibility to keep people safe. "There are often young teenagers in attendance, who are putting their lives in your hands." The North West Ambulance Service were called more than 20 times to the illegal raves. They said the parties were an example of "selfish and irresponsible behaviour" which put lives at risk. In a statement, Ged Blezard, Director of Operations at North West Ambulance Service, said: "Coronavirus is still a threat and mass gatherings should not currently be taking place. "This has taken up valuable emergency resources and is a clear breach of the government legislation that has been put in place to protect us all. "Wed urge people to please be responsible, continue to follow the social distancing guidelines and stay safe. Weve got this far, its not time to give up now." At a press conference on Thursday, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said he had asked Chief Constable Ian Hopkins to set up an action plan to prevent future illegal raves. Police are appealing for any members of the public who have intelligence about last weekends raves or any planned for the future to contact police via our their website or on 101. Click here to read the full article. PARIS The September edition of Texworld Paris, an international textile trade show held in Le Bourget, north of the French capital, has been cancelled, organizers said. After surveying the market, Messe Frankfurt Groups French subsidiary found that a large number of clients including those who book the biggest orders were not sure if they would be able to travel so soon. We dont know if frontiers outside of Europe will be reopened in September and a large part of our clientele, exhibitors and visitors, would not be able to attend the show, and conditions would be too restrictive, it said in a statement. Uncertainty continues to hang over large events, as French authorities have not cleared the way for gatherings of more than 5,000 people. Given the current uncertainty, organizers said they would not be able to welcome everyone in the best conditions. It was not easy to make this decision, but it is the most reasonable, they said, adding that they are focusing on next years edition, scheduled for Feb. 1 to 4. The show is geared to manufacturers of a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, denim, embroidery, lace, jacquard, knits, linen, hemp, prints, silk, sportswear and wool, among other materials. Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. I envied my colleague and dear friend not for the ALS that was consuming him, of course, but for how it freed him to speak so directly. It had always been hard for me to get that kind of honesty right. Id touched it perhaps a dozen times in my fifty-two years, with women Id loved, with old friends, now and then with strangers on airplanes or trains. For Tony, as he neared the end, it became second nature. In his books hed always expressed himself with precision, but his conversation was loose and free, generous, ripe with sly humor and innuendo and digression, never stinting; his best jokes, and he had many excellent jokes, were those made at his own expense. A vast, untrammeled soul resided within that compact body, belied by the tidy sweater vest and dated gray suit, the impeccable nails and pencil moustache, the readers on a chain around his neck. So to hear him as he was in those final days strict and concise as a village imam was galvanizing. If I took the Eurostar up from Paris to Leiden every Saturday to see him, it wasnt only because I knew hed soon be gone. His immense clarity held me captive. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 11:04:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ATHENS, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The Acropolis Museum here joins museums across the country to welcome visitors this week with prepared staff and necessary guidelines, after being closed for three months due to the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown measures in Greece. "Restarting the museum's operation for the public will be a challenge, as the infectious disease has not yet disappeared and health-related protective measures will certainly be strict," Dimitrios Pandermalis, president of the Acropolis Museum, said on Thursday at a press briefing. As the Acropolis is celebrating its 11th anniversary of operation on Saturday, Pandermalis said in an e-mail statement that the museum has taken all the necessary measures for the protection of the health of its visitors, and is ready to carry on its "mission." Boasting a unique collection of masterpieces, the Acropolis Museum has become a major tourist attraction since it opened on June 20, 2009. According to figures released Thursday, more than 1.28 million visitors have enjoyed its exhibits over the past year -- from June 2019 to June 2020. Among them were more than 20,000 Chinese visitors. For 2019, the Museum participated in the loan of exhibits for four major exhibitions organized in Greece and abroad. Among them was the portrait of Alexander the Great, which was presented in the exhibition "The Joint Exhibition of Asian Civilization," at the National Museum of China in Beijing from May until August 2019, Pandermalis said. Due to the quick spread of the novel coronavirus, visitor arrivals declined significantly in the winter until the museum was forced closed on March 14, he said. Greece has one of the lowest coronavirus infection rates in Europe. Latest official data showed that until Monday, when Greece reopened its border and some of its airports to tourism, the southeastern European nation has registered a total of 3,134 cases of COVID-19 with 184 deaths. Tourism is a key economic pillar for Greece. In 2019, 33 million visitors came to Greece, about three times the Greek population. And tourism contributes directly and indirectly about 20 percent of the country's GDP, Nikolina Kosteletou, professor of economics at the University of Athens, has told Xinhua. The main goal for the museum in the coming years is to enhance its exhibitions and promote collaboration with other museums, Pandermalis said. The Acropolis Museum is offering visitors half-price entry to celebrate its 11th birthday on Saturday. Enditem (George Georgakopoulos contributed to the story.) NEW YORK, June 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - BMO Capital Markets is hosting its fifth annual - and first virtual - healthcare conference on June 23rd. Almost 60 companies across the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and healthcare services industries will be participating in the one-day event through a series of fireside chats, panel discussions and one-on-one meetings. The conference, hosted by BMO Capital Markets' Healthcare Research team, comes at a time when the world is focused on the evolving developments related to COVID-19. It will highlight implications of the pandemic across the healthcare industry, including impacts on drug utilization, pipeline delays, vaccine development and effects on insurance costs. Other key topics include biopharma's innovative portfolios across a variety of areas such as rare disease, oncology and dermatology, as well as health insurance pricing and utilization. A keynote presentation featuring Dr. Eric Feigl-Ding , Epidemiologist and Health Economist at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health and a Senior Fellow at the Federation of American Scientists in Washington, will address: Areas where the public may be misinformed about COVID-19 Drug treatments and vaccine development for COVID-19 Prevention and treatment of certain life-threatening diseases Important considerations related to drug safety Status and outlook for Medicare Public policy issues Participating companies include: Amgen (AMGN) Anthem (ANTM) Emergent (EBS) Horizon (HZNP) Humana (HUM) Incyte (INCY) Mallinckrodt (MNK) (MNK) Moderna (MRNA) Regeneron (REGN) For a full agenda, click here . Media Registration: Media who wish to attend the conference can register directly by clicking here . About BMO Capital Markets BMO Capital Markets is a leading, full-service North American-based financial services provider offering corporate, institutional and government clients access to a complete range of products and services including equity and debt underwriting, corporate lending and project financing, mergers and acquisitions advisory services, securitization, treasury management, market risk management, debt and equity research and institutional sales and trading. With approximately 2,700 professionals in 33 locations around the world, including 19 offices in North America, BMO Capital Markets works proactively with clients to provide innovative and integrated financial solutions. BMO Capital Markets is a member of BMO Financial Group (NYSE,TSX: BMO) one of the largest diversified financial services providers in North America with $880 billion total assets as at January 31, 2020. SOURCE BMO Financial Group Related Links www.bmo.com MINNEAPOLIS, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread throughout the world, refugee communities are coming together to proactively prepare and protect themselves against this global health crisis. By providing initial resources and co-creating solutions, Alight , formerly known as the American Refugee Committee, is supporting these refugee-led initiatives ranging from soap- and mask-making to communicating accurate health messaging and building hand washing stations throughout the 19 countries that they serve. Alight has also taken myths and false messaging related to COVID-19 and turned them into tools refugee communities around the world can deploy to fight the spread of the virus. "The coronavirus pandemic is overwhelming for many of us, but the refugees and migrants we work with are stepping up, rallying their communities and taking action to protect their most vulnerable," says Daniel Wordsworth, CEO of Alight. "Alight exists to amplify the idealism and goodwill of every human being, so we're working side-by-side to support and guide the ideas and initiatives of the displaced communities we serve. It has been truly inspiring, especially as we approach World Refugee Day this Saturday, to share their stories and get behind refugee communities coming together all over the world, taking things into their own hands during this extremely uncertain time." Alight, along with their partners TO.org and Umbrella, have collected hundreds of ideas from refugees over the last few weeks that are simple, doable and community-driven. In Uganda's Nakivale Settlement, residents are leaning on established, community-based, refugee-owned small business enterprises to support and protect the community at large. To date, the community has produced 8,000 pieces of soap and 14,000 face masks. They are also pre-mixing soap with water for all handwashing stations to protect the community of more than 100,000 people. Migrant populations and refugee-led responses in different countries that Alight serves include: The refugee-led Zaatari Youth Center in Jordan has moved their programs including English lessons, poetry, photography and more online while people are in lockdown; the center is expected to become a hub for youth-led activism and outreach around COVID-19 as lockdown restrictions ease has moved their programs including while people are in lockdown; the center is expected to become a as lockdown restrictions ease Displaced people living in Somalia and Thailand who have completed Alight's livelihood tailoring program produced facemasks for their communities produced facemasks for their communities Alight's affiliate partner, ORAM, supported a group of LGBTIQ refugees in establishing their own soap-making business in a Kenyan refugee camp, which has become invaluable in improving hygiene and protecting the community In conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNHCR, and other international groups, Alight relies on the support from communities and individuals to help fund their numerous relief efforts. To learn more about the work Alight is doing, please visit www.wearealight.org . ABOUT ALIGHT Established in 1978 by founder Neal Ball, Alight, formerly known as American Refugee Committee, provides health care, clean water, shelter, protection and economic opportunities to more than 3.5 million people in 17 countries each year. Alight believes in the incredible creativity, potential, and ingenuity of the displaced and works to shine a light on their humanity, the tremendous amount of good that's already happening and the possibilities to do more. The organization exists to see and help every person make meaningful change in the world from displaced and marginalized communities in Africa, Asia and the Americas to...anyone, anywhere. Learn more about Alight at www.wearealight.org. ABOUT TO.ORG To.org is on a mission to accelerate earth's most vital ventures. Founded by a team of young brothers, Nachson and Arieh Mimran, To.Org invests and structures investments in companies and causes that are good for the world. The areas that To.Org work in can be divided into three groups. Ventures, which involves projects that fuel earth's most vital teams and help them to capture their unfair share of the future. Creative Activism, which involves working with high profile organisations to be brave in pursuit of a better path and change their behaviour for good. R&D, where they assemble creative activists to incubate vital ideas that fuck with the status quo. Recent examples of To.Org work includes Light to Learn , Togetherband , mPharma and Give Love. More information can be found at www.to.org/ . Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bPxqJKZ2OE Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1193251/Alight_Logo.jpg Related Links https://wearealight.org SOURCE Alight UPDATE: Settlement reached over Health Departments COVID-19 lawsuit against Carlisle car show Gov. Tom Wolfs march alongside Black Lives Matter protesters became an issue Thursday when an openly skeptical Commonwealth Court judge refused to issue an order to immediately curb the size of the crowd at the Spring Carlisle car show and flea market over Department of Health claims it poses a dire COVID-19 risk. Instead, because of a dispute over whether the law firm for Carlisle Events, the shows presenter, can represent the company, Judge Anne E. Covey rescheduled a hearing on the case for noon Friday to give the car show organizers time to get new lawyers. It appears, however, that Covey is far from automatically inclined to side with the Health Departments claim that the car show should be allowed to have no more than 250 attendees at a time because of the risk of spreading the coronavirus. In fact, she really grilled the departments lawyer, Brian Downey. Why, she asked, is it a health risk to have more than 250 people at a time in the outdoor car show at the 100-acre Carlisle Fairgrounds when the governor decided it was OK for him to march shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of protesters through Harrisburg two weeks ago? Downey replied that the protests against police brutality in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and other Pennsylvania communities involved the exercise of free speech rights. Then why, Covey added, is it not a public health risk when people are allowed, without state interference, to flock to speedways for auto races that are attended by far more than 250 spectators? Downey said the risk we are looking at right now is so significant with the car show because the event draws tens of thousands of spectators, including people from COVID-19 hot spots in and outside Pennsylvania. Covey countered that all those protesters certainly included people from virus hot spots, but the Health Department didnt ask the courts to shut them down, even though many werent even wearing protective masks. Isnt Philadelphia a hot spot? Isnt Pittsburgh a hot spot? she said. March against injustice and gun violence Pa. Governor Tom Wolf and Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse join the March against injustice and gun violence in Harrisburg. June 3, 2020 Sean Simmers | ssimmers@pennlive.com She also asked why the department didnt file legal action against Carlisle Events until 4 a.m. on Wednesday, the day the car show was to begin. Downey said the department didnt know Carlisle Events planned to go through with the show after being refused a COVID-19 waiver by the state Department of Community and Economic Development. In any case, how would the department expect car show officials to enforce the 250-person cap? Covey asked. What are you going to do, have people go around and count heads at the fairgrounds? the judge said. They count people already at the gate, Downy replied. Covey also asked about the COVID-19 restrictions that will apply to Hersheypark, which is to open in early July. Under the current regulations, the park can segregate people into groups of no more than 250 and allow several pockets of that size to be in the park simultaneously provided they are separated, Downey said. Carlisle Events could do the same thing, he said. Attorney Mark Stewart, whose representation of Carlisle Events was challenged by the Health Department because his firm, Eckert Seamans, does other work for the state, said car show organizers arent violating COVID-19 restrictions. They are limiting attendance at the show to 50 percent capacity the same cap imposed on indoor shopping malls, casinos and other venues and are mandating social distancing and encouraging use of face masks, Stewart said. He said only one out of every three vendor booths is occupied. He claimed Carlisle Events is a victim of wild inconsistencies in the states COVID-19 restrictions that simply arent logical or fair. The state parks are open. The beaches at the state parks are open at 50 percent occupancy, Stewart said. And he said those protests, like the one in which Wolf participated, werent compliant (with COVID-19 curbs), period. Covey adjourned Thursdays hearing for 24 hours so Carlisle Events can secure new counsel to challenge a Health Department injunction to impose the 250-attendee cap on the last two days of the Spring Carlisle show and on subsequent events, including another show scheduled for the fairgrounds next week. Ring out the church bells Friday for Juneteenth. Let them be bells of joy because on June 19, 1865, a U.S. Army officer stood on the balcony of a stately Galveston, Texas, residence and read General Order No. 3: The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. Gen. Gordon Granger was referring to the Emancipation Proclamation, by which Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves of the Confederate States. Texas being the most distant of them, Granger and his army of occupation didnt arrive there until more than two months after the Civil War effectively ended. But ring as well a mournful bell. General Order No. 3 also informed Texas ex-slaves that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere. Though destitute even their clothes belonged to their former masters Uncle Sam wouldnt extend a helping hand. A step forward, followed by a step back. That has been the story of race relations in America from that day until President Donald Trumps aborted choice of Juneteenth for an election rally in Tulsa, Okla., the site of a 1921 mass murder of blacks. So ring a bell of praise for Harriet Tubman and Sarah Grimke. Tubman escaped from slavery, found refuge in Philadelphia and returned to Maryland to free upward of 80 enslaved people. Born into a slaveholding South Carolina family, Grimke secretly taught enslaved children to read until her father caught her, then she also moved to Philadelphia and became a prominent abolitionist. But ring a bell of shame for Lincolns successor, President Andrew Johnson. More sympathetic to former slaveholders than to former slaves, he sabotaged the plans of congressional Republicans for a reconstructed South with equal rights for blacks and whites. Ring a bell of praise for congressman Thaddeus Stevens. It was his idea to confiscate the estates of the largest Southern property owners and distribute the land in 40-acre allotments to former slaves. He blocked the Souths attempt to bar ex-slaves from voting. This is not a white mans government! he thundered. But ring a bell of shame for the bureaucrats of the Freedmens Bureau, the federal agency that transferred the confiscated land. They gave the bulk of it to wealthy Southerners. Ring that bell again for the unsavory deal the two parties cooked up after the disputed presidential election of 1876. The Republican candidate got the White House and the Democrats got white supremacy restored in the South, their base of support. Army units enforcing Reconstruction were withdrawn, and blacks were resubjected by Jim Crow state governments. Ring a bell of sorrow for the thousands of black people lynched and a bell of shame for U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. He is holding up federal anti-lynching legislation because he claims it could send perpetrators of minor injuries, a cut or a bruise, to prison for 10 years. Ring a bell of joy for W.E.B. Du Bois. A co-founder of the NAACP, in 1894 he became the first black person to earn a Harvard Ph.D. Then ring a bell of shame for the U.S. Supreme Courts 1896 decision allowing separate but equal public accommodations. By legitimizing segregation, the justices completed the destruction of southern blacks civil rights. Ring a bell of joy that school segregation was outlawed by the 1954 Supreme Court decision that separate could never be equal. Ring a bell of thanks for Dorothy Browns parents who fought for her right to an integrated classroom. Ring it again for Rosa Parks. Her refusal to sit in the back of a Montgomery bus triggered the civil rights movement and made Martin Luther King Jr. its prophet. Ring a bell of shame for President Richard Nixons Southern strategy that welcomed to the Republican Party segregationists who fled the Democratic Party when blacks got to vote in the South. Ring a bell of joy for the election of President Barack Obama and the eight years of hope it gave that the death of racism was at hand. Ring it again for the massive, multiracial protests that followed the killing of George Floyd whose last words I cant breathe! provided the rallying call for the Black Lives Matter crusade. And finally, ring a bell of hope that renewed activism will finally make racism abhorrent to all Americans, be they Republicans or Democrats, liberals or conservatives. PHOTOS: Decatur celebrates Juneteenth with Parade and Celebration Ron Grossman is a reporter and columnist for the Chicago Tribune. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 13 CHICAGO, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Food Flavors Market by Type (Chocolate & Browns, Vanilla, Fruit & Nut, Dairy, Spices), Application (Beverages, Dairy, Confectionery, Bakery, Meat, Savory & Snacks), Origin (Natural, Nature identical, Artificial), Form, and Region - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global Food Flavors Market size is estimated to be valued at USD 16.4 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 20.7 billion by 2025, recording a CAGR of 4.8%, in terms of value. The growing demand for sweet and confectionery products all across the globe is causing a rise in the demand for food flavors. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=93115891 The fruit & nut flavor segment is projected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Based on type, the food flavors market is dominated by fruit & nut flavors. The fruit flavors are basically obtained from essence and concentrates of fruits and are quite popular. Nuts are an important source of natural oil and fibers. The demand for these flavors is rising due to the increase in health awareness among the consumers. Browse in-depth TOC on "Food Flavors Market" 133 Tables 64 Figures 257 Pages The food segment is projected to account for a major share in the food flavors market during the forecast period. By application, the food flavors market is segmented into food & beverages. Food is further classified into dairy products, confectionery, bakery, meat products, and others, which includes soups, condiments, pickles, and sauces. The increase in the demand for processed food is increasing the market for food flavors in the food segment applications. The Asia Pacific region dominated the food flavors market with the largest share in 2019, whereas South America is expected to witness the highest growth rate. The food flavors market in Asia Pacific is estimated to be dominant due to the increasing demand for processed food, because of the shift in lifestyle trends. People are looking for several healthy ready-to-eat options without compromising on taste. The production of dairy and meat processed food has also been increasing, which is again increasing the demand for food flavors. The fastest-growing market is projected to be South America. As consumers have shown an inclination toward clean-label and organic products, this has enabled manufacturers to consider organic ingredients as major components of the products. Due to this, the food flavors market in the region is rising due to the demand for organic flavors. Make an Inquiry: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=93115891 This report includes a study on the marketing and development strategies, along with the product portfolios of leading companies. It consists of profiles of leading companies, such as DuPont (US), Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) (US), Givaudan (Switzerland), Kerry Group (Ireland), International Flavors & Fragrances (US), Firmenich (Switzerland), Symrise (Germany), MANE (France), Taiyo International (Japan), T. Hasegawa (Japan), Synergy Flavors (US), Sensient (US), Bell Flavors and Fragrances (US), Flavorchem (US), Takasago (Japan), Keva Flavours (India), Huabao Flavors & Fragrances (Singapore), Tate & Lyle (UK), Robertet (France), McCormick & Company (US), Wanxiang International (China), Treatt (UK), China Flavors and Fragrances (China), Lucta (Spain), and Solvay (Belgium). Related Reports: Natural Food Colors & Flavors Market by Food Color Type (caramel, carotenoids & anthocyanins), Food Flavor Type (natural extracts, aroma chemicals & essential oils), Application & by Region - Global Forecast to 2020 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/natural-colors-flavors-market-676.html Browse Adjacent Markets: F & B Ingredients Market Research Reports & Consulting 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/food-flavors-market.asp Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/food-flavors.asp SOURCE MarketsandMarkets Two men have been charged after an inner Sydney man was allegedly detained by his landlord, and assaulted by a man accompanying him, for being unable to pay rent. Police were told the tenant, a 24-year-old man, returned to his Surry Hills home with a friend about 3.30pm on Wednesday when he was met by his landlord and another man. Police allege the men threatened and then assaulted the tenant at the Clifton Reserve property, near Crown Street Public School, preventing him and his friend from leaving the house until he had paid an outstanding rent balance through a phone bank transfer. The man was allegedly detained and assaulted at his Surry Hills home. Credit:Google Maps The tenant told police he had been having financial difficulties but believed he had negotiated a payment plan with his landlord. - The Global OTT Market is set to explode in 2020 to touch a massive USD 120-125 Billion, owing to social isolation, estimates Zinnov - OTT Platforms are exploring hybrid monetization models of Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD), Advertising-based Video on Demand (AVOD), and Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD) - Content Fragmentation continues as competition intensifies with newer OTT channels being launched BANGALORE, India, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Zinnov, a leading global management and strategy consulting firm, shared the findings of its impact study on the Media OTT segment, in the shadow of COVID-19. As a part of this extensive study, Zinnov evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on the Global Media OTT space, the expected shifts in consumption patterns as well as key trends that will shape the space in the post-pandemic reality. The global Media OTT space enjoyed an incredible bull run from 2012 to 2019, where the OTT market witnessed a ~23% growth. This period was defined by the rise of hybrid monetization models, intensified competition, razor sharp focus on content and customer experience, and the entry of start-ups and unicorns. With over 300 OTT providers in the fray, the global OTT market grew to USD 85-90 Billion in 2019. In 2020, owing to restrictions on travel, closure of theaters, cinemas, and live events, Subscription TV and OTT applications experienced a strong surge across geographies. In fact, the time spent on OTT applications such as Netflix, Amazon's Prime Video has dramatically increased by more than 40% in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the same quarter in 2019. There has been a 30% increase in the number of hours spent on OTT platforms, while on average, there is a 3X increase in subscriptions across these players. Netflix added 15+ Million paid subscribers in Q1 of 2020 alone, bringing its current number to 180+ Million subscribers. Amazon's Prime Video witnessed an increase of more than 100% viewership for family content in April. A key shift in the OTT space in the wake of COVID-19 is the continuous refresh of the content catalog to attract and retain viewership, while also factoring in content security to avoid piracy. As a large percentage of this content consumption is being driven through online and mobile channels, the adoption of digital technologies such as automation and cloud will accelerate. Zinnov analysis also reveals that the OTT space is in a state of flux, with large companies making acquisitions, new players entering the segment, newer services being offered, and consumers being saddled with a problem of plenty. Large media conglomerates such as Comcast, AT&T, and Disney have made acquisitions over the last 18 months, which has put a significant amount of debt on their balance sheets. Disney acquired Fox for USD 71 Billion, AT&T acquired Warner Bros., and Comcast acquired Sky. However, the revenues of all these conglomerates will be impacted as each of them has additional businesses such as theme parks, movie production, cable and consumer products, which have been severely affected owing to the pandemic. The revenue loss in some of these businesses will be significant, making it difficult to balance out and recover from the gains made in other businesses. Zinnov's analysis revealed that Disney's multiple theme parks alone contribute upwards of 30% to their overall revenues, with 10+% of operating income. The company is already looking at raising debt, which can be managed effectively, given their strong balance sheet. Disney, during this time, has lost 1/3rd of its market capitalization, while Comcast has lost 1/5th. Comcast was able to fortify itself in part because a large part of its revenues come from its cable business, which will see an uptick as more consumers upgrade their Internet connections, owing to extended lockdowns around the world to contain the spread of the virus. In recent times, the OTT space has become an overcrowded market, with at least 4 new applications being launched in the last 3 months alone. AT&T has launched its new OTT channel HBO Max from its Warner Media unit in the last week of May, Comcast plans to launch its in-house OTT channel - Peacock TV - in mid-July, etc. Speaking about the Media OTT space, Sidhant Rastogi, Managing Partner, Zinnov, said, "The Media OTT space is in an interesting phase right now. In the near-term, we expect 4 major global trends to take off as we begin this new decade - OTT alliances between key players to achieve scale as they jostle for space in the overcrowded market; focus on building clear identity in the customers' psyche to circumvent OTT fatigue; innovation in distribution owing to rising Subscriber Acquisition Costs (SAC) and churn management costs; and lastly, a resurgence in Advertising-based Video on Demand (AVOD) with targeted and interactive ad models." "Over the next 18-24 months, we expect a paradigm shift in the way OTT platforms will look to serve their customer base. Studios will accelerate their movie releases to streaming platforms, including live events such as concerts, sporting events, etc. Another major shift will be the demand towards live broadcasts to boost sales or to own their D2C services. OTT players with a clear focus on hyper personalization, superior customer experience, and a large repository of content variety will fare better than others," he added. About Zinnov Founded in 2002, Zinnov is a leading global management and strategy consulting firm, with presence in Santa Clara, Houston, Bangalore, Gurgaon, and Paris. Over the past 18 years, Zinnov has successfully consulted with over 250+ Fortune 500 enterprises and technology companies to develop actionable insights that help them create value - across dimensions of both revenue and optimization. With core expertise in Product Engineering, Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Outsourcing Advisory, Zinnov assists clients by: Enabling global companies to develop and optimize a global engineering footprint through center setups, and technology and functional accelerators to achieve higher R&D efficiencies, innovation, and productivity; Advising global PE firms in asset shortlisting and target evaluation, commercial due diligence, and value creation; Growing revenue for companies' products and services in newer markets through account intelligence, market entry, and market expansion advisory; Structuring and implementing Digital Transformation levers enabled by technologies like AI/ML, Cloud, IOT, and RPA; Helping global companies outline and drive their open innovation programs, design and operate accelerator programs, and enable collaboration with start-ups across specific use cases and predefined outcomes. With their team of experienced consultants, subject matter experts, and research professionals, Zinnov serves clients from across multiple industry verticals including Enterprise Software, BFSI, Healthcare, Automotive, Retail, and Telecom in the US, Europe, Japan, and India. For more information, visit http://zinnov.com. Media contact Nitika Goel [email protected] +91-9845016255 Chief Marketing Officer, Zinnov Logo : https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/694742/Zinnov_Logo.jpg SOURCE Zinnov Grassley Withdraws Hold on Trump Nominees After Getting Reasons for Firing of Inspector Generals He also introduced a bipartisan bill to 'bolster inspector general protections' Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) on Thursday withdrew his objections to the nominations of two Trump nominees after he received two letters that outlined why President Donald Trump requested the removal of two inspector generals (IGs). The Senate Finance Committee Chairman also announced a bipartisan bill that was introduced to bolster inspector general protections. Grassley is withdrawing his objections to the nominations of two Trump nominees: Marshall Billingslea, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, and Christopher C. Miller, of Virginia, to be Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Office of the Director of National Intelligence. In a statement, Grassley said he received two letters on June 12 and that they meet a requirement of the Inspector General Reform Act (H.R.928), which says that the President needs to communicate to Congress the reasons for removing an inspector general (IG). One of the letters came from the State Department regarding the removal of former State Department IG Steve Linick. It contained a copy of recent correspondence between the Trump administration to the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE). The letter requested that the CIGIE investigate specific allegations pertaining to Linick. Then-State Department Inspector General Steve Linick departs the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Oct. 2, 2019. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) A second letter came from the White House Counsel regarding the removal of Michael Atkinson, the Intelligence Community IG. It repeats a previous letter from the White House that said that Trump had lost confidence in Atkinson. The White House Counsel also enclosed with the letter a transcript of Trump explaining his reasons in firing Atkinson to the press, and explained to Grassley that such reasons are Trumps official explanation to Congress as to why Atkinson was removed. Michael Atkinson, Inspector General of the Intelligence Community, leaves a meeting in the Capitol in Washington on Oct. 4, 2019. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Trump had notified Congress his intention to fire Atkinson in early April, and Linick in mid-May, with both dismissals effective after 30 days. Although I do not agree with the Presidents stated reasons for removing [IGs Atkinson and Linick], my objection to these nominees was designed to prompt compliance with the IG Reform Act, which the President has now done Grassley said in a statement. Grassley later added that although some may want to believe that this is a new issue unique to this administration, it certainly is not. In July of 2009, then President Obama removed the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) Inspector General, Gerald Walpin from his post in a very similar manner and also did not provide reasons for removal In that case, I similarly pushed for compliance with the statute, held up a nominee to obtain information, and disagreed with the stated reasons for Mr. Walpins removal. In the end, Mr. Walpin was never reinstated. Given the misinterpretation of the statute by successive administrations from both political parties, its apparent that Congress must clarify the statute to ensure inspectors general are able to continue operating without undue interference, the senator continued. So I am introducing a bipartisan bill today to accomplish just that. Bipartisan Legislation Related Coverage Senator Chuck Grassley Sponsors Legislation to Reinforce IG Protection The billSecuring Inspector General Independence Act (S. 3994) (pdf)requires the president to provide substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons for the removal of an IG. The bill also seeks to ensure the independence of the IG community by requiring an acting IG to be selected from senior-level employees within the watchdog community. The bill also requires regular training to IG employees on their whistleblower rights, to protect the integrity of investigations and audits during an IG transition. Grassley noted in a statement that both Trump and former President Obama had used administrative leave to effectively sideline IGs during the 30-day period following announcing their removals. Grassley announced that the bill would therefore limits the use of administrative leave for IGs, including during the 30 days following the removal announcement. This bill spells out Congress expectations from the Executive Branch when the President decides to remove an IG, and prevents conflicts of interest that can arise when IGs are replaced with political appointees, Grassley said in the statement. The bill is also supported by Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.). People look over graffiti left on the Colorado Veterans Memorial in Denver on May 31 after a series of protests. By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: Condemning the approach of the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government, BJPs Lanka Dinakar found fault with the State government for passing a resolution in the Assembly against the implementation National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR). He alleged that the government passed the resolution to divert the attention of the public from its failures in the last one year. In a statement on Thursday, Lanka Dinakar said that NRC was related only to Assam and not for other parts of the country and that the same was informed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament. "Why is the Jagan government confusing people by speaking about NRC, which is non-existent in Andhra Pradesh, and passing such resolution with malafide intentions to woo and satisfy some sections of people?" he questioned. Alleging that the YSRC was provoking people by passing such resolutions, Dinakar pointed out that NPR was statutory for the census, which is necessary for providing government schemes for eligible people. "Why are YSRC members questioning NPR when the provision of details of ancestors of the citizens is optional. If this is objectionable, then why is the YSRC government conducting door-to-door surveys through the volunteers?" he asked. Dana Balter and Francis Conole have one overarching message for Democrats as voters head to the polls Tuesday in the 24th Congressional District: Im the only one who can beat Rep. John Katko in November. In 14 months of campaigning, the two Democrats have mostly avoided talking about each other in public appearances, TV ads and emails to voters, and instead have made the primary race about electability. After all, Balter and Conole disagree on only one major issue how to reform the nations healthcare system. Balter favors a phased version of Medicare for All. Conole wants a public option that allows people to keep their private health insurance. Neither candidate mentioned their Democratic opponent in a series of five TV ads, and instead aired messages that touted their credentials and criticized Katko and President Donald Trump. Balter, 43, of Syracuse, says she is the only candidate who can stop Katko, R-Camillus, from winning a fourth term. Balter lost to Katko by 5 percentage points in 2018 after winning the Democratic primary election. Katko won his previous two elections by more than 20 percentage points. Im ready for this race and to win in November because I have done this before, Balter said in an interview. It takes time to get experience and to get good at it. Ive proven I can go toe-to-toe with John Katko. He knows whats coming for him, and he knows hes going to lose. Balter said she has an advantage over Conole because almost half of the voters chose her in the last election. She even beat Katko by about 4,000 votes in Onondaga County, his home county, the most populous county in the four-county district. The 2018 campaign helped boost her name recognition in Central New York, Balter said, fueled by a force of 1,900 grassroots volunteers who mobilized in her support. Not a day goes by where someone in the soup aisle in Wegmans or someone on the sidewalk outside Recess Coffee will stop me and ask about the campaign, Balter said. Conole, 42, of Syracuse, has touted his roots as a Central New York native who understands how the region suffered as manufacturing companies left the region in the 1980s and 1990s. His father lost his job when Carrier Corp. scaled back its operations in DeWitt in the 1990s. Hes one of us, a man says in Conoles first TV commercial. Its a not-too-subtle reference to the fact that Balter grew up in Connecticut. She moved to Syracuse in 2003 to teach and work toward a doctorate degree at Syracuse Universitys Maxwell School. Katko frequently suggested during the 2018 campaign that Balter didnt understand the needs of Central New Yorkers and portrayed her as an outsider. He made references to her job title at the time, an assistant visiting teaching professor at SU. Conole, a Westhill High School graduate, studied at the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated three months before the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. He served in the Iraq War and later as a senior Navy intelligence officer at the Pentagon before returning home from Washington, D.C., last year to run for Congress. He has reminded Democratic voters that his familys roots are intertwined in local politics. His late grandfather, Patrick Packy Corbett, is the only Democrat elected to serve as Onondaga County sheriff. Conole said his experience and background helped convince Democratic Party committees in Onondaga and Cayuga County to designate him as the partys candidate this winter. (Oswego County Democrats designated Balter, and Wayne County Democrats declined to choose a candidate.) Central New Yorkers see me as someone who can lead, especially at a time of crisis, and we are in a dark period in this country, Conole said. He said its a big reason why hes the only candidate endorsed by a labor union (Iron Workers Local 60) as well as every voting member of the Syracuse Common Council and most Democrats on the Onondaga County Legislature. Conoles supporters include three Democratic congressmen Reps. Sean Patrick Maloney of Cold Spring, N.Y., Seth Moulton of Massachusetts and Ruben Gallego of Arizona. Balters endorsements include the fourth-highest ranking member of Congress, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. and Katie Porter, D-Calif., who was first elected in 2018 and helped flip the House to Democratic control. Balter has national endorsements from groups that include EMILYs List, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Democracy for America, Progressive Change Campaign Committee and National Organization for Women PAC. During the campaign, both candidates refused to accept donations from corporate political action committees, unlike Katko, and said they will support reforms to reduce the influence of money in politics. Balter and Conole each raised a total of $874,000 in contributions for their campaigns. But federal disclosure reports show Balter was able to spend about twice as much money as Conole in the final stretch of the primary. Balter had about $120,000 available to spend on the primary election, compared to Conoles $63,000 as of June 3, Federal Election Commission records show. One national group, the Vote Vets Action Fund, helped boost Conole by spending $100,000 on TV ads in the second week of June. The only public polls in the primary election were released by the Balter campaign. The latest poll showed Balter led Conole by 29 points (60-31%) two weeks before the election, down from a 43-point lead at the end of March. Conole did not dispute the polling numbers. Both candidates said they will support the winner of Tuesdays election in the campaign against Katko. Katko will have the Republican, Conservative and Independence Party lines in November. The 24th Districts voter enrollment has trended toward Democrats in recent years. The district has 151,645 active enrolled Democrats, compared to 138,061 Republicans and 108,100 independent voters who are not enrolled in a political party, according to the state Board of Elections. The district covers all of Onondaga, Cayuga and Wayne counties, and the western half of Oswego County, including the cities of Oswego and Fulton. In-person early voting in the primary election began Saturday, June 13 and continues daily through June 21 at selected polling sites in the 24th District. All New Yorkers will have the option to vote by mail this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Polls will still be open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Election Day, June 23. READ MORE ABOUT THE NY-24 PRIMARY Balter, Conole split over healthcare in only debate before NY primary for Congress Where Dana Balter, Francis Conole differ on the issues Balter raises more cash than Conole for final stretch of Democratic primary for Congress Veterans group to spend $100K on ads for Francis Conole in Democratic primary 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 This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Poor Peoples Campaign FILE - In this Feb. 21, 2019, file photo, former Vice President Al Gore, left, founder of the Climate Reality Project, and the Rev. William Barber II, president of the Repairers of the Breach, visit Lowndes County resident Charlie Mae Holcombe to talk about the failing wastewater sanitation system at her home in Hayneville, Ala. An anti-poverty coalition led by Barber is scheduled to hold a virtual march Saturday. The Mass Poor Peoples Assembly & Moral March on Washington aims to build upon the nations principles to pursue solutions to poverty something advocates say is getting especially severe in rural areas. (AP Photo/Julie Bennett, File) RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) Clergy and religious leaders are preparing to hold a virtual march Saturday to highlight the plight of Americans struggling with poverty people like Madelyn Maddie Brace and her boyfriend, Luciano Benavidez. For weeks, Brace and her 4-month-old daughter have stretched Benavidez's shrinking paychecks, as his hours declined to 22 a week. In their small Albuquerque apartment, they've eaten smaller dinners and wrestled the bureaucracy at the states unemployment office. The global pandemic keeps the 21-year-old Brace inside. The lack of money forces 20-year-old Benavidez out, searching for employment thats not there. COVID-19 hits, and our country is quite negligent, said the Rev. William Barber II, an organizer of Saturday's march and president of the Repairers of the Breach, a nonprofit group that fights poverty and discrimination. Global pandemics, by their very nature, exploit the fissures of society and America has fissures in terms of poverty and systemic racism. Modeled after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s last organizing effort, the new campaign seeks to bring the issue of poverty to the American consciousness amid anxiety, uncertainty and growing inequality. The Mass Poor Peoples Assembly & Moral March on Washington aims to build upon the nations principles to pursue solutions to poverty something advocates say is getting especially severe in rural areas. But instead of assembling in camps near the National Mall as protesters did in the wake of King's death in 1968, as part of the Poor People's Campaign this week's gathering will offer poor people a chance to describe their lives, live-streamed to a national audience. The digital gathering grew out of an original plan for a march in front of the White House this summer. That idea was scrapped due to the pandemic. Organizers say poor coal miners from Kentucky and San Carlos Apache members from Arizona will speak about their own experiences in extreme poverty. Residents from Appalachia will discuss their food deserts, while others from the Mississippi Delta will talk about the lack of jobs. Story continues The gathering comes two years after Barber and the Rev. Liz Theoharis of New York City encouraged activists in 40 states to take part in acts of civil disobedience, teach-ins, and demonstrations to force communities to address poverty on the anniversary of Kings event. Barber said the coalition is operating in 45 states. Organizers have visited colonias along the U.S.-Mexico border and met with poor white farmers in Kansas. Among those the campaign is pursuing to help are Mariah Kolka, 24, and Casey Britton, 25, of Linden, Tennessee. Both are mothers who live in an isolated county with limited resources and who have toiled in recent years with limited income. They live in an area with few grocery stores and health food options. We run out of vegetables run quick here, Britton said. There's not much left but fast food. Childhood malnutrition, graduation rates and early deaths are worst among rural, black-majority counties in the American South and isolated counties where Native Americans live, according to a report released this month by the advocacy group Save the Children. Using federal data from 2018 and examining more 2,600 counties and their equivalents, the report found that about a third of the 50 poorly ranked counties are majority African American and a quarter are majority Native American. Barber said statistics like those should inspire the county to take action. He said organizers want both President Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden to hold at least one debate that focuses on poverty. We are going to be a face on it, Barber said. Then, we are committed to a mass effort to build voting power. ___ Associated Press writer Russell Contreras is a member of the APs race and ethnicity team. Follow Contreras on Twitter at http://twitter.com/russcontreras YEREVAN, JUNE 19, ARMENPRESS. The united security system of Armenia and Artsakh is more than ever ready to protect the Armenian peoples security in each part of the homeland, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the joint session of the Security Councils of Armenia and Artsakh in Yerevan. The use of force will not remain without a consequence and will always receive more than adequate response both at the military and political domains. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev also understands this, who, in fact, has put himself in a deadlock. For more than 15 years he has promised his own people to solve the Karabakh issue through military means, billions of dollars have been spent under this title, which quite often result in money laundering, which eventually settle in the accounts of famous peoples in offshore zones. And now he is unable to explain his own people why the reality is as it is. He understands that his possible adventure will bring irreversible damages not only to Azerbaijan, but also will destroy his anti-national power. And in order to divert the peoples attention, he raises the temperature of his statements in order to get out of this deadlock, trying to compensate the failures of the past with new and more absurd promises about the future, Pashinyan said. The PM added that recently at the guidance of Azerbaijani special forces a so-called western Azerbaijan initiative has been created, meaning the Republic of Armenia. According to Pashinyan, by this the regional policy run by Azerbaijan is becoming more complete, and this so-called western Azerbaijan absurd initiative came to replace the so-called southern, northern, north-western Azerbaijan ridiculous series, highlighting Azerbaijans destabilizing aspirations in the context of the whole region. But I want to state in this regard that when we talk about the stability, security of the Karabakh conflict zone, in fact, we talk about the stability and the security of our entire region, and in this sense Armenia is becoming the security guarantor of not only the Karabakh conflict zone, but also our entire region. I think here we should demonstrate a special responsibility towards this regional role and be strong, firm, but not to give in to meaningless and absurd provocations. Especially now when our societies are fighting against a global challenge the novel coronavirus pandemic, we should call on to refrain from the propaganda of hostile actions. Whether we want it or not, the history and geography made us neighbors, and we should derive from the simple truth that our peoples are equal, cannot be under one anothers rule and should determine their fate based on their will, the right to self-determination. The acceptance of this equality will greatly contribute to preparing our populations to peace and will put reliable basis for the long-term and stable development of our region, the Armenian PM said. Repairs are expected to begin on the Estey Road Bridge on Monday, June 22, following an emergency fund relief approved by the Michigan Department of Transportation. With the contract signed, Gladwin County Road Commission Manager Dave Pettersch said work is expected to take about six weeks leading to the reopening of the bridge. Pettersch said the road commission has been working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to establish a list of damaged roads, which include Bensch and East Howard roads. While we are hopeful to receive some funding, we have no idea at this point if that will come through, Pettersch said. It will be some time before we know, and that means Bensch and E. Howard will be closed for a while. Damage estimates are currently estimated at $3.5 million. Two roads closed until further notice include Rhodes Road in Bentley Township. It is closed from Church Road north to White Feather Road. It is closed until further notice for a crossroad culvert. Also closed until further notice is School Road in Bourret Township from Wildwood Road to east of Miller Road. It is also closed for a crossroad culvert. A crossroad culvert allows water to flow under a road or trail from one side of the road to the other. It is embedded so it is surrounded by soil. We started to organize to show that veterans are standing up for Black Lives Matter and not just that were standing up for them, but that we want to stand with them, said David Smith, 39, a petty officer second class in the U.S. Navy. I feel like theres a kind of divide between the military and civilian world, and were trying to build a bridge to show them theres support here. DETROIT - Protesters marched over the Brooklyn Bridge, chanted We want justice now! near St. Louis Gateway Arch, stopped work at West Coast ports and paused for a moment of silence at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, as Americans marked Juneteenth with new urgency Friday amid a nationwide push for racial justice. The holiday, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, is usually celebrated with parades and festivals but became a day of protest this year in the wake of demonstrations set off by George Floyds killing at the hands of Minneapolis police. In addition to traditional cookouts and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation the Civil War-era order that declared all enslaved people free in Confederate territory Americans of all backgrounds were marching, holding sit-ins or taking part in car caravan protests. Thousands gathered at a religious rally in Atlanta. Hundreds marched from St. Louis Old Courthouse, where the Dred Scott case partially played out, a pivotal one that denied citizenship to African Americans but galvanized the anti-slavery movement. Protesters and revelers held signs in Dallas, danced to a marching band in Chicago and registered people to vote in Detroit. Now we have the attention of the world, and we are not going to let this slide, Charity Dean, director of Detroits office of Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity, said at an event that drew hundreds and called for an end to police brutality and racial inequality. Events marking Juneteenth were planned in every major American city Friday, although some were being held virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic. At some events, including in Chicago and New York, participants packed together, though many wore masks. At others, masks were scarce. Cranes came to a standstill as longshoremen in more than two dozen West Coast ports stopped work to mark Juneteenth. In Californias Port of Oakland, political activist and former Black Panther Party member Angela Davis thanked the workers for shutting down on the day when we renew our commitment to the struggle for freedom. In Nashville, Tennessee, about two dozen Black men, most wearing suits, stood arm in arm in front of the citys criminal courts. Behind them was a statue of Adolpho Birch, the first African American to serve as chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court. If you were uncomfortable standing out here in a suit, imagine how you would feel with a knee to your neck, said Phillip McGee, one of the demonstrators, referring to Floyd, a Black man who died after a white police officer pressed a knee into his neck for several minutes. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862, and it became effective the following Jan. 1. But it wasnt enforced in many places until after the Civil War ended in April 1865. Word didnt reach the last enslaved Black people until June 19, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to Galveston, Texas. Most states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth a blend of the words June and 19th as a state holiday or day of recognition, like Flag Day. But with protests over Floyds killing and a pandemic thats disproportionately harmed Black communities, more Americans especially white people are becoming familiar with the holiday and commemorating it. I feel hopeful and really, really proud to see the community of whites and Blacks joining together and for white people to really understand what the significance of Juneteenth is, said Elaine Loving, who marched with her two daughters, grandchildren and hundreds of others in Portland, Oregons historically Black neighbourhood, where shes lived since 1959. Some places that didnt already mark Juneteenth as a paid holiday moved in recent days to do so, including New York state. The growing recognition of Juneteenth comes as protests have yielded results, including policing reforms in several places. Also gaining momentum were longstanding demands to remove symbols and names associated with slavery and oppression. Protesters in North Carolinas capital pulled down two statues Friday night that are part of a larger Confederate monument. Also this week, a crane toppled a Confederate monument that had stood in an Atlanta suburb since 1908 and the U.S. House removed portraits of four former speakers who served in the Confederacy. In addition to big marches, smaller events were held. In Louisiana, community and environmental groups won a court fight to hold a Juneteenth ceremony at a site archaeologists have described as a probable cemetery for enslaved African Americans. Philadelphia residents staged impromptu celebrations after a parade and festival were cancelled because of the pandemic, and St. Petersburg, Florida, unveiled of a blocklong mural that says Black Lives Matter. We know our lives matter. You dont have to tell us that. Were trying to tell the world that, said Plum Howlett, a tattoo artist who painted part of the mural. President Donald Trump issued a message for Juneteenth, which he said was both a remembrance of a blight on our history and a celebration of our Nations unsurpassed ability to triumph over darkness. Trump had originally planned a rally Friday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but changed the date to Saturday amid an uproar about his appearance on a date of such significance. The city also is where white mobs attacked a prosperous black business district nearly a century ago, leaving as many as 300 people dead. In New Orleans, where demonstrators were greeted with bowls of red beans and rice, speaker Malik Bartholomew offered a reminder. We celebrate Juneteenth in honour of the celebration of freedom, but guess what? We also have to celebrate the fight, Bartholomew said. ___ Mattise reported from Nashville, Tennessee and Smith from Providence, Rhode Island. Associated Press writers Jim Salter in St. Louis, Phil Marcelo in Boston, Tamara Lush in St. Petersburg, Florida, Ron Harris in Atlanta, Janet McConnaughey and Stacey Plaisance in New Orleans and Gillian Flaccus in Portland, Oregon, contributed to this report. Iran has intensified its efforts to silence dissenting voices on cyberspace, where many Iranians discuss issues deemed by the Islamic establishment as sensitive. The new round of state pressure comes several months after security forces brutally suppressed dissent in the streets of dozens of cities, killing hundreds of people. In recent days, several journalists, activists, artists, and others with large social-media followings have been told to remove some of their posts and issue public corrections or apologies. Criticism of harsh prison sentences for eight environmentalists convicted of espionage last year, as well as of the January downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane that killed all 176 people on board and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps' (IRGC) delayed admission of guilt, are some of the main issues that have prompted action by security officials. It seems that this is a new way to make people repent; before they did it on [state] television, now theyre expanding it to social media. The pressure appears to be aimed at promoting a state narrative to a highly skeptical public that has been angered by the jailing of those environmentalists and by what is seen as a lack of accountability for the disastrous shooting down of the plane, which led to street protests. The powerful IRGC took responsibility three days after the crash while blaming it on human error amid heightened tensions with the United States over the assassination of IRGC senior commander Qasem Soleimani. Iran said several people have been arrested and that an investigation was launched. Yet no senior IRGC official has resigned over the tragedy, which killed dozens of Iranians. [Authorities] are taking an Orwellian approach to ensure that only their official explanation of the events exists in this space, says Tara Sepehrifar, Human Rights Watch researcher on Iran. The reality is that the skepticism in the authorities narrative is rooted in their conduct in a particular lack of accountability and this only further delegitimizes their position in the eyes of their skeptic audience, she told RFE/RL. At least one lawyer and three journalists have taken to Twitter in recent days to announce that they respect the courts decision to jail the environmentalists, with one apologizing for past retweets that were critical of the verdict. A journalist in Tehran who did not want to be named told RFE/RL that security officials reportedly called media staff and others and told them to remove online posts that they said were against national security -- or face arrest. It seems that this is a new way to make people repent; before they did it on [state] television, now theyre expanding it to social media, the journalist said, referring to confessions by critics aired on state television that, according to former detainees, are extracted under duress. The assault is believed to be led by the intelligence branch of the IRGC, which arrested eight members of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation -- including Iranian-American Morad Tahbaz -- in early 2018 on spying charges. Many have questioned the imprisonment in late January 2018 of the environmentalists, including the director of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation, Kavous Seyed Emami, a well-respected Iranian-Canadian university professor. Seyed Emami died in detention days later under unclear circumstances. Authorities said he committed suicide, but that claim was questioned by his friends and relatives. The head of Irans Environment Department, Isa Kalantari, said in 2018 that a panel had concluded that there was no evidence the environmentalists were spies. Yet those who have spoken against their imprisonment appear to have been pressured to publicly recant their criticism, including well-respected journalist Mojgan Jamshidi, who covers environmental issues. If, after the issuing of the courts ruling in 2019, I had a tweet or retweet that created the impression of disrespect, I am issuing a correction that I respect the courts decision, Jamshidi said on Twitter earlier this week. Her tweet was retweeted by another journalist, Zeinab Rahimi, who added that silence is full of unspoken words. Several artists have also suggested that Tehran is tightening its grip on social media, including the highly popular Instagram, which is the only unfiltered platform in the Islamic republic. Actress Parastoo Salehi said on Instagram on June 8 that she had been summoned by police and was later released on bail for attending a protest over the IRGC's downing of the passenger plane, as well as her social-media posts. I still cant believe that raising criticism, to protest, and making demands is a crime, she wrote on Instagram to her 1.8 million followers, adding that from now on she will remain silent out of respect for my mothers white hair. Actor Arzhang Amirfazli said on Instagram on June 6 that regulations in state television and society are gradually being applied to cyberspace. Because Im worried about you, Im forced to close the comment option under the posts, Amirfazli added in a post to his 1.1 million followers. Additionally, at least two volleyball players on the Iranian national team have removed angry posts from Instagram about the downing of the Ukrainian airliner without offering any explanation. One had accused authorities of incompetence. Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch and her project team were awarded $75,000 for their project Mobilizing Partnerships: Taking Steps Together for Supported Re-Integration. (Nick Pearce photo) What happens to individuals who are released from prison, when they lack support in trying to reintegrate back into society? Some may struggle with everything from navigating their employment and housing situation or finding mental health support, to getting a gym membership, reconnecting with family, or finding a family doctor. Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch (HAHP) is a Principal Investigator on a project that is working to help provide much-needed support for those seeking to reintegrate after incarceration. Dr. Hamilton-Hinch and three other researchers from Dalhousie University (PhD Candidate Crystal Watson, Dr. Jacob Cookey and Dr. Ifeyinwa Mbakogu) were awarded $75,000 through the Public Health Agency of Canadas Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians Initiative (MHBC). The four researchers were awarded the funding through the Incubator Stream for the project: Mobilizing Partnerships: Taking Steps Together for Supported Re-Integration. The Project Team also includes Charisma Grace, who is the Project Coordinator on the grant, and Tiffany Gordon, a PhD student here at Dalhousie who is the Research Assistant. The Team further extends to an Advisory Committee that includes concerned members of the community. Building Capacity The federal governments 2018 budget committed $19 million to strengthen multiculturalism and address mental health challenges faced by Black Canadian communities. The Project Teams capacity-building project will support the reintegration of African Nova Scotians from the criminal justice system into the community and work to address mental health-related barriers, including stigma. Dr. Hamilton-Hinch and her partners will identify knowledge and service gaps in this area, and build a network of advocates, organizations and professionals that will support the development and implementation of culturally relevant programs. The target population is youth of African descent aged 15 to 35 who were incarcerated or in conflict with the law. People of all genders will be consulted to ensure multiple perspectives are represented. We know there is a need for this program, says Dr. Hamilton-Hinch. In our prison system, Black and Indigenous communities are highly represented. There are some programs in the prison systems, but they may not be culturally relevant. Doing Time On the Outside We have heard from these individuals that without the proper supports in place, they feel like after they are released, they still feel like theyre doing time only now on the outside. Dr. Hamilton-Hinch says. The researchers also want to consult directly with individuals who have been incarcerated and their families on how best to support them, so they dont experience recidivism and will have a more positive reintegration process upon release. In addition, the researchers are meeting with organizations who work with these populations, such as the John Howard Society, 902ManUp, and Womens Wellness Within. From these consultations, they will create a needs assessment to see what programs are out there and where the gaps are. The Incubator Stream lets participants use the initial funds to build a program to be eligible to compete for more funding up to $200,000. Dr. Hamilton-Hinch and their team are working towards that goal. A police officer has been shot and killed while a second has been injured in Auckland, New Zealand, and a suspect is on the run. Police said they were carrying out a routine traffic stop Friday morning when a person began firing at them before driving away. The suspect's vehicle hit a bystander, who was hurt as the incident unfolded in the West Auckland suburb of Massey. Eight schools in the area were put into lockdown, police set up road cordons and were advising people to stay away from the area. Officers cordon off an area after the shooting in a residential neighbourhood of Auckland / AFP via Getty Images Heavily armed police had raided at least one home near the site of the shooting, according to local media. There have been conflicting reports about whether anybody had been taken into custody. Police did not immediately provide further details. Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said one police officer was dead and a second officer was hospitalised with serious injuries, while the bystander is in a hospital with minor injuries. He said there was nothing to indicate anything was out of the ordinary when the car was pulled over. The officers were not carrying guns, Commissioner Coster said. New Zealand police do not routinely carry guns but typically have them available in the trunk of their vehicles. "This is a shocking situation, this is the worst news police and their families can receive," he told media. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the news was devastating. "To lose a police officer is to lose someone working for all of us, but also a family member, someone's loved one and friend," she said in a statement. Police Minister Stuart Nash said the officer "was a man who dedicated his career to keeping us safe." Witness Elaine Taniela told The New Zealand Herald she was at home when she heard gunshots. She said a friend who was on his way to her house at the time described seeing an officer on the ground shaking. The last time a New Zealand police officer was killed in the line of duty was 11 years ago. New Zealand enacted new gun control laws banning the deadliest types of semiautomatic weapons after a mass shooting in which a gunman killed 51 people at two Christchurch mosques during Friday prayers in March last year. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, with about 1.7 million people. Advanced Particle Removal Collection Cartridge The US Patent and Trademark Office this month issued a patent to the University of Washington (UW) for a new form of high-capacity, energy-efficient air filtration, developed at the UW Sensors, Energy, and Automation Laboratory. Exclusive, worldwide licensee Agentis Air, LLC sees APART as a foundational technology for a new generation of energy-efficient purification devices and as an adaptation for current or legacy systems. The patented Advanced Particle Removal Technology (APART)in which charged particle-repelling plates are paired with disposable, foam-encased, charged particle-collecting platesis the result of five years of research at The University of Washington's Sensors, Energy, and Automation Laboratory. Current concerns about airborne diseaseincluding controlling indoor air quality and protecting respiratory healthunderscore the timely value of the technology to remove airborne viruses and reduce particulate-borne aerosol transmission. The design, in which particle-repelling plates are paired with disposable, foam-encased, particle-collecting plates, can be used in air purification and HVAC design applications for commercial and consumer markets. The technology covered in US Patent No. 10,668,483 was developed under the direction of Igor Krichtafovitch, PhD, an expert in electrostatics and particle pollution reduction. Dr. Krichtafovitch is the Director of Research and Development at Agentis Air, LLC, the exclusive worldwide licensee of the technology. Dr. Krichtafovitch and Agentis Air have been working closely with UW's CoMotion innovation hub for several years to develop this technology and to build a patent portfolio so the technology can be brought to market. We are excited about the patent and the numerous energy-saving commercial filtration applications that this foundational technology may enable, notes Larry Rothenberg, Agentis Air president. Indoor air quality has long been linked to a growing number of life-shortening diseasesincluding respiratory ailments, heart disease, and dementia. With recent public health concerns, the ability of APART-enabled air purification devices and systems to remove virus particles underscores the importance of this technology. APART has several advantages over existing filter-media technologies, notably the ability to substantially reduce back-pressure and energy use. Unlike mechanical HEPA-style systems (which rely on pass-through filtration), there is no filter to clog, so airflow is improved for lower energy use, lower cost, and quieter operation; The APART collection media has a longer life, as well. A significant advantage for commercial applications, APART is the first filtration system capable of smart control, offering the ability to increase or decrease system filtration levels and energy use on demand. This smart-control feature is designed to take advantage of advances in IoT and sensor technology so filtration can be monitored and adjusted in real time. The patented technology overcomes the limitations of traditional Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) systems: APART eliminates manual cleaning, making it a commercially scalable, low labor-cost solution; Increased surface area improves effectiveness over traditional ESP, as does increased load capacity. The technology also reduces particle re-entry into the air and filters ozone. Agentis Air, LLC is developing and marketing branded products and plans to partner with companies that can use the technology to improve the air-filtration capabilities of a wide range of products and systems. Potential applications include portable air purifiers, commercial HVAC systems, air exchangers, and dynamic air-filtration systems using sophisticated, building-control sensor data. About the University of Washington and CoMotion Ranked by Reuters as the #1 most innovative public university in the world, the University of Washington is a leading recipient of federal funding research, producing innovations that have the power to change the world. CoMotion at the University of Washington is the collaborative innovation hub dedicated to expanding the global economic and societal impact of the UW community. By developing and connecting to local and global innovation ecosystems, CoMotion helps innovators achieve the greatest impact from their discoveries. Find more information at https://comotion.uw.edu. About Agentis Air Agentis Air is a collaboration of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs on a mission to improve health and longevity with innovative indoor air technology. With decades of university research and development experience, the company is focused on transformational technologies as the foundation for more effective products at lower costs and with lower energy usage. Agentis Air technology has broad applications for institutional, commercial, and consumer markets. Find more information at https://agentisair.com ### #indoorairpollution #energyefficiency #sickbuildingsyndrome #airfiltration #airquality #healthylungs #hvac #patent #indoorairquality #electrostatic #agentisair #uwcomotion Amid escalated tensions between India-China in Ladakh's Galwan Valley, India Air Force (IAF) Chief Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria has visited Leh and Srinagar air bases to review preparedness of the force. IAF is on a high operational alert on the China border. The IAF Chief started his visit to Leh and Srinagar air bases on Wednesday evening after holding a top security review meeting with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief General MM Naravane. "The IAF Chief went to Leh and Srinagar air base on a two day visit there. The two air bases have now stationed frontline fighter aircraft of the force there from central and south India to tackle the requirements on the China border," top government sources told India Today. The visit came days after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in pre-meditated and planned attack by Chinese soldiers at Galwan Valley in Ladakh on Monday night. This was the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two countries. Also Read: Indian Air Force plans to buy 12 Sukhoi, 21 MiG-29s amid India-China standoff Meanwhile, the Air Force has also moved its critical frontline combat aircraft Mirage 2000, which carried out the Balakot air strikes last year, to a base near the Ladakh region from where it can fly over Pangong Tso and other areas in a matter of few minutes. The Su-30 has also moved forward to advance positions from where they can handle any untoward situation in the northern borders. In a bid to provide air support to Indian Army troops in the eastern Ladakh region, the Apache attack helicopters and the Chinook choppers have also been deployed in the close vicinity of the areas. Also Read: India-China border clash: PM Modi calls all-party meet; Sonia Gandhi, Uddhav Thackeray to attend The Leh airfield has also seen deployment of twin engine fighter planes which can carry out operations in high altitude locations. The frontline air bases in Srinagar, Ambala, Adampur and Halwara have also seen the induction of aircraft with lethal long-range capabilities to carry out operations in the last few days. The Air Force base in Bareilly is also on high alert for operations around the Tibet region. Air Force has also activated its air bases in the northeastern states to prevent any misadventure by the Chinese army. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an all-party meeting today to discuss the situation on the country's border with China. ALMOST two-thirds of workers are unaware of a tax-free payment of more than 15 a week that can be made to those working from home. A survey from tax services website Taxback.com found 63pc do not know their employer can pay them an amount tax free to cover a portion of costs incurred by home working. This is despite a surge in the numbers forced to work from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Tax refund specialists at Taxback.com say that many of these employees will never have worked from home before, and so will be unaware of the relief that is available to them. More than 100,000 people already worked from home before the Covid-19 outbreak and Revenue has made provisions for these people to be reimbursed for work-related expenses. These include heating, electricity and perhaps broadband expenses. Revenue allows people working from to be paid 3.20 per day in expenses by their employer, if duties are being performed within normal working hours. That works out at 16 a week. Over a year, it works out at close to 800. However, the employer has to agree to pay it. It applies to firms where employee works at home full or part-time, or where they work part of the time at home and the remainder in the normal place of work. However, the employer has to agree to pay the 3.20 per day. According to Revenue, e-working involves logging onto a work computer remotely sending and receiving email, data or files remotely developing ideas, products and services remotely. The 3.20 can be paid by the employer without incurring income tax, USC or PRSI. The employer must keep a record of payments made. Chief executive of Taxback.com Joanna Murphy said: There is a widespread lack of awareness about the working from home relief amongst the general public. At a time when every penny counts for households, its important that people know what they are due and claim accordingly. She said the type of costs that home workers can factor include heating, electricity and perhaps broadband expenses. From a tax perspective, an employer can pay 3.20 a day or 768 per annum to their employee to cover these additional costs. This payment is tax free, which means they wont be deducting PAYE, PRSI or USC from that amount, although there isnt a legal obligation for employers to do this. Ms Murphy said there were also a few other costs that people can claim relief on such as property taxes, home insurance, supplies and tools, license fees, and training costs where they are for upgrading skills that relate to your employment. However, if employers do not reimburse staff, workers must instead make a claim to Revenue for the actual cost of working from home instead of the 3.20 an employer may pay. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has called on the Government to make this more accessible. Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor have been held since December 2018 and not allowed to see a lawyer or family. China has started prosecuting on spying charges two Canadians who were detained in December 2018 shortly after Huawei boss Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Vancouver following a US extradition request. Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were picked up by the Ministry of State Security on December 10, days after the arrest of Meng, Huaweis chief financial officer, over allegations the telecommunications equipment giant breached US sanctions on Iran. State media reported on Friday that formal proceedings against Kovrig and Spavor had begun in Beijing and Dandong, a city on the border with North Korea. Kovrig, a Hong Kong-based senior adviser on Northeast Asia with the International Crisis Group, faces charges of spying and stealing state secrets, while Spavor is accused of being the contact who provided him with intelligence, according to the Global Times. Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor have both been charged with state secrets charges, formally placing them into a Chinese justice system with a 99+% conviction rate. In serious matters, the charges against them can be punished with life in prison. Nathan VanderKlippe (@nvanderklippe) June 19, 2020 The state-run tabloid said that authorities stressed China was a country run by the rule of law and will resolutely crack down on criminal activities that jeopardize national security. It added that the legal rights of the two men were fully guaranteed. China only formally confirmed Kovrig and Spavors arrest in May last year, saying their detention had no connection with Mengs arrest in Canada. Meng is out on bail and living in one of her Vancouver mansions. Kovrig and Spavor have not been allowed to see a lawyer or members of their family despite being detained for more than 18 months. Each passing day is a stain on Chinas reputation, an injustice to Michael and act of cruelty to his family and loved ones, Crisis Group said in a tweet on Friday morning, marking his 557th day in detention. Canadian consular officials have been able to visit the two men roughly once a month to exchange messages between them and their loved ones, seek medical treatment for them if needed and help explain the legal process. The last time the Chinese military had taken Indian soldiers captive was in July 1962 after a clash in Galwan Valley. All Indian soldiers involved in the deadly clashes with the Chinese army at the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night have been accounted for, the Indian Army said on Thursday evening. Ten Indian Army personnel including two Majors were released by the Chinese military on Thursday evening following three days of negotiations, people familiar with the development said. There is no official word on the matter. "It is clarified that there are no Indian troops missing in action," the Army said in a brief statement without elaborating. The last time the Chinese military had taken Indian soldiers captive was in July 1962 after a clash in Galwan Valley. At least 30 Indian soldiers were killed and several dozens were captured by Chinese military after the fierce clash. Military sources said a total of 76 Army personnel were brutally assaulted by the Chinese army on Monday out of which 18 were seriously injured while 58 of them sustained minor injuries. They said 18 personnel are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Leh while 58 are admitted to various other hospitals. Indian and Chinese militaries held a Major General-level dialogue on Thursday for the third consecutive day on disengagement of troops as well as restoring normalcy in areas around the Galwan Valley. The clash in Galwan Valley is the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while the death toll on the Chinese side was over 300. The two armies were engaged in a standoff in Galwan and several other areas of eastern Ladakh since May 5 when the two sides clashed on the banks of the Pangong Tso. After the standoff began, the Indian military leadership decided that Indian troops will adopt a firm approach in dealing with the aggressive posturing by the Chinese troops in all disputed areas of Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie. The Chinese Army has been gradually ramping up its strategic reserves in its rear bases near the LAC by rushing in artillery guns, infantry combat vehicles and heavy military equipment. 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. The road in the Finger area in Pangong Tso is considered crucial for India to carry out patrols. India has already decided not to stall any border infrastructure projects in eastern Ladakh despite Chinese protests. The situation in the area deteriorated after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on May 5 and 6. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on May 9. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long LAC. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it. Prior to the clashes, both sides have been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. Author Catherine Noske. Credit:JJ Gately Chesil is downtrodden but familiar to Hannah. Its small-town ennui and isolation seem normal enough. Until strange events begin to unfold. A teenage girl, once ordinary, disappears from class. Then women in the community begin to act strangely. And then... the miracles begin. But events that are miracles to some feel very wrong to Hannah and some of the more sensible townsfolk. A sinister undertow eventually builds to a crisis, and a community transforms into a terrifying mob. This debut from Noske, a writer and academic at the University of Western Australia and editor of Westerly literary magazine, is original, inventive and ambitious in scope. There is beautiful use of symbolism and imagery; Chesils river, blocked at the mouth and rotting; its crumbling, defunct bridge to the mainland (and reality); its churchs almost-animate stained glass windows. Noske achieves a detailed, convincing sense of place and atmosphere for wind-whipped, beautiful yet dying Chesil. It comes complete with problematic colonial past, a rural economy gasping for breath and bitter family feuds stretching back decades. She also draws well the scenes of rural domesticity. Hannahs caring for her mothers two lonely old horses is relatively peripheral to the main action, yet their scenes are among the most real, properly awakening the readers senses. But many of the characters feel somewhat opaque, their dialogue stilted. The priest, for example, interacts with teenager Mary and her mother Ellen more than almost anyone else, yet continually refers to them as the mother and the girl instead of just saying their names. On the one hand, I see how this underlines the priests detachment from his community, but on the other hand, I cant help thinking it lacks naturalism. Even Hannah, the principal character, seems hard to relate to on an emotional level, despite her retrospective emphasis on her feelings of guilt. Hannah is re-telling the story of the events on Chesil two decades on, impelled by this unrelieved shame about her role in them, or more accurately her passivity. She tells it sometimes from her own point of view in the first person, sometimes from that of numerous other characters in the third person. She justifies this omniscience by frequently repeating that this is all half-remembered and half-imagined, pieced together. But the sheer number of perspectives stops me getting to know anyone well enough to root for them. And while all the switching, and Hannahs emphasis on her own unreliability and subjectivity as narrator, works nicely from a thematic and atmospheric perspective, it probably contributes to my sense of alienation from these characters. It is, however, convenient for the narrative, as not really revealing anyones thoughts or motivations means no stretch to explain actions that drive a plot that relies on people behaving irrationally. Even the way Hannah starts this narrative method in the opening pages, beginning the story in one way then backtracking and telling the reader shell use this multi-perspective fashion instead, means my initial response to the opening pages is slight confusion, rather than immediate immersion. By halfway through I have a reasonable grip on whats happening, and the narrative technique does build the drive through the second half. Noske slowly but surely pays out the mystery to the reader like a fish on the line, building her sense of menace in controlled, teasing doses. But for all its cleverness this detachment from the characters has perhaps stopped me caring as much as I might otherwise have done about the final outcome. This novel took Noske 10 years to write, and I find myself thinking that if she had had a bit less time to play with these structural elements the book might have been more accessible, its undeniably brilliant ideas able to shine even more strongly. As work from home (WFH) model becomes the norm due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Infosys, the countrys second-largest IT services firm, is looking at allowing at least a third of its workforce to work remotely over a period of time, according to a media report. The company, however, did not give any time frame for this. Once things are normal, over a period of time, probably 50 per cent of employees will come to office and the rest will work from home. Moving on, 66 per cent will be in office but 33 per cent will work permanently from home, Richard Lobo, executive ... Plan for government-supported Phuket International Medical Hub Centre unveiled PHUKET: The Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket) has announced a plan for the government to develop an international medical centre to be built on 140 rai near the Phuket Check Point in Tha Chatchai, at the northernmost tip of the island. tourismhealthCOVID-19economics By The Phuket News Friday 19 June 2020, 11:57AM The proposed site is 140 rai of state land beside the Tha Chatchai Police Station at the northern tip of the island. Photo: PR Phuket The proposed site is 140 rai of state land beside the Tha Chatchai Police Station at the northern tip of the island. Photo: PR Phuket The proposed site is 140 rai of state land beside the Tha Chatchai Police Station at the northern tip of the island. Photo: PR Phuket The proposed site is 140 rai of state land beside the Tha Chatchai Police Station at the northern tip of the island. Photo: PR Phuket The proposed site is 140 rai of state land beside the Tha Chatchai Police Station at the northern tip of the island. Photo: PR Phuket An artists impression of what the international medical hub centre will look like. Image: PR Phuket An artists impression of what the international medical hub centre will look like. Image: PR Phuket An artists impression of what the international medical hub centre will look like. Image: PR Phuket An artists impression of what the international medical hub centre will look like. Image: PR Phuket An artists impression of what the international medical hub centre will look like. Image: PR Phuket An artists impression of what the international medical hub centre will look like. Image: PR Phuket An artists impression of what the international medical hub centre will look like. Image: PR Phuket An artists impression of what the international medical hub centre will look like. Image: PR Phuket An artists impression of what the international medical hub centre will look like. Image: PR Phuket An artists impression of what the international medical hub centre will look like. Image: PR Phuket An artists impression of what the international medical hub centre will look like. Image: PR Phuket An artists impression of what the international medical hub centre will look like. Image: PR Phuket PR Phuket announced the plan in a post on its official Facebook page today (June 19), saying that reporters had explained basic details of the project. However, The Phuket News had previously confirmed from a source that the concept was discussed on June 4 at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall attended by 16 consuls and honorary consuls in Phuket, but was unable to obtain any official confirmation of the project. The PR Phuket report noted that the project was proposed by Former Governor of Phuket Phakaphong Tavipatana, along with Dr Chalermpong Sukhonthapol, Director of Vachira Phuket Hospital, and Dr Thanit Sermkaew, chief of the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) and various sectors, which were not identified. The order for Governor Phakaphong to transfer to Phetchaburi province, approved by Cabinet in April, came into effect on Wednesday. Phukets new Governor, Narong Woonciew, who was serving as Governor of Chaiyaphum province, arrived in Phuket today (June 19). The plan is to build the medical centre on state land near the That Chatchai Police Station, said the report. The site is likely to be the same area where the international convention and exhibitions centre, dubbed ICEC, was proposed more than 10 years ago. The project is being proposed as a way of attracting more tourists to the island by developing international medical and public health services to create safety and value-added tourism, and in line with the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2017-2021), which places emphasis on the direction of development aimed at transitioning from a middle-income country to a high-income country with stability and a happy society. The report also noted that the site would reduce the distance needed to be travelled by visitors to Phuket, thus reducing risk of transmission of COVID-19, in line with new normal requirements to help prevent the spread of the disease. The project has the objective to develop Phuket as a centre for high-priced medical services connected with international tourism. The centre, as an International Medical Hub in a world-class destination, would enhance the readiness of medical infrastructure technology and medical services to support the treatment of important communicable diseases, emerging diseases, recurrent diseases, tropical diseases as well as serves as a quarantine centre for dangerous communicable diseases in accordance with international health and hygiene laws and research products on infectious diseases and diseases with significant problems, the report said. The project would also provide long-term employment for people in the area and create investment opportunities in response to changes that lead to new normal, as well as to revitalize the economy by promoting health products and products linked to tourism or other service sectors, the report added. If supported by a government budget, it will be both a selling point and strength of healthy tourism in Thailand and Phuket, which will draw quality tourists from around the world to Phuket, the report noted. The United States has reduced its troop presence in Afghanistan to levels agreed to as part of a February deal with the Taliban, the general who oversees the region says. "We agreed to go to the mid-8,000 range within 135 days," General Kenneth McKenzie, the head of U.S. Central Command, said at an event hosted by the Aspen Institute think tank on June 18. "We're at that number now." The February deal provides for the withdrawal of U.S. troops and is intended to pave the way for peace talks between the Taliban and the U.S.-backed government in Kabul. Under the deal, the United States agreed to reduce its forces in Afghanistan from 12,000 troops to 8,600 by mid-July. If the rest of the deal goes through, all U.S. and other foreign troops will exit Afghanistan by mid-2021. McKenzie said a full U.S. troop withdrawal was "conditions-based on the Taliban meeting their commitments. A key plank of the agreement requires the Taliban to sever all ties with extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) that could launch attacks on the United States and its allies. McKenzie said the Taliban was already at odds with the IS group. "What we need to see is what they're going to do against Al-Qaeda," he said, referring to the group responsible for the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. "And we need to see that in deeds and not words." The Taliban has "not yet completely made that case," he said. "There remains an opportunity for them to do it, but time is now beginning to grow short." A UN report released on June 1 said the Taliban still maintained close ties with the Al-Qaeda terrorist network. "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." U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad downplayed the UN report, saying it largely covered a period before the February agreement. Taliban militants control about half of Afghanistan's territory and have continued to carry out attacks since the U.S.-Taliban deal was signed. The government has said that in recent weeks some 422 Afghan personnel have been killed or wounded across the country in at least 220 Taliban attacks. IS militants have also carried a number of high-profile attacks, killing dozens of people. An attack on May 24 on a maternity hospital in Kabul on May 24 killed was described as "horrific" by Doctors Without Borders, which last week announced it would cease activities at the hospital. Afghan authorities have put the blame on the Taliban, which has denied involvement, while representatives of foreign governments pointed the finger at Afghanistan's Islamic State affiliate. With reporting by AFP and AP Turning 50 doesn't mean you're approaching the end. It means you're nearing the top. Rahul Gandhi, who turns 50 on Friday, needs to ask himself if he is anywhere near the top now? The Congress leadership issue is far from settled. Despite constant talk and speculation about Rahuls likely return as AICC chief, Sonia Gandhis exit or retirement from active politics continues to rattle Congress party leaders at all levels of hierarchy. Their anxiety stems from experience of major changes each time a transition in the leadership takes place in the party. For example, when Rajiv Gandhi replaced Sanjay Gandhi, many close Sanjay associates discovered they were misfits in the elder brothers team. Ram Chandra Rath, the powerful Youth Congress chief, found his influence waning quickly after Rajiv was appointed general secretary. After Rajivs assassination, many of his aides like ML Fotedar were evicted by successor PV Narasimha Rao. Sitaram Kesris rule saw the swift exit of Janardhana Poojary, Bhuvnesh Chaturvedi and others who were close to Rao. When Sonia Gandhi took over, many leaders claiming proximity to Rajiv, Narasimha Rao or Kesri lost out. While key Sonia advisors survived Rahuls brief stint as 87th president of the Indian National Congress (from December 2017 to May 2019), there are broad signals that Rahul wants the old guard to fade away before resuming his second innings as Congress president. Other than personalities, there is also a concern that Rahuls elevation will be felt through his policies, planning and style of functioning. Rahuls economic and political thinking seems deeply influenced by left of centre. Senior Congress leaders recall Amartya Sens interview conducted by Vinod Mehta and Anjali Puri in the Outlook issue of August 2009 where the Nobel laureate had described Rahul as talented and as someone deeply concerned about deprivation in India and wanting to make a change. The noted economist had remarked, I know him (Rahul) a certain amount. I once actually spent a day with him when he visited me in Trinity (Cambridge) and I was very impressed with him. Rahul was a student at Trinity from October 1994 to July 1995 and was awarded M. Phil in Development Studies. Sen, awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1999 by the Atal Bihari Vajapyee-led NDA government, had said that the possibility of Rahul becoming prime minister could not be ruled out. we chatted about what he was planning to do. At that time, politics was not part of his plan at all, and he told me that. I believe those were his genuine views and he changed his mind later. It was very clear to me that he was very committed to Indian development. Sen said he had told Rahul that there were ways for him to dazzle the world with the money he could make. But he wasnt in the least interested. I would say, since I have known Manmohan Singh at the same age, that there was a very similar commitment in both of them, in terms of being deeply concerned about deprivation in India and wanting to make a change in that. And to devote ones lifetime to that. Cambridge seems to have influenced Rahul quite a bit. Speaking to the Cambridge campus paper Varsity in 2010, Rahul had told Merrow Golden and Ashleigh Lamming, two political science students, that the most important thing he learned at Cambridge was the importance of compromise. Lamming recalls Rahul as saying the Cambridge system had helped him learn how to not just argue for his own opinions, but to find a solution that takes all points of view into account. Aarthi Ramachandran, author of an independent biography on Rahul called Decoding Rahul Gandhi (Tranquebar 2012), has elaborately quoted Lamming as saying that during the interview, Rahul had expressed himself as an economist. He tended to talk about things using economic language; he talked about affirmative action as being a problem of supply and demand, and talked about teachers no longer having a monopoly over information, but being one of the many sources of it. Apparently, during the interview, Rahul reached for a pen and drew an elaborate economic diagram to illustrate a teacher as being one competing source of information. Lamming added that Rahul appeared very fond of Cambridge as a town, and of Trinity College in particular. Rahul told him that he had changed a lot since completing his M. Phil in 1995. He disagreed with a lot of what he was taught at Cambridge. I am a lot less Left-wing now than I was, for one thing. In 2020, some senior Congress leaders think Rahul Gandhi has gone back to what was taught to him in 1994-1995 at Cambridge University - a lot more Left wing than 2009-10 when UPA was in power and Dr Manmohan Singh was prime minister. In the Congress circles, Sonia Gandhi is seen as too tolerant a person who avoids enforcing discipline but has a knack for winning over adversaries and reaching out to alliance leaders. In contrast, Rahul is seen among the ranks as a leader in the RajivSanjay mould -- frank and decisive. His thrust on technology, youth and gender sensitivity may force many party leaders and regional satraps to shape up or ship out. The present-day Congress doesnt lack leaders who want a Rahul-led Congress to taste every electoral success but wish he fails in his efforts to cleanse the party. This paradox is the biggest challenge before Rahul and Congress. PHILADELPHIA, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- PRECISIONscientia , a Pennsylvania-based medical communications agency specializing in interpreting and communicating the innovative science and data for cutting-edge therapies, announces it is a recipient of the Philadelphia Business Journal's 2020 Best Places to Work Awards in the large company category. Voted by the people who know them best - its employees - the award celebrates the top companies with 100-499 employees in the Greater Philadelphia area. Held annually, the Philadelphia Business Journal Best Places to Work Awards honor superior organizations where voices are heard, cultures are thriving, and employees are engaged. In the form of a Quantum Workplace online survey, employees are asked to rate their company on work environment, personal growth, professional environment, people, and embracing new change and ideas. Winners are chosen based on the results of the survey and, in essence, by the employees themselves. "In order to transform lives through science, we must foster an environment that supports the same type of groundbreaking innovation that our clients bring each day," says Nate Wible, Managing Director of PRECISIONscientia. "Through an open, collaborative culture we cultivate a group of inquisitive, passionate and genuine colleagues that produce exceptional results for our clients. We are proud to be recognized for this award, and we strive to continue to foster this positive and innovative work environment as we expand." Winners were announced in the Philadelphia Business Journal online, and will be featured in a special July supplement in the print edition. To learn more about our team and capabilities, visit www.precisionscientia.com or follow us on LinkedIn . About PRECISIONscientia: "Your Science Is Our Responsibility" Founded in 2002, PRECISIONscientia (formerly ETHOS Health Communications) is an authority in interpreting and communicating the science of today's cutting-edge therapies. With more than 180 employees who have experience in virtually every therapeutic area, PRECISIONscientia provides scientific and medical marketing, medical affairs, and training solutions to pharmaceutical and biotech clients. PRECISIONscientia was founded with the simple belief that the scientific story is the foundation of every pharmaceutical brand. As a result, it seeks out business professionals who deeply understand science and are committed to perfection, superior results, and relationships that transcend brands and companies. To learn more, visit www.precisionscientia.com or follow us on LinkedIn . About the Philadelphia Business Journal American City Business Journals (ACBJ) is the largest publisher of metropolitan business newsweeklies in the United States, with 44 business publications across the country reaching more than 3.6 million readers each week. The Philadelphia Business Journal is a regional business news publication that covers the latest business news and happenings in the Greater Philadelphia Area. SOURCE PRECISIONscientia Related Links https://www.precisionscientia.com 22 Jun Lea Salonga recently expressed her gratitude towards the support she received over her previous social media post lamenting on the state of the Philippines. As reported on Push, the musical star tweeted, "To everyone that has my back, thank you. You have my appreciation. I am very grateful." It is noted that "I STAND WITH LEA SALONGA" became a trending topic on Twitter earlier this week, after she took to Facebook to vent one simple sentence, "Dear Philippines, [expletives], it's really hard to love you." It is noted that prior to the said post, Salonga had been sharing a lot of opinion over the many issues plaguing the country, including the rape culture and Anti-Terror Bill. Netizens were quick to respond to Salonga's gratitude post, with one netizen commented, "We got you, like we always do." Another wrote, "We may differ in political inclination but I stand beside you of your right to free speech." (Photo Source: Lea Salonga Facebook) The president of the Malaga provincial authority, Francisco Salado, called on Wednesday for "messages of reassurance and certainty" from the government with regard to the arrival of British tourists in Spain. He referred to the suggestion made by Foreign Minster Arancha Gonzalez Laya on the BBC's Hard Talk programme on Tuesday that quarantine could be imposed on British tourists if the UK government does not relax its own Covid-19 isolation rule on visitors from overseas. "We will be looking at what the UK does and we will be in dialogue with the UK to decide whether or not we should introduce reciprocity, as they have different measures from the rest of the EU," said Gonzalez Laya. On 8 June, the British government imposed a 14-day quarantine on travellers arriving in the country from any international destination but Chancellor Rishi Sunak said on Sunday that the rule was being reviewed and that the authorities were looking at "all options", including opening air bridges with other countries. Gonzalez Laya described the current situation as "fluid" and insisted that both countries will remain in contact to make decisions in accordance with the "health situation", which, she said, is now "a little better in Spain than in the United Kingdom". Salado, who is also president of the Costa del Sol tourism authority, accused the central government of not being aware of the importance of the tourism industry for Spain: "In these recent months, the government has shown that it doesn't know how to manage the tourism industry," he said. He added that the minister had created "uncertainty" with her words and urged her to listen to the recommendations of the sector, made "based on experience". "This is not the time for games of chess," he said, "but time to ensure that tourists come to Spain with necessary health guarantees". Frontiers should be opened both with the Shengen area as well as with the "great ally" that the UK has always been, he added. When asked about the possibility of quarantine on Wednesday, the government delegate for Andalucia, Sandra Garcia, said that "nothing is definite" and that the issue was "being studied". The Spanish government had first planned to reopen its borders in July but announced on Saturday that tourists from the EU and the Schengen area could visit from 21 June. This included visitors from the UK, the British Embassy in Madrid said the Spanish government had confirmed on Monday. Borders with third countries outside the Schengen area could also open from 1 July if those countries meet certain criteria. Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba has welcomed a political decision of the EU leaders to prolong the economic sanctions against Russia for another six months adding that the sanctions send a certain signal that Russia needs to fully implement Minsk agreements. "I welcome today's political decision of EU leaders to extend economic sanctions against Russia for 6 more months. Since 2014, EU sanctions policy has helped deter Russian aggression against Ukraine. Sanctions send a clear signal: Russia needs to fully implement Minsk agreements," he twitted on Friday. MBABANE Permanent impotence could render a marriage voidable. This is if the proposed Marriages Bill of 2019 goes through with Section 16 (1) (d) unchanged. This clause, under the title Voidable Marriages, states that a marriage where one of the parties to a marriage was permanently impotent, a marriage can be voidable. Impotence is a condition whereby a man cannot keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. A similar condition where a woman lacks sexual desire and arousal is called frigidity. In some societies, these terms have been replaced with less judgmental terms where impotence is now known as erectile dysfunction and frigidity is known as lack of desire, arousal and orgasm. The Bill was presented to the Parliament Portfolio Committee of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs during a session held at the Mountain Inn yesterday. During the closed session, the legislators were allowed to discuss the Bill extensively. Human Rights Commissioner Sabelo Masuku said the Bill does not envisage that couples will use this situation to pull out of marriages where a partner, who has been well the whole time, suddenly or eventually developed these conditions. Annul This clause may be applicable in the event that one partner does not declare their known condition prior to the marriage. It does not necessarily mean that a couple married for years may want to annul a marriage on this ground just because the other party has developed the condition, he said. Masuku said as far as the wording of the clause was concerned, this applied to men because impotence was a condition that involved men. Minister Pholile Shakantu said the Bill was yet to be debated both in and outside of Parliament. We are yet to take it to the chiefs and to the communities where we are hoping that people will make meaningful contributions before it can be passed to a law. She said the Bill was still open to amendments, depending on what submissions would come through when they start reaching out to the stakeholders. Shakantu said the Bill would operate as a package, accompanied by other Bills such as the Administration of Estates Bill and the Matrimonial Property Bill. Unfortunately, when we tabled the Bills we started with the Marriage Bill. The other proposed legislations are almost final now as we are in consultation stage. The two other Bills focus on the regulation of assets and how to handle an estate of a person who did not leave a will. Taking the legislators through the Bills was Parliamentary Counsel John Mavuso. If passed, the Bill will lead to the repealing of the Marriage Act No.47 of 1964. The village of Qashafar, about 27 km from Dohuk, also involved. Panic among the local population. Several families who fled Mosul and the Nineveh plain with the rise of Isis live in the area. Baghdad summons the Turkish ambassador and demands an easing in tension. Turkeys response: "We will fight the PKK wherever it is", even on Iraqi territory. Erbil (AsiaNews) - The Turkish air force has bombed several areas of Iraqi Kurdistan, including the Christian village of Qashafar, about 27 km from Dohuk, causing panic among the local population. The attack took place around 5.30 yesterday afternoon and, according to local sources, Apache air vehicles were allegedly engaged in the operation. The areas is home to hundreds of Christian families who fled Mosul and the Nineveh plain in the summer of 2014, following the advance of the militias of the Islamic State (IS, ex Isis). Years later they are still in the area, waiting for their houses to be rebuilt and a safe return to their lands guaranteed. The Turkish bombs that fell yesterday would have caused at least one victim: A Kurdish shepherd, killed by the explosion of a missile that fell in the early hours of the morning in the Bradost district. In response, the Iraqi government summoned the Turkish ambassador Fatih Yildiz to Baghdad, but the escalation has continued unabated: from air raids that have been underway since last weekend, tatctics have now passed to ground operations launched on June 17, with some special forces entering Iraqi territory in the context of the operation "Tiger's Claws". The target of the assault is some (presumed) Kurdish PKK fighters refugees in some villages in the northern province of Duhok, near the border between Iraq, Turkey and Syria. The Turkish leadership seems willing to press on and continue with the attacks, as reflected in the threatening and open challenge contained in the response from Ambassador Yildiz to the Iraqi Foreign Ministry: if you are not able to take measures against the rebels Ankara will continue to "fight the PKK wherever it is", even in Iraqi territory. Concerned by the escalation on the northern border, Baghdad asked Ankara and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to "end the provocative acts" and to "withdraw the soldiers who infiltrated Iraqi territory". The Turkish offensive was allegedly triggered by attacks by Kurdish militants against police stations and military bases across the border. Erdogan's domestic difficulties due to the economic crisis and the coronavirus emergency, compound this escalation by pushing the Turkish president to identify at an external threat to strengthen internal stability. The Turkish air raids against PKK bases in Iraq are not new and similar episodes were also recorded in 2007 and 2018 although the operation launched this week is of a greater magnitude than the previous ones. So far there have been no official responses - on a diplomatic or military level - from Baghdad and Erbil, although the irritation among the high political and institutional spheres of Iraq appears evident. Instead, a condemnation of the bombings "in violation of international law" came from the Arab League, which however will have few if any - practical consequences. Home Search ICH Who needs Russian hackers? Report reveals CIA incompetence to blame for Vault 7 breach By Nebojsa Malic June 18, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - An internal CIA report about the Vault 7 fiasco paints a damning picture of the main US spy agency. WikiLeaks released the CIAs hacking tools, likely leaked by an insider, while CIA chiefs were too busy cooking up Russiagate. Vault 7 was the name given to cyber attack tools developed by the CIAs Center for Cyber Intelligence (CCI), and published by WikiLeaks in March 2017. It was the largest data breach in Langleys history, with long-lasting consequences. For example, Chinese cybersecurity companies recently used Vault 7 evidence to show that the US has been hacking China for over a decade. According to a just-released internal CIA report, CCI had prioritized building cyber weapons at the expense of securing their own systems. Day-to-day security practices had become woefully lax. Most of our sensitive cyber weapons were not compartmented, users shared systems administrator-level passwords, there were no effective removable media controls, and historical data was available to users indefinitely, the report goes on to say. The heavily-redacted document actually dates back to October 2017 and was only made public Tuesday by Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), in an effort to pressure the new Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe into imposing new security measures. While the CIA ineptitude is the obvious takeaway, no one seems to have noticed the real bombshell: the timing of the breach and its implications. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The report says the CIA did not realize the loss had occurred until a year later, when WikiLeaks publicly announced it in March 2017. Now, what all was happening between March 2016 and a year later? You guessed it: Russiagate! Even as his own cyber arsenal was getting swiped from under his very nose, CIA chief John Brennan was obsessing about Russian hackers of the Democratic National Committee, or Hillary Clintons emails, or something and pushing the bogus Steele Dossier alleging Donald Trumps collusion with Russia, which eventually made it into the infamous Intelligence Community Assessment that accused Moscow of meddling in the 2016 US presidential election. It gets worse. According to the report, Had the data been stolen for the benefit of a state adversary and not published, we might still be unaware of the lossas would be true for the vast majority of data on Agency mission systems. So if the mythic bogeymen 'Russian hackers' had actually wanted to harm the US, they could have just used the CIAs own, unprotected cyberweapons to stage false flags and wreak havoc across the world? None of which happened, obviously. Yet Brennan and his confederates have been telling everyone for years that the Kremlins wanted to hack our democracy by publishing some Democrat emails and posting memes on social media! Note that Mike Pompeo, who took over at Langley before he moved to Foggy Bottom, bought into Brennans fable hook, line and sinker, denouncing WikiLeaks as a hostile intelligence service and a cut-out for Russia in April 2017. In an irony of ironies, the Trump administration run by a man who denounced the Iraq war and was falsely accused of working with WikiLeaks and Russia to get elected is now seeking extradition of Julian Assange from the UK on trumped-up hacking charges related to the 2010 WikiLeaks revelations of US atrocities in Iraq. As for how Vault 7 got to WikiLeaks, the jury is still out on that. Joshua Schulte, the employee charged with leaking the files, is being prosecuted again after a hung jury at his first trial in March. His lawyers have argued the CIA security was so lax, anyone else on the team, or even outsiders, could have done it. The next time the media report some incendiary claim based on US intelligence assessments, try to keep all this in mind. Nebojsa Malic, is a Serbian-American journalist, blogger and translator, who wrote a regular column for Antiwar.com from 2000 to 2015, and is now senior writer at RT. Follow him on Twitter @NebojsaMalic. - " Source " - Post your comment below See also Search Information Clearing House === The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Click Here To Support Information Clearing House Your support has kept ICH free on the Web since 2002. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. Good news: Theres no expensive de-aging process used in Da 5 Bloods, Spike Lees absorbing, brash, exhausting, urgent, sometimes brilliant and sometimes unapologetically messy new film about four Black Vietnam vets who return to the battlefield site for reasons well, well get to the reasons. Lee says there just wasnt enough money in his Netflix budget for such a costly special effect, a la The Irishman, even though it would have helped with the flashbacks. But honestly, with Spike Lee, do you really need special effects? Isnt Lees own propulsive energy, inexhaustible creativity and blazing sense of purpose an effect in itself? To that, lets add a sense of exquisite timing. Yes, Lee has always had good timing. But its never been more evident or important than with the release of this film amid the current national reckoning over racial justice and police brutality. Time has come today, goes the Chamber Brothers song that accompanies Lees trailer. And: Cant put it off another day. Indeed. Youll find yourself awed by Lees prescience only moments into the film, with a searing montage of archival footage setting the Vietnam War, and most importantly the experience of Black soldiers in that war, into political and social context. Activist Bobby Seale, in one 1968 clip, recalls how Blacks served in the Civil War and then World War II, with freedom still elusive, and now here we go with the damn Vietnam War, and we still aint getting nothing but racist police brutality, etc. Lee, still on a roll after his overdue Oscar win for the terrific BlacKkKlansman, made a crucial change to the original story by Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo. He and co-writer Kevin Willmott changed the band of aging Vietnam vets from white to Black. Lee wanted to make that sorely missing Vietnam film in which Black soldiers werent just a side story, but THE story. The original idea had the vets returning for a cache of buried gold. Here, theyre looking for gold, yes, but also the body of their revered squad leader, Stormin Norman, the fifth Blood and their hero, played with movie-star charisma and classic war-movie grit by Chadwick Boseman. Film buffs will find references to John Hustons The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and Frances Ford Coppolas Apocalypse Now, among others. In fact, its at a bar called Apocalypse Now a real one in present-day Ho Chi Minh City that the four vets have a boozy evening before setting off into the jungle. Over drinks, the 60-somethings discuss what it was like to return from an unpopular war and be derided as baby killers, along with having to face the racial discrimination their white counterparts didnt. The angriest of the bunch is Paul (a dynamic Delroy Lindo), whos become a Donald Trump supporter and wears a MAGA hat. He also has a flawed relationship with son David (a terrific Jonathan Majors), who shows up at the last minute to join the expedition. Theres also the jovial Melvin (Isiah Whitlock Jr.); Otis (Clarke Peters), who has a crucial reunion with a former lover; and Eddie (Broadway star Norm Lewis), the genial owner of a car dealership empire who is clearly hiding something behind that Broadway-wattage smile. With help from a shady figure in international exports (a suitably slimy Jean Reno), the men head off in a riverboat to Wagners Ride of the Valkyries (a clear Apocalypse reference). They soon come across the buried gold, but theres more to be discovered and a whole heck of a lot to go wrong. In its latter parts, the movie sags a bit, or at least veers into more impressionistic, less disciplined territory. The men are not alone in this saga. Theres a group of land-mine locators, a band of Vietnamese officers, a tour guide, and that former lover, all of whose intentions remain to be determined. Then theres the crazy heat, the poisonous snakes, the murderous unexploded mines. Its a lot to absorb. But absorbing it is. The film toggles between current-day scenes and wartime flashbacks without even different makeup on the actors. This has the fascinating result of letting us experience the flashbacks precisely as the characters themselves are experiencing them and hey, it works. By the end, youll be spent, dazed, perhaps even confused but stunned, too, at the audacity of it all and the feeling that it is, so unequivocally, the right movie at the right time. Da 5 Bloods 3.5 stars RATED: R (for strong violence, grisly images and pervasive language) WHEN: Now streaming WHERE: Netflix Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 18:49:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia reported six new COVID-19 cases, pushing the national total to 8,535, the Health Ministry said Friday. Health Ministry Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah said at a press briefing that of the new cases, two are imported cases while four are local transmissions. Another 70 COVID-19 cases were cured and discharged on Friday, pushing the total cured to 94.6 percent of all cases. of the remaining 344 active cases, three are being held in intensive care and none of them are in need of assisted breathing. No new death has been reported, leaving the total deaths at 121. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who coordinates the implementation of restrictive measures, told a separate press conference the government has decided to partly open the country's international borders. Malaysia has relaxed restrictive measures to allow most economic and social activities to resume, but border controls remain in place, strictly restricting its citizens from leaving the country and foreigners from entering the country. Among those allowed to travel are some expatriates, technical experts, individuals coming to Malaysia for medical treatment as well as foreign students studying in Malaysia. Malaysian students who need to go abroad to continue their studies, people travel for business purposes and emergency will be allowed to exit the country as long as they have letters authorizing that they are required to leave, Ismail Sabri said. The health ministry is drawing up a list of "green zone" countries or regions to facilitate travel, he added. Enditem Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has written to the families of all 20 jawans, expressing deep sympathies and personal grief. Condoling the loss of lives of Indian soldiers in face-off with Chinese troops in Ladakhs Galwan Valley, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has written letter to the families of the martyrs. In his condolence letter, Gandhi has said that the entire nation pays tribute to the sacrifices of the soldiers and their spirit will never be forgotten. On the night of June 15-16, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a clash with Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh. In a letter to Indian Army Hawaldar K Palanis wife, Gandhi said, I am deeply pained by the death of your husband K Palani. The whole country is bowing down to his sacrifice. We will never forget the spirit of his patriotism. He spent his life in the country. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has written letters expressing his condolences to the families of the 20 Indian Army personnel, who lost their lives in #GalwanValleyClash with China. (Copy of one such letter to Havildar Thiru K Palani's family in the picture) pic.twitter.com/jrZtokIYqj ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2020 Read also: India-China Standoff: PM Modi to chair an all party meeting today Read also: S Jaishankar hits out at Rahul Gandhi on Galwan violence, asks him to get facts straight Calling the martyred soldier, a national hero, Rahul further wrote, While we are mourning the loss of our national hero, I salute your courage in this hour of grief My prayers are with your family. Sources close to Gandhi confirmed that he has written a similar letter to the families of all 20 soldiers. After the incident, Gandhi had said that it is difficult to describe his pain towards the soldiers who were martyred. Rahul Gandhi has been constantly targeting the government over the question of clashes between Indian and Chinese soldiers. He had asked why the soldiers were sent unarmed. However, in response to Rahuls questions, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that the Indian soldiers had weapons, although weapons have not been used during the skirmishes under the 1996 and 2005 agreements. Saluting the martyrs of Galwan Valley, Prime Minister Modi had on Wednesday tweeted, Tributes to the martyrs who lost their lives protecting our nation in Eastern Ladakh. Their supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten. India is proud of the valour of our armed forces. They have always shown remarkable courage and steadfastly protected Indias sovereignty. Read also: India China stand-off: IAF puts forward proposal to acquire 33 Russian fighter aircrafts For all the latest National News, download NewsX App SPRINGFIELD, Ill., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Thomas A. Broeckling, President of the First National Bank of Steeleville, was honored as the Illinois Bankers Association's (IBA) 2020 Banker of the Year during the association's virtual Annual Conference. This is the 18th year for the award, and it is the highest honor the Illinois Bankers Association can bestow on one of its members. It is presented to an individual whose dedication to excellence has most profoundly enhanced the banking industry. Broeckling's banking career spans more than 36 years. He has a long history of community involvement and achievement and has been very active with the IBA throughout the years. He is a past member of the IBA Board of Directors. In addition, he is a current member of the Government Relations Committee and has served on the Annual Conference Committee as well as the Audit Committee. He takes great pride in serving his community and currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital Board. He is also a strong supporter of education and served on the Board of Directors for School District 63 for over twenty years with all but two of those years as the President. Currently, Broeckling is a member of the Finance Committee of St. Bernard's Catholic Church and has been active with many other organizations, including the Albers Jaycees, Albers Commercial Club, Damiansville Chamber of Commerce, Mater Dei Knights Club and others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Broeckling has proven to be a true leader, going above and beyond and working closely with bank employees to ensure a smooth transition into multiple phases of emergency business procedures. He is dedicated to growing the careers of his bank employees through guidance and leadership, and, in 2016, he was instrumental in forming the bank's first-ever Employee Engagement Committee with the goal of creating an environment that values and supports each employee and promotes a healthy organization through communication, involvement, respect, training and recognition. The Illinois Bankers Association is a full-service trade association dedicated to creating a positive business climate that benefits the entire banking industry and the communities they serve. Founded in 1891, the IBA brings together state and national banks and savings banks of all sizes. SOURCE Illinois Bankers Association Related Links www.ilbanker.com Life just got a little sweeter with Essential Pie. The fruited American sour is now available at 13 New Mexico breweries in either can or on tap. Proceeds from the beer benefit educational programs offered through the Pink Boots Society. The society was created to empower women beer professionals to advance their careers in the beer industry through education. Were excited about it, said Jess Griego, head of the New Mexico Pink Boots Society. We actually added real graham crackers during the brew day which was a lot of fun. It is a creative way of getting characteristics of pie, fruited pie, with a little bit of sourness from cranberry, cherry and raspberry. Its fun for the summer. Its a really light fresh beer that has that graham cracker crust characteristic to round it out so that its not too tart or overwhelming just a nice balanced dessert beer. The group has released previous collaboration beers but never in cans. It was unclear whether breweries would be allowed to open in time for the Essential Pie release so the decision was made to offer the beer in cans as well as on draft. The labeling was designed by society member and Second Street Brewery creative director Mariah Scee. She actually donated her time and energy for that label, which was great, Griego said of Scee. With all the circumstances we had to kind of pull ourselves by our bootstraps and get this beer really as quickly and as efficiently as possible. When it came time to design a label I was a little lost. She totally stepped up and helped us. Nine breweries will release the beer in package and four will release it on draft. Six-packs will be available at Bosque Brewing Co., Canteen Brewhouse, Ex Novo Brewing, Marble Brewery, Red Door Brewing Co., Santa Fe Brewing Co., Second Street Brewery, Sidetrack Brewing Co. and Tractor Brewing Co. The beer will be available on draft at Brew Lab 101, Steel Bender Brewyard, Rio Bravo Brewing Co. and Toltec Brewing. The recipe was created by Canteen Brewhouse head brewer Zach Guilmette. It was brewed on National Womens Day, on March 6, by members of the society representing the 13 breweries selling Essential Pie. We had a great turnout, Griego said. At least 30 members (participated), which was really exciting. The society has served as a support system for women in the brewing industry, and membership more than tripled over the last year, Griego said. Weve all been in constant contact with each other throughout this entire experience, Griego said. Trying to keep positivity in being that sounding off group for one another. The women in this industry over the last few months have really come together and I have never felt more part of a community in this way. W indrush Day is today, Monday June 22. The day honours the British Caribbean community, and the half a million people who travelled to the UK after the Second World War. The first Windrush Day was held on June 22 2018. More people than ever before are taking part this year to support the Windrush Generation, and show sympathy with the hardships they have endured. When is Windrush Day 2020? Today, Monday June 22, is Windrush Day. This day, which began two years ago, is aimed at celebrating the Caribbean community and their contributions to British society On June 22, 1949 71 years ago several hundred people arrived from the Caribbean to live in Britain. After World War Two, Caribbean people who had served in the British armed forces were encouraged to come to Britain and help to rebuild the UK. Many boarded a ship called the HMT Empire Windrush. It is estimated that around 500,000 people living in the UK are part of the Windrush Generation, who arrived between 1948 and 1971. What happened during the Windrush scandal? Many of the migrants who travelled from the Caribbean to the UK faced discrimination and racism in Britain. In 2018 it emerged that the Conservative government had told some members of the Windrush generation they were living in Britain illegally. Although many people had lived and worked in Britain for most of their lives, law changes required them to have official documents to have access to healthcare. Some people who had lost their official documents or were unable to provide them were sent to immigration detention centres. At least 83 people were wrongfully deported. The scandal led to the resignation of then-Home Secretary Amber Rudd, and prompted a wider debate about British immigration and deportation policy. What events are happening this year to mark the date? There is a live poetry event this evening celebrating the Windrush Generation. The Black Culture archives will be performing live poetry on their Instagram page from 7 to 8pm, in partnership with youth charity Poetic Unity. There is also an online screening of the documentary Daughter of the Windrush from Blackburne house, working with the Museum of Liverpool which examines stories told by daughters and granddaughters of Liverpools Windrush Generation. Serendipity will host a lecture called Windrush Day Lecture: Where are we now? between 6 and 8pm, with tickets costing 5. Lambeth residents are invited to join a sing-along to Desmond Dekkers song "You can get it if you really want" on their doorsteps this morning at 10.27am. The time has been chosen to mark the 1,027 passengers who came to the UK on board the Windrush in 1948. Lambeth Council has also asked residents to decorate their doorsteps and windows to mark the day. Their website says: "We want to make Windrush Day 2020 an extraordinary collective event for the community despite the restrictions of lockdown and social distancing." Show your gratitude and respect to the people of Windrush by decorating your windows and doorsteps." An employee of Japan Airlines scans the temperature of a passenger at the almost empty Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan, March 14, 2020. Photo by Reuters/Edgard Garrido. Vietnam has reached an agreement with Japan to gradually relax travel restrictions between the two countries, the foreign ministry said Friday. "Both sides will discuss specific measures and procedures via diplomatic channels," the Foreign Affairs Ministry stated in a press release. In another press release Thursday, the ministrys spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang confirmed the government was in talks with several countries, including China, Japan and South Korea, on gradually recommencing travel, in accordance with the situation on the ground. For now, experts and managers from the aforementioned three countries would be provided opportunities to return to Vietnam for work. In return, Vietnamese interns and workers would be similarly considered, Hang said. Japans government has issued similar statements on resuming travel between the two countries. Businesspeople from Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand would be allowed into Japan if they test negative for the novel coronavirus, Japanese media reported, citing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as saying Thursday. Arrivals also have to save their GPS data on a smartphone app to aid contact tracing. All arrivals would have to submit detailed itineraries on where they plan to visit during the first 14 days of their stay. They would not be able to use public transportation, Kyodo News reported. Those eligible include executives, technical staff and those participating in the Technical Intern Training Program. However, only citizens of the four aforementioned countries who travel between Japan and their home countries can enjoy this policy. The four countries were chosen because they had the virus under control, said Abe. Besides the aforementioned "business track," a government official told a press briefing Japan is also considering a "residence track" that would allow more people into the country as long as they agree to a mandatory 14-day quarantine period, among other requirements, the paper noted. Students would be allowed entry later, followed by tourists, wrote Japan Today. This isnt the first time sources indicate Japan may allow travel to and from certain countries. The Yomiuri daily reported last week Japan may restart business trips to and from Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and Thailand in the next few months. Japan Today also stated last week, citing the Japanese government, that Japan from July may allow up to 250 foreign arrivals per day from these four countries, initially applicable to executives and engineers. But Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Monday denied the Japanese government had decided to ease entry for people from other countries, Reuters reported. Instead, the government was examining ways to ease entry restrictions in stages, Motegi told parliament. Japan currently has an entry ban in place for 111 countries and territories, which was implemented to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. It was Vietnam's fourth largest FDI contributor in 2019 after South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore, and its largest labor market, welcoming around 80,000 Vietnamese last year. Vietnam has said it was considering allowing flights to destinations that have had no new Covid-19 cases for at least 30 days, including Tokyo, Seoul, Guangzou, Taiwan and Laos. The nation has recorded 342 Covid-19 infections so far, with 17 active cases. It has recorded no community transmission in over two months, and zero fatalities. A thug has been captured on camera smacking a woman in the face with a skateboard so hard she instantly fell to the ground. A clip surfaced on social media earlier this week of the horrifying attack in the 28th Precinct in Harlem. Social media users have claimed it was posted by a man going by the name 'skeeter_millz' but he has since deleted the account. A change.org petition with over 2,000 signatures has named the attacker as 'Rodney Abdoul Moultrie' and calls for his arrest. An NYPD prode has opened but officers have not confirmed if Mr Moultrie is a suspect. In the 16-second video a woman wearing all black spoke to a man holding a skateboard on the sidewalk outside a house. The clip surfaced on social media earlier this week after the horrifying attack in the 28th Precinct in Harlem. Social media users have claimed it was posted by a man going by the name 'skeeter_millz' but he has since deleted the account The man, who was wearing a black and red hoodie gradually moved the skateboard back as if taking aim while she spoke to his friends behind the camera - who were all giggling. As she looked down at her phone the man forcefully slapped the skateboard into her face, sending her flying backwards. She didn't move as the man laughed and walked towards the camera, which clearly captured his face. As he joined his group of friends he commented that she had 'disrespected' him. He said: 'Don't disrespect me. What the f*ck is wrong with that b*tch. My name is skeeter millz.' Other netizens quickly shared the clip hoping to identify the victim. One wrote: 'A thug named skeeter_millz on IG hit a black woman in the face with a skateboard for rejecting him. The man, who was wearing a black and red hoodie gradually moved the skateboard back as if taking aim while she spoke to his friends behind the camera - who were all giggling As she looked down at her phone the man forcefully slapped the skateboard into her face, sending her flying backwards 'Ppl said he lives in Harlem. I will find out to verify so we have the proper Police Dept to call. If anyone knows the woman, please comment her social media so I can donate to her. 'When he posted this video and got backlash he deleted it. A subbie of mine told me he said he did this to go viral but now he deleted his IG. 'The police stated they will look into it but need the victims' name. Can someone PLEASE find the victim? Is she okay?? Is she alive?' (sic) The NYPD are working to try to identify the victim and have offered a $2,500 reward for information about the assault. Advertisement Items were removed from the home of Fotis Dulo on Thursday, six months after he killed himself while on trial for the murder of his estranged ex-wife. Neighbors told DailyMail.com they believed one of the women in the group was Michelle Troconis, Dulos' girlfriend who is also charged and is on bail. The woman was joined by three other people and together, they put items in the back of an SUV then left. It was the first time anyone had been at the property in Farmington, Connecticut, for some time. Dulos killed himself in January while on bail for his missing estranged wife Jennifer's murder. He protested his innocence until his death. Jennifer vanished in May last year after dropping the couple's five children off at school in Connecticut. She returned home then was never seen again. Police alleged in reports that Dulos - with whom she was embroiled in a bitter divorce and custody battle - was lying in wait for her at the property. They claimed he killed her in the house then drove her body out. Jennifer has never been found. A woman believed to be Michelle Troconis (in blue) was seen at Fotis Dulos Farmington home on Thursday packing things into a car The woman carefully unpacked some of the goods into the car before going back inside It's possible the woman in the blue shirt and shorts was Michelle and that the man was her father Jennifer Dulos vanished last May. Her estranged husband Fotis killed himself while out on bail for her murder in January Troconis initially told police that she had been with Dulos all morning on the day Jennifer vanished. She later changed her story to say she hadn't been with him all morning and that he wrote them both 'alibi scripts'. She was charged with conspiracy to commit murder along with Kent Mawhinney, Dulos' friend and an attorney. They are both awaiting their next court date. TIMELINE OF THE FOTIS DULOS CASE 2004: Fotis Dulos and Jennifer Farber get married. It is his second marriage In the same year, her father Hilliard starts loaning him money for his property business, Fore Group. 2015: Fotis and Michelle Troconis start taking trips he paid for which he claimed were for business. They later start an affair. January 2017: Hilliard Farber dies March 2017: Gloria Farber takes over his estate June 2017: Jennifer files for divorce, saying she is afraid of her husband February 2018: Gloria Farber sues Fotis Dulos for unpaid loans May 24 2019: Jennifer vanishes after dropping off her five children at school June 2019: Fotis and Michelle Troconis are arrested for evidence tampering Gloria Farber files an order for custody of the children. House in Avon is briefly searched but not extensively. August 2019: Troconis 'turns' on Dulos in police interviews, admits she lied when she said she had an alibi for him September 2019: Fotis is arrested again for evidence tampering January 2020: Dulos and Troconis are charged with murder January 28: Dulos is found unresponsive at his Farmington home January 30: Fotis dies in hospital June 11: Police search house in Avon, CT Advertisement With Dulos now dead and Jennifer still missing, Mawhinney and Troconis are the only people still facing charges in the case. A huge part of the prosecution's case is that they found trash bags with blood-stained clothes reportedly belonging to Jennifer in sites where a man, believed to be Dulos, was pictured at the day she vanished. But in her most recent court filing, Troconis argued that along with her DNA and that of Dulos' and Jennifer, forensics teams found a fourth, unidentified sample. Her attorneys say the DNA samples are inconclusive and do not prove she had anything to do with Jennifer's disappearance. Earlier this month, police searched a property that Dulos had a demolition contract on in search of Jennifer's body. They found nothing and said they'd been driven there by a 'media generated theory'. The property's current owner said investigators promised they would return. 'I told them anytime, whatever they needed to do,' says David Ford, the Stamford Advocate reports. 'I brought them in every room and showed them every nook and cranny,' Ford said. 'I told them that 'if you want to knock down a wall, go ahead. They left no stone unturned,' he added. The empty property is not owned by Dulos, but his construction group had a contract to demolish it after it was damaged in a flood. No one has lived in it since late 2017. He and Jennifer rented it in 2010 briefly before Ford bought it. In 2018, Ford hired Fotis' company, Fore Group, to demolish it. It's unclear when the demolition was due to begin or why it didn't before Jennifer vanished. Fotis killed himself awaiting trial for her murder. In June last year, police searched the property but they never obtained a search warrant to do it and instead gained entry by getting permission from the owner. They did not bring cadaver dogs or forensic teams for the first search to look through the woods that are behind it or the septic tank, as they have done with other Dulos properties. On Thursday, multiple cars were seen outside it and police with cadaver dogs. The house is less than two miles from where Fotis was living in Farmington, Connecticut, when Jennifer vanished last May after dropping off their kids at school. Fotis protested his innocence until his death, even writing in a suicide note that he hadn't killed her. Fotis and Jennifer's children are now being taken care of by her mother. They were in the midst of a bitter divorce battle when she disappeared and Fotis claimed she had been keeping the children from him. Jennifer had alleged in court documents that Fotis was aggressive towards her. Their former nanny described him chasing her around the house on occasions. Last year, police reports about the case revealed that DNA that belonged to Jennifer had been found in trash bags that Fotis allegedly dumped in public trash cans the night she vanished. He'd borrowed an employee's car for the day and, when it was tested, forensics teams found traces of her blood, according to the report. In a statement released last month, Troconis, breaking her silence, said it had been a 'mistake' to trust him. One of the women was carrying what looked like a sword out to the car One of the women carrying a box of goods to the car in the driveway The unidentified women spoke briefly in the driveway while packing up the car The property in Farmington, Connecticut, where Dulos and Troconis were living when Jennifer disappeared Fotis Dulos is transported into Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx on Tuesday after attempting to kill himself with carbon monoxide poisoning in his garage in Connecticut before a court appearance Fotis was found in his car inside his garage. The exhaust pipe he used to try to kill himself is shown attached to his vehicle She insisted she still did not know what happened to Jennifer. Fotis was also in a dispute with Jennifer's family about money they claimed he owed them. Throughout the course of their marriage, her late father lent Fotis millions to buy properties to develop them and then sell them on for a profit. They had an agreement that he'd repay the loans once he'd sold the properties. After Jennifer disappeared, her mother sued Fotis claiming he owed their family estate millions. He said he was entitled to keep the money because it was part of a family agreement. Dulos and Troconis were first charged last year with evidence tampering. He and his attorney made comments that were widely criticized at the time, including the suggestion that she had killed herself in a Gone Girl-style plot and tried to frame him for her death. Dulos' company, the Fore Group, had debts totaling $7million when he died and he likely faced steep legal fees from his criminal case and his divorce and custody battle. He was audacious in his public comments and gave an interview to a newspaper in his native Greece where he complained he'd been the victim of malicious prosecution. The first set of arrest warrants described how Dulos allegedly lay in wait for Jennifer at the home she was renting and attacked her in the garage. Dulos girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, who he was living with at the time, and his attorney and friend, Kent Mawhinney, are still facing conspiracy to commit murder The documents state unequivocally that it is 'strongly believed' Jennifer was attacked in her garage then put in her own Chevrolet Suburban 2017 to be driven to the spot where the car was eventually found. In the car, they found her phone which had been active in the location where the car was for 40 minutes before suddenly going offline. In those 40 minutes, Fotis - who had earlier been seen in Connecticut driving an employee's car - was nowhere to be seen. Three minutes after Jennifer's phone went offline, he was seen turning back onto a road, in the same employee's car he'd been driving earlier. The search warrants do not give any indication of what may have happened to Jennifer's body. When authorities searched Jennifer's home they found blood in the garage - which had been previously reported - but exactly where in the garage remained a secret until now. The new documents list that blood was found on the concrete floor of the garage, two garbage cans in the garage and on the passenger door of a Range Rover parked inside. We're grateful to these nonprofit organizations for their critical role in fighting hunger. Axiom Bank, N.A. donated $10,000 to two nonprofits committed to fighting hunger across Central Florida and Tampa. Feeding Children Everywhere, headquartered in Longwood, and Feeding Tampa Bay were each gifted $5,000 to aid in their mission of providing meals to families in need. With the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to stagger the region, both hunger relief groups have reported increased need at levels never seen before. As a community bank, we stand by our neighbors in good times and bad, said Dan Davis, president and CEO of Axiom Bank. Were grateful to these nonprofit organizations for their critical role in fighting hunger across Central Florida, and were humbled by the opportunity to be part of their cause. The banks donation will be used to provide hundreds of nutritious meals to families and individuals, including children and at-risk seniors confined to their homes. But the support doesnt stop there. This summer, Axiom will place collection boxes at its Maitland headquarters and branches to encourage nonperishable donations. Many people are struggling financially due to the pandemic, but no one should ever go hungry, added Davis. This is a defining time for our community. Were proud to do what we can to support the fight against hunger. About Axiom Bank Axiom Bank, N.A., headquartered in Maitland, Florida, is a nationally chartered community bank that serves the financial needs of its customers through a wide range of financial products. The bank specializes in commercial loans, treasury management and payment processing. Additionally, the bank offers asset-based lending and invoice factoring through its Allied Affiliated Funding division. Axiom Bank also provides retail banking services, including checking, savings, CD and money market accounts. As part of its commitment to exceed its customers expectations and deliver superior financial solutions, Axiom Bank is constantly working to expand the services and products it provides to its communities. Visit http://www.AxiomBanking.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. About Feeding Tampa Bay As one of the nations top hunger relief organizations, Feeding Tampa Bay is ending hunger by fueling human potential in every family, child and senior across our 10-county region. By leveraging the daily connection around a meal, the organization is evolving its partnerships, programs, and services with a goal to break down barriers and create long-term health and capability in the lives of the individuals they serve. In response to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Feeding Tampa Bay has evolved their services by almost doubling their reach to serve the nearly 1.1 million facing increased need during the crisis, and anticipates it will serve up to 90 million meals this year. Feeding Tampa Bay believes every human being has potential, and hunger should never be a barrier to reaching it. About Feeding Children Everywhere Feeding Children Everywhere is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the vision of a hunger-free world in our lifetime. Since 2010, FCE has activated more than 800,000 volunteers to package and distribute over 127 million meals to children and families in need. FCE's virtual food bank program, Full Cart, delivers grocery packages quickly and safely to families front door. After about 100 days, Gov. Andrew Cuomos daily coronavirus press conferences have come to an end now that he has determined the state is managing to contain the coronavirus pandemic after months of crisis. No longer will New Yorkers looking for some comfort be able to tune into the #luvguvs paternalistic addresses each day that earned him a national profile. Although what well miss the most is comedian Maria DeCotis series of videos lip syncing to Cuomos pressers. Keep reading for the rest of the weeks news. Police reform in New York City More and more officials are joining the call to cut the New York City Police Department budget and reform the NYPD and other police departments. Leaders in the New York City Council, including Speaker Corey Johnson, announced their commitment to cutting $1 billion in NYPD funding in the upcoming budget. While many members already supported the reduction of police spending, the announcement represents the first time the City Council took a stance on a specific dollar amount. However, the details on how to hit that number remain vague, and the council will likely be met with a fight from Mayor Bill de Blasio. The City Council passed a series of reform bills, including making police use of chokeholds illegal and requiring police to report on the types of surveillance technology they use. Gov. Andrew Cuomo also signed an executive order mandating that cities and counties around the state reinvent their police departments by April 1, or forfeit state funding. That means state dollars for police, but may also apply to other state support for things like education. However, Cuomo did not offer details on what measures would be taken to reform the state police, which has grown in headcount and funding since he took office. Meanwhile, New York City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea disbanded controversial plainclothes anti-crime units, which have been involved in a disproportionate number of shootings. He also indicated support for shifting certain civilian jobs out of the NYPD, like school safety and traffic enforcement. Shea said he would accept some cuts to the police budget given the financial crisis facing the city, but said it must be done smartly and in a way that doesnt impact public safety. De Blasio also announced that the city would create an online database tracking all active investigations into alleged police brutality with officers names, post the disciplinary decisions for those cases and eventually make all disciplinary records available online. It represents a major shift in how the city treats police discipline in the wake of the repeal of 50-a. Minor rent relief for New York tenants The New York City Rent Guidelines Board voted to freeze rents for rent-stabilized tenants with one-year leases, while allowing just a 1% increase in the second year for tenants with two-year leases. Tenant advocates viewed the vote as a victory for people struggling to pay rent during the coronavirus crisis. It doesnt cancel the rent, but at the very least, rent-stabilized tenants wont have to contend with a rent hike for a year. Although advocates wanted a freeze for both years of two-year leases, landlords wanted the board to approve a 2% hike for one-year leases and a 5% hike for two-year leases. The decision affects about 2 million renters in New York City. At the state level, Cuomo signed into law a controversial rent relief measure that will provide $100 million in rental vouchers to assist struggling tenants. But it only applies to those who are rent-burdened, lost income due to the pandemic and make less than 80% of area median income. Tenant advocates, many of whom want a complete cancelation of rent during the coronavirus crisis, consider the law woefully inadequate and even dangerous, as it relies on landlords to apply for the vouchers, rather than tenants. Flanagan stepping down early Although he had already announced he would not seek reelection, state Senate Minority Leader John Flanagan is taking his leave a little sooner than expected. Hes leaving the Legislature on June 28 to accept a private sector job, reportedly with Northwell Health. While it doesnt impact the upcoming election to replace him, it does move up the timing of the decision by his conference on who will replace him as the GOP leader. In a vote among conference members on Friday, state Sen. Robert Ortt was selected to replace Flanagan. Plans for Phase 2 in New York City New York City is entering Phase 2 of its reopening on Monday, which means outdoor dining and the return of in-store shopping. After criticism for not releasing plans for the new phase, de Blasio late in the week announced the city was in fact ready to continue reopening, although the governor had been saying as much for days. De Blasio said that parks and playgrounds would reopen as part of Phase 2, a decision that came after a trio of Orthodox Jewish lawmakers from Brooklyn broke into a playground, demanding that children be allowed to play if de Blasio was permitting mass protests. De Blasio also released a plan for outdoor dining, with sidewalk seating running until October, a curb lane seating pilot program that would last until Labor Day and street seating for streets already closed to vehicular traffic. The WHO asserts that surveillance of self-harm is an essential element of national self-harm prevention strategies. Credit: Pixabay Researchers at the University of Melbourne are calling for greater accessibility and improved quality of data on the health of asylum seekers held in Australian onshore and offshore detention centres. The study published in BMC Psychiatry demonstrates that the current collection of self-harm data is not in line with World Health Organization (WHO) standards. University of Melbourne lead researcher and psychologist Kyli Hedrick previously analysed data on all incidents of self-harm among asylum seekers in the Australian asylum seeker population. Critically, incidents of self-harm were markedly higher among asylum seekers held in immigration detention facilities, compared with the general Australian population, and asylum seekers living in community-based settings. "Our current study found that self-harm reporting is very inconsistent across the Australian asylum seeker population, making it hard to identify self-harm trends and implement prevention strategies," she said. "The risk of self-harm is incredibly high amongst asylum seekers and we urgently need better reporting and more open access to information to respond to these risks." The research shows that while incidents of self-harm are recorded, immigration authorities do not routinely monitor, compile, analyse and report such data, and therefore cannot use these data to improve efforts to prevent and respond to incidents of self-harm. The researchers conducted a content analysis of all 949 self-harm incidents reported as occurring among the Australian asylum seeker population between 1 August 2014 and 31 July 2015. This included asylum seekers held in Australia's onshore immigration detention facilities, offshore processing centres, in community detention, and living in community-based arrangements. They found that the quality of the data and its accessibility were not up to WHO standards. For example, gender was not consistently recorded. "We know that there are gendered dimensions to self-harm so it's really important to report information about gender. This could be easily fixed by including a gender tick box on all self-harm incident reports," Ms Hedrick said. Similarly, the methods of self-harm were also inconsistently recorded and did not make use of standardised codes that make the exchange of information and tracking of trends easier. Alarmingly, the study found that that in only 34 cases, or 4 percent of the time, was there any record of a psychological assessment being undertaken in the wake of an incident. Whilst this doesn't mean that an assessment wasn't carried out, the lack of reporting on this type of care following an incident of self-harm is concerning. The WHO asserts that surveillance of self-harm is an essential element of national self-harm prevention strategies. It also highlights that improvement in the quality and availability of self-harm data is likely to be needed for all countries. The researchers recommend the implementation of independent monitoring and surveillance of self-harm among asylum seekers. They emphasise that this monitoring should be conducted by an independent body of clinical experts who have the statutory power to investigate self-harm among asylum seekers in both onshore and offshore immigration detention facilities, as well as in community-based settings. There are currently 1373 asylum seekers held in different forms of onshore detention. A further 845 asylum seekers are held in community detention, and 12,742 asylum seekers are living in community-based arrangements. Recent statistics indicate there are 439 people in regional processing countries, which include Nauru and PNG . Explore further High self-harm rates among detained asylum seekers prompts calls for action More information: Kyli Hedrick et al. An evaluation of the quality of self-harm incident reporting across the Australian asylum seeker population according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, BMC Psychiatry (2020). Kyli Hedrick et al. An evaluation of the quality of self-harm incident reporting across the Australian asylum seeker population according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines,(2020). DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02709-7 Canada officially racked up 100,000 cases of the novel coronavirus on Thursday and although the outbreak is slowing, health experts said major challenges remain. Authorities admit they were not prepared for how fast the pandemic ripped through nursing homes, where more than 80% of the deaths occurred. While the 10 provinces are slowly reopening their economies, major restrictions remain in place in Montreal and Toronto, Canada's two biggest cities. "We haven't done brilliantly, we've done acceptably," said Dr. Camille Lemieux, University of Toronto epidemiologist and head of the COVID-19 testing center at the city's University Health Network, adding the outbreak was "a very big wake-up call" about shortfalls in a fragmented healthcare system. The province of Ontario on Thursday announced another 190 cases a day after public health agency data showed 99,853 people had been diagnosed positive. That pushed Canada over the 100,000 mark and into 17th place on the global list. Canada has recorded at least 8,266 deaths, in 12th place worldwide, according to data compiled by Reuters. As the outbreak fades, chief medical officer Theresa Tam expressed concern that people will grow complacent about precautions such as wearing masks. "It's the sustainability of our response going forward (that) is going to be really tough. We will just have to keep reminding people," she told a briefing this week. "The virus hasn't disappeared ... what we're asking all Canadians to remind themselves is it's not normal times." Tam worried that cases might surge later this year, which would be especially troubling if it spiked at the same time as an influenza outbreak. She said Canada must build up enough capacity to detect and clamp down on any cases and contacts. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau - identifying complacency as a major threat - unveiled a tracing app which would be voluntary due to privacy concerns. The app, he said, would be anonymous. "We know uptake ... won't be there if people are worried for their privacy," he told reporters on Thursday. One potential drawback is that not all of the provinces are on board, underlining concerns from experts who say Canada's complex multilayered healthcare system will complicate efforts to beat the pandemic. The provinces each control their own systems and have taken different approaches. Ottawa's role is largely providing money. Epidemiologist Lemieux said there had been no consistent national messaging or strategy on measures such as contract tracing and wearing masks. "We could certainly have a significant setback. I think that's a very real risk," she said by phone. "It takes very little to lose the trust of a population, to lose that little bit of credibility." Tam herself came under fire from commentators in April for first saying wearing masks was not beneficial for those showing no symptoms and then changing tack a week later. Tam said her advice had been evolving based on science. "We need to remember masks do not protect you as much as staying home would," Trudeau said on Thursday. Authorities in Ontario and Quebec, the two most populous provinces, struggled to such an extent with outbreaks in nursing homes that they had to call in troops. "That's got to be the biggest lesson learned ... more needs to be done to ensure that doesn't occur (again)," Tam said. "We flattened the curve to the extent that we did not overwhelm our acute care system but we certainly did not do well in the long-term care senior setting." Quebec's coroner on Wednesday ordered a public inquiry to probe whether any of the deaths in residences had been linked to violence or negligence. TULSA, Okla. Millions of Americans on Friday observed Juneteenth, a holiday to mark the end of slavery in the United States that has taken on a new urgency following the national uproar over the killings of George Floyd and other African Americans by police. And for many marking the day, it was the first time. Juneteenth deliberately downplayed for generations by a U.S. educational system unwilling to focus on that heinous history and uninterested in the accomplishments of Black Americans is suddenly in the spotlight as the nation faces another racial reckoning. Image: A rainbow appears behind the Lincoln Memorial as Fitzpatrick prepares to begin her day, coincidentally Juneteenth, with a sunrise walk in Washington (Jonathan Ernst / Reuters) Multiple bills have been introduced to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. And because of concerns about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many events are being held online, like the Juneteenth Music Festival in Denver or the Juneteenth Virtual Community Day in Hartford, Connecticut. In Florida, where the state broke its record for single-day coronavirus cases with 3,822 new infections Friday, "socially distanced" picnics were planned in Tampa, St. Petersburg and other hard hit locations. Image: People take part in events to mark Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in Texas, in New York (Andrew Kelly / Reuters) The Rev. Al Sharpton will be the keynote speaker at a Juneteenth rally for justice later in the day in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the site of a 1921 massacre, which wiped out a vibrant Black business community when a racist white mob killed some 300 African American residents. Sharptons appearance comes a day before President Donald Trump arrives in Tulsa for his first political rally since the pandemic paralyzed the country. The event, which had originally been scheduled for Friday, was moved after the Trump campaign was accused of being tone-deaf and hit with an avalanche of criticism. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump later insisted he made Juneteenth famous. Its actually an important event, its an important time, Trump insisted. But nobody had heard of it. Very few people have heard of it. Valerie Saddler, 65, Bobby Eaton, 66 and Vanessa Saddler, 65, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, celebrate Juneteenth. (Suzanne Gamboa / NBC News) That was news to 66-year-old Bobby Eaton, who came Friday to the Juneteenth festival in Tulsa and grew up hearing tales of what the Greenwood District was like before the massacre. He spoke while hundreds marched down Greenwood Avenue, on which "Black Lives Matter" was painted in enormous yellow letters. Story continues I think its a good thing that all eyes are on Tulsa right now," Eaton said. "Some of those didnt know about our history and our culture and what took place down here on Black Wall St. Before Hiroshima, before 9/11, we were bombed right here in 1921. Vanessa Saddler, 65, who is also from Tulsa, said "this is sacred, holy ground." As for Trump, "he is a racist and not welcome," Saddler said. Meanwhile, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, at an online forum hosted by MSNBC called Juneteenth JusticeCon on Friday night, called on Americans to dedicate themselves to dismantle systemic racism and paid tribute to the bittersweet nature of Juneteenth which, he said both reminds us of the long hard night and the bright morning to come. When it comes to racism in the U.S., Biden said Black Americans carry the burden, but all Americans carry the shame and the duty to act. African Americans have celebrated Juneteenth for more than a century with parades and parties and gatherings of all kinds. And Juneteenth is now recognized by 47 states and the District of Columbia as a state holiday or observance. "Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory, or an acceptance of the way things are," Barack Obama, Trump's predecessor and the nation's first Black president, tweeted. "It's a celebration of progress." Image: Fireworks explode over the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee during an event to mark Juneteenth in Richmond, Virginia (Mallory Noe-Payne / Reuters) This year, the holiday is being observed more widely than ever before. But in addition to celebrations both large and small, more protests against police violence on African Americans and rallies in solidarity with the community were underway in New York City, Chicago and Atlanta. Demonstrations were also planned from Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C., within sight of the White House, all the way west to the Pacific Coast, where members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union vowed to shut down for eight hours ports from Bellingham, Washington all the way south to San Diego and engage in peaceful protests. Also in Washington, a memorial to former Redskins owner George Marshall, infamous for his opposition to having Black players on the team roster, suffered the same fate as that of several statues of Confederate generals recently -- it was removed. Workers arrived early Friday and yanked it of its pedestal near RFK Stadium. Today, Events DC removed the George Preston Marshall Memorial Statue at RFK Stadium. Read our full statement here https://t.co/2UPQtNMtuS @eventsdcprez @EventsDCChair pic.twitter.com/LCH0LcQ6v3 Events DC (@TheEventsDC) June 19, 2020 At General Motors plants in Michigan, workers and management planned to hold an eight-minute, 46-second moment of silence --- the amount of time authorities initially said that a white Minneapolis police officer kept his knee on George Floyd's neck before he died on May 25. For workers at major companies like Nike, Target and Twitter, Juneteenth is a paid holiday this year while Capital One announced it was closing its branches early Friday. Gamboa reported from Tulsa, Siemaszko from New Jersey The latest coronavirus news from Canada and around the world Friday. This file will be updated throughout the day. Web links to longer stories if available. 5 p.m. After three consecutive days with fewer than 200 new COVID-19 cases, Ontarios regional health units reported a slight increase in the number Friday, according to the Stars latest count. The health units reported a total of 35,008 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, including 2,613 deaths, a rise of 206 new cases in 24 hours. Despite the slight province-wide increase in the daily report, Toronto reported another day of falling cases, down again to just 54, the lowest total in a string of falling daily reports this month. The citys seven-day average for new cases, 81 per day, is now lower than at any time since April 4. The city accounted for seven of the nine new fatal cases reported in the province Friday. The province-wide rate of new deaths has been falling steadily since hitting a peak of 90 in a single day, in early May. Earlier Friday, the Province reported that 331 patients are now hospitalized with COVID-19, including 82 in intensive care, of whom 62 are on a ventilator. All three totals are now near the lowest the Province has reported in data that goes back to early April. The Province says its data is accurate to 4 p.m. the previous day. It cautions its latest count of total deaths, 2,564, may be incomplete or out of date due to delays in the reporting system. In the event of a discrepancy, data reported by (the health units) should be considered the most up to date. The Stars count includes some patients reported as probable COVID-19 cases. This means they have symptoms and contacts or travel history that indicate they very likely have the disease, but have not yet received a positive lab test. 3:45 p.m. There are 54 new cases of COVID-19 in Toronto, Dr. Eileen de Villa, Torontos medical officer of health, said at the City of Torontos briefing. Toronto has seen 14 day of consecutive decline in the number, so it is on track to move on to Stage 2 of reopening. Im encouraged to see this number continue to decline, de Villa said. Three of the four indicators on the Citys COVID-19 dashboard are green. But the overall indicator remains at yellow as there remains much work to be done, de Villa said. She said that people should continue to wash their hands, maintain a distance from others, stay within their social circle and wear a mask, particularly indoors, to protect others. De Villa asked people to keep track of their movements so that, should they get COVID-19, Toronto Public Health can contact and trace people who may have come into contact with them. Mayor John Tory noted that patience is bitter, but the results are sweet. The Toronto Stars David Rider pointed out that lab testing is holding the city back as reflected in the Citys dashboard indicators and asked what needs to be done. De Villa noted that testing if a Provincial matter and Ontario is working on it. But, she said, this should not hold Toronto back from moving to reopen. We are clearly moving towards the next phase of reopening. Rider asked why the City does not mandate the wearing of masks. De Villa said shes received legal advice that she is not able to do so. Toronto will start issuing marriage licences again, by appointment, as of June 22. For some, love cannot wait, said Tory. Around 7,000 marriage licences were issued between the start of March and early June in 2019. This year, amid the pandemic, that number dropped to 421. 3:40 p.m. Torontos COVID-19 virus and spread containment status has just switched from yellow, meaning more improvement needed, to green, meaning all indicators at good. The improvement, with dropping number of new daily cases and hospitalizations, leaves the city overall still in the yellow zone, according to the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 dashboard. Three of the four indicator groupings are now green Laboratory testing remains at yellow. Mayor John Tory has said Toronto is very close to being able to move to Stage 2 of reopening. 1:40 p.m.: Guatemala replaced its health minister Friday amid rising pace of COVID-19 infections and deaths in the Central American country. An official in the presidency who was not authorized to speak about the personnel change and requested anonymity said that Health Minister Hugo Monroy was replaced with Amelia Flores, a former vice-minister of health in an earlier administration. Monroy, who had held the position since January, had been harshly criticized for his management of the pandemic. Guatemala has reported more than 11,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 449 deaths. 1:25 p.m.: The emergencies chief of the World Health Organization confirmed Friday that the U.N. agency received genetic sequences from China involving Beijings recent coronavirus outbreak and said it appears the virus was exported from Europe. At a press briefing on Friday, Dr. Michael Ryan noted that strains and viruses have moved around the world throughout the virus pandemic and said the fact that a virus from Europe sparked Chinas latest outbreak did not mean the virus originated there. What its saying most likely is that the disease was probably imported from outside Beijing at some point, Ryan said, adding that establishing when that happened and how long the chain of transmission is, is important. He said that many coronavirus strains spreading in New York could also be linked to Europe. 1:20 p.m.: The federal government has approved the NHLs proposal of a cohort quarantine approach for players entering Canada, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Friday. The cohort quarantine, which keeps players separate from the general public, would allow the NHL to bypass the traditional 14-day quarantine for anyone entering Canada. That removes a potential hurdle to the candidacy of Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver as hub cities if the league is able to return to play later this summer. Freeland said the cohort quarantine would involve regular screening. It would be crucial that the directives of medical officers are closely followed, she added. 1:15 p.m.: School boards will need to spend the summer making plans for the fall that works best for their communities with either in-class, online learning only or a hybrid of the two, says Premier Doug Ford. Plans for what the school year could look like this fall when schools reopen after an extended shutdown were released Friday Ford and Education Minister Stephen Lecce. Ford said boards will be empowered to make decisions based on their local situation with the COVID-19 outbreak. We simply cant provide a blanket solution for the province, said Ford. We will be ready for any scenario, Lecce said, adding one option would have a limit of 15 children and children attending part-time. Read the full story from the Stars Kristin Rushowy here. 1:01 p.m.: Despite disruptions to their operations, business has been buzzing for some smaller, local Alberta honey producers. Up to $1 million of funding to commercial beekeepers was announced by the province on June 5. These funds are part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3-billion federal-provincial-territorial investment in agriculture and related sectors. According to Connie Philips, executive director of the Alberta Beekeepers Commission, the funding will help 168 commercial beekeepers in Alberta offset costs of colony replacement caused by COVID-19. Read the full story here. 12:39 p.m.: Every day, a world of cuisine stirs to life in the kitchen of a 500-square-foot condo in Parkdale. In just a few months under COVID-19 lockdown, Brittany Lam-Greene has experimented with hundreds of recipes and impromptu creations. Often, the smell chocolate chip meringue cookies wafts throughout her home as they sit atop a cooling rack on the counter, the light, airy orbs bathed in the sunlight streaming through her windows. On any given day, shell snack on her sourdough bread covered in her own creation of charred marinated peppers, marjoram, and whipped ricotta. Read the full feature from the Stars Evy Kwong on how these artful meals are capturing the attention of the world. 12:24 p.m.: Opposition parties say Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeils refusal to reactivate several key committees of the legislature due to COVID-19 is harming public accountability and democracy in the province. McNeil confirmed Thursday that the all-party health and public accounts committees will remain closed this summer. The premier told reporters the government hasnt authorized online or other forms of committee hearings because he wants public health officials to focus on the health and well-being of Nova Scotians. However, Progressive Conservative leader Tim Houston says the committees are part of effective oversight and a fundamental part of our democracy. 12:08 p.m.: Not long after researchers completed their work with mice, guinea pigs, ferrets and monkeys, Human Subject 8, an art director for a software company in Missouri, received an injection. Four days later, her sister, a schoolteacher, became Subject 14. Together, the sisters make up about five per cent of the first-ever clinical trial of a DNA vaccine for the novel coronavirus. How they respond to it will help determine the future of the vaccine. If it proves safe in this trial and effective in future trials, it could become not only one of the first coronavirus vaccines, but also the first DNA vaccine ever approved for commercial use against a human disease. Hundreds of experimental vaccines for the new coronavirus are being developed across the world. The vaccines ability to advance will depend not only on science and funding, but also on the willingness of tens of thousands of healthy people to have an unproven solution injected into their bodies. Read the full story here. 12:03 p.m.: Quebec is easing restrictions on residents in long-term care homes that have been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents of facilities that do not have active COVID-19 cases can now receive visitors inside, meet people outdoors and participate in group activities. They are also allowed to leave the facilities unaccompanied and remain out for more than 24 hours. Volunteers and hairdressers will also be allowed inside the facilities as of June 26. Quebec today reported an additional 167 COVID-19 cases and 35 new deaths 30 of which occurred before June 11 bringing the provincial totals to 54,550 cases and 5,375 deaths. 11:58 a.m.: European Union leaders found that a quick deal on the blocs future long-term budget and a multibillion-euro post-pandemic recovery plan remained beyond their reach Friday as the coronavirus ravages their economies. Following a four-hour video summit aimed at paving the way for a compromise this summer, there was common ground on the need for a quick response but divergences persisted among the leaders of EU member nations. The meeting was the first step in intense discussions on the European Commissions plans for a 1.1-trillion-euro seven-year budget and a 750-billion-euro ($825 billion U.S.) recovery fund. Devised to help member states economies cushion the impact of the coronavirus, the package is far from being unanimously welcomed and more time will be needed to find a deal, possibly in July during an in-person summit. 11:45 a.m.: Premier Doug Ford is scuttling a proposal that would have reduced the number of holidays for retail workers. The Star reported Thursday that the Progressive Conservative government was considering a plan to change the Retail Business Holidays Act to reduce the number of mandatory statutory holidays for retailers to three from nine to help businesses cope with fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. But three senior Tory officials, speaking on background in order to discuss internal deliberations, insist that was not in the cards. This was a proposal (to Government and Consumer Services Minister Lisa Thompson) from a stakeholder and thats all it was, a proposal, one official said Friday. It never got to cabinet and has not been discussed at any high level, the insider said. Another top Tory stressed this is not something we are moving forward with. A third person with knowledge of the issue noted there is already an exemption in the provincial law for municipalities who pass by-laws exempting themselves from the act. 11:41 a.m.: New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs says he expects the provinces economy to have almost fully recovered from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic by the fall or early next year. Higgs made that upbeat prediction today as the province announced further loosening of public health restrictions for all but one region in the province, and the premier pledged to reopen virtually every New Brunswick business by next Friday. 11:24 a.m.: Homebound travellers desperate to venture out for the first time since the pandemic are confronting a vacation landscape this summer that may require coronavirus tests for the family and even quarantines. States from Maine to Hawaii are trying to strike a balance between containing the new coronavirus and encouraging out-of-state visitors to spend their cash on hotels, restaurants and other businesses. The measures have gotten a thumbs-down from many in the tourism industry, who fear visitors will choose to wait things out until they can hit the beach without worrying about violating a state-imposed quarantine or searching for a testing site. During a pandemic, discretion is the better part of valour, said Pauline Frommer, editorial director for Frommers.com and Frommers travel guidebooks. I think its important to look at what our safe options are. You dont want to die because you went on vacation, she said. Read the full story here. 10:56 a.m.: Walt Disney World cancelled its annual after-hours Halloween party at Magic Kingdom that typically begins in mid-August, and announced the popular food and wine festival will begin when Epcot reopens in July. Mickeys Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is an extra ticket event that runs a couple of nights per week from August through the beginning of November. It features trick-or-treating, Mickeys Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, character meet-and-greets with villains and other popular characters, and holiday-themed fireworks. Disney closed it theme parks in Florida and California in mid-March to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Disney officials announced earlier that the parks will reopen in mid-July with COVID-19 guidelines, a month after Universal Orlando and SeaWorld reopened to the public. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will open July 11 followed by Epcot and Hollywood Studios on July 15. Guests and Disney employees will undergo temperature checks and be required to wear masks once the parks reopen. 10:23 a.m.: An army of Canadian do-it-yourselfers building fences, repairing decks and slapping thousands of litres of paint on weather-beaten siding have helped building centres across Canada escape the worst of the pandemic economic downturn. Our contractor sales in the beginning went up, we believe, because people were afraid they were going to be shut down if they couldnt get material so they were just stockpiling everything, said Alex Yakovyshenko, general manager of Haney Builders Supplies Ltd. in the Metro Vancouver city of Maple Ridge. Then that subsided quite a bit. But then the retail started coming in. Yakovyshenko feared when COVID-19 lockdowns started in March he would have to lay off workers at his hardware store and lumber yard. The business was shut down for a couple of days to buy protective gear and figure out how to operate under pandemic regulations. But he wound up boosting his staff count to 63 from 56 amid strong sales volumes to handle customer access, enhanced sanitizing of fixtures and carts, curbside pickup and home deliveries. Read the full story on Canadas renovation sector here. 10:04 a.m.: Devastated by COVID-19, nursing homes are ramping up the pressure on Premier Doug Ford to help the industry prepare for a second wave by training an army of infection prevention and control specialists. The plea came Friday as the death toll in long-term-care approached 1,800, one-third of the 5,400 vulnerable residents who caught the highly contagious virus. More masks and other personal protective equipment are needed, with a continued emphasis on testing, retrofits of older homes with four-bed rooms that made it difficult to contain the spread of COVID-19, and technology to enable more digital medical assessments for residents, said the Ontario Long-Term Care Association. The measures are urgently needed to avoid a repeat of the tragedy that unfolded in the first wave, added association president Donna Duncan. Read the full story from the Stars Rob Ferguson here. 9:45 a.m.: An Inter Miami player has tested positive for COVID-19, following a round of mandatory club testing this week. The Major League Soccer team did not identify the player but said he was asymptomatic. The player has also been observing isolation protocols since he self-identified being in close contact with an individual who showed mild symptoms during the health-screening questionnaire administered daily to players. Teams are preparing for the July 8 start of the MLS is Back Tournament in the Orlando area. 9:37 a.m.: Even as most of us are hiding from the lethal COVID-19 virus, scientists need it to do research. But that can be dangerous and difficult. So, in the U.S., Bay Area labs are crafting the virus and its genes synthetically and safely, tweaked so theyre not infectious. Designed, built and shipped to labs around the world, these synthetic creations are accelerating the development of vaccines and drugs in ways that were impossible a decade ago. It allows us, as a society, to respond rapidly in a pandemic, said Claes Gustafsson, co-founder and chief commercial officer of ATUM, a Newark-based gene-synthesis company. We can build things to specification, he said. Constructed from scratch, like Legos, these products show the growing role of the burgeoning new field of synthetic biology, which builds living things from simple chemicals and natures genetic blueprints. Read the full story here. 9:31 a.m.: After more than three months in nursing-home lockdown, Bruce Owen-Wahl walked into the morning sunshine and got a glimpse of his wife, in a sundress. Hooold on! he said, Look at those legs! Verna Andrews laughed. Her 71-year-old husband, who has Lewy Body dementia, reached for her hand, unaware of the COVID-19 infection-control protocols from the Ontario Ministry of Long Term Care. Andrews pulled away, afraid to break the rules on the first day visits began. On Thursday, the Ontario government started allowing one weekly visit for one family member. After the husband and wife did a subtle safe-distancing dance, staff at Peel Regions Sheridan Villa guided them to a table with pink flowers under a white tent. Read the full story from the Stars Moira Welsh here. 9:15 a.m.: A deeper look at the number of Canadians dying from all causes during the COVID-19 pandemic shows British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec suffered more than 2,200 excess deaths when compared to five-year historical maximums, according to an updated Statistics Canada report released Friday. Excess deaths are defined by StatsCan as the number of deaths that are more than expected during a specific period of time when considering past trends. Fridays report covers the first 18 weeks of 2020, ending May 2, and covers 11 provinces and territories. Notably, Ontario the second-hardest hit province behind Quebec, with more than 2,600 COVID-19 related deaths was excluded from the report which compares mortality rates for all causes of death, including COVID-19. Yukon was not included in the report either. Read the full story by the Stars Mary Ormsby and Kenyon Wallace here. 8:50 a.m.: Plans for what the school year could look like this fall when schools reopen after an extended shutdown because of COVID-19 will be released Friday. Premier Doug Ford will make the announcement along with Education Minister Stephen Lecce at his daily press conference. The news follows a recent report by experts at Sick Kids hospital that said children should head back to class this fall and attend daily with stringent hand-washing routines that include a minimum of five hand hygiene breaks a day. They did not recommend masks, saying they are impractical especially for younger students and that improper use could lead to infection. Read the full story from the Stars Kristin Rushowy here. 8:47 a.m.: Statistics Canada says retail sales fell by more than a quarter in April as motor vehicle and parts dealers took the largest hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency says retail sales fell 26.4 per cent to $34.7 billion in April leaving them down 33.6 per cent since physical distancing measures were implemented in mid-March. Economists on average had expected a drop in April of 15.1 per cent, according to financial markets data firm Refinitiv. 8:30 a.m.: The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered the gravest restrictions on rights in Canada since the 1970 October crisis, warns the Canadian Civil Liberties Association in a damning new report obtained by the Star. In a 60-page study to be released Friday, entitled Canadian Rights During COVID-19, the watchdog said it has been a half century since the country was plunged into such peril. It comes against the backdrop of a coronavirus outbreak that has already killed more than 8,200 Canadians and led politicians to curb individual freedoms on the advice of public health officials in order to limit the spread. Polls suggest strong support for the moves thus far. Read the Star Exclusive story from Robert Benzie here. 8:00 a.m.: Join our COVID-19 live chat with coronavirus columnist Bruce Arthur today at 12 p.m. You can find the chat by clicking here and submit a question early. 7:39 a.m.: The Phantom of the Opera has garnered plenty of superlatives over the years, including the longest-running show in Broadway history. But in recent months, it has also laid claim to a more unlikely title: path-breaking musical of the COVID-19 era. As theatres around the globe were abruptly shuttered by the pandemic, with no clear path to reopening in sight, the world tour of Phantom has been soldiering on in Seoul, South Korea, playing eight shows a week. And it has been drawing robust audiences to its 1600-seat theatre, even after an outbreak in the ensemble led to a mandatory three-week shutdown in April. The musical, with its 126-member company and hundreds of costumes and props, is believed to be the only large-scale English-language production running anywhere in the world. And it has remained open not through social-distancing measures a virtual impossibility in the theatre, either logistically or financially, many say but an approach grounded in strict hygiene. Read the full story here. 7:21 a.m.: Britain lowered its coronavirus threat level one notch Friday, becoming the latest country to claim its getting a national outbreak under control. The U.K.s Joint Biosecurity Center recommended moving the COVID-19 risk in the country from the second-highest level, 4 meaning transmission is high or rising exponentially to level 3, where an epidemic is in general circulation. Health officials say theres been a steady decrease in cases across the U.K. but localized outbreaks are still likely. Britain has Europes highest pandemic death toll with more than 42,000 virus-related deaths and over 300,000 confirmed cases. 6:45 a.m.: A global emergency delivery service that has kept tons of humanitarian aid flowing despite coronavirus travel restrictions could shut down next month if funding cant be found to keep it running, the World Food Program warned Friday. The shortfall comes just as demand for this service is reaching its peak, WFP said. Of the $965 million to keep the service going through the end of the year, $178 million has been confirmed. While nations that are traditionally the worlds top humanitarian donors were distracted by the growing pandemic earlier this year, the WFP, the United Nations logistics leader, heaved the emergency operation into place with unprecedented reach. The emergency delivery effort involves almost 120 countries, Amer Daoudi, WFP senior director of operations, told The Associated Press in April. 6:20 a.m.: More regions of Ontario are moving into the second stage of the provinces reopening plan today, including parts of the Greater Toronto Area. York, Durham and Niagara are among the areas allowed to further open their economies, though Toronto, Peel and Windsor-Essex will remain in the first stage until at least next Friday. Most areas were allowed to enter the second stage last Friday, except for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas, some regions that border the United States and those with COVID-19 outbreaks among migrant workers. The second stage of reopening includes restaurant patios, hair salons and swimming pools. As for Toronto, Peel and Windsor-Essex, Premier Doug Ford has urged patience. He says the province will re-evaluate its readiness on Monday. 6:17 a.m.: COVID-19 claimed its 1,000th victim in Toronto on Thursday, in a city emerging warily from lockdown. Its been nearly three months since the first death in the city was recorded a man in his 70s who had visited the U.K. and Mayor John Tory declared a state of emergency. In a strange confluence of events, it arrived on the day Canada surpassed 100,000 COVID-19 cases. This kind of loss of life is inconceivable to us, said Tory, moments after the announcement was made. This affected everybody. Three months ago, when the first Torontonian died, the number of people infected was on the rise, at more than 200 new cases a day and climbing, and residents were complying with pleas from the medical officer of health to stay at home as much as possible. Read the full story here. 6:16 a.m.: India has recorded its highest one-day spike of 13,586 coronavirus cases, raising the total cases to 380,532, with no signs of flattening of the curve. Indias total deaths reached 12,573, a rise of 336, according to a Health Ministry statement on Friday. Three states, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and New Delhi, account for 60 per cent of total cases. The nationwide lockdown imposed in March has been lifted except for high-risk areas. The government has allowed reopening of shops, malls, manufacturing and religious places. However, schools, colleges and movie halls remain shuttered across the country. 6:15 a.m.: South Korea has reported 49 cases of COVID-19 as the virus continues to spread in the densely populated capital area where half of the countrys 51 million people live. Figures released by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday brought the national caseload to 12,306 infections, including 280 deaths. It said 26 of the new cases came from capital Seoul and the nearby port city of Incheon. Seventeen of the new cases were linked to international arrivals. South Korea has been reporting around 30 to 50 new cases per day since late May, inspiring second-guessing on whether officials were too quick to ease social distancing guidelines in April after the countrys first wave of infections waned. Health authorities have been scrambling to stem transmissions in the greater capital area where hundreds of cases have been linked to leisure and religious activities, e-commerce employees and door-to-door salespeople. 6:15 a.m.: Singaporeans can wine and dine at restaurants, work out at the gym and socialize with no more than five people at a time as of Friday, when the city-state removed most of its pandemic lockdown restrictions. The latest relaxation comes as reopenings in many places around the world are touching off fresh spikes in infections, raising questions about how to live with the coronavirus without causing unnecessary deaths or economic catastrophe. Getting back to business in Singapore came as China declared a fresh outbreak in Beijing under control after confirming 25 new cases among some 360,000 people tested. That was up by just four from a day earlier. A Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention official said the number of cases was expected to fall soon in outbreak centred on Beijings main wholesale market. So far Beijing has confirmed 183 new cases over the past week. Singapores malls, gyms, massage parlours, parks and other public facilities reopened their doors with strict social distancing and other precautions. 6:10 a.m.: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will visit a gourmet cafe in Quebec today to underline his plea to small business owners to use the federal wage subsidy program to rehire workers. But his visit to Biscotti & cie in the village of Chelsea comes at the same time that the federal government is delaying the start-date for another program that was supposed to help small businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Finance Minister Bill Morneau took to Twitter late Thursday to announce that the promised expansion of the Canada Emergency Business Account to include small owner-operated businesses will not launch today as scheduled. The CEBA, which provides interest-free, partially forgivable loans of up to $40,000, has been expanded twice to include more businesses. Several weeks ago, the government announced the program was to be expanded again to include companies with payrolls of less than $20,000 and with non-deferrable expenses, like rent, utilities and property taxes, of between $40,000 and $1.5 million. The change was intended to cover owner-operated small businesses that had been ineligible for the program due to their small payrolls, sole proprietors who receive business income directly and family-owned operations that pay family members in the form of dividends. Read more about: Yadav said the RJD has been ignored despite being the largest party in the state Assembly with 80 seats and five MPs in Rajya Sabha. Patna: RJD leaders in Bihar have expressed disappointment over not being invited to the all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday to discuss the prevailing India-China tensions at the LAC. Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the opposition in Bihar Assembly, on Friday said the RJD has been ignored despite being the largest party in the state Assembly with 80 seats and five MPs in Rajya Sabha. RJD is the largest party in Bihar and it has five MPs in the parliament but we have not been invited to an all-party meeting on India China face-off. We want Mr. Rajnath Singh to clarify as to why RJD hasnt been invited, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said in a tweet on Friday. In his tweet on Thursday evening, he had sought clarification from the PMO and Defence Ministry on the issue. Just wish to know the criteria for inviting political parties for all-party meet on Galawan valley. I mean for the inclusion/ exclusion because our party hasnt received any message so far. Invitation to political parties to attend the all-party meeting was sent on Thursday. The RJD in Bihar was excluded because the party didnt fulfil the criteria, sources said. Sources said that the government has set a criteria to invite political parties -- Five or more MPs in the parliament. The RJD has five MPs in Rajya Sabha but none in the Lok Sabha. Being the leader of opposition in Bihar Assembly he (Tejashwi Yadav) should know the norms. In my view, he is just doing politics by raising such issues. The matter is sensitive and nobody should do politics, a BJP insider said. RJD spokesperson Manoj Jha argued on Twitter that the untenable logic of five members has got exposed. He cited the examples of several political parties which were invited to the meeting despite having fewer MPs than the RJD. There is more to it than what meets the eye, Manoj Jha said. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Jha wrote, The RJD is the principal opposition party in Bihar, which has a strategic location with neighbouring countries in the South Asian region because of the open border with Nepal. We are not just the opposition but also the largest party in the legislative assembly of Bihar. He further wrote in his letter, RJD has five MPs in the Rajya Sabha, which makes us qualify this strange and arbitrary criterion of minimum of five members to be able to join a meeting called for consultation on the great concern of national security. The blatant nature of exclusion will be a matter of record as several parties with lesser number of members have been called to participate in the meeting. While glancing through, and at times perusing, the news stories on Modernghana.com, Ghanaweb.com and Dailymailafrica.com, my usual online feature articles publishers, I came across a story on Ghanaweb titled, " Nigel Gaisie didnt kill Wendy Morris Relative exposes Kennedy Agyapongs 'lies'". It was under their General News of Wednesday, 17 June 2020, as could be verified from the web link below. www.ghanaweb.com/..../Nigel-Gaisie-didn-t-kill... A relative of the late murdered Wendy Fynn Morris, Mr Abraham Ferguson, has accused Kennedy Agyapong (Hon) of fabricating pure lies about the murder of his family member, Wendy, by listing seven points statements to authenticate his accusation against Kennedy. I am more interested in points 6 and 7 as raised by Abraham. The others could be read from the web link indicated above. 6. Wendy has no single child anywhere in this world and Wendy has never travelled to Germany. 7. Wendy never attended Nigel Gaisie's church. From the underlying video, Kennedy either correctly or wrongly said, Wendy has her two children now in Germany but never said Wendy has herself been to Germany. He said, "Wendy's sister had returned from Germany" This statement made by Kennedy could be heard from the 1hr 51 minutes of play into the video. Again, on point 7, the relative of Wendy, Mr Abraham Ferguson, is here being a malicious liar himself. Wendy was a member of, or had attended, "Prophet" Nigel Gaisie's church. In the video below, Wendy could be seen making a testimony at Nigel's church about having been healed by the river Jordan water Nigel had brought from Israel. Anyone could see Nigel throw his arm around Wendy's neck after her testimony and says, "thank you Jesus". The story about Wendy could be seen from the 46th minute play into the video. I am putting out this quick rebuttal following the many clearly silly comments passed by some ignorant semi-literate commenters on the story only to insult and defame Kennedy Agyapong (Hon). Most of them are treating Kennedy as a liar, disputing the fact that Wendy had ever been a member of Nigel's church or had ever been to his church, however, videos don't lie. Have the above two videos not proved Abraham Ferguson and his deceitful commenters ludicrous liars? Ghanaians, please let us tell the truth to shame the devil. Don't let dirty politicking cloud your intelligence or else, when you are exposed as done in this case, you will have your face curved like a quarter moon (wa nim atwa 3). Kennedy is telling the truth. He is the best criminal investigator in Ghana. He is no match for Anas Aremeyaw Anas, that criminal extortionist, blackmailer and unethical criminal investigative journalist. Rockson Adofo Friday, 19 June 2020 An Indian army convoy moves on the Srinagar- Ladakh highway at Gagangeer, north-east of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Thursday, June 18, 2020. India on Thursday cautioned China against making exaggerated and untenable claims to the Galwan Valley area even as both nations tried to end a standoff in the Himalayan region where their armies engaged in a deadly clash. Twenty Indian troops were killed in Mondays clash, which was the deadliest conflict between the sides in 45 years. China has not disclosed whether its forces suffered any casualties. (AP Photo) Indias prime minister has met senior opposition leaders who questioned whether intelligence failures allowed China to build up its forces in disputed Himalayan territory ahead of a clash that killed 20 Indian soldiers. Sonia Gandhi, the main opposition Congress party chief, called for answers as well as tough government action in defending Indian territory. We are still in the dark about many crucial aspects of the crisis, she said. India and China accuse each other of instigating the fight in the Galwan Valley, part of the disputed Ladakh region along the Himalayan frontier. China has not said whether it suffered any casualties in what was the deadliest conflict between the sides in 45 years. Both countries said they were communicating through military and diplomatic channels and stressed the importance of their broader relationship. Experts say the two nations are unlikely to head to war, but easing tensions quickly will be difficult. Expand Close Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a summit in 2016 (Manish Swarup/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a summit in 2016 (Manish Swarup/AP) China on Friday maintained its position that India was to blame for the clash. The right and wrong is very clear and the responsibility lies entirely with the Indian side, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. Both sides have denied media reports that Indian soldiers were in Chinese custody. During Mondays clash soldiers brawled with clubs, rocks and fists at 14,000ft above sea level, but no shots were fired, Indian officials have said. The soldiers carry firearms but are not allowed to use them under a previous agreement in the border dispute. Indian security officials have said the deaths were caused by severe injuries and exposure to subzero temperatures. The clash escalated a standoff that began in early May, when Indian officials said Chinese soldiers crossed the border in three places, erecting tents and guard posts and ignoring warnings to leave. That triggered shouting matches, stone-throwing and fistfights between the opposing sides, much of it replayed on TV news programmes and on social media. Expand Close Indians burn an effigy of Chinese President Xi Jinping during a protest in Ahmedabad (Ajit Solanki/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Indians burn an effigy of Chinese President Xi Jinping during a protest in Ahmedabad (Ajit Solanki/AP) The clash has taken place on a remote stretch of the 2,100-mile Line of Actual Control the border established following a war between India and China in 1962 that resulted in an uneasy truce. The rules of engagement along the Line of Actual Control which prohibit using live ammunition but also ban physical contact between soldiers will have to be renegotiated, defence analyst Rahul Bedi said. There is a lot of pressure on the Indian side, the emotions are high among the public, he said. It remains to be seen whether India will sit down at the negotiating table with China and say it will like to change these agreements to make them a little more aggressive or offensive in nature. Indias defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke to heads of various political parties on Thursday to develop a consensus on the situation, and on Friday, prime minister Narendra Modi was meeting the leaders of more than a dozen opposition parties. The main opposition Congress party said the country deserves to know the truth. It deserves a leadership that is willing to do anything before allowing its land to be taken, it said in a statement. The clash has fanned growing anti-Chinese sentiment in India, which was already high because of the coronavirus pandemic, which began in China late last year. Indias caseload has climbed to fourth-highest in the world. A professor at the University of Toronto has resigned from her position at Massey College following the recent appointment of media columnist Margaret Wente, formerly of The Globe and Mail, as a member of Massey Colleges Quadrangle Society. In a letter of resignation issued on Thursday, Alissa Trotz, an associate professor of women and gender studies and Caribbean studies, said she was dismayed to learn of the appointment. Margaret Wente is someone who has demonstrated consistent and outright hostility to questions of equity, women and gender studies and anti-racism, and moreover someone who has demonstrated such a glaring lack of professional integrity, Trotzs resignation letter reads. Trotz, a member of Massey Colleges Governance and Nominating Committee, says she was not aware that Wente was being considered for the position prior to her appointment. I understand, to my utter and complete dismay, that I must take some responsibility that has led to Margaret Wente becoming a member of Massey College, she wrote. Wente, who spent decades writing for The Globe and Mail before taking a buyout in 2019, has been the subject of controversy due to columns in which shes plagiarized material or promoted pseudo-science claiming genetic racial differences. Wente penned a column in 2014 with the headline, What if race is more than a social construct?, where she wrote positively about a book that claims that societal outcomes are influenced by genetic racial differences, a claim that goes against the scientific consensus. In 2012, The Globe and Mail disciplined Wente after she was found to have copied sentences in a 2009 column from another column in the Ottawa Citizen. The Globe and Mail also apologized in 2016 after Wente was found to have copied sentences in two more of her columns. Massey College principal Nathalie Des Rosiers told the Star that the nominating committee was not aware of the controversies involving Wente. There was information that was not in front of the committee about Ms. Wentes nomination and were trying to remedy this. The process was somewhat convoluted because of COVID, so people did not have all the information that they needed to make a good call, said Des Rosiers. She said the college would be launching a review of its appointment processes and that rescinding Wentes nomination is on the table. Wente declined to comment on Trotzs letter. This isnt the first time Massey College has come under scrutiny over allegations of racial insensitivity. In 2016, a history professor made a racist remark that made a reference to slavery to a Black Massey College fellow, prompting the college to change the title of the head of the college from master to principal. Correction - July 7, 2020: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said Margaret Wente resigned from a senior fellowship position at Massey College. Jacob Lorinc is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @jacoblorinc TY Tom Yun is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @thetomyun Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 23:12:01|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Video image taken on June 19, 2020 shows a session of the UN Human Rights Council held in Geneva, Switzerland. The United Nations Human Rights Council on Friday adopted a resolution strongly condemning the continuing racially discriminatory and violent practices perpetrated by law enforcement agencies against Africans and people of African descent. (Xinhua) GENEVA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Human Rights Council on Friday adopted a resolution strongly condemning the continuing racially discriminatory and violent practices perpetrated by law enforcement agencies against Africans and people of African descent. The resolution, in particular, condemned police brutality that led to the deaths of U.S. citizen George Floyd in Minneapolis and other people of African descent. The resolution, adopted by consensus without a vote in the 47-member UN body, also deplored the recent incidents of excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement officers against peaceful demonstrators defending the rights of Africans and people of African descent. The resolution requested the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a report on systemic racism, violations of international human rights law, and abuses against Africans and people of African descent by law enforcement agencies. The report will contribute to accountability and redress for victims, said the resolution, calling on all states and relevant stakeholders to cooperate in the preparation of the report. The resolution also requested the High Commissioner to examine government responses to antiracism peaceful protests, including the alleged use of excessive force against protesters, bystanders and journalists. Many journalists have reported attacks while doing their job in the U.S., with some estimates going as high as "148 arrests or attacks" in the U.S. between May 26 and June 2. The resolution came in the wake of U.S. citizen George Floyd's death in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25. The 46-year-old African American man died during an arrest after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Videos from security cameras and made by witnesses later became public. Since then, protests in response to Floyd's death, and more broadly to police violence, spread across the United States and took place in some other countries. Enditem New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) is expected to announce Class 12 result 2020 in the next week as the state's Deputy CM, Dinesh Sinha, who also holds the secondary education portfolio, recently stated that the board is gearing up to release the results. Notably, the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) is responsible for conducting the Board Intermediate Exam and Board High School Exams. The students who appeared for the class 12 exams will be able to check their result 2020 on the UPMSP's official website- upmsp.edu.in. They can also check their results on other official websites- upresults.nic.in and upmspresults.up.nic.in. The students can also get their results on their mobile phones via SMS. To avail of this facility, students will have to go to the message option and type UP12ROLLNUMBER - and send it to 56263. Notably, over 59.6 lakh students have appeared for their UP Board inter and matric exam 2020. Students should follow the steps given below to check their UP Board Class 12 result 2020. 1. They should first visit the websites - upmsp.edu.in, upresults.nic.in or upmspresults.up.nic.in 2. Students should click on the link- UP Board Result 2020 Class 12 3. Now key in your roll number and other login credentials 4. Your result with subject wise score will be displayed on the screen 5. Students are advised to download their copy for future reference The UPMSP, Prayagraj, usually announces the UP Board Result in the month of April or May, but this year, it has been delayed due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown. [June 19, 2020] Document Security Systems, Inc. Closes $6 Million Underwritten Public Offering of Common Stock ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Document Security Systems, Inc. (NYSE American: DSS), a multinational company operating businesses focused on brand protection technology, blockchain security, direct marketing, healthcare, real estate, and securitized digital assets, today announced that it has completed an underwritten public offering (the Offering) with gross proceeds of $6.0 million before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses. The Offering included 769,230 shares of the Companys common stock at the public offering price of $7.80 per share. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to fund development and growth of new business lines and acquisition opportunities, general corporate and working capital needs, and costs related to the closing of unprofitable business lines and facilities. The Company has also granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the number of shares of common stock offered in the public offering to cover over-allotments, if any, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions. Aegis Capital Corp. acted as sole bookrunner for the offering. The offering was made pursuant to an effective registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-238587) previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and declared effective by the SEC on June 16, 2020. A final prospectus describing the terms of the proposed offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC's website located at http://www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus, when available, may be obtained by contacting Aegis Capital Corp., Attention: Syndicate Department, 810 7th Avenue, 18th floor, New York, NY 10019, by email a [email protected], or by telephone at (212) 813-1010. 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 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 Document Security Systems, Inc. DSS is a multinational company operating businesses focused on brand protection technology, blockchain security, direct marketing, healthcare, real estate, and securitized digital assets. Its business model is based on a distribution sharing system in which shareholders will receive shares in its subsidiaries as DSS strategically spins them out into IPOs. Its historic business revolves around counterfeit deterrent and authentication technologies, smart packaging, and consumer product engagement. DSS is led by its Chairman and largest shareholder, Mr. Fai Chan, a highly successful global business veteran of more than 40 years specializing in corporate transformation while managing risk. He has successfully restructured more than 35 corporations with a combined value of $25 billion. For more information on DSS visit http://www.dsssecure.com. Investor Contact: Dave Gentry, CEO RedChip Companies Inc. 407-491-4498 [email protected] Safe Harbor Disclosure This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions 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. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the Company's intended use of proceeds and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, include: risks relating to our growth strategy; our ability to obtain, perform under and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships; risks relating to the results of development activities; our ability to attract, integrate and retain key personnel; our need for substantial additional funds; patent and intellectual property matters; competition; as well as other risks described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the prospectus and in our other filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, our reports on Forms 8-K and 10-Q, all of which can be obtained on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made and reflect management's current estimates, projections, expectations and beliefs. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] NGOs involved in Hungarian politics will continue to provide information about their foreign donors, Reuters reported referring to PM Viktor Orban. His remarks after the EU's top court said Hungarys stance on overseas funding violated EU law. Hungarian law was part of the measures taken by the Orban government against unfair foreign influence in connection with its disagreements with US billionaire George Soros, who was born in Budapest. Orban accused non-governmental organizations (NGOs) funded by Soros of political interference. Soros denied the allegations, saying that these were lies to create a false external enemy to distract the Hungarians. On Friday, responding to an EU court ruling, Orban said that Hungary would respect the court ruling on funding civil organizations, but transparency rules would apply. All Hungarians will know about every and each forint worth of funding sent here from abroad for political purposes, he told state radio. It wont be difficult to adhere to this court ruling. He did not go into further detail. According to him, the court decision was connected with the circles of liberal imperialism in Western Europe, who want to impose their thinking on family issues, migration to countries who think differently, such as Hungary. International courts are often part of this network, he said. Soros, a Jewish-born Jew who spent most of his fortune on financing democratic and human rights groups, was repeatedly targeted by the Orban's government. In 2017, the Hungarian government launched a campaign against migrants before the election in 2018, depicting a smiling Soros with the inscription: Dont let Soros have the last laugh. The Federation of Hungarian Jewish Federations (Mazsihisz) urged Orban to stop the campaign, and eventually the government stopped it. However, he strongly denied that the campaign was anti-Semitic. Representative Image (REUTERS/Danish Ismail) As Indian and Chinese border troops in eastern Ladakh stare each other down in the biggest military confrontation in over 50 years, an uneasy world is looking for signs of de-escalation of the conflict. The tragic violence on June 15 saw soldiers of Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) attacking and killing at least 20 Indian soldiers, including a colonel. Although the number of Chinese casualties in the carnage is not known, scores of PLA soldiers are reported to have been killed and many injured. Minor skirmishes on the 3,400-km-long disputed India-China border are not uncommon. Nevertheless, there were clear signs of Chinese mal-intent since April when unusually large numbers of PLA troops crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) into the Galwan and Pangong Tso areas. This was not exactly temporary squatting on disputed land either, as had happened several times over the years. The Chinese now seemed to be digging in for the long haul, with bunkers and artillery guns covering its troop deployment right under the nose of the Indian Army. So was India caught off guard in the mountainous border region by its eastern neighbours deadly game of Chinese checkers? Unfortunately, there is little evidence to suggest otherwise. In fact, going by United States intelligence reports, the Chinese have been steadily encroaching on key border areas for a while and currently occupies around 550 sq kms of land belonging to India. Chinas wonted tactic is to stealthily nibble away at Indian territory and occupy it, and later claim sovereignty over it. 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 that sense, the latest violence is markedly different from previous incidents not just because of the tragic death toll, but for the fact that many clashes happened in numerous places. What is more sinister to the PLAs encroachments this time round is that there is an element of deja vu: back in July 1962, PLA soldiers had similarly intruded into the Galwan Valley, which led to an all-out war three months later. Curiously, in the last 58 years, the Galwan Valley was one of the least contested areas along the LAC. Yet the PLA Western Theatre Command spokesperson Colonel Zhang Shuili said, soon after the June 15 violence, that China always owned sovereignty over the Galwan Valley region. Indian sources interpret this as an effort to create fresh areas of differences even as older differences turn into disputes. This is in line with the duplicity with which China always treated the border dispute with India. In early 1960, then Chinese Prime Minister Chou En-lai told his Indian counterpart Jawaharlal Nehru that China would never accept the McMahon Line drawn on the basis of the watershed principle (an established international practice for settling boundaries). However, in October 1960, China signed its border settlement with Myanmar based on the McMahon Line. It is no secret that the growing Chinese belligerence along the LAC owes in large part to Beijings exaggerated jitters at Indias efforts to build logistical infrastructure in the region. For years, China exploited its first mover advantage in building an extensive road and rail network around the LAC. For instance, the road linking Tibet and Xinjiang traverses Indian territory near the LAC. India has only itself to blame for sitting on its hands all the while and not getting into the act for so long. The road to Daulat Beg Oldie the highest airfield in the world which offers the Indian army a panoramic view of the Karakoram highway linking China and Pakistan has taken years to build. A network of roads leading off this is also being built. Beijing evidently fears the possibility of this infrastructure, at some point, helping India occupy some of the disputed territories. It is also not implausible that China smarting from its international isolation over the COVID-19 pandemic, and trying to distract a disillusioned Chinese population is upping the ante on the boundary row with India. By betting on a limited conflict with India, Beijing could be hoping to set the clock back on India's economic development and rise on the international stage. However, the costs of a limited war for both countries far outweigh any potential gains. China, in particular, would be loath to commit the strategic folly of igniting a border conflict with India, weakening Beijings ability to meet more important security challenges elsewhere in the South China Sea. By this logic, it would seem the clear and present danger for potential escalation of fighting in eastern Ladakh is unlikely to lead to full-blown hostilities. More likely, both sides will return to the negotiating table to try and consolidate their grip on key strategic points along the LAC so that they can defend the areas under their control. Left: Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister, gives all indication that his government and party are ready to support the enacting of the Constituency and Boundaries Commission. Right: Dr. Friday, Leader of the Opposition, has apparently agreed to the Governor Generals calls for enacting the Constituency and Boundaries Commission. Governor General Dame Susan Dougan has written to the Parliamentary Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday, informing him of the pending Constituencies and Boundaries Commission which became due, since at least 2 of the 3 conditions that are enshrined in the Vincentian constitution have been flagged. Dr. Friday told listeners to On D Spot aired live on ANNs Facebook last Sunday, "I received a letter from the Governor General, Her Ladyship, citing basically 2 of those grounds that I pointed out to you. One being after a census was done because there was a census, so they say, was done the thing is we havent seen a published census. "And then also 8 years have passed since weve had the last Boundaries Commission so those are the two sections that were cited. The third section, not invoked in Dame Susan Dougans missive, speaks to parliament acting on the constitutional provisions to have the number of established seats increased or decreased, or have individual constituencies realigned. Although he admitted that his Partys nominee to the Commission is already identified, Dr. Friday did not name the person, opting instead to observe established protocol of first responding to the Governor General in writing. Several days before that episode of On D Spot, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, during his weekly update via radio, announced that he had written to the Governor General indicating that the circumstances have arisen under Section 33 of the Constitution of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, for the appointment of a Constituency Boundaries Commission. According to that Section, the Commission consists of 3 persons: the Chairman who is appointed by the Governor General in her own deliberate judgment; and one person each appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Dr. Gonsalves named his nominee as Stephen Williams. Addressing the issue of the number of seats, Dr. Gonsalves told his listeners, "I dont know if theres going to be any contention in any area 15 seats, its not going to be 17 its 15 seats. The PM reminded listeners that in 2010, Parliament passed a Bill approving for 17 seats, but it was never gazetted (published) as the opposition New Democratic Party filed an injunction in court preventing its publication. He explained, though, "the 17 seats dont really come into effect until the report of the Commission is published and it comes into effect after the dissolution of the parliament. "If you read the Constitution, youd see 17 seats but thats because we had passed a law in 2010 but theres an error where they put 17 there because 17 comes into play only if all the other steps are followed .. the Attorney General had to correct that in the law. And they issued a Statutory Rule and Order, Dr. Gonsalves further explained. Elections were called and were conducted as per the existing 15 constituencies. As for the census, Dr. Gonsalves said that he had spoken to the Leader of the Opposition indicating that "we need to do the Commission because since then the census has been published. Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves and the Unity Labour Party are seeking an unprecedented 5th term, whenever the election is called. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 18:27:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOSCOW, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Russian Su-30, Su-35 and MiG-31 fighters have escorted two U.S. B-52H strategic bombers over the Sea of Okhotsk, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday. The two U.S. aircraft were detected Friday by Russian airspace control equipment over the neutral waters of the Sea of Okhotsk at a considerable distance from the state border, before the Russian jets took off to accompany them, the ministry's Zvezda broadcasting service said. The Russian fighters prevented the U.S. warplanes from violating the Russian border, Zvezda said. Enditem NICOSIA, Cyprus, June 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QIWI plc (QIWI), (QIWI.ME) ("QIWI" or the "Company") today announced that its 2020 annual general meeting of shareholders (the "AGM") will be held on Tuesday August 4, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. (Cyprus time) at 12 Kennedy Avenue, Kennedy Business Centre, 2nd floor, 1087, Nicosia, Cyprus. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on June 17, 2020 are entitled to receive notice and to vote at the AGM and any adjourned meeting thereof. Holders of the Company's American Depositary Shares (the "ADS") who wish to exercise their voting rights for the underlying shares must act through the depositary of the Company's ADS program, The Bank of New York Mellon. Shareholders are cordially invited to attend the AGM. At the AGM, the following items will be submitted for shareholders approval: to adopt the Companys audited financial statements for 2019 financial year; to appoint EY as the Companys Auditors and to fix Auditors remuneration; to elect Directors of the Board of Directors of the Company; to approve Directors remuneration; and to approve the disapplication of shareholders pre-emption rights. Further details on the agenda and procedural matters related to the AGM will be made available to the Company's shareholders by the Company and the Company's ADS holders through The Bank of New York Mellon. Copies of certain materials related to the AGM, including Notice for the convocation of the AGM, a copy of our 2019 Annual Report on Form 20-F and Board of Directors Nomination Form are available on our website at http://investor.qiwi.com. About QIWI plc. QIWI is a leading provider of next generation payment and financial services in Russia and the CIS. It has an integrated proprietary network that enables payment services across online, mobile and physical channels. It has deployed over 21.8 million virtual wallets, over 127,000 kiosks and terminals, and enabled merchants and customers to accept and transfer over RUB 123 billion cash and electronic payments monthly connecting over 39 million consumers using its network at least once a month. QIWIs consumers can use cash, stored value and other electronic payment methods in order to pay for goods and services or transfer money across virtual or physical environments interchangeably. Contact Varvara Kiseleva Investor Relations +357.25028091 ir@qiwi.com 3 1 of 3 OnScene TV Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer Show More Show Less 3 of 3 The Christopher Columbus Statue in Bell Park has been secured by a chain link fence. A parks unit is also keeping watch over the statue. The move comes after the statue was plastered with red paint a week ago on Thursday, June 11. There has been no new visible damage to the statue since then. Gunmen on Thursday killed an 80-year-old university don, Prof Christopher Ogiehor, a father-in-law of an Edo State aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, Matthew Iduoriyekenmwen. Ogiehor was said to have been found dead in his house located at 13, Egbor Anenne Street, off Benoni, by the Government Reservation Area in Benin City. A family member, who does not want his name mentioned, explained that the octogenarian was lying in a pool of blood inside his bedroom in the early hours of Thursday. He was found inside his bedroom dead with a broken head and his hands tied behind him, an indication that he may have been hit on his head and probably strangled. Men from the Forensic Department of the Nigeria Police were in the house this morning to commence an investigation. We cannot ascertain where the killing is coming from, the family source stated. The commands Police Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the incident and said officials of the Criminal Investigation Department in charge of Homicide had been dispatched to the deceaseds residence. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates The Atlanta police officer charged with murdering Rayshard Brooks has been moved from a jail to a 'different facility' due to security concerns. Garrett Rolfe, who was at Fulton County Jail, is now being held at another center in the metro area, CNN reported. Rolfe was fired after video captured Brooks, 27, being fatally shot at a Wendy's drive-thru on Friday, June 12, after he fell asleep in his car. The cop turned himself in on Thursday and is facing 11 charges including felony murder and aggravated assault. He is set to appear in court for his arraignment on Friday. Devin Brosnan, the other officer who was on the scene, has been charged with aggravated assault because he allegedly stood on Brooks' shoulders as he lay bleeding in the parking lot. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEOS Former Atlanta police officer Garrett Rolfe (left) was charged with felony murder in the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks, 27 (right), last week. Rolfe, who was fired as a cop, has been moved from Fulton County Jail to another center in the metro area due to security concerns After Brooks resisted arrest during a sobriety check gone wrong and grabbed an officer's taser, Rolfe fire his gun. Pictured: Body cam footage showing the sobriety check The officers were called to a Wendy's restaurant last Friday over reports of a car blocking the drive-thru lane. Brosnan arrived on the scene first and found Brooks alone in his vehicle and apparently asleep. Brooks moved his car and showed his license, explaining that he had a few drinks at his daughter's birthday party. He agreed to a breath test and, minutes later, Rolfe arrived to conduct a sobriety check. The breathalyzer recorded a 0.108 blood alcohol content level, higher than the 0.08 considered legal to drive in Georgia, but Rolfe didn't tell Brooks the results. Rolfe is heard telling Brooks via body camera footage: 'All right, I think you've had too much to drink to be driving. Put your hands behind your back.' Dashcam video shows that Brooks resisted arrest as Rolfe tried to handcuff him and grabbed a Taser from Brosnan. As he ran away with Taser, he turned and point the object in his hand and the one of the officer. Just a few seconds later, gunshots are heard. The death sparked nationwide protests, especially because it occurred less than a month after the death of George Floyd's death, another black man killed by a white police officer. Attorneys for Rolfe and Brosnan defended the men's actions. Brosnan told MSNBC that he had 'full faith' in the criminal justice system. The other officer on the scene, Devin Brosnan, has been charged with aggravated assault for allegedly standing on Brooks' shoulder after the man was shot. Pictured: Brosnan walks out following his release from the Fulton County Jail on Thursday, June 18 Brosnan was released from Fulton County Jail on bond and says he has 'full faith' in the criminal justice system. Pictured: Brooks (left) and Brosnan (right) before the fatal shooting Brosnan, who was released on bond after turning himself in on Thursday, is also facing two counts of violation of oath of office. Rolfe's other charges include four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of violation of oath by public office, criminal damage to property in the first degree. Prosecutors allege that Rolfe kicked Brooks as he was laying on the ground, which the officer denies. The highest punishment for felony murder is death. However, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard say he is not seeking the death penalty. 19.06.2020 LISTEN A Youth Group in the North Gonja District have expressed worry over allegations by some members of the NDC cautioning people not to allow their households to be connected to the White Volta. In a joint press release, the group alleged that the Member of Parliament for the Daboya/Mankarigu, Hon. Shaibu Obei Mahama has been attacking the project undertaken by his opponent the NPP Parliamentary Candidate. "We are however not happy that the MP for reasons best known to him alone is in the media tagging us as people accepting to drink water from a poisoned source, this can best be described as insulting and despicable." In March this year, the Parliamentary Candidate of the New Patriotic Party Hon. Alhaj Mahama Asei secured a contract for the construction of Community Based Water Systems for some communities at Tidrope Camp, Tidrope, Sinsina, Gua, Gua fishing camp and Kito in the Daboya/Mankarigu constituency of the Savannah Region. However, the project has received major criticism from the opposition party who claim the White Lake which starts from Northern Burkina and flows through North Gonja into the Volta Lake is 'poisoned water". The statement also blamed the MP for sabotaging the project for political propaganda: "We believe that it's a calculated move to stop the project just because it's not coming from your outfit, we deserve better from someone we had supported to go to parliament to address us this way." The Coalition Groups also have stated that the people are only interested in development and not the source of the funding. "We are only interested in development, who brings the development is not too much a concern, but for moral principles, we owe the person(s) a duty to appreciate and support such people by helping them realize their dreams of leadership which is the only way more development will come." The Group's PRO Sulemana Inusah indicated that the MP drilled a borehole for one of the areas but there was no water gushing out of the borehole due to the depth of the waterbed. "Talking about the MP drilling a borehole for Tidrope community is a white elephant because the said borehole doesn't contain water simply because the water table in the whole of the over bank communities is very low and therefore the solution to the water crisis in the area doesn't lye in the hands of drilling boreholes which everybody is aware of." The statement however appealed to the MP to stop politicisation of the problem. "We are begging the MP and his people in the name of God in heaven to stop politicizing the water crisis at over bank." It however called on the NDC and the MP to come out with evidence to prove unwholesome of the White Volta. "....we still challenge them to come out with credible source of their findings that prove that the White Volta River is contaminated with poisonous chemicals because all the communities in the area have been drinking water from the White Volta River since creation," the statement emphasised. by Nirmala Carvalho Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar: Chandrakant Pradhan died for the homeland. The family is devastated but also proud of his sacrifice. Another soldier from Orissa died in the clashes. Raikia (AsiaNews) - "Kandhamal's son died for India, we are deeply saddened, and we console his family and the entire Catholic community". This is how Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar recalled Chandrakant Pradhan, one of the 20 Indian soldiers who died on June 15 in the clashes with a Chinese garrison on the Himalayan border. According to Indian news sources, unconfirmed by Beijing, there are 43 victims among the Chinese military. In the aftermath the two military commands in the region began talks and yesterday the Chinese army released 10 Indian soldiers. They had been captured during the clashes, during which soldiers were reportedly armed with spiked clubs and stones instead of guns. Delhi and Beijing accuse each other of having crossed the temporary border near the Galwan valley, between Indian Ladakh and the Chinese region of Aksai Chin. Along the Himalayan arch, the two countries share a border of 3488 km, disputed for long stretches and the cause of a bloody war in 1962. Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar (Orissa) expressed great sadness at the death of Chandrakant Pradhan, the 28-year-old Catholic tribal who died on June 15 in fighting between Indian and Chinese troops on the Himalayan border. In 2014, he entered the 16th Bihar regiment. His body was brought to the parish of Raikia, Kandhamal district, where a funeral service was celebrated in his memory. I know his parents personally, they made many sacrifices to raise their children with good education and strong faith," says Dibya Paricha Singh, secretary of the Archdiocesan Justice and Peace Commission speaking to AsiaNews. With his salary as a soldier, Pradhan contributed to the livelihood of his family, especially his two brothers and sister. Pradhan's family members received the news of his death on June 16: "We are devastated but also proud of our son, who sacrificed himself for the homeland". The Prime Minister of Orissa, Naveen Patnaik, has also praised the heroism of the young Catholic, like that of Naib Subedar Nanduram Soren, another native of the area, who also died during the border clashes with Chinese forces. DALLAS, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Comerica Bank today announced its $1 million commitment over four years to the National Business League as part of a national partnership that will launch the Black Capital Access Program (BCAP), an access to capital initiative to assist Black businesses across the country. This innovative small business program is set to pilot over the next three months and will reach Comerica's five primary markets of Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Texas. The program will become available in all 50 states in 2021. A one-stop online platform for Black-owned businesses, BCAP will offer access to a capital toolkit, wide variety of technical services, financial planning information, webinars and more. "Small businesses face a myriad of inherent challenges to open their doors and remain viable, and the current conditions due to COVID-19 only deepened those issues especially among African American business owners," said Curt Farmer, Chairman and CEO, Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank. "We believe our partnership with the National Business League will become crucial in helping many Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs recover and survive this turbulent time." The National Business League fights for legislation and policy to promote the growth of Black businesses, while aggressively finding solutions to challenges and business problems in the marketplace. As a nonprofit, non-partisan and non-sectarian trade organization, the National Business League collaborates with policy makers and CEOs to advance Black communities' economic interest supported by research, data and evidence, while at the same time holding the public and private accountable. "Capital access remains the most important factor limiting the establishment, expansion and growth of Black-owned businesses," said Ken L. Harris, Ph.D., President/CEO National Business League, Inc. "As part of the organization's mission to eliminate institutional, structural and systemic barriers to capital, it is important to develop public and private partnerships to address the financial burden on Black entrepreneurs who are trying to keep their businesses thriving in today's economy, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Our mission with the launch of the Black Capital Access Program presented by Comerica Bank is to assist Black-owned businesses with their capital needs and resources, and we are thankful to Comerica for its extensive support and national partnership." The BCAP aims to ensure that Black-owned businesses will benefit from being capitalized, to create and grow sustainable enterprises that are consistently bankable and investment ready in the digital economy. "We believe strongly that investing financially as well as connecting our team members to offer a wide range of technical resources will enable the NBL's Black Capital Access Program to effectively reach and serve businesses in need," said Irvin Ashford, Jr., Chief Community Officer, Comerica Bank. "We proudly support the 120-year mission of the National Business League and its mission to deliver critical services to Black-owned businesses." Comerica's $1 million investment to kickstart the BCAP includes a $150,000 financial contribution and in-kind and technical support valued at $100,000 for four years. Comerica Bank has been helping small businesses succeed for more than 170 years. Comerica's small business relationship managers are part of a decision-making team with the local credit authority so they can go to bat for all small businesses and entrepreneurs. Comerica serves the bank's communities with 435 banking centers throughout its footprint. About Comerica Bank Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $76.3 billion at March 31, 2020 and celebrated its 170th anniversary in August 2019. Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Comerica, Twitter: @ComericaBank and Instagram: @comerica_bank. About The National Business League The National Business League is the first and largest nonprofit, non-partisan, and non-sectarian, Black business professional and trade association, founded August 23, 1900 by the iconic Booker T. Washington. The NBL has more than 120,000 members nationwide, with 4 regional offices in Atlanta, GA, Detroit, MI, Los Angeles, CA, and Washington, DC, and more than 360 local league chapters across the country. The organizations provide access to 2.6 million Black businesses throughout the United States, celebrating 120 years of service. Follow on https://nationalbusinessleague.org/, Twitter: theNBL1900, Instagram: NBL1900 Facebook: theNBL1900. SOURCE Comerica Bank Related Links http://www.comerica.com OTTAWA - The federal deficit could be on track to hit $256 billion this fiscal year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Parliament's budget watchdog says in a new estimate that doesn't account for this week's extension to a cornerstone benefit for workers. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/6/2020 (583 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux waits to appear before the Commons Finance committee on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Tuesday March 10, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - The federal deficit could be on track to hit $256 billion this fiscal year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Parliament's budget watchdog says in a new estimate that doesn't account for this week's extension to a cornerstone benefit for workers. Budget officer Yves Giroux's report said the deficit estimate is the combination of a projected $169 billion in federal spending on emergency aid and a historic drop in economic output. The overall deficit figure is only $3.8 billion higher than Giroux's office previously predicted despite some major new government spending plans, which his report says is due to a better economic outlook for the second half of the year. But the figures don't include the extra cost for a promised extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit to provide eight more weeks of payments to recipients about to hit the current 16-week maximum, nor the possible cost to make some of the measures permanent. Giroux also warned that spending could go up further if the government pumps more stimulus to promote economic recovery, beyond the $14 billion the Liberals have promised to provinces to help minimize the risks in reopening workplaces. Possible changes and uncertainty about the course of the pandemic led Giroux to stress that the figures in his report are the outcome of one of many possible scenarios and not a certain forecast. The report comes one day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to deliver a "snapshot" of federal finances on July 8 that will provide short-term spending estimates. Trudeau warned the document won't provide a longer-term outlook because of uncertainty about where the economy will go in the coming months and years all of which rests on the path of the pandemic. The budget office estimates the economy could shrink by 6.8 per cent in 2020, the weakest showing since 1981 and double the record of 3.2 per cent shrinkage in 1982. Previously, Giroux estimated the economy could shrink by 12 per cent in 2020. The Liberals have been under pressure from opposition parties to release a fiscal update or a full 2020 budget. The government had originally planned to release a budget in late March but shelved it when COVID-19 hit. Since then, MPs have approved massive emergency spending on aid to Canadians who have lost their jobs or had their hours slashed, and financing to businesses shuttered due to public health restrictions. The latest figures from the Finance Department peg the total package of pandemic-related aid at $153.7 billion in direct spending, but Giroux estimates the price tag will be closer to $169 billion at this point. That's about half what the federal government spends in a normal year. The budget office now estimates the $2,000-a-month CERB will cost the government $61.1 billion just above the $60 billion budgeted by the government as demand soared but pull $7.7 billion back in when recipients are taxed on the income next year. 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. When the Finance Department increased the estimated cost of the CERB, it also lowered the cost for a wage-subsidy program for private employers from to $45 billion from $73 billion based on the take-up rate among businesses. Giroux's office estimates the wage subsidy to cost the treasury $55.6 billion, though it warns the figure depends heavily on how businesses respond as they're allowed to reopen. In a speech Thursday, a senior Bank of Canada official noted that federal spending measures should continue to buffer income losses and support household spending during the early stages of the economic recovery. Deputy governor Lawrence Schembri in a videoconference speech said that a forthcoming survey of consumer expectations will show that respondents receiving federal support have spent or expect to spend on average 70 per cent of their benefits. The text of his speech released by the bank notes that recent data indicate a recovery is underway, with a first phase being sharp and short, followed by a longer "recuperation" period influenced by the course of the pandemic. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2020. Swiss Re announced the appointment of Thierry Leger as the group chief underwriting officer, effective Sept. 1, 2020. At the same time, the reinsurer announced it is restructuring its life businesses. Leger succeeds Edouard (Edi) Schmid, who has decided to step down from the group executive committee for personal reasons and take on an advisory role. For the last four and a half years, Leger has been leading the Life Capital Business Unit, which combines Swiss Res ReAssure, elipsLife and iptiQ businesses, since its creation in January 2016. He joined Swiss Re as an engineering underwriter in P&C in 1997, before moving to Swiss Re New Markets in 2001, providing non-traditional solutions to insurance clients. Between 2003 and 2005, he was a member of the executive team in France. From 2006, Leger assumed increasing responsibility for Swiss Res largest clients, developing risk and capital solutions, and ultimately becoming the head of the Globals Division in 2010 and a member of the then existing group management board. In 2013, he assumed the role of the head of Life & Health Products Reinsurance. On behalf of the board of directors I would like to thank Edi Schmid for his dedication and an enormous contribution to Swiss Re over nearly three decades. We are grateful that he will continue to share his expertise and knowledge with the group in an advisory capacity, said Swiss Res Chairman Walter B. Kielholz. We are also pleased that Thierry Leger has accepted this new challenge after achieving many milestones during his time at the life capital business unit. His expertise in underwriting, technology, data and innovative solutions will be a big asset in furthering the development of Swiss Res leading position in underwriting, Kielholz added. Edi Schmid has been the group chief underwriting officer and member of the group executive committee since July 2017. He joined Swiss Re in 1991 and has since held a number of important roles, such as head Property & Specialty Reinsurance, head Property & Casualty Risk and Actuarial Management, and chief risk officer Corporate Solutions. Restructuring Life Businesses Following the completion of the sale of ReAssure to Phoenix Group Holdings plc, which is expected for the third quarter of 2020, the Life Capital Business Unit will be disbanded. This process is expected to be concluded by the end of December 2020. Effective Sept. 1, 2020, the CEO of Life Capital (Legers soon-to-be former role) will no longer be a member of the group executive committee. Subject to applicable regulatory approvals, elipsLife, which provides life and health insurance solutions and services for corporate clients, will move to Corporate Solutions at the end of September 2020, allowing it to better leverage this Business Units relationships with corporates and brokers. Swiss Res white-labelling digital insurance platform iptiQ will become a standalone division reporting to the Group CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2021, enabling a greater focus on this business. Swiss Re continues to assess the further streamlining of the legal entity structure of the group. (Via a digital platform, iptiQ aims to help its partners to expand their product range into both life and health and property and casualty insurance products quickly and with minimum investment). The changes announced today will position Swiss Re well for the next chapter of the groups strategic development. Having grown dynamically over the past years, iptiQ is on track to becoming a leading player in its field, commented Swiss Res Group Chief Executive Officer Christian Mumenthaler, in a statement. And being part of Corporate Solutions will open further growth opportunities for elipsLife. In underwriting, we will continue to evolve our capabilities through cutting-edge research, access to more and better data and advanced analytics. Source: Swiss Re Related: Topics Underwriting Property Casualty Swiss Re Phuket officials ask police to end visitor registration, use Thai Chana only PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Government has asked the Phuket Provincial Police to cease requiring all people entering and leaving Phuket having to register through the gophuget.com online platform developed when the COVID-19 lockdown was first being lifted. tourismtransporthealthCOVID-19 By The Phuket News Friday 19 June 2020, 02:38PM Page one of the notice issued to the Phuket Provincial Police to cease using the gophuget platform to register details of people entering or leaving Phuket. Image: PR Phuket Page one of the notice issued to the Phuket Provincial Police to cease using the gophuget platform to register details of people entering or leaving Phuket. Image: PR Phuket The most recent announcement by the Phuket Provincial Police is for people to scan a new QR code to quickly register their details for entering or leaving Phuket on the gophuget.com web platform. Image: Phuket Provincial Police The most recent announcement by the Phuket Provincial Police is for people to scan a new QR code to quickly register their details for entering or leaving Phuket on the gophuget.com web platform. Image: Phuket Provincial Police The news came through a notice signed by outgoing Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana on Monday (June 15), but became public only yesterday (June 18) when posted on the official Facebook page of the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket). The notice, addressed to the Phuket Provincial Police Commander, stated that registration to enter or leave Phuket was to be postponed from June 16 (Tuesday) until further notice. The notice also explained that the Phuket Communicable Disease Committee, through its authority under Section 9 of the Emergency Decree 2005, had the authority to introduce regulations controlling people wanting to travel into and out of Phuket, and that they must register before passing through the Phuket Check Point. However, for now, the COVID-19 pandemic is becoming under control. The Prime Minister as the head of Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) had ordered the Ministry of Interior to set up regulations for interprovincial travel and for police to facilitate the [ensuing] traffic, the notice read. Additionally, the central government is likely to stop enforcing the Emergency Decree soon. The end of enforcement will also be the end of the Phuket checking measures at the checkpoint, the notice added. Of note, the Phuket Provincial Police have yet to post any announcements that the gophuget.com registration is no longer required. Their most recent announcement regarding registering to enter or leave Phuket was on Sunday, when they launched a new QR code for people to scan to register quickly through through gophuget.com platform. Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Rungrote Thakurapunyasiri this morning declined to comment on the notice to cease the gophuget.com registration, instead directing The Phuket News to check with the new Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew. However, as today is his first day as Governor of Phuket, Governor Narong has so far been unavailable. Phuket Vice Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai was willing to comment, and clarified, "To follow the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions for interprovincial travel, Phuket Provincial Police should announce that the registration through the PhuketSmartCheckIn app or the website www.gophuget.com and other ways [of registering to enter or leave Phuket] has been postponed from June 16 until the further notice. So, since June 16, people no longer need to register their travel details through www.gophuget.com. Instead, they can just use Thai Chana [web platform], Vice Governor Supoj said. However, V/Gov Supoj also explained that the Phuket Provincial Government on Monday submitted an official request with Ministry of Interior officials in Bangkok for provincial officials to be able to use gophuget.com after the Emergency Decree has been lifted, but only as a way for collecting information as part of the strategy to make Phuket a Smart City. If there are any developments on this, the Phuket Government will inform people, he said. But if the Ministry of Interior allows, www.gophuget.com may be used immediately, he noted. Regardless, V/Gov Supoj stressed, At this stage, the Phuket Communicable Disease Committee agrees that only Thai Chana be used to record peoples details [for identifying their location]. Of note, Thanee Chuangchoo, General Manager at Phuket International Airport, earlier this week confirmed to The Phuket News that people arriving and leaving the island through the airport do not need to register through the gophuget platform. People leaving the island must already register their travel details through the AoT Airports app [available on Google Play and on Apples App Store], and people leaving and those arriving on the island both must register their presence at the airport through the Thai Chana platform, he said. Also, Airports of Thailand management at Phuket airport (AoT Phuket) have confirmed that people arriving on domestic arrivals at Phuket International Airport do not have to observe a 14-day self-quarantine after arriving on the island. Mr Daniel Krampah-CEO OF CBTG 19.06.2020 LISTEN The Chamber Of Bullion Traders Ghana (CBTG), a representative body of Government licensed gold dealers and suppliers of mining logistics including all allied activities in mining has projected to rake in about Ghc200 million for government in tax revenue by the close of 2020. The Chamber which serves as an advocacy, lobby and representative body for the buyers and exporters of gold produced by licensed miners in the country currently holds membership of over twenty licensed gold dealers and providers of related services and their contribution accounts for over 35% of gold exports from Ghana. In a statement released to the press under the hand of the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the Chamber Mr. Daniel Krampah, it stated that the Chamber seeks to promote a sustainable gold industry in Ghana and has been working with the Ghana Revenue Authority to generate revenue for the country. Since the middle of May 2020 the Chamber, in collaboration with GRA, has been collecting withholding tax for the Government. Projections indicate that about GHC200million will be collected at a 3% withholding tax on gold exports for 2020 from licensed Small Scale Miners. The statement indicated that the 3% tax revenue will be paid or collected before gold will be exported from the country unlike other circumstances and situations where the state realizes nothing from exporters. The Chamber also projects that 20 tons of gold will be exported by the end of 2020 and this will bring about US$1.1 billion foreign exchange into the country. He said, to further strengthen Governments policy on value addition, the Chamber is in talks with local refineries to refine gold it buys from Small Scale gold miners before it is exported. It is estimated that by the first quarter of 2021 members of the Chamber and local refineries will formalise working relationship with overseas refineries for accreditation for the commencement of export of refined gold. The Navy won't return the ousted captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt to the aircraft carrier that was hit hard by the coronavirus, after an investigation that brought sharp criticism to top officials for not acting fast enough to get ahead of the outbreak. Capt. Brett Crozier will retain his rank but won't return to the carrier or another command, Navy Adm. Michael Gilday, chief of naval operations, told reporters at the Pentagon on Friday. In addition, the commander of the Roosevelt strike group, Rear Adm. Stuart Baker, is having his promotion put on hold for now. "I will not reassign Captain Brett Crozier as the commanding officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, nor will he be eligible for future command," Gilday said. "It is my belief that both Admiral Baker and Captain Crozier fell well short of what we expect of those in command." Crozier was dismissed by then-acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly on April 2 for writing an impassioned memo beseeching the service to do more to remedy the increasingly dire situation aboard the carrier. The memo promptly leaked, and Modly said Crozier failed to keep his concerns within the chain of command. Gilday said the investigation showed Crozier didn't intend for the memo to leak, but in a scathing review he said neither Crozier nor Baker acted quickly enough to contain the outbreak once it was clear they had a problem. "They were slow egressing sailors off the ship, and they failed to move sailors to available safer environments quickly," Gilday said. The report follows an in-depth review into the events surrounding the outbreak of Covid-19 after an earlier, narrower probe by the Navy. Gilday had initially recommended that Crozier be reinstated, but a decision was delayed for more review. That deeper investigation persuaded Gilday to change his mind, he said. Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite said that Defense Secretary Mark Esper backed the report's findings, and the Navy chief said he didn't discuss the issue with anyone at the White House. President Donald Trump has sent mixed messages about his view of what Crozier did. Two Democratic lawmakers questioned the Navy's shifting conclusions. "When the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning to take hold, there was no formal training in place and the military was responding - like the rest of the world - without clearly defined safety precautions," Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said in a statement. "The Navy's decision now seems to apply a retroactive standard and after-the-fact procedures and practices to justify Captain Crozier's firing." The carrier set sail from Guam after about two months in port and is now near the Philippines. The crew underwent training exercises in social distancing and mitigation procedures and the ship is operating under a newly implemented Covid-19 standard operating procedure, the Navy said. In Crozier's memo, which leaked to the San Francisco Chronicle, he said: "We are not at war. Sailors do not need to die." Crozier's main request -- that the vast majority of the crew be taken off the ship so the spread of the virus could be slowed and the ship cleaned -- has now been fulfilled. The Navy said all of the Roosevelt's crew members had been tested for covid-19, with more than 1,000 positive cases. One sailor from the Roosevelt died after receiving treatment in intensive care on Guam, according to the Navy. The Navy has reported 2,850 covid-19 cases so far, out of 8,824 for the U.S. military as a whole, according to the Pentagon. The Roosevelt wasn't the only vessel that had to return to port after an outbreak. The Navy said in April that the USS Kidd was doing so because 18 sailors on the destroyer tested positive for the coronavirus, with more expected. In an apparent reference to the Navy's response to the outbreak on the Roosevelt, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said at the time that the Navy, "using lessons learned from other cases," responded quickly and flew a specialized medical evaluation team onto the Kidd to conduct testing. Modly resigned on April 7 after controversy over his decision to oust Crozier was compounded by his trip to the carrier where he denounced the former captain to his crew. Audio recordings surfaced of Modly saying that Crozier was "too naive or too stupid" to lead the ship. Trump told reporters at a White House briefing on April 7 that he "had no role" in Modly's resignation and that the secretary "did that just to end that problem." Trump has said previously that Crozier didn't deserve to have his previously exemplary career ended but also that "I don't think the captain should have been writing letters. He's not Ernest Hemingway." The Roosevelt episode has underscored broader turmoil in the Navy's leadership and its relations with Trump. Modly had served as acting secretary since November. His predecessor as Navy secretary, Richard Spencer, was fired amid a Pentagon dust-up over Trump's insistence that a Navy SEAL acquitted of murder should be allowed to keep a Trident decoration signifying his service. Batelco Intros Cloud UC Solution for Businesses in Bahrain Todays businesses are in need of a digital transformation more than ever before. Across the globe, the need to virtually connect, communicate and access networks has become essential. To assist businesses in Bahrain to innovate and advance their capabilities, Batelco, a digital solutions provider in the region, has launched a Cloud UC offering for enterprises. Batelco Cloud Unified Communications will give businesses costumes the access they need to communications tools, collaboration and productivity capabilities, and other real-time offerings, all via the cloud - and without the need for hefty investments or on-premises equipment to maintain. The new Cloud UC Solution will also provide instant messaging capabilities, conferencing and voice, and video calling. Batelco is providing the tools to fit the modern and agile work style, helping users who are constantly on the go and working remotely from any location to be more flexible, as their office is with them wherever they go. We believe that its the perfect time to launch this product as it meets all of these requirements, said Abderrahmane Mounir, Batelco GM Enterprise. Another unique feature provided by the new solution is the ability to easily switch between different devices when needed and regardless of location Further increasing flexibility and reliability of business communications We are pleased to be launching this innovative new solution through which we aim to support the advancement of the local telecommunications industry. Cloud Unified Communications is part of Batelcos digital communications product portfolio introduced for our enterprise customers and enabling us to support their Digital Transformation journey, said Mounir. Batelco also recently signed a MoU with the Bahrain National Space Science Agency (NSSA) so that it can help to develop NSSAs infrastructure and work with other parties to support the advancing vision and plans for space science by the Kingdom. Please enable JavaScript to view the Edited by Maurice Nagle New Delhi, June 19 : Amid border tensions with China and a growing chorus for boycotting Chinese goods, top Indian executives of some of the most popular phone brands like Xiaomi and Realme have found themselves in hot water every time they tweet to promote their upcoming or existing products. Sensing the consumers' mood, social media teams at some Chinese smartphone brands have decided to adopt a more cautionary approach on promoting their products for the time being, internal sources told IANS. A tweet on Friday by Xiaomi India Managing Director Manu Kumar Jain that announced the next sale date for its newly-launched Mi Notebooks was trolled. While many users wrote "boycott Chinese goods" in the comment section, one user even advised Jain to keep quiet for some time in order to avoid drawing unwanted attention as the situation is not good. However, in less than a couple of hours of the tweet, the tweet garnered nearly more than 625 likes and 77 retweets. Jain has over 374,000 followers on Twitter. His tweet on June 17 which was related to the sale of Mi Notebooks garnered nearly 2,000 likes and 470 retweets. Realme India CEO Madhav Sheth who is also very active on social media, had to deal with a similar response on Thursday as several Twitter users called for boycotting Chinese goods when he tweeted about the upcoming launch of Realme X3 and Realme X3 SuperZoom smartphones in India on June 25. "You are a Chinese brand. And after the current issue with Chinese troops I am not gonna buy any smartphone from Chinese brands like Realme Redmi Oppo Vivo. I will instead opt for Samsung no matter if I have to compromise with some extra features," Twitter user Akshat Shukla (@akshat_shukla22) wrote in the comment section. Despite the anti-China sentiment, Sheth's tweet managed to garner over 1,700 likes and more than 100 retweets within a day. The Realme India CEO has over 223,000 followers on Twitter. There were reports of OPPO cancelling the livestream to launch its 5G phone in India too in the current seriousAsituation. The company though blamed a technical glitch as the reason for not livestreaming the event. The India smartphone market is dominated by Chinese players, but after 20 Indian soldiers were brutally killed by the China PLA late on Monday, it has put more pressure on these brands which are yet to recover fully from severe production loss due to shutdown of factories in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. "First and foremost, I would like to extend an apology on behalf of the District and the Board of School Directors to the student who was involved and to his family. They did not ask for this incident to occur, nor do they deserve the negative attention that it has brought." - school board President Tina Stoll PHILADELPHIA, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The University City Science Center announces the election of two new Board members, following the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 19th: Yi Deng, Ph.D., Dean and Isaac L. Auerbach Professor in the College of Computing and Informatics at Drexel University, and Bill Mezzanotte, M.D., M.P.H., Executive Vice President, Head of Research and Development and Chief Medical Officer at CSL Behring. "I am both honored and excited to join the Board. The Science Center has been a powerhouse to drive and support innovation, research, talent development and entrepreneurship in our city and beyond," said Dr. Deng. "I look forward to being a part of this exciting and important endeavor." At Drexel, Dr. Deng is leading the transformation of CCI into a pacesetter in reshaping computing and informatics education and research in today's information and technology-driven economy. Under his leadership, CCI has become the fastest growing college at the university, with 35% growth in enrollment in only three years. The college has also launched an array of new initiatives to transform its academic programs, with a focus on research, diversity, industry and international partnerships. Dr. Deng received his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Science & Technology from the University of Science and Technology of China. "The University City Science Center has a hunger for change, curiosity to push beyond the status quo and ability to initiate local partnerships that can turn great ideas into meaningful innovations," said Dr. Mezzanotte. "I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Science Center Board to continue to advance the impact the life sciences community within the Greater Philadelphia Region has on improving people's lives around the world." Dr. Mezzanotte is responsible for developing and executing CSL Behring's Research & Development strategy and portfolio, including the identification and development of all R&D platforms, skills and expertise necessary for achieving the company's patient-focused mission. Dr. Mezzanotte holds an undergraduate degree from Villanova University, obtained his M.D. at the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University. He is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, critical care medicine and sleep medicine. About the Science Center Located in the heart of uCity Square, the Science Center is a mission-driven nonprofit that commercializes promising technology, cultivates talent and convenes people to inspire action. For over 50 years, the Science Center has supported startups, research, and economic development across the emerging technology sectors. As a result, Science Center supported companies account for one out of every 100 jobs in the Greater Philadelphia region and drive $13 billion in economic activity in the region annually. By providing the right help at the right time, the Science Center is turning bright ideas into businesses and nurturing a workforce to support our 21st century economy. For more information, visit www.sciencecenter.org . About CSL Behring CSL Behring is a global biotherapeutics leader driven by its promise to save lives. Focused on serving patients' needs by using the latest technologies, we develop and deliver innovative therapies that are used to treat coagulation disorders, primary immune deficiencies, hereditary angioedema, inherited respiratory disease, and neurological disorders. The company's products are also used in cardiac surgery, burn treatment and to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn. CSL Behring operates one of the world's largest plasma collection networks, CSL Plasma. The parent company, CSL Limited (ASX: CSL; USOTC: CSLLY), headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, employs more than 26,000 people, and delivers its life-saving therapies to people in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.cslbehring.com and for inspiring stories about the promise of biotechnology, visit Vita www.cslbehring.com/Vita . About Drexel CCI The College of Computing and Informatics (CCI) at Drexel is one of the most comprehensive education and research programs in the nation in information and technology, and one of the preeminent providers of tech talents for the region. With 2200 students at Bachelor's, Master's and Ph.D. levels, it provides a wide range of academic programming and research from Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, AI and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity and Privacy, Human-Computer Interaction and Design, Health Informatics, Digital Content Management, to Library and Information Science. This broad perspective positions the College as a driving force for digital transformation, and a partner with many industries in the region and beyond. CCI is also a founding member of the iSchools Caucus of 29 prominent universities to advancing the information field in the 21st Century. SOURCE CSL Behring Related Links http://www.cslbehring.com The US on Friday criticised the Chinese Army for "escalating" the border tension with India and described the ruling Chinese Communist Party as a "rogue actor." Launching a scathing attack on the Chinese government, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the Chinese Communist Party wants to undo all the progress the free world has made through institutions like NATO and adopt a new set of rules and norms that accommodate Beijing. "The PLA (People's Liberation Army) has escalated border tensions with India, the world's most populous democracy. ... 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 It is not the first time that Norwegian salmon has been made collateral damage in China. In 2010, the Nobel committee, which is based in Norway, awarded the Peace Prize to pro-democracy dissident Liu Xiaobo, angering the Chinese authorities. Beijing responded in part by slapping import controls on Norwegian salmon that were so strict that much of the fresh fish reportedly ended up rotting in Chinese warehouses. It took six years for Norway and China to normalize relations, and salmon sales began to recover. Washington: Pakistan cannot take India's policy of strategic restraint for granted for too long and if Islamabad rejects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's offer of cooperation, it will become part of a case for making the country a "pariah nation", a US daily has claimed. "Modi is practicing restraint for now, but Islamabad can't rely on that continuing. Modi's offer of cooperation, if rejected, will become part of a case for making Pakistan even more of a pariah nation than it already is," The Wall Street Journal said in an opinion piece yesterday. "If the (Pakistani) military continues to send arms and fighters across the border, the Indian Prime Minister will have a strong justification to take action," it warned. The Wall Street Journal said India has always enjoyed the moral high ground on the terrorism issue, but past Congress and BJP governments lacked the courage to assert it forthrightly. That led to a policy of "strategic restraint", which meant that Pakistan would never be held accountable for its terrorist proxies, no matter how heinous their attacks, it noted. Praising Modi for deciding against taking any military action, the daily said even as he walked back threats of military action, he replaced them with a pledge to isolate Pakistan internationally if the military doesn't stop supporting terrorist groups. Modi is considering the cancellation of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, which protects Pakistan's rights to the Indus River's water. He could also withdraw most-favoured-nation trading status, granted in 1996, that Pakistan has never reciprocated, the daily said. In an op-ed published in Foreign Affairs, Sameer Lalwani, Deputy Director of the Stimson Center's South Asia program, said in the wake of the Uri attack, the understandable anger and frustration of Indian policymakers and strategies is building momentum for major military action. "But the arguments for such action are highly debatable, if not incorrect. A major militarised response might satisfy a desire for revenge, but it is not clear that it would serve the Indian government's political, credibility, prestige, or coercive interests," Lalwani said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. By Doina Chiacu and Richard Cowan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump came under attack from both sides of the American political spectrum on Thursday as liberal Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and former White House aide and conservative hawk John Bolton both declared him unfit to lead the country. By Doina Chiacu and Richard Cowan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump came under attack from both sides of the American political spectrum on Thursday as liberal Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and former White House aide and conservative hawk John Bolton both declared him unfit to lead the country. "President Trump is clearly ethically unfit and intellectually unprepared to be the president of the United States," Pelosi, the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, told a news briefing. In a new book, Bolton, the former national security adviser, has accused the Republican president of sweeping misdeeds, including explicitly seeking Chinese President Xi Jinpings aid to win re-election in November. "I don't think he's fit for office," Bolton told ABC News in part of an interview aired on Thursday. "There really isn't any guiding principle that I was able to discern other than what's good for Donald Trump's re-election." Pelosi told a weekly news conference she is consulting with her fellow Democrats on whether to subpoena Bolton about the allegations in the book, which has not yet been distributed. If Bolton testifies before Congress, it could revive the issue of Trump's competence at a time when he faces a stiff challenge on Nov. 3 from Joe Biden, the Democrats' presumptive presidential nominee, and as he fends off criticism over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and protests over racial injustice and police brutality. Bolton refused to testify in the House's impeachment probe last year and threatened to sue if subpoenaed. He offered to testify in the subsequent trial in the Senate, but the Republican-controlled chamber did not take him up on the offer. Republican senators on Thursday rejected criticism that they should have called Bolton to testify, and declined to talk about Bolton's allegations. House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, a staunch Trump ally, said Bolton was making "sensational" claims to sell books. Money drives a lot of people to say a lot of things, he said. Trump himself has rejected the memoir as a "compilation of lies" and called Bolton, who left the White House in September, a "sick puppy" who was trying to avenge his firing. The U.S. Justice Department on Tuesday sued to block Bolton from releasing the book on the grounds that the latest draft still contained classified information. The department's submissions include an affidavit from General Paul Nakasone, director of the National Security Agency, which conducts electronic eavesdropping, that it contained secrets that could compromise a valuable NSA eavesdropping source. 'FURTHER PROOF' Adam Schiff, the House Intelligence Committee chairman who led the impeachment inquiry, sharply criticized Bolton as unpatriotic for withholding information from the probe. The new allegations are "further proof" that Trump's actions in Ukraine are part of a pattern of abusing his power and the U.S. government for personal political gain, Schiff said in a statement. The allegations include far more extensive accusations of impropriety than those that drove Trump's impeachment, however. In his book, "The Room Where It Happened," Bolton said Trump expressed a willingness to halt criminal investigations to favor dictators he liked. He also wrote that Trump said invading Venezuela would be "cool" even as the U.S. government has said it does not favor using force to topple socialist President Nicolas Maduro. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the revelations explain the presidents stance on China, including his initial praise for Beijing's response to the coronavirus outbreak and silence on alleged human rights abuses. President Trump cannot be trusted to deal with China policy any longer, Schumer said on the Senate floor. According to Bolton, Trump told China's Xi in June 2019 to go ahead and build camps for its mostly Muslim Uighur minority and other Muslim groups despite his administration's criticism of China's mass detention. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro disputed Boltons allegation that Trump also asked his Chinese counterpart for help in the 2020 election by making agricultural purchases from U.S. farmers. "I didnt hear that at all, Navarro told reporters at the White House on Thursday. "Boltons depiction of that event is not how I would describe it. Thats an alternate universe." (Reporting by Doina Chiacu, Richard Cowan, Susan Heavey, David Morgan and Mark Hosenball in Washington; Writing by Sonya Hepinstall; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Jonathan Oatis) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. It wasn't Deon Jones fractured cheekbone or even his concussion that most worried Dr. Amir Moarefi. He was most concerned that Jones could go blind. "He sustained a rubber bullet direct injury to the cheek, which broke his zygomatic bone, which is your cheekbone, literally about an inch and a half from his eye and about another inch and a half from his temple," Moarefi said. The death of George Floyd led to a national wave of protests against police brutality and racism. Law enforcements attempts to control impassioned, mostly peaceful crowds has included tactics often deemed "less than lethal," such as tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets. But depending on where a person is hit, Moarefi said, those tactics can cause serious long-term injuries. And, they can kill people. Jones was hit with a rubber bullet during a protest at Pan Pacific Park in Los Angeles on May 30. He managed to get to the emergency room at Cedars-Sinai with the help of a health care worker who was also protesting. The X-rays confirmed he had facial fractures and doctors recommended he follow up with an ophthalmologist to make sure his optic nerve hadn't been damaged by the impact. "I had bruising under my eye and it was puffy as well, and I don't currently have health insurance," Jones said. He wasn't sure how he'd get the care he needed from a specialist until a friend told him about a local doctor who offered to treat injured protesters, especially those without health insurance. "I called him, then went in and I filled out some paperwork," Jones said. "I remember the girl saying, 'Your visit today will be free,' and I thought about how many people need to hear that." In a June 4 statement, the American Academy of Ophthalmology called on domestic law enforcement officials " to immediately end the use of rubber bullets to control or disperse crowds of protesters." Instagram medicine Jones is one of hundreds of people who have contacted Moarefi for medical help since the Long Beach, California, ophthalmologist posted his offer on Instagram. "I started to get the messages coming in and first it started off with a lot of virtual consults, a lot of messages, pictures, FaceTime chats," Moarefi said. The requests for help quickly snowballed. His Instagram post was shared among protest groups all over the country. "Ive seen broken ankles, broken hands, broken fingers, welts all over the body. Ive seen people who have sustained really bad tear gas injuries, where their entire face broke out into these nasty hives, including their eyes. Pepper spray, Ive seen really bad cases. You could just see visible swelling of their eyeball," Moarefi said. In between regularly scheduled surgeries, Moarefi checks his phone for new requests. To treat protesters in other states, he has formed a loose network of doctors he knows from medical school and conferences. Mostly he gives people medical advice via text. Even though clashes with the police have largely died down, some protesters have festering wounds from days-old injuries. "You get that adrenalin where you feel like youre OK. But then later when you go home, you may be doing more harm than good [by not having an injury evaluated immediately]," Moarefi said. Health care as a form of protest Treating protesters is the ophthalmologists mode of protest against racial injustice and a health care system that he said doesnt treat people of color equitably. "The feeling of injustice is what this is all about. And this is just more little bits of injustice that people are feeling if theyre peacefully protesting, and theyre getting hurt," Moarefi said. The large number of reported injuries during the protests, including among KPCC/LAist reporters, has led to demands for law enforcement to stop using less-than-lethal weapons at mass gatherings. A coalition of community activists and civil rights lawyers called on the L.A. Police Commission to ban their use against protesters. A spokesperson for LAPD declined to comment on the demands. In a statement, the LAPD said the department is looking into allegations of misconduct and use of excessive force against protesters. The department said it has assigned 40 investigators to the task, and reported a total of 56 complaint investigations, 28 of which involve alleged uses of force. If the demonstrations continue, Moarefi and a group of 11 doctors, nurses and EMTs plan to take medical kits and treat people right on the street. "When I put my head down and I got my pillow at night, I want to know that Ive done everything that I can to help support a cause that I believe in," he said. This story is part of a partnership that includes KPCC, NPR and Kaiser Health News. Cinemark, one of the nations largest cinema operators, will start reopening its doors Friday, adding a host of new measures that it hopes will counter any risk of a COVID-19 outbreak and reassure patrons. The Plano-based exhibitor said in a statement that it would stagger the reopening of its theaters across the country in four phases, starting with three locations in Dallas, and the remaining phases to take place between July 3 and July 17. Cinemarks website says the Beaumont location is expected to reopen on July 10. Beaumonts other movie movie theater, Hollywood, is part of the Regal chain, which plans to start opening nationwide beginning July 10. Regals website didnt specify a date for Beaumont. As Hollywood studios have delayed the release of their biggest films, the chain said it will be showing older movies such as Goonies and Jurassic Park for $5 with discounts on popcorn and soda. The reopening is another part of Hollywoods return to business, as film and television production got the green light to resume in California this month. The forced closure of theaters across the globe caused tens of thousands of employees to lose their jobs, 17,500 from Cinemark alone. Cinemark will be inviting some of those workers back as the first major cinema chain to reopen its theaters in the wake of the coronavirus health crisis, which hit the exhibition world hard. We are very, very encouraged and excited about it, Zoradi said. The company has spent the last two months with several working groups to develop the reopening strategy, allocating millions for market research, safety protocols and training aimed at bringing people back to theaters. Literally from every touch-point when you walk into this theater, its going to be a clean and healthy environment and we know through consumer research how important that is in encouraging people to come back, Zoradi said. Cinemark employees will undergo training to deal with the new health risks and will wear masks and gloves while working, in addition to completing a wellness check before each shift. To ensure social distancing, theater capacity will be capped so the seats next to each booking group are kept free. Customers will have to wear masks where states or counties mandate it, otherwise where there are no such rules, the chain said guests are strongly encouraged to wear face masks. Auditoriums will be disinfected daily and highly trafficked areas such as drink stands will be sanitized every 30 minutes, and there will be safety monitors to enforce the new rules. Other measures include increasing the fresh air intake to improve air quality, limiting the use of cash and relying on digital ticketing. While theatergoers will have to wait until July for summers big new releases, such as Unhinged featuring Russell Crowe on July 10, Cinemark is hoping to tempt film fans into reruns of Christopher Nolans drama Inception with new footage from his eagerly awaited action feature Tenet. The Health Ministry has identified a new Covid-19 cluster in Sarawak, after six cases were linked to a student in Kidurong, Bintulu. Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the index case is a student of a public university, who tested positive for the virus on June 12. Our subsequent active detection activity found that the students family members - mother, father and two siblings are also positive. A friend of the index cases father also tested positive, making this the countrys latest cluster, he said at the ministrys Covid-19 press conference here on Friday (June 19). Dr Noor Hisham said a total of 231 close contacts have been identified. A total of 163 of them have been screened and have all tested negative. The source of the infection is still under investigation, said Dr Noor Hisham. The index case, who studies in Mukah, had returned to her home in Bintulu in March. She had spent her Hari Raya back at home in Bintulu and had received visits from her relatives. She was found to be positive following a test conducted on returning university students, which is a state requirement. 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 Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Network launches new website to provide resources to PA residents in need during COVID-19 pandemic Harrisburg, PA, June 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The impact of the coronavirus has led to record-breaking unemployment, economic disruption, and food insecurity for more than 1.9 million Pennsylvanians since late May 2020. The Department of Human Services estimates that 1.8 million PA residents currently participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Over 695,000 of those participants are children. Helping families obtain resources during a time in which these children were not receiving school lunches became a real concern. Harrisburg-based Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Network (PA NEN) launched a new website, www.BeHealthyPA.org , as a part of a statewide initiative to provide additional resources and nutrition education to the low-income residents of Pennsylvania. As a Pennsylvania SNAP-Ed partner, PA NEN understands the importance of providing SNAP households with nutrition assistance resources. Once COVID-19 became a reality, the team gathered information from across the state with assistance from other Pennsylvania SNAP-Ed partners and shared them on their website. Currently, Pennsylvania has approximately 19 partners that cover over half of Pennsylvanias counties. Serina Gaston, M.Ed., CHES, Executive Director, has been instrumental in leading the organization in a new direction that not only provides resources so that families in Pennsylvania do not go to bed hungry, but are given the opportunity to learn more about making healthy choices. Gaston states, From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic we wanted to provide low-income families with information on food access and distribution. As schools were closing, we knew there would be Pennsylvania youth unable to access school lunches and unaware of where to go to obtain food and we wanted our website to be a resource and assist in those efforts. Story continues Launching the Be Healthy PA campaign in 2020 supports the mission of the organization to provide education for residents to empower them to easily make healthy lifestyle choices. The campaigns simple but catchy tag line is Healthy Food! Healthy Moves! Healthy You! The website offers a recipe database with a robust search engine capability allowing users to search Whats in the fridge? for easy, healthy recipes. During COVID-19, food availability and access have greatly impacted many families, so this feature allows individuals to be creative with foods they have on-hand or from a food pantry to dish up quick recipes that everyone in their family can enjoy. The site offers a Resource Map connecting participants to Food Banks and Food Pantries in their community. The website is an integral piece of the Be Healthy PA campaign that participants will begin seeing Summer of 2020 that includes digital and social media advertisements throughout the state encouraging residents that with PA NENs support, making the healthy choice can be the easy choice. The Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Network promotes communication among individuals and organizations engaged in improving nutrition in our communities. They work to ensure that effective, evidence-based, appropriate nutrition resources primarily for low-income populations are available across the state. Karima Rose, ED.M. is passionate about providing education to residents to help them make good healthy choices. Ms. Rose states, "In a world where systems and resources aren't equitably provided, I applaud PA NEN for its forward-thinking of launching a website that provides a central place for individuals to locate available nutrition resources for their families. To learn more about the Be Healthy PA program powered by PA NEN contact visit the website at www.behealthypa.org. Visit Be Healthy PA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/behealthypa. PA NEN can be reached at (717) 233-1791. This material was funded by USDAs Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the PA Department of Human Services (DHS). This institution is an equal opportunity provider. View the full nondiscrimination statement here. To schedule media interviews or questions please contact Marcia Perry Dix of Perry Media Group at 717-220-1060 or marcia@pmg.media. Attachments Marcia Perry Perry Media Group 717-220-1060 Marcia@pmg.media Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 19) The Department of Health said Friday it has sent a team of epidemiologists to Cebu City to investigate the recent spike in the number of COVID-19 cases there. We sent our epidemiologists there. Lets wait for their analysis and we will give the information to everybody, Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire told a media forum. Vergeire said the group, which left for Cebu City early this week, is validating assumptions that returning residents who were stranded in different parts of the country, returning overseas workers, outbreaks in jails and expanded testing led to the uptick in infections. READ: Visayan lawmakers seek review of 'Hatid Probinsya' program amid spike in COVID-19 case The official noted the rise in cases could be attributed to a lot of factors, including clusters of cases. In Cebu City, the new cases came from the community and the numbers have led to new clusters in the barangays, she said. The city, now considered a COVID-19 hotspot, has so far recorded 3,216 COVID-19 cases, according to the DOH tracker. Central Visayas, where Cebu City is located, posted the most number of new cases at 299 on Thursday. This is the highest number of fresh cases registered in a single day by the region. Data from the department showed that new virus clusters were identified between June 5 and 18 in Barangay Lahug, Pardo, Sambag II, Labangon, Bulacao, Basak San Nicolas, Sambag I, Tinago and Carreta. Vergeire said they continue to monitor different virus clusters in the country. DOH has identified at least 223 clusters nationwide. The government has placed Cebu City back to a stricter enhanced community quarantine until June 30 to slow down the COVID-19 transmission. Over 100 police officers from Western Visayas and Eastern Visayas will be deployed to Cebu City to enforce the quarantine protocols, Regional Director Albert Ignatius Ferro told reporters on Friday. The Cebu City government has previously said that strict ECQ implementation will begin on June 20. Stringer Dale Israel contributed to this report In October 2019, Atatiana Jefferson was killed while she played videogames next to her young nephew. The twenty-eight-year-old black woman was the sixth person killed by Fort Worth police that year. Jefferson has been cited by numerous left-wing outlets as an example for why they have mobilized mass protests across the United States. What would you say if I told you that a conservative in Atatiana Jefferson's city was working very hard to showcase the values that black history brought to our nation and lost his job in part because white people found the message too uncomfortable? You'd think that would be a story, right? It is a story. But it's a story that none of the people trumpeting Black Lives Matter wanted to reach the public. This should unsettle people on all sides of the political spectrum. In October 2019, I worked in the same city in which Ms. Jefferson died. My employer was Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I taught "humanities." Holding degrees in Political Science (Yale), English (SUNY), and Classics (SUNY), I had a unique chance there to teach a classical curriculum and also bring more multicultural content into it. My first academic book was Colorful Conservative: American Conversations with the Ancients from Wheatley to Whitman. In it I examined the classical influences on three white writers (Poe, Thoreau, Whitman) and two black writers (Wheatley, Wells Brown). Between 1998 and 2008, when I was affiliated with the left and wrote for venues like CounterPunch, I advocated for classical education to people who liked multiculturalism but thought of the classics as "dead white guys." I came to Fort Worth in 2016. Paige Patterson, then president at Southwestern, encouraged me as I brought multicultural content through multiple avenues: I used the required Literary Interpretation course as well as creative writing electives to integrate more authors of color, organized missions to El Salvador and multiracial communities in London, organized symposia on racial reconciliation with black authors, and founded a multicultural Christian theater group that worked on plays about black and Mexican-American history. I drafted a multiculturally minded Media Arts & Culture major. All these efforts were moving forward in October 2019, when the Jefferson shooting happened a few miles from our campus. The dramatists rehearsed for the debut of our play, Lady and the Girl, about the friendship between Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley. People had told me I was crazy to put on a play set in the Civil War about the friendship between a white and a black woman, especially because we included a scene bringing to life Keckley's own account of assault by a white man. They said the lefties would show the play no respect because Christians had produced it. They also said nobody could spotlight that racial history and remain employed at a Southern Baptist seminary. I knew the risks involved in putting on Lady and the Girl. I knew that it meant I would likely get fired. I did get fired, with the racial work standing as one issue and my conservative critiques of the gay community standing as another. I predicted that the racial element in my firing would get lost in the discussion of LGBT issues and in the general back-and-forth about right and left. I figured that liberals would sidestep the problem of racial representation to rejoice in the LGBT movement's revenge; sure enough, the title of the biggest article about my firing was titled "Antigay and Unemployed." Inside Higher Ed which published "Antigay and Unemployed," passed on an article I submitted to it about the role of my pro-diversity work in the firing. Chronicle of Higher Education also passed on the story. The fact that I had suffered retaliation for trying to showcase black history and perseverance in an overwhelmingly white Texas college, in the same city where Atatiana Jefferson had been shot and killed, did not matter. The affair would matter only if it advanced agenda items that really do matter to them: teacher unions, winning elections for the Democrats, homosexuality, transgenderism, feminism, and abortion. I can't even say they care about sex abuse because the part of my firing that liberal education journals did care about the backlash against me for being "antigay" was impossible to separate from the fact that my "antigay" comments served to challenge the gay community about its cover-up of sex abuse. Nor is it clear that they worry about same sexattracted youths being rejected and turning suicidal; as The College Fix reported, I had tried to protect a student accused of being gay from being expelled. The message was loud and clear: black lives mattered but not enough to look past a professor's conservative views on LGBT. They would much rather erase pro-black cultural work than allow dissent from pro-gay culture. I anticipated that conservatives would pressure me to drop references to racial discrimination. That came true as well. I received a call days before the premiere from a friend in the conservative movement. A white Christian radio host was calling around and telling conservative media not to cover my case. Why? "She says you're playing the race card and can't be trusted," my friend said. Black lives mattered. I believed that Elizabeth Keckley's story mattered. Her complex rise and fall, her unique lens into Civil War history, and her suffering at the hands of complex forces beyond her control all that mattered. She deserved a play about her. She deserved to be the focus of Christians' attention for one night, if only for some hours, to reflect on what her story says about America and God's mercy. I had grown up hearing stories about one of my female ancestors in Puerto Rico who was raped by a white man when slavery was still legal. Part of it was personal. But mostly it was because I believed in the sacred mission of my educational profession. I didn't wear a button saying "Black Lives Matter." I didn't carry a sign at a protest. But I did the work I did. On December 4, 2019, two days before the play premiered, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary published a statement claiming that I was fired because of changes to the curriculum and because I did not follow administrative policies. I had never been told about any student complaints, but the statement claimed there had been consistent student complaints. The March 2020 drama mission, when we planned to run Lady and the Girl in London, was canceled. The December 4 statement from the seminary was false in one clear sense. The declaration claimed that nobody on campus had ever told me not to write about homosexuality. I had audio recordings of meetings where a dean told me precisely that I could not write about that issue. The public statement no doubt came from the seminary's need to stave off accusations that it was going liberal on homosexuality the concern that seemed primary at that point. I see a clear sign of the Lord's mercy in this painful journey. Between the race issue and the LGBT issue, I come out vindicated either way, while the seminary has to concede that it was either racist or siding with LGBT against the Bible. Six months later, racial injustice sits on the forefront rather than the question of homosexuality in the church. If the seminary did fire me over the curriculum, then it appears that its people retaliated against me for broadening the curriculum to include more diverse history and literature. If they didn't, then they fired me for standing up for the biblical view of sexuality and for defending sex abuse victims. The change in "curriculum" consisted of getting rid of the one faculty member who was doing all the multicultural work in the college. My pay ceased immediately, three weeks before Christmas. My family's health insurance ran until December 31, 2019. When COVID struck, I was still without health insurance. One student from the drama club sent me an email stating, "My connection with you will have to end[.] ... I don't agree with the way the seminary treated you, but I don't want to be apart [sic] of the drama. I don't want that following me around for the rest of my career." She unfriended me on Facebook. With my firing, all the multicultural efforts I had made were erased, never to be replaced. More non-white people were sacked the following spring; by then, the undergraduate faculty was all white except for one Korean-American New Testament scholar. The all-important school of theology had two Latino full professors prior to 2019, Steven Ortiz and Gerard Alfaro, but both of these are gone, and the school is all white except for a Chinese woman and a Korean man, both assistant professors. Prior to 2019, the school of music had a black dean, Leo Day, one of the highest ranking black Americans in the Southern Baptist Convention; today, that department is also all white except for one Korean. Liberals took no interest in Adam Greenway's firings of non-white people at Southwestern. Conservatives supported me but generally avoided the racial side of what happened. The seminary is now a white island surrounded by black and Latino neighborhoods. Why are American cities burning? Ask yourself. Part of it has to do with police brutality. Conservatives no longer need to side with the police on everything when we consider how many police departments went along with the unconstitutional coronavirus lockdowns. But it's bigger than the cops. A lot of it has to do with how society treats those who say black lives matter in positive and redemptive ways. People who have been trying to make a difference are systematically shut out, setting the stage for a nihilistic drama between outbursts and backlash. A society that has no room for the positive message must reckon with the suffering caused by the negative reaction. Robert Lopez can be followed at www.bobbylopez.me. The famous bus from "Into the Wild" is no longer in the wild. Alaskan authorities had the bus airlifted by an Alaska Army National Guard helicopter on Thursday from its longtime location on the bank of the Teklanika River near the Denali National Park and Preserve. We encourage people to enjoy Alaskas wild areas safely, and we understand the hold this bus has had on the popular imagination, Alaska Natural Resources Commissioner Corri Feige said in a news release. However, this is an abandoned and deteriorating vehicle that was requiring dangerous and costly rescue efforts. More importantly, it was costing some visitors their lives." The bus was flown to a secure location and will be held there while authorities consider options for a permanent home, according to the release. The 1940s-era Fairbanks city bus was dubbed the "Magic Bus" by Chris McCandless, the central character of Jon Krakauer's 1996 book "Into the Wild" and the 2007 movie of the same name starring Emile Hirsch. The book and film detail McCandless' journey around the West, which ended with the 24-year-old wanderer dying alone of starvation in the bus in 1992 after living for 114 days in the Alaskan backcountry. Locals have long called for removal of the bus, which has drawn travelers from around the world seeking to re-create McCandless' journey. Multiple people have died from the harsh weather or from trying to cross dangerous rivers nearby, including two drownings since 2010, according to Feige. The bus is located 25 miles from the nearest highway and was originally used by a construction company to house employees who were building an access road. It had been abandoned since 1961 before McCandless came upon it. "After studying the issue closely, prioritizing public safety and considering a variety of alternatives, we decided it was best to remove the bus from its location on the Stampede Trail, Feige said. "Were fortunate the Alaska Army National Guard could do the job as a training mission to practice airlifting vehicles, at no cost to the public or additional cost to the State." A North Korean guard post in Gaepung, North Hwanghae Province, is seen from the Odusan Unification Tower in the border city of Paju, Gyeonggi Province, Friday. The South Korean military said there have been no specific signs suggesting the North is following through on its threat to beef up its military presence along the border. Yonhap Kim Yo-jong silent on President Moon's warning By Jung Da-min North Korea seems to be strengthening its internal integrity by stepping up public criticism of South Korea, the U.S., Japan and a number of European nations, as well as issuing internal publications to praise the political achievements of North Korea's former leader Kim Jong-il. But it has refrained from issuing official statements from high-profile officials, like the ones issued by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister Kim Yo-jong since early this month, which contained raw comments regarding South Korean authorities and President Moon Jae-in. The demolition of the joint liaison office in Gaeseong has fueled speculation that Pyongyang could prepare another round of hostile acts depending on Seoul's handling of the situation. Minju Choson, a propaganda newspaper, carried articles, Friday, to say North Korea would repay what the South has done, denouncing South Korean authorities' statements that held the North responsible for escalating inter-Korean tension. It said Seoul's attitude is responsible for the fury of the people in the North. "We cut the communication channels between North and South Korea as we did not have to talk with the country anymore due to the South's breach of faith. We also exploded the joint liaison office as it had lost its reason for existence due to the South's maneuver that brought inter-Korean conflict," it reported. B lack Lives Matter protesters are set to descend on cities across the UK for the fourth weekend running since the death of George Floyd in the US. Police are expecting crowds in London as well as cities including Glasgow and Birmingham this weekend. But police forces have urged demonstrators to socially distance and warned protesters against violence. The Met Police's Scotland Yards Commander Alex Murray said more than 100 officers have been assaulted since the end of May.. Black Lives Matter protests in London continue - In pictures 1 /12 Black Lives Matter protests in London continue - In pictures Black Lives Matter protesters descend on Londons streets Getty Images Protesters practice social distancing Getty Images Police detain a protester Getty Images Protesters practice social distancing Getty Images Protesters take part in a 'Black Lives Matter' demonstration near Marble Arch on June 01 Getty Images The death of an African-American man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis has sparked violent protests across the world Getty Images Protesters wearing masks at Marble Arch amid the coronavirus pandemic Getty Images Police detain a protester Getty Images Police detain a protester Getty Images Far-right demonstrators clashed with police and Black Lives Matter protesters on Saturday as they took over areas near the Palace of Westminster and Trafalgar Square. There had been violent scenes in the capital the previous weekend during an anti-racism protest, although the demonstration was largely peaceful. People have also been urged to stay away from George Square in Glasgow ahead of an anti-racism rally due to take place. Police lead an injured man away after clashes between protesters / Getty Images Meanwhile, Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf, the citys local authority and Police Scotland called on the public not to gather at the location as Say No To Racism plans to stage a socially-distanced demonstration there on Saturday morning. Clashes have broken out over recent weeks at the square, including violent scenes from a far-right group on Wednesday. Chief Superintendent Hazel Hendren, divisional commander of Greater Glasgow, said: Please do not come to George Square tomorrow. Police are expecting large crowds in London as well as cities like Glasgow and Birmingham this weekend / PA The lockdown restrictions remain in place and people should leave their homes only for very limited purposes." She added: The disgraceful scenes we have witnessed in George Square are completely unacceptable and a robust policing response is in place for anyone intent on causing violent disruption. On Friday, hundreds of protesters staged a four-hour Black Lives Matter rally and march through Birmingham city centre, pausing for silences on some of the citys main thoroughfares. Three police officers were pictured taking a knee with a demonstrator during the Peaceful Protest for Black Lives event, which began in Birminghams Victoria Square. A silence in tribute to George Floyd was held in the square during Fridays event, while another silence was observed as around 500 marchers paused on tramlines in Corporation Street. Police are expecting large crowds in London as well as cities like Glasgow and Birmingham this weekend / PA The 46-year-old African American died when a police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes during an arrest in Minneapolis on May 25. His death has sparked protests around the world calling for racial justice. Ahead of the London protests, Mr Murray said: I really hope were not going to see what we saw last weekend or the weekend before. We dont have any information theres anyone from the right wing attending but we have got information that large crowds of people will be attending. Police are urging people not to protest during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, while lockdown regulations still prohibit gatherings of more than six people in England. TODO: define component type apester Theres a health crisis going on. We want people to be safe, we dont want people to come to London and get infected. So wed encourage people to stay at home, said Commander Murray. If you feel compelled to protest, please use your influence and encourage other protesters not to be violent and to remain safe and socially distanced. We understand people want their voice heard and nobody really wants violence and its only a small minority who spoil it for each other and hurt the police. Take the Knee UK protests - In Pictures 1 /25 Take the Knee UK protests - In Pictures A young child prepares for the Take The Knee demonstration in Windrush Square, Brixton AFP via Getty Images People kneel as part of the Take The Knee event at the University of Manchester Students Union REUTERS People hold signs as part of a Take The Knee event in York REUTERS Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Sead Kolasinac of Arsenal take a knee in support of Black Lives Matter before the friendly match against Brentford at the Emirates Stadium Arsenal FC via Getty Images Participants wore masks in respect of health measures, as well as to share key messages REUTERS Protesters in Windrush Square, Brixton AFP via Getty Images Protesters in Windrush Square, Brixton AFP via Getty Images Protesters in York REUTERS Protesters in York REUTERS Protesters in York REUTERS Protesters in Prestwich, Manchestser REUTERS Protesters in London REUTERS Protesters in York REUTERS A person kneels as part of a Take The Knee event at a George Floyd mural in Mancheste REUTERS A sign is seen ahead of the Take The Knee event in Prestwich REUTERS People kneel as part of a Take The Knee event in York REUTERS Protesters in Prestwich, Manchestser REUTERS A protester in York carries a Black Lives Matter sign REUTERS Protesters brave the rain in Hull Getty Images Conditions, including a 5pm curfew, were put in place ahead of last weekends protests, with fears of clashes between rival groups of protesters. Monuments were boarded up, including the statue of Sir Winston Churchill, which had previously been daubed with graffiti accusing the former PM of being a racist. The protective covers have since been taken down, but police have no plans to position large numbers of officers around them to keep them safe. We wont have pre-prepared cordons around statues, but we will act on intelligence and information and if we hear something like that is planned then we would act as the public would expect us to, said Commander Murray. The police have never asked for those statues to be protected. Thats a matter for the local authority. Our focus is on reducing violence and protecting the public, protecting citizens. But we will also investigate if criminal damage takes place. So we will prevent violence and well also try to prevent criminal damage. The Metropolitan Police have arrested almost 230 protesters and released 35 images of people wanted over violent clashes during the recent protests. Commander Murray warned: People who are intent on violence, you will be arrested and we will seek justice as the public would expect us to. Andrew Banks, 28, from Essex, was jailed for two weeks on Monday after admitting urinating next to a memorial to Pc Keith Palmer, who was stabbed to death in the 2017 Westminster terror attack. Daniel John Allan, 35, and James Meikle, 38, were remanded in custody at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday after admitting attacks on police officers. Hopes were high that this week's hearings of the Bushfire Royal Commission might shed light on what succeeded and failed during last season's "Black Summer". Rob Rogers, the new chief of the NSW Rural Fire Service, was warmly welcomed as a witness, with the prospect that the public would get its first look at the submission from the state's peak fire agency. Inquiries looking in last season's bushfires are aimed at improving procedures rather than identifying blame, one senior official said. Credit:Nick Moir So far, though, there has been a lack of scrutiny about what worked well, leading to the low death toll tragic as it was of 25 people given flames that destroyed more than 2400 houses in NSW. Also skirted, so far, have been pressing questions about known missteps, such as backburns that got away. One near Balmoral to Sydney's south and another near Bilpin in the Blue Mountains resulted in the loss of many homes. YEREVAN. - Since the Constitutional Court of Armenia has received the opinions of the European Court of Human Rights and of the Venice Commission, this means that the proceedings will be resumed at the Constitutional Court. Aram Vardevanyan, an attorney of Armenias second President Robert Kocharyan, stated this in a press conference Friday. Hovhannes Khudoyan, another one of Kocharyans lawyers, noted as follows, in particular: "We are talking about the definition of the Article [300.1 of the Criminal Code] where it notes: The actual termination of such-and-such norms of the Constitution." Asked whether if the Constitutional Court makes a decision in favor of Kocharyan, will it have a consultative nature for the court, Khudoyan answered. "If the Constitutional Court recognizes Article 300.1 as running counter to the Constitution, the criminal case is immediately subject to termination. The Venice Commission has set out principles whose application by the Constitutional Court could lead to declaring the article unconstitutional. And Aram Vardevanyan said: "The Venice Commission has stated that 'violation of the Constitution' cannot in itself be considered an overthrow of the constitutional order. The Constitutional Court decision in connection with the Criminal Code have a different procedure pursuant to the very law on the Constitutional Court. In that case, it happens automatically." Most people know what a restaurant reopening will look like: dining rooms and patios at half capacity, servers wearing masks and gloves, bottles of hand sanitizer everywhere and maybe even a few creepy mannequins at the tables to encourage social distancing. What the restaurant experience will be like when guests start to trickle back after the COVID-19 lockdown is often described as the new normal. Missing from the chatter, though, is whether that new normal includes a more inclusive and sustainable industry. Restaurants had problems long before COVID-19: notoriously slim profit margins, low wages, abuse and unsafe environments for racialized employees. With Toronto restaurants gearing up to reopen, there is a chance to create a new normal that works for everyone. We cannot carry on about the recovery unless we talk about the elephant in the room: systemic racism, says chef Bashir Munye, who also teaches at George Brown Colleges culinary school. Munye is currently working on his masters of environmental studies at York University, focusing on the idea of decolonizing culinary education. As a Black person who has endured racism since childhood, its important that we address this or else its very difficult to move forward. Much of the way food is judged and presented in the West is through a colonial, Eurocentric gaze, he says. Culinary students learn about French cooking terms and the kitchen hierarchy set by French chef Georges Auguste Escoffier between the late 1800s and early 1900s, with roles such as chef de cuisine, sous chef and chef de partie becoming the standard in many professional kitchens. Fine dining is equated with French and Italian food while other cuisines Chinese or Ghanaian, for example are considered cheap eats even if they are just as labour-intensive and rich with history. We have to understand the power dynamics, Munye says. If Im a person of colour making goat meat but I dont have money to open a big place, I have to frame my cooking as cheap food. But someone who is white then uses goat and says theyre showcasing my food as an homage, but theyre the ones making money. Another part of the re-education, he says, is for restaurant owners and staff to understand intersectionality, the concept of how a persons race, gender, class and ability can overlap to create a unique experience of systemic oppression. Training should be mandatory, like how a restaurant needs a food handlers certificate or first-aid training, Munye says. There should be something about food and racial literacy. It wont stop it completely, but I think people will act better when theres an awareness. Just like how having a food handlers certificate wont stop you from serving raw chicken, but you know why you shouldnt do it. Filmmaker and former restaurant manager Arianne Persaud recently created the #ChangeHospitality hashtag on social media to call out racism in the restaurant industry, and is launching a newsletter on the issues of privilege and oppression in the field. It is a response to the #SaveHospitality campaign through which restaurant owners have been asking the provincial and federal governments for a bailout. Persauds criticism of the Save Hospitality campaign is that there hasnt been much discussion on how the industry leaders will help Black, racialized and transgender employees who have continuously faced discrimination in dining rooms and kitchens. As a Black woman who spent 16 years working in restaurants, Persaud says she wants restaurant owners to do more than post a black square on Instagram to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Its to keep accountability for the owners who posted black squares. You cant enter the ring without any self-reflection, says Persaud, who also started the Toronto Restaurant Workers Relief Fund to provide groceries to unemployed, food-insecure restaurant workers during the pandemic. Its the lack of accountability that has made the industry ripe for abuse, says Michael McGaraughty, a server at House of Parliament in Cabbagetown. McGaraughty has worked in restaurants for 44 years, starting as a dishwasher at 14. The racist, homophobic, sexist commentary Ive heard at the places Ive worked at is jaw-dropping, he says. In restaurants, if you say you dont like something, your shifts will be cut back and theres no one to advocate on your behalf. The owners and managers have the power to make things uncomfortable. McGaraughty says workers often feel its too costly and time-consuming to pursue legal action against employers, which enables bad behaviour to go unchecked in an industry with a high turnover rate. He says he would like to see a type of ombudsperson, whether from the municipal or provincial government, who could check in with employees. Torontos DineSafe program is a way for the public to know whether food safety procedures are being followed, and McGaraughty would like a similar program for the public to know how a restaurants employees are treated. We lived with our heads in the sand for decades and this is an amazing chance for us to start getting things right, he says. As a queer activist, Ive been through these moments of protest and have seen profound change. The traditional restaurant model is built on the exploitation of cheap labour. The idea of tipping was popularized in America after the Civil War as a way for restaurant owners to save money and pay newly freed slaves solely in tips, according to Saru Jayaramans 2016 book Forked: A New Standard for American Dining, which looks into the treatment of restaurant workers. In the past decade, a few restaurants in North America experimented with abolishing tips. In Toronto, Indian Street Food Co. and the now-closed Sidecar bar gave it a try five years ago. The intention was to give staff a reliable hourly wage and to eliminate the pay disparity between cooks and servers. But without it being implemented on a grand scale, the no-tipping policy never took off. Servers who were used to making tips quit. Diners were put off by the higher menu prices required to increase staffs hourly wage and benefits. But some restaurants are giving the no-tip policy another try during the pandemic. David Neinstein of Barque Smokehouse in Roncesvalles has been selling $12 quarter-pound cheeseburgers made with house-ground beef. The price includes tax and a built-in 10 per cent tip. He acknowledges its a lot more than what people are used to paying, but says its working so far. He sold a few hundred burgers last week alone. The restaurant model is broken. If we dont change, we shouldnt be operating, he says. Its going to be an experiment of how much people are willing to pay for food in order for us to keep the lights on and pay our staff. Its the new normal or bust. Still, he says changes have to be made on a greater scale to enable restaurants to operate on wider margins and pay workers fairly. Can the government subsidize food sales with Canadian farmers so that it will help with our food costs? Maybe farm subsidies will help us. Will rent control help? Can the government have control over the tipping issue? Food Network Canada personality and chef Roger Mooking says rent in the city is astronomical and that he wouldnt open a brick-and-mortar space in Toronto unless he owned the building. Mooking is the executive chef of Twist by Roger Mooking at Pearson International Airport. He sees the necessity of multiple revenue streams to boost profits, whether its increasing takeout business, doing cooking tutorials, selling pantry staples or catering. At the end of the day, its a business with revenue, expenses and a loss or profit, he says. Expanding the revenue is the first thing, because if profitability is zero and you increase payroll, then the business closes. The old restaurant model hasnt worked for everyone, which is why some choose other paths. Chef La-toya Fagon started Twist Catering (no relation to Mookings restaurant) in 2007, cooking her style of Caribbean cuisine. During the pandemic shes also offering takeout. Fagon has worked as a personal chef for the Toronto Raptors, appeared on cooking segments on daytime television and catered major events such as the Toronto International Film Festival. She says the profit margins are better in catering and she feels more fulfilled by being able to focus on a single client at a time. Its why I built my own empire. There was no room for growth (elsewhere), she says. I worked for a large company for years and was a trained chef who worked at a bunch of restaurants and travelled in Europe and Mexico, but I was only seen as someone who could make really good rice and chicken. Rather than waiting for the restaurant industry to offer her opportunities, Fagon created her own where she gets the satisfaction of making all the decisions. Now, if I had a bad day, I cant blame it on anybody else. The only person Im in competition with is myself from yesterday. MIDDLETOWN - On Saturday June 27, the Xavier Classic Car Club will host the 13th Annual EJK Xavier High School Car Show, June 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Kalber family hosted the EJK car show for 10 years, starting in 2006, in memory of Eric Kalber, a 2004 graduate who died in a car accident a little over a year after graduating. The Kalber family was going to stop hosting the event, when Xavier High School felt the desire to continue Erics legacy through the EJK Xavier High School Car Show. Due to COVID- 19, there will be no food and bathroom facilities available. Consider bringing your own food. All money raised will go to the EJK Scholarship Fund. Admission is $1 per person. To register a car to be featured in the show, the fee is $10 per vehicle. Nineteen trophies will be awarded to the top cars in the show. To preregister, go to https://www.xavierhighschool.org/student-life/clubs-activities/classic-car-club There is no rain date. For information, contact Car Club President, Joseph Pepitone at PepitoneJo1@xavierhighschool.org HK Hall of Fame awards students HADDAM/KILLINGWORTH / The Eric Auer/Patsy Kamercia HK Hall of Fame Civic Achievement award is based on outstanding commitment to Community service of Haddam Killingworth and to the youth of its communities. The HK Hall Of Fame Student Civic Achievement Award Committee has awarded $500 each for the Patsy Kamercia Civic Achievement Award to Crystal Lentz, and the Eric Auer Civic Achievement Award to Maxwell Lipuma, in recognition of their outstanding community service. Best Wishes to the HK Class of 2020 on your journey after high school, committee members said. Trail census releases COVID-19 data HADDAM The University of Connecticut (UConn) Extension recently released the latest data on how several of the states most popular multi-use trails are being impacted by COVID-19. The new report documents trail use during April-May 2020 at 12 sites on multi-use trails in Connecticut, and compares use with the same period in 2019, as one indication of the changes in trail use occurring simultaneously with the outbreak of COVID-19. The trend of increased trail use occurring simultaneously with the March outbreak of COVID-19 is continuing, observed Charles Tracy, Coordinator for the Trail Census, The Trail Census team wanted to share these initial findings as soon as the data was available. Overall, three quarters of the trails participating in this study recorded an increase of greater than 50 percent, compared to April-May 2019. The report released today is part of an ongoing trail research project conducted by the Connecticut Trail Census. Other Trail Census projects include On the Trail a new weekly podcast; organizing a multi-state conference on bicycle and pedestrian data collection; a new data visualization portal; and work on creating a statewide trails website. The Connecticut Trail Census is a statewide volunteer-based data collection and education program. The program collects information about trail use through trail use counts recorded by infrared counters and user intercept surveys administered by trained volunteers. The goal is to develop an accurate picture of who uses trails in Connecticut, and to advance and inform new trail policy, design and construction throughout the state. Initiated in 2017 as a partnership between UConn Extension, Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments, Connecticut Greenways Council, and local trails advocacy organizations, the Trail Census has expanded to over 20 data collection sites on trails across the state. The program receives funding from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Recreational Trails Program. For more information, visit www.cttrailcensus.uconn.edu Link: COVID-19 Trail Impact Report: April-May 2020 Murphy highlights Cheshire manufacturer CHESHIRE - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced that Industrial Heater Corporation in Cheshire was a recent Murphys Monday Manufacturer. Founded in 1921 and employing 47 people out of a 35,000 square-foot facility, Industrial Heater specializes in the manufacturing of process heating elements, mostly band heaters used in injection molding. The company does work for government contractors and services plastics, health care, aerospace, wire and cable industries. Industrial Heater also contract manufactures custom sheet metal components for a variety of applications. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Industrial Heater stepped up in a major way. Since March, the manufacturing company has supplied over 50,000 nose clips for critical face masks for frontline workers at the U.S. Coast Guard, Yale New Haven Hospital, and multiple local police, fire, and EMS departments throughout Connecticut. Industrial Heater is also actively working to set up a domestic manufacturing line of personal protective equipment (PPE) utilizing the domestic supply chain. The company hopes to have it up and running by October. Manufacturing is central to the story of our state and, Industrial Heater has been a part of that long history for almost 100 years, said Murphy. When COVID-19 hit, Industrial Heater stepped up to produce and supply critical PPE for frontline health care workers and first responders across our state. And their plans to use the domestic supply chain to continue production on critical PPE will make sure Connecticut has access to protective equipment going forward. I'm proud to recognize the team at Industrial Heater for their forward thinking and dedication to our state. The COVID-19 Pandemic has shown us how important manufacturing is in the State of Connecticut. If we rely on other countries for PPE we are vulnerable to supply shortages. We are proud to be a part of the Supply Chain for Medical Devices and PPE and will continue to find additional ways to support our frontline workers, said Tom McGwire of Industrial Heating Corp. Industrial Heater is also active in promoting Workforce Development throughout Connecticut. Each year the company host facility tours on Manufacturing Day and works with Cheshire High School in their Job Shadow Program and Career Days. The manufacturing industry plays a crucial role throughout Connecticut communities. Senator Murphy has introduced two pieces of legislation that aim to strengthen existing standards and prioritize the purchase of American-made goods, the BuyAmerican.gov Act and the American Jobs Matter Act. Britains uneasy confrontation with its racist history moved from statues in town squares to corporate boardrooms this week, as two prominent British firms, Lloyds of London and Greene King, announced they would make amends for their involvement in the slave trade in the 18th and 19th centuries London: Britains uneasy confrontation with its racist history moved from statues in town squares to corporate boardrooms this week, as two prominent British firms, Lloyds of London and Greene King, announced they would make amends for their involvement in the slave trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. Lloyds, the insurance giant, and Greene King, which owns pubs and breweries, have been forced to answer for sinister chapters in their past, as part of an unsparing focus on racism brought on by the Black Lives Matter protests against the killing of George Floyd, a black man, by the police in Minneapolis. Researchers at University College London documented how several important early figures in both firms had enslaved hundreds of people and were compensated for their loss after the British Empire abolished slavery in 1833. Lloyds and Greene King each said they would invest in recruiting more black, Asian and other minority employees and provide financial support to charities that promote diversity and inclusion. Neither made a concrete monetary pledge nor referred to their commitments as reparations, but both expressed deep regret. There are some aspects of our history that we are not proud of, said a statement from Lloyds, an insurer that traces its roots to 1686, when it pioneered the market for marine insurance. This was an appalling and shameful period of British history, as well as our own, the statement continued, and we condemn the indefensible wrongdoing that occurred during this period. The outcry against symbols of racism has grown to a fever pitch in Britain in recent weeks, with protests across the country, acts of vandalism against monuments to Winston Churchill and a charged debate over how to judge historical figures that has drawn in Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other politicians. In Bristol, a crowd tore down a statue of the 17th Century slave trader Edward Colston and dumped it in the harbour. And one of Oxford Universitys colleges said Wednesday that it would remove a statue to Cecil Rhodes, an imperialist whose white supremacist views are viewed by some as a precursor to apartheid. Lloyds and Greene King are taking action as the prospect of paying reparations has gained new legitimacy with the protests. In the United States in recent years, it has even emerged as an issue in the presidential race. It is unclear if the firms are prepared to go so far as making compensatory payments for their past actions. But the announcements by Lloyds and Greene King nevertheless opened a new chapter in corporate accountability in Britain, laying bare the role of slavery in enriching some of the countrys best-known corporate names. Nine British firms were found to have benefited either directly or indirectly from compensation after slavery was abolished. Among those, according to a database compiled by University College London, are HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays Bank and Lloyds Banking Group. Pressure will mount on those banks to make amends. To some skeptics, the announcements by Lloyds and Greene King were public-relations stunts that will do little to redress a historic injustice so profound that financial reparations cannot properly compensate for it. A token nod to encouraging diversity and giving away unspecified amounts to charity is frankly insulting, said Kehinde Andrews, a professor of Black studies at Birmingham City University. Lloyds, he said, could only truly atone by turning the company over to the descendants of the enslaved. Britain has been slower to come to terms with its ties to slavery than the United States, scholars say, because its trading and ownership of enslaved people often took place thousands of miles from its shores, in the trade between West Africa and the Caribbean, and on plantations in the West Indies. Still, there are ambitious efforts to document that history, including the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool, a city that once dominated Britains slave trade, as well as at a smaller exhibit in Bristol. The mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, plans to display the statue of Colston, which he had fished out of the harbor, there. University College London has posted online the identities of 47,000 slave owners who claimed 20 million pounds ($24 million), in todays currency values, in compensation, according to Matthew Smith, the director of the project. For Greene King, which employs 38,000 people in its pubs and breweries across Britain, the links are uncomfortably direct. The company was founded in 1799 by Benjamin Greene, who ran sugar cane plantations in the West Indies and owned at least 231 enslaved people. When Greene was forced to surrender his estates, on the islands of Montserrat and St. Kitts, he was paid the equivalent of nearly 500,000 pounds in todays terms. Greenes descendants included a governor of the Bank of England, a Conservative member of Parliament, a director-general of the BBC and the author Graham Greene, according to the universitys database. It is inexcusable that one of our founders profited from slavery and argued against its abolition in the 1800s, Greene Kings chief executive officer, Nick Mackenzie, said in a statement. While that is a part of our history, we are now focused on the present and the future. The company said it would contribute a substantial investment to the Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, work with outside charities and seek to improve diversity and inclusion in its own ranks. Afua Hirsch, a columnist at the Guardian who writes on race in Britain, said that steering funds to minority groups in general showed a complete lack of understanding that this is a history that implicates Black people, and not even all Black people, but specifically those of Afro-Caribbean descent. In the case of Lloyds, the connection was through Simon Fraser, one of its founding subscribers, who owned at least 162 enslaved people and ran the Castle Bruce estate in Dominica. Frasers heirs were compensated with the equivalent of nearly 400,000 pounds in todays money. Lloyds said it would examine how it presents its corporate history and its organizational artifacts to make sure they are explicitly non-racist. In its statement, it said, There is a long way to go but we are determined that we can and will create a culture in the Lloyds market in which everybody can flourish. As the Black Lives Matter protests have proliferated, some politicians have stumbled. When Britains foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, was asked Thursday in response to the George Floyd protests whether he would take the knee in a gesture of solidarity with victims of police brutality, he suggested it had come from the HBO series, Game of Thrones, and was a symbol of subjugation. After Opposition leaders assailed Raab for insensitivity and demanded an apology, he wrote on Twitter, To be clear: I have full respect for the Black Lives Matter movement, and the issues driving them. If people wish to take a knee, thats their choice and I respect it. Mark Landler c.2020 The New York Times Company Ties between Confederate memorials and white supremacy have been documented in many of the speeches given at monument dedications. Most notorious were Julian Carrs words at the 1913 raising of the University of North Carolinas Silent Sam memorial, toppled by protesters in 2018. Carr praised Confederate veterans defense of the Anglo Saxon race during the four years immediately succeeding the war, referring to the Reconstruction periods racist vigilante groups, such as the Ku Klux Klan. Carr also boasted in his speech that in 1865, one hundred yards from where we stand . . . I horsewhipped a Negro wench until her skirts hung in shreds because upon the streets of this quiet village she had publicly insulted and maligned a Southern lady. This violent expression of masculinity illustrates how Southern chivalry toward white women often masked an underlying brutality toward black women, whether manifested in whippings or rape. The Justice Department has filed an emergency order seeking to block the release on national security grounds, the BBC reported. Among several allegations, John Bolton said Donald Trump "pleaded" for help from China to win re-election in 2020. Washington, June 19 (IANS) The Trump administration is making a last-ditch effort to stop the publication of a damaging new book by a former national security adviser. Constitutional experts said the move is unlikely to succeed and US media have already published extracts. The new work - The Room Where It Happened - is due to go on sale on 23 June. In it, John Bolton paints a picture of a president whose decision-making was dominated by a desire to win the presidency again. Many of the allegations are based on private conversations and are impossible to verify. The Trump administration has pushed back against Bolton, with the president saying the book was "made up of lies and fake stories". "Many of the ridiculous statements he attributes to me were never made, pure fiction," Trump tweeted on Thursday, adding: "Just trying to get even for firing him like the sick puppy he is!" Despite this, Bolton's book has been keenly anticipated, given his formerly high-ranking status as the president's top adviser on security matters. Late on Wednesday, the Justice Department asked a judge for a hearing on Friday to stop the book's release. The Trump administration argues that publication moved forward before the book could be properly vetted. The work "still contains classified information," the Justice Department wrote in filing. "This means it contains instances of information that, if disclosed, reasonably could be expected to cause serious damage, or exceptionally grave damage, to the national security of the United States." The White House filed another lawsuit earlier in the week against Mr Bolton on similar grounds. Publisher Simon & Schuster rejected the allegations, calling the filing a "frivolous, politically motivated exercise in futility". Ben Wizner of the American Civil Liberties' Union wrote that any bid to halt its release was "doomed to fail". "As usual, the government's threats have nothing to do with safeguarding national security, and everything to do with avoiding scandal and embarrassment." --IANS rt/ The trailer of Manoj Bajpayees much-delayed film Bhonsle is out and features him in a never-seen-before avatar. The actor plays a traditional Maharashtrian who supports whats right instead of taking the easier route of being loyal to his home state. Watch Bhonsle trailer here: The intriguing trailer opens with a bully (Santosh Juvekar), claiming to be a Maharashtrian, playing spoilsport at a religious function organised by his neighbours from Bihar. He says only Maharashtrian festivals will be celebrated in Mumbai. He asks Bhonsle (Manoj), a retired cop, to add weight to his warning, but the latter refuses to do so. The story then moves to Manojs titular character, who is diagnosed with brain tumour, and a young woman hoping to find the best doctor for his treatment. However, the second half of the trailer hints at the woman being raped and ends with Manoj asking the same bully if he has committed the crime. The video unexpectedly ends with his yes. Bhonsle still and poster. It also shows glimpses of Abhishek Banerjee of Paatal Lok fame as one of the people from Bihar settled in Mumbai for work. Bhonsle also stars Santosh Juvekar, Ipshita Chakraborty Singh, Virat Vaibhav and Neetu Pande in prominent roles. Devashish Makhija has directed the film with Manoj as one of the producers. Also read: Sushant Singh Rajputs old video goes viral, actor was imitating Dev Anand as he lip synced to Pal Bhar Ke Liye The film has been delayed since almost two years and will now premiere on streaming platform Sony Liv on June 26. The trailer description throws more light on the film. It read, In tumultuous Mumbai, at a time when scheming Maharashtrian politicians use violence to rid the state of North-Indian migrants, a terminally-ill lone wolf Maharashtrian cop Bhonsle retired against his will, finds himself forging an unlikely companionship with a 23-year-old North-Indian girl and her little brother, while the raging conflict destroying the world around them reaches his doorstep, giving him one last battle worth fighting for, but it might just be too late. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT Entertainment Desk Dedicated professionals who write about cinema and television in all their vibrancy. Expect views, reviews and news. ...view detail Prosecutors this week charged Evansvilles mayor and one of the towns police officers, alleging misuse of a police database, court documents filed in Natrona County Circuit Court indicate. The charging documents state that Mayor Jennifer Sorenson faces a single misdemeanor count accusing her of misusing public office. Officer Matt McGraw who was placed on administrative leave earlier this year faces three counts: a single count of conspiracy to misuse public office and two more of drug possession. The two have apparently not yet had opportunity to enter pleas to the charges. Don Fuller, the attorney representing McGraw, said by phone on Thursday that he had not yet received charging documents and his client had not appeared in court. Sorenson likewise had not made a court appearance by Thursday evening. The mayors attorney, Frank Chapman, told the Star-Tribune by phone on Thursday evening that previous reports of his clients connection to illegal drug activity were unfounded. The single charge indicated as much, Chapman said. She used city facilities to do background checks on some people and she shouldnt have done that, Chapman said. Shes accepting responsibility for what she did. Chapman declined to say how Sorenson would plead to the charge. McGraw was suspended without pay on Thursday, Kyle Ridgeway, an attorney representing the town, said. The mayors status had not changed. A public meeting to discuss the matter is set for Monday. According to an investigators statement sworn in support of the charges, Sorensons ex-husband first alerted the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation last year that as he was moving out of their home he found codeine, a prescription painkiller, in a safe there. Sheriffs deputies destroyed those pills when Sorenson said she had a valid prescription. However, according to the documents, DCI agents later found McGraw and not Sorenson had a prescription for the painkiller. In September, an Evansville police officer whose name does not appear in the documents told DCI investigators that McGraw had previously asked him for prescription pain medication, the documents state. The anonymous officer, to whom the medication was prescribed, said he provided McGraw the unnamed medication once. When McGraw asked again, the officer lied and said he did not have any more pills, the documents state. The unnamed officer said that soon after, McGraws work began to suffer, according to the documents. Another police officer said that when they heard rumor of alleged McGraws drug use they started to notice signs of drug use, according to the documents. McGraw once told that officer, according to the documents, that he had been awake for two or three days at a time. A third person told investigators that in November, when McGraw passed out in a police car, officers had to pound on the window in order to wake him, according to the documents. The same person said they once found McGraw passed out in the departments building and that McGraw was so unresponsive that they nearly called for medical aid, according to the documents. Another person who knew McGraw through work said that they were surprised when McGraw wasnt high on the clock, according to the documents. Then, on March 22, McGraw overdosed in the Evansville home he shared with Sorenson, the documents state. He was hospitalized. According to medical records created during that hospital stint and referenced in the documents, Sorenson said that she had provided McGraw her prescribed Xanax, a potent anti-anxiety drug. McGraw, when he arrived at the hospital, tested negative for Xanax, according to the documents. He did, though, have opioids which are pain-relieving drugs in his system, the documents state. He later said, according to the documents, that he had used OxyContin, a prescription opioid pain reliever. In an interview with investigators, Sorenson denied providing McGraw opioids but said that she did give the police officer half of a Xanax, according to the documents. McGraw, in a separate interview, acknowledged that he used opioid painkillers and said that in the hours preceding the overdose he had taken those drugs, according to the documents. He said that he never took drugs from suspects or a prescription disposal drop box in the police building, according to the documents. When investigators examined McGraws cell phone, they found messages with Sorenson in which he shared information with Sorenson that had been taken from a police database, according to the documents. While making reference to potential hires, Sorenson asked McGraw to look into peoples backgrounds using a police database, according to the documents, which he did. When investigators looked at McGraws use of the database, according to the documents, they found evidence that McGraw obtained law enforcement data for personal use and for use by (Sorenson) in her position at Atlantic Aviation for background checks. Nobody at Atlantic Aviations headquarters in Plano, Texas, could be reached by phone early Thursday evening to comment for this story. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 5 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. On the day he was released from the hospital, Virginia State Police charged a 40-year-old Pittsylvania County man in last week's homicide and revealed three children were in the home and called 911 when the slaying occured. Officials on Thursday morning announced the arrest of Jesus Aramando Ochoa Sanchez in the death of 39-year-old Xochil Ochoa. Sanchez is charged with first-degree murder and assault on a police officer in the June 11 ordeal. "Sanchez was shot after a confrontation with Pittsylvania County deputies which responded to the home after receiving the 911 call from the children," wrote Stg. Richard Garletts, a spokesperson with the Virginia State Police. The cause of death was multiple stab wounds to the chest, Tracie Cooper, district administrator for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke, told the Register & Bee on Wednesday. County deputies were sent to 8601 Mount Cross Road around 4:30 p.m. on June 11 after receiving a 911 call indicating that a woman had been killed, and dispatchers could still hear gunshots in the background of the call, state police have reported. The deputies arrived to find a man who wouldnt put down his gun. A state police report later on June 11 stated more shots were fired, though it did not specify if the officers or the suspect fired them. The suspect was ultimately shot and airlifted to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke with serious injuries. Sanchez was arrested on Wednesday by state police special agents after being released from the hospital, Garletts reported. Police believe an argument at their home on Mount Cross Road led to the slaying, which happened with three children in the house. Court documents filed Wednesday revealed for the first time what law enforcement officers encountered when they responded. Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office Capt. Corey Webb was one of the first to respond to the home and found a girl outside who told him he had cut her up bad, but indicated that Ochoa was still alive, according to the arrest warrant. The children were able to run from the home and were not harmed, police report. Officers attempted to make entry through the front door and were confronted by Armando Ochoa pointing a long gun at the officers, according to the complaint, which was written by special agent M.B. Clipton with the Virginia State Police. When he refused to put down his weapon, the officers fired their weapons, the complaint states. When the officers moved past Sanchez, they found the victim, who was cut, wounded, and unresponsive, lying in the kitchen. The complaint reports that rescue was brought into the residence, but the victim did not survive. Officers also found a large, 12-inch hunting knife with red stains on it laying several feet away from the victim in the kitchen. "Investigators continue piece the together events which took place leading up to the murder, and will turn the file over to the Pittsylvania County Commonwealth Attorney's Office upon the completion of the investigation," Garletts wrote Thursday. Pittsylvania Commonwealth's Attorney Brian Haskins confirmed Wednesday that he has asked a special prosecutor to review the officer-involved shooting. Sanchez had an arraignment Thursday morning, and a bond hearing on the assault charge is set for Monday. Staff writer Caleb Ayers and assistant editor Charles Wilborn contributed to this report. Horace Mann Educators Corp., headquartered in Springfield, Ill., has appointed Vice President Paul Haley as chief risk officer. Haley has led risk assessments for the companys business development efforts since 2018. Haleys insight into Horace Manns business strategy and actuarial background makes him ideally suited to take day-to-day responsibility for the companys well-regarded Enterprise Risk Management program. Haley will report to CFO Bret Conklin, who oversees Horace Manns ERM processes. Haley has 35 years of experience in the life insurance sector, holding senior actuarial positions at Genworth Financial, Colonial Life and Prudential Financial before joining Horace Mann in 2018. He holds the FSA, MAAA, CERA, CLU and ChFC designations. Horace Mann is a financial services company focused on providing Americas educators and school employees with insurance and retirement solutions. Source: Horace Mann Topics Carriers Illinois New Delhi, Jun 19 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Friday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said the entire country is one and with the Prime Minister. At the all-party meeting called by Mr Modi, leader of the erstwhile ally of BJP said, 'We all are one. This is the feeling. We are with you, PM. We are with our forces and their families. 'India wants peace, but that doesn't mean we are weak. China's nature is betrayal. India is 'Mazboot,' not 'Majboor'. Hamari sarkar mein yeh kabiliyat hai ki aankhien nikalkar haath mein de de (Our government has the ability to gauge out the eyes of the enemies),' Mr Thackeray said, according to sources. BERLIN - A prominent regional leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany on Friday won a court injunction against his expulsion from the party. The national leadership of Alternative for Germany, or AfD, last month voted to void the membership of Andreas Kalbitz, its chief in the eastern state of Brandenburg, for failing to disclose his ties to extremist groups. Kalbitz vowed to fight the decision, which is hotly disputed inside the party. The Berlin state court ruled that the cancellation of Kalbitzs membership was inadmissible, news agency dpa reported. That means Kalbitz can continue to exercise his rights as a party member and a member of its national leadership until an AfD arbitration committee rules on the matter. The party is under pressure to distance itself from extremists in its midst after coming under growing scrutiny from Germanys domestic intelligence agency. Earlier this week, intelligence officials in Brandenburg put AfDs branch there under observation. Kalbitz has a long history of involvement in groups that promote a revisionist interpretation of Germanys war-time history and was photographed in 2007 at an event hosted by the HDJ, a neo-Nazi youth movement that has since been banned. AfD came third in the countrys 2017 national election but has recently lost ground in opinion polls. Much of AfDs branch in Brandenburg is standing behind Kalbitz, one of the leading figures on the partys right wing. He has remained a member of the partys caucus in the regional parliament. National People's Party's (NPP) W R Kharlukhi on Friday was elected to the Rajya Sabha, winning the lone seat from Meghalaya, officials said. He secured 39 out of the 58 valid votes, defeating his rival Kennedy Khyriem of the Congress who got 19 votes, they said. The Congress has 19 MLAs in the 60-member House. Notwithstanding the political situation in Manipur, BJP MLAs in Meghalaya voted for the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance candidate Kharlukhi securing his victory. "There is no doubt that the BJP will vote for the consensus candidate of the MDA. We are part of the alliance and we have unanimously voted for Kharlukhi," state minister AL Hek of the BJP said. The BJP has two MLAs in Meghalaya. Chief Electoral Officer FR Kharkongor declared that one vote was invalid and one MLA, Adelbert Nongrum of the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement, abstained from voting. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Thursday night that the political situation in Manipur will not have any impact on the government in Meghalaya. Four members of the NPP who were ministers in the BJP-led coalition government in Manipur resigned, triggering a political crisis in that state. Kharlukhi, 63, was born in Jowai and holds an MPhil in History and a PhD in Political Science. He was known as a close associate of P A Sangma and held important posts in the NCP and then the NPP. The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the Trump administration had unlawfully tried to dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which offers limited security to some undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. Chief Justice John Roberts's opinion in Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of the University of California focused not on whether dismantling DACA was good or bad policy, but rather found that the administration hadn't used reasoned decision-making as required to change such a significant policy. But DACA recipients aren't safe and secure yet. The Supreme Court decision gives them some legal stability and an ability to work. Still, more court decisions are needed before DACA recipients, sometimes called "Dreamers," know what this means in practical terms. Here's what we know now. Q: Who are the DACA recipients? A: Let's start with the basics. The Obama administration created the DACA program in 2012 so that undocumented immigrants who arrived as children before 2007 could be temporarily protected from deportation and could have permits to work. According to the National UnDACAmented Research project at Harvard University, the Pew Research Center and the Center for American Progress: More than 700,000 people have DACA protections nationwide; another 700,000 are eligible to apply. To apply, someone must have been younger than 16 on arrival, be enrolled in or have graduated from high school and have no criminal record. If granted, DACA status lasts for two years before recipients must apply for renewal. Most DACA recipients are from Mexico, but there are significant numbers from other Latin American countries and Asia. About three-quarters of DACA recipients reside in 20 metropolitan areas in the United States. Two-thirds of DACA recipients are age 25 or younger; they arrived in the United States at age 7, on average. Q; How will this decision affect Dreamers immediately? A: For now, DACA recipients are again legally protected from deportation for the two years of their term, and they can now apply to renew and file for advance parole. But the decision leaves the door open for the administration to try again to end the program, although commentators say that seems unlikely before the November election. Either way, the Trump administration can choose how to treat those who already have DACA protections. For example, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services can decide whether to automatically extend protections for those whose terms are expiring, and it can decide how quickly to adjudicate pending renewal applications. It will need to decide whether to accept new applications from those who are eligible but did not previously apply. The agency's willingness to work on applications and renewals will be important, as it is strapped for resources. Meanwhile, Immigration and Customs Enforcement can be more or less aggressive in shielding Dreamers from deportation. Q: How will the decision affect the economy? A: DACA recipients are eligible for work permits - but they have to apply for those permits separately, under a regulation that was enacted in the 1980s. That's part of why the Supreme Court demanded a higher degree of care and consideration before DHS could shut down the program. DACA workers earned $23.4 billion in 2017 before the Trump administration paused the program. They work primarily in health care, education, construction and food service. According to a Center for American Progress report, an amicus brief from the Association of American Medical Colleges, and a letter sent from immigration attorneys to the Supreme Court after the novel coronavirus pandemic hit, more than 200,000 are essential workers and 27,000 work in health care. In total, DACA recipients contribute $5.6 billion in federal taxes and $3.1 billion in state and local taxes, according to the Center for American Progress. These funds support Social Security and Medicare, and they fund schools and other local services. DACA recipients pay $567 million on mortgages and $2.3 billion in rent, the center found. Experts disagree on whether DACA pushed U.S. citizens out of jobs or lowered their wages, but a blue ribbon committee from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine concluded that immigrants' salaries have a small effect on wages and their employment does not displace American workers. Q: What else will affect Dreamers' financial lives? A: State and local governments, businesses, and schools will further shape DACA recipients' lives, on such issues as whether Dreamers can have driver's licenses; will be shielded by sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement; be admitted to public universities and, if so, whether they pay in-state tuition; and whether they can have access to health care, other than emergency rooms. DACA recipients are not eligible for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, but states can offer their own health insurance or can set up community-based health clinics as California has done. Thursday's ruling isn't the only one affecting DACA recipients' finances. In a recent settlement in the class-action lawsuits Perez v. Wells Fargo, O&G and MALDEF and Pena v. Wells Fargo, courts decided that banks and lenders can no longer discriminate against DACA recipients and other noncitizens when they apply for student loans, credit cards, home mortgages or small-business loans. Also this week, a California federal district court enjoined the U.S. Department of Education from enforcing a recently issued guidance that would bar colleges and universities from granting Cares Act relief funds to DACA recipients and other noncitizens. However, the Education Department has already proposed a rule that would accomplish the same thing; stopping that rule would require a separate lawsuit. In other words, in many ways DACA recipients remain in limbo, their lives shaped by a patchwork of laws, regulations, agencies and court decisions that are often in flux. For anything more permanent, Congress would have to change immigration laws - which it has not done, despite bipartisan public opinion supporting a "Dream Act" that would allow DACA recipients to become citizens. - - - Chen is a professor of law and political science at the University of Colorado at Boulder, director of the Immigration and Citizenship Law Program and author of forthcoming book "Pursuing Citizenship in the Enforcement Era" (Stanford University Press, August 2020). 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 One month after the biggest flood in mid-Michigan's history, the Four Lakes Task Force has a plan to begin to rebuild and reinforce the local lake system across the next three years. Since the failure of the Edenville Dam on May 19, FLTF has been working to establish a plan to stabilize the dams and lake bottoms along the Tittabawassee River. The group's current focus is coordinating clean-up, stabilization and erosion mitigation efforts to protect homes and properties along Tittabawassee River. "There's still a lot of work to do just to stabilize the dams and rivers and (mitigate) soil erosion, and that's the immediate thing we need to work on," said FLTF president David Kepler. The estimated cost for the clean-up and stabilization programs is about $40 million. Kepler said that while Boyce Hydro -- the company that currently owns the dams and the surrounding properties -- is accountable for these costs, it is "highly unlikely" FLTF will be able to wait for financial support from Boyce, given the amount of lawsuits and claims the company is currently facing. Kepler said the FLTF is seeking funding through the help of local partners, state and federal grants, and with support from the Army Corp of Engineers, USDA, FEMA and other agencies. Any remaining funding would be provided by the current property owners and taxpayers within the lakes Special Assessment District. The FLTF's current agenda calls for a feasible dam structure rebuilding plan by the end of 2021. A forensic investigation of the dams is still underway; for now the estimated time to rebuild the dams is 4 to 6 years, with a preliminary reconstruction price tag projected to hit $250 million dollars. FLTF has begun the process of acquiring the dams and properties from Boyce Hydro through condemnation approved by Midland and Gladwin counties. "The biggest thing causing uncertainty here is the continued private ownership structure," Kepler said. "We are working with a sense of urgency to acquire the properties so we can engage more directly with the state and federal agencies to resolve the issues we have." Kepler said the condemnation process could be completed over the next couple of weeks. On Thursday, the FLTF hosted the first of two planned "shoreline erosion engineering fairs" at Beaverton High School. A second event will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Meridian High School, located at 3303 North Meridian Road in Sanford. The events are meant to provide Midland and Gladwin County residents with an opportunity to talk with experts on how best to deal with shoreline erosion concerns caused by the flooding. Matt Lucas has been raising funds for "Feed NHS" over the last few months and today came together for a special song with a "few" West End stars. Featuring 450 submissions, 70 musicians, 194 actors, kids, composers and producers, the video sees the group perform hit song "Thank You Baked Potato", featuring appearances from Michael Ball, Petula Clark, Cameron Mackintosh, Claude-Michel Schonberg and many many more, as well as cast members from Hamilton, Mary Poppins, Come From Away, The Prince of Egypt and, of course, Les Miserables. Matt Lucas and Alfonso Casado's project has been raising funds for Feed NHS, which helps feed NHS workers on the front line. You can donate here. When Angelica Reyes learned that the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled that the Trump administration cannot carry out its plan to shut down the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, she hugged her 8-year-old son tight and began to laugh and cry. He was like, We dont have to move to Canada, mama, Reyes said. It was beautiful and it was very joyous and it just reminded me that I want everyone to feel this way. The Obama-era DACA program has allowed hundreds of thousands of immigrants who were brought to the United States as children to avoid deportation. In a 5-4 decision this week, the Supreme Court overturned Trumps decision to cancel the program, which allows recipients to legally attend school, work, and obtain drivers licenses. Reyes, who came to the United States from Mexico before her first birthday, is among the estimated 15,000 DACA recipients who are educators. She teaches world history, African-American history and Mexican-American history in the Los Angeles Unified schools. Im going to be able to stay present, to continue doing that work and providing services to my students and for my community, Reyes said. The majority opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts concluded the Trump administration did not adequately consider the impact on the DACA recipients themselves and the potential hardships for the young immigrants brought to the U.S. as children by their parents. Thursdays decision will keep the program alive, at least temporarily. While Reyes celebrated the decision, she acknowledged that many of the families are not eligible for the protections that DACA affords here. Theres still a lot of my students who dont qualify for DACA. A lot of their parents dont qualify for DACA, Reyes said. I know that theyre still scared. I know that theyre still facing a lot of issues, but I know that this is something that shows them that theres hope. This is a beautiful first step. Looking to the Future Vanessa Luna, a former Teach for American corps member, is the co-founder of ImmSchools, a nonprofit organization that partners with K-12 schools to support undocumented students and families. No matter the outcome, the Supreme Court ruling was going to have a ripple effect on everybody in the K-12 system and beyond, said Luna, who immigrated to the United States from Peru at age 10. A 2018 study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that DACA had a significant impact on the educational outcomes of undocumented immigrant youths, including a 15 percent increase in high school graduation rates, a 3 percent increase in the school attendance of high school-age students, and a 22 percent increase in college enrollment among Hispanic women. Before launching ImmSchools, Luna taught in Los Angeles and New York, where she grew up after arriving in the United States. I am hugely aware of how that program kind of led for the trajectory in my work now, Luna said. Many families are still not able to get any types of protection. And theres a larger fight ahead of us if were thinking about intersection and our work towards liberating and supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, knowing that there are undocumented black people in this country. My Heart Started Accelerating Jose Gonzalezs parents brought him to the United States from Mexico just before his second birthday. After graduating high school with honors, he earned an Ivy League degree and received recognition from the Obama White House for his work teaching students in Los Angeles charter schools. Gonzalez is now the senior managing director of Teach for Americas DACA Initiative. Teach for America estimates that 280 corps members and alumni are DACA recipients. On Thursday, he was too nervous to click on a SCOTUSblog link teasing the Supreme Courts DACA decision. He knew that he could have gone from being applauded for his work to facing deportation if his permit expired. DACA, which requires recipients to renew their applications every two years, does not guarantee a path to citizenship. My heart started accelerating, he said. Once I realized what, what the decision was, I think I was just even further in shock and super-excited and just hopeful for what this means for not only current DACA recipients, but for what it means for immigrant communities more broadly, for what it means for the nearly 500 students I taught while I was in the classroom. Uncertain Future Denisa Panaligan was bracing for the worst. A middle school special education teacher in the Los Angeles Unified schools, Panaligan had students graduate high school who were not eligible for DACA permits after the Trump administration rescinded the program in 2017. She knew the uncertainty they faced as immigrants. Panaligan came to the United States from the Phillipines at age 9. When I first started teaching, I would share my story with students because I didnt want them to feel alone, Panaligan said. A lot of them are still fearful about getting deported. A 2019 report from the Migration Policy Institute estimated close to 100,000 undocumented students graduate from U.S. high schools each year. Many of those students remain in limbo. Graduates from the class of 2018 and beyond arent eligible for the DACA program and face limited opportunities to pursue work and higher education. After Thursdays ruling, its unclear if the administration will be required to take new applications. The future is still uncertain, Panaligan said. The fact that I get to be an educator at such a critical time, its really exciting. So, Im definitely taking the time to celebrate today. Then tomorrow Im fighting harder and louder than ever. There are few examples of a cartoon weekly catalysing the formation of a pre-eminent political movement. But launched in August 1960, Marmik, the first Marathi political cartoon weekly run by cartoonists Bal Thackeray and his younger brother Shrikant did just that, by birthing a political party based on a nativist political agenda. At 9:30 am on June 19, 1966, Sahadeo Naik, a family friend of the Thackerays broke a coconut before Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs bust in their flat at Dadar in Mumbai, marking the launch of the Shiv Sena. This was the culmination of the weeklys campaign voicing apprehensions about discrimination against Marathi-speaking youth when it came to getting employment opportunities. However, 54 years since it was launched, the Shiv Sena is standing on a cusp of a make-or-break opportunity. Today, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray has been catapulted to the chief ministers chair in a culmination of circumstances that would have seemed improbable around a year ago. The Thackerays have traditionally stayed away from positions of power to maintain the halo of a renunciation around them. In 1995, when the Shiv Sena- BJP alliance came to power in Maharashtra, the late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray chose to nominate Manohar Joshi, and later, Narayan Rane as the chief ministers, and called himself the regimes remote control. However, this diarchy of power was fraught with its own tensions and contradictions, and led to Joshis ouster and replacement by Rane (1999), and later, Ranes shift to the Congress from the Sena (2005). Often mistakenly referred to as a reluctant politician, Uddhav who fought off challenges from dissidents like Rane, and his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray, who launched the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in 2006, indicated that he wanted a more hands-on role. His elder son and Yuva Sena chief Aaditya was the first from the Thackeray family to seek public office by contesting and winning the assembly elections from Worli in Mumbai. He is now the environment and tourism minister in his fathers coalition government. However, as a party which has a single family as the fulcrum, the leaderships transition into electoral politics and government is a double-edged sword. These dilemmas go much beyond the Shiv Senas expedient, unlikely alliance with the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and questions about the longevity of the government. With the organisation and government being controlled by one individual or family and their esoteric circle, the performance of the Shiv Sena-led regime will have a deep impact on the fortunes of the party and its perception, even among loyalists. The ability of the Thackerays to govern and rule as heads of a government was a closed fist, the contents of which were a well-kept secret. As chief minister, Uddhavs performance will be put under the scanner, and this will expose him and the Shiv Sena to criticism and debate, especially as the state grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath. Unlike the NCP or the Congress, the Shiv Sena has not bothered to cultivate a cadre of loyal officers and bureaucrats. The Sena has chosen instead to focus on the politics of the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which it has controlled for over three decades, without having to show much in terms of performance. Already, growing murmurs within the Shiv Senas ranks claim that the NCP calls the shots in the government, with deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar pulling the strings to ensure that his party men get their way at the grassroots. This often puts the NCP in conflict with the Shiv Sena, as the two share an overlapping support base and area of authority. The NCP has cornered the prime portfolios in the government, creating a perception that the Shiv Sena is in power, but not in authority. It is also claimed that Uddhav is bringing his brand of darbari or coterie style politics to the government, leading to resentment. The Shiv Senas other weakness is the shrinking number of Maharashtrians its main support base in Mumbai and surrounding areas. Though the urbane, suave, well-spoken Aaditya has been tasked with reaching out to a cosmopolitan crowd, most Shiv Sena veterans agree that the tight-rope walk lies in creating an auxiliary constituency without estranging the core vote-base. This is because the interests of the Shiv Senas rough-and-ready working class supporters, who are drawn from the lower and middle class of society, rarely converge with those from the upper-crust, whom the Senas Next-Gen leadership is seeking to attract. The Shiv Sena is also seen as undergoing an era of Congressisation or a process of stagnation that restricts upwards mobility for fresh blood within the organisation. The party, which has developed an urban-feudal outlook, is also unable to strike new social and caste coalitions to expand its base and strike new alliances, using the lure of power and patronage. This is unlike the NCP, which moved fast to reach out to erstwhile foe and farmer leader Raju Shetti, whose Swabhimaani Paksha, has a base in sugarcane cultivators and dairy farmers. The BJP, too, has been trying to nurture an alternate other backward classes (OBC) leadership, often at the cost of its established faces. Hence, with the party and its chief now part of the government, the Shiv Senas future as an organisation may be linked to the performance of its regime. Hyderabad, June 19 : Telugu actress Niharika Konidela has shared a few pictures with beau Chaitanya Jv. The couple is expected to tie the knot soon. Niharika on Thursday took to Instagram, where she shared a cryptic message about her relationship status. She first shared a photograph of herself hugging Chaitanya's face and captioned it: "Peek-a-boo". On another picture of the two, she wrote: "Mine @chaitanya_jv" Chaitanya, who reportedly is a businessman and works at a popular MNC in Hyderabad, too shared a picture on his Instagram handle. In the image, Niharika is seen kissing him on the cheek. His caption was an amalgam of the Niharika's and his name: "NisChay". The pair reportedly will get engaged in August and the families are now deciding the wedding date. Several industry colleagues took to the comment section to congratulate the two. Niharika's brother and southern star Varun Tej dropped some love emojis. Actress Anushka Shetty wrote: "Congratulations". Actress Lavanya wrote: Woohoo show face. Actor Sai Dharam Tej commented: "God bless you thalli". Actress Nidhhi Agerwal said: "Congratulations!!!!!" Actress Shriya Saran wrote: Congratulations... beautiful. Niharika had earlier teased her fans and followers with another cryptic image. She had posted a picture of a coffee cup which had "Ms Niha..Mrs?" with Ms striked off on the cup. Niharika is the daughter of producer Nagendra Babu and is the niece of southern superstars Chiranjeevi and Pawan Kalyan. She has worked in films like "Oka Manasu", "Oru Nalla Naal Paathu Solren", "Happy Wedding" and "Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy". -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Maharashtra government to provide the reports of test for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) to patients and their relatives directly. The bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan passed the order. The direction came as part of the suo moto monitoring by the top court of facilities to Covid-19 patients. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had issued a circular on June 13 which said that the test report will not be shared by the laboratory directly with the patient. Laboratory will share the report with MCGM (Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai) and MCGM in return will share it with the patients, the circular had said. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), as well as doctors, had complained against the circular, saying it is leading to delays in the treatment of Covid-19 patients. Because of the new rule, the patients come to know about the result of the test after three to four days, and during this time their symptoms may aggravate and may become serious, IMA had said. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Cloudy this morning. A few snow showers developing during the afternoon. High 29F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 30%.. Tonight Cloudy with snow developing after midnight. Low 19F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 80%. Snowfall around one inch. To stop drinking tea and eating momos because Chinese soldiers have occupied a section of Indian territory in Ladakh is surely not going to cause much distress to China. Nor will uninstalling TikTok and Zoom cause them to flee Galwan valley. Take your mobile phone. Turn it over. Read whats written. Does it say Xiaomi, Oppo, Mi, Vivo, or OnePlus? Oops. You probably know by now that theyre Chinese companies. Boycotts, like charity, should start at home. If, like the people in Gujarat who tossed their made-in-China TV set from that very essential nationalist space, the balcony, you too, are keen on expressing your nationalist sentiment, you could start by smashing up your phone. Next, have a look at your laptop. Lenovo? Apologies again, please feel free to fling it from the nearest balcony. Some other brand? Read the fine print. Does it say Made in China? Well, out it goes. Now repeat the process with all the electronics items in the house. Good luck with that. If your phone has survived the first stage of screening, lets look at the apps you have. Are you ordering in groceries using BigBasket? Sadly, thats funded by Chinese venture capital. Ordering in food via Zomato or Swiggy? Both are funded by Chinese firms. Are you making payments using PayTM? Chinese VC funding again. Ordering in stuff on Snapdeal or Flipkart? Chinese money. Taking cabs using Ola? Educating your kids with a bit of help from Byjus? Sigh. Do unto them what you did unto TikTok. And Zoom. Apart from Chinese companies, a lot of Indian startups are funded by Chinese capital, making them part-Chinese. Moreover, there are also joint ventures in other sectors, such as road construction. For instance, a company named Essel Ahmedabad Godhra Toll Roads limited, which did the four-laning of the Ahmedabad-Godhra highway, has China Rail Construction Group as a part-owner. You might have to take some other road. The situation gets tougher when we look at medicines. About 70 percent of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients from which allopathic medicines in India are made come from China. Theres a very good chance that youd have to boycott any medicines you take, made by Indian companies, if you want to extend your boycott to components rather than finished products. Boycotting everything Chinese is easier said than done. The economies of the two countries have deep relationships and inter-dependencies built over years. That cannot be thrown from any balcony. All these years our leaders from the Prime Minister down were busy courting China, inviting Chinese investments, and helping Indian companies enter the Chinese market. Now to suddenly turn around and become atmanirbhar will take a while. The effect of attempting a total ban would perhaps be akin to what might ensue if Union Minister Ramdas Athavales suggestion to ban Chinese food in India is followed. To start with, there would be a difficulty in defining what is Chinese. Are momos and thukpa Chinese, now that Tibet is a part of China? Is tea, scientific name Camellia sinensis, Chinese? To stop drinking tea and eating momos because Chinese soldiers have occupied a section of Indian territory in Ladakh is surely not going to cause much distress to China. Nor will uninstalling TikTok and Zoom cause them to flee Galwan valley. Extending the boycott to Indian companies with Chinese connections will harm the Indian companies and their workers the most, in a situation where the long lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic has already flattened the Indian economy, caused severe job losses, and pushed the countrys GDP towards contraction. Most Indians, though they may love their nationalist fulminations on TV and social media, promptly realise the futility of meaningless gestures when their wallets are involved. On Thursday, Bloomberg reported that The OnePlus 8 Pro mobile phone, which is priced at a significant discount to Apple Inc.s latest iPhones, was not available on Amamzon.com Inc.s local website just a minute after it went on sale. At the same time, #BoycottChineseProducts was among the top Twitter trends in India for almost two days, after the nations army said at least 20 of its soldiers lost their lives in a violent standoff with Chinese troops in a contested Himalayan border." BigBasket, Zomato, Ola, PayTM and the other unicorns with Chinese funding are also in no imminent danger of losing their customers to nationalist Twitter hashtags. They provide services that Indian citizens need and appreciate. They have thrived despite earlier calls for boycotts of Chinese products. Similar noises about boycotts had been made in 2017 as well, after the Doklam standoff with China. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, in its mouthpiece Organiser, had announced a nationwide drive against Chinese goods. China, with which India runs a huge trade deficit, was then Indias biggest trading partner. It has since been overtaken by the US. The logic of shorter supply chains and localisation may have its merits for certain kinds of products, such as fresh food. Such logic does not apply to electronics components, or the pharmaceutical ingredients from which medicines are made. In order for Indian consumers to get inexpensive products even ones made by Indian companies those components and ingredients will have to be either made or sourced at competitive costs from somewhere. It is in the interest of Indian companies and consumers, as well as the overall Indian economy, if the business decision on the best source for goods and raw materials is left to each company to make. The free workings of the market have proved beneficial to India since 1991. It would be a folly if those gains too, are lost in the rush to undo, in six years, 60 years of Indian history. The writer is an author, journalist and former newspaper editor. He tweets as @mrsamratx New research indicates that some galaxies might have two massive black holes at their centers that can emit ultra-powerful jets of energy. Credit: European Space Agency A Clemson University scientist has joined forces with an international team of astronomers to identify periodic gamma-ray emissions from 11 active galaxies, paving the way for future studies of unconventional galaxies that might harbor two supermassive black holes at their centers. Among astronomers, it has long been well-established that most galaxies host a black hole at their center. But galaxies hosting a pair of black holes has remained theoretical. The results of the team's research appeared in The Astrophysical Journal on June 19, 2020 in a paper titled "Systematic search for gamma-ray periodicity in active galactic nuclei detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope." "In general, supermassive black holes are characterized by masses of more than a million masses of that of our sun," said Pablo Penil, lead author of the study and a Ph.D. student at Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain. "Some of these supermassive black holes, known as active galactic nuclei (AGN) have been found to accelerate particles to near the speed of light in collimated beams called jets. The emission from these jets is detected throughout the entire electromagnetic spectrum, but most of their energy is released in the form of gamma rays." Gamma rays, which are the most extreme form of light, are detected by the Large Area Telescope onboard NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. AGN are characterized by abrupt and unpredictable variations in brightness. "Identifying regular patterns in their gamma-ray emission is like looking at the stormy sea and searching for the tiny regular set of waves caused by, say, the passage of a small boat," Penil said. "It becomes very challenging very quickly." The team accomplished the first difficult step of identifying a large number of galaxies that emits periodically over years and is trying to address the question of what is producing that periodic behavior in these AGN. Several of the potential explanations are fascinating. "The next step will be the preparation of observational campaigns with other telescopes to closely follow up on these galaxies and hopefully unravel the reasons behind these compelling observations," said co-author Marco Ajello, an associate professor in the College of Science's department of physics and astronomy at Clemson University. "We have a few possibilities in mindfrom lighthouse effects produced by the jets to modulations in the flow of matter to the black holebut one very interesting solution would be that periodicity is produced by a pair of supermassive black holes rotating around each other. Understanding the relation of these black holes with their environment will be essential for a complete picture of galaxy formation." Thanks to a decade of Fermi-LAT observations, the team was able to identify the repetition of gamma-ray signals over cycles of a few years. On average, these emissions repeated about every two years. "Our study represents the most complete work to date on the search for periodicity in gamma rays, a study that will be instrumental in deriving insights about the origin of this peculiar behavior," said co-author Alberto Dominguez, Penil's Ph.D. supervisor in Madrid and also a former postdoctoral researcher in Ajello's group at Clemson. "We have used nine years of continuous LAT all-sky observations. Among the more than two thousand AGN analyzed, only about a dozen stand out for this intriguing cyclical emission." Enlarging the limited sample of periodic emitters constitutes an important leap forward for understanding the underlying physical processes in these galaxies. "Previously only two blazars were known to show periodic changes in their gamma-ray brightness. Thanks to our study, we can confidently say that this behavior is present in 11 other sources," said co-author Sara Buson, a professor at University of Wurzburg in Germany. "In addition, our study found 13 other galaxies with hints of cyclical emission. But to confidently confirm this, we need to wait for Fermi-LAT to collect even more data." Explore further Quasi-periodic variability observed in two blazars More information: P. Penil et al, Systematic Search for -Ray Periodicity in Active Galactic Nuclei Detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope, The Astrophysical Journal (2020). Journal information: Astrophysical Journal P. Penil et al, Systematic Search for -Ray Periodicity in Active Galactic Nuclei Detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope,(2020). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ab910d Every year graduating students look forward to marking this time-honoured milestone by celebrating at their prom. But, this year is like no other. Because of COVID-19 proms could not take place. Still many students purchased their outfits but sadly had no place to wear them. So, we asked students if we could help them celebrate with photos of them in their special outfits. Here are some graduating students who dressed up for us and each other. Ishana Thezalus is a Westmount Secondary School graduate who will be studying Nursing at McMaster University in the fall. Cathie Coward Monique Kepple is a Sherwood Secondary School graduate who will be studying Biomedical Sciences at the University of Ottawa in the fall. Cathie Coward From left: Isabella Thompson plans to study Public Health at Brock University, Shukri Abdulwahed is studying Business Administration at Brock University, Andrew Morgan is studying Business Management at the University of Toronto and Kausa Ahmed plans to study Critical Criminology at Brock University. All 4 students are Bernie Custis Secondary School graduates. Cathie Coward Mae Robb and Benny Cramero are Westdale Secondary School graduates. Mae will be studying Kinesiology at Western University and Benny will be studying Environmental Technology at Mohawk College. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Kausa Ahmed is a Bernie Custis Secondary School graduate who plans to study Critical Criminology at Brock University. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Isabella Thompson is a Bernie Custis Secondary School graduate who plans to study Public Health at Brock University. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Brooklyn Miller is an Ancaster High School graduate who is attending Mohawk College in September studying Early Childhood Education. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Jade Thompson is a Westdale Secondary School graduate who will be studying Social Sciences at McMaster University in September. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Halle Williams is a Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School graduate who will be attending St Mary's University in Halifax in September on a soccer scholarship. Halle will be studying Biology. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Taylor Woods is a graduate of Nelson Secondary School in Burlington. She will be studying Animal Biology at University of Guelph in September. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Cassandre Joseph is a Westmount Secondary School graduate who will be studying Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Ottawa in the fall. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Shukri Abdulwahed is a Bernie Custis Secondary School graduate who will be studying Business Administration at Brock University. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Lily Mainprize is an Ancaster High School graduate who will be studying Kinesiology at Brock University in September. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Monique Kepple is a Sherwood Secondary School graduate who will be studying Biomedical Sciences at the University of Ottawa in the fall. Ishana Thezalus is a Westmount Secondary School graduate who will be studying nursing at McMaster University in the fall. Cassandre Joseph is a Westmount Secondary School graduate who will be studying Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Ottawa in the fall. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Faith Greenhalgh is a Cathedral Catholic Secondary School graduate. She will be studying Early Childhood Education at Mohawk College in the Fall. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Dylex Suan is a graduate of Corpus Christi Secondary School in Burlington. Dylex will be studying Computer Science at the University of Waterloo this fall. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Serena Sawatzky and Dimitri Saunter are both Westdale Secondary School graduates. Serena will be studying Interior Design at Sheridan College and Dimitri will be studying for his Bachelor of Technology at McMaster. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Amber Carroll is a Ancaster High School graduate who will be studying at the School for Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities (with scholar's electives) at Western University. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Andrew Morgan is a Bernie Custis Secondary School graduate who will be studying Business Management at the University of Toronto. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Claire Leek is a Westdale Secondary School graduate who will be studying Concurrent Education at Brock University in September. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Amber Carroll, left, is a Ancaster High School graduate who will be going to Western University enrolled in the School for Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities, with scholars electives. Jade Thompson is a Westdale Secondary School graduate who will be studying Social Sciences at McMaster University in September. The girls have been close friends since they met at summer camp. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Reilly McNaughton is a graduate of Nelson Secondary School in Burlington. She will be studying Child and Youth Worker at Fanshaw College. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Cierra Cherwaty is a Westmount Secondary School graduate. She will be studying Psychology at Trent University in September. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator From left to right- Monique Kepple is a Sherwood Secondary School graduate who will be studying Biomedical Sciences at the University of Ottawa in the fall. Ishana Thezalus is a Westmount Secondary School graduate who will be studying nursing at McMaster University in the fall. Cassandre Joseph is a Westmount Secondary School graduate who will be studying Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Ottawa in the fall. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Molly Vromans is a Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School graduate who will be studying Nursing at McMaster University in September. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Kailee Baldwin is a Cathedral Catholic Secondary School graduate who will be studying Advertising at Mohawk College in the fall. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Charlotte Boorman, left and her friend Gillian Blais, both Westdale Secondary School graduates. Charlotte will be studying Social Sciences at McMaster in the fall and Gillian will be at Queen's University studying Psychology. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Kaitlyn John is a Westmount Secondary School graduate who will be studying Graphic Communication Management at Ryerson University in the fall. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Nya Cordova is a St. Mary Secondary School graduate who will be attending Mohawk College for veterinary assistant. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Kansas Gordon is an Ancaster High School graduate who will be studying Concurrent Education at Brock University in September. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Alex Laurent, left and Caitlin Miller have been friends since kindergarten. Both girls are graduates of Nora Frances Henderson. In the fall Alex will be in the Veterinary Assistant program at Northern College and Caitlin will be at the University of Guelph studying Sport Event Management. Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator Janet Mbugua has shed more details about why and how she quit her lucrative news anchoring job at Citizen TV. In an interview with ChatSpot, the celebrated media personality said quitting TV back in April 2017 was one of the best decisions of her life. I had done it for 10 years. It was 10 years non-stop of working. Starting in Nairobi, going to South Africa coming back to Nairobi, starting a family, getting into brand endorsements, she recounted. I was burnt out, I had a really young child at the time and there was an election coming up and I had an election burn out and I felt that this was the good time to step back, she explained. Janet also noted that she wanted to explore more with her Inua Dada Foundation, an NGO that empowers and advocates for the rights of every girl child. On her exit strategy from Citizen, Janet disclosed that it was about six months in the making. Before resigning, she saved enough money to sustain her for about a year. I took six months before my final show, so I had saved enough money, I had made enough networks to do other works. I just didnt wake up and resign. You cant really afford to do that literally. So I said let me put aside some money and so when I did, I had a plan for at least one year and then thank God I got some job that I am still doing. Its one of the best decisions I ever made, she said. Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak speaks during a media briefing on coronavirus in Downing Street, London, Monday April 20, 2020. (Pippa Fowles/10 Downing Street via AP) The UK government broke records on rising debt levels, cash requirements, and borrowing in May, as the cost of the COVID-19 pandemic pushed public finances to their limit. The Office for National Statistics and the Treasury said on Friday that government debt climbed to 100.9% of UK GDP in May the first time public debt has breached 100% of economic output since 1963. The national debt stood at 1.9tn ($2.33tn) at the end of last month. The rise was partly driven by record state borrowing in May. The government borrowed 55.2bn last month, nine times what it borrowed in the same month last year and the highest monthly figure since records began in 1993. Economists had expected borrowing of 50bn. The government has now borrowed over 100bn in just the last two months, another record. The Treasury needed to raise more cash in the first two months of this fiscal year than in total in any prior 10 fiscal years, Samuel Tombs, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, wrote in a note to clients on Friday morning. UK Government borrowing has soared since the COVID-19 pandemic struck. (ONS) The surging borrowing has been driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced the government to put in place economic support measures unprecedented in modern times. The cost of paying furloughed workers wages, support the transport network, and lend money to businesses has pushed the governments monthly cash requirements to 62.7bn in May over 40bn more than it needed this time last year and another record high. Meanwhile, tax receipts fell by 31% in May, driven by declines in value-added-tax (VAT) and national insurance. Todays figures confirm that coronavirus is having a severe impact on our public finances, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said in a statement. The best way to restore our public finances to a more sustainable footing is to safely reopen our economy so people can return to work. Weve set out our plan to do this in a gradual and safe fashion, including reopening High Streets this week, as we kick start out economic recovery. Story continues Tombs said: Emergency measures to prevent the sudden collapse in economic activity triggering a tsunami of corporate collapses and loan defaults have placed a colossal burden on the public finances. He said costs and borrowing were likely to decline in the coming months as government-backed business loan schemes wind up and the furlough scheme comes to an end. Tax income should also improve. Nonetheless, the Treasurys demand for cash will remain high by past standards, given the prospect of rising unemployment and the likelihood that the Chancellor will attempt to reinforce the recovery with a stimulative Budget later this year, Tombs said. Conference and trade show organiser Hyve Group has been forced to cancel the biggest event in its calendar amid the ongoing Covid-19 turmoil. Shoptalk, a huge retail symposium held in Las Vegas, had been postponed from March to September but has now been scrapped in 2020 and will instead next run in March 2021. Hyve has also had to cancel a number of other events, though it did not disclose which ones. nsurance payout: Conference and trade show organiser Hyve Group has been forced to cancel the biggest event in its calendar amid the ongoing Covid-19 turmoil The company has been pummelled by the pandemic, which brought global travel and the market for corporate events virtually to a standstill. It plans to run events in China from July onwards - but how long it will take until it can restart its schedule elsewhere is still an unknown. However, shares in the FTSE 250-listed group rose 6 per cent, or 7p, to 124p after Hyve reported it has received the first in a series of insurance claims for its cancellations. It has been given 7.35million, and there is a total cap on payouts of 62million for all insured events to the end of October. Stock Watch - Velocys Renewable fuels maker Velocys has delayed publishing its 2019 results until early August. It said the logistical difficulties of carrying out an audit during lockdown meant it wouldnt be able to meet the June 30 deadline. The group said revenue fell from 700,000 in 2018 to 300,000 last year, though losses narrowed. Shares fell 11.3 per cent, or 1.65p, to 13p, but are up almost 580 per cent this year after it clinched planning permission for a plant in Lincolnshire. Faring less well on the mid-cap index, oil services specialist Wood Group tipped into the red, losing 1.1 per cent, or 2.6p, to close at 224.3p, after warning it expects first-half profits to fall by 19 per cent. Energy work makes up around 85 per cent of its business. A large chunk of that comes from oil and gas though it has been trying to push into other industries and is pursuing work on green energy projects, evidenced by clinching two solar energy contracts in the US earlier this week. Its order book was down by around 11 per cent at the end of May, compared with the end of December, in a sign that the slump in energy prices has taken a toll on its pipeline. For a company whose fortunes are tied in with crude prices, Wood will have been relieved to see oil futures trading 2.5 per cent higher, up $1, to $43 last night. Hopes are growing that demand will pick up sooner than expected and have been bolstered by an agreement between members of the Opec+ formed of the Opec cartel and other producing nations such as Russia to cut output. The London market had an upbeat end to the week, with the FTSE 100 rising 1.1 per cent, or 68.53 points, to 6292.6, and the FTSE 250 adding 1 per cent, or 169 points, to 17687.26. Domino's Pizza shares were flat in the pan after Berenberg brokers downgraded it to 'sell', citing the mounting pressure from competitors like Deliveroo and Uber Eats that are focused on fast growth. Analysts emphasised they don't think it's a bad business, saying it has a strong brand and is well rated by its customers, but they think the cut-throat delivery market will weigh on its earnings this year. Domino's stock fell 1.3 per cent, or 4.4p, to 327p. Elsewhere, investors cheered aviation services company Air Partner, which rose after it bagged a seven-year deal with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The CAA awarded its subsidiary Redline the contract to be the sole certifier and quality assurer of free-running explosive detection dogs the type of highly trained dogs that sniff around cargo for bombs before it is loaded on planes. Air Partner shares rose 5.3 per cent, or 4p, to 79p. On AIM, technology minnow Catenae Innovation told the market that Newcastle Premier Health, with whom it has been working on a coronavirus 'digital passport', had completed a proof-of-concept pilot trial of the 'Cov-ID' app. The app would enable groups of people who could prove they have had the virus to go back to work or meet friends. But Catenae stressed it might not be picked up and commercialised and shares fell 17.1 per cent, or 0.6p, to 2.9p. A dash cam has captured the moment a speeding car plowed into pedestrians and a cyclist in New York City. Footage shows the vehicle knocking down a number of people crossing the road at an intersection in the Bronx on Wednesday afternoon. Seven people - including six pedestrians and one cyclist - suffered non-life-threatening injuries, authorities say. Kevin Crosby, 43, was arrested and charged with aggravated vehicular assault. Footage shows as the white sedan crashes into people in the Bronx Wednesday Seven people suffered non-life-threatening injuries, authorities say The car comes to stop after smashing into parked vehicles and a food cart He also faces charges of reckless endangerment, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident, Pix11 reports. The clip begins with a number of New Yorkers crossing the road at the intersection of Jerome Avenue and East Fordham Road. From the left of the dash cam screen the white sedan comes hurtling into view, speeding towards the junction. One of those hit by the car, a cyclist, immediately gets up, leaving their bike in the road Others appear to jump out of the way with moments to spare. Cars pictured in the wake of the crash Driver Kevin Crosby, 43, was arrested and now faces a number of charges Footage taken after the crash shows the food cart tipped on its side Several pedestrians and at least one cyclist are hit. The car comes to stop after smashing into parked vehicles and a food cart. One of those hit by the car, a cyclist, immediately gets up, leaving their bike in the road. Others appear to jump out of the way with moments to spare. Footage taken after the crash shows the food cart tipped on its side. MEXICO CITY, June 18 (Reuters) - Mexico's Libre Abordo will ask lawyers to evaluate a decision made earlier on Thursday by the U.S. Treasury Department, which sanctioned the firm and a related company, Schlager Business Group, for trading millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil. An oil-for-food agreement signed by the firms in 2019 with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government would be protected by a license issued by the United States exempting the supply of humanitarian goods to Venezuela, including food, from sanctions, the company said. Libre Abordo also said U.S. sanctions are wrongly linking the company to unrelated entities under sanctions. (Reporting by Ana Isabel Martinez, writing by Marianna Parraga; Editing by Anthony Esposito) This screen grab taken from body camera video provided by the Atlanta Police Department shows Rayshard Brooks speaking with Officer Garrett Rolfe in the parking lot of a Wendy's restaurant on June 12. (Associated Press) To the editor: To suggest that the Atlanta police officers should have let Rayshard Brooks sleep it off or called his family to drive him home after he failed a sobriety test in a parking lot is completely ridiculous. You are overlooking the fact that he allegedly drove drunk in the first place, and he could have killed people. ("Atlanta police killed a Black man for being drunk at Wendy's," editorial, June 16) There are about 10,000 people killed by drunk drivers in the United States each year. Race should not play a role in determining the consequences of these actions. The police did the right thing by trying to arrest him, and the footage shows that they were being completely professional and calm up to that point. Fear of getting arrested is needed to prevent people from drinking too much before driving. What happened after Brooks resisted arrest led to an sad outcome, but it easily could have been avoided if Brooks had complied with the officers. Mark Korman, Eagle Rock .. To the editor: If Brooks had been white, driving a BMW and wearing a $5,000 suit, he would be alive today. The police would have been concerned about his health and asked him if he was OK. Did he have a heart condition? Was he diabetic? They would have treated him with respect and spoken to him nicely. After doing the breathalyzer test they would have decided he was not going to be arrested, but could call someone to come get him and drive him home. They would have cited him and warned him that he would be arrested if he ever got caught drinking and driving again. But instead he's dead. This is the essence of racism. Sylvia Hampton, San Diego .. To the editor: The Los Angeles Times Editorial Board wrote, "Authorities say he resisted, took an officer's Taser and began to run, and one of the officers shot him in the back." (The emphasis is mine.) Newsflash: We saw him resisting on video, and we saw him running with the Taser. You also omit the fact that Brooks fired the Taser at the officers chasing him. Story continues Joseph Wambaugh, San Diego .. To the editor: Your editorial omits one of Brooks' responses when he was questioned by the officers. He said that he could lock his car and walk to his sister's house. Evidently, that was an unacceptable alternative to placing him under arrest. While public reaction has been to defund the police, as Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms pointed out, it is a slogan, and slogans don't work. What is needed is changing the culture of the police, demilitarizing their weaponry, and mandating better and longer training in order to protect human life and serve the community, including people of color. Until there are significant changes in law enforcement and the corrections system, Black lives will be at risk, and communities of color will be underserved. This is not justice for all. Lenore Navarro Dowling, Los Angeles Leaders of Duluth, Minn., are pushing to remove the word chief from city job titles, saying the term could be offensive to Native Americans. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson told City Council members on Wednesday to approve the change in a vote next week so that we have more inclusive leadership and less language that is rooted in hurt and offensive, intentional marginalization. Duluth community relations officer Alicia Kozlowski, a member of the Lake Superior Chippewa, supported the move. I think that there are other titles that we have the opportunity to use to steer away from language that may put people down based off their race or culture, Kozlowski told theA Minneapolis Star Tribune. Kozlowski said the word chief is a racial epithet, and it turns into a microaggression. If approved, the city would change the offices of Chief Administrative Officer to city administrator and Chief Financial Officer to finance director. Larson said the city is also considering renaming the offices of Police and Fire Chiefs. The mayor is attempting to redraft the city charter to include language that is more inclusive, more reflective, more accurate and more modern. At the same time, Duluth has seen protests for racial equality following the death of George Floyd, an African American man killed during arrest by Minneapolis police officers. Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken said that civil unrest on the night of May 31 was like nothing he had seen in 28 years with the department. While protests since have been relatively calm, May 31 marked the first time in years that Duluth police used tear gas to disperse crowds. More from National Review Far-right activists often organise events such as hikes, festivals or summer camps in order to create a sense of community among their members. Credit: Pexels/Mael Balland Why do "ordinary" citizens join far-right organisations? Agnieszka Pasieka explores how far-right groups offer social services, organise festivals and shape their own narrative to attract new members. In her FWF-project, she accompanies activists to investigate their practices and philosophies. For anthropologists, it is often challenging to get in touch with research participants and win their trust. In the case of far-right activists, it turned out to be especially difficult, says Agnieszka Pasieka. "Far-right activists have had bad experiences with people who pretended to join their organisations but then gathered material and left. In my case, they first suspected that I was a journalist who was just pretending to be a researcher." Pasieka works at the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Vienna and received funding for her project from the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) in the frame of the Elise Richter-Programme. In her research, she explores a question that is more pressing than ever: How can the rise of the far right be explained? The goal of her project is to investigate not only the activists' ways of acting but also the appeal that these groups have on "ordinary" people. Furthermore, the project aims to develop critical methods and theory that can be used to study this and kindred phenomena. In order to establish first contacts, Pasieka went to a festival organised by a group of Italian activists. "It was clear that the festival was organized by a far-right group, it was openly advertisedone could buy a ticket and attend. So, that's what I did." There, she got to know activists from several countries and openly discussed with them her research project. "I told them that I don't agree with them but I kept emphasising that my aim was to try to engage with and understand their views," she concludes. In the months to come, she followed their activities, talked to them, conducted interviews and participated in a variety of their undertakings. A Social Movement? In the public discourse, far-right groups are mostly associated with anti-refugee demonstrations and street protests. But the groups Pasieka studies also engage in activities that they are not commonly associated with. These activities range from socialising events such as hiking in the mountains and organising festivals to establishing social assistance models for citizens in needtoys for kids or food, for example, as well as support from lawyers and social workers. Far-right groups are engaged in many of these activities also during the current emergency situation provoked by the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting themselves as the people who step in where the state is absent. In the public discourse, far-right activists are often portrayed as "driven by hate." However, in order to attract new members and build their communities, they adopt a different kind of narrative: "They use the notions of friendship, hope, a better future. But of course this relates to their own community and the people they consider legitimate inhabitants of their countries," Pasieka says. "What they do is really quite diverse: Conferences and cultural events, the promotion of books that are written by authors who support their right-wing cause; and activism such as advocating for animal rights or helping the poor," Pasieka explains. Credit: Matheus Bertelli / Pexels Transnational Nationalists One of the aspects Pasieka looks at is how far-right groups are transnationally connected. Being a "transnational nationalist" is not necessarily a contradiction and it is not a new phenomenon, as fascist groups in the 1920s and 1930s were networking transnationally, too. "At the end of the day, there is nothing surprising about this networking. These groups cherish their national identity but they also live in the 21st century and they realise that the world is globalised. They use these connections productively to learn from people in other countriesto observe what others do and implement the same tactics and practices," Pasieka explains. Understanding Different Perspectives In Italy and Poland, Pasieka got to know members of the far-right organisations on a personal level, which, she says, was challenging at times: "Negotiating access to the field and gaining trust as an anthropologist is really an ongoing process. Ethnographic research is full of 'ups' and 'downs." It happened to me to say something my research participants got upset about and put my further research into question," she says. However, this problem is more inherent to ethnographic research, generally, than it is inherent to studying far-right activism in particular. While far-right groups do have some specific characteristics, Pasieka is highly critical of marginalising them and treating them as an "especially troublesome" category of research participants: "We really should not make something very specific of this topic, something very exceptional. This aura of exceptionality is not helpful for understanding it." However difficult it might be to empathise with someone who shares fundamentally different values, taking all parties seriously and understanding their motivation is key in a time in which a refusal to engage with other people's views has become a feature of political as well as academic debates. Therefore, Pasieka emphasizes that studying far-right groups is not about "liking" or "disliking," but about understanding what other people think and do. Explore further Projects to safeguard wellbeing of carers during pandemic OTTAWAA former Canadian ambassador to China is accusing the Liberal government of an appeasement strategy towards Beijing, urging Ottawa to take stronger action to secure the release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. Guy Saint-Jacques made the comments Friday, a day after Chinese prosecutors announced that the two Canadians who have been detained without charge in China for more than 550 days would face charges of spying and attempting to steal state secrets. Saint-Jacques, who served as Canadas ambassador to China until 2016, said the government has expressed only cautious criticism of Beijings recent actions the crackdown in Hong Kong, the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the internment of one million Uighurs in Xinjiang. The strategy has not only failed to free Kovrig and Spavor, he said, but has failed to shield Canada from economic blowback from Beijing. Ive had discussions with officials in Ottawa who say we wont retaliate, blow-for-blow (But) if you dont react, and you lay down every time, you risk ending up as roadkill, Saint-Jacques said in an interview Friday. The only part of the strategy that has worked has been seeking support of like-minded allies. This has taken the Chinese by surprise. Its something we should move to another level, to put more pressure on China. The Canadian government views the detentions of the two men as arbitrary. They were arrested just days after Canadian authorities arrested Meng Wanzhou, an executive for the Chinese telecom Huawei, at the request of the United States in December 2018. Wanzhou is wanted by the U.S. on fraud charges, and her extradition hearing is ongoing. On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed disappointment that China moved forward with the espionage charges against the two men. Trudeau once again called for their release, but did not signal any change in Ottawas efforts to secure that outcome. We are using a wide range of public and private measures to ensure that everything is being done to ensure we get these Michaels home, Trudeau told reporters in Chelsea, Quebec on Friday. The Star asked the Prime Ministers Office to provide details on those measures, and if Trudeau intends to personally raise the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The PMO did not immediately respond to the questions. In an opinion piece published Friday by the Star, Chinas ambassador to Canada, Cong Peiwu, asserted that Canada was caught in the middle of a squabble between his country and the United States. Meng Wanzhous arrest, the ambassador wrote, was a grave political incident concocted by the U.S. to damage Huawei. In fact, while Mengs extradition case continues, the B.C. Supreme Court ruled last month that the fraud charges levelled against her in the U.S. would be a crime in Canada moving Meng one step closer to extradition. Meng is accused of circumventing U.S. sanctions against Iran. Cong made a similar argument Thursday in an interview with Reuters. He also argued China would never meddle in Canadian affairs which runs counter to the position of two successive Canadian governments, the countrys two top intelligence agencies, former senior intelligence officials, and a recent report by Parliaments National Security Committee. Saint-Jacques said there are a number of ways the Canadian government could take stronger action against China, including calling out Chinese interference in domestic affairs, expelling diplomats who put pressure on Chinese-Canadian communities, laying charges for espionage, and undertaking more stringent inspections of Chinese goods coming into Canada. The government could also encourage businesses to diversify away from China, including to member countries of the recently concluded Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. For now, Kovrig and Spavor remain detained in Chinese jails, where they potentially face life sentences in a justice system with a 99.9 per cent conviction rate. On Friday, Canada called again on China to allow the two men consular services. Read more about: T he City and Canary Wharfs biggest banks are slowly inviting staff back to the office in the coming weeks as covid restrictions begin to ease. Goldman Sachs is thought to have had around 500 staff back at its glittering new headquarters off Fleet Street this week after reopening four days ago. JPMorgans tower in Canary Wharf is set to welcome back some of its traders next Monday. Other JPMorgan departments will be returning in early July, although the return will be staged and only up to a maximum 50% capacity, sources said. Morgan Stanleys Canary Wharf base has moved up from a 400 skeleton staff to 500 in the past fortnight with another 50 to 100 expected back by early July, with a similar 50% limit longer term. Barclays is expected to have around 200 staff return to its giant Canary Wharf tower over the next three weeks while HSBC is thought to be gradually having people back who want to return in early July. Both the UK banks are expecting to keep numbers low until autumn at the earliest. All have stressed the return is only for those who want to come back, but the mood appears to be shifting slightly from work-from-home as being the absolute norm. One executive said: Were operating seamlessly on work from home but Im not for this never-go-back-to-the office mentality. We have a social duty to the businesses around our offices who rely on us, for one thing, plus, many of our staff want to go back. As well as health and childcare issues, the key limiting factor for those in the biggest skyscrapers is social distancing in lifts. One health and safety source cited the example of HSBC in Canary Wharf, where 24 lifts ferry 9000 people in and out of the building. He said: Current social distancing rules would suggest only three people at a time can use each HSBC lift, suggesting theyll only be able to get 20% to 25% of people in the building, tops. Each building has different capabilities. JPMorgan is allowed 5-7 people in its lifts, while Morgan Stanleys can take four up and down its 12 floors but the trading floors are accessible via escalators. All the banks have had skeleton staff in during the whole lockdown working on issues such as emergency fundraising for clients. Barclays sources said it had been running two trading desks for the duration. As well as the 200 in London, Barclays is likely to have around 500 return to work in other countries in the coming weeks. JPMorgan is expected to have people going back to work in waves across Europe from 29 June. JPMorgans buildings are ready, with some 31,000 stickers and signs up in its London buildings explaining how to travel around the building with safe social distancing. One Goldman banker who returned this week said: Its gone pretty smoothly. Temperature checks on entry were easy, people are wearing masks in the common areas and the free breakfast and lunch are a bonus. Overall people here are pretty excited by it. But its early days and theres a long way to go. Several bank sources said they were mindful of the impact on the Underground and train system of large numbers returning to work and would only follow government guidelines. Maria Reyna Flores, left, and Juan Martinez, with their children (Family photo) When Maria Reyna Flores allowed herself to daydream, she would envision a life where she found someone to love and respect her, someone who would take her 8-year-old son, Erick, and claim him as his own. The reality was far different. She was a single mother, working long hours in the kitchen at the Elephant Bar in Stockton, battling depression and the nagging concern that she wasn't spending enough time with her son as she struggled to make ends meet. But one day that changed. Y si, she said. Si lo conoci. And yes, she said. I found him. His name was Juan Martinez, a hard-working and affectionate man who worked at the same restaurant with Flores. Martinez would take her out on dates and would always invite Erick along. The two would eventually have three daughters and continue taking the kids on trips to their favorite restaurants. If he wanted to give me a kiss, and my kids were there, he would still give it to me, Flores said. I felt proud to have a husband who loved me so much. More than a decade after meeting, things were looking bright for the family: Erick was starting to pack his things to get his own apartment, Martinez had proposed to Flores and the family was starting to plan a big wedding celebration for later this year. That was true love," Erick said, noting his mother always referred to Martinez as her husband. "They never really needed the title of marriage; they didnt need that to prove their love. Then came the pandemic. As with thousands of other Californians, Martinez contracted coronavirus and died within days, the end coming so swiftly the family still struggles to digest how it will redirect their lives. Juan Martinez dreamed of starting a restaurant with Maria Reyna Flores. He enjoyed cooking for his family. (Erick Flores) For Erick, it means returning home to Stockton to be with his mother and three sisters. For Flores, it means going back to work. Everything else has been put on hold. His role will never be taken by anyone else. Not even me. Ill always be the big brother, Erick said. Me and my mom will just have to join forces and see what we have to do. Story continues Erick recently graduated with an associate degree in retail management and merchandising. Despite the upheaval, he intends to return to college eventually and earn a bachelor's degree in business as Martinez always wanted. He was always in my business about college, but I understand now, Erick said, adding that he could see the pride in his dads face at his scholarship events and graduation. He cared for me. For now, that goal is on pause as he takes on this new role as a big brother with more responsibilities; hell now help provide for his sisters, Ericka, 10, Alondra, 5, and Brianna, 3. It was a nightmare for me growing up, Erick said. There were stepdads that were abusive. It was just tough. Just up and down. I would always move a lot, going to different schools, so it was tough. Ericks mother too has begun to grapple with the tough decisions she will now have to make. Shes been able to feed her family with the more than $10,000 Erick helped raise on GoFundMe, but she knows those donations will soon run out, especially if Medi-Cal doesn't cover Martinez's hospital stay. I was a single mother once, and now I am one again," she said, the sound of her daughters playing filling the house. There will come a moment when Ill need to start working; if not my kids wont have anything to eat. One of the hardest things for Flores since Martinezs death is not sharing with her youngest daughters that papi will no longer be coming back. Every time the door opens or a car parks, the youngest says, Mi papi is home, Flores said. And Im still waiting for him to come home too, because I still cant believe that hes gone. Martinez started feeling sick May 31 after coming home from a 10-hour shift. He first started feeling body aches, which wasn't completely uncommon given the nature of his job as a forklift driver at a produce warehouse. But things got worse that night when he started hyperventilating and running a fever. By the next day, he was intubated. The day after that, he was put on life support. They pretty much told me he was not going to get better, Erick said. Thats when reality hit. After a heart attack, Martinez died June 7 at Dameron Hospital in Stockton. Despite the void, he left his family with a dream. His biggest dream was to open a little restaurant and give us a better future, Flores said. Hed tell me One day, were going to do it. Now, I want to follow my husbands dreams. This is big news in Chicago, where Quaker Oats is based. Moreover, the character Aunt Jemima got her start in the city, represented in two Worlds Fairs by two Chicagoans, Nancy Green and Anna Robinson. The real stories of their lives paralleled the made-up stories of the life of Aunt Jemima. Now, as Aunt Jemima recedes into history, it is time to bring Green and Robinson forward, and in doing so, to help us to understand the meager life choices available to them, part of the structure in structural racism. The police on Thursday booked three state government employees a clerk, an executive engineer and a school teacher for allegedly failing to report for Covid-19 duty. The police said the case was registered after a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) filed a police complaint at Civil Lines police station. According to the police, the accused persons were deputed as liaison officials and were tasked with assisting migrant workers to board the Shramik Special trains to return to their respective states. A police official privy to the investigation, requesting anonymity, said, In the complaint, the SDM stated that during an audit, it was found that a clerk from the excise department, a government school teacher and an executive engineer from the construction division had failed to report for their duties during the lockdown. The accused persons had neither informed their senior officials of their absence nor had they taken permission for the same. The official added that the police had initiated a probe and no arrests have been made so far. The police said the accused persons were posted at Tau Devi Lal stadium, where hundreds of migrant workers had camped before they were sent to their respective home towns in buses and trains. The complaint was lodged on Thursday, following which an FIR was registered. A case was registered against the accused persons under Section 56 (failure of officer in duty or his connivance at the contravention of the provisions of this Act) of the Disaster Management at Civil Lines police station, said the police. Press Release Nokia first to demonstrate live C-Band network in the U.S. Nokia completes first successful U.S. based 5G trial in C-band spectrum, reaching speeds of over 1 Gbps using commercial 5G AirScale portfolio Nokia C-Band solutions are ready to deploy ahead of the expected U.S. spectrum auction in December 2020 Nokia already supplying 5G services to all U.S. carriers 19 June 2020 Espoo, Finland - Nokia today announced that it has successfully completed a series of Over-the-Air (OTA) 5G NR (new radio) trials in C-band spectrum, in Dallas, Texas. The drive tests, which achieved stable peak throughput speeds of over 1 Gbps, confirmed that Nokia's solution is ready for commercial deployment ahead of the U.S. C-band spectrum auction in December. The C-band, between 3.4 GHz and 4.2 GHz, is a crucial resource for operators to offer the best mix of 5G network capacity and coverage to subscribers across the U.S. The demonstration was performed in Dallas' Cypress Waters neighborhood using Nokia's AirScale 5G base station equipment that is an industry-leading, commercial end-to-end 5G solution enabling operators globally to capitalize on all their 5G spectrum assets (from 600MHz to 39GHz). It offers huge capacity scaling and market-leading latency and connectivity by enabling all air-interface technologies on the same radio access equipment. The setup utilized 100 MHz of spectrum at 3.75 GHz with a 4x4 MIMO and configuration in Non-Standalone (NSA) mode combined with Nokia's Core network. During drive testing, Nokia monitored network performance and demonstrated that the 'handovers' successfully happened between C-Band base stations as expected. The connection and performance was stable throughout the entire test, highlighting the robustness of the solution and its readiness for commercial implementation. The U.S. will hold a spectrum auction for the C-band in December with network deployments expected in the first half of 2021. C-band spectrum will be prime spectrum for providing leading-edge 5G services in the U.S., especially when combined with already deployed network infrastructure and spectrum bands via TDD/FDD Carrier Aggregation and other interworking features. Nokia's C-band solution is based on its AirScale 5G radio frequency (RF) products. It has a full portfolio of 3.5GHz solutions, including 64TRX and 32TRX massive MIMO for extreme capacity; 8T8R radios for deployable coverage solutions; 4T4R micro RRH for street level and venue deployments; and Indoor pico RRH to provide extensive in-building coverage. Nokia is already shipping each of these solutions in high volumes to leading carriers around the world. The difference between these global solutions and the solutions needed for the U.S. C-band are the hardware changes needed to match the exact frequency range and country specific RF requirements. These adaptions are low technical risk based on Nokia's already commercial platforms, including its own ReefShark System on Chip (SoC) technologies. This C-Band demonstration was using Nokia's AirScale 5G baseband solution. Nokia is also offering U.S. Carriers the option of deploying C-Band with its 5G AirScale Cloud RAN solution in vRAN2.0 configuration, in which the whole baseband will be in Cloud connected to the radio via an ORAN compliant eCPRI 7.2x interface. Nokia recently announced that it has achieved 5G speeds of up to 4.7 Gbps in OTA tests performed on AirScale base station equipment being deployed in major U.S. carriers' commercial networks. This most recent achievement in C-Band is another example of the strong progress Nokia has made in 5G over the past 18 months. Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, commented: "The mobile industry is dependent on the allocation of new spectrum to increase capacity and deliver enhanced mobile broadband services. This test, in the C-band, is significant because it proves that we have a solution ready-to-go following the completion of the spectrum auctions in the U.S. later this year. We are already working with all major U.S. carriers and look forward to strengthening our relationship with them further by deploying C-band and delivering incredible 5G experiences to business and subscribers across the country." Resources Webpage: Nokia AirScale About Nokia We create the technology to connect the world. Only Nokia offers a comprehensive portfolio of network equipment, software, services and licensing opportunities across the globe. With our commitment to innovation, driven by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, we are a leader in the development and deployment of 5G networks. Our communications service provider customers support more than 6.4 billion subscriptions with our radio networks, and our enterprise customers have deployed over 1,300 industrial networks worldwide. Adhering to the highest ethical standards, we transform how people live, work and communicate. For our latest updates, please visit us online www.nokia.com and follow us on Twitter @nokia. 80& of Britons think importing chlorinated chicken from the US is unacceptable. (PA) Eight in ten Brits think its unacceptable for the UK to allow the import of chlorinated chicken from the US, according to a new poll. YouGov polled people about potential changes that could come with a new trade deal with US, finding that the majority of people thought it would be unacceptable for the UK to accept lower quality food imports in return for a deal. According to the results, 80% of Britons thought it would be unacceptable for chlorine-washed chicken to be sold in the UK. Just 8% said it would be acceptable while 12% said they didnt know. The UK had previously said it would not accept chlorinated chicken from the US as part of a trade deal but in February Environment Secretary George Eustice refused to rule out chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef being imported from the US in a post-Brexit deal. The issue has sparked concern across the board. Minette Batters, president of the National Farmers Union (NFU), said the government would be morally bankrupt to let global trade deals undermine UK food standards. According to the YouGov poll, 80% of respondents also thought it was unacceptable for the UK to receive hormone-fed chicken, while 75% disagreed with dairy products treated with antibiotics being supplied to the UK and 79% saying vegetables grown with pesticides banned in the EU would be unacceptable. Read more: EU chief warns UK must obey European principles to achieve Brexit deal Less than ten percent of adults said that any of the four categories listed would be acceptable. According to the poll, men are universally more in favour of changes to the quality of products in the UK than women in the case of chlorinated chicken they are four times more likely to approve (13% versus 3% of women). The issue of chlorinated chicken also seems to differ depending on politics, with Conservative voters more likely to approve, according to the poll. When it comes to the issue, 15% of Conservative voters said it is acceptable, compared to only 3% of Labour voters and 4% of Liberal Democrats. With salons in many parts of the country closed due to the coronavirus pandemic and people hesitant to go to the hairdresser, many are taking up the scissors themselves for an at-home haircut. Actor, television host and producer Raghu Ram gave his wife Natalie Di Luccio a trim and joked that she has created a monster. Raghu took to Instagram to share a picture in which Natalie was seen smiling and showing off her new haircut as he cut away with a pair of scissors. Guess who gave @nataliediluccio a #LockdownHaircut! She likes it, but doesnt realise the monster shes created. My war on hair has begun! VENGEANCE WILL BE MIIIIIINE!!!, he wrote in his caption. A few days ago, Natalie had shared the same picture on Instagram and written, Never in a MILLION years did I ever think Id let @instaraghu cut my hair. That too, with a dull pair of kitchen scissors. Not bad though, right? @instaraghu new profession? Would you guys be brave enough to get this man to cut your hair? #desperatetimescallfordesperatemeasures #lockdownhaircut. Also read: Shraddha Kapoor recalls fond memories with Sushant Singh Rajput, describes him as one who makes you feel special Raghu and Natalie are spending time with their son, Rhythm, who was born in January this year. He has been sharing pictures of their baby on Instagram. Recently, he shared photos of the little one bonding with their dog and wrote, Irresistible force meets immovable object. #LuttleRhythm #ZukZuk #DogsAndBabies #DogsOfInstagram #Dogstagram. In an interview with Hindustan Times, he had expressed his excitement about the new addition to the family. Bringing life into this world is such a beautiful and awe-inspiring thing. It is exhausting as well as electrifying, an experience I never thought Ill have and that brought us much closer, he had said. Raghu was last seen as the host of the Amazon Prime Video reality show Skulls and Roses, alongside his twin brother Rajiv Lakshman. Follow @htshowbiz for more ANN ARBOR, MI Hundreds of community members came together in Ann Arbor Friday afternoon for two reasons: To protest racism and celebrate Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a celebration of the liberation of those who had been held as slaves in the United States, but after the death of George Floyd at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer, event organizer Krisilyn Toni Frazier said the two go hand in hand. Juneteenth is the real day that slaves were freed, and a lot of people dont know that, Frazier said. So this is an educational tool to bring attention to true history, and we also have to pay attention to how far we have come and how far we havent. Before the crowd marched from the University of Michigan Diag through downtown Ann Arbor, a number of speakers shared their thoughts on racism in the United States and celebrating Juneteenth. Speakers included Eli Savit, who is running for Washtenaw County prosecutor; Dr. Abdul El-Sayed; 12th Congressional District Representative Debbie Dingell; and Washtenaw County Commissioner Ricky Jefferson, all of whom spoke for a few minutes about racial injustice. Protesters in Ann Arbor are now taking a knee in silence as the march continues down Huron. @MLive @annarbornews pic.twitter.com/cKcxLYPS9L Steve Marowski (@Steve_Marowski) June 19, 2020 Also speaking to the crowd was ShaTeina Grady El, who was punched in the head multiple times during an arrest last month. The community has rallied around Grady El, who said the events have given her a new perspective on speaking out. I dont like the camera. I dont like being in the forefront, Grady El said. But, because of this situation, it makes me look differently about being an out-front supporter because if theres no supporters, then you dont get any change. Video of Washtenaw County deputy punching woman sparks outrage in Ypsilanti Township As far as Juneteenth is concerned, Grady El said she hasnt really delved into the details of the holiday because there have been so many things going on over the last little while. When addressing the crowd, Grady El spoke to the youth in the audience and the impact they can have when they grow up. What I used to say is Knowledge is power, said Grady El, referring to her time as a youth coordinator. But then I thought, What is knowledge without application? If you dont apply yourself, then how is your knowledge relevant? ... The children are the future. What we put into them is what they get out of it and pays back to society. So, if you cannot give them the correct education, then direct them to somebody who will, Grady El said. Maranda Sailor of Southfield also addressed the crowd, recalling a number of incidents when she was subjected to racism. Seeing the support from the community on Juneteenth, including many calling for it to be a national holiday, was phenomenal, Sailor said, but there is more than needs to be done. Im just looking forward to the next steps, which is change, Sailor said. Protesting is one thing and that brings support, but now that we have the support, we need to continue and go on. There will also be a Juneteenth celebration and protest from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. The Ann Arbor Branch of the NAACP, Protectors of Equality in Government, City of Ann Arbor and GIVE 365 are hosting a public one-mile walk for racial justice. The walk begins at Fuller Park and travels along the Border-to-Border trail to Wheeler Park, according to a Facebook post from the city of Ann Arbor. At Wheeler Park, featured speakers, videos and a time for reflection will take place from noon to 2 p.m. The city encourages the use of masks and social distancing. Those who want to participate online also can do so by emailing volunteer@a2gov.org. By Fang Xiaozhi It was reported recently that India and Australia signed on June 4 a military logistics support and defense technology cooperation agreement, which allows reciprocal access to important military bases for technical and material replenishment. The two sides are also under talks to promote the 2+2 negotiation mechanism involving their foreign and defense ministers to reinforce their defense and political coordination and collaboration. Apart from the need to tackle their common challenges now, the closer defense and geopolitical ties between Sydney and New Delhi are more driven by common interests and the changing international security situation. India has been implementing the Look East Policy (LEP) all these years with its objective expanding from the Southeast Asian region initially to East Asia and South Pacific. As the largest country in the Indian Ocean region, India is fully aware of the importance of stronger collaboration with Indo-Pacific nations. Australia, on the other hand, is the largest country in the South Pacific region and potentially a strong military power. Having acutely sensed Sydneys intention of strengthening cooperation with India, New Delhi has seen in it the premier partner in the region for Australias significant role in promoting the LEP policy. Meanwhile, Australia has also stepped up its ties with India as the rising South Asian country has become a key participant and decision-maker in Indo-Pacific affairs and would have great impact on enhancing Sydneys clout in the region. As the strategic layout of the Indo-Pacific region changed in recent years, India and Australia have seen their strategic interests converging with more matching points, which have prompted them to view each other as the most important partner in the region. They have actively promoted bilateral defense cooperation, elevated their exchanges, and expanded the scope of collaboration to safeguard and increase their interests, leading to the rapid development of bilateral relations. The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement(MLSA) signed between the two countries is not only an important step for them to jointly forge the Indian Ocean plus Oceania control strategy but also establishes a major framework for the two militaries to share logistics resources. The agreement allows India and Australia to enter each others important military bases such as seaports and airports, and to access a range of logistics support including material replenishment, repair and maintenance, and medical services. Such arrangements will significantly boost their coordinated combat capabilities and improve their overall response to regional humanitarian disasters. They also make it possible to deepen military integration through more complex joint military exercises and work out new ways to cope with common security challenges, thus increasing the scope and complexity of their joint military drills and combat activities and enlarging the space for military collaboration. After the signing of the agreement, leaders of both sides also released a joint statement, vowing to build an open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The declaration, together with the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement and the 2+2 dialogue constitutes the cornerstone of India-Australia military coordination and push bilateral relations to a new high as it steps up from strategic partnership to comprehensive strategic partnership. However, restrictions still remain on the India-Australia security and defense cooperation as far as future development is concerned. While New Delhi is highly alarming against interference in its affairs by countries out of the region and committed to diplomatic and strategic independence, which is a major part of its national strategy, Sydney, as Americas traditional ally in the Asia Pacific region, is very close to Washington and highly dependent on it in the security field. Therefore, India has always been vigilant against Australia, regarding it not a strategically independent, or at least fully independent entity. It seems to India that Australias dependence, particularly regarding core matters, will interfere in Indias internal affairs as Americas proxy. These suspicions and mistrust will prevent their relation from deepening further in the future. (Fang Xiaozhi, a researcher at the Institute of Strategic Studies and International Security, Fudan Institute of Belt and Road & Global Governance) Canada is introducing a contact tracing smartphone app that will notify Canadians of exposure to the new coronavirus. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday the app will be voluntary and that if someone tests positive, other users who have the app and have been in proximity will then be alerted theyve been exposed to someone who has tested positive. Trudeau said privacy will be respected. At no time will personal information be collected or shared, and no location services will be used, Trudeau said. Governments around the world have been turning to smartphone technology to help battle fresh virus flare-ups as they ease lockdown restrictions. But technical problems and privacy concerns have dogged the development of virus tracing apps. Health authorities in Britain announced Thursday they are scrapping plans to launch their own coronavirus contact tracing smartphone app because of technical problems and will now work on building one using technology supplied by Apple and Google. Other European nations such as Switzerland, Germany and Italy, are using a decentralized approach based on the Apple-Google smartphone interface, which experts say is better for privacy because it keeps data on phones. We drew lessons from what other people did around the world, Trudeau said. This type of simple and anonymous application, that is entirely voluntary, will be extremely powerful in terms of helping us to reopen the economy safely. Ontario will soon begin testing the app which is being developed with the help of Canadian technology companies Shopify and BlackBerry. He said Apple and Google recently put out major upgrades to their operating systems and that the app will be available in July. It will be up to individual Canadians to decide whether to download the app or not but the app will be most effective when as many people as possible have it, Trudeau said. He said there are 30 million smartphones in Canada that can take the app, and he hopes over 50 percent download it. Any amount of people that download it will be useful for that person and for society. But its certain that if we can talk about 50% uptake, for example, or more, then it becomes extraordinarily useful, he said. The prime minister said the app will encourage people to reach out to their local public health authorities. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Canada passed the 100,000 mark on Thursday. There have been more than 8,200 deaths. The Hardest Job in the World: The American Presidency By John Dickerson Random House. 615 pp. $30 --- Throughout our history, presidents have played a parental role for our large, diverse nation. George Washington was the humble founding father of our democracy, Abraham Lincoln was the determined father who suffered to protect the Union, and Franklin Roosevelt was the steady, fatherly hand that guided the country through the Great Depression and world war. Citizens referred to these men as national fathers during their lifetimes, and after. Recent presidents found their strongest voices as reassuring parents for the country in moments of tragedy. They projected confidence, empathy and hope. Think of Ronald Reagan's eloquent address to the nation after the Challenger disaster in January 1986, George W. Bush's indignant visit to Ground Zero in September 2001, and Barack Obama's passionate rendition of "Amazing Grace" after the mass shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in June 2015. Many citizens feel abandoned today because parental reassurance is completely lacking from our nation's current leadership. Of course, the terrible failures of today are not entirely new. Numerous observers have described a deterioration in American national leadership during recent decades, evident in rising public dissatisfaction with government, and politicians in particular. Some commentators attribute leadership decline to the character of elected officials, and they have many obvious examples. Other writers blame the various constraints on contemporary presidents: Congress, interest groups, the media and the federal bureaucracy - what polemicists derisively call "the deep state." John Dickerson takes a third approach, echoing the analysis of current scholars. As a journalist, Dickerson has watched our recent presidents closely, and he has collected many fascinating details about their experiences in office. He has also read into the historical record to find relevant stories from the past. He argues that as the country has grown in size, power and complexity, the presidency has become overburdened with too many responsibilities and expectations. Dickerson quotes Leon Panetta, President Bill Clinton's former chief of staff, who lamented: "The modern presidency has gotten out of control." Dickerson offers a colorful mosaic of quotations from presidents and close advisers confirming Panetta's words. The demands on the nation's leader continue to multiply with each day, at ever-greater speed. And presidents are held responsible for events they do not control - including foreign aggression, domestic policing, pandemics and especially the business cycle. Every word the president utters is analyzed in depth, often with malice. Everyone around the president wants something from him, making it very difficult to get honest, rigorous advice. "The job," Dickerson writes, "can seem beyond any one person." Campaigns only make this problem worse. Dickerson has accompanied many candidates on the hustings, and he describes the pressures the candidates feel to act as superheroes capable of addressing every voter's needs, while maintaining ideological purity and serving powerful interests. To win, you have to be all things to all people, and you have to make it simple for voters. But the charisma-driven qualities of a strong campaigner run against the organizational acumen and level-headedness necessary for a very complex office. If you try to do everything as president, Dickerson shows, you cannot accomplish anything. For this reason, presidents often find it difficult to transition from campaigning to governing. Dickerson offers some useful tips for future presidents (and voters) in his conclusion, including more issue-focused campaigns, lower public expectations, better transition teams and, my favorite, a "balance between immutable beliefs and open-mindedness." Dickerson tells presidents to "act like Ben Franklin." Well, yes, but how helpful is that? "The Hardest Job in the World" is very heavy (more than 450 pages) on anecdote and suggestion, but light as a feather on analysis. Reading the book is like listening to a conversation of parents complaining about how hard it is to manage. The stories are compelling, the reasons are many and the solutions seem trite and impractical. You cannot tell voters to focus on issues, rather than personality, any more than you can order teenagers to put down their phones or stop sending emojis. Wise parents and presidents spend a lot of effort examining the motivations and incentives for people to behave as they do. Effective parents and presidents seek to turn those motivations and incentives to their advantage. That is why many academic lectures have become podcasts and many political leaders have replaced long-winded policy addresses with sophisticated social media presentations. The challenges of leadership reflect deep and irreversible changes in society, and the opportunities come in leveraging those changes for a purpose. That is precisely what rigorous scholars of leadership, and the presidency, have studied for decades. Dickerson gives a cursory gesture to this work, and he offers little original analysis of his own. And then there is a question of presentation. "The Hardest Job in the World" often feels like a collection of short television spots. In almost every chapter the author jumps from anecdotes about earlier presidents to later ones, and then back again. Sometimes, the paragraphs leap centuries in two directions. The sentences contain a barrage of glib phrases and mixed metaphors. Take page 82 as just one of many examples. In the space of four short paragraphs, Dickerson refers to "Green Lanternism," "a Tom Clancy novel," "a barrel roll," "a well-placed shot from his sidearm" and "magical properties" to describe presidential responsibilities. This prose has a gee-whiz quality, but it sends the reader spinning. What exactly is Dickerson trying to say and what is his evidence? This raises a larger question about journalists, who are the predominant chroniclers of the presidency. They have a front-row seat, few as close and for as long as Dickerson. But are some journalists too mesmerized by the trappings of power and the larger-than-life personalities that occupy the White House? Are they recounting what they hear and see, but missing the deeper shifts in behavior and belief? Dickerson comments repeatedly on how presidents perceive the expectations of their office, yet he never analyzes the shifting sources of those expectations in citizens, interest groups, foreign leaders and countless other actors. Can we really understand the presidency from close snippets alone? Isn't there a deeper historical context that is crucial to the current crisis of the office? Dickerson's book tells us about the daily parental struggles of the presidency, but not much more. --- Suri is a professor of history and public affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. His most recent book is "The Impossible Presidency: The Rise and Fall of America's Highest Office." He hosts a weekly podcast, "This is Democracy." Historically, India's diplomacy had maintained the high ground of morality, persuasiveness and professional engagement that allowed it to 'manage' the restive neighbourhood and internal contradictions. Current relationships are not reflective of that ability Historically, India's diplomacy had maintained the high ground of morality, persuasiveness and professional engagement that allowed it to 'manage' the restive neighbourhood and internal contradictions. Current relationships are not reflective of that ability. The backdrop of the Galwan incident and the accompanying dissonance in the entire neighbourhood is not just a 'security' issue; to posit it as that is sheer convenience and deflection. The gallant soldiers of 16 Bihar were just living up to their regimental motto of Karam hi Dharam (Work is Worship) in that worship, many paid the ultimate price. In close combat, soldiers move inch-by-inch, and where additionally bound by de-escalation agreements, still fight with bare hands and rocks in the 21st Century. To expect them to understand what led to this situation is nigh on impossible. Something somewhere has gone terribly amiss, because beyond China and Pakistan even the Nepalese are not too fond of us either. Similar tentativeness lurks with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives. After all, it is the same lot of professionals, competencies and strategies among the Indian diplomatic brass then why suddenly is the engine of diplomacy stuttering? Either that engine's wherewithal has been choked from performing as per its required independence, or the engine driver is made to follow a new uncharted track, or perhaps the highest authority envisioning the tracks itself has decided on a new way of reaching the destination or as it appears, all three of the above. When the naturally slow-burning process of diplomacy that is predicated on detailed negotiations, long engagements and delegation of authority to experts, suddenly gets replaced by theatrical, 'gutsy' and blustery optics, it rattles the delicate framework. As the low hanging fruit was quickly consumed, the country remained mesmerised by the speed, thunder and drama of the new diplomacy that 'asserts its stamp in global capitals' but does it, really? The entire governmental-cultural-bureaucratic setup is trained to align to the new sensibilities-that-be, and the old fashioned across-the-table grind that typified international diplomacy became redundant. There is no longer an Atal Bihari Vajpayee to define the expansive vision and then give space, or a diligent Jaswant Singh to work tirelessly away from the glare of the cameras fumbling occasionally, but never repeating mistakes. This duo planned and carried out the nuclear tests knowing the global condemnation that would follow, and yet managed to return to the high tables of diplomatic morality, that were chiselled in Nehruvian refinement. The present-day dissatisfaction with everything in the 'past' also led to shortchanging of supposedly-insipid processes and formal protocols of the professionals, and was instead replaced by personalised stamps and charm offensives (unlike a Vajpayee, who practiced the same, but understood the finiteness of the same, as he then pursued hardball diplomacy of the professionals). Perhaps today's leadership has been consumed by and is too committed to its own notions of the 'past' far too seriously, without realising that while the domestic cadres were being galvanised like never before, neighbours were murmuring expressions like 'big brother' all too frequently. The Ministry of External Affairs leadership was relegated to secondary responsibilities like responding to the citizenry's distress tweets or flying back nationals in quasi Entebbe-like operations both important, though certainly not the foremost function of the ministry or its mandarins. Perhaps no one could intervene and explain the suffocation felt on the streets of landlocked Nepal, on its perceptions of India's 'interference' or 'blockade' as the nation was in throes of more substantial ecstasy, for when was the last time that an Indian prime minister could call the President of the United States by his first name (never mind the fact, that Barack Obama did not reciprocate in the same manner which is Diplomacy 101). The lure and spectre of sudden and 'big announcements' that wounded the nation internally in executive decisions like demonetisation or more recently, the coronavirus announcements, was prevalent in external affairs too, with ministry officials doing post-announcement catch-ups. The Chinese machinery is not nearly as disengaged within it is an immensely calibrated network where the hands and feet (read: Military or People's Liberation Army) operate in perfect coordination with the mind (read: Professional diplomats and civilian leadership). The Chinese have a rare mastery in deceit and are forever unforgiving in their intent; they did so in 1962 and clearly again in 2020. Importantly, while Jawaharlal Nehru blundered and was made to pay for it, does 2020 look any different? More importantly, in the interim years with dispensations of all colours and ideologies, the lessons of 1962 were not forgotten but the salubrious tea sessions on a swing by the riverside perhaps lulled us into believing otherwise about the Chinese. Who could dare put in a word on historical lessons that suggested otherwise? Galwan did not happen overnight, the PLA is not a rogue-army that overrules the orders of 'Beijing' it was a brewing and a deliberate situation for months, that culminated in what happened on Monday night. Distractions that work wonders in internal politics do not do so in international politics, as indeed no 'friend' in Washington or Moscow offers any clear support. International friendship is brutally fickle as it is essentially an exercise in posturing, nomenclaturising and meaningless 'body language'; it is not something to be banked upon. Blaming others and the 'past' has a limited shelf-life, as the fine print of the current neighbourhood discontent does not point to Nehru anymore. Although the spin-doctoring may still be tragically tracing it all back to Nehru, as the last few years suggest, we refuse to learn from the past. The genteelness of Nehruvian intellectual charm offensives have been replaced by the larger-than-life personalised charm offensives except that the end result is the same. The Chinese leadership smiled at the Sabarmati Ashram, even as its PLA conveyed another message on the border, simultaneously. They quietly indulged and patronised India's renewed efforts, whilst walking away with a lot more than any reciprocal fairplay look at the trade imbalance with China in the past six years. The exaggerated support drummed up internally to read gestures for meaningful policy, made it inadvertently difficult to reign-in the self-gratifying tendencies and 'applause'. Today the contrast in the language, expressions and optics are strikingly dark and ominous, as China is not Pakistan it speaks peace and sends in the PLA, meanwhile the Pakistanis spoke aggression and were made to pay for it. China is a different kettle of fish; it needs to be professionally understood and 'managed'. And the most impactful way to do so would be to delegitimise it in the eyes of the world. China seeks moral legitimacy more than anything else something India could deny. A tit-for-tat like Balakot will not work. De-escalation must happen, and China has to be named and shamed diplomatically, politically and morally this is, in any case, hanging precariously in the eyes of the free world for its coronavirus narrative. The needs of Indian military will need to be addressed without the media glare of commissioning weapons with coconuts and swastiks our military has done exceptionally well, not because of what the government has done for it, but despite it. The year 2020 is not 1962, and the soldiers know it and can hold their own the national leadership too needs to demonstrate similar steel, humility and professional commitment. It is high time diplomats are allowed to function with the requisite rigour, sobriety and professionalism as Galwan was born out of an unsettled diplomatic issue, political issue, intelligence issue, geopolitical issue and has many other layers beyond just 'security'. This is something that warrants immediate introspection, reflection and correction by India's diplomats and national leadership. The author is a retired lieutenant-general and former military secretary to presidents KR Narayanan and APJ Abdul Kalam By IANS PANAJI: China's attack on Indian soldiers was a pre-planned strategy, but India will not allow the Chinese armed forces to crossover even an inch over the Line of Actual Control, Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik has said. Naik's comments came while speaking to the media here at the state Bharatiya Janata Party office following the violent face-off at Galwan Valley in Ladakh in which 20 Indian soldiers were brutally killed. "Today, China's aggression on India is without reason. The attack on six-seven posts is pre-planned on part of China and we are confident that India will give a befitting reply to this," Naik told reporters. "I offer my condolences to the colonel and other soldiers who were martyred. The whole country is proud of their sacrifice for the motherland. Their sacrifice will not be wasted," the MoS Defence also said. The North Goa MP also said, that there has been an ongoing discussion on an official level for several days regarding the tension which is prevalent on the India-China border. "Things had settled along five to six places (along the border). In some places, soldiers on both sides had withdrawn by 2.5 kms. But what happened in Leh recently was a very unfortunate occurrence, after China crossed the border. The matter started from there," Naik said. "The hand-to-hand fight and the stone-pelting which occurred, in which our colonel, other soldiers died and Chinese soldiers were killed as well, was a big incident... We are firm in our effort and position that we will not allow China or anyone to cross even one inch over the LAC and our border," Naik said. Barely three years ago, business magazine Forbes celebrated Obinwanne Okeke as one of the worlds most influential young entrepreneurs. So much for that. The 32-year-old money man behind Abuja-based Invictus Group admitted his involvement in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud and agreed to cooperate with American authorities on Thursday. After months of denying wrongdoing, Mr Okeke, also known as Invictus Obi, pleaded guilty to $11 million (N4.2 billion) theft before a federal judge in the United States on Thursday morning, according to court documents obtained by PREMIUM TIMES. He would be sentenced on October 22 for a potentially lengthy period that could see him spend 20 years behind bars. He also faces up to $250,000 in fines and other potential penalties. Deal struck Appearing with his lawyer, John Iweanoge, Mr Okeke impassionedly acknowledged to federal prosecutors and magistrate Robert Krask of the United States District Court for Eastern District of Virginia that he was indeed a culprit in a multi-million dollar artifice indictment that the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, prepared against his syndicate last year. The F.B.I. said Mr Okeke, amongst other illicit pursuits, connived with some individuals, some of whom remained at large, to defraud American companies and individuals over a period of at least four years. A single scheme that targeted Unatrac, a subsidiary of American heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar, saw the syndicate walk away with up to $11 million in spurious wire transfers, court documents showed. The admission was a break from Mr Okekes initial plea of innocence and a crucial breakthrough for American authorities in the criminal proceeding that began immediately after he was arrested in early August 2019. Mr Okeke was returning to Nigeria after a brief visit to the United States when FBI agents intercepted him at the airport and hauled him to a prison on the outskirts of the capital Washington D.C. He apparently was unaware of an outstanding warrant against him before and during his stay in the U.S. in the weeks leading to his arrest on August 6. Following his detention, Mr Okeke was indicted by a federal grand jury in September. Prosecutors expected him to admit wrongdoing for expeditious disposal of the case, but he instead pleaded not guilty. When the trial commenced in February, his lawyers contested the jurisdiction assumed by American authorities over the case, arguing that he did not commit the offence on American soil. They also said authorities suppressed evidence and failed to read their client his rights following his arrest. All the allegations were denied by prosecutors, who filed evidence that contradicted defence teams claims. Mr Okekes lawyers later backed down and agreed to a plea deal with the prosecutors in April. The deal, which was authenticated by a magistrate on Thursday, allowed Mr Okeke to admit guilt on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Second charge dropped, immunity agreed Mr Okeke was initially indicted on two counts of computer and wire fraud. With the plea bargain, he was only found guilty of wire fraud, while the second charge that carries lesser sentence and fines was dropped. As part of the deal, Mr Okeke would enjoy immunity from prosecution on the same matter in the U.S. Eastern District of Virginia. The district would also confirm the validity of the plea agreement in case Mr Okeke is charged over the same offence in other jurisdiction. Should a need arise in future, federal authorities in the district also undertook to make a case for Mr Okeke not to be charged for the same offence in other jurisdiction. He would, however, lose his rights to appeal the sentence and any fines that may be imposed against him at sentencing. As part of the deal, Mr Okeke agreed to forfeit all cash and asset directly or indirectly linked to him as part of recovery mechanism against the $11 million fraud. A federal judge would decide whether to pursue partial, full or no forfeiture against Mr Okeke at the point of sentencing. Advertisements Premeditated fraud According to the statement of facts submitted to Mr Krask, Mr Okeke admitted to prosecutors that his foray into crime did not come in error. The defendant stipulates and agrees that his participation in the events described was undertaken knowingly, intentionally and unlawfully and not as a result of an accident, mistake or other innocent reason, prosecutors said. Sentencing groundwork Ahead of Mr Okekes sentencing in October, both prosecutors and defence teams have been assigned a slew of tasks that must be carried out. These include a requirement that said the defence lawyer must give three days notice to the probation office to see Mr Okeke on the modalities of his life in prison. The probation office itself was given 35 days before October 22 sentencing hearing to submit the report of its investigation on what Mr Okekes life in prison would be. The court at sentencing would accept letters, if any, that attest to Mr Okekes character and call for lighter penalties against him. May serve sentence in Nigerian prison The sentencing guidelines being considered in Mr Okekes case included the possibility of his removal from the U.S. when he is ultimately sentenced by a federal judge in October, court documents showed. If pending issues around Mr Okekes immigration status in the U.S. are resolved in his removal from the country, he may be sent to Nigeria to serve out the rest of his term, which would include the 14 months he would have spent in prison by the time of his sentencing on October 22. China stands firmly with African brothers, sisters in fight against COVID-19 People's Daily Online By He Yin (People's Daily) 08:11, June 18, 2020 Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over an extraordinary China-Africa summit on solidarity against COVID-19 in Beijing on June 17 via video link and delivered a keynote speech. At the crucial moment of global pandemic response, the summit was jointly proposed by China; South Africa, the rotating chair of the African Union (AU); and Senegal, co-chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. It demonstrated China and Africa's resolve to deepen anti-pandemic cooperation, and their willingness to take concrete actions to promote the building of a closer community with a shared future between China and Africa and a global community of health for all. "Developing countries, African countries in particular, have weaker public health systems. Helping them build capacity must be our top priority in COVID-19 response," Xi said recently at the virtual event of the opening of the 73rd World Health Assembly, calling on the international community to provide greater support for Africa and shoulder responsibilities. When having a telephone conversation with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Xi noted that "For China and Africa, it is more important than ever to work in unity to fight the disease and tide over difficulties. China will continue to stand firmly with its African brothers and sisters." Xi's remarks show the two sides' resolve to work in unity to win the fight against the pandemic and embody the profound friendship of the Chinese people for the African people. China and Africa are good friends, good partners and good brothers with shared destiny and vision. In the joint fight against COVID-19, the Chinese people and African people have always worked closely together to pursue their shared goals. Over 50 African leaders have expressed their sympathy and support to China in phone calls or public statements, and some African countries even managed to collect and donate medical supplies to China despite their own difficulties. China has provided material assistance for over 50 African countries and the AU in batches and sent medical expert teams to Africa's five sub-regions and surrounding countries. Resident Chinese medical teams in 45 African countries have acted swiftly to help with COVID-19 containment efforts locally, holding nearly 400 training sessions for tens of thousands of African medical workers. China has also organized video conferences for exchanges of medical diagnostic and treatment technologies between Chinese and African health experts. Besides, China's local governments, non-governmental organizations, and enterprises have also lent a hand to African countries by cash and supply donations, with Chinese enterprises in the continent helping local governments turn their medical facilities into designated hospitals for treating patients infected with the novel coronavirus. A friend in need is a friend indeed. The Chinese people share a close bond with their brothers and sisters in the African continent. As Cyril Ramaphosa, who is also the rotating chairperson of the AU, has put forward, China is a true friend and reliable partner for South Africa and other African countries in times of difficulties and challenges. China and Africa have always been a community with a shared future, standing together through thick and thin, sharing weal and woe and fully trusting each other. China sent its first medical team to Africa in 1963. As of today, the country has sent 24,300 medical workers to the continent, where they have provided medical services to over 200 million African people and trained tens of thousands of local medical workers. When the Ebola epidemic broke out in West Africa in 2014, China was the first country to send chartered flights to deliver emergency relief materials and send a medical team to fight the outbreak, making important contributions to relevant countries' victory over the disease. China attaches great importance to improving public health capacity of African nations. It raised a series of proposals to enhance public health cooperation with Africa in the ten cooperation plans between China and Africa announced in 2015 and the eight major initiatives for China-Africa cooperation declared in 2018, and these proposals have all been implemented and welcomed by African countries. China-Africa cooperation in public health also demonstrates that China has always followed the principle of sincerity, practical results, affinity, and good faith and the right approach to justice and interests. China-Africa friendly relations can stand the test of time and are rock-firm and full of vitality. The friendship is even more unbreakable in the joint fight against COVID-19. As Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the AU Commission said, "Africa and China are friends and, more importantly, comrades-in-arms. Nothing can change or damage this friendship." The extraordinary China-Africa summit on solidarity against COVID-19 will surely further strengthen the China-Africa solidarity and cooperation and inject strong positive energy into the two sides' joint efforts to win the battle against the pandemic. The concrete actions of jointly building a closer community with a shared future between China and Africa will certainly continue to make important contributions to the security and prosperity of China, Africa, and beyond. Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over an extraordinary China-Africa summit on solidarity against COVID-19 in Beijing on June 17 via video link and delivered a keynote speech. At the crucial moment of global pandemic response, the summit was jointly proposed by China; South Africa, the rotating chair of the African Union (AU); and Senegal, co-chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. It demonstrated China and Africa's resolve to deepen anti-pandemic cooperation, and their willingness to take concrete actions to promote the building of a closer community with a shared future between China and Africa and a global community of health for all. "Developing countries, African countries in particular, have weaker public health systems. Helping them build capacity must be our top priority in COVID-19 response," Xi said recently at the virtual event of the opening of the 73rd World Health Assembly, calling on the international community to provide greater support for Africa and shoulder responsibilities. When having a telephone conversation with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Xi noted that "For China and Africa, it is more important than ever to work in unity to fight the disease and tide over difficulties. China will continue to stand firmly with its African brothers and sisters." Xi's remarks show the two sides' resolve to work in unity to win the fight against the pandemic and embody the profound friendship of the Chinese people for the African people. China and Africa are good friends, good partners and good brothers with shared destiny and vision. In the joint fight against COVID-19, the Chinese people and African people have always worked closely together to pursue their shared goals. Over 50 African leaders have expressed their sympathy and support to China in phone calls or public statements, and some African countries even managed to collect and donate medical supplies to China despite their own difficulties. China has provided material assistance for over 50 African countries and the AU in batches and sent medical expert teams to Africa's five sub-regions and surrounding countries. Resident Chinese medical teams in 45 African countries have acted swiftly to help with COVID-19 containment efforts locally, holding nearly 400 training sessions for tens of thousands of African medical workers. China has also organized video conferences for exchanges of medical diagnostic and treatment technologies between Chinese and African health experts. Besides, China's local governments, non-governmental organizations, and enterprises have also lent a hand to African countries by cash and supply donations, with Chinese enterprises in the continent helping local governments turn their medical facilities into designated hospitals for treating patients infected with the novel coronavirus. A friend in need is a friend indeed. The Chinese people share a close bond with their brothers and sisters in the African continent. As Cyril Ramaphosa, who is also the rotating chairperson of the AU, has put forward, China is a true friend and reliable partner for South Africa and other African countries in times of difficulties and challenges. China and Africa have always been a community with a shared future, standing together through thick and thin, sharing weal and woe and fully trusting each other. China sent its first medical team to Africa in 1963. As of today, the country has sent 24,300 medical workers to the continent, where they have provided medical services to over 200 million African people and trained tens of thousands of local medical workers. When the Ebola epidemic broke out in West Africa in 2014, China was the first country to send chartered flights to deliver emergency relief materials and send a medical team to fight the outbreak, making important contributions to relevant countries' victory over the disease. China attaches great importance to improving public health capacity of African nations. It raised a series of proposals to enhance public health cooperation with Africa in the ten cooperation plans between China and Africa announced in 2015 and the eight major initiatives for China-Africa cooperation declared in 2018, and these proposals have all been implemented and welcomed by African countries. China-Africa cooperation in public health also demonstrates that China has always followed the principle of sincerity, practical results, affinity, and good faith and the right approach to justice and interests. China-Africa friendly relations can stand the test of time and are rock-firm and full of vitality. The friendship is even more unbreakable in the joint fight against COVID-19. As Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the AU Commission said, "Africa and China are friends and, more importantly, comrades-in-arms. Nothing can change or damage this friendship." The extraordinary China-Africa summit on solidarity against COVID-19 will surely further strengthen the China-Africa solidarity and cooperation and inject strong positive energy into the two sides' joint efforts to win the battle against the pandemic. The concrete actions of jointly building a closer community with a shared future between China and Africa will certainly continue to make important contributions to the security and prosperity of China, Africa, and beyond. Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over an extraordinary China-Africa summit on solidarity against COVID-19 in Beijing on June 17 via video link and delivered a keynote speech. At the crucial moment of global pandemic response, the summit was jointly proposed by China; South Africa, the rotating chair of the African Union (AU); and Senegal, co-chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. It demonstrated China and Africa's resolve to deepen anti-pandemic cooperation, and their willingness to take concrete actions to promote the building of a closer community with a shared future between China and Africa and a global community of health for all. "Developing countries, African countries in particular, have weaker public health systems. Helping them build capacity must be our top priority in COVID-19 response," Xi said recently at the virtual event of the opening of the 73rd World Health Assembly, calling on the international community to provide greater support for Africa and shoulder responsibilities. When having a telephone conversation with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Xi noted that "For China and Africa, it is more important than ever to work in unity to fight the disease and tide over difficulties. China will continue to stand firmly with its African brothers and sisters." Xi's remarks show the two sides' resolve to work in unity to win the fight against the pandemic and embody the profound friendship of the Chinese people for the African people. China and Africa are good friends, good partners and good brothers with shared destiny and vision. In the joint fight against COVID-19, the Chinese people and African people have always worked closely together to pursue their shared goals. Over 50 African leaders have expressed their sympathy and support to China in phone calls or public statements, and some African countries even managed to collect and donate medical supplies to China despite their own difficulties. China has provided material assistance for over 50 African countries and the AU in batches and sent medical expert teams to Africa's five sub-regions and surrounding countries. Resident Chinese medical teams in 45 African countries have acted swiftly to help with COVID-19 containment efforts locally, holding nearly 400 training sessions for tens of thousands of African medical workers. China has also organized video conferences for exchanges of medical diagnostic and treatment technologies between Chinese and African health experts. Besides, China's local governments, non-governmental organizations, and enterprises have also lent a hand to African countries by cash and supply donations, with Chinese enterprises in the continent helping local governments turn their medical facilities into designated hospitals for treating patients infected with the novel coronavirus. A friend in need is a friend indeed. The Chinese people share a close bond with their brothers and sisters in the African continent. As Cyril Ramaphosa, who is also the rotating chairperson of the AU, has put forward, China is a true friend and reliable partner for South Africa and other African countries in times of difficulties and challenges. China and Africa have always been a community with a shared future, standing together through thick and thin, sharing weal and woe and fully trusting each other. China sent its first medical team to Africa in 1963. As of today, the country has sent 24,300 medical workers to the continent, where they have provided medical services to over 200 million African people and trained tens of thousands of local medical workers. When the Ebola epidemic broke out in West Africa in 2014, China was the first country to send chartered flights to deliver emergency relief materials and send a medical team to fight the outbreak, making important contributions to relevant countries' victory over the disease. China attaches great importance to improving public health capacity of African nations. It raised a series of proposals to enhance public health cooperation with Africa in the ten cooperation plans between China and Africa announced in 2015 and the eight major initiatives for China-Africa cooperation declared in 2018, and these proposals have all been implemented and welcomed by African countries. China-Africa cooperation in public health also demonstrates that China has always followed the principle of sincerity, practical results, affinity, and good faith and the right approach to justice and interests. China-Africa friendly relations can stand the test of time and are rock-firm and full of vitality. The friendship is even more unbreakable in the joint fight against COVID-19. As Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the AU Commission said, "Africa and China are friends and, more importantly, comrades-in-arms. Nothing can change or damage this friendship." The extraordinary China-Africa summit on solidarity against COVID-19 will surely further strengthen the China-Africa solidarity and cooperation and inject strong positive energy into the two sides' joint efforts to win the battle against the pandemic. The concrete actions of jointly building a closer community with a shared future between China and Africa will certainly continue to make important contributions to the security and prosperity of China, Africa, and beyond. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Another top Pentagon official, Kathryn Wheelbarger, had her nomination for a permanent senior position denied on Thursday by White House officials, making her the second official this week to let go of their position for the same reasons. Trump loyalists extend their reach According to Business Insider, Wheelbarger had been serving as international security affairs' assistant secretary of defence. She was nominated for the higher position in February. Last Friday, however, the White House suddenly retracted the nomination and placed Bradley Hansell on the position instead. The White House had its doubts with Wheelbarger becoming the nominee as it was sceptical of her loyalty to US President Donald Trump. Part of the reasoning was her connections to late Senator John McCain and Jim Mattis, the former secretary of defence. Wheelbarger had been highly regarded among national security experts but did not disclose the details of her resignation in the letter she filed. Reuters reported that the White House named her for a higher senior position on February 13, but surprisingly last week, retracted the nomination and replaced her with Hansell. One former US official, who wished to remain anonymous, said that Wheelbarger seemed to have failed a loyalty test that Trump had set for her. She was well regarded by Congress for her work on handling the committee's intelligence portfolio. According to ABC News, Wheelbarger's letter wrote she had trust in her colleagues to continue to follow the US Constitution and the principles of their founding to ensure the security and freedom of every American citizen. Also Read: John Bolton Claims Donald Trump Asked Chinese President for Assistance in 2020 Election A woman of experience and leadership Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement on Thursday that Wheelbarger "brought a wealth of experience and the utmost professionalism to the department throughout her service." He also noted her leadership abilities and her team's many accomplishments. Esper had worked with Wheelbarger fo three years and expressed his appreciation for her contributions and efforts during her service and wished her the best of luck in her future endeavours. Mick Mulroy, an ABC News analyst, considered Wheelbarger to be one of the most sincere and hardworking officials that he had worked within the government. He added that she deserved a higher position for her constant support and contributions for the last year and a half. Wheelbarger's resignation comes at a time when Trump is trying to face-off against opposition from the Senate for his nomination of retired Army General Anthony Tata for the Pentagon's most senior policy position. Tata had been an avid defender of Trump on Fox News. Previously, Tata misidentified former President Barack Obama to be a Muslin and accused him of leading a terrorist group that supported Iran with his efforts. Several Democrats have shared their intents of opposing Tata's nomination. One anonymous official questioned Hansell's qualifications for the position taken from Wheelbarger. However, it is still unsure whether he will go face-to-face with the same level of resistance as Tata. Hansell had previously worked as senior director for transnational threats for Trump and is currently working at the Boston Consulting Group. Related Article: Donald Trump Struggled While Watching George Floyd Video @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Church of England and the Bank of England say their inexcusable links to slavery were source of shame. Two of the UKs biggest institutions the Church of England and the Bank of England have apologised for their historic links to slavery with the church calling it a source of shame, prompting a reaction from the Caribbean countries. The apologies, reported on Thursday by the Telegraph newspaper in the UK, came after an analysis of figures compiled by University College London (UCL) found that individual members of both institutions profited from slavery. The UCL research found that nearly 100 clergymen and six governors plus four directors of the bank benefitted from slavery, the Telegraph reported. In response, a Church of England spokesman told the newspaper: While we recognise the leading role clergy and active members of the Church of England played in securing the abolition of slavery, it is a source of shame that others within the church actively perpetrated slavery and profited from it. A Bank of England spokesman said: As an institution, the Bank was never itself directly involved in the slave trade, but is aware of some inexcusable connections involving former governors and directors and apologises for them. The bank added it would remove any images on display of former executives who were involved with the slave trade. The Lloyds of London insurance company also apologised on Thursday for its shameful role in the 18th century slave trade and pledged to fund opportunities for Black and ethnic minority people. The history of several other financial firms in the UK, including Barclays, is also under fresh scrutiny. Sorry is not enough A regional alliance of Caribbean countries reacted to the move, saying the institutions that benefitted from slavery should go further than saying sorry and atone for their role in the slave trade by funding Caribbean development. It is not enough to say sorry, said Hilary Beckles, chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission which was set up by Caribbean countries to seek reparations from former colonial powers such as the United Kingdom, France and Portugal. We are not asking for anything as mendicant as handing out cheques to people on street corners, Beckles told Reuters news agency from Jamaica. The UKs institutions, he said, should sit down with Caribbean nations to fund development projects or even consider a sort of Marshall Plan to give some of the plundered wealth back a reference to the United States aid given to Europe after the destruction of World War II. SANTA CLARA, California, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Zinnov, a leading global management and strategy consulting firm, released the findings of its rapid cost takeout study, focused on Engineering and IT organizations. The study helps empower business leaders to make informed decisions in their cost optimization measures, particularly in the current volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous business environment, brought on by COVID-19. The Zinnov study revealed that organizations can achieve up to 20% savings by focusing on three essential cost levers Globalization, Outsourcing, and Product Portfolio Optimization. Globalization is the strategy where an organization expands its geographical footprint by setting up global centers in key locations. Globalization can potentially save up to 15-20% of costs for an organization by aligning roles and skills to current business needs, optimizing talent and location strategy, and redistributing talent from high-cost to low-cost locations. Organizations are witnessing a fundamental shift in the demand for certain skills and roles, in the wake of the ongoing pandemic, such as cybersecurity experts, security engineers, privacy engineers, sales roles, etc. Further, globally distributed, mature teams eliminates the dependency on one particular location, thus ensuring business continuity. With acute cost pressures come rapid cost optimization measures in the form of talent redistribution from high-cost to low-cost locations. Additionally, global centers should be leveraged to operate as multi-function centers to achieve further cost savings. Zinnov's analysis highlighted that organizations can achieve significant savings on outsourcing through effective management of vendors and optimal work portfolio allocation. The five key elements to achieve maximum cost savings through an effective outsourcing model includes consolidating vendors, redefining engagement models, having clear pricing models, revisiting in-house vs. outsourced portfolio, and having a better vendor governance and management structure. The third essential lever that emerged from the Zinnov study is product portfolio optimization, which can potentially save organizations up to 15% in costs. In this process, organizations need to invest, optimize, and divest products based on the product development life cycle (PDLC) stage and its strategic importance to the business. The decision is based on key dimensions such as revenue, product roadmap, talent needs, infrastructure complexity, cost & margin pressures, and customer/market complexity. Speaking about the cost takeout study, Nilesh Thakker, Managing Partner & Global Head, Zinnov, said, "Cost pressures have increased in the wake of COVID-19-induced uncertainties for organizations across verticals, across the globe. Given how the pandemic is reshaping entire ecosystems, cost takeout isn't merely an important step but a necessary one. Companies today are asking themselves the questions am I getting my post-COVID strategy right? How are my employees going to be most effective? How are my customers interacting with me? Right now, companies aren't getting any additional budgets from their CFOs so they are figuring out how to leverage their current budget to spend on initiatives for future growth." "The remote working experiment has yielded success for many organizations, which in turn has influenced companies to explore teams that can be dynamically redesigned and geographically distributed, for business continuity. Companies have begun to understand that cost takeout doesn't mean organizations are just solving for cost, but are also solving for quality and output," he added. About Zinnov Founded in 2002, Zinnov is a leading global management and strategy consulting firm, with presence in Santa Clara, Houston, Bangalore, Gurgaon, and Paris. Over the past 18 years, Zinnov has successfully consulted with over 250+ Fortune 500 enterprises and technology companies to develop actionable insights that help them create value across dimensions of both revenue and optimization. With core expertise in Product Engineering, Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Outsourcing Advisory, Zinnov assists clients by: Enabling global companies to develop and optimize a global engineering footprint through center setups, and technology and functional accelerators to achieve higher R&D efficiencies, innovation, and productivity; Advising global PE firms in asset shortlisting and target evaluation, commercial due diligence, and value creation; Growing revenue for companies' products and services in newer markets through account intelligence, market entry, and market expansion advisory; Structuring and implementing Digital Transformation levers enabled by technologies like AI/ML, Cloud, IOT, and RPA; Helping global companies outline and drive their open innovation programs, design and operate accelerator programs, and enable collaboration with start-ups across specific use cases and predefined outcomes. With their team of experienced consultants, subject matter experts, and research professionals, Zinnov serves clients from across multiple industry verticals including Enterprise Software, BFSI, Healthcare, Automotive, Retail, and Telecom in the US, Europe, Japan, and India. For more information, visit http://zinnov.com. Media contact Nitika Goel Chief Marketing Officer, Zinnov [email protected] +1-408-390-5797 SOURCE Zinnov Related Links https://zinnov.com/ President Muhammadu Buhari has described Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, as an epitome of loyalty and solid commitment to the grow... President Muhammadu Buhari has described Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, as an epitome of loyalty and solid commitment to the growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from its infancy. Buhari said in a congratulatory message to the Governor who turned 45 on June 18, 2020. The President also said he was proud of the governor, describing him as a loyal party man. In a statement signed by Garba Shehu, the Presidents Spokesman and made available on Thursday, Buhari was quoted as saying, I am proud of you and your active loyalty and services to our party at all times and you are a remarkable party man who deserves to be celebrated. You are serving your people at the prime of life; an energetic age that gives you a unique advantage to operate at maximum mental and physical capacity. As you celebrate this joyous occasion, I wish to congratulate you, on behalf of myself and family, for attaining 45 years of age in good health. The President prayed that God continue to bless the 45-year-old with good health and long life. Lucknow, June 19 : The impending panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh have led to an increase in political rivalry, leading to a spurt in crimes. Elections to 59,076 village panchayats in the state are due later this year and there has been a spate of killings and murderous attacks in the rural interiors of the state. On April 9, the head of Mehroda village in Chandauli district was shot at. On May 18, the head of Palia village near Ayodhya, Jaiprakash Singh, was shot dead. On the same day, half a dozen armed men attacked the relatives of a village pradhan in Baghpat, killing one on the spot and injuring two others. A day later, in Sambhal, a village head's husband and son were gunned down in the ongoing village rivalry. The sensational murders were even caught on camera and the video had gone viral. On May 20, two brothers were killed in a Meerut village when clashes broke out between supporters of the former and sitting village heads. Last week, a farmer was murdered due to political rivalry in Bareilly region. Two warring groups - both having stakes in the panchayat polls - fought a pitched battle in Arjunpur village in Sultanpur district. Panchayat elections are scheduled to be held before December 15 this year and UP minister for Panchayati Raj, Bhupendra Chaudhary, has already dispelled rumours that the elections could be postponed due to the corona crisis. "We have time and we will ensure that the panchayat polls are held on time," he had stated last week. Violence before the panchayat polls is now an established trend in Uttar Pradesh. In the 2015 panchayat polls in the state, over a dozen lives were lost in the pre- and post-poll violence while many more were injured. Additional director general (law and order) Prashant Kumar said, "The UP police does not segregate between general increase in crime and those linked with rural politics. Rivalries in villages generally arise out of land disputes and the line dividing crime due to political rivalries and other reasons often gets blurred. We cannot have a separate data of poll-related violence when the announcement of such election is still more than six months away. However, we are keeping a close watch on the incidents and have developed a multi-pronged strategy to mitigate this problem." The ADG added that the district administrations have been advised to fill up 19,500 vacancies of chowkidars (guards) and digital volunteers are being trained to ensure there is no flare-up due to the abuse of social media in poll-related rivalries in the rural areas. The panchayat polls are also important for the national parties because the local leaders' grip on these voters and their ability to swing votes in favour of candidates in the assembly and general elections, is determined in these elections. Economic activity at the Port of Oakland came to a halt on Friday as thousands of workers and supporters gathered on Middle Harbor Road to protest police brutality and racism in the United States. The demonstration, organized by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, coincided with demonstrations planned today at 28 other seaports in California, Oregon and Washington. The day of action expected to shut down the port for all of Friday was held on Juneteenth (June 19), a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. With support of the ports, workers stopped processing cargo and rallied to mark the anniversary and call for police reform. The Juneteenth stoppage follows mass protests on June 9 at all 29 West Coast ports which idled terminal operations for 8 minutes and 46 seconds the amount of time a police officer in Minnesota knelt on George Floyds neck an African American man leaving him gasping for air before he died, on May 25. Sparked by Floyds death, protests have continued for three weeks across the country, toppling Confederate statues amid a flurry of announcements from companies that are pledging to do better on diversity initiatives. The protests, which also include outrage over the police killings of Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks and others, have spread beyond the United States and into other countries. Local 10, Local 34 and the African American Longshore Coalition led the rally at the port. Demonstrators drove in a caravan, and marched, to the Oakland Police Department headquarters and City Hall from the port. "You represent the potential and the power of the labor movement," Angela Davis, a longtime activist who was a member of the Black Panther Party, said at the rally. She said she hopes that other labor unions will join in the effort of "abolishing the police as we know them" and "re-imagining public safety." Other speakers included actor Danny Glover, who called in to voice support, and Michael Brown Sr., the father of Michael Brown Jr., the 18-year-old black man who was killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Mo., in 2014. "We're not working today. We're standing in solidarity," said Willie Adams, president of the ILWU, at the Port of Oakland. He said dock workers in Genoa, Italy had stopped work in solidarity. "Good cops have got to start checking those bad cops. You can't stand by and let something happen. You're just as guilty," Adams said. Cestra Butner, the board president for the Port of Oakland and a prominent African American business leader, said theres no question that the port stood behind the Black Lives Matter movement. We want this country to live up to what its supposed to be, he said in a Friday video addressed to employees and the public. On June 6, the port issued a statement supporting the movement for social and racial justice. Butner called for more. Im proud the Port has a statement on this issue, he said in the video. Now we have to follow that up with our actions. We must ask: Are we making everything equal? Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes The mood in downtown Oakland was exuberant as cars honked, music from James Brown played and over 100 bikers sped up and down Broadway with raised fists. A troupe of drummers performed in front of City Hall starting around 1 p.m. as the crowd swelled to thousands around Frank Ogawa Plaza, which activists are calling Oscar Grant Plaza for the black man killed by a BART policeman in 2009. Rapper and film director Boots Riley said in front of Oakland City Hall that the port work stoppage and other labor efforts would maintain pressure for meaningful change.We dont want to just ask for things to get better. Were going to say, Its going to get better or else, he said. Oakland resident Gwendoline Pouchoulin displayed homemade signs that said All Black Lives Matter and a quote from author Alice Walker (The most common way people give up power is by thinking they dont have any). She first started attending local protests in 2013 and said this years were much larger. I think if theres a moment to show up, its now, she said. Shwanika Narayan and Roland Li are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: shwanika.narayan@sfchronicle.com, roland.li@sfchornicle.com Twitter: @shwanika @rolandlisf Click here to read the full article. TV and film production in Japan shut down in early April in reaction to the coronavirus crisis. Since then the Japanese industry has been struggling to adapt to the new normal. One of the first to pick up his camera or rather his smartphone was Shinichiro Ueda, the director of the smash zombie comedy One Cut of the Dead. Released on two Tokyo screens in June of 2018, the film went on to earn $29 million or more than 1,000 times its $25,000 budget. More from Variety This April, Ueda reassembled the original cast members to reprise their characters for Dont Stop the Camera! Remote Operation!, a comedy short now on YouTube. They remotely gather to help a beleaguered director (Takayuki Hamatsu), who battled zombies in One Cut of the Dead, put together a documentary. Also quick to adapt was Shinji Higuchi, the co-director of the 2014 megahit Shin Godzilla. A longtime fan of kaiju (monsters), Higuchi launched Kaiju Defeat Covid, a video project in which contributors use the powers of their favorite kaiju to magically beat the coronavirus, with contributor clips combined to make short films. One contributor, director Shunji Iwai, partnered with actor/director Takumi Saitoh to make The 12 Day Tale of the Monster that Died in 8, a twelve-part series of shorts featuring Saitoh as his real self in isolation, dealing with three tiny capsule kaiju as they grow and morph. But as big as the names are on these and other isolated projects, they add nothing to the now heavily depleted coffers of industry players. Mighty Toho has withdrawn its slate of would-be summer blockbusters from the theaters, while arthouse owners that were barely hanging on before the crisis started have indulged in crowdfunding for survival. Story continues Some mini theaters (arthouses) are undergoing another kind of meltdown. Five former employees of theatre operator Uplink are suing Uplink president Takashi Asai, a leading figure in the indie sector, or the company. They accuse him of insulting behavior and abuse of power. After they held a press conference on Tuesday he issued a grovelling written apology. I deeply repent and apologize for my inappropriate words and actions. I will respond sincerely to the decision resulting from this case. TV networks have been relatively fast to reboot no surprise given their voracious need for content. On May 30 the TV Asahi network announced that it had started filming again on seven shows, including the Kamen Rider Zero-One and Mashin Sentai Kiramager series about superheroes battling kaiju, a genre called tokusatsu (live-action special effects). Guidelines are in place to assure the safety of cast and crew, such as limiting the numbers of actors involved in action scenes. In addition to the shows, a Kamen Rider/Mashin Sentai double feature will open in theaters on July 31. Also, on June 16 public broadcaster NHK resumed shooting on Yell, a serial drama based on the life of mid-20th Century composer Yuji Koseki, ending a shutdown that began on April 1. Production will follow an NHK manual for coronavirus safety. Meanwhile, production on another NHK serial, Ochoyan, will resume on June 22. Now in demand after her breakthrough starring role in One Cut of the Dead, Harumi Shuhama says she is happy to be before the cameras again. Im being very careful about keeping everything clean, she adds. Im not worried about being on the set. We have to restart the economy and the arts while being careful in various ways. Kanji Furutachi, another popular character actor, was recently on the set for an NHK show. Theyre doing what they can, but I was a little worried about a young director who was talking loudly through his face mask, he says with a laugh. Whats going to happen when everything else starts up again? Every set is different; its like not America and other countries that have labor unions. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday he is "disappointed" that China has formally charged two Canadians with spying, more than 18 months after their arrest amid a row between Beijing and Ottawa. Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were detained in December 2018, nine days after Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Canada on a US warrant, in what was seen as tit-for-tat retaliation. "We're of course disappointed with the decision taken by the Chinese in the case of the two Michaels," Trudeau said, renewing calls for their release. His deputy, Chrystia Freeland, said she was "heartbroken and really angry" and called on China to restore consular access for the pair. Canada's former ambassador to China, Guy Saint-Jacques, urged Ottawa to take a more aggressive stance. "We need a strong reaction from the federal government, not just soft diplomatic talk anymore," he told public broadcaster CBC. The Supreme People's Procuratorate said earlier it has begun the prosecution of Kovrig and Spavor, suspected of "foreign espionage" and "providing state secrets." The move follows a key ruling allowing Meng to be extradited to the US, which wants to try her on fraud charges related to the Chinese telecom giant's alleged violations of US sanctions against Iran. Relations between Canada and China have hit rock bottom over the arrests. Beijing has blocked billions of dollars' worth of Canadian agricultural exports. Trudeau said Chinese authorities have "directly linked" the case "to the judicial proceedings against Miss Meng." He called this "extremely disappointing because, for us, there obviously are no links, except in politics." He vowed with allies to pressure Beijing to "cease the arbitrary detention of these two Canadian citizens who are being held for no other reason than (that) the Chinese government is disappointed with the independent proceedings of the Canadian judiciary." Meng, the eldest daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, has been out on bail and living in a mansion in Vancouver. The two Canadians remain in China's opaque penal system. Monthly consular visits for Kovrig and Spavor were suspended mid-January when the coronavirus outbreak hit China. Beijing confirmed Friday that they would not resume until the virus situation improved. China's foreign ministry has previously insisted the pair are in good health, held "in a region that is not particularly affected by COVID-19." However, people familiar with the matter have told AFP the two have endured hours of interrogation and during the first six months of detention were forced to sleep with the lights on. Chinese human rights lawyer Li Fangping told AFP their trials would likely be held in secret, with an official lawyer appointed. China's foreign ministry said on Friday the circumstances surrounding the case were "particularly serious... the facts of the crime are clear and the evidence sufficient." - 'Arbitrarily detained' - Trudeau's foreign minister, Francois-Philippe Champagne, said after the May ruling over Meng that Canada would "continue to pursue principled engagement with China to address our bilateral differences." Champagne said Ottawa also would seek clemency for a third Canadian, Robert Schellenberg, who faces execution on drug charges. The International Crisis Group think tank, for which Kovrig worked as an advisor on Northeast Asian affairs, rejected the charges. "This is yet another arbitrary and baseless step in a case that has been arbitrary and baseless from day one. Michael was not endangering China's security: everything he was doing was in the open and well known to China's authorities," group president Robert Malley said in a statement. Meng is still challenging the lawfulness of her arrest. More hearings are expected in the months ahead and appeals could drag the case out for years. In contrast, Kovrig and Spavor's trials could wrap up within six months, Li said. Ryan Mitchell, a law professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said Beijing was probably hoping for "a 'voluntary' confession out of one or both of the two Canadians." "These trials are thus likely to be quite rapidly dealt with, and the verdict and sentence already determined by the (Communist) Party officials." burs-dma/qan Canadians Michael Spavor (L) and Michael Kovrig were detained shortly after Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Canada, in what is widely seen as retaliation Huawei Chief Financial Officer, Meng Wanzhou, was arrested in Vancouver, Canada in 2018 on a US warrant, setting off a row between Ottawa and Beijing Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 23:59:01|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIRUT, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Finance Ministry allocated on Friday 12 billion Lebanese pounds (about 8 million U.S. dollars) for equipping seven public hospitals in Lebanon and training their staff, the National News Agency reported. Lebanon has been working hard on equipping public hospitals following the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country and the increasing need for public establishments to receive COVID-19 patients. Health Minister Hamad Hassan praised the decision of the finance ministry which also allocated 800 million Lebanese pounds for Rafic Hariri University Hospital, the main hospital treating COVID-19 patients. Lebanon has been fighting against COVID-19 since Feb. 21. The country has so far succeeded in limiting the number of infections due to strict adopted measures. However, the health ministry continues to conduct PCR tests randomly in different areas to better contain the virus. Enditem Iraq summoned the ambassadors from Iran and Turkey on Thursday due to their ongoing military actions against Kurdish groups in the country. Iraq demanded in a statement Turkey stop its military actions against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Iraq. Iraq also sent a statement to Iran protesting its attacks on Kurdish groups within Iraq, saying the recent shelling damaged property, according to the Associated Press. Turkey is currently conducting large ground and air campaigns in Iraq against the PKK, a Kurdish group in Turkey that fights for greater Kurdish rights and is considered a terrorist organization by Ankara. The PKK has long based itself in the Qandil Mountains in the autonomous Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq near the border with Turkey. The PKK also has a presence in the predominantly Yazidi city of Sinjar and the refugee camp for Kurds from Turkey in Makhmour, south of the Kurdistan Region capital Erbil. Turkey has hit all these areas this week and some civilians have been killed. Turkeys operations followed recent bombings in Turkish-controlled Afrin, Syria and in Turkey that Ankara blamed on the PKK. At the same time, Iran is shelling the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan within Iraqi territory. Kurdish groups from Iran also operate within the Kurdistan Region of Iraq near the Iranian border. Iraqs formal protest to Iran is notable given the strong political and economic ties between the two. Iraq has criticized Iran for such acts in the past, though. Iraq condemned the deadly Iranian strike on an Iranian-Kurdish partys headquarters in the Kurdistan Region town of Koya in 2018. Other periodic bombings by Iran of Iranian Kurdish groups in Iraq have not received a response from Baghdad. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq was criticized for not officially condemning Turkeys actions at first, but it released a statement on the issue late Friday addressing both Turkey and the PKK. "We demand the Turkish republic respect the sovereignty of our lands and homeland and for the Kurdistan Workers Party to leave these regions," read the statement. The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), which is the largest in the KRG, has an oil-based relationship with Turkey and poor relations with the PKK. The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), the second-largest party in the KRG, did call on Baghdad to stop the attacks and protect civilians. The PUK is historically closer with the PKK. There were protests against Turkeys operations in the Kurdistan Region city of Sulaimaniyah yesterday. Turkey cites agreements from years ago for its operations in Iraq, and Turkey maintains several bases in the Kurdistan Region. In the 1990s, Turkey signed an agreement with Iraq then led by Saddam Hussein to pursue the PKK across the border. Cooperation between the KDP and Turkey also began at this time. Turkey also received authorization to deploy to Iraq from the US-brokered cease-fire between the KDP and PUK following the Iraqi Kurdish civil war in 1997, according to the Jamestown Foundation. Turkey has remained defiant in the face of criticism from Iraq. [The operations] target the PKK terrorist organization, which threatens Iraqs territorial integrity and sovereignty as well as the national security of our country, Turkish Ambassador to Iraq Fatih Yildiz tweeted in Arabic on Thursday. Reliance is now net debt-free after Rs 1.69 lakh cr fund raising: Mukesh Ambani India pti-PTI New Delhi, Jun 19: Billionaire Mukesh Ambani on Friday announced that his oil-to-telecom conglomerate Reliance Industries is now net debt-free after raising a record Rs 1.69 lakh crore from global investors and a rights issue in under two months. Reliance raised Rs 1.15 lakh crore from global tech investors by selling a little less than a quarter of the firm's digital arm, Jio Platforms Ltd, and another Rs 53,124.20 crore through a rights issue in the past 58 days. COVID-19 impact: Mukesh Ambanis net worth drops 28 per cent Taken together with last year's sale of 49 per cent stake in fuel retailing venture to BP Plc of UK for Rs 7,000 crore, the total fund raised is in excess of Rs 1.75 lakh crore, the company said in a statement. Reliance had a net debt of Rs 1,61,035 crore as on March 31, 2020. "With these investments, RIL has become net debt-free," it said. India-China Galwan faceoff: China releases 10 Indian soldiers from custody | Oneindia News "I have fulfilled my promise to the shareholders by making Reliance net debt-free much before our original schedule of March 31, 2021," Ambani said. Jio Platforms - which houses the country's youngest but largest telecom firm Reliance Jio, raised Rs 1,15,693.95 crore from leading global investors including Facebook, Silver Lake, Vista Equity Partners, General Atlantic, KKR, Mubadala, ADIA, TPG, L Catterton and PIF since April 22, 2020. Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund PIF buying 2.32 per cent stake in the unit for Rs 11,367 crore on June 18 "marks the end of Jio Platforms' current phase of induction of financial partners," the statement said. Alongside, Reliance launched India's biggest right issue, which was subscribed 1.59 times. Though the rights issue size was Rs 53,124 crore, the company has got only 25 per cent of the money as the remaining is to be paid only next fiscal. Ambani had at the company's annual general meeting on August 12, 2019 announced a roadmap for Reliance to become a net debt-free company before March 31, 2021. "We have a very clear roadmap to becoming a zero net-debt company within the next 18 months that is by March 31, 202," he had said last year highlighting strong interest from strategic and financial investors in consumer businesses, Jio and Reliance Retail. In the statement on Friday, he said he was both delighted and humbled to announce the fulfillment of the promise. "Exceeding the expectations of our shareholders and all other stakeholders, again and yet again, is in the very DNA of Reliance," he said. "Therefore, on the proud occasion of becoming a net debt-free company, I wish to assure them that Reliance in its Golden Decade will set even more ambitious growth goals, and achieve them," he added. He said over the past few weeks, phenomenal interest was received from the global financial investor community in partnering with Jio. "As our fundraising milestone from financial investors is achieved, we sincerely thank the marquee group of financial partners and warmly welcome them into Jio Platforms," he said. "I also express my heartfelt gratitude to all the retail and institutional investors, both domestic and foreign, for their overwhelming participation in our record-setting Rights Issue," he added. Go-ahead: An artists impression of the apartments development in Tallaght An Bord Pleanala has given the green light for fast-track plans to build 502 apartments on the former Gallaher cigarette factory site in Tallaght, west Dublin. The appeals board has granted planning permission to Greenleaf Homes for six blocks up to eight storeys high at the high-profile site at the junction of Greenhills Road and Airton Road, only 1.4km from The Square Tallaght shopping centre. The proposal involves the demolition of the existing factory buildings, which have been vacant since 2003, and the provision of three retail units and a creche. The plan for the site envisages construction of 11 separate residential blocks across a 3.8 hectare site. In its decision, the appeals board accepted the proposal materially contravenes the South Dublin County Council development plan in relation to height limits. However, it said contravention of the development plan is justified. It said the housing plan is of strategic or national importance in terms of delivering new homes under Rebuilding Ireland. It also found the proposal facilitates greater density and height in residential development in an urban centre close to public transport and centres of employment. In giving the plan the go-ahead, the board found the proposed development would constitute an acceptable quantum and density of development at an accessible urban location and would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of the area and would be acceptable in terms of urban design, height and quantum of development. As part of the proposal, the developers proposed the allocation of 50 of the units for social housing, and the developers and county council can now enters talks to reach a final price on those units. A planning report lodged with the application says the development "will be a significant new apartment development of scale replacing the vacant and low-scale manufacturing buildings". The planning application also said the site is ideally located with high levels of connectivity to existing social and community infrastructure. The directors of Co Cavan-based Greenleaf Homes are listed as Clodagh McEntee, Ray Fallon, Dave Kelleher and Mark O'Brien. In a separate fast-track decision, the appeals board has given the go-ahead to Montane Developments for student accommodation at Coolough Road, Terryland, Galway. The plan involves the development of four blocks, ranging from one to four storeys, which will provide 255 single bedrooms for students and a gym and fitness centre. The board granted permission after concluding the proposal would provide a reasonable standard of amenity for occupants, and would not injure the cultural and natural heritage of the area. It also found the plan would not seriously injure residential amenities of properties in the area. Vietnam plans to set up separate zones with ensured hygienic conditions and testing labs to welcome diplomats, investors and businesspeople who enter Vietnam to work short-term. Deputy Minister of health Nguyen Thanh Long said at the meeting Vietnam is at high risk of infection again from external sources. VGP Photo Those people will be staying in Vietnam on public duty or to negotiate and sign trade and investment contacts. The National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control on Thursday assigned deputy minister of foreign affairs To Anh Dung to lead a working group and collaborate with relevant agencies to set up the areas. At its meeting on Thursday, the committee also agreed to propose resuming commercial flights with countries and territories that have contained the COVID-19 pandemic and have deep multi-faceted relationships with Vietnam. The committee said Vietnam had basically contained the pandemic but its development around the world kept evolving. Some people seem to have become complacent and neglected prevention measures. According to deputy minister of health Nguyen Thanh Long, Vietnam has entered the new normal phase, realising double targets of containing the pandemic and recovering its socio-economy. European countries have gradually loosened prevention and control measures and opened borders. Meanwhile, the pandemic development in North and South America, especially the US and Brazil, is getting more complicated. After nearly two months without any infection, China has faced a second wave of the virus with Beijing becoming a hotspot over the last several days. As the second wave of the pandemic has hit a number of countries, Vietnam is at high risk of infection again from external sources, Long said. The committee asked its members to stay vigilant and be prepared for new scenarios. Vietnam needs to continue tightening control at borders and manage immigration in order not to spread the virus in the community, the committee said. There are still COVID-19 patients being treated in Vietnam. More Vietnamese citizens will be repatriated from overseas while foreign experts and skilled labourers will enter Vietnam. Therefore, Vietnam should take careful consideration before making an announcement on the end of the pandemic, according to the committee. The committee assigned Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group and Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) to manage the tracing team to identify new cases and prevent transmission. Vietnam has so far repatriated more than 8,000 citizens and will continue citizen protection measures in the future. At the time of the committees meeting on Thursday, the world recorded more than 445,900 deaths. Eight countries have more than 10,000 deaths. Thirty countries and territories have kept the fatality rate at zero, including Vietnam. VNS The New Patriotic Party (NPP) would hold parliamentary primaries in the embattled Kwadaso Constituency on Tuesday, June 23, Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman, has disclosed. The Constituency had been embroiled in controversy relating to concerns over the album that would be used in the upcoming primaries. This compelled the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Party to exclude it from the upcoming primaries to be held across the country on June 20. Mr. Antwi-Boasiako, briefing the media in Kumasi, said the substantive issues concerning the album had been dealt with, therefore, paving the way for the primaries to be held in the Constituency. Kwadaso is touted as one of the hotspots in the Region, with Dr. Samiu Kwadwo Nuamah, the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), expected to shrug off stiff opposition from two other contestants. They include Mr Vincent Frimpong Manu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Middle Belt Development Authority, as well as Dr. Kingsley Nyarko, who works with the National Accreditation Board. Sixteen (16) aspirants are going unopposed in the Regional NPP primaries, which would see more than 80 aspirants seeking for the mandate of the delegates in the 27 contesting constituencies. Mr. Antwi-Boasiako warned the aspirants and delegates to be disciplined and abide by all the rules and regulations relating to the primaries to ensure a successful exercise. The Party leadership will not countenance any behaviour which had the tendency to disrupt the primaries, the Regional Chairman cautioned. Meanwhile, Dr. Samiu, the MP for Kwadaso, has expressed optimism about his chances in the upcoming elections, asking the delegates to vote overwhelmingly to retain him. I am here to serve the people, he told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview, stressing that he had so many good things up his sleeves in promoting the welfare of the constituents. 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 locum doctor who hit out at politicians for failing to adequately fund the health service was found guilty of dishonestly claiming pay from the Southern Trust, it can be revealed. Dr Fiachra McLaughlin launched an extraordinary attack, branding a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic as criminal. He also said the fact healthcare workers were relying upon public donations of PPE was shocking and unbelievable. The outburst came two months after a tribunal hearing found Dr McLaughlin guilty of invoicing the Southern Trust for work he never did. A Medical Practitioners Service Tribunal (MPST) panel examined the case against Dr McLaughlin on March 16 and 17 two days before Northern Ireland announced its first Covid-19 death. The panel found he had submitted retrospective claims, through the HSC Locum website, for payment for work at Craigavon Area Hospital which he had not undertaken. It found that his actions were dishonest. According to the MPST website, the Tribunal found that Dr McLaughlins communications with Ms A and Ms B of Southern Health and Social Care Trust in relation to work at the hospital, were untrue and dishonest. It has emerged that Dr McLaughlin, who studied medicine at Leicester University and graduated in 2014, criticised the provision of PPE by Stormont and Westminster in a social media post on May 19. He said: We have to support our nursing staff and medical staff with adequate personal peotection and not rely on charity donations like the the [sic] Tory government have. made us do. My brave and beautiful wife goes to work every day with next to no personal protective equipment from stormount [sic] which again is criminal and got very little help from the Tory government and I think that is shocking and unbelievable. #supportdoctorsandnurses not by clapping like the Tory government came up with. Pay them adequately for the incredible work nurses and doctors do and risks they take daily and provide them all with adequate PPE so we can care for our patients who we would do anything for and remain our number one priority. #Supportdoctorsandnurses. Dr McLaughlin ended his post by asking his followers to donate to Pieta House, a charity which offers support to people experiencing mental ill health and people bereaved by suicide. His Facebook page also includes a post supporting the healthcare strike that took place in December 2019 and January of this year. Thousands of NHS workers took to the picket line to fight for better pay and conditions, and safer staffing levels. Dr McLaughlin is registered with the General Medical Council without a licence to practise. However, he is currently registered with the Medical Council Ireland and is due to complete GP training in the Republic. The MPST panel is due to sit again next week to determine whether Dr McLaughlins fitness to practise is impaired by reason of misconduct. It is not known whether the money paid to Dr McLaughlin was ever recouped. A PSNI spokesman said police did not receive a report from the Southern Trust about the allegations. A spokesman from the trust said he could not comment on individuals. But other conservatives cautioned against overinterpreting the recent opinions, which amounted to a small slice of the decisions issued by the court this term. Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh were the most-vetted justices in history by a Republican president. Their records were robust and the process was thorough, said Carrie Severino, president of the Judicial Crisis Network, a conservative group. That said, Im sure the process can be improved even further as it has in the last several decades for the sake of advancing the rule of law even more so. YEREVAN. Several major businessmen and philanthropists, whose names will be announced in the near future, have expressed their willingness to participate in the posting of Robert Kocharyan's bail. Viktor Soghomonyan, head of the office of the second president of Armenia, noted about this in a statement. In particular, the statement notes that the Criminal Court of Appeal on Thursday made a decision to commute Kocharyan's precautionary measure of custody with a 2bn dram bail (approx. USD 4,167,274). As per Soghomonyan, this is an unprecedented large amount of money that has never been used as bail in Armenia, and there are only two days to post this bail. As per the head of Kocharyans office, immediately after the aforesaid verdict was announced, they had received numerous phone calls from hundreds of individuals, including several major businessmen and philanthropists, expressing their willingness to help post this bail. "I am confident that what happened is only the first step towards the restoration of justice," Viktor Soghomonyan concluded. Thieves, in the early hours of Thursday, broke into the Orderly Room of the Nima Divisional Police Command and stole a 32-inch flat-screen television and a computer monitor. The Commander told journalists later that the incident occurred on the blind side of the officer who was guard duties at the charge office. The office is a few meters away from the crime scene. The Divisional Commander, ACP Abraham Acquaye, said investigations were underway to arrest the culprits. The culprit is suspected to have entered through the window, using the area where an air conditioner was located. The burglar tried to steal a rice cooker, but gave up when its lid dropped, the Commander said. GNA Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 19:30:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese COVID-19 medical assistance is helping African countries' efforts to effectively fight the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, an Ethiopian expert said on Friday. Speaking exclusively to Xinhua, Gedion Jalata, a senior advisor to the UNDP South-South Cooperation and a former consultant to UNECA-Capacity Development Division, said China as a responsible international actor is helping address the global danger posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jalata is also a CEO at Center of Excellence International Consult, a consulting firm based in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa. "China has shown interest as well as acted practically by donating COVID-19 medical supplies to African countries fighting the pandemic...China has also shared its successful anti-COVID-19 experience to African countries on how to control the spread of the pandemic within their respective boundaries," Jalata told Xinhua. Jalata said with a COVID-19 vaccine or medicine yet to be discovered, the successful experience of China in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic is a light for African countries struggling with the spread of the pandemic. Jalata further said China has done a commendable job in disseminating information and coordinating efforts in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic globally. "China has a long history of successfully controlling global disease outbreaks starting from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003, an experience it's sharing with African countries presently," Jalata said. "In addition, China has agreed to support the construction of an African Center for Disease Control (Africa CDC) headquarter, affirming the Asian country's long-term commitment to the African continent," Jalata told Xinhua. Jalata also commended the convening of the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 on Wednesday, as a sign Chinese health cooperation with African countries are set for further boost. "China expressed a desire to upgrade its health sector cooperation with African countries during the China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19," Jalata said. "With many African countries' health sectors already suffering from multifaceted challenges, I expect the 2021 edition of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) could discuss boosting China's health sector cooperation with African countries," Jalata told Xinhua. Enditem Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits a shop in Westfield Stratford shopping centre in east London, Sunday June 14, 2020, to see the preparations the stores are making to be COVID-19 secure. (John Nguyen/Pool via AP) Retail sales partially bounced back in May thanks to the re-opening of hardware stores. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said on Friday that retail sales jumped 12% in May, far exceeding economists forecasts of a rise of around 6%. The rebound was driven by a 42% surge in sales of household goods, which the ONS put down to the re-opening of hardware, paints and glass stores. While some garden centres and hardware stores were able to start trading again from mid-May, many others, such as clothing stores, moved to online, the ONS said. The growth in May, along with the weight to retail sales, meant that non-food stores provided the largest contribution to growth in May. Online sales rose to a record high of 33.4% of all sales in May, driven by a near 25% jump in non-store sales. The data suggests the slump at the tills, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, bottomed out in April. Month-to-month sales fell by 5.1% in March and then plummeted 18.1% in April, the first full month of lockdown. While momentum is slowly recovering, sales remain far below where they were before the pandemic. The ONS said Mays sales were 13.1% lower than they were in February, before the pandemic struck. Over the three months to the end May, sales were down by a record 12.8%. Samuel Tombs, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said: The overall consumer picture remains bleak. Mays recovery in retail sales should not be interpreted as a sign that the economy is embarking on a healthy V-shaped recovery from Covid-19, he said in a note to clients, warning: We expect households overall spending still will be about 5% below its pre-Covid peak at the end of this year, unless the Chancellor signs off a big fiscal stimulus package soon. A separate survey from market research firm GfK, also released on Friday, showed consumer confidence was gradually improving. Confidence rose 6 points from near record lows in June, although it still remained at -30. Story continues GfK client strategy director Joe Staton said shoppers were confused and some are not sure what to think. Yes, we have seen queues as some shoppers return to battered high streets, Staton said. But with economists warning that the post-lockdown upturn might not restore GDP to pre-Covid-19 levels, and with the labour market set for more job losses, we have to question whether we are seeing early signs of economic recovery or that infamous dead cat bounce. TORONTO Justin Trudeau arrived on the world stage with rock star popularity in 2015. He declared Canada is back and made winning a seat on the powerful U.N. Security Council a top foreign policy priority. But Canada lost out to Norway and Ireland this week in a three-way race for two seats. It was Canadas second consecutive defeat in a bid for a seat and an especially big blow to Trudeau. There is no doubt that this is not the result I was hoping for, the prime minister said a day after Wednesdays vote. Trudeau blamed the loss on Canadas late start in campaigning for the seats. Norway and Ireland had declared their candidacies for the seats well before Trudeau was elected in 2015, after which he announced Canadas intention to run. The reality was, coming in five years later than them gave us a delay that we unfortunately werent able to overcome, Trudeau said. He gave no other reasons why Canada lost. The loss was especially embarrassing because of Canadas stature as an economic powerhouse, part of the G7 and a member of NATO. Some U.N. diplomats say Canada ran a good campaign, maybe even the best campaign, but added that when it comes to voting at the United Nations, especially by a secret ballot, governments have many other considerations. As part of North America, some experts say Canada suffers because of its geographic association with the United States, even though Trudeau and President Donald Trump often dont see eye-to-eye on issues like free trade and climate change. It also had supported Israel over the Palestinians in the General Assembly, a stance that did not go unnoticed by the Arab League and the larger 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation, although there was a sudden shift in November when Canada backed Palestinian rights to self-determination. Canada also has had brushes with China and Japan. Nelson Wiseman, a political science professor at the University of Toronto, said the failure to win a Security Council seat was a big blow to Trudeau, although the result was not surprising. Trudeau may be popular with women when he travels abroad, but that doesnt cut it in U.N. politics, Wiseman said. Canada is back, as Trudeau says, but at the end of the line. Because of the Security Councils mandate to ensure international peace and security, winning a seat is considered a pinnacle of achievement for many countries. It gives them a strong voice on crucial issues such as sanctions, as well as war and peace ranging from conflicts in Syria, Yemen, Libya, Africa and Ukraine to the nuclear threat posed by North Korea and Iran, and attacks by extremist groups. Trudeau tried to sell Canadas bid by noting that the multilateral system is challenged by large countries withdrawing their support for engagement on the world stage. He said world needs medium-sized countries like Canada to step up and defend it. We will remain committed to multilateralism, he said. It also matters to many, many countries around the world that Canada continues to be present in defending multilateralism. Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto, said the loss was a blow to Trudeau because he set it up to be one. Canada lost for a number of reasons, he said, including the fact that its neighbor is the United States and it has not had much success at establishing linkages with other countries. He also said European countries usually support others in Europe and Arab countries tend to vote in terms of Israel. Its not known how Japan voted, but Bothwell said Trudeau likely angered Tokyo when he delayed signing the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. China-Canada relations also are at a low. Chinese prosecutors charged two detained Canadians with spying Friday in an apparent bid to pressure Canada to drop a U.S. extradition request for an executive of Chinas technology giant Huawei who is under house arrest in Vancouver. Bothwell also said Chrystia Freeland, Canadas deputy prime minister, took no interest in the U.N. during her tenure as foreign minister. Canadas loss came in the first round of voting in the U.N. General Assembly, where 192 of the 193 U.N. member nations cast secret ballots for five new Security Council members. Canada needed 128 votes two-thirds of the voting members of the assembly. Norway passed the threshold with 130 votes and Ireland got 128 votes. Canada fell short with 108 votes. Trudeau actually finished with fewer votes than Canadas previous prime minister, Conservative Stephen Harper, received in 2010. Trudeaus Liberals, who were in opposition at the time, blamed Conservative foreign policy for the previous failure. Norway and Ireland will start two-year terms on the council on Jan. 1 along with India and Mexico, who won uncontested seats, and Kenya, which defeated Djibouti in a second round of voting Thursday. Respected columnist Paul Wells wrote a stinging rebuke of the current government in Macleans magazine. Believing it would fall from the heavens on Trudeau because he wasnt Harper was an expression of the narcissism and shallowness that have characterized this government during much of its time in office, Wells wrote. Associated Press writer Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed. The Google Pixel 4a is now a step closer to launch, as it got certified by BIS. BIS, for those of you who dont know, stands for Bureau of Indian Standards. So, the device got certified in India. The Google Pixel 4a got certified under the G025N model number. That is the rumored Pixel 4a model number. So everything fits. This certification only confirmed that the phone is coming, it did not share any additional information. The Google Pixel 4a comes a step closer to launch thanks to BIS certification The certification appeared on BIS on June 10, but it took a while until it got noticed. The Pixel 4a is one of the most anticipated mid-range phones of the year, at least in the tech community. Advertisement The phone will almost certainly launch in July, though it may take some time for it to become available. The phone is rumored to launch on July 13. It may not get available until October. That information may be off, but according to Jon Prosser, the device is currently scheduled to go on sale in October. Google may change that up in the near future, though, as the info changed several times thus far. It wouldnt make much sense for the company to announce it in July, and release it three months later. Therefore, we do expect it to go on sale sooner than that. Advertisement Its also worth noting that the Barely Blue model is not even mentioned in the system any longer, only the Just Black model is. Well see what will happen, but were expecting that info to change. It will be made out of polycarbonate The phone will be made out of polycarbonate, and it will sport thin bezels. The device will include a display camera hole in the top-left corner, and a flat display. The Google Pixel 4a will likely ship with a fullHD+ OLED display, by the way. It will be fueled by the Snapdragon 730 SoC, and include at least 6GB of RAM on the inside. Android 10 will come out of the box. Advertisement The device will include the same rear camera as the Google Pixel 4, almost certainly. Were not sure what to expect on the front side, though, but one camera will be included. The Pixel 4a is also expected to support wireless charging. That would be a nice surprise, thats for sure. A fingerprint scanner will be included on the back of this phone. There you go. The Google Pixel 4a is coming, and this certification brought it one step closer to launch. If youd like to know more about the device, read our preview. Even as all states in India continue to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, politicians in Kerala have kicked up a controversy by referring to the state Health Minister KK Shailaja as "Covid Queen" (Covid Rani) and "Nipah Princess" (Nipah Rajkumari). The sexist comments were made by Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Mullappally Ramachandran who was speaking at a one-day fast held by Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala to protest against the Kerala government. Led by Mullappally, the protesters demanded testing of expatriates from abroad before they board a flight back to India. Taking a dig at the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM) MLA from Kuthuparamba, Mullapally said, "During the Nipah outbreak in Kozhikode, though many people claimed credit for the efforts, it was actually a set of committed doctors, colleague of Dr Muneer (Dy leader of Opposition), nurses and committed para medical staffers who lead the fight against Nipah. Like that our health minister camped there as a guest artist." He added, "Now the government is taking claim and she trying to earn the name 'Covid Rani', like what she did there to earn the name 'Nipah Princess'" The Congress leader was referring to the 2018 Nipah outbreak in Kerala. Despite the loss of lives, Kerala managed to contain the outbreak and limit casualties to zero the next time it occurred in 2019. Shailaja, known popularly as Shailaja Teacher, has won praise from across the country for her handling of both the Nipah outbreaks as well as the COVID-19 outbreak. Finance minister Thomas Issac took to Twitter to put out a word against the statement on his cabinet colleague. Issac tweeted,"KPCC president mocks Kerala health minister Shylaja teacher as Nipha Princess aspiring to be COVID Queen. Can a political leader stoop this low? These slimes are not going to undermine all-around appreciation for the manner Shylaja and Kerala government have handled pandemic." CPIM PB member Brinda karat condemned the statement and said that the least he could do is issue a public apology for the sexist statement. Brinda Karat issued a video statement condemning the remark. "I strongly condemn the sexist, derogatory and petty statement Made by KPCC president Mullapally Ramachandran . At a time when the entire world has appreciated the work done by comrade kk shylaja as the health minister of kerala instead of bejng proud that there is a lady minsiter from his own state such a remark was made. " She added that it was a shame and the least he can do is a public apology. Kerala, the state which reported first positive case of coronavirus in India on January 30, has been putting all efforts since then in innovating and building better healthcare facilities to contain the further spread of COVID-19. Reacting to Mullappally's snide comments, many on Twitter slammed the Congress leader for "misogyny" and "sexism". A Twitter user who goes by the name "Advdai" wrote, "Covid Rani is a mockery of a health minister who has studied, gotten a job, worked for a political party and won democratically". READ: Contact Tracing, Efficient Planning & Training: Kerala Health Minister on How State Took Coronavirus Head-on Yet another Twitter user Charmy Harikrishnan lashed out at Mullappally's "denigration" of the "high-performing" Health Minister. "From what squalid depths of male ego and misogyny and political pettiness has he dredged up these gendered terms against her?" she wrote. Several others slammed the Congress leader's tone-deaf jibes. If this is not misogyny then what is it??? , , , ' ' ' ' . pic.twitter.com/UEuBRuD65Z Advaid (@Advaidism) June 19, 2020 Kerala PCC head Mullappally Ramachandran denigrate the high-performing Health Minister KK Shailaja as Nipah Rajakumari wanting to be Covid Rani. From what squalid depths of male ego and misogyny and political pettiness has he dredged up these gendered terms against her? Charmy Harikrishnan (@charmyh) June 19, 2020 Kerala PCC head Mullappally Ramachandran denigrate the high-performing Health Minister KK Shailaja as Nipah Rajakumari wanting to be Covid Rani. From what squalid depths of male ego and misogyny and political pettiness has he dredged up these gendered terms against her? Charmy Harikrishnan (@charmyh) June 19, 2020 When everything failed, theyve fallen back to the cheapest means of slander. Chi! Appu (@appooz) June 19, 2020 As the pandemic spread through India, Kerala made global headlines for its handling of the virus. Kerala also got a firm grip on handling such health crises when two waves of the Nipah virus (spread by the fruit bat) hit the state in 2018. READ: Flattening the Corona Curve: Here's How Kerala's Healthcare System Outscores Others Since Pinarayi Vijayan became chief minister in 2016, the corona pandemic is the fifth major public calamity to hit the state: two waves of Nipah, floods in 2018 and 2019 which drowned the state. As of now, there are 2,794 cases of COVID-19 in Kerala. Michela Caruso was 87, healthy, independent and a loving grandmother to six when COVID-19 claimed her life. Her family is raising questions about how she and three other members of her family contracted COVID-19 in the first place, saying their cases are connected to the Rosslyn Retirement Residence, despite none of them living or working there. Michela, who immigrated to Hamilton from Italy in her mid-20s, died from COVID in hospital May 27. Her husband, Giacchino (Jack) Caruso, 88, remains in hospital. The family says public health told them Michela and Jack were exposed to the virus when a personal support worker (PSW) caring for Jack in their home tested positive mid-May. They say they were told by the PSWs colleague and health-care contractor CBI Home Health that he also worked at the Rosslyn, home to Hamiltons deadliest outbreak which has since had its licence revoked. We are still numb. Were very angry, says the Carusos daughter, Paula Rosati. People tell you try to think of the good times ... maybe well get there one day but right now we cant. The family, however, doesnt know where to direct their anger at the PSW, the subcontractor employing him, the health group who hired the subcontractor, the Local Health Integration Network who contracted the health group, or the province. An expert in epidemiology and aging says the Caruso familys situation highlights larger pervasive issues in the seniors health-care sector, such as a patchwork system of contracted-out care, poorly paid PSWs and vulnerable seniors forced to accept subpar care. Few solutions seem to be on the horizon. In the meantime, the Caruso children want answers and accountability. They spoke with The Spectator last week by phone from Rosatis Stoney Creek family room, all physically distancing and wearing masks. How did they catch it? Jack Caruso had been receiving 20 hours per day of in-home care from a PSW since December. He was suffering from complications related to a heart-valve replacement nine years earlier and struggled to get around his backsplit-level home, bathe or use the washroom on his own. Even with near-round-the-clock care, Jack relied on his wife of 63 years, Michela, who cooked, did his laundry and otherwise supported him, their family says. When the pandemic hit, Michela and Jacks three grown children delivered groceries and spoke often with Michela, who kept them abreast of issues with PSWs. She claimed there was a lack of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) use, something the children also noticed when they stopped by. The family purchased masks and left them out for PSWs. On May 12, Paula got a call from her mom. The PSW working the night previous had fallen ill and left early, she said. His brother, another PSW, took his place. Three days later, the family got a call from public health. A person who worked in their home May 10 and 11 tested positive for COVID-19. Paramedics came to test Jack and Michela the next day. Michela, who was already showing symptoms, tested positive on May 17. Jack tested positive a day later. The family made the decision to send the octogenarians to hospital after they were unable to get PSWs to come into the home. Despite Michela being the healthier of the two, the virus hit her hardest. She was transferred to the Hamilton General Hospital ICU, while Jack remained on the hospitals Ward 8 COVID unit. Their daughter, Maria McChesney, had visited her parents on May 14 to drop off groceries. She also tested positive, as did her 22-year-old son. Marias worsening symptoms landed her in the ICU with her mom. Their rooms were side by side. On May 26, a doctor entered Marias room and called her siblings to tell them COVID had taken over their mothers lungs. An hour later, Pat Caruso got a surprise call from his mother. He breaks down when he thinks back to that conversation, one he was too emotional to discuss. It was the last time anyone in the family spoke with Michela. Early the next morning, doctors wheeled Maria into her mothers room. I got to hold her hand but she was gone, Maria said through tears. Their fathers health has declined in hospital. The family doesnt expect hell be able to live independently when or if he is released. They have not told him his wife died. They want to tell him in person. Hes going to be an emotional mess, Paula says. The familys questions some answered While the Caruso children are grieving for their mother, who was buried June 1, they are also demanding answers to how she and their father contracted the virus in the first place. Specifically, they want to know why the PSW was allowed to work at both the Rosslyn and out of their parents home, why PSWs were not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) while caring for their father and why the infected PSWs brother, another PSW who the family understands also later tested positive, was allowed to take his brothers place at the Carusos home the night he fell ill while working. CBI Home Health, which was contracted by the Local Health Integration Network and hired subcontractor Concepts of Care, which provided the Carusos PSW, said they were incredibly saddened to hear of the familys loss. In an email, spokesperson Tara Bednarz said CBI provided Concepts of Care with sufficient PPE and provided additional education and communication on proper PPE usage. They have also repeatedly reinforced with subcontractors their strict policies on self-screening and self-isolation. CBI did not know about the Rosslyn connection, she said, adding she was unable to confirm the PSW worked at the home as CBI is not his employer. In this instance, we were not told by the subcontractor that this PSW was also working at Rosslyn, Bednarz added. However, at the time and under current Ministry of Health regulations, front-line care workers are permitted to work in a single congregate setting convalescent or group home, while continuing to provide care at private homes in the community. Concepts of Care did not respond to a detailed list of emailed questions nor to phone messages requesting comment. In a statement, Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network (HNHB LHIN) CEO Bruce Lauckner offered his condolences to the Caruso family. We cant comment on any specific case, but if there are ever quality concerns raised about a service provider, we work with the respective organization to determine what happened, Lauckner said. The LHIN would not say if it is looking into this case specifically. As for the province, it says home-care providers such as a PSW working with a temp agency are allowed to work in both clients homes and retirement homes. Retirement home employees, however, can only work in the retirement home. The Rosslyn outbreak was declared May 10, one day before the PSW fell sick while working in the Carusos home. A total of 64 residents and 22 staff tested positive for the virus. The Rosslyn did not respond to a request for comment. The Spectator asked public health if it is investigating COVID cases that spread to the community from the Rosslyn. We do link cases to each other wherever we can, however, we are not able to go back and review all possible links to former cases, said Jacqueline Durlov, public health spokesperson. We do know that some staff continued to hold positions across multiple sites, and that is not unusual nor specific to the Rosslyn. Community agencies are working to minimize this, but we understand that in some cases working across multiple sites is essential to maintain care. Durlov said she could not speak to specific cases due to privacy legislation. A perfect storm that highlights important issues in seniors care Andrew Costa, an assistant professor with McMaster Universitys department of medicine who researches seniors care, called the Carusos situation a perfect storm, one that exposes larger issues at play in the seniors health-care sector. This is a case where its not one particular thing, it just boiled over for one family, Costa said. Bad luck meant it was them that was going to suffer consequences for larger, system issues. The larger issues both COVID-related and not he highlights include: a sector in which poorly paid, overworked PSWs are its true backbone; the fact many PSWs are required to work in different settings to make ends meet, potentially spreading the virus; a shortage of workers that means well-meaning provincial policies restricting workers to one health-care setting may backfire, leaving some congregate settings with worker shortages; and a disjointed care system with little oversight. Costa said while the Carusos case is tragic, it is not surprising to hear a PSW infected an elderly couple. He said the extent to which such situations are occurring in the home-care system remains unknown due to a lack of data. While the seniors care sector was problem-plagued prior to COVID, for families of loved ones receiving at-home care, the risks are now higher and the decisions more difficult, Costa said. Sadly, in many cases, its a tough choice between ... accepting PSWs who are forced to make a living however they can (in other settings such as congregate care) or go without a service, he said. And while many families want just one PSW who doesnt work in other care settings consistently treating their loved one, with an ever-present PSW shortage, thats hard to come by, he said. As for the Caruso children, they are demanding system-wide change. Pat Caruso says the government needs to take its head out of the sand and strip contracted companies and any group profiting financially from the sector. He wants less bureaucracy, more accountability. What we want is them to get to the bottom of it and fix it, Pat said. I hope its not a Band-Aid. I hope its a complete revamping. Ukraine marks its first Farmers Day 10:15, 19.06.20 4466 A decree on this new professional holiday has recently been signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Actress Jennifer Lawrence has finally joined the world of social media. Up until now, the Hunger Games star had had absolutely no social media accounts of any kind. But she decided recently to join Twitter because, as she put it, I cannot be silent. Jennifer Lawrence | Christopher Polk/Getty Images RELATED: All the Behind-the-Scenes Details of Jennifer Lawrences Wedding Youve Been Waiting For What finally made Jennifer Lawrence join Twitter Its clear Lawrence became part of Twitter for a very good reason for someone as private as the Silver Linings Playbook star to have joined after avoiding it for so long. Her debut tweet on her account called Jennifer Lawrence Represent.Us was a call for justice in the death of Kentucky resident, Breonna Taylor, who was shot and killed by police in her apartment on March 13, 2020. Officers with a no-knock warrant entered the residence Taylor shared with her boyfriend. After bursting into the apartment when the couple was in bed, police opened fire when Taylors boyfriend shot at the officers. In the gunfire, an officer was injured, and Taylor was fatally wounded. Lawrences debut tweet expressed her outrage at the fact that, despite having been killed by police in March, Taylors death had not resulted in any charges against the officers involved. Nearly 1 in 4 Black men in America will be locked up at some point in their life, the actress said in her post. In this short video, @omarepps & @desmondmeade explain how corruption has broken our criminal justice system& what we can do to fix it. #UnbreakingAmerica#JusticeForSalehttp://represent.us/justicenow Lawrences tweet seems to have brought about action Just days after posting her tweet, one of the officers involved in Taylors death was fired. The Louisville Metro Police Departments Interim Police Chief announced on June 19, 2020 that Officer Brett Hankison, one of the three officers who fired weapons, had been terminated from the force. A memorial message for the late Breonna Taylor | Elsa/Getty Images I find your conduct a shock to the conscience, Schroeders termination letter to Hankison stated. I am alarmed and stunned you used deadly force in this fashion. The result of your action seriously impedes the Departments goal of providing the citizens of our city with the most professional law enforcement agency possible. I cannot tolerate this type of conduct by any member of the Louisville Metro Police Department, he said. Your conduct demands your termination. Twitters reaction to their newest member Jennifer Lawrences tweet brought on a barrage of supportive replies. SPEAK ON IT JENNIFERRRR, said one tweet. Another fan said, thank you so much for talking about this and highlighting these people whos lives were taken from us too soon. Jennifer Lawrence | Kevin Winter/Getty Images And another tweet praised Lawrence for doing her part to speak up. I just wanted to say how amazing this is that you made a Twitter to speak up for this injustice, a supportive tweet said. We all must continue to fight for whats right youre an inspiration. Thank you. Finally, another tweet said it all, Thats so awesome of you Jennifer! I knew you were an amazing person. Thank you for doing this. RELATED: All of Jennifer Lawrences Most Controversial Moments Brussels (AFP) - NATO said Thursday it has launched an official investigation into a naval incident in the Mediterranean between alliance members France and Turkey that has infuriated Paris. France has complained vehemently about the incident in which it says one of its ships was subjected to radar targeting by Turkish frigates as it sought to inspect a cargo vessel suspected of carrying arms to Libya. The incident is the latest flare-up in tensions between France and Turkey, which have clashed over Ankara's military operation in Syria and more recently over their roles in Libya's civil war. The French ship Courbet, on duty as part of a NATO operation, tried to check the Tanzanian-flagged freighter suspected of breaching the UN arms embargo on Libya. According to French officials, Turkish frigates accompanying the freighter carried out radar targeting on the Courbet three times, suggesting a missile strike was imminent. Fellow NATO member Turkey has dismissed the allegations as "groundless", insisting its vessels only observed the Courbet and accusing the French ship in turn of a ""high-speed and dangerous manoeuvre". - 'Unacceptable by an ally' - French Defence Minister Florence Parly upbraided Turkey during video talks on Wednesday and Thursday with her NATO counterparts and the alliance is now probing the matter. "We have made sure that the NATO military authorities are investigating the incident to bring full clarity into what happened," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said after a video meeting of alliance defence ministers. France is furious over the incident, slamming Turkey's actions as "extremely aggressive" and "unacceptable by an ally". "This extremely serious incident must be raised and our allies share our concern," Parly told the French senate, saying eight of the NATO's 30 members had backed her intervention. "A reflection is needed on what is happening in the alliance. We must face the abuses that are taking place there," she added. Story continues President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Turkey has caused repeated unease at NATO in recent years, with its involvement in Syria and Libya and by cosying up to Moscow with the hugely contentious purchase of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missiles. But its strategic position between Europe and the Middle East, commanding the southern shores of the Black Sea, make it an important ally that others are wary of crossing. Moreover, formal censure of Turkey is virtually impossible at NATO, where decisions are taken by unanimity. - EU struggles - Relations between Turkey and France, already strained by Ankara's military offensive against Kurdish militias in Syria, soured further over its backing of the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli. Turkey has supported the GNA with drones, military advisors and by sending Syrian fighters, helping turn the tide in the conflict with rebel strongman Khalifa Haftar. Though Paris publicly denies it, France has long been suspected of favouring Haftar, whose stronghold lies in Libya's oil-rich east and who is also strongly backed by Russia. The UN embargo was agreed as part of efforts to stem the conflict which has racked Libya since the 2011 overthrow of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, but Western efforts to enforce it have struggled. After months of diplomatic wrangling the European Union set up its own maritime mission, Operation Irini, to try to halt the flow of arms. But while Irini has enjoyed some successes, it has struggled for resources and this week EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell was forced to make a fresh appeal to member states for ships. It has also faced challenges from the Turkish navy. A Greek vessel with Operation Irini was last week prevented from inspecting the same freighter involved in the Courbet incident by its Turkish military escort. The EU is seeking NATO support for Irini, but diplomats indicate the idea is running into opposition from Turkey. Officer killed, another seriously hurt and member of public injured after police stop a car in Auckland. A New Zealand police officer was killed and another seriously injured on Friday after they were shot on an Auckland street during a routine traffic stop on Friday morning, the countrys police commissioner said, the first time an officer has been killed in the line of duty for more than a decade. Schools and childcare centres near the scene of the incident in Auckland were locked down as police searched for the suspect, who also injured a member of the public as he fled the scene in a car. People were advised to avoid the area. New Zealands police do not carry weapons unless they are part of specialist groups like those at airports or in tactical response teams. At this stage, there is nothing to indicate this job was going to be anything out of the ordinary, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said at a media briefing in Wellington. He did not provide details on why the car was stopped by the officers. Unarmed New Zealand police officer is fatally shot on an Auckland street, the force's first death in the line of duty for more than a decadehttps://t.co/uZoYbpb5tT Police cordon off the area after the shooting in Auckland pic.twitter.com/1udnfrg0lF AFP news agency (@AFP) June 19, 2020 The fatally-wounded officer was the first in New Zealand to be killed in the line of duty in at least a decade. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the death was devastating. To lose a police officer is to lose someone working for all of us, but also a family member, someones loved one and friend, Ardern said in a statement. The surviving officer and the member of the public, whose injuries were described as minor, are both being treated in hospital. New Zealand has tightened gun laws twice since a gunman killed 51 Muslim worshippers in Christchurch in March last year in the countrys worst peacetime mass shooting. The countrys politicians on Thursday passed legislation to create a new firearms registry that licence holders will be required to update as they buy or sell guns. Hans has been president of the N.C. Community College System for the past two years. Before that, he served on the Board of Governors from 2003 to 2015 when Democrats largely controlled state government and the appointment process. That tenure included two terms as vice chairman and and, from 2012 to 2014, one term as board chairman. Hans has worked in a number of statewide roles over the years. Hans has served on the State Banking Commission and on the state community college system board. He has been a policy adviser to three Republican U.S. senators from North Carolina. He's currently vice chairman of the board of directors of MyFutureNC, a statewide effort to improve educational attainment. Hans said Friday he has worked with the past six UNC System presidents dating back to Bill Friday, who retired in 1986. Hans also served as a senior adviser to former system president Margaret Spellings from 2016 to 2018. A Southport native, Hans got a political science degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1991 and later earned a master's degree in liberal arts from Harvard Extension School. Professionally, he has worked in a public policy and government relations practice he formed with former Lt. Gov. Dennis Wicker, a Democrat. The two worked together for years at several N.C. law firms. Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) - The attacks were swift and brutal: fleeing villagers were gunned down or crushed under the wheels of trucks. When the Islamist fighters left, dozens of mangled bodies lay scattered around. People in northeast Nigeria are no strangers to horror after a decade-long jihadist insurgency that has seen thousands massacred and schoolgirls kidnapped. But a flurry of bloody assaults last week has ramped up fears that a powerful jihadist faction may be opening a grim new chapter by extending its murderous attention from military to civilian targets. Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) splintered from the main Boko Haram group in 2016. The rupture was in part over claims veteran leader Abubakar Shekau's campaign of suicide bombings against local Muslim residents was too cruel. After pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group, the new faction sought to win support from communities by offering them rudimentary services. The insurgents focused their attacks on the Nigerian military and other outside players -- killing hundreds of troops and abducting employees from international aid groups. - 'Wounded lion' - Now the recent surge in killings -- which saw around 120 men, women and children butchered over just a few days -- has pushed some to see a turning point. The bloodiest of the assaults came last Tuesday on the remote cattle-herding village of Felo. Residents and officials said 81 people were either shot dead or run over by vehicles as they tried to escape. Survivors said the attack was a targeted reprisal after locals, tired of the jihadists stealing their cattle, formed a local defence group and began killing ISWAP members. "This was what led to the carnage on the herders," Babakura Kolo, head of another government-backed militia, told AFP. Security sources and experts say the ferocity may be down to Nigerian army offensives that have piled pressure on the insurgents since April. Story continues A regional security official said the operations -- which the military claims have killed 1,400 jihadists -- have no doubt "incensed the group". "The Nigerian army often exaggerates the successes in its favour, but it is true that it has inflicted heavy casualties on ISWAP in recent months," said Bulama Bukarti, an analyst for sub-Saharan Africa at the Tony Blair Institute. "And like a wounded old lion, ISWAP is reacting violently." - Leadership change - Feeding into the potential hardening of tactics is believed to be a change of ISWAP's leadership in a bloody internal purge last year. Former head Idriss al-Barnawi was ousted and killed for being too "moderate" and replaced by a new shadowy figure known as Ba Lawan. "This could be a fundamental turning point in the evolution of ISWAP," Bukarti said. A source with deep knowledge of ISWAP's internal workings said the leadership was now "in the hands of more radical elements who see the local population as an enemy that should not be spared". "They accuse villagers of passing information on them to the military and (anti-jihadist) militia," the source said. "Ba Lawan and his lieutenants pursue the same extremely violent path that makes them no different from the same Boko Haram." In fact the new commanders have even begun reaching out to the rival faction. A meeting was held with Boko Haram emissaries in March where the foes "agreed to bury the hatchet and work together against their common enemy", the source said. Vincent Foucher, an analyst at the International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank, said recent attacks "seemed to pursue specific objectives: to drive out the traitors, to multiply the tax receipts". But it remained too early to tell if the group's strategy had changed definitively. "If this trend continued then yes, we would be dealing with a major ideological development," he said. "But for the moment, we rather have the impression that the violence is linked to the fact that the group is under pressure." abu-cl/del/ri Deputy Minister of Information, Pius Enam Hadzide says the ruling government and the Electoral Commission cannot accept every suggestion from the opposition political parties. His comment was in response to Kwesi Pratt's take that government should not reject suggestions from the opposition party especially regarding the new voters' register. Kwesi Pratt speaking on the same platform said "per the country's electoral history . . . More than 90 percent of the electoral reforms came about as proposals from NPP in opposition, not in government; so, when you're in opposition, you can bring proposals for us to accept and use it. We began with opaque ballot boxes that made it difficult to see the ballot papers and we moved to transparent ballot boxes. Where did it emerge from? It was the New Patriotic Party in opposition which made that suggestion and all Ghanaians accepted that, although you're in opposition, there is value in what you're saying. It is a wise suggestion, so let's apply it." He said if suggestions made by the NPP were implemented, then the government should listen to the current opposition as well. "Were you (NPP) not in opposition when you're suggested for us to transform from black and white ID to color ID? Didn't we accept it? . . . So, you can make a suggestion while in opposition and we will accept and work with it but when somebody else is in opposition, the person cannot make any suggestion. What is that?" Pius Enam Hadzide speaking on the same platform said: "Nobody is stopping the opposition from making their views known. If you suggest and it is worth implementing why not? But you cannot insist that your idea is taken at all cost." Listen to them in the video below Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmoline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The first celebration of Juneteenth began at the same courthouse in Galveston, on the same date where, one year before, enslaved people in Texas learned that the war was over and they were now free. On these same steps, Union Major General Gordon Granger had read, The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves. On this day, June 19, 1866, the Emancipation Proclamation was read out loud, and then those gathered progressed to Methodist Episcopal South (now Reedy Chapel AME Church) for a public prayer meeting. While history did not record the prayers from this gathering, that the event itself happened was noteworthy. Public prayer meetings by African Americans were rare during slavery. Though independent African American churches in the South existed during the antebellum period, the majority of enslaved African Americans worshipped alongside the people who enslaved them. Slave owners on plantations and farms presided over church services that served their own oppressive purposes. While some enslaved people preached, their sermons sounded as degrading as those of white ministers: Obey your master, dont steal food, and so on. Enslaved African Americans were keenly aware that this type of preaching was a sham, a mechanism to attempt to keep them docile and complacent in their positions as enslaved persons. Enslaved African Americans, on the other hand, practiced their faith in organized secret meetings. At these invisible institutions, as renowned African American religious historian Albert J. Raboteau later called them, enslaved communities could sing their own songs, preach their own sermons, and pray their own prayers. These meetings were continual acts of resistance against slaveholders power and slaveholders belief that they had to use Christianity to make slaves obedient. These meetings also signified the lengths that enslaved people went to care for their own souls and the souls of their fellow yoked persons. Anderson Edwards, a formerly enslaved preacher in Texas, had this to say about what slave masters expected from slave preachers, and how he ministered while away from the masters watchful eye: I been preachin the Gospel and farmin since slavery time. When I starts preachin I couldnt read or write and had to preach what massa told me and he say tell them n iffen they obeys the massa they goes to Heaven, but I knowed theres something better for them, but darent tell them cept on the sly. That I done lots. I tell em iffen they keeps prayin the Lord will set em free. Another formerly enslaved man, Wash Wilson, remembered that when enslaved persons would begin to sing Steal Away to Jesus, it meant there would be a secret prayer meeting that night, as Raboteau recounts in Slave Religion. He recollected that De masters didnt like dem ligious meetins, so us natcherly slips off at night, down in de bottoms or somewhere. Sometimes us sing and pray all night. These secret prayer meetings put enslaved people in danger. Slaveholders feared the prayers of the enslaved. Owners and overseers believed that enslaved people prayed against them, threatening enslaved African Americans with punishment if they were found attending and holding these prayer meetings. Still, enslaved people used prayer as a weapon to fight for their freedom, believing that God, in his grace, mercy, and kind providence, would deliver them from bondage. Those prayers continued after the joy of the inaugural Juneteenth gave way to the horror of Jim Crow. In 1900, Reformed pastor and lifelong advocate of African American rights Francis Grimke implored his congregation to pray to overcome the evil that is in us, to break the fetters of sin and make us freemen indeed. Grimke also encouraged his African American flock to pray for racial progress: Pray? he preached from the pulpit of Washington, DCs Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church. Yes, let us pray without ceasing, that God would not only help us to build ourselves up in the great and positive elements that go to make up a true manhood and womanhood, but also that he would help us with his own great might to resist with all the energy of our natures this things which stand in the way of our progress. Grimke also implored his congregation to pray for those oppressing us. In particular, he directed his church to pray that God would have mercy upon them; that he would open their blind eyes, that he would show them the error of their ways and lead them to conform to principles of right, of justice and humanity. These exhortations exuded the spirit of Juneteenth prayers. It should be no surprise that this fervent prayer tradition was central to the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Coretta Scott King recalled a prayer by her husband, Martin Luther King Jr., during a particularly rough stretch of the Montgomery bus boycott. One night he received a threatening phone call. Upset, he entered his kitchen and prayed, Lord, I am taking a stand for what I believe is right. The people are looking to me for leadership, and if I stand before them without strength and courage, they will falter. I am at the end of my powers. I have nothing left. I have nothing left. I have come to the point where I cant face it alone. She later wrote in Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Celebration of Black Prayer that when Martin stood up from the table, he was imbued with a new sense of confidence, and he was ready to face anything. In his book Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom, Charles Taylor includes a Traditional Juneteenth Prayer. The prayer is in the style of African American prayerstylish, poetic, rich in biblical imagery. It opens with familiar words to any person who grew up in an African American church: Father, I stretch my hand to theefor no other help I know. Oh, my rose of Sharon, my shelter in the time of storm. My prince of peace, my hope in this harsh land. I bow before you this morning to thank you for watching over us and taking care of us. This morning you touched us and brought us out of the land of slumber, gave us another daythank you Jesus. The prayer ends with a ring of the ultimate freedom that lay ahead for every believer, contextualized within African American trial and tribulation: When I come down to the river of Jordan, hold the river still and let your servant cross over during a calm down. Father, Ill be looking for that land where Job said the wicked would cease from troubling us and our weary souls would be at rest; over there where a thousand years is but a day in eternity, where Ill meet with loved ones and where I can sing praises to thee, and I can say with the saints of old, Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, I am free at last. Your servants prayer for Christ sake. Amen! Today, on Juneteenth, the traditional prayer service consists of prayers for the future. This makes sense. In 1865 and 1866, the new freed people likely had unclear notions about the meaning of freedom. It is no mystery that those had prayed for freedom would now pray for their future in freedom. In recent decades, churches have developed special Juneteenth liturgies. Some of these services draw from the African American Lectionary, where theologian J. Kameron Carter writes, Juneteenth invites us to reflect upon the fact that during the two-and-a-half-year period between Emancipation Day and Juneteenth, there were still some people of color, people of African descent in the United States, who were still in bondage. They were still functioning as slaves, though legally they were free. Juneteenth, then, was for them a delayed celebration, a delayed enforcement of freedom. It represented a lagging liberation. This time lag of liberation is a metaphor of what it means to exist in the in-between of freedom, in freedoms now-but-not-yet. In other words, Juneteenth points to the fact that liberation is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing project beckoning us to write the vision of freedom and issue renewed proclamations of freedom now. Juneteenth signifies the fact that freedom and liberation is both behind and ahead of us. In this long moment of anti-black racism that has manifested itself in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, and the long list of unarmed African Americans killed unjustifiably by police officers, including Eric Garner, Oscar Grant, Alton Sterling, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor, Juneteenth is a commemoration of African American suffering and overcoming. It is a recognition that the prayers of the suffering and the oppressed can be answered, even if it ultimately takes centuries. Eric Michael Washington, PhD, is associate professor of history and director of African and African diaspora studies at Calvin University, Grand Rapids, Michigan. There are moments in history that change peoples and individuals forever. Many such moments are encounters between people and God or between people and their neighbors. Abrahams encounter with the Creator in which he heard the command: Go (Genesis 12:1) and Moses encounter with God in the burning bush (Exodus 3) are two biblical examples of very transformative conversations. Another turning point in history occurred 60 years ago, on 13 June 1960, when Prof. Jules Isaac had an audience with Saint Pope John xxiii. Fifteen years had passed since the end of the Second World War; a new world was coming into being on the ruins and devastation left by the conflagration. The Pope realized that the Catholic Church had to adapt to this new reality if it were to contribute to global needs. Therefore, on 24 January 1960, he announced that he would convene a great council of all the worlds bishops, the Second Vatican Council. At the Vaticans invitation, thousands of proposals were sent by bishops and theologians for possible topics to be considered by the Council. There were hardly any requests that the Council take up the question of the Shoah and its relation to centuries of anti-Jewish Christian teaching. One exception was an appeal sent by the rector and Jesuit faculty of the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. The evident widespread failure to understand the urgency of the question greatly distressed Paulist Father Thomas F. Stransky, a staff member of the Secretariat for the Promotion of Christian Unity, who recalled decades later: I asked myself: Was such indifference an unintentional collective oversight? Was the genocide experience of the Jews in Christian Europe, the final solution for the worlds Jewish people, already forgotten or so marginalized? Were the heavily publicized Nuremberg War Trials in 1947 a quickly extinguished blimp? The Jewish historian, Prof. Jules Isaac was famous before World War ii for his books on secondary education in France. Although he lost his wife, daughter and son-in-law in Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen, he did not become embittered. In 1947 he published an important study, Jesus et Israel on how the Jewishness of Jesus contrasted with later Christian anti-Jewish teachings. He also was one of the founders of the Amitie Judeo-Chretienne de France and one of the key participants in the famous Seelisberg Conference (1947). He understood that although Nazi anti-Semitism had pagan roots, centuries of the Christian teaching of contempt (the title of his 1962 book) had served the Nazis well. And so he became one of the great advocates of Christian-Jewish dialogue. When the newly elected John xxiii announced the Great Council, Isaac sought an audience. He would find the new Pope to be a sympathetic listener. As Ambassador of the Holy See to Turkey, the former Angelo Roncalli had provided, at the request of the Jewish Agency, thousands of false baptismal certificates and travel visas to Bulgarian, Romanian, Slovakian and Hungarian Jews, saving them from the Shoah and enabling them to flee from Europe to Palestine. On his first Good Friday as Pope, he had removed the word perfidious from the intercession for Jews. When the two met on 13 June 1960, Isaac presented a portfolio that summarized his research and requested that in preparation for the Council a sub-committee examine Catholic teaching about Jews. According to Isaac, the Pope said, I thought of that at the beginning of our conversation. They parted amicably and when Isaac wondered aloud if he could take away a glimmer of hope, Pope John exclaimed, You are entitled to more than a hope!. After the summer hiatus, the Pope instructed Cardinal Augustin Bea to form the sub-committee. This directive would ultimately lead to the promulgation of Nostra Aetate on 28 October 1965. John xxiiis personal secretary, looking back at the audience with Prof. Isaac, wrote: I remember very well that the Pope remained extremely impressed by that meeting and he talked about it with me for a long time. It is also true that until that day it had not occurred to John xxiii that the Council had to deal with the Jewish question and with anti-Semitism. But from that day on he was completely taken by it. The brief meeting between the Pope and the Professor was thus an enormously transformative moment. It gave rise to a journey of friendship, as Pope Francis has described it, that has blessed Catholics and Jews ever since. The journey has not been without missteps and controversies along the way. But gradually we have learned how to talk with each other, and in many parts of the world a profound dialogue has grown between us. We have come to treasure our differences, to cherish the distinct ways in which Jews and Christians [made a] covenant with God, to see the holiness in each others traditions, and to be able to say to each other, to see your face is like seeing the face of God! (Genesis 33:10). As we recall the turning point in history represented by the dialogue between John xxiii and Jules Isaac, let us thank God and honour their memories by deepening and extending the dialogue they began 60 years ago. Abraham Skorka Institute for Jewish-Catholic Relations of Saint Josephs University, Philadelphia Sam Huegill has reverted back to her maiden name on Instagram. Two years after parting ways from retired Olympic swimmer Geoff Huegill, the publicist's Instagram bio has now been updated to 'Sara Hills.' It looks like the 36-year-old is finally ready to move on and start afresh after splitting from her husband, being accused of shoplifting and leaving her senior job at Sweaty Betty since 2018. 'Sara Hill': Sam Huegill has reverted back to her maiden name on Instagram In May 2018, Sara was accused of stealing a $2,500 pair of leather pants from a Byron Bay boutique. In August that year, a magistrate found that Sara had a mental illness and was suffering from 'adjustment, depressive, eating and substance abuse disorder'. They also acknowledged the socialite's remorse and dropped the charge on mental health grounds. Starting fresh: Two years after parting ways from retired Olympic swimmer Geoff Huegill, the publicist's Instagram bio has now been updated to 'Sara Hills' Sara's lawyer had previously said in a statement that she was being treated for issues related to anxiety and depression. At the time, a tabloid magazine claimed the incident was the 'final straw' for Sara and Geoff's 13-year marriage. Geoff later denied this was the case. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia after announcing their break-up in December 2018, the 40-year-old athlete praised his ex as an 'amazing woman'. Relationship: At the time, a tabloid magazine claimed the incident was the 'final straw' for Sara and Geoff's 13-year marriage. Geoff later denied this was the case [Pictured Dec 2015] 'Sara is an amazing woman and the best mother you will ever meet,' he said. He continued: 'Her priorities are our beautiful girls and anyone who has seen her with them will agree on these claims.' Geoff and Sara married in Bali, Indonesia, in 2011. They share custody of two daughters, seven-year-old Gigi and five-year-old Mila. On Thursday, ATC-III Presiding Judge Ijaz Ahmad Buttar convicted Malik Zafar Iqbal and Muhammad Yahya Aziz and handed them down five-year rigorous imprisonment each with a fine of 50,000 PKR, Dawn news reported. Lahore, June 19 (IANS) A Pakistan anti-terrorism court (ATC) has convicted four Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD)leaders in one of the terror financing cases registered against the banned organisation by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in different cities of Punjab province. The judge also sentenced Abdul Rehman Makki and Abdul Salam to one-year imprisonment each with 20,000 PKR fine. The CTD had in 2019 registered the FIR against the convicts. Initially the trial was held before Sahiwal ATC, however, it was later shifted to Lahore following an order passed by the Lahore High Court on the request of the convicts. The CTD had registered total 23 FIRs against the JuD. The convicts, through their counsel, have denied the charges, alleging that they had been implicated in the case due to malice and ulterior motives, reports Dawn news. They said they were not the office-bearers when the organisation was proscribed by the government. The judge said in the order that the sentence of the convicts would run concurrently with their previous sentence, if any. CTD spokesman said three of the convicts were also UN Designated Persons' involved in terrorism financing. He said their conviction would play a major role in checking terrorism financing in Pakistan. On Feb 12, another ATC had handed down five-and-a-half-year rigorous imprisonment to Hafiz Saeed, leader of the JuD who mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. --IANS ksk/ Several studies have now shown that most people who are visibly ill with COVID-19 develop antibodies to the virus, although it has been unclear how long those antibodies last. The new study is the first to characterize the immune response in asymptomatic people. Wednesday 17 June 2020 was a red-letter day for Gibraltar, as it was the first time the daily Covid-19 statistics showed that there were no active cases on the Rock. There was no change to the figure on Thursday, either, but the government was quick to urge people not to drop their guard. The figures on Wednesday confirmed that there have been 176 cases of coronavirus in Gibraltar since the pandemic began, and all have recovered. At present, 51 people are self-isolating, because underlying health problems put them at risk or because they have been in contact with someone who previously tested positive with the disease. Some cases were identified through checks on people coming across the border, and in this case they are self-isolating at home in Spain and the Spanish authorities have been notified. Gibraltar has now moved into Phase 4 of its Unlock The Rock plan to ease the coronavirus restrictions. Making the announcement, chief minister Fabian Picardo said it may "sound repetitive and boring" but "we have to continue to exercise self-control and to observe the new rules of social distancing, respiratory and hand hygiene we have been banging on about". He said there is plenty of reason not to relax and to be conscious of the fact that the virus is still out there. The importance of this was highlighted by news from nearby Algeciras on Thursday that a man who was staying in a hostel in the town had died from Covid-19 and three of the other 16 guests were found to be infected. The border between Spain and Gibraltar reopened for official residents last week, but reports from people who have crossed say that border officials are not always checking proof of residency and sometimes only want to see passports. Several residents of Spain who have taken the opportunity to visit Gibraltar have said that it seems like another world, with very few people in the town wearing masks or social distancing and all the shops open. In Spain, masks are compulsory indoors and outdoors if 2-metre social distancing cannot be maintained, but in Gibraltar, although the government strongly recommends masks, they are only obligatory in some situations, such as on public transport. Ocean View, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/19/2020 -- The rapidly rising demand for navigation technology, weather monitoring, and remote sensing is certain to augment satellite launch vehicle market growth over the ensuing years. Indeed, authentic surveys vouch for the vast expanse of this industry across the globe. The rising availability of disposable income amongst the urban population has prompted the usage of mobile phones and navigation devices. Escalating use of the internet, VoIP, online digital payment services and IoT are playing a key role in the enhancement of communication. Growing connectivity requirement through radio, TV, as well as telecommunication mediums will drive the deployment of communication satellites, thereby propelling the satellite launch vehicle industry by 2024. Get sample copy of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/2853 Increasing demand for internet connectivity with regards to the need to gain a strategical edge and gather intelligence about other countries can be achieved via space missions. This has led to a surge in the frequencies of launch per year for scientific research, communication and defense purposes, which will significantly drive global satellite launch vehicle market forecast in the coming years. Company profiled in satellite launch vehicle market report based on Business overview, Financial data, Product landscape, Strategic outlook & SWOT analysis: ARCA Space, Blue Origin, Boeing Space and Communications, Bristol Spaceplanes, E Prime Aerospace, Eurockot, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Kelly Space & Technology, Lockheed Martin, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Scaled Composites LLC, SpaceX, and Virgin Galactic The primary payload segment owned a remarkable share of more than 61% of the total satellite launch vehicle market in 2017. Rise in the satellite launches for certain missions in observation, tactical intelligence, and scientific research will enhance the segmental growth. Additionally, new launch sites, along with development initiatives taken by the emerging nations for the expansion of space programs will be fueling SLV industry trends. Rising number of payloads for the accommodation of several satellites in singular missions for the reduction of the overall cost is anticipated to foster the 6 to 10 number of payloads segment over the forthcoming years. GEO orbit satellite launch market share was valued at more than USD 1.3 billion in the year 2017. The GEO orbit satellites, when once launched, follow a specified path at a predefined distance from the earth and require no reorientation. They are mainly used in collecting environmental data, for intensive observation, and homeland security. GEO satellites also offer reliable transmission, entail low maintenance, and provide cost-effective communication as compared to other alternatives, which will increase their deployment and influence the business outlook. Commercial satellite launch vehicle market is anticipated to experience tremendous growth over the projected period. Biomass measurement, earth observation data for both oil & mineral, provision of access to important information to small economies, communication and navigation will be providing significant prospects for SLV industry growth. Major competition between European Union and Russia to expand into the commercial segment will impact the market dynamics. Get this report Customized to your requirements @ https://www.gminsights.com/roc/2853 Non-commercial segment has been leading the market sharing due to its extensive usages in government, scientific and military operations. There has been an increasing utilization of applications in remote sensing for communication, navigation as well as intelligence gathering by military and scientific organizations, which are key factors driving satellite launch vehicle market trends. Some Points From Table Of Content: - Chapter 4. Satellite Launch Vehicle Market, By Orbit 4.1. Satellite Launch Vehicle Industry share by orbit, 2017 & 2024 4.2. GEO 4.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 4.2.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 4.3. MEO 4.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 4.3.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 4.4. LEO 4.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 4.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 4.5. SSO 4.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 4.5.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 Chapter 5. Satellite Launch Vehicle Market, By Number of Payloads 5.1. Satellite Launch Vehicle Market share by number of payloads, 2017 & 2024 5.2. Primary only 5.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 5.2.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 5.3. 2 to 5 5.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 5.3.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 5.4. 6 to 10 5.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 5.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 Browse complete Table of Contents (ToC) of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/toc/detail/satellite-launch-vehicle-slv-market About Global Market Insights: Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology. Contact Us: Arun Hegde Corporate Sales, USA Global Market Insights, Inc. Phone: 1-302-846-7766 Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688 Email: sales@gminsights.com Rise in violence leaves millions without healthcare in Afghanistan amid pandemic: ICRC Iran Press TV Thursday, 18 June 2020 5:39 PM The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has warned that the recent rise in violence in Afghanistan, combined with targeted attacks against healthcare facilities, has prevented access to health services for millions of Afghans. Juan-Pedro Schaerer, the head of the ICRC delegation in Afghanistan, said on Thursday that the war-ravaged nation more than ever needed health services with the outbreak of the coronavirus. "The recent trajectory in Afghanistan is of great concern. After the hope brought by a relative reduction in hostilities in February and March, we again see more violence. Civilian casualties are on the rise while the country is battling against COVID-19," Schaerer said. "COVID-19 has challenged the world's most advanced nations. A country where gunmen attack a hospital stands no chance at providing quality care. We see it in health facilities in conflict-affected areas and in prisons, where people have already limited access to healthcare," he added. "We battle a worldwide enemy and need a country-wide agreement on how to address COVID-19," Schaerer said, adding, "As a start, full respect of international humanitarian law by all parties, without exception, is needed to protect civilians in Afghanistan." The war-raved Asian country has an overstretched health system that is challenged by limited coverage in conflict-affected areas, poor specialized healthcare, and now the outbreak of COVID-19. The United Nations has recently warned of an alarming uptick in violence against civilians and a "striking deterioration" in upholding international humanitarian law in Afghanistan. Violent militant raids against health staff or health facilities, such as the deadly assault in May against the Doctors Without Borders (MSF)-operated maternity hospital in Kabul, only exacerbate the situation. In Afghanistan's ICRC-supported largest hospital, Mirwais Regional Hospital in Kandahar, the staff continue to provide obstetric care and surgery for people wounded in war. Due to an increase in coronavirus cases, the hospital now operates at a reduced capacity despite the near-usual rates of patients wounded in fighting and child deliveries. Violence has surged despite a deal between the Taliban and the United States. Official data shows Taliban bombings and other assaults have increased 70 percent since the militant group signed the deal with the United States in February. Under the agreement, the US will withdraw its forces from Afghanistan, and the Taliban will refrain from attacking international occupying forces. The militants, however, have made no pledge to avoid attacking Afghan forces and civilians. The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in October 2001. While the invasion ended the Taliban's rule in the country, it failed to eliminate the group. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UPDATE: Some special needs students were left out of N.J. high schools yearbook. School cites legal reasons. When a special needs student wasnt included in Watchung Hills Regional High Schools 2020 yearbook, her sisters set off a firestorm on social media, posting that all special needs students were omitted. The schools superintendent, however, says that information is simply incorrect, but apologized to the student and her family for the omission. The district is investigating if any other students were left out, but says special needs students are included in the 2020 yearbook. Today, my younger sister received her high school yearbook from Watchung Hills Regional High School and was not listed as a student, wrote Amanda Occhipinti. She didnt miss picture day or ask for her picture not to be included, she said, and alleged that her sister, Glenda, and other students were left out of the book intentionally. This is troubling and certainly was not intentional, wrote Superintendent Elizabeth C. Jewett in an email to NJ Advance Media. The District would never exclude any students from any aspect of Watchung Hills due to a disability, race/ethnicity, or for any other reason. Jewett said she does not yet have a clear understanding of why the student was not included. Two of Glendas sisters posted about the incident; the posts have been shared 11,000 times and hundreds have commented on them. Others reposted it to Watchung Hills High Schools Facebook page, demanding an explanation. Imagine the heartbreak my mother felt having to explain to my sister why she wasnt in the yearbook, Occhipinti wrote. ... And finally, since the 2,500+ students and faculty didnt get the honor of seeing Glendas yearbook photo, at least the internet can. (Occhipinti and the other sister who posted the message did not reply to requests for comment.) Occhipinti later updated her post, saying the school told her parents a supplemental yearbook would be issued. Jewett said only that its one option the school will look into. Jewett added that Watching Hills actively seeks to foster a culture that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. We are currently looking to see if any other unintentional omissions were made, she wrote. We will do our best to rectify the situation. Lastly, we intend to carefully review our processes to avoid any erroneous omissions in the future. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jessica Remo may be reached at jremo@njadvancemedia.com. National Security Advisor John Bolton (R) listens to U.S. President Donald Trump talk to reporters during a meeting of his cabinet in the Cabinet Room at the White House February 12, 2019 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Former National Security Advisor, John Bolton said Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn't take Trump seriously, according to a clip of an interview with ABC News' Martha Raddatz. "I think Putin thinks he can play him like a fiddle," Bolton said. Bolton also said that Trump was uninterested in learning and reading about foreign affairs. The interview is meant to promote Bolton's new tell-all book "The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir." The book is set to be released on June 23, but the Trump administration has sued Bolton claiming it has classified information. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories Former national security advisor John Bolton said Russian President Vladimir Putin does not consider US President Donald Trump as a "serious adversary." "I think Putin thinks he can play him like a fiddle," Bolton told ABC News' Martha Raddatz. "I think Putin is smart, tough. I think he sees that he's not faced with a serious adversary here. I don't think he's worried about Donald Trump." Trump's relationship with Russia and Putin has been scrutinized since the 2016 presidential campaign. Former special counsel Robert Mueller found that Russia worked to get Trump elected, though his investigation did not find enough evidence to suggest that Russia coordinated with the Trump campaign. Trump has repeatedly praised Putin and Russia and spoken in favor of Russia, saying he trusted Putin's word over US intelligence agencies over Russian meddling in the election. Trump has also supported Putin being allowed to rejoin the G7 among other overtures of support for Putin. Earlier on Wednesday, The New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal published excerpts from Bolton's tell-all book "The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir." Story continues Bolton made a number of shocking claims about Trump in his book, including alleging that Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to help him with the 2020 election and that he called all journalists "scumbags" that should be executed. The former national security advisor, who refused to testify in the House of Representatives' impeachment hearings also accused the House of committing "impeachment malpractice." He alleged that Trump had engaged in significantly more impeachable conduct than just what he was ultimately impeached over. In his interview with Raddatz, Bolton was also critical of Trump's handling and knowledge of foreign affairs and the way he deals with other leaders. He added that while Putin has spent his life understanding Russia's political standing in the world, Trump is uninterested in reading or learning about global issues and that puts America in a "very difficult" position. "Well, the president may well be a superb dealmaker when it comes to Manhattan real estate," Bolton said. "Dealing with arms limitation treaties on strategic weapons, dealing in many, many international other security issues are things far removed from his life experience." The ABC News interview is meant to promote his book which is expected to be released on June 23. On Tuesday, the Trump administration sued Bolton alleging he broke his contract by backing out of the National Security Council's ongoing vetting process to determine whether his book contains classified information that needs to be redacted or edited. The NSC "quickly identified significant quantities of classified information that it asked Defendant to remove," the complaint said. "An iterative process between NSC Staff and Defendant then began, as required by the binding agreements he signed, with changes to the book and other information being securely passed between Defendant and NSC staff. Soon, though, Defendant apparently became dissatisfied at the pace of NSC's review." The suit alleges Bolton "decided to take matters into his own hands," instead of waiting for the process to conclude. However, legal experts have said that administration efforts to prevent him from releasing the book would likely be unsuccessful. "This attempt by the Trump administration to block the publication of John Bolton's memoir is doomed to fail," the American Civil Liberties Union said in a statement after the lawsuit was filed. The White House did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider Now in its tenth year of operation, the award winning broker HotForex continues to make its mark on the industry, now adding the titles of Best Client Services Global and Most Transparent Broker to its impressive awards collection. PORT LOUIS, Mauritius, June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- HotForex, the award-winning forex and commodities broker on CFDs, is happy to announce that it has received two new awards Best Client Services Global and Most Transparent Broker, from Capital Finance International and The European's Global Banking & Finance Awards, respectively. A HotForex spokesman said: "We have always remained committed to putting our clients first and ensuring that we provide an enhanced trading experience. Through our three core values of honesty, openness and transparency we have become an established global broker of choice for millions. We are thrilled to have received these prestigious awards and look forward to maintaining our unrivalled market leading position." Established in 2010, HotForex has quickly become a market leader and global broker of choice to over 2 million live account holders around the world. Every client enjoys a variety of advantages, including a range of flexible account types and platforms, market leading insurance up to 5,000,000, negative balance protection and 24/5 multilingual support, among others. Notes to Media: About HotForex With its origins dating back to 2010, HotForex is the brand name of HF Markets Group which encompasses global and regulated entities which are operating as multi-asset brokers offering both retail and institutional trading services to clients from around the world. HotForex is continuously establishing its position as a market leader, a fact affirmed by: Over 2,000,000 Live Accounts Opened More than 35 International Awards Client Support in 27+ Languages Top Fund Security Measures To learn more information on HotForex, please visit our website by clicking here. Risk warnings: Trading Leveraged Products such as Forex and Derivatives may not be suitable for all investors as they carry a high degree of risk to your capital. Please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved, taking into account your investments objectives and level of experience, before trading, and if necessary, seek independent advice. Please read the full Risk Disclosure. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/830182/HotForex_Logo.jpg SOURCE HotForex 1 of 3 Louisville police officers in Breonna Taylor case to be fired, mayor says Am I stepping on anything? Padma Lakshmi asks on her new show, Taste the Nation, as the farmer Scott Chang-Fleeman guides her through rows of dirt. Please, tell me! I dont want to be a rude guest! At Shao Shan Farm in Bolinas, Calif., Mr. Chang-Fleeman tends to hakurei turnips, Chinese cauliflower, Taiwanese cabbage, an edible chrysanthemum called tong ho, and more beautiful greens. He tells Ms. Lakshmi how growing these building blocks for the regional Chinese-American cuisines of California has been a way of embracing his own biracial identity. Throughout the show, which began streaming on Hulu on Thursday, Ms. Lakshmi shows curiosity, insight and an easy charisma. This will come as no surprise to viewers who know her best from her long-running role as a host and executive producer on Top Chef. But the show also reflects her work as an activist, and an American Civil Liberties Union ambassador for immigration and womens rights, celebrating the food cultures of Indigenous people, immigrant communities and the descendants of enslaved people. WASHINGTON When Republican candidate for Congress Ola Hawatmeh sees a yard sign with her name on it, she pulls over her car, grabs a gift bag from the back and knocks on the front door. If the supporter answers, Hawatmeh, 43, will hand them the gift bag and chat them up. If they don't, she'll hang on their doorknob the small bag containing an American flag, some candy, a stress ball, her card and a copy of the Constitution. The gift bags are one way the fashion designer and businesswoman Hawatmeh has been trying to generate energy and support for her candidacy for the 19th District House seat ahead of the June 23 primary in a campaign year upended by coronavirus. Also hoping to claim victory on Tuesday is Kyle Van De Water, 40, a lawyer and veteran, who announced his campaign in February. Van De Water has been promoting his campaign on social media and has recently resumed in-person speeches and events as the district slowly reopens. Both are eager to replace U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-Rhinebeck. Hawatmeh enters the primary with more campaign funds, but Van De Water has captured nearly all the Republican county committee endorsements in the district. "I'm campaigning. He's not," said Hawatmeh, touting the number of meet-and-greets she's held. "I have money. He doesn't." From July 2019 to earlier this month, Hawatmeh has raised $271,035 for her campaign and has about $225,000 cash on hand for the general election fight. As of June 3, Van De Water had raised $17,655 and was approaching the primary with about $2,000 in cash. "The pandemic has made things very difficult," Van De Water said. "A lot of people have lost their jobs so it's kind of hard to ask people for money when they're out of work." Both candidates' hauls pale against the behemoth re-election war chest of Delgado, who has raised about $3.9 million this election cycle and had approximately $2.7 million in cash on hand in early June. About $1.7 million of those funds have been contributed by people out of state, Federal Election Commission records show. Although Republican John Faso held the seat until 2018, the 19th District is now rated "leans Democratic" by the nonpartisan Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. Van De Water has been endorsed by the Republican committees of Columbia, Otsego, Schoharie, Dutchess, Greene, Ulster, Montgomery and Sullivan counties. Hawatmeh also sought to secure the Conservative Party endorsement and ballot line, but returned her acceptance paperwork one day too late, according to court records and Shaun Marie Levine, executive director for the Conservative Party. Hawatmeh sued the New York State Board of Elections to try to overturn their decision denying her the ballot line. She also took her case to a New York appeals court, but on May 15 the judges ruled against her. Hawatmeh is endorsed by the NRA. She said she is working to obtain her gun permits in New York after relocating to the state from Missouri in 2019. Van De Water does not have an NRA rating and he said his "campaign in an oversight did not return the NRA's candidate survey." Van De Water wrote on Facebook he is a gun owner and NRA member and "in my mind the most critical element of the Constitution is the 2nd Amendment." A Millbrook resident, Van De Water is a litigation attorney in Poughkeepsie and provides legal services to the U.S. Army Reserves. Van De Water was an active duty member of the Army from 2006 to 2014 and was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan. He graduated from Albany Law School and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He's a father of four. Nominate your favorite people and places now Its the 25th anniversary of our Best of the Capital Region readers survey. Nominate your favorite people, places and businesses between Jan. 21 and Feb. 4. I have common sense solutions. I am a man who has raised by two people who claimed they were independents, but were Democrats, Van De Water said. I can speak to everybody. The daughter of immigrants from Jordan, Hawatmeh has launched multiple fashion and make-over companies and launched several charity initiatives to aid people with cancer. Hawatmeh is a survivor of thyroid and breast cancer and mother of three teenage sons. Hawatmeh also was vice president of the Middle Eastern Women's Coalition and described speaking with the group at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to support President Donald Trump in 2018. "I want to unite not fight," Hawatmeh said. "I'm not a politician. I'm a businesswoman." Both Hawatmeh and Van De Water are firm supporters of Trump and first time political candidates. Both candidates highlighted the importance of reducing unemployment across the district, particularly in more rural areas. "What we need to do is we need to set up economic zone opportunities where businesses come in and they are given tax incentives to set up a plant there," Van De Water said. "We got to get people back to work." Both support aggressive action to curb illegal immigration into the United States. "I'm a first-generation American thats against illegals," Hawatmeh said. "My family came here the legal way and worked really hard to become successful Americans." CLEVELAND, Ohio A man convicted of a fatal shooting at a gas station on the East Side was sentenced Thursday to life in prison. Eric Yates, 36, of Cleveland, is eligible for parole after 53 years, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. OMalley said in a news release. Yates was convicted by a jury in March of aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, attempted murder, assault of a police officer and having weapons under disability. Police say that on Jan. 10, 2019, Yates got into an argument with Sherrell Mattis, 27, and Mattis 14-year-old cousin at the Glenville Grocery and gas station on East 105th Street and Ostend Avenue. Authorities say Yates drove away from the store, but then returned minutes later and fired several shots at Mattis and the teen. Mattis died at a hospital after being wounded in the chest. The teen was not wounded. A stray bullet hit the car of a woman who was driving in the parking lot. She suffered a minor facial bruise, police said. After being arrested, Yates threw hot coffee on homicide Det. Aaron Reese during an interview at the downtown Justice Center, resulting in him also being charged with assaulting a police officer. Reese was not seriously injured. Read more crime stories on cleveland.com: Q & A: Trump adviser and Cleveland native JaRon Smith discusses police reform Cleveland man accused of abusing girlfriend before killing her father arrested with AK-47, authorities say Man who lost eye to police-fired bean bag round during Clevelands George Floyd protests: I did not deserve this Monitor overseeing Clevelands police reform effort will take critical look at departments response to George Floyd protest In the wake of violence that erupted June 1 after Asbury Park Police tried to clear the streets of protesters who had gathered earlier for what had been a peaceful protest, all but the citys high-ranking officers will now wear body cameras, the chief said Thursday night. Under a departmental reorganization that will emphasize community relations and make police more visible to the public, Chief David Kelso also said all officers below the rank of lieutenant will wear full police uniforms at all times while on duty. BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's indigenous people lost one of their pioneering leaders to COVID-19 on Wednesday with the death of Paulinho Payakan, a Kayapo chief who led protests against the Belo Monte hydro-electric dam in the 1980s. Alongside Kayapo chief Raoni and musician Sting, Payakan helped bring international attention to the environmental and social cost of building the world's third largest dam on the Xingu river in the Amazon rainforest. Payakan, 66, died on Wednesday morning in the hospital of Redencao in southern Para state, where the coronavirus epidemic has spread among indigenous communities and is killing tribal elders. The Kayapo chief was sentenced in 1998 to six years in prison for the rape of an 18-year-old student in 1992 with the assistance of his wife, who was also convicted. The crime badly hurt Payakan's reputation, said Sydney Possuelo, Brazil's best-known explorer of isolated Amazon tribes who was head of the government's indigenous affairs agency Funai at the time. Still, Possuelo praised Payakan for seeking the economic survival of his tribe while maintaining its indigenous identity. One fruit of his efforts was a deal with eco-friendly cosmetic retailer The Body Shop and its socially aware Trade Not Aid marketing initiative, by which the tribe gathered Brazil nuts in the rainforest for the extraction of oil used to make cosmetics. The British company is now owned by Brazilian cosmetics group Natura & Co. Belo Monte started generating electricity in 2016, but the original design was scaled down due to an international outcry and the dam only produces about a third of its planned 11,200 megawatts. (Reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Tom Brown and Sonya Hepinstall) Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 20:42:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The number of COVID-19 cases surged in some countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia on Friday as India reported the highest single-day spike and Indonesia recorded 1,041 new cases. India's federal health ministry on Friday morning said 336 new deaths due to COVID-19, besides fresh 13,586 positive cases, were reported during the past 24 hours across the country, taking the number of deaths to 12,573 and total cases to 380,532. This is the highest single day spike in terms of number of new COVID-19 cases in the country so far. Bangladesh reported 3,243 new COVID-19 cases Friday, dipping from Thursday's high of 3,803. Senior Health Ministry official Nasima Sultana said in a media briefing on Friday afternoon that 45 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours across the country. "The total number of positive cases is now 105,535 and death toll stands currently at 1,388 with the fresh fatalities of 32 men and 13 women," she added. The COVID-19 cases in Indonesia rose by 1,041 within one day to 43,803, with the death toll adding by 34 to 2,373, Achmad Yurianto, a Health Ministry official, said at a press conference. He also said that 551 more people had been discharged from hospitals, bringing the total number of recovered patients to 17,349. The number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines surged to 28,459 after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 661 more infections on Friday. The DOH said in its bulletin that the number of recoveries further rose to 7,378 after 288 more patients have survived the disease. The death toll also increased to 1,130 after 14 more patients have succumbed to the viral disease, the DOH added. Afghanistan reported 346 new COVID-19 cases within the past 24 hours on Friday, bringing the total tally to 27,878 cases, the Ministry of Public Health confirmed. Two COVID-19 patients succumbed to the virus, taking the number of people who lost their lives due to COVID-19 to 549 since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country. As of Friday afternoon there had been 7,409 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia. A third day of inflated new COVID-19 cases in the Australian state of Victoria on Friday has caused concern over a plan to reduce social distancing restrictions along with the rest of the country starting from Monday. The government of South Australia (SA), however, has announced a further easing of coronavirus restrictions. Steven Marshall, the Premier of SA, on Friday announced that the state's borders would be re-opened to travelers from Queensland as of midnight on Friday night. South Korea reported 49 more cases of the COVID-19 compared to 24 hours ago as of 0:00 a.m. Friday local time, raising the total number of infections to 12,306. The daily caseload stayed between 30 and 60 for the past weeks. Of the new cases, 17 were imported from overseas, lifting the combined figure to 1,396. A total of 23 new imported COVID-19 cases were reported in Myanmar on Friday morning, bringing the total number of infections to 286 in the country, according to figures released by the Ministry of Health and Sports. The newly confirmed cases are returnees who were under quarantine after their recent arrivals from Thailand and Malaysia. Malaysia reported six new COVID-19 cases, pushing the national total to 8,535, the Health Ministry said. No new death has been reported, leaving the total deaths at 121. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who coordinates the implementation of restrictive measures, told a separate press conference the government has decided to partly open the country's international borders. New Zealand reported no cases of COVID-19 on Friday after three active cases had been reported this week. The number of tests conducted on Thursday increased greatly, with 6,273 tests carried out due to the extensive testing of people related to the latest three cases and their flights and quarantine, Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield told a press conference. The combined number of confirmed and probable cases in New Zealand is 1,507, with three active cases, according to the ministry. BOISE A lawsuit seeking more time to collect signatures for an education funding ballot initiative and to allow electronic signature gathering for the effort should be thrown out, state officials say. The Idaho attorney generals office in a filing Thursday in U.S. District Court said the Reclaim Idaho groups own decisions and delays in taking action caused it to miss the May 1 deadline to gather the signatures needed for the initiative to appear on the November ballot. The initiative seeks to raise $170 million for K-12 education by raising Idahos corporate tax rate and increasing taxes on individuals making $250,000 a year or higher. The state also argued that Reclaim Idaho is asking the court with its electronic-signature request to invade the Idaho Legislatures constitutionally-created authority and create a signature-gathering alternative that is nowhere contemplated by the Idaho Constitution or Code and that has never even been introduced for legislative consideration. Reclaim Idaho filed the lawsuit June 6 against Republican Gov. Brad Little and Republican Secretary of State Lawerence Denney, contending emergency orders issued by Little during the coronavirus pandemic unconstitutionally limited the groups ability to collect signatures. Little issued an emergency declaration on March 13 after the virus was confirmed in the state and then on March 25 a stay-at-home order as the virus appeared to be spreading out of control. The order was later extended to April 30 the last day allowed for collecting ballot initiative signatures. The stay-at-home order barred activities considered non-essential, like gathering signatures. Reclaim Idaho in the lawsuit said the governors statewide stay-at-home order didnt include any exceptions for the First Amendment-protected process of signature gathering, a form of political speech. Reclaim Idaho is asking a federal judge to grant a temporary 48-day extension to collect signatures and to allow group members to collect the signatures electronically for the initiative. Reclaim Idaho announced shortly before the March 25 stay-at-home order that it was suspending signature gathering operations as the coronavirus took hold in Idaho. Gathering signatures requires face-to-face contact and the group said that contact presented serious health risks to its volunteers and potential petition signers. The group at the time said it had already gathered more than half of the roughly 55,000 signatures needed ahead of the April 30 deadline and was close to meeting other requirements on how many signatures needed to be collected from different legislative districts. The Idaho attorney generals office in its court filing said that Reclaim Idaho voluntarily quit gathering signatures on March 18 a week before the stay-at-home order was imposed. State officials also said Reclaim Idaho chose to gather signatures over six months rather than the 18 months allowed under Idaho law. Reclaim Idaho said the changes requested in the lawsuit, including electronic signature gathering, wouldnt alter state law but would be a one-time fix for the unique situation presented by the pandemic. A hearing on the case is scheduled for next Tuesday. The ballot initiative process in Idaho has been among the most contentious issues in the state in recent years, especially after voters used the initiative process in 2018 to pass Medicaid expansion with 61% of the vote after years of inaction by state lawmakers. Reclaim Idaho also spearheaded that ballot initiative. Lawmakers in the overwhelmingly Republican House and Senate responded in 2019 by passing legislation making the initiative process significantly more difficult by raising the number of signatures required and the number of legislative districts from where they must be gathered. Opponents complained that the changes essentially gave a handful of rural legislative districts veto power over the ballot initiative process. Little vetoed that legislation, saying a federal judge might declare the law unconstitutional and force a new system on the state. A U.S. District Court judge in a different case on June 1 dismissed a lawsuit challenging Idahos current ballot initiative process as unconstitutional because it requires signatures from multiple legislative districts. That ruling potentially clears the way for lawmakers to revisit the issue and make initiative signature gathering efforts much more difficult. Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. We Americans believe in education. We tend to assume that if you help a young person get a good education and the right skills, then shell be able to make her way in American society. Opportunity will be bountiful. Social harmony will reign. This formula has not worked for many African-Americans. Over generations, great gains have been made in improving black students education. In 1968, just 54 percent of young black adults had a high school diploma. Today, 92 percent do. In 1968, about 9 percent of young African-American adults had completed college. Today, roughly 23 percent have. And yet these gains have not led to the kind of progress that those of us who preach the gospel of the American dream would have predicted and that all young people are entitled to. The median income for a white head of household with a college degree is $106,600. The median income for a comparable black college graduate is only $82,300. As my colleagues on the editorial page noted in 2017, black college graduates earned about 21 percent less per hour than white college graduates. Over all, black families earn $57.30 for every $100 white families earn. These pay gaps have been widening since 1979, not shrinking. Some 200 Ghanaian domestic workers forming the first batch of 800 in Lebanon are scheduled to arrive in Accra today Friday, June 19. A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency and signed by Dr Winfred Nii Okai Hammond, Ghana's Ambassador to Egypt, with concurrent accreditation to Lebanon, said more than 800 domestic workers had been registered to leave Lebanon. "I have succeeded in getting 200 domestic workers freed with support from the Ministry," it said. ---GNA BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19 Trend: Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov signed a decree on the extension of a special quarantine regime in the country, Trend reports on June 19. In accordance with the decree, the special quarantine regime in Azerbaijan is extended till 00:00 (GMT+4) August 1, 2020 to prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 in the country and its possible complications. The capping of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) testing price at Rs 2,400 may lead to fewer samples being tested at private labs because it does not cover the costs, owners of private labs said on Thursday, requesting anonymity. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Thursday approved capping of the rates for all Covid-19 tests, including by private firms at Rs 2,400. An expert panel constituted by Union home minister Amit Shah on June 14 did not recommend revising the prices for tests conducted by private labs in Delhi. It only recommended reducing the rates of for the samples collected by the government for private labs. Until now, the cost of a Covid-19 test was Rs 4,500 if the private labs collected the sample and used their own kits, Rs 3,500 if the government collected the samples and the private labs used their kits to test it; and Rs 2,200 if the government collected the sample and provided the test kit as well. Two important things happened today. Covid-19 testing rates in Delhi have been reduced to Rs 2,400 and rapid-antigen testing has started. I hope people wont face any problem in getting themselves tested now, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a tweet. Owners of the private laboratories said that the price fixed by the government would not cover their money spent on collection of samples from door-to-door, transportation and the protective gear, etc. It is not just the cost of the process of testing, lifting samples from door-to-door incurs ancillary costs that inflates the overall testing price. We could have managed the tests for government collected samples in Rs 2,400, since we wont have to spend on a personal protection equipment, viral transport medium, swab sticks and transportation. But going home-to-home for collecting samples, spending on manpower and transport and providing protective gear cannot be managed for the same price, said one of the private lab representatives, requesting anonymity. These are costs that the government does not seem to have considered while fixing the price. It will be difficult for a lot of us to sustain this price structure, which would obviously affect the number of samples lifted per day for testing in the long run, especially those from home, the person added. Another laboratory representative agreed that home collection of samples cannot be done for such a low price. He said the will have to consider differential pricing, like the one currently in place in Delhi. The cost for testing a sample collected by Delhi government is low but for the ones that we collect from the homes we charge Rs 4,500. Going below that will hurt our pocket. Plus, if the government wants us to expand our testing capacity, we need to be able to recover money for the additional machines and manpower, said the second lab representative. Private hospitals testing Covid samples shared similar concerns. We are not talking about making profit but we cannot suffer losses. The way prices stand as of now, we are staring at losses. How are we supposed to enhance the testing capacity that everyone seems to be looking at; where is the ability to invest in expensive machinery if there are mounting losses. A gene expert machine testing kit, which is a quicker alternative to RT-PCR testing, costs about Rs 2,350 on discount, then how do you expect the test to be conducted at Rs 2,400. There is a turnaround deadline of 48 hours so at the end we will be forced to drop the number of samples being tested per day, said a representative for a prominent hospital, requesting anonymity. The Delhi government said the decision was taken to help people who had to pay exorbitant sums of money for tests and treatment. The Delhi government reduced the prices because the people have to pay exorbitant sums to get Covid tests done. Also, when other states have capped it, nothing stops Delhi from doing the same. It is what the Centre and the ICMR also have recommended, said a Delhi government spokesperson. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Monday recommended use of antigen based testing kits for diagnosis that is likely to bring down the cost of testing. However, hospitals say the kit is not readily available in market yet. Where are the kits, and what is the price for testing using antigen based kits. There is no clarity even on serology (antibody) test that ICMR also recently recommended. Are we allowed to do those tests? There is utter confusion over it, said another representative of a prominent hospital in the Capital. Nobody is going to make losses, so a lot more thought needs to be put into this. You cannot just randomly quote a price. At least allow flexibility in prices for home collection samples so that those who can pay should be allowed to pay. On one hand you want to enhance testing capacity but the prices that are being fixed by the government could actually lead to reduction in capacity, said representative of a third laboratory. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON For the second time in a week, the Supreme Court has allowed liberals to enact one of their longstanding legislative priorities without the consent of Congress or the president. Conservatives could be forgiven for wondering why liberals need win only one election or none to have their choices made permanent, while President Trumps voters could not even accomplish the modest goal of seeing the executive branch stop acting illegally to protect people who broke the law. At issue this time was President Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, which let illegal-immigrant Dreamers stay in the country and receive federal benefits if they had been brought here as children by their parents. The DREAM Act was introduced in 2001, extensively debated during the 2006 and 2013 immigration fights on Capitol Hill, and voted on in 2007 and 2010. While reasonable minds may differ on the merits of that proposal, nobody disputes that this is an important public-policy question on which Congress has the power to legislate. When Congress did not deliver the answer Obama liked, he used his pen and phone to make DACA the law of the land by executive fiat. The Courts decision rejected Obamas legal arguments for having that power, yet it told the Trump administration that it needed better reasons to repeal DACA than the fact that it breaks the law. Justice Thomas got it right in his dissent: In a nation of laws, no federal agency should ever need more reason to pull an unlawful regulation up by the roots. The Courts flimsy rationales that the Department of Homeland Security should have addressed whether people relied on DACA and whether there were alternatives to complete repeal of DACA might be a fair critique on a job evaluation of DHS staffers, but they are no basis for ordering the president to enforce a policy that exceeds the presidents legal power. Meanwhile, thanks to a nationwide injunction, the resistance has managed to run out the clock for nearly four years. Story continues The Courts opinion does offer a few glimmers of hope and sanity. The Court soundly rejected the argument that repealing DACA violates the Constitution. It allowed the administration room to go back and repeal DACA again, if it can explain its reasons better before Trumps first term runs out. And there are still challenges to DACA working their way through the lower courts, which will likely be strengthened by the Courts reasoning. The Court is also not the only actor to blame here: Congress squabbling, Obamas flagrant lawbreaking, Trumps reckless rhetoric, and the administrative sloppiness of DHS all brought us to this point. The rule of law, however, is not just a legal theory: It survives only when the various actors in our system treat it as valuable. Future administrations will, as Justice Thomas warns, treat this case as a roadmap for entrenching unlawful power grabs. An illegal regulation survives on the books simply by delay in the courts; congressional inaction becomes an excuse to make law elsewhere; and elite preferences in media, academia, large nonprofits, corporate America, and Hollywood prove immune to election results so long as judges can nitpick the decisions of elected officials. Whatever this is, it is not the rule of law made by the peoples representatives. More from National Review The violence at the India-China border that resulted in the death of twenty Indian Army personnel in Ladakh has been met lwith cries of boycotting products made in China. From using Winnie the Pooh to taunt Xi Jinping, to googling a list of Chinese products to boycott to actually dropping nasty reviews on Chinese apps, a lot has unfolded in the past few days. Adding fuel to the fire was Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, who on Thursday, kicked up a major social media storm after he called for a ban on Chinese food. Also Read: 'Save Gobi Manchurian': Twitter Trolls Union Minister for Demanding Ban on Chinese Food Many pointed out that though the food was Chinese in cuisine, the people making it or running the restaurants that sell it were Indian. Critics pointed out that by banning restaurants that sell Chinese food, the minister would only be taking away the employment from Indians at a time when the economy is already stressed. Also Read: Angry With China, Confused BJP Workers in Asansol Took Out a Rally to Burn Kim Jong's Effigy His comments also triggered a spike in Google searches. Curious to know if what they were consuming indeed had Chinese roots, many Indians Googled the origin of noodles and Manchurian. In fact, typing "gobi manchurian" on the search engine threw back a bunch of results with Ramdas Athawale topping that list. This was followed up by "noodle origin", "manchurian origin". Those who weren't outraged by his comments, were simply tempted to cook manchurian at home, as the trends suggested. Source: Google Trends Also Read: Who Moved My Gobi Manchurian? The Dilemma of Patriotic Foodies During India-China Tensions So are noodles Chinese? Maybe. Maybe not. A staple food in many countries, the earliest record of noodles appeared in a book written during China's East Han Dynasty, National Geographic noted. However, in 2005, a 4,000-year-old bowl of noddles was unearthed at Lajia archaeological site in China, the report further added. But there are several theories that suggest the noodles may have its roots in the Middle East while the Italians are mostly credited to popularizing the dish across Europe and the world. As researchers ascertain whether noodles were Chinese or not, you can in the meanwhile chant Athawale's "Go Corona Go" anthem to perhaps put a ban on the deadly virus. Restaurant work presents possible health risks. But if you refuse a job? You could lose your unemployment benefits. (Carolyn Figel / For The Times) A little over three months ago, Alexander Galvez was waiting tables at Yamashiro, the storied hilltop restaurant known for its spectacular Hollywood views that began life as a massive Asian-inspired estate in 1914. When Yamashiro began preparing to reopen after the shutdown, Galvez hoped to be offered his old job back. What he didnt expect was that Yamashiro wanted him to have turned into a handyman. Working in the restaurant industry has never been easy. But as L.A. and other cities across the country chaotically attempt to go about business as usual, restaurant servers, hosts and bartenders on the front lines of the reopening are particularly at risk. Im concerned I might get sick, but I feel like theres no choice, said Galvez, who worked for four years at Yamashiro. Im scared, to be honest. But we have to pay bills. Most restaurants try to look out for their employees. But Galvez and other workers at Yamashiro say an already stressful predicament has been exacerbated by the restaurants job offers offers that seem to test the boundaries of what good faith is. I spoke to multiple former Yamashiro employees, all of whom claim they were made decidedly bad-faith offers of employment by the restaurant, forcing them to either accept an unsuitable job or risk losing their unemployment benefits. The experience, many said, has left them feeling confused and devastated, and made an already stressful situation even worse. Former front-of-house staff, including bartender, host and server employees, told me they received emails from Charles Mills, Yamashiros director of operations, with offers to return to the restaurant, as well as a statement that Yamashiro had received funding from the Paycheck Protection Program, a government loan program designed to help small businesses weather the shutdown. But the jobs werent what they expected or the jobs they had departed from. Instead they were maintenance positions doing things like plumbing, HVAC and electrical work. The offer required that employees sign a document affirming they had proper qualifications for the jobs, which included stipulations such as having prior experience with carpet shampooers and pressure washers and being able to lift and move more than 100 pounds. Story continues Im 5 feet 5 inches and 125 pounds altogether, said Alisa Gerstein, who began working as a server at Yamashiro in 2017 and was offered a maintenance job. I could never do that. It was clearly just a crazy offer. She said she called Mills to complain but was told it was the only position available. Gerstein said she was shocked, then, to see posts for front-of-house positions at Yamashiro on Indeed.com. Screenshots of the website show a solicitation for bartenders, bussers, runners and servers. She had turned on notifications for server positions and received an email from Indeed telling her she should apply to work at Yamashiro. It was just appalling, she said. Restaurant workers have taken the full brunt of the shutdowns impact, suffering not only from potential health concerns but financial fallout nearly 6 million restaurant jobs have been lost, according to a report released by the Independent Restaurant Coalition. To help make up for lost wages, the Federal CARES Act included an additional $600 per week for the unemployed, a benefit the government will provide through the end of July. As restaurants reopen in the limited capacities they can, they are offering former employees some version of their jobs back, because they need the labor and/or because provisions in the PPP require restaurants to do so to exact the maximum benefit for themselves. But the choice to go back is fraught: Workers can return to a high-risk environment or, by refusing an offer of work, possibly lose unemployment benefits. With some restaurant workers making as much or more on unemployment as in their jobs, the threat of losing that money is a real worry. The key provision of the PPP allows for loan forgiveness if a given percentage of the money is used to pay employees in which case, the loan becomes essentially free money for the restaurant. A caveat in the payroll rule allows for loan forgiveness reduction for borrowers who have made a good-faith, written offer to rehire workers that was declined. In other words, employers must make an honest attempt to hire back their employees. If the employees refuse, thats not the fault of the business in the PPP's eyes. For Galvez, the motive to offer seemingly unsuitable jobs is apparent: Its a win-win for them. They get to clean house and keep a portion of the loan, he said. Whats troubling about it is, they knew they were putting us in a position to say no, said a former server who did not want to be identified for fear of losing other employment opportunities. Even if we were to say yes, wed have to sign that job description, she said. They could say, a week from now, Youre not doing the job very well. You dont seem to have the qualifications you said you had. Days after being asked to step into a role in which she had no experience, she said Yamashiro sent her a letter stating she had turned down the job a step it would need to complete to prove it had made a good-faith offer. Former Yamashiro bartender Aaron Polsky said that six days after getting a maintenance job offer, he also received an email noting that his turning it down may impact state unemployment benefits. He called the company unprofessional and uncompassionate. Absent good cause, refusing to return to work in many cases will disqualify you from collecting unemployment, said Emanuel Shirazi, owner of Shirazi Law Firm. Exceptions could be made if, for example, the job was unsafe. The devils in the details what is unsafe? Shirazi said. He said Californias Employment Development Department likely would look at whether the restaurant was in compliance with state and local guidelines. But for Yamashiro employees, thats little consolation. I have to accept something completely unsuitable, or I have to decline it and take up an appeal with the EDD, said one hostess, who did not want to be identified for fear of retribution from the company. Yamashiros Mills, who sent out the maintenance job offers, did not respond to a request for comment. The entire experience has left Gerstein feeling worried and disillusioned with the industry. Restaurant work feels so unstable, she said. And above all, she feels a great sense of disappointment. Its really heartbreaking I wont be able to be in that beautiful building. I would have been back there in a heartbeat, she said. I really loved this job. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Juneteenth, the day recognizing the liberation of the last enslaved African Americans, will become an official city holiday. At a Friday press conference, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that June 19, or Juneteenth, will be recognized as an official city and school holiday moving forward. New York City is currently working with labor unions to implement the change next year across all public schools, uniformed agencies and city workers. We will give this day the importance and recognition it deserves. Every student and city worker will have the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of our history and the truth and to think about the work that we have to do ahead because one thing is profoundly clear in the history of African people in this country. Its that through the pain and struggle came an extraordinary purposefulness and vision to inspire change, de Blasio said. The mayor emphasized that while New York City is typically viewed as diverse land of opportunity for all people, the city must acknowledge not only its troubled past, but the ways in which racism is still impacting the city today. Our city has long-prided itself on being a beacon and in many ways we are to the world, de Blasio said. But our city also has a very painful history. Slavery was alive and well in New York City for a long time. New York City gained much of its prominence and wealth from slavery. In too many ways, discrimination is alive and well today. Structural racism pervades this city in ways that are still not acknowledged and recognized and we have to change that. Its going to be a very difficult and challenging process, but we can do it, the mayor added. In hopes of identifying and rectifying these longstanding societal issues, de Blasio announced the formation of a Racial Justice and Reconciliation Committee, the first of its kind among the nations cities. The committee will look to create a record of the citys history of racial discrimination and provide residents a meaningful platform to express their concerns and personal experiences. It will also promote social learning, collective introspection and other measures to tear down the barriers to true equality, said First Lady Chirlane McCray. Employment, criminal justice, housing, health, education and environment are among the policy areas that the committee will investigate for discriminatory practices in hopes of creating a more equitable city. The commission will work to explode the false narratives we have lived with for far too long and make plain the truth. That even in 2020, to be a person of color means to live a parallel existence with white New Yorkers. That reality must be understood beyond communities of color, McCray said. The mayors decision to make Juneteenth a city holiday came just days after Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order declaring June 19 a holiday for state workers. Cuomo said that next year he will advance legislation to make Juneteenth an official state holiday. Friday is Juneteenth - a day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States - and its a day that is especially relevant in this moment in history, Cuomo said Wednesday. Although slavery ended over 150 years ago, there has still been rampant, systemic discrimination and injustice in this state and this nation, and we have been working to enact real reforms to address these inequalities. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo holds a joint news conference on the International Criminal Court at the State Department in Washington on June 11, 2020. (Yuri Gripas/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Pompeo, Mnuchin Accuse Bolton of Lying in New Book Two top Trump administration officials accused former national security adviser John Bolton of spreading lies in his new book, The Room Where it Happened, with one calling him a traitor. In a statement titled I Was In The Room Too, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Bolton of spreading a number of lies, fully-spun half-truths, and outright falsehoods in his memoir, which is slated for publication on June 23. It is both sad and dangerous that John Boltons final public role is that of a traitor who damaged America by violating his sacred trust with its people, he said. Boltons book is his recount of his time in the White House where he served as national security adviser from April 2018 to September 2019 before he was fired by President Donald Trump over policy differences. Pompeo, who became the latest ally of the president to condemn Bolton, said he had not read the book which the Trump administration is trying to block from publication because it would disclose classified information, but had read excerpts published in several media outlets. President Donald Trump, left, in the White House Rose Garden in Washington on March 13, 2020. On right, John Bolton outside of the White House West Wing in Washington on April 30, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times; Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) To our friends around the world: you know that President Trumps America is a force for good in the world, he continued. Bolton in his 592-page memoir makes a number of allegations, including the claim that Trump sought Chinese leader Xi Jinpings help to win reelection. It also reportedly claims that Bolton was a first-hand witness to a conversation about Ukraine that served as the core allegation of the impeachment proceedings against the president. The Senate found Trump not guilty of all the impeachment charges brought by the House. Bolton declined to testify during the impeachment. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement that excerpts of the book that he reviewed are full of lies and factual inaccuracies. Undermining Boltons credibility is his inclusion of classified material in the book, the secretary said, asserting: John Bolton has put self-promotion ahead of the truth and of the interests of the country. Trump, the White House, and other top administration officials have vehemently refuted the claims made in the book. Federal judge Judge Royce Lamberth scheduled a Friday hearing on the Trump administrations request for a temporary restraining order against the books publication. The Trump administration on Tuesday sued to block Bolton from publishing the memoir, arguing that parts of it were rife with classified information and would compromise national security if published before completion of a government review. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin speaks during a meeting with restaurant industry executives about the COVID-19 response, in Washington on May 18, 2020. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo) The Trump administrations lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Tuesday, states that the White House National Security Council (NSC) has determined that the manuscript in its present form contains certain passagessome up to several paragraphs in lengththat contain classified national security information. The book contains government secrets classified at the highest level, including information that Bolton personally classified during his 17 months at the White House, according to the governments complaint. Its publication would cause irreparable harm, because the disclosure of instances of classified information in the manuscript reasonably could be expected to cause serious damage, or exceptionally grave damage, to the national security of the United States, the lawsuit said. The Justice Department (DOJ) requested that the court declare that Bolton violated his nondisclosure agreement, by disclosing classified information, which is a federal crime. The DOJ requested that the federal court order the former national security adviser to instruct or request publisher Simon and Schuster to delay publication to allow the memoir to undergo a national security review process, and make the necessary deletions of classified information. The lawsuit also sought to order the publisher to retrieve and dispose of existing copies of the book. Boltons book, which is getting terrible reviews, is a compilation of lies and made up stories, all intended to make me look bad, Trump wrote on Twitter on June 18. Many of the ridiculous statements he attributes to me were never made, pure fiction. Just trying to get even for firing him like the sick puppy he is! Bolton didnt issue a public statement in response to the lawsuit or Trumps criticism, instead pointing his followers on Twitter to a pair of statements from liberal nonprofits. 50 years ago, SCOTUS rejected the Nixon administrations attempt to block the publication of the Pentagon Papers, establishing that government censorship is unconstitutional, the American Civil Liberties Union wrote on Twitter. Any Trump administration efforts to stop John Boltons book from being published are doomed to fail. Boltons lawyer Charles Cooper said they were reviewing the lawsuit and will respond in due course. Cooper previously said his client worked for months with the NSC to ensure that classified material is not released. Ivan Pentchoukov and Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. Instagram enthusiasts will have to wait for another year to visit Iceland's Sky Lagoon, located in Karsnes Harbour, just minutes away from the vibrant city center of Reykjavik. The lagoon's developer Pursuit says that the lagoon's epic 230 ft 'infinity edge' will blend into the 'ocean landscape.' As of the moment, Instagrammers' appetite for lagoon shots in the country are sated by the pristine and seductive Blue Lagoon. But next year, the lagoon offering of Iceland is ramped up by the Sky Lagoon offering ocean views and an in-lagoon bar. Its designs are inspired by Icelandic culture and cinematic landscape. Pursuit Unveils New Geothermal Lagoon in Iceland Sky Lagoon's developer, Pursuit, said that the new lagoon would "showcase expansive ocean vistas punctuated by awe-inspiring sunsets, Northern Lights and dark sky views." The 230 ft infinity edge will create a visual effect that will blend into the ocean landscape. Furthermore, Pursuit also said that design elements are influenced by the Icelandic culture, producing a distinctive guest experience that will make them feel like living in Icelandic turf houses plus the restorative spa-like ritual from the Icelandic tradition. Sky Lagoon's general manager, Dagny Petursdottir, said that they are thrilled to unveil the lagoon's plans to develop a remarkable lagoon experience for its visitors and one of Iceland's most stunning oceanfront locations. Guests will be able to connect with the mind, body, and spirit through the radiant powers of the geothermal waters from the lagoon while looking at such majestic ocean views. They will surely have an unforgettable experience through the help of the rejuvenating and relaxing retreat against the dramatic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and Reykjavik's vibrant urban center. Read Also: Photobomber of the Year: Diver Gets Unexpected Cuddle From Seal Underwater Sky Lagoon's Multi-sensory Oasis As an integral part of the Icelandic culture, Pursuit made sure that the guests will spend time relaxing in natural geothermal waters. Its multi-sensory oasis features an ocean-side infinity-edge design aside from the cold pool and sauna experiences. Pursuit will also have additional amenities such as an in-lagoon bar, dining experience, and unique retail offerings. According to Pursuit's president, David Barry, their company is focused on connecting guests to iconic places by giving them unforgettable and inspiring experiences while they visit Sky Lagoon. "Iceland is one of those authentic and remarkable places that have the power to excite and inspire," Barry said. Sky Lagoon is another project by Pursuit following the recent launch of its visually stunning FlyOver Iceland experience. The lagoon and many collections of world-class travel experiences show their continued commitment to Iceland. The country has reopened its borders earlier this week, on June 15, after implementing lockdowns in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Health Benefits of Relaxing in Nature Sky lagoon's offer of a rejuvenating and relaxing experience is just one way of enjoying outdoors. Research is increasing on the rich and measurable benefits of being in nature, whether people are out in the sea to fish, or in the mountains to hike, or simply take pictures of the perfect sunset. Health Fitness Revolution has outlined some of the benefits of being with nature. They mentioned feeling better emotionally, physically, mentally, and having a better workout for greater revitalization. Whatever nature activities a person may engage, it is always important to expose oneself to nature on a regular basis. Read More: Comeback is Real for Sea Turtles in Tunisia Despite the Threats on Their Survival They've been married since 2017, and have collaborated on a healthy handful of projects including The Little Hours and The Disaster Artist. On Thursday, Dave Franco was on hand to herald his directorial debut, a creepy new thriller called The Rental, at an advance screening at Vineland Drive-In in City of Industry outside Los Angeles, California. The film stars his wife Alison Brie, along with The Guest and Legion star Dan Stevens, who was also in attendance at the event. On Thursday: Dave Franco was on hand to herald his directorial debut, new thriller The Rental, with his wife and star of the film Alison Brie at Vineland Drive-In in City of Industry outside LA Franco, 35, was all smiles ahead of the screening of his film, in a light sweater with splotches of color. He posed with his arm around his wife, 37, who donned a caramel corduroy jacked, ribbed white blouse and jeans. The famed Hollywood couple were also seen in their black vehicle before the movie started, and at one point they donned face masks. All smiles: Franco was all smiles ahead of the screening of his film, in a light sweater with splotches of color Cute couple: He posed with his arm around his wife, who donned a caramel corduroy jacked, ribbed white blouse and jeans British-born actor Stevens, 37, also posed for pictures alongside Brie and Franco, maintaining a modicum of distance in a large pink hoodie sweatshirt. Drive-in movie theaters are poised to make a resurgence in popularity this summer, as they naturally lend themselves to safe social distancing as society slowly navigates best and safest practices in a post-pandemic world. The Rental tells the story of two couples who book an oceanside vacation rental and soon discover that all is not as it seems. Drive-in movie moment: The famed Hollywood couple were also seen in their black vehicle before the movie started In addition to dark secrets that come to the fore, the group discovers that the host of their seemingly perfect rental house may be spying on them. The Rental also stars Sheila Vand of Snowpiercer and A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, and Shameless's Jeremy Allen White. The sexy thriller is poised for limited release on July 24th. Friends and collaborators: British-born actor Stevens also posed for pictures alongside Franco, maintaining a modicum of distance in a large pink hoodie sweatshirt Driving through the dark: The Rental tells the story of two couples who book an oceanside vacation rental and soon discover that all is not as it seems Hundreds protested outside the Romanian presidents palace on Thursday against a proposed ban on gender identity studies which they said would infringe human rights and fuel discrimination. The Romanian parliament approved the ban without public debate this week in the latest initiative by religious and conservative groups to adopt similar policies on gender to neighbouring Hungary and Poland. Romania is one of the only European Union states that bars both marriage and civil partnerships for same sex couples. Centrist President Klaus Iohannis suggested on Thursday he would send the ban, which would enforce fines of up to 50,000 lei ($11,578) for teaching gender identity, back to parliament. Some 150 people wearing masks and trying to adhere to social distancing rules left banners outside his door on Thursday, urging the president to do so. I no longer want stereotypical gender roles to be promoted, 26-year-old Andra told Reuters. Opposition senator Vasile Cristian Lungu, one of those behind the ban told Reuters that gender identity was an academic falsehood. This bill wants to remove us from public space, said Luca, a 24-year-old LGBTI activist who helped organise the protest. We must show that we exist and that we cannot ... be erased. (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 Remember the heady days of June 2016, when Hillary Clinton led Donald Trump in every one of twelve major polls by a margin of 10 points, according to ABC and the Washington Post? Or August 2016, after the Khan imbroglio, when Clinton was beating Trump by 7 points, according to USA Today/Suffolk? It was hardly an outlier. Or October 2016, after the exposition of the "Billy Bush tapes," when, coming up on the election, Clinton was beating Trump in virtually every poll? Of the 78 polls started after September 21, 2016, 73 had Clinton winning, four had Trump winning, and one was a tie. At the time, I said, in two articles that Trump would be the 45th president of the United States. I explained why. Now, in June 2020, the same press corps has pronounced the Trump presidency dead, has held the funeral, and has lowered the coffin into the grave. The problem? No corpse. THE SIX PERCENT RULE: In 2016, I predicted that Trump could lose the popular vote by as much as 4% and still win the Electoral College. This is because roughly 4,000,000 Democrat voters in California, New York, and Illinois are in excess of the plurality needed to win those states. The difference between winning California by 50.0001% and winning it by 99% is meaningless in a presidential election. In fact, Trump lost the popular vote by 2.1% in 2016 but won the Electoral College, 304 to 227. In June 2020, you can add an additional 2% to the margin by which Trump can be losing in the polls without being behind in the presidential race for a total of 6% (in the case of national polling). The reason is that, in late summer or early fall, pollsters' samples will shift from "registered voters" to "likely voters." This will give Trump an almost automatic 2% bump. The bottom line? If Donald Trump is less than 6% behind in national polls, he is probably leading in the presidential race even if you ignore the methodological problems with the polls. And while the battleground state polls aren't governed by electoral college dynamics, most of them are reduced to "margin of error" once the 2% bump is taken into account. By these metrics, Trump was on course to re-win the presidency in every major poll in March. THE POLLS THEMSELVES: What does it say that the polls have shifted in the last month? Well, polls have not proven particularly reliable in matters relating to Donald Trump. But some are unreliable-er than others. CNN: This past week, the Trump campaign demanded that CNN retract its outlier poll purporting to show that Trump trailed Biden by 14%. It claimed that the poll's sampling included too few Republicans and that the timing of the poll was intended to maximize the impact of bad news and minimize the effect of good news, such as better-than-expected employment numbers. (The "deliberate timing" issue was particularly significant in skewing the results of the erroneous polls in 2016.) The critique of CNN's methodology was done with the assistance of the polling firm McLaughlin and Associates. It was probably well taken with respect to both the methodology and the intention of the pollster. ABC/WASHINGTON POST: Similarly, the recent ABC/Washington Post poll showed a 10% gap in favor of Biden. The Post, in particular, in polling neighboring Northern Virginia, has a history of producing wildly misleading numbers early (and sometimes late) in a campaign. For example, Virginia gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli was found by the Post to be 11 points behind his Democrat opponent on the eve of his election. Many Republicans had already washed their hands of the race as a result of the polls. But the final results were a relative squeaker: 48% to 45.5%. Monmouth: This is one of the most consistently biased of the polls. Even if you discount Monmouth, it weighs down the polling average which now stands, for Trump, at an 8.1% loss to Biden. By contrast, in October 2016, Monmouth had Trump losing 50% to 38%. Notwithstanding the weight of polls like this with a long history of methodological bias RealClear's 8% Trump deficit was within the margin of error of the 6% that would put Trump on track for victory in November. ISSUE POLLS: Issue polls are even easier to jimmy than head-to-head polls between popular figures. This is because you can word these polls to reflect any bias you want. For example, USA Today published a poll purporting to show that the American people favored doing everything possible to ensure that individuals didn't "get sick and die" as a result of the coronavirus. The alternative was doing everything possible to avoid a "recession." Notice how the newspaper makes one option seem clinical and mild and the other option personal, inevitable, and horrific. On June 11, USA Today published another poll asking whether respondents supported "protesting peacefully outside the White House." Not surprisingly, most Americans support "peaceful protest" if the pollster neglects to mention the protest firedamaged historic St. John's Church, facing the White House just across Lafayette Square. This is important because people's attitudes toward racial unrest may be decisive in the presidential race. One poll found that roughly one sixth of Americans support the rioters who took to the streets in the wake of the death of George Floyd. One sixth! This number doesn't sound remotely credible. But if one sixth of Americans truly approve of major burning and looting in 40 cities, it is not the one-sixth that will decide the November election. And it is an indication that America has become truly polarized. Union Democrats in the Western tier of counties in Pennsylvania and in Macomb County, Michigan will surely be alienated by these images. And Biden's virulently anti-gun stance was already slated to hurt him in these areas. There's a reason why veteran Michigan Democrat representative John Dingell was pro-gun or at least pretended to be. We know the identity of the demographic that carried the Rust Belt in 2016, and Joe Biden has just done everything he can to minimize his chances of reaching them. In fact, it's hard to believe that suburban white women in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania (outside Philadelphia) will respond positively, either particularly given the stated objective of bringing the damage to these wealthy enclaves. As a result, as of June 3, CNBC had Trump four points up in the Keystone State. The one state in which motivated black turnout could really help Biden is North Carolina. "The Tarheel State" has a tradition of black early-voter churchgoers being bused to polling places after church on Sunday. But neither is this a demographic that will be easily motivated by images of looting. Ohio, another state that Democrats perceive is in play (even in the face of an 8-point Trump victory in 2016), is, like Michigan and Pennsylvania, filled with pro-gun union Democrats. As for Florida, it remains to be seen how much Trump's dalliance with sentencing reform will cost him in the Sunshine State. It does not seem to have the effect of pulling a large segment of the minority vote into the Republican column. But the good news for Trump is that the "O'Biden-bama administration" worked hard to alienate Florida's Cuban-American community through its flirtation with the Castros. If Trump loses Florida, it is his own fault. And if he wins Florida, he wins reelection. So where does that leave us A lot will happen between now and November: Will Biden botch the debate, as expected? How soon and permanently will the US pull out of the coronavirus pandemic? Will the dearth of on-campus classes stymie the 2018 Democrat voter registration model? At this point, I'd have to give the advantage to Trump, assuming he doesn't do something really stupid like going after guns in the hope of carrying Broward County. The big problem for Democrats is that if you lie to gain advantage, the one thing you have to remember if only in your own mind is what is the lie and what is the truth. Michael E. Hammond is the former executive director of the Senate Steering Committee and was often called the "101st Senator" when he worked on Capitol Hill. Today he serves as the general counsel of Gun Owners of America. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr. India insisted on 'complete disengagement' in all its talks with China on eastern Ladakh row: Govt India-China standoff: Positives emerge, but we are still several weeks away from a resolution India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 19: While there were some positives following the third round of military-level talks between India and China, officials say that it may take a couple of weeks more before the entire issue is resolved. Following the violent skirmish on Monday, both sides have since obeyed the rules of engagement. This has in fact reduced any chance of an escalation. Moreover there has also no night fighter operations by the Chinese PLA Air Force on Thursday. India-China Galwan faceoff: China releases 10 Indian soldiers from custody | Oneindia News The talks on Thursday were fruitful, but the key to the resolution is that it be implemented on the ground as well, an official told OneIndia. The Chinese remain fully deployed in Xinjiang and Tibet Autonomous Region, with missile, air and artillery support. Indo-China make headway at Point 14 amidst tense standoff With an intention of imparting pressure on the Indian Army to back off in Eastern Ladakh, the PLA Air Force has activated its bases in both the Xinjiang and Tibet Autonomous Region and made a show of strength in the Aksai Chin area. The official cited above says that the agreements during the talks must be translated to the ground at any cost. With such a build up, if the resolutions do not translate to the ground, then a military accident could not be ruled out. We need to keep talking and ensure that it is fruitful, the officer said while adding that as per the Indian Intelligence assessment, the Chinese have hardly moved as per the de-escalation rules laid down during the talks that were held on June 6. India is confident that it would take some more weeks for a resolution at Point 14, Patrolling Point 15 and Patrolling Point 17. However for the stand off to end at the Pangong Tso will take longer to resolve. Meanwhile, the third round of talks between the military officials of India and China made headway. The deadlock was broken after the violent clashes on Monday left 20 Indian soldiers dead. India-China hold Major General level talks for over 6 hours The Indian team was led by Major General Abhijit Bapat and the talks with his Chinese counterpart was held at Patrolling Point 14 at the Galwan Valley. Another rounds of talks are scheduled to be held today. An official said that there was no major headway made during the meetings that were held on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, Thursday's meeting was a fruitful one. The deadlock was broken as several issues were agreed upon. There are more issues and these would be taken up in the meetings to come. Meanwhile, the Army in a statement said that no soldier involved in the violent face-off was missing in action. The clarification came in the wake of reports stating that 10 soldiers were missing and had been in Chinese custody. On Wednesday, the two sides discussed ways to implement the disengagement of troops from the region as agreed to during a high-level military dialogue on June 6. Sending a strong message to China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India wanted peace but is capable of giving a befitting reply if instigated. The clash in Galwan Valley is the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while the death toll on the Chinese side was over 300. The two armies were engaged in a standoff in Galwan and several other areas of the eastern Ladakh since May 5 when the two sides clashed on the bank of the Pangong Tso. After the standoff began, the Indian military leadership decided that Indian troops would adopt a firm approach in dealing with the aggressive posturing by the Chinese troops in all disputed areas of Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie. 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. pcess609 Former Vice President Joe Biden made an announcement in April that was mostly drowned out by more and more alarming developments of the coronavirus pandemic: As president, he would forgive undergraduate federal student loan debt picked up at public colleges for those earning less than $125,000 a year. Biden has also come out in favor of cancelling $10,000 of the debt for all borrowers. During the Democratic primaries, it was the more progressive candidates, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, calling for sweeping student loan forgiveness. Then the pandemic happened. Now, Biden joins a growing chorus of politicians and consumer advocates aware that Americans were already struggling with their student loans before the country fell into a recession, and that without deeper relief, millions of them will face financial ruin. Outstanding student loan debt in the U.S. has spilled to more than $1.6 trillion. Prior to the pandemic, some 1 in 7 borrowers were in delinquency, and up to two-thirds of people's monthly payments were just going toward the interest on their debt. In other words, their balances weren't going down. These figures are practically guaranteed to worsen when the six-month reprieve Congress granted federal student loan borrowers from their bills comes to an end in September. Unemployment levels haven't been this high since the Great Depression. "The student debt crisis was already at a tipping point and will be pushed over the edge by this pandemic," reads a recent report by the Brookings Institute. Thanks to the CARES Act passed in March, borrowers currently have until October before they need to resume payments. They're likely to get more time, experts say. "There's serious discussions about extending that out," said Persis Yu, director of the Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project at the National Consumer Law Center. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged insurance company AmTrust Financial Services and Ronald E. Pipoly Jr., its former chief financial officer, with failing to disclose material facts about how the company estimated its insurance losses and reserves for 2015 and prior years. Without admitting any wrongdoing, AmTrust and Pipoly have agreed to pay a combined $10.5 million to settle the SECs charges. The SEC complaint alleges that AmTrust and Pipoly disclosed the companys general actuarial process for estimating loss reserves, but failed to disclose that Pipoly made consolidated accounting adjustments that did not properly consider the actuarial analyses and diverged from the companys actuarial estimates. According to the SEC, by the end of 2015, Pipolys total adjustments exceeded $300 million and impacted all of AmTrusts reporting segments. The SEC review covered reporting from March 16, 2010 through February 29, 2016. In a statement to the media, AmTrust maintained that the alleged conduct does not relate to our insurance companies and will not have any impact on our policyholders. Asked to further explain, the company added that the SEC settlement pertained to the disclosure of accounting methods only and was not related to the actual operations of any AmTrust insurance companies. AmTrust and Pipoly have agreed to permanent injunctions against future violations of these provisions and to pay civil penalties of $10.3 million and $75,000, respectively. Pipoly also has agreed to disgorge $140,000 and pay $22,499 in prejudgment interest, the SEC said. The settlements with AmTrust and Pipoly are subject to court approval. The SEC complaint says that AmTrust failed to disclose the specific factors or assumptions supporting Pipolys judgmental adjustments, and failed to maintain sufficient supporting documentation for managements best estimate. AmTrust and Pipoly also allegedly failed to disclose the loss contingencies created by Pipolys judgmental adjustments to the companys historical experience. Pipoly was named CFO in 2005. In June, 2017, AmTrust named Adam Karkowsky, who had served as AmTrusts executive vice president for Strategic Development and Mergers & Acquisitions since March 2011, to replace Pipoly Jr. as CFO. Last December, Karkowsky was promoted to president but has continued to also serve as CFO. In 2018, AmTrust completed plans to become a private company. The SECs complaint, filed in federal court in the Southern District of New York, charges AmTrust and Pipoly with violating antifraud, record keeping and internal control provisions of federal securities laws. AmTrusts statement to the media noted that it admitted no wrongdoing and that it is glad to put the matter behind it. AmTrust said it is financially strong and looks forward to continuing to provide outstanding commercial insurance and risk solutions and services. Case: Securities and Exchange Commission v. AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. and Ronald E. Pipoly, Jr., No. 1:20-cv-04652 (S.D.N.Y., filed June 17, 2020) This was entirely predictable, and now its happened. Anyone who thought liberals would be satisfied with demolishing the statues of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson doesnt know liberals. Last night in Portland, leftists destroyed a statue of George Washington: Portland wakes up to see what antifa did overnight. A century old statue of George Washington was toppled & set on fire with an American flag. White fragility, Damn white men & other messages are written on the moment. On the ground nearby: Defund white men. pic.twitter.com/zjrsZHJC9o Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) June 19, 2020 Ngo attributes the vandalism to the hate group Antifa, which has been endorsed by Minnesotas Attorney General, Keith Ellison. The graffiti left behind by the leftists is revealing. 1619 shows that the New York Timess anti-American project has been absorbed by, at a minimum, the far left. Another photo of the vandals handiwork: The battle in America is no longer between conservative and liberal, right and left. It is now between good and evil, sane and insane. Here in Minnesota, liberals dismantled a statue of Christopher Columbus that has stood on the grounds of our state capitol for many years. It was a scheduled crime, announced in advance. State police attended the ceremony but stood by and did nothing. They were there, apparently, to make sure that no normal citizens interfered with the criminals. Our lieutenant governor praised the vandals action. What do normal people think about these criminal actions by liberals and leftists? They hate them. Earlier today, we got the results of the most recent poll we conduct for Thinking Minnesota. We asked respondents how they feel about the destruction of the Columbus statue, giving them a menu of options. Here are the results: Disgusted: 34% Angry: 20% Sad: 20% Thats 74%. Another 6% said Anxious, while 3% said Fearful. 29% said either Hopeful, Satisfied or Happy (6%). So, yes, there are some malicious people in our society, but they are a small minority. And George Washington would score considerably higher. YEREVAN, JUNE 19, ARMENPRESS. As a result of competitive and democratic elections Artsakh has a leadership who expresses its peoples aspirations to political reforms, economic and infrastructure development, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said in his remarks at the joint session of the Security Councils of Armenia and Artsakh in Yerevan. During our joint session on December 23, 2019 I specifically highlighted the importance of the general elections in Artsakh. The elections held in Artsakh were pursuing three key goals. Firstly to give an opportunity to the people of Artsakh to elect through the exercise of human rights those authorities who will organize the countrys political and public life. Secondly to give an opportunity to the people of Artsakh to elect those authorities who must ensure their security. Armenia, of course, will continue supporting the Artsakh authorities in their commitment to protect the people of Artsakh, continuing to be the security guarantor of Artsakh. Thirdly as a result of the presidential and parliamentary elections the people of Artsakh must have given a mandate to their authorities to represent Artsakh also in the negotiation table, the PM said. He added that now, when the elections are over, and the leadership has been formed, they should note that these three goals have been best implemented. As a result of competitive and democratic elections Artsakh has a leadership who expresses its peoples aspirations to political reforms, economic and infrastructure development. As a result of elections and formation of the leadership a key process of solidarity and unity of political forces took place in Artsakh, which, I am sure, further strengthened the security of Artsakh, the PM noted. The Armenian PM stated that the elections highlighted the role of the Artsakh people and the leadership elected by them in the peaceful settlement process. Its obvious that without complete engagement of the Artsakh authorities there cannot be a major progress in the negotiation process as each progress needs capacity of reaching and implementing key agreements, and its here that the democratic mandate received by the Artsakh authorities is irreplaceable, he said. Irish Water has warned of an increased drought risk despite recent rainfall. The utility said the number of water schemes in drought has increased from 35 to 38 and the ones in potential drought has grown from 52 to 58 since the water conservation order, or hosepipe ban, was introduced on June 8. Irish Waters lead, Neil Smyth, said the short periods of rainfall during the last week are not enough to return raw water sources to normal levels. A minimum accumulation of 100mm rainfall and a return to normal precipitation levels thereafter would be needed to offset the impact of the unseasonal lack of rainfall since March, he said. We are keeping the situation under continuous review and are liaising closely with other key agencies and if the situation improves we will consider lifting the water conservation order. However any change is unlikely in the short term. In Cork, the Roberts Cove and Kiskeam schemes are in drought, with the Clonakilty scheme and the Newmarket scheme, also known as the Ballinatona scheme, in potential drought. The utility urged people to continue conserving water. Meanwhile, the utility has released images to mark the half-way stage of the 40m upgrade of Cork city's Victorian-era water treatment plant on the Lee Road. The new plant will supply 41m litres of water a day to over 70% of the population of Cork. Sean Twohig, Irish Water's infrastructure regional lead, said some 1,200-1,500 cubic metres of concrete was poured over a 12 to 15 hour period after the June bank holiday weekend to create the new plant's reservoir, which will store treated water before it's pumped to reservoirs on the north west of the city through a system of rising mains. Work will continue over the coming months on other buildings on the site. The Lee Road plant, which was built in 1879, has been listed for some time on the EPAs Remedial Action List as requiring urgent action on a range of issues. The sod was turned on the 40m upgrade last November - the first significant investment in the plant since the 1950s. Contractors J. Murphy & Sons Ltd are expected to be on site for another year. The report, titled Stress in America 2020: Stress in the Time of COVID-19, Volume Two, includes findings from surveys conducted from May 21 to June 3, 2020, and an additional poll about current civil unrest conducted from June 9 to 11, 2020. "We are experiencing the collision of three national crises the COVID-19 pandemic, economic turmoil and recent, traumatic events related to systemic racism. As a result, the collective mental health of the American public has endured one devastating blow after another, the long-term effects of which many people will struggle with for years to come, said Arthur C. Evans, Jr., APA's chief executive officer in a press release. Recent data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau also found that symptoms of anxiety and depression spiked among blacks and Asian Americans after George Floyd's death in Minneapolis on May 25. The findings come from the Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, which was launched in April in collaboration with five federal agencies as a way to track the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on a variety of factors, including physical and mental health, access to health care and employment status. Comparing the period of May 21 to 26, 2020, and May 28 to June 2, 2020, the rate of black Americans who said they have experienced symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders increased from 36 to 41 percent, and the rate among Asian Americans increased from 28 to 34 percent. Among non-Hispanic white respondents in the same time period, the reported increase was smaller, from 32 to 33 percent. The rate among Hispanic Americans dipped from 42 to 38 percent. "The reason for any increase or decrease cannot be definitively attributed to any one cause on the basis of the survey data. But it is certain that the survey will capture the mental health impact (if any) of events other than the coronavirus pandemic specifically, says Stephen Blumberg, director of the National Center for Health Statistics Division of Health Interview Statistics, which collaborated with the Census Bureau on the survey. "No potential source of such anxiety or depression is mentioned, Blumberg says of the survey's mental health questions, which ask participants about symptoms of anxiety or depression experienced in the previous seven days. Increases over time in reported frequency of such feelings could be due to the pandemic, and such increases could also be due to other national events, family matters, personal hardships or heartbreaks, or many other situations that can lead to emotional responses." John McNesby, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5, said some of the union's longtime political supporters have gone silent as calls for police reforms have grown louder in the wake of George Floyd's murder. Read more Five years before any Philadelphian had heard of George Floyd, hundreds marched through the city, through snow and heat, chanting the name of another black man who was killed by a police officer: Brandon Tate-Brown. Tate-Brown, 26, had been stopped by two rookie Philadelphia patrol officers as he drove through Frankford on a December night in 2014. The officers would claim theyd spotted the butt of a handgun jammed next to the drivers seat, and tried to arrest Tate-Brown. A struggle ensued, and one officer, Nicholas Carrelli, shot Tate-Brown in the back of the head. Protesters cried out for justice and demanded meaningful police reforms. Then-District Attorney Seth Williams declined to press charges against Carrelli and his partner, Heng Dang, arguing that evidence showed the officers hadnt committed a crime, despite discrepancies in their statements. Around that same time, a separate U.S. Department of Justice review of the Police Departments use of force led to 91 recommended improvements. The most significant? Putting an independent agency in charge of investigating police shootings, instead of relying on Internal Affairs. And thats where the citys police union, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5, drew the line. The union rejected the suggestion outright. In 2017, Police Commissioner Richard Ross seemed open to outside oversight, but couldnt get past the union, which he called the elephant in the room. This is the way its gone for a long time in big cities like Philadelphia: Outrage over episodes of police misconduct are met with promises from political leaders to achieve meaningful reform. Union officials puff out their chests and dig in their heels. The merry-go-round spins again. Names and details change, but little else. But the May 25 death of Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police has led to a rare instance of broad political agreement: Something has to change this time. Republican lawmakers normally staunch defenders of law enforcements status quo are now pushing legislation that could radically diminish the police unions ability to have officers reinstated after theyve been fired, or protect cops who have been habitually named in civilian complaints. Theres got to be a little better balancing of the scales, said State Rep. Russ Diamond (R., Lebanon). He has sponsored a bill that would amend Act 111, the Pennsylvania law governing collective bargaining rights for police officers, to remove certain infractions from binding arbitration protections for officers who commit crimes, use excessive force, or violate someones constitutional rights. John McNesby, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5, which represents 6,500 active-duty officers, recognizes that the political winds have shifted. Law enforcement across the country is suffering because of those couple of a-holes in Minneapolis and you can quote me on that choking the life out of a guy, he said. Now the reform talk is kicked back up again. I have zero problem with sitting down and discussing anything with anybody. Its a notable shift for McNesby, who just a year ago dismissed the idea of a state law enforcement licensing board being given more power to remove bad cops from circulation. Thats not to say, though, that the FOP will roll over and allow reforms to get shoved down on our throats, he said. Even in Philadelphia, where labor unions have shaped the political landscape, the FOP has long stood out for its ability to shrug off mayors and police commissioners who have accused the union of being a critical obstacle to weeding out corruption and regaining the publics trust. That clout wasnt amassed overnight. And its unlikely to be surrendered easily. READ MORE: Defund the police: What does it mean, and what would it look like in Philly? The FOP personified The FOPs roots can be traced back to the late stages of the Great Depression, when many city workers were desperately seeking an economic foothold. Sanitation workers in Philadelphia went on a one-week strike in 1938, and subsequently unionized. Police officers took note, and formed their own union a year later. But the FOP didnt emerge as a force to be reckoned with until the 1960s, according to Francis Ryan, a labor historian who wrote a book about Philadelphias municipal unions. During upheaval as the civil-rights and the anti-war movements surged, union officials discovered that they could attract public support especially from white communities by touting the importance of law and order. They got politicians on their side, Ryan said. They increased their economic standards. They were able to impose their will on public policy. The Philadelphia FOPs president, a motorcycle cop named John Harrington whom Ryan called the FOP personified waged a years-long battle against the Philadelphia Police Advisory board, a civilian commission created in response to concerns about oppressive policing raised by the NAACP in the 1950s. In what would become a familiar rallying cry for union officials decades later, Harrington argued officers couldnt do their jobs properly if they faced civilian oversight. Mayor James Tate caved in to pressure from Harrington, and shut down the board. The FOPs muscle continued to grow in the 1970s, when former Police Commissioner Frank Rizzo became mayor. Rizzos legacy empowering police officers to use brute force, particularly on minority communities, with few consequences continues to hinder the Police Departments reputation even now. The police were bulletproof, especially under Rizzo, said Tony Wigglesworth, a former city manager who started working for the city in the 1970s. The U.S. Department of Justice sued the Police Department in 1979 over heavy-handed practices that included shooting unarmed civilians and pressuring residents to withdraw complaints filed with Internal Affairs. (A judge tossed the lawsuit.) Not only did the rank and file not have to worry about meaningful oversight, they also enjoyed the benefits of Act 111, which became law in 1968. It doesnt allow police to go on strike, but in return ensures that disputes can be turned over to a binding panel of arbitrators if the city and the FOP cant reach a deal within 30 days. McNesby, who became the unions president in 2007 and is paid $193,000 a year in total compensation, has often touted his teams ability to consistently win sizable raises for cops when their contract is up for renewal, even at the height of a recession more than a decade ago. (In 2018, the union took in $7.6 million in revenue, including $5.9 million from membership dues, according to its most recent federal nonprofit filing. That year, it spent $6.6 million, including $2.4 million on staff expenses and $1.7 million on benefits paid out to or on behalf of members.) Earlier this year, the city reached one-year contract extensions with municipal unions amid the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic; the FOP negotiated a 2.5% raise, while most other unionized city workers received a 2% raise. They were always given favored status, said Thomas Paine Cronin, the former president of AFSCME District Council 47, which represents white-collar city workers. Its just part of the tradition in Philadelphia. READ MORE: How do fired police officers in Philly keep getting their jobs back? | Special Report Normal is part of the problem McNesbys elevation to president coincided with the start of Mayor Michael Nutters administration in 2008, and the arrival of an outsider police commissioner Charles H. Ramsey who often seemed aghast at how few accountability measures were in place. Ramsey updated a disciplinary code that had been unchanged since the 1960s; the FOP initially objected, but then agreed to many of the new rules. He also complained publicly that the union and the arbitration process hamstrung his ability to weed out bad cops at a time when the department was dogged by multiple corruption scandals. No one would wear this as a badge of honor, but in eight years, I think he fired more people than I think had been fired in the last 20, Nutter said. McNesby argued, as he often has, that Ramsey and other commissioners rushed to fire cops especially those caught up in high-profile misconduct allegations before Internal Affairs often-lengthy investigations were complete, leaving the union with strong grounds to take the cases to arbitration. An Inquirer investigation last year, based on 170 previously confidential arbitration opinions between 2011 and 2019, found that the FOP successfully fought to have police discipline overturned or reduced about 70% of the time, even in some instances where Internal Affairs investigators determined that officers had committed crimes. The union represents cops as well as high-ranking supervisors, which can seemingly lead to conflicts, such as when multiple female officers accused former Chief Inspector Carl Holmes of sexual assault between 2004 and 2007. Ramsey demoted Holmes to captain in 2008, but the FOP successfully fought for his demotion to be reduced to a suspension. Holmes was arrested last year, and charged with aggravated indecent assault. McNesby said the union wont consider putting commanders into a separate bargaining unit. Were not even going to blink on that one, he said. Thats divide and conquer, and then you have everyone pointing fingers at each other. Ramsey isnt surprised by the outcry over Floyds death, or the widespread interest in police reforms, which include calls to divert millions of dollars from police budgets to underfunded social service programs. People tend to relax when things get back to quote-unquote normal. But normal is part of the problem, he said. Thats why people are out there now. Theyre demanding a new normal, and its important to not lose sight of that. While Ramsey was commissioner, the union won the right for officers to be able to make political contributions. Unlike the building trades unions, the FOP doesnt heap cash on its favored candidates or deploy legions of its members to work the polls on Election Day. Instead, the union has exercised a kind of soft power, using its endorsement process to christen candidates as the choice for those who favor law-and-order politics. In last years municipal election, the unions political action committee doled out about $75,000 in mostly small donations to a variety of candidates and party organs, including Republican City Council hopefuls, Mayor Jim Kenneys reelection bid, and the Democratic City Committee. But many of its favored candidates flopped. Republicans Al Taubenberger and Dan Tinney, who each received $12,000 from the FOP, lost their bids for City Council. The union also gave $5,000 to former City Councilmember Jannie Blackwell, and $6,500 to former Sheriff Jewell Williams, who both lost their offices in shocking Democratic primary upsets. Political consultant Neil Oxman said political candidates can no longer count on the unions members to vote as a bloc, especially as police academy classes grow more racially diverse. I doubt if you get 90% of them voting monolithically for any mayoral candidate or any City Council candidate. It just doesnt happen. Former Gov. Ed Rendell, who had to overcome opposition from the FOP during his races for mayor and governor, took it one step further, saying that he wouldnt advise politicians to seek the unions endorsement because its clout has eroded. If I were a candidate, I wouldnt want it against me, but I wouldnt want it for me, he said. I wouldnt want my opponent to necessarily get it, but I wouldnt necessarily seek it. READ MORE: Camden disbanded its police department and built a new one. Can others learn from it? A narrative shifts Few experts could have predicted just how radically Floyds death would impact political and public opinion about law enforcement. The death of George Floyd was so egregious and so clear-cut. It just shifted the narrative, said State Rep. Jordan Harris, the House Democratic whip from Grays Ferry. The eyes of the public are now open to what black folks have been talking about for years. Now our white allies are able to see the egregious nature of what happens in policing. Democrats introduced police accountability legislation to beef up police certification standards in June 2019 marking the one-year anniversary of an East Pittsburgh police officer fatally shooting 17-year-old Antwon Rose II but it was rejected by State Rep. Rob Kauffman (R., Franklin County), the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. I actually believe our law enforcement in Pennsylvania do a good job in policing, Kauffman said at the time, according to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Earlier this week, Kauffmans committee changed course, and unanimously advanced police oversight reforms. The legislation would require additional use-of-force and racial-awareness training, mental-health screenings, and create a database for tracking officers with a history of misconduct. Democrats who have been fighting for police reform for years in Harrisburg say even law-and-order Republicans who control the House are starting to get the message. Unfortunately, it took the loss of another life and national attention to force our colleagues to say, You know, maybe we should listen to or read those bills you mentioned a year or two or three years ago, said State Rep. Donna Bullock (D., Phila.), who has been pushing for changes to Act 111. McNesby expects to meet with state FOP officials next week, but hasnt yet been presented with any of the legislative proposals being bandied about. There is room for some compromises, he said, but giving up the protections that are granted to officers through Act 111 isnt one of them. Thats insane, he said. When protesters first took to the streets in Philadelphia several weekends ago, the FOPs voice was included in the chorus of criticism that was leveled at the Police Departments leaders, whose bungled planning was laid bare as looting and fires spread across the city for several days. But the union was outraged when District Attorney Larry Krasner filed felony assault charges against Joe Bologna, a longtime police inspector, after he was filmed striking a young protester. Bologna had been accused of misconduct before, when he worked on a narcotics squad that was the subject of both a federal corruption probe and a 2010 Pulitzer Prize-winning series by the Daily News. Less than two week ago, more than 100 officers gathered at the FOPs headquarters in Northeast Philadelphia to cheer for Bologna before he turned himself in; the union announced it would raise money for him by selling shirts for $20 that read: Bologna Strong. If Bologna beats his criminal case, the union will fight to have him reinstated. Youll see him back to work, McNesby vowed. Its the kind of thing you expect an FOP leader to say, a boast thats supported by a long history of seeing things usually fall the unions way. But now theres an undercurrent of uncertainty where there hasnt been before. McNesby concedes that even the FOPs political allies might be taking a step back to consider if their response to George Floyds final, agonizing moments will show up on the right side of history. Some of the ones who were our friends, he said, now their phone is off the hook. One by one, the speakers took to the microphone, airing concerns about police misconduct, use-of-force and the San Antonio Police Departments massive budget. Improve the psychological exam that is given to aspiring police officers, a woman suggested. Help us advance the effort to repeal local government code that oversees collective bargaining and officer discipline, another woman said. Boost employment incentives to recruit more aspiring officers from within city limits, one man proposed. The City Councils Public Safety Committee held a listening session Thursday, the second in a three-part series, aimed at giving residents the opportunity to provide feedback on policing in San Antonio. Over the course of an hour-and-a-half, more than 20 citizens spoke. Their comments varied, though most called for police reform. Only two or three speakers said there was no need for changes. A couple of times, the crowd interrupted speakers they didnt agree with including a woman who said the activists should be focusing their efforts on improving impoverished communities not the police department. Some expressed optimism. Others questioned whether the City Councils efforts were sincere. I will be surprised if we see any substantive change, considering how many of you are backed by the police union, Amber Garza told the council members. A few criticized the committee for hosting the listening session in the middle of the day, making it difficult for activists to attend. Others criticized the committee for inviting several San Antonio police officers to give an hour-and-a-half presentation on gender and racial diversity leaving limited time for community members to speak. Right now, you have allowed all these officers from the San Antonio Police Department to speak, said another woman who identified herself as Ghouli Blooms. And when I come up here, I have two minutes to speak. On ExpressNews.com: Meet the new leaders behind San Antonios Black Lives Matter movement Thursdays listening session came three weeks after George Floyds death in Minneapolis ignited a national uproar over policing. Floyd, 46, died May 25 after then-Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin pinned the native Houstonian to the ground for nearly nine minutes, even as Floyd repeatedly cried out that he couldnt breathe. SAPD Chief William McManus spent around 30 minutes speaking with a number of activists after listening to the speakers. City Council members thanked those who took time out of their day to speak. District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry left before all the speakers were done. On Saturday, the Public Safety Committee will host its last listening session online from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It will be livestreamed on TVSA and on the citys Facebook page. Residents may submit comments in a number of different ways: By filling out a form on the citys website at sanantonio.gov, submitting a comment on SASpeakUp.com, or by texting SAPolice to 55000. Comments also may be submitted by voicemail at 210-207-6991. Emilie Eaton is a criminal justice reporter in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Emilie, become a subscriber. eeaton@express-news.net | Twitter: @emilieeaton New Delhi, June 19 : The all-party meeting, which is being attended by 20 parties, started on Friday evening by observing two minutes silence for the 20 Indian soldiers killed by Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. The meeting was called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss, with the opposition leaders, the India-China face-off at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh and the killing of the 20 Indian soldiers by the PLA troops on Monday night. According to sources, the meeting started by paying tribute to the Indian soldiers who died in the unprecedented attack. The source said that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who was also at the Prime Minister's residence, informed all the party leaders about the situation at the LAC and asked for their support. The government has been facing the ire of the opposition parties over the killing of the 20 soldiers, including an officer. The all party meeting is being attended by Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackarey, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United chief Nitish Kumar, LJP leader Chirag Paswan, DMK leader M.K. Stalin, Left leaders D. Raja and Sitaram Yechury and several others. The AAP, the RJD and the AIMIM had not been invited. Ministry says impact of pandemic is temporary, intl cooperation to expand China will continue to open up its educational sector, a new guideline issued by the Ministry of Education and seven other departments said on Thursday. An official from the ministry's Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges said although the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the global political and economic landscape, and China's development is faced with a more complex external environment, the country remained committed to opening up its education sector. The pandemic will only have a temporary impact on the country's students going abroad, the official said. The guideline reiterated that the country will continue to cultivate more talent for its modernization drive by encouraging students to study abroad, and the ministry will continue to expand cooperation with other countries and offer more opportunities for overseas study, the official said. The ministry has always attached great importance to the safety and health of overseas students and has provided pandemic control and prevention materials, treatment and psychological support for overseas students since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, he said. Wang Yan, senior specialist at the National Institute of Education Sciences in Beijing, said educational opening-up will contribute to national development by optimizing resource structure, cultivating more talent, breaking barriers of institutional mechanisms and further participating in global education governance. The country has become the largest source for international students since 2010. In 2018, 662,100 Chinese students went abroad to study, according to the Ministry of Education. Ran Wei, chief expert for overseas study at New Channel International Education Group, a consultancy for overseas studies, said although the COVID-19 pandemic has hindered students from going abroad, the impact will not be long lasting. "The guideline shows the country has not changed its stance in opening up the education sector, and we are sure that more students will continue to study abroad after the pandemic wanes globally," he said. Shen Wei, associate professor of education policy at East China Normal University, said students' willingness to study abroad has been dampened by the pandemic, lackluster global economic development and trade protectionism in some countries. North American countries, which have generally been top choices for Chinese students, have seen weak growth in the number of international students from China, she said. China should further diversify destinations for overseas study and promote mutual recognition of diploma and credit with countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, she added. The US Supreme Court on Thursday gave a stunning rebuke to President Donald Trump in the midst of his re-election bid by rejecting his efforts to end legal protections for thousands of immigrants. The court ruled 5-4 against Trumps move to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme that offers work permits and deportation relief to certain immigrants who came to the country illegally as children. What is DACA? The DACA programme was created by former US President Barack Obama in 2012. It prevents deportation of people who arrived in the United States of America as minors. It was rescinded by President Trump in September but gave the Congress time to come out with a policy in six months to decide on the fate of nearly 7,00,000 individuals, many of whom are Indian or South Asian descent. However, a report in American publication The Hill said that the courts decision does not prevent the Trump administration from working to rescind the DACA programme in the future, meaning the fate of the deportation reprieve could be decided by voters in the November general election. What happens next? The ruling, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, sent the issue back to the US Department of Homeland Security for further consideration, concluding that the administration did not provide sufficient reasoning to end DACA. The decision deemed the Trump administrations actions in seeking to rescind DACA arbitrary and capricious in violation of a federal law that governs regulatory changes. A senior Department of Homeland Security official said the agency was reviewing the ruling. What about new applicants? The US Supreme Court ruling means that the roughly 6,49,000 immigrants, now enrolled in DACA will remain protected from deportation and eligible to obtain renewable two-year work permits. Lower courts had blocked Trumps 2017 action so the programme remained in effect, though the administration refused to process new applications. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, whose state was among the challengers that sued to try to preserve DACA, said the ruling could reopen the programme to anyone who qualifies, but that legal processes in lower courts were still ongoing that could determine whether new applications must be processed by the government. Trump promised as a candidate in 2016 to end DACA, which he called one of Obamas illegal executive amnesties, and has pursued hardline immigration policies but could face election risks if he again tries to rescind it. Meanwhile, the South Asian groups in the US have welcomed the Supreme Courts decision. Although it is conditional, todays victory is welcome at a time when the war on Black communities feels endless, said Lakshmi Sridaran, executive director of South Asian Americans Leading Together or SAALT. LISBON (Reuters) - A persistent several hundred new coronavirus cases per day and a growing outbreak after a party in the Algarve region are threatening Portugal's image as a safe holiday destination and several EU nations are also limiting entry for Portuguese visitors. The new cases do not mean Portugal is unsafe, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday, arguing that because it has a higher rate of testing than most EU members, more cases are revealed. Portugal ranks sixth in Europe in its testing rate, at 98,700 per million inhabitants and its number of coronavirus deaths and infections are far lower than in neighbouring Spain, even considering its smaller population. Denmark said on Thursday it would not allow entry to travellers from Portugal despite opening up to most other European nations from June 27. Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Lithuania have placed conditions on re-entry of travellers from Portugal such as quarantine, testing and self-isolation. "Naturally, if the current situation doesn't change, Portugal reserves the right to apply the principle of reciprocity," the ministry said in a statement. Portugal has reported 38,089 coronavirus cases and 1,524 deaths. But the number of new cases per day has remained at several hundred for the past month with around 80% in Greater Lisbon, the Health Ministry said on Thursday. A total of 69 new cases have been confirmed in and around Lagos, a tourist town in the Algarve, traced back to a birthday party in the area attended by up to 100 people a fortnight ago. Gatherings remain limited to 20 people by law, but many more came in and out of the event and police were called to break it up, according to the local council. Thousands of people are being tested in relation to the party, including attendees, their colleagues and families, and municipal workers, with full results expected later on Friday. A widespread outbreak could spell disaster for the tourism-dependent Algarve, where unemployment has more than doubled in April compared to the same period last year, according to government data. (Reporting by Victoria Waldersee and Catarina Demony; Editing by Andrei Khalip and Frances Kerry) Supporters hold signs calling for China to release the Canadian detainees - REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson China has started prosecuting two Canadian men detained since 2018 on spying charges, in a move likely to increase tensions between Beijing and Ottawa. The Supreme People's Procuratorate said that ex-diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were "suspected of foreign espionage" and leaking "state secrets". Their arrest came after Canadian authorities arrested Huawei Technologies' chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, in Vancouver on a US warrant. Supporters of the two Canadians have accused Beijing of using them as diplomatic hostages. Mr Kovrig - a human rights NGO worker and ex-diplomat - and Mr Spavor - a North Korea-focused consultant - were detained by Chinese authorities on December 10, 2018. At the time, Beijing was accused of wanting revenge for the arrest in Canada of Ms Meng, who worked for Chinese communications company Huawei. US prosecutors wanted Ms Meng extradited from Vancouver, where she was on bail, so she could face fraud charges. In December 2019, China's foreign ministry said it had ended an investigation into the two men, and the case had been turned over to prosecutors. Mr Kovrig's case is being handled by prosecutors in Beijing, and Mr Spavor's is in the north-eastern province of Liaoning. Canada has called the arrests "arbitrary". Last month, Ms Meng lost a legal bid to avoid extradition to the United States to face bank fraud charges, dashing hopes for an end to her house arrest in Vancouver. She recently raised a new argument in a Canadian court in a bid to fight extradition, court documents released on Monday showed. In January of this year, a Vancouver courtroom became the unlikely battleground for growing tensions between China and the West, as a Canadian judge began hearing evidence on whether to extradite Ms Meng. Canadian authorities arrested Ms Meng, the eldest daughter of Huawei's founder, in late 2018 while she was in transit at Vancouver airport, on an extradition request from the US. Story continues American authorities have accused the "princess of Huawei" of fraud for actions that allegedly broke US sanctions against Iran. Since then, a diplomatic maelstorm has embroiled China, Canada and the US. Beijing is furious at Ms Meng's arrest and is demanding her release. It believes her case stems from political motivations to contain the rise of China. Shortly after her arrest, Chinese authorities, in an apparent retaliation, detained the two Canadians living in China and accused them of espionage. Diplomatic relations between Canada and China have hit rock bottom over the arrests, damaging trade between the countries. Monthly consular visits for Mr Kovrig and Mr Spavor had been suspended since the coronavirus outbreak started in China, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in April, amid concerns for their deteriorating health. But China's foreign ministry has insisted the pair are in good health, and that their detention facility was "in a region that is not particularly affected by Covid-19". 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. Russias ban on Telegram, a messaging app with end-to-end encryption thats been called WhatsApp without any of the icky data sharing with Facebook, was always tenuous. The botched attempt to stifle the app began in April 2018 when Russia blocked millions of IP addresses, many of which were unassociated with Telegram. But really, Telegram never left Russia. Over the past two years, its thrived in the country, with 30 million users, and the coronavirus pandemic has only further delegitimized the official ban: National and regional coronavirus task-forces have established official channels on Telegram and use the app to send out daily updates. Now, the chasm between law and reality has finally been bridged. Advertisement On Thursday, Russia lifted the ban on Telegram, after Russian tech entrepreneur Pavel Durov, the apps founder, urged the government to do so earlier this month. Federal communications watchdog Roskomnadzor cited Durovs readiness to counter terrorism and extremism as the reason behind the shift, though some Russian media outlets framed the move as the government finally caving. Capitulation or not, it marks the start of a new relationship between the Russian government and the controversial messaging appand perhaps is a sign that Telegram is willing to abandon, at least in part, its once near-absolute commitment to free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original reasons behind Russias ban on Telegram were always somewhat veiled. What we know is that Roskomnadzor banned Telegram in April 2018 after the company refused to share its encryption keys and thus give the government access to individuals private messages. Russian officials alleged that this was necessary to combat extremism and terrorist attacks, but Durov refused: He was intent on preserving users privacy. Of course, critics had their suspicions. The problem, some believed, was not private messages, but public channelsone of Telegrams distinctive featuresthat leak dirt on politicians and the innerworkings of the Kremlin. As Tanya Lokot, an assistant professor at Dublin City University who studies digital media in Russia, told Slate, Telegram serves as an important elite and political safe space for debate and discourse. Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of the Russian governments exact motives, theres no denying that extremists and terrorists worldwide have used Telegram. It was, as Just Security reported, the preferred platform of ISIS for four years before it took down most of the ISIS channels last November. As April Glaser wrote in Slate in 2019, Telegram is a home to a medley of anti-establishment groups: white supremacists, anti-PC agitators, and democracy activists in Hong Kong, among others. Advertisement These may make for strange bedfellows, but its not unexpected that they all found a home on a platform that, as Glaser puts it, is designed to circumvent censorship in countries like Russia and mass surveillance in the United States. Telegram has championed privacy and free speech since it was launched in 2013, just after Edward Snowdens revelations of mass surveillance in the U.S. The platforms decryption keys are scattered across multiple data centers in different jurisdictions around the world, and it doesnt monetize user data. To this day, we have disclosed 0 bytes of user data to third parties, including governments, Telegrams FAQ page states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Telegrams commitment to free speech, however, hasnt been as unwavering in the past few years. Its had to respond to criticism and bans, including a brief removal from the Apple App Store in 2018 for hosting inappropriate content, which was reversed after new filters were instated. Mostly, Telegrams revised policies affect its channels: Telegram now processes requests to take down illegal public, not private, content. The apps precise standards are unclear, but Telegram affirms that [w]hile we do block terrorist (e.g. ISIS-related) bots and channels, we will not block anybody who peacefully expresses alternative opinions. Advertisement Advertisement These revised policies arent likely to assuage a government that has been clear about its intent to access private communications, but Roskomnadzors attempted block was so clumsy and ineffectiveRussian authorities later experimented with more precise technology, but that was also futilethat its certainly possible the government simply gave in. But maybe it makes more sense not to see the government capitulating and Durovs reported cooperation as mutually exclusive. Its true that moderation has slowly become a priority for Telegram in the past couple yearsand Telegram, like any other service, has to respond to social, market, and governmental pressures if it wants to be as accessible as possible. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Bjorn Koslowski, deputy chief representative of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Vietnam In Asia, German companies are highly dependent on their Chinese supply chains. Through the COVID-19 crisis, these have been severely interrupted. We are hence often being asked if German companies are now re-orienting their sourcing strategies by diversifying their holdings in Asia to mitigate supply chain risks. This would culminate in a so-called China+1 strategy whereas Vietnam could play a vital role as an additional sourcing location. Germany and the European Union are deeply intertwined with global supply chains. In 2015, 31 per cent of the German and 28 per cent of the EU value-add of their respective economic outputs actually originated in third-party countries. This is far more than in China or the United States where only 17 per cent and 10 per cent respectively of the added value originated abroad. In Germany, even complex products such as machinery are highly dependent on foreign inputs. In 2015, 23 per cent of the added value of the machinery manufacturing has been provided by suppliers from other countries. Same as for Vietnam, China is a leading supply source for the German industry. It added 2.3 per cent of the added value of the German machinery manufacturers in 2015. Last year, China delivered over 10 per cent of all imported input materials of the German industry. For many types of goods, this country is the most important if not dominant supplier. It is therefore not surprising that supply chain interruptions due to the COVID-19 crisis are a major challenge for the German industry. According to the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association, the current situation must be seen as an economic worst-case scenario which has to result in a reassessment of macro- and micro-economic risks. So, there is currently a lot of soul-searching going on in the sourcing departments of corporate Germany. The core question is "how we mitigate supply risks in order to establish more resilient sourcing strategies. Optimise single sourcing Single sourcing implies that a company works with just one supplier for certain goods. Because suppliers awarded with contracts will be able to manufacture large quantities of products they can achieve economies of scale which they can pass on to their customers in the form of price reductions. Furthermore, choosing just one supplier reduces the need for communication and thus leads to seamless sourcing processes. Because this approach has proved to be extremely (cost) efficient it has become an integral part of global supply chains. On the downside though, working with just one supplier exposes the customer to a lot of risk. If certain suppliers should not be able or ready to fulfil their orders such as through factory closures due to COVID-19 the customer will be in dire straits. Moving away from single sourcing will prove challenging for some companies, for several reasons. Customers may have long-standing, well-established relationships with their suppliers. This might be difficult to alter. Also, developing new suppliers takes a lot of effort, time, and costs. Some industries have developed into oligopolies with only a few manufacturers without viable alternatives. For example in metal processing, there are only a few producers in China left for certain processes. For small purchase volumes it might be difficult to split them between multiple suppliers. Also, single sourcing is a proven concept offering too many advantages to ignore. The current situation nevertheless shows the feebleness of single sourcing. Changes will likely happen to mitigate risk. Some experts think that if companies cannot alter their supply chains they should at least increase stock-keeping and reduce just-in-time processes. Reshoring Reshoring denotes processes in which out- or off-shored production processes are being retrieved back to the home country of a certain company. Some pundits and scientists believe that current disruptions will bring back production capacities from abroad to Germany and the EU. Some German media are even hailing the end of globalisation. They believe that multilateralism is at its end and that nation states must be self-sufficient. Certain economists argue that automation and 3D printing will make the retrieval of labour-intensive industries into high-wage countries economically feasible. And indeed, some enterprises such as Adidas and General Electric have piloted reshoring projects. However, at least in short-term, reshoring will most likely not happen on a larger scale. While it might reduce the reliance of companies on global supply chains it does not necessarily mitigate the risk of disruption within the home country or region. New production methods might reduce costs in high-wage countries in the future. However, right now they still tend to be more capital-intensive and overall more expensive than engaging with global supply chains to fully utilise comparative advantages within the world economy. Finally, Germany is facing a lack of availability for qualified technical experts. This squeeze would only intensify if reshoring became a major trend. Local-for-local An alternative to reshoring could be so-called local-for-local strategies. This means that companies manufacture close to their sales markets. For example, production for Germany could be done in Eastern Europe or manufacturing for China in Vietnam. Following these strategies, the global supply chains would be much more diversified and regionalised. While local-for-local does not achieve the same economies of scale or low pricing as single sourcing, it reduces logistics costs and enables companies to swiftly react to changing demand patterns and disruptions. Indeed, Vietnam has profited for years from local-to-local strategies. Many foreign investors use the country as a supply hub for Asia-Pacific. The latest new German local-for-local entry is tesa, which will produce adhesive tape in the northern city of Haiphong for the ASEAN and China. The group has said that time-to-market is especially important to them. Access to markets, fast and flexible delivery to customers, and the development of local raw materials are important factors in international competition. Dual/multiple sourcing Creating redundancies within the supply chain by engaging with multiple suppliers for certain input materials could be the silver bullet to become more resilient to supply shocks. Over the past few years, we have had many customers from Germany looking for additional suppliers or manufacturing investment locations in Vietnam to complement their activities in China. They are aiming to develop dual sourcing (having two suppliers for a certain product) or multiple sourcing (having more than two suppliers for a certain product) strategies beyond China. The goal for these clients is to become less dependent on single suppliers or jurisdictions. They may be more flexible in reacting to disruptions plaguing individual suppliers. This kind of strategy is called China+1. It is a movement mainly triggered by rising insecurity regarding trade and investment policies as well as escalating labour costs. However, there are a few setbacks to these diversification strategies, too. Firstly, they are often more expensive than traditional single sourcing because sourcing volumes have to be divided between suppliers and thus economies of scale are shrinking. Secondly, quality and delivery may be inconsistent. Also, companies need additional resources to manage an increasing number of suppliers. This is an extremely important point for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Splitting their smaller procurement volumes between suppliers is sometimes not economically feasible. Comparison of supply chain strategies Source: AHK Vietnam What happens next The COVID-19 crisis may be considered a black swan event. Its massive effects could not have been eliminated by the aforementioned strategies. However, for similar future events a certain mitigation of risks is possible if companies prepare accordingly. It can be expected that purchasers from now on will take worst-case scenarios like the COVID-19 crisis into account when calculating risks. There is just one sure thing: purchasing will become more costly than in the past. Stockpiling, investment diversification, and multi-supplier strategies will all come with increased price tags. Companies will follow diverse paths regarding sourcing strategies fitting to their individual needs. For some, single sourcing might be the only feasible option. For others, setting up a diversified supply network with multiple redundancies will be the goal. Comparison of supply chain plans Vietnam could and will be profiting from an increased significance of local-for-local and dual/multiple sourcing strategies. Following these, there most likely will be more sourcing and more manufacturing investments of German companies in the country. However, a certain time lag has to be expected. Currently, companies are mostly re-orienting their business because of the crisis. Embarking on new projects will only happen when the world economy stabilises and travel restrictions are lifted. Qualifying new suppliers can then take 12-18 months from first contact to serial production. Setting up factories can take up to four years from location analysis to standard operation procedure. In any case, the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 crisis in combination with the imminent coming-into-effect of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement will present a lot of opportunities for Vietnam to fetch more sourcing and investment from the EU and Germany. Donald Trump has claimed some Americans are wearing masks amid the Covid-19 pandemic to show their disapproval of him and not to slow the viruss spread. The US president, who appeared to contradict US Centres for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations with his comments, added that his issue with masks was that people touch them. They put their finger on the mask, and they take them off, and then they start touching their eyes and touching their nose and their mouth, Mr Trump told The Wall Street Journal. And then they dont know how they caught it? Those comments come despite the CDC recommending wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (eg, grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. Mr Trump, who has been seen without a mask on almost all public appearances made since March, was condemned last month over his decision not to wear one whilst visiting Michigans Ford manufacturing plant. I wore one in the back area, but I didnt want the press to get the pleasure of seeing it, Mr Trump said at the time. Two weeks prior to that visit, Mr Trump also went unmasked whilst touring the Arizona Honeywell plant producing ventilators to treat Covid-19 patients. Reports suggest he does not want to send the wrong message to his base, who have proven more sceptical about Covid-19s threat. Still, the CDC states that masks can stop people with Covid-19, and those with the virus but who are not aware, from spreading it to others. The president said on Wednesday that the US was in great shape as new coronavirus cases increased in more than 20 states. He added that his administration, which has overseen more than 120,000 Covid-19 deaths to date, had made all the right moves since the virus entered the US. Meet Vivid, a new challenger bank launching in Germany that promises low fees and an integrated cashback program. The two co-founders, Alexander Emeshev and Artem Yamanov, previously worked as executives for Russian bank Tinkoff Bank. Vivid doesnt try to reinvent the wheel and is building its product on top of well-established players. It relies on Solarisbank for the banking infrastructure, a German company with a banking license that provides banking services as APIs to other fintech companies. As for debit cards, Vivid is working with Visa. If you live in Germany and want to sign up to Vivid, you can expect a lot of features that you can find in other challenger banks, such as N26, but with a few additional features. Vivid users get a current account and a debit card. They can then manage their money from the mobile app. The physical Vivid card doesnt feature any identifiable details theres no card number, expiry date or CVV. Just like Apples credit card in the U.S., you have to check the mobile app to see those details. Every time you make a purchase, you receive a notification. You can lock and unlock your card from the app. The card works in Google Pay but not yet in Apple Pay. In order to make money management easier, Vivid lets you create pockets. Those are sub-accounts presented in a grid view, like on Lydia or N26 Spaces. You can move money between pockets by swiping your finger from one pocket to another. Each pocket has its own IBAN. You can associate your card with any pocket. Soon, youll also be able to share a pocket with another Vivid user. Like on Revolut, you can exchange money to another currency. The company adds a small markup fee but doesnt share more details. As for the cashback feature, the startup focuses on a handful of partnerships. You can earn 5% on purchases at REWE, Lieferando, BoFrost, Eismann, HelloFresh and Too Good To Go, and 10% on online subscriptions, such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and Nintendo Switch Online. While its generous, youre limited to 20 maximum in cash back per month. Story continues Interestingly, Vivid also wants to bring back Foursquare-style mayorship. If you often go to the same bar or cafe and you spend more than any other Vivid user over a two-week window, you become the mayor and receive 10% cashback. Vivid has two plans a free plan and a Vivid Prime subscription for 9.90 per month. Prime users receive a metal card, more cash back on everyday purchases and higher withdrawal limits. The company plans to launch stock and ETF trading in the coming months. Vivid also plans to expand into other European countries this year. Vivid is entering a crowded market, but already offers a solid product if everything works as expected. Its going to be interesting to see how the product evolves and if they can attract a large user base. DES MOINES, Iowa - Two white men have been arrested in an assault so severe that the 22-year-old black victim believed he was about to be killed. The NAACP has said the attack in Des Moines was racially motivated. Twenty-eight-year-old Dale Lee Millard and 27-year-old Jesse James Downs are charged with wilful injury causing serious injury. Millard was arrested Thursday and is jailed in Polk County on $50,000 bond. Downs surrendered Friday. Police said no additional arrests are expected. Police reports said Millard made admissions to the assault, which began near his property. Tim Duffy, an attorney for Millard, told The Associated Press that his client would plead not guilty and stressed that he wasnt charged with a hate crime. It wasnt immediately clear if Downs had an attorney. DarQuan Jones told the Des Moines Register that he was on his way to his girlfriends house around 3:25 a.m. May 16 when at least two white men who appeared to be intoxicated attacked him, accusing him of trying to break into a nearby home. He said the suspects, whom he didnt know, yelled racial slurs throughout the assault. He suffered multiple facial fractures, a broken wrist and other injuries that required 10 stitches. He said he was choked, punched multiple times and dragged to a creek where his head was held underwater. When they started dragging me to the creek, I thought it was over for me, DarQuan Jones recalled. The only thing that was in my head was, Theyre going to kill me. DarQuan Jones said he heard a gun being cocked before two women who had heard his screams from a nearby apartment, went outside to see what was going on. He said once the women arrived, the suspects yelled racial slurs at them and ran away. Jones father, Daryl Jones Jr., and the NAACP of Des Moines said during a news conference a day after the assault that they expected hate crime charges to be filed if detectives determine the assault was fueled by racism. Parizek told the AP that the nature of the comments suggest race played a role but that there was no evidence to establish race as the primary motive, which is a requirement to file a hate crime charge in Iowa. He said previously that the victim indicated he thought it might have been a case of mistaken identity. Kameron Middlebrooks, president of the NAACP in Des Moines, told the AP that charging the assault as a hate crime wouldnt have carried as stiff a punishment as the charge that prosecutors filed, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. He said the group is now working with lawmakers to beef up the states hate crime law. What was done to him is abhorrent and it shouldnt have happened to anyone, he said. To add the racial overtones is appalling. Love Island's Rebecca Gormley and Biggs Chris appear to be back on track a week after he was caught 'messaging a stunning brunette behind her back'. The couple looked in high spirits as they headed out to pick up supplies at a branch of Tesco in Newcastle on Thursday. Rebecca, 22, flashed her taut abs in a cropped black tracksuit top and matching sweat pants. No drama! Love Island's Rebecca Gormley and Biggs Chris appear to be back on track a week after he was caught 'messaging a stunning brunette behind her back' The reality star wore a large black padded coat that she held above her head to protect herself from the sudden downpour of rain. Clearly moving on from the drama, the former beauty queen appeared in a good mood as she laughed and let her beau feed her Pom Bear crisps. Biggs, 28, opted for a grey tracksuit and box fresh trainers for his outing. It comes after he was accused of messaging another woman behind Rebecca's back just days after the pair reunited following 10 weeks apart. Back on track: The couple looked in high spirits as they headed out to pick up supplies at a branch of Tesco in Newcastle on Thursday The Glaswegian car repair specialist is said to have exchanged a series of messages with healthcare assistant Caitlin Fulton, who claims she learned of his blossoming romance with Rebecca when she saw pictures of them kissing. 'We'd been messaging back and forth after he followed me on Instagram and we'd talked about going away when lockdown ended, to a holiday cottage or a lodge somewhere in the UK,' she told The Sun. 'He even left me a voice note saying that coming down to see me "sounded good". We were making plans as recently as Saturday.' Caitlin told the publication that she learned of Biggs' relationship with Rebecca when she saw photographs of them kissing in Newcastle. 'I was a bit shocked that he had a girlfriend,' she said. 'And obviously I would be shocked if that was my boyfriend messaging someone.' Back together: The Glaswegian car repair specialist was accused of messaging another woman behind Rebecca's back just days after the pair reunited following 10 weeks apart MailOnline contacted representatives for Biggs Chris and Rebecca Gormley for comment at the time. Rebecca was forced to miss Biggs' 28th birthday last month as they have been self-isolating in different locations during the coronavirus pandemic. She has been residing at her family home in Newcastle and Biggs has been living in Scotland. The pair split up briefly before lockdown after Rebecca had a drunken sleepover with Love Island 2019 contestant Michael Griffiths, 28. The pair have since reconciled, with the model admitting: 'If the shoe was on the other foot, I would get how he feels.' Speaking on FUBAR Radio, Rebecca happily reported things are better than ever between the couple and that they talk everyday amid the COVID-19 lockdown. She continued: 'You know what, I love it! There's literally not a day that goes by that we don't chat. 'We just go on FaceTime and literally when we're doing our day, I'm just there in the background and he's there in the background and we just chat and laugh about every day. 'If I'm totally honest, obviously when we came out the villa we've spent quite a bit of time together, but I don't think it's enough time for us to say, 'right let's make it official'. 'So the way that I put it across to people is like, we're more than friends but we just don't have a label of being in a relationship.' The pair first sparked relationship rumours after they left the South African villa in February, following Rebecca's short fling with administrator Jordan Waobikeze, 24. A British man who is Vietnams most critically sickened novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patient is expected to be discharged from the hospital and return to his home country in the near future once his lung capacity and physical function fully recover. It has been six days since the Briton was disconnected from a ventilator, the national committee for COVID-19 prevention and control confirmed on Friday morning. The patient is now able to breathe on his own with oxygen support provided at 0.5 liters per minute. The amount of supplemental oxygen has decreased by six times compared to the first day he was disconnected from the ventilator. The muscular strength of his arms and his heart, liver, and kidney functions have fully recovered. His legs muscular strength has also been improving continuously over the past days. A CT scan on Wednesday showed that his lung capacity was at 90 percent. This is considered a remarkable improvement as only ten percent of his lungs were functional in mid-May while the rest had solidified due to COVID-19. A lung transplant was believed to be the only way to save the Briton at the time. However, he is now able to move his arms and legs, write on a board, sunbathe daily, practice walking with health workers help, talk to doctors, and remember the unlock PINs for his phone and iPad. Doctors at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, where the Briton is being treated, said he will need only a short amount of time to fully restore his physical functions and lung capacity, before being able to leave the infirmary and return to his home country. The 43-year-old man, a Vietnam Airlines pilot, was confirmed as the countrys COVID-19 patient No. 91 following his diagnosis in mid-March. After being cleared of the coronavirus following his treatment at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, he was transferred to Cho Ray Hospital on May 22 in a coma and with severely damaged lungs. He has been making a remarkable recovery in the past weeks. On June 3, doctors gave the green light to disconnect the patient from ECMO life support, which he had been on for nearly 60 days. He was taken off his ventilator on Saturday, and stopped taking antibiotics used to treat other bacterial infections on Monday. Ho Chi Minh City chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong paid a visit to the British patient on Tuesday. Vietnams COVID-19 tally has reached 342, with 325 having recovered, according to Ministry of Health statistics. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Office of Delhi Health Minister, Satyendar Jain, assures that his health has seen an improvement. Delhi continues to see record spikes in Covid-19 cases. Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain, who was tested positive for COVID-19, is being given oxygen support only at times when it is needed. According to government his health is improving. Satyendar Jain is now being given oxygen support only at times when it is needed, his fever has also reduced. His health is improving, Office of Delhi Health Minister stated. Delhi on Thursday reported highest single-day spike of 2,877 positive cases in 24 hours, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the national capital to 49,979, according to the Delhi Health Department. As many as 65 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours, taking the toll to 1,969. Out of the total number of cases, 26,669 are active and 21,341 have recovered/discharged/migrated. Read also: Western Railway pays tribute to corona warriors For all the latest National News, download NewsX App Are you a techie who knows how to write? Then join our Team! English native speakers welcome! Sony has released one Snapdragon 865-powered flagship this year, the Xperia 1 II, but past rumours have suggested that three more are in development. Thought to be called the Xperia 0, Xperia 3 and Xperia 5 II, multiple sources have stated that the latter would follow the Xperia 1 II. By contrast, the Xperia 0 and Xperia 3 are supposed to arrive in September and at some point later this year, respectively. The listing, called Sony 7Y6DU1I, describes the device as having a kona motherboard. While some outlets have claimed this to be a reference to the device being paired with the unannounced Snapdragon 865+, kona is the codename for the regular Snapdragon 865. The listing also reports the Sony 7Y6DU1I as having 8 GB of RAM. Geekbench does not offer any hardware details though, other than that the device is running Android 10. A Snapdragon 865 and 8 GB of RAM matches the specifications revealed in a leak about the Xperia 5 II published by @NodSikharulidze last month. Apparently based on the design of the Xperia 1 II, @NodSikharulidze claims that the Xperia 5 II will have a 6.1-inch display, a 3,800 mAh battery and four rear-facing cameras including a ToF sensor. No release date was offered, though. Two former legislative aides detained, suspected of spying for China ROC Central News Agency 06/18/2020 10:58 PM Taipei, June 18 (CNA) Two former legislative aides in Taiwan's national legislature were detained and held incommunicado Thursday on suspicion of involvement in developing organizations for Chinese intelligence officers and providing them with classified information. According to tip offs, the two legislative assistants surnamed Chen and Lee, along with a man identified only by his surname Lin, allegedly attempted to develop an espionage ring in Taiwan for intelligence agents under China's Ministry of State Security between 2014 and 2018, Taipei District Prosecutors Office said. The three suspects were also accused of handing information related to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mainland Affairs Council, local media and legislative aides to Chinese intelligence officers. Law enforcement authorities raided five locations on Wednesday and brought the three suspects in for interrogation. Early Thursday, prosecutors filed a request with Taipei District Court for Chen and Lee to be detained and held incommunicado for suspected violations of the National Security Act, while Lin was released on NT$100,000 (US$3,375) bail. The detention request was approved by the court on the grounds Chen and Lee could collude or destroy evidence. (By Liu Shih-yi and Evelyn Kao) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address He split from Jessika Power last year after a screaming row at Bali airport. But it seems Married at First Sight's Nick Furphy has found love again, as he debuted his rumoured new girlfriend on Instagram on Thursday. He shared a series of photos of the pair looking thoroughly loved-up, and simply captioned them: 'My love.' Scroll down for video New love: It seems Married at First Sight's Nick Furphy has found love again, following his split from Jess Power last year. He debuted his rumoured new girlfriend on Instagram on Thursday In the photos, Nick's female companion wore a peach jumper and smiled for the camera. He revealed the identity of the woman, Maggie Amber, by tagging her in the caption. In the past, Nick has had a rather tumultuous dating life. Flame: Nick revealed the identity of the woman, Maggie Amber, by tagging her in the caption He was paired with Sharon Marsh on season four of Married At First Sight. Despite making it to the end of the experiment, the pair eventually called it quits nine months after filming. Nick went on to date Jessika Power, the 'villain' from MAFS season six, from July to August last year. Roller-coaster romance: Nick dated Jessika Power (right), the 'villain' from MAFS season six, from July to August last year They broke up at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport on August 27, after a blazing row in the departures terminal. Following their argument, Nick leaked footage of his ex-girlfriend allegedly cheating on him during their trip to the Indonesian party island. Jessika denied the claims at the time, telling Daily Mail Australia the video was actually from earlier in the year when she was single. Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has formally defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following his disqualification from the Edo governorship race by the All Progressives Congress (APC), THE WITNESS reports. Obaseki arrived at the PDP secretariat in Benin-City at about 1:12pm to pick up his membership card. He was received by the state Chairman of the PDP, Hon Tony Aziegbemi. The Edo state governor, resigned his membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, hours before the Court of Appeal affirmed the suspension of the partys National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole. He is expected to contest the PDP governorship primaries billed for Tuesday. Gov. Obaseki remarked in his twitter handle: "I have officially joined the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), to advance my ambition to seek re-election as Governor of Edo State. I, as always, remain committed to engendering good governance and sustainable development of our dear state". The head of Unifor says he has been assured by Ontarios premier that the province will not proceed with a plan to cut statutory holidays for retail workers. Jerry Dias says Premier Doug Ford told him today a plan to change the Retail Business Holidays Act and reduce the number of mandatory statutory holidays for from nine to three is off. Dias says the government had raised the idea earlier this week in a conference call with retail sector stakeholders including the union. Workers would still have been entitled to Christmas, Good Friday and Canada Day under the now-abandoned plan presented by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. Fords office confirmed in a statement today that it is not moving forward with the proposal. Dias says when he heard about the plan he was outraged and thought it was completely inconsistent with Fords statements about the contribution of retail workers. That was the ultimate slap in the face to the workers that have done so much, I couldnt believe that anyone would be so foolish to even contemplate this during the pandemic, he said. We had a very short conversation where (Ford) told me they were killing it in its tracks. An Essex County mayor is asking council members to ban the use of tear gas and rubber bullets by the townships police department as major cities across the country make similar tactical changes amid massive protests against police brutality. West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi sent a letter to the five-person council this week urging support for a series of proposals, including an ordinance that would ban tear gas and rubber bullets and a resolution for police to comply with the policies in the nationwide 8 Cant Wait campaign, which includes calls for chokehold bans and requirements for officers to intervene if they witness excessive use of force. In light of national events we must closely examine aspects of policies and laws that may have unintentionally been short sighted in working towards a harmonious community for all citizens, said Parisi in the letter. In a statement, West Orange Police Chief James Abbott said the department doesnt have rubber bullets or tear gas available for use, but the ban would be symbolic. As long as I have been involved in law enforcement for nearly 40 years within the township we have never even had the items proposed in the ban available for use. Outlawing them in essence would be an official endorsement of practices already in place, continued Abbott. Parisi also said he is also seeking a repeal of the townships outdated anti-loitering law. The towns current ordinance describes loitering as spending time idly, loafing or walking about aimlessly and without purpose. Township Spokesman Joseph Fagan said police havent enforced the rule since before 1982, when a state Supreme Court ruling made all local anti-loitering ordinances unenforceable. But the old law stayed on the books in West Orange, as well as some other New Jersey towns, Fagan said. Local youth groups saw that as one area they wanted to be changed. They wanted to repeal the local loitering ordinance when it was an easy concession to make because in essence, it was not being enforced in any way, Fagan said. Its really just is a formality to remove it from the books. The proposals will be considered at the townships June 23 council meeting, the mayor said in a Facebook post. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Avalon Zoppo may be reached at azoppo2@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AvalonZoppo. (Reuters) - Former U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson delivered a putting master class to grab the early second-round clubhouse lead at the RBC Heritage in South Carolina on Friday. Simpson mixed nine birdies with three bogeys for a six-under-par 65 that left him at 12 under for the week at Harbour Town course on Hilton Head Island and one shot clear of Bryson DeChambeau (64) and Canadian Corey Conners (63). "I had a few par savers that kind of kept my momentum going, but I did drop three shots, all kind of physical errors," said world No. 9 Simpson. "I'm thinking well right now, so I'd rather physical errors than mental errors." Simpson, who started on the back nine alongside DeChambeau and Davis Love III, hit 13 of 18 greens in regulation and made 186 feet worth of putts, including a 38-foot birdie at the par-four 18th. He recovered in style after a bogey at the par-three seventh with a 19-foot birdie at his penultimate and a six-footer at the last following a brilliant approach shot from 114 yards. DeChambeau, who has been crushing balls since returning from the PGA Tour's three-month COVID-19 hiatus with a bulked-up physique, bogeyed his opening hole but was flawless the rest of the way with eight birdies. DeChambeau made six birdies over an eight-hole stretch on the front nine and felt he could have gone lower if he could get more consistent with his putter. "I still haven't figured out something with my putting. I've got to figure some stuff out because a couple years ago, I was rolling it the best I've ever rolled it," said DeChambeau. "I have good moments and bad moments now. I want to tighten that dispersion with putting, and I'd be a couple more up there." Overnight co-leaders Ian Poulter and Mark Hubbard were among the late starters. World No. 1 Rory McIlroy, who was one over in the first round, also went out late with Rickie Fowler and defending champion Pan Cheng-tsung of Taiwan and will have work to do as the projected cut is currently at three under. (Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Tom Brown) Choosing Ms. Harris as a running mate could feed an enthusiasm about Biden that he doesnt currently have, Patrick Murray, who runs Monmouths polling operation, said in an interview. How would this play among independents? I dont know. But certainly among the core group of Democratic voters, it would be a home run for him. A Fox News poll in late March asked registered voters how they would vote in November if Mr. Biden had Ms. Warren on the ticket with him, and then if he had Ms. Harris. It found little significant difference between the results, in any demographic. Mr. Biden led President Trump, 50 percent to 42 percent, with Ms. Harris on the ticket, and 52 percent to 42 percent with Ms. Warren beside him. Other black contenders mentioned by a sizable number of Monmouth respondents included the former Georgia legislator Stacey Abrams and Representative Val B. Demings of Florida. Some other possible running mates, including the former national security adviser Susan E. Rice and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta, were named by considerably fewer people. The Monmouth study was conducted in early June, as anti-racism protests flared across the country. Theres little doubt that the publics sharpened focus on race probably pushed some voters toward supporting an African-American contender. But the Democratic electorate has for years been growing broadly more concerned about matters of racial justice, which are likely to figure prominently into the remainder of the campaign. And Democratic voters dont just see choosing a black running mate as the virtuous thing to do they consider it good strategy, too. Of the Democratic primary voters who spoke to Monmouth researchers, roughly three in five said they thought picking a woman of color would help Mr. Bidens chances in November. That part matters: Since the start of the primary campaign, Democratic voters have said their main focus is on beating President Trump in the general election. A presumption that Mr. Biden was the safe and electable choice sat at the heart of his appeal to many primary voters. Mr. Biden holds a sizable lead over Mr. Trump in most head-to-head polls, including a national Fox News survey released Thursday, which found the former vice president with a 12-point advantage. Artificial intelligence laboratory OpenAI announced it is making a powerful new neural network for natural language processing available for limited release to the public. The laboratory, founded by Elon Musk and recently supported by a $1 billion grant from Microsoft, has designed text generators that create readable passages virtually indistinguishable from those written by humans. OpenAI's machine learning approach scrapes massive amounts of data from the web and analyzes it for statistical patterns that allow it to realistically predict what letters or words will likely be written next. When users feed a word or phrase or longer text snippets into the generator, it expands on the words with convincingly humanlike text. The results can be used to create stories, tackle reading comprehension exercises, answer questions, summarize theses or even play chess, solve mathematical problems or create text-based Dungeon scenarios. Dubbed GPT-3, the text generator relies on a huge database composed of nearly a trillion words amassed from scans of web posts and digital books. Microsoft built a supercomputer stocked with hundreds of thousands of processors for the project. The program is proficient at creating factual passages and works of fiction. An early version of the text generator, in fact, was so good at creating original text that it raised concerns among its creators that it could be used for nefarious purposes such as spreading false news stories on the web or engaging in schemes to cheat consumers through fake online chats. Those concerns led OpenAI in February 2019 to take the unusual step of declining to release the early version, GPT-2, citing fears potential misuse could be dangerous. "We need to perform experimentation to find out what they can and can't do," said Jack Clark, OpenAI policy director, said at the time. "If you can't anticipate all the abilities of a model, you have to prod it to see what it can do. There are many more people than us who are better at thinking what it can do maliciously." The program was eventually released to the public and OpenAI's worst fears were never realized. Now the newer GPT-3 will be available for commercial lease to a limited number of sources. GPT-3, about 100 times more powerful than GPT-2, has performed admirably in tests, according to the OpenAI report. It tackled reading compression exercises requiring filling in word blanks, tackling "on-the-fly reasoning," and generating compositions up to 500 words. Google has applied this technology to its algorithms handling complex search queries. Microsoft uses the program in its Office products to constantly improve grammar-checking functions. OpenAI is still concerned about abuses such as the creation of phony news releases, spam and phishing. Their online paper states, "We will terminate API access for obviously harmful use-cases, such as harassment, spam, radicalization, or astroturfing [masking who is behind a message]. But we also know we can't anticipate all of the possible consequences of this technology, so we are launching today in a private beta [test version] rather than general availability." Access to the GPT-3 API is by invitation only. Among early users are natural language web search company Algolia, mental health social network Koko and artificial intelligence chatbot "companion" creator Replika. Explore further Researchers keeps wraps on automatic text generator to prevent misuse 2020 Science X Network China has, in recent weeks, banned beef exports from Australia's largest abattoirs, ended trade in Australian barley with a tariff wall and warned its citizens against visiting Australia. These measures are widely interpreted as punishment for Australia's advocacy of an independent probe into the origins and spread of the coronavirus pandemic. With Australian prime minister Scott Morrison revealing that his country has come under increasing attacks from a 'sophisticated State-based' actor amid a back and forth with China after advocating a probe into the origins of the coronavirus and reports of information websites, telecom firms and financial payment systems in India being targeted after a stand-off at Ladakh with the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the finger could, rather reasonably, be pointed at Beijing in both cases despite the fact that neither country has named names. Indeed, ABC Television said government sources had confirmed that the attacker was China and Australian Strategic Policy Institute executive director Peter Jennings told The Australian it was "very clear" Beijing was behind the cyber attack. This as China has, in recent weeks, banned beef exports from Australia's largest abattoirs, ended trade in Australian barley with a tariff wall and warned its citizens against visiting Australia. These measures are widely interpreted as punishment for Australia's advocacy of an independent probe into the origins and spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, companies and media firms in India which is taking stock after 20 Indian Army personnel, including a colonel-rank officer, lost their lives in the violent face-off with Chinese troops in the Galwan valley area of Ladakh on 15 June, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to chair an all-party meet at 5 pm may be on the hit list of hackers who want to teach it "a lesson" over the border stand-off. While Foreign Policy magazine put the number of hackers in China between 50,000 and 100,000 soldiers way back in 2010, the developments would surprise hardly anyone who has been paying attention to the recent rapid strides China has made in cyber space. 'PLA rapidly modernising' In 2019, the United States Department of Defence (DOD), in its annual report to Congress, also warned that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) was "rapidly modernising" and highlighted its growing ability to exploit cyber space to offset its rivals' traditional advantages. The 2019 Worldwide Threats Assessment put together by Dan Coats, the former Director of National Intelligence, found that China presents a persistent cyber espionage threat and a growing attack threat to our core military and critical infrastructure systems. The PLA has consistently advocated cyber warfare to achieve a range of operational objectives, such as targeting an adversarys command, control, and communications (C3) and logistics networks to hamper its ability to generate combat power during the early stages of an armed conflict, as per the DOD report. Its cyber warfare capabilities can also be used to collect intelligence or to serve as a force-multiplier when coupled with conventional kinetic attacks, the report further stated. PLA researchers believe that building strong cyber capabilities are necessary to protect Chinese networks and advocate seizing cyber space superiority by using offensive cyber operations to deter or degrade an adversarys ability to conduct military operations against China, the DoD noted. "Chinese writings suggest cyber operations allow [the PLA] to manage the escalation of a conflict because cyber-attacks are a low-cost deterrent, it further added, noting that this enables China to scale these attacks to achieve desired conditions with minimal strategic cost. Gulf War opens Beijing's eyes Indeed, the history of China using cyber attacks (allegedly) to keep its rivals off balance dates back at least two decades, with the academic discussion of cyber warfare going back to the mid-1990s and having its origins in a US military campaign. As per Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, it was the US military's application of high technologies during the Gulf War and subsequent operations in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq that made Beijing aware there was no way to adequately defend itself without following the changes in the forms of war in which high technologies, mainly information technologies, play more critical roles. The first time the Chinese military publicly addressed cyber warfare from a holistic point of view was in the 2013 version of The Science of Military Strategy, a study by the Academy of Military Science, which emphasised that cyber space has become a new and essential domain of military struggle in todays world, as per the report. Beijing struck a similar tone in the 2015 Ministry of National Defense paper entitled Chinas Military Strategy, which addressed cyber security for the first time in an official military document and defined cyberspace as a new pillar of economic and social development, and a new domain of national security. A history of recent cyber violence In May, a cyber security firm claimed to have uncovered a years-long online Chinese espionage operation targetting governments across the Asia-Pacific, including (surprise surprise) Australia. The Chinese group Naikon, which has been off the radar of experts for the past few years, used documents emailed to government targets in Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Brunei to access government networks, search for confidential documents, steal data, take screenshots, and installing key loggers to gather passwords. While the firm did not state that Naikon was linked to the Chinese government, a 2015 report by a Washington-based security firm called ThreatConnect claimed it was a unit of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). In May, US officials said China-linked hackers were breaking into American organisations carrying out research into COVID-19, warning both scientists and public health officials to be on the lookout for cyber theft. In a joint statement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security said the FBI was investigating digital break-ins at US organizations by China-linked cyber actors that it had monitored attempting to identify and illicitly obtain valuable intellectual property (IP) and public health data related to vaccines, treatments, and testing from networks and personnel affiliated with COVID-19-related research. In March, cyber security group FireEye released research showing that the prolific Chinese group APT41, recently stepped up its attacks on health care, pharmaceutical and other sectors. The group, which FireEye previously assessed with high confidence is State-sponsored, was found to have widely targeted companies in almost two dozen countries between January and March 2020. APT41 launched one of the broadest campaigns by a Chinese cyber espionage actor we have observed in recent years, as per experts from the cyber security group. In February, the US charged four Chinese military hackers in the 2017 breach of the Equifax credit reporting agency that affected nearly 150 million American citizens. The hackers spent weeks in the Equifax system, breaking into computer networks, stealing company secrets and personal data. The hackers routed traffic through approximately 34 servers located in nearly 20 countries to obfuscate their true location. The State-sponsored hacking group APT10, believed to act for the country's Ministry of State Security, was reported to the be the most likely culprit behind a cyber campaign in July 2019 targeting US utility companies. APT10 also hit the headlines in June 2019, when it was reported that the systems of at least ten cellular carriers around the world to steal metadata related to specific users linked to China has been compromised, ostensibly by the group. Also in June 2019, Reuters reported about how hackers working for Chinas ministry of state security broke into networks of eight of the worlds biggest technology service providers in an effort to steal commercial secrets from their clients. Reuters initially identified two companies: Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM and later found at least six other technology service providers were compromised: Fujitsu, Tata Consultancy Services, NTT Data, Dimension Data, Computer Sciences Corporation and DXC Technology. Reuters has also identified more than a dozen victims who were clients of the service providers. That list includes Swedish telecoms giant Ericsson, US Navy shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries and travel reservation system Sabre. With input from agencies Ahead of the all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, the Shiv Sena has slammed the BJP over the clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Galwan Valley in which 20 soldiers lost their life. Speaking to CNN-News, senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut said: This isn't a blame-game, whether Jawaharlal Nehru was wrong or Rajiv Gandhi was wrong. This isn't time for politics or war between Congress and BJP or Shiv Sena and BJP. This is an attack on our soldiers. The whole country wants revenge at this time. The Shiv Sena on Friday also launched a scathing attack on the BJP through its mouthpiece Saamana. Those blaming Jawaharlal Nehru for the 1962 war dont seem to have learnt lessons. They should do some introspection so the sacrifice of our men won't go waste. Countries have taken it as an attack on their self-respect, even if one of their soldiers have been killed by the enemy. Here, 20 of our brave soldiers were killed in the most barbaric, inhuman manner. India should take revenge," the editorial stated. The Shiv Sena equated the Galwan Valley incident to the 1962 war. It also asked if PM Modi's friend US President Donald Trump will send any military aid to India, drawing attention to the fact that no country has openly supported India. "They have only said, it is a matter between the two countries and that they should resolve it." Shiv Sena spoke about the bilateral trade relations between India and China and said China benefited more out of it. Responding to the news of a Chinese company investing in Maharashtra, Sena said many such companies had invested in many states of the country. "The Centre should pass a uniform policy about investment by a Chinese company. Otherwise even if one State doesn't accept their investment, these companies will go to other states," it said. "PM Modi had said the country will hit back if instigated. What else is this, if not instigation?" the editorial asked. Asked about Shiv Sena's stand seeking revenge, Raut told CNN-News18, It is not just Sena's stand. It is the wish of each and every countryman. Our blood boils. Shouldn't we speak of it? Patriotism isn't the monopoly of a few. We will keep speaking of the martyrdom of our soldiers. The whole country is angry about this attack on our soldiers. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Candente Copper Corp. (TSX:DNT, BVL:DNT) ("Candente Copper or the Company) welcomes Mr. Luis Miguel Inchaustegui Zevallos as Advisor and Director of our Peruvian subsidiary, Canariaco Copper Peru S.A. (Canariaco). A leader in corporate matters and sustainability in the extraction sector, Mr. Inchaustegui is experienced in community relations, sustainable development, communications, legal and institutional relationships. Miguels mission is to generate value through a social strategy based on the Shared Value concept, which allows companies to become an ally in sustainable development. Mr. Inchaustegui is a lawyer with an MBA and has 26 years experience working in Transnational corporations and government, including Gold Fields Ltd., Lumina Copper Peru, Barrick Gold Corp., Volcan Mining Company and the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Peru. His management and advisory roles have included Legal Advisor, Vice-President Corporate Affairs and Sustainable Development, Corporate Secretary and Vice-Minister of Mines of Peru. We are very grateful to have the guidance of a such a knowledgeable and well recognized professional with proven experience in the synergetic development of mining projects and sustainable communities in Peru. Mr. Inchaustegui is a great addition to our team as we advance the Canariaco project and we are very fortunate to be working with him, commented Joanne Freeze, CEO. I am very pleased to be joining the Canariaco Copper Peru Board of Directors to support the next stage of the Canariaco project. In addition to the recent investment by strategic investor, Fortescue Metals Group, there is an important advance in the generation of trust with main stakeholders and a determined support for the generation of Shared Value projects by Canariaco Copper. All of this has encouraged me to be part of of this Board and to collaborate decisively to achieve the development of the Canariaco project as a catalyst for sustainable development in Northern Peru," commented Miguel Inchaustegui. Story continues About Candente Copper Candente Copper is a mineral exploration company engaged in acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. The Company is currently focused on its 100% owned Canariaco project, which includes the Feasibility stage Canariaco Norte deposit as well as the Canariaco Sur deposit and Quebrada Verde prospect, located within the western Cordillera of the Peruvian Andes in the Department of Lambayeque in Northern Peru. On behalf of the Board of Candente Copper Corp. Joanne C. Freeze P.Geo. President, CEO and Director ___________________________________ For further information please contact: Joanne C. Freeze P.Geo. President, CEO and Director Tel +1 604-689-1957 info@candentecopper.com www.candentecopper.com NR-118 BEIJING - China has charged two detained Canadians with spying, escalating tensions between the two countries following the arrest in Vancouver 18 months ago of a senior Huawei executive wanted on U.S. charges. Chinese prosecutors said Friday that Michael Kovrig was charged in Beijing on suspicion of spying for state secrets and intelligence. Michael Spavor was charged in Dandong city near the North Korean border on suspicion of spying for a foreign entity and illegally providing state secrets. The charges were announced by Chinas highest prosecutors office in brief social media posts. Both men have been held since December 2018 in a move seen as an apparent attempt to pressure Canada to release Meng Wanzhou, a top executive at Chinese tech giant Huawei. China has denied any explicit link between her case and the lengthy detention of the two Canadian men, but outside experts see them as tied and Chinese diplomats have strongly implied a connection. The daughter of Huaweis founder was arrested at Vancouvers airport on Dec. 1, 2018, at the request of U.S. authorities who want her on fraud charges, which she and the company have denied. Meng is out on bail as hearings are ongoing in B.C. Supreme Court after a judge rejected the first set of arguments from her lawyers late last month in a bid to set her free. Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes ruled Mengs alleged offences would constitute a crime in Canada and the case should proceed. The next round of legal arguments is set to focus on whether Mengs arrest was unlawful and whether the U.S. records of the case contain misstatements or omissions. The Chinese embassy in Ottawa denounced Holmess decision and called once more for Mengs immediate release. Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne responded in turn by calling for the release of the two arbitrarily detained Canadian men. Kovrig is an ex-diplomat who was working for the International Crisis Group and Spavor is an entrepreneur who did business in North Korea. They have been in Chinese prisons since they were arrested nine days after Mengs arrest. The conditions under which the two Canadians are being held has been the subject of scrutiny. Kovrig and Spavor had no access to lawyers or their families as of May, with the exception of a phone call the Chinese embassy said Kovrig was allowed to make to his sick father in mid-March. At the same time, the embassy said Kovrig and Spavor were being provided with better food to strengthen their immunity against the novel coronavirus. It said detention centres were closed due to the epidemic, so Kovrig and Spavor were receiving more frequent letters and parcels to ensure their contact with Canadian diplomats in China. The allegations against Meng, who is Huaweis chief financial officer, date back to 2013. The U.S. is seeking to extradite Meng on fraud charges based on allegations she lied to HSBC about Huaweis relationship with Skycom, a telecommunications company in Iran, putting the bank at risk of violating American sanctions against that country. But in a case management memo dated June 12, Mengs lawyers assert their client delivered a presentation to an HSBC banker in Hong Kong that included statements about Huaweis business activities in Iran, but the statements were omitted from U.S. records of the case. They argue Mengs statements provided the bank with the material facts it needed to know in order to assess whether there was any risk to HSBC in continuing to provide banking services to Huawei, including processing U.S. dollar transactions related to Huaweis commerce in Iran. The tensions between Canada and China have spilled over into trade between the two countries including canola exports from Canadian farmers. Earlier this month, Huaweis ambitions to be a player in Canadas 5G network were very much cast in doubt after two of the countrys three largest telecom companies announced partnerships with the Chinese companys European rivals. Bell Canada announced on June 2 that Sweden-based Ericsson will be its second supplier of the radio access network equipment a major component in fifth-generation wireless networks following its choice of Finlands Nokia in February. Later in the day, Telus Corp., which uses Huawei equipment extensively in its current network, announced that it too had selected Ericsson and Nokia for its 5G network needs. Huawei is the worlds biggest supplier of network gear used by phone and internet companies. The announcements come as Ottawa continues its review of Huaweis role in Canadas 5G networks over security concerns due to suspicions about the companys relationship with Chinas government. The United States has warned Canada, the United Kingdom and other allies that it will limit intelligence sharing with countries that have Huawei equipment in their 5G networks citing its potential use for spying by China, an allegation Huawei denies. With files from The Canadian Press 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. ALBANY A diversity official with the state's Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs posted a series of incendiary and racially charged comments on Facebook directed at congressional candidate Liz Joy of Glenville, including accusing her of using her biracial daughter-in-law as a campaign prop. Joy, a Republican who is challenging U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, recently reported the posts to officials at the Justice Center. Late Friday, officials with the Justice Center said they immediately removed the employee who posted the comments, Thomas Hurd-Toften, from his position as a diversity and inclusion coordinator. "Further action requires an investigation, which as indicated by our statement, has been launched," said Christine Buttigieg, a spokeswoman for the Justice Center. "Mr. Hurd-Toften has been placed on leave while that investigation is carried out." In a post on June 7, Joy had re-posted a Facebook item from her daughter-in-law, Deseree Joy, that showed a man holding a sign that said, "Biracial babies shouldn't have to pick a side/one race human race." On June 12, Hurd-Toften responded to Joy's post: "Using your biracial daughter-in-law as your pawn? Classy Liz. I wonder if she realizes she is your 'black friend,'" he wrote. In an interview Friday, Hurd-Toften confirmed that he had been confronted at work about his comments and is "waiting to hear back." He also said that his Facebook comment directed at Joy was not inappropriate. "When I had asked her about her policies on the systematic racism that was going on, she ignored it," he said. "And then several days later she posted the thing about how she has the biracial daughter-in-law which can be construed as, you know, shes using that as a pawn. Theres the old saying, 'Im not racist because I have my (black) friends.' Thats pretty much what she was saying." It wasn't the only time Hurd-Toften directed inflammatory comments at Joy. On May 9, he wrote: "Hey fellow NY'ers. If you would like a dipsh_ with no experience, who has a foul mouth, bad attitude, and who claims to represent YOU while degrading others. This bitch is your girl! For only $10 she can pretend she understands your plight, while living in her white privilege." In a third post by Hurd-Toften in early May, he wrote: "What a sick (expletive) this (expletive) stain is. This is why you can't be a Trumper and support LGBTQ+." Hurd-Toften said he had taken down that third post, which he acknowledged was "over the top." Previously: 20 things you don't know about me: Liz Joy, congressional candidate On Friday, Joy said she is waiting to hear from officials at the Justice Center after contacting them and asking them to review the matter. "I find it alarming and certainly not reflective of the mission of inclusion and diversity," Joy said. "I found it very alarming that this is the kind of person that is sitting in a leadership position. ... Hes talking about me because obviously I am the candidate thats running for Congress on the Conservative and Republican lines, and therefore he labels me." Buttigieg, the Justice Center's spokeswoman, said in a statement that their office "has absolutely no tolerance for these types of comments." "When the agency was made aware (Friday) morning of inappropriate and unacceptable social media posts, immediate action was taken to remove Mr. Hurd-Toften from his position as diversity and inclusion coordinator," Buttigieg said. "The agency is also launching a full investigation." Nominate your favorite people and places now Its the 25th anniversary of our Best of the Capital Region readers survey. Nominate your favorite people, places and businesses between Jan. 21 and Feb. 4. Joy said her daughter-in-law and son were both very upset by Hurd-Toften's comments. "I think of her and I think of my son, and hes an active-duty military soldier and shes a nurse, and theyre just wonderful (people)," she said. "This just disgusts me. Its disgusting. I value the ability of people to express their opinion but this is not a reflection, I believe, of who the majority of Americans are and what we want in our government." Hurd-Toften asserted that part of his comments directed at Joy had to do with what he alleged were inappropriate responses to people asking questions about her policies. "People were asking her questions and her responses were (the equivalent of) 'Kiss my ass, go to hell,'" he said. "Thats how she responds to people when they ask her questions about her policies." Joy said that he was apparently referring to her response to a man who had told her on Facebook to "stick to the PTA" when she posted a video about her candidacy at a time when the coronavirus pandemic had shuttered thousands of businesses. "I had said Im fighting for my children, my childrens future and the livelihood of our business, she said. "It was after weeks of shutdown. ... I told him to take his comment and shove it." Asked about his private comments in relation to his public duties as a diversity and integration coordinator, Hurd-Toften said, "My public duties are to make sure that people arent being discriminated against and, you know, which falls in line with the whole racism thing. As far as her daughter being upset or any of that, like I said, there was no communication. I made a comment and now shes after my job." Hurd-Toften received national attention in 2018 for an unrelated matter in which the town of Root, in Montgomery County, agreed to pay him and his husband, Dylan Toften, $25,000 after they were denied a marriage license by a town official. As part of the settlement, the town also agreed to amend its policies to permit same-sex marriages. Lambda Legal, a national LGBTQ rights group, reached the settlement with the town, whose town clerk had objected to marriages between same-sex couples on religious grounds. Authorities in China said on Friday they have indicted two Canadian nationals -- Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor -- on spying charges, after arresting them in the days following the arrest of Huawei Technologies' chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver. Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Spavor, a businessman, have been held on suspicion of "spying" since Canada arrested a top executive at Chinese telecoms giant Huawei on Dec. 1, 2018 pending a U.S. extradition request. They stand accused of "stealing and illegally offering state secrets abroad," and are being held at an unknown location under "residential surveillance at a designated location." Neither has been allowed access to a lawyer; only visits from consular staff, which have been suspended since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. China has repeatedly called for Meng's release, and has warned Canada that it could face consequences for aiding the United States in her case. The espionage charges are deemed "particularly serious" by state prosecutors, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular news briefing in Beijing on Friday. The announcement means Kovrig, 50, and Spavor, 44, could face sentences of anything between 10 years and life imprisonment. "The facts are clear and the evidence is solid and sufficient. He should be held accountable for criminal responsibility under the above mentioned charge," Zhao said of Kovrig, before making the same statement about Spavor. The announcement also paves the way for the men's trials, more than a year after their initial detention. Canada 'disappointed' by indictments Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is "disappointed" in the indictments, and vowed to work with the Chinese government to bring the "two Michaels" home. "In the case of the two Michaels, I can say that we are using a wide range of public and private measures to ensure that everything is being done to get these Michaels home," Trudeau told reporters. "We do expect both Michaels will come back," he said, declining to answer a question about whether the men were effectively hostages. The International Crisis Group (ICG), a non-governmental organization that focuses on conflict resolution for which Kovrig was working at the time of his detention has previously said the accusations against him are "vague and unsubstantiated." Wu Qiang, a former politics lecturer at Beijing's prestigious Tsinghua University, said the charges against the two men are clearly a form of retaliation for Meng's arrest. "I do believe that this is a form of political retaliation, and that Chinas judicial system is politically manipulated," Wu said. "[Here], companies, government, and the judiciary are all one and the same thing." "The final conviction and sentencing will also be the result of political considerations," he said. "[Their fate] is largely dependent on how the Meng Wanzhou extradition case fares in the Canadian courts, and [later] in the U.S." A Chinese lawyer who asked to remain anonymous said a "particularly serious" espionage charge could even incur the death penalty. "Such cases are very rare in China's criminal justice system," he said, adding that the trials would likely be held behind closed doors. Huawei's Meng may still be extradited Meng, the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, lost a legal bid to avoid extradition to the United States to face bank fraud charges last month, dashing hopes for an end to her house arrest in Vancouver. She recently raised a new argument in a Canadian court in a bid to fight extradition, Hong Kong-based democracy campaigner Joshua Wong said the indictments showed that foreign nationals aren't exempt from the threat of detention under national security laws, a version of which will soon be imposed on Hong Kong by the ruling Chinese Communist Party. "Under China's wolf-warrior diplomacy, China is posing the same level of threat to all foreign workers and investors in #HK in the pretext of #NationalSecurity," Wong wrote via his Twitter account. The U.S. wants to extradite Meng to face charges of bank fraud linked to the breach of sanctions against Iran. Meng has also filed a lawsuit against the Canadian government, alleging procedural errors by officers who arrested her. Reported by Wong Lok-to for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) A court in the Armenian capital ruled Thursday to free former Armenian President Robert Kocharian on $4.1-million bail the highest in the ex-Soviet nation's history. The Court of Appeals in Yerevan granted bail to Kocharian following stormy deliberations, during which a supporter of incumbent Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian denounced the judge as a traitor." Prosecutors said they would appeal the ruling. Kocharian, who served as president in 1998-2008, has been accused of violating the constitutional order by sending police to disperse protesters in Yerevan in March 2008. Eight demonstrators and two police died in the clash and 250 people were injured. Kocharian has rejected the charges as a political vendetta by Pashinian, who was one of the leaders of that protest. Kocharian's release Thursday follows a long cycle of him being jailed and then released in past years. Kocharian was arrested in July 2018, then freed on appeal the following month only to be jailed again in December that year. He was released on bail in May 2019 and then arrested again a month later. OPINION: With new cases of COVID-19 exploding, Gov. Doug Ducey comes under fire from letter writers who question his move to "open" the state early. That and more in our Sunday edition of Letters to the Editor. Italian luxury brand Valentino and Internet giant Amazon have filed a joint lawsuit against New York-based Kaitlyn Pan Group for allegedly counterfeiting Valentino shoes and offering them for sale online. The move is Amazons first joint litigation with a luxury fashion brand and Valentinos first with an online retailer. The lawsuit regards the Valentino Garavani Rockstud shoes and the fashion group will receive any proceeds from the case, the companies said in a statement. Valentino released a statement that said, The Maison Valentino is one of the main protagonists of International fashion and plays a major role in the luxury division by sustaining Made in Italy. The brand represents in the global market, one of the Italian excellences in the execution of the industrial process in Italy and of the artisanal and handmade workmanship that are entirely produced in the historic Atelier of Piazza Mignanelli in Rome. We consider Made in Italy to be a fundamental value to be fully endorsed, respected and at the forefront of our business and creations. Valentino is an Italian brand operating globally and is a mirror of society. One of our core missions is to safeguard our brand and protect the Valentino Community by celebrating inclusivity and with creativity at the heart of everything we do. We feel this connection with Amazon will highlight the importance also in fashion for greater awareness, knowledge and understanding by shielding the brand online and its resources. Maison Valentinos Garavani Rockstud shoes. Kaitlyn Pan did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Amazon has long been rumoured to be readying a new luxury fashion site to rival Alibabas Tmall Luxury Pavilion, but LVMH and other top luxury groups say the risk of counterfeiting is high on such platforms. The counterfeit version found on Kaitlyn Pans website. Amazon said it had shut down Kaitlyn Pans seller account on its platform in September 2019. Despite multiple notices of infringement and a cease and desist order, Kaitlyn Pan continues to import, distribute, sell, and offer infringing products on kaitlynpanshoes.com, the companies said. They added Kaitlyn Pan had tried to apply for a U.S. trademark for the Garavani Rockstud shoes, flagrantly and willfully disregarding Valentinos intellectual property. Dharmesh Mehta, vice president, Customer Trust and Partner Support at Amazon said in a statement, The vast majority of sellers in our store are honest entrepreneurs but we do not hesitate to take aggressive action to protect customers, brands, and our store from counterfeiters. Amazon and Valentino are holding this company accountable in a court of law and we appreciate Valentinos collaboration throughout this investigation. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Advertisement Members of Ethiopia's Suri tribe showcase their intricate floral headpieces and breathtaking face paint in a series of stunning images. The intricate artistry exhibited by the tribe - who live in the Omo Valley - is shown to tourists as tribespeople look for different means to survive amid rising violence and land wars. War in neighbouring Sudan has meant that grazing land has become less widely available, increasing a sense of competition between neighbouring tribes. Cattle raiding is a major issue for the Suri people and the conflict this causes with surrounding tribes results in visitors needing armed protection. The Omo Valley is home to eight different tribes with a collective population of 200,000 people. Due to nearby war, weapons such as AK-47 assault rifles have become quite commonplace in Suri communities and there is very little intervention from Ethiopian authorities. Members of Ethiopia's Suri tribe showcase their intricate floral headpieces and breathtaking face paint in a series of stunning images The intricate artistry exhibited by the tribe (a mother and her child pictured) - who live in the Omo Valley - is shown to tourists as tribespeople look for different means to survive amid rising violence and land wars The Omo Valley is home to eight different tribes with a collective population of 200,000 people. Pictured: A Suri elder also dons face-paint Cattle raiding is a major issue for the Suri tribe and the conflict this causes with surrounding tribes results in visitors needing armed protection. Left: A dotted paint design covers a Suri woman's face and body. Right: Tree bark is shaped to create a headpiece Two young Suri men stand side by side with matching floral headdresses and bouquets in a breathtaking image captured by Tori Bohn from Bali, Indonesia War in neighbouring Sudan has meant that grazing land has become less widely available increasing the sense of competition for the Suri people. Pictured: Palm leaves frame this Suri girl's intricately painted face This young child smiles for the camera as he dons his floral headdress while wearing black and white spotted face paint The Suri tribe very much take pride in their floral decorations and often compete for the attention of the photographer. Pictured: Three Suri tribespeople pose for a photograph Left: Grasses and flowers are entwined to create a structure that frames this Suri child's face. Right: Delicate white flowers appear to grow out of this lush headdress Due to nearby war, weapons such as AK-47 assault rifles have become quite commonplace in Suri communities and there is very little intervention from Ethiopian authorities. Pictured: Stems of flowers are secured together to create a decorative headdress White, yellow and orange face paint covers this Suri girl's face as she holds onto a delicate bouquet and dons a floral headpiece These breathtaking headdresses are made up of large seed pods with bright, fresh flowers picked to make up the bouquet Children of all ages enjoy wear this decorative form of dress and also don multi-coloured face paint for tourists Stems are gathered together and balanced on top of this person's head. They also wear a large earring which stretches out their earlobe Left: This young Suri child also wears a lip plate - another tradition of the tribe. Right: A star-shaped motif is painted over this Suri child's body The new book by John Bolton, who was national security advisor in the Trump White House from April 2018 to September 2019, marks another blow struck in the ongoing conflict within the American ruling elite, particularly over foreign policy, that has destabilized the Trump presidency since its inception. While press coverage of The Room Where It Happened focuses on its indictment of Trump as a fool, a bully and an ignoramus, concerned only about his own reelection and his family businessnot very startling revelationsthe main significance of the book is that it criticizes Trumps foreign policy entirely from a right-wing standpoint. Bolton particularly bemoans Trumps last-minute decision, in June 2019, not to launch cruise missile strikes on Iranian targets, after Iran shot down a US military spy drone that was overflying Iranian territory. Trump tweeted that killing 150 Iranian soldiers in retaliation for destroying an unmanned drone would be seen around the world as disproportionate. Former U.S. National security adviser John Bolton (AP Photo/Martin Mejia) After vociferously opposing this action, Bolton resigned, or was fired, just over two months later. He writes now, after a year, that Trumps decision not to kill large numbers of Iranians was the most irrational thing I ever witnessed any President do. That comment alone tells more about Bolton than about Trump. According to the review of the book in the New York Times, one of the Iranian targets Bolton was seeking to destroy was Qassim Suleimani, top leader of the elite Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. Seven months later, on an even thinner pretext than that provided in June 2019, Trump ordered the drone missile strike that killed Suleimani and ten other Iranian and Iraqi officials. Trump himself has given the book enormous publicity by demanding its suppression and ordering the Justice Department to file a series of legal motions to that effect. The DoJ demanded Tuesday that a federal court seize any profits Bolton might earn from the bookfor which he received a $2 million advanceand on Wednesday sought a temporary restraining order blocking its publication outright. Legal observers suggested that these court filings were aimed at an audience of one, Trump, and had no likelihood of success. Trump has publicly declared that all conversations between the president and his top aides are classified, a claim that would overthrow all constitutional and legal restrictions applied to the executive branch and would effectively make the president above the law. No federal court has ever agreed to issue an order barring the publication of a book, known as prior restraint, and in this case, the book has already been printed in huge quantities and sent to warehouses for distribution to bookshops and newsstands for sale next Tuesday, June 23. An initial court hearing on the Justice Department suit is scheduled for today. According to summaries of the book published in the media, Bolton describes Trump as stunningly uninformed (he thought Finland part of Russia and did not know Britain possessed nuclear weapons) and preoccupied with his own electoral and financial interests, frequently soliciting the support of foreign governments, including China. Bolton claims that at a Group of 20 summit in 2019, Trump solicited support from Chinese President Xi Jinping in the form of the Chinese purchase of agricultural goods produced in states vital for Trumps reelection. In return, Trump backed Beijings decision to build detention camps for large numbers of Uighur Muslims in Chinas western province of Xinjiang. Given that during the exchange between Trump and Xi, only interpreters were present, Bolton either has sources within the State Department, who broke discipline to supply the information to him, or he learned about the discussion from intelligence agency surveillance of the summit. In either case, his charge amounts to another shot fired at Trump from within the national-security apparatus. Coincidentally, or not, Trump signed legislation Wednesday sanctioning China over its oppression of the Uighurs, the same day his DoJ lawyers were demanding suppression of Boltons book. Referring to the same Trump-Xi conversation, an excerpt from the book published in the Wall Street Journal adds: One highlight came when Xi said he wanted to work with Trump for six more years, and Trump replied that people were saying that the two-term constitutional limit on presidents should be repealed for him. According to the reviews, the book consists largely of Bolton attacking Trump for excessive weakness and dilettantism in foreign policy, and a credulous belief in promises made to him by various leaders regarded with disfavor by Bolton himself: Kim Jong-un of North Korea, Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and so on. In each case, Bolton was for a more aggressive and bullying posture, regarding Trumps overtures to North Korea and his reluctance to continue US military intervention in Syria, for example, as strategic debacles. He opposed Trumps desire to withdraw US troops from Europe, South Korea, Japan and Afghanistan In a much-quoted interview with ABC News, set to air on Sunday, Bolton said that Putin thinks he can play Trump like a fiddle, and that he sees that hes not faced with a serious adversary here. I dont think hes worried about Donald Trump. On only one issue did Trump apparently favor military action while Bolton had reservations, and that is in relation to Venezuela, where he claims Trump requested military options on several occasions, and had to be dissuaded by Pentagon officials and, ultimately, by a phone call from Putin. On the question of relations with Ukraine, Bolton had hinted in January that he had important information that would be of use to the Democratic drive to impeach Trump for withholding military aid in order to induce the Ukrainian government to investigate his then prospective and now actual Democratic opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden. Bolton leaves Ukraine to the final chapter of the book and offers himself as an eyewitness to at least one meeting where Trump directly connected the withholding of aid to demands for an investigation of the Democrats. The next morning, August 20, I took Trump's temperature on the Ukraine security assistance, and he said he wasn't in favor of sending them anything until all the Russia-investigation materials related to Clinton and Biden had been turned over, Bolton writes, according to one review. None of the witnesses before the various House committees that prepared the impeachment of Trump could provide such testimony, since they were lower-level intermediaries, witnesses to one or another element in the pressure campaign on Kiev. The top-level officials, such as Bolton, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Vice President Pence, as well as Trump himself, refused to testify. The Democrats who spearheaded the impeachment campaign sought to enlist Bolton as a star witness, but he declined to appear voluntarily before the House Intelligence Committee and vowed to fight any subpoena in court. Once the Senate trial began, Bolton switched his public posture and offered to testify, assured that the Republican-controlled Senate would refuse to call him. It is notable that in his reaction to the Bolton book, Biden, now the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, made no reference to impeachment, approaching it entirely from the standpoint of Trumps alleged request for Xi to assist his reelection campaign, which he called morally repugnant. He added the suggestion that Trumps supposed dependence on Xi had led him to underplay the significance of the coronavirus epidemic, which originated in Wuhan, China. There is an obvious reason for Biden to avoid the impeachment question, since Trump was seeking an investigation by Ukraine into a genuine scandal involving Hunter Biden, the former vice presidents son, who was gifted with an $80,000-a-month job as a member of the board of directors of the Ukrainian gas company Burisma, at a time when Joe Biden was in charge of Ukraine policy for the Obama administration. Late one November night in 1996, in about the worst place in the world, I learned about one of historys great monsters, whose name all these years later remains affixed to one of Australias most beautiful ranges of hills. I was on an African hilltop that night, overlooking the border of Rwanda and the country then known as Zaire, which would shortly be renamed the Democratic Republic of Congo. November 1996: A member of the Red Cross walks in the middle of two columns of Rwandan Hutus fleeing back to their homeland to escape war in what was then Zaire and is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. Credit:AP At the foot of the hill lay tens of thousands of refugees rolled in plastic tarpaulins as they slept off their first days of trekking back to Rwanda, the country they had fled two years previously. Many of them were responsible for the Rwandan genocide of 1994, the final acts of which I had witnessed first-hand. Having fled the nation of their stupendous crimes, they had spent two years in vast refugee camps across the border in Zaire. Celebrity chef Pete Evans is set to open his new 'healing clinic' in Byron Bay next month - despite having no medical qualifications. The anti-vaxxer, 47, announced the news on Facebook on Tuesday, and also hinted at franchise opportunities by offering fans a chance to open their own clinic if they 'stay tuned for more information'. After being dropped from Channel Seven earlier this year following a spate of controversial conspiracy theories, Pete relocated to Australia's hippy capital of Byron Bay, where locals are more likely to be receptive to his pseudoscientific ideas. And in four weeks' time, he is set to open the doors to his new clinic, which is located in the Habitat retail precinct off Bayshore Drive. 'Four weeks until we open our very first clinic. Stay tuned for more information and how you can open your own too for anyone interested. Please follow @evolvehealthlabs too ,' Pete said in his Facebook announcement. The 'doctor' will see you now: Celebrity chef Pete Evans, 47, is set to open his new 'healing clinic' in Byron Bay next month - despite having no medical qualifications According to Evolve Health Labs' Instagram account, the clinic will offer 'transformational practises' such as 'cold and conscious breath-work' and 'cryotherapy'. Despite sharing misleading information about immunisation over the years, Pete has insisted he is not an 'anti-vaxxer' but 'pro-choice for medical freedom'. Vaccinations are a simple, safe and effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases before they come into contact with them. The jabs protect individuals and others in the community, by reducing the spread of preventable diseases. Anti-vaxxers spread false and dangerous theories, including the fraudulent claim that vaccines cause autism, which is based on a completely discredited 1998 medical report that saw the author struck from the medical register. Before vaccination campaigns in the 1960s and 1970s, diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough killed thousands of children, whereas today in Australia, dying from one of these is extremely rare. Upcoming: The anti-vaxxer announced the news on his Facebook page on Tuesday, while also offering his fans a chance to open their own clinic if they 'stayed tuned for more information' New venture: In four weeks time, he will open the doors to his new clinic, which is located in the Habitat retail precinct off Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay - the hippy capital of Australia The announcement of Pete's new 'healing clinic' comes after he revealed he had purchased a home device to 'mitigate' the supposedly harmful effects of 5G. After courting controversy during the COVID-19 pandemic by railing against the new mobile technology, the avid conspiracy theorist said this week his 'biology of beliefs' had forced him to 'err on the side of the caution'. Discussing the matter with Jason Reynolds on his Evolve podcast, the former My Kitchen Rules star admitted he was aware his new purchase could just have a placebo effect, but he felt it was better to be 'safe than sorry'. 'I bought it because I wouldn't say I have a state of fear of 5G, but maybe it's better to be safe than sorry? And maybe this device that I've ordered could help mitigate it,' he said. Just days ago, Pete urged Black Lives Matters protesters to tear down 5G cell towers instead of colonial statues following a series of unfounded rants about how high-speed Internet spreads coronavirus. 'Better to be safe than sorry!' This comes after Pete revealed he had purchased a home device to 'mitigate' the supposedly harmful effects of 5G Speaking about his bizarre new purchase on his podcast, Pete said: 'I just got a delivery today of a home device that potentially can help mitigate it [5G].' Noting that he wasn't completely sold on the product, he added: 'Because of the biology of my beliefs, it's good to know I have that in my home. 'Even though it might have a placebo effect, it could put me into a state of calmness and not worrying about 5G. The jury's out to a degree, but I'm on the side of caution.' Pete has previously suggested the technology is involved in the spread of coronavirus - despite the federal government declaring 5G safe and scientists saying its radiation is incapable of penetrating human tissue. There is zero evidence 5G towers negatively impact the immune system or help spread coronavirus. But in a post on his Instagram Stories on Monday afternoon, the divisive chef shared a meme calling on those defacing historic statues as part of the Black Lives Matter movement to instead focus their energy on destroying 5G infrastructure. Fake science: The avid conspiracy theorist (pictured on My Kitchen Rules in 2019 with Manu Feildel, left, and Colin Fassnidge, right) said his 'biology of beliefs' had forced him to 'err on the side of the caution' 'Caution': Discussing the matter on his Evolve podcast, the former Channel Seven star said he was aware his new purchase could have nothing more than a placebo effect 'Instead of tearing down old statues, if you could tear down those 5G towers that'd be great,' the meme referencing a scene from the 1999 movie Office Space read. The meme referred to the vandalism of historic statues globally amid race-related protests in recent weeks - allegedly including the Captain Cook statue in Sydney's Hyde Park in the early hours of Sunday morning. The post is the latest of a series of bizarre social media posts by the chef - who earlier this month endorsed US President Donald Trump's threat to use the military against Black Lives Matter protesters following the death of African-American man George Floyd. Controversial: It comes after Pete (pictured with his wife, Nicola Robinson) took aim at Black Lives Matter protesters and called on them to tear down 5G towers Divisive: In a post on his Instagram Stories on Monday, the chef shared a meme encouraging Black Lives Matters protesters to divert their attention to destroying 5G towers Mr Floyd died in the custody of four Minneapolis policemen - with officer Derek Chauvin charged with his murder after footage of him kneeling on Mr Floyd's throat for almost nine minutes went viral. The footage sparked outrage across the world and led to riots across the U.S., which Pete said he believed was part of a media conspiracy staged by 'the elite' to distract citizens from the coronavirus pandemic. In late May, Pete also threw his support behind a controversial protest against 5G and mandatory vaccinations, sharing a poster for the 'peaceful protest walk' to Facebook. World events: A Black Lives Matter protester pictured in Sydney on June 6 Pictured: Conspiracy theorists campaigning against 5G technology in Australia 'Wish I could join you all today. These are happening around Australia. Please film it for your record,' he wrote. He was released from his contract at Seven following a spate of controversial and often dangerous statements - mostly relating to coronavirus conspiracy theories. Pete was also fined $25,200 by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in April for promoting a lamp he claimed could help treat coronavirus. Pictured: Police stand guard at a statue of Captain Cook in Hyde Park during a protest rally against Aboriginal deaths on June 12 New Delhi: A special court has slapped a penalty of Rs 5,000 on CBI for causing an infructuous hearing in the 2006 Naval War Room leak case in which arms dealer Abhishek Verma and four former naval officers, including a Wing Commander, are facing trial. The court passed the order as no prosecution witness could be examined due to the unavailability of the special prosecutor who was said to be busy in Delhi High Court. Witness (Retd) Commander Atul Nag is also present since morning. It is now stated by proxy counsel for Special PP for CBI, Rajiv Mohan, that he is held up in High Court in some matter and he will be coming around lunch time. However, other defence counsel submit that they are not willing to wait till that time, as they are waiting since morning and they have urgent matters in other courts to attend. Therefore, for rendering todays purpose as infructuous and since the witness is present since morning and has to be discharged unexamined, costs of Rs 5,000 is imposed upon CBI, Special CBI Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal said. The court directed the CBI to depute another prosecutor by the next date of hearing after it was informed that prosecutor Mohan had written to the agency to relieve him of his duties as SPP from the future proceedings in the case. The court fixed the case for October 17 for recording of prosecution evidence. Former naval officer Kulbhushan Prashar, former commander Vijender Rana, sacked naval commander V K Jha, former IAF Wing Commander Sambha Jee L Surve and alleged arms dealer and Delhi-based businessman Abhishek Verma are facing trial in the case for the offence of criminal conspiracy under IPC and under various provisions of Official Secrets Act (OSA). While Prashar, Surve, Rana and Jha are on bail, Abhishek Verma is lodged in jail under judicial custody. Meanwhile, the court granted time to CBI and Verma to respond to a plea by Edmonds Allen, former business partner of Verma, seeking cancellation of bail of the alleged arms dealer. The 2006 Navy War Room leak case involves leakage of over 7000 pages of sensitive defence information from the Naval War Room and the Air Headquarters, having a direct bearing on national security. The court had earlier framed charges after the five accused pleaded not guilty and claimed trial. Prime accused Ravi Shankaran is still absconding and has been declared a proclaimed offender by the court. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. As we emerge from lockdown, it's unlikely that we will resume pre-2020 behaviours, and the full impact that this has on advertising and brands continues to evolve. Brands should not go dark Its ok to not talk about Coronavirus Continue to adjust tone and story Revisit Media planning Michele Vrdoljak Service Line Director, Creative Excellence Ipsos South Africa With the vaccine still a long way away, these changed behaviours are likely with us for the long haul. Just as our lockdown is expected to go through various phases with changes in infection rates, we can expect that consumers will be drifting interchangeably through the phases too. Currently, South Africans are very much aligned with the rest of the world, indicating that they are in the acclimation phase where they have started to adapt to restrictions and create new routines.Weve established already that it is not a good time for brands to go dark, and that people expect that brands will continue to do what they do they want to hear from them. The data from previous crises show that those brands who maintain or increase their advertising spend in times of crisis benefit from greater revenue during the crisis, compared to those who cut their communications work.Creative assessment of primarily Corona focussed ads have produced mixed results but mostly show a trend of having low brand linkage. The message about Corona may be getting through, but the brand message is not. This Ford advert achieved the highest brand linkage despite its dark and sombre tones, exactly because they spoke about the brand first, and then the lease option that they were offering due to the Covid-19 crisis.What is important, is to strike the right tone and find the right story. Vodacom has struck the right tone well in their stand together advert and again, they focus first on what they do, connecting people.Keep in mind that as we move through the phases, the desired feeling from advertising may change. In earlier stages of the crisis, people wanted to feel optimistic and secure from advertising. They wanted to feel safe and secure and over time, we have seen a shift towards seeking enjoyment from advertising while moving out of the crisis. If we think about the different phases of the pandemic, each has a different emotional motivation that advertising needs to address.As South Africa has moved into level 3, we can expect that South Africans will now be more motivated to feel positivity over enjoyment.One of the changed behaviours that is probably here to stay is the shift upwards in online activity. South Africans have reported more frequent online activity and project themselves to continue doing so.As advertisers have scrambled to adjust their campaigns away from physical spaces, some brands are facing challenges with using this media for the first time. Two out of three creatives fail when not tested and this equally applies to online advertising. Up to 50% of display ads are not viewable, and over a third of online ads are served to the wrong target. Added to this, 78% of Facebook Video ads are watched for three seconds or less.This brings up a new set of questions for those who have relied on traditional advertising up until this point.Finding out whether your ad meets these requirements before going online is the best advice for advertisers in these extra taxing time for creatives. Leverage multi-touchpoint campaigns to ensure you deliver the right message to people, where they are now and when they are most receptive. How JetBlue Just Flouted Airline Industry Norms by Launching New Routes JetBlue Airways published a simple press release Thursday announcing 30 new routes starting this summer and fall, mainly for leisure customers, to leverage a nascent recovery. But to insiders, it was more a manifesto showing that JetBlue, now in survival mode, no longer plans to play by the industrys unwritten rules. First, some background. Larger U.S. airlines have defined lanes, with each working from geographic areas of strength. JetBlue mainly flies from four focus cities Boston, New York JFK, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando. It can launch nearly any route from one of those four cities except perhaps to a competitors hub and while another airline might be irritated, JetBlue likely would not engender a response. But like all U.S. airlines, JetBlue, which recently said it may cut up to 300 airport workers this fall, is hemorrhaging cash, and it needs revenue. So on Thursday it signaled it will flout these norms, adding new flying in other airlines spheres of influence. In some cases, it is more of a short-term strategy to take advantage of current market conditions, while in others, it is more of a long-term strategic play. The markets we announced today are designed to take advantage of leisure demand we are beginning to see return and to more quickly generate cash, Scott Laurence, JetBlues head of revenue and planning, said in an email. Some of the point-to-point flying is a little unusual for us, but we saw the opportunity and wanted to take advantage quickly because we believe that these routes will be cash positive. At the same time, there are a number of markets that we had been eyeing for some time and now we have resources available in terms of aircraft. Three Different Route Types Most of JetBlues new routes have one of three themes. First, JetBlue will add routes from competitor hubs where it historically has had a small presence, including Newark, controlled by United Airlines, and Philadelphia, where American Airlines has top market share. Second, it will launch new flights from New York JFK to competitor hubs in Minneapolis, Dallas/Fort Worth and Detroit. And third, it will add flights from large- and medium-sized U.S. cities, including Chicago, Pittsburgh and Cleveland, where the JetBlue brand is less strong, to warm-weather destinations, mainly in Florida. Story continues Of the three flight groupings, the third probably is not a big deal. Flights to Florida have high demand, but theyre generally not lucrative, and competitors may not care that JetBlue wants to fly from Cleveland and Providence, Rhode Island, to Fort Myers, or from Pittsburgh and Chicago to Palm Beach. It is not like they are fighting for the loyalty of the Pittsburgh market, said Brett Snyder, an industry analyst. They are just looking for someone who wants a cheap flight to Florida. The other route types are another matter. From Newark, JetBlue will try nine new routes, including flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco on its flagship aircraft, the Airbus A321 in a Mint configuration, with a business class cabin. Here, JetBlue may want to capitalize on two developments increasing demand for leisure travel, and Uniteds conservative stance toward re-adding capacity. They are going to after United at Newark that was really interesting, said Jay Shabat, senior analyst at Skift Airline Weekly. I guess they see an opportunity to win some business now, while United is flat on its back. If you are going to take on a big Goliath, now is the time. JetBlue may lose money short-term, Shabat said, but this may be more of a long-term play, with JetBlue trying to leverage a crisis to expand its New York presence. Now might be the right time, because Southwest Airlines recently pulled out of Newark, while Alaska Airlines is shrinking, Snyder said. Weve got a focus city strategy that works well for us and, in New York, Newark has always been a part of that strategy, Laurence said. Similar to Los Angeles where we serve four area airports, we believe its important to serve multiple airports across greater New York City with destinations people want to fly to. In normal times, United typically flew more than 400 daily flights from Newark to over 160 cities but next month will have about 115, to more than 60 cities, an airline spokesman said. United is slowing adding flights as demand increases. United Airlines looks forward to competing vigorously with other airlines at Newark Liberty International Airport, like we do at airports across our global network, the spokesman said. JetBlue is also invading Americans turf in Philadelphia, with five new routes four to Florida and one to Puerto Rico. Both Snyder and Shabat said this is less of a long-term play than a short-term cash grab. JetBlue, they said, may not be strong in Philadelphia, but it has enough brand equity in Florida and Puerto Rico to make these fight cash positive. Its as good a place to put airplanes as any, they said. An American spokeswoman declined to address the expansion directly, saying only, We look forward to our increased domestic schedule in July, as previously announced, where we will have more service to Florida, Gulf Coast cities and National Parks. American may be more concerned by another group of JetBlues routes. Beginning July 23, JetBlue will fly between two of Americans hubs, connecting JFK and Dallas/Fort Worth. Delta also gets the same treatment, with JetBlue launching service on two Delta hub-to-hub routes JFK to Minneapolis and JFK to Detroit. Mid-sized airlines like JetBlue often avoid these legacy airline hub-to-hub routes, since the hub carrier has leverage in both markets. But here, JetBlue is showing it does not care about the old industry rules, especially since American and Delta have reduced some flights amid the pandemic. Also, if JetBlue is going to be New Yorks top airline in the future, Snyder said, it probably needs these routes. What About a Response? In typical conditions, airlines do not like it when a competitor encroaches on their strengths. The aggrieved party typically reacts in one of two ways. It may add capacity in the newly competitive market, depressing fares, or it may look for one of its competitors most lucrative routes and try to create a fare war there, trashing the opponents yields. When profits are up, airlines can afford to tweak competitors. Now, though, airlines are in cash preservation mode, and it not clear United, American or Delta has the wherewithal to ruin JetBlues plans. I think those games will take a side seat for now, Shabat said. Everything is just cash, cash, cash. Then again, its pretty bold to go into Newark-Los Angeles, so maybe on second thought, United looks at this, and says, Weve got to do something. Maybe they will put in a bunch of San Francisco to Boston flights or something. Still, Shabat said Uniteds response may wait until the industry begins a real recovery. Uniteds new CEO, Scott Kirby, generally doesnt appreciate aggressive competitive incursions, and Shabat said he expects Kirby eventually will move to thwart JetBlue. I have a feeling Kirby has a little file cabinet in the back of his mind and he is going to file this away and the day a vaccine is announced, youll see United starts 12 fights a day from Boston to San Francisco, Shabat said. And if that happens, JetBlue may not want to fight for Newark. Its easy enough for JetBlue to walk away if the heat gets too hot, Snyder said. Subscribe to Skift newsletters for essential news about the business of travel. For 25 days, Americans have been demanding from the country's civic and corporate leaders their plans to tackle police brutality and systemic racism during protests that have gripped the nation following the killing of George Floyd. On Friday, Juneteenth, many of those leaders have a big first opportunity to put into action the rhetoric that has flowed since Memorial Day, when Floyd died in the custody of Minneapolis police officers. J.P Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon has said the bank is "committed to fighting against racism and discrimination." BlackRock's Larry Fink has said the firm will "not tolerate" shortcomings in racial equality within its walls. Activists hope that that opportunity, albeit symbolic, will be part of the path to change. "Symbols are cultural artifacts that move forward and advance things. You need those symbols as things because that's how movements become institutionalized," said Dr. Lynn Perry Wooten, dean of the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University. June 19 is celebrated as Juneteenth, the anniversary of the day in 1865 that Union forces announced in Texas that slaves were free more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. That delay is a "symbol of freedom not yet fully realized" for Blacks in America, notes Creative Collective of NYC, a creative agency that works with the Black Lives Matter movement. For the country's leaders, it is an encapsulation of a problem Americans are increasingly asking them to help solve: the barriers that have continued to hold Blacks back in the century-and-a-half since. The median Black family owns a little over 2% of the wealth owned by the median White family, according to the Institute for Policy Studies. The coronavirus pandemic seems to have further exacerbated that divide. From February through April, 41% of small businesses owned by Black people closed, but only 17% of those owned by White people closed, according to the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research. Black people constitute nearly 13% of the U.S. population, but made up 23% of all Covid-19 deaths as of June 3, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In May, the White unemployment rate went down from the month before, while Black unemployment actually ticked up. "In this moment, when many of these same companies have said they stand with their Black employees and they are horrified by the murder of George Floyd and so many other Black people, then it's also a moment to acknowledge the racism baked into the economy of this nation, and the conditions under which Blacks have had to live in order to build the country," said Laura Morgan Roberts, a professor at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and author of "Race, Work and Leadership: Positive Organizing in a Global Society." Altria, Nike and J.C. Penney are among those offering employees Juneteenth as a paid, companywide holiday. Google urged its employees to cancel all unnecessary meetings scheduled for the day. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said the House will remove the portraits of the four of her predecessors who were Confederates. Some states have deemed a state holiday, while others, such as New York, are pushing to add it. "I never would have thought I'd see this," said Wooten. She thought the establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday in 1983 was the only such commemoration she would experience in her lifetime, she said. As a symbol, though, Juneteenth is not yet being universally celebrated as a paid day off. Comcast and Walmart are among those that have not given their employees off for the holiday, though both have pledged resources towards tackling racial inequity. Not all companies are in a position to easily grant a holiday. Smaller organizations or those that are struggling may not have the ability to pause from work. For those in industries like grocery or manufacturing, a day off has bigger consequences, not all of them positive, for society. And without care, symbols can be quickly lost. Memorial Day is as often seen as a day for cookouts and beach visits as it is for taking a moment to commemorate those who died in active duty. Oreo owner Mondelez is calling the paid day off it's offering employees a "day of reflection," to address concerns it could otherwise be viewed as a three-day weekend, said Laurie Guzzinati, head of corporate and government affairs at the company. Mondelez is offering internal and external resources to help employees make the best use of this time. "What we heard from our colleagues is that they wanted to keep that day to give the space for reflection and learning," she said. Facebook is commemorating the holiday with a mandatory day of learning and is canceling all other corporate meetings, though not giving employees the day off. But the social media giant is also dealing with the reality that six years into diversity efforts, its workforce has gone from 3% Black to 3.8%. The company on Thursday announced it is committing $200 million to Black-owned businesses and organizations. It also committed to increasing the representation of people of color in the company's leadership positions by 30% over the next five years. "Juneteenth is the first marker post-national outrage we definitely would not see all of this attention [otherwise]," said Karen Boykin-Towns, senior counselor at communications firm Sard Verbinnen and vice chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors. "If this is a marker, six months from now, we should expect to hear of tangible actions from companies and governments that really look to address the systemic racism that plagues us." In six months, there will be a litany of questions investors, customers and employees can ask, including these, Boykin-Towns said: Has a company completed benchmarking of where it sits on diversity? Is it holding its managers accountable for improving those metrics? Does it have a chief diversity officer? If so, what kind of resources is the company providing them? Do they report to the board? Is a company reconsidering referral programs that can encourage "like hiring like"? Is it diversifying its suppliers? Darden's Roberts offered further questions: Has it addressed the wages and living conditions of those at the bottom of the economic ladder, knowing that raising the minimum wage would benefit Black Americans? Has it established oversight of the many donations companies have given following Floyd's killing at the hands of police? If the answers are unsatisfactory, customers have power, Roberts said. She noted that the 1955-56 Montgomery bus boycott, which was triggered by Rosa Parks and helped Martin Luther King Jr. emerge as a national leader, was a consumer-driven event. "If that hadn't cost the bus company money, they wouldn't have thought about integrating the buses," she said. Disclosure: Comcast is a parent company of CNBC. CNBC's Melissa Repko and Salvador Rodriguez contributed to this story From the Supreme Court's website: Equal Justice Under Law, these words written above the main entrance to the Supreme Court Building, express the ultimate responsibility of the Supreme Court of the United States. ... As the final arbiter of the law, the Court is charged with ensuring the American people the promise of equal justice under law and, thereby, also functions as guardian and interpreter of the Constitution. Guardian of the Constitution? Really? After Monday's colossal judicial fiasco in failing to act in any of ten Second Amendment cases, we have now been assured that the Court is not functioning as the guardian of the Constitution. The Court has made clear that it is not the least bit interested in being the founding document's guardian. It's not even interested in resolving differing interpretations of the Constitution with major splits among the Circuit Courts when it comes to the right to keep and bear arms. Instead of doing the hard work that it is tasked to do, the Court has decided to play in a popularity contest. While the Court grants only a small percentage of writs of certiorari (approximately 3%), Second Amendment challenges cry out for clarification and easily meet the criteria for the Court's review. You must realize, We The People, ourselves, are the guardians of the Constitution and Republic. ..... A Massachusetts man accused of sending racist and threatening emails to Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw this month will be jailed until trial because of a history of making alcohol-fueled threats against law enforcement and public officials, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. Peter Fratus, 39, of West Dennis, bowed his head and put his hands over his face as U.S. Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy announced his decision during a Zoom hearing. Hennessy said Fratus, who struggles with alcoholism, has repeatedly lashed out at people while under the influence, including in 2019, when he kicked two police officers at a store, screamed obscenities at them, and threatened to kill them, according to court documents. Fratus, who is white, was on probation in that incident on June 6, when he allegedly sent two emails laced with racial epithets to Outlaw, the first black woman to lead Philadelphias police department. Prosecutors have not said why he decided to email Outlaw. Hennessy called Fratus alleged messages offensive and disgusting, and said his history of similar behavior over a decade showed that releasing him before trial could allow him to continue drinking and threatening people. At some point in everyones life, we all have to be accountable [for] issues we need to deal with, Hennessy said. This defendant has a strong history in alcoholism that should point him in the direction he needs to go. In their motion arguing to keep him detained, prosecutors accused Fratus of menacing or violent behavior in seven instances dating to 2005, including leaving a racist voicemail for an African American congresswoman, leaving two racist voicemails at an Islamic cultural center, calling a Palestinian American businessman a terrorist, punching and kicking a man experiencing homelessness in Boston, beating up his African American girlfriend, and assaulting a transit worker who confronted him about not paying his train fare. Fratus attorney, Brendan Kelley, said Fratus had a difficult upbringing and has long struggled with alcoholism, acknowledging: When hes drunk, he says vile and disgusting things, and theres no excuse for that. Kelley asked Hennessy to consider house arrest paired with strict monitoring for alcohol consumption, a request the judge quickly denied. How do you monitor somebody at midnight, at 2 a.m., at 4 a.m., short of putting a probation officer in the house with a defendant to ensure he doesnt drink? Hennessy said. It was not immediately clear when Fratus was next due in court. He is expected to be transferred to the Philadelphia Federal Detention Center within the next few weeks. If he is convicted of sending threatening interstate communications, he faces a maximum prison sentence of five years. TROY, N.Y. Donnas Italian and American Restaurant was slated to hold its grand opening Thursday evening. Yet, at 5 p.m., a notice was posted by Code Enforcement and the Troy Fire Department, ordering the immediate closure of 207 Broadway. Owned by Vic Christopher, the building is better known as The Clark House, which encompasses Donnas (which replaces Pecks Arcade) The Grocery, as well as a second story cocktail bar, The Tavern. The Tavern is closed separately as part of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The closure, however, according to the mayors office, was related to building code violations and not the pandemic. On Wednesday, at the invitation of the owner, Code Enforcement and Troy Fire Department staff participated in a walk-through of several Clark House Hospitality-owned properties on Broadway in downtown Troy, Deputy Director of Public Information for the City of Troy John Salka said in a statement. During this visit, City staff witnessed a number of significant deficiencies and the buildings were ordered closed. Because a permit has not been issued, the building department has been working to obtain necessary documentation from the owner so permits can be issued. The work that has been proposed, and partially undertaken, require architectural and engineering design which has not been fully provided to the City. The City is responsible for protecting the safety of customers, employees, and adjacent properties, and is prepared to work with the property owner to resolve outstanding issues, Salka added. Salka also noted that they understand everyone who owns a business downtown is eager to reopen and that they want do everything they can to make sure people can have outdoor dining. Theyre waiving the fee for special event permits for people and businesses to be able to do outdoor seating and maximize the use of available space while simultaneously following state guidelines pertaining to the pandemic. According to Christopher, the four-story buildings upper floors are presently undergoing renovation and plans to reopen with socially distanced dining rooms in the future. Following the walk-through, according to Christopher, officials made their concerns known regarding an unfinished staircase on the buildings first floor. For his part, Christopher says hes willing to close the whole building to customers, as long as he can keep the kitchen open and provide outdoor dining for patrons. Christopher also provided his side of how negotiations transpired, during a press conference, Thursday night. The people that remain, this team that is working here today, the 21 very talented people, seven of them came back, gearing up for the reopening of our restaurant over here at 217 Broadway. Were doing a fantastic Italian menu and these kids were looking forward to today more than anything, Christopher remarked on the anticipated and short-lived grand opening. Alternately, about a month ago we announced plans to add dining space on the third floor of The Clark House building, this is a four-story building, built-in 1874. The building when we took it over was vacant for decades. The building was in a state of partial collapse. Weve been working for seven years to mitigate all of the issues in the building, to strengthen the building, to make it more safe, Christopher noted. The dining rooms that we were proposing were based on the idea of spacial distancing. We wanted to create a safe place for people. In the name of creating a safe environment, we had to do some structural enhancements, Christopher continued on the renovation efforts. Christopher then detailed the negotiation process with city officials. I wanted to work cooperatively, proactively with the City of Troy and the Troy Fire Department. I called a meeting, everybody got together, he said. They said wow you know you got a lot of wood in this building here, you gotta expand the sprinkler system to the whole building. I said, well hold on, we have an agreement with the fire department that as we take over space in the building, we expand the sprinkler system incrementally and that was our operating philosophy. But you know what? I said fine guys, well do it and I thought we had a deal and they reneged on the deal. We walked away in agreement and I find out a day later that those guys got together and came up with a plan to shut us down. Its non-negotiable, Christopher noted on what he thought was a deal. Additionally, Christopher expressed his willingness to be flexible in remaining open. I said guys, let us at least use the first floor, well block off access to the rest of the building. They said this is non-negotiable. I said, OK, there has to be some wiggle room here, its a negotiation. Let the staff work, let them serve people outside. They said absolutely not, you must close entirely, Christopher added. Lucas Confectionery, the adjacent wine bar at 12 Second St., which is also owned by Christopher, remains open but without access to a kitchen. Chennai, June 19 : DMK President M.K. Stalin on Friday asserted that his party stands firmly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in respect of protecting the integrity and sovereignty of India. At the all-party meeting called by Modi, through video conference, Stalin said: "We face a difficult situation today. On one hand, we are dealing with Covid-19, and, on the other, this Chinese aggression." He said the DMK has always stood in support, of the national interests, on all such occasions. "There are different parties here, with different ideologies. Nevertheless, we are all united, when it comes to patriotism, and in our hope, that our fellow citizens have a better future. "Therefore, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) stands firmly, with the Prime Minister, at this moment, in regard to any steps he must take to protect the integrity, and sovereignty of India. We will not retreat, when the battle cry is sounded. Let us go forth, as a country together, and restore, the pride of India," Stalin said. "We believe that India can overcome any challenge to her land and her citizens," he added. Stalin, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, recalled his party's support to the central government during the 1962 Indo-China War, the 1971, Indo-Pakistan War and the 1999 Kargil War as the party have always stood with the country, its citizens, and its Government. The DMK leader said his party have always worked to strengthen the hands of the Prime Ministers, be it Jawaharlal Nehru or Indira Gandhi or Atal Bihari Vajpayee. "Today, we have no hesitation in supporting the Prime Minister Thiru Narendra Modi, who has convened this all-party meeting," Stalin said. He said during the 1962 Indo-China War, the DMK was the first political party to condemn China. Recalling that during the 1962 Indo-China war, one of the first soldiers the country lost was Selvaraj from the state's Thoothukudi district, he said: "Today, nearly 58 years later, Tamil Nadu has sacrificed another son, Havildar Palani." He also welcomed Modi's statement that India will protect her self-respect, and every single inch of its territory, from any external aggression. Retailers are warning one of the country's largest landlords Scentre Group against playing hardball over rent abatements as they struggle to bounce back from the COVID-19 lockdown. About 90 per cent of stores in Westfield's centres are now open. Credit:Edwina Pickles A number of large retailers with stores leased at Scentre's Westfield shopping centres have told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald the company's leasing managers have been the hardest to negotiate with out of all the major landlords. One chief executive, who requested anonymity to avoid repercussions, said it was clear Scentre was setting a tough example. "Scentre has always had a reputation of being the hardest and toughest, and that's a reputation which is built by cracking a few eggs," they said. A spokeswoman for Scentre said it remained "focused on being fair and proportionate in our case-by-case discussions with our large retail partners". Ford is preparing to launch a hands-free driving feature on certain 2021 models, starting with its upcoming electric crossover, the Mustang Mach-E. Why it matters: The plug-in Mach-E is Ford's Tesla fighter, which means it needs assisted driving capability to compete with Tesla's Autopilot. Like the Tesla system, Ford's new Active Drive Assist has limitations. "You are always in charge and you must pay attention to the road ahead," Darren Palmer, Ford's global director for battery electric vehicles, told journalists this week. Details: Ford's hands-free driving system is actually more like GM's Super Cruise technology, now available on select Cadillacs. An infrared camera mounted on the dashboard keeps track of the driver's gaze and head position, even if the driver is wearing sunglasses or a face mask. (Tesla doesn't have a driver monitoring system, which is why GM's system gets higher marks from Consumer Reports.) Ford's technology will enable hands-free driving on more than 100,000 miles of divided highways in the U.S. and Canada, under the right circumstances. There is one way that Ford is copying Tesla, though: Buyers need to pay for the hardware upfront, because the software that enables the hands-free feature isn't ready yet and will have to be added later. Sammy J couldnt have chosen a better time to get a proper job. The ABC Radio Breakfast host had been self-employed as a comedian his entire career until landing the plum gig in January this year. That he was nervous to begin with is an understatement. Freud would have a field day, he says with a laugh. I wouldnt go as far as self-loathing but doubts about yourself come to the absolute fore in a job where every sentence you say has thousands of people listening and text messages in front of you telling you what they think every 10 seconds. That ties back to why I never thought it would be on my radar, didnt think it would work because of my personality type. Sammy J outside the ABC for his remote lunch. Credit:Simon Schluter For our lunch, conducted via Skype, he is perched on a bench outside the ABC building in Southbank. The sun is shining, the streets are ghostly quiet and the photographer has just finished shooting him. Spudbar has been delivered, a hangover of his many late nights editing at the same building a floor up for ABC Television. Today, its the Hawaiian baked potato with sour cream, corn, beetroot, cheese, spring onion and pineapple. A little cheeky part on top, business down below its filling, its wholesome. Taking on the Breakfast slot was a particularly public leap of faith; his biggest concern was feeling stupid. [That] day one Id be shown up as an idiot who didnt know where places were on the map. New Delhi: Delhi on Thursday (June 18, 2020) continued to scorch under stifling heat with the mercury crossing the 46 degrees Celsius-mark in some parts. The weather stations at Ayanagar recorded the maximum temperature at 46.4 degrees Celsius in the city. The Safdarjung Observatory, recorded a maximum of 43 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal and it would likely touch 44 degrees celsius on Friday. As per the weather department prediction, the temperature in Delhi will continue to rise by 1 or 2 degrees celsius in the coming days. On Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said monsoon is likely to reach the national capital by June 22-23, ahead of its scheduled three to four days earlier than the usual date of June 27. According to the IMD, the pace of monsoon is slow. However, it has already reached in most parts of the country and it will now arrive in Delhi-NCR. Talking about other states of the country - Bihar, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha and North Eastern states will receive heavy rainfall. Rainfall accompanied with thunderstorms is likely to be seen in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Western Uttar Pradesh and East Rajasthan. Meanwhile, East and West Rajasthan will continue to experience heatwave conditions. The Delhi High Court Friday asked the police to decide within three days the representation by an organisation for people from Biafra, a region in Nigeria, seeking permission to peacefully protest outside Uttar Pradesh (UP) Bhawan against alleged illegal detention of two Biafrans in that state. Justice Navin Chawla asked Delhi Police to consider the plea, seeking permission to protest, moved by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) which had claimed that the two Nigerian nationals were arrested by UP Police and have been illegally detained since September last year. Delhi government additional standing counsel Anuj Aggarwal, appearing for Delhi Police, said the court asked the agency to decide the representation within three days and disposed of IPOB's petition. The petition, filed through advocate Kamlesh Kumar Mishra and Kriti Kumari, had contended the two Nigerians have been "illegally" detained at Surajpur police lines, 49 battalion in Greater Noida district, for the last more than eight months without anyone, including lawyers, being allowed to meet them. It had also claimed that no information has been made available by UP police about the case against the two or the reasons for their arrest. To protest against the UP police action and the state government, the IPOB had sent a request to Delhi Police on June 16 for permission to hold a peaceful protest outside the UP Bhawan here on June 23 or any date after that, the plea had said. However, as no response was received by organisation from Delhi Police, it had moved the high court. China rejects US, G7 interference over Hong Kong Iran Press TV Thursday, 18 June 2020 7:20 AM China has strongly objected to interference by the United States and the Group of Seven (G7) in its internal affairs over matters related to Hong Kong. Senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi conveyed Beijing's opposition to foreign interference in Hong Kong-related issues at a high-level meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Hawaii on Thursday. "China resolutely opposes the words and deeds of the US side interfering in Hong Kong affairs and resolutely opposes the statement made by the G7 foreign ministers on Hong Kong-related issues," Yang said. In a joint statement on Wednesday, the G7 foreign ministers urged China to reconsider its decision to impose a national security law on Hong Kong, expressing "grave concerns" about the law. "The proposed national security law would risk seriously undermining the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle and the territory's high degree of autonomy," the statement read in part. The joint statement was issued by the foreign ministers of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, as well as the EU's High Representative. Last month, Beijing introduced a new national security law that is expected to criminalize sedition, secession, and subversion against the mainland. The law will also pave the way for Chinese national security institutions to operate in the city for the first time since 1997, when Hong Kong returned from British to Chinese rule. Protests erupted in Hong Kong after the law was proposed on May 22. The US has been holding up the law as a blow to Hong Kong's autonomy and civil liberties. This is while Hong Kong is subject to Chinese sovereignty. Proponents, however, believe the proposed legislation will return stability and leave political freedoms intact. Hong Kong was rocked by violent protests over another bill that would have reformed its extradition law last year. Rioters vandalized the city, destroying public and private property and attacking anyone deemed to be pro-government. Hong Kong dropped that bill, but the acts of violence continued. The Chinese government says the United States and Britain fanned the flames of unrest in Hong Kong by supporting the protesters. Hong Kong has been governed under the "one-country, two-system" model since the city a former British colony was returned to China in 1997. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Issue ultimatum to Beijing to vacate Galwan Valley territory: Amarinder urges Centre India pti-PTI Chandigarh, June 19: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday advocated "aggressive" steps to take back the Galwan Valley territory "seized by the Chinese", and urged the Centre to issue an ultimatum to Beijing "to vacate the occupied land immediately". His statement came even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi told an all-party meeting in Delhi on Friday that neither has anyone intruded into Indian territory nor has anyone taken over any post. Sonu Nigam calls out mafias in the music industry after Sushant Singh's demise| Oneindia News "Advocating aggressive steps to take back the Galwan Valley territory seized by the Chinese, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh urged the Government of India to issue an ultimatum to Beijing to vacate the occupied land immediately, with a clear warning that failure to do so would lead to serious consequences for them," an official statement said. While India would also have to suffer some consequences of such an act, it could no longer afford to allow such intrusions and attacks on its territorial integrity to continue, he said. Singh said that past experience showed that when faced with aggression, the Chinese have always backed off. "It is time to call their bluff." The Chinese, with their Salami tactics, had been nibbling into Indian territory piece by piece since 1962, said the chief minister in a statement here, demanding an end to these intrusions, claiming 60 years of diplomacy has failed to stop such Chinese activities. Questioning the so-called agreement which prevented the Indian troops from firing during the faceoff with the Chinese on Monday night, he asked, How can one have an agreement of this nature with a hostile neighbour? In any case, it was clear that the attack on Indian soldiers was a premeditated one by the Chinese, who had come prepared with their crude but deadly weapons, he said. By carrying nail-studded lathis and barbed-wire clubs and by attacking our troops they abrogated whatever agreement was in place. Why orders 'weren't given to fire at Chinese' in Galwan Valley, asks Capt Amarinder In the circumstances, the Indian soldiers had full right to retaliated by using their own weapons, he remarked. Singh said Colonel Santosh Babus death at the hands of the Chinese was an insult to the entire Indian Army. He said the Indian Army is well-trained and equipped with the best of weapons, and it has every right to use them when faced with such a brutal and treacherous attack. He recalled that during his term in the Army, armed soldiers were always strategically deployed whenever senior officers went for meetings with the other side, and were ready to jump in for a rescue operation, if needed. Why were soldiers not so deployed in this case? And if they were, why did they not use their weapons to rescue the officers and men under attack? he asked. If the situation is allowed to escalate further, then China, in collusion with Pakistan, would get further emboldened to encroach into more Indian territories, which had to be stopped at all costs, said the chief minister. On Thursday, he had asked, Why no orders to fire at the Chinese were given in the face of the brutal attack on Indian soldiers in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. Twenty soldiers including four from Punjab had died in the clash in Ladakh on Monday. Meanwhile, reacting to SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal's tweet accusing him of playing politics on the Galwan Valley issue, the CM said as an ex-Army man, he had every right to express his opinion. With 20 soldiers dead, no soldier, in fact no Indian, could remain unaffected, Singh said. Contrary to the misleading picture being projected by Sukhbir, Singh said that he, like every Indian, stood with the government of India at this critical hour. In his tweet, Sukhbir had said, Let us all resolve to stand with PM @narendramodi &Indian Army & support them in giving strong msg to China that #India won't allow transgressions on its borders. Also urge CM@ capt amarinder not to play politics & let our Generals take decisions on guarding our sovereignty (sic). In the ongoing recession, San Antonio is sticking with one of the industries it knows best: cybersecurity. The City Council this week approved a $4 million agreement with Port San Antonio that will allow the city to develop the Alamo Regional Security Operations Center. The 20,000 square-foot space that will serve as the cybersecurity hub for municipal government and city-related agencies. The center will be located at 938 Davy Crockett Road on the Ports Southwest Side campus. The ARSOC will be a cybersecurity information-sharing facility that initially will house experts from the city, CPS Energy, San Antonio Water System and VIA Metropolitan Transit, according to documents filed by the city. ARSOC itself represents a national example of a collaborative community working toward enhanced cybersecurity and critical infrastructure security and resiliency, said Will Garrett, vice president and director of cybersecurity development at the port. The integrated security operations center is effectively increasing our ability to provide cybersecurity services to the city and to the community as a whole. The center builds on efforts in recent years by the city to develop a high-wage cybersecurity industry in San Antonio. The city agreed to lease the space from Port San Antonio rent-free for 15 years, with a renewal option after five years. The city will chip in $1.2 million along with a $1.5 million contribution from CPS to design and build out the facility. Another $1.29 million in city funds will go toward purchasing furniture and equipment. Construction on the facility will be completed sometime in the first quarter of 2021, said Craig Hopkins, chief information officer for the city of San Antonio. What we want to become is a model urban cybersecurity center of excellence, Hopkins said, where we could reign municipal agencies together into one place physically, but also share data, share talent, share knowledge, train together, respond to events together, all in one community operations center. The ARSOC will cost $150,000 annually to operate, which will come out of the citys information technology services department budget. CPS will sublease space at the center from the city. This enhanced partnership and investment are being pursued to protect our customers and their information, utility officials said in a statement. It was already planned and will not take away from the activities and funding resources that we have allocated to help customers in need. The ARSOC is necessary to protect our critical infrastructure from cyber threats so that we can continue to deliver safe, affordable, reliable, and secure power to our customers, the company said. Cybersecurity attacks on municipalities became more frequent last year. More than 170 municipal entities were attacked in 2019, up 52 percent compared with 2018, according to antivirus software provider Kaspersky. Last fall, 22 Texas towns were hit in a coordinated ransomware attack by hackers, one of the largest attacks on municipal governments that the U.S. has seen. Ransomware is a type of malware that locks users out of their devices until they pay a ransom to regain access. Were constantly under attack from foreign nation states, internal organizations, and all youve got to do to put details together is look at the cities that have been ransomwared that alone is the primary threat that were trying to alleviate, Hopkins said. Smaller agencies: VIA, SAWS, the Bexar County Appraisal District, they dont even have cyber teams, or they have one person trying to figure out what to do, he said. So what weve got now is the ability to collaborate and share resources. Garrett said he expects that the center will eventually grow to serve communities across South Texas. Officials at the port have a mid-term goal of this becoming a resource to a much broader region of Central and Southwest Texas, Garrett said, so that other local municipalities, even within Bexar County, can plug into ARSOC, participate and get threat intelligence feeds, and protect their own municipalities and local governments in a more effective way. Port San Antonios 1,900-acre campus is home to more than 80 companies, military agencies and nonprofits, with a combined workforce of 14,000. The city is directing $75 million to job training programs to help workers who have lost their job learn skills and transition to a new career. Cybersecurity is one of the top industries that city leaders have said they want to train workers for. We absolutely expect this, from an economic development standpoint, to create wins down the road as it grows, Garrett said. diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net Since the March lows, the midstream sector of the oil and gas industry has recovered most of its losses. While the overall sector is still down for the year, the 19.5% year-to-date loss in the Alerian Midstream Energy Select Index (AMEI) is still better than all other major energy sector benchmarks. The latest research note from independent energy infrastructure and master limited partnership (MLP) market intelligence data provider Alerian discusses this years roller coaster in the midstream sector. The report notes that from December 31 to the low on March 18, the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index (AMZI) decreased 67.4%, slightly more than the 66.6% decline in the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI). Since March, several factors have helped drive the midstream recovery. The rebound in oil prices, aided by OPECs agreement to substantially curb oil output and then to extended those cuts was probably the most significant factor. But Alerian also identified constructive company updates before and during 1Q20 earnings season and resilient distributions from larger names as having likely supported performance. The federal funds rate cut to zero in March was also identified as a potential factor driving investors to seek higher income from the midstream sector. To position themselves to weather the potentially choppy waters ahead, more than half of the MLPs in the AMZI have cut distributions. This has boosted the coverage ratio of the index constituents from an average of 1.5x in Q4 2019 to 2.6X in Q1 2020. Thus far major MLPs like Enterprise Products Partners, Energy Transfer LP, Magellan Midstream, and MPLX LP have avoided announcing distribution cuts, but the coverage ratio for all of these names has decreased over the past year. If the coverage ratios continue to decline, expect to see more distribution cuts, especially for those names where leverage is increasing. Magellan Midstream and Energy Transfer are among those bucking the trend of increasing leverage and hence may find themselves better able to withstand the pressure to cut distributions. As noted previously, many midstream companies will first try to cope with falling revenues by cutting capital expenditures. Alerian writes that the average percent reduction in 2020 spending from each MLPs initial guidance to current guidance is -24.1%, while the constituents of the AMEI expect to reduce spending by an additional -22.5% over initial guidance for this year. This quarters financial results will likely be the worst in memory, but investors seem to have already taken those into account. Given the moves the midstream sector has made to shore up its financial metrics in this ongoing crisis, the sector continues to offer a compelling income proposition with less risk than most of the energy sector. By Robert Rapier More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: (Newser) Rep. Matt Gaetz caused quite a stir on Thursday when he tweeted a photo of him and a teenager, writing, "For all those wondering, this is my son Nestor. We share no blood but he is my life. He came from Cuba (legally, of course) six years ago and lives with me in Florida. I am so proud of him and raising him has been the best, most rewarding thing Ive done in my life." Gaetz made the revelation after a Wednesday hearing at the House Judiciary Committee on police reform during which Rep. Cedric Richmond sparred with Gaetz. "As a black male ... who has a black son, who has worries that you all dont, and to my colleagues, especially the ones that keep introducing amendments that are a tangent and a distraction from what were talking about, you all are white males," Richmond said. Gaetz says he was "triggered" when Richmond "diminished the contributions of Republicans because we dont raise non-white kids. Well, I have." story continues below Gaetz tells People he was dating Nestor's sister when the then-12-year-old arrived from Cuba, having just lost his mother to breast cancer, and Nestor has lived with him much of the time since then, though Gaetz never formally adopted him. Gaetz's revelation led to much mocking and "instantly became a copypasta meme," Mashable reports, with others sharing the post verbatim along with pictures of other amusing pairs. Gaetz's revelation also sparked accusations that he was trotting Nestor out for political reasons, though both Gaetz and Nestor himself say it was Nestor's choice, now that he's an adult (he just graduated from high school), to go public. The accusations also sparked support from the other side of the aisle, with Democrats including former Rep. Katie Hill standing up for Gaetz. "Many of you know @mattgaetz & I have an unlikely friendship," she tweeted. "He talks about Nestor more than anything, has done so much for his son & is truly a proud dad. This #freenestor thing is bulls---. Stop." Gaetz and Nestor appeared on Fox Thursday night. (Read more Matt Gaetz stories.) Era of the Best Dressed Protest How Three Men Are Helping Make a Suit the Symbol of Change The fight for racial equality must be heard. Amplify is our series devoted to elevating black voices and brands, spotlighting issues, and taking action. As we have all been sitting here the past few weeks, watching or participating in the Black Lives Matter marches across the country that have followed the violent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breona Taylor, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, and countless other men and women at the hands of police. But there was one event that stood out to me personally for its peaceful, positive, posh presence. It was a group mostly men dressed to the nines, walking from 125th Street in New York Citys Harlem neighborhood down Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard towards Central Park. RELATED: The Brands Speaking Out in Support of Racial Equality The march was organized by stylist Gabriel M. Garmon, with the help of Brandon Murphy and Harold Waight, to honor the life of George Floyd. The invitation, sent out via social media, suggested the men wear their best as a mark of respect to Floyd, whose funeral in Minneapolis coincided with the event. We wanted to honor him and our other lost brothers and sisters in a way that felt appropriate, Garmon told Vogue. With Juneteenth upon us, and another march organized by the gentleman taking place, this time in downtown Manhattan at City Hall, we wanted to ask Murphy (a man I am lucky enough to call a friend) how he feels after the widespread coverage of his well-dressed march, and how he plans on keeping the momentum of the movement alive. Christopher Tomas AskMen: Who were the organizers of the event? Brandon Murphy: Myself, [artist] Harold Waight, and [fashion stylist] Gabriel Garmon came together, initially, then we each called on other community leaders like [choreographer] Tiffany Rea-Fisher, Corey Ortega, and James Felton Keith. Was this your first experience participating in a peaceful protest? Definitely not. I feel like living as a black gay man is some form of protest every time I walk out of my door. When I was attending Morehouse College, my first experience protesting was against the execution of Troy Davis. A group of us hopped on a bus from Atlanta to Jackson, Georgia with members of the NAACP and held a demonstration in front of the prison Troy Davis was awaiting execution. It wasnt peaceful. Christopher Tomas How did this idea come about? My friends and I wanted to find a way to honor the death of the many black lives lost to reckless violence and police brutality including Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and his family on the day of his memorial, while creating a sense of unity within our community. Why was it important for the people participating to be dressed up? It was a sign of respect for the lives lost and a symbol of unity. The attire wasnt a requirement, it was just strongly recommended. The day of, there was a sea of people in suits. Black men with their sons wearing suits. Some men even brought extra suit jackets, shirts, and ties! It was an extremely moving and powerful experience. Christopher Tomas Were you concerned that a sea of suits might take away from your message at all? No, because it was a part of the message. Far too long, Black men have been labeled as thugs or a threat to society. Living in such an optically conscious society, image is everything. This was our way to show, we are not thugs, we are working professionals, we are doctors, lawyers, teachers, human beings. What was going through your mind as you were walking down the streets of Harlem, one of the most recognizable historically Black neighborhoods in the world? I was thinking about my family, my great grandparents, and ancestors that have fought the same fight we are still fighting today. Christopher Tomas Were you at any time nervous given the tension in the city at the time? Yes and no. Were dealing with two major viruses right now. Both seem to target the black and brown communities. The COVID-19 pandemic and the largest civil rights uprising ever. I feel like this isnt the time for nerves, this is the time to be brave and use your voice and actions for change. What would you say to others who are not only looking to organize but stand out when doing so? Do it in a way that feels right for you. There are many ways to organize and use your voice. The traditional method of marching, self-care, signing petitions, and emailing government leaders and even simply registering to vote. Christopher Tomas Do you have plans for another event? Yes, the work continues. On Friday, June 19 (Juneteenth) which is the day slavery ended in 1865, we are having a demonstration at New York City Hall. Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently? No, my team and I are extremely organized and work with our heart and good intentions. Christopher Tomas Do you have a personal story from that day you would like to share? A moment that will always sit with me, was holding a moment of silence on 96th street in front of Saint Francis De Sales church. Standing in front of thousands of men and women in suits getting a chance to look into their eyes and the uplifting energy we exchanged is an experience I will never forget. Is there anything else important you would want our readers to know? Register to vote. Christopher Tomas Follow Brandon Murphy, Gabriel M. Garmon, and Harold Waight to see more of the mens fierce fight for equality. All Images Credit: Christopher Tomas. #BlackLivesMatter You Might Also Dig: Several years ago, I was on vacation in Phuket, Thailand with my husband. Through our hotel, we signed up for a day cruise on a Thai junk. At one point we stopped at what the tour guide called a "Muslim Fishing Village." We took a smaller boat to the place, which was a rickety series of piers supporting houses and common areas where a group of Muslims lived. Their main sources of income were fishing and selling postcards and other goods to tourists on cruises like this one. We were quickly surrounded by young people selling postcards. Most, except for the very youngest, were girls. One in particular made an impression on me I will never forget. The slender girl was fully covered; her hair and neck were wrapped in a light, colorful silky cloth exposing only her face. She wore a loose tunic with long sleeves and long loose-fitting pants despite sweltering heat. She offered me her postcards, I smiled and said "no thank you." This was a challenge to her -- she kept looking in my eyes and offering her wares and I kept saying "No thank you," always politely and always with a smile. She kept on, trying to learn how to improve her selling skills. It was clear she was very bright, full of energy, and probably could sell her wares in 10 different languages. Some older women were silently keeping an eye on all the kids, including her. She had so much energy, intelligence, and initiative; in another world she would have a future. I looked around this dilapidated living space and again at her bright face and I could see her whole life. She would be one of those sullen, overweight older women minding the young girls. It broke my heart. A very smart friend once told me "all social problems do not have a solution," nonetheless, this girl filled my heart with sadness. I asked the tour guide where the boys were -- he pointed at an area on land nearby and there they all were. It was recess at the madrassa and the boys were playing in crisp, spotless white jackets with colorful trim and matching hats. This deepened my sadness for the little girl. I wondered if she ever got to play. I have thought of her at times and was recently reminded of her when I read about an American girl, a young woman who had been prevented from looting a cell phone store by the presence of some well-armed men. She was so outraged, she made a video of herself screaming at these men, that were "Ayrabs", "whom she denounces as not real Africans because they are from Morocco (she says)," The video has since been removed from YouTube, but can be found on Twitter. Her repertoire of vulgarity is limited but heartfelt, and she yelled her outrage at the top of her lungs at this barrier to her desires. Beth Baumann of Townhall transcribed parts of the rant, for instance: "They let these people come outside with they AK-47s. AK-47s to protect they stuff from black people. They ready to kill black people, the Arabs, the fake-a-- Ramadan m------------. They got M-16s, AK with they people's out here. Everything y'all. Look at this s---," she said, flipping the camera to a nearby store. "They got m----------- AKs out here and I'm going to get my cousin that's a police officer right now and ask him are they legally able to carry these m------------ guns like this." This comment suggests that this young woman is clearly uneducated. Frankly, she speaks what used to be called "pidgin English," and appears to be unfamiliar with grammar of any kind. The only expertise she shows at all is an apparent familiarity with weaponry. I didn't think she was funny, I just kept thinking of that young girl in Phuket. As I had before, I could see this Chicago girl's non-future clearly. Where is she going to get a job with a future? When is she going to be respected for anything other than her body? She is old enough to be a high-school graduate, but doesn't know how to put a sentence together and doesn't know that Morocco is part of Africa. It's already over. My heart breaks for her. One similarity between these two girls is that neither one of them know it's over. The big difference between these two girls is that in America there are solutions to the social problem of prematurely wasted lives. In her rant, the Chicago girl refers to a cousin in the police force -- he figured out how to escape. Could her family not build upon his success? I have worked with many accomplished black women in Chicago -- it is possible. I know it is. This makes it all the more heartbreaking. The country is being turned upside down by racial carpetbaggers raving over black people being shot by police. Untold numbers more are being abandoned to a short and futile life, far more likely to die at the hand of fellow community members. As deeply tragic as these deaths are, they pale next to watching the flower of black youth being left to rot on the vine. Important message from the Chair and CEO of Popli Khalatbari Charitable Foundation 06/19/20 Source: The Popli Khalatbari Charitable Foundation We hope that you and your families are keeping well during these uncertain times. We write to you to update you on our activities. With so many facing great anxiety and hardship, the Foundation has felt the need to respond immediately to the needs of those most unduly affected, while preserving our commitment to existing projects. Since we last wrote to you in March, your generous support has meant that PKCF has been able to do the following: Food and Sanitation Packages, Iran (see here) Our representatives in Iran are distributing monthly packages of essential food and sanitary items to families below the poverty line across five provinces. To date our packages have reached 642 families. Oxygen Producing Unit for Talaghani Hospital, Tehran (see here) In collaboration with Nikan Mammut Charity, our NGO partner in Iran, we purchased an Oxygen Production Unit for Taleghani Hospital, a key COVID-19 treatment centre in Tehran. Donations to UK initiatives We have contributed towards three UK fundraising initiatives: - Hammersmith Food Bank supporting communities in West London - Feed the NHS providing meals for critical care staff - Masks for NHS Heroes providing PPE for healthcare workers Going Forward The Foundation continues to run 12 key projects focused on the welfare and education of children (for details please see our updated website). Our work is only possible through donations. Each June we hold a large annual fundraising evening attended by over 500 supporters. Unfortunately, our 2020 event cannot take place due to the pandemic, resulting in a significant loss of earnings. Yet the need remains for us to continue our work with vulnerable children. To this end, we are appealing to you directly for your support. If you would like to donate, please use this link. Every single donation, regardless of size, will enable us to reach out to vulnerable children and have a positive impact on their health, education, and prosperity. We look forward to better days ahead, and to our next event when we can see each other and thank you in person for your generosity. In the meantime, we remain extremely grateful for all your support over the years. Your donations have an incredibly significant impact on the lives of the children and families PKCF supports. We wish you all good health and hope that before long we will emerge from this period with renewed hope and optimism. Mahnaz Larizadeh Chair of the Board of Trustees Diana Khalatbari Founder & CEO About The Popli Khalatbari Charitable Foundation: Our mission is to bring hope and light to disadvantaged children and young persons through the provision of education, vocational training, healthcare, homes, food and water. We aim to provide the youth the opportunity to build bright, promising futures for themselves, their families and their communities. Youth in Iran are at the heart of our mission. PKCF was launched in 1998 by the family and friends of the late Popli Khalatbari, who wished to honour her memory by distributing the funds from her estate in a manner befitting of the spirit with which she had led her life. Over the years, with the generosity and encouragement of friends and strangers, PKCF has grown from a small gesture of goodwill to a giant force of compassion and optimism that has made an impact to those in need. (read more) www.pkcf.com info@pkcf.com 1st Floor - Office 312 239 Kensington High Street London W8 6SN - United Kingdom Tel: 020 7559 1330 - Fax: 020 7559 1328 Facebook: www.facebook.com/poplikcf/ Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 20:17:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KABUL, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Seventeen Taliban militants were killed and one militant was wounded in two Afghan provinces during Thursday night, the command of Afghan Special Forces confirmed on Friday. A batch of Taliban militants stormed security checkpoints in Mianshin district of southern Kandahar province. In return, the Afghan National Army (ANA) service members pounded Taliban positions with heavy gun shelling, killing 13 enemies and injuring one other, the ANA Special Operations Corps said in a statement. In eastern Paktika province, four militants were killed after an airstrike targeted them in Sar Hawza district, the statement said, adding the strike was conducted on an accurate intelligence tip. The statement did not say whether the airstrike was launched by NATO-led coalition forces or the Afghan Air Force. Taliban militant group has not responded to the report so far. The fresh clashes raised questions about a peace deal inked between the United States and Taliban in Qatar in February, which paved the way for a phased U.S. force withdrawal. According to the agreement, the U.S. and NATO forces will withdraw from Afghanistan by July next year. Presently, more than 10,000 foreign forces, including some 8,600 Americans, are serving in Afghanistan to train and assist local security forces in their fight against the insurgents. Enditem Three days after Davinder Singh, alias Damni, son of a Congress leader, allegedly fired at his 22-year-old friend in an inebriated condition, Sohana police arrested him on Thursday evening. The accused was produced before a local court on Friday and sent to one-day remand. Davinder was also sampled for Covid-19. The report is awaited. A resident of Manauli village, Davinder is the son of Congress leader and block samiti member Gurdeep Singh. Sub-inspector Barma Singh said, Davinder was arrested from Manauli village when he was planning to flee. We sought his remand to investigate the cause behind the firing. On June 16, Davinder and his friend Jagdeep were travelling in the formers car on the Airport Road. Davinder stopped the car and started arguing with Jagdeep over an issue. He fired two bullets at Jagdeeps back and chest with his fathers licensed 12-bore gun, leaving his friend seriously injured. Jagdeep was admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh. The weapon has already been recovered by the police Davinder is facing a case of attempt to murder, registered at the Sohana police station. Australia's conservative government announced plans Friday to double university fees for humanities students, in a bid to push people into more useful, "job-relevant" courses like maths and science. Under the proposalwhich critics panned as an "ideological assault"the cost of degrees like history or cultural studies will rise up to 113 percent to around US$29,000, while other courses such as nursing and information technology will become cheaper. Education Minister Dan Tehanan arts graduate with two advanced degrees in international relationssaid the government wanted to corral young people towards "jobs of the future" to boost the country's economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. "If you are wanting to do philosophy, which will be great for your critical thinking, also think about doing IT," Tehan said. The plan would help pay for an additional 39,000 university places by 2023 and for cost cuts for courses like science, agriculture, maths and languages. But critics slammed the plans as "unconscionable" and part of a broader "culture war" that puts economic utility above learning. "I'm an arts graduate and so is the minister for education so I'm not sure you can draw the conclusion that we're completely unemployable," said opposition lawmaker Tanya Plibersek. "People aren't dumb, they don't want to get thousands of dollars into debt without the prospect of a job." Australian university students do not have to pay upfront for their studies. Most use government loans to access courses and then are taxed at a higher rate to repay their debt. Australian Academy of the Humanities president Joy Damousi said the reason for targeting the field was unfathomable. "There is a clear disconnect in the government's thinking around the issue of qualifications and employment," Damousi said, indicating that employers want graduates who can think critically. The National Union of Students said the plan gave students a "debt sentence". "Future students do not deserve to bear the brunt of this government's ideological assault against higher-education," it said. The announcement is the latest shake-up to a sector already reeling from the impact of the coronavirus. Education is Australia's third-largest exportbehind only iron ore and coalwith more than 500,000 international students enrolled last year, bringing about US$22 billion into the economy. Border closures have blocked around 20 percent of this year's international students, Tehan said. 2020 AFP Stephen Lecce froze, stayed stuck, and eventually vanished. Ontarios minister of education was speaking on Facebook via Zoom and then he wasnt, though YouTube still worked. Consider it a tribute to the glitches of e-learning, if nothing else. Look, were going to need to get kids back into schools. Maybe not every child, but most of them. Parents juggling work and homework during the pandemic have been fried. Children have been affected, especially only children, younger children, children with special needs. There are so many complex long-tail consequences to this pandemic: medical, economic, psychological, educational. Schools might be both terribly complex, and the easiest one to fix. I strongly believe children need to return to school in September, not as a mandated thing, but by September it will be six months since the shutdown, says Dr. Nisha Thampi, a pediatric infectious disease consultant and assistant professor at the University of Ottawa. And weve seen an astronomical increase in our health consults. Were seeing children who didnt have previously identified developmental needs now manifesting those; and medically complex children, who have historically been marginalized, need more than ever. On Wednesday, Sick Kids released its recommendations for children returning to school in September; by Thursday it had attracted criticism, suggestion, derision, and some praise. This is entirely pediatricians writing about a school decision, and what the document screams out is theres no expertise in this document related to the health of people who arent children, says Dr. David Fisman, epidemiologist at the University of Toronto. Theres this fetishization of creating a sense of normality for children which is completely mismatched to this moment. Its a start, said Dr. Thampi. And a very helpful start. Its a skeletal examination of it. And not terribly well thought out, says Dr. Abdu Sharkawy, an infectious disease specialist and ICU doctor at Toronto Western Hospital. Erring too much on the side of freedom and complacency is dangerous, knowing that the influenza season is predictable, and its going to happen, and we know the risk that poses. I think people are going to be willing to accept some amount of inconvenience if it means other people wont be at risk. At its heart, this is about balancing risk. Children suffer the disease at a much lower level; research indicates that below the age of nine or 10 they are less likely to contract it, though Fisman has data showing that children under 10 had the highest test positivity rate in Ontario over the last month. And there are still grey areas as to how much children transmit the disease; that is the key. Israel had school outbreaks; Finland and Norway and many other countries didnt. In Canada, British Columbia didnt see any outbreaks from returning to school, but only 35 per cent of children between kindergarten to Grade 5 returned, and only 16 per cent from Grade 6 to Grade 12. Quebec opened schools with strict restrictions, and didnt see a surge. Its the most important thing. Because if almost all kids can contract COVID-19 with little chance of serious illness or passing it to adults, school can become a pillar of relative normalcy, cant it? Maybe they could even play together, the way kids are supposed to. Dr. Michael Silverman is the chair of infectious diseases at Westerns Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, and is a co-author of an as-yet unpublished paper arguing for children to return to school as quickly as possible. He believes the data shows kids dont transmit the disease enough to outweigh everything else. We havent had a single child die in Canada. So its not the risk to the children, its the risk to other people, says Dr. Silverman. And theres no evidence the kids are a risk to other people. I think schools should be open in the summer, because everyone thinks there will be a second wave (in the fall), and itll be like Beijing, where theyre closing the schools now. This is the one window to get them some education where we think it will be quiet for a while. All the data is that preschool and early childhood education, the first three grades, JK and SK, has major impacts on how likely they are to eventually get a job, how much money theyre going to earn, are they going to get depressed, are they going to get high blood pressure and diabetes? All these things are impacted by access to this. If you hurt someones business, you can bail them out. If you hurt someones cognitive development, the government cant fix it. But Sam Hammond, the president of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, says summer school hasnt come up as far as he knows. Based on where we are now, and whats being recommended in terms of personal protective equipment, we have expectations that that would be in place, even if its on a voluntary basis, says Hammond. I actually think thats the smart way to go, to leave the reopening until September, until the fall. So thats one piece. Children being taught not to fear other children might be another. Maybe teachers with underlying conditions do e-learning with the kids whose parents keep them home. Maybe kids only go a few days a week, so they can socially distance inside. This government has not been kind to education: it rewound to a retrograde sex-ed curriculum, before relenting, and pushed the teachers into strikes that were only solved under the pressure of the pandemic. It has been laudably cautious on schools, but that was the easy part. The real lesson of the Sick Kids report is we need pediatricians, but also infectious disease specialists, teachers, educators, and more. Special needs children need more funding, and help. Teachers need more support. Even if you start by being more cautious than Sick Kids allows, you can loosen that as time goes on. It takes a village, right? The province needs to listen to more than one hospital. This is a must-do, cant-fail, says Dr. Thampi. Children havent been driving this pandemic, and they shouldnt be bearing its consequences. Our children need help, and parents need help, and e-learning is a joke. Time for the province to do this right. Read more about: == RESENDING WITH FULL SHOTLIST == VIDEO SHOWS: PEP GUARDIOLA PRESS CONFERENCE SHOWS: MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (JUNE 19, 2020) (CITYTV - ACCESS ALL) 1. (SOUNDBITE) (English) MANCHESTER CITY MANAGER, PEP GUARDIOLA, SAYING: "Leroy (Sane) has said, Leroy, what the club said to me, reject to extend the contract. I think everybody knows, and if at the end of this season arrive at agreement with both clubs he's going to leave, if not he's going to stay one more year, he's going to leave at the end of the contract." 2. WHITE FLASH 3. (SOUNDBITE) (English) MANCHESTER CITY MANAGER, PEP GUARDIOLA, SAYING: "Leroy said he doesn't want to extend the contract next season, so it means he wants to leave and it's going to happen this summer or at the end of the contract. So the club said to me they offered two or three times to extend his contract, he rejected, so he wants to play with another club." 4. WHITE FLASH 5. (SOUNDBITE) (English) MANCHESTER CITY MANAGER, PEP GUARDIOLA, SAYING: "I'm so disappointed, of course when we make an offer to players it's because we want him. He's a young player with incredible quality, special quality that is difficult to find all over the world. "But we tried before the injury, we tried before he went to surgery and after that he rejected, so he has other wishes and I understand. "I said many times, we want players who want to play with this club, who want to play with us, who want to fully commit to try to achieve our targets. But of course we respect him, he's an incredibly nice guy, we love him, I love him so much, he's so dedicated, he's a nice family, I have nothing against, just he decide he wants to make another adventure for his career and he doesn't want to stay. So when this happened we are going to focus an help him until the last day he's here, and we're going to count for the players who stay here." STORY: Manchester City's Germany winger Leroy Sane has turned down the offer of a contract extension and will leave the club, manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday (June 19). Story continues "Leroy said he doesn't want to extend the contract next season. "The club said to me they offered two or three times to extend his contract, he rejected, so he wants to play with another club," Guardiola told a news conference ahead of Monday's game with Burnley in the Premier League. Sane's contract runs out at the end of next season. Guardiola said he had wanted Sane to stay but the player wants to make a fresh start. "When we make an offer to players it's because we want him. He's a young player with incredible quality, special quality that is difficult to find all over the world," said the Spaniard. "He's an incredibly nice guy, we love him, I love him so much, he's so dedicated, he's a nice family, I have nothing against, just he decide he wants to make another adventure for his career and he doesn't want to stay," he added. (Production: Andy Ragg) Advertisement Britain today announced 173 more coronavirus deaths including a 12-year-old, as government scientists confirmed the outbreak is in retreat with the number of new cases shrinking by 4 per cent each day and the crucial R rate remaining below the dreaded level of one. Number 10's scientific advisory panel SAGE revealed the reproduction rate - the average number of people each Covid-19 patient infects - is still between 0.7 and 0.9, meaning the coronavirus is firmly in retreat after terrorizing Britain for months. It must stay below one or Britain will face another crisis. Separate data released for the first time today also claimed the UK's current growth rate - how the number of new daily cases is changing day-by-day - could be as low as minus 4 per cent. If the rate becomes greater than zero, the disease could once again spiral out of control. Department of Health officials say the death toll now stands at 42,461. But the tally only includes lab-confirmed patients unlike other damning figures that take into account all suspected deaths and show the actual number of victims has already topped 50,000. The number of daily Covid-19 victims announced today represents a 14 per cent drop on the 202 recorded this time last week and is the lowest figure recorded on a Friday since March 20, three days before the draconian lockdown was imposed to halt the spread of the disease. Nicola Sturgeon today claimed the coronavirus was 'firmly in retreat' and Boris Johnson hinted at an imminent shift on the strict two-metre social distancing rule, after the UK's Covid-19 threat level was dramatically reduced from four to three. And the chief executive of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust - England's largest hospital organisation - revealed there are no Covid-19 patients in its intensive care for the first time since the pandemic began, adding that coronavirus-infected Brits 'don't seem as sick as they were'. In other developments to Britain's coronavirus crisis today: Covid-19 is killing black men at triple the rate of white males in the UK and Muslims are twice as likely to fall victim to the disease as non-religious Britons, official data revealed; A third meat factory reported a coronavirus outbreak and was forced to shut down - as experts warned that chilled environments are ideal for the virus to thrive; Britain's retailers are still struggling through the coronavirus pandemic despite a much-needed 12 per cent boost in sales last month, compared with the record lows in April; UK debt is bigger than GDP for the first time in almost 60 years as the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on the economy, with the government forced to borrow 55.2billion in May; Apple hit back at Matt Hancock over claims its tracing app can't detect distances and said the government hasn't asked to work together after the NHS software was humiliatingly scrapped; UK society has 'regressed to a 1950s way of living' for many women because the Covid-19 pandemic has worsened gender inequality and left women with more childcare, Sussex University experts warned. Number 10's scientific advisory panel SAGE revealed the reproduction rate - the average number of people each Covid-19 patient infects - is still between 0.7 and 0.9, meaning the coronavirus is firmly in retreat after terrorizing Britain for months. It must stay below one or Britain will face another crisis. Separate data released for the first time today also claimed the UK's current growth rate - how the number of new daily cases is changing day-by-day - could be as low as minus 4 per cent. If the rate becomes greater than zero, the disease could once again spiral out of control HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE REALLY DIED? Department of Health: 42,461 Department of Health's latest death count for all settings stands at 42,461. The daily data does not represent how many Covid-19 patients died within the last 24 hours it is only how many fatalities have been reported and registered with the authorities. It also only takes into account patients who tested positive for the virus, as opposed to deaths suspected to be down to the coronavirus. Individual health bodies: 32,710 The Department of Health has a different time cut-off for reporting deaths, meaning daily updates from Scotland as well as Northern Ireland are always out of sync. Wales is not affected, however. NHS England today revealed it has registered 28,221 lab-confirmed deaths across the country. But the figure only applies to hospitals meaning fatalities in care homes are excluded from this count. Scotland has recorded 2,470 coronavirus deaths among patients who have tested positive for the virus, followed by 1,475 in Wales and 544 in Northern Ireland. These tolls include fatalities in all settings. National statistical bodies: 52,664 Data compiled by the statistical bodies of each of the home nations show 52,664 people died of either confirmed or suspected Covid-19 across the UK by the end of May. The real number of victims will be even higher because the tally only takes into account deaths that occurred up until June 7 in Scotland and June 5 in the rest of Britain, meaning it is up to 10 days out of date. The Office for National Statistics yesterday confirmed that 47,820 people in England and Wales died with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 by May 29. The number of coronavirus deaths was 774 by the same day in Northern Ireland, according to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). National Records Scotland which collects statistics north of the border said 4,070 people had died across the country by June 7. Their tallies are always 10 days behind the Department of Health (DH) because they wait until as many fatalities as possible for each date have been counted, to avoid having to revise their statistics. Excess deaths: 64,402 The total number of excess deaths has now passed 64,000. 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. Data from England and Wales shows there has been an extra 58,693 deaths between March 21 and June 5, as well as 4,769 in Scotland between March 23 and June 7 and 940 in Northern Ireland between March 21 and June 5. Advertisement Government scientists published growth rate data for the first time today. Until now, SAGE had only provided details on the R rate - the average number of people an infected person is likely to pass the virus on to. For the UK as a whole, the current growth rate is minus 4 per cent to minus 2 per cent and the estimate of the reproduction number, referred to as R, remains at 0.7 to 0.9. The growth rate reflects how quickly the number of infections is changing day by day, and, as the number of infections decreases, is another way of keeping track of the virus. If the growth rate is greater than zero, and therefore positive, then the disease will grow, and if the growth rate is less than zero, then the disease will shrink. It is an approximation of the change in the number of infections each day, and the size of the growth rate indicates the speed of change. It takes into account various data sources, including government-run Covid-19 surveillance testing schemes. For example, a growth rate of 5 per cent is faster than a growth rate of 1 per cent, while a disease with a growth rate of minus 4 per cent will be shrinking faster than a disease with growth rate of minus 1 per cent. R estimates - which are at least three weeks behind - do not indicate how quickly an epidemic is changing and different diseases with the same R can result in epidemics that grow at very different speeds. Growth rates provide different information from R estimates, by suggesting the size and speed of change, whereas the R value only gives data on the direction of change. To calculate R, information on the time it takes for one set of people in an infected group to infect a new set of people in the next group is needed. However, the growth rate is estimated using a range of data similar to R, but it does not depend on the 'generation time' and so requires fewer assumptions to estimate. Neither measure - R or growth rate - is better than the other but each provides information that is useful in monitoring the spread of a disease. Experts say each should be considered alongside other measures of the spread of disease. For the NHS England region, the R value is 0.7 to 0.9, and the growth. Last week, the South West of England had the highest R value range at 0.8 to 1.1, while the East of England had the lowest at 0.7 to 0.9. But the new estimates say London, the Midlands, the North West and the South East have R values of 0.8 to 1.0, and the North East and Yorkshire are at 0.7 to 1.0. Figures this week show the R value in the South West has dropped below 1.0, meaning it no longer has the highest value. Professor Keith Neal, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Nottingham, said: 'It is good that R remains below 1 and that the growth rate is negative. As the number of cases falls everybodys risk falls.' But he added that it remains unclear how many cases included in these calculations are acquired in either care homes or hospitals - surveillance sampling carried out by the Office for National Statistics published yesterday suggested 3,800 people were being struck down with the virus in the community in England. Department of Health data released this afternoon showed that 169,600 tests were carried out yesterday, a figure that included antibody tests for frontline NHS and care workers. But bosses again refused to say how many people were tested, meaning the exact number of Brits who have been swabbed for the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been a mystery since May 22. Another 1,346 cases were diagnosed, taking the official size of the outbreak to 301,815 infections. But the true scale of the crisis is estimated to be in the millions. Separate data released by the ONS today found the risk of dying from the virus was twice as high among Muslim Britons compared to non-religious people Figures show the Covid-19 death rate among black men was 255.7 per 100,000 people between March 2 and May 15, the highest of any ethnicity. The mortality rate was lowest for white men during the same time period, at 87 deaths per 100,000 people, according to the Office for National Statistics WHAT IS THE GROWTH RATE AND R RATE ACROSS ENGLAND? AREA ENGLAND WALES SCOTLAND N IRELAND UK --- EAST LONDON MIDLANDS NORTH EAST NORTH WEST SOUTH EAST SOUTH WEST R RATE 0.7-0.9 0.7-01.0 0.6-0.8 0.5-0.9 0.7-0.9 --- 0.7-0.9 0.7-1.0 0.8-1.0 0.7-0.9 0.7-1.0 0.7-0.9 0.6-0.9 GROWTH RATE -4% to -1% NOT GIVEN NOT GIVEN NOT GIVEN -4% to -2% --- -6% to -1% -5% to +1% -4% to 0% -5% to -1% -4% to 0% -5% to -1% -6% to 0% Advertisement The daily death data does not represent how many Covid-19 patients died within the last 24 hours it is only how many fatalities have been reported and registered with the authorities. The data does not always match updates provided by the home nations. For example, the Scottish government yesterday announced two deaths but the DH recorded nine north of the border. The Department of Health has a different time cut-off, meaning daily updates from Scotland as well as Northern Ireland are always out of sync. Wales is not thought to be affected. NHS England today announced 46 victims in hospitals. Scotland posted six fatalities in all settings, followed by four in Wales and one in Northern Ireland, which ended its two-day spell without any deaths. The figures come as Nicola Sturgeon said today the virus was firmly in retreat in Scotland, as the nation moved into the second phase of a four-step plan for easing restrictions. The changes allow people who live alone or solely with under-18s to meet another household indoors without physical distancing in an 'extended household group arrangement'. People can also now meet in larger groups outside, and other changes allow greater freedom for those who are shielding. WHAT IS THE R NUMBER? AND HOW IS IT CALCULATED? WHAT IS R0? Every infectious disease is given a reproduction number, which is known as R0 - pronounced 'R nought'. It is a value that represents how many people one sick person will, on average, infect. WHAT IS THE R0 FOR COVID-19? The R0 value for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, was estimated by the Imperial College COVID-19 Response Team to be 2.4 in the UK before lockdown started. But some experts analysing outbreaks across the world have estimated it could be closer to the 6.6 mark. Estimates of the R0 vary because the true size of the pandemic remains a mystery, and how fast the virus spreads depends on the environment. It will spread faster in a densely-populated city where people travel on the subway than it will in a rural community where people drive everywhere. HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO OTHER VIRUSES? It is thought to be at least three times more contagious than the coronavirus that causes MERS (0.3 - 0.8). Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases, and has an R0 value of 12 to 18 if left uncontrolled. Widespread vaccination keeps it suppressed in most developed countries. Chickenpox's R0 is estimated to be between 10 and 12, while seasonal flu has a value of around 1.5. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A LOW R0? The higher the R0 value, the harder it is for health officials control the spread of the disease. A number lower than one means the outbreak will run out of steam and be forced to an end. This is because the infectious disease will quickly run out of new victims to strike. HOW IS IT CALCULATED? Experts use multiple sources to get this information, including NHS hospital admissions, death figures and behavioural contact surveys which ask people how much contact they are having with others. Using mathematical modelling, scientists are then able to calculate the virus' spread. But a lag in the time it takes for coronavirus patients to fall unwell and die mean R predictions are always roughly three weeks behind. Advertisement Speaking at the Scottish Government's coronavirus briefing in Edinburgh, Ms Sturgeon stressed the 'virus hasn't gone away' but added: 'There is no doubt the virus in Scotland is now firmly in retreat. 'That is why the changes to the rules and the guidance I announced yesterday, though significant, were also careful, because we know we have to keep the virus in retreat. 'If we all keep doing the right thing, I am more optimistic than I have been in a long time that we are now firmly on the track to getting normality back into our lives.' In other promising developments, the UK's coronavirus threat level was today dramatically reduced from four to three - as the Prime Minister hinted at an imminent shift on the two-metre rule. After weeks in which the alert was maintained despite Number 10 starting to ease lockdown, the Joint Biosecurity Centre concluded that transmission is no longer 'high or rising exponentially'. The move was approved by the chief medical officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - and it was hailed by Health Secretary Matt Hancock as a 'big moment' that showed the 'government's plan is working'. The reduction paves the way for relaxing draconian social distancing curbs that are strangling the economy. Tories have been demanding the two-metre rule is loosened immediately, warning that schools and the hospitality sector cannot function while it remains. Asked on a visit to a primary in Hemel Hempstead whether the restriction will be eased, Mr Johnson said: 'Watch this space.' He said it was 'absolutely' his intention to get all pupils back full-time by September. Mr Johnson faced a backlash at the end of last month when he announced tweaks to lockdown, before it emerged that the alert had not been changed from level four - which according to the government's own definition requires 'current social distancing measures and restrictions' to stay in place. England's chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, was rumoured to have stood in the way of the move, although there is also thought to have been resistance from his counterparts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It comes as the Health Secretary today faced a fresh storm over the failed NHS contact tracing app after it emerged the government pumped more than 11million into the failed project. Government transparency information showed at least 11 contracts have been awarded to private firms for work on the project, worth a total of 11,297,811. It is not clear how much of the money has been paid out, or whether any can be clawed back. Evidence of the costs - which ministers have refused to give up to now - emerged after Mr Hancock humiliatingly admitted last night that the NHSX app was being abandoned. The software, originally promised for mid-May and touted as crucial for ending lockdown, was unable to spot 25 per cent of nearby Android users and a staggering 96 per cent of iPhones in a trial on the Isle of Wight. Meanwhile, the Apple and Google technology can spot 99 per cent of close contacts using any type of smartphone but Mr Hancock said it cannot reliably tell how far away they are. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) The Hague, Netherlands Fri, June 19, 2020 07:03 582 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdffb734 2 Art & Culture Van-Gogh-Museum,Vincent-Van-Gogh,auction,letter,Paul-Gauguin Free Amsterdam's famous Van Gogh museum said Wednesday it was the buyer of a rare letter by the 19th-century master, the day after it purchased the document for 210,600 euros (US$236,000) at a sale by Aristophil Collections at the Drouot auction house in Paris. "The museum considers the letter to be the most significant document written by (Vincent) Van Gogh that was still in private hands," it said in a statement. In the letter, written and signed jointly with Paul Gauguin in 1888, the two artists talk of their brothel visits and engage in mutual admiration. "This is the only letter that Van Gogh ever wrote together with another artist," the museum statement added. The letter, which mentions how they wanted to revive modern art and set up an "association of painters", is addressed from Arles to their painter friend Emile Bernard and dated November 1/2, 1888, less than two years before Van Gogh died. Gauguin arrived in Arles, where Van Gogh was living, on October 23, 1888, and the two spent several stormy months painting together. It was during the fateful visit that Van Gogh lost his ear, presenting it to a brothel maid. The incident effectively ended his often strained relationship with Gauguin. The Van Gogh Museum is home to a huge collection of paintings by the post-impressionist master. Its 3,000 pieces also include works by Dutch abstract master Piet Mondrian and Dutch-Indonesian painter Jan Toorop, as well as a casting of "The Thinker" by Auguste Rodin. The museum reopened on June 1 after shutting down for 11 weeks under the Netherlands' coronavirus lockdown. Mumbai, June 19 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and ruling ally Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar on Friday offered the state's full support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the ongoing face-off with China, official sources said. The commitment by Thackeray, the Shiv Sena supremo, and Pawar came during the PM's video-conference interaction with various political parties this evening. "We are strong and united. This message must be conveyed to China. Maharashtra government is fully behind you and the soldiers at the borders," Thackeray said. The CM pointed out how a wrong impression is sought to be conveyed that India is weaker compared to China, "but that's an old story... Now, we are also well-equipped in all respects, but are in no hurry to attack anybody". "We shall always stress on communication and discussion, but if anybody attempts to take advantage of it, then we must show them our strength," Thackeray urged. Pawar - a former Defence Minister- said the Chinese People's Liberation Army's occupation of the high ground in Galwan Valley is essentially with the specific objective of dominating the Dubruk-DBO Road on the Indian side. "Chinese troops can, at any time, decide to force closure of this road which would be at heavy military cost to India, and DBO is also important as it further links to Karakoram Pass and on the left side the Siachen Glacier," Pawar said. Offering his expertise, Pawar said: "The PLA must be evacuated from occupying high ground in Galwan Valley on the Indian side. If we want the PLA to evacuate from Galwan, compulsory measures are required. It would be advisable to strategise using diplomatic channels to diffuse tension on the border and make China see reason." The United Auto Workers (UAW), working in conjunction with Ford, GM and other automakers, has called on factory workers and other union members to stand down for eight minutes and forty-six seconds at 8:46 am today to reflect on the police murder of George Floyd, the African American worker suffocated to death by a Minneapolis cop on May 25. June 19, also known as Juneteenth, marks the final emancipation of slaves in Texas, the last holdout of the Southern slaveholders, on June 19, 1865. In a letter to UAW members Tuesday, UAW President Rory Gamble called the killing of Floyd yet another tragedy in a long and sorrowful history of the divisiveness of racism in this nation. Since the killing, Gamble added, we have seen Americans from all walks of life, black, brown and white, stand together to demand change. To demand finally that we address the systemic racial divide that has plagued our nation since its inception. Workers inside the plants, regardless of their skin color or ethnic background, are, of course, disgusted and outraged over the brutal murder of Floyd. Many autoworkers and their families have joined the demonstrations in Detroit and other cities across the country against police killings. Among workers, however, there is extreme and justified suspicion over anything the UAW is involved in. Most correctly view todays event as a publicity stunt aimed at providing a cover for corrupt union officials and corporate management. After all, the real attitude of the UAW and the companies towards the rights and well-being of workers of all colors is summed up in the fact that they are forcing workers to labor in infected factories in the midst of a pandemic. Indeed, since its racist anti-Japanese campaigns in the early 1980s, the promotion of bigotry and xenophobia has been a key means by which the UAW has sought to divert workers' anger away from the exploitation of the auto companies towards the alleged competition of "foreign" workers and immigrants. The UAW blacked out the strikes and protests in Mexico over the past year. Even as autoworkers in Matamoros and Silao appealed to their American brothers and sisters for support, the UAW doubled down on its demands that the auto companies protect "American" jobs by closing factories in Mexico and laying off thousands of Mexican workers. If the UAW has suddenly "discovered" its opposition to discrimination, it is only in order to use race to divert workers' anger along harmless, officially sanctioned forms of protests which separate the question of police violence from the class structure of society. As one young autoworker recently told the World Socialist Web Site, The murder of Floyd is a metaphor for a system that is putting pressure on us so we cant breathe until all the life is sucked out us ... The crisis we face is not about a particular race. Its about the way the system continues to exploit workers and strip us of our rights so the rich capitalists can control every aspect of our lives. Gamble was careful to note that the UAW was working with the auto bosses and other employers to facilitate peaceful and orderly stand downs, which would minimize the loss of production and profits. Please do not stop work unless authorized, Gamble instructed workers, adding, Some must care for patients or engage with customers. Please do not abandon patients or customers. According to CNBC, General Motors President Mark Reuss, in a letter to employees after Gambles message, said the automakers factory employees, including UAW members, as well as salaried employees were being encouraged to participate in moments of silence based on their work schedules. That included at 8:46 a.m. and 8:46 p.m. for moments of silence of 8 minutes and 46 seconds. A spokesman for Ford confirmed the participation of its employees, while Fiat Chrysler had not yet commented, CNBC said. In his statement Gamble was careful not to criticize the police, choosing instead to echo the Democratic Party politicians in Detroit, Atlanta, Washington, DC and other cities that blame police violencewhich claims the lives of 1,000 people, disproportionately minority, but mostly white and all pooron systemic racism. The aim of this is to conceal the real role of the police in capitalist society, i.e., as the defenders of the wealth and power of the super-rich minority against the working class majority. In fact, earlier this month, Gamble explicitly defended the police, saying in a statement that his comments on the Floyd murder were not to vilify our brave men and women in blue. We represent many police officers and they are truly untold heroes who go to work every day to keep all of us safeBut in this case, things went terribly wrong, and we must look at this issue as a nation. The UAW is not the only union trying to cover itself by marking Juneteenth. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), which held a nine-minute protest the day of Floyds funeral on June 9, has called for an eight-hour work stoppage at 29 West Coast ports Friday. The union made it clear that the stop work meeting was approved by the Pacific Maritime Association and included in the ILWU-PMA contract. According to a PMA letter sent earlier this week to its associated employers, the temporary work stoppage would involve the first shift only and not passenger ships, essential military cargo, DST rail, and emergencies. Moreover, the union agreed to not starting the work stoppage until an hour after the first shift started, it said, in order to finish and sail vessels and to complete the 8-hour guarantee for 7:00 p.m. vessel starts pursuant to its contract with the ILWU. The protests organized by the unions are nothing more than empty stunts aimed at covering over the their role as instruments of corporate management and the state. In the conflict between the financial oligarchy and the working class, in which the police are used to enforce the dictates of the rich, the unions stand entirely on the side of the financial oligarchy. This is why workers must break with the unions and build new organizations of struggle, rank-and-file committees. These organizations, democratically controlled by workers themselves, will unite the struggle against unsafe conditions with the fight against police violence and the attacks of democratic rights in general. This should be combined with a fight to abolish wage slavery, overthrow the rule of the capitalist class, and to establish a workers government and socialism. Supreme Court of India The Supreme Court on June 19 disposed of the Special Leave Petition filed by Franklin Templeton mutual fund against the Gujarat High Court's stay order on the winding up of its six debt funds. SC refused to interfere in the case as the matter is still being heard in lower courts (high courts). The Supreme Court also heard the fund houses transfer petition. As separate cases are ongoing in the Gujarat High Court, the Madras high court and earlier the Delhi High Court as well, the fund house wanted to transfer all the cases to the Delhi High Court. SC said these cases will now be transferred to Karnataka High Court. It added that the matter would be preferably heard within the next three months. Also Read: An alternative approach to settling investor dues Separately, the Gujarat High Court also postponed the Letters Patent Appeal filed by the capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) against the Gujarat high court order. This LPA was filed at a division bench of the same high court that had issued the stay order against the winding-up process. The Court said since the same matter was listed in the Supreme Court today, it thought it best to adjourn the matter to Tuesday, June 23. In fact, now that the Supreme Court has transferred all cases to Karnataka High Court, even this LPA would get heard in the Karnataka High Court. A budget hearing at Cincinnati's city council ended in chaos last night after furious Black Lives Matter protests erupted over a resident's speech about police funding. City council finance committee chair David Mann adjourned the public input session to a chorus of boos after attempting to bring order to the Duke Energy Center. Mann, who had a box of tissues hurled at him as he left the stage, said the protesters made him increasingly uncomfortable and that he felt 'trapped.' Crowds were seen storming towards the stage and shouting angrily as the meeting was adjourned. According to TMZ, cops were then called in to restore order. The speaker, Carl Beckman, introduced as a long-time resident of the city, had earlier argued in favor of more funding for the police department and was constantly booed by the crowd. City council finance committee chair David Mann adjourned the public input session to a chorus of boos after attempting to bring order to the Duke Energy Center. Mann, who had something hurled at him as he left the stage, said the mob made him increasingly uncomfortable and that he felt 'trapped.' Not long after he started speaking, Mann tried to silence the crowd but was also berated by the protesters who were standing up close to the stage. Man told FOX19: 'This went from an emotionally charged evening to close to a mob. 'We had one speaker who spoke in favor of the police, and he was shouted down. I said, "Hey listen folks, we are here to listen to each other," and then I was shouted down. 'Frankly it seemed to me we lost the purpose of the public hearing. I said, "This meeting is adjourned." At that point the platform was surrounded by scores of people. At that point I thought this, "I dont want to stay and I dont feel safe right at the moment." The committee chair said that he did not regret his decision to call the meeting off because he'd been left with no choice. Council members Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, Greg Landsman, P.G. Sittenfeld and Jeff Pastor remained seated to listen to the crowd despite a police officer urging them it was no longer safe. The speaker, Carl Beckman, introduced as a long-time resident of the city, had argued in favor of more funding for the police department and was constantly booed by the crowd Sittenfeld said, 'We want to hear everyone out. I feel safe. I trust my colleagues feel safe. We do not need our officers.' However, many left the auditorium soon after Mann had exited the stage to demonstrate on the street outside. One Black Lives Matter protester used a paint roller to write 'defund the police' in massive white letters outside Duke Energy Center. Graffiti was also scrawled across the building and on a nearby hotel. One had written: 'David Mann, if you feel trapped, what are we?' Mann later told the Cincinnati Enquirer: 'This is not what democracy is supposed to be about. Were supposed to listen to each other.' The people in the street were chanting: 'Show me what Democracy looks like. This is what Democracy looks like.' The crowd had largely dispersed by midnight. Iran Navy successfully test-fires new-generation cruise missiles during drills Iran Press TV Thursday, 18 June 2020 9:37 AM Iran's naval forces have successfully tested new-generation cruise missiles designed and developed by experts at home during military drills in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean. During the maneuvers on Thursday, the long-range and short-range missiles were successfully fired from the coast and from decks of ships, hitting the designated targets with high accuracy. The long-range missiles destroyed their targets at a range of 280 kilometers. The coast-to-sea and sea-to-sea missiles were produced by experts at Iran's Ministry of Defense in cooperation with the Navy, according to the report. At the end of the maneuvers, Deputy Chief of Army for Coordination Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari described the successful launch of new cruise missiles as a promising step toward further upliftment of the country's defense and deterrence power. He added that Iran will continue to march toward self-sufficiency and becoming needless of foreign military equipment despite brutal sanctions imposed on the country, adding that "successful test-firing of long-range missiles is a sign of remarkable progress in boosting synergy between the armed forces and defense industries." Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi also noted that production of new home-grown missiles by the Iranian experts will better equip the Islamic Republic to handle any threat against the Islamic establishment and the Iranian people while strengthening a sense of self-reliance in the Iranian Armed Forces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address When most newbies move here they are immediately inundated with interchangeable names for the same highways and freeways. Houston natives have a variety of ways they refer to the streets they use daily which might confuse people who just came to town. WHAT'S AN EADO?: A guide to slang Houstonians use, visitors don't understand You can suss out those 'Newstonians' by the way they might sometimes add a "the" to the names of our freeways. No one born here would call I-10 West the I-10 West. Some of us call US-59 the Southwest Freeway while past the North Loop US-59 is sometimes called the Eastex Freeway as it heads into East Texas. Since 2015 it's also been known as I-69 within the Loop 610 and points north but no one calls it that unless they are a 15-year-old boy. Ken Ellis We'll take "Fiddy-Nine" over "I-69" any day unless we're at bingo. We've heard older Houstonians call I-10 East the East Freeway or even the Baytown Freeway. Still some might also call TX-146 the Baytown Freeway. It's confusing to say the least. WHAT'S THAT THING?: Frequently-asked questions that tourists might have about Houston US-290 is almost never called the Northwest Freeway anymore. Come to think of it we haven't heard 290 referred to without any profanity attached to it for the past decade of its reconstruction. The Sam Houston Tollway is also referred to as Beltway 8, but no one ever says anything but the Beltway. Officially it is also called the Sam Houston Parkway in places where it's not tolled, namely on the northeast side. Houston TranStar spokesperson Dinah Massie is about to blow your mind: "The Beltway is actually the name of the system of service roads or feeders situated around the Sam Houston Tollway," Massie said. She came to Houston in 1995 and remembers being confused by the myriad of names that us Houstonians use to refer to the roads that spirit us around the city. As the executive director at TranStar, Massie hears all sorts of names for Houston's freeways on a daily basis. TRAFFIC HQ: Look deep inside Houston TranStar, where your traffic news originates Massie is of the mind that I-10 West becomes the Katy Freeway after leaving the 610 Loop, although that could be debated by others. The names assigned to freeways don't always stick. No one, not even Nolan Ryan himself, calls TX-288 from the Brazoria-Harris county line down to Freeport the Nolan Ryan Expressway. No one ever "takes the Nolan" down to Surfside. It's simply 288, and never the South Freeway. No one ever talks about US-90. 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. New Delhi: In the days leading up to the most violent border clash between India and China in decades, China brought in pieces of machinery, cut a trail into a Himalayan mountainside and may have even dammed a river, satellite pictures suggest. The images, shot on Tuesday, a day after soldiers engaged in hand-to-hand combat in the freezing Galwan Valley, show an increase in activity from a week earlier. India said 20 soldiers were killed in a premeditated attack by Chinese troops on Monday night at a time when top commanders had agreed to defuse tensions on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), or the disputed and poorly defined border between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Indian army officers carry the coffin of Colonel B. Santosh Babu for his funeral in Suryapet, about 140 kilometres from Hyderabad. Babu was killed in Monday's clashes. Credit:AP China rejected the allegations and blamed front-line Indian soldiers for provoking the conflict which took place at the freezing height of 4300 metres in the western Himalayas. The Alberta policy has no provisions for rent reductions nor specific payment guidelines for all intents and purposes, leaving it to landlords and tenants to agree upon terms of rent repayment. Its important to emphasize that both commercial landlords and their tenants are facing unprecedented circumstances. Landlords are also struggling, said Tanya Fir, Albertas economic development, trade, and tourism minister. So we have to also help ensure that landlords dont miss out on deferred rent by requiring that landlords and tenants work together to develop a rent payment plan for missed payments. John Duda, president of real estate management services for Colliers Canada, said in a recent analysis that eviction bans are not likely to significantly affect commercial landlords, however. There arent a lot of new tenants out there, so landlords arent running out there trying to evict people, Duda said. What we think [a ban] actually does do, is the tenants who were doing badly before [COVID-19], and are simply doing way worse now, it means the inevitable is just going to get delayed. At the end of the day, the landlords want people to be paying rent. Investing in property can be daunting endeavour, especially if youre heavily reliant on a salary. But with the right mindset and strategy, property investments can pave the way to financially secure future. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed just how financially vulnerable many Australian workers are especially those who rely on a nine-to-five job as their main source of income. For Lloyd Edge, director and founder of Aus Property Professionals and author of a new book titled Positively Geared, the pandemic was also a wake-up call for Australians to protect their finances from unexpected economic disruptions and he believes investing in property is a great start. Edges investment journey began on a teachers salary when he lived in a heavily mortgaged and negatively geared one-bedroom apartment. After a decade in the property investment scene, he has since built a portfolio of 16 properties in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria for a total worth $12m at 45% LVR. Edge says that anybody with the right mindset and strategy can achieve a financially stable future. He shares six tips on how to do this through sound property investments. First, know your WHY Edge says that for your property investments to flourish, you need to have a clear vision of where you are heading and a sound plan to make that vision come to fruition. You need to set your big-picture lifestyle goals for wealth creation, he says. Ask yourself these questions: Where do you want to be in 10 to 15 years? What are your goals? Is it financial freedom, leaving a legacy, or providing private school education for your children? Edge says that it saddens him to see people spend many years grinding away in their nine-to-five jobs just to afford a home in a beautiful location, when in fact they can use that property to further their wealth. You will need to build up from that by purchasing other properties that have a clear purpose and their own strategy to achieve that long-term goal and acquire financial freedom at the same time, he says. Determine your strategy Edge says that successful investors know where, when, and what to buy. What is not going to work for you is merely buying a property in one location and waiting for growth, he says. You need to create equity in properties and create cashflow to achieve your goals, rather than sinking all of your investment money into a single property that offers no substantial financial reward for years to come. You need to understand how each property will get you into the next property this means the locations, prices and property structures will greatly differ for each investment, Edge says. Mitigate risk Edge also stresses the importance of a good location when buying a property. He advised investors to look for areas that have all the fundamentals of good growth. Find properties near universities, hospitals, and school catchment zones or areas with a higher than average median income for a city and with an average of two incomes within the household, he says. This provides much better stability, as there is less chance of renters not being able to pay if there are job losses. Many people dont look at that avenue when buying properties. Once youve secured your property, control the market yourself Edge says that the buy-and-hold approach must be avoided at all cost. Instead, do something with the property that will increase its overall value and rental income, so you can speed up the process of growth in any market, he says. Ensure that youre buying something that you can subdivide and/or update, so you can add value. Because regardless of what the market does, youve then created your own capital growth, and you can borrow against that increased equity for your next investment. Edge calls this investment strategy the property trifecta. The self-developed strategy is built on three schemes organic capital growth, instant equity, and positive cashflow and designed to provide property investors a road map to success. Positive gearing and cashflow Another thing to avoid is negative gearing, according to Edge. If you want to build a sustainable portfolio, having a negatively geared portfolio and claiming the difference on tax is not a sound strategy, despite its popularity in Australia, he says. Negative gearing will keep you in a job forever. Whereas, passive income from your portfolio will allow you the choices to step away from full time work if you choose, as well as being able to pay for all the other luxuries in life. Avoid overcapitalising Edge said that investors should also be able to manufacture equity in property to achieve uplift in the short term. He lists buying below market value, buying from motivated vendors, looking for properties that need some TLC, adding value by way of subdivision or development, and buying multiple income properties as some strategies that have led to his success. Edge believes that by following these tips, investors will be able to create a sustainable investment strategy that will lead to future financial freedom, no matter what their current financial position is. In summary, I believe Australians need to focus on three fazes: growth, hold, exit, he says. This means knowing what properties to buy and what strategy to use, how long to hold on to them, and then when to sell them, and at what point, so you can achieve your ultimate goal. 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 Will committee be formed to probe into lapses that led to face-off with China, asks Yechury India pti-PTI New Delhi, June 19: Recalling that a committee was formed by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to probe the lapses during the Kargil war, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Friday enquired whether the present government will form a similar panel to look into the intelligence failures in the recent face-off involving China. He raised the question during the all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, sources said. The Kargil committee chaired by strategic affairs analyst K Subrahmanyam was tasked with reviewing the events leading up to Pakistan's aggression in Kargil district and recommend measures necessary to safeguard national security against such armed intrusions. Sonu Nigam calls out mafias in the music industry after Sushant Singh's demise| Oneindia News "Could the lives of our soldiers be saved. Many Qs on lapses, intelligence failures etc have been raised. After Kargil Vajpayee government had appointed the K Subrahmanyam committee to examine lapses and suggest measures to modernise Armed forces. Is there any such thinking?, Yechury tweeted. He also said a clear demarcation of the line of actual control (LAC) be done to ensure that peace and tranquility can be maintained at the border. Sources said the Left leader also called on the government to adhere to the five principles enshrined in the Panchsheel agreement of 1954. Modi should do 'Naukri Par Charcha', listen to people: Sitaram Yechury "The government should initiate high level talks with China, so that steps can be taken, including clear demarcation of the LAC, to maintain peace and tranquility on the border, he said in the meeting, according to a source. Expressing his condolences at the death of India's army officers and soldiers in the recent clash that took place along the Indo-China LAC at the Galwan Valley in Ladakh, Yechury said the party was with the government over its decision to ensure that matters do not escalate between the two countries. "Government of India should initiate high level talks, so that steps are taken, including clear demarcation of the LAC, to maintain peace and tranquility on the border, he said. Kabul/Washington, June 19 : A top US Gneral said the Washington has reduced its troop level to 8,600 in Afghanistan, fulfilling the first phase of the planned withdrawal as per the deal it signed with the Taliban in February. The withdrawal of the US forces is a key part of the US-Taliban agreement signed on February 29 in Doha, but US officials have emphasized that the troop pullout will be dependent on conditions on the ground, reports TOLO News. "What I would tell you now is we have met our part of the agreement," Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, head of the US Central Command, speaking at a panel discussion hosted by the Aspen Institute think tank on Thursday. "We agreed to go to the mid-8,000 range within 135 days. We're at that number now." The US General did not provide any indication of when, or at what pace, US forces would be further reduced under the agreement. The US-Taliban agreement also calls for the full withdrawal of the US military from the country by May 2021 if the militant group meets the conditions of the deal, including severing ties with terrorist groups. Based on the agreement, the US would reduce its forces in Afghanistan to 8,600 within 135 days of signing the deal, which is mid-July. Now it seems that the target has been reached almost 25 days ahead of the agreed date. The US General said the full withdrawal was an "aspirational" commitment and that "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan". The Taliban had already committed in the agreement to cut their ties with Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. "We all know already that (the Taliban) are no friends of IS (Islamic State)," TOLO News quoted McKenzie as saying. "What we need to see is what they're going to do against Al Qaeda. And we need to see that in deeds and not words." McKenzie's announcement came after US President Donald Trump had said last month that he expected a full withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan "as soon as reasonable". Trump reaffirmed this notion during his remarks to graduates of the US Military Academy over the weekend. "We are ending the era of endless wars ... we are not the policemen of the world," he said. The war in Afghanistan is the longest one in US history. The death toll of US service members has surpassed 2,400 since the country invaded Afghanistan in 2001. Early in June, the number of new reported coronavirus cases in the U.S. was running at around 23,000 per day, down from a peak of around 35,000. There were around 1,000 deaths per day from the virus, down from a peak of around 2,500. I thought that, as with major European nations at comparable stages in their pandemics, our daily death would drop by one-half to around 500 at mid-month, and that, accordingly, we would reach the end of the month with around 125,000 reported deaths from the virus. The number of new cases per day seemed harder to predict, inasmuch as its partly a function of the amount of tests administered. However, Europes experience suggested that the number of reported new cases would decline pretty significantly this month, as well. Unfortunately, at mid-month the U.S. numbers are worse than I expected. The number of new reported cases per day has ticked slightly up, not down. The number of daily deaths attributed to the virus has decreased a bit, but isnt at 500. Instead, deaths are averaging closer to 750 per day. (All figures used in this post are from Worldometer.) Was it inevitable that the number of new cases would rise once states reopened their economies? The European experience suggests it was not. Italy and Spain were hit harder by the virus than the U.S., per capita. They reopened their economies and have seen both new cases and new deaths continue to plummet. In Italy, new cases per day are down to around 300. A month ago, they were averaging around 800, down from around 2,000 at the beginning of May and a peak of around 6,000. Deaths per day are averaging less than 50, about one-third of what they were a month ago and down from a peak of nearly 1,000. The story in Spain is similar around 250 new cases per day and very few new reported deaths. A month ago, there were around 2,000 new cases per day and 200 deaths. ( New York, by the way, shows almost the same pattern.) Why were Italy and Spain, but not the U.S, able to see continuous major improvement in their numbers, post lockdown? Im not sure, but two possibilities come quickly to mind. One possibility, perhaps the main one, is that, as a nation, we reopened before we had the virus under as much control (and potential control, via contact tracing) as Italy and Spain did. This doesnt mean the U.S made a mistake in easing our lockdowns when we did. Economic considerations might well have justified the easing. Arguably, they militated in favor easing lockdowns much earlier than we did. Moreover, we dont know how Italy and Spain will fare if theres a second wave of the virus. Perhaps in a second wave, their rates of infection and death will exceed ours and offset the fact that were struggling to end the first wave. Still, from a health standpoint Id rather be more or less done with the first wave than still struggling with it, as the U.S. is. And it might turn out that nations with the first wave in the rear-view mirror will see their economies rev up faster for that reason. Another factor that might explain why infections in the U.S. seem, if anything, to be rising is the wave of protests that followed the killing of George Floyd. Its too early to say for sure that the protests are to blame. However, if they dont spark a wave of infections, then much of what science told us about the need for social distancing was rubbish. The vast majority of protesters, and the law enforcement officials who responded to their activities, are fairly young. Thus, even if they become infected, their chances of survival are quite good. Similarly, a disproportionate number of those who take advantage of the eased lockdowns will likely be members of age and health categories with excellent survival rates. These realities, coupled with what seem to be improvements in treating infections, make me cautiously optimistic that U.S. deaths per day, will steadily decline. So far, though, they arent declining as quickly as one might reasonably have hoped. European governments are working with the US on plans to restructure the World Health Organization, Reuters reported referring to a senior European official. He signaled that Europe shares some concerns that made Washington say it would quit. According to the official, the UK, France, Germany, and Italy discussed WHO reforms with the US at a technical level. The aim was to ensure the independence of WHO. We are discussing ways to separate WHOs emergency management mechanism from any single country influence, the official noted. According to the official, the reforms will include a change in the WHO funding system to make it more long-term. WHO is currently operating a biennial budget that could hurt WHOs independence if it has to raise funds from donor countries in the midst of an emergency, the official said. US President Donald Trump accused the WHO of being under the influence of China and announced plans to quit and withdraw funding. European countries have occasionally called for WHO reform but generally defended the organization from the most severe criticism from Washington. The publicly European position usually was that any reform should be carried out only after evaluating the response to the COVID-19. But the protocols of EU health ministers' last week videoconference showed that European countries are taking a tougher stance, as well as striving for greater European influence in WHO in the future. The German and French ministers told their colleagues an evaluation and reform of the WHO was needed. This was a stronger wording than in the resolution adopted last month, developed by the EU and adopted by all 192 WHO member states. The resolution called for an assessment of the response to the COVID-19 crisis, but it did not call for reform. The ministers of Germany and France also told their colleagues that the EU and its member states should play a bigger role at the global level. A look at the African American commemoration day amid sky-high tension over race relations in the United States. Juneteenth, an annual commemoration marking the emancipation of African American slaves, will see events held all across the United States on Friday. Organisers say the occasion holds particular significance this year despite limitations because of coronavirus as it comes amid a reckoning with the US troubled racial history following last months death of George Floyd under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer. Here is a brief guide of what June 19 represents: What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth, a blend of June and 19th, commemorates the US abolition of slavery under President Abraham Lincolns 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, belatedly announced by a Union army in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, after the Civil War ended. Texas officially made it a holiday in 1980 and at least 46 other states and the District of Columbia have since followed suit. Calls to make it a federal holiday have increased since the killing of Floyd. This year, a number of major companies declared June 19 also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day a paid holiday for employees. Happy #JUNETEENTH2020 to American Descendants Of Slavery, especially those in Texas. As we continue to walk in our ancestors shoes let us not forget that it's our culture and history that built this country & the US world be nothing without us! #ADOS pic.twitter.com/2wzGEEg1Ld Uhlume A.D.O.S. (@Behembaba) June 19, 2020 How is it commemorated? In the early years, there was little interest outside the African American community in the commemoration, according to the website Juneteenth.com. Most of the activities took place in rural areas with church grounds a predominant venue. However, as African Americans became landowners, areas were donated and dedicated. The date reached new dimensions in 1872 when a group of African Americans in Houston, Texas bought 10 acres of land and created Emancipation Park, a place that became home for their Juneteenth celebration. The day is also marked in Booker T Washington Park near Hardy, Virginia after the local Juneteenth organisation bought it in 1898. People tend to honour June 19, 1865, with picnics, street fairs, family reunions, and music festivals. Then Denver Mayor Wellington Webb and wife Wilma march at the Juneteenth parade in Five Points, Denver, Colorado, in 1998 [File: John Leyba/The /Getty Images] How to celebrate this year? Fridays celebrations will be marked from coast to coast with marches and demonstrations of civil disobedience. Some of the focus will be on activities on social media with online lectures, discussions, and virtual meals to help safeguard minority communities hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. One possible focal point of Juneteenth observances will be Tulsa, Oklahoma, where President Donald Trumps first campaign rally in three months will be held. It was originally scheduled for Friday but moved to Saturday after a storm of opposition. Critics said staging the rally on Juneteenth in Tulsa the scene of a notorious massacre of African Americans by white mobs in 1921 showed a profound lack of sensitivity to the citys history. President Trump is holding a rally in Tulsa on #Juneteenth the anniversary of when slavery was fully abolished. Tulsa is the site of the #TulsaMassacre, which saw a white mob kill hundreds of Black people in 1921. It was largely ignored by U.S. history books and newspapers. pic.twitter.com/PCs5p1uC05 AJ+ (@ajplus) June 11, 2020 What is significant this year? Juneteenth coincides with global protests against racial injustice sparked by the May 25 killing of Floyd, a Black man, in Minneapolis police custody. It also follows this months killing of Rayshard Brooks, a Black man shot in the back twice by a white police officer, in Atlanta. Juneteenth also accompanies the coronavirus pandemic, which has disproportionately affected communities of colour. Community organisations nationwide will devote the day to discussions on policing and civil rights ahead of the November US presidential election. Social media reaction This year, part of the discussion and commemorations will be held around the hashtag: #Juneteenth. THREAD It's #Juneteenth Juneteenth, a blend of June and 19th, is the annual commemoration marking the emancipation of African American slaves. Here's a guide on what the day represents: https://t.co/xSdBBKp8Mj pic.twitter.com/IN59w0KV2n Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 19, 2020 Words of Emancipation didnt arrive until the middle of June so they called it Juneteenth. So that was it, the night of Juneteenth celebration, his mind went on. The celebration of a gaudy illusion. Ralph Ellison, #Juneteenth https://t.co/hMDytKAWbD Ava DuVernay (@ava) June 19, 2020 Happy #Juneteenth! Today, we celebrate the emancipation of the last remaining black slaves in America. pic.twitter.com/cUZxnDOyjr Black Facts Only (@BlackFactsOnly) June 19, 2020 STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- From the North to South Shore of Staten Island, borough residents say they have noticed an uptick in fireworks being fired off in their neighborhoods helping spark a rise in 311 complaints on the Island. Jennifer Dougherty, 51, a Dongan Hills resident, said she has been hearing fireworks in her neighborhood every single night recently, mostly coming after 9 p.m. NYPD Arrests Teens Who Vandalized St. Patricks Cathedral During George Floyd Protests Two teenagers caught on video spray-painting the side of St. Patricks Cathedral in New York City during unrest in late May were arrested, said the New York City Police Department. College student Anaya Diaz, 18, and a 17-year-old whose name wasnt released by police were charged with criminal mischief and making graffiti. They are accused of spray-painting profanities on the wall of the famed church, said officials. Damien Brown, a lawyer for Diaz, told the New York Post that she has no criminal record. Shes a young lady who is in college and has a B+ average, Brown said. Without stating whether or not she did anything wrong, I believe that everyone can understand young people getting swept up in emotion. WANTEDfor CRIMINAL MISCHIEF on St. Patricks Cathedral E.51 St and 5th Ave #Midtown @NYPDMTN on 5/30/20 @ 5:12 PMReward up to $2500Seen them? Know who they are?Call 1-800-577-TIPS or DM us! Calls are CONFIDENTIAL! #YourCityYourCall @NYPDDetectives. pic.twitter.com/XJIsZ2x5Tc NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) June 9, 2020 He added, I dont believe the Catholic Church would be looking to crucify her. On June 8, the NYPD posted photos of the two teenagers, offering a reward. Photos of the incident showed the suspects allegedly painting obscenities outside the church along with BLM, referring to the Black Lives Matter protests, as well as the slogan, no justice, no peace. Officials told CBS New York that they arrested the driver of the two women, 26-year-old Yadir Avila Rosas. He was charged with criminal mischief and making graffiti. The New York Archdiocese hasnt responded to a request for comment. A high court in Rivers state has restrained Victor Giadom, national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from parading hi... A high court in Rivers state has restrained Victor Giadom, national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from parading himself as the acting national chairman of the party. The ruling is coming a day after a court of coordinate jurisdiction reaffirmed him as acting national chairman of the party. The ruling of a high court in the federal capital territory (FCT) on Thursday was sequel to an ex parte motion filed by Mustapha Salihu, national vice-chairman north-east. S. U Bature, the judge, held that his ruling would subsist pending the time the national executive committee (NEC) convenes and takes a decision or determination of the suit. However, Salihu whose name is on the court order as an applicant, expressed shock over the ruling, saying he has moved on. The Rivers high court based its ruling on the fact that Giadom resigned his position to contest as running mate to Tonye Cole, a governorship aspirant in the 2019 general election. Unfortunately, the APC crisis prevented the party from fielding candidates in the elections. On Wednesday, Hilliard Eta, APC vice-chairman south-south, told reporters that Gaidom could not be chairman of the party because he has since ceased to be a member of the NWC. Eta said party stakeholders in the south-south have not represented him to be a part of the NWC. Chief Victor Gaidom has long ceased to be a member of the NWC. He has voluntarily resigned his membership to be able to contest as deputy governorship candidate of our party, he had said. And, at no time, I supretend over the south-south, and at no time did I present Giadom again to come to the NWC. You can check all the records and you will see that this is the fact. TheCable reports that on Friday that the management of the party has asked Gaidom to return officials cars and laptops in his possession. Representative Image The US is mulling over restoring India's beneficiary status under its trade preference programme Generalized System of Preferences on receiving a counterbalancing proposal from New Delhi, a top Trump ministration official told lawmakers. The United States US is currently negotiating with India for it, he added. We're in negotiations with India, we took away their GSP, and we're in the process of restoring it if we can get an adequate counterbalancing proposal from them, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told members of the Senate Finance Committee. Till now, we haven't done that. But this is something that we're actually actively negotiating right now, Lighthizer said, responding to a question from Senator Maria Cantwell from the Washington State. Senator Cantwell expressed disappointment over high import tariffs on apples from her State to India. India has a 70 percent tariff on apples, so obviously a big product in the State of Washington. What can we do to get those tariffs off from apples in India? she asked. We, of course, agree with you and we agree that -- that their regular tariffs are bad, their retaliatory tariffs are even worse, Lighthizer said. The top trade official from the Trump Administration said the US is currently in a big trade negotiations with India. We have a big negotiation with India which I'm sure you're aware of and potentially even moving to an FTA at some point if we can ever make any headway, and that's Asia. We have a lot of ongoing discussions. We call them TIFAs, trade and investment discussion forums or negotiating forums with most of the countries throughout that area, he said. Senator Steve Daines from Montana expressed his concerns over high import tariffs on pulses by India, which is the largest consumer of pulses and an important market for Montana farmers. Unfortunately, US pulses face high tariffs and an unfair playing field in India, Daines said. Early this year, he and Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota submitted a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to prioritise the issue and raise it directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In fact, I was pleased to see the president, President Trump, hand deliver that letter to Prime Minister Modi. In fact, he sent a picture back handing that specific letter to the prime minister and wanted to make sure that we saw it, Daines said. The Montana senator asked about the status of negotiations with India. Will you commit to working to remove these tariffs in any ongoing negotiations? he asked. Lighthizer said, Yes. The MFN tariffs that India has are extremely high on pulses and on just about everything else. One of the indictments I have of the WTO is the fact that we find ourselves in this position. When India joined the GATT, then the GATT, in like 1948, they had a GDP of maybe USD250 billion. Now they're almost USD3 trillion and they still have a third of their lines of tariffs not bound at all and a whole bunch of them bound at 100 percent, Lighthizer said. And there's nothing that the US can do about that, he told the Senators. How do we change that? The notion that we're locked into a WTO that says just forever you're stuck with that imbalance is, to me, crazy. And we have to do something about it, he said. Lighthizer said negotiations with India are clearly taking longer than he expected. They are dogged and insistent on keeping their tariffs and we're dogged in insisting that we're going to get a fair deal. So, we're still working on it very much. And hopefully we'll get to a good outcome, Lighthizer said. Garuda Indonesia, the nation's national flag carrier, plans to stop letting flight attendants wear face masks after passengers complained that they couldn't see flight attendants smiles. According to The Jakarta Post, the airline is looking into other options, such as plastic face shields, to replace the masks. Flight attendants will continue to wear masks in the meantime. Indonesia's transportation ministry requires cabin crewmembers Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Garuda Indonesia's Boeing 737. Dita Alangkara/Associated Press The Indonesian national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia is planning to drop face masks for flight attendantsA after passengers complained that they couldn't see the cabin crewmembers' smiles. Video: Flight attendants explain how COVID-19 has affected their jobs According to Indonesian newspaper The Jakarta Post, the airline has received numerous complaints from passengers who said the flights felt less hospitible. Garuda had temporarily grounded flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed some flying on May 7. Flight attendants were required to wear masks and gloves while on board as part of a health protocol. "Many Garuda customers have complained about the flight attendants wearing masks as [the passengers] cannot see whether or not the [flight attendants] are smiling or frowning," Garuda CEO Irfan Setiaputra said in during a webinar on Tuesday, according to The Jakarta Post. Irfan said that the airline would consider plastic face shields instead. "With this, human interaction on the plane can still occur, although minimized, and everyone can feel safe but also comfortable." According to the Post, Irfan later clarified that the airline was exploring several options, including the face shields. Indonesia's Transportation Ministry requires flight attendants to wear masks and gloves to prevent transmission of the virus unless they otherwise interfere with safety duties, according to the Post. Ifran took over as CEO in January, a month after former CEO Ari Askhara was fired over accusations that he used a newly delivered Airbus jet to smuggle a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and two Brompton foldable bikes from France to Jakarta, evading up to $106,000 in taxes. Read the original article on Business Insider Explained: Amid Ladakh clash, India to cancel Chinese firms deal for poor work An Indian public sector unit has decided to terminate a contract with a Chinese firm amid the ongoing face-off along the Line of Actual Control. Indian Railways' Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL) decided to cancel the Rs 471 crore deal with Beijing National Railway Research & Design Institute of Signal and Communication Group over poor performance. DFCCIL said that only 20% of the work was completed in 4 years, while also pointing out other shortcomings. The decision was taken in April 2020. Meanwhile, sources indicate that the government is also looking at curbing dumping of Chinese goods in Indian markets. Watch the full video for more. ...read more Manoj Bajpayee's much-delayed film Bhonsle would soon be streaming on Sony Liv and the trailer has already been released for the audiences to see that movies with content and real talents can never go wrong. In the film, Bajpayee plays the character of a retired cop, who later gets diagnosed with brain tumour. The film also stars Santosh Juvekar, Ipshita Chakraborty Singh, Virat Vaibhav, Abhishek Banerjee and Neetu Pande in key roles. After seeing the trailer of Bhonsle, we are sure that Manoj Bajpayee is back with a stronger story and we are here to give five reasons as to why you wouldn't regret investing your time in this movie. 1. Manoj Bajpayee Whenever his name is associated with any movie, you are a tad bit sure that he will give a praiseworthy performance. The actor plays a traditional Maharashtrian who believes in taking the right route rather than the easier route. He has also sunk his teeth into this character to make it look as convincing as possible. 2. Abhishek Banerjee It also shows glimpses of Abhishek Banerjee of Paatal Lok fame as one of the migrants from Bihar who has come to Mumbai for work. It will be exciting to see how Abhishek pulls off this character as he has already made a mark with Hathoda Tyagi. 3. Strong Plotline According to the trailer, it seems to be an engaging plotline. The description reads as, 'In tumultuous Mumbai, at a time when scheming Maharashtrian politicians use violence to rid the state of North-Indian migrants, a terminally-ill lone wolf Maharashtrian cop Bhonsle retired against his will, finds himself forging an unlikely companionship with a 23-year-old North-Indian girl and her little brother, while the raging conflict destroying the world around them reaches his doorstep, giving him one last battle worth fighting for, but it might just be too late'. 4. Ensemble Cast Bhonsle also stars Santosh Juvekar, Ipshita Chakraborty Singh, Virat Vaibhav and Neetu Pande in prominent roles. They all look extremely convincing in the trailer. 5. The Migrant Angle It will be interesting to see how the film shows the plight of migrants who move to Mumbai for work. The whole industry is battling a similar issue. We hope that Manoj Bajpayee gives us one more extraordinary story with stellar performances by everyone. President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate release of N19.67 billion to ramp up efforts in completing sections I-IV of the East-West Road project by 2021. The presidential directive was part of efforts to address infrastructure deficit in the Niger Delta region and boost its economy. Mr Buhari had, in his Democracy Day address, said the funding of the sections of the road project would be duly released to better the lot of his people and would be followed by a forensic audit. I am determined to ensure that development meant for the people of the Niger Delta get to them so I have authorised a Forensic Audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission, the president said. The road project, which was first conceived in 2006 by the Obasanjo administration, was meant to be completed in 2010 but overtime, paucity of funds stalled its progress. At a meeting with contractors handling the road project, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, said Thursday that the project was transferred to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs with the mandate of fast-tracking its completion in April 2009. In a statement by his spokesperson, Deworitshe Patricia, Mr Akpabio said the targeted mark could not also be realised due to inflexible terms prescribed by financial institutions. Despite the chequered history of the project which may not require less than N102 billion for its completion, he said the Buhari administration was keen on addressing the road project as a way of tackling the issue of infrastructure deficit in the country. The Buhari administration, he said, had undertaken more infrastructural development projects than any other government, adding that the East-West road would be one of the legacy projects of this administration. Not only would the completion of the road project address infrastructure deficit, it would also shore up the economy of the region. Considering the disposition of the region to the stability of Nigerias economy, the project will not only redress infrastructural deficit in the region, its completion would assist the oil industry in terms of moving goods that will facilitate oil production, movement within the area, restiveness and boast the economic life of the people and the nation at large, the Minister was quoted as saying. The presidential directive mandated that the project be completed by 2021. He commended the contractors for being committed to ensuring that the presidential mandate is achieved by re-mobilising back to site even when funds have not been made available and assured them of the peoples cooperation. The Minister of State, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Omotayo Alasoadura, in his remarks, urged the contractors to work hard to fulfill the presidents mandate. The contractors reaffirmed their readiness to return to site immediately to meet the 2021 completion target. East West road project The East-West road project generally is the construction of a second carriageway and the rehabilitation of the existing carriageway. The total length of each carriageway of the road is 188 Km, with 29 river bridges of variable lengths ranging from 31m to 260m, and 2 box girder bridges with lengths of 700m and 850m, according to construction review, an online construct-inclined platform. East-West road project is reportedly the largest infrastructure project in Nigeria as it is a very strategic road connecting the countrys 2 busiest and foremost commercial cities, Port Harcourt and Warri. The road project contract was awarded in 2006 by the Obasanjo administration but was designed to fail. In 2018, Mr Buhari announced his readiness to complete the project. President Muhammadu Buhari [PHOTO CREDIT: Bashir Ahmad] The 657 km road project is dual carriageway stretching from Calabar in Cross River State to Warri in Delta State and valued at US $2bn, was approved by the Federal Government at the height of agitations by youths in the Niger Delta area. The project starts from the Delta Steel Company Roundabout in Delta State, transverses through Kaiama in Bayelsa State and goes through Ahoada in Port Harcourt in Rivers State, down to Eket and from Eket to Oron in Akwa Ibom State. It is to complete the Section I-IV, being part of the two sections that had previously been completed while sectionV, which covers 23km from Oron to Calabar, is still under process. Advertisements Actor Sushant Singh Rajputs memories will continue to be celebrated as Instagram has memorialised his account, adding remembering to his bio. Sushant, 34, known for films like Kai Po Che!, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story and Chhichhore, was found dead in his Bandra apartment on Sunday, sending shockwaves in the film industry and elsewhere. The new remembering note on Sushant Singh Rajputs bio. Days after his untimely demise, Instagram added remembering to his account bio and memorialised it as a place to remember the actors life. According to the photo-video sharing website, no one can log into a memorialised account. The posts the deceased person shared, including photos and videos, stay on their page and are visible to the users they were shared with. Also, once the account is memorialised, no one will be able to make changes to any of the existing posts or information. Also reads: Vivek Agnihotri says Sushant Singh Rajput was to make Bollywood debut with Hate Story: Balaji didnt release him The actors last post on the social media platform was a tribute to his late mother on June 3. Sushants death is being investigated by the Mumbai Police and so far statements of over 13 people, including actors family members and close friends, including actor Rhea Chakraborty and casting director Mukesh Chhabra, have been recorded. The police have also sent a letter to Yash Raj Films seeking details of the contracts it had signed with him. Follow @htshowbiz for more Suspended Jammu and Kashmir Deputy superintendent of police Davinder Singh, arrested while ferrying two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists in a vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway earlier this year, was granted bail on Friday by a court in another terror case filed by Delhi Police after it failed to file a chargesheet within the prescribed time period. Singh and another accused in the case -- Irfan Shafi Mir -- were granted the relief by Special Judge Dharmender Rana in the case filed by the special cell of Delhi police, who noted that it failed to file the chargesheet within 90 days from their arrest, as prescribed under the law. In the bail applications filed on behalf of the accused, their lawyer M S Khan said that neither the police filed chargesheet within statutory period of 90 days, nor any permission was sought from the court to extend that period. "Considering the fact that despite the lapse of statutory time limit to complete investigation, chargesheet in the instant matter is not filed till date, both the accused persons are entitled to be released on bail," the judge said, while granting the relief on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh each and two sureties of like amount. Singh, however, will remain in jail since he has yet not secured bail in the case filed by the National Investigation Agency in relation to his arrest on January 10 -- this year while -- ferrying two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists in a vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway. The case was initially lodged by J-K police which was later taken over by the NIA. Singh was suspended from the Jammu and Kashmir Police in January this year. In the current case, filed by the special cell of Delhi Police under section 18 (conspiracy for terror acts) of stringent UAPA and section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC, Singh and Mir were arrested on March 14 and 19 respectively. The special cell had brought Singh to Delhi from Hira Nagar Jail in Jammu and Kashmir. The case relates to planning/execution of terror attacks in Delhi and other parts of the country. According to Delhi Police, Sayed Naveed Mushtaq, the commander of Shopian district of Hizbul Mujahiddeen, and others were planning to execute terror attacks in Delhi and other parts of the country as well as carry out targeted killings of protected persons. The FIR said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab are being trained for carrying out terrorist activities. The FIR also mentioned the mafia's D Company and Chhota Shakeel. According to the FIR, Delhi Police's Special Cell had received an input that the D Company, run by fugitive Indian underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim, is funding pro-Khalistan terrorist organisations in Punjab. Davinder Singh was taken in custody under the same FIR. The special cell had also interrogated Singh regarding the Khalistan angle, police said. For our free coronavirus pandemic coverage, learn more here. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size From doctors and nurses to cleaners and pharmacists, hospital staff are the true heroes behind Australia's successful response to the coronavirus pandemic. Those on the frontline at St Vincent's tell their stories. Danielle Austin, 41 Incident response and disaster manager Danielle Austin, a nurse seconded to the aged-care facility, Newmarch House: "The touching thing was none of the COVID-affected residents died alone. The nurses did absolutely everything they could in their daily care." Credit:Kate Geraghty I was seconded to Newmarch House to provide clinical support during its COVID outbreak. Its incredibly challenging for an aged-care home to suddenly have to turn into a healthcare facility with so many unwell people. The touching thing was none of the COVID-affected residents died alone. Whether they died at 2am or 2pm, there was always someone with them; I held hands with people as they took their last breath. It wasnt the closure their families wanted, but the nurses did absolutely everything they could in their daily care. Seeing them made me incredibly proud to be a nurse. Midori Fukushima, 29 Clinical nurse specialist, operating theatres Clinical nurse specialist Midori Fukushima: "We dont know whats around the corner, but Im ready to play my part if we come across another surge." Credit:Kate Geraghty Advertisement It was tense and anxiety-inducing. I was one of the nurses who was upskilled to become an ICU nurse in order to look after a ventilated patient. Fortunately, in the end we never saw that anticipated influx of critically ill patients. But Im proud that I stepped up in such an uncertain time. I guess we dont know whats around the corner, but Im ready to play my part if we come across another surge. Dr Paul Preisz, 61 Medical director of the emergency department (ED) Head of St Vincents Hospital Emergency Department, Dr Paul Preisz: "Ill be telling my grandkids about COVID. Well be saying, 'We were there; we were the ones who had to make the decisions.' Credit:Kate Geraghty The ED is a factory of the sick and maimed. We get about 60,000 patients through the door a year. We have a team of roughly 200 people to deal with it, from medical to nursing and clerical. COVID was a new disease, which meant it was hard to get good information in the early stages. the nasal swabs we were doing took a day or two to get results, so we bought a piece of equipment that provided results within an hour, which allowed us to make better decisions about who needed isolation and who didnt. It was expensive $30,000, and each test cost $100 but it was worth it. We also used our negative-pressure rooms, which are really important with infectious diseases. In a normal room, air circulates around and goes out into other areas. A negative-pressure room is sealed off. The air is sucked through a filtration system where viral particles and airborne toxins are captured. It means no air leaks out but also that the air inside is constantly cleaned. The hospital used to have three negative-pressure rooms, but they were demolished in recent renovations. Fortunately, wed built two new ones just months before COVID. We went to some lengths to not make the rooms frightening; we made them look just like a private room, with their own bathrooms. But COVID patients who went in there werent well enough to get up to walk around anyway. Some were unconscious. Ill be telling my grandkids about COVID. Well be saying, We were there; we were the ones who had to make the decisions. I also tell my trainees, The decisions we make today arent just critical for the patient now; theyre things youll be relating to your trainees, adding to the whole body of knowledge in the future. Dr Priya Nair, 52 Director of ICU Advertisement Director of ICU, Dr Priya Nair: "My concern was that if I hadnt done enough personally, I would have been putting everyone at risk." Credit:Kate Geraghty I was on holiday in Portugal when COVID really hit. I got back to Sydney on March 2 and had to hit the ground running. We have 32 intensive-care beds across the public and private hospitals here, but we had to be ready to get, say, 30 admissions in one night. One of the first things we did was go around with the engineers and convert all these different areas into little satellite ICUs. In the end, we found another 40 beds. It was great to see how quickly the team rallied to make that happen. It was non-stop. There was so much to think about that I found it hard to sleep. Mainly my concern was that if I hadnt done enough personally, I would have been putting everyone at risk. Pandemic training was held daily for all staff treating suspected or positive COVID patients. Credit:Kate Geraghty One of the particular issues was when you put a breathing tube into a COVID patient. Thats the time the health-care worker is most likely to get COVID, because its an AGP, or aerosol-generating procedure. Another difficult area was how to manage patients on a ventilator, and to turn them on their tummies, for prone ventilation, which allows the blood and oxygen to mix more efficiently and to drain secretions. One patient I especially remember. He and his wife were in their 60s. Theyd both tested positive, but she never needed to get admitted. For the first two weeks of his time in ICU, his wife couldnt leave home to come and see him because she was self-isolating. So we spent a lot of time organising for them to FaceTime on an iPad. There were moments when it was touch-and-go for him, and we always had it in the back of our minds that the last time they might see each other would be on FaceTime. It was a matter of preparing her for that to happen. He ended up spending seven weeks in ICU, but he survived. Todd McEwan, 53 Director of acute care services Advertisement Director of Acute Care Services, Todd McEwan: "COVID isnt like a plane crash or a fire. Its much more agile; it keeps going and moving." Credit:Louie Douvis Ive been at St Vinnies for just over three years. My job is to run all the acute services, from the emergency department to ICU to the wards and surgery, and manage them on budget and on time. We have about 400 beds and 5500 staff doctors, nurses, orderlies, allied health, all that. So its a logistics game, basically. The first COVID case we saw our index case turned up at about 7pm on a Friday night in early March. It was a 79-year-old man who lived locally but had just come back from overseas. We were under-prepared at that point it was that early stage where probably nobody had seen a presentation. The man sat in the ambulance bay for two hours, so he probably provided a level of cross-contamination. So then I lost staff, because I had to isolate them. You think, How did we miss this? Then it was like, Okay, shits happening, and its real. Within two days, wed set up a special COVID fever clinic. To get a room, we kicked out our pathology unit on the ground floor, and moved that upstairs. We then had to secure our supply chains to source enough kit: swabs, gowns, gloves, masks, face shields, hair covers and shoe covers, scrubs, bins, handwash. Soon we had 250 to 280 patients a day turning up at the front door to get tested, frightened, frenetic. We had nurses to do the swabbing, but not enough. On day one we had three staff swabbing; on day two we had eight, then we had 12 to 14 people just swabbing. We also had clerical staff to capture the information. We didnt have enough clerical staff, either, so we trained up some other people from around the hospital to be able to do that. In total we had 20 people running the clinic, which was functional 24 hours a day. At the same time, we also had to get the emergency operations centre up and running. We did that in two days. COVID isnt like a plane crash or a fire. Its much more agile; it keeps going and moving. There was so much uncertainty that we used too much PPE [personal protective equipment] upfront, so we had to balance that over time to make sure we were able to keep going. Advertisement The other part of my role is just being present. Id go through all the wards and the ICU and into theatres, the cafe, everywhere, and take feedback on what we could do differently, how people are feeling, asking if they have the kit they need to do their job. Im from Newcastle [a two-hour drive from Sydney]: I have a wife and a daughter there. Normally on the weekend Id go home, swim and relax. But during that early COVID period, I was working from 6am to 8pm, and also on weekends and I was on call, so I stayed in Sydney. Until late May I hadnt seen my wife or daughter since early March. I was so excited [to see them], because I missed them dearly. Niki Mastello, 41 Nurse unit manager Nursing Unit Manager Niki Mastello: "Id never worked so hard. Everyone did. We just didnt want Italy to happen here." Credit:Kate Geraghty Ive been an Emergency Department nurse for 16 years. I love the action, the adrenalin. Thats the core of me, being an emergency nurse. When COVID-19 hit, lots of people started turning up to get tested so we set up an area at the front of the hospital as a pre-triage system to make an initial assessment of their symptoms. I worked on that front-of-house pre-triage system when it was first set up around mid-March. It was incredibly busy. There was a queue 30 to 50 people long coming through all day. People were anxious, which made them angry. We had people trying to exaggerate their symptoms. When we said, Youre not going to be able to be swabbed because you dont fit the criteria, they would suddenly start coughing really badly. One day a taxi driver pulled up, got out of the car and demanded I give him a mask. At that stage I was giving out 200 masks a day to patients coming to the hospital, so I said I couldnt, and he started screaming and swearing at me. We usually have 16 nurses in ED. We didnt have to radically increase that because the number of people whod normally show up completely dropped off. I think people thought they had a risk of getting COVID, so they stayed away. Of course, there were still things like cardiac arrests and drug overdoses. And thats where COVID became this unknown entity: if someone came into ED with a drug overdose, we didnt know if they had COVID or not. That sense of the unknown and the constant changes made the whole thing a pressure cooker, a boiling point. There were short tempers and lots of tears. ED nurses are good at getting our feelings across. Were very upfront. Theres no point keeping it internalised; it only makes it worse. But we try not to do it in front of patients. Advertisement SCOTTVILLE People wishing to follow the West Shore Community College Budget Hearing and regular monthly meeting on Monday will have the option of viewing it in person or in a virtual format. The meeting will be accessible via the Zoom online meeting platform by following this link: https://zoom.us/j/97130365654. Those wishing to access the meeting via telephone may call 1-301-715-8592 and follow the prompts using the meeting identification number: 971 3036 5654 People may also attend the meeting in the Administrative and Conference Building, North Lounge, at West Shore Community College. During the budget hearing, that begins at 3:45 p.m., college officials will present the Fiscal Year 2020-21 General, Auxiliary and Capital fund budgets for consideration by the board. Analysis will be given of each budget to the full board. All of the budgets were favorably reviewed by the board administrative committee on June 17. A vote on those budgets will take place later in the regular monthly meeting of the board. At the conclusion of that hearing board members will move into their regular monthly meeting at 4 p.m. One of the items the board will hear about is a report from college president Scott Ward on the college projects taking place at this time. This will include updates on the campus water tower addition and the Manistee Downtown Education Center building. At the same time he will address how the college is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and what steps they are taking as they prepare for the fall semester. Ward is also expected to update the board on the activities of the Michigan Community College Association during the past month. The MCCA works on behalf of all the community colleges in the state. WSCC vice president of academics and student services Dr. Mark Kinney will update the board with a report on the enrollment numbers the college had during the summer term. The president will bring some recommendations for work to be done on the Technical Center for consideration by the board. "The network cabling infrastructure servicing Zone A (south end) of the Technical Center building is nearing 16 years of service," Ward told the board in a memo. "The age and type of the cable cannot continue to support the speed of new devices nor the higher bandwidth currently on campus." Ward said it has been a source of frustration to the students and staff at WSCC. "To our users, this means their technology moves at a significantly slower rate, a loss of connection, and similar frustrations," explained Ward. "To our IT department, the age of our cable signifies many hours required for patching the aging cable due to frequent failures. The rest of the Technical Center cabling was upgraded during the renovation project last summer, but this area was not able to be completed during the project." Three bids were received for the work that will be considered by the board from Feyen Zylstra of Traverse City ($50,780), Syncwave of Scottville ($61,800) and Windemuller of Grand Rapids ($61,533). Board members are also expected to take under consideration recommendations of administrative, adjunct faculty, and campus employment salary changes for the 20-21 fiscal year at Monday's meeting. A baker's dozen of baby races were conducted on Friday (June 19) at Woodbine Mohawk Park with two-year-old filly pacers and trotters on-track for lessons and conditioning in advance of what their connections hope will be a successful season. The Friday session started with four qualifiers for trotting fillies, and all four winners were within six-fifths of a second. Showing the most speed on the morning was the Ontario-Sired filly Edgewater (Rick Zeron), winning in 2:00.3. Sitting the pocket behind Tipsy In Dixie (Robert Shepherd) through fractions of :30.3, 1:01.2 and 1:32, Zeron right-lined Edgewater at the head of the lane and the filly responded with a strong closing quarter to hit the wire three-parts of a length better than a late-closing Imalovelylady (James MacDonald). Tipsy In Dixie stayed for third, just a length and a half back of the winner. A homebred owned Rick Joe And Johnny Stable of Oakville,Ont., James Walker of Port Perry,Ont., and Ecuries Daniel Plouffe Inc. of Bromont, Que., Edgewater (Kadabra - Rustic Rosie) is the third foal (first filly and first Kadabra) from a full-sister to O'Brien Award winner Riveting Rosie. On the pacing side, there were three pacing fillies to win qualifiers with sub-1:55 speed. The fastest of all was Alumni Seelster, who just missed winning her baby race debut a week ago. She atoned for that effort with a sharp 1:54.1 gate-to-wire performance, winning by nearly six lengths. Sylvain Filion guided the daughter of State Treasurer to victory for a group of individuals very familiar with her sire: trainer Dr. Ian Moore and owners Sally MacDonald of Souris, P.E.I. and Paul MacDonald of Regina, Sask. The filly was a $50,000 London Selected Sale purchase. Game Of Shadows scorched the Mohawk oval with a wire-to-wire 1:54.2 mile in her second appearance of the season, a length better than a dead-game debuting Lillysilk (Jody Jamieson). "She's competitive," said driver and co-owner Louis-Philippe Roy during the qualifying session. "Training down, every time a horse would come to wheel, she didn't want to let them go...even sometimes get mean, and that's actually what did down the lane when Jody went close to her, she just wanted to fight her so it's hard to say if she was all out or not but the weather here today is like perfect for speed." Roy was taking care of the filly during the winter and training her down at Richard Moreau's stable, so he was accustomed to the filly and wasn't 100 percent pleased with her debut one week ago. "Last week she was a little disappointing to me, she wasn't steering perfectly. So I made a few equipment changes with her during the week." Roy selected the filly along with co-owner Adriano Sorella at the 2019 London Selected Yearling Sale, paying $21,000 for the daughter of Shadow Play - Cheyenne Ava. "Adriano [Sorella] and I bought two fillies at London. When we went there, we actually liked three horses and we ended up buying all three...the two fillies, and the other one Adriano bought him. I really loved that filly at the sale but I wasn't even sure she was going to race at two. She needed to mature a lot during the winter and she had a lot of time and finally, this spring, she just turned out and now she's looking good." The third filly with a sub-1:55 score was the regally-bred Grace Hill, making every call a winning one for owner Tom Hill, trainer Dan Lagace and driver Bob McClure. The daughter of Always B Miki - Western Silk, a $75,000 Lexington Selected Yearling, tacked a :27.1 closer onto her effort this morning to trip the timer in 1:54.4. Qualifiers continue on Saturday (June 20) at Woodbine Mohawk Park with 11 dashes carded for rookie trotting and pacing colts & geldings. To view the results from Friday's qualifying session, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park (Baby Races). A decades-old tuberculosis vaccine is the latest drug health experts hope will help protect against COVID-19 and prevent a second wave of infections. Front-line healthcare workers in Sydney will be part of a clinical trial being run by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Victoria to see whether the BCG vaccine can help people's immune systems fight off the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW hopes to get more than 500 front-line healthcare workers in Sydney involved in the trial. Credit:Wolter Peeters NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said while younger Australians may not have heard of the vaccine which was developed almost 100 years ago in France, it was given to Australian school children for decades to prevent the spread of tuberculosis. "It remains, though, a very potent possible force to head off the impact of COVID-19," he said on Friday. Rio Tinto has launched a board-led review of its heritage management processes within Iron Ore following the events at Juukan Gorge, with a focus on recommending improvements to the effectiveness of its internal processes and governance. The review will be conducted by Michael L'Estrange AO, an independent non-executive director of Rio Tinto, and will seek input from Rio Tinto employees and the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people (PKKP). The review will be informed through engagement with Indigenous leaders, Traditional Owners and subject matter experts. The review will focus on events at Juukan Gorge and appraise Rio Tinto's internal heritage standards, procedures, reporting and governance, and will examine the company's relationship and communications with the PKKP. The review will commence immediately, with the final report targeted by October 2020, subject to completion of consultative processes with relevant stakeholders. The review will complement and inform Rio Tinto's cooperation with the Inquiry by the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia. Rio Tinto will also continue to support the West Australian government's planned reform of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA). Simon Thompson, chairman of Rio Tinto, said "On behalf of the Rio Tinto board, I would like to apologise to the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people. The decision to conduct a board-led review of events at Juukan Gorge reflects our determination to learn lessons from what happened and to make any necessary improvements to our heritage processes and governance. I am very grateful to Michael for agreeing to conduct the review on behalf of the board." J-S Jacques, chief executive of Rio Tinto, said "Our immediate priority is to regain the trust of Traditional Owners, starting with the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people. We very much look forward to incorporating the findings of the board-led review into our heritage processes and approach." Michael L'Estrange AO has been an independent non-executive director of Rio Tinto since 2014. His other appointments have included Secretary to the Cabinet (1996-2000), Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2000-2005) and Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2005-2009). The review will be made public. This announcement is authorised for release to the market by Rio Tinto's Group Company Secretary. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200618005964/en/ Contacts: media.enquiries@riotinto.com riotinto.com Follow @RioTinto on Twitter Media Relations, United Kingdom Illtud Harri M +44 7920 503 600 David Outhwaite T +44 20 7781 1623 M +44 7787 597 493 Media Relations, Americas Matthew Klar T +1 514 608 4429 Media Relations, Asia Grant Donald T +65 6679 9290 M +65 9722 6028 Media Relations, Australia Jonathan Rose T +61 3 9283 3088 M +61 447 028 913 Matt Chambers T +61 3 9283 3087 M +61 433 525 739 Jesse Riseborough T +61 8 6211 6013 M +61 436 653 412 Investor Relations, United Kingdom Menno Sanderse T: +44 20 7781 1517 M: +44 7825 195 178 David Ovington T +44 20 7781 2051 M +44 7920 010 978 Investor Relations, Australia Natalie Worley T +61 3 9283 3063 M +61 409 210 462 Amar Jambaa T +61 3 9283 3627 M +61 472 865 948 Group Company Secretary Steve Allen Rio Tinto plc 6 St James's Square London SW1Y 4AD United Kingdom T +44 20 7781 2000 Registered in England No. 719885 Joint Company Secretary Tim Paine Rio Tinto Limited Level 7, 360 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia T +61 3 9283 3333 Registered in Australia ABN 96 004 458 404 Category: general Bhopal, June 19 : The Shivraj Singh Chouhan government has approached the Supreme Court seeking that Madhya Pradesh's basmati rice be included in the GI tag list. Addressing the media, Madhya Pradesh agriculture minister Kamal Patel on Friday said that the Madras High Court had on February 27 dismissed the petition filed against the exclusion of basmati rice produced in the state from the GI tag list. The state government has appealed against this decision in the Supreme Court. Advocate J Sai Kaushal has been appointed as special council representing the state government in the Supreme Court. Patel said, "Due to the erstwhile Congress government, the major producer of basmati rice has lagged behind the GI tag. Our state produces basmati rice in a traditional way, good quality basmati rice is produced here. The government headed by Shivraj Singh Chouhan has appealed to the Supreme Court to include basmati of the state in the GI tag. Farmers will get a fair price by enlisting the GI tag for basmati of the state." After an impressive debut performance at Woodbine Mohawk Park on June 8, Indictable Hanover returned to the Campbellville, Ontario oval and blew away the competition one again. After missing his two-year-old year due to an injury, Indictable Hanover now owns a pair of wins in as many starts for trainer Casie Coleman Herlihy who has seen her fair share of talented horses. After getting away fifth in Thursdays assignment, Bob McClure gunned the three-year-old son of Bettors Delight-Im Sassy to the lead in the backstretch. After The Wild Card put up the opener in :28 it was Indictable Hanover who then laid down middle splits of :57 and 1:26 a piece of cake by his standards. He kicked into hyper drive in the lane, however, using a kicker in :26 to win by three lengths over The Wild Card in 1:52. Sustained to the Pepsi North America Cup, the colt bumped his lifetime earnings to $15,500 for the partnership of West Wins Stable, John Fielding and Mac Nichol. Noch Ten was a beaten favourite when finishing fourth-placed-third in his 2020 debut, but he bounced back and dug down deep to triumph in his $15,000 assignment for trainer Carmen Auciello. Jonathan Drury, who co-owns the sophomore with Auciello Stables and James Downer, hustled the son of Warrawee Needy-Astrmowin to the lead from Post 5 and they never looked back through panels of :26.1, :56 and 1:25. A :27.3 closing quarter sealed the deal for Noch Ten who defeated Doubleagentman and He Refuses To Lose. The time for the mile was 1:52.3. It was a maiden-breaking victory for Noch Ten who is a combined 1-0-2 from four stars. The lightly-raced youngster, who is also sustained to this years Pepsi North America Cup, has banked over $20,000 to date. To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results Woodbine Mohawk Park. Robert Scales, 38, (pictured) has been arrested after his wife and three children were killed in a house fire just months after she filed a protection order saying he had threatened to burn down their home with her inside A Michigan man has been arrested after his wife and three children were killed in a house fire just months after she filed a protection order saying he had threatened to burn down their home with her inside. Robert Scales, 38, was arrested and charged Thursday with four counts of involuntary manslaughter for the February slayings of his wife Wanedia Scales, 35, and their children Xavier Woldeab, 15, Robert Scales, Jr., 14, and Elijah Scales, 10. Scales is accused of starting the fire at the home on February 5 while his family were asleep upstairs. The four victims were dragged from the blaze by emergency responders but Wanedia and Xavier died at the scene, and Robert and Elijah died later in hospital. The charges come as a chilling application for a personal protection order written by Wanedia just months before their deaths has revealed the mother-of-three was terrified for the safety of her family. In the document, obtained by WoodTV, she predicted the brutal deaths of her and her children in a house fire, writing that Scales had threatened to burn down their home with her inside and saying she was 'greatly afraid' of what he was going to do. Scales, 38, was arrested and charged Thursday with four counts of involuntary manslaughter for the February slayings of his wife Wanedia Scales, 35, and their children Xavier Woldeab, 15, Robert Scales, Jr., 14, and Elijah Scales, 10 (pictured altogether) 'Defendant vandalized property and has threaten to burn the house down with me in it,' Wanedia wrote in the application, dated September 5 2019. 'He has also threaten me in front of his children that if I try and stop him from damaging the home my face was going to be next. Then he took his pointer finger in front of kids and shoved my face.' Wanedia told how she was living in fear of her husband because he had 'stop[ped] taking his prescribed medication'. 'I am begging you I am scared for my life I don't know what else to do. I need help please,' she begged in the harrowing note to a judge. Scales previously told officers he had been at work at the time of the fire. However, suspicions were raised over the husband's involvement when at a vigil for his family in the aftermath of the tragedy he replied 'no comment' to reporters asking if he was involved in starting the fire. He also commented that his family's death was planned by a higher power. The charges come as a chilling application for a personal protection order written by Wanedia just months before their deaths has revealed the mother-of-three was terrified for the safety of her family (pictured) and predicted their brutal deaths in a house fire 'I know God got something else for me,' he said at the time, reported WoodTV. The net also closed in on Scales as the alleged history of domestic violence emerged. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced the charges Thursday, saying there was not enough evidence to bring murder charges against the father. 'We're charging him with gross negligence,' Becker said. 'We did not charge a homicide because there was no evidence that this was an intentional act We're fully aware of the past history.' He added: 'We looked into everything, and we could not prove a murder case in this instance.' 'It has to be based on fact and what the law is... It's what the law and the facts have shown us, that these are the appropriate charges.' Suspicions grew over the husband's involvement when at a vigil for his family in the aftermath of the tragedy (pictured) he replied 'no comment' to reporters asking if he was involved in starting the fire The scene of the crime in February. The victims' family welcomed news of Scales' arrest but said the charges for manslaughter do not go far enough Becker did not provide details on how the fire was started or what evidence had led to the charges. Early reports suggested the fire began in a trash can behind the property. The victims' family welcomed news of Scales' arrest but said the charges for manslaughter do not go far enough. 'Me knowing that they got him on some charges is good, but its not good enough,' a family member, identified as Laverne, told WoodTV. 'It's not involuntary. It's murder What he threatened to do to her - it played out.' Scales was booked into the Kent County jail Thursday before being arraigned in the 61st District Court. Involuntary manslaughter is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison in Michigan. Michael Pack, President Donald Trump's pick to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media, has appointed to the organization's board a person with ties to an anti-LGBT group and another who publicly bashed President Barack Obama's transgender policy. The board of directors for these media organizations that are overseen by the USAGM have a say on who is selected to become leaders of the companies they represent. Their ties and previous remarks could give a preview into the way Michael Pack, the CEO of the agency, is remaking the federally funded news organization to fit a more conservative tone. Democrats, including Sen. Robert Menendez, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations committee, have voiced concern that these moves represent an attempt by Pack to destroy the USAGM. These new board members were brought up in a letter from Reps. Eliot Engel and Nita Lowey, chairs of the House Appropriations Committee and Foreign Affairs Committee, sent to Pack on Friday. The two lawmakers called on him to provide documents for why he chose to terminate and then replace various career officials at the agency. The board moves come after Pack purged longtime board members and executives just weeks after officially becoming USAGM's new CEO. Trump himself has publicly taken aim at Voice of America, one of the news organizations overseen by the agency. In statement released on Thursday, Pack appeared to defend his decision to remove longtime agency officials. The USAGM did not return a request for comment for this story. Bethany Kozma, according to people familiar with the matter who declined to be named as these decisions have yet to be made public, is set to join the board of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and is currently working with the United States Agency for International Development. She formerly worked in President George W. Bush's administration and has been an activist against pro-transgender policies. Kozma once wrote an op-ed blasting Obama's policy that allowed transgender students to use restrooms that matched their gender identities. The Trump administration rescinded the proposal in 2017. Jonathan Alexandre, these people added, is expected to be a corporate board member for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and reportedly is on the board of Radio Free Asia. He is the senior counsel for government affairs at Liberty Counsel, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy group that fights for pro-Christian legal rights, Alexandre's LinkedIn profile says. Both Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia are entities of USAGM and they did not return requests for comment. Liberty Counsel has often publicly taken a stance against pro-gay or transgender policies. There is no public record of Alexandre himself making similar comments. Alexandre is also senior counsel for government affairs at Liberty Counsel Action, an associated 501(c)(4), that, according to their website, "advances religious freedom, the sanctity of human life, the family, responsible government, national security, and support for Israel at the federal, state, and local levels." From 2013 to 2014, while serving as Fort Campbells senior military lawyer, the first African American to serve in this position, my drive to work was a daily reminder that the constitutional values I swore to uphold and defend were not reflected in the symbols surrounding me. My office building, which stood for justice, sat on Forrest Road. The five main roads leading into Fort Campbell were originally named after Confederate generals. Over time, however, four of those roads were renamed to reflect the divisions proud history and its heroes. Today, only Forrest Road remains, presumably because its namesake is a native Tennessean revered throughout the state and other parts of the United States for his presumed military genius. History, however, provides a darker side of Nathan Bedford Forrest it tells of his leadership of the Ku Klux Klan as its first Grand Wizard, his accumulated wealth through slave trading and slave labor, and his role in the massacre of over 300 black Union soldiers at Fort Pillow. Fort Campbell, a military base that straddles the boundaries of Kentucky and Tennessee, is the home of the storied 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), a premier light infantry division that has played a critical role in every major war since World War II. African American soldiers are among the thousands who have fought and died alongside their 101st Airborne Division comrades of different races and creeds in defense of American ideals. Forrest Roads existence dishonors their sacrifices. Therefore, I felt compelled to make an official request to change the name, a process fraught with institutional bias. On June 9, Gen. Charles Q. Brown, the top Air Force officer, achieved a historic Senate confirmation as Air Force Chief of Staff and became the first African American man to hold the service chief position. When his four-year term begins on Aug. 6, Gen. Brown will have a seat at the table with other military service chiefs. And to his left or his right will sit Army Chief of Staff Gen. James C. McConville, the very leader who, in 2014, failed to rename Forrest Road. Gen. McConvilles decision is reflective of an old way of thinking that must be rooted out as George Floyds death and subsequent national protests awaken a national consciousness about issues of race and equality. At the time of my request, then Major Gen. James C. McConville was Fort Campbells commanding general. Like me, he was a West Point graduate, commissioned as an Army aviator and dedicated a career to military service. Our shared West Point values of duty, honor, country and our mutual belief in the Armys seven core values were not enough to bridge our philosophical and racial divide. In spite of my recommendation and that of his African American division command sergeant major, Gen. McConville sided with Fort Campbells memorialization board, a body of Fort Campbells civilian employees vested with the task of recommending whether the road be renamed. This board, comprised almost exclusively of middle-aged Southern white males with a connection to the local Kentucky and Tennessee communities, neither reflected the racial diversity of the Army nor the values its soldiers risked their lives to defend. A decision to rename Forrest Road would have no doubt been met with opposition from local Tennessee groups like the United Daughters of the Confederacy, who idolized Forrest and viewed the Civil War as a war fought over states rights the believers of which conveniently leave out the principle state right to enslave African Americans. In the face of politically tough decisions, Army leaders, like Gen. McConville, must, as Gen. Brown so pointedly stated in his June 5 video address, want the wisdom and knowledge to lead, participate in and listen to necessary conversations on racism, diversity and inclusion. Congressional and military leaders must not miss this inflection point in our country when Gen. Brown, the first African American service chief, is speaking of a history of racial issues, and my own experiences that didnt sing of liberty and equality. As momentum for renaming military bases grows in Congress, military leaders must use their existing authority to rename roads, buildings and other overt symbols on military bases that send an undeniable message to African American servicemen and women that the military finds nobility in men who chose to fight against a nation they swore to defend and for a cause that elevated wealth and tradition over freedom and decency. Renaming Forrest Road and other racist symbols on military bases is a national security imperative. If this country expects mothers and fathers to send their African American sons and daughters to serve, fight and die for freedom, then the external symbols surrounding them must honor those heroes who understand and value its meaning. Edwards, a federal prosecutor in Houston, is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and former military attorney and aviation officer. As the country grapples with a widespread reckoning over the prevalence of racism, majorities of Americans are resistant to renaming U.S. military bases that carry the names of Confederate leaders, and are voicing particular opposition to providing descendants of slaves with reparations, according to a new ABC News/Ipsos poll released Friday. While 56% are opposed to changing U.S. military bases named for Confederate leaders, which stand as a reminder of the nations complicated history with race, 42% of Americans support the move. Nearly three-fourths of Americans believe that the federal government should not provide payments to black Americans whose ancestors were slaves to compensate for the toll of slavery. Only 26% of Americans are in favor of reparations. MORE: Trump says admin 'will not even consider' renaming bases named after Confederate leaders, after Army signals openness Beyond these topline divisions over handling the scars of Americas past, there are stark racial divides. Black Americans are far more likely to support renaming Confederate bases and reparations than both white Americans and Hispanics. In the new poll, which was conducted by Ipsos in partnership with ABC News using Ipsos Knowledge Panel, two-thirds of Black Americans favor renaming Confederate bases, which is more than double the support among white Americans (32%), and is 13-points higher than the approval among Hispanics (54%). Do you think the federal government should or should not pay money to black Americans whose ancestors were slaves as compensation for that slavery? (ABC News/Ipsos Poll) Black Americans (72%) are also more than five times as likely to back reparations than whites (14%) and over twice as likely than Hispanics (34%). Although we have seen large changes in opinion on a wide variety of issues revolving around race in America, there has been only a slight change in attitudes about reparations over the last 20 years. An ABC News/Washington Post poll from June 1997 found that only 19% of Americans backed providing black Americans whose ancestors were slaves with payments, while 77% opposed it. Story continues In 1997, 65% of blacks and a meager 10% of whites supported reparations, a split that is about the same as this weeks poll. The survey also finds sharp partisan divisions over both giving military bases new names and paying reparations to descendants of slaves: 71% of Democrats support changing the names of bases compared to only 13% of Republicans and 40% of independents. Democrats are more divided in their support for reparations than they are in their approval of renaming bases, with only 54% backing the federal government paying black Americans compensation for slavery, while 45% oppose. Meanwhile, Republicans (94%) and independents (82%) are overwhelming against such a decision. This week, another poll, asking a similar question on military bases, was released by Quinnipiac, showed a slightly different result. In the Quinnipiac poll, voters were split, 47%-47%, over renaming Confederate bases. The Quinnipiac poll had slightly more Democrats in its poll. The difference in attitudes on changing the names of bases in the two polls is a function of differences in the attitudes of independents. Independents were more likely to support renaming Confederate bases in the Quinnipiac poll and slightly more likely to oppose it in the ABC News/Ipsos poll. Partisans had similar attitudes in the two polls. Younger Americans, too, are more likely to back renaming military bases than their older counterparts, with 55% of 18-29-year-olds supporting the move, compared to 32% among those over the age of 65. Americans over the age of 65 are overwhelmingly against such a change, with 65% opposing renaming military sites. MORE: Senators move to change names of military bases, set stage for showdown with Trump The poll comes as the country marks the anniversary of Juneteenth, which commemorates when the last people who were still enslaved were told they were freed, more than two years after slavery ended, and amid ongoing unrest across the country over racial injustice, further renewed by the killing of Rayshard Brooks at the hands of a white police officer in Atlanta. It also comes the same week that a coalition of some 50 progressive groups, including some associated with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., pushed presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden to adopt a more progressive approach to reforming policing and criminal justice. "You cannot win the election without the enthusiastic support of Black voters, and how you act in this moment of crisis will play a big role in determining how Black voters and all voters concerned with racial justice respond to your candidacy," the letter to Biden from the organizations read. The letter also calls on Biden to support policies outlined by The Movement for Black Lives, which includes supporting reparations for black Americans, something Biden has hesitated to embrace. He, instead, says he backs studying the feasibility of reparations. Last week, President Donald Trump said his administration "will not even consider" renaming military bases originally named after Confederate leaders, a day after the Army issued a statement saying top military leaders were "open" to the discussion. Do you support or oppose banning the use of chokeholds by police officers? (ABC News/Ipsos Poll) The only issue in the poll that finds near-universal approval across racial and political lines is banning the use of chokeholds by police officers, with majorities of black Americans (71%), white Americans (63%), Hispanics (56%), Democrats (71%), Republicans (51%), and independents (63%) all backing such a step. And overall, 63% of Americans support banning chokeholds. This ABC News/Ipsos poll was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs KnowledgePanel June 17-18, 2020, in English and Spanish, among a random national sample of 727 adults, with oversamples of black and Hispanic respondents. Results have a margin of sampling error of 4.1 points, including the design effect. See the polls topline results and details on the methodology here. Divisions emerge on renaming military bases, reparations amid unrest: POLL originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Uber Air, the ride-share companys proposed chopper flight service over Melbourne, will create major safety, noise, and infrastructure planning issues that governments will need to grapple with, a senior federal Department of Transport bureaucrat warns. Uber, best known for its taxi services, last year chose Melbourne as one of three trial cities for aerial ride-sharing using the model it has for car-sharing to connect passengers with helicopter operators. Uber has selected Dallas, Los Angeles and Melbourne as pilot cities for its Uber Air ride-share service. Credit:Uber But little progress has been made on the trial in Melbourne since its announcement in Washington. Uber wants to launch electric-powered aircraft quieter than helicopters, but yet-to-be-certified by aviation authorities anywhere in the world that would ferry commuters between skyports atop CBD buildings. Pakistan had closed the Ghulam Khan border in North Waziristan in June 2014 after the military launched a major operation against militants in the area, and conducted trial run for reopening the border crossing in March 2018, reports Xinhua news agency. Islamabad, June 19 (IANS) Pakistani and Afghan officials have agreed to reopen a key route for cross-border trade between the two countries from June 22, aiming to give a major boost to bilateral trade. Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Atif Mashal confirmed to Xinhua on Thursday evening that Pakistan had agreed to open the Ghulam Khan crossing point on January 22. Mashal said that Ghulam Khan crossing will be opened for exports and imports, becoming the third major route for bilateral trade between the two countries. He said Afghan traders will also export their fresh fruits via other border crossings of Torkham and Chaman in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces of Pakistan. "It is the peak time for Afghan exports of fresh fruits and vegetables as both are now ready for export," the Afghan envoy said. A Pakistani official in North Waziristan tribal district, bordering Afghanistan, told the media in the region that officials of the two countries had agreed on arrangements for the cross-border trade in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials agreed that truck drivers and all involved in the trade will follow the standard operating procedures to contain the spread of the disease. Drivers and cleaners will undergo tests at the quarantine centres established on both sides of the border. --IANS ksk/ Shareholders of Ashtead Group plc (LON:AHT) will be pleased this week, given that the stock price is up 12% to UK26.65 following its latest yearly results. Results were roughly in line with estimates, with revenues of UK5.1b and statutory earnings per share of UK1.62. Earnings are an important time for investors, as they can track a company's performance, look at what the analysts are forecasting for next year, and see if there's been a change in sentiment towards the company. We thought readers would find it interesting to see the analysts latest (statutory) post-earnings forecasts for next year. Check out our latest analysis for Ashtead Group LSE:AHT Past and Future Earnings June 19th 2020 Taking into account the latest results, the current consensus, from the eleven analysts covering Ashtead Group, is for revenues of UK4.69b in 2021, which would reflect a noticeable 7.3% reduction in Ashtead Group's sales over the past 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are expected to tumble 32% to UK1.10 in the same period. Before this earnings report, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of UK4.53b and earnings per share (EPS) of UK1.43 in 2021. While next year's revenue estimates increased, there was also a large cut to EPS expectations, suggesting the consensus has a bit of a mixed view of these results. The analysts also upgraded Ashtead Group's price target 12% to UK26.49, implying that the higher sales are expected to generate enough value to offset the forecast decline in earnings. It could also be instructive to look at the range of analyst estimates, to evaluate how different the outlier opinions are from the mean. The most optimistic Ashtead Group analyst has a price target of UK39.00 per share, while the most pessimistic values it at UK17.50. Note the wide gap in analyst price targets? This implies to us that there is a fairly broad range of possible scenarios for the underlying business. Looking at the bigger picture now, one of the ways we can make sense of these forecasts is to see how they measure up against both past performance and industry growth estimates. We would highlight that sales are expected to reverse, with the forecast 7.3% revenue decline a notable change from historical growth of 18% over the last five years. Compare this with our data, which suggests that other companies in the same industry are, in aggregate, expected to see their revenue grow 2.2% next year. So although its revenues are forecast to shrink, this cloud does not come with a silver lining - Ashtead Group is expected to lag the wider industry. Story continues The Bottom Line The biggest concern is that the analysts reduced their earnings per share estimates, suggesting business headwinds could lay ahead for Ashtead Group. They also upgraded their revenue estimates for next year, even though sales are expected to grow slower than the wider industry. There was also a nice increase in the price target, with the analysts clearly feeling that the intrinsic value of the business is improving. Following on from that line of thought, we think that the long-term prospects of the business are much more relevant than next year's earnings. We have forecasts for Ashtead Group going out to 2024, and you can see them free on our platform here. And what about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Ashtead Group you should know about. Love or hate this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 04:28:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A worker sprays disinfectant on an electric vehicle at a hotel in Hurghada, Egypt, on June 19, 2020. Egypt reported on Friday 1,774 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily increase so far, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 52,211, said the health ministry. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) CAIRO, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Egypt reported on Friday 1,774 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily increase so far, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 52,211, said the health ministry. Khaled Megahed, the ministry's spokesman, said 79 more patients died from the coronavirus, bringing the death toll to 2,017, while 400 patients have recovered and were discharged from hospitals, raising the total recoveries to 13,928. Since March 25, the Egyptian government has been imposing a nighttime curfew as a key precautionary measure in combating the highly infectious virus. The current eight-hour curfew in Egypt will continue until the end of the month, amid the government's coexistence plan to maintain anti-coronavirus precautionary measures while resuming economic activities. Egypt plans to resume air traffic in all Egyptian airports from July 1 as the country prepares for the return of foreign tourism, after more than three months of international flight suspension over the coronavirus concerns. The most populous Arab country has already started gradual reopening of services and offices, and allowed operation of over 230 hotels for local tourists with 50-percent capacity after they were given hygiene safety certificates. Egypt and China have been cooperating closely in fighting the pandemic through exchanging medical aid and expertise. In early February, Egypt was among the first nations to provide aid to China in its fight against the coronavirus outbreak. China, after having largely controlled the pandemic, returned favor by sending three batches of medical aid to Egypt. On April 16, May 10 and May 16, Chinese doctors held video conferences with Egyptian counterparts to share their experience in prevention and treatment of the virus. Enditem At an all-party meeting, Modi said the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice taught a 'lesson' to those who had dared to look towards India and that the army has been given 'freedom' to take necessary steps. New Delhi: Neither is anyone inside our territory nor has any Indian post been captured, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday on the six-week border standoff with China as he briefed prominent political leaders about the killing of 20 soldiers in the Galwan Valley that triggered a massive escalation in tensions between the two countries. At an all-party meeting, he said the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice taught a "lesson" to those who had dared to look towards India and that the army has been given "freedom" to take necessary steps. "At the outset, prime minister clarified that neither is anyone inside our territory nor is any of our post captured," the government said in a statement, adding he assured the leaders that the armed forces are leaving no stone unturned to protect the country. The categorical statement by the prime minister came in the wake of reports that Chinese military has transgressed into the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de-facto border, in several areas of eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso and Galwan Valley. The prime minister's assertion came even as Congress president Sonia Gandhi questioned the government's handling of the situation, asking if there was any intelligence failure and seeking assurance that China will "revert" to its original position. While the Congress and the Left sought to corner the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government, most other parties, including the ruling alliance's bitter critics like West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and DMK's MK Stalin, extended their support over the issue. Assuring all the leaders that armed forces were fully capable of protecting the country's borders, Modi said, "While on the one hand, the army has been given freedom to take necessary steps, India has also conveyed its position clearly to China through diplomatic means." He added that India today has such capability that no one can even dare to look towards "an inch of our land". Modi said the entire country is hurt and angry at the steps taken by China at the LAC and underscored that India wants peace and friendship, but upholding sovereignty is "foremost". The nearly four-hour meeting through video conference was attended by top leaders including BJP president JP Nadda, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, BSP's Mayawati, CPM's Sitaram Yechury, DMK's Stalin, Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray besides Sonia and Banerjee among others. The government said the leaders of the political parties hailed the bravery displayed by the armed forces in Ladakh and reposed faith in the leadership of the prime minister in this hour of need. They expressed commitment to stand united with the government. In the meeting, Sonia asked some tough questions to the government like whether there was any intelligence failure on the situation along the LAC, and sought an assurance from Modi that status quo ante would be restored at the border. In her introductory remarks, she said even at this stage they were in the dark about many crucial aspects of the crisis as she posed a set of questions to the government and sought specifics about when Chinese troops intruded into the Indian territory. "In the government's considered view, was there a failure of intelligence," she asked. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the nation will never forget the sacrifice of the martyrs while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar gave an overview of agreements between India and China on border management, besides sharing details of recent developments. Several leaders, including BJP ally and Lol Janshakti Party president Chirag Paswan and Banerjee, asked the government to work to curb trade, especially import, with China and said investment from Chinese firms in infrastructure sector in India should be desisted. The clash in Galwan Valley was the worst cross border confrontation between the two sides in 45 years. While India lost 20 soldiers, China's People's Liberation Army has not yet talked about the number of casualties it suffered. The prime minister's comment that Indian soldiers taught a "lesson" to those who dared to look towards India is seen as reference to casualties on the Chinese side. The Chinese soldiers used stones, nail-studded sticks, iron rods and clubs in carrying out brutal attacks on Indian soldiers after they protested the erection of a surveillance post by China on the Indian side of the LAC in Galwan. Pawar, a former defence minister said diplomatic channels should be used to defuse the tension, adding Chinese troops must be "evacuated" from the high ground in the Galwan valley. He said that the Chinese army is occupying the high ground in the Galwan valley with a "specific objective of dominating the Dubruk-DBO road on the Indian side". Chinese troops can at any time decide to enforce closure of this road and India will have to pay a heavy military cost if that happened, the NCP chief said in the meeting. Trinamool Congress supremo Banerjee said her party stands firmly behind the Union government in this hour of crisis and urged the Centre not to allow Chinese investments in strategically important infrastructure sectors. The West Bengal chief minister said India "should and will" unitedly tide over the crisis, sources in her party said. "We stand with the government in this hour of crisis. We will win. We will put up a united fight as one nation," Banerjee was quoted as having told the meeting by a source in the TMC. Opposition parties like the RJD, AAP and AIMIM reacted angrily over not being invited to the meeting and raised questions over the criteria for the invitation. The two armies were engaged in a standoff in Galwan and several other areas of eastern Ladakh since 5 May when the two sides clashed on the banks of the Pangong Tso. The situation in the area deteriorated after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on 5 and 6 May. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on 9 May. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-kilometre-long LAC. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it. Prior to the clashes, both sides have been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. The EU must not look "weak" in enforcing a UN arms embargo on Libya, the Greek government said Friday after recent naval incidents involving Turkey. The embargo was agreed amid efforts to stem the conflict which has racked Libya since the 2011 overthrow of leader Muammar Gaddafi, but Western efforts to enforce it have met limited success. "We cannot take decisions, and then look weak in enforcing them," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said. He made the remarks at Wednesday's European People's Party teleconference and they were quoted by government spokesman Stelios Petsas on Friday. The Greek call came after NATO launched an official investigation into a naval incident in the Mediterranean between alliance members France and Turkey that has infuriated Paris. France said one of its ships was subjected to radar targeting by Turkish frigates as it sought to inspect a Tanzanian-flagged cargo vessel suspected of carrying arms to Libya. A Greek navy vessel was last week also prevented from inspecting the same freighter by its Turkish military escort. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has caused repeated unease at NATO with Turkey's interventions on Syria and Libya and the contentious purchase from Moscow of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missiles. But Turkey's strategic position between Europe and the Middle East, commanding the southern shores of the Black Sea, make it an important ally. After months of diplomatic wrangling the European Union set up its own maritime mission, Operation Irini, to try to halt the flow of arms to Libya. But Irini has struggled for resources and this week EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell was forced to make a fresh appeal to member states for ships. Search Keywords: Short link: [June 18, 2020] Worldwide Converged Systems Market Grows 4.5% Year Over Year During the First Quarter of 2020, According to IDC According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Converged Systems Tracker, worldwide converged systems market revenue increased 4.5% year over year to $3.9 billion during the first quarter of 2020 (1Q20). "The overall converged systems market showed resilience during a difficult macro environment in the first quarter of 2020," said Sebastian Lagana, research manager, Infrastructure Platforms and Technologies at IDC (News - Alert). "While the hyperconverged system market continued to expand as enterprises seek to take advantage of software-defined infrastructure, the Certified Reference Systems & Integrated Infrastructure segment posted its best quarter of growth since 2Q19 on the strength of richly configured platform sales related to demanding workloads in industries such as healthcare and telecoms." Converged Systems Segments IDC's converged systems market view offers three segments: certified reference systems & integrated infrastructure, integrated platforms, and hyperconverged systems. The certified reference systems & integrated infrastructure market generated just over $1.4 billion in revenue during the first quarter, which represents growth of 4.4% year over year and accounts for 36.8% of all converged systems revenue. Integrated platforms sales declined 8.7% year over year in 1Q20, generating $478 million worth of revenue. This amounted to 12.3% of the total converged systems market revenue. Sales of hyperconverged systems grew 8.3% year over year during the first quarter of 2020, generating just under $2.0 billion worth of revenue. This amounted to 50.9% of the total converged systems market. A graphic illustrating the worldwide share of the three converged systems market segments over the previous five quarters is available by viewing this press release on IDC.com. IDC offers two ways to rank technology suppliers within the hyperconverged systems market: by the brand of the hyperconverged solution or by the owner of the software providing the core hyperconverged capabilities. Rankings based on a branded view of the market can be found in the first table of this press release and rankings based on the owner of the hyperconverged software can be found in the second table within this press release. Both tables include all the same software and hardware, summing to the same market size. As it relates to the branded view of the hyperconverged systems market, Dell Technologies was the largest supplier with $666.3 million in revenue and a 33.6% share. Nutanix generated $260.0 million in branded hardware revenue, representing 13.1% of the total HCI market during the quarter. Hewlett Packard Enterprise finished the quarter in the number 3 spot with $118.7 million in revenue, which amounted to a 6.0% share. Top 3 Companies, Worldwide Hyperconverged Systems as Branded, Q1 2020 (revenue in $M) Company 1Q20 Revenue 1Q20 Market Share 1Q19 Revenue 1Q19 Market Share 1Q20/1Q19 Revenue Growth 1. Dell Technologiesa $666.3 33.6 % $587.4 32.1 % 13.4 % 2. Nutanix $260.0 13.1 % $255.1 13.9 % 1.9 % 3. Hewlett Packard Enterprise $118.7 6.0 % $82.9 4.5 % 43.1 % Rest of Market $937.7 47.3 % $905.4 49.5 % 3.6 % Total $1,982.7 100.0 % $1,830.9 100.% 8.3 % Source (News - Alert): IDC Worldwide Quarterly Converged Systems Tracker, June 18, 2020 Table Notes: a Dell Technologies represents the combined revenues for Dell and EMC (News - Alert) sales for all quarters shown. The rankings based on the owner of the hyperconverged software show that new systems running VMware hyperconverged software represented $841.2 million in total 1Q20 vendor revenue, or 42.4% of the total market. Systems running Nutanix hyperconverged software represented $561.7 million in first quarter vendor revenue or 28.3% of the total market. Both amounts represent the value of all HCI hardware, HCI software, and system infrastructure software sold, regardless of how it was branded at the hardware level. As hardware sales are a major factor in these data, the chart should not be assumed to solely reflect, or completely align with, the respective companies' overall software performance. Top 3 Companies, Worldwide Hyperconverged Systems Revenue Attributed to Owner of HCI Software, Q1 2020 (revenue in $M) Company 1Q20 Revenue 1Q20 Market Share 1Q19 Revenue 1Q19 Market Share 1Q20/1Q19 Revenue Growth 1. VMware $841.2 42.4 % $759.5 41.5 % 10.8 % 2. Nutanix $561.7 28.3 % $526.2 28.7 % 6.7 % T3. Hewlett Packard Enterprise* $101.8 5.1 % $83.9 4.6 % 21.3 % T3. Cisco (News - Alert)* $85.1 4.3 % $82.3 4.5 % 3.5 % Rest of Market $392.8 19.8 % $379.0 20.7 % 3.6 % Total $1,982.7 100.0 % $1,830.9 100.0 % 8.3 % Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly Converged Systems Tracker, June 18, 2020 Table Notes: * IDC declares a statistical tie in the worldwide converged systems market when there is a difference of one percent or less in the share of revenues or unit shipments among two or more vendors. Taxonomy Notes Beginning with the release of 2019 results, IDC has expanded its definition of the hyperconverged systems market segment to include a new breed of systems called Disaggregated HCI (hyperconverged infrastructure). Such systems are designed from the ground up to only support distinct/separate compute and storage nodes. An example of such a system in the market today is NetApp's HCI solution. They offer non-linear scaling of the hyperconverged cluster to make it easier to scale compute and storage resources independent of each other while offering crucial functions such as quality of service. For these disaggregated HCI solutions, the storage nodes may not have a hypervisor at all since they do not have to run VMs or applications. IDC defines converged systems as pre-integrated, vendor-certified systems containing server hardware, disk storage systems, networking equipment, and basic element/systems management software. Systems not sold with all four of these components are not counted within this tracker. Specific to management software, IDC includes embedded or integrated management and control software optimized for the auto discovery, provisioning and pooling of physical and virtual compute, storage and networking resources shipped as part of the core, standard integrated system. Numbers in this press release may not sum due to rounding. Certified reference systems & integrated infrastructure are pre-integrated, vendor-certified systems containing server hardware, disk storage systems, networking equipment, and basic element/systems management software. Integrated platforms are integrated systems that are sold with additional pre-integrated packaged software and customized system engineering optimized to enable such functions as application development software, databases, testing, and integration tools. Hyperconverged systems collapse core storage and compute functionality into a single, highly virtualized solution. A key characteristic of hyperconverged systems that differentiate these solutions from other integrated systems is their scale-out architecture and their ability to provide all compute and storage functions through the same x86 server-based resources. Market values for all three segments includes hardware and software but excludes services and support. IDC considers a unit to be a full system including server, storage, and networking. Individual server, storage, or networking "nodes" are not counted as units. Hyperconverged system units are counted at the appliance (aka chassis) level. Many hyperconverged appliances are deployed on multinode servers. IDC will count each appliance, not each node, as a single system. For more information about IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Converged Systems Tracker, please contact Lidice Fernandez at 305-351-3057 or [email protected]. 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. Click here to learn about IDC's full suite of data products and how you can leverage them to grow your business. 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/20200618005835/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A 20-year-old woman has been arrested in Brazil after police said she threw her newborn son from her second-floor apartment building. Police in the Sao Paulo coastal city of Praia Grande were called to the condominium Thursday afternoon after a building worker discovered the boy inside a bag while she was checking through garbage bins. Cristiane Pereira, 46, told Brazilian news outlet G1 that she first lifted the bag and noticed that there was a lot of blood in the bin. Thinking that it was just fresh meat, she decided not to inspect what was inside. Police were called to a building in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Thursday after workers at the condominium discovered the body of a newborn boy inside a garbage bin after it was tossed out of a second-floor apartment. The 20-year-old mother was placed under arrest and charged with infanticide Cristiane Pereira, who works at a condominium (pictured) in Praia Grande, Brazil, told Brazilian news outlet G1 that she first thought there was fresh meat inside the bag the newborn was stuffed into before she noticed the baby boy's foot She later approached the building janitor who walked her to the garbage bin before making the gruesome discovery. 'I started to open and saw a child's foot,' Pereira said. 'I even started to shake, because I never imagined going through that moment. I'm a mother. As I will have grandchildren too, I will never want this to happen to my family,' she added. 'I couldn't eat anything. That image does not come out of my head at any time, that child in a plastic bag all rolled up.' Investigators with the Praia Grande civil police are unsure whether the boy was stillborn or if the mother had made an attempt at an abortion. TV Santa Cecilia reported the mother was charged with infanticide and could serve two to six years in prison if convicted. The body was taken to the coroner's office where tests were ordered to determine if the child was alive before his death. The newborn's mother was taken to Irma Dulce Hospital where she was placed under psychiatric evaluation. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Friday suggested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pursue long-term and short-term strategies to deal with the neighbouring country of China. Rao said there should not be any hasty decisions from India and at the same time its interests need not be compromised. Telangana Rashtra Samithi president told PM Modi at the all-party meeting held through video conference. "We should prepare long-term and short-term strategies to face China's aggressive attitude. There should not be any hasty act from our side under any circumstances," an official press release quoted the chief minister as saying during the meeting. India-China Border News LIVE "There should not be any compromise as far as our nations security and interests are concerned. Have strategic partnership with countries friendly with us," he had said. Rao further said China has become jealous of the stable and strong governance in India which was emerging as a strong economic force. The provocation from China was borne out of envy, he said. "China and Pakistan have the habit of creating trouble and a conflict atmosphere whenever they have problems internally. China has a lot of such problems now. It is confronting countries like Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines," the chief minister said. Describing India as a peace-loving country, he said there was limit to patience and the country needs to give a befitting reply if anyone crosses the path. The idea of banning import of Chinese goods would be a hasty decision, he said adding that the products imported should be made in India. All the participants of the all-party meet paid silent tribute to the martyrs of the Galwan Valley incident. A group of men and women who say they suffered sexual abuse in Syrian regime prisons have submitted a criminal complaint to the German federal prosecutor, the Berlin-based organization representing them announced Thursday. The complaint accuses nine high-ranking Syrian officials of crimes against humanity, including various sexual and gender-based crimes. I want the international community and judicial authorities to know what we went through just because we are women, said one survivor. My greatest motivation to participate in this complaint is my faith in Germanys impartial judiciary. The seven Syrians four women and three men were held in Syria's air force intelligence prisons between April 2011 and October 2013. According to the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), which drafted the complaint, the former detainees survived or witnessed various forms of sexual and gender-based violence including rape or its threat, sexual harassment, electrical shocks to the genitals, as well as forced nudity and forced abortion. When it comes to recognizing the gender-specific harm of international crimes, particularly sexual violence, the German justice system fails to explicitly charge suspects with crimes against humanity which these crimes are, Alexandra Lily Kather, a legal adviser with ECCHR, said in a news release. In April, a court in Koblenz, Germany, began a landmark criminal trial on state-sponsored torture in Syria, in which two suspected members of Syrian President Bashar al-Assads intelligence services are charged with crimes against humanity. Anwar Raslan and Eyad Gharib are being tried under Germanys sweeping universal jurisdiction law, which allows for the prosecution of grave crimes committed in another country regardless of whether a German national was involved. The new complaint includes charges against Jamil Hassan, the former head of Syrias air force intelligence services. Both France and Germany have previously issued arrest warrants for Hassan and ECCHR hopes to amend the charges against him to recognize sexual and gender-based violence as a crime against humanity. After nine years of war, the Syrian government continues mass arrests of perceived opponents. More than 130,000 people remain detained or forcibly disappeared by regime forces, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, a local monitoring group. Drinks company C&C has launched a new company to support Irelands pubs get back on their feet following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. C&C Gleeson, part of C&C Group plc, who distribute Bulmers, Magners and Five Lamps has now launched C&C Hygiene to provide financial and practical support to publicans in preparation for the reopening of some pubs on June 29. During the pre-reopening phase, they will supply physical materials to help publicans ensure they are providing a safe environment for customers in line with HSE guidelines, including divider screens, hand sanitizer dispensers and foot handles for doors. They will also provide hygiene products and advice on an ongoing basis. In addition, C&C has also launched the LOCAL app and website www.mylocaldelivers.ie. The app connects customers with local food and drinks businesses by facilitating home deliveries, click-and-collect and on-premise table service. Ross Bissett, C&C Group, said the initiative is focused on delivering both financial support and practical solutions to help publicans provide a safe environment, which will reassure patrons while preserving the quintessential atmosphere and fun, unique to Irish pubs. Biden-Harris 2020? Are you kidding me? A more tone-deaf Democratic ticket you will not find, especially in the George Floyd Era. With all the upheaval going on these days in the area of race, policing and criminal justice, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif. the person who the media insists is the leading candidate to be the running mate of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden should not be anywhere near the ticket. Question: What do Black Lives Matter protesters, and others pushing for police reform, really want? Answer: More than anything, the activists want their fellow Americans to hear them and understand that theyre not crazy. They havent been imagining that African Americans and, its worth mentioning, Latinos are often a favorite target of police. They want their fellow Americans to confront that we have a corrupt law enforcement system that gets propped up, empowered, and funded to the gills by even more corrupt law-and-order politicians. Ever see politicians, Republicans and Democrats, on the day that a major crime bill gets signed? They toss goodies to police departments like Oprah doing a giveaway. You get a tank! You get a helicopter! You get 10 rocket launchers! Everyone gets riot gear! Both Biden and Harris have, at various points in their political careers, been pro-cop cheerleaders who have delivered the pork to law enforcement and tried to score points with white folk by locking up the black and brown folks who threaten them. In one respect, this pairing would be an odd couple. There is no chemistry, unless you mean the kind where you mix two substances into a test tube. And it explodes. Harris all but called Biden a racist during the first Democratic debate for being chummy with white segregationists in the Senate and opposing forced busing in the 1970s. Awkward. The folk at the Trump re-election campaign, aka the Temple of Doom, surely have the video footage ready to go. Biden meekly tried to defend himself against the race card and jab back at Harris a former district attorney by saying that when he got out of law school, presumably during Prohibition, I was a public defender. I didnt become a prosecutor. Still, Harris may not have been so far off when she implied that Biden was a bigot for coddling segregationists. During a 1993 Senate confirmation hearing for then-Supreme Court nominee Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Biden vouched for the United Daughters of the Confederacy as many fine people who continue to display the Confederate flag as a symbol. President Donald Trump described the Charlottesville, Va., protesters who defended confederate statues as very fine people. Great news, Mr. President, we may have found a long-lost brother. Back to the Democratic dynamic duo. In another respect, Biden and Harris are a perfect match. As Harris was out on the Left Coast building her reputation as a tough-on-crime prosecutor in San Francisco, and later as California attorney general, it was Biden who supplied the bricks in the form of the infamous and racist 1994 crime bill he authored, championed and defended. Thats the same crime bill that fueled the mass incarceration that so devastated the black population of this country. In fact, in May 1992, Biden boasted that his bill was so harsh that it would do everything but hang people for jaywalking. And I thought that Hillary Clintons remarks supporting the bill because it targeted superpredators who needed to be brought to heel was the most racially insensitive thing a Democrat said about the legislation. I stand corrected. Meanwhile, according to legal experts, Harris was not the fabled progressive prosecutor she likes to portray. According to news accounts, while serving as San Francisco district attorney, she went overboard when it came to putting people in jail. An article in The Atlantic in August 2019 referred to serious charges against her like that she fought hard to keep innocents in prison and failed to fight hard against corrupt cops. Some progressive, eh? For Harris, the driving force wasnt justice. It was always her ambition, and her apparent need to prove to the white people who would fund her future bids for higher office that she was in their corner and would protect them and their property from people of color. Just like Biden was doing at the time, 3,000 miles away, in the Senate. Come to think of it. Initial awkwardness aside, this could be the perfect marriage to illustrate clearly what the Democratic Party is really about on matters of race, policing and criminal justice. The cat will finally be out of the bag. As I said, those pushing for police reform want to know that were listening. If Biden chooses Harris as his running mate, itll show that Democrats arent. ruben@rubennavarrette.com Birmingham startup GoodJob had no way of knowing that it would be launching a job search app during the middle of record unemployment brought on by a pandemic. But the mobile and web app, now available to job candidates for free at the App Store and Google Play and at the company website, has several features specifically tailored to people seeking employment right now. As for companies looking to hire, GoodJob for Employers with a 30-day free trial, is also available at the website. Were excited the product is available at such a time when people are out looking in great numbers, GoodJob CEO Stephen Johnston said. At the same time, its not necessarily just for people looking for a job today. Its designed for anyone who wants to maximize their career opportunities. GoodJob doesnt use resumes. Candidates create a profile that stays private, unless they accept a match with a company. The app uses data science and recruiting information along with a candidate assessment test. This reveals a persons traits and shows their personality type and what abilities they bring to the job. We all have a different collection of traits, Jen Barnett, director of marketing, said. And the companies puts together jobs that have qualifications unique to that position and the individual companys needs. Using the app, candidates see jobs theyre qualified for in their pay scale and at locations where they want to work, lined up using an artificial intelligence matching algorithm. Barnett said this also eliminates one of the sticking points of the interview process - whether the salary is in your ballpark. Employers can see scores that show how the candidates qualifications line up, what their work style is according to GoodJobs assessment, and what their preferences are. The process eliminates the need for job recruiters. Theres also QuickMatch, a setting that allows employers to find candidates looking for work right now. Johnston said this feature was added in the wake of the large scale COVID-19 layoffs, which sent millions of Americans in search of a job. There is also a work-from-home feature which lines up jobs for candidates who want to telecommute, something that promises to be bigger following the pandemic. Coronavirus measures also dictated that GoodJob find a different way of rolling out their new app. Instead of a series of high-profile public events, the company is partnering with the Great Grocery Giveback. For the first 10,000 candidates to complete a profile by July 8, the company will donate one dollar to feed people who have been laid off or furloughed. Johnston said GoodJob hopes to take its app nationally at a time when millions are looking for that next career step. Were excited to be a Birmingham-based company, he said. 19.06.2020 LISTEN June 18, 2020. Justice Sophia Akuffo Chairperson, National Covid-19 Relief Fund, Accra-Ghana. WHAT DO WE DO WITH KAYAYES? (PROPOSAL FOR YOUR ATTENTION) Dear, Madam Justice Sophia Akuffo, Congratulations on your appointment as the chairperson of the National Covid-19 Relieve Fund. The fund set up by the government to alleviate the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the poor and vulnerable in Ghana. We pray to God to grant you the wisdom to allocate funds such that its ripple effect on the economy is felt in the remotest hamlet in Ghana to the expectation of Ghanaians. Madam, every developed nation on earth was and still being built on sound and practical ideas. Practical ideas that solve present challenges and also address the long-term progress of the country, particularly economic development. Based on that, we take heed of the president's charge to all Ghanaians not to be spectators but citizens out of our uncontestable love for our country, Ghana. We have also heard from several sources that you are a woman whose love and passion for the country is pure and sincere, a trait common to us all. Madam, the destitution, plight, and helplessness of Kayaye girls alarms us, and the events preceding the partial lockdown heightened this uneasiness. Kindly crave our indulgence to give a little background. Reports have widely circulated in the media on March 30, concerning some Kayaye girls crammed in container-truck with their babies bound for the northern region, because of the impending partial lockdown of Accra. We find it immoral and unconscionable for a society to sit aloof and pretend what is happening to these sisters and daughters of ours is normal. It is shameful and a blight on our national pride as Ghanaians. Apart from this, even though accurate data on the number of kayayes is currently unavailable, particularly in Accra, research postulates an estimated number of 160,000 Kayeyis (Streifel, 2015). These energetic women migrate from the three northern regions to Greater Accra with the primary aim of securing jobs at the market because of the lack of sustainable jobs in the north and coupled with their low educational level. Their influx into Accra not only causes great danger to themselves and their kids but poses other social dangers which, because of time constraints, we are unable to enumerate, but its common knowledge and we believe all of us are aware. They are a remarkable asset to the nation, and looking at their past ordeals and present one exacerbated by the raging pandemic, we suggest you take this up with your new portfolio to marshal all the resources at your disposal to solve this national disgrace permanently. Nevertheless, in an attempt to address or solve this national disgrace, the cardinal question should revolve around what do we do with them? (Kayayes). Madam, kindly permit us to use the word "beneficiary" instead of the term "Kayaye" for our proceeding discussions because we are of the view the term is derogatory and therefore unsuitable for describing any group of people in our society. The solution we propose could take the form of a scalable model that potentially anchors them in their respective hometowns. A type of model designed to create wealth for the beneficiary in the short-term and the country in the long- term. We, therefore, by this open letter, submit one but multi-faceted proposal for your consideration. We envisage this proposal to be beneficiary-centered, focusing just not eliminating poverty and helplessness but creating generational wealth. In the long-run, the success of this model could be implemented across the entire northern region to benefit more beneficiaries. We are convinced that, wealth this project creates for the first cohort could persuade future migrants from moving to the various cities in the south to live undignified lives we are witnessing today. Below are the components of our proposal: Create a fund for co-operative agribusiness for beneficiaries What is the purpose of the fund? Madam, we humbly suggest you set aside part of the covid-19 relief fund, group beneficiaries to form a registered cooperative-type agribusiness and acquire, for instance, 500 acres of land in their hometown for them. Procure the services of the Ghana Irrigation Authority to construct a proper solar-powered engineered earth dam to irrigate the land for all year cropping. Beneficiaries should own and operate the business with agricultural support services from extension officers from the ministry of agriculture. The immediate focus of the agribusiness should be on the cultivation of soya beans and rice and, in the immediate future, include other crops like tomatoes and onions. The farm should, as a matter of sustainability, have an on-site rice mill to process, bag, and brand products for the storage or to the market. Market Access What is the market for the products? Madam, as you might be aware, patronage for Ghana rice in on the rise. The trajectory is pointing to a further increase in the coming years because of the increasing awareness created last year by the media, notably Citifm. Therefore, market access for quality, packaged rice produce from this agribusiness will potentially have automatic market access. Similar arguments could be made for produce such as, onions, and tomatoes. Statistics indicate Ghana imports $ 99.5million worth of tomatoes every year from Burkina Faso (GNA, 26/05/2018), $107million from Niger (Emmanuel K. Dogbevi, 19/10/2018). We believe we could chip out some of these imports to create wealth for beneficiaries when we plant the same variety that these countries plant that receives huge patronage in Ghana. Soybean is quite a new crop in Ghana, cultivated by peasant farmers under rain-fed conditions (MiDA, 2010; Akramov & Malek, 2012). The acreage of soybeans planted in Ghana is woefully small, estimated to be one-third, necessitating massive imports of the remaining two-third to fill the domestic demand (Gage et al., 2012; Eshun et al., 2018). Madam, apart from the aforementioned automatic market, we recommend an additional three levels that we can deliberately and aggressively create market access for soybeans and other farm products from this agribusiness. First and the biggest, we propose that you facilitate the signing of a memorandum of understanding(MOU) with the government to use its vast purchasing power to guarantee and prioritize the procurement of products from this farm through national food buffer stock company. The procured product could be stored in warehouses for emergencies like the Covid-19 pandemic we find ourselves at present or supply to school feeding and free-SHS program. Additionally, facilitate establishing business relationships with poultry and livestock feed milling companies. For instance, Boris-B Company Limited in Ashanti Region could purchase the soybeans to manufacture affordable soybean feed for the poultry and livestock industry. The last level considers the long-term prospects of the agribusiness through establishing its edible soybeans oil processing plant that takes advantage of its internal supply. Soya bean residue from the plant could be sold to poultry and livestock feed millers. These market access strategies must rigorously be implemented to optimize wealth for the beneficiaries and the entire Ghanaian economy. Model Implementation and Sustainability How to implement and sustain the co-operative model? Madam, the first ingredient to implementing this project successfully and sustaining it requires that you take a personal interest in the project and own each process during implementation, albeit your busy schedules. The simplest of the myriad of reasons is the humanitarian nature of the project besides the fact that its public funds; the public must derive both direct and indirect benefits from every pesewa spent on their behalf. Often project implementation in Ghana fails primarily because of the lack of interest shown by implementing officers. To avoid this trap, appoint a competent, incorruptible, knowledgeable, and committed implementation officers to supervise implementing the project and must report to you directly. Prior experiences with solid track-record implementing similar projects should take precedence over academic qualifications and certificates. Extension officers from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture should be enlisted to provide technical support to ensure that appropriate technologies, techniques, and viable seeds are employed. Establish research relationships between the agribusiness and local universities to infuse biotechnological innovation and modern product development into business operations. Such links should focus on the processing and manufacturing of farm produce and farm waste into secondary and tertiary products to optimize wealth creation through zero-waste strategy. For example, onion leaves and stalk from soybeans can be converted to livestock feed. Systems to prevent implementation failure What are the systems to prevent long term failure? Madam, quality management, and engineering scarcely form part of the management strategies in most institutions in Ghana, ranging from private, corporate to public lives. This negatively affects the sustainability of every project and program we implement in the country. To guard against long term failure of the proposal, we suggest you establish quality management, particularly a quality policy document that governs every process and activity within the agribusiness. Quality must be the watchword in the daily operations of the business, implying activity(s) and processes must be down by the right people, at the right time, at the right place, with the required skills. Whatever systems, processes, and activities implemented must be subjected to continuous improvement process whatever systems. Progress must be measured against Key Performance Indicators(KPIs) set. Measuring progress against KPIs makes much sense because, according to the American Society for Quality(ASQ), whatever cannot be measured cannot be improved. Collecting data on every aspect of the business is critical to its success and sustainability. Data collected can be analyzed to diagnose any dysfunctional part of the business system, and corrective and preventive measures instituted to improve outcomes. The lessons learned from the improvement process could provide critical design data for subsequent model design and scaling up to benefit other communities in the north. Moreover, tie the implementation officers remuneration to delivery of KPIs and fire him/her for the inability to deliver results based on the KPIs. That is the surest way to ensure value-for-money because contributors to the funds must see results both tangible and credible. Last and most critical of all the measures is to ensure that implementation incorporates the views and concerns of beneficiaries to instill complete ownership by beneficiaries. It is established in Ghana that people attach maximum interest and give undivided attention to things they own, unlike items and properties owned by a legal entity like the government. Madam, we are of the most definite conviction that, if these measures are implemented thoroughly throughout the phases of this project, measurable success could be achieved in the shortest possible time. Supporting Infrastructures What amenities should be included in the agribusiness/farm? Horace Mann, a 19th-century pioneer of the American public school system, once said: education is a great equalizer of the condition of men.. Lack of educational opportunities in their host cities has disadvantaged them for far too long in our society. Although most beneficiaries might have missed on the chance to be educated entirely in their lifetime. What about their children? To make this intervention more attractive, build schools from the day-care center to the junior high school level to educate their children while they engage in their wealth creation activities. Secondly, unmotorable roads are the bane of remote communities in the northern region and, for that matter, the entire rural communities in Ghana. Poor road networks could impede the flow of agro-products from this agribusiness. We propose you liaise with Ghana Highways Authority to construct a proper asphalted road befitting of a modern-day business to service this agribusiness. Models Impact What are the expected impact of the model? Madam, one may argue that this model is not different from the governments 1-district 1-factory (1DIF) and 1-village 1-dam (1V1D) development programs. Yes, admittedly, to some extent, it is similar and could benefit from the implementation failures that have already been identified to make this model successful and sustainable. However, where this model departs from the governments original program is the concept of process thinking that links every process within the value chain from cropping, processing/manufacturing to marketing. This ensures that wealth is created each step of the process to the point of consumption. Besides, this model has embedded short and long-term objectives that encapsulate personal and national economic wealth creation strategies. In the short-term, this strategy will raise the social and economic status of immediate beneficiaries through improved income and dissuade them from coming to the major cities to engage in unbefitting jobs. In the long-run, the improved economic and social conditions of beneficiaries would convince other potential migrants to remain in their hometowns to participate in the economic boom, thereby ensuring continued growth with positive effect, related to the ease on amenities in the big cities, Accra specifically. Their absence in the streets and markets of Ghana eliminates the concept of Kayayi permanently and cleanses the stain in our social fabric since its shameful and unacceptable. Madam, in concluding, we would like to reiterate the overarching objective of this proposal is to remove the anomalous and social concept of Kayayie from our national discourse. It is a blight on our nation's integrity that could quickly be dealt with a strategic agribusiness project that focuses on wealth creation. You now occupy a unique position in our national history to help permanently execute this important task that has escaped our attention throughout the years. I hope our proposal would meet your favorable consideration. Thank you Authors Alex Kwasi Kumi is currently a Ph.D. student at Donghua University, Shanghai, China studying Materials Science and Engineering. His passion lies in large-scale mechanized agriculture development and economic development strategies. Email: [email protected] Emmanuel De-graft Quarshie graduated from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai, with a Master of Arts Degree in Regional Economics. His passion lies in economic strategies that enhances national and more specifically regional development. Email: [email protected] / [email protected] m References: STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo held his final press briefing on the coronavirus pandemic after addressing New Yorkers every day for 111 days of hell. There were 1,284 hospitalizations, the lowest number so far; 79,000 tests were conducted, theres a less than 1% infection rate and the lowest weekly average of lives lost, 25 each day, as of Thursday, Cuomo said. On Thursday, the daily number of people admitted into the citys hospitals as a result of the coronavirus was below its 200 patient threshold at 59. The number of people in intensive care unit beds in the citys public hospitals was 320, and the threshold is 375. And 2% of New Yorkers tested positive for the virus, well below the 15% threshold. New York City, the last of the states 10 regions, is slated to begin Phase 2 of the states reopening plan on Monday, June 22. Although each region is in some phase of reopening and people are beginning to leave their homes, the governor reminded New Yorkers that this isnt the end. COVID isnt over and we still have much more to do, Cuomo said from the State Capitol. Residents still need to wear masks, contact tracing will continue to take place throughout the city and state, and be vigilant, Cuomo said. People will also need assistance getting their lives back to normal. The governor repeatedly said how proud he was of New Yorkers. We reopened the economy and we saved lives; it was never a choice to do one or the other. It was always to do both, he said. In this crisis we were united and Ive never seen anything like it. FOLLOW KRISTIN F. DALTON ON TWITTER. LOS ANGELES, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- International Cannabrands Inc. dba Radiko Holdings (CSE: RDKO) (the "Company") announces that its principal regulator, the Alberta Securities Commission, has accepted the Company's application for, and has granted, a management cease trade order (the "MCTO"). The application for the MCTO was made by the Company due to a delay in the filing of its audited annual financial statements, accompanying management discussion and analysis and related CEO and CFO certifications for the year ended December 31, 2019 (the "Annual Filings"). The Company is actively working with its auditors to file the Annual Filings, which the Company expects to be completed in due course. During the period in which the MCTO is effective, the general investing public, who are not insiders of the Company, will continue to be able to trade in the Company's listed common shares. However, the Company's CEO and CFO will not be able to trade the Company's common shares until such time as the Annual Filings have been filed by the Company and the MCTO has been lifted. The Company's board of directors and its management confirm that they are working expeditiously to meet the Company's obligations relating to the filing of the Annual Filings. At this time, the Company anticipates being able to complete the Annual Filings on or before July 10, 2020. During the MCTO, the Company confirms that it will comply with the provisions of the alternative information guidelines set out in National Policy 12-203 - Cease Trade Orders for Continuous Disclosure Defaults for as long as it remains in default, including the issuance of bi-weekly default status reports, each of which will be issued in the form of a news release. The Company confirms as of the date of this news release that there is no insolvency proceeding against it and there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed. About Radiko Holdings International Cannabrands Inc. dba Radiko Holdings (RDKO) is a CBD and cannabis-focused brand portfolio, leveraging the potential of the plant by offering best of breed products that naturally complement today's consumer lifestyles. The Corporation's mission is to build and market a diversified portfolio of cannabis and CBD brands, with strategic manufacturing and distribution partnerships to support better EBITDA and margins. RDKO markets products with THC content where that practice has been legalized at the state level through either medicinal or recreational use. RDKO also markets products containing CBD in the US and internationally. The Corporation believes as the legal cannabis and CBD markets evolve, high-quality, unique products will increasingly capture market share and provide a valuable platform for growth. Forward Looking Statements Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein relating to the timing of the filing of financial statements constitutes forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. 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 and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. For further information: Steve Gormley Chief Executive Officer International Cannabrands Inc. 12655 W Jefferson Blvd Los Angeles, CA, 90066 Ph: +1-(323)-828-4321 or steve.gormley@intlcannabrands.com Investor Relations Contact: Dave Burwell Vice President The Howard Group #350, 318 - 11 Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2G 0Y2 Ph: +1-(403)-221-0915 or dave@howardgroupinc.com Media Inquiries: media@intlcannabrands.com Mailbox responses will be shared with the advisory committee before the July 13 special board meeting where the committee and board members will develop questions for superintendent candidate interviews. "We feel it's very important that the public watches this meeting," Behrend said. "We want the public to feel that their concerns were addressed and that the board is doing everything that it can to have the public share their input in helping us make the right decision for the next superintendent of Valparaiso Community Schools." Behrend said he expects Adamson will share superintendent applications with the board on July 16, allowing the board about a week and a half to review applications before beginning its first round of candidate interviews on July 28. The board will conduct a second round of interviews with its top two to four candidates between Aug. 1 and Aug. 21, at which point candidates will be invited to visit Valparaiso Community Schools and meet with district administration, Behrend said. The board president said it is the district's "sincere hope" to name its next superintendent by late September. Show a reasonably politically aware American (or occasional cable news viewer) a photo of John Robert Bolton, and depending on their level of engagement with the news or their political affiliation theyll bring up any number of things. For some, the first thing that comes to mind is his unabashed enthusiasm for making use of American military forces, or his disdain for nearly all international multilateral agreements. Others might note his longstanding reputation as a hawk when it comes to so-called rogue states and the pursuit of nuclear weapons. Those on the leftward end of the American political spectrum might call him a war criminal on account of his history as a cheerleader for the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, while casual consumers of political news over the past decade or so might know him only as the bearer of what might be the most iconic, walrus-like mustache to grace the White House grounds since the time of Theodore Roosevelt (sorry, David Axelrod). But thanks to President Donald Trump and the Bill Barr-led Department of Justice, countless Americans will now remember the 71-year-old lawyer, diplomat, and ex-Trump administration national security adviser as a best-selling author. The fact that Boltons forthcoming book, The Room Where It Happened, would reveal details about Trumps push to withhold $391 million in aid to Ukraine in order to strong-arm that countrys president into announcing a pair of sham investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter has been known since January. Bolton was among the numerous administration witnesses from whom House Democrats had wanted to hear testimony on Trumps Ukraine scheme, but he never showed up for his November 7 deposition and let it be known that hed file a lawsuit if House Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff tried to compel his testimony via subpoena. Bolton changed his tune two months later by offering to testify at Trumps trial before the GOP-controlled Senate but only if 51 senators voted to subpoena him. And as Trumps trial entered its second week, The New York Times reported that many of the details sought by Democrats would be available in Boltons forthcoming book, publication of which would come after a routine prepublication review by a career National Security Council official meant to ensure that the book did not include any classified information. While some federal agencies such as the FBI and CIA require former employees to submit books and articles they author after employment for such a review, the nondisclosure agreements signed by National Security Council employees do not impose the same mandate unless a manuscript addresses intelligence matters that could touch on Sensitive Compartmentalized Information, a term used for the governments most closely held secrets (generally sources and methods for intelligence-gathering). According to Bolton attorney Charles Cooper, the former national security adviser only submitted his manuscript for review out of an abundance of caution, and after a four-month process, the career NSC official overseeing the review an expert who has gone through such procedures with many would-be authors informed his client that a revised version of his manuscript had eliminated any classified passages. But rather than provide him with the customary letter attesting to his books suitability for publication, the Trump administration withheld the clearance letter indicating its completion and launched two subsequent rounds of review by (less qualified) political appointees, both Trump loyalists rather than career experts. In response, Bolton and his publisher, Simon and Schuster, began moving forward with plans to release the version of the book which the career official had said contained no classified information, and in a statement released last week, Bolton signaled his intentions: Game on. Trump, who has evidently never heard of the Streisand Effect, reacted to the news on Monday by making the nonsensical claim that any conversation he had with Bolton is per se classified. He then presumably had a hand in ordering Barrs Justice Department to file what amounted to a 27-page advertisement in the form of a lawsuit seeking to block the books release based on the administrations claim that it still contain[s] significant amounts of classified information. Shortly after news of the lawsuit broke on Tuesday, The Room Where It Happened shot to the top of Amazons bestseller list. Yet Trump, apparently unsatisfied with his work as Boltons unpaid literary publicist, continued his de facto promotion of the book while undermining the case laid out in court documents by taking to Twitter and dismissing the book as made up of lies and fake stories (neither of which can properly be classified). And as has become common in the days before the release of any book by a Trumpworld insider, a steady stream of scoops has appeared in the pages of Americas top newspapers, courtesy of those reporters lucky enough to be handed advance copies. Their efforts have revealed, among other things, how the book claims that Trump encouraged Chinese dictator Xi Jinpings construction of concentration camps for Uighur Muslims, begged Xi to purchase American agricultural products to help his electoral chances this year, promised Turkish dictator Recep Tayyip Erdogan that hed interfere in a Justice Department case against a Turkish gold trader, and released a bizarre, rambling statement defending the Saudi governments murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi to distract from his daughter-adviser Ivankas use of wait for it a private email server to conduct government business. And yes, the book corroborates the case laid out by Democrats during Trumps impeachment trial. The steady stream of revelations from Boltons book has also united most Republicans and many Democrats in their shared disdain for the man one Democratic activist referred to as the War Walrus, either because he betrayed President Trump by writing what appears to be a meticulously documented book detailing his unfitness for office, or because he declined to testify during the House impeachment probe into President Trump and is now using what he knew then to cash in with a book now. But as for the Trumpworld claims that Bolton is either an inveterate liar or a sloppy national security risk who is carelessly damaging the countrys security to make a buck, those whove known Bolton, those whove worked with him, and those whove fought both him and his former boss have the same response: Not a chance. He would never put anything in [a book] that was classified, said Reed Hundt, who was a year behind Bolton as a Yale University undergraduate, and was later in Boltons class at Yale Law School. Hundt, who served as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission under the Clinton administration, added that he and Bolton never agreed on anything, but nevertheless said it was not the least bit surprising that Bolton would break with Trump because Bolton has a lot of respect for intelligence and knowledge and is not an ignorant loud-mouth. Another person who has worked alongside Bolton, an attorney who served with him in the Reagan and George H W Bush-era Justice Department, was also skeptical of the claim that Bolton would be careless with information that could cause grave damage to US national security if revealed. Asked if he believed Bolton would be careless enough to include classified information in a book manuscript, the former DOJ official replied: I would be surprised. I would think that he would know the difference between what's classified and what's not, said the former official, who requested anonymity because of pending business before the federal government. Surely, he wanted to get the book out, so he wouldn't include it [classified information] in the manuscript. But its not only former colleagues and classmates who dont buy the administrations claim that Bolton would mishandle classified information. Even those national security professionals who have fundamental disagreements with Bolton are confident that he would adhere to the rules. Ned Price, a former CIA analyst who served as a National Security Council spokesperson during the Obama administration but left the CIA rather than serve under Trump, said it was highly unlikely that Bolton would have included any legitimately classified information in his book given his decades of experience in the national security establishment. People who have been in the national security environment for years or decades, in his case have a good sense of what's classified and what's not, and may have a good sense of what counts as top secret information, what counts as secret information, and what counts as confidential information, because there are precise definitions behind each of these, Price said, adding that the goal of a prepublication review is typically to ensure that intelligence sources and methods are properly protected. With someone of his seniority in his position, you don't see a sort of protracted back-and-forth because they have a good sense going into it this is classified, this is not and what strikes me about all of this is that the career official responsible for reviewing these manuscripts told Ambassador Bolton in April that according to her review, it didn't contain classified information, Price continued. But then, lo and behold, she sent it up to someone with less experience, but who was closer to the president and that person came to a different determination and the National Security Adviser someone who had not been in senior levels of national security roles before, lo and behold, found there were reportedly classified elements in there. The whole thing reeks of abuse of power of a vindictive effort to keep this book from seeing the light of day. Another former Bolton colleague who clashed with him repeatedly during the early 2000s, former Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns, stressed that he and Bolton have very different worldviews, but called the ex-Trump national security adviser very smart, very dedicated, and very trustworthy when it comes to protecting the nations secrets. These allegations that somehow he's playing fast and loose do not strike me as the John Bolton that I worked with From someone who has often been an opponent of his on substantive policy grounds, John is a straightforward, serious, credible, honest person in my judgment, said Burns, who added that while Bolton should have testified before the House during the impeachment inquiry into President Trumps conduct regarding Ukraine, he found the presidents behavior as described in what is known of Boltons book so far to be disgraceful and unprecedented in modern American history. And while the judge who will hear the governments arguments against Bolton on Friday Royce Lamberth is a Reagan appointee and former Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court chief judge who has long been skeptical of sweeping classification claims by the government, given the Trump administrations penchant for litigation, its possible that no matter the outcome of Fridays hearing the Justice Department will take the case as far as it can go. For Hundt, Boltons Yale Law classmate, thats an outcome he would not mind seeing. Hopefully the case will be litigated to the highest possible court in order to get a definitive decision, defeating what undoubtedly is the gross overreach of the administration on this topic, he said. Noting that two of their Yale Law classmates Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas currently sit on that highest possible court, Hundt predicted that both would side with Bolton if his case were to come before them. I'd love to see a case end up in the Supreme Court, where Alito and Thomas will know the truth, he said. They'll know that he would never disclose any national security information. FLINT, MI -- Dozens of students, professors, staff and residents gathered Thursday, June 18, at the Flint law offices of Michael J. Behm, Regent of the University of Michigan, to call for further resources for the universitys Flint and Dearborn campuses. Members of the One University Coalition, a group of students and staff from all three campuses, have spoken up against disparities between campuses. President Mark Schlissel and the board of regents have failed to provide needed resources to students, despite having the power to do so, said Present of the One University UM-Flint branch Alysia Trevino. Right now, theyre standing by as our campuses suffer a global health crisis and we want to hold them accountable for that, Trevino said. The Flint community has been affected disproportionately through the COVID-19 crisis, she said. Due to continued declining enrollment and the health crisis the university has cut staffing for the coming year. The university has the means to support its most vulnerable population, she said. Since February of last year, the One University Coalition has called on the university to provide more equitable funding to its Flint and Dearborn campuses, claiming the Ann Arbor campus has a massive surplus of funds, while the Flint and Dearborn campuses dont receive nearly as much state support. UM-Flint students, faculty push for more equitable funding from Ann Arbor amid declining enrollment The Go Blue Guarantee that provides free tuition to families with an income of $65,000 or less is not available for students in Flint and Dearborn. An $85 million initiative to improve diversity, equity and inclusion provides no resources to a Flint campus where students typically accumulate $8,000 more in student debt than their Ann Arbor peers. UM-Flint has gone from the fastest growing public university in Michigan in 2010 to seeing enrollment decline for the fifth consecutive year. The Flint campus lost another 235 students this fall, its new Chancellor Deba Dutta said in September, with enrollment dropping nearly 15 percent since 2014. Unlike at UM-Ann Arbor and UM-Dearborn, the steady enrollment decline of the last several years without decline in instructional staff has put UM-Flint in a very difficult financial situation, the University of Michigan Flint said in a statement. The pandemic has now exacerbated the situation and the university is preparing for a fiscal year 2020/2021 shortfall of at least $8.4 million, requiring significant budget cuts, the statement reads. Declining enrollment and low graduation rates have a growing number of students, faculty and staff pointing to UMs disproportionate per-student state funding from the state of Michigan when compared to UM-Ann Arbors campus. The University of Michigan - Flint is one of the most affordable universities in the state, and the university works hard every year to keep it that way, Behm said in a statement responding to the protest. Members of our larger university community have raised a number of valid concerns regarding finances and equity, he said. I share many of their concerns and have been pleased with the many productive conversations Ive had with students and faculty on these issues. My fellow regents and I look forward to continuing this dialogue. Last month, the board voted to establish a new standing committee to focus specifically on the Dearborn and Flint campuses, he said. I have the privilege of chairing that committee and am fully committed to addressing these issues, ensuring UM-Flint remains affordable, increasing the schools enrollment, and supporting the excellent students we already serve so they are better positioned to earn a degree and succeed as proud University of Michigan alumni, he said. The One University Coalition has listed the following as its platform goals: Equalize state legislatures per-student allocations; Extend UMs Go Blue Guarantee to students on Flint and Dearborn campuses; Extend Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) funds to Dearborn and Flint; Pay parity for graduate students and lecturers; Expand scholarships for low-income and working students on Flint and Dearborn campuses to study abroad; Provide on-campus medical and legal services in Flint and Dearborn; and Coordinated admissions/transfers among all three campuses. Read more: One University coalition calls on UM for more resources in Flint, Dearborn It took three days of hectic negotiations before the Chinese agreed to release the captured Indian soldiers New Delhi: China on Thursday evening released 10 Indian soldiers, including four officers, who were captured during the skirmish in Ladakhs Galwan Valley on June 15. It took three days of hectic negotiations between Leh-based 3 Infantry Division commander Major General Abhijit Bapat and his Chinese army counterpart before the Chinese agreed to release the captured Indian soldiers. According to sources, on Wednesday, Chinese Major General had even shown the photographs of these captured soldiers to to assure the Indian side about their safety. All 10 soldiers walked back on Thursday evening and their medical check-up was done. They will be de-briefed about their stay in Chinese custody. Indian army had said on Thursday that no Indian troops were missing in action in Galwan Valley. "As far as I know, China is not detaining any Indian personnel at present," said a spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry on Friday. Some 20 Indian soldiers, including 16 Bihars Commanding Officer Colonel Santosh Babu were killed and 76 others injured during the bloody clash with Chinese soldiers in Galwan Valley on Monday night. The Indian soldiers, who were outnumbered, were attacked by Chinese soldiers using sticks with barbed wires, iron rods and stones. The clash started when a party led by Colonel Babu had gone to ask Chinese to remove a tent at the Patrolling Point 14 in Galwan area which is at a height of 14,000 feet, and within Indian territory. Situation tense in Ladakh The situation in Ladakh is tense. Indian Air Force chief RKS Bhadauria was on a two-day visit to the Leh and Srinagar airbases, which was not made public. These two bases will be important for any action in Eastern Ladakh. He was in Leh on June 17 and at Srinagar airbase on June 18. He visited some forward locations too. Air Force chief is reported to have checked the operational readiness and reviewed the preparation of all platforms deployed in these bases. IAF has deployed Sukhoi-30MKI, Mirage 2000 and Jaguar fighter aircrafts to advanced positions. A number of IAF fighter aircrafts were seen taking sorties in Ladakh on Friday. India has already put army, air force and navy on high alert. IAF has also deployed its latest acquisition Apache attack helicopters in Leh area to support army in its operations. These helicopters are armed with air to ground Hellfire missiles, 70 mm Hydra rockets and air to air Stinger missiles. Apache attack helicopters also carries one 30 mm chain gun with 1200 rounds as part of area weapon sub system. Chinooks helicopters have also been deployed in and around the Leh airbase which provides unmatched strategic airlift capability across the full spectrum of combat. The heavy-lift Chinook helicopters can transport artillery guns in high altitudes and troops for action. Chinook can deliver heavy payloads to high altitudes and is suited for operations in the high Himalayas. India, China armies to be in Moscow parade Meanwhile, Indian and Chinese soldiers will be face to face and taking part in Victory Day Parade on June 24 at Red Square in Moscow. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War, there will be a military parade in Moscow to honour the heroism and sacrifices made by the Russian and other friendly countries. India is sending a 75-member Tri-Service contingent to participate in the parade. The marching contingent taking part in the Victory Day Parade is led by a major rank officer of the Sikh Light Infantry regiment. The Regiment had fought with valour in the World War-II and has proud distinction of earning four Battle Honours and two Military Cross amongst other gallantry awards. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi turned 50 on Friday but chose to spend the day at home sans celebration in view of the death of Indian soldiers in a violent clash with the Chinese army in Ladakh and the coronavirus crisis. IMAGE: A man walks past a poster of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, put up on the occasion of his birthday, at West Bengal Pradesh Congess office in Kolkata. Photograph: Swapan Mahapatra/PTI Photo A host of top Congress leaders wished him on his birthday, with former prime minister Manmohan Singh among the first to send his best wishes through a letter in the morning. The Congress has asked its state and district units not to hold any celebratory functions. AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal wrote to the state units in this regard. "Wishing good health, happiness and joy to dear Rahul Gandhi ji on his b'day. He has decided not to celebrate his b'day owing to the martyrdom of our soldiers and COVID crisis. To mark the occasion Congress shall provide food kits to the neediest and pay respect to our brave jawans," Venugopal said in a tweet. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the clash with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley of Ladakh on June 15, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated an already volatile border standoff in the region. India is also reeling under the rising number of COVID-19 cases. The country has been reporting record spikes in cases of the contagious respiratory disease, which has so far infected 3,80,532 people and claimed 12,573 lives. Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel wished Gandhi good health, prosperity and a long life. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla extended greetings to the former Congress president on Twitter. "I wish Wayanad Parliamentarian Sh Rahul Gandhi ji good health and a long life on his birthday," he tweeted in Hindi from his official handle. IMAGE: MPCC member Amit Jagannath Shetty distributes food packets among needy people on Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi's 50th birthday, at Sion in Mumbai. Photograph: Kunal Patil/PTI Photo Former President Pranab Mukherjee tweeted, "Birthday greetings to @RahulGandhi. Wishing him a long and healthy life. May he be blessed with many more years in the service of the nation." Congress deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma said, "Wishing Rahul Gandhi a happy birthday. May the 50s bring him good health, happiness and success. May God give him the strength to uphold the ideals and commitment of the Indian National Congress to serve India and its people." Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted, "Warmest birthday greetings to Rahul Gandhi Ji. May he be blessed with a long, healthy life full of happiness and peace. May Rahul ji succeed in his endeavours towards establishing a society based on NYAY for all, where common people can live with dignity." Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also took to the microblogging site to wish Gandhi. "Dear Rahul Gandhi, warm wishes to you on your birthday. Take care of yourself and keep working for India," he said. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "Tough times are testing times, struggle is intrinsic to men of resolve, the temperament to handle it all with equanimity, fearlessness of spirit and an intense commitment to serve is the test of a leader. Privileged to work with such a leader. Birthday wishes to Shri Rahul Gandhi." Congress students' wing National Students Union of India marked the day by holding a blood donation camp and providing financial aid to four families in Delhi who were badly affected by the coronavirus crisis. ATTORNEY General Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles has offered some clarity on the soon to be tabled Public Order and Criminal Justice Bill 2020. The statement from the Attorney General comes amid a lot of public discourse on the bill, most of which is highly critical of the proposed law. "The public commentary would benefit from more information on the bill, how it came about and what it seeks to do, the AG stated. "This sort of information would normally be provided during the debate in the House of Assembly but given the pitch of the public discourse, it is necessary to provide this information in advance of the debate in the House of Assembly. How the bill arose Braithwaite-Knowles said the bill was drafted by an external consultant drafter - a former attorney general in a Caribbean overseas territory. It was part of a project to address issues flagged by the Royal TCI Police Force to reform areas of criminal law in the territory to aid in policing. She said the project covered a range of areas of reform including but not limited to witness protection and victims of sexual offences and the misuse of computers. "The elected government is also keen to modernise and expand the law dealing with threats - as a deterrent to an increase in threatening behaviour recently displayed in the Islands in conjunction with a public awareness raising campaign. Consultation The AG said on May 15, consultation was initiated with the legal profession, through the Bar Council and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, law enforcement through the Royal TCI Police Force and the judiciary. "Whilst all stakeholders acknowledged receipt of the bill and covering note and promised to revert with comments within the consultation period (May 25), only the judiciary responded with substantive comments including that the judiciary welcome[d] the legislation which they said would definitely make us feel more safe and protected as we go about our duties. Braithwaite-Knowles said that the DPP indicated that he was grateful for "the hard work and efforts which have gone into it and noted that "it could not have come at a better time, given our current local circumstances. The president of the Bar Council responded preliminarily to question whether, in reference to "section four and five of the draft, did the framers of the draft intend for the term harassment to encompass instances of stalking of unmarried persons? She noted that the "Domestic Proceedings Legislation does not offer [as far as I am aware] for the protection of unmarried persons via a restraining order or any kind of legislative relief from harassment (by a former partner). The AG stated that despite assurances, no other submissions have been received to date, save for an informal response from a single member of the Bar who sent preliminary comments to the Bar Council in response to the circulation of the bill to the entire Bar on May 18. She added that in those informal comments, that attorney referenced the following preliminary points: "Unlike every other ordinance in TCI, there is no interpretation section at the beginning of the ordinance, but there is one at the end (as in the UK) albeit expressed to be in relation to Part IV. I think it should be at s.2 as usual. "Section nine seems to unnecessarily limit the means of communication, and should not be limited to sending the communication. "Other forms of conveying a message should be included, including personal or physical interaction or confrontation, such as displaying text and/or imagery or making audio or other sound directly in front of a person in circumstances where they are unable or ill-equipped to avoid seeing or hearing it. "Regarding s. 9(1), the expression electronic communication should be defined. It should be considered whether to give the word electronic a meaning consistent with the definition in the Electronic Transactions Ordinance. "Also regarding s. 9(1), there is ambiguity around the words letter, electronic communication or article of any description. "A comma after communication would help to eliminate the argument that electronic applies to both communication and article. "Communication by, or via, telephone or mobile device should be expressly articulated in each case. "The opportunity should be taken to address the legality and admissibility of audio and video recordings of oral communications. The AG said that all comments received, whether formally or informally, were put to the consultant legislative drafter and considered. She noted that in approving the bills submission to the House of Assembly, the Cabinet asked that a further attempt be made to obtain comments from the Bar and a further missive was sent. "Comments are still awaited. The attorney general was also quick to point out that similar offences exist around the Caribbean region including in the Cayman Islands, St Lucia, Jamaica and Bermuda. Likewise, similar offences exist around the Commonwealth including in Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada and the United States. She said the penalties proposed in the bill are consistent with those in the United Kingdom and are much lower than those that obtain regionally. "A significant change from the position in England and Wales has been to include judicial officers within the category of persons who may be considered victims of these offences. "However, more extensive protection for judicial officers is contained in section 111 of the Cayman Islands Penal Code carrying a maximum penalty of four years there while proposed penalties in the bill range from six months and five years. Application of the law She said a communication that is sent has to be more than simply offensive to be contrary to the criminal law. "Just because the content expressed in the communication is offensive, done in bad taste, controversial or unpopular, or defamatory, this is not a sufficient reason to engage the criminal law. She added that the comment of the Lord Chief Justice in the case of Chambers v DPP [2012] EWHC 2157 (Admin) is applicable to the TCIs legislative context. "He makes clear that merely rude or unpopular comments do not meet the criminal standard, in relation to section 127 of the Communications Act 2003 UK (clause 10 of the Bill) prohibiting communication that is grossly offensive. "Satirical, or iconoclastic, or rude comment, the expression of unpopular or unfashionable opinion about serious or trivial matters, banter or humour, even if distasteful to some or painful to those subjected to it should and no doubt will continue at their customary level, quite undiminished by [section 127 of the Communications Act 2003 UK]. Next steps Braithwaite-Knowles stated that the democratic process of debate in the House of Assembly allows for policy positions to be explained, the views of the people of the TCI to be expressed, and allows an informed debate on suggested changes that should be made to improve proposals put to the House. "That is the process invited by the presentation of a bill. "No bill is perfect and this bill is no exception, but the characterisation of the bill by some members of the public as unprecedented or seeking to undermine freedom of speech are quite wrong and all right-minded persons should correct any such perception and put this back on the right track. She said she looks forward to a "vibrant and informed debate on the issues sought to be addressed by the bill when the House of Assembly convenes on Monday, June 22. In the early hours of June 12, Daud Shah decided it was time for his uncle, Haji Muhammad Bakhtiar, to go to a hospital. His condition had rapidly deteriorated after testing positive for coronavirus earlier in the week. Shah drove his 60-year-old uncle from their village of Bar Nawagai in the Mohmand district to Peshawar, the capital of northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. After a nearly 150-kilometer drive, every major hospital refused to admit Bakhtiar, who was breathing with great difficulty. We first went to Lady Reading Hospital but were told there were no beds. We then checked with Khyber Teaching Hospital and the Hayatabad Medical Complex, he said of the three major public hospitals in the city. After checking with the private hospitals in Peshawar, they decided to try in the capital, Islamabad, some 200 kilometers away. Both the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Shifa Hospital said they had no free beds, he said of the citys leading public and private hospitals. After a series of frantic telephone calls, a private hospital admitted him late in the afternoon of June 12. But three days later, Bakhtiar died while on a ventilator. Shah told Radio Mashaal that his father, also hospitalized, died on June 17. Their elder brother had died earlier in the month. Bakhtiar and his two brothers were among the more than 3,200 Pakistanis killed by the virus, which has infected at least 165,000 people in the country of 220 million people. Shahs experience is now increasingly common across Pakistan. As the infection rates and death toll mount because of a growing coronavirus outbreak, the countrys healthcare system is facing an unprecedented crisis amid a lack of beds, oxygen, and medicine, as well as attacks on medical staff. Even the number of deaths and infections is seen as being underreported due to limited testing and patients hiding their infection status because of government restrictions. In a sign of a looming healthcare disaster, senior officials are preparing people for difficult days ahead as they impose selective lockdowns, project much higher infection numbers, and even blame the masses for the viruss spread by not following the governments so-called standard operating procedures. Faridullah Khan, a physician in Peshawar, says he and his father are now isolating at home after the three major hospitals in the city told them that they have no more beds for coronavirus patients. We were also told to arrange oxygen cylinders for ourselves, he told Radio Mashaal. Pakistan followed its neighbors and countries around the world to impose a lockdown in late March nearly a month after the first cases of the highly contagious virus were recorded in late February. But it practically ended last month after the government loosened some restrictions and a top court ordered malls and businesses to reopen. Pakistan is now witnessing one of the fastest-growing infection rates in the world, but authorities are reluctant to reimpose a lockdown, citing the economic costs. The high infection rates are now rattling Pakistans anemic healthcare infrastructure. Beds arent available anywhere, Rizwan Kundi, head of the Young Doctors Association in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, told Radio Mashaal. He added that all the wards and intensive care units assigned to or built for treating COVID-19 patients in Peshawar are packed to capacity. We can clearly see that some patients need hospitalization, but we cannot admit them. In Quetta, the capital of southwestern province of Balochistan, the 150 beds authorities assigned for coronavirus cases are now falling far short. We have a waiting list, but many patients are not getting any beds, Yasir Khostai, local physician, told Radio Mashaal. In the larger and more populous provinces of Sindh and Punjab, the situation is equally dire. In Karachi, the countrys largest city, many hospitals now prominently display banners on their gates stating that they cannot take any more COVID-19 patients. Frustrated patients and their relatives are now increasingly attacking doctors and medical staff over inadequate treatment, deaths, and widely held misconceptions about the coronavirus. On June 18, police in Karachi arrested a member of the counterterrorism force after he allegedly shot a doctor inside a hospital. The two reportedly engaged in an altercation after the doctor asked the policeman to wear a facemask. A video circulating online shows relatives of a coronavirus victim forcefully removing his body from Karachis Civil Hospital in late May. They harassed medical staff and broke doors and windows in their wake. Sanaullah Khilji, a young doctor in Peshawar, says he was attacked and beaten on June 2 following an argument with relatives of a coronavirus patient. I was attacked. They removed my protective equipment and broke my nose, he said of the late-night attack. I wanted to still protect myself from contracting an infection after they tore away my PPE [personal protection equipment]. In Islamabad, Fazl-e Rabi, a physician said that a lack of beds is contributing to the number of serious patients. In the early days of the outbreak, we used to get patients who had mild symptoms, but we are now getting patients who need urgent intensive care, he told Radio Mashaal. But we dont have any free beds, which enrages their relatives. This is why we are seeing increasing attacks on doctors. In the initial days of the outbreak, doctors across Pakistan protested the lack of protective equipment. But they are now seeking protection from angry mobs. This is very unfortunate, and we have zero tolerance for such violence because the doctors are our front-line workers, Taimur Khan Jhaghra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwas health minister, told Radio Mashaal. We are working on soon adopting a law to end such incidents. But Jhaghras ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf [PTI] political party has faced severe criticism of its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Since March, party leader and Prime Minister Imran Khan opposed a lockdown. He argued it would devastate millions of Pakistans poorest. Asad Umar, a key Khan confidant and planning and development minister this week indicated that the country was bracing for more than 1 million confirmed cases and a much higher death toll by the end of July. There is much we are still learning about Covid spread and mortality, he tweeted. Yasmin Rashid, the health minister of eastern Punjab Province, the most populous region, apologized after calling her constituents in the provincial capital, Lahore, ignorant for not following government rules. In the absence of a successful containment or mitigation strategy, Islamabad seems to be relying on the hope of developing collective immunity. Also called herd immunity, the concept denotes collective protection against an infectious disease if a majority of the population contracts a virus or is vaccinated against it. The disease is here, and it will continue to spread, Khans healthcare adviser Zafar Mirza told Dawn News, an independent TV station, in early May. We are not aiming for zero transmission of this disease, he added. Actually, it is better for the future if it spreads to a certain level because it will provide immunity to the people. But no one knows how the countrys crumbling healthcare system will cope with the pandemic until tens of millions of Pakistanis contract the virus. Local media reported that the prices of oxygen cylinders were already up by 500 percent earlier this week. Injections of Tocilizumab, an immune suppressant medicine, were in short supply across the country after it demanded increased for use in critical COVID-19 patients. Authorities have begun to monitor the supply of dexamethasone, a steroid tipped to be effective in some serious coronavirus cases, aimed concerns over hoarding and profiteering off the commonly available medicine. Back in the day when newsrooms were cloaked in cigarette smoke and drenched in whisky and beer, a reporter pal of mine, a generation older, got pulled over while driving home after a night of entertaining some sources at a pub. Ethical standards dictated that an article appear in the next day's paper reporting his arrest. After the fingerprinting, a less inebriated colleague drove him home. The fellow was terrified of his wife's response, so he shook off his hangover early the next morning to stumble about his suburban neighborhood, collecting all the newspapers delivered to houses nearby. This was in no way a useful exercise. For one thing, my buddy didn't figure on his wife's friend the next town over, an avid newspaper reader, calling her on the phone. "Is Bob still in jail?" she asked helpfully. Bob's cover was blown. So it is with the attempt by Donald Trump's hyperpoliticized Justice Department to squelch the book written by John Bolton, the third of his four national security advisers: It's too late, because the embarrassing details Bolton reveals are out there already, and the effort is likely to be so ineffective as to be fairly judged as frivolous. Trump wants a court to exercise what lawyers call "prior restraint of speech" that is, to shut down dialogue on a matter of public concern before that dialogue has occurred. The U.S. Supreme Court has never done that not even in the Pentagon Papers case, when it was asked to stop newspapers from publishing a lot of classified information. As the court noted in another case, the exercise of prior restraint would be "the most serious and least tolerable infringement on First Amendment rights." In this case, Bolton has followed all the legal steps required of an ex-official before publication of material that might be judged relevant to national security: His manuscript went through months of review, and he excised material at the White House's insistence. The book was cleared for publication by the required channels. Now, though, the president, with his usual bluster, demands that taxpayers fund a surely futile plea for a court to lend credence to his contention that Bolton long a darling of the right, labeled "fantastic" by Trump just two years ago is, actually, a liar. Bolton's career has revealed him to be many things rigid ideologue, shameless egomaniac, unreconstructed Cold Warrior but he is also known as a meticulous note-taker, and there's widespread agreement among just about everybody who doesn't count Jared Kushner as either a friend or a relative that Bolton's handwritten legal pads do not yield lies. Such as in the passage where he quotes Trump as saying journalists should be jailed to force them to reveal their sources. "These people should be executed. They are scumbags," the president said, according to Bolton. Yes, execute the journalists, the man said. Kill them, apparently because they report facts unhelpful to the leader. How far America, both historically and so recently a beacon of hope for those who value free expression, has fallen. How like the autocrats Trump often speaks of admiringly Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, Rodrigo Duterte is our president, he who prefers journalists dead. Maybe he was just venting. It's not really the journalists he wants to kill, surely, but their reporting. There's not much he can do about that, though, because our Constitution protects citizens from such government intrusion and because the president doesn't own media outlets. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Except he sort of does. The federal government runs a global media agency that operates such organizations as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe. This week, after years of hesitation, the Senate approved Trump's appointment of a right-wing filmmaker, Michael Pack, to lead it. Pack promptly stripped authority from the agency's senior leaders, fired the network chiefs and dissolved their advisory boards. Journalists who work there figure their editorial independence is gone. Executed, you might say. Trump clearly wants to turn these voices of American democracy into fawning platforms for his nationalistic views, which are often hostile to America's allies and weirdly submissive to the Putins of the world. This disrespect for America's tradition of truth-telling which has for generations served as a global model and a showpiece of democratic values weakens our nation by draining its credibility as an exceptional voice of freedom. Truth is often awkward to negotiate, in both our personal lives and on the global stage. But unlike grubbing with the despots, it's the American way. At least, that used to be so. The prime minister of Kyrgyzstan has resigned over accusations that the countrys government was complicit in selling mobile spectrum at well below market price. Despite his resignation, Prime Minister Mukhammedkalyi Abylgaziev denied any misconduct, saying: I have nothing to do with this case, and the accusations made against me have no basis. I am confident that the investigation will put everything in its place and identify the people truly violating the law. Kyrgyzstans State Committee for National Security opened an investigation in April this year over alleged irregularities relating to spectrum licensing deals. The investigation centres on Sky Mobile (Beeline), which in March paid US$1.8 million to buy-out cable TV operator Ala-TV. The acquisition included a 200MHz band of spectrum held by Ala-TV. Beeline has repurposed this for 4G communications, paying a nominal fee to obtain permission from the State Communications Agency (SCA), which in turn is supervised by the State Committee for Information Technology & Communications (SCITC). The token payment in this transaction has prompted the allegations of corruption, with MP Janar Akayev bringing the case before the Kyrgyz parliament and arguing that such arrangements have resulted in the effective loss of dozens of millions of dollars in revenue for the state. The investigation has already resulted in the arrests of former SCA head Natalya Chernogubova, who was detained for alleged corruption, as well as Ala-TV founder Arthur Khaldarov and SCITC deputy chairman Maksat Dzhylyshbaev. SCITC head Dastan Dogoyev was not arrested but has faced questioning. Lehigh University is under federal investigation due to allegations it engaged in a pattern of conduct that resulted in serious violations of a college campus safety act named for a student raped and murdered on the Lehigh campus in 1986. The U.S. Department of Education wants all reports, complaints and/or other statements of concern that were filed with Lehigh alleging any faculty misconduct, including those involving former Professor James Braxton Peterson and former interim health center director Dr. Thomas Novak. The initial review will probe Lehighs campus safety reports from 2017 to 2019. It will also look at daily crime logs and dispatch records dating back to 2014, according to the June 10 notification letter sent to Lehigh. The scope of the review may be adjusted at any time, the letter states. The South Bethlehem university released a copy of the letter June 14 and lehighvalleylive.com has also obtained copies of the two complaints that helped trigger the Clery Act compliance review. These documents give the first clues why Lehigh is being investigated. Peterson was Lehighs director of Africana studies and an English professor. He was a prominent commentator on CNN, MSNBC and public radio at the time of the allegations. Lehigh University associate professor James Braxton Peterson is shown far left in this February 124, 2012, photo from an inequality and poverty forum with Rev. Jesse L. Jackson at Moravian Collegelehighvalleylive.com file photo He resigned in January 2018 after an internal Lehigh investigation into allegations of sexual and other misconduct. A medical assistant accused Novak, who also resigned, of sexual misconduct, but a third-party firm hired by Lehigh to investigate the allegations found no evidence of misconduct or inappropriate contact by Novak with students. As part of our oversight activities, the department also monitors media coverage of incidents of crime on campus, the letter states. Taken together, the complaints and media accounts raise serious concerns about Lehighs compliance and the effects that any violations may have on victims of crime and the accuracy and completeness of Lehighs compliance with the Clery Act. Lehigh spokeswoman Lori Friedman said all of the university knows about the review is outlined in the letter. We plan to cooperate fully, she said. The Clery Act, which became federal law in 1990, requires all colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs to maintain and disclose campus crime statistics and security information. It is named after Jeanne Clery, a 19-year-old Lehigh student who was raped and strangled in her dorm on April 5, 1986. The killer, Josoph M. Henry, is serving a life sentence without the chance of parole. The complaints The first complaint comes from Monica Miller, an associate professor of religion studies, who sued Lehigh last year alleging university leadership turned a blind eye to Petersons misconduct for years in order to present itself as progressive on racial and diversity issues on campus. Miller says she was sexually harassed by Peterson for years. Her lawsuit was dismissed earlier this year. But Miller still wants Lehigh and Peterson to be held accountable. My goal with my lawsuit was to bring Lehigh into compliance. I wasnt after money. I wasnt after anything like that, Miller, who is a tenured professor at the university, said. Miller learned during the discovery process of her suit that the timeline of Lehighs investigation into Peterson did not match up with its public statements. Why didnt they issue a timely warning? Miller questioned referencing a public safety alert required by Clery. Why didnt they issue that? The campus community was first alerted to the accusations against Peterson in a Nov. 7, 2017, email from the university. Peterson stepped down in January 2018 after a Lehigh investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct found sufficient cause to fire him. But Miller alleges the university had already been investigating Peterson for months when the email was sent. That internal review stalled until the parent of a victim, who was frustrated by the delays, went to Lehigh University police in the fall of 2017, according to her March 6 complaint. This led to Petersons suspension. An investigation by Lehighs student newspaper, The Brown and White, supports Millers timeline of events and confirmed three allegations of sexual assault against Peterson. Two were reported in March 2017 and the third in September, according to the newspaper. Theres never been a public accounting of Petersons alleged victims. The reason that I think Clery is so important is that we dont know the breakdown of that number, Miller said. Miller emphasized she only hopes to make Lehigh a better university and community. I want to see change at Lehigh and I want to be there long enough to see that change unfold, Miller said. I want to see change for faculty, staff and students. Alumna Susan Magaziner is the second complainant. She also filed a federal Office of Civil Rights complaint against Lehigh alleging the university did nothing to prevent a racially hostile environment on campus. This led to a 2014 voluntary compliance agreement. The Clery Act requires campuses to annually report all of the crimes on their campuses and to issue timely warnings about certain crimes. Magaziners complaint alleges many procedural violations of the act. Lehigh leadership knew students had reported sexual assaults by Peterson, but the university did not include these assaults in their Clery reporting, the complaint alleges. Lehigh also did not accommodate victims needs, like changing their dorm or courses, regardless of whether they chose to report the crimes to police, the complaint states. Magaziner alleges the university forced witnesses and mandated reporters to abide by a confidentiality policy that was inconsistent with federal laws. No criminal charges have been filed against Peterson relating to any of the allegations. A female Lehigh student filed an Office of Civil Rights complaint against Lehigh alleging the school did not properly respond to her September 2017 complaint of sexual assault by a professor and then discriminated against her when it rejected her 2018 request for an emotional support animal. OCR dismissed the complaint because an identical one was already filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations commission. The outcome of that complaint is not known. Miller. the religion professor, said she did try to file charges of indecent assault against Peterson, completing several hours of police interviews, but the two-year statute of limitations had passed. Had Lehigh not covered it up, this statute of limitations would not have passed, Miller said. If they had warned people when they were supposed to. The investigation is not race-specific, but Miller says it certainly fits into this moment when the nation is grappling with systemic racism. These were women of color, students and faculty members, who were victimized by James Peterson, Miller said. And brown womens bodies and Black womens bodies do matter... Theres been no justice for them. Both Miller and Peterson are Black. Miller, who studies race, believes race is inextricably linked to Lehighs handling of the allegations. The university has a complex history with race and was under federal monitoring at the time. They were caught between sexual assault reports and a very prominent Black man, who was very close and tight with the very top of the institution, she said. They did not know how to handle the fallout. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Por emprender vuelo a Tarapoto y la Comunidad de San Lorenzo, con Ministros y funcionarios, trasladando medicamentos, material medico, en permanente trabajo articulado con autoridades regionales. pic.twitter.com/Yu3hPUVBVG The former lover of the Lindt Cafe siege gunman Man Haron Monis is challenging her sentence for murdering his ex-wife, with lawyers arguing the 44-year jail term is "manifestly excessive". Amirah Droudis, then 37, was found guilty of stabbing her victim 18 times, dousing her in petrol and setting her alight at a Werrington block of flats in Sydney's west on April 21, 2013. Amirah Droudis, the wife of Lindt Cafe gunman Man Haron Monis arrives at Downing Centre Local Court in 2014. Credit:AAP She was jailed in 2017 and given a non-parole period of 33 years, after the Supreme Court judge found the "evil" Lindt Cafe gunman had cast a "spell" over Droudis, leading her to commit the murder. Droudis killed at Monis' behest after a bitter family dispute. She continued the attack after her victim pleaded for mercy and a witness begged her not to start the fire. The restoration of the heritage-listed School of Arts in Brisbane's CBD will take longer than expected, as Brisbane City Council delays work to search for a creative partner to join the process. In the 2018-19 financial year, the council allocated $9 million over three years to restore the 1800s-era building, sequestered on Ann Street between two commercial office towers and shuttered for several years. The 1860s-era Brisbane School of Arts building is being restored by Brisbane City Council. Credit:Michelle Smith The School of Arts building was originally a servants' home for young women arriving in Brisbane from England seeking work, and over its working life was repurposed as the city's School of Arts, a library and eventually home to several community organisations. For the first year of its restoration, the council budgeted $831,000 to begin assessment reports on the condition of the building, after it had been closed because of fire safety risks and overall building condition. Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Friday advised that India should not take any hasty decisions with regard to border confrontation with China, while, at the same time, It should also not compromise on the national interests. KCR made the remarks during the all party meet called to discuss the Chinese act of aggression in Galwan Valley which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers on Monday night. We need to adopt short-term and long-term strategies to counter China. In this regard, we all stand by the Central government, KCR said, while leaders from other political parties made a range of suggestions including an economic blockade to counter Beijing . KCR laid emphasis on laying a careful strategy and said the need of the hour was not Raj Neeti (politicking) but Ran Neeti (war strategy). He added that China was not able to tolerate Indias growth as a stable democracy and an economic superpower. In order to overcome its internal crisis, China is trying to create a war-like situation on the borders to divert their peoples attention, he opined. KCR, however, opposed the suggestion for stopping all imports from China. It will be a hasty decision. First, let us start indigenously producing the goods that we are importing from China and make them affordable. Then we can think of banning imports, he advised. Also Read: Taught them a lesson: PM Modi explains the big picture in stand-off with China He also used the platform to announce an ex gratia relief of Rs 5 crore to the family of Colonel Santosh Babu, the commander of 16 Bihar regiment, who was killed in a clash with Chinese troops at Galwan valley in eastern Ladakh. In addition, the Telangana CM also announced Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia relief to each of the families of 19 soldiers who died in the clash along with Santosh. KCR said the state government was announcing the ex gratia in honour of the bravery shown by Col Santosh Babu while fighting the Chinese troops. The state government will also provide a residential plot to his family and Group-1 job to the officers wife Santoshi, he said. KCR said he would soon visit the family members of Col Santosh Babu and present the cheque personally on behalf of the state government. With regard to the financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the other 19 soldiers, he said the amount would be handed over to the bereaved families through the Union defence ministry. India is one: Amit Shah spells out the message from all party meet on Galwan Valley clash The chief minister said the state government would extend complete support to the family of Colonel Santosh Babu in future. He also said that the entire nation should stand united and extend support to the families of the soldiers who were guarding the borders. We must display the symbol of unity and send a strong signal that the nation is with the brave soldiers and their families. Our actions will instill confidence among the armed forces personnel and their families, he said. The chief minister said while the Central government will provide necessary support to the families of the martyrs, the states, too, should take responsibility. He emphasised the need for the States to provide monetary and other kind of support to the bereaved families by reducing their expenditures even during the Covid-19 crisis. CLEVELAND, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Evergreen Podcasts continues to solidify its network of music-based podcasts, which currently includes Riffs on Riffs , I've Heard that Song Before and The Sound of Movies , with the launch of Roots of American Music . The podcast was created by the staff of Roots of American Music, a non-profit organization that creates arts programming for the community using traditional American music as a way to connect students to our past. The show is hosted by Kevin Richards, Artistic Director at Roots of American Music, and is produced by Clint Holley, a widely respected music producer. The show visits provocative architectural sites across the United States and begins a discussion on place, people, and ultimately music. The stories are rich experiences of the American story, and the music is intoxicatingly raw, revealing the joy, anger, and spirit of music as an American identity. "Roots of American Music is excited to partner with Evergreen Podcasts, so that the stories we tell can reach new listeners," said Kevin Richards. "The American story past and present can be told through its music, and we look forward to continuing to bring you interesting stories, inspired by American music and history." "The Roots of American Music podcast has become a passion project for Evergreen," noted Michael DeAloia, CEO of Evergreen Podcasts, "Our staff is full of musicians and music lovers, and all of us gravitated to this wonderful expression of hope and passion through music." Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Roots of American Music Website Kevin Richards, the host of Roots of American Music, and producer Clint Holley are both available for interviews on all media platforms including TV, radio, online media and newspapers. Contact information is below. About Evergreen Podcasts Evergreen Podcasts features a growing catalog of entertaining and informative podcasts, rooted in high creative values and production quality. Evergreen is a community where people think big, capturing the color and diversity of modern thinkers. From entrepreneurs and musicians to philosophers and artists, Evergreen is in the business of uniting audiences with boots-on-the-ground storytellers. Evergreen's talented creative team works with top brands and thought leaders to tell inspiring stories through branded content, original shows, and partner podcasts. Ask us how our comprehensive podcast production, creative marketing, and distribution solutions can help connect your brand to a broader audience. Website: Evergreenpodcasts.com Evergreen Podcasts was founded by Joan Dolan Andrews in January of 2017. During its first year of operation, Evergreen launched four podcasts with nearly 18,000 podcast downloads. The company now has 38 podcast programs and is on pace to deliver more than 5.0 million podcast downloads in 2020. Podcasts published by Evergreen include Rebel Force Radio, The Chad & Cheese Podcast, Burn the Boats, The Talent Cast, This American President, Professional Book Nerds, Banking Transformed, Your Teen, Up2, and Wake Up Call. All podcasts produced and distributed by Evergreen Podcasts can be found on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, and other major podcast platforms. Press Contact: Name: David Allen Moss Email: [email protected] Related Images evergreen-podcasts.jpg Evergreen Podcasts Evergreen Logo Related Links Evergreen Podcasts Roots of American Music SOURCE Evergreen Podcasts June 18, 2020 Two leading organizations join forces to drive future telehealth strategies across hospital settings into the home propelled by COVID-19 Jeroen Tas, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Philips to deliver executive spotlight address at Annual ATA Virtual Conference Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Washington, DC Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced it has once again joined forces with the American Telemedicine Association ( ATA ) to help further the adoption of telehealth across the industry, demonstrating its commitment to connecting care across acute, post-acute and home care settings. The continued collaboration spotlights the growing adoption and momentum in telehealth amidst COVID-19, and the need to convey the exponential shift to telehealth capabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the share of Americans participating in telehealth from 11% in 2019 to 46% today, with healthcare systems reporting a 50 to 175-fold increase in telehealth volume compared to pre-pandemic levels [1]. As the world begins to move from the first wave of reactive care, into a more proactive phase and beyond, virtual care solutions are supporting the recovery of COVID patients as they transition through their care journey, and non-COVID patients as they return to elective surgeries, diagnoses, prevention and treatments that have been put on hold since the onset of the pandemic. There is no better time for Philips to team with the ATA. Philips is creating proactive, AI-powered solutions to improve patient monitoring, precision diagnosis and clinical workflows at every point along the continuum. This directly aligns with our vision for telehealth -- to drive the transformation of health by integrating virtual care from the hospital to physician offices and the home, said Ann Mond Johnson, CEO, the ATA. Major industry players like Philips joining the ATA reconfirms the importance of telehealth and creates important new opportunities to deliver quality care whenever and wherever its needed. Story continues Philips has been a leader in telehealth across acute care and post-acute care settings in the hospital and in the home for over three decades, helping health systems deploy and scale telehealth solutions to help improve patient outcomes, enhance patient and staff experience and lower care costs, said Roy Jakobs , Chief Business Leader Connected Care, member of the Executive Committee at Royal Philips. Our alignment with ATA will help promote strong growth and faster adoption of telehealth and policy changes escalated during the COVID crisis as we pivot to innovate virtual first strategies to support hospitals, payers, and patients across care settings, including digital health technologies to support healthy living in the home. Expanding virtual connected care through partnership and innovation COVID-19 has propelled digital technology to the forefront as healthcare systems rapidly expand telehealth, including virtual care, remote patient monitoring, data analytics and medical record-sharing capabilities to care for patients with COVID-19. In response to the pandemic, Philips has been working with customers around the world to rapidly develop and deploy scalable telehealth solutions to support frontline care professionals and their patients. Philips recently received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration for its wireless wearable biosensor (Philips Biosensor BX100) to help manage confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients in the hospital. The wearable biosensor enhances clinical surveillance as part of the Philips patient deterioration detection solution to help clinicians detect risk so they can intervene earlier and help improve care for patients in lower acuity care areas. The Philips Virtual Connected Care Ecosystem comprises people, processes, and technology. At the core of the platform are three Philips FDA-cleared, vendor agnostic solutions currently utilized to provide remote critical care to patients in the hospital and at home including: FDA-cleared Tele-ICU software (eCare Manager) with AI-enabled decision support algorithms to enable critical care clinicians to work virtually coordinating with on-site clinical staff to provide care to COVID-19 patients from the hospital into the home; Cloud-based software platform (IntelliSpace Corsium) provides real-time patient monitoring tracking during patient transport; Patient centered apps (eCare Coordinator for providers/eCare Companion for patients) deployed in a home environment using mobile IOT (Internet of Things) monitoring devices to allow healthcare providers to monitor physiologic survey data and communicate directly with the patients they are providing care to as needed. Telehealth expanding access to care for millions of U.S. veterans Philips has partnered with The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) on Advancing Telehealth through Local Access Stations known as the ATLAS Program, bringing care to Veterans where and when they need it most. Launching in Eureka, Montana, followed by Springfield, Virginia, Atlas kicked off in 2019 with 10 pilot sites to be installed before the end of 2020. Philips has also taken the current configuration being used for the ATLAS Program to now create the commercial Philips Virtual Care Station that will further expand access to care through non-traditional locations such as retail health, community and university environments. ATA 2020 Annual Virtual Conference and Expo The 2020 ATA Annual conference will take place virtually, beginning June 22 26, 2020. Participants will have access to keynote discussions and panel sessions ranging in topics from interoperability and cybersecurity, to remote patient monitoring and disparity within telehealth offerings. On June 24, at 11:00AM 11:20AM ET, Jeroen Tas , Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer at Royal Philips will discuss how Philips responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and worked with customers around the world in developing telehealth solutions to support front-line care professionals. He will also share his vision on how healthcare leaders should embrace new ways of thinking to make possible digital, more modular and scalable, telehealth solutions. [1] McKinsey https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare-systems-and-services/our-insights/telehealth-a-quarter-trillion-dollar-post-covid-19-reality For further information, please contact: Kathy OReilly Philips Global Press Office Tel.: +1 978-221-8919 E-mail : kathy.oreilly@philips.com Twitter: @kathyoreilly Gina Cella American Telemedicine Association Tel: +1 781-799-3137 E-mail: gcella@cellapr.com About Royal Philips Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2019 sales of EUR 19.5 billion and employs approximately 81,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter. About the ATA As the only organization completely focused on advancing telehealth, the ATA is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and appropriate care when and where they need it, enabling the system to do more good for more people. ATA represents a broad and inclusive member network of technology solution providers and payers, as well as partner organizations and alliances, working to advance industry adoption of telehealth, promote responsible policy, advocate for government and market normalization, and provide education and resources to help integrate virtual care into emerging value-based delivery models. @americantelemed #gotelehealth #ATApolicy Attachments Australia warns the country is under a broad cyberattack from a 'state-based actor' targeting government, public services and businesses Australia's prime minister revealed Friday his country was under a broad cyberattack from a "state-based actor" targeting government, public services and businesses, with suspicions falling on China. Warning Australians of "specific risks" and an increased tempo of attacks, Scott Morrison told a press conference that a range of sensitive institutions had been hit. "This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure," he said. Morrison levelled blame at a "sophisticated state-based cyber actor", but declined to name the culprit, while saying that it could only come from one of a handful of states. China, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Russia, the United States and a number of European countries are known to have developed advanced cyberwarfare capabilities. But suspicions immediately fell on Beijing, which has clashed repeatedly with Canberra as it looks to increase the cost of Australia speaking out against Communist Party interests. Most recently Australia enraged China by calling for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. But Canberra has also pushed back against what it describes as China's economic "coercion", covert influence campaigns and the use of technology companies like Huawei as a tool of intelligence gathering and geopolitical leverage. China has warned its students and tourists against going to Australia, slapped trade sanctions on Australian goods and sentenced an Australian citizen to death for drug trafficking. Last year Australia's parliament, political parties and universities were targeted by state-backed cyberattacks, with China seen as the likely culprit. Public broadcaster ABC cited "senior sources" confirming that China was believed to be behind today's ongoing attacks as well. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Friday that China was "a staunch defender of cybersecurity" and has "always resolutely opposed and cracked down on all forms of cyberattacks". Beijing has previously described such allegations as "irresponsible" and an attempt to "smear" China. Experts say attribution is often difficult, time-consuming and, if made public, could escalate tensions further. Beijing and Canberra have also sparred over access to natural resources, maritime claims and the use of Chinese state-backed technology companies 'Malicious' The current attack appears designed to hide authorship, using so-called "copy-paste" cyber tools that can be easily found open source, Australia's signals intelligence agency said. They included "proof-of-concept exploit code" that targeted vulnerabilities in old versions of Microsoft, Telerik, SharePoint and Citrix products as well as "web shell" software that is uploaded and remains on compromised servers. The attacks also used "spearfishing" techniques, sending emails with malicious files, links and Office 365 prompts. Morrison said that he had notified the leader of the opposition and state premiers of the "malicious" cyberattacks, but said no personal data had been compromised and many of the attacks were unsuccessful. "They are not new risks, but they are specific risks," he said. "We encourage organisations, particularly those in the health, critical infrastructure and essential services to take expert advice and to implement technical defences," he said. That warning is likely to raise alarm bells as the country's medical facilitiesalready on crisis footing because of the coronavirus pandemiccould come under further strain. Morrison's vagueness about the threat and its source is deliberate, according to Ben Scott, a former Australian intelligence official now with the Lowy Institute, a think tank. "Public attribution and the threat of doing so - is seen as one way of warning and deterring an opponent," he said. "But early attribution can also be provocative," he added, saying China was "almost certainly" behind the attack. "Australian agencies may hope that the PM's statement will deter the attackers from moving on to extract large volumes of information or engaging in any sabotage." Australia is part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing networkalong with Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United Stateswhich give the country access to advanced capabilities, but also makes it a rich target for adversaries. 2020 AFP Beginning in July, Birmingham city employees who need additional time off after they or their family member experiences a catastrophic medical event or change of health will be able to take time using a city leave bank. The city is creating two different banks: a sick leave bank and a vacation bank. Employee participation in both banks is voluntary and employees must donate time to be able to draw time. Once an employee donates hours, that employee is eligible to borrow up to 240 hours or 6 weeks of paid leave in a 12-month period for personal and family medical emergencies. Woodfin announced the leave bank during the June 9 city council meeting. This is something Ive been working on for some time because I know how important it is for employees to feel secure when they are faced with a significant illness or fighting a life-threatening disease, Woodfin said. The leave bank opens July 1. The initial enrollment period for both banks will be Monday through June 30. Employees will have another opportunity to enroll in September during the citys open enrollment. To join the sick bank, employees must donate 16 hours of sick leave for the first year. After the first year, an employee must donate 8 hours to the bank each year. Illnesses and conditions that are generally covered by FMLA qualify for sick bank time, including: A non-job related personal catastrophic medical event A sudden change in health A catastrophic medical event A sudden change in the health of an employees immediate family member or an individual who resides in the employees home The vacation bank will assist participants who have exhausted all accrued vacation balances because of a non-job related personal catastrophe such as a home fire, home flood or other non-medical emergencies. Employees whove exhausted vacation balances can borrow up to 40 hours of emergency vacation during a 12-month period. The vacation bank is also available for new parents to take up to 240 hours or 6 weeks for paid maternity or paternity leave. To join the vacation bank, employees must make an initial donation of 8 hours. Around 4,200 people are employed by the city. More information: www.birminghamal.gov/leavebank "This is a timely publication, which commenced as Singapore was celebrating our bicentennial, and launched while Singapore is battling COVID-19, one of the biggest challenges of our generation. It is my hope that the stories of our forefathers will serve as an inspiration to Singaporeans today, and a reminder that by staying united as a people and cohesive as a society, Singapore will be able to overcome any challenges it may face." ~ Halimah Yacob President of the Republic of Singapore How much do you know about Singapore's history? Just the abridged narrative retold to tourists or in old school introductory social studies lessons? The recently-concluded Singapore Bicentennial commemoration has affirmed Singapore was not a sleepy fishing village when Stamford Raffles first set foot on its shores. How can the past still be relevant to this and future generations? What can the past teach us? Edited by Zainul Abidin Rasheed (Former Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Community Leader), Wan Hussin Zoohri (Former Member of Parliament and Community Leader), and Norshahril Saat (Fellow at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore), Beyond Bicentennial: Perspectives on Malays hopes to heighten readers' sense of Singapore's real history and the role and place of the Malay/Muslim community in it. This formidable collection of 45 essays from prominent individuals and academicians aim to move readers to reflect not only on the 200 years of history since the arrival of Raffles, but also the centuries that preceded the year 1819 -- all the way to 1299 when Sang Nila Utama first set foot on the island, Singapura (Lion City). Beyond Bicentennial is not a history book and should not be read as such. Its objective is to document the different views on the Malays, and to call on readers to reflect and re-examine the position and contributions of the Malays to Singapore's history and its development. Neither is it just for the Malay/Muslim community. Beyond Bicentennial is for all Singaporeans. It provides an opportunity to explore how the past of one community has also shaped all of us, and how each of us and our multi-racial and multi-religious communities are connected and intertwined with one another. It highlights some of the key values that have held well for our forefathers, values that will continue to be important to current and future generations of Singapore. These values are becoming more relevant now as Singapore battles Covid-19. This global pandemic has not only put the resilience of this generation to the test but just like generations before, they will show the courage and togetherness to overcome the challenges. We live in complex times and the history we went through, was even more so. The more we understand each other's minds, fears, aspirations, challenges, and even more importantly, how we can and need to work together for our Singapore, the better our future. The book retails for US$78 / 70 (paperback) and US$138 / 120 (hardcover) at major bookstores and online. To order or know more about the book visit https://worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/11613. About the Editors Zainul Abidin Rasheed is the former Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Community leader. He is currently Singapore's Ambassador to the State of Kuwait (non-resident). He is a member of Nanyang Technological University's (NTU) Board of Trustees. Prior to his retirement from politics, he served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1997 to 2011. Mr Zainul has also held various key positions in government service and the media industry. He was Editor of Berita Harian for 20 years and The Sunday Times for five years, served as President of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) and was Chief Executive Officer of the Council for the Development of Singapore Malay/Muslim Community (Yayasan MENDAKI). Mr Zainul's extensive knowledge and vast experience have contributed significantly to Singapore's international relations with the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia. Mr Zainul was also the Mayor of the Northeast Community Development Council District (2001-2009) and Chairman of the Malay Heritage Foundation (2003-2010). Wan Hussin Zoohri started his career as a teacher in 1957. He was appointed school Principal in 1974 and Senior Inspector of Schools in 1978. In 1980, he was elected as Member of Parliament. He retired from politics in 1991. He is active in community service since 1970. He was the Secretary-General of Singapore Malay Teachers' Union (1971-1975) and Deputy President (1976-1978). He served as President of Prophet Muhammad's Birthday Memorial Scholarship Fund (LBKM) Board for 17 years from 1995-2012. He served as Chairman of Tabung Amal Aidilfitri Trust Fund from 2003-2008. He is now the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Zuhri Institute of Higher Learning. He was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Pingat Pentadbiran Awam -- PPA) in 1978. Dr Norshahril Saat is a Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, and is the Chairman of the Malay Heritage Foundation (MHF). In June 2015, he was awarded a PhD in International, Political and Strategic Studies by the Australian National University (ANU). In 2018, he published three books: The State, Ulama, and Islam in Malaysia and Indonesia (Amsterdam University Press); Tradition and Islamic Learning: Singapore Students in the Al-Azhar University (ISEAS Publishing); and edited Islam in Southeast Asia: Negotiating Modernity (ISEAS Publishing). His earlier books include Faith, Authority and the Malays: The Ulama in Contemporary Singapore; Majulah! 50 years of Malay/Muslim Community in Singapore (co-edited with Zainul Abidin Rasheed); and Yusof Ishak: Singapore's First President. His articles have recently been published in journals such as Asian Journal of Social Science, Contemporary Islam: Dynamics of Muslim Life, Review of Indonesian and Malaysian Affairs, and Studia Islamika. He has also published numerous opinion and think pieces, including those in local newspapers such as the Straits Times, Berita Harian and Today; and international newspapers such as the Canberra Times, Bangkok Post, and the Jakarta Post. About World Scientific Publishing Co. World Scientific Publishing is a leading international independent publisher of books and journals for the scholarly, research and professional communities. World Scientific collaborates with prestigious organisations like the Nobel Foundation and US National Academies Press to bring high quality academic and professional content to researchers and academics worldwide. The company publishes about 600 books and over 140 journals in various fields annually. To find out more about World Scientific, please visit http://www.worldscientific.com. For more information, contact Amanda at heyun@wspc.com. ### Health experts are encouraging parents to ensure young people in Leitrim to protect their skin in the sun as new research shows that nine out of 10 schoolchildren in Ireland have experienced at least one episode of sunburn. The report, published today by the Institute of Public Health and NUI Galway, examines for the first time childrens exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds, UV skin protection behaviours, and sunburn. It will be used to inform implementation of the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan. Nearly 90% of 10 to 17-year-olds said they have experienced sunburn in their lifetime. Around 74% said they experienced sunburn at least once during the past year. Childhood sunburn, unprotected sun exposure and use of sunbeds increase the risk of developing skin cancers later in life. Repeated episodes of severe sunburn during childhood doubles the risk of developing melanoma - the most serious form of skin cancer in later life. The report found that eight out of 10 schoolchildren reported wearing sunscreen, while seven out of 10 reported using sunglasses on sunny days. However, the adoption of other sun protection measures, like covering up, wearing hats and avoiding peak UV hours, were less consistent. Just 32% of schoolchildren reported that they avoided peak UV hours of the day. Around 50% said they wore protective clothing to cover arms and legs when in the sun, while 17% reported never using sunscreen. Girls were more likely to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, clothes that cover arms and legs as well as avoid peak UV hours on sunny days. Boys were more likely to wear hats on sunny days. The report also found that 3% of children said they used a sunbed in the last 12 months. While the report found sunbed use by children under 18, it is not clear how much of this use is occurring in commercial premises. Providing a sunbed service to anyone under the age of 18 is contrary to Irish law as outlined in the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014. Dr Helen McAvoy, from the Institute of Public Health and co-author of the report, believes the message to protect skin when outdoors has never been more important as people spend more time outside during the Covid-19 restrictions. Dr McAvoy said: The frequency of sunburn found in this report is concerning and shows there is a need for focused action and research on skin cancer prevention. Being outside and keeping active is good for childrens physical and mental health, but they also need to be sun smart. As measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 are still in place, and as school holidays start, it is likely that more children will be outdoors playing. We need to ensure that people are not over exposed to the sun, avoid peak UV hours, use sunscreen, and wear sunglasses, hats, and clothing to cover arms and legs. Prof Saoirse Nic Gabhainn, from NUI Galways Health Promotion Research Centre, said the findings provide a vital insight into childrens sun behaviours in Ireland. Prof Nic Gabhainn added: This is the first time that childrens sun behaviours have been comprehensively recorded in Ireland, and its clear that this area requires focused development to protect children. This survey data will be important for planning future awareness programmes and targeting resources to those children and families who most need it. Dr Triona McCarthy, Director of Public Health at the National Cancer Control Programme, has welcomed the report. Dr McCarthy said: We are delighted to have linked with the Institute of Public Health and NUIG to deliver a comprehensive profile of school-childrens risk and protective behaviours relating to UV exposure as outlined in the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan. UV exposure during the first 1015 years of life makes a disproportionately large contribution to lifetime risk of skin cancer. This report will inform development of resources and implementation of programmes to support children and young people to enjoy being active outdoors safely. By adopting the SunSmart 5 Ss, the majority of skin cancers caused by UV sun exposure could be prevented. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Christianity is unique among world religions in that it does not require its adherents to earn their own salvation. Judaism and Islam, the other two Abrahamic religions, each demand strict compliance to law and ritual; Hinduism requires self-purification to rid ones life of evil; Buddhism mandates renunciation of self; Confucianism dictates a perpetual search for harmony; and so on. Christianity, on the other hand, requires only faith in the gospel message that we are reconciled to God through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, nothing more. For many Christians, that message of salvation-through-faith-alone is a tremendous comfort. For others, and for many agnostics and skeptics searching for answers, it is a serious stumbling block to faith. For them it doesnt sound comforting. It sounds, at best, counter intuitive and at worst, cruel. How can faith alone be enough to earn salvation? Everything about our human experience tells us that actions matter. How we behave and how we treat each other counts for something. Salvation through faith alone upends that notion. The idea that a murderer can confess Christ and be saved while a morally upright non-believer is lost to hell for all eternity roils our sense of fair play. The concept of a supposedly good and just God sanctioning such a patently unfair outcome undercuts the very notion that such a god exists. It is a fair criticism, and it deserves an answer. Lets begin by acknowledging that the criticism is valid only if there is a God, and he is who he says he is. If there is no God, the critique is pointless. Absent God there is no transcendental standard of morality against which we can measure proper behavior, nor is there likely a heaven or hell for us to worry about anyway. But if the God of the Bible does exist, it is precisely those characteristics he is purported to possess that cause us to recoil at the idea of him condemning a good person to hell for a mere lack of faith. Nevertheless, scripture is clear on the nature and character of God. He is fully just, fully loving, fully holy and fully merciful. So how can such a God rationalize sending a good person to hell? Why Merit Doesnt Matter We intuitively believe merit should count for something in the quest for salvation, but is that true? If a person has lived a good life, tried to do the right thing and never killed anybody, should they get into heaven? Or, conversely, should murderers be kept out? Perhaps so. But if that is the case, it begs the question of what the precise behavioral standard for entry should be. Where should God set the benchmark? If behavior counts towards admission, what would be a fair standard for deciding if someone has been good enough to get into heaven? Consider some options. God could use the Ten Commandments as the benchmark. It would be a good choice. They are, after all, one of the oldest codes of human behavior on record. And for the ancient Jews, they actually were the standard for entry into heaven. They were hand delivered by God to Moses on Mount Sinai for the express purpose of instructing Gods people how to behave in order to be saved. How well would it work if they were still the standard today? Could anybody live their entire life without breaking a commandment and thus make it into heaven on merit? Its a tough standard to meet. Forget about the big ones like dont lie, kill or cheat. Even if we could manage those, there are several minor sins to consider. If you have ever put anything in your life (money, career, love life, material desire) above God, been disrespectful or disobedient to your parents, or been jealous of someone elses possessions, you have violated the commandments. A violation, even a small one, means you failed to meet the standard and therefore cannot be granted meritorious entry into heaven. Perhaps the Ten Commandments are too rigorous. Maybe in his perfect mercy God could lower the bar to give us a fighting chance. Ten, after all, is a big number to try and get right. A single standard would be much easier. Perhaps God could use something more basic like the Golden Rule, treat others the way you want to be treated. Simple, neat, easy. Could any of us reach heaven on merit if all we had to do was abide by the Golden Rule? Sadly, probably not. Most of us wouldnt make it a single day. We are, after all, selfish creatures. Try as we might to put others first, we inevitably pursue our own self-interest at their expense. We certainly dont always treat them how we would want them to treat us. We are so proficient at being selfish we often dont even recognize were doing it. We even go so far as to actively delude ourselves into thinking our selfishness is some sort of modern virtue. We celebrate it with vacuous platitudes like, Im living my truth, the heart wants what the heart wants, and I have to live my best life. In the end were doing nothing more than pursuing our own selfish interests at the expense of others, and thats one big Golden Rule no-no. It seems that standard is too high a hurdle as well. What if God lowered the standard even further for us, could we make it on merit then? If the standard dropped all the way down to a bumper sticker slogan like be kind, would that work? If eternity hung in the balance could you be kind to everybody, all the time? Could you do it when someone steals your parking spot, cuts you off in traffic or spreads a nasty rumor about you? Could you do it on those days when everything goes wrong, everybody gets on your nerves and you just want to be left alone? No, of course not. No one can. On days like that, we get mean. Its part of the human experience thanks to our selfish nature and this broken world. Nothing works the way it should, we feel slighted and then we lash out. Therein lies the problem. Because of our broken and selfish nature, we cant get to heaven on our own even when the standard for admittance is as low as simply be kind. We are inherently incapable of behaving well enough to earn heaven on merit. What is God to Do? Faced with the reality that humans cannot meet a behavioral standard for admittance, what is God to do? How can he resolve the conundrum and allow imperfect people into his perfect presence? One possibility is to dispense with standards altogether and let everybody in. There is brand of theology that preaches precisely that, Universalism. The logical problem with it is it does nothing to resolve the original critique. Why should the immoral, murderous degenerate be granted the same access to heaven as someone who has lived a life of virtue and sacrifice for others? They shouldnt. The other problem with Universalism is it is wholly inconsistent with Gods character. Even if he wanted to let everybody in, a holy, loving, just and righteous God cannot endorse that which is inherently unholy, unjust, unloving and unrighteous. Letting them into heaven is a de facto endorsement that, absent some recompense, cannot be allowed. What, then, is left for God to do? How does a perfectly just, perfectly holy, perfectly loving and perfectly righteous God allow people into heaven when, no matter how low he makes the standard, they perpetually fail to meet it? The only option, really, is for God to meet the standard for us. It turns out that is precisely what he does. That is the gospel message. In the midst of our failure to reach God, he reaches us. Because there is no standard we can meet on our own, God sent Jesus to meet the standard for us, and then to take the punishment that should have been ours for not meeting it. Thats what Christians mean by justification through substitutionary atonement, and it cant be any other way. There is no standard we can meet and no works we can do to earn our way into heaven. All we can do is accept the truth of Gods message and bask in his perfect mercy. And doing that takes faith alone. A team of Hamilton doctors that has helped contain the spread of COVID-19 in the local shelter system hopes to expand its efforts to migrant farm workers. Dr. Tim OShea, an infectious disease specialist, and others in the Hamilton Social Medicine Response Team, are teaming up with public health nurses to test them for coronavirus. The idea is to offer farms weekly surveillance in coming days, OShea says. The purpose of it being we are trying to pick up people who are asymptomatic or presymptomatic and potentially spreading in order to interrupt outbreaks before than happen. Thats good news, Coun. Nrinder Nann said during this weeks board of health meeting. Migrant workers, who have been made more systemically marginalized, are producing the food in the region, she said. In an interview, OShea said success hinges on buy-in from farmers and guarantees that workers wont be deported or lose jobs if they test positive. The migrant workers often from Latin America and the Caribbean are housed in congregant settings, which makes the chance of outbreak high once an infection is established. Data from the testing will be funneled into the race and income set public health started collecting from positive COVID-19 cases in general about three weeks ago. Nann applauded this, but lamented that granular data wasnt collected sooner. When we have that information, were able to plan and adjust our strategies moving forward, rather than seeing some realities as being made visible. Evidence from the United States, and closer to home in Toronto, has shown coronavirus has hit certain racialized groups, including Black and Latino people, much harder. Dr. Elizabeth Richardson told The Spectator the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care had told the city it planned to develop a uniform approach to COVID-19 socioeconomic and race data for all health units. Not wanting to start one method and then switch gears to another, public health opted to wait for the provinces guidance. If you end up collecting data two different ways ... which way do you analyze it? But when that provincial direction didnt materialize, local health officials decided to embark on their own program, nonetheless, Richardson said. Middlesex-London Health Unit began gathering information about race, family income, occupation, Indigenous identity and homeless/underhoused status in April. A report with early figures shows, as of June 10, race was noted in 87 per cent of confirmed cases, with 1.6 per cent not responding. Of those who offered information, 27 per cent identified as a visible minority, an Employment Equity Act definition that doesnt include Indigenous people. Visible minorities represented 17 per cent of Middlesex-Londons total population in 2016. In 27.5 per cent of cases, respondents said they have a household income of less than $60,000, 31 per cent more than $60,000, 30 per cent didnt know, and 11.5 per cent didnt answer. As of 2015, the median income before tax was $64,797. In the context of COVID-19, the collection and analysis of this information will help (the health unit) identify where inequities exist, Dr. Christopher Mackie, Middlesex-Londons medical officer of health, writes in the June 18 report. On Monday, the province announced a proposed regulatory change to mandate the standardized reporting of race, income, language and household size from coronavirus cases. The ministry noted people can decline to answer and assured privacy would be protected. By Katanga Johnson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House announced on Thursday that President Donald Trump intends to nominate Caroline Crenshaw to fill a Democratic vacancy at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Crenshaw, a senior SEC attorney, would fill a commissioner slot that has been vacant since February, when Rob Jackson, whom Crenshaw advised, left to return to his teaching post. If confirmed by the Senate, Crenshaw would help balance out the top markets regulator, where there are currently two Republican commissioners and one Democratic commissioner, Allison Lee. The SEC is chaired by Jay Clayton, an independent who frequently votes with Republicans. Reuters reported that Crenshaw was expected to be nominated for the post in January. She declined to comment on Thursday on the nomination. Crenshaw has been employed at the SEC since 2013 and is a judge advocate in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps. She previously worked under another Democratic commissioner at the SEC, Kara Stein, who left in January. Her nomination will now be considered by the Republican-controlled Senate, which is already considering the re-nomination of Hester Peirce, a Republican SEC commissioner, to serve a second term that expires in 2025. "Crenshaw is smart, knowledgeable, incredibly hard-working, and dedicated to the cause of promoting investor protection and market integrity. Plus, she knows the agency inside and out. We couldn't have asked for a better nominee," said Barbara Roper, the director of investor protection for the Washington-based Consumer Federation of America. (Additional reporting by Pete Schroeder; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Bernadette Baum and Paul Simao) CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, has set in motion plans to build a new 100-kilometer circular supercollider. The Large Hadron Collider, by comparison, is 27 kilometers long. It is currently being upgraded, and expected to restart again in May 2021 until 2024, before starting its final run in 2027. The new machine, called the Future Circular Collider, would likely cost at least 21 billion. It is expected to be build in an underground location in Geneva by approximately 2038. While final approval has not yet been given, CERN can take a more proactive approach in designing the collider, utilising resources otherwise allocated to alternative designs such as a linear eletron-positron collider or a muon accelerator, according to Nature. The later stages of CERNs development will be building an electron-positron collider to produce and study the Higgs boson. That machine would then be dismantled and replaced with a proton smasher, which would search for new particles to complete or disprove our current understanding of physics. By 2050, it could be smashing the particles together with approximately six times the force (100 teraelectronvolts) as the Large Hadron Collider. Its probing nature at the shortest distances and looking for the smallest things we can see its a real exploratory mission. Everyone agrees thats what we need to do. The question has been: whats the best machine to do it? said Professor Jon Butterworth of University College London. Nasa's groundbreaking decade of space exploration: In pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Nasa's groundbreaking decade of space exploration: In pictures Nasa's groundbreaking decade of space exploration: In pictures Mystic Mountain, a pillar of gas and dust standing at three-light-years tall, bursting with jets of gas from fledgling stars buried within, was captured by Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope in February 2010 Nasa/ESA/STScI Nasa's groundbreaking decade of space exploration: In pictures The first ever selfie taken on an alien planet, captured by Nasa's Curiosity Rover in the early days of its mission to explore Mars in 2012 Nasa/JPL-Caltech/MSSS Nasa's groundbreaking decade of space exploration: In pictures Death of a star: This image from Nasa's Chandra X-ray telescope shows the supernova of Tycho, a star in our Milky Way galaxy Nasa Nasa's groundbreaking decade of space exploration: In pictures Arrokoth, the most distant object ever explored, pictured here on 1 January 2019 by a camera on Nasa's New Horizons spaceraft at a distance of 4.1 billion miles from Earth Getty Nasa's groundbreaking decade of space exploration: In pictures An image of the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy seen in infrared light by the Herschel Space Observatory in January 2012. Regions of space such as this are where new stars are born from a mixture of elements and cosmic dust Nasa Nasa's groundbreaking decade of space exploration: In pictures The first ever image of a black hole, captured by the Event Horizon telescope, as part of a global collaboration involving Nasa, and released on 10 April 2019. The image reveals the black hole at the centre of Messier 87, a massive galaxy in the nearby Virgo galaxy cluster. This black hole resides about 54 million light-years from Earth Getty Nasa's groundbreaking decade of space exploration: In pictures Pluto, as pictured by Nasa's New Horizons spacecraft as it flew over the dwarf planet for the first time ever in July 2015 Nasa/APL/SwRI Nasa's groundbreaking decade of space exploration: In pictures A coronal mass ejection as seen by the Chandra Observatory in 2019. This is the first time that Chandra has detected this phenomenon from a star other than the Sun Nasa Nasa's groundbreaking decade of space exploration: In pictures Dark, narrow, 100 meter-long streaks running downhill on the surface Mars were believed to be evidence of contemporary flowing water. It has since been suggested that they may instead be formed by flowing sand Nasa/JPL/University of Arizona Nasa's groundbreaking decade of space exploration: In pictures Morning Aurora: Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly captured this photograph of the green lights of the aurora from the International Space Station in October 2015 Nasa/Scott Kelly However, the plan is not universally approved in the physics community. Scientists have said that it is a high-risk, high-reward scenario with little guarantee of getting a return on investment. Were talking about tens of billions. I just think there is not enough scientific potential in doing that kind of study right now, Sabine Hossenfelder, a theoretical physicist at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies in Germany, told The Guardian. On some level I find it irresponsible, she said. Why dont we put the money into an international centre for climate models or pandemic models? Mr Joseph Osei Owusu, Member of Parliament for Bekwai, has appealed to the New Patriotic Party supporters to be decorous in their campaigns ahead of the Partys parliamentary primaries on Saturday. They should desist from the use of abusive language, insults and other destructive acts that would have negative image for the Party in the run-up to the national elections in December. Addressing some Party supporters after a work-out session at Bekwai, Mr Osei Owusu advised delegates and supporters to follow the laid down procedures of the Party to resolve whatever problems they might have. He called for unity of purpose in the Party as they prepared for the 2020 general elections to ensure that the Party retained power. Mr Osei Owusu, who is also the First Deputy Speaker in Parliament, commended the members in the Constituency for their support, and urged them to work together to ensure a resounding victory for the December elections. Bekwai Constituency has become one of the hotspots of the Party following the disqualification of Mr Amofa Agyeman one of the contestants in the primaries by the National Executive Committee. The decision did not go down well with some Party supporters who had since then embarked on series of protests and agitations and thereby, creating tension and divisions in the Party. 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| 2020-06-20 05:58:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BRUSSELS, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Friday that "strongly condemns the appalling death of George Floyd" in the United States as well as similar killings elsewhere in the world. With 493 votes in favor, 104 against and 67 abstaining, the adopted resolution calls on the U.S. authorities to address structural racism and inequalities, criticizes the police crackdowns on peaceful protesters and journalists and U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to deploy the army as well as his "inflammatory rhetoric". The lawmakers support the recent massive protests around the world against racism and discrimination and condemn "white supremacism in all its forms," while denouncing the "episodes of looting, arson, vandalism and destruction of public and private property caused by some violent demonstrators." The resolution calls for the European Union and its member states to end racial and ethnic profiling in law enforcement, counter-terrorism measures and immigration controls. It also underlines that racist and xenophobic speech is not covered by freedom of expression. Earlier on Friday, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution strongly condemning the continuing racially discriminatory and violent practices perpetrated by law enforcement agencies against Africans and people of African descent, which led to the deaths of U.S. citizen George Floyd in Minneapolis and other people of African descent, and further condemning the structural racism in the criminal justice system. Enditem DETROIT Did you order food from Detroits famed Lafayette Coney Island this week? If so, it may have been prepared by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who served up the classic Detroit delicacy to learn how the restaurant was taking precautions to protect their workers and customers from the spread of COVID-19. And get some first-hand experience on the line, of course. If you ordered from Lafayette Coney Island today, your food may have been prepared by a familiar face Had a blast learning the ropes from Lafayettes incredible staff, and was thrilled to see how Michigan businesses are ensuring the safety of their employees and customers. pic.twitter.com/B9pCAUVJsl Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) June 18, 2020 If you ordered from Lafayette Coney Island today, your food may have been prepared by a familiar face, Whitmwe wrote on Twitter. Had a blast learning the ropes from Lafayettes incredible staff, and was thrilled to see how Michigan businesses are ensuring the safety of their employees and customers. RELATED: Michigans Best Coney Dog 2019 Top 10 List Whitmer announced that the entire state was ready to move to phase 4 of the governors MI Safe Start Plan. Under Executive Order 2020-91 earlier this month. Under the order, businesses are required to adhere to strict safety guidelines to protect workers, patrons and their communities from infection. RELATED: 38 Michigan coney dogs youll want to try The Green Party will bring life back to towns and villages, deliver for the Midlands and address the climate emergency if they go into Government with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, the party's Offaly senator has pledged. In a statement, Senator Pippa Hackett welcomes and strongly endorses the Programme for Government agreed by negotiators from the three parties in recent weeks. This is by the far the best opportunity we have ever seen for Ireland to lead the way on addressing the climate and biodiversity emergency. We worked well with both parties during the negotiations, and all three of us agreed that we needed to embark on an ambitious programme to address concerns not only in climate and biodiversity, but in important areas such as housing and health. It is a massive document, and is reflective of the efforts and commitments from all three parties to deliver something transformative. I would recommend everyone take the opportunity to read it, or at least the chapters relevant to themselves," she said. The Senator, who fell just short of winning a Dail seat in Laois Offaly, believes the agreement delivers for the two counties and the Midlands. I am particularly pleased with what the Programme delivers for the Midlands region, for example, we will embark on an ambitions retrofitting programme which will begin in the midlands, and will initially target social housing, and homes dependant fossil fuels for heating, of which there are many in Offaly. The rewetting and restoration of peatlands in the midlands will be beginning shortly also, and the job opportunities this will bring will secure many jobs that would otherwise have been lost from the peat harvesting sector. We will explore the possibility of establishing a Green Energy Hub in the Midlands, and utilise existing infrastructure in the region," she said. Another plank in the plan is what it will do for rural areas and towns like Portlaoise and Tullamore. "We will bring life back to our towns and villages by pursuing a Town Centres First policy to planning. And we will protect rural post offices by making them a central hub for a wide variety of community-focused services, and we will accelerate the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan; and we will greatly improve rural transport by, for example, tripling the number of passenger journeys by Local Link. We have secured a new LEADER rural development programme, and will support local food producers and the development of local food markets," she said. Finally, Senator Hackett said the Green Party had secured so many of its policies in the deal. Thanks to our hard-working negotiators, the next five years will see the end of the inhumane Direct Provision system, a ban on the importation of fracked gas, a referendum on the right to housing, the accelerated implementation of Slaintecare, and a significant increase in the amount of social and affordable housing built in this country. This is a tremendously exciting time, and I look forward to what the next five years bring, she said. Sen Hackett, who has been her party's spokesperson on agriculture, is one of six Laois Offaly politicians returned to the Oireachtas (Dail & Senate). The two Fianna Fail TDs Sean Fleming and Barry Cowen have backed the deal as has Fine Gael's sole TD for the two counties Charlie Flanagan. New Delhi: Striking a defiant note by refusing to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that since the Supreme Court has asked the centre to felicitate talks between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, his government would like to wait for meeting with Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti until Thursday. Uma Bharti has called a meeting tomorrow at 11:30am in Delhi of both CMs (TN and Karnataka). Releasing of water deferred till meeting with Union Minister Uma Bharti. We'll take decision later, a defiant Siddaramaiah said. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court had asked the Karnataka government to release 6000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for two days to show its bona fide. The apex court had said that no state in a federal structure like India can say no to the Supreme Court order and indulge in a fight with another state. The Centre would try to resolve the Cauvery water issue and will call a meeting between the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the next two days, Attorney general Mukul Rohatgi had told the court. The court had granted permission to the Centre to call a meeting between Jayalalithaa and Siddaramiah and submit a report on Friday. The Supreme Court also said that it wont consider the Karnataka Assembly resolution not to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The federal government has released N4.5 billion to 31 federal teaching and medical centres across the country, an official has said. Labour minister Chris Ngige said the payment which covers hazard and inducement allowances for April and May is made with the expectation that it would ameliorate the plight of resident doctors across the country who downed tools since Monday over unpaid salaries and allowances. Mr Ngige disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents along with the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, and the Minister of State for Labour, Festus Keyamo. The officials spoke with journalists shortly after they briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on the strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). The resident doctors announced the commencement of a nationwide indefinite strike on Monday morning in a communique issued at the end of their virtual extraordinary National Executive Council Meeting. The NARD president, Aliyu Sokomba, said doctors downed tools over unpaid salaries, non-payment of hazard allowance, and a dearth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in hospitals among several other reasons. He said the association explored several other options before arriving at their decision. The government had threatened to invoke the no work no pay rule on the striking doctors on Tuesday after a meeting it had with the doctors ended in disagreement. Health minister Osagie Ehanire directed all medical directors in all public hospitals across the country to open a register by 7 a.m. from Wednesday and record those who come to work and those who fail to come to work. But the doctors called the bluff of the governments threat. The NARD president, described the threat as empty and the biggest joke of the century, adding that the doctors are not intimidated and will go on with the strike until their demands are met. During Fridays briefing with journalists, Mr Ngige, who had claimed that the government has already started paying the doctors treating COVID-19 patients the hazard allowance, said the payment of the N4.5 billing was made just this morning. Just this morning, before we went to see Mr President, the Ministry of Finance reported that as at this morning, 3 a.m., they have paid the allowances for hazard and inducement to 31 teaching and Federal Medical Centres and specialist hospitals of the federal government service and they have expended close to N4.5 billion in the payment because, we are paying them the arrears of April and May. The payment for June will also be done immediately these ones are sorted out. Again, its important to report to you that in consonance with what hes saying, we have arranged a meeting for them to speak to the Nigerian Governors Forum because you dont mix apples and oranges. The issue of health is on the concurrent list, so the federal government will do its own and the state government will be expected to do their own. Some of their grievances border on what they feel the state governments have not done. Also speaking, health minister, Mr Ehanire said, We hope that there is a solution in sight; what we have done is to brief the President of the country, who as we all know has the final responsibility for everything that goes on in government. Those of us who are Ministers administer our ministries and have to report to him periodically. READ ALSO: In this particular case, it has been important to report to him how things have been because of the strike action of resident doctors. We have to report to him the implications and the possible consequences of such a strike action. He listened to us carefully, of course he is not happy that it has come this way and we all hope that it would be resolved after all the demands that were made have been resolved. The Nigerian government had promised a special COVID-19 hazard and inducement allowance of 50 per cent of Consolidated Basic Salary to all health workers in Nigerian Teaching Hospitals, Federal Medical Centres (FMCs), and designated COVID-19 centres. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, said about 5,000 frontline health workers have been given life insurance by the Nigerian insurance industry, NHIS. But Mr Sokomba in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, on Wednesday, said no dime of hazard allowance has been paid to any doctor. I dont think they have intentions of paying us. The NARD president said no life insurance has been issued to any resident doctor, noting that no less than 10 doctors have died of COVID19. I have lost count of those infected by the virus. Resident doctors are certified doctors undergoing residency to become consultants. They make up a large bulk of doctors in Nigerias tertiary hospitals. Health workers, being the first respondents to patients have continued to be at risk of exposure to COVID-19 virus. Although health workers have been advised to use full PPE before attending to patients, many do not have access to this equipment. As of June 2, about 812 health workers had tested positive for COVID-19 in Nigeria. Advertisements Australia is under increasing cyberattack from a "sophisticated state-based cyber actor," the Australian prime minister said Friday. Prime Minister Scott Morrison would not name the state, and he said he made the growing threat public to raise awareness. "Australian organizations are currently being targeted by a sophisticated state-based cyber actor," Morrison told reporters. "This activity is targeting Australian organizations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organizations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure," he added. Although the threat was constant, the frequency of attacks had increased "over many months." "This is the actions of a state-based actor with significant capabilities. There aren't too many state-based actors who have those capabilities," Morrison said. Morrison said he particularly wanted organizations involved in health, critical infrastructure and essential services to bolster technical defenses to thwart such malicious attacks. Defense Minister Linda Reynolds said the government's cyber agency, Australian Cyber Security Center, and the Home Affairs Department had published on Friday a technical advisory on how organizations can detect and mitigate cyber threats. Morrison would not comment on the inevitable speculation that the cyberattacks were part of Australia's increasingly hostile rift with China. China in recent weeks banned beef exports from Australia's largest abattoirs, ended trade in Australian barley with a tariff wall and warned its citizens against visiting Australia. The measures are widely interpreted as punishment for Australia's advocacy of an independent probe into the origins and spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Australia's foreign minister this week accused China of using the anxiety around the pandemic to undermine Western democracies by spreading disinformation online, prompting China to accuse Australia of disinformation. Morrison said "Australia doesn't engage lightly in public attribution" and would not name the country behind the current cyber campaign. "I can't control what speculation others might engage in on this issue," he said. Morrison said he had discussed the growing cyber security threat with Australia's allies and had spoken overnight to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the subject. Australian investigations to date had not uncovered any "large-scale personal data breaches," Morrison said. Australian cyber security authorities had "thwarted many" attacks," he said. The basic mission for which the police exist is to prevent crime and disorder. This, the first of Sir Robert Peels nine principles of policing, remains as true today as when the founder of the London Metropolitan Police articulated it in 1829. Over the past quarter-century, American police have excelled at this mission: the nations overall crime rate has plummeted nearly 40 percent since 1991. Peels second principlethe ability of the police to perform their duties is dependent upon public approval of police actionsis no less true than the first, but in recent years, police departments in cities across the country have found it harder to achieve. Four years ago, police-involved homicides of black men on Staten Island (Eric Garner) and in Ferguson, Missouri (Michael Brown), set off national protests. Over the next 24 months, the upheavals drew attention to the Great Divide, as some criminologists call itthe chasm that exists between the police and many minority communities, owing to Americas unresolved quest for racial equality. This was followed by allegations of a Ferguson Effect, in which officers pulled back from proactive law enforcement owing to heightened scrutiny, a phenomenon first explored at length by City Journals Heather Mac Donald. Additionally, the nation has seen a spike in violent crime since 2014, marked by surges in shootings and homicides in some major cities. Fortunately, a Peel-inspired template exists for how policing can effectively confront the Great Divide, prevent crime and disorder, and address other pressing problems such as the opioid epidemic, homelessness, and quality-of-life concernsa strategy built on lessons from earlier crucibles, best practices from around the country, and effective collaboration among political leaders, the police, and the public. Coauthor Bratton and his executive team, of which coauthor Murad was a member, named it precision policing. The NYPD implemented it during Brattons second stint as New York Citys police commissioner, from 2014 to 2016. It helped the NYPD achieve new standards of crime control and police legitimacy, achievements that have continued and strengthened under Brattons successor, James ONeill. We believe that precision policing represents the next phase of the policing revolution. It draws on previous innovations, like CompStat (the NYPDs crime-mapping and accountability tool), and criminological advances, like quality-of-life policing, but goes beyond them. Precision policing is an organizing principle for the complexities of structuring, managing, motivating, and leading a twenty-first-century police force. We believe that it can make any city, town, or neighborhood a saferand fairerplace. This is no small goal. At the height of national attention to the Great Divide, the possibility of finding common ground on public safety often seemed distant. Too often, people on the various sides could not see each other for who they are, nor the world from each others point of view. Many cops and their supporters argued that the media were exaggerating police misconduct, and thus worsening policecommunity relations; they pointed out that the vast majority of cops are dedicated public servants, willing to risk their own safety for that of others. Activists, by contrast, insisted that unfair policing, driven by racial bias, was endemic in minority communities, a problem much larger than just a few bad apples. For two years, protests roiled American cities, with activists demanding fundamental changes in policing. The demonstrations became synonymous with the activist group Black Lives Matter, but hundreds of thousands of Americans from all walks of life participated in them. Though the preponderance of these events were peaceful, too many were marked by disorder, and some exploded into riots. Even the nonviolent protests frequently exhibited vitriol directed at the police, and sometimes police responded heavy-handedly. In New York, the frequency and scale of demonstrations intensified in November 2014, following the death of Akai Gurley, a 28-year-old African-American man shot by police in Brooklyn, and a Missouri grand jurys decision not to indict the Ferguson officer who shot Brown. Unlike the Ferguson protests, the New York demonstrations did not end in arson and tear gas; nor did the NYPD use military-style long guns, camouflage, or armored vehicles to quell the disorder. But the ranks of protesters swelled again in early December, after a Staten Island grand jury refused to issue an indictment in the death of Garner. These protests were more chaotic and included several assaults on officers. Some nights saw hundreds of arrests, though not nearly as many as there might have been, had the NYPD not improved its crowd tactics after the Occupy Wall Street protests three years earlier. Still, New York teetered on the edge of bedlamuntil the assassination of Detectives Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu in Brooklyn by a madman claiming retribution for Garner and Brown. The killings knocked the wind out of the more vehemently antipolice protesters. Anger at and even hatred of police didnt vanish: a third NYPD officer, Miosotis Familia, was killed just for the uniform she wore in July 2017. But large-scale antipolice protests never regained their momentum in New York. Big demonstrations continued elsewhere, though, usually motivated by new police-involved shootings, often of black men, some unarmed. But the ambush of Dallas cops at an otherwise peaceful march on July 7, 2016, which killed five officers and injured nine others, and the shooting of six Baton Rouge officers ten days later, killing three, changed the national tenor. There would still be protestsin Charlotte and Sacramento, for examplebut by this point, too, the press had mostly turned away from the movement, beguiled by the presidential campaign of Donald Trump, whose election may owe in part to cultural backlash against the protests. Fewer protests do not mean that the Great Divide has disappeared. It was long in the making, and four years of protests and reforms will not undo it. In neighborhoods where cops are ubiquitousand where people need them the mostcitizens still encounter the Great Divide, not just during police-involved shootings but also in more quotidian reports about police rudeness and double standards. Cops experience it, too, in the cell phones that seem to appear every time they take an enforcement action or in what they believe is a greater willingness by some suspects to resist arrest. Most alarmingly, the police point to the rising number of felonious line-of-duty deaths that cops have suffered this yearup almost 50 percent through the first five months of 2018 over the same period in 2017. When Bratton returned to the NYPD in 2014, he sought to implement a new emphasis on quality over quantity. These worries have seemingly led to one of the most self-defeating outcomes of the Great Divide: in places where public trust was already tenuous, some officers apparently began to ease off policing, damaging public safety and eroding trust yet further. Delivering a speech in October 2015, thenFBI director James Comey noted a chill wind blowing through American law enforcement. This Ferguson Effect remains a contested hypothesis, though a University of Utah study in March 2018 found empirical evidence that the reduction in stop and frisks by the Chicago Police Department beginning around December 2015 was responsible for the homicide spike that started immediately thereafter. Few police officers doubt the phenomenons existence, even in cities where its impactsdecreased enforcement and higher crimearent apparent. In New York, for example, following the 2014 protests and the assassinations of Ramos and Liu, the NYPD went through a brief enforcement slowdown in December 2014 and January 2015. The decreased enforcement was not accompanied by higher crime, however. In our view, the pulling back was ad hoc, driven not by the police union or a particular plan, but instead by the perhaps inevitable reaction of exhausted men and women. They had policed ten weeks of demonstrations in cold weather, maintaining order while being shouted at, goaded, and even spat upon. Then they were appalled when a deranged man, claiming connection to the protests, killed two of their brethren. For Christmas, they got funerals. Bratton and the NYPDs executive staff used the unplanned slowdown to advance the idea of a planned peace dividendstrategically decreased enforcement, to match the citys still-low crime rates. When Bratton returned to the NYPD in 2014, under Mayor Bill de Blasio, he sought to implement a new emphasis on quality over quantity. The department, we believed, had become too wedded to over-enforcement of the sort produced by lessened officer discretion. Officers had been primed to view arrests as better than summonses, and summonses as better than admonishments, regardless of on-the-ground conditions. This inflamed relations with residents in some neighborhoods. The slowdown gave us the opportunity to temper enforcement in a thoughtful way. On their own, the cops had figured out how to relax some enforcementsummonses, certain misdemeanorswhile maintaining response times to heavy jobs (the radio-triggered responses for in-progress felonies) and continuing to make felony arrests. Much of what they moderated, they believed, were activities that contributed more to the citys administrative needs than to public safety, like ticketing parking violations and writing peddler summonses. If youre a cop, you acknowledge that these quality-of-life conditions cant go unaddressed, but you also know that enforcement is not the only way to deal with them. Successful public safety is a shared responsibility between the public and the police, and the two sides have to work together. But with regard to quality-of-life disorder, a low-crime community can largely self-police. If, for example, Mrs. Smith in 7B feels safe telling Tommy Down-the-Hall to knock it off when he misbehaves, officers can prioritize admonitions, if they ever get involved. But if Tommy Down-the-Hall is too out of control, and/or if Mrs. Smith is too scared, the police must take action for Mrs. Smith, with strong warnings or with handcuffs. But the goal is to enforce only until things get better, and then shift into more discretionary policing that can be done with Mrs. Smith. The final stage comes when Mrs. Smith once again feels empowered to do it for herself. Problems arise when that transition does not occur. Imagine that police officers have helped bring crime down so that Tommy is not behaving so badly, and Mrs. Smith feels safe. If the police are still in the for and not in the with mode when they confront Tommy, Mrs. Smith may resent their actions and feel that theyre over-policing Tommy. Quality-of-life policing is not zero tolerance, and never has been. A quick hit on a police siren can get a double-parked car to move; a warning can get a peddler to clear the sidewalk. These actions can save cops a day in court, too, keeping them in the field. Cops dealing with disorderly behavior say knock it off or move along far more than youre getting a ticket or youre under arrestthats the essence of officer discretion. The NYPD leadership has now embracedor reembracedthat impulse. The strong security environment means that the NYPD can decrease certain types of enforcement, while stressing others, and get cops to help the community reinforce the informal control mechanisms that George Kelling and James Q. Wilson described when they advanced the Broken Windows criminological philosophy. Crime-fighting and better police-community relations can go hand in hand. This new philosophyprecision policinghas two broad themes. The first, focused crime-and-disorder enforcement, hinges on a revitalized version of the CompStat system. During his first term as New York police commissioner, from 1994 to 1996, Bratton oversaw the creation and implementation of this innovative accountability system, which hinges on timely, accurate intelligence, rapid deployment of resources, effective tactics, and relentless follow-up. CompStat uses computers to track and map crime and then brings police leaders together to ensure that they are using resources to address it properlyand that crime is relentlessly prevented going forward. Together with Broken Windows policingpaying law-enforcement attention to minor infractions because ignoring them encourages worse offenses by sending the signal that the social order is breaking downCompStat became a main driver of the crime drop that turned New York around. But beginning in 2002, spurred by the budget impact of 9/11, Mayor Michael Bloomberg quietly allowed the NYPD to shrink by attrition. Commissioner Ray Kelly faced rosters that ultimately declined by nearly a fifth, even as he was addressing the new terrorism threat. To compensate, he created a new deployment plan called Operation: IMPACT. It sent officers fresh from the police academy to some of the citys highest-crime precincts. They were separated from the standard precinct structure, removed from the normal burdensand lessonsof patrol, and encouraged to show activity in the form of enforcement. Around the same time, in our view, CompStat began to be misapplied in ways that also encouraged over-enforcement. Its crime-prevention outcomeits endswas being confused with its enforcement inputsits means. As designed by Bratton and Jack Maple, those inputs had included arrests and summonses, both predicated on probable cause. They also occasionally included stop, question, and frisk, which is predicated on a lower, more subjective, standard called reasonable suspicion. Used properly, reasonable-suspicion stops are integral to lawful, effective policing. Police must have the ability to check out people whose behavior leads the officer to suspect that they have committed or are about to commit misdemeanors or felonies. By 2011, however, the overemphasis on enforcement had led to nearly 700,000 stops, many done by inexperienced IMPACT officers. Residents, particularly in high-crime, low-income minority communities, felt paradoxically over-policed and under-protected, even as the citys toughest neighborhoods were safer than they had ever been. During his second stint as New York commissioner, Bratton rejected the prevailing belief that, with regard to enforcement activity, more is better. The NYPD reduced the number of stopsalready declining at the end of Kellys tenureby more than an order of magnitude. Bratton and his team reinvigorated CompStat, applying intensive analysis to individual cases and crime patterns alike. Every Thursday, staff from several precincts make their way to headquarters at One Police Plaza to explain how they handle conditions in their commands. By bringing top executives into regular contact with precinct commanders, detective squad supervisors, and other unit heads, the NYPD marries its strategy to its tactics. Data mining and case analysis ensure that evidence gets collected, that available technologies get deployed, that new ideas are generated, and that everyone works together. Typically, the meetings zero in on specific problems and the small cohort of actors, including shooters and pattern robbers, who perpetuate a vastly disproportionate amount of the citys violent crime. CompStat has provided a model for similar systems outside the department, such as the RxStat Operations Group, which includes some 35 New York health and law-enforcement agencies involved in combating the opioid epidemic. That group meets quarterly to assess overdoses in the New York region and apply CompStat-like accountability measuresasking questions such as Which agencies touched this person? and What resources, policies, and procedures do we need to make a difference?to prevent new cases. The second broad theme of precision policing: whereas focused crime-and-disorder enforcement targets the few who make communities unsafe, neighborhood policing works with the large number of residents who make communities strong. Commissioner ONeill has called neighborhood policing the greatest change to NYPD patrol in more than 50 years, and the largest systematic outreach to New Yorks communities in department history. It borrows significantly from two sources: the Boston Fenway Neighborhood Policing initiative, established by Bratton during the 1970s and guided by consultant Robert Wasserman; and the long-established Senior Lead Officer, or SLO, program used by the Los Angeles Police Department, which Bratton led from 2001 to 2009. A 2009 Harvard Kennedy School assessment described the SLO: Removed from the obligations to respond to routine calls-for-service, these officers become specialists in their neighborhoods, not only attending the usual panoply of community events, but building strategic relationships with community leaders, activists, and respected neighborhood residents. ONeill established a New York version: the Neighborhood Coordination Officer, or NCO, to leverage and build on the fact that in the neighborhoods, people like their cops. The NCO is a crime-fighting caretaker who isnt tied to radio response but can instead invest in local partnerships and problem-solving. Neighborhood policing and focused crime-and-disorder enforcement form the operational backbone of precision policing. The broad heading of precision policing can also be used to encompass myriad other initiatives that Bratton launched. Among them was an organizational reengineering effort, which Murad helped design and supervise. The process used polling, focus groups, and team-based assessments to perform a kind of CAT scan of the department, to determine what worked and what didnt. It involved department officers and civilians of all ranks, who made countless recommendations, such as redesigning field training, working with social-services partners to reach at-risk youth, and improving disciplinary procedures. To build community trust further, the NYPD opened an Office of Collaborative Policing, giving it three tasks: to explore nonenforcement options, including for first-time nonviolent offenders; to expand public access to police services, including the Crime Victim Assistance Program; and to design new strategies to complement focused crime-and-order enforcement. The department introduced an exhaustive schedule of community meetings and outreach by the commissioner and his staff. And it leveraged social media to communicate with the public. Today, every precinct and housing command has a Twitter account. There are more than 50 precinct Facebook accounts and a central NYPD Facebook page with 775,000 followers, a redesigned official website, and a variety of ways for the NYPD to tell its story. Improved transparency and tracking was another goal. Recent policing controversies revealed the inadequacy of the FBIs national use-of-force data. Tracking and investigating every firearms discharge, as well as training or disciplining based on the data, are vital to reducing violent incidents. At the NYPD, Murad helped create the nations most comprehensive public accounting of firearms discharges. In the LAPD, Bratton had instituted a cutting-edge force-investigation unit. In 2015, he inaugurated a similar division in the NYPD, and, the following year, we announced an expanded public accounting of all uses of force. We set out, too, to boost officer moralealways a complex issue, influenced by concerns micro (Do I like my assignment and my partner?) and macro (Is this a meaningful job? Am I treated and compensated well enough?). We concentrated on disciplinary fairness, career satisfaction, and officer safety. The citys corporation counsel stopped acquiescing to frivolous lawsuits that were cheaper to settle than to fight but that demoralized officers who had acted lawfully. We cleaned precinct houses and other structures; upgraded our 9,000-vehicle fleet; introduced improved safety equipment (stronger bullet-resistant vests, helmets, and shields); and deployed extra Tasers for supervisors and senior officers, among others. Because policing is a profession, it requires ongoing professional education. More in-service training is available now than at any time in the departments history. It includes instruction on de-escalation, ethics, the nobility of policing, and new physical-control tactics. We worked with mental-health professionals to develop crisis-intervention team training, or CIT, which teaches officers how to approach, connect with, and gain voluntary compliance from substance abusers and emotionally distressed persons, including many homeless people. We dont turn cops into social workers, but we give them better tools to help people and keep them safe. A department that used typewriters and Polaroids only a few years ago also upgraded its technologyfrom smartphones with custom-designed applications that allow cops to access terabytes of data in the field, to body cameras, to tablets in police vehicles. Precision policing is working to keep crime and disorder under controlindeed, New York is safer than ever. Across the U.S., major crimemurder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny, and grand larceny autois down 38.4 percent since 1991. But from 2014 to 2016, violent crime spiked by 8 percent. The jump was driven mostly by large increases in several major cities. Chicago, for example, experienced a 58 percent rise in homicides in 2016. New York has defied the trend: violent crime dropped 13.2 percent in the city over the last five years. We believe that the departments reforms helped make that possible. The challenges facing American policing present an enormous opportunity. The profession has done untold good, and its men and women are rightly proud. It must build on what it has done well and learn from its mistakes. And its leaders must ask, about everything, Is this precise? Is it focused and intentional? Is it designed to prevent crime and disorder? Will it make people safer, and is it fair? Precision policing is a framework to ensure that the police collaborate with the community in meaningful waysbuilding police legitimacy because the methods are integrated into the heart of patrol work, not viewed as an ancillary function. Precision policing ensures that police use connectivity more than enforcement and that when enforcement is necessary, it is accurately focused. Ideally, as well, precision policing makes every police-citizen interaction an act of collaboration. There is no singular approach, however. Precision policing is an organizing principle that can work anywhere, by embracing local culture, history, environment, geography, size, demographics, and politics. Its two primary operational componentsfocused crime-and-disorder enforcement and neighborhood policingcan be expanded or contracted as necessary. For example, in a low-crime city, neighborhood policing may benefit from more attention than focused crime-and-disorder enforcement. In a city experiencing high crime, that calculus may be reversed. There are cautions. First, tempering quality-of-life enforcement cannot mean abandoning it. We look with concern at recent trends in New York against enforcing offenses like subway-fare evasion and smoking marijuana in public, and note crime upticks in categories that should be taken as warning signs. Second, we observe that because minorities are disproportionately the victims and perpetrators of violent crime in Americas major urban centers, a possibility arises that focused enforcement will eventually be subject to objections about disparate impact. As neighborhood policing strengthens communities, though, we hope that those proportions will change, even as the overall numbers of crimes get driven down. Third, we acknowledge the risk that allowing officers greater discretion may lead to corruption or abuse of authority. Training, supervisory oversight, and accountability can make a difference here. The more that officers get inculcated with the police mission, the more their discretion will be used in its service. Working together, the public and the police have the opportunity to make our communities safe and faireverywhere, for everyone. And if we get it right togetherthe fair part, especially, because we have already done the safe part very wellwe can have a new era of public safety. Top Photo: The NYPDs Joint Operations Center exemplifies the sophisticated use of data and modern technology in fighting crime. (VICTOR MILSOSLVSKY/COURTESY OF NYPD) The governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, on Friday ordered the immediate shutdown of all judiciary buildings in the state. He said they are to remain shut for the next 10 days to enable health workers to fumigate the buildings and premises. The governor gave the directive in a broadcast to residents. He also ordered that all staff of the Judiciary in the state and their families should immediately proceed for COVID-19 test. Mr Umahi announced that the state has recorded its first COVID-19 death, which he described as regrettable and saddening. It is unfortunate that we have recorded one death due to this Covid-19 and it makes me so sad, he said. I am directing that in line with the COVID-19 law all the courts in Ebonyi State be shut down for the next 10 days. The Judiciary, State High Court, Industrial Court, Federal High Court, Magistrate court should all be shutdown. Also, I advise all the Judiciary officers and their families to undergo COVID-19 tests. I have ordered that all the Judiciary buildings and premises should be immediately fumigated within the 10 days. The governor advised marketers and churches to take the COVID-19 safety protocols seriously for their own good. He regretted that people are not taking the pandemic seriously as they ought to and warned that any church or market found flouting the COVID-19 law will be shut. We are not contemplating closing markets and churches but we advise them to please take this matter serious(ly). If you are working, ensure that you sanitise yourself every 10 minutes. This is very serious, he said, adding that there is a spike because of the higher number of tests being done. People may have the COVID-19 but wont show any symptoms but will go about spreading it. Some people with the virus will argue that they are not showing any symptoms. Yes, your immune system is fighting it but the next person that may be weaker than you is at danger and our job is to protect everybody in Ebonyi. Governor Umahi regretted that the state has recorded some other deaths due to lack of attention to other ailments by medical workers. There are some other deaths that are not connected with COVID-19. I want to plead with our hospitals to please isolate any COVID-19 suspected case to our isolation centres so that our people who are sick can get treatment. People are dying because they can no longer get medical treatment. All our attention (is) being diverted to COVID-19 treatment. Sometimes people are afraid to go to hospital because they are afraid they might contract COVID-19 and because they are not sure how the hospitals will handle them. I appeal that people should be allowed to get their normal medical treatment to save lives. The governor said the two isolation centres at Unity Square Abakaliki and the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital are already filled up with patients. Fortunately, we had envisaged this and quickly moved to renovate the Elinwovbu General Hospital. The hospital with 150 bed capacity has been upgraded to a COVID-19 isolation centre with all the necessary facilities. He said more general hospitals will be converted to isolation centres as his administration is determined to do all within his powers to protect the lives of the people from the deadly pandemic. Mr Umahi pledged to continue supporting health workers who are at the frontlines of the fight against the virus in the state. The state, according to latest data from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has recorded 234 confirmed case Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 18:07:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BISHKEK, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 has become one more platform for China-Africa cooperation, Sheradil Baktygulov, an independent political analyst told Xinhua. An African proverb says: "A river runs deep because of its source." The extraordinary China-Africa summit held on Wednesday was a good confirmation of the fact that China-Africa friendship has long-standing roots, Baktygulov said. In the 1950s and 1960s, Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and other leaders of the first generation of China, along with African leaders, laid the foundations for China-Africa cooperation, he said. Since then, the Chinese and African people have supported each other in the struggle against colonialism and imperialism, as well as in their friendship and ties, the analyst said. Today, China and Africa are the fastest growing regions in the world. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, a bi-annual gathering, has been successful, and a new type of strategic partnership has been established, he said. The trade turnover between China and Africa exceeded 200 billion U.S. dollars in 2019. Over the past 50 years, China has sent more than 21,000 medical workers to provide medical aid in Africa. Talking about the importance of the extraordinary summit, Baktygulov said that one should single out the remarks of Chinese President Xi Jinping who called on both sides to stay committed to fighting COVID-19 together, saying that China will continue to do whatever it can to support Africa's response. This year, China will start ahead of schedule the construction of the headquarters of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. China and Africa are united by a common historical past, common development goals and strategic interests, he said. The end of the epidemic will see stronger China-Africa relations and new platforms and mechanisms for cooperation, Baktygulov added. Enditem Barely a month since the unity-coronavirus government was sworn in, signs are mounting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing the ground for its dispersal and for a fourth election. When and how isnt clear as he keeps the cards close to his chest, but one cant ignore the election atmosphere hanging over the whole political establishment. According to all estimates, early next week Netanyahu will announce his decision to bring a one-year budget for approval to the government and the Knesset in September. Such a decision would constitute a contravention of the coalition agreement between the Likud and Blue and White that a two-year budget would be approved in order to ensure political stability. Netanyahus demand to reopen the agreement and change it is backed by the argument that because of the coronavirus crisis and the lack of economic stability, its not appropriate to decide on a longer-term budget. This view is shared by Finance Minister Israel Katz and all of the senior staff of his ministry. But this move isnt motivated by purely economic concerns and this change does have dramatic political ramifications. Israeli law stipulates that the vote on the budget is tantamount to a confidence vote in the government. If a one-year budget is approved in September, another budget would have to be presented to the government next year. This, in turn, could help Netanyahu manufacture a political crisis and disband the government. Why? Because, according to the law, if the 2021 budget is not approved by March 2021, the Knesset would have to be dissolved. Then the election would be moved up and Netanyahu would vie in it as an incumbent prime minister. In this scenario, Defense Minister Benny Gantzs dream of becoming prime minister in October 2021 as called for in his and Netanyahu's agreement would be shelved permanently, and its completely unclear whether Gantz would run in another election. This is the reason that the chairman of Blue and White tried to oppose a one-year budget, but found himself opposed by nearly all of the Finance Ministrys senior staff, not to mention the governor of the Bank of Israel, Amir Yaron. Gantz will have to toe the line knowing that he may be agreeing to his political demise. Netanyahu had signed a rotation agreement with Gantz where he committed to turn over the prime ministers office in a year and a half. But the more he rises in the polls the more his appetite grows and the slimmer the chances that the rotation will ever take place. In fact, Netanyahu is as strong now among the Israeli public as he has ever been. In all recent polls, Netanyahu's Likud has risen to where it would win around 40-41 Knesset seats if an election were held today. In contrast, Gantz's Blue and White continues to collapse and would win an embarrassing 10-12 seats in such a vote. Its no wonder that Netanyahu has been presenting Gantz with more and more demands that only worsen his situation. Netanyahu smells Gantz's weakness and distress and continues to cut at his power. On June 15, Netanyahu and Alternate Prime Minister Gantz met to discuss the annexation. To Gantzs surprise, Netanyahu used this opportunity to ask Gantz to reopen the coalition agreement and change it to say that if the High Court disqualifies Netanyahu from serving as alternate prime minister, a new election would be declared immediately and Netanyahu would run in it as the incumbent prime minister. Gantz refused, but it seems that Netanyahu had delivered a threat. The next day the Knesset was about to pass the Norwegian Law which enables ministers to resign from the Knesset, which allows the next candidates on their partys list to enter the Knesset. Blue and White desperately needed it, since most of the candidates on the party's list became ministers and the party didnt have members to serve in the Knesset. Netanyahu told his followers to stop the bill in its tracks. The message was that if Gantz didnt reopen the coalition agreement, the Norwegian Law would be shelved. Once again, the former chief of staff found himself desperate in the face of Netanyahus endless machinations. What saved him in the end was the ultra-Orthodox parties, which told Netanyahu that with all due respect, they need the Norwegian Law to bring in new Knesset members. But what Netanyahu can pull on Gantz, he cant pull on his ultra-Orthodox allies. So the Norwegian Law passed and Gantz emerged unscathed. Netanyahu wont mess with the ultra-Orthodox. He knows better than anyone that without their unqualified support he would not be prime minister today. They were the ones who kept him safe in his lowest days when he was indicted, and were not tempted by offers from Gantz to join a government he would form after the last three election cycles. The ultra-Orthodox are Netanyahus insurance policy against political demise, much more so than senior Likud members or right-wing parties. So Netanyahu wont dare dismantle the alliance with them. Ironically, now the ultra-Orthodox are also the insurance policy for senior members of Blue and White. Theres a good relationship between top Blue and White leaders such as Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi and the chairman of Shas, Interior Minister Aryeh Deri. Deri promised Ashkenazi to be a guarantor to make sure Netanyahu fulfills the rotation agreement with Gantz. Blue and White and the ultra-Orthodox now have an identical interest: They are not interested in an election. The ultra-Orthodox are at the height of their power and hold government ministries and Knesset panels most important to them: the Interior Ministry, the Housing Ministry, the Finance Committee and the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee. The ultra-Orthodox are the ones who can stop Netanyahu from dismantling the government and going to an election. Or at least that is the case at this point in time. Netanyahu wont move to an election now, certainly not before the US election and not before he can manage to bring his limited annexation plan to the Knesset for approval. It seems that in the near future Netanyahu will try to recruit Gantz and Ashkenazi to support a limited annexation maneuver that would be approved by the White House. He needs them as security authorities as former chiefs of staff. After he achieves this, hell await developments in the United States, and if President Donald Trump is elected to a second term this will also bolster Netanyahu and the Israeli right and spur him to disband the government and move to an election. Hell have no problem finding a rationale. By Douglas Busvine BERLIN (Reuters) - Deutsche Telekom will retain control of T-Mobile should Japan's Softbank <9984.T> liquidate its stake, CEO Tim Hoettges said on Friday as he vowed to claim top spot in the U.S. market. Speaking at the German group's annual general meeting, Hoettges said that Softbank wants to reduce its 23% stake in U.S. operator T-Mobile to bolster its finances because of the demanding economic environment. Deutsche Telekom has the right of first refusal under a four-year shareholder pact that took effect when T-Mobile's $23 billion takeover of rival Sprint closed in April, he added. The German company owns 43% of T-Mobile but the shareholder pact with Softbank assures it of strategic control and allows it to consolidate results of its largest subsidiary at group level. "We will become No.1 in the United States," Hoettges said earlier in his set-piece address to the AGM, which was held online for the first time because of the coronavirus pandemic. Talks with Softbank continue, Hoettges said. Capital markets publication IFR reported on Friday that Softbank could liquidate about two thirds of its stake, with T-Mobile likely to repurchase part of that while Deutsche Telekom could buy enough shares to lift its stake above 50%. The U.S. merger has cemented T-Mobile's position as the country's No.3 wireless provider behind AT&T and Verizon . Hoettges also confirmed Deutsche Telekom's guidance for this year, emphasising the group's resilience in the face of the pandemic. He added that its outlook would be updated during the second quarter to account for the U.S. deal. "We want to continue growing," he said. "In terms of revenue. In terms of earnings from operations. And in terms of free cash flow." Deutsche Telekom has forecast core profit this year of 25.5 billion euros ($28.6 billion) and proposed a 2019 dividend of 0.60 euros. Its Frankfurt-listed shares were up 1.4% at 1327 GMT. (Reporting by Douglas Busvine; Editing by Thomas Seythal and David Goodman) 19.06.2020 LISTEN The 19th June is World Sickle Cell Day and this year, we the Sickle Cell Ambassadors are also educating the general public on Sickle cell disease. World Sickle Cell Day is a United Nations recognised day to raise awareness of sickle cell at a national and international level. On 22nd December 2008, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that recognises sickle cell disease as a public health problem and one of the worlds foremost genetic diseases. The resolution calls for members to raise awareness of sickle cell on June 19th of each year at the national and international levels. What is Sickle Cell (SCD)? Sickle cell disorders are a group of illnesses that affect the red blood cells. Sickle cell is a genetic condition, which means it is passed on from your parents and you are born with it; you cannot catch it from other people. Sickle cell disorders cause your normally round and flexible blood cells to become stiff and sickle shaped, stopping the blood cells, and the oxygen they carry, from being able to move freely around the body and causing pain. This can cause episodes of severe pain. These painful episodes are referred to as sickle cell crisis. These painful episodes are often treated with strong painkillers such as morphine to control the pain. People with sickle cell are also at risk of complications such as stroke, acute chest syndrome, blindness, bone damage and priapism (a persistent, painful erection of the penis). Over time people with sickle cell can experience damage to organs such as the liver, kidney, lungs, heart and spleen. Death can also result from complications of the disorder. Management of sickle cell mostly focuses on preventing and managing complications. The Sickle Cell Trait Sickle cell trait is inherited when only one of your parents has passed on the sickle gene, and will never develop into sickle cell disorder. You do not have symptoms from sickle cell trait, so it is a good idea to have a blood test to see if you have sickle cell trait. If you have the trait, the majority of red cells in the blood are normal round shaped cells. Some sickle shaped cells may be present under certain conditions. The trait is not an illness, but if you are planning to have children, then certain factors have to be considered. If your partner does not have sickle cell trait, then any children you have will not have sickle cell disorder, but they could have the trait (50% chance). If you and your partner both have the trait, there is a 25% chance that any child conceived may have sickle cell disorder and 50% chance they will have the trait. The way Forward in Ghana Novartis Partners with Ghana to Treat SCD, Offering Hydroxyurea and Opening Adakveo Trial. Ghana is working with Novartis to make hydroxyurea treatment available to people with sickle cell disease, and to open a clinical trial in the African country testing the companys biologic SCD therapy Adakveo (crizanlizumab), recently approved in United States. The five-year, public-private partnership was formed in January among the Ministry of Health of Ghana, Ghana Health Service, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana, and the pharmaceutical company. An estimated 15,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease in Ghana each year, and the countrys leaders are hoping to use a holistic approach to battle SCD, improving disease diagnosis and screening, and patient treatment. Novartis has already delivered more than 20,000 hydroxyurea treatments being used at 11 centers across Ghana with trained personnel, and is expected to cover patients needs for up to a year, officials said in a press release. The company has committed to sending 60,000 additional treatments to be used at others centers the country is opening by the close of 2019. Ghana is the first African nation to commit to offering the international standard of care to its residents. I am proud of this bold partnership, and it is my hope that, through this collaboration, we will help ease the pain and improve the lives of people living with sickle cell disease in our country, said Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, vice president of the Republic of Ghana.Our collective goal is to reimagine what the future could look like for people with sickle cell disease. Where children do not need to miss out on school or be singled out. Where young adults can have equal opportunity for employment. And where families can flourish and continue to be the bedrock of our civil society, In a nutshell, we will make every effort to normalize sickle cell disease within the Ghanaian society. Commonly used to lower the frequency of pain crises and need for blood transfusions in SCD patients, hydroxyurea was approved last fall by Ghanas health regulatory agency, granting marketing rights to Novartis.The company has also committed to developing a child-friendly version of this treatment.Hydroxyurea works by increasing levels of a type of hemoglobin called hemoglobin F, or fetal hemoglobin, which helps to prevent anemia and frequent pain crises. Clinical trials of Adakveo, approved by the the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat SCD in patients ages 16 and above, are planned to open in Ghana next year, Novartis said in a company press release. A similar trial of crizanlizumab will also open in Kenya. Adakveo was approved based on results from the yearlong Phase 2 SUSTAIN trial (NCT01895361) in 198 SCD patients with a history of frequent vaso-occlusive crises. Data showed treatment, given each month by intravenous infusion at a 5 mg/kg dose, lowered the annual rate of these pain crises by 45% compared to placebo, and the number of days spent in a hospital each year. About 80% of SCD patients worldwide are born in sub-Saharan Africa, where its reported that more than half die before age 5 due to preventable disease complications. Novartis is deeply committed to reimagining medicine for patients in Ghana and across Africa, said Vas Narasimhan, MD, Novartis CEO. Building on our long heritage of addressing malaria and leprosy in Africa, were excited to help improve the diagnosis and treatment of people with sickle cell here in Ghana. Through the partnership, Ghana and Novartis plan to collaborate on field testing and implementing SCD treatment guidelines, and establishing regional centers of excellence. The Sickle Cell Ambassadors will work to get a strong database of sickle cell patients across the country, creating a good link to their medical care givers in the various hospitals. We'll also help in the implementation of the establishment of sickle cell clinics in at least every district level hospital. We will also work to ensure that newborn screening is in place at those centers, and to use digital technology to monitor and assess patient registration, report real-time data, and to help ensure the safe, widespread roll out of SCD management. Through this, we will kindly need the help of corporate, public and private companies to assist us in our activities. Sickle Cell Ambassadors.....Creating Awareness, reducing sickle cell complications. Thank you. Issued: Adjei Boakye +233(0)552905813 (Secretary) Sickle cell Ambassadors. (Sharecast News) - Timber supplier Woodbois on Friday said it had reached a deal in principle with its major bondholder to restructure its balance sheet and convert debt to equity. The AIM-traded firm said at least 75% of the $30m (24.27m) outstanding debt changed into voting and non-voting shares with the balance restructured into a zero-coupon convertible bond. It said the agreement in principle would be conditional on Woodbois raising additional equity and hasten sustained positive operating cash flow. "Lombard Odier, which is both a substantial shareholder and holder of approximately $5.5m of the internal trade finance facility, has indicated its ongoing commitment to the business by agreeing, subject to final terms to be a cornerstone investor in the planned equity fundraise, which itself will be of sufficient quantum to right size the balance sheet and unlock material growth. "The discussion with other holders of the internal trade finance facility are continuing and the company is intending to have completely retired the ITF as part of the planned restructuring and fundraise." Woodbois said it expected to prioritise additional capital expenditure of between $3m - $5m to increase capacity at its Gabon operations, in particular veneer, by around 50%. "Since May, the group's operations in Mozambique recommenced and are operated under an agreement whereby profits are shared 50-50, with it having no cash funding obligation." The board said the current crisis had exaggerated the scarcity of capital available to support production, adding it believed it would be "ideally placed" to increase not only its own sustainable production, but to source and secure dedicated third-party supply throughout West Africa. At 1158 BST, shares in Woodbois were up 3.45% at 3p. [June 19, 2020] IndexIQ Announces Changes to ETF Family IndexIQ today announced that, as a result of a regular review of its product suite and commitment to meeting evolving client needs, it will liquidate the following exchange-traded funds (ETFs): Name Ticker IQ Global Agribusiness Small Cap ETF CROP IQ Short Duration Enhanced Core Bond U.S. ETF SDAG IQ 50 Percent Hedged FTSE Europe ETF HFXE IQ 50 Percent Hedged FTSE Japan ETF HFXJ IQ Leaders GTAA Tracker ETF QGTA The last day of trading on the NYSE Arca (News - Alert), Inc. for each liquidating fund is expected to be August 5, 2020. Creations and redemptions will be accepted until that time. Proceeds of the liquidations are expected to be sent to shareholders on or about August 12, 2020. About IndexIQ IndexIQ, a New York Life Investments company, is a provider of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with a decade of offering highly differentiated and innovative solutions to retail and institutional investors. With $3.8 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2019, IndexIQ leverages the asset management capabilities of New York Life Investments' multi-boutique platform into its suite of offerings which include: fixed income, equities, alternatives and specialty asset classes. For additional information on IndexIQ, visit IQetfs.com | Twitter | LinkedIn All investments are subject to risk and will fluctuate in value. Consider the Funds' investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus and the statement of additional information include this and other relevant information about the Funds and are available by visiting IQetfs.com or calling (888) 474-7725. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. IndexIQ is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC and serves as the advisor to the IndexIQ ETFs. ALPS Distributors, Inc. (ALPS) is the principal underwriter of the ETFs, and NYLIFE Distributors LLC is a distributor of the ETFs. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is located at 30 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302. ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with NYLIFE Distributors LLC. "New York Life Investments" is both a service mark, and the common trade name, of the investment advisors affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200619005034/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi and VinFast are recalling a total of 35,025 vehicles to fix faults with fuel pumps, airbags, transmission and seat belt tensioners. The four automakers have informed their customers about the defects and requested that the vehicles are taken to authorized dealerships for due repairs and updates. Honda Vietnam is recalling the highest number of vehicles at 19,219 cars of four models - Jazz, Civic, HR-V and Accord - to correct a fuel pump issue that could cause the vehicle to stall while running. All the defective vehicles were assembled in Vietnam between 2018 and 2019. The recall began Tuesday. VinFast has issued recall orders for 12,456 Chevrolet cars of Cruze, Orlando and Trax models released 2014-2018 to fix faulty airbags. Ford Vietnam is recalling 3,337 Ford Everest seven-seater SUVs released between December 2017 to October 2019 to update components in the power-train control module (PCM) and the transmission control unit (TCU) to prevent possible transmission problems. Mitsubishi Motors Vietnam is recalling just 13 Lancer vehicles released 2009-2011 for fixing sunroof and automatic belt tensioner problems. The Vietnam Register office said many recalls have happened so far, but saw them as a sign that automakers were paying close attention to their customers. Auto sales rose by 22 percent year-on-year to 126,753 units in the first five months of the year, according to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association. TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras - Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez is in stable condition and being treated for pneumonia after testing positive for COVID-19, one of his doctors said Thursday. Dr. Cesar Aaron Carrasco at the Military Hospital said Hernandezs condition had improved since he was admitted Wednesday with difficulty breathing, fever and fatigue. In the two days that hes been hospitalized an improvement in his situation has been observed, Carrasco said. Hes in a good general state, recovering. Carrasco said the president no longer laboured in his breathing, but still suffered fatigue when walking. He said it was unclear how long Hernandez would remain hospitalized. Hernandez was receiving treatment that included colchicine, an anti-gout medication; anti-inflammatories; tocilizumab, an immunosupressive drug; ivermectin, an anti-parasite medication; anticoagulants and hydroxychloroquine, Carrasco said. First lady Ana Garcia de Hernandez, who also tested positive for a coronavirus infection, continued to be asymptomatic. The president announced late Tuesday that he and his wife had tested positive for the virus. Just hours later he was hospitalized after doctors determined he had pneumonia. On Wednesday, Francis Contreras, spokesman for the National System of Risk Management, said at a news conference that after reviewing Hernandezs lab work and X-rays, doctors determined the president had pneumonia and recommended he be hospitalized. He said Hernandez was in good condition, but he was receiving medicine intraveneously that had to be administered in a hospital. The president had said that over the weekend he began feeling some discomfort and on Tuesday received the test results. He said two other people who work with them are also infected. Hernandez is a close ally of the Trump administration, primarily in efforts to slow illegal immigration. However, U.S. federal prosecutors in New York have prosecuted the presidents brother and made it increasingly clear that a case is building against Hernandez himself. No charges have been filed against the president, but U.S. prosecutors have alleged he accepted money from drug traffickers to advance his political career in exchange for letting them move drugs through the country. Hernandez denies those allegations. He was re-elected in a disputed November 2017 election, despite the countrys constitutional ban on re-election. New Delhi, June 19 : As the Centre's 'Self-reliant India' programme gathers steam, certain high volume import products, especially coming in from China, may attract steeper tariffs in the coming days, sources said. Even though the expected move is not country-specific, the tariff imposition or hike will have a major impact on imports from China. At present, China has a trade surplus with India and is predominant in certain products such as toys. In fact, just this week, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies completed two anti-dumping investigation concerning products that are predominantly sourced from China amongst other places. Overall, the two countries' bilateral trade is around $85 billion per annum which is heavily tilted in China's favour. Nonetheless, India's trade deficit with China has declined from $63.1 billion in FY18 to $53.6 billion in FY19 and is estimated to be further lower in FY20, partly due to imposition of anti-dumping duty in sectors like steel. Incidentally, the recent stand-off between the Asian giants in the Himalayas has also triggered an anti-Chinese sentiment in India, especially focused around the cheap products from that country. Accordingly, these tariffs might have different range and scope such as imposition of countervailing and anti-dumping duty or a basics custom duty hike. Several products such as printing paper, toys, toners, AC compressors, general use electrical wires and switches are amongst the few items which have been zeroed upon, sources said. However, components, pharma ingredients and other goods that go into the final manufacturing of finished products and require some time for the domestic capacity to build up have been left out for now. According to sources, tariff on products that compete with local items produced by labour-intensive industries might also rise. The set principle, source said is to encourage local manufacturing due to the presence of a robust domestic market along with conducive monetary and 'Make in India' policy. Similarly, the Centre had earlier received several proposals to consider a hike in duty on over 300 items like toys, furniture, footwear, coated paper, rubber items among other in the Union Budget. That time, the move was mooted to keep imports down and help to raise revenue. Many of these products are from industries which come under the MSME sector, which has been given special attention in the 'Self-reliant India' programme. Besides, sources indicate that in order to safeguard against flooding of goods in the domestic market despite imposition of anti-dumping duty, certain non-tariff barriers pertaining to quality control might be enforced. Recently, the Centre has placed imported tyres in restricted category, under which an import license would be required to bring in the product to the domestic market. In case of furniture, the country might go big on import substitution. Earlier, Chairman TPCI Mohit Singla had said: "After US has imposed 25 per cent duty on the import of furniture from China, the import to US from China has dropped almost 20 per cent. "The industry should map key buyers and work closely while hand holding their recent shift from China and Vietnam in India's favour." Currently, India exports just $1.7 billion of furniture. In addition, the expected move to increase or impose duty along with policy support to set cluster-based manufacturing of these products in India is expected to create large scale employment opportunities. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Management of street vending in Southeast Asia By:Wu Qiong | From:english.eastday.com | 2020-06-19 14:47 The opening of the first Shanghai Nightlife Festival, which allows street vending and brings colorful cultural life to the citizens, has shed some light on urban governance. After some research, we have found that some neighboring countries in Southeast Asia are worth learning from. (A night market in Chiang Mai, Thailand) Street vending has always been a challenge for municipal management, regardless of country. In his study Street Vendors in Asia: A Review, Sharit Bhowmik mentions that some countries like Malaysia, India and the Philippines have rolled out policies to regulate and protect street vendors. However, he has found that except for South Korea and India, street vendors in most Asian countries are not unionized. In India, the National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) has been more successful. The country also has a Town Vending Committee (TVC), consisting of municipal commissioners, local authorities, planning authorities and street vendors federations, residents welfare associations or community-based organizations (CBO), and civil society organizations. TVC ensures the provision of civil facilities, fee collection and registration of vendors. (A local market in India) In Surakarta, a major city in Central Java, Indonesia, street vendors used to be a headache of the local government. People struggling to make a daily income in a weakened economy due to the Indonesian financial crisis of 1998 generated a large number of complaints for the City Mayors desk. The Solo province administration then provided some major lines of action for the street vendors, namely: the building of better communication amongst stakeholders; the creation of dedicated space for the street vendors by relocation in consultation with NGOs and street vendor representatives; provision of umbrella-tents (traditional Javanese style carts or modified shelters); the provision of legal status to the street vendors business; and training for street vendors on how to manage and expand their business. Speaking of South Korea, rather than attempting to remove the vendors, the countrys capital city, Seoul, has expanded efforts to legalize them in order to bring them under control. In 2007, the Seoul Metropolitan Government designated a number of specialized streets in the city for street vendors who must follow stall design and operation rules. District offices have also carried out their own initiatives to better control the vendors. Back in the 1960s, Singapore was also imbued with street vendors. Hawker centers were then set up for better regulation under the National Environment Agency (NEA). Each year, the government ranks the vendors according to their food hygiene, cleaning processes and food security. Vendors who get lower grades will be fined or receive more serious punishment. In Bangkok, Thailand, vendors are not allowed to operate on Mondays, when they have to assist in cleaning the street. The Public Cleansing and Public Parks Section, the City Law Enforcement Section and vendors work together to clean sidewalks and public spaces on the second and third Mondays of each month. If some vendors cannot help in cleaning, they must provide cleaning equipment such as brooms, soap and baking soda. (Photos/dfic.cn) U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar withdraws from consideration to be Biden's running mate WASHINGTON, June 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota announced Thursday night that she is withdrawing from consideration to be former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's running mate. During an interview with MSNBC, Klobuchar, a former Democratic presidential contender, said she has urged Biden to choose a woman of color to be his running mate. "America must seize on this moment," she said. "I truly believe as I told the vice president that I think this is a moment to put a woman of color on that ticket." Klobuchar's decision came amid weeks of demonstrations across the United States in the wake of deaths of African Americans caused by police officers. Klobuchar, 60, launched her presidential bid in February 2019. On March 2, 2020, the day before Super Tuesday, Klobuchar dropped out and endorsed Biden. Biden, who has clinched the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, has committed to selecting a female running mate. He will challenge sitting President Donald Trump in the race. President Donald Trump arrives for an event at the White House in Washington on June 17, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Trump Says Mail-In Voting Is the Biggest Threat to Reelection President Donald Trump alleged that a surge mail-in voting is the most significant threat to his reelection prospects, according to an interview published Friday. Over the past several months, the president has criticized proposals from Democrats and some Republicans to allow more people to vote via absentee ballot in the general election to avoid crowds of people during election day in an attempt to curb the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. Earlier this year, Trumps campaign and the Republican National Committee filed lawsuits to rescind mail-in ballot expansion efforts pushed by Democrats. My biggest risk is that we dont win lawsuits, Trump told Politico when he was asked about voting by mail and the risk of fraud. We have many lawsuits going all over. And if we dont win those lawsuits, I thinkI think it puts the election at risk. On Twitter, the president has repeatedly claimed that mail-in voting will lead to a significant amount of voter fraud. The United States cannot have all Mail In Ballots. It will be the greatest Rigged Election in history. People grab them from mailboxes, print thousands of forgeries and force people to sign. Also, forge names. Some absentee OK, when necessary. Trying to use Covid for this Scam! Trump wrote last month, referring to COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus. Michigan and Nevada earlier this year took steps in May to increase voting via mail, causing Trump to threaten to withhold federal funding. When you send out 7.7 million mail-in ballots, theres forgeries, theres frankly duplication where they print ballots on the same kind of paper with the same kind of machinery and you cant tell the difference and then send in thousands and thousands of fake ballots, Trump told reporters on May 20. File photo of a voting booth in Lincoln, Neb., on April 14, 2020. (Nati Harnik/AP Photo) Experts have said that voting by mail is more susceptible to fraud than voting in person. According to a report published by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, As with all forms of voter fraud, documented instances of fraud related to [voting by mail] are rare. However, even many scholars who argue that fraud is generally rare agree that fraud with [voting by mail] voting seems to be more frequent than with in-person voting. It added: Two of the best-known cases of voter fraud involving absentee voting occurred in 1997 in Georgia and Miami. More recently, a political campaign manager within North Carolinas ninth Congressional district defrauded voters by collecting unfilled ballots and then filled in the rest of it to favor the campaigns candidate, leading to a new election. Trump, meanwhile, told the news outlet that he views likely Democratic nominee Joe Biden as a weaker candidate than his 2016 rival, Hillary Clinton. I can tell you a lot about Hillary, Trump said. She had a lot of energy and she was smart. The president said that Bidens low-key presidential campaign wont hold up, accusing the former vice presidents campaign of shielding him from public scrutiny. We havent really seen the real Joe because they have himtheyre hiding him, he told Politico. Citing the continuing coronavirus crisis, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian announced on Friday he will not travel to Moscow next week to attend a Russian military parade that will mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. Russian President Putin invited him to the Red Square parade slated for June 24 when they spoke by phone on June 1. Pashinian accepted the invitation. In a letter to Putin publicized by his office, the Armenian leader said he looked forward to taking part in Russias World War Two Victory Day celebrations. But as it turned out afterwards, the existing epidemiological situation does not allow me to carry out this visit, he wrote. Based on that, I decided to refrain from travelling to Moscow. This was discussed in detail and agreed upon by our staffs. Pashinian added that he still hopes to meet with Putin soon. Pashinian announced his decision five days after 75 Armenian soldiers flew to Moscow in preparation for their participation in the parade. The Defense Ministry in Yerevan confirmed their participation on June 2. It said that during the annual display of Russias military might they will carry not only an Armenian national flag but also the banner of a Red Army division that mostly consisted of Armenians and reached Berlin in May 1945. Pashinians spokeswoman, Mane Gevorgian, said later on Friday that Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan will lead the Armenian army contingent during the parade. The parade, originally scheduled for May 9, was postponed by the Kremlin in April due to the coronavirus pandemic. Both Armenia and Russia have been hit hard by the pandemic. Kate Middleton continues to prove that she deserves to be the future queen consort of the British royal family. Since her wedding with Prince William in April 2011, Duchess Kate has stepped up from her role as senior royal over the years. The Duchess of Cambridge, however, landed an even bigger role in The Firm after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to step back from the royal family. With three senior royals gone -- including Prince Andrew who resigned from public duties due to his association with deceased sex offender and billionaire Jeffrey Epstein -- the Cambridges has been at the forefront of the royal family amid the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, they have been carrying out engagements remotely while at their residence in Anmer Hall. 2020 Is The Pivotal Year For Kate Middleton Prior to the onslaught of the health crisis, the 38-year-old royal mom was said to be planning to increase her public appearances this 2020 and wanted this to be the pivotal year for her -- which she started with a U.K.-wide survey called "5 Big Questions on the Under 5s." "From sitting down for her very first podcast with Happy Mums, Happy Babies host Giovanna Fletcher and getting real about the mum guilt struggle to visiting a Welsh daycare center where the Duchess got candid about how tough after George's arrival as a new mum. All these recent appearances are part of her mission to help other parents," a statement from Kate Middleton's camp read, per E! News. Duchess Kate "Working Harder than Ever" After Megxit Since the beginning of the year, it was already clear that all eyes would be on Prince William and Kate Middleton after the Sussexes dropped their bombshell news. The Daily Mail cited that the duchess had taken on a more visible role at a critical time. "Harry and Meghan leaving the firm have left a void and I think the royal family were at risk of looking out of touch and dowdy without them," royal historian Sarah Gristwood revealed. Gristwood furthered that this is "'Kate's moment to shine" due to the "vacuum" left after Megxit. Society bible Tatler magazine noted, however, that the Duchess of Cambridge felt like she was trapped and that she's "furious about the larger workload" which was abandoned by the ex-royals. On the other hand, one report pointed out that this only suggests that the mother-of-three "takes her role very seriously and has been working harder than ever." "The idea that she feels trapped and exhausted simply isn't the case," a source revealed to Vanity Fair. To add, the anonymous source mentioned to the publication's royal editor, Katie Nicholl, that Kate has been "'more than happy" to intensify her roles, especially during the coronavirus crisis. In more related royal family news, aside from the Cambridges who were actively participating in virtual conferences brought by the pandemic, it is believed that the royal couple is taking this opportunity to bond with their three kids Prince George, Princess Charlotte and youngest son, Prince Louis at their Georgian country house in the village of Anmer in Norfolk, England. READ MORE: Sussex Nightmare: Baby Archie Could Be 'TRAPPED' In The US! Matt Rourke/AP/Shutterstock Immediately following the Supreme Courts decision to block President Trump from ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, a senior Joe Biden campaign adviser received a congratulatory note from a lawmaker in a key battleground state. The very first text message I got shortly after 10 a.m. when the Supreme Court issued its ruling was from an elected official in Pennsylvania, the senior adviser told The Daily Beast, who was proud of the decision and asking how he can help. Were seeing this from around the country, the senior advisor added. As Democrats and Republicans once again prepare to face off over immigration ahead of November, as they did in 2016 and 2018, Team Biden has been privately crafting an outreach strategy that goes beyond the traditional Democratic election model to target states with large Latino populations. Starting with the launch of a $15 million ad on Thursday, the first of the general election in six states that Trump won, including blue states he flipped, the campaign is expanding outreach to areas with smaller Latino immigrant populations where razor-thin margins could determine who wins the White House. The livelihoods of so many teeter on what happens on Nov. 3, the senior adviser said. And that doesnt just mean in states like Arizona and Florida, but it also means that it will have an outsized influence in places like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and other places with very fast growing immigrant and Latino populations that are poised to be decision makers in this election. The Biden campaigns multi-million ad buy will run in English and Spanish and comes as Trump continues to lash out publicly as he plummets in polls and grapples with an unfavorable decision from the top court. The president, himself, even speculated whether the Supreme Court liked him in a tweet Thursday. Shortly after the ruling became public, the Democratic National Committee convened a joint press briefing call with Reps. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Filemon Vela (D-TX) and the Biden campaign to address the partys pathway to victory and pro-immigration platform, stressing at several junctures that the ruling could be overturned, and that the futures of DACA recipients rest solely on the outcome of the November election. Story continues To me, the message from today is yes, this is a victory, but we are not done, DNC Member and Dreamer Ellie Perez said. Were not even close to being done. This just adds more fuel to our fire. Asked by The Daily Beast how Bidens campaign and the DNC plans to maximize the rulingwhich has temporarily protected over 600,000 Dreamers from deportation for the time being in the near future, top Democrats laid out a series of ways they intend to shield it from Trump and the GOPs expected attacks at dismantling the progress. We know that the pathway to victory in November really runs through the Latino community, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, a senior Biden adviser, told The Daily Beast. Chavez Rodriguez, who is the granddaughter of famed labor leader Cesar Chavez and the highest-ranking Latina on the campaign, said that they are in the process of dedicating a lot more investment and a lot more state infrastructure in that area in the next few weeks. Supreme Court Overturns Trump Decision to Rescind DACA, Saving DREAMers for Now The campaign sees that investment largely as part of their ongoing efforts to build a broad coalition of support. Nearly one year ago, in June 2019, Biden penned an op-ed in the Miami Herald addressing immigration ahead of the first Democratic debate in the South Florida city. In it, he wrote that DREAMers are Americans, and Congress needs to make it official. The millions of undocumented people in the United States can only be brought out of the shadows through fair treatment, not ugly threats. On Thursday, he echoed those sentiments, but went a step further, promising to send a bill to Congress that creates a clear roadmap to citizenship for Dreamers and 11 million undocumented people who are already strengthening our nation on the first day of his administration. Its long overdue, Biden wrote in a statement. At the party level, which is working in tandem with Biden as the presumptive Democratic nominee, chairman Tom Perez told The Daily Beast that the committee now has internal capabilities to engage Latino voters and other immigrant communities through sub-ethnicity modeling, a micro-targeting voter outreach mechanism that did not previously exist within their infrastructure. If you want to persuade a person named Perez in Florida to vote for Joe Biden, its really important to know what country of origin Perez is from, he said. If you meet Perez in Nevada, you want to know if hes from Mexico or if hes from the Philippines. And we have the capacity now to do that. Senior Biden advisors also point to Republicans as potentially critical components of their follow up outreach on the DACA ruling, pointing to current polling that shows that a majority of Americans support extending protections for undocumented children. A poll from Politico/Morning Consult released last week concluded that 78 percent of registered voters surveyed support allowing Dreamers to stay in the country. While Biden is outperforming Trump with Latinos, surveys show theres still ground to be made up. According to a Quinnipiac University poll released this week, Biden led Trump 57 percent to 31 percent among that bloc. But hes down 9 points from the previous poll. And as he continues to tie himself to the merits of the former administration under his old boss, Biden also has to overcome less rosy components of the Obama White Houses record on immigration. During his time in office, Obama deported hundreds of thousands of immigrants without criminal records, a move that negatively contributed to Bidens performance among some progressives and Latinos during the Democratic primary. In February, Biden said the move was a big mistake. Still, throughout much of the primary leading up to voting, Biden also lagged significantly behind his closest rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), with Latinos. Sanders ultimately swept the Nevada caucuses in large part due to his voter registration and outreach in the state. Thats why he needs to sing from the mountain tops of what he would do, Maria Teresa Kumar, the CEO of Voto Latino, told The Daily Beast, addressing a question about how the former vice president can move beyond the more harmful elements of Obamas record on the subject. Kumar recalled being impressed by what she described as Bidens evolution on immigration from watching him for nearly a decade. In my working with the administration over a period of those eight years, I saw a man who didnt quite understand the Latino experience to at the very end of those eight years recognizing that [it was] the same treatment, the same trepidation, the same obstacles that his grandfather faced coming from Ireland, she said about Biden. And that shook him to the core. I would actually venture to say that he may have understood that journey of that immigrant experience of having this perception of America and then coming here and being hurt by it in a different way than I would even the president did at the time, she 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. Naomi Campbell has revealed she cried over her 'grey face' on a 1988 cover of Italian Vogue, after the make-up artist admitted he had no foundation to suit her because they 'didn't know she was black'. The supermodel, 50, said she had longed to be the face of the magazine 'so much', but the results of the photoshoot reduced her to tears. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour yesterday, Naomi told how she was thrilled to be asked to be the cover star of the June 1988 issue early in her career. But upon arriving at the studio, she claims she was told by the make-up artist: 'Oh, we didn't know you were black.' Naomi Campbell has revealed she cried over her 'grey face' on a 1988 cover of Italian Vogue (pictured), after the make-up artist admitted he had no foundation to suit her because they 'didn't know she was black' 'He said he didn't have the foundation for me,' Naomi recalled. 'He had to mix some colours that he had of foundations to make up his own colour, and that consisted of a lot of grey. 'When that cover came out, I just cried. I wanted so much to be on the cover of this publication... it was Italian Vogue actually. But I didn't want to be grey.' Naomi has previously discussed this particular shoot in a Guardian article, in which she admitted from then onwards she always took her own foundation to photoshoots. During the radio interview, the model went on to highlight how black women have been mistreated in the fashion industry. She said a lot of people at the beginning of her career tried to 'put her in a maid's outfit' and claims her hair was continually styled in dreadlocks. The supermodel, 50, pictured at the Fashion Awards in London in December, said she had longed to be the face of the magazine 'so much', but the results of the photoshoot reduced her to tears Naomi added that she was stereotyped as a result of her race and often treated as a 'gimmick'. 'In general in the fashion industry, we have not had the seat at the table that we deserved,' she added. 'It's not equality and that's what has to happen in our business.' She told how she was labelled 'difficult' when she pointed out the discrimination she experienced while on a job, but admitted she 'likes' the challenges she went through. 'They didn't squash me, they didn't silence me,' she said defiantly. Speaking about women of colour, Naomi said: 'In general in the fashion industry, we have not had the seat at the table that we deserved.' Pictured at the pre-Grammy Gala in January 2020 Earlier this month, following the death of African American George Floyd in the US after a white police officer knelt on his neck, Naomi shared a powerful post on Instagram. She posted a black and white photo of Floyd with the words he spoke to police officers as he was dying. 'Where does it end?' she questioned in her post. 'I don't have the words. I'm sick and tired of this, tired of being sad about our people dying needlessly,' she wrote. 'Harassed and humiliated, in these challenging times, I thought we could come to together, but it seems like this coronavirus has bought out more racism in a major way... where does it end? I'm black and I'm proud.' While appearing on Woman's Hour, Naomi also criticised the fact some models are now cast as a result of how many followers they have on Instagram, which in turn often sees them paid more. Naomi Campbell recently admitted she is 'very happy' to be able to get to 50, in a reference to her past struggle with alcohol and drug addiction She argued that 'true' fashion models should receive the same money as influencers. 'You see these Instagram girls who dont care about our business, who slam doing fashion shows,' Naomi said. 'If you dont care about the business, then dont be in it.' Following her fiftieth birthday last month, the model said she was 'very happy' to reach the milestone, alluding to her past struggle with alcohol and drug addiction. Naomi told Daily Pop of her celebrations during lockdown: 'It was a surreal day. A surreal and serene day with social distancing with some friends. Just four of us. I'm very happy to get to 50.' On her biggest challenge she finds herself facing during the coronavirus pandemic, Naomi said: 'The real challenges is I've had to do all these technical things, but in terms of my mind of physical wellbeing, it's not been a challenge at all.' When asked what trend should stay forever, the model replied: 'I wear what I want, when I want to wear it. On Sunday for instance, I wore a dress from the 1930s. You have to wear clothes and not let the clothes wear you.' By Kang Seung-woo Following Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul's resignation over worsened inter-Korean ties, Cheong Wa Dae is now searching for his replacement, with politicians coming to the fore. Given that the current relations between South and North Korea are headed toward their lowest ebb under the Moon Jae-in administration, politicians are regarded as a better fit for the job than bureaucrats or scholars as they are believed to be able to make and push ahead with bold decisions in North Korea policy. Under the current administration inaugurated in 2017, President Moon has had two unification ministers Cho Myoung-gyon and Kim. The former was a career bureaucrat and the latter was a professor of unification at Inje University. Im Jong-seok / Korea Times file Im Jong-seok, a former presidential chief of staff, is one of the most-discussed candidates thanks to his track record. The 54-year-old led the government's preparation for three inter-Korean summits between Moon and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, during which he had opportunities to meet the leader and his sister Kim Yo-jong, who is currently burnishing her credentials as the No. 2 in the regime. Currently, Im heads the Foundation of Inter-Korea Cooperation, a private nonprofit organization, focusing on the reunification of the two Koreas. In his recent interview, Im urged the unification ministry to act aggressively to improve stalled inter-Korean relations without being extremely cautious about the U.S. government's response. He has said he would like to focus on the unification issue from the private sector, a euphemistic expression of his unwillingness to take a public post. But if President Moon, plagued by the chilly inter-Korean ties, implores him to take on the role, there is still a possibility he may accept it. Within the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), its former floor leader Rep. Lee In-young is seen as the right fit for the unification minister job. The four-term lawmaker has worked on the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, while heading the DPK's committee dealing with inter-Korean relations and reunification, which makes him a strong candidate from the ruling party. Rep. Lee In-young / Korea Times file Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain, who is in hospital for COVID-19 treatment, has been diagnosed with pneumonia and is being shifted to an ICU as his condition has deteriorated, a senior official said on Friday. New Delhi: Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain, who is in hospital for COVID-19 treatment, has been diagnosed with pneumonia and is being shifted to an ICU as his condition has deteriorated, a senior official said on Friday. According to doctors treating him, the 55-year-old minister has now been kept full-time on oxygen support as his oxygen saturation level (Spo2) has dipped. "We have put him fully on oxygen support as his Spo2 level had fallen to 89 at one point, normal level is about 95. Also, he has been diagnosed with pneumonia, so we are shifting him to an ICU at the hospital," a senior official of the hospital told PTI. "We are also exploring if he can be shifted to a bigger, private facility, just in case his condition doesn't improve," he said. Jain had tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, a day after he was admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH) here after running high-grade fever and suffering sudden drop in oxygen levels. Sources in Delhi government had on Wednesday said people who interacted with him in the last couple of days would be quarantined as per the advice of doctors. On Sunday, Jain attended a high-level meeting on the coronavirus situation in the National Capital, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which was also attended by Delhi lieutenant governor Anil Baijal, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and Union health minister Harsh Vardhan. Los Angeles has agreed to provide housing for 7,000 homeless people living near freeways while $300 million will be spent to address the crisis after a federal judge's ruling. U.S. District Court Judge David O. Carter last month ordered that LA city and county provide accommodation as part of a lawsuit launched in March by the Alliance for Human Rights. The city will provide 6,000 new beds within 10 months and another 700 beds over 18 months while the county spends $300 million over five years to fund services for the people, according to a joint statement from the county and city offices. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said he was pleased by the agreement. 'This is an important milestone in our commitment to combating homelessness, along with our work to build thousands of units of permanent housing and increase city spending on homelessness to more than $600 million this year,' Garcetti said in a statement. A homeless encampment at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Beaudry Avenue along the 110 Freeway on May 21 in downtown Los Angeles A homeless encampment in downtown Los Angeles on March 27. A judge has approved an agreement in which the city and county of Los Angeles will provide housing for almost 7,000 homeless people who live near freeways The lawsuit by the LA Alliance for Human Rights, accuses officials in greater Los Angeles of failing to comprehensively address the homelessness crisis. In addition to the original category of homeless people living near freeways, the new agreement adds those 65 or older or who have underlying health conditions that put them at high risk of being hospitalized or dying from the coronavirus. The lawsuit asked the judge to set a 'legally enforceable mandate' to establish homeless services and enough beds for anyone who needs one on any given night. The city and the county must present the specifics of their plan to the judge by Friday. 'This is a significant step forward. But its not clear what its going to look like, where all these beds are going to end up,' said Daniel Conway, policy adviser for the alliance. 'Theyre going to have to get creative.' All options for sheltering people should be considered including shared housing, huge tents called sprung structures, tiny houses, hotels, and inexpensive 3D printed homes, the lawsuit said. There is city and county-owned property near Los Angeles International Airport and elsewhere where shelters could go up, according to the court documents. A January count by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority reported that there were more than 66,400 homeless people living in Los Angeles County - by far the largest single concentration in the state. That included more than 41,000 within the city limits. Both figures were up more than 12% from the previous year. The region has been struggling to deal with the growing problem. But Carter said those living near freeways are at special risk. A man is seen at a homeless encampment that sits under Interstate 110 near Ramirez Street during the coronavirus outbreak in downtown Los Angeles on May 21 They are exposed to pollution, including lead, that can shorten their life expectancy by decades and face a greater danger of being struck by a car or injured during an accident or earthquake, the judge said in May. Their camps also block sidewalks, he said. Meanwhile Carter will continue considering the larger lawsuit, which demands finding beds for all 64,000 people in the county experiencing homeless, said Elizabeth Mitchell, an attorney for the alliance. 'This was a very exciting step. We're very pleased,' Mitchell said Thursday. 'But we hope that these kinds of smaller agreements will be wrapped into a larger agreement addressing the overall problem.' Jason Fochtman, Staff photographer / Houston Chronicle As the Republican Primary runoff approaches, Montgomery County commissioners are preparing its new 457th state District Court by considering a budget to fund the staff and operations. The commissioners will discuss the court funding at 9 a.m. Tuesday on the fourth floor of the Alan B. Sadler Commissioners Court Building, 501 North Thompson St. Welcome to this weeks edition of the Surge, our weekly newsletter revealing damning information that we withheld from the United States Senate because Slate paid us $2 million for it instead. Its time to look at Senate races again. Were not ranking them according to traditional power-ranking factors such as most likely to flip. Were ranking them according to (a) how much new information there is and (b) how much they allow us to discuss the Great American Outdoors Act. Overall, the map continues to look terrible for Mitch McConnells Republican conference as President Donald Trump drags the party down. But the biggest story of the week is whats going on with Democrats in McConnells own state. Syracuse, N.Y. More than 100 alleged victims of priest sex abuse in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse will no longer get their day in state court. Instead, their cases will end up as part of the dioceses bankruptcy case. The diocese filed for bankruptcy Friday after 38 more victims, including a grandmother, came forward with allegations of priest sex abuse under the Child Victims Act this week. In bankruptcy court, those victims become creditors who have to prove they are owed something by the diocese. Bishop Douglas Lucia said Friday he decided to file for bankruptcy to ensure that all of the victims could get something for the pain while also making sure that the diocese would not be destroyed by the onslaught of claims. I feel it is the only way we can address the victims claims in a fair and equitable manner, Lucia said. Without the bankruptcy, he said, payouts to victims, and the dioceses future, would be a crapshoot, he said. The victims cases heard first would stand to get most of the compensation. Bankruptcy, he said, ensures that everyone who is deserving gets something. And it ensures that the diocese will be able to continue functioning. But Jeff Anderson, whose firm represents 50 plaintiffs suing the Syracuse Diocese, said this is a way to escape discovery and hide the systemic abuse and cover-ups. It gives them the opportunity to stop us and the survivors from excavating their secrets, their history, their practices... he said in an interview with syracuse.com. The bankruptcy filing also means the deadlines of the Child Victims Act no longer apply. Instead, the bankruptcy judge overseeing the dioceses case will set a deadline for victims to make their claims, said Charles Sullivan, the dioceses attorney. Its likely that will be before the state deadline, which has been extended to 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. There will be a robust notice process, said Sullivan said. At least one attorney representing Syracuse victims, Mitchell Garabedian, said his clients plan to continue their suits in state court against the individual churches where the abuse is alleged to have taken place. Garabedian said the clients will continue to pursue justice and validation. The decision to file for bankruptcy is something Lucia has been considering for months, he said. He had hoped to avoid it, and was even considering another round of payouts to victims as the diocese had done last year, paying out $11 million to 79 survivors. The church then also named 57 priests who had credible claims of child sex abuse against them. But as the number of cases filed against the diocese continued to mount, Lucia said, it seemed impossible for the church to fairly compensate the victims. The bankruptcy filings show that the diocese has assets of between $10 million and $50 million and expected liabilities of more than $100 million. The majority of those liabilities are the expected settlements in priest abuse cases, according to the filing. Lucia said the more than 220,000 Catholics in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse are unlikely to notice the impact of the dioceses bankruptcy in the pews or at their schools. The 158 employees of the diocese will still be paid, said Stephen Breen, chief financial officer of the diocese. The mission and staff of Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, also, will be unaffected by the filing. Lucia said the coronavirus pandemic also caused financial hardship that was part of the decision to file for bankruptcy. The diocese did receive a Paycheck Protection Program loan of $1.2 million, which will not be affected by the bankruptcy filing. The Syracuse Diocese joins Rochester and Buffalo, who have also filed for bankruptcy. Lucia said the diocese will continue to be transparent about the bankruptcy proceedings, posting the documents and updates on the dioceses website. He also apologized for the decades of abuse. As your bishop, I must again apologize. I cannot apologize enough for the heinous acts that were perpetrated against the young of our diocese, Lucia said. I ask you all to join me in our diocesan commitment that these acts will never take place again. Marnie Eisenstadt is a reporter who writes about people and public affairs in Central New York. Have an idea or question? Contact her anytime: email | twitter | Facebook | 315-470-2246 Denny Dillard has four decades of experience in law enforcement and homeland security. He now heads Hold Fast America, a Colorado-based nonprofit specializing in those issues. Contact: ddillard@hfa-usa.org New Delhi: Delhi Police has initiated an awareness drive at the popular market complex Connaught Place where they are issuing challans to public for not wearing masks and if found flouting social distancing rules. The police officials are also offering free masks to the defaulters. The New Delhi Traders Association (Market Association of Connaught Place) welcomed this initiative by the Delhi Police claiming it will ensure discipline and support the SOP's being followed by the Market, "We are already ensuring all steps to make CP perfectly Safe and Hygienic for our customers coming to CP," the association said in a statement. The statement further read: "We would also request the NDMC to sanitize the entire market complex twice a day so the Heart of Delhi CP is CLEAN & GERM FREE for Delhites to enjoy." Connaught Place is taking all precautionary measures like masks, santizing, thermal scanning etc before allowing customers to enter showrooms, the press release assured. The COVID-19 tally in Delhi on Friday crossed the 49,000-mark with as many as 49,979 cases recorded so far in the national capital. THE GOVERNMENT forked out a whopping $190,000 to house and fly home 271 Haitian nationals after they arrived in the territory illegally over the past month. Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson made this revelation during her national address on Monday afternoon (June 15). The TCIs leader said the expensive and resource intensive exercise is further depleting the Governments already strained funds. The illegal migrants, comprising of 219 men and 52 women, were all sent home on Saturday, June 6, after being housed at the Detention Centre. They arrived in Providenciales after sailing from Haiti in two 30 foot wooden sloops and a small speed boat. Cartwright Robinson said despite the Governments best efforts to stem the influx of illegal vessels, the issue of illegal migration continues to persist. "We continue even in this challenge to see breach of our borders and sovereignty by nationals from Hispaniola. "We are grateful for the several months of no sloop arrivals but were disheartened on June 1 to receive two within a few days. "It is important to understand the additional challenge that we met with the two latest sloop arrivals. She explained that the Government experienced several days of delay in securing approval for the reopening of its border from the Haitian government to receive its own citizens. "The detention and repatriation of these people continue to cost this country and certainly at a time that we certainly cannot afford. "This remains a live issue for us. We have also over the weekend intercepted Dominican nationals on our waters. "This matter is now actively under investigation and we are certainly going to be dealing with this matter through the courts, she added. Turning her attention to measures being put in place to deal with illegal migration, she disclosed that the Government is gearing up to ink a partnership with the Bahamas. "We have major efforts underway to ensure greater detection of sloops. "We are on the final leg now for the agreement and signing of the historic MoU between the Bahamas and the TCI Government. The premier said that creating a better network and collaboration with the Bahamas will bode well for the Turks and Caicos Islands. "With greater resources and capacity on the part of the Bahamas government, this partnership will be a positive change for us. "The Bahamas prime minister and the minister of foreign affairs in the Bahamas and I have engaged Caricom leaders and the Haitian government directly on this matter. The territorys leader revealed that local residents may be behind the human trafficking ring. "We as a people must not be a part of the problem. We continue to suspect our very own people and other Haitian nationals in this country for encouraging persons to take this deadly voyage. She stressed that her administration is looking to bring harsher punishments for smugglers. "I assure you that my Government will bring stiffer penalties for those who are found to be involved in this illicit activity and those who hire persons without documents. "Our geographical local, a blessing sometimes, becomes a curse as we often face these challenges. In a statement on June 11, Hon. Vaden Williams, Minister of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services, reminded it is an offence to harbour or assist illegal aliens. Anyone found guilty is liable to a fine of $20,000 or a term of imprisonment of four years, or both in accordance with the Immigration Ordinance 2018 Revised or any law. He further stressed that these dangerous voyages are very risky and not worth the loss of life. Williams expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to all agencies involved in the successful apprehension and repatriation of the illegal migrants. "Keep up the great team work as we all do our part in protecting the borders and residents of the TCI, particularly amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Minister Williams went on to thank the Marine Branch of the Royal TCI Police Force, the Enforcement Unit of the Immigration Department, the UK Marines and partners of the United States Coast Guard, for their assistance in protecting the TCIs borders. The enforcement agencies are also appealing to anyone who has information on planned and landed arrival of illegal migrants. Any suspicious movements can be reported to the police on 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. To help pass the time during the coronavirus pandemic, MLB.com has been engaging fans to debate the wait by ranking the top players at each position on each club. So far, weve gone through the Yankees catchers, first basemen, second basemen, third basemen, shortstops, left fielders, center fielders, right fielders, designated hitters, right-handed starters, left-handed starters and relievers. But no team is complete without a manager. Here are the top five in Yankees history, as decided by MLB.com. 1. Casey Stengel, 1949-60 10 Pennants, seven World Series titles, 1966 Hall of Fame inductee In addition to the Yankees, Stengel managed the Brooklyn Dodgers, Boston Braves and New York Mets, finishing his career with 1,905 wins, 12th all-time. 2. Joe McCarthy, 1931-46 Nine pennants, seven World Series titles, 1957 Hall of Fame inductee In addition to the Yankees, McCarthy managed the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox. His 2,125 wins rank eighth all-time. 3. Joe Torre, 1996-2007 Six pennants, four World Series titles, 2014 Hall of Fame inductee In addition to the Yankees, Torre managed the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers. His 2,326 wins rank fifth all-time. 4. Miller Huggins, 1918-29 Six pennants, three World Series titles, 1964 Hall of Fame inductee Huggins managed the St. Louis Cardinals for five seasons before taking over in the Yankees dugout. His 1,413 wins rank 27th all-time. 5. Billy Martin, 1975-79, 83, 85, 88 Two pennants, one World Series title The only thing George Steinbrenner liked more than hiring Martin was firing Martin, who also managed the Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers and Oakland As. His 1,253 wins rank 39th all-time. 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. The Chinese neither entered our territory nor has any post been taken over by them, underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the all-party meet to discuss the border incident along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh where 20 Indian soldiers died in the line of duty in brutal hand-to-hand combat with the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). Neither have they intruded into our border, nor has any post been taken over by them (China). Twenty of our jawans were martyred, but those who dared Bharat Mata, they were taught a lesson, said PM Modi. Underlining Indias might, the PM said no one can take even an inch of the land. Today, we possess the capability that no one can eye even one inch of our land. Indias armed forces have the capability to move into multiple sectors at one go, said the PM. Congress Sonia Gandhi, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Telangana Rashtra Samithi leader K Chandrasekhar Rao, Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MK Stalin, YSR Congress Partys YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray were among those who attended the meeting. Assuring the opposition parties, the PM said be it deployment, action or counter-action our forces - be it on land in air or water - are doing everything to protect our borders. The infrastructure development in border areas has gained in pace over the past years, said the PM, adding that it has strengthened our patrolling capacity. The immediate cause for the conflict at Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh isnt known, although it could have been about Chinese soldiers dragging their feet about removing some of the installations they erected in May in an area India claims as its own. The troops have since disengaged, the Indian Army said in a statement confirming the number of dead at 20. Indian Army officials claimed 43 Chinese were killed or seriously injured, citing radio intercepts and other intelligence. HT couldnt independently verify this. These were the first Indian casualties in a border skirmish with the PLA Army since October 1975 when Chinese troops ambushed an Indian patrol in Arunachal Pradeshs Tulung La sector and shot four soldiers dead. In a rare turn for a public official, the school board in open session this week, conducted Superintendent Dave Versteeg's annual performance review. In most districts, such reviews are undertaken in a session closed to the public, but board President Jodi Draper said that Versteeg had requested the evaluation take place in full light. This is the third year he's done so. "I know it is a bit awkward," Versteeg told board members. "But not much of the public sees this work, so I think it's good to do." Discussion centered around 10 key areas listed in a performance document shared with the board, with each area earning its own rating that contributed to the overall. The 10 areas are: use of available data to establish instructional program goals, use of research/best practices to improve educational programming, providing leadership (two different areas), communication, monitoring effectiveness of curriculum, instruction and assessment, providing for professional development, addressing issues, managing fiscal and physical resources and fostering good relationships. The board unanimously approved a 2.5% increase in pay, raising the superintendent's salary to $193,623 from $188,900, not including benefits. The original document the board had in its packet, and to which it referred throughout its discussion on Monday night, has not been made public, despite the legal requirement the district do so. The document that was made public two days after the meeting, according to the district, was shared after having been "proofed and finalized." It did not contain any of the ratings that were discussed on Monday night. Board members were effusive in their praise of the superintendent's performance in the last year, pointing to his work moving the field house project forward after years of discussion, managing the district's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, selecting and implementing a new instructional series for K-6 math, and overseeing the implementation of a new pay matrix for non-union employees. Communication with the board, staff and the public was particularly lauded. "Your use of social media is a real plus," said board member Alan Steckman. "I just really want to emphasize that." One area of concern, raised by board member Brent Seaton, was that while officials are good about providing regular updates on where the district stands financially, it's not always the case with academics. "I think we have these goals and we definitely talk ... but it would be good at any given time to see where we're at academically," Seaton said. Versteeg joins Clear Lake's Doug Gee as one of the top-paid superintendents in North Iowa. The average salary for a full-time public schools superintendent in 2019-2020 -- the last year for which data was available -- was $159,386 in Iowa, according to Department of Education data. Gee's salary was $198,255 in 2019-2020. Others include $182,165 for Hampton-Dumont, $173,275 for Humboldt, $172,944 for Webster City-Stratford, $168,450 for Clarion-Goldfield-Dows, $152,380 for Algona and $150,000 for Iowa Falls-Alden. In 2019-2020, the Charles City superintendent made $153,882, the Forest City superintendent earned $173,630 and the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura superintendent made $175,000. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 1 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. Australian parents have been showing off their shopping trolleys overflowing with toys worth thousands of dollars from Big W's annual 'Toy Mania' sale. Eager shoppers were up at the crack of dawn to snap up bargains, which kicked off online midnight Tuesday and in stores on Thursday. Mums and dads rushed to one of the chain's 183 stores across Australia to secure their children's Christmas presents six months early. Hundreds of shoppers opted to lay-by their thousand-dollar hauls, which means they pay for the toys in installments before taking them home just in time for Christmas. Many of those shared pictures on social media showing their shopping carts loaded with this year's hottest toys - with discounts of up to 85 per cent on more than 700 products. Scroll down for video One mother (pictured) revealed she 'studies the catalogue' every year so she knows exactly what she's getting for her kids for Christmas and the best time to arrive at Big W Many parents opted to lay-by their items, which allows them to pay for the toys in two or more installments before taking it home just in time of Christmas Devoted parents have been loading up their shopping trolleys with a mountain of toys worth thousands of dollars at Big W (pictured of a mother with her purchases) The popular toys of 2020 among parents LEGO, Barbie and Hot Wheels are the three big brands that will dominate the annual toy celebration LEGO topped the best sellers list in every state for the past 12 months The nation's COVID-19 lockdown has created a new generation of budding puzzlers; compared to this time last year BIG W has seen a 225 per cent increase in kids' jigsaw puzzle sales Advertisement One mother said she was waiting outside her store from 3am on Thursday so she could be the first in line to stock up on toys for her three children for Christmas. 'This is all for my step kids and my daughter's Christmas. I've been here since 3 o'clock in the morning. I was the first in the plaza but not in the shop,' she said. 'It's just the lay-by going until December, it makes everything so much more convenient to pay it off. Imagine buying all of this at once for Christmas.' Another shopper revealed she 'studies the catalogue' every year so she knows exactly what she's getting for her kids for Christmas and the best time to arrive. 'I did it last year so I know the routine,' she explained. A father-of-two said he prefers to shop for Christmas presents for his daughters - aged two and seven - this time of year because he has the lay-by option to 'pay it off as we go'. 'We look forward to the toy sale every year. Every year my wife gets up early whenever it's on and goes straight there, and drags me along with her usually,' he said. One grandmother who lives across the road from Big W revealed how she knows exactly what's on her three grandchildren's Christmas wishlist every year. 'I give them a catalogue each and they just circle what they like and I just come in and try to find most of it. I definitely save a lot of money,' she said. This mother (pictured) said she was waiting outside her store from 3am on Thursday so she could be the first in line to stock up on toys for her three children for Christmas Shoppers lining up at the lap-by counter with their shopping trolleys full of Christmas gifts Super-organised mothers and fathers rushed to their nearest stores to secure their children's Christmas presents six months before Santa arrives Many shoppers shared their experiences on Facebook after braving the cold in the early hours of the morning just to get their hands on the best buys. 'Braved the Big W Toy Sale this morning, helped my sister out by doing shopping for her two boys' (10-year-old and near two-year-old) presents for Christmas,' one said. Another said she'd managed to buy all the toys on her children's wish list except for one product that was sold out. One mum shared a picture of her shopping with a mountain of toys she got for her three boys, saying: 'I haven't even done my girl's yet.' 'Christmas is finished,' a shopper boasted, while another mum revealed she has completed her children's birthday and Christmas shopping for the year. Many shoppers said they had to wait for hours to be served as the long queues - made worse by the social distancing measures, which include enforced spacing in the lines and customer limits in stores. Eager shoppers were up at the crack of dawn on Thursday to snap up bargains Devoted parents have been loading up their shopping trolleys with a mountain of toys worth thousands of dollars at Big W BIG W's chief toy buyer Christine Faulkner said: 'At BIG W, we have been humbled by the response to our online Toy Mania sale. 'Our best sellers during the first 24 hours of the sale have been a real mix, reflecting the current trends kids and families across the country are loving, including nostalgic brands like Care Bear, Aussie pre-schoolers favourite pup, Bluey and pocket-friendly items like Barbie's latest Colour Reveal Doll. 'LEGO is consistently a top seller year-round so it's no surprise families are grabbing the latest releases at these hot prices.' The toy sale kicked off online at midnight on Tuesday, with thousands of parents snapping up bargains on the store's website. 'This is the first time we've run an early online only sale and the launch was one of our busiest days of digital trading, with thousands of savvy parents logging on to secure their toy wishlist,' she said. Many customers shared pictures on social media showing their shopping carts filled to the brim with this year's hottest toys The excited shopper pictured waiting in line to lay-by the toys she's getting for her children Hundreds of shoppers rushed to their nearest stores to stock up on the discounted toys While thousands head into stores for their massive shopping hauls, other disgruntled customers said they were left fuming after waiting for up to eight hours during the online toy sale at midnight on Tuesday. The website crashed shortly after the sale launched due to the thousands of shoppers all trying to pay for their products at checkout. One unhappy shopper said she waited from midnight until 8am but never got to pay for her items. 'Biggest waste of time ever. I still can't get onto the website. Waited since 12am. I haven't been able to edit cart or check out at all,' she said on Facebook. Another shopper said she decided to go to bed after waiting for up to one hour. 'Nope, I'm out. Sleep is more important. I had been stuck on 45 minutes for the past hour, then it changes to four hours. What a nightmare,' she said. Big W has since apologised to its shoppers in a statement on Facebook: 'Most shoppers checked out without a hitch however we apologise to those of you that were kept up past your bedtime and experienced a few technical glitches.' The retailer said its toy sale is the best time to buy Christmas gifts as staff are anticipating half of its customers will opt for lay-by options BIG W's chief toy buyer Christine Faulkner (pictured) said: 'At BIG W, we have been humbled by the response to our online Toy Mania sale' The retailer said its toy sale is the best time to buy Christmas gifts as staff are anticipating half of its customers will opt for lay-by options. According to Big W's Toy Mania report, LEGO, Barbie and Hot Wheels are the three big brands that will dominate the annual toy celebration. LEGO topped the best sellers list in every state for the past 12 months. BIG W is providing shoppers with many ways to shop the sale safely, with contactless pick up and home delivery. The retailer is also offering a 'Toy Mania Price Match Guarantee' on identical items, available in store only. The Toy Mania sale will run until Wednesday, July 15. When protests started after the May 25 killing of George Floyd, health experts worried that the large gatherings could spark outbreaks of the coronavirus. Yet more than two weeks since those protests hit their peak, there is little evidence that has happened, though officials caution it is far too early and the circumstances far too complicated to draw any broad conclusions. Were not seeing an increase in cases associated with the demonstrations (as of yet), New York City Department of Health spokesman Michael Lanza wrote in an email to Yahoo News on Tuesday. Between June 3 and June 14, New York City reported an average decline of approximately 8.3 percent in the number of positive cases each day. In the seven days immediately preceding potential post-protest incubation, New York City reported an average increase of roughly 11 percent in the number of positive cases each day. The question of health risks from mass gatherings is a fraught one, because supporters of President Trump have claimed a double standard, in which some public health officials who have pushed for closures of businesses have recently expressed public support for the protests. While its hard to know why the Floyd protests havent caused a spike, at least not yet, supporters point to the fact that the protests were outdoors and encouraged the widespread use of face coverings, which organizers even helped distribute. Analyzing the effect of the demonstrations is complicated by many variables, including irregularities in how daily numbers are reported, overall progress on the coronavirus and protesters from outside the various cities. Also, the demonstrations coincided with reopening measures and warmer weather, which have led more people to venture outside, including in defiance of social distancing recommendations. Rich Azzopardi, a senior adviser to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, noted recent crowds at city restaurants and concurred that it is too soon to determine the effect the protests may have had. Story continues Were keeping a close eye on the metrics, but at the moment its too soon to say what effect things like last weekends restaurant crowding or the protests will have, if any. Stay smart, wear a mask and wash your hands, Azzopardi told Yahoo News. Anti-police-brutality protesters in New York City earlier this month. (Yuki Iwamura/AP) In Minneapolis, where large protests began shortly after Floyd was killed and are ongoing, Casper Hill, a spokesman for the city, also cited variables, and he said it is too early to draw definitive conclusions about any impact the protests may have had there. It is too soon to report on that given the delay in reporting and the testing timeline. Additionally, we only have access to Minneapolis data and protesters came from other places so the State may be a better source of information overall, Hill wrote in an email to Yahoo News on Wednesday evening. Julie Bartkey, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Health, said it may take 42 days from the end of the protests to be clear about their impact. Because of the potential for asymptomatic spread of this virus, giving an all-clear time frame is difficult, Bartkey said in an email on Tuesday. We need to allow about 21 days for the first generation of infections to appear (i.e. 21 days from exposure to test result 14-day incubation plus another few days to seek health care or get tested and for the result to come to us); but if there is asymptomatic spread in a household, it could be another 14-21 days for those secondary cases to appear. For now, however, Minnesota has not seen a high positivity rate in tests from protesters. Bartkey said Health Partners, a health care provider in the state that is conducting testing, has conducted coronavirus tests on 8,500 people at its sites where the person is confirmed to have been at a protest, vigil or clean up mass event. Of this, Bartkey said there has been a 1-percent positivity rate. Protesters in Minneapolis on Saturday. (Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images) Washington, D.C., saw some of the largest protests in the country, particularly between May 29 and the first week of June. In a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, director of the D.C. Department of Health, said it was too early to tell what impact the demonstrations may have had. I cannot give you trends on that, Nesbitt said in response to a question from a reporter. We would expect again, because of the incubation period of the virus, that it would be too early to start to make any inference about trends that were seeing being related to peoples participation in First Amendment demonstrations. Nesbitt also pointed to complicating epidemiological factors, which included the phased reopening taking place at the same time as the protests. At that same press conference, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said that, as of Wednesday, the city had achieved 13 days of sustained decline in community spread of the virus. Chicago has also been a site of major protest activity since Floyds death. Kim Junius, a spokesperson for the Cook County Department of Health, which covers Chicago, said it is not possible to draw a conclusion about the protests, although officials there are monitoring the situation. We have not seen any increases as of yet related to protests, Junius said in an email. We are monitoring COVID-like illness using emergency room chief complaints, which is often used to detect potential issues before formal diagnoses are made or clusters are reported. The county, she added, is keeping a watchful eye on it. Erica Duncan, a spokesperson for the Chicago Department of Public Health, provided a similar response. At this time we havent seen any impact on cases due to the protests, Duncan wrote on Wednesday. On the West Coast, there have been large protests in multiple cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. We dont have any information about positive cases conclusively linked to the protests, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Department of Health wrote in an email. In response to questions about potential cases of the coronavirus linked to the protests, San Franciscos Department of Health issued a statement that expressed support for the demonstrations while also encouraging protesters to get tested by their health care provider or at two free sites run by the city. We support the right to protest injustice, and doing so safely is critically important, especially in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the statement read, adding, San Francisco supports the community in taking civic action, and also supports continued vigilance against the coronavirus. We are offering free COVID-19 testing for people who have been to recent protests and want to be tested. The San Francisco Department of Health also specified that the two testing sites mentioned above do not ask people getting tested if they recently have participated in any demonstrations. Therefore, we do not know the data for protesters who have tested positive. We are monitoring closely for any correlation between the protest demonstrations and the [number] of positive cases, the statement read. Demonstrators near the White House on June 6. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) Along with concerns about the spread of COVID-19 among protesters, there is also risk for the police and law enforcement who responded, though data on police is not easily available from the cities with the biggest protests. In New York, the NYPD did not respond to a request for comment about the number of coronavirus cases in the department and whether any were linked to protests. In Minneapolis, John Elder, the public information officer for the citys police force, noted it has had an increase, but the total number of cases remains in the single digits. We have increased by one, Elder said in a phone conversation on Wednesday. We have had four cases, and we have increased up to five at this time. Elder noted that this small number of cases makes Minneapolis an anomaly compared with other major city departments that have seen hundreds of cases. A lot of the protesters were wearing masks, a lot of our officers were wearing masks, Elder said of the demonstrations. We did have a very, very proactive approach to this. We had a COVID task force put together. We did everything we could to get supplies in the hands of our staff. That equipment included personal protective gear like masks, gloves and hand sanitizer, as well as supplies to clean uniforms. While large protests are ongoing in Minneapolis, Elder said they are now largely peaceful, eliminating the face to face contact between officers and demonstrators that occurred during more violent clashes in the early days of the protests. In Washington D.C., the Metropolitan Police Department is reporting 142 cases of the coronavirus among sworn personnel. That figure includes three new cases since June 4, or a spike of 2.2 percent in the period when incubation could have occurred following the protests. In Chicago, the police department said that, as of Wednesday morning, there were 569 total cases of the coronavirus among civilian and sworn personnel. The departments public information officer, Sally Brown, said there has not been a spike in cases among Chicagos police force since the protests. A protester confronts a New York City police officer on May 28. (Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images) On the West Coast, Sgt. Michael Andraychak, a public information officer for the San Francisco Police Department, told Yahoo News that, as of Thursday, it had six members who tested positive for COVID-19. There is nothing to indicate that any of these cases are related to recent protests, Andraychak added. The Los Angeles Police Department has reported a pronounced spike in new coronavirus cases. According to Officer Norma Eisenmann, as of Wednesday there were 177 cases among the departments sworn and civilian personnel. Thats an increase of 35 cases, or about 24.6 percent, since June 3, though its difficult to know whether that was a result of protests, or the recent record-setting increases in the city at large. Alex Comisar, deputy communications director for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garceitti, responded to questions about the increase in coronavirus cases among LAPD officers with a statement on Friday that emphasized the steps the city has taken to protect its police force. COVID-19 is as dangerous today as it was the moment we experienced our first case, and Mayor Garcetti is taking every possible step to protect Angelenos from this deadly illness. Los Angeles was the first city in the country to make free testing available to our essential workers, including police officers, Comisar said. These officers and first responders are on the front lines of this crisis, and the Department is taking extensive precautions to keep them safe. Along with local police forces, the National Guard was deployed to cities around the country to respond to protests. As the Guard took up its protest missions, there was a concern that not only might its members get infected, but their deployment could shift resources away from COVID-19 testing. Neither appears to be the case, according to spokespeople from multiple states Guard bureaus. National Guard Bureau spokesman Army Maj. Rob Perino said that as of June 5, around the height of many of the protests, the National Guard had 41,506 personnel supporting civil unrest missions across 33 states and the District of Columbia, while another 37,485 Guardsmen were conducting COVID-19 missions. Its not going to appear that states are sacrificing one mission for another, Perino said. We have a very deep bench of 450,000 troops nationwide. Of 18 states that Yahoo News queried, officials in 12 New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Illinois, West Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin said they had not been forced to cut the number of Guard personnel working on COVID-19 missions in order to provide forces to support local law enforcement during the protests. Members of the California National Guard outside Los Angeles City Hall on May 31. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP) A spokesperson for the Minnesota National Guard said fewer than five personnel had to move from one task to the other, while a spokesperson for the Georgia National Guard acknowledged there had been a lot of juggling involving the more than 2,000 Guard personnel who had been conducting COVID-19-related missions immediately prior to the civil unrest, but she was unable to immediately say how many of the more than 3,000 Guard troops who Georgia now counts as being involved in either COVID-19 or domestic unrest missions had to be shifted from the former to the latter. We never stopped working COVID-19, she said. However, a spokesperson for the Florida National Guard said that of the 550 Florida Guardsmen who conducted civil unrest missions, a couple of hundred had been redirected from COVID-19 duty. The Soldiers who were conducting COVID-19 missions prior to being redirected to civil unrest missions were primarily involved in the operation of Community Based Testing Sites, said Air Force Lt. Col. Caitlin Brown. Those Soldiers were backfilled, and any COVID-19 mission that was affected was fully operational again within 24 hours. Spokespersons for the California and District of Columbia National Guards did not respond to queries. Army Lt. Col. Brad Leighton, a spokesman for the Illinois National Guard, disputed a news account that stated that the states Guardsmen had been reassigned from COVID-19 testing sites to help local police departments reduce violence and protect property. That did not happen, he said, in part because the COVID-19 missions were being paid for by the federal government, with any support to law enforcement coming out of the states coffers. There also did not appear to be any known sharp increases of cases among Guardsmen in those states contacted by Yahoo News. Demonstrators in Los Angeles on June 3. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP) Spokespeople for Guardsmen who deployed from other states to support law enforcement authorities in handling the protests in Washington, D.C., said that for the most part they wore masks and took all possible precautions to avoid catching or spreading the coronavirus. For the 400 Mississippi National Guardsmen who deployed to D.C., the guidance provided for the staging area and the on-site mission was to maintain social distancing wherever and whenever possible, and to don masks whenever social distancing was not a viable option in maintaining mission focus, said Army Lt. Col. Deidre Smith, a spokesperson for the Mississippi Guard, in an email to Yahoo News. The Mississippi Guardsmen were screened for the virus before departing Mississippi and daily during the mission, and were placed in quarantine while completing their military orders upon their return to their home state, according to Smith. As of June 12, none of them had tested positive for COVID-19. The Idaho National Guard also deployed just over 400 troops to D.C., according to Air Force Lt. Col. Chris Borders, a spokesperson for the Idaho Guard. All the Idaho Guardsmen were issued masks and screened for COVID-19 before they left for D.C., according to Borders, who added that their mission, which was to protect the Washington Monument and the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, meant they avoided close contact with protesters. The Idaho Guardsmen wore masks on their flights to and from Washington, and were sent home to self-isolate upon their return, according to Borders. As of June 12, we have no positive tests in the Idaho National Guard, he said. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: A worker wearing protective gears and a face shield checks visitors' temperature at an exhibition & convention center in Goyang, Friday, June 12, 2020. AP South Korea's virus fight is dragging on, with a steady rise in new virus cases and untraceable infections, along with a spike in imported cases. Health authorities warned of another possible wave of infections. The country added 49 new cases on Friday, including 32 local infections, raising the total caseload to 12,306, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). The number of new daily COVID-19 cases marks a slight slowdown from a three-week high of 59 a day earlier. Of the locally transmitted cases, 26 were reported in the densely populated Seoul and nearby metropolitan areas, around half of the country's 50-million population lives. The Seoul metropolitan area accounted for most of the newly added virus cases this month. The country has also seen an uptick in the number of infections outside of the capital region as well as in imported cases. Six cases were reported in Daejeon, some 160 kilometers south of Seoul, stoking concerns that community spread may further accelerate outside the greater Seoul area. The country reported 17 additional imported cases, raising the total number of such cases to 1,396. Of the newly identified cases, 11 were found at airport screening checkpoints. A Royal Shakespeare Company boss has led the tributes to Sir Ian Holms rare and magnificent talent following his death at the age of 88. Artistic director Gregory Doran described him as one of the RSC greats. The acclaimed actor, whose death was announced on Friday, joined the Stratford-based theatre company in 1958. Mr Doran added: Ian perfectly expressed the cross-fertilisation between classics and new writing that Peter Hall forged in the early days of the RSC. He married the technique of a classical Shakespeare actor and the intense naturalism and economy of style of a modern tradition Ian was entirely original. Entirely a one-off. He had a simmering cool, a compressed volcanic sense of ferocity, of danger, a pressure cooker actor, a rare and magnificent talent. Theres a great spirit gone. Expand Close Mia Farrow was among those paying tribute to the actor (Andrew Parsons/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mia Farrow was among those paying tribute to the actor (Andrew Parsons/PA) Video of the Day Actress Mia Farrow recalled her experience of working with Sir Ian during and RSC production of The Iceman Cometh when he developed stage fright. Awful news that Ian Holm has died, she said, adding: He was among the giants of the theatre. We met while working at the RSC where, mid-performance of Iceman Cometh, terror seized him and he left the stage for 14 years. She added that he was an unfailingly brilliant actor. Expand Close Eddie Izzard also paid tribute to Sir Ian (Matt Crossick/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Eddie Izzard also paid tribute to Sir Ian (Matt Crossick/PA) Comedian Eddie Izzard described Sir Ian as a great. He added: Wonderful actor and its so sad to see him go. Farewell, you did great work Sir. The National Theatre paid tribute to Sir Ian in a post on their official Twitter page. It said: Were very sad to hear that Ian Holm has passed away. He was an extraordinary actor and we have wonderful memories of his performance at the National Theatre as King Lear. Bafta said in a statement that they are very sorry to hear of the death of Ian Holm, while comedian Robert Webb described him as a splendid actor. Actor Reece Shearsmith said that Sir Ian had a lifetime of incredible performances. Think furnishing and decorating your home requires tons of cash? Not so fast. While it's true that certain home furnishings are worth a sizable investmentlike beds and couchesdesign professionals insist that there's another group of items that don't require such deep pockets, and are fine to buy on the cheap. "Homeowners canand shouldconsider many more inexpensive goods than you think, since lots of people today like to change out decor as styles and colors change every several years," says Amy Bly of Great Impressions Home Staging and Interiors. And lest you think inexpensive furniture and accessories will look chintzy, experts argue that many well-priced options still offer function and beauty. In fact, big-box retailers and online stores sell quality pieces that look just as good as their higher-end cousins. "Places like Homesense, HomeGoods, and At Home are good resources for most of these shopping categories," adds Bly. Curious about how you can save some cash furnishing your home? Here are some items that the pros say you shouldn't splurge onand where you can buy them for a budget-friendly price. 1. Coffee table Photo by Gallery315HOME It gets banged up by your kids, the dog, and, of course, all those shoes, so spending a lot on your coffee table isn't necessary, or perhaps even advisable. "You can find affordable end and side tables all year round at major retailers like Walmart, Target, or Lowe's," says Brenda Raftlova, an editor and shopping expert at Offers.com. You can also repurpose an old steamer trunk, blanket chest, or wooden pallet as a coffee table, all of which add character. 2. Lighting Photo by Allison Crane Interiors Lighting matters in every room, but this category is a definite "don't splurge" one, say the experts. (Raftlova has seen prices as low as $10.) And if you find an inexpensive base you love, you can swap out the topper. Mixing and matching shadesand moving them from room to roomis also a good way to extend the life of your lamps since you'll be creating a new look each time. 3. Artwork Photo by Elizabeth Hanley Design Lucky you if your mother-in-law passed down an oil painting by an old master, but if not, there's no need to go the high-end route with artwork for the home. "If you're looking for unique and inexpensive art pieces, Amazon is a great place to start," says Raftlova. Framing prints is another easy way to enhance your room's decor. (Think old playbills, magazine covers, arthouse posters, or street art.) 4. Throw pillows Photo by Valorie Hart "Don't overspend on throw pillows. It's better to invest in a classic sofa or chair, and then accent it with cheapish pillows that are trendy or illustrate cute fads," advises Drew Henry of Design Dudes. Plus, throw pillows take a beating (they get sat on, the cat kneads them) and it's fun to change out this decor item frequently for fresh or seasonal looks, he adds. 5. Area rugs Photo by Kermans Flooring Bly recommends Target and Wayfair for reasonably priced area rugs. Strive to lay these down in high-traffic areas like your entryway and in front of the kitchen sink, and save nicer carpets for the living room and bedroom. Stretch your area rug's life by getting one that reverses to a different shade or pattern, so when one side fades or won't come clean you can just flip it over. 6. Dishes Photo by Dura Supreme Cabinetry Simple white dishes from a big-box store are a basic tabletop item that doesn't need to be fancy. (Yup, skip the bone china.) Sturdy plates and bowls will also last longer than delicate pottery, so you can use it regularly and not worry about it breaking. And to work in a little color, intersperse colored glassware, side plates, and bright napkins with a fun pattern so your table isn't an all-white snooze fest. 7. Decorative accents Photo by Martha O'Hara Interiors Who can tell if the vase you have on your mantel cost $30 or $300? Baskets with faux succulents, figurines, pottery bowls, and other pretty accent pieces can be picked up for very little moneyand you won't hold your head in pain if one topples to the floor. Other tabletop items you shouldn't splurge on include decorate trays, picture frames, candlesticks, and votives. 8. Bedspreads Photo by Coldwell Banker United, Realtors Save your money for nice, soft cotton sheets, and go downmarket with bed toppers and blankets. Bright spreads, coverlets, and pillow shams should be affordable since they're often changed seasonally. And you can save more cash by sticking to single-piece comforters for your beds rather than investing in a more expensive combination of duvet covers and feather beds. The post 8 'Expensive' Home Furnishings You're Better Off Buying Cheap appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Subscriber content preview PARIS (AP) Workers are preparing the Eiffel Tower for reopening next week, after the coronavirus pandemic led to the iconic Paris landmark's longest closure since World War II. France's tourism industry is opening back up, but the 324-meter tall wrought-iron tower won't immediately welcome visitors the way it did before the country went into lockdown in March. . . . BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - French stocks advanced on Friday after the Bloomberg said that China plans to increase buying of U.S. soybeans, corn and ethanol in line with a phase one trade deal. The development comes after talks between Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and China's top foreign policy official in Hawaii this week. On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump renewed his threat to cut ties with China. Sentiment was also bolstered after Chinese policymakers pledged to maintain ample financial system liquidity in the second half of the year and a Chinese health expert said the virus outbreak in Beijing had been brought under control. The benchmark CAC 40 index rose by 35 points, or 0.72 percent, to 4,995 after losing 0.8 percent the previous day. Capgemini shares edged up slightly. The IT services firm has agreed to work with the Defence Digital unit of the UK's Ministry of Defence to provide the next generation of services for the IT Service Center. 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. Sweetened by generous tax breaks, the project sold a packaged, stratospheric lifestyle to international tourists, millennial workers and part-time residents in a new frontier accessed by the extension of No. 7 subway line. Hudson Yards is in some ways disconnected from the city its a city within a city, and its operating at a global scale, said Kael Goodman, president and chief executive of Marketproof, a real estate data analysis firm. Its more like what might be happening in Hong Kong and other Tier 1 cities. The projects first phase, running from 10th to 11th Avenues between 30th and 34th Streets, features four office towers, two condominiums, one mall, the Vessel and the Shed arts center. It officially opened to the public in March 2019, exactly a year before coronavirus hit the city. The second phase, which will run from 11th to 12th Avenues, will be dominated by residential towers. Hudson Yardss footprint of 28 square acres, half of which will be open space, is projected to accommodate 125,000 people who will live, work, study, shop and visit the area daily. There will be 18 million square feet of commercial and residential space, and 4,000 new apartments, more than 10 percent of which will be subsidized housing. Or that was the plan before the pause button of the coronavirus. The best thing to say about Hudson Yards is the jury is still out, said Pierre E. Debbas, managing partner of Romer Debbas, a real estate law firm. While Neiman Marcuss bankruptcy has attracted inordinate attention, other retailers are struggling, too, with roughly 40 percent paying rent in April and May. Some retailers may have flexibility in their leases to renegotiate their rents if Neiman is no longer able to operate. Still, Harrison Abramowitz, a managing director at Newmark Knight Frank, a commercial real estate firm, said that if Neiman Marcus were to depart, other businesses would likely take over the space, whether as a whole, or in pieces, or even as office space. Houston, June 19 : The number of hospitalized coronavirus patients in the U.S. state of Texas hit record highs for seven consecutive days, local media reported Thursday. According to figures released by the Texas Department of State Health Services, there are 2,947 people currently in hospitals being treated for COVID-19 on Thursday, the seventh consecutive day the state reported a record number, Xinhua news agency reported. The Texas Tribune reported that since the beginning of June, hospitalizations have increased. The latest seven-day average for the number of people hospitalized is 2,468, almost doubling the number in late May. Responding to the increasing numbers of hospitalized patients and confirmed cases in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott said earlier this week that the state's hospital bed capacity is "abundant." The governor urged people to stay at home as much as they can, wear masks in public places and keep social distance to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Businesses, especially bars and restaurants, should follow the state guidelines, he noted. Nine Texas mayors recently asked Abbott to allow them to make masks mandatory. The mayors said that wearing masks would help avoid a second wave of coronavirus that might shut down the economy again. Early in the pandemic, some Texas cities tried to mandate face coverings. Abbott overruled them. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text UK fresh and frozen sheep meat exports suffered a 27 percent drop in April due to impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, new analysis shows. Exports totalled just over 6,100 tonnes last month, down 2,300 tonnes year-on-year, according to HMRC data. During the first four months of 2020, UK exports have declined 5,600 tonnes, to 24,600 tonnes - representing a decrease of over 18 percent. Rebecca Wright, AHDB red meat analyst, said almost all of the volume decline in April was in carcase exports. "The operating status on many of Frances butchers and markets varied through the month," she said. "Export volumes to France and Germany both declined on-the-year, although remained above 2018 levels." Meanwhile, sheep meat imports into the UK in April fell by 500 tonnes year-on-year, to 8,300 tonnes in April. Shipments from New Zealand were back 700 tonnes, whereas there was a rise of 500 tonnes in volumes from Australia. Imports from Ireland declined 200 tonnes. Ms Wright said: "Looking forwards, shipments from New Zealand are likely to be under pressure with supply tight and continued demand in China." During the first four months of 2020, total UK sheep meat imports stand at 25,300 tonnes, down 1,300 tonnes on-the-year. "Within this New Zealand has sent less, with Australia upping shipments," Ms Wright added. The property market is starting to spring back with a raft of serious listings offered to investors and developers. Jewish Care Victoria is offloading an old four-level aged care home on the corner of Punt Road and Raleigh Street in Windsor. The four-level aged care home on the corner of Punt Road and Raleigh Street in Windsor. Credit: The 4,293 square metre building is on a 4300 sq m site and includes a large car park. It is understood to carry a price tag in the high-$30-40 million range. Colliers International agents John Marasco, Daniel Wolman, Peter Bremner and Rachael Clohesy are running the expressions of interest campaign. Brent crude LCOc1 futures rose 35 cents, or 0.8%, to $41.86 a barrel by 0446 GMT. Oil prices rose around 1% on Friday, adding to gains in the previous session, after OPEC producers and allies promised to meet commitments on cutting supply and two major oil traders said demand was recovering well. Read alsoReuters: Oil prices fall as surge in coronavirus cases raises demand concerns Brent crude LCOc1 futures rose 35 cents, or 0.8%, to $41.86 a barrel by 0446 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude CLc1 futures climbed 38 cents, or 1%, to $39.22 a barrel. Both contracts rose around 2% on Thursday and are heading for weekly gains of 8%, as reported by Reuters. Plans by Iraq and Kazakhstan to make up for overproduction in May on their supply cut commitments supported the market. The promises came out of a meeting by a panel monitoring compliance by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, a grouping called OPEC+. If the laggard producers do compensate over the next three months for their overproduction, that will effectively take extra barrels out of the market, even if OPEC+ does not extend its record 9.7 million barrels per day supply cut beyond July. Karen Garcia is among nearly 27,000 DACA recipients who work in healthcare nationwide. She's been on the front lines battling COVID-19. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) When the coronavirus pandemic arrived in Phoenix, it felt like a call to duty for nurse Karen Garcia. "Ive never felt more needed at my job than right now, she said. She works 12-hour shifts at Valleywise Health Medical Center tending to the gravely ill, dozens of whom she has watched die, all the while knowing that her mask, gown, gloves and face shield are no guarantee that she won't become infected and take the virus home to her family. But her biggest fear hasn't been the virus. It was the U.S. Supreme Court. Garcia, 30, is among roughly 700,000 so-called Dreamers who came to the United States as children, grew up without legal status and were allowed to stay under the Obama-era policy of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, better known as DACA. Their fate came to rest with the court, which Thursday rejected the Trump administration's plan to repeal the protections, saying it did not provide adequate justification. "The uncertainty, the waiting, its been difficult, Garcia said. Im just relieved the waiting is over and I can focus on my work. In one powerful sense, the coronavirus pandemic had come to illuminate what immigrant rights activists and much of the public have regarded as the injustice of trying to end protections for DACA recipients. At least 27,000 DACA recipients, like Garcia, work in healthcare, and many have spent the last few months attending to patients with COVID-19, which has killed more than 118,000 people nationwide. A majority of those medical workers live in Arizona, California or Texas three states where the rate of new infections is accelerating. "They are our front-line workers helping aid those who are most ill," said Ricardo Zamudio Guillen, organizing director for LUCHA, an Arizona-based immigrant rights group. "They're protecting us. Blanca Sierra-Reyes, a 27-year-old Dreamer and social worker at a Scottsdale, Ariz., hospital, said the Supreme Court ruling provided some respite during an exhausting time. Story continues For weeks, she has had to call families whose loved ones are alone in the emergency room battling the virus. She has listened to their cries and tried to console them. She also has spent time thinking about her own future. "The ruling is a win, she said. This gives Dreamers relief and the ability to continue living without fear. For Garcia, the ruling felt like an acknowledgement that Arizona is her truest home. She was 4 when her family moved from Mexico City. Her parents were always upfront with her about her immigration status, but that didnt change the fact that all her memories were formed here. "This is home, she said. Right here in America. As a little girl, while her father installed carpets and her mother worked as a hotel housekeeper, Garcia became fascinated with medicine and decided she wanted to become a nurse. That dream became more pressing when, during an emergency room visit, she watched a nurse struggle to speak Spanish with her mother. Garcia wanted to better serve her community. After graduating from high school, she worked for several years as a waitress at a small family-owned restaurant and began saving for college. She soon met her husband, and at 22 the same year they had their first child, Donovan she received DACA protections. For the first time she felt deeply optimistic about her future in the United States. The couple had a daughter, Natalia, and in 2017, Garcia began pursuing a nursing degree at Arizona State University. She left the program a year later after a state Supreme Court ruling ended in-state tuition rates for DACA students. "That hurt a lot, Garcia recalled of the state ruling. I saw it as an attempt to derail my dreams. But she bounced back and managed to get her degree at GateWay Community College. Most of the patients at Valleywise Health are Latino. "Every day is an honor to work and serve my community, Garcia said. As a nurse, I can help make a difference every day. Thats meaningful to me. This year, she ran for chair of the Phoenix chapter of the National Assn. of Hispanic Nurses and won. In February, the coronavirus began to spread throughout the country and before long emergency room beds began to fill up. Her hospital took steps to prepare for a surge, and eventually it came. "Everyone is working around the clock, she said. "Were trying to save lives. Thats my job helping to save lives. Ive tried not to think about my immigration status while working, but its always there in the back of my mind. Garcia would spend the downtime trying to quiet the nagging fears that her career, her friendships and her whole life could, at a moment, turn upside down. Sometimes, she would look at her sick, coughing patients and wonder whether they were in the same stressful situation. The Supreme Court ruling does not guarantee DACA will be around forever, but it almost certainly means the Trump administration cannot end the policy before the November election. Garcia said she sees the ruling as an opportunity to help promote more DACA nurses in the city and across Arizona, which is estimated to need an additional 1,200 nurses by 2030. We can help fill that void, she said. In the hours after the ruling was announced, Garcia texted other nurses and members of local immigrant rights groups. It was her day off and a moment to celebrate. But she also kept an eye on the local news, watching as confirmed cases of the virus ticked up in Arizona faster than in any other state in the nation. Some local restaurants that had reopened last month were closing again. Arizona has recorded 41,159 coronavirus cases and 1,252 deaths, with Phoenix and surrounding Maricopa County among the hardest hit. Another wave, she thought, was about to begin. Lee reported from Phoenix and Martinez from Los Angeles. As COVID-19 continues to spread in Africa, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised concerns over the profound socio-economic impacts the pandemic is having on the lives of women in Africa. The UN health agency during a press briefing in Brazzaville on Thursday said the pandemic has also disrupted access to essential services. The briefing was in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, and was attended by Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director UNAIDS and Bineta Diop, AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security. WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, said that Africa is already seeing the profound impact of COVID-19 on women and girls as many who will be needing the health services might not be getting them, thereby worsening their vulnerabilities. READ ALSO: Ms Moeti said to avoid potentially catastrophic long-term impact, greater attention and resources are urgently needed. She noted that the pandemic has overwhelmed the health sector and it is expected to worsen in place with humanitarian crises, including health emergencies which affect men and women differently. According to the agency, women are disproportionately affected by lockdowns and this is resulting in a reduced access to health services. She said a World Bank report also noted that the economic hardship due to COVID-19 is also greater for women as many are informal workers. Ms Moeti said that women account for 90 per cent of the labour force in sub-Saharan Africa and informal sector jobs are particularly at risk during the pandemic. She said the pandemic has also affected essential services such as access to sexual and reproductive health services have been disrupted. Although overall in the African Region, women account for around 40 percent of COVID-19 cases, this ranges from 35 per cent in some countries to over 55 per cent in South Africa, she said. According to preliminary data, in Zimbabwe, the number of caesarean sections performed decreased by 42 percent between January and April 2020 compared with the same period in 2019. The number of live births in health facilities fell by 21 per cent, while new clients on combined birth control pills dropped by 90 per cent. Meanwhile, in Burundi, initial statistics show that births with skilled attendants fell to 4749 in April 2020 from 30 826 in April 2019. Also, a recent analysis published in the Lancet Global Health suggests that a reduction in maternal health services of between just 9.8-18.5 per cent could lead to as many as 12 200 additional maternal deaths over six months in low- and middle-income countries, of which Nigeria is one. In addition, women face a higher risk of gender-based violence in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. We are working with governments and partners to find ways to continue to deliver essential services safely, including the provision of personal protective equipment to health workers, many of whom are nurses and are women, said Ms Moeti. Taco Bell Apologizes to Man Fired For Wearing Black Lives Matter Mask Taco Bell said Thursday that it apologized to a man who was fired from one of its Ohio franchises after refusing to take off a mask featuring Black Lives Matter symbols, and that the fast-food chain is working to clarify our mask policy so this doesnt happen again. The fast-food firm said in a tweet on Thursday that it was deeply upset by the incident, adding that, We believe the Black Lives Matter movement is a human rights issue and not a political one. In a viral video that was streamed live on Facebook on June 8, the employee, Denzel Skinner, said he was losing his job at a Taco Bell location on Belmont Ave. in Youngstown, Ohio, because he was wearing a mask with the Black Lives Matter slogan, with its emblem, a black fist, emblazoned on it. This is crazy, Skinner says in the video, All because I got a Black Lives Matter mask on, Im losing my job. He insisted he was informed that, for safety reasons, we can wear any type of masks. An unidentified woman presumed to be a manager is heard in the video telling Skinner that he is incorrect about employees being able to wear any type of mask, adding that masks must be plain. You cant bring politics into the building, the woman added, explaining that its company policy that items worn by employees may not have any symbols on them. Skinner rejected the claim that wearing the mask was about politics. Bro, Im not bringing politics in, this is what Im standing for, Skinner said. Like how is this considered politics? How is it not? the woman responded, asking him to consider his reaction to someone wearing a mask with the word white on it. According to the What We Believe section of the Black Lives Matter website, the organizers call the movement a political home, while listing the removal of politicians among its accomplishments. Organizers who call this network home have ousted anti-Black politicians, won critical legislation to benefit Black lives, and changed the terms of the debate on Blackness around the world, it states. In an interview shared on social media, Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors said we actually do have an ideological frame, adding that she and others at the organizer level are trained Marxists. Former FBI Counterterrorism Director Terry Turchie told Sky News Australia that the Black Lives Matter plan and charter is very similar to that of the Black Panther Party in the 1960s, which he described as a Marxist-Maoist-Leninist organization, whose goal was the total transformationvery important two words therethe total transformation of the United States government and America. Skinner told WBKN First News that he was a shift leader at the Youngstown Taco Bell for eight years and that when a manager asked him to take off his mask, he refused and walked out. He told the outlet that the manager told him that if he walked out, he would be fired. Denzel Skinner should never have been put in this position, Taco Bell said in the tweet, in which the company added, We have been in conversations with Denzel and our franchisees to make sure our actions represent our words. In a statement to USA TODAY, Taco Bell said a senior company official spoke to Skinner to apologize and discuss the situation, adding, We take this very seriously; we have been working closely with our franchisee that operates this location to address the issue. While our policies at restaurants do not prohibit Team Members from wearing Black Lives Matter masks, we are working to clarify our mask policy so this doesnt happen again, the company stated, according to USA TODAY. Queensland's mines watchdog had issued more than a dozen safety directives or standards notices to a central Queensland coal mine in the two years before five men were almost killed in an explosion last month. The Anglo American Grosvenor coal mine, near Moranbah, was immediately shut down in early May after a methane explosion burnt five men aged in their 40s and 50s. The incident, on the back of a two-year period that saw eight lives lost in the state's mines and quarries, sparked a board of inquiry investigation headed by retired District Court Judge Terry Martin, SC the first such probe in more than 20 years. Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said at the time it was "extremely disappointing" to see more workers injured, while insisting the government had been "throwing the kitchen sink" at the issue through a "safety reset", methane level reforms and boosted inspector numbers. Assembly Members may for the first in history start receiving salaries from the government if John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress return to power. Mr. Mahama, during a Facebook Live Q&A on Thursday evening, said the remuneration would come as part of his plan to revamp births and deaths data collection along with the system for registering to vote. He stressed that Assembly Members were the bedrock of our local governance system after a question on improving their conditions of service was asked him. The NDC flagbearer previously proposed a plan to decentralise the registration of births and deaths. In each electoral area, Mr. Mahama said his administration would train assembly members to coordinate the localised registration of all births and deaths. For providing the service our intention is to pay Assembly Members so that they can earn an income to be able to look after themselves. He added that this policy is going to be contained in our programme on governance. So this thing about having a new voter register and all that will be a thing of the past because we will get in real-time who has turned 18 and we can just transport them onto the electoral register. He described this policy as the final riddle on how to get the births and deaths registration right. Seventy percent of members of the assembly are elected whilst 30 percent are appointed by the President. But not all of them are guaranteed remuneration. Some are paid from the consolidated Fund and others from internally generated funds. Past call from Kufuor Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has in the past advocated that assembly members should be given a stipend. He said this would be in recognition of their efforts to deepen decentralisation and local governance. Assembly members should be supported with some stipend. That stipend is not for them to go and solve problems, but as recognition for their efforts, the former president remarked in 2019 . Even though we expect them to exercise a good deal of sacrifice, their work is very serious and hectic and should, therefore, not be entirely taken as a voluntary service, he added. ---citinewsroom Seven major European investment firms said they will divest from beef producers, grains traders and even government bonds in Brazil if they do not see progress in resolving the surging destruction of the Amazon rainforest. The rising threats from investors with more than $2 trillion in assets under management, including Finland-based Nordea and the UK's Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM), show how the private sector is taking global action to protect the world's largest rainforest. Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has shrugged off diplomatic pressure on the matter. Deforestation of Brazil's Amazon surged to an 11-year high in 2019, Bolsonaro's first year in office, and has risen a further 34% in the first five months of 2020, according to preliminary data from government space research agency INPE. The right-wing populist has weakened environmental protections and called for more mining and farming in the Amazon region. "The trends we've seen in Brazil are very concerning," said Daniela da Costa-Bulthuis, Brazil portfolio manager for Netherlands-based asset manager Robeco. "You have a dismantling of the regulatory mechanisms of environmental control since last year." Bolsonaro's press office declined to comment on the investors' concerns. He defended Brazil's environmental record against criticism from world leaders last year as destructive fires in the Amazon drew global outcry. So far, corporate pressure has proven more effective in turning Brasilia's attention to the environment. A bill originally proposed by Bolsonaro to grant property deeds for irregularly settled public land, a measure seen encouraging deforestation, failed to reach a vote in May and is now delayed indefinitely after more than 40 mostly European companies threatened to boycott Brazilian exports. UNDER SCRUTINY In September, 230 institutional investors signed a letter calling for urgent action to combat the fires surging in the Amazon rainforest, capturing global attention. However, the seven asset management firms that spoke to Reuters - Storebrand, AP7, KLP, DNB Asset Management, Robeco, Nordea Asset Management and LGIM - went further in laying out the threat of divestment if there is not progress. The firms hold over $5 billion in investments linked to Brazil, including global grains traders with major operations in the country. Norway's largest pension fund KLP said it was engaging with trading firms Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Cargill and Bunge and judging if their environmental policies are adequate. "If our conclusion is negative, divestment can be the likely result, potentially as soon as this year and we'd expect such a move to trigger other larger investors to follow our lead," said Jeanett Bergan, KLP's head of responsible investment, via email. In response to questions on divestment, Bunge and Cargill described a range of efforts to root out deforestation from their supply chains, citing their adherence to the "Amazon Soy Moratorium." In that voluntary agreement, major trading firms including Cargill, Bunge and ADM pledged not to buy soy from parts of the Amazon deforested since 2008. ADM did not respond to request for comment. Norwegian insurance and pension provider Storebrand and Sweden's largest national pension fund AP7 also said they could divest from ADM and Bunge if the companies do not take adequate measures to combat deforestation. Norway's DNB Asset Management AS said index funds it manages, which include holdings in Bunge, could exclude companies that fail to meet its sustainability standards. Other investment firms mentioned concerns related to Brazilian meatpackers, which have drawn scrutiny in the past for sourcing beef from deforested areas of the Amazon. LGIM is pushing Brazilian companies, including the world's largest meatpacker, JBS, and smaller rivals Marfrig and Minerva for "robust climate targets and land-use policies, with inaction potentially leading to voting sanctions and targeted divestments," said Yasmine Svan, senior sustainability analyst at LGIM, in an emailed statement. JBS, Minerva and Marfrig said in separate statements they are committed to eliminating Amazon deforestation from their supply chains and detailed their efforts. AFTER "QUARANTINE" The asset management arm of Nordea, one of the Nordic countries' biggest banks, halted purchases of Brazilian sovereign debt last year after forest fires flared, putting its roughly 100 million euros ($112 million) of Brazilian government bonds in "quarantine." Thede Ruest, head of emerging-market debt at Nordea Asset Management, said the firm could go further. "The next level of escalation from quarantining actually means selling our Brazil government bonds, which could trigger other funds following suit," Ruest said. "We are disappointed by the lack of progress by the current administration, with deforestation rates continuing to soar ahead of another major fire season." Da Costa-Bulthuis of Robeco, which manages at least 3 billion euros in Brazilian equities and up to 5 billion euros when including debt and other assets, declined to comment on specific holdings. But she said the firm could reduce its exposure to Brazil if its environmental record deteriorates further. Da Costa-Bulthuis, along with LGIM's Svan and Nordea's Ruest, expressed alarm about a recent video of a Brazilian cabinet meeting, made public due to a federal investigation. In the recording, Environment Minister Ricardo Salles suggested to Bolsonaro and other ministers that the government should accelerate environmental deregulation while the public is distracted by the current coronavirus pandemic. "He's working against the environment. What he said was unacceptable," da Costa-Bulthuis said. "If they (the government) will be sensible or not, I think one way to start would be to change the environment minister because this guy does not have credibility." Salles and his press office did not respond to requests for comment on the statement. At the time, the minister said he was only calling for cutting unhelpful bureaucracy that hinders investment. Bolsonaro dispatched the military last month to combat destruction of the Amazon, although deforestation rose again in May compared to a year earlier for the 13th straight month. Da Costa-Bulthuis said that the deployment was "the minimum" the government could do and not an adequate replacement for strengthening agencies specialized in environmental enforcement. "We don't think they're doing enough." Jennifer Lawrence is joining the call for justice for Breonna Taylor. The Oscar winner has created a public Twitter account, @JLawrence_RepUs, to speak out against social injustice. Lawrence's new social media platform is in support of the anti-corruption campaign, RepresentUS, in which she serves as a member of the cultural council. Other representatives include Kerry Washington, Rachel McAdams, Omar Epps, Orlando Bloom, J.J. Abrams, Ben Harper, Elizabeth Banks, Sophia Bush and more stars. Lawrence's first ever tweet features a video of Epps discussing the criminal justice system in America and how it is in need of a change. "Nearly 1 in 4 Black men in America will be locked up at some point in their life," Lawrence wrote. "In this short video, @omarepps & @desmondmeade explain how corruption has broken our criminal justice system& what we can do to fix it. #UnbreakingAmerica #JusticeForSale" In a second post, Lawrence wrote about the death of Breonna Taylor, the 26-year-old emergency medical technician who was fatally shot by police at her home during the middle of the night on March 13. Celebrities Attending Protests Over George Floyd's Death "For three months since her murder, Breonna Taylor's family, the people of Louisville, Americans across the country, and many around the world have called out for justice," Lawrence wrote. "And yet, those calls have gone unanswered. No arrests have been made, the officers responsible for her death remain employed by the LMPD, and disturbingly, the LMPD's own investigation report was woefully inaccurate. As a Louisvillian, as a human being, I cannot be silent." Lawrence, who was born and raised in Kentucky, called on Attorney General Daniel Cameron to "take immediate action" and hold those responsible for Taylor's death "accountable." "Mr. Cameron, the longer you wait to bring criminal charges against officers Jonathan Mattingly, Myles Cosgrove, and Brett Hankison, the more trust erodes," the 29-year-old actress continued. "I urge you to commit to transparency in the investigation and prosecution of these officers, and address the LMPD's insufficient response to Breonna Taylor's murder. We must not allow the erasure of Black women to continue in America." Story continues Lawrence concluded her message by writing, "As many activists and leaders have been imploring for years: #SayHerName." In early June, Lawrence, who has been admitted to having private social media accounts, took to her Facebook page to share a message with her fans. "Hi guys, it's been a while. But now is not the time to be silent," Lawrence wrote. "I pledge to listen, learn, donate, and vote. I promise to do my part today and every day. I hope you will join me in supporting these organizations, but this is just the start. Black Lives Matter. @colorofchange @minnesotafreedomfund @naacplegaldefensefund #georgefloydmemorialfund #justiceforbreonnataylor" At a working session of the National Assembly (Photo: VNA) The documents to be put to voting in the morning comprise a resolution on some specific financial-banking mechanisms and policies for Hanoi; another on the reduction of corporate income tax in 2020 for businesses, cooperatives, public non-business units and other organizations; a resolution on the adjustment of investment policy for the building of some eastern sections of the North-South Expressway for 2017-2020; and a resolution on the establishment of the National Election Council. The legislators will also debate the draft Vietnam Border Guard Law. With seven chapters and 34 articles, the issuance of the law is of special significance as it is expected to meet the requirements of the construction, management and safeguarding of national border and border areas in the new situation. In the afternoon, the NA is scheduled to vote on the draft law amending and supplementing some articles of the Law on Organisation of the National Assembly, a resolution on piloting the urban administration model in the central city of Da Nang and some other specific mechanisms and policies. The voting is followed by the closing session, which will be broadcast live on the national television and radio channels and the NA television channel. During the closing session, the deputies will vote on resolutions on the national target programme on socio-economic development in ethnic minority-inhabited and mountainous areas for 2021-2030, and the thematic supervision of the implementation of policies and laws on preventing and fighting child abuse, along with the resolution of the ninth meeting. NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan will then deliver a closing speech. As New York Citys Phase 2 officially takes shape and a slew of retail stores open with strict guidelines after a three-month hiatus, shoppers will be required to adhere to mandatory regulations. One is that customers wear protective face coverings. So now more than ever, personal protective equipment that also includes gloves and hand sanitizer will be in demand. With that thought in mind, and in what translates into a collaborative effort, Congressman Max Rose, Assemblyman Michael Cusick and the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO-SI) joined forces to distribute personal protective equipment (PPE) to the public at the Tasters Market in Willowbrook on Thursday. A FEW QUOTES FROM ORGANIZERS As New York City approaches Phase 2 of its reopening, I thought it appropriate to solicit the support of my colleague Assemblyman Michael Cusick and COJO-SI, one of Staten Islands premiere civic associations in the distribution of PPE, remarked Rose. Thanks to the support of Assemblyman Cusick and the proper marshaling together of resources, this PPE distribution went well. Cusick stated, When Congressman Rose suggested that we distribute PPE, I immediately supported the idea. As elected representatives, we have an obligation to make certain that our constituents are safe and have the protective equipment they need to live safely. One of the best way in doing so is by collaborating with COJO-SI. My office has a long great working relationship with COJO-SI, its President Mendy Mirocznik, and its CEO and Executive Vice-President Scott Maurer. Once again, our collaborative efforts were successful, and due to COJOs support we were able to reach out and to assist many Staten Islanders. Our primary concern is that our borough residents are prepared for the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has plagued us with. We at COJO-SI are more than delighted to assist our elected representatives when called upon and to collaborate with them to improve the quality of life, safety and health for all Staten Islanders. Todays, PPE distribution achieved this important result, noted Mirocznik Mirocznik praised Scott Maurer, CEO and executive vice-president of COJO-SI for his work in coordinating and setting up the PPE distribution. Scott is Mr. COJO, he does what it takes to bring the best to Staten Island. Thank you for helping the elected officials in making this PPE distribution the success that it was. Mirocznik went on to acknowledge Ari Weiss, chairman of the COJO Security Committee and Coordinator of the Staten Island Shomrim (a neighborhood watch group) for organizing the Shomrim, who helped coordinate the distribution and helped facilitate a smooth great event. Maurer explained: This distribution of PPE brought to us by Congressman Max Rose and Assemblyman Michael Cusick is one of the many important tasks that COJO-SI is undertaking to assist Staten Islanders as we wage the war on Covid-19. Our prayer is that we should be safe and win this battle. Until that day, COJO will continue to do what it can to achieve that victory. The IRS might send out a second round of coronavirus economic stimulus checks, direct deposits, or debit cards. Then again, it might not. Its been a few weeks now since Democrats in the U.S. House passed The HEROES Act, which would, among other things, provide for another payment of $1,200 to single filers and $2,400 to joint or head of household filers based on the same sliding adjusted gross income scale that it predecessor, the CARES Act, used. Two big changes with HEROES compared to CARES is that the former, unlike the latter, makes those with a taxpayer identification number eligible, too, instead of just those with a social security number. It would also allow for a payment of $1,200 for up to three dependents of any age, and not just children under the age of 17. With those details out of the way, the biggest question now is, will the payments actually happen? Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and President Donald Trump have both signaled interest in the idea of helping millions of Americans with another stimulus, but the U.S. Senate has still not taken up the HEROES Act for debate and likely wont until at least late July. The takeaway, then, is that while another payment is likely, dont hold your breath or count your pennies waiting on it, as at this point, it probably wont go out until either later this summer or early in the fall. Some even wonder if its needed, with economists disagreeing on the matter, especially as states across the U.S. continuing to open back up. Theres definitely dire need for more help by the government, given how the economy is performing right now, Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh, a finance professor at Columbia Business School, told NBC News. I do question whether this needs to be in the form of stimulus checks, Van Nieuwerburgh said. The stimulus checks are not very well targeted to people who need them the most. The Omni Calculator has a handy tool to find out how much you might receive if the current version of The HEROES Act eventually does pass the Senate before Trump signs it into law. Punch your information into the embedded calculator below to find out, and if you cant see it, visit their site here. Second Stimulus Check Calculator - HEROES Act More coverage: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 19) A marketing officer of a Philippine bank has been terminated upon discovery of a fake bank certificate issued to Wirecard's auditor involving a supposed trust account holding the German company's money. A highly-placed source with knowledge on the issue said Friday one marketing officer at BDO Unibank, Inc. has been sacked after the employee "fabricated a bank certificate in favor of EY Germany," Wirecard's auditor. The bank confirmed the development and said they have already started termination proceedings for the employee. In a statement, BDO has denied that it is holding any of the $2.1 billion (about 107 billion) missing cash of the German payments firm, which was supposed to be held by the bank and by the Bank of the Philippine Islands. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said BDO has reported the incident as early as June 9, which prompted the regulator to conduct its own probe into the matter. Both denied that Wirecard is a client, noting that the documents pertaining to the trust accounts were falsified. "Wirecard AG has been informed by the auditor EY that an audit certificate for the annual financial statements for the past fiscal year 2019 requires additional audits," the company said Thursday, with the discovery prompting the firm to postpone the release of its 2019 financial statements. Wirecard added that the account numbers supposed to be given by the banks could not be found, contrary to the company's claims that it has funds held in escrow by the Philippine lenders. Wirecard AG's subsidiaries have supposedly paid "substantial security deposits" worth 1.9 billion euros to these offshore accounts, citing that the Asian banks chosen to hold the funds have investment-grade ratings. Wirecard's long-time CEO Markus Braun resigned Friday amid the controversy, with Dr. James Freis, Jr. stepping in as interim CEO. The amount is said to be worth one-fourth of the company's consolidated balance sheet. Failure to trace where the amounts are will allow about 2 billion euros worth of loans to Wirecard AG to be terminated. DETROIT, MI The Detroit Police Department has suspended an officer accused of shooting non-lethal ammunition at and injuring an MLive photographer and two other photographers covering police brutality protests in downtown Detroit. The officer was suspended with pay June 10, while the departments Professional Standards Division investigates the incident which occurred at about midnight, May 31, near Kennedy Square, Detroit Police Department Sgt. Nicole Kirkwood said. Chief (James) Craig authorized the suspension while the investigation continues, she said. We cannot release the name of the officer as it is still a pending internal investigation. MLive photographer among journalists fired upon with pellets by Detroit police officer during protest coverage MLive photojournalist Nicole Hester was hit by as many as a dozen pellets in her face and body, leaving welts and narrowly missing an eye. She was with her fiance, freelance photographer Seth Herald, who was working for AFP, and Matt Hatcher, who was shooting for Getty Images. The three were in Detroit covering a police brutality protest which was among hundreds that erupted across the country following the death of George Floyd, who was killed by Minneapolis police during his arrest, May 25, for using an alleged fake $20 at a convenience store. Hester said the photographers were stopped by police on their way back to their parked car near Kennedy Square, around midnight and after protestors had largely dispersed. The photographers put up their hands, identified themselves as press, and had their camera gear around their necks. Herald said it appeared to the journalists that the police motioned them to pass through. As they began to move forward, one of the police officers fired from 15 to 20 feet away. During the protests, police used tear gas and non-lethal bean bag rounds designed to be shot at the ground where they explode, sending pellets flying, police said during a Police Commissioners meeting held days after the protests started in the city. At the June 4 meeting, Assistant Police Chief Lashinda Stair told commissioners she was unaware of any reports of officers shooting at or detaining reporters during the protests. Hester was hit more than a dozen times, once above her eye but also on her legs, arms, and chest, where the marks remained visible a day later. While we are pleased that the Detroit Police Department is moving this investigation forward, I am concerned by the lack transparency and how long this is taking, said John Hiner, vice president of content for MLive Media Group. This was a serious attack on our employee, and on the free press. I want to see the evidence come forward, and those responsible to be held accountable. Kirkwood confirmed a video of the incident is being reviewed by investigators but it cannot be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation. Wayne County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Maria Miller confirmed the prosecutors office is aware of the incident and the ongoing investigation, but it has not yet received anything from police. Once the investigation is concluded, it will be sent to the prosecutors office, which will do an independent investigation and file charges where appropriate, she said. Hester said her incident wasn't isolated, as members of the press across the country have had run-ins with police while covering protests. I wasnt the only person protected by the Constitution who I saw being dealt with by the use of excessive force over that week/ weekend, she said. And even in this, I have to recognize my privilege. People are taking my story and what happened to me (and the other photographers) seriously. I know thats not always the case for everyone. A total of 84 people were arrested during the protest, May 31, many of whom were from outside the metro Detroit area, police said. Detroit George Floyd police brutality protest turns violent as police fire tear gas, rubber bullets In a press conference on Facebook Live, Detroit Police Chief James Craig said the protest started out peacefully, with the group becoming somewhat agitated as they moved toward police headquarters. Rocks, M-80s, small-sized bricks and other items were thrown at police during the first few days of protests. Live: George Floyd Protests - Detroit 5/30/20 V George Floyd protest in Detroit at police Posted by MLive.com on Saturday, May 30, 2020 Amid the protests, Detroit set an 8 p.m. curfew June 2 which was lifted June 8. For more about the police brutality protest throughout Michigan, click here. Armenias Court of Appeals ordered on Thursday that Robert Kocharian be released from prison on bail pending the outcome of the ongoing trial of the former president facing coup and corruption charges denied by him. Anna Danibekian, a district court judge presiding over the trial, again refused to grant Kocharian bail or free him on health grounds on May 13. His lawyers appealed against both decisions. The Court of Appeals overturned one of those decisions over prosecutors objections. It set a 2 billion-dram ($4.2 million) bail for the release of the man who ruled Armenia from 1998-2008. Kocharian personally assured the court on Wednesday that he will not go into hiding or obstruct justice if set free. Had I been a fleeing person, I would not have had such a biography in the first place, he said. The prosecution insisted, however, that Kocharian could obstruct justice and should therefore remain under arrest. They said they will challenge in the Court of Appeals ruling in the higher Court of Cassation. Kocharians lawyers welcomed the ruling. But one of them, Aram Vartevanian, questioned the unprecedented amount of the bail set by a Court of Appeals judge, Arsen Nikoghosian. Vartevanian would not say whether his client can pay the hefty sum. Kocharian said in the courtroom on Wednesday that his assets remain frozen and that he can only use his childrens properties as bail collateral. His lawyers told the court afterwards that 700 million drams worth of such assets belonging to his younger son Levon and daughter Gayane could be used for this purpose. The 65-year-old ex-president has been kept in a Yerevan hospital since undergoing another surgery there in late April. Last month another court allowed him to stay there until the end of the coronavirus pandemic. Armenias Penitentiary Service appealed against that decision. Kocharian was held in Yerevans Kentron jail prior to his hospitalization. His lawyers have insisted in recent months that the COVID-19 pandemic is another reason why he should be freed. Law-enforcement authorities have dismissed those demands, saying that his chances of catching the disease at Kentron are minimal. Kocharian, his former chief of staff and two retired army generals went on trial more than a year ago on charges mostly stemming from the 2008 post-election unrest in Yerevan. The ex-president also stands accused of bribery. He rejects all accusations leveled against him as politically motivated. We women all have our guilty lockdown secrets. Some have fibbed about sneaking out to have a haircut, others about when the cleaner first came back, still more about spiriting in a lover under the cover of darkness. The one secret Im prepared to own up to is that I have been seduced by the new Polish erotic romantic movie 365 Days. It has terrible, mumbled dialogue, a ludicrous plot and is the least PC film you can imagine. Its been derided by Variety magazine as a thoroughly terrible, politically objectionable, occasionally hilarious Polish humpathon. And the steamy action makes Fifty Shades look like a PG film. The one secret Im prepared to own up to is that I have been seduced by the new Polish erotic romantic movie 365 Days. It has terrible, mumbled dialogue, a ludicrous plot and is the least PC film you can imagine Yet it has become the most watched Netflix movie across the world, and millions of women like me have been glued to it during the crisis. The plot is about an impossibly wealthy Sicilian Mafia boss who falls completely in love at first sight with a woman he sees at an airport. He tracks her down, abducts her and vows he will release her if, after 365 days, he has not been able to make her love him. Absurd, I know. Outrageous and problematic, too, in that it glamorises a coercive and clearly abusive relationship. Im not the slightest surprised feminist groups are up in arms. And yet, why are so many women watching 365 Days if it is so offensive? Perhaps they enjoy the fantasy of being totally loved, the object of unashamed desire. Yet it has become the most watched Netflix movie across the world, and millions of women like me have been glued to it during the crisis After all, thats a theme that runs through the great canon of romantic fiction, whether its Jane Austen, Trollope or Tolstoy. Or is it simply that its full of shopping our heroine has six bodyguards carrying her designer purchases private jets, glamorous locations and, yes, sex? The X-rated side of it is so over-the-top its comical although I would not watch it with a teenage child and I believe the flood of pornography on the internet is doing terrible damage to our children. Maybe it was just the escapist nonsense I needed after the monotony of weeks in lockdown dreaming of swapping my leggings for La Perla. Whatever the case I see no harm in it and were all allowed our guilty little pleasures. Im gutted Love Island, due to start filming in weeks, has been cancelled. What fun it would have been to see them after months in gluttonous lockdown, with flab instead of perfect abs, with frizzy hair, dark roots, dodgy fake tans and home-crafted Brazilian waxes and thats just the men! Career advice from Harry? Harry and Megss attempt to launch their foundation website Archewell suffered a setback after the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office deemed their plans for content relating to philanthropy, monetary giving, volunteer and career opportunities too vague. And isnt there something curious about the two jobless multi-millionaires approaching their 40s giving advice on careers? Especially when Papa Prince Charles is still footing the bill for their lavish LA lifestyle. Coronavirus Shout Outs To Joe Wicks, who with his bonhomie has kept our kids happy and exercised, despite an arm injury and now a bit of exhaustion. As we learned on Desert Island Discs, hes an extraordinary lad from a troubled background who, whatever is thrown at him, sees life as a glass not so much half full, but overflowing. To Joe Wicks, who with his bonhomie has kept our kids happy and exercised, despite an arm injury and now a bit of exhaustion To Judy Craymer, creator of Mamma Mia! the musical and movies, whos planning a West End comeback for the decades top feelgood show and giving away the first tickets to NHS and frontline workers. Whats more shes writing the third movie, to which we fans can only squeal Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! To all those fashion folk who queued for hours at Primark to support our High Streets. Given how overweight most looked after piling on the pounds during lockdown, they must have needed an entire new wardrobe. Rebel's Rebellion Defying movie bosses who paid her millions to remain the actress always playing a fat and happy loser, Bridesmaid star Rebel Wilson has shed nearly 3st and turned herself into a real (weight) loser. Defying movie bosses who paid her millions to remain the actress always playing a fat and happy loser, Bridesmaid star Rebel Wilson has shed nearly 3st and turned herself into a real (weight) loser She looked sensational in a blue dress in her native Australia. The new, slimmer Rebel also turned out in a sweatshirt with the flying baby elephant Dumbo emblazoned on its front. Was she drawing a parallel with the mocked little elephant that dumbfounded its bullying circus bosses when it suddenly showed them it could fly? Sad news for all us Lord Of The Rings fans to learn Bilbo Baggins actor Ian Holm has died, aged 88. I like to think that as he left this earth the elderly Hobbit would have had Gandalfs or J.R.R. Tolkiens reassuring and poetic words running through his mind: End? No, the journey doesnt end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it, white shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise. Much handwringing over calls to ban England rugby fans from singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, given its history. Fair enough, but if that anthem is forbidden, shouldnt New Zealand ban their haka, a tribal dance culturally appropriated from indigenous Maoris which is not a song about freedom, as Sing Low is, but one of battle and killing the enemy? To cheer us up, the irrepressible Gwyneth Paltrow is selling a sexy 60 must-have candle. It has a whiff of tart grapefruit, neroli, cassis berries and gunpowder tea and, according to Gwynnie, smells like an orgasm. Speak for yourself, sweetheart. It sounds more like the whiff of a blokes breath the morning after a night on the booze topped up with a couple of kebabs at 3am. To cheer us up, the irrepressible Gwyneth Paltrow is selling a sexy 60 must-have candle Hurrah for J.K. Rowlings publisher Hachette, which refused to buckle to snowflake staff who objected to her views on trans issues. It said employees were not required to work on any book if they find the content upsetting, but have to if they disagree with an authors views outside their writing because of the firms fundamental belief in free speech. Westminster Wars... The Tories plummet in the polls to a four-point lead over Labour, and voters cite Dominic Cummings breaking lockdown rules as the main reason. Boris should have had the guts to rid himself of this troublesome adviser. Hapless Health Secretary Matt Hancock began his Covid briefing channelling Vera Lynn. Given he has overseen the greatest death toll of any European nation, I imagine he will soon meet his fellow MPs again on the backbenches. So this must be why Keir Starmer doesnt seem worried about getting kids back to school. Although hes been siding with obstructive teachers unions who want to keep classrooms closed, it emerges his son and daughter have been at their state schools throughout lockdown, because his wife is a key NHS worker. Rihanna melts social media by posting pictures of herself in isolation wearing her yellow, quasi-bondage Fenty underwear range. With perfect hair and make-up, she poses provocatively bending over a sofa. The only question we really want answered is, if like many of us she is on her own in lockdown, how did she take a perfect selfie of her own bottom? Le cheek of Macron President Macron arrived to bestow his countrys highest honour, the Legion dHonneur, on London. He was marking the 80th anniversary of Charles De Gaulles famous liberation speech, made from a BBC studio in the capital during the war, now commemorated as the birth of Free France. As Macron said: It was here that the UK allowed the Free French to plant their flag. Is this the same French President who tried to stymie Britain at every turn in our attempts to leave the EU? The one who branded Brexiteers liars who misled the British people? Hundreds of Belgian police officers today threw down their handcuffs to protest media 'hostility' and accusations of racism, fascism and homophobia in the wake of the George Floyd demonstrations. Officers in uniform and in plain clothes gathered outside the Palais de Justice, the highest court in the land, and threw down their cuffs and orange identifying armbands. 'They call us racists, fascists, homophobes ... That police bashing, we are tired of it,' inspector Vincent De Clercq told HLN. 'Since George Floyd's death in the US, Belgian agents have been tarred with the same brush. That's not fair. We have nothing to do with the American police.' It comes after demonstrations by Black Lives Matter supporters in Brussels and across Europe in solidarity with those in the US after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. Hundreds of Belgian police officers today threw down their handcuffs to protest against accusations of racism and anti-police sentiment in the media. Officers in uniform and in plain clothes gathered outside the Palais de Justice, the highest court in the land, and threw down their cuffs and orange identifying armbands. 'They call us racists, fascists, homophobes ... That police bashing, we are tired of it,' inspector Vincent De Clercq told HLN . A demonstrator holds up her fist, in front of police officers during a protest, organised by Black Lives Matter Belgium, against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in central Brussels, Belgium June 7, 2020 The inspector also referred to the recent case of a black MEP who has complained about being racially mistreated by officers, which occurred in his sector of the city. Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, of the German Green party, told the EU Parliament on Wednesday that she was pushed and grabbed by four officers on Tuesday after she began to film police harassing two young black people outside the Gare du Nord. The parliament demanded an explanation from Belgian authorities after the Malian-born MEP claimed she was the victim of 'extremely traumatic' violence and 'a discriminatory act with underlying racist tendencies.' Inspector De Clercq today told HLN: 'Her version of the facts was immediately portrayed as the truth. I am not going to say whether she is right or wrong. But my colleagues have already been convicted while the investigation is still ongoing.' De Clercq was one of just a handful of officers willing to make a statement to the media. Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, of the German Green party, told the EU Parliament on Wednesday that she was pushed and grabbed by four officers on Tuesday after she began to film police harassing two young black people outside the Gare du Nord Police officers take part in a protest against accusations of racism in front of the Justice Palace in Brussels, Belgium, on 19 June A Belgian police officer raises handcuffs as part of a national protest action of local and federal police forces, in front of the Brussels Justice Palace Today's protest was organised by the Police Unifying Movement (PUM), which invited officers throughout Charleroi, Liege, Seraign and Namur took take simultaneous action. The May 25 death of black American George Floyd in police custody has led to weeks of protests in the United States against racism and policy brutality, and prompted more European citizens to challenge discrimination in society. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday told the parliament she was aware of the lack of black staff and commissioners in the bloc's executive. 'The time has come for us to do more than just ... condemn racism, we have to take this opportunity to talk about racism openly and frankly,' von der Leyen said. Police officers take part in a protest against accusations of racism in front of the Justice Palace in Brussels, Belgium, on 19 June Actor Rohit Roy will soon be seen with actor John Abraham in their film, Mumbai Saga. Rohit will be seen playing a character called Jaykar Shinde in the film, a role that requires him to be hefty. Now, speaking to Mumbai Mirror, Rohit talked about his character in the film and his experience of working with John Abraham. He was quoted as saying: John has a great sense of humour, delivered poker-faced. Once, after a particularly intense stunt, he quipped ismein toh sirf Rohit ka tricep dikh raha hai. After working with Hrithik (Roshan) in Kaabil, I was sure Id never find another co-star whos just as secure, but he and John are cut from the same cloth. Speaking about the film, Rohit said his character Kaykar Shinde aka Baba was nothing like Shootout At Lokhandwalas Fattu. This time I play a 80-kilo, street-smart ruffian and had to beef up to maintain continuity. Baba is a close associate of Johns character Ganpat Ram Bhonsle. Also read: Sushant Singh Rajputs friend Mahesh Shetty shares emotional note: How do you even explain if you suddenly lose a piece of your heart? Mumbai Saga is reportedly set in the 1980s-90s and the story chronicles how Bombay became Mumbai. The story is inspired by real incidents. A lot of factors led up to the change, which is what the story, inspired by real events, is about. Theres no shoot here, but a direct face-off between cops and gangsters, Rohit said. The actor also spoke about his own brush with the underworld when he was starting out in his career. He narrated an incident when he was called for a film narration with a gun casually pointed at him. He had no choice but to do the film. Mercifully for him, the film got shelved. It had been earlier reported that Johns Mumbai Saga would resume shooting in Hyderabad. The shoot would be a 12-day schedule in Hyderabads Ramoji Film City in July. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Safety groups are calling to ban cyclists from footpaths after 93-year-old man died following a collision with a bike rider. Charlie Embrey, 93, was walking on the footpath when he was struck by a cyclist riding in the opposite direction in Burpengary, Queensland on Monday. The elderly man was rushed to Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital where he unfortunately died the following day. The 43-year-old cyclist was not physically injured in the collision as police investigate the tragic death. Charlie Embrey, 93, was walking on the footpath when he was struck by a cyclist riding in the opposite direction in Burpengary, Queensland on Monday (stock) Upon hearing about Mr Embrey's death, safety organisation Queensland Walks said the incident could have been prevented if footpaths were widened. 'We need to widen footpaths and make sure the infrastructure is right for mainly pedestrians and then every other mode (of transport) after that,' Queensland Walks executive officer Anna Campbell told The Courier Mail. 'Pedestrians are the last thought of. 'We need to be designing our footpaths for seniors, for people with disabilities and for kids, and if we do that right then everyone is going to be safe and you won't find that conflict.' Cyclists in Queensland could face a $133 fine if they cycle on the footpath, fail to keep left or move into the path of a pedestrian. In another state, Victoria Walks has called on cyclists to be completely banned off footpaths following Mr Embrey's devastating death. 'Elderly walkers in particular understand the dangers posed to them,' executive officer Dr Ben Rossiter said. Mr Embrey has been remembered as 'friendly' and a 'nice bloke' who enjoyed a walk every morning. Matt Bowman, who was greeted by Mr Embrey when he was opening his shop, said he will miss Mr Embrey's friendly voice and wave. Workers secured a Confederate monument with straps after removing it from its base Thursday in Decatur, Ga. The 30-foot obelisk in Decatur Square, erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1908, was ordered by a judge to be removed and placed into storage indefinitely. Read more Communities had focused anew on long-controversial symbols of the Confederacy after Charleston and the deadly white-nationalist rally in Charlottesville in 2017. Floyd's death on Memorial Day supercharged demands to remove all sorts of stone-and-metal symbols of racial injustice. Some were yanked down by protesters; others were taken down by local authorities. "I can't say this is a unique situation," Karen Cox, a historian at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, told The Washington Post earlier this month. "There's a long history since the civil rights movement of actions against the monuments, especially after the Charleston massacre and after Charlottesville. This is the same exact debate we've seen since the end of the Civil War." While dozens of Confederate monuments have been removed since 2009, as of 2019, more than 775 remained, along with hundreds of names on roads, schools, parks and the like. Georgia and Virginia have the most remaining monuments more than 100 each, according to the SPLC and they have attracted activists like magnets in recent weeks. Protesters in Richmond, the former capital of the Confederacy, tore down a statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and another of Gen. Williams Carter Wickham, and they attempted to topple the 60-foot-high likeness of Gen. Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue before Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) tweeted on June 4 that it would be taken down. (It is on state property.) However, lawsuits have been filed and a court injunction has temporarily halted the governor's plan. Richmond City Council leaders, meanwhile, have said they will take down the other Confederate statues along the street, which stand on city land. Just up I-95 in Alexandria, Va., "Appomattox," which had stood at an Old Town intersection since 1889, was removed a month earlier than planned by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, owners of the long-controversial memorial. Monuments were dismantled in Norfolk, Portsmouth and other Virginia cities as well in the past few weeks. In Decatur, Ga., a judge ordered that the 30-foot "Lost Cause" obelisk be removed from a town square and placed in storage by June 26. Groups in DeKalb County had spent years trying to get the monument removed and had added a marker near it saying it has "bolstered white supremacy and faulty history," according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Noted monuments came down in several parts of Alabama, home to at least 60 of them. At the state's flagship university in Tuscaloosa, where Gov. George Wallace stood in a doorway in 1963 to block two African American students from entering, a monument and three plaques that honored students who served in the Confederate army and student cadet corps were removed this month. An hour away in Birmingham, crews dispatched by the mayor dismantled a 50-foot obelisk memorializing Confederate soldiers and sailors in a downtown park. In Montgomery, protesters pulled down another Lee statue from in front of a high school named for him, and the port city of Mobile was fined for taking down a statue of Adm. Raphael Semmes. Jacksonville, Fla., which has three Confederate monuments and eight historical markers, will be losing them all, according to its mayor. One, a controversial 62-foot statue and plaque that had stood in a park since 1898, was removed June 9. In Indianapolis, a monument honoring 1,616 prisoners of war who died at a Union prison camp was removed from a park, where it had been placed by city officials in 1928 at the behest of the Ku Klux Klan. This list goes on, from Bentonville, Ark., to Louisville to Rocky Mount, N.C., to Fort Worth. Discussions and legal wrangling over some of these memorials began years and sometimes decades ago but have accelerated in recent years, spurred on by new public scrutiny. Laws in some states make removing Confederate symbols extremely difficult, including in South Carolina, where a law written in 2000 requires two-thirds of legislators have to approve any removal. An Alabama law restricting Confederate removals was enacted in 2017, and it is unclear whether or how the recent removals square with it. Most Confederate statues and memorials were erected in Southern states, but some also appear in unexpected places such as Arizona and California. A few were built in the years after the Civil War, but most were produced decades later in the early 20th century when states and municipalities were writing Jim Crow laws codifying racial segregation. There are 70 monuments not represented here whose dedication date is unknown. At least 35 monuments have been dedicated since 2000, and at least three went up as recently as 2014 and 2015. The most recent listed in SPLC data was dedicated in Pearisburg, Va., less than a month after the Charleston shooting. It is a display in the Giles County Courthouse of a medal awarded in 1995 to a soldier who was killed in the 1862 Battle of Williamsburg. He reportedly died clutching the Confederate flag. Growing up, Susie Lujano never understood why her mother kept every certificate, report card and paper that documented her childrens lives. It was just like she knew that one day we were gonna need it, said Lujano, now 27 and living in Midtown. It was some sort of divine intervention. Those documents were used to prove Lujano and her sister grew up in the United States. After the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals measure became U.S. policy in August 2012, Lujano was able to apply for protection from deportation. It was literally the best day of my life, she said of the day she received notice that she could legally stay in the country, get a work permit, have healthcare, get a drivers license and pursue higher education. In September 2017, Lujanos temporary feeling of security shattered when the Trump administration ended DACA. But on Wednesday, Lujano said she could breathe a little better. In a 5-4 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked the executive branch from ending the program. That means Lujano and about 800,000 other DACA recipients can apply to the program again. The Supreme Court victory for immigration rights does not mean the fight is over, said Cesar Espinosa, executive director of FIEL Houston, an organization that aids immigrant families. The ruling requires the Trump administration to give up on ending DACA or prove to a lower court that it has proper legal justification to cease the program. If the administration decides to continue to pursue legal action, it could take months. There still is no pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients. We are not there yet, he said. Were going to continue this fight until we get a permanent solution for DREAMers. The uncertainty of the future isnt new to undocumented people. They have lived with it since arriving in the United States. I knew my whole life that I was undocumented, Lujano said. I dont remember the moment that I found out. I just always kind of knew. Espinosas sister, Aura, said shes struggled with the fear of deportation her entire life. Even though DACA provided her some relief, she said she still stresses over renewing her status every two years as the program requires. Every two years, my life has been in limbo, she said. Espinosas two children, who were born in the U.S. and have citizenship, have known about their mothers status since they could talk, she said. They know their mother cant do everything they can do, like get a passport or fly out of the country. My son cries about it and says it isnt fair, said Espinosa. Hes afraid that his mother will be taken away from him. Carlos Fernandez, 29, was born in Mexico and his parents brought him to Houston when he was 15. As a Dreamer, he said hes not just fighting for his own freedom, but also for his parents. They are the original dreamers because they dreamed of a better future for us, he said. They left everything they knew behind for me and [my] brother. Thats why we do what we do: to fulfill their dreams of us having a better future. Lujano said her mother tried to become a citizen when she brought her children to the U.S. My moms papers are still in process and its been over 20 years, she said. Its not an easy process. People living in the country without citizenship cant vote, and their lives are subject to drastic change based on political policy. Its frustrating, said Lujano. People criticize us for protesting by telling us were just making noise. Thats all I have. I can only make noise. I can only make a calling to people like Im doing now, to beg them: My life essentially depends on you taking action and understanding that this goes beyond your politics. Victoria Vieyra, a DACA recipient, said undocumented people have to rely on those who can vote to bring change. As an immigrant who cannot vote, the only thing one has is hope, and we hope that those who can vote see the injustice committed with us, she said. We hope people will vote for leaders who support our dreams. We want to be recognized as Americans. Vieyra was smuggled to the U.S. from Mexico 22 years ago when she was 11, reuniting with her parents and six siblings. She now works as an administrative assistant with the St. Frances Cabrini Center for Immigrant Legal Assistance in Houston. DACA has changed her life, she said. I can work and pay my bills," she said. "Back when I didnt have DACA, it was very easy not to be treated like a person. I was a victim of bullying and racism for my accent. I used to have a manager who mocked my accent all the time and looked at me condescendingly. The United States is all many DACA recipients have known, said Lujano. Houston is my home, she said. I was raised here my entire life. I love this city. I cry about it because its painful to not feel accepted by the place that you love. By seeking a path to citizenship, Lujano said people who are undocumented are working be able to give back to the communities they consider home. Were here and were going to keep fighting for our rights because were human beings, she said. This goes beyond your politics. For us, its about our lives. Staff writer Olivia P. Tallet contributed to this report. [June 19, 2020] DataTribe Portfolio Companies, Dragos and Enveil, Selected as World Economic Forum's "Technology Pioneers" DataTribe, a cybersecurity start-up foundry that pulls technology out of the U.S. intelligence community for the commercial sector, announced today that two of the firm's portfolio companies were selected as World Economic Forum "Technology Pioneers". The Forum recognizes a limited number of companies each year out of thousands of submissions by global technology firms. Prior selections include: Google (News - Alert), Twitter, Palantir, Airbnb, and Wikimedia. Dragos and Enveil, DataTribe portfolio companies, are among those selected in 2020. The World Economic Forum's Technology Pioneers are early to growth-stage companies from around the world that are involved in the design, development, and deployment of new technologies and innovations, and are poised to have a significant impact on business and society. Technology Pioneer companies are viewed globally as the most disruptive technologies in the world. "This is the first time in modern venture capital that two companies from the same startup foundry have been selected for this prestigious global award in the same year. Dragos and Enveil are prime examples of our thesis that the best cybersecurity and data science technologies are coming out of the U.S. Intelligence and R&D community. It is an amazing honor for these two companies to be selected by the World Eonomic Forum and true validation for the growing innovation coming out of DataTribe and the MD/DC/VA area," said Mike Janke, Co-Founder of DataTribe. Dragos Dragos is the first and only operations technology (OT) cybersecurity firm to receive this honor, highlighting the importance of their global mission to safeguard civilization from those trying to disrupt the industrial infrastructure we depend on every day. Dragos is a leader in industrial control cybersecurity technology, with the founding team drawing on decades of government and F500 private sector experience. Enveil Enveil is the leader in the category of Privacy Enhancing Technologies, delivering the first and only NIAP Common Criteria-certified Data in Use security capabilities. Powered by homomorphic encryption, the company's business-enabling and privacy-preserving capabilities for secure data search, sharing, and collaboration protect data while it's being used or processed - the 'holy grail' of data encryption. This is a clear signal that the innovation coming out of the MD/DC/VA cybersecurity corridor is having a global impact. Both of the selected companies are led by founders coming out of the NSA. To learn more about DataTribe's unique approach, please visit: Datatribe.com About Datatribe DataTribe is a startup foundry that invests in and co-builds world class startups focused on generational leaps in cybersecurity and data science. Founded by leading investors, startup veterans and alumni of the U.S. intelligence community, DataTribe commits capital, in-kind services, access to an unparalleled network, and decades of professional expertise to give their companies an unfair advantage. DataTribe is headquartered in the Washington-Baltimore metro area, in Maple Lawn, Maryland. For more information, visit https://datatribe.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200619005296/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Talks between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan on Ethiopias dam in the Blue Nile River failed to reach a solution for the dispute between the countries, the Egyptian minister of water resources and irrigation said today. Mohamed Abdel Ati said in a press release that the talks made little progress, especially with regard to the legal status of the massive hydroelectric dam Ethiopia plans to fill. Ethiopia refused legal aspects during the discussion for the three countries to conclude a binding agreement in accordance with international law, Abdel Ati said. Ethiopia began building the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam back in 2011 to serve as a hydroelectric power source for the country and help its economy. The dam is located on the Blue Nile River in northwest Ethiopia, close to the border with Sudan. The Blue Nile is one of the major tributaries of the Nile. It joins the White Nile in the Sudanese capital Khartoum. The Nile runs through Egypt and connects to both there. The river flows downward to the north. There have long been tensions between the countries over the dam, which Ethiopia plans to fill this month. Ethiopia wants its own power source, while Egypt fears the dam will dangerously diminish the water levels in the Nile. The river is a major part of the Egyptian economy. Some Sudanese likewise think filling the dam would endanger the water levels in Sudans parts of the river. Tensions increased last week when an Ethiopian military commander said Egypt should know that Ethiopia can conduct war regarding the dispute. Negotiations have been ongoing throughout June with US, European Union and South African observation. The gridlock could continue. A source working on the negotiations told Al-Monitor that Egypt wants to avoid another legal document short of any obligations for Ethiopia, signaling the high level of disagreement between the parties. Ethiopia is also not showing signs of backing down. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said this month that filling the dam is irreversible. He noted in a speech that the country needs the dam because it is landlocked without ocean or sea access. New Delhi: Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the LoC with the Army saying on Thursday its special forces inflicted "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Defence sources said seven terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) were destroyed by special forces of the Indian Army on the intervening night of September 28 and 29 in a nearly five-hour-long operation during which heliborne and ground forces were deployed. The sources said the launch pads in PoK were in the range of 2 to 3km from the LoC and were under surveillance for over one week while Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the strikes targeted 5-6 places across the LoC along Kupwara and Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. Naidu said there was no casualty on the Indian side. According to media reports, 38 terrorists and 2 Pakistani soldiers were killed in Indian Army surgical strikes. There was no Indian casualties. Those killed included terrorists, their guides and handlers. The announcement of the sudden action by the army to prevent fresh terror attacks was made by the DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, 11 days after the strike by Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM on an Indian army camp in Uri in Kashmir over which Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the attackers will not go "unpunished" and that the sacrifice of 18 jawans will not go in vain. ALSO READ: India's surgical strike in Pakistan's side of LoC: Everything you need to know "Based on very credible and specific information which we received yesterday that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along the Line of Control with an aim to carry out infiltration and terrorist strikes in Jammu & Kashmir and in various other metros in our country, the Indian army conducted surgical strikes last night at these launch pads," Gen Singh told a news conference during which External affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup was also present. Pakistan, however, dismissed as "fabrication of truth" India's claim that it has conducted a military operation across the LoC to target terrorist launching pads, terming it as a "quest" by India to create media hype by rebranding cross-border fire as surgical strike. "There has been no surgical strike by India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated and conducted by India which is existential phenomenon," Pakistan army said in a statement in Islamabad. ALSO READ: How were Indian Army's surgical strike carried out in PoK? Here's what happened in those 4-1/2 hours The announcement of the strikes by the Indian army was made soon after Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS). Prime Minister Modi informed President Pranab Mukherjee, J and K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former Premier Mahmohan Singh among others on the surgical strikes. Sharing details, Gen Singh said the operations were basically focused to ensure that the terrorists do not succeed in their design of infiltration and carrying out destruction and endangering the lives of citizens of our country. ALSO READ: Surgical Strike: What does this combat doctrine mean? "During these counter terrorist operations, significant casualties have been caused to the terrorists and those who are trying to support them. "The operations aimed at neutralizing the terrorists have since ceased. We do not have any plans for continuation of further operations. However the Indian armed forces are fully prepared for any contingency that may arise," he said. The DGMO said he had spoken to the Pakistani Director General of Military Operations and explained India's concerns and also shared with him details of the operation. "It is India's intention to maintain peace and tranquility in the region, but we can certainly not allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack the citizens of our country. ALSO READ: India's surgical strike in PoK - Here's what Indian Army said in press conference "In line with Pakistan's commitment made in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control for any terrorist activities against India, we expect the Pakistani army to cooperate with us with a view to erase this menace of terrorism from our region." J&K CM concerned over escalation of situation Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has voiced grave concern over the escalation of situation along the borders and warned that confrontation could lead to a "disaster of epic proportions" for the state. Calling for restraint and de-escalation of the "war-like situation", she said India and Pakistan must open the channels of communication realising the dangerous consequences of any escalation of ongoing confrontation along the borders. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have the greatest stakes in peace as they have undergone enormous tragedies because of the blood-spattered violence in the state, she said while commenting on the surgical strike. "We in J&K have suffered immensely because of the violence and know very well its dangers and consequences," Mehbooba said. "For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, peace along the borders and within the mainland is of immense significance and I hope the political leadership of the two countries would also treat it with the same spirit," she said. ALSO READ: India's surgical strike in Pok - Here's how India reacted Pak should realise its folly: Govt Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday voiced hope that Pakistan will realise its folly and stop aiding and abetting terrorism against India. Emphasising that the operations are a "part of the mandate" of the Indian army to "foil any attempts of infiltration" into Indian soil, Naidu said Pakistan has "not walked the talk" on the promise it made in January 2004 that it would not allow its soil to be used for terrorist activities against India. "India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan that its territory should not be allowed for terrorist activities.... "They have not walked the talk (on the promise). On the contrary, it has been engaged in aiding, abetting and funding terrorist all these days. In the recent past, many attempts have been made to infiltrate into Indian soil," he said. Stressing that Pakistan should realise its responsibility towards ensuring peace in the region, he said, "Hope at least now Pakistan will realise its folly and stop aiding and abetting terrorism against India." He said the state sponsored terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil has become a threat not only to India but for the entire region as well as the world. "We have made all meaningful possible efforts to engage with Pakistan to discuss all issues through dialogue but unfortunately Pakistan has chosen the path of encouraging terrorism," he said. Naidu said India's "positive gestures" were only reciprocated through "further encouragement" to terrorists and also "justifying" the terrorist acts. After the Uri terrorist attack, the minister said people of India were outraged and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reassured the nation that such condemnable acts will not be tolerated anymore and befitting measures will be taken to ensure the safety and security of the country. "The operations by our Army yesterday night were part of their responsibility in defending the unity, safety and security of the country," he said, adding that it is proved that country is safe in the hands of Modi and Army. He said Indians across the world are appreciating the steps taken by the Army in countering the terrorist infiltration. Naidu said India is a "peace loving" country but it takes both the countries to realise this goal and asked Pakistan to understand its responsibility. Border villagers asked to shift People living within 10 kms of the border with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab have been asked to shift to safer places and schools ordered to be shut till further notice in the wake of surgical strike carried out by the Indian Army across the Line of Control (LoC). The 'Beating Retreat' ceremony at Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar in Punjab has also been closed for public today, officials said. "We have asked border villagers living along IB and LoC to shift to safer area as a precautionery measure," Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Simrandeep Singh said. All people living within 7 to 8 kms of India-Pak border have been asked to move to safer areas and schools in 10 kms area to be ordered to close down till further notice, he said. "Surgical strikes an operational necessity" Top defence experts today termed the 'surgical strikes' on terror launch pads across the Line of Control in PoK as an "operational necessity" and said those were necessitated as the "levels of tolerance" were crossed. Former top guns of the military lauded the bravery and calibrated approach of the Indian security forces as also the government for allowing the military to carry out the task and said "a long pending debt has been paid back today". They justified the strikes, saying the forces had entered into Indian territory occupied by Pakistan. "I am very pleased that the government is letting the Army do what it needs to do. Let Pakistani military know that this is what we have done and we will continue to do it (if) they do not behave themselves. We need a big heart for doing this. ALSO READ: How Pakistani media covered Indian Army's surgical strike across LoC "We have to congratulate the intelligence sources for providing accurate information on whereabouts of militants. We need to compliment the government for giving a free hand to the military. So, obviously, government had given a clean action chit to the military who launched a surgical strike with good dividend," former DG Infantry Lt Gen S Prasad said. Noting that the forces adopted a "very calibrated approach" in their strikes, he said this is how the Indian government should react by leaving the military to do the job. Former RAW chief C D Sahay said the strikes had to happen and were "inescapable", contending these should not be related to the Pathankot or Uri attacks as there has been a long history of trans-border infiltration. He lauded India for dealing with such matters with a mature approach while maintaining calm. "The red lines have (been) crossed. The levels of tolerance have (been) crossed and this had to happen. I would congratulate them, but I would still urge (India) not to go gung-ho about it. It was an operational necessity. It was a security necessity. It had to be done. I would urge everyone to move on from here and not escalate (tensions) further," he said. ALSO READ: RAW asked to execute covert strikes in Pakistan, assassination of Saeed, Masood Azhar: Pak media India carried out 'surgical strikes' on terror launch pads across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir last night, inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists and those harbouring them. The announcement of the sudden action by the army was made today by DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, 11 days after a terror strike by Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM on an Indian army camp in Uri in Kashmir which left 18 soldiers dead. After the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said the attackers will not go "unpunished" and that the sacrifice of 18 jawans will not go in vain. With PTI inputs For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. DALLAS, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Simmons Bank, as Trustee of the Permian Basin Royalty Trust (NYSE: PBT) ("Permian") today declared a cash distribution to the holders of its units of beneficial interest of $0.001819 per unit, payable on July 14, 2020, to unit holders of record on June 30, 2020. Effective for the production month of April, Blackbeard Operating, the new operator of the Waddell Ranch properties, has assumed the reporting responsibilities to Permian Basin Royalty Trust (the "Trust"), starting this month. However, they have elected to report the activity of their operations to the Trust on a quarter by quarter basis, not on the month by month basis as elected by the previous operator(s), although, they still have the obligation to pay monthly of any NPI proceeds. That being the case, the trustee will report and distribute from the Waddell Ranch properties on a monthly basis, as there may be proceeds coming forth. Please be advised that the Texas Royalty Properties will continue to report on a monthly basis, assuming there are net profits to be had from those assets. The Trust will continue to make monthly announcements concerning what activity has been reported for that month. This month's distribution decreased from the previous month due primarily to a significant decline in pricing for oil and gas across the industry. The Trust was advised by Blackbeard that the Waddell Ranch properties were in deficit for the month of April, however not providing details as to production levels or pricing received. As quarterly reporting occurs, we will provide this on a month by month level, if possible, for the Waddell Ranch. The Texas Royalty Properties reflected a decrease in oil production offset by a slight increase in gas production. Also, pricing for both oil and gas for the Texas Royalty Properties both experienced a significant decrease. This reflects the production month of April. WADDELL RANCH As stated above, there was no information provided by Blackbeard Operating for the Waddell Ranch Properties for the month of April. With the quarterly reporting starting in July for the quarter of April-June, the resulting announcements would follow with the August announcement of activity for the Waddell Ranch. Until then, the trustee will simply be advised by Blackbeard as to what is to be reported. TEXAS ROYALTY PROPERTIES Production for the underlying properties at the Texas Royalties was 21,229 barrels of oil and 17,337 Mcf of gas. The production for the Trust's allocated portion of the Texas Royalties was 15,285 barrels of oil and 12,515 of gas. The average price for oil was $21.19 per bbl and for gas was $1.44 per Mcf. This would primarily reflect production and pricing for the month of April for oil and the month of March for gas. These allocated volumes were impacted by the pricing of both oil and gas. This production and pricing for the underlying properties resulted in revenues for the Texas Royalties of $474,839. Deducted from these were taxes of $130,316 resulting in a Net Profit of $344,523 for the month of May. With the Trust's Net Profit Interest (NPI) of 95% of the Underlying Properties, this would result in net contribution by the Texas Royalties of $327,297 to this month's distribution. Underlying Properties Net to Trust Sales Volumes Volumes Average Price Oil (bbls) Gas (Mcf) Oil (bbls) Gas (Mcf) Oil (per bbl) Gas (per Mcf) Current Month Waddell Ranch 0*** 0*** 0*** 0*** 0*** 0*** Texas Royalties 21,229 17,337 15,285 12,515* $21.19 $1.44** Prior Month Waddell Ranch 48,557 270,746 6,669 38,547* $28.55 $0.34** Texas Royalties 23,468 14,729 19,571 12,288* $38.65 $2.42** *These volumes are the net to the trust, after allocation of expenses to Trust's net profit interest, including any prior period adjustments. **This pricing includes sales of gas liquid products. *** Blackbeard Operating reported that Waddell Ranch was in a deficit for the month of April. General and Administrative Expenses deducted for the month were $242,961 resulting in a distribution of $84,811 to 46,608,796 units outstanding, or $0.001819 per unit. The worldwide market conditions continue to affect the pricing for domestic production. It is difficult to predict what effect these conditions will have on future distributions. The 2019 Annual Report with Form 10-K and the January 1, 2020 Reserve Summary is now available on Permian's website. Permian's cash distribution history, current and prior year financial reports, tax information booklets, and a link to filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, all can be found on Permian's website at http://www.pbt-permian.com/. Additionally, printed reports can be requested and are mailed free of charge. SOURCE Permian Basin Royalty Trust Related Links pbt-permian.com Video grab of the all-party meeting called by prime minister Narendra Modi to discuss the border skirmish with China. Congress president Sonia Gandhi was critical of the government for not calling the meeting earlier. (PTI) New Delhi: The Narendra Modi government came in for sharp criticism by the Congress at an all-party meeting convened by the Prime Minister on Friday to discuss the border skirmish with China four days ago in which 20 Indian soldiers died. While most of the opposition leaders expressed solidarity with the government, the Congress said the central government was keeping everybody in the dark. The prime minister for his part clarified that there were no Chinese in Indian territory nor were any Indian posts captured. He said 20 brave soldiers sacrificed their lives which "the nation will forever remember their valour." Modi said the entire country was hurt and angry at the steps taken by China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He assured the leaders that the Indian armed forces are leaving no stone unturned to protect the country. "Be it deployment, action or counter action, through land, sea or air, our forces are taking the necessary steps to protect the country," Modi said. He emphasised that the country today has capabilities to repulse any encroachment on Indian land. Indian forces are capable of moving together across sectors, he added. The army has been given freedom to take necessary steps, but India has also conveyed its position clearly to China through diplomatic means, he said. Congress president Sonia Gandhi, the first opposition leader to speak during the video conference, delivered a sharp critique of the government's handling of the crisis. Most other leaders, including Mamata Banerjee and Uddhav Thackeray, expressed solidarity with the Centre. "This meeting, in my view, should have come sooner and immediately after the government had been reportedly informed about the Chinese intrusion on May 5 into several places in Ladakh and elsewhere," Gandhi said. "As always, the entire nation would have stood together like a rock and fully supported the government of the day in the steps required to defend the territorial integrity of the country. Alas, that was not to be. In fact, even at this late stage, we are still in the dark about many crucial aspects of the crisis," she remarked, raising a series of questions. The Congress president closed her statement with the assertion that her party and the entire opposition "unitedly stand by our defence forces" and added that the entire country would like an assurance that China will revert back to the original position on the LAC. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee chose to make a strong statement of support. The all-party meeting, she said, was a good message for the nation and showed that "we are united behind our jawans". NCP leader Sharad Pawar stressed that issues like whether Indian soldiers should have carried arms or not are decided by international agreements. "We need to respect such sensitive matters," Pawar said, appearing to make a point about Rahul Gandhi attacking the government in daily tweets. BSP chief Mayawati said this was not the time for politics and stressed that she firmly stood by Modi's decisions. Several opposition parties like the RJD, AAP and AIMIM reacted angrily over not being invited to the all-party meeting called by the Prime Minister, and raised questions over the criteria for the invitation. Akbar Mammadov President Ilham Aliyev has said Azerbaijan is in the final stages of negotiations on a new partnership agreement with the European Union. Aliyev made the remarks during the Summit of the Eastern Partnership countries via video conference on June 18. Partnership with the European Union is one of the main priorities of Azerbaijan's foreign policy. We have close cooperation with many EU member states. Azerbaijan has signed a document on strategic partnership with nine members of the European Union. We are in the final stages of negotiations on a new partnership agreement with the European Union. Ninety per cent of the text has already been agreed, Aliyev said. Aliyev also reminded that two years ago, the document "Partnership Priorities" between Azerbaijan and the European Union was initiated in Brussels, which emphasizes the commitment of both sides to the principles of independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders. Despite the occupation and humanitarian catastrophe, Azerbaijan has achieved great results in socio-economic development. Over the past 16 years, our gross domestic product has tripled, and the poverty rate has fallen from 49 per cent to 5 percent. The European Union is our main trading partner. About 50 per cent of our trade is with member states. For almost fifteen years, Azerbaijan has been a reliable supplier of crude oil to European markets, Aliyev noted. The president pointed out that in the near future, Azerbaijan will start supplying natural gas to EU member states. Regarding that, he said that Azerbaijan initiated and financed the construction of the Southern Gas Corridor, a 3,500-kilometer integrated pipeline system that will connect Azerbaijan to EU markets. The Southern Gas Corridor is an energy cooperation, energy security and energy diversification project, he added. Furthermore, Aliyev spoke about the measures taken to fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Measures taken against the coronavirus pandemic have allowed us to control the situation and keep losses to a minimum. The World Health Organization has called Azerbaijan an exemplary country in the fight against coronavirus. At the same time, the president touched upon Azerbaijans role in the Non-Aligned Movement. Azerbaijan, which was elected chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement in 2019 by a unanimous decision of its 120 member states, hosted an online summit of the Movement on COVID-19 on May 4 of this year. We appreciate the participation of the European Union and the African Union in this event, he said. Conveying his gratitude to the EU Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, Aliyev expressed his hope that this will be the beginning of active cooperation between the European Union and the Non-Aligned Movement. In addition, Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan has also proposed to hold a special meeting of the UN General Assembly at the level of heads of state and government dedicated to COVID-19 via video conference. Azerbaijan has provided $10 million in voluntary financial assistance to the World Health Organization to fight the pandemic. At the same time, our country has so far provided humanitarian assistance to 29 countries and plans to continue this work, the president added. The Eastern Partnership Summit continued with the speeches of the European Commissions President Ursula von der Leyen and heads of state and government of the EU member states and the Eastern Partnership countries. --- Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Some special occupations including preschool teachers should be allowed to retire earlier than the age set in the Labour Code, said Trinh Thanh Hang, head of the department for woman affairs of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL). A preschool teacher and her students during a story-telling lesson in Hanoi Speaking at a workshop held in Hanoi on June 16 to consult experts and managers on a draft decree on retirement age and pension entitlements, she said preschool teaching is a special occupation that requires certain skills. According to Hang, preschool teachers must be able to dance, sing, story-tell and understand the psychology of each child. They had to work under pressure to meet the quality of education while ensuring the health, spirit and safety of children, she said. The actual working hours of preschool teachers often exceed normal hours because they have to go to school early to welcome the children and come home late but they receive almost no additional salary. With such characteristics, there will be a big gap in age between preschool teachers aged 50 and older and the children, she said. The retirement age for male and female workers will be raised from the beginning of next year under the revised Labour Code which was approved by the National Assembly in November last year. Under normal working conditions, the pension age will be raised from 60 for men and 55 for women at present to 62 (in 2028) and 60 (in 2035), respectively. The retirement age will increase by three months for male and four months for female workers every year until it reaches the target. Hang said a reduction in retirement age for preschool teachers would not only give them rights but also help rejuvenate the workforce, improving the quality of education. Agreeing with Hang, Cu Thi Thuy, deputy head of the Department of Early childhood Education under the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), said requirements for preschool teachers are increasing. They had to take care of children and handle unexpected situations. Nguyen Ngoc An, Vice Chairman of the MoETs Trade Union, said 96 percent of 10,698 people surveyed by the union agreed that preschool teachers should be allowed to retire at 55. Hang also suggested the retirement age be reviewed towards granting rights to labourers. If an employee wishes to continue working and their health is still ensured, they can continue working to retirement age like others in normal conditions. She also suggested labourers working in the arts such as dancers, circus performers should also be subjected to retire early. According to Le Van Trinh, Chairman of the Labour Safety Science and Technology Association, based on analysing issues related to the health of Vietnamese workers and their working conditions, it is unreasonable to set a maximum retirement age of five years early for those engaged in hazardous and dangerous jobs. He said the gap in retirement age was up to 15 years in some countries. Trinh said the retirement age should be 50 for male workers in mines and offshore oil platforms to ensure their health./.VNA MEA says both sides in touch at diplomatic, military level; Major generals hold talks at Galwan I.G. Range Kavindra Pratap Singh pays tribute to Naik Deepak Kumar, who lost his life in clashes with Chinese troops, at a ceremony in Prayagraj. PTI photo The Indian Army said on Thursday there are no Indian troops missing in action in the Ladakh sectors Galwan Valley, where 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a violent clash with Chinese troops on Monday night. "There are no Indian troops missing in action," the Army said, adding that there are also no Indian soldiers in the Chinese Armys custody. Major general-rank officers of the two armies met Thursday at Patrolling Point 14 in Galwan, the site of the violent clash between the two armies. During the clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers on Monday night, some Indian soldiers were captured by the Chinese Army. After major generals of both armies met Tuesday morning and Indian soldiers were released by the Chinese side. Its not clear yet whether all Indian soldiers were released that day, or some Indian soldiers still in Chinese custody were released during Thursdays meeting of the two major-generals. Both the major generals had met on Wednesday too. The two generals also discussed the steps needed to de-escalate the situation. Both China and India have brought a large number of troops and heavy weapons at the depth areas of the LAC. Some 20 Indian soldiers, including 16 Bihar commanding officer Col. Santosh Babu, were killed and 76 others injured in the bloody clash with Chinese soldiers on Monday night. The situation in Ladakh remains tense. The Indian Army is on high alert along the entire Line of Actual Control. There are reports that the Army has cleared some villages near the forward areas. Mobile connectivity in the villages near forward areas has been suspended. The Chinese buildup is stronger near Pangong Tso than in Galwan and Hot Springs. In Pangong Tso they have built permanent structures and bunkers and deployed a large number of troops. OTTAWA - SNC-Lavalin Inc. will pay Ottawa $1.9 million for rigging bids on municipal infrastructure contracts in Quebec as part of a federal settlement. The Competition Bureau says the Public Prosecution Service of Canada settlement, filed Friday in Quebec Superior Court, ends the agencys investigation of the companys role in a scheme in which several engineering firms conspired to rig bids for municipal contracts between 2003 and 2012 in Montreal and the Quebec City area. The settlement takes into account SNC-Lavalins reimbursements through Quebecs voluntary reimbursement program and the fact that the individuals involved in the scheme no longer work for the firm. This is the fourth settlement with an engineering firm resulting from the bureaus investigation. Dessau, WSP Canada (formerly Genivar), and Norda Stelo (formerly Roche) were previously ordered to pay $1.9 million, $4 million and $750,000 respectively for their roles in the bid-rigging scheme. The investigation also resulted in guilty pleas by four former executives of engineering firms Cima+, Genivar and Dessau for bid-rigging on City of Gatineau infrastructure contracts. They received conditional prison sentences totalling five years and 11 months, and court-ordered community service totalling 260 hours. Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin also settled criminal charges last December related to business dealings in Libya, with its construction division pleading guilty to a single count of fraud that helped tie off a long-standing scandal that tarnished its reputation and ensnared the highest office of the Canadian government. Mayor Jim Kenney speaks during a news conference at the city's Emergency Operations Center about protests in Philadelphia following the death of George Floyd on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Protests began peacefully Saturday, drawing thousands to City Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, but later turned tense as building windows were smashed and cars set on fire in Center City. Read more The country and the city are in the midst of two devastating and challenging crises one a fatal pandemic, and one a fatal epidemic of brutality. Both are disproportionately impacting black lives. But the citys leaders are struggling and falling short in key areas. Its hard to know which galling image of Philadelphia will end up defining this period: The flames from police cars and shattered glass from storefronts in Center City. Or the horror of protesters trapped on I-676 as police shoot canisters of tear gas and rubber bullets. Or vigilantes with machetes terrorizing Fishtown, with police unbothered despite clear violation of curfew or vigilantes with baseball bats in South Philadelphia. These are not fleeting images: They document a series of missteps, lack of planning and anticipation, and a too-mild reaction to correct those early missteps. It was city leaders who rejected a plan to appropriately staff the first weekend of protests after George Floyds death, leading to chaos. We dont know precisely who, but we do know that Mayor Jim Kenney, Managing Director Brian Abernathy, and Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw were among those who approved the use of tear gas and rubber bullets on protesters, but also did not act to restrain violent white mobs. READ MORE: Critical mistakes doomed the police response to Phillys George Floyd demonstrations Ahead of the Police Departments budget hearing on June 10, Abernathy delivered the citys apology for fumbling the protest response. He admitted that he hadnt realized how out of touch he was with the anger and rage and frustration of folks Im hired to serve. That sentiment should go double for the mayor. For nearly three years, despite expressing support for the removal of the Frank Rizzo statue, and despite outcry from the community, Kenney delayed its removal, giving excuses about how the statue was built into the ground only to remove it in the middle of the night after protesters tried to topple it. Just last week, Kenney rolled out the same delaying playbook, announcing that the Art Commission will review the Christopher Columbus statue in Marconi Plaza. READ MORE: Rizzo statue is gone, but not yet forgotten | Editorial His response to an armed mob protecting a police precinct Fishtown, condemning vigilantism but adding, We understand the desire of communities to protect their neighborhoods, and if they want to do that in peace, we would allow it, was mealymouthed at best and sent a confusing message about the meaning of curfew. Two weeks after, the same mild response played out in South Philly as an armed mob attacked protesters around the Columbus statute, with police standing by. After three weeks of protests and demonstrations over racial injustice, often punctuated by the exact police brutality that people are decrying, the mayor declared Juneteenth a city holiday. That is not nearly enough. Nor is a last-minute alteration of a police budget, canceling a proposed increase of $19 million and shifting $14 million to the Managing Directors Office to oversee crossing guards and public safety officers. One of the reasons for the last-minute change to the budget was that the administration erroneously underestimated the impact of COVID-19 on revenues to the tune of $100 million. READ MORE: Phillys coronavirus budget hole grows by $100 million, and could lead to service cuts or tax hikes City Council met virtually at 11 p.m. on Wednesday to pass amendments so they can vote on the budget before ending their session on June 25. Then, Council will go on their annual three-month break. That means that in the midst of this crucial time, any important piece of legislation, oversight function, or approval of land-use requests will have to wait for September. Given the extraordinary challenges the city still faces as it moves to reopen, thats outrageous. Mayor Kenney and Commissioner Outlaw announced on Monday a plan to hire an outside consultant to evaluate the citys response to the protests. Instead of spending money on another consultant, Kenney should appoint a civilian-led commission to investigate his administrations response. To ensure that the commission is not just a cover for inaction, as many riot reports have been since the 1960s, the commission should be tasked with coming up with specific, and binding, recommendations. After the MOVE bombing, an event for which the citys out of touch leadership failed to formally apologize on its 35th anniversary, Mayor W. Wilson Goode Sr. appointed the MOVE Commission. To this day, no one has been held personally accountable for MOVE, but the hearings created a public record of the events including the infamous admission by police that they let the fire burn. Clearly, the fire is still burning. FORMER chairman of Limerick City & County Council, Cllr Kevin Sheahan is urging members of the Fianna Fail party, to follow his lead, and vote against the proposals to go into Government with Fine Gael and the Green party. "I am voting no to his coalition and I am not hiding it from anyone and I would urge my colleagues to do the same. If the Greens get their way they will destroy rural Ireland," stated the Askeaton based politician. "The Greens will destroy the traditional way of Irish life, you won't be able to have a fireplace in your front room and they are against one off housing.. How can we reinvigorate rural Ireland when we won't give planning permission to people to build houses in the areas where they were born and grew up," he stated. "I have told my Dail deputy, Niall Collins and the party hierarchy how I feel. People have been ringing me and I am urging them to stand up and stop this. We can still go into government, there are enough independent TD's who we can do a deal with," he added. He said their position on the Limerick/Cork motorway was another influence on his thinking, but it was mainly because he believes the Greens would destroy the Irish way of life. The United States has reduced its troop presence in Afghanistan to 8,600, fulfilling its obligation as part of a February deal with the Taliban, the general who oversees American forces in that region said Thursday. Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie gave no indication of when, or at what pace, US forces would be further reduced. He noted that the February deal requires the US to fully withdraw its forces by next May, but he called that an aspirational commitment that would depend on certain actions by the Taliban. President Donald Trump has been eager for a full US withdrawal from Afghanistan, asserting that American forces are merely policing a civil conflict and should be brought home. The war began in October 2001. Without directly mentioning the 8,600 figure, McKenzie said, Were at that number now, in accordance with the February agreement. The deal said the US would drop to 8,600 within 135 days, which is mid-July. It represents a reduction from about 12,000 troops at the time of the agreement. We have met our part of the agreement, he said, speaking at an Aspen Strategy Group webinar. McKenzie said a full US withdrawal would happen if conditions are right. Conditions would have to be met that satisfy us that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan, he said. Thats not the Taliban. That is, of course, al-Qaida and ISIS, referring to the extremist group that used haven in Afghanistan during the Talibans previous rule to plan the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, as well as the Islamic State groups Afghanistan affiliate. As part of the February deal, the Taliban agreed they would not allow any extremist group to use Afghan territory to plan or carry out attacks on the United States. The jury is still very much out on that Taliban commitment, McKenzie said, and so we will watch the Taliban. He added, They have not yet completely made that case. There remains an opportunity for them to do it, but time is now beginning to grow short. McKenzie spoke cautiously of trends in Iraq, where several thousand US troops are training and advising Iraqi forces and contending with periodic hostility from Iranian-backed militia groups. Although he praised recent efforts by the Iraqi government to deal with Iranian influences in the country, he cited a beginning of a spike in unprovoked rocket attacks on Iraqi bases that host US forces. He said he thinks Iran and its proxies in Iraq are conducting these recent attacks because they have been unable to prevail in the political arena in Iraq. He spoke after Iraqi authorities reported that four rockets exploded inside Baghdads fortified Green Zone near the American Embassy. It was the third such reported attack since the US embarked on strategic talks with Iraqs new government. Syracuse, N.Y. Is a Central New York woman one of the worst cooks in America? Julie Jewels McIlroy, who lives in Baldwinsvilles Radisson community, will appear on season 20 of Worst Cools in America premiering this weekend. The Food Network series features Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli and Cazenovia native Anne Burrell as mentors in a kitchen boot camp aiming to whip cooking-challenged recruits into culinary shape. McIlroy is a single mom who works for Advocates Inc. in Liverpool, supporting children and adults with disabilities and their families. At home, she admits she needs a little help herself as she realized she does not know how to cook many meals beyond pasta and often relies on cereal or ordering pizza. In a phone interview, she told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that she wants to learn how to cook so she can teach her 15-year-old daughter before she goes off to college. She vaguely remembered learning a little about cooking in a home economics class in high school, but was not a top chef. I remember I would make things and they would never turn out like anybody elses, she recalled. Im just not a domesticated person. Last year, her friends suggested she apply for Worst Cooks in America like it was a dare. She ended up being one of 14 people selected for season 20s competition, which filmed all seven episodes before the coronavirus pandemic began. The recruit who makes the biggest culinary transformation wins a $25,000 cash prize and bragging rights for their team leader. It was an amazing experience, McIlroy said. Of course Anne is from Cazenovia (which I didnt know at the time) so that was pretty cool. That was neat to have someone from your hometown. McIlroy recommends other people who arent confident in their cooking skills to tune in and learn. I wanted to learn everything I could learn, she said. Theres lots they can learn on the show. They teach really good culinary skills. Theres a technique for everything, even measuring cups I didnt even know how to cut an onion, and I know that sounds crazy but I did not know any of that. Worst Cooks in America premieres Sunday, June 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the Food Network. Episodes this season will include making Jamaican jerk chicken, a Japanese cuisine themed sushi-rolling and bento box challenge, a blindfolded doughnut-eating contest and a trip through past kitchen disasters. (Natural News) The war against hydroxychloroquine is stronger than ever as the American medical system continues to push back against its use at hospitals, which is causing patients with the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) to die in greater numbers. According to reports, Dr. Stephen M. Smith, the widely respected infectious disease specialist who back in April briefed President Donald Trump about the potential benefits of hydroxychloroquine, is no longer allowed to prescribe the drug at New York City-area hospitals. We have also learned that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has pulled emergency approval for the drug. This one-two punch means that patients in need will be hard-pressed to access the generic anti-malaria drug, which costs just a few pennies per pill and supposedly works well when combined with the mineral zinc. I have never heard of a hospital doing something like this, Dr. Smith told WND after learning about the decision, which was made by Dr. Lincoln Miller of the Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey. Dr. Millers new policy cites the recommendations of the hospitals Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. It goes against all my understanding of medical ethics in research, the physician, who graduated from the Yale University School of Medicine, as well as served as a research scientist at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases under Anthony Fauci, is quoted as saying. Listen below to The Health Ranger Report as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about how doctors and hospitals are deliberately killing patients with the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19): The left would rather kill sick patients than admit that Trump was right about something The rationale behind the hydroxychloroquine prescribing ban is that the drug must be given as part of a clinical trial if it is to be given at all, seeing as how it is not approved for treating the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). But according to Dr. Smith, this is invalid. Its totally unethical, he says. You are not allowed to steer people into a clinical study. Thats strong-arming people. When WND tried to reach out to Dr. Miller for clarification, his office indicated that he would provide comment. But by publishing time, Dr. Miller had still not gotten back to WND, suggesting that he never had any intention of eludicating his stance. Similarly, Alison Brophy, a member of the committee that made the recommendation to end all prescribing of hydroxychloroquine at New York City-area hospitals, could not be reached for comment. Dr. Smith repeatedly emphasized the fact that this type of thing has never happened before, and that its a bad sign for medicine going forward. Doctors and hospitals have always been free to prescribe approved drugs for off-label purposes, and he is still planning to do this with hydroxychloroquine at the clinics he directs, including at the Smith Center for Infectious Diseases and Urban Health in East Orange, New Jersey. It is clear that the anti-hydroxychloroquine crusade hinges upon the lefts hatred towards President Trump who, because of his recommendation of the drug, single-handedly caused it to become blacklisted. And because of this politicization of medicine, patients are now being left to suffer and die. Its one thing to say you cannot get access to a drug that is not FDA approved, Dr. Smith says. This drug has been approved by the FDA. More than half of what we do is off-label, he added, noting that prescribing an FDA-approved drug off-label is perfectly normal. Its a huge infringement on the patients rights and the doctors ability to practice medicine. To keep up with the latest news about medical corruption, be sure to check out Corruption.news. Sources for this article include: WND.com NaturalNews.com Jimmy Kimmel and Matt Damon are at it again. The pair continued their long-running bit on Thursday's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! when Kimmel revealed that after this week, he was sidelining himself for the summer after nearly two decades on the air. 'I'm taking the summer off to spend even more time with my family,' Kimmel, 52, said on the program. 'I've been doing this job for almost 18 years, I've done 3,130 shows and there's nothing wrong, my family is healthy, I'm healthy. The latest: Jimmy Kimmel and Matt Damon continued their long-running bit on Thursday's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! when Kimmel revealed that after this week, he was sidelining himself for the summer after nearly two decades on the air 'There's noting wrong, I just need a couple of months off.' Kimmel said hosting duties would fall to 'cavalcade of very kind and capable people' when the show returns after two weeks off on Monday, July 6. Damon at that point emerged in a bathrobe from the background of Kimmel's home, where Jimmy's filmed since the coronavirus forced Hollywood to suspend most productions, while talk show host have continued from their homes. Damon and Kimmel played off of their ongoing comic routine that Damon had been bumped from the show due to a lack of time, as he told Kimmel he'd patiently been living in his guest room the past three months 'because we had to leave the studio.' In good hands: Kimmel said hosting duties would fall to 'cavalcade of very kind and capable people' when the show returns after two weeks off on Monday, July 6 LOLs: Damon and Kimmel played off of their ongoing comic routine that Damon had been bumped from the show due to a lack of time When Kimmel asked Damon why he'd hunkered down there, the Contagion star replied, 'Maybe you heard of something called the coronavirus.' Kimmel's wife Molly was seen scampering out of a guest room in the home in a robe. 'That's my wife, why is she in the room,' he asked Damon, who replied, 'Why do you think she's in the room?' Say what? When Kimmel asked Damon why he'd hunkered down there, the Contagion star replied, 'Maybe you heard of something called the coronavirus' Uh-oh! Kimmel's wife Molly was seen scampering out of a guest room in the home in a robe Upset: 'Son of a b****, you did it again!' Kimmel told The Departed star, who he's carried on a good-natured rivalry with for nearly two decades 'Son of a b****, you did it again!' Kimmel told The Departed star, who he's carried on a good-natured rivalry with for nearly two decades. Kimmel, a devoted family man, took leaves from his position in 2017 as his baby son William dealt with health complications. In that time, ABC had a number of different celebs host their flagship late night show, including Will Arnett, Anthony Anderson, Kristen Bell, Dave Grohl, Lawrence, Shaquille ONeal, David Spade and Channing Tatum. A man receives a nasal swab at The Float @ Marina Bay on 12 June 2020. The site is now a regional COVID-19 screening centre. (PHOTO: Dhany Osman / Yahoo News Singapore) SINGAPORE From next week, those aged 45 and above who are diagnosed with acute respiratory infection (ARI) will be administered a COVID-19 test at first presentation to a doctor in Singapore. In a media release on Thursday (18 June), the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that, with more individuals returning to workplaces as Singapores economy re-opens in Phase 2 from Friday, such testing will be extended to the 45-and-above age group, as the risks of severe COVID-19 infection increases from age 45. Since the start of the month, such procedure has been done for selected individuals including seniors aged 65 and above, healthcare workers, and staff and older students (aged 13 and above) at educational institutions. MOH plans to progressively extend the procedure to more groups, eventually administering the COVID-19 test to all individuals who are diagnosed with ARI, which carries symptoms such as nasal or lung congestion, runny nose, cough, sore throat, body aches and fatigue. There is clinical and scientific evidence to show that a person is most infectious right before and immediately after the start of symptoms, the ministry said in the media release. Testing individuals diagnosed with ARI would therefore allow us to detect infected individuals early to quickly contain further spread. The COVID-19 tests ordered by the doctors at Singapores polyclinics and public health preparedness clinics are fully subsidised. Increasing testing capacity to 40,000 tests per day With Phase 2 of Singapores reopening after the circuit breaker period underway, MOH said it will continue to step up precautionary measures to enable a safe resumption of activities. It plans to increase testing capacity to 40,000 tests per day. It has stepped up testing of close contacts of infected patients, by testing them before the start of their quarantines. Should anyone be tested positive, the ministry will start contact tracing again based on this persons activity map. Story continues In this way, we broaden the list of suspect cases, and are able to isolate them early, and stop the virus from spreading, it said. MOH will continue to do more active surveillance testing in the community. To make testing more convenient, it will be setting up more regional screening centres to help bring testing services closer to residents. By doing so, individuals with ARI, or those requiring regular routine testing because they work in higher risk sectors, can gain access to such services conveniently. Expanding screening tests to more community groups MOH said that, in May, it had completed testing of all staff and residents of the MOH and Ministry of Social and Family Development residential homes, as well as all pre-school and early intervention staff before resumption of full preschool services. It has also started regular testing of workers returning to work in the construction, marine and process sectors, as well as frontline workers supporting COVID-19 operations. It will continue to monitor the situation and, based on its assessment of risks, it will progressively expand our screening tests to more groups in the community. It has advised the public to adopt digital tools such as SafeEntry and TraceTogether, as they would help improve the speed and accuracy of contact tracing efforts. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore More Singapore stories: No Singaporeans among 257 new COVID-19 infections; 1 PR among 4 community cases COVID-19: No physical rallies, cap of 5 per group for walkabouts if general election held COE bidding exercises to resume from 6 July: LTA Time-slot bookings, specific usage times for ActiveSG sports facilities in Phase 2 The Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce encourages its members to take our survey. The Chamber is working to keep our business community informed of the resources and tools available to them during the COVID-19 national emergency. In response to Governor Lamonts executive order, the Chamber offices are closed at this time. All staff are available via email. We would appreciate your feedback on how we can help you during this time. To take the survey, go to http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07egzfbt92k80jq53n/a0168kbm8exlu/greeting. Webinars are continuing this coming week from the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, and more are on the way. Learn more at nwctchamberofcommerce.org Virtual teams June 22: Building the High Performance Virtual Team Webinar - Presented by Bob Dickson and Dale Carnegie, 8-9 a.m. Bob Dickson, Dale Carnegie will be your presenters for this webinar. In order to be apart of this special webinar, and you must register. This webinar will require you to have a link to take part. The link will be sent to you after you have registered. Business with breakfast June 23: Business with Breakfast, 8-9 a.m. Members have the opportunity to introduce themselves, share information about their own businesses, and generate new business connections. Once you are registered a Zoom link will be sent to you. The Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. Learn more at nwctchamberofcommerce.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram. Ediya Coffee opens its 3,000th franchise shop in Seo-gu, Daejeon, on Nov. 20, 2019. / Courtesy of Ediya Coffee By Kim Jae-heun Ediya Coffee is undoubtedly the largest coffee chain here in terms of total stores it operates. There are about 3,000 Ediya Coffee shops operating as franchises as of last November, which is an unrivaled amount compared to Starbucks Korea and A Twosome Place that have 1,350 and 1,163, respectively. However, when it comes to brand power and size of the coffee shops, Ediya Coffee slips down to No.3 player in the market. According to the Korea Reputation Center, Ediya Coffee has ranked third for three months since March in their study measuring coffee chains' brand images in the market. Customers visit Ediya Coffee shops for its competitive prices of its beverages compared to those of Starbucks or A Twosome Place. However, it raised prices for its products by 10 percent in December 2018. Also, Ediya has "no interest" in launching premium coffee stores similar to Starbucks Reserved, which has contributed much in attracting loyal customers to Starbucks shops, people familiar with the issue said. There is only one "special store" operated by the domestic coffee brand at its headquarters in Seoul, where customers can try new drinks. Starbucks Korea operates 62 special stores where its qualified baristas make and serve high-quality drinks on site. Ediya opened a coffee bean roasting facility recently called "Ediya Dream Factory" in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, but it is not for customers to visit. "Because coffee is a drink based on personal preference, its price should not be considered when people choose the only factor which brand to go for. Coffee has become a part of people's daily lives and it became important to offer a brand experience now," an industry insider said. Inventing new items to keep customers coming back to its franchise is important, officials said. However, Ediya has been reluctant to release any new menu items since the inroduction of its Toffee Nut Latte, even though it has been five years since it was first introduced in the market. Starbucks, on the other hand, has been working with local regions to use local products in its drinks such as Mungyeong's Omija Tea. The U.S. coffee chain also offers various desserts using local ingredients harvested on Jeju Island at its shops there. Building trust between a coffee brand and its customers is also important, industry insiders said. Ediya operates 99 percent of its brand stores by franchise so it cannot supervise all the shops under its umbrella. Some of the stores sell summer edition drinks in the winter season, which causes confusion to customers because other stores don't. This kind of management error cannot be fixed easily because Ediya grew on rapid expansion of franchise shops across the nation. Recently, Ediya started a coffee delivery service to cope with the rising contactless trend. But this is not part of the brand's distinguished marketing strategy. "In the quickly changing market of food and beverage, a coffee brand has to catch new trends and adopt them. If it fails to do so, it can lose customers in a blink of an eye, which can lead to a decline in sales," the insider said. Two brothers from Tulsa who were wrongfully convicted and sentenced to prison for separate murders are speaking out about their yearslong quest to have their names cleared. Corey Atchison and Malcolm Scott told their remarkable story to Dateline NBC while revealing disturbing behavior by Tulsa Poli. 'It's important for me for this story to be told so people know that it truly exists,' Scott told NBC News. The two brothers revealed that they made a pact with one another while they were in prison - whoever got out first would help get the other one out. The brothers were languishing in prison until a private investigator, Eric Cullen, uncovered wrongdoing by investigators that led to their incarceration. When asked if there was ever a point over the last 20 years when he thought he was going to die in prison, Atchison, 49, said: 'Times when you get denied in court you feel low. You just wanna say 'give' sometimes.' Atchison was then asked what his lowest point was. Malcolm Scott (left), 43, and his brother, Corey Atchison (right), 49, were both wrongfully convicted of murder after Tulsa police coerced witnesses into testifying against them 'It would have probably been in situations when I wanted to be out there with my daughter [who was born two months after he started his life sentence] to help her and I couldn't,' he said. Atchison recalled being asked to give up custody of his newborn daughter. 'They sent me paperwork tryin' to forfeit my custody, sayin' I was unfit because I was in prison,' he said. 'It felt like - I was failin' her. And it felt like it wasn't even my fault.' Atchison, 49, was freed last year after serving nearly three decades in prison for the 1991 murder of James Lane. Lane was shot dead in what police called a gang-related killing. A Tulsa judge ordered Atchison freed from prison after calling his sentence a 'miscarriage of justice' and 'questioned the interrogation tactics of the Tulsa police department'. Atchison, 49, was freed from prison last year after serving nearly three decades in prison for the 1991 murder of James Lane. Lane was shot dead in what police called a gang-related killing In May 2016, his brother, Malcolm Scott (left), and another black man, De'marchoe Carpenter (right), were freed from prison after serving 22 years behind bars for a crime they didn't commit Some 19 years went by and the two men exhausted their appeals when in 2014, Michael Lee Wilson (above), who was moments away from being executed by way of lethal injection, confessed to killing Summers In May 2016, his brother, Malcolm Scott, and another black man, De'marchoe Carpenter, were freed from prison after serving 22 years behind bars for a crime they didn't commit. In the early morning hours of September 10, 1994, 19-year-old Karen Lashawn Summers, the mother of an infant, was gunned down outside a house party in Tulsa, Oklahoma in a drive-by shooting sparked by rivalries between Bloods and Crips gang members. Convenience store worker Richard Yost was beaten to death in the 1995 murder that sent Wilson to death row Some 19 years went by and the two men exhausted their appeals when in 2014, Michael Lee Wilson, who was moments away from being executed by way of lethal injection, confessed to killing Summers. 'Malcolm Scott and De'marchoe Carpenter are innocent,' Wilson said just moments before his execution. Wilson was sentenced to death for his role in the brutal 1995 beating death of convenience store clerk Richard Yost. It was later learned that the two witnesses whose testimony led to the convictions of Scott and Carpenter recanted. The witnesses alleged that police threatened to charge them with the shooting unless they testified against Carpenter and Scott. The City of Tulsa, the police and prosecuters have denied coercing witnesses in both cases. Atchison was in prison when he heard that his younger brother, Malcolm Scott, was also sent away behind bars. 'At first, I was like, this is my fault because he followed in my footsteps,' he said. 'It felt like this was my child being taken away.' Scott said his brother doesn't have anything to feel guilty about. 'I mean, there's no blame on my brother at all,' Scott told Dateline NBC. 'And I definitely can't hold him responsible for something that I didn't even do myself.' The special Dateline NBC episode, The Long Road to Freedom, which is part of the NBC News 'Inequality in America' Series, airs on Friday at 10pm Eastern time / 9pm Central. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The United States, facing the latest wave of surge in infections, reported the highest daily increase in new cases in 40 days Thursday. With 27082 new cases reporting in the last 24 hours, the number of cases in the country increased to 2191200, as per Johns Hopkins University's latest update on Friday. The last time a figure higher than this was reported on May 9. With 694 new deaths reporting in the last 24 hours, the total death toll in the U.S. rose to 118,435. A seven-day state-wise rolling average of new cases reported per 100,000 residents shows steep rise in the southern states of Arizona, Arkansas, Alabama, South Carolina and Florida, the Washington Post reported. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he is considering a quarantine order for travelers coming to the state from Florida, which has become one of the new COVID hot spots in the country. New York, which was once the epicenter of the pandemic in U.S., recorded only 35 deaths and 618 new cases in the last 24 hours, which is several times lower than its peak figures. Other badly affected states include New Jersey (12869 deaths, 168107 infections), Michigan (6061 deaths, 66798 infections), Massachusetts (7769 deaths, 106422 infections), Louisiana (3062 deaths, 48634 infections), Illinois (6537 deaths, 134778 infections), Pennsylvania (6361 deaths, 84683 infections), California (5356 deaths, 167234 infections), Connecticut (4226 deaths, 45440 infections), Texas (2129 deaths, 101259 infections), Georgia (2605 deaths, 60912 infections), Virginia (1586 deaths, 56238 infections), Maryland (3016 deaths, 63229 infections), Florida (3061 deaths, 85926 infections), Indiana (2491 deaths, 41438 infections), Ohio (2633 deaths, 43122 infections), Colorado (1638 deaths, 29886 infections), Minnesota (1376 deaths, 31675 infections), Arizona (1283 deaths, 43445 infections) and Washington (1245 deaths, 27192 infections). No new deaths or infections were reported from Louisiana, according to Johns Hopkins data. Meanwhile, a new research, based on study of 20,000 hospitalized patients found that blood plasma transfusions lowered the mortality rate of the disease caused by coronavirus. Globally, COVID cases topped 2,191, 200, and deaths reached 118,435. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Christopher Frierson was not expecting to be hit with tear gas at a recent protest in Brooklyn, New York. The documentary filmmaker has covered many protests, but he has never experienced that kind of reaction by police to a peaceful protest. His camera recorded it all. Frierson returned the next day to talk to the officers who had released the tear gas. He is one of several documentarians who have brought out their cameras to record the historic nationwide protests. Other filmmakers include Steve James who made the film Hoop Dreams and Alexandra Pelosi, the maker of Outside the Bubble. The documentarians, like the protesters, risk exposure to COVID-19 and other dangers at the demonstrations. When there is something happening in your environment, you have to shoot it, said Frierson. His latest film, Dont Try to Understand: A Year in the Life of Earl DMX Simmons, was supposed to be released this spring. If you have a camera, you got to shoot it, he said. James agrees. He had shown his latest film City So Real, about Chicago, at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah as the coronavirus began to spread in the U.S. But when it hit Chicago, James started shooting again, to add to City So Real. Then came the protests in Chicago over the police killing of George Floyd, a black man in Minnesota. James got his camera out again and began shooting the demonstrations. He may rework the movie to include this latest film. James knows that shooting protests can be dangerous. Im being very careful about what takes us out to film, James said. Normally, I would have been out doing a lot more. Pelosi decided to film a protest outside of the White House last week. She was there the day security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at peaceful protestors to force them to move. They acted to clear a path so the president could walk to a nearby church and have his picture taken. I couldnt see for like five minutes because I got shot by this thing, said Pelosi, the daughter of Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Filmmaker Ashley OShay was finishing up her documentary Unapologetic, about the group, Movement for Black Lives, in Chicago when the Floyd protests began. Unapologetic centers on two young women who are queer and black. OShay said debated whether to go out to shoot the protests because of COVID-19. But, she decided she must. Its important for me that we have black artists, people of color artists, behind the camera to capture these stories, to make sure that the people closest to the community are the ones that are deciding how the story is told. OShay said she probably will not use her latest recordings in her film Unapologetic. But, she says she hopes the footage can be useful as a historical document. Few of the filmmakers have definite plans for how to use their new material. But, James expects there will be several documentaries about the protests. He said there were many filmmakers already working on the shutdown caused by the coronavirus, as well as exploring issues of race and equality. Who gets to tell the story of the moment is a sensitive issue for some. Firelight Media official, Stanley Nelson, spoke about that in a recent interview with Indiewire. Filmmakers of color should tell their own stories. Its incumbent on white filmmakers to help them do so, he added. Documentarian Steve James agrees. We always need more opportunity for black and people-of-color filmmakers to be telling stories, James said. But this is also a story of America writ large and what needs to change in America writ large. And for that, we kind of need all hands on deck as far as Im concerned. Im Susan Shand. The Associated Press reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story documentarian n. someone who makes a film that captures real events footage - n. the video that is taken of an event queer - n. gay, someone who prefers parties of the same sex moment - n. instance incumbent - adj. having responsibility opportunity - n. a chance to do something that may not come again all hands on deck - exp. everyone must participate without exception The law partner of the tax attorney believed to be a cooperating witness in a sweeping New Jersey pay-to-play corruption investigation has been charged with lying about thousands in political contributions made to secure lucrative municipal contracts. Elizabeth Valandingham, 47, was accused by the state Attorney Generals office of falsely claiming that her firm had not made any reportable contributions to candidates in two towns where the firm had been vying to provide legal services when in fact it had. Valandingham was a partner of Matthew ODonnell, the Morristown tax attorney who reportedly served as an undercover informant in the wide-ranging state sting that led to charges in December against five people, including elected and former officials and political candidates. They were accused of taking tens of thousands in bribes disguised as campaign contributions in return for steering legal work to a law firm that multiple sources have said was ODonnell McCord. Prosecutors said the officials also took checks from illegal straw donors individuals reimbursed to write checks to the defendants campaigns in amounts that complied with the legal limit on individual donations. According to law enforcement officials, more than $70,000 in bribes were paid, including cash stuffed into envelopes, paper bags and even a coffee cup, delivered in restaurants, parking lots, a political fundraiser, and a campaign headquarters. Already charged in the case is Sudhan Thomas, the former Jersey City school board president; Jason ODonnell, a former state Assemblyman and a former Bayonne mayoral candidate; John Cesaro, a former Morris County freeholder; John Windish, a former Mount Arlington council member; and Mary Dougherty, a former Morris County Freeholder candidate and wife of the mayor of Morristown. Three of the defendants Dougherty. Thomas and ODonnell are Democrats. The other two are Republicans. Those cases have yet to be adjudicated. State Attorney General Gurbir Grewal has called the actions of the five old-school political corruption at its worst. While the charges against Valandingham arose from the same investigation, they are not directly related to the bribery allegations. She is charged with knowingly making a false material representation in connection with the negotiation or award of a government contract. Essentially, she was accused of lying about political contributions that were allegedly tied to the awarding of legal contracts in Bloomfield and Mt. Arlington between 2012 and 2017, according to a municipal court complaint filed by the state Division of Criminal Justice in Morristown. An attorney for Valandingham said she looks forward to establishing her innocence in a court of law. Elizabeth is an excellent attorney and did nothing wrong and denies all allegations contained within the criminal complaints, said Anthony J. Iacullo of Nutley. She is supported by her friends and family and all those that know her. ODonnells role in the scheme, which the Attorney Generals office has never confirmed, was all but confirmed in the charges against Windish. The complaint noted that a $7,000 cash bribe was sought from an unnamed cooperating witness for Windishs unsuccessful bid for re-election to borough council in June 2018. In return, the council candidate allegedly promised he would support the reappointment of the informant as borough attorney. After Windish accepted an envelope containing $7,000 in cash, prosecutors say the informant told him, I need you to, I need your commit that Im your borough attorney and I need more work, John. You got it, Windish was reported to have said. At the time, ODonnell was in fact the Mount Arlington borough attorney. No charges have been filed against the attorney. A spokesman for the Attorney General declined comment. Once a prolific donor, campaign finance reports on file with the state Election Law Enforcement Commission show ODonnell has given $30,640 to candidates since 2009, both Democratic and Republican. But last year, he gave only $2,000. Local journalism needs your support. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter. Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL YEREVAN, JUNE 19, ARMENPRESS. The Constitution in the parliamentary republic doesnt imply any leverages of executive power for the president as the head of state, President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian said in interview to the Azg, Diaspora-Armenian Payqar and Armenian Mirror-Spectator newspapers. Asked how the President thinks the current situation can be overcome, Sarkissian said: My task, as a president who passed a long path, is to find solutions to the systematic problems, as well as to be the advocate of the integration of the nation and the statehood. I see the main function of the presidential institute in this. Regardless of what is the description of any particular position, the person holding a position is forming the result. I am trying to put the meaning in the activity of the President of the Republic which I think is right and useful. You can have the worlds biggest responsibility, all opportunities, but do nothing. And the opposite, you can have one and use it. There is no need to think of what leverage, tool you have, the important is to achieve the goal. Armen Sarkissian said he first of all is taking steps to develop and strengthen the presidential institute which must be rebuilt in a way to be able to ensure the states stability and internal balance, the unity of the people under the parliamentary system of governance. On the other hand, we have received such a historical heritage that every Armenian forces a political leader to perceive his work as a mission, he said, adding: Its impossible to build a viable state without that consciousness, without a deep analysis of that historical heritage and the future programs deriving from it. We are a surviving nation and as a developing country having a strategic position and as a global nation we have something to say to the world. In this sense I see myself as a mediator, as an ambassador between Armenia and the world. The President expressed hope that the public discussions and debates over various issues will bring a pro-national result. The systematic approach is not only a necessity, but also has no alternative as we are facing global changes and these changes are taking place in front of us, he said. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan The Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Suren Papikyan, on Thursday had an online meeting with Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin, Head the European Union (EU) Delegation to Armenia. The Minister thanked the EU for support to Armenia in fight against COVID-19 highlighted that the crisis provides prerequisites for strengthening further this multi-year partnership. Among a number of areas of bilateral and multilateral cooperation the Minister and Ambassador touched upon the furthering cooperation in civil aviation sector reforms and towards actions to improve the state of air safety. The Minister said, Currently, rigorous works are underway towards the improvement of issues in the air safety by the MoTAI and CAC. Armenia is an EaP partner country, which has always expressed readiness to improve its internal legislation, bringing its economic operational standards in line with European criteria. I am hopeful, that with EU assistance we will upgrade the level of aviation safety by introducing air safety standards required by the EU. Attaching great importance to the systematic and targeted work to eliminate problems in aviation Ambassador Wiktorin mentioned: "Of course, this problem has been there longer than 1.5 years and no adequate steps were taken to prevent it for a long time. But this situation can be also seen as the possibility for Armenia to increase security level in aviation and has a greater benefit and strength when overcome this problem. We need to work together to solve this problem". During the meeting Minister Papikyan and Ambassador Wiktorin discussed current state of grant and loan assistance programs including community infrastructure water, sewage system installation, cooperation in the area of energy and the Caucasus Transmission Network, as well as further strengthening cooperation in regional projects. On both sides, the interlocutors confirmed readiness for enhancement and efficiency of bilateral relations. The critically acclaimed Drive-In Theater Tour Series, produced by Awakening Events, is growing again. Awakening Events has announced that Casting Crowns will join industry titans TobyMac, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mac Powell, and more as part of the Drive-In Theater Tour Series. The Casting Crowns tour begins in Fayetteville, AR on July, 15th, with dates planned in Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Indiana, Ohio, and more. "When we began discussing the Drive-In Theater series and which artists made the most sense, Casting Crowns was an immediate YES," said Dan Fife, President and Founder of Awakening Events. "We've had a long history of successful shows with Casting Crowns. The powerful way in which their music impacts people is something that is needed in this season. I'm honored that the Casting Crowns' team has decided to join us on this exciting new journey, taking live music to the people, on the Drive-In Theater Tour Series." When speaking with Mark Hall, lead vocalist of Casting Crowns about the Drive-In Theater tour concept he had this to say. "We are excited for the opportunity to get out and play some shows in a safe environment. I think on a lot of levels families need this right now. We pray these nights will offer people hope." All dates on the Drive-In Theater Tour will comply with local guidelines related to Covid-19. "We've heard the demands from our fans, and we're working hard to bring live music back to as many locations as possible," said Curtis Pinkerton, director of Marketing at Awakening Events. "We're excited today to be able to safely add 7 additional states to the Drive-In Theater Tour Series footprint. Tickets for the tour will again be sold by the car load* (up to 6 people per car) and will be available for purchase at 12pm EDT, June 19th. Visit: www.driveintheatertour.com Tags : Casting Crowns casting crowns news "Drive-In Theater Tour" Series Police commissioner Rakesh Agrawal in a Facebook live session on Friday said the battle against Covid-19 is still on and people have to learn live with it. The one hour-long session has viewed by more than 24,000 users. He added that to make people aware of wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, police have roped in NGOs. He said members of NGOs will be called ambassadors and help police in markets and public places. Market and residential associations will be awarded by the government for maintaining a safe environment and spreading awareness on precautionary measures. Agarwal added that the police will issue challans for not wearing masks to the violators, but also give them free masks to wear. Those attending the session requested the police chief to issue on-spot challans to violators, so they would not have to stand in queues at Regional Transport Office to pay. The police chief also asked people to send their complaints to police on cp.ldh.police@punjab.gov.in instead of visiting police stations and offices. He added that the police have made a system and such complaints have been put up in the process on the same day they are received. The complainant will receive information on the progress on his complaint via e-mail or text message. Replying to a query, Agarwal added that as some people have not renewed their driving licences, pollution certificates and insurance of their vehicles, they will be given some time and challans would not be issued for these offences. Agrawal also appealed to the people to download Cova Punjab App, join Mission Fateh warrior drive and get rewarded by the government by making people aware of social distancing. He added that three containment zones have been designated in the city. When a Facebook user asked about the opening of dance academies, the police chief said that such academies are in categories of gym and a decision on their reopening is yet to be taken. Another Facebook user complained that liquor vends in Rishi Nagar remain open till late night. The police chief assured that the police will take action on the issue. It is a cost Indian companies look prepared to bear. It stems from a need to maintain higher inventory for select key ingredients imported from China - Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Key Starting Materials (KSMs) that go into making of certain APIs. According to analysts and industry sources, the costs are up by around 10 per cent for the industry as compared to the pre-COVID days. This is after accounting for around 20 per cent increase in prices that Chinese suppliers have implemented, and not considering the impact of depreciation of the rupee, since it will be offset later through exports from India - with rupee falling from Rs 70 to Rs 76 to a dollar, which is close to 9 per cent. The exact impact of the cost increases is a function of the quantum and nature of imports from China and the amount of inventory. As against the usual inventory for up to two months, the trend now seems to be between three months and six months. Indian companies are dependent on China for all the key ingredients made using the fermentation process, where China has achieved global dominance and capacities. These are largely drugs like antibiotics - crucial among them being Penicillin G (and other products based on it such as amoxicillin and ampicillin) apart from antibiotics like tetracyclines and also some vitamins. All of these are made using the fermentation-based process. Those within the industry, speaking on condition of anonymity, say there is also the dimension of decrease in domestic demand, which in turn converts a five-month inventory into a nine-month inventory in some cases because of the domestic demand reduction. This is more in the acute segment (sudden onset ailments such as cough, cold and certain types of pain) than in chronic (more life-long needing medications like those of diabetes and hypertension). Those supplying to the domestic market say leading Indian pharma companies have, depending on the segment that they cater to, have seen 10 to 15 per cent decrease in domestic demand and in some cases as high as 30 per cent. Also prices in the domestic market cannot be increased if they fall under price control, and even for those outside this category, increase cannot be more than 10 per cent. Those exporting could pass on the price increases or have it offset by the rupee depreciation but then there too, there is not much flexibility and those in the industry particularly point to markets in US where the scope is limited and driven more by the buyer-dictated pricing or inability due to hike the prices on account of competition. Some of the analysts that BusinessToday.In spoke to read the move on inventory building as a statement by Indian companies that they cannot trust Chinese sources with an inventory that will last just for a month or two. The concerns have also been slightly heightened now in the light of fears of potentially a second wave of COVID-19 in parts of China like Beijing. Though not directly from Beijing but companies in India import from regions near it as also from other parts, including Eastern China. We kept the condo for the summers and an occasional winter weekend. I had accumulated real estate investments as a result of my operating company. Those assets include raw land. We discovered that it has become very hard to develop or sell land in Illinois due to the business climate. Every time we received interest in the property, the project ended up in Texas, Florida or some other state run by actual adults. Commercial buildings are challenged, too, because there are fewer manufacturers and other potential tenants. They voted with their feet too. Check out how little of Caterpillars manufacturing is left since Illinois raised income taxes a few years ago. Of the top 20 customers when I bought my business in 1995, only a couple are left. This story was reported by the Trace, a nonprofit newsroom covering gun violence in America. A group of police officers, kitted out for a day of shooting, sit silently in a tin-roofed gun range. A portable CD player plays a recording of the desperate cries of one of their colleagues fighting for his life. The range instructor, Tony Semanant, a former Marine and SWAT operator, clad in olive drab, then tells his students the purpose of the next three days of intensive training: Youre fucking going home at night to your fucking family, he says. Advertisement Suddenly, the trainees, who are being filmed as part of a promotional video for RealWorld Tactical, a Florida-based training and gear outfit, explode into action. Quick cuts show officers shooting AR-15s through car windshields, shooting from inside vehicles, sparring multiple opponents, and carrying each other under the cover of smoke. Im here because I dont want to be a statistic, says one participant to the camera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RealWorld Tacticals training regimen is the embodiment of the warrior culture that permeates American law enforcement. It preaches that police work is inherently violent, and that officers represent the last opportunity for law and order in an increasingly dangerous society. In this world, police are alone, even reviled by the public their actions misunderstood and the threats they face underappreciated. Advertisement Advertisement They are taught that they live in an intensely hostile world. A world that is, quite literally, gunning for them, writes Seth Stoughton, a law professor and former police officer, in a piece for the Harvard Law Review. Death, they are told, is constantly a single, small misstep away. Advertisement Advertisement While the warrior narrative has existed in law enforcement circles for decades, it has intensified in recent years, driven by the flood of funding and surplus military equipment made available to police departments following the terror attacks on September 11, 2001. There is now a cottage industry of police consultants, which charge departments thousands of dollars to teach tactics more suited for war than civil society. Classes run the gamut of militarized policing, and are often taught by combat-tested former soldiers and SWAT officers. Blue Shield Tactical Systems Tactical Knife Fighting, teaches students over two days the fundamentals of using a knife in a deadly force encounter. Precision Rifle Workshops 50 BMG for Law Enforcement Course teaches officers how to use a military sniper rifle in unique applications, such as disabling vehicles. One company, Dynamic Solutions Training Group, is pioneering a new generation of police unit with its offerings: Law Enforcement Airborne. In a three day course last year, instructors certified the Greenville County Sheriffs Offices SWAT team to parachute from planes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im officially born again hard wrote one veteran Texas officer in a review of a narcotics enforcement course presented by Triple I Solutions. Another officer, who attended a similar class by the same company in Louisiana, extolled the virtues of learning to shake down areas normally considered taboo to search. Advertisement Advertisement Other companies help departments apply the warrior mentality to aspects of policing beyond combat. Dolan Consulting Group, for instance, offers a course to help agencies analyze their data on traffic stops, arrests, and use of force, to avoid false evidence of racial disparities. Otherwise, departments risk needlessly destroying your agencys reputation and deflating the morale of your honest, hard-working personnel. Another company, Security Systems International, which has held trainings with more than 1,000 agencies, offers Radical Islam. The class begins with a lesson on how the cultural seeds of Radical Islam are inherent in the historical development of the religion. The company has been accused for perpetuating anti-Muslim sentiment with its teachings. Advertisement Now is a time for police departments to engage in serious conversations about racial profiling and wanton violence, said Arjun Sethi, a human rights lawyer and professor at Georgetown University Law Center. Instead some are engaging third parties in an effort to claim that they dont commit abuses, or worse, working with militarized and security services providers to further crack down on Black and Brown communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A review of police training websites shows that courses typically cost between $300 to $1200 per head. Enrollment fees often do not account for equipment, ammunition, or travel. Some police officers pay for courses out of their own pockets. But funding often comes directly from departments budgets. Some programs can be booked only once an agency secures a minimum number of participants. For departments without the means to hire training companies the federal government offers grant programs to aid in financing classes. South Carolinas Government Training Institute even accepts old equipment and seized assets as a form of credit for training courses. That credit can also be applied to purchases of guns, ammunition, and other equipment. The problem with warrior-style policing, as critics and academics point out, is that it prepares officers for violence. And indeed, some of the cops involved in the most visible police shootings have undergone warrior cop training. In 2016, Jeronimo Yanez, a 28-year-old police officer in a Minneapolis suburb, shot and killed Philando Castile, a 32-year old Black man, during a traffic stop. Castile was a licensed gun owner, and had informed Yanez that there was a weapon in the car. Yanez, who said he feared for his life, shot Castille in front of his 4-year-old daughter and partner. It was later revealed that Yanez had attended a department-funded Bulletproof Warrior seminar. The presenter was Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, an industry figurehead whose teaching primes law enforcement with a central question: Are you ready to kill? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2016 fatal shooting of Castile ignited a debate over the merits of warrior cop training in Minneapolis. In 2019, Mayor Jacob Frey announced a ban on the courses for city police officers. When youre conditioned to believe that every person encountered poses a threat to your existence, you simply cannot be expected to build out meaningful relationships with those same people, he said. Within a week of the news, the citys police union unveiled that it had partnered with Law Officer, a training website, to offer a $55,000 online course to officers free of charge. Its not about killing, its about surviving, said Bob Kroll, the union president. A little over a year later, George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, was slowly asphyxiated on a public street by Minneapolis police officers, sparking nationwide calls for reform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Academics have long pointed out that military tactics simply dont translate well into domestic policing. In 2018, a researcher at Princeton University found that SWAT teams are not only disproportionately used in communities of color, but provide no improvements to protecting officers or reducing crime. And according to the American Civil Liberties Union, the militarization of police has eroded public trust in law enforcement, particularly with Black and Latinx communities. Advertisement While some departments and academics debate how or if cops should transition away from the warrior cop mentality, there continues to be a decided thirst for hard-nosed training. In September, Street Cop Training, a New Jersey-based outfit, released plans for its first annual conference. The event, which will take place at an Atlantic City casino in Fall 2021, boasts a plethora of keynote speakers, from officers whove been featured in high-profile shootings, to an MMA fighter and ex-special forces soldier. Ive had it with these law enforcement protestors, blares Tomi Lahren, the conservative pundit, in a promo video for the conference. Cops, she said, are the thin blue line. They are the heroes! Like many offerings in the warrior cop industry, a ticket to the 5-day conference is not cheap: $500 per admission. Advertisement In the wake of high-profile deaths at the hands of police, third-party consultants have yet again pioneered methods to capitalize. PolicePR, a company which specializes in unconventional law enforcement public relations, offers to help departments with damage control. Police Social Media, an Arizona company, consults departments on how to use Guerrilla tactics to fight lies, rumors & false narratives. In California, theres Cop PRotect, which according to a 2015 press release, was created due to the national wave of anti-police sentiment that followed the shooting of a Michael Brown, a Black man, by Darren Wilson, a white police officer, in Ferguson, Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Darren Wilson was nearly murdered and now lives in hiding, while the man who tried to kill him is declared a hero by activists, said the companys owner, Robert Parry, in the release. Cop PRotect gives cops like Darren Wilsona trusted friend to tell their stories. Critics say the warrior cop mindset has had a particularly devastating effect on communities of color and the poor. American police shoot, kill, and imprison more people than their counterparts in any other developed nation in the world. Black people bear the most catastrophic brunt: They are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police than their white Americans are. In the meantime, police struggle with closing investigations. According to the FBIs latest figures, American police struggle to make arrests for violent crimes, with property crime clearances faring much worse. If you are convinced that the people you keep safe are actually the enemy, then your work as a police officer will proceed with that in mind, said Eric Tang, a professor of African and African-American Diaspora at the University of Texas at Austin. You cant have it both ways: On one hand you cant talk about being an officer of the peace, and on the other hand, describe yourself as someone who is at war. For more news coverage, subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts or listen below. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Friday he will again try to end legal protections for young migrants at risk of deportation a day after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down his first attempt. "We will be submitting enhanced papers shortly," Trump said in a morning tweet. With immigration as much a political issue as a legal one, it's unlikely Trump would be able to deport young migrants anytime soon. A new executive order would undoubtedly be challenged in court, while Congress has shown little enthusiasm for dealing with the issue in the wake of the new high court ruling. In any case, lawsuits and legislation would take months and Trump faces re-election on Nov. 3. The Supreme Court asked us to resubmit on DACA, nothing was lost or won. They punted, much like in a football game (where hopefully they would stand for our great American Flag). We will be submitting enhanced papers shortly in order to properly fulfil the Supreme Courts..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 19, 2020 On Thursday, a divided Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration from ending the program that allows nearly 650,000 young, undocumented immigrants to live and work in the USA without fear of deportation. Writing for a 5-4 majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said the Department of Homeland Security acted in an "arbitrary and capricious" manner in ending the program at Trump's direction. More: Supreme Court ruling upholds DACA program for young, undocumented immigrants The decision upheld a program known as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), which covers the children of parents who entered the United States illegally. Supporters of the program created by President Barack Obama said children should not be punished with deportation because of the actions their parents took. Story continues The ruling largely took pressure off Congress to act on DACA or a larger immigration package, something that many lawmakers had been dreading during an election year. President Donald Trump While the ruling doesnt force Congress hand, members of both parties acknowledged it was a reminder that Congress should act on legislation addressing dreamers and immigration. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said a path forward wasnt clear on this issue and expressed doubt that any legislation would pass before the end of the year. The court decision has not forced something to be done, McCarthy said, noting that the ruling also came as the House is working partially remotely due to the coronavirus. If we cant get this done working together, how can we get this done with some shadow vote? House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday expressed openness to working on an extensive immigration overhaul, something both parties have long sought, but said Democrats would not be willing to trade a wall for immigration, noting one of President Trumps key campaign promises. Several senators who are up for re-election in November also expressed enthusiasm for taking up immigration, including Sen. John Cornyn, who argued in a floor speech that Congress needed to act and make DACA permanent. More: Trump blasts DACA decision, asking if people get the impression 'the Supreme Court doesnt like me?' DACA recipients must have a permanent legislative solution. They deserve nothing less. These young men and women have done nothing wrong, he said on the Senate floor. Cornyn, R-Texas, told reporters at the Capitol Thursday that he didnt believe a comprehensive bill could be taken on by Congress and the best chance of passing immigration reforms would be in smaller packages. Trump, who has used DACA as a bargaining chip in negotiations with lawmakers on an overall immigration bill, criticized Congress for its efforts in a series of tweets Friday. Instead, he said new executive action will be forthcoming. Trump said his aides noted that the court criticized the manner in which they tried to end the DACA program not the legal argument itself. The president said his lawyers will provide more legal justification for the maneuver in a new executive order. In his tweet, Trump said the court "punted" on the legality of the DACA program. He said his team's new "enhanced papers" will be designed to "to properly fulfill the Supreme Courts order." More: 'We won': DACA recipients overwhelmed by surprise Supreme Court victory over Trump In the wake of these week's adverse decisions, Trump has indicated he will make judges, immigration, and perhaps the DACA program itself major campaign issues. In a scathing series of tweets of Thursday, Trump attacked the Supreme Court over the DACA decision, as well as a Monday ruling saying that a landmark civil rights law barring sex discrimination in the workplace applies to gay, lesbian and transgender workers. Trump, who is making conservative judges a key argument in his reelection bid, renewed his pledge to supporters to appoint conservative jurists at all levels of the judiciary. In one post, Trump said "these horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republicans or Conservatives." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump tries again to end DACA, despite Supreme Court ruling Crude oil futures climbed to Rs 3,072 per barrel on June 19 as participants increased their long positions. Prices strengthened after OPEC+ nations reaffirmed their commitment on output cuts. Iraq and Kazakhstan agreed to compensate for the overproduction in meetings with other members. Global oil demand has seen steady recovery with ease in lockdown restrictions and reopening of economic activity. Tapan Patel, Senior Analyst (Commodities), HDFC Securities, said crude oil prices witnessed strong recovery on June 19 on higher demand prospects, with effective output cuts from OPEC+ nations. In the futures market, crude oil for June delivery touched an intraday high of Rs 3,072 and an intraday low of Rs 2,981 per barrel on the Multi-Commodity Exchange (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 futures for June delivery gained Rs 105, or 3.55 percent, to Rs 3,061 per barrel at 15:25 hours IST on a business turnover of 2,858 lots. The same for July delivery edged higher by Rs 98, or 3.28 percent, to Rs 3,083 per barrel with a business volume of 3,022 lots. The value of June and July contracts traded so far is Rs 1,105.46 crore and Rs 235.83 crore, respectively. Patel expects oil prices to trade up for the day with support at $38 and resistance at $43. "MCX July Crude Oil futures has support at Rs 2,980 with resistance at Rs 3,210." West Texas Intermediate crude gained 3.19 percent at $40.08 per barrel, while Brent crude, the London-based international benchmark, was up 2.67 percent to $42.62 per barrel. The search for a coronavirus vaccine has reached its zenith. While some researchers have progressed to advanced stages of trials, some have already put out a time frame for the release of the corona vaccine. World Health Organisation expects nearly 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine to be ready by the end of next year. Moderna, one of the leading contenders for the coronavirus vaccine said that there's a high probability of their candidate reaching the distribution stage in 2021. Germany's CureVac AG is also aiming for mid-2021 release of its coronavirus vaccine candidate. Here's the latest updates on coronavirus vaccine research and development: WHO Chief Scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan said that she expects nearly 2 billion doses of a COVID vaccine by the end of next year. "At the moment we do not have a proven vaccine but if we are lucky, there will be one of two successful candidates before the end of this year and 2 billion doses by the end of next year," she said while addressing the media from Geneva. There are currently over 100 vaccines under trial. Moderna is preparing to launch Phase 3 of the trials in July. CEO Stephane Bancel said that there was a high probability that the company's product could reach the distribution stage in 2021. Bancel said that they are anticipating the efficacy data to be out by Thanksgiving. Moderna is aiming to recruit 30,000 people for its Phase 3 of trials. "We are very, very interested in knowing as much as we can about this vaccine and to ensure it is safe," he said. Bancel said that the company has worked upon several vaccines over the years that helped in speeding up their process. "This was actually the 10th vaccine that we put in clinical trial. We've learned a lot over the years: how to optimise the manufacturing process, how to optimise your chemistry, to get the best vaccine we could," said the CEO. Also read: Coronavirus vaccine: CureVac AG aims for mid-2021 release; Russia, UK begin trials AstraZeneca that is producing the corona vaccine candidate developed by Oxford University said that they could deliver the candidate by October if everything goes well. AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot said that their potential COVID-19 vaccine candidate is likely to provide protection for a year. "We think that it will protect for about a year," Soriot said. The company has already started human trials. Germany's CureVac AG has said that if approved, their coronavirus vaccine candidate could be on the market by mid-2021. Klaus Cichutek, President of German vaccine regulator PEI said that the company might be able to apply for approval by early 2021. The company has received approval from the government to conduct trials on 168 health people. Imperial College London that is conducting human clinical trials of the coronavirus vaccine hopes to have a viable candidate by April 2021. The human trials of the corona vaccine candidate will reveal its efficacy and safety. "From a scientific perspective, new technologies mean we have been able to get moving on a potential vaccine with unprecedented speed. We've been able to produce a vaccine from scratch and take it to human trials in just a few months - from code to candidate - which has never been done before with this type of vaccine," said Professor Robin Shattock from the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College. Also read: Coronavirus vaccine: Moderna to start final phase in July; AstraZeneca signs $87 million deal By Pete Mecca On Dec 6, 1941 a flight of thirteen B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bombers lifted off at 15 minute intervals from Hamilton Field near San Francisco. Ahead lay a monotonous fifteen hour flight to Hawaii, and the flyboys were not in a good mood. Before takeoff uncomfortable steel protective plates had been hastily welded to the backs of their seats. The steel plates would later save their lives. A young 2nd Lieutenant, Ernest Roy Reid, copiloted one of the B-17s and vividly recalls their arrival at Pearl Harbor. It was 0800 on Dec 7, 1941. We were on a long base leg approach to Hickam Field when I spotted thick black smoke churning above the harbor. Captain Swenson, the pilot, had previously flown to Pearl, so I asked him about the smoke. Swenson replied, Dont worry about it. Thats just local natives burning off sugarcane. But I kept thinking, How in the hell do they grow sugarcane on top of water? Minutes earlier, Japanese Commander Mitsuo Fuchida had sent the infamous coded signal to the Japanese fleet: TORA! TORA! TORA! meaning his attacking aircraft had achieved complete surprise. Bombs fell and sailors died, torpedoes sliced through the water then slammed into the sides of anchored American warships, and neatly parked American aircraft became easy pickings. Second Lt. Reid glanced up to witness the destruction on Hick Hickam Field. Reid said, We were on our final approach flying at less than 600 feet when I spotted at least six aircraft burning furiously. I knew then that war had come to America. Accentuating the obvious, 2 Japanese fighters swung in behind Reids hapless B-17 and opened fire. He recalled, We were unarmed and low on fuel. Tracers riddled our B-17 and ignited the pyrotechnics. Smoke poured into the cockpit. We pushed to full throttle thinking we could escape into cloud cover but flames were licking the backs of our seats so we knew our only choice was to land. Reid flipped the landing gear switch; the wheels lowered and locked seconds before the bomber hit the runway. Reid continued, The bomber bounced so hard we both had to fight the controls to keep the wings level, plus the thick smoke inside the cockpit limited our vision. Then the tail hit and the plane buckled, collapsed, and broke in the middle where the fire had ignited. She separated into two distinct pieces. The crew leaped from the inferno and sprinted for the nearest hangar. Reids Flying Fortress was most likely the first American warplane shot down in WWII. Reid is still saddened by one incident: Our flight surgeon, 1st Lt. William Schick, had a leg wound but managed to get out. As he ran for cover a Jap plane fixated on Schick then fired on him. Schick took a direct hit in the head and later died at a hospital. The Japanese pilot, however, Takashi Hirano, flying incredibly low to strafe the unfortunate crew, lost control of his fighter after the propeller blades cut into the runway. Hirano crashed and burned. The remaining crew darting inside a hangar. Reid said, There was an ill-tempered army sergeant handing out weapons and ammo. We snatched up pistols and clips of ammo then headed out a side door. The sergeant saw us and screamed, You have to sign for those weapons! We yelled backuh, well, you cant print what we yelled back. At a nearby hospital Reids aircrew witnessed the real horrors of war. He recalled, The wounded were pouring in, men with missing arms and legs, several horribly burnt, all screaming in agony. The surgeons and nurses did their best to cope against impossible odds. Im not normally upset by seeing accidents or even death, but that morning was a bit too much. I sat down on the hospital steps and collected my thoughts before I could get moving again. Ernest Roy Reid did indeed get moving again. He provided comfort and aid to injured civilian and military personnel before, during, and after the Japanese second attack wave before eventually co-piloting another B-17 to Australia. From Australian, Reid flew copilot on bombing runs and reconnaissance missions. Promoted to Captain, he commanded his own B-17 out of Seven Mile Airfield on New Guinea and completed 50 perilous missions, including against the heavily defended Japanese stronghold at Rabaul. On one mission, Reid and his crew were bushwhacked by 8 Japanese Zeroes. A few went down in flames; the rest gave up, Reid said, I thought we were goners, but the gunners did a great job and cleansed the sky of Zeroes. An aviation addict, Reid also logged flight time in a P-38 Lightning, P-51 Mustang, F-4 Hellcat, a P-47 Thunderbolt, and a British Spitfire. Asked how a bomber pilot managed to log time in fighters, Reid replied, That was easy. The fighter jockeys wanted to fly a B-17 and I wanted to get behind the controls of their fighters. So, we swapped seats for what we referred to as orientation flights. Asked if the orientation flights complied with regulations, Reid stated, Well, we sort of gave each other permission. Did the same hold true for the British Spitfire? With a big grin planted on his face, Reid replied, I sort of stole the Spitfire. The day after their B-17 burned into two pieces on Hickam Field, Reid and his crew boarded the destroyed bomber to salvage whatever they could. Reid never complained about steel plates again. He found four Japanese bullets embedded into the back of the copilot seat. Colonel Roy Reid was called home for his Final Inspection on September 18, 2015. Pete Mecca is a Vietnam veteran. For story consideration visit his website at VETERANSARTICLE.COM and click on contact us. Tribal vigilantes in southeast Afghanistan have burned down the houses of four families whose male members they accused of killing seven members of a rival family. The incident on June 16 came two days after the killings, which local police said involved a land dispute. A ndrew Lloyd Webber has called on the theatre industry to be positive about its future amid the pandemic. The 72-year-old plans to trial measures at The London Palladium after Phantom Of The Opera continued in South Korea with strict hygiene measures and no social distancing. It has been absolutely awful to see everything that Ive loved in my life gone, the theatre impresario said. I want to prove that they can be open. The composer told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: What I hope to do is to be able to demonstrate to the Government what has happened in Korea, at The London Palladium, hopefully in the first week of July... Were going to do a whole series of tests there to see whether or not its going to work, said Lloyd Webber, who has ordered hygienic door handles and thermal imaging cameras. I really believe that we in theatre must be positive and use everything we can to demonstrate we can open. If having done that we fail, at least weve tried. He said he had spoken to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden. I would love to say that I think that [the Government] understood a little more. I sincerely hope that [a forthcoming report on the theatre] doesnt contain some of the things Ive seen in some of their advice, one of which was a brilliant one for musicals that youre not allowed to sing. His comments came after Les Miserables, Mary Poppins, Hamilton and The Phantom Of The Opera were pulled from the West End for the rest of the year. Theatre owner and producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh blamed the decision to axe the popular musicals until 2021 on continued uncertainty over when the Government will completely withdraw social distancing measures. Kwame Kwei-Armah, the artistic director of the Young Vic, also called for help after stars warned that the UK theatre industry stands on the brink of ruin. He said that around 70% of theatres up and down the countrywill run out of cash by December. With additional reporting by Press Association VANCOUVERThe formal charging Friday of two Canadians detained in China starts them down what is likely to be the path of a show trial and a predetermined outcome, in a situation that has become all the more perilous because of the international attention it has received, observers say. Authorities in China announced Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig had been charged with crimes related to spying after more than a year and a half in detention. Now the two will enter a legal system stacked against them, according to experts. Their lawyers wont be able to have any access to the evidence, because this is classified as a national secret, said former Canadian ambassador to China Guy Saint-Jacques. Kovrig stands charged with suspicion of spying for state secrets and intelligence; Spavor has been charged with suspicion of spying for a foreign entity and illegally providing state secrets. Both men were detained shortly after the chief financial officer of Chinas Huawei Technologies, Meng Wanzhou, was arrested while transiting through Vancouver in December 2018. The arrest was made at the request of authorities in the United States, who want her extradited there to face fraud charges. The arrest of Kovrig and Spavor is largely seen by observers as retaliation from Beijing for her arrest. Mengs latest attempt to stop extradition proceedings was turned down by the British Columbia Supreme Court weeks ago. At a news conference in Beijing on Friday, Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, repeated the same phrase regarding each man and his case. The facts are clear and evidence solid and sufficient, Zhao said. The defendant should be held accountable for criminal responsibilities under the above-mentioned charge. Zhao also insinuated Canada was engaged in hostage diplomacy after a Canadian reporter in the room asked for the Chinese governments take on the issue, and after questions about the timing of the charging of the Canadians so close to Mengs court loss. Maybe you can ask the Canadian side about their take on hostage diplomacy, he said. Saint-Jacques said the two men being formally charged is essentially a guarantee they will be convicted for the crimes with which they are charged. He said it was just a matter of time before Chinas authorities announced charges and added that the two will not receive a fair trial, stressing Chinas nearly 99.9 per cent conviction rate. China is likely to claim it cannot interfere with the court process as well, he said, which will make it more difficult to get the men back to Canada. They are facing sentences of 10 years to life and Saint-Jacques said he expects life sentences to be handed down. Neither has had a consular visit in months. China blames the COVID-19 outbreak for the lack of consular access. Saint-Jacques said, at best, Spavor and Kovrig will eventually be able to see consular staff once a month. When Saint-Jacques was ambassador, Canada was dealing with two other Canadians who had been arbitrarily detained by China. Kevin and Julia Garratt were arrested in 2014 and also accused of spying. Julia was released in 2015; Kevin was deported in 2016. Saint-Jacques said he fears it wont be as simple for Spavor and Kovrig, because Chinas president, Xi Jinping, seems to have taken a personal interest in the case. I think he has some kind of personal debt toward Ren Zhengfei, the father of Mrs. Meng, Saint-Jacques said. Therefore, its a lot more complicated and theres more at stake because of the rivalry between the U.S. and China around Huawei. Peter Humphrey, a British man who was working as a corporate investigator when he was arrested in 2013 and convicted of illegally obtaining personal information in China, echoed Saint-Jacques concerns about a predetermined outcome. Humphrey said the next phase of the Spavor and Kovrig saga will be a highly scripted exercise in fake justice. He was never allowed to see the evidence against him and denies the charges. Theyre pretending to be judges, prosecutors pretending to be prosecutors, and defence lawyers pretending to be defence lawyers, Humphrey said. The only person who is not pretending is the defendant, who is genuinely a defendant and he has not got a hope in hell of orchestrating a proper defence. He was not allowed to call witnesses or present testimony he wanted to the court. Humphrey said the case against the two Canadians is a political hostage-taking and the only solution will be a negotiated one. The president and CEO of the non-profit NGO International Crisis Group, where former diplomat Kovrig was working when he was detained in 2018, said in a statement Friday the charges are baseless and arbitrary and have been since day one. Michael was not endangering national security, Robert Malley said. Everything he was doing was open, transparent and well known to Chinas authorities. Malley said the real reason Kovrig stands charged with suspicion of spying is because of Canadas arrest of Meng. He accused Chinas government of using Kovrig as a pawn in a struggle between Canada, the U.S. and China. But todays charges change nothing to our resolve to secure Michaels release, and to our hope and expectation that he will soon be reunited with his loved ones, he said. Meanwhile, Shuvaloy Majumdar, a former foreign policy adviser to Stephen Harpers Conservative government and current lead for foreign policy at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, said its time for Ottawa to employ an aggressive approach with Beijing on behalf of the men. The answer is not co-operation, the answer is some form of competition, Majumdar said. We shouldnt just look at the relationship bilaterally, we need to look at all tools and instruments and coalitions around the world that we can mobilize. He said using targeted sanctions against Chinese individuals responsible for Beijings recent confrontational diplomacy around the world is one step Canada could take. Other measures include suspending the Canada-China Legislative Association, a forum for officials from the two countries to discuss issues of mutual importance, and reviewing all investment in Canada linked to Chinas government, he said. Its a mystery why Canada has yet to take a tougher stance with China, Majumdar said. I think the prime minister has not decided that Canada has interests in the global strategic competition with China, he said, and its a decision he needs to make. With files from The Associated Press Read more about: WASHINGTON When President Trump comes to Tulsa on Saturday for his first campaign event since the coronavirus shut down the United States, he will be joined by Oklahomas most prominent Republican leaders, as well as rising GOP stars from other parts of the country. Those expected to stand with the president at the BOK Center are Kevin Stitt, the states governor, as well as its two U.S. senators, James Lankford and Jim Inhofe, its four Republican members of the House of Representatives and Sen. Tom Cotton from neighboring Arkansas. Also present will be Reps. Lee Zeldin and Elise Stefanik, ardent defenders of the president who are both from the New York delegation. One person wont be there, at least not onstage with Trump and his allies: Tulsas own Scott Pruitt, the former Environmental Protection Agency administrator. His absence is a reminder that former Trump Cabinet members rarely leave the administration unscathed. Pruitt did not return calls from Yahoo News. The Trump campaign did not respond to repeated requests for comment. The mere mention of Pruitts name evokes, for some, the freewheeling early days of the Trump presidency, a pre-impeachment, pre-pandemic time when Pruitts search for a used mattress from the Trump International Hotel could credibly pass as the biggest story in Washington. Then-Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt in 2018. (Andrew Harnik/AP) Pruitt was dismissed by Trump shortly after the mattress incident was made public, but the president had clearly been fond of Pruitt, arguing that he was treated unfairly by the media. Yet whatever sympathy Trump may have had for him appears to have expired. That may prove unfortunate for Pruitt, who is only 52 and is widely known to have political ambitions. During the heyday of his tenure, some even suspected he would run for president. For all the scandal he caused in Washington, Pruitt retained the goodwill of his fellow Sooners. I think Oklahomans still love him, support him and trust him, the chairwoman of the Oklahoma GOP told the Associated Press after Pruitts dismissal by Trump. Story continues Although he did not seek the governorship of Oklahoma in 2018, as some expected him to do, he was also once rumored to be after a more coveted prize: Inhofes seat in the U.S. Senate. At 85, Inhofe is the fifth-oldest member of the entire Congress. Inhofe said in March he would run again, but that was before the coronavirus and anti-racism protests upended virtually every political calculation across the land. Once in the news on a near-daily basis, Pruitt has been functionally invisible for the better part of a year. Where in the world is Scott Pruitt? wondered one headline a year ago. The article noted that he had been spotted at a high-end Tulsa gym, running slowly on a treadmill. He had also registered as an energy lobbyist. There wasnt much else. Pruitts lonely fate is similar to that of many other top former administration officials. No longer part of Team Trump, removed from the intrigues of Capitol Hill, formers like Ryan Zinke (Interior Department) and Reince Priebus (White House chief of staff) are caught in political purgatory. Some, like Pruitt, Zinke and former Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, were quickly undone by attempts to replicate the lifestyle befitting a high-net-worth administration. Living luxuriously on the taxpayers dollar angered the public, members of Congress and a president always sensitive to bad news. Others, like Priebus and former White House press secretary Sean Spicer, succumbed to the chaos and infighting that have characterized the Trump administration from the very start. Pruitt with President Trump in the White House Rose Garden in 2017. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Few of the now-formers survived with their reputations intact. Most notable in that category is former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who always kept his distance from Trump and, most recently, criticized the president for clearing peaceful protesters from Washingtons Lafayette Square in the midst of the anti-racism protests that swept the nation. Others have tried to claw their reputations back and exact revenge, often by writing books. Among them is David Shulkin, the former Department of Veterans Affairs head and the lone Obama holdover in the original Trump Cabinet. In his book, Shulkin claims that wealthy conservative allies of the president tried to sabotage his efforts and tried to privatize the agencys operations. And then, of course, there is John Bolton, who was dismissed as national security adviser in 2019. The scorned Boltons new book contains harsh assessments of the president and his policymaking style. Pruitt is almost certainly not writing a tell-all book, but he did leave the Trump administration with a flourish, penning a fulsome resignation letter to the boss who fired him. My desire in service to you has always been to bless you as you make important decisions for the American people, Pruitt wrote. I believe you are serving as President today because of Gods providence. Being ignored by the Trump campaign is still probably preferable to what happened to Jeff Sessions, the attorney general Trump blamed for the investigation into Russian electoral interference. Fired by Trump, Sessions returned to Alabama and declared he would seek to regain the Senate seat hed held before joining the Trump administration. Trump has instead endorsed former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville, also running for the Republican nomination. For good measure, the president lambasted Sessions, the first sitting senator to endorse his improbable White House bid back in early 2016, for having no courage. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Most states and the District of Columbia now recognize Juneteenth, which is a blend of the words June and 19th, as a state holiday or day of recognition, like Flag Day. But in the wake of protests of Floyd's killing this year and against a backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic that has disproportionately harmed Black communities, more Americans especially white Americans are becoming familiar with the holiday and commemorating it. New border controls between Northern Ireland and Great Britain included in Boris Johnson's Brexit deal should not be implemented because they will undermine support for the agreement among unionists, the Government has said. Michael Gove, who is overseeing the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol, told MPs the EU's "maximalist" interpretation of the agreement, signed by the Prime Minister in January, was unsustainable. "The argument we're making to the EU is if you insist on significant new infrastructure and a significant new presence, what you will do is actually make the protocol less acceptable to the majority community in Northern Ireland. Therefore, you run the risk of the protocol being voted down in a future election," Mr Gove told Westminster's Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. Read More "If you want to genuinely, as you say, help people in Northern Ireland, then you'll go with the approach in our command paper." The Cabinet Office minister argued that "the really important thing in Northern Ireland is not adherence to a maximalist approach towards a protocol" but rather "respecting the fact that Northern Ireland has said again and again that we are part of the United Kingdom". While the Government accepts that goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will be subject to new controls, it disputes whether businesses moving goods in the opposite direction across the Irish Sea should have to fill in "exit summary declarations", as envisaged by the withdrawal agreement. Mr Gove told the committee that "unfettered access would mean that there would be no discrimination exercised towards Northern Ireland businesses or citizens. They're fully citizens of the United Kingdom". "So, for any individual or business in Northern Ireland, there will be unimpeded, unfettered access for those goods to the rest of the UK," he added. "When it comes to goods going from GB to NI there are additional new processes. We want to make them as light-touch as possible." Mr Gove yesterday denied a no-deal exit from the transition period on January 1 would lead to more paperwork for Northern Irish business. He said: "When it comes to goods moving from Northern Ireland into the rest of the United Kingdom, the situation will be exactly the same, come what may." Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis tried to ease the concerns of businesses in the face of firms expressing confusion about what is likely to happen. He said: "We have been very clear, there will be no new customs infrastructure. "Those businesses should not see any change. Their business should be able to continue straight from Northern Ireland into the rest of the UK and take place in the same way it does now." China charged two Canadians with espionage on Friday in a case widely seen as retaliation for the 2018 arrest in Vancouver of a senior executive of the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei. Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were arrested in late 2018, soon after Canadian authorities detained Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer and daughter of the company's founder, on a U.S. extradition warrant. The charges Friday represent the next step in judicial proceedings against the pair and mean a formal trial can begin. Canada has called the arrests arbitrary. While China maintains that the case against the detained Canadians are not linked to Meng, former diplomats and experts have said the pair are being used to pressure Canada to release her. Image: Huawei Technologies Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou leaves her home to attend a court hearing in Vancouver, British Columbia (Jennifer Gauthier / Reuters file) Mengs arrest in December 2018 unnerved many across China, who viewed the incident as an unjust detention of a prominent Chinese businesswoman and a dramatic escalation in the China-U.S. trade war. Some Chinese businessmen reportedly even delayed or completely put off business travel and plans as a result of her detention, which also ignited a wave of nationalism. China has warned Canada that it could face consequences for aiding the United States in Mengs case. The U.S. accuses Huawei the largest telecom equipment maker in the world of violating sanctions on Iran and has long fought a public battle with the company, accusing it of being involved in state espionage. The U.S. has urged its allies to limit Shenzhen-based Huawei's involvement in communication infrastructure, even threatening to cut off intelligence sharing if they don't. However, despite the threats, the U.K. gave the state-owned company a role in building the nation's 5G network earlier this year. Last month, Meng lost a legal bid to avoid extradition to the United States to face bank fraud charges, dashing hopes for an end to her house arrest in Vancouver. She recently raised a new argument in a Canadian court in a bid to fight extradition. Story continues The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it had ended an investigation into the two detained Canadians in December, and the case had been turned over to prosecutors. Kovrigs case is being handled by prosecutors in Beijing, and Spavors in the northeastern province of Liaoning. Spavor was charged with spying on national secrets and illegally providing state secrets to entities outside of China, while Kovrig was charged with spying on national secrets and intelligence for entities outside of China, according to two notices posted online by prosecutors on Friday. Chinas envoy to Canada, Cong Peiwu, said this month that Kovrig and Spavor were in good health, but that consular visits had been suspended due to coronavirus restrictions. The Communist Partys Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission said last year that Kovrig is accused of stealing and spying on sensitive Chinese information and intelligence. It said Spavor provided Kovrig with intelligence, without giving details. Kovrig works for the International Crisis Group, a nongovernmental organization that focuses on conflict resolution. Representatives of the group could not immediately be reached for comment on Friday. It has said that the accusations against Kovrig are vague and unsubstantiated. Spavor, 44, is a businessman with deep ties to North Korea. Reuters contributed reporting. Iran has over $62bn in net foreign assets: IRNA Iran Press TV Thursday, 18 June 2020 1:24 PM The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) says net foreign assets held by the bank and other Iranian non-bank financial institutions have surged by nearly a third over the year ending March 19. A Thursday report by the official IRNA news agency cited CBI figures as showing that foreign reserves had increased by 27.4 percent over the past calendar year to reach a total of 11,680 trillion rials (over $62 billion). It said net foreign assets had more than doubled compared to 2016-2017, adding that assets held by Iranian commercial banks were excluded from the calculations. The CBI said its own foreign reserves had also increased by 17.6 percent year on year in March to reach 5,470 trillion rials (more than $29 billion). It added that CBI assets in foreign banks had increased by less than a quarter compared to 2016, when Iran was relieved of international sanctions after signing a major nuclear agreement with world powers. Iran came under a series of new and unilateral sanctions by the United States in 2018 when the US government decided to pull out of the nuclear agreement. That has caused a decline in Iran's exports of oil which is a major source of earning foreign currency for the country. However, funds related to previous sales of crude are still held in banks outside Iran mainly because sanctions make transfers into Iran almost impossible. In the meantime, the Iranian government has opted to use some of the funds held in foreign banks for purchase of certain goods and services. Reports on Wednesday showed that CBI governor Abdolnasser Hemmati had travelled to Iraq to negotiate how Iran could use its massive funds in the Arab country for imports of basic goods. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Due to the former presidents racist histories, the Board is entertaining a resolution calling for new names. If the resolution is adopted, the Board would also review other district school names and consider further changes by gathering input from the community. Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner who once took a bullet for campaigning for girls education in Pakistan, was over the moon on Friday after completing her degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Britains prestigious Oxford University. Malala, 22, who attended Oxfords Lady Margaret Hall college, took to Twitter to share two pictures that show her celebrating the milestone with her family. Hard to express my joy and gratitude right now as I completed my Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree at Oxford, she said in the tweet, accompanied by two pictures - one showing her sitting with her family in front of a cake that says: Happy Graduation Malala, and the other in which she is covered with cake smiling for the camera. Hard to express my joy and gratitude right now as I completed my Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree at Oxford. I dont know whats ahead. For now, it will be Netflix, reading and sleep. pic.twitter.com/AUxN55cUAf Malala (@Malala) June 19, 2020 In the tweet, the famed human rights activist also revealed her plans for the immediate future - Netflix, reading and sleeping. I dont know whats ahead. For now, it will be Netflix, reading and sleep, she wrote. Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban militants in December 2012 for campaigning for female education in the Swat Valley in northeastern Pakistan. Severely wounded, she was airlifted from one military hospital in Pakistan to another and later flown to the UK for treatment. After the attack, the Taliban released a statement saying that they would target Malala again if she survived. At the age of 17, Malala became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for her education advocacy in 2014 when she shared the coveted honour with Indias social activist Kailash Satyarthi. Unable to return to Pakistan after her recovery, she moved to Britain, setting up the Malala Fund and supporting local education advocacy groups with a focus on Pakistan, Nigeria, Jordan, Syria and Kenya. The Taliban, who are against girls education, have destroyed many schools in Pakistan. Lebanon County is the only county in Pennsylvania that is not being given approval from Gov. Tom Wolfs administration to move to the green phase. The Wolf administration said Friday 12 more counties will move next week to the green phase, the least restrictive in the governors plan to reopen Pennsylvania amid the coronavirus pandemic. Those counties include Philadelphia and all of its suburbs. Earlier Friday, eight counties, including Dauphin, moved into the green phase. As of Friday, 54 counties are now in the green phase, with 12 more headed there next Friday. On June 26, Lebanon County will stand alone among Pennsylvanias 67 counties by not entering the green phase. In a news release, Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said Lebanon County is seeing an uptick in coronavirus cases. Levine also pointedly criticized Lebanon County elected officials for defying the Wolf administrations recommendations in reopening businesses. The Wolf administration noted that Lebanon Countys commissioners voted 2-1, along party lines, to reopen the county in May. Lebanon Countys partisan, politically driven decision to ignore public health experts and reopen prematurely is having severe consequences for the health and safety of county residents, Dr. Levine said in the news release. Case counts have escalated and the county is not yet ready to be reopened, Levine continued. Lebanon County has hindered its progress by reopening too early. Because of this irresponsible decision, Lebanon County residents are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19. Lebanon County has had more than 1,200 people contract the virus and 40 have died. The Lebanon County GOP issued a statement calling the governor a dictator, adding, Tom Wolf is an absolute loser and a bad joke. Earlier this month, Lebanon County elected officials gathered at the Taste of Sicily restaurant in Palmyra, which served customers in its dining room in defiance of the Wolf administration orders. The state suspended the restaurants license but the owners vowed to stay open. State Rep. Russ Diamond, a Lebanon County Republican, has introduced a resolution calling for Levines removal or resignation as health secretary. Diamond faulted Levine for her handling of the coronavirus pandemic and its spread through nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. More than 80,000 Pennsylvania residents have contracted the coronavirus and more than 6,300 have died. More than two-thirds of the states COVID-19 deaths have been in nursing homes or personal care homes. The Wolf administration said the 12 counties will move to the green phase on June 26. They are: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Susquehanna. With the green phase, schools can open and restaurants can once again offer indoor dining, with limits on occupancy. Other businesses, such as casinos, hair salons and gyms, can open their doors again, albeit with some restrictions. Wolf continues to draw criticism from Republican lawmakers who contend the governor has opened the state too slowly. Last week, the GOP-controlled General Assembly passed a resolution directing Wolf to end the state of emergency, which he extended earlier this month. Wolf has said he would veto it, while Republican lawmakers say he lacks the authority. The matter is headed for the state Supreme Court, which agreed Wednesday to take up the case. More from PennLive Celebrating Juneteenth? Here are some events to mark the holiday in central Pa. Indoor dining returns to Dauphin county including Aroogas, Millworks, What If Hershey, and more: See list Pa. unemployment rate in May was 13.1%, which actually represents an improvement Michael Hurd, 71, the director of the Texas Institute for the Preservation of History and Culture at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas, spent years studying black history. But while growing up in the 50s and 60s, he had no serious knowledge about the holiday. He simply knew Juneteenth as the picnic, with barbecue, fried chicken, pies and red soda water. Mr. Hurd plans to spend this Juneteenth reflecting on black history in the U.S. and the recent killings of unarmed black people, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. Thereve been a lot of people whove suffered tremendously for our survival, he said. And thats what I think about and given the current events and where our country is now, Im going to think about it a lot more. For some African-Americans, this years Juneteenth is difficult to celebrate, as black people are still fighting for equal rights in labor, health care, housing, education and more. A more widespread recognition of the holiday and the spread of approved time off from work is not enough. Until corporate leadership looks different, until there are actual policies that are created in this country to protect the marginalized and that uplift the marginalized voices, said Lazarus Lynch, 26, Im not interested in the quick service solutions. Mr. Lynch, an artist, chef and author in the New York City borough of Queens, said that while he appreciates the history and believes in honoring the ancestors that came before him, he said its complicated, because black people are not afforded the luxury of taking a break from fighting for justice. Massachusetts still doesnt know the full economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, but one thing is certain: the state will begin fiscal 2021 without a permanent budget as officials wait for more clarity on revenue losses and the possibility of federal relief. The Baker administration filed a $5.25 billion joint interim budget Friday afternoon, less than two weeks before the start of fiscal 2021. The interim budget, commonly referred to as a one-twelfth, typically approves funding to cover expenses in July at the same funding level that was approved for fiscal 2020. The interim budget sets aside the funds to maintain operations at statewide departments, boards, commissions and institutions. The funding also applies to dispersing federal grants and Intergovernmental Service Fund expenditures. The interim budget calls for Treasurer Deborah Goldberg to make some advance payments, including reimbursements, for at least some local municipal, school and technical programs that may face spending gaps, provided that the state Department of Revenue commissioner and Secretary of Administration and Finance approve of the payments. The interim budget also re-authorizes capital spending accounts that were expected to expire at the end of the fiscal year. An interim budget isnt unique to the new fiscal year in Massachusetts. Lawmakers have passed an interim budget in each of the last nine years as they failed to reach agreements on a full-year budget before July 1. This year, lawmakers have not filed any proposed budget this spring because of the coronavirus pandemic. The disruption of the global public health crisis makes the $44.6 billion budget proposal Gov. Charlie Baker filed in January outdated. Unlike previous years, Massachusetts is facing historic levels of unemployment and tax revenue shortfalls as the state shut down to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Since the pandemic began, COVID-19 has killed more than 7,000 statewide. More than 106,000 people have tested positive. The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a Beacon Hill watchdog group, projects the state could face a $6 billion budget shortfall and that the impact of the economic decline could be felt for years. The state Department of Revenue has collected $2.25 billion less than it expected to in tax revenues, in large part due to revenue collections falling short in April. The preliminary revenue collections for April alone were 1.9 billion, which was 54% less than what the state collected in April 2019. But its unclear how much of that money could come by July 15, the extended tax payment deadline. In May, the state collected $1.7 billion in tax revenues, 13% less than it did in May 2019 and 15% less than the state projected it would. Less tax revenue means less money for roads, schools and other initiatives that rely on state aid. The interim budget does not address any long-term concerns for the next fiscal year. Its purpose is to keep the state afloat for the month of July while lawmakers await updated revenue figures and answers from Congress about the possibility of a federal relief package that could help Massachusetts close its spending gaps. The bill goes to the House and Senate, who have until June 30 to pass and get to the governors desk. Related Content: #JusticeDone following intensive coordination between Germany and Lithuania via Eurojust The Regional Court of Heilbronn in Germany recently sentenced eleven members of a Lithuanian criminal organisation to imprisonment for up to eight years for stealing luxury cars in Germany. The court rulings followed close and intensive cooperation between the German and Lithuanian judicial and police authorities, coordinated via Eurojust, the EU's Criminal Justice Cooperation Agency, which supported the setting up of a joint investigation team (JIT). Thanks to this collaboration, the authorities were able to map out and take decisive action against the criminal group as a whole. It also enabled them to proceed to a consolidated trial against all eleven defendants, based on solid evidence. Heilbronn Senior Public Prosecutor Ms Mirjam Weisenburger said: 'Without the joint investigation team, this process and its, what I consider, successful conclusion would not have been possible. We have seen the advantages of this kind of cooperation in investigations on many occasions and that is what really enabled us to move forward in this case.' The organised criminal group (OCG), which was coordinated from a base in Lithuania, operated in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. The thieves cracked the locks of high-end, luxury keyless cars using radio wave extenders and then transported them in trucks through the Czech Republic and Poland to Lithuania. The leaders in Lithuania communicated in code language with the gang members on the ground in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Given the cross-border dimension of the investigation, a JIT was set up with funding and support provided by Eurojust and analytical support by Europol. This facilitated a quick and direct exchange of information among the authorities involved, who set to work as one team. The constantly changing plans of the OCG were gradually mapped out, including by way of interception means, and step-by-step this led to the identification of additional suspects and criminal facts. In addition to its financial and operational support to the JIT, Eurojust also assisted the national authorities with the organisation of two coordination meetings, where the team members were able to meet face to face, while interpreters were also on hand to provide help when needed. Eurojust also facilitated the execution of European Investigation Orders and requests for Mutual Legal Assistance. A carefully prepared action day was held in December 2018, which resulted in the simultaneous arrests of the eleven suspects. To enable a consolidated trial to be brought against all of them, the two gang leaders and five gang members, who had been arrested in Lithuania, were subsequently transferred to Germany. The two leaders of the criminal group were convicted to serve prison sentences of seven years and nine months and five years and nine months respectively. The judgements are final. The Court also ordered confiscation of the proceeds of the crimes, the highest single amount being 584,960, while several properties have also been seized in Lithuania. John McNesby, President of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #5, is shown on Sept. 4, 2019. Read more In response to civil unrest and calls for police reform, Philadelphia City Council is poised to approve a budget for the next fiscal year that cancels a $19 million increase in police funding. Meanwhile, $14 million would be diverted into a different part of the city budget by moving crossing guards and public safety enforcement officers out of the Police Department. Mayor Jim Kenney promised to make changes to the proposed city budget last week amid protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Lauren Aguirre (@laurencaguirre, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) The scenario is repeated in big cities such as Philadelphia: Outrage over episodes of police misconduct is met with promises from political leaders to enact change. Then, police union officials combat and prevent that change. But this time could be different. The death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police has led to a rare moment of broad political agreement: Something has to change. And even Republican lawmakers, who are normally staunch defenders of the status quo, are now pushing legislation that could radically change how police unions work in Pennsylvania. City Council unanimously passed five housing bills Thursday to help renters who are struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic. Council voted to extend the eviction moratorium for Philadelphia residential renters and small businesses, waived rent fees, and created an eviction-diversion program. These bills passed after the citys pandemic rental assistance program ran out of funds to help Philly residents. Almost 13,000 households applied, but Philadelphia was able to pledge support for only 4,000 households before the money ran out. If youre confused about all the unemployment numbers, heres a breakdown of how to read them during the pandemic. Today is June 19, celebrated as Juneteenth. Many people, regardless of their race, dont know the significance of the holiday. Its the oldest American holiday to commemorate the end of slavery, and was first celebrated by newly emancipated black Texans 155 years ago. My colleague Elizabeth Wellington dives into the holidays history, why it isnt already mainstream, and why everyone should celebrate it. What you need to know today Through your eyes | #OurPhilly Heres an adorable Philly-raised puppy for your Friday. Thanks for sharing, @brooklyn.pup! Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and well pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout out! Thats interesting Opinions Its precisely because these [monuments] embody white supremacy that we must safeguard them, in places that foster real historical understanding. Of course we shouldnt let racist leaders and traitors remain on pedestals. But simply pulling them down wont do anything to challenge their legacy. That will require the hard work of preserving our racist past, so one day we will learn not to repeat it. writes Jonathan Zimmerman, who teaches education and history at the University of Pennsylvania, about moving racist statues into museums instead of storage. Make Juneteenth a federal holiday, writes Chad Dion Lassiter, executive director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. When media rely on what police say, they miss key truths about crime and black communities, writes Inquirer national columnist Will Bunch. What were reading Your Daily Dose of | Art Escape Drive-Through The Delaware Contemporary created an Art Escape Drive-Through in response to the pandemic and social-distancing guidelines. It was set to open in early June, but protests after the death of George Floyd swept the country, so the museum changed its approach. The museum reopened its doors June 12 and turned one of its galleries into a Response Gallery, where visitors are urged to take over the room and express their voices through art created on the walls. This gallery is open to the public through July 26, and the drive-through portion of the Art Escape is open from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 19. By PTI CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Police on Friday said it has busted a Pakistan-linked terror module by arresting two alleged Khalistani operatives, who were planning to carry out a series of attacks and targeted killings in the state. Punjab DGP Dinkar Gupta said Gurmeet Singh and Vikram Singh were arrested late Thursday night from a spot near Gurdaspuria Dhaba on the GT Road, under Jandiala Police Station, during a raid by an Amritsar Rural Police team, acting on a tip-off from the general public. A German-made MP5 sub-machine gun, a 9-mm pistol with four magazines, and two mobile phones with a host of incriminatory conversations, messages, photographs etc were seized from the duo, he said. "The mobile phones revealed suspicious transactions with Pakistan-based elements, including photographs, voice messages, as well as the coordinates of a particular geo-location," Gupta said. In addition, several posts and web-links propagating the formation of Khalistan were also found from the mobile phone of Gurmeet Singh, who has been in regular touch with the ISI, Pakistan's intelligence agency, and anti-India elements sponsored by the Pakistani establishment, he said. A case has been registered under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, he said. According to the DGP, 44-year-old Gurmeet Singh, a resident of Ganda Singh Colony, Sultanwind Road, Amritsar, revealed during questioning that the photographs and voice messages had been shared with them by their Pakistan-based handlers to locate and pick up sophisticated weapons kept at that location by their associates. He further revealed that their Pakistan-based handlers had been instructing them to carry out terror attacks in Punjab, especially targeting persons belonging to a particular community, to further the cause of Khalistan. Gurmeet Singh further disclosed that he had visited Pakistan about 3 years ago to meet his handlers. "Gurmeet Singh was earlier involved in a case of fraud with his brother, and a case was registered against him in Police station B-Division, Amritsar," he said. Efforts were being made to identify their Pakistan-based mentors and handlers, said Gupta, adding that further investigations to unearth the full linkages and ramifications of the terror module, including those based across the border, were in progress. Gupta said the Punjab Police was working round-the-clock to thwart the nefarious designs of anti-India elements trying to disturb the state's communal harmony and law and order, in furtherance of their separatist and divisive agenda. Board-certified internist Dr. Michael Farzam. Neglecting ones ongoing health problems to avoid the risk of being exposed to viral illnesses can have some less than pleasant unexpected outcomes. A May 31 article on Yahoo Finance reports on a prominent Los Angeles-based hospitals recent efforts to encourage those in the community to prioritize their health and begin to start scheduling in-person visits when needed now that protocols have been set to make doctor visits safer. The article reports that many hospitals in Southern California never reached full capacity or experienced the surge in COVID-19 patients they expected. What the hospitals found, the article explains, was that the number of online-visits quickly rose from 150 a week to over 10,000 a week. The hospital community also found that the public was hesitant to step into hospitals or clinics, and many of those who have since returned to receive care for their non-coronavirus issues should have been seen much earlier. Dr. Michael Farzam of House Call Doctor Los Angeles says that, while social distancing remains extremely important, neglecting ones ongoing health problems to avoid the risk of being exposed to viral illnesses can have some less than pleasant unexpected outcomes. Dr. Michael Farzam says that house call medicine is a good alternative for individuals in need of general medical care but who are also looking to avoid medical buildings and clinics. Especially in the time of COVID, the board-certified physician says that the advantages of choosing house call doctors continue to increase. In addition to patients not needing to risk worsening their condition through the stress of going to a doctors office and sitting in a crowded waiting room full of other ill patients, they can rest comfortably at home without the risk of infecting others while medical care is brought directly to their doorsteps, says Dr. Michael Farzam. While home visits from doctors might seem quaintly old-fashioned, Dr. Michael Farzam says the service has made a comeback due to advances in medical technology. Much like most other types of technology over the last two decades, medical equipment has miniaturized and become easily portable, allowing doctors to once again bring care directly to patients homes without sacrificing the best of 21st-century medical care, Dr. Michael Farzam explains. There may be added benefits. Dr. Farzam says he can spend an average of 45 minutes with each patient, much longer than most clinic-based doctors are typically allowed. He also adds that, while virtual visits have their place, they also have obvious limitations. He recounts a case where a doctor visited an aging ill-patient with flu-like symptoms. Once the doctor arrived, the physicians immediately smelled the real problem -- a gas leak that the elderly individual wasnt able to smell. Sometimes, notes the doctor, theres no substitute for showing up. Readers interested in learning more about board-certified physician Dr. Michael Farzam and House Call Doctor Los Angeles can call (310) 849-7991 or visit https://www.housecalldoctorla.com. A woman rides her scooter past advertisements of Reliance Industries' Jio telecoms unit, in Ahmedabad NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) will buy a 2.32% stake in Reliance Industries' digital unit Jio Platforms for 113.67 billion rupees ($1.49 billion), the Indian conglomerate said on Thursday. The deal with the Saudi sovereign wealth fund means Reliance has now sold 24.7% of Jio Platforms and raised just over $15 billion from investors including Facebook. The investment gives Jio Platforms -- which comprises telecoms venture Jio Infocomm and music, movie apps -- an enterprise value of 5.16 trillion rupees, Reliance said in a statement. "We believe that the potential of the Indian digital economy is very exciting and that Jio Platforms provides us with an excellent opportunity to gain access to that growth," PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan said in the statement. PIF, which manages more than $300 billion in assets, invested $7.7 billion in global equities in the first quarter. PIF has been interested in technology and has stakes in Uber Technologies and a $45 billion allocation to SoftBank's Vision Fund. The Jio Platforms deals, along with a $7 billion share sale, will help Reliance meet its target of paying off $21.4 billion of net debt by the end of the year, according to the company. Reliance, controlled by India's richest man Mukesh Ambani, disrupted the country's telecoms sector by launching Jio Infocomm in late 2016 with free voice and cut-price data. Jio forced many rivals out of business and drove consolidation in the sector. Ambani has always pitched Jio as a tech company rather than a traditional telecoms player. ($1 = 76.0680 Indian rupees) (Reporting by Sankalp Phartiyal and Philip George; Additional reporting by Saeed Azhar; editing by Vinay Dwivedi and Jason Neely) QUEENSBURY Four people were displaced by a fire early Friday morning in Queensbury at one of the apartment buildings in The Cedars Senior Living Community. Fire broke out at about 2:30 a.m. in one of the second-floor apartments at 51 Evergreen Lane. The Queensbury Central Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene. Chief Richard Jones said when firefighters arrived, the fire was out, but there was a lot of smoke. Firefighters evacuated the second-floor wing of the building. One of the residents was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. He had a hand injury from attempting to put the fire out, he said. The fire was contained to the cooking stove, according to Jones. About 25 to 30 firefighters were on site. Also assisting was the Bay Ridge Fire Department, Glens Falls EMS and Bay Ridge EMS. State Police and the Warren County Sheriffs Department were also on scene helping to evacuate the building. The American Red Cross was assisting two of the victims with shelter, food and clothing. Investigation continues into an unrelated garage fire on Thursday at 45 Illinois Ave. Firefighters were called to the scene at about 5:20 a.m. It did not spread to the one-story residence on the property. The Glens Falls Fire Department Cause and Origin/Fire Investigation team and Warren County Sheriffs Office were investigating the cause. Glens Falls Fire Chief James Schrammel said investigators are still conducting interviews. It was too early to tell the cause or if it is accidental or suspicious. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 4 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. By ANI DEHRADUN: People residing here in a village situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand on Friday expressed anger over the killing of 20 Indian Army personnel killed in a violent face-off at the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh. Located near India-Tibet border in the district, Niti village is the last village of the country on the Indo-China border, and the people residing here are also called the "second defence line" of the army. These villagers held a protest today against China and said that they are ready to assist the Indian Army in any situation. Speaking to ANI, a villager said, "We are pained to hear about the loss of lives of our soldiers in the Galwan Valley. We are ready to assist the Indian Army in any situation." Another villager said that China cannot come here to attack as the village is at height of 12,000 feet. "China cannot come here to attack us.... it cannot invade into the village as it is surrounded by enormous hills and the village is at the height of 12,000 feet. The neighbouring country can attack us only from the sky," the villager said. As per the locals, the Indian Army has increased vigilance on the Indo-China border in Chamoli as well as the movement of army vehicles in the Niti Valley for the last three days. Villagers said that most of the soldiers have been sent to a check post which is 25 km from here, otherwise, 70 to 75 personnel are usually deployed near Niti village check Post. Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, had lost their lives in the violent face-off in the Galwan Valley area of Ladakh on June 15. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 19, 2020 / Gold Springs Resource Corp. (TSX:GRC) (OTCQB:GRCAF) (the "Company" or "GRC"), is pleased to announce that it has completed a NI-43-101 resource estimate update and a preliminary economic assessment update (the "2020 PEA") for the Gold Springs project located along the Nevada-Utah border in the United States of America. All dollar amounts in this press release are stated in U.S. currency. Updated Resource Estimate The updated resource estimate, with an effective date of May 1, 2020, is summarized in the table below: Category Pit Constrained - 0.25 g/t gold cutoff Tonnes (1000s) Au Ag AuEq Grade (g/t) Troy oz (1000s) Grade (g/t) Troy oz (1000s) Grade (g/t) Troy oz (1000s) Measured 17,120 0.56 306 10.2 5,594 0.67 368 Indicated 18,537 0.51 304 8.7 5,188 0.61 361 Measured & Indicated 35,657 0.53 610 9.4 10,782 0.63 729 Inferred 5,634 0.49 90 7.0 1,267 0.57 104 The inferred resource is in addition to the measured and indicated resource. Numbers have been rounded, which may lead to some numbers not adding up exactly. Gold Equivalent calculation uses a gold/silver price ratio of 90.63 ($1450/$16). Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The resource estimate reflects gross metal content that is not adjusted for metallurgical recoveries. Matias Herrero, President and CEO of Gold Springs Resource Corp., stated "With the new addition to the resource, Gold Springs is closer to the 1-million-ounce mark, which is an important milestone for any gold deposit, particularly for those in mining-friendly and politically-stable jurisdictions like Nevada and Utah. Also, more ounces were added to the Measured and Indicated categories ("M&I") than to the Inferred category, which enhances further the level of confidence in the Gold Springs' resource estimate. The gold and silver grades at Gold Springs compare very well with other known gold deposits in the prolific great basin of western USA. The four deposits included in the 2020 Resource remain open to expansion in multiple directions, and they represent just 4 of the 28 outcropping gold targets identified on the property to date, highlighting the significant growth potential of the resource". The new mineral resource estimate (the "2020 Resource") is an update from the 2017 mineral resource estimate (the "2017 Resource") to mainly incorporate the drilling information of the 2017 drill program conducted at the South Jumbo deposit (also referred to as "Etna"). As in the previous estimate, the 2020 Resource includes the North Jumbo (also referred to as Jumbo) and South Jumbo deposits, located on the Utah side of the Gold Springs project, and the Thor and Grey Eagle deposits located on the Nevada side. The updated resource estimate broken down by deposit (pit) is as follows: Category Deposit Pit Constrained - 0.25 g/t gold cutoff Tonnes (1000s) Gold Silver g/t Troy oz (1000s) g/t Troy oz (1000s) Measured Grey Eagle 2,725 0.65 57 7.2 633 North Jumbo 8,456 0.53 143 13.3 3,616 South Jumbo (Etna) 4,995 0.53 85 6.2 1,000 Thor 945 0.69 21 11.3 344 Total 17,120 0.56 306 10.2 5,594 Indicated Grey Eagle 4,211 0.59 80 7.1 955 North Jumbo 8,617 0.47 130 11.0 3,060 South Jumbo (Etna) 4,342 0.48 67 5.8 807 Thor 1,367 0.61 27 8.3 366 Total 18,537 0.51 304 8.7 5,188 Measured + Indicated Grey Eagle 6,936 0.61 137 7.1 1,588 North Jumbo 17,073 0.50 273 12.2 6,676 South Jumbo (Etna) 9,337 0.51 152 6.0 1,807 Thor 2,312 0.64 48 9.6 710 Total 35,657 0.53 610 9.4 10,782 Inferred Grey Eagle 830 0.43 11 6.3 168 North Jumbo 2,556 0.46 38 7.2 591 South Jumbo (Etna) 924 0.42 13 6.5 193 Thor 1,323 0.66 28 7.4 315 Total 5,634 0.49 90 7.0 1,267 The inferred resource is in addition to the measured and indicated resource. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Numbers have been rounded, which may lead to some numbers not adding up exactly. The resource estimate reflects gross metal content that is not adjusted for metallurgical recoveries. The North Jumbo deposit is open along strike to the north and to the south-west, as well as a parallel zone to the west. The large Juniper and Declaration drill targets are conveniently situated just 200-400 meters to the west of the North Jumbo deposit. The existing South Jumbo deposit remains open along strike for 800 metres to the south, as well as slightly to the north before joining the Central Jumbo drill target. The South Jumbo deposit is also open to depth and there is an eastern parallel zone intercepted in previous drill programs that requires testing. The new Fitch drill target is 1.5 km long and runs parallel to the South Jumbo deposit, which is 200 meters to the east of Fitch. The Grey Eagle deposit on the Nevada side of the project is open to expansion to the north and west and is near the White Point, Iris, Homestake and Horseshoe-Extension drill targets, with the potential to be a mineralized trend on its own, like the Jumbo trend in Utah. The Thor deposit, also in Nevada, is open along strike to the south and to the north and is near the North Jennie, Charlie Ross and Gem drill targets. For more information on the Juniper, Declaration and Fitch targets visit: Juniper: www.goldspringsresource.com/projects/juniper/ Declaration: www.goldspringsresource.com/projects/declaration/ Fitch: www.goldspringsresource.com/projects/fitch/ 2020 Resource versus 2017 Resource When comparing the 2020 Resource to the 2017 Resource, total ounces in the Measured & Indicated ("M&I") categories have increased by approximately 82,000 gold oz (16% increase) and 1.2 million silver oz (12%). The Inferred resource has increased by approximately 21,000 gold oz (30% increase) and 294,000 silver oz (30% increase). On a gold equivalent* basis, gold plus silver ounces in M&I have increased by approximately 95,000 gold equivalent (AuEq) oz and by 24,000 AuEq oz in the Inferred category. A table comparing the 2020 Resource with the 2017 Resource is shown below: Category 2020 Resource Au Ag Tonnes Grade Troy oz Grade Troy oz (1000s) (g/t) (1000s) (g/t) (1000s) Measured 17,120 0.56 306 10.2 5,594 Indicated 18,537 0.51 304 8.7 5,188 Measured & Indicated 35,657 0.53 610 9.4 10,782 Inferred 5,634 0.49 90 7.0 1,267 Category 2017 Resource Au Ag Tonnes Grade Troy oz Grade Troy oz (1000s) (g/t) (1000s) (g/t) (1000s) Measured 13,591 0.58 252 11.1 4,855 Indicated 16,245 0.53 276 9.1 4,741 Measured & Indicated 29,836 0.55 528 10.0 9,596 Inferred 4,660 0.46 69 6.5 973 Both the 2020 and 2017 Resources are pit-constrained and use a 0.25 g/t gold cutoff grade and reflect gross metal content that is not adjusted for metallurgical recoveries. The inferred resource is in addition to the measured and indicated resource. Numbers have been rounded, which may lead to some numbers not adding up exactly. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. No drilling was conducted in 2018. In 2019, a small drill-program was conducted to explore, for a first time, the high-grade veins of the Homestake target at Gold Springs. Two holes, HS-19-007 and HS-19-012, intercepted significant high-grade gold mineralization however follow-up drilling is required at Homestake to trace the continuity of the intercepted gold mineralization along strike and to depth. For more information visit: www.goldspringsresource.com/projects/homestake/ 2020 Preliminary Economic Assessment Update Matias Herrero, President and CEO stated "The 2020 PEA confirms once again Gold Springs' robust economics and its strong leverage to higher precious-metal prices. The 2020 PEA shows a low-CapEx, technically-simple, heap-leach operation, that is scalable within the context of an expanded resource which we believe is very likely with further drilling". Highlighted Changes from the Previous PEA 2020 PEA 2015 PEA Economic Assumptions Gold Price $1,450 $1,300 Silver Price $16 $21 Gold/Silver Price Ratio 90.6 61.9 Mineral Economics NPV5% after tax $153.6 million $92.1 million IRR after tax 38.9% 35.8% Initial CapEx $83.5 million $55.0 million Sustaining CapEx $16.0 million $24.9 million Total CapEx $99.5 million $79.9 million After-tax Payback 2.9 years 3.1 years Cash Cost per oz (net of silver by-product) $715 $669 AISC per oz (net of silver by-product) $837 $863 LOM cumulative after-tax free cashflow $212.7 million $133.3 million Mining Strip Ratio (Waste to Mineralization) 1.6 2 Mining Method Contract Mining Contract Mining Life of Mine (LOM) 8 years 9 years Contained Gold ounces 708,899 589,136 Contained Silver ounces 13,410,951 13,337,511 Processing Processing Throughput: Crushed 15,000 tpd 15,000 tpd Processing Throughput: Run-of-mine 3,200 tpd n/a Gold Recovery System Merrill Crowe Merrill Crowe Gold Recovery - Heap-leach crushed 73% 73%/72% Gold Recovery - Heap-leach Run-of-mine 40% n/a Silver Recovery - Heap-leach crushed 40% 40%/30% Silver Recovery - Heap-leach Run-of-mine 20% n/a LOM payable (recovered) Gold oz 490,152 428,408 LOM payable (recovered) Silver oz 4,842,140 4,915,349 LOM annual average gold production 61,269 47,601 LOM annual average silver production 605,268 546,150 * Cash cost per gold ounce is net of silver credit and includes mining, processing, general and administrative, and operating cost contingency; All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC) per gold ounce includes Cash cost per gold ounce plus sustaining capital, federal, state and local taxes and does not include initial capital. The portion of the project subject to the updated PEA does not have overriding royalties. The PEA is preliminary in nature, it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. The project has strong leverage to a rising gold price and resiliency to a lower gold price: Gold Price $1,300 $1,400 $1,600 $1,800 $2,000 After Tax NPV (5%) (1000s) $106,615 $137,965 $200,099 $261,787 $323,887 The Technical Report containing the 2020 Resource and 2020 PEA is near completion and will be available under the Company's profile on SEDAR and on the Company's website at www.goldspringsresource.com in the next few days. Gold Equivalence: AuEq* was calculated using Gold/Silver price ratio of 90.63 (Gold price $1,450 and Silver price of $16) and has not been adjusted for metallurgical recoveries. Preparation of the Resource Estimate and PEA GRE and Kurt Katsura were contracted by the Company to prepare the new mineral resource estimate, with the resources having been classified in accordance with standards as defined by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) "CIM Definition Standards - For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves," prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by CIM Council on December 17, 2010, as amended May 10, 2014 and the generally accepted Canadian Institute of Mining's (CIM) "Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines (November 29, 2019)" The 2020 Resource builds on the 2017 Resource for the South Jumbo, North Jumbo, Thor and Grey Eagle deposits. The main objective of the 2020 Resource was to publish a revised resource estimate for the South Jumbo (Etna) deposit of the Gold Springs project by integrating 2,596 meters of new drilling completed in the South Jumbo resource area. The 2020 Resource also restates the 2017 Resource for the North Jumbo and Thor deposits, and the 2015 Mineral Resource Estimate for the Grey Eagle deposit, for higher gold price and operating costs. These three deposits have not been drilled since the last published resources. The 2017 and 2015 Mineral Resource Estimates were also performed by GRE. GRE created a geologic model for Etna which contained new drill hole data as part of the 2017 exploration drilling. The model was completed using LeapFrog software (Leapfrog). Drill hole information for the entire Gold Springs Project was uploaded into Leapfrog, including collar, assay, survey, and lithology. The Etna block model was constructed with block dimensions of 5 metres by 5 metres by 5 metres. Blocks were located relative to the LIDAR elevation model. Each of the blocks was assigned fields to contain gold and silver grade for each estimation method, resource classification, rock density, block tonnage, contained ounces, lithology, and lithology groups. GRE coded the block model into Mineralized Zones and Non-Mineralized Zones based on the wireframes created in the geologic model. Etna data provided by GRC, and verified by Kurt Katsura, included drill hole data for 36 drill holes and 6 trenches, collar coordinates, drill hole direction (azimuth and dip), lithology, and sampling and assay data. Topography was derived from 1-metre LIDAR data. The assay data included hole ID, gold in ppb, and silver in ppm. The drill holes in the Etna area total 5,948.22 metres, and the channels total 329.19 metres. The database includes three RC drill holes completed in 2012 totaling 417.6 metres, six holes in 2014 totaling 810.8 metres, eight RC drill holes completed in 2016 totaling 1,385.22 metres and 19 drill holes completed in 2017 totaling 3,334.6 meters. All drill hole collar locations were surveyed by Platt & Platt Inc., professional surveyors, using Trimble surveying instrumentation. Historic (pre-GRC) drill hole collar locations were surveyed in a similar manner. Downhole surveys were conducted on all of the 2016 Etna drill holes, and downhole survey were conducted on 14 of 19 Etna drill holes completed in 2017. There are 3,620 gold and 3,273 silver assay data values in the Etna database.The Etna data was composited into 4.57-metre (15-foot) lengths. The Gold Springs assaying was performed almost exclusively using 1.52-metre-long sample intervals and assayed using a 30-gram fire assay. Using Leapfrog, GRE modeled gold and silver grades into the Etna block model using ID2.5, OK, and NN interpolators. For each estimate, GRE first estimated the blocks only within the Mineralized Zone. Grams of gold and silver contained were calculated from the modeled grades using the block specific gravity. GRE chose the ID2.5 method with 2 holes required as the preferred method because it had better local variability that more closely fit the data. As part of the ID2.5 estimation, the average distance to composites was stored in the model. These distances were then used to establish the resource category. The Measured category has an average distance less than 25 metres from the drill holes, the Indicated category an average distance between 25 and 50 metres from the drill holes and the Inferred category and average distance between 50 and 100 metres from the drill holes. To create the economic model for the updated PEA, GRE first developed a series of 19 sets of pit shells for each deposit (Grey Eagle, North Jumbo, South Jumbo and Thor), within the mineral resource block model using a range of Au prices. GRE selected the $1,200 pit shells for each deposit as the ultimate pit for the economic model and also selected the $1,400 pit shells for the Grey Eagle and Jumbo deposits as phase 1 resource areas. Mine schedules were developed for each of the selected pit shells, using a production rate of 15,000 tpd. A total of seven cases were evaluated. The variables comprising the cases were crushing cutoff grades ranging from 150 ppb to 300 ppb with some cases also including ROM at a cutoff grade of 150 ppb. Capital and operating costs were developed for each case, along with sizing of mining and process equipment. The case with a crushing cutoff of 200 ppb and inclusion of ROM at a cutoff grade of 150 ppb was selected for the base case. GRE is not aware of any legal, political, environmental, or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the mineral resources at Gold Springs. Qualified Persons The Mineral Resource has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by the CIM by Ms. Terre Lane, Principal Mining Engineer for Global Resource Engineering, Mr. Todd Harvey, Principal Process and Mining Engineer for Global Resource Engineering and Mr. Kurt Katsura, Consulting Geologist, all Qualified Persons as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101), and are "independent" of the Company as defined in NI 43-101, and all have reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this press release. Cautionary Statement on Mineral Resources This news release uses the term 'measured resources', 'indicated resources' and 'inferred resources' which are terms recognized and required by Canadian regulations (under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects), however, such terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will be upgraded or converted into 'reserves' as defined under NI 43-101. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. In addition, 'inferred resources' have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that an inferred resource will be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, or economic studies except for preliminary economic assessment as defined under NI 43-101. Investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Readers are also cautioned that the PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves and there is no certainty that the results indicated in the PEA will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have economic viability. Forward Looking Statements The PEA was prepared to broadly quantify the Gold Springs project's capital and operating cost parameters and to provide guidance on the type and scale of future project engineering and development work that will be needed to ultimately define the project's likelihood of a positive feasibility determination and optimal production rate. It was not prepared to be used as a valuation of the project nor should it be considered to be a final feasibility study on which a commercial production decision could be made. The capital and operating cost estimates which were used have been developed only to an approximate order of magnitude based on generally understood capital cost to production level relationships, and although they are based on engineering studies, these are preliminary so the ultimate costs may vary widely from the amounts set out in the PEA. This could materially adversely impact the projected economics of the project. As is normal at this stage of a project, data in some areas was incomplete and estimates were developed based solely on the expertise of the Company's employees and consultants. At this stage of development for Gold Springs the criteria, methods and estimates are preliminary and result in a high level of subjective judgment being employed. There can be no assurance that the potential results contained in the PEA will be realized. Certain statements contained herein constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements look into the future and provide an opinion as to the effect of certain events and trends on the business. Forward-looking statements may include words such as "creating", "view of", "intended", "plan", "believe", "vision", "would", "continue", "will", "estimate", "promising", and similar expressions, and include statements regarding estimated mineral resources and the potential for delineation of additional resources through further exploration at the Gold Springs, as well as statements regarding estimated net present values, internal rates of return, daily and annual production, costs, recovery rates, metal prices, and statements regarding the Company's development plan for Gold Springs. These forward- looking statements are based on current expectations and entail various risks and uncertainties. Actual results may materially differ from expectations if known and unknown risks or uncertainties affect our business or if our estimates or assumptions prove inaccurate. Factors that could cause results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, risks of the mineral exploration industry which may affect the advancement of the Gold Springs project, including possible variations in mineral resources, grade, recovery rates, metal prices, capital and operating costs, and the application of taxes; availability of sufficient financing to fund planned or further required work in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; availability of equipment and qualified personnel, failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, changes in project parameters, including water requirements for operations, as plans continue to be refined; regulatory, environmental and other risks of the mining industry more fully described in the Company's Annual Information Form and continuous disclosure documents, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The assumptions made in developing the forward-looking statements include: the accuracy of current resource estimates and the interpretation of drill, metallurgical testing and other exploration results; the timely receipt of required permits for the Gold Springs project; the continuing support for mining by local governments in Nevada and Utah; the availability of equipment and qualified personnel to advance the Gold Springs project; execution of the Company's existing plans and further exploration and development programs for Gold Springs, which may change due to changes in the views of the Company or if new information arises which makes it prudent to change such plans or programs; and the assumptions and estimates to be disclosed in the Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Gold Springs Property, Utah/Nevada, USA , authored by GRE and Kurt Katsura. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason. Unless otherwise indicated, forward-looking statements in this press release describe the Company's expectations as of the date hereof. Gold Springs Resource Corp. Contact: Matias Herrero Chief Executive Officer info@goldspringsresource.com SOURCE: Gold Springs Resources Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/594413/Gold-Springs-Resource-Adds-Over-100000-AuEq-Ounces-to-the-Resource-at-Gold-Springs-and-Updates-PEA Antibodies from Big Boy, Emperor and Blue Eyes are helping UK researchers understand COVID-19 and potentially develop a treatment that could protect people from being infected. Credit: Ben Corwin, Research Communications Alpacas Big Boy, Blue Eyes and Emperor may hold the key to combating COVID-19. Their antibodies could offer a defense against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease. University of Kentucky College of Medicine researchers are using the special antibodies made by alpacas, called nanobodies, to help understand the novel coronavirus and potentially develop a treatment that could protect people from being infected. Nanobodies are smaller and more stable types of antibodies taken from the immune systems of camelidswhich include camels, llamas and alpacas. Nanobodies could be more effective at fighting the disease because their tiny size gives them the ability to fit into spaces on viral proteins that regular antibodies have a hard time penetrating. "The idea is that nanobodies are small enough to access small pockets on SARS-CoV-2's spike proteins, which is the part of the virus that attaches to host cells. A nanobody that could block the binding of the spike protein to its cellular receptor could be an effective treatment for COVID-19," said Sidney Whiteheart, who is co-leading the study with Lou Hersh, both professors in the Department of Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry. With the help of Big Boy, Blue Eyes and Emperor, Hersh and Whiteheart's research team is generating nanobodies that can bind to the spike protein and therefore, neutralize the virus. The alpaca trio have been immunized with isolated proteins from SARS-CoV-2 and then researchers collect samples of their blood containing nanobodies produced by their immune systems. In the lab, the nanobodies are extracted, tested, and reproduced at a larger scale for use in research and for therapeutic development. Virus-binding nanobodies from the alpacas can confer passive immunity in humans and thus help fight a SARS-CoV-2 infection. While passive immunity from a disease is shorter-lived compared to the protection one's own immune response would provide, it helps protect right awaysomething that could be valuable as we wait for a vaccine, Hersh says. "Nanobodies have many qualities that make them ideal for therapeutic development, particularly for COVID-19," said Hersh. "They are small and stable, making them easier to manipulate, and they can be produced more rapidly and in large quantities at a low cost. They are also easily tolerated by the human immune system and could potentially be inhaled for rapid delivery to the lungs." UK researchers are using alpaca antibodies to develop a potential COVID-19 treatment. Credit: Chad Rumford | Research Communications Given their special properties, nanobodies are not new to the fight against disease, with researchersincluding those at UKinvestigating their potential against HIV and other viruses for many years. The UK team, including Martin Chow and Craig Vander Kooi along with Hersh and Whiteheart, have shown that the alpacas are producing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and anticipate having nanobodies in the next few weeks. They will then begin testing these nanobodies as therapeutic agents by testing for their ability to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from interacting with its target cells. Big Boy, Blue Eyes and Emperor have contributed to UK's nanobody research for more than three years. While the three come to UK's North Farm twice a year to get vaccinated and have blood drawn, they live at River Hill Ranch, an alpaca farm near Richmond. The partnership with UK is a win-win situation, says farm owner Alvina Maynard. The trio are favorites among those visiting Maynard's farm for alpaca-themed field trips, camps and yoga lessons. And as part of her herd, their fleece is also used to make artisan socks, scarves and sweaters. "They are supporting local business and we are supporting groundbreaking and potentially lifesaving research," says Maynard. "I'm beyond thrilled that our alpacas can serve this greater purpose." In the past three years, the alpacas have helped UK researchers generate more than 50 nanobodies to target proteins involved in a variety of human diseases including cancer, diabetes and neurological disorders. The current COVID-19 nanobody research is funded in part by a pilot grant from UK's COVID-19 Unified Research Experts (CURE) Alliance and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS). The goal is that data from the project will support more grant funding for additional research. UK researchers also plan to share the purified nanobodies with colleagues pursuing related COVID-19 research. Those nanobodies that bind to the spike protein could also help scientists understand more about the virus itself and how it is structured. This could aid in the development of other novel types of treatments. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Nick Viall competed for Andi Dorfman's heart back in 2014, when he came in second on season 10 of The Bachelorette. The Bachelor Nation stars recently sparked rumors of their romantic reunion when they were spotted running together in Santa Monica. He cleared up any speculation of their relationship status Thursday as he responded to a post by Us Weekly on Instagram, regarding their recent outing. Dating rumors: Nick Viall cleared up any speculation of his and Andi Dorfman's relationship status Thursday, after they were recently spotted on a run together (pictured in November, 2019) The 39-year-old wrote: 'Sorry for the buzz kill.. not dating. Additionally, the only benefits that come from this friendship is conversation and running tips. Enjoy the day.' A source subsequently told Us Weekly: 'Andi and Nick are friends; theyve been friends for a while now.' Dorfman, 33, gave her final rose to Josh Murray, 35, on her season of The Bachelorette, before they broke up in 2015. Viall soon returned to the show for season 11, making it to the final rose ceremony once again, before Kaitlyn Bristowe, 34, rejected his proposal. Buzzkill: The 39-year-old wrote about Dorfman on Instagram: 'Sorry for the buzz kill.. not dating. Additionally, the only benefits that come from this friendship is conversation and running tips. Enjoy the day' (pictured in November, 2014) Just friends: A source subsequently told Us Weekly : 'Andi and Nick are friends; theyve been friends for a while now' (pictured in January, 2017) Final rose: He competed for Dorfman's heart back in 2014, when he came in second on season 10 of The Bachelorette (pictured in July, 2014) He recently revealed on The Bachelor: The Greatest Seasons -- Ever! that he sent her love letters before her season, when she sent him a signal on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The Wisconsin native told host Chris Harrison: 'We had never met in person. It's one of those things that just kind of escalated quickly, talking and FaceTime, and we talked every day for a period of time. And then she was asked to be the Bachelorette.' He and Bristowe also became friends, sometime after she gave her final rose to Shawn Booth, 33, with whom she split in 2018. Viall casually mentioned that he's dating someone on a recent episode of his podcast The Viall Files: 'I recently had a conversation with someone that I'm dating and the question was, "What if we're not compatible about this thing?" 'I was like, "We're not compatible about that thing but I don't know what that means about everything else."' 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 'No one entered Indian territory, no posts taken: PM at all-party meet on Ladakh clash India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, June 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday denied any Chinese intrusion to Indian territory, saying that no one entered Indian territory nor were Indian posts taken over. Addressing the all-party meeting on the LAC situation, PM Modi said neither have the Chinese intruded into India's territory nor has any post been taken over by them. The categorical statement by the prime minister came in the wake of reports that Chinese military has transgressed into the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de-facto border, in several areas of eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso and Galwan Valley. "20 of our jawans were martyred, but those who dared Bharat Mata, they were taught a lesson," PM Modi was quoted as saying by ANI. Sonu Nigam calls out mafias in the music industry after Sushant Singh's demise| Oneindia News The Prime Minister said that Indian armed forces are doing what they have to do to protect the country, whether it is deployment, action or counter-action. Was there intelligence failure? Sonia Gandhi asks PM Modi on China stand-off Highlighting India's potential, the PM said no one can take even an "inch of the land". "Today, we possess the capability that no one can eye even one inch of our land. India's armed forces have the capability to move into multiple sectors at one go," said the prime minister. "While on the one hand, the army has been given freedom to take necessary steps, India has also conveyed its position clearly to China through diplomatic means," he said, adding that India today has such capability that no one can even dare to look towards "an inch of our land". Modi said the entire country is hurt and angry at the steps taken by China at the LAC and underscored that India wants peace and friendship, but upholding sovereignty is "foremost". The nearly four-hour meeting through video conference was attended by top opposition leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Mamata Banerjee and Sitaram Yechury among others. Was there intelligence failure? Sonia Gandhi asks PM Modi on China stand-off The government said the leaders of the political parties hailed the bravery displayed by the armed forces in Ladakh and reposed faith in the leadership of the prime minister in this hour of need. They expressed commitment to stand united with the government. The clash in Galwan Valley was the worst cross border confrontation between the two sides in 45 years. While India lost 20 soldiers, China's People's Liberation Army has not yet talked about the number of casualties it suffered. The prime minister's comment that Indian soldiers taught a "lesson" to those who dared to look towards India is seen as reference to casualties on the Chinese side. The Chinese soldiers used stones, nail-studded sticks, iron rods and clubs in carrying out brutal attacks on Indian soldiers after they protested the erection of a surveillance post by China on the Indian side of the LAC in Galwan. The two armies were engaged in a standoff in Galwan and several other areas of eastern Ladakh since May 5 when the two sides clashed on the banks of the Pangong Tso. The situation in the area deteriorated after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on May 5 and 6. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on May 9. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long LAC. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it. Prior to the clashes, both sides have been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. Syracuse, N.Y. Onondaga County health officials issued a warning today that a customer of TisMart Cigar Shop and Lounge in Brewerton has tested positive for Covid-19. TisMart is at 5501 Bartell Road. The customer was not wearing a face mask while in the establishment on Saturday, June 13, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Anyone who visited the business during that time and might have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms of Covid-19 until Saturday, June 27, health officials said. If symptoms develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance, officials said. If you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor early even if your illness is mild. In an emergency call 911. Testing for coronavirus is widely available. Anyone can get tested for Covid-19 by visiting one of the clinics listed on the county coronavirus website. Health department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individual and notifying them. County officials said it remains important for residents to cover their faces in public and, if possible, to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Onondaga County loses youngest victim to Covid-19: A man in his 20s died Federal government making mistake on reopening after coronavirus, Cuomo says Onondaga County man has recovered from coronavirus but still cant walk a block Tim Knauss is a public affairs reporter for syracuse.com/The Post-Standard. Contact him anytime: email | Twitter | | 315-470-3023 Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 16:19:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Boeing announced on Thursday that the company has named Michael D'Ambrose as executive vice president of human resources, effective July 6. According to Boeing, D'Ambrose will be responsible for the company's leadership and learning, talent planning, employee and labor relations, total rewards, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. He will report to Boeing President and CEO David Calhoun and serve on the company's executive council. "Michael is joining Boeing at a critical time as we align our workforce with what will be a smaller and more competitive aerospace industry in the coming years," said Calhoun. D'Ambrose joins Boeing from ADM, one of the world's largest agribusinesses with more than 60 billion U.S. dollars in annual revenue. D'Ambrose will succeed Wendy Livingston, who has served in an interim capacity since April. Livingston will resume her previous role as vice president of corporate human resources after the transition of responsibilities, Boeing said in a statement. As a top U.S. exporter, Boeing supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries with more than 160,000 employees worldwide, according to the company. Enditem New Delhi: Russia is ready to deliver Sukhoi Su-30 MKI and Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 fighter jets to India in the shortest possible timeframe. In a government to government deal which comes amidst the India-China border tension, the Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to order and induct 33 fighters - 12 Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs and 21 MiG-29s - from Russia. WION has learnt that Russia is ready to assess the issue of early delivery even as the country is already helping the IAF in the MiG-29 modernisation programme. IAF got its first MiG-29 in 1985 and the modernisation will help increase combat capabilities of the MiG-29 fighters to a level comparable to the 4th Generation jets. Post-modernisation MiG-29s will allow integration of Russian and foreign origin weapons including tracking of aerial targets in a wide range of flight speeds and altitudes, tracking of heat-contrasting air objects & perform hidden (without the use of radar) attacks on them. Modern materials and technologies for corrosion protection will increase the service life of MiG-29 fighters by up to 40 years. The IAF commissioned its first squadron of Su-30MKIs armed with the supersonic BrahMos-A cruise missile in January 2020 at Thanjavur Air Force Station. The Su-30MKI based at Thanjavur are part of the 222 Squadron 'Tigersharks'. In fact, the importance of Sukhoi jets can be gauged from the fact that it is the only IAF combat aircraft capable of launching BrahMos supersonic missiles. At DefExpo India 2020 BrahMos Aerospace's representative told Russian RIA Novosti news agency that in two years IAF's Su-30MKIs would receive new missiles for use against airborne early warning aircraft. Thus the highly successful India-Russia joint venture which produced BrahMos, could enter the air-to-air missile domain. The first contract to deliver Su-30MKI jets to the IAF was signed on November 30, 1996, in Irkutsk, Russia, between Rosvooruzhenie state intermediary company and the Indian Defence Ministry. It envisaged the delivery of 32 Su-30s, all of which were produced in 2002-2004. Satisfied with the performance of the aircraft, the Indian Defence Ministry placed additional orders. In December 2000, both countries signed a contract for organising the licensed production of Su-30MKIs in India at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited facilities. Then in 2012, another contract for technological kits of Su-30MKIs was signed as the Sukhois have proved to be a reliable and effective multirole heavy aerial combat platform for the IAF. The Su-30MKI project has become one of the largest in the history of military cooperation of India with a foreign country and also has contributed to the sales of Su-30MK family aircraft to other countries. Moreover, the programme has directly influenced the development of Su-30SM fighter jet, which is currently being delivered to the Russian Air Force and is also being offered at the international arms market as Su-30SME. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 17:00:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Aerial photo taken on June 7, 2020 shows cattle and sheep in Keketuohai Geopark in Fuyun County of Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The signing of the so-called "Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020" by the United States embodies some U.S. politicians' malicious intention of maligning China's efforts in counterterrorism and de-radicalization in the disguise of human rights. As Xinjiang is part of China, its affairs are purely China's internal affairs and brook no foreign interference. The U.S. legislation on Xinjiang, which revealed some U.S. politicians' deep-rooted hegemonic mindset, is one among their series of actions to sling mud at China's domestic policies. Issues related to Tibet and Hong Kong are also being used by the U.S. as diplomatic leverage to serve its longtime strategic ambition to contain China. Xinjiang-related issues are not about human rights, ethnicity or religion, but about counterterrorism and de-radicalization. People can never enjoy happiness if they are plagued by terrorism, religious extremism and separatism. Thanks to counterterrorism and de-radicalization measures taken by the Chinese government in accordance with law, the security situation in Xinjiang has turned around and the rights to life, health and development of all ethnic groups there have been safeguarded. For three years in a row, no violent terrorist incident was recorded in Xinjiang. A safe, stable and prosperous Xinjiang is the best protection of human rights. A resident dances during a community activity in Rasekam Village of Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) The U.S. side deliberately ignored the fact that freedom of religious belief is guaranteed in Xinjiang. There are 24,400 mosques across Xinjiang, one for every 530 Muslims. Xinjiang is also home to 10 religious colleges and more than 100 religious organizations. The Muslim population has been increasing, approaching 60 percent of the region's total. From the economic perspective, Xinjiang's substantial development is also impressive. In the past seven decades since the founding of the People's Republic of China, Xinjiang's GDP has increased 200 times in real terms. With rapid economic growth, people's livelihood has improved significantly. Gone are the days of inadequate food and clothes, electricity and water shortage and poor transportation. This year, absolute poverty is expected to be eliminated in Xinjiang. Successful stories of Xinjiang have won international appreciation while some U.S. politicians insisted on turning a blind eye. Last year, ambassadors from 50 countries to the United Nations Office in Geneva sent a joint letter to the President of the UN Human Rights Council and the High Commissioner for Human Rights to voice their support for China's position on issues related to Xinjiang. Over 60 countries spoke at the United Nations General Assembly to support China's Xinjiang policy, and more than 30 of them are Islamic countries. Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, speaks during the opening ceremony of the photo exhibition "Home: Glimpse of People from Various Ethnic Groups in Xinjiang" in Geneva, Switzerland, on March 2, 2020. (Photo by Li Ye/Xinhua) It would be naive to consider the Xinjiang-related "human rights" legislation by the U.S. truly humanitarian and one with regard for Muslims' well-being. Don't forget the wars launched by the United States in Muslim countries which caused mass civilian casualties and severe humanitarian crises, and the controversial executive order issued in 2017, blocking immigrants, refugees and travelers from several Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. As a victim of terrorism, the United States should have supported China's counterterrorism measures, but it adopted double standards. The U.S. side should stop playing the Xinjiang card and using Xinjiang-related issues as a pretext to interfere in China's internal affairs. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, center, speaks during a video conference of NATO Defense Minister at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wed., June 17, 2020. (Francois Lenoir/AP) NATO Defense Ministers Agree On Response to Russias Missile Buildup: NATO Chief NATO Allies Call on China to Engage in Arms Control NATO Defense Ministers agreed at the meeting on June 17 not to mirror Russias growth of nuclear-capable missiles but to strengthen and expand the Alliances missile defense. The ministers also called on China to engage in global arms control in the wake of its military rise and heavy investment in modern missiles. NATO Defense Ministers convened at the teleconference on Defense and Deterrence and on NATOs operations on June 16-18 discussed nuclear deterrence in the context of new nuclear missiles deployed by Russia. Russia has been continuously expanding its arsenal of nuclear-capable missiles, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said. It includes modernizing intercontinental ballistic missiles, putting into service the hypersonic glide vehicle, the development of a nuclear-powered cruise missile. It also lowered the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, he added. A component of SSC-8/9M729 cruise missile system is on display during a news briefing, organized by Russian defense and foreign ministries, at Patriot Expocentre near Moscow, Russia January 23, 2019. (Maxim Shemetov/Reuters) Russias deployment of SSC-8 missile, also known as 9M729, violated the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces INF Treaty and led the United States to withdraw from the Treaty in August 2019. The SSC-8 missiles are dual-capable, mobile, and hard to detect [and] can reach European cities with little warning time, Stoltenberg said. NATO will not mirror Russias destabilizing behavior. We have no intention to deploy new land-based nuclear missiles in Europe, Stoltenberg said. NATOs response to Russian threats will focus on strengthening the Alliances defense and employing political measures. Some Allies plan to invest in new defenses such as Patriot systems and SAMP/T. NATO also plans to strengthen its advanced, conventional capabilities, such as fifth-generation combat aircraft, Stoltenberg said. Patriot is an air and missile defense system equipped with radars and interceptors, capable to detect, identify, and defeat tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, advanced aircraft, and other threats, according to its manufacturers (Raytheons) website. SAMP/T is a mobile anti-aircraft defense weapon that protects against missile threats and aircraft, manufactured by a European company Eurosam. Among political measures NATO urges all actors, including China and Russia to engage in arms control, disarmament, non-proliferation, said NATOs chief. A new arms race would benefit nobody. And make the world a more dangerous place, he said. Engaging China in Arms Control Military vehicles carrying DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missiles travel past Tiananmen Square during the military parade marking the 70th founding anniversary of the Peoples Republic of China, on its National Day in Beijing, China, on Oct. 1, 2019. (Thomas Peter/Reuters) Allies have also expressed concern about the consequences of the rise of China, especially when it comes to their heavy investments in new, modern military capabilities, such as new nuclear warheads, as well as the deployment and development of new delivery systems on land, at sea, and in the air, Stoltenberg said. Therefore NATO urges China to take part in arms control negotiations. As a global power, they have also global responsibility to engage in global arms control talks, Stoltenberg said. However China has been very reluctant to engage in arms control and reluctant to provide transparency regarding their nuclear weapon systems, he said. Therefore there is less transparency when it comes to Chinas nuclear weapons than the United States and Russias, as they both participate in international arms control agreements. China has been invited to join the talks for nuclear disarmament that will be held by the United States and Russia on June 22 in Vienna but the Chinese regime declined the invitation. Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) along with 39 House Republican lawmakers sent a letter to President Donald Trump expressing their support for his administrations efforts to engage China in the U.S. arms control process. The United States must increase its readiness and lethality in the Indo-Pacific, and continue to develop advanced missile, missile defense capabilities, and modernize its nuclear systems on land, at sea, and in the air. Just recently, a CCP [Chinese Communist Party] state media editorial said that China should expand its nuclear arsenal to 1,000 warheads, which according to some estimates would mean tripling the regimes stockpile, House Representatives wrote. A year ago, Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley warned that China will likely at least double the size of its nuclear stockpile over the next decade, lawmakers wrote. The United States must compel the CCP to be transparent about both this devastating virus and its nuclear capabilities and ambitions, the letter said. South Africa: Scientific advice, consultations informed easing of lockdown President Cyril Ramaphosa says government relied on scientific advice, consultations and the experience of other countries when it made the decision to gradually ease lockdown. The President said this when he fielded oral questions from members of the National Assembly during a hybrid question and answer session on Thursday. In deciding on when to begin the gradual and systematic easing of the lockdown, government was guided by the views of the scientists, the experience of other countries and wide-ranging consultations. It also took into account the economic and social disruption caused by the lockdown, and the devastating impact it was having on peoples incomes and livelihoods, he said. EFF leader Julius Malema had asked the President if the decision to ease lockdown from alert level 5 to level 4 and then level 3 within a short space of time was informed by scientific evidence and if he had been lobbied by any persons to ease lockdown for business operations to resume. The President said in providing guidance, the Ministerial Advisory Committee used the level of community transmission as the basis for determining the state of the pandemic in the country. He said that at that time, the proportion of Coronavirus tests that were positive had been consistently low for a long time and had remained in a narrow range of 1.5% to 3.5% for several weeks in all parts of the country except in the Western Cape. In arriving at this decision, due consideration was given to the criteria suggested by the World Health Organisation for countries to transition from lockdown to re-opening of normal social activities, the President said. These criteria used considered a number of factors: - Firstly, that disease transmission is under control; - Secondly, that health systems are able to detect, test, isolate and treat every case and trace every contact; - Thirdly, that hot spot risks are minimised in vulnerable places, such as nursing homes; - Fourthly, that schools, workplaces and other essential places have established preventive measures; - Fifthly, that the risk of importing new cases can be managed; and, - Lastly, that communities are fully educated, engaged and empowered to live under a new normal. The President said in an advisory to the Minister, the Ministerial Advisory Committee noted that some of the World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria may not be appropriate for South Africa. Unlike several other countries, South Africa deliberately implemented a lockdown early in the progression of the disease as a strategy to delay transmission. We did this knowing that we would not be able to bring transmission under control by the time we had to ease the lockdown, but that it would give us the time we needed to strengthen our health system and put a comprehensive public health response in place. The WHO has supported South Africa in this approach. The President said in considering the transition from alert level 5 to alert level 4 and, subsequently, to alert level 3, he had engaged with numerous stakeholders including business, labour, community representatives, political party leaders, premiers, mayors, traditional leaders and the religious sector among others, as part of governments consultation process. As the National Coronavirus Command Council, we remain committed to consult widely with diverse stakeholders in taking decisions that will both protect the lives of our people and support their livelihoods. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Despite social distancing measures on a national level, some parts of the U.S. are seeing spikes in the number of coronavirus cases compared to other states. The key questions becomes: Why? Think about a fire like when youre lighting a campfire, Dr. Dara Kass, an associate professor of emergency medicine at Columbia University, said on Yahoo Finances The First Trade (video above). When you decrease the amount of wood, the fire comes down, but it never really goes out. And as soon as you increase the amount of wood that can catch fire, the fire will come back again. Kass added that in terms of coronavirus, lockdown policies decrease the amount of burn that it can go through. And if we keep the virus at a low burn, keep socially distanced and keep people apart enough not to stop businesses from moving forward, but to keep the fire from catching then we can start to see a sustainable burn that also allows us to exist in a reasonable economy. So please, dont think this virus has gone anywhere. It hasnt. Weve just quieted it down so that we can move forward. A family enjoys a campfire at the Huttopia Sutton glamping ground in Quebec, Canada, on August 14, 2019. (Photo: SEBASTIEN ST-JEAN/AFP via Getty Images) The new normal if this is how we continue to act Many U.S. states reopened their economies without meeting all of the guidelines suggested by the CDC. Criteria listed by the White House for beginning a phased reopening included: downward trajectory of both flu-like and COVID-like illnesses in a 14-day period, downward trajectory of documented COVID cases within 14-day period OR downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests in 14-day period, and hospitals being able to treat all patients without crisis care and a robust testing program in place for front line health care workers. States that reopened their economies significantly earlier than the others including Texas, California, Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi, Utah, North Carolina, and South Carolina are now seeing increased rates of positive COVID-19 tests. Cases are declining in New York, but rising in other parts of the U.S. (Graphic: David Foster/Yahoo Finance) Many of these cases are being attributed to Memorial Day weekend activities, in which many crowds assembled throughout that weekend, potentially exposing themselves. Story continues The recent spikes are the new normal if this is how we continue to act, Kass said. One of the things we talked about was that the states that opened early opened against the guidance of the White House. They didn't have the decreasing number of cases. They didn't have the tracking and tracing in place. Making things more difficult, the White House has given conflicting guidance. Vice President Mike Pence reportedly told governors to explain to their citizens that increased testing is why there are more cases of coronavirus popping up. The president often talks about embers, Pence said, according to the New York Times, adding that despite a mass increase in testing, we are still averaging roughly 20,000 cases a day, which is significantly down from six weeks ago. There are over 2 million coronavirus cases in the U.S. (Graphic: David Foster/Yahoo Finance) And ahead of Trumps campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this weekend, Pence claimed that Oklahoma has flattened its curve of coronavirus cases, despite the fact that the state experienced its highest case total this past weekend. Several governors pushed for re-openings, citing the economic impact that shutdowns were having on small businesses. And many of the states residents ignored restrictions and reopened anyways. If this is how people want to live their lives this is the path they're choosing, Kass said, which is to say that if we are not waiting for the data and we're just opening up because we're tired of this virus, we're going to continue to see spikes and hospitalizations, you know, hit up at a time when we're going to have to somehow react or just let more people get sick and die. Beachgoers take advantage of the opening of South Beach on June 10, 2020 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images) Why social distancing works Data has shown that social distancing rules and face masks work. According to a study by Nature Research, stay-at-home orders and other shutdowns likely prevented about 60 million coronavirus cases just in the U.S. Its not that the virus is weaker, Kass said. Its that were better at addressing it. Think about the idea of our resources. Part of the reason we stayed home in the first place was not to overwhelm our health care system. It wasnt to say that we had a fixed number of treatments and we would stop treating people. But we really needed to keep our system going forward. Kass cited an incident at a hair salon in Missouri, in which two hairstylists who were symptomatic exposed 140 people but none of whom got sick, because everybody was wearing masks. Owner of Saint Germain Hair Salon in Washington, DC, Franck Rihouey wears a mask as he trims Joe PouxOs hair on May 29, 2020. (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images) According to medical journal The Lancet, the risk of coronavirus transmission without a mask is 17.4%. When wearing an N95 respirator or face mask, the risk drops to 3.1%. And although many people are relying on vaccine development to bring stability back to society, the earliest that one would be available is likely not until 2021 at the earliest. Even if thats the case, it would be an extremely quick timeline compared to other vaccines. People wear protective face masks in Murray Hill during the coronavirus pandemic on May 30, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images) And in any case, Kass stressed, we cant simply wait that long to have our economy move forward. So we need to do things that are smart. This means wearing masks, washing hands, respecting social distancing, and helping communities move forward in a sustainable manner. The optimism is that we know that works, Kass added. And if we do it, we should be able to move forward consistently. We can open businesses and offices in ways that are socially distant but sustainable if we ask people to wear masks and expect it from them. Adriana is a reporter and editor covering politics and health care policy for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @adrianambells. READ MORE: Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, SmartNews, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit. Burkina Faso Catholic Bishops say the countrys deteriorating security situation could threaten the upcoming November elections. Francoise Niamien, Paul Dah, English Africa Service - Vatican City The Bishops of Burkina Faso met recently at the Paul Cardinal Zoungrana centre in Ouagadougou for their ordinary plenary assembly. Missing at the meeting were the Bishops of of Niger. Niger is a member of the joint Bishops Conference known by its French designation of Conference des Eveques de Burkina Faso et du Niger. The Bishops of Niger could not travel to Ouagadougou due to Coronavirus related challenges. The border between Burkina Faso and Niger remains closed. Apart from discussing and receiving reports of the various pastoral commissions of the Conference, the Bishops also focussed their attention on the countrys security situation as well as the forthcoming presidential election scheduled for 22 November. A security situation more worrying than ever The Bishops deplore the deteriorating security situation in the country, which has become more worrying than ever to the point that certain areas are now difficult to access for pastoral care. In these areas, parishes and Church institutions have been closed. There is also the massive displacement of populations fleeing the acts of terrorists. Faced with this insecurity, the Bishops call for more vigorous and rigorous action by the state. The November presidential elections and COVID-19 The Bishops wonder what will happen to the newly internally displaced persons. The latter, risk being disenfranchised or excluded from participating in the November elections. The Bishops urge the government to do all it can to minimise insecurity in the country but also mitigate against risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Both scenarios now threaten the November elections which the Bishops do not want to be postponed. The Bishops futher urge all Burkinabe to cooperate with authorities so that the twin menaces of insecurity and COVID-19 will be defeated. In the end, the Bishops commend their country and its citizens to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen of Peace. Local communities have been generous but cannot cope anymore UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, is on record expressing alarm over growing insecurity in Burkina Faso. Hundreds of thousands of people have already been driven from their homes. They now face the added uncertainty brought about by the onset of the new Coronavirus. Xavier Creach, UNHCRs coordinator for the Sahel region, warned the situation in Burkina Faso was rapidly becoming untenable with multi-layered crises risking a humanitarian catastrophe. Local communities have demonstrated remarkable generosity but cannot cope anymore. National capacities are overwhelmed. The armed conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic will generate further dramatic situations and displacement of populations. The clock is ticking, we have little time left, he said. Insecurity has now engulfed all 13 regions of Burkina Faso. Wrexham museum acquires significant Roman ingot found a field near Rossett This article is old - Published: Friday, Jun 19th, 2020 One of the most significant Roman objects found in Wales in recent years has been discovered near Wrexham, and acquired by the local museum. Metal detectorist Rob Jones discovered a metal object in a field near Rossett and careful digging revealed the corner of a lead object with writing on it. Mr Jones from Coedpoeth, Wrexham alerted the local Finds Officer (NE Wales) for the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales (PAS Cymru) based at Wrexham Museum. Archaeologists from both the Museum and the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust assessed what had been discovered. The object found was a large lead ingot or pig (about half a metre long, weighing 63 kilograms). The writing reported by Mr Jones was a cast Latin inscription confirming that it was Roman and about 2,000 years old. The exploitation of Britains natural resources was one of the reasons cited by Roman authors for the invasion of Britain by the Emperor Claudius in AD 43. Lead ore or galena contains silver as well as lead, and both were valuable commodities for the Romans. Less than a hundred lead ingots of this type are known from the mines of Roman Britain. This rare find is particularly significant for archaeologists and historians because of its potentially early date, the location of the find spot, and because of its unique inscription. Lead was mined and processed in several areas of the new province including in north-east Wales where lead processing sites have been excavated near Flint, presumably smelting ores extracted from the nearby Halkyn Mountain. A number of lead ingots of slightly later date are known from these works, often marked with the name of the local pre-Roman tribe called the Deceangli. Susie White, the local Finds Officer (NE Wales) commented It has been suggested in the past that similar exploitation took place in the Wrexham area around Minera and particularly Ffrith, where there is a known Roman site, although clear evidence is absent, probably as the result of more recent mining activity. We dont yet know where this ingot has come from and we will probably never know where it was going to. However given the find spots of other ingots from Britain of similar date, it may have been destined for continental Europe, perhaps even Rome itself. The object could tell us a great deal about this important period of our past, a period which is still poorly understood in this area of the country. The council point out that the inscription appears to mention Marcus Trebellius Maximus, who was the governor of the province of Britannia under the Emperor Nero from AD 63-69. If true, the Rossett find represents the only example of an inscription bearing his name ever found in the UK and one of very few from the empire as a whole. Trebellius was partly responsible for bringing stability to Britannia after Boudicas revolt in AD 60/1, although he was ultimately forced out of the province by mutinous Roman soldiers who were dissatisfied with the lack of military activity under his governorship. It is among the earliest dated inscriptions recording Roman seizure of Britains mineral wealth and testifies to its rapid exploitation following the spread of Roman power across the island. The production of the ingot presupposes prospection for metals, expropriation of mining sites and the mobilisation of labour, forced or voluntary, to mine and process metal-rich ores. The inscription also illustrates the bureaucratic control exercised over the production of valuable metals. PAS Cymru and Wrexham Museum have commended both the finder and the landowner for bringing the discovery to their attention immediately, this allowed archaeologists to properly record the find spot so that the maximum information could be obtained concerning the object. Councillor Hugh Jones, Lead Member for People at Wrexham Council commented Im delighted to be able to announce that the museum has aquired the ingot and Id like to thank the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, the Headley Trust and the Friends of Wrexham Museums for their support with the acquisition which otherwise would not have been possible. Its acquisition will allow the ingot to be displayed in the town nearest to the place where it was lost and rediscovered. The museum together with the University of Chester are hoping to undertake archaeological work on the site of the discovery, as soon as the pandemic allows, to see if any further information can be gleaned as to the circumstances of its loss. The Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales (PAS Cymru) is funded by Amgueddfa Cymru, MAALD and Cadw, and encourages the reporting of archaeological items found by metal detectorists and other members of the public. Thousands of objects are discovered by members of the public in Wales each year, including 20-30 items declared Treasure by coroners through the Treasure Act 1996. PAS Cymru makes finds records accessible to the public via the PAS searchable online database containing information on over a million and a half objects. (Newser) The Air Force says its inspector general is investigating the use of Air National Guard reconnaissance aircraft during protests in Minneapolis and Washington, DC. Air Force spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder says the investigation is being conducted after discussions about "shared concerns" with Defense Secretary Mark Esper. The investigation comes after lawmakers voiced concerns that the RC-26 surveillance aircraft may have been improperly used, potentially violating the civil liberties of protesters, the New York Times reports. The Air National Guard has 11 of the aircraft, and they are normally used for drug enforcement and border patrol operations, reports the Air Force Times. story continues below Documents seen by the Times show that an RC-26B from the West Virginia Air National Guard was deployed to observe protesting in Washington on June 2. Aircraft from Arkansas and Wisconsin were used in Minneapolis. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, who serves as an RC-26 pilot in the Wisconsin Air National Guard, says he flew two night missions over Minneapolis during protests earlier this month, sending video feeds to law enforcement agencies. "We dont gather human intelligence on what the protesters are doing," the Republican says. "We dont collect cellphone data. We dont harvest or analyze any data. We dont do any of that." In a June 6 tweet, he complained that the planes had been grounded after Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy said he found the use of surveillance aircraft to monitor protests "very troubling." (Read more Air National Guard stories.) The mayor of Phoenix, Oregon, is under investigation after a woman said he struck her with his car during a Black Lives Matter protest in Medford. Mikala Johnston made the accusation against Chris Luz in a Phoenix commission meeting earlier this week. Johnston spoke directly to the mayor, who was leading the meeting. Johnston said she was one of hundreds of marchers who took to the streets of Medford on June 1 to remember George Floyd, a Black man who died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Police in Medford were facilitating the protest, she told the commission, but at one point demonstrators turned onto a street where traffic hadnt been blocked. Then she noticed a car coming at her at a less than comfortable speed, she said. Video of the incident shows the driver of a yellow sedan keeping pace with the march, repeatedly blaring the horn. Johnston turned and stopped, holding up a sign. He then proceeds to drive his car right past me, hitting me with the front left of his vehicle and again with the side view mirror, Johnston said at the meeting. I couldnt believe this man would avoid slightly turning his wheel to not hit me. He then proceeded to try to drive through a crowd of peaceful protesters. The contact between Johnston and the vehicle occurred at a low speed and she did not appear to be injured. Soon after, another protester briefly hops on the hood of the car and the driver jumps out, with an argument ensuing. A person in the crowd can be heard shouting Its Chris Luz, while others yell hes the mayor of Phoenix. Luz returns to his car as demonstrators surround the front of the car. He eventually re-emerges, yelling at protesters that hes on their side but also complaining they dented the hood of his car. Shortly after, demonstrators continue their march. Warning: video contains graphic language. Luz gave little reaction as Johnston recounted her story, other than to shake his head. I have it on video, Johnston said. Stop shaking your head. Johnston said that Luz was unfit to lead the city, with at least one council member agreeing. I cant believe the actions that you took, nudging teenagers with your car, intimidating, and threatening them for expressing their opinions, said Councilor Sarah Westover. I think this is unacceptable behavior, and I want to call on the mayor to resign tonight. Neither Luz nor Westover returned requests for comment, but the mayor gave no indication he would resign at the meeting. The Medford police told the Washington Post that it had initiated an investigation into the incident. -- Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Reliance Industries (RIL) share price touched 52-week high of Rs 1,680 rising over 1 percent in the opening trade on June 19 as the company said the record investments it received for Jio Platforms and a mega rights issue helped it become net debt-free well ahead of its March 2021 target. The company also said it is looking to list Jio & Reliance Retail within 5 years. "We have received strong interest from strategic and financial investors in our consumer businesses, Jio and Reliance Retail. We will induct leading global partners in these businesses in the next few quarters, and move towards listing of both these companies within the next five years," said Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries. The company has raised over Rs 168,818 crore in just 58 days through investments by global tech investors of Rs 115,693.95 crore and rights issue of Rs 53,124.20 crore. In an another deal, Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund will invest Rs 11,367 crore in Jio Platforms. This investment values Jio Platforms at an equity value of Rs 4.91 lakh crore and an enterprise value of Rs 5.16 lakh crore. Also Read - PIF-Jio deal | Record investor participation in Jio Platforms takes RIL to striking distance from net zero debt PIFs investment will translate into a 2.32% equity stake in Jio Platforms on a fully diluted basis. With this investment, Jio Platforms has raised Rs 115,693.95 crore by selling 24.7 percent stake to the leading global investors including Facebook, Silver Lake, Vista Equity Partners, General Atlantic, KKR, Mubadala, ADIA, TPG and L Catterton, since April 2020. "I welcome PIF as a valued partner in Jio Platforms and look forward to their sustained support and guidance as we take ambitious steps to accelerate Indias digital transformation for enriching and empowering the lives of 1.3 billion Indians," said Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries. Disclaimer: Reliance Industries (RIL) is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. Investment firm B. Riley FBR has been looking at dividend yields, and is telling investors that now is the time to buy in. The reason is simple: even after the market rally that began on March 23, many equities remain affordable. It may also be something of an artificial situation. The coronavirus crisis pushed economies into a freefall, and markets followed suit. The result was depressed stock prices and inflated dividend yields. Were well past the market bottom, but how far from the top remains uncertain. And this is where B. Riley FBR is finding both high dividend yields and buying propositions. Weve used the TipRanks database to pull up the data on three of the firms recent recommendations. They are low-cost dividend plays that are yielding 9% or better. Nordic American Tanker (NAT) We start in the oil business, specifically, oil tankers. Petroleum and its by-products provide the motive power of the modern economy, and remain essential even during recessionary times. Nordic American, based out of the island of Bermuda, is major operator in the tanker business, with 23 Suezmax vessels. The class name comes from the ships size they are the largest tankers that can traverse the Suez Canal, shortening the travel time from Asia and the Middle East to Europe and the Atlantic. In Q1, Nordic saw a 60% increase in net voyage revenue, to $86.2 million. And where many companies saw earnings drop sharply in the quarter due to the coronavirus pandemic, Nordics Q1 EPS beat the estimates by 8% and grew 200% sequentially. The strong revenues explain the companys dividend performance. Nordic paid out 7 cents per share in Q1, 14 cents in Q2, and has recently declared at 20 cent payment for Q3, due in August. At 80 cents annualized, the Q3 dividend gives an eye-popping yield of 16.39%. Liam Burke covers this stock for B. Riley FBR, and in his last note he pointed out the advantages that the companys homogenous Suezmax fleet gives in scheduling routes and vessel utilization. In his most recent review of the stock, he notes the dramatic increase in tanker fees charged: Time charter equivalent (TCE) per day for 1Q20 was $44,100 compared to $26,025 in 1Q19 and $31,700 during 4Q19 The full benefit of Suezmax rate increases, during 1Q20 has been driven by the demand for crude storage that has more than offset the steep decline of global oil consumption. Story continues Burkes $7.50 price target suggests a one-year upside to Nordic of 67%, and fully supports his Buy rating. (To watch Burkes track record, click here) However, given current economic conditions, and consequent low demand for oil, Wall Street is still cautious on Nordic and that is reflected in the Hold analyst consensus rating. This is based on 1 Buy, 1 Hold, and 2 Sell ratings given in recent months. Shares are selling for $4.47, and the average price target, at $4.70 suggests a modest upside of 5%. (See Nordic stock analysis on TipRanks) Eagle Point Credit Company (ECC) Next up is Eagle Point Credit. Eagle, a capital investment company focused on current income generation, invests mainly in equity and junior debt tranches of CLOs. The niche kept Eagle in positive territory for Q1 earnings, netting the company 23 cents per share. A profitable quarter is always good, but there was bad news, too. EPS came in below the forecast, missing by 37%. Economic conditions in Q1 forced management to slash the dividend payment by 60%, reducing it from 20 cents monthly to just 8 cents. It was a deep cut, but it keeps the dividend payment sustainable for the company. From investors, the dividend cut is noticeable but the yield remains impressive. At an annualized rate of $1.96, the yield on ECCs dividend payment is 13.43%. When compared to the 1.9% average among peer companies in the finance sector, or the ~2% average found on the S&P 500, or the >1% found in Treasury bonds, ECCs return is simply unbeatable. By cutting the payment, management has shown a commitment to keeping it sustainable. That sustainability is a key point for 5-star analyst Randy Binner. He writes, The companys reported quarterly recurring CLO cash flows averaged $1.01/share over the last 12 months. Similar levels of recurring cash flows would leave a large cushion to service the $0.24 quarterly dividend going forward. Binner puts a Buy rating on ECC, with an $8 price target to indicate room for 14% upside growth in the next year. (To watch Binners track record, click here) Overall, there are two recent reviews on Eagle Point Credit, and they are split one says Buy and one says Hold, giving the stock an analyst consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Shares are priced at $7.02; as the buy rating belongs to Binner, his $8 target stands in place of an average. (See Eagle Point stock analysis on TipRanks) Ladder Capital Corporation (LADR) Last up is Ladder Capital, a specialist in commercial mortgages, with customers in 475 cities across 48 states. Ladder provides loads from $5 million to $100 million, and boasts over $6 billion in assets. Most of Ladders activities are east of the Mississippi. In Q1, net income fell by more than half, from 37 cents EPS to 15 cents. At the same time, the Q1 dividend remained high, and was paid out at 34 cents per share. Since then, management has cut the dividend payment by 41%. As with Eagle above, this was a move to keep the dividend sustainable going forward. The new payment, 20 cents per share, gives a yield of 9.72%, attractive to investors, especially coming from a company with a strong liquidity position. Ladders solid balance sheet caught the eye of B. Rileys Timothy Hayes, who wrote, Looking forward, we view LADR to be defensively positioned with over $860M of unrestricted cash, a ~ $1.7B securities portfolio that largely consists of liquid AAA-rated CMBS, and ~$1.8B of other encumbered assets, largely consisting of senior first mortgage loans. Hayes gave LADR shares a Buy with an $11 price target. His predicted upside is substantial, at 40% for the coming 12 months. (To watch Hayes track record, click here) Ladder Capital is unique on this list, with a Strong Buy rating from the analyst consensus. Based on 4 Buys and 1 Hold, this rating suggests that Wall Street is impressed by Ladders ability to weather the pandemic and chart a path forward in 2H20. LADR shares are selling for $7.98, and the $10.70 average price target indicates room for 35% upside growth. (See Ladder stock-price forecast on TipRanks) To find good ideas for dividend stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan has sent a letter to President of Russia Vladimir Putin stating that he wont be able to attend the events dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The letter reads as follows: Dear Mr. President, I regret to inform you that I will not be able to attend the events dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. As you know, I had very gladly accepted your invitation to attend the solemn ceremonies, but, as it turned out later, the coronavirus situation does not allow me to take the trip. Based on this, I decided to refrain from paying a visit to Moscow which, as you know, was thoroughly discussed and agreed upon between our staffs. It would have been a great honor for me to attend the anniversary parade. I am certain that millions of citizens of our two countries will be following the solemn ceremony, reminiscing the year 1945 when our forefathers proudly passed through Red Square. The Victory in the Great Patriotic War is our common heritage. The memory of the Victory unites our nations and creates a strong foundation for the friendship of the future generations. I look forward to meeting you soon and to having the opportunity to discuss the issues on the agenda of the federal relations between our countries. Please, accept, Mr. President, my best wishes for good health and success in your activities. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have said they did not get an invite to the all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the border face-off between India and China on Friday, their leaders have said. Defence minister Rajnath Singh had on Thursday called and invited all leaders on behalf of the Prime Minister and 20 parties will attend the meeting, according to reports. It will be also attended by Union home minister Amit Shah and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda, they said. AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Gopal Rai have said their party did not get the call for the meeting. A strange ego-ridden government is ruling at the Centre. The Aam Aadmi Party has a government in Delhi. Its the main opposition party in Punjab. There are four MPs all over the country but still the BJP does not want its opinion on such an important matter. The whole country is waiting for what the Prime Minister will say in the meeting, Sanjay Singh tweeted in Hindi on Thursday. Singh also said all parties should be brought together during a national emergency. Gopal Rai, who is also a minister in the Delhi government, said it is unfortunate that the AAP was not invited. Instead of taking all the parties together, the BJP is using mathematical formulas to ascertain who should be invited and who should not be. It is unfortunate, he said. Rai also said the AAP will launch nationwide protests against the Chinese aggression on Saturday and party MLAs will stage protests in their respective constituencies. To protest the attack on Indian soldiers by China, Aam Aadmi Party will hold Aakrosh Pradarshan tomorrow on June 20 at 11:00 am. There will be a demonstration in all the 70 assembly constituencies of Delhi. India will not tolerate the insult of brave soldiers, Rai tweeted in Hindi. Similarly, the RJDs Tejashwi Yadav said his party has not been called for the meeting. The Rashtriya Janata Dal is the largest party in Bihar and it has 5 MPs in Parliament but we have not been invited to todays all-party meeting on the face-off between India and China We want Rajnath Singh ji to clarify as to why the RJD hasnt been invited, Yadav, who is Bihars Leader of Opposition, said on Friday, according to ANI. Before that, he had questioned the defence minister and the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) over the miss. Dear @DefenceMinIndia @PMOIndia, Just wish to know the criteria for inviting political parties for tomorrows #AllPartyMeet on #GalwanValley. I mean the grounds of inclusion/exclusion. Because our party @RJDforIndia hasnt received any message so far, he had tweeted on Thursday. Reports said all recognised national parties, those with more than five MPs in the Lok Sabha, leading parties from the northeast and parties with Union cabinet ministers have been invited for the all-party meeting. It comes amid demands by the opposition seeking details of the violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh which left 20 Indian Army personnel dead. (With agency inputs) In a major setback to President Donald Trump, the US Supreme Court on Thursday rejected the administration's move to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Trump had made his crackdown on legal and illegal immigration a central part of his presidency and for the re-election campaign as well, in which he is seeking a second term in office. The court in a 5-4 ruling upheld the lower court decisions that called the attempt to move to end DACA program, often called "Dreamers", was unlawful. The court called the administration`s actions as "arbitrary and capricious" under a federal law called the Administrative Procedure Act. Though, the ruling does not prevent Trump from trying again to end the program. The DACA program protects hundreds of thousands of immigrants who entered the United States illegally as children from deportation. The ruling means that the roughly 649,000 immigrants, mostly young Hispanic adults born in Mexico and other Latin American countries, currently enrolled in DACA will remain protected from deportation and eligible to obtain renewable two-year work permits, the Reuters said in a report. "We do not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies. We address only whether the agency complied with the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action," conservative Chief Justice John Roberts wrote. While Trump called the decision 'horrible and politically charged'. "These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republicans or Conservatives," Trump wrote on Twitter. Trump`s administration had argued that former US President Barack Obama had exceeded his constitutional powers when he created DACA. Obama had created DACA after Congress failed to pass bipartisan legislation to overhaul US immigration policy. DACA offered protections for the immigrants known as "Dreamers," a moniker derived from the name of an immigration bill. Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sep 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sep 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (18) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sep 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (135) Jun 2013 (204) Jul 2013 (293) Aug 2013 (351) Sep 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (348) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (442) Jan 2014 (547) Feb 2014 (476) Mar 2014 (526) Apr 2014 (527) May 2014 (469) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sep 2014 (443) Oct 2014 (472) Nov 2014 (497) Dec 2014 (536) Jan 2015 (539) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (582) Apr 2015 (658) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (673) Jul 2015 (728) Aug 2015 (803) Sep 2015 (923) Oct 2015 (924) Nov 2015 (802) Dec 2015 (791) Jan 2016 (782) Feb 2016 (835) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (866) May 2016 (947) Jun 2016 (1044) Jul 2016 (882) Aug 2016 (1035) Sep 2016 (967) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (885) Jan 2017 (879) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (896) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (850) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sep 2017 (998) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1046) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (809) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sep 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (851) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (935) Jul 2019 (950) Aug 2019 (936) Sep 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (941) Feb 2020 (849) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (789) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sep 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (812) Dec 2020 (780) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (824) Jul 2021 (830) Aug 2021 (832) Sep 2021 (791) Oct 2021 (754) Nov 2021 (683) Dec 2021 (693) Jan 2022 (497) (CNN) -- In addition to Microsoft's moratorium on selling facial recognition to US police departments, the company currently does not sell the technology to federal law enforcement, Microsoft President Brad Smith said during an interview with Politico Thursday. His comments came days after Microsoft and fellow tech giants IBM and Amazon all rolled out limitations on plans to sell facial recognition technology in the wake of recent anti-racism protests. Smith stopped short, however, of saying the company would avoid selling to other federal agencies. "We don't provide facial recognition technology today to any federal law enforcement agency and we certainly won't provide facial recognition technology in any scenario that either leads to bias against people," Smith said. "We won't allow our technology to be used in any manner that puts people's fundamental rights at risk. Now I will say, the federal government is a broad government, there's a lot more than law enforcement that's involved." Regulating facial recognition Smith urged lawmakers to develop federal regulations for facial recognition tools, adding to the growing pressure from Big Tech on Congress to replace a patchwork of state and local legislation with a nationwide law covering the cutting-edge tool. "We need to start teasing this issue apart, to understand it better and move just beyond a binary conversation of: permit it or ban it," Smith said. "And think about: what is the right way to regulate it?" Smith has been calling for such regulation for years. Microsoft was involved in the passage of a state law in Washington that regulates the usage and testing of facial recognition technology, which Governor Jay Inslee signed in March. Among the major concerns with facial recognition technology are that it has, in some cases, been proven to frequently misidentify people of color and women. More recently, fears of racial discrimination and police use of the technology for surveillance gained new urgency amid nationwide demonstrations over racial justice and police brutality. Smith suggested that the Washington law could provide a blueprint for federal legislation. "It says that you can't offer facial recognition technology unless you make available your service for testing," Smith said, adding that such a rule incentivizes companies to eliminate bias in their technology. He said the law also requires that police obtain approval from a court to use the technology, and that government cannot use it in situations in which citizens are exercising their first amendment rights, such as during protests. Following Microsoft's announcement that it will not sell the technology to police, President Donald Trump retweeted a post calling for Microsoft to be banned from federal contracts. Smith said he hasn't spoken to the President about the tweet, but that he doesn't expect it will affect his engagement with the Trump administration, which he has advised on other issues such as reopening the economy. "It was a tweet," Smith said. "We're focused on doing the right thing every day, and doing the right thing whether it comes to reopening the economy, the right thing when it comes to supporting the defense department, the right thing when it comes to facial recognition. ... We always want to maintain a constructive level of conversation." On Big Tech's antitrust battle Smith also addressed another hot topic in the world of Big Tech: the antitrust scrutiny currently being leveled at other companies including Apple, Amazon and Google. Smith said the barriers to entry for smaller tech firms are even higher than they were two decades ago, when he led Microsoft's efforts to resolve its own antitrust controversies. "If you look at the industry today, I think what you find is increasingly you're seeing app stores that have created higher walls and far more formidable gates to access to other applications than anything that existed in the industry 20 years ago," he said. "(Other platforms) impose requirements that increasingly say there's only one way to get on to our platform and that is to go through the gate we ourselves have created," Smith said. "In some cases they create a very high price or a toll. In some cases, 30 percent of all of your revenue has to go to the tollkeeper, if you will." He said lawmakers in the United States and elsewhere should consider regulations for app stores, considering elements such as the rules around developing apps for certain platforms and the costs in place for doing so. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Microsoft president calls for federal regulation of facial recognition technology" Australia is being targeted by a widespread cyber attack originating from a state-based actor, the countrys Prime Minister Scott Morrison said at a press conference on Friday, giving details of what some expert said indicated a link to China. The attacks targeted the government, public services and private businesses, the PM said. In more details released by the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the cyber campaign named copy-paste compromises appeared to deploy techniques available publicly and exploited known flaws in some specific products and protocols. This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure, Morrison said, according to news agency AFP, adding: we know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber-actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the tradecraft used. While the Australian PM did not name any country, cyber security experts said the strongest suspicion fell on China. Many states have good cyber capabilities, but there are very few states that have the capability at the scale the Prime Minister talked about, affecting so many industries. The ones that possibly could at that scale: Russian, US, UK, China. I dont see any motivation for the first three -- theyve either got a good relationship with us or have far higher priorities, said Tom Uren, senior analyst at Australian Strategic Policy Institutes (ASPI) International Cyber Policy Centre. Australia has been on Chinas radar for years, and they have previously compromised all of the industries that the PM mentioned, he said in an interview over email. The analyst added that the present attack appeared to be for stealing information instead of causing disruption or destruction. The revelations in Australia come at a time when there have been concerns about cyber attacks from China targeting Indian digital infrastructure as a consequence of the escalation in hostilities between the two countries in Ladakh. HT reported on Thursday intelligence inputs that some attacks from China-based actors had been launched on Indian networks such as payment and ATM networks. In a conflict, espionage for military advantage is a dead certainty, but Im not sure that China would try to disrupt Indian operations with cyber capabilities unless the conflict really escalated, Uren said. He added that an attack of the kind seen in Australia could impact several sectors with valuable information. According to news agency AFP, Australias public broadcaster ABC cited senior sources confirming that China was believed to be behind the attacks. Australia has in recent weeks enraged China by calling for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and by accusing China of fuelling a virus infodemic and engaging in economic coercion. China -- increasingly unwilling to tolerate criticism of its more aggressive foreign policies -- has warned its students and tourists against going to Australia, threatened more sanctions and sentenced an Australian citizen to death for drug trafficking. (With inputs from AFP) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON (Bloomberg) -- The meltdown at Wirecard AG is raising questions about the companys complicated relationship with the troubled SoftBank Group Corp. The Japanese conglomerate signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the payments firm last year and agreed to buy $1 billion of Wirecard convertible bonds, although that exposure was later cut through a complex transaction. This month, a partner at SoftBanks investment arm was on track to become a supervisory board member at Wirecard. Then on Thursday, Wirecard revealed that auditors had been unable to find about 1.9 billion euros ($2.1 billion) in cash that was supposed to be held in Asian banks. The company suffered one of the worst stock slumps in the history of Germanys benchmark index, then fell again sharply on Friday. The damage for SoftBank may be more to its reputation than its finances. The Japanese company last April unveiled a complicated transaction for about $1 billion in convertible bonds for Wirecard. That ostensible support sent Wirecards stock surging, damaging short sellers. In the end though, SoftBank never put in money itself. Instead, SoftBank employees and the sovereign wealth fund Mubadala financed the deal, and then sold their interests through structured notes. Those notes plunged 73% on Thursday to about 19.9 euro cents and have dropped a further 11.7 euro cents on Friday. Everything about that deal is not what you would call textbook corporate governance, said Justin Tang, head of Asian research at United First Partners in Singapore. This is the last thing Son needs now as he deals with the fallout from Vision Fund losses. Kenichi Yuasa, a spokesman at SoftBank, declined to comment. SoftBank, led by Masayoshi Son, reported a record operating loss in May, triggered by the writedown of portfolio companies at its Vision Fund investment arm. The company does not have direct financial exposure to Wirecard, according to a person familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified discussing confidential agreements. Story continues Its not clear yet what Wirecards meltdown means for its alliance with SoftBank. While auditors are working to verify the companys finances, Chief Executive Officer Markus Braun, the companys biggest shareholder, portrayed the company as a potential victim. Samuel Merksamer, a partner at SoftBanks Vision Fund, was supposed to join Wirecards board, with an announcement coming as soon as this month, Bloomberg News has reported. The alliance between the two companies was aimed at facilitating partnerships between Wirecard and SoftBanks portfolio companies, including Auto1 Group, Brightstar and Oyo Hotels & Homes. SoftBank will hold its annual shareholders meeting next Thursday. The president will need to explain this series of failures to shareholders at the AGM next week, said Koji Hirai, head of M&A advisory firm Kachitas Corp. in Tokyo. 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. To the consternation of many Democrats, the front-runner in a crowded congressional primary in one of the bluest districts in New York City, if not the country, is a Pentecostal minister who opposes abortion rights, likes Donald Trump and has a long history of anti-gay comments. City Council Member Ruben Diaz Sr., a cowboy-hat wearing political fixture in the South Bronx, is one of a host of candidates vying in New Yorks primary Tuesday for seats opening up because of the retirement of three veteran members of Congress: Democrats Jose Serrano and Nita Lowey and Republican Pete King. Diaz, 77, is among a dozen Democrats running in the 15th Congressional District, The field is deep with liberal contenders, leaving Diaz standing apart. We firmly believe that a win for Diaz Sr. in this congressional race would be really a statewide and national embarrassment, said Brian Romero, the president of the Stonewall Democratic Club, which is supporting City Council Member Ritchie Torres, who is gay. Diaz has not participated in debates or given interviews about his campaign, but he is well known, having served two stints on the City Council and one in the state senate. He is also the father of popular Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Romero's club has joined other gay organizations in urging the candidates to unite behind Torres in order to fend off a win by Diaz, who has said he may vote for Donald Trump's reelection and who complained last year that the City Council was controlled by the homosexual community." Torres, 32, who was raised in a Bronx public housing complex and won his City Council seat at age 25, said it isn't his place to tell other candidates to drop out, but warned that theres an imminent risk that the bluest congressional seat in America could fall into the hands of a pro-Trump Republican. His rivals said they are staying in. I dont think its anybodys place to tell me what to do," said Melissa Mark-Viverito, 51, who as City Council speaker was New York City's most powerful female elected official from 2014 through 2017. She said Diaz is the one who should drop out because he is not a Democrat. State Assembly member Michael Blake, 37, who served in the White House Office of Public Engagement under President Barack Obama and is a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, would be the first African American from the Bronx elected to Congress, but the fact that he is not Latino could be a disadvantage in a district that's two-thirds Hispanic. Other candidates include City Council member Ydanis Rodriguez and political newcomer Samelys Lopez, a housing activist who has been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Democratic Socialists of America. Lopez, 40, said some of her opponents are merely posing as progressives." She cited the City Council's vote last year to close the city's Rikers Island jail complex and replace it with several smaller jails. Rather than build more jails, Lopez said, the city should invest in a decarceral approach." LOWEY SUCCESSOR As the candidates battle in the Bronx, another deep field of Democrats is vying First-time candidate Mondaire Jones, 33, an attorney who worked in the Justice Department under Obama, has been endorsed by Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez as well as by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Jones, who grew up in subsidized housing in the district then went to Stanford University and Harvard Law School, would be the first gay black man in Congress if elected. He remembers tagging along with his grandmother when she cleaned rich people's houses. Now I get to run to represent the same people whose homes I watched my grandmother clean growing up, he said. Evelyn Farkas, 52, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia under Obama, has endorsements from former Secretary of State John Kerry and former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta. We need to send someone who knows how the system works in Washington, Farkas said. In Washington a lot hinges on whether you know the process and if you have the trust and the relationships to get things done. Other contenders include Adam Schleifer, 38, a former federal prosecutor and the son of a pharmaceutical company founder who had given his own campaign $1.7 million as of March 31; Assemblyman David Buchwald, 42, who once sponsored a bill to let New York share Trumps tax returns with Congress; former NARAL-Pro-Choice America chair Allison Fine and Army Reserves Major Asha Castleberry-Hernandez. Another candidate, State Sen. David Carlucci, 39, could be hampered by his membership in the Independent Democratic Conference, a breakaway faction of Democrats that allied itself with Republicans in the state Senate until it dissolved in 2018. Carlucci said he's voted for progressive legislation on marriage equality, raising the minimum wage and gun control, among other issues. People in the district actually know me and know the work that Ive done," he said. FIGHT ON LONG ISLAND Two Republicans and two Democrats are vying The Long Island district has leaned Republican, but his departure could make it more of a battleground. Republicans will choose between Assembly Member Andrew Garbarino, who touts Kings backing, and Assembly Member Mike LiPetri, who says he wants to deter the influence of radical left-wing politicians. Garbarino said hes optimistic hell win over independents. Long Island is very different from the rest of the country. You have pro-labor Republicans. You have pro-environment Republicans, Garbarino said. Democrats will choose between Jackie Gordon, a combat veteran and high school guidance counselor who recently served on the Babylon Town Council, and attorney Patricia Maher, who unsuccessfully ran against King in 2014. Gordon, who was born in Jamaica and retired from the Army Reserve as a lieutenant colonel in 2014, said she expects to see an uptick in voting from people who want to address inequality. This pandemic has really pulled the blanket off of something and shown inequity in healthcare and education and housing, she said. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Thousands of Republican supporters are expected to gather for President Donald Trump's high-profile election campaign rally in Tulsa on Saturday defying concerns of coronavirus infection. Health experts have already warned of risks to the attendees as cases continue to rise in alarming pace in Oklahoma. The President is set to address his supporters in The BOK Center that has an estimated capacity of 19,000 people. According to an official quoted by CNN, around 100,000 people are expected to turn out at the Bank of Oklahoma Center to listen to Trump. Trump prepares to hold his first major election rally since COVID-forced lockdown while facing setback in popularity in battleground states. Although Oklahoma is a less affected state when compared to the national tolls, it is at the peak of daily confirmed cases as per Johns Hopkins University data. Confirmed cases multiplied by nearly three times from May 1 to 9355 by Friday, and with 1,825 cases Tulsa is the worst-affected county in the state. The Tulsa Health Department data shows Tulsa County currently has its highest weekly average for new cases at 73.9. Tulsa Health Department director Dr. Bruce Dart warned at a news conference Wednesday that it is better to postpone Saturday's political event because large gatherings could make things worse. But Republican state Governor Kevin Stitt is in favor of hosting the pivotal campaign rally. 'We're so excited to have you. Oklahoma's ready for your visit,' Stitt reportedly told Trump during a White House event Thursday. 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. Six people, including a family of migrant workers, have tested positive for Covid-19 in Muktsar district on Friday. Epidemiologist Dr Vikram Kumar said a family of migrant labourers, comprising four members, including a four-year-old child had tested positive. The family had come to Punjab from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh. Two other patients had a travelled from Delhi. The patients were admitted at an isolation facility in Muktsar city. In Bathinda, three fresh cases of coronavirus cases, including a woman, were reported on Friday. A spokesperson of the district administration said two of the patients had come from Uttar Pradesh while one had travelled from Gurugram. The three patients had been under home quarantine. Flash China will work with its partners to develop the Belt and Road into a model of cooperation for meeting challenges through unity, President Xi Jinping said Thursday in a written message to the High-level Video Conference on Belt and Road International Cooperation. The Belt and Road will also be a model of health for protecting people's safety and well-being, a model of recovery for restoring economic and social activity, and a model of growth for unlocking development potential, Xi said. The video conference is "a highly important meeting that gives Belt and Road cooperation partners an opportunity to discuss a collective response to COVID-19, advance Belt and Road cooperation, and strengthen international solidarity and cooperation," said Xi. He said that the sudden attack of COVID-19 has posed a grave threat to the lives and health of people across the globe. It has dealt a heavy blow to the world economy, and caused tough economic and social challenges for some countries, developing ones in particular. "To contain the virus, countries have taken robust and effective measures, specific to their national context. On top of that, many countries are striving to resume economic and social development," Xi said, noting that in China's case, the people's lives and well-being have always been put front and center. China will do what it can and contribute its share to an early global victory against COVID-19, and the recovery of the global economy, the president said. "Be it in taming the virus or in achieving economic recovery, we cannot succeed without solidarity, cooperation, and multilateralism. The right approach to tackling global crises and realizing long-term development is through greater connectivity, openness, and inclusiveness," he said. "This is where Belt and Road international cooperation can make a big difference," he said, adding that China is committed to peaceful development and mutually beneficial cooperation. Foreign ministers or officials at ministerial level from 25 countries attended the video conference. Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and UN Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner also participated in the event. In this article TRI-CA Global coronavirus cases now top 8.5 million, having added another 1 million cases in just over a week. Hot spots in Latin America and the Middle East have contributed to the rise, with cases still ticking higher in the U.S. and cases in Europe hitting a relative plateau. The coverage on this live blog has ended. Global cases: More than 8.56 million Global deaths: At least 457,388 U.S. cases: More than 2.21 million U.S. deaths: At least 118,991 The data above was compiled by Johns Hopkins University. More states open casinos and lift coronavirus restrictions 5:54 p.m. ET While some states are seeing troubling spikes in cases, some are continuing to ease coronavirus restrictions on major businesses. Both Maryland and Ohio have allowed casinos to reopen and relaxed other business restrictions. Gyms and fitness facilities, including dance studios, can now operate in Maryland. The state also reopened arcades and malls, while Ohio allowed amusement parks and water parks to resume business. For more on states' reopening progress, click here. Hannah Miller Fauci, Birx advise against Trump's Tulsa rally President Donald Trump speaks about the coronavirus in the Rose Garden of the White House, Friday, May 15, 2020, in Washington. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, right, and White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx listen. Alex Brandon | AP 4:40 p.m. ET Leading members of the White House coronavirus task force disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci and task force response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx voiced concerns internally over the safety of President Donald Trump's rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday, NBC News reports. The rally could hold as many as 19,000 people, who will not be required to socially distance or wear face coverings. Trump and his campaign advisers say attendees "assume a personal risk." Campaign officials warned those with preexisting conditions or other risk factors should not attend, and supporters must sign a digital waiver to release the campaign of liability if they get sick. But health officials have warned against mass gatherings of any kind. Suzanne Blake Cruise lines extend U.S. suspension to September 15 Riya Bhattacharjee | CNBC 4:31 p.m. ET All major cruise lines agreed to extend the suspension of U.S. operations to September 15, the Cruise Lines International Association announced. The trade group, which represents Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Corp. among other cruise companies, previously announced a pause of operations on March 13. On March 14, the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a no-sail order for cruise ships, and on April 9 it extended the order until July 24, saying that "cruise ship travel exacerbates the global spread of Covid-19." Shares of Carnival Corp. finished the day down 5.2%, and Royal Caribbean stock dropped 6.9%. Shares of Norwegian Cruise Line closed 5.6% lower. Will Feuer Black-owned businesses hit hardest amid pandemic 3:21 p.m. ET In addition to disproportionately affecting people of color in the U.S., the coronavirus pandemic has also posed outsized challenges for Black-owned businesses. The number of Black business owners who were actively working fell 41% from February through April, compared with an overall drop of 22% in active business owners nationwide, CNBC's Kate Rogers and Betsy Spring report. Minority-owned businesses were also hit hardest by limitations within the Paycheck Protection Program, making it harder for them to access government aid, according to research from the Center for Responsible Lending. However, some Black business owners have experienced boosts in business and exposure as consumers look to support minority-owned operations amid recent anti-racist protests. Hannah Miller Film critics are 'filled with dread' about returning to theaters A woman stands under a cinema entrance, as the global outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Los Angeles, California, May 14, 2020. Lucy Nicholson | Reuters 3:17 p.m. ET While movie theaters are gearing up to reopen, film critics are worried that it may be too soon for public gatherings to take place in confined spaces like cinemas. Their trepidation is being exacerbated by the fact that a number of the major movie theater chains in the U.S. have made mask-wearing optional. "I'm excited to see movies in theaters again," a freelance film critic and editor from New York told CNBC. "I'm not sure when I will be doing that, though. I don't have faith in the major chains that are not mandating that patrons wear masks. I think that's incredibly reckless." Film reviews are a vital part of a film studio's marketing, as positive reviews can help drive stronger ticket sales and consumer interest. "There's a lot of concern among critics about this, because for our jobs we may be forced to decide between an assignment and our health," the New York-based critic and editor said. "And not just ours but those in our homes." Sarah Whitten White House insists coronavirus is a 'priority' as Trump prepares for rally 3:05 p.m. ET The White House maintained the virus is "still a priority" for the administration, even as President Donald Trump prepares for a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma that could spread the disease. During a press briefing, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany was asked by a reporter whether the virus was a priority after Dr. Anthony Fauci said Tuesday that he hadn't spoken to the president in two weeks. "Absolutely it's still a priority," McEnany said. "It's why the task force meets regularly, the president is given that information." The White House coronavirus task force last held a public briefing on the virus on April 27. White House task force meetings still take place but are less frequent and closed to the press. In recent weeks, Trump has shifted focus to reopening the economy, police reform and the November election. He is scheduled to hold a rally Saturday in Tulsa, which is expected to attract thousands of attendees. Berkeley Lovelace Jr. Why a California restaurant shut down its dining room one week after reopening 3:01 p.m. ET Gran Electrica, a Mexican restaurant in Napa, California, reopened its dining room after coronavirus-related business restrictions were lifted. But after about a week, it largely went back to its to-go-only model. "Not only is it not really feasible for restaurants to operate at 50% capacity, but we found that, with regards to our staff, there really was just no way to 100% protect them," co-owner Tamer Hamawi said on CNBC's "The Exchange." Customers would wear masks into the restaurant, but once they sat at the table, the masks were removed for the entire meal, Hamawi explained, putting staff at more of a risk then they felt comfortable with. "And personally, I don't really blame them. Some of them live with their grandparents. They live with high-risk individuals," he said. "We just didn't feel it was really a great position to put them in." Hamawi said the takeout business has continued to be rather successful. The restaurant also has pivoted to offer private parties for groups on its patio with pre-ordered and pre-paid food. "We're really only taking it a couple weeks at a time," Hamawi said. "Things are so volatile in this country right now. We're just doing what we can to take things afloat. I'm hoping that in a year's time things will be somewhat back to normal, and we can just get back to doing what we do best." Kevin Stankiewicz Arizona and Florida report record-high single-day increases in coronavirus cases 2:55 p.m. ET Arizona and Florida reported record spikes in confirmed coronavirus cases as the states continue their phased reopening and ramp up testing. The Arizona Department of Health Services reported 3,246 new positive cases, surpassing Thursday's single-day high of 2,519 cases. Florida health officials recorded 3,822 new cases Friday morning, exceeding the state's previous single-day high of 3,207 cases also reported on Thursday. As more states report record-setting daily numbers of Covid-19 cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded its list of states where Covid-19 deaths are expected to accelerate over the next four weeks. The list now includes Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Hawaii, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina and Utah. While some state and federal leaders have attributed the increase in confirmed coronavirus cases to an increase in testing, many states are seeing a rise in hospitalizations, which is less dependent on testing capacity. Jasmine Kim Apple will close stores in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Arizona Customers distance before entering an Apple Store during phase one of reopening after the COVID-19 lockdown in New York City, New York, U.S. June 17, 2020. Brendan McDermid | Reuters 2:20 p.m. ET Apple said that it will close stores in four states, all of which are seeing recent increases of coronavirus cases. A total of 11 Apple stores in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Arizona will close starting on Saturday, although customers who have computers in the shop have the weekend to pick up their devices. Apple was one of the first companies to announce widespread store closures in response to the Covid-19 pandemic back in March, although in recent weeks it has been opening stores up with safety precautions such as mandatory mask and temperature checks. These are the first Apple stores to close again due to rising Covid-19 infection counts. Kif Leswing Cuomo warns other states to take action as cases rise 1:54 p.m. ET New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said during his final daily press briefing on Friday that more people will die if states that reopened their economies too quickly and are reporting spikes in cases don't take action to prevent further spread of Covid-19. "Forget the politics, be smart, open the economy intelligently and save lives at the same time," he said. Cuomo's final daily coronavirus press briefing comes over 100 days after the beginning of the state's response to the outbreak. The coronavirus has killed more than 30,900 people in New York, the most of any state in the nation, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The number of new deaths over the next four weeks is expected to accelerate in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina and Utah compared to last month, according to forecasts published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the ensemble of forecast data, the CDC said there will likely be between 129,000 and 145,000 total reported Covid-19 deaths by July 11th. Noah Higgins-Dunn Project Destined co-founder works with real estate firms to employ Black, Hispanic students in internships Project founder Cedric Bobo speaks during Project Destined Bootcamp at Viacom Lodge on March 3, 2018 in New York City. John Lamparski | Getty Images 1:28 p.m. ET Tens of thousands of students in New York City lost paid internships due to Covid-19, but Bobo Cedric, co-founder of Project Destined, is using his platform to replace some of those opportunities and working with real estate companies in hopes of employing hundreds of primarily Black and Hispanic students. Companies such as Brookfield Asset Management, Tishman Speyer and Walker & Dunlop have already joined Bobo's push. Internships are for five or six weeks and individuals are paid between $500 to $750, based on the role. Bobo told CNBC's Diana Olick that he hopes to get more than 1,000 students internships through the fall. Students in the program take courses from Project Destined, Bobo's nonprofit real estate learning platform, and then work with and learn from real estate industry leaders. Alex Harring Businesses and labor groups clash over who's responsible when workers get coronavirus Signage notes new social distancing rules and procedures in the Mall of America on June 10, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Stephen Maturen | Getty Images 1:02 p.m. ET As many businesses begin the process of reopening, a fight is brewing over whether companies should be held responsible when workers catch coronavirus on the job. The debate has gained attention in Congress, as lawmakers weigh the possibility of passing another coronavirus stimulus package. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would push to include liability protections for businesses in upcoming legislation. Republicans have expressed support for the move, arguing that businesses need greater protection from coronavirus-related lawsuits. Democrats, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have said they'd fight limits to litigation, arguing such proposals could restrict workers' right to sue. In most workplace lawsuits, it will be significantly challenging for employees to prove they contracted the coronavirus while at work, rather than through other means, such as riding public transportation or shopping at the grocery store. Annie Palmer Fed ready to stress test banks under coronavirus scenarios 12:50 p.m. ET Bank stress tests are being changed this year to put into play potential recovery scenarios from the coronavirus-induced recession. Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Randal Quarles said that the tests will pose three economic scenarios and examine how banks would fare under each. The tests will cover a V-shaped sharp rebound, a slower U-shaped recovery and a "double-bottom" W-shaped trajectory where a spike in Covid-19 cases would bring about another economic downturn. Financial shares added to losses following the announcement, with the KBE S&P Bank ETF off more than 2% in afternoon trading. Jeff Cox WHO says virus is 'still deadly and most people are still susceptible' Health workers prepare to give people free COVID-19 tests without needing to show ID, doctor's note or symptoms at a drive-through and walk up Coronavirus testing center located at Barcroft Community Center in the Arlington, Virginia, a zip code with the highest concentration of Coronavirus cases on May 26, 2020. Olivier Douliery | AFP | Getty Images 12:02 p.m. ET The World Health Organization's top official warned the pandemic has entered a "new and dangerous phase" as daily Covid-19 cases hit record highs. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that almost half of the total cases yesterday were reported from the Americas, with a large number coming from Southern Asia and the Middle East. "Many people are understandably fed up with being at home. Countries are understandably eager to open up their societies and economies. But the virus is still spreading fast. It is still deadly and most people are still susceptible," he said. Berkeley Lovelace, Jr. Auto production begins to ramp up to pre-pandemic levels 11:32 a.m. ET Ford Motor and Fiat Chrysler expect to return to pre-coronavirus pandemic production schedules at their U.S. plants on Monday. The return of shifts, which were confirmed Friday, is a major milestone for the automakers as they attempt to meet consumer demand for profitable pickups and SUVs. Automakers shuttered U.S. plants in March as the coronavirus rapidly spread across the country. The Detroit automakers started to resume vehicle production on May 18. General Motors plans to return to full North American production levels by the end of June, if not sooner, GM CEO and Chairman Mary Barra has said. A GM spokesman confirmed those plans. Michael Wayland U.S. cases grow by more than 27,700 in a day as 7-day average jumps 15% from a week ago 11:28 a.m. ET The U.S. reported more than 27,700 coronavirus cases on Thursday as the average number of daily new cases steadily increases, according to a CNBC analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Covid-19 cases are growing by 5% or more in 27 states across the U.S. and, as of Thursday, the nation's seven-day average of new cases increased by more than 15% compared to a week ago. The case numbers depend on the methodology of local state health departments and can fluctuate based on the level of testing conducted. Coronavirus hospitalizations, like new cases and deaths, are considered a key measure of the outbreak because it helps scientists gauge how severe it may be. Hospitalizations from Covid-19 were growing in 12 states as of Thursday, according to a CNBC analysis of data compiled by the Covid Tracking Project. Meanwhile, 17 states and Washington, D.C., have reported a decline in cases, including Connecticut, New Jersey and New York, which was once considered the epicenter of the outbreak in the U.S. Noah Higgins-Dunn Dr. Fauci is frustrated Americans aren't following health guidelines Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, listens to U.S. President Donald Trump speak at the daily briefing of the White House Coronavirus Task Force in the briefing room at the White House April 16, 2020 in Washington, DC. Alex Wong | Getty Images 11:25 a.m. ET Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, told CBS that he is frustrated Americans aren't following recommended health guidelines for Covid-19. The comment by Fauci came after coronavirus outbreaks in several states worsened this week. It also came as President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a rally Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which is expected to bring in thousands of people. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, made similar comments earlier this month to members of Congress. He told the House Appropriations Committee that he's "very concerned" the agency's public health message on the coronavirus isn't "resonating." Berkeley Lovelace, Jr. AMC faces backlash over its decision not to require masks to avoid 'political controversy' 11:07 a.m. ET In an effort not to be "drawn into political controversy," it seems AMC Entertainment's latest comments about its phased reopening has done just that. On Thursday, the theater chain's CEO said that the company had decided not to require customers to wear masks because it wanted to avoid making a political statement. Those comments caused backlash on social media, however, as users questioned why public safety measures would be considered a political opinion. Rival theater chains Cinemark and Regal are also not requiring masks for entry unless mandated by local health officials. While health officials have touted the effectiveness of masks, President Donald Trump has suggested that some Americans are only wearing masks as a way to "signal disapproval of him." Wyoming Republican Sen. John Barrasso, who is a doctor, told CNBC on Friday he is concerned about AMC's decision. "I have a lot of concerns about that," he said in an interview on "Squawk Box." "You're talking about a confined space where people are there for extended periods of time, breathing essentially the same air." Sarah Whitten, Kevin Stankiewicz New cases jump in Oklahoma ahead of Trump's Tulsa rally Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Coronavirus is helping DoorDash steal market share from its competitors 9:52 a.m. ET DoorDash is cementing its position as the market leader for food delivery in the midst of the pandemic. Edison Trends, which studies anonymized and aggregated e-receipts from millions of U.S. consumers, found that the company stole share from rivals Grubhub, Postmates and UberEats in March and April. DoorDash announced Thursday that it raised $400 million in equity capital, at a valuation of nearly $16 billion. The food-delivery service earned the No. 12 spot on the 2020 CNBC Disruptor 50 list. Amelia Lucas Requiring masks is not political, ex-Trump FDA chief says 9:34 a.m. ET Requiring people to wear masks in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus is not "denying people their liberty," President Donald Trump's former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration Dr. Scott Gottlieb told CNBC. Gottlieb's comments come after Trump said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal published Thursday that some Americans might wear masks to "signal disapproval of him." Infectious disease specialists have repeatedly pointed to universal mask wearing as a simple, non-restrictive way to combat the virus. "I don't think this is a political issue," Gottlieb said on CNBC's "Squawk Box." "Universal masking is one of the simplest interventions that we can take that could probably reduce the odds that we have another epidemic." Will Feuer Cases in Middle East and Asia surge Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Pandemic may delay the arrival of new medicines 8:43 a.m. ET The pandemic postponed the start of clinical trials for potentially life-changing, new medicines as doctors focused on treating patients sickened with Covid-19. It may now delay the market arrival of those medicines as the Food and Drug Administration faces a backlog once drugmakers finish their trials and submit their drugs for regulatory approval. Reviews for new drug applications can take anywhere from several months to a year. The last time the FDA risked huge delays was during the partial government shutdown in early 2019. The FDA was able to keep most of its lights on, but the shutdown forced it to furlough almost half of its workforce and it was not able to accept new applications or fees. Berkeley Lovelace Jr. Private jet companies court new flyers amid health fears As people seek to avoid large airports and commercial flights, interest in charter flights is on the rise. Flashpop 8:30 a.m. ET Private jet companies are flying 70% or more of their normal, pre-pandemic schedules, even as commercial traffic stands at 15% to 17% of 2019 totals. Big names in the private flight field, including NetJets, PrivateFly and Vista Jet, have reported a higher than usual level of interest from people who have never flown private as health fears and lower prices draw them away from commercial. Though business travel is nearly nonexistent, private jet companies say the need for safe and secluded travel has spurred new demand. Prices for certain private flights are now 30% to 50% cheaper than they were a year ago. The government also suspended the excise 7.5% tax on private-jet flights as part of the stimulus package. Read more on the fresh interest in private flying from CNBC's Robert Frank. Alex Harring Coronavirus mortgage bailout shrinks for third straight week 8:17 a.m. ET As the country reopens, the number of borrowers seeking relief on mortgage payments has decreased for a third straight week, CNBC's Diana Olick reports. Roughly 4.6 million homeowners were in forbearance plans as of June 16, representing 8.7% of all active mortgages. That's just slightly below the 8.8% that were in forbearance in the previous period, according to Black Knight, a mortgage data and technology firm. These forbearance plans allow homeowners to delay monthly payments for at least three months. The number of borrowers decreased by 57,000 from last week and by 158,000 from the peak week of May 22. Bank-held loans or loans in private-label securities, however, saw an increase in total forbearances by 6,000. Suzanne Blake India reports record rise of new cases, southern city of Chennai back in lockdown A health worker collects swab sample from a man to test for COVID-19 infection, at a dispensary in Dilshad Garden, on June 18, 2020 in New Delhi, India. Biplov Bhuyan | Hindustan Times via Getty Images 7:15 a.m. ET India reported a record rise in the number of coronavirus cases on Friday, Reuters reported, as the country's health ministry recorded more than 13,000 new infections and over 300 additional deaths in the last 24 hours. India has reported the fourth-highest number of Covid-19 cases in the world, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, behind only the U.S., Brazil and Russia, respectively. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lifted most lockdown restrictions earlier this month, even as coronavirus cases continued to rise, but the southern city of Chennai has now been placed back into lockdown following a fresh outbreak of infections. Sam Meredith Germany's contact tracing app downloaded nearly 10 million times, government says People wearing protective face masks walk on the main shopping street in Munich, Germany during the coronavirus crisis on April 30 2020. Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images As Indias conflict with China becomes stronger, a Bloomberg report has suggested that the world of smartphones is not quite ready yet to fly independent of China. The case in point was the recent sale of OnePlus latest smartphones. The popular electronics brand recently hosted the sale of its flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 8 Pro in India, and as most noted, the sale ran out within minutes. In fact, many Indian buyers even took to Twitter to complain about not being able to purchase the smartphone, despite having waited for days. This, Bloomberg notes, is tantamount evidence of how India may not be ready enough to reduce its dependence in Chinese brands, particularly in the smartphone space. According to the report, China leads the list of exporters to India, with a trade surplus for China that amounts to a whopping Rs 3.8 lakh crore. A considerable section of this surplus for China is contributed to its prowess in technology, manufacturing and associated acts. OnePlus, for instance, is owned by the Chinese company, BBK Electronics. BBK, as is well known, also owns Oppo, Vivo, Realme and Iqoo, all of which sell their smartphones in India. Oppo, Vivo and Realme are also among the most selling smartphone brands in India behind Xiaomi, which itself is also a Chinese technology company. While the boycott China discourse has really strengthened in recent times, underlined by patriotic sentiments and Prime Minister Narendra Modis call for vocal for local and aatmanirbhar initiatives, it remains to be seen how lasting an impact does this have on Chinese companies that have almost become household names in India. Multiple conversations have also been raised about the risk of data security linked with the Chinese companies, all of which can significantly hurt the prospect of business for these brands. As of now, however, it seems that brands like OnePlus are still successfully pulling off their device sales in India. Most smartphone brands have attempted to cash in on the make in India initiatives. Going forward, it remains to be seen how the latest conflict with China affects Indias most popular Chinese brands, and how India manages to step up its local manufacturing initiatives. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is quoting at Rs 380.6, up 2.8% on the day as on 12:54 IST on the NSE. The stock is down 1.19% in last one year as compared to a 13.78% slide in NIFTY and a 10.95% slide in the Nifty Energy index. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is up for a third straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 380.6, up 2.8% on the day as on 12:54 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 1.09% on the day, quoting at 10201.35. The Sensex is at 34567, up 1.05%. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd has gained around 23.21% in last one month. Meanwhile, Nifty Energy index of which Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is a constituent, has gained around 14.48% in last one month and is currently quoting at 14023.45, up 2.11% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 34.59 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 89.68 lakh shares in last one month. The benchmark June futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 379.95, up 2.56% on the day. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is down 1.19% in last one year as compared to a 13.78% slide in NIFTY and a 10.95% slide in the Nifty Energy index. The PE of the stock is 22.3 based on TTM earnings ending March 20. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A mother humpback whale and her calf become entangled in shark nets on a Gold Coast beach this morning. A passerby noticed the whales trapped 200 metres off Main Beach at 11:00am on Friday and alerted the Queensland Shark Control Program shortly after. The whales could be seen desperately thrashing around in the water to free themselves from the nets in dramatic aerial footage captured by 9News. A SeaWorld boat and a Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol boat circled the large mammals, assessing how exactly to free them. A mother humpback whale (left) and her calf (right) were seen desperately thrashing about to free themselves from shark nets on Main Beach on the Gold Coast while a marine animal rescue team (pictured) approached them on a boat A marine animal rescue team from the Fisheries Patrol used special equipment to free the mammals, according to Shark Program manager Michael Mikitis. 'Sea World is also assisting in the release,' Mr Mikitis told the Brisbane Times. 'Our team was activated at 11.30am after the whale was reported though the Shark Control Hotline and confirmed using the Coastwatch cameras.' Whale researcher Doctor Olaf Meynecke said 'the conditions are difficult for a release' because of two-metre swells and south-easterly winds of 15 knots. After being trapped for three hours, the whales were finally freed at 2pm and began swimming away from the coast. The calf still had netting stuck to its tail as it swam away, but eventually it dislodged. The mother can be seen trying to lift her calf above the water for air. After being trapped for three hours, the pair were finally freed at 2pm Dr Meynecke said more whales could get trapped in nets on the Gold Coast within the next few weeks. 'We are now actually coming to the main peak of the northern migration,' he told ABC News. 'Within the next two weeks we'll see between 200 and 300 per day coming through the Gold Coast.' Friday's double rescue comes after another humpback calf was released after being trapped in shark nets off Burleigh Beach on the southern Gold Coast last month. The sharks became entangled in nets off of Main Beach (pictured) A diver, who calls himself Django, jumped out of his tinny and freed the baby whale's pectoral fin from the net, which was cutting into its flesh. 'I saw the whale and I thought, 'That is pretty cool'. Then I saw he was in the net and I thought, ''That is not cool'',' he said. He faced fines of up to $26,900 for interfering with shark control nets, which is illegal in Queensland. California Woman Fends Off Bear Attack With Laptop A Southern California woman had a rude awakening when an outdoor nap turned into a bear attack. She survived by fighting the bear off with her only weapona laptop. The 19-year old Sierra Madre woman fell asleep in a backyard chair Monday evening, Fish and Wildlife Capt. Patrick Foy told CNN. She awoke to the sound of a bear approaching her, Foy said. It immediately attacked. The only weapon she had was her laptop. She hit the bear with it and stunned it long enough to escape inside the house, Foy said. The bear scratched the womans arms and legs, but then it began to bite her leg. Her wounds were not life-threatening. An Apple MacBook Pro laptop computer with Retina display stands on a table at a Gravis Apple retailer in Berlin, Germany, on Nov. 6, 2012. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images) She fought back vigorously, which is what you should do with any wildlife in California. Local police responded to the incident, followed soon by wildlife officers. Bear tracks nearby and a glimpse of a bear around midnight provided evidence corroborating her story. This was an unprovoked, aggressive attack, Foy said. The woman did not have any food, and did not get between a bear and her cubs. Its likely she was looked at as prey, Foy speculated. This is not the first time a sleeping person has been attacked in the area. Last year, a homeless man was attacked by a bear that was never caught. DNA swabs were taken from the womans wounds and analyzed by a forensics lab. Foy says that analysis provided wildlife officers with a full DNA profile by the next day. Tuesday night, wildlife officials caught two bears in the immediate vicinity. Their DNA was analyzed, but neither matched the profile of the offending bear. Both bears will be released in what Foy calls the nearest suitable habitat. In this case, theyll be taken into the Angeles National Foresttypically 25 miles or so away from where they were captured. The bear that attacked the woman has not yet been found. If or when it is, that bear will be euthanized. California is home to only black bears, even though some are brown. There are no wild grizzlies in the state. The CNN Wire contributed to this report Millions hit the high street on Monday when non-essential shops reopened as the next stage the nationwide lockdown was lifted. And Gemma Collins treated herself to some retail therapy in central London on Friday, after months away from her favourite designer stores. The TOWIE star, 39, channelled Vivian Ward in 1990 romcom Pretty Woman as she toted a heap of Chanel and Gucci bags, before urging the nation to 'get back to shopping' due to a 'lack of atmosphere' in the English capital. Reunited again: Gemma Collins treated herself to some retail therapy in central London on Friday after months away from her favourite designer stores Appearing in great spirits, the GC stunned in a baroque print shirt and white jeans while staying safe in a protective face mask. The media personality jumped for joy as she attempted to transform her wardrobe with new clothes, including a sparkly gold dress with a matching boater hat. While praising staff for 'going above and beyond' in ensuring shoppers stay safe, Gemma branded her experience 'strange' as she adjusted to the country's new normal, after some lockdown restrictions were eased. The TV star said on Instagram: 'I'm in Chanel, very very fabulous but odd experience shopping like this, obviously with gloves and mask. Strange! In her element: The TOWIE star, 39, urged the nation to 'get back to shopping' due to a 'lack of atmosphere' on the streets of the English capital Jumping for joy: The TV star channelled Vivian Ward in 1990 romcom Pretty Woman as she toted a heap of Chanel and Gucci bags Inspiration: Julia Roberts pictured as the leading lady in the hit movie Radiant: Appearing in great spirits, the GC stunned in a baroque print shirt and white jeans while staying safe in a protective face mask 'Back in the West End, the best end. I wanted to experience what shopping is now like. Full reporting later, this is the GC over and out. This is Gucci reunion guys! I'm just getting all my outfits ready for Cannes.' Encouraging her followers to follow in her footsteps, she added: 'Like Boris [Johnson] is urging the nation to get back and shop, the GC is saying the same thing. 'Everywhere you go, there's face masks and hand sanitizer but it's lacking atmosphere. I'm just being honest. Everyone, let's get back to the atmos! 'I urge the country, I urge the nation to get back shopping. It feels safe and protective as everyone is going above and beyond. You have to think of not only the shoppers but the staff too.' (sic) Different: While praising staff for 'going above and beyond' in ensuring shoppers stay safe, the blonde branded her experience 'strange' as she adjusted to the country's new normal Gemma's outing came after she said she's determined to get pregnant in her forties, after losing an incredible three stone over the past year. The Romford native, who is dating on-off beau James 'Arg' Argent, declared she 'would love to have a child' now she has slimmed down after her doctor advised her to do so in order to better her chances of conceiving. Speaking to The Sun on Wednesday, she explained: 'I would love to have a child. 'It would be great for me and such a positive message for all the girls out there who don't want to rush their life or their life has taken different a direction, like me who's put their career first.' Broody: Gemma's outing came after she said she's determined to get pregnant in her forties, after losing an incredible three stone over the past year New Delhi: The Supreme Court Friday said it would direct states to set up expert panels and on installing CCTV cameras in hospitals to ensure proper treatment to COVID-19 patients, while asking the Centre to take decision on the issue of different charges being levied in different states for coronavirus tests. Seeking uniform COVID testing charges, the top court said that in some states it was Rs 2,200, while in others it was fixed at Rs 4,500. It however, left the issue to be decided by the Centre. In the hearing conducted via video-conferencing, a bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, S K Kaul and M R Shah said that all states should constitute a panel of experts for inspecting hospitals to ensure proper care of COVID-19 patients. The bench, which said that it would pass its order later, observed that there should be uniformity in COVID-19 testing charge in all states. It said that the court may consider passing an order for installation of CCTVs in hospitals to ensure monitoring of patient care. Dealing with Delhi's LNJP hospital, whose condition was earlier termed as horrific, the top court said that CCTV cameras were required to be installed in wards there so that everything is monitored. The apex court had earlier torn into the Delhi government over the sorry state of affairs" for treatment of COVID-19 patients at its hospitals including LNJP and also decreased testing, calling the situation in the national capital "horrendous, horrific and pathetic". It had taken note of the reports of horrific scenes at Delhi's COVID-19 dedicated LNJP hospital where bodies are being stacked next to coronavirus patients and had said that it indicated the sorry state of affairs in government hospitals. It had also directed the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Gujarat to take "remedial action" ensuring proper management of patients at hospitals. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the court that some states have been negotiating with various stakeholders to ensure that COVID testing charges are reduced. The top court said that it will pass some directions in the matter and then fix the suo motu (on its own) case for hearing in July. It had taken cognizance of the poor treatment facility for COVID-19 patients and improper handling of bodies. On Wednesday, the court had slammed the Delhi government for targeting doctors and healthcare workers by suspending them and lodging FIRs for sharing videos highlighting the real state of city hospitals and said it was shooting the messenger. After playing the beloved Hannah Baker on Netflix's 13 Reasons Why, Katherine Langford returns to the streaming service playing a much different character in the upcoming fantasy series Cursed. Netflix has released the first trailer for Cursed, a 10-episode series that re-tells the legend of King Arthur through a teenage sorceress named Nimue (Langford). According to Arthurian legend, Nimue would ultimately become the Lady in the Lake, though this series follows her teaming up with a young Arthur (Devon Terrell). Trailer: After playing the beloved Hannah Baker on Netflix's 13 Reasons Why, Katherine Langford returns to the streaming service playing a much different character in the upcoming fantasy series Cursed The trailer begins with Nimue sleeping when her voice in voiceover says, 'They came while we slept' as she opens her eyes and find men with swords destroying her village. The voice adds these men came, 'to cleanse the world of our kind, because we're different, because magic flows within us, because we have what they want.' There is also a shot of Merlin the wizard (Gustaf Skarsgard), as he glances down at the 'sword in the stone' of Arthurian legend. Open: The trailer begins with Nimue sleeping when her voice in voiceover says, 'They came while we slept' as she opens her eyes and find men with swords destroying her village Cleanse: The voice adds these men came, 'to cleanse the world of our kind, because we're different, because magic flows within us, because we have what they want' Merlin: There is also a shot of Merlin the wizard (Gustaf Skarsgard), as he glances down at the 'sword in the stone' of Arthurian legend Another shot shows a soldier running for the sword and a hooded figure picking it up, as Nimue adds, 'the legend says this sword belongs to the one true king.' The figure who pulls the sword out engages in battle but is pushed back into the lake... but it's Nimue that emerges hoodless with the sword. 'But what if the sword... chooses a queen?' Nimue says, as she holds the sword at the ready... while her face starts changing and the sword starts glowing as the trailer comes to an end. True king: Another shot shows a soldier running for the sword and a hooded figure picking it up, as Nimue adds, 'the legend says this sword belongs to the one true king' Hooded: The figure who pulls the sword out engages in battle but is pushed back into the lake... but it's Nimue that emerges hoodless with the sword Queen: 'But what if the sword... chooses a queen?' Nimue says, as she holds the sword at the ready... while her face starts changing and the sword starts glowing as the trailer comes to an end The series also stars Daniel Sharman (Fear the Walking Dead, Medici), Peter Mullan (Ozark), Lily Newmark (Pin Cushion), Shalom Brune-Franklin (The State, Our Girl), Sebastian Armesto (Poldark, Broadchurch), Emily Coates (Flack), Catherine Walker (Versailles, The Delinquent Season) and Billy Jenkins (The Crown, Holmes & Watson, Humans). Zetna Fuentes (Ray Donovan, Jessica Jones, The Deuce, Shameless) will direct and serve as an executive producer on the first two episodes. The series is created and executive produced by Frank Miller (Sin City, 300) and Tom Wheeler (Puss in Boots, The Cape) who is also showrunner and writer. Co-stars: The series also stars Daniel Sharman (Fear the Walking Dead, Medici), Peter Mullan (Ozark), Lily Newmark (Pin Cushion), Shalom Brune-Franklin (The State, Our Girl), Sebastian Armesto (Poldark, Broadchurch), Emily Coates (Flack), Catherine Walker (Versailles, The Delinquent Season) and Billy Jenkins (The Crown, Holmes & Watson, Humans) Episodes: Zetna Fuentes (Ray Donovan, Jessica Jones, The Deuce, Shameless) will direct and serve as an executive producer on the first two episodes Tom Wheeler also wrote the companion book Cursed, which Frank Miller illustrated, which was published by Simon & Schuster in October 2019. Langford is just coming off of the final season of her hit Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, which debuted earlier this month. Cursed will debut on the Netflix streaming service starting July 17. Police in California have arrested a 74-year-old man after his wife's decomposing body was found at their home. Henry Allen is being held at Long Beach jail on a $2 million bond, on suspicion of killing Debbie Allen, 63. Police were called to their home on Wednesday morning when neighbors reported concerns about their well-being, after not hearing from them in the past few days. Officers arriving on the scene, on the 1000 block of Harding Street, 'observed suspicious circumstances,' the police said in a statement, and called the Long Beach Police Department. Henry Allen, 74, has been arrested on suspicion of murdering his wife Debbie, 63, at their home on this street in Long Beach, California. Her decomposing body was found inside Inside the house they found Debbie's decomposing body, with wounds to her upper torso. The police did not say how she died. Henry was not at home, but was found in Barstow, 130 miles away, and arrested at 6:45pm on Wednesday. The case will be presented to Los Angeles County district attorney's office next week, for charges to be potentially filed. No motive has been given in the murder, and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Juneteenth should be a reminder to never see any group of humans as non-persons. It never works out well for the ones victimized by such evil arrogance. Today, the most marginalized and vulnerable humans have been deemed non-persons and are violently treated like property. Same wrong. Different century. This holiday commemorates the eventual announcement to slaves in Texas, on June 19th 1865, that President Abraham Lincoln had set them free. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued over two years prior on January 1st, 1863. Isnt this how truth works sometimes? It has to get over so many obstacles to finally be heard and bring the freedom that is its very nature. Although limited in scope, Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation set slaves free in states that had seceded from the Union. Many dont realize Lincoln had issued an emancipation decree that set slaves in our nations capital free nearly eight months earlier. On April 16, 1862, The Compensated Emancipation Act abolished slavery in Washington D.C.; today its celebrated as Emancipation Day. The evil of slavery is a blood-soaked stain on American history. It was not just merely the byproduct of racism, but more importantly the result of the sin of greed (which knows no color). Even CNN once acknowledged this before their descent into 24-7 fake news: It was the Africans themselves who were enslaving their fellow Africans, sending them to the coast to be shipped outside. These words were from African researcher Akosua Perbi of the University of Ghana who specializes in the study of indigenous slavery in Ghana. Its why several African nations, Benin and Ghana, have formally apologized for their role in the transatlantic slave trade. In 2000, while visiting my state of Virginia, a delegation from Benin officially apologized for that countrys role in the slave trade, saying: We cry for forgiveness and reconciliation. The slave trade is a shame, and we do repent for it. Ghana launched The Joseph Project (named for the biblical story of Joseph sold into slavery) in a tourism campaign that coincided with its official apology for slavery. Emmanuel Hagan, Ghanas Director of Research and Statistics, explained: Its something we have to look straight in the face and try to address, because it exists. So we will want to say something went wrong. People made mistakes, but we are sorry for whatever happened. People tend to forget that slavery existed before the transatlantic slave trade in Africa and tragically continues today. Ive been writing about Juneteenth for years. Some politicians, though, have jumped on the #Juneteenth bandwagon as if just discovering the fact that our public schools and mainstream media do a poor job teaching accurate history. In my home state of Virginia, Governor Ralph Northam a Democrat has moved to make Juneteenth an official state holiday. This is the same individual who received a political pass on donning blackface or KKK garb (he couldnt remember which costume he wore) back in med school. In Massachusetts, theyre moving to make Juneteenth a state holiday with Bill H.5141. Amusingly, Representative Maria Robinson (D-MA), told a state news outlet: Theres been a blackout of Black history, African-American history in this country. Yes. There has. Like the blacking out of the fact that the Democrat Party was the Party of Slavery, the Party of the KKK, the Party of Jim Crow, and today is the Party that celebrates limitless abortion (which is the leading killer in the black community). Dems fought to protect slavery, voted against the Republican-authored 1871 Anti-Ku Klux Klan Act (not one Dem voted for the bill aimed at stemming the violence of the terrorist group) and every civil rights bill (including the Republican anti-lynching bill) through the late 1950s, and fought to protect racist Jim Crow policies finally corrected by the Civil Rights Acts of the 60s (which resulted in the GOP voting in far larger margins than Dems). Its not black history. Its American history. And for anyone who wants to pretend there was some magical switch of the Parties, please see this excellent examination by African-American historian Dr. Carol Swain, former Professor of Political Science at Vanderbilt University. We still desperately need emancipation from ideological slavery. We have an opportunity to reject the race politics of the past and embrace a biblical worldview (Colossians 3:12-14) that unites us, regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or any other differences we devise for ourselves. The Mayor of Boston wants to have a famous statue of Lincoln removed, you know because white supremacy. How does a statue symbolizing the President who broke the shackles of institutional slavery get on the SJW hitlist? So woke but so blind. That Boston statue is a replica of the original one in Lincoln Park in D.C. a statue paid for by freed slaves, mostly black Union veterans. But the Left wont let reality get in the way of their historically-challenged racial propaganda. Frederick Douglass a former slave, abolitionist, orator, journalist and presidential friend who helped reshape the conscience of Abraham Lincoln would denounce any effort to purge the public sphere of the champion of Emancipation. His North Star newspaper was established to counter the prevailing false narratives of mainstream media. The tagline of his paper declared: Right is of no sex, truth is of no color, God is the Father of us all, we are all brethren. Amen! Douglass, someone who actually was enslaved but refused to dwell in anger and unforgiveness, was the one who dedicated the Freedmen's Monument in D.C. in 1867. His powerful speech, condemning wrath and violence, declared in part: We, the colored people, newly emancipated and rejoicing in our blood-bought freedom, near the close of the first century in the life of this Republic, have now and here unveiled, set apart, and dedicated a monument of enduring granite and bronze, in every line, feature and figure of which the men of this generation may read, and those of after-coming generations may read, something of the exalted character and great works of Abraham Lincoln, the first martyr President of the United States. So, this Juneteenth lets celebrate unity made possible because faith-filled men and women of varying hues refused to tolerate the sin of slavery. Truth overcame seemingly impossible obstacles to bring this nation the freedom it so desperately needed. And Truth is still needed for those, today, stripped of their personhood who cannot even cry out for their own freedom. The vast majority of teens know how harmful vaping is and they want to stop the epidemic. They are advocates at heart and are willing to be the change they wish to see in the world. Anapol Weiss is thrilled to announce that the winners of the End Vaping contest sponsored by the Anapol Weiss Foundation have been announced. First, second and third place entry winners have been announced for vlog, middle and high school and meme entries, for nine total winners. The first-place vlog winner will receive $2,500 and the first-place meme winner will receive $1,000. Second place and third place winners for all three categories will receive $500 and $250, respectively. Winners included students in five grade levels across seven states. The End Vaping contest collected hundreds of meme and vlog submissions from middle and high school students across the country, all with a unique and clever twist on the messaging to end vaping amongst teens. The inaugural contest is a collaborative effort between EndVaping.org, a free educational resource for teens and parents, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), and the Anapol Weiss Foundation, meant to raise awareness and reward strong community voices in the campaign to end vaping. Contest co-sponsors SADD reviewed submissions and narrowed down the pool of finalists based on entries humor, uniqueness, and on-topic approach. From this pool, the contest was opened to the public with a social media poll that allowed anyone to vote on their favorites once a day for a full week. The finalist submissions were then shared with Anapol Weiss Shareholder Tracy Finken and Dr. Brian Jenssen to act as final judges. Tracy and Brian were asked to judge memes and vlogs based on creativity, the clarity of the message conveyed, the artistic and graphic quality, and how likely the entry would be to cause viewers to reflect on or consider issues of youth vaping. Contest judge Dr. Brian Jenssen is a leading medical voice in the fight to end youth vaping. He is a practicing physician at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), one of the nations leading childrens hospitals, as well as the Medical Director of Value-Based Care for CHOPs Care Network. Dr. Jenssen is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania. Im impressed by the dedication of the students in taking on this important issue, the creativity of the submissions, and, most importantly, the display of their understanding of the core concerns, Dr. Jenssen shared. E-cigarette and tobacco companies are doing the same things they did for cigarettes: trying to manipulate teenagers and young adults to become addiction to a product for the rest of their lives. Tracy Finken, Esq. is a Shareholder at Anapol Weiss, where she concentrates her practice on pharmaceutical and products liability, and large class actions. A skilled specialist in pharmaceutical law, Tracy is also a devoted mother of four. She is passionate about using her platform and expertise to end youth vaping. Tracy has been featured as an expert voice in numerous regional and national press placements, including on Cheddar News and NBC 10. It is so inspiring to me to see hundreds of students across the country coming together to combat this crisis with us, Finken explained. The vast majority of teens know how harmful vaping is and they want to stop the epidemic. They are advocates at heart and are willing to be the change they wish to see in the world. EndVaping.org was founded in 2019 in response to the troubling rise in youth vaping by Anapol Weiss Shareholders Joel Feldman and Tracy Finken. This free resource was created to help students, parents and school faculty find informative materials to help prevent and end youth vaping. Visit today to book a free educational presentation for your school. Deputy chief minister and Pune guardian Ajit Pawar on Friday warned of action against hospitals found charging more fees from Covid-19 patients. Pawar held a Covid-19 review meeting with officials in the city. Divisional commissioner Deepak Mhaisekar, Pune municipal commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad, Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal commissioner Sharvan Hardikar and senior officers were present. Pawar said, If doctors are found guilty and negligent in treatment of patients, the government would not accept it and, if needed, action would be initiated. Even if complaints are coming for exorbitant bills, action needs to be initiated against such hospitals. The deputy CM said that the government had approved Rs12.44 crore for Sassoon General Hospital to increase the testing facility. The government is also providing fund to pay the newly appointed medical staff. Pawar said that there are complaints that Covid-19 cases are not reported in time. The administration should ensure that positive cases are alerted and manpower will be provided if agencies are falling short of staff. Government would ensure that adequate fund is released for the treatment of Covid-19 patients. Sassoon hospital must procure modern equipment to handle virus cases, he said. Pune mayor Murlidhar Mohol urged the state to increase the testing and bed facilities in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. A 67-year-old Nashville man has been arrested in Chattanooga after making plans to come here for sex with a 13-year-old boy. Donald Eugene Fisher was actually corresponding with a member of the Chattanooga Crimes Against Children Task Force. Fisher was charged in Federal Court with attempted enticement of a minor and commission of an offense involving a minor while being required to register as a sex offender. Fisher was convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor in Davidson County in 2004. The Task Force member said he corresponded with Fisher over the Internet from May 13 until he came to Chattanooga on June 13 and was promptly arrested. The agent portrayed himself as a 12-year-old boy who was about to turn 13. Fisher arrived with a birthday present, cake and sexual paraphernalia. Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit: In December 2018 Morrison engineered a higher threshold for a coup by proposing that two-thirds of the federal Liberal party room must ask for a spill motion against a sitting Liberal prime minister. The rule was modelled on one that Rudd introduced in Labor five years earlier, during his brief return to the Lodge after staging a successful counter-coup against Gillard. But a changed rule can always be changed back, of course. Rudd does have thoughts on how to fix that to better protect a leader, Labor or Liberal, against plotters. We'll get to his reform proposals shortly. Though Rudd, with his wife Therese Rein, has been based in the US for the last six years, where he's the founding director of the Asia Society Policy Institute, he's spent a lot of time thinking about the Australian political system and its flaws and foibles. And, he says, "the real cancer has not been removed because factions still exist and branch stacking still exists, and branch stacking builds factional power, so the incentive to do it still exists". Illustration: Jim Pavlidis Credit: This burst into public view spectacularly this week in Labor's Victorian branch. Factional plotting is fevered in the Liberal Party too, especially its NSW branch, but is largely subterranean at the moment. "So I think the jury is still out on whether the national happy family event of the last three months becomes sustainable for the long term," says Rudd. "You can have a feelgood moment of questionable duration around a crisis or you can turn the federation into the workhorse of the nation around a bold policy agenda." This is Morrison's moment of decision, says the former Labor leader. "If he's going to be Scotty from Marketing Volume II, that will become clear pretty soon from the actual dynamic of the national cabinet process is it real or fake? It will require a policy vision." "Scott Morrison can bring the country together," he argues, "but it has to be an enduring long-term agenda. He can learn the lessons from the lost decade of policy, the lost decade of vision, or he can default to the easy corner retail politics, continued marketing and attempt to turn the next election into a referendum on the Labor Party." But you'd have to admit that the Labor Party is making itself a tempting option for a de facto referendum. This week's exposure of rampant factionalism and rule-breaking in Labor's Victorian branch has dominated political news and claimed the scalps of three ministers in the state Labor government of Daniel Andrews. This masthead's investigative reporter Nick McKenzie revealed how Adem Somyurek, a factional operative and also Victorian minister for local government, stacked branches to win preselection for his favoured candidates. Somyurek boasted of controlling almost two-thirds of Victorian Labor. "F--- the premier," he was recorded as saying on secret tapes. He was in charge and he would choose the premier, he claimed. This affair also spilled over into the federal sphere, putting Anthony Albanese on the defensive. Reflects Rudd: "These are echoes of the same problem that reared its ugly head in 2010, exactly the sort of threats against me." Rudd also finds it jarring that senior Labor figures are about to hold a celebration on the 10th anniversary of the coup against him. It's billed as "10 Year Celebration Julia Gillard Prime Minister", feting the advent of Australia's first female prime minister. The online event is to be addressed by Wayne Swan, Labor's national president, and a man Rudd blames for treachery in the coup against him. The host is Tanya Plibersek on behalf of Emily's List, a group dedicated to electing more Labor women to Parliament. Rudd thinks it shows a lack of self-awareness by the party and the persistence of the problem. "They've decided to get up and dance on Kevin's grave," is how he puts it. He claims that they're rewriting the narrative "as if the whole thing was an exercise in nobility, when it was a naked grab for power, assisted by Julia Gillard". Gillard's version is that Rudd was unstable, running a chaotic government, and she had a duty to replace him. Rudd's is that he'd emasculated the "faceless men", a group of factional bosses, by taking away their power to nominate ministers. Rudd took that power for himself. And the faction chiefs wanted it back. So they struck. And Gillard was their candidate. Loading To keep factionalism in check, and protect leaders against coups, Rudd proposes three further reforms. For Labor and Liberal. First, so that the anti-spill rules can't easily be reversed, he suggests that they should be enshrined in the party constitutions. Second, the party constitutions should ban factions. Of course, you can never stop cliques and groups forming. But the traditional Labor conferences where the "Sydney Town Hall is divided down the middle with delegates, Left and Right, to do pitched war between them, mega groups organised with their own national executives" should be forbidden, he argues. Finally, he says that the ballots to choose party candidates for Parliament preselections shouldn't be conducted by the parties themselves because they're too rotten. The parties should ask the Australian Electoral Commission to run the preselection ballots, he says. Just as the unions long ago asked the AEC to run union ballots for them. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- For Kamor Olayokun, an assistant principal at P.S. 78 in Stapleton, this years Juneteenth was an opportunity for him to teach fellow students of color about black history first hand, and give them a chance to rewrite it. Olayokun, his students, and about a hundred other Staten Islanders descended on Richmond Terrace Friday to paint the citys second Black Lives Matter street mural at the base of Borough Hall, Staten Islands courthouses and the 120 Precinct. The global amino acid fertilizer market is expected to grow by USD 184.05 million during 2020-2024. The report also provides the market impact and new opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect the impact to be significant in the first quarter but gradually lessen in subsequent quarters with a limited impact on the full-year economic growth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200619005225/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Amino Acid Fertilizer Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Request challenges and opportunities influenced by COVID-19 pandemic @Request a free sample report The excessive use of fertilizers by farmers to accelerate crop production has resulted in low biological activities in the soil and poor soil quality. This has created a demand for sustainable farming practices such as organic farming. Amino acid fertilizers are widely used in organic farming because of their ability to enhance crop growth by promoting microbial activity and improving soil fertility. The increasing health awareness and government support will further boost the adoption of organic farming among farmers, especially in developed countries. This will subsequently drive the demand for amino acid fertilizers. 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=IRTNTR43887 As per Technavio, the environmental stress affecting crop yield will have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the forecast period. This research report also analyzes other significant trends and market drivers that will influence market growth over 2020-2024. Amino Acid Fertilizer Market: Environmental Stress Affecting Crop Yield Environmental stress can lead to high yield losses in seed-producing plants and cause seed-borne disease outbreaks. Hence, it is necessary to implement crop protection mechanisms and boost the environmental stress resistance of crops. The application of amino acid fertilizers to improve the amino acid intake of plants has emerged as one such solution to counter the effects of environmental stress. This will further boost the global amino acid fertilizer market growth during the forecast period. "Factors such as the global initiatives to improve agricultural output in underdeveloped countries, and the increasing popularity of integrated plant nutrient management will have a significant impact on the growth of the amino acid fertilizer market value during the forecast period," says a senior analyst at Technavio. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Amino Acid Fertilizer Market: Segmentation Analysis This market research report segments the amino acid fertilizer market by product (liquid formulated and dry formulated) and geography (Europe, APAC, North America, South America, and MEA). The European region led the amino acid fertilizer market in 2019, followed by APAC, North America, South America, and MEA respectively. During the forecast period, the European region is expected to register the highest incremental growth due to the stringent regulations pertaining to crop nutritional content and safety. Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report Some of the key topics covered in the report include: Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors Competitive scenario About Technavio 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/20200619005225/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/ The majority of Americans believe the costs of their insurance, drugs and health care will rise in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, a new poll reveals. A Gallup and West Health poll found that 55 percent of Americans are 'very concerned' that the pharmaceutical industry will take advantage of the pandemic to hike drug prices. In total, nine in 10 Americans are at least somewhat worried drug prices will surge. Nearly 80 percent are worried insurance companies will inflate premiums and 84 percent are somewhat or very concerned the price of seeing their doctors will go up. Coronavirus was an opportunity for the US to gain citizen trust - but the result has been quite the opposite, the new poll suggests. Nine in 10 Americans are at least somewhat concerned that drug prices will go up in the wake of the pandemic as pharmaceutical companies take advantage of COVID-19 to hike prices Before the pandemic hit the US, Americans were already so afraid of medical bills that the majority avoided health care, a previous Gallup poll found. Americans pay more than people in any other nation for their medications, with the average person spending about $1,200 on drugs. During his 2016 campaign, President Trump vowed to take on big pharmaceutical companies and negotiate down drug prices on behalf of Medicaid and Medicare patients. As his 2020 campaign ramps up, Trump has credited himself with reductions to drug prices. Yet 23 percent of the more than 1,000 survey respondents in the Gallup poll said they had been unable to afford their medications at least once in the past year and two thirds said the costs of their prescriptions have climbed since 2017, Trump's first year in office. Less than a third of those surveyed felt that President Trump has made a 'fair amount' or a 'great deal' of progress in lowering drug prices. Neither the Trump administration's response to coronavirus, nor the pandemic itself instill much confidence that more progress will be made in the near-future. More than half of Americans said they were 'very concerned' about drug prices in the coming months, with worries more common among Democrats than Republicans More than 40% of people in the US were concerned the costs of insurance and healthcare will rise after the pandemic Only nine percent of Americans rated the US response to coronavirus as 'excellent.' More than a third said that the response has been poor. As COVID-19 case numbers and death tolls ticked upward in the majority of US states this year, doctors and scientists scrambled to throw anything in the proverbial medicine cabinet at the problem. Common antibiotics like azithromycin have been tried as treatments for COVID-19, alone or alongside other drugs, as have steroids, myriad antivirals, anti-inflammatory drugs, cancer drugs, immune therapies, and much, much more. In addition, caring for very sick coronavirus patients requires putting them on ventilators, which requires giving them anesthetics and painkillers to keep the live-saving intubation from being unbearable. Perceptions of the US coronavirus response vary widely based on political party, income and education level, but approval was low, with the majority saying the response was fair or poor As a result, there are shortages of at least 25 medications as a direct result of the pandemic, according to a GoodRx.com analysis. Plus, more raw materials involved in drugs are falling into short supply. The rise in demand for these drugs and ingredients is driving up prices, too, and Americans are taking note. On the whole, 88 percent of Americans - including 91 percent of Democrats, 87 percent of Independents and 89 percent of Republicans say they support the idea of the US government negotiating the prices of COVID-19 treatments with manufacturers to hopefully ensure the drugs are accessible. Currently, only remdesivir has emergency use authorization to treat COVID-19 (after the FDA revoked emergency approval for hydroxychloroquine). Nearly all Americans support government intervention to negotiate affordable COVID-19 treatments with drug makers Its manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, donated 1.5 million doses of the drug. But that supply is expected to run out by next month and a course of treatment is predicted to cost about $4,460. That's a bargain compared to some earlier estimates (which were earmarked at as high as $30,000 per patient, according to Fierce Pharma), but still an untenable cost for many Americans, 14 percent of whom report foregoing treatment when they developed coronavirus symptoms, for fear they couldn't afford it. President Trump signed a bill into law to ensure that coronavirus testing is free, and expanding Medicaid, but the legislation does not provide free treatment. Earlier this week, the announced that a coronavirus vaccine - when one is available - will be free to vulnerable people, including the elderly, those with underlying conditions and front line workers if they cannot afford it. No such promises have been made about treatments. A fugitive wanted for attempted murder evaded capture with the help of his mother, the New Jersey State Police alleged Thursday. James Ward 21, of Highland Park was last week and charged with attempted murder, burglary and conspiracy for shooting a person several times during a May 17 robbery in New Brunswick, police said. An investigation by state police and the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office determined that Ward fled to Pennsylvania with the help of his mother, Felicia Terrell, 53, of Highland Park, and was staying at a hotel in Wilkes-Barre, authorities said. On June 10, several law enforcement agencies located Ward and arrested him at the hotel without incident, police said. He was lodged in Luzerne County Jail pending his extradition to New Jersey. Detectives arrested Terrell five days later at a home in Franklin Township and charged her with three counts of hindering apprehension. She was lodged in Middlesex County Jail pending a bail detention hearing, police said. 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. Authorities in Belarus detain President Alexander Lukashenko's main rival in the August 9 presidential election. The arrest of Viktor Babaryko comes amid growing protests against the current head-of-state. By Stefan J. Bos Officials said Babaryko, a 56-year-old former banker, had been detained on suspicion of financial crimes. Babaryko's 30-year-old son Eduard, who is running his election campaign, was also arrested on suspicion of tax evasion. But critics questioned the allegations at a time of growing public discontent against current President Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994. Lukashenko is seeking a six-term during the upcoming vote, which international observers fear will be tainted by irregularities. The United States has, in the past, called Belarus, Europes last dictatorship. And there has been concern about reported secret executions and other abuses in the former Soviet nation. But recently, diplomats expressed some hope that political life had improved. Belarus also played a role in internationally backed peace talks on Russias military role in Ukraine. Harsh crackdown However, in recent weeks, there has been a renewed crackdown on dissent. President Lukashenko's main rival Babaryko isn't the only critic detained in the past weeks. Several opposition figures have been arrested during a harsh police crackdown on protests, footage seen by Worthy News showed. Hundreds took to the streets in the capital Minsk to protest against recent arrests of government critics. Among others under pressure is even a 17-year old student, Uladz Rymasheuski, who went off-script during a high school graduation ceremony. "I also would like to say that we sincerely hope that on August 9, there will be much longed-for-change in our beloved country," he told the audience. Uladz also expressed concern about a detained video activist. The teenager received threats following his speech as well as support from people who offered to pay for lawyers to help him. However, with President Lukashenko's main rival now behind bars, it remains unclear when and if a change will happen any time soon in Belarus. France's Chechen community has called for peaceful protests in Paris on Saturday, following four nights of violent clashes with police in neighbourhoods of the eastern city of Dijon. We refuse to be stigmatised, said Chamil Albakov, a spokesperson for the Assembly of Chechens in Europe, according to the Journal du Dimanche (JDD) newspaper. Prosecutors said six people from the Chechen community were arrested on Thursday over their alleged involvement in the Dijon violence, the AFP news agency reported. The arrests followed clashes, vehicles set on fire and reports that some Chechens had made a nationwide call for retaliation against the North African community, after a 16-year-old Chechen was allegedly assaulted. Chechens who took part in the events told French media they were targeting drug dealers of North African origin. Regional prosecutor Eric Mathais said police carried out raids at several addresses across France. 'End the drug trafficking' Images of hooded men holding guns and clubs shocked France, raising concerns over the action or lack of engagement by security forces. The violence focused on the low-income district of Gresilles in Dijon, which has a large community from the Maghreb. Chechens had reportedly travelled to the city from across France and neighbouring countries. We want things to change, said Albakov, who is calling for Saturday's demonstrations. We want the drug trafficking in the projects to stop, we suffer from it every day, he added. The organisers of the protest say they have been given the green light by the authorities in Paris, according to the JDD. Members of the Chechen community are encouraged to gather at Bastille from 14:00 on Saturday. Everyone who wants to express themselves is welcome, Albakov added. Members of the North African community too. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 19) The Department of Health's decision to snub locally-developed test kits for COVID-19 and buy thousands of supply from abroad triggered the Ombudsman investigation into the agency. Ombudsman Samuel Martires revealed Friday that he found the DOH's decision to buy 100,000 test kits from a foreign manufacturer rather than use the ones created by a team of scientists from the University of the Philippines as a red flag. He said they read in the papers that UP has developed COVID-19 test kits, but it appears that the Department of Health did not give it proper attention to that. "We conducted our discreet investigation asking some people in the Department of Health, and we found out, parang may pulitika [it's like there's politics involved]," Martires told CNN Philippines' The Source, also citing reports that there were irregularities in the purchase of foreign-made test kits. Martires said the investigation was stalled because DOH officials would not talk to them, until it had to be put on hold with the declaration of the Metro Manila-wide lockdown. The UP National Institutes of Health announced that they have already developed a local test kit for the novel coronavirus in late January, together with research and development firm Manila HealthTek, Inc. The kits, funded by the Department of Science and Technology, was referred to the DOH for validation and approval for use in the country. At that time, the DOH said the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine also purchased the first batch of test kits for COVID-19 from a foreign manufacturer, which will cut short the processing time of swab samples. Prior to this, authorities had to send patient specimen to a laboratory in Australia to confirm if the person has the disease. Subsequent reports alleged anomalies in the procurement, with former Health Secretary Janette Garin claiming that the test kits and machines used to process samples were overpriced. She accused a local supplier of jacking up the prices of these kits by up to triple the original cost by serving as exclusive distributor of these kits in the Philippines. President Rodrigo Duterte ordered an investigation into these issues. RELATED: Gov't now buying COVID-19 supplies straight from manufacturer The Food and Drug Administration proceeded to accredit other rapid test kits from foreign suppliers in March. The UP test kits were approved for use on April 3. In May, RITM recalled UP's test kits due to "minor problems" detected during validation. Francis Chan has admitted that he did not believe in healing and miracles until recently. Chan was speaking at the virtual International Association of Healing Ministries conference, saying: "What I do know is for many years I didn't believe in healing, I didn't believe in miracles, it was pretty much what I was taught in seminary." He added, "Humbly, I have to say, I used to ridicule people who spoke in tongues or prophesied or believed they could heal, even though when I personally read the Scriptures, I saw this available." He continued, "It took me years, to be honest, with what I saw in Scripture and start pursuing these gifts of the Spirit and I'm still somewhat on that journey. "That's why when you first asked me to speak for this healing conference, I go, 'You've got the wrong guy.' I've been praying for gifts of healing for years and it was only like a few months ago that I saw healing for the first time." Just earlier in 2020, Chan testified that he and other Christian leaders healed various people in a rural Myanmar village. Among the healed were a little boy and girl who were deaf. Chan testified following that miraculous healing event: "Every person I touched was healed. OK, this is craziness to me. I have never experienced this in 52 years." He added, "I'm talking like a little boy and a little girl who were deaf. We laid hands, she starts crying and smiling. "These are not Christians who have even heard about Jesus, and she's freaking out. We lay hands on her little brother, we lay hands on him, and he starts hearing for the first time." Francis Chan is a well-known Christian author, and was previously senior pastor of California megachurch, Cornerstone Community Church. He stepped back from that role in in 2010 after saying the extensive size of the church had made him feel like a "celebrity pastor" and he felt it was time for a different path for him. The International Healing Conference took place from 20-23 May. It was initially scheduled to take place in Porto, Portugal, but with coronavirus restrictions in place across Europe and the West, the event was reorganised as a virtual conference. WASHINGTON - A divided Senate on Thursday confirmed President Donald Trump's nominee for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, elevating a young conservative and a protege of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the powerful bench. The vote for Judge Justin Walker was 51 to 42 with members of the Democratic caucus and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, opposing the nominee. In less than four years, Trump has decisively reshaped the courts for decades with conservative judicial nominees. Walker is 38, and the president's 199th choice to be installed on a federal court. The vote Thursday underscored that although the nation is gripped by the triple crises of a pandemic, a recession and civil unrest over racial injustice, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Republicans have been undeterred in ensuring confirmation of the president's court choices. Filling court vacancies is even more crucial for the party five months head of elections with the presidency and Senate majority at stake. Last month, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., urged federal judges who are in their mid-to-late 60s to step aside so Republicans, increasingly nervous about holding the majority in November, can fill the vacancies now. Walker, who joined the district court bench in Kentucky in October, would take a seat on the appeals court with powerful backers: He served as a law clerk for Kavanaugh and then-Justice Anthony Kennedy. The high-profile appeals court has been a pipeline for nominees to the Supreme Court, handles major clashes between Congress and the White House, and considers challenges to administration policies. During Kavanaugh's bitter confirmation process, Walker was out front in media interviews, defending the judge who faced an allegation of sexual assault when Kavanaugh was a high school student, an accusation he denied. McConnell, who knows Walker's grandfather and first met Walker when he interviewed the future majority leader for an article for his high school newspaper, promoted his nomination behind the scenes. McConnell said Thursday that with Walker's confirmation "we will not just be promoting a widely-admired legal expert and proven judge to a role for which he is obviously qualified. We'll also be adding to a time-honored tradition of finding men and women from all across the country to help ensure that this enormously consequential bench here in our nation's capital is refreshed with talent from all parts of America." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., criticized Walker's nomination as part of a pattern in the Senate of fast-tracking young, inexperienced attorneys who lawmakers characterized as "hostile" to the 2010 Obama-era health-care law and civil rights. "The temerity of doing that. He is just on the court for a few months, but is friends with Leader McConnell, so he gets rushed to this very high court without the necessary experience and maturity of judgment," Schumer said on the Senate floor. At a Senate committee hearing on his nomination, Walker faced criticism over his remarks two years ago that court rulings upholding the Affordable Care Act were "indefensible." He also defended comments he made at his formal swearing-in ceremony to the district court in March. The ceremony was attended by McConnell, Kavanaugh and Kennedy, for whom Walker served as a law clerk in 2011 and 2012. Walker referred then to his time as a law clerk to Kennedy and the "worst words" he ever had to deliver to the justice about Chief Justice John Roberts Jr.'s decision to side with the liberal justices to uphold the health-care law. Walker told senators last month that the remarks were meant as a lighthearted joke. "It was not meant as anything more than a reference to the dissent that he wrote, and again, a bit of a tongue-in-cheek allusion to the reality that no Supreme Court justice likes being in the dissent," he said. Schumer said he would like McConnell "to go home to Kentucky and tell the citizens of Kentucky why he nominated someone who wants to repeal our health-care law when the covid crisis is hurting people there as it is everywhere else." Collins, who is facing a tough reelection bid in Democratic-leaning Maine, said in a statement Wednesday that she opposed Walker's nomination over comments he made at his investiture ceremony for the district bench. Responding to critics of Kavanaugh, Walker promised to "not surrender while you wage war on our work." "While Judge Walker is entitled to hold whatever personal views he chooses, his ideological comments on the very day he was formally installed as a federal judge - about winning and losing the courts and a war against those who hold views that are different from his own - prevent me from supporting his elevation to the second highest court in the land," said Collins, who had voted to confirm Walker as district judge in October. Other Republicans have highlighted Walker's recent district court ruling in which he blocked Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, a Democrat, from forbidding drive-in church services to slow the spread of the coronavirus. In that opinion, Walker wrote that Fischer had "criminalized the communal celebration of Easter," adding that Fischer's decision was "beyond all reason." Walker's nomination got a boost when the American Bar Association reversed its initial "not qualified" rating during his 2019 confirmation process for the district court, and instead announced Walker "well qualified" for the more prestigious position. Although the ABA typically says a nominee should have 12 years of experience in the practice of law, the organization said its change in position came from the differences between the courts, with the appellate court post placing less emphasis on trial experience and instead a "high degree of legal scholarship, academic talent, analytical and writing abilities, and overall excellence." Walker will replace retiring Judge Thomas Griffith, who was nominated by President George W. Bush. Walker would not change the ideological balance of the court, which now includes two Trump nominees, Gregory Katsas and Neomi Rao. Cases pending before the court include House lawsuits over a subpoena for testimony from former White House counsel Donald McGahn and another to halt the Trump administration's spending on the president's signature southern border wall. - - - The Washington Post's Ann E. Marimow and Seung Min Kim contributed to this report. Wizz Air plans to reduce its Skopje fleet from five to four aircraft as a result of the effects of the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic and the opening of new bases across the continent. The budget airline has pulled aircraft from a select number of its other bases as well, including Budapest, Warsaw, Cluj, Vilnius and Timisoara. Overall, the airline is shedding some 1.000 jobs across the company, with the airlines EX-YU bases already having had their headcount reduced. However, despite the cuts, no routes will be suspended from Skopje, with some flights to be operated by out of base aircraft and crew. The airline has already announced plans to launch a new service from Skopje to Salzburg starting July 3. There are currently four Wizz Air aircraft on the ground in Skopje, all of them Airbus A320 jets. They have been operating short flights within Macedonian airspace this week for licensing purposes of its crew, most of which have been grounded for months. Wizz Air has delayed the resumption of its flights from Skopje and Ohrid until July 1 due to travel restrictions imposed as a result of Covid-19. Both Skopje and Ohrid airports remain closed, with no date set for their reopening. Wizz Air passengers with bookings affected by flight suspensions will be automatically informed via e-mail, in case the customers booked directly via the airlines or mobile app. A total of 120% of the original fare will automatically be uploaded to the customers Wizz account, with the amount to be used in the next 24 months for the purchase of Wizz Air products and services. Passengers can also opt for a cash refund, which will take longer to complete, and will be informed about the necessary steps for a bank transfer or transfer to a bank card in a separate e-mail. In this case, customers will be eligible for only 100% of the original fare. Passengers who made their bookings via travel agencies, including online travel agencies, should get in touch with the company from which they purchased their tickets. Ohrid Airport has been closed since early March, while Skopje shut its doors for commercial traffic on March 18. This Tuesday, the Macedonian government declared a new state of emergency lasting until June 22. Skopje has been Wizz Airs biggest and busiest base in the former Yugoslavia. The carrier stationed its fifth aircraft in the city last year with some jets upgraded from the 180-seat A320s to the 230-seat A321s, although this winter saw its entire Skopje-based fleet uniformed to the A320s. During 2019, the airline accounted for over 60% of all passengers from the Macedonian capital. Late last year, the Macedonian government outlined plans to invest 1.7 million euros into the countrys aviation sector during this year. The majority of the funds were to be directed towards Wizz Air for the upkeep of new routes launched in 2019 based on a three-year subsidy agreement. India plans to impose higher trade barriers and raise import duties on around 300 products from China. (AFP Photo) NEW DELHI: India plans to impose higher trade barriers and raise import duties on around 300 products from China and elsewhere, two government officials said, as part of an effort to protect domestic businesses. The plan has been under review since at least April, according to a government document seen by Reuters, and is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis recently announced self-reliance campaign to promote local products. The new duty structures are likely to be gradually outlined over the next three months, said the sources, who asked not to be named as the plan is still being finalised. Indias finance ministry and trade ministry, which is involved in the discussions, did not respond to requests for comment. The government is considering raising import duties on 160-200 products and imposing non-tariff barriers - such as licensing requirements or stricter quality checks - on another 100, according to the officials. The decision will target imports worth $8-10 billion with the aim of deterring non-essential lower quality imports which render Indian products uncompetitive, said the first official, who has direct knowledge of the plans. We are not targeting any country, but this is one of the ways to reduce a trade deficit that is lopsided with countries like China, the second official said. Bilateral trade between China and India was worth $88 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2019, with a trade deficit of $53.5 billion in Chinas favour, the widest India has with any country. Between April 2019 and February 2020, the latest data available, Indias trade deficit with China was $46.8 billion. A separate industry source familiar with the matter said engineering goods, electronics and some medical equipment were among items being considered under the plan. A third government source said non-tariff barriers, such as more stringent quality control certification, could apply to imported products such as air conditioners. Modi has vowed to promote and protect local manufacturing since he swept to power in 2014. He has promoted a Make in India programme in recent years, and last month announced an Atmanirbhar Bharat, or a self-reliant India, campaign. India already raised taxes on imports of goods such as electronic items, toys and furniture in February, drawing criticism that it was a protectionist move against foreign businesses. Swedens IKEA, for example, said at the time it was disappointed with the higher tariffs. The government document showed feedback had been sought from various Indian ministries to arrive at the list of around 300 products, which has not been seen by Reuters. India has increased duties on more than 3,600 tariff lines covering products from sectors such as textiles and electronics since 2014, the document added. Were pushing for a policy to strengthen Indian manufacturing keeping in view its strengthens and weaknesses, a fourth government official said. Berlin: The United Nations' atomic watchdog agency has called on Iran to provide inspectors access to sites where the country is thought to have stored or used undeclared nuclear material. Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's ambassador to international organisations in Vienna, tweeted that his country and China had voted against the resolution that Germany, France and Britain proposed at a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency board. "We believe that the resolution can be counterproductive," Ulyanov said, while also "stressing the need for Tehran and IAEA to settle this problem without delay." Earlier this week, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reiterated concerns that for more than four months Iran had denied his inspectors access to two locations "to clarify our questions related to possible undeclared nuclear material and nuclear-related activities". Sanctions are first formal action taken by US Treasury against Mexican firms involved in trading Venezuelan oil. The United States on Thursday blacklisted Mexican company Libre Abordo and a related firm in the first formal action taken by the Treasury Department against Mexican companies involved in trading Venezuelan oil. Three individuals, eight foreign entities and two vessels have been hit with US sanctions for their activities in or associated with a network attempting to evade United States sanctions on Venezuelas oil sector, according to a statement on the US Treasurys website. The Treasury said the network helped facilitate the resale of more than 30 million barrels of Venezuelan-origin crude. Among those blacklisted were Mexico-based Libre Abordo and related Schlager Business Group, as well as their co-owners, Mexican national Olga Maria Zepeda Esparza and her mother, Veronica Esparza Garcia. The Treasury also targeted Mexican Joaquin Leal Jimenez, accusing him of having worked with Alex Saab, recently arrested in Cape Verde, Libre Abordo and Schlager Business Group for brokering the resale of millions of barrels of Venezuelan crude. Libre Abordo and Schlager Business Group began receiving Venezuelan crude for resale in Asian markets late last year after signing two contracts with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros government in mid-2019. The agreement was framed as an oil-for-food pact exempted from US sanctions as the Mexican companies intended to supply Venezuela with 210,000 tonnes of corn as part of the agreement. Since the oil shipments began, Libre Abordo and Schlager received some 30 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, according to PDVSAs export documents. Even though the oil was exchanged for about 500 water trucks, food was never supplied, as very low prices of crude affected the delivery schedule originally agreed, according to the companies. The illegitimate Maduro regime created a secret network to evade sanctions, which Treasury has now exposed, Treasury Deputy Secretary Justin Muzinich said in the statement. The United States will continue to relentlessly pursue sanctions evaders, he added. Reuters News Agency reported last month that the FBI was probing several Mexican and European companies allegedly involved in trading Venezuelan oil, gathering information for a Treasury inquiry into possible sanctions-busting, according to people familiar with the matter. The Treasury on Thursday also delisted four maritime entities. The US in January 2019 recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido the countrys legitimate interim president and has ratcheted up sanctions and diplomatic pressure in the aftermath of Maduros 2018 re-election that was widely described as fraudulent. Maduro remains in power, backed by Venezuelas military, as well as Russia, China and Cuba. His clinging to power has been a source of frustration for Trump, US officials have said privately. Defund the police! Thousands of people, led by Black Lives Matter Toronto, came together to paint the message in larger-than-life hot pink lettering on College St. outside of the citys police headquarters. Its a key demand of people who have taken to the streets to speak out and fight back against anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism. Next to it, the group painted the names of Black and Indigenous people who have been killed by police or have lost their lives in the presence of police. Regis Korchinski-Paquets name is there; she fell to her death from a balcony last month during an interaction with Toronto police. So is the name Chantel Moore, who was fatally shot by police in Edmunston, N.B., earlier this month during a welfare check. We know that police kill our communities, Black Lives Matter Toronto co-founder Rodney Diverlus told a crowd of supporters Friday. We know that being Black and Indigenous is a danger when it comes to interaction with police. We know that our lives when we interact with the police are not safe. The group made 27 demands on Friday. These included immediately redirecting at least half the $1.1 billion police budget toward the communities affected by police racism. They called for investing in secure, long-term housing for street-involved and unhoused communities, food securities programs, public transit, public health, public libraries and community-led anti-violence programs. Other demands included: demilitarizing the police by removing all weaponry and ending Emergency Task Force (ETF) and Emergency Response Teams (ERTs), among others; removing police and school resource officers in all schools; reducing the scope of police; ending the practice of carding: documenting police violence; decriminalizing poverty, drugs, HIV and prostitution. Fridays move came days after a report, prepared by Toronto Police Services Board chair, Jim Hart, was criticized for presenting the bare minimum in the face of increasing demands for systemic change. It came on the same day that the police services board held a meeting, its first since the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, which sparked a wave of protests around the world. During this, Hart pledged a town hall for the week of July 6. Black Lives Matters Toronto member Syrus Marcus Ware called for the redirection of Toronto police funds into Black, Indigenous, racialized, impoverished and other targeted communities. Ware recently told the Star that departing Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders tenure proves that having a Black police chief does actually nothing and is a faulty way to approach the solution of the anti-Blackness thats happening and rife within the police force. Protestors in front of police headquarters later identified other services they would like to see increased with more funding. Mental health crisis workers save lives. Addiction counsellors save lives. Social workers save lives, one woman yelled into a megaphone outside of police headquarters, where eight police officers were stationed behind a barricade. Each of her call-outs was punctuated with cheers from the crowd. Protestors at Toronto police headquarters chanted in the faces of police officers through the afternoon and evening, yelling, Shame and No justice, no peace, abolish the police. To the west of that group, at the intersection of Bay and College Sts., a sit-in continued down the length of Bay, to Queen St. W., where a Caribana-like celebration took place as protestors passionately supported their cause. They celebrated with a performance from Dominican-Canadian songster Lexicon, the music of Bob Marley and lots of dancing. There was a light police presence as officers were stationed at either end of the winding demonstration as well as on side streets along the way. Many protesters traipsed back and forth from one end of the action to the other, letting their anger out at police headquarters. Most of the thousands in attendance wore masks. Some handed out water bottles and shared sunscreen with others. Black Lives Matter Toronto had medical stations set up for anyone who needed to hydrate, have a snack or access first aid. The route was easily traceable even after the streets began to clear as chalk drawings reading, Black Lives Matter and Who do you call when cops kill? accompanied the many, many colourful messages along the route. These all led back to police headquarters, where protesters made their feelings clear throughout the day with a succinct, direct message to police officers. Quit your jobs! Quit your jobs! Jacob Lorinc is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @jacoblorinc The sanctions were extended for six months. Heads of state and government of the European Union member states have decided to extend the economic sanctions related to the banking, financial and energy sectors of Russia for another six months. "I welcome today's political decision of EU leaders to extend economic sanctions against Russia for 6 more months. Since 2014, EU sanctions policy has helped deter Russian aggression against Ukraine," Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter on June 19. "[The] sanctions send a clear signal: Russia needs to fully implement [the] Minsk agreements," he said. Read alsoEU Council extends Crimea sanctions for another year MFA Kuleba On June 19, twenty-seven leaders of EU member states and the EU leadership had a video conference. According to an UNIAN correspondent, President of the European Council Charles Michel said during an online briefing after the video conference that before the decision on the extension of the sectoral sanctions was taken, German Chancellor Angela Merkel had presented a report on the status of the implementation of the Minsk agreements. "We had the opportunity to listen to the report by Angela Merkel on the implementation of the Minsk agreements, and this means that now the Council has decided to proceed with the extension of the sanctions," Michel said. As UNIAN reported earlier, the EU in July and September 2014 imposed economic sanctions targeting exchanges with Russia in specific economic sectors. In March 2015, EU leaders decided to align the existing sanctions regime to the complete implementation of the Minsk agreements, foreseen for the end of December 2015. Since this did not happen, the Council extended economic sanctions until July 31, 2016. The economic sanctions have been extended for six months successively since July 1, 2016. The extension was decided each time following an assessment of the Minsk agreements implementation. The economic sanctions were then extended until July 31, 2020. These restrictive measures limit access to EU primary and secondary capital markets for certain Russian banks and companies; impose an export and import ban on trade in arms; establish an export ban for dual-use goods for military use or military end users in Russia; curtail Russian access to certain sensitive technologies and services that can be used for oil production and exploration. Times Insider explains who we are and what we do, and delivers behind-the-scenes insights into how our journalism comes together. A quiet moment on a sofa, isolated from the world with little sense of control. A visit to a once-abandoned black cemetery to unearth the past. A gentle haircut from Dad, when beauty in other people is hard to find. A show of armor to awaken the warrior within. Self-portraits by photographers can reveal not only who they are but also the world they are seeing. In a special project by the Culture desk that appears online today, 27 black photographers offer images that give readers a view of America through the way these artists are framing themselves in this moment. The photographs, which are accompanied by notes from the artists, will also appear in print in this weekends Arts & Leisure section. (Photo : Carl Recine/REUTERS) Experts believe a vaccine will be ready in 2021 and not much sooner. The coronavirus pandemic started late 2019 in Wuhan, China, but it became a global problem as early as January this year, persisting and growing into a pandemic when March hit -- and now, experts believe the COVID-19 threats will continue until 2021. COVID-19 Will Cause Two Million Deaths by 2022? In a report by Bloomberg, most experts believe that we will have to live with the coronavirus for much longer as the vaccine for the virus won't likely be distributed until next year. That is despite the promising results we've been getting from potential COVID-19 vaccines that are currently in various stages of trials, with some even on human clinical trials and biotech companies ready to produce doses as soon as possible, even without the final results. Now that the pandemic might be far from over, public health professionals encourage people to start managing our expectations, becoming more aware, and changing our behaviors. According to them, success isn't returning life to normal as if it were 2019. Rather, they believe it's about buying time and limiting the destruction that is brought upon by the coronavirus pandemic, especially the deaths that will occur that could reach a million, according to one estimate, until we have the vaccine and other tools that could treat and immunize SARS-CoV-2. "I wouldn't be surprised by 2022 if we go into a couple million or more, knowing that there are so many people out there who are vulnerable," predicted Eric Topol, the director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute. Read Also: Scientists Find Blood Type Link to Coronavirus; Type-A Blood Shows Higher Risk of Severe COVID-19 How the Early Days of the Pandemic were Slowed Down During the earlier days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the whole world came to a stop. Businesses were forced to close down, leaving only the essentials like grocery stores and pharmacies to remain open, and companies have to send their employees home and to work from there. While it did help slow down the spread of COVID-19, the move slowly killed the economy, forcing cities, states, and entire nations to go back to a new sense of normalcy to regain some footing. However, easing the restrictions is something health experts have been trying to warn the leaders against as they think it's too early for that, causing a new surge of cases. New Coronavirus Wave is Coming Bloomberg said that scientists have already seen new signs of a new coronavirus wave in places that have otherwise flattened the curve or are close to doing so. "I understand there is a perception of the need to balance on these economic considerations," said epidemiologist Ada Adimora, who is also a professor of medicine in infectious diseases at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. "But to the extent that we open up society and have people going to restaurants - you can't wear a mask while you eat - you are not really working to control the threat of the virus," the professor further said. Experts see the fall as the scariest point in the near future, wherein universities and institutes will reopen, making the coronavirus disease a perfect resurgence. Moreover, the high number of asymptomatic cases is also frightening as they mix in with the crowd, not knowing they have COVID-19 until they infect more vulnerable people who develop severe cases. As of now, drug companies are doing everything they can to find a treatment and a vaccine for the virus, but despite speeding up processes that would typically take years to finish, they believe the vaccine would be available by 2021. Read Also: COVID-19: The U.K. Gives Apple-Google App Access to Over 66 Million British Men 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 04:15:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HELSINKI, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese tech company Huawei on Thursday held a webinar focusing on gender equality, especially in tech industry, following the "#huawei4her" campaign on social media. On the webinar, held jointly by Huawei Finland and Huawei Europe, Finnish and EU experts responded to questions submitted by participants worldwide, discussing the difficulties women are facing in daily life and at work. The Finnish experience to gender equality drew great attention. "Families and schools should tell the girls to be brave and take the chance of studying technology," said Kaarle Hameri, the Chancellor of the University of Helsinki. Research indicates girls tend to underestimate their skills and talent, thus are cautious in taking studies in mathematics or physics, said Hameri, regretting that girls probably get wrong signals early in their schooling before they find in testing that they actually are good, and then it could be too late. Lucia Klestincova, member of the Equality Task Force set up by the European Commissioner for Equality, said that technology should be used for advancing the position of women, and the requirement of diversity should be embedded in all societal decisions. Setting the scene for the event, Abraham Liu, Huawei Chief Representative to the EU Institutions, noted in a press release that "diminishing the gender gap in working life is one of the priorities of Huawei." Enditem The One Show, the world's most prestigious award show in advertising, design and digital marketing, has named Ogilvy 2020 Network of the Year in recognition of outstanding work across disciplines on behalf of its clients. Ogilvys focus on collaboration and big creative ideas in any formfrom gaming and commerce to mobile and social mediaalso resulted in DAVID Miami, one of its specialty brand companies, capturing the Agency of the Year honor. The Network of the Year honor is given to the network whose agencies have the most cumulative points for One Show Pencils won across all disciplines for the year. Over two dozen Ogilvy offices around the world contributed to the recognition by collectively winning 25 Gold, 17 Silver, 25 Bronze, 73 Merit awards for clients including Burger King, Coca-Cola, German Rail, IBM, Jimmy Dean, KFC, Kraft Heinz, Pernod Ricard, S.C. Johnson, and Sipsmith among others. Burger King, a client of DAVID, was named Client of the Year with several campaigns recognized this year. Moldy Whopper, a collaboration between agencies including DAVID Miami and INGO (a joint venture of Ogilvy and Grey based in Sweden), was named Best of Show. Moldy Whopper won Best of Discipline in four categoriesFilm, Integrated, Print, and Out of Homewhile Stevenage Challenge created by the Miami and Madrid offices of DAVID was named Best of Social Media. Burn That Ad, created by DAVID Sao Paulo, also took home pencils across several categories this year. This recognition is a testament to Ogilvys ability to transform business and culture through creativity, said Piyush Pandey, Ogilvy Worldwide Chief Creative Officer. We want to thank our clients who entrust us with their brands and congratulate Fernando Machado and everyone at Burger King for winning Client of the Year. Work by Ogilvy agencies delivered on what The One Show jurors look for: excellence in creativity of ideas and quality of execution, said Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club. We congratulate the network for a year of great work that inspires the creative community. This marks the fourth time Ogilvy has been named Network of the Year by The One Show. The previous three times were in 2017, 2014 and 2013the year the category was launched. An artificial breast milk start-up that offers a green alternative to baby formula has received $3.5 million (2.8m) from an investment fund co-founded by Bill Gates. It has been estimated that around 10 per cent of the global dairy industry a major producer of greenhouse gases is used to manufacture baby formula. However, US firm BIOMILQ is working to artificially produce human breast milk from cultured human mammary epithelial cells on a commercially viable scale. The $1 billion (800 million) fund, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, was established to help prevent the worst effects of climate change arising from carbon emissions. Alongside Mr Gates, the group's other members include Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Virgin group founder Sir Richard Branson and Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg. An artificial breast milk start-up that offers a green alternative to baby formula has received $3.5 (2.8) million from an investment fund co-founded by Bill Gates (stock image) THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF FORMULA According to researchers at Imperial College London, advice on breast feeding often overlooks the environmental benefit of breast milk over that of formula. They called breast feeding an 'environmental imperative' as it uses few resources and creates little waste. In contrast, they noted that conventional alternatives harm the planet at every stage of production from the cattle that produce the milk to the disposal of cans and packaging. In fact, a previous study estimated that 550 million infant formula cans are sent to landfill each year. Advertisement In February, BIOMILQ showed a proof-of-concept for their artificial breast milk demonstrating that they are able to produce both casein and lactose, proteins that are key components of real human breast milk. 'We are the first company to produce vital components of milk together within the same system using a process that is sterile from start to finish and free of all contamination,' the firm said. 'Most importantly, this innovation allows us to create the full constellation of complex components in perfect proportion.' Alongside helping to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the production of baby formula, the firm's product may provide a healthier alternative for some babies. Formula which is typically based on either cow's milk or soy, rather than human proteins can be hard for some children to digest, an issue which BIOMILQ's alternative product should not have. 'We believe parents, caregivers, and infants deserve more options in early-stage nutrition,' BIOMILQ co-founder and cell biologist Leila Strickland said. 'Were determined to give them just that and to create a better world for future generations.' Dr Strickland was inspired to develop a better replacement for baby formula after her own struggles breastfeeding her son, she told Business Insider. 'Exclusive breastfeeding is unrealistic for many and impossible for some,' Dr Strickland and BIOMILQ co-founder and food scientist Michelle Egger said. 'In fact, 84 percent of moms transition to dairy-based infant formula before the recommended six-month exclusivity period,' they added. 'Whether its low milk production, incompatible workplaces, or the ongoing stigma around breastfeeding in public, families feed infant formula out of necessity rather than preference. 'Parents and caregivers are left with sub-optimal choices, and they want an option that doesnt force a trade-off between babies nutrition and mothers wellbeing.' Breakthrough Energy Ventures was established to help prevent the worst effects of climate change arising from carbon emissions. Alongside Bill Gates (pictured) the group's members include Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Virgin's Sir Richard Branson and Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg In February, BIOMILQ showed a proof of concept for their artificial breast milk demonstrating that they are able to produce both casein and lactose, key proteins of real human breast milk. Pictured, BIOMILQ founders Michelle Egger and Leila Strickland 'There are immense opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock used in the production of foods like dairy,' said Breakthrough Energy Ventures member Carmichael Roberts. 'BIOMILQ offers a superb dairy alternative for the production of infant nutrition. 'The company has created a first-of-its-kind product that not only offers a better solution for the environment, but will also improve nutrition for infants around the globe,' he added. It is unclear when BIOMILQ's formula replacement might become commercially available, however with Ms Egger telling Business Insider than such would likely depend on approval by regulatory bodies like the US Food & Drug Administration. Taiwan Sets Out Escape Plan to Aid Fleeing Hongkongers 2020-06-18 -- Authorities in Taiwan on Thursday set out plans to make the democratic island a safe haven for Hongkongers fearing a crackdown on dissent by China's feared state security police. The Taiwan government unveiled plans to set up an office offering humanitarian assistance to Hongkongers, including those who wish to seek asylum, the island's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) minister Chen Ming-tong said. "The office will open for business on July 1," Chen told journalists. The date is the anniversary of the 1997 handover of Hong Kong Chinese rule, a date that has seen multiple mass protest marches since 2003. Operating under the semi-official Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Co-operation Council, the new office will offer consultations to Hong Kong-based businesses and NGOs that wish to relocate to Taiwan, Chen said. It will also offer a one-stop service and helplines aimed at residents of Hong Kong wanting to study, do business, or seek asylum in Taiwan, he said. While Taiwan has no laws governing refugees or asylum-seekers, the office will implement a law allowing the authorities to offer "necessary assistance" to people from Hong Kong and Macau whose safety and liberty are at immediate risk for political reasons. There is broad, cross-party support for the plan, which comes as Beijing moves to impose a draconian sedition and subversion law on Hong Kong, bypassing the city's Legislative Council (LegCo). Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen and members of the country's parliament, the Legislative Yuan, have said they expect the national security law will lead to a rapid deterioriation in Hong Kong's situation. Call for more details Lam Hong-jun, of the Taiwan-based group Hong Kong Outlanders, called for further details about the legal status of the office. "What kind of legal status will those applicants have, given that this is a non-government organization?" Lam said. "We are in the process of trying to figure this out in detail." "We would still hope that there would be another channel to deal with Hongkongers who enter Taiwan illegally," he said. "There may be people who have to leave in a hurry because they are in danger or at risk in some way." "They may not be able to avail themselves of legal channels to leave [Hong Kong]." The draft National Security Law for Hong Kong was submitted to the National People's Congress (NPC) standing committee on Thursday, state media reported. It will outlaw "acts of secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign or external forces that endanger national security," according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua. In a move widely condemned by foreign governments and rights groups as signaling the end of Hong Kong's autonomy and status as a separate legal jurisdiction, rights groups and foreign governments say the law will pave the way for further political prosecutions of peaceful critics of the government, democracy campaigners, and rights activists. It will also allow China's feared state security police to operate in Hong Kong, a move which was explicitly banned by the city's mini-constitution, the Basic Law. Reported by Cheng Kuang-cheng for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Hsia Hsiao-hwa for the Mandarin 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 Three months into the Covid-19 pandemic, the worst fears of the health threat to refugees have so faralmost miraculouslynot come to pass. But the economic impact on refugees around the world has been devastating, and it has laid bare the challenges that refugees in every society face in building productive new lives. Particularly here in the United States, as the labor market starts to show signs of recovery and we contemplate how to build back better, there is much more we can do to help refugees reach their full potential in the workplace, and to help society benefit from it. The refugee story in the United States is a paradox. Theres abundant evidence that refugees flourish over time and make significant contributions to the economy. The New American Economy, for example, has found (pdf) that, after 25 years, refugees median income exceeds that of native-born Americans, while a working paper distributed by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that after 20 years, refugees pay more in taxes than they receive in benefits. On the other hand, refugees face steep barriers to economic integration on arriving in the United States. With negligible financial assistance from the government for only a few months (while being required to repay the cost of their flights), they face severe pressure to secure immediate employment, and they must do so while navigating a broad range of challengesfrom language barriers, to limited or no accreditation of their prior education and training, to transportation challenges. That refugees eventually succeed in this country is a testament to their resilience and motivation, not the welcome we afford them. The Covid-19 pandemic has laid bare just how tenuous integration is for recently arrived refugees in the United States. Weve heard from numerous nonprofits and companies that refugees have been laid off in disproportionate numbers. For example, one of the countrys leading refugee-serving organizations, HIAS, has disclosed that 70% of the refugees it works with have lost their jobs in recent weeks. Not only has the economic dislocation been vastly greater for refugees than for the population overall (less than 15% of American workers have lost their jobs in the crisis), it has hit a community that has scant savings and, in many cases, has been excluded from the federal governments relief assistance and unemployment benefits. Story continues As a society, we need to do more to integrate refugees into the labor market and economy. Heres how we can do it. Fix the hiring process First and foremost, businesses could and should do more to lower barriers for refugee job seekers, starting with a review of their hiring processes to make them more inclusive for refugees. For example, companies can create protocols to ensure that they dont automatically discard resumes from refugees thatinevitablyshow gaps in employment. They can review their job descriptions to make sure that they dont require a level of English proficiency in excess of what the positions themselves may need; and also take into account that refugees tend to improve language proficiency fastest on the job. Companies also can make basic transportation arrangements for a few months until refugee employees are able to obtain drivers licenses and access to a car. Companies that take these modest steps, and integrate refugees into their broader efforts of diversity and inclusion, wont only be helping a vulnerable grouptheyll be making an investment in their own business. Research shows that refugees have much higher retention rates than other workers. In the US manufacturing sector, for example, refugees were almost three times more likely to stay in their job compared to their non-refugee counterparts. Indeed, the companies we work with at the Tent Partnership for Refugees routinely report that refugees are among their most dedicated, committed, and resilient employees. Harness the expertise Second, state and local governments should do more to harness the skills and expertise that refugees bring, by taking steps to recognize their foreign training and credentials. The Covid-19 pandemic has drawn attention to the challenges that refugees face in practicing medicine. The Migration Policy Institute found that over 260,000 immigrants and refugees with undergraduate degrees in health-related fields are either out of work or underemployed in low-paying jobs that require significantly less education. Theres a similar dynamic in myriad other fields too, from engineering to social work to tree-trimming (for which California requires four years experience and two exams). While these occupational-licensing regulations do sometimes serve legitimate social goals, too often they serve primarily to protect incumbents. These regulations come most of all at the expense of refugees and immigrants, forcing them to take lower-skilled jobs on arrival, and wasting expertise that could benefit their communities and the economy. State and local governments can support integration by making it easier for refugees to practice the professions theyve been trained to do. Taking these steps to lower barriers for refugees entering the workforce, and recognizing the training and expertise they bring, is not charity. Its an investment in our society and economy. If refugees can contribute so much economically and socially after two decades, despite the challenges they face, how much more might they contribute if we eased their path to economic integration from the start? Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. More stories from Quartz: As N.M. lawmakers kick it into high gear today, the first full day of their emergency special session originally dedicated to balancing the beleaguered state budget, they have more to do than fill a $2 billion hole caused by the oil bust and pandemic shutdown. The Journal Editorial board supported limiting the session to budget and economic relief items. But since the governor decided to add several important issues to the agenda, heres where we stand on some of those: Requiring police to wear body cameras, banning chokehold restraints and making officers disciplinary history a matter of public record under the states Inspection of Public Records Act. We have long supported lapel cameras, and given the national call for police reform and the Albuquerque Police Departments dealings with the Department of Justice, we would hope lawmakers will make them mandatory, as well as ban chokehold restraints and make disciplinary actions public. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham also wants lawmakers to establish a commission to evaluate ending qualified immunity for police officers, a legal doctrine that helps protect officers from civil lawsuits. This is a complex issue, and lawmakers would be correct to follow the governors suggestion of creating a group of stakeholders who can examine the value vs. potential unintended consequences. Its important the group includes not only lawyers and community activists, but someone from law enforcement tasked with recruiting and retaining sworn officers. Authorizing county clerks, during a public health emergency, to mail ballots to registered voters without requiring the voter to fill out an application first. Given the mobile nature of our society, thats a recipe for too many ballots mailed to a wrong address. New Mexico is already among states with the most lenient absentee ballot policy, allowing voters to use them for any reason. The N.M. Supreme Court found the sweet spot for voter access during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing clerks to automatically mail out applications for absentee ballots to registered voters at their last known address. That saves voters from having to ask for an application, and it keeps ballots from hitting the dead-letter bin or falling into the hands of someone bent on shenanigans. Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel months before a presidential election, lawmakers and elected officials should smooth the road New Mexico is already on. With an estimated 3,000 primary ballots uncounted because they arrived too late, state lawmakers and/or elected officials should consider adjusting deadlines to request, send out and return absentee ballots, put that return-by deadline in big, bold type on the ballot along with where to drop them off in person, and revisit state law to allow feeding them into tabulators before Election Day. Aiding small businesses (and individuals) hit hard by the pandemic by waiving late penalties and interest on property and gross receipts taxes, allowing services such as liquor delivery or electronic notarization, and providing loans. Three months into government orders that shuttered many businesses, these moves are welcome and needed. Meanwhile, lawmakers have finally released copies of actual legislation. There should be no additional late arrivals, as the public deserves to see what is being done on its behalf and needs at least 24 hours before a floor vote to digest it. A positive sign is that they are halting committee/floor debate when the webcast goes down, ensuring that during this pandemic the public, the real boss, has eyes and ears on the session. These are unprecedented times, and members of our citizen Legislature are clearly tasked with doing a huge amount of work in a short amount of time. Heres to a safe and productive session. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. This journey of life, with its patent twists, and then turns, has many unknowables for us all; also, some knowables. My life has one constant knowledge: my stories emerge from the blessings of Lord Shiva. I do not know how they come to me, develop in my imagination and find expression through my fingers. I see what He enables. I write. It is His blessing. But His abundance overwhelms and outruns my capacity to bring to form. I can write one book every one-and-half to two years. Not any faster. And at this pace, I will die before I write down all the story ideas that He has already filled me with. I know one more thing: I cannot carry these stories to my cremation pyre. Hence, the idea of a Writers Centre for a stream of stand-alone stories that differ from my main line of storytelling of the Shiva Trilogy & Ram Chandra Series. It was a suggestion from my team, and it made eminent sense to me. So, I work with a team of writers, to whom I relate the complete story, and the research material to be read. They write the first draft, which I then work upon. Therefore, the genesis of the story and the final writing is mine, while a team drives the first draft. We have tried our best to ensure that the books from the Writers Centre read like any other book of mine. But we honestly state, upfront, that this line of books is the result of team effort, and not my sole work. Now, the first book from the Writers Centre what is it about? A giant tide of history in the last 2,000 years was defined by horrific violence. It wiped out the ancient cultures of the world: Pagan Rome, mystical Egypt and mythical Greece; Zoroastrian Persia, idol-worshipping Central America, and even martial Norse and too many others. Some might say some still exist; heartbreakingly though, in wilted forms that fuel, at best, the tourist industry and some museums. No, they no longer are a living, breathing entity. But one ancient civilisation stubbornly refused to die. One proud culture refused to be overwritten. It retreated at times, even withdrew permanently from some lands, became silent, but is one of the rare few still left standing. And breathing. It is India. Heroes and heroines arose, magnificently, whenever invaders came to our land. They led us. Defended us. There were many -- Harihara and Bukka Raya, Maharana Pratap, Lachit Borphukan, Rani Abbakka, Raja Marthanda Varma, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Chhatrapati Shivaji, Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose - and countless other courageous men and women with a steely determination to fight. But, a careful reading of our history tells us that the biggest challenge for these heroes and heroines was to somehow unite our fissiparous society, to fight those foreigners. We had a national consciousness, as the millennia old Vishnu Purana evidences, but the default tendency in us Indians is to fight each other; tragically, to this day. Infighting is our favourite pastime, which ceases only briefly when the enemy is at our doorstep. The challenge, always, was how to stop our constant infighting. These leaders succeeded where others failed. They united us, albeit briefly. And, we prevailed. Sadly, many of these heroes and heroines have been airbrushed out of our history books. I believe these great men and women demand from us, their descendants, that we remember their tales. That we share their stories. That we celebrate them. And learn from them. Today, more than ever, we need to hear the chronicles of these great people who united us and saved our land by making us confront brutal foreign invaders, beat many of them back, and most importantly, survive. This book is of one such hero, a fictional story inspired by real events. It is the story of the magnificent King Suheldev of the 11th century. It depresses me that most people across modern India have not even heard the name of this great warrior hero, let alone know his story. But worse, and heartbreakingly, at present, too, we are a divided India. And therefore, there is dispute over which caste or community he belonged to. Many communities claim him as their own. British gazettes, written many centuries after the life of this remarkable warrior, are used to support competing claims. I dont know what the truth is. So, I have not taken a stand on these competing claims. I do not state which caste he belonged to. Amish (Courtesy Westland) All I say in this book is that King Suheldev was a proud Indian, who protected Mother India at a time when she was threatened by the most vicious of foreign invaders. He united all Hindus of all castes, Buddhists and Indian Muslims under his leadership. They fought for their motherland. And won us a glorious victory. Heady, the thought, but there also is a learning from this great son of India: when we unite, as Indians, we are unbeatable. My patriotism and love for Mother India compels me to narrate this story. But there is one other reason. Regardless of multiple contradictory claims, there is almost complete agreement on one count: King Suheldev was a devout Shiva bhakt a devotee of Lord Shiva. And, as stated earlier, I believe my storytelling skill is a blessing from the Mahadev too. One day I will leave this mortal body, and before I enter my next life, I might get an opportunity to stand before Lord Shiva. And then, the Lord might demand an answer from me. He had given me a talent: I could tell stories; then why did I not tell the story of one of His greatest devotees, King Suheldev? I will not hang my head in shame before my God. Therefore, I will tell you the story of the time when, led by this great hero, India stood up, united, and defeated an army of the fiercest and most brutal warrior-race that the world has ever seen: the Turkic hordes from Central Asia. We had not invited them. We had not picked a fight. They came. They plundered. We fought. We won. We saved our culture. When we Indians stand together, shoulder to shoulder, we are undefeatable. If only we can be united. If only I dream of the day when we will all say in one voice: Jai Suheldev! Jai Maa Bhaarati! Glory to King Suheldev. Glory to Mother India. Excerpted with permission from Legend of Suheldev The King Who Saved India by Amish, published by Westland. The book releases today. One of the women, who is not named in the lawsuit, accuses Masterson in court papers of raping her in 2003 after he gave her a drink that made her feel sick and disoriented. The woman, who said she was raised in the Church of Scientology, said she gave her account to the police in 2004 but was then pressured by the church to sign a nondisclosure agreement, the lawsuit said. In 2016, according to the lawsuit, she asked the police to reopen the investigation after another woman contacted her and shared a similar account of sexual assault by Masterson. The existence of these womens accounts were largely unknown to the public until 2017 when it was reported that law enforcement officials were investigating. Netflix fired Masterson from The Ranch amid the accusations. The actor, 44, said in 2017 that the womens accounts had been investigated many years earlier and that law enforcement officials had determined them to be without merit. His lawyer in court papers has dismissed the civil complaint as a money grab and said the women all had consensual relationships with the actor. Two of the women in the civil suit have said they were in a romantic relationship with him when he raped them. The other two women who are plaintiffs in the lawsuit said that they met Masterson through mutual friends and their involvement with the church. In the lawsuit, one of the plaintiffs, Chrissie Carnell Bixler, accuses Masterson of sexually assaulting her numerous times during a period between 1997 and 2002 when they dated. After she reported the allegations to the police in 2016, Bixler who said she had joined the church for a period of time at Mastersons urging said in court papers that people associated with the church loitered outside her home, filmed her and her family, harassed her with phone calls and broke the lock on her front door. The suit also claims that people associated with the church placed ground meat laced with rat poison in her backyard, resulting in the death of her dog. (TNS) Hawaii's daily COVID-19 case count rose to 18 cases Thursday, but officials say the spike was expected and hasnt reached a threshold that would delay reopening for the states local economy or interfere with planning to restart Hawaii tourism.The state Department of Health said the new cases on Thursday brought the statewide tally to 762 cases since the start of the outbreak in February. Thursdays cases include 15 Oahu residents and three others diagnosed on Oahu with their residences not yet identified and still under investigation, health officials said in an email.Government lockdowns, which included the collapse of out-of-state tourism, helped Hawaii achieve low COVID-19 infections and deaths. However, theyve come at great cost to the local economy, which has seen unemployment claims rise above 230,000 since March 1.The downward spiral for business was exacerbated when Gov. David Ige ordered a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for arriving passengers that began March 26. Since then tourism has all but zeroed out. In June 2019, passenger counts averaged about 35,000 a day. The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported Thursday that 1,516 passengers came to Hawaii on Wednesday, and only 418 of them were visitors.The quarantine for interisland passengers was lifted Tuesday, but thats expected to bring only a slight boost to business. Hawaii tourism will continue tanking until Ige announces a plan that allows out-of-state visitors to bypass the quarantine, which is slated to go through at least July 31.Lt. Gov. Josh Green, who was asked by Ige to lead a hui to come up with a plan to reopen tourism, said tons of progress has been made on a testing protocol that continues to advance.Well get updates soon, Green said. The recent surge, which I think reflects the large protests, is not influencing my thinking. We are still doing long-term strategic planning the same way.Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist, said in a statement Thursday, This spike in cases and other recent daily spikes have been expected as people begin to move around more freely and more businesses are reopening.The states count of new COVID-19 cases so far in June already has doubled the total of new cases recorded in May.Speaker of the House Scott Saiki said the session will reconvene Monday despite notification Wednesday that a member of the House Majority Staff Office received a positive COVID-19 test result. The staff member and all HMSO staff were immediately excused to work from home. Park and the state Department of Health have begun contact-tracing employees.The House is committed to ensuring the safety and health of all legislators and employees at the Capitol. We will continue enforcing safe practices including social distancing, daily temperature screenings by National Guard members, and modified work procedures, Saiki said in a statement.Dr. Sarah Kemble, deputy state epidemiologist, said Hawaii could continue to see new cases over the next two weeks related to a small outbreak that was reported Wednesday at the Hale Nani Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, the states largest nursing home.When there has been exposure in a health care setting like this, resulting increase in infections are possible and unfortunate but not unexpected, Kemble said.By Thursday the Hale Nani case count already had increased to 12, said Dr. Scott Miscovich, owner of Premier Medical Group Hawaii, which is conducting the tests for about 250 residents and roughly 550 staff.Miscovich said Thursday that seven patients and three staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, adding to a count that already included the staff member who potentially brought the disease to the nursing home and the original patient.Miscovich said three staff members work in the same unit. A staff member who works outside the unit was asymptomatic but had a family member who had tested positive for COVID-19, he said.All of the cases so far have been asymptomatic; however, Miscovich said two patients were moved to the hospital as a precautionary measure since their oxygen levels were off slightly.Miscovich said all Hale Nani residents have now been tested, along with over 90 percent of the staff. He and his team will continue to follow up until the facility has had two consecutive weeks without any positive tests.His takeaway from Hale Nani is that the state needs to do more preventive testing. In the Hale Nani case, the staff member was asymptomatic, so Miscovich said it would have been hard for them to know that they had an infection. He said the staff member might have discovered the infection earlier if they had been asked to take a preventive test when their family member was diagnosed.Miscovich said hes very concerned about the number of new COVID-19 cases that the state has reported, especially over the past 10 days.First it was graduations, then it was Memorial Day and then it was the protest, he said. Now as our cases go up, it will be because interisland travel has opened up. Then in August if mainland travel reopens, it will go up.Miscovich said the trend of rising cases is worrisome. The public needs to be reminded to wear masks, practice social distancing and continue to take COVID-19 seriously, he said.I do believe it was human nature that people kind of let their guard down when we went through two to three weeks of barely a case that was present, but everyone has to go back to taking responsibility and trying to protect people, especially our kupuna, Miscovich said.He said he also wants Hawaiis entire health care community to embrace preventive testing.Right now (the state Department of Health) uses the policy that they will do contact tracing and will contact people and ask them if they have a runny nose, cough or symptoms. If they dont, they wont test them, he said.Instead, Miscovich wants people who have been anywhere near someone who is positive for COVID-19 tested for the illness within 12 to 24 hours regardless of whether they have symptoms.That may mean we are testing 30 to 50 people for every one positive, but its broad prevention, he said.As the state moves to reopen tourism, Miscovich said preventive testing should be one of the protocols. So far, contact tracing, thermal screening and testing have dominated the discussion.Green has said his tourism reopening proposal would not allow passengers to break quarantine unless they have taken a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arriving in Hawaii and are able to produce a negative result.Miscovich also wants the state to implement a requirement that passengers who intend to stay in Hawaii a week or more must take a second COVID-19 test on the seventh day of their stay.The reopening of (broader tourism) is the biggest concern that every person in Hawaii has to be really concerned about, Miscovich said. If we reopen tourism in August and have not done this right by November or December we could be facing closure again and hospitals coming to capacity.Hawaiis earliest COVID-19 cases were often travel-related, meaning that they were brought here either by visitors or by residents who had traveled.Park said only a handful of recent cases have been detected in travelers, known as travel-associated infection. She said the vast majority of Hawaiis cases now are being spread by what we call community-associated infection.Health officials reported Thursday that 640 patients have been released from isolation since the start of the outbreak in February. As many as 105 infections in Hawaii are still active.About 83 percent of the Hawaii people who have been infected are now classified as released from isolation.Kauai reported one new case Thursday evening the first new case for the island since early April.The states coronavirus death toll remains unchanged at 17. Eleven of the deaths have been on Oahu, and six on Maui. Chinese Soldiers Used Nail-Studded Rods to Kill Indian Soldiers, Including Military Officer: Veterans Indian veterans have accused Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) of barbarism and of violating protocols by using crude weapons against unarmed Indian soldiers, after 20 were killed on the inhospitable terrain of the Galwan Valley in Ladakh on the night of June 15. Our people do not carry any sticks or any kind of such equipment, but the Chinese, in a premeditated manner, were carrying clubsyou know, metallic clubs, [including ones] with spikes on them, or wooden clubs which had barbed wire on them, and knuckle dusters, and all of these kinds of equipmentand they hit the commanding officer and our people, retired Lt. Gen. Rakesh Sharma, who previously served in the Indian army at the same location, told The Epoch Times over the phone from New Delhi. On June 18, retired Col. Ajai Shukla, a defense and strategic analyst, shared an image on Twitter of the weapons that were used. The nail-studded rodscaptured by Indian soldiers from the Galwan Valley encounter sitewith which Chinese soldiers attacked an Indian Army patrol and killed 20 Indian soldiers, he wrote. Such barbarism must be condemned. This is thuggery, not soldiering. Lt. Gen. Gurmeet Singh, a retired army deputy chief of staff who had served for 40 years and visited China seven times in his role, told The Epoch Times over the phone that the PLA has violated the military protocols it signed with the Indian army and that the attack shows its lack of professionalism. Is it the work of an army? Is it the work of a soldier? It indicates that the PLA actually is not an army like nations have, said Singh. They dont appreciate the way combat troops operate. And rightly so, because the PLA is a political partys army. Congress workers and supporters light candles to pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives following a recent clash between India and China, in Kolkata, India, on June 17, 2020. (DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images) In the wake of the killing of the soldiers, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a message to the nation on June 17 said that under all circumstances, India will protect every inch of its land. To protect our countrys integrity and sovereignty is our priority, and no one can stop us from doing it. No one should be in doubt or illusion about it. We want peace, but if provoked, under all circumstances we are capable of giving an adequate reply, he said. Though the Chinese authorities havent made an official statement about the casualties on the Chinese side, the Indian Hindi newspaper Navbharat Times on June 17 reported that 43 Chinese soldiers were also killed in the incident. Sharma said that, based on the helicopter activity on the Chinese side, the Indians estimate the number of Chinese soldiers killed to be 30 to 43. What Happened in Galwan? Indian veterans say its important to understand the terrain and the activity happening on the disputed border, called the Line of Actual Control (LAC), between India and China to understand the incident that resulted in the deaths of so many soldiers. According to Sharma, the incident happened one to two miles away from where the Galwan River, a tributary of the Indus, joins the Shyok River. This Himalayan terrain, over 17,000 feet above sea level and with sub-zero temperatures, is extremely inhospitable. The Indian military is building a road in the region that the Chinese dont like. He said neither the Indian nor Chinese sides have road access to the Galwan River, and both sides have been patrolling on foot until recently. In the course of the last three to four years, we constructed a major artery which goes along the West of the River Shyok, and created a bridge on the Shyok River, said Sharma. The recent escalation started a few weeks ago, after India began building a feeder road to the Galwan Valley. On June 15, the Indian military saw that the Chinese had crossed to the Indian side of the LAC and occupied areas, sparking a face-off between the two militaries. A satellite image of the point where the Galwan River meets the Suyok River. According to retired Lt. Gen. Rakesh Sharma, the conflict that resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers occurred 1-2 miles from the intersection. (Google maps) Sharma said the two countries have signed five treaties between 1993 and 2013 that define protocols of engagement on the disputed LAC whenever a controversy or conflict occurs. We are supposed to disengage and go back to our own area and then meet at the other personal meetings to resolve issues, and this has been continuing from 1993 onwards. However, in the last five to six years, the PLA has not been following this protocol, said Sharma. On June 15, the Indian commanding officer, who was one of the 20 killed, had gone to the LAC and seen Chinese soldiers on the Indian side. He promptly requested those people vacate and go back and thats the time the PLA decided to take the offensive and attacked, Sharma said. The skirmish happened on a small ledge above the banks of the river, and when the unarmed Indian soldiers were attacked, it was nighttime, and temperatures were below freezing. Many fell off the ledge and died, according to Sharma, who added that more information is still coming in. Another Indian veteran, Brig. Amul Asthana, who has served in similarly inhospitable terrain, told The Epoch Times by phone that China wants to take high positions on the LAC for strategic military advantage. Many of these advantageous positions are currently under Indias control. While the Chinese have built up infrastructure on the LAC, India until recently in many locations was mostly foot-patrolling and has only recently started to build infrastructure there. Asthana said the terrain becomes increasingly inaccessible after October, and foot patrols become impossible in 20 feet of snowIndia also has winter vacated posts and winter cut-off posts in the region because it doesnt have adequate infrastructure and logistic feasibility to support a year-round presence. If I have access, why should I vacate, he said, explaining why the PLA creates problems whenever the Indian army tries to build infrastructure on the LAC. Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers guard a highway leading towards Leh, bordering China, in Gagangir, India, on June 17, 2020. (TAUSEEF MUSTAFA/AFP via Getty Images) The Aftermath Indian analysts say the incident will change the way the two countries engage with each other in the disputed territory and will lead to more military buildup on the Indian side. Sharma said it will change the way India handles such issues with the PLA and will lead to serious debate within the Indian army as to how to protect its troops. Since the Chinese were prepared with all these, the medieval type of weaponry, which people used two centuries ago, and they were prepared for it at a time when we were just going to negotiate and talk to them, then I believe we need to think in future about why this happened, said Sharma. Im sure thats an issue of serious debate with the army. Girish Kant Pandey, a professor of Defense Studies at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, in Central India, told The Epoch Times that the incident will push India to develop more infrastructure on the border and will lead to an increase in mountain strike troops. India is increasing its mountain strike corps to 200,000. There are possibilities of this to further increase, said Pandey. He also mentioned that India will likely increase its long-range missile capabilities as well as its eastern naval fleet. There are fewer possibilities that this conflict will escalate, said Pandey. A war is not in either countrys interest. The greater an economy, the greater the loss it will suffer due to war. Representational picture Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal on June 19 passed an order stopping home quarantine and making five-day institutional quarantine mandatory. The Delhi government has opposed the order saying it is arbitrary. It also asked the Centre to reconsider its decision. "Delhi government's home isolation programme has been one of the most successful initiatives in the battle against the coronavirus outbreak. We have treated thousands of mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic cases at home through daily monitoring and counselling," the Delhi government said, adding that home isolation protocol is being carried out strictly as per Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines of the central government. Also read: Coronavirus pandemic | 5-day institutional quarantine mandatory for all COVID-19 patients in Delhi "Delhi has already seen an escalating number of cases and has to prepare for patients from the entire region. In addition to the 80,000 beds being planned for serious patients in July, we will have to add thousands of quarantine rooms," it added. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Atishi Marlena tweeted: The government said thousands of COVID-19 patients are being treated at home at the moment and now they would immediately need thousands of beds in quarantine centres. "This arbitrary decision will seriously harm Delhi. The central government should reconsider its decision," it said. Four days after Indian and Chinese troops fought a bloody battle on rugged Himalayan terrain that left dozens dead, tensions between New Delhi and Beijing remain acute. Both governments and their militaries continue to insist that they want to de-escalate their most serious border crisis since they fought a limited, month-long war in 1962. However, each has accused the other of provoking Monday nights clash, which saw Indian and Chinese troops attack each other with stones, knives, and iron rods laced with barbed wire at high altitude, near the rooftop of the world. And each continues to insist that the other must stand down, by pulling back forces that have traversed at multiple places onto their side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC)the un-demarcated, temporary border to which New Delhi and Beijing have agreed to adhere, pending final settlement of their rival territorial claims. Indian army officers wearing masks as a precaution against the coronavirus walk past the funeral pyre of their colleague Colonel B. Santosh Babu, at Suryapet, about 140 kilometers (87.5 miles) from Hyderabad, India, Thursday, June 18, 2020. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.) To back up their opposed demands, both India and China are pouring additional military personnel and war materiel into their border regions. India has placed all Army and Airforce units deployed to police its 3,500-kilometer (2,175 mile) border with China on the highest alert. According to news reports, following consultations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Indian militarys high command has instructed its border forces to aggressively repel any Chinese incursions onto territory India claims falls on its side of the LAC. The days of walk-in options for the (Chinese) Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) are over, official sources told the Times of India. Our soldiers will not move back. There will be no compromise on our territorial integrity. The PLA, the sources continued, will be forced to bear losses for every attempt it makes to grab territory. New Delhi is also reportedly considering repudiating a decades-old agreement with Beijing that firearms shall not be used in the event of an encounter between their border forces. From all accounts, neither side breached this agreement during Mondays six-hour skirmish, which left 20 Indian and an undetermined number of Chinese soldiers dead. In what was clearly meant as a message for New Delhi, the PLAs Tibet Military Command announced Tuesday that it had conducted a series of war drills near the border with India. Citing a PLA news release, chinanews.com reported that live-fire drills recently took place in the Tibetan Plateau, featuring multiple types of combat forces including long-range artillery systems, ground-to-air missile systems, special operative forces, army aviation troops, electronic countermeasure forces and engineering and anti-chemical warfare troops in a joint operation group. Western intelligence officials, the New York Times reported Thursday, estimate that the chances of more fighting between Indian and Chinse forces remained high, especially with thousands of opposing troops eyeball-to-eyeball along a remote front line that has erupted in violence several times. Yesterday evening, according to The Hindu, as per an agreement reached the day before at a meeting between Indian and Chinese military commanders in the Galwan Valley, site of Mondays clash, China returned 10 Indian military personnel, including a Lieutenant Colonel and three Majors, who had been captured during the bloody skirmish. Indias and Chinas foreign ministers, who had a testy telephone exchange Wednesday, also announced yesterday that a previously-planned trilateral meeting with Russias foreign minister will go ahead on June 23. Beyond pro forma remarks about the desirability of de-escalation, Washington has been conspicuously silent about the eruption of fighting between India and China. In the weeks prior to Mondays clash in the Galwan Valley, however, Washington had visibly intruded into the border dispute, with both the Trump administration and leading Democrats publicly denouncing China for aggression. While the Sino-Indian border dispute is decades old and tensions have waxed and waned, undoubtedly the principal factor driving the current crisis is Indias integration over the past decade-and-a-half into US imperialisms incendiary and rapidly escalating military-strategic offensive against China. Building on the Indo-US global strategic partnership struck by the previous Congress Party-led government, Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regime has enmeshed India in an ever-expanding web of bilateral, trilateral and quadrilateral military-strategic ties with the US and its principal Asia-Pacific allies, Japan and Australia. Moreover, in response to the global economic crisis triggered by the pandemic and the consequent surge in geopolitical tensions, above all between the US and China, the Modi government and the Indian bourgeoisie have made clear they intend to expand their anti-China alliance with US imperialism. Last month, as the border crisis with China was developing, Modi announced that a key element in his governments economic revival plan will be to work with the Trump administration to persuade US companies, under pressure from Washington, to de-couple from China and make India their alternate production chain hub. He also announced the scrapping of all limits on foreign investment in defence production, with the aim of attracting US arms manufacturers to use India as a cheap-labour platform. Washington likely was taken aback by the speed with which events on the Sino-India border have spun out of control, raising the prospect of war between the worlds two most populous countries and rival nuclear powers. Such a war, even were it to remain limited to border areasfar from a certaintywould have a momentous impact on world geopolitics. But Washington also likely calculates that by remaining silent, at least for the present, it can reap dividends. Powerful sections of Indias military-security establishment and corporate elite have been pressing for New Delhi to abandon any pretense of strategic autonomy and formally align with Washington in an anti-China security grouping. These forces are now using the India-China border clash to seek to overcome widespread popular opposition, above all in the working class, to harnessing India to US imperialism. The Hindustan Times urged New Delhi Wednesday to double down on its partnership with the US, and make the Quad (a US-led security dialogue involving India, Japan, and Australia) a more permanent arrangement, and be a part of any club that seeks to contain Chinese power. One day after calling for India to hit back against China economically, diplomatically and militarily, including by responding to Chinese encroachments with its own cross-LAC manoeuvres, the Times of India yesterday declared, If India definitively joins the (US) camp, it will be Beijings loss not New Delhis. The BJP government has already begun to draw up a list of economic reprisals against China. Meanwhile it is seeking to whip up a bellicose mood, organizing, along with its Hindu right allies and former military officers, anti-China protests, including boycotts of Chinese goods. Due to the incompetence, negligence and class avarice of the BJP government and the Indian bourgeoisie, the country is facing a twin social catastrophe: a COVID-19 pandemic that is growing like wildfire, and more than 100 million unemployed. Modi is desperately seeking to use the war crisis to whip up chauvinism, so as to deflect social tensions outward, promote reaction, and confuse and divide the working class, The Congress Party and other ostensible opposition forces are entirely complicit in this. The Congress has responded to the war crisis with vitriolic denunciations of China and accusations that the BJP government has failed to defend India and allowed unarmed troops to be killed by the PLA. Meanwhile, their close allies, the Stalinist Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India will demonstrate that they stand with the Indian state by participating in an all-party meeting today, convened by Modi and his BJP. LONDON, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On 9 March 2020, the US Aluminium Association's Common Alloy Aluminium Sheet Trade Enforcement Working Group (AA working group) filed antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) petitions against 18 countries. This comes only 13 months after the US Department of Commerce published AD and CVD orders on imports of common alloy sheet from China. European Aluminium rollers in the eye of the storm caused by another US dumping investigation According to the announcement, "the domestic industry's antidumping petitions allege that common alloy aluminium sheet from Bahrain, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Oman, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey was dumped in the United States at margins ranging from 15.90 percent to 151.00 percent of the value of the imported common alloy aluminium sheet. Domestic producers also filed countervailing duty petitions alleging that producers in Bahrain, Brazil, India, and Turkey benefit from numerous government subsidy programs." Just like the China case, excluded from the scope of the latest petition is aluminium can stock. The initial deadline for preliminary CVD determinations was postponed from 3 June to 7 August 2020, while the preliminary AD determinations are set for 17 August. An affirmative decision will leave a hole in the US market US common alloy imports from the 18 countries in scope increased by 35% y/y in 2019 and accounted for 68% of total US common alloy imports, nearly double the 35% market share such countries held just two years ago. In the immediate aftermath of the China investigation being announced, imports from China surged ahead of the preliminary duties being issued. However, that is not expected in this case given the amount of inventory in the market and the weak demand levels caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, total US common alloy imports are down 51% through April and are expected to decline further as countries in the crosshairs of the latest dumping investigation continue to retreat. Year to date common alloy imports from in-scope countries are off 62%. If the case goes through in full, this will remove 68% of total 2019 US common alloy imports from the market. However, 2019 was not a normal year in terms of import volumes, with a significant amount of such imports piling up in distributor warehouses. Read the full story: https://www.crugroup.com/knowledge-and-insights/insights/2020/european-aluminium-rollers-in-the-eye-of-the-storm-caused-by-another-us-dumping-investigation/ Read more about CRU: http://bit.ly/About_CRU About CRU CRU offers unrivalled business intelligence on the global metals, mining and fertilizer industries through market analysis, price assessments, consultancy and events. Since our foundation by Robert Perlman in 1969, we have consistently invested in primary research and robust methodologies, and developed expert teams in key locations worldwide, including in hard-to-reach markets such as China. CRU employs over 280 experts and has more than 11 offices around the world, in Europe, the Americas, China, Asia and Australia our office in Beijing opened in 2004 and Singapore in 2018. When facing critical business decisions, you can rely on our first-hand knowledge to give you a complete view of a commodity market. And you can engage with our experts directly, for the full picture and a personalised response. CRU big enough to deliver a high-quality service, small enough to care about all of our customers. SOURCE CRU The global agricultural biologicals market is expected to grow by USD 6.56 billion during 2020-2024. The report also provides the market impact and new opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect the impact to be significant in the first quarter but gradually lessen in subsequent quarters with a limited impact on the full-year economic growth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200619005231/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Agricultural Biologicals Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Request challenges and opportunities influenced by COVID-19 pandemic @Request a free sample report The global organic food products market is growing at a significant rate, with a CAGR of more than 15%. The key factors behind the increase in the demand for organic food are an increasing number of health-conscious individuals, increasing environmental concerns, and governmental support toward promoting the use of organic products. Biological products such as microbiological products and biofertilizers have attracted a lot of attention and are being promoted on a large scale. Various types of organic and biological inputs have been launched and are being sold to farmers. The use of agricultural biologicals in organic farming produces food of high nutritional value, enhances the biological cycle in farming systems, maintains and increases the fertility of the soil. It also helps to avoid pollution resulting from agriculture, and minimizes the use of non-renewable resources. Thus, the growth of organic food products market will drive the growth of the market in focus. 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=IRTNTR43832 As per Technavio, the increasing prices of chemical fertilizers and pesticides will have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the forecast period. This research report also analyzes other significant trends and market drivers that will influence market growth over 2020-2024. Agricultural Biologicals Market: Increasing Prices of Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides The increasing prices of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are among the key drivers for the global agricultural biologicals market. The rise in demand for food has led to extensive use of chemicals in agricultural practices, which ensures an increase in crop yield. However, the increased use of chemicals may have negative impact on the crops. Chemical fertilizers contribute to leaching and pollute water basins, destroy microorganisms and friendly insects, and reduce soil fertility. The price of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is also high, compared to that of agricultural biologicals. Thus, many farmers across the world are shifting toward agricultural biologicals such as biofertilizers. "The increasing governmental support for the use of bio-based products in agriculture will have a significant impact on the growth of the agricultural biologicals market value during the forecast period," says a senior analyst at Technavio. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Agricultural Biologicals Market: Segmentation Analysis This market research report segments the agricultural biologicals market by product (biopesticides, biostimulants, and biofertilizers), application (cereals and grains, fruits and vegetables, oilseeds and pulses, and other crops), and geography (Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and MEA). The European region led the agricultural biologicals market in 2019, followed by North America, APAC, South America, and MEA respectively. During the forecast period, the European region is expected to register the highest incremental growth due to the growing demand for organic food products. Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report Some of the key topics covered in the report include: Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors Competitive scenario About Technavio 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/20200619005231/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/ New York, June 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Europe Bioreactors Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Regional Analysis By Cell ; Molecule ; Technology ; End User - Regional Analysis and Market Forecasts by Cell, Molecule, Technology and End User" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05915416/?utm_source=GNW However, stringent regulatory frameworks in different countrieshinder the market growth in the region. Additionally, technological advancementsin bioreactors and rising demand for personalized medicinesare likely to boost the growth of the Europe bioreactorsmarketduring the forecast period. A bioreactor is equipment or system engineered to provide biologically active environment for the production of various medical and pharmaceutical compounds.The vessel is used to carry out a chemical process, which involves organisms or biochemically active substances derived from such organisms. This process can either be aerobic or anaerobic.Bioreactors are commonly cylindrical in shape, ranging in capacities from liters to cubic meters, and are generally made of stainless steel. Bioreactors provide a controllable environment, in terms of pH, temperature, nutrient supply, and shear stress. These equipment are used in a variety of applications, such as production of biopharmaceuticals and tissue engineering products. The pharmaceuticals industry has been growing at an unprecedented pace in the recent years, and with this the biopharmaceuticals market is also expanding.With the aging population and rising healthcare standards,the demand for pharmaceutical products has been escalating in European countries. The strong demand for drugs and pharmaceuticalshas been driving the growth of the Europe bioreactors market.Moreover, increasing approvals in gene and cell therapies are favoring the growth of the bioreactors market in Europe. The approved gene therapies are Glybera-used to treat Lipoprotein Lipase Deficiency, and Strimvelis- treating ADA-Severe Combined Immunodeficiency. The factors mentioned above are increasing the demand for the large-scale production of various therapeutic substances, thereby encouraging companies to deploy more bioreactors in their production facilities. Europe has been massively hit by the recent COVID-19 pandemic that has affected many of its countries on a large scale.Italy, Germany, Spain, the UK, and France, among others, are continually witnessing rise in number of positive cases every day. The dependency of European country on China for raw materials is hampering the pharmaceutical supply in the region.These factors are majorly anticipated to hamper the growth of the market in Europe. According to data published in a newsletter in March 2020, Majority of the European pharmaceutical companies have manufacturing facilities located in India, while they procure ~70.0% of the raw ingredients from China. Thus, the lockdown and industrial shutdown in different countries are likely to hamper whole supply chain, which will ultimately hamper the growth of the bioreactors market inEurope. In 2019, the mammalian cells segment accounted for the largest share of the Europebioreactors market.However, the yeast cells segment is estimated to report the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Yeasts are cost-effective, fast-growing, and can be used for high-density cell cultures in bioreactors. Moreover rapid growth rate, easy genetic manipulation, complete genome sequence knowledge, cost-effective growth medium requirements, and post-translational modifications flexibility make yeasts perfect hosts for recombinant protein expression. A few of the significant secondary sources referred to while preparing the report on the Europebioreactorsmarketreport include the World Health Organization (WHO) andEuropean Medicines Agency (EMA). Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05915416/?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. __________________________ 19th June 2020 Runtime 13:46 In a surprise move Columbus announced a recommended all share merger with the larger Bahamas Petroleum on 11th June. Leo Koot, Columbus Executive Chairman, gave us his view in an interview on 15th June, now London South East has talked to Tony Hawkins the Columbus CEO who gave us his considered perspective. The main points which we took from the interview are as follows. A recommended merger 1. The Board was unanimous in its decision to recommend the merger 2. The board took almost two months to come to that decision, met almost every day, took a great deal of advice and did a great deal of due diligence on BPC and its Perseverance asset. 3. The board took a 6-12 month view of where the company would be with and without the merger Why did the board recommend the deal? 1. Because the merged entity will be larger, have more capital and be better placed to weather storms like Covid-19 2. Because the asset overlap between the two businesses is minimal 3. Getting access to an asset like Perseverence 1 on ground floor terms would not have been possible outside of the merger 4. VSA our Rule 3 adviser told the board that 'the financial terms were fair and reasonable' Pricing 1. Pricing the deal wasn't easy, and was done on a comparison of the two sets of share prices. Each company has had a relatively volatile share price over the last 12 months. The price of 2.67 pence was based on the closing price the day before the deal was announced. If you look back to March Columbus was priced at 0.92 pence. Negotiations 1. An announcement was made in March about the negative effect of Covid on operations. We began discussions and then due diligence with Bahamas in early April, so it was post Covid-19. 2. Undoubtedly our revenues have been affected by an oil price which has fallen by up to two thirds. That was an important consideration as well. 3. Capital markets like bigger companies, who find it easier to get funding, and there's more liquidity. The combined business will be bigger, more liquid, and that will provide more opportunity. Perseverence prospects 1. It is massive, with multiple zones targeted. Even one success should lead to a commercial development. 2. Takeover Code restrictions make it difficult to talk about BPC 3. What is public is BPC have said they will drill the well in Q4 2020 or Q1 2021. The board did its due diligence on that. And that Stena have been signed up to drill the well. The Board Tony and Gordon are sad to be leaving the business, but see it as in the best interests of all stakeholders and not just shareholders. Leo stays on as a Non-Exec with responsibility for Suriname and South West Peninsula in particular. Apologies for the delay in getting this interview out. Both interviews were signed off under Takeover Code rules which have made this a slow although worthwhile process! Attorneys of convicted ex-Vladivostok mayor charged with obstruction of justice RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 10:49 19/06/2020 MOSCOW, June 19 (RAPSI) Charges of perverting the course of justice have been brought against defense lawyers for ex-mayor of Vladivostok Igor Pushkarev in a bribery case, the Investigative Committees press service reports. According to the investigation, during the trial of Pushkarev and his accomplices, the attorneys attempted to obstruct justice using illegal methods and ways. They attempted to influence through foul means and threats a representative of a victim, whose testimony uncovered the defendants, inducing him not to testify against Pushkarev. Moreover, the accused lawyers put pressure on a representative of a victim through the Vladivostok administrations officials. However, they could not win them round, the statement reads. In April 2019, Moscows Tverskoy District Court sentenced Pushkarev to 15 years in a high-security prison for receiving bribes, abuse of power and graft. He was also fined 500 million rubles ($7.2 million at the current exchange rate) and barred from holding authority posts for 10 years. Moreover, the court recovered 143 million rubles from Pushkarev in favor of Roads of Vladivostok granting the companys suit. As the district attorney in Hennepin County, which encompasses Minneapolis, Ms. Klobuchar developed a tough-on-crime reputation 20 years ago that is a difficult fit with modern Democratic Party politics. Though she has rebutted criticism that she failed to prosecute police misconduct, her record was scrutinized during the presidential campaign and would quite likely have become a major headache for Mr. Bidens campaign had he selected her as the running mate. One person she spoke with on Monday said Ms. Klobuchar relayed then that she understood she would not be selected, and said she cited the scrutiny of her record as prosecutor. A Klobuchar spokeswoman disputed the recollection of the call. Ms. Klobuchars declaration that Mr. Biden should choose a woman of color created something of an awkward political dynamic for Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, another former presidential rival who is being considered by Mr. Biden as a possible running mate. Ms. Warren is the most prominent and formidable white candidate in the running, and she is far along in the vetting process. Other white candidates under consideration include Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Gov. Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island. Asked by the MSNBC host Lawrence ODonnell if her past record as a prosecutor would have made it difficult for her to function as Mr. Bidens running mate, Ms. Klobuchar said it was not a factor in her decision. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) believes the mounting tension at the border with China is due to Beijing growing restive over New Delhis emergent economy and its strategic assertion on Arunachal Pradesh, party functionaries aware of details said on Friday. The party said the violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley on Monday night, which resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers, is a crisis that needs a calibrated response and a well thought out reaction. On Thursday, the BJP called off all its political programmes for the next two days as a mark of respect for the 20 soldiers killed in action at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Party president JP Nadda tweeted, The supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers while guarding our motherland in Galwan Valley will always be remembered. The nation is indebted to them. I pay homage to the martyrs. BJP has decided to postpone all its political programmes including virtual rallies for next 2 days. A senior party leader said on condition of anonymity that Chinas aggression stemmed from its growing insecurity about India emerging as an economic rival.China sees India as a threat to its economic clout. They are also threatened by India asserting its position in Arunachal Pradesh in a more forceful manner. And now post-corona, they feel investors will prefer India over them. So, they have opted for aggression on the border, said the first functionary. Will the government accept the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sanghs demand for revisiting trade ties with China? A second functionary said Indias priority is securing national security and the government will take steps to safeguard Indian interests. On Wednesday, the department of telecommunications (DoT) conveyed to BSNL not to use Chinese-made equipment while upgrading its 4G facilities, and a day later, the Indian Railways PSU Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) announced it will terminate a contract with Chinas Beijing National Railway Research and Design Institute of Signal and Communication for signalling work on the Kanpur-Deen Dayal Upadhyay Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor. Affiliates of RSS, the ideological fount of the BJP, are pushing the government to boycott Chinese goods.The Indian Army is capable of handling Chinese occupation at the borders, but we have to evict their occupation from our markets, said CK Saji Narayanan, president of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh. Responding to the oppositions criticism that the government has maintained silence on the issue, a third BJP leader said there has been no compromise on national security.The opposition is irresponsible in asking the government for knee-jerk reactions. The government is taking its time to issue a statement because of the sensitivity of the problem. Besides, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair an all-party meeting on Friday to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas, the third functionary said. The first functionary added, The governments approach to the loss of lives will be based on the cardinal principle of drawing up a befitting response to the attack.The BJP also denied that deepening strain in the ties with China, Pakistan and Nepal indicates problems in the governments foreign policy. A muscular foreign policy has been the mainstay of the governments report card during its first term in office. Even during ongoing digital rallies being addressed by senior BJP leaders to mark the completion of the first year in office during the second term, there have been references to surgical air strikes against terror camps in Pakistan as an example of the governments undeterred focus on national security. Political analyst Sanjay Kumar of the Centre for Developing Studies said the BJPs narrative of projecting the crisis as a fallout of Chinas insecurity will resonate with the people. The BJP is very good with its messaging and the prime minister enjoys immense credibility with the man on the street. So if the government says it is not a diplomatic failure but China trying to block Indias entry into the expanded G-10 or rivalling its emerging markets, they will believe it, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON One size doesnt fit all. That was the consistent message we got from Gov. Greg Abbott in mid-March, when local officials across this state wondered why the governor was leaving it up to them to impose stay-at-home restrictions meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Abbotts position widely regarded by mayors and county judges as a passing-the-buck political move was that each communitys situation was different and sweeping statewide mandates didnt make sense. Texas is so diverse that what is right in Houston and Harris County and Dallas and San Antonio may not be the best approach in Amarillo, Abbott spokesman John Wittman said at the time. Given that bit of recent history, I couldnt help but admire the sly messaging in Tuesdays letter from nine Texas mayors (including San Antonios Ron Nirenberg) to Abbott. With COVID-19 infection numbers spiking in this state, the nervous mayors asked Abbott for the leeway to reach into their regulatory toolboxes and mandate the use of protective masks in public venues where physical distancing cannot be practiced. Abbott had taken that option off the municipal table with a May 5 executive order declaring that no jurisdiction can impose a civil or criminal penalty for failure to wear a face covering. On ExpressNews.com: As novel coronavirus surges, Bexar County asks Abbott to allow mandatory face coverings The best part of Tuesdays letter to Abbott, however, came when the mayors turned mid-March Abbott against mid-June Abbott. They did so by employing the same logic the governor used three months ago to defend his early reluctance to act. A one-size-fits-all approach is not the best option, the mayors letter stated. We should trust local officials to make informed choices about health policy. Translation: If you dont have the courage to defy your political base by mandating protective masks throughout the state, at least go back to your mid-March pass-the-buck ways, and let us do it city by city, in patchwork fashion. Abbott refused, so Nelson Wolff called his bluff. Tom Reel /Staff photographer The Bexar County judge issued an order of his own on Wednesday, mandating that local businesses require their employees and customers to wear protective masks. The order carries a fine of up to $1,000 for commercial violators. Then, something strange happened. Abbott accepted Wolffs move and indicated that the county judge by imposing his restrictions on businesses rather than individuals had cracked the code, discovered the missing clue, found the loophole hiding in plain sight. This led to all kinds of questions about why Abbott would play coy games with peoples lives and leave it up to individual mayors and county judges to find a regulatory opening in his executive order. It also led to head scratching at the city attorneys office, because Abbotts acceptance of Wolffs mask mandate flew in the face of a May 12 letter that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent to Nirenberg, warning the mayor that his local orders were violating the decree that Abbott had issued a week earlier. Your orders impose certain restrictions on essential and reopened businesses, Paxton wrote. For example, all essential and reopened businesses must provide masks to employees under the terms of your order. Paxton said Abbotts May 5 mask provision superseded Nirenbergs mandate and rendered it invalid. So how do you explain the fact that the attorney general looking out for the governor thought local leaders had no right to mandate masks for businesses, but a month later the governor himself said they did have that right? The answer can be found in the alarming COVID-19 numbers that have come out of this state over the past week. On Tuesday, Texas reported 2,622 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, the largest single-day total since the outbreak began. That same day, San Antonio reported 436 new cases, nearly double the previous high. Bob Owen, Staff-photographer / San Antonio Express-News Nirenberg surely spoke for other big-city mayors when he said, This is a dangerous situation. This dangerous situation had been exacerbated by Abbotts eagerness to reopen businesses before the state had met his own public-health benchmarks. Wolff, with his characteristic go-for-broke swagger, took a shot. In doing so, he put the burden on Abbott to stop him. But he also gave Abbott an opportunity: a chance to back away from his gubernatorial ban on mask requirements, without having to admit that hed backed away. Within a few hours of Abbotts concession on Wolffs order, county judges across the state were crafting their own Wolff-style mandates. This brings us back to the Abbott of mid-March. The governor who spent his first five years in office trying to nullify local control whether it involved paid sick leave or Chick-fil-A concessions contracts suddenly loved local control when it meant putting the burden on municipal leaders to impose controversial public-health regulations. This week, once again, Abbott was looking for an excuse to pass the buck. Gilbert Garcia is a columnist covering the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Gilbert, become a subscriber. ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470 India recorded its deadliest single day Tuesday since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 2,006 new deaths. This staggering increase, which represented a 20 percent increase in total deaths within just 24 hours, took Indias total fatalities to more than 12,000. The following day, new infections rose by a record 13,103. Underscoring that the pandemic is spreading exponentially, Thursday brought yet another record of new infections, with 13,827 cases. India is now the country with the fourth highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world. With over 381,000 officially recorded infections, cases have doubled since June 1, when approximately 190,000 were reported. Given that India has one of the lowest test rates in the world, with 4,400 tests performed for every million inhabitants, infection rates are certainly much higher. Many impoverished residents of the countrys large slums and rural areas, where health care is virtually nonexistent, find it almost impossible to get tested. Indias two largest cities, Delhi and Mumbai, have been hit hardest by the pandemic. On Tuesday alone, they accounted for 437 and 862 new deaths respectively. Despite these horrific death tolls, Narendra Modi, Indias ultra-right prime minister, has categorically ruled out imposing another lockdown to curb the spread of the disease. In a video conference with 14 chief ministers Wednesday, Modi declared, We need to fight against rumours of lockdown since the country is now in the phase of unlocking. We need to think about Phase II of Unlock and how to minimise harm to our people. Phase I of Unlock began June 7, but even before then most production facilities and many businesses had already been allowed to reopen. Modis callous remarks confirm that his government is committed to a policy of herd immunity that will claim hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of deaths. One of the governments top epidemiological advisers has openly admitted that the herd immunity strategy could lead to 2 million deaths. In Delhi alone, cases are expected to explode to 550,000 by the end of July, which would represent a more than ten-fold increase from current levels. The situation in Delhis hospitals is already catastrophic. A case brought by the United Nurses Association before the Supreme Court Wednesday reported that there are no adequate isolation facilities for COVID-19 patients, no personal protective equipment for staff, and a lack of appropriate accommodations for nurses, which is causing the virus to run rampant among medical workers. The family of a 68-year-old man reported earlier this month that he died after being refused treatment by five hospitals. The congestion of hospitals in Mumbai is so bad that the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai has requested laboratories not to release COVID-19 positive reports to patients to prevent them from immediately looking for a hospital bed. Instead, laboratories have been ordered to provide the positive reports to the Corporation, violating the patients privacy, so patients can be notified to quarantine at home. Gurugram (Gurgaon), which is about 30 kilometres southwest of Delhi and home to hundreds of factories and local offices of more than 250 Fortune 500 companies, has seen a surge of coronavirus cases over recent days. The industrial area, which is one of the most polluted in the world, reopened many factories in mid-May and has seen cases jump to 3,682 as a result. Forty-two people have lost their lives thus far. Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority head V.S. Kundu said that teams are surveying convention centers and banquet halls in the city to determine how many patients they can hold. The authorities expect to have 150,000 cases in the city by the end of July. It is clear that most of these infections will be impoverished workers forced to labour in large factories and industrial facilities with virtually no protection. Under these conditions, the convention centres and banquet halls will not become health care facilities, but rather death camps. Modis speech to the chief ministers sought to cover up the disastrous conditions produced by the uncontrolled spread of the virus while reassuring them that nothing would be done to hamper the operations of big business. Brushing aside Indias rapid rise to fourth place in coronavirus cases worldwide, Modi began by claiming that the coronavirus had not been able to cause as much damage in India as it had in other parts of the world. Even as Indias death toll reached three times that of Chinas, Modi asserted that India is among the nations with least deaths due to COVID, that deaths were contained to a minimum and that, with adequate precautions, India could emerge from the battle against the disease with minimal damage. Covering up his belated, haphazard and brutal lockdown of the country on March 25 with less than four hours warning, and without providing any means of support to hundreds of millions of workers who lost their incomes, he said, India started preparing when COVID wasnt even being discussed in many nations. Modi then moved on to paint a bright picture of the economy. Ignoring the unprecedented numbers of deaths and new infections being recorded as he spoke, Modi declared, The more we limit COVID, the more the economy can function. He enthused, almost all offices are open now. Private sector staff also are going to the office now. The strategy of allowing the virus to rip through the population unchecked was reinforced by the contribution of Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, a member of the opposition Congress Party, who stated, the authorities were not sealing the entire street or an area if cases were found in a house; they were sealing only a few houses. These were named as micro-containment zones and Modi said other states also could replicate this model, whose aim is to minimize the disruption to the operations of businesses. The chief ministers who were allowed to speak all supported the line of the government. The autocratic nature of the meeting held by Modi with the chief ministers was revealed when it was reported that Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress leader and the chief minister of West Bengal, was barred from speaking at the meeting. She has recently mildly criticized the central government for playing politics with the issue of COVID-19 by trying to shift the blame onto the states. Her attempt to place all of the blame on the central government is no less disingenuous, since the West Bengal state government has also allowed the pandemic to run rampant. Modi began his meeting on June 17 with two minutes silence for the soldiers who perished in the Galwan Valley in a border clash with Chinese troops Monday night. By contrast, there was no tribute to the hundreds of thousands of medical workers risking their lives amid the pandemic. According to official statistics released in early May, when only a fraction of the current infections had been reported, coronavirus has infected around 548 doctors, nurses and paramedics in India. In his remarks, Modi was forced to acknowledge that medical workers faced a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) earlier in the pandemic. Just 3 months back, there was a shortage of PPE kits and diagnostic kits across the world. In India too, we had a very limited stock because we were completely dependent on imports, he said. But he went on to boast, India has fought back from facing a supply shortage of medical kits to become self-sufficient. This is a flat-out lie, as underscored by the continued rationing of COVID-19 tests. On the same day Modi spoke, the Supreme Court condemned the Delhi state government for shooting messengers after it suspended an employee for making a video of the horrific conditions at a government-run hospital and filed police reports against medical staff who have protested working conditions, including the lack of PPE. In an earlier hearing, the Court described the way patients are treated in Delhi as worse than animals. BAMAKO, Mali - Police fired tear gas at protesters demanding President Ibrahim Boubacar Keitas resignation Friday as tens of thousands took to the streets for the second time this month in Malis capital. The ongoing unrest underscored the mounting opposition to Keita, who has led the West African country since 2013 when he took office months after a French-led military operation ousted Islamic extremists from power in the north. Those militants have waged an insurgency from their desert hideouts throughout Keitas presidency, carrying out frequent attacks on the Malian military and U.N. peacekeepers. As Malians have grown weary of the governments handling of the jihadi crisis, opposition parties and clerics have accused Keitas government too of corruption. Demonstrators also have denounced his governments response to opposition leader Soumaila Cisses kidnapping in March. The politician, whom Keita defeated in the 2013 and 2018 votes, was campaigning for his party before a legislative election when he was abducted in an area controlled by extremist groups linked to al-Qaida. On Friday, protesters also criticized the April legislative election and called for the National Assembly and constitutional court to be dissolved. They put up roadblocks to prevent police from advancing after security forces started firing tear gas to disperse the crowds in Bamakos Independence Square. Mahmoud Dicko, an imam who has helped lead the movement against the 75-year-old president, then asked demonstrators to go home and said he would get back to them on what comes next. As tensions have mounted, the regional bloc known as ECOWAS announced it was sending mediators to Mali. The organization was instrumental in orchestrating the countrys return to democracy in 2013 when Keita was elected. Keita, who is due to step down in 2023, became president the year after Malis president of a decade was overthrown in a coup, creating a power vacuum that allowed the Islamic insurgency to take hold. Seven years after the French-led military intervention, insurgents linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group continue to launch frequent attacks. Over the last five years, they also have expanded their reach into central Mali, stoking animosity and deadly violence between ethnic groups in the region. ___ Associated Press writer Krista Larson in Dakar, Senegal contributed to this report. Iranian Foreign Ministry in a message welcomed election of new members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying Iran is ready to work with them, Trend reports citing IRNA. #Iran welcomes the election of India, Ireland, Mexico & Norway as the new UNSC non-permanent members, Iranian Foreign Ministry wrote on its Twitter account on Thursday. Iran is ready to work w/the new members, as the key agenda for the term 2021-22 should be effective protection of multilateralism & intl law against vicious ideologies & states, it added. The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with ensuring international peace and security, recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly, and approving any changes to the UN Charter. T he Government has extended measures to prevent landlords from evicting businesses at the end of the month. Tenants cannot be evicted until at least the end of September, moved forward from the original June 30 date first introduced at the start of lockdown. It comes as many continue to struggle with rents after sales ground to a halt. Since lockdown, commercial landlords have reported huge falls in rent received as revenues collapsed overnight. Banning evictions from commercial premises until the end of September at the earliest comes as the hospitality sector pushes ministers to reduce the two-metre social distancing rule, and a review is under way. Pubs, cafes and restaurants remain closed and can only provisionally reopen from July 4, although many smaller establishments have said the rules mean their businesses will become unviable without enough customers allowed inside. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said: As our high streets come to life and our town centres open for business, it is crucial that both landlords and tenants have clarity and reassurance as they seek to keep their finances stable and bounce back. That is why we are extending measures to protect those who are unable to pay rent from eviction so that businesses have the security they need to plan for their futures. He pointed out that the new code was developed and signed alongside the British Chambers of Commerce, British Property Federation, British Retail Consortium, the Commercial Real Estate Finance Council, Revo, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and UKHospitality. British Property Federation chief executive Melanie Leech said the move comes as landlords and tenants continue working together in the majority of cases. She added: The success of landlords and tenants working together as economic partners is vital to the UKs recovery and to help ensure that viable businesses in distress as a result of coronavirus are supported, to protect both peoples jobs and the local authorities, savers and pensioners who own the majority of our town centres. Amid tensions escalated due to the India-China violent face-off which led to the killing of 20 Indian Army soldiers, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has ordered its personnel to uninstall 52 dubious Chinese apps from their mobile phones immediately. The decision was taken considering the possibility of data theft. In the order, STF Inspector General Amitabh Yash has asked all members to remove these 52 apps from theirs as well from the phones of their family members. However, a controversy later erupted after PIB Fact Check on Twitter said the news of the advisory was fake. "A message is going viral on social media that STF has advised its personnel not to use certain apps. This is a lie, STF has issued no such advisory," it said in a tweet. However, Yash confirmed to News18 that such an advisory has been issued. "It is correct that we have issued an advisory for STF personnel and their relatives," he said, adding the advisory was meant for internal circulation and put up on the informal notice board of the STF. The apps were said to be marked "unsafe" by the Union Home Ministry recently over a suspicion that these Chinese apps may steal all data from mobile phones. The list of 52 apps that are said to be dubious in nature are - Tik Tok, Vault Hide, Vigo Video, Bigo Live, Weibo, We Chat, SHARE It, UC News, UC Browser, Beauty Plus, Xender, Club Factory, Helo, LIKE, Kwai, ROMWE, SHEIN, News Dog, Photo Wonder, APUS Browser, Viva Video QU Video Inc, Perfect Corp, CM Browser, Virus Cleaner (Hi Security Lab), MI Community, DU Recorder, You Cam Makeup, MI Store, DU Battery Saver, 360 Security, DU Browser, DU Cleaner, DU Privacy, Clean Master Cheetah, Cache Cleaner DU apps studio, Baidu Translate, Baidu Map, Wonder Camera, ES File Explorer, QQ International. QQ Launcher, QQ Security Centre, QQ Player, QQ Music, QQ Mall, QQ News Feed, We Sync, Selfie City, Clash of Kings, Mail Master, MI Video call Xiomi and Parallel Space. June 18, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - U.S. strategy toward the Peoples Republic of China has rested for more than four decades on two basic propositions. The first is that the Chinese economy would be changed irreversibly by the rising prosperity caused by market-oriented policies, greater foreign investment, ever-deeper interconnections with global markets and broader acceptance of international economic norms. Bringing China into the World Trade Organization in 2001 was the apotheosis of this assessment. The second proposition is that, as Chinas national wealth increased, so too, inevitably, would its political openness. As China became more democratic, it would avoid competition for regional or global hegemony, and the risk of international conflicthot or coldwould recede. Both propositions were fundamentally incorrect. After joining the WTO, China did exactly the opposite of what was predicted. China gamed the organization, pursuing a mercantilist policy in a supposedly free-trade body. China stole intellectual property, forced technology transfers from foreign businesses and continued managing its economy in authoritarian ways. Politically, China moved away from democracy, not toward it. In Xi Jinping, China now has its most powerful leader and its most centralized government since Mao Zedong. Ethnic and religious persecution on a massive scale continues. Meanwhile, China has created a formidable offensive cyberwarfare program, built a blue-water navy for the first time in 500 years, increased its arsenal of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, and more. I saw these developments as a threat to U.S. strategic interests and to our friends and allies. The Obama administration basically sat back and watched it happen. President Donald Trump in some respects embodies the growing U.S. concern about China. He appreciates the key truth that politico-military power rests on a strong economy. Trump frequently says that stopping Chinas unfair economic growth at Americas expense is the best way to defeat China militarily, which is fundamentally correct. But the real question is what Trump does about Chinas threat. His advisers are badly fractured intellectually. The administration has panda huggers like Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin; confirmed free-traders like National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow; and China hawks like Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, lead trade negotiator Robert Lighthizer and White House trade adviser Peter Navarro. After I became Trumps national security adviser in April 2018, I had the most futile role of all: I wanted to fit China trade policy into a broader strategic framework. We had a good slogan, calling for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. But a bumper sticker is not a strategy, and we struggled to avoid being sucked into the black hole of U.S.-China trade issues. Trade matters were handled from day one in a completely chaotic way. Trumps favorite way to proceed was to get small armies of people together, either in the Oval Office or the Roosevelt Room, to argue out these complex, controversial issues. Over and over again, the same issues. Without resolution, or even worse, one outcome one day and a contrary outcome a few days later. The whole thing made my head hurt. With the November 2018 midterm elections looming, there was little progress on the China trade front. Attention turned to the coming Buenos Aires G-20 summit the following month, when Xi and Trump could meet personally. Trump saw this as the meeting of his dreams, with the two big guys getting together, leaving the Europeans aside, cutting the big deal. What could go wrong? Plenty, in Lighthizers view. He was very worried about how much Trump would give away once untethered. In Buenos Aires on Dec. 1, at dinner, Xi began by telling Trump how wonderful he was, laying it on thick. Xi read steadily through note cards, doubtless all of it hashed out arduously in advance. Trump ad-libbed, with no one on the U.S. side knowing what he would say from one minute to the next. One highlight came when Xi said he wanted to work with Trump for six more years, and Trump replied that people were saying that the two-term constitutional limit on presidents should be repealed for him. Xi said the U.S. had too many elections, because he didnt want to switch away from Trump, who nodded approvingly. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Xi finally shifted to substance, describing Chinas positions: The U.S. would roll back Trumps existing tariffs, and both parties would refrain from competitive currency manipulation and agree not to engage in cyber thievery (how thoughtful). The U.S. should eliminate Trumps tariffs, Xi said, or at least agree to forgo new ones. People expect this, said Xi, and I feared at that moment that Trump would simply say yes to everything Xi had laid out. Trump came close, unilaterally offering that U.S. tariffs would remain at 10% rather than rise to 25%, as he had previously threatened. In exchange, Trump asked merely for some increases in Chinese farm-product purchases, to help with the crucial farm-state vote. If that could be agreed, all the U.S. tariffs would be reduced. It was breathtaking. Trump asked Lighthizer if he had left anything out, and Lighthizer did what he could to get the conversation back onto the plane of reality, focusing on the structural issues and ripping apart the Chinese proposal. Trump closed by saying Lighthizer would be in charge of the deal-making, and Jared Kushner would also be involved, at which point all the Chinese perked up and smiled. The decisive play came in May 2019, when the Chinese reneged on several key elements of the emerging agreement, including all the structural issues. For me, this was proof that China simply wasnt serious. Trump spoke with Xi by phone on June 18, just over a week ahead of the years G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, where they would next meet. Trump began by telling Xi he missed him and then said that the most popular thing he had ever been involved with was making a trade deal with China, which would be a big plus for him politically. In their meeting in Osaka on June 29, Xi told Trump that the U.S.-China relationship was the most important in the world. He said that some (unnamed) American political figures were making erroneous judgments by calling for a new cold war with China. Whether Xi meant to finger the Democrats or some of us sitting on the U.S. side of the table, I dont know, but Trump immediately assumed that Xi meant the Democrats. Trump said approvingly that there was great hostility to China among the Democrats. Trump then, stunningly, turned the conversation to the coming U.S. presidential election, alluding to Chinas economic capability and pleading with Xi to ensure hed win. He stressed the importance of farmers and increased Chinese purchases of soybeans and wheat in the electoral outcome. I would print Trumps exact words, but the governments prepublication review process has decided otherwise. Trump then raised the trade negotiations collapse the previous month, urging China to return to the positions it had retracted and conclude the most exciting, largest deal ever. He proposed that for the remaining $350 billion of trade imbalances (by Trumps arithmetic), the U.S. would not impose tariffs, but he again returned to importuning Xi to buy as many American farm products as China could. Xi agreed that we should restart the trade talks, welcoming Trumps concession that there would be no new tariffs and agreeing that the two negotiating teams should resume discussions on farm products on a priority basis. Youre the greatest Chinese leader in 300 years! exulted Trump, amending that a few minutes later to the greatest leader in Chinese history. Subsequent negotiations after I resigned did lead to an interim deal announced in December 2019, but there was less to it than met the eye. Trumps conversations with Xi reflected not only the incoherence in his trade policy but also the confluence in Trumps mind of his own political interests and U.S. national interests. Trump commingled the personal and the national not just on trade questions but across the whole field of national security. I am hard-pressed to identify any significant Trump decision during my White House tenure that wasnt driven by re-election calculations. Take Trumps handling of the threats posed by the Chinese telecommunications firms Huawei and ZTE. Ross and others repeatedly pushed to strictly enforce U.S. regulations and criminal laws against fraudulent conduct, including both firms flouting of U.S. sanctions against Iran and other rogue states. The most important goal for Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE is to infiltrate telecommunications and information-technology systems, notably 5G, and subject them to Chinese control (though both companies, of course, dispute the U.S. characterization of their activities). Trump, by contrast, saw this not as a policy issue to be resolved but as an opportunity to make personal gestures to Xi. In 2018, for example, he reversed penalties that Ross and the Commerce Department had imposed on ZTE. In 2019, he offered to reverse criminal prosecution against Huawei if it would help in the trade dealwhich, of course, was primarily about getting Trump re-elected in 2020. These and innumerable other similar conversations with Trump formed a pattern of fundamentally unacceptable behavior that eroded the very legitimacy of the presidency. Had Democratic impeachment advocates not been so obsessed with their Ukraine blitzkrieg in 2019, had they taken the time to inquire more systematically about Trumps behavior across his entire foreign policy, the impeachment outcome might well have been different. As the trade talks went on, Hong Kongs dissatisfaction over Chinas bullying had been growing. An extradition bill provided the spark, and by early June 2019, massive protests were under way in Hong Kong. I first heard Trump react on June 12, upon hearing that some 1.5 million people had been at Sundays demonstrations. Thats a big deal, he said. But he immediately added, I dont want to get involved, and, We have human-rights problems too. I hoped Trump would see these Hong Kong developments as giving him leverage over China. I should have known better. That same month, on the 30th anniversary of Chinas massacre of pro-democracy demonstrators in Tiananmen Square, Trump refused to issue a White House statement. That was 15 years ago, he said, inaccurately. Who cares about it? Im trying to make a deal. I dont want anything. And that was that. Beijings repression of its Uighur citizens also proceeded apace. Trump asked me at the 2018 White House Christmas dinner why we were considering sanctioning China over its treatment of the Uighurs, a largely Muslim people who live primarily in Chinas northwest Xinjiang Province. At the opening dinner of the Osaka G-20 meeting in June 2019, with only interpreters present, Xi had explained to Trump why he was basically building concentration camps in Xinjiang. According to our interpreter, Trump said that Xi should go ahead with building the camps, which Trump thought was exactly the right thing to do. The National Security Councils top Asia staffer, Matthew Pottinger, told me that Trump said something very similar during his November 2017 trip to China. Trump was particularly dyspeptic about Taiwan, having listened to Wall Street financiers who had gotten rich off mainland China investments. One of Trumps favorite comparisons was to point to the tip of one of his Sharpies and say, This is Taiwan, then point to the historic Resolute desk in the Oval Office and say, This is China. So much for American commitments and obligations to another democratic ally. More thunder out of China came in 2020 with the coronavirus pandemic. China withheld, fabricated and distorted information about the disease; suppressed dissent from physicians and others; hindered efforts by the World Health Organization and others to get accurate information; and engaged in active disinformation campaigns, trying to argue that the new coronavirus did not originate in China. There was plenty to criticize in Trumps response, starting with the administrations early, relentless assertion that the disease was contained and would have little or no economic effect. Trumps reflex to try to talk his way out of anything, even a public-health crisis, only undercut his and the nations credibility, with his statements looking more like political damage control than responsible public-health advice. Other criticisms of the administration, however, were frivolous. One such complaint targeted part of the general streamlining of NSC staffing I conducted in my first months at the White House. To reduce duplication and overlap and enhance coordination and efficiency, it made good management sense to shift the responsibilities of the NSC directorate dealing with global health and biodefense into the directorate dealing with biological, chemical and nuclear weapons. Bioweapon attacks and pandemics can have much in common, and the medical and public-health expertise required to deal with both threats goes hand in hand. Most of the personnel working in the prior global health directorate simply moved to the combined directorate and continued doing exactly what they were doing before. At most, the internal NSC structure was the quiver of a butterflys wings in the tsunami of Trumps chaos. Despite the indifference at the top of the White House, the cognizant NSC staffers did their duty in the pandemic, raising options like shutdowns and social distancing far before Trump did so in March. The NSC biosecurity team functioned exactly as it was supposed to. It was the chair behind the Resolute desk that was empty. In todays pre-2020 election climate, Trump has made a sharp turn to anti-China rhetoric. Frustrated in his search for the big China trade deal, and mortally afraid of the negative political effects of the coronavirus pandemic on his re-election prospects, Trump has now decided to blame China, with ample justification. Whether his actions will match his words remains to be seen. His administration has signaled that Beijings suppression of dissent in Hong Kong will have consequences, but no actual consequences have yet been imposed. Most important of all, will Trumps current China pose last beyond election day? The Trump presidency is not grounded in philosophy, grand strategy or policy. It is grounded in Trump. That is something to think about for those, especially China realists, who believe they know what he will do in a second term. Mr. Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the U.N., served as national security adviser from April 2018 to September 2019. This essay is adapted from his forthcoming book, The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir, which Simon & Schuster will publish on June 23. - - " Source " - Post your comment below See also Anti-China Rhetoric Is On The Rise. Is The US Right To Be Worried? Australia's strict coronavirus quarantine procedures for returning travellers has cost taxpayers $118 million with New South Wales picking up almost half the tab. The number of travellers who flew back into the country during the COVID-19 pandemic topped 63,000. The returning residents were convoyed straight to hotels where they were forced to quarantine for 14 days under police and military guard costing $118 million. The total cost could be much higher as the figure doesn't include repatriation flights or the salaries of Australian Defence Force or police personnel. The government's mandatory quarantine process has cost taxpayers $118million as Australians flooded back home in their thousands during the coronavirus pandemic More than 63,000 travellers have been forced into quarantine since March The hotel bill was dramatically higher for the New South Wales government than any other state or territory- at about $50million. But the reason for this was due to the bulk of international arrivals flying into Sydney airport, before transiting to their home states, reported ABC news. The cost for Victoria was $31.6million, Queensland was $19.7million, Western Australia $14.8million, South Australia $2million and the Australian Capital Territory was $400,000. The Northern Territory government charges travellers to be quarantined and the Tasmanian government has not released its costings. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said any decisions around future quarantine costs may come down to a state-by- state basis. 'We are still going to require hotel quarantine for the foreseeable future and there will be a moment, I suspect, where the states may put to National Cabinet a different arrangement for people who are leaving and then coming back,' he said. The cost of turning the Australian Defence Force into chaperones has not yet been determined. Passengers have been put up in luxury hotels like the Sofitel Wentworth in Sydney, spending 14 days in isolation before being allowed to return home A guest stares out a window during her quarantine in Sydney at the Sofitel Wentworth Army reservists have been greeting travellers at the airport and greeting travellers, carrying their luggage and chaperoning them to their hotels since late march. Lieutenant Colonel Jo Richards, told ABC news highly trained staff from jet pilots to dog handlers have turned into chaperones. 'There is no way that the ADF would specifically train to be hotel managers, concierges and arrivals at airports at all,' she said. 'There's a lot of uncertainty for [returning travellers], and what we've found is it's very positive having ADF there and seeing their own national force there to support their home return, so in the main we've had very positive feedback from our returning citizens.' Since March 29, International arrivals have been forced into hotel quarantine for 14 days as part of the federal government's strategy to stop the spread of COVID-19 Army reservists have been greeting travellers at the airport and greeting travellers, carrying their luggage and chaperoning them to their hotels since late march The budgetary pressure has prompted many state and territory governments to start charging passengers to pay for their own quarantine. On May 29, the National Cabinet gave the go-ahead for states and territories to start charging international arrivals for quarantining costs. The Northern Territory will begin issuing invoices for travellers going into quarantine. While the Queensland government will start making passengers pay for their own stay from July 1. With many travellers forced into luxury hotels, it could see Australians paying up to $200 a night or $2800 for the 14-day stay. 'This is a significant cost and funding that could otherwise be spent on Queensland's plan for recovery,' Deputy Premier Steven Miles said. The New South Wales government is also planning to claw back some of the money it spent to quarantine residents from out of state from their respective governments. Since March 29, International arrivals have been forced into hotel quarantine for 14 days as part of the federal government's strategy to stop the spread of COVID-19. With government funded repatriation flights now at an end, the number of passengers touching down in Australia has slowed to around 6,300 people a week. Victoria's brumby cull once again has been given the green light after a cattleman lost his bid to protect the animals. Omeo man Philip Maguire was fighting to stop the animals from being shot in the state's Alpine National Park. The number of brumbies has soared. Credit:James Brickwood He claimed an earlier decision was wrong and he had a "special interest" in having the animals on or near his land, which abutted the park. Parks Victoria should have consulted about changes to the control method which included a new "kill policy", lawyer Anthony Strahan said. Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad visited the family of actor Sushant Singh Rajput at their Patna residence on Friday and offered his condolences to the bereaved family. He paid tribute to the actor by offering flowers at a simple memorial set up in the family home. The law minister, who also belongs to Patna, shared with the actors father his memories of meeting Sushant Singh Rajput during an oath-taking ceremony in May 2019, at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Visited Patna home of Sushant Singh Rajput. Met his family members. Paid my condolences. A super talented actor with great promise had to meet such an unfortunate end. Creative acting in films is left poorer with his sad demise. He had to achieve great heights. He deserved more, the minister tweeted on Friday. Earlier when the news about Sushant Singh Rajputs death by suicide had emerged on Sunday, Prasad had remembered the Patna boy as a super talented actor who left too soon. The actor was found dead at his house in Bandra and in a case of suicide, the police said, triggering shock and stunned disbelief across the nation. As the Mumbai film industry expressed grief on Twitter, the political establishment also expressed condolences for the actor who rose to stardom with Balaji Telefilms television show Pavitra Rishta in the last decade. Sushant Singh Rajput, later became known for films like MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, where he played the titular role, Byomkesh Bakshi and Chhichhore. Shocked to learn that super talented actor SushantSinghRajput is no more. He was from my city Patna. Remember meeting him in Rashtrapati Bhawan during oath-taking ceremony last year. He had told me that his family lived in Rajiv Nagar, Patna. He had miles to go. He left too soon, Ravi Shankar Prasad had tweeted earlier on the actors untimely demise. Sushant Singh Rajput's death by suicide is bringing to light many heart-touching revelations about the kind of person he was. Earlier, it was reported that Sushant paid salaries to his staff three days before taking his own life. According to the latest reports, he also paid rent for his bungalow in Lonavala, near Pavna lake, for an entire year. According to Pinkvilla, Sushant paid a full year's rent to his landlord through his lawyer, just 10 days before his tragic demise. Pinkvilla quoted a source as saying, "Just 10 days before he passed away, he made his lawyer called the landlord who owns the bungalow and asked him to take the rent till August 2020. His rent renewal was supposed to happen around August end, and the landlord had not even asked for the money. A bit of the rent was pending but he decided to pay it entirely till August, when his agreement would lapse. The landlord has never had complaints with Sushant who also always paid everything on time and even suggested that there's no hurry. But he was adamant that he wanted to settle the dues and paid them to the tune of a few lakhs." ALSO READ: PhD Scholar Thought Sushant Singh Rajput Was A Physicist; Asked Him Why He Was An Actor Apparently, Sushant had recently shifted to a duplex apartment next to his earlier house, on Mumbai's Carter road. He was living there with his rumoured girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty, and a few of his friends. However, he also had a rented bungalow in Lonavala, where he spent most of his time, doing things like swimming, farming, reading, and writing. Sushant was found hanging in his Mumbai apartment on June 14, 2020. He was reportedly suffering depression from six months, and had been getting treated for it. ALSO READ: Sushant Singh Rajput Touched Manoj Bajpayee's Feet On First Day Of Sonchiriya Shoot Worried about your mental well-being or of someone you know? Help is just a call away. Reach out to the nearest mental health specialist at COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ)- 0832-2252525, Parivarthan- +91 7676 602 602, Connecting Trust- +91 992 200 1122/+91-992 200 4305 or Sahai- 080-25497777/ SAHAIHELPLINE@GMAIL.COM Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriza Pinandita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 07:20 582 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdffbd55 1 World Retno-Marsudi,Foreign-Minister-Retno-Marsudi,UNRWA,Palestine,Palestinians,Palestine-refugee,supports Free As a long-standing advocate for Palestine, Indonesia has reaffirmed its support for Palestinians by assisting the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) a UN agency taking care of Palestinian refugees. Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said in a briefing on Thursday that she had a virtual conversation with UNRWA commissioner general Philippe Lazarini on Tuesday, during which the latter appreciated the continued support of Indonesia toward the agency, both political and financial. Aside from congratulating him on his new appointment as commissioner general, I reaffirmed Indonesias support for the continued work of the UNRWA to better address the refugees humanitarian situation, Retno said. In this regard, the two counterparts spoke about the need to build a more effective and efficient UNRWA as well as efforts to revitalize the organization through system-wide reform and improved management transparency. I reaffirmed Indonesias commitment to continue [Indonesia's] funding for the UNWRA, Retno said, adding that several Indonesian humanitarian NGOs and philanthropists had also extended their financial support to the body. Read also: Love for the motherland: Homesick Palestinians extol Indonesian support Retno said she also confirmed Indonesias participation in the upcoming UNRWA Extraordinary Virtual Ministerial Pledging Conference later this month. Founded in 1949, the UNRWA was created to support the relief and human development of Palestinian refugees. Its definition of "refugee" covers Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their homes during the 1948 Palestine War, 1967 Six-Day War and their patrilineal descendants. Currently, the organization provides wide-ranging advocacies including in education, health care and other social services to more than 5 million Palestinian refugees spread across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Indonesia has been consistently vocal in helping Palestine. Recently, Retno sent letters to at least 30 of her counterparts around the world, urging them to reject the Israeli governments plan to annex a large part of the West Bank. In Thursdays briefing, Retno said that, on top of the financial support to the UNRWA, Indonesia was also committed to extending financial assistance to Palestine and humanitarian institutions, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Global association stands out for second consecutive year on employee engagement TEMPE, Ariz., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arizona Republic and Republic Media announced that Institute for Supply Management (ISM) has earned a spot on the list of 2020 azcentral.com Top Companies to Work for in Arizona for the second consecutive year, as one of the only not-for-profit associations. Based in Tempe, AZ with a 105-year history, ISM has a deep connection to Arizona and local talent. This highly selective list is the result of anonymous and comprehensive employee surveys measuring culture, work environment, leadership, and employee pride and satisfaction, combined with rigorous evaluations of workplace practices, policies, perks and demographics. "We are honored to be included on this list of leading workplaces in Arizona for the second year," said ISM CEO Tom Derry. "Our top talent contributes directly to how we thrive as an organization and fulfill our mission to lead and serve the supply management profession." Survey results indicate that role satisfaction, enjoying the people at the organization, a positive work environment, and enjoying the type of work done were among the highest ISM scores. ISM's company culture is one that supports work-life integration, having fun, and producing meaningful work that contributes to ISM's mission. "This year, 125 companies were selected based on the results of a very high favorable employee survey scores averaging 90% overall survey results and an impressive 91% overall employee engagement. This level of performance for Arizona companies is about three times the national average when compared to Gallup's recent reporting of US engagement at about 33% favorable," says Denise Gredler, Founder & CEO for BestCompaniesAZ, program consulting partner. "Top Companies status presents a powerful opportunity to attract and retain the very best talent." The "Top Companies" were published in a special supplement in the June 14, 2020 issue of The Arizona Republic, as well as online at azcentral.com and www.BestCompaniesAZ.com. For complete details and to learn more about why ISM is a top place to work, visit www.instituteforsupplymanagement.org. About Institute for Supply Management Institute for Supply Management (ISM) is the first and leading not-for-profit professional supply management organization worldwide. Its 50,000 members in more than 90 countries around the world manage about US$1 trillion in corporate and government supply chain procurement annually. Founded in 1915 by practitioners, ISM is committed to advancing the practice of supply management to drive value and competitive advantage for its members, contributing to a prosperous and sustainable world. ISM empowers and leads the profession through the ISM Report On Business, its highly-regarded certification and training programs, corporate services, events and the ISM Mastery Model. Its Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business are two of the most reliable economic indicators available, providing guidance to supply management professionals, economists, analysts, and government and business leaders. For more information, please visit instituteforsupplymanagement.org. About Republic Media Republic Media is a consultative media company that provides you with the means to deliver your message to the right audience in the most effective way. From online to print to direct mail, Republic Media encompasses an array of products including The Arizona Republic, azcentral.com, and La Voz. Since 1890, The Arizona Republic continues to be Arizona's most trusted and most read newspaper. About BestCompaniesAZ BestCompaniesAZ is a marketing agency that specializes in employer branding. With more than 30 combined years of industry experience in public relations and human resources, BestCompaniesAZ elevates award-winning organizations through digital marketing, events, communication and award consultation services. For more information, visit BestCompaniesAZ.com. About Best Companies Group Best Companies Group is dedicated to establishing Best Places to Work programs to distinguish leaders in workplace excellence. As a research firm, BCG collects data about participating companies as well as employee feedback, analyzes that data, and produces a "Best" distinction that makes each recognized organization, the selected region (or industry) and the organizing partners proud. Best Companies Group identifies and recognizes places Contact: Jessica Boyd, 480.752.6276, ext. 3085 [email protected] SOURCE Institute for Supply Management Related Links http://instituteforsupplymanagement.org Once on the fringes of the internet, the boogaloo bois have recently become a mainstream talking point as police link real-world violence to the movement. But who are the boogaloo bois and what are their beliefs? For starters, it's not an official group. There's no central organization, no higher-ups. It's a loose collection of people, mostly white males, with a few main tenets in common. Some of those tenets will sound familiar to watchers of American extremist groups, particularly those who remember the anti-government, pro-militia movement that came out of the bungled government responses to Ruby Ridge and Waco. Those events profoundly shaped modern, right-wing extremist thought launching conspiracy theorist Alex Jones to mainstream fame, for instance and sparked terrorist action, inspiring Timothy McVeigh to bomb a federal building in Oklahoma City. Boogaloo bois most fundamentally believe in their right to bear arms and, as a consequence, are willing or eager to begin an armed overthrow of the government if they perceive that right is threatened. They believe in armed insurrection as a means of installing their preferred government. In its most extreme form, adherents say their goal is to start the second American Civil War. Sometimes this has implicit or explicit racist intentions, with some boogaloo bois saying they want to start a race war. While many simply believe a second civil war is inevitable, others want to hasten its arrival with lone-wolf attacks, particularly on law enforcement, and other acts of violence. Where does the name come from? The first mention of boogaloo crops up on 4chan, a message board popular among extremists and trolls, in 2012. The name has an innocuous source, the 1980s movie "Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo." Its ridiculous title inspired jokes from the beginning, and by 2012 the joke was being utilized by the nascent group. The most common variation of the name is "Civil War 2: Electric Boogaloo," alluding to the hope of igniting a civil war. Because Facebook and other social media outlets have tried to crack down on boogaloo groups, they've also iterated to a few other name variations. You'll see them refer to themselves or the group as "Big Igloo," "Boog" and "Big Luau." What is their political affiliation? Adherents to the group often say they are libertarians or anarchists. Although some of their desires for small or no government do align with those values, the boogaloo movement has also become entwined with white nationalism. Inherent in some followers' desire for a civil war is that war's outcome: a collapse of modern society and a return to an entirely white-dominated world. One hashtag used by boogaloo followers is #DayOfTheRope, which alludes to "The Turner Diaries," a novel beloved by neo-Nazis for its depiction of a race war that exterminates all non-whites. While not all boogaloo bois profess white nationalist beliefs, parts of the movement like many other white supremacist talking points have laundered their messaging to become palatable to a wider audience. One common way of doing this is by promoting memes, which position themselves as funny or satirical to dilute more extreme views. There is also part of the community that views itself as a reaction to traditional masculine gun owner stereotypes, wearing Hawaiian shirts and posting videos to Reddit featuring popular hard seltzer brand White Claw. People who enter the movement simply interested in ironic internet humor related to gun rights can, over time, be radicalized to accept the fringe's most violent or racist aims. With that said, some pro-militia fans of the boogaloo use the term more ironically than seriously, advocating for gun rights rather than a literal overthrow of the government. Although the movement is generally hostile to Black Lives Matter, some have expressed hostility toward police who have killed black people. In short, there is no uniform political affiliation or consistent ideology among all adherents, although calling it a "far-right" movement is generally accurate. How does this link to modern acts of violence? The boogaloo movement has made headlines recently as police linked several shootings to boogaloo bois. Former Air Force Sgt. Steven Carrillo, 32, and suspected accomplice Robert A. Justus Jr., 30, were recently charged in the May 29 shooting death of a federal security officer in Oakland. Carrillo is also suspected in the murder of a sheriff's deputy in Santa Cruz. Investigators say both Carrillo and Justus shared boogaloo memes on social media and Carillo had a patch on a bulletproof vest with boogaloo iconography. In addition, the federal complaint against Carrillo says he wrote, apparently in his own blood, "BOOG" and "I Became Unreasonable" at the Santa Cruz crime scene. These are phrases commonly used within boogaloo groups. In Las Vegas, three suspects were charged in this week over an alleged conspiracy to cause violence and destruction at a Black Lives Matter protest. Police say they have ties to boogaloo beliefs as well. According to law enforcement, members of the New Mexico Civil Guard militia who made headlines at a protest last week also have ties to boogaloo groups online. "The heavily armed individuals who flaunted themselves at the protest, calling themselves a 'civil guard,' were there for one reason: To menace protesters, to present an unsanctioned show of unregulated force," New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, said in a statement. Editor's note, June 18, 1:50 p.m.: An earlier version of this story said a suspected shooter at a New Mexico protest may have been linked to the boogaloo group. This has not been confirmed and has since been changed. Katie Dowd is the SFGATE managing editor. Email her: katie.dowd@sfgate.com | Twitter: @katiedowd President Uhuru Kenyatta Thursday sought to dispel fears that the ongoing trade talks between Kenya and the United States will undermine the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). The President said Kenyas trade deal with the US will instead assist the continent by creating a reference upon which other African nations will negotiate bilateral arrangements within the AfCFTA framework going forward. Kenya will be the first under the new AfCTA so we are going to be trailblazers in this and we hope that others will also follow through, President Kenyatta said. President Kenyatta spoke at State House, Nairobi during a webinar hosted by the Atlantic Council under the theme, strengthening US-Africa ties through trade. The Atlantic Council is an American think tank whose mission is to promote constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs. It regularly hosts world leaders to discuss subjects of public interest. The President said an FTA between the US and Kenya would reposition Kenya as a gateway of American investments into Africa. The essence of an FTA is investment. Ultimately, I believe, Americans themselves will be able to say, why cant we just invest in Kenya and not only take advantage of Kenya but the region, the Head of State said. In the negotiating the FTA, the President said Kenya is going for a win-win arrangement that will benefit both Kenya and the US. We believe that all trade negotiations are based on a win-win. We believe thats the intention of the United States just as much as it is our intention, he said. Africas Response to COVID-19 Commenting on Africas response to the Covid-19 health crisis and the recent China-Africa Summit, the President said Africas foremost concern is to protect its population from the virus. Coronavirus is mainly a health issue and our key focus is ensuring that we keep our people safe, the President said. On the negative economic impact of Covid-19, the President Kenyatta said Kenya and several other African countries working under the auspices of the African Union had put together stimulus packages to support sectors that are badly affected such as tourism and aviation to cope. He however reiterated the African Unions call for more international support to the continent especially in freeing up of finances the continent needs to respond to the pandemic. Without a doubt, Kenya like many African and global countries, we are also under fiscal pressure. We need fiscal space so that we are able to re-engage, President Kenyatta said. BBI and Police Brutality Uhuru also spoke about Kenyas Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) saying the process is meant to create national cohesion by resolving some of the deep seated challenges including the countrys divisive politics. We want to transform our politics and make our politics much more inclusive, President Kenyatta said. Responding to a question on police brutality, the President acknowledged the presence of wayward personnel in the police service and reminded oversight agencies to execute their mandates. He said the his administration continues to empower oversight institutions with resources and capacity to enable them take decisive actions against offending police officers. We are trying to ensure that all the necessary oversight bodies that have been charged with the responsibility of overseeing our police forces are empowered to the degree that they are now able to take action, the President said. The webinar was moderated by former Financial Times East African Correspondent based in Nairobi Katrina Manson and attended by among others State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita. An appellate judge on Wednesday stayed a lower courts order barring Gov. Gavin Newsom from issuing directives that might conflict with state law, freeing him to take additional executive actions during the coronavirus pandemic. Sutter County Superior Court Judge Perry Parker on Friday temporarily blocked Newsoms executive order requiring in-person balloting stations even as every registered voter is mailed a ballot for the November election. The judge also sided with two Republican lawmakers by more broadly requiring Newsom to refrain from new orders that might be interpreted as infringing on the Legislatures responsibilities. The lawmakers argued that Newsom, a Democrat, has overstepped his authority with dozens of orders preempting state law since the pandemic began. Other state and federal judges have repeatedly blocked previous challenges to the governors emergency orders during the pandemic. Presiding Justice Vance Raye of the Third District Court of Appeal, in a two-sentence directive, stayed the lower courts action and barred Perry from issuing any further orders, but he allowed court proceedings to continue. Perry has set a June 26 hearing in the case. He did not reverse the lower courts finding, Assemblymen James Gallagher and Kevin Kiley said in a joint statement calling it an entirely ordinary temporary stay and accusing the governor of playing procedural games by requesting the stay. Newsom argued both that the administration was not properly informed of Fridays court hearing and that the governor issued the election order in cooperation with state legislators. Although the superior court mischaracterizes the Executive Order as an infringement on the Legislatures authority, key Members of the Legislature asked the Governor to act by Executive Order to prepare for the November election, the administrations lawyers wrote to the appeals court. Two bills are quickly working their way through the Legislature that will essentially ratify and supersede orders that he issued only because county election officials need time to prepare in the meantime, they wrote. Nobody should have to choose between their health and their right to vote, Newsom spokesman Jesse Melgar said in praising the stay. We will continue to focus as we have been on protecting Californians public health and safety. Gallagher at a news conference this week said the case is about the rule of law and the Constitution, and respect for that Constitution and the separation of powers that it establishes. That has not happened when this governor has just changed law by edict, he added. Lets just call it what it is thats tyranny. In a sign of how testy things have become, Newsoms lawyers asked that the lawmakers be required to pay the administrations legal costs, while the lawmakers said they may ask for costs or fines that they promised to donate to groups adversely affected by the Governors unlawful order. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics California Legislation "Any fair-minded person acknowledges that police have a very difficult and dangerous job, and this sounds like a very unfortunate situation," Jon Loevy, a civil rights lawyer, said. "The hope is that the department and the community can work to repair some of the lost trust so that officers won't always feel so second-guessed." The 43-year-old Austin District officer was one of three hospitalized after struggling with the man near Roosevelt Road and Cicero Avenue about 10 a.m., according to police. The 28-year-old man had been in a car involved in the crash, police said. Officers had seen a car crash into a building and saw the man walking east on Roosevelt, away from the crash, according to a statement released by police. When the officers tried to talk to him about the crash, the man began struggling with them, hitting the female officer's head against the pavement until she lost consciousness, police said. The officer's partner hit the man with a Taser and pepper spray, and he was arrested. Two other officers were injured arresting the man. All three officers were taken to Lutheran General. The man arrested was treated at Loretto Hospital. In his remarks, Johnson said the attack went on "for several minutes." "Just yesterday, we had an incident where officers responded to a simple traffic accident," Johnson said during the ceremony. "Traffic accident now I want you to think about this for a moment. Responded to a traffic accident to render aid wherever they could. A subject who was under the influence of PCP attacked a female officer, viciously pounded her head into the street as her partner tried to get him off of her. And this attack went on for several minutes." Asked whether the incident was an example of officers "laying back," Johnson said "it's an example of how dangerous this job is. And because of the scrutiny going on nationwide, there (are) officers second-guessing themselves. That's what we don't want." Johnson said he didn't know all the details of the attack and so couldn't say for certain if shooting the man would have been justified. WASHINGTON, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to public health concerns surrounding COVID-19, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will not hold its annual fireworks demonstrations press conference on the National Mall this year. However, CPSC remains committed to helping to prevent deaths and injuries from fireworks incidents while families and friends gather to celebrate the Fourth of July. CPSC will release its new Fireworks Annual Report, with the latest data on fireworks-related deaths, emergency department-treated injuries, and enforcement activities during 2019. CPSC will also share its popular fireworks safety demonstrations with the media via video news release (VNR). Here is what media can expect and when: When: Thursday, June 25, 2020 What: New CPSC Fireworks Annual Report CPSC fireworks demonstrations via Video News Release (VNR) and Spanish soundbites CPSC Commissioner Dana Baiocco is available for interviews Please contact CPSC for more information about one-on-one interviews. Interviews are also available in Spanish with Carla Coolman, CPSC Spanish-language spokesperson. For more information, contact CPSC's Office of Communications at (301) 504-7908. About the U.S. CPSC The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has 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 lifesaving information: Visit CPSC.gov. Sign up to receive our e-mail alerts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter @USCPSC. Report a dangerous product or a product-related injury on www.SaferProducts.gov. Call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054). Contact a media specialist. CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Related Links http://www.cpsc.gov The longer that the Iranians refuse access and make it look as if they are hiding something significant, the more reason there will be to assume that it must be significant, Ford said. If there really is nothing to conceal here, they need to come clean. OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government is using public and private measures to secure the release of two Canadians detained in China for 18 months, who on Friday were formally charged with espionage in the politically charged case. Trudeau said he was very disappointed with the charges Chinese prosecutors unveiled, while Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland described feeling personally angry at the news. Former diplomat Michael Kovrig was charged in Beijing on suspicion of spying for state secrets and intelligence. Businessman Michael Spavor was charged in Dandong near the North Korean border on suspicion of spying for a foreign entity and illegally providing state secrets. Speaking at a press conference in Chelsea, Que., just north of the national capital, Trudeau said the only reason the two are being detained is because of independent judicial proceedings involving Meng Wanzhou, a top executive at Chinese tech giant Huawei who is fighting an extradition request to the United States. Trudeau said aside from public statements, there is action behind the scenes in very direct and firm ways to secure their release. We have developed a certain expertise in what has worked to get Canadians home in very difficult circumstances over the past years, Trudeau said. In the case of the two Michaels, I can say that we are using a wide range of public and private measures to ensure that everything is being done to get these Michaels home. The two have been held since December 2018, shortly after Canadian authorities arrested Meng at Vancouvers airport. U.S. authorities want her extradited over allegations she circumvented American sanction on Iran. The daughter of Huaweis founder and the company itself deny any wrongdoing. She remains out on bail as hearings at the B.C. Supreme Court continue in her case. A judge rejected the first set of arguments from her lawyers late last month in a bid to set her free. We will not, and must not, and cannot interfere in the independence of our judiciary in this country, Trudeau said. The Chinese authorities have directly linked the case of the two Michaels to the judicial proceedings against Ms. Meng, which is extremely disappointing because for us ... there obviously are no links except in politics. Wrapped up in the case is Huaweis bid to be a player in Canadas 5G network, which was put in doubt after Bell and Telus announced partnerships with the Chinese companys European rivals. The Liberals have yet to decide whether Huawei will have a role in building the network. The United States has warned Canada and other allies that it will limit sharing intelligence with countries that have Huawei equipment in their 5G networks citing its potential use for spying by China, an allegation Huawei denies. The charges against Spavor and Kovrig were announced Friday by Chinas highest prosecutors office in brief social media posts. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said each is charged with secretly gathering state secrets for overseas forces with particularly serious consequences. The facts are clear and the evidence solid and sufficient, Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing, without providing further details. The International Crisis Group, where Kovrig worked at the time of his arrest, said the diplomat regularly interviewed Chinese officials to accurately reflect their views in his reports and had a constructive relationship with Chinese officials. This is yet another arbitrary and baseless step in a case that has been arbitrary and baseless from day one, the groups chief executive, Robert Malley, said in a statement. Michael was not endangering Chinas security: everything he was doing was in the open and well known to Chinas authorities. Kovrig and Spavor have had no access to lawyers or their families as of May, with the exception of a phone call the Chinese embassy said Kovrig was allowed to make to his sick father in mid-March. Consular visits have also been suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This arbitrary detention is inhumane, tweeted Pamela Isfeld, president of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers, which represents Canadian diplomats. She called for the two to be freed immediately. Speaking at a midday press conference on Parliament Hill, Freeland said it was essential to restore consular access to the two men. They are a priority for Canadian foreign policy in general, they are a priority for our government in general, they are not forgotten and we are going to continue to work very, very hard for their release, she said. Securing their release might be more difficult after Friday because China seems determined to hold them hostage for the long-term, but the situation would not be dire if Canada stood firm without demonizing the Chinese, former diplomat Colin Robertson wrote in an analysis for the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. The Chinese Communist Party does not share our values, and their agents actively engage in subversion and disinformation, Robertson wrote. We need to be firm in pushing back and equally firm in speaking out when China flouts its international obligations or takes aggressive action against Canadians and Canadian interests. Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said the governments naive approach to Beijing has hampered efforts to release Spavor and Kovrig. This case should be being dealt with at the highest levels. But Justin Trudeau has repeatedly refused to intervene, Scheer said in a statement. NDP foreign affairs critic Jack Harris said it wasnt enough for the Liberals to say they are advocating for the release of the two men in what he deemed Chinas hostage diplomacy. China must be told that this behaviour is unacceptable and Canada needs to rally the support of like-minded nations to pursue a common strategy to put meaningful pressure on China to end to this practice and to release Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spavor. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2020. With files from the Associated Press The US on Friday criticised the Chinese Army for "escalating" the border tension with India and described the ruling Chinese Communist Party as a "rogue actor." Launching a scathing attack on the Chinese government, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the Chinese Communist Party wants to undo all the progress the free world has made through institutions like NATO and adopt a new set of rules and norms that accommodate Beijing. "The PLA (People's Liberation Army) has escalated border tensions with India, the world's most populous democracy. It's militarising the South China Sea and illegally claiming more territory there, threatening vital sea lanes," Pompeo said, a day after he expressed deep condolences to India on the death of 20 soldiers in violent clashes with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in Ladakh early in the week. In his virtual address on "Europe and the China Challenge" during the 2020 Copenhagen Democracy Summit on Friday, the top American diplomat said that for many years, the West, in an era of hope, believed they could change the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and improve the lives of the Chinese people along the way. "Along the way, the CCP took advantage of our goodwill while assuring us they wanted a cooperative relationship. As (former Chinese politician) Deng Xiaoping said 'Hide your strength, bide your time.' I've talked in other venues about why this happened. It's a complicated story. It's no one's fault," Pompeo said. Over decades, European and American companies have invested in China with great optimism. It outsourced supply chains to places like Shenzhen, opened education institutions for PLA-affiliated students and welcomed Chinese state-backed investment in their countries, he said. But the CPC decreed an end to freedom in Hong Kong, violating an UN-registered treaty and the rights of its citizens. This is one of many international treaties the party has violated, the secretary said. "General Secretary Xi Jinping has greenlighted a brutal campaign of repression against Chinese Muslims, a human rights violation on a scale we haven't seen since World War II. Now, the PLA has escalated border tensions with India," he said. The clash in Galwan Valley is the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while the death toll on the Chinese side was over 300. The Chinese soldiers used stones, nail-studded sticks, iron rods and clubs in carrying out brutal attacks on Indian soldiers after they protested the erection of a surveillance post by China on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control in Galwan. "The CCP isn't just a rogue actor in its own neighbourhood. It lied about the coronavirus and let it spread to the rest of the world, while pressuring the WHO to assist its cover-up campaign. Hundreds of thousands of people have died, and the global economy has been decimated," Pompeo said. Even now, months into the pandemic, China has not provided access to live virus samples, facilities, or information about patients in December in Wuhan, he said. China is pushing disinformation and malicious cyber campaigns to undermine governments and to drive a wedge between the US and Europe, Pompeo said. "It's saddling developing nations with debt and dependency. It's strong-arming nations to do business with Huawei, an arm of the CCP's surveillance state. It's flagrantly attacking European sovereignty by buying up ports and critical infrastructure from Piraeus to Valencia," said the top American diplomat. "We must take off the golden blinders of economic ties and see that the China challenge isn't just at the gates; it's in every capital. Every investment from a Chinese state-owned enterprise should be viewed with suspicion," he said. "Europe faces a China challenge, just as the United States does, and just as our South American, African, Middle Eastern, and Asian friends do. As I said earlier this week to my EU counterparts, I know there's fear in Europe that the United States wants you to choose between us and China," he said. "It's the Chinese Communist Party that's forcing the choice. The party wants you to throw away the progress we in the free world have made, through NATO and other institutions "formal and informal" and adopt a new set of rules and norms that accommodate Beijing," Pompeo said. HYDERABAD: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi is reportedly upset that his party has not been invited to the all-party meeting convened by the Prime Minister on conflict with China. "It is disappointing that my party was not invited to today's all-party meeting on China border issue, the AIMIM chief. Wrote to @PMOIndia about the growing concerns regarding Chinese incursions into Indian territory. Weve lost 20 brave personnel besides our territory to Chinese occupation. Recovering this territory by any means necessary is the best way to avenge the killings of our men pic.twitter.com/8GlIMxZQ9l Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) June 19, 2020 He made these remarks in a letter addressed to PM Narendra Modi, who is set to chair the crucial meeting today. At least 20 political parties are likely to attend the all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation at the border areas with China. The meeting is scheduled to be held at 5 pm today through video conferencing. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda will also be present in the virtual party meeting. This is the first all-party meeting called by PM Modi after the death of 20 Indian soldiers in a violent face-off with Chinese troops at patrol point 14 on Monday night in Ladakh`s Galwan valley. According to sources, former BJP chief Rajnath Singh had on Thursday personally invited all leaders on behalf of the Prime Minister. After facing criticism from parties such as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and RJD that they had not received any invitation to the meet, sources clarified that only recognised national parties, those with over five MPs in the Lok Sabha, leading parties from the Northeast and parties with Union Cabinet Ministers had been invited. "In order to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for an all-party meeting at 5 pm on June 19. Presidents of various political parties would take part in this virtual meeting," PMO had tweeted. The meeting was called after at least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, lost their lives in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley area of Ladakh on June 15 night. Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Rashtriya Janata Dal and AIMIM lashed out at PM Narendra Modi and BJP for being snubbed from the all-party meet on the crucial issue, based on their negligible parliamentary presence. The AAP, which has 4 MPs, accused the central government of political arrogance when it should seek cooperation. The RJD has 80 MLAs in Bihar and is also the single-largest party in the state. It has five MPs in the Rajya Sabha. Wirecard, a Germany company that soared in value in recent years as it provided a widening array of payment services around the world, was suddenly collapsing on Friday amid questions surrounding missing cash balances amounting to 1.9 billion euros, about $2.1 billion. The scandal caused an 80 percent plunge in the companys stock price over the last two days, threats of shareholder lawsuits amid an investigation by prosecutors and the German financial regulator, and a dizzying transition in the companys leadership. The companys longtime chief executive, Markus Braun, stepped down on Friday, succeeded by James Freis, a former compliance officer at Germanys stock exchange who was hired only the day before to serve on the companys management board. Wirecard, a fintech company that was founded in 1999 and is based in Munich, boomed in recent years as a provider of digital payment services. It prospered by making contactless payments seemingly effortless for hundreds of thousands of merchants, with customers like Apple Pay, Google Pay and Visa. The majority of independent investigators delving into alleged police misconduct in Canada are white men who are former police officers. Seven provincial independent investigation units currently look into incidents involving police. The Canadian Press has found that of the 167 members involved in these units, 111 are former officers or have had a working relationship with police, and 118 of them are men. Every province but British Columbia also provided the number of investigators in their units who identify as a visible minority or person of colour. There are 20. Its very, very biased, says Ghislain Picard, regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. How can you expect any trust from those cultural minorities and Indigenous peoples? The interaction between the independent bureau and our communities its practically non-existent. Indigenous people dont have hope for justice when police investigate themselves, Picard adds, especially after what happened in Val dOr, Que., more than 500 kilometres north of Montreal. In 2015, there were 38 cases involving complaints by multiple women there against Surete du Quebec officers. Some women claimed they were drugged and sexually assaulted. Montreal police investigated. In the end, two retired police officers were charged. Both died before their cases finished in court. At the time, some 2,500 police officers wore red bands while on duty to support their accused colleagues. First Nations members who testified during a commission said it was clearly an intimidation tactic. In the wake of the scandal, Quebecs Bureau of Independent Investigations was created. Picard says creation of a largely white investigative unit made up of former officers has done nothing to repair the relationship. More than half the units 44 investigators had previous police employment. Four are people of colour but none are Indigenous. It does have an Indigenous liaison. Its again the police investigating their own, Picard says. Thats totally unacceptable for many people. There is no faith, no trust coming from women. The agency declined to comment on Picards remarks. The unit was recently tasked with investigating two recent police shootings of Indigenous people in New Brunswick, which doesnt have its own independent investigative unit. Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut also dont have independent units and outside forces are generally called in to investigate cases there. Independent units in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador have no people of colour working as investigators. Manitoba has three of 11. Ontario has the most, with nine of its 52 investigators. Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, says because investigative units are comprised largely of former officers, there is the perception of an allegiance to the policing world. Officers also can bring systemic biases or racism that exist in law enforcement, he says. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has permanent investigators, as well as seconded members from police forces. All 25 members are former law enforcement. Susan Hughson, the executive director, said in an email that experience is invaluable. But Owusu-Bempah questions what independence there can be when active police officers are seconded to a unit. He says civilians should instead be educated and trained to work in these units. Weve got issues related to trust and confidence in law enforcement in this country, especially amongst marginalized populations, he says. Civil rights groups and families have also criticized a lack of charges, and even less convictions, stemming from investigations by independent units. In Manitoba, there have been a handful of convictions against on-duty police officers since its unit began in 2015. The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba was created after criticism of a probe into an off-duty officer who drove into another vehicle after a night of partying, and killed a mother behind the wheel. Christian Leuprecht, a professor at Queens University and a member of the Kingston Police board, says he would caution against people assuming more women, Black or Indigenous people in these units would lead to different outcomes. And in many cases, he says former officers have the best skills to investigate. I think we have yet to see a case where somebody challenged the findings of an independent investigation unit on the grounds that the findings were biased. Black Lives Matter demonstrations have helped people see that the public has a role in deciding how police are funded and held accountable, Leuprecht adds. That includes independent investigative units. In a democracy, its ultimately up to us to make decisions, he says. And if we dont like whats happening, it shouldnt be up to police to decide how to run things. It should be up to the public. The Associated Press NASAs next Mars rover is honoring all the medical workers on the front lines of the coronavirus battle around the world. With just another month until liftoff, the space agency on Wednesday revealed a commemorative plate attached to the rover, aptly named Perseverance. The rover team calls it the COVID-19 Perseverance plate, designed in the last couple months. The black and white aluminum plate 3-by-5 inches (8-by-13 centimeters) shows planet Earth atop a staff entwined with a serpent, a symbol of the medical community. The path of the spacecraft also is depicted, with its origin from Cape Canaveral. Health care workers were on front lines keeping us safe during launch preparations, said deputy project manager Matt Wallace of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. They really inspired us, I think, through this period, and we hope that this plate and we hope that this mission in some small way can inspire them in return, Wallace told reporters. The rovers name, Perseverance, has taken on added meaning the last few months, according to NASA officials. Its hard enough preparing a spacecraft for Mars, but doing it in the middle of a pandemic made it even harder, Wallace said. Additional work shifts were added to reduce the number of people working on the rover at any one time and ensure social distancing. Others had to work from home. NASA is pressing ahead with a July 20 launch, even as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Florida. This mission to seek signs of past microbial life on Mars and collect rock and soil samples for eventual return to Earth is considered essential by the space agency. If the rover isnt launched by mid-August, it would need to wait until 2022 when Earth and Mars are back in proper alignment. A two-year delay could add another $500 million to the nearly $3 billion mission. Unlike for SpaceXs first astronaut launch late last month, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine isnt urging the public to stay home and watch online to avoid crowds. It appears they didnt listen to us, Bridenstine said. So were asking people to follow all of the necessary guidelines to keep themselves safe and were trusting that they will. Perseverance is one of three upcoming missions to Mars. The United Arab Emirates and China also are preparing spacecraft for launch to the red planet by mid-August. The Invest SVG Clean-Up Party in front of some of the debris collected at the Questelles beach. (Photo Credit: Invest SVG) To celebrate World Oceans Day (June 8, 2020), staff at Invest SVG successfully executed a beach clean-up event at Questelles; joined by residents, members of the wider public and the Minister of Finance, Sustainable Development, Economic Planning and Information Technology. The event, which took place last Saturday, June 6, saw approximately 26 persons collecting garbage giving the beach a much-needed boost to restore its usual state of cleanliness. Questelles Beach is usually cleaned on a regular basis by a community group, however, due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, these efforts have understandably tapered off over the past couple months. Invest SVG Marketing Manager Omari France said that the investment agency is pleased with the quantity of garbage that the team was able to remove from the popular beach. He also urged beach users to be more mindful of disposing of refuse properly. "As part of its mandate to facilitate direct investments, Invest SVG is also tasked with enhancing the investment process for local and non-local investors. It is imperative that we do our part as good corporate citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to protect our thriving blue economy, explained France. "We boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the world with excellent sailing, diving and snorkeling waters, which also offer an abundance of food. We must do our part in protecting our resources for future generations of Vincentians and potential investments. "Our intent is to set the ball rolling for other institutions, individuals and community groups to get involved in regular beach clean-ups across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We all play a part in shaping the nation that we all envision. Items removed from Questelles Beach included: plastic bags, packaging, broken toys, bottles (plastic and glass), galvanise, sanitary items, car parts and discarded fishing equipment amongst other items. Invest SVG extends its gratitude to the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA), OSV Group, Bonadies Supermarket #2, Tus-T Water and the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority for their contributions and assistance. WASHINGTON - A far-right extremist movement born on social media and fueled by anti-government rhetoric has emerged as a real-world threat in recent weeks, with federal authorities accusing some of its adherents of allegedly working to spark violence at largely peaceful protests roiling the nation. At a time when President Donald Trump and other top U.S. officials have claimed - with little evidence - that leftist groups were fomenting violence, federal prosecutors have charged various supporters of a right-wing group, which calls itself "the Boogaloo Bois," with crimes related to plotting to firebomb a U.S. Forest Service facility, preparing to use explosives at a peaceful demonstration and killing a security officer at a federal courthouse. Prosecutors even successfully argued before a federal magistrate in Texas over the weekend that a drug possession suspect with alleged Boogaloo ties should be denied bond because Facebook and Instagram posts he'd made advocating violence against National Guardsmen and threatening to kill looters showed he was a "threat to the community." The Boogaloo are more of a violent anti-government ideology than a formal movement, say those who study extremist groups. They say they cannot identify a leader, headquarters or command structure, just loosely affiliated social media pages ranging from explicitly violent to merely commercial, peddling Boogaloo-themed merchandise. But the visibility of Boogaloo supporters at recent protests - dressed in trademark Hawaiian shirts and carrying assault rifles - had alarmed researchers who for months had warned about the danger the group posed. Now federal prosecutors in California, Texas, Nevada and Colorado appear to be endorsing those concerns with a series of criminal charges against self-described Boogaloo supporters, whose arrests often were accompanied by the seizure of weapons and explosives. One Boogaloo supporter, Steven Carrillo, an active-duty Air Force staff sergeant, is charged with killing a security guard at the federal courthouse in Oakland last month. Court documents allege he scrawled the word "Boog" in blood on a car he had stolen. "The numbers are overwhelming: Most of the violence is coming from the extreme right wing," said Clint Watts, a former FBI agent who studies extremist political activity for the Foreign Policy Research Institute, a think tank in Philadelphia. Carrillo's alleged shooting of the security guards took place May 29, near where demonstrators had gathered to protest the police killing of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis. Facebook posts also figure in Carrillo's prosecution, with court documents quoting one attributed to Carrillo: "Use their anger to fuel our fire. Think outside the box. We have mobs of angry people to use to our advantage." Carrillo also is accused of killing a sheriff's deputy in a separate incident in California's Santa Cruz County. Carrillo's lawyer has cautioned against a "rush to judgment" on the charges. The Boogaloo movement was born on fringe social media forums such as 4chan but migrated to more mainstream ones such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, where researchers have found some groups had at times hundreds of thousands of followers. The name of the group comes from a 1984 break-dancing movie sequel regarded as almost indistinguishable from the original - Boogaloo supporters contend that a second civil war will resemble the one in the 1860s. Their names and symbols have evolved rapidly online, amid calls for violence against police and other authorities, with Boogaloo becoming "Big Igloo" and "Big Luau," which inspired a proliferation of movement symbols, including the Hawaiian shirts. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., tweeted an image of apparent Boogaloo supporters, carrying rifles, atop an overturned and vandalized police car in Salt Lake City last month. The Boogaloo ideology has proved adaptive as well, with supporters appearing regularly at a rallies opposing government public-health restrictions related to the covid-19 pandemic before shifting to the Floyd rallies - sometimes in avowed support of the protesters, sometimes to allegedly quell unrest and sometimes as provocateurs seeking to inflame them. The role of social media in incubating the movement and spreading its ideology has prompted several researchers to compare the Boogaloo to foreign militant groups, such as ISIS, which used memes and other forms of online messaging to spread extremist rhetoric, raise money and recruit new members. "The extremism and the radicalism and the recruitment are nothing new. The methodology is new - that you can reach tens of millions of people with a click of a finger," Paul Goldenberg, a senior fellow at Rutgers University Miller Center and a member of the Department of Homeland Security Advisory Council. Federal authorities this month accused three men in Nevada, all with U.S. military experience, of planning to use molotov cocktails and other explosives to trigger a violent reaction among protesters gathered in Las Vegas last month. An FBI SWAT team arrested the men with fireworks, accelerants, an AR-15 rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition, according to charging documents. The men also were charged with crimes related to planning the firebombing of a Forest Service facility at Lake Mead, east of Las Vegas. Like Carrillo, these men were advocates of the Boogaloo ideology, according to the charging documents, with a goal of causing "an incident to incite chaos and possibly a riot" among the otherwise largely peaceful protests. Denver Police last month separately seized assault rifles, handguns, ammunition and gas masks from the car of a man claiming allegiance to Boogaloo ideas and attending a Floyd protest rally but did not charge him with any crimes. In Texas, a bodybuilder alleged to have run an illegal steroid distribution ring was being held without bond after prosecutors cited his social media posts advocating "guerrilla warfare" against National Guard patrolling at protests and a Facebook post that included threats about killing "looters" and "hunting" supposed leftist agitators. In a video posted to Instagram and later submitted as evidence by federal prosecutors, the man, Phillip Archibald, allegedly urged people to travel to St. Paul, Minn., to confront protesters and "bring that [expletive] heat" along with extra "ammo." "You know, this is - this is the time we need to make a stand. So again, Saint Pauls, Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, this is where it's going down. So if you got people, send 'em there," according to an account of the post provided by prosecutors. The flurry of Booglaloo-related prosecutions underscore the growing threat posed by far-right extremists, say experts on such movements. Some question why Trump and other top U.S. officials appear more focused on the so-called "antifa" anti-fascist groups whose members have been responsible for few documented crimes during the recent unrest, instead of the Boogaloo and other heavily armed groups on the right. "That question has no legitimate answer, to be honest," said John Farmer, a former New Jersey attorney general who has studied the Boogaloo extremists and others. "There's been no sense of urgency. I think it's political neglect." Numerous independent research groups - including the Network Contagion Research Institute, for which Farmer co-authored a report - have been warning for months about rising signs of Boogaloo organizing and other activity on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other platforms. They have grown especially concerned that these extremists had become a disruptive and potentially dangerous element at political protests. Facebook, which owns Instagram, said it has removed numerous Boogaloo-themed groups, pages and posts for violating the company's policy against violence and incitement, and it also has taken more targeted action against people affiliated with the Boogaloo who have attempted to commit "mass violence," under the company's policy against dangerous individuals and organizations. Following the shootings by Carrillo, which involved a second man who allegedly drove him to the courthouse, Facebook banned both men. "We designated these attacks as violating events and removed the accounts for the two perpetrators along with several groups. We will remove content that supports these attacks and continue to work with law enforcement in their investigation," said Facebook spokeswoman Sarah Pollack. Federal authorities have traditionally treated domestic militant groups, even the most extreme of them, far differently from foreign ones, though there has been increasing recognition in some quarters of the threat posted by right-wing extremists. There has been an ongoing debate at the federal level about whether domestic terror actors merit more focus, along the lines of the formal designation that the State Department imposes on some foreign groups. U.S. officials have rarely mentioned the Boogaloo publicly but have said that they will act against violent extremists, regardless of ideology, when they commit crimes. Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf said Tuesday, in announcing charges against Carrillo, "The assassination and injury of federal officers who swore an oath to protect the American public will not be tolerated. The Department of Homeland Security will continue its mission to end violent extremism in any form." Marc Raimondi, a Justice Department spokesman, said he did not know of any directive specific to the Boogaloo ideology that had been sent to prosecutors, and said the department has been "focused on those involved in unlawful, violent, or destructive behavior regardless of inspiration." Despite Trump's call last month to designate Antifa a terrorist group, there is no legal mechanism to do so. Federal authorities extend a degree of deference to militias and similar groups because much of what they do - making political statements, protesting, carrying firearms - are constitutionally protected activities, covered by the Bill of Rights. The recent violence has raised questions about whether a more focused and systemic response is warranted by groups such as the Boogaloo, which openly espouse violence against the police and other government authorities. New Jersey formally designated white supremacist groups as a leading terror threat in a February report, in what officials there called the first such move in the nation. Members of Boogaloo, which the state has singled out in periodic threat reports, sometimes espouse white supremacist views and sometimes express solidarity with all racial groups, including when some Boogaloo factions have expressed support for the Floyd protesters, researchers and officials say. "These types of groups, they just take advantage of the moment, and they spew some messaging and it just gains traction," said Jared Maples, director of homeland security and preparedness for New Jersey. "The people who are doing this are taking advantage of people's fears. . . One of the biggest things we can do is call it out." - - - The Washington Post's Devlin Barrett contributed to this report. In a nutshell: While many businesses are suffering in the wake of the lockdowns, one industry that has thrived is the video game sector. With investors betting on more people turning to gaming as other activities struggle with Covid-19 restrictions, Nintendo has seen its market value rocket. The Financial Times reports that Nintendo is currently valued at around $62 billion, more than Japans biggest bank, retailer, and chemical company. Analysts say the valuation reflects the possibility that Nintendo will have sold more than 75 million Switch units by the end of the current financial yearMarch 2021. Nintendos share price has been on the up for some time now, and with yesterdays 2.8 percent jump, it passed $467 for the first time since the release of the Wii in 2008. The latest increase comes as the company is expected to soon reveal its holiday season gaming lineup. Even four years after release, Switch consoles are proving popular. The recent high demand combined with supply issues has left many consumers disappointed, forcing them to pay inflated prices charged by resellers. Its also seen more cheap Switch-lookalikes hit the market. Should the 75 million unit sales prove accurate, it would put the hybrids lifetime sales around the same level as the 3DS family. David Gibson, of Astris Advisory Japan, said in a note to clients that while the pandemic has been beneficial to Nintendothanks to more digital downloads and people playing gamesthe market could cool slightly as lockdowns ease and children return to school. On the other hand, it also means game manufacturers can return to full production. If youve got a Switch and would like a free exercise game, Nintendo is giving away Jump Rope Challenge until the end of September. According to industry insiders, India has 400 million smartphones and is the worlds fastest-growing app market. So the addition or deletion of apps impacts the global valuations of these platforms. Based on calls given by various local organisations to delete Chinese Apps, there will be an impact, said Blaise Fernandes, director at foreign policy think tank Gateway House. All of them eventually will go the IPO (initial public offering) route so there would be economic impact also. The border stand-off between India and China has sparked a campaign here that is gaining momentum to boycott Chinese products, including applications like videoconferencing app Zoom, short-video app TikTok, UC Browser, file-sharing app SHAREit, and gaming app PUBG. This comes weeks after the app Remove Chinese Apps tried to tap into a similar sentiment amidst escalating tensions at the border. Besides the boycott campaign, Indian intelligence agencies have red-flagged over 50 China-linked apps as posing a threat to national security. There are concerns that these apps arent safe and might be extracting a large amount of data. Experts said the government can block apps that are perceived to pose a threat to national security. If they (apps) are fomenting sectarian violence or creating panic by spreading wrong information or propaganda that can incite a rebellion in border states, the government is well within its rights to impose section 69A of the IT Act, said Blaise Fernandes, director at foreign policy think tank Gateway House. According to industry insiders, India has 400 million smartphones and is the worlds fastest-growing app market. So the addition or deletion of apps impacts the global valuations of these platforms. Based on calls given by various local organisations to delete Chinese Apps, there will be an impact, said Fernandes. All of them eventually will go the IPO (initial public offering) route so there would be economic impact also. Divakar Vijayasarathy, founder and managing partner at DVS Advisors LLP, said, Since China enjoys an abnormally high trade surplus of $60 billion, boycotting Chinese products would have the maximum impact if it fructifies. However, other experts said it was important to understand that a total boycott is impractical. According to Salman Waris, managing partner at TechLegis Advocates & Solicitors, the boycott will have some impact on the number of users of these apps in India in the short term. However it will be a bit (ignorant) to expect it will have any (repercussions) from a geopolitical perspective, said Waris. Companies and countries dont play the short-term. This is because Chinas investments into Indias tech start-up space have been over $8 billion over the last five years. The country has been one of the largest recipients of Chinese investments. China's digital and mobile dominance runs deep into the Indian economy, said Waris. Despite the geopolitical issues between India and China, there is a robust $87 billion in trade between the two countries. TikTok, the Chinese short-video app earned revenue of around Rs 25 crore in the October-December 2019 quarter and was targeting Rs 100 crore revenue in India by September 2020. Prasanth Sugathan, legal director at Software Freedom Law Center, India (SFLC) sees the boycott as a knee-jerk reaction. In the short term there could be some impact for the apps, but people would go back if these apps are perceived to be of value, said Sugathan. With the kind of investments Chinese companies have made in the telecom space, this may not prevail for long. However, Sugathan said apps handling sensitive personal data, including financial information, would require greater scrutiny if the servers are located in China. Tripti Jain, lawyer and researcher at the Internet Democracy Project, said as long as the country doesnt have a comprehensive personal data protection framework, fundamental right of privacy and national security both are at risk. Most social media apps and online applications are built on the model of surveillance capitalism, and in the absence of a data protection regime, the threat of breach of privacy and national security exists, said Jain. P reviously unheard stories from the Windrush generation will be unveiled in a new online collection by the Museum of London. Audio recordings detailing people's experience of arriving and settling in the capital have been shared to commemorate Windrush Day on June 22. These lively and personal accounts will provide insight into the generation's remarkable contribution to London life, as well as the strength of character and resilience of a community in the face of adversity and discrimination that lingers to this day, the museum said. The collection supplements a physical display on the subject which currently cannot be accessed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The door of an Employment Agency was vandalised with graffiti / Neil Kenlock / Museum of London One nurse who recalled her experiences said: "I used to cry and I rang my mother in Trinidad and I told her this place is awful. Its cold, its damp, its grey, Its dirty and broken down. So much building sites everywhere. And about the people who were so rude and horrible. And I want to come home. And she said 'come home to do what?' She said 'listen. I did not send you, you did not go to London to like the city or to like the people. You went for a purpose." Speaking about an encounter in hospital she added: "This man, who was in long term, kept calling us monkeys. How are your treehouses? You know, how are your treehouses? How do you get up there? And how do you get around? Donkeys, monkeys, you know? And one day he said something like that or he said you black something to me. And I said listen. I am sick of you calling me names. I said I am black. For 21 years I know Im black. So tell me something I don't know. And he stood up and he said, what do you mean? A protestor in 1972 holding a banner of Joshua Francis, a 38-year-old Jamaican man who was injured by police officers / Neil Kenlock / Museum of London "I said exactly, tell me something I don't know because I am aware that I am black for 21 years. And that changed everything for me and for him. He started to ask, you know, more decent questions. Until I ended up taking photo albums onto the ward to show him." Foteini Aravani, Digital Curator at the Museum of London, said it was fantastic to share oral histories celebrating the Windrush generation and the ones who followed after. Clement and Lucy Kenlock in a Brixton park in 1969 / Neil Kenlock / Museum of London "These vivid and lively conversations bring to light the lived experience of different generations of Londoners with Afro-Caribbean heritage, celebrating the contribution of these communities to life in London and highlighting the hardships they, and their family before them, faced as part of their everyday life in Britain," she said. Objects accompanying the collection are behind Covid-19 shut doors at the Museum of London and the Museum of London Docklands including The London Sugar and Slavery gallery which contextualises these narratives within a history of Londons involvement in the transatlantic trade. The Bailey Sisters, pictured outside a house in Clapham, in 1970 / Neil Kenlock / Museum of London Aleema Gray, Community History Curator at the Museum of London Docklands, said the display encourages collective reflection and London's role in the world at the time. A key part of this acknowledges histories of colonisation, imperialism and forced and voluntary migration," she said. The generation was named after a ship which brought people over to Britain to help rebuild the country after the war / Museum of London "Having arrived as part of Britains commonwealth citizens, the Windrush generation has changed the political and cultural makeup of London today. "The gallery seeks to document these stories of identity in formation and recognises the way in which such stories continue to put forward important questions concerning citizenship and anti-racism. The voice clips were recorded as part of a Conversation Booth project in 2018 and were collated by Listening to London museum volunteers. Visitors at home will also find a list of additional resources to learn more about Windrush and the challenges faced by the Afro-Caribbean community. DUSHANBE -- An international governmental group has organized transportation to repatriate hundreds of Tajik citizens stranded in Kazakhstan for weeks because of restrictions implemented to combat the coronavirus outbreak. The International Organization for Migration (IOM), an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants, told RFE/RL that 635 Tajik citizens aboard 14 buses left the Zhibek Zholy (Silk Road) checkpoint on the Kazakh-Uzbek border on June 19. According to the IOM, the group of Tajiks includes migrant workers and students, as well as women and children. The 180-kilometer trip was coordinated with the governments of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. The United States and Norway have provided the funding for the service, along with UNICEF, IOM said. More than 25 percent of the returning Tajik migrants are youth of 15-24 years of age, including 100 Tajik men and women studying at Kazakh universities. Almost 15 percent of the group are women and girls. Hundreds of Tajik migrants in Kazakhstan gathered along the Kazakh-Uzbek border in the recent weeks, hoping to find a way to return home amid precautionary measures and quarantine imposed over the pandemic. Some of the migrants faced difficulties and harsh conditions, namely a lack of water, food, sanitary facilities, and shelters, while waiting at the border. The IOM, in cooperation with its partner in Kazakhstan, the Sana Sezim (Consciousness) group, provided humanitarian assistance to the migrants in the form of water, food, hygiene kits, and personal protection items. A public adjuster has been arrested by special agents in Georgia after allegedly stealing funds from consumers and a contractor and failing to show up for a hearing after two warrants were taken out on him. According to the Georgia Department of Insurance, Steven Eric Chastain, 58, of Canton, Georgia, is accused of stealing more than $550,000 in claims monies. In two recent cases, Chastain was hired as a public adjuster to represent a consumer in the handling and repairs related to an insurance claim. In Cobb County, he is accused of taking over $20,000 from the consumer and contractor. In Dougherty County, he is accused of taking over $6,200 from the consumer. On March 6, 2020, the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioners Office ordered a revocation of Chastains public adjuster license. Per Chastains request, he was granted a hearing scheduled for May 27, 2020 to dispute the revocation of his license. However, Chastain failed to show up, resulting in his license being immediately revoked. Before the hearing date, two warrants were taken out on Chastain at two separate venues. On May 13, 2020, a charge of theft by conversion was filed in Dougherty County. Shortly after same charge was brought forth in Cobb County. Chastain turned himself in to the Cobb County jail on May 27, 2020,, where he was wanted for one count of felony theft by conversion. Prior to turning himself in, Chastain had made arrangements for his $6,000 bond to be immediately posted. However, GADOI said it had active warrants in Dougherty County for a separate felony charge of theft by conversion. On May 29, 2020, Chastain was transferred from Cobb County to the Dougherty County jail. The next day, Chastain posted bond of $2,500 and was released from Dougherty County. The citizens of the State of Georgia should rest easy knowing Mr. Chastain is no longer licensed as a public adjuster. To date, our office has arrested Chastain on over $550,000.00 worth of stolen funds from hardworking Georgians, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. Anyone who believes they could have been a victim of Chastains should contact the department at 800-656-2298 immediately. A felony theft by conversion charge is punishable by imprisonment for one to 10 years. Source: Georgia Department of Insurance Topics Fraud Abuse Molestation Georgia San Francisco, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/19/2020 -- Precision farming techniques, such as precision harvesting are gaining traction as the agriculture sector is facing notable challenges due to which farmers are facing pressure for profit margins. Farmers are looking for effective ways to boost production in a cost-effective manner. Precision farming leverages satellite technology that allows real-time management of fields, crops, and animals, which helps farmers in monitoring and reducing the environmental impact of farming. You can get a sample copy of this report here: https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=5085 Precision harvesting technology holds the potential to revolutionize the agriculture industry positively, as it can make conventional methods of harvesting economical and efficient. The burgeoning worldwide food demand, increased crop yield, in tandem with minimal crop wastage at the time of harvesting, are some of the key factors driving the growth in precision harvesting market. Furthermore, favorable government efforts and initiatives in various countries are aiding farmers adopt high-tech agricultural tools to expand yield and make profits. The global precision harvesting market is estimated to be valued at nearly US$ 10 billion in 2018. Precision Harvesting Market Notable Developments Trimble, California-based software developer company, has announced the launch of a novel Trimble Ag Software subscription named Farmer Core. Farmer Core allows farmers in bridging various aspects of farm operation. Farmer Core is a SaaS that obtains machine-generated data from precision ag displays to streamline various farm operations. AGCO Corporation, an American agricultural equipment manufacturer, has launched Fendt IDEAL combine in North America. The Fendt IDEAL combine automatically takes on-the-go decisions to maintain desired harvesting parameters, while reducing operator efforts significantly. Ag Leader has introduced a new range of guidance and steering solutions for precision agriculture, such as SteerCommand with DualTrac. SteerCommand with DualTrac is a viable option for operations that demands very precise steering, such as harvesting bedded crops. A leading player in precision harvesting market, AgJunction, has created two technology Centers of Excellence in Arizona to pace up innovation in manufacturing cost-effective, user-friendly precision agriculture solutions for farmers. Some of the most prominent competitors operating in the competitive landscape of global precision harvesting market include AgJunction Trimble Precision Planting Harvest Croo Robotics Raven Industries Vision Robotics Corporation Deere & Company AG Leader AGCO Corporation FFRobotics Abundant Robotics Harvest Automation Favorable Government Reforms to underpin growth in precision Harvesting market Precision farming leverages satellite technology that allows real-time management of fields, crops, and animals, which helps farmers in monitoring and reducing the environmental impact of farming. This has been widely supported by government organizations in many countries. For instance, this technology was underlined by the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability. This partnership was launched in 2012 by the European Commission (DG AGRI), and is aimed at contributing to the European Union's 'Europe 2020' strategy for sustainable, smart, and inclusive growth, wherein precision farming plays a vital role. Corn Application to Bring Highest Gains in Precision Harvesting Market Precision harvesting has been witnessing growing traction for crop harvesting, especially for corn harvesting. The utilization of precision harvesting solutions for harvesting corn is higher than other crops, due to the growing adoption of innovation in harvesting equipment and burgeoning need to automate corn, farms due to lack of skilled labor. Crop harvesting relies on devices, including a computer, GIS, GPS, and sensor technologies to precisely measure the amount of crop harvested at a particular time and location. Lack of Awareness Restricting Growth in Precision Harvesting Market The awareness and knowledge regarding newer technologies in the agriculture industry are yet to spread extensively, mainly in the emerging countries. The lack of awareness about the value proposition linked to precision agriculture is limiting the chance of stakeholders to expand in emerging regions. However, some leading players in precision harvesting market are taking initiatives to show farmers the investment returns on a small scale, in order to increase awareness and drive adoption of precision harvesting systems. Developed Regions Dominate Precision Harvesting Market Developed regions, such as Europe and Americas are expected to remain lucrative markets for stakeholders. The burgeoning mechanization in European farms is a primary factor favoring growth in the precision harvesting market in this region. This growing demand for precision agriculture solutions, such as harvesting precision in Europe can be attributed to the growing demand for food supplies to feed the expanding population, accelerating smart greenhouse farming, farm labor expenses and related challenges, and broader automation in different parts of the agriculture sector. The US and Canada are early adopters of precision harvesting technologies due to which Americas will also continue to remain a catalyst for growing demand for precision harvesting solutions. Farmers in this region are increasingly utilizing high-tech harvesting equipment and systems, which is likely to provide an impetus to the growth of precision harvesting market. To know more about the table of contents, you can click here https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=5085 Precision Harvesting Market- Segmentation Based on product, the precision harvesting market is segmented into, Combine Harvesting Robots Forage Harvesters Based on application, the precision harvesting market is segmented into, Crop Horticulture Greenhouse Based on offering, the precision harvesting market is segmented into, Offering (Hardware Sensors, GPS, Yield Monitors, Software, Services), Hardware Sensors GPS Yield Monitors Software Services About TMR Research: TMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in today's supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients' conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends. Photo: BC Gov't As B.C. looks to a new phase of reopenings during the pandemic, no question plagues provincial politicians more than the restriction on visits to seniors facilities and hospital patients. The No. 1 issue we are hearing is people anxious to see loved ones in the latter days of their time here, Premier John Horgan said at a media briefing. I know how anguished they are about this, and I know that theres families across B.C. who are just begging to get to see their loved ones. We hear that, we understand that, but want to make sure that people are safe. In March, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry restricted long-term-care and assisted-living facilities for seniors to essential visitors only. Thats been in place ever since, although some visits have been allowed for family members classified as essential to support the mental health of the resident. On Thursday, the organization representing the majority of B.C.s long-term care and assisted living operators appealed to Henry to permit family members to visit with their loved ones in care homes, provided measures are taken to mitigate risk. B.C. has set itself apart by bending the curve on the infection rate of COVID-19, said Mike Klassen, acting CEO of the B.C. Care Providers Association, in a statement. We credit in part swift action by Dr. Bonnie Henry to end non-essential visits to our care homes last spring. But after being disconnected from their loved ones for several months, residents and families are demanding that we find a way to reinstate visits at care homes. The association is asking for funding to increase staffing to manage visits and ensure there is an adequate supply of personal protective equipment for visitors. This week, Henry said health authorities are working with the sector to make sure that when the time is right, everybody has the guidance they need to have visits resume. Its trying to get everybody to the same approach, she said. The concern now is that as more businesses and schools open, the province runs the risk of increasing transmission of the coronavirus. The province still has seven active outbreaks, including six in long-term care and one in acute care. Those outbreaks highlight the fact that seniors are the most vulnerable to serious illness from COVID-19, Henry said Thursday. If the virus gets into those [long-term-care] settings, it can spread undetected very rapidly, and that has led to so much of the tragedy that we have seen with deaths from this virus. Allowing more people into long-term care homes increases the risk that somebody will inadvertently introduce the virus into a care setting, she said. It is the most challenging question that we have, because its a balancing of quality of life all around and its not a simple question. Dix said the desire to restart visits to seniors home is one reason why its so important for everyone to maintain physical distancing, hand washing and other precautions to stop the spread of the virus. When we act to follow the rules, were making all of that more possible, Dix said. When we dont, we are making it less possible. For the sake of grabbing Indian territory, the People's Liberation Army of China appears to have "instigated" the most violent clash between the two Asian giants, a top American Senator has said. At least 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in the clashes with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night. China's official media has acknowledged casualties on the Chinese side without mentioning numbers. In a major foreign policy speech on the floor of the House, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday said that "on land, for the sake of grabbing territory, the PLA appears to have instigated the most violent clash between China and India since those nations went to war in 1962". In his speech, China topped the list of countries, threatening the interests of the US and its allies. "Needless to say, the rest of the world has watched with grave concern this violent exchange between two nuclear states. We are encouraging de-escalation and hoping for peace. "But the world could not have received a clearer reminder that the PRC (People's Republic of China) is dead-set on brutalizing people within their own borders, challenging and remaking the international order anew in their image to include literally redrawing the world map," McConnell said. He said that the Communist Party of China has used the COVID-19 pandemic as a smokescreen for ratcheting up their oppression of Hong Kong and advancing their control and influence throughout the region. "At sea, they have stepped up their menacing of Japan near the Senkaku Islands. In the skies, Chinese jets have intruded into Taiwanese airspace four separate times in a matter of days," the top Republican Senator said in his speech. Meanwhile, Congressman Jim Banks welcomed India's decision to ban Huawei and ZTE from its telecom network. "Always best to push back against Chinese Communist Party thugs. India will not be intimidated. A strong, wise decision!" Banks said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19 Trend: Due to the tightening of the special quarantine regime in Azerbaijan, a number of enterprises and institutions will not operate in Baku, Sumgayit, Ganja, Lankaran, Yevlakh, Masalli, Jalilabad cities and Absheron region from 00:00 (GMT+4) June 21 to 06:00 on July 5, Trend reports citing the Cabinet of Ministers. The following will not operate: - Large shopping centers, with the exception of food stores and pharmacies in them; - catering facilities with local customer service (takeaway only); - museums and exhibition halls; - barbershops, beauty salons, cosmetic services are prohibited (including in clients' apartments or other places); - educational institutions (with the exception of online exams, contests and interviews); During a strict quarantine regime, conducting sporting competitions and outdoor games is also forbidden. 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 A colorful cabriole love seat painstakingly created by artist Carolyn Lewis may be coming to a shop, restaurant or park near you. The love seat traveled to St. Louis from her parents home in Alabama, where it had stood quietly for 22 years, staid in its burgundy-and-green-striped upholstery. It spent the last seven years in the basement of Lewis south city house because she knew someday she would do something with it. Today, as a public art piece, the once-sober seat bursts forth in varicolored swirls. On its back are paintings of five strong faces, people of all races and ages, each set in a deep purple haze. No longer a parlor piece, Lewis careful prep work and special paints allow the love seat to sit outdoors. Visible to everyone walking by, it invites them to Sit Down and Listen. Its back, broadly daubed in the colors of Lewis paint box, carries this message: Love Your Neighbor. Theres always a time when something is ready, Lewis says. We were cleaning our basement in a burst of activity when the idea for this piece came to me. In 2018, my younger sister, Sara, and her husband, Clay Ebersold, who are white, adopted two black children my niece Cora, who will be 5 in July, and my nephew, Henry, who is now 4. My wife and I were also going through adoption for her to be named parent to our two children at the same time, Lewis says. We shared so much during the process. Cora and Henry became part of our family seamlessly. With all that is happening in our country now, Sara and I talk often. She recently said, Henrys cute now; hes 4, but what about in 12 years when hes 16? That awakened the mama bear in me. I understand that saying I dont see color is no longer enough now. Honor their skin color, Lewis says. Love them. I cannot thank my sister enough for encouraging me to hold a mirror up to myself to discover what my part is in dismantling racism. What can I do? What is my story? What are the things I need to own up to? she says. Lewis, who has a degree in art therapy, picked up her paintbrushes to create an empowering love seat. In one week, after the release of the video of George Floyds death, in the shadows of the twin specters of the pandemic and racial injustice, Lewis finished the piece. She lettered her intentions on its seat before she painted it, a practice she follows in each of her artworks. She wrote, Make the space for hard conversations. Listen to my story. Pay attention. See me. It wasnt easy or convenient for Lewis to shoehorn a major art project into her regimen of stay-at-home school for her son Grant, 7, and her daughter Charlie Bea, 10, or to disrupt her work as an online art instructor and artist. It was necessary though, she says. We are extremely open with our children. We told them the story about George Floyd. We talked about protests. They both cried, she says. She and her wife, Beth Gruver, talked to the children about white privilege in language they could understand. We broke it down to real life situations. The hard conversations have to start when theyre young, so they are empowered to ask the hard questions when they are older, Lewis says. Creating the artwork took a toll on Lewis. Physically, emotionally, mentally, and spirituality this was a hard piece to do. When I finished it, I wept, Lewis says. She sent it out into the world in early June to Espresso Yourself. The neighborhood cafe and coffee shop sells and displays local artists works, including Lewis paintings, collages and cards. For owners Jules Karagiannis and her sister Tracy Calabro, hosting the love seat was a singular honor. The bench is just another piece of how our community is coming back together, Karagiannis says. People were blown away by it, she says. It really looks inviting, and people responded to it. My husband, Dino, and I have had some great conversations lately. Weve been watching movies and documentaries. Theres a scene in the movie American Son where actress Kerry Washington gets into what its like to be a black mother, and the fear they all have from the day their sons are born. Thats just not even in my brain. I never imagined when my girls went out that they wouldnt come home safely. Lewis hopes her art starts conversations that reverberate throughout St. Louis. This artwork it is so deep in my core. This family heirloom, from the South. I made it a safe place where people can sit and have the hard conversations, she says. The arms hold you. You have to turn to face the other person: to see them, hear them and really listen. Its time. The itinerary for the traveling love seat may be found at carolynlewisdesigns.com/new-events. Check each venue for hours. By the time NSW children celebrate their fifth birthday, one in seven have been identified as being at risk of significant harm, positioning maltreatment of children as a public health problem equivalent in size to asthma. Even by the time these children turned one, about 5 per cent have been reported to the state's Child Protection Helpline, according to research published in JAMA Pediatrics this week. By the time NSW children turn 5, about one in seven have been the subject of investigation because they were considered at risk of harm. Credit:Nine "These are very confronting statistics," said Dr Kathleen Falster, a lecturer in public health from the University of NSW. She co-authored the research which looked at the cumulative incidence of Child Protection contact in children's lives before five years of age. On Friday, the World Health Organisation estimated that 40,000 children under 18 years of age were victims of homicides every year in its first report charting progress around the world. CHARLESTON, W.Va., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Jackson Kelly PLLC is taking a stand to support African American businesses impacted both by COVID-19 and the recent protests utilizing our history of legal excellence by providing pro bono consultations and services to African American businesses. In addition, the Firm recognizes that the federal PPP loan program failed to provide African American businesses with much-needed loan proceeds. One element of the pro bono services being provided is assisting African American businesses with the preparation of the PPP application. The Firm's attorneys will consult with African American businesses and help gather the necessary material, choose the appropriate lender, and prepare and submit the application. The Firm will also assist in maximizing the eligibility for loan proceeds and optimize forgiveness. Interested entities or individuals are encouraged to complete the intake form to start this process or visit Jackson Kelly's pro bono page. The deadline for applying for PPP loan funds is June 30, 2020, thus, our attorneys ask that intake forms are submitted by June 26, 2020. Jackson Kelly wants to do its part to continue to work internally and externally to examine our words and actions, to challenge ourselves to do our part to keep our communities safe from illness, to seek economic recovery, to combat racism, and to advance the change we know is necessary. Supporting Quotes "Jackson Kelly has decades of experience guiding clients through the ups and downs of business and sees it as our responsibility to assist African American businesses in our communities survive and thrive during these uncertain times," said Ellen Cappellanti, Jackson Kelly's managing member. "Right now, the African American community is hurting," said Ron Jones, a member in Jackson Kelly's Pittsburgh office. "Whether it's COVID or civil rights, we have been given a platform to assist others and do the right thing. I speak for the Jackson Kelly African American lawyers and all my colleagues at the Firm when I say that we wanted to provide a plan of action rather than a statement." National Reputation. Industry Insight. Client Focus. Jackson Kelly PLLC is a national law firm with more than 150 attorneys located in ten offices throughout Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Washington, DC. Focusing on clients' industry-specific needs, the Firm serves a wide variety of corporate and public clients and enjoys a national reputation in business, labor and employment, litigation, government contracts, tax, safety and health, permitting, natural resource and environmental law. Media Contact: Dana C. Hackley, Ph.D. Public Relations Specialist 412-434-7603 [email protected] www.jacksonkelly.com @jacksonkellylaw SOURCE Jackson Kelly PLLC Related Links http://www.jacksonkelly.com The native Kentuckian noted that despite such efforts, No arrests have been made, the officers responsible for her death remain employed by the LMPD, and disturbingly, the LMPDs own investigation report was woefully inaccurate. As a Louisvillian, as a human being, I cannot be silent. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal Albuquerque engineering firm Management Sciences Inc. won $2.3 million through two Air Force contracts to deploy a real-time monitoring system for military aircraft and to continue building a new cyber threat detection and data-protection system. The Small Business Innovation Research contracts include a two-year, $1.8 million phase III award for the companys proprietary monitoring system, which provides a continuous flow of information to Air Force personnel on the health of electronics, engines and other components in military aircraft. MSI built the system over 13 years through previous phase I and II SBIR contracts. The phase III funding is now aimed at delivering a dozen fully finished systems for deployment on different types of aircraft, said project manager Kenny Blemel. Its part of Air Force efforts to extend the life of legacy craft through real-time monitoring of functions to detect problems and fix them before they force the military to ground vehicles. Its both software and hardware we developed for health management and prognosis of systems, Blemel said. It can help extend the life cycle of aircraft and improve the cost effectiveness of military expenditures, allowing the Air Force to build fewer planes as older ones are moved out to pasture. The system could be deployed on multiple types of aging aircraft, such as the B-52 bomber in use since the 1950s, and the MQ-9 Reaper, an unmanned aerial vehicle first deployed about 15 years ago, Blemel said. MSI, a homegrown company that launched in 1976, is a small, family-run engineering firm known for creating novel monitoring systems for military vehicles and aircraft. Its received more than $20 million in SBIR contracts from different branches of the military to develop its technology, which has previously been deployed on ground vehicles and some Navy aircraft. The technology has evolved over time, said MSI Business Development Director Charmaine Tunell. The original idea for these monitoring systems started in the early 2000s. Weve further developed and fine-tuned it to make it better and adapt it for changing needs. The second SBIR award is a 15-month, $500,000 contract to continue developing a new software system to detect cyber threats in imbedded computing devices and to protect data transfer of classified information, Tunell said. The two contracts together will expand MSIs local workforce by seven people, two of whom have already been hired, Blemel said. The company currently employs 14 at an 8,000-square-foot facility near Uptown Albuquerque. President Donald Trump holds a Bible outside St. John's Church across Lafayette Park from the White House on June 1, after law enforcement moved aggressively to clear peaceful protesters for Trump's photo-op. Read more Ron Sider started with a laugh and a prayer. Lord have mercy, he replied with a chuckle when Clout asked why it was necessary to compile a collection of essays in a book titled The Spiritual Danger of Donald Trump: 30 Evangelicals on Justice, Truth and Moral Integrity. Sider is an emeritus professor of theology, holistic ministry, and public policy at Palmer Theological Seminary in Montgomery County. He said white evangelical voters overwhelmingly supported President Donald Trump in 2016 even though he is clearly racist, repeatedly says awful things about women, [and] has policies on questions of racial justice, economic justice, and environmental issues that fundamentally contradict biblical norms. The book Sider edited arrived this month, when racial strife has been thrust once again to the forefront of public life, following the deaths of African Americans at the hands of police in Minneapolis, Louisville, and Atlanta. Sider calls on white evangelicals to confront racism. "Donald Trump, instead of uniting the country, is stoking that racism, he said. They want Jesus to be lord of their politics. I dont think theyve thought very much about that. John Fea, a history professor at Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, Pa., contributed a chapter asking white evangelicals to reflect on the civil rights movement, which was followed by the rise of the election-oriented Moral Majority which he sees as motivated more by fear and power than hope and humility. White evangelicals are driven by a political playbook that runs against the core tenets of Christian faith, Fea said. These things will corrupt the church and will thus weaken the churchs witness. Fea said the Christian right has hijacked our churches, making them heel to Trumps politics. The white evangelical church has been held hostage by the GOP, he said. Chris Thurman, a psychologist in Austin, Texas, helped launch the project. He modeled it after a 2017 book, The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 27 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President. Thurmans chapter looks at verbal abuse people of faith suffer from supposed Christians for criticizing Trump. Among the insults he has heard: spineless, demonic, cowardly, stupid. I just think at some level they must have some sense that theyve backed the wrong horse and just cant admit it, Thurman said. It is brutal out there. Thurman agrees with Fea that division among white evangelicals will linger even if Trump loses his reelection campaign. Sider is more optimistic that some evangelicals will rethink their politics ahead of the Nov. 3 election. My hope and my guess is there will be a small number of white evangelicals who say they cant vote for this man again, he said. It wouldnt take a lot of that to change the outcome. Trump is bad news for Fitzpatrick in Bucks County, polls says U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Bucks County Republican, told The Inquirer last month that he is undecided on whether to vote for Trump or former Vice President Joe Biden. Then he easily survived a primary challenge from an opponent who cast himself as a loyal Trump fan. A new survey commissioned by his opponents campaign may explain Fitzpatricks thinking. The survey by the Democratic firm Public Policy Polling calls Fitzpatricks 1st District contest against Democrat Christina Finello a toss-up. Trump has a 56% disapproval rating, while 56% of voters there would vote for Biden, the poll found. Finello is down just 2 points in the race, 40% to 38%, with 21% undecided. Thats even though 71% of the voters didnt know enough about her to have an opinion. Tying Fitzpatrick to Trump is Finellos goal, despite his holding the president at arms length. READ MORE: A slice of America Bucks County district should be a battleground. But Democrats need a perfect storm to win. The poll found 47% of voters were less likely to support Fitzpatrick after hearing he supports Trumps legislative agenda when it matters most, including on coronavirus and the Trump tax plan, while 16% said it make them more likely to support him and 37% were unsure or said it didnt matter. Fitzpatricks camp deferred to the National Republican Congressional Committee, the campaign arm for House Republicans, which touted him as the most bipartisan member of Congress and dismissed Finello as a partisan zealot who trails and has little money. Finellos camp, which is using the poll to raise money, hit back by saying Fitzpatricks relying on Trumps party headquarters to make his case only shows his bipartisan title is just an act. The Pennsylvania GOP is still at odds about unity' The Pennsylvania Republican Party still cant agree on the proposed unity resolution designed to make peace at its July 10 summer meeting. The original plan, as Clout explained last week: Have 22-year Republican National Committee veteran Bob Asher of Montgomery County seek another four-year term in a two-phase election that would require his resignation next February and guarantee that party secretary Andy Reilly of Delaware County would step up as an RNC member for the rest of the term. But the RNC told the state party this week that violates its rule on one person being elected at a time. So state party Chair Lawrence Tabas of Philadelphia, in an email to state committee members Wednesday, proposed that Reilly be elected to a four-year term and then deliver an irrevocable proxy to Asher, allowing him to serve five more months in the post. Reilly and Vonne Andring, the partys executive director, said Ashers team developed the first proposal. Asher declined to comment. Tabas, in his email, said Asher has not agreed to the new plan. If Bob has continued objections, that is unfortunate, Reilly said Thursday. As the government prepares to provide employment to almost 6.7 million of the over 10 million returning migrants through the PM Garib Kalyan Rozgar Yojana, experts say the without additional fund allocation it remains to be seen how many new jobs are created. The scheme would be formally launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bihar on Saturday. That apart, some experts said a substantial part of the Rs 50,000 crore that has been talked about for spending under the various programmes through front-loading of expenditure in the next 125 days or bit over four months would have any ... The scene, inspired by a reading of Abbotts memoir, was realized first as a 4-foot-long model molded from wax. The original maquette sits in his workshop still. To make the figure that towers next to it, Eiselein reached out to a company that took a 3D scan of the maquette. The company then sent the casts of styrofoam in segments back to Eiselein. They blew it up 9.5 times and thats a little intimidating, because if you make a mistake, it gets blown up 9.5 times, he said. With the styrofoam mold in his workshop, the next step became covering the mold in clay. The process took nearly a year of shaping and texturing the rough look of the swimming cattle and the fine details of Abbotts boots, mustache and revolver. I always carried a gun because it was the only way I knew how to fight If God Almighty'd wanted me to fight like a dog, he'd have given me long teeth and claws, Abbott writes. The quality in the details of the horse that Abbott rides comes from the personal experience of decades on a ranch. When youre around horses for that long, you get to know them pretty well. Both above and below, he said. Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon and ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, speaks during a hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S., on June 9 about unemployment insurance during the Covid-19 pandemic. Leah Millis/Reuters/Bloomberg via Getty Images The enhanced unemployment benefits supporting household income for millions of jobless Americans will soon lapse. Lawmakers, scrambling to address the problem, remain at odds over what to do. And a solution that would likely appease both sides seems out of reach due to outdated technology. Democrats want to extend the federal aid, which tacks an extra $600 a week onto the unemployment checks paid by states, past their scheduled July 31 end date. Republicans want the aid to expire due to concern that it allows some workers to get unemployment benefits that exceed their lost wages. Some have proposed replacing it with a cash bonus for those who find new jobs. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Their answer would affect a large chunk of the population amid the worst employment crisis since the Great Depression. Nearly 30 million people are collecting jobless benefits. But some may wonder: Why implement a policy that permits people to earn more while unemployed in the first place? The answer, according to lawmakers and economists: antiquated technology forced their hand. Outdated tech Lawmakers alluded to the issue during a recent Senate Finance Committee hearing on unemployment benefits. Outdated state administrative systems couldn't ensure benefits for unemployed Americans would be capped at 100% of pay from their prior job, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, said. "Throughout negotiations, Secretary [of Labor Eugene] Scalia said that couldn't be done because the states run unemployment programs on Bronze Age technology that cannot crunch the numbers for individual workers," Wyden said. More from Personal Finance Student loan borrowers may see these big changes soon A tale of two recessions: Some thrive as others suffer Another round of $1,200 stimulus checks? That's why lawmakers agreed to the current policy in the CARES Act a flat $600 a week for everyone was administratively more feasible, Wyden said. States generally replace less than half of lost wages for unemployed workers. The $600 supplement aimed at replacing 100% of wages for the average worker, who makes about $1,000 a week. It was a "rough justice approach," Wyden said. Importantly, states likely couldn't accommodate anything more complicated than a flat universal payment after July, said Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio. They've had enough trouble administering the $600 payments, according to Portman. Indeed, many jobless individuals have had to wait months to receive their benefits. While states "have made progress from where we were in March," according to Scalia, he didn't offer assurance that states were in the position to ensure 100% wage replacement. The Labor Department is having discussions with states around "various external and internal proposals related to replacing lost wages" and evaluating their feasibility, according to a spokeswoman. "As many of these proposals are evolving, conversations with states will likely continue," she said. Programmers from Latvia Unemployment offices have been overwhelmed by a flood of applicants to systems whose technology had been calibrated to pre-pandemic times, when joblessness was at lows not witnessed in half a century. Many systems use a computer-programming language called COBOL that's more than 60 years old and is often used on big, old, mainframe computers. "Literally, we have systems that are 40 years-plus old, and there'll be lots of postmortems. And one of them on our list will be how did we get here where we literally needed COBOL programmers?" Chris Murphy, governor of New Jersey, said in April. One state's system was "so arcane" that the governor had to hire computer programmers from Latvia, Scalia said, without mentioning the specific state. Other road block State technology may not even be the biggest road block, according to some experts. The vast expansion of unemployment benefits to previously ineligible groups, like self-employed and gig workers offered by the CARES Act, complicates states' ability to administer a benefit formula beyond a flat weekly payment, said Wayne Vroman, an economist at the Urban Institute. The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has cut back on its investments in equities and bonds in the past five weeks. This is owing to a drop in contributions to the corpus and a rise in claims due to abrupt disruptions in salary incomes in the wake of coronavirus-induced lockdown countrywide. EPFO, which is India's biggest debt investor, is estimated to have halved its portfolio to around Rs 5,000 crore since May, a source told the Economic Times. Also Read: EPFO update: One-third of registered companies default on April PF dues The fund invested over Rs 4,000 crore in May alone when compared to an average of Rs 8,000-9000 crore it used to put in every month before lockdown. Equities are bearing the brunt as contributions to the EPFO fall which in turn is becoming more risk-averse. All this, coupled with the incertitude of second wave of coronavirus infections across the country and likely financial stress for companies, has exacerbated the situation further. Also Read: EPF relief for employers! Govt to continue EPFO contribution for 3 months; PF contribution cut to 10% "Majority of its investments are in bonds as it has reduced the share of equity investments," the source told the news daily. EPFO, which is required to invest up to 15% of its corpus into the equity market may have lowered its share of exposure to 10% in the wake of looming economic uncertainties. Meanwhile, the retirement body has also slashed its demand for corporate bonds. Even after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut repo rate by 40 basis points (bps) on May 22, the differential between benchmark bond yields and blue-chip public and private sector companies continues to be in the range of 80-90 bps, as it was before the rate reductions. A former court registrar is destined for jail for hacking into a court's computer system and creating a false intervention order against a friend's ex-partner. County Court judge Fran Dalziel said on Friday she was minded to send Sara Borg to prison, despite calls by defence lawyers that the mother whose second child was born just 12 weeks ago should be spared a stint in jail. Sara Borg outside court on Friday. Credit:Eddie Jim "I'm intending to impose a period of imprisonment," said Judge Dalziel, who will sentence on July 16. Borg was alone in a locked court room at Werribee Magistrates Court on October 25, 2018 when she used the log-in details of two colleagues to create an intervention order against a woman and used a magistrate's judicial number to issue the order. MUSKEGON, MI This year was supposed to mark the 70th anniversary of the Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant, but due to the coroavrius pandemic there will be no crowning of a new Miss Michigan for 2020. Instead Mallory Rivard, crowned as Miss Michigan in 2019, will add another year to her reign. Poll Would you serve this 'cheese board'? Yes No Would you serve this 'cheese board'? Yes 60 votes No 86 votes Now share your opinion A 'bloke's way' of making a cheeseboard has been dubbed the perfect snack after being shared by the Carlton Dry Australia Facebook page. The divisive snap showed popular supermarket treats inside a muffin tray accompanied by two bottles of beer for the 'ultimate Friday night snack'. Thousands of social media users across the country shared the 'iconic' photo, saying the 'bogan cheese board' included all the perfect elements for a date night or watching the footy. While cheeseboards often feature gourmet cheeses and fresh fruit, the cupcake tray was filled with store-bought packet snacks including pretzels, Doritos, Pringles, salsa, grated cheddar cheese and Cheezels. A 'bloke's way' of making a cheeseboard has been dubbed the perfect snack after being shared by the Carlton Dry Australia Facebook page 'When your date asks for a cheeseboard,' the caption read. The Facebook post published on June 11 quickly received attention from more than 4,000 people who left a comment and tagged their partners or friends. Some also shared images making their own evening snacks and enjoying a pizza while drinking Carlton Dry beer. Some also shared images making their own evening snacks (pictured left) or enjoying a pizza while drinking Carlton Dry beer (pictured right) 'A lot of thought went into that - excellent,' one person said. 'Looking forward to dates like this,' one woman added. 'Grated cheese, now that's fancy,' another man said, a fourth added: 'The ultimate snack.' The board was also shared in popular Australian Facebook group Subtle Bogan Traits where it received hundreds of enthusiastic reactions from members. 'Who needs an $80 charcuterie board,' one woman wrote. 'Simple yet effective. This is what dreams are made of,' a man added. Gov. Ron DeSantis defended his decision to appeal a federal judges ruling over Floridas felon voting law, saying that felons should be required to pay back all restitution to victims before voting, even if they cant afford to do so. If somebody gets robbed, they have a right to have restitution paid to them, he said during a Friday news conference in Miami. We hardly ever talk about victims any more in this country. There are people that are victimized by violent crimes in particular who I think we need to be standing up for. Amendment 4, passed by voters in 2018, allowed more than 1 million felons, except for those convicted of murder and sex crimes, to vote as long as they completed all terms of sentence. The Florida Supreme Court last year said that all terms included all court fees, fines and restitution to victims. DeSantis said he agreed with that interpretation. If you were robbed and someones convicted of taking $3,000 out of their house, and they were ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution, and they didnt do it, did they complete the sentence? he said. But Amendment 4 did not say that felons dont have to pay back restitution to victims. Felons are still legally required to pay restitution. Other states allow felons to vote as they are paying down what they owe. What a federal judge ruled last month is that Florida felons dont have to pay what they owe back before voting if they cant afford it. One woman, for example, owes $59 million in restitution, an amount so large that she would never be allowed to vote. U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle ruled that its unconstitutional to require felons to pay back restitution to victims or court fines, such as a $50,000 fine for drug trafficking, before voting. He also wrote that requiring felons to pay mandatory court fees amounted to an unconstitutional poll tax. Felons often have to pay hundreds of dollars in court fees when theyre sentenced. The fees mostly subsidize the criminal justice system. Story continues DeSantis defended one of those fees the $50 victims compensation fund fee without addressing all the other fees that make up the vast majority of what a felon can owe. Gov. Ron DeSantis defended his decision to appeal a federal judges ruling over Floridas felon voting law, saying that felons should be required to pay back all restitution to victims before voting, even if they cant afford to do so. Some of these fees or the costs, costs, those go into victim compensation funds, he said. Thats the whole reason that they have that there, something thats very important. Hinkles ruling required elections officials to allow people to vote if they claimed they couldnt afford to pay off their court fines or restitution. Court fees, he ruled, did not have to be paid back. DeSantis this week asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit to put Hinkles ruling on hold, arguing the decision could corrupt the integrity of the states elections. While the Florida Supreme court defined all terms of sentence, the justices notably did not weigh in on when those terms of sentence expired. DeSantis did not ask the justices to answer that question. Hinkle did define when those terms expired, at least in part. He ruled that if a felons financial obligations were converted to civil liens something that nearly always happens those people can be allowed to vote. OnePlus Closed Beta signups are now open for the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro, reports indicate. For clarity, the Closed Beta is OnePlus testbed for new features and updates. Those are later pushed to the Open Beta before landing on the stable Final Release channel. The Open Beta serves as an intermediary and has already been open for end-users. Now, users can signup and apply to take part in the much more future-forward, and exclusive, channel of updates for OxygenOS. Advertisement Whats required for the OnePlus Closed Beta program? As hinted by the description above and described by OnePlus itself, the Closed Beta is the closest group to OnePlus staff. That means that users are gaining access to features for testing that wont be available to the wider OnePlus community for quite some time. And that also means that signing up is only meant to be for those users who can exercise discretion. In fact, OnePlus requires that applicants sign a non-discloser agreement to take part. Breaking that, of course, comes with real-world consequences. Beyond the NDA, OnePlus also doesnt allow carrier-released OnePlus devices into the Closed Beta. Only users who purchased an unlocked OnePlus 8 or OnePlus 8 Pro will be able to take part. Those who bought through T-Mobile or Verizon are excluded from the running outright. Advertisement Thats because the software version rolled out to carrier devices, even from OnePlus, are too different from unlocked versions under-the-hood. So releasing the unlocked firmware to locked-down devices can result in unforeseen problems for end-users. Finally, users need to be willing to be active responders. OnePlus expects those who take part in the Closed Beta to provide constant feedback about the experience. That helps push progress on the OS faster and further. And it also helps OnePlus spot bigger issues before they land on more stable variants of the OS. The Closed Beta is, summarily, not intended for users who just want to check out the new features ahead of schedule. With that said, OnePlus has decided to allow even more users in on the program than it previously has. So up to 250 OnePlus 8-series users will be able to jump on board via the sign-up form. Advertisement There wont be quite so many betas this year from OnePlus Now that OnePlus has opened up its closed beta signups, its important to note that the company will be doing things a bit differently this time and going forward. It is, in fact, halving the number of releases that will be pushed out. The effect of that will be approximately one Open and two Closed OxygenOS Beta builds per month. OnePlus reasons for doing that have been made clear. Predominantly, the company is looking to prevent problems from unstable builds. By giving the development team more time in-between rollouts, itll be easier for team members to respond to and address any bugs that do crop up. While the firmware will still be unstable, it wont be quite as unstable as before. That should make things more reliable for anybody confident enough to install the beta on their primary device. Rescue Organisation Ireland (ROI) are behind a charity walk taking place later this month which aims to raise funds for Alone and Pieta House. ROI was formed in 2008 as an Emergency Services based national charity focused on providing an additional training outlet and platform for Road Traffic Collision and Trauma based incidents for Irish emergency service personnel, both voluntary and professional. The ROI Irish National Road Traffic Collision and Trauma Challenge was due to take place at Newbridge Fire Station on April 18, but has now been postponed until 2021, along with a number of our other events for the remainder of the year. ROI have developed a relay walk titled 'Frontline to Finishline' where emergency service volunteers, including ones from Wicklow County Fire and Rescue Service, will walk in pairs, in single file, wearing their uniform or turn-out kit while holding a social distancing 2m sign. Michael Gahan, Director of Operations, ROI and Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Wicklow Fire Services said: 'The COVID restrictions has meant that ROI needs to be very mindful of how we interact with the public during the 'Frontline to Finishline' event. We would like to promote the social distancing message and that is why all our participants will be walking with the two metre distance board between them for the full duration of the event.' The event takes place over six days from June 22 to June 27, starting from Dublin and ending in Bray. All volunteers involved in the walk will be local and will pass the two metre baton along the route. No bucket collections or exchange of cash will take place to avoid any cross contamination and counting of monies by our volunteers. Anthony Byrne, Vice Chair of ROI said: 'As an Irish registered charity, Rescue Organisation Ireland realises the impact Covid-19 is having on many other charities and has decided to partner with its network of voluntary and emergency service personnel to help raise much needed funds and awareness for Pieta and ALONE, both of which are doing lifesaving work and require support for the people they help through this challenging time.' An iDonate Page has been setup and will be used as well as text donations to the individual charity as the public decide. Visit www.idonate.ie/ROIFrontlineToFinishline. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have condemned the arrest of Ikenga Ugochinyere, the spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) by the police and demanded his immediate release. Mr Ugochinyere, a vocal critic of the Buhari administration, was arrested on Thursday. Although the police are yet to publicly state the reason for his arrest, there are insinuations that Mr Ugochinyeres detention is related to a controversial claim he made about the infectious diseases bill. Mr Ugochinyere alleged without evidence that members of the House of Representatives were induced by the Bill Gates Foundation with a $10 million bribe to pass the controversial infectious diseases bill, a claim the foundation has denied. The bill is also yet to to be passed by the lawmakers. Having approached the court on May 7, Mr Ugochinyere alongside Action Peoples Party (APP) asked the court to bar the House from proceeding with its plan to hold a hearing on the allegation of inducement. In May, a Federal High Court in Abuja, in a suit labelled, FHC/ABJ/CS/475/2020, barred the house committee from continuing with the hearing of the case against Mr Ugochinyere. Also, while addressing journalists on Friday, a chieftain of CUPP, Kenneth Udeze, alleged that Mr Ugochinyeres arrest was instigated by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, over a matter that is in court and for which the court had directly and in clear terms restrained the police from arresting or detaining him in any manner. Demand for release Joining his voice with others clamouring for Mr Ugochinyeres freedom, Mr Abubakar said acts of tyranny and dictatorship are inimical to a democratic order. We are a nation governed by the rule of law and not of the jungle. Tyranny and dictatorship are inimical to a democratic order. I hereby call for the immediate release of the spokesman of CUPP, Barr. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the former VP wrote on Twitter. Also, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbodiyan, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Ugochinyere. The party decried the arrest of the CUPP spokesman in defiance of a subsisting court order barring such, as an affront to the judiciary. In demanding his release, our party is deeply worried by reports that the CUPP spokesperson is being detained under very dehumanizing condition where he is also allegedly being tortured. The PDP insisted that, without prejudice to the issues between the leadership of the House of Representatives and the CUPP, resorting to using the police to arrest and detain the CUPP spokesperson is completely unacceptable, unlawful and cannot be justified. Our party charges the Presiding Officers of the APC-led House of Representatives to note that Nigeria is a democratic state, governed by law which creates no space for the whims and caprices of dictatorial, oppressive and vindictive individuals, who has no regard for rules. The PDP therefore called on the Inspector General of Police to wade into the matter. Meanwhile, as of the time of filing this report, the spokesperson of the police, Frank Mba, is yet to respond to enquiries sent by PREMIUM TIMES on the arrest. The police are also yet to charge Mr Ugochinyere to court. An elderly New York City man was seen being dragged along a sidewalk during a robbery, and the New York City Police Department is searching for a suspect. (NYPD) 80-Year-Old Man Dragged Along Sidewalk During Robbery: NYPD An elderly New York City man was seen being dragged along a sidewalk during a robbery, and the New York City Police Department is now searching for the suspect. The incident took place on June 7 in the Bronx, according to footage posted by the NYPD. The suspect is seen approaching the 80-year-old man in broad daylight before trying to take his backpack. The elderly man then tries to resist the robbery, and a struggle ensues for the pack. The victim is then seen being dragged along the sidewalk before the suspect takes control of the backpack and leaves the scene. WANTED for a ROBBERY in front of 246 E 199 St. #Bronx on 6/7/20 at 7:40 AM. Pictured individual pushed 80 year old victim to ground and removed backpack. Reward up to $2500 Seen him? Know who he is? Call 1-800-577-TIPS Calls are CONFIDENTIAL! #YourCityYourCall pic.twitter.com/ZIaNJQ3ZiB NYPD 52nd Precinct (@NYPD52Pct) June 19, 2020 Officials said the victim suffered a cut to his right knee, reported Fox5 in New York City. NYPD officials said the robbery occurred at 246 East 199 St, while the footage showed the suspect wearing shorts and a multicolored jacket. The NYPD is urging people to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or message the Crime Stoppers website or on Twitter at @NYPDTips. A $2,500 reward is being offered. The robbery comes days after a man was arrested for assaulting a 92-year-old woman in Manhattan. The suspect involved in pushing the 92-year-old female in Manhattan has been APPREHENDED, the NYPD wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. Officials later identified the suspect as 31-year-old Rashid Brimmage, who reportedly had more than 100 prior arrests. 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... Atik Mohammed has called on President Nana Akufo-Addo to introduce strict measures to curb the Coronavirus pandemic. According to Atik Mohammed, looking at the rapid case count of the disease in the country, it is advisable for the President to escalate the measures to ensure all Ghanaians adhere to the preventive health protocols. Ghana's COVID-19 case count now stands at 12,929 after 339 new cases were added, according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on Thursday. The number of recoveries now stands at 4,468 and death toll, 66. This brings the total number of active cases to 8,395. 4 of the cases are critical and on ventilators and 14 severe. Speaking to host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo', Atik Mohammed was worried about the unperturbed attitude of many Ghanaians towards the pandemic. "I think its about time we re-escalated some of the measures. The President de-escalated some of the measures and removed some of the restrictions but it appears the outcome is becoming more worrisome. For me, we need to re-escalate some of the measures because now people are acting like there's nothing in town. They're walking as if life is normal or they do business as usual but we're not out of the woods yet." 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 A Ruby Princess passenger whose wife died after contracting COVID-19 says he was contacted by NSW Health to make sure the couple were self-isolating two days after she had already passed away. Queenslander Graeme Lake told the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry into the Ruby Princess on Friday that he, his wife Karla and two other couples they travelled with had all contracted the virus. Ms Lake died 10 days after disembarking from the Ruby Princess. Mr Lake did not recall any extra health precautions being taken on board, stating it was normal for ships to encourage people to visit the medical clinic if unwell. A group of 500 prominent persons, including film personalities Anurag Kashyap, Shabana Azmi, Soumitra Chatterjee and Aparna Sen have penned an open letter to the Centre demanding an immediate release on bail of activists like Varavara Rao and Safoora Zargar at a time when "a pandemic is raging across the country". Left leaning poet and writer Varavara Rao is among the 11 rights activists to have been jailed, apart from Sudha Bhardwaj, Shoma Sen, Anand Teltumbde, Gautam Navlakha, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalvez, Surendra Gadling, Mahesh Raut, Sudhir Dhawale and Rona Wilson, the letter said. "In the prisons of Maharashtra where they are being detained, some inmates have died and many others have tested positive for COVID-19," the letter issued by the Indian Cultural Forum platform on June 16, said. The letter also expressed dismay over denial of bail to student activist Safoora Zargar of Jamia Millia University and human rights activist of Assam, Akhil Gogoi. Zargar, a member of Jamia Coordination Committee, was arrested under the anti-terror law --UAPA -- in a case related to communal violence in northeast Delhi during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in February. Read: Delhi Riots: 4-month Pregnant Jamia Student Safoora Zargar Moves HC Seeking Bail in UAPA Case The statement was signed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Nandita Das, Amol Palekar, Onir, Anurag Kashyap apart from around 20 prominent Bengali personalities. The signatories of the letter said, "Gogoi has repeatedly raised his voice against human rights violations by the state," and Safoora Zargar, the pregnant student from Jamia Millia University...."was arrested for protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act." Pointing out these activists are "neither convicted criminals nor planning to flee the country", they said. "We demand that they all be granted bail immediately on humanitarian grounds as their lives are at risk at a time when a pandemic is raging across the country. We have learnt that Mr. Varavara Rao who is 80 years old is already ill and has been removed to a police hospital." Veteran actor Dhritiman Chatterjee told PTI, "Several personalities from West Bengal, including me, have signed the letter. We demand that the liberal space is not encroached and throttled in a democracy. "We are also worried that the COVID-19 situation in prisons will affect the health of the jailed activists. The Centre and the states concerened should not sit idle over the issue." The letter also expressed concern over the health condition of Safoora Zargar and the "unborn baby in her womb". "The focus should not be on the suppression of dissent, but on the containment of the pandemic for all, in prison and out of it," the letter said. Eleven people, including Rao, were arrested in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist link case which was transferred to the National Investigation Agency by the Centre in January. The case relates to alleged inflammatory speeches made at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune in December 31,2017, which the police claimed triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial. The Pune police had claimed that the conclave was backed by Maoists. LOS ANGELESFree Speech Coalition posted a statement on its blog Thursday, applauding the California Labor Commission's ruling Monday in the case against LA Direct Models and owner Derek Hay. FSC's statement follows in full: FSC applauds the decision of the Labor Commission in the case finding for five adult performers in their complaint against Derek Hay. Hay has long operated outside the bounds of the industry, and FSC has spoken out about the violations repeatedly. The behavior detailed is immoral, illegal, and unacceptable. Hay was not a member of Free Speech Coalition, and for years has refused to abide by the industrys testing protocols. The Commission ruled that Hay had illegally taken fees from those he represented, that he ignored their no lists, put them in unsafe working environments, misrepresented the legality of his contract, engaged in inappropriate sexual relationships with his performers, and failed to work in the best interest of those he represented. None of this is acceptable, under either California law or ethical production in the adult industry. Unethical representation thrives when there is little to educate performers about what is right, standard, and acceptable in a contract, or within the adult industry. Many newcomers rely on agents to educate them. This is entirely insufficient. Last year, FSC began the INSPIRE Program, which helps newcomers to the industry understand what is and is not acceptable. INSPIRE also includes a list of licensed agents. (Using a licensed agent means there is at least some government oversight, and the possibility of punishment for violations.) We will be increasing the scope of the program and working to provide more access to a greater number of performers. No performer should have to experience the abuse, assault, coercion, wage theft or fraud detailed by these performers, whether at the hands of an agent, manager or producer. Sex work is real work, and sex workers deserve the same professionalism, respect, honesty, and consent as any other worker. Free Speech Coalition has long called for the decriminalization of consensual sex work, not only on the moral grounds of allowing private consensual behavior, but to allow sex workers to speak openly about abuse, coercion, and theft that flourishes when they are forced to work in the shadows. The number of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in Delhi crossed the 50,000-mark on Friday, with 3,137 new cases over the past 24 hours, as per the city governments daily health bulletin. Fridays surge, the highest in a single day as well, took the citys total to 53,116. The city added 10,000 cases in five days, with total cases reaching 41,182 on June 14, when Delhi recorded 2,224 cases in a single day. Also read: At least five days institutional quarantine for all Covid-19 cases in Delhi Delhi had recorded its first case of the infectious disease on March 2, when a Mayur Vihar resident tested positive for the infection after returning from Italy. Since then, it took 40 days to record the first 1,000 cases and another 37 days for 10,000 cases. It just took 14 days for the city to record the next 10,000 cases. The number of cases had crossed the 20,000 mark on June 1, with 990 new cases taking the total to 20,834. In all, it took the Capital 110 days since the first case to touch the 50,000-mark. With 66 deaths due to Covid-19 over the last 24-hours, the total toll of the viral infection in the city also crossed the 2,000 mark. This takes Delhis case fatality rate to 3.8%. The case fatality rate started inching up when the Delhi government started recording backlog deaths May 12 onwards. When a discrepancy was pointed out in the cumulative data shared by the state government and that shared by individual hospitals, the government set new protocols to ensure every hospital reported their Covid-19 deaths the same day by 5 pm. The case fatality rate on May 12 stood at 1.1%. The case fatality rate shot up to 4.1% on June 16, when the three-member death review committee reconciled their data, adding 437 deaths to the citys cumulative toll. The city hit the 50,000-mark on June 19, four days later than predicted by a five-member panel set up in early June to estimate the need for healthcare infrastructure to match the swelling number of cases. The committee had said there would be 50,000 cases by mid-June, and 100,000 cases by the end of the month. The city will need at least 15,000 beds to treat those who are severely ill by the end of the month. Also read: Restaurant owner in Assam redesigns robots to serve food to Covid-19 patients Currently, the city has 12,208 beds earmarked for the treatment of Covid-19 patients in both government and private hospitals. The government is also working on setting up makeshift hospitals in stadiums and banquet halls to increase bed strength to match the projection of 150,000 beds needed by the end of the next month. Experts say millions more will be infected and thousands will die before the city reaches the peak of the infection. These numbers are the infections that have been detected. There might be many more in the community. Before the infection peaks in Delhi, between four and seven million, or 20-30% of the citys population would have been exposed to the infection. The trend shows, this will happen quickly, probably over the next two weeks. The infections will peak in Delhi and Mumbai first, after which they will pick up in the rural areas, said Dr T Jacob John, professor emeritus and former head of the department of virology at Christian Medical College, Vellore. Even if the mortality rate stands at 1%, Dr John says the number of deaths in Delhi will be between 40,000 to 60,000. The mortality rate will go up slightly as Delhi nears the peak, because of hospitals being over-burdened, he said. The experts suggest testing and isolation as the only way forward. The only way out is to test aggressively, conduct contact tracing and then seal areas which are reporting a high number of cases. Also, we need real-time data from hospitals on how many positive and suspected patients are ending up in hospitals, ICUs and ventilators. If the number is going up then Delhi should consider locking down vulnerable areas. I know the economic costs but there is little option, said Amit Singh, associate professor, Centre for Infectious Disease Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. The government is working on ramping up Delhis testing, which almost doubled with more than 7,000 people being tested using the new rapid antigen test on Thursday. 100% compliance to wearing mask also has to be implemented. We have to communicate with people and ensure that they wear masks during all social interactions to cut further transmission, said Dr John. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Amid nationwide protests against police abuses against black people, some civil liberties advocates are calling for Amazon to stop its partnerships with law enforcement agencies through its Ring home surveillance cameras. These camera registries will only serve to exacerbate existing forms of discrimination that are rampant within policing and the criminal justice system, said Evan Greer, deputy director of Fight for the Future, a civil rights advocacy nonprofit focused on technology. They speed up and automate police procedures in ways that mean communities that are already overpoliced will be subject to even more law enforcement repression. Amazon last week placed a one-year moratorium on police use of its facial recognition technology, a move widely viewed as a response to the protests, though Amazon stopped short of saying so. Ring did not respond to a Stateline request for comment about whether its reevaluating its work with police, which includes asking residents to provide video when there's been a crime Beyond Ring, many law enforcement agencies have been adopting a less sophisticated system of camera registries based on information volunteered by residents. The registries, which can be a simple list of addresses, camera placement and contact information, have the potential to expand police surveillance networks. A crime happens on your street, and police know you have a home surveillance or doorbell camera, so they give you a call and ask you to share the footage. For police, its a valuable tool to expedite investigations. Although the registries are voluntary for people sharing information about their camera, anyone who passes in front of a camera could be captured by its watching eyes. That worries Matthew Guariglia, a policy analyst at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an international digital privacy rights nonprofit. When you are constantly looking through the lens of suspicion, through the front door you make snap decisions about who belongs in your community and who does not, said Guariglia, who studies race and policing. You see someone you dont recognize, and you think theyre up to no good, he said. This absolutely has to do with the race of the individual. More cameras, more registries The idea of cameras in police investigations isnt new. Grainy black-and-white footage has been used for surveillance for years. But newer products that cost as little as $100 and connect with a cellphone make the market much more accessible. And the more people have the cameras, the more appealing their potential becomes for police and government officials. More localities are joining the registry trend. At least 75 police departments and municipalities in 21 states announced programs since 2018, according to a Stateline review. I do think for law enforcement its easy to understand the appeal, said Lior Strahilevitz, a professor at the University of Chicagos Law School. There are a lot of instances where if only there had been a bystander on that corner at that time, the crime could have been solved. The registries come in a variety of forms some a simple spreadsheet, others a more sophisticated account with vendors such as a Motorola-run program called CityProtect. (A Motorola spokeswoman declined to give a specific number but said hundreds of police agencies use its CityProtect service for registering cameras and/or reporting crime.) The registries can include any kind of camera from Ring to Nest to lesser known brands. About a year ago, the police department in Vancouver, Washington, started a registry. More than 120 cameras have been registered, said Kim Kapp, the departments public information coordinator. The registry is kept on a spreadsheet on its server with information residents shared with police: name, address, phone number and camera description. Community cameras are a very important part of our world today that law enforcement can use to hopefully help solve crimes, Kapp said. What the department hasnt done yet is set up an account through Amazons Neighbors app a companion to its Ring line of home security cameras and doorbells. Anyone can join the app and see a social media-like news feed of updates from users within a 5-mile radius of their home. Law enforcement agencies can make accounts, read posts and add their own. Police cant see which users have cameras, but they can send a request to Ring for footage from an area and time, which Ring shares with camera owners who fit that description. Users can opt out of these requests. The use of Ring has grown rapidly. In November, about 400 agencies were using the app. In March, close to 1,000 agencies were. By mid-June, that number had increased to more than 1,300 agencies in all but three states. Evolving accuracy Matthew Kugler, an associate law professor at Northwestern University, said that used properly, camera registries and even facial recognition can be a useful tool. We should allow it to be used in a set of cases and be careful to use it in other cases, he said, adding that he is more open to cameras than some colleagues in privacy law. We really do want to be able to identify bad actors and track them easily and punish and rehabilitate them. But its important to note that the usefulness and accuracy of the technology is still evolving. In the current environment, a lot of people are pausing to catch their breath, Kugler said, and thats probably a good thing. In some places, elected officials have been careful in setting up the registries. The San Jose City Council in California implemented a camera registry about a year ago. The Silicon Valley city of a million is broken into 10 districts. In the 9th District, Councilmember Pam Foley wanted to take it a step further and offer residents rebates to buy cameras and share the information with police. Foleys program gives up to $100 a person for a camera installed at a home or business. So far more than 30 rebates have been given from the programs roughly $9,000 budget, Foley said. Officials followed the model of Washington, D.C., which started a rebate program in 2016 and has funded over 18,800 cameras. Privacy absolutely is a concern for me and for us, she said, adding that to get the rebate applicants must agree not to use the cameras for any unlawful or harassing purposes, such as recording neighbors. Their main concern is, does the police department have access to their camera, and can they see whats going on at their house, she said. The police department does not have access; they only know that it exists. For Foley, it was important to have the City Council set standards for the police department. Its important that we keep control over the information that they are gathering and protecting the privacy of law-abiding citizens, she said. The Baltimore City Council passed an ordinance in early March to start a similar program. Under the program, residents who agree to register their cameras with the citys CitiWatch Community Partnership program for at least two years can get an up to a $150 rebate or voucher. The money would be distributed first to applicants in high-crime areas and lower-income residents. Its a proven deterrent. It leads police in the prosecution and arrest of violent crime, said Democratic Councilman Eric Costello, who sponsored the bill. As for privacy concerns, Costello said: Its a voluntary program. So if they are concerned about their privacy they dont have to participate. With tech, its sensitive In many places, police departments join Ring or start their own registries and announce it on a website or social media page. Asking people to share information with police isn't something that requires legislative approval, experts say. Just a strictly voluntary registry with nothing going on I dont think its a big deal, said Jay Stanley, a senior policy analyst with the American Civil Liberties Union. If people choose to notify the police just in case they find it helpful, that is fine. But hes skeptical of government entities pushing people to participate, which he thinks an incentive program does. I think people buy these cameras because they are looking for empowerment, Stanley said. I would ask, are you sure youre empowering yourself and not a hacker or Amazon or government agencies who want to see the video? The ACLU since 2016 has promoted a policy, Community Control Over Police Surveillance, that works to ensure city councils will allow residents to have a say if and how surveillance technologies are used. Its been enacted in close to a dozen cities and the state of Massachusetts. Tech issues are very sensitive, Stanley said. It makes sense to talk to communities that they serve and seek them out. Sharon Bradford Franklin, policy director for New Americas Open Technology Institute, agrees. She has been watching the use of camera registries grow over the past few years. It is highly concerning that police departments are using systems that provide them with regular and routine access with what are supposed to be private cameras, she said. Police should apply the same standards to private cameras that are put in place for government-owned cameras, she said, such as limits on how long footage can be stored and requiring a warrant to track an individual. We need to ensure that robust safeguards are in place for any system that provides police access to camera footage. This article was first posted on Stateline, an initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts. It's World Refugee Day on Saturday, but no one will be celebrating at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. A more immediate concern for the nearly 200,000 people living there is COVID-19. The camp has very limited hygiene facilities and it's impossible for people to socially distance themselves, so the disease is seen as a serious threat. Many of the residents fled wars from South Sudan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Aisha Regina, a Congolese refugee, has lived in the camp for ten years along with her three children. She fled her homeland after her husband was killed. Regina fears everyone in the camp will die if the virus reaches Kakuma. "This corona disease, truth be told, if it gets into Kakuma refugee camp then all of us will perish," she said. "We cannot do social distancing here at all. If the disease comes to Kakuma, we will all die." So far, the camp has not had any COVID-19 infections, but overall Kenya has reported nearly 4,000 cases of the disease. The health ministry is expecting the pandemic to begin to spread rapidly across the country. Even though Regina has lived in the camp for ten years, she hopes in 2021 she won't have to call it home ever again. But she - and the other residents - are likely to have to remain there for the foreseeable future. A member of the Philadelphia bomb squad surveys the scene after an ATM machine was blown-up at 2207 N. 2nd Street in Philadelphia, Penn., on June 2, 2020. (David Maialetti/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) Man Blew Up ATM During Philadelphia Protests: Charging Documents A Philadelphia man blew up an ATM during Black Lives Matter protests in Philadelphia, according to charging documents. David Elmakayes is accused of exploding an ATM outside a business on East Westmoreland Street just before midnight on June 3. Blowing up an ATM and illegal firearms possession are not acts of protest against perceived injustice. They are federal felonies and will be treated as such, U.S. Attorney William McSwain said in a statement. As alleged, Elmakayes tried to take advantage of the unrest in Philadelphia to get away with a violent crime. Now he will face the consequences. A driver passing by the scene reported the explosion to two security guards stationed about a block away and the guards soon observed a man fitting the description of the suspect walking south. Elmakayes engaged the guards in conversation and agreed to let them search his backpack, acknowledging he had a firearm inside. The guards found an illegal explosive device, a gun, two more explosive devices, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. He was also carrying a lighter that was warm but didnt have any cigarettes in his possession. Surveillance footage collected later showed a man that one of the guards said was Elmakayes. A criminal background check showed he was convicted three times of felony drug crimes and was on probation. Because of that, it was illegal to possess a firearm. David Elmakayes in an undated mugshot. (Philadelphia Police Department) The 24-year-old man was charged with malicious damage of property with an explosive device and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm. According to a criminal complaint, the explosive devices were all M-Type devices, which are known on the street as quarter or half sticks of dynamite. They were constructed of red cardboard tubing, sealed at both ends, with a fuse protruding from the middle. A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives technician opened one of the devices and found 48 grams of a fine grey powder that reacted in an energetic manner in a flame test. The FBIs special agent in charge for the Philadelphia office, John Schmidt, called the ATM explosion disconcerting. When individuals choose to recklessly put innocent lives in danger, we commit our resources and unique capabilities in working with our law enforcement partners to bring those responsible to justice, he said in a statement. Elmakayes faces up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $500,000. The Prospect Series arrives at Dresden Raceway on Sunday, June 21 with two $7,100 divisions for Ontario Sired three-year-old pacing colts. Among the hopefuls is Last Three, who heads into the first division off an effortless June 13 victory at Hiawatha Horse Park for trainer Dan Kenney and driver Marc St. Louis. The 1:58.2 clocking was the first start back for the gelding, who was on an impressive run when racing shut down in March. On March 9, Last Three posted a sharp 1:57 victory at The Raceway at Western Fair District and on March 19 he sprinted home in :26.4 to be fifth at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Hes just been getting better as hes come along. He raced really big at London right at the end of the meet and then I took him up to Toronto and we raced him off the back end and he came a big back half, a big last quarter, and the driver felt that hes a Toronto horse, said Kenney. Last week I raced him at Sarnia, it was his first start back in three months, and he just raced him easy, went to the front and kind of backed the half off and then just let him pace a little the back half, and he won it quite handily. And so hopefully this week, I hope hes a lot better. Hell be a little tighter and he gets around a half really well, added the LaSalle resident. Hes a big horse and he can pace the turns better than the straightaways. Kenney conditions Last Three for Windsor resident Mark Peel, who purchased the son of Mach Three in February. In five starts for his new connections Last Three has only missed one cheque, logging two wins, one fourth, one fifth and one seventh. I think the big fella is going to be a nice horse this year. Im not a driver, and theyre different when theyre in a horse race, but from the drivers, what they say, they all like him, said Kenney. I know the night he win in 1:57 at London, Marc St. Louis said he could have went more. St. Louis will steer Last Three from Post 3 in the first Prospect Series division Sunday, slated as Race 4 on the 1:00 p.m. program. The other Prospect Series division goes postward as Race 9. Horses competing in the Prospect Series this summer will accumulate points toward the Sept. 25 final, but Kenney is hoping that Last Three can make the leap to the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots Series for the second leg. I am thinking of that and the owner is thinking that way too, said Kenney. Hes starting the year off good. Although fans cannot be trackside to watch Last Three and his peers compete on Sunday, they can catch the live stream on Dresden Raceways website, which also offers a downloadable program. To view the entries for Sunday's program, Sundays 1:00 p.m. click the following link: Sunday Entries - Dresden Raceway. (OSS) By Raymond Lesniak and Sandra B. Cunningham The series of videos of brutal killings of Black Americans have inspired protests not seen since the Vietnam War. There will be much-needed reforms of police departments as a result, but that will not be enough to address the systemic inequities that exist in society. Going beyond police brutality is necessary to combat racial injustices in America. It starts with the recognition that racial injustice did not end with the abolition of slavery or the Civil Rights Act and that government action is necessary to right the wrongs that started with the Constitution of the United States declaring that three out of every five slaves were to be counted as people. Black Americans have been put behind the eight ball from the beginning. The time is now to recognize these injustices and do something about it. The legislature recently passed the most significant criminal justice reform in America, Earn Your Way Out, which will give inmates an opportunity to become better persons when they leave prison than when they entered by giving them credits off their sentence for participating in a reentry plan for education, job training, counseling and community service. Its critical that the Murphy Administration take this legislation seriously and aggressively implement it. Earn Your Way Out will save lives, better protect public safety and save millions of tax dollars. An equally important reform, if not more so, is to provide services for families and children in low-income school districts beginning not at pre-K, but at prenatal and continuing to pre-K. Medical studies have determined that these are the most significant years in a childs ability to learn, yet the government does not provide the wrap-around health and counseling care to families in low-income school districts necessary to advance the learning opportunities of these children as well as provide the maternal and infant care necessary to reduce the number of minority maternal and infant mortalities. These reforms, in criminal justice, education and health care will, in time, help alleviate critical aspects of inequalities in our society. While everyone is focusing on the imperative need to reform police departments, that alone will not remedy the inequities built up over 400 years. Neither will these other reforms. What is needed is a continuous discussion about racial injustice. The Lesniak Institute for American Leadership and the Human Rights Institute at Kean University are hosting a series of discussions among elected officials, community leaders, and residents to establish and promote a social justice platform for New Jersey. The first discussion will be a Zoom virtual conference on July 8. The protests we are seeing are not going away, nor should they, until we realize we are one America and act that way. Raymond (Ray) Lesniak served in the State Senate from 1983 to 2018 and in the General Assembly from 1978 to 1983. State Sen. Sandra B. Cunningham represents the 31st Legislative District, which includes Bayonne and most of Jersey City. 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. So, should the jurisdictions that have eliminated the virus relax their absolutist stance, and open their borders to Victoria and NSW (and after that, other countries like South Korea with low but present community transmission)? As of Wednesday, the Northern Territories have opened their borders to all of Australia, raising the question: is it worth the risk? It all depends on what risk they are prepared to take the risk of the virus being re-introduced, community spread restarting, and having to reinstitute controls such as physical distancing. What is that risk? It is difficult to quantify but lets try and walk it through. Imagine you are NZ or Western Australia, looking at the possibility of opening borders with Victoria or NSW. At current likely levels of community transmission in NSW, there might be 10-odd people out there infected with SARS-CoV-2, and not yet symptomatic or never going to be symptomatic. Assume that Western Australia or NZ opens its borders to NSW, and 1000 people travel each week form NSW. The probability that one of these 1000 is unwittingly carrying the virus is 20 * 1000 / 7.5 million (the population of NSW) = 0.1 per cent. Small, but not negligible. Similar math applies to Victoria, albeit a bit higher given community transmission appears to be more common in Victoria say, for arguments sake, a 0.3 per cent chance of one Victorian out of 1000 unwittingly carrying the virus across a border. The risk of air travel can be reduced using facemasks. Credit:AP How do we mitigate this 0.1 per cent to 0.3 per cent risk a week to prevent a border incursion, without a full-blown two-week quarantine on arrival? Many ways. Not allow feverish or unwell people to travel in the first place, require wearing of masks in airports and on the plane (to stop that one person spreading it to others even before landing), require new arrivals to wear masks for two weeks and to have tracking apps turned on, and testing new arrivals at intervals after arrival (requiring them to have a test three days after arrival, for example). Colleagues of mine have modelled just such a policy, finding these measures lower the risk of an outbreak occurring by about 10-fold compared with not using any such measures. It is not quite as good as full-blown quarantine of two weeks isolation on arrival. But pretty good. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 19) Students are not required to buy gadgets or attend online classes as the country shifts to a "blended" form of learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Education reiterated this reminder on Friday after a student took his own life in Barangay Fidel Surtida in Santo Domingo, Albay earlier this week. The mother of the incoming Grade 9 student said her 19-year-old son became distressed upon knowing he was already enrolled for the incoming school year, but worried about the expenses for the shift to online learning. DepEd condoled with the family. It said that online learning is only one of the options as schools are not allowed to conduct face-to-face classes. It added the mode of learning will depend on the resources available to the students. "We are not blind to the reality that not every learner has the same resources. We are continuously setting up policies, plans, and processes that are inclusive and responsive to the realities to ensure no learner will be left behind during this crisis and beyond," it said in a statement. It added, "Preparations are underway to implement home-based learning through any or a blending of TV, radio, online, and printed modules. These modes will be offered accordingly depending on the capacity of our learners households." Classes are slated to begin on August 24 and expected to end in April 2021. Aside from a mix of online and printed modules, DepEd also plans to use government radio and TV station to deliver distance learning to rural areas. Face-to-face classes are postponed until a vaccine for COVID-19 becomes available following President Rodrigo Duterte's order. But his spokesperson, Harry Roque, said they will re-suggest reopening physical classes in areas with no coronavirus cases. Reliance Jio Is Now Net Debt-Free; How Did It Manage Eight Months Ahead Of Target? Features oi-Priyanka Dua Indian telecom industry seems to be going through its worst nightmare as a majority of operators are being crippled due to huge debts. While most of them are still finding ways to rise above the situation, Reliance has managed to emerge as a debt-free operator. But the bigger question is how they managed to pull off the unimaginable? After raising more than Rs. 168,818 crores, Reliance Industries has now announced that it has become a debt-free firm. The statement comes after Jio sold 2.32 percent stake to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Reliance had a debt of Rs. 161,035 crores, as of March 31st, 2020. However, the firm raised Rs. 115,693.95 crores and Rs. 53,124.20 crores by selling stakes to 10 global investors and RIL's rights issue. It is worth mentioning that Reliance Jio sold its 24.70 percent stake to 10 investors, such as Facebook, Silver Lake, Vista Equity Partners, General Atlantic, KKR, Mubadala, ADIA, TPG, L Catterton, and now PIF. The company has sold the stake in only 58 days. Which Companies Saved The Day For Reliance Jio Facebook was the first to come at Reliance's rescue, where it's buying 9.99 percent in Reliance Jio platforms. The social media giant is investing around Rs. 43,574 crore.Next was Silver Lake that shared its plans to invest Rs. 10, 202 crore in Jio. The firm is buying a 2.08 percent stake, while Vista Equity Partner will grab hold of a 2.32 percent stake with an investment of Rs. 11, 367 crore. General Atlantic has committed to buy a 1.34 percent stake for Rs. 6,598.38 crore. Then, KKR announced that it will purchase a 2.32 percent stake for Rs. 11, 367 crore. Besides, the Abu Dhabi-based Sovereign Wealth Fund Mubadala Investment will bring in Rs. 9,093.60 crores to buy only 1.85 percent stake. ADIA has also shared its plans to invest Rs. 5,683.5 crores to buy a 1.87 percent stake. Similarly, TPG and L Catterton have also announced to inject Rs. 6,441 crores in Jio platforms. Lastly, PIF is buying a 2.32 percent stake in Jio platforms. The company has sold its stake to 10 investors in just 58 days, which puts it way ahead of other operators. In fact, following these investments, Reliance Jio has now become debt-free, while both Airtel and Vodafone-Idea are facing a lot of issues to clear their AGR dues. This means that Reliance Jio will keep investing in new technologies, while others will have to figure out solutions to pay their debts. Apart from that, the Reliance Jio will keep bringing attractive offers to get Airtel and Vodafone- Idea subscribers on its platforms, In fact, the operator can handle pressure on its revenues to get the more subscribers. This also means that sooner or later Reliance Jio might become the only operator that will have more than 500 million customers on its platform. On the other hand, both operators have to find global investors who are ready or willing to invest in their firms. Similarly, they have to increase the prices of their tariff plans to increase their APRU. In addition, they have to offer the best network coverage in the country to compete with Reliance Jio. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19 By Tamilla Mammadova - Trend: In the first quarter of 2020, chemical and pharmaceutical products worth $1.38 million were imported from Azerbaijan to Georgia, which is two times more compared to the same period last year, Trend reports referring to National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat). As reported, the main part of the products was imported to Georgia via road transport. From January through April 2020, the foreign trade turnover between Georgia and Azerbaijan amounted to more than $367 million, which makes up 10.6 percent of the total trade turnover of Georgia. During the reporting period, Georgia exported products worth $221.8 million to Azerbaijan, which comprises 9 percent of total exports from Georgia. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan exported products worth $145.1 million to the Georgian market, which is 14.5 percent of total imports to Georgia. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356 Every month the aviation regulator DGCA releases monthly statistics. Data on passenger traffic, punctuality for May was published on June 16. It was anything but humdrum because of the pause Indian aviation had taken from March 25 to May 24 as the nation headed into a lockdown that saw a complete grounding of 650+ commercial aircraft. This time, the data was more interesting thanks to an added element but more on that later. When it allowed resumption of flights, the government laid down two conditions. The first was related to restriction on faresboth lower and upperand the second was limiting the flights that could be operated. The country re-started with 33 percent of the schedule, with airports like Kolkata holding on to the re-start date and Mumbai allowing only 25 departures and arrivals each. The government and the regulator came up with seven segments called "Class of Sectors" and each had a minimum fare and a maximum fare. The minimum fare across the country was Rs 2,000 while the maximum was Rs 18,600. These were to be the base fares with the GST, UDF, PSF, etc being excluded and applicable only for the economy class. The classification of sectors was based on flying time, with 46 sectors in Class A, 83 in Class B, 87 in Class C, 70 in Class D, 60 in Class E, 32 in Class F and six in Class G. Revealing data For the last couple of years, DGCA has been releasing data that has included revenues earned and seats sold in the highest fare bucket. The fare bucket is referred to as Revenue Booking Designator (RBD). Airline revenue management systems run on complex algorithms but they essentially function the same way. There are multiple RBDs for a flight. Each RBD has a fare associated with it and the airline revenue manager assigns a few seats to each RBD. When those seats are sold, the system automatically starts selling seats from the next available RBD (the higher class or the one with higher fare). If flights are not selling well, the revenue manager allocates more seats to the lower RBD thus, cheaper fares are open for sale. The rule also mandated that at least 40 percent of the tickets on a particular flight be sold for a fare less than the mid-fare between the minimum and maximum fares. The DGCA data gives details for four airlinesIndiGo, Spicejet, Vistara and AirAsia Indiaand is based on what is submitted by the carriers. While GoAir did not start operations until the beginning of June, Air India data was not available in the report. Vistara, the TATA-SIA Joint venture, has seen the highest demand going by the data. The airline sold 19.6 percent of seats between Mumbai and Kolkata in the highest bucket, earning 20.37 percent of the revenue. Vistara also sold more than 1 percent of seats in higher buckets on six sectors while Spicejet had four sectors with the same parameters. IndiGo and AirAsia India had three sectors each, where they sold over 1 percent of seats in the higher bucket. In terms of revenue, Vistaras 20.37 percent revenue on the Mumbai-Kolkata route came in from the highest fare bracket followed by 16.63 percent on the Delhi-Guwahati route by Air Asia India. Interestingly, there is not a single route where every airline has flown with fares in the highest bracket, as one would have assumed. However, Delhi-Srinagar saw the highest such demand where IndiGo, Spicejet and Vistara operated 1.51 percent, 2.52 percent and 4.1 percent of seats sold in the highest fare bracket, respectively. That puts the share of the revenue from these buckets at 3.94 percent, 4.08 percent and 6.35 percent, respectively. There were a couple of sectors where there was only a single operator to sell seats in the highest fare bracket. On the Mumbai- Hyderabad route, IndiGo sold 3.25 percent of seats in the highest fare bracket and earned 8.42 percent of the revenue. The airline was the sole carrier to sell seats in the highest fare bracket in the Kolkata-Chennai sector, with 1.8 percent seats in this bracket, helping it earn 4.38 percent of the revenue. SpiceJet did so between Delhi and Patna, with 1.04 percent seats sold in the highest fare bracket, earning 3.23 percent of the revenue. AirAsia India did the same between Bengaluru and Kolkata, with 6.42 percent seats sold in the highest fare bracket, earning 10.14 percent of the revenue on this route from seats sold in the highest fare bracket. Why these routes? A look at the routes shows that of the nine routes, six were either originating or terminating at an airport that had additional restrictions in place. That further restricted capacity. There was a demand from passengers who were stranded at various locations. These were also the locations that have seen higher than average cases of COVID-19 in India, making people go away at the first available opportunity. With load factors less than 60 percent as reported for May, anecdotal evidence suggests that there have been flights that have gone full one way and nearly empty the other way. Going by the rules, an airline may not have necessarily filled up all the seats but merely sold seats in the highest bucket after the mandatory 40 percent quota is done. What next? June has seen further opening up of air services, with additional flights being allowed in Mumbai in the second half of the month. However, restrictions remain. As of today, not a single flight has operated between Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, but a passenger can fly with an intermediate stop. As more and more flights take off, there will be less opportunity to sell flights in the highest bucket. But airlines could look to sell seats beyond the 40 percent mandate at higher fares or highest fares on routes that are monopoly or duopoly. Ameya Joshi runs the aviation analysis website Network Thoughts. Thailand rethinks its tourism strategy THAILAND: The government has announced it is changing its strategy in efforts to revive the tourism industry by targeting high net worth individuals and big spenders intent on privacy and social distancing. ChineseCoronavirusCOVID-19tourismSafetyhealth By The Phuket News Friday 19 June 2020, 01:07PM This is an opportunity to reset the entire tourism system, said Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Photo: Bangkok Post file The global COVID-19 pandemic has decimated the tourism sector on which Thailand is so dependent and has provided an opportunity for authorities to reset their approach and reevaluate their strategy, according to Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Minister Phiphat told Bloomberg News the sector had become overly reliant on Chinese groups and backpackers and would instead be targeting more affluent individuals who crave holidays with minimal risks. Minister Phiphat confirmed the government is working in collaboration with the travel industry to profile and target individuals from a specific demographic such as previous visitors to high-end luxury resorts in places such as Phuket, Phangan, Phi Phi and Samui. Phuket in particular is a prototype due to the island possessing all the relevant facilities required. The northern hemisphere winter months of November-February are the ideal time to attract vistors, Minister Phiphat said, particularly from Europe, Scandinavia and the US. One person can easily spend as much as five by staying at the finest hotels, he said. The target is 10 million foreign arrivals this year, which is a quarter of last years total. Revenue from tourism is estimated to be B1.23 trillion, a 59% decrease on 2019. Minister Phiphat added that the pandemic has provided an opportunity to remedy issues and problems that were prevalent prior to the shutdown such as environmental destruction and mass tourim creating over-crowding at beaches, temples and major tourist spots. If we dont use this chance to create the most benefit for the industry, Thailand will lose out, he said. This is an opportunity to reset the entire tourism system. Kerala: How fish markets opened on Facebook and WhatsApp during the lockdown in Keralas capital June 19,2020 | Source: The Hindu Dawn is still many hours away when Jobin Ouseph leaves, at 3 am from his home at Valiyathura, a picturesque coastal village in Thiruvananthapuram district, for the hustle and bustle of the fish auctioneering market at Vizhinjam. There, country boats have landed with the early morning catch. After frenetic bidding, he takes home seer (neymeen) and sailfish (thala). By 7.30 am, the tech-savvy entrepreneur updates his customers about the days catch on Pachameen, a WhatsApp group with 250 customers. By 10.30 am, he and his cousin are ready to deliver the fish, cleaned and cut. It has been hardly two months since Jobin, son of a fisherman, started Pachameen. The 23-year-old is among several others from the coastal areas in the district who started home delivery of fish when the markets were closed during the lockdown caused by the pandemic. An essential staple for many residents in Keralas capital city, fish was hard to come by in the initial days of the lockdown. But soon social media was flooded with vendors, who needed just a Facebook page and a WhatsApp number to start home delivery of fresh fish. It has been my dream to start my own business venture. Having worked with a food delivery service for a year, I knew how to go about it. The lockdown was an opportunity to test the waters and it clicked, says Jobin, a student of MBA. Siblings Mohammed Rafi and Mohammed Althaf from Vizhinjam too decided to swim with the tide during the lockdown. With nothing much to do during that period, we decided to sell fish online. Initially, our customers were friends and relatives. But when we realised the business potential of what we had begun, we started posting details on a Facebook page. Although we are only a few weeks old in the business and havent finalised even a name for it, we have got enough customers to keep it afloat. There has been a surge in the demand for fresh fish after stale fish was confiscated in large quantities. And we cashed in on that opportunity, adds Althaf. In the case of Manoj Henal Silva, founder of Fish Story, it was the disparity in prices that forced him to start the venture. My family has been in the fisheries sector for several decades and we have been supplying fish to governmentas well as private enterprises, who also do home delivery. We decided to enter the fray when we realised that, suddenly, there were so many players in the field and they were charging according to their whims and fancies, says Manoj. Besides Vizhinjam, the vendors concentrate on landing centres at Poonthura, Valiyathura and Perumathura. Its not an easy job though. Since we dont know when the boats will bring in the fish, weve arranged for people at different landing centres to inform us when the catch arrives. It could be around midnight or in the wee hours of the morning, says Vivek Vijayan, who runs Innathe Pacha Meen with his brothers Vaishak Vijayan and Vishak Vijayan. He adds that Innathe Pacha Meen has tripled its customer base after the lockdown. We had four WhatsApp groups before the lockdown. Now we have 12. I started this on a trial basis with my brothers a year ago when we were on a break from our jobs in the UAE. Since our father is a fish auctioneer, we had a smooth run and we decided to stay back. The lockdown has pushed sales beyond our expectations, says 24-year-old Vivek. Its friends and family who pitch in to collect, clean pack and deliver the fish. Cleaning charge is usually ?20 and the delivery charges come in the rage of ?20 to 40, depending on the distance to be covered. Some of them supply the fish in neat plastic containers that have to be cleaned and returned. Meanwhile there are people like Appu R Nair who launched home delivery service of fish to tap into the huge demand for fresh seafood. We have been planning to roll out a service for sometime now. With people forced to stay indoors during the lockdown, it was not difficult for us to make inroads into the business, says Appu, director of Fish Tales based in Vizhinjam. Unpredictability factor Regarding the challenges, Vivek points to the unpredictability of the catch. Jobin adds, There have been days when I didnt bid for any fish because of exorbitant rates. With so many vendors coming in, there is competition at the landing centres. It is better to start on a small scale, Jobin says. Moreover, their rates are often compared with those of fish in the market. Most of these markets sell stock that comes from Tamil Nadu whereas we supply fresh catch of the day, Vivek points out. Also, there have been instances when traditional fish-sellers have raised objections against online vendors. These sellers, comprising mainly women, compete among themselves and and naturally they get upset when we end up winning a bid, Jobin says. Some of the newly minted entrepreneurs have plans to expand their network by covering more places in the district. We are getting enquiries from Attingal and suburbs in the district. So we are working on the logistics, Vivek adds. Now that they have proved that they are no fish out of water when it comes to innovative business practices, all eyes are on them to find out how they develop their enterprises. SWAN CREEK TWP, MI Nancy Puffer, owner of Saginaw Countys Swan Creek Tree Farm, is getting active with the campaign seeking to recall Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Puffer, who is a regional representative for the campaign, has long been interested in politics. The 86-year-old was outstate chairman to recall former Michigan Gov. James Blanchard in the 1980s. I have a lot of ideas that I think can help them, things I did, Puffer said. Whitmer made so many people mad for so many different reasons. With Blanchard it was only raising our taxes up 11%. With her, its a more personal thing because shes giving the orders and we better obey her. Puffer said Whitmers executive orders, including the stay-home order, issued during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic were too personal and too restrictive. She also takes issue with what she referred to as Whitmers four essentials, which, she said, were access to abortion, the lottery, alcohol and marijuana. Those were the only four things that, with her executive order, people could make available to themselves, because I broke my glasses and I couldnt get a hold of my doctor, she said. Grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants offering drive-thru and takeout service and other services and activities deemed essential were allowed to operate while the stay-home order was in effect. Aside from Whitmers response to the pandemic, Puffer is also concerned about recreational marijuana, which Michigan voters approved in 2018. Shes especially concerned about the potential for children and teenagers to access marijuana now that its legal and more readily available. Id like to see her (Whitmer) give an executive order getting the marijuana out of Michigan. Period. What do you need it for? Puffer said. The Michigan Board of State Canvassers has approved the language in a petition to recall Whitmer for the signing of nine of her executive orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Albion resident Chad Baase, 39, was successful in his third attempt at coming up with clear and factual language to move forward with the recall petition process. He and his group the Committee to Recall Governor Gretchen Whitmer must come up with more than 1 million signatures from registered voters in 60 days or less to trigger a recall election. Puffer said she plans to help raise awareness of the petition and collect signatures. I think she has made a lot of people unhappy. Theres a big unrest here, she said. Read more on MLive: Michigan pollster: Trumps Bible photo op caused immediate drop in support MAGA boat parade to Downtown Detroit celebrates Trumps 74th birthday The dailies on Friday, June 19, reported on the political manoeuvres of Deputy President William Ruto with reports indicating he has opened a parallel office, Jubilee Asili centre, to run his affairs away from the official Jubilee Party headquarters. The newspapers have also reported on the high chances of postponing national exams to April 2021 and the alarming rate of teenager pregnancies and rape cases. READ ALSO: High Court rules Uhuru's take over of Nairobi county as illegal Newspapers for June 19. Photo: UGC. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Marshall Mulwa: Sonko amfuta machozi kocha aliyekuwa akiishi kwa uchochole 1. The Standard Deputy President William Ruto hosted at least 16 MPs allied to Jubilee Party, majority of whom were recently dewhipped from various parliamentary committees and House leadership positions. The meeting was held in Karen at Jubilee Asili centre, the DP's private office which reports indicate would become the official operation centre for Tanga Tanga faction of the ruling Jubilee Party. Ruto is also reportedly considering to register Jubilee Asili as a new party to push for his 2022 presidential ambitions after his chances of securing nomination in the ruling party became increasingly minimal. The Standard ewspaper for June 19. UGC. Source: UGC READ AlSO: Coronavirus update: 213 test positive as 10 more die from COVID-19 2. People Daily At least eight Cabinet Secretaries are earmarked for axing as President Uhuru Kenyatta prepares to reshuffle and realign his Cabinet. Amina Mohamed (Sports), Joe Mucheru (ICT), Simon Chelugui (Labour), Aden Mohamed (East Africa), James Macharia (Transport), Rachel Omamo (Foreign Affairs), Sicily Kariuki (Water) and Keriako Tobiko (Environment) are likely to be axed. The president is keen to appoint more experienced leaders with political clout to help him push for his transformative agenda before the end of his term in 2022. Among those likely to benefit from the appointment are members of the parties that recently signed a pact with Jubilee Party. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Chama Cha Mashinani's Isaac Ruto, Gideon Moi of KANU and a host of former MPs are some of the leaders rumoured to be warming up for the new roles. People Daily newspaper for June 19. Photo: UGC. Source: UGC 3. The Star President Uhuru Kenyatta has reassured the country and the whole world that he would not extend his term beyond 2022. The president who was addressing the United Nations during a spirited campaign and lobbying to have Kenya elected as a non-permanent member of the UN security council said he would facilitate a peaceful transfer of power in 2022, contrary to what some people were speculating. Kenya managed to secure the powerful seat in the second round voting by garnering 129 votes against Djibouti's 62. Kenya's win in the first round (112) was not sufficient to guarantee her the seat as it was below the two-thirds mark of the 191 members who participated. The Star newspaper review for June 19. Photo: UGC. Source: UGC 4. Daily Nation The publication reports extensively on the rampant cases of rape, defilement and teenage pregnancies in the country. These cases are spread in every region and numbers have been soaring especially between March, when schools were closed, to June. In Kisii for instance, 46 cases of defilement were reported since march and many others concealed due to fear of stigmatisation. The publication revisits several other cases that were covered in the media and but the perpetrators were yet to be prosecuted. In Kibra a 47-year-old man was arrested after he sexually attacked his neighbour's seven-year-old son. A few days later, the same man raped the young boy's sister. In Kaptembwa village in Nakuru county, a 14-year-old girl is seven months pregnant after being defiled by a neighbour. Daily Nation newspaper for June 19. Photo: UGC. Source: UGC 5. Taifa Leo A High Court in Nairobi has declared as irregular and unconstitutional the Deed of Transfer of functions signed between Nairobi City county and the national government. The ruling was based on the fact that there was no public participation and that even the county assembly of Nairobi was not involved in the process. The court also declared the transfer of over 6, 000 county employees to the Nairobi Metropolitan Services as unlawful. The parties involved in the process were ordered to regularise the process within 90 days or risk suffering the legal consequences after the period elapses. Taifa Leo newspaper for June 19. Photo: UGC. Source: UGC 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 Kenya's greatest football coach now lives in a mabati house - Marshall Mulwa | Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke It is "practically certain" that Italy will host a second grand prix in 2020. That is the word from Florence mayor Dario Nardella, who is optimistic about the local Ferrari-owned Mugello circuit being able to host the race one week after Monza. "A second grand prix this year is practically certain and would go into the annals of world motorsport but also the history of Florence," the mayor was quoted by Italian media. "We cross our fingers as we have never come so close to this chance of seeing Formula 1 at Mugello," he added. However, La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Andrea Cremonesi pointed out that both "Mugello and Imola are fighting" for the same race date at present. He told RTL that a second race in Russia is also likely. "According to our sources, Sochi absolutely wants to have a double event. I think that's likely, too," said Cremonesi. (GMM) South Australia will let in visitors from Queensland as of midnight on Friday. The move will mean these travellers will not have to quarantine for the mandatory 14-day period. It comes after the state opened its borders to Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania at midnight on Tuesday. However, New South Wales and Victoria are yet to be included in the travel bubble and any visitors will be required to quarantine for the two week stint. South Australia will let in visitors from Queensland as of midnight on Friday. Pictured: South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula Border controls requiring 14-day quarantine will remain in place for visitors from Victoria, NSW and the ACT. Pictured: Stokes Bay on the north coast of Kangaroo Island 'Effective midnight tonight, there will be no requirement for people coming in from Queensland to do 14 days of self-isolation,' SA Premier Steven Marshall said on Friday. 'This doesn't mean necessarily that South Australians can go into Queensland but we are lifting our state borders and so people from Queensland, whether they be Queensland citizens or whether they are South Australians returning, they will not be required to do that 14 days of mandatory self-isolation.' The move will give hope to ailing tourism businesses desperate for visitors after months of lockdown. The decision ultimately lies with Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk who said the state's borders would reopen on July 10. Normally the Australian constitution does not allow unequal treatment of citizens based on their state or origin. But the South Australian government believes it can justify the remaining border controls on public health grounds because the eastern states have had more coronavirus cases. The move will give hope to ailing tourism businesses desperate for visitors after months of lockdown. Pictured: West Bay on Kangaroo Island Victorian premier Daniel Andrews took a jab at South Australia after the travel bubble rejection. 'I don't want to be offensive to South Australians but why would you want to go there?' he asked reporters. 'Holiday here... go skiing, go to the wine country, go to the beach, whatever it might be. 'Don't get too stressed they won't let you into Adelaide, why would you want to stay there?' It comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison piled pressure on premiers to set a date when they would open their borders. Queenslanders can visit South Australia from midnight on Friday and won't have to undergo the 14 day quarantine period (pictured: girl walking along beach in Surfers Paradise) On Tuesday afternoon Mr Morrison tweeted: 'A welcome move forward on the path to a COVIDSafe reopening across Australia. Looking forward to returning to SA to enjoy a locally brewed Coopers.' Mr Marshall said: 'I don't think we should have the borders closed for one day longer than we need to. 'It has a detrimental effect on our economy and our employment, but also a social perspective with alienating families. We're very keen to see it lifted.' Mr Marshall also announced that up to 300 people can gather outside in SA from Friday. Indoor gym classes are now allowed 20 people, up from 10, as long as each person has four square metres of space. Food courts are also expected to reopen from June 29. I wonder how some Ghanaians behave as though they have not an iota of grey matter in their skull. I wonder how some Ghanaians can naively come across as persons devoid of any level of little intelligence by trying their hardest to prove to discerning people that black is white when indeed, the available obvious fiili fiili evidence states otherwise. One of such persons who are without any intelligence, not even of that of the lions or hyenas, is Salifu Maase aka Mugabe, at Power FM radio station. This guy is a loudmouth, a liar, a crook and a potential murderer. Was he not the person who hosted two would-have-been murderers, Messrs Alistair Nelson and Ako Gunn, on his Montie FM programme in 2016? He had given platform on his programme to these two pro-NDC activists to threaten on air to kill some Supreme Court judges and also rape the then Chief Justice, Mrs Theodora Georgina Wood. This little-mind has risibly vociferously been castigating the political rivals unfortunately seen by him as the enemies, of former President John Dramani Mahama. As political novice but NDC fanatic as he is for all that he selfishly wishes to gain, this crook associates himself with criminals and propagates misinformation and threatening directed at appeasing his paymasters to compel them to dig deeper into their pockets to satisfy his insatiable taste for quick wealth. I am writing this article following a video I have watched where Mugabe has been screaming on top of his coarse voice that Kennedy Agyapong (Hon) is pursuing an agenda of closing down all churches in Ghana so Ghanaians must rise up in their numbers to confront him. He was shouting like sorry to say, a deaf person, thinking his raised voice was an indication of the truthfulness and seriousness of his assertion, to persuade Ghanaians to rally behind his criminal cause. Nevertheless, his actions in the video prove his usual madness and schemes to the contrary. It is only a fool like Mugabe himself that will believe the claims by him to give him support in his efforts to get Kennedy stop his crusade against the completely fake prophets and pastors in Ghana. If Salifu Maase was not an unintelligent person without a sense as little as the mustard seed in his oblong skull, how could he in the face of all the credible video evidence made available to the public, try to inform Ghanaians and the world that Kennedy Agyapong (Hon) is on a crusade to shut down all the churches in Ghana? Unless Mugabe is blind, deaf and dumb, he could see, hear and speak that the prophets who have so far been exposed by Kennedy are not men of God but are purely charlatans as he, Mugabe, is. Mugabe, do you see Prophet Emmanuel Badu Kobi, Bishop Angel Obinim, Prophet Kwabena Owusu Agyei and Prophet Nigel Gaisie as men of God? They may be prophets but they are fake same as the biblical Baal prophets were. Kennedy is educating the vulnerable Ghanaians to wise up because the mentioned prophets and thousands of them out there in Ghana are all false but they have agenda to dupe the teeming unsuspecting Ghanaians. All the so-called prophets and pastors who are craving for fame and wealth hence are always on the airwaves are all false. I have a few hours ago come across a video from another source in which people are recounting their ordeal at the hands of Rev. Obofour, another alleged fake prophet. How I wish President Paul Kagame of Rwanda had come to Ghana to act as our president for a month. He will close down almost all the fake one-man churches in Ghana to the amazement of Mr Lowlife Salifu Maase, alias Mugabe. Former President Mahama will surely ditch Mugabe and Nigel Gaisie for craftily arranging to dupe him for him to be belittled in the eyes of discerning Ghanaians. It is a shame that former President Mahama relies on criminals, liars and potential murderers for staging his comeback for the presidency. Former President Mahama will be sorry to say, too thick, to continue to have confidence in, and rely on, the mentioned prophets and their accomplice (Mugabe) to cherish any hope of winning election 2020. The selfless and true sons and daughters of mother Ghana will rally behind a good cause and a credible person to win the presidential election. Trust me Mr Mahama, Ghanaians will never put their trust in someone who cannot think for himself but relies on crooks, liars and murderers, to come and rule them. Rockson Adofo Friday, 19 June 2020 BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20 Trend: The activity of a number of spheres will be restricted in connection with strict quarantine in Azerbaijans Baku, Sumgayit, Ganja cities, Lankaran, Yevlakh, Masalli, Jalilabad and Absheron districts from 00:00 June 21 through 06:00 July 5, Trend reports referring to a resolution of the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers. In accordance with the decree, the activity of the following spheres is allowed during the tough quarantine regime: 1. health and social services: 1.1. research and laboratory services; 1.2. hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities; 1.3. veterinary services; 1.4. production of medical equipment, medicines and medical devices; 1.5. social services; 1.6. services for the care of people with physical, mental and other disorders, as well as those in need of special care. 2. Infrastructure: 2.1. utilities (water and sewage, gas, heating, electricity distribution); 2.2. production and supply of electricity; 2.3. land reclamation and water management; 2.4. telecommunications and communication services. 3. Transport and logistics: 3.1. cargo transportation by planes, ships, trains and vehicles; 3.2. services related to the railway, shipping, ports and roads; 3.3. logistic services; 3.4. public transport and taxi services. 4. Main types of production: 4.1. defense industry production; 4.2. production of oil equipment and installations; 4.3. manufacturing of food products and their raw materials, procurement, supply, storage and wholesale of food products; 4.4. manufacturing of daily care and hygiene products; 4.5. chemical production; 4.6. collection, production and processing of agricultural products, including the activities of farms; 4.7. agriculture, irrigation, plant protection and harvesting; 4.8. production, processing, storage and sale of oil and gas; 4.9. oil and gas transportation by pipelines; 4.10. activity in the field of metallurgy; 4.11. production and repair of construction and household equipment; 4.12. engineering and design services; 4.13. construction and repair of roads, buildings and structures for civil and industrial purposes; 4.14. production of packaging products; 4.15. manufacturing of stone, metal and wood products; 4.16. furniture production and repair; 4.17. slaughter of cattle. 5. Retail and wholesale: 5.1. food sales points; 5.2. drugstores; 5.3. filling stations; 5.4. zoo shops, including pet food sale points; 5.5. points of sale of building materials and household supplies; 5.6. online sales. 6. Domestic services: 6.1. collection and disposal of household waste; 6.2. dry cleaning; 6.3. cleaning of residential buildings, with the exception of apartments; 6.4. car repair; 6.5. car wash points; 6.6. animal shelters. 7. Media outlets 8. Financial organizations: 8.1. banks and non-bank credit organizations, pawnshops; 8.2. investment companies, stock exchanges; 8.3. safety organizations; 8.4. organizations providing payment and clearing services. 9. Special types of services: 9.1. delivery service; 9.2. translation services; 9.3. post services; 9.4. disinfection services. 10. Advocacy. 19.06.2020 LISTEN In my last attempt at being an amateur historian brought on by the COVID-19 quarantine, I concentrated on my Anlo heritage and how it was influenced by refugees from Ladoku, especially from Prampram (then Gbugbla), who fled to Anlo from the Akwamu war of 1679. Many were the additions, comments and corrections for which I am most grateful. No one has a lock on history and I consider the exercise a learning experience. In that article, I wrote that the Akwamus were afraid of the Asante kingdom, hence their decision to expand southward. I am conversant with the fact that the Asante kingdom was founded by King Osei Tutu I in the latter part of the seventeenth century. Hence, the Akwamus were afraid of various Asante states, but not the yet to be established Asante kingdom. In the same article, I pointed to the similarity of the name of the Ladoku people from Prampram (Larkpleh) to my Anlo hometown, Alakple. Further research and reading has now established for me that the Prampram people settled there and gave it the name Alakple. The Reverend Carl Reindorf, writing in 1895 in History of Gold Coast and Asante wrote of the Ga King Ashangmo, who returned from exile in Little Popo to fight and defeat the Akwamus and reclaim Akra but was unable to do so. Rev. Reindorf wrote: This obliged Ashangmo in the year 1680 to retire to Little Popo with all the Akras from Labade down to Ningo. The people of Lakple (Alakple) in Angula (Anlo) were at that time in Prampram; they also fled to that place. If Reverend Reindorf is correct, my people at Alakple were originally from Prampram. This also explains their worship of the god Togbui Nyigbla which also came from Ladoku. The Larkpleh people could have moved to Alakple from Anloga, or settled directly there from Prampram or could have been part of the Larkpleh people who fled to Little Popo and later returned to Ghana. Another fascinating discovery is the similarity of the Ewe rendition of the story of their migration from Notsie to one told by the Gas, albeit in a different context. According to oral tradition, the Ewes migrated from Notsie to present day Ghana to escape a wicked king called Agokoli. The story is told that King Agokoli oppressed the Ewes and gave them impossible tasks to perform. He first ordered them to kill all their elders. The Ewes however, hid one of the elders, Amega Tegli. Agokoli ordered that the Ewes tie the rafters of his new palace with ropes made of swish and mud. The people did not know how they could perform this difficult task and decided to secretly consult Amega Tegli. Amega Tegli advised them to go and ask Agokoli for a sample of the swish and mud rope so they could reproduce it. Upon hearing this, Agokoli knew that they had not destroyed all the old and wise people as he had directed, and became incensed. He decided to destroy the Ewes, hence their forced migration from Notsie. The above story mirrors one told by Rev. Reindorf about the Akras (Gas). In that story, it was a wicked Queen, Dode Akabi, a princess of Obutu, and the mother of the future Akra King, Okai Koi. Queen Akabi usurped the throne when her husband King Mankpong Okai died, and ruled the Akras with an iron fist. This was supposedly in retaliation for the barbaric way the Akras had treated her grandfather Wyete, an Obutu King, who had refused, when offered, to be the king of all the Ga people then assembled (The Gbese, Tungmawe, Obutus and Ningowas). Legend has it that the Akras tore off one of his arms. As part of her tyrannical rule, Queen Akabi would ask the young men to catch and bring her a live tiger or lion. One day, she directed the young men to kill all the old and elderly. She then commanded the people to build her a palace and roof it with clay, using swish-strings to tighten it. The people did not know what to do and secretly decided to consult one elderly man who they had hidden during the massacre. The old man advised them to ask the queen for a sample of the swish-strings used for previous palaces so they could reproduce it. Hearing this, the queen knew that only an elderly and wise person could give this advice and pressured the people to tell her the truth. They confessed and brought forth the old man who so impressed the queen that she gave up the idea of forcing the people to use clay to roof the palace. Rev. Reindorf points to this as the genesis of constituting seven elders as counsellors to advise Akra Kings and Chiefs in every town. Professor D.E.K. Amenumey, the eminent historian and many scholars agree that the Ewes migrated from Notsie to Ghana. The late Professor Albert Adu Boahen also concluded from the similarities amongst the Ewe, Fon and Adja languages spoken in Ghana, Togo and Dahomey (Benin), that the Ewes indeed migrated to present day Ghana from that region. It is however, argued that the Ga and Adangbe languages are indigenous and unique to Ghana and that any contact with Togo and Dahomey (Benin) was only by the Ladoku people who fled the Akwamu war in 1679. Thus, unlike the Ewes who are believed to have migrated from Yoruba through Dahomey to Ghana, the Ga-Adangbes were deemed indigenous people from Ghana who fled as far as Dahomey due to the Akwamu war, and later returned to Ghana. The question then is: Why is the Ewe migration story of a wicked king asking the people to use a swish and mud ropes to construct a building so similar to the Akra story about Queen Akabi? Recently, I watched a video on Ghanaweb on the history of the Osu people of Accra and their migration to their present abode. https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Ga-people-carried-the-ark-of-covenant-from-Israel-to-Ethiopia-Osu-Wor-Lumor-953884 ). In that video, the Chief Priest of Osu Nadu/Klottey, Wor-Lumor Nuumo Noi Sekanku Kpenuku II, in recounting the history of the Osu people, stated that they migrated from the old kingdom of Benin in Nigeria to Ghana. He also stated that they were known in Benin as the Larkpleh people. Similar to the Ewe migration story, he stated that they left to escape a wicked king and that during the migration they left in small groups drumming and beating gong gongs and walking slowly so that the king would not know that they were leaving. A similar story is told by the Anlo Ewes. According to their version, they left in small groups and walked backwards to give the impression that they were coming rather than leaving. This backward walk is usually demonstrated by the old ladies at the annual Hogbetsotso festival at Anloga. I deem it more plausible that the people of Osu were the Ladoku Ga-Adangbes who fled the Akwamu war in 1679 and went as far as Dahomey (Benin), and that the return to Ghana was not from Benin in Nigeria but rather from Dahomey (Benin) where some of them sought refuge. I am not however, able to determine which wicked King compelled the Osu people (Larkpleh) to leave Benin and whether it is the same Agokoli the Ewes complained about. I am also not able to show whether Rev. Reindorfs account of the ill-treatment of the Akras by Queen Akadi was merely anecdotal, and a copying of the Ewe narrative, being so close to what the Ewes recounted about king Agokoli of Notsie. By: John K. Akpalu, Esq. New York, USA June 18, 2020 - Experts have said that clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine must involve the participation of African Americans - The medical officials argued that such participation is important because drugs sometimes have different results across races - It should be noted that a quarter of those who died due to coronavirus in the United States are blacks Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in NBC News reports that Calethia Hodges, the doctor that will be conducting clinical trials of experimental drugs in the bid to find a vaccine for the deadly coronavirus, has the task of persuading black people to partake in the process. The media notes that though African Americans have been really affected by the virus, they are not well represented in human studies that are aimed at treating the disease. Almost a quarter of the more than 116,000 lives lost to Covid-19 are blacks, according to a study called Color of Coronavirus by APM Research Lab. READ ALSO: Young lady flaunts her 'beauty with brains' in viral photos after graduating with PhD Hodges said to convince more blacks to participate in the study, she is in a neighbourhood that is predominantly occupied by African Americans. A medical official examining a likely Covid-19 vaccine. Photo source: NBC News Source: UGC Experts have also said that getting blacks to participate in the trial is very important as researches of pharmacogenetics emphasized that the result of medicine could be different based on race, socioeconomic, and environmental dynamics. It should be noted that pharmacogenetics is the science that genetic issues affect how people react to drugs. READ ALSO: Meet Ghanaian lady Dela Amewode who is an extraordinary interior designer in UK "The reasons I hear African Americans will not participate are heartbreaking and disappointing. I have heard about the Tuskegee experiment a lot. And I have heard 'They [doctors] will give me the virus.' And 'They will put a chip inside me. Many say their parents raised them 'to never participate in medical research.' It's all tough to overcome, she said. A medical expert, Larry Graham, is of the opinion that blacks have to get over their mistrust of human trials and participate. Fank, the American Medical Associations chief equity officer, said he is amazed that there is no sense of urgency by institutions to make African Americans involved in vaccine trials Hodges added that as a way to convince her patients to partake in clinical trials, she always tells them they have a chance to take a drug that would not only help them but could be very essential to generations to come. Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh also reported that AY Poyoo, a rising Ghanaian rapper, humorist and musician has gone viral in Zimbabwe, South Africa and other African countries as a recent song he released on YouTube has already gotten over 300,000 views and still increasing. A post sighted by YEN.com.gh on the verified Twitter account of Ameyaw Debrah shows the extent of Poyoo's trend in the African country, Zimbabwe, which may be just one of many countries the Ghanaian rapper is making waves in. In the post, there was a conversation between Ameyaw Debrah and a journalist from Zimbabwe who was urgently looking for a way to reach AY Poyoo in order to tap into his trend in the African country. Enjoy reading our stories? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news! The impact of COVID-19 on trotro business in Ghana | #Yencomgh Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: YEN.com.gh Under the 2015 agreement, Iranian officials shipped 97 percent of their existing stockpile of low-enriched uranium out of the country. And the nuclear agencys latest assessment of Irans enrichment activities concludes that while it is violating the limits imposed in the 2015 accord, it would still take months to fashion its uranium stockpile into something that could be used to produce a single nuclear weapon. It also would take months or years more to produce the weapon. The vote by the International Atomic Energy Agency came as no surprise to the Iranians, who have been jousting with inspectors over whether they are required to provide access under its agreements for nuclear transparency. Ahead of the vote, Irans foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, warned on Thursday that a resolution by the international body would ruin prospects for what he described as an agreeable solution. He also accused enemies of the nuclear deal of conspiring with international inspectors who had audited more Iranian nuclear sites over the last five years than in I.A.E.A. history. Weve nothing to hide, Mr. Zarif wrote on Twitter. Brian H. Hook, the State Departments special envoy for Iran policy, called that claim laughable. If only that were true, he said. The issue is not how many sites inspectors have visited but which ones. Several that were previously unknown were identified after a bold raid on Tehran in early 2018 where agents of Israels Mossad intelligence agency broke into a warehouse and seized thousands of long-hidden files about Irans early nuclear efforts, some stretching back nearly two decades. Since then, the Israelis have shared some but not all of the findings with international inspectors, including the location of one major site, which Israeli officials called the Abadeh Nuclear Weapons Development Site. Experiments using conventional explosives are believed to have been conducted there. From Nike Inc. to Target Corp., dozens of companies are for the first time commemorating June 19, the effective end of American slavery, but the differences in how are stark. Some, like J.C. Penney Co. and Spotify Technology SA are giving a paid day off. JPMorgan Chase & Co. will close its bank branches early, while Bank of America Corp. and Citigroup Inc. told staffers they can take a personal day, something they can request any day of the year. Automakers General Motors Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV are observing a moment of silence. The corporate response to Juneteenth comes after the killing of George Floyd sparked worldwide protests and shows how companies want to be seen as agents of change during a fraught moment. Widening observance of the holiday has been driven by employees calling for action from their employers, said Kristen Herhold, a marketer at Clutch, a Washington-based ratings and reviews company. About 62 per cent of workers support the anti-racism protests, and 55 per cent say their employer should respond directly to racial issues, according to a Clutch survey of more than 750 people conducted from June 5 to 7. Its been a complete mindset shift thats emboldened some staff to call out their management, Herhold said. Never before have employees been so comfortable talking about the protests and the issues that stem from racism and diversity in general in the workplace. Target said it would close its Minneapolis headquarters and pay hourly workers time and a half on June 19. It also pledged to listen to employees and community partners in coming months after Floyds killing in the city sparked local demonstrations that spread around the world. We recognize that the racial trauma the country is experiencing now is not new, but throughout recent weeks there has been a sense that this time is, and has to be, different, chief executive officer Brian Cornell said in a blog post. Juneteenth takes on additional significance in this moment. While the moves to recognize Juneteenth have been welcomed by many, companies will be scrutinized by the public to see whether theyre devoting resources to making concrete, measurable changes in areas such as hiring and vendor diversity, said Howard Belk, co-CEO of Siegel+Gale, a brand-strategy firm. The communications really need to come from the most senior people at the organization to signal that commitment without that, its going to sound really hollow, really quickly, Belk said. If its just a holiday and they move on with business as usual, I actually think it could hurt them. The speed at which corporations moved this year to commemorate Juneteenth may put pressure on governments to do the same. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said this week he would make Juneteenth as a holiday for state employees and advance legislation to make it an official state holiday next year. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam made a similar announcement. Juneteenth is already an official state holiday in Texas, and while 46 states and the District of Columbia mark the occasion as a holiday or day of observation, it was still lesser known outside the Black community until recently. Its monumental that theres an acknowledgment, because for 400 years we have endured oppression, said Stephen Green, chair of New York-based Faith for Black Lives, a coalition of religious leaders, and a pastor at the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York. Green convened JusticeCon, a virtual social justice convention on Juneteenth, scheduled to feature speakers including Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer, Kamala Harris and Cory Booker. To have major companies acknowledge that were not a post-racial America or a utopian ideal of a nation that never wrestled with this original sin of racism, it speaks volumes, Green said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan (GKRA), a mission-mode scheme designed to help migrant labourers, on Saturday. The massive public work scheme details of which were first reported in this newspaper is worth Rs 50,000 crore and aims to provide job opportunities to returnee migrant workers, in 116 districts of key migrant-originating states (Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha) for 125 days; merge 25 existing State-run programmes; and create durable infrastructure. The decision to go for construction-focused employment was taken after a skill mapping of migrants showed that more than two-thirds worked in this sector. The lockdown led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with millions of workers and their families frantically trying to return from their host states, predominantly in west and south India and key urban centres such as Delhi and Mumbai, to their villages in states in the north and east. In May, the Centre hiked the allocation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) by Rs 40,000 crore, taking the total allocation under the scheme to Rs 1,01,500 crore. But it was clear that MGNREGS was not enough, and the Centre would have to come out with another comprehensive scheme to tackle the crisis. GKRA, if implemented properly, can provide relief to the migrants, many of them landless, without savings and dependent on informal rural financial ecosystems, to sustain themselves and their families for the next few months. The movement of workers will also have a major impact on labour markets. Industry is feeling the pinch of labour shortage. But getting back migrant workers will not be easy because the experience of the coronavirus pandemic, the lack of a social security net in the host states, and the absence of support at a critical time has broken the trust between workers and their employers, and between workers and the State. It is critical to build back that trust, and to do so the State must build a register of migrants; fast track the one nation, one ration card scheme; ensure proper housing, sanitation and medical facilities; invest in their skilling; and ensure that labour laws spur industrial growth but also provide basic protection to workers. Without these steps, the migrant workers crisis will continue to fester, and have a debilitating effect on the economy, State resources, and the lives of people. Brought to Spain on a special flight amid the coronavirus lockdown, some 250 Uruguayan sheep shearers race against time to shear millions of Spanish sheep as the sweltering summer temperatures hit. The Uruguayan shearers come to Spain every year, where farmers value them for their skills, their speed and particular care for the animals' wellbeing. This year the pandemic delayed their arrival by about a month to mid-May, leaving the sheep in urgent need. The shearers are so prized in Spain, that farmers chipped in to charter a plane for the Uruguayans after border closures, flight cancellations and restrictions on movement threatened to leave them unable to make the journey. The farmers, who even asked the Spanish King for help, convinced the government to authorise their stay after the Uruguayans underwent medical tests before flying. Expand Close Shepherd Antonio Moran Diez walks with a flock of sheep amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Villalobar, Spain, June 16, 2020. REUTERS/Juan Medina / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Shepherd Antonio Moran Diez walks with a flock of sheep amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Villalobar, Spain, June 16, 2020. REUTERS/Juan Medina Federico Ventura is one of the workers each shearing around 10,000 sheep over a 70-day campaign in the northern region of Castilla y Leon. They use special machines and an animal restraint technique that further speeds up the process. "I've been coming here for six years. Because of the coronavirus, everything was delayed, but we're moving at a good pace," Ventura told Reuters at a farm in Villafale, around 300 kilometres northwest of Madrid. The Spanish season is crucial to his livelihood. "With the 70 days here we live for a year in Uruguay." Three or four shearers can shear 750 sheep on a farm in just one day, while with less skilled workers it could take up to a month, said farm owner Angel Leon. The Uruguayans earn 1.5 euros ($1.68) plus tax per animal. "Had they not come, we would not have been able to shear," said farmer Jose Moran, one of those to help fund their flight. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 14:34:57|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, June 19 (Xinhua) -- A blast hit a vehicle of Pakistani paramilitary force on Friday morning in Pakistan's southern Sindh province, leaving at least three people killed and five others injured, local media reported. According to local media, the blast took place near the vehicle of Rangers, a paramilitary force, in the Ghota Market area in the Ghotki city of Sindh. Police, security forces and rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the bodies, including two security personnel and a civilian, and the injured to the district hospital in Ghotki, local media said. Local police told media that the personnel were performing their security duty after parking their vehicle nearby the market, and the preliminary investigation showed that an improvised explosive device was planted in a motorcycle and it was detonated with a remote-controlled device. No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. Enditem Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has issued an order mandating that businesses in the county must require customers wear masks to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. The order goes into effect Monday, June 22. Employees and customers over the age of 10 must wear a mask or face covering, stay 6 feet apart from other customers and staff, and cannot enter a business if they are feeling ill. "Every business has a 'no shirt, no shoes, no service' policy," Hidalgo said. "The idea is to see this as a 'no shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service' policy." HOUSTON CORONAVIRUS UPDATES: What you need to know Businesses not complying with the order will receive a $1,000 fine per violation. Individuals cannot be fined. No fines will be issued for five days once the order goes into effect. The order will expire at the end of June. Exemptions to the order include while eating or drinking something provided by the business, when in a business that requires security surveillance (like banks), when exercising outdoors, while pumping gas or when a mask would pose a greater mental or physical health risk. Harris County has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases since Memorial Day. Hidalgo said there is space in hospitals and the death rate is still low in Houston, but encouraged the community to remain vigilant. "To be clear, just because there is a bed for you now, does not mean we want you there," Hidalgo said. Hidalgo first issued a mask order in April that carried a fine up to $1,000 for violators, but Gov. Greg Abbott prohibited cities and counties from punishing residents not wearing masks soon after. He endorsed Bexar County's mask order earlier this week, as it applies to businesses rather than individuals. "Government cannot require individuals to wear masks, Abbott said. However, pursuant to my plan, local governments can require stores and businesses to require masks. On HoustonChronicle.com: 'It's guaranteed' this coronavirus won't be the last to infect humans, expert says Mayor Sylvester Turner expressed his support for the order and encouraged businesses and customers to follow it. "The virus, every single day, is reminding us that it is still here," Turner said. "And if you treat it like it's not here, the numbers are going to speak for themselves." A staff worker serves a customer outside an Apple store on Fifth Avenue of New York City, the United States, June 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) According to the model, cumulative COVID-19 deaths in the United States could reach 201,129 by Oct. 1, with a range of 171,551 to 269,395. WASHINGTON, June 18 (Xinhua) -- An influential COVID-19 model produced by the University of Washington has raised its projections, forecasting more than 200,000 Americans could die of COVID-19 by Oct. 1. The revised forecast from the university's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) marks an increase of 30,000 deaths since last week's projection. According to the model, cumulative COVID-19 deaths in the United States could reach 201,129 by Oct. 1, with a range of 171,551 to 269,395. The number of daily deaths is expected to rise again in September after reaching a plateau in June. The institute also projected an increase in the number of hospital beds and ventilators that will be needed starting in September. "We're now able to look ahead and see where states need to begin planning for a second wave of COVID-19," said IHME Director Christopher Murray Thursday. "We hope to see our model proven wrong by the swift actions governments and individuals take to reduce transmission," he said. "If the U.S. is unable to check the growth in September, we could be facing worsening trends in October, November, and the following months if the pandemic, as we expect, follows pneumonia seasonality," Murray said. More than 2.18 million confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported in the Untied States as of Thursday evening, with over 118,000 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Photo taken on June 17, 2020 shows a restaurant displaying an "open" sign in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) As many states plan to reopen educational facilities and further ease currently implemented restrictions on business operations and gatherings, spikes in new cases and hospitalizations have emerged. On Tuesday, nine states -- Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina and Texas -- had reported either new single-day highs or set a record for seven-day new case averages. Experts said further improving health and safety measures will be crucial to reducing the risk of widespread resurgence. "There are blueprints that will allow businesses and schools to open safely. If they follow these blueprints it will be possible to operate safely," Robert Schooley, a professor of medicine with the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at the University of California, San Diego, told Xinhua. He warned that in some places in the country, where public health measures are not taken seriously, the population will be at a "significantly increased risk" for a resurgence of the disease. "The priorities need to be helping the public understand that the virus is real, the outbreak is real, the deaths are real... and that we do know what works to control SARS-CoV-2," Schooley said. Iraq summons Turkish envoy again to protest military op, demand troop withdrawal Iran Press TV Thursday, 18 June 2020 12:46 PM The Iraqi Foreign Ministry has once again called in the Turkish ambassador to express its strong protest over a military operation by Turkish forces in the country's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, and to demand that Ankara immediately halt its assaults there. On Thursday, the ministry summoned Fatih Yildiz and handed him a "strongly-worded memorandum calling for a halt to provocative actions," just days after Turkey said an operation it called "Claw-Eagle" was launched against hideouts of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group in various regions of northern Iraq. "We stress that Turkey must stop its bombardment and withdraw its attacking forces from Iraqi territory," the ministry said in the statement. "We affirm our categorical rejection of these violations," it added. It was the second time in a week that Baghdad summoned the Turkish envoy. He was also called to the Iraqi Foreign Ministry on Tuesday following Turkish bombardment against PKK positions in the mountainous regions of northern Iraq. After that meeting with Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Abdul- Karim Hashim Mostafa, the Turkish ambassador said Ankara would continue to "fight the PKK wherever it is" if Baghdad did not take actions against the Kurdish militants. Separately on Thursday, security sources said Turkish Armed Forces had destroyed more than 500 PKK hideouts in northern Iraq's Haftanin region in the first 36 hours of Operation Claw-Tiger, Turkey's official Anadolu news agency reported. The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, added that Turkish commandos also conducted ground and air operations to target the positions of the Kurdish forces following a string of airstrikes by the country's F-16 fighter jets. "Operation Claw-Tiger is going very well. We will continue with the same seriousness and determination and hopefully we will successfully end this operation," Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar addressed military commanders of the operation via video link. PKK militants regularly clash with Turkish forces in the Kurdish-dominated southeast of Turkey attached to northern Iraq. A shaky ceasefire between the PKK and the Turkish government collapsed in July 2015. Attacks on Turkish security forces have soared ever since. Turkish ground and air forces frequently carry out operations against PKK positions in the country as well as in northern Iraq and neighboring Syria. More than 40,000 people have been killed during the three-decade conflict between Turkey and the autonomy-seeking militant group. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The U.S. Treasury Department levied sanctions on Mexican trading company Libre Abordo SA de CV for buying Venezuelan oil via oil-for-humanitarian-aid agreements with the embattled country. Libre Abordo and its affiliate Schlager Business Group purchased 32 million barrels of crude oil this year to become the biggest supporter of Venezuelas struggling oil industry under the regime of President Nicolas Maduro. Company shareholders 23-year-old Olga Maria Zepeda Esparza and Veronica Esparza Garcia were also added to the list, along with Joaquin Leal Jimenez Garcia, according to a notice from the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Asset Control. Jimenez was an oil trader for Libre Abordo, according to documents seen by Bloomberg. VENEZUELA: Video shows 6 Houston oil executives jailed in Venezuela The U.S. also beefed up sanctions against shipping companies Delos Voyager Shipping Ltd and Romina Maritime Co and the vessels Delos Voyager and Euroforce for transporting oil produced by state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela SA. Other companies included in the list are Washington Trading Ltd, partly owned by Zepeda Esparza, Luzy Technologies, Cosmo Resources Pte Ltd and Alel Technologies. Libre signed a contract with Venezuelas s state foreign trade corporation, known as Corpovex, to export water tank trucks and corn in exchange for crude oil. The contracts were worth 195.5 million euros ($217 million) but over the course of its execution Libre and Schlager received oil worth more than $300 million, according to documents seen by Bloomberg. FUEL FIX: Get our energy news in your inbox each weekday Libre Abordo agreed to lift and sell oil in a scheme orchestrated by Leal Jimenez and Alex Nain Saab Moran, a Colombian businessman seen by U.S. authorities as a dealmaker for Maduro, according to the Treasury. The Trump administration has been targeting Venezuelas oil trade as the commodity accounts for 95% of the inflow of foreign currency into the country. Exports of crude oil fell to 322,183 barrels daily in May to levels not seen since 1947, according to shipping reports and ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. The commanding officer of the PLA battalion deployed in eastern Ladakh and his second-in-command died in the violent faceoff between Chinese and Indian soldiers in the Galwan area of eastern Ladakh on Monday, people familiar with the developments said on Friday. China has confirmed that the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) suffered casualties but has dodged repeated questions from international media about details of the clash. Twenty Indian soldiers including a colonel-ranked officer were killed in the violent scrap, the first Indian casualties in a clash with the PLA in 45 years. This was the first clash of its kind on the Line of Actual Control because India has the capability and the will to stand up to an aggressive China, a top military commander told Hindustan Times. Chinese troops, which had mobilised soldiers along the Line of Actual Control and set up a stand-off with India for nearly six weeks, refused to back down in line with the understanding reached between top commanders of the two armies on June 6. What started off as an argument between local commanders of the two sides on June 15 evening after the PLA attempted to build a structure on the Indian side during the de-escalation process soon spiralled into a full-blown fisticuffs. Also read | HT Exclusive: Galwan river bridge that China tried to stop in Ladakh is complete, says official A senior government official said the PLA clearly was attempting to execute its Walk in Strategy in Galwan. But this was contested and China had to pay the price with equal, if not more. According to inputs available with South Block, the PLA had to evacuate nearly 35 soldiers and officers who were either injured or had died in the clash. Our information indicates that the Chinese side lost the commanding officer of the battalion deployed near Patrolling Point 14 of the Galwan region where the two armies clashed. The battalions second-in-command also died in the incident, a senior official at South Block said. India has blamed China for the clash, underscoring that the Chinese side had unilaterally attempted to change the status quo there and took premeditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties suffered by both sides. Officials said the bloody face-off at Galwan would be a turning point in relations between the two countries, not just because of the bitterness that is likely to creep into relations between the two giants but also because of the message that it had sent. This face-off has demonstrated that Ladakh isnt the South China Sea where the Chinese would be able to unilaterally change the status quo, one of them said. It also marks a perceptible shift in the way India handles issues relating to the border and sovereignty, he said. Thus far, undemarcated borders were being managed through protocols and agreements where military actions were not employed. This incident makes it clear that if Beijing disregards agreements and attempts to unilaterally change the status quo, the Indian army is prepared to deal with the situation, firmly, a senior government functionary told Hindustan Times. Also read | On Ladakh border incident, China official asked 6 questions. Answers none This is the message that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had delivered this week as well. That India wanted and worked for peace but if provoked, was capable of giving a befitting reply. PM Modi is expected to underscore the same message on the India-China border at the all party meeting that he has convened. Political will to take on China, a senior defence ministry official said, is only one of the reasons why it has been possible for India to take this approach. There has been a massive improvement in Indias military capabilities over the last few years, both in terms of force levels, training, procedures and most importantly, battle hardened troops. The military also has access to better weaponry under the modernisation plan, he said, conceding that it hadnt moved as fast as the government would have liked it to proceed. The armed forces, he said, also have the advantage in application of air power and superior capability at sea. And a rapidly improving border infrastructure that had, in the first place, irked the Chinese because this would enable the military to exercise better control of the areas along the LAC. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shishir Gupta Author of Indian Mujahideen: The Enemy Within (2011, Hachette) and Himalayan Face-off: Chinese Assertion and Indian Riposte (2014, Hachette). Awarded K Subrahmanyam Prize for Strategic Studies in 2015 by Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) and the 2011 Ben Gurion Prize by Israel. ...view detail This text is available for purchase at mehring.com as an ePub, on Kindle, or as paperback on backorder. *** This book consists of lectures presented at the summer school of the Socialist Equality Party (US) held July 2128, 2019. The lectures examine the development of the perspective and program of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) in the aftermath of the split with the British Workers Revolutionary Party (WRP) in February 1986. The volumes appendix includes several critical resolutions and documents cited in the lectures. The split with the WRP ranks among the most significant events in the history of the Fourth International. At stake was the survival of the Trotskyist movement and the continuity of its revolutionary internationalist program. The opening lecture in this volume, delivered by SEP National Chairman David North, places the split and the present tasks of the ICFI in the context of the history of Trotskyism, going back to the formation of the Left Opposition in the Soviet Union in 1923. North identifies four distinct phases in the history of the Trotskyist movement. The first phase, from 1923 to the founding of the Fourth International in 1938, encompassed the struggle led by Trotsky against the betrayals and crimes of the counterrevolutionary regime led by Stalin. These fifteen years were marked by world Depression, the coming to power of fascism in Germany, the eruption of civil war in Spain, Stalins murderous terror against the remnants of Bolshevism in the Soviet Union, and the approach of the second imperialist world war. Trotsky, living as a persecuted exile on the planet without a visa, defended and developed, in unrelenting opposition to the anti-Marxist Stalinist theory of socialism in one country, the theory of permanent revolution as the strategic foundation of the Fourth International. The second phase, between 1938 and 1953, encompassed World War II, the assassination of Trotsky, the first years of the post-war restabilization of capitalism and the outbreak of the Cold War. These fifteen years were marked by growing divisions within the Fourth International, which tended to center on disputes over Trotskys definition of the Soviet Union as a degenerated workers state, and, in the aftermath of World War II, on the independent revolutionary role of the Fourth International in a world dominated politically by the Cold War conflict between American imperialism and the Stalinist regime in the Soviet Union. In the late 1940s, a tendency led by Michel Pablo and his close associate, Ernest Mandel, developed a political position that attributed to the Soviet bureaucracy and the Stalinist parties a revolutionary role. In opposition to Trotskys call for a political revolution against the Stalinist regime, Pablo and Mandel envisioned a process of bureaucratic self-reform. Not only that, the reinvigorated Stalinist organizations would, under the pressure of the working class, be compelled to carry out the revolutionary overthrow of capitalism. The result of these bureaucratically led revolutions would be the establishment of deformed workers states that would, after a period of several centuries, give way to genuine socialism. In this bizarre perspective, the Fourth International had no independent role to play. Accordingly, Pablo and Mandel insisted that existing sections of the Fourth International dissolve themselves into the mass Stalinist parties. As they developed this essentially defeatist orientation, Pablo and Mandel adopted a similarly opportunist orientation to the Maoist regime in China and the many bourgeois nationalist movements that had acquired mass followings in the aftermath of World War II. Outside the Fourth International, Trotsky had written in 1938, there does not exist a single revolutionary current on this planet really meriting the name. The Fourth International, he continued, uncompromisingly gives battle to all political groupings tied to the apron-strings of the bourgeoisie. [Leon Trotsky, The Death Agony of Capitalism and the Tasks of the Fourth International, The Transitional Program (New York: Labor Publications, 1981), p. 42] By the early 1950s, Pablo had rejected Trotskys revolutionary opposition to the political agencies of the bourgeoisie. What distinguishes us still more from the past [i.e., from Trotsky], he wrote, what makes for the quality of our movement today and constitutes the surest gauge of our future victories, is our growing capacity to understand, to appreciate the mass movement as it existsoften confused, often under treacherous, opportunist, centrist, bureaucratic and even bourgeois and petty-bourgeois leadershipsand our endeavors to find our place in this movement with the aim of raising it from its present to higher levels. [Cited in David North, The Heritage We Defend: A Contribution to the History of the Fourth International (Oak Park: Mehring Books, 2018), pp. 19293] By 1953, it had become clear that Pablo and Mandels liquidationist perspective and practice threatened the Fourth International with destruction. James P. Cannon, the founder of the Trotskyist movement in the United States and still the central leader of the Socialist Workers Party, issued an Open Letter which called on Trotskyist organizations to break irrevocably with Pablo, Mandel and their supporters. Cannon and other signatories to the Open Letter, which included Gerry Healy, the leader of the Trotskyist movement in Britain, formed the International Committee of the Fourth International. This historic split brought to an end the second phase of the history of the Fourth International. The third phase spanned more than three decades, from the issuing of the Open Letter in 1953 to the International Committees break with the British Workers Revolutionary Party in 198586. The dominant feature of this thirty-two-year period was the protracted struggle of the Trotskyist movement against the continuing influence of Pabloism, which was the political expression of the ideological, political, and organizational pressure exerted by imperialism and Stalinism upon the Fourth International. Pabloism was a form of anti-Marxism that, in the final analysis, both reflected the outlook of and adapted itself to the large labor bureaucracies (both Stalinist and social democratic) and myriad forms of radical petty-bourgeois politics. The specific and peculiar conditions of the post-World War II economic boomthe apparent consolidation of the Stalinist regimes, the improved living standards of workers in North America and Western Europe, the rise to power of the Maoist regime in China and numerous bourgeois national regimes and movements, often spouting Marxist-sounding phrases, and the eruption of student radicalism in the 1960screated a politically hostile environment for the Fourth International. The Pabloite movement, orienting itself to the petty bourgeoisie, did all it couldwith both the open and covert support of the Stalinists and state agencies of imperialismto politically isolate the orthodox Trotskyists of the Fourth International. The influence of Pabloite revisionism was manifested not only in the form of external organizational pressure upon the International Committee. Precisely because of Pabloisms objective social basis and the unfavorable relationship of forces, political conceptions akin to those of the Pabloites tended to find an audience within sections of the leadership and cadre of the International Committee. The Socialist Workers Party, claiming that Castros rise to power proved that a socialist revolution was possible under the leadership of petty-bourgeois guerrillas, broke with the International Committee in 1963 and formed with the Pabloites the United Secretariat. The opposition to the SWPs betrayal of Trotskyism was led by the British and French sections of the International Committee, which rejected reunification with the Pabloites. The principled struggle of the ICFI, in which Gerry Healy played the central role, led to the formation of the Workers League in the United States (1966) and the Revolutionary Communist League in Sri Lanka (1968), predecessors of the Socialist Equality Parties. The rejection of reunification did not signify a final settling of accounts with Pabloism. By 1966, the French Trotskyists of the Organisation Communiste Internationaliste (OCI) were advocating a reconstruction of the Fourth International, which, in practical political terms, was directed toward an alignment with the French Socialist Party led by Francois Mitterand. The orientation of the OCI to French social democracy and its development of thoroughly opportunist relations with various Pabloite and petty-bourgeois tendencies in Latin America led to a split with the International Committee in 1972. Notwithstanding its political criticisms of the OCI, the Socialist Labour League (SLL) in Britain began to evince similar tendencies in the 1970s. This orientation became increasingly pronounced following the transformation of the SLL into the Workers Revolutionary Party in November 1973. Within the International Committee, there emerged a political opposition to the nationalist politics of the SLL/WRP. In 1971, Keerthi Balasuriya and the leadership of the Sri Lankan section of the ICFI, the Revolutionary Communist League, expressed their opposition to the SLLs support for the Indian invasion of East Pakistan. These criticisms, however, were suppressed by the SLL leadership, which did not allow their circulation for discussion within the International Committee. The political struggle against the nationalist politics of the WRP A more sustained and comprehensive critique of the WRPs political divergence from Trotskyism and the theoretical conceptions employed to justify it was developed by David North, the national secretary of the Workers League, between 1982 and 1985. In his initial criticisms of the political line of the WRP, North drew attention to the WRPs retreat from the fundamental principles of Trotskyism. In A Contribution to a Critique of G. Healys Studies in Dialectical Materialism, written in October-November 1982, North exposed Healys idealist distortion of Marxism and its relationship to the WRPs retreat from Trotskys theory of permanent revolution. Citing the WRPs adaptation to bourgeois nationalist regimes, North wrote: The work of the IC in the Middle East, which has never been guided by a clear perspective of building the International Committee in that area of the world, has now degenerated into a series of pragmatic adaptations to shifts in the political winds. Marxist defense of national liberation movements and the struggle against imperialism has been interpreted in an opportunist fashion of uncritical support of various bourgeois nationalist regimes During the six years in which the IC has conducted work in the Middle East, there has not been a single statement in which class relations in that area of the world have been analyzed. There has not been a single article in which the development of the working class has been analyzed. For all intents and purposes, the Theory of Permanent Revolution has been treated as inapplicable to present circumstances. [David North, Political Summary of Critique of G. Healys Studies, (Fourth International, vol. 13 no. 2, Autumn 1986), p. 23] In January-February 1984, North presented a comprehensive analysis of the adaptation of the WRP to positions historically associated with Pabloism. In a January 23, 1984 letter to WRP General Secretary Michael Banda, North wrote that the IC, under the leadership of the WRP, has for some time been working without a clear and politically-unified perspective to guide its practice. Rather than a perspective for the building of sections of the International Committee in every country, the central focus of the ICs work for several years has been the development of alliances with various bourgeois nationalist regimes and liberation movements. The content of these alliances has less and less reflected any clear orientation toward the development of our own forces as central to the fight to establish the leading role of the proletariat in the anti-imperialist struggle in the semi-colonial countries. [Letter from David North to Mike Banda, (Fourth International, vol. 13 no. 2, Autumn 1986), p. 35] In a political report to the International Committee of the Fourth International on February 11, 1984, North stated: The development of the IC has proceeded through the struggle against revisionism. Precisely because revisionism has material roots in the actual development of the class struggle of which we ourselves are a part, because it reflects the pressure of alien class forces upon the working class and its revolutionary vanguard, our response to revisionism finds its highest expression in the analysis of our own political development. North continued: It is for this reason that we feel the time has come to examine the whole development of the IC during the past decade. We are strongly of the opinion that we have steadily drifted away from positions for which we tenaciously fought for more than 20 years after the original split with Pablo. In a letter to Comrade Banda, written on January 23, 1984, I suggested that the time had come to draw a balance sheet on the entire experience of the IC in relation to the national liberation movements. I feel that such a balance sheet is necessary because there has been really no objective examination of our experienceas a World Partywith the various nationalist bourgeois regimes and liberation movements with which we have established relations. We feel that the record is one which merits a serious critique, in order to defend the continuity of the IC and to train the cadre in each of the sections. [David North, Political report to the International Committee of the Fourth International, February 11, 1984, (Fourth International, vol. 13 no. 2, Autumn 1986), p. 42] The leadership of the WRP refused to engage in a discussion of these differences, responding to the political criticism of the Workers League by threatening a split. Within little more than a year, however, the WRP was engulfed in an organizational crisis that was the outcome of this political retreat over the previous decade from the principles of Trotskyism. The crisis culminated in the International Committees suspension of the WRP from membership on December 16, 1985. The ICFI offered to restore membership rights to the WRP based on its explicit acceptance of the programmatic foundations of the Fourth International. The WRP rejected this condition and repudiated its pledge to accept the political authority of the International Committee. On February 8, 1986, the WRP leadership completed its break with the International Committee by summoning police to bar members supporting the ICFIwho comprised a substantial portion of the organizations membershipfrom entering the hall where the WRP was holding its congress. Within just a few years of its break, the WRP had ceased to exist. The 198586 split with the WRP brought the third phase of the history of the Fourth International to a conclusion. After more than three decades of intense political struggle, the orthodox Trotskyists had inflicted a decisive political defeat on the Pabloites and regained full political and organizational control over the Fourth International. The fourth phase in the history of the Trotskyist movement: The reforging and development of the international Marxist perspective The lectures in this volume are principally concerned with the fourth phase in the history of the Trotskyist movement, which began in 1986. In the aftermath of the split, the ICFI confronted a whole set of complex problems under conditions of a rapidly changing world political situation. These included the deepening crisis and ultimate dissolution of the Soviet Union and the Stalinist regimes of Eastern Europe, the acceleration of the restoration of capitalist relations in China that followed the Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989, the rightward evolution of the bourgeois nationalist regimes and the proliferation of separatist movements aligned with imperialism, the full integration of the trade unions into the apparatus of corporate management and the state, and the eruption of American imperialism and unending war that began with the first invasion of Iraq in 19901991. Confronting these challenges required the reestablishment and development of an international Marxist perspective. The political foundation for this perspective emerged in the course of the split with the WRP. The first task of the ICFI after the split was to work through systematically the causes and significance of the split itself. This was done in the May 1986 statement of the ICFI, written by North and Keerthi Balasuriya, How the Workers Revolutionary Party Betrayed Trotskyism: 19731985 [Fourth International, vol. 13 no. 1, Summer 1986]. In response to WRP General Secretary Michael Bandas open attack on the entire history of the Trotskyist movement, the ICFI responded with the publication of The Heritage We Defend: A Contribution to the History of the Fourth International, by David North. This was followed by a theoretical examination of the objective processes that underlay the degeneration of the WRP, which was part of a profound crisis gripping all the nationalist-based organizations and parties. The principal challenge that confronted the International Committee in the aftermath of the split with the WRP was to renew the work of the Fourth International on political perspective. The International Committee was conditioned by the historical experience of the Trotskyist movement to examine the objective socioeconomic conditions that underlay the political crisis that had led to the split of 198586. Since its founding in 1923, the Trotskyist movement had demonstrated an acute sensitivity to major shifts in the world situation. Significant conflicts within its leadership and ranks tended to arise in response to or in anticipation of critical inflection points in world politics. As was soon to become clear, the struggle within the International Committee that unfolded between 1982 and 1986 anticipated the explosive changes in world politics between 1989 and 1991. The urgency of renewed theoretical work was accentuated by the fact that years of political downsliding and adaptation by the WRP had been most sharply expressed in its abandonment of sustained work on international perspectives. While declaiming demagogically on the undefeated nature of the working classan empty phrase that conveniently ignored defeats suffered by the working class in the real worldthe WRP paid less and less attention to critical changes in the structure of the world capitalist economy and their impact on imperialist geopolitics and the international class struggle. No attempt was made to analyze the objective motivations underlying the global capitalist offensive against the working class that began in the mid-1970s, or to explain why the existing mass labor and trade union organizations were unable to mount any effective resistance to this offensive. The International Committee initiated the development of a new world perspective in July 1987. In a report delivered at the summer school of the Workers League on September 1, 1987, North called attention to the WRPs failure to take any notice of the new economic forms assumed by the growth of the productive forces within the imperialist epoch: that is, the internationalization of production on a scale unequaled in history and the emergence of truly global production, in which the manufacture of a single commodity is the outcome of integrated transnational production. [David North, Political Report on the Perspectives of the International Committee of the Fourth International, (Fourth International, vol. 15 no. 1, January-March 1988), p. 69] North stressed that the process of globalization was the objective source of the universal crisis of existing working class organizations. He stated: Trade unions are not equipped to confront this new situation. They cannot defend the working class insofar as they conduct the class struggle exclusively on the national soil. In fact, the development of transnational organizations requires the international organization of the working class. American, Japanese, Korean or German workers find it increasingly impossible to conduct nationally isolated struggles. And just as the bourgeoisie seeks to organize production on a world scale, the working class will be compelled to organize its own struggles on a world scale, and therefore create new and more advanced forms of organization. [Ibid, p. 73] The World Capitalist Crisis and the Tasks of the Fourth International, adopted by the Seventh Plenum of the ICFI in July 1988, examines the revolutionary significance of changes in the process of capitalist production associated with transnational corporations and globalization, which undermined the viability of all social and political organizations embedded in the nation-state system. The resolution, which is included in this volume, states: It has long been an elementary proposition of Marxism that the class struggle is national only as to form, but that it is, in essence, an international struggle. However, given the new features of capitalist development, even the form of the class struggle must assume an international character. Thus, the unprecedented international mobility of capital has rendered all nationalist programs for the labor movement of different countries obsolete and reactionary. [The World Capitalist Crisis and the Tasks of the Fourth International, (Fourth International, vol. 15 nos. 34, July-December 1988), p. 4] The resolution continues: The global character of capitalist production has tremendously sharpened the economic and political antagonisms between the principal imperialist powers, and has once again brought to the forefront the irreconcilable contradiction between the objective development of the world economy and the nation-state form in which the whole system of capitalist property is historically rooted. Precisely the international character of the proletariat, a class which owes no allegiance to any capitalist fatherland, makes it the sole social force that can liberate civilization from the strangulating fetters of the nation-state system. For these fundamental reasons, no struggle against the ruling class in any country can produce enduring advances for the working class, let alone prepare its final emancipation, unless it is based on an international strategy aimed at the worldwide mobilization of the proletariat against the capitalist system. This necessary unification of the working class can only be achieved through the construction of a genuine international proletarian, i.e., revolutionary party. Only one such party, the product of decades of unrelenting ideological and political struggle, exists. It is the Fourth International, founded by Leon Trotsky in 1938, and led today by the International Committee. [Ibid.] The renaissance of Trotskyism and the decade of world socialist revolution The world perspective of the ICFI established the theoretical and political foundation for its analysis of and response to the momentous upheavals of the following decade. In the opening lecture to the 2019 summer school, North noted that the work of the IC during the period following the split with the WRP was a monumental achievement for the Marxist movement. The decisive defeat and ejection of Pabloite opportunism created the conditions for an immense theoretical, political, and organizational development of the International Committee of the Fourth International. The work of theoretical and political clarification made possible by the expulsion of the national opportunists signified nothing less than a renaissance of Trotskyism. The lectures included in this volume provide an insight into the discussions within the International Committee in the aftermath of the split. Making use of internal party documents, including transcripts of discussions and correspondence, the lectures show how political perspective and program are developed in a Marxist-Trotskyist party. The lectures concentrate on the most complex issues that confronted the International Committee. The world Trotskyist movement was compelled to analyze and define its attitude to the trade unions, to the bourgeois national movements and the demand for self-determination, to the much ballyhooed policies of perestroika and glasnost initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev after he became the general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party in 1985, and to the explosive events in post-Maoist China. In each case, there were no ready-made answers to the problems posed by the rapidly changing objective situation. The Trotskyist movement is intensely conscious of the historical experience out of which it emerged, and which shaped its political evolution. However, its respect for history does not consist of rummaging through the past to find a quotable precedent. Trotsky bitterly opposed this sort of formalistic orthodoxy. The weapon of Marxist investigation, he wrote, must be constantly sharpened and applied. It is precisely in this that tradition consists, and not in the substitution of a formal reference or an accidental quotation. [The New Course, in The Challenge of the Left Opposition (192325), (New York: Pathfinder Press, 2017), p. 123] The reader must keep in mind that the discussions within the International Committee unfolded in real time. In the lecture The ICFI and the Crisis of Stalinism, Comrade Barry Grey traces the ICFIs analysis of the development of the Soviet Union between 1986 and 1992. He cites a major document published by the ICFI in 1987, What Is Happening in the USSR. That document warned that Gorbachevs reforms would lead, unless disrupted by a revolutionary movement of the working class, to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Within five years, this analysis was vindicated by events. This volume includes that record of the response to the dissolution of the USSR. The perspectives work was not limited to questions of economics and politics. The lecture by Comrade David Walsh examines the attention paid by the International Committee to the challenge of renewing and developing socialist consciousness within the working class. The attention given to this issue arose from the ICFIs concept of socialist culture, which Walsh defined as all that has been organized, built, written, assimilated and achieved with the conscious aim of assisting workers to grasp their objective position in capitalist society and their collective role as a force for socialist revolution, and to transform themselves from mere fodder for exploitation to the makers of history and the liberators of humanity. The theoretical work reviewed in this volume made possible the development of the International Committee of the Fourth International during the fourth phase of the history of the Trotskyist movement, which spanned a period of three decades, from 1986 until 2019. In the opening lecture, North summarized the accomplishments of this period: The critical preparatory work of removing the Pabloites, rebuilding the world party on an internationalist foundation, elaborating the international strategy of the ICFI, defending the historical heritage of the Fourth International, converting the leagues of the International Committee into parties, and establishing the World Socialist Web Site were the main achievements of the fourth phase. These achievements made possible a vast expansion in the political influence of the International Committee and a significant growth of its membership. This stage is concluded. Thus, the fifth stage in the history of the Fourth International has begun. North explained: The objective processes of economic globalization, identified by the International Committee more than thirty years ago, have undergone a further colossal development. Combined with the emergence of new technologies that have revolutionized communications, these processes have internationalized the class struggle to a degree that would have been hard to imagine even twenty-five years ago. The revolutionary struggle of the working class will develop as an interconnected and unified world movement. The International Committee of the Fourth International will be built as the conscious political leadership of this objective socioeconomic process. It will counterpose to the capitalist politics of imperialist war the class-based strategy of world socialist revolution. This is the essential historical task of the new phase in the history of the Fourth International. At the beginning of 2020, in reviewing the significance of mass protests and demonstrations that erupted throughout the world over the course of the previous year, the World Socialist Web Site wrote, in The decade of socialist revolution begins, that the arrival of the New Year marks the beginning of a decade of intensifying class struggle and world socialist revolution. In the future, when learned historians write about the upheavals of the twenty-first century, they will enumerate all the obvious signs that existed, as the 2020s began, of the revolutionary storm that was soon to sweep across the globe. The scholarswith a vast array of facts, documents, charts, web site and social media postings, and other forms of valuable digitalized information at their disposalwill describe the 2010s as a period characterized by an intractable economic, social, and political crisis of the world capitalist system. [World Socialist Web Site, January 3, 2020, available at: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/01/03/pers-j03.html] It did not take long before this prognosis was confirmed. The first half of 2020 has been characterized by the deepening crisis of the global capitalist system sparked by the coronavirus pandemic. The World Socialist Web Site has characterized the pandemic as a trigger event. The response of the ruling class to the pandemic, in the United States and throughout the world, was conditioned by the whole evolution of capitalism in the preceding period. The corporate and financial oligarchy has used the pandemic to continue and intensify the parasitic policies it had employed during previous decades to counteract the systemic crisis of capitalism. Epidemiologists and scientists have warned about the danger of a pandemic for more than two decades. The destruction of social and health care infrastructure, and the massive growth of social inequality have left the masses of workers vulnerable to the health and economic impacts of the pandemic. The ruling elites, led by the Trump administration in the United States, utilized the pandemic to hand trillions of dollars to Wall Street in a bailout of the corporations and financial institutions that far exceeds what was done after the 200809 economic crash. The wealth of billionaires is soaring, and the stock markets are reaching new highs, even as tens of millions have been thrown out of work with no hope of returning to their jobs. The efforts of the ruling elites in the United States and internationally to engineer a return to work under unsafe conditions will produce social upheavals. The opposition of workers and youth to the indifference and contempt of the ruling class for their lives is intersecting with the growing opposition to inequality, war, environmental degradation, and the capitalist profit system. The pandemic is igniting a new stage of class struggle. The wellspring of social anger in the United States and throughout the world found initial expression following the May 25 police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The massive multi-racial and multi-ethnic demonstrations in every major US city and on every continent have been motivated by opposition to police violence. However, underlying this social eruption is growing outrage over inequality, exploitation, and the capitalist system. The theoretical and political work reviewed in this volume will prove to be of immense importance in the education of the new generation of revolutionary socialists who are joining the ranks of the International Committee of the Fourth International. She has spent more than $35,000 transforming her appearance since rising to fame on Richie Strahan's season of The Bachelor in 2016. And on Thursday, Keira Maguire hit back at an online troll who sent her a vile message calling her face 'unrecoverable'. The 33-year-old shared a screenshot of the appalling comment from a follower to her Instagram Story. 'Your face is unrecoverable': The Bachelor's Keira Maguire has exposed an Instagram troll who claimed she had destroyed her looks with plastic surgery and cosmetic enhancements 'WTF!!! Your face. Unrecoverable,' the troll's message read. Keira captioned the post: 'Honestly some people.' Since her stint on The Bachelor four years ago, Keira has become one of Australia's most successful reality stars and influencers. 'Honestly... some people': The 33-year-old shared a screenshot of the appalling comment from a follower to her Instagram Story Plastic fantastic: Keira has spent more than $35,000 transforming her appearance since rising to fame on Richie Strahan's season of The Bachelor in 2016 However, longtime fans may have trouble recognising her these days following years of cosmetic enhancements. In several recent Instagram posts, Keira looks like a completely different person compared to her former self. Keira has spent in excess of $35,000 transforming her appearance over the years, from injectables like Botox to getting breast implants and porcelain veneers. Who's that girl? Keira looks completely different in recent social media posts (right) compared to her days on The Bachelor four years ago (left) The Bachelor villain previously told NW magazine: 'I always wanted to be perfect.' She had dreamed of getting plastic surgery for more than 10 years, but was motivated to finally go under the knife after seeing herself on TV for the first time. 'The first night I watched [The Bachelor] I was sitting there like, "Ew, this is f**ked." My nose is just so bad on camera,' she said. Transformed: In several recent Instagram posts, the social media influencer looks like a completely different person compared to her former self That's different! Longtime fans may have trouble recognising Keira these days following years of cosmetic enhancements that she's undergone This prompted the single socialite to get a nose job in 2017. The following year, Keira got a breast enlargement, taking her A-cup chest up to a more sizable C-cup. 'I think, although people can look at me like [I'm superficial], these changes make me happy and they make me feel like me,' she said after the surgery. Confronting: She'd wanted to get plastic surgery for more than 10 years, but was motivated to finally go under the knife after seeing herself on TV for the first time. Pictured on The Bachelor 'It's not all about looks, but if you can enhance something or improve something, I'm all about it.' Also in 2018, the reality star got a shiny set of porcelain veneers from celebrity dentist Dr Deepan Duraisamy, a.k.a. Dr Dee. Furthermore, she's had laser skin treatments, 'vampire facials', Botox, lip fillers and eyebrow tattoos. Before and after: In 2018, she got lip fillers before the first season of Bachelor in Paradise (right), but she ended up with a 'trout pout' and had them dissolved after filming. Pictured left: Keira in March 2017 Mortified: She told News.com.au at the time she was 'mortified' by the 'horrendous' results and still gets upset whenever she sees photos of herself on the show (pictured) While Keira is happy with most of her enhancements, she does have one surgery regret. In 2018, she got lip fillers before the first season of Bachelor in Paradise, but she ended up with a 'trout pout' and had them dissolved after filming. She told News.com.au at the time she was 'mortified' by the 'horrendous' results and still gets upset whenever she sees photos of herself on the show. Sunitha Natti By Express News Service The year was 1984 and chief minister NT Rama Rao (NTR) and BPR Vithal, deputy chairman, Planning Board were engaged in a deep conversation. Vithal suggested additional taxes to fund NTR's rather large annual plan, which the latter dismissed saying his government wasn't a 'kirana shop, counting pennies' and that people can't be burdened with fee and taxes. NTR wanted more ideas, but nothing that Vithal recommended enthused the minister. "Vithal garu, you are a brilliant man," said Rao. "You are an eminent intellectual; you are a wise man; you are an internationally recognised expert. That is why I am asking you for ideas. But you are not giving me any new ideas." "Sir," Vithal said, "I am sorry. I have no more ideas. But let me suggest somebody who does. He, and he alone, is capable of showing you the path towards painless resource mobilisation." "Tell me. Tell me, who is that?" NTR questioned, to which Vithal replied, "Please look behind you." Behind the minister was a framed picture of Lord Venkateshwara. With that, the meeting ended. Recalling this in his autobiography, YV Reddy, former Governor, RBI notes how Baru Pandu Ranga Vithal was highly respected for his knowledge, wisdom and humour. Reddy has known Vithal since 1961 and fondly addresses him as his pedda guru. "He has been my guru since about college days. When I joined as a lecturer (in Arts College, Osmania University), he was already the registrar. And from the time I was in college, till now, whether I was Chairman, Finance Commission and all other capacities, I valued his guidance on all matters," Reddy told The New Indian Express. Calling him as a father figure, Reddy added, "I have a lot of gurus but I called him pedda guru. I joined as a research fellow and from then on I was his deputy for a number of years." During their days at the Osmania University, Vithal advised Reddy to not join the IAS, but once he was in it, Vithal took him under his wing. During their professional interactions, they disagreed on several occasions, yet Vithal will patiently hear Reddy's views every single time. "It was only if we were unable to convince each other that he would overrule me. He was careful to explain that he did it not because he was necessarily right and I was wrong. We were all equally capable of logic and were endowed with integrity, but as a senior in office, he had to take his stand as a matter of convenience for doing business. This respect for people without reference to hierarchy was a guiding principle for me," Reddy noted. Vithal had a lighter side, too. Once, when Reddy aspired to become chief secretary, he laughed and asked if he remembered a certain officer they both knew. "Venu," he said, "that officer was chief secretary. He was half-mad. Still, no damage was done to the state. If a half-mad officer could not damage the state, can even a genius officer improve it?' Vithal also had his style of grooming talent. For instance, during his stint at the Planning Board, he handed over a neatly typed 2-page note to Reddy listing important projects and sectors to be given priority. "This is your annual plan. Now you go and write it," Vithal said to me, Reddy recorded in his book. The eventual plan, based on that two-page note, would be 150 pages - a test of writing ability. Vithal served in several capacities including in finance and planning divisions from 1972 to 1982, besides working with the Government of Kerala. He also had a brief stint at the IMF as Fiscal Advisor to the governments of Sudan and Malawi and has established the Centre for Economic and Social Studies, Hyderabad. His father, Professor BV Rama Narasu, was principal, Warangal Arts College and professor of economics, Nizam College. Vithal graduated from Madras Christian College and joined the Hyderabad Civil Service in 1949, qualifying for the IAS in 1950. In 1942, he quit his under-graduate studies at Nizam College and attended the Quit India session, immersing himself in the national movement. He has many publications to his credit. His essay titled The Telangana Surpluses: A Case Study played an influential role in shaping the demand for a separate state of Telangana. Over his long retired life Vithal was associated with many social organisations and causes including the Nizam's trust, Hyderabad Literary Society and Jana Vignana Vedika. He is survived by his wife Seshu, daughter Nivedita Kumar, sons Sanjaya Baru and Chaitanya Baru. Arushi Singh By Express News Service Since time, immemorial India has been known to be a country where animals are not only considered as an integral part of the universe, but have also been worshiped. According to Hindu mythology, Cow, tiger, lion, elephant, horse, bull, snake, monkey are worshipped. However, on one hand where we have people mark their devotion to deities and the animals associated with them in temples, on the other hand the animals are also subject to cruelty in places like circuses. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, which consequently resulted in a lockdown for three months, humans have experienced depression. Critically, it is also time to reflect on what the caged animals in zoos and circuses go through having lived most of their lives. A couple of cases of cruelty towards animals have come to light in the past few weeks which have enraged many and made one ponder as to whether the laws in existence are sufficient enough to protect animals. The most recent of all incidents of cruelty that have taken place this year, are that of killing of a pregnant elephant from Kerala, a pregnant cow from Himachal Pradesh and a jackal from Tamil Nadu. I state these incidents together as these have the same method used to seriously injure/kill them. In all three cases, the poor animals were fed explosives covered with some kind of edibles. Earlier, in 2019 an incident came to light where in Uttar Pradesh a tigress was brutally beaten with sticks, under a protected zone of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. Another inhumane incident saw the light of the day in September 2019 when a video of a nilgai (antelope) being pushed into a pit in Bihar and buried alive got viral. It is unimaginable to think that New Delhi has its very own Serial dog killer who allegedly beat, stabbed and killed three dogs and a puppy. What is even more disheartening is that certain sadistic people are deriving pleasure out of torturing animals on social media platforms like TikTok to increase their followers/views. A video of two children throwing a dog in a pond after tying his legs, another horrific video of a man hanging a cat from fan with a rope around her neck among several others have been permitted to be uploaded on Tiktok. There are several laws under the Constitution Of India, Indian Penal Code (IPC), Prevention of cruelty to Animals, (Slaughterhouse) Rules, 2001, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Prevention of cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (PCA Act) to mention a few for the safety, protection, punishment in cases of animal cruelty. Article 48A, Article 51A(g), Sections 428 and 429 of the IPC lay out rules against animal cruelty among other Rules and a Acts of Indian Constitution. Rule 3 of Slaughterhouse Rules, 2001 also states that animal sacrifice is illegal in every part of the country. In addition, certain wildlife crimes are also investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Around the world, animal abuse is treated differently in different countries. Austria, UK and Hong Kong are the top three countries that find mention on the list of countries having strictest Animal Welfare laws. Austria is regarded as one of the safest and best countries for animals in the entire world. The protection and well being of animals and that of humankind is measured on the same pedestal as suggested under the Austrian Animal Welfare Act 2004. The fines in case of violation of the laws can be anywhere from $2,420 up to $18,160 in cases of extreme cruelty. The Supreme Court India in 2014 held jallikattu as cruelty to bulls and banned the same, however, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act of 2017 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Jallikattu) Rules of 2017 opened the gates for running the popular bull-taming sport in the name of tradition. The Supreme Court in 2014, in a case titled - Animal Welfare Board of India v. Nagraja&Ors., recognized the Right to Life as enshrined under Article 21 of the COI, to extend to animals as well.NGOs and animal rights activists condemn these brazen killings and inhumane acts however there is now an immediate need to make stricter laws. It was commendable when the Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, took a step by approving draft of the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Cow Slaughter Prevention (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, to protect cows and prevent their slaughter, providing a maximum rigorous imprisonment of 10 years and a fine up to Rs 5 lakh. Now this ordinance calls for similar and more robust and effective measures to be taken by the Centre in Toto. A total of 32 Bangladeshis, who were stranded in India due to the lockdown, have been sent back to the neighbouring country through a checkpoint in Assam's Karimganj district, a senior police officer said on Friday. The foreigners-14 males and 18 females- were stuck here for a long time and their visas were expired, Karimganj Superintendent of Police Kumar Sanjiv Krishna said. In presence of BSF officials, they were sent back to Bangladesh through the Sutarkandi-Sheora checkpoint at the border on Thursday evening, he said. Of the 32, eight were studying at NIT Silchar in Cachar district and others came to India for medical purposes and got stranded due to the lockdown, he said. The Bangladeshis were screened by a medical team of the district before sending them back, the SP said, adding that the policy directives of two countries were followed. Heart and Vascular Center at AdventHealth Sebring AdventHealth cut the ribbon on a $17.5 million, state-of-the-art expansion at the Heart and Vascular Center at AdventHealth Sebring. The 24,000 square foot facility will provide the latest in cardiovascular surgical care for Hardee, Highlands and surrounding counties. The Heart and Vascular Center at AdventHealth Sebring will have 24 private lakefront rooms dedicated to heart and vascular patients, and a fourth additional catherization lab equipped with the latest in Philips technology to assist patients in achieving the best possible outcomes following their exceptional heart care. AdventHealth Sebring is the only hospital in the Heartland region with access to high-quality clinical excellence for the heart, said Randy Surber, President and CEO of AdventHealth Sebring, AdventHealth Lake Placid and AdventHealth Wauchula. We are honored to provide our community with a heart and vascular program that is rated in the top one percent nationally, allowing us to recruit some of the top cardiologists to provide the best heart care right here in our community. The AdventHealth network of care features the only certified heart-and-vascular center and Primary Stroke Care Center in the Heartland region. Since the original opening of the Heart and Vascular Center in 2009, AdventHealth Sebring has performed more than 4,300 successful angioplasties. "We are so excited to provide dedicated heart care to our community through the expansion of the Heart and Vascular Center at AdventHealth Sebring, said Dr. Thomas Shimshak. This facility and the fourth catheterization lab will provide our specially trained physicians and nurses the latest in cardiovascular technology to focus our unmatched heart care on the many people in our community with cardiovascular disease. AdventHealth Sebring recently received a Leapfrog grade A in patient safety for the fifth consecutive year. This is the highest score awarded by the prestigious Leapfrog group which rates hospitals across the country on patient safety criteria. In Fall of 2019, AdventHealth Sebring was also awarded Top General Hospital. The Heart and Vascular Center at AdventHealth Sebring will open to the public at the end of the month. About AdventHealth West Florida Division The West Florida Division of AdventHealth has some of the nations brightest medical minds making lifesaving breakthroughs with surgical pioneers, scientists and researchers using leading edge technology and innovation to deliver our brand of whole-person care. Our network of care includes AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Connerton, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Lake Placid, AdventHealth North Pinellas, AdventHealth Ocala, AdventHealth Sebring, AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Wauchula, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, as well as three freestanding offsite Emergency Rooms including AdventHealth Central Pasco ER, AdventHealth Palm Harbor ER and AdventHealth TimberRidge ER. We are more than hospitals, as we have a robust system of care including specialty acute care, over 200 primary care and specialty employed physicians, Express Care at Walgreens clinics, urgent care centers, wound care, physical therapy and home health care. AdventHealth is a faith-based not-for-profit health care system with a mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. AdventHealth has hundreds of care sites and nearly 50 hospitals across the United States. For more information about AdventHealth, visit AdventHealth.com, or Facebook.com/AdventHealth. Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/19/2020 -- Analyzing the COVID-19 Effect: Demand for Magnesium Hydroxide to Remain Strong, Driven by Food and Medical Applications during the Outbreak Future Market Insights Magnesium hydroxide manufacturers are investing in expanding their production capacities and collaborations with regional players to circumvent tariffs and trade restrictions during the pandemic. Future Market Insights, Dubai: Despite the extremely disruptive nature of the pandemic, prospects of the magnesium hydroxide market look positive, primarily driven by pharmaceutical, industrial and water treatment applications. The pandemic is likely to cause disruptions in supply chains in the short term. However, applications as a food additive or medical and personal care product ingredient aids in the development of the industry. The worldwide magnesium hydroxide market is expected to reach US$ 1.5 Bn valuation during the projection period 2020 2030. Also, niche applications as a fire retardant or waste water purification applications will help in creating profitable opportunities according to estimates from a FMI study. These trends will enable manufacturers to sustain operations and growth during the outbreak. Easy access to raw materials from brine or seawater will aid growth in the foreseeable future. To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1585 "The magnesium hydroxide industry was impacted by the effects of the tariff war between China and the United States. Now, with China being a major magnesium hydroxide producer, the high impact of the pandemic on the country, will substantially affect supply chains. On the other hand, the wide-ranging applications of magnesium hydroxide will result in the development of alternative sources in the coming years," says the FMI analyst. Magnesium Hydroxide Market- Critical Takeaways - Food and pharmaceutical grade magnesium hydroxide will remain a primary revenue generator, while industrial variants gain traction. - Pharmaceutical and personal care applications of magnesium hydroxide is anticipated to surge, driven by steady demand for anti-perspirants, laxatives, and antacids. - The incorporation of magnesium hydroxide as a building material is gaining ground at a fast rate. - In terms of revenue, North America is a prominent market, closely followed by Europe. Building and construction applications will provide major impetus in Asia Pacific. Magnesium Hydroxide Market- Drivers - Extensive application of magnesium hydroxide in healthcare and pharmaceutical products is a primary growth factor. - Novel applications of magnesium hydroxide for desulfurization in fossil-fuel based power plants are generating lucrative opportunities. - Rising use of magnesium hydroxide by municipal bodies and industrial facilities in water treatment plants is also bolstering market performance. - Low, corrosiveness and toxicity, along with superior flame-retardant properties are supporting adoption. Magnesium Hydroxide Market- Restraints - Strict government regulations on the use of magnesium hydroxide in the food and beverage industry is hampering growth. - Potential side effects such as loss of appetite, itching, and skin rashes, are also hindering the magnesium hydroxide market. COVID-19 Impact on Magnesium Hydroxide Market As most magnesium hydroxide stocks are used in healthcare and food applications, the demand for the material is likely to remain strong through the pandemic. However, the gap between demand and supply is likely to go up owing to supply chain disruptions and the overdependence of consumers on Chinese manufacturers. However, the designation of medical and food production operations as essential by government bodies will help to mitigate losses during the crisis period, through optimization of supply chains. Also, magnesium hydroxide manufacturers seek to diversify their sources out of China, which will help in safeguarding operations in the long term. Download Methodology of this Report @https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1585 Competitive Landscape Players in the fragmented magnesium hydroxide market investing in research & development activities, expansion of production capacity, and investing in the launch of new products. Israel Chemicals, Nedmag Industries Mining & Manufacturing B.V., Cyter Industries, Nabaltec AG, China Minmetals Nonferrous metals, Huber Engineering Materials, Chemtura Corporation, Konoshima Chemical Company Ltd., Baymag Inc., and Albemarle Corporation are some top magnesium hydroxide producers. About the Study The study offers readers an exhaustive forecast of the magnesium hydroxide market. Global, regional and national-level analysis of the latest trends influencing the magnesium hydroxide market is covered in this FMI report. The study provides insights according to grade (food/pharma, and industrial/technical), and application (environmental, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and flame retardants), in seven regions (North America, Latin America, Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Oceania, and MEA). Leading respiratory experts have warned that Ireland faces a lung disease crisis if urgent action is not taken to increase resources. According to the Irish Thoracic Society, Covid-19 could lead to unprecedented rates of illness and death from lung disease. The expert group has called for additional resources for the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care of people with respiratory conditions which they say is crucial to avoid a lung disease crisis. The experts say the most at risk are those who have recovered from the acute stage of Covid-19, as well as those who are already living with a respiratory condition but who have not been able to access timely treatment and care. The respiratory experts on the societys Covid-19 sub-group also expressed disappointment that the Programme for Government Our Shared Future fails to include a targeted response to the burden on respiratory healthcare services. The stark reality of delayed access to care for people with lung disease is deteriorating health, reduced quality of life and, sadly, in some cases, premature death They have called for greater numbers of respiratory specialists and other healthcare professionals to provide care in community and hospital settings. According to the society, Covid-19 has inflicted a triple-whammy on lung health because of reduced access to healthcare services. Prior to the health pandemic, Irelands lung disease rates were already among the highest in the world. In 2016, respiratory disease was the cause of one in five deaths in Ireland and the countrys death rate from respiratory disease was the fourth highest in the EU-28 and 38% higher than the EU average. In 2016, respiratory disease accounted for more hospitalisations than for cardiovascular and non-lung cancer cases combined. Lung diseases include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis and sleep disorders. The society has called for an increase in the number of respiratory specialists as well as continued development and application of technology. Dr Aidan OBrien, president of the society, said: It is clear that we are storing up a backlog of undiagnosed and untreated respiratory disease at a magnitude that will have untold implications for the healthcare service and for our patients in the coming months and years unless urgent action is taken. The stark reality of delayed access to care for people with lung disease is deteriorating health, reduced quality of life and, sadly, in some cases, premature death. We commend the Herculean efforts of our colleagues throughout the healthcare system in retaining access to non-Covid-19 healthcare as much as possible while addressing the specific challenge of Covid-19 through separate access streams, virtual consultations and other innovative solutions. However, in order to prevent a future lung health crisis at a scale not yet seen in this country, we need to harness this capacity for transformation, innovation and investment to ensure that our patients can access timely multidisciplinary specialist care at community and hospital levels. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday advocated "aggressive" steps to take back the Galwan Valley territory "seized by the Chinese", and urged the Centre to issue an ultimatum to Beijing "to vacate the occupied land immediately". His statement came even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi told an all-party meeting in Delhi on Friday that neither has anyone intruded into Indian territory nor has anyone taken over any post. "Advocating aggressive steps to take back the Galwan Valley territory seized by the Chinese, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh urged the Government of India to issue an ultimatum to Beijing to vacate the occupied land immediately, with a clear warning that failure to do so would lead to serious consequences for them," an official statement said in Chandigarh. "While India would also have to suffer some consequences of such an act, it could no longer afford to allow such intrusions and attacks on its territorial integrity to continue," Singh said. He said that past experience showed that when faced with aggression, the Chinese have always backed off. "It is time to call their bluff." "The Chinese, with their Salami tactics, had been nibbling into Indian territory piece by piece since 1962," said the chief minister in a statement here, demanding an end to these intrusions, claiming 60 years of diplomacy has failed to stop such Chinese activities. Questioning the 'so-called agreement which prevented the Indian troops from firing' during the faceoff with the Chinese on Monday night, he asked, "How can one have an agreement of this nature with a hostile neighbour?" "In any case, it was clear that the attack on Indian soldiers was a premeditated one by the Chinese, who had come prepared with their crude but deadly weapons," he said. "By carrying nail-studded lathis and barbed-wire clubs and by attacking our troops they abrogated whatever agreement was in place." In the circumstances, the Indian soldiers had full right to retaliated by using their own weapons, he remarked. Singh said Colonel Santosh Babu's death at the hands of the Chinese was an insult to the entire Indian Army. He said the Indian Army is well-trained and equipped with the best of weapons, and it has every right to use them when faced with such a brutal and treacherous attack. He recalled that during his term in the Army, armed soldiers were always strategically deployed whenever senior officers went for meetings with the other side, and were ready to jump in for a rescue operation, if needed. "Why were soldiers not so deployed in this case? And if they were, why did they not use their weapons to rescue the officers and men under attack?" he asked. "If the situation is allowed to escalate further, then China, in collusion with Pakistan, would get further emboldened to encroach into more Indian territories, which had to be stopped at all costs," said the chief minister. On Thursday, he had asked "Why no orders to fire at the Chinese were given" in the face of the brutal attack on Indian soldiers in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. Twenty soldiers including four from Punjab had died in the clash in Ladakh on Monday. Meanwhile, reacting to SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal's tweet accusing him of playing politics on the Galwan Valley issue, the CM said as an ex-Army man, he had every right to express his opinion. "With 20 soldiers dead, no soldier, in fact no Indian, could remain unaffected," Singh said. Contrary to the 'misleading picture being projected by Sukhbir', Singh said that he, like every Indian, stood with the government of India at this critical hour. In his tweet, Sukhbir had said, "Let us all resolve to stand with PM @narendramodi &Indian Army & support them in giving strong msg to China that #India won't allow transgressions on its borders. Also urge CM@ capt amarinder not to play politics & let our Generals take decisions on guarding our sovereignty (sic)". Kim Jong Un Keeps Quiet as North Korea Turns Up Heat By William Gallo June 18, 2020 As North Korea ramps up military pressure on South Korea, the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, has been conspicuously absent from public view. Kim, who has made very few public appearances this year, instead seems to have delegated his increasingly powerful sister to oversee Pyongyang's cycle of provocations against Seoul. Once seen mainly as an aide to her brother, Kim Yo Jong began issuing her own public statements in March. She has since become the public face of North Korea's more aggressive stance toward the South. Last week, North Korea announced it would cut all official channels of communication with the South. On Tuesday, North Korea used controlled explosives to blow up the de facto inter-Korean embassy just north of the border. A day later, the North announced it would redeploy troops and resume military exercises near the border. North Korea has a long history of periodically ramping up tensions in order to extract economic and other concessions from the South. Currently, Pyongyang is frustrated that Seoul has been unwilling to push ahead with improving inter-Korean ties. Kim Yo Jong's role in overseeing the provocations underscores a possible new power dynamic in North Korea's leadership hierarchy, with her seemingly now occupying the No. 2 position. "Until now there had been no third person between the military and Kim Jong Un, but now there is Kim Yo Jong," said former senior North Korean diplomat Thae Yong-ho. The provocations also highlight a "new command structure in which the whole of North Korea rapidly responds as soon as Kim Yo Jong utters a single word," said Thae, now a South Korean lawmaker, in a Facebook post. It's unclear why North Korea decided now is the moment to boost Kim Yo Jong's public profile. Her ascendancy, though, coincides with unconfirmed rumors about Kim Jong Un's health that emerged during a three-week absence in late April and early May. Health concerns The 36-year-old North Korean leader, who has gained much weight in recent years, skipped a significant public ceremony in April honoring his late grandfather, the country's founding leader. A wave of media speculation followed, including unconfirmed reports he had undergone a heart procedure. The rumors led to worries about the stability of the Kim dynasty, which has ruled the country since its founding in 1948. Kim Jong Un, the third member of his family to rule the country, does not appear to have appointed a successor. Health concerns and succession issues are one of many possible explanations for Kim Yo Jung's expanded leadership role, said Chad O'Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, which produces the influential NK News website. "I think it makes a lot of sense," O'Carroll said. "Otherwise, why not have someone else put forward these messages?" However, as O'Carroll and others point out, there are many explanations not related to Kim's health or the stability of the regime. More flexibility One possibility is that by allowing his sister to be the public face of aggression toward South Korea, Kim may be preserving his future flexibility. "He wouldn't be tainted by the escalation directly, so to speak," Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a Korea specialist at King's College London, said. In 2018, Kim held three summits with his South Korean counterpart, President Moon Jae-in. "If there is to be another summit, it makes sense for Kim Jong Un not to be the one leading escalation," Pacheco Pardo said. Tasked with inter-Korean ties Another reason Kim Yo Jong currently has the megaphone is that inter-Korean relations seems to be her main job. During the 2018 period of improved relations, she served as a special envoy, becoming the first member of the Kim dynasty to head south of the border since the 1950s Korean War. Now, she seems to be serving as a wrecking ball, overseeing the destruction of many of the inter-Korean achievements reached during that period. This month, she has repeatedly slammed the South Korean government for allowing activists to float anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. She has called the defectors who send such materials "riffraff," "hooligans," and "human scum." When South Korea this week offered to send envoys to defuse tensions, Kim Yo Jong rejected the proposal as "unrealistic," "disrespectful," "tactless," "reckless," "sinister," and "a petty farce." Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un hasn't made any appearances in state media since June 8, when he oversaw a Politburo meeting that discussed "urgent problems" in developing North Korea's chemical industry. "Kim Jong Un doesn't need to have the microphone during these times," Duyeon Kim, a senior adviser for Northeast Asia and nuclear policy at the International Crisis Group, said, "His closest confidante is speaking on his behalf and upon his orders." Gaining military achievements? The 32-year-old Kim Yo Jong is currently the vice director of the North Korean ruling Korean Worker's Party's United Front Department, which handles relations with the South, including propaganda operations and espionage. Some analysts believe Ms. Kim's new hardline stance may be designed to further bolster her military credentials and expand her authority, not easy tasks in a male-dominated, hierarchical system like North Korea's. "With the growing health concerns over her brother, she is flexing her muscles to gain support from the regime's hardliners and the military," said Jay Song, a lecturer in Korean studies at the University of Melbourne's Asia Institute. There is a possible precedent. In 2010, North Korea engaged in a similar, though more intense, cycle of provocations against the South. In March of that year, a North Korean torpedo sank a South Korean warship in disputed waters off the Korean peninsula, killing 46 sailors. A few months later, the North shelled the border island of Yeonpyeong, killing several more people. Kim Jong Un is widely believed to have been involved in the provocations, which came after he was named successor to his father, Kim Jong Il. Similarly, some analysts suspect Kim Yo Jong may now be raising tensions with South Korea in order to burnish her military credentials and alleviate concerns within North Korean leadership following her own apparent elevation in the hierarchy. "I think that is very plausible," Christopher Green, who lectures in Korean studies at Leiden University in the Netherlands, said. Green said, though that it would be a mistake to assume that means Kim Jong Un is sick. "Kim Jong Un may be in decline, but this doesn't prove it," he said, "It is faulty logic to assume so." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Claims North Wales hit worse by coronavirus than any other region branded misleading by Welsh Health Minister This article is old - Published: Friday, Jun 19th, 2020 Claims that North Wales has been hit worse by coronavirus than any other region have been described as misleading by Wales Health Minister. The latest figures released by Public Health Wales show the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board area has the highest number of deaths of any part of the country, with 338 people now known to have died with COVID-19. However, Vaughan Gething said other locations in south east Wales had been impacted harder by the pandemic in proportion to their population. Questions were raised over how the virus has impacted the north of the country at yesterdays Welsh Government press conference. He said: Theres been a later peak in coronavirus in North Wales, but its been a lower peak that in the south east of Wales. Whilst the overall numbers are higher in North Wales, actually because the North Wales health board is the largest health board, it sort of gives a misleading impression actually. The hardest hit health board areas in Wales have been in the south east corner. Aneurin Bevan, Cwm Taf Morgannwg, Cardiff and Vale and even the Swansea Bay Health Board has had in terms of population share, a more significant impact than North Wales. Actually Betsi is underneath the Welsh average. In response to questions raised over the outbreak earlier on in the conference, Mr Gething said it reinforced the message that people should keep following public health guidance. He later said the regional differences showed the reason for the governments cautious approach to easing lockdown. He said: The challenge here is how we learn from that and how we dont take an approach that sees those figures move in different directions. Thats why we continue to take a deliberately cautious approach to coming out of lockdown. Thats why Im not prepared to see all of our field hospital network dismantled and its why we need to make those choices in a rounded way across the government and here within the health portfolio. Im committed as a leader of the government to continue to act in any and every way possible to keep Wales safe. ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey will work together with Italy to achieve stable peace and a political process that will yield results in Libya, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Friday, and added the NATO allies could also cooperate in the eastern Mediterranean. Turkey supports the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli. With Turkish support, the GNA has reversed a 14-month assault on Tripoli by Khalifa Haftar's eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) - backed by Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. Speaking at a news conferece with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio in Ankara, Cavusoglu also said Turkey wanted to work together with Italy on meeting Libya's energy needs, such as electricity. The two countries could also cooperate in the eastern Mediterranean, where Ankara is at odds with Greece and other regional actors over hydrocarbon resources, he said. (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ece Toksabay) DUBLIN, June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ResearchAndMarkets.com has published a new article on the AI market, "Artificial Intelligence Aids Management of COVID-19" Artificial intelligence is being used in new ways in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several companies like BlueDot, IBM and BenevolentAI are leveraging their technologies to detect outbreaks, enable effective contact tracing and identify existing drugs that could be useful for treating COVID-19. Researchers are also exploring the use of artificial intelligence as an aid to diagnosis. A team of researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine have developed an AI model that uses CT scans combined with clinical data such as abnormal white blood cell counts to detect cases of COVID-19. While researchers from the NYU College of Dentistry have developed a new mobile app which helps to identify COVID-19 patients most likely to be severely affected by the disease. Researchers built a model based on biomarkers from 160 patients in Wuhan to allow the app to identify patterns of COVID-19 and predict its severity. This allows hospitals to prioritize resources like ICU beds and ventilators as well as to determine who can be safely cared for at home. ResearchAndMarkets.com offer a wide range of reports on that cover the above topics & companies, across all geographic markets. To see the full article and a list of related reports on the market, visit "Researchandmarkets.com: Artificial Intelligence Aids Management of COVID-19" About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. 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 RICHMOND, Va. (AP) A group of property owners along Richmonds famed Monument Avenue dropped one lawsuit and immediately replaced it with another on Wednesday seeking to block the removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, an attorney for the group said. The six plaintiffs had initially filed a state lawsuit in Richmond Circuit Court on Monday, but Attorney General Mark Herring moved it to federal court. The plaintiffs then dropped the lawsuit altogether on Wednesday and filed a new, similar suit again in the state court, said attorney Patrick McSweeney. The complaint challenges Gov. Ralph Northams authority to order the equestrian statues removal from its prominent place in the ex-capital of the Confederacy. It argues doing so would violate the terms of the deed conveying the statue, a 1889 legislative provision and state laws. It also says removing the statue would strip a stretch of Monument Avenue of its current National Historic Landmark designation, resulting in the loss of favorable tax treatment and reduced property values. Northam announced earlier this month that the statue would be taken down and moved to storage while his administration seeks public input on its future. He cited the pain gripping the country over the killing of George Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis who pleaded for air as a white police officer pressed a knee into his neck. Floyds death has sparked global protests that participants have vowed to turn into a sustained movement focused on addressing racial injustice and police brutality. It has also led to an intense reexamination of statues and monuments of historical figures around the world. The governor has repeatedly said hes confident in his authority to remove the statue. Herring, a Democrat like Northam, has pledged to defend Northams plans, calling the Lee statue a divisive relic. The statue is one of five memorials to the Confederacy along Monument Avenue, and the only one on state property. The Richmond City Council has expressed unanimous support for removing the rest, which demonstrators have covered with graffiti in recent weeks. Story continues A hearing is scheduled Thursday in Richmond Circuit Court in a separate state lawsuit over the Lee statue removal plans. A judge in that case has issued a temporary injunction preventing its removal. McSweeney said he filed a motion to consolidate that case and his clients. ___ This story has been updated to correct the time element in the first and second paragraphs. If recent large increases in COVID-19 cases or a county-wide order won't convince residents to wear a mask, maybe a cute tweet will. On Wednesday, as the city reported 269 new cases and one new death, Mayor Ron Nirenberg tweeted his daily thread of related information on numbers and testing resources and capped it with a bit of text art urging people to wear masks. RELATED: COVID-19 updates: 269 new coronavirus cases in Bexar County, 1 new death The day was marked with news of Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff's order, which will mandate businesses to require customers to wear masks starting Monday. The local order was a way around Gov. Greg Abbott, who refused to give municipal governments the ability to require residents to wear masks. Debates over masks ensued on Twitter. Nirenberg chimed in later in the day with the text art tweet. "WEAR A MASK SAN ANTONIO," reads a sign held by some type of big-eared creature in his final tweet of the thread. "Thank you," he ended. He has also changed his Twitter name to "Mayor Ron | Wear A Mask!" with a masked emoji. Though Nirenberg's post was much more light-hearted than others, the opposition and back-and-forth followed. While the local order is controversial for some, Abbott said it is not inconsistent with his and will not fight Bexar County on the move. Other Texas counties have followed Wolff's lead since Wednesday Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye The Supreme Court, has in a unanimous decision consolidated the two cases filed against the Electoral Commissions (ECs) voters registration exercise. The court has also asked the plaintiff in the second suit, Mr Mark Takyi-Banson to file his statement of case by close of Monday, June 22, 2020. As a result of the consolidation, the Apex Court has indefinitely adjourned its judgement in the case filed by the NDC which was slated for June 23 this year for judgement. At the hearing today, (Friday, June 19, 2020) a seven-member panel of the Apex Court, presided over by the Chief Justice, Justice Kwasi Annin Yeboah, adjourned the case to Wednesday (June 23, 2020) after it had consolidated the two cases following an application by a Deputy A-G, Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame for consolidation of the suits on grounds that the two suits arrives substantially as the same set of action. NDC's petition Prior to the announcement of the date of the registration exercise, the NDC rank and file had challenged the Commission's constitutional mandate to hold the mass registration exercise and compile a new voters' register, at the Supreme Court. The party also seeks declaration on the constitutionality of the EC to exclude the voters' ID card as part of the identification requirements for the exercise. The NDC however dropped their case on whether or not the EC should conduct the exercise but their petition on the exclusion of the voters' ID card still holds before the law court. Some political critics believe the NDC's decision to go for their relief on the voters' ID card while they drop their case on the registration exercise supports the EC's decision to compile a new voters' register. Fresh suit against EC A native of Breman-Kokoso in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District of the Central Region, Mark Takyi-Banson has initiated a fresh challenge at the Supreme Court in relation to the Electoral Commissions (EC) intention to use the Ghana Card and the Ghanaian passport as the only identification documents for the upcoming mass voters' registration exercise. In his writ filed against the EC and the Attorney-General (A-G) at the Supreme Court on Friday, June 12, 2020, Mr Takyi-Banson is seeking an order directed at the EC to include a birth certificate and the existing voters' ID card as evidence of identification in the upcoming mass voter registration exercise. Represented by Cosmas Mweyang Anpengnuo of Bayong Law Consult in Kokomlemle, Accra as his counsel, the plaintiff filed the writ on Friday, June 12, 2020. He also wants the Supreme Court to order the EC to include under Regulation 1 (3) of the Public Elections (Registration of Voters) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 (C.I. 126), the existing voter identification card issued by the EC as evidence of identification. 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 Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 18:50:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ATHENS, June 19 (Xinhua) -- A car carrying eight migrants crashed in northern Greece on Friday, leaving one dead and seven injured, Greek national news agency AMNA reported. The accident happened on the outskirts of the city of Kavala. The nationalities of the victim and the injured have not been identified yet by local authorities. Most of them were undocumented Pakistani migrants, local news site proininews.gr reported, citing police sources. Similar incidents have occurred often in recent years in northern Greece, as smuggling networks have diverted part of the refugee and migrant flows to the land border between Greece and Turkey. At least 14,890 people crossed into Greece from the land borders with Turkey in 2019, according to the UN High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR) data. Enditem The chief executive of the British Fashion Council (BFC) told CNBC there is "a huge amount of embarrassment" that it's taken the global response to the death of George Floyd to make the industry and society reflect and focus on racism. Caroline Rush, who has led the not-for-profit industry body since 2009, was speaking after the recent launch of the first ever digital London Fashion Week. She said it's important for businesses to now follow through on their comments against racism and to make sure action is taken. "I think everyone has to look at their boards. They have to look at their recruitment processes. They have to actively go out and look at their community. They have to champion and be the supporters and the allies to the individuals within their organization and really reflect, is your business a culture that is welcome to individuals and to minority groups, you know, of all kinds?" she said. In the U.S., fellow trade association the Council of Fashion Designers of America has also introduced measures to address race and representation after the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who died in the custody of the Minneapolis police which sparked anti-racism protests in the U.S. and around the world. The organization's chairman, acclaimed designer and fashion icon Tom Ford, and president and CEO, Steven Kolb, have urged members "to ensure that they have a racially balanced workforce" and challenged the retail sector of the fashion industry "to ensure that their roster of brands and their product assortment is representative of the Black talent within the industry." There have been signs of an increase in representation within parts of the industry over the last few years, especially on global Fashion Week runways. According to a recent diversity report by social forum The Fashion Spot, over twice as many nonwhites appeared on the runways in fall 2019 compared with spring 2015, a rise from 17% to almost 40%. The BFC has announced plans to broaden the diversity of its own board of directors and review its recruitment processes to address the need for greater representation. The flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama says his party structures are currently being consulted on his choice of a running mate ahead of the December general elections. Mr. Mahama has recently come under pressure to disclose who his running mate would be as election 2020 draws near. The former president in a Facebook live session on Thursday, June 18, 2020, disclosed that his campaign team, running mate and party manifesto will be finalised soon. Following the easing of restrictions, I have requested our functional executive committee to arrange a meeting of the Council of Elders and the National Executive Committee (NEC) to finalise my constitutional obligation to consult these bodies on the choice of my running mate. We have also agreed on our choice of the 2020 campaign team and will announce this shortly. Our manifesto committee is also wrapping up its work and we expect to launch our 2020 manifesto in August. COVID-19 period not best time to name running mate Mahama John Dramani Mahama at a previous digital conversation said there was no use in naming a running mate to contest with him in the general elections amidst the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Ghana. During a live Facebook session to interact with the public on Thursday, April 30, the former president indicated that the NDC will announce his partner at the appropriate time. We are on track. We are not behind time. The party is working assiduously. I have a firm idea who I want my running mate to be and we would name him at the appropriate time. We have timelines that we are working on. We have to build up our national campaign team. We have to name and outdoor our running mate. We have to publish and inaugurate our manifesto. These are all timelines that the party is working on. We are not late at all. The deadline for naming our running mate will be when the Electoral Commission opens nominations somewhere in September and so we do have enough time, he said. He continued, But in the midst of COVID-19, what is the use of naming a running mate? You can't even outdoor him. The President is encouraging all of us to stay at home and this is not the most opportune time to come out and name your running mate. After I've done consultation at the appropriate time with the National Executive Committee and the Council of Elders, we will bring the person; the person who will be worthy of being the NDC's running mate and who will a significant contribution to the progress and prosperity of this country. citinewsroom Mumbai, June 19 : The late Sushant Singh Rajput's sister Shweta Singh Kirti has locked her Facebook profile and deleted her profile picture. Shweta's profile was visible to all till Thursday when she posted about returning to their hometown Patna from Mumbai and immersing the late actors' ashes. However, on Friday, not a single post or photo is visible on Shweta's profile anymore. Nothing apart from her name is visible on the profile. Sushant Singh Rajput was found hanging in his Mumbai residence on Sunday morning. Sushant's US-based sister Shweta arrived in India earlier this week after the actor's demise. A few days ago, Shweta had shared a handwritten note written to her by her brother. She also shared an open letter addressed to her brother and deleted the post later. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police has started probing Sushant Singh Rajput's death. Police has started recording statements of the actor's staff, family, friends and industry colleagues. Many netizens have been speculating if Shweta was instructed by the police to lock her Facebook profile. Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery The recent deaths of black men George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks have sparked international outrage among citizens for police brutality. A rumor has been spreading about the recent deaths of five black men claiming they allegedly hung themselves from trees themselves. A mass wave of suicides? According to Snopes, residents discovered a black man, Robert Fuller's dead body hanging from a tree in California following Floyd's death. Local Authorities initially ruled the death as a suicide, but Fuller's family requested officials to conduct an investigation. When Fuller's case went viral on social media, several users shared there have been similar occurrences after Floyd's death on May 25. One post states there have been five deaths of black men hanging from trees across the country. The social media post seems to refer to the deaths of three black men, namely; Malcolm Harsch, Robert Fuller, and Dominique Alexander, whose lifeless bodies were found hanging from trees. Authorities ruled both Fuller's and Alexander's cases as suicides. However, authorities in the case of Harsch have stated they do not suspect any foul play involved. The fourth death the post mentions most likely refers to an unknown man found dead hanging from a tree in Shady Acres in Houston, Texas. Social media users quickly identified the victim as a black male, but later on, authorities discovered that he was actually a Latino man. The victim's family allegedly told authorities that he had suicidal tendencies. No reports could be found of the fifth incident the post mentions and is likely a death that was mistaken to have occurred recently. Also Read: 38 Murders Happened in New York in Just 28 Day From Lockdown and Protests The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with the help of the US Attorney's Office and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, is currently investigating the deaths of Fuller and Harsch, as reported by the Time. The announcement was made after the families of both men publicly demanded authorities to look into the cases. On May 31, Harsch's body was discovered hanging from a tree in Victorville, Calif, and less than two weeks afterward, on June 10, Fuller was found hanging from a tree inside a park in Palmdale, California, 50 miles away. Cause of death Initially, police officials stated no foul play was suspected in either of the two cases, but both men's families have announced that neither of the two was suicidal. Medical experts who performed an autopsy on Dominique Alexander's body ruled his death as a suicide. The victim's brother, Keats Alexander, said on Monday that they were just trying to mourn for their beloved. The fourth man social media users initially identified as black, was later discovered to be Latino is still unidentified. Authorities have shared that they do not suspect any third party involvement in the case, and the man's family reported that he was suicidal. Reports on a fifth death have not been found. While some social media users suggest that the incident occurred in Portland or Atlanta, the most likely outcome is there was a mistake of relating it to an older incident or the case of a black man who was recently shot and not hanged. Related Article: Another Lynching? Black Man Found Hanging from a Tree in Victorville, California @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. PM Skerrit called on empowerment through connectivity, acting on food security issues, and a united approach to reopening borders, in close collaboration with external partners. He expressed confidence in the OECS countries' capacity to overcome these challenges. Dominica itself is a success story after its remarkable recovery from 2017's Hurricane Maria, a transformation funded by its world-leading Citizenship by Investment Programme. LONDON, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 18th, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) held an online ceremony for the opening of its 69th meeting. The leaders of the subregion's member states meet every year on this date. It marks the anniversary of the 1981 Treaty of Basseterre, revised in 2010, which established the OECS. This year, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Dr the Hon Roosevelt Skerrit, was named the new Chairman of the authority. OECS Director General, H.E. Dr Didacus Jules, congratulated attending leaders on their efficient response to the pandemic. He commended their containment measures, upgraded healthcare, and education contingency plans. Dr Jules encouraged accelerating the regional integration agenda of OECS as an economic union based on pillars of free movement of people, goods, services, and capital. "Because the heads of governments of the OECS acted swiftly, decisively, and with a high degree of cohesion in ensuring early containment, reliable identification, effective contact tracing, the region has been recognised for effective management of the contagion," says Dr Jules. "The upgrading of our medical laboratories, our intensive care facilities, and our triage processes, among other dimensions of our health infrastructure, has been a positive outcome of this crisis," he added. "While the Revised Treaty of Basseterre did not foresee this dynamic, its prescription of an economic union upheld by the pillars of free movement of people, free circulation of goods, services and capital, in fact represent the best solution our current circumstances," Dr Jules advised. PM Skerrit recognised the unprecedented challenges, focusing particularly on inequality and inefficiency. He called on empowerment and a united approach to reopening borders, in collaboration with external partners. He touched on acting on the widely discussed food security issues, particularly in light of the region's proneness to hurricanes. Finally, he expressed confidence in the OECS countries' capacity to overcome these challenges. "We meet today at a significant juncture in human history, at a time when the entire world community has been galvanised for a global pursuit of justice, respect and fairness, even as it faces the uncertainty brought on by a once in a hundred years pandemic that has already changed the way we live and that will deeply scar the economic landscape for a very long time," PM Skerrit said. "If there is anything that we should learn from this pandemic, it is that inequality and inefficiency are the corrosive ingredients that will erase quicker the significant gains we have made in the modern era," he added. As the newly appointed Chairman of the OECS, Dr Skerrit addressed the immediate issue of reopening borders, being mindful of preserving the regions good results as regards containing the spread of the virus. "Immediate for us is this dual challenge of how to keep our people safe even as we seek to reopen sectors of our economy, and, particularly right now, the reopening of our borders. There are no best practice manuals we can reference on how to balance lives and livelihoods in these circumstances," the PM said. "As we all seek to reopen our borders, there is the urgent need for close coordination among our countries, working in collaboration with our international partners. We need to think through clearly on the required protocols and, as far as possible, get uniformity in the region. To do otherwise, I believe, will be to our disadvantage," Dr Skerrit explained. Drawing on lessons learnt after three months of anti-COVID-19 measures, the Dominican Prime Ministers considers digital access a right and that connectivity can drive equality and empowerment. "It has become clearer that our people must have connectivity to access government services, financial services, educational services, and general information pertinent to their wellbeing," he said. "Lining up for services in this major era of social distancing equates to the inefficiency I alluded to earlier, that can lead to further inequality. Digital access is fast becoming a right in this new economy. Connectivity shall be the driver of equality in our region." PM Skerrit calls on a shift in perception in facing weather challenges: "Over the years, we have done well in disaster management and coordination. These are areas, unfortunately, through our repeated experiences, we have become well practiced in. It is clear, given our geographic location, that mitigation must not be approached merely as a policy goal, but as a developmental tool." In conclusion, PM Skerrit said: "we have a lot of urgent work to do, my dear friends, but I believe we shall mindfully continue with the task in the name of our people and to the value of empowerment. For a subregion which has consistently punched above its weight, I am hopeful as ever that we are capable of meeting every single challenge." Dominica is often quoted as a success story after overcoming the devastating category 5 Hurricane Maria in 2017. The Nature Isle of the Caribbean immediately embarked on an admirable journey to become "the world's first climate-resilient nation". To sponsor recovery and its remarkable transformation, the government used multi-million proceeds from the country's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. Vetted foreign investors have become economic citizens for life after contributing at least US$100,000 to the Economic Diversification Fund or making a minimum US$200,000 investment in pre-approved real estate, which established a thriving ecotourism sector on the island. Relying on high transparency, accountability of CBI funds, tangible impact on the native population, and integrity of applicants, to date, Dominica remains the best country for citizenship by investment and a model for climate resilience. Contact: [email protected], www.csglobalpartners.com SOURCE CS Global Partners A veteran Durham Region paramedic has been charged with stealing personal protective equipment as COVID-19 was starting to surge and his fellow front-line workers began expressing fear that there was not enough gear to do their job safely. Blaine Bates has been charged with theft under $5,000 after allegedly stealing gloves, masks, gowns and Clorox wipes from the Bowmanville paramedic station on March 19. Bates was not on duty at the time of the alleged incident, according to Durham Paramedic Services. When reached by phone, Bates refused to comment. A Durham official familiar with the arrest said Bates was allegedly heard saying, Its time to go shopping upon arriving at the station. A fellow paramedic allegedly photographed Bates carrying a black garbage bag full of PPE, according to the official, who was not authorized to discuss the case and asked for anonymity. None of the allegations has been proven. Troy Cheseboro, chief of Durham Paramedic Services, said he could not discuss details of the allegations against Bates because of the ongoing criminal and internal investigations. Its disappointing that anyone would consider removing stuff without permission from any paramedic service, or any frontline service...during a pandemic, Cheseboro said. As the spread of COVID-19 worsened in the weeks following the alleged theft, the union representing the largest number of Ontario paramedics including those in Durham raised concerns that some services could run out of PPE. Andrew Moore, a member of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Durham Paramedic Services Board, told the Star in April that there was an active worry about shortages. The fear is there, he had said, adding that paramedics were trying to minimize their use of the equipment whenever possible. Chief Cheseboro said Durham Paramedic Services avoided some of the acute equipment shortages experienced elsewhere, but said accessing the necessary gear remains a concern. We saw what was happening throughout the world and began taking opportunities when we could to acquire PPE through our normal supply chain, he said. But absolutely, it currently is a challenge and continues to be a challenge to make sure we can secure adequate stuff for our staff, and its important that they have it. Bates, 55, has been a paramedic in Durham Region for several decades, Cheseboro said. The day before the alleged March 19 theft, Bates took to Twitter to criticize the provincial governments treatment of paramedics during the pandemic. Hey @fordnation and @celliottability how about some recognition for the work the front line Paramedics are doing during this crisis, your staff seem to be forgetting them!!, Bates wrote. His next court date is scheduled for August. (Newser) Leah Remini had a strong response to news of actor and Scientologist Danny Masterson's arrest on rape charges: "Praise the lord!" Remini has loudly criticized the Church of Scientology since her exit in 2013, and last August she sat down with two women who accused Masterson of rape during the final episode of the A&E docuseries Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, reports Today. Crissie Bixler told Remini she was in a relationship with Masterson when he attacked her in 2001. Then a Scientologist, Bixler said she blacked out after the pair went out to dinner and woke up the next morning feeling as if she'd been poisoned, per USA Today. "He started laughing and said, 'I had sex with you,'" Bixler alleges. "And I said, 'Was I unconscious?' and he said, 'Yes.'" story continues below Bixler said she reported the attack to a church ethics officer but was told "it's not rape if you've been in a consensual relationship"a claim repeated by Masterson's publicist. The church responded that it was never told of the accusation. Masterson, 44, is now charged with raping three women; one in 2001 and two in 2003. "Finally, victims are being heard when it comes to Scientology!" Remini tweeted Wednesday. "This is just the beginning Scientology, your days of getting away with it is coming to an end!" On Instagram, Remini linked to a post by blogger Tony Ortega that describes "solid evidence" that the church knew about the allegations and "actively tried to discourage the women from going to the police." (More on that here.) For more than 20 years she was one of America's most famous glamour models. And Pamela Anderson proved she hadn't lost her allure as she posed fully nude to promote her own luxury vegan handbag line in collaboration with Ashoka Paris. The Baywatch babe, 52, looked sensational in a sizzling spread as she put her famous curves on full display. Sizzling: Pamela Anderson proved she hadn't lost her allure as she posed fully nude to promote her own luxury vegan handbag line in collaboration with Ashoka Paris Lying face down on a bed of rose petals, the mother-of-two was strategically placed to protect her modesty. Another sultry snap saw the PETA advocate gazing seductively down the lens as she ran her perfectly manicured hands over her body. In more photographs, the blonde bombshell wore a blazer and nothing else to plug the bags. Blonde bombshell: The Baywatch babe, 52, looked sensational in a sizzling spread as she put her famous curves on full display The actress looked stunning as she lay down for the sexy shot, holding the Pamela Box nude bag which retails for 270 euros. The bag features a message from her which reads: 'RESIST! Inside every beautiful person is an activist wanting to defend the planet,' on the inside of the flap. It's the second time that Pamela has posed for bag brand, Ashoka Paris - the accessories line is very much in keeping with her vegan ethics. According to the website, the French brand offers 100% vegan and ethical bags and accessories for men and women. She's got it going on: In more photographs, the blonde bombshell wore a blazer and nothing else to plug the bags Sexy: According to the website, the French brand offers 100% vegan and ethical bags and accessories for men and women Pamela designed the capsule collection with designer David Mateo. Another look sees her wearing baby blue satin, as she piles her blonde locks on top of her head, while holding a small red bag. Another sees her sporting sexy bed hair as she poses seductively with a rose in her mouth. Teasing the products on Instagram, she wrote, 'Discover my new collection of bags created with the vegan leather goods brand @ashoka_veganbags. Stunning: Pamela designed the capsule collection with designer David Mateo and brought some serious sex appeal to the campaign 'This collection is in Apple Skin and is available in four colours. Brushed gold clasps, messages and pop art lining in recycled material. This is an incredible collection.' It's the perfect collaboration as the brand won the Peta Award 2018 for 'best vegan bag'. And Pamela famously won the Peta Award for 'Personality of The Year' that same year. Its the watering season for the terraced fields in the mountains of Bac Ha District in the northern province of Lao Cai. Vang Thi Thong, 31, needs only look for red buds on the old tree in her mothers village to know when to plant her rice seedlings. TO THE BRIM: The terraced fields are drenched in water prior to the new rice planting season. VNS Photo Bui Dieu Minh The tree tells us when to start planting rice. When the first red buds show, we start to sow seeds, when the buds all turn green, its time to transplant them in the watered fields, and when all the leaves start to fall, its time to harvest, which we do until there are no leaves left, Thong said of her villages farming schedule, which all depends on the changes of an ancient tree. If the red buds are yet to appear and you sow rice seeds, your rice will probably be damaged by worms and insects. This method has been followed since the days of our great-great-grandparents. "May coong is what the Tay ethnic minority people in Bac Ha call this giant wild tree, whose seeds can also be used to wash your hair. Its a natural soap, said Nguyen Huy Trung, who owns a tour business and leads a network of young homestay owners in the area. The tree isnt far away, only a few hundred metres. What first seemed to be so close, though, turned out to be 2-km walk downhill along a dusty rocky road, which meant the same walk uphill at the end of the day, when were exhausted from having walked nearly 10km since the morning. Horse race on track In the mountains of Bac Ha, where rough roads make travel difficult for the local Mong people, who make up 47 per cent of the districts population, using horses to ferry goods has been common for centuries. Bac Ha, the district, has been dubbed "The White Highlands" due to the massive white plum flowers that blossom during spring. The mountainous district is home to more than 60,000 people of the Mong, Tay, Black Dao, and other groups inhabiting 683sq.km. Located on an elevated plain between 1,000 and 1,500m above sea level, the slopes of lime-karst mountains in the district angle up at between 24 and 28 degrees. The district boasts a mild average annual temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Every year the districts traditional horse racing event brings together dozens of horses from the district and neighbouring Si Ma Cai District. It has become a much-anticipated event, with tourists coming from as far away as Hanoi and other cities on the plains. We hope to make the race an event that will bring in local tourists once again, said Hoang Van Khoa, deputy chairman of the Bac Ha Districts Peoples Committee. With Tet [Lunar New Year] and then the COVID-19 pandemic, people have had to stay at home for nearly six months. Many Vietnamese used to travel abroad and spend a lot of money. If we can provide an interesting attraction with good quality services, then we hope they will come to a local destination like Bac Ha. "Vietnam has a population of nearly 100 million, and if we can tap into that market it would be a major driving force for tourism. He added that under the existing circumstances its possible that borders wont reopen until the end of the year. In our agenda proposal for the upcoming district Party Committee Congress, which was scheduled to take place on June 10 and 11, we noted that during the future committees term of 2020-2025 we would mobilise everyone to empower community-based tourism, Khoa said. First we hope to start with our communes, which already have some families offering homestay services, and weve put it on paper that we want the number of households offering homestays to reach 10 per cent in each community. OFF & RUNNING: The annual Bac Ha Open Horse Race attracted nearly 30,000 spectators to the towns stadium on the last weekend of May. VNS Photo Viet Thanh Community-based tourism At a relatives wooden stilt house, Thong talked about her familys attitude towards community-based tourism. We had a few meetings in our village, where officials from the Centre for Rural Economy Development came to talk to us about it, she said, her tanned face smiling. We began to build new bathrooms in our house last year. Our parents built our wooden stilt house in 2009, and its a long way from the humble hut they started out with, which was just three metres wide. They have rebuilt the house three times already each time bigger and stronger than before. We live in a remote village far from major city centres and we have many limitations, and really need help from tourism. Her homestays new facilities were completed just after Tet, last February, but then the coronavirus made it impossible for her to welcome visitors. They have been waiting to host visitors for so long, said Thai Thi Huyen Nga, programme officer with the Centre for Rural Economy Development, who makes weekly visits to Bac Ha to train homestay hosts on hygiene, cooking and other tourism matters. Youll be made to feel most welcome. In a small village of the Tay, two families live just five minutes away from each other but neither have a phone. If you want to arrange a meeting with them, you have to message Lam A Nang, a homestay host with a day job working for Electricity of Vietnam. Hes the link for any questions about the familys terraced fields, tea buds, or horses and cattle. WORKING DAY: Vang Thi Can picks tea buds at her familys plantation, which are sent to a processing centre nearby. She does all the work on the plantation. VNS Photo Bui Dieu Minh We sow 80 kilos of rice seed each year, his wife Vang Thi Can told us. With two households ready to welcome guests, Nga thoughtfully arranged for our group to be divided in two. We understand that community-based tourism means that not just one single family hosts visitors and reaps all the benefits, Thong said. The whole community is involved. You might have a community arts troupe or some families providing food for the homestay families or offering something else. Its quite hard for us, because during the day we must still take care of our farms or our crops will suffer. We only need to grow enough to eat during the year. The money we earn from selling tea buds goes into buying maize and rice seeds for the next crop, and on it goes. IN IT TOGETHER: Vang Thi Thong (left) and her mother-in-law, with whom she entrusts her four-year-old son on the family farm and homestay. VNS Photo Bui Dieu Minh In their early 30s, Thong and her husband Lam A Has beautiful wooden stilt house has a thatched roof and can cater to 11 guests each night. They sow four kilos of rice seed a year significantly less than their relatives but they also tend to the tea and cinnamon farms, some cattle, several pigs, and 20-plus ducks. We work hard every day, Thong said. I grew up in a family with my mother and five sisters. My father died when I was just a year old. My mother grew only enough rice for us for three months of the year, so she had to work odd jobs and travel far away. The youngest in her family, Thong completed high school and studied English for a year at school. I was married at 23 - quite late for a girl in my community - and had my first child at 24, she said. Thong and her husband are still thinking of a name for their homestay. We did all the rearranging around the house in the evening after dinner, she explained. Im fortunate to have kind-hearted parents-in-law. They have treated me well and have never said anything harsh to me. BUY & SELL: Bac Ha Market Fair is the local venue for livestock trading, including cattle, buffaloes, and horses, with a pet fair for dogs and poultry and a vibrant tapestry market where you can find colourful scarves, indigo clothing, and yarn of myriad colours. VNS Photo Viet Thanh New skills preserve old traditions During our meeting in his office, Deputy Chairman Khoa said he hopes that when visitors arrive it will encourage local people to preserve their local traditions. We hope that people will make every effort to keep their traditional values intact after they interact with visitors from the outside world, he said. Khoa took over his position just 20 days before the horse race was to take place, but has worked in Bac Ha District for many years. While he has visited many places in the northern mountains, he still sees that Bac Ha Market is the focal point for tourists. BARGAINS: Shoppers in the colourful tapestry section at Bac Ha Sunday Market. VNS Photo Viet Thanh After hosting this first group of visitors, Thong said she and her husband will have to talk with his grandparents before they can go to the commune office to study English. TRADING PLACES: Water buffalo for sale at the Bac Ha Sunday Market. VNS Photo Viet Thanh We need to get their help, because if they agree to take care of our four-year-old son then either my husband or I could go to English classes, she said. Im thinking of planting a may coong tree here in front of our house, her husband said. The tree would be a landmark for our house. Its beautiful and it tells us when to plant our rice crop. Perhaps in a few years a new homestay called "May coong" will be added to the list of accommodation options amid the beautiful terraced fields of Bac Ha, with its deep red foliage providing a stunning backdrop for those who visit. VNS Nguyen My Ha Children carried by mothers at Bac Ha Market It is common to see little children carried on their mother backs at Bac Ha Market in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai. Chennai, June 19 : Ruling AIADMK party coordinator and Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Friday categorically said the people of Tamil Nadu and his party stand behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the country's armed forces. Speaking at the all-party meeting called by Modi through video conference, Panneerselvam said: "The people of Tamil Nadu, and my party All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, stand firmly behind the Hon'ble Prime Minister, the Government of India, and our armed forces, as we defend our borders." Panneerselvam recalled AIADMK's late General Secretary and former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa who had repeatedly emphasised, the terriortial integrity of the country, must be preserved at any cost. "There can be no compromise on this aspect," Panneerselvam said. Praising Modi for displaying sagacity and firmness in dealing with the situation Panneerselvam added his party and the state government fully support the measures proposed to be taken by Modi and the country's armed forces. The Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister expressed confidence that the nation under Modi will definitely overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic and by the adventurism of any of the country's adversaries. Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State for joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying Edo State will be better for his choice Mr Abubakar, in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Paul Ibe, in Abuja on Friday, welcomed Mr Obaseki to the PDP, which he described as a truly peoples party. The PDP presidential candidate in the 2019 elections noted that Mr Obaseki was joining the PDP when the party was poised to deliver good governance to the people of Nigeria. The former vice president said he was happy that Mr Obaseki finally exited the ruling party and joined a truly democratic party in Nigeria. I have no doubt that your coming into the PDP would further strengthen our party to mobilise the people behind the common cause of deepening democratic ethos in our country and restoring prosperity to our people. READ ALSO: The PDP that you have come to join today is a reformed and repositioned party one that lives by its name of being a truly democratic party. I have an unflinching conviction that your joining the party would be an asset to the PDP. Together, we can work to extinct every form of undemocratic tendencies in our body politic and realign the good people of Edo State to the moving train of democracy and restoration of good governance to the country, Mr Abubakar said. (NAN) 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 U.S. Embassy Warns Ukraine About Its Justice System As Arrest Of Poroshenko Being Mulled By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service June 18, 2020 KYIV -- The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has expressed concerns about Ukraine's justice system at a time when the State Bureau of Investigations (DBR) and the Prosecutor-General's Office are considering arresting former President Petro Poroshenko amid a spate of investigations involving him. In a statement posted on Facebook on June 18, the embassy wrote in a thinly veiled message that didn't mention Poroshenko by name that all "citizens in a democracy deserve to be treated equally and fairly under the law." "The justice system should not be used for the purpose of settling political scores," the statement said. Ukraine's Prosecutor-General's Office and the DBR have said that Poroshenko was officially informed that he is a suspect in one of more than 20 cases implicating his possible involvement, adding that they are seeking Poroshenko's pretrial arrest. However, on June 18, prosecutors said at the hearing on possible pretrial restrictions for Poroshenko at the Pechera District Court that they were not seeking the pretrial arrest of the former president, but other restrictions instead. The hearing was then adjourned until July 1. The U.S. Embassy post comes a day after Donald Tusk, the president of the European People's Party (EPP), expressed his party's concerns over probes launched against Poroshenko after he lost a 2019 presidential election to the current Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelenskiy. "The EPP is very concerned by political cases against former President Poroshenko. The charges should not resemble politically motivated persecution, nor be politically motivated against select political opponents," Tusk wrote on Twitter on June 17. Last week, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine issued a statement saying that any political motivation in the activities of law enforcement agencies and the initiation of criminal cases, in particular, against the former president is inexcusable. A billionaire confectioner, Poroshenko currently serves as a member of parliament. His party ran on a pro-European, anti-Russian ticket in July 2019 parliamentary elections, winning 25 seats. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/u-s-embassy-warns- ukraine-about-its-justice-system-as-arrest-of- poroshenko-being-mulled/30678095.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 We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Close on the heels of announcing Twitter Fleets last week, a feature which allows users to share tweets, videos, GIFS and pictures that disappear after 24 hours just like Instagram and Snapchat Stories, the micro-blogging giant has now added voice notes feature, which is currently rolled out in iOS, allowing users to record and tweet with audio. Twitter wrote in a blog post that the introduction of videos, more characters from the previous 140 and GIFs has allowed users to express more of their personality. The blog post also stated, Sometimes 280 characters arent enough and some conversational nuances are lost in translation. So, starting today, were testing a new feature that will add a more human touch to the way we use Twitter your very own voice. Twitter also added that users have the option to add Tweet text and/or start a thread with multiple Tweets. They can record up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds for each individual voice Tweet. If the message is longer than that, it will be automatically threaded up to 25 Tweets. The maximum length of a voice note is only 140 seconds right now. Users can also listen to voice notes while scrolling through their feed. Twitter Voice Notes provides a great opportunity for influencers and brands as it allows the post to have more context. Followers are also allowed to download the voice note. Just like views on any other social media platform, the listens of every voice note are shown below the tweet. The feature is currently being tested and only available for iOS users, but has already grabbed the attention of many and the creation of new opportunities, communication and engagement for brands and influencers is inevitable. Adgully spoke to a cross-section of digital experts, who are enthused over the latest feature and the opportunities that it will provide to brands, when it is rolled out in India. Heres what they had to say: Faisal Haq, EVP - Operations and Business Development (North), WATConsult: Voice note feature or 140 seconds of audio will help brands inject vocal tones to have a personalised approach in terms of reaching out to their audience and capitalise their attention. It will anchor a deep connect and add an emotional layer for storytellers. This will provide human experience and feel of a more personalised conversation with their captive audience. Mehul Gupta, CEO & Co-founder at SoCheers: Twitter is coming back strongly to adapt & win newer audiences in the recent past, by introducing newer features. However, audio-first expression of thoughts is a first for the world of social media which has seen the transition from long-form content, to short form content, video and then shorter videos (Stories, ads) and it will take a while for the Internet to adapt to a newer way of expressing on digital. No platform has experimented with audio-first expression. The only place where people could hear stories via audio is podcasts. If this trend picks up and people get comfortable sharing their stories via short audio snippets, this could be the next big things since micro-blogging. Pratik Hatankar, Head - Innovations & New Initiatives, Tonic Worldwide: Twitters new feature will be a game-changer for brands, Influencers, and individuals. For example, brands now can say way more in 140 seconds than what they could type in 280 characters. Brands will soon be looking out for official voice for all their brand tweets. All influencers can now easily sell their respective brand collaboration in their own voice. Moreover, the new Twitter update of voice notes will breed a new type of influencers. Axon Alex, Managing Partner, Jack in the Box Worldwide: The idea of a brand voice, which was figurative for the most part now, has its most literal format. Voice video vernacular were the buzzwords for last year and now with voice tweets, brands may be able to have more conversations and stories to tell a larger group of people vs the current one-to-one approach which, lets be honest, can sometimes be well... a buzzkill. Hopefully, traditionally detached digital touch points of the consumer journey on Twitter, for example, reviews, customer service, etc., can become more personal. Audio tweets are perhaps the boost that podcasts need in India in order to find a larger audience. Theres visual and theres audio+visual social platforms that thrive with a larger audience and this might be the one that tips the scale for audio with podcasts still being a niche. There is also the element of other languages gaining more traction on social platforms with this feature. What is most interesting on a personal note however is how the classic online fights and arguments will now escalate with voice. Shibu Shivanandan, Founder and Managing Director, PivotRoots: More and more people are shifting to voice notes as a medium of communication. Voice and videos both convey emotion, tonality and direct engagement. Nowadays, more than 50 per cent of searches are done by voices. Even Google voice search queries have been increasing year on year. I doubt there will be a disruption through this feature as social media ecosystem is already disrupted with various new inventions and features. However, Twitters voice note feature might increase engagements. Also read: How to Tweet with your voice Read More BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Export of steel from Turkey to China soared by 74.9 percent from January through May 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, having stood at over $6.1 million, Turkeys Ministry of Trade told Trend on June 19. In May 2020, steel exports from Turkey to China rose by 50.1 percent compared to May 2019, and exceeded $1.2 million. Export of steel from Turkey to world markets dropped by 22.9 percent in the first five months of 2020 compared to the same period of 2019 and amounted to $4.8 billion According to the ministry, the overall export of steel from Turkey made up 7.9 percent of the country's total export over the reporting period. In May 2020, Turkey exported the steel in the amount of $817.7 million abroad, which is 39.7 percent less compared to the same month of 2019, the ministry noted. Turkeys steel export in May this year amounted to 8.2 percent of the country's total export. During the last 12 months (from May 2019 through May 2020), Turkey exported the steel in the amount of over $12.3 billion. In April 2020, Turkey exported the steel in the amount of $903.1 million to the world markets, which is 26.9 percent less compared to the same month of 2019. From April 2019 through April 2020, Turkey exported the steel in the amount of $12.9 billion. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Maharashtra had sent more than 12 lakh migrant labourers to their respective states by 488 special Shramik trains during lockdowns Mumbai: As guest workers have started returning to Maharashtra, the Maharashtra government has directed the police personnel to ensure that thermal screening of migrant labourers is strictly implemented. They are also being asked to self-quarantine for two weeks. According to sources in the home department, so far 1.50 lakh migrant labourers have arrived in Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and Panvel and Mumbai. Maharashtra had sent more than 12 lakh migrant labourers to their respective states by 488 special Shramik trains during lockdowns owing to Coronavirus pandemic closure of operations of the industries and rendering many people jobless. Parag Jain, secretary of social justice department and special assistance, said that 25 trains have been arriving every day in Maharashtra carrying guest labourers. "Most of the trains are arriving from UP, Bihar, Jharakhand and Rajashthan," he said. A senior railway official said that at present it is very difficult to identify that those arriving in Mumbai or any cities of Maharashtra are migrant workers as the railway does not have any mechanism to do that. "However, tickets of the passengers are being booked in groups by the builders and industrialists for their employees to bring back them in their units," a senior official said. Home Minister Anil Deshmukh claimed that 16 thousands to 17 thousands migrant labourers have been arriving in Maharashtra every day. In a statement, he said that all the on average 11,500 workers have been returning to Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai, while 4,000 to 5,000 labourers have been going to Gondia, Nandurbar, Kolhapur, Nagpur and Pune. Submitted to the Tribune UPPER THUMB -- Recently members of the Port Sanilac Lions Club members voted to approve spending $1,000 to cover the costs of ten touchless hand sanitizer dispensers to be awarded to Port Sanilac businesses. The dispensers will be filled with 40 ounces of hand sanitizer, and can be mounted inside a business or outside in a covered area. Hand sanitizer helps provide critical protection against the Coronavirus for the community and its visitors "This is the time to step up, as neighbors and as citizens, to help fight COVID-19," said Cathy Stewart, Port Sanilac Lions Club president. "We have shifted attention from our usual community projects and are now focused on doing our part to help keep the community healthy and safe." All Port Sanilac businesses are eligible for this program and are encouraged to fill out a simple application, available by emailing schsdawn@gmail.com. All applicants will be entered into a drawing and ten lucky winners will be randomly drawn on July 1. Iran Showcases Launch of Newest Land-to-Sea Missile in Indian Ocean Video Sputnik News Tim Korso. Sputnik International 12:17 GMT 18.06.2020 After importing all types of armaments and equipment for years, Iran has been increasingly switching toward the domestic production of military wares presenting new achievements of its defence industry almost every year. Iranian naval forces have tested newly acquired land-to-sea and sea-to-sea cruise missiles. This occurred during the so-called "Ramadan Martyrs" drills conducted in the Sea of Oman and in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. The missiles, the newest product of the Iranian defence industry, were fired from ground-based launchers and from the Iranian Navy's warships, successfully hitting their designated targets around 280 kilometres away. The military said that the missiles' effective range might be increased in the future. The military exercise's name apparently refers to an incident that took place on 10 May in the Sea of Oman, where an Iranian support ship, the Konarak, was severely damaged in a "friendly fire" incident. The tragic event claimed the lives of 19 servicemen, leaving 15 more injured. Iran has been actively running naval war games in the region amid continuing US military presence in the Persian Gulf. Tehran has repeatedly demanded that Washington withdraw its forces, arguing that they have no positive impact on the region's security. Iran insists that the region's states can ensure its security on their own. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ranchi, June 19 : Voting began on a brisk note for the two Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand on Friday. The polling began at 9 am and will end at 4 pm. The counting will take place from 5 pm. The voting is underway at the ground floor of the South Wing of the state assembly which has been converted into a polling booth. A large of number of legislators have caste their votes. Adequate arrangements have been made amid the coronavirus menace. Legislators have to undergo thermal screening and hand wash is being provided to them for safety reasons. The election for the two RS seat was scheduled on March 26 but was deferred due to the COVID-19 outbreak. For the two seats of the Upper House of the Parliament, a total of three candidates are in the race including JMM president and former Chief Minister Shibu Soren, state BJP president Deepak Prakash and Congress nominee Shahzada Anwar. Going by the numeric strength, the 81-member Jharkhand assembly currently stands at 79 as Chief Minister Hemant Soren who won from Barhet and Dumka seats of Santhal Pargana and later resigned from Dumka seat, while the Bermo seat has fallen vacant due to sudden demise of Congress legislator Rajendra Prasad Singh. One candiate needs 27 votes on first preference to win the seat. If the assembly strength is taken into consideration, Shibu Soren is all set to enter the upper house as JMM alone has 29 members. Or the second seat Deepak Prakash of BJP has greater advantage over Shahzada Anwar as BJP has 26 MLAs including Babulal Marandi. BJP is also likely to get support of two legislators of the AJSU party. The poll managers of the BJP have also claimed support of independent MLAs Amit Yadav and Saryu Rai. On the other hand, the Congress after demise of Rajendra Singh has been left with 15 MLAs in the House while Pradeep Yadav and Bandhu Tirkey who had switched from JVM-P to Congress have been kept as Independent MLAs in the voter list. Other MLAs in the House who were eligible to vote included Binod Kumar Singh CPI-ML and Kamlesh Singh NCP, who will be voting for candidates of ruling coalition. YEREVAN, JUNE 19, ARMENPRESS. Andrius Kubilius and Ivan Krulko, the Co-chairs of EuroNest Parliamentary Assembly have urged to find a peaceful and negotiated settlement to Nagorno Karabakh conflict. ARMENPRESS reports the Co-chairs spoke about this in their letter addressed to the Leaders of the EU Institutions and the Heads of State or Government of the 27 EU Member States and the 6 Eastern Partner countries. ''We call for an immediate end to military hostilities between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces which already claimed too many lives and call on both sides, in the interest of all their citizens, to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict which does not have a military solution, through a re-launch of substantive negotiations in good faith and genuine confidence-building measures and dialogue. We reaffirm our full support to the mediation efforts by the co-chairs of the Minsk Group, including at the level of Presidents, based on the 2009 OSCE Basic Principles, in line with the Helsinki Final Act , reads the letter. Reporting by Norayr Shoghikyan, Editing and Translating by Tigran Sirekanyan (Natural News) The Conservative Clergy of Color took Google to task in a statement slamming the Internet giant over its deliberate censorship of conservatives. (Article by Jerome Hudson republished from Breitbart.com) As pastors and leaders in our communities, we are appalled by the blatant bigotry and bias against conservative and Christian voices in our country today. We are sickened by the dirty trick Google played against two conservative websites over a simple difference of opinion, Conservative Clergy of Color leaders, which include Bishop Aubrey Shines, Rev. Derek McCoy, Rev. MJ Reid, and Pastor Francisco Vega, said in a statement. We have each experienced such shameful censorship in the form of algorithms that limit our outreach. We have each been put into Facebook or Twitter jail because our words displeased the puppet masters who control the narrative in this country. As Christian ministers and conservatives, we have each personally felt the rebuff of the entities who have bought off politicians, reporters, and activists in our country, the statement continued. As Breitbart News reported, the comment section content on center-right website The Federalist and libertarian website ZeroHedge were purportedly in violation of Googles advertising platform terms of service. A Google spokesperson said on Tuesday that The Federalist is not currently demonetized. We do have strict publisher policies that govern the content ads can run on, which includes comments on the site. This is a longstanding policy. As a means to remain part of Googles ad platform, the Federalist temporarily removed its comment section. The story was first reported by NBC News reporter Adele-Momoko Fraser, who initially said the story came thanks to collaboration between NBC News Verification Unit and a left-wing group called the Center for Countering Digital Hate. The Center for Countering Digital Hate pushes digital advertisers to financially blacklist conservatives websites. Breitbart News is among those being target by that group. Meanwhile, Momoko Fraser has walked back her initial claim of collaborating with the Center for Countering Digital Hate. But its that kind of dubious relationship that has the Conservative Clergy of Color calling out Google over what it says are discriminatory policies against conservatives. Mark us, there is a silent war being waged against diversity of opinion in America, and its now come to the doorsteps of ZeroHedge and the Federalist. What were seeing today is no different than the methods used by tin pot dictators who suppress dissent and maintain absolute control over their people, the group said. One of the greatest things about America is the freedom of speech and thought guaranteed by our Constitution; unfortunately, our country is now under siege by those who would rip this God-given right away from us. We stand against the radical Left thought police. We stand against tech totalitarianism. We stand against corporate America bowing to the demands of social justice warriors. And we call for immediate reform to ensure ALL voices are heard across this great country, the statement concluded. Read more at: Breitbart.com Former CEO of troubled Russian refinery arrested in absentia RAPSI, Eugeny Varlamov 15:56 19/06/2020 MOSCOW, June 19 (RAPSI) Moscows Tverskoy District Court on Friday issued an arrest warrant for ex-CEO of troubled Russias Antipinsky oil refinery Gennady Lisovichenko in absentia as part of a large scale fraud case, the courts press service told RAPSI. He is to be placed in detention for two months from the date of his extradition or arrest in Russia. In August 2019, the Tymen Region investigators also brought abuse of office charges against Lisovichenko and put him on the international wanted list. According to media reports, in late 2017, the businessman sold a railroad sidetrack transporting oil products to a third party company for 20 million rubles while the market price of the railroad was estimated at around 38 million rubles ($550,000). When the contract was signed the Antipinsky refinery held the railroad on lease. Investigators claim that these actions caused serious damage to the enterprise. In late 2019, the Tyumen Regional Commercial Court declared the Antipinsky oil refinery bankrupt. Antipinsky is a private, not a state-run refinery which capacity exceeds 9 million tonnes per year. The refinery occupies its rightful place among the largest players of the Russian oil refining industry, forming the Urals and West-Siberian oil refinery market, and is known abroad, the companys official website says. courtesy Fort Bend ISD The Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) recently recognized Amber Grady of Fort Bend ISDs Elkins High School as the 2020-2021 Region 4 Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year. Grady is a 15 year education veteran who earned a bachelors degree from the University of North Texas and a masters and doctorate degrees from Lamar University. She has served as a middle school teacher, math specialist and assistant principal. Her specialties are mathematics and building positive relationships with students, staff and parents, according to an Fort Bend ISD press release. Throughout her career, Dr. Grady has provided professional development training for teachers and administrators throughout Texas and the United States. She has a passion for providing the best education possible for all students through her instructional leadership and believes in the future of all students. A native of San Antonio, TX, Dr. Grady enjoys sports, music, shopping and spending time with her family, district officials said in the release. From the Archive Recalling a Birthday Marked in Silence A portrait of Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi made from a collage of images of 7,500 people to celebrate her 75th birthday. / Htet Wai / The Irrawaddy Today, Myanmar people congratulate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as she turns 75. To mark the occasion, The Irrawaddy revisits this commentary published on her birthday in 2008, at which time Myanmars then pro-democracy leader was under house arrest, as she had been for 13 of the previous 19 years. The dramatic changes that have occurred since then seem only to confirm Irrawaddy English editor Kyaw Zwa Moes observation in the articlepublished less than a month after the military regime extended her detentionthat the fate of Myanmar and the woman who was then its most famous prisoner of conscience are inextricably intertwined. Everyone knows where Aung San Suu Kyi is spending her 63rd birthday today. But as millions of her supporters around the world mark the occasion, no one can say when she will be released from the family home that has been her prison for most of the past 19 years. I still remember a conversation I had with Suu Kyi in late 1999, during one of her brief interludes of freedom. We met at the Rangoon headquarters of her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD). Two youth members of the NLD were also there. We discussed politics and our experiences as political prisoners, as well as our plans for our future education. I can clearly recall her sobering advice at that time: that we should be prepared for a lifelong struggle to restore democracy to Burma. It already feels like a lifetime has passed since then. A few months after I met her, she was put under house arrest again. Today, almost a decade later, she is still in detention. She has been a prisoner for nearly 13 of the past 19 years. On May 27, five years after she was taken into custody following the infamous Depayin massacre that left many of her followers dead, her detention was extended again. When she will be released is as uncertain as the future of Burma itself. After 46 years of iron-fisted military rule, Burma seems to be perpetually on the verge of collapse. No one knows when the next crisis will strike. But one thing seems certain: The fate of Burma and its most famous prisoner of conscience are inextricably intertwined. For the moment, the junta still holds the reins. And that means that Suu Kyi will probably not see freedom before 2010, when the regime plans to hold an election that it has no intention of losing. By that time, she will be 65 years oldtwenty years older than she was when her party delivered the junta a humiliating defeat in the countrys last general election. The regime never honored the results of the 1990 election, but it is expected to welcome the outcome of the 2010 vote. As in the constitutional referendum held in May, the juntas victory is guaranteed. The draft constitution, which was supposedly supported by 92 percent of the population, sets aside 25 percent of parliamentary seats for military appointees. It is also highly likely that the regime will form a political party and field candidates with strong military backing. If the junta can achieve its goal of rewriting historyerasing the two decades that it has ruled as a reviled and illegitimate regime and starting afresh with an electoral and constitutional mandate, however dubiousit may see fit to release Suu Kyi. But this is far from certain. The regime knows from past experience that Suu Kyis influence is not easily eclipsed. When she was released from her first six-year period of house arrest in 1995, crowds flocked to her home each Saturday to hear her speak. Her talks on political subjects threatened to revive the peoples democratic aspirations, and so she was once again removed from the public eye. In 2002, Suu Kyi was released again. Sure enough, her magnetism proved to be undiminished. Her travels around the country attracted immense attention. Desperate to contain her popular appeal, the regime masterminded an attack on her motorcade in Depayin, Sagaing Division, on May 30, 2003. She survived the carefully orchestrated assault, but many of her supporters did not. Even after the regime had shown the extent to which it was willing to go to remove her from Burmas political equation, Suu Kyi remained firmly committed to dialogue. In an article written several years later, Razali Ismail, the former United Nations envoy to Burma, recounted a conversation he had with Suu Kyi a few days after the Depayin incident: She said that she was prepared to turn the page for the sake of the people and reconciliation, saying she was still prepared to talk to the government. It is almost bizarre, in light of such evidence of Suu Kyis willingness to forgive the regime for the many indignities that it has inflicted upon her over the past two decades, to listen to charges that she has been inflexible in her dealings with the ruling generals. There are even some who ask if her unwavering principles, determination and courage have become political liabilities for Burma. They seem to imply that the country would be better off with an opposition leader who didnt make the regime look so nasty and brutish by contrast. Many of Suu Kyis supporters have commented that she has the power to bring out the best in people. Is it possible that she also brings out the worst in her opponents? But it seems almost grotesquely unfair to suggest that shes to blame for the juntas poor public image. What makes Suu Kyi so appealing to many, and so appalling to some, is that she speaks the simple truth. She disarms people with her candor. But the generals know that lies are all they have, so they continue to attack her. Not everyone who criticizes Suu Kyi is attacking her. But what some of her critics have in common with the regime is that they tend to ignore the facts in favor of a view which suggests that Burma is a permanent basket case, with or without military rule. Some say that Suu Kyis Burman ethnicity, which she shares with most of the ruling generals, makes her equally unfit to rule a country as ethnically diverse as Burma. She herself has never shied away from the complex issue of ethnic politics. Indeed, she has always been clear that talks with the regime should include representatives of Burmas many ethnic minorities. Suu Kyi has never spoken of the ethnic issue as if it were a secondary matter, although her energies have always been directed primarily at restoring democracy. Far from treating the ethnic issue as unimportant, she has always envisioned democracy as a means of addressing the legitimate aspirations of various ethnic groups. In this, she is worlds apart from both the junta and many so-called Burma experts. While the regime believes that force is the only way to hold the country together, some academics argue that the country is doomed to fall apart. Suu Kyi rejects both militarism and pessimism as political dead ends. Is Suu Kyi guilty, then, of unfounded optimism about the future of Burma? Not at all. In 1990, the NLD won over 80 percent of the seats in parliament. Even more significantly, the partys support was strong not only in Burman-dominated cities such as Rangoon and Mandalay, but also in ethnic states. In eastern Karen State, the NLD won 71 percent of seats; in northern Kachin State, it took 73 percent. Southeastern Mon State gave the party 80 percent support. In Shan State, the NLD won over 39 percent, while in Karenni State it won 50 percent. In western Arakan and Chin states, it won over 34 and 30 percent, respectively. What does this prove? That Burmas people, regardless of ethnicity, want democracy and see it as a means of improving their lives. That was true in 1990, and it is true today. But Suu Kyis appeal has never been based on false promises, so the people of Burma also know that even if they get what they want mostfreedom from a brutal dictatorshipthere will still be challenges ahead. Nearly a decade ago, Suu Kyi warned me that the road ahead would not be easy. Perhaps it wasnt what I wanted to hear at the time. But now her words ring truer than ever, even though the voice that spoke them has been silencedfor how long, nobody knows. Mamata Banerjee upset after not being allowed to speak during PMs meet Don't allow Chinese investments in infra sector: Mamata at all-party meet on LAC face-off India pti-PTI Kolkata, June 19: Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday said her party stands firmly behind the Union government in this hour of crisis after 20 army personnel were killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops along the LAC, and urged the Centre not to allow Chinese investments in strategically important infrastructure sectors, sources said. At an all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the West Bengal Chief Minister said India "should and will" unitedly tide over the crisis, sources in her party said. "We stand with the government in this hour of crisis. We will win. We will put up a united fight as one nation," Banerjee was quoted as having told the meeting by a source in the TMC. Sonu Nigam calls out mafias in the music industry after Sushant Singh's demise| Oneindia News 'China did not enter our borders, no posts taken: PM at all-party meet on Ladakh clash "During the meeting, our party supremo urged the Union government not to allow Chinese companies and investments in telecom, railway, aviation and other important infrastructure sectors," the TMC source said. By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. congressional Democrats introduced legislation on Thursday to block President Donald Trump's plan to remove 9,500 troops from close ally Germany by prohibiting funding for a withdrawal of U.S. forces from Europe without congressional approval. Representative Eliot Engel, chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, and Senator Bob Menendez, ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the bill, reflecting concern in Congress from Democrats as well as Trump's fellow Republicans about the plan to cut troops. Trump said on Monday he would reduce the number of U.S. troops in Germany to 25,000, faulting Berlin for failing to meet NATO's defense spending target and accusing it of taking advantage of the United States on trade. The troop reduction would be a remarkable rebuke to one of the closest U.S. trading partners and could erode faith in a pillar of postwar European security: that U.S. forces would defend alliance members against Russian aggression. Under the U.S. Constitution's separation of powers, the Senate and House of Representatives - not the White House - control government spending. Lawmakers often use their power of the purse to influence policy decisions, such as keeping the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay open by barring spending federal money to close it. The bill would prohibit the use of funds to withdraw or reduce the presence of U.S. armed forces in Europe unless the host government requests it, or the president declares the intent 180 days in advance, justifies the decision, Congress approves it and the secretaries of State and Defense testify about it. "President Trump's disastrous decision to withdraw thousands of troops from and reduce the total force cap in Germany endangers our national security," Engel said in a statement. "Our legislation will stop the Administration from carrying out this calamitous policy," he said. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; editing by Jonathan Oatis) In a decision aimed at providing affordable medical treatment to Covid-19 infected patients in private hospitals in Delhi, a Committee set up by the Centre has recommended slashing the rates of beds in private hospitals by more than half - between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000, including the cost of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for isolation beds; and between Rs 13,000 to Rs 18,000 for Intensive Care Units (ICUs) beds with or without ventilator, the ministry of home affairs said on Friday. MHA Spokesperson Nitin Wakankar said The committee has recommended Rs 8000-10000, 13000-15000 and 15000-18000 including PPE costs for isolation beds, ICUs without and with ventilator respectively to all hospitals as compared to the current charges of Rs 24000-25000, 34000-43000 and 44000-54000 (excluding PPE cost). The high-powered committee was set-up by home minister Amit Shah on Sunday under the chairmanship of Niti Aayog member Dr V K Paul to fix the rates of isolation beds, ICUs and testing kits in Delhi and to also assess if 60% of beds in private hospitals can be made available exclusively to Covid-19 patients at lower rates. Earlier on Wednesday, the committee had recommended that rates for RT-PCR kits should be capped at Rs 2,400, a decision which has been accepted by the Delhi government and laboratories have already been informed in this regard. Delhis infection tally stands at 49,979 and 1,969 people have died due to the coronavirus disease as of Friday. The home ministry also said that, as discussed in the Sunday meeting, a door-to-door survey has already been completed in 242 containment zones in Delhi covering a total of 2.3 lakh people so far. It added that testing through rapid antigen testing methodology, started on Thursday, 7,040 people have been tested as of now in 193 centres and that this number would go up in coming days. Testing will continue with increased number in coming days, said Wakankar. The ministry further informed that the samples tested have been doubled in the capital in line with the directions given by Amit Shah in a series of meetings with Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, all municipal corporations of Delhi and hospital authorities. Sample testing has been doubled immediately in pursuance of decisions taken by HM Amit Shah in a series of meetings. A total of testing samples of 27,263 have been collected in Delhi from June 15 to 17 against the daily collection which varied between 4,000 and 4,500 earlier, the spokesperson said. Shah had asked the Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh governments to work together for the welfare of people of the national capital region rather than working in silos. A senior MHA official, who didnt want to be named, said that the home minister is closely monitoring the situation in Delhi and may call more review meetings in coming days if he sees the situation going out of hand. For now, things start to look like they are getting back on track (in terms of testing), said this officer. By Aisha Jabbarova Four reshuffles have taken place in the Prosecutor-General office, local media reported on June 19. Under the order signed by Prosecutor-General Kamran Aliyev, head of the Investigation Control Department under the Prosecutor General's Office Hasan Hanifayev has been dismissed from his position and appointed as the prosecutor of Bakus Nasimi district. Three new prosecutors have been appointed under Kamran Aliyevs order. Namiq Muradov has been appointed the prosecutor in northern Quba region. Head of the Internal Security Department under the General Directorate for Combating Corruption Rashid Mamhmudov has been dismissed from his post and appointed the prosecutor of Bakus Surakhani district. Hidayat Nuralibayov has been dismissed from the post of Prosecutor of Gakh region and appointed the prosecutor of Bakus Narimanov district. It should be noted that Kamran Aliyev was appointed as a new prosecutor general on May 1 after Zakir Garalovs term for service expired. __ Follow us on Twitter @AzerNews Leading Spanish author Carlos Ruiz Zafon, who scored an international hit with his Barcelona-based mystery "The Shadow of the Wind", died on Friday, his publishing house said. He was 55. "Today Carlos Ruiz Zafon has died, one of the best contemporary novelists. We will remember you forever, Carlos!" Planeta publishing house wrote on Twitter. In a statement, Planeta said Ruis Zafon had died at his Los Angeles home after battling cancer. "He will live on among us through his books," it added. Written in 2001, "The Shadow of the Wind" was his best-known work and one of the most successful Spanish novels of recent decades. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hailed Ruiz Zafon's work and expressed sorrow over his passing. "We have lost one of the most well-read and admired Spanish authors in the world. Carlos Ruiz Zafon, the novelist of reference for our era, left a great mark on modern literature," he wrote on Twitter. "Thank you for transporting us through your stories." In the statement, Planeta quoted a line from the novel when protagonist Daniel Sempere is first shown the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, a labyrinthine, mystical secret library around which the story is woven. "Every book, every volume you see here, has a soul. The soul of the person who wrote it and of those who read it and lived and dreamed with it. Every time a book changes hands, every time someone runs his eyes down its pages, its spirit grows and strengthens." Thus begins an atmospheric story set in Ruiz Zafon's native Barcelona in the wake of the Spanish civil war (1936-1939) in which Sempere tries to unravel the mystery surrounding the author of a certain book. "Shadow of the Wind" was an immediate hit and has since been translated into some 50 languages, selling millions of copies and becoming the first of a quartet of novels in his "Cemetery of Forgotten Books" series. The last book, "The Labyrinth of Spirits", was published in 2016, two years before he was diagnosed with cancer. At the time, he explained why he had never let any of his works be adapted for cinema. "For me, these books are a homage to literature, to the written word. For that reason, transforming them for the cinema or television would be a betrayal," he said. Born in Barcelona in 1964, Ruiz Zafon studied at a religious school then earned a degree in information sciences. A lover of books since childhood, he didn't publish his first novel until he was nearly 30 after leaving a career in advertising. Born in Barcelona, Carlos Ruiz Zafon published his first novel when he was nearly 30 Check out the companies making headlines before the bell Friday: Alibaba, JD.com Alibaba and JD.com handled a record $136.51 billion in sales during 618, one of the biggest shopping events in China. Alibaba reported a gross merchandise value of just over $98 billion during the event. JD.com said transaction volume totaled $37.99 billion. Occidental Petroleum Occidental shares climbed more than 4% after a SunTrust analyst upgraded the energy company to "buy" from "hold." The analyst also raised his price target on the stock to $25 per share from $13 a share, implying a 12-month upside of 27% from Thursday's close. "We believe Occidental is in position to continue improving its balance sheet through internal and external means," the analyst said. DraftKings DraftKings said it has priced a 40 million common stock offering at $40 per share. Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse are the lead underwriters of the offering. DraftKings shares rose more than 1% in the premarket. Disney An analyst at Wells Fargo hiked his price target on Disney to $118 per share from $107 a share. The analyst maintained his "equal weight" rating on the stock, however, noting "we remain more pessimistic than most on the potential length and depth of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on Parks operations + Studio production." Penn National Gaming The Pennsylvania-based casino operator said it has resumed operations in 30 of the company's 41 properties, sending the stock up more than 3% in the premarket. Spotify Shares of the music streaming giant jumped 2.5% in the premarket after Rosenblatt Securities hiked its price target on the company to $275 per share from $190 a share. The firm also raised its fiscal 2021 revenue forecast for Spotify to $10.46 billion from $10.17 billion as the company lands exclusive podcast deals with Joe Rogan and Kim Kardashian. "We not only see attractive monetization potential from these exclusives, we envision future leverage to premium subscription pricing and label negotiations," according to Rosenblatt. CarMax CarMax shares climbed more than 1% after the used-car seller posted a quarterly revenue that beat analysts' expectations. The company reported sales of $3.23 billion for the first quarter, topping a FactSet estimate of $2.71 billion. Comparable sales fell 41.8% on a year-over-year basis, but that was better than a consensus forecast of a 51.3% decline. Slack Goldman Sachs downgraded Slack to "sell" from "neutral," citing the potential for an "enduring battle" with Microsoft's Teams platform for market share. "While we continue to view Slack as a best-in-class team messaging offering that is favored by the technical community, we expect MSFT Teams to continue to try and leverage its packaging within Office 365 to drive increased adoption, thus creating the potential for a more competitive environment," Goldman said in a note. Novavax An analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald hiked his price target on Novavax to $88 per share from $45 a share, citing "recent additions of well-known and established biotech veterans to the executive team." The new price target implies an upside of 48.5% over the next 12 months. Novavax shares gained about 4% before the bell. We liked this week Connecticut on Wednesday allowed the reopening of restaurants, gyms, spas, movie theaters, hotels and other businesses, under strict social distancing and health protocols. Phase 2 of the economic restart, which was expected to reopen 95 percent of the economy, came three days earlier than originally scheduled amid a steep drop in both COVID-19 hospitalizations and positive virus test rates. Roberto Rosado, chief of the Willimantic Police Department, has been named Meridens next police chief. Rosado, a Meriden native, will replace outgoing Chief Jeffry Cossette effective July 1. Rosado, now a Windham resident, joins the Meriden department after serving 22 years in the Willimantic department. Following the overwhelming support of students, the Wallingford school district is moving ahead with plans to hold four drive-in commencement ceremonies, two for each high school, to ensure that as many students can participate as possible. Hundreds of vehicles ventured out onto the streets from Southington High School Tuesday evening, giving the class of 2020 a festive motorcade sendoff to a school year that was upended in March by the pandemic. Wilcox Technical High School in Meriden will hold a Senior Day/Graduation on Monday, June 22. Graduates who choose not to participate may pick up their diplomas at the school Wednesday, June 24. The gate for the road up to Castle Craig in Meridens Hubbard Park is now open for the season. The gate will open at 10 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m. daily through the end of October. The gate will be locked promptly at 5:30 p.m. State lawmakers frustrated by the mounting COVID-19 deaths in Connecticuts nursing homes issued a series of pointed questions they want to see addressed as part of an investigation ordered by the governors office. What went wrong? What steps were missed? asked Rep. Michelle Cook, whose father-in-law died after contracting the disease. How have we lost over 2,500 lives in our nursing homes due to COVID? Gov. Ned Lamont signed an executive order on Monday that imposes new use-of-force rules for members of the Connecticut State Police, including a ban on chokeholds and other tactics, as well as a move toward demilitarizing the agency in the wake of George Floyds killing in Minneapolis. Lamont called on state lawmakers to pass legislation in an upcoming special session of the General Assembly that codifies the new rules in state statute and ultimately applies them and other reforms to municipal police departments across Connecticut. As communities across the country place a greater amount of scrutiny on policing tactics, Meriden city councilors are looking into establishing an independent civilian board that would review use-of-force complaints against the police department, the purpose of which would be to add some level of transparency to the review and follow-up of the use of force, Council Majority Leader David Lowell said in introducing the idea during a virtual meeting. The Southington Board of Water Commissioners has postponed a decision on rate increases, citing the pandemics effect on customers. Those increases have been five percent or less over the past few years. Commission Chairwoman Erika Pocock said this month didnt seem like a good time to increase rates. Photos, quotes and anecdotes were compiled into a video made by eighth-grade students at Southingtons DePaolo Middle School that showcased their life in quarantine. This video project, titled Quaranteened, was a part of the students journalism curriculum in their language arts class. The U.S. Presidential Scholar recognition is one of the nations highest honors for graduating seniors, and this year Elizabeth Ann Wozniak of Platt High School in Meriden is one of the three Connecticut recipients. Wozniak was named as a Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education. The U.S. Department of Education selected this years class of 161 scholars from a national pool of 621 semifinalists. Tia Guay has learned at a young age to be charitable and give back. The Southington High School sophomore has authored a children's book to help a cause close to her heart. The Long Walk discusses the global water crisis and solutions. A portion of the proceeds will go to The Thirst Project, a nonprofit. Im in a lot of clubs and I try to give back as a volunteer, the 16-year-old said. The Meriden Public Librarys Board of Trustees has hired Clevell Cle Roseboro II, director of Willingtons public library, as the librarys new director. Roseboro takes over for interim director Marian Amodeo. Roseboro, 48, has been library director in Willington, a rural town of about 6,000 people in Tolland County, since September. The state is allowing nursing homes to begin allowing some residents to meet with loved ones outside, wearing a mask and adhering to social distancing, months after Gov. Ned Lamont imposed a ban on most visits to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. We know that the social and emotional connection is incredibly important, said Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Mairead Painter. The grand old party's senior-most leader in Rajasthan, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, saved the day for his party getting two party members national general secretary KC Venugopal and state general secretary Neeraj Dangi elected to the Upper House of Parliament. After two party MLAs resigned from the party earlier this month, senior party leaders had levelled allegations against the BJP of poaching its MLAs and destabilising the elected government. BJP's Rajendra Gehlot was also elected as a Rajya Sabha member on Friday. Gehlot bundled the MLAs to a posh hotel JW Marriott in the state capital of Jaipur and saw to it that his party got its two nominees to the Rajya Sabha in accordance with its strength in the state Assembly, while also surviving the alleged conspiracy against the government he leads. On Friday, he led the MLAs, who arrived at the voting centre in five buses, to the counting centre. The BJP too levelled the same accusations against the state ruling party and shifted its MLAs to Crowne Plaza hotel. While Venugopal got 64 votes, Dangi won with 59 votes. BJPs Gehlot received 54 votes and its second candidate Onkar Singh Lakhawat got only 20 votes. A total of 198 valid votes of a total of 200 votes were counted. In the 200-member Rajasthan Assembly, the Congress has 107 MLAs and the support of Independent legislators and MLAs of other parties such as the Rashtriya Lok Dal, CPI(M) and Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP). Given the number of MLAs in the two parties, arithmetic was in 2-1 in favour of Congress. But BJP went on to declare a second candidate Onkar Singh Lakhawat, but could not muster enough votes in his support. The Congress got a total of 123 votes, while the BJP registered a total of 74 votes in favour of its candidates. While the party general secretary Venugopal is considered close to the central party leadership, Dangi is the Dalit face of the party and believed to be a trusted aide of CM Gehlot. With Fridays results, the BJP now has seven out of 10 Rajya Sabha members from Rajasthan, including party general secretary Bhupender Yadav, while Congress has the remaining three, the third being former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. (JTA) The Palestinian Authority has submitted a proposal for an independent demilitarized Palestinian state in Gaza, the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem. Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said Tuesday that the P.A. had submitted a proposal to the so-called Quartet of international mediators comprising the United States, the European Union, the United Nations and Russia in response to the Trump administrations release of its own Middle East peace plan in January. Shtayyeh said the proposal calls for a sovereign Palestinian state, independent and demilitarized with mino... U.S. oil prices reclaimed the $40 a-barrel level Friday and were trading near a three-month high as demand roars back following COVID-19 lockdowns. West Texas Intermediate crude oil, the U.S. benchmark climbed as much as 3.68 percent to $40.27 a barrel before trimming its gains. Brent crude, the international standard, rose 2.07 percent at $42.35. Fears about a resurgence of the coronavirus are taking a backseat to continued signs of rapidly improving demand and a commitment by OPEC cheaters to make restitution for past overproduction sins, Phil Flynn, a Chicago-based senior market analyst at the Price Futures Group, told FOX Business. "Despite all the 'doom and gloom' predictions about the oil market, we are seeing the fastest rebalancing of this market in history." US ECONOMY FACES PROTRACTED RECOVERY FROM CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWNS Demand had tumbled by about 30 million barrels a day during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic as stay-at-home orders eliminated nonessential travel. The subsequent bounceback can be seen in the physical market: Both Brent crude and gasoline futures returned to higher levels than futures-market prices on Thursday for the first time since March, a state known as backwardation. It indicates investors are willing to pay a higher price to hold the commodity now. An OPEC report released Wednesday said global demand was expected to fall by just 6.4 million barrels per day during the second half of 2020, an improvement from the 11.9 million barrel-per-day decline in the first half. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia and Russia, two of the worlds largest oil producers, warned members of the so-called OPEC+ group there was no room whatsoever for noncompliance with the agreed-upon production cuts. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS Leaders and their allies previously extended by one month reductions that took 10 million barrels per day off the market. That represents about 10 percent of global output. Story continues The bad boys of the cartel got the message, according to Flynn, and on Thursday pledged to better comply with the agreement, meaning the curbs could deepen in July. Iraq and Kazakhstan pledged to cut output by more than the required amount to make up for the past swindling, Flynn said. Related Articles Many commentators weighed in on President Trumps scheduling an event on Juneteenth before he backed down. Juneteenth is named for the date, June 19, 1865, that news of their Emancipation reached slaves in Texas. None of the pundits questioned why slaves were in Texas in the first place. While appearing on MSNBC on Saturday morning, Nikole Hannah-Jones, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for the New York Times 1619 Project, cast General Santa Anna as a villain. No. Santa Anna, who fought the Americans at the Alamo in 1836, was opposed to slavery. The defenders of the Alamo, some of whom ran away, were pro-slavery. As Phillip Thomas Tucker writes in his book Exodus from the Alamo: The Anatomy of the Last Stand Myth: Today we can no longer afford to ignore that the Alamo defenders were on the wrong side of the slavery issue, while the Mexicans were in the right. Stephen Austin and other American settlers brought slaves to Texas, flouting the slavery restrictions set by the Mexicans, who ruled Texas at the time. Mexico outlawed slavery in 1829, and so, while the image of the fugitive slave is someone who escaped to the North and to Canada, many escaped to Mexico. One could say that the origins of what should be called the American-Mexican war, since Americans were the aggressors, happened as a result of Americans acquiring land in Texas and bringing slaves. Among the future Confederate generals who participated in the invasion of Mexico were Stonewall Jackson, Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee. Their commander-in-chief was President James Polk, a slave owner who wanted to expand slavery to Mexico. In my latest book, Why No Confederate Statues in Mexico, I recount Lees role at the 1847 Battle of Chapultepec. Badly outnumbered, Mexicos Gen. Bravo ordered a retreat. Six cadets, children between the ages of 10 and 19, refused the order. Those cadets who fought on were martyred. Rather than surrender, some of the children wrapped themselves in the Mexican flag and leaped to their deaths. They are called Los Ninos in Mexican history. After the invasion of Pennsylvania in the American Civil War, the Confederates, mounted on horseback, marched children and their parents back to slavery, whether they were free or fugitive slaves. These episodes run counter to the image of the Confederate generals in the U.S. textbooks. Noble fighters who, after graduating from West Point, reluctantly, tearfully and, after much soul-searching, took up arms to defend their homeland, the version offered by Ken Burns The Civil War, for which he was made an honorary member of the Sons of the Confederacy. These generals massacred thousands of Native Americans and Mexicans before starting a war that caused more American deaths than those who died at the hands of the Japanese in World War II. So atrocious were their actions that a multicultural contingent, including Irish immigrants and blacks, joined the Mexicans. Called the St. Patricks Battalion, and led by John Riley, 12 were hanged. President Trump might salute Robert E. Lee, but thousands of Confederate soldiers showed their devotion to the general by going AWOL. One Confederate general commented that, if we got back half we could win the war. His contemporaries accused Lee of losing the war. It was a cult of admirers who mythologized him as the man of marble. Without his slaves, he was broke after the war. His admirers got him a job as president of Washington and Lee University. Robert E. Lee said that slaves needed painful discipline. Two slaves who ran away and were captured give history an example of how he administered it. Quoted by the late Elizabeth Pryor in her Reading the Man: A Portrait of Robert E. Lee, a slave gives us a scene in which Lee practiced his painful discipline: He then ordered us to the barn, where in his presence, we were tied firmly to posts by a Mr. Gwin, our overseer, who was ordered by Gen. Lee to strip us to the waist and give us fifty lashes each, excepting my sister, who received but twenty; we were accordingly stripped to the skin by the overseer, who, however, had sufficient humanity to decline whipping us; accordingly Dick Williams, a county constable was called in, who gave us the number of lashes ordered; Gen. Lee, in the meantime, stood by, and frequently enjoined Williams to lay it on well, an injunction which he did not fail to heed; not satisfied with simply lacerating our naked flesh, Gen. Lee then ordered the overseer to thoroughly wash our backs with brine, which was done. Why would anybody want to erect a statue to a person capable of a sadistic act like this? Instead, doesnt he belong in a horror movie or in a Poe short story? Fortunately, Pryor was part of a new mixed generation of Americans, black, white, red, yellow and Latinx, who are taking down monuments that remind us of a shameful past, both the physical ones and those that appear in textbooks. If previous historians had told the truth instead of honoring slaveholders and those who wished to exterminate Native Americans, those monuments would never have been erected in the first place, and we wouldnt have a generation of armed bigots defending them, which is why Ive asked the American Historical Society to apologize for all of the harm these historians have done. Among other statues coming down is one erected in front of Albany, N.Y., City Hall, to Gen. Philip Schuyler, slave owner and Indian fighter. An evacuation of a site that held the remains of his slaves found that they were treated cruelly. Schuylers daughters Angelica, who owned a slave, and Elizabeth, who, according to historian Ron Chernow, helped her mother manage the slaves, and Alexander Hamilton, who purchased slaves for the family, are peddled as abolitionists to thousands of children. They have been valorized due to their being refashioned by Broadways Hamilton. Broadway is another place where Black Lives Dont Matter. Gen. Schuyler and his Dutch slave-owning friends agitation led to the execution of three black teenagers, two of whom were hanged before a bloodthirsty howling mob in 1793. They were accused of arson. When Albany takes down Schuylers statue, it should erect statues in memory of these children. Ishmael Reeds Malcolm and Me is a best-seller on Audible. He teaches at California College of the Arts. US continues to play Xinjiang card with bill despite high-level talks Global Times By Liu Xin and Yang Sheng Source:Global Times Published: 2020/6/18 23:03:40 US President Donald Trump signed a so-called Uygur bill on Wednesday, which defames human rights situation in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and potentially slaps more sanctions on Chinese companies and officials over Xinjiang-related issues. The move was made the day China's senior diplomat Yang Jiechi met US Secretary Mike Pompeo in Hawaii at the latter's request, and shattered the previous anticipation of softening strained ties. Wednesday and the following 24 hours witnessed several important political events: the so-called Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act took effect, Yang talked with Pompeo, and the national security law for Hong Kong was submitted for deliberation, together with the G7 declaration on it, which could be seen as the occasion for China and the US to put "all their cards" on the table, experts said. Trump purposely picked the date of the talks, initially hoping to put pressure on China. The move also shows that the US will not change its tough policies toward China, experts said. The Uygur bill, first put forward by Senator Marco Rubio, was passed by both Houses of Congress on May 14 and 27, respectively. According to information from the US Congress' website, the bill was presented to Trump on June 8. If Trump does not sign it into law or vetoes it within 10 days, the bill becomes law without his signature. The bill requires the US government to impose more pressure on China over Xinjiang issues and offer a report to Congress within 180 days of its enactment to list Chinese officials to be sanctioned by the US, US media reported. Four government agencies, including the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the foreign affairs committees of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee as well as Xinjiang regional legislature released statements condemning the US move. Trump signed the bill on Wednesday without any ceremony, issuing a statement that a sanctions provision intruded on executive authority, and that he would consider it non-binding. "These details showed that Trump is trying to find a balance with the US Congress - he had to sign the bipartisan bill, but also wants to cool tensions with China," Zhu Ying, deputy director of the Human Rights Institute at the Southwest University of Political Science and Law, told the Global Times. "Trump may seek the advice of White House lawyers on how to sign the bill without provoking China. But his move is meaningless, as the bill has been signed, and the US can use it whenever it wants," Zhu said. Regardless of Trump's gestures, it will not change the fact that the US continues to play the Xinjiang card with the Uygur bill despite high-level talks, and will continue putting pressure on China on human rights and religious freedom, experts said. Jia Chunyang, an expert from the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times that there should be no dirty tricks when one side is sincere on alleviating tensions and holding talks, while Americans think differently: They fight while seeking cooperation when it fits their interests. "These sinister tricks make us doubt its sincerity in seeking to improve China-US ties, and will also affect cooperation in other fields," Jia said. Worst-case scenario Wednesday also saw a large coverage in international media of John Bolton's new book, in which the ex-national security adviser claimed Trump backed China to launch a "camp" in Xinjiang and sought the Chinese leader's support for his re-election at a G20 meeting in Osaka, Japan in 2019. As an anti-China hardliner, Bolton is using his book to smear China for getting involved in the US election and vent on Trump. He also wants to further muddy the waters of US domestic politics, experts said. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a press briefing on Thursday that China has no intention to and will not interfere in US domestic affairs. The eye-catching tip from Bolton's book on Trump's seeking China's help for his re-election also shows that between China and the US, the latter needs the former more, observers said. Although the ongoing epidemic in the US as well as the fierce competition for election make both Democrats and Republics eager to play China cards, especially competing in which side is tougher toward China, it is the US that needs China more, experts said. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that, Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, met Pompeo at the latter's request on Tuesday and Wednesday local time in the US state of Hawaii. The release debunked the Wall Street Journal's report on Wednesday which said the meeting "was requested" by Beijing. It's the US' fault that ties with China have suffered their lowest ebb in decades, and it is necessary for the two sides to sit together and exchange ideas on key strategic topics to diffuse miscalculations, Sun Chenghao, an assistant research professor at the Institute of American Studies of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Thursday. The US took the initiative to seek talks with China, which shows that it faces more problems. Regarding statements released by each side, the meeting was not about niceties. China elaborated its stance on Xinjiang, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Observers said this was a chance for both sides to put "all their cards" on the table. Lu Xiang, a research fellow on US studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday that for the US, the economy is the top priority. If China-US ties continue to worsen, any trade deal would be "mission impossible." "So the US needs to at least fix the trade ties with China, and if Trump can settle the tensions, it would be an achievement for him to show US voters and mock his opponent Joe Biden, Lu said. "The US needs China much more than China needs the US." Sun said that US unilateralism and "America first" policy have struck a blow to globalization, which forced China to make a Plan B, like further investing in independent research and development of high technologies to avoid bottlenecks from the US. However, the US has no clear strategy or consistent framework on its policies on China. It considers China as its main competitor but refuses to recognize possible confrontations this might stir, Sun said. China always sticks to a bottom line when dealing with bilateral ties - endeavoring to have cooperation with the US for win-win. It is the US that has been "kidnapped" by hardliners, exerting extreme policies, playing cards on Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet to challenge and test China's boundary, and bring uncertainty to the ties, Yuan Zheng, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), told the Global Times on Thursday. Learning from previous experiences, especially the bumps during the trade talks, China has learned that China-US ties can never be restored to the previous level, Yuan noted. Yuan and some experts reached by the Global Times said that they are not too optimistic about China-US ties in the near future considering the coming US election. No matter who wins, the US may not change its tougher policies toward China. Chinese analysts also said during the meeting with Pompeo, Yang stressed China's bottom line on issues including Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang, and this was an important signal to the US - that China wants no trouble with the US and it welcomes a reasonable US. But if the US crosses the line, China will not hesitate to protect its core interests and sovereignty. In other words, China will not exchange its core interests with the US to merely maintain stable ties. So US policymakers should not miscalculate the issue, analysts noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address GARDNERVILLE A 63-year-old Californian, who was arrested in Minden for making multiple 911 calls seeking food and money, is in Lyon County custody accused of arson on Wednesday after the Dayton Historic Depot appears to have been deliberately burned down. Kurt Selzer of Ventura was found laying on the ground in Dayton State Park at 7:30 p.m. with a lighter and an empty jug of acetone near where two small brush fires had been set in the park, according to the Lyon County Sheriffs Office. He was booked into Lyon County Jail charged with two counts of third degree arson, with a bail set at $10,000. Lyon investigators are calling the museum fire that occurred at 3:25 p.m. Wednesday on Main Street in Dayton apparent arson. Selzer has not yet been charged with that crime. According to the Sheriffs Office, Lyon deputies arrived to find the historic railroad depot, which once served the Carson and Colorado Railroad on fire. Two nearby buildings also suffered damage. East Fork firefighters responded to assist Central Lyon County firefighters in extinguishing the blaze. According to Lyon authorities, a second fire at Community Roots nursery was discovered. The fire didnt damage any structures, but burned some of the landscaping. Lyon investigators are asking that anyone with information about the fire contact the sheriffs office at 775-463-6600. Selzer was in Dayton when his East Fork case was called on Wednesday afternoon. A $250 bench warrant was issued for his arrest on a charge of misuse of 911. Selzer was arrested on Sunday morning at a Minden motel after hed called 911 five times that morning. In one instance, he claimed he was in pain and was taken to Carson Valley Medical Center so, he later said, he could get a sandwich. He later called 911 to ask for $50 to make a long-distance phone call and again to accuse another guest of attacking him, though he couldnt tell deputies how, exactly. As they were talking to him, Selzer allegedly went back into his motel room to make another 911 call. At his arraignment in East Fork on Monday, Selzer claimed that hed won $2,000 at a Minden casino but couldnt collect the money because he didnt have a photo ID. He told the judge he would hire his own attorney and that he was starting a couple of businesses. His condition of release from jail was that he meet with the MOST Team to be evaluated and to stay away from the Minden motel. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 2 Kweku Baako Jnr. has described the trend where subsequent governments do not give credit to efforts of past ones as unfair. He said both the NDC and NPP are guilty of the 'unfair' practice. . . you must agree to where the thing begun and where it ended, its a factual and fair account, he said while contributing to a panel discussion on Peace FM's morning show Kokrokoo. The renowned Journalist was reacting to the NDC's cry that the ruling government refused to acknowledge former President Mahama during the commissioning of the Tema Motorway Interchange. The NDC condemned President Akufo-Addo for not inviting John Mahama to the commissioning of the project which was done on June 5, 2020. A statement from the party said the project was one of John Mahamas legacies and that it "is among four major Interchanges constructed by the former President before exiting power in January 2017". Kweku Baako speaking to this said it is unfair to downplay the role played by the former President. It is true Mahama's administration made an appeal to the Japanese Government in 2013 for support for the Tema motorway project . . . adding, it will be unfair to discount the role that was played by the JM administration and the activities that took place before 2017, I cannot do that in all good conscience, he said. NDC Guilty He, however, indicated that the NDC is also guilty of same. He cited the Euroget project started by former President John Agyekum Kufuor which the NDC credited themselves for it. It is the same thing with the Green Book . . . and I hear the NDC Communicators they even exclude Prof Mills; it doesnt make sense, its not factual. A lot of the projects in 2010, 2011, they claim they are JM projects. Why is it so difficult to admit that . . . ? he queried. Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmoline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Michael Sheahan, has expressed his sympathies to the family and colleagues of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, who was killed in the line of duty in Castlerea, County Roscommon earlier this week. Following the fatal shooting, Mayor Sheahan has opened a book of condolences in his memory. The murder of Detective Horkan has shocked the entire country and once again highlighted the dangers that members of An Garda Siochana can face on a daily basis. We are extremely fortunate that this kind of incident does not happen too often, but when it does it the tragic ramifications are immense, for the force and especially the family involved, said Mayor Sheahan. Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Michael Sheahan has opened an online Book of Condolences in memory of Detective Garda Colm Horkan You can sign it here: https://t.co/MoPqwf7iJ7 Limerick Council (@LimerickCouncil) June 19, 2020 People in Limerick are all too aware of the consequences of this type of incident. The murder of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe and the attempted murder of Detective Garda Ben OSullivan in 1996 still resonates today for the force in limerick and especially for the McCabe and OSullivan families who have to live daily with their loss, he added. Condolences were also expressed by members of the judiciary and the legal profession at court sittings in Limerick after news of the fatal shooting emerged. Judge Tom ODonnell, State prosecution counsel John OSullivan BL and state solicitor Aidan Judge have all expressed their sympathies to the family of murdered Detective Garda Colm Horkan at Limerick Circuit Court this morning Donal O'Regan (@DonalORegan1) June 19, 2020 In addition to opening the book of condolence, Cllr Shean has requested that the Irish flag be flown at half-mast outside council offices in memory of Detective Garda Horkan. Deputy Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Adam Teskey, has echoed the sentiments of the mayor. I would like to express my sincere condolences and those of the JPC members to the family of Detective Garda Colm Horkan and to An Garda Siochana, who have lost one of their own, said Cllr Teskey who is chair of the Limerick Joint Policing Committee. We all work together on the JPC to help protect and serve our communities and this tragic incident will undoubtedly have an impact on serving members. It is clear from the outpouring of grief and expressions of sympathy that Detective Horkan was much loved and admired and he will be greatly missed, he added. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the book of condolence is only available online click here and it will remain open until June 26, 2020. The book will be collated and forwarded to Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche for forwarding to the family of the late detective. WASHINGTON - Fernanda Herrera Spieler frantically checked her computer Thursday morning to see whether the Supreme Court would change her life. A program created in 2012 by President Barack Obama had protected undocumented students like her from deportation, allowing them to get driver's licenses, work legally and afford college. President Donald Trump attempted to end it years later, and Herrera Spieler feared that the conservative-leaning court would allow him to do so. Then her phone exploded with congratulatory text messages. The high court ruled 5 to 4 to block Trump from rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects Herrera Spieler and more than 640,000 other immigrants brought to the United States as children from deportation. All were safe, for now. "It's crazy. It's crazy," said Herrera Spieler, a 25-year-old law student who came to the United States from Mexico at age 2 and grew up in Alabama. "I called my mom and she couldn't believe it, either." The long-awaited decision on the program, known as DACA, brought surprise and a deep sigh of relief for "dreamers" and their families. For now, the decision lifted the precarious uncertainty that many immigrant families have lived with since Trump first attempted to end the program in 2017. Outside the Supreme Court, DACA recipients wearing masks because of the coronavirus pandemic cheered the ruling. Despite social distancing recommendations, some could not help but hug. "We've been preparing for this moment for so long," said Jose Alonso Munoz, a spokesman for United We Dream, the nation's largest organization founded by immigrant youths. Munoz is also a DACA recipient, and his protections are set to expire in 2022. Munoz is one of the immigrants who answered Obama's invitation in 2012 to "come out of the shadows" and register with the U.S. government. His parents brought him to the United States from Mexico when he was 3 months old and raised him in Minneapolis. He turns 30 on Friday and is the only member of his family who remains undocumented. Before DACA, he attended college part time and struggled to finish. After registering with the program he was able to get a better-paying job and earn a degree from the University of Minnesota. Jesus Contreras, 26, was coming off a 24-hour shift as an EMT in Houston when he heard the news that DACA was saved for now. He had spent almost all night - except for a 20-minute nap - responding to calls to aid residents with emergencies, including some patients with the coronavirus. Contreras, who came to the United States from Mexico at age 6, said he is "just mentally exhausted from being pushed to understand that any given second, one decision could mean the end of the program and our life here in the United States." The ruling does not entirely lift the uncertainty that began when their parents brought them across the border illegally or into the country on visas they overstayed. Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. wrote that the administration did not follow the legal procedures required by law to end the program. "We do not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies," Roberts wrote. Trump blasted the decision on Twitter, calling it "horrible," and suggested that he might try to again end the program, writing that "now we have to start this process all over again." Acting homeland security secretary Chad Wolf also criticized the ruling, saying the program was "created out of thin air and implemented illegally." "The American people deserve to have the Nation's laws faithfully executed as written by their representatives in Congress - not based on the arbitrary decisions of a past Administration," he said. Wolf did not make clear how the ruling would affect the program. The Department of Homeland Security currently renews applications only from immigrants already in the program. Advocates for immigrants said they believe the Supreme Court ruling means that the program should reopen to high school students and anyone else who has been blocked from applying for the first time. To qualify, immigrants must have arrived in the United States before they turned 16, pass background checks and meet other criteria. "Anyone who qualifies as a dreamer under DACA should be allowed to be in the program," said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, a Democrat, who led the lawsuit against the Trump administration. Joseph Edlow, deputy director for policy at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which processes deferred-action applications, hinted in a statement that the administration could attempt to end the program again, saying the ruling "merely delays the President's lawful ability to end the illegal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals amnesty program." Recent polling indicates that the DACA program has broad support, with even a majority of Republicans in favor of extending it. Sarah Pierce, an analyst at the Migration Policy Institute in Washington, said the ruling is a mixed bag for Trump. While it may have allowed the president to "dodge a political bullet" since some Republicans support the dreamers, others in the GOP expected Trump to keep his campaign promise to end the program. "The Supreme Court has said the administration clearly has the power to end DACA - they just need to do so legally," Pierce said. "The president will be pulled between those in his base who want to see him follow through on his promise to finish this program and the large majority of voters who support the ability of these young people to legally work and live in the United States." Although the Supreme Court ruled in 1982 that public schools could not expel students for being undocumented, before DACA even high school valedictorians had few options once they turned 18. They could not work legally, apply for driver's licenses or travel abroad. Many also gave up on attending college, because they were ineligible for the more affordable resident rates. Young undocumented immigrants had held sit-ins before Obama created the program, and they fought to defend it before the Supreme Court. Now they are mostly in their 20s, working as teachers, doctors and laborers, and have a foothold in the middle class. Most are from Mexico, but they also hail from dozens of countries such as Belize, Ghana, South Korea and Turkey, according to federal court records. Because they had lived in the United States so long - the average age of arrival is 7, according to the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank - most already felt American, if not on paper. Harvard University sociologist Roberto Gonzales said DACA was a "game changer." High school dropouts returned to school. Thousands opened bank accounts, applied for credit cards and bought houses and cars. They pay taxes and student loans and invest in 401(k)s. "It has completely transformed lives," said Gonzales, whose team tracked more than 400 dreamers over the past eight years. "They've really soared. We see young people who have doubled, tripled, quadrupled salaries over this time." As many as 800,000 young people have enrolled in the program over the past eight years, although some have since dropped out for various reasons, such as those who married U.S. citizens and gained permanent residency. University of California President Janet Napolitano, who was homeland security secretary when DACA was launched, hailed the ruling as a boon for students who have relied on the program while they pursue degrees. UC, which had filed suit in 2017 to preserve the program, estimates that about 1,700 of its undergraduates have DACA protection. "I just have to believe they are breathing a huge sigh of relief," Napolitano said Thursday afternoon in a Zoom interview. "This was kind of like the Sword of Damocles hanging over their head." Ivonne Beltran Lara, 30, whose parents brought her to the United States from Colombia when she was 6, said she had to drop out of college because she could not afford tuition. She spent more than four years working as a nanny. But DACA gave her hope that she would be able to go to medical school, because she needed a work permit to become a doctor. After Obama's announcement, she returned to college, paying for it with savings and financial help from friends and family. After graduation she enrolled in the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine to become a doctor. She will graduate next year. "I did not expect this ruling, honestly. I thought they were going to side with Trump," she said of the Supreme Court. Contreras said he hopes Congress will pass a law that will grant undocumented immigrants a path to legal residency. Approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants are in the United States. "We're just ready to keep fighting on," Contreras said. "A lot of us were expecting the worst. This is good news. I know it's not the end of it all, but it buys us a little more time to figure out a permanent solution." Herrera Spieler, the law student and DACA recipient, said having deferred action allowed her to work legally and finish college. She earned a full scholarship to law school at Loyola University Chicago and recently married and bought a condo in Tennessee, where her husband, a physician, works. He is trying to sponsor her for legal residency, but there are no guarantees, and not everyone in her family is protected. Her mother is facing an upcoming court hearing on deportation to Mexico. "This is something, but we need a pathway to citizenship," she said. "It's not over." - - - The Washington Post's Nick Anderson contributed to this report. Photographer Clint Bargen captured a photo of Leah Bosello and Nick Smith as they celebrated their wedding on June 6 at Peace Arch Park, a no mans land for Canadians and Americans to reunite during COVID-19. Not even a border could keep Canadian Leah Bosello away from the love of her life American Nick Smith even in the midst of a pandemic. The couple frequently visited each other, as Bosello lived in Burnaby, B.C. and Smith lived across the border in Blaine, Washington. But when Canada and the United States decided to close the border to non-essential travel, Smith would be committed to staying in the U.S. because of his job in cybersecurity, meaning they both would in effect be barred from crossing the border. At the time, the couple realized it would likely be some time until they could physically be with each other. However, love has a funny way, and a couple of weeks later, one of Leahs closest friends informed her of couples meeting at 0 Avenue, which falls on the LyndenAldergrove Border Crossing. The couple had found their outlet. Thered be all these cars going through, it was kind of comical to try to talk to each other than a big construction vehicle coming in front of us, she said. Construction vehicles werent the only obstacles in the couples path, as border patrol kept a close eye on the two to ensure there was no physical contact. There really couldnt be anyways, as there was a clear ditch signifying the border. There was border patrol everywhere, it was good to see each other, but obviously not ideal that we cant cross this ditch and you have to just look at each and talk. It was a really odd experience, she said. Leah and Nick snapped a photo of one of their first meetings at 0 Avenue. It wasnt until an eavesdropping border patrol agent learned of the duos circumstances and advised them that Peace Arch Park would be reopening soon. Anyone who knows the area is aware that park visitors can park their vehicles nearby, and are allowed to cross over to the opposite countrys end as long as they stay within the park. So, when they learned this, the couple eventually met on the American side of the park and, two and a half months later after the start of the pandemic, they finally embraced. Story continues Ever since its been open, weve been there at least once or twice a week, weve had picnics, some of my friends would come. I got a puppy and so I brought our dog, she said. Initially, the duo was discussing getting married at the ditch at 0 avenue, but logistically didnt know if it could be done so the discovery of the park came at an opportune time. On June 6th, in front of a handful of friends and dozens more watching on Zoom, Bosello and Smith tied the knot at Peace Arch Park. Its a very weird juxtaposition, its like craziness and mayhem is happening all across the world, and then youre celebrating your love and its one of the happiest days of your life, she said. Photographer Clint Bargen captured a intimate and candid moment from the Smith-Bosello wedding. The couple met in South Korea five years earlier. Theyd spent all of three weeks together, but had fallen in love before the flight home, so it came as no surprise to their families they both opted for a simple wedding. No one made anything difficult, it was just the easiest thing ever, it was perfect for us in the way that people who cared about us were there, it went smoothly and it was beautiful and sunny, said Bosello. It took all but two weeks to put everything together, and with the help of friends who handled everything from food, decorations and setup, all Bosello had to do was order the silicone wedding bands from, yes, you guessed it, Amazon. Even her wedding dress, which women can spend hours looking for what will be the perfect one, it just didnt matter to Bosello. I had brought a dress for my friends wedding that had unfortunately gotten canceled, so I just thought fancy enough, she said. The original plan was actually tracksuits. While she wore her famous white sneakers, Bosello did try to look like a bride by wearing a veil, but after the photos were taken, the couple and their friends ditched the formal clothes and threw on tracksuits. I wasnt about to wear heels or nice shoes, plus I really like athleisure and to be comfortable. I bought a $10 veil off Amazon so I could look more bridal, said Bosello. Bosello and Smith wear their wedding tracksuits as they prepare to cut their cake. Their wedding photographer, Clint Bargen who has been in the wedding industry for a long time, said he had never been a part of anything like this before. "It was a bit surreal to celebrate in the no-man's land that is Peace Arch Park. We'd be taking wedding photos and fully uniformed border guards would casually walk by, he said. Bosello does admit not having Smiths parents and friends, who were back home in Maryland, did take away from the lustre of the moment, but they plan on having a larger reception for everyone when things are normal. It was not going to be as special because his family was not there, so we made it more casual and will have a bigger party for everyone down the road, she said. It was the best day of our lives While the Smith family couldnt be there to partake in their wedding, Liz Peters family drove nearly six hours from Canby, Oregon to see her on her wedding day. A registered nurse, Liz originally was born in Oregon but had been living and working in British Columbia where she had fallen in love with her now-husband, Matt Peters. The couple were living in Abbotsford, B.C., when the pandemic hit. They had their wedding scheduled for May 9th, but their venue had canceled the event due to B.C.s limit on gatherings. While it was a gut-punch at the time, the couple knew they wanted to be together, and rather than waiting, they married in Arnold, British Columbia on their original wedding day. We didnt want to wait to get married, we scaled it back, it was going to be the best day, its all about the attitude behind it, said Liz Peters. Matt and Liz Peters married one another on the original day they had planned, but scaled back the festivities due to the ongoing pandemic. The decision to do the shotgun-style wedding felt right to the couple, as Liz noted all the extras of the wedding (the big party, glamour, an elaborate venue) all fell to the wayside, but allowed the couples commitment for one another to take centre stage. It strips away the extra parts of a wedding, and makes you remember why youre actually trying to get married in the first place, she said. After having their nuptials done in Arnold while her parents zoomed into her wedding ceremony as they drove down the I-5 to the American side of Avenue 0 they finally laid eyes on their daughter in a wedding gown. Never in a million years had I thought that I wouldnt be able to hug my parents on my wedding day, that my dad wouldnt be able to walk me down the aisle, but seeing them in that moment it was perfect, she said. Liz and Matt Peters stand on the Canadian side of 0 Avenue while Liz's family are on the American side to celebrate their wedding. Rather than being upset about the moments lost, Lizs parents encouraged her to focus on the moment of togetherness that not even a border and travel restrictions could stop. My parents kept saying its not about the grief or sadness about what was lost in the day, but celebrating. They were so happy for us, said Peters. Border guards hawkishly watched over the families, allowing them to spend time talking to each other, but warned them not to physically touch one another. Both sets of parents made homemade signs for the moment, and eventually, a photo of the two families becoming one was captured on the borderline of neighbouring countries separated by a ditch. It wasnt the picture perfect moment I had hoped for growing up, but it turns out it was perfect for the moment were in, its a perfect picture in my eyes, she said. The family of Liz and Matt Peters celebrate their wedding with homemade signs on the border of Canada and the U.S. The day was doubly special for Liz who had at that time spent two months working on the frontlines of the ongoing pandemic. In hindsight, the wedding she noted served as a break from her current reality, one where the couple and their loved ones could take a day to just celebrate, as originally planned. It felt surreal, all that stress mounting up from work, working in medical services during a pandemic its crazy stressful...getting to the endpoint felt so exciting, so relieving, said Liz Peters. It was the best day of our lives, it was perfect in every way. Moments of escape For 33-year-old Erik Buddingh of B.C., it had been months since he had seen his girlfriend, 26-year-old Morgan Bergren, who lives in Indiana. The couple had been apart since before the pandemic started, and when they learned about Peace Arch Park, they knew they had to take advantage of it. When we found out the park existed, we were almost in disbelief, it sounded almost too good to be true, its a no man's land where people can gather, so we were thrilled when we found out it was a real thing, he said. The next thing they knew, Bergren had booked a flight from Indiana to Seattle, where she would drive north to the city of Bellingham and stay with friends. Bellingham is just 30 minutes away from the park, where the couple met for nine consecutive days. Buddingh admits the timing couldnt have been more perfect as the pandemic had really taken a toll on their relationship. It added to the normal difficulty of a long-distance relationship...but now, to have that time, it was a game changer, really helpful to us, he said. Erik Buddingh and Morgan Bergren spent nine days meeting at Peace Arch Park after being apart for months. As the couple spent hours there with one another, sometimes holding little picnics and other times just observing what was happening, they started to observe the park had become the place for cross-border love of all kinds to exist. You see literally any kind of person and lots of them and everyone is being united for different reasons, sometimes with family, sometimes large picnics or couples, maybe just friends smoking a cigar together, he said. When he thinks of Peace Arch Park during the time of COVID-19 where borders closed off effectively keeping loved ones barred from seeing one another, Buddingh admits having those moments of escapism from the pandemic will be treasured forever. Its really nice to see people from all different walks of life for all different reasons just having a positive time, said Buddingh. It ends up being a unifying place, a real bright spot. The Oregon Health Authority on Friday reported one new death and 204 new cases of the novel coronavirus, marking only the second time statewide cases have topped 200 in a day. A daily record of 278 reported infections was set Tuesday. An 84-year-old Marion County woman became the latest patient to succumb to COVID-19, bringing the toll to 188, health officials said. She had an underlying medical condition. The state has now recorded 6,572 confirmed and presumptive coronavirus cases. The latest were in 18 of Oregons 36 counties: Clackamas (23), Coos (1), Deschutes (3), Douglas (3), Hood River (2), Jefferson (4), Klamath (12), Lane (3), Lincoln (31), Linn (1), Malheur (1), Marion (20), Morrow (5), Multnomah (49), Umatilla (24), Union (6), Wallowa (1), Washington (17). Multnomah Countys daily case count Friday is a record high and comes as Oregons most populous county began to reopen under the Phase 1 guidelines issued by Gov. Kate Brown. The county reported a previous high of 47 on Saturday and has seen daily case counts hover in the 30s and 40s for the last week. Coronavirus in Oregon: Latest news | Live map tracker |Text alerts | Newsletter County case totals: Two counties -- Multnomah and Marion -- have more than 1,000 coronavirus cases each. Eight additional counties -- Clackamas, Deschutes, Lincoln, Linn, Polk, Umatilla, Union and Washington -- have reported 100 coronavirus cases or more. Gilliam and Wheeler have reported none. Heres the overall count -- confirmed and presumptive cases -- by county: Baker (1), Benton (66), Clackamas (561), Clatsop (46), Columbia (26), Coos (33), Crook (9), Curry (7), Deschutes (142), Douglas (32), Grant (1), Harney (1), Hood River, (87), Jackson (85), Jefferson (77), Josephine (26), Klamath (80), Lake (6), Lane (93), Lincoln (261), Linn (127), Malheur (43), Marion (1,264), Morrow (27), Multnomah (1,714), Polk (131), Sherman (1), Tillamook (6), Umatilla (230), Union (253), Wallowa (5), Wasco (42), Washington (992) and Yamhill (97). Oregons Latino population has been disproportionately hit hard by the coronavirus. Though Latinos make up 13% of the states population, they represent at least 35% of all positive cases. Death toll: At least 188 people have died from the virus. They are from 13 counties -- 68 people from Multnomah, 34 from Marion, 22 from Clackamas, 20 from Washington, 12 from Polk, nine from Linn, eight from Yamhill, five from Benton, four from Umatilla, three from Lane, one each from Josephine, Malheur and Wasco. Their ages ranged from 36 to 100. Among them, 108 men and 80 women have died. All but four had underlying medical conditions. The breakdown of deaths by age: ages 30-39 (1), ages 40-49 (3), ages 50-59 (8), ages 60-69 (38), ages 70-79 (52), ages 80-plus (86). [Read about Oregon coronavirus deaths. Help us learn more.] Senior care homes: More than half of all coronavirus deaths in Oregon at least 108 are associated with a care center, a newsroom analysis of state data shows. More than 700 senior care home residents, staff and close contacts from more than 80 nursing, assisted and retirement homes have contracted COVID-19. One care home worker has died since the start of the Oregon epidemic, state data show. Officials did not say where the person worked or when they died. Workplace outbreaks: At least 980 coronavirus infections or nearly 16% of all cases are linked to workplace outbreaks identified by the Oregon Health Authority. Among them: the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem (176), Pacific Seafood in Newport (145) and Duckwall Fruit in Hood River (61). Testing: Another 4,779 people received coronavirus test results in the last day, up from the previous days 4,771 , according to figures published on the Oregon Health Authoritys website. So far, 193,689 Oregonians have been tested for the illness since the state confirmed its first case on Feb. 28. Oregons positive test rate for COVID-19 is currently 3.3%, far below the 12% national average. Ages: Cases are so far spread relatively evenly among people in their 20s (18%), people in their 30s (18%), people in their 40s (17%) and people in their 50s (15%). The breakdown: 0-9 (208), ages 10-19 (426), ages 20-29 (1,205), ages 30-39 (1,158), ages 40-49 (1,093), ages 50-59 (1,007), ages 60-69 (714), ages 70-79 (441), ages 80-plus (311). Gender: 3,368 cases are among women, or 51%, and 3,184, or 49%, are among men. Hospitalizations: At least 946 of the states COVID-19 patients, or 14%, have been hospitalized at some point during their illness, according to the health authority. Most -- at least 689 -- have been 50 or older. The hospitalizations breakdown by age: 0-9 (7), ages 10-19 (4), ages 20-29 (46), ages 30-39 (72), ages 40-49 (115), ages 50-59 (172), ages 60-69 (205), ages 70-79 (184), ages 80-plus (139). Currently, 92 people with confirmed coronavirus cases are hospitalized, up from 89 the previous day. Thirty-eight are in intensive care and 22 on ventilators. Recoveries: At least 2,502 COVID-19 patients have recovered from the illness, or 38%, the health authority said. Nationwide: Confirmed coronavirus cases stood at 2.2 million. The death toll neared 119,000. -- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh; 503-294-7632 Email at skavanaugh@oregonian.com Follow on Twitter @shanedkavanaugh Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories China's Foreign Ministry Denounces Uyghur Human Rights Bill Signed by Trump, Vows to 'Hit Back' Sputnik News 03:59 GMT 18.06.2020 The complaint comes after US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the Uyghur Human Rights Act of 2020 that envisages sanctions against individuals and entities considered by Washington to be responsible for "human rights abuses" against the Uyghur Muslim minority in China's Xinjiang province. The Foreign Ministry of China on Thursday stridently opposed the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act 2020 signed by earlier by Trump. The ministry criticized the act as "harming China's interests" and outlined that the issue of detaining and reeducating Uyghurs in Xinjiang are related to "fighting violence, terrorism and separatism", not about human rights or freedom of religion. "China urges the US to immediately correct its mistake and stop using the bill to harm China's interests. Xinjiang-related issues are not about human rights, ethnicity or religion, but about fighting violence, terrorism, and separatism", the ministry said in a statement, cited by CGTN. The Foreign Ministry insisted that the bill has "flagrantly interfered in China's internal affairs", slandering China's "efforts in counter-terrorism and de-radicalization". The statement also threatened that China would "resolutely hit back and the US will bear the burden of all subsequent consequences". The response came after Trump signed the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act on Wednesday, legislating sanctions against those who allegedly responsible for repressing hundreds of thousands of ethnic Muslim Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang province. According to Washington, Beijing has violated the human rights of the Muslim minority by sending Uyghurs to so-called political 're-education camps'. Beijing has repeatedly refuted the accusations of discrimination against the Uyghurs, stating that what are labelled "re-education camps" are actually education centres part of a campaign to help Uyghurs learn the official language and obtain useful professional skills. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address This is one of our most exciting volcano tours! Halmahera, North Sulawesi and the Sangihe Islands are not only very scenic and interesting as well as nearly unspoiled by tourism, but also home to some of the country's most active (and often erupting) volcanoes, inclduing Dukono, Ibu, Lokon, Soputan and Karangetang. Following a seemingly unstoppable streak of overseas investment, Reliance Industries has declared that it is debt-free. A statement from the companys chairman and MD Mukesh Ambani read: I have fulfilled my promise to the shareholders by making Reliance net debt-free before our original schedule of 31 March 2021. In less than two months, Reliance Industries has sold 24.71% of its digital unit Jio Platforms to ten foreign investors, generating $15.2 billion. The most recent of these was announced yesterday (18th June), with Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund acquiring a 2.32% stake for INR113.7 billion ($1.5 billion). Reliance Industries noted that this was the funds largest ever investment in an Indian firm, while PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan said that the acquisition would enable us to generate significant long-term commercial returns for the benefit of Saudi Arabias economy and our countrys citizens. Ambani added a rights issue worth INR53.1 billion ($697.1 million) compounded the investments, meaning that Reliance had in fact generated INR1.7 trillion within the two month timeframe. Its net debt stood at INR1.6 trillion on 31st March 2020. As our fundraising milestone from financial investors is achieved, we sincerely thank the marquee group of financial partners and warmly welcome them into Jio Platforms, he concluded. The Covid-19 death toll in Bihar rose to 44 on Thursday with five fatalities being reported in 24 hours while the total tally of cases breached the 7,000-mark as 100 people tested positive for the dreaded disease, a top health department official said. A 63-year-old man from Gaya who breathed his last earlier on Thursday became the first Covid-19 fatality in the central Bihar district. Besides, a 70-year-old man from Darbhanga and a 53-year-old patient in Nalanda, both suffering from co-morbidities, died on Wednesday night, state Health secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh said. The state health department, in its daily bulletin, confirmed one death each in West Champaran and Saran districts. Of the 44 deaths across the state, Begusarai, Darbhanga, Khagaria, Saran and Vaishali have reported the highest three fatalities each. Bhojpur, Jehanabad, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda, Patna, Sitamarhi and Siwan districts reported two deaths each. The districts which accounted for one casualty each are Araria, Aurangabad, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Jamui, Katihar, Madhepura, Madhubani, Munger, Nawada, West Champaran, East Champaran, Rohtas, Samastipur and Sheohar. The total Covid-19 caseload in Bihar rose to 7,040 on Thursday. Patna has reported the highest 347 coronavirus cases, followed by Bhagalpur with 342 instances of the disease, Begusarai 335, Madhubani 325 and Rohtas 307. All the 38 districts in the state have reported Covid-19 cases and 34 of these have their tallies in double digits. The number of active cases was more than 100 in Madhubani, Patna and Siwan while in the remaining 35 districts it was in double digits. The number of Covid-19 patients who have recovered from the disease stood at 4,961, the health department said. The number of swab samples tested till date was 1.39 lakh. A heavy influx of migrants returning to Bihar during the lockdown has contributed significantly to the spike that the state has witnessed in the past one-and-a-half months. According to the health secretary, the number of people who tested positive after travelling from out of the state since May 3 was 4,687. A n investigation is underway after several police officers in Los Angeles were filmed pushing a man's head into the ground. Five officers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's office in the Compton neighbourhood can be seen arresting a man forcefully, holding him down and appearing to put pressure on his neck in a clip filmed by a passer-by and posted to social media. The man being arrested, who is black, can be heard saying that he cannot breathe and calling out for help, as police say that they saw him throw drugs away. The man filming the video begs the officers not to kill the man under arrest. Eventually officers lift up the man under arrest and take him to sit on the pavement. It is not clear what the man was arrested for. A local police official said the incident was under investigation. Compton mayor Aja Brown told CBS Los Angeles: "The man was saying that he couldnt breathe, so it is concerning to see that type of response when youre trying to apprehend someone." This incident follows another arrest by Los Angeles County officers in late May, in which local resident Dalvin Price was beaten repeatedly. Black Lives Matter protests across the world - In pictures 1 /28 Black Lives Matter protests across the world - In pictures A banner and a US. flag are placed on the Monument a la Republique in Paris REUTERS Protesters in Perth Australia Getty Images Speakers at the Black Lives Matter Rally at Langley Park in Perth Getty Images Police officers are seen during a protest against police brutality and the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Paris REUTERS Perth protests Getty Images Speakers take to the stage during the Black Lives Matter Rally in Perty Getty Images Protesters show their support during the Black Lives Matter Rally at Langley Park in Perty Getty Images Demonstrators march through the streets in Perth AFP via Getty Images Demonstrators march through the streets in Perth AFP via Getty Images Demonstrators march through the streets in Perth AFP via Getty Images Demonstrators march through the streets in Perth Getty Images Demonstrators march through the streets in Perth Getty Images Thousands of people take part in a demonstration against police brutality and racism in Paris AP French riot police forces detain a protester during a rally as part of the 'Black Lives Matter' AFP via Getty Images French riot police forces detain protesters AFP via Getty Images The crowds in Paris AFP via Getty Images A man wearing a protective face mask and googles walks past a broken store window in Paris REUTERS Assa Traore (C), the sister of Adama Traore, who died in police custody in 2016 in Paris AFP via Getty Images Protesters hold flares as they stand next to a banner reading 'Confronted to police brutality - Self defence' in Paris AFP via Getty Images A house facade with a graffiti against police in Paris. AFP via Getty Images An injured demonstrator is helped away in Paris AFP via Getty Images Ms Brown added: For me, its just concerning that this is a much bigger, a deeper and more widespread issue. Were committed as city leadership to get more information. We sent notification to request all the documentation regarding deputy complaints so that we can just understand the nature of issues with our officers in the community. The arrest follows weeks of protests across US cities and around the world following the death of George Floyd. Mr Floyd died after a police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes while arresting him. An Post is to give its full-time staff 300 euro One4All vouchers for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic. Part-time staff will be given vouchers on a pro-rata basis. Over 1m extra parcels have been delivered during the pandemic compared to the same period last year. Almost 8,000 staff both on the frontline and behind the scenes receiving the bonus. General Secretary of the Communications Workers' Union Steve Fitzpatrick says they wanted to give their members a boost for taking on extra duties. "With the pandemic and people being at home, shopping at home has just gone through the roof," he said. "We hadn't really prepared for it," he admitted, adding that the "infrastructure is mainly there for letters" and not big parcels being delivered to people's homes. An Post has described the last three months as being like 'a longer Christmas' - as they processed around 1m extra parcels per week. They also report that many parcels are from Irish small and medium businesses, which would be seen as a boost to the economy. The newspaper ad offers Ten Dollars Reward! Ran away from the Subscriber, on the night of the 15th instant, a Negro Boy, named Cesar, 18 years old, nearly 6 feet high, stout and well made, walks pretty erect, speaks fluently. The advertiser, Samuel MClellan, explains that Cesar had run away for fear of being punished for theft. Whoever will return said Negro, or secure him so that his master may get him again, shall receive the above reward, and all reasonable charges All persons are forbid harboring, trusting or employing said Negro, on penalty of the Law. A Southern state? No. Woodstock, Connecticut, May 16, 1803. It would be another 45 years before slavery would end in the Land of Steady Habits. Far from being free of slavery, Connecticuts history is bound up with the oppression of African Americans, as well as with their fight for freedom. La Amistad landed in New Haven in 1839 when Africans being brought from Sierra Leone to Cuba to be sold rebelled against their captors. A statue in front of City Hall commemorates the incident and the Africans leader Joseph Cinque. The captives ultimately were freed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media But in 1738, the Martha & Jane docked in Middletown with 126 enslaved Africans aboard, 23 having died during the voyage. A plaque on the citys riverfront remembers those Africans and others brought up the Connecticut River to be sold. Cassandra Day / Hearst Connecticut Media / John Brown, who led a failed slave rebellion in Harpers Ferry, W.Va., in 1859 and was the first American hanged for treason, was born in Torrington in 1800. Harriet Beecher Stowe, another abolitionist, whose depiction of slavery in the South in Uncle Toms Cabin helped bring on the Civil War, lived in Hartford. Eli Whitney of New Haven, on the other hand, invented the cotton gin, which enabled the Southern plantation owners to switch from tobacco to more lucrative cotton, bringing with it a need for more free labor. It would not be until June 19, 1865, 2 years after president Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. on the day now known as Juneteenth that slavery would be fully abolished in this country. This year, Juneteenth will include marches and peaceful protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd. I think its always important, at least from my perspective, to remind people that the African-American experience is a part of the whole of American history, and that talking about African-American history creates a false dichotomy, said the Rev. Frederick Jerry Streets, pastor of the Dixwell United Church of Christ, the first Congregational church founded by African Americans, many of whom were formerly enslaved. Its 200th anniversary this year had to be postponed because of COVID-19. While there were few enslaved people left in Connecticut by 1848, there were 951 counted in the 1800 census, according to slavenorth.com. The gradual emancipation law passed in 1784 was a way to strike a compromise between the aspiration to abolish slavery and the property rights of slaveholders, said Edward Rugemer, a professor of history and African-American studies at Yale University. No one was freed in 1784, but the children of enslaved women would become free at age 25 for men and 21 for women. Its often called freeing the womb, Rugemer said. I call it legislative compromise, but it was really tilted toward slaveholders. Slavery in New England had begun in the 17th century, when it was codified in law gradually, colony by colony, Rugemer said. At the start of the American Revolution, there were ore than 6,400 enslaved people in Connecticut, the most of any New England state, according to slavenorth.com, a result of Connecticut having a more prosperous middle class than neighboring colonies. New London had the largest number of enslaved people and the highest percentage of enslaved to free. By independence in 1783, most of the founders fathers, as well as many of the founders themselves, had owned slaves, so it was no small feat to overturn it, he said. Massachusetts did so by a court ruling that slavery was incompatible with the state Constitution, Rugemer said. At that point, New England shipping buttressed the slave trade both in the South and in the Caribbean, supplying food and supplies. Middletown made its fortune on the West Indian sugar and slave trades, said Deborah Shapiro, municipal historian for Middletown and former director of the Middlesex County Historical Society. Food, rope, made in Middletown from hemp, and even horses were shipped to the islands, and they would return with sugar, rum and enslaved people, Shapiro said. A marker was erected in September by the Port Marker Project Committee, when Middletown was designated a Site of Memory in UNESCOs project, The Slave Route: Resistance, Liberty, Heritage. We were actually the first location in the whole country that used the UNESCO logo on their plaque, Shapiro said. Slavery undergirded the Connecticut economy in the 18th and early 19th centuries, directly and indirectly because manufacturers depended on Southern cotton. A lot of peoples livelihood was dependent on sending cotton up here, Shapiro said. That brought opposition to abolitionists such as the Anti-Slavery Society in Middletown. Mobs would try to break up the meetings, Shapiro said. Even within the abolitionist movement, there were those who wanted slavery ended immediately, and others who sought a more gradual end. Meanwhile, slave catchers were coming to New England to capture formerly enslaved people to take them back to the South, Streets said. While not the only Connecticut center of slave-trading, which was also significant in New Haven, New London, Greenwich and other coastal ports, Middletown was one of the biggest ports in New England through the 1700s, said Jesse Nasta, a visiting assistant professor of African-American studies at Wesleyan University and executive director of the county historical society. At least 200 enslaved people were brought from Africa directly to Middletown and there were at least two men who were listed as slave dealers right on Main Street, he said. Going even further back into history, if you go back to the 1600s you had enslavement of predominantly Native American people with the trade of Africans just picking up, Nasta said. Ron Edens, who was part of the Port Marker Project Committee, believes the full story of slavery in Connecticut is unknown by most residents, but that more is becoming known. The Black Lives Matter movement, boosted by the police killing of George Floyd, may help, he said. I think that people here today have a little more understanding, especially with this crisis thats going on now, he said. I think this might be a wakeup call for people to understand whats really been going on all this time. edward.stannard@hearstmediact.com; 203-680-9382. Tesla Inc has signed a three-year pricing deal with Japan's Panasonic Corp relating to the manufacture and supply of lithium-ion battery cells at the Gigafactory in Nevada, the electric carmaker disclosed in a filing on Tuesday. Tesla and Panasonic have been reported to be in talks to expand the battery joint venture's capacity. Panasonic hinted in May that it was working to develop new batteries with Tesla, possibly with higher capacity. Tesla said the deal, signed last week and effective April 1, 2020, sets the terms for production capacity commitments by Panasonic and purchase volume commitments by Tesla over the first two years of the agreement. Tesla also amended the general terms and conditions of its partnership with Panasonic, modifying the term to expire 10 years after Panasonic achieves certain manufacturing milestones. Also Watch: Panasonic is no longer Tesla's exclusive battery supplier but has been able to turn around the U.S. joint battery business as demand for Tesla's electric cars soar. Last month, Tesla reported its third consecutive quarterly profit despite the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, taking investors by surprise. Click here to read the full article. What do you do when nobody is watching? asked John Paul DeJoria, cofounder of John Paul Mitchell Systems. The 76-year-old doesnt shy away from lifes big questions and lessons, which hes instilled in his six children, including daughter Michaeline, vice chairman of the professional hair-care company. I live by that every day, she said. The two present a solid, united front, as they describe the dynamics of their personal and professional relationship in a chat over the phone. I think being father and daughter does help, she added, speaking from her home in Los Angeles, while DeJoria was at a residence in Austin. I can access him in a way that not many people can. He has wisdom and history on his side, she said, while she brings a fresh perspective. They dont have disagreements, they echoed. Instead, they collaborate, talking through their points of view until they come to a point of consensus. By the time we get through it, we see both sides, and its pretty evident what the answer should be, said John Paul DeJoria. This happens at least once a month. Just as he does in television appearances, when sharing beauty industry insights with news outlets, John Paul DeJoria exudes a certain zest for life and optimism, a trait thats arguably a driving force behind his success. Hes been keen to share his remarkable life story, which has made headlines through the years. Growing up with little money in Los Angeles, he found himself homeless not once but twice in his younger years. It was due to a series of misfortunes, including his first wife leaving him and his oldest child, and he ended up living in his car. It was with just $700 that he started the business in 1980 alongside the late hairstylist Paul Mitchell, after meeting in the early Seventies. Today, John Paul DeJoria is a billionaire, and John Paul Mitchell Systems is the largest privately-owned hair-care company in the world. Headquartered in California, its found globally in about 115 countries with estimated annual beauty sales of $850 million last year, up about 3 percent from 2018, according to the 2019 WWD Beauty Inc Top 100 list of the worlds largest beauty companies. Story continues Things have taken a turn, however, since the coronavirus pandemic. We lost two-thirds of our sales, said John Paul DeJoria. With a portfolio that includes brands like Paul Mitchell and TeaTree, which is a more sustainable option, the majority of the companys sales come from selling to hair salons. Business was inevitably affected when salons closed during the crisis, though the two shared a positive spin, emphasizing their focus on giving back to their community. The sales went down, John Paul DeJoria said. However, how we coped with it was by helping out. There were no furloughs at John Paul Mitchell Systems. Though many of the approximately 325 employees worked from home, they all continued to receive paychecks via John Paul DeJoria and Mitchells son, Angus, who took over as partner after Mitchells passing. For our company, thats $3 million of payroll we would have saved, John Paul DeJoria said. We paid for it out of our own pocket. We gave our people full salaries period. John Paul Mitchell Systems also gave $4 million worth of free products to salon partners to help them reopen no strings attached, he added. When COVID-19 hit and the world shut down, instead of thinking about how to get our sales back up, we focused on how to get the industry back up, said Michaeline DeJoria. In the early days of the pandemic, the company pivoted to produce hand sanitizers and face masks for first responders. By investing in our industry, were investing in our future and the future of countless others. By continuing to empower and support stylists, were not only turning sales around, but I believe we will all come out stronger. Investing in the industry as a whole is a key part of the company ethos, passed on from father to daughter. Another important factor is that the company has stayed true to its professional roots. If you ever see Paul Mitchell in any drugstore or supermarket, its either black market or counterfeit, said John Paul DeJoria. We dont sell it to themI believe we are the only company in the professional beauty business that is in the hairdressing industry. Even when we worked out a deal with Amazona piece of all sales made off Amazon go right back to beauty salons. He went on: Our competitors, four, five companies in the professional beauty industry of salons, they also own the biggest companies retail, so theyre able to take advantage both ways, retail and professional. Ours must be [in] the professional beauty industry only, and by having that commitment, it means we have to do everything to build the entire industry to keep our segment of it healthy. As we grow, our entire industry grows, he continued. Hairdressers realize, wow, these guys at Paul Mitchell are a thousand percent behind us and that picks up a couple extra customers along the way, when they see how dedicated we are to the industry and their success. The DeJorias also stay connected to the community of hairstylists through Paul Mitchell cosmetology schools. The company is rethinking new launches due to COVID-19, and while looking ahead, they plan to concentrate on creating sanitation kits, professional product, color which is a huge focus and education. There are over 100 schools, said John Paul DeJoria. Two in Europe, one in Asia and the rest in the U.SIn the next 10 years, well open at least another 20. I really see a lot of our business being geared towards education and in-salon support, added Michaeline DeJoria. The company is also investing in artificial intelligence, gadgets and technology to improve hair analysis in partnership with FitSkin, an AI beauty platform. Thats going to be brand new for us, which well be launching soon as well. Michaeline DeJoria has nothing but praise to share about her father. She learned the meaning of integrity and hard work from him firsthand at a young age, she said. Now 36 years old, shes passing those traits on to her own kids, aged 12, nine and two. She became director of future development at John Paul Mitchell Systems after studying product development at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, as well as organizational communications and industrial psychology at Pepperdine University. In this role, she shared insight on how to target a younger consumer. Now, as vice chairman, she directs the companys future development for all brands. I wanted to be a writer, a mom, and I wanted to be, quote, the boss of Paul Mitchell, she said with a laugh. Her initial interest in the company began as far back as kindergarten. That was always my childhood goal.My favorite activity as a kid was going into the office with my dad and just playing office and bouncing from desk to desk and hanging out with everybody. She spent time immersing herself in different departments, including the warehouse. I wanted to really understand how things worked, what the processes were like and what the experience was like for the person in that role, she continued. I knew I needed that exposure to become a great leader. It is to this day the most valuable thing Ive ever done in my career. It absolutely makes me a better leader and decision maker. I also knew it was important to take the time to earn trust, build relationships and be on the same page as the team. I will never be a boss thats in a bubble. It was Michaeline DeJoria who argued that more advertising dollars needed to be invested in social media, at a time when most of the sum was put into TV and magazine ads. Im old school, said John Paul DeJoria. And please remember this, I do not have e-mail. I do not go on the Internet. I dont use social services. I do phone calls and texting. Thats it, by choice.Anyway, she proved to me, yeah, theres something to look at there. So, we gave a seven-figure bracket additionally to the social media that she recommended. One year later, we analyzed what we did, and she beat us three to one. We were getting 300 percent more out of social. A skilled salesman, John Paul DeJoria is an entrepreneur at his core with other ventures that include tequila company Patron Spirits Co., which he founded in 1989 with businessman Martin Crowley. Two years ago, it was acquired by Bacardi Ltd. for a reported enterprise value of $5.1 billion. Successful people do all the things unsuccessful people dont want to do, said John Paul DeJoria. Its doing all the extra things, when nobody else is watching. Its going the additional mile, he added, knocking on every door, which he literally did for a job early on, selling encyclopedias door-to-door instead of heading to college in order to make money: I would knock on 100 doors, commission only. They would all be closed on my face, but on door 101, I was just as excited and enthusiastic as I was on the very first door.Eventually, I got into a door and could make a presentation. You learn a lot of rejection, and it doesnt faze you. These days, as the face of the company and chairman of the board, John Paul DeJoria concentrates on philanthropic endeavors, which were heightened these recent months during the pandemic. Hes helped provide food and shelter to the homeless and those in need in the Austin area. And though there was a loss of sales to the business, hes made his team a priority, he said. Success unshared is failure, he said. Make sure your people are happy. As soon as we could afford it, several years after we were in business, everyone got free lunch, and they still do. Company turnover is less than 150 people, he added. They dont want to leave, and we dont want them to leave. Theyve started to see a return to their pre-COVID-19 numbers, said Michaeline DeJoria. We will end up in a better place than we thought we would when everything shut down, and there was no end in sight. My expectation for the future is that our annual sales will do what we have always donecontinue to grow year over year. My goal for the future is that we take those growth percentages to new heights. John Paul DeJoria attributes the companys success to the quality of the products themselves, which he noted have never been tested on animals: Some of my first products I came out with 40 years ago, shampoo one, shampoo two, the conditioner, sculpting lotion, are still good sellers 40 years later. We do not want to be in the selling business. We want to be in the reorder business. What that means is, that our product must be so good and the end result of it must be so outstanding in the beauty industry that people will want to reorder it. We do everything for longevity. In true character, hes optimistic when looking to the future. The industry is ready for anything, he continued. Even though this has been a very unfortunate situation, weve learned that if it ever pops up again, we know the sanitation necessities now. We are prepared. Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Former U.S. national security advisor John Bolton adjusts his glasses during his lecture at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, on Feb. 17, 2020. (Jonathan Drake/Reuters) 200,000 Copies of Boltons Book Already Shipped to Booksellers: Attorneys John Bolton doesnt have the power to stop the 200,000 copies of his book that have been shipped to booksellers, his attorneys said in the former national security advisers first legal response to a government lawsuit. The Government cannot plausibly argue that Ambassador Bolton has power to stop the Amazon delivery trucks in America, unshelve the copies in Europe, commandeer the copies in Canada, and repossess the copies sent to reviewers or in the possession of major newspapers, Boltons lawyers wrote in a court filing late Thursday. Simon & Schuster CEO Jonathan Karp said in a court declaration that once Bolton submitted the final version of the manuscript earlier this year, he lost any authority or ability he had to prevent or delay the books publication, Boltons lawyers noted. The Trump administration on Tuesday sued to try to block Boltons book from being published, arguing it contains classified information and would compromise national security if released. Boltons high-level position granted him access to some of the most sensitive information that exists in the U.S. government, the U.S. Attorneys Office for Washington said in the suit. Just hours before a hearing on the matter, Boltons legal team filed a 175-response, claiming the government was trying to exercise power over Boltons First Amendment rights. President Donald Trump talks to reporters as then-National Security Advisor John Bolton looks on during a meeting with Slovakias Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, May 3, 2019. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) The reason the government wants to block the release is actually because the book reveals embarrassing facts about the Presidents conduct in office, Boltons attorneys argued (pdf). Bolton, they said, diligently and conscientiously attempted to avoid including anything in the book that would reveal classified information, and over the past four months, National Security Council staff have examined the manuscript, directing Bolton to make a number of revisions. On April 27, the councils records director told Bolton that there were no more edits, according to the filing. U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth, who was nominated by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, was set to hear the case. Many of Boltons most explosive claims have already circulated widely in media outlets after being leaked to reporters. The claims have received strong pushback from top Trump administration officials. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer appears before the Senate Finance Committee in Washington on June 17, 2020. (Anna Moneymaker-Pool/Getty Images) U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, asked about one charge, told lawmakers at a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Wednesday: Absolutely untrue, never happened. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin both said Boltons book was full of lies and inaccuracies. Some of Boltons claims center on China, alleging Trump was soft in return for help in winning reelection. Trump noted repeatedly this week that his administration has been hard on China, slapping tariffs on the country and persuading other nations not to work with Huawei and other Chinese Communist Party-controlled companies. In a White House interview on Thursday, Trump suggested the reason he kept Bolton as a senior member of his team was for indirect assistance during negotiations. The only thing I liked about Bolton was that everybody thought he was crazy. And frankly, when you walk into the room with him, youre in a good negotiating position, he said. Because they figure youre going to war if John Bolton was there. He wanted to go to war with everybody. WASHINGTON, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden leads sitting President Donald Trump by 8 points nationally, according to a new poll released on Thursday. The poll, conduced by Quinnipiac University from June 11-15, showed Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, ahead of his Republican counterpart, Trump, 49 percent to 41 percent, among registered voters nationwide. A similar Quinnipiac poll released in May suggested an 11-point Biden lead over Trump. In the latest poll, Democrats went to Biden 93 - 4 percent and independents were split with Biden at 43 percent and Trump at 40 percent, while Republicans went to Trump 92 - 7 percent. Meanwhile, 42 percent of voters approved of the job Trump was doing while 55 percent disapproved. On Trump's handling of the economy, 52 percent of voters approved, while 45 percent disapproved. On several other issues, including Trump's response to the coronavirus pandemic and his handling of race relations, more than half of the respondents disapproved of the job he was doing on each of those fronts. "The country gyrates uneasily through a killer virus, unrest in the streets, and volatile ugly divisiveness, but the presidential horserace looks now like it did back in February," said Tim Malloy, a polling analyst at Quinnipiac University. As for how satisfied people are with the way things are going in the nation today, 25 percent said they were either very or somewhat satisfied, while 71 percent said they were somewhat or very dissatisfied, according to the poll. A total of 1,332 self-identified registered voters nationwide were surveyed with a margin of error of plus/minus 2.7 percentage points, Quinnipiac University said. George Floyd's last words, "I can't breathe," have become a rallying cry during the weeks of protests against police violence. Doctors writing in the New England Journal of Medicine use those words as a refrain to lay out how systemic racism has negatively impacted the health of African Americans and how this is the moment to change it. "We are still speaking very much in the canon and I guess tradition that journals like that value and yet we're saying it in a way they're not used to us saying these types of things," said Dr. Rhea Boyd, a pediatrician at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation clinic and co-author of "Stolen Breaths," published in the journal. She and her colleagues are calling on health-care systems to take the lead advocating against police brutality, to diversify their work forces to better reflect their patient population, and to incorporate addressing racial health disparities as part of clinicians' training. "I think the moment and the unrest allowed us to do that," said Boyd, who has written and lectured about the impact of police violence and racial inequity on the health of African Americans. "We can use words like that, and we can be very direct," Police violence and Covid Major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians, have backed some of the same prescriptions Boyd and her colleagues outlined in the journal. They all condemned police violence following the death of George Floyd when a Minneapolis police officer applied his knee the African American man's neck for about eight minutes. "We really wanted to take the stand at this moment in time, but we already had a policy regarding these issues," said Dr. Patrice Harris, the first Black woman to serve as president of the AMA, who focused on addressing social disparities in health care during her tenure. "Covid has laid bare a lot of that again." Dr. Patrice Harris Shannon Stapleton | REUTERS The coronavirus pandemic has caused disproportionate illness and death in the African American community. Blacks account for 22% of U.S. deaths from Covid-19, while making up 12.5% of the population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those national numbers are based on incomplete data, because only 45% of cases reported to the CDC through May 30 included racial identification of coronavirus victims. "It's absolutely devastating," said Boyd, adding that she has come to think of it in the words of a Princeton University professor who calls it, "The Black Plague. We allowed this to be a Black plague in this country. That weighs heavily on my conscience." The CDC says underlying health conditions make patients 12 times more likely to die from coronavirus, yet even after accounting for a higher prevalence for poverty, diabetes and insurance coverage, coronavirus death rates for African Americans are higher according to a study this month from MIT. "We have many good hard-working health-care providers go to work every day intending to do their best for all of their patients, but yet they're producing a pattern of care that appears to be discriminatory. We need to fix that, and it can be fixed," said professor David Williams, of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, whose research has focused on systemic racial bias in health care. "Addressing the implicit biases begins by recognizing that it could be me that I could be prejudiced'," Williams said. "I like to tell my students that I think of myself as a prejudiced person because I think of myself as normal human being. It's about how human beings process all of the cognitive information that we face every day." Addressing physician biases African American health-care leaders say the medical system has to begin by confronting ingrained biases within the medical profession and changing the way clinicians are trained. "We need to start in the medical school. There need to be lectures on social determinants of health, lectures and training and study on implicit bias," said Harris, recalling her own course material when she trained to be a doctor. "When you learn about burns and rashes and skin diseases, they are described in white patients." Part of the reason may be the continuing lack of diversity among U.S. clinicians when it comes to African Americans and Latinos. More than half of U.S. practicing physicians are White, 17% are Asian, nearly 6% Hispanic and just 5% are Black, according to 2018 data from the Association of American Medical Colleges. 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 Research has shown that for patients of color this lack of diversity can translate into less-responsive care. Black patients are generally undertreated for pain than are White patients, according to a 2016 study that found White medical students and residents believed the Black body was "biologically different and in many cases, stronger than the White body," and in some cases believe that Blacks have a higher tolerance for pain. When it comes to cancer treatment, systemic racial issues can lead to higher mortality. More than 15 academic papers examining residential segregation found that living in segregated Black communities is associated with later-stage diagnosis of breast and lung cancers, and lower survival rates. "I like to believe that people in health-care have made a choice to dedicate their lives to make a difference. So are we really making a difference, if there is a great injustice that is impacting millions of people?" asked Tosan Boyo, chief operating officer of Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. Boyo says the combination of the heavy toll the coronavirus crisis has had on people of color and the social unrest over police violence have raised the stakes for health-care leaders to address the issues that lead to racial disparities in health. "If we approached health equity the way we do other major diseases, with a unified standard as to what we are prioritizing, how we are understanding the problem and how we resolve it, I think we'll make a lot of progress," said Boyo. Registering patients to vote The National Medical Association, the largest organization of African American doctors, has decried police use of excessive force as a public-health issue and has called for anti-bias training for all U.S. law enforcement agencies. Now, the organization is going a step further with its activism, pushing its members to register patients to vote in this year's election. They're rolling out the effort with the nonpartisan VotER project, which was launched by health-care and social-work professionals to push for greater funding for public health. "Black doctors have always been politically active, but there's never been more of a need," said Dr. Oliver Brooks, NMA president. "We have to have a leadership that represents our interests, and it's just became painfully obvious based on everything that has happened." A turning point The rule from the Department of Health and Human Services was published in the Federal Register, the official record of the executive branch, with an effective date of Aug. 18. That will set off a barrage of lawsuits from gay rights and womens groups. It also signals to religious and social conservatives in President Donald Trumps political base that the administration remains committed to their causes as the president pursues his reelection. After 17 years, Rick Snow announced that he would be closing his business, Maine Indoor Karting, for good. He had shut down temporarily on March 16, as concern about coronavirus was growing. A loan from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) paid some of his employees even though they weren't working. But rent in his Scarborough, Maine, facility was still $20,000 a month. "We couldn't survive at the current rent with no business to take us through the summer," Snow says. Snow needed some of his employees to return and help dismantle the go-kart track and prepare to leave the building. Most of them did, but one said he had a long-planned boating trip he wanted to take. When he didn't show up to work, Snow reminded him that he'd be on the schedule for Monday. The employee called to say he'd be out Monday, and on Tuesday said his father had been evicted and he needed to help him move. On Wednesday, Snow sent the wayward worker a note saying he'd officially abandoned his job. The man immediately replied saying he hadn't meant to do that. The employee was collecting unemployment, and Maine's governor had issued an order temporarily banning evictions, so that evicted-dad excuse wasn't valid. "There's some fishiness in the whole process," Snow says. "But based on what employees can get on unemployment, the incentive is not to come back to work." That's why some business owners are having a hard time getting their employees to join the reopening party. With more than 45 million people idle because of the coronavirus--1.5 million unemployment claims were filed last week--and the resulting economic fallout, you'd think it would be an easy time to hire. But until July 31, unemployment is paying a $600-a-week supplement on top of the normal amount paid by each state. Democrats generally want to extend that subsidy; Republicans want to end it or replace it with a back-to-work bonus. On Thursday, a group of economists proposed a $400-a-week supplement. The situation puts employers in a bind. If an employee refuses to return to work, the employer is supposed to report them, and the employee is supposed to lose unemployment benefits. If you have a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program, you're required to report delinquent employees, or you may have to give up some of your loan forgiveness. But many states are so overwhelmed with unemployment claims that they don't have the resources to chase down those who are refusing to work. There are other reasons employees may be reluctant to return. Although the situation varies by state, some workers are legally allowed to refuse to come back, says David Barron, an employment attorney at the Houston law firm Cozen O'Connor. In Texas, he says, you don't have to return if you're sick with Covid-19, although hopefully, in that case, your employer doesn't want to see you, either. Employees who are members of a vulnerable population, such as those over 65 or with an underlying medical condition, can also refuse. If schools don't fully reopen in the fall, life will get even messier. Those who need to take care of kids who would otherwise be in school may be eligible for paid time off under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Employers will have to be careful about asking them back. "They come back, and they may want 12 weeks of leave under Families First," Barron says. "So you may not really get them back." When it comes to persuading reluctant employees to punch in again, Barron says that access to health insurance is the best incentive most employers have. He points out that many people who were laid off are technically furloughed. So if their employer offers health insurance, they could very well still be receiving it. That won't last forever, and it certainly won't last if an employee doesn't return once work is available. "They may be making more money on unemployment, but that's going to be eaten up by the cost of health insurance," Barron says. Barron suggests making a spreadsheet of everyone you're trying to bring back. Take a close look at the laggards, and try to figure out who has legal protection. For borderline cases, he says, consider giving the person 30 days, with a promise to reassess their situation. If they can work from home, that's an obvious accommodation, although Barron points out that most people who can work from home are already doing so. Sarah Jennings, a CPA and principal at accounting firm Maner Costerisan, says some employers are addressing the financial discrepancy more directly. They're using their PPP loans to pay their employees higher wages than they were making before, in some cases closing the gap between salaries and unemployment. In the worst-case scenario, she says, the business owners will have to pay the loan back rather than getting it forgiven. "But if they get the employee back, that might be worth it for them," she says. The U.S. and Europe won a key vote admonishing Iran for its failure to cooperate fully with global nuclear monitors, widening a rift with China and Russia, both allies of Tehran. The resolution that passed Friday with 25 votes at the International Atomic Energy Agency calls on Iran to grant access to inspectors who want to visit two sites that may have hosted low-level nuclear activities two decades ago. Growing rancor over the issue forced diplomats to break Covid-19 social-distancing measures in order to conduct a physical vote at the IAEA's headquarters in Vienna. "The European Union continues to fully support the work of the IAEA in monitoring and verifying the entirety of Iran's nuclear activities," Peter Stano, the EU's foreign-policy spokesman, said in an emailed statement after the vote. "We also support all efforts to facilitate the IAEA in carrying out its mandate. Iran should cooperate with the IAEA in full and in a timely manner in line with its safeguards agreements." Underscoring the divergence between U.S. and EU positions, however, a European diplomat said the so-called EU-3 that drafted the resolution and are signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran -- Germany, France and the U.K. -- wanted to remain in dialog with Tehran. They maintained their opposition to the Trump administration's "maximum pressure," said the diplomat. China and Russia rejected the resolution, while seven nations including India, Pakistan and South Africa abstained. Together, the countries that withheld their support are building more than half of the world's new nuclear reactors -- a critical measure for the IAEA, which was founded to promote peaceful uses of atomic energy. Ahead of the vote, China warned that even a toned-down rebuke of Tehran over its alleged lack of cooperation with inspectors could unravel global efforts to contain the spread of atomic weapons, as well as sounding the death knell for the already beleaguered 2015 accord. "The root causes of this situation lie in the unilateral and bullying practices of the U.S.," Beijing envoy to the IAEA Wang Qun said Thursday. President Donald Trump took the U.S. out of the Iran deal in 2018 as he ramped up an economic offensive against the Islamic Republic, but other signatories led by the Europeans vowed to salvage the pact. Iran responded to the U.S. exit by gradually breaking some of its enrichment obligations. On Friday, Iran rejected the resolution and said it would give an "appropriate response." Tehran's permanent representative to the IAEA warned the world body risked "destroying" the 2015 deal. IAEA inspectors conducted record visits in Iran last year, including 33 snap inspections. Stricter monitoring, including at short notice, was a critical plank of the landmark agreement. The resolution adopted by the IAEA's board was the first formal rebuke of Iran since 2012. Russia, which hosted Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif for talks this week, said that the even the milder reprimand that was eventually passed in Vienna was overblown and risked escalating tensions. "Undoubted progress has been made in the work between Iran and the secretariat on the issue of access," Moscow's envoy Mikhail Ulyanov said in a statement. "The tension around the issue of access in this particular case seems completely abnormal, since there is no the slightest risk of proliferation." Thousands of people marched in and around Portland Friday to call for an end to systemic racism and to commemorate Juneteenth, a holiday also known as Emancipation Day. The marches filled streets in Portlands core and suburbs and shut down the Interstate Bridge to traffic from Washington for an hour. The demonstrations shared a common message: Black lives matter. This gives me hope that we can make a change, said Marche Black, speaking to a crowd of hundreds gathered at an event in Northeast Portland. To all Black lives, I love you, I see you and we are here. Portland and Multnomah County officials recently declared Juneteenth a paid holiday for people who work for the local government agencies. Gov. Kate Brown pledged to introduce a bill next year to make Juneteenth an annual state holiday commemorating emancipation. Fridays demonstrations continued into the night and fell on the 23rd straight day of protests in Portland after the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. Floyd, who was Black, died in late May after a white police officer knelt on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Hundreds of people converged Friday night outside the downtown Portland jail and at a city-owned lot in Southeast Portland, two places that have emerged as nightly gathering spots for protesters demanding changes to the criminal justice system. The Southeast Portland gathering turned into an hours-long dance party. The downtown Portland gathering was declared an unlawful assembly around 11:15 p.m., and police ordered people to leave. Portland police said in a news release Saturday that they were prompted to crack down on demonstrators after two people used a slingshot to launch metal ball bearings at Justice Center windows that some law enforcement personnel were standing behind. The bearings shattered multiple windows and put deputies in danger, the police statement said. Officers arrested a man and a woman, alleging they shot the bearings and broke the windows. They charged each of them with a single felony, criminal mischief, and 10 misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment. The global calls for police reform have led Portland city leaders to cut three police units and millions of dollars from the police bureaus budget. City public safety workers, including employees in police and fire departments, recognized 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence at noon Friday in honor of Floyd. Daryl Turner, who leads the union that represents Portland Police Bureau officers, said he views the remembrance as a unified message that some things need to be changed. We need to evolve to be able to continue and I use the word continue to gain trust in our communities, Turner said. During Fridays demonstrations, calls for change were paired with celebrations of Black life. Miss Juneteenth Oregon Sierra Boyne, 19, spoke to a crowd of 500 people gathered Friday afternoon for a Black Futures Rally at Terry Schrunk Plaza near Portland City Hall. Im going to be happy today, Boyne told those gathered. I want to celebrate. Being happy on Juneteenth is a fight. Its a protest. Its an act of revolution. Boyne and her friend Kaleb Wheeler later said they had both attended the nightly protests that have filled parts of Portland every night since May 28. Itd be weird to not celebrate the happy parts of our history and to just only look at the grim death of George Floyd, Wheeler, 19, said. Its more in celebration of Blackness. Its fun to see the Black people of Portland. Tamea Mitchell, 18, led the crowd in Lift Every Voice and Sing, often referred to as the Black national anthem. It was really nice to learn more about my heritage and my culture, and the stuff weve gone through, said Mitchell, who recently graduated from St. Marys Academy in Portland. But a part of me is upset that its taken this long for this to become a national holiday and for people to finally understand what Juneteenth is about. But its better to start somewhere than nowhere. 33 Juneteenth and Black Lives Matter marches in Portland At the same time as the downtown rally, more than 1,000 people gathered at a Juneteenth Block Party in North Portland. The group marched from Peninsula park to nearby Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. Several Black business owners, including sisters Brianna Miller and Whitney Burnett, set up booths to sell their products. We just wanted to be here to support our community, Miller said. Our art centers around inspiring Black figures, so we just thought this would be an awesome opportunity. Mar Preston, 33, said she has attended Juneteenth events since she was a kid to commerate the end of slavery and to celebrate being a person of color. This year, however, she said there were many more people. There have always been white people at the celebration, just nowhere near this size, Preston said. I feel like we finally have the support we have been begging for. Many gatherings Friday were geared toward teens and young children. Dont Shoot Portland organized several events that culminated in a childrens march. Tai Carpenter, a spokesperson for the group, said children understand whats going on and are an important part of the movement. This is their world, and theyre going to inherit it, she said. One march that started in Vancouvers Esther Short Park moved on to Interstate 5 and shut down the Interstate Bridge to southbound traffic between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. The group of about 200 marchers paused at the south end of the bridge, where several speakers addressed the crowd. Three cars trailed the marchers and blocked oncoming traffic. Cars and trucks driving north often honked as they passed. At one point, a motorcyclist drove past the car barrier and navigated through the crowd. A police officer chased the motorcycle on foot. No one was hurt. Many people in the crowd thanked the officer for trying to help. Throughout the three weeks of protests, demonstrators have at times clashed with police, often in downtown Portland. No one was arrested during Thursdays demonstrations. That days protests were defined in part by the late-night toppling of a George Washington statue along Northeast Sandy Boulevard. Washington, the first president of the U.S., was an active slave holder for 56 years. His statue became the second depicting a historical figure to fall in Portland. Mark Graves of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report, which will be updated. -- Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015 -- Alex Hardgrave, ahardgrave@oregonian.com -- Ryan Nguyen, rnguyen@oregonian.com -- Madison Smalstig, msmalstig@oregonian.com Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Turkish entrepreneurs are interested in changes in the Ukrainian land market legislation, prospects for cooperation in the field of public-private partnership, and the creation of industrial parks and zones. "I see considerable attention of the Turkish side to changes in legislation on the land market and land reform. The second point is the implementation of legislation in the field of public-private partnership. And another issue is the creation of industrial parks and zones," Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Turkey Andrii Sybiha said in a commentary to Ukrinform after a meeting with members of the Board of the Association of Crimean Tatar Business People of Turkey, Ukraine and Romania (TURKSID). According to him, this topic is always raised during the dialogue with Turkish entrepreneurs and is of interest because technology parks are platforms that attract investment, new technologies, where a new management style is introduced. "The construction of industrial parks and zones, which is already underway in our country, has had a positive impact on doing business in Ukraine by Turkish companies and will be an additional attraction for business on the whole," the diplomat said. According to him, the meetings are held to minimize the effects of the pandemic on bilateral economic relations. "Of course, the pandemic will have some impact on this dynamic. One of the main tasks of the diplomatic service is to minimize the mutual consequences for joint businesses. To this end, we hold meetings with business people who have practical experience in Ukraine and with those who are still at the stage of studying prospects," Sybiha said. ol WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden have both made shaping the Supreme Court's agenda central to their campaign pitches, with Biden promising to appoint the first black woman and someone who embraces abortion rights to the bench, while Trump has warned of an end to conservative governance if Biden has his way. But a series of liberal decisions by the conservative-led Supreme Court this week is showcasing the shakiness of such promises, in an era when candidates of both parties are making increasingly explicit pledges to name justices who will faithfully carry out their agenda. Two Republican-appointed members of the court, including Trump's first pick, Neil Gorsuch, and Chief Justice John Roberts Jr., have made clear that their opinions will not always be predictable when it comes to issues important to Republicans. They each joined with liberal justices to defeat Trump administration priorities this week. The court has also refused to take up cases for the next term that had been championed by conservatives, including cases on gun rights and California's sanctuary cities law. These twists have deeply frustrated conservatives. "The left and the right are playing to a different set of rules," said Ralph Reed, chairman of the Faith & Freedom Coalition, a conservative religious group, after the Gorsuch ruling on Monday. "They seem to be able to appoint people who largely if not universally hew to the party line. On the right it feels sometimes that at best you are batting .500 sometimes." The surprises have prompted both Trump and his Democratic opponents to redouble their arguments, as they head toward Election Day, on the need to build a big court majority. At the same time, they are injecting more anxiety and uncertainty into the process. The stakes are high, with conservatives holding a narrow 5 to 4 majority on the court and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 87, widely expected to retire in the next few years, possibly along with other colleagues. That could give the next president the opportunity to influence the court for a generation. The moves by Roberts and Gorsuch have also served to bolster the case, long made in public by Roberts, that the courts are not simple extensions of the political branches of government. "We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges," Roberts said in 2018, after Trump verbally criticized a federal judge. Democratic court-watchers caution that this week's rulings may not define the court term. The court is expected to issue opinions as soon as next week that could favor Trump and the Republican Party on questions regarding the release of Trump's tax returns, abortion restrictions in Louisiana, religious exemptions to contraception mandates and the structure of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "I don't think that people should form judgments yet about the trajectory of this conservative majority yet until these rulings are out," said Brian Fallon, executive director of Demand Justice, a progressive group that has supported restructuring the court to weaken the conservative influence. For advocates on the right, however, the shocks of this week revive previous traumas that dates back to the presidencies of Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan, who appointed justices who repeatedly ruled against the conservative movement's priorities, especially later in their careers. The decision by Gorsuch to chart his own course is particularly painful for some conservatives, given that he was vetted for Trump by a small network of conservative legal scholars, including leaders of the Federalist Society, who offered public assurances of their credentials. After this week's ruling on gay rights, conservative writer Varad Mehta despaired of the years-long push to elevate conservative justices. "The whole point of the Federalist Society Judicial project, the whole point of electing Trump to implement it, was to deliver Supreme Court victories to social conservatives," he tweeted. "If they can't deliver anything that basic, there's no point to either." But other conservatives cautioned against overinterpreting the recent opinions, which amounted to a small slice of the decisions issued by the court this term. "Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh were the most-vetted justices in history by a Republican president. Their records were robust and the process was thorough," said Carrie Severino, president of the Judicial Crisis Network, a conservative group. "That said, I'm sure the process can be improved even further - as it has in the last several decades - for the sake of advancing the rule of law even more so." Trump, during the 2016 campaign, announced a list of potential appointees to assure conservatives that he would pick someone to their liking, an apparently successful effort to persuade some on the right who were otherwise uncomfortable with Trump to support him. In response to the rulings this week, Trump promised to double down on the strategy, though he has not yet publicly acknowledged it was Roberts's and Gorsuch's votes that undermined his administration's fight to prevent workplace protections for gay, lesbian and transgender employees. "These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republicans or Conservatives," Trump wrote on Twitter. "Do you get the impression that the Supreme Court doesn't like me?" The Trump campaign has argued the court debate will once again work to its benefit this year. "The President's record appeals to conservatives who supported him in 2016," Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said. "Contrast that with the vision of Joe Biden, who has proven he will bend to the will of the extreme left, and has even been endorsed by Planned Parenthood, which supports abortion-on-demand." But Democratic voters, long thought to care less about the court than their GOP counterparts, may have begun to close the gap in their interest in judicial selection. "Progressives are galvanized on this issue of the courts like never before," said Nan Aron, president of the Alliance for Justice, a liberal group focused on judicial selection. One galvanizing episode was Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's refusal to allow a hearing for former president Barack Obama's final Supreme Court pick, Merrick Garland. That kept the spot open until Trump won, allowing him to appoint Gorsuch instead and seal the court's conservative majority. Democrats were upset enough by the conservative strength on the court that several candidates in the recently concluded presidential primaries embraced plans to remake the structure of the court, by expanding its membership or rotating justices off the bench. Biden did not embrace those plans, though he did back down from his past opposition to "litmus tests" around court picks. As a senator, he voted against the confirmations of Roberts and Justice Clarence Thomas and in favor of the more liberal justices on the court. Biden praised Friday's decision, on procedural grounds, to allow the continuation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allows undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children to stay in the country. "The Supreme Court's ruling today is a victory made possible by the courage and resilience of hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients who bravely stood up and refused to be ignored," Biden said. "As Justice Roberts said, the Trump administration's action was capricious and arbitrary." During his 2016 campaign, Trump was explicit in promising policy outcomes from his Supreme Court picks. During a presidential debate, he predicted that Roe v. Wade would be overturned "automatically" if he was able to appoint two or three justices to the court. Since he took office, he has been able to appoint two justices to fill seats that had previously been filled by Republican nominees. Another court pick is likely during the president's next term. Ginsburg has suffered four bouts with cancer and was hospitalized earlier this year for the nonsurgical treatment of a gallbladder condition. Many court-watchers expect her to step down during the next presidential term. Republican strategists, who credit the 2018 confirmation of Kavanaugh for increasing GOP turnout in the midterm elections, say a vacancy on the court this year would be a political boon. "A court pick or two would change everything," said Scott Reed, a Republican strategist who works for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "There is nothing that energizes the conservative electorate like the Supreme Court." Public perceptions of the court have shifted amid increased partisanship in recent years, with disapproval of the way the court is handling its job peaking at 52 percent in 2016 before falling to 42 percent last year, according to Gallup. A poll last year by Marquette University Law School found that 36 percent of the country said politics mainly motivated the court's decisions, compared to 64 percent who said it was mainly the law. Roberts, as the leader of the court, has made maintaining the public perception of the court a top priority. In addition to responding to Trump's comments on occasion, after Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., warned last March that Gorsuch and Kavanaugh would "pay a price" for voting against abortion rights, Roberts said "threatening statements of this sort . . . are dangerous." He also promised that the justices "will continue to do their job, without fear or favor, from whatever quarter." An appointee of George W. Bush, Roberts has periodically sided with liberals on the court in key moments, including a case that preserved key parts of the Affordable Care Act and a case that rejected the Trump administration's desire for a citizenship question in the 2020 U.S. Census. That has not earned him the trust of liberals. "Roberts is playing a little bit more of a long game and trying to bend the arc of the universe just a bit more slowly," Fallon said. "He is trying to achieve those same gains that his colleagues on the conservative majority have in mind, but to do it off the front pages." Whatever the end goal, the Roberts approach is likely to decrease public pressure on more radical changes that would remake the structure or balance of the court. "Roberts strikes me as someone who is cognizant about how the court is being perceived," said Daniel Epps, an associate professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis. "The more the court continues to hand out victories to both sides in the culture wars, both sides in our political community, the harder it is for those kinds of proposals to get traction." Another clip and more behind the cutFck John Bolton who put profit over ethics. The audacity of him to say Dems shouldve impeached T45 on more actions, that they wouldve only known about had he testified. Someone needs to take one for the team and make one purchase, then publish in its entirety on the web under anonymous account so he cant make any more than his advance fee on the book.Moves on to SCOTUS week, ruling just before show about 700K Dreamers. DACA is secure for now. Follow @ProjectLincoln funded by never-Trumpers who are attacking T45 like only the GOP can do. Their digital ads (many of which are also TV ads) are scorching. Also T45 is trying to stop the publication by claiming its classified. Hot tip: They cant claim its fake info then also claim its classified. Theyd be suing for libel-slander-defamation, not classified. Just wait for news media and twitter to share it for free.Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo Has been taking to the streets and march with protestors. He talks about Floyd, marching in solidarity with BLM, and police reform. He feels hes getting more press because hes President of Major City Chiefs Association, which is 69 largest depts in US plus 9 in Canada. He feels hes lifting their voices as Chief. They also talk about Atlanta, Brooks, officers charged, blue flu, reform legislation from GOP Senate vs Dem House, no-knock warrants.More talk about reform, defunding, abolish. Also discussion about several black men found hanging.She is promoting her documentaryon Netflix, and talks about SCOTUS ruling for LGBTQ workplace protection. Covers the details of the ruling. Brings up healthcare, housing, public accommodations. Policies in place doesnt always change the hearts and minds, mentions recent deaths of trans individuals who have been murdered. Still work to be done to change the culture. Some talk about cancel culture. Explains details about her documentary. Also hosting a covid19 relief benefit on 25 June.Source links are below each video or section On Thursday, fury over figures associated with slavery and colonialism continued to simmer. San Francisco took down a statue of Christopher Columbus, while a judge in Richmond, Va., indefinitely extended an injunction barring the governor from removing a statue of the Confederate general Robert E. Lee. Some of the removals have not been gentle. On Saturday, a statue of John McDonogh, a merchant and trader of enslaved people, was removed from Duncan Plaza in New Orleans and dragged into the Mississippi River. In Richmond, a crowd toppled a statue of Christopher Columbus, set it on fire and threw it in a lake. Another statue of Columbus in Boston had its head lopped off last week. But most have come down intact. And once monuments have been removed in recent years and months, local leaders have taken a variety of approaches on how to move forward. In Dallas, city leaders sold a statue of Robert E. Lee, in 2019, at an online auction for $1.4 million. It was later mounted on the putting green of a golf course called Black Jacks Crossing owned by a Dallas billionaire, Kelcy Warren, near the Mexican border. In New Orleans, the city opted to put its monument to Mr. Lee in storage. It remains there today. As Mr. Floyds death in Minneapolis gives new life to the movement of removing racially incendiary statues, leaders in cities across the country are taking notice. The Indian Army has ordered body protective suits and batons for forward troops deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, the focus of current tensions with China, to protect them from assaults by Chinese troops, two officers familiar with the development said on Friday. The Chinese troops have been using stones, iron rods and nail-studded clubs to inflict serious injuries during border brawls. Twenty Indian soldiers, including a colonel, were killed in a seven-hour brawl in Galwan Valley on Monday night. The order for the suits essentially light-weight riot gear was placed with a Mumbai-based firm last month after scores of Indian soldiers, including a colonel, were injured in a clash with Chinese troops on the northern bank on Pangong Lake on the night of May 5-6, said one of the two officials cited above. Also Watch: India pays tributes to Galwan valley martyrs Also read: On Ladakh border incident, China official asked 6 questions. Answers none Indian and Chinese soldiers have been caught in a tense confrontation along the disputed border since rival patrols clashed near Pangong Lake last month. The soldiers along the LAC will get 500 sets of protective suits soon in the first instalment, said the second officer. The army has ordered a total of around 2,000 sets of protective suits and batons, he said. The tensions escalated significantly after the brutal clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley on June 15. Both sides suffered casualties. The Chinese soldiers employed the same modus operandi and attacked Indian troops with stones, iron rods and nail-studded clubs. Two retired senior commanders that Hindustan Times spoke to said it was inappropriate to supply riot gear to soldiers as their role was not the same as policemen. The June 15 clash also left 76 Indian soldiers injured, including 18 with serious injuries, officials said. All of them are now stable. Also read: Chinese firms Rs 470 cr contract to be cancelled, says railway amid Ladakh face-off Indian Army officials claimed 43 Chinese were killed or seriously injured, citing radio intercepts and other intelligence. The Chinese fatal casualties reportedly include a colonel, but HT couldnt independently verify this. The Galwan Valley clash took the relationship between the two nuclear powers to an all-time low. The deadly clash came on a day army delegations from India and China held talks at two locations along the LAC brigadier-rank officers met in Galwan Valley and colonel-rank officers in Hot Springs as part of continuing efforts to de-escalate and disengage. According to provisions of an agreement on confidence-building measures in the military field along the LAC, signed by India and China in November 1996, both sides will not open fire or conduct blast operations within two kilometres of the LAC. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Court arrests suspect in Handziuk case Manher without the right to post bail until July 28 The Pechersky court took into custody without the right to post a bail until July 28, chairman of Kherson Regional Council Vladyslav Manher suspected of ordering an attack on activist Kateryna Handziuk, the Hromadske newspaper reports. According to the publication, prosecutors in the case, Andriy Syniuk and Yaroslav Ushchapivsky, said that after opening the case, Manher put pressure on witnesses in the case. In particular, prosecutors say, he did this not personally, but through other persons. We are talking about threats during calls, in paper letters, and during meetings. Manher himself called it a lie, and that suspicion against him was falsified. In turn, Manher's lawyer Dmytro Ilchenko confirmed the arrest of the head of Kherson Regional Council. According to him, the defense intends to appeal against the court's decision and appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). "Those who believe that we were playing for time, are wrong. We received direct evidence that the prosecutor's office forced Pavlovsky and Pylypenko to testify that they had been threatened by Manher. We provided it. But the court simply did not accept it," Ilchenko wrote on his Facebook page. As reported, on July 31, 2018 in Kherson, an unknown person doused Handziuk with acid. She was taken to a local hospital with burns, but was soon transferred to a medical facility in Kyiv. On November 4, the passed away. The persons involved in the case are include Manher, assistant to member of parliament Ihor Pavlovsky and ex-Anti-Terrorist Operation veteran Serhiy Torbin and Oleksiy Levin (Moskalenko). They are charged under Party 3 of Article 27 (complicity) under Article 115 (premeditated murder) of Ukraine's Criminal Code. A Chinese J-10 aircraft from the People's Liberation Army Air Force takes part in the combined exercise ''Falcon Strike 2015'' at the Wing 1 Korat air base in Korat on Nov. 24, 2015. (Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images) Chinese Air Force Approaches Taiwan for Fourth Time This Week, Taiwans Military Says TAIPEIChinas air force approached Taiwan on June 19 for the fourth time in four days, Taiwans military said, as China steps up maneuvers near the island that Beijing claims as its own territory. Taiwans air force said a J-10 fighter jet was involved in the approach but did not say whether only one aircraft or more had entered Taiwans air defense identification zone to the islands southwest around midday (0400 GMT). The Chinese air force was given a verbal warning to leave, and Taiwanese jets responded, Taiwans air force said, without giving further details. A group of Taiwan Air Force technicians run behind a US-made F-16V fighter jet during an exercise at a military base in Chiayi, southern Taiwan on Jan. 15, 2020. (Sam Yeh/AFP/Getty Images) The aircraft then withdrew and the situation returned to normal, it said in a brief statement. In the past week-and-a-half, the Chinese air force has buzzed Taiwan six times, according to Taiwans military. China has not said in public why it has increased its activity near the island, but has previously described such drills as routine and intended to show Chinas determination to defend its sovereignty. Taiwans air force, which is well trained and is modernizing its U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, routinely patrols above the sensitive Taiwan Strait which separates the island from its much larger neighbor. China has never renounced the use of force to bring democratic Taiwan under its control though the island has shown no interest in being ruled by autocratic Beijing. Taiwan has complained China has stepped up its military activity, including sending aircraft carriers near the island, since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. By Ben Blanchard AlexRenew is in the middle of a major sewer and tunnel project to clean the discharge into the Potomac River. It managed to cut the rate increase by deferring capital projects except for ones underway and those that support the river project, as well as by freezing pay increases and hiring and reducing discretionary spending. Former actor Neetu Kapoor and her daughter Riddhima have welcomed a new member into the Kapoor family. Taking to their Instagram profiles, both of them shared pictures of the new Shih Tzu pup, who has been named as Doodle. Introducing the new pup, Neetu Kapoor wrote, "Can't thank @riddhimakapoorsahniofficial enough for this cute button "Doodle " also @vardaan_gupta__ for sending.".The picture shows Neetu Kapoor hugging the pup and he rests on her shoulder. Riddhima also shared pictures with Doodle and wrote, "We welcome this cutie Doodle #shitzulove Thank you @vardaan_gupta__ He is absolutely adorable." Neetu Kapoor And Riddhima's IG Post In the picture that Neetu shared, she can be seen holding the dog in her hands, close to her face. Riddhima also shared her mother's picture, along with her own, where she can be seen holding the Shih Tzu pup close to her. She shared several other pictures on her Instagram story as Doodle was getting used to the new house. Another one showed Riddhima's daughter Samara playing with Doodle. Alia Bhatt With Ranbir Kapoor's Pups Meanwhile, Ranbir Kapoor also lives with two dogs, Lionel and Nido. According to reports, Alia Bhatt has moved in with the actor and they are staying together since the lockdown began. While Ranbir does not have a social media account, Alia often shares pictures with the dogs. Riddhima Is Spending Time With Mother Neetu In Mumbai Coming back to Riddhima, she is staying with mother Neetu Kapoor in Mumbai and keeping her company after Rishi Kapoor passed away on April 30. The veteran actor died after battling cancer for two years. Rishi Kapoor's Priceless Moments With Family: Daughter Riddhima Shares Unseen Pictures Riddhima Kapoor Sahni Says Alia Bhatt And Sister Shaheen Are 'Too Too Cute' View of the Rallier du Baty peninsula in the vicinity of the Mont du Commandant, Kerguelen Islands. A pale-coloured rock, syenite, was injected into the basalts (which are darker), uplifting them. The king pengins give an idea of the scale. Credit: Michel de Saint Blanquat How did the continents form? Although to a certain extent this remains an open question, the oceanic plateau of the Kerguelen Islands may well provide part of the answer, according to a French-Australian team led by the Geosciences Environnement Toulouse laboratory (CNRS/Universite Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier/IRD/CNES). From a geological point of view, it is the Earth's outermost layer that distinguishes the continents from the oceans: oceanic crust, which is relatively thin, is mainly made up of basalts, resulting from the melting of the Earth's underlying mantle, whereas continental crust, which is thicker and of granitic composition, is derived from magmas that evolved at depth before solidifying. Such magmas form especially at subduction zones, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another. However, a study published on June 16, 2020 in the journal Terra Nova provides evidence in support of a second model: the formation of embryonic continents within oceanic plateaus such as the Kerguelen plateau. Formed by extensive basalt flows, the crust of such plateaus is abnormally thick compared to normal oceanic crust. The researchers focused on a rock of the granite family (syenite) emplaced in the plateau lavas. By studying the geometry and internal structure of the syenite intrusion and carrying out extensive dating of the rocks, they were able to reconstruct its history and show that it bears strong similarities to those of a large number of intrusions located in continental crust. Such similarities include the discontinuous injection over time of multiple magma sheets (which progressively uplifted the surrounding rocks), the duration of its construction (around 3.7 million years), and the magma fluxes. Could this syenite intrusion be an 'embryonic continent'? To further refine this hypothesis, the same team is currently studying the chemical composition of the syenites in order to understand the origin and evolution of the magmas. More information: Leandre Ponthus et al. Plutonic processes in transitional oceanic plateau crust: Structure, age and emplacement of the South Rallier du Baty laccolith, Kerguelen Islands, Terra Nova (2020). Leandre Ponthus et al. Plutonic processes in transitional oceanic plateau crust: Structure, age and emplacement of the South Rallier du Baty laccolith, Kerguelen Islands,(2020). DOI: 10.1111/ter.12471 The UK has given up building a centralized coronavirus contacts-tracing app and will instead switch to a decentralized app architecture, the BBC has reported. This suggests its any future app will be capable of plugging into the joint 'exposure notification' API which has been developed in recent weeks by Apple and Google. The UK's decision to abandon a bespoke app architecture comes more than a month after ministers had been reported to be eyeing such a switch. They went on to award a contract to an IT supplier to develop a decentralized tracing app in parallel as a backup -- while continuing to test the centralized app, which is called NHS COVID-19. At the same time, a number of European countries have now successfully launched contracts-tracing apps with a decentralized app architecture that's able to plug into the 'Gapple' API -- including Denmark, Germany, Italy, Latvia and Switzerland. Several more such apps remain in testing. While EU Member States just agreed on a technical framework to enable cross-border interoperability of apps based on the same architecture. Germany -- which launched the decentralized 'Corona Warning App' this week -- announced its software had been downloaded 6.5M times in the first 24 hours. The country had initially appeared to favor a centralized approach but switched to a decentralized model back in April in the face of pushback from privacy and security experts. The UK's NHS COVID-19 app, meanwhile, has not progressed past field tests, after facing a plethora of technical barriers and privacy challenges -- as a direct consequence of the government's decision to opt for a proprietary system which uploads proximity data to a central server, rather than processing exposure notifications locally on device. Apple and Google's API, which is being used by all Europe's decentralized apps, does not support centralized app architectures -- meaning the UK app faced technical hurdles related to accessing Bluetooth in the background. The centralized choice also raised big questions around cross-border interoperability, as we've explained before. Questions had also been raised over the risk of mission creep and a lack of transparency and legal certainty over what would be done with people's data. Story continues So the UK's move to abandon the approach and adopt a decentralized model is hardly surprising -- although the time it's taken the government to arrive at the obvious conclusion does raise some major questions over its competence at handling technology projects. Michael Veale, a lecturer in digital rights and regulation at UCL -- who has been involved in the development of the DP3T decentralized contacts-tracing standard, which influenced Apple and Google's choice of API -- welcomed the UK's decision to ditch a centralized app architecture but questioned why the government has wasted so much time. "This is a welcome, if a heavily and unnecessarily delayed, move by NHSX," Veale told TechCrunch. "The Google -Apple system in a way is home-grown: Originating with research at a large consortium of universities led by Switzerland and including UCL in the UK. NHSX has no end of options and no reasonable excuse to not get the app out quickly now. Germany and Switzerland both have high quality open source code that can be easily adapted. The NHS England app will now be compatible with Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and also the many destinations for holidaymakers in and out of the UK." Perhaps unsurprisingly, UK ministers are now heavily de-emphasizing the importance of having an app in the fight against the coronavirus at all. The Department for Health and Social Care's, Lord Bethell, told the Science and Technology Committee yesterday the app will not now be ready until the winter. "We're seeking to get something going for the winter, but it isn't a priority for us," he said. Yet the centralized version of the NHS COVID-19 app has been in testing in a limited geographical pilot on the Isle of Wight since early May -- and up until the middle of last month health minister, Matt Hancock, had said it would be rolled out nationally in mid May. Of course that timeframe came and went without launch. And now the prospect of the UK having an app at all is being booted right into the back end of the year. Compare and contrast that with government messaging at its daily coronavirus briefings back in May -- when Hancock made "download the app" one of the key slogans -- and the word 'omnishambles' springs to mind... NHSX relayed our request for comment on the switch to a decentralized system and the new timeframe for an app launch to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) -- but the department had not responded to us at the time of publication. Earlier this week the BBC reported that a former Apple executive, Simon Thompson, was taking charge of the delayed app project -- while the two lead managers, the NHSX's Matthew Gould and Geraint Lewis -- were reported to be stepping back. Back in April, Gould told the Science and Technology Committee the app would "technically" be ready to launch in 2-3 weeks time, though he also said any national launch would depend on the preparedness of a wider government program of coronavirus testing and manual contacts tracing. He also emphasized the need for a major PR campaign to educate the public on downloading and using the app. Government briefings to the press today have included suggestions that app testers on the Isle of Wight told it they were not comfortable receiving COVID-19 notifications via text message -- and that the human touch of a phone call is preferred. However none of the European countries that have already deployed contacts-tracing apps has promoted the software as a one-stop panacea for tackling COVID-19. Rather tracing apps are intended to supplement manual contacts-tracing methods -- the latter involving the use of trained humans making phone calls to people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 to ask who they might have been in contact with over the infectious period. Even with major resource put into manual contacts-tracing, apps -- which use Bluetooth signals to estimate proximity between smartphone users in order to calculate virus expose risk -- could still play an important role by, for example, being able to trace strangers who are sat near an infected person on public transport. Update: The DHSC has now issued a statement addressing reports of the switch of app architecture for the NHS COVID-19 app -- in which it confirms, in between reams of blame-shifting spin, that it's testing a new app that is able to plug into the Apple and Google API -- and which it says it may go on to launch nationally, but without providing any time frame. It also claims it's working with Apple and Google to try to enhance how their technology estimates the distance between smartphone users. "Through the systematic testing, a number of technical challenges were identified -- including the reliability of detecting contacts on specific operating systems -- which cannot be resolved in isolation with the app in its current form," DHSC writes of the centralized NHS COVID-19 app. "While it does not yet present a viable solution, at this stage an app based on the Google / Apple API appears most likely to address some of the specific limitations identified through our field testing. However, there is still more work to do on the Google / Apple solution which does not currently estimate distance in the way required." "Based on this, the focus of work will shift from the current app design and to work instead with Google and Apple to understand how using their solution can meet the specific needs of the public," it adds. We reached out to Apple and Google for comment. Apple declined to comment. Update: Google has now sent us this statement: We welcome the announcement from the UK government today. We have developed an Exposure Notification API with Apple based on consultation with public health experts around the world, including in the UK, to ensure that our efforts are useful to authorities as they build their own apps to limit the spread of COVID-19, while ensuring privacy and security are central to the design. According to one source, the UK has been pressing for the tech giants' API to include device model and RSSI info alongside the ephemeral IDs which devices that come into proximity exchange with each other -- presumably to try to improve distance calculations via a better understanding of the specific hardware involved. However introducing additional, fixed pieces of device-linked data would have the effect of undermining the privacy protections baked into the decentralized system -- which uses ephemeral, rotating IDs in order to prevent third party tracking of app users. Any fixed data-points being exchanged would risk unpicking the whole anti-tracking approach. Norway, another European country which opted for a centralized approach for coronavirus contacts tracing -- but got an app launched in mid April -- made the decision to suspend its operation this week, after an intervention by the national privacy watchdog. In that case the app was collecting both GPS and Bluetooth -- posing a massive privacy risk. The watchdog warned the public health agency the tool was no longer a proportionate intervention -- owing to what are now low levels of coronavirus risk in the country. While the pipelines point of entry into the European Union is Germany, which is extremely unhappy about the new sanctions bill, Russia wants to change the process for laying pipe in Danish waters. The last leg of Nord Stream requires 160 kilometers of pipe to be laid in Danish waters, for which Russia already has a permit. However, Gazprom now wishes to change the technique for pipelaying, which requires an amendment to the existing permit. Denmark has said it will take some four weeks for them to decide So, do sanctions work, and could new sanctions actually delay Nord Stream? Yes, they can. They may not stop it, but they can delay it. Heres how: With the pipeline now 93% complete, Washington is trying to impose new sanctions on companies involved in the completion of this pipeline. While most media pundits have shrugged off these new sanctions, which are presently in the form of a US Senate bill, Denmark could pose some complications for Russia. Russia is now on its final leg of construction for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, and Washington is hoping--at the very least--to delay construction further via additional sanctions because this pipeline will essentially double Russias direct export capacity to Germany (the first EU entry point) to 110 billion cubic meters per year. In other words, the new pipeline will have a 55 billion cubic meter capacity for piping gas from Russia to Germany across the Baltic Sea. Russia is now on its final leg of construction for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, and Washington is hoping--at the very least--to delay construction further via additional sanctions because this pipeline will essentially double Russias direct export capacity to Germany (the first EU entry point) to 110 billion cubic meters per year. In other words, the new pipeline will have a 55 billion cubic meter capacity for piping gas from Russia to Germany across the Baltic Sea. With the pipeline now 93% complete, Washington is trying to impose new sanctions on companies involved in the completion of this pipeline. While most media pundits have shrugged off these new sanctions, which are presently in the form of a US Senate bill, Denmark could pose some complications for Russia. So, do sanctions work, and could new sanctions actually delay Nord Stream? Yes, they can. They may not stop it, but they can delay it. Heres how: While the pipelines point of entry into the European Union is Germany, which is extremely unhappy about the new sanctions bill, Russia wants to change the process for laying pipe in Danish waters. The last leg of Nord Stream requires 160 kilometers of pipe to be laid in Danish waters, for which Russia already has a permit. However, Gazprom now wishes to change the technique for pipelaying, which requires an amendment to the existing permit. Denmark has said it will take some four weeks for them to decide on that amendment, thus ensuring additional delays as Denmark uses this time to assess the potential blowback from sanctions for involvement in this final leg. This pipeline is a significant geopolitical and geoeconomic undertaking. First of all, it will empower Russia and further entrench its gas dominance over the continent. Second, it will leave Ukraine out in the cold, and the country relies on transit revenues. Aside from Ukraine, the only real power in the EU that is staunchly opposed to Nord Stream as a direct threat to EU security and supply diversity is Poland. Of course, Poland also appreciates the US military support it receives and also enjoys transit revenue that it will lose once gas starts going directly to Germany. Thus, Ukraine and Poland lose their negotiating leverage with Gazprom. For Germany, despite its major cheerleading of renewables and despite the fact that Nord Stream completely contradicts that, it means more gas flow and more supply options in case of disruptions. The project has already been delayed. Last December, US sanctions forced pipelayers to halt work, and while Russia could finish it on its own, it would push the completion date likely to early 2021 at best. Nord Stream should have been completed in Q4 2019. So, yes, sanctions work in this case--even if they are belated. ESG is Exploding, and Oil Should Take Note Weve been talking a lot lately about ESG investing--also known as sustainable investing or impact investing. Thats because were following the money, not the politics, and the money is taking over. As we have noted several times, ESG powerhouse BlackRock has largely taken over Wall Street, and now, Goldman Sachs is hoping to get a bigger piece of this pie. To wit: Goldman is eyeing what it sees as a $16-trillion investment opportunity between now and 2030 in clean energy, partly because borrowing costs are only around 3% for clean energy, while they have skyrocketed to some 20% for fossil fuels. Twitter on Thursday evening took the rare step of appending a warning label to one of President Donald Trump's tweets Read more Twitter on Thursday evening took the rare step of appending a warning label to one of President Donald Trump's tweets after the company determined it violated its policies on manipulated media. The president tweeted a doctored version of a popular video that went viral in 2019, which showed a black and a white toddler hugging. In the version Trump shared, the video has been edited with ominous music and a fake CNN headline that says, Terrified todler runs from racist baby. "Racist baby probably a Trump voter," the headline then says in a subsequent screen. The video then cuts to the original clip of the children hugging, and then cuts to the message "America is not the problem. Fake news is." The video received at least 3.8 million views, and more than 75,000 retweets. "This tweet has been labeled per our synthetic and manipulated media policy to give people more context," Twitter spokeswoman Katie Rosborough said. This is only the third time that the company has announced that it would take action against one of the president's tweets. Twitter has previously appended labels to a pair of Trump's tweets that made misleading claims about mail-in ballots, as well as another post that said "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" for violating its terms on violence. Trump lashed out at Twitter after the company's initial decision to label his tweets regarding the mail-in ballots, signing an executive order that week that sought to punish social media companies by calling on federal regulators to reexamine a key legal shield that gives tech companies broad immunity for the posts and photos people share on their services. Twitters decision to label the tweets is the culmination of a series of quiet and incremental processes intended to dismantle a long-standing exception that the social media industry has made for the speech of politicians. Social media companies are under increased pressure to moderate content on their websites especially from the Oval Office as concerns mount about misinformation amid the coronavirus pandemic and the run-up to the 2020 presidential election. In March, Twitter also applied a similar manipulated media warning to a video tweeted by White House social media director Dan Scavino, which Trump retweeted. The manipulated video Trump tweeted Thursday remains unlabeled on Facebook, where it received more than 100,000 likes and more than 26,000 shares. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment about whether it planned to take similar action against the video. Facebook's CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said the president's previous posts haven't violated the company's policies, drawing ire internally from employees. Twitter previously labeled Trump's tweet on fraudulent mail-in ballots with a label that says, "Get the facts about mail-in ballots." It redirects users to news articles about Trump's unsubstantiated claim. For the tweet that called for violence during the protests, Twitter added a gray box that now hides the tweet from public view unless a user clicks on it that reads: "This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence." The move also prevented other users from liking the president's tweet or sharing it without appending comment. These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I wont let that happen, Trump tweeted late last month, adding, Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. [June 19, 2020] NOTICE TO UPS EMPLOYEES WITH ACCOUNTS AT MERRILL LYNCH: KlaymanToskes Continues to Investigate and Pursue Claims on Behalf of UPS Employees Who Sustained Losses from Unsuitable Covered Call Writing Strategies KlaymanToskes ("KT (News - Alert)"), www.klaymantoskes.com, continues to investigate FINRA arbitration claims for current and former UPS (NYSE: UPS) employees with accounts at Merrill Lynch, for losses sustained from unsuitable covered call writing strategies for concentrated UPS stock positions. According to multiple FINRA claims, Merrill Lynch employed an unsuitable covered call writing strategy. After hard-working UPS employees accumulated thousands of UPS shares through UPS's Employee Stock Purchase Program and the Manager Incentive Program, they were solicited to invest with Merrill Lynch. Merrill Lynch recommended a call writing strategy to earn stable income. The strike prices that the call options were sold at were far too low given market conditions. The strategy was improperly implemented, and it led to UPS employees losing thousands of shares or significant amounts of money buying back the shares. The UPS employees did not want to lose shares, which they were assured they would not. More importantly, the shares paid out much needed uarterly dividends, which are relied upon in retirement. Further, the sale of such large positions typically ended in significant tax liability to investors. The sole purpose of this release is to investigate the sales practices of Merrill Lynch for FINRA sales practice violations including: unsuitable recommendations, misrepresentation and omissions of material facts, and failure to supervise. Current and former UPS employees who held accounts at Merrill Lynch, and have information relating to the manner in which the firm handled their concentrated portfolios, are encouraged to contact Lawrence L. Klayman, Esq., at (561) 542-5131, and download our Special Investor Report. About KlaymanToskes KT is a leading national securities law firm which practices exclusively in the field of securities arbitration and litigation on behalf of retail and institutional investors throughout the world in large and complex securities matters. The firm represents high net-worth, ultra-high net-worth, and institutional investors, such as non-profit organizations, unions, public pension funds, and multi-employer pension funds. KT has office locations in California, Florida, New York, and Puerto Rico. Destination: https://klaymantoskes.com/notice-to-ups-employees-with-accounts-at-merrill-lynch View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200619005336/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Come one, come all! Be a part of HISTORY in the greatest game of RUSSIAN ROULETTE ever played! The committed to re-elect the president (creep) invites YOU to the BOK Center in beautiful downtown TULSA, OKLAHOMA, on Saturday, June 20, for a celebration of FREEDOM and President DONALD J. TRUMP!!! THRILLS! CHILLS! HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE PILLS! The world has never seen anything like it! Bring the kids! Bring grandma and grandpa! They may never see anything like this again! Masks are for PUSSIES! So grab one, douse it in hand sanitizer, and come on down for a pre-rally BONFIRE of the VERITIES where we BURN Dr. Anthony Fauci in effigy! And dont worry about being required to sign the pre-rally liability waiverits just a legal formality in case you contract the virus at the rally. But what are the chances of that? President Trump says, Im not worried about infecting only a very small percentage. So dont you worry, either. Dont have the guts to come? Thats okay. Stay home with the lily-livered libs and demonic Dems. Its not like were putting a gun to your head! Image by Zedorwin A doctor (43) and his elder brother (46) were arrested on Thursday on charges of allegedly raping his minor daughter (7) on two separate occasions two years ago in Uttarakhands Nainital districts Haldwani town, said police. Though the incident had occurred in 2018, the matter came to light last year after the victims mother lodged a complaint against her husband and the brother-in-law in Varanasi, where she is currently staying with her daughter following a family discord. Last September, the Uttar Pradesh Police had transferred the case to Haldwani. Two persons were arrested on Thursday for allegedly raping the minor on two separate occasions at their home in Haldwani. They were booked for rape under the relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), said a police official, requesting anonymity. The complainant started staying separately from her accused husband following a family discord. The victim narrated her ordeal to her mother following which she lodged a complaint at a local police station in Varanasi, he added. The police attributed the delay in the arrests to receiving the relevant documents late and also because the complainant had wanted to shift the case back to Varanasi. The accused were produced before a court on Thursday and were later sent to police custody. A probe is on, said Amit Shrivastava, additional superintendent of police (ASP), Haldwani (city). [June 19, 2020] Fayetteville Business Owner Jared Ostendorf Gives Back and Doubles Sales During COVID-19 When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit home in Fayetteville, local business owner Jared Ostendorf decided that failure wasn't an option for himself and the community he loves. Jared has owned his printing and marketing franchise International Minute Press Fayetteville for eleven years, and as an essential business he was able to remain open and use his business for good. He supplied local restaurants and other open businesses with 100 free banners that can still be seen around town and launched a free community website Bounce Back Fayetteville to support local businesses. All of his efforts have paid off as Jared has doubled his monthly gross sales in May 2020, reaching record highs at the height of COVID-19. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200619005235/en/ Jared Ostendorf, owner, International Minute Press franchise, Fayetteville, NC. Bounce Back Fayetteville (part of Bounce Back USA) provides free local listings and COVID-19 awareness and prevention posters to support local businesses. (Photo: Business Wire) On the success of his business during these times, Jared says, "I always go by the philosophy that we don't tell a customer 'No.' When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we didn't stop. We got creative and listened to our customers. I looked at closing or taking time off as a personal failure so we did everything we could to stay open and our efforts paid off." Jared has been a longstanding member of the President's Million-Dollar Circle for his franchisor Minuteman Press International, which makes his sales success even more impressive. Goodwill goes a long way One of the first things Jared did when the pandemic first took hold is to use his printing and marketing capabilities to give back to other local businesses. "I reached out to local restaurants and other clients who couldn't advertise that they were open. We printed and gave away 100 banners that were appreciated and put up around Fayetteville once the city lifted restrictions and allowed banners to fly. The message was simple, 'WE ARE OPEN (News - Alert) / TAKEOUT IS AVAILABLE.' Before you know it, our banners with our branding and colors were all over Fayetteville. It sent the signal hat we are open, that Fayetteville businesses are open." Jared's goodwill went a long way. "We wanted to do something to support local businesses because we are a local business. We generated new business from other open businesses who learned about our wide format printing services, and we gained 20 new repeat clients which helped bring us record sales in May. It was really nice to see the business community come together and our hard work come back around to help us thrive even during this time." "You don't tell a customer no. In times like this, you need to be creative, support others, and keep marketing. Those three things helped us achieve and exceed our sales goals during COVID-19." -Jared Ostendorf, owner, International Minute Press, Fayetteville, NC Resiliency of the Printing Industry The printing industry has always been resilient during tough times. Jared explains how he was able to grow his business despite the effects of COVID-19. "It's not about having the biggest customers but earning trust and having repeat customers from a diverse range of industries. We are able to do this because printing allows for such a wide range of products and services and so we can meet a diverse range of needs." He adds, "We are producing a lot of large format printing, signage and banners right now and we also can design, print, and send direct mail marketing campaigns for clients. Having a diverse client base allows us to be steady. While one of our bigger clients has been closed for two months, we also gained other clients who have been spending more. The customers you relied on might not be there right now, but then you make up for it with new customers." As North Carolina continues to reopen, Jared is hopeful to continue accelerating his growth. "As we enter Phase 2 in North Carolina, we are starting to see our clients come back with their normal orders and spending. Between that and the traction in sales we've gained, we are in a great position to help others bounce back as we all get back to more regular business." Helping Fayetteville Businesses Bounce Back To continue the momentum and help spur Fayetteville's reopening, Jared and his team at International Minute Press have jumped on board with a free website called Bounce Back Fayetteville, which is part of Minuteman Press International's larger Bounce Back USA initiative that was rolled out nationwide. Bounce Back Fayetteville provides local businesses with free listings and allows community members to support local businesses to help stimulate local economic growth and recovery. Businesses also receive a free COVID-19 awareness and prevention poster that they can display in their business to keep everyone safe. "Right now, we have approximately 120 local businesses participating in Bounce Back Fayetteville. The free service is a great way to connect businesses and consumers who want to support each other. I embraced the program as soon as it was launched by Minuteman Press International and immediately called customers just to ask them how they are doing. I explained what we were doing with Bounce Back Fayetteville, and just like the banners we gave away, everyone was so appreciative." Even the local radio stations got on board and started promoting the initiative, which keeps growing. "By staying open and reaching out to our clients with free banners and our free website Bounce Back Fayetteville, it allowed us to have a conversation and maintain a positive dialog with other local businesses. It was very heartening to see how we really are in this together, and how supporting local businesses is something we can all agree on. It's great to be able to lift each other up." Receiving Leadership and Franchise Support While Jared is the independent owner and operator of International Minute Press Fayetteville, as a franchisee he's thankful to have the ongoing support from Minuteman Press International. He says, "From the beginning of COVID-19 through to today, our President Nick Titus has been incredible. Nick quickly mobilized the entire corporate and regional staff to support us and he personally stayed in contact with us frequently. I am a big fan of the initiative he's taken as the new President of Minuteman Press International during this unprecedented time. He brings new energy, the entire team has delivered new marketing programs for us to use such as the Bounce Back initiative, and I am excited for the future under his leadership." On the local level, Jared credits Regional Vice President David Walton for always being there for him over the past eleven years as well. "Dave is a great asset to have in my corner right here locally. Whenever I've needed anything over the years, Dave has been there for me. It's also nice that Minuteman Press International allows us the freedom to run our business while also providing that support and guidance whenever we need it." Jared concludes, "We are glad to be here, standing tall. That message of hope is one I hope to share throughout Fayetteville as we continue to reopen." Jared Ostendorf's International Minute Press franchise is located at 1005 Arsenal Ave., Fayetteville, NC 28305. For more information, call Jared and his team at 910-485-7955 or visit their website: https://www.fayetteville.intlminutepress.com. Learn more about Entrepreneur's #1 rated Minuteman Press International franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200619005235/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The City of Laredo and Webb County issued twin amendments to their COVID-19 emergency orders on Thursday which mandate all public-facing commercial businesses require their employees and customers to cover their nose and mouth if they cannot maintain a social distance. READ MORE: Laredo officials confirm 51 coronavirus cases, will offer free testing next week Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday gave his blessing for a similar order executed in Bexar County, so local officials are confident this measure will not be challenged by the state. Local businesses have seven days to develop and implement a health and safety policy to control transmission of the new coronavirus, such as temperature checks and health screenings. But the policy must require customers and employees to cover their nose and mouth when within six feet of each other. If this policy is not implemented and posted by June 24, these businesses face a $1,000 fine per violation. The Laredo Police Department, Laredo Health Department, code enforcement, Webb County Sheriffs Office and constables offices will be enforcing this policy. This amendment only applies to commercial entities that provide services to the public. Closed offices, warehouses or churches, for instance, do not fall under this section of the order. Over the last four days, the number of new cases in Laredo have skyrocketed, and even as testing capacity has increased, the positivity rate has inched back up to 14.8% where it hasnt been in over a month. This has spurred Mayor Pete Saenz and County Judge Tano Tijerina to take action in the one way that is still available to them, as Abbott has rendered city- or county-wide mask requirements unenforceable. We were doing well, but apparently some of us have truly relaxed on following these preventative requirements. And of course, we must curtail that, Saenz said. It appears that theres an obligatory component to (the new order) which carries sanctions for people to truly adhere to this. Keep in mind, this is focusing on business owners, not necessarily the individual, the person. Once Abbott started opening up Texas, Tijerina said that even he became more relaxed about these safety measures. We, myself included, need to start adhering a little bit more to the orders, because thats whats going to help us, Tijerina said. Officials also stressed that this new rule is no reason to panic. Investigator Joe E. Baeza, the Laredo Police Department spokesman, said that if they start seeing long lines outside grocery stores again, it will mean they are doing this wrong. This city and countys emergency orders are set to expire June 30 unless they vote to extend them. Both entities will likely meet next week. On Tuesday, Saenz joined eight other Texas mayors in a letter to the People of Texas, reminding everyone that the virus is still here and still dangerous, and imploring people to continue to wear masks. Hong Kong and Taiwan have a combined population more than the entire State of Texas. Both are closer to Wuhan, China than Beaumont is to El Paso, reads the letter. Combined, their death toll from coronavirus is 11. Total. Not a daily total, but their total. In Taiwan, the schools didnt even have to close. READ MORE: How COVID has affected Laredo by zip code The difference? They resolutely wore masks. Julia Wallace may be reached at 956-728-2543 or jwallace@lmtonline.com A major international hospital in Beijing went into full lockdown today after a medic was diagnosed with COVID-19. The medical worker, an ER nurse, caught the disease while treating a coronavirus patient at the Peking University International Hospital, officials have said. The medical facility with 1,800 hospital beds will be disinfected thoroughly and stop accepting new patients to prevent further spread of the virus, according to the local government. The Peking University International Hospital has gone into lockdown after an ER nurse (not pictured) caught the disease while treating a coronavirus patient, officials said. The file picture taken on June 16 shows a nurse treating a patient in isolation in Ditan Hospital in Beijing The Peking University International Hospital (pictured) has been locked down today by officials after an ER nurse caught the killer bug while treating a coronavirus patient The Chinese capital has reported 25 new cases today, bringing the total in the last eight days to 183 in the city's worst outbreak since early February. Pictured, a resident in Beijing receiving a nucleic acid test for the coronavirus at a testing centre in the Chinese capital city on June 16 The infected nurse is one of the 25 new cases reported by Beijing officials today, bringing the total in the last eight days to 183 in the city's worst outbreak since early February. Tens of thousands of people in the Chinese capital are being tested for the contagion, while neighbourhoods have been locked down and schools closed as authorities battle to contain the cluster. The locked-down hospital is located in Changping, a district situated in the suburbs of north-western Beijing. The major hospital has a dedicated international department which has treated over 2,000 foreign patients from 97 countries since opening in 2014, according to its website. Wu Bin, deputy mayor of Changping, reported the new infection detected in the medical facility today in a press briefing. The locked-down hospital is located in Changping, a district situated in the suburbs of north-western Beijing. Workers wearing protective suits spray disinfectant at Beijing Railway Station Tens of thousands of people in the Chinese capital are being tested for the contagion. Chinese epidemic control workers assist people who had contact with the Xinfadi wholesale market People in lockdown are seen waiting behind an entrance gate for their goods to be delivered, mostly food and beverages, inside their residential compound in Beijing on June 19 The ER nurse tested positive for the coronavirus after having close contacts with a confirmed patient who was diagnosed on Sunday. The medical worker was said to be 'in working mode' when she was infected. The local government immediately sealed off the hospital and adopted anti-virus measures, the deputy mayor said. The nurse has been transferred to a designated hospital for treatment, according to the official. The authority is also tracing and imposing quarantines on people who had close contacts with the medic. 'We will raise the protection level of the hospital and disinfect thoroughly,' said Ms Wu. Beijing has rushed to seal off a hospital in the city after a nurse (not pictured) was diagnosed as a confirmed coronavirus patient. The picture taken on June 16 shows a medical worker disinfecting the hands of a coronavirus patient in a medical ward at Beijing Ditan Hospital The Chinese capital city is hit by an escalating coronavirus outbreak which saw nearly 200 confirmed infections in eight days. The picture shows a security guard checking people's body temperatures as they enter You'an Hospital for COVID-19 testing in Beijing on June 15 China blames European coronavirus strain for Beijing's new outbreak China has pointed the finger at a European coronavirus strain for a new outbreak in Beijing which has infected nearly 200 people in eight days. The Chinese government yesterday shared the genome data from the latest outbreak, claiming it 'came from Europe' but is different from the virus that is currently spreading there - suggesting it could have been lurking in frozen food for some time. European salmon producers have played down the link after state media connected the outbreak to chopping boards used to cut up salmon at the Xinfadi food market. Advertisement 'Outpatient and emergency departments will stop operating. The wards will stop accepting new patients to reduce the density of population,' the official added. It comes as the Chinese capital city is hit by an escalating coronavirus outbreak which saw nearly 200 confirmed infections in eight days. Five provinces across China have also reported a total of 17 coronavirus infections linked to the crisis in Beijing since June 11, according to official figures. The infection cluster is linked to Xinfadi, a major wholesale market supplying more than 70 per cent of Beijing's fresh produce. It has been temporarily closed due to the epidemic. Those patients were mostly market vendors working at Xinfadi or close contacts with native coronavirus carriers detected in the capital city. Zhang Yong of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the strain of the virus spreading in Beijing 'is older than the virus currently circulating in Europe'. Zhang raised the possibility of the virus lurking in imported frozen food or in the wholesale market itself, resulting in similarities to older strains. But scientists cautioned against making early conclusions on the Beijing cluster. As of Friday, China has reported a total of 83,325 confirmed coronavirus cases, of which 293 are active. The death toll remains at 4,634. With all the uncertainty, Carlisle Area School District could use a new fortune-telling device. Our crystal ball is nearly broken, school board member Brian Guillaume said Thursday. If anybody has a warranty for said crystal ball, please let us know. His comment was a lighter moment during a serious discussion held after board members voted unanimously to adopt a nearly $87 million budget for 2020-21 that includes a 3% real estate tax increase. Under the hike, property owners would pay $1,535.28 on every $100,000 of assessed property value or $44.71 more than in 2019-20. The tax rate will go from 14.9057 mills to 15.3528 mills. Projecting revenues and expenditures can be a challenge during a normal budget cycle, but that is nothing compared to the dicey scenario school districts face this year in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. State law requires school boards to adopt their final budgets by June 30, the day before the official July 1 start of the new fiscal year. This year, districts are working with incomplete information in a fluid situation while planning for the reopening of schools following a pandemic shutdown. Guillaume cited transportation costs as one of the many unknowns that could impact 2020-21. Local school districts are grappling with the problem of how to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on school buses where it can be extremely difficult to socially distance students. This is a shot, Guillaume said, referring to the budget he voted to approve. This is the best we can come up with. Other board members were equally concerned. Im supporting this budget knowing full well there are challenges we dont know about that may require us to act during the year, Deborah Sweaney said before voting for the budget. This budget is the best we can do right now. There are so many unknowns. Perilous pivot The pandemic has already demonstrated a flair for shock and awe. In early March, before the outbreak, Carlisle was looking at a projected deficit for next year of around $1.7 million. In only two months, this estimate more than doubled to a shortfall of $4.45 million due to the anticipated fallout from COVID-19 that includes a 20% loss of Earned Income Tax revenue of $1.8 million. Board members on May 14 approved a preliminary version of the budget. At that time, finance committee chairman Bruce Clash said school districts across Pennsylvania were looking at a projected loss of $800 million to $1 billion in revenue next year with the prospect of even worse conditions in 2021-22. Since March, the COVID-19 crisis has caused declining economic metrics that took 18 months to three years to achieve during the Great Recession that started in 2008, Clash said. Just as the mid-March shutdown of schools forced the district to pivot from face-to-face to online instruction, the sharp rise in the projected deficit forced Carlisle administrators to change their fiscal strategy. One constant between March and May was the recommended 3% tax increase, which is expected to generate about $1.43 million in additional revenue. Administrators have also recommended that the board cut four support staff positions for an estimated savings of $238,000 and the equivalent of two full-time teacher positions for a savings of $160,000. Rather than resort to furloughs, the hope is that the district could cut the positions through attrition by not hiring replacements for staff members who resign or retire. Beyond the cuts, administrators recommended a reduction in the proposed salary hike for Act 93 and support staff employees from 3.2% to 2% for a total savings of $142,465. Act 93 employees are building principals, department chairs and higher-level central office administrators excluding Superintendent Christina Spielbauer and Assistant Superintendent Colleen Friend. Spielbauer and Friend will not get a salary increase at all next year for a savings of about $10,000. Support staff employees include central office secretaries, building custodians and other maintenance staff. The district could also save $300,000 next year from renegotiated contracts for commercial insurance, lawn care, copier service and accounting software. Equity issues To further balance the budget, the board Thursday approved the use of $1.8 million from capital reserves to pay the debt service payment that is due on Sept. 1. Board members also decided to use $369,000 from the unassigned fund balance to close the remaining shortfall. An argument can be made that we should be sinking more into reserves but were already doing about $2.2 million, Clash said Thursday. Thats the largest chunk of reserves that we have used in my six years on the board. With so much uncertainty, the district needs to maintain as much of a reserve as possible to safeguard the future of its education programs, he said. Though state lawmakers passed a budget that maintains level funding to public schools, state government is looking at a deficit of $2 billion to $3 billion, Clash said. Theres just no guarantee that they will be able to sustain education even at level funding. In recent weeks, there have been renewed calls for social justice in the wake of the deaths of black men in police custody. Rick Coplen called on fellow board members and Carlisle area residents to advocate for change at the state and national level. I believe its time to do away with the fundamentally inequitable system of funding public education, Coplen said. Public education across America requires a focus on local property taxes. We all know what that means. In my opinion, that means that low-income areas struggle and suffer, middle-income areas like ourselves struggle and high-income areas thrive. Thats wrong. You can call it racism. You can call it classism. I call it strictly wrong. Its short-sighted and self-defeating. Email Joseph Cress at jcress@cumberlink.com. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 4 Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly 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. Calling Governor Tom Wolf an illustrious dictator, Lebanon County Republicans lashed out on Facebook over the countys reopening status. Lebanon County will be the only county still in the yellow phase of reopening on June 26, according to Pa. Health Secretary Dr. Levine. The state said that was because of an increase in cases of COVID-19 in the county. Levine put the blame on the politics of the county. Lebanon Countys partisan, politically driven decision to ignore public health experts and reopen prematurely is having severe consequences for the health and safety of county residents, she said in a press conference. Case counts have escalated and the county is not yet ready to be reopened. Lebanon County has hindered its progress by reopening too early. Because of this irresponsible decision, Lebanon County residents are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19. Lebanon County Republicans arent taking the criticism laying down writing on Facebook that people should give no credence to the refusal to move Lebanon County to the green phase of reopening. It is only more proof of what every citizen in our great county already knows, the post reads. Tom Wolf is an absolute loser and a bad joke. A screenshot of the Facebook post by Lebanon County Republicans. The countys commissioners had voted to move the county into the yellow phase back in May, without the approval of the governor. The resolution was voted in on a 2-1 vote, with Republicans Robert Phillips and William Ames approving it, and Democrat Jo Ellen Litz in opposition. Since the pandemic began, more than 1,200 Lebanon County residents have become infected. 40 have died. READ MORE: Only one Pa. county is not given approval for green phase: Lebanon County Lebanon County commissioners rebel, vote 2-1 to move to yellow ahead of states timetable Coronavirus in Pa.: 80,762 cases reported, 6,399 have died as of Friday morning 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. Dear Editor: I am responding to the two letters in the Heritage on June 5 (Why I detest Donald Trump by Art Friedman and We need a congress that works be-partisan by Bill Kahn), which referenced my letter on May 22 concerning my appreciation of what President Trump has done for Israel. It is apparent that both writers were influenced by the liberal press. The positions taken in these letters do not foster unity but rather are divisive in their hatred of the president. It is important to remember that approximately half of the country are conservative and half progressive. The pr... Japan has launched its COVID-19 contact-tracing app, which officials hope will help prevent a second wave of infections. The app has been besieged with various legislative challenges since work first began on it with the hopes of launching in early May. As Nikkei Asian Review reports, a government source involved in the discussions said, "We wanted to introduce the app when the sense of urgency was high among the public, but we did not make it in time." The Japanese government hired a team of Microsoft developers to create the app, which uses core technology jointly developed by Apple and Google. Tokyo-based company Code for Japan was initially hired to lead the project, but conditions imposed by Apple and Google namely that the software could only be managed by public health agencies meant the project was eventually transferred to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare while another developer was found. Around a months worth of work had gone to waste and in the meantime, contact-tracing apps were rolled out by more than 40 other countries. The app known in Japan as COCOA (COVID-19 Contact-Confirming Application) uses Bluetooth to collect data when it comes into one-meter contact of another device for more than 15 minutes. If a person subsequently tells the app they have tested positive for COVID-19, it will scan two weeks worth of contact data and inform anyone who had been in close proximity to the patient. It doesnt store any personal information like locations or phone numbers, in accordance with Apple and Googles tracking platform. Japans delay in launching the app has left some concerned about its effectiveness. According to the University of Oxford, this type of app needs to be used by 60 percent of the population to be useful. In countries that adopted contact-tracing apps early on, such as Singapore and Iceland, that figure stands at around just 40 percent. Integrating the technology with existing apps is also a no-go, due to Apple and Googles stipulations. As Nikkei reports, "A concrete plan for disseminating the app has yet to take shape," a spokesperson for Japan's health ministry said. Update (6/20): The app is now available for Android and iOS devices. Also, an earlier version of this article referred to the app as developed by Microsoft, that has been updated to clarify that Japan hired a team of engineers who also work for Microsoft. Webster Area uses hot-shooting performance to roll past Roncalli Webster Area used a strong offensive performance, shooting better than 50% from the field to down Aberdeen Roncalli 68-39 on Friday night in Aberdeen. [June 19, 2020] Extreme Networks and iPEL Announce Amicable Settlement of Patent Litigation SAN JOSE, Calif., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Extreme Networks, Inc. and iPEL, Inc. jointly announced they have settled disputes concerning their ongoing patent litigation. In January 2019, Global Innovation Aggregators, LLC, an iPEL subsidiary, filed lawsuits against Extreme Networks and a number of its subsidiaries, asserting infringement of six patents in six separate court cases in Shenzhen, China. Extreme Networks and iPEL are pleased to have reached an amicable agreement, granting Extreme Networks a license to iPEL's entire patent portfolio. Due to the confidentiality of settlement terms, the companies are unable to further comment on this matter. About iPEL, Inc. iPEL, Inc. fuels the innovation economy by investing in cutting edge technologies and licensing those technologies to companies that provide great products and services. After securing $200 million in capital in 2017, iPEL built one of he most robust patent portfolios in the world, which covers a wide range of industries, such as consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunications, networking, gaming, and Internet of Things (IOT). For more information, visit iPEL's website at www.ipel.com. About Extreme Networks Extreme Networks, Inc. (EXTR) creates effortless networking experiences that enable all of us to advance. We push the boundaries of technology leveraging the powers of machine learning, artificial intelligence, analytics, and automation. Over 50,000 customers globally trust our end-to-end, cloud-driven networking solutions and rely on our top-rated services and support to accelerate their digital transformation efforts and deliver progress like never before. For more information, visit Extreme's website or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Extreme Networks and the Extreme Networks logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Extreme Networks, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/extreme-networks-and-ipel-announce-amicable-settlement-of-patent-litigation-301080431.html SOURCE Extreme Networks, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won 2 seats and the Congress bagged one seat while in Rajasthan, it was the other way around with the Congress emerging victorius in two. IMAGE: Former MP chief minister Kamal Nath offers sweets to senior congress leader Digvijaya Singh after he won the Rajya Sabha election, in Bhopal. Photograph: PTI Photo The ruling YSR Congress bagged all the four Rajya Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh and seasoned campaigners like Digvijaya Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Shibu Soren had an easy sailing as the results of the polls to the upper house were on expected lines but not before some high-voltage drama in Gujarat and Manipur. Voting was held for 19 seats spread across eight states amid all precautionary measures in view of the COVID-19 pandemic which led to two legislators in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan who were in quarantine turning up in PPE gear. The BJP won three seats in Gujarat and the Congress emerged victorious in one seat. In Madhya Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party won two seats and the Congress bagged one seat while in Rajasthan, it was the other way around with the Congress emerging victorius in two. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha won one seat in Jharkhand so did the BJP while the candidates of the ruling alliances won in Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram. IMAGE: Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha candidate Digvijay Singh being checked by medics as he arrives to cast his vote for Rajya Sabha election at state assembly, during the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown, in Bhopal. Photograph: PTI Photo Social distancing was followed and entry of the legislators were allowed after thermal screening and wearing of masks. As a precautionary measure, the election commission gave individual pen to the legislators for marking their votes. With many MLAs switching sides, the past few months have seen parties indulging in 'resort politics' to keep their flock together. Several MLAs have been lodged in resorts to stop them from "poaching" by rival factions. In Manipur, which is witnessing a political crisis following the resignation of nine members of the ruling coalition, BJP candidate and the state's titular king L Sanajaoba defeated veteran T Mangi Babu of the Congress. Sanajaoba received 28 votes compared to Babu's 24, officials said. The win will be a major boost to the ruling BJP-led coalition in the state which was on a sticky wicket after the rebellion of nine MLAs. Three BJP MLAs of the nine, who have resigned from the primary membership of the party and the post of the legislator, did not cast their votes. Four National People's Party ministers, who had withdrawn their support to the ruling coalition, have, however, exercised their franchise. Lone Trinamool Congress MLA T Robindro Singh, who also pulled out of the N Biren Singh-led dispensation, also did not cast his vote. IMAGE: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot shows victory sign after the result declaration of Rajya Sabha election at the State Assembly during coronavirus lockdown, in Jaipur. Photograph: ANI Photo Three Congress defectors -- Ksh Biren Singh, S Bira Singh, Surchandra Singh -- were not allowed to cast their votes as cases are pending against them. One recently disqualified MLA was also barred from taking part in the voting process. BJP candidates Abhay Bharadwaj, Ramilaben Bara and Narhari Amin along with Congress's Shaktisinh Gohil were declared winners in Gujarat. The counting was delayed due to objections raised by the Congress which demanded that votes cast by two BJP MLAs be invalidated. The Election Commission of India rejected the demand, upholding the report given by the election observer. Former Union minister Bharatsinh Solanki, a second candidate fielded by the Congress, lost. Leader of Opposition Paresh Dhanani said the Congress sought cancellation of votes cast by BJP MLA Kesrisinh Solanki and minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama. The Congress objected to Chudasama casting his vote on the ground that his election was annulled by Gujarat High Court last month. The Supreme Court has stayed that order. As to Solanki's vote, the party claimed that an unauthorised person accompanied him inside the polling booth. In 2017 too, there was high drama that went past midnight during the Rajya Sabha elections in the state when senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel was re-elected after an action-packed vote. BJP president Amit Shah and Union minister Smriti Irani had won the two other seats vacant in the state that time. IMAGE: Independent MLA Jignesh Mevani (right) and Congress leader Jayrajsinh Parmar flash the victory sign during Rajya Sabha elections, in Gandhinagar. Photograph: PTI Photo The ruling Congress in Rajasthan won two out of the three seats which went to polls. While K C Venugopal and Neeraj Dangi were declared elected, BJP's Rajendra Gehlot won comfortably while its second candidate Onkar Singh Lakhawat was defeated. With this, the number of Congress's Rajya Sabha MPs from Rajasthan has increased to 3, out of total 10, and rest 7 seats are held by the BJP. Out of the total 200 legislators, 198 members cast their votes. Two MLAs (Congress's Bhanwar Lal who is also a minister and CPI-M's Girdhari Lal) could not come due to health reasons. AICC spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the party's win was a birthday gift for Rahul Gandhi. Meanwhile, the BJP raised objection on the vote cast by Congress MLA Wajib Ali, who recently returned from Australia, saying he has violated quarantine norms. IMAGE: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren (right) gives a certificate to his father and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Chief Shibu Soren after he won Rajya Sabha Election at Jharkhand assembly, in Ranchi. Photograph: PTI Photo However, he said he has already been tested negative for COVID-19 and cast his vote after wearing a PPE gear. Soon after he cast his vote, a complaint was filed with Jyoti nagar police station demanding action against him under the epidemic diseases act. Police said that the complaint will be probed. However, no FIR was registered. Veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and BJP candidates Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sumer Singh Solanki won from Madhya Pradesh. The Congress's other candidate, Dalit leader Phool Singh Barriya, lost the election. While Singh is returning to the Rajya Sabha for second consecutive term, Scindia, his once arch rival in the Madhya Pradesh Congress who is now with the BJP, is entering the Upper House of Parliament for the first time. Digvijaya Singh bagged 57 votes, Scindia 56 and Solanki 55, a poll official said. A Congress MLA who has contracted coronavirus arrived in an ambulance, wearing Personal Protection Equipment gear. He was the last one to vote. Poll officials said the votes of BJP MLAs Gopilal Jatav and Jugal Kishore Bagdi were cancelled for technical reasons. IMAGE: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy casts his vote for Rajya Sabha Elections, at Legislative Assembly in Amaravathi, Guntur district. Photograph: PTI Photo JMM supremo Shibu Soren and BJP state unit president Deepak Prakash won the two seats in Jharkhand. Congress candidate Shahzada Anwar finished third by bagging 18 votes. This will be Soren's third term as a Rajya Sabha member. Soren, whose JMM now governs Jharkhand, had also served as a Union minister. It will be Prakash's maiden term in the Upper House of Parliament. In Andhra Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose, minister Mopidevi Venkata Ramana, industrialist Parimal Nathwani and realtor Ayodhya Rami Reddy of the YSRC were elected with 38 votes each. The opposition Telugu Desam Party, which had forced the contest despite not having the numbers, lost badly, with its nominee Varla Ramaiah polling only 17 votes against its technical strength of 23 in the assembly. The ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance candidate Wanwei Roy Kharlukhi Friday won the lone seat in Meghalaya defeating Congress candidate Kennedy Cornelius Khyriem by a margin of 20 votes. MDA partner KHNAM's MLA Adelbert Nongrum abstained from voting to express his dissent against the NPP whose Lok Sabha MP Agatha K Sangma had voted in favour of the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Parliament whereas the party in the state opposed it. One vote was found to be invalid. Then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump shows the crowd a Bible at campaign stop in Iowa in 2015. (Nati Harnik / Associated Press) To the editor: We need to stop referring to President Trump's religious supporters as evangelical Christians, because the term describes people who are committed to the belief that Jesus Christ is the savior of mankind, not to a set of conservative political beliefs. ("White evangelicals think Trump is divinely ordained. He'll do almost anything to keep it that way," Opinion, June 14) Call these people what they really are: Christian nationalists, people who believe that religious freedom is the right to impose their beliefs on others. Theirs is a theology based on culture and political belief rather than the other way around, and they need to be tagged with a term that better describes the role they want to play in our country. There are many Christian evangelicals who do not support Trump because he is the antithesis of their religious beliefs. Tim House, Lancaster .. To the editor: Sarah Posner writes that "Trump's evangelical loyalists ... believe he is a divinely anointed president, handpicked by God to rescue America." Where did she get that misinformation? Who, specifically, has said such a thing? When did they do so? How terribly disingenuous for Posner to presume she is representing actual facts by making this statement. Barbara Lewis, Los Angeles .. To the editor: I'm a white evangelical Christian, and Posners piece on conservative evangelicals supporting Trump is despairingly true. I want to emphasize, though, that there is also a strong contingent of left-leaning, anti-Trump evangelicals like me. I worked at the multi-denominational Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena for 15 years, and the most wrenching day for everyone in my department was the day Trump was elected. We were stunned that so many evangelicals voted for him. The second-worst day may have been when Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed by the Senate onto the U.S. Supreme Court. At my Pasadena evangelical church, I would guess that well over 90% of the members dislike Trump intensely. Please don't judge all evangelicals based on the conservative ones. Becky Still, Duarte For those in the Bay Area who have been confined to a bubble-like existence amid the coronavirus pandemic, local beaches can provide an antidote: fresh air, open space and miles of water straight ahead. With this weeks reopenings, most of the Bay Areas top beaches are accessible again. My 10 favorites dont include renowned spots like Stinson, Drakes, Limantour, Ocean, Baker and Half Moon Bay. I prefer out-of-the way sites. They are self-limiting in visitor numbers because they often have small parking lots for staging areas or require a hike. That provides a gateway to a world with few people where playing tag with the waves could be your most serious encounter of the day. Here are my top 10, open right now, even during shelter-in-place. San Francisco Mile Rock Beach: From parking near Lands End, at the lots located at either the end of El Camino Del Mar or Merrie Way, hike the Coastal Trail (toward the Golden Gate Bridge). Shortly past a Y junction, look for a spur route on your left. That spur leads out to Seal Rock Beach, adjoining Mile Rock Beach and to the Lands End Labryinth, perched on the bluff top with a great view of the mouth of the Bay. Mile Rock Beach is just below, a mix of sand and rock, with Lobos Rock, Black Head Rock and Pyramid Rock just offshore. Sutro Baths Beach: From the parking lot at Merrie Way, take the stairs down to the Sutro Baths ruins. Continue to the cement wall on the far side of the pool, and then walk south on the wall, that is, the pool to your left, rocks and then ocean to your right. At the end of the wall, it is a short distance down to a small sand beach. The Cliff House looms nearby to the south, and Seal Rocks are just offshore. Fort Funston to Center Hole: At Fort Funston, the bluff trails rank among most popular anywhere for dog walks, and the staging area near headquarters is the launch point for 50,000 flights a year for hang gliders. Ocean Beach and the crowds are just to the north. You can leave all those people behind. Once on the beach, hike south 3 miles to Center Hole to create your own spot with no people. It was named Center Hole by surfcasters fishing for striped bass, often good in late June and early July at the turns of the tides. Marin Tennessee Valley Beach, Marin Headlands: The parking area and trailhead for Tennessee Valley re-opened this week. This is the launch point for a 2.1-mile hike (one-way) to a gorgeous beach nestled in a cove. The walk starts out paved for 0.8 miles (very popular) to a fork. You continue (turns to gravel), where both forks reconnect in 0.6 miles). The final leg is routed past a small marsh en route to Tennessee Cove, which extends in a sculpted curve south to Tennessee Point. Many rock stacks and outcrops in the tidelands to the south catch the brunt of waves. 4.2-mile round trip. Steep Ravine Beach: The bluff top campground here is best known for the rustic camping cabins that overlook the ocean, one of the most difficult state park camping reservations to snag in the state. Lesser know is that you can hike in on the campers access road to the bluff top, then take short trail north to a gorgeous beach cove. Limited parking guarantees low numbers. Sculptured Beach, Point Reyes: Sculptured Beach features an array of sea stacks, caves and tunnels in the jutting outcrops, along with a view of Drakes Bay. To get there requires a 3.2-mile hike (7-mile round trip, with side trips on beaches). Take the Laguna Trail (starts near near then Hostel) for 1.8 miles. At the junction with the Coast Trail, continue south past Coast Camp for 1.4 miles. Sunset Beach, Point Reyes: Make a day of it with a pretty hike, 7.8-mile round trip, topped by a picnic at Sunset Beach. Start at the Estero Trail, where you hike 1.2 miles to the foot of the Estero at Home Bay, and then continue over the bridge and up the ridge (big-time views of Estero) to a trail junction. Continue ahead on the Sunset Beach Trail, another 1.4 miles, which then descends to Sunset Beach near the mouth of the estero and its entrance to the sea. Spectacular. San Mateo County Mussel Rock, Daly City: For access, a small parking lot is located just north of the Manor area of Pacifica. From here, several routes are available where you work your way down to the beach, just north of Mussel Rock. You can then hike for miles north to Center Hole. At any point, you can set up a beach site at the base of a cliff hollow and feel like you have the world to yourself. 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. Whaleman Harbor, Pillar Point: A small parking lot (and a beach out of view) puts a built-in limit on the numbers of visitors. Arrive early to get a parking spot at the lot, located at the northwest side of the harbor, just below the Pillar Point radar station. Cross the street and take the path that rises up to the bluff tops. Below is a curving white sand beach, nestled just north of Pillar Point Head. A well worn route feeds down to it. Whalers Cove, Pigeon Point: For access, drive just past the two roads for Pigeon Point Lighthouse and look for a turnoff on a dirt road on the right, adjacent to fields of Brussels sprouts. Thats it. The road ends at the bluff tops. A route leads down to a series of small beaches edged by a shallow reef with tidepools. Go at low tide for best access. Small and intimate. Tom Stienstra is The Chronicles outdoor writer. Email: tstienstra@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @StienstraTom. Contacts, info Golden Gate National Recreation Area: San Francisco headquarters, 415-561-4700, www.nps.gov/goga Marin Headlands: Visitor Center, GGNRA, 415-331-1540, www.nps.gov/goga Point Reyes National Seashore: Bear Valley Visitor Center, 415-464-5100, www.nps.gov/pore Mussel Rock Beach Park: City of Daly City, 650-991-8000; www.dalycity.org SHANGHAI and MUNICH, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. ("JinkoSolar") (NYSE: JKS), one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, today responded to the Regional Court of Dusseldorf's recent determination concluding that third-party cell technology contained in certain JinkoSolar modules, no longer in production, infringes a patent held by Hanwha Q CELLS. JinkoSolar believes the Dusseldorf court came to an erroneous conclusion and will appeal the decision. JinkoSolar is also challenging the Hanwha patent's validity at the European Patent Office ("EPO"). Importantly, the scope and impact of the Dusseldorf court's decision is limited to Germany. Additionally, the decision relates to third-party cells included in older versions of JinkoSolar-branded modules which are no longer in production. As such, the decision has no impact on current JinkoSolar customers, and JinkoSolar may continue to import and sell modules that use its own cell technology to customers in Germany. "We respectfully disagree with the recent decision of the Dusseldorf court, which did not take any independent expert evidence and based its decision on one sided allegations," said Kangping Chen, CEO of JinkoSolar. "We continue to believe that Hanwha's claims are without merit and were brought solely to slow down our business momentum. We will pursue all legal avenues to vigorously defend against Hanwha's claims, including contesting the validity of the patent associated with the cell technology in question. Providing JinkoSolar's customers with industry-leading solar modules remains our top priority and we will continue to work tirelessly to achieve that end." About JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) is one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world. JinkoSolar distributes its solar products and sells its solutions and services to a diversified international utility, commercial and residential customer base in China, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Chile, South Africa, India, Mexico, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, and other countries and regions. JinkoSolar has built a vertically integrated solar product value chain, with an integrated annual capacity of 17.5 GW for mono wafers, 10.6 GW for solar cells, and 16 GW for solar modules, as of March 31, 2020. JinkoSolar has over 15,000 employees across its 7 productions facilities globally, 14 overseas subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, United States, Mexico, Brazil, Chile and Australia, and global sales teams in China, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Bulgaria, Greece, Ukraine, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Poland and Argentina. To find out more, please see: www.jinkosolar.com Safe-Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "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, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends, "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release and the Company's operations and business outlook, contain forward-looking statements. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in JinkoSolar's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: Ripple Zhang JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. Tel: +86 21-5183-3105 Email: [email protected] Christian Arnell Christensen Tel: +86-10-5900-2940 Email: [email protected] In the U.S.: Ms. Linda Bergkamp Christensen Tel: +1-480-614-3004 Email: [email protected] SOURCE JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. Related Links http://www.jinkosolar.com In the past few days a travel agency's advertisement of tours to highly perilous mountain paths where hundreds of "human mules" have lost their lives has outraged many Iranians. The controversy over the tours started a few days ago when social media users shared an image of a travel agency's poster in Uraman, Kurdistan Province, in which the smuggling paths used by the porters were advertised as "tourist attractions". To many locals who are themselves among the porters known locally as kolbar who risk their lives on the deadly paths on a daily basis for a meager subsistence, taking tourists to where many of their kin and neighbors have lost their lives is an outrage and disrespect to human life. "When suffering and hardship becomes a tourist attraction," the tweet below says. The porters carry incredibly heavy contraband of cigarettes, spirits, home appliances, computers and other commodities on their backs from Iraqi Kurdistan and merchandise from Iran to Kurdistan. They often fall victim to the harsh terrain and climate on their journey through the death-defying mountain paths, or are shot to death or injured by border guards or walk on land mines remaining from the time of Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). Even the government acknowledges that poverty not greed is the reason for choosing this occupation. In mid-2016, Iranian authorities announced that they would issue special licenses to adult male residents of border areas who worked as porters illegally for years to allow the transport of goods on foot without the risk of being stopped by border guards. The hazardous occupation of transportation of good on foot through mountain paths is oftentimes the only option for villagers mostly Kurdish -- in the deprived western border areas of Iran including the provinces of West Azarbaijan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah and Ilam where unemployment poses a huge problem. Rights activists say border guards shoot at the poverty-stricken porters, many of them teenagers, with no warning and have systematically killed or injured hundreds in the past few years. The tragic deaths of the fourteen-year-old Farhad Khosravi and his seventeen-year-old brother Azad who froze to death on a smuggling path in the Kurdish mountains in December 2019 were widely reflected in Iranian news outlets and social media. At the time Hengaw, a Kurdish human rights organization, said twenty adolescents and children working as porters had been shot by border guards or frozen to death in 2019. After the media criticized the Cultural Heritage Ministry for allowing the pains and poverty of the Kurdish kolbars to be presented as a tourist attraction, on Friday the Tourism Deputy of the Cultural Heritage Ministry said the ministry will not allow travel agencies to turn the paths into tourist attractions and will penalize the agencies. IRB Infrastructure Developers' consolidated net profit dropped 25.8% to Rs 154.32 crore on 18.7% fall in net sales to Rs 1,584.45 crore in Q4 March 2020 over Q4 March 2019. The company reported exceptional gain of Rs 57.38 crore in Q4 March 2020. Consolidated profit before tax (PBT) tanked 36% to Rs 231.05 crore in Q4 March 2020 as against Rs 361.20 crore in Q4 March 2019. Current tax expense slumped 49.6% to Rs 79.79 crore in Q4 March 2020 as against Rs 158.25 crore in Q4 March 2019. EBITDA declined 13% to Rs 705 crore in Q4 FY20 as compared to Rs 811 crore in Q4 FY19. The board recommended a final dividend of Rs 5 per share. The Q4 result was announced after market hours yesterday, 18 June 2020. Operations were impacted by the lockdown during pandemic for a large part of March 2020. The numbers include one month of tolling & O&M (Operations & Maintainence) of the newly bagged Mumbai Pune Expressway concession and exclude one month of contribution from nine assets transferred to IRB Private INVIT. Commenting on the Q4 performance, Virendra D. Mhaiskar, the chairman & managing director (MD) of IRB Infrastructure Developers, has said that: "Except last 15-20 days of March 2020, rest of FY20 brought good developments for us; especially the investment deal with GIC Affiliates, Singapore; getting re-awarded prestigious Mumbai-Pune Expressway project under TOT model and commissioning of Goa-Kundapura NH-17 BOT project to make all our projects revenue generating. Though the ongoing scenario has a dominance of COVID-19 pandemic, we sense gradual normalization of operations, with traffic gaining pace every single day as lockdown is gradually laxed across the country." In a separate announcement, the company informed that its special purpose vehicle (SPV), IRB MP Expressway, has successfully achieved financial closure for its first and India's largest toll-operate-transfer (TOT) project -Mumbai Pune Expressway. As a commitment towards the fee obligations in concession agreement, the company has today made the payment of first tranche of Rs 6,500 crore as upfront sub-concession fee to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. IRB Infrastructure Developers (IRB) is a private roads and highways infrastructure developer in India. Shares of IRB Infrastructure Developers advanced 4.01% to Rs 72.55 on BSE. The stock traded in the range of Rs 70.25 to Rs 74.90 so far. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 1. Tulsa, Okla., is preparing for a convergence of the two crises that have roiled the American public for months. On Saturday, President Trump will hold his first campaign rally since the coronavirus pandemic. Health officials there have expressed deep concern about hosting a gathering in an indoor arena while cases are still on the rise. The Oklahoma Supreme Court rejected a legal bid to stop the event over concerns that it could spread the disease. The rally was originally scheduled for today, June 19, or Juneteenth an observance of the end of slavery in America but was changed after a public outcry. ROME - The migrant search-and-rescue vessel Sea Watch has performed its third rescue in 48 hours after it responded to an SOS from Alarm Phone on Thursday night and picked up 46 people from a wooden boat that was taking on water. There are now 211 shipwrecked people aboard the Sea Watch "who need a safe port immediately" said the German NGO. Meanwhile, the ship Mare Jonio with the organisation Mediterranea Saving Humans is heading towards a boat in distress with 70 people aboard in the Maltese SAR zone. "Thanks to the report by #Moonbird @seawatchcrew, our #MareJonio is heading towards a wooden boat in distress with 70 people on board, currently in the Maltese #SAR 48 miles south of Lampedusa. Authorities of both #Malta and Italy are informed," tweeted Mediterranea. A Bethlehem man awaiting trial on charges he sexually assaulted children is facing new charges from an eighth accuser. Berto Vega-Pabon is awaiting trial in Northampton County Court on charges he sexually assaulted seven children over several years and raped two of them. On Friday, Bethlehem police added aggravated indecent assault of a child, indecent assault of a child, corruption of minors and making terroristic threats charges against the 67-year-old Vega-Pabon. Vega-Pabon was slated to be arraigned in the new case Friday afternoon. Defense attorney James Connell could not be reached for comment about the new charges. The victims in the other cases ranged in age from 7 to 13, and the incidents occurred between 2006 and 2013, according to court records. At the time, Vega-Pabon lived in the 1500 block of Woodbine Street in Bethlehem. He has been held in Northampton County Prison in lieu of $950,000 bail total. The new case alleges Vega-Pabon repeatedly sexually assaulted a girl, starting when she was 5 years old, from 2010 through 2012. He threatened to hurt the girls parents if she told anyone about the abuse, police said. The girl reported the abuse earlier this month to her mother, after learning Vega-Pabon was charged in the other sexual assault cases, according to Bethlehem police. Vega-Pabons trial in the seven cases is scheduled for August. He rejected a plea deal last August, that would have included a 20- to 40-year state prison sentence, according to WFMZ. Police have asked anyone who had unwanted contact with Vega-Pabon to contact Detective Moses Miller at 610-997-7674 or via email at mmiller@bethlehem-pa.gov. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. There is a slight improvement in the condition of Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon but he is still on the ventilator, hospital officials said on Friday. There has been a very minor improvement in the condition of the Madhya Pradesh governor but he is still on the ventilator. His condition continues to be serious but under control, Medanta Hospital Director, Rakesh Kapoor told PTI. A team of specialist doctors is continuously keeping a watch on him, Kapoor said. The director of Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) R K Dhiman, specialist doctors of the King Georges Medical University are being consulted for the treatment of Tandon, Kapoor said. Tandon (85), was admitted to the Medanta Hospital here on June 11 with breathing problems, difficulty in urination and fever. Three more civilians were killed Friday in fresh Turkish air strikes on Iraqi Kurdistan, a local official said. Ouarchine Mayi, a mayor in Dohok province, told AFP the three were killed in autonomous northern Iraq. The latest casualties raised to five the number of people reported killed since Turkey on Wednesday launched a cross-border operation into the mountainous terrain of northern Iraq where the rebel Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has rear bases. Search Keywords: Short link: President Nana Akufo-Addo has told all the parliamentary aspirants, delegates and members of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) that he expects the party to emerge stronger and more united after Saturdays internal polls. In a statement, Mr Akufo-Addo said as the NPP elects the final complement of parliamentary candidates for the December 2020 elections, I wish all our aspirants the very best of luck and I urge all who are involved in the process to ensure that the elections are held in a free, fair and peaceful manner. In particular, let us respect the enhanced hygiene and social distancing protocols the EC has put in place to guarantee our safety, and to prove to all that, in spite of COVID-19, our nation can conduct an electoral process where the sanctity of the ballot of preserved, the President noted. He said on Saturday, there will be no individual winners, neither will there be losers. It is the NPP that must emerge stronger, united and victorious, the President added, noting: We have a collective responsibility to demonstrate to the country, once again, our credentials of being the party with the strongest attachment to the principles of democratic accountability. We dare not fail the Ghanaian people, he charged the party. So, let us join hands in the aftermath of the primaries to advance the principles and ideals of our party, the realisation of which are essential to the freedom, progress and prosperity of the Ghanaian people. We must remember at all times that we are the only party capable of supervising the transformation our economy and nation that all Ghanaians want. One again I wish the party and all the parliamentary aspirants the very best of luck and Gods blessings. May God bless our homeland Ghana and make us great and strong. Saturdays polls will be electoral area-based as part of measures to ensure social distancing protocols. The six-hour polls will start from 7 am and end at 1 pm. Some 374 aspirants (325 males and 51 females) are running for 168 constituencies. However, 67 of them would be acclaimed since they are going solo. ---classfmonline See Full Image Gallery >> In the motorcycle world, Scramblers are all the rage. Rugged-looking street bikes that also perform well off-road. The Triumph Scrambler kicked off the craze in 2006, with its high pipes and knobby tires. It was a modern take on a model it offered in the 1960s, and now many other manufacturers have followed its lead, including Ducati, Indian and BMW. In stark contrast to the gaggles of car-based crossovers roaming our streets, the SUV world also has its fair share of Scramblers. Trucks like the new 2020 Toyota 4Runner Venture Special Edition: rugged looking, full frame 4x4s that perform well both on- and off-road. And like the bikes, theyre all the rage. Jeep Wrangler sales are through the roof. Theres a new Ford Bronco on the way. Finally. And last year Toyota sold more than 130,000 4Runners. Although the 4Runner hasnt received a full redesign since 2010, Toyota does keep investing in its Scrambler, giving it a facelift in 2014, and introducing the TRDPro model a year later. This year, all 4Runners get a mild but meaningful interior update with new gauges and a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen, which replaces a tiny 6.1-inch unit. Theres more tech too. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility are now standard across the line up, along with two USB ports and a suite of active-safety systems including lane-departure warning, automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. With a base price of $45,405, the new 2020 Toyota 4Runner Venture Special Edition brings the SUV's list of variations to eight. Its based on the TRD Off-Road Premium, and it's one of four 4Runner models to get the majority of Toyotas arsenal of off-road hardware, including a locking rear differential, crawl control, Active Traction Control and Multi-Terrain Select, which allows you to tune its 4x4 system for different surfaces like mud, sand and rocks. All 4Runners come with a two-speed transfer case, a live rear axle and a control-arm front suspension. Its chassis is similar to the Tacoma pickups, but the 4Runners rear suspension uses coils instead of leaf springs, which smooth out its ride and allow for more articulation off-road. The 4Runners setup is also very similar to the underpinnings of the Lexus GX 470, which has the same 109.8-inch wheelbase. Story continues What does the Venture get you over the TRD Off-Road Premium, which costs $1,815 less? Honestly, not much. Its gun-metal grey 17-inch wheels are cool. Theyre from the 4Runner TRD Pro, which is still the most off-road capable model, and its the only 4Runner with a standard Yakima MegaWarrior cargo basket on its roof. It came in handy, hauling some of our camping gear and an extra 5-gallon jug of fuel, just in case. Toyota also tosses in a set of all-weather floor mats and blacks out the SUVs badges, mirror caps, door handles and rear spoiler. But if you already own a 4Runner and want the basic look and functionality of the Venture, Toyota offers the wheels over the counter for $1,350, and Yakima sells the same MegaWarrior cargo basket retail for $449. Either way, access to the basket can be a struggle. Standing on the SUVs back tire helps, but its the 4Runners best feature that saves the day. This is one of the few sport utes to still have a power rear window, which is great for when you bring your dog along on the adventure. As we did. More important, when the Toyotas rear glass is retracted, its sill and rear bumper form a makeshift ladder to help get you up on the roof. Just avoid sitting on its sharkfin antenna, it hurts. Our test truck was also fitted with a long list of options, including Toyotas Kinetic Dynamic Suspension system described in detail in our 4Runner Suspension Deep Dive. Its worth the additional $1,750, but stay away from the TRD Pro Exhaust, which drones and doesnt sound very good (sadly, it's standard on the TRD Pro trim level). The extras add up quickly. Our test truck cost $49,727. For about $1,000 more, you can step up to the bragging rights and additional off-roadness of the TRD Pro but will do without KDSS. Thats not to say the 4Runner Venture isnt capable off-road. Its a bit large for tight trails, but handled 100 miles of fire roads, fast washboard washes and steep climbs with ease. Its 9.6 inches of ground clearance proved sufficient, however, its 26 degrees of departure angle means scraping its trailer hitch as you clear some obstacles. Its optional running boards can also touch down, limiting the SUVs breakover angle. If youre planning to do any rock climbing, they should be avoided. We werent expecting much from its Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires. Although theyre the same tires used on the TRD Off-Road Premium, as well as the Jeep Wrangler Overland, their tread isnt very aggressive. But theyre beefy, sized 265/70R17, and dug in just fine. With the Toyotas transfer case in 4L, its rear differential locked and its A-Trac system distributing the power to the wheels with traction, it motored up steep two-tracks with little drama. In 4H, its suspension soaked up a long washboard wash at 40 mph easily, but its structure does shiver over the rougher patches. The 4Runners 4.0-liter double-overhead cam V6 and five-speed automatic transmission arent exactly state of the art. Despite the engines considerable displacement, its 270 horsepower lags behind smaller V6s, including Jeeps 3.6-liter and the 3.5-liter found in other Toyotas. Its torque peak of 278 pound-feet is considerable, but occurs high on the tachometer at 4,400 rpm. Power isnt an issue, but below 3,000 rpm, the V6 isnt a stump-puller, and its 0-60 mph time of less than 8 seconds is about a half second behind the Wrangler's. Widely spaced gears and the transmissions slow response dont help, and the 4Runner can feel lethargic around town if youre not aggressive with the throttle. Its drivability would improve immensely with the six-speed automatic used in the Tacoma and the Lexus GX. Better yet, Toyota should also install the GX's 4.7-liter V8. Why not? The two SUVs are built on the same assembly line in Tahara, Aichi, Japan, and they already get the same dismal gas mileage of 19 mpg on the highway. Which is another issue. Despite its large 23-gallon gas tank, the 4Runners real-world range is too short at about 300 miles. But like a good Scrambler should be, the 4Runner is also quite skilled on the paved road. Its softly sprung suspension has more brake dive than ideal, but its ride is comfortable and its interior is quiet. We thought the Yakima basket would create a bunch of wind noise on the highway, but it doesnt, and the Toyotas interior is pleasant for the long haul. After a 400-mile day of highway cruising and off-road fun, we still had the energy to set up camp and hike up a ridge to watch the sunset. And as the big red fireball lit the sky a rich deep blue from behind the curvature of the Earth, we made fire, cooked meats, gorged, libated and laughed under the stars. This Scrambler lifestyle is pretty good. Related Video: Click here to See Video >> You Might Also Like Samuel L. Holmes Sr. is no stranger to racial discrimination. It is something he has lived with his entire life and fought against since he was 15 years old. Holmes, pastor at Community Temple Church of God in Christ at 710 N. Clay Ave., said protesting can be powerful but doing it peacefully is the correct way whether its 1965 or 2020. Protest is necessary (but) bring peace to the situation, Holmes said. A black man born in Mississippi, Holmes moved to Jacksonville in 1978. You see me here now, sitting back smiling; but inside of me I am angry, I am hot, but I am not mad, yet, he said. In 1965, a then 15-year-old Holmes took part in what is known as the Parchman Ordeal in Natchez, Mississippi, a peaceful protest of black people wanting equal civil rights. It was about the unequal treatment of black people and the demand for change, Holmes said. There were several protests planned and meetings with the mayor and other leaders throughout the year, trying to reach agreements. But talking wasnt working and passions were rising, Holmes said. You can hear the words out of a mouth but they didnt see whats in the heart, he said. We knew our places then. Where to sit, being spit on and being hit. Finally, on Oct. 2, 1965, more than 400 black Americans including Holmes were arrested in Natchez for parading without a permit in protest against immoral discriminatory actions by white people. The police said it was illegal because we were black, he said. We knelt down and prayed (in the street) and we sang songs, Aint going to let nobody turn us around, Holmes said. The police just said, Go back to your church. The protesters were arrested and held for about a week. It was up to them to make bail. They were stripped of their clothes and placed in cells, upwards of 10 people in one cell meant for two. One spirit said, I want to kill, and another spirit said, Thats not the way to do it, Holmes said of the jumble of emotions during that time. Nearly 55 years later, the Black Lives Matter movement continues the fight for racial equality. Dont stop me because of my skin color and dont take the Constitution away from me, Holmes said. Racism is deep in Jacksonville, dont fool yourself. But there are also good white people and bad; there are also good black people and bad ones, too. Holmes concerns reach beyond Jacksonville, though he said he is praying for the entire country. There is unrest in the nation, Holmes said. He and several other pastors have been holding noon prayers for 417 consecutive weekdays and counting, he said. We knew the nation was in trouble then and the nation is still in trouble now, he said of how the prayer time started. It might be at a tipping point, he said. One more shooting of a black man by a white officer is going to equal tit-for-tat, he said. You shoot my dog, I shoot your cat. To kill a man is just bogus; if you can save a life, save a life. Holmes believes the nations troubles are deeper than politics. This is about saving America, Holmes said. Were coming into some real change and were that close to exploding. A bit of unity and prayer could create a good outcome for the country, though, he said, noting that people will learn what is right and wrong. All people should be treated equal, he said. NEW YORK Ahead of the Juneteenth holiday weekends demonstrations against systemic racism and police brutality, more than 4 in 10 Americans say they expect recent protests around the country will bring positive change. A majority say they approve of the protests. Despite headline-making standoffs between law enforcement and protesters in cities nationwide, the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds a majority of Americans think law enforcement officers have generally responded to the protests appropriately. Somewhat fewer say officers used excessive force. The findings follow weeks of peaceful protests and unrest in response to the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died pleading for air on May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer held his knee on Floyds neck for nearly eight minutes. A dramatic change in public opinion on race and policing has followed, with more Americans today than five years ago calling police violence a very serious problem that unequally targets Black Americans. Bill Ardren, a 75-year-old retired resident of Maple Grove, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis, said he supports the protests. He blames protesters and law enforcement equally for why some demonstrations turned into ugly clashes scarred by looting and arson. People finally got fed up because of this last incident, said Ardren, referring to Floyds death, and it spread all over the country. The new poll finds 54% of Americans say they approve of the protests, while 32% disapprove. Another 14% say they hold neither opinion. More think the protests will mostly change the country for the better than bring about negative change, 44% to 21%. A third say they wont make much difference. An Associated Press tally of known arrests through June 4 found more than 10,000 people were arrested at demonstrations in the U.S., many of which defied citywide curfews and some daytime orders to disperse. The count grew by the hundreds each day, as protesters were met with overwhelming shows of force by local officers, state police and National Guard members. Los Angeles had more than a quarter of the nations arrests, according to the APs tally, followed by New York, Dallas and Philadelphia. One of the nations largest demonstrations took place in Philadelphia on June 6, when tens of thousands of people met near the Philadelphia Museum of Art and peacefully marched through Center City. Kipp Gilmore-Clough, a resident of the city and associate pastor at Chestnut Hill United Church, joined that days protest and said that kind of response to police abuse was long overdue. Ive been fairly heartened by the ongoing presence in the streets, because the systemic racism that has generated these protests is longstanding and deeply embedded, said Gilmore-Clough, whos among those who believe the protests will have a positive impact. My hope is that this persistence leads to results, changes of laws, changes of institutions and changes to our patterns that have normalized white supremacy. Seven percent of Americans say theyve participated in a protest in the past few weeks. While Black Americans were significantly more likely to say so than white Americans, the poll found about half of those who said they protested were white. The demonstrations have been noted as remarkably diverse compared with those seen as affiliated with the Black Lives Matter movement that emerged nearly seven years ago. About 8 in 10 Black Americans say they approve of the protests. About half of white Americans approve, while about a third disapprove. Overall, Americans are somewhat more likely to say the protests have been peaceful than violent, 27% vs. 22%, but 51% think theres been a mix of both. White Americans are more likely than Black Americans to call protests violent, 20% to 7%, though 54% of white Americans say there has been a mix. Gilmore-Clough said he was disappointed by law enforcements use of excessive force at the protests. At times, police officers across the country were caught on video indiscriminately swinging batons, firing rubber bullets, deploying tear gas and pepper spray even shoving people to the ground. Officers in many other places joined protesters, including some symbolically kneeling alongside demonstrators. A majority of Americans, 55%, say law enforcement responded to recent protests appropriately, while fewer, 44%, say they used excessive force. And 54% say President Donald Trumps response to the recent unrest he suggested sending the U.S. military into cities where local officials struggled to quell unrest, before later backing off the idea made things worse. Just 12% say Trump made things better, while 33% say his response had no impact. Anne Oredeko, a supervising attorney in the racial justice unit of the Legal Aid Society of New York, one of the nations largest public defender agencies, said the New York Police Departments response to peaceful protests undermined civil rights. Mass arrests also threatened public health during the coronavirus pandemic, making the idea that anyone believes the law enforcement response was appropriate troubling, she said. Theres something deeply bankrupt about our inability to see the value of life, across color and ethnicity, Oredeko said. Theres something missing in this country. If you understand the point that protesters are making, saying that there is a deep distrust of police and a need for systemic reforms, your response shouldnt be to maim them. While 7 in 10 Black Americans said law enforcement officers responded to the protests with excessive force, about half as many white Americans said that. Roughly 6 in 10 white Americans said law enforcement officers responded to protests appropriately. Destiny Merrell, a 20-year-old Black college student from Unadilla, Georgia, said she has not participated in the protests out of fear she could be harmed by police or other demonstrators. We matter, but we dont matter to certain people, she said. ___ Fingerhut reported from Washington. ___ The AP-NORC poll of 1,310 adults was conducted June 11-15 using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 3.7 percentage points. ___ Online: AP-NORC Center: http://www.apnorc.org/. ___ This story has been corrected to show the associate pastors surname is Gilmore-Clough, not Gillmore-Clough. With her tabard and love of good drying weather, the Irish Mammy is a towering institution in pop culture. The Irish Daddy is no slouch either; the ostensible head of the house, it often falls on Dad to dispense good advice, open the wallet and remind his offspring to listen to their mother (results may vary). For the weekend thats in it, with Fathers Day this Sunday, weve taken a trawl through the annals of Irish film and TV to find the good, the bad and the downright cranky Irish dads. 1 Malachy McCourt, Angelas Ashes (played by Robert Carlyle) The alcoholic father is a common trope across Irish literature and memoir, and in the adaptation of Frank McCourts Pulitzer-winning book, Scottish actor Robert Carlyle made the head of the McCourt household a pitiable and heartbreaking figure. Devastated by the death of his infant children, and facing prejudice as a Northern Irish Protestant in Limerick, Malachy turns to the bottle, causing lasting scars on his poverty-stricken family. 2 Giuseppe Conlon, In The Name Of The Father (played by Pete Postlethwaite) Based on the case of Gerry Conlon and the Guildford Four, Jim Sheridans movie focuses primarily on the relationship between Gerry (Daniel Day-Lewis) and his father Giuseppe, both of whom were wrongly jailed for terrorist offences. Theirs was a complex and uneasy bond, but there was no doubting Giuseppes love and dedication to his son. 3 Dessie Curley, The Snapper (played by Colm Meaney) Meaney is the closest thing we have to a national paternal figure, and he is at his most curmudgeonly and Daddy-ish in this 1993 classic. From heading up the Barrytown Wheelies to boning up on his female anatomy ahead of the birth of his first grandchild, Dessie Curley is a man who will fight for the honour of his family (and come home with a nosebleed). 4 Miley Byrne, Glenroe (played by Mick Lally) A Sunday night staple back in the 1980s and 90s, Glenroe could always be relied on for its wholesome(ish) depiction of Irish rural life. At the centre of it all was the quintessential hard-working husband and father, Miley Byrne. In 1997, Miley ended up having a chaste enough hay roll with his wifes cousin Fidelma, and in a way the entire nation felt a bit betrayed. Video of the Day 5 Charlo Spencer, Family (played by Sean McGinley) McGinleys powerful performance as the charismatic, abusive head of the Spencer family gave this BBC drama, directed by Michael Winterbottom and written by Roddy Doyle, serious heft. A typical hustler and thief, Charlo is a great, popular man in the pub who terrorises his wife Paula, son John-Paul and daughter Nicola. An uneasy watch, but an on-screen tour de force nonetheless. 6 Eamon, Bridget & Eamon (played by Bernard OShea) Bridget is definitely the head of the household, but it doesnt stop Eamon from trying to assert his authority as loudly and as often as possible. With an indeterminate number of children (six to eight, we think), Eamon is certainly kept busy with his notions and keeping his wallet tightly closed as often as possible. If you grew up in 1980s Ireland around dads at all, you will recognise the type. 7 Papa Reilly, Into The West (played by Gabriel Byrne) Jim Sheridan returns to the father-child relationship time and time again in his films, and his tale of two young brothers who set off on horseback to find adventure in Ireland is a true charmer. Poor Papa is ravaged by grief for his wife and alcohol, and the gardai, social services and school inspectors are regulars to the door of the familys derelict Ballymun flat. Luckily for all involved, he comes good for his two young boys in the end. 8 Gerry Quinn, Derry Girls (played by Tommy Tiernan) With a father-in-law who finds fault in his every turn, a wife who treats the laundry like a military exercise, and a teenage daughter with a rambunctious clatter of pals, poor Gerry has plenty on his plate. With his mood constantly set to exasperated, Tiernans Gerry is a saint in a sensible jumper. 9 Bryan Mills, Taken (played by Liam Neeson) Forced out of retirement when his teenage daughter goes missing in Paris, Mills becomes an absolute superhero and uses every skill in the book to find her. He embarks on a violent journey and has no qualms in killing any baddie in his path to retrieve his kidnapped daughter. 10 Nidge, Love/Hate (played by Tom Vaughan-Lawlor) Fine, so Nidge was perhaps more interested in drug runs, sleeping with the madam in his brothel and not getting killed by adversaries than being any kind of decent role model to his sons. But (spoiler alert) youd need a heart of stone not to wibble a bit when Nidge notices his young son Warren watching out the window at him as hes about to meet a very violent end. With only 12 retiring members being re-elected in the Rajya Sabha and seven more members with past experience of the Upper House returning for another term, the collective experience of the Members of Rajya Sabha will drop to only 63 terms, a senior official in the research division of RS secretariat said. New Delhi: As many as 43 first timers are set to enter the Upper House accounting for 72 percent of vacancies being filled up, the research division of Rajya Sabha has found. With only 12 retiring members being re-elected and seven more members with past experience of the Upper House returning for another term, the collective experience of the Members of Rajya Sabha will drop to only 63 terms, a senior official in the research division of RS secretariat said. Against 61 vacancies in 20 states, 42 were already elected unopposed including 28 first timers. Of the remaining 19 vacancies for which results will be declared on Friday, 15 first timers are likely to enter the Rajya Sabha. While 61 retiring members have a total experience of 95 terms ranging from one to four terms in Rajya Sabha, the winners come with a total composite experience of only 32 terms, resulting in a decline in total experience of 63 terms, the official said. Prominent leaders to enter Rajya Sabha for the first time include Jyotiraditya Scindia, Mallikarjun Kharge, M Thambidurai (former Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha), KC Venugopal and KR Suresh Reddy (Former speaker of legislative assembly of composite Andhra Pradesh state). The 12 sitting members being re-elected are: Bhubaneswar Kalita (for 5th term), Premchand Gupta (5th term), Tiruchi Shiva (4th term), K Keshava Rao, Biswajit Daimary and Parimal Nathwani (all for 3rd term), Sharad Pawar, Ramdas Athawale, Harivansh, Digvijay Singh, KTS Tulsi and Ramnad Thakur (all for second term), the sources said. Six members entering Rajya Sabha having been earlier members of the Upper House include GK Vasan, Dinesh Trivedi and Nabam Rabia (all for 3rd term), Deve Gowda, Shibu Soren and Omkar Singh Lakhawat (expected to win from Rajasthan), both for 2nd term, the sources add. State-wise, the four members who retired from Karnataka had a total experience of nine terms in Rajya Sabha while the new incumbents have a total experience of only one term in the election of Deve Gowda with the other three being first timers. In the case of Maharashtra, while seven members with a collective experience of 10 terms retired, the new incumbents account for an experience of only two terms with the re-election of Sharad Pawar and Ramdas Athawale. The drop in the total experience in respect of four vacancies in Andhra Pradesh is six terms followed by five terms in respect of six vacancies in Tamil Nadu, four terms in case of four vacancies in Gujarat and four terms in Odisha with all the four new members being first timers. For the 19 vacancies in Rajya Sabha for which results are to be announced Friday, there are 28 candidates in the fray of which 24 were never members of Rajya Sabha, the sources say. Friday's contest is between such freshers in Gujarat, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram. Given the composition in AP Legislative Assembly, Shri Parimal Nathwani, backed by YSRCP is expected to win along with three other party candidates, the sources add. " " To this day, nobody knows for sure how Black men and women were killed during the Tulsa Race Massacre. For decades the city of Tulsa refused to even acknowledge what happened. Library of Congress/HowStuffWorks In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a group of scientists and historians is on the verge of unearthing a chunk of the city's past that long has been buried, and one that some people may prefer to keep that way: the worst incident of interracial violence in American history. Beginning May 31, 1921, thousands of armed white Tulsans invaded the Black section of the booming oil town, terrorizing its residents, looting their homes and businesses, and burning to the ground some 35 square blocks of the city. Before the rampage was over, more than 10,000 Black people were left homeless and more than 6,000 were interned in camps where they'd stay, in some cases, for months. "To this day, we don't know how many died," explains Scott Ellsworth, a native Tulsan and a professor of African American history at the University of Michigan. Ellsworth is the author of the 1982 book "Death in a Promised Land," one of the first books to take a comprehensive, historical look at the Tulsa Race Massacre previously called the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921. We spoke to him in June 2020. "Reasonable estimates range from, I would say 40, to as high as 300." In October 2020, scientists found a mass grave with about 11 coffins during four days of digging at the city-owned Oakland Cemetary. A full excavation is expected to begin on June 1, around the 100th anniversary of the massacre. " " Part of the Greenwood District is seen here after it was burned and looted by armed white men in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Universal History Archive/Universal History Archive/Getty Images Advertisement A History of the Tulsa Race Massacre The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 did not, in a word often used to describe such events, "erupt." The city, probably more accurately, simply reached what now seems an inevitable breaking point. In early 1921, Tulsa was awash with cash from the oil boom. The good times reached into the north section of the city, dominated by African Americans. That area later to be known as "the Black Wall Street" contained 191 businesses, including hotels, a feed store, a roller rink, cleaners, mom and pop stores, and restaurants, plus offices for doctors, dentists and lawyers. The area had at least five churches, too, a library, a movie theater and hospital. Like the rest of the city at the time, the Black area also known as Greenwood had its problems. Alcohol, even under Prohibition, was readily available. Illegal drugs were easy to find, too, as were gambling and prostitution. The city as a whole not just Greenwood struggled with crime and punishment. Less than a year before, an angry mob had lynched a man. Maybe the biggest problem, though, was one that still plagues many parts of the United States. Though in 1921, thousands of Black Americans had just returned from fighting World War I, racial violence against Blacks was commonplace. Segregation, strictly against the law, still was a fact of life. Racial equality remained nothing more than a dream for African Americans. And many white Americans wanted to keep it that way. "During the weeks and months leading up to the riot, there were more than a few white Tulsans who not only feared that the color line was in danger of being slowly erased," Ellsworth wrote in a 2001 report on the then-called "riot," commissioned by the state of Oklahoma, "but believed that this was already happening." Advertisement How the Fuse Was Lit Into that explosive milieu, a Black teenaged boy working as a shoe-shiner had a brief run-in with a white teenaged girl operating an elevator. The fuse was lit. The boy was taken into custody. A group of more than 2,000 angry whites some intent on lynching him (possibly prompted by an editorial in a white newspaper) gathered on the courthouse steps, some armed Black war veterans and others squared off with them there, and soon shots were fired. Whites all over the city began their march on the Greenwood area to tamp down what many whites saw as a "Negro uprising." "There's a story of a Black couple, elderly, living on the edge of town, whites broke into their room, and the man and woman were praying, kneeling before their bed, saying their evening prayers," Ellsworth recounts, "and the whites came in and murdered them both, shooting them in the back of their heads." The terror went on for 18 hours, into June 1, the atrocities too numerous to list. Despite their sworn duty to serve and protect, Tulsa police (and no government agency) assisted at all. In fact, Tulsa police officers helped set some fires and an all-white unit of the National Guard joined the white invaders. Other public officials provided guns and ammo to white men. The KKK got involved. A semi-functioning machine gun was used on Black Tulsans. Airplanes dropped "turpentine balls," destroying more buildings. Despite being largely outnumbered, Black Tulsans fought to protect their homes and businesses and most of all Greenwood. But in the end, scores of Blacks and even some whites were killed, and Greenwood was left in ruins. The exact numbers of injured and dead, even after what's to be uncovered in three suspected mass graves, may never be known. It's still unclear, looking back, exactly what happened between Dick Rowland, the Black boy, and Sarah Page, the white elevator operator, to spark the massacre. This though, is known: She refused to bring charges. Rowland was vindicated. " " The Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was burned to the ground in 1921 during what's become known as the Tulsa Race Massacre. Library of Congress/HowStuffWorks Advertisement Facing a Troubled Past For years, Tulsa refused to acknowledge in any meaningful way what happened in 1921. Nobody has ever been charged or prosecuted for the crimes that occurred during those 18 or so hours. Even those who grew up there Ellsworth included were not taught that part of the city's history. The Tulsa Race Massacre became a terrible, closely held secret. That began to change with some earlier work and Ellsworth's "Death in a Promised Land." In 1995, when members of the national media descended on Oklahoma City after the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, they were informed of another, more terrible episode of domestic terrorism in the state's history. More news accounts and more books on the massacre followed, and in 2019, the HBO comic book superhero series Watchmen, inspired in part by Tulsa 1921, enlightened many more to the story. Ellsworth has a new book out that centers on Tulsa's decadeslong cover-up of the event, titled "The Groundbreaking: An American City and Its Search for Justice." It was released in May 2021. Tulsa's failed efforts to come to grips with its deadly past clearly has left scars of its own. "The city was robbed of its honesty. You have entire generations growing up in Tulsa who have never heard of this. You have people growing up with a false reality, a false vision, of the land they were on," he says. "I mean, imagine if, today, right now, that you had young people growing up in Manhattan who have never heard of 9/11, that there were no books to talk about 9/11, that it's as if it didn't exist. The race massacre was a gigantic myth in the history of Tulsa. It was deliberately buried for a long time." The full excavation will mark another step in the long road to understanding and, perhaps one day, recovery. "I know that this has been a process that has been going on for a while now. It's caused people to kind of reevaluate how they look at the past, how they look at their town and what's going on," Ellsworth says. "I think that's been a liberating process for some people. It's been a very difficult one for others." HowStuffWorks earns a small affiliate commission when you purchase through links on our site. NOW THAT'S INTERESTING For years, whenever the events of Memorial Day 1921 in Tulsa were mentioned, it was called the Tulsa Race Riot. "What people in the community and historians are trying to raise up is what happened in Tulsa is a deliberate, coordinated, systematic assault on a community that resulted in that community being completely destroyed. That is not a race riot," Karlos Hill, the chair of the African American studies department at the University of Oklahoma, told the Tulsa World in 2018. "This was a massacre. Referring to it as a race riot is a euphemism." Advertisement Originally Published: Jun 19, 2020 MIDDLETOWN Wesleyan University President Michael S. Roth has informed the campus community that, given the current public health trajectory in Connecticut, he hopes to welcome most students, faculty and staff back campus in safe conditions in the fall. A contingency planning work group is proposing that 2020 fall semester classes begin on campus Aug. 31, one week earlier than initially scheduled, with the possibility of finishing online after Thanksgiving, according to a press release. As Bollywood is slowly preparing to return to sets in a post Covid-19 world, actor Ajay Devgn is eager to report to the set of Bhuj: The Pride of India. The Abhishek Dudhaiya-directed war drama sees him in the dual role of leading man, and action director for some scenes. In the previous schedule that was conducted only a few days before the lockdown was announced, Ajay choreographed two elaborate fight sequences featuring Sanjay Dutt and him, after South stunt coordinator Peter Hein was unavailable, reported Mid-Day. Set during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, the ensemble drama has Ajay playing the role of Indian Air Force (IAF) squadron leader Vijay Karnik, who reconstructed the IAF airbase in Bhuj with the help of 300 local women. A source close to the film revealed, "The sequences come at a crucial juncture in the narrative. In the first set-piece, Ajay is seen attempting hand-to-hand combat as he fights the spies sent by the Pakistani army. The other segment, an outdoor shoot, has Sanjay Dutt and Sharad Kelkar take on the baddies. "While Peter Hein has handled the remaining action scenes, he was not available in mid-March when these pieces were to be shot. Since producers had booked the Powai studio and got the combination dates of the concerned actors,they requested Ajay to take charge. Anyone who has worked with the actor has noticed his expertise in mounting a high-octane fight scene, like father Veeru Devgan." The team has about a week's shoot left, including a two-day stint with Ajay. The film's spokesperson confirmed the news, stating, "It is true that Ajay designed the action sequence for the movie." Follow @News18Movies for more Ibiza nightclubs are set to be banned from reopening this summer in order to prevent a second coronavirus wave. It is understood the Balearic Government will bring in a law on Friday banning major clubs from reopening whilst imposing several restrictions and curfews on some of the islands' most popular nightlife venues. Some Ibiza clubs have even given up hope of trying to attract business, including Hi Ibiza and Ushuaia which are popular with Britons. Clubs in Ibiza (pictured) and other popular destinations such as Magaluf are set to remain closed over the summer, Balearics Government are According to the Telegraph, the Balearics authorities will ban nightclubs from reopening in popular venues such as Magaluf in Majorca, whilst enforcing a 300 person capacity on some venues, which will have to close at 2am. Clubs and other late-night music bars have remained closed in areas such as Ibiza and Majorca despite an easing of the coronavirus restrictions in Spain. The Balearic Islands' government vetoed the re-opening of discos and late-night bars when the region moved onto phase three of a four-stage coronavirus recovery programme at the start of last week. The Balearic Government are going to bring in a law on Friday which would ban the reopening of some nightclubs in destinations that are popular with Britons Regional tourism chief Iago Negueruela revealed that the option of reopening nightclubs in these popular destinations was too big a risk to take He said: 'A new coronavirus outbreak would kill the holiday season and we're not going to take any risks.' Options such as the mandatory wearing of facemasks in nightclubs and allowing people to enter bars but putting a ban on dancing have been discussed as options amongst authorities. Werner Herzog arrives at the premiere of Disney+'s "The Mandalorian" on November 13, 2019. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/WireImage) Legendary director and actor Werner Herzog has revealed that his iconic German accent is in some ways a stage voice. The 77-year-old star told The Guardian that, after a career spanning more than 50 years, he has found a voice the audience understands and likes. Over the years, a fandom has sprung up around Herzogs distinctive accent, which makes his documentary film narration so memorable. Read more: Herzog did The Mandalorian to fund new film Herzog had been asked whether he feels like hes playing a part in movies now that his cult popularity has grown in the online age. He added: My voice in documentaries is in some ways a stage voice Ive found a voice the audience understands and likes. Werner Herzog in the first season of 'The Mandalorian'. (Credit: Disney+) I also live the life of 20 or 30 different Herzogs out there on the internet. There are a lot of impostors. Voice imitators. If you find me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter its a forgery, an invented persona. Some are hilarious, some are silly, some are mediocre. Read more: BAFTA-winning documentary maker joins NHS during pandemic Herzog is currently promoting his new fiction feature as director Japanese language drama Family Romance, LLC. The movie uses non-professional actors to tell its story of an agency which provides actors to impersonate people, including the missing father of a 12-year-old girl. Werner Herzog at the photo call for the film 'Family Romance, LLC' at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2019. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP) Herzog has popped up in numerous acting roles in recent years, delivering villainous turns in Jack Reacher and as The Client in the first season of The Mandalorian. He has also lent his famous voice to three episodes of The Simpsons, playing pharmaceutical company employee Walter Hottenhoffer twice and Dr Lund owner of the Screen Addiction Rehab Center in the 2020 episode Screentest. Read more: What to expect from The Mandalorian S2 Herzog remains most famous for his documentary movies, including Grizzly Man and Cave of Forgotten Dreams. His fiction work behind the camera includes the epic 1970s historical drama Aguirre, the Wrath of God and the remake of Nosferatu the Vampyre. Family Romance, LLC is due to be released on 3 July. Click here to read the full article. PARIS Louis Vuitton is opening its first stand-alone mens store in Tokyo. Originally scheduled to coincide with the Summer Olympic Games in the Japanese capital, the opening comes as the countrys economy is reopening cautiously against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic. In line with the ongoing social distancing restrictions, the store in the Miyashita Park mall will open on July 6 by appointment only. Advance booking online will be required until July 27. The development in the Shibuya district will feature around 90 stores, including Gucci, Balenciaga and Prada boutiques. Miyashita Park was due to open on June 18, but that date has reportedly been pushed back to late July. The Vuitton store will offer ready-to-wear, leather goods, shoes, accessories, sunglasses, fragrances, travel and fine jewelry. To celebrate the opening, the facade of the two-story boutique has been customized to mark the collaboration between Louis Vuitton mens artistic director Virgil Abloh and Japanese designer Nigo, creator of the clothing lines A Bathing Ape (Bape) and Human Made. The first part of the LV2 collection is scheduled to go on sale worldwide on June 26, with a second drop planned for Aug. 28. Visitors will be greeted by a 10-foot tall LV Made duck, a reinterpretation of the Human Made emblem that will be available as a collectors item, on a coin purse or attached to the handles of a bag. Other limited-edition items available at the store include a monogrammedmink hoodie. Vuitton has a close relationship with Japan, which was among the first markets to have access to Ablohs designs for the brand when they launched last year. A pop-up in Tokyo that opened in January 2019 raked in 30 percent more in the first 48 hours than Vuittons collaborative collection with Supreme in 2018, Vuitton chief executive officer Michael Burke told WWD at the time. Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. A dispute over mining rights in the Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has seen one of Chinas biggest mining companies accelerate a spending spree that has left it saddled with debt, and facing a potential downgrade by the three major ratings firms. Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd. has splashed more than $1.3 billion on projects at home and abroad since April 24, when the PNG government surprised it and its Canadian joint-venture partner Barrick Gold Corp. by refusing to renew the lease on their mine in Porgera, in the countrys northwest. PNG cited environmental and social issues that independent experts have backed, and the nation appears to have been within its rights, given the lease expired last year. But the move has been linked to changing political winds in the country, and drawn an angry response from the operators who had expected the lease to be renewed, with Barrick describing it as tantamount to nationalisation. Meanwhile Zijins president Chen Jinghe raised the specter of geopolitical strife in a letter to the leader of PNG that asked him to consider the impact that a collapse in talks could have on the countrys relations with China. The PNG government has been no less assertive, with Prime Minister James Marape responding to criticism in a Facebook post telling his people to return to the forestry and fishery industries of their forefathers, and threatening to take over the mine. Zijin and Barricks joint venture, Barrick Niugini Ltd. (BNL), ceased operation on April 25, leaving the company losing some $1.7 million per day, according to Barrick. The Canadian gold giant said the venture would exhaust its legal options, and a local court will rule on July 20 whether the government followed due process. In the meantime, all parties are at loggerheads. With PNG politics taking what some see as a nationalistic turn, the Marape government may be unwilling or unable to walk back its attempted takeover of the profitable mine, despite lacking the know-how to run it. Meanwhile the multinationals involved will be unlikely to forego their interests out of fear that similar situations could occur elsewhere, further denting their profits. The history of the mine For Zijin, which only bought into the mine five years ago, its a big hit. The Porgera mine, located in the northern PNG highlands, is one of the worlds 10 largest gold mines, with a probable reserve of 2.3 million ounces, according to Barrick. In 1990, the PNG government began to allow Canadian miner Placer Dome Inc. to develop and operate the mine under a 30-year Special Mining Lease with a 75% stake. The rights were transferred to Barrick in 2006 when it acquired Placer Dome for $10.4 billion, and it ended up with a 95% share after buying another 20% from shareholder Emperor Mines the next year. But a 2015 shock to gold prices forced Barrick to sell half of its stake to ease its financial burden. Enter Chinese miner Zijin, which shelled out nearly $300 million for a 47.5% stake. The Chinese operator became Barricks joint venture partner, but it only engages in some management and design, with Barrick handling most business operations. At the time of purchase, there were just four years left on the lease to dig out the precious metal. BNL applied for a 20-year extension to its Porgera lease in July 2017, two years before it was set to expire. The local government didnt respond until this April, and the answer was no. Soaring gold prices The rejection came as gold prices soared to highs not seen since 2012 amid the economic and political turbulence brought to the world by Covid-19. An ounce of gold was fetching more than $1,700 this month, up from some $1,500 at the beginning of the year, as people around the world rushed to stock up. The commodity is considered a safe haven against asset depreciation during volatile economic periods. In financial terms, that made the suspension of Porgera hurt even more, both to the operator and to the PNG government, even though it only owns 5% of the project. Barrack has warned that employment could be hurt. BNL would have to lay off about 3,600 employees and some 1,500 contractors, who the company said paid about $58 million in tax last year, while the company itself paid $62 million. The project also supplies about 1.5 megawatts of power to the local community, BNL said. It also spews chemical waste into local water supplies, according to a 2019 report from Columbia Law School that documented a host of social, environmental and rights concerns associated with the mine. The provincial government and landowners are predicted to see a loss of $52,000 per day, while the national government will suffer a greater loss of $670,000 each day in direct taxes from Porgera. Neither side backing down Complex interests underpin the decision not to renew the mining lease. When he was sworn in as PNGs eighth prime minister in May 2019, James Marape said he wanted Papua New Guinea, ranked 109 in the world for GDP, to be the richest black Christian nation in the world. Wresting a bigger slice of the Porgera mines profit may be part of the picture. The mining business has made up about 3.8% of the countrys GDP since Porgera began operating, the company that runs it says. Over the past three decades, it paid a total of $1.17 billion in direct taxes to the national government and $190 million in royalties to landowners and the provincial government. Last year it accounted for 10% of the countrys exports in terms of turnover. In a Facebook post on April 27 addressed to all PNG miners, Marape said PNG was a robust democracy that honors all agreements to the text and spirit, congruent to our mining act. But he said Pogera was a special case because its lease had expired last year. I have my countrys 8 million shareholders ... to look after, he said, citing the environmental impact of the mine. He said he would ask Barrick to continue operating Porgera until mutual obligations are retired. If you sabotage or close the mine, he warned, you leave me no choice but to invoke orders to take over the mine for the sake of land owners and provincial government who should be getting bigger equities, plus the employees and contractors who are presently working with the mine. Dont fight me, he said. I am in my country and I lose nothing. Then he had a message for his people. Go back till your land in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, thats where our ancestors lived and ruled and our future continues to remain. While some view the comments skeptically as part of a play for a larger stake of the mine, the motives are unclear to all but Marape and his circle. Whats certain is that Barrick and Zijin, which mined 21.6% of its total gold production at Porgera last year, will continue to argue they have been denied due process. Its about how the two parties find a balance in splitting their interests, said Zheng Youcheng, secretary of Zijins board of directors. BNL will pursue all legal avenues to challenge the Governments decision and to recover any damages that BNL may suffer as a result of the Governments decision, it said in a statement on April 24, adding that it had no interest in discussing transitional arrangements for the management of the mine, as proposed by the Government, as this was not consistent with BNLs rights. Analysts said the companies would be unwilling to retreat out of concern other nations will adopt the same approach, taking back mining operations that they have poured in enormous capital to develop. Barrick was in a dispute with Tanzania back in 2017, when Acacia Mining PLC, a company Barrick owned a 64% stake in, received a $190 billion tax bill from the local government citing legal breaches and understated gold exports. The Canadian company ended up buying up the remaining stake and sharing its economic benefits from mines with the local government on a 50-50 basis in order to settle the dispute. Similar claims emerged in the latest clash between Barrick and PNG. In a June 5 statement, the Mineral Resources Authority of PNG accused BNL of planning to illegally export gold and silver worth $13 million, and said it would take it to criminal proceedings against the joint venture. BNL denied the claims and said it was unfortunate that the authority took this step right after a PNG court agreed to hear claims that the government had not followed due process in denying its application for a lease extension. Replenishing the vault In a sign it may lack the fighting spirit of its joint venture partner, Zijin seems pessimistic about the future prospects of Porgera. It has picked up the pace to acquire more gold mines at home and abroad to minimize the impact that losing the mine would have on its gold production this year. Since its operations at Porgera were suspended, Zijin has announced a string of acquisitions and production expansion projects. It kicked off the 1 billion yuan ($141 million) Longnan Zijin mining and processing project at the Liba Gold Mine with a capacity of 10,000 tons per day It also pledged to invest $382 million in upgrading infrastructure in its Norton Gold Fields in Western Australia. The Chinese miner plans to acquire Guyana Goldfields Inc., which owns the Aurora gold mine in the South American nation of Guyana, for $238 million in cash. That would add 69.7 tons of proven and probable gold to the miners assets. And it further shelled out $550 million for a 50.1% share in Tibet Julong Copper Co. Ltd., which has copper deposits with combined volume of 7.95 million tons. But the expansion plan carries significant debt risks for Zijin, as Tibet Julongs debt-to-asset ratio surged last year to a perilous 83.2%. The aggressive shopping spree has caused the company to rapidly accumulate debt, triggering all three major rating firms Moodys, S&P and Fitch, to downgrade their outlook for Zijin on concerns about the company's acquisition strategy and future performance in the short term. Fitch assesses that Zijin's appetite for resource expansion and aggressive acquisition strategy have led to unpredictable changes in the companys business profile and volatile financial metrics in the near term, the ratings firms said in a report published Tuesday. Contact reporter Lu Yutong (yutonglu@caixin.com) and editor Flynn Murphy (flynnmurphy@caixin.com) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Norman Harsono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 17:55 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40660207b3 1 Business Jokowi,mining,mining-law-revision,house-of-representatives Free President Joko Jokowi Widodo has signed the new Coal and Mineral Mining Law, which is meant to expand Indonesias mining industry but is marred with controversy over its socioenvironmental impacts and lack of procedural transparency. According to a copy obtained by The Jakarta Post, Jokowi signed Law No. 3/2020 on June 10, a month after the House of Representatives (DPR) approved the bill on May 12. Presidential expert staff member Dini Shanti Purwono has confirmed the Presidents signing. The Mining Law is hoped to balance out legal certainty, business certainty and corporate compliance, Dini told the Post on Thursday. In particular, companies were expected to comply with laws related to the environment and obligations to the state, she added. As the country grapples with the COVID-19 crisis, lawmakers went ahead to approve the controversial revision of the 2009 Coal and Mineral Mining Law, despite outcry from civil society organizations. Notable revisions include quadrupling the maximum size of traditional mining zones to 100 hectares and allowing mining activities in rivers and the sea. Meanwhile, the revision cuts red tape for miners by centralizing permit issuance at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry instead of keeping governors and regents in charge. Activists have lambasted the DPR for not giving many stakeholders, including civil society groups, foreign investors and regents, time to scrutinize the bill. Eight civil society organizations, including Greenpeace and the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi), have mobilized grassroots support for challenging the new Mining Law through a judicial review. Deliberations in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic left no room for public participation and information, Edo Rakhman of Walhi Indonesia said on May 12. What the House did was like burglary in the middle of a fire. The NYPD hasnt earned much love these past few weeks. But even so, police unions recent claims that a Shake Shack employee deliberately spiked officers milkshakes with bleach seemed like a stretch and was quickly disproved by the NYPDs own investigators. The real explanation may just be that the fast food workers hadnt properly cleaned the machine used to make the shakes. This isnt the first time accusations against criminal suspects or anti-police brutality protesters have been published without sufficient fact-checking or scrutiny, leading to media outlets sharing false information. Some of the worst examples have happened on a national level, with Fox News sharing digitally altered and misleading images to criticize protests. Locally, Foxs sister newspaper, the New York Post, routinely shares police narratives. Often these are with anonymous sourcing, zero additional verification and in contradiction of facts that are later reported by the Post itself sometimes later in the very same story. Here are some the Posts recent pro-police propaganda some call it copaganda articles. The Rolex looting that never happened Looters swipe $2.4M worth of watches from SoHo Rolex store: police sources, blared the Posts article on June 1. But that claim was contradicted by the article, which cites the stores spokesman as saying no watches had been stolen, as none were even on display. There isnt even a Rolex store at that location but another watch store that is authorized to sell Rolexes. The Posts story has since been updated though no note has been added to reflect the changes but describes the discrepancy between anonymous police sources and the store itself as conflicting reports. Concrete ice cream Police officers sounded the alarm: protesters may be stocking up on containers of concrete disguised as chocolate chip ice cream. But photos of those containers publicized by the Post are actually just coffee cups used by construction workers to test the composition of the concrete mix. The Post didnt acknowledge that fact until halfway through the article, as well as the fact that there were no reports that theyve been used as weapons by protesters. Strategically placed bricks Claims of concrete disguised as ice cream arent the only construction-related accusations police have lobbed at protesters. NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea tweeted a video featuring boxes piled on a street corner, captioned, This is what our cops are up against: Organized looters, strategically placing caches of bricks & rocks at locations throughout NYC. But City Councilman Mark Treyger, who represents the area, said there hadn't been any looting in the area and the likelier explanation is that it is debris left over from a nearby construction site. Though the Posts recounting of the story includes the councilmans assertion in the lede, both the headline and the first half of the article largely propagate Sheas claims. Essential or not essential Essential workers were meant to be exempt from curfews imposed earlier this month to curtail protests against systemic racism and police brutality. But in practice, that hasnt been the case. The NYPD shot back in the case of one viral video of a delivery worker getting arrested arguing he wasnt on the job when police detained him. But the app company he worked for confirmed hed actually been actively making deliveries that evening. Not that he didnt make that clear when he yelled at the arresting officers: It tells me on the app that I can show you guys something. It tells me that I can show you guys, you cant arrest me. Though the Post published a follow-up article with the correct account, the original falsely asserting police claims remains online. Omissions in the Barbot mask fiasco The Post sparked a major controversy with an article asserting that New York Citys health commissioner told a high-ranking NYPD officer, I dont give two rats asses about your cops, when the police asked for masks at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. But reporting from other outlets highlight some major omissions in the story. The conflict was triggered when a group of cops showed up without warning at an out-of-state warehouse filled with coveted N-95 masks set aside for healthcare workers and the exchange was reportedly heated on both sides, according to the Daily News. This was in the middle of March, when coronavirus cases were spiking and doctors and nurses were increasingly in need of protective equipment. Though Commissioner Oxiris Barbots comments certainly were undiplomatic, the additional details not included in the Posts accounting dont paint the police as totally innocent in the exchange. Boogeyman bail reform The Post led the charge in running articles critical of New Yorks bail reform law, implemented at the start of this year. The now-amended law no longer allowed judges to set bail for many misdemeanor charges and nonviolent crimes. Headline after headline in the Post showed how people managing to avoid jail because of the new bail law would go on to reoffend. The publication also shared an argument from the NYPD that the law caused an uptick in crimes without acknowledging concerns that there hadnt been sufficient time to evaluate the laws impact. But one egregious case also propagated by the Daily News shows how that narrative can be inappropriately distorted by police sources. Both papers wrote that a man set free under the bail law went on to attempt to sexually assault a woman despite the fact that he hadnt even been charged with a crime related to the attempted sexual assault. As of February, that case was still being investigated. He was released from jail last December after being held on robbery charges, and when he was re-arrested this year, it was in connection to theft. King Elmer, one of the largest American elm trees in New England, sits on Summer Street near the intersection with Route 7. Ron Yaple and Michael Schmidt of Race Mountain Tree Services measure the circumference of King Elmer. Sixty-six infusion sites were drilled into the base of King Elmer to deliver a fungicide to ward off Dutch elm disease. Michael Schmidt, left, and Ron Yaple prepare the fungicide for infusion. PreviousNext Lanesborough's 'King Elmer' Inoculated Against Dutch Elm Disease Michael Schmidt and Ron Yaple, foreground, install injection tees at the base of King Elmer. LANESBOROUGH, Mass. The king may have been dethroned, but the local tree committee is making sure he doesn't lose his crown. "King Elmer," the American elm tree that towers above Summer Street near the junction with Route 7, once held the title for the largest such specimen in the commonwealth. It since has been supplanted by a slightly larger tree in Old Deerfield Village, but with a height of 110 feet and an average crown measuring just more than 99 feet across, the tree named by Lanesborough Elementary School pupils in 2010 remains a regal presence. Like elm trees across North America, Elmer's biggest threat is Dutch elm disease, which decimated the elm population in the United States after it was first identified in the country in 1928. On Thursday, Ron Yaple and Michael Schmidt of Sheffield's Race Mountain Tree Services were in town to inoculate King Elmer against the dread disease. Under the watchful eyes of members of the Lanesborough Tree and Forest Committee, which hired Race Mountain to do the work, the pair drilled 66 1-inch holes into the elm's base, plugged them with injection tees linked by tubing and slowly infused 77 gallons of water mixed with the fungicide to prevent regicide. The historic tree already has fought off one bout with Dutch elm disease. That required both "surgery" and injections; Thursday's treatment was to help prevent a recurrence "It had been infected," Yaple said of Elmer. "Another tree company excised the diseased significant branch, which you must do when you find infection. "You have to excise back 10 feet from the point of vascular discoloration. Because it's a vascular disease, it readily spreads through the tree's vascular system and causes vessels to plug. That's the mechanism for the death of the tree." The mechanism for spreading the disease is the elm bark beetle, which had a field day in America back in the middle of the 20th century. According to a 1989 New York Times article, of an estimated 77 million elm trees in North America in 1930, more than 75 percent were lost by 1989. That said, there are enough other elm trees in Elmer's domain to make the beetles a viable threat. "For example, in my back yard, I have a 65-foot American elm that, about three years ago, it up and died in one season," said Jim Neureuther, the chair of the town committee. "And right now, if you go down to Laston Park ... there's an elm tree growing that's probably 50 foot tall. And right across the street on Route 7 from Laston Park is another elm tree. I know of another big elm tree that's down off of Stormview Road, about a quarter mile south of here. "They're still around." Race Mountain's Yaple said he probably treats about 20 elm trees each year. The trees generally are treated on a three-year cycle. "Most are private, some public, some along the Route 7 corridor, some in streetscapes in various towns," he said. "Some are adopted by people. Very commonly, elm are adopted, and the process of injection is paid for by an individual who donates the fee." In the case of King Elmer, Neureuther's committee has since 2004 implemented a maintenance program for the tree, which is believed to date back to around the time of the town's incorporation in 1765. That would make the monarch 255 years old. The Tree and Forest Committee receives support from the town but also raises funds to support its preservation of Elmer and other initiatives, like plantings at Laston Park and on the grounds of Lanesborough Elementary School. Thursday's treatment cost almost $1,200, Neureuther said. Over the past five years, the committee has received just more than $3,500 from the town while raising just shy of $10,000 from donations. In addition to inoculations like the one it received on Thursday, the majestic elm requires regular pruning, most recently completed last spring. "It was 2012 prior to that," Neureuther said of the pruning. "Right now, it's mainly for structural reasons. They don't want the weight imbalance to get too big. A tree like this, if it ever came down for some reason is going to cause a lot of damage." Hopefully, that day will never come. "The injections are really the only thing that assures us that King Elmer will still be around," Neureuther said. "If we were to stop them, you would imagine in a matter of 10 years there'd be no reason not to expect him to be infected. "The injections are highly effective." New Delhi: A few days after news of an old lady in Odisha being dragged to the bank in a cot by her daughter went viral, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad decided to lend help to the family. On Friday, the minister said that the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) had opened an account for the nearly 100-year-old old woman, identified as Labhe Bag, to help her access banking related services at her doorstep. Taking to Twitter, the minister wrote: Had learnt from media about difficulty faced by a very old lady in Odisha in withdrawing cash from her bank account. Happy to share that India Post Payments bank helped her by opening a bank account. Now she can withdraw cash at her doorstep using Aadhaar Enabled Payment System. Had learnt from media about difficulty faced by a very old lady in Odisha in withdrawing cash from her bank account. Happy to share that India Post Payments bank helped her by opening a bank account. Now she can withdraw cash at her doorstep using Aadhaar Enabled Payment System. pic.twitter.com/FPCxyKic6d Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) June 19, 2020 The (IPPB) is a government-owned public sector bank through which she can now withdraw cash at her doorstep using Aadhaar Enabled Payment System. The incident took place on June 9, when a video of 60-year-old Punjimati Dei dragging her mother on a cot went viral. Dei was trying to reach to the Utkal Grameen Bankbranch at Baragaon to withdraw the COVID-19 assistance money of Rs 1,500. The bank had asked for the physical presence of the account holder for a thumb impression and so she proceeded to take her centenarian mother to the bank. After the video of the incident was widely shared in the social media, on June 15 the bank manager Ajit Kumar Pradhan was suspended following an instruction of the Odisha government. Lorain County residents preparing for higher education in the fall, got a little boost June 19 as the Community Foundation of Lorain County hosted a drive-thru where it handed out scholarships. This is our 2020 scholarship drive-thru celebration, its different this year for us with (novel coronavirus), said Brittany Lovett, marketing and communication coordinator for the foundation, when talking about the event held at their offices, 9080 Leavitt Road in Amherst Township. They are going to drive up, with their families, and it gives us a chance to take a picture with them and just congratulate them. A lot of these students have not had a celebration this year. Lovett said the scholarship also helps those who still are in college. Its not just high school graduates; its undergraduates and people in grad school, she said. We also have PCs for People here who are collecting PCs from people to be refurbished and distributed to low-income students in the county. Lovett said more than 100 students received scholarships. We have 139 scholarships that are being given away; there are 64 new students getting scholarships and 75 renewals, she said. Each scholarship is a different amount, but we are giving out a total of $392,000 in scholarships. Azaria Blair, 19, a Lorain High School graduate, who is double majoring in finance and operation management at the University of Cincinnati, received a scholarship and volunteered for the event as part of the Leadership Lorain County Internship Program. This is my second time receiving the scholarship, Blair said. It was able to help me subsidize my tuition because I did not have a lot of money coming in. So, this scholarship will make me more confident in going to school at the University of Cincinnati. Sue Bowers, board chair for the Community Foundation, said the amount for the scholarship is not known by the students until they arrive for the event. These kids are picking up their scholarships, and today is the first day they know how much theyll be getting, Bowers said. The scholarships are all because of the generous donors and the people who set up the scholarships. The amount all depends on the application process and how much the committee will reward based on what school the student is going to and what the major is, among other things. Last year, we did this at Crushers Stadium and the scholarship winners went out on the field. We had to change it up this year. But, hopefully, we can return to normal next year. Daniel Valentin, regional sales executive with the Cleveland region of PCs for People, said his organization refurbishes and recycles computers. Any computer we refurbish goes out to low-income families, Valentin said. We also offer hot spots for folks as well. We have been working with a lot of schools to make sure families have the computers they need. I want to include that we need computers with i3 (Intel) core processors and laptops are the biggest thing we need. For more information on the scholarship program, visit https://www.peoplewhocare.org/. To see if you qualify for a personal computer and hot spot, visit pcsforpeople.org or call 216-930-5741. Low-cost airline Norwegian announced Wednesday it was reopening 76 European and domestic routes starting July 1, after months of keeping most of its fleet grounded due to the new coronavirus. Norwegian, which has only kept eight aircraft in service to cover domestic flights, will roll another 12 planes out of the hangar, opening up routes to destinations such as London, Paris, Nice, Spain and Greece from Scandinavian capitals. "Feedback from our customers has shown that they are keen to get back in the air and resume their travels with Norwegian beyond the current domestic services that we have been operating," CEO Jacob Schram said in a statement. "Norwegian is returning to European skies with the reintroduction of more aircraft to serve our key destinations which will ensure that we remain in line with competing carriers," Schram added. Passengers will have to adjust to some changes as flights resume. Face masks will be required for anyone over six years old and no meals or drinks will be served onboard. Already in financial straits before the COVID-19 pandemic, Norwegian has been hit hard as the new coronavirus heavily impacted demand for air travel. Also Watch: On the verge of bankruptcy in May, the airline adopted a rescue plan that included converting part of its debt into new shares, enabling it to qualify for guarantees from the Norwegian government of a total of three billion Norwegian kroner ($315 million or 280 million euros). The tentative resumption of European flights will allow around 200 pilots and 400 cabin staff, who had been temporarily laid off, to return to work. Ambulances are parked outside of Wyckoff Hospital in the Borough of Brooklyn on April 4, 2020 in New York. - New York state's coronavirus toll rose at a devastating pace to 3,565 deaths Saturday, the governor said, up from 2,935 the previous day, the largest 24-hour jump recorded there. (Photo by Bryan R. Smith / AFP) (Photo by BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP via Getty Images) CDC Chief: CCP Virus Cases Across US Are Plateauing The top U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) official said the United States has the capability to handle a spike in CCP virus patients, noting that the country has reached a plateau in cases. We have learned a great deal about COVID-19 and, across the nation cases we are plateauing, Dr. Robert Redfield wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. There are still outbreaks, but we have a better capacity to handle them with early case identification, contact tracing, and isolation. Redfields comments came after several governors confirmed their states have seen a rise in CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus cases in recent days, coming as more states open their economies after months of lockdowns. The CCP virus, a novel coronavirus that emerged in mainland China last year, causes the respiratory disease COVID-19. So far, 2.1 million Americans have contracted the virus, and more than 115,000 have died, according to researchers with Baltimores Johns Hopkins University. We have learned a great deal about #COVID19 and across the nation cases we are plateauing. There are still outbreaks, but we have a better capacity to handle them with early case identification, contact tracing, and isolation. My @foxnewsradio interview: https://t.co/ch4aTrvUVp Dr. Robert R. Redfield (@CDCDirector) June 17, 2020 Redfield, a virologist, told a House panel on June 4 that he is very concerned that the governments messaging on the CCP virus isnt resonating strongly with Americans. He noted that people who attended Black Lives Matter protests as well as demonstrators who partook in civil unrest were seen not wearing masks. On Friday, White House health advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci told CBS News that he is frustrated that Americans arent following recommended health guidelines. Clearly, we have not succeeded in getting the public as a whole uniformly to respond in a way that is a sound scientific, public health and medical situation, Fauci, the head of of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said during the interview. And its unfortunate. And its frustrating. States reported 695 deaths. The trend here has been good. pic.twitter.com/3YduwNHFWy The COVID Tracking Project (@COVID19Tracking) June 18, 2020 On Thursday, the daily number of cases reported across the United States increased to 27,000 new cases, or the most in more than 40 days, according to the COVID Tracking Project. It came after a progressive decline in cases after several weeks. At the same time, the United States reported 695 overall deaths, the Tracking Project said, noting that the trend here is good. Now, is the wild west of podcasting. There is a good chance your neighbour is recording a podcast detailing an alternate final season to Game of Thrones as you read this. More than ever before we are subscribing to podcasts and recommending them to our friends. And, as of this past May, they are also winning Pulitzers. This American Life was awarded the prize for an episode produced in partnership with The Los Angeles Times and Vice News called The Out Crowd, a frontline account of Trumps Remain in Mexico asylum policy. The first-ever Pulitzer Prize for audio journalism not only recognized outstanding reporting but also the power of a single podcast episode. At their best, podcasts make their own rulestheyre not overly produced, nor do they prescribe to a formula. Even with ads, they are a relatively unfettered transmission from podcast producers to their listeners. Aside from covering all things feasible and conceivable, podcasts keep us plugged in to the zeitgeist. And now, as we shelter-in-place, its where most of us can access the deep-dive conversations we want to be having. But, where to start? From the stalwarts to the new series, here are eight 2020 episodes that will get you going. What podcasts to listen to, and which episode will hook you Code Switch (Air date: Jan. 22) Hosted by Gene Demby and Shereen Marisol Meraji Ask Code Switch: What About Your Friends? Code Switch started the year with a frank conversation about cross-racial friendships in America. Even though America is becoming more diverse, people still have homogenous social networks. Experts attempt to make sense of why and first-person stories are shared to underlie some hard-to-swallow statistics. A good primer to get us through any awkward and uncomfortable real-life conversations happening (and not happening) in our personal lives. Dead Eyes (Air date: Jan. 30) Hosted by Connor Ratliff Episode 2 Tristesse Twenty years ago, Connor Ratliff was cast to play a bit part on an episode of Band of Brothers, only to be nixed by Tom Hanks the day before shooting his scenes. Why? Hanks saw his audition tape and thought he had dead eyes. What does that mean? Ratliff means to find out, in this completely true and unimportant story. Though somehow, you will care about it so much. Episode two finds Ratliff commiserating with Jon Hamm, whom he had shared the stage with previously. Part nuts and bolts of casting and part confessional, the two recount audition room tribulationsHamm even discloses what major network exec said that he would never be a star. This episode also features a reading of the Band of Brothers scene Ratliff was to be in. The Joe Rogan Experience (Air date: Jan. 30) Hosted by Joe Rogan #1419Daryl Davis Aside from the waves generated by his recent Spotify deal, media outlets on the left and right have their belly in knots at the mention of Joe Rogans probable-improbable support for one political candidate or another. All that aside, the nature of topics he explores and the type of guests he hosts are as vast as the Internet itself. His interview with Daryl Davis, musician, activist, and author of Klan-destine Relationships: A Black Mans Odyssey in the Ku Klux Klan, is nearly three hours long. In it, you hear Davis tell his story of meeting and conversing with Klansmen about race, befriending them, and eventually inspiring 200 of them to give up their robes. The Daily, (Air Date: Feb. 7) Hosted by Michael Barbaro The Woman Defending Harvey Weinstein Listeners of The Daily know they are getting the on-the-ground news straight from the journalists covering the story. Each day host Michael Barbaro talks to his colleagues to catch-up on their coverage. In this special episode, investigative reporter Megan Twohey interviews the woman behind Harvey Weinsteins legal strategy: Donna Rotunno. What unfolds is an insightful interview that doesnt pull any punches as Rotunno arrives prepared to go toe-to-toe. It culminates in a jaw-dropping moment as the interview is wrapping up and Twohey asks one last question, and the answer seems to catch both parties off their guard. Floodlines (Air date: March 11) Hosted by Vann R. Newkirk Part 3: Through the Looking Glass The March 11 drop date of this entire eight-episode series is somewhat prescient in light of a global pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement. Floodlines examines how the disaster of Katrina encompassed so much more than the hurricane itself. The structures in place before and the response in its aftermath tell the complete story. Episode three revisits how the media covered Katrina. It was surreal. Strictly speaking, some of it wasnt real at all. Host Vann R. Newkirk explains that misinformation in a disaster is not uncommon. Theres even a term for it: disaster myth. But, the brand of disaster myth-making after Katrina was especially extreme. Its Been A Minute, March 17 Hosted by Sam Sanders Obamas Historic Race Speech12 Years Later Exactly twelve years to the week of what was coined Barack Obamas race speech Sam Sanders asks if the speech still holds up today. Speaking with the the professor that edited a book about the speech, Tracy Sharpley-Whiting, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement, Alicia Garza, and former Obama speechwriter, Jon Favreau, Sanders goes back to the events leading up to the speech and the behind-the-scenes of how it was written to question whether something that was so profound then is still seen as favourable now. Ologies, (Air Date: April 22) Hosted by Alie Ward Philematology (Kissing) with Robin Dunbar If you are dating in quarantine and have yet to circumvent the gaping six-feet of distance between you and your potential love, this is a must listen. Ologies is a humorous and human take on scientific studyits episode on kissing makes the case for a ten-second in-person, microbial exchange to find out if the relationship is meant to be, in accordance with nature. Host Alie Ward interviews philematologist Robin Dunbar, who theorized Dunbars number. Ward and Dunbar also discuss the origins of french-kissing and why you may be able to blame rejection on your immune system. Wind of Change, May 11 Hosted by Patrick Radden Keefe Episode 2 You Call It An Operation, We Call It A Performance Uncovering secrets has been Patrick Radden Keefes lifes work. After he stumbles upon a rumour about how the CIA may have been the author of the Scorpions song, Wind of Change, the metal-band anthem that you can whistle and that rang through the Eastern Bloc as the Berlin Wall fell, he becomes obsessed with discovering if it is, in fact, true. Episode 2 takes him to a Scorpion concert in Ukraine, where he chats with diehard fans and we learn how to properly pronounce Kiev. And, on the secret agent side, we learn about the Office of Technical Service, or Q, in Bond terms. The candid conversation he has with ex-CIA Jonna Mendez, widow of Tony Mendez, the spy behind the mission that inspired the film Argo, will make you believe that all the espionage movies you are watching are not that far from the truth. UPDATE (8:33 a.m., June 22): As of Monday morning, Lina Hidalgo's new mask order is now in effect for Harris County. The order officially expires June 30, though Hidalgo hinted she'd seek an extension. ORIGINAL STORY: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued an order Friday mandating that businesses require customers to wear masks, her latest effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. She and other county leaders increasingly are worried about a surge in COVID-19 cases since Memorial Day, which has resulted in eight straight days of record hospitalizations in Harris County. Hidalgo framed the mask rules as a common-sense complement to social distancing that empowers business to protect patrons. The idea is to see this as no shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service, Hidalgo said at a news conference. It gives people an understanding of what to expect when they go into an establishment. Her order hews closely to face-covering rules issued by Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff earlier this week and will go into effect Monday. It expires June 30, though Hidalgo hinted she likely would seek an extension. It requires all customers 10 and older to wear a face covering inside businesses; employees who work at a business where distancing from others is impossible also are required to wear a mask. Exceptions include eating at a restaurant, pumping gas, visiting a bank or anytime wearing a mask poses a health risk. Gov. Greg Abbott effectively gutted Hidalgos first attempt to require masks in late April, when he prohibited cities and counties from punishing residents for noncompliance. Hidalgos original order on April 22 included potential fines of $1,000. Abbotts executive orders reopening Texas beginning May 1 left local leaders across the state with the impression that they lacked the authority to require masks. The governor surprised political observers Wednesday when he endorsed Bexar Countys proposal, adding that cities and counties always had the ability to do so. The crucial difference, the governor said, was that Bexar Countys order applies to businesses rather than individuals. Hidalgos latest order includes a $1,000 penalty for violators, though she said Harris County law enforcement will not issue fines at present because she is unclear if Abbott has signaled cities and counties may do so. A spokesman for the governor did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mayor Sylvester Turner was one of nine executives of Texas cities to sign a letter to Abbott on Tuesday urging the governor to order residents to wear masks or let local leaders do so themselves. Turner said he would direct police to hand out masks instead of tickets, as they had done in April. Turner praised Hidalgos order and noted the troubling rise in cases, including a new batch of 972 infections in Houston alone he announced from the lectern. Most of those were the results of tests conducted June 5 to June 10, he said. Toward the end of April and the first couple weeks of May, we flattened the curve and the numbers were headed in the right direction, Turner said. Now, the numbers are starting to tick up, and so were encouraging people, at the very minimum, to mask up. Greater Houston Partnership CEO Bob Harvey joined the leaders to announce that the business community supported the mask rules. Hidalgo also said she suspected some critics would lampoon the mask order, much as several prominent Republicans criticized her original attempt or when a restaurant opened in defiance of her stay-at-home order. She urged businesses and residents to comply voluntarily. Those that try and score political points, I am not going to give them time in the limelight, she said. They can go make noise on their own. Local and statewide leaders are under pressure to contain the pandemic. While the Northeast and West Coast initially were hit harder when the pandemic reached the United States, Texas was one of several states to report a record number of cases and hospitalizations this week. Harris County, the states most populous, is a major driver of this trend. Though thousands of hospital beds remain available statewide, local COVID-19 hospitalizations have more than doubled since Memorial Day, to 1,182. That helped push the usage of intensive care units this week to 93 percent, the highest level during the pandemic. The situation at Harris Countys two public hospitals is particularly dire: The ICU at Lyndon B. Johnson reached 120 percent on Friday. About a third were COVID-19 patients. LBJ is at a breaking point right now, Harris Health CEO Dr. Esmaeil Porsa said Wednesday. What that means is the next people that are coming to the hospital that need beds will either have to stay at the emergency room until there are beds available or well have to transfer them to another hospital. Eight days have passed since Hidalgo unveiled a threat level system to help residents easily understand the severity of the pandemic. She initially placed the county at Level 2, the second-most serious, and laid out criteria for the others. As of Friday, Harris County met zero of the four benchmarks suggested to move down to Level 3, including a 14-day decline in new cases and hospitalizations. The county, in contrast, does meet four of the five criteria to upgrade to Level 1, including seven-day increases in hospitalizations, cases and ICU usage. The only encouraging sign is a greater than 30-day supply of personal protective equipment available for health care workers. Level 1, defined by the health department as a worsening outbreak accompanied by a surge in hospitalizations, calls for a return to the stay-at-home conditions of March and April. Unlike earlier, however, Hidalgo lacks the ability to issue a stay-at-home order, since Abbott took control of the states reopening beginning in May. Contiguous counties have yet to follow Hidalgos lead. To enter Chambers County buildings, including libraries, visitors must wear a mask and have their temperature checked. Samantha Humphrey, the countys public information officer, said there are no discussions to expand that to businesses. Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta said he does not expect to issue any mask orders. I am going to leave that up to the individual mayors to handle the situation within their city, Sebesta said. Unlike Harris County, where roughly half the population lives in Houston, Sebesta said Brazoria County has large pockets of unincorporated area and nearly 20 cities, some of which have never reported a positive COVID-19 case. Most businesses that cater to customers walking in, such as restaurants and shops, are within city limits, he said. Just three of the countys 1,500 employees have tested positive. He said what he supports is people not losing focus. If you go into a business and you dont feel comfortable, then do not give them your business, and tell them why, Sebesta said. Jordan Rubio and Dug Begley contributed to this report. zach.despart@chron.com (Newser) A curfew is now in place around the Tulsa arena where President Trump plans to hold a Saturday rally. It took effect Thursday night and is intended to keep protesters from gathering around the BOK Center downtown through 6am Sunday, reports the Tulsa World. The rally begins at 7pm Saturday, per ABC News. The curfew is laid out in an executive order from Mayor GT Bynum, who noted the possibility for violence. "Individuals from organized groups who have been involved in destructive or violent behavior in other states are planning to travel to the City of Tulsa for purposes of causing unrest in and around the rally," reads the order, which cites information from law enforcement agencies. Police said offenders who refused to leave the area would be cited or arrested. Trump himself weighed in Friday with a warning on Twitter, notes Politico. story continues below "Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis," he wrote. It will be a much different scene! The rally is being held despite an uptick in COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma, but that is just one element of controversy, per the Guardian. The rally, initially set for Juneteenth, comes weeks after the anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre, in which up to 300 black people were killed. Victims are believed to be buried in a mass grave a half mile from the arena, Rebecca Nagle writes at the Atlantic. At the Washington Post, Marc A. Thiessen argues this is the moment for Trump to "express his solidarity with George Floyd" and "appeal directly to black Americans." (Trump says he's responsible for making Juneteenth "very famous.) OYA Media Group's Mr. Jane and Finch documentary, which was directed, co-produced and co-written by Ngardy Conteh George and co-produced and co-written by Alison Duke, won two 2020 Canadian Screen Awards: the 'Donald Brittain Award for Best Social/Political Documentary and Best Writing in a Documentary. The Canadian Screen Awards are a celebration of Canadian visual storytelling and the people who bring these stories to life. The CSAs recognize and champion the authentic voices and universal themes that resonate in Canada and beyond. Mr. Jane and Finch explores the life of long-standing community activist and amateur Documentarian, Winston LaRose who has dedicated the last 25 years to support the troubled community of Jane and Finch. With gentrification high up on the political agenda, the man affectionately named Mr. Jane and Finch decided to challenge the traditional powers for the city councillor seat of ward 7. His run for public office, reveals how the deeply racial politics have plagued the area. Over-policing without accountability and a perennial lack of social services in the area has further marginalized Black and people of colour in the community. When I was capturing Winston's story I had the opportunity to see what is happening in the lives of so many that live in the Jane and Finch community. Not everything made it into the film, it's not surprising that right now this film and the issues discussed are so timely. It was released last year, but when you watch it now it's impactful on a very visceral level. Seeing people in the community working to make a positive change with very, very few resources and support was quite sad. They should be acknowledged for leading the change in their community and given the proper resources to make those changes. I am proud to have captured that moment in time of Canadian history and have the affirmation from peers in the Canadian Academy of Cinema and Television, Ngardy Conteh George. Mr. Jane and Finch has had much success on the festival circuit both in Canada and the United States, from Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Toronto Black Film Festival, the BlackStar Film Festival in Philadelphia, and BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta. Educational institutions such as HBC (Historically Black College) Morehouse College in Atlanta and Humber College in Toronto have also screened the documentary. Earlier this month Mr. Jane and Finch opened the Timehri Film Festival which showcases the best cinema created with protagonists from Guyana throughout the diaspora. Canada's leading educational distributor McIntyre Media has acquired the Canadian distribution rights for Mr. Jane and Finch to be made available for high school, university and college educators as well as libraries to use for their online learning regarding topics such as social justice, civil engagement, racism, gentrification and Pan-Africanism amongst other timely social issues. Mr. Jane and Finch also continues to stream on CBC Gem. The Media Group, is a Black woman-led production company founded by Alison Duke and Ngardy Conteh George. Together they have over 40 years of experience producing documentaries. They formed their company after collaborating on several film projects and found a creative synergy in working together. Part of the OYA work involves a program to support Black youth. The program supports Black graduates of film and television degree and certificate programs by increasing their access to networking, mentorship and essential skills training. Many of the participants in the program were hired as production team in the creation on Mr. Jane and Finch and received their first television production credit. Donald Brittain Awards are presented by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television to honour the year's best television documentary on a social or political topic. Formerly presented as part of the Gemini Awards, since 2013 it has been presented as part of the Canadian Screen Awards. The award is named in honour of Donald Brittain, a pioneering Canadian documentary filmmaker. Police arrested a San Francisco man on felony threat and hate crime charges Thursday after he allegedly threatened to shoot a family wearing "Black Lives Matter "shirts at a Burlingame restaurant. Steven Cibotti, 55, was booked into San Mateo County Jail following an 11-day investigation into the June 7 incident outside Flights Restaurant. ABC 7, which has had the most extensive coverage of the incident, reported that Cibotti accosted Ciara Doherty, Anthony Colon and their three young children, who were wearing Black Lives Matter t-shirts, while they were eating dinner. "He basically banged the table, slammed his hands on the table looked directly at my son and said 'Black lives matter. 'F' black lives. Blue lives matter,'" Colon told ABC7 News reporter Kate Larsen the day after. Colon said that Cibotti came back to their table a second time and threatened to shoot them. "He said 'F you, B. I'll f'ing shoot you.'" Cibotti was freed from jail after posting $150,000 bail Thursday. Cibottis defense attorney, Paula Canny, told Larsen that Cibotti was recently fired from his job with United Airlines and had too much to drink while dining with his family at Flights. According to ABC7, Canny told Larsen her client signed up for rehab because I said, 'Dude you have a drinking problem, you need to go to rehab.'" Asked why Cibotti denounced black lives, Canny replied, I don't know! Look, I've made a career of representing people who do dumb stuff when they're drunk." She disputed that Cibotti threatened to shoot the family. San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said the felony criminal threat charges, each with a hate crime enhancement, were warranted based on the statements of a dozen witnesses interviewed by Burlingame police. Cibottis arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday. MORE COVERAGE ON THE GEORGE FLOYD PROTESTS: Sign up for 'The Daily' newsletter for the latest on Bay Area protest coverage here. Mike Moffitt is an SFGATE Reporter. Email: moffitt@sfgate.com. Twitter: @Mike_at_SFGate The Andrews government faces an unprecedented joint investigation into its branch-stacking scandal as a powerful union bloc steps up its resistance to a planned federal takeover of the Victorian branch. The Victorian Ombudsmans office and the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission will join forces for the first time to probe allegations of misuse of taxpayer funds by party figures. Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass. Credit:Simon Schluter The launch of the operation comes as a trade union backlash against Premier Daniel Andrews' plan to clean up the Labor Party intensified on Friday. A bloc of unions is demanding to be allowed some form of voting rights after party democracy was suspended for all members for three years under a takeover plan devised by the Premier and federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese. Police in Worcester on Thursday responded to the Home Depot located at 130 Gold Star Boulevard after they said an employee of the store threatened a co-worker, then locked himself inside a bathroom stall. Police told MassLive it appeared a distraught employee had threatened another employee of the store. The man claimed to have a gun and locked himself inside the bathroom. Police told MassLive the man did not have a gun. Worcester police tweeted about the incident about an hour ago. Area residents are advised to avoid Home Depot at 130 Gold Star Boulevard because of an ongoing situation with a male locked in the bathroom. We will notify you when it is safe to return. Worcester PD (@WorcesterPD) June 18, 2020 The building was evacuated, police said. SWAT Team negotiators started talking to the man at 4:30 p.m. The scene was cleared after more than two hours. The man was taken into custody without incident; he was taken a local hospital to undergo a mental health evaluation. We recognize that there are many steps that Northwestern as an institution and all members of its community must take in order to ensure the physical and emotional safety of Black students and begin to dismantle the white supremacy we uphold, the petition said. One of those steps is cutting our ties with those who actively harm Black individuals within our city including Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. A meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was held yesterday through video conference. Shaktikanta Das, Governor, Reserve Bank of India chaired the meeting. The Governor, in his introductory remarks underlined the importance of this meeting, being held for the first time after the breakout of the pandemic and as a follow-up of the last FSDC meeting held on May 28, 2020 with the Finance Minister as Chair. The Governor also noted that there have been frequent interactions among regulators and ministries in the intervening period. The FSDC-SC remains as an important forum for discussions between the various ministries of the Government with the regulators and among the regulators as well. The Sub-Committee reviewed the major developments in global and domestic economy and financial markets that impinge upon financial stability. Amongst other things, the Sub-Committee also discussed about the proposal of setting up of an Inter Regulatory Technical Group on Fintech (IRTG-Fintech) and the National Strategy on Financial Education (NSFE) 2020-2025. It also deliberated upon the status and developments under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 and the working of credit rating agencies. Overall, given the prevailing extraordinary circumstances, the Sub Committee unanimously resolved that (a) every participating regulator and ministry will continue to remain alert and watchful of the emerging challenges; (b) interact more frequently, both formally and informally, as also collectively; and (c) do whatever is necessary to revive the economy and preserve financial stability. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Evariste Ndayishimiye was sworn in Thursday as Burundi's new president following the sudden death of his predecessor Pierre Nkurunziza. He inherits an internationally isolated and fractured nation and faces a tough task of reconciliation. Dressed in black, Ndayishimiye took the oath of office Thursday in front of a packed stadium in the capital city, Gitega, becoming Burundi's tenth president. The jubilant mood was tinged with mourning, a week after the sudden death of outgoing leader Pierre Nkurunziza, said to have died from a heart attack. Ndayishimiye led the crowds in a minute's silence and paid a heartfelt tribute to his predecessor, thanking Burundians for their "serenity" during this difficult time. The 52-year-old was not meant to take the reins of the country until August but the Constitutional Court decided to speed up his inauguration to avoid a power vacuum. Mood for change Handpicked by the ruling CNDD-FDD party to succeed Nkurunziza, the retired army general was elected in May, in a vote disputed by the opposition. While Ndayishimiye's critics have denounced an electoral fraud, many Burundians hope the change of power will lead to real change, especially in the economy. According to the World Bank, three out of four Burundians live below the poverty line and one tenth of the 11 million population are on the brink of famine, warns the Food and Agriculture Organization. To fix the economy, "he must put an end to corruption which plagues the CNDD-FDD system," observers told RFI's Africa service. The ruling party has grown increasingly isolated on the world stage since the last election in 2015 when Pierre Nkurunziza decided to run for a third term, sparking months of protests. The economy tanked and donors cut aid. More than 1,000 Burundians were killed in clashes with security forces and over 400,000 fled abroad. Policies Today, the new government wants refugees to return as it looks to forge national reconciliation. "We do not want there to be a single Burundian living abroad as a refugee," Ndayishimiye insisted. "We want them to come back." The new leader also promised change but in continuity. "We are not going to build a new Burundi, rather we are going to use the foundation that was built by the Champion of Patriotism, President Pierre Nkurunziza," he told the public. Among his new policies, include plans to offer free health care and increase pensions to allow retirees to earn the same amount as they did before retirement. The policies are strikingly similar to the health and education reforms rolled out by Nkurunziza during his first term and that Ndayishimiye now wants to emulate. Covid-19 There is one small difference however, and that is the new leader's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. If his predecessor ignored the virus and kicked out experts from the World Health Organization, Ndayishimiye seems unwilling to take any chances, amid rumours Nkurunziza succumbed to Covid-19. The public was asked to arrive early Thursday for the swearing-in ceremony to allow time for coronavirus measures such as temperature checks and people were seen washing their hands with sanitizer. Officially, Burundi has registered only a hundred positive Covid-19 cases and one death, but some doctors warn of "hidden cases," including several fatalities at health centres and in peoples' homes. The pandemic, as well as the economy are just some of the host of challenges Ndayishimiye will have to face during the next seven years of his term. New pending sales in May 2020 were up 30% over May 2019. Year-over-year pending sales for new construction homes in Atlanta bottomed in the first week of April. They turned positive in the fourth week of April and have stayed in positive territory since. New pending sales in May 2020 were up 30% over May 2019. MarketNsight recently hosted its June MarketWatch Atlanta event virtually on ZOOM giving a state of the market and predictions for the remainder of the year. Over 800 signed up for the event. MarketNsight and ViaSearch President John Hunt reiterated the current unprecedented times and that it is difficult to forecast exactly what might happen the rest of the year; however, new pending home sales in the Atlanta market are up 20% for the first week of June 2020 versus June the year before. In fact, according to Hunt, new pending home sales went positive year-to-year in the fourth week of April and have continued to improve. For January through May 2020, pending sales are up 6% over the same time period the year before. New pending home sales in Atlanta and throughout the Southeast started the year strong, experienced a six-week deficit due to the coronavirus, and now have had a six-week surplus (over last year) of following Georgia (and other states) lifting the sheltering in place order, MarketNsight Principal John Hunt said. During the shutdown, people shopped online and then bought once Georgia opened up. This is what we call pent-up demand! Builder concessions in May brought the average new home price down 5% year over year but that yielded an increased sales rate of 30% year over year. According to Hunt, not every county recovered April to May but, in terms of price, all price points have recovered with the exception of homes over $1 million. Homes within high school districts priced at or below $300,000 performed well including Cherokee, East Coweta, Jackson County, North Forsyth, North Paulding, Lovejoy (Clayton), Westlake (South Fulton), Creekside (South Fulton), Archer and Langton Hughes (South Fulton). As for the rest of 2020, Hunt predicts 2020 new home permits will be flat to up 3%. This is where Atlanta has been for the past 3 years. Ill take flat to plus 3% in a pandemic any day, Hunt said. MarketNSight is focused on helping home builders and developers make smart decisions related to purchasing land and pricing product. Its groundbreaking Feasibility Matrix systemizes the decision-making process and creates a one-stop-shop for gauging new home community feasibility including ranking by builder and subdivision and developed lot and raw land sales. To learn more or to schedule a demonstration, visit http://www.MarketNsight.com. About MarketNsight: MarketNsight currently serves 28 cities in six states Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Look for the addition of more cities soon! To schedule a demonstration of the MarketNsight Feasibility Matrix, call 770-419-9891 or email info@MarketNsight.com. For information about MarketNsight and Hunt's upcoming speaking engagements, visit http://www.MarketNsight.com. HIGHLAND PARK, N.J. (AP) A New Jersey mother helped her adult son flee to Pennsylvania after he shot a man several times during a robbery last month, authorities said. Felicia Terrell, 53, of Highland Park, has been charged with three counts of hindering apprehension, according to New Jersey state police. It wasn't known Friday if she's retained an attorney. Terrrell's 21-year-old son, James Ward, was arrested last week at a hotel Wilkes-Barre. He's facing counts of attempted murder, burglary and conspiracy that stem from a May 17 robbery in New Brunswick. Ward, who lives in Highland Park, is being held in the Luzerne County jail while authorities work to extradite him back to New Jersey. It wasn't known Friday if he's retained an attorney. Authorities said Terrell helped Ward flee to the hotel where he was captured June 10, but did not disclose further details. As a Hebrew school student, Michael Drosnin was asked to write down what he had learned. He responded, That I dont have to believe in God or anything in the Bible. Mr. Drosnin would amend that position, somewhat, after writing The Bible Code, which claimed that references to historical and contemporary events were secretly encoded in the Old Testament. The book became an international best seller and sparked wonder, debate, criticism and two sequels. Mr. Drosnin died on June 9 at his home in Manhattan. He was 74. His niece Wende Gozan Brown said the cause was heart disease. The Bible Code opens with a stunning moment: The author, having discovered a biblical passage suggesting that Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin of Israel would be assassinated, hops on a plane in 1994 to deliver a letter of warning. The message doesnt alter the course of events Mr. Rabin was shot and killed a year later but, as Mr. Drosnin writes, it was dramatic confirmation of the Bible code. ZURICH (Reuters) - Switzerland will allow events of up to 1,000 people again from next week as cases of the new coronavirus wane, the government said on Friday, declaring their country better equipped to handle any fresh flare-ups. "As of Monday, June 22, the measures put in place to tackle the coronavirus will for the most part be lifted. Only the ban on large-scale events will remain in place until the end of August," the cabinet said. More than 31,000 people have tested positive for the virus and 1,680 have died of COVID-19 since the first case was reported in late February, according to authorities. New cases have dwindled to a few dozen a day, allowing Switzerland to reopen schools, shops and borders with fellow members of the Schengen passport-free travel zone as life returns to near-normal. But the economy, like many others, is in a sharp recession. The government appealed to the public to maintain proper hygiene and physical distancing, but scrapped a recommendation to work from home and cut the safe distance for interaction with strangers to 1.5 metres from two. It also said it was stepping aside to let individual cantons, or regions, once again take the lead in addressing the pandemic. "Given the scientific information that has emerged, experience from managing the first wave, and the additional resources now available, the current situation is no longer comparable to the situation at the beginning of the year," it said. (Reporting by Michael Shields; Editing by Kevin Liffey) Below please find a summary and link(s) of new coronavirus-related content published today in Annals of Internal Medicine. The summary below is not intended to substitute for the full article as a source of information. A collection of coronavirus-related content is free to the public at http://go.annals.org/coronavirus. 1. Living Practice Points from ACP: Advice on Use of N95, Surgical, and Cloth Masks to Prevent COVID-19 @acpinternists, @annalsofim The American College of Physicians (ACP) issued new Practice Points on the effectiveness of N95 respirators, surgical masks, and cloth masks for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in addition to standard precautions (such as hand washing, gloves, etc.) in both healthcare settings and community settings. In the health care setting, ACP says that healthcare personnel should wear N95 respirators when in close contact with suspected or known COVID-19 patients. ACP also says that all healthcare personnel, patients, and visitors who are not in close contact with patients with suspected or known COVID-19 should use surgical masks in healthcare settings to reduce the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection. ACP says asymptomatic or symptomatic persons in community settings should follow community and statewide public health guidelines for mask use, which should take into account factors such as local demographics (e.g., high risk populations), epidemiologic data (e.g., reproduction rate, daily case counts, hospitalizations, and deaths), and exposure context (e.g., number of people, indoor vs outdoors, ventilation etc.). Read the full text: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M20-3234. Media contacts: A PDF for this article is not yet available. Please click the link to read full text. To speak with someone from ACP, please contact Andy Hachadorian at Ahachadorian@acponline.org. 2. White Coats for Black Lives: The Time Has Come for Action @valstonemd, @BrighamWomens The author from Brigham and Women's Hospital discusses actions academic medical centers and their leaders should take toward eradicating racism at their institutions. She stresses that transforming academic culture is essential to the care of black patients and to provide a robust community of support for black medical students, trainees, and faculty. Read the full text: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M20-4280. Media contacts: A PDF for this article is not yet available. Please click the link to read full text. The lead author, Valerie E. Stone, MD, MPH, can be contacted directly at vstone@bwh.harvard.edu. 3. COVID-19 Across Africa: Epidemiologic Heterogeneity and Necessity of Contextually Relevant Transmission Models and Intervention Strategies @JohnsHopkinsSPH, @TwahirwaOlivier, @sdbaral Authors from John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health discuss the COVID-19 pandemic on the African continent. The authors describe why the international community should be hesitant in developing forecasts and prevention strategies for COVID-19 in the absence of integration of African data. Input from leadership of African institutions should be considered, as they have a long history of effective measures to mitigate infectious diseases, such as Ebola, Zika, malaria, and dengue, among others. Read the full text: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M20-2628. Media contacts: A PDF for this article is not yet available. Please click the link to read full text. The lead author, Jean Olivier Twahirwa Rwema, MD, MPH, can be reached directly at jtwahir1@jhu.edu. ### C ity broker Numis Securities today emerged as an early winner from the wave of corporate fundraisers triggered by the virus crisis, competing with the bulge bracket banks to land advisory roles. Analysis of share placings and rights issues of more than 20 million by AJ Bell for the Evening Standard reveals that the broker is punching above its weight as companies have tapped investors for funds to shore up balance sheets and make opportunistic deals. Numis has advised on 18 larger fundraisers with a total value of 2.363 billion. The firm has busily worked on the greatest number of large and mid-cap placings, often in conjunction with the worlds biggest banks as joint global co-ordinator. The Citys largest institutions have typically taken the biggest remits, with Goldman Sachs leading the way (see table). Goldman Sachs worked on placings worth 3.963 billion, JP Morgan 3.785 billion, Barclays 3.291 billion and HSBC working on placings worth 1.948bn. Nearly 70 of the more than 450 fundraisers in 2020 have raised over 20 million. The biggest were crisis-hit catering group Compass, which raised 2 billion; Premier Inn owner Whitbread landed 1 billion, Segro raised 686 million to fuel warehouse acquisitions due to the ecommerce boom; similarly Ocado raised 657 million to aid its rapid expansion as locked down shoppers buy groceries online and Taylor Wimpey raised 515 million this week to go on a land buying spree. Analysing exactly how much each adviser pulled in from investors for companies is difficult, but based on typical deal structures between global co-ordinators and bookrunners, AJ Bell roughly estimates JP Morgan has raked in the most at 1.6 billion. It is followed by Morgan Stanley at 1.5 billion; Goldman Sachs and Barclays at 1.3 billion, Bank of America at 1.1 billion, Numis at 1 billion and HSBC with 471 million. Some 11.5 billion has been raised on the main market, and 2 billion on AIM. The raisers are still coming thick and fast with Biffa and William Hill among those launching this week. Numis string of raisings which include work on placings by Ocado and Asos will come as boon for the independent investment bank, which saw profits crash 61% last year as revenues slumped when political uncertainty hit trading. But shares are up more than 80% to around 310p since the crisis. Co-chief executive Ross Mitchinson told the Standard his strategy of amassing the most UK listed corporate clients in the City was paying off as companies naturally turned to them when needing to raise money quickly. He said appetite from UK fund managers and relaxations of pre-emption rules for investors during the crisis had also helped. Capital markets have functioned really well, with more raised in the UK than the rest of Europe combined, which, with Government measures, has kept UK plc open for business. The bulk of Numis work has been from existing clients, but it has snared new ones such as bank note printer De La Rue, which raised 100 million this week. Mitchinson added: Some companies have been in the eye of the storm and have needed to raise money to get through this difficult period like Hyve or De La Rue. Others like Ocado have done raises to allow them to put their foot on the gas. So theres been some shoring up of the balance sheet and some more front footed placings. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: It is pleasing to see UK firms such as Numis and Barclays in the thick of the action. Barclays has taken a lot of heat for the performance of its investment bank, so this run of deal-making may help to silence a few critics. Numis continues to reap rewards for its strong research and the patience with which it has built up a roster of experienced analysts and bankers who know their stuff and what their clients need. After years of companies handing back more cash to shareholders than they raised, as buybacks and dividends outstripped flotations and placings, it is encouraging to see that the UK stock market can still help firms raise money quickly and cost-effectively so they can invest in assets, ideas and staff to keep the economy going. The cascade of share placings has sparked concerns in the City over banks tactics. The Financial Conduct Authority said it had heard reports that big banks were using their position as lenders to companies to give them lucrative work on equity raisings over smaller broking houses. The watchdog wrote to CEOs in April to warn them over the practice. Human rights advocates have raised concerns an Australian citizen is being tortured in a Chinese prison. Yang Hengjun, a pro-democracy activist accused by China of espionage, is being held in isolation and has not received a visit from Australian consular staff for almost six months. Yang Hengjun has been detained since January, 2019. Credit:AP Chinese authorities have blamed the coronavirus for the suspension of the visits. Prior to that, Dr Yang was allowed a monthly half-hour visit from a representative from the Australian consulate. A template letter Amnesty International is distributing to members around the world to then send to Chinese authorities says it is worried Dr Yang was not receiving proper medical care. By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: YSR Congress ministers Botcha Satyanarayana, Velampalli Srinivas and P Anil Kumar on Thursday alleged that the TDP deliberately disrupted the proceedings in the Legislative Council, misusing the majority it had in the upper house. Condemning the alleged attack on one of the ministers by the TDP, Botcha Satyanarayana said that the ruling party was examining the legalities to lodge a complaint with the ethics committee against TDP MLC Nara Lokesh and his colleagues for allegedly photographing the session and other violations. "It is a conspiracy. They planned to disrupt the House. Yanamala Ramakrishnudu told the media that they will stall the proceedings even before the days proceedings began. It was a deliberate attempt. They planned all this much ahead and had even taken the Governors appointment in advance to complain," Botcha alleged. He further said that it was the tradition to pass the appropriation bill after finishing other businesses. "They cited rule 90 out of blue. As per rules, they have to give a notice a day ahead for any discussion under rule 90, but that did not happen. If they had any issue with the bills that were to be introduced, they could vote against it or propose amendments like they did in case of the Panchayat Raj amendment bill we brought for electoral reforms. At one point, even CM Jagan Mohan Reddy called and suggested that appropriation bill be discussed. We compromised and requested that the three bills - APCRDA repeal bill, decentralisation of the capital bill and appropriation bill - be introduced and that the chairman/deputy chairman can take a call on which should be discussed. They still didnt heed," he said. He also condemned the unruly behaviour of Nara Lokesh alleging that the TDP MLC continued to videograph the proceedings even after the chairman asked him not to do so. When our minister asked him not to, they provoked and attacked us, he claimed. Endowments Minister Velampalli Srinivas blamed Nara Lokesh for intentionally provoking the TDP members to attack the ruling party. The minister said both Chandrababu Naidu and his son Lokesh were breaking the Council rules by recording the House proceedings on their cell phone. Though Naidu boycotted the Assembly session, he was sitting in the Council gallery to record the session on his mobile, he said. Water Resources Minister Anil Kumar said that the opposition bulldozed the proceedings. Yanamala has said that the TDP would act as per its wishes as it has majority in the council. Everything is on record and it is clear that the TDP leaders have intentionally dragged Rule 90 to halt the bills and delay salary payment to the employees, he alleged. They accused me of unzipping my pants in front of women MLCs. I challenge them to prove their allegations. But, before that, let Lokesh, Deepak Reddy, Rajendra Prasad and Ashok Babu give a letter to the chairman stating that they will unconditionally resign from the posts if they fail to prove the charges. I will also give a similar letter, Anil Kumar said. The government council will discuss the Minister of Education's proposal to allow pupils in fundamental, primary and secondary schools to attend classes together once more. The Minister said he felt he could not continue to justify the separation of classes into alternating groups, now that the virus presence had reduced in the Grand Duchy. On Friday afternoon, the state council will discuss the proposal to reunite classes in primary and secondary schools from 29 June, with Meisch set to lead a press briefing at 6pm on Friday evening. Meisch discussed the proposal with RTL Radio Letzebuerg on Friday morning, stating that children and young people were less likely to spread the virus, according to international studies and experience on the ground in Luxembourg. The system of splitting classes into alternating groups, with one in school and one at home each week, was developed in mid-April when not much was known about the virus. However, although classes will be reunited, a number of regulations will remain in place, such as the shortened timetables and the closure of school canteens. The 500 additional staff members recruited to take charge of pupils in primary schools outside of the timetable will remain in place, said Meisch, to assist with the transition back to normal schooling. The extra staff members will help to ensure more intensive schooling to make up for the shortfalls during and after quarantine. The Ministry is currently assessing whether a pool of staff could be deployed over the summer holidays and when school resumes in September, to support pupils who struggled with home learning. Be sure to join us for our Livestream and translations from this evening's Education Press Conference, 6pm. German Prosecutors Accuse Russian Government Of Ordering Killing In Berlin By RFE/RL June 18, 2020 Prosecutors in Germany have filed murder charges against a Russian national accused of the slaying of a Georgian man in Berlin last year and said the Russian government ordered the killing. The killing in broad daylight on August 23 in the German capital strained ties between Moscow and Berlin. In December, Germany expelled two Russian diplomats, citing a lack of cooperation with its probe. In a statement on June 18, German federal prosecutors filed charges of murder and a violation of weapons laws against a Russian citizen they identified Vadim K., alias Vadim S. They said that, at some point before mid-July last year, "state agencies of the central government of the Russian Federation" tasked him with "liquidating" the victim, Tornike K., who has been identified in reports on the killing as Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a Georgian citizen of Chechen ethnicity who fought against Russian troops in Chechnya. Speaking to reporters in Vienna during a trip to Austria on June 18, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said after the prosecutors' announcement: "We once again invited the Russian ambassador for a meeting at the Foreign Ministry today to make our position unmistakably clear again to the Russian side, and the German government expressly reserves the right to take further measures in this case." Media reports said that the Russian ambassador to Germany was called in to the German Foreign Ministry in Berlin on June 18. A German government spokesman was quoted by Reuters as saying Berlin takes the federal prosecutors' statement that the killing was ordered by Russian authorities seriously and that the government "reserves the right to take further steps." The 40-year-old Khangoshvili had several brushes with death. In the early 2000s, he fought with Chechen separatists against Russian forces during the Second Chechen War. In 2015 in Tbilisi, he was targeted in an apparent assassination hit. He survived with gunshot wounds to the arm and shoulder. Later in Ukraine, he was tipped off about another planned hit and went into hiding before turning up in Berlin in late 2016. In the German capital on August 23, 2019, a man approached him in the city's Kleiner Tiergarten and shot him several times in the head, killing him instantly. A Russian national, allegedly traveling under a false identity, was arrested as a suspect. Moscow has denied any role in the killing. Germany on December 4 expelled the two Russian diplomats after federal prosecutors took over the case after gathering evidence that a "foreign intelligence agency" was behind the slaying. After the killing, Russian President Vladimir Putin without providing evidence asserted that Khangoshvili had been a "murderous fighter" who was involved in several terror attacks in Russia. At the time of the killing, acquaintances of Khangoshvili said they were convinced he was killed for his role as a military commander in Chechnya in the early 2000s. Some even criticized the German government for not approving his request for asylum. "The fact that he fought in the Second Chechen War, as a mid-level commander, that's enough, I think, for him to have been hunted," Saikhan Muzayev, an acquaintance of Khangoshvili, told Current Time, the Russian-language network led by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA. The open source investigative group Bellingat said the killing had been planned and organized by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). In a report following a monthlong probe, Bellingcat said it found that preparations for the killing of Khangoshvili were supervised directly by Eduard Bendersky, chairman of the Vympel Charitable Fund For Former FSB Spetsnaz Officers, and other senior members of the fund. Russia has been accused in the past of deploying agents abroad to target Kremlin opponents, including the 2018 poisoning in Britain of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter. With reporting by dpa and AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/german-prosecutors- accuse-russian-government-of-ordering- killing-in-berlin/30678013.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 Trump calls shooting of Rayshard Brooks terrible situation but you cant resist officer Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment President Donald Trump called the controversial police shooting in Atlanta of Rayshard Brooks, a 27-year-old black father, a terrible situation Wednesday but said he shouldnt have resisted arrest. I thought it was a terrible situation but you cant resist a police officer, and, you know, if you have a disagreement, you have to take it up after the fact, Trump said in an interview on Hannity. It was a very sad very, very sad thing. You take a look, it was out of control. The whole situation was out of control, the president said. Officials report that shortly after 10:30 p.m. last Friday, Atlanta police officers Devin Brosnan and Garrett Rolfe responded to a complaint that a man, later identified as Brooks, was asleep in his car and obstructing other vehicles in the drive-through lane of a Wendys restaurant on University Avenue in southwest Atlanta. The officers gave Brooks a sobriety test, which he failed. When the officers tried to arrest him, Brooks resisted and a struggle ensued. One of the officers fired a Taser but Brooks grabbed it before trying to run away. The officers pursued Brooks on foot, and during the chase, Brooks turned and pointed the Taser at the officer. The officer fired his weapon, striking Brooks. Video images show Brooks was shot twice in the back as he fled. Rolfe, the officer who fatally shot Brooks, has been fired and faces 11 charges, including felony murder, while Brosnan is facing three charges, including aggravated assault. The charges against the officers have been denounced by officials from the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, which is the union representing Atlanta officers. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said it's still continuing its investigation and "was not consulted on the charges filed" by the DA. Brooks death, which took place just three weeks after the death of George Floyd, sparked fresh protests in Atlanta throughout last weekend, including one on Saturday night in which protesters burned down the Wendys restaurant where he was killed. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottoms called Brooks shooting an unjustified use of deadly force. In his interview with Hannity, Trump highlighted what Rolfe's lawyer said. I heard today, and just got a report, that the police officers lawyer said that he heard a sound like a gun, like a gunshot, and he saw a flash in front of him, Trump said. So thats an interesting you know, dont know that I would have necessarily believed that. But I will tell you, thats a very interesting thing, and maybe thats so. Theyre going to have to find out. A report from the Daily Mail said Brooks was trying to avoid getting arrested again because he was on probation and could have been sent back to prison again for a DUI. His probation was connected to convictions related to an August 2014 case in which he pleaded guilty to false imprisonment, battery-simple/family violence, simple battery and felony cruelty/cruelty to children. He was sentenced to seven years, with one year in prison and six on probation. He was sent back to prison for 12 months in July 2016 after he violated the terms of his probation. Last December, a warrant was issued for his arrest after he visited Ohio without informing his probation officer. Brooks wife, Tomika Miller, described him as a devoted husband and loving father to their three daughters and his stepson. Earlier this year in February, Brooks talked about his struggles with the criminal justice system and how it made it difficult for him to live and support his family, in an interview with Reconnect. I just feel like some of the system could, you know, look at us as individuals. We do have lives, you know, was just a mistake we made and, you know, not just do us as if we are animals, you know, lock us away, he said. 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. For many Americans, their first COVID-19 payment has already been spent on essentials, and more relief funds are sorely needed. Unfortunately, it's far from certain an additional coronavirus stimulus check will come even as the country enters a recession. Lawmakers are, however, considering multiple proposals for more stimulus money, and many have expressed a willingness to provide a second payment to families in an upcoming coronavirus relief bill. Negotiations on what that will look like are ongoing, and here's where they stand. The HEROES Act passed the House but won't become law The U.S. House of Representatives actually passed a stimulus bill on May 15 that would provide a second COVID-19 payment. The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act is a 1,800-page bill with a price tag topping $3 trillion. Among other provisions, it would provide payments of $1,200 for eligible adults while expanding who qualifies as a dependent and raising the payment per dependent to $1,200. The HEROES Act keeps the same income limits as the first stimulus bill and limits the number of dependents to three. Unfortunately, the HEROES Act passed on a party-line vote with only Democrats voting for it and 14 Democrats opting out. It's been declared dead-on-arrival in the Republican-controlled Senate, with many lawmakers appalled at the price tag. This doesn't necessarily mean Senate Republicans aren't on board with sending out more COVID-19 money, though. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell indicated earlier this month that another stimulus bill was likely necessary. And while he spoke out against many of the HEROES Act provisions, he didn't rule out the possibility of another payment to Americans. Most Republican objections to the HEROES Act center around sending billions to state governments and expanding unemployment benefits, not sending out COVID-19 payments. And some lawmakers from the right side of the aisle have even put forth proposals of their own to get money to Americans. These include the Reopening America by Supporting Workers and Businesses Act of 2020, which was introduced by U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, a Texas Republican who is the ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee. It would provide payments of up to $1,200 but only to workers who come off unemployment and go back to work. The White House has also repeatedly indicated support for a further stimulus bill that could include both money for infrastructure spending as well as some form of direct payments for Americans. And at a recent White House roundtable, President Donald Trump suggested he'd be in favor of a new tax credit worth up to $4,000 to encourage Americans to spend on dining out and domestic travel. With Trump's support for more COVID-19 money and most Republicans not expressing strong opposition, there are optimistic signs some type of compromise legislation will put more money in your pocket. However, momentum for negotiating another stimulus bill may have stalled slightly due to a recent jobs report showing unemployment has improved instead of getting worse as was expected. And if there's more good economic news suggesting companies are rehiring quickly, the appetite for another stimulus payment may wane. Lawmakers will likely act after the July 4 holiday but before Aug. 8 If another stimulus check comes, you can expect it to be a while. Both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives will be taking a two-week break for the Fourth of July holiday, and several senior administration officials have indicated Republican lawmakers aren't planning to begin formal negotiations on the next COVID-19 stimulus bill until their return on July 21. Once they're back in Washington, there's a narrow window of time to act as the Senate will recess again Aug. 8 and not return until mid-September. By that time, with the election under two months away, the Senate may be on to other priorities, and the economy may be on the upswing if there's a V-shaped recovery. That means if there's no legislation passed by early August, the chances of another check will be a lot smaller. You can take action today If you're in need of more stimulus money, contact your representatives and let them know you support additional direct payments for Americans. Your voice can make a difference as they debate over what steps to take next. But since additional funding is far from certain, you should also act to shore up your own financial situation today. Take advantage of other benefits available to you if you can, and make smart choices about how to use your first stimulus payment if you haven't already done so. Scientists are looking for ways to make millions of molecule-sized robots swarm together so they can perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Tsukuba, Japan, June 19, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - Multi-disciplinary research has led to the innovative fabrication of molecule-sized robots. Scientists are now advancing their efforts to make these robots interact and work together in the millions, explains a review in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials. "Molecular robots are expected to greatly contribute to the emergence of a new dimension in chemical synthesis, molecular manufacturing, and artificial intelligence," writes Hokkaido University physical chemist Dr. Akira Kakugo and his colleagues in their review. Rapid progress has been made in recent years to build these tiny machines, thanks to supramolecular chemists, chemical and biomolecular engineers, and nanotechnologies, among others, working closely together. But one area that still needs improvement is controlling the movements of swarms of molecular robots, so they can perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Towards this end, researchers have made molecular robots with three key components: microtubules, single-stranded DNA, and a light-sensing chemical compound. The microtubules act as the molecular robot's motor, converting chemical energy into mechanical work. The DNA strands act as the information processor due to its incredible ability to store data and perform multiple functions simultaneously. The chemical compound, azobenzene derivative, is able to sense light, acting as the molecular robot's on/off switch. Scientists have made huge moving "swarms' of these molecular robots by utilizing DNA's ability to transmit and receive information to coordinate interactions between individual robots. See the video below. Scientists have devised a new method of using DNA to control molecular robots. Molecules swarm like a flock of birds, showing different patterns of movement when this method is applied. (Copyright: Hokkaido University) Scientists have successfully controlled the shape of those swarms by tuning the length and rigidity of the microtubules. Relatively stiff robots swarm in uni-directional, linear bundles, while more flexible ones form rotating, ring-shaped swarms. A continuing challenge, though, is making separate groups of robots swarm at the same time, but in different patterns. This is needed to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. One group of scientists achieved this by designing one DNA signal for rigid robots, sending them into a unidirectional bundle-shaped swarm, and another DNA signal for flexible robots, which simultaneously rotated together in a ring-shaped swarm. Light-sensing azobenzene has also been used to turn swarms off and on. DNA translates information from azobenzene when it senses ultraviolet light, turning a swarm off. When the azobenzene senses visible light, the swarm is switched back to on state. "Robot sizes have been scaled down from centimeters to nanometers, and the number of robots participating in a swarm has increased from 1,000 to millions," write the researchers. Further optimization is still necessary, however, to improve the processing, storing and transmitting of information. Also, issues related to energy efficiency and reusability, in addition to improving the lifetime of molecular robots, still need to be addressed. Further information Akira Kakugo Hokkaido University kakugo@sci.hokudai.ac.jp Paper: https://doi.org/10.1080/14686996.2020.1761761 About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials Journal Open access journal STAM publishes outstanding research articles across all aspects of materials science, including functional and structural materials, theoretical analyses, and properties of materials. Chikashi Nishimura STAM Publishing Director NISHIMURA.Chikashi@nims.go.jp Image and caption: A molecular robot, which is typically between 100 nanometers to 100 micrometers long, requires an actuator, processor and sensor to function properly. By fine-tuning their mutual interactions, millions of robots can move together in swarms that are much bigger in size than a single robot, offering several advantages. Scale bar: 20 m. (Copyright: Akira Kakugo) Press release distributed by ResearchSEA for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials. Source: Science and Technology of Advanced MaterialsCopyright 2020 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 21:57:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close GUANGZHOU, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Having worked in China for 17 years, Jean Christian Nzengue has witnessed China rolling out a nationwide mobilization in the face of a raging epidemic on more than one occasion. The 46-year-old doctor from Gabon works at Clifford Hospital in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, as a thoracic, cardiac and breast surgery specialist. When SARS broke out in 2002, Nzengue was a medical student in China. Looking back, he believes the experience gained from battling SARS contributed to China's decisive acts to contain COVID-19. "The government had developed basic strategies during the SARS epidemic, which became the solid base for the country to use in the COVID-19 outbreak. It's amazing and they did a very good job." In January at the early stage of the outbreak, Nzengue and his family, like other residents in the city, received text messages from the government advising them to stay at home and avoid visiting others. "They applied to every citizen, both Chinese and foreigners living in the country, which were effective and protected everyone," said Nzengue. The fact that these instructions were widely heeded by the public helped slow the spread of the disease, Nzengue said, giving credit to the Chinese public who moved quickly to wear masks and obey social distancing regulations to protect themselves and others. As a doctor, Nzengue also played his role by propagating anti-virus knowledge among his patients and friends and was impressed by the positive response. "There were only four steps to follow: take your temperature, wear a mask, wash your hands and stay at home. Everyone listened, because everyone was aware of the situation," he said. "The government doesn't work by itself. It works with its people. We have to unite hand in hand to fight COVID-19." In April, Nzengue joined a volunteer team to advise on epidemic control measures at international kindergartens and schools and make cartoon videos to acquaint children with self-protection knowledge. Polyglot Nzengue drew strength from his familiarity with French, English, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Japanese and Cantonese. "I learned those languages in college from my classmates, who came from all over the world... so as a volunteer, I can talk with children who don't speak Chinese," he said. Nzengue's brother works in Beijing, where new COVID-19 cases were reported in recent days. This time, Nzengue was unfazed. "The Chinese are always doing good under those conditions. I believe the situation will be very well controlled." Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 22:35:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, June 19 (Xinhua) -- An urgent meeting of the Arab League Council at the level of foreign ministers would be held soon to discuss the recent developments in Libya, the Arab League announced on Friday. The videoconference meeting, which was requested by Egypt, is expected to be held during the next week, Arab League Assistant Secretary General Hossam Zaki said in a statement. Zaki added that coordination is currently underway to determine the date of the meeting. Earlier in June, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi announced an initiative to end the Libyan internal conflict following his meeting in Egypt with Libya's eastern-based military commander Khalifa Haftar and Tobruk-based Parliament's Speaker Aguila Saleh. 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 the power between two rival governments with warring forces: the UN-backed Government of National Accord based in the capital Tripoli and another in the northeastern city of Tobruk allied with Haftar's Libyan National Army. Enditem 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 In these trying times, kids have to deal with a lot of stuff they werent prepared for: a significant loss of weeks of education, damaged GPAs, and no assurance theyll be going back in the fall. However, some schools were able to pivot because they already had implemented remote programs that were mature, easily implemented, and designed by teachers for teachers. Thats because some school districts have a critical mass of students who are widely spread geographically, or for other reasons cant make it to school. These schools deployed LanSchool, a little known tool and service that Lenovo recently perhaps prophetically bought. As a result, they are doing fine. Ill share some observations about this approach to education and close with my product of the week: Lenovos new VR Headset that offers the performance and ruggedness needed for use in education. The Problem With Remote Education Faced with an unanticipated lockdown, the only tool many schools could use readily was something like Zoom, which turned out to be woefully unsecure even though it was impressively easy to use. Another issue with Zoom is that it was never designed to be an education solution it merely allows one person to talk remotely with many others. That undoubtedly is part of the problem. To keep kids focused and interested in remote lessons, its critical to have tools that go beyond ordinary communications to help teachers ensure better student attention and performance. The problems with remote schooling are similar to those associated with working from home, with a few exceptions. Students usually arent as mature, and most lack the attention span of an adult. They dont have their careers to or income to worry about, so they tend to be less focused, in general, on accomplishing their tasks. With a solution like Zoom, which is just a communications tool, its likely that the lessons wont work, because the students arent engaged. The level of acting out in the classroom will make it virtually impossible to hold class, let alone instill any knowledge. Tech companies sell to schools, but they typically dont create focused educational tools. Generally, they sell PCs that are priced lower for the market but are specified by the school itself, and there isnt much engagement beyond that. Lack of engagement makes it difficult for those companies to offer effective help when a school has to pivot to remote operations, because their answers typically will be to buy new Windows PCs, Chromebooks or iPads. While these tools are critical to remote learning, they fall well short of what a solution should be. Lack of engagement speaks to why so many schools, after trying to operate remotely, gave up. Their programs werent working. A D V E R T I S E M E N T Lack of engagement likely impacted sales to the education market as well. Lenovo came up with the idea of buying a company LanSchool, created by teachers for teachers and selling its product to schools to increase engagement. Lenovo realized that while technology was becoming more prevalent in schools, the OEMs werent advancing as quickly in understanding the changes affecting education and werent positioning effectively. Approaches to education have changed a great deal in recent years. Teachers responsibilities have shifted from teaching core STEM to helping students develop life skills like critical thinking, collaboration and digital literacy. (Schools also are teaching kids to use technology which means that older folks typically will rely more on younger ones to help them get their tech to work.) Lenovo also knows from market data that schools were moving to the cloud to reduce costs and improve security. They already knew that schools were using Chromebooks heavily in K-12 (16 percent penetration) but that purchasing was problematic. When many schools recently tried to buy PCs at once, they found they were unable to. The LanSchool Approach LanSchool is a classroom orchestration solution provider. Classroom orchestration goes well beyond managed hardware to include all aspects of education. LanSchool is a complete offering that was created from scratch over time, specifically to address the problems school districts and teachers faced with remote learning. The teachers who were in the middle of the problems developed the approach. Those teachers, particularly in disaster areas, learned the hard way that continuity was essential. Their experiences made them uniquely qualified to set up a program designed to ensure that schools not only stayed operational but also remained effective. LanSchool has 12 million global users. It operates in 75-plus countries, and supports 14 languages. Thanks to its international scope, lessons learned both from schools that had to shift to remote early, as well as from those that have shifted back to their traditional models, have propagated across borders to help others prepare better. Many teachers using the system have expressed that the most significant benefit to them is that they feel like teachers again instead of like failing babysitters. The software in the program empowers teachers to accelerated the application of technology in these new virtual classrooms. It avoids the need for aggressive behavior management by using a combination of interaction tools and security monitoring, providing a decent balance between instruction and technology. What is interesting is that based on teacher testimonials, it is so easy to use that it takes the fear of technology out of the process, liberating teachers to focus on teaching. Individual components of the solution include a comprehensive, secure communications suite for personal and group communications across a variety of mediums. The teacher can even control the students hardware remotely, doing things like blocking websites and blanking their screens when they are misbehaving, or just to get their attention. A D V E R T I S E M E N T Collaboration tools include easy-to-use screen sharing, digital material distribution, quiz and poll administration, and methods to reward students for outstanding work. Multitasking tools enable teachers to manage multiple classroom activities. There are customization options to addree the unique needs of the teacher using the system. One recent change was the launch of LanSchool Air, which better supports educations move to the cloud and is particularly well suited for schools to continue providing students with an education despite having to shut down their campuses. Wrapping Up: Kids Are Our Greatest Asset Our kids are our greatest asset, and they have been hard hit by COVID-19. With all of the other drama going on, it is easy to forget that we are not ready for our kids to return to school. We know that most of the remote learning shifts that we attempted at the end of spring failed. We can assume that unless the problem is approached more capably, trying again without better working tools will have a similar outcome. School districts suddenly sweating bullets should consider an approach like LanSchool. Efforts to meet the challenges of remote learning on their own could increase the odds of another failure. Virtual reality headsets mostly have been junk, with complex installations, high prices and low resolution. They have the added benefit of not being very robust either. In other words, they sucked on all fronts. Now VR is essential to education, because the headset ties the student more tightly to the teacher, who can control what the student sees and hears almost absolutely. If you need to engage deeply and command the full attention of younger students, a VR solution is compelling. However, if the headset optics are of low quality, children wont be able to wear it for long nor would you want them to. If a headset is fragile, kids being kids will end it. In short, most headsets in the market suck at what they are supposed to do, and theyll break doing it but that may be a positive feature. The Lenovo Mirage VR S3 is designed for the professional market. It is robust enough for multiple users, it has optical performance that is in line with best-in-class (4K), and it has a hands-free control that is ergonomically designed and can be held by young or old hands. Lenovo Mirage VR S3 Standalone Headset with ThinkReality It is wireless, so there are no cords to break or trip over. It has a hygienic faceplate kind of critical for multiple users right now as well as integrated sound and three hours of battery life. Its not a good idea to stay in VR for longer than three hours. The price is US$450, which is not that much more than the cheap VR headsets weve been seeing in the consumer market. Because the Lenovo Mirage VR S3 headset is an excellent tool for the education market, it is my product of the week. (Now you can justify getting one.) The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ECT News Network. OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government is using public and private measures to secure the release of two Canadians detained in China for 18 months, who on Friday were formally charged with espionage in the politically charged case. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. FILE - In this March 28, 2018, file imag made from video, Michael Kovrig, an adviser with the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based non-governmental organization, speaks during an interview in Hong Kong. China has charged two detained Canadians with spying in cases linked to Canadas arrest of a Huawei executive on U.S. charges. Chinese prosecutors said Friday, June 19, 2020, that Kovrig and Michael Spavor have been charged.(AP Photo, File) OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government is using public and private measures to secure the release of two Canadians detained in China for 18 months, who on Friday were formally charged with espionage in the politically charged case. Trudeau said he was "very disappointed" with the charges Chinese prosecutors unveiled, while Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland described feeling personally angry at the news. Former diplomat Michael Kovrig was charged in Beijing on suspicion of spying for state secrets and intelligence. Businessman Michael Spavor was charged in Dandong near the North Korean border on suspicion of spying for a foreign entity and illegally providing state secrets. Speaking at a press conference in Chelsea, Que., just north of the national capital, Trudeau said the only reason the two are being detained is because of independent judicial proceedings involving Meng Wanzhou, a top executive at Chinese tech giant Huawei who is fighting an extradition request to the United States. Trudeau said aside from public statements, there is "action behind the scenes in very direct and firm ways" to secure their release. "We have developed a certain expertise in what has worked to get Canadians home in very difficult circumstances over the past years," Trudeau said. "In the case of the two Michaels, I can say that we are using a wide range of public and private measures to ensure that everything is being done to get these Michaels home." The two have been held since December 2018, shortly after Canadian authorities arrested Meng at Vancouver's airport. U.S. authorities want her extradited over allegations she circumvented American sanction on Iran. The daughter of Huawei's founder and the company itself deny any wrongdoing. She remains out on bail as hearings at the B.C. Supreme Court continue in her case. A judge rejected the first set of arguments from her lawyers late last month in a bid to set her free. "We will not, and must not, and cannot interfere in the independence of our judiciary in this country," Trudeau said. "The Chinese authorities have directly linked the case of the two Michaels to the judicial proceedings against Ms. Meng, which is extremely disappointing because for us ... there obviously are no links except in politics." Wrapped up in the case is Huawei's bid to be a player in Canada's 5G network, which was put in doubt after Bell and Telus announced partnerships with the Chinese company's European rivals. The Liberals have yet to decide whether Huawei will have a role in building the network. The United States has warned Canada and other allies that it will limit sharing intelligence with countries that have Huawei equipment in their 5G networks citing its potential use for spying by China, an allegation Huawei denies. The charges against Spavor and Kovrig were announced Friday by China's highest prosecutor's office in brief social media posts. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said each is charged with "secretly gathering state secrets for overseas forces with particularly serious consequences." "The facts are clear and the evidence solid and sufficient," Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing, without providing further details. The International Crisis Group, where Kovrig worked at the time of his arrest, said the diplomat regularly interviewed Chinese officials to accurately reflect their views in his reports and had a constructive relationship with Chinese officials. "This is yet another arbitrary and baseless step in a case that has been arbitrary and baseless from day one," the group's chief executive, Robert Malley, said in a statement. "Michael was not endangering China's security: everything he was doing was in the open and well known to China's authorities." Kovrig and Spavor have had no access to lawyers or their families as of May, with the exception of a phone call the Chinese embassy said Kovrig was allowed to make to his sick father in mid-March. Consular visits have also been suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. "This arbitrary detention is inhumane," tweeted Pamela Isfeld, president of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers, which represents Canadian diplomats. She called for the two to be "freed immediately." Speaking at a midday press conference on Parliament Hill, Freeland said it was essential to restore consular access to the two men. "They are a priority for Canadian foreign policy in general, they are a priority for our government in general, they are not forgotten and we are going to continue to work very, very hard for their release," she said. Securing their release might be more difficult after Friday because China seems "determined to hold them hostage" for the long-term, but the situation would not be dire if Canada stood firm without demonizing the Chinese, former diplomat Colin Robertson wrote in an analysis for the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. "The Chinese Communist Party does not share our values, and their agents actively engage in subversion and disinformation," Robertson wrote. "We need to be firm in pushing back and equally firm in speaking out when China flouts its international obligations or takes aggressive action against Canadians and Canadian interests." 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. Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said the government's "naive approach to Beijing" has hampered efforts to release Spavor and Kovrig. "This case should be being dealt with at the highest levels. But Justin Trudeau has repeatedly refused to intervene," Scheer said in a statement. NDP foreign affairs critic Jack Harris said it wasn't enough for the Liberals to say they are advocating for the release of the two men in what he deemed China's "hostage diplomacy." "China must be told that this behaviour is unacceptable and Canada needs to rally the support of like-minded nations to pursue a common strategy to put meaningful pressure on China to end to this practice and to release Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spavor." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2020. With files from the Associated Press Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 19) Rappler CEO Maria Ressa has been sued again for cyber libel, this time over a 2019 Twitter post where she shared another news website's article on businessman Wilfredo Keng. Keng is the same businessman behind the cyber libel suit that convicted Ressa and former Rappler staffer Reynaldo Santos Jr. on June 15. Keng filed the second complaint against Ressa at the Makati City Prosecutor's Office on February 13, a copy of which was released to the media on Friday. It centers on Ressa's tweet a year ago, which read: "Heres the 2002 article on the private businessman who filed the cyber libel case, which was thrown out by the NBI then revived by the DOJ. #HoldTheLine." It contained screenshots of the article, which identified Keng as the "influential Chinese businessman" being eyed as suspect in the ambush-slay of a former Manila councilor. Keng said he has never been investigated or charged for any criminal activity. "In publishing the 2002 Philippine Star article in her Twitter account, the respondent has feloniously communicated the malicious imputations against me not only to her 350,000 Twitter followers, but to anyone who has access to the internet," Keng said. The businessman said he asked Ressa to delete the "offensive Twitter post," noting that the Philippine Star itself has taken down the article, but Ressa refused to do so. He attached to his complaint-affidavit a letter from Ressa where she said Keng's demand interferes with her constitutional right to freedom of expression and press freedom. "The tweet itself makes reference verbatim to the Philippine Star news item which the Philippine Star has not recanted for being untrue but which it has taken down only due to threat of legal action against it," he added. On Monday, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46 convicted Ressa and Santos, a former researcher-writer at Rappler, in the cyber libel case earlier filed by Keng. The case stemmed from a 2012 investigative article which reported on Keng's alleged connection to illegal activities. The high-profile case hogged international headlines as opposition groups, human rights advocates, and netizens slammed the decision as part of government's crackdown against media critical of the Duterte administration. Malacanang said the conviction was not politically motivated, stressing that the case was filed by a private complainant. Ressa and Santos are free on bail pending an appeal of the conviction. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Restaurants, bars and coffee shops in downtown Grand Rapids are getting an influx of outdoor seating thanks to a city of Grand Rapids program designed to give businesses a boost during the coronavirus pandemic. Four outdoor, open-air seating areas know as social zones are being installed Friday, June 19, by city workers. The areas will include table and chairs, where residents can eat to-go orders and takeout meals from nearby restaurants. Patrons can drink beer or wine that is purchased and stored in a sealed container. The idea is to give food service businesses, whose inside capacity has been reduced by half to comply with social distancing guidelines, more space to serve customers. Theyre an important way for us to ensure that downtown and neighborhood business districts retain their vibrancy, because restaurants and bars are important businesses that bring people into those areas, said Lou Canfield, who manages the citys development center. On Friday morning, city workers began installing barricades around the four social zones. Heres the location of the four zones: Bridge Street NW, Summer to Winter once the deployment is completed, 2-way traffic will be restored for the duration of the social zone but shifted north so that westbound traffic is in the north parking lane and eastbound traffic is in the formerly westbound lane. This will allow for an expanded seating zone on the south side of Bridge that includes about 40 percent of the roadway. Monroe Center St. NW, Ionia to Division once the deployment is completed, 1 lane of traffic (left lane) will be restored for the duration of the social zone on this block. (The rest of Monroe Center (Monroe to Ionia) will be closed for the duration of the social zone with cross-traffic continuing on Ottawa and Ionia.) Ionia Ave. SW, Oakes to Fulton once the deployment is completed, 1-way north-bound traffic (no southbound) will be restored for the duration of the social zone on these blocks. That traffic will flow in the left (formerly southbound) lane from Oakes to Weston and shift to the right lane from Weston to Fulton. This has been coordinated with The Rapid. Monroe Ave. NW (northbound detour only), Trowbridge to Bond to Newberry once deployment is completed, normal traffic flow will be restored, since the expanded seating areas will be limited to on-street parking places. Two hundred tables and 800 chairs will be divvied up among the four social zones, said Andy Guy, chief outcomes officer at Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) DGRI, a nonprofit focused on development and other promotional activities in downtown Grand Rapids, is partnering with the city to manage the social zones. It will help oversee garbage removal, table cleaning and other services. Canfield said the social zones close at 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday. He wasnt immediately sure when the zones will open each morning, but said its safe to say that residents can use them from early- to mid-morning. The city is accepting applications from business and neighborhood groups who want to establish a social zone in their area. The zones can remain in place until Nov. 30, the city announced last month. Read more: Why its hard to predict individual savings under new auto insurance law Kent County entering new phase of coronavirus pandemic as deaths stabilize, health officials say Hope College postpones Class of 2020 graduation activities until 2021 (CNN) Google Chrome extensions downloaded more than 32 million times were used to spy on the popular browser's users in a massive global surveillance campaign, according to a new report. The report, from cybersecurity firm Awake Security, found at least 111 "malicious or fake" Chrome extensions capable of taking screenshots, stealing login credentials and capturing passwords as users typed them. The campaign impacted a wide range of sectors including financial services, healthcare and government organizations, it added. Extensions allow users to add features and capabilities to their browsers, such as a recently popular one that allows multiple laptops to stream Netflix shows simultaneously and another from Google that lets users flag suspicious websites. But the new report highlights the potential for fraudulent extensions to do harm and compromise a wide variety of systems. "The actors behind these activities have established a persistent foothold in almost every network," researchers at Awake said. Google confirmed that all the browser extensions flagged by Awake have since been removed. "We appreciate the work of the research community, and when we are alerted of extensions ... that violate our policies, we take action and use those incidents as training material to improve our automated and manual analyses," Google spokesperson Scott Westover said in a statement provided to CNN Business. "We do regular sweeps to find extensions using similar techniques, code, and behaviors, and take down those extensions if they violate our policies." Awake linked all the extensions associated with the spying campaign back to Galcomm, an Israeli web hosting company that claims to manage around 250,000 browser domains. "By exploiting the trust placed in it as a domain registrar, Galcomm has enabled malicious activity that has been found across more than a hundred networks we've examined," Awake researchers said in the report, adding that they found more than 15,000 Galcomm domains that were "malicious or suspicious." Galcomm did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNN Business, but the company's owner denied wrongdoing in a statement to Reuters, which first reported on Awake's findings. "Galcomm is not involved, and not in complicity with any malicious activity whatsoever," Moshe Fogel told Reuters. Google did not comment on Galcomm's role in the campaign. Google Chrome extensions have been linked to cyberattacks in the past, including as recently as February this year. The company has taken several steps to improve the browser's privacy and security protections, Westover said. "In addition to disabling the accounts of developers that violate our policies, we also flag certain malicious patterns we detect in order to prevent extensions from returning," he added. Amaravati, June 19 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday extended full support to the Narendra Modi government in dealing with the situation arising out of the faceoff with China in Ladakh. At the all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, via video conference, he said that Andhra Pradesh stands by the Centre for whatever strategy it adopts to tackle the situation on the border. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President said he had complete faith and trust in Modi's leadership and exuded confidence that he would navigate the nation successfully even through the Galwan crisis and India will emerge stronger and resilient. "I stand by you not only as President of YSR Congress Party but also as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. I would like to convey the wholehearted support of 6 crore people of my state," he said. Lavishing praise on Modi, Jagan Mohan Reddy said India became an economic and diplomatic power house with the Prime Minister extensively visiting nations across the globe and building strategic partnerships which propelled India to the forefront. "This established India as a global power to reckon with and a lighthouse for other nations. We have gained prominence in the global sphere and it is quite evident from the Prime Minister's most successful foreign policy initiatives which secured India membership in the top 3 international controlled regimes for missiles, arms and bio-weapons." The Chief Minister said Modi demonstrated his visionary leadership at the UN Security Council by securing unprecedented support of 184 out of 192 member nations. The YSRCP chief said the progress also attracted the envy of some nations that are trying to destabilise India. "We have emerged victorious time and again and this time I am sure you will find a solution to this predicament using your wisdom and international diplomatic relations." Jagan Mohan Reddy began his speech by expressing deepest anguish over the death of 20 brave soldiers who displayed exemplary courage while protecting sovereignty of the country at Galwan Valley. He said he, on behalf of the state, saluted their supreme sacrifice. "My heart goes out to the families of brave soldiers. I urge leaders participating in the meeting to stand shoulder to shoulder with our extended bereaved families," he said. He said that in today's nuclear era the world is changing, wars are not fought with military might alone but by international clout, diplomacy, trade restrictions, sanctions and international pressure. "Let us not forget the fact that no weapons were used and also not forget that there were few unconfirmed casualties on the other side as well," he added. Islamabad: Pakistan on Wednesday approached the World Bank amid reports that India could revoke the 56-year-old Indus Water Treaty, with senior Pakistani officials taking up the matter with the international lender which had mediated the water-sharing deal. A delegation of the Government of Pakistan led by the Attorney General for Pakistan, Ashtar Ausaf Ali, met with senior officials of the World Bank at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC, to discuss matters relating to Pakistans recent Request for Arbitration given to India pursuant to Article IX of the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960, Geo News reported. The report also said Pakistan approached the International Court of Justice, but did not provide any details. (Also Read: Indus Waters Treaty: Pakistan says India opting out would be act of war ) On 19 August, Pakistan had formally requested India for settlement of outstanding disputes pertaining to Indias construction of Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric plants on rivers Neelum and Chenab respectively, by referring the matters to the Court of Arbitration as provided in Article IX of the Treaty. Under the treaty, the World Bank has an important role in establishment of the Court of Arbitration by facilitating the process of appointment of three judges, called Umpires, to the Court, while each country appoints two arbitrators. The Pakistani officials met with senior officials of the World Bank to insist on early appointment of the judges and empanelment the court, it said. (Also Read: Indus Waters Treaty: India may take 'further action', say sources) The Pakistani delegation consisted of Attorney General for Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf Ali; Secretary, Ministry of Water & Power, Muhammad Younus Dagha; Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters, Mirza Asif Baig and others, it said. Pakistans Ambassador to the US Jalil Abbas Jilani and World Banks Executive Director for Pakistan Nasir Khosa were also present. In the meeting with the Pakistani delegation, the World Bank committed itself to timely fulfilling its obligations under the treaty while remaining neutral, the report said. Under the treaty, which was signed by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan President Ayub Khan in September 1960, waters of six rivers - Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum - were to be shared between the two countries. The treaty provides specific design criteria for any hydro-electric power plants to be built by India. Pakistan has held the position the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric plants violate the design parameters of the treaty. Earlier, Prime Ministers Advisor on Foreign Affairs and Security, Sartaj Aziz said an attempt by India to block Pakistans water could be seen as an act of war. Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with officials to review provisions of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. In that meeting it was decided that India will exploit to the maximum the water of Pakistan-controlled rivers, including Jhelum, as per the water-sharing pact. The meeting came as India weighed its options to hit back at Pakistan in the aftermath of the Uri terror attack that left 18 soldiers dead, triggering demands that the government scrap the water-sharing deal to mount pressure on the country. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. In recent weeks - amid a global pandemic and a historic national uprising against police brutality and systemic racism - a lifelong racial justice advocate sat down with his 9-year-old daughter to talk about the protesters marching in the streets. A retired New York City detective worried for the safety of his son, a police officer outside Atlanta. A city housing manager with a 3-year-old and a pregnant wife watched the national demonstrations unfold, fearful of the virus that might be moving among the crowds. The chief executive of a national nonprofit organization helped his 11-year-old boy make a protest sign. A civil engineer took his three young sons to downtown Washington to join the demonstrators demanding justice after the killing of George Floyd. This Father's Day, five black fathers shared their thoughts and experiences as they guide their children through this extraordinary moment and envision the future their sons and daughters will inherit. These interviews have been edited for length and clarity. - - - Andrew Grant-Thomas, 54 Co-founder of EmbraceRace, a family-focused racial justice nonprofit in Amherst, Mass. I was talking to our 9-year-old daughter about the protests, trying to see what she understands, what questions she might have. I was in her room - I'm sitting on the floor, she's sitting on her bed - and she bursts into tears and comes over and sits in my lap and she says, "I'm afraid it will happen to someone I know." And I said, "Are you afraid it'll happen to you?" And she said, "No, I'm afraid it's going to happen to someone I know." She didn't elaborate. Did she mean me, as a black man? That was so heartbreaking. I was born in Jamaica. I came here when I was 7 years old, but I identify as a black American. I'm a dad to two girls, 9 and 12. I'm a partner to Melissa, and I very much consider myself a social justice worker. Melissa and I had both done a lot of work around race, and even before we became parents, we realized that all these strong convictions we had, all that we thought we understood, meant relatively little when it came to questions like: How do we parent these girls? How do we support and protect them as brown-skinned girls, but how do we also nurture their power, their agency? We launched EmbraceRace four years ago. Because we are in this work, we are in the fortunate place of being constantly reminded of the importance of doing it. Our organization has been getting a lot of attention. Donations have gone up. We're doing all this work, and a lot more people are looking for it. For our girls, the older one in particular, I think she understands our work, and she thinks it's important, but it's also a little embarrassing where it impinges on her life. We live next door to their public school. We know the teachers. EmbraceRace is sometimes asked to do things there. Her friends know about it. That's sort of mortifying to her. They both certainly have complained that we talk about this stuff too much - "enough with the racial justice!" But with all the attention now, most of it positive, I think it's validating what we do in their eyes. Our kids are not natural-born activists. They don't gravitate toward a protest march. But I think, for most people, if you're troubled by the state of the world, doing something to express your agitation, your concern, your aspiration, is really helpful and healthy. We would love our girls to experience that. - - - Lamont Jones, 52 Retired New York City detective now in McDonough, Ga. As a police officer, the riot that I remember very vividly was when Amadou Diallo held a wallet up and he wound up getting shot in his hallway vestibule in the Bronx. It was more than 40 shots the police fired. There were bullets in the bottom of his shoes. I was working at the time as an investigator. They had us right at the foot of City Hall as the protesters came over the bridge. I'll never forget, another young black man held a wallet up to me, and said, "How can you protect them when they're killing your own kind?" And that penetrated me. I didn't have the words to express to my kids or my wife what I felt when I came home that day. At the time I couldn't understand it or process it. My wife and I have five adult children, four boys and one girl. My son Lamont is 25, and he always wanted to be a police officer. We'd been in Georgia a little over a year when he saw an ad in the paper that the Hapeville Police Department was hiring. He wound up joining the academy, and it was a proud moment to go to the ceremony where he wrote on one of the index cards that he always wanted to be a police officer to follow in his dad's footsteps. The George Floyd case has triggered a lot of hate toward police, so I'm afraid for my son. When they started rioting in Atlanta, I immediately called him and said, "Hey, are you OK?" He said, "Yes, I'm OK, we're on standby." No one in his department is applauding the behavior of those officers. Everyone is letting each other know that that is not the culture of the Hapeville Police Department. And I'm grateful for that. I now have the language and the understanding to know that you have to work through those uncomfortable conversations. I'm explaining that what we're seeing is years of oppression now on display. I've told him: Stay professional, stay loving. I just want to make sure my son comes home. I want to make sure he's around to bury Dad, I don't want to bury him. Lamont doesn't live with me, but we text just about every day. We see each other at least once every week or once every other week. I want him to have that outlet that I didn't have. Two of our children are here in our house, and we've been talking about the protests, the police brutality. We've been talking about the racial divide just about every day. I tell them I understand, that it's about time that the protests just didn't stop after a week. They're very conscious that the world has to be a better place, and what part can they play? And that's what I want to leave with them: If I don't get to see the change that is being fought for right now, you play your part to make sure my kids and my grandkids get to see it. - - - Nigel D. Greaves, 43 Senior program manager at the Office of Housing in Springfield, Mass. I've been continuously reminding myself to remain thankful. My wife and I own a home and have a 3-year-old daughter, Lela Joy. We've got a tremendous amount of privilege, starting with the fact that my wife and I are both employed. We can still pay the mortgage. My wife is four months pregnant, her due date is in October. The pandemic is a thing that touches my daughter on a daily basis now, and she understands there is a problem because school was canceled. So we've had to explain to her the reason for that. The thing we come back to is germs: "We have to stay away from the germs, and unfortunately the germs have now gotten everywhere." We have to find things to do, so we often go out in the car. And I have a 3-year-old back seat driver, so we try to teach her what things mean, what signs mean, that a red light means "stop." So recently I was quizzing her: " What do you do when you have a yellow light?" "You slow down." "What do you do when you have a green light." "You go!" And I said, "Hey, you've got it." And then she said, "Daddy, what do you do when you see a blue light?" And I was speechless for a couple of minutes. I was literally speechless. I don't know that I actually ever responded to her question. She was just going through the color spectrum, but what came up in my mind was that a blue light corresponds with the police. I just, I didn't want to get into all that with her. But I also didn't feel like lying to her. And I didn't feel creative enough in the moment to tell her something different. That's a big conversation. This fight for racial justice is so necessary and so overdue. I think folks are being heard in a way that they never have been before, and that is coming at great, great risk to our national health. And particularly to the health of oppressed people, black and brown people who feel as though they need to be out there fighting for their rights in the street. There are demonstrations that are inclusive of young people, children - babies even might be out there. I haven't yet gotten to a place where I feel I can take that risk with my health, my child's health and with my wife being pregnant. Looking ahead, I often feel confused. I don't know what to expect any longer. As far as my kids go, I just want to be dedicated to making sure they are confident and careful about how they move through spaces and conscious of the world around them. I want them to remember that we're all connected. I hope my children dedicate themselves to making spaces better than they found them. And I hope they fight. Because people in power don't give up power willingly. It has to be fought for. - - - Kenneth Braswell, 58 Chief executive of Fathers Incorporated, a national nonprofit organization that supports fathers and their families in Atlanta I am a father of five: four grown girls and an 11-year-old boy. My work can be overwhelming in the sense that - it's almost like, you've got to make sure that the shoemaker's children don't have holes in their shoes. You're out here trying to save the world, you're trying to make sure children aren't impacted by father absence and as you're doing that work you can feel guilty sometimes because you feel like you're not present enough in the lives of your own children. As a result, I put a lot more pressure on myself as a father. In addition to everything else, I am a children's book author. My first book, "Daddy, There's a Noise Outside," was written in 2015, during the Freddie Gray indictments in Baltimore. While I was in Baltimore, my son and my wife happened to see me on CNN, standing next to a friend who was being interviewed. My son was 6 years old. When I came home, I wasn't in the door two seconds before he was like, "Daddy, why were you there with all those police?" I had that conversation with my son at 6 years old. So what's going on now, he already understands it. He sees it. He articulates it. He's clear about who he is as an 11-year-old black boy. He's aware of how the world sees him and how the world will see him. A friend of mine organized a kid's protest in Buckhead the other weekend, and my son and my wife and I were going to do some signs, and he said, "I know what sign I want." He said, "I want my sign to have a stop sign on it, and around it I want it to say Black Lives Matter." And I said, "OK, what does that mean?" And he said, "I want people to stop killing black people, and I want them to know that black lives matter!" After the protest, I took that sign and I put it in the closet. When he turns 18, or gets a little older, I want to frame it and give it to him, to let him know: This was your thought at 11 years old. You should be mindful that this is something you should always be thinking. This wasn't me talking to you. This was you talking to me. - - - Raymond Butler III, 48 Civil engineer in Waldorf, Md. My wife and I have three kids, all boys. One turned 16 in May, the middle one is getting ready to turn 14 and the youngest is turning 9 in a week or two. They've protested in D.C. before, but they may not have understood it then. We went to the Million Man March reunion when they were much younger. This time, everybody charged their phone, and the rule was we all stay together. Stephen, my youngest, we debated whether we should bring him or not. He's smaller. If the crowd started running, if there was a stampede - he doesn't win. My 13-year-old said, "If something happens, we're gone," and I was like, "Exactly - but if we decide to leave, the concentration has to be on Stephen. Pick him up, carry him, make sure he stays with us." The protests, the racism - that's not a new thing. We've been having those conversations since they could talk, since they could understand. My oldest is on the autism spectrum, and with him it's more repetition, repeating what you do, what your reactions are if a police officer ever stops you: "Do not move fast. Keep your hands on the steering wheel. Be very respectful. When it's you and the officer, it's going to be your word against his, and you will lose. Your job is to survive that moment. Your job is to think slowly and move slowly." I tell him, "You're going to be startled, you may get nervous, your first reaction may be to reach into your pocket for your phone to call me or your mom. But in that moment, that can get you killed." I grew up going to the White House quite often. My family is from North Carolina, and every time they came to visit, they wanted to tour the White House. Maybe five years ago, the topic of going to the White House came up - back when they were still doing tours - and my oldest son, he has one of those armbands that goes from his wrist up past his elbow with the autism symbol on it. And he said, "Dad, I need to put this on my arm if we go to the White House, because I don't want to get shot." For him to say that, it made me think, "Wow, he is listening." My oldest, he's bigger than me now. He's losing the child look in his face. On one hand, I'm scared. He says, "Why don't people accept me for who I am?" The younger children, they say the same thing. "Why does it have to be like that? Just because I'm darker than somebody, they're going to think a lot of negative things?" You have to get it through their heads that it's not everybody out there who thinks like that. But you still have to be on guard. The protest was definitely encouraging. I thought it was a beautiful thing. You've got people passing out water and snacks, chanting all together. My sons could see: There are other people who do not look like you who feel the same as you do. When they keep asking, "Why does it have to be like this?" I hope they know that they do have a voice, and they can be an agent of change. They can be part of making our world better. While OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro were launched in April, the devices were not brought into the Indian market given the lockdown. Premium smartphone maker OnePlus saw its flagship OnePlus 8 Pro being sold out within minutes of going on sale on Thursday on e-commerce portal Amazon India, even as calls for boycott of Chinese products continue amid Sino-India border tension. While OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro were launched in April, the devices were not brought into the Indian market given the lockdown. The sale of OnePlus 8 in India started on May 18, and that of OnePlus 8 Pro began on June 15. OnePlus had previously said it is witnessing huge demand for the OnePlus 8 Series 5G in India, and it is working on ensuring a consistent supply of these devices. Until then, it will continue with limited sales twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays. While OnePlus and Amazon India did not comment on the number of devices put on sale on June 18 (Thursday), industry watchers said OnePlus is a popular brand in India and that could be one of the reasons for the devices being sold out within minutes. OnePlus, Samsung and Apple are the key players in the Indian premium smartphone market (phones priced above Rs 30,000). While Chinese mobile phone makers and consumer durables companies have refrained from commenting on the issue, several industry executives have claimed that there is no impact on sales yet on account of the anti-Chinese sentiments. Factors like almost two months of lockdown and people working and studying from home have created a pent-up demand for smartphones, and many firms have had to resort to expensive imports to meet the spurt in demand, they said. However, Chinese firms are keeping a close watch on the developments, and monitoring the situation on ground as well as on social media. Interestingly, a report by Counterpoint Research on Friday found the anti-China sentiment being the highest among Indian consumers in a survey it conducted during May-June 2020 covering seven countries. The survey sought to gauge consumer sentiment about smartphones manufactured in China given that the Wuhan region of China was the starting point of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than half of the respondents from India have a negative attitude towards Made-in-China products or Chinese smartphone brands, the survey pointed out adding that around four in 10 respondents said they will not buy Made-in-China products or smartphones from Chinese brands. "We believe the recent conflict on the India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC) will play a profound role in shaping this behaviour," Counterpoint said noting that the survey was conducted before the India-China faceoff at LAC in Galwan Valley. The clash in Galwan Valley on Tuesday was the worst cross-border confrontation between the two sides in 45 years. While India lost 20 soldiers, China's People's Liberation Army has not yet talked about the number of casualties it suffered. However, to counter this sentiment, many brands have recently initiated 'Made in India' and nationalistic campaigns, Counterpoint said. Four of the top five smartphone brands in India (Xiaomi, Vivo, Realme and Oppo) are from China, and accounted for almost 76 per cent share of the 32.5 million smartphones shipped in India in the March 2020 quarter (according to IDC data). South Korea's Samsung, which ranked third and cornered 15.6 per cent share of shipment in the said quarter, is the only non-Chinese firm in the top five tallies. India is the second-largest smartphone market after China and clocked a shipment of 152.5 million smartphones in 2019. The Tennessee state legislature passed a restrictive ban on abortions in the state during the early morning hours Friday in a closed-door session. And opponents of the legislation, which bans abortions done as early as six weeks into a pregnancy, have already said they are going to challenge the issue in court. Under the provisions of the bill, doctors would also be prohibited from conducting an abortion procedure if the patient is seeking one because of the babys sex, race or "a prenatal diagnosis, test, or screening indicating Down syndrome or the potential for Down syndrome in the unborn child." MORE: Abortion funds see an increase in calls during the coronavirus pandemic The bill, which voted along party lines with Republican majority in both the state House of Representatives and state Senate and has the support of Gov. Bill Lee, does not make exceptions for rape or incest but allows for procedures if the life of the patient is at risk. Medical professionals are also mandated to show ultrasound images to the patient. PHOTO: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee speaks on April 30, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Health care providers would be fined $10,000 for violating the measure. Democratic leaders and the American Civil Liberties Union argued against the last-minute vote without any public viewing and warned that the measure would be hard on low-income parents who cannot travel out of state to get an abortion. The ACLU said it plans to take Tennessee lawmakers to court. MORE: Coronavirus putting future of state bills, grassroots efforts in jeopardy "Lawmakers used this measure in a game of political maneuvering to pass the state budget pushing it through without regard for the actual Tennesseans who will be denied access to the care they need," Hedy Weinberg, the executive director of ACLU Tennessee, said in a statement Friday. PHOTO: People wait for a Senate hearing to begin to discuss a fetal heartbeat abortion ban, or possibly something more restrictive in Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 12, 2019. (Mark Humphrey/AP, File ) Similar bills that banned abortion procedures at six weeks of pregnancy were struck down in states such as Ohio. None are currently in effect. Tennessee passes 6-week abortion ban during last-second budget negotiation originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 02:22:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 19 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday voiced concern over the impact of COVID-19 on survivors of sexual violence in conflict. As the COVID-19 pandemic rages through regions of the world that are affected by armed conflict, survivors of sexual violence confront even greater challenges, said Guterres in a video message for the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, which falls on June 19. Reporting crimes may be difficult; shelters and clinics may be closed, he noted. "I commend front-line staff who are finding ways to support those affected despite lockdowns and quarantines." Sexual violence in conflict is a brutal crime, mainly perpetrated against women and girls, but also affecting men and boys. It reverberates throughout communities and societies, perpetuating cycles of violence and threatening international peace and security, said Guterres. "On this International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we stand in solidarity with survivors. We vow to listen to them and act on their experiences and decisions. We must prevent and end these crimes, place survivors at the center of our response, hold perpetrators accountable, and expand support for all those affected," he said. Enditem Galwan Valley, the place where a clash took place on Monday night between Indian and Chinese soldiers, has been named after local explorer Ghulam Rasool Galwan. Rasools grandson Mohammad Amin Galwan said that his grandfather was the first to cross the valley while trekking with the British in 1895. The weather turned bad and it was difficult to save the British team. Death was in front of their eyes. Rasool Galwan steered the team to the destination, he told news agency IANS. The British were happy and asked him what reward he wants, he said I dont need anything but name the nallah on my name, Galwan added. During British time, the area was named Galwan Rasool or Galwan Nala, he said. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the clash in this valley in Ladakh on June 15. A Colonel was among those killed. The face-off happened as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to unilaterally change the status quo during de-escalation in eastern Ladakh, India said. The situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side, the foreign ministry said. Speaking about the current stand-off, Amin Galwan said he salutes the jawans who made the supreme sacrifice in Galwan Valley. In 1962, the Chinese entered that area and our brave soldiers pushed them back. There are a lot of activities happening in that area these days. Our jawans are standing their ground. The area belongs to us for the last over 200 years and it will remain so, he added. The Ranking Member on the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament, Inusah Fuseini says the Executive Instrument 164 breaches the law-making function of Parliament. According to him, the law which penalizes persons who fail to wear face masks in public criminalizes the offence in a manner that is outside the powers of the Executive. Speaking to Citi News, the Tamale Central MP said, the law is not only harsh but a breach of the powers of the executive to prescribe such punishment. You remember the first time the President brought the Imposition of Restrictions Bill, the President sought to arrogate himself the power to determine [certain restrictions] for persons under the Bill. That was resisted by Parliament. That was why we created a function called offences and penalty and so it is the sole preserve of Parliament to penalise and not that of the President. That is a long-standing principle of law. The President has no right to penalise. That is the long-standing principle of law. The new Executive Instrument, which was signed by President Akufo-Addo on June 15, 2020, makes it mandatory for people to wear face masks in public. Persons who fail to wear masks could face a jail term of between four and 10 years or pay a fine of between GHS12,000 and GHS60,000 or both. Section 6 of Act 1012 states that a person who fails to comply with the restrictions imposed under the Executive Instrument issued under subsection 1 of Section 2 commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than 1,000 penalty unit (Gh12,000) and not more than 5,000 penalty units (Gh 60,000) or to a term of imprisonment not less than four years and not more than 10 years or to both. Section 4 (1) of the E.I. 164 states that the police have the authority to make random checks to ensure enforcement compliance ----citinewsroom By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Legislators across eight states started voting for 19 Rajya Sabha seats on Friday with the contest in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan promising to be a close affair between the BJP and the Congress. Originally, the poll was to take place on March 26 for 55 Upper House seats, but 37 candidates have already been elected without a contest. The EC had deferred the March 26 Rajya Sabha elections citing the threat of the novel coronavirus. The Election Commission had later announced polls for four seats in Karnataka and one seat each in Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. In Karnataka, where elections were to be held for four seats, all the candidates former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, BJP candidates Iranna Kadadi and Ashok Gasti have been declared elected unopposed. BJP nominee Nabam Rebia was also elected unopposed to the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Arunachal Pradesh. The counting of votes for all the 19 seats will be held on the evening of June 19 itself, the EC said. With many MLAs switching sides, the past few months have seen parties indulging in resort politics to keep their flock together. Several MLAs have been lodged in resorts to stop them from poaching by rival factions. RS poll in Gujarat to take place as per schedule Voting for the four Rajya Sabha seats in Gujarat began in Gandhinagar on Friday, where the contest between the Congress and the BJP is likely to go down to wire as none of the two parties have absolute numbers. The BJP has fielded three candidates for four seats, while the Congress has given tickets to two candidates. The BJP, with its numbers can easily win two seats, while the Congress can bag one seat. But there is a tough fight for the fourth seat between the two parties. Both the parties have expressed hope that all their candidates will win the Rajya Sabha polls. BJP has fielded Abhay Bharadwaj, Ramila Bara and Narhari Amin, while the Congress has fielded Shaktisinh Gohil and Bharatsinh Solanki. The election commission has made elaborate preparation for the conduct of elections as it is being held during the coronaviurs pandemic. Every voter (MLA) is being screened for temperatures and will have use mask and maintain social distance. For those with fever or other symptoms a separate waiting room has been kept. Earlier, one MLA from the Congress and three from BJP had tested positive for coronavirus but all of them have recovered now. As per the numbers, each candidate will require support of 35 MLAs to win the seat. While the BJP has 103 MLAs, Congress has 65, Bharatiya Tribal Party has two seats, NCP has one and independent candidate Jignesh Mewani holds one seat. Although the total strength of the assembly is 182, its effective strength has come down to 172 as 10 assembly seats are currently vacant -- eight due to resignations of Congress MLAs and two due to court cases. The counting of votes will begin at 5 pm. The Supreme Court earlier refused to stay Rajya Sabha elections in the state while turning down a plea by Congress leader Paresh Dhanani. The leader of opposition in Gujarat Assembly had challenged voting in the election through postal ballot. Denying a stay on the June 19 election, the court fixed the matter for after four weeks. Polls start in Bhopal Voting for the three vacant Rajya Sabha seats from Madhya Pradesh began in the state assembly complex on Friday morning. As the voting process began at 9 am, BJP members along with the state Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reached the assembly premises here to cast their votes. Congress members along with the former chief minister Kamal Nath also reached the assembly complex for voting. The first vote was cast by Chouhan, followed by state Home Minister Narottam Mishra. All the members were seen wearing masks and standing in a queue maintaining mandatory social distance in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. The BJP has fielded senior leader and former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and former professor of a government college Sumer Singh Solanki for the Rajya Sabha polls. The Congress has fielded party veteran Digvijaya Singh and Dalit leader Phool Singh Baraiya for the crucial elections. For winning a seat in the Rajya Sabha polls, a candidate needs 52 votes and as per the numerical strength of the two parties, BJP is set to win two seats as it has 107 MLAs of its own and enjoys the support of two MLAs of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), one MLA of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and two Independents, party sources said. The saffron party has the support of 112 in the 230- member Assembly whose effective strength is 206. Scindia and Solanki, thus, can get the 52 votes each needed for victory. In the 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly, 24 seats are currently vacant. Congress has been left with 92 MLAs after 22 of its legislators, including six ministers, quit the party in support of Scindia's move to join the BJP. Thus, Congress is set to win a single seat out of the total three for which polls are being held, sources added. The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) had asked 54 of its 92 MLAs to cast their first preference vote for Digvijaya Singh. The former chief minister needs 52 votes to get elected to Rajya Sabha for the second consecutive term. Baraiya, placed after Singh in the pecking order by his party, does not have the numbers on his side to win. (With PTI Inputs) In reference to the initial article that revealed information about the donations, it was stated there that Robert Ray Barnes is the man receiving the donation money to the Black Lives Matter foundation. This foundation is the result of the recent movement in the GoFundMe fundraising platform. People also announced in one of its articles that approximately $4 million worth was amassed by the people who were willing enough to donate in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. Donation to the movement Prominent and well-known corporations such as Microsoft, Google, and Apple have offered their hands in raising this amount of donation money for the movement. However, these companies and the people involved in the increasing of funds for the movement have donated to the wrong foundation. A foundation called the "Black Lives Matter Foundation" is an entirely different fundraising foundation that has absolutely no connection to the "Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation." According to an article by CBS Los Angeles, the "Black Lives Matter Foundation" was officially registered as a legitimate foundation way back in 2015. Moreover, this foundation started in 2013. Robert Ray Barnes and others who benefit Robert Ray Barnes is the founder of the "Black Lives Matter Foundation." He created this foundation in the Santa Clarita area of California. Barnes's foundation is built on the sole objective of utilizing creative and inventive ways to unite the police community with the general public. This is to prevent any loss of life and to ultimately save the lives of people. The foundation's objective was officially stated in a 2017 public statement. Barnes, the spearhead of the foundation, told CBS2 that the purpose of this foundation is to consolidate together the public and the police to spread peace and tranquility within the two communities. In addition to all of this, Los Angeles Magazine has also released a recent article on the matter. It mentioned that the movement "Black Lives Matter" was initially created by three people back in 2013, which was mentioned earlier in this article. Read Also: The Real Woman Behind the Viral Photo of 'Aracely Henriquez' Clarifies Misinformation in the Social Media The movement continues The three founding members of the movement back in 2013 are Opal Tometi, Patrisse Cullors, and Alicia Garza. This movement gained social awareness back in 2014. Despite the recognition, the three members did not officially register this movement as a legitimate organization. Robert Ray Barnes, on the other hand, saw to that and officially registered this movement as the "Black Lives Matter Foundation" under his name. In legal terms, there are no copyright issues to this because no one registered this movement as an official organization that was meant to bring the police and the general public together. The donations sent to Barnes's foundation will be used to promote the harmonious relationship between the law enforcing policemen and policewomen and the public community. In December 2019, however, a cease-and-desist order was created against Barnes and the foundation. This was implemented by Xavier Becerra, an attorney based in California. It was written in the order that the foundation of Barnes to be shut down entirely, not excluding anything within the foundation. Read also: Black Lives Matter Foundation Founder Who's 'Getting' George Floyd GoFundMe Donations By Mistake Speaks Up New Delhi: At least 20 political parties are likely to attend the all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation at the border areas with China. The meeting is scheduled to be held at 5 pm today through video conferencing. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda will also be present in the virtual party meeting. This is the first all-party meeting called by Modi after the death of 20 Indian soldiers in a violent face-off with Chinese troops at patrol point 14 on Monday night in Ladakh`s Galwan valley. According to sources, former BJP chief Rajnath Singh had on Thursday personally invited all leaders on behalf of the Prime Minister. After coming in for criticism from parties such as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and RJD that they had not received any invitation to the meet, sources clarified that only recognised national parties, those with over five MPs in the Lok Sabha, leading parties from the Northeast and parties with Union Cabinet Ministers had been invited. "In order to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for an all-party meeting at 5 pm on June 19. Presidents of various political parties would take part in this virtual meeting," PMO had tweeted. The meeting was called after at least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, lost their lives in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley area of Ladakh on June 15 night. Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Rashtriya Janata Dal and AIMIM lashed out at PM Narendra Modi and BJP for being snubbed from the all-party meet on the crucial issue, based on their negligible parliamentary presence. The AAP, which has 4 MPs, accused the central government of political arrogance when it should seek cooperation. The RJD has 80 MLAs in Bihar and is also the single-largest party in the state. It has five MPs in the Rajya Sabha. Venting out its anger at the Centre for not being invited to the meet, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav tweeted, "Dear @DefenceMinIndia @PMOIndia, Just wish to know the criteria for inviting political parties for tomorrow's #AllPartyMeet on #GalwanValley. I mean the grounds of inclusion/exclusion. Because our party @RJDforIndia hasn't received any message so far." New Delhi: As Pakistan skipped the meeting with India called to tackle locust attacks and issuance of warning against more such attacks from Food and Agricultural Organisation, New Delhi seems to have moved a step closer to gain control over the situation at least on the border. While spraying machine is awaited from the United Kingdom, India has manufactured and assembled one that can be fitted in the helicopter for spray of pesticides and insecticides to kill locusts. Kailash Choudhary, Minister of State (MoS) for Agriculture informed that with five to seven days, bordering state Rajasthan would see effective spraying of insecticides through helicopter which will remain located on the border. "I am glad to inform that we have developed one machine that is getting assembled alongwith helicopter which will spray the solution to kill locusts. This would give a huge relief to farmers. In addition to this, we have placed an order for a machine from UK that can be fitted with a helicopter and will arrive soon," added the minister. "The government has already received 20 machines to spray locusts with insecticides from the UK and 40 more are expected to come but these machines are to be used on ground and not meant for aerial spray," Choudhary said. The minister also urged people to heed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s appeal to use more local products. "Vocal for local should be our focus. We need to focus on being self-reliant; Chinese stabbed us in the back. The whole world is against China and China would repent doing this cowardly act," said the minister. On all-party meeting, the minister said that it is important and Congress too would get the answers they need. "Rahul Gandhi should now grow up. He should stand with nation and not give other nations a reason to point fingers on us. Rahul gave Pakistan a reason to question India on surgical strikes when he questioned the action," Choudhary said while commenting on remarks made by Congress leader against the Prime Minister. In a primary election unlike any other, due to COVID-19, over half the votes cast in Sandoval County were absentee ballots. The county had a total of 32,452 ballots cast in the primary, with 41.97 percent in voter turnout, according to the New Mexico Secretary of States website. Sandoval County Clerk Eileen Garbagni said 26,908 ballots were sent out and 22,000 ballots were returned. Garbagni said overall, the primary went smoothly and they received few complaints. So, we didnt have concerns really or people being upset some, of course, but it wasnt a major number that complained about anything, she said. People were OK with either going to the sites, and then when they came to the site, we, of course, had gloves and masks and everything else for them to wear. We didnt really have issues. The county wont know how to proceed to the general election until legislators and the governor decide what they want counties to do, Garbagni said. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham added to the agenda of the special session that began Thursday, to grant county clerks the authority to send mail ballots to registered voters. At the legislature, they are going to decide what they want us to do, if they want us to do all mail-out or if were going do it like we did for the primary. Were not sure, Garbagni said. The primary had fewer polling sites because senior centers, schools and others had health-safety concerns, she said. If in the general they give us more polling sites, it would be a lot more helpful. I think an all mail-out would be the best, she said. You wouldnt need poll workers to count; you wouldnt need polling sites; you dont have to worry about people going to the sites at all. The general is going to be a lot higher in numbers; so we need to prepare for this. In the past, a bulk of ballots came from early voting, Garbagni said. This time around, because of the pandemic and all of the craziness with the virus, people were actually afraid at first, and then it went like a wildfire on a windy day, she said. With not as many people voting early, many mailed in ballots and dropped ballots off at polling sites and at the county building, Garbagni said. Hundreds of boxes of absentee ballots were delivered to be counted, she said. So that kept us till 3:45 a.m. to count everything, Garbagni said. When someone goes to cast a ballot, a ballot is placed in an envelope and then that envelope is placed into another, she said. The inner envelope said Primary Election 2020 and the date. The outer envelope has the voters name, address, a return label and a bar code, Garbagni said. Neither envelope has a persons party on the outside, she said. Ballots are placed into a lock-box that a sheriffs deputy escorts to a warehouse to be counted, she said. The presiding judge opens that box and we had 20 people helping to count the ballots, Garbagni said. The judge counts the ballots and checks that the number of ballots delivered matches the number of ballots received at a voting precinct, she said. After the number is confirmed, those ballots are distributed to the 20 people counting. The first envelopes are opened by one of 10 people, and the second envelope is set aside, Garbagni said. They put all of those envelopes in trays; they put them in order by date and how they came in, and put them aside, she said. Then the second set of 10 people opens the second envelopes and takes the ballots out and unfolds them, Garbagni explained. No one knows who voted on anything because the envelope with the names are put aside already. No one can view those envelopes anymore, she said, The ballots are placed in a tray, and then scanned, Garbagni said. And thats how we read the number of people who voted and their party, she said. The Sandoval County Commission completed canvassing June 12. The state canvassing board meets on Tuesday. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., speaks at the LULAC Presidential Town Hall in Las Vegas in February. Klobuchar said Thursday that she was dropping out of the running to be vice president. Read more CHICAGO Amy Klobuchar said Thursday that she was dropping out of the running to be vice president and urging Democrat Joe Biden to select a woman of color instead. The white Minnesota senator, who had seen her prospects fall as racial tensions swept the nation, said she called the presumptive presidential nominee last night and made the suggestion. Biden had already committed to choosing a woman as his running mate. I think this is a moment to put a woman of color on that ticket," Klobuchar said on MSNBC. If you want to heal this nation right now my party, yes, but our nation this is sure a hell of a way to do it. Klobuchar's chances at getting the VP nod diminished after the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis. Klobuchar was a prosecutor years ago in the county that includes Minneapolis, and during that period, more than two dozen people mostly minorities died during encounters with police. Floyds death last month set off days of protests across the country and criticism that as the countys top prosecutor, Klobuchar didnt charge any of the officers involved in citizen deaths. Officer Derek Chauvin, who was charged with Floyds murder, had been involved in one of those cases, the fatal 2006 shooting of a man accused of stabbing people and aiming a shotgun at police. Klobuchar, 60, was among a large field of Democrats who had sought the 2020 presidential nomination, running as a pragmatic Midwesterner who has passed over 100 bills. She dropped out and threw her support behind Biden before the crucial March 3 Super Tuesday contests after struggling to win support from black voters, who are crucial to Democratic victories. Her best finish of the primary was in overwhelmingly white New Hampshire, where she came in third. The third-term senator had to cancel one of the final rallies of her campaign after Black Lives Matter and other activists took the stage in Minnesota to protest her handling of a murder case when she was prosecutor that sent a black teen to prison for life. Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, a close Biden ally and Congress highest-ranking black lawmaker, said in the days after Floyds death that he believed it made Klobuchar a less likely pick for vice president, though he said she is absolutely qualified for the job. This is very tough timing for her, Clyburn said. Even before Floyds death, activists were pushing Biden to consider a woman of color, saying it would help build a multiracial coalition behind the Democratic ticket and motivate people particularly younger voters who may be underwhelmed by the 77-year-old former vice presidents bid. The founder of She the People, a network of women of color, called news that Biden had asked Klobuchar to undergo formal vetting a dangerous and reckless choice. To choose Klobuchar as vice president risks losing the very base the Democrats need to win, most centrally women of color, and could be a fatal blow to the Democrats chance to win the White House, Aimee Allison said in May. Others wanted Biden to choose a more progressive candidate, who could bring in support from voters who backed Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren in the primary. Like Biden, Klobuchar disagreed with Sanders and Warren during the campaign on major issues such as health care, calling Medicare for All unachievable and pushing instead for changes to the Affordable Care Act. Democrats with knowledge of the process told The Associated Press last week that Bidens search committee had narrowed the choices to as few as six serious contenders after initial interviews. Among the group still in contention: Warren, California Sen. Kamala Harris and Susan Rice, who served as President Barack Obamas national security adviser. Warren is white; both Harris and Rice are black. Biden has said he will announce his VP decision by Aug. 1. Associated Press writers Amy Forliti in Minneapolis, Julie Pace in Washington, Bill Barrow in Atlanta and Ashley Thomas in Savannah, Georgia, contributed to this report. It has been three months since any Covid-19 case has been found in Maoist-affected districts of Sukma, Bijapur and Naryanpur. The probable reason is low number of testing for the disease. However, in neighbouring Odisha, the coronavirus disease cases in tribal districts are that of the migrant workers, who returned from different parts of the country. None of the local tribal have got Covid, an Odisha health department official said, admitting that testing in tribal dominated districts was much less than in non-tribal areas. Thirty one per cent of Chhattisgarhs total population is tribal. As per the Chhattisgarh health department figures, most of the Covid-19 cases were detected in the northern part of the state - Korba , Bilaspur, Baloda Bazar, Raipur and Mungeli districts. No cases were found in the three southern districts of Sukma, Bijapur and Narayanpur. The departments data, however, revealed that the tests conducted in the southern districts were much less than in the northern non-tribal dominated districts. Till now, only 1,158 persons have been tested for the coronavirus disease in Bijapur, 777 in Naryanpur and 1,749 in Sukma. On the other hand, maximum cases were found in the Korba district, where 9,139 people were tested of which 254 were found positive. Similarly, in Bilaspur, 9,378 persons were tested of which 167 were positive, while in Raipur maximum 11,993 tests were conducted and 151 were found positive. Most cases detected are from the migrant community. The parts which have seen large influx of inter-state travellers have shown spike in the cases. In Chhattisgarh, people who came from western part and Uttar Pradesh have particularly been Covid-19 carriers. The southern (tribal dominated) districts so far do not have many such people with travel history and therefore, the cases are less, said health secretary Niharika Barik Singh. She said lesser number of tests was done in southern districts because fewer people came under the criterion of Covid-19 testing, which allows testing of only those who show symptoms of the disease. We have followed ICMR guidelines for testing, she said. Till Thursday, the total active cases in the state were 735 out of total 1,946 cases. The state has reported nine deaths, all from the northern districts, a health official said. Most of the migrant workers in the northern region went to coronavirus affected areas in Maharashtra, Delhi, UP etc for work and could not come back because the lockdown was announced on March 24. And by the time Shramik Express trains started (on May 1), these workers from our state were infected, said Health Minister TS Singhdeo. In Odisha, tribals constitute about 22 per cent of the population. The tribal-dominated districts in southern as well as northern Odisha have reported lesser Covid-19 cases compared to non-tribal districts. Cases have been reported in all the 30 districts with Ganjam leading the tally. So far, more than 4,677 cases have been reported in Odisha, according to state health department officials. In tribal-dominated Koraput and Nabarangpur districts, all the Covid-19 positive cases were from migrant workers who checked into quarantine centres, healthcare workers and paramilitary jawans. In Nabarangpur district, seven personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF), who had travelled to Maharashtra, were found positive. In Koraput too, all the 24 cases detected were either from quarantine centres or people with travel history to other states. Among the infected people in district, there are tribals with travel history to other states. But there has been no cases of local transmission or community transmission in our tribal pockets, said Koraput district collector Madhusudan Mishra. In comparison, tribal-dominated Bolangir district reported 150 cases followed by Sundargarh, another tribal district with 146 cases. Similarly, tribal dominated district of Mayurbhanj reported 129 cases. All the cases were here were from inter-state migrant workers and some healthworkers and doctors who came in contact with the Covid patients or migrant workers. There is no case of local transmission in Odisha, said an Odisha health department official. He admitted that testing in the tribal dominated districts were less than in non-tribal dominated districts, which sees higher outflow of persons for employment to other states. Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that Texas schools will be able to open for in-class instruction for the 2020-21 school year, and that more details from TEA will be made available Tuesday. Since closing in March due to COVID-19, school districts in Montgomery County have been taking things day-by-day while creating plans for multiple scenarios. Now, districts have a better idea of what to expect as the new school year starts in just two months. TEA: Here's what the 2020-21 school year calendar may look like It will be safe for Texas public school students, teachers, and staff to return to school campuses for in-person instruction this fall, according to a statement from TEA. But there will also be flexibility for families with health concerns so that their children can be educated remotely, if the parent so chooses. Less than two weeks ago, CISD Superintendent Curtis Null told the Courier that his district was planning for both in-class and online instruction for next year but was waiting for guidance from TEA. Since the pandemic closed schools, TEA has given last-minute instructions to districts for both graduation ceremonies and summer instruction. It was unknown when instructions for the fall semester would be presented. Conroe ISD is actively preparing for in-person instruction as well as a potential online learning option for the 2020-2021 school year, CISD Director of Communications Sarah Blakelock said in a statement to the Courier. We expect to receive further guidance from the Texas Education Agency next week. We are currently surveying our families to gather information that will help us in this process. The survey will be available on the Conroe ISD website until Monday, June 22. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Texas schools will be safe to reopen in August, education commissioner says After the TEA releases more guidelines and districts have had a chance to review them, district communities will have more clarity about what next year will look like. Splendora ISD is making plans for students to return to school or, if needed, to learn from home, said Deittra Johnson, Director of Communications for Splendora ISD. We want to be sure that students have the best education in the safest learning environment and are working towards that goal." Back in May, the CDC released its own COVID-19 related recommendations and guidelines for schools, which include wearing masks or face coverings, spacing desks six feet apart, and installing barriers like sneeze guards at reception desks, among many others. jamie.swinnerton@chron.com And after deadly racist violence by white supremacists in Charlottesville, Va., Mr. Trump said that there was blame on both sides, drawing condemnation from around the globe. He has repeatedly lashed out at Central American migrants, describing members of gangs from those countries as animals and suggesting they carry disease and infections into the United States. Omarosa Manigault Newman, an African-American woman who worked in the White House as a senior adviser to the president, savaged Mr. Trump after being fired in late 2017. In a book titled Unhinged, she called him a a racist, a bigot and a misogynist and said he had a complete lack of empathy for others. The State Department declined to comment on Ms. Taylors resignation, saying it does not discuss personnel matters. White House officials did not respond to requests for comment on her resignation letter. In the letter, Ms. Taylor made clear that her departure was the result of the presidents actions, and she praised Mr. Pompeo for empowering me to lead this team and strategically advise you over these last two years. She said he had listened to her with grace and respect. But she also leaves her post amid renewed attention to issues of race within the State Department itself, with lawmakers and diplomats pressing to address the lack of diversity among its ranks. Ms. Taylor, 30, was the only African-American senior official at the State Department. When Mr. Trump took office there were three career African-American assistant secretaries of state at the agency. Two were asked to resign within the first week, while a third quit months later. Out of 150 ambassadors serving overseas, only three are African-Americans, according to the American Foreign Service Association, which represents career diplomats. Kiron Skinner, who was the agencys former director of policy planning, was one of the highest-ranking African-American women in the department when she was forced out of her job last August. Kerala-headquartered CSB Bank Limited, the erstwhile Catholic Syrian Bank, has appointed Pralay Mondal as the president of retail, SME, operations and IT, the private lender said on June 19. Mondal is expected to join the bank in September 2020, the lender said. Canadian billionaire Prem Watsas Fairfax Financial Holdings has a majority stake in CSB Bank. Moneycontrol was the first to write, on June 17, 2020, that Mondal was likely to join CSB Bank at a senior position after leaving Axis Bank. Its board was convinced that with his extensive banking background, leadership experience and track record, Mondal is the right person to help redefine customer experience and the brand promise at CSB, and to contribute significantly to the overall growth of the organisation, especially in the retail and SME segments, the bank said in a statement. He was an executive director and head of retail banking at Axis Bank. ALSO READ: CSB Bank: Should investors bet on this turnaround story? "We are delighted and excited with the appointment of Mondal as president (retail, SME, operations and IT) and look forward to his playing a key leadership role at the bank, CSB Bank MD & CEO C VR. Rajendran said. Mondal has an excellent track record of having built retail and SME businesses, while maintaining healthy portfolio quality and service levels, he said. I am confident that we have selected the choicest person for CSB Bank and that he will drive strong and healthy business growth in the years ahead, Rajendran said. Before joining Axis Bank, Mondal was the senior group president and head of retail and business banking at Yes Bank. He was instrumental in setting up the banks retail franchise in a short period of time. He moved to Yes Bank after spending 12 years at HDFC Bank and was earlier associated with Standard Chartered Bank, Wipro InfoTech and Colgate Palmolive. Subscriber content preview Backers say fast reactor designs have the potential to use spent nuclear fuel produced by conventional nuclear power plants. By KEITH RIDLER Associated Press BOISE, Idaho A California company wants to build and operate a compact fast nuclear reactor in Idaho. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission said Tuesday that it has accepted a license application submitted by Oklo Inc. to build a 1.5-megawatt reactor at the U.S. Department of Energy's nuclear site in eastern Idaho that includes the Idaho National Laboratory. . . . Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category Chinese officials said on Friday they had indicted two Canadians on charges of espionage, escalating Beijings punitive campaign against Canada over the arrest of a top executive of the Chinese technology giant Huawei. The two men, Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Michael Spavor, a business consultant, were detained in 2018 as relations between China and Canada soured when Canada arrested the chief financial officer of Huawei at the request of the United States. They are now at the center of a heated international dispute that has pitted China against Canada and the United States, at a time when relations have deteriorated to their lowest point in decades. In brief statements on Friday, Chinese court officials said Mr. Kovrig had been indicted in Beijing on charges of espionage and gathering state secrets and intelligence for foreign countries. Mr. Spavor was indicted in Dandong, a northeastern city, on the similar charges of espionage and illegally providing state secrets for foreign countries. Arianespace's rocket Vega lifts off from French Guiana on March 21, 2019. Arianespace A host of small satellites manufactured in the United States are set to launch on a rocket from South America on Saturday, in a mission that represents the foreign competition to U.S. rocket builders like SpaceX and Rocket Lab. The Vega rocket, built by Italian aerospace manufacturer Avio and operated by French rocket company Arianespace, has a multinational European background. But, after almost a year hiatus following a launch failure, Arianespace is hoping Vega's return to flight will help the company claim a larger part of the growing U.S. market of small satellites. "Vega is super important for us in different ways, and for the small satellite market in particular. It makes us capable of delivering basically any mass to any orbit at any time," Arianespace Vice President of Sales Stella Guillen told CNBC. "Vega is a very important solution for the increase in demand, especially in the U.S., for access to space for small satellites." The rocket last launched in July 2019, on an ill-fated mission that did not reach orbit, after a failure caused Vega to break apart two minutes after liftoff. The rocket's 16th launch, scheduled for Saturday from French Guiana, represents Vega's return to flight after months of Avio diagnosing the source of the failure. Additionally, this launch will see Vega carry 53 spacecraft an increasingly common practice in the industry known as "ridesharing." This is the first demonstration of the satellite dispenser Arianespace developed to make more of these launches possible. "This Vega launch is important because it's not easy to put a bunch of different satellites, all kinds of different applications, together in one launch," Guillen said. Guillen added that Arianespace has seen a steady increase in the number of small satellites, or "smallsats," launching per year since 2017. Analytics firm Bryce Space and Technology noted that last year saw 389 small satellites launched, with 45% of all global launches including smallsats nearly double the 24% of launches with smallsats in 2012. The stack of small satellites for Arianespace's Vega "SSMS" mission is transported in the payload preparation facility. Arianespace Smallsats are generally considered to be spacecraft that are 400 kilograms or less. Technological improvements have led to satellites shrinking in size and cost, with small form factors becoming increasingly capable in a variety of tasks, such as imaging, communications, scientific research and more. Guillen declared that the U.S. smallsat market "is very important" to Arianespace, noting it is a target for both Vega and the more powerful Vega-C rocket, set to debut later next year. "Vega and Vega-C were developed for this small satellite market," Guillen said. She also highlighted that the majority of the satellites on this Vega launch were U.S. built. Of the 53 spacecraft Vega is carrying, Arianespace notes that 39 were built by U.S. companies, including Maxar, Planet, Spire and Swarm. The US competition SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Getty Images Arianespace plans to continue to price both versions of the rockets at around $40 million per launch, with Vega lifting up to 1,500 kilograms to Sun-synchronous orbit, an industry benchmark, and Vega-C lifting up to 2,200 kilograms to SSO. Both in capability and pricing, Vega sits between SpaceX's more powerful Falcon 9 rocket most recently priced at about $62 million for an estimated 18,200 kilograms to SSO and Rocket Lab's smaller Electron which can lift 150 kilograms to SSO for about $7 million. "We've always faced competition for many, many years," Guillen said. That competition has become more fierce in the time Vega has been offline, Bryce Space and Technology Vice President Janice Starzyk explained. Rocket Lab has been launching dedicated smallsat missions with increasing regularity in the past year, while SpaceX unveiled that it would offer rideshare flights every few weeks for as little as $1 million for 200 kilograms. Elon Musk's company this week disclosed that more than 100 spacecraft have signed on since it announced the rideshare program. "The SpaceX offering is fairly revolutionary for smallsats because of its flexibility and price," Starzyk told CNBC. That means Vega will have to launch more often than it has in the past to attract smallsat customers away from SpaceX. Historically, Vega has had a launch cadence of up to 3 flights per year. But "two or three or four a year is not going to be able to compete," Starzyk said. That's why Guillen says Arianespace plans for Vega to be launching at least five or six times per year by 2022 and even more as demand continues to climb. "Between Vega and Vega-C, up to 10 launches [a year] would be great," Guillen said. "Closer to a launch per month would be fantastic for rideshare options." The Himachal Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (HPBOSE) has informed that students of Himachal Pradesh Board Class 12 who are not happy with their score and wish to apply for re-evaluation/recounting can do so by 3 July. The Himachal Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (HPBOSE) has informed that students of Himachal Pradesh Board Class 12 who are not happy with their score and wish to apply for re-evaluation/recounting can do so by 3 July. In a notification, HPBOSE said that students who want re-evaluation of their answer sheets should apply online on the official website - www.hpbose.org. They will have to pay Rs. 500 for re-evaluation and Rs. 400 for recounting per subject. Students seeking for re-evaluation should have at least 20 percent marks in the subject, the notification added. The request for re-evaluation can only be made online, the board said. HP board 12th result 2020 was declared on Thursday, 18 June. Of the 86,633 students who had appeared for the Class 12 Himachal Pradesh Board 2020, as many as 65,654 passed the exam, taking the overall pass percentage to 76.07 percent. A total of 43,410 boys who appeared for the Class 12 board exams, 31,439 cleared the board exam this year. On the other hand, as many as 42,898 girls sat for the exams, 34,215 passed. A report by NDTV mentions that the HPBOSE Class 12 pass percentage this year saw an improvement from the last year. The passing percentage in 2019 was 62.01 percent. According to a report by Jagran Josh HPBOSE Class 12 exams 2020 were scheduled between 4 to 24 March, however, the board postpone and cancelled exams of some of the subjects due to the COVID-19 pandemic. HPBOSE conducted the Class 12 Geography exam on 8 June. (TNS) Activists are blasting the Sacramento City Council for approving a $2.5 million five-year extension of controversial gunshot detection microphones amid a national outcry to defund the police.The council approved the contract extension with ShotSpotter without discussion Tuesday. The extension, placed on the councils consent calendar, will allow the Sacramento Police Department to continue detecting gunshots at three locations through 2025.Police officials say the technology is important to its goal of reducing gun violence. But activists say they also increase the frequency of police interactions, which increases the risk for Black residents of becoming the victim of police brutality or harassment. The move comes amid national protests against police brutality sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.While council members held the meeting virtually from their homes due to coronavirus, Black Lives Matter activists held a protest outside City Hall, urging council members to reject the item and to defund the police.At a time when the people are demanding to minimize police presence and when the mayor has said hes committed to real systemic change , this is a slap in the face, said Tanya Faison, a founder of Black Lives Matter Sacramento. Our mayor is still giving the people lip service so we will still demand real actions from our electeds. This is a pivotal moment and he needs to figure out what side of history he wants to be on.Mayor Darrell Steinberg defended the decision Wednesday.This question would be better put to any parent whose child has been killed by gun violence, Steinberg said in a statement Wednesday. One of the most insidious public health issues is gun violence. Any tool that gets guns out of the hands of the people shooting and killing others is a good thing.The funding will come at least partly from the citys Measure U sales tax revenue in the budget that starts July 1, according to the city budget document. Flojaune Cofer, chair of Measure U Citizens Advisory Commission, whos also raised ShotSpotter concerns, wants the council to remove all $45.7 million in new and old Measure U revenue the city is planning to give the police in the new budget.My idea of justice is not having my murder solved, Cofer said. My idea of justice is never having the murder in the first place.Councilwoman-Elect Katie Valenzuela said the city should instead increase its funding to the nonprofits that help prevent gun violence in the first place, such as Advance Peace and the Sierra Health Foundation. City officials credited the work of those organizations, along with new city programs started with Measure U money such as pop up activity nights, for the fact there were no youth homicides in 2019 This shows, yet again, that our city is more focused on criminalization than prevention, and is counter to the assertion of our leaders that they believe Black lives matter, said Valenzuela, who will join the council in December representing midtown, downtown and Land Park.The city first placed a ShotSpotter in north Sacramento in 2015 and then, citing its success, added one to south Sacramento in 2017 and east Sacramento in 2018, a city staff report said. From the time they were installed through February 2020, police have received 3,638 activations, which have led to 1,135 arrests, and the seizure of 450 guns.Their exact locations are kept secret.A Sacramento police spokesperson said the department is not involved in the placement of the technology and does not know the specific locations. A spokeswoman for the company said to contact the police department for the locations. The installation in the south area covers part of Oak Park, The Sacramento Bee has previously reported. Its unclear where in north and east Sacramento the other two are. Two cover a three-square-mile area and one covers a 1.8-square-mile area.The city staff report noted that ShotSpotter can be much more effective at detecting gunfire than reliance on citizen calls.The national average for citizens in urban areas to call the police when they hear gunshots is 12 percent, the staff report said. Additionally, the time delay between the gunshots being fired, the 911 call, and officers being dispatched to the location, may be several minutes. The likelihood of locating suspects, witnesses, and evidence is greatly diminished the longer the response time.The systems, which have been widely used by police departments across the country for several years, have been the subject of increased scrutiny lately.Toronto ditched plans last year to start using ShotSpotter after elected officials raised privacy concerns that the microphones could pick up residents conversations.The Sacramento County Sheriffs Office last year said they would stop using ShotSpotter in March due to a budget crunch.The council pulled another item off the agenda Tuesday in order to further review it, Steinberg said at the meeting. That item was for an agreement between the city and Sheriffs Office for the supervision of alternative sentencing program inmate work crews that would have provided flood control and landscaping maintenance services. Black Lives Matter had opposed that item as well.The city has the ability to terminate the ShotSpotter contract at any time with 30 days notice. An outraged mother claims she was disgusted after having to pick her teenage daughter up from school minutes after dropping her off because the GCSE student was wearing trainers. Laura Celmer's daughter Isabelle returned to the University of Birmingham school yesterday for the first time in three months when she was sent home almost immediately. The 15-year-old from Birmingham had left her black school shoes at her grandparents' house before the lockdown. She is due to spend two days a week at school for the remainder of the term. Laura Celmer, pictured with her daughter Isabelle, right, believes school officials were wrong to send the 15-year-old home from class yesterday because she was wearing a pair of trainers Isabelle was wearing her full uniform when she arrived yesterday at the University of Birmingham School, pictured, apart from her normal black shoes as these were at her grandparents' home who are currently shielding due to Covid-19 Instead, the teenager was wearing a black pair of Nike Air Force trainers, similar to these Her mother claims they were unable to pick up the shoes as the elderly couple are both shielding. The Year 10 pupil was in her full school uniform, but had to resort to wearing the black Nike Air Force trainers. Ms Celmer said: 'This is ridiculous - surely they have more important things to worry about right now? The kids have already missed almost three months of school. 'Isabelle was only due to go back for a total of six days before the summer holidays start - surely getting them back in to education is more important? 'I dropped her at school for her first day back since the lockdown - she has to go in twice a week, every fortnight. Isabelle, pictured, is due to attend school twice a week for the rest of term 'We realised she had left her school shoes at her grandparents' house and they are shielding. 'So instead, she wore a pair of brand new black Nike Air Force trainers. 'She had never worn trainers to school before but didn't want to be late. 'She was worried that it would get her in trouble, but I told her not to panic as there were more important things going on at the moment. 'But I had a phone call as soon as I got home to say I had to collect her as she wasn't in full uniform. 'She had on her school blazer, shirt and tie. It was only her trainers that were not school uniform. 'With the current pandemic, you would think the education system had more pressing issues to worry about. Children's educations have suffered enough. 'After missing three months of school and doing her GCSEs next year, it's been a difficult time. 'I went back and picked Isabelle up from school and spoke to staff who said it was policy. 'I was told they had sent other children home too - all because of "uniform issues". I think it's appalling. 'I totally understand and agree with the uniform policy normally, but this is hardly a "normal" time. Everything else about school is different. 'They've been away for months and as soon as they get chance to go back, they are sent straight home, it's absolutely ridiculous. 'If they are trying to make an example of pupils, now is not the right time.' A spokesman for the school, which has 805 pupils aged 11 to 19, said 'We understand that this is a challenging time for everyone and have already been in touch with the family to apologise for any miscommunication or inconvenience and resolve this matter. 'Our priority is to ensure the pupil is supported to return on site for learning today. 'Ordinarily, our usual response to incorrect uniform is to provide the pupils with items available from our spare uniform kept on site. 'However, due to the steps we are taking to ensure a safe and healthy school environment during the COVID-19 circumstances, sharing of items is not possible or advised. 'We have fully communicated expectations to parents/carers and pupils about our uniform policy and home school agreement, a reminder of which was sent out last week along with an update on measures the school was putting in place to open safely prior to our phased increase for on site learning earlier this week. 'Unfortunately in this instance we were not informed in advance by the parent of any concerns regarding uniform.' Mahesh Shetty Pens Heartbreaking Post For Sushant Sharing a throwback picture snapped with the late actor, Mahesh wrote, "So much has been left unanswered and there's so much more left to talk. I'll tell you all about it, when I see you again !!!." How Mahesh & Sushant Met Mahesh revealed how the duo met and hit it off because of their common interests. He wrote, "This is how we met... We met as brothers. We hit it off over our love for food and long walks in Film City and didn't realise when and how we became such an integral part of each other's lives. Both introverts, both amazingly old fashioned when it came to our friendship, both living in a little private world of our own." Mahesh Recalls Memorable Moments Spent With Sushant Recalling the memorable moments spent with the late actor, his Pavitra Rishta co-star wrote, "So many memories, our journeys, our endless chats (he could talk about anything under the sun with equal conviction), food, films, books, nature, science, relations and lots of bakwaas... He was like a kid in a candy shop and that boundless energy laced with all the limitless dreams was always infectious." How Do You Even Explain If You Suddenly Lose A Piece Of Your Heart? He further wrote, "I never thought I'll ever be writing all this for you brother..... Feel as if there is a sudden void which will never be filled again. For every important event of our lives, we were always there for each other. How do you even explain if you suddenly lose a piece of your heart? How do you convince yourself to live with all the why's all the other hundreds of questions and what ifs? I'm sorry but I'll always hold so many grudges now." Baat To Kar Leta Yaar He concluded by writing, "How I wish you would have opened your heart completely. You knew that Shetty hai aur tere saath humesha rahega. They why??? Baat to kar leta yaar!!! How I really wish that call would have come through kamini... Life can never be the same!!! I know how much you loved the stars... Dharti Maa Ki Kasam, I'll be looking out for you every night brother." Apparently, Sushant had called Mahesh before taking extreme step, but the call didn't get connected. Mrs Florence Ayisi Quartey, Acting Director, Department of Children of the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, has called for a focus on creating awareness on child abuse during this coronavirus pandemic period. She said aside disrupting normalcy, the lockdown that followed had aggravated existing challenges of children and the vulnerable, which included lack of basic facilities such as food and access to health. Mrs Quartey made the call when she opened a two day workshop in Ho to train selected traditional and religious leaders from the Volta and Oti Regions on child protection during the pandemic. "Children are exposed to a lot of vulnerabilities in this era of quarantine such as poverty. Where the economic livelihood of some care givers is affected negatively, these children will lack essential things like food, health, clothing and this has increased risk of child abuse and other forms of vulnerabilities," she said. Mrs Quartey said the economic implications of the mitigating measures on COVID19 exposed children to gender-based violence, and also carried the risk of mental and psycho-social stress. She said the Ghanaians Against Child Abuse (GACA) had been rejuvenated to deliver the needed awareness, and was falling on traditional and religious authorities to bring on board their influence. Dr Senanu Djokoto, Deputy Volta Regional Director of Health Services in charge of Public Health, said children risked becoming the biggest victims of the pademic, adding that although they had been spared the risks of infection, most child welfare interventions including immunisation and nutrition programmes were being affected and could cause increase in mortality rates. "Lots of gains made in two to five years stand to be reversed if interventions are not sped up", he said, and appealed to traditional and religious leaders to ensure that the vulnerable benefited from coronavirus intervention programs. "Don't be too far removed from what is going on. Let us help with the interventions", Dr Dzokoto stated, calling for support in enforcing the preventive protocols particularly face masking and social distancing. The campaign would produce and distribute sensitization materials on child-friendly hygiene, and child protection in communities. Jingles on child abuse, and messages from traditional and religious authorities would also be produced for broadcast by community public address systems. The workshop is powered by the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection and UNICEF with support from the Obaapa Development Foundation, a non-governmental organization. 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 Families spread across the nation bid their final goodbyes to the soldiers killed in hand-to-hand fighting with Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan area. People gathered in large numbers to attend the last rites of the soldiers. IMAGE: Family members of martyr Naik Dipak Singh mourn near his mortal remains during his funeral ceremony, at his native village in Rewa District of Madhya Pradesh. His elder brother lit the pyre during the last rites at village Faranda in Rewa district amid chants of "Long live Dipak Singh". Photograph: PTI Photo IMAGE: Mamata Orang (C), mother, and Sakuntala Orang (L), sister of Rajesh Orang pay their respects during his funeral ceremony, at Belgoria village in Birbhum district of West Bengal. Orang was among the twenty Indian Army soldiers who were martyred during a face-off with Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan valley. Photograph: PTI Photo SEE: Sepoy Rajesh Orang being laid to rest in Birbhum IMAGE: Army personnel pay their respects to martyr Hawaldar Kundan Kumar Ojha near his mortal remains during his last rites, at his native place in Dehri Village in Sahibganj district. Photograph: PTI Photo IMAGE: Army jawans pay tribute to Naik Deepak Kumar, who was among 20 soldiers martyred in clashes with Chinese troops, at a ceremony at the Military Hospital in Prayagraj. Photograph: PTI Photo SEE: Huge crowds gather to pay last tributes to Sepoy Jai Kishor Singh at his native village in Vaishali IMAGE: Police and villagers pay their tribute to Rajesh Orang during his funeral ceremony, at Belgoria village in Birbhum district of West Bengal. Photograph: PTI Photo WATERLOO REGION Temporary new bike lanes are being proposed for select roads and the Region of Waterloo is seeking feedback from the public on the plan. Council discussed at Tuesdays committee meeting the staff recommendation for a rapid reallocation of six stretches of four-lane regional roads in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo. The reallocation would create temporary dedicated bike lanes that would provide more space for active transportation and also physical distancing on trails and sidewalks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns expressed by some councillors about the lack of community input on recommendations in the staff report, which was released publicly only the day before, and a tied vote on a motion to defer the decision for a public consultation plan led to it being pushed to next Wednesdays full council meeting. In the meantime, the region created a short survey to get feedback on the proposal. Well see what the survey shows, said Coun. Tom Galloway, chair of the committee of the whole. The survey, Im sure, will have quite a bit of response. Hes not sure if the abbreviated and expedited consultation will be enough to satisfy the reservations expressed by several councillors. A number of delegations are also expected to share their views at Wednesdays meeting. Galloway, and other councillors at the Tuesday meeting, stressed that there is urgency to get the bike lanes in as soon as possible, while an extensive public consultation could cause a lengthy delay. People have been calling for this for some time, Galloway said. Originally we were not wanting to do this because people were supposed to stay home But now that people are being encouraged to get out, we need to respond. Traffic volumes on area roads are down about a third during the pandemic, with a recent increase from a low of about 50 per cent as more businesses open and people begin returning to work. Regional staff recommended the closure of curb lanes on: King Street/Coronation Boulevard/Dundas Street from Bishop Street to Beverly Street, Cambridge; Westmount Road from Queens Boulevard to University Avenue, Kitchener and Waterloo; Frederick Street from Weber Street to Lancaster Street, Kitchener; Erb Street from Westmount Road to Caroline Street, Waterloo; Erb from Peppler Street to Margaret Avenue (one lane only), Waterloo; Bridgeport Road, King Street to Margaret Avenue (one lane only), Waterloo. Find the survey at: www.engagewr.ca/rapid-reallocation-road-space-covid19. The plan sparked Zeitspace to create a web-based app to help people in the region easily contact their elected regional councillors. Active transportation is an issue the Waterloo-based software consultancy cares about, and the proposal for the new temporary bike lanes is the focus for the app hosted at covid.zeitspace.com that launched Friday. People just fill in their information and then can quickly send a letter of support to all regional councillors. Press a button and boom, its off to council, said Zeitspace partner Jeff Fedor. We just wanted to make it easy for everyone. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. The state of Colorado intervened to block a companys road construction and tree removal in a protected forest area. Mountain Coal Co. recently built more than a mile (1.61 kilometers) of road in the Sunset Roadless Area to enable expansion of its underground West Elk Mine near Paonia, The Daily Sentinel reports. The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety argued that a 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in March prohibits the road construction. The decision was formalized by a federal district court order Monday. The state said it determined the mine failed to maintain its legal right to enter the roadless area and prohibited further activities that disturb the ground there, without blocking current underground operations. The subsidiary of Arch Resources, the nations second largest coal company, seeks to expand its mine beneath about 2.7 square miles (7 square kilometers) of the roadless area. The roads would access areas where the company plans to drill wells to vent methane produced during mining. Arch Resources maintains a previous appeals court ruling affirmed its authority under an existing lease for limited road building to facilitate mining activities. The U.S. Forest Service wrote an exemption to the states 2012 roadless rules to allow the mine expansion. Conservation groups, which were backed by the state, argued the appeals court ruling was retroactive and the Forest Service could not authorize road construction when it consented to the mines lease modifications by the Bureau of Land Management. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 19) - A court in Muntinlupa City has rejected the request of Senator Leila De Lima to attend Senate sessions via video call from her cell in Camp Crame in Quezon City. In a joint order dated June 17, Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205 said that allowing the senator to attend sessions at the Senate virtually is no different from allowing her to attend physically. Allowing her to do so today would be tantamount to allowing her to participate even after the state of public health emergency, read the order. De Lima filed an omnibus motion last June 1 to order the Philippine National Police Custodial Center to coordinate with the Senate and facilitate the system so she could join sessions via teleconferencing. The senator argued that she is not a convicted prisoner, that she continues to enjoy the presumption of innocence, that she has no civil interdiction, and that she fully possessed all her civil and political rights. However, the trial court concluded that the presumption of innocence does not carry with it the full enjoyment of civil and political rights. In a statement, De Lima said that allowing her to attend sessions virtually will not change the fact she is imprisoned. Please note that there is no civil interdiction imposed on me by any court, thus, there should be no unreasonable restrictions on my rights and legitimate interests. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - North Korea's activities in recent days have shown that Pyongyang continues to pose an "extraordinary" threat to the Asia-Pacific region, a senior Pentagon official said on Thursday. "As we've been starkly reminded in recent days, North Korea continues to present an extraordinary threat to the region and which demands our continued vigilance," David Helvey, the acting assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, told reporters. Helvey said that it was difficult to tell what North Korea would do in the coming days and weeks. North Korea on Tuesday blew up a joint liaison office set up in a border town in 2018 to foster better ties with South Korea after threatening action if defectors continued with a campaign of sending propaganda leaflets into the reclusive North. Destruction of the building, closed since January due to coronavirus fears, represented a major setback to South Korean President Moon Jae-in's efforts to coax North Korea into cooperation. It also appeared to be a further blow to U.S. President Donald Trump's hopes of persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons and open up to the world. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, on Wednesday criticized Moon for failing to implement a 2018 peace accord, saying Moon "put his neck into the noose of pro-U.S. flunkeyism." North Korea last week warned Washington to refrain from commenting on inter-Korean affairs if it wanted the Nov. 3 U.S. presidential election to go smoothly, raising concerns it could be contemplating a return to nuclear and long-range missile testing. (Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Jonathan Oatis) JMM president Shibu Soren and Jharkhand BJP president Deeapk Prakash were elected on the two Rajya Sabha seats from Jharkhand on Friday, with the saffron party candidate crossing the victory line with backing from its formal ally AJSU party and independent legislators. Three candidates including former chief minister and JMM patriarch Shibu Soren, Prakash and Congress Shahzada Anwar were in the fray for the two Upper House seats in Jharkhand, for which 79 legislators in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly exercised their franchise. Two seats in the assembly are vacant as chief minister Hemant Soren vacated Dumka seat while retaining Barhait after the assembly polls in December. The Bermo assembly seat fell vacant after senior Congress MLA Rajendra Prasad Singh died last month. The candidates had to secure 27 first preference votes for victory. Shibu Soren, who lost from Dumka Lok Sabha constituency in 2019 elections, will be entering the upper house of Parliament for the second time after romping home with 30 votes. The BJP state president Prakash got 31 votes, while Congress Anwar could secure only 18 votes. Also Read: BJP and Congress win three RS seats in MP and Rajasthan, Jagan wins all 4 in Andhra While the JMM has 29 legislators in the current assembly, the BJP has 26 members including former chief minister Babulal Marandi, who merged his party with the saffron party after the assembly polls. The Congress currently has 15 representatives in the legislature. BJPs former ally AJSU had pledged support of its two legislators to the BJP candidate, besides two BJP-rebels who won as independents in the assembly poll, including former minister Saryu Roy who had emerged giant killer in the assembly election by defeating former colleague and the sitting chief minister Raghubar Das. I thank partys national leadership and party legsilators. I also thank AJSU party, Saryu Roy and Amit Yadav (independent legislators) for their support. We always maintained we have the numbers and we have emerged victorious with maximum votes. Ideally this election should not have happened and even JMM president should have got elected uncontested. But the Congress fielded its candidate and forced an unwanted election, Prakash told reporters. Chief minister Hemant Soren said while the JMM and NDA won one seat each, his party would continue its political fight against the BJP. UPA had fielded second candidate thinking that many legislators and parties who had contested against the BJP in assembly election would support us, but it seems the BJP contested the Rajya Sabha election here, as it has been doing in other states, to win over MLAs to its side. We will continue our political fight against the BJP, Soren told reporters. Jharkhand Congress working president and legislator Irfan Ansari said he wondered why those against the BJP did not support the UPA candidate. I fail to understand why people like Saryu Roy did not support us. They are senior leaders of the state. Wonder what the youngsters would learn from them, he added. With todays win, the BJP now has four representatives from Jharkhand in the upper house of Parliament out of the total six RS seats in the state. The ruling JMM and Congress in the state have one member each. Microsofts second release candidate of .NET 5 arrived October 13, bringing the merger of .NET Framework and .NET Core one step closer to completion. The new unified .NET platform is due for general availability November 10, 2020. Microsoft describes Release Candidate 2 as a near-final release and the last of two RCs. An initial RC was published on September 13. The .NET 5.0 release candidate can be downloaded from dotnet.microsoft.com. High-level goals for .NET 5 include providing a unified .NET SDK experience, with a single BCL (base class library) across all .NET 5 applications, and with support for both native and web applications across multiple operating systems. A single .NET 5 native application project would support targets such as Windows, Microsoft Duo (Android), and Apple iOS using native controls on those platforms. Additional goals of .NET 5 include support for building high-performance cloud applications, faster algorithms in the BCL, better support for containers in the runtime, and support for HTTP3. .NET 5.0 includes support for the WebAssembly binary format, via the Mono runtime and .NET libraries. A set of nullable reference type annotations also is featured. .NET 5 also promises to allow developers to automatically find latent bugs in code. Other new features include the Half type, a binary floating-point that occupies 16 bits, and assembly trimming, which trims unused assemblies to reduce the size of applications. Customized trimming is highlighted, as well. New pattern matching in C# 9 covers relational, logical, and simple type patterns. The ClickOnce deployment option is now supported for .NET 5.0 Windows apps and .NET Core 3.1 apps. The new .NET platform also promises performance improvements. A bulletin pertaining to Preview 7, which arrived July 21, acknowledges about 250 performance-oriented pull requests in .NET 5 and notes that a pleasant surprise is in store for those who have followed .NET Core performance. Other additions and improvements noted in the .NET 5 Preview 7 bulletin: The new System.text.json JSON API provides the ability to ignore default values for value-type properties when serializing, useful for reducing serialization and wire costs. This is a breaking change. Also added for System.text.json is the ability to deal with circular references when serializing, with API shape now expected to be final. Garbage collection now exposes detailed data on the most recent collection, using the GetGCMemoryInfo method, which returns a GCMemoryInfo struct. GCMemoryInfo serves information about machine and heap memory and the most recent collection, or the most recent collection of the kind of GC specified ephemeral, full blocking, or background. The most likely use cases for this API are logging/monitoring or to indicate to a load balancer that a machine should be taken out of rotation to request a full GC. Another GC change, meanwhile, was made to defer the expensive reset memory operation to low-memory situations. method, which returns a struct. serves information about machine and heap memory and the most recent collection, or the most recent collection of the kind of GC specified ephemeral, full blocking, or background. The most likely use cases for this API are logging/monitoring or to indicate to a load balancer that a machine should be taken out of rotation to request a full GC. Another GC change, meanwhile, was made to defer the expensive reset memory operation to low-memory situations. Ryujit, the assembly code generator for .NET, gains enhancements ranging from enabling the eliding of some bounds checks to tail duplication improvement and improvements for removal of redundant zero inits. Also featured in Ryujit are ARM64 hardware intrinsics and API optimization. .NET 5 Preview 6, released June 25, removed built-in support for WinRT (Windows Runtime), a collection of APIs for building Universal Windows Platform applications. This is a breaking change; .NET Core 3.x apps using WinRT must be recompiled. The .NET and Windows teams have been working to change the way WinRT works with Windows, replacing WinRT support with the C#/WinRT toolchain in .NET 5. C#/WinRT is a NuGet-packaged toolkit offering WinRT projection support for C#. Other changes in .NET 5 Preview 6: The .NET 5 Preview 6 SDK includes support for Windows Forms on Windows ARM64 devices. Work continues on adding support for Windows Presentation Foundation on Windows ARM64. RyuJIT code quality improvements cover struct handling and optimization to remove redundant zero initializations. Also, progress has been made in ARM64 hardware intrinsics optimization as well as in improving generated code for ARM64, with code size reduced. Platform support plans have been updated. .NET 5 Preview 5, released June 10, contains the following new features: The RyuJIT JIT compiler has a faster, portable implementation of tailcall helpers. The JIT asks the runtime for help whenever it realizes it will need a helper to perform a tailcall. Also for RyuJIT, there has been continued progress in the ARM64 hardware intrinsics implementation. Other improvements in the RyuJIT involve better speed in a case that was affecting regular expression compilation and improved Intel architecture performance. Exports for native binaries with calls into .NET code have been enabled. The building block of this capability is hosting API support for UnManagedCallersOnlyAttribute . The native exports project enables exposing of custom native exports. It does not require a higher-level interop technology like COM and is cross-platform. . The native exports project enables exposing of custom native exports. It does not require a higher-level interop technology like COM and is cross-platform. DirectoryServices.Protocols support is being expanded to Linux and MacOS. support is being expanded to Linux and MacOS. The Alpine 3.12 Linux distribution now is supported. The .NET 5.0 release candidate can be downloaded from dot.net.microsoft.com. .NET 5 Preview 4, released on May 19, introduced the following new capabilities: C# 9 and F# 5 language support. Improved performance of tailcalls used by F#. Improved performance of ToUpperInvariant , string.ToLowerInvariant , and related patterns. , , and related patterns. Improved HTTP 1.1 and HTTP 2 performance. An improved call counting mechanism. Dynamic expansion of the internal generic dictionary to eliminate performance cliffs hit by generic code. A pinned object heap to reduce heap fragmentation. Single file applications based on a new single file publishing type that executes an application from a single binary. Enhancements in .NET 5 preview 3, unveiled April 23, include the following: The BitArray class for managing an array of bit values was updated to include a hardware-accelerated implementation for ARM64 using ARM64 intrinsics. BitArray performance improvements are significant, Microsoft said. In addition, On Stack replacement (OSR) in the CLR was implemented to allow code executed by currently running methods to be changed in the middle of method execution, while those methods are active on stack. This capability, to improve performance characteristics of tiered compilation, is now an experimental, opt-in feature on x64. Another enhancement for RyuJIT improves code quality for structs as arguments in tail call position calls. RyuJIT also is expected to offer better performance of generics. The addition of support for preserving references was added to System.Txt.Json, enabling reference loop handling for JSON serialization. Also, immutable classes and structs are now supported for JsonSerializer. Also supported now is null value handling. The .NET SDK now will auto-reference the NETFramework.ReferenceAssemblies NuGet package given a .NET Framework target framework in a project file. This change enables the building of .NET Framework projects on a machine without a .NET Framework targeting pack installed. This improvement is specific to targeting packs and does not account for other possible project dependencies. Specific enhancements in .NET 5 preview 2, released April 2, included: A number of changes have been made to RyuJIT to improve the quality of the machine code generated, including duplicate zero initializations being eliminated more aggressively and nullable box optimizations invoked earlier. Server garbage collection on different threads now can work-steal while marking gen0/1 objects held live by older generation objects. Work stealing across threads shortens ephemeral GC pauses for scenarios where some GC threads took much longer to mark than others. In addition, part of the Pinned Object Heap (POH) feature has been implemented, the part internal to garbage collection, to allow the collector to manage pinned objects separately. This avoids the negative effects of pinned objects on generational heaps. Preview 1, released March 16, included regular expression performance improvements as well as code quality enhancements in RyuJIT. Due as a production release in November 2020, .NET 5 is set to include: ASP.NET Core, an open source framework for web applications. Entity Framework Core data access technology. WinForms. WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation). Xamarin mobile app device model. ML.NET. Microsoft said that .NET 5 will provide a single, unified platform for building any type of application. The company is directing half of the traffic to its .NET website traffic to a .NET 5 version as a test case, using Azure load-balancing. Microsoft recommends that developers build new applications with .NET Core 3.1 and then migrate them to .NET 5. The company noted that .NET Framework applications can be left on .NET Framework, which will remain supported for as long as Windows itself is supported. Bengaluru, June 19 : A senior railway engineer tested Covid positive a day after a station master in the city was found infected with the virus, leading to closure of the divisional railway manager's (DRM) office in the city, an official said on Friday. "The 46-year-old engineer has been admitted to the state-run designated hospital after he tested positive when checked for fever," senior Divisional Commercial Manager Krishna Reddy told IANS here. Though the engineer stays in railway colony at Hindupur in Andhra Pradesh, he is posted at Kengeri station in the city and commutes for duty daily. "The Kengeri station has been sanitised after the engineer left for the test at the railway hospital in the city. As passenger trains are not operational, the station has been empty barring essential staff," said Reddy. He also said that the DRM office was closed for sanitisation and all employees were advised to work from home, as the 53-year-old Hebbal station master visited the office early this week before he tested positive. The DRM's office of the South Western Railway (SWR) is located adjacent to the Krantivira Sangoli Rayanna main railway station in the city centre. "Railway hospital staff is on tracing the primary and secondary contacts of the affected employee for testing and isolating them at the earliest," Reddy said. The station master visited the railway hospital near the station for a check-up as he had knee problem. The railway hospital referred him to a private hospital for his knee treatment, where a Covid test on him turned positive. "The railway hospital staff that would have come into contact with the affected employee has also been tested and their results are awaited," said Reddy. The railway hospital has also been disinfected. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) San Antonio Police Department The man accused of shooting eight people at REBAR on June 12 claimed to be a "UFC fighter from California" when he was not allowed entry into the local bar, according to officials. It turns out that Jenelius Crew is not signed a UFC athlete, according to its official roster. A Northern Ireland tech firm behind an app allowing pub goers to avoid queues for drinks said the product will allow the hospitality industry to deal with the realities and restrictions Covid-19 has imposed. DrinkApp is the brainchild of brothers Ryan and Mark Fegan from Keady in Armagh. The app allows publicans, restaurant owners and others to accept drink orders from customers without ever having to go near their table or serve them across a crowded bar. Read More The brothers believe the app will help publicans and restaurant owners deal with the needs of social distancing. DrinkApp has been developed over the past 18 months, originally as a solution to queue management in busy bars, clubs and events across Ireland. But it is now seen as a piece of technology to futureproof the industrys existence in the face of Covid-19. Expand Close DrinksApp could eliminate queues in busy bars, the firm's founders have said. Credit: Elaine Hill Photography / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp DrinksApp could eliminate queues in busy bars, the firm's founders have said. Credit: Elaine Hill Photography Ryan Fegan said: The idea for DrinkApp came to me about two years ago on a busy night in the bar Mark owns in Armagh. "This small space was rammed, like most bars around Northern Ireland on any given weekend and I began to wonder if there wasnt an alternative solution to crowded pubs, than to simply reduce numbers which would impact sales or expand, which would be a significant investment and not always possible. The idea that a universal app could eliminate the need to queue by allowing orders to be placed without having to leave the table came to me, and DrinkApp was born. While the idea for the app came over two years ago, lockdown presented an opportunity to expand and re-purpose the app to have a retail arm, which allows consumers to order a delivery from a nearby off-licence. James Freeman, head of operations at DrinkApp added: While Covid-19 presented a timely opportunity to develop this side to the app, it isnt limited to life in lockdown. "Weve been seeing a shift in consumer shopping behaviours for years now and web/app based localised ordering is really becoming the norm and not just for groceries, taxis and takeaways. Stringent performance and functionality testing has been done throughout the evolution of the apps development and expansion with partner outlets in Armagh to start. "This has allowed us to sell the DrinkApp as a tried and tested system for both hospitality and retail because we know it works. We are currently in talks with some of the biggest names in hospitality across Ireland with a view to getting this up and running as soon as possible in line with the reopening of the industry at the end of the month. The tech firm is currently working on enabling the app for food ordering as well, with the company aiming to have this function on the app at the end of June in time for the reopening of pubs and restaurants on July 3. "We're offering to check the qualification date on each propane users' cylinder, examine the valve for any leaks, and inspect the tank for dents, cracks, gouges and rust," said John Barnett, U-Haul propane program manager. "Any imperfections can be a danger, and we want to make certain everyone is having a safe and enjoyable summer." Barnett estimates that as many as 7 million 20-pound propane tanks commonly used for BBQ grills enter the U.S. market annually. A large number of these tanks lapse in qualification each year and cannot be legally filled without inspection and requalification. Propane tanks are qualified for 12 years from the original manufactured date stamped on their collars. Customers have two options if qualification has lapsed: They can visit a propane company to have a tank requalified, if it passes inspection. That can cost about $25 , and requalification lasts for five years. , and requalification lasts for five years. Or they can also purchase a new 20-pound BBQ tank with a fuel gauge that is qualified for 12 years, and is available at U-Haul stores for $34.95 . U-Haul has been selling propane since 1984 and has been the largest retailer of the gas in the U.S. since 1987. "Propane is a big part of our business and we're inviting everyone to take advantage of a free inspection at any of our 1,110-plus Company-owned facilities where propane is sold," Barnett added. Propane is the focus of several U-Haul sustainability initiatives. The Company continues to grow its propane Autogas locations to service alternative-fuel vehicles, and champions green products like the 1-pound reusable propane cylinder, a safer and more responsible option to disposable tanks. Visit uhaul.com/about/sustainability to learn more about U-Haul ecofriendly practices. As an essential service provider, U-Haul is open to meet the needs of its communities. For details on what U-Haul has done to enhance cleaning protocols, protect Team Members and customers, and encourage the use of programs that inherently promote social distancing and contactless business, please reference our multi-media press release: "Moving Safely and Smartly during the COVID-19 Pandemic." About U-Haul Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of 22,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 offers secure access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the customer dispatch option on their smartphones and our proprietary Live Verify technology. Our customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to approximately 167,000 trucks, 120,000 trailers and 43,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers nearly 697,000 rooms and 60.7 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry, and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S. Contact: Andrea Batchelor Jeff Lockridge E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 602-263-6981 Website: uhaul.com SOURCE U-Haul Related Links https://www.uhaul.com 100 Days without Relief Rally at the State House Annex Join us from State House in Trenton NJ as we call for a Disaster Relief fund to reach excluded NJ workers and families. Posted by Make the Road New Jersey on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 Excluded from any coronavirus financial relief and unemployment insurance, New Jersey undocumented workers are making another plea for weekly $600 payments as a study shows have contributed over $1 billion into the states unemployment fund since 2010. Now more than 100 days without financial aid, undocumented workers cant survive much longer while being left out of economic assistance since the pandemic forced much of the state to shutdown in mid-March, said organizers of Make the Road New Jersey, an advocacy group for Latinos and undocumented immigrants. Today we are calling on Governor Murphy to create a disaster relief fund to reach excluded workers and their families. This fund will provide income replacement for displaced immigrant workers excluded from unemployment insurance, and their families, said Organizing Director Nedia Morsy. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage The group is calling for a program with stimulus payments to ITIN tax filers (a tax processing number for people without Social Security numbers) and their family members left out of the federal stimulus package and weekly $600 cash payments to each displaced worker an estimate of what a typical low wage worker currently receives on unemployment. While Murphy has said he would consider a $600-per-week fund for undocumented workers, his administration and the state Legislature have not made any progress. The first-term Democratic governor has stressed the financial pressure the state is under. Murphy believes immigrants are a critical part of the fabric of New Jersey and understands how immigrant families are disproportionately effected by the pandemic, said spokeswoman Alyana Alfaro. The virus has created an unprecedented fiscal reality for New Jersey, one that has required the state to implement spending cuts nearly across the board and limit additional spending measures. The state will continue exploring solutions for residents facing financial hardship, she said in a statement. Wednesday marked the hundredth day without aid for the states 344,000 undocumented workers, pushing dozens to rally across ten cities in the state. They chanted 100 days without relief, and 100 days without collection, live-streaming their marches while singing songs of resiliency in Spanish and English to protest the inaction as the country grapples with an economic downturn. The rally coincided with a study showing undocumented taxpayers have contributed more than $1 billion in taxes to the states unemployment fund over the last decade, according to an analysis published by New Jersey Policy Perspective, a left-leaning think tank. The data, which derived from an analysis from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy and the Fiscal Policy Institute, assumed that roughly half of the states undocumented workers contributed to the unemployment insurance tax. Immigrants who are undocumented pay a share of sales, property, payroll, and income taxes that help support public services for all New Jersey residents. Nevertheless, undocumented workers and their families have been systematically excluded from many of the state and federal programs that they help fund, including unemployment insurance benefits, NJPP analyst Vineeta Kapahi said in the report. In addition to not qualifying for unemployment checks, undocumented immigrants are also ineligible for SNAP benefits. State Sen. Theresa Ruiz, D-Essex, introduced a bill, S2480, that would give a one-time payment to undocumented immigrants who filed gross income tax returns in 2018 or 2019. The measure, which has been referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, would appropriate $35 million from the states fund to make the payments: $1,000 to taxpayers with dependent children, $700 for married taxpayers without children, and $500 for other taxpayers. We cant get out of this pandemic, we cant move over, we cannot rise up if we leave a sector of our community behind, Ruiz said during a news conference with Make the Road Thursday afternoon, expressing her disappointment in the state Legislature for not moving the bill along. While weve made a lot of inroads, were still falling short, she said, adding her bill would only help a sliver of the community. California has made $75 million available to pay emergency aid to undocumented workers left out of funds. Some cities including New York City, Chicago and Seattle have also created emergency funds for immigrants left out of coronavirus relief. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Sophie Nieto-Munoz may be reached at snietomunoz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her at @snietomunoz. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Four fresh cases of Covid-19 were reported from Mohali, taking the district count to 208. The patients include a 23-year-old Zirakpur man, who had recently travelled to Delhi; a 56-year-old man from Peer Muchalla, Zirakpur; and a 48-year-old woman and a 50-year-old man, both residents of Baltana. They are contacts of an already positive patient. Mohali civil surgeon Dr Manjit Singh said all patients had been admitted to Gian Sagar Hospital in Banur. On Friday, four more patients were discharged from the hospital, bringing down the active patients to 67. Out of total 208 positive patients in the district, 138 have recovered and three have died. PARTS OF MUBARAKPUR DECLARED MICRO-CONTAINMENT ZONE After Jawaharpur village, now Mubarakpur village in Dera Bassi has been declared a micro-containment zone by the Mohali administration. The announcement came after 15 new Covid-19 cases surfaced in the area in the past one week. Only a limited area is sealed in a micro-containment zone. These include the main market of Mubarakpur and the area from the government ayurvedic dispensary to the villages main road. Out of the 35 cases in Mohali in the past week, 30 are from Dera Bassi alone, including 15 from Mubarakpur, said civil surgeon Dr Manjit Singh, adding that the micro-containment zone will help contain the spread of the virus. In all, Dera Bassi accounts for 53% (110) of the total 208 cases in Mohali district. The first case in Dera Bassi was reported in Jawaharpur village on April 4. The village was declared containment-free on May 25 after 51 days of lockdown. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Energy services company Wood Group (John) PLC (WDGJF.PK, WG.L) Friday said it expects first-half revenue to be around $4.1 billion, adjusted EBITDA around $295 million to $305 million, and operating profit before exceptionals to be around $80 million to $90 million. In the prior year first half, revenue was $4.79 billion, adjusted EBITDA was $384 million and operating profit before exceptionals was $160 million. On a like for like basis, adjusting for the disposals of the nuclear and industrial services businesses, first-half revenues will be down around 11 percent. The company said the fall in first-half revenues was heavily weighted to the second quarter. Revenue in the second quarter is expected to be $2.0 billion. Adjusted EBITDA on a like for like basis will be down around 19 percent with margins down about 70 basis points. Adjusted EBITDA margins in ASEAAA maintained and improved in TCS. ASA margins impacted by cost overruns on the legacy energy projects. Order book at the end of May was $7.0 billion, down about 11 percent since December 2019, of which about $3.5 billion is due to be delivered in 2020. Looking ahead for fiscal 2020, the company said it remains focused on protecting margin in line with strategic objectives. The company said, 'Typically, around 80 percent of our full year revenues are either delivered or secured at this point in the year. However, in 2020 the risk of further delays and postponements persists and we are prepared for a wider range of outcomes depending on activity across our broad end markets. Our completed actions to protect margin give us confidence in delivering significantly stronger margins in the second half.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de New Delhi, June 19 : : The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, in association with RR Animal Healthcare Ltd and Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), has developed low-cost diagnostic kits for COVID-19. These are Viral Transport Media kits, RT-PCR kits, and RNA isolation kits. The large-scale production of all these kits has commenced to meet the requirement of Assam and will be made available across the country soon. The VTM kits are the first-stop source used to collect nasal and oral swab specimens from an individual source to a laboratory safely for culture and testing. During this period, the virus, if present, in the sample specimens should remain intact until the testing procedure is completed. The kit consists of a comprehensive solution specially formulated for the collection and transport of SARS-CoV-2. "To bring down the cost of kits, we have used material that is available in the local market and they are as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation. We have handed over two batches of these kits to the National Health Mission, Assam, and GMCH. We are making them in bulk to make it available to a larger population," said Professor Parameswar Krishnan Iyer, lead researcher, IIT Guwahati.A These kits comprise two transport media, one for nasopharyngeal and the other for oropharyngeal specimen collection swabs. Both of these are safe to use as they are recommended and validated by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well. The complete package is suitable for the collection, transport, maintenance, and long-term freezer storage of viral specimens. The unique formulation of the transport medium helps in preserving the viability of viruses for up to 72 hours (at refrigerated temperatures). The swabs have been designed ergonomically with a pre-molded breakpoint on their shaft for enabling secure sampling. These sterile VTM kits comply with the CDC-recommended configurations for viral specimen collection for COVID-19 and are packed in user-friendly individual packs. "These kits will spur development of affordable and high-quality healthcare products in Assam and provide access to world-class kits and career opportunities to healthcare professionals and students," said Prof Iyer. In addition to the sterile VTM kits, the Institute has also developed RNA isolation kits and RT-PCR kits jointly with RR Animal Healthcare Ltd. The isolated and purified RNA is then converted to DNA by an enzyme Reverse Transcriptase (RT), which is used to confirm the presence or absence of COVID-19. A deeper look at the number of Canadians dying from all causes during the COVID-19 pandemic shows British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec suffered more than 2,200 excess deaths when compared to five-year historical maximums, according to an updated Statistics Canada report released Friday. Excess deaths are defined by StatsCan as the number of deaths that are more than expected during a specific period of time when considering past trends. Fridays report covers the first 18 weeks of 2020, ending May 2, and covers 11 provinces and territories. While provinces currently report the number of deaths directly attributable to the new coronavirus, the measure of excess deaths is important because it provides a glimpse of the number of people who may also have died as an indirect result of the pandemic. Epidemiologist Raywat Deonandan, a University of Ottawa associate professor in the school of health sciences, said while confirmed COVID-19 death counts are made public, there are likely people who have died of the disease whom we dont know about. So excess deaths is the best though clearly not perfect way we have of estimating the true mortal toll of this disease, Deonandan continued. It is a useful statistic because it allows us to calculate a more accurate lethality rate, which in turn allows us to better understand how serious this disease is. Ontario the second-hardest hit province behind Quebec, with more than 2,600 COVID-19 related deaths was excluded from the StatsCan report which compares mortality rates for all causes of death, including COVID-19. Yukon was not included in the report either. According to the StatsCan analysis, for 8 of the 11 reporting provinces and territories Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut there was no clear evidence of excess mortality over the first 18 weeks of 2020. That is to say that the number of reported weekly deaths, in those jurisdictions, is within the range of previous annual figures, StatsCan stated. Fridays analysis notes that while excess mortality can be examined in various ways, this analysis focuses on instances where the number of people who died in a given week in 2020 was higher than the number of deaths for that same week in each of the five previous years. Beyond deaths attributed to the virus itself, the pandemic may result in increased deaths from other causes, the report notes. It is also important to note that not all excess deaths can necessarily be attributed to the pandemic, directly or indirectly, as other factors could also be at play including changes in population composition. The analysis shows that there were 372 more deaths between Mar. 15 and April 25 in B.C. than in any of the previous five years for those same weeks. There were 99 reported COVID-19 deaths during this time. In Alberta, the number of deaths were higher than the five-year historical maximum by 402 in the seven-week period beginning Feb 23. The report notes that during this period, there were 40 reported deaths due to COVID-19, suggesting that other factors, such as changes in population composition or increases in other causes of death, likely explain the higher number of observed deaths over this period. In Quebec, there were 1,472 more deaths in the six-week period beginning Mar. 22 than in the same period in any of the previous five years. During this same period, Quebec reported 2,132 COVID-19 deaths. Todd Coleman, an epidemiologist and assistant professor in health sciences at Wilfrid Laurier University, said he believes the excess deaths in Quebec could reflect the movement of the virus through long-term-care homes. More than 3,600 people in public long-term-care facilities in that province have died from COVID-19. The excess deaths altogether and using the five-year averages do lead us to conclude there is some external or out-of-the-ordinary factor, such as COVID, having an impact, said Coleman, who qualified his comments by saying further in-depth study of the causes of death is needed. Especially for such a large geographic area, you want to make sure you look at all the extraneous circumstances that might lead to an excess. He added that while not all the excess deaths captured in the data may be due to COVID-19, the virus could also have had indirect effects. How many of the excess deaths are due to the avoidance of healthcare or a delay of important surgeries, heart surgeries, for example? Or a delay of cancer treatments? The StatsCan report comes a day after Torontos medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, announced that 1,000 city residents have died from COVID-19. Since the citys first death on March 21, more than 10 people a day on average have died from the virus. More than 100,000 people have been infected by COVID-19 and more than 8,300 people have died of the virus in Canada. Estimates based on StatsCan data put the number of daily COVID-19 deaths in Toronto in perspective. Heart disease, the second biggest killer in the city since at least 2014, is fatal for about 10 people daily. Cancer kills approximately 16 people a day in Toronto and roughly three people succumb daily from accidents and strokes. That means, based on the StatsCan estimates, it would take roughly two months for cancer to kill 1,000 Torontonians and about three months for heart disease and COVID-19 to tally 1,000 deaths each. Meanwhile, it would take nearly a full year for accidents and strokes to take 1,000 lives. Colin Furness, an infection control epidemiologist at the University of Toronto, said the true scope of COVID-19s fatal impact is becoming more sharply defined. Were finally detecting excess deaths in Canada, attributable to COVID, Furness said after reading Fridays StatsCan report. The Ontario tally will probably add to that quite a bit, but it may take until next year for Ontario to report its mortality statistics. Only then will we really know how bad COVID is. Until last month, StatsCan did not publish interim mortality data. In general, there is a reporting lag of a calendar year for provinces and territories to submit their official all-cause death registration totals to the federal agency tasked with collecting and reporting the national data. For instance, it may take up to a year to officially register a death in Ontario. StatsCan spokesperson Peter Frayne said the agency "was working with provinces and territories to accelerate publication of the mortality data." Read more about: His congregation might be small, but Beausejour minister Mark Reimer wants the freedom for all his parishioners and every church in Manitoba to gather without any restrictions on group size and physical distancing. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. His congregation might be small, but Beausejour minister Mark Reimer wants the freedom for all his parishioners and every church in Manitoba to gather without any restrictions on group size and physical distancing. This weekend, the pastor of Grace Life Church plans to present Premier Brian Pallister with a petition signed by dozens of southern Manitoba churches asking him to remove any limits on gathering size, social distancing or other health precautions due to COVID-19 pandemic. Grace Life Church pastor Mark Reimer said his requests stems from the rights to freedom of religion and freedom of assembly guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. (Katie Barkman Photo) Reimer said his requests stems from the rights to freedom of religion and freedom of assembly guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. "Our argument is the threat to health isnt significant enough to supersede the Charter of Rights," said Reimer. Since the shutdown in mid-March, Reimers congregation of about 70 has met online or in smaller groups in homes. He developed the petition, titled Reopen Manitoba Churches, in early June and circulated it among other evangelical Christian ministers before posting it online. The petition says churches can assume responsibility to protect their people in the way that is best for their own context. By late Thursday afternoon, 1,400 individuals and 48 churches had signed on. It could be up to the individual (to decide) whats the risk of catching this. We do this all the time during flu season. Mark Reimer "We generally accept there are some risks to how we live," Reimer said, comparing the risks of contracting COVID-19 in Manitoba as less than being killed in an automobile collision. "It could be up to the individual (to decide) whats the risk of catching this. We do this all the time during flu season." Reimer also said in an interview that citizens shouldnt be forced to wash their hands and health experts dont agree on the best way to deal with the global pandemic. At Thursdays news conference, Premier Pallister urged religious groups to be patient, citing it as a biblical virtue. He also reminded church organizations that health policy is not their jurisdiction but the responsibility of Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, and his team of advisors. "They have good reasons for being careful about the restrictions that are necessary to keep us all safe," the premier said. "And I think it would be in the best interests of all of us to show respect for that and to make sure all of us (are) working together to protect our own health and the health of others." "I think it would be in the best interests of all of us to show respect for that and to make sure all of us (are) working together to protect our own health and the health of others. Premier Brian Pallister Under Phase 3 guidelines, which come into effect this Sunday, groups of 50 can gather indoors with physical distancing. The guidelines also allow for indoor gatherings of up to a maximum of 30 per cent of the sites capacity as long as the assembly can be divided into smaller groups of 50 or less. Each sub-group must enter, participate, and leave without co-mingling with members of another sub-group. That means churches or other religious groups with larger buildings can meet in the same space, provided they follow the public health guidelines. Reimer said the Phase 3 guidelines dont go far enough, since churches with large members would not be able to accommodate everyone in their buildings because of the 30 per cent capacity cap and limited number of entrances and exits. Churches from several southern Manitoba communities such as Altona, Morden, Steinbach, Morris have signed the petition, as have nine churches in Winnipeg, including Springs Church. Not all signatories agree with Reimer in suggesting physical distancing and other health guidelines not be followed during worship. 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. Rev. Joshua Shetter of Redeeming Grace Bible Church in Morden said his church has already adapted how they serve communion by providing individual servings of juice and wafers and he encourages vulnerable members to stay home once they start meeting again to protect their own health. "We want to be legal and we dont want to defy the government," he said of his congregation of 70 people, which usually meets in a rented space in a seniors building, now closed due to the pandemic. Winnipeg pastor Wayne Bustard signed the petition because of his frustrations around large group restrictions in the first two phases of re-opening but said Phase 3 has addressed most of his concerns. Members of his Wide World of Faith Church have been meeting outside on the church parking lot for the last three Sundays and plan to move indoors when Phase 3 comes into effect. The downtown church could seat 135 people in three segregated groups, and his members look forward to meeting together again. "Its where they find their strength and peace and hope," said Bustard. "When you take it away and people are isolated, and a lot of them do not do well." brenda@suderman.com Advertisement Lead investigator Yishay Szekely, MD, Department of Cardiology, Sourasky Tel Aviv Medical Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel, observes, "On the one hand, these drugs are known to cause prolongation of a specific ECG interval called QT interval.On the other hand, there is no evidence of sudden, unexplained death when they are used to treat malaria. And by the same token, neither the American nor the European rheumatology societies recommend electrocardiographic (ECG) surveillance for patients who receive long-term treatment with hydroxychloroquine."The patient, an 84 year-old women with a history of breast cancer and controlled hypertension was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19. Her medications included letrozole, prescribed for breast cancer, and memantine, prescribed for Alzheimer's disease.An ECG found her corrected QT (QTc) interval was 462 milliseconds, borderline high but still below the 500-millisecond limit suggested by safety guidelines for chloroquine treatment.Her condition worsened and chloroquine therapy was introduced. After five days of treatment, there was no change to her clinical status, however, a follow-up ECG showed signs of an extremely elongated QTc interval of 627 milliseconds. Chloroquine was discontinued, as were other drugs known or suspected of causing QT-prolongation, including memantine and letrozole.The patient was placed on a continuous ECG monitor and given potassium supplements to prevent arrhythmias. Six hours later episodes of TdP were noted on her ECG. She received treatment that led to an immediate resolution of the ventricular arrhythmias, and her QT interval gradually normalized. She was released after two weeks.Dr. Szekely notes that the memantine the patient was taking likely contributed to the proarrhythmic effects of chloroquine. However, her QTc interval spiked only after chloroquine was introduced."This clearly points to chloroquine as the culprit drug of her TdP." The breast cancer medication letrozole is actually considered safer from a QT interval point of view than other medications used to treat breast cancer."Chloroquine therapy is not free of risk in patients with COVID-19, particularly in those with high risk features for QT prolongation and TdP," says Dr. Szekely. "Given its questionable efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19 and risk of QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes, chloroquine treatment must be considered thoroughly and reviewed on a regular basis."Source: Eurekalert Atlas Financial Holdings Inc. AFH divested stock, charter and state licenses of its indirect subsidiary Gateway Insurance Company (Gateway) to Buckle, which paid $4.2 million to the statutory liquidator of Gateway. The acquirer might pay another $0.5 million as additional purchase price depending on the number of insurance licenses of Gateway in full force and effect without restriction at the end of 2020. The transaction was announced in January this year. Shares of the company gained 187.7% in the Jun 17 trading session. The divestiture is in tandem with Atlas Financials strategy to focus on its specialty managing general agency (MGA) business. This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) underwriter of commercial automobile insurance policies in the United States remains focused on generating EBITDA at the MGA level while attempting to lower risk and capital requirements related to traditional primary insurance company operations. Buckles core business focuses on part-time transportation network company (TNC) drivers and complements Atlas focus on full-time drivers in the Livery, Paratransit, Taxi and TNC segments. Thus, this buyout will leverage Buckles operations. Buckle, a technology-driven financial services company, plans to recapitalize on Gateway to support the writing of new and renewal insurance policies, including non-paratransit policies for AGMI. Anchor Group Management Inc. (AGMI), Atlas Financials wholly owned MGA, will now commence transitioning non-paratransit business that meets agreed underwriting criteria as a general agent for Gateway. AGMI retains renewal rights to business AGMI produces for Gateway. It will focus on taxi, livery, limousine and full-time TNC drivers. Atlas subsidiaries have entered into a program framework agreement to provide other professional services to support Buckle and Gateway. Per this minimum three -year agreement, AGMI expects to generate up to $100 million in annual premium for non-paratransit business using Gateway as one of its insurance markets. Atlas Financial and Buckle aim to work together to identify additional opportunities to provide insurance solutions to the gig-economy sector with an emphasis on TNC drivers. Atlas Financial believes its focus on MGA strategy and this strategic divestiture will build upon the progress it made in 2019 through previously announced arrangement for paratransit business with American Financial Group, Inc. AFG and its National Interstate subsidiary. The transition of paratransit business by AGMI is expected to be completed by the end of November 2020. Atlas Financial has been mulling strategic alternatives to strengthen its operations and enhancing shareholders value. This initiative will thus help garner benefit and help the company achieve its goals Stocks to Consider Some better-ranked companies from the same space are National General Holdings Corp NGHC and Allstate Corporation ALL, both carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. National General, a specialty personal lines insurance holding company, provides various insurance products and services in the United States, Bermuda, Luxembourg and Sweden. Its earnings beat estimates in two of the last four quarters and missed in the other two, the average positive surprise being 5.68%. Allstate provides property and casualty, and other insurance products in the United States and Canada. The company surpassed estimates in each of the last four quarters, the average positive surprise being 18.45%. 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 The Allstate Corporation (ALL) : Free Stock Analysis Report American Financial Group, Inc. (AFG) : Free Stock Analysis Report National General Holdings Corp (NGHC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Atlas Financial Holdings, Inc. (AFH) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Regarding Minnesota Senate debates GOP police accountability proposals (June 17): George Floyd was a son, a brother, and most importantly, a human. Im disgusted, enraged and deeply saddened by the racism so pervasively ingrained in our nation. I will not sit here and pretend that Im not part of the problem. I fully admit that my white privilege has made me ignorant to the atrocities faced by people of color. However, I refuse to remain ignorant anymore. There are good and bad police officers and protesters. We need to stop making sweeping generalizations. Not only are generalizations inaccurate, but they lead to division. Instead of advocating for no police, we should be advocating for a complete overhaul of police culture, to remove all racist police officers who hide behind their badge and use it to justify their heinous behaviors. Police unions need to stop wasting their useful resources to protect these bad officers. In addition, all American institutions education, housing, employment need to reevaluate and recognize that they are also part of the problem. We must all acknowledge and attempt to eradicate our socially constructed biases. America, and I, had failed George long before his death. Sarah Thompson Alton Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via Email Hertz calls off $500 million stock sale, and everything you missed today: CNBC After Hours CNBC.com's MacKenzie Sigalos brings you the day's top business news headlines. On today's show, the latest development in Hertz's bankruptcy rally saga the rental car company calls off a planned $500 million stock sale. Plus, CNBC's Courtney Reagan dives into the sales numbers of one under the radar company that is crushing the competition in the new stay-at-home economy. The relevant ruling was issued by a Khmelnytsky court on June 19, 2020. Litigation against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the violation of COVID-19 lockdown rules while visiting a cafe in the city of Khmelnytsky has been suspended as he enjoys presidential immunity under the Constitution of Ukraine. The relevant ruling was issued by Khmelnytsky's district court on June 19, 2020. At the same time, the judges will ask the Supreme Court to clarify whether it is possible to open an administrative case against the president. Read alsoZelensky fined for visiting cafe amid COVID-19 lockdown As UNIAN reported earlier, on June 3, the President Office's Telegram channel posted a photo showing Zelensky sitting at one table with other officials, including President's Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, First Deputy Head of the President's Office Serhiy Trofimov, Khmelnytsky Governor Dmytro Gabinet, and Khmelnytsky Mayor Oleksandr Symchyshyn. "President Volodymyr Zelensky had a walk around the central part of the city of Khmelnytsky and tried coffee at a local cafe," the president's press service said. "Nice coffee in Khmelnytsky! Fragrant and delicious! The first cafes are exiting from quarantine, we are rebounding from the coronavirus epidemic," as reported on the president's Instagram account under another similar photo taken in the same cafe. The government's ban on catering services indoors until June 5 was in effect as of June 3. Only outdoor seating outlets under awnings were allowed to service clients, with no more than four visitors at one table. On June 4, Deputy Interior Minister Anton Gerashchenko said police would consider the possible violation of quarantine rules by Zelensky and the officials who accompanied him in Khmelnytsky, and bring them to justice. Later, Zelensky said he was ready to pay a fine if his indoor meeting at the cafe in Khmelnytsky was considered a violation of the quarantine rules. However, Ukraine's Chief Medical Officer, Deputy Health Minister Viktor Liashko, who sat at another table in the same cafe on that day, said there were no breaches of the quarantine regulations since it was an inspection visit. On June 10, the National Police of Ukraine said it had drawn up administrative protocols against the officials for the violation of the COVID-19 lockdown rules. World Allergy Week 2020 logo Allergists can help ease patients concerns by identifying the differences between allergies and COVID-19, making health assessments, and reviewing treatment plans. World Allergy Organization (WAO) will host World Allergy Week from June 28 to July 4, 2020, to emphasize the importance of maintaining regular care of allergies and asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19, short for coronavirus disease 2019, is a disease spreading around the world caused by infection with a new strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Patients with symptoms are very contagious, but even those with mild or no symptoms can still infect others. A vaccine against COVID-19 is not yet available. A pandemic can be a time of anxiety for those with asthma and allergies such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever), eczema/dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, food allergies, and other conditions. Symptom similarity between allergies and COVID-19 can be confusing. Sneezing and itching, for example, are common in allergic rhinitis, while fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath appear in COVID-19. Allergists can help ease patients concerns by identifying the differences between allergies and COVID-19, making health assessments, and reviewing treatment plans. It is important that individuals do not stop taking their prescribed allergy or asthma medications, including inhaled or oral corticosteroids and other asthma controller medications with or without a pandemic, according to Sandra N. Gonzalez-Diaz, MD, PhD, of Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon in Mexico. They should consult their physicians about getting the care they need while limiting their exposure to the virus. In many areas, health care practitioners use telemedicine and telephone consults for non-emergencies to avoid the risk of infection from face-to-face medical visits. If you have asthma, continuing to control it could help you better defend against the virus. According to Bryan Martin, DO, of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Most respiratory viruses are common triggers of severe asthma attacks. When you have asthma, underlying swelling and inflammation in the lungs can make it difficult to fight off viruses. Taking prescribed controller therapy daily, whether you have symptoms or not, helps repair that inflammation and fight off viruses more efficiently. Allergy care might change for patients infected with COVID-19, so it is important that they contact their physicians to discuss their symptoms as soon as possible. According to Motohiro Ebisawa, MD, PhD, of Sagamihara National Hospital in Sagamihara, Japan, and President of the World Allergy Organization. Professional help is essential to understanding what is causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing. Patients should not assume these symptoms are either from their asthma or COVID-19 but consult their physicians immediately in case emergency care is needed. The international medical community agrees there is much to understand yet about COVID-19 and the best treatment for those who have become sick. World Allergy Week 2020 organizers are emphasizing the need for patients and physicians alike to stay updated on accurate medical information about COVID-19 and allergic disease and communicate regularly for optimal symptom management, disease prevention, and quality of life. International allergy experts will present COVID-19 and Allergic Diseases a two hour-webinar with a live question and answer session, hosted by WAO on July 2, 2020. It will begin at 8:00 AM EDT (New York). Click here to find your local time: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter-classic.html. Find details about the WAO webinar and registration and other resources at: http://www.worldallergyweek.org. To find an allergy/immunology member society of the World Allergy Organization in your country or region, visit: http://www.worldallergy.org/about-wao/member-societies. About the World Allergy Organization The World Allergy Organization (WAO) is an international alliance of 103 regional and national allergy, asthma and immunology societies. Through collaboration with its Member Societies WAO provides a wide range of educational and outreach programs, symposia and lectureships to allergists/immunologists around the world and conducts initiatives related to clinical practice, service provision, and physical training in order to better understand and address the challenges facing allergists/immunologists worldwide. (http://www.worldallergy.org) By PTI NEW DELHI: Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi turned 50 on Friday but chose to spend the day at home sans celebration in view of the death of Indian soldiers in a violent clash with the Chinese army in Ladakh and the coronavirus crisis. A host of top Congress leaders wished him on his birthday, with former prime minister Manmohan Singh among the first to send his best wishes through a letter in the morning. The Congress has asked its state and district units not to hold any celebratory functions. AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal wrote to the state units in this regard. "Wishing good health, happiness and joy to dear Rahul Gandhi ji on his b'day. He has decided not to celebrate his b'day owing to the martyrdom of our soldiers and COVID crisis. To mark the occasion Congress shall provide food kits to the neediest and pay respect to our brave jawans," Venugopal said in a tweet. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the clash with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley of Ladakh on June 15, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated an already volatile border standoff in the region. India is also reeling under the rising number of COVID-19 cases. The country has been reporting record spikes in cases of the contagious respiratory disease, which has so far infected 3,80,532 people and claimed 12,573 lives. Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel wished Gandhi good health, prosperity and a long life. Congress deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma said, "Wishing Rahul Gandhi a happy birthday. May the 50s bring him good health, happiness and success. May God give him the strength to uphold the ideals and commitment of the Indian National Congress to serve India and its people." Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted, "Warmest birthday greetings to Rahul Gandhi Ji. May he be blessed with a long, healthy life full of happiness and peace. May Rahul ji succeed in his endeavors towards establishing a society based on NYAY for all, where common people can live with dignity." Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also took to the microblogging site to wish Gandhi. "Dear Rahul Gandhi, warm wishes to you on your birthday. Take care of yourself and keep working for India," he said. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "Tough times are testing times, struggle is intrinsic to men of resolve, the temperament to handle it all with equanimity, fearlessness of spirit and an intense commitment to serve is the test of a leader. Privileged to work with such a leader. Birthday wishes to Shri Rahul Gandhi." Congress students' wing National Students Union of India (NSUI) marked the day by holding a blood donation camp and providing financial aid to four families in Delhi who were badly affected by the coronavirus crisis. A caravan stolen in Co Meath which was described as a 'Happy Place' for a boy with special needs has been found in a field off the M7 on the Kildare/Laois border. Gardai in Portarlington are appealing to the public for their assistance in establishing the movements of this caravan which had been stolen on the night of the 10th/11th June 2020 from a yard in Gernonstown, Slane. Thieves broke into the yard and caused criminal damage to other property at the location. The caravan belonged to Co Meath boy Sean Sharkey Carroll who has Down syndrome, autism and is blind in one eye. The caravan was equipped with items to give him assistance and comfort. His mother Fiona Sharkey Carroll had made a media appeal about the impact on her son of the loss of the caravan. Portarlington Gardai recovered the caravan in a field. Gardai said: "We believe it was left there overnight. "We are looking for any assistance from both locals and anyone that might have passed through the area overnight to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 0578674100 with information." Gardai said that two other caravans taken in the same incident are still missing. On Sunday, rapper Lil Nas X sent a tweet to his 4.9 million followers that began as a tease. yeah, im gay, the tweet started. Then it took a sharp left turn. g- arrest, a- Breonna Taylors y- murderers. The response was not supportive. Replies called the tweet disrespectful, and pointed out that Taylors death was not a meme. Lil Nas X deleted it, then tweeted an explanation: i want u guys to know if i make a meme out of something it doesnt mean i dont care about it, my following usually reacts the most when humour is involved. its my most efficient way of bringing awarness to anything. i do understand the backlash tho, and im learning. He was hardly alone in using memes to bring attention to the life and death of Breonna Taylor. In recent weeks, what began as an increasing number of straightforward pleas in her name have undergone a metamorphosis. Now the calls to arrest those involved in her death often begin with a misdirect meme that is an eye-catching but totally unrelated statement and segues, abruptly, into a call for justice. Not everyone is happy with the memeification of these calls. Image: Breonna Taylor (Courtesy of Family of Breonna Taylor / AFP - Getty Images) Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman and former EMT, was in her apartment with her boyfriend when she was killed in the early hours of March 13 by three plainclothes officers with the Louisville Metro Police Department who were executing a "no-knock" search warrant in a drug case, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Taylors mother, Tamika Palmer. Taylor's boyfriend, believing the officers were intruders and using a licensed handgun, fired at the officers, who fired back, killing Taylor. No drugs were found in the raid, and neither Taylor nor her boyfriend had any criminal history. The man that police were looking for as part of the warrant was already in police custody at the time of the raid. Taylor's address was included in the search warrant because police believed that a suspect in the drug investigation had received packages there. Story continues As protests against police brutality and racism ramped up across the United States after the police killing of George Floyd, calls for justice for Taylor began to grow, both in the streets and online. Floyd, who was Black, died in Minneapolis on May 25 after a white officer kneeled on his neck. In the beginning, tweets in Taylors name insisted that the police officers involved in her death should be arrested. (The officers have since been placed on placed on administrative reassignment pending the outcome of the investigation.) Then the calls began to transform. It's my birthday, so arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor, tweeted Ned Fulmer, an actor on the YouTube series The Try Guys. Re Carne Asada Fries: After careful consideration, weve come to the conclusion that the Kentucky attorney general should charge and arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor, another tweet from L.A. Taco reads. Although some criticize the memeified calls for justice as a trivialization of her death, communications experts and activists alike are divided on whether the grassroots protest form undermines the severity of Taylors killing or helps to keep it in the public eye. This is a communication tool that I think is effective with people who arent as familiar with these cases, these names, certainly with someone like Breonna Taylor, and its a way, interestingly enough, to communicate with people who might not be aware, said Meredith D. Clark, assistant professor of media studies at the University of Virginia. Image: (Frank Franklin II / AP) Clark said that there are a number of dialects in the language of resistance and protest that in other words, there is no one specific way to demand change. And, Clark added, memes can also push social movements forward. The powerful thing about internet memes is that people can take them and add to them or transform them in ways that they make sense for the online communities that theyre a part of, Clark said. We see things like Black Lives Matter, which is essentially an internet meme ... and now we have this whole culturally resonant phrase that people know what it means when they hear it. Clark was referring to the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter, which was born out of a Facebook post by Alicia Garza in 2013 after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Florida. The phrase quickly jumped beyond the internet, as memes move fluidly between online and offline spaces. But while they state their purpose clearly, protest memes that use misdirects tweak the protest genre in ways that arent comfortable to all. People can respond in ways that are callous, and its hard to know what the true identity is of any of the people behind these things, said Seft Hunter, director of Black-led organizing for Community Change, a national organization working to empower marginalized and low-income people, especially people of color. For Hunter, some of the memes around Breonna Taylor feel like they trivialize the seriousness of the loss of her life and the trauma her partner and her family is feeling at this point. Memes that force a double take didnt begin with Breonna Taylor. In 2019, teens and young adults were using misdirects to draw attention to causes they were passionate about, like starting TikToks by talking about makeup tips before shifting into information about the plight of the Uighur Muslims in China. More recently, Clark, the media studies professor, has noticed protest-style clickbait appearing on Twitter, where a person will tweet something salacious in order to get someone to click on the thread. Once the thread is opened, the only tweets that appear link to research and charities to help spread awareness. Clark said she has seen similar tactics going back to 2016. Hunter said he felt the memes that have taken shape around the calls for justice detract from the seriousness of Taylor's death. "We do need to have folks say her name, and we do need to have folks know the reason and the circumstances on which her life was taken," he said, adding that he still worried about simply kind of trivializing it and connecting it to workouts and things like that, which might draw attention from the seriousness of the issue." But Hunter acknowledged the sheer frequency of police brutality against Black people, and the large number cases deserving of attention, can make it hard to capture, and hold, the publics attention around the death of one person. Part of the way that activists who are working within this movement operate is by creating something they know will go viral, said Allissa V. Richardson, author of "Bearing Witness While Black: African Americans, Smartphones and the New Protest #Journalism." She notes that creative methods of keeping movements and the names of victims in the public consciousness, which can sometimes take the form of viral memes, has been a cornerstone of the Black Lives Matter movement since it began. That means memes are more complex and layered than one might think on first viewing. To Richardson, the memes around Taylors death are not trivializations, but rather what she called a sophisticated effort by activists to game Twitters algorithm and keep Taylors name in the public consciousness and not to let her get buried beneath the news of others who have been victims of police brutality. Its also another way to draw attention to the Black women who have been victims of police brutality and whose cases dont always receive the level of national attention as the deaths of Black men. Image: Suspect In Custody After Driving Into Protest And Shooting One In Seattle (David Ryder / Getty Images) In order for her to be trending, and in order for us to even raise awareness about her, and for her to surpass the men this is why we have a whole parallel 'Say Her Name' movement," Richardson said. "In order for her to break through the algorithm that is going to shield her underneath George Floyd and Ahmaud Arberys name right now, one would have to put her in almost absurd situations in order to be seen. You can trick people into thinking they're going to be looking at one of those happy-go-lucky things but, bam, all of a sudden youre faced with this Breonna Taylor name again," she said. "Its a very surreptitious way of getting the message across. There may be those tweeting about Taylor for less pure reasons, those who might only be tweeting out Taylors name in an attempt to get likes and retweets, Richardson said. But even that doesnt undermine the larger goal of keeping Taylors name and the calls for justice at the forefront. I think even the clout chasers are helping the cause right now, Richardson said. They are helping to elevate her name, because otherwise she would be buried beneath the men." "When her name fades from mainstream media, and mainstream news," she added, "its imperative that it stay alive in those digital spaces. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Rio Tinto Plc (RTNTF, RIO, RIO.L, RTPPF) has launched a board-led review of its heritage management processes following criticism of its destruction of two ancient rock shelters in Western Australia last month. The Anglo-Australian mining giant said the review will be conducted by its non-executive director Michael L'Estrange and will seek input from Rio Tinto employees, the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people or PKKP. The review will be informed through engagement with Indigenous leaders, Traditional Owners and subject matter experts, the company said in a statement. Simon Thompson, chairman of Rio Tinto, said, '.... I would like to apologise to the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people. The decision to conduct a board-led review of events at Juukan Gorge reflects our determination to learn lessons from what happened and to make any necessary improvements to our heritage processes and governance.' The company stated that the review will focus on events at Juukan Gorge and appraise Rio Tinto's internal heritage standards, procedures, reporting and governance, and will examine the company's relationship and communications with the PKKP. The review will commence immediately, with the final report targeted by October 2020. Last month, Rio detonated explosives in an area of the Juukan Gorge, destroying 46,000-year-old Aboriginal heritage site in Western Australia. 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. India reports highest single-day spike of COVID-19 cases; Death toll over 12,500 India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P New Delhi, June 19: Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday said that India reported the highest single-day spike of 13,586 new COVID-19 cases and 336 deaths in last 24 hours. Total number of positive cases now stands at 3,80,532 including 1,63,248 active cases, 2,04,711 cured/discharged/migrated and 12,573 deaths. With this, it can be seen that the coronavirus disease been rapidly spreading across the country. The Centre has held review meetings to discuss the ways to check the spread of the disease. India-China Galwan faceoff: China releases 10 Indian soldiers from custody | Oneindia News WHO hopeful COVID-19 vaccines could be available before end of this year Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Chief Ministers of various states over two days, while Home Minister Amit Shah held meetings on the situation in national capital Delhi which has seen spike in the COVID-19 cases. Maharashtra has continued to remain on the top spot with as many as 1,20,504 cases, followed by Tamil Nadu with 52,334 cases, Delhi with 49,979 cases, Gujarat 25,601 and Uttar Pradesh with 15,181 cases. Coronavirus: India is fast returning to normal levels with consumption, says PM Modi Meanwhile, it is allegedly said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi would not celebrate his 50th birthday in view of COVID-19 pandemic and death of 20 Army personnel in stand-off with China in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, June 19, 2020, 10:13 [IST] Australia has suffered a significant reversal in containing the coronavirus as the number of active cases rises to 427 nationwide after months of steady declines. The increase began on Monday and has continued every day this week as medical experts urge Australians to be "vigilant" against the risk of a second wave of infections. The spike is being driven by outbreaks in Victoria in the wake of breaches among security guards at a hotel with quarantined travellers, leading to a sudden increase in new cases and concerns about community transmission. "Victoria's data of the last few days is concerning, both for the local Victorian context and for the nation," said University of Melbourne professor James McCaw. The Electoral Commission (EC) says that it is interesting that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which accused it of being in bed with the National Identification Authority (NIA) to rig the 2020 election, would "today turn around and propose data synchronization which would require the EC to work directly with the NIA and rely extensively on its biometric data in its database." In an official response to the Minority Leader, Mr Haruna Iddrisu's suggestion that the EC didnt understand data synchronization because the Commission had indicated during its Tuesday meeting with Members of Parliament that it was not going to rely on the biometric data of citizens captured by the NIA, the EC said Mr Iddrisu "has not read the CI 126" well. To the EC, if Mr Iddrisu had read it, "it would have been obvious to him that the Commission was not seeking to synchronize its data with that of the NIA." According to the EC, it has not stated anywhere that "it intends to use the biometric data in NIAs database." Therefore, the Minority Leader's suggestion that the EC didnt understand data synchronization because the Commission had indicated during the meeting that it was not going to rely on the biometric data of citizens captured by the NIA was a misrepresentation of the issues. "Indeed, the recently passed CI to guide the registration of voters, CI 126, does not include provisions to allow for the use of the biometric data of the NIA." "What the CI states and which is what the Commission is seeking to do is to rely on the physical NIA card to prove a persons citizenship as a precondition for registration." "Indeed, had the Minority Leader read the CI 126, it would have been obvious to him that the Commission was not seeking to synchronize its data with that of the NIA." Free Face Mask "For the record, merely presenting ones card to prove ones citizenship does not require a direct relationship or collusion with the NIA as the Minority has sought to portray," the EC stated in its response statement signed and issued by the Acting Director of Public Affairs, Mrs Sylvia Annoh on Thursday. The opposition NDC had accused the EC and the NIA of devising means to deny about 11 million Ghanaians the chance to vote in the upcoming 2020 general elections. The plans, the National Chairman of the NDC, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo believes, were to rig the elections in favour of the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. He explained that the decision by the EC to use only the Ghana Card and passport as the only required documents to get registered as a voter in the country was a calculated plan by the Akufo-Addo administration to rig the upcoming elections. Below is a copy of the EC's statement EC RESPONDS TO MINORITY LEADERS CLAIMS Our attention has been drawn to a comment made by the Minority Leader of Parliament following a meeting between the Electoral Commission and the Special Budget Committee of Parliament of which he is a member. In the said interview, the Minority Leader sought to suggest that the EC didnt understand data synchronization because the Commission had indicated during the meeting that it was not going to rely on the biometric data of citizens captured by the NIA. For the record, nowhere has the Commission stated that it intends to use the biometric data in NIAs data base. Indeed, the recently passed CI to guide the registration of voters, CI 126, does not include provisions to allow for the use of the biometric data of the NIA. What the CI states and which is what the Commission is seeking to do is to rely on the physical NIA card to prove a persons citizenship as a precondition for registration. Indeed, had the Minority Leader read the CI 126, it would have been obvious to him that the Commission was not seeking to synchronize its data with that of the NIA. For the record, merely presenting ones card to prove ones citizenship does not require a direct relationship or collusion with the NIA as the Minority has sought to portray. It is interesting that the same Minority which accused the EC of being in bed with the NIA to rig the election, would today turn around and propose data synchronization which would require the EC to work directly with the NIA and rely extensively on its biometric data in its data base. Again, the Minority leader is on record to have stated that, the EC indicated at the meeting that it was going to phase out and reduce the polling stations by 6,780. For the records, the EC never made such a statement. What the EC said was that the 2020 registration would be in phases under a cluster system. This means that the 33,367 registration centres will be divided into five. Each cluster would consist of 6,780 registration centres. Each cluster would be made up of 5 registration centres numbered 1-5. During the first phase, all the registration centres numbered 1 nationwide will register applicants for 6 days. During the second phase all registration centres numbered 2, will register applicants for 6 days. This will go on until all the phases are covered. Thereafter, there will be a nationwide mop up exercise. At no point during the discussion did the EC state that it was phasing out or reducing the polling stations by 6,780. Indeed, the fact that our explanation of the cluster system and methodology for registration never raised an eyebrow during our discussions indicates clearly that the EC never made this statement. We have no doubt that members of the Committee would have been in a state of uproar if indeed the EC had made such an assertion. It is difficult to imagine that Members of Parliament will gloss over this decision and not seek clarification from the Commission on a critical subject such as this. Phasing out and reducing the polling stations by 6,780 is not an issue to be taken lightly by anyone let alone our Members of Parliament. From the civil and comprehensive discussions that took place at the meeting, the claims by the Minority Leader are unfortunate. The Commission wishes to thank the members of the Special Budget Committee of Parliament for their continued support and constructive feedback. MRS. SYLVIA ANNOH Ag. DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS Source: Daily Graphic Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Government has backed Irish EU Commissioner, Phil Hogan, for the post of director general of the World Trade Organisation. The decision will increase his prospects of becoming the EU candidate for the prestigious post which falls vacant on September 1. Mr Hogan, who gained great experience of world trade as EU agriculture commissioner from 2014 until 2019, was appointed the EU commissioner responsible for trade last autumn. He already has some backing among the 27 EU member states but opinion is divided in some capitals about how to manage nominations for the vacant position previously held with distinction by another Irishman, Peter Sutherland. A Government spokesperson said: "Phil is an Excellent candidate and the government is very happy to nominate him. It would be great to have an Irish person at the top of such a significant international organisation." Nominations for the job, which is based in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, will close on July 8. An expert group appointed by the WTO will then set about picking a candidate. Mr Hogan has yet to fully declare an interest in trying to get the job - but he has publicly said he is "exploring the possibly." His boss, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, has curtailed his duties for the moment in light of the WTO speculation, to avoid allegations of conflicts, and if he is a fully-fledged candidate he will have to take leave until the issue is resolved. The WTO regulates trade across 164 member states and acts as arbiter in trade disputes. The vacancy arises due to the early departure of the current WTO head, Roberto Azevedo of Brazil. There was speculation that it may fall to an EU nominee as it was now the turn of "a developed country" - but there is also pressure to choose somebody from the African continent, which has never had an appointee. Elements in some EU governments believe that pushing for the job would worsen deep divisions in the troubled organisation. Many - including Mr Hogan himself - agree the WTO is in need of serious reforms. Others fear his departure from the EU trade post because a resultant Commission re-shuffle could lead to the job going to a nominee from a country less committed to free trade. The Irish Government's endorsement is a first step in a process which is rather involved. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Switzerland stock market ended the week on a firm note as the mood remained positive right through the session on Friday amid optimism the economy will recover thanks to reopening of businesses across the world after several weeks of lockdown. Expectations that governments and central banks will step up stimulus to support growth further aided the market's uptick. The benchmark SMI ended the day with a gain of 79.79 points or 0.78% at 10,266.29, after moving between 10,200.46 and 10,291.46 intraday. On Wednesday, the SMI ended down 15.69 points or 0.15% at 10,186.50, snapping a three-day winning streak. Richemont, up 2.9%, was the top gainer in the SMI. Sika gained nearly 2% and Roche Holding ended 1.75% up. Roche said its experimental medicine ipatasertib achieved positive outcome at a late-stage clinical trial against a slice of patients with a kind of prostate cancer but fell short in the overall study population. Novartis gained about 1.4% and ABB moved up by 1.35%, while SGS, Swisscom and Nestle gained 0.6 to 0.8%. On the other hand, UBS Group, Swiss Re and Swiss Life Holding ended lower by 1.2 to 1.4%. Swiss Re announced that it will disband its Life Capital business unit after wrapping up the sale of its British ReAssure business later this year. Among the stocks in the midcap section, BB Biotech, AMS and Temenos Group gained 1.7 to 2%. Barry Callebaut, VAT Group and Vifor Pharma moved up 1 to 1.1%. Dufry closed lower by 3.8%. Georg Fischer and PSP Swiss Property both ended lower by 1.8%, while Helvetia and Swiss Prime Site lost 1.3% and 1.1%, respectively. Among the other major markets in Europe, the U.K.'s FTSE 100 advanced 1.1%, while Germany's DAX and France's CAC 40 ended higher by 0.4% and 0.42%, respectively. The pan European Stoxx 600 gained 0.56%. 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. (JNS) Two weeks after Israel gradually reopened its education system, students and teachers around the country came down with the coronavirus, forcing thousands of their peers and family members into quarantine. The main hotspot has been the Jerusalem high school, Hagymnasia Haivrit, in the capitals Rechavia neighborhood, which had to shut down due to the more than 130 adults and teenagers who tested positive to COVID-19. More than 17 additional schools also closed, some by ministerial order, and a few by parental decree. If the trend continues, the Education Ministry may succumb to... The stock market is heating up again, and some Wall Street pros see the light at the end of the tunnel. Among those adapting a bullish approach is Wells Fargo's head of equity strategy, Chris Harvey, who believes the worst is behind us, freeing up the S&P 500 to continue its ascent. Typically the first impact is generally the worst impact. Were sticking to this belief that the worst is over, that were going to be able to mitigate it [...] Obviously its not all unicorns and rainbows, and well have pullbacks from time to time. But we think the pullbacks will be shallow. Bearing this in mind, some investors are on the hunt, looking to snap up compelling names before shares re-embark on an upward trajectory. For the more risk-tolerant, focus has locked in on penny stocks, or tickers trading for less than $5 per share. The appeal is clear; the bargain price tag means you can get more bang for your buck and even what feels like inconsequential share price appreciation can result in huge percentage gains. Whats the flip side? Minor share price depreciation can fuel major percentage losses. By nature of these massive movements, penny stocks are notoriously volatile. With an understanding of the risk at play, weve used TipRanks' database to pull the vitals on three penny stocks that have recent gotten the thumbs up from Wall Streets analysts. All get a Strong Buy from the consensus view, and their upside potentials start at 100%. Lets see what else makes them so compelling. Synchronoss Technologies (SNCR) Well start in the world of e-commerce. Synchronoss develops online vendor platforms, and helps customers create solutions for finding new revenue, reducing costs, and improving the buyer experience, and increasing site visitor engagement. Synchronoss has been posting an enviable record on earnings for three quarters in a row, including Q1 2020, the coronavirus quarter, the company has shown sequential gains in EPS and beaten the estimates by wide margins. Story continues An aggressive marketing strategy towards big-name commercial sites is paying off for Synchronoss, several analysts believe that at $3.07 per share, now is the time to pull the trigger. Among them, Michael Walkley, 5-star analyst from Canaccord, stands out. He writes of SNCR, With several Cloud deals starting to ramp including AT&T, continued growth potential at Verizon that experienced low-teens subscriber growth in 2019, progress on blue-chip DXP and IoT partnerships with Amazon, Rackspace, AT&T and others, and strong annual RCS revenue contributions anticipated from the CCMI deal, we believe there are several strong building blocks "We believe the current <1x 2021E EV/revenue valuation levels versus peers at ~3x present a compelling entry point for investors," Walkley concluded. To this end, Walkley rates the stock a Buy, and his $10 price target implies an amazing 225% one-year upside to the stock. (To watch Walkleys track record, click here) Overall, three 5-star analysts have rates SNCR a Buy recently, making the analyst consensus on this stock a Strong Buy. Even the average price target suggests room for an impressive upside; at $8.50, it predicts 176% growth from the current share price. (See SNCR stock analysis on TipRanks) Iteris (ITI) Next up is Iteris, a tech company which uses cloud computing systems, AI apps, advanced sensors, and managed services to predict both weather and traffic patterns, allowing clients to optimize transportation infrastructure to maximize efficiency and safety. Iteris boasts a consulting relationship with the Federal Government, as well as several states and numerous local agencies. Having government as a client is nice work if you can get it, and Iteris has reported consistently rising revenues for the past year. The most recent quarter, Q1, showed $30.9 million at the top line, or 18% year-over-year growth. EPS, which shown a consistent 5-cent net loss for the previous three quarters, turned sharply upward to a 1-cent net profit in 1Q20. ITIs position is only enhanced by the announcement, earlier this month, that the company has signed on as a sub-contractor with the State of Georgia Department of Transportation. B.Riley FBR analyst Jeff Van Sinderen was particularly impressed by Iteris ability to withstand the recessionary pressures of the coronavirus pandemic. He writes, ITI quickly adapted to remote working conditions early as the COVID-19 threat unfolded and minimized disruptions during 4Q while accelerating certain commercial activities. Some of this adaptability was possible solely because of the companys software-enabled delivery model. The integration of AGI into the systems business in Florida, the Midwest and the MidAtlantic has continued successfully Van Sinderen backs his Buy rating on ITI with an $8.50 price target, showing his own confidence in a 97% upside from the current share price of $4.31. (To watch Van Sinderens track record, click here) The analyst consensus on ITI is just as bullish. Three out of three recent reviewers rated the stock a Buy, making the analyst consensus a unanimous Strong Buy. The average price target is slightly higher than Van Sinderens; at $8.83, it suggests a 104% upside for the coming 12 months. (See Iteris stock analysis on TipRanks) One Stop Systems (OSS) Last on our list is One Stop Systems, a tech company specializing in high-performance computers (HPCs) in markets requiring the worlds fastest data processing and storage capacities. The applications include AI, deep learning, seismic research, financial modeling, and security and defense. One Stop offers systems for both single-HPC servers and rack-scale multi-HPC server deployments. The companys record of success includes designing server systems for complex defense, manufacturing, and telecom clientele. In the past three months, OSS has reported over $6.6 million in new sales, and for the quarter ending March 31 showed 33% year-over-year in revenues, to a total of $13.3 million. At $3.4 million, gross profits represented 25.4% of the total revenues. These strong results came even as the company is in the midst of a management transition, with CEO Steve Cooper stepping down this past February, and David Raun stepping up in an interim capacity. With a price tag of $1.79 per share, some members of the Street believe the share price reflects an attractive entry point. Covering the stock for Roth Capital, analyst Scott Searle was impressed by the companys agility during the management transition. He wrote, we believe that OSS is taking meaningful strides under interim CEO Dave Raun. Notably, increased transparency, op-ex optimization and improved liquidity appear to be an early indicator for other changes as illustrated by a record pipeline of 27 large opportunities which continue to diversify the historically concentrated sales base. To this end, Searle rates OSS a Buy, while his $5.50 price target implies a hefty upside potential of 207% for the coming year. (To watch Searles track record, click here) All in all, OSS shares rate a Strong Buy from a unanimous analyst consensus. Three reviewers have given approval of this stock in the past month. Meanwhile, the average price target of $4.33 implies a robust 142% one-year upside. (See OSS stock-price forecast on TipRanks) To find good ideas for penny stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights. Queensland police have taken court action in an attempt to stop ongoing protests against the detention of refugees in a Brisbane hotel escalating for a second weekend. Organisers had originally planned to hold a large rally for most of Sunday on Main Street, in front of the Kangaroo Point Central Hotel, where about 120 men are being held. Protestors outside the Kangaroo Point Central Hotel last Friday. Credit:AAP Image/Darren England But police successfully applied to Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday to have the gathering limited to two hours on two side streets. Concerns were raised over disruptions to traffic and how people would adhere to the COVID-19 health restrictions that currently restrict gatherings to a maximum of 20 people. But now, we have the era of Donald Trump vowing under his Make America Great Again slogan to change the times back. Trump, who often seems to be more familiar with breaking the Ten Commandments than citing them, nevertheless appealed heavily to religious conservatives. Among other smart moves, he turned to the right-leaning Federalist Society for court recommendations. The phrase But, Gorsuch is routinely cited by evangelicals when asked why they give more than 80% approval to Trump in polls. And he remembers them. Team Trump has issued a flurry of regulations to curtail protections for transgender employees of government contractors and the right of transgender students to use a bathroom or locker room corresponding with their gender identity. Last Friday the Trump administration took away requirements that doctors offer, and insurers cover, medically appropriate treatment for transgender patients. Now comes the backlash against this Gorsuch decision, which already is being compared to the backlash against President George H.W. Bush from the right after the Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision in 1992, when Republican appointees Anthony Kennedy, David Souter and Sandra Day OConnor joined with the courts liberals to uphold womens reproductive rights. The Rajya Sabha elections for the four seats of Gujarat almost became a nail-biter just like the November 2017 elections in which senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel was fighting for this fifth consecutive term in the upper House of Parliament. However, while the circumstances were quite similar, the Congress could not replicate the same magic this time. Three of the four seats, which a few days ago could have been shared equally by the two parties given their strength in the Assembly, finally went to the BJP. Abhay Bharadwaj, Ramila Bara and Narhari Amin of the BJP won, while Shaktisinh Gohil secured the sole victory from the Congress camp. In the run up to the re-election bid of Patel also, a high-pitched drama was seen, in which the grand old party lost 15 of its MLAs, or one-fourth of its party strength in defections. This time too, the party saw its tally reduced from 77 to 65 in the months leading up to the elections. The party had to, in a desperate bid, divide its remaining MLAs in four different groups and shift them to a plush hotel to prevent more of them from quitting, just as it had done in 2017. And had happened in 2017, when two crucial votes of Congress MLAs who had indulged in cross-voting were rejected by the Election Commission, this time, the Congress tried to seek victory by getting a couple of votes disqualified. The party urged the Election Commission to cancel two BJP MLAs' votes. First of Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, whose vote could not be counted, the Congress argued, since his membership to the Assembly was quashed by the Gujarat High Court. It also sought to quash the vote of Kesarisinh, who they argued had cast his vote through a proxy voter. Both these objections were overruled by the EC. The drama over the Rajya Sabha elections in Guajrat had started way back in March, when the BJP surprised everyone by announced a third candidate, just when it looked that both the parties were going to share the four seats equally. The saffron camp fielded Abhay Bhardwaj, a Brahmin from Rajkot, and Ramila Bara, a tribal, while the Congress' announced Shaktisinh Gohil, a Kshatriya from Bhavnagar, and Bharatsinh Solanki, an OBC from central Gujarat, as its two candidates. Soon after, the BJP disturbed this equilibrium with the nomination of Narhari Amin, an old Patidar leader with a Congress background, in a bid to win a third seat. On Friday, all eyes were set on Chhotubhai Vasavas BTP, whose two votes were crucial, and who both the Congress and BJP were wooing desperately. Ultimately, he declared that BTP wouldnt vote in the elections, which arguably upset the Congress more and dimmed its prospects of bagging the second seat. The suspense over the qualification of the two votes, against which the Congress had raised objection, ended around 9pm when the EC overruled the Congress and counting began. The results were declared by 10:30pm. Seven other states go to polls The ruling YSR Congress bagged all the four Rajya Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh and seasoned campaigners like Digvijaya Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Shibu Soren had an easy sailing as the results of the polls to the upper house were on expected lines barring Gujarat and Manipur which went down to the wire. Voting was held for 19 seats spread across eight states amid all precautionary measures in view of the COVID-19 pandemic which led to two legislators in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan who were in quarantine turning up in PPE gear. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won two seats and the Congress bagged one seat while in Rajasthan, it was the other way around with the Congress emerging victorius in two. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) won one seat in Jharkhand so did the BJP while the candidates of the ruling alliances won in Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram. In Manipur, which is witnessing a political crisis following the resignation of nine members of the ruling coalition, BJP candidate and the state's titular king L Sanajaoba defeated veteran T Mangi Babu of the Congress in some high-voltage drama. The ruling Congress in Rajasthan won two out of the three seats which went to polls. While KC Venugopal and Neeraj Dangi were declared elected, BJP's Rajendra Gehlot won comfortably while its second candidate Onkar Singh Lakhawat was defeated. Veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and BJP candidates Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sumer Singh Solanki won from Madhya Pradesh. The Congress's other candidate, Dalit leader Phool Singh Barriya, lost the election. While Singh is returning to the Rajya Sabha for second consecutive term, Scindia, his once arch rival in the Madhya Pradesh Congress who is now with the BJP, is entering the Upper House of Parliament for the first time. JMM supremo Shibu Soren and BJP state unit president Deepak Prakash won the two seats in Jharkhand. Congress candidate Shahzada Anwar finished third by bagging 18 votes. In Andhra Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose, minister Mopidevi Venkata Ramana, industrialist Parimal Nathwani and realtor Ayodhya Rami Reddy of the YSRC were elected with 38 votes each. The ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance candidate Wanwei Roy Kharlukhi Friday won the lone seat in Meghalaya defeating Congress candidate Kennedy Cornelius Khyriem by a margin of 20 votes. (With inputs from PTI) Crude prices continue to recover from their plunge into negative territory in April, supported by the strength in demand recovery and reassurance from members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies of continued output cuts. After declining last week, West Texas Intermediate on the New York Mercantile Exchange posted a 9.6 percent increase for the week, the seventh out of eight, according to Bloomberg. Prices crossed the $40 barrier Friday morning before closing up 91 cents, or 2.3 percent, at $39.75 a barrel, the highest since March 6. Posted prices rose to $36.25 a barrel. Reuters reported that crude futures have jumped 133 percent over the past eight weeks, though they remain about 35 percent below prices at the start of the year. Natural gas on the NYMEX ended a stable week at $1.669 per Mcf, unchanged from Mondays close. Prices lost 5 cents Tuesday, gained 2 cents Wednesday and were unchanged Thursday All companies need to be very prudent with these levels of spare capacity., Matt Gallagher, president and chief executive officer of Parsley Energy, told the Reporter-Telegram by email. We are clearly not out of the woods regarding COVID 19 and demand rebound. Having said that, we have re-established production from all of our curtailed wells from May as planned. But we have not initiated any growth capital to speak of. Ed Longanecker, president of the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association, told the Reporter-Telegram by email, Oil prices are in line with growing global demand and the significant cuts weve seen to production. The more efficient and financially stable operators will begin to increase activity, but we wont likely see a rise in overall production until we reach a supply/demand equilibrium next year. The industry will also continue to suffer from capital constraints for some time, putting strain on many independent producers. Bloomberg reported that oil traders Vitol Group and Trafigura Group -- which has an office in downtown Midland -- and exporter Saudi Aramco all talked up the strength of the demand recovery in recent days, and prices for some of the worlds major oil products have begun to roar higher. OPEC+ gave reassurance on output cuts during a meeting on Thursday. Oil gained as stronger consumption continued to push physical markets higher, even as many countries struggle to bring the coronavirus under control. Futures in New York rose above $40 a barrel on Friday. Gasoline futures in the U.S. moved into backwardation for the first time in three months on Thursday, a bullish signal indicating supplies are tightening as the summer driving season gets under way, Bloomberg also reported. Meanwhile, swaps in the North Sea market that prices much of the worlds crude jumped as traders posted several bids for cargoes but only one willing seller emerged. Bloomberg said that, though the outlook for crude has brightened in recent days, a potential resurgence of the virus is clouding the long-term outlook. Traffic in Beijing has plunged as authorities battle a fresh outbreak, while some U.S. states are still seeing cases surge. Still, OPEC+ gave reassurance on output cuts on Thursday, finalizing a deal with Iraq -- a habitual quota cheat -- to compensate for overshooting its production target in May. OPEC+ has done a good job turning things around and stronger demand also helps, Carsten Fritsch, an analyst at Commerzbank AG, told Bloomberg. Apart from the virus, the other major threat to oil prices comes from suppliers returning shuttered production too early. U.S. producer Continental Resources Inc. said Thursday it will start bringing back some of its idled oil output next month but will keep about 50 percent curtailed. WTI prices for 2021 have traded above $40 for much of this week, a level that could entice producers to hedge their output. Iraq To Pay Its Debts To Iran By Exporting Food And Medicine Radio Farda June 18, 2020 After an eight-hour trip to Iraq June 17, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), Abdolnasser Hemmati, announced that Baghdad had agreed to settle its gas and electricity-related debts to Tehran by providing food and medicine to Iran. The Islamic Republic state-run Mehr News Agency (MNA) also cited the newly elected Iraqi Prime Minister, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, as saying at his meeting with Hemmati, "Iraq will cooperate with Iran to solve the problems for payments of natural gas. I have given the necessary orders to the relevant officials. Since the Islamic Republic is under U.S. banking sanctions, Iraq cannot transfer foreign currency to Tehran for gas and electricity imported from Iran. Iranian officials have repeatedly referred to Iraq's $ 2 billion overdue debt to Iran. Iraqi officials, for their part, maintain that the money was transferred to Iran's account at the Tejarat Bank of Iraq. However, because of sanctions, Iran can only import goods from Iraq. Iran's non-oil exports to Iraq alone (excluding electricity and gas) in 2018 amounted to $ 9 billion, and its total imports from Iraq amounted to $ 59 million. The value of Iran's annual exports of electricity and gas to Iraq is estimated at $ 2 billion. Since the beginning of the Iranian calendar year 1398 (March 21, 2019), Tehran has stopped publishing details of its foreign trade, while the details of the current Iran-Iraq trade are also not clear. Furthermore, in a report last fall, the World Bank announced that it was deeply concerned about "Iraq's dependence on food imports." Therefore, it is unclear how Baghdad will be able to pay back its debt to Tehran by sending food and medicine to Iran. It is also unclear whether Tehran wants to buy food and medicine that Iraq has imported from other countries. Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iraq-to- pay-its-debts-to-iran-by-exporting- food-and-medicine/30677520.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 As a former police officer, NSW Sheriff Tracey Hall stared down corruption in the ranks. Now she sits at the heart of the justice system. Hall, the state's first female sheriff, leads a team of almost 500 staff including court and sheriff's officers responsible for court security, preparing courtrooms, administering the jury system and enforcing orders but she is accustomed to people scratching their heads at her job title. "A lot of people ask me where my horse is," she says dryly. NSW Sheriff Tracey Hall at Central Local Court in Sydney. Credit:Louise Kennerley These days, the trusty steed is a marked car an innovation sheriff's officers didn't have before Hall took the reins and her office has evolved markedly from its 1820s origins when sheriffs also acted as coroners and carried out death penalties. As Phase One of reopening begins in Northern Virginia, a waitress with a face mask to protect against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) serves diners at a restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia, U.S., May 29, 2020. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters The U.S. reported more than 27,700 coronavirus cases on Thursday as the average number of daily new cases steadily grows compared with recent months of decline, according to a CNBC analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. As of Thursday, the nation's seven-day average of new Covid-19 cases increased more than 15% compared with a week ago, according to Johns Hopkins data. Cases are growing by 5% or more in 27 states across the U.S., including Arizona, Texas, California and Oklahoma. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards New cases hit a peak of 31,630, based on a seven-day average, on April 10 before steadily falling to an eight-week low in late May. But the average showed an increase in the last week. Arizona, Florida, California, South Carolina and Texas all reported record-high single-day increases in coronavirus cases on Thursday as the states continue to ramp up testing and the virus reaches new communities. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, warned on Thursday that several states in the South and West are "on the cusp of losing control." Meanwhile, 17 states and Washington, D.C., have reported declines in cases, including Connecticut, New Jersey and New York, once considered the epicenter of the outbreak in the U.S. Research shows that it can take anywhere from five to 12 days for people to show symptoms from the coronavirus, which could delay reporting. The case numbers also depend on the methodology of local state health departments and can fluctuate based on the level of testing conducted. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Coronavirus hospitalizations, like new cases and deaths, are considered a key measure of the outbreak because it helps scientists gauge how severe it may be. Hospitalizations from Covid-19 were growing in 12 states as of Thursday, according to a CNBC analysis of data compiled by the Covid Tracking Project. States like Texas have reported record-breaking spikes in hospitalizations, up more than 84% since Memorial Day. "The possibility that things could flare up again and produce a resurgence of Covid-19 that would be a stress on our health-care system is still very real," Dr. John Hellerstedt, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, said Tuesday during a press briefing. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards A federal appeals court on Thursday allowed the family of a Pittsburg man to sue the city and its police over a fatal struggle in which an officer choked the man and two officers knelt on his back until he lost consciousness. Humberto Martinez, 32, was driving in a residential neighborhood in July 2016 when police tried to pull him over for an expired registration. He left the car and ran into a home, where officers shot him with a stun gun, then pulled him to the floor. Police said Martinez punched and kicked them and tried to run away, but they threw him back down and beat him, and one officer applied what he described as a carotid hold or a choke hold. More police arrived, and the officer who was choking Martinez said he stopped after they rolled Martinez over on his stomach. But two officers kept their knees on his back for a period they estimated at 30 seconds, though lawyers for his family said it was closer to two minutes. After Martinez lost consciousness, the officers tried to revive him, then took him to a hospital, where he died within an hour. The Contra Costa County coroners office said the cause of death was asphyxiation, that Martinezs airways had been obstructed for four to six minutes, and that he had also suffered 16 broken ribs and other fractures. Lawyers for the city argued that the officers had acted reasonably. But U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg of San Francisco ruled in March 2019 that the family could go to trial with claims of excessive force against the officers and inadequate training by the city. A fact-finder could reasonably conclude based on Martinezs level of resistance, the rather minor nature of the underlying offense, and the overall circumstances of the struggle, that the officers use of force was excessive, Seeborg said. He said there was conflicting evidence about whether Martinez deliberately struck the officers and whether one of them used a choke hold prohibited by Pittsburg Police Department policy that cut off his air supply. A jury could also conclude from the evidence that the citys failure to provide more robust policies and training on choke holds amounted to deliberate indifference to their victims, Seeborg said. The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco upheld Seeborgs ruling Thursday. A reasonable jury could find that the combined force used against Martinez was excessive and that each officer, including those who entered later, was involved in the use of excessive force, the three-judge panel said. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Michael Haddad, a lawyer for the family, said the incident had echoes of the recent police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the 2014 death of Eric Garner in New York, but in Martinezs case its the officers who had the nerve to ask the court to give them some legal breathing room. Beto Martinezs children will now be able to hold the officers who killed their father accountable at trial, Haddad said. Noah Blechman, a lawyer for the city and its officers, said they denied causing the death of Martinez or using excessive force against him. He said the court at least should have dismissed the lawsuit against three of the six officers, who arrived about 20 seconds before Martinez lost consciousness and merely helped their colleagues handcuff him. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko The government says cyber-experts identified the attacks as state-based. Australias intelligence agencies believe the country is facing unprecedented cyberattacks from an unnamed government. Prime Minister Scott Morrison would not be drawn on whether they are part of Australias increasingly hostile dispute with China. And Beijing has denied being involved. Al Jazeeras Nicola Gage reports from Canberra, Australia. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. Darren Donohue is an award-winning Irish playwright and poet living in Goresbridge. His plays have been produced in Dublin, London, Edinburgh, Barcelona, Milan, Prague, Baltimore, Washington DC and New York. Darren has written several plays and readings for the Abbey Theatre and for Theatre Festivals all around the world. He won the Bread and Roses Playwriting Award, 2019 and the Radius Playwriting Competition, 2020 in association with Finborough Theatre. This month he was awarded the prestigious Dennis ODriscoll Literary Award, 2020. His monologue The Bird Trap won a seed commission with Popelei Theatre Company and was broadcast this month as part of their #WomenInLockdown project. Darren is currently artist-in-residence with the Science Gallery, Trinity College supported by the Provosts Academic Development Fund and developing a new play with Druid Theatre Company. Originally from Kildare, Darren lives in Goresbridge with wife Margaret and daughter Emily. He is also the younger brother to one of RTEs most loved broadcaster Brenda Donohue. His plays are published by the Irish Theatre Institute, Stagescripts UK and New Island Drama. For the Kilkenny People this week, he will share his newest creation - a poem inspired by Black Lives Matter. Darren, congratulations on your recent win of the Dennis ODriscoll Literary Award. What does this mean to you on a professional and personal level? Im a long-time admirer of Dennis ODriscolls poetry, so to receive an award named in his honour is very special. The award is primarily a bursary given to a writer by Kildare County Council. With regards to my writing, this bursary will support the development of new work. With the arts at a standstill, 2020 has ironically been a prolific year for you so far. Were wading through uncertain waters and the theatre industry is currently paralysed by the pandemic. My play, I and the Village - following the lives of three African women living in Direct Provision - was due to open in London this October. But like everything else in the industry, this production is postponed. Right now, everyone in theatre is searching for new ways to tell their stories. I recently had a monologue titled, The Brid Trap, broadcast online by Popelei Theatre Company as part of their #WomenInLockdown project, it was interesting to see my script adapted for an online platform. Performed by the brilliant Julie Root, this piece is available to view online at popelei.com/commission What else are you working on? Im currently enjoying a residency at the Science Gallery, Trinity College, supported by Provosts Academic Development Fund. The Science Gallery matches people from the Arts with the Sciences. The play Im researching explores how technology supports people with chronic illness. Today, Alexa/Siri and talking Mabu robots provide one-to-one support while relaying information to doctors. The Mabu robot, with its small yellow body and friendly expression, serves, literally, as the face of the care management. The software incorporates expertise in psychology, artificial intelligence, and medical treatment plans to help patients manage their chronic conditions. The result is a sophisticated robot companion that uses daily conversations to give patients tips, medication reminders, and information on their condition while relaying relevant data to care providers. With the aid of specialists in the fields of robotics and AI (Artificial Intelligence) at Trinity, Im investigating these innovations to create a new play that shines a light on this area. Im also currently developing plays with Druid and the Finborough Theatre in London. Are you mining any personal experience for the play you are developing with the Science Gallery? In 2010, I was diagnosed with Crohns disease. Since then, there are periods where Im forced to work from home. The play Im developing with the Science Gallery will look at the positive and negative effects of this enforced isolation, and the role AI and the internet plays in the lives of people in a similar position. What other issues grab you as themes for your plays? Im drawn to themes of citizenship, spirituality, identity and forgiveness. Ireland has a rich history of immigration plays but Im interested in people who are arriving from around the world to settle here. My latest play trilogy explores the challenges and possible conflicts which arise when different cultures meet. Cultures and borders mixing are definitely hot topics at the moment. Brexit highlights how the freedom of movement across borders is now one of the biggest challenges facing societies. How we successfully integrate one culture into another is something the western world is struggling to understand. How do we promote inclusion and value difference, while making sure every voice is heard and no one is feeling left behind? These are the kinds of questions the theatre is well equipped to explore. Your poetry is widely published and you were nominated for a Hennessy Literary Award on four occasions and recently, as well as being shortlisted for the Strokestown International Poetry Prize. I am looking forward to hearing your newest poem inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. Woke It was as though I woke up inside a riot smoke, gunshots, screams. I couldnt see the sky or tell if it was night or day. * It was as though we were swept off our feet by outrage and blown down frantic streets. Missiles flew trailing sequins like destroying stars and, for an instant, our darkness gleamed. * It was as though the city trembled, afraid to know itself. Artificial lakes forgot their purpose, tower blocks threw down their shadows, surprised statues buckled at the knee or clung to their marble plinths. * It was as though we were the sickness and the cure, a purging righteousness slicing through brick, glass and steel to find the citys naked heart. It was as though time crumbled while circling its walls, waiting for the killing to stop. That is incredible Darren, thank you for sharing it with our readers. What advice do you have for anyone with writers block? The first thing to remember is that all writers suffer from it at some point. And essentially, writers block is the time you take to find your subject matter, an idea that will inspire you to pick up your pen or flip open your laptop and Begin (with a capital B). To find your subject matter, an idea that will sustain you through the writing of a play or novel, you must be patient. The artist and film director David Lynch describes it as being like fishing, waiting for the big fish to come along and swallow the hook. But, while you wait, you must keep your creativity alive by reading, writing poetry or short stories or jotting down ideas, so when the big fish swims over and takes the hook, youre ready to reel it in. Darrens plays and readings for the Abbey Theatre include Home Game, The Barkhausen Effect, Home-from-Home. Other plays include, Dayshift (Tramedautore Theatre Festival Milan, Festival on the Crisis PIIGS - Barcelona), Voices in the Rubble (Rapid Lemon Productions, Baltimore), Tuesday Evening (following the news) (Fishamble), A Bucket Full of Fire (Sheer Tantrum/Pandora), The Bird Trap (Three Streets Theatre Company), Keep the Home Fires Burning (Comedians Theatre Company) Revelations, Propelled Upright (Dublin Fringe Festival) Waitin 4 Johno (Crooked House), Bedlam (Dublin Theatre Festival). Dual Cats with One Crayfish, Irish Repertory Theatre (NYC). Darrens poetry is widely published and he was nominated for a Hennessy Literary Award in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2020. He was also shortlisted for the Strokestown International Poetry Prize, 2020. Four held in Gujarat, days after 6 workers died due to inhalation of chemical fumes leaked from tanker Gujarat Rajya Sabha Polls: BJP bags 3 out of 4 seats India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, June 19: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has bagged 3 out of 4 Rajya Sabha seats up for grabs in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state. BJP's Narhari Amin, Abhay Bhardwaj, Ramilaben Bara registered victory while Shaktisingh Gohil was lone Congress candidate to secure victory. The counting was delayed due to objections raised by the Congress demanding that votes cast by two BJP MLAs be invalidated. The Election Commission rejected the demand, upholding the report given by the election observer. Former Union minister Bharatsinh Solanki, a second candidate fielded by the Congress, lost. Sonu Nigam calls out mafias in the music industry after Sushant Singh's demise| Oneindia News Rajasthan: Cong wins two Rajya Sabha seats, BJP bags one "Our candidates Abhay Bharadwaj and Ramilaben Bara got 36 votes each and third candidate Amin got 32 votes in first preference and after addition of second preference votes his total came to 35.98 votes," said Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel. "Gohil of Congress got 36 votes and Solanki got 30 votes plus some 1.99 second preference votes which added up to 31.9. So Solanki lost." No votes were invalidated by the Election Commission, the BJP leader added. Voting began at 9 am and continued till 4 pm. 170 out of 172 MLAs exercised their franchise. Two Bharatiya Tribal Party MLAs did not turn up to vote. Eight days later, the commission restored the tenements landmark status anyway, basing its decision as much on historical significance as architectural. If you look back at the commissions history of designation, they were slow advocates like me would say to recognize social and historical landmarks, said Franny Eberhart, president of the Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts. They focused on architectural elements like those in brownstone neighborhoods. The First Avenue Estate designation, she added, was a very bold move, a leap forward in inclusiveness of different forms of our history. Each of the two contested walk-ups is entered on a side street through a grand stone portal flanked by imposing brackets carrying an overhanging cornice. Passing through a broad, arched passage, visitors emerge into a central light court with four corner entrances. The twin tenements also share an enclosed side court. The president of City and Suburban, E.R.L. Gould, described his companys approach as a middle ground between pure philanthropy and pure business. The firms investors, including Cornelius Vanderbilt, agreed to limit their return in order to provide airy, bright apartments to the working class. The model tenement, then, served as a financial model as well as an architectural one. Stahl has repeatedly challenged the two pink tenements preservation. In 2010, the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court upheld a lower courts denial of the companys claim that the commissions landmarking of the entire block was arbitrary and capricious. The following year, Stahl applied to the commission for permission to demolish the two tenements, claiming that rent regulations and the apartments small size made it impossible to earn a reasonable return defined in the city Landmarks Law as six percent of the buildings assessed value. U niversity College London has renamed lecture theatres and a building named after a pair of prominent eugenicists after Black Lives Matter activists petitioned for their removal. The university said on Friday that the Galton Lecture Theatre had been renamed as Lecture Theatre 115, the Pearson Lecture Theatre changed to Lecture Theatre G22 and the Pearson Building to the North-West Wing. Francis Galton was a Victorian statistican and polymath who is considered the father of the eugenics movement. His protege, Karl Pearson, was the first holder of the Galton Chair of Eugenics at UCL and wrote a three-volume biography of Galton following his death in 1911. UCL said that signs would be taken down with immediate effect, while other changes to the names on maps and signposts would take place as soon as practicable. It is the latest university forced to confront its history, as students buoyed by global anti-racism protests sparked by George Floyds death in US police custody ramp up pressure on faculty bosses to decolonise campuses and curriculums. UCL came under fire for the building names / PA Earlier this week, the governing body of Oriel College, Oxford, voted to bring down the statue of Victorian imperialist Cecil Rhodes after hundreds of students staged two protests demanding "Rhodes must fall". Galton coined the term eugenics and endowed UCL with his personal collection and archive. More than 2,500 petitioned UCL demanding it address its eugenics history and rename the building and lecture theatre. Oxford protest over Cecil Rhodes statue - In pictures 1 /18 Oxford protest over Cecil Rhodes statue - In pictures AFP via Getty Images Getty Images PA REUTERS PA REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS AP AP REUTERS Getty Images PA UCL president and provost Professor Michael Arthur said the move was an important first step in the university confronting its own history. This problematic history has, and continues, to cause significant concern for many in our community and has a profound impact on the sense of belonging that we want all of our staff and students to have, he said. Although UCL is a very different place than it was in the 19th century, any suggestion that we celebrate these ideas or the figures behind them creates an unwelcoming environment for many in our community. Imperial College London's old logo, compared to the new version / Imperial College London I am also clear that this decision is just one step in a journey and we need to go much further by listening to our community and taking practical and targeted steps to address racism and inequality. The decision was made by Prof Arthur and ratified by the universitys council following a recommendation from its buildings naming and renaming committee. The committee, made up of staff, students, and equality, diversity and inclusion representatives, will also oversee any future renaming of the areas, UCL said. Imperial College London has ditched the Latin motto it has used for 112 years after students complained about its vow to safeguard the empire, while Bristol University has launched a review of its logo and its flagship Wills Memorial Building amid fears they immortalise the British Empire. Liverpool University prompted criticism last week for agreeing to abandon William Gladstone, the four-time British Prime Minister, as the name for a halls of residence after students complained about his fathers links to slave-holding. Baker Hughes reported on Friday that the number of oil and gas rigs in the US fell again this week, by 13, to 266, suggesting that the slide in the number of active rigs is not yet over. The total oil and gas rigs is now sitting at 701 fewer than this time last year. The number of active rigs in the United States has continued to decline over the last fifteen weeks. The number of oil rigs decreased for the week by 10 rigs, according to Baker Hughes data, bringing the total to 189compared to 789 active rigs this time last year. The total number of active gas rigs in the United States decreased by 3 to 75 according to the report. This compares to 177 rigs a year ago. The significant fall in the rig count over the last couple of months is also reflected in the steady decline of EIAs estimate for oil production in the United States, which fell again this week to 10.5 million barrels of oil per day on average for week ending June 12, which is 2.6 million bpd off the all-time high and a staggering 600,000 bpd lower than the week prior. It is the eleventh straight weekly production decline. Canadas overall rig count fell this week by 4 to just 17 active rigs. Oil and gas rigs in Canada are now down 102 year on year. At 11:51 am, WTI was trading up 2.81% at $39.93 on the day and $3 per barrel up week over week. The Brent benchmark was trading up 2.34% at $42.48 on the dayand nearly $3 per barrel up from this time last week after OPEC+ reiterated their commitment to have all members fully comply with the production cuts, at least sooner or later. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads from Oilprice.com: More than two years worth of intensive research, analysis and decisions on the potential incorporation of The Woodlands were compressed into a 319-page presentation and delivered to the township board Thursday in a brief discussion about one of the most controversial issues of the past four years. Representatives from the Novak Consulting Group of Cincinnati, Ohio, outlined briefly several key elements of the study, which was requested in March when the Board of Directors decided to not vote on possibly placing the issue on the November 2020 ballot for voters in the township to decide. The financial unknowns from the COVID-19 novel coronavirus closures and reduced capacity orders has yet to be determined and board members did not feel it was best to proceed this year. Related: Coronavirus scuttles incorporation plans for The Woodlands Julia Novak, the main consultant on the more than two-year project, answered questions with an associate, Jonathan Ingram. After their short presentation, board Chairman Gordy Bunch asked Novak and her team to add in some extra data points, especially related to the COVOD-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and revenue sources the township could utilize for relief costs. Were hoping (the report) hit the mark and it is that living document you wanted, Novak said. The issue of possible incorporation seemed destined for inclusion on the November 2020 ballot as the studies progressed through 2019 and came to a close in February 2020 after the board approved several key aspects of the process including the choosing of a future policing model and also a financial model to be followed if the township did become a city. If the township board had voted to put the issue to voters in November, township residents would then have voted on the question of whether or not to incorporate and if so, what the maximum possible property tax rate would be. But, the years of studies done by a combination of three different consulting firms that began in January 2018 came to a halt in late March after the novel coronavirus caused a near-immediate cessation of many aspects of life in the community. With no businesses open, officials immediately feared budgetary impacts from loss of sales tax and hotel occupancy tax revenue would pose unknown challenges. Faced with an Aug. 17 deadline to vote to place the issue on the ballot or not, the board unanimously decided to put the process on indefinite hold. Related: Woodlands opts for hybrid policing model if township incorporates The 319-page Consolidated Final Report included updated financial model statistics and analysis and also a guide on how future township boards could restart the incorporation process. Because of the havoc wreaked on both sales tax revenue and hotel occupancy tax revenue, determining a future possible maximum property tax rate was not feasible and could be outdated pending future revenue disruptions from the coronavirus. Director Ann Snyder pressed Novak for clarification on the report, noting that in her view it was not the final report and was merely a to-date update that would continue to be refined, tweaked and added to between June and November. The consultants from Novak are being paid through November 2020 as part of an extension of the service agreement between the township and the consulting firm that was approved in November 2019. To me, this report is not final. It is more of an interim update, Snyder said. We all wanted community input and feedback. The report really doesnt (include that). Novak told Snyder that consultants would remove any usage of the word final from future drafts of the document. The report is expected to be supplemented with additional data and other information based on requests from each of the seven board members. Novak officials will return to a future board meeting before November to issue the last iteration of the document. jeff.forward@chron.com New Delhi, June 19 : In a significant announcement in the wake of the tensions with China on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that his government has given the armed forces full freedom to take any necessary action. Addressing the all-party meeting he called to discuss the border situation, Modi said: "Our forces are fully capable of defending our borders." He also asserted that whether it is an issue of trade, connectivity or counter-terrorism, India has not submitted to any external pressure. "What is necessary for national security, whatever infrastructure is needed to be built on the borders, it will be done at the same rapid speed," he said. The Prime Minister also said that one benefit of the improved infrastructure is that is has become easier to reach the necessities to the soldiers living in harsh conditions on the border areas. "India wants peace and friendship, but the issue of its sovereignty is supreme," he said, noting that all participants in the meeting had expressed the same sentiments. "While on one hand, we have allowed the defence forces to take whatever steps they may deem fit, on the other hand, we have also conveyed our resolve to China through diplomatic means. It is definite that whatever happened on the LAC has shocked and enraged the entire nation," Modi said. Nearly every president, and most serious candidates for that position, exhibit a love/hate relationship with the press. In the popular mind, John F. Kennedy expressed mainly the love part, partly due to his witty manner at frequent White House press conferences. Actually, while displaying affection for a number of reporters, JFK was extremely critical of the media. In the second half of 1962 alone he tried to kill two NBC and CBS news specials. He even approved the wiretapping of a leading reporter for The New York Times (and a secretary in the newspapers D.C. bureau)and then set in motion illegal CIA domestic surveillance embraced years later by Richard Nixon. President Kennedys order to the CIA to begin collecting intelligence on American reportersshattering its own charterwas formalized as Project Mockingbird. In the spring of 1963, this resulted in the wiretapping of two columnists, Robert S. Allen and Paul Scott, after they allegedly revealed classified secrets. Other reporters were also monitored in this program until its end in 1965. This drama began with a front-page scoop in The New York Times on July 26, 1962, by chief military correspondent Hanson Baldwin, who revealed the Soviets were hardening their missile silos with concrete covers to protect nuclear weapons in the event of an American attack. Top American officials kept this from the media and the public. Baldwin also revealed that US cameras were now capable from high in the sky of detecting such precise retrofitting, citing the new science of image interpretation based on infrared and radar images and electronic emanations. The Soviets were sensitive to any sort of US spying, and now they would likely try to hide their missile sites from aerial view. Baldwin had also revealed the current number of nuclear missiles in the US arsenal which, he claimed, gave us a clear edge over the Soviets. Baldwin, 59, had joined the paper back in 1929 and won a Pulitzer for World War II reporting in the Pacific. The White House quickly moved to find out who was behind the leak, with Attorney General Robert Kennedy ordering FBI director J. Edgar Hoover to take action. It wasnt the first time RFK had approved such a step with the presidents knowledge. The previous year, Lloyd Norman wrote a piece for Newsweek based on classified information. FBI agents had monitored Normans home phone in Washington. This is an excerpt from Greg Mitchells new book, which is set to be published by Crown on Oct. 18. Now, on July 27, just one day after the Baldwin scoop was published, agents tapped the phone of a secretary in The New York Times Washington office. The next day they bugged Baldwins home phone in Chappaqua, New York. At the same hour on the evening of July 30, FBI agents visited the DC apartment of the secretary and residence of the reporter. The startled secretary told them appointments Baldwin had recently made. When they left she called one of her bosses at the Times, who ordered her not to talk to the FBI further. Sign up for CJR 's daily email When Baldwin answered the door in Chappaqua that same evening, he told the agents he did not like this kind of approach. He offered to talk with them at his office the next day, but he was so hostile they sensed this would be fruitless. After they left, Baldwin received a call from the highly influential Times editor and columnist James Scotty Restonwith the FBI listening in, of course. Reston informed him about the FBIs visit with the secretary. He called it a witch hunt, an outrage and we ought to print the whole thing. Baldwin concurred and said he would never name his sources. He suggested they contact the Times publisher, Orville Dryfoos. This is going very far in this administrationI think it is extremely dangerous, he complained. Reston said there was a feeling in Congress that dossiers were being kept on certain people. Baldwin agreed this was something new and advised, I think the real answer to this is Robert Kennedy and the president himselfbut Robert Kennedy particularlyputting pressure on Hoover. Reston suggested the Times could fight back by blowing the whistle: All it takes to deal with Kennedy [uncertain which one], who is essentially a politician and not cop, is for us to print the news.I propose, if you agree, after we know what more is in back of all this, merely to file a story, then if they [Times editors] want to take the responsibility of killing it, well know where we are. Baldwin met with publisher Dryfoos and managing editor Turner Catledge (with Reston on speaker phone) to consider exposing the administrations assault on the free press. They decided as a first step that Reston should call Kennedy aide McGeorge Bundy and extract full details on the scope of the FBI inquiry and who initiated it. That evening, Pentagon chief Robert McNamara stopped by Restons home. He claimed he knew nothing about the FBI probe in advance and apologized for the rough tactics. He also called the leak a clear violation of the law, without identifying which law. *** On August 1, President Kennedy sat down with his Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board, including its chairman Dr. James Killian (president of M.I.T.), prominent lawyer Clark Clifford, Gen. Maxwell Taylor, and Robert Kennedy. The subject: that high-level leak in The New York Times. The meeting was recorded by JFKs secret taping system. JFK had approved the FBI probe and the taps on the phones of Baldwin and a Times secretary, but what was most on Kennedys mind was not nailing the leaker but preventing such disclosures in the future. Killian declared it was the judgment of your board today that this is one of the most damaging unauthorized disclosures and leaksa tragically serious breach of security. But how to expose the leaker? The discussion quickly shifted from catching the culprit to policing the bureaucracy. Killian called for unprecedented procedures in light of the fact that leakers have no real fear that any punitive action will be taken. He advocated drastic action even if that might result in adverse criticism temporarily, from journalists and some in Congress. He advocated new policies to be adopted by the Department of Defense and other agencies that handled classified information. His proposal: After any interaction with the media, the staffer must file a memo with his superior revealing whom he talked to, and what was discussed. Kennedy asked: Why not just force the employee to get clearance before talking to the reporter? Killian replied that the media would yelp about pre-censorship (they might even compare it to Soviet-style controls). Better to allow interviews but discourage loose lips by holding a hammer over them.. So the burden would be on the government rather than on the newspaperman, Kennedy affirmed. Killian claimed, somewhat improbably, We dont see that the press could have an adverse reaction to this, at all. Because this is none of their business.You are not interfering with their access to personnel. But Killian was hardly finished. He suggested a new office in the defense or intelligence fields, an expert group that would be available at all times to follow up on security leaks. Its very existence would create a deterrent effect. Clark Clifford urged that they go beyond investigating after the fact. They should follow the pattern of leaks and the activities of certain journalistsover time becoming pretty knowledgeable about the reporters and who they were probably talking to: There are many things that such a sensitized group could do thatthey could follow the press and see evidence of The president interrupted: Thats a very good idea. Well do that. Clifford elaborated: Lets then begin to get up a file on these different menTo my knowledge its never been done before and it is long overdue. Kennedy asked for a draft of a letter to Dryfoos written in such a way that it would demonstrate that this is not an overly sensitive administration. Everyone laughed, as he probably intended, and the meeting broke up. That was all right with the president, as he advocated requiring memos on conversations with any reporter. The press, Kennedy believed, are the most privileged group.They regard any action in this area as a limitation on their civil rights. And they are not very used to it. Kennedy asked for a draft of a letter to Dryfoos written in such a way that it would demonstrate that this is not an overly sensitive administration. Everyone laughed, as he probably intended, and the meeting broke up. *** On August 6, revealing another strain of anti-press attitudes within the administration, Dean Rusk, the secretary of state, personally bullied CBS Newswith the approval of the presidentinto killing a report by Daniel Schorr on a daring escape by East German citizens in a tunnel under the Berlin Wall. The argument: This might exacerbate tensions between the US and the Soviets in the worlds most dangerous hot spot. (Schorr would remain angry about this for the rest of his life.) The CBS coveragea focus in my new book, The Tunnelsmight have been quashed, but the Baldwin leak still occupied the presidents attention. On August 8, Kennedy forwarded his intelligence panels plan to monitor journalists to CIA director John McCone and others, and expected action to protect our intelligence and our intelligence sources and methods from unauthorized disclosure. He also sent his promised protest letter to Times publisher Dryfoos, but closed without making an explicit threat against the Times. That evening, the FBI recorded a lengthy phone conversation between Dryfoos and Baldwin. The reporter urged Dryfoos to insist to JFK that protecting sources is a safeguard of the press and you dont intend to violate it. Dryfoos decided not to go public with an article on the FBI vs. The Times. The FBI phone taps, meanwhile, remained active. The bureau had conducted 125 interviews in its leak probe, while providing Kennedy aide Kenny ODonnell with excerpts from transcripts, which were passed on to the president. *** On the evening of August 22, President Kennedy met with CIA Director John McCone and General Taylor at the White House. The meeting opened with an update on the new CIA office recommended by JFKs intelligence panel. The office shattered the CIAs charter, under the National Security Act of 1947, which strictly forbade any intelligence activity within US borders. McCone said that all high-level staffers who had access to sensitive material would have to write up a memo on every contact with the press and submit it to their superiors. Kennedy predicted that if the press ever learned of this, I would think we are going to get some abuse, but he was delighted to take it on this issue. Kennedy added that it would have a very inhibiting effect on officials talking with nosy national security reporters, knowing they were expected to pen a memo about the interview. McCone pointed out that it could be set up so that the president would not look like he was involved. And so what became known as Project Mockingbird began. On August 27, the FBI finally removed the tap on Hanson Baldwins home telephone. Six weeks later, as I cover in my book, Kennedy and Rusk would again try to kill landmark coverage of a Berlin escape tunnel, this time by NBC, and succeeded in postponing the airing for seven weeks. When declassified documents revealed Mockingbirds existence in 2007, New York Times reporter Tim Weiner observed, So now the record is clear: Long before President Nixon created his plumbers unit of CIA veterans to stop news leaks, President Kennedy tried to use the agency for the same goal. The Times separately noted: By ordering the director of central intelligence to conduct a program of domestic surveillance, Kennedy set a precedent that Presidents Johnson, Nixon, and George W. Bush would follow. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Greg Mitchell is the author of The Tunnels: Escapes Under the Berlin Wall and the Historic Films the JFK White House Tried to Kill. He has written 10 previous books, including The Campaign of the Century, winner of the Goldsmith Book Prize. He was the editor of Editor & Publisher from 2001-2008. A man was arrested in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly district for allegedly trying to convince youths to join terrorist organisations, officials said here on Thursday. Acting on a tip-off, the UP Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested Muhammad Inamul, a resident of Bareilly, a spokesperson said. The scrutiny of Inamuls Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram accounts revealed that he was convincing youths to join terrorist outfits in the name of jihad, the ATS spokesperson alleged. He also said some files saved on Inamuls mobile phone allegedly contained literature on Al-Qaeda. The suspect was produced before a court and sent to 10-day police remand, the spokesperson said. The UP ATS also claimed that during initial interrogation, Inamul had accepted that he used to convince youths to join terrorist organisations. A detailed investigation is underway to trace Inamuls accomplices, the spokesperson said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 32-year old east Belfast man who blew up his own living room whilst experimenting with drugs was handed a 27-month sentence on Friday. Following the explosion at David Osbourne's Bloomfield Road home last May police found cannabis, MDMA, a stun gun and gas cylinders - as well as the injured occupant. Osborne appeared at a remote hearing via a videolink with Maghaberry, where he has been held since his arrest. He was told he will serve half his sentence in custody, with the remaining half on licence. Judge David McFarland said it appeared the explosion was caused "by some sort of experimentation in relation to drugs" and that Osbourne had an "unhealthy interest in weapons." Police and the Fire Service were called to Osbourne's property on May 15, 2019 following reports of an explosion. The front windows were blown out and Osbourne was present suffering from burn injuries. It's the Crown's case that Osbourne was using his living room as a laboratory, and present in the room were gas cannisters and an unknown liquid, as well as MDMA crystals. Around 30 cannabis plants were also located with growing equipment, and the Class C drug was also present in herbal and oil form in various rooms. Police seized 395 and an illegal stun gun along with a de-activated Beretta, which had a fully functional magazine. Also present in the premises were two BB guns, knives, a starter pistol, a knuckleduster, an axe and a crossbow. When Osborne was arrested, he gave a 'no comment' response to police. He was arraigned and pleaded guilty to five offences on Friday - namely cultivating and supplying cannabis, possessing MDMA, possessing the magazine in suspicious circumstances and possessing the stun-gun. In defence submissions handed to the court, barrister Mark Farrell said his client accepted the Crown case. Revealing Osbourne was "dependant on cannabis" and has poor mental health, the barrister said he sold on a social scale to fund his own habit. At a previous bail hearing last year, Mr Farrell addressed the explosion and said Osbourne had been using butane gas in a bid to extract concentrated cannabis oil. At that hearing, Mr Farrell described what happened as "not a Breaking Bad-type scenario" and said Osborne "hadn't a clue what he was doing and the whole thing backfired on him." During Friday's sentencing, Judge McFarland said no charges arose from the explosion which appeared to been caused by a drugs experimentation. Regarding the possession of the stun-gun and magazine - coupled with the presence of other items such as the BB guns - the Judge said, as no explanation has been given for these, he was sentencing on the grounds Osbourne "has an unhealthy interest in weapons", with "possible use as protection in his dealings with the drugs trade." The Belfast Recorder added: "The court draws some comfort from his lack of convictions for crimes of violence and the fact this was not an intelligence-led police operation." As well as sentencing Osbourne, Judge McFarland also ordered the destruction of all the items seized, and issued the 395 be paid to Addictions NI. BRIDGEPORT City police are investigating an assault where a Taser was used Thursday night, according to police. Officers responded to the area of Seeley and State streets shortly before 9 p.m. for a report of an assault involving a Taser, police said. Medics also responded. A YOUNG drink-driver who swerved at a garda patrol car during a high speed chase in Offaly has been banned from the road for 15 years. Having heard that flashing lights were shone on gardai pursuing Alastair Smith and that his jeep was airborne on occasions during the event, Judge Keenan Johnson said it was like something from a hillbilly film. Mr Smith was 20 years of age and already disqualified when gardai saw him driving a Suzuki Grand Vitara dangerously in Tullamore town centre at 2.45am on Sunday morning October 15, 2017. Garda Jean Tierney, driver of a patrol car, said the jeep came from William Street to Hayes Cross with a flashing light on and while going in the middle of the road and making illegal turns, it went out the Clonminch road. Garda Tierney said she was travelling in excess of 100kph in a 50kph zone while she was behind Mr Smith's vehicle. As the pursuit continued, Garda Tierney's car was joined by two other patrol cars as the jeep drove across 14 townlands to Clonaslee, Co Laois. A passenger in the back of the jeep was shining a hunting lamp at the gardai while the chase continued and rubbish and debris was also thrown at the pursuers. When Garda Tierney drove alongside the jeep it attempted to side swipe her. Sparks were visible after the jeep became airborne and the chase concluded when the jeep collided with a tree after going into Clonaslee village. Mr Smith then jumped into the rear seat and was subsequently arrested. There were three others in the jeep, two males and a female, and one of the passengers was a juvenile. He pleaded guilty to the endangerment of Garda Tierney, several counts of dangerous driving at different locations, driving without insurance and a licence, and other motoring offences, including having no tax. Shane Geraghty, BL, prosecuting, said Mr Smith had 10 previous convictions and had a two-year driving ban imposed on him in July 2015 and a four-year ban imposed in November 2015, both for dangerous driving. The court was told by Gerard Groarke, BL, defending, that the jeep belonged to Mr Smith's father and the incident occurred when his parents were away for the weekend. Mr Groarke said the accused had been diagnosed with autism and ADHD at an early age and started smoking cannabis at the age of 15. He also began abusing alcohol but no longer used cannabis and alcohol was also no longer a problem. Psychiatric reports, along with probation reports, were handed in to Judge Johnson to aid his sentencing. There were also references from Coolraine FC and an employer, Turkish Barber. The court further heard Mr Smith worked at his father's garage. In his own evidence, Mr Smith said he had made bad decisions when he was under pressure at the time his father was in hospital receiving chemo therapy and he said he was truly sorry for what he had done. Along with the hairdressing and mechanical work with his father, he looked after horses and rescued donkeys which would otherwise be slaughtered. Mr Smith's mother told the court the accused was a different man since the incident, was working and was trying really hard. Judge Johnson imposed the 15-year disqualification, saying the type of driving was as bad as he'd ever heard and the accused was very lucky it had not been much worse. When he asked if Mr Smith had funds available, the court was told he was receiving a 200 per week disability payment but hoped to return to work as a barber an earn more. Judge Johnson adjourned further consideration of sentencing to July 16 next. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 16:33:13|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The signing of the so-called "Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020" by the United States embodies some U.S. politicians' malicious intention of maligning China's efforts in counterterrorism and de-radicalization in the disguise of human rights. As Xinjiang is part of China, its affairs are purely China's internal affairs and brook no foreign interference. The U.S. legislation on Xinjiang, which revealed some U.S. politicians' deep-rooted hegemonic mindset, is one among their series of actions to sling mud at China's domestic policies. Issues related to Tibet and Hong Kong are also being used by the U.S. as diplomatic leverage to serve its longtime strategic ambition to contain China. Xinjiang-related issues are not about human rights, ethnicity or religion, but about couterterrorism and de-radicalization. People can never enjoy happiness if they are plagued by terrorism, religious extremism and separatism. Thanks to counterterrorism and de-radicalization measures taken by the Chinese government in accordance with law, the security situation in Xinjiang has turned around and the rights to life, health and development of all ethnic groups there have been safeguarded. For three years in a row, no violent terrorist incident was recorded in Xinjiang. A safe, stable and prosperous Xinjiang is the best protection of human rights. The U.S. side deliberately ignored the fact that freedom of religious belief is guaranteed in Xinjiang. There are 24,400 mosques across Xinjiang, one for every 530 Muslims. Xinjiang is also home to 10 religious colleges and more than 100 religious organizations. The Muslim population has been increasing, approaching 60 percent of the region's total. From the economic perspective, Xinjiang's substantial development is also impressive. In the past seven decades since the founding of the People's Republic of China, Xinjiang's GDP has increased 200 times in real terms. With rapid economic growth, people's livelihood has improved significantly. Gone are the days of inadequate food and clothes, electricity and water shortage and poor transportation. This year, absolute poverty is expected to be eliminated in Xinjiang. Successful stories of Xinjiang have won international appreciation while some U.S. politicians insisted on turning a blind eye. Last year, ambassadors from 50 countries to the United Nations Office in Geneva sent a joint letter to the President of the UN Human Rights Council and the High Commissioner for Human Rights to voice their support for China's position on issues related to Xinjiang. Over 60 countries spoke at the United Nations General Assembly to support China's Xinjiang policy, and more than 30 of them are Islamic countries. It would be naive to consider the Xinjiang-related "human rights" legislation by the U.S. truly humanitarian and one with regard for Muslims' well-being. Don't forget the wars launched by the United States in Muslim countries which caused mass civilian casualties and severe humanitarian crises, and the controversial executive order issued in 2017, blocking immigrants, refugees and travelers from several Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. As a victim of terrorism, the United States should have supported China's counterterrorism measures, but it adopted double standards. The U.S. side should stop playing the Xinjiang card and using Xinjiang-related issues as a pretext to interfere in China's internal affairs. Enditem Mary Collum (nee Lynch), New York / Lettergunnell, Ballinalee, Longford The death occurred, peacefully in the loving care of the staff at Laurel Lodge Nursing Home, on Friday, June 19, of Mary Collum (nee Lynch), New York / Lettergunnell, Ballinalee, Longford. She is predeceased by her husband Jack and son Paddy. Mary will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her loving family, sons John and Michael, daughter Noreen, son-in-law Brendan, daughter-in-law Roisin, her 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, sister Nancy (Arizona, USA), nephews, nieces, neighbours and her many good friends here in Ireland and New York. Wonderful memories of one so dear, Treasured still with a love sincere, In our hearts she is living yet, We loved her dearly to forget. Rest In Peace Mary. Mary will be reposing at her son John and daughter-in-law Roisin's home in Lettergunnell, Ballinalee, on Friday, June 19 from 8pm, and again on Saturday, June 20 from 12 noon. Family and friends are welcome, adhering to Government guidelines, please practice social distancing. Removal will arrive at St Mary's Church, Ennybegs on Sunday, June 21 for funeral mass at 1pm, followed by burial in St Emer's Cemetery, Ballinalee. To leave a message of condolence for Mary's family, please use the link on RIP.ie. Peggy (Margaret) Meskell, Saint Gerard's Nursing Home, Saint Joseph's Road, Longford Town, Longford The death occurred, peacefully, in her 98th year, in the loving care of the staff of Laurel Lodge Nursing Home, on Thursday, June 18, of Peggy (Margaret) Meskell late of Saint Gerard's Nursing Home, Saint Joseph's Road, Longford. Predeceased by her parents Michael and Maryjane, brothers Donal and Mickey, sister Maureen. Deeply regretted by her loving cousin Beatrice McDermott, also nephews, other cousins and friends. Rest In Peace. Peggy's Funeral Mass will be celebrated this Saturday, June 20 at 11am in Saint Mel's Cathedral, Longford followed by burial in Ballymacormack Cemetery. The Funeral Mass will be streamed live on longfordparish.com or cablecomm channel84. Due to Government and HSE regulations, Peggy's funeral Mass and burial will be strictly private, please. Those who would like to attend but cannot do so due to these restrictions may leave a personal message in the condolence section on RIP.ie. The family would like to thank you for your consideration and cooperation at this difficult time. Nuala Gallagher (nee Mitchell), Maugheraboy Estate, Sligo Town, Sligo / Edgeworthstown, Longford The death occurred, unexpectedly at Sligo University Hospital, on Friday, June 19, of Nuala Gallagher (nee Mitchell), Maugheraboy Estate, Sligo Town, Sligo and formerly Kilsallagh, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford. Dearly loved wife of Joe, Cherished mother of Barry, Gerald, Brian, Andrew and Selina. adored granny of Malachy, Cillian, Joe, Ciara, Daniel, Roisin and Holly. Sadly missed by her loving family: son-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Rest in Peace. Due to the current restrictions on Funeral gatherings, Funeral Mass and burial will be private to family please. Funeral will arrive at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 2pm on Monday, June 22 for Mass of Christian burial, which can be viewed live stream on sligocathedral.ie. Burial to follow in Sligo Cemetery. Family flowers only please, donations in lieu, if desired, to C.O.P.D Sligo, C/O Seamus Feehily & Son Funeral Directors, Upper John Street, Sligo. Sean Scally, Derryart, Killashee, Longford The death occurred, peacefully, in the loving care of the nurses and staff of Laurel Lodge Nursing Home, on Thursday, June 18, of Sean Scally, Derryart, Killashee, Longford. Predeceased by his parents Patrick and Annie. Sean will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his family, sister Mary, close relatives and many friends. May he rest in peace. Seans Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, June 20 in St Patricks Church, Killashee, at 11am, however, following government guidelines regarding public gatherings, this will take place privately. Those who would have liked to attend, but due to current restrictions cannot, may leave their personal messages in the condolences section on RIP.ie. The family very much appreciates your support and consideration at this time. Family flowers only, please, donations, if desired, to Laurel Lodge Patient Comfort Fund, c/o Glennon Funeral Directors or any family member. Sandra Foster (nee Nicholl), Drumcoghill Cornafean, Arva, Cavan The death occurred, peacefully, at Cavan General Hospital, on Thursday, June 18, of Sandra Foster (nee Nicholl), Drumcoghill Cornafean, Arva, Cavan. Sadly missed by her loving husband Sam and son Reg, relatives, neighbours and friends. Safe in the arms of Jesus Resting at her home from 5pm on Thursday, June 18. Removal on Saturday, June 20 to arrive at Killdallan Parish Church for Funeral Service at 2pm. Burial afterwards in the adjoining Graveyard. Removal travelling via Cornafean Cartwrights Rock, Killeshandra to Killdallon Church. Eir code h14y205 Funeral service is for Family friends and neighbours. Due to Covid 19 regulations along with government regulations and HSE advice, sympathisers can extend sympathy on the condolences facility on RIP.ie. The Foster Family would like to thank you for your understanding at this difficult time. Family flowers only please. Donations in Lieu to Palliative Care, c/o of any family member. If you wish to have a death notice published on www.longfordleader.ie you can email it to newsroom@longfordleader.ie And if you wish to submit an obituary for publication in the Longford Leader, you can submit it along with a photograph of the deceased to newsroom@longfordleader.ie The City of Berkeley is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for killing a UC Berkeley student Monday night. Seth Smith was on a walk near his home at Dwight Way and Valley Street when he was fatally shot in the head at close range, according to the Berkeley Police Department. Paramedics and police responded at 11:34 p.m. and found Smith lying on the ground bleeding and unresponsive. "The call came in as a medical call, a person lying on the ground bleeding," said Officer Byron White, a spokesperson for BPD. "A passerby saw him and called. The paramedics arrived and saw he had been shot. They did the life-saving efforts and were unable to revive him." White said there's no evidence suggesting this was a robbery at this time. "From all we could tell this young man was simply taking a walk," White said. The 19-year-old was set to start his third year at Cal and the school's newspaper, the Daily Cal, reported he had enough credits to graduate after his junior year with a double major in history and economics. His plan was to apply for graduate school at the London School of Economics. Smith grew up in Clarksburg, Calif., and the Daily Cal reported that he attended middle and high school in nearby Elk Grove where his mother was a teacher and he was involved in school theater. "Its always ironic when you have a drama student who has zero drama," Smiths former theater teacher Christina Chun Moslen, told the Daily Cal. "He was everybodys friend." Please send No arrest has been made in the case and the Berkeley Police Department asks anyone with information to call the BPD Homicide Unit at (510) 981-5741. "Dwight Way goes right through the center of town, and it's a well-traveled main thoroughfare," said White. "We're hoping someone may have seen something that may have not clicked at the time. If they have dash cam footage or home video surveillance." Smith's mother, Michelle Rode-Smith called on the community for help on Twitter. "I need #Berkeleys help," Rode-Smith wrote. "I can not rest until I know why my son Seth was taken from us. He enjoyed walking. Hed always been a night owl kid. He should not have been shot in the back of the head for walking on his street. This was in front of a house." This is the third homicide to occur in Berkeley this year. In 2019, there were none. Amy Graff is SFGATE's News Editor. Email her at agraff@sfgate.com. China releases 10 Indian soldiers India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 19: China has released 10 Indian soldiers, its Army had detained, following intense negotiations through both military and diplomatic channels. The Indian soldiers were detained by the Chinese Army following the violent skirmish that took place on June 15 at the Galwan Valley. India-China Galwan faceoff: China releases 10 Indian soldiers from custody | Oneindia News The 10 soldiers, including two officers were returned to the Indian side on Thursday evening. On June 15, 20 Indian soldiers were martyred in a violent brawl with the Chinese. How China planned the violent skirmish at Galwan Valley The release of the 10 soldiers was part of the three rounds of military talks held between the two sides from Tuesday to Thursday. The military talks were held to de-escalate the situation and also disengage on the disputed border. Following the release, the 10 soldiers were de-briefed and then sent for a medical check up. On Thursday, both the External Affairs Ministry and the Army had said no Indian soldiers were "missing" in action. It is clarified that there are no Indian troops missing in action, the Army said. External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said on Thursday that this had been clarified by the Army earlier that there are no Indian troops missing in action. A TV channel sparked controversy in Bolivia on Thursday after it broadcast live the final minutes of a COVID-19 patient's life while doctors tried desperately to save him. The "No Lies" program said it took the decision to show a COVID-19 patient's death in a hospital in the eastern city of Santa Cruz to jolt into action authorities who had neglected the health services. The program airs nightly on the Santa Cruz-based PAT channel, in a region with some 60 percent of Bolivia's 21,000 cases and around half its 679 deaths. The program showed the patient's death over a 30-minute period as doctors tried to resuscitate the patient. The country's ombudswoman, Nadia Cruz, slammed the broadcast for "sensationalism," saying it "repeatedly and morbidly " exhibited "images showing cardiopulmonary treatment being carried out on a person, which unfortunately ended in death." The broadcast "evidently conflicts with the national legal order," Cruz said, adding that it "can generate a kind of collective fear." Her office is an independent body appointed to investigate complaints against the government or public organizations. The broadcast was widely criticized on social networks, including by prominent journalists. "What a lack of respect for the family, for the deceased. We lost a lot of things with this virus, including empathy," said journalist Maria Trigo, from the newspaper El Deber de Santa Cruz, in a Twitter message. Fabiola Chambi, a journalist with the Cochabamba daily Los Tiempos said broadcasting the death showed "a lack of respect and humanity." The government has yet to comment on the controversy. Municipal workers disinfect the streets of La Paz as a preventive measure to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus Bhopal: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday accused the Congress party of insulting Dalits by pushing Phool Singh Baraiya as the second preference candidate in Rajya Sabha polls in front of senior leader Digvijaya Singh. Baraiya, once a force to reckon with in Gwalior-Chambal region, had joined the Congress ahead of Lok Sabha polls in 2019. After Jyotiraditya Scindia defected to BJP in March 2020 over a dispute on Rajya Sabha nominations, Baraiya was drafted by the grand old party into the fray as a candidate. The move was widely seen as a ploy to gain in upcoming bypolls, 16 of which are due in Gwalior-Chambal region, where SC-ST Act rebellion had helped Congress sizable wins in 2018 assembly polls. However, to cash in on the resentment for Digvijaya Singh in the Congress camp, and also dent opposition ahead of bypolls, BJP had started backing Baraiya as first preference candidate for Rajya Sabha polls days ahead of polling for the Upper House of the Parliament. Home minister Narottam Mishra days ago claimed this was an anti-Dalit move by the Congress, questioning why Baraiya was put in the fray which was a losing cause. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and former Leader of Opposition Gopal Bhargav, too, had raised the issue. The party also had taken to social media with this issue. The Congress, however, was promising all a surprise on a strategy best known to the party leaders only as BJP had winning numbers for two seats even without the support of BSP, SP and independents. Meanwhile, as the polling got underway on Friday, the BJP only sharpened the attack. When it comes to Digvijaya Singh, he always stalls path of Dalit leaders. He in the past had prevented ST leaders like Shivbhanu Singh Solanki and Jamuna Devi from becoming Chief Ministers and now he is preventing Baraiyas passage to Rajya Sabha, Home minister Narottam Mishra candidly said. Both Solanki and Jamuna Devi were prominent leaders but could only rise as Deputy Chief Ministers in Congress governments. In the present political scenario, we advise Congress to put Baraiya as first preference candidate as 16 bypolls are due in Gwalior-Chambal region where SC-ST population is in plenty, said Mishra, seemingly mocking the Opposition for its strategy. Prabhat Jha, the outgoing RS member of BJP and a native of Gwalior region, also slammed the Congress, claiming that Baraiya was fielded from day one with the knowledge that he would lose. He turned to his own party saying, When we fielded Jyotiraditya Scindia, we also put ST candidate Sumer Singh Solanki. The Congress has always cheated the SC and ST community in Madhya Pradesh and it was high time these communities realised the truth, added Jha. However, early in the morning Baraiya claimed that putting him on the second preference was a decision taken by the party with his consent. Digvijaya Singh is a senior leader and should get preference, added the leader. He, however, had exuded confidence of winning RS poll saying BJP MLAs will cross vote for him. Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Kamal Nath, when questioned by the media on BJP charges of Congress not putting Baraiya in first preference, hit back asking why the BJP was more interested in Congress matters. Let them focus on their own issues, he said. Baraiya, a BSP MLA of 1998 from Bhander in Datiya, has changed political parties since then and settled with Congress last year ahead of lok sabha polls. Not only because of SC-ST resentment in Gwalior-Chambal region, Baraiya also holds crucial importance to Congress scheme of things ahead of bypolls as the BSP also has announced to contest bypolls in MP, which by and large could dent Congress traditional votebank. To add, Baraiya after his RS nomination, while speaking to News18 had affirmed that he could help his party win most of 16 seats in Gwalior-Chambal region in bypolls, if any. Even if the measure becomes law, there's no guarantee the National Park Service will spend the deferred maintenance backlog money at Indiana Dunes, and no timeline for doing so. Nevertheless, U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Gary, is looking forward to prompt consideration of the legislation by the House. "I appreciate that this action has been taken in a bipartisan fashion to provide much needed assistance for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and maintenance at facilities throughout the National Park System," Visclosky said. "It is imperative that the much needed investments are made to improve our environmental assets in order to attract new visitors and businesses to our Region." Federal records show, in addition to the deferred maintenance at Indiana Dunes, at least $4 million is needed to fix up the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Vincennes, Indiana, and $3 million for the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Lincoln City. "At a time when coronavirus has hampered our economy, this legislation supports Hoosier workers and manufacturers, and ensures our parks and natural resources are available for all Hoosiers to enjoy," Young said. The luck and charm of the Irish carries Artemis Fowl, a bulging mouthful of whizz-popping eye candy scooped from the first two books in Wexford author Eoin Colfer's hugely popular fantasy series about a ruthless and callow 12-year-old criminal mastermind. Directed at a lick by Belfast-born Kenneth Branagh and adapted for the screen by Olivier Award-winning Dublin playwright Conor McPherson and Hamish McColl, this breathlessly paced origin story is a valentine to the island which one character rhapsodises as 'the most magical place on Earth'. Irish folklore and whimsy are drizzled liberally over every special effect-laden frame. In one memorable scene choreographed to the bombastic thrum of Patrick Doyle's score, the gleaming hull of a spaceship opens to reveal a glowering Dame Judi Dench clad in green armour as an 802-year-old commander of the fairy police force's reconnaissance division. 'Top o' the mornin'' she growls straight-faced in a thick accent that skips merrily between its intended destination and Somerset. Her only f-words, spat in fury, are 'four-leaf clover'. The eponymous antihero's cynicism and emotional coldness have been thawed several degrees for his sprightly introduction to the big screen, affording 15-year-old Kilkenny-based actor Ferdia Shaw - grandson of Jaws boat captain Robert Shaw - some warmer interludes in his feature film debut. The script employs a kleptomaniac giant dwarf as wise-cracking narrator, recounting events as testimony to a faceless MI6 interrogator in a secure holding cell situated in the Thames Estuary. 'Most humans are afraid of gluten. How do you think they'd handle goblins?' chuckles the wild-haired interviewee as he spins his outlandish yarn. Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl II (Shaw) has been raised on stories of fairies, goblins and leprechauns by his father (Colin Farrell), a globe-trotting dealer in priceless antiquities. When the patriarch is kidnapped, young Artemis learns the truth about his noble bloodline and a darkness that threatens our world. From his family home on the wave-lashed Irish coast, the resourceful lad launches an ingenious rescue mission accompanied by trusted bodyguard Domovoi Butler (Nonso Anozie) and his plucky 12-year-old niece, Juliet (Tarama Smart). The ransom is a device called the Aculos, 'a weapon so powerful and mysterious, it can barely be imagined'. To locate the otherworldly trinket, young Artemis places his trust in rookie elf officer Holly Short (Lara McDonnell) and dwarf Mulch Diggums (Josh Gad), who can tunnel at speed by furiously gobbling dirt and expelling it violently from his back side. Artemis Fowl confidently combines ancient mysticism and high-tech modernity at a relentlessly brisk pace. Meaty character development is sacrificed at the altar of slickly orchestrated spectacle, including temporally disrupted set pieces involving a rampaging troll. Key events and protagonists from Colfer's books have been altered or excised to facilitate a trim running time, neatly setting up future instalments without substantial emotional investment from the audience. Indian Army will deal with situation firmly, if Beijing attempts to change status quo India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 19: Beijing should not disregard the agreements and make attempts to unilaterally change the status quo and if they do so, then the Indian Army will deal with the situation firmly. China will not be able to change the status quo unilaterally, an official tells OneIndia. China is known to try and execute its walk-in strategy, but this was met with a very strong response by the Indian Army. Army, Navy and Air force put on high alert after Galwan valley clash with China India-China border dispute: IAF chief makes quiet visit to forward air bases | Oneindia News On Monday a violent skirmish broke out between the Indian and Chinese troops in which 20 Indian soldiers were martyred. The Indian soldiers matched up to the Chinese and rough estimates available suggest that at least 35 PLA soldiers had to be evacuated. Including the commanding officer, the 35 PLA soldiers were either killed or injured, the officer cited above said. Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, while underscoring the need for peace also said that India is capable of giving a befitting reply. This is the same message that he would give out during the all party meeting that is being held. In another encouraging development, Indian Army engineers have completed a 60 metre bridge over the Galwan river in eastern Ladakh. Hindustan Times reported that this would consolidated India's hold of the sensitive sector by allowing Indian infantry to move across the cold mountain river and also protect the 255 kilometre strategic road from Darbuk to Daulat Beg Oldie. The bridge was completed on Thursday and this signalled that the projects executed by the Border Road Organisation will continue despite attempts being made by the People's Liberation Army to stall them. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, June 19, 2020, 17:26 [IST] (CNN) Latvia is honoring the doctors, nurses, and medical workers on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19 with a giant statue in the nation's capital. Artist Aigars Bikse unveiled the statue on Tuesday at a ceremony outside the Latvian National Museum of Art in Riga. The statue is almost 20 feet tall (6 meters) and shows a woman in a lab coat, mask, and gloves stretching toward the sky. She's wearing pink clogs and has a stethoscope around her neck. Bikse told Reuters it took about three months to create and that he was inspired by seeing the heroic sacrifices health care workers were making to save their patients. "I was watching the news, I was watching how medics met great difficulties in Italy, how they slept on hospital floors, how their faces were wounded due to wearing masks for long hours. I understood that I, as an artist, as a sculptor, should say something," he said, according to Reuters' translation. People all over the world have been showing their appreciation for health care workers during the global pandemic. In many cities, residents have come out for nightly celebrations on their balconies and doorsteps to cheer for hospital staff and other essential workers. Brazil's Christ the Redeemer statue was illuminated to look like a doctor on Easter Sunday in their honor and a face mask was projected onto it last month to encourage people to protect themselves from the virus. Latvia, which borders Russia in Northern Europe, has reported 1,108 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 30 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. Authorities in 214 countries and territories have reported about 8.4 million Covid19 cases and 450,000 deaths since the disease was first discovered in December. Premier Jason Kenney on Friday warned proponents of Alberta separation that they could make the province's situation much worse by creating investor uncertainty similar to the exodus of head offices and jobs from Quebec after the Parti Quebecois won power in 1976. Kenney was asked about comments, made by UCP MLA Drew Barnes who sat on the Fair Deal panel, that the report doesn't go far enough in pushing Ottawa to change Alberta's status within Confederation. But Kenney reminded people who want to use the threat of separation as leverage that major companies pulled out of Quebec in the late 1970s in the face of the PQ's threat to hold a referendum on sovereignty. "They went from Montreal mainly to Toronto. Real estate prices collapsed overnight and hundreds of thousands of Quebecers left the province," Kenney said in response to a reporter's question. "So no, I don't think this is a clever tactic. At a time when we've got to focus on economic growth, restoring investor confidence and creating jobs, making that kind of threat that would destabilize investor confidence would be hugely counter-productive." Kenney's comments follow the release of the Fair Deal panel's report on Wednesday. Shortly after the report was released to the public, Barnes, who is the MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat, broke away from the consensus expressed by his fellow Fair Deal panellists and wrote his own minority opinion. "We should be clear with Ottawa and the other provinces, that if the people of Alberta vote for a fair deal of constitutional equality within confederation, but these proposals are rejected, that Albertans will be given the opportunity to vote on their independence," Barnes wrote. "A free people must be willing to at some point of injustice without rectification...draw a line and make a stand." Kenney said he understands why some Albertans are frustrated, but that talk of separation will not help. Story continues "Look, you don't make a threat that you're not prepared to keep," Kenney said. "And I have not seen a single public opinion poll which indicates we're anywhere close to a majority of Albertans voting to leave Canada. And so I regard it as an empty threat. "The answer to a campaign to landlock Alberta energy is not for us voluntarily to landlock Alberta energy by separating from this federation." Barnes's comments provoked a rebuke from his fellow panellist, former PC MLA Donna Kennedy-Glans, who called into CBC call-in show Alberta at Noon on Thursday to put a question to the UCP MLA. Kennedy-Glans reminded him the report represented a consensus by the entire panel. The fact Barnes wrote a separate opinion after the fact raised concerns for her "about what that means for the ability of MLAs in the future to contribute to panels like this." Joe Ceci, the NDP MLA for Calgary-Buffalo, called musings about Alberta independence "disturbing" and "absurd." He said Kenney needed to squash the separation talk within the UCP caucus and focus on more important issues. "We've got a job to do in this province and it's not talking about separation," Ceci said. "It's talking about getting people back to work, getting our economy firing again." Mumbai, June 19 : Actress Diana Penty has come out with an initiative called The Khaki Project to extend help and support to Mumbai Police, who have been in the forefront in the city's fight against the coronavirus outbreak. "With The Khaki Project, we wanted to extend our help and support to the Mumbai Police who have been working tirelessly to keep us safe and maintain law and order during the lockdown. They've been on the frontline of the Covid-19 pandemic and this is just our little way of saying thank you for all they have been doing," said Diana. The actress is out to help Mumbai Police with the essential requirements such as hand sanitisers and safety eyewear. "With the assistance of the Salaam Bombay Foundation, we contacted senior police officials of police stations across the city, to ask them how we could help. We thought it would be best to find out from them what they need, rather than providing them with what we felt they need," she said. She says it feels good to be able to help during these tough times. "The Mumbai Police have ensured a smooth lockdown and have even gone beyond the call of duty on a number of occasions to help those in distress. We hope we can make a difference to them, even if in a small way," the actress pointed out. Diana and her organisation "were able to identify 10 police stations in South Mumbai that either fell under containment zones, or needed the supplies the most" to execute their efforts. "We kickstarted the project by distributing safety essentials to these 10 stations first. As of today, we have raised enough funds to cover another 12 to 15 police stations and will arrange to distribute the supplies to them over the next few days," she told IANS. Diana says there are 94 police stations across Mumbai, and hopes that they can help as many of these as possible. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Juneteenth: 4 interesting facts about the celebration marking end of slavery Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Although most Americans are familiar with the American Civil War ending slavery, fewer are familiar with the last on-the-ground implementation of abolition. Juneteenth, which also goes by the names of Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Liberation Day, marks the anniversary of when the last group of slaves in the United States were told of their freedom. On June 19, 1865, a Union force commanded by General Gordon Granger arrived at Galveston, Texas, and informed the slave population that they were free. Every year, Juneteenth is marked with a host of celebrations across the United States, including marches, barbeques, prayer meetings, and educational endeavors. Here are four interesting facts about Juneteenth, including its connection to the Emancipation Proclamation, the largest celebration, and the effort to make it a national holiday. 1 2 3 4 5 Next An "abnormally large dust cloud" from the Sahara is making about a 5,000-mile trek across the Atlantic, suppressing tropical development in the Atlantic Basin. However, it may also pose a possible health hazard to those living along the Gulf coast. Although it isn't uncommon for the Trade Winds to carry dust from the Sahara to the Gulf Coast, this plume has caught the attention of a few meteorologists. "According to scientists that I have gotten some information from, they're saying this is an abnormally large dust cloud," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist and lead hurricane expert Dan Kottlowski told AccuWeather's Jonathan Petramala. "One of the things I noticed from this is the dust started coming off the coast of Africa several days ago, in fact maybe over a week ago. And it's still coming. It's almost like a prolonged area of dust." Some experts have nicknamed this the "Godzilla dust cloud" due to its unusually large size, The Associated Press said. Satellite imagery of the dust plume from the Sahara trekking across the Atlantic toward the Americas on June 22, 2020. (NOAA/GOES16) Dust making this journey from the Sahara to the Gulf Coast is common during June, July and sometimes into early August. Picked up by the Trade Winds and lofted higher up into the atmosphere, the dust gets trapped as the wind spirits it away across the Atlantic. "This is the dusty time of the year," Kottlowski said. This year, he believes a stronger-than-normal, or at least a very active, African easterly jet might be at play in spurring the abnormal dust plume. This dust event is particular is exceptionally large, one of the biggest in decades. "This is the most significant event in the past 50 years," said Pablo Mendez Lazaro, an environmental health specialist with the University of Puerto Rico. CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP As the dust is carried across the Atlantic, it tends to suppress tropical development. Story continues "It keeps a lid on the atmosphere and brings dry air into anything that may try to develop, which is very detrimental for tropical development which relies on warm, moist air," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert said. However, dust is rarely a factor during the later months of the Atlantic hurricane season -- August, September and October -- when storms become more active. "Dust tends to be much less of a problem during the heart of the hurricane season," Kottlowski said. However, while the dust can suppress development, it doesn't kill any development entirely, Kottlowski warned. It's still possible for a tropical wave to clear out a large area of the dust, allowing a second tropical wave following in its wake to take advantage of the break in the dust pattern. There doesn't seem to be a break in this dust pattern just yet though. A large plume of dust has moved off the west coast of Africa during the last few days. As this dry and dusty Saharan air layer moves across the tropical Atlantic toward the Caribbean it will help suppress the development of tropical systems. pic.twitter.com/fCoTw2xvl0 NWS Eastern Region (@NWSEastern) June 18, 2020 "I was amazed that the dust is still coming off the coast," Kottlowski said. "You don't see a break in it, so it's just a sort of long-lasting area of dust. We're going to see hazy skies across the Caribbean, probably into Florida into parts of the Gulf of Mexico area, probably for a week or two." The dust is expected to reach the Texas coast on Thursday and curl around to encompass the entire Gulf Coast next weekend, Kottlowski estimated. While the dust will hang higher in the air, it can still pose a health concern. Should any of the fine dust combine with other particles in the air such as ozone or other dust particles or smoke, it could impact people who are more prone to respiratory issues, Kottlowski said. He expects there will be a few poor air quality reports out of eastern Texas later this week. The dust is also concerning for those battling COVID-19. A study released by the World Bank Group showed strong evidence that an increase in air pollution plays a role in COVID-19. Reporting by Jonathan Petramala. Matthew Hubbard, a mathematics professor at Oakland's Laney College, has been placed on administrative leave after emailing a Vietnamese student and instructing her to "anglicize" her name against her wishes. A series of emails between the professor and student shared on social media reveals that Hubbard reached out to a student named Phuc Bui Diem Nguyen, and wrote, "Could you Anglicize your name. Phuc Bui sounds like an insult in English." In a response, Nguyen stated Hubbard's request "feels discriminatory" and warned the professor she would file a complaint if he refuses to refer to her by her given birth name. Despite the student's warning, Hubbard doubled down and repeated the request. "Your name in English sounds like F Boy," he wrote back. "If I lived in Vietnam and my name in your language sounded like Eat a D, I would change it to avoid embarrassment both on my part and on the part of the people who had to say it. I understand you are offended, but you need to understand your name is an offensive sound in my language. I repeat my request." The email chain went viral, and Laney College announced Thursday that Hubbard has been placed on administrative leave while the school investigates the incident. "On the surface this incident is obviously disturbing and comes after decades of discussing and working to combat structural racism, xenophobia, and violence in both the Black and Asian Pacific Islander community," the college wrote in a statement. "While our mission has been bold and unrelenting, we also recognize that our college and its community is a reflection of broader society and we must actively fight ignorance with education. We do not tolerate racism, discrimination or oppression of any kind." Eric Ting is an SFGATE digital reporter. Email: eric.ting@sfgate.com | Twitter:@_ericting Studio Ghibli fans are expressing their concern following the release of divisive images from the studio's first film in six years. Aya and the Witch is a collaboration between Hayao Miyazaki, who came out of retirement for this release as well as new film How Do You Live?, and his son, Goro. It is an adaptation of a novel written by Diana Wine Jones, who wrote Howls Moving Castle, which Studio Ghibli adapted in 2004. Interestingly, it will be the studios first fully 3D CG-animated film. However, following the release of the new images, fans have been left feeling surprised by the animation on display. Intense negotiations through diplomatic and military channels, including three rounds of talks between senior military officers, led to the release of 10 Indian soldiers detained by the Chinese side during the violent brawl of June 15 in Galwan Valley, people familiar with developments said. The people, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the 10 soldiers, including at least two officers, were returned to the Indian side on Thursday evening, three days after the violent face-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that left 20 soldiers, including a colonel, dead. These negotiations were kept tightly under wraps due to concerns for the safety of the soldiers amid the heightened tensions between the two sides, the people said. Also Watch | Explained: Amid Ladakh clash, India to cancel Chinese firms deal for poor work Also read| India-China stand-off: Galwan skies go quiet, tension simmers on the ground There was no official word on the development. All that the Indian Army and the external affairs ministry had said on Thursday was that no Indian soldiers were missing in action. The release of the 10 soldiers figured in three rounds of talks between Indian and Chinese delegations, led by major generals, near Patrol Point 14 in Galway Valley between Tuesday and Thursday. Maj Gen Abhijit Bapat, commander of Karu-based headquarters 3 Infantry Division, and his Chinese counterpart, met for the third time on Thursday. The meetings were part of ongoing military engagements to de-escalate the situation and to disengage on the disputed border. The two senior military officers have met seven times since the stand-off began in early May. The people further said the 10 soldiers, after their release, were sent for a medical examination and were debriefed by officials. The last time the Chinese military had captured Indian soldiers was during the border war between the two countries in 1962. Monday nights seven-hour brutal clash involving more than 500 rival troops also marked the first time India suffered combat fatalities in an incident involving Chinese troops since 1975. Following reports that an unspecified number of soldiers were unaccounted for after Monday nights clash, the Indian Army had on Thursday only said that none of its personnel were missing in action. It is clarified that there are no Indian troops missing in action, the army said in a terse statement. An army spokesperson had said the statement was in reference to the article In China-India Clash, Two Nationalist Leaders with Little Room to Give in The New York Times on Wednesday. Also read| Chinas acts on Indian border meant to take advantage of Covid distractions: US official Asked about the specific issue of the status of Indian soldiers after the clash of June 15, external affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava told a weekly media briefing on Thursday: This has been clarified by the army earlier today afternoon that there are no Indian troops missing in action. China has so far not acknowledged any casualties among its troops, while some 76 Indian soldiers were also injured. Army officials claimed 43 Chinese were killed or seriously injured, citing radio intercepts and other intelligence. The Chinese fatal casualties reportedly include a colonel-ranked officer but HT couldnt independently verify this. India has attributed the clash of June 15 on Chinese forces crossing to the Indian side of the LAC and attempting to build a structure. It has also rejected Chinas Peoples Liberation Armys claim of sovereignty over the Galwan Valley. A top retired army commander, who didnt want to be identified, said: China has already achieved what it set out to achieve control over Galwan Valley and [the strategic feature] Finger 4. The gesture of returning the soldiers is a message to the world that they [the Chinese] are not the aggressors and they have returned people who intruded into their territory. Stronger strains of marijuana may not actually lead to more intense highs according to new research from the University of Colorado, Boulder. A team of researchers gave test subjects two different kinds of marijuana with drastically different THC levels and found that there was no discernible difference in intoxication levels. Subjects were asked to both describe how intoxicated they felt as well as complete a series of cognitive and balance tasks to try and objectively measure impairment. Researchers at University of Colorado, Boulder tested the tolerance of regular pot users by giving them two different strengths of THC and found people reported the same levels of intoxication regardless of the strength The team found that while THC blood levels between the two groups were drastically different, both groups reported similar levels of intoxication and performed identically on the cognitive and balance tests. 'People in the high concentration group were much less compromised than we thought they were going to be,' the University of Colorado, Boulder's Kent Hutchison told New Atlas. 'If we gave people that high a concentration of alcohol it would have been a different story.' The researchers tested 121 different subjects between 21 and 70 years old, all of who had used cannabis at least four times in the past month, were light drinkers, weren't on any other prescription medication, and didn't use tobacco. They gave one group of subjects marijuana flowers to smoke, with a THC potency of either 16% or 24%. A second group was given a THC concentrate that had either 70% or 90% THC potency. The team took blood samples from all subjects before administering the THC, immediately after, and a final time one hour later. One group of test subjects were given low-THC concentration marijuana flowers to smoke, ranging in strength between 16% and 24%, while another group was given a THC concentrate between 70% and 90% strength 'Surprisingly, we found that potency did not track with intoxication levels,' University of Colorado, Boulder's Cinnamon Bidwell said. 'While we saw striking differences in blood levels between the two groups, they were similarly impaired.' In blood samples taken immediately after administering the THC, they found the high-THC concentration subjects had an average of 1,000 micrograms per milliliter. Those who smoked the weaker flower marijuana had an average of 455 micrograms of THC per milliliter in their blood stream. The test subjects had major differences in THC levels in their bloodstream but performed identically in cognitive tests and balance tests, and said they both felt roughly the same level of intoxication Past research has documented how unpredictable THC can be as an intoxicant, depending on a wide range of factors, including past experience with drugs, social context, and potentially even a person's genetic makeup. The University of Colorado, Boulder team aren't quite sure how to account for the lack of difference in their findings. One potential explanation is that the body's cannabinoid receptors become saturated at a certain point and simply can't process further THC, creating a diminishing intoxication effect. 'Does long-term, concentrated exposure mess with your cannabinoid receptors in a way that could have long-term repercussions?' Hutchison said. 'Does it make it harder to quit when you want to? We just dont know yet.' Recommended All-Cash Takeover Offer of Cardinal Resources by Shandong Gold Posted by Publisher Internet Highlights ? 100% cash takeover offer from Shandong Gold at a price of A$0.60 per Cardinal share (?Shandong Gold Offer?) ? Attractive cash premium to Cardinal?s recent trading: o Offer price represents a 75.5% premium to Cardinal?s 20-day unaffected volume weighted average price1, and a 39.3% premium to Cardinal?s 20-day volume weighted average price up to 18 June 2020 o Offers a 31.1% premium to the Nord Gold SE indicative proposal of A$0.45775 on 16 March 2020 ? Proposed implementation by way of an off-market takeover offer with a 50.1% minimum acceptance condition ? Interim funding package agreed with Shandong Gold via a placement of shares to raise $11.96 million ? The Board of Cardinal unanimously recommends the Shandong Gold Offer in the absence of a superior proposal Cardinal Resources Limited (ASX/TSX: CDV) (?Cardinal? or ?Company? https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/cardinal-resources-ltd/) announces that it has entered into a Bid Implementation Agreement (?Bid Implementation Agreement?) with Shandong Gold Mining (Hong Kong) Co, Ltd (a subsidiary of Shandong Gold Mining Co, Ltd ) (?Shandong Gold?), pursuant to which Shandong Gold has agreed to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares in Cardinal at a price of A$0.60 cash per share, by way of an off-market takeover offer (the ?Shandong Gold Offer? or ?Transaction?). The premium implied by the Shandong Gold Offer is a significant increase on the non-binding indicative and preliminary proposal announced by Nord Gold SE (?Nordgold?) on 16 March 2020 of A$0.45775. The Shandong Gold Offer represents an attractive premium of: ? 75.5% to Cardinal?s 20-day volume weighted average price of A$0.34 up to 13 March 20201 ? 39.3% to Cardinal?s 20-day volume weighted average price of A$0.43 up to close of trading on 18 June 2020, being the last trading date prior to announcement of the Transaction ? 29.0% to Cardinal?s last closing price of A$0.465 ? 31.1% to Nordgold?s preliminary proposal of A$0.45775 per share announced on 16 March 2020 Recommended Shandong Gold Takeover Bid Cardinal?s Board of Directors has carefully considered the Shandong Gold Offer in consultation with the Special Committee appointed in connection with the strategic process, its financial and legal advisors. Accordingly, Cardinal?s Board of Directors unanimously recommends that all Cardinal shareholders accept the Shandong Gold Offer in the absence of a superior proposal. Cardinal?s Directors, who collectively hold approximately 6.37% of Cardinal?s ordinary shares, intend to accept the Shandong Gold Offer in respect of all Cardinal shares they own or control by the later of 21 days after the offer is opened for acceptance and 5 days after dispatch of the Cardinal Target?s Statement, in the absence of a superior proposal. Key Benefits to Cardinal Shareholders Cardinal?s Board of Directors has been exploring a range of potential transactions to maximise value for shareholders and considers that the Shandong Gold Offer is the best option for shareholders, in the absence of a superior proposal, and will deliver several key benefits to shareholders including: ? Certain and immediate value for Cardinal shareholders ability for shareholders to realise certain and immediate value at a significant premium to Cardinal?s trading price on the ASX and TSX markets. By accepting the Shandong Gold Offer, subject to the Shandong Gold Offer going unconditional, Cardinal shareholders will receive cash consideration of A$0.60 for every Cardinal share they own ? No financing condition the Shandong Gold Offer is an all-cash offer which is not subject to any financing conditions ? Avoids risks associated with mine development ? the Shandong Gold Offer eliminates exposure to the risks inherent in any new mine development, including financing, operational and regulatory risks Cardinal?s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mr Archie Koimtsidis stated: ?The Board of Directors of Cardinal has negotiated what we consider a strong offer for our shareholders and one which delivers a significant premium to Cardinal?s market price, at a time of considerable volatility and uncertainty in global markets. ?This is an opportunity for shareholders to crystalize their investment in Cardinal at an attractive price, and I am pleased that Shandong Gold is committed to getting on with development of Namdini to establish the first long-life gold mine in the Upper East Region of Ghana, bringing many significant and long-lasting benefits to the local community and Ghana. ?The Cardinal Team is looking forward to working with Shandong Gold and its advisors to implement the transaction delivering a seamless transition as Shandong Gold embarks on the next steps towards this world class development.? Shandong Gold Chairman, Mr Li Guohong commented: ?We have tremendous respect for the Cardinal organization for the manner in which it has advance Namdini to its current development status. We are conscious of the strong working relationship Cardinal has developed with its local Ghanaian community over many years and how important the development of Namdini is to both the local community and to the country of Ghana. We look forward to continue to build on this close relationship for the benefit of all stakeholders of the Namdini Project. ?Shandong Gold is currently the largest gold producer in China, and also has substantial mining interests in Argentina. We have a strong track record in environment, social and corporate governance matters and in safe production, and we proudly received the ?Outstanding ESG Management Reward? for Chinese Companies in 2019. We will build on our positive track record and reputation as we expand our business into Ghana with this agreed Cardinal transaction. This is a positive track record and reputation we plan to uphold, as we continue to expand our operations to additional overseas jurisdictions, including our expansion into Ghana with this agreed transaction with Cardinal. ?We look forward to working closely with stakeholders, the local communities and the Government of Ghana to deliver the Namdini Project that will create employment and deliver many significant benefits for the regional economy and Ghanaians for many years to come.? Details of the Bid Implementation Agreement Cardinal and Shandong Gold have agreed a Bid Implementation Agreement (attached as Appendix A) pursuant to which the parties have given undertakings to each other to facilitate the Transaction. The Shandong Gold Offer is subject to a limited number of conditions (full details of which are set out in Schedule 2 of the BIA), including: ? 50.1% minimum acceptance by Cardinal shareholders; ? Regulatory approvals, including Foreign Investment Review Board (?FIRB?) approval and approvals of certain Chinese regulatory bodies described below; ? No material adverse change in relation to Cardinal; and ? Other conditions customary for a transaction of this nature. The Bid Implementation Agreement contains customary deal protection mechanisms including ?no shop?, ?no talk?, ?no due diligence?, ?notification? and ?matching rights? restrictions. Cardinal has agreed it will not solicit any competing proposal or participate in any discussions or negotiations in relation to any competing proposal unless, in the case of discussions or negotiations, failure to do so would be a breach of the fiduciary or statutory duties of the Cardinal Directors. Under certain circumstances, an agreed break fee or reverse break fee of $3.3 million will be payable. The Shandong Gold Offer will extend to any Cardinal Shares that are issued during the offer period as a result of the exercise of Cardinal options that exist at the time of the offer opening. However, Shandong Gold has also committed to make offers to holders of certain Cardinal options to acquire those options by way of private treaty, subject to obtaining necessary regulatory approvals. Regulatory Approvals Shandong Gold will shortly submit its application to the Foreign Investment Review Board. It is anticipated that the FIRB approval process should be completed within the usual timeframe. The Shandong Gold Offer is also conditional upon Shandong Gold obtaining approval from the following regulatory bodies from the People?s Republic of China: o the National Development and Reform Commission of the People?s Republic of China (or its relevant local branch); o the Ministry of Commerce of the People?s Republic of China (or its relevant local branch); and o the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the People?s Republic of China (or its relevant local branch). Interim Financing In connection with the Transaction, Shandong Gold has agreed to provide Cardinal with interim funding of $11.96 million by subscribing for 26 million ordinary shares in Cardinal at an issue price of $0.46 per Share (?Placement?). Completion of the Placement is subject to and conditional upon no competing proposal being received by Cardinal, which the Cardinal Board of Directors considers is superior to the Shandong Gold Offer within 14 days from entering into the BIA. Shareholder approval is not required for the Placement. The funds raised by the Placement will be used to ensure Cardinal may continue advancing the Namdini Project towards development and for working capital prior to closing of the Transaction. Timetable and Next Steps Detailed information relating to the Shandong Gold Offer will be set out in the Bidder?s Statement and Target?s Statement, which are expected to be dispatched to Cardinal shareholders on or about 21 July 2020. The Bidder?s Statement and Target?s Statement will set out important information, including how to accept the Shandong Gold Offer, information about Shandong Gold and the key reasons as to why Cardinal Shareholders should accept the Shandong Gold Offer. Advisers Cardinal?s joint financial advisers are Maxit Capital LP, BMO Capital Markets, Hartleys Limited and Canaccord Genuity Corp. Cardinal?s legal advisers are HopgoodGanim Lawyers (Australia) and Bennett Jones LLP (Canada). About Shandong Gold Shandong Gold is principally engaged in the exploration, mining, refining and sale of gold and non-ferrous metals. Shandong Gold is listed on the main board of both the Shanghai and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges. Shandong Gold had a market capitalisation of approximately US$14.5 billion as at 18 June 2020. In 2019, Shandong Gold produced mined gold of 1.273 million ounces and generated revenue of US$9.0 billion and EBITDA of US$771 million. As of 31 December 2019, Shandong Gold controlled total resources of 35.5 million ounces. Shandong Gold is 48% owned by Shandong Gold Group Co., Ltd (?Shandong Gold Group?), which is ultimately controlled by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of Shandong Province of China (?Shandong SASAC?). About Cardinal Cardinal Resources Limited (ASX/TSX: CDV) is a West African gold?focused exploration and development Company that holds interests in tenements within Ghana, West Africa. The Company is focused on the development of the Namdini Gold Project and released its Feasibility Study on 28 October 2019. The Namdini Project has a published gold Ore Reserve of 5.1 Moz (138.6 Mt @ 1.13 g/t Au; 0.5 g/t cut?off), inclusive of 0.4 Moz Proved (7.4 Mt @ 1.31 g/t Au; 0.5 g/t cut?off) and 4.7 Moz Probable (131.2 Mt @ 1.12 g/t Au; 0.5 g/t cut?off). The Company announced completion of the Feasibility Study (FS), which was released 28 October 2019. The technical report on the FS, prepared in accordance with NI 43?101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators, was issued on SEDAR at www.sedar.com on 28 November 2019. Cardinal confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in its announcement of the Ore Reserve of 15 October 2019 and included in the Company?s completed Feasibility dated 28 October 2019. All material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning this estimate continue to apply and have not materially changed. This release has been authorised by the Board of Directors of Cardinal. For further information contact: Sarah Shipway? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?? Company Secretary? ? Cardinal Resources Limited (Australia)? ?? P: +61 8 6558 0573? ? ? ? ? Alec Rowlands IR / Corp Dev Cardinal Resources Limited (Canada) P: +1 647 256 1922 Cannings Purple (Investor Relations, Australia) Peta Baldwin or Warrick Hazeldine? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? E: pbaldwin@canningspurple.com.au E: whazeldine@canningspurple.com.au In Europe: Swiss Resource Capital AG Jochen Staiger info@resource-capital.ch www.resource-capital.ch Competent / Qualified Person Statement The scientific and technical information in this announcement that relates to Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves at the Namdini Gold Project has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Richard Bray, a Registered Professional Geologist with the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Mr. Ekow Taylor, a Chartered Professional Geologist with the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.? Mr. Bray and Mr. Taylor have more than five years? experience relevant to the styles of mineralisation and type of deposits under consideration and to the activity which is being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person, as defined in the 2012 Edition of the ?Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves? and as a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI43?101.? Mr. Bray and Mr. Taylor are full?time employees of Cardinal and hold equity securities in the Company. [1] Represents the 20-day volume weighted share price up to close of trade on 13 March 2020, being the last date Cardinal traded prior to a non-binding and indicative proposal being announced by Nord Gold SE. Jeremy Piven recently garnered attention for offering $15,000 calls with the actor via the personalized celebrity message service Cameo. But the Entourage star, 54, recently removed the option, leaving just the offer to pre-record a message for fans for $400 each. The change in service options comes just days after the actor announced his beloved French Bulldog Bubba passed away. Steep: Jeremy Piven recently garnered attention for offering $15,000 calls with the actor via the personalized celebrity message service Cameo Bubba actually features in Piven's introductory video on Cameo, during which he promised the dog would appear in each message. 'Bubba will get top billing, I just want you to know that,' said the comedian. However, the Mr Selfridge actor revealed on Instagram on Monday that Bubba had died earlier in the day while he held him in his arms. He shared a somber black and white photo of himself holding the tiny pooch to commemorate the occasion. Limited menu: But the Entourage star, 54, recently removed the option, leaving just the offer to pre-record a message for fans for $400 each Saying goodbye: Jeremy revealed on Instagram Monday that his beloved French Bulldog Bubba had died earlier in the day while he held him in his arms 'Bubba passed away today,' he captioned the snap. 'He brought the spirits up to anyone who met him. I took him along with me everywhere and he's a part of me. 'He died in my arms and it's hard to stop crying. 2020 is consistent I will say that,' he joked. 'Going to burry [sic] him now so if u see me without him now u know why. Be good to one another please and toss a ball for him as he loved chasing them!' The photo appeared to show Bubba as a puppy, as he seemed to be considerably smaller than in other recent snaps. Farewell: 'Bubba passed away today,' he captioned his post. 'He brought the spirits up to anyone who met him. I took him along with me everywhere and he's a part of me. He died in my arms and it's hard to stop crying. 2020 is consistent I will say that,' he joked Getting through it: The actor was seen in LA later on Monday looking visibly emotional as he played with a cream-colored French Bulldog outside King's Road Cafe Jeremy was seen out later on Monday as he grabbed a bite outside the King's Road Cafe in Los Angeles. The Entourage star was still feeling emotional and shed some tears while playing with a cream-colored French Bulldog. He dressed casually in a navy polo shirt, gray sweatpants and white sneakers, and he helped ward off the novel coronavirus by wearing a black mask. Earlier this month, Jeremy shared a photo taken amid a run of Black Lives Matters protests in LA that featured Bubba giving what looked like a soft smile. So sweet: Earlier this month, Jeremy shared a photo taken amid a run of Black Lives Matters protests in LA that featured Bubba giving what looked like a soft smile Catching some waves: Bubba's death seems to have taken Jeremy's social media followers by surprise considering how recently the dog was featured in his Instagram posts, including a photo from earlier in June that showed Bubba floating on a raft with a dachshund 'Lots of peaceful people gathering today in LA getting the word out ... If we all take action and utilize our right to vote and treat each other with kindness this could be an incredible turning point moment for all of us,' he wrote. Bubba's death seems to have taken Jeremy's social media followers by surprise considering how recently the dog was featured in his Instagram posts, including a photo from earlier in June that showed Bubba floating on a raft with a dachshund. 'Much love, my friend. Cry it out, and then daydream about the fun times,' wrote one person. 'Sorry for your loss JP....you were there with him at the very end and thats a mark of a true mench....rest easy Bubba,' commented another. Two weeks into the coronavirus lockdown and Sergei Holmeckis, a boss at Deutsche Telekoms Czech operations in the city of Brno, was frustrated with staff video calls. His team didnt like turning on their cameras and the discussion was stilted. I started to show them my cat, Holmeckis said. It showed the human side of me more and really changed the perception. It got people to switch on their cameras and be more engaged. Such tactics obviously wont appeal to everyone. But they do show how the worlds biggest experiment in working from home is forcing managers to reassess their methods - especially as surveys predict higher levels of remote working post-pandemic. Before the new coronavirus began spreading, just 2.9% of the worlds employees were working exclusively or mainly from home, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), a Geneva-based UN agency. Within weeks, that figure exploded as social distancing forced companies to launch telework schemes. An Argentinian study found that 93% of large firms had turned to telework; in Britain, half of all employers said that by late-April the bulk of their staff were working from home. The exercise was often chaotic, with scant regard for what tasks could be performed at home. Many workers faced cramped living spaces or had to juggle the job with children grounded by school closures. Others felt isolated. Yet overall reactions have been broadly positive. Surveys in the United States and Britain have shown over three-quarters of companies expect to offer more homeworking after the pandemic, with staff citing benefits such as greater work-life balance and claiming they felt just as productive as in the office. Twitter was among the first to declare that working from home would be a permanent option, while the head of Barclays bank suggested that putting 7,000 people in a building may be a thing of the past. This is a revolution here and we dont know what the end-result will be, said Jon Messenger, an ILO expert on working conditions who has traced the history of telework since it first emerged in the mid-1970s with the label telecommuting. Managers in the past have been very unwilling to do this because of the loss of direct control over subordinates ... it requires a totally different approach to management. Trust the worker Messenger argues the new approach implies above all a shift towards greater results-based performance appraisal while allowing employees more scope to organise their work time. But while various studies link so-called time sovereignty to productivity benefits, some companies find that hard to take on board. Developers of employee tracking software - which for example send managers screenshots of their staffs computer screens - are currently reporting a surge in sales. Companies where tasks are hard to quantify argue that some form of monitoring is essential. But workplace experts warn that excessive surveillance can be counterproductive. Employers risk damaging the relationship if they are treating staff like children, Ben Willmott, head of public policy for the CIPD body of human resources professionals. The rise over the past decade of collaborative software has made teamwork from separate locations easier, weakening the argument made in 2013 by former Yahoo! boss Marissa Mayer that teleworkers were seen as a drag on office-based colleagues. But such tools still leave many employees with a sense of disconnect and lack of structure in their working lives. Just as Deutsche Telekoms Holmeckis did by using his cat as an ice-breaker, managers will have to learn how to bridge the distance. There is a risk of people disengaging. A lot of the conversations are operational, about tasks: low on empathy, low on personal support, said Octavius Black, whose company Mind Gym offers workshops on remote management skills. For now, the world is not far enough into the mass telework experiment to know how it will change work patterns or even what the real impact has already been on productivity. It is also unlikely to be representative of how companies and employees will use telework when the health crisis abates. Assuming that lockdowns do not have to be reimposed to prevent a second wave of the virus, ILOs Messenger suggests that telework will become more widespread but in a watered-down form - optional and not for the entire working week. The sweet spot is about two or three days a week, he said. Then you wont have so many of the downsides. (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 Trading information for KKR & Co is displayed on a screen on the floor of the NYSE in New York (This June 18 story corrects to say in para 5 that PAI Partners bought Roompot for 503 million euros (not 600 million euros) in 2016) AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - U.S. private equity firm KKR said on Thursday it had reached an agreement to buy Dutch vacation parks firm Roompot from French private equity firm PAI Partners. KKR and Roompot did not disclose the price of the deal, but a source familiar with the transaction said it valued the Dutch company at around 1 billion euros ($1.12 billion). PAI put Roompot up for sale last October. It is the second-largest operator of vacation parks in Europe, operating its own 33 parks in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, and providing services to more than 100 other operators across Europe. With over 2,100 employees catering for approximately 3 million guests per year, the company generates around 400 million euros in annual sales. PAI Partners bought Roompot for 503 million euros in 2016 from Dutch investor Gilde. (Reporting by Bart Meijer; Editing by Mark Potter and Susan Fenton) By Renee Steinhagen It shouldnt have taken a pandemic but it did. The July 7 vote-by-mail primary will be the first New Jersey election in which all voters throughout the state will mark their own ballots by hand (with appropriate accommodation made for certain disabled voters). We have been forced into this by the COVID-19 public health crisis but there is a silver lining. Election security experts tell us that hand-marked paper ballots are the safest way to vote, less susceptible to manipulation or mistake. They also produce a paper trail that will make it possible for the first time in New Jersey to make sure that all votes that are received and deemed valid are counted accurately, by conducting a post-election audit. Mandatory, random audits have been required under New Jersey law since 2008, but it was impossible to do them because the voting machines used throughout the state were digital touch screen devices that produced no paper record and provided no means to verify the accuracy of the votes. The audit law, codified as N.J.S.A. 19:64-9, was landmark legislation that was hailed as a national model for ensuring the integrity of elections. As chair of the New Jersey Citizens Coalition on the Implementation of the Help America Vote Act, I supported the law, which was drafted with the assistance of a political scientist, experienced election integrity advocates from other states and other experts and advocates. Despite adopting our groundbreaking law more than 12 years ago, we now lag behind, while other states, from New Hampshire to Colorado to California, are actually performing such audits. The closest we have come in New Jersey was in the 2019 General Election when two counties, Union and Warren -- which had acquired voting machines that produce a paper record -- conducted post-election audits of the results in those counties, whose combined 430,416 registered voters as of that election comprised a mere 7% of the 6,066,079 state total. And the 104,232 actual voters in those counties last November was only 6.4% of the 1,623,837 total. Now, finally, 12 years after we enacted it, we are able to comply with the audit law on a state-wide basis. In fact, we are legally obliged to do so, now that mail-in voting makes it possible. The law requires the appointment of an expert committee to implement risk-limiting audits for all federal and state elections, including the upcoming primary and the general election in the fall. This upcoming election provides New Jersey with the opportunity to move its elections into a new era where voters can be assured that their vote is received and counted accurately. It allows us to implement a state-wide audit that will not only fulfill the purpose and mandate of the law, but will also serve as a teaching precedent for conducting an audit of the presidential election in November and, as a result, strengthen our electoral democracy. Strengthening our electoral democracy means not only stopping those who would manipulate the system, but minimizing the obstacles for those who want to take part in the voting process, and assuring those persons that the election in which they participate is administered fairly, efficiently and in a nonpartisan manner. The New Jersey voting public deserves no less. Renee Steinhagen is the executive director of New Jersey Appleseed PILC. 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. Neither is anyone inside India's territory nor has any of its posts been captured, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Friday as he berated China for the killing of 20 Indian Army personnel in Ladakh saying its action has left the entire country hurt and angry. At an all-party meeting convened to discuss the situation in India-China border areas, the prime minister underscored that India wants peace and friendship, but upholding sovereignty is foremost. In his closing remarks at the virtual meet on the face-off between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, Modi said Indian forces are doing what they have to do to protect the country, whether it is in terms of deployment, action or counter-action. "Our patrolling capacity has increased due to newly built infrastructure, especially along LAC," he said. The meeting was convened after 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in Ladakh on Monday. He said that today, Indian forces are capable of moving together across sectors. The army has been given freedom to take necessary steps and India has also conveyed its position clearly to China through diplomatic means. SEE: What PM said during all-party meet on Ladakh standoff Modi underscored that India wants peace and friendship, but upholding sovereignty is foremost. He highlighted that the government has given primacy to development of border area infrastructure to make India's borders more secure. Provision has also been made for fighter planes, modern helicopters, missile defence systems and other such needs of the forces. Through the recently developed infrastructure, patrolling capacity at LAC has also increased, he said, adding that through this, "we are better informed about the developments at LAC and consequently are able to monitor and respond better". The movement of those which used to take place without any disruption earlier is now checked by our jawans, which at times leads to build up of tension. He noted that through better infrastructure, supply of material and essentials to jawans in the difficult terrain has become comparatively easier. Modi emphasised the commitment of the government to the welfare of the nation and its citizens and said that be it in trade, connectivity or counter-terrorism, the government has always "stood up to outside pressure." He assured that all steps necessary for national security and construction of necessary infrastructure, will continue to be taken at a fast pace, according to an official statement. He reassured the leaders about the capability of the armed forces to defend the borders and that they have been given a free hand to take all necessary steps. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the nation will never forget the sacrifice of the army personnel. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar gave an overview of agreements between India and China on border management, informed about the directions given by the Prime Minister in 2014 to give highest priority to development of infrastructure in border areas in the regions identified and approved by the Cabinet in 1999, and also shared details of recent developments. Just before the meeting began, the participants stood in silence as a mark of respect for the fallen soldiers. Referring to the slain army men, Modi said the 20 brave soldiers made the supreme sacrifice in Ladakh "but also taught a lesson to those who dared to look towards our motherland". The statement also have details of what the various leaders said at the meet. It said the leaders hailed the bravery displayed by the armed forces in Ladakh. They reposed faith in the leadership of the Prime Minister in this hour of need and expressed commitment to stand united with the government. Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee said that her party stands strongly in solidarity with the government. Janata Dal-United leader Nitish Kumar said that there should be no difference amongst the leaders, and the parties should not allow any disunity which can be exploited by other nations. Lok Janshakti Party's Chirag Paswan said that the country feels safe under the leadership of the prime minister. Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray lauded the PM and said that the entire country is one and with the PM. Congress president Sonia Gandhi said that the leaders are still in the dark about the details and questioned the government about intelligence reports and other related matters. Nationalist Congress Party's Sharad Pawar stressed that issues of whether soldiers carried arms or not are decided by international agreements and the parties need to respect sensitivities involved in such matters. National People's Party's Conrad Sangma said that the PM has been working on infrastructure in the Northeast and that must go on. Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati said that this is not the time for politics and she firmly stands with the PM on whatever decisions he takes. Dravida Munnetra Kazagham's MK Stalin welcomed the recent statement by the Prime Minister on the issue, it said. Donald Trump has said that he wants to find and prosecute the person who leaked information about his trip to the White House bunker amidst George Floyd protests in Washington, according to a report. Three sources told The New York Times that Mr Trump has become consumed with pinpointing where the leak came from and reprimanding those involved. The report said Mr Trump is demanding that officials find and prosecute those responsible for divulging information about his trip to the bunker, which was then widely reported by the media. Reports that the president was rushed to the White House bunker for his safety during the third night of violent clashes between the police and protesters emerged on 1 June. Sources told CNN that the president, the first lady, and their son Barron were all taken to the bunker as part of an emergency protocol for close to an hour. Mr Trump later claimed that he went down to the White House bunker for an inspection, although US Attorney General William Barr contradicted the president's claim and confirmed that Mr Trump went down to the bunker because the Secret Service recommended it. On Monday we were responding to three days of extremely violent demonstrations, right across from the White House. A lot of injuries to police officers, arson, Mr Barr said in an interview with Fox News. Things were so bad that the Secret Service recommended that the president go down to the bunker." The White House bunker, whose full name is the Presidential Emergency Operations Centre, is a secure shelter underneath the houses East Wing. Its purpose is to allow officials and presidents to continue their work in safety during emergencies and was famously used during 9/11. Mr Trump later staged a photo op at a shuttered church outside the White House after violently clearing peaceful protesters from the area surrounding the White House on 1 June. Some reports said Mr Trump staged the photo op partly out of anger at the earlier news coverage regarding the bunker. The presidents temporary retreat to the bunker came following days of civil unrest in Washington and across the US over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis after a white police officer pinned him to the ground by his neck for a prolonged period of time. Demonstrations over the death of Floyd have taken place in all 50 states over the last three weeks with hundreds and thousands of Americans protesting police brutality, systemic racism, and racial discrimination across the country. The White House did not immediately respond to The Independents request for comment. In a move that could bring relief for Covid-19 positive patients in Delhi, a committee formed by the central government has recommended capping the cost of beds in private hospitals. The committee led by a NITI Aayog member recommended that Covid-19 isolation beds be charged between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000, significantly down from Rs 25,000 being charged at present. It proposed that ICU beds without ventilator be charged at Rs 13,000-15,000 instead of the current cost of Rs 34,000-43,000. The committee recommended that prices of ICU beds with ventilators be capped at Rs 15,000-18,000 which currently costs Rs 44,000-54,000. The prices suggested by the committee are inclusive of the cost of personal protection equipment (PPE) kits. Officials in the home ministry told CNN-News18 that the final order will be issued by the Delhi government, which is likely to accept the recommendation. "Some elbow room can be given to the hospital to decide within the recommended band. For example, a NABH-accredited hospital can charge the higher price in the band," an official said. If the Delhi government accepts the recommendations, the new pricing will be implemented for 60% of beds meant for Covid-19 patients in private hospitals. Home minister Amit Shah had announced on Sunday after meeting Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and L-G Anil Baijal that private hospitals will have to reserve 60% of Covid-19 beds for subsidised treatment. "To provide relief to the common man in Delhi, HM @AmitShah constituted a committee under Member of @NITIAayog to fix rates charged by Pvt hospitals in Delhi for isolation beds, ICUs without ventilator support & ICUs with ventilator support (sic)," MHA spokesperson tweeted on Friday. Committee has recommended Rs 8000-10000, 13000-15000 & 15000-18000 including PPE costs for isolation bed, ICUs without & with ventilator respectively to all hospitals as compared to the current charges of Rs 24000-25000, 34000-43000 & 44000-54000 (excluding PPE cost)@HMOIndia Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) June 19, 2020 The spokesperson added that after Shahs intervention, sample testing has been doubled in Delhi. A total of 27,263 testing samples have been collected between June 15 and 17 June, against the earlier daily collection which varied between 4,000 and 4,500. 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 PLA must be evacuated from high ground in Galwan valley: Pawar India pti-PTI Mumbai, June 19: Diplomatic channels should be used to defuse the tension in eastern Ladakh but the Chinese troops must be "evacuated" from the high ground in the Galwan valley, NCP chief Sharad Pawar told Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. The former defence minister, in a series of tweets, said he underlined the threat to Dubruk-DBO road due to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) occupying adjoining hills during the all-party meeting convened by Modi on the stand- off with China. It would be advisable to "strategize using diplomatic channels to defuse the tension and make China see reason", he said. Sonu Nigam calls out mafias in the music industry after Sushant Singh's demise| Oneindia News Pawar, who joined the meeting from Mumbai through video conference, warned that the Chinese army is occupying the high ground in the Galwan valley with a "specific objective of dominating the Dubruk-DBO roadon the Indian side". Chinese troops can at any time decide to enforce closure of this road and India will have to pay a heavy military cost if that happened, the NCP chief said in the meeting. He told the PM that "compulsory measures" should be taken to "evacuate the PLA from Galwan valley". In the last three decades, China has quietly strengthened its position along the 4,000 km Line of Actual Control, and focused on enlarging and strengthening its presence in the eastern Ladakh sector, Pawar said. CM Uddhav Thackeray meets Sharad Pawar, Sena says Maharashtra govt strong The road connecting Dubruk to DBO is entirely on the Indian side of the LAC, he said, adding that it is crucial for India as DBO is an advanced landing ground and provides an airfield for the Air Forceto quickly respond to any emergency, he said. "During my tenure as defence minister, I had visited China and signed the peace and tranquility agreement in 1993 which was the first peace effort after the 1962 war. "Both countries have respected the terms of understanding, barring some minor incidents as compared to this incident," he said. DBO is also important as it further links with the Karakorum passand on the left Siachen glacier, he said. Click here to read the full article. EXCLUSIVE: We have learned that Will Dunn has been tapped by Warner Bros to adapt Ray Bradburys 1972 fantasy novel The Halloween Tree. Los Angeles- and London-based management and production company 42 are producing the feature film adaptation with Charlie Morrison overseeing the project. More from Deadline Dunn was a member of 20th Century Foxs Feature Writer Program. His spec feature The Fisherman was featured on the Black List, and he has worked on features for Disney, Sony, eOne and Warner Bros. The Halloween Tree follows Tom and his schoolmates who begin to investigate the strange happenings in their small town on Halloween night. Their friend Pip is abducted by a powerful demon from the Land of the Dead. With the help of an unlikely ally, a mysterious figure named Moundshroud, Tom and his pals must journey into the Land of the Dead to save their friend. In the book, the boys with Moundshroud pursue their friend across time and space traveling to ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, and to places such as the Notre Dame Cathedral in medieval Paris, and the Day of the Dead in Mexico. Along the way, they learn the origins of the holiday that they celebrate, and the role that the fear of death, ghosts, and the haunts has played in shaping civilization. The Halloween Tree itself, with its many branches laden with jack-o-lanterns, serves as a metaphor for the historical confluence of these traditions. Bradbury wrote and narrated Hanna-Barberas 1993 feature-length animated version of the novel for television, for which he won the 1994 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in an Animated Program. The Bradbury estate is repped by UTA. Dunn is represented by Think Tank Management and McKuin, Frankel and Whitehead. Story continues Management and production company 42 recently made the Kristin Scott Thomas movie Military Wives, which Bleecker Street released stateside and Lionsgate in the UK. 42 also had the Benedict Cumberbatch-Rachel Brosnahan cold war thriller The Courier (aka Ironbark) make its world premiere at Sundance in January; a release in the U.S. and UK is scheduled for August. Its TV projects include the Emmy-winning BBC and Netflix animated miniseries Watership Down; Traitors, a six-part spy thriller for Channel 4 and Netflix; and Wild Bill, a six-part drama starring Rob Lowe for ITV. On the production side, 42 has a multiyear first-look development, financing and production deal for feature films at Netflix. As part of this deal, the company is currently in production on Adam Randalls Night Teeth and in post-production on Outside the Wire starring Anthony Mackie. 42 also recently announced it will be producing The Silent Twins to star Letitia Wright. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Indoor dining could start as early as Monday in Massachusetts as the number of coronavirus cases continue to decline, Gov. Charlie Baker said Friday afternoon. Outdoor dining was given the go-ahead to reopen June 8 at the start of Phase 2, while indoor dining was expected to resume in the latter half of the second phase. Each phase lasts at least three weeks, depending on what the COVID-19 data shows. The continued decline in COVID-19 cases means the state will move onto the second half of Phase 2, Baker said. That also means allowing close-contact personal services with restrictions, retail dressing rooms by appointment and office capacity up to 50%. The progress is encouraging and proves that were moving in the right direction, the Republican governor said Friday. The governor says he wants to get two weeks data on the impact of indoor dining. Restaurants were allowed to reopen for outdoor dining provided that they met the safety requirements outlined by the reopening advisory board. Among other rules, patrons and waiters have to wear masks and stay at least 6 feet apart to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Massachusetts recorded 36 new coronavirus deaths and 271 new cases on Thursday. Since the pandemic began, 7,770 people have died and 106,422 people have tested positive statewide. The reopened indoor dining scene will look different than it did before the coronavirus pandemic. Spaced out tables, plexiglass barriers between tables and closed bar counters may become the norm, at least for now. Restaurants who resume indoor dining will not be allowed to serve parties larger than six people, and social distancing requirements apply. The state encourages restaurants to consider not only spacing out tables but separating them using plexiglass or some other non-porous barrier that is at least 6 feet high. If a restaurant has a COVID-19 case, it will have to close temporarily. Economic Development and Housing Security Mike Kennealy, who joined Baker and other state officials Friday, said the reopening process involved input from business, labor and community groups. The fact is the virus is still here. As we previously said, the data not dates will determine next steps, he said. Some business groups continue to put pressure on Baker to reopen sooner. The conservative Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance on Tuesday urged the Baker administration to join New Hampshire and Connecticut in allowing their indoor dining services to resume. Once again, Governor Bakers orders are not keeping pace with our neighbors. Countless Massachusetts businesses are struggling with the slow phased re-opening. Our states restaurants are being phased out while they watch every other state in New England open up but not ours, said Paul Craney, Mass Fiscal spokesman. Baker has repeatedly said he wouldnt speed up the time table, instead relying on the COVID-19 data and his public health advisors. As everybody knows, continued progress in reopening depends on our ability to keep pushing back against COVID-19, Baker said during a news conference last week at the Greater Boston Food Bank. Im glad to see the public health data continue to move in the right direction, a clear indication that we continue to make progress in this fight against the virus. Related Content: Australians could be forking out double the usual amount for their power bills after months of working from home and staying indoors due to coronavirus. Data compiled by Australia's largest solar and battery installer Natural Solar's live monitoring systems found personal energy consumption has skyrocketed since the end of February. The 'unprecedented usage' over the months of March, April and May were a result of lockdown orders to stem the spread of COVID-19. White collar workers were encouraged to work from home if possible, while students were told to stay home and social outings were switched for Zoom catch-ups. Australians could be forking out double the usual amount for their power bills after months of working from home and staying indoors due to coronavirus. Pictured: Photo of an online energy bill In March 2020, the average household chewed through 1,052kWh - up from just 513kWh in the same month of 2019. In April it spiked even more - up to 1,094kWh of power and 36.4Wh of electricity each day. Natural Solar CEO and Founder Chris Williams said people would increasingly turn to solar energy to combat the rising prices. 'Despite electricity consumption doubling, we expect households with solar and battery to be highly insulated from increased consumption pricing,' he said. 'Households will simply use power produced by their solar panels, with excess power to be stored within their home battery for usage of an evening.' His company anticipates the average quarterly bill will jump from $406.75 to at least $800 during the COVID-19 period. White collar workers were encouraged to work from home if possible, while students were told to stay home and social outings were switched for Zoom catch-ups. Pictured: Two young girls from Brisbane learning from home when only the children of essential workers were told to attend classes 'Australian homes that have had historically high power usage can expect their power bills to hit their hip pockets hard, coming in up to $1,800 per quarter,' he said. While lockdown in Australia has significantly eased since the coronavirus pandemic swept the nation, office workers have still been told to work from home if it is possible to do so. Staggered returns to school and flexible working arrangements mean it is likely electricity rates won't return to a pre-COVID normal for some time, Mr Williams predicts. In turn, he said Australians are increasingly turning to the benefits of smart homes. 'COVID-19 has created change in how people are seeing home battery storage solutions; they've gone from a luxury to a necessity,' he said. 'The knowledge of increased electricity bills for the foreseeable future means savvy Aussies are acting now to start saving immediately.' Tim Spencer, the General Manager of property developer Mulpha, said investors are looking at 'any opportunity to bring down the cost of their power bill, particularly as usage is rising and the future is uncertain'. She's taken to speaking out more and more about political and social issues she cares about. And on Thursday, Taylor Swift once again took to her Instagram, this time to voice support for making Juneteenth a national holiday. The pop superstar, 30, shared a video explaining the significance of June 19 in the history of the emancipation of slaves and called for it to be celebrated as a national holiday. Significant date: Swift announced she is giving all her employees Friday off 'in honor of Freedom Day' and will continue to make June 19 a holiday for those who work for her in the future Swift announced that she is giving all of her employees Friday off 'in honor of Freedom Day' and will continue to make June 19 a holiday for those who work for her in the future. The hitmaker pledged 'to continue to educate myself on the history that brought us to this present moment.' She explained: 'For my family, everything that has transpired recently gives us an opportunity to reflect, listen, and reprogram any part of our lives that hasnt been loudly and ferociously anti-racist, and to never let privilege lie dormant when it could be used to stand up for whats right.' Juneteenth commemorates June 19 1865 which officially marked the end of America's Civil War when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with his soldiers and declared all slaves were free. Since 1980, the day has been a public holiday in Texas and in the light of the Black Lives Matter movement, advocates are calling for it to become a national holiday. Speaking out: The hitmaker pledged 'to continue to educate myself on the history that brought us to this present moment' and 'to never let privilege lie dormant when it could be used to stand up for whats right' Platform: The pop superstar, 30, has taken to speaking out more about political and social issues she cares about. Earlier this week, she welcomed the Supreme Court's ruling that civil rights law protects gay, lesbian and transgender people from discrimination in the workplace Earlier this week, Swift had added her voice to the chorus of celebrities joyfully welcoming the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that civil rights law protects gay, lesbian and transgender people from discrimination in employment. The Lover and Bad Blood star tweeted: 'YES!! Thank you to the Supreme Court Justices who voted in favor and all the advocates who have fought so hard for this! We still have a long way to go to reach equality, but this is a beautiful step forward.' And earlier this month, the pop star asked her Twitter followers to vote for local and state leaders who will address systematic racism. 'Racial injustice has been ingrained deeply into local and state governments, and changes MUST be made there,' she tweeted on June 9. 'In order for policies to change, we need to elect people who will fight against police brutality and racism of any kind. #BlackLivesMatter,' she wrote. Swift also used her social media platform promote mail-in voting, which would allow people to submit a ballot without having to wait in line during the pandemic. 'We need to fight for mail-in voting for the 2020 election. No one should have to choose between their health and having their voice heard,' she wrote, along with a link to voting resources. Northern Ireland's top doctor warned of the risks caused by "ill-informed commentary" in a letter that raised concerns about opinion expressed by a Queen's University, Belfast academic. The Department of Health on Friday night released correspondence sent by Dr Michael McBride, the Chief Medical Officer, to the university. In the letter, Dr McBride expressed "utmost concern" at comments made by one of its experts around the issue of personal protective equipment (PPE). Dr McBride asked Queen's to "urgently" address the matter, saying the commentary "appears to be in contravention of guidance" issued by senior health officials. The development came amid a row over academical independence. It is understood a number of concerns have been raised by other officials about commentary from academics around government policy in recent weeks. In some cases, the academics' institutions were contacted about what had been said. Earlier this week, Dr Connor Bamford, a virologist at Queen's University, voiced concern in a social media post. He tweeted: "I understand that public health is a sensitive matter at the minute, yet politely requesting that virologists do not engage with the media on such issues at this critical time and only talk about 'the virus' does not bode well for the future of this pandemic." Dr McBride's letter is understood to relate to a radio interview involving another member of Queen's University in April. Following the interview, Dr McBride sent a letter by email, stating: "It is with regret that I must write to you on a matter of utmost concern and urgency which has been brought to my attention through the Health and Social Care Board. Colleagues in general practice have contacted the HSCB following publicly made comments by [name redacted] regarding PPE, which appears to be in contravention of the guidance issued by myself and the Chief Nursing Officer." The letter said the interviewee's "title, affiliation and platform afforded by the media" could lead to "significant weight" being placed on his comments by the public. It adds: "Not only does this cause confusion, but may put patients and staff at risk if there is a failure to follow scientifically based guidance. "The added challenge to myself and colleagues from ill-informed commentary and communication risks detracting from our key focus of responding to the pandemic in NI." In response to wider concerns about academic freedom, the Department of Health has denied that it has tried to stop experts speaking to the media. A spokesperson said Dr McBride's letter was "clearly about a specific issue of concern", and can in no way be accurately represented as an attempt to stifle academic opinion. They said: "It is not unreasonable to raise concerns about public commentary. To depict this as some kind of assault on academic independence is frankly nonsensical. By the same token, writing to a newspaper about a specific inaccurate or unfair article is not an assault on the freedom of the press. "Any suggestion that the letter has caused any reluctance among academics to engage with the media is clearly untrue. Academics from QUB have - quite properly - engaged with the media on numerous occasions since April. The Chief Medical Officer and the department are completely supportive of the role played by academics, who have provided informative and instructive comment via the media during the course of the present pandemic." The First and Deputy First Ministers told the BBC this week they supported the right of academics to give their opinions. Michelle O'Neill said: "No one should be suppressed from expressing their view. All academics should have the freedom to be able speak up and to articulate their view and give it to the public. The public are quite able to make up their own minds based on what they hear and what they learn themselves." Arlene Foster was in agreement, commenting: "Everyone will make up their own mind in relation to who they want to believe or follow in these ways." Madeleine McCann's parents have failed to receive crucial letters about their daughter's disappearance after a blunder by British police. Kate and Gerry McCann rubbished claims from German authorities earlier this week that they were sent a note informing them Madeleine is dead. But prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters has insisted two letters were indeed sent, albeit indirectly, to Scotland Yard, where police chiefs then failed to pass them on, according to The Sun. Madeleine McCann has been missing since she disappeared on holiday in Portugal in 2007 Kate and Gerry McCann, pictured, failed to receive crucial letters about their daughter's disappearance after a blunder by British police But prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters, pictured, has insisted two letters were indeed sent, albeit indirectly, to Scotland Yard, where police chiefs then failed to pass them on 13 years of heartache: Timeline of the key events in the hunt for missing Madeleine McCann May 3, 2007 - Madeleine McCann disappears from her apartment in Praia da Luz. 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. May 30 - The McCanns meet the Pope in Rome during a series of trips around Europe and beyond to highlight the search. August - Sniffer dogs reportedly find blood traces in the McCanns' apartment. September 7 - The McCanns are made arguidos official suspects. They were totally exonerated the following year. 2008 - Detective Goncalo Amaral falsely claims the McCanns hid Madeleine's body. 2011 - The Met Police launches Operation Grange and identify almost 200 new lines of inquiry. 2013 - The Met identifies 38 people 'of interest'. Portuguese detectives reopen the case. 2017 - A witness comes forward with the name of the German suspect, Christian Brueckner. The McCanns reveal they still buy gifts for Madeleine. June 3, 2020 - Police sensationally reveal that they are investigating a German sex offender. Brueckner's name emerges the following day. June 8 - German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters says he has evidence Madeleine is dead but won't say what it is. June 15 - Mr Wolters says he has written to the McCanns telling them he has evidence their daughter is dead. Once again, he gives no details. Advertisement Mr Wolters said the first letter, dispatched at the end of May, confirmed that German police were treating the case as a murder, while the second was sent last week to update them on the investigation. It is the latest revelation in what appears to be a disjointed operation involving forces in Germany, Britain and Portugal, where Madeleine vanished in 2007. Investigators with the Portuguese Judiciaria said last week they were 'incensed' at the way they are being made to look like they are dragging their feet over the renewed appeal for help, as Mr Wolters described working with police in the country of the youngster's disappearance as 'cumbersome'. Kate and Gerry have never given up hope of finding their daughter and new life was breathed into the 13-year-old case this month when German sex attacker Christian Brueckner was named by prosecutors as prime murder suspect. Scotland Yard and German police have received more than 1,000 calls since Brueckner, 43, was identified. They believe the German drifter burgled holiday homes in the Algarve and on some occasions sexually assaulted women and girls inside the properties. Public appeals for information have featured Brueckner's former farmhouse and another property in which he stayed, as well as a VW campervan and Jaguar car he owned. Detectives are also trying to find the person who phoned him an hour before Madeleine disappeared, shortly before her fourth birthday. Police say that Brueckner received the call near the McCanns' holiday apartment in the Ocean Club complex. Mr Wolters said this week: 'We have concrete evidence that our suspect has killed Madeleine and this means she is dead. 'The parents have been told the German police have evidence that she is dead but we have not told them the details.' However, Kate and Gerry hit back with a furious rebuke, in which they said: 'The widely reported news that we have a received a letter from the German authorities that states there is evidence or proof that Madeleine is dead is FALSE.' 'Like many unsubstantiated stories in the media, this has caused unnecessary anxiety to friends and family and once again disrupted our lives. Christian Brueckner is the latest man to be linked with Madeline's disappearance after a long history of offences 'As we have stated many times before, we will not give a running commentary on the investigation - that is the job of the law enforcement agencies and we will support them in any way requested.' Now, though, it has emerged the mix-up came at Metropolitan Police headquarters. A spokesman told The Sun: 'We do not comment on or confirm any private correspondence.' Mr Wolters added that he didn't want to add more details about German authorities' contact with the family, saying it was 'not necessary at the moment'. President Uhuru Kenyatta has reiterated that he does not intend to extend his term through a referendum. Speaking on Thursday, the Head of State said the Constitution is very clear with regards to presidential term limits. It is unfortunate that some people have interpreted the scenario of a referendum to change the Constitution, to mean that certain individuals want to change that Constitution to extend the presidential term, said Uhuru while responding to questions from Katrina Manson during a virtual meeting with the Atlantic Council. I can tell you, if there is one thing that Kenyans are very, very clear about is the two-term limit. Kenyans are very clear about it and they have been clear about it since 1992 when we introduced multipartism. And theres been no single president that has broken that and I dont intend to be the first. Uhuru also dismissed speculation that he will be seeking to become Kenyas second Prime Minister through a referendum. The President explained that the BBI seeks to ensure that future generations do not face the same political tensions the current generation has faced. In our time of multiparty politics, we have had tremendous tensions every election cycle. My partnership with Hon. Raila was to see if we can get to understand the issues that drive these tensions through the consultative BBI forums, he said. I have no clue whether there is going to be a premiership in the Constitution. You see, these are the questions that people are now posing. I gave you a very clear synopsis of the areas where people are interested in. They are interested in the value of their vote, they are interested in the distribution of resources, and they are interested in inclusivity in government, he said. All I can say is that the office that exists today, is the Office of the President. The President of the Republic of Kenya. Our constitution is very clear: that a President serves for two terms. I am now in my second term. No president has broken that; I dont intend to do it, he said. Argentina's strict coronavirus lockdown has forced hundreds of party venues into bankruptcy since it came into force in March, but many owners are successfully remodelling their businesses to embrace the virtual realities of the pandemic's new normal. Lionel Mariani, owner of four venues in Buenos Aires that cater for birthday parties and weddings, faced closure once the social distancing measures hit. But he converted his biggest venue into a fruit and vegetable warehouse, and his 20 employees -- formerly entertainers or sound engineers -- now deliver home orders. "I don't think you can go back to partying as before," says Mariani. Employees of children's party venue 'Nicansio Eventos' prepare fruit and vegetable orders for delivery after the venue was forced to convert itself into a greengrocers / AFP "We will be one of the last events businesses standing, if we return. And what would a birthday be like? We would have to wrap every kid in plastic. As long as there's no vaccine, there'll be no parties." In his children's party event room in the Caballito neighborhood, vegetable boxes are now stacked next to a mothballed mechanical bull and inflatable castle. - 'Bankruptcies' - People walk by a closed children's party venue in Buenos Aires on June 9, 2020, during the government-imposed lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus / AFP Argentina's lockdown is stricter in Buenos Aires and its sprawling suburbs than anywhere else, as the metropolitan area accounts for 85 percent of the country's more than 25,000 cases. President Alberto Fernandez has allowed some businesses to reopen, but social gatherings and shows are still prohibited. Despite millions of dollars doled out in state aid, the pandemic has pushed to the limit an economy that has been in recession since 2018. Almost a million people work in the events sector in Argentina, according to an owners' association -- even more when related businesses like florists and entertainers are taken into account. "There are bankruptcies," lamented Silvia Amarante, president of owners' association. "While we are waiting for the pandemic to pass, many businesses will fall away, we won't be back until 2021," she said. - Virtual magic - Some event entertainers are embracing the new and taking their birthday party performances online. The ban on gatherings in Argentina due to the quarantine has bankrupted hundreds of party venues, but entertainers like magician Gustavo Pinto have found new outlets online / AFP From his house in Buenos Aires, Gustavo Pintos welcomes guests on his computer, greets the party's birthday boy and begins his routine as "Kaphu the Magician." This evening his audience is 400 kilometers (250 miles) away, in the port city of Mar del Plata. "It's not the same as having the audience present," says the magician, who has been plying his trade for 25 years. "At first I was resisting, but now I'm doing three shows a day, a horizon of work has opened up that was unimaginable before!" Argentine artist Any Gonzalez performs with her puppet 'Lupe' at her home in Buenos Aires for an online children's birthday party / AFP Actress and children's entertainer Any Gonzalez has taken the same view and started a new niche business. "Now I have no limits," said Gonzalez, who was recently hired to do story shows with her puppet Lupe by people in other countries. "I'm working a lot more than before," she says. "Families want to banish the drama and celebrate anyway." Her services are tailored to different budgets, ranging from a brief virtual greeting to a story with puppets or a full hour of animation. Gabriel Valino has been performing as Pirucho the Clown for 25 years. He misses the contact with laughing audiences but now performs 30 virtual shows per month. Argentine clown Gabriel Valino performs for an online children's birthday party / AFP "I know that celebrations in salons will not return, because even without the coronavirus, this way is cheaper for families who are going to be left without a peso," he says. - 'Feather boas for adults' - Argentine dancer Natasha Szuka pole dances at her home in Buenos Aires after performing for an online party / AFP Online "adult" birthday parties are also booming, according to Natasha Szuka, who provides "pole-dancing" classes for women and sessions called "strip-dance-chair". In a room in her home transformed by disco lighting and mirrors, Szuka contorts herself around a silver pole and encourages her clientele to mimic her movements. "We send the client a box with a feather boa and a hat for the performance," she said as she prepared for a virtual show. "This alternative is here to stay, now anyone is just a click away from celebrating." Fresh wave of German funds pending arrival Since 2011, Germany and Vietnam are nurturing their strategic partnership involving co-operation projects at all levels and in numerous policy fields, especially in business relations. With a trading volume of almost 14 billion ($15.3 billion) in 2019, Germany is Vietnams most important trading partner in the EU. Over 380 German companies are represented in Vietnam, and their total investment amounts to more than $2.3 billion, creating around 40,000 quality jobs in Vietnam. Most of the German-invested projects are located in the business hub in southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai and Binh Duong provinces. Both countries have excellent economic relations and Germany enjoys an outstanding reputation in Vietnam, which is unique in this form in the ASEAN region. There are also many historical connections. With around 120,000 members, the Vietnamese community in Germany is relatively large. We are all aware that this year is particularly challenging the global economy, as the pandemic continued to wreak havoc across the world. Our AHK World Business Outlook survey showed that German companies in Vietnam are understandably concerned about the effects of coronavirus on their business here but still remain optimistic and have high expectations. A stunning 82 per cent reported adjusting revenue targets downward due to the coronavirus but 59 per cent expect that their companys operations and financial position will be stable at the end of the year. In the mid-term, 20 per cent think that Vietnams economy could even be better despite this epidemic. Nearly three quarters of German companies in Vietnam intend to keep investing in the country, and 27 per cent assume an increase in employment. As a result of the Vietnamese governments commitment to creating the most favourable conditions for foreign investors and businesses and reaping the benefits of the EVFTA, economic growth will be boosted and more investors will be attracted to Vietnam. Moreover, apart from Singapore, Vietnam is the only country in the ASEAN that is in all relevant free trade initiatives in the region on top of which it boasts the lowest market entry barriers for foreign firms. Once the EVFTA comes into force, European and German companies can enjoy sound protection of investments with trade facilitation and increased investments in Vietnam. The elimination of bilateral tariffs and export taxes, together with the reduction of non-tariff barriers affecting the cross-border exchanges of goods and services, are expected to boost bilateral trade considerably and create new opportunities to access markets across a range of sectors. This is particularly true in the automotive, green energy, electronics, IT, food processing, and healthcare industry. For the long-term, we hope that German and European investors will increase investments in Vietnam based on the improved conditions here. We strongly believe that there will be many funds flowing into high-value projects. German investors would bring their renown technology in management and training to this country, allowing for more value-added production and less waste of material and resources. In addition, we see an increased interest and demand of German investors that look for suitable locations in Vietnam, following the China+1 strategy. This trend had started before the trade war as German investors in China were looking to diversify their operations by adding other locations in Asia. Their concrete reasons for these diversifications are the reliability of Vietnamese partners as well as the rising wage costs in China. And when it comes to alternatives in the ASEAN region, German investors choose Vietnam first. * Marko Walde - Chief representative Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Vietnam Free Will Baptists founded Hillsdale College in 1844 under the name Michigan Central College. Despite the founders' religious beliefs, the college has always been nonsectarian, although its teachings are informed by Christianity's moral teachings. The college assumed its present name in 1853 when it relocated to Hillsdale, Michigan. The Free Will Baptists who founded Hillsdale were abolitionists and true feminists, so the college immediately began admitting blacks and women. E.B. Fairfield, who was Hillsdale's president from 1848 to 1869, was one of the founders of the Republican Party, a political party dedicated to abolishing slavery in the United States. Because of Hillsdale's abolitionist reputation, Frederick Douglass spoke there, as did Edward Everett, who shared the stage with Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg. When the Civil War began, Hillsdale sent a higher percentage of students to the Union Army than any other college in Michigan. Sixty students gave their lives in the fight against slavery. In the 20th century, as myriad colleges gave up their intellectual independence chasing after state and federal money (and, it seems, Chinese money), Hillsdale refused to do so. As it has since its founding, it depends entirely on private donations and tuition to meet its needs. Hillsdale is also one of the few colleges in America that continues the classic inquiring tradition of a liberal education, rather than falling in line with academic leftism and mindless obedience. In sum, Hillsdale is a bastion of intellectual liberty, founded on a moral and historic bedrock dedicated to the equal rights of all people, regardless of race or sex. So people began insisting that it issue a statement supporting Black Lives Matter. It wasn't enough that unlike every elite college in America Hillsdale has spent the last 176 years dedicating itself to the principle that, in a world predicated on the Constitution and the Judeo-Christian Bible, all lives matter. In our new McCarthyite world, Hillsdale was told that "silence is violence." So Hillsdale spoke. The official Hillsdale statement does not lend itself to an easy summary. You have to read it all, especially the last paragraph. When you're done, you'll find yourself wishing every academic institution and corporation in America would have the courage to issue a similar statement in the face of the Democrats' violent demands for institutional conformity: WATERLOO A sex offender has been arrested for committing a lewd act in front of the Womens Center for Change. Waterloo police arrested John Linden Boldon, 55, on Wednesday for one count of indecent exposure. Bond was set at $5,000. Police allege Bolden went to the center, a residential correctional facility at 1515 Lafayette St., around 11:44 p.m. on Sunday and spoke with staff. He then left and began masturbating on the sidewalk outside. He left before police arrived but then returned to the center around 2 a.m. on Wednesday. Boldon is currently on the sex offender for an indecent exposure conviction in 2000. Photos: Missing children in Iowa Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 3 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. Coronavirus deaths in Brazil are approaching 50,000 and country has the second-largest number of cases behind the US. Brazils health ministry said the country surpassed one million confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday, with total deaths fast approaching 50,000 as it struggles with a tense political climate and worsening economic outlook. Brazil confirmed its first case of the virus on February 26. It has spread relentlessly across the continent-sized country, eroding support for right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro and raising fears of economic collapse after years of anaemic growth. Brazil has recorded 1,032,913 confirmed cases, second only to the United States, with 1,206 new deaths reported on Friday to take the total official fatalities to 48,954, the ministry said. The true extent of the outbreak in Brazil far exceeds official figures released after 6pm (21:00 GMT) on most evenings, according to many experts, who cite a lack of widespread testing in the country as a factor adding to many uncertainties about the disease. Higher numbers That number of one million is much less than the real number of people who have been infected, because there is under-reporting of a magnitude of five to 10 times, said Alexandre Naime Barbosa, a medical professor at the Sao Paulo State University. The true number is probably at least three million and could even be as high as 10 million people. Brazils Health Ministry had reported 978,142 total confirmed cases and 47,748 related deaths on Thursday evening. The count has risen by a daily average of 25,000 new cases and 1,000 fatalities for the past week. COVID-19 arrived in Brazil via wealthy tourists returning from Europe to major southeastern cities such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, but has spread deep into the interior, reaching 82 percent of Brazils municipalities, health ministry data shows. Women carry bags after shopping as the city eases restrictions and allows commerce to open amid the coronavirus outbreak in Sao Paulo, Brazil [Amanda Perobelli/Reuters] Bolsonaro, sometimes called the Tropical Trump, has been has been widely criticised for his handling of the crisis. The country still has had no permanent health minister after losing two since April, following clashes with the president. Bolsonaro has shunned social distancing, calling it a job-killing measure that was more dangerous than the virus itself. He has promoted two anti-malarial drugs as remedies, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, despite little evidence they work. The former army captains handling of the crisis has prompted Brazilians to bang pots and pans regularly outside their apartments in protest, but it has not stopped him from wading into costly political battles with his own cabinet and the Supreme Court, stoking fears of instability. Pressure from Bolsonaro and public fatigue after months of ineffective state and local isolation orders have led governors and mayors to begin lifting restrictions on commerce and other economic activity. Public health experts have warned that loosening restrictions too soon threatens to accelerate contagion and drive up fatalities. A worsening outbreak could weigh on already-grim economic forecasts. The government has said the economy will contract by 4.7 percent this year, while economists surveyed by the central bank think it will fall more than 6 percent. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Galih Gumelar (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 19:33 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066025b0a 1 National graft,politics,KPK,Supreme-Court,Sofyan-Basir,acquittal,corruption Free The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has once again hit a wall in its fight against corruption after the Supreme Court upheld the acquittal of the former head of state-run electricity company PLN, Sofyan Basir, the latest graft suspect to evade conviction. His acquittal was formalized in a court ruling dated June 16, in which the Supreme Court rejected the KPKs appeal against a not-guilty verdict handed down by the Jakarta Corruption Court last year. Previously, KPK investigators detained the former PLN president director for allegedly receiving bribes in relation to a coal-fired power plant (PLTU) project in Riau province. While the KPK claimed that the supporting evidence gathered was sufficient to prove Sofyans involvement, the court insisted that the Jakarta Corruption Courts prior decision was the correct one. Activists have lambasted the court ruling, saying it poses a new threat to anticorruption efforts, given that it was not the first time that a major graft suspect had been cleared of wrongdoing by the courts. Last year, the Supreme Court acquitted former Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) chairman Syafruddin Arsyad Temenggung, the man at the center of the Bank Indonesia Liquidity Support (BLBI) scandal, of corruption charges. At the time, the court granted an appeal filed by Syafruddin to overturn a lower courts decision to sentence him to 15 years in prison with a fine of Rp 1 billion (US$70,736) for his role in the multimillion-dollar graft case. The courts action [of granting acquittals to graft suspects] has rendered antigraft efforts by law enforcement agencies futile, said Kurnia Ramadhana of Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW). Supreme Court spokesperson Andi Samsan Nganro declined to comment, saying only that the courts decision to reject the KPKs appeal against Sofyans acquittal was based on evidence presented in the trial. Everything was based on the facts, Andi said. Kurnia claimed on Thursday that the decision to clear Sofyan of the charges only served to exacerbate the lack of commitment to the fight against corruption, confirming an ICW report finding. The April report on court ruling trends recorded that Indonesias lower and higher courts handed down not-guilty verdicts on 41 graft suspects in 2019, almost double the 2018 figure. The antigraft watchdog also found that the courts had let off 13 defendants, meaning that they were guilty of wrongdoing but the act that they were accused of could not be considered criminal. Expect fewer successful corruption cases in the future if the court keeps granting acquittals, because graft offenders will find it easy to dodge charges laid against them, he told The Jakarta Post. Indonesia had been gradually improving its standing in the fight against corruption, but the tables have turned since efforts to defang the antigraft body began last year. Indonesia scored 40 out of 100 in Transparency Internationals 2019 Corruption Perception Index, its highest since 2012, but a score below 50 is still an indicator of serious corruption. Zaenur Rohman, a researcher at Gadjah Mada Universitys Center for Anticorruption Studies (Pukat UGM), said that while the public must respect every decision the courts make, the growing number of acquittals had begun to form a trend, leading him to question the integrity of court judges. For Transparency International Indonesia researcher Wawan Suyatmiko, the increase in acquittals has already crushed public faith in the court system as a partner of the KPK in the war against corruption. Wawan said there was a need for more court justices like Artidjo Alkostar to restore the public's faith in the courts. Artidjo, now a member of the KPKs oversight body, was a former Supreme Court justice known for his no-nonsense demeanor and clean track record. He made graft convicts think twice before lodging an appeal, as he would often give them harsher sentences than their initial verdicts. Previously, activists have suggested that the court arrange a set of guidelines for judges to follow when handling corruption cases, so as to restore trust in the court system. KPK spokesman Ali Fikri said the antigraft body would respect all rulings issued by a court, even though they appeared to undermine its anticorruption efforts. We always promptly review every court ruling, hoping that there will be leeway for us to legally challenge them. Thats how law enforcement works in the country, Ali said. Public health expert, Dr Joe Barry has warned that the reopening of pubs is a little bit premature. On the balance of risks, the easing of restrictions should be taken a little more gently with high-risk locations like pubs, he told Morning Ireland. Dr Barry, who is Clinical Professor in Public Health Medicine and Head of the Department of Public Health and Primary Care in Trinity College, Dublin said the issue was that a person could walk into a pub, have a few pints and walk out with Covid, but be asymptomatic. Its a little bit premature to let pubs reopen the way they want to do it. This has to be looked at much more carefully over the next three weeks, he added. A pub is a different environment from restaurants, one that was difficult to control, he said. A pub was the ideal place for the spread of the virus given the close proximity of customers. Adding alcohol to the situation meant that peoples judgement could go a little bit. The guidelines on the reopening of pubs from Failte Ireland were strange with a lot of woolly language. Dr Barry said he could understand publicans intensely lobbying to reopen their businesses, but publicans were not unique in their suffering. The situation was too serious for people to think they could just out to pubs again. After all the efforts that had been made, there was too much to lose, he warned. The Media Aide to Senator Abiola Ajimobi, former Oyo State Governor, Bolaji Tunji, has debunked reports that the former Oyo State governor is dead. Tunji described the report which was trending Thursday evening as fake news. The report had indicated Ajimobi died in Lagos on Thursday following underlying health conditions worsened by coronavirus infection. The former Oyo Governor who was appointed Acting National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole has been on sick bed since he was detected to have tested positive to coronavirus. Ajimobi was hospitalised on June 2, 2020 at the First Cardiologist and Cardiovascular Consultants Hospital, Lagos. His wife, Florence, was also hospitalized on similar ailment, but was later discharged from hospital earlier. The former Governor was said to have been confirmed positive earlier and was managing the situation at home before the illness worsened before he went to a hospital. He was said to have preferred private health facility to public facility as his condition worsened. Meanwhile, the Media Aide has appealed for prayers for the recovery of his principal. FP Trending Apple's next iPhone models iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max are expected to come with 120 Hz refresh rate screens. As per a list tweeted by founder and CEO of Display Supply chain Consultants (DSCC) Ross Young, along with the upcoming iPhone models, Asus ROG Phone 2, Huawei Mate 40, Vivo X50 Pro Plus, Xiaomi Poco X2 and all of the Samsung-branded flagship handsets will have 120 Hz screens. Here is our list of 120Hz phones for 2020. Are we missing any? pic.twitter.com/Kr0UotSCNC Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) June 15, 2020 According to a report by TechRadar, the Chinese news site Kuaibao mentioned information from supply chain channels suggests that the whole range of phones will be thinner than its predecessor iPhone 11 range. The iPhone 12 Pro Max will come in at 7.4mm (down from 8.1mm on the iPhone 11 Pro Max). The report mentions that the battery sizes of both iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max will not be more than 4.400 mAh. The iPhone 11 Pro has a 3,046 mAh battery and the iPhone 11 Pro Max is powered by a 3,969 mAh cell. GSMArena mentioned a report by Wedbush Securities' Dan Ives saying that the iPhone 12 will not have headphones in the retail package. This will in a way enhance the sale of AirPod and could lead to an additional 20 million AirPods units moved. Apple may delay the launch of the iPhone 12 series by at least two months. The smartphones under the upcoming iPhone series are now expected to arrive in the month of November instead of the traditional mid-September timeline. A Silent Fury: The El Bordo Mine Fire By Yuri Herrera; translated by Lisa Dillman And Other Stories. 120 pp. $13.95 --- At what human cost, prosperity? One hundred years have elapsed since 87 Mexican miners were locked into a burning mineshaft by their bosses at an American-owned company, a corporate massacre detailed by author Yuri Herrera in "A Silent Fury: The El Bordo Mine Fire." In the midst of a pandemic claiming the lives of front-line workers, vulnerable people and our elders, a grief punctuated only by national protests against racist cruelty, "A Silent Fury" underscores the need to defend workers against corporate greed, the devaluation of individual lives and the collusive erasure of community suffering by the media, government and corporations. "A Silent Fury," translated from Spanish by Lisa Dillman, is Herrera's fourth book but his first work of nonfiction. By bringing moral exactitude to a story long silenced for American profit, "A Silent Fury" joins that most vital of canons, the literatures of witness. In Pachuca, Mexico, in 1920, a subsidiary of the United States Smelting, Refining and Mining Company burned 80 workers alive. They died with their hands raised to a sky they could not see. Kneeling. Searching for a way out through unyielding walls. Ever focused on production, the corporation had sealed the mineshafts to contain the fire and its financial damage. With "A Silent Fury," Herrera redresses what scholar and historian Saidiya Hartman has defined as the violence of the archive, which suppresses marginalized voices to produce an official record that contains a deafening silence, in this case constructed by a U.S. corporation, the Mexican judiciary and too many visiting journalists. A few hours after the fire erupted, company administrators argued that no one could have survived the toxic gas levels within the mine, so a local judge, taking that false claim at face value, authorized the corporation to seal mineshafts that had been closed just "twenty minutes after the miners' rescue began," according to miner Delfino Rendon. The shafts were sealed without sounding an alarm or verifying the number of missing men. Instead, the logbooks were "rectified" to support the company's tally of 10 dead. Six days later, authorities entered the mine and found seven survivors, starving and afraid, among 80 charred and scattered bodies, which would be buried in a mass grave without the honor of funeral processions that might have rallied the town against this corporate atrocity. Instead, the relatives and loved ones of these dead indigenous miners were interrogated about their familial bonds, the women cross-examined for their morality, requiring male neighbors to sacrifice workdays to attest to their good names and real losses. "It did cross some people's minds that perhaps the Company was in some way responsible for the tragedy," Herrera writes. "But the journalists sent by El Universal and Excelsior made sure to discredit any doubts raised and point their fingers at the miners instead." Parroting the company line, journalists spread rumors that the miners themselves caused the fire; these "correspondents" praised the company for offering to compensate the bereaved. Reading against the grain of official documents, defining what is there by what is not, Herrera bears witness to a crime that preceded his birth by 50 years. The official report, generated by a government inspector who descended into the mines after the company had already cleaned and repaired much of the damage, found everything in good working order and "no crime to prosecute nor any person who might be held criminally responsible." Herrera shines in the details, whether his ekphrastic reading of the scant photographic records or his accounting of the instructions the inspector did not receive from the judge. "He did not instruct him to find out why there was so great a discrepancy in the numbers of dead miners given," Herrera notes. "He did not instruct him to try to find out how many other people could have been alive when the shafts were sealed." Repeating, without evidence, the theory that a worker caused the fire, the report does not contain "the slightest suggestion that someone could be held accountable for the deaths caused by the sealing of the shafts while miners were still alive inside." Case closed. With "this story of murder, plunder, and the determination to escape oblivion," Herrera resurrects a century of dead files to disclose that which is "palpable" in this mining community: "I am from Pachuca and I still don't know exactly what this unspeakable crime - and those before it, and those that followed - did to us, but there's something there." Something "more than resentment and conformity." Something like "A Silent Fury," its title a testament to the endurance of people "determined to remember" and with their memory resist racist brutality that protects corrupt governments and corporate property instead of human life. --- Young is the author of the novel "Subduction." A car crashed into an apartment complex and left one woman injured, according to first responders. Laredo Fire Department paramedics responded to the crash early Friday in the 2000 block of Quail Creek Drive. Paramedics did not find anybody inside the vehicle. However, first responders did find a woman in her late 50s inside an apartment with injuries. She was treated and taken to Doctors Hospital. She was later taken to a hospital in San Antonio in serious but stable condition. Police said the crash occurred at about 6 a.m. Responding officers encountered an abandoned car. The vehicle had hit a fence near a swimming pool area and a traffic control device prior to crashing into the bedroom where the woman in her 50s was, authorities said. Power to the building had to be cut. Tenants above the damaged apartment had to be evacuated, according to police. Moments later, officers canvassing the area encountered a woman by Mallard Loop and Quail Creek. She matched the description of the driver. Authorities later confirmed that she was the woman who crashed her car into the apartment. She was taken to the hospital because she, too, sustained injuries, according to police. An investigation is underway. Armenian News - NEWS.am presents a daily digest of Armenia related top news as of 19.06.2020: Armenia confirmed Friday 459 COVID-19 new cases, bringing the total number to 19,157. The total number of tests conducted so far is 91,943. Also, 10,462 people are currently being treated. According to the latest data, 8,266 people have recovered. In total, 319 patientsan increase by 10 in the past dayhave died. The COVID-19 death toll has exceeded 456 thousand globally, while the number of cases is over 8,5 million. According to worldometers.info/coronavirus/, over 4,5 million patients have already recovered. The US leads in terms of the total number of cases, leaving behind Brazil, Russia, India, and the UK. Armenia ranks 49th in this regard. However, the republic is 13th in the number of cases per million inhabitants. A joint meeting of the Security Councils of Armenia and Artsakh was held Friday in Yerevan. The meeting was chaired by Armenia's PM Nikol Pashinyan and Artsakh President Arayik Haroutyunyan. Heads of the Armenia and Artsakh parliaments, Ararat Mirzoyan and Artur Tovmasyan, respectively, were also in attendance. As PM Pashinyan noted, "the Karabakh peace process is not concert by order with one or two intermissions." "By not accepting my proposal, the President of Azerbaijan does not accept any possibility of compromise at all," he added. "With such approaches, we cannot expect real progress in the negotiation process, especially when they are accompanied by threats of war or direct or indirect territorial or historical demands against the Armenian people." The Council of Europe Venice Commissions advisory opinionbased on the petition by the Constitutional Court of Armeniaon the constitutionality of Article 300.1 of the Criminal Code of Armenia, was made public Thursday evening. A briefing by Kocharyan's attorneys Hovhannes Khudoyan and Aram Vardevanyan took place in Yerevan Friday, during which the lawyers answered questions about the decision of the Criminal Court of Appeal to release Kocharyan on bail and the aforesaid advisory opinion of the Venice Commission. According to Aram Vardevanyan, "the wording of Article 300.1 of the Criminal Code is incomprehensible to the Venice Commission." The court hearing over the petition to arrest opposition Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) leader, and business tycoon Gagik Tsarukyan ended on Friday, and the decision will be announced this Sunday. The National Security Service has charged Gagik Tsarukyan of vote buying, but Tsarukyan does not accept this accusation and says it as a fabricated case. As Tsarukyan noted on Thursday, "120 investigators have been involved in this case over the past two days." "There was nobody who could say I had anything to do with electoral bribes," he added. Published on 2020/06/18 | Source The movie "Pirates", which was released in summer 2014 and attracted 8.66 million viewers, will return with a new story, "The Pirates: Goblin Flag" (director Kim Jeong-hoon-II). Advertisement "The Pirates: Goblin Flag" is a comic action adventure film about the thrilling and exhilarating story of those who gathered at sea to take the last treasure of the Goryeo royal family, which disappeared without a trace since the founding of Joseon. "The Pirates: Goblin Flag", the second story of Korea's unique historical drama action adventure after "Pirates", which is evenly made up of the three major parts, including a story of fresh ideas, a group of charming characters and spectacular sights unfolding on the sea, will introduce a complete and powerful young cast. Kang Ha-neul, who has established himself as a popular actor in name and reality through the films "DongJu, The Portrait of A Poet", "Midnight Runners", "Forgotten" and the recent drama "When the Camellia Blooms" is expected to play the role of Woo Moo-chi the leader of a righteous army who unexpectedly fell on a pirate ship, giving off a more pleasant and energetic charm. Han Hyo-joo, who entered Hollywood with the U.S. drama "Treadstone" following her reputation in "Masquerade", "Innocent Witness" and "Beauty Inside" has been picked for the role of the legendary pirate Dan-joo Hae-rang, showing a new side like never seen before. Lee Kwang-soo plays the role of Mak-yi, a pirate who is good at individual play, providing laughter and fun with his deft acting, while Kwon Sang-woo plays the role of Bu Heung-soo, who competes against the pirates over hidden treasures, adding tension to the play. Chae Soo-bin plays the role of a daring girl who joins a group of pirates looking for treasures, and Sehun from the group EXO plays the role of Han-goong, who boasts excellent bow skills. In addition, Kim Sung-oh will play the role of Kang-seop, Woo Moo-chi's right-hand man and second-in-command of the righteous army, while Park Ji-hwan will play the role of Ah-gwi, a pirate who follows Hae-rang. "The Pirates: Goblin Flag" is written by Cheon Seong-il and directed by Kim Jeong-hoon-II. "The Pirates: Goblin Flag" begins filming in July. PIKEHALL, England First the phones fell silent, then the email inbox abruptly emptied of orders. At Hartington Creamery, one of just six companies that produce Britains famous blue Stilton cheese, things looked ominous from the moment the coronavirus lockdown began and pubs and restaurants closed. But it was when one customer called not to place an order but to return one for a refund that Robert Gosling, the majority shareholder of Hartington Creamery, knew he was in real trouble. We had to politely say, You cant really do that, Mr. Gosling said, sitting in a farm building in the scenic Derbyshire countryside. For many parts of the British economy, the coronavirus pandemic has been a brutal master, with the closure of nonessential stores and the tourism and hospitality industries, plunging the economy into free-fall. A quarantine facility in Hung Yen province receives Vietnamese citizens returning from overseas (Photo: VNA) This also marks the 64th straight day without community transmission of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in the country. Of the total, 202 are imported cases and put in quarantine upon their arrival. Meanwhile, 325 patients, or 95 percent of all cases, have recovered from COVID-19, including 49 of the 50 foreign patients. After leaving hospitals, they continued to be quarantined for an additional 14 days and undergo more testing before returning to the community. Only 17 patients are still under treatment at eight heath facilities nationwide, and most of them are in stable condition. Among them, four have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 at least twice. At present, 6,176 people who had close contact with confirmed patients or returned from overseas are kept in quarantine, including 89 in hospitals, 5,734 in other quarantine facilities, and 353 at homes. Job creation doesnt come as a surprise from an industry leader like Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN. The retail giant, which is one of the worlds fastest growing companies with fingers in almost every pie, recently announced plans of hiring new positions in South Africa this year. The company will add 3,000 permanent and seasonal jobs in South Africa to support customers in North America and Europe. The work-from-home roles will range from customer service associates to technical experts, among others. The objective of this move is to provide 24-hour support to customers. The latest move aligns with Amazons motto of expanding on an international basis. In addition, the new jobs are aimed at providing better services to customers, thereby accommodating rapid growth, and leveraging the areas diverse high-technology talent pool. In addition, Amazon is trying to help combat unemployment in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic. Amazon.com, Inc. Price and Consensus Amazon.com, Inc. Price and Consensus Amazon.com, Inc. price-consensus-chart | Amazon.com, Inc. Quote Growth Expansion Continues Amazon has been operating in the country since 2004. The company has been adding employees to South Africa workforce over the past few years. The new additions will bring the countrys total workforce to 7,000. Though the companys customer service unit has been operating in the country since 2010, it does not offer any e-commerce assistance there. However, recently, the companys cloud computing platform Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced the launch of its first data centre operations in Cape Town to meet the increasing demand for cloud services due to the COVID-19 crisis. The latest announcement is a testament to the companys efforts to expand presence in the country. Amazons shares have gained 38.4%, outperforming the 32.6% rally of the industry it belongs to on a 12-month basis. We believe investors are encouraged by its international expansion, grocery initiatives and efforts toward Amazon Web Services. The company capitalizes on execution strength, robust performance and technological prowess. Story continues Bottom Line Amazon has been expanding on a global basis in a bid to maintain supremacy. The company is investing more in fulfillment, technology and content. Its focus on automating distribution centers is clearly heating up and investment in robotics should continue to pay off. The latest step to recruit more personnel in South Africa clearly demonstrates that Amazon is focused on expanding operations in the country and delivering enhanced services to more customers. Consequently, the company is likely to achieve growth targets going forward. Although increased expenses could hurt the bottom line in the near term, we believe that these measures are necessary to maintain its dominance in this highly competitive market. Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider Currently, Amazon carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the broader technology sector include Wayfair Inc. W, eBay EBAY and Inphi Corporation IPHI. While Wayfair and eBay sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Inphi carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Long-term earnings growth for Wayfair, eBay, and Inphi is currently projected at 23%, 12.4% and 37.7%, respectively. 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 Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report eBay Inc. (EBAY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Wayfair Inc. (W) : Free Stock Analysis Report Inphi Corporation (IPHI) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research SEATTLE, WA / ACCESSWIRE / June 18, 2020 / Fotios Tsiouklas and Alan Gokoglu are multi-millionaires at just 19-years-old. The two friends ventured into business while still in high school. This milestone was after Fotios made money in the tech industry. Since then, the two have been involved in a variety of businesses, from digital marketing to app development, ecommerce, and social media ventures. Alan and Fotios also own two nightclubs. It is hard to imagine being a multi-millionaire at 19-years-old. Yet, Fotios and Alan have already overcome this milestone. The duo has been featured on National TV, Forbes, and Entrepreneur with many awards under their wing. The fast-paced nature of their success is a sign that Alan and Fotios are out to become the youngest billionaires in the world. A Bit of Background Alan and Fotios have always had a passion for entrepreneurship. Fotios recalled that he would craft out business plans for education apps, charities, and websites from a young age. One of his first ventures was a website known as fotos.com.au. The site was intended to act as a social media network for photographers. At the time, those around him told him that fotos.com.au would not work, even though he already had a business plan and a sample website. Later that year, a very similar website/app was released - Instagram. It was then that he realized that he had to believe in himself. Since then, Fotios worked on several business ventures. In 2013, he was selling gaming codes on eBay. He would also sell other things on eBay, such as refurbished phones and spare parts from vehicles. Although he was already making at least $10,000 from his hassles, Fotios wanted to develop as a professional entrepreneur. From 2015 to 2018, he dedicated his Summer holidays to learning about social media marketing and app development. The two entrepreneurs are the founders of Kickspan. The company is a social media growth and management service. Kickspan has helped thousands of clients increase their followers on social media. Business Strategists As young as they are, Alan and Fotios have proven that they are business strategists. When they started their enterprise, they would look for clients in nightclubs. Now, they dominate the market as they have powerful marketing tools and industry experience. When Instagram changed their algorithm, every growth tool stopped working. Alan and Fotios used the algorithm change as an opportunity to dominate the market. They did that since the algorithm change instantly wiped out their competition. Alan and Fotios are also great at delivering quality work. At age 17, Fotios built an app for celebrity Blac Chyna (ex-husband of Rob Kardashian, who also has 14M+ followers). Fotios got this collaboration through Body Blendz, one of Australia's largest skin care brands (owned by a local Greek friend). Body Blendz is in every Chemist Warehouse nationally. During their collaboration with Blac Chyna, Fotios suggested creating an app alongside Body Blendz, Blac Chyna, and Chemist Warehouse to help them push their product collection. A business strategist is one who can identify a lucrative business venture. The two entrepreneurs purchased the domain "TikToks.com" around six months ago with a prediction that TikTok would become the next biggest social media platform in the world. They bought the name from GoDaddy for $2,000. Recently, the name was valued at $145,000USD since the explosion of TikTok. The Next Big Thing Alan and Fotios will soon become the youngest billionaires in the world. The two are currently working towards removing barriers in the creation of mobile apps. As it stands, app development agencies charge up to $30,000 for just user face functionality. Many of their friends have paid $100-500K for a basic mobile app. Additionally, Alan and Fotios state that they have even heard of apps that cost up to $2M, which is ridiculous. Over the years, the two young entrepreneurs have approached hundreds of people with the next big app idea. But, they have never been able to execute this project due to the insane amount of money and knowledge that it takes to develop apps. Currently, Alan and Fotios are focusing all their efforts on Apps4Brands.com. This software will help anyone build a mobile app in under 1 hour, for just $99 per month. The software also comes with a free 7-day trial. The two brilliant minds are also vested in property development. They bought a small percentage of a $25M building in the Melbourne CBD area. In the next few years, Fotios and Alan will be the biggest entrepreneurs Australia has ever seen. CONTACT: Name: Fotios Tsiouklas Company: Kickspan Contact: Fotios@kickspan.info SOURCE: Kickspan View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/594445/Australian-Teenagers-Could-Become-The-Youngest-Billionaires-In-The-World (Newser) Chinese prosecutors charged two detained Canadians with spying Friday in an apparent bid to step up pressure on Canada to drop a US extradition request for a Huawei executive under house arrest in Vancouver. Michael Kovrig was charged in Beijing on suspicion of spying for state secrets and intelligence. Michael Spavor was charged in Dandong, a city near the North Korean border, on suspicion of spying for a foreign entity and illegally providing state secrets. Both men have been held for 18 months. They were detained shortly after the December 2018 arrest of Meng Wanzhou. Meng, the daughter of Huaweis founder, was arrested at the request of US authorities who want her on fraud charges related to trade with Iran. story continues below A Canadian judge ruled this month that the US extradition case against Meng could proceed to the next stage. China has denied any explicit link between her case and the lengthy detention of the two Canadian men, but outside experts see them as tied and Chinese diplomats have strongly implied a connection, the AP reports. Meng has been released on bail while her extradition case proceeds in court and is residing in one of her two Vancouver mansions where she is reportedly working on a graduate degree. Kovrig and Spavor are being held at an undisclosed location and, up to now, have been denied access to lawyers or family members. (China has also sentenced two other Canadians to death and suspended imports of Canadian canola, while saying those moves were also unrelated to Mengs case.) Racial segregation has been the cause of hundreds of years of discrimination and pain for people of colour across the Western world. Now a two-part Channel 4 series segregates 11 to 12-year-old pupils along ethnic lines for an experiment to examine race, unconscious bias and white privilege, and the result is both enlightening and frightening. Its also sure to be controversial at a time when the issue has dominated the news. In The School That Tried To End Racism, US educationalist Mariama Richards conducts her experiment at Glenthorne High School in south London, which has a nearly 50/50 make-up of white and non-white pupils. Channel 4 series The School That Tried To End Racism, challenges students to explore issues surrounding race and white privilege. Pictured: Beth (left) and Miyu Students, including girls Beth and Miyu and boys Bright and Henry, were asked to divide into white and non-white groups. One girl, Farrah, with a white English mother and Sri Lankan father, wasnt sure which to pick. I dont want to be described by my race, she tells the teachers, before finally joining the non-white group. In the non-white group the children share awful stories of being accused of shoplifting and having bus drivers refuse to let them on because theyre wearing a head covering. In the white group, meanwhile, discussion is stilted. They dont really ever have to think about race. It was clear many of the black and minority ethnic pupils have experienced racism, says Dr Nicola Rollock, an academic who works on race relations and is an advisor on the show. They thought they were alone in their experiences. Talking about these things as a group, they could see they werent. For the white pupils there was a discomfort and a guilt, but as we introduced more activities there was an understanding. In one experiment the children engaged in the privilege walk. Each child began at a start line and would step backwards or forwards depending on their answers to different questions. White pupils listened to the experiences of their non-white friends, in one challenge that asks them to describe as if they were that person. Pictured: Bright (left) and Henry Has anyone in your family been stopped by the police? Do your parents speak English as a first language? The white children stepped forwards each time and won the contest. In another challenge, white pupils had to listen to the experiences of their non-white friends and then describe them as if they were that person. Its an uncomfortable watch. Some of the minority children are in tears as they reveal instances of racism. Girls say they would talk to their parents about wanting whiter skin. I thought Im not pretty the only way to be pretty is to be white, Farrah, who is in fact very pretty, says. But the white children are left in tears too as they feel guilt about their privilege. You feel youve done something wrong, says Henry. Headteacher Stephen Hume explained that he won't be repeating the experiment. Pictured: Sarah, Lucy, Lauren and Farrah Mariama believes this is an important way for white children to learn. They all had upsetting stories, but if we ignore the way things are we cant do anything to fix them. That we need to talk about race is clear. But whether this is the way to do it, less so. Even at the end of the three weeks, while they all felt more comfortable talking about race, the non-white group split up into black and Asian as they had different experiences. A year on from the experiment, the schools headteacher Stephen Hume, who is white, says that while hell incorporate some of the lessons from the experiment, he wont be repeating it. All the children who took part learned a lot and their confidence has grown. But its also important to realise society is more diverse. 'We have Eastern Europeans who also have specific concerns even if they would be placed in the white group. Privilege is many-faceted: you have to look at culture, poverty, gender and class. But its clear we need to talk about race more. The School That Tried To End Racism, Thursday, 9pm, Ch4. BEREA, Ohio -- A Berea man, 32, and his wife, a 37-year-old Cleveland woman, were arrested at about 6 p.m. June 15 after police learned that they were both wanted. Police were called to Baker Street because the man was running after the woman there and yelling that he was going to beat her. Police spotted the couple on North Rocky River Drive, east of Baker. The woman was walking away from the man, and police ordered both of them to stop. The man was angry and told police that they were harassing him. He asked if he was under arrest and for what crime. The man said he was going to videotape police with his phone. Police told the man that they had reasonable suspicion that a crime had been committed and were obligated to investigate to make sure that everyone was safe, regardless of the national political climate against police. The man told police that he and his wife had been arguing, but said he didnt threaten her. He said they both just woke up and were grouchy. The woman told police a similar story. The man was wanted in Berea and the woman was wanted by the Cuyahoga County Sheriffs Office. Read more from the News Sun. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is likely to take a call on the remaining board examinations slated to begin from July 1 after consultations with the HRD Ministry due to the coronavirus crisis across the country. CBSE is considering options such as granting marks on the basis of average score of papers wherein the candidate has already appeared, making it optional for students to appear in the exams and evaluating on the basis of internal assessment; or rescheduling the remaining exams for September-October. It is likely that the exams will get cancelled as there has been immense pressure from parents and state governments like Maharashtra and New Delhi on the board. A group of four parents filed a petition urging the Supreme Court to direct the CBSE to scrap the remaining papers and evaluate the students on the basis of their performance in internal assessments. The top court asked the board on Wednesday to take into account the current pandemic situation and decide by next week whether the exams could be cancelled. Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank had also held a meeting with Anita Karwal, Secretary of School Education, Manoj Ahuja, CBSE Chairperson and Vineet Joshi, director general of National Testing Agency, according to a TOI report. This meeting turned out to be futile. According to a senior HRD official, no decision has been taken so far and the CBSE shall be ready with further instructions as sought by the SC by June 23. Also read: Coronavirus lockdown: CBSE asks parents, school management to cooperate (Newser) Recognizing the harm of systemic racism to individuals and the military, Defense Secretary Mark Esper has announced an effort to ensure equity for US service members. Esper made the announcement Thursday in a video, the Washington Post reports, saying the military is "not immune to the forces of bias and prejudice." The result is damage to the experiences of service members of color, the diversity of the military and the makeup of the officer ranks, he said. "These things have no place in our military; they have no place in our country." The Pentagon will immediately establish internal and external boards on diversity and inclusion, per Stars and Stripes. In addition, military and defense leaders are to propose ways to broaden diversity by the end of the month. story continues below The military once was a US leader in diversityintegration began in 1948and this provides a chance to retake such leadership. Esper said he's been consulting military and civilian leaders in preparation for the launch, per CNN. "We all agree that it is time to lead once again on this issue as America's most respected institution, and a globally recognized leader when it comes to building diverse, winning teams, and creating opportunity for all." Pentagon figures show minorities account for about 43% of the active-duty force but only 23% of officers. Officers and other leaders need to "double down on your mentorship of up-and-coming minority leaders," Esper said. (Read more diversity stories.) The peak hour pricing window will be widened by three hours per day on Sydney's public transport network, increasing Opal fares for thousands of commuters. NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance announced the major changes to the transport pricing system on Friday as the government attempts to spread the commuter load and maintain social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The NSW government has introduced discounts for off-peak travel, but increased the peak hour window. Credit:Louise Kennerley The changes mean close to 20 per cent of all trips (220,000 pre-COVID) per day will be subject to increased peak hour pricing, according to the government. While more people will soon be subject to peak hour prices, the government will also halve fares during off-peak periods (10am-3pm). Indian activists burn photos of Chinese President Xi Jinping during a protest in Guwahati, Assam, India, June 18. Twenty Indian Army personnel including a colonel were killed in the clash with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley of the eastern Ladakh region. EPA India said Thursday it was using diplomatic channels with China to de-escalate a military standoff in a remote Himalayan border region where 20 Indian soldiers were killed this week. Responding to China's claim to the disputed Galwan Valley, India's External Affairs Ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said both sides agreed to handle the situation responsibly. ''Making exaggerated and untenable claims is contrary to this understanding,'' he said in a statement. Monday's clash that killed 20 Indian troops was the deadliest between the sides in 45 years. China has not said whether it suffered any casualties. Indian news reports said Thursday that 76 Indian soldiers were hospitalized with injuries following the clash. All are in stable condition,according to New Delhi Television. The Indian Army did not issue a statement about the injured soldiers and Defense Ministry spokesman Col. Aman Anand did not immediately respond to a text message seeking comments. Indian officials have denied reports that any of its troops were in Chinese custody. India and China have accused each other of instigating the clash in the valley, which is part of the disputed Ladakh region along the Himalayan frontier. The deaths happened in the thin air at 4,270 meters (14,000 feet) above sea level, when soldiers brawled with clubs, rocks and their fists with no shots fired, Indian officials have said. The soldiers carry firearms but are not allowed to use them under a previous agreement in the border standoff dispute. Defense analyst Ajai Shukla tweeted a photo of rods studded with nails that were purportedly used by Chinese troops. China maintained that Indian troops had deliberately provoked the clash, though it also signaled it wanted talks, noting the importance of their broader bilateral relationship. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian, citing Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a call with his Indian counterpart, said that ''mutual respect and support serves our long-term interests.'' ''After the incident, China and India communicated and coordinated through military and diplomatic channels,'' Zhao said. ''The two sides agreed to deal fairly with the serious events caused by the conflict in the Galwan Valley, and ... cool down the situation as soon as possible.'' But emotions were high in the south Indian city of Hyderabad, where thousands watched the funeral procession of Indian Col. Santosh Babu. He was among the 20 Indian troops who officials said died of injuries and exposure after the clash in the area's subfreezing temperatures. In the Indian Himalayan city of McLeod Ganj, the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile, demonstrators shouted anti-China slogans and burned the Chinese flag. An Indian confederation of small and midsize companies called for a boycott of 500 Chinese goods, including toys and textiles, to express ''strong criticism'' of China's alleged aggression in Ladakh. The boycott call followed protests Wednesday in New Delhi where demonstrators destroyed items they said were made in China while chanting, ''China get out.'' The Himalayan clash has fanned growing anti-Chinese sentiments due to the coronavirus. India has confirmed more than 366,000 virus cases and 12,200 deaths. But a broader boycott could backfire for India if China chose to retaliate by banning exports of raw materials used by India's pharmaceutical industry. Indian opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi demanded answers from the army after asking: ''Why were our soldiers sent unarmed to martyrdom?'' India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar responded that the Indian soldiers were carrying firearms but that troops from both sides cannot use them because of 1996 and 2005 agreements between the two countries The clash escalated a standoff that began in early May, when Indian officials said Chinese soldiers crossed the border in three places, erecting tents and guard posts and ignoring warnings to leave. That triggered shouting matches, stone-throwing and fistfights between the opposing sides, much of it replayed on TV news programs and in social media. The action has taken place along a remote stretch of the 3,380-kilometer (2,100-mile) ''Line of Actual Control'' _ the border established following a war between India and China in 1962 that resulted in an uneasy truce. Wang, China's foreign minister, warned New Delhi not to underestimate Beijing's determination to safeguard what it considers sovereign territory. His comments came in a phone call Wednesday with Jaishankar. Wang said China demanded that India conduct a thorough investigation and ''harshly punish'' those responsible. Jaishankar, in turn, accused China of erecting a structure in the Galwan Valley, which he called a ''premeditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties,'' according to a statement. He added that the incident would have ''serious repercussions'' on India's relationship with China, while adding that both sides were committed to further disengaging in the remote Himalayan plateau. Experts have said the two nations were unlikely to head to war, but that easing tensions quickly will be difficult. China claims about 90,000 square kilometers (35,000 square miles) of territory in India's northeast, while India says China occupies 38,000 square kilometers (15,000 square miles) of its territory in the Aksai Chin Plateau in the Himalayas, a contiguous part of the Ladakh region. India unilaterally declared Ladakh a federal territory while separating it from disputed Kashmir in August 2019. China was among the handful of countries to condemn the move, raising it at international forums, including the U.N. Security Council. India on Thursday was elected to a non-permanent seat on the Security Council. (AP) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The Plainview City Council on Thursday afternoon weighed its options to enact some kind of enforcement that would allow businesses to stay open while citizens and maybe business employees wear masks. Hale County COVID-19 case counts grew by 12 new cases as of 5 p.m. Wednesday bringing the overall total to 122 since the first was reported on March 24. There were a total of 53 active cases across the county 51 of which are listed in Plainview. There is one active case in Petersburg and one in Abernathy. Twelve new cases were confirmed in Thursdays report from the Plainview/Hale County Health Department. All the newest cases are reflected in Plainviews counts. The city of Plainviews case count officially hit a total of 100 with 48 recoveries. The local virus activity dominated discussion during the Councils work session. Councilmembers questioned what kind of preventative measures the city can enforce to keep those numbers low. City Attorney Matt Wade advised the Council that it could set a mandate for businesses to require customers and employees to wear masks. But it was noted that signage is only as effective as those who read it and theres no real way to enforce it unless the businesses choose to. It boils down to businesses dont want to offend people, said Councilwoman Susan Blackerby. I understand that. She noted on Thursday and in several previous meetings that people out in public are wearing masks less and less. If people dont want to wear one, thats their prerogative, Blackerby said. But you have to be respectful to those around you. You dont know who might be a compromised individual with a health problem. Symptoms of coronavirus can include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, congestion, runny nose, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, according to a news release from the City of Plainview released earlier this week. People can show symptoms or be asymptomatic. Citizens are urged to obey social distancing guidelines and take precautions, particularly out in public. The latest individuals to be diagnosed include: one man and three women who are between 41 and 60 years old; three women and two men who are 61 years old or older; a man and woman who are between 21 to 40 years old; and a male who is 20 or younger. All but three individuals are listed as at home. One of the men who is 61 or older is listed as in a medical facility and two others are listed as indeterminate. Each of the newly diagnosed individuals transmission types are listed as indeterminate. Newly recovered individuals include three women who are between 21 and 40 years old and one who is 61 or older. Three recoveries are reflected in numbers for Petersburg and one is reflected in Plainviews numbers. The latest report also shows a total of 1,485 COVID-19 tests have been conducted across health facilities in Hale County and 1,356 of them have returned negative results. There are 44 test results pending. The number of those under monitoring continues to be listed as indeterminate. Of the 122 cases confirmed in the county, 50 have been results of local transmissions, 31 resulted from out-of-county transmissions and 41 are listed as indeterminate. A further breakdown of the data shows 47 of the confirmed cases have been diagnosed among people who are between 21 and 40, 34 among those who are between 41 and 60, 25 among the 61-plus age group and 15 among those who are 20 or younger. Fifty-seven cases have been diagnosed in males and 65 in females. Thirty-eight of the 53 individuals with active cases are listed as being at home, three are in a medical facility and 12 are listed as under investigation. During Thursdays work session, it was noted that the Health Department keeps tabs on people with positive cases and on those who are listed under monitoring until theyre in the clear. More than 200 Uruguayan sheep shearers who arrived in Spain last month on a chartered flight are racing against time to shear millions of animals before temperatures rise. The Uruguayan shearers travel to the country every year, but their arrival was delayed this year by a month because of the pandemic. Bypassing lockdown restrictions, 250 of them managed to reach Spain on a special flight in mid-May. The shearers are so valued for their skills that Spanish farmers gave money to charter a plane for them, after their journey looked doubtful because of border closures, flight cancellations and restrictions on movement. The farmers, who even requested help from the Spanish King, convinced the government to approve the stay. As part of the agreement, the shearers were tested for Covid-19 in Uruguay before they left. Federico Ventura, one of the workers, said: "I've been coming here for six years. Because of the coronavirus, everything was delayed, but we're moving at a good pace. Mr Ventura is shearing sheep at a farm roughly 300 kilometres northwest of Madrid in the northern region of Castilla y Leon, where each worker is likely to shear 10,000 animals over a 70-day period. He explained that his work in Spain was crucial to his livelihood, saying: "With the 70 days here we live for a year in Uruguay." Recommended Tourists can visit Spain from 1 July with no quarantine Farmer owner Angel Leon said three or four Uruguayan shearers can shear 750 sheep between them each day, while less experienced workers would take up to a month to complete the same task. The Uruguayans earn 1.5 euros (1.36) plus tax per animal they shear. "Had they not come, we would not have been able to shear," said Jose Moran, one of the farmers who helped to pay for their flight. Additional reporting from Reuters BEIJING (Reuters) - China has suspended pork imports from a plant owned by German meat producer Toennies, a customs document showed on Thursday, a day after the company reported a coronavirus outbreak among workers at the site. Toennies said on Wednesday it had stopped slaughtering at one of its plants after around 400 workers tested positive for the virus. China's General Administration of Customs updated a list of approved meat exporters on Thursday to say the Toennies plant in Rheda Wiedenbruck was suspended. Toennies was not available for immediate comment. China this week strengthened inspections of imported meat, after a new cluster of coronavirus infections was linked to Beijing's huge Xinfadi wholesale food market. The suspension of imports from the German plant could pose a risk to other exporters, including major suppliers to China like the United States and Brazil where scores of plants have had coronavirus outbreaks among workers. "This now seems like a real risk factor for the U.S., Brazil, or other exporters. Preventing recurrence of COVID-19 takes priority over keeping meat inflation in check," Darin Friedrichs, senior analyst at INTL FCStone, said in a note. China's meat imports have surged this year, after a domestic shortfall pushed pork prices to record highs. Chinese customs said on Thursday it had tested more than 30,000 samples of imported meat, seafood, vegetables and fruit between June 11-17 and all tested negative for the coronavirus. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is not aware of any cases of COVID-19 linked to meat or seafood or of any transmission from food or packaging, a spokesman said on Wednesday. Chinese officials also said on Thursday they had found the trading sections for meat and seafood in Beijing's wholesale food market to be severely contaminated with the new coronavirus, and they suspect low temperatures and high humidity in the area may have been contributing factors. (Reporting by Dominique Patton; editing by Hugh Lawson, Jason Neely and Mark Heinrich) Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki has finally left the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) for the peoples democratic party (PDP) after days of intense speculation. He was received by the leadership of the party led by the state Chairman of the PDP, Hon Tony Aziegbemi at the state Secretariat of the PDP along 1st East Circular Road with many of his followers and appointees on Friday. Read Also: Oshiomhole Afraid Of Educated People Because He Didnt Go To School Obaseki The video of his declaration was shared by PDP and the partys spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan. Advertisement Watch the video below: They say 'What goes around comes around' - for this robber from Mumbai, things came around in the worst possible way. According to a TOI report, 45-year-old Shahadullah Babu, a resident from Mumbai's Chembur area, said that cash and jewellery worth Rs.4.5 lakh was stolen from his house. The incident left cops baffled as Shahadullah Babu was also a repeat offender. Image For Representation/Rex According to Mumbai Mirror, seven people were recently arrested for allegedly robbing an electronic shop in Kurla, and Shahadullah was one of them. "Five of them tested positive for COVID-19," said Nehru Nagar cops. The robbers were granted bail and sent to isolation centres and their families were also sent to different centres on June 7. Shahadullah Babu's entire family shifted to an institutional quarantine, leaving the house unguarded and that's when someone broke in and stole the cash. Following the detection, 17 police personnel from Nehru Nagar police station, including three officers who were involved in arresting the accused, were also quarantined. PTI Tilak Nagar cops informed TOI, that the burglary took place when the family were at the quarantine centre in Deonar. A neighbour called one of the family members to inform that their house was robbed. His residence was broken into on June 16. Karma is a bitch pic.twitter.com/PVHiIM6ZJG Atul Khatri (@one_by_two) June 19, 2020 Sushilkumar Kamble, senior inspector of Tilak Nagar police station was quoted saying, We have registered an offence of housebreaking and are investigating the case." Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Friday suggested to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pursue long-term and short-term strategies to deal with the neighbouring country of China. Rao said there should not be any hasty decisions from India and at the same time its interests need not be compromised. This is what Telangana Rashtra Samithi president told Modi at the all-party meeting held through video conference. "We should prepare long-term and short-term strategies to face China's aggressive attitude. There should not be any hasty act from our side under any circumstances," an official press release quoted the chief minister as saying during the meeting. "There should not be any compromise as far as our nations security and interests are concerned. Have strategic partnership with countries friendly with us," he had said. Rao further said China has become jealous of the stable and strong governance in India which was emerging as a strong economic force. The provocation from China was borne out of envy, he said. "China and Pakistan have the habit of creating trouble and a conflict atmosphere whenever they have problems internally. China has a lot of such problems now. It is confronting countries like Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines," the chief minister said. Describing India as a peace-loving country, he said there was limit to patience and the country needs to give a befitting reply if anyone crosses the path. The idea of banning import of Chinese goods would be a hasty decision, he said adding that the products imported should be made in India. All the participants of the all-party meet paid silent tribute to the martyrs of the Galwan Valley incident. Judy Craymer, the brains behind the phenomenally successful celebration of the music of ABBA, told me she will be inviting NHS and frontline workers to see the show when we get the West End back The Mamma Mia! musical will lay all its love on doctors, nurses and hospital staff when it reopens in London as soon as government guidelines allow, which could even be before Christmas. Judy Craymer, the brains behind the phenomenally successful celebration of the music of Abba, told me she will be inviting NHS and frontline workers to see the show when we get the West End back. Craymer, who launched Mamma Mia! 21 years ago, said the production has always been restorative. It opened on Broadway just weeks after two airliners crashed into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. We were there, she said. 9/11 struck while we were still in the rehearsal room, just about to move into the theatre. The actors were on their way to rehearsal when the first plane struck. Phyllida Lloyd went from being director to therapist, she said, recalling how the company responded to the crisis. They realised that to be doing something to help the city was the right thing. A few weeks later an audience was invited to a final dress rehearsal. It was packed. It was a big moment for people, Craymer said. Thats the joy of theatre isnt it? Audiences, a community, everyone feeling an emotion together. Meryl Streep took her children to a later performance and, like everyone else, found herself lifted by the Swedish groups rousing songs. Christine Baranski, Meryl Streep and Julie Walters are pictured above in the first Mamma Mia! film released in 2008. During lockdown, Craymer said she had planned to give some thought to Mamma Mia! The Movie 3 This new crisis, however, has stopped everything in its tracks though thank goodness weve got two movies to keep people happy Craymer said, referring to the 2008 Mamma Mia! film starring Streep, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan and Amanda Seyfried and its 2018 sequel Here We Go Again, with Streep joined by Lily James and Cher, which will be released on Netflix from June 26. During lockdown, Craymer said she had planned to give some thought to Mamma Mia! The Movie 3. And although she has managed to avoid the virus, she has found it hard to focus. I was meant to have been getting on with that, in my head, during these months. But then I got hit with Covid fog, she told me, from her country home in Warwickshire. I think one day there will be another film, because theres meant to be a trilogy, you see. The film's 2018 sequel Here We Go Again, with Streep joined by Lily James (pictured above) and Cher, will be released on Netflix from June 26 I know Universal would like me to do it, she added, saying she wanted to use the four new Abba numbers Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus have written for the virtual concert theyve planned with Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. As we chatted, Craymer wondered whether Here We Go Again could make a stage musical. Its a thought, she conceded. However, she understands all too well the peril the theatre industrys in, with playhouses threatened with closure and thousands of creatives, many of them freelances, struggling to make ends meet. While acknowledging that the Government has a lot of other things on its plate, she believes it must come to the aid of the subsidised and provincial theatres. Theyre the ones that need help, she said, noting that the stars of her shows and films cut their teeth in places like the National, Donmar, Royal Court, Almeida, Bush and Kiln. They must be saved, she said emphatically. Craymer agreed with Sam Mendes who proposed, in the Financial Times, that the UK Government could act as a theatre angel and invest in productions, to the benefit of all. Lilly James is pictured above in the 2018 film. The Mamma Mia! musical will lay all its love on doctors, nurses and hospital staff when it reopens in London as soon as government guidelines allow, which could even be before Christmas She pointed out that if the UK Government had invested in Les Miserables when it first opened thats a very nice investment to have had. I think the Government should help, she said. Its a massive economy, the theatre. You cant say London is open without the theatres being open. The West Ends return is likely to begin early next year, by which time stringent health and safety protocols will be in place, and problems with social distancing (hopefully) sorted. Its going to take a couple of million to put Mamma Mia! back on, said Craymer. People think you give the set a dust, and off you go. But those sets will have to be tested, the cast re-rehearsed and the show marketed. Youve got to tell people when they can come, she added. When we reach that point, its vital the Government get behind the reopening, she says. When were back, Boris must come to the theatre. The royals must come. Its such an important part of people coming together as much as we enjoy sitting at home watching a Netflix boxset. Theatre is the heartbeat of London and the entire country. Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) and Sky (Dominic Cooper) with Ruby (Cher) are pictured above in 2018's Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Joseph Gordon-Levitt has reasons to be grateful to the TV comedy 3rd Rock From The Sun . . . millions of them Its all fright on the flight for Joseph Joseph Gordon-Levitt has reasons to be grateful to the TV comedy 3rd Rock From The Sun . . . millions of them. When the actor, now 39, was a teenager he appeared in 139 episodes of the hit show. So, I made some money, he told me, noting that the windfall allowed him a dozen years to work with filmmakers on low-budget independent pictures. I didnt start acting in movies that paid me until my late 20s, he said which enabled him to work on early efforts, such as sci-fi tale Looper, by director Rian Johnson (who went on to make the Star Wars film The Last Jedi and the recent Knives Out murder-mystery). Another close collaborator is Christopher Nolan, who knows how to shoot classy films that make money. Gordon-Levitt made Inception and Batman film The Dark Knight Rises for the director. So, in a way it didnt surprise me that the actor chose to work with German-born writer and director Patrick Vollrath when Gordon-Levitt made his first film in several years following the birth of his two children. I took two years off acting to be a dad and I knew that when I came back, I wanted to do something that really challenged me, Gordon-Levitt said from his home in Los Angeles. Vollraths film 7500, about hijackers who enter the cockpit of a German passenger plane, did just that, and is one of the most compelling movies of the year. He turns mainstream film-making on its head by using a hand-held camera in an immersive technique. Vollraths film 7500, about hijackers who enter the cockpit of a German passenger plane, did just that, and is one of the most compelling movies of the year Sometimes he would focus the camera on an actors face for ten, 20 . . . up to 40 minutes at a time, in order to capture one particular, perfect expression that developed. And there was only one set the cockpit for filming on 7500, which is available now on Amazon Prime. He encourages you to go off-script and improvise. The only thing we rehearsed were moments where there is violence, Gordon-Levitt told me. And it works, because for 90 minutes I felt I was in that cockpit, too. When you see the name of an actor who was in a Batman movie, you think: It must be one of those Hollywood action movies where the hero beats up the bad guys, he said. This isnt that movie. Vollrath, who made a superb Oscar-nominated short film called Everything Is Going To Be Okay using the same technique, has created an edge-of-your-seat drama that doesnt treat the audience like fools. But Gordon-Levitt does like to lighten up every now and then. Not all the movies I do are deadly serious. I like big popcorn movies, too! he says. His next film, Project Power with Jamie Foxx, is super-fun. Its cops, crime and thrills. Watch out for... Cedric Neal, who performs the soaring ballad We Need You Now (More Than Ever) from Martin Smiths musical King, accompanied by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra (LMTO), conducted by Freddie Tapner, on a new video. The song is available for digital purchase on https://www.lmto.org/ and online platforms from next Friday. Also, please consider a donation to the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust via stephenlawrence.org.uk. Cedric Neal, who performs the soaring ballad We Need You Now (More Than Ever) from Martin Smiths musical King, accompanied by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra (LMTO), conducted by Freddie Tapner, on a new video. He is pictured above as as Martin Luther King in Martin Smith's King musical Originally, the song was part of a four-track EP due out later in the year. But Susie McKenna, who discovered the full glory of Smiths 1988 show (inspired by Martin Luther King Jr) when she directed it at the Hackney Empire two years ago, decided with producer Nick Fiveash and the LMTO to issue We Need You Now next week, to add to the Black Lives Matter discussion. You may have caught Neal on stage when he played record label founder Berry Gordy in Motown and in Porgy And Bess. Producer Michael Harrison has retained stars Jason Donovan and Jac Yarrow for the show. The pair are pictured together above Tickets for director Laurence Connors lively production of the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which is beginning performances at the London Palladium from July 1 next year. They will go on general sale from 10am this morning. Producer Michael Harrison has retained stars Jason Donovan and Jac Yarrow for the show. Those who booked for this summers run, have already rescheduled. But this fresh ticket release could be a litmus test for the long-term health of the industry. Visit josephthemusical.com. Ex-UN Chief Ban Ki-moon Says N Korea Acquired 'De Facto Nuclear State Status' From Trump Meetings Sputnik News 00:55 GMT 18.06.2020(updated 01:52 GMT 18.06.2020) US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had three one-on-one summits. The first meeting between the two leaders was in Singapore in June 2018, the second in Vietnam in February 2019, and the last took place at the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea in June 2019. Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Wednesday in an interview with Time magazine that North Korea "seems to have succeeded in acquiring de facto nuclear state status" thanks to meetings between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The former UN head said that he is "very worried" about North Korea's ongoing missile tests, adding that Washington seems to have changed its stance on Pyongyang's behavior. "President Trump has been saying that it's okay that [North Korea] are testing some small range missiles, as it cannot reach the American continent. It's not only the security and safety of the American continent. It's the safety, security and threat to the whole of humanity," Ki-moon told the publication. Although Trump and Jong-un have met three times, once in Singapore in 2018 and twice in 2019 in Vietnam and at the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, the two leaders did not succeed in achieving set goals, as the US president failed in convincing Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons, while the East Asian nation's demand of easing US sanctions has not been met. "Embarrassingly, we are seeing some absence of American leadership since the Administration of Donald Trump began ... at a time when American leadership is most needed," the former UN chief said. "President Trump has been able to make a good contribution, but at this time, unfortunately, by just granting a one-on-one summit three times, [it] perhaps played to Trump's ego and penchant for pageantry, and Kim Jong Un seems to have succeeded in acquiring de facto nuclear state status". Tensions on the Korean peninsula escalated recently after North Korea destroyed an Inter-Korean Liaison office on 16 June, threatening state-level action if Seoul fails to suspend a campaign launched by South-based defectors flying anti-Pyongyang leaflets on balloons across the border. In response, South Korean military warned that Pyongyang "will pay the price" if it takes military action against South Korea. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lucknow, June 19 : With an eye on farmer votes, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is especially focusing on the Ramala sugar mill that is just concluding its first crushing season after its capacity expansion -- a promise that BJP had made to the farmers in 2018. This would be the first crushing season of the Ramala mill whose expansion was inaugurated by Adityanath in November last year. Ramala is a large village in Badaut tehsil of Baghpat district in western Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its sugar factory. Ramala has been the focus of late Chaudhary Charan Singh's farmer politics. BJP spokesman Chandramohan, who belongs to western UP, said, "The crushing capacity of the Ramala sugar mill has been increased from 27,500 quintals of sugarcane to 50,000 quintals per day. A 27-megawatt power plant has also been set up in the mill premises. Now, an estimated 90 lakh quintals sugarcane crushing would be done here." He said that the sugar mill caters to nearly 35,000 sugarcane farmers and after the expansion, nearly 2,500 people have got direct or indirect employment. "We will obviously tell the farmers that while parties like Rashtriya Lok Dal and their leaders like Ajit Singh, who owe their political importance to the region, as well as Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, merely paid lip service to the farmers, it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who alone thought of addressing the plight of sugarcane farmers," the BJP leader added. (Natural News) If you dont think masks work, then you must not think air filters work, either, in your home HVAC system. Remove the filters and see how that goes. Today, were seeing an irrational, emotionally-infused rejection of masks by conservatives that, in every way, resembles the irrational fear of guns by liberals. To liberals, guns are scary objects that kill people, while the conservatives, masks are magical devices that lower the oxygen levels in your blood. Neither claim is true. Total hogwash. If masks lowered the oxygen levels in your blood, all the surgeons who wore them during surgery would pass out and die. Masks are not oxygen filters because O2 the oxygen molecule in the atmosphere is very, very tiny and goes right through common mask material. In fact, even if you tried to make a mask that would remove O2 from the air, that would be an incredibly difficult task. I know because I own an oxygen remover machine in my laboratory. Theyre called nitrogen generators but what they really do is separate nitrogen gas from oxygen gas. Nitrogen is about 79% of the atmosphere, while oxygen is somewhere around 20%. These large machines, which require high-tech gas membranes and high-pressure gas connections, remove the oxygen from the air, providing (mostly) pure nitrogen to lab instruments. Nitrogen is used by lab instruments because its mostly inert. Thats why were harvesting nitrogen from the air, in case youre curious. Trust me when I say that a 25-cent mask made out of cheap filter material will not remove oxygen from the air. Anyone who thinks it does is living in a fantasy world of magic, not science. Similarly, masks dont cause any build-up of carbon dioxide in your blood, either. If they did that, people wearing them would drop dead from CO2 poisoning. Masks are particulate air filters that you wear on your face What masks do accomplish is filtering large particulate matter from the airstream, and since infectious agents can ride on spittle (aerosolized spit thats produced when people speak), the entire purpose of masks is to prevent the spittle from being aerosolized when someone speaks. The spittle is trapped inside the mask, in other words. Simple N95 masks are not intended to protect the wearer from someone elses aerosolized particles; they are intended to block the spittle of infected people from being projected into the air. In other words, doctors wear masks during surgery not to protect themselves from the germs of the patient, but to prevent their own germs from being projected into the patient during surgery. But because masks are mandated in Democrat-run states like California, conservatives demonstrate an emotional, knee-jerk response to masks which they now see masks as symbols of enslavement. Masks have become politicized, which means the perception of masks is now filtered through all sorts of political bias that immediately disables any rational thought in the minds of most people. Thats why many conservatives have come to the conclusion that wearing a mask means youve surrendered to tyranny. Thats especially ironic, given that according to Leftists, guns are symbols of tyranny. Anyone with a gun is a horrible person, they think, which is why they especially freak out when gun rights activists gather in public places while peacefully carrying rifles or pistols. Conservatives invent nonsensical myths about masks causing harm, much the same way that Leftists invent fake mass shooting statistics to support their own left-wing narratives To support their anti-gun narratives, Leftists fabricate mass shooting statistics and use them to scare the public into thinking the entire nation is an active rifle range where madmen are blowing away large crowds of people by the hour. In truth, most so-called mass shootings are gang-on-gang violence where one gang banger shoots 2 or 3 rivals over some drug deal. Thats hardly a mass shooting in the way most people think about the term (i.e. a mass school shooting or Las Vegas-style slaughter). But delusional thinking isnt limited to the Left. Conservatives have come up with all sorts of bizarre reasons to claim masks dont work or are even harmful. The whole masks cause your oxygen to plummet myth is one of these fabrications. Ive even heard conservatives say that masks make pollen allergies worse which makes no sense, since masks would actually help filter out some amount of airborne pollen. Whats even more bizarre is the fact that many conservatives are preppers, and every good prepper owns a gas mask that uses attached cartridges to filter out chemicals, particulate matter or even radioactive dust. These full-face respirators have far longer air flow paths than a simple cloth mask, yet nobody in the conservative prepper community claims that a chemical defense mask will kill you from lack of oxygen. It makes me curious: Are preppers now going to ditch all their gas masks because they believe masks are symbols of oppression? By the way, construction workers wear half-face respirators all the time, filtering out paint particles, wood dust, sheet rock dust and other particles, and none of those people drop dead from lack of oxygen or carbon dioxide poisoning. The very idea that a simple cloth mask will block oxygen and increase carbon dioxide in your blood is ludicrous. Someone could just as easily claim the opposite; that masks block nitrogen and thereby increase oxygen in your blood. But blocking nitrogen with a cloth mask is impossible, due to the laws of physics and chemistry. In fact, I wish I could invent a cloth mask that would filter out nitrogen, because that would mean all the oxygen concentrators used by millions of medical patients all around the world would suddenly become obsolete. Child-like rationalizations show that emotional narratives are overriding logic and reason in the minds of most Liberals think guns are mean devices that point themselves at innocent people and pull their own triggers. This shows an irrational, almost child-like stupidity among Leftists who exhibit irrational fear against guns. But conservatives are currently demonstrating a similar child-like magical thinking irrationality against masks. Six months ago, if you had asked conservatives a question like, Does wearing a cloth face mask INCREASE your risk of contracting an infectious disease? most of them would have said no way, thats insane. Yet today, that very belief is incredibly widespread among conservatives. They have chosen to align themselves with a fantasy fear about masks, utterly abandoning the simple principle of air filtration that works in their own cars and homes. Again, if masks dont work, then air filters dont work. So why do you eve have an air filter on your HVAC system? And why does it need to be changed from time to time anyway? (Answer: Because it traps all sorts of airborne particles, go figure) When liberals talk about guns, they sound like morons. They discuss the clips and think that ammunition cartridges are bullets, not realizing the bullet is only one component of a cartridge (they forget the brass, the primer, the powder, etc.). Liberals think guns blow people across a room, because thats how theyve seen gunshots depicted in Hollywood movies that are scripted by ignorant, anti-gun Hollywood morons. They also think that car doors and common household furniture items block rifle rounds, which is a rather hilarious example of left-wing stupidity on parade. But when conservatives talk about masks these days, they often sound just as ignorant. They have no clue how masks work and seem to show zero interest in understanding vectors of airborne disease transmission. They invent bizarre reasons for claiming masks are dangerous, even inventing an entire mythology about depleted oxygen levels in the blood a mythology that has zero basis in fact, by the way. They claim masks are a moist environment that festers disease organisms, not realizing that their own nostrils, mouth and throat are far more moist and conducive to growing colonies of pathogens. And then theres the old its no worse than the flu line that conservatives and pro-liberty journalists are still absurdly spouting, even as the coronavirus deaths in America have surpassed 120,000 and are on the way to reaching perhaps 250,000 by the end of this calendar year. Even more absurdly, the very same conservative media outlets that have now claimed the coronavirus is a total hoax were touting the recent story of the NYC nurse who explained that non-infected patients were being killed in NYC hospitals by being placed in rooms with coronavirus-infected patients, causing cross-infections and death. But how is that possible if the coronavirus is a total hoax as is being claimed by these conservative media outlets? If the virus is a hoax, then the entire NYC nurse story cant be true, since these conservative sites are claiming the virus doesnt exist and cant infect people. So when they claim, The hospitals in NY are deliberately killing patients! that means they must believe the virus is real, and that infections spread through the air in hospital rooms, right? But these very same people will turn right around and claim there is no virus, thereby contradicting their own reporting on the NY nurse. What youre really watching in all this is the complete abandonment of rationality and reason by most of the conservative and independent media. They no longer even attempt to practice consistency in their reporting; they go with whatever story seems the most outrageous for that day, even if it completely contradicts what they reported last week. In fact, the very same conservative media outlets that are right now reporting the coronavirus is a total hoax were telling their audiences in February and March that the coronavirus was a genetically engineered biological weapon designed to exterminate humanity. Somehow, between March and April, they think the coronavirus went from being a deadly bioweapon to becoming a total fabrication that doesnt exist but that somehow infected patients in NY hospitals, according to the whistleblower nurse. In other words, they have no clue what theyre reporting, and they have no commitment to presenting news and information thats consistent with reality. They just make sh#t up for that day, because thats the click bait that sells. Sadly, the upshot of all this is that most conservatives now refuse to wear masks, even when wearing masks is the exact thing that could allow us all to get back to work and restore our economy without having to resort to more lockdowns. So conservatives will refuse to wear masks, and theyll spread the infections, and when the next lockdown is announced, theyll scream bloody murder about being enslaved, taking no responsibility for their own role in spreading infections the entire time. These are the same people, by the way, who will urge you to wear latex gloves when you use solvents to clean your rifles. You dont want to get those solvents in your skin, theyll say. So they understand that protective equipment works when cleaning your gun, but they now think protective equipment doesnt work when breathing air. (By the way, you can clean every gun you own with nothing but coconut oil. You dont need toxic solvents. Trust me, Ive been doing this for years.) My final advice in all this is to use nutrition to protect your health, and wear masks in indoor environments until we get through this pandemic. Wearing a mask doesnt make you a slave; its just a piece of cloth on your face, just like you wear a piece of cloth on your chest (i.e. a shirt). I would much rather wear masks for a while than have to endure another round of brutal lockdowns, contact tracing and forced vaccinations. Masks can help us all avoid those demands, which is why masks should actually be seen as a symbol of health freedom, not tyranny. But framing is everything, isnt it? And conservative are now convinced that masks are bad. Maybe next somebody will tell them that eye protection isnt necessary at the gun range, either, and that wearing eye protection might cause your eyes to lose oxygen LOS ANGELES, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A three-time Emmy Award winning producer of 18 years will have his day in court on claims of race discrimination and retaliation against CNN following a rigorous, five-year appellate battle. Stanley Wilson's case will be remitted back to the trial court, after the California Supreme Court denied CNN's petition to reverse a Court of Appeal ruling that declared that the former African American producer could proceed on his claims. The victory bookends the final chapter of a five-year appellate battle. CNN previously had filed an Anti-SLAPP motion based on the argument that it had the First Amendment right to fire Wilson, a producer. This motion, which aimed to dismiss Wilson's wrongful termination lawsuit on the grounds that it was an improper attempt to censor what CNN contended was its protected free speech to fire Wilson, was initially granted by the trial court before being appealed by Wilson. On appeal, the Court of Appeal held that the claims for discrimination, retaliation, and defamation claims were not a result of CNN's protected free speech conduct (meaning the claims did not fall under the umbrella of an Anti-SLAPP motion). CNN petitioned to the California Supreme Court, which found in part, that CNN contended that it terminated Wilson because of plagiarism, which, if true, would be protected by its free speech rights. Thereafter, the Supreme Court remanded the case back to the Court of Appeal to determine the second prong of the test: if Wilson's claims had minimal merit. On remand, the Court of Appeal, again, found in favor of Wilson, holding that his claims do in fact maintain the requisite minimal merit to proceed. CNN again petitioned to the Supreme Court to reverse the Court of Appeal. This time, CNN's petition was denied, meaning he will now be permitted to proceed with his discrimination and retaliation claims against the broadcast conglomerate. The lawsuit alleges that Wilson was fired after he raised issues related the need for diversity in newsrooms, and that journalists of color were being relegated to minor roles in the coverage of breaking news or events. About Shegerian & Associates: Shegerian & Associates has won clients over $300 million in employment-based disputes and maintains a 98% success rate. We have offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and New York. Case Information: Name: Stanley Wilson v CNN, et. al. | BC559720 Media Contact: Rosanna Vargas 310-860-0770 [email protected] SOURCE Shegerian & Associates Related Links www.shegerianlaw.com CLEVELAND, Ohio The Ohio Republican Party central committee on Friday voted to censure former Chairman Matt Borges for a number of actions they deemed detrimental to the party, including his recent founding of a super PAC supporting former Democratic Vice President Joe Bidens presidential campaign. Along with the PAC, the party cited an FEC violation and Borges continued criticism of Republican President Donald Trump as reasons to censure the former chairman and strip his chairman emeritus status. The resolution passed without opposition, demonstrating how the party apparatus once dominated by Borges and other allies of Republican Gov. John Kasich, a Trump detractor, now is firmly in support of the president. I get that some folks are mad at me now, but when they look back, theyll just be mad at themselves, Borges told cleveland.com. The Party, and the people in it, are too good to have their standard bearer be Trump, who is so bad. Borges began serving as chairman in 2013 as part of Kasichs reconfiguration of the party. Borges was a firm Kasich ally, including backing him in the 2016 presidential primary. But following Trumps ascension to the Republican nomination that year, tensions rose between Borges and the campaign, including a public break by the Trump campaign with the party just weeks before the November election. Following Trumps surprise victory, the president and his allies began lobbying members to change party leadership. Trumps takeover culminated in 2017 when Trumps hand-picked selection, current Chairman Jane Timken, ousted Borges from the top spot. Borges has been publicly critical of Trump and recently founded Right Side PAC, a super PAC aimed at drawing Republican voters to Biden in the November election. Along with the super PAC, the resolution to censure Borges introduced at the beginning of a state GOP meeting on Friday listed a Federal Election Commission violation that cost the party a $100,000 civil penalty under his watch. They also listed his backing of a marijuana legalization initiative after leaving his post as chairman as going against the partys principles. Borges did not back a marijuana legalization initiative, although he did lobby on behalf of medical marijuana growers. Read more cleveland.com politics coverage: How has Ohio avoided a coronavirus spike? Experts credit early closings, measured reopenings Ohios unemployment rate improved in May but still remains near historic high Ohio sitting on 4M hydroxychloroquine pills, no longer recommended for coronavirus Q & A: Trump adviser and Cleveland native JaRon Smith discusses police reform After taking a virtual soap-making course, Syrian refugee Midia Said Sido has been making soap at home for her children and other refugees in her community in southern Lebanon. UNHCR/Houssam Hariri We are marking this years World Refugee Day against a backdrop of a dramatic global crisis. Not only are record numbers of people forced to flee their homes, but the world is grappling with COVID-19, a disease that is still very much affecting us all. What started as a health crisis has expanded, and today many of the most vulnerable refugees and the displaced amongst them face a pandemic of poverty. Yet, throughout this challenging time, we have also seen a connectedness that transcends borders. Ordinary people have stepped up to help. Host communities especially those in low- and middle-income countries where nearly 90 percent of the worlds refugees live have continued to demonstrate a remarkable welcome. And refugees themselves are also contributing in significant ways, despite often living in extremely vulnerable conditions. They are, for example, volunteering as front line health workers in Colombia and the United Kingdom; making soap for distribution in Lebanon and Niger; sewing masks and protective gear in Iran; helping construct isolation centres in Bangladesh; and elsewhere around the world, they are contributing time to help the needy in their host communities. On World Refugee Day, every action counts: UNHCR chief (Alex St-Denis and Melik Benkritly, camera-edit; Michelle Hoffman, producer) As we battle COVID-19, I draw inspiration from the resilience refugees have shown in overcoming their own crisis of displacement and dispossession; their separation from home and family; and their determination to improve their own and others lives, despite these and other hardships. On World Refugee Day, I salute and celebrate the fortitude of refugees and displaced people around the world. I also pay tribute to the communities that shelter them and that have demonstrated the universally shared values and principles of compassion and humanity. They have sometimes hosted and protected refugees for years or even generations, and continuing to uphold these values in a time of pandemic is a powerful message of hope and solidarity. UNHCR is no stranger to challenges. For over 70 years we have been on the frontlines of countless emergencies. Yet this global pandemic is of an entirely new magnitude. Our priority has been and will be, to stay and deliver for the refugees, internally displaced and stateless people we are mandated to protect. But we cant do it alone. Mobilizing help and support to prepare and respond to the pandemic has been vital in the past months. And we have seen how countries and communities around the world have included refugees in their own national health responses. It is now equally critical to secure refugees and displaced persons inclusion in the much-needed socio-economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Global Compact on Refugees has laid a strong foundation for this response. We have already seen it in action as bilateral donors, international financial institutions, and the private sector have responded to this crisis with unprecedented levels to support refugees through host governments. Such support must continue and be redoubled so that they have the resources necessary to include refugees and displaced people and ensure that economic and social disparities do not lead to rifts within and between communities. More must also be invested in countries of origin to make the return of refugees a viable option. On this World Refugee Day, I call for greater global solidarity and action to include and support refugees, internally displaced and stateless people as well as their hosts. Whoever you are. No matter where you come from. Every one of us can make a difference. Every action truly counts. World Refugee Day and UNHCRs Every Action Counts campaign The COVID-19 pandemic and the recent anti-racism protests have shown us how desperately we need to fight for a more inclusive and equal world. A world where no one is left behind. It has never been clearer that all of us have a role to play in order to bring about change. Everyone can make a difference. This is at the heart of UNHCRs World Refugee Day campaign. This year, we aim to remind the world that everyone, including refugees, can contribute to society, and Every Action Counts in the effort to create a more just, inclusive, and equal world. About UNHCR UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We deliver life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality. UNHCR is taking measures to help respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and prevent further spread. Working together with governments, UNHCR ensures refugees are included in national health response plans and are well-informed on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, have access to soap and clean water, and continue to receive the life-saving aid and assistance they need. For more information please contact: The U-turn announced last month by the Johnson government waiving health surcharges on National Health Service (NHS) workers from overseas has already unravelled. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) was introduced back in 2015. It has meant that overseas workers have been forced to pay a levy to the NHS on top of their tax and national insurance contributions through their wages. The IHS has doubled since it was introduced from 200 to 400 per person annually and is set to increase to 625 in October. The fee must be paid in a lump sum for the period covering migrant workers visas, along with visa fees among the highest in the world. National Health Service (Source: Wikipedia Commons) Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson intended to tell Parliament on May 20 that migrant doctors, nurses and paramedics would be excluded from the fee. He also granted a free extension to their visas for a year. However, following a public outcry, Johnson instructed the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to also exclude all non-EU migrant NHS and social care workers from the charge. He accepted that the families of health care workers who die during the pandemic must be given indefinite leave to remain (ILR). The government has reneged on its promises. Evidence of non-EU NHS workers still having to pay the health surcharge has come to light. A survey conducted by Doctors Association UK (DAUK), published in the Guardian, revealed that 158 NHS workers who responded were still having to pay and only eight confirmed that they no longer did so. The Times reported that those applying for new visas were still being told to pay, with one clinician commenting, I have been in contact with the Home Office several times, hopeful for some guidance. I have been given different advice every timeeither the IHS scrap does or doesnt apply for dependants or it hasnt been officially implemented and that we should apply for the visa and claim for a refund later. According to the DAUK, the Home Office has stated that the scrapping of the charge for NHS workers has not been made official and must therefore be paid. This is placing an intolerable strain on key sections of NHS workers still reeling from the strain of tackling the pandemic. Around 170,000 out of 1.28 million staff in the NHS in England are non-Britishalmost 1 in 7. This involves 200 different non-British nationalities, with 67,000 coming from EU countries. The only response by the Unison, Royal College of Nursing and British Medical Association unions and the Royal College of Physicians was a June 9 open letter seeking assurances from the government on its intention to scrap the surcharge. These associations represent around a million health care professionals. Popular opposition to the government is also expressed in demands for more permanent status for migrant NHS workers. A petition launched in April by Dr. Gill Sare demanding permanent residency status for both non-EU and EU nationals has gathered over 65,000 signatures. Gaining 100,000 signatures means the issue must be debated in Parliament. The petition calls for automatic UK citizenship for overseas NHS workers if they stay and risk their own lives looking after the British people during the COVID crisis The NHS is a great institution, but one that has been under great pressure for years. It could not function without staff who come from many different countries. The lip service being paid to the petition by the Labour Party is cynical in the extreme. It was the Labour government which first coined the term hostile environment towards migrants without documentation. This was made brutal policy under the Tories and resulted in the infamous treatment of the Windrush generation from the Caribbean, who had lived, raised families, worked and paid taxes in Britain but were subjected to illegal detention and in many cases deported. Labour is trying to adapt its anti-migrant message to the clear shift in public sentiment, after a decade in which public discourse has been polluted with xenophobia. A recent survey by researchers at the London School of Economics and Political Science showed that 60 percent of those polled supported granting permanent residence to frontline health care workers. The findings followed a survey by Focaldata showing a majority in favour of granting permanent residence to EU nationals. The government has flatly rejected the demand for automatic citizenship rights for non-EU NHS migrants, while hailing the valuable contributions all migrants make to the UK. Meanwhile the hostile environment against migrants continues, scapegoating them for the lack of resources brought about by more than a decade of austerity. The government defends its refusal by citing a commitment to consistency and fairnessan Orwellian narrative that means all migrants should be treated as second class citizens and be subjected to equally punitive treatment. What is being demanded by migrant NHS workers is not preferential treatment, but rights which should be extended to all overseas workers. This is the only appropriate response to the governments divide and rule offensive. The pandemic has demonstrated to millions the vital role played by immigrant workers, even as those officially venerated as the wealth creatorsthe heads of major corporationshave been shown to be a parasitic layer served by a government that funnels billions into their bank accounts while they lay off their workforces. The governments defence of the NHS pay freeze also serves as a warning that, now that the clapping for our heroes has stopped, health workers will be left to face a resurging pandemic and a backlog of cancelled treatments and appointments with no extra funding. The debacle over the IHS is proof of how not to conduct a fight against the government. The Labour Party and trade unions offer no defence of the working class, only a protective shield for a hated and enfeebled government. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was the first on his feet to congratulate Boris Johnson over the supposed U-turn on the surcharge and declare a victory for common decency. But no lasting victories can be won so long as the Labour Party and trade unions continue to stifle and smother resistance within the working class to the domination of the financial and corporate elite. The demands of migrant NHS workers found a response because the governments attitude towards them summed up everything which was rotten and hypocritical in the official displays of gratitude to key workers. Millions of workers felt that a situation could not continue where those who had given most to fight the pandemic were going to be victimised once again by a government that has underfunded the NHS for a decade and whose indifference and hostility to the fate of the population is summed up in two words: herd immunity. This opposition must now find organised political expression. The Socialist Equality Party has called for the establishment of rank and file committees to guarantee safe working conditions and to oppose all attacks on jobs, wages and conditions. No aspect of fighting the pandemic can be left to the government or its de facto allies in the Labour Party and trade unions. From the science of how to contain the pandemic, to the deployment of the resources required and the protection of jobs, meeting social need must be prioritised over the preservation of an economic and social ordercapitalismthat has failed on such a monumental scale. The shoe of dependency is firmly on the other foot. The former colony will come to the table with a stronger bargaining position than the former empire. Britain was our seventh-largest trading partner in 2018-19, and is likely to have dropped to eighth behind India before any agreement is signed. "Think of the potential that we have," he said. "I want a world in which we send you Marmite, you send us Vegemite. We send you Penguins, and you send us, with reduced tariffs, these wonderful Arnott's Tim Tams." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is certainly not the first leader to try to distil the complexities of global trade with a kitchen table soundbite. But there was a neediness to his formula which betrayed how little Britain's economy matters to us now. History took an inevitable turn to farce this week when Britain, freshly divorced from Europe, began negotiating a free trade deal with Australia with a promise to buy more Vegemite and Tim Tams. What the British side may not have worked out yet is that we have a trade deficit with them $3.5 billion in a two-way trade of $30.4 billion. Any reduction in barriers between the two countries will likely boost Australian exports into Britain, not the other way around. Our tariff wall was demolished decades ago; it is theirs that is the problem in the relationship. Where history repeats as farce is in what drove Johnson and his government to come begging for a trade deal at its own expense. Britain can't stand its neighbours, and is reaching out to its kin on the other side of the globe to prove to its own people that it still has clout. In this respect, Britain has reverted to Australia's self-defeating posture a century ago. Britain looks down on Europe, and its people in the same way that Australia once viewed Asia and its people. Times have changed, of course, and Brexit is not as overtly racist as the White Australia Policy. But an equivalent anxiety underwrote Brexit: the fear that Europeans would take British jobs, and erase a proud people's distinctive national identity. Illustration: Simon Letch Credit: It should be remembered that the British government didn't share our obsession with racial purity in 1901 its interest back then was in the free movement of people and goods throughout the empire. Joseph Chamberlain, the secretary of the colonies in London, had pre-empted the White Australia debate with a warning that he would veto any legislation that explicitly banned migration from Asia. The compromise that was reached between London and Canberra allowed Australia to achieve the same end through the backdoor of the language test. Bengaluru, June 19 : With nominations of seven candidates in the fray for the June 29 biennial elections to as many Karnataka Legislative Council seats found valid after scrutiny, they are set to be declared elected unopposed, an official said on Friday. "Of the 9 nominations filed on Thursday, two by Independents were rejected by Returning Officer M.K. Vishalakshi during scrutiny for want of at least 10 sponsoring legislators," a poll official told IANS. The Independents were P.C. Krishnegowda and Mandikkal Nagaraja, who is said to be close to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Of the 7 candidates now in fray, 4 are from the BJP, 2 from the opposition Congress and 1 from regional outfit Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S). Of the 7 outgoing members 5 are from the Congress and one each from the JD-S and an Independent. The Congress nominated its outgoing Rajya Sabha member B.K. Hariprasad and sitting MLC Naseer Ahmed for 2 seats, as it has only 68 legislators in the 225-member Assembly and both need 28 votes each to win the bypolls. With 116 legislators, the BJP's four candidates -- M.T.B. Nagaraj, R. Shankar, Sunil Valyapure and Pratap Simha Nayak will also get elected unopposed. Govindraju of the JD-S, which has 34 MLCs, will also win unopposed. "If all the 7 remaining candidates will be declared elected unopposed on June 22 -- the last date for withdrawal of nominations. Voting on June 29 is now redundant," said the official. In the biennial elections to 4 Rajya Sabha seats from the state, 2 from the BJP and one each from the Congress and the JD-S were declared unopposed on June 12 -- the last day for withdrawal of nominations, thereby averting the voting on June 19. Nagaraj, a former Congress rebel, who also lost in the Assembly by-election from Hoskote in Bengaluru Rural district on a BJP ticket, was the state Housing Minister in the 14-month-old JD-S-Congress coalition government, which fell on July 23, 2019 after 17 of their rebels resigned then. Shankar, who was an Independent and a Minister in the former coalition government, was not given the BJP ticket to contest in the December Assembly bypolls though he too resigned from the Ranebennur seat in Haveri district, about 340km northwest of Bengaluru, along with former Congress and JD-S rebels. Valyapure is the party's grass-roots leader from Chincholi in Gulbarga district in the state's northern region, about 586km from Bengaluru. Valyapure extensively campaigned in the May 2019 general elections and ensured the victory of BJP candidate Umesh Yadav from the Gulbarga reserved Lok Sabha seat, defeating Congress senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge. Nayak is also the party's grass-roots cadre who rose from the ranks to become its Dakshina Kannada district president in the state's coastal region. Besides Ahmed, the 4 outgoing Congress members are Jayamma, M. C. Venugopal, N S Bose Raju and H M Revanna. The term of T.A. Sharavana of the JD-S and Independent D.U. Mallikarjuna also ends on June 30. In the 75-member Council, the opposition Congress has 37 members, BJP 19, JD-S 16, two Independents and one Chairman. Beijing, June 19 : A fresh coronavirus outbreak that emerged at one of Beijing's food markets has been brought under control, a top epidemiologist said. The Chinese capital still remains in a state of alert, with tough restrictions in place and widespread testing underway, but the infection curve in the wake of a localized resurgence of COVID-19 has been flattened, reports fe news. Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said the number of new cases had dropped by 10 between Wednesday and Thursday. On Tuesday he said that the following 48 hours would be crucial in containing the fresh outbreak. Authorities reported 36 infections on Monday, the highest in Beijing even during the height of the outbreak, 31 on Tuesday and the same on Wednesday, which fell to 21 on Thursday. "In the coming days we will continue to see new confirmed cases but the transmission of the virus is under control so the curve will gradually flatten. The outbreak is under control," Wu said at a press conference in Beijing. He said that fresh outbreaks, such as this one which has seen 158 new cases in the capital, were to be expected. "This does not mean that as of tomorrow the cases will decrease dramatically, the curve will gradually decrease," he added. He said there will be further "sporadic" infections but that the peak of transmissions was reached on June 13. The expert added that the origin of the outbreak was related to the storage of shellfish in markets at low temperatures and in humid conditions. This would have been the case at the focus of the latest outbreak which was the wholesale food market in Xinfadi, in the Fengtai district of the city, which is the largest of its kind in Asia. "More research is still needed but I think these conditions make the virus hide and survive," Wu said. "Last year when the cases started in Wuhan we suspected that wild animals might be the cause. "This new outbreak in Beijing has made us look back: it offers a new direction to look to solve this mystery." He explained that the cases detected on Wednesday had been infected before June 12 and predicted that further positive results in the coming days would also not be recent infections. Pang Xinghuo, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control, said none of the cases reported on Thursday are serious and five of them are "very minor". Eight different focuses of infections related to the Xinfadi market have been detected in the city, he added. One of them is a restaurant where a chef bought food at the market and transmitted the virus to another worker in the establishment. Wu said if Beijing had not taken "timely measures" the outbreak would have been a repeat of what happened in Wuhan, where the pandemic first emerged last December. Strict restrictions were still in place in the city to stem the rate of infection and 87,000 nucleic acid tests have been conducted in the Fengtai district. Workers at restaurants, universities and markets will continue to be tested and the establishments will be disinfected. A total of 356,000 tests had been carried out by Wednesday, according to municipal authorities. In addition, those who have visited the Xinfadi market since May 30 and those who have maintained contact with those who work there should undergo two coronavirus tests, one before and the other after being isolated for 14 days in their communities. Those who have had contact with the market and residents in high and medium risk areas are not allowed to leave the city. The Huaxiang neighbourhood, where the market is located, is considered high-risk and 32 medium-risk areas have also been declared throughout the city. Pan Xuhong, deputy director of municipal public security, said the restrictions "do not mean that the city has been sealed" and that the objective is "to prevent the virus from spreading through the capital or reaching other cities". Inter-provincial flights have also been suspended, more than 60 per cent of inbound and outbound services were cancelled on Thursday, schools have been closed and residents advised to work from home. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China said on Thursday that "there is an urgent need for the country to improve sanitation standards and minimize health risks in the markets". As of Friday, China had a total of 84,494 COVID-19 cases, with 4,638 deaths. --IANS ksk/ "The epidemic is a mirror that not only reflects the dirty and disorganized aspect of the wholesale markets, but also shows the low level of its management," it added. The coronavirus was first detected in the Huanan seafood market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, while in Beijing the outbreak was registered in the Xinfadi outbreak, which covers an area of 112 hectares and has 1,500 employees and more than 4,000 stalls. "Most markets were built 20 or 30 years ago, when sewage drainage and treatment were relatively underdeveloped," according to the organization. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text THEY are the ultimate purveyors of flesh pressing but last Wednesday in Newcastle West the areas local politicians emerged from lockdown and stepped into a world of social distancing where all flesh was to be strictly kept two metres apart. One local councillor sat at each small wooden desk in the meeting room of Aras William Smith O'Brien in the town. A two fingered KitKat kept a small bottle of homegrown Ballygowan water company on each table. Less than three minutes into the meeting the right hand of Cllr Michael Collins shot into the air. Cathaorileach Jerome Scanlan opened the floor to him thinking the Fianna Fail man wanted to make a comment on the matter of Abbeyfeale Town Park, which Cllr Liam Galvin had been discussing since the outset (see next week's edition). But Cllr Collins couldnt make any remark as he couldnt hear what was being said. Chairman, he announced from the bottom left hand table, its impossible to hear what people are saying, we can hear people talking but its not distinct. Cllr Scanlan suggested people stand up when speaking. Cllr Collins didnt think that would cut it. I think its more the acoustics of the room and the size of it is the problem, he pointed out. A lonesome table stood just inside the door. If we sat here would we be two metres away from each other? asked Cllr Ruddle. You would, he was told, signalling the start of some musical chairs. Cllr Ruddle made the first move towards the table followed by this reporter. Is it the length of a hurley? quipped one councillor as we both sat at either side of the table. Cllr Collins then moved up a seat. Is there any improvement? asked Cllr Scanlan. Im no better off, came the reply. But didn't Cllr Scanlan mishear Cllr Collins and thinking all was OK enquired if he wanted to come in now under the minutes. I cant hear what youre saying, replied Cllr Collins, motioning with his hands. Maybe if I take this off, it might solve the problem, said Cllr Scanlan removing a face shield from his head. Yeah, thats better. You look better too, quipped Cllr Collins. I dont know about that, said Cllr Scanlan as he continued with the business of his last meeting as cathaoirleach of the local district. One more area in Beijing is listed as high risk for coronavirus as other parts of China report cases linked to the citys resurgence. China to overhaul Shanghai stock index next month, the first time in nearly three decades. Meanwhile, China indicts two Canadians on espionage charges after theyve spent more than 18 months in detention. By Lu Yutong (yutonglu@caixin.com) and Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com) ** ON THE CORONAVIRUS Beijing adds one area of high risk for coronavirus Beijing raised the Covid-19 risk alert in the Xihongmen town of its southern district of Daxing to high-level Friday afternoon after two new cases were reported in the area. Both cases involve people who worked at the Xinfadi wholesale market, where the new outbreak started last week. The capital city currently has two areas listed as high risk and 33 more with mid-level risks. Residents from such areas are barred from leaving Beijing except for special reasons. China reports 32 new Covid-19 cases, including 25 in Beijing The Chinese mainland reported (link in Chinese) 32 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, up from 28 the previous day. Of those, 28 were domestic infections, including 25 in Beijing as the capital city deals with a local outbreak. Some 183 patients are currently hospitalized with the virus in Beijing, according to the Beijing Municipal Health Commission. Since the national outbreak began in January, Beijing has reported at total of 603 confirmed coronavirus cases. Official defends claim Beijing outbreak is under control The China CDCs chief epidemiologist Wu Zunyou said his assertion that Beijings outbreak is under control was science-based in an interview with national broadcaster on Friday, even as other parts of China discovered infections linked to the food market at the center of the outbreak in the Chinese capital. I hope this information doesnt mislead people. We cant afford to let our guard down or relax the restrictions, Wu said, adding that it would be premature to lower Beijings emergency response level at this stage. Kazakhstans first president tests positive for Covid-19 Former Kazakh president Nursultan Nazarbayev, who will turn 80 next month, has tested positive for the coronavirus, his official website said Thursday. Nazarbayev, who is called the leader of the nation, is currently in self-isolation and will work remotely. Denmark to cull 11,000 minks that contracted the coronavirus Some 11,000 minks at a farm in Denmark were found to be infected with Covid-19 and will be culled (link in Chinese), the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration said Wednesday. The outbreak comes after the Netherlands reported a similar outbreak at 10 local mink farms, where animals were also culled after some tested positive for Covid-19. Other virus news As of noon Beijing time on Friday, the number of global infections was approaching 8.5 million, with fatalities surpassing 450,000, data from Johns Hopkins University showed. The U.K. has become the fifth country in the world to report more than 300,000 coronavirus cases, after the U.S., Brazil, Russia and India. Read more Caixins coverage of the new coronavirus ** TOP STORIES OF THE DAY China to revamp Shanghai benchmark stock index in July The Shanghai Stock Exchange will launch a revamp of the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index July 22, the first major revision in nearly three decades, the bourse said. Changes will include introducing more high-tech weighting and removing loss-making companies. The Shanghai bourse announced a plan in early June to study a potential overhaul of its benchmark index to make it better reflect Chinas fast-evolving economy. Syngenta Group debuts in ChemChina, Sinochem restructuring Syngenta Group officially debuts Thursday as part of Chinas massive government-led merger of two state-owned chemical giants ChemChina and Sinochem. The newly formed Syngenta, which was registered last year, evolved from the Swiss pesticide producer that ChemChina acquired in 2016 and took in agricultural assets from ChemChina and Sinochem. The company has total assets of 500 billion yuan ($70.5 billion). About 25% of its first-quarter sales were generated in China. Caixin reported earlier that the new company will seek to go public in China by mid-2022. Chinas fiscal revenue continued dropping in May Chinas fiscal revenue dropped 13.6% year-on-year in the first five months of the year, including a 10% decline in May from a year earlier, data from Chinas Ministry of Finance showed Thursday. The decline was led by a drop in tax income, which was down 14.9% in the first five months of 2020. Government expenditure dropped 2.9% in the January to May period, on par with the pace recorded in the first four months this year. JD.coms $34 billion gala haul may signal consumer rebound Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com said it racked up 239.2 billion yuan ($34 billion) in transactions during the 6.18 summer extravaganza that wrapped up Thursday, up 33% from the same time a year earlier. The strong growth suggests the countrys nascent consumer spending recovery has legs. JD.com projected revenue growth of 20% to 30% this quarter, and is on track to meet that goal, said the companys retail CEO Xu Lei. China indicts two Canadians held since 2018 on spying charges The formal charges against Michael Kovrig, a Hong Kong-based International Crisis Group analyst and a former Canadian diplomat, and Michael Spavor, who organized trips to North Korea, suggest theyll soon face trial after more than 18 months of detention. Kovrig was charged with spying on state secrets while Spavor was accused of stealing and illegally providing state secrets to other countries, according to statements released Friday by prosecutors in Beijing and the northeastern border city of Dandong, Bloomberg reported. CEO of Nasdaq-listed Phoenix Tree is under government investigation Gao Jing, CEO of Nasdaq-listed Phoenix Tree Holdings Ltd., a provider of apartment rental services, has been placed under investigation by local government authorities, the company said in a Thursday announcement, without detailing which authorities are involved. The announcement said that the investigation is looking at Gaos business activities before Phoenix Tree was founded in 2015, and has no connection to its business. The announcement also said no board members have received official notices related to the investigation, and that Phoenix Tree co-founder Cui Yan had been appointed interim CEO. Phoenix Trees share prices closed down 5.35% on Thursday. Former central banker says Chinas companies need more transparency China needs to improve transparency, accounting standards and governance of listed companies and financial markets as more businesses seek to move listings to their home market amid growing regulatory pressures abroad, Zhou Xiaochuan, the countrys former central bank governor, said Thursday. Some people defended the lack of transparency with national security concerns, which I cant agree with, said Zhou. ** OTHER STORIES MAKING THE HEADLINES Business & Tech Colgate-Palmolive Co. is carrying out a review of all aspects of its Darlie toothpaste a product that once used an offensive racial epithet for a black person as its English name and still uses a Chinese name that refers to black people as the company grapples with the racist past of the brand sold in China. https://www.caixinglobal.com/2020-06-19/colgate-to-overhaul-racist-chinese-toothpaste-brand-101569776.html China has drawn up a draft regulation governing the transport and storage of hydrogen fuel that could pave the way for the use of liquefied hydrogen, a material cheaper than the pressurized gas now most commonly used. Chinese smartphone-maker Oppo canceled a planned livestream launch of its first 5G smartphone offerings in India, in an attempt to mitigate anti-China sentiment that has been smoldering during the coronavirus outbreak, and dramatically worsened this week after territorial clashes in a disputed border area. ** AND FINALLY Chinese liquor giant Kweichow Moutai Co. is close to overtaking state-owned Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. (ICBC) as the nations biggest stock by market value. Kweichows market capitalization briefly surpassed that of ICBC on Friday before it fell slightly to 1.808 trillion yuan versus ICBCs 1.813 trillion yuan when the market closed. Contact reporter Lu Yutong (yutonglu@caixin.com) and editors Yang Ge (geyang@caixin.com) and Joshua Dummer (joshuadummer@caixin.com) Read more China Business Digest: China and U.S. Hold Constructive Talks in Hawaii; CSRC Chief on U.S. Regulators Access to Audits of Chinese Firms NEW YORK, June 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NetworkNewsAudio -- The Movie Studio Inc. (MVES) today announces that its founder, president & CEO, Gordon Scott Venters, has been featured in an exclusive audio interview with NetworkNewsWire (NNW), a financial news and content distribution company and one of 45+ brands in the InvestorBrandNetwork (IBN). During the interview, Venters provided some background on The Movie Studios strategy to disrupt the video on demand industry as major players like Disney and Viacom continue to announce massive acquisitions in the space. The broadcast can be heard at The NetworkNewsAudio Interviews Podcast. Venters started the interview by detailing what makes The Movie Studio distinctive in the video on demand arena. The Movie Studio is a first-mover digital disrupter focused on the rapidly expanding video on demand sector, he said. The reason were a disruptor is because we have a unique business model that hasnt entered the space in either an app form or a video on demand form that we think could definitely command market share. The companys business model combines tried-and-true strategies like growth by acquisition with innovative new ideas, like MovieSodes, as Venters discussed. People want to be in the motion picture industry, and, of course, that has been held captive for a long time by the studio configuration, he noted. With The Movie Studios MovieSodes feature, users can upload a video clip and send it to our producers for consideration for our upcoming feature films. Were going to fracture motion picture manufacturing into shooting on the weekends... Over 10 weeks, we smash that content together and end up with a feature film for global distribution. Venters added that this new approach allows individuals to get involved with a feature film while its being manufactured instead of being cast ahead of time. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly every sector has been impacted. Video on demand, however, is one of the few industries that was strategically positioned to benefit from the unprecedented situation. Story continues Were very fortunate that, when the pandemic came around, people were sheltered in place and were digesting content more frequently and more robustly, Venters said. Right in the midst of the pandemic, on March 17, 2020, Tubi was bought by Fox/Disney for $440 million. On the coattails, the same day, you had Pluto TV bought by Viacom for $330 million. Now, those giant media companies wouldnt have spent that capital unless they felt that the consumer ingestion of content was going to accelerate at a super-fast rate. The shifting tide toward video on demand was perhaps most visible through Universals decision to release its Trolls film straight to DVD, bypassing the usual theatrical release and fracturing the studios relationship with AMC. Venters added that the success of this release could lead to lasting changes in the film industry. The studios dont really care either way, he stated. What they want to do is monetize the content they manufacture, and, at the end of the day, the content is monetized by the end user. Please listen to the full interview with The Movie Studio Founder, President & CEO Gordon Scott Venters at http://nnw.fm/3KPwp . About The Movie Studio Inc. The Movie Studio Inc. is a vertically integrated motion picture production and distribution company engaged in the acquisition, development, production and distribution of independent motion picture content for worldwide consumption, with a particular focus on video on demand (VOD), foreign sales and various media devices. It is disrupting traditional media content delivery systems with its digital business model of motion picture distribution and intends direct server access of its content with geo-fractured territories for worldwide distribution. The company was formerly known as Destination Television Inc. and changed its name to The Movie Studio Inc. in November 2012. It is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For more information, visit the companys website at www.TheMovieStudio.com . About NetworkNewsAudio (NNA) NetworkNewsAudio (NNA) allows you to sit back and listen to market updates, CEO interviews and a company AudioPressRelease (APR). These audio clips provide snapshots of position, opportunity and momentum. NNA can assist your company by cutting through the overload of information in today's market. NNA brings its Client Partners unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. NNA is just one site within our sizable family of 45+ brands within the InvestorBrandNetwork (IBN). IBN is a comprehensive provider of news and original articles; we aggregate and syndicate this content for much bigger impact. IBN also adds Press Release Enhancement and a full array of social media communication solutions and has amassed a collective audience that includes millions of social media followers. As a multifaceted financial news and distribution company with an extensive team of journalists and writers, IBN has the unparalleled ability to reach a wide audience comprising investors, consumers, journalists and the general public with an ever-growing distribution network of 5,000+ key syndication outlets across the nation. For more information, please visit: www.NetworkNewsAudio.com or The NetworkNewsAudio News Podcast Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the InvestorBrandNetwork website applicable to all content provided by IBN, wherever published or re-published: http://IBN.fm/Disclaimer Forward-Looking Statements This 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. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Corporate Communications Camper fire claims the life of two people in Marshall County Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz said on Thursday that he lives with a Cuban immigrant named Nestor whom he calls his son. "For all those wondering, this is my son Nestor," Gaetz tweeted along with a photo of him and the man he identified as Nestor. "We share no blood but he is my life. He came from Cuba (legally, of course) six years ago and lives with me in Florida. I am so proud of him and raising him has been the best, most rewarding thing I've done in my life." The Florida congressman's tweets came after he got into a shouting match with Louisiana Rep. Cedric Richmond at a House hearing this week on police reform. After Richmond discussed the injustice that Black people like him and his son face, Gaetz interjected and asked, "Are you suggesting that you're certain none of us have nonwhite children? Because you reflect on your Black son, and you said none of us could understand." Gaetz has previously posted photos and videos featuring Nestor in which he described him as a "local student" and a "helper." But Thursday was the first time he publicly referred to Nestor as his son. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz said on Thursday that he lives with a Cuban immigrant named Nestor whom he calls his son. "For all those wondering, this is my son Nestor," Gaetz tweeted along with a photo of him and the man he identified as Nestor. "We share no blood but he is my life. He came from Cuba (legally, of course) six years ago and lives with me in Florida. I am so proud of him and raising him has been the best, most rewarding thing I've done in my life." In a follow-up tweet, Gaetz wrote that Nestor turned 19 a few days ago and "will be off to University." "He arrived here at 12," Gaetz tweeted. "As you can imagine, I was triggered when (to make an absurd debate point) a fellow congressman diminished the contributions of Republicans because we don't raise non-white kids. Well, I have." Story continues The Florida congressman's tweets came after he made headlines the previous day for getting into a shouting match with Louisiana Rep. Cedric Richmond during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on police reform. After Richmond discussed the injustice that Black people like him and his son face, Gaetz interjected and asked, "Are you suggesting that you're certain none of us have nonwhite children? Because you reflect on your Black son, and you said none of us could understand." Richmond cut Gaetz off, saying, "I'm not about to get sidetracked about the color of our children. We're talking about Black people in the streets that are getting killed, and if one of them happens to be your kid, I'm concerned about him too. And clearly, I'm more concerned about him than you are. So let's be clear about that." Gaetz yelled back: "You're claiming you have more concern for my family than I do? Who in the hell do you think you are? This is outrageous." Shortly after Gaetz tweeted on Thursday that Nestor is his son, the hashtag #freenestor began trending on Twitter as several users suggested, without evidence, that Nestor hadn't consented to the congressman posting photos of him. Former California Rep. Katie Hill, who resigned from Congress last year, later weighed in on the matter. "Many of you know @mattgaetz & I have an unlikely friendship," Hill tweeted. "I can't stand a lot of his beliefs but he's been there for me when others haven't. He talks about Nestor more than anything, has done so much for his son & is truly a proud dad. This #freenestor thing is bulls---. Stop." "Also he was never 'hiding' his son," Hill continued in a second tweet. "He was trying to protect him from the crap that comes from being a politician's kid, esp after what Nestor had been through, esp in this political climate. Now that Nestor is grown he's made his own choice to enter the spotlight. Good for them." Jose Felix Diaz, an executive vice president at the political consulting firm Ballard Partners, also posted a tweet defending Gaetz, writing, "I am seeing so many hateful comments about Matt Gaetz & Nestor. When that kid lost his mom, Matt was dating his sister and he stepped up. Plain and simple. He has been an outstanding role model & mentor for Nestor and anyone that served with Matt knows this great kid." Jose Felix Diaz (@josefelixdiaz) June 18, 2020 The Florida congressman has posted photographs and videos that feature Nestor before, but Thursday was the first time he publicly referred to Nestor, who is a former House of Representatives page, as his son. Nestor with Gaetz and Donald Trump Jr. Nestor Galban/Facebook In March 2016, Gaetz posted a photo on Facebook of him and two "local students," one of whom is Nestor. "It was great working with local students Sofia Burleson and Nestor Galban in Tallahassee this last week," the post said. "They were fantastic House pages!" matt gaetz nestor Matt Gaetz/Facebook Gaetz also posted a video in December 2017 in which he referred to Nestor as his "helper." Gaetz's sister, Erin, also tweeted out several older photos of Gaetz and Nestor. The congressman's office did not immediately respond to questions about whether Nestor had consented to Gaetz posting the tweets about him on Thursday or if he considers Gaetz a parent. Read the original article on Business Insider BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Assistant to Azerbaijans President Anar Alakbarov, Chairman of the Management Union of Medical Territorial Units (TABIB) Ramin Bayramli, and medical expert of the Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers Rashad Mahmudov, met with a group of media representatives to discuss medias role in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, Trend reports. Anar Alakbarov said that the media plays an important role in the fight against COVID-19, particularly in education of people. The assistant to the president noted that, despite all predicted difficulties during the pandemic outbreak, the protection of citizens became one of the priorities for the head of state, and the governments activity strategy in this epidemiological situation was built on that basis. Therefore, the clinics of the country were provided with all modern equipment for effective treatment and diagnosis of coronavirus, Alakbarov said. Along with this, by the instruction and under the special attention of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijans citizens living and studying abroad were brought back home via special flights, Alakbarov said. The official added that thanks to the head of states strategy, it has become possible to take control of the disease, and currently necessary work continues under this strategy. Stressing the importance of mobilizing not only the state, but also citizens in fighting the pandemic, Alakbarov noted that citizens should now be more careful in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the disease and observe the rules of behavior introduced by the Operational Headquarters. Every citizen should be interested in observing the rules of behavior in public places, public transport and crowded places, the presidents assistant said. Alakbarov added that social distancing should also be observed in the mentioned places. Relevant authorities have also been instructed to strengthen control over the wearing of face masks, said Alakbarov. During the meeting, Alakbarov made notes on the views of the media related to fighting COVID-19, emphasizing that theyre important for the country establishing the right strategy on the pandemic. Touching upon the importance of cooperation between the media and government agencies, Alakbarov added that this issue is always in the spotlight and work in this direction will continue. In turn, Ramin Bayramli answered the medias questions, and listed the success levels achieved by the Azerbaijani public health service in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Bayramli emphasized that the achievements of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in preparing the health care system in Azerbaijan to combat this disease are invaluable. In turn, Rashad Mahmudov, emphasized the need to use medical masks in public and closed places. In the fight against a pandemic, every citizen, first of all, should go all out for his health, the health of his family and a healthy future," noted Mahmudov. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu An unlikely pick A mad rush to get supplies Parkland shaped him Away from home (TNS) Jared Moskowitz makes his living off disaster, but not even he expected what 2020 had in store for him.Theres been a global pandemic and civil unrest. Now, hes facing a hurricane season that is projected to be one of the worst on record.The only thing left is to have a volcano erupt off the coast of Florida, Moskowitz said.The 39-year-old state emergency management director and Broward County native is quick with a joke, but he knows his job is deadly serious. Hes the guy in Tallahassee responsible for ensuring that masks get to front-line health care workers. His agency has doled out millions of dollars in emergency contracts to stockpile supplies for the coronavirus pandemic.Moskowitz is usually at Gov. Ron DeSantis side at news conferences outlining the states coronavirus response.In Moskowitzs line of work, the wrong choice could cost people their lives. Thats what he says keeps him up at night.I understand the stakes of what we are doing, he said. A day delay of getting masks out that one day delay could be the difference in whether that doctor or nurse contracts COVID.Moskowitz is not the person youd think DeSantis would select to lead the states Division of Emergency ManagementDeSantis has been branded a Trump-loving puppet by his detractors on social media. Moskowitz is a liberal from the bluest part of Florida and once wore a T-shirt boasting of his F-minus rating from the National Rifle Association . Moskowitz called it a badge of honor.Despite their differences, theyve worked together on one of the worst public health crises in the nations history, speaking with each other on an almost daily basis, Moskowitz said.We have a rich history of Democrats and Republicans coming together in emergency management, Moskowitz said. When a hurricane hits, it doesnt pick a Republican house or a Democratic house. This pandemic doesnt pick whether you watch Fox or MSNBC in how it affects you.Moskowitz said hes been given latitude by the governor to run his agency as he sees fit. The politicization of the pandemic that has divided Republicans and Democrats hasnt come into play, he said.Thats at odds with other dynamics in Tallahassee and Washington. DeSantis and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried another Broward native have clashed over the virus. Fried, the only statewide elected Democrat, has criticized DeSantis response as recklessly reopening Florida despite the data screaming for caution.Democratic state Rep. Shevrin Jones, a close friend of Moskowitzs, shares Frieds view that the DeSantis administration moved too quickly to reopen, but he said Moskowitz has done a good job in his role.When Jones needed testing at a senior-living center in his district recently, Moskowitz made sure a mobile lab arrived in a matter of days, Jones said.Jared has been able to manage holding all politics at bay and keeping Floridians at the forefront and making sure we are safe, Jones said. That is Jared Moskowitz at his best.Moskowitz hasnt been shy, either, in fighting to get badly needed supplies . As the state scrambled to buy N95 respirators, Moskowitz likened the system for procuring the masks to a Ponzi scheme. He pleaded on social media for the manufacturer 3M to bypass distributors hiking up prices and sell the masks directly to the state.Since then, 3M has started suing vendors found to be trying to sell the sought-after masks at inflated prices.The rush to ramp up testing and stockpile supplies hasnt been problem free. The state hired a pediatrician with a checkered past to deliver thousands of coronavirus test results to patients. It also inked an $11.3 million testing and supply deal with a firm led by a man who pleaded guilty to two felonies related to insurance fraud last year, the investigative news website Florida Bulldog reported. Jason Mahon, a spokesman for the Division of Emergency Management, told the Bulldog the agency didnt have time to vet every companys executive leadership or board of directors in the rush to respond to coronavirus.Moskowitz said he never dreamed of becoming emergency management director, but everything changed on Feb. 14, 2018, when a gunman opened fire at his high school alma mater and killed 17 students and staff.A native of Coral Springs and graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Moskowitz was first elected to the Florida House in 2012.Moskowitz recalled being at the Coral Springs Marriott at Heron Bay where parents had gathered to learn whether their children had lived or died in the Stoneman Douglas shooting.All of that haunts me, he said. I didnt hear crying. I heard screaming. Its what has prepared me to do this. This stuff is not for the weak.Moskowitz said the massacre showed him the importance of government getting it right in heading off disaster. The FBI bungled tips that, if investigated, could have stopped the shooting.As a state legislator, Moskowitz made an emotional floor speech that helped secure passage of landmark legislation that included Floridas first gun control measures in two decades. The law increased the age to buy a rifle from 18 to 21, required statewide background checks for long-gun purchases and made it easier for law enforcement to seize guns from people suspected of being a danger to themselves or others.In December 2018, DeSantis selected Moskowitz to serve as emergency management director in his administration. Moskowitz took a sizable pay cut to take the $141,000-a-year emergency management job. Moskowitz was working as executive vice president and general counsel at AshBritt Environmental, a national disaster-recovery company. The Deerfield Beach-based business has contracts throughout the state to clean up hurricane debris.Moskowitz has been living in a cottage near the emergency operations center in Tallahassee, 450 miles away from his home in Parkland.His wife and 3-year-old and 6-year-old sons have stayed in Parkland. As the state locked down, Moskowitz spent two months away from his family, getting to see them only briefly when he visited testing sites in South Florida.Moskowitz said its been hard to be separated. His wife, Leah, has been left to manage his two hooligan boys without him, he said.Sometimes I come home and wonder who has the easier job me or her, he said.As of late, Moskowitz is preparing for the peak of hurricane season. Projections indicate this years season could be severe, and COVID-19 complicates everything Emergency managers are rethinking how they issue evacuation orders in a time when an exodus could spread the virus. If a mild storm approaches, people living in well-built structures could be asked to seek refuge at home, rather than leave. Hurricane shelters will check temperatures and isolate people suspected of having the disease. People could be spaced apart in school classrooms instead of being crowded together in gyms.Moskowitz said hes hoping for a break from the onslaught of bad news.I have not asked to become the master of disaster, he said. This is a first for everybody, but each day is about getting better. You make a mistake, you fix it.Skyler Swisher can be reached at sswisher@sunsentinel.com , 561-243-6634 or @SkylerSwisher.2020 the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)Visit the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) at www.sun-sentinel.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Coronavirus patients with higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood are more likely to die from the deadly virus, according to scientists. A study by Imperial College London researchers revealed that patients with high levels of the hormone deteriorated more quickly and were at a greater risk of dying. Cortisol is produced by the body in response to stress - it triggers changes in metabolism, heart function and the immune system to help the body cope. The British team say the findings could be used to identify those patients who are more likely to need intensive care and help manage the pressure on the NHS. A study by Imperial College London researchers revealed that patients with high levels of the hormone deteriorated more quickly and were at a greater risk of dying. Stock image This is the first evidence that cortisol levels are a marker of the severity of the deadly virus that has seen millions die around the world since it first appeared in 2019. The levels found were 'worryingly high' - as much as triple the levels of cortisol found in the blood after someone undergoes major surgery, study authors found. Study lead author Professor Waljit Dhillo, of Imperial, said: 'From an endocrinologist's perspective, it makes sense that those COVID-19 patients who are the sickest will have higher levels of cortisol, but these levels are worryingly high.' He said three months ago they began to see a wave of COVID-19 patients in London hospitals with little information on how to triage them. 'Now, when people arrive at hospital, we potentially have another simple marker to use alongside oxygen saturation levels to help us identify which patients need to be admitted immediately, and which may not,' he said. Our cortisol levels, when healthy and resting, are 100-200 nm/L and nearly zero when we sleep - low levels of cortisol in ill patients can be life threatening. However, excessive levels of cortisol can be equally dangerous, leading to increased risk of infection and poor outcomes. For the new study, researchers looked at 535 patients, including 403 with confirmed COVID-19 - those with the virus had higher levels than cortisol than those without. The levels in the COVID-19 group ranged as high as 3,241 - considerably higher even than after major surgery, when levels can top 1,000. 'Having an early indicator of which patients may deteriorate more quickly will help us with providing the best level of care as quickly as possible, as well as helping manage the pressure on the NHS,' said Dhillo. 'In addition, we can also take cortisol levels into account when we are working out how best to treat our patients.' For the new study, researchers looked at 535 patients, including 403 with confirmed COVID-19 - those with the virus had higher levels than cortisol than those without. Stock image Among the COVID-19 patients, those with a baseline cortisol level of 744 or less survived on average for 36 days but those with levels over 744 had an average survival of just 15 days. The study involved 535 patients admitted to three London hospitals including Charing Cross, Hammersmith and St Mary's. These patients had suspected COVID-19 between March 9 and April 22. A COVID-19 swab test and routine blood tests, including a baseline measurement of cortisol levels, were performed within 48 hours of admission. Over the study period, just under 27 per cent of the COVID-19 group died compared to just under seven per cent of the non-COVID-19 group. Dhillo and his team hope that their research can now be validated in a larger scale clinical study. Professor Kavita Vedhara from the University of Nottingham, who was not involved in the study, said this should be used to spark more investigation. 'Regardless of whether elevated cortisol is a cause or consequence of COVID-19, the increased levels seen in this cohort of patients suggest that it is imperative that we rapidly work towards understanding the role of the hormone not only at the most severe end of the disease,' Vedhara said. Adding we also need to 'examine whether it may also play a role in vulnerability to COVID-19, progression from asymptomatic to severe disease and the role of psychological stress and mental health in these processes.' The findings were published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. A Pennsylvania cop has been fired after saying black people 'cannot take care of their own or anyone else without playing the race card' and that 'to say BLM and not all lives matter is racist' in a shocking email to the local mayor and media. Erie Police Sergeant Jeff Annunziata, 62, was told to hand over his badge and gun Thursday after he sent the 'racist and derogatory' email to Erie Mayor Joe Schember and local news reporters. Annunziata, a 34-year veteran of the force, blasted what he called 'unnecessary movements' and said banning the display of the Confederate flag is a violation of the First Amendment in the scathing memo. He also laid into journalists over their reporting of the current civil unrest and made unsubstantiated claims that BLM is working with Antifa and that George Soros and The Clinton foundation are funding both the racial equality movement and the far-left group. Erie Police Sergeant Jeff Annunziata, 62, (pictured in 2006) was fired Thursday after he sent the 'racist and derogatory' email to Erie Mayor Joe Schember and local news reporters Schember announced Annunziata was fired from his position on the force in a press conference Thursday. 'Sgt. Jeff Annunziata sent an email to members of the media containing racist and derogatory statements,' Schember said. 'I condemn these statements. I am appalled and disgusted by the racial insensitivity of this email.' Police Chief Dan Spizarny, also speaking at the conference, said he was 'sickened' by the veteran cop's email. He said he had immediately suspended Annunziata after the email came to light and it emerged he had sent it from his city account. 'I speak for the command staff when I say that we are all sickened by the language of Mr. Annunziata,' Spizarny said. Ed Betza, the city's solicitor, said Annunziata was not working when he sent the email and said the cop has 10 days to challenge the decision. Annunziata sent the shocking email at around 7 p.m. Monday to Schember and four Erie Times-News reporters, Erie Times-News reported Thursday. In the rambling email, the chief traffic investigator for Erie police defended his profession saying it was 'minute numbers' who have killed black men and slammed protesters over the ongoing civil unrest, following the Memorial Day killing of black man George Floyd at the hands of a white cop. Schember announced Annunziata was fired from his position on the force in a press conference Thursday (pictured). In the scathing email Annunziata blasted 'unnecessary movements' and said banning the display of the Confederate flag is a First Amendment violation 'Why are the facts ignored about the killing in this country and how small, the minute numbers of Police officers that kill a black man in the line of duty?... What gives the protesters the right to cause damage and disobey public order?' he began. Annunziata then accused minorities of not taking 'care of their own' and for 'playing the race card'. 'Minorities (BLACK PEOPLE) talk of SOCIAL JUSTICE when they cannot take care of their own or anyone else with out playing the race card, why?' he wrote. The cop said though he wants 'to see equality', he believes that 'to say BLM and not all lives matter is racist' and that people should kneel after and not during the national anthem. He blasted 'the destruction of this countries history in the SOUTH AND OTHER STATES' and said banning the display of the Confederate flag - widely associated with racism and hate crimes - is a First Amendment violation. Annunziata also made several inflammatory claims about the Black Lives Matter movement for which there are no evidence. 'BLM is know to have attached itself with ANTIFA WHY? why is the Dem party with the likes of backers like George Soros & the Clinton foundation who are funding BLM & Antifa why?' he wrote. Annunziata also leveled his anger toward the media, saying journalists should be reporting on cops injured in the line of duty and on the 'vandalism of National monuments' not 'unnecessary movements'. Police Chief Dan Spizarny, also speaking at the conference (above), said he was 'sickened' by the veteran cop's email. Annunziata accused minorities of not taking 'care of their own' and for 'playing the race card' 'You as reporters have a responsibility to report the whole story not the part you want to report for your own satisfaction and that of unnecessary movements,' he wrote. He mentioned the death of Erie officer Richard Burchick in 1991 who he says 'was murdered by a black man' but did not spark protests in the city. Annunziata ended his highly emotional email insisting most cops try to avoid confrontation. '[We] look for a peaceful resolution, but when we are confronted with dissension, weapons of all kinds and argument we have a job to do and hopefully with peaceful result,' he wrote. Annunziata, who according to city records earned an annual base pay of $103,631, signed off the email 'citizen, taxpayer and police officer'. The scathing email was sent hours after the mayor announced that another Erie cop was suspended for three days and ordered to take sensitivity training after they kicked a peaceful protester. Police officers across the country have come under fire in recent weeks after some have been caught on camera violently attacking protesters demanding an end to police brutality and systemic racism in the wake of Floyd's death. Calls are mounting for widespread police reforms and, in some cases, the altogether defunding of local forces. YEREVAN, JUNE 19, ARMENPRESS. The Public Services Regulatory Commission of Armenia approved the draft decision which sets new tariffs for gas, but keeps unchanged the gas tariff for the population, including the socially needy families. The decision was adopted unanimously during todays session of the Commission. On April 1 Gazprom Armenia CJSC submitted an application to the PSRC on revising the gas prices, which proposed to raise the gas price sold to the consumers from 255 USD to 283 USD. But the PSRC proposed the option of setting the tariff at 266.71 USD. Gazprom Armenia CJSC proposed to set a single tariff for all consumers, including the socially needy families, greenhouse economies and reprocessing companies. But the Commission proposed to keep unchanged the current tariffs. The price of gas sold to the population for up to 600 cubic meters of gas consumption per year is proposed to remain 139,000 drams for 1000 cubic meters. And the price for socially needy families to remain at 100,000 drams for 1000 cubic meters. Reporting by Anna Grigoryan; Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 16:28:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SUVA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- A Fijian minister said on Friday that uncertainties remain over Fiji's tourism industry. According to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), Fiji's Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Siddiq Koya said that it is impossible to forecast when the travel industry will begin to rally against the impact of COVID-19. "There is so much uncertainty. There's no time-frame that the government could give to say we can open on this date," he said. With borders staying closed and flights grounded, even when travel resumes, it will take time for passenger confidence to bounce back, the minister said, adding that even when tourists return, he doesn't see a mad rush of visitors wanting to holiday in the island nation. As the backbone of the Fijian economy, tourism is the most important industry with the biggest foreign exchange earner, with 40 percent of the country's GDP depending on tourism which employs around 150,000 people directly and indirectly. The island nation has in recent years received more than 800,000 visitors per year. The Fijian government had also set a goal of developing the tourism industry to a 2.2 billion Fijian dollars (about 1 billion U.S. dollar) industry by 2021. The COVID-19 has serious impact on Fiji's tourism. With travel restrictions imposed to stop the spread of the deadly virus, the industry, which has already laid off about 40,000 people, has been at a standstill for the past months, and more lay-offs are likely before things improve. While asking Fiji to be included in a planned travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand in the coming months, Fiji also launched early this month the "Love Our Locals Fiji" campaign to help the tourism industry. The campaign, championed by Tourism Fiji with the full support of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, embraces the spirit of love through action. It takes inspiration from Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama's call to action over one year ago and asks Fijians to rally behind local restaurants, tour operators and hotels to show support for Fiji by supporting Fijian Made products and holidaying here at home. Enditem TORONTO - Chief executives from 27 companies including three airlines say its time for Canadas prime minister and provincial premiers to relax restrictions on air travel for the good of the economy. In an open letter that calls for a prudent lifting of COVID-19 precautions, the business leaders say its time to reopen air travel in a safe, smart and measured way. In addition to the CEOs of Air Canada, WestJet and Porter Airlines, signatories included chief executives from the financial, telecommunications, manufacturing, energy and other industries. They assert that air travel is critically important for the entire Canadian economy, not just the travel, hospitality and tourism sectors. They say its time to safely resume travel throughout all provinces of Canada and select countries, without naming any. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada and the United States will continue to limit non-essential travel between the two countries until at least July 21. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2020 Companies in this story: (TSX:AC) BERLINGerman lawmakers plan to investigate possible mistakes made by security agencies in their handling of two neo-Nazis suspected of killing a regional politician last year. Opposition lawmakers in the central state of Hesse announced Thursday that they want to hold a parliamentary investigation into what police and domestic intelligence officials knew about the two suspects, whose trial began this week. Stephan Ernst, a 46-year-old German man, is accused of the murder, attempted murder, serious bodily harm and firearms offenses. A second man, identified only as Markus H. because of privacy rules, is accused of accessory to murder and breaking firearms laws. Markus H., who is accused of of aiding and abetting in murdering politician Walter Luebcke, arrives for the first day of his trial at the Oberlandgericht Frankfurt courthouse in Germany on June 16, 2020. (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images) Prosecutors say the men were behind the slaying last June of Walter Luebcke, a member of German Chancellor Angela Merkels center-right Union bloc who had spoken out in favor of helping refugees. Ernst is also accused of stabbing an Iraqi asylum-seeker in January 2016. Hesse lawmakers want to know why Ernst, who had previous convictions for violent anti-migrant crimes, had dropped off the radar of security agencies, and why they didnt intervene when Markus H., whose extremist views were also known, acquired firearms. Frankfurts regional court on Thursday reviewed a police video of Ernst confessing to Luebckes killing following his arrest. Ernsts lawyer, Frank Hannig, said after the hearing that while his client had later retracted the confession, not everything that was in this statement back then was necessarily wrong. He noted that in the June 25, 2019, video, Ernst expressed remorse for Luebckes death and informed police where the firearm used in the fatal shooting was hidden. He is terribly sorry about the death of Dr. Walter Luebcke, which Mr. Ernstand I think that was clear to all observershad a part in, said Hannig. That is a sign of remorse and to me thats remarkable. By PTI NEW DELHI: A high-powered committee, set up by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has recommended fixing the cost of an COVID-19 isolation bed in any hospital in Delhi in the range of Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 and an ICU bed with ventilator at Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 per day, the Home Ministry said on Friday. The committee, under the chairmanship of V K Paul, Member NITI Aayog, was constituted on Sunday to ensure the availability of 60 per cent beds by private hospitals at lower rates and fix the rate of corona testing and treatment. "The committee has recommended Rs 8000-10000, 13000-15000 & 15000-18000 including PPE costs for isolation bed, ICUs without & with ventilator respectively to all hospitals as compared to the current charges of Rs 24000-25000, 34000-43000 & 44000-54000 (excluding PPE cost)," a Home Ministry spokesperson said. Police lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against Supriya Sharma, the executive editor of news portal Scroll.in for her report on the lockdown in Indias prime minister Narendra Modis constituency. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the National Union of Journalists (India) (NUJI) urges the Indian government to withdraw the charges. Mala Devi lodged an FIR at Varanasis Ramnagar police station in Uttar Pradesh on June 13, alleging Supriya Sharma misrepresented her interview in Domari village, Varanasi. Accordingly, police charged Sharma under section 501 and 269 of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly printing a defamatory story and a negligent act that is likely to cause the spread of a life-threatening disease. Sharmas article documented the impacts of the lockdown and inadequate emergency food support in Domari village, Varanasi. Modi adopted Domari village as part of his constituency in 2018. NUJI president, Ras Bihari said: This is a threat to democracy and attacks the origins of freedom of expression. Ras Bihari expresses grave concern over the harassment of journalists through FIR's in Uttar Pradesh and appeals to journalists to fact-check before publishing a story. The IFJ said: It is entirely inappropriate for a factual dispute to result in the police prosecution of a journalist. The IFJ calls on the Indian government to drop the charges against Supriya Sharma and review the use of FIRs against journalists. A new social role for echolocation in bats that hunt together Searching for food at night can be tricky. To find prey in the dark, bats use echolocation, their "sixth sense." But to find food faster, some species, like Molossus molossus, may search within hearing distance of their echolocating group members, sharing information about where food patches are located. Social information encoded in their echolocation calls may facilitate this foraging strategy, according to a recent study by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) scientists and collaborating institutions published online in Behavioral Ecology. Previous research has identified several ways in which echolocation can transfer social information in bats. For example, "feeding buzzes," the echolocation calls bats produce to home in on prey they've spotted, can serve as cues of prey presence to nearby eavesdropping bats. On the other hand, echolocation calls that bats produce while looking for food, called "search-phase" calls, were not known to transfer social information. However, for group-foraging bats, coordinating flight in the dark with several other fast-flying individuals may require an ability to identify group members on the wing. If search-phase calls contain individual signatures the bats can perceive, it could allow them to know which individuals are flying near them without requiring specialized signals for communication. Led by Jenna Kohles, STRI fellow and doctoral candidate at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany, the research team tested whether search-phase echolocation calls contain information about a bat's identity, and whether M. molossus can use this information to discriminate among different group members. The team exposed bats to search-phase echolocation calls in a habituation-dishabituation paradigm, a method where an animal is exposed to a repeating stimulus until it no longer reacts to it. Then, it is exposed to a new but similar stimulus to see if it reacts, which would indicate that it perceives a difference between the two stimuli. "We played echolocation calls from two different bats that were both group members of the subject bat," Kohles said. "By measuring the responses of the subject bats as we switched between calls from different individuals, we could learn about whether the bats perceived differences and similarities between the calls." They found that the bats indeed distinguish between different group members, likely by using individual signatures encoded in the calls. Their results could mean that search-phase calls serve a double function. They not only help bats detect prey, but also convey individual identities to nearby foraging group members. This coincides with the fact that the majority of M. molossus' auditory cortex is tuned in to these search-phase calls, indicating the importance of processing them. This finding offers insight into not only the social strategies these bats may use to meet their energetic needs, but also into the evolution of echolocation signals and social communication in bats. "This study suggests that we may be underestimating the crucial ways social information influences bat foraging success and ultimately survival," Kohles said. ### The research team, consisting of members from STRI, the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, the Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour at the University of Konstanz, the Department of Biology at the University of Konstanz and the Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology at Ohio State University, was funded by STRI and the German Academic Exchange Service. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, headquartered in Panama City, Panama, is a unit of the Smithsonian Institution. The institute furthers the understanding of tropical biodiversity and its importance to human welfare, trains students to conduct research in the tropics and promotes conservation by increasing public awareness of the beauty and importance of tropical ecosystems. This story has been published on: 2020-06-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The development comes a day after the Supreme Court asked the Centre to issue directions to the states for timely payment of salaries and providing necessary quarantine facilities to doctors and healthcare workers. New Delhi, June 18 (IANS) The Central Government on Thursday directed all the states and Union Territories (UTs) to ensure that salaries of doctors and healthcare workers engaged in Covid-19 related duties are released on time. The Secretary at the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Preeti Sudan, has asked the chief secretaries of the states and UTs to ensure strict compliance of the order by all the concerned agencies. "Pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court, it is directed that the states and Union Territories should ensure that the salaries of doctors and healthcare workers engaged in Covid-19 related duties are released on time," Sudan said. The Health Ministry further said that violation of the order would be treated as an offence under the Disaster Management Act and the Indian Penal Code. "Action will be taken against the defaulting hospitals and institutions and authorities," it added. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan also took to Twitter to announce the directions. "@MoHFW_INDIA has issued an order directing all States & Union Territories to ensure that salaries of doctors & health workers engaged in #COVID19 related duties MUST be released on time," he tweeted. This holds significance as the doctors engaged in treating Covid-19 patients had time and again raised their voices over not being paid salaries. Earlier this month, the resident doctors of Kasturba Hospital and Hindu Rao Hospital in Delhi threatened to resign en-masse citing non-payment of salaries for the past three-four months. --IANS Aka/arm In the wake of an economy hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide unrest over racial injustice, Former Vice President Joe Biden leads President Donald Trump by a dozen points in the latest poll by Fox News. Half of more than 1,300 registered voters polled by Fox News this week say they back Biden, compared to 38% supporting Trump. The 12-point margin is yet another jump from the longtime Delaware senator and likely Democratic presidential nominee, who has led in key battleground state polls and already had an 8-point lead when Fox News polled voters last month. Voters surveyed by Fox News overwhelming said they disapproved of Trumps handling of race relations a focal point ever since the May 25 police killing of George Floyd sparked protests in dozens of cities across the country. Nearly every demographic white, Black, Hispanic, male and female, old and young, and those earning less, or more, than $50,000 told Fox News pollsters they disapproved of Trump on race. The same was true among moderates and independents, and those living in urban, suburban and rural areas, suburban women and, albeit with a tighter margin, rural whites. In battleground states, 60% of voters disapproved of the president on race relations, compared to 31% who backed him. After being pushed for weeks to address systemic racism and police brutality while presenting himself as a law and order leader urging a crackdown on violence amid protests, Trump signed an executive order Tuesday calling for police reforms. The order did not go as far as Democratic lawmakers and advocates have pushed, but Trumps plan will establish a national database of police misconduct, theoretically preventing officers from moving from department to department if they have a track record of complaints of aggressive behavior or excessive force. The order also steers federal grants to police departments that seek certifications that they meet high standards on the use of force and de-escalation training, Trump said. Fifty-three percent of voters disapproved of Trump on health care; 39% approved. The economy, a cornerstone of his re-election campaign, still appeared to be Trumps strong suit, according to Fox News. Forty-nine percent of voters back the presidents management of the economy, which is reopening in phases in almost every state after the coronavirus pandemic forced businesses and much of public life to shut down to prevent the outbreak from spreading further. Fox News noted that many more Biden supporters, more than half of them, are partly driven by fear that Trump might win, whereas 62% of Trump supporters say theyre motivated by enthusiasm for their candidate as opposed to fear that the Democrat could win. Fox News said that Bidens support for more than a year has ranged from 42% to 52% in head-to-head polls against the president; Trumps backing has ranged between 37% and 42%. The president and his allies have frequently noted that his previous presidential foe, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, led in many national polls before an Electoral College defeat kept her from the White House. Kellyanne Conway, White House counselor, told Fox News Thursday night that national polls are a colossal waste of time and money. She noted that in most statewide polls, both candidates are below 50% and within a few points of each other. As of Thursday, Real Clear Politics polling averages show Biden leading in several key battleground states key to Trumps victory of Clinton, including by 5.6 percentage points in Pennsylvania; 8.6 points in Michigan; and 5.4 points in Wisconsin. Related Content A Delhi court on Friday refused further extension of interim bail to former Congress councillor Ishrat Jahan, booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for her alleged role in the February riots in north-east Delhi. She had sought extension on the ground that her husband and she had symptoms of Covid-19. She was earlier granted weeks interim bail till June 19 for her wedding. Additional sessions judge Dharmender Rana directed Jahan to surrender in jail on Friday and asked the jail superintendent to ensure adequate medical care. Jahan, through advocate Lalit Valecha, had earlier sought extension for seven days interim bail granted till June 19 for her to get married. Considering the totality of circumstances, especially the opinion of the doctor and the nature of offence, no ground for extension of interim bail is made out in favour of the accused (Jahan), the judge said. Valecha said that Jahan married on June 12 and subsequently her husband came in contact with a relative who tested positive. Following this, the doctor advised the husband to test for the virus. The plea also said that Jahan has also developed the symptoms and doctors advised seven days home isolation before undergoing a test herself. On Friday, Jahans counsel told the court that her husbands report has been found negative. The Delhi Police, opposing the plea, filed a report and stated that the concerned doctor has not prescribed any Covid-19 test and that it was a case of flu. I have no specific reasons to doubt the report of the IO or the advice of the concerned medical expert. It is a settled principle of law that interim bail can only be granted in exceptional circumstances. Mere apprehensions cannot constitute a valid ground for extension of interim bail, the judge said. Jahan, is one of the accused in the UAPA case registered by the Special Cell of the city police to probe the riots that had in which over 50 people had died and more than 400 injured. While the local police and crime branch are investigating at least 750 cases related to the riots, the special cell(anti terror unit) of the force had registered a separate case in FIR to probe the alleged larger conspiracy behind the riots in north east Delhi. Besides Jahan, student activists Asif Iqbal Tanha, Gulfisha Khatoon, Safoora Zargar, Meeran Haider, Shifa-Ur-Rehman, suspended AAP Councillor Tahir Hussain, activist Khalid Saifi, JNU scholars Natasha Narwal and Devangana Kalita and former JNU student Umar Khalid have also been booked under the anti-terror law in the case. Police have alleged that the riots was a conspiracy by people such as Hussain, Umar Khalid(not arrested) and Khalid Saifi among others, who mobilised people under the garb of holding anti-citizenship Amendment Act protests across the city. All the accused persons and their lawyers have denied the polices allegations and said that police have launched a witchhunt against anti-CAA protesters. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Friday asked the city police to consider a representation by Pinjra Tod member Devangana Kalita, arrested for her alleged involvement in the north-east Delhi riots, who approached court seeking video conferencing facilities with her lawyers because the legal meetings with private lawyers or meetings with family members in the prison have been suspended due to Covid-19. Only counsels of the Delhi State Legal Services Authority(DSLSA) are allowed to meet inmates. She had also sought books in the jail. On Friday, advocate Rahul Mehra, standing counsel of Delhi government (criminal), and advocate Chaitanya Gosain, told the court that books were already given to her. A Jefferson Parish sheriff's deputy was arrested early Thursday morning in New Orleans on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in his marked patrol unit, authorities said. Kyle Miller, 29, was also booked with reckless operation of a vehicle, according to Orleans Parish jail records. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto fired Miller, a four-year veteran of the department, on Thursday afternoon. Miller had been assigned to the 3rd Patrol District on the West Bank. Metairie man fatally shot girlfriends mother in front of 10-year-old girl, detective says Brandon Kestle was in the bathroom of a Metairie home smoking marijuana and listening to music on his cellphone just before 1:30 a.m. on Memor I was informed by NOPD that an arrest was made last night of one my deputies for DUI," Lopinto said. "I expect better out of my deputies. Im not going to tolerate it, and he was terminated. The New Orleans Police Department did not release information about the the arrest, which occurred on Magazine Street, according to Sheriff's Office officials. Miller was booked into the Orleans Parish Prison just before 2 a.m. He was released about an hour later. No bond information was available. - Ramon Vargas contributed to this story. China opening multiple fronts like the one on India border may be because of Beijing's assessment that the world is distracted due to COVID-19 pandemic and it may advantage of it, a top American diplomat said Thursday. Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell made the remark, adding the Trump administration is closely watching the Indo-China situation. The latest Chinese activities with India is similar to Beijing's past activities on India border including Doklam, Stilwell told reporters during a conference call. "One explanation for (China) creating multiple fronts like this is an assessment in Beijing that the world is distracted and is focused entirely on survival right (now), recovering from the corona pandemic, which then possibly is seen as an opportunity to take advantage of the distraction," Stillwell said. "I'm not going to offer an official US Government position on that, but there are numerous explanations out there for that (in the public domain)," he said, responding to a question on the aggressive Chinese behaviour with its neighbours, including India. "What we're doing, we're obviously watching the India-China border dispute very closely," Stillwell said, during the conference call after the Hawaii meeting between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi to exchange views on bilateral relations and coronavirus pandemic. "This activity is similar to the activity we've seen in the past on border disputes with the PRC (Peoples Republic of China), and again, I would point you to those - I think it was 2015 when Xi Jinping travelled to India the first time," he said. "The PLA (People's Liberation Army) invaded this contested area deeper and longer, with more people, than ever before historically. Whether that was a negotiating tactic or just a punch in the nose to demonstrate their superiority, I don't know," he said. "But then we saw the Doklam issue down near Bhutan, where we saw similar concerns. I wish I knew. Again, we don't have a lot of visibility and we don't have a lot of open dialogue with our Chinese counterparts, and honestly, I'd like to see more of that if we can," Stillwell said. During the news conference, Stilwell did not confirm if the ongoing Indo-China border clash came up during the Pompeo-Yang talks. But the State Department official did express concern over the recent Chinese behaviour in the region. "The actions that we've seen out of the PRC of late -- and you all know this as you watch the beat -- have been not really constructive as we look at India, the South China Sea, Hong Kong issues, and just go around the perimeter. In the periphery things like trade have not lived up to the billing, unfortunately," Stillwell said. The US seeks a constructive and result-oriented relationship that is fair and reciprocal with China, he said, adding that implies not just conversations but actions. In addition to talks on areas like North Korea, Pompeo during the meeting insisted on the Chinese disclosing all they know about how this pandemic began, to share all the information that they have that leads to saving lives, he said. "This is not about saving face; it's about saving lives. And we insist that they live up to their agreements with the WHO and with the international health regulations to make open as this is beyond politics," he said. "We have to understand and assess that, as I talk about a constructive and result-oriented relationship, that the words are fine but will be judged by the deeds. If we have words of peace but we have aggressive actions, then we're going to have to increase the pressure to manage that," he said. In this US is not alone, he added. "This is not a US-China event. It's not a US-China issue. This is China versus lots of others. We just saw a very strong G7 statement on Hong Kong that demonstrates that it's the world that's concerned with this behaviour," he said. "The objective of these talks was to help the Chinese government understand that their actions are actually working against them and that if they come to the table with a reasonable proposal, the US is obviously going to greet it reasonably and look for ways to work toward a positive outcome," Stillwell said. Also read: Indian Air Force plans to buy 12 Sukhoi, 21 MiG-29s amid India-China standoff Demonstrators had first gathered in Bamako on June 5, decrying perceived government corruption and escalating violence. Large crowds have once again poured onto the streets of Malis capital, Bamako, continuing the so-called Movement of June 5 and renewing demands for the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. Those gathered on Friday were heeding the call of the countrys newly resurgent opposition and were supported by Mahmoud Dicko, a prominent religious leader whose political star has been rising amid growing unrest over the devolving security situation in the northern and central regions of the country. Thousands of soldiers and civilians have died, and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes amid attacks that have increased fivefold since 2016 and have spilled into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. Mali has spiralled into the violence which involves an amorphous array of al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) affiliated groups, ethnic militias, and state, regional and international forces since Tuareg separatists in the north briefly seceded from the southern-based government in 2012. Keita was elected the following year and won a second five-year term in 2018. However, protesters grievances extend beyond the conflict, with the anaemic pace of political reforms, a tanking economy and a widely shared perception of government corruption have also fed anti-Keita sentiment. What a crowd in Bamako despite concessions made by #Malis president, the protest continues with some threatening to match to the presidential palace https://t.co/mUavOmDRMW Nicolas Haque (@nicolashaque) June 19, 2020 During Fridays demonstration, an imam led gatherers in a prayer in a central city square, followed by protesters singing the national anthem and blowing vuvuzela horns. Many displayed placards bearing anti-government slogans. The protests followed a similar rally on June 5 organised by a newly-formed coalition of opposition groups. prompting a coalition of religious leaders and civil society figures to call the protests the Movement of June 5 Rally of Patriotic Forces. He hasnt learned his lesson Keita, 75, has been pushed to make several concessions in recent days in response to mounting criticism, such as raising the salaries of public teachers after a long-running pay dispute. He also pledged to enact many reforms, including forming a new unity government that would include opposition figures, noted Al Jazeeras Nicolas Haque, who has reported extensively on Mali. But his efforts to appease opponents appear to have fallen flat. We have thousands of people on the streets of Bamako protesting, asking, once again, for Keita to resign, Haque said. So it seems the concessions that the president made raising the salaries of teachers, suggesting that he would dissolve the newly elected national assembly and the constitutional court, calling for a national unity government were not enough to quell the crowd of protesters. Dicko had earlier told reporters in Bamako that Fridays protest would go ahead come what may. He hasnt learned his lesson, he doesnt listen to people, he said. But this time he will understand. Mamadou Diakite, a 42-year-old teacher who protested on Friday, told AFP news agency that Keita had to step down. We are here for the final victory, there is no negotiation possible, he said. The sharpening political divide in Mali is worrying the countrys neighbours, who fear further instability could further inflame the already volatile situation, which has cast Burkina Faso and Niger into crisis and threatens to reach further south into the coastal West African countries. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Budi Sutrisno (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, June 20 2020 The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Surabaya, East Java, has continued to spike after large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) were lifted, leading to calls for the partial lockdown to be reimposed. Home to some 2.8 million people, the second-largest city in Indonesia accounts for half of the total cases in East Java, the province that has replaced Jakarta as the countrys new COVID-19 epicenter since May 21. 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 The global body temperature monitoring devices market is expected to grow by USD 112.98 million as per Technavio. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, market growth is expected to decelerate at a CAGR of 7%. Request free sample pages This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200618005838/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Body Temperature Monitoring Devices Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) The global outbreak of COVID-19 is expected to have a positive impact on the growth of the body temperature monitoring devices market during the forecast period. High fever is one of the very first and most common symptoms of COVID-19. Temperature readings of the individual have to be frequently monitored to formulate a treatment plan specific to the patient's condition. Thus, with the increasing number of positive cases of COVID-19, the demand for different types of body temperature monitoring devices is expected to increase. 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/body-temperature-monitoring-devices-market-industry-analysis The market is driven by the increasing availability of premium body temperature monitoring devices. In addition, the increasing demand from airports for the screening of passengers is anticipated to boost the growth of the body temperature monitoring devices market. Continuous product innovation in the body temperature monitoring devices market is expected to positively impact the growth of the market during the forecast period. Vendors are offering products with improved features to retain existing consumers and attract prospective consumers. For instance, iProven DMT-316 by iProven can be used on the forehead and ears. This medical thermometer can record temperature within 3 seconds. The digital display on the thermometer is large and easy to read. The thermometer can also recall up to the last 20 temperature readings. The increasing availability of such advanced product offerings helps to attract prospective customers. This will lead to increased sales and high-volume production of vendors, which will propel the growth of the global body temperature monitoring devices market during the forecast period. 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 Major Five Body Temperature Monitoring Devices Companies: 3M Co. 3M Co. has business operations under various segments, such as safety and industrial, transportation and electronics, health care, consumer, and corporate and unallocated. The company offers 3M MonitorMark Time Temperature Indicators which help in monitoring thermal exposure of temperature sensitive products during transportation and storage. American Diagnostic Corp. American Diagnostic Corp. offers an extensive range of products such as stethoscopes, blood pressure measurement apparatus, thermometers, vital sign monitors, pulse oximeters, penlights, caseware, instruments and accessories, laryngoscopes, and others. The company offers body temperature monitoring devices under the brand, Adtemp. Beurer GmbH Beurer GmbH operates its business through various segments, such as beauty, medical, wellbeing, active, and babycare. The company offers non contact thermometers under the brand, Beurer which help in measuring body temperature as well as ambient and surface temperature. Briggs Corp. Briggs Corp. has business operations under two segments: products and services. The company offers thermometers under the brands MABIS, Kendall Genius, HealthSmart, Geratherm, and other brands. EASYWELL BIOMEDICALS Inc. EASYWELL BIOMEDICALS Inc. operates its business through three segments: pharmaceuticals, regenerative medicine, and medical devices. The company offers infrared ear thermometers. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Body Temperature Monitoring Devices Market Product Outlook (Revenue, USD mn, 2020-2024) Digital thermometer LFT and TTI Body Temperature Monitoring Devices Market Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD mn, 2020-2024) North America Asia Europe ROW Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report About Technavio 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/20200618005838/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/ KENT COUNTY, MI Kent County is entering a new phase of the coronavirus pandemic as deaths seem to have stabilized this month, according to county health officials. In a daily video posted Thursday, June 18, Kent County Health Department Director Adam London said the county has seen a streak of several days with no new reported deaths. That compares to late May, when the county saw an average of two deaths per day, and late April, when there was an average of one COVID-19 death per day, London said. Weve seen the death count hopefully stabilize, he said. Weve gone a few days with no deaths so hopefully that trend will continue. Kent County has reported a total of four deaths with COVID-19 over the past seven days, or between June 12 and June 18. That compares to the week before from June 5 to June 11 when there were 16 deaths reported. There were 127 positive coronavirus cases reported in Kent County over the past week, down from 178 cases reported the week before. In total, there have been 115 confirmed deaths tied to COVID-19 in Kent County, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The county has confirmed a total of 4,156 positive coronavirus cases. The number of recoveries in Kent County is more than triple the number of active cases, data shows. Of the total number of confirmed countywide cases, only 952 are currently active cases, according to the Kent County Health Department. Kent County data shows 3,089 recoveries. The definition of a recovery is someone who is alive 30 days beyond the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Recoveries began to exceed active cases in Kent County in late May. On May 29, the number of recoveries exceeded active cases by about 300. Were clearly entering a new phase of the pandemic, London said. London urged Kent County residents to continue wearing face masks and maintain social distancing. The virus cannot infect you if it cannot reach you, he said. The health director said in a previous video update that he believes countys peak for COVID-19 cases came on or about April 29. RELATED: Kent County coronavirus cases trending downward, but more work to do: health leaders Local hospital data shows the hospitalization numbers for people that have tested positive for COVID-19 have decreased. The number of patients with COVID-19 in Spectrum Healths facilities is a third of what it was in late May. There were 99 patients with the virus during the week of May 29. On June 18, there were 31 patients that had tested positive. In Mercy Healths Grand Rapids hospital, there were six patients with COVID-19 on June 18. The majority of the countys cases continue to be found in the city of Grand Rapids, which has reported 2,179 cases. There have been 681 cases confirmed in the city of Wyoming and 633 cases in Kentwood. Statewide, there have been 60,618 confirmed positive cases and 5,818 deaths linked to COVID-19, MDHHS reported June 18. Elsewhere in West Michigan, there have been 746 positive cases and 46 deaths in Muskegon County. Ottawa County has reported 874 positive cases and 46 deaths as of June 18. In Kalamazoo County, there have been 916 positive cases and 63 deaths. 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 on MLive: As coronavirus surges elsewhere, Michigans numbers continue to fall. Can we keep our trend going? Grand Rapids froyo shop closes because of coronavirus pandemic Grand Rapids Fourth of July fireworks canceled Michigans grocery store face mask requirement extended until July 15 Can dictionaries be made apolitical or will they inevitably betray a point of view? (Mark Lennihan / Associated Press) Merriam-Webster, the venerable dictionary publisher, announced last week that it would update its definition of the word racism in response to a request by a 22-year-old woman from Missouri. But company officials hastened to say that they would do so in line with their long-standing commitment to political neutrality and to the real-world usage of a word, rather than trying to promote any particular viewpoint. In other words, there would be no slant, no bias, no subtle editorializing in the revised definition. That's what Merriam-Webster is trying for with all the words in its dictionary. But it's not always easy. Going back centuries, there have been disputes about bias in dictionary definitions. And in todays politicized world where the recent trending words in Merriam-Webster online searches have included fascism, antifa, loot, defund, no quarter, white supremacist, curfew and anarchy how could the company not feel battered, like the rest of us, by the bitter differences of opinion that divide the country? People with a political ax to grind try to use the Bible and the Constitution as cudgels to prove their points and, well, they use the dictionary that way, too, says Peter Sokolowski, an editor at large at Merriam-Webster. But I think our credibility depends on this idea of our remaining a neutral, objective arbiter of meaning. That is the role of the dictionary. Most of us, I suspect, dont want our dictionaries telling us what to think. And thats been known to happen in the world. In the 1980s, for instance, one dictionary in the Soviet Union defined the phrase Cold War as The hostile and aggressive policy of the reactionary circles of the imperialist powers towards the USSR and other socialist countries. Surely, we dont want that in our dictionaries, do we? These days, there are about 25 editors at Merriam-Webster working under the "director of defining," fighting for the best possible definitions, but also for impartial, objective ones. Story continues Over the decades, theyve debated many words, including marriage. Sokolowski says that marriage used to be defined as a union between a husband and a wife. But the world changed and the word changed, and a second definition was added that allowed for the existence of same-sex marriages that were similar to those between a husband and wife. Then in 2017, the definition was revised again to make the entire definition non-gender specific: The state of being united as spouses in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law. The goal of the revision was not to signal approval of gay marriage, or to tell people how the word marriage should be used, but to reflect how the word is used. Here are some other words that have required discussion: The term Eskimo is now marked (since 2018) as sometimes offensive by Merriam-Webster. There have been debates among lexicographers over how to define anti-Semitism and the Holocaust. Gun rights supporters have clashed with gun control advocates over how assault weapon should be defined. Advocates have debated whether drug addiction should be explained in terms of criminality or as a health issue. Now, the definition of racism is being changed at Merriam-Webster because 22-year-old Kennedy Mitchum wrote in and complained that people were denying the existence of systemic racism and pointing to the dictionary definition as supposed proof. She urged the company to add a reference to systemic racism. She heard back within a day. A revision is forthcoming. The dictionary business is very different today than it was in the days of Samuel Johnson or Noah Webster. Definitions no longer have to be as concise, because theyre used more often today online where space is not an issue. Dictionaries are no longer revised only every decade or so its an ongoing process. (Merriam-Webster gets 100 million page views per month on its website, plus 2 billion lookups each year on its app.) The political battles, though, go way back. Kory Stamper, a lexicographer and author, has pointed on her blog to an 1866 newspaper headline: Radicals Tampering with the School Books: Partisan Definitions in New Editions of Websters Dictionary. Unsurprisingly, some in academia argue that dictionaries cannot be made apolitical. Rosamund Moon, a research fellow in English and linguistics at the University of Birmingham, has argued that there is no such thing as a politically neutral definition. Some scholars say that dictionaries convey the prevailing ideology of the society whose language is recorded, or even, as one academic put it, that any attempts to strip the dictionary of ideology and bias are themselves ideological acts. To me, it seems inevitable that subtle (perhaps even unconscious) political assumptions will seep into our dictionaries from time to time. Lexicographers no doubt have to constantly reexamine their own biases and review their definitions in an effort to minimize that seepage. But it strikes me as a battle worth fighting. I found it reassuring, almost inspiring, how committed the dictionarys editors seem to be to drawing up precise, ideology-free definitions and building a shared understanding of words. In 1946, in the aftermath of World War II and the dropping of the atom bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, George Orwell wrote that the present political chaos is connected with the decay of language. If we cant even agree on what our words mean, how can we debate? And if we cant debate, how can we find our way through the political chaos in which we have once again found ourselves? @Nick_Goldberg Trump supporters prepare for the resumption of the president's re-election campaign after the Covid-19 induced hiatus - Lawrence Bryant/Reuters Facebook has removed adverts by Donald Trumps re-election campaign advert which breached its policies on hate, after activists compared it to practices used by the Nazis. The attack adverts targeted what the Trump campaign branded "dangerous MOBS of far-left groups" and featured an upside-down red triangle. The Trump campaigns digital poster called on people to sign a petition in support of Mr Trumps decision to declare Antifa, the radical left-wing protest group, a "terrorist organisation". The advert accused far-left groups of "running through our streets and causing absolute mayhem". The Anti-Defamation league said that the symbol "is practically identical to that used by the Nazi regime to classify political prisoners in concentration camps." Mark Zuckerberg has previously been criticised for his company's decision to not moderate controversial posts - Drew Angerer /Getty Facebook confirmed that it had taken down the adverts because of its connection with the Nazis. "We removed these posts and ads for violating our policy against organised hate. Our policy prohibits using a banned hate groups symbol to identify political prisoners without the context that condemns or discusses the symbol," Andy Stone, a spokesperson for the social media platform, told CNN. The inverted triangles were part of a system of prisoner identification used by German soldiers who ran concentration camps. The fabric patches were sewed onto the uniforms of political prisoners, with different colours and shapes used for different groups. Before the advert was removed Ken Farnaso, a Trump campaign spokesman, told reporters: "The red triangle is an Antifa symbol" but has not commented since Facebooks actions. In a separate blow for the US president, the Supreme Court on Thursday rejected Mr Trumps effort to end legal protections for 650,000 young immigrants who were brought to the country illegally as children. It means the group retains the ability to stay and work in the US for the time being under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (Daca) introduced by former president Barack Obama. Removing Daca has been a key immigration policy for Mr Trumps election campaign. The president attacked the ruling on Thursday, tweeting: "Do you get the impression that the Supreme Court doesnt like me?" Editors note: This story was first published by the Texas Observer in 2001. We are reprinting it here with permission, along with the following note from the author: Every time, every single time, a black person loses his or her life at the hands of the police, I think back to what happened at Lake Mexia in Texas on Juneteenth of 1981, haunted, still, by the questions I have never been able to fully find the answers to. But I keep trying. I never give up. Its not in my nature. On Thursday morning, I emailed Kenny Elliott, the lead officer in charge that evening, the one who was trying to rise up and accumulate badge weight in the view of a colleague and who was a wild man in the view of another. He moved away from Limestone County not long after the incident and the trial, and went on to have a long career in law enforcement in Brazos County, where he is now a judge, a justice of the peace, which strikes me as both ironic and wrong. I asked Judge Elliott in my email what, upon reflection, he might have done differently that evening if he had the chance? I dont expect to hear from him, in part because earlier attempts to reach him were unsuccessful, attempts that were not received kindly, to say the least. To my mind, this has always been something he has been trying to outrun, and talking with David Drummond (another of the three officers who went to trial) and others at the time I wrote the piece republished below has never convinced me otherwise. Carl Booker. Steve Baker. Anthony Freeman. The Comanche 3. Their names should be evoked and not forgotten. Especially on Juneteenth. -Jonathan Coleman, June 19, 2020 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you head east out of Waco, past the spot where the Branch Davidian complex used to be, in less than an hour you will find yourself in the little town of Mexia, home to some of the finest peaches you could ever hope to taste and where, 20 years ago this week, on Juneteenth to be precise, three black teenagersCarl Baker, Steve Booker, and Anthony Freemanlost their lives in the most senseless, tragic way. All three had been out at Comanche Crossing, on the shore of Lake Mexia, celebrating the day, June 19th, 1865, when a Union general named Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston with the news that Americas last remaining slaves, more than 200,000 in all, were no longer in bondage. The Emancipation Proclamation had been issued nearly two and a half years earlier. The Civil War had been over for 71 days. But the sweet, resounding word of freedom had not made its way to Texas until Granger brought it. Advertisement Advertisement With race relations continuing to be our countrys most confounding dilemma, with racial profiling seeming to replace affirmative action as the new buzzword, and with efforts to seek reparations for slavery still very much alive, it is more crucial than ever that all Americans become aware of Juneteenth (as it has come to be called), a day that is marked in many cities and towns throughout the country by street fairs and parades, by all manner of dance, food, music, and drink. But in Mexia, where one of the first Juneteenth celebrations in America was ever held, it will forever be marked by the night that these three boys died in the custody of three officers, under circumstances that remain troubling to this day. Advertisement Advertisement They were arrested for possession of marijuana and put into an aluminum fishing boat, to be transported to the other side of the lake, where the Limestone County Sheriffs Department had a makeshift precinct. They had been handcuffed on shore, but the handcuffs were later removedprecisely when is one of many points still in dispute all these years later. They were not given life jackets (in direct violation of Texas law) and the boat itself did not have lights (another violation). The combined weight of the six individuals far exceeded what the boat could legally carry. Within a few minutes of leaving the shore, the boat began to take on water and capsized. According to all who knew them, Booker and Baker could swim, but Freeman could not. Nonetheless, all three of them drowned, while two of the officers made it safely to shore. The third officer, who also couldnt swim, clung onto the boat. Less than a year later, after the venue had been moved three times, the officers were acquitted of negligent homicide before an all-white jury in Dallas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was in Texas at the time of the incident, working on a CBS documentary about the Texas Legislature. I had never heard of Juneteenth before, but there hasnt been a Juneteenth since when I havent thought back to that night, to the way they died in no more than eight feet of water. I have made two trips to Mexia since then, trying to piece together the mosaic of what happened and why, and people there, both black and white, choose their words carefullynot surprising, really, given that I was asking about something that most of them would rather forget. Advertisement Advertisement The dance hall and the tabernacle had been destroyed by fires a couple of years earlier, fires whose circumstances were as mysterious as the drownings, or perhaps not so mysterious at all. On my first trip, in 1990, I went out to Booker T. Washington Park (the formal name for Comanche Crossing) and was dismayed by what I saw: graffiti that informed me the KKK Was Here and that N should Clear Out. In a place where streets still had names like N Creek Road, it all seemed sadly consistent. The dance hall and the tabernacle had been destroyed by fires a couple of years earlier, fires whose circumstances were as mysterious as the drownings, or perhaps not so mysterious at all. Advertisement When I went back in 1998, I not only attended the Juneteenth celebration (which has diminished greatly in attendance since 1981), but had occasion to interview one of the three officers, the only one who would speak with me. David Drummond was an adult probation officer in neighboring Groesbeck and a former state trooper. He said what he had said at the timethat no one had acted maliciously, that it was all a terrible accident and that he had tried to save one of the boys, but the boy kept dragging him under. Arresting in that situation was probably questionable, he admitted, given the potentially hostile environment we were in. He had tried to put the whole thing behind him. But when his own daughter died in an accident just a couple of years before our meeting, he learned firsthand what it was like to lose a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I spent one long evening with Carl Bakers mother, Evelyn Jean, and I learned what strength was. During a three-year period, from 1979 until 1982, she lost two children and a husband; another of her children is disabled. If Carl had just gone with me to Waco that day, she said as we sat in her curtained living room, Carls mortarboard from Mexia High School, Class of 1980, still up on the mantel, he wouldnt have been out there that night. Her abiding faith in God and her capacity to forgive notwithstanding, if there was one thing that galled her more than anything else, it was this: In all the years since the drowning, not one of the officers had ever spoken with her personally, had ever extended himself in any way. Advertisement One of the two men who recovered the bodies talked to me about something I had never heard of before, or had at least not heard phrased in such a way. In his opinion, the young inexperienced deputy in charge that night, Kenny Elliott, was struggling, as so many young officers do, with badge weight, with trying to assert that I am the law, trying to make as many arrests as possible in order to prove his machismo and make his mark. That view of Elliottwho left the area shortly afterward but is still in law enforcement, in Brazos Countywas seconded by Patrick Simmons, the County Attorney at the time, who recalls that he was viewed as a wild man and not well liked by fellow officers. For his part, Simmons remains bothered by the repeated assertion that two of the boys were good swimmers. There was a bright moon out that night, I do know that. And if you knew where you were, where you were going, it seems you could swim to shore. But if you were scared or disoriented, well, theres no telling what can happen when panic sets in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No hard evidence ever came forward that the handcuffs were on the boys as they drowned. Various eyewitnesses offered opinions, but nothing conclusive. The evidence that is not there is hard to note, Judge P.K. Reiter, who presided over the court of inquiry, said to me. Everyone tried to raise somebody elses hand, but no one raised their own hand. He then paused before adding, in an apparent effort to inject some good ol boy humor, that a little paranoia is probably good for your health. I found his last remark more chilling than humorous. Perhaps in some instances what he said is true, but not in matters of race. Too often we either hear about another case of racial profilingbe it in the affluent enclave of Mercer Island, Washington, or along Interstate 95 in New Jerseyor of some other problem erupting between the police and the black community where, to put it mildly, the police have overreacted. Cincinnati and York, Pennsylvania, have replaced Howard Beach and Bensonhurst as the new frames of reference. The specter of James Byrd, Jr. being dragged to his death in Jasper, Texas, wont be replaced by anything, nor should it be. Advertisement Advertisement At the end of my last book, a book that had its deep roots in the Mexia drownings and looked at race in America through the prism of Milwaukee, I found myself concluding with questions. If daily life is trying enough, I wrote, why, frankly, should blacks have to constantly watch their step? Why should they constantly be subjected to a different set of bells and whistles merely because they are black? Juneteenth, arguably our true Independence Day, strikes me as being as appropriate a day as any for usall of usto reflect on and fully address those questions. The joint session of the Security Councils of Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) is taking place under the co-chairmanship of Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and President of Artsakh Arayik Haroutyunyan in Yerevan today. Among the attendees are Speakers of the Parliaments of Armenia and Artsakh Ararat Mirzoyan and Artur Tovmasyan. Before moving to the issues on the agenda, Pashinyan and Haroutyunyan delivered their speeches. In his speech, Prime Minister Pashinyan particularly stated the following: Today the Security Councils of Armenia and Artsakh are holding their fourth session, and this is already an established format through which various issues on the security agenda of Armenia and Artsakh are discussed. Todays session is conditioned by the establishment of the new authorities of Artsakh and a new Security Council, and Armenia attaches importance to the fact that the authorities and Security Council of Artsakh become involved in the activities as soon as possible. During this joint session, I believe it is important to make several observations regarding three issues that I would conditionally define as the participation of Artsakh in the negotiations over the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, our approaches to the substance of the negotiations and the environment for the peace process. During our joint session held on December 23, 2019, I attached special importance to the future nationwide elections in Artsakh which were aimed at providing the people of Artsakh with the opportunity to elect authorities that would organize political and public life in the country and ensure their security and to give the authorities the mandate to represent Artsakh at the negotiating table. Now that the elections are over, and the authorities have been established, it should be stated that these are the authorities that the people elected. As a result of competitive and democratic elections, Artsakh has authorities that express the aspirations of the people of Artsakh for political reforms, economic development and development of infrastructures. As a result of the elections and the establishment of the authorities, there was solidarity and consolidation of political forces, and I am certain that this further strengthened Artsakhs security. Finally, the elections highlighted the role of the people of Artsakh and their elected authorities in the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is clear that there cant be essential progress in the negotiations without full involvement of the authorities of Artsakh. TRENTON R.E.S.P.E.C.T. The city of Trenton is about to find out what it means to Trenton Police Director Sheilah Coley. The embattled police director promised to file a defamation lawsuit against the city and officials like South Ward Councilman George Muschal who she claims have tried undermining her leadership at TPD since she took over last year. The police director said the lawsuit should be filed Friday. Her pronouncement comes after she said she was viciously attacked during an executive session Thursday to discuss a settlement with fired TDP cop Lino Rosario. The council voted in favor a $20,000 settlement and back pay for the cop, paving the way for the return to the force for the alleged scapegoat. Rosario alleged he was falsely accused of leaking body-camera footage and singled out as an alleged sick-time abuser after calling out former police director Ernest Parrey Jr. for calling residents hood rats during a book bag giveaway in 2016. Among other insults, Muschal apparently referred to Coley as clueless during the closed-door session. During the public portion of the meeting, council president Kathy McBride called on Muschal to apologize but he said he didnt say anything out of line. I have never been so viciously attacked and demeaned as a woman, as I was in this particular executive session, Coley said when McBride gave her the floor toward the end of the meeting. This is a personal and racist attack. I can say that wholeheartedly. Coley said Muschal, who is white, claimed to be her biggest fan when she took over the department but has since declared her the worst thing that ever came to Trenton. The police director accused Muschal of meeting with police officials and gathering purported evidence to undermine her learning he could not exert pressure to manage me and do his bidding, Coley said. Coley has faced criticism internally, most recently over her handling of TPDs response during a May 31 riot. Tony Arias of Tonys Liquor in downtown Trenton and the Latino Merchant Association of New Jersey and former TPD cop William Osterman filed complaints with the Mercer County Prosecutors Office after Coley told officers to stand down from responding to an arson call at the the downtown liquor store building, which also houses apartments. Where are you going? Coley asked a group of officers, according to body-camera footage obtained by this newspaper. Whats your mission? OK, so can you do anything about a fire? No, right? Can you stop anybody from pouring gas on a building? No, right? So thats not your mission. Thats the fire departments mission. All of this is happening because of tactical error. Lets not put error on top of error, right? So you guys are going to remain staged here. As a matter of fact, one, two, three, four, you go back to headquarters and man the barrier. Coley said that Muschal suggested she was a coward for calling off the officers. The black woman is wrong, she said of her stand-down order, but the white man is not for saying retreat. How does that work? The city can expect a lawsuit Friday, Coley said, as shes had enough of the political sniping on a reputation she built over a long career at Newark and then in East Orange. I will not stand for this, she said. I worked hard to become the woman that I am, to be in the position. I demand respect. I will get respect I will litigate respect. Attempting to defend himself against the racism allegations in civic comments, Muschal pointed out it was ultimately Coleys decision to approve the firing of Rosario, who is black. I was not disrespectful or racist in any way, Muschal said. What was brought out with this officer, and the two officers who did this to him, with a family of seven children. He said Rosarios life was turned upside down because of trumped-up charges that never came out. This is a disgrace. Thats all I got to say. This is a disgrace of what everybody did. We voted in the right direction to get this officer back where he belongs, and thats back on the street. Watching a solar eclipse is truly an awe-inspiring experience. India is all set to witness the 'deepest' annular solar eclipse of the century on June 21, 2020. As per sources, the solar eclipse will be clearly visible in Indian states like Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttarakhand. However, other parts of the country will be able to observe a partial solar eclipse. The solar eclipse time is predicted to be 9:15 am to 3:15 pm, as per the Indian Standard Time. Various parts of Africa, India, China, and Pakistan will be able to witness the solar eclipse. People will be able to witness the characteristic ring of fire during the eclipse. However, this will also depend on the weather conditions of the area. ALSO READ: Annular Solar Eclipse June 2020: Date, Timings, Effects, And Where To Watch Special Viewing in Himachal Pradesh: As per sources, the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE) has organized a special viewing of the solar eclipse. Special arrangements have been made at the Ridge and near the state Secretariat. The Council has asked the Deputy Directors of Elementary Education to arrange solar filters at the site. This initiative seeks to remove misconceptions and superstitions associated with celestial events like eclipses. ALSO READ: Solar Eclipse 2020 To Take Place On June 21 And Will Be Visible From Parts Of North India What is a Solar Eclipse? A solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned in a straight line. Such an alignment causes the moon to block the sun, thereby casting a shadow on the earth. The June 2020 solar eclipse is an annular solar eclipse. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon is the farthest from Earth. Hence, the moon appears to be smaller. How to watch solar eclipse safely? 1. Refrain from looking at the sun directly as it may cause eclipse blindness or retinal burns. 2. Use a safe filter for viewing an eclipse. Special-purpose solar filters are one of the safest devices for viewing a solar eclipse. 3. Refrain from using sunglasses, Polaroid filters, smoked glass, exposed colour films or X-ray films. 4. Check the filter for scratches. In case the filter is damaged, discard it immediately. 5. Use a pinhole camera for viewing. Pinhole cameras can easily be designed at home as well. ALSO READ: Israeli Scientists Dig Up Cannabis Traces In Ancient Temple Solar Eclipse Effects: 1. You may feel dizzy or tired during a solar eclipse. It may also interfere with decision-making. 2. The digestive system might be affected. 3. A solar eclipse might also have psychological effects. One might be agitated or even have unusual dreams during this period. ALSO READ: Scientists Record cacophony Of Sounds On Ocean's Calm Beds Amid Pandemic Image Source: Shutterstock Despite the uncertainty shrouding the imminent high season, new hotel projects have not come to a standstill in Marbella. A Swiss private investor has just acquired four boutique hotel projects located in the old town, all with the aim of attracting visitors with high purchasing power. The establishments, some of which are set to be completed relatively soon, are located in historic buildings in the town centre. Although some are in areas that are inaccessible to traffic and the buildings' characteristics mean they don't qualify for the highest hotel classifications, they nonetheless aspire to offer a high-end service. The aim is to target a market that still has a relatively small share in Marbella: tourists that are more attracted by culture and gastronomy, rather than nightlife. The four properties belonged to a Swiss investment fund and were recently acquired by an individual investor. However, the vision and management of the construction is being carried out by the Rhone company, specialists in the residential and luxury hotel sector. Although the administrative and commercial management of the four hotels will be carried out jointly, these are projects at varying stages of development. The first one to be set up is located in a palatial house on Calle Ancha. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century it was the residence of the Ardois family who exploited one of the mines in operation in the area. In fact, one of the walls of the building that has been preserved was built with quartz ore from that operation, explained Rhone CEO Miguel Cervan. This establishment, which will open after the summer under the name of My Zone Ardois, will have nine rooms and a restaurant with at least 25 tables. At the same time, also in October, a second establishment is scheduled to open in a historical palace located in Plaza del Santo Cristo, in the northern part of the old town next to the chapel of the same name. This hotel will have 15 rooms. Another part of this project will see the old El Castillo hostel converted into a high-end establishment. It's also a historical building, located in Plaza San Bernabe, which in the 18th century served as a bodega and offered accommodation to travellers. As a new hotel, it is scheduled to open to the public with 16 rooms between November and December. The last of the four establishments is the one that will be built in the old conservatory, another historical and emblematic building of the old town located in Plaza Puerta de Ronda. This project, which already has its building permit, will consist of 12 rooms, 50 square metres each. It's the only one of the four on which construction has not yet started. Kenyas morals policeman, Ezekiel Mutua, has done it again. The Kenya Films Classification Board (KFCB) CEO who once suggested that gay lions spotted in the Massai Mara needed counselling, has now blamed the reported high rate of teenage pregnancies in Machakos County on vulgar music. Reacting to the Tuesday report that 3800 girls over 15 years and 200 others under 14 years became pregnant between January to May, Mr Mutua said a survey by KFCB on the effects of vulgar vernacular music on the youth backed the findings of the report released by the Childrens Department Technical Working Group. The news about 4000 girls getting pregnant in Machakos County is shocking but not surprising. In 2017, a survey by KFCB on the effects of vulgar vernacular music on the youth captured this reality. Machakos County topped for vulgarity. Even the bands had sexualised stage names, tweeted Mutua. According to the KFCB boss, the said survey showed that Kamba music propagates teenage sex and sexual objectification. In the 2017 survey, KFCB raised alarm about how Kamba vernacular music normalised teenage sex and objectification of women. Most music had young girls gyrating and the bands had sexualised stage names such as Katombi, Maima, Vuusya ungu etc, said the morality cop. The survey covered Seven Counties in Kenya but Machakos with bands like Katombi and Maima topped in vulgarity. Dirty music dominates most kamba vernacular stations with content that encourages sex with young girls, even rape. Its time to stop this trend. Mr Mutua further reiterated his stance against dirty music, citing KFCBs recent condemnation of the viral Utaweza Challenge. When we condemned the Nikikupea Utawezana challenge where young kids were being filmed in the bend over obscenity, we were worried about the negative effects of such content on our youth. Dirty music has a negative influence on our youth. It promotes sexual perversion. You cannot rule out media effects on the youth or take lightly the influence of the socialite culture who are paraded on our screens as the epitome of success and good life. We must address the negative effects of media on our youth. You remember the Ifikie Wazazi Challenge? added Mutua. PALMER, Alaska -- Almost 30 years after hiker Christopher McCandless died in an abandoned 1940s-era bus in the Alaska wilderness, that bus has been airlifted away from its resting place just outside Denali National Park by the Alaska Army National Guard. The so-called "Magic Bus" had become a dangerous tourist destination deep in Alaska's interior, about 19 miles down the Stampede Trail. McCandless' story became particularly famous after it was told in the book "Into the Wild" and a movie by the same name. Read next: Supercarrier Ford Could Soon Have More Than Half of Its Weapons Elevators Working The state has conducted at least 15 search operations related to the bus since 2009, according to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. Local officials near the bus report rescuing dozens more, and at least two tourists have died there, including Veranika Nikanava, a newlywed from Belarus who was swept away by the same river that prevented McCandless from exiting the area. Alaska Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment execute an extraction mission of the iconic "Magic Bus" via a CH-47 Chinook helicopter over Healy, Alaska, June 18, 2020. (National Guard) A dozen Alaska Army National Guard soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, extracted the bus Thursday as part of a training mission dubbed Operation Yutan, a reference to the bus' previous owner, Yutan Construction. The Guard unit cut holes in the roof and floor to secure chain kits to the frame, then moved it out by sling load with a CH-47 Chinook. The crew also "ensured the safekeeping and safe transportation of a suitcase that holds sentimental value to the McCandless family," a news release said. "This was a tremendous training opportunity for our heavy lift unit and a great way to lend a helping hand to our partners in the DNR and Alaskans everywhere," Maj. Zachary Miller, who worked as the operation's primary pilot, said in the release. "The department initially reached out to us with the goal of reducing the number of search-and-rescue cases that resulted from folks trying to reach the bus who may not necessarily be fully prepared for the trip." McCandless, 24, hitchhiked his way to Alaska, spent the summer in the bus in 1992 and died of starvation after 114 days, when the swollen Teklanika River blocked his return to Healy, the nearest town. The replica bus used in the 2007 film adaption of "Into the Wild," a 1996 book about McCandless by John Krakauer, sits at the 49th State Brewery and restaurant in Healy. "Conducting this sling load was definitely non-standard," Miller said in the release. "We took our enlisted Soldiers with the most experience and expertise in this area to develop the best and safest solution." State officials have not yet said what will become of the bus, which was originally owned by the city of Fairbanks before Yutan converted it to a camper bus and then abandoned it on the trail following a construction project in the 1960s. Officials said they are discussing plans to display it in a safe location. "After studying the issue closely, weighing many factors and considering a variety of alternatives, we decided it was best to remove the bus from its location on the Stampede Trail," Corri A. Feige, DNR commissioner, said in the release. "We're fortunate the Alaska Army National Guard could do the job as a training mission to practice airlifting vehicles, at no cost to the public or additional cost to the state." -- Amy Bushatz can be reached at amy.bushatz@military.com. Related: Hikers Rescued Trying to Reach 'Into the Wild' Bus A bust of former LSU president Troy H. Middleton sits on display in the lobby of the library named after him, located in the quad, photographed Thursday, June 11, 2020, on campus in Baton Rouge, La. YEREVAN. The National Security Service of Armenia (NSS) continues to expose fake users that post and disseminate false informationthat undermines securityon the internet. In particular, on May 29, an Azerbaijani user named "Qizil alma" posted an edited video, entitled "The shocking confession of an Armenian architect about Yerevan: Its not ours," on his YouTube channel, the NSS press center informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. In the video, a woman named Agnessa answers in Russian the questions of the man who is making this video. Agnessa notes that, "Yerevan used to be a rural town. Armenians have hardly lived here, and they engaged in trade. But from the study of the video, it can be seen that it was edited from another original video, from which separate sentences were taken and joined together, as a result of which the meaning and content of this conversation were distorted. The edited video was disseminated by the Azerbaijani media with a corresponding anti-Armenian textual comment, according to which this Armenian woman "voices" that no Armenians lived in Yerevan. It turned out, however, that the actual video was made this February by Russian blogger Ilya Varlamov, regarding the issues of the cities he visited in Armenia, and Agnessa had offered to help present Yerevan. What was talked about in Varlamov's video was a part of Yerevan in the 1850s where the Ghantar Marketnow the area around Vazgen Sargsyan Street in downtown Yerevanused to operate, around which was then mostly inhabited by Persiansbut not Azeris, and Armenians used to visit the area for trade. This fact once again proves that Azerbaijan is trying to "penetrate" into history through falsifications. All states should constitute a panel of experts for inspecting hospitals to ensure proper care of COVID-19 patients New Delhi: The Supreme Court Friday said it would direct states to set up expert panels and on installing CCTV cameras in hospitals to ensure proper treatment to COVID-19 patients, while asking the Centre to take decision on the issue of different charges being levied in different states for coronavirus tests. Seeking uniform COVID testing charges, the top court said that in some states it was Rs 2,200, while in others it was fixed at Rs 4,500. It however, left the issue to be decided by the Centre. In the hearing conducted via video-conferencing, a bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, S K Kaul and M R Shah said that all states should constitute a panel of experts for inspecting hospitals to ensure proper care of COVID-19 patients. The bench, which said that it would pass its order later, observed that there should be uniformity in COVID-19 testing charge in all states. It said that the court may consider passing an order for installation of CCTVs in hospitals to ensure monitoring of patient care. Dealing with Delhi's LNJP hospital, whose condition was earlier termed as horrific, the top court said that CCTV cameras were required to be installed in wards there so that everything is monitored. The apex court had earlier torn into the Delhi government over the sorry state of affairs" for treatment of COVID-19 patients at its hospitals including LNJP and also decreased testing, calling the situation in the national capital "horrendous, horrific and pathetic". It had taken note of the reports of horrific scenes at Delhi's COVID-19 dedicated LNJP hospital where bodies are being stacked next to coronavirus patients and had said that it indicated the sorry state of affairs in government hospitals. It had also directed the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Gujarat to take "remedial action" ensuring proper management of patients at hospitals. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the court that some states have been negotiating with various stakeholders to ensure that COVID testing charges are reduced. The top court said that it will pass some directions in the matter and then fix the suo motu (on its own) case for hearing in July. It had taken cognizance of the poor treatment facility for COVID-19 patients and improper handling of bodies. On Wednesday, the court had slammed the Delhi government for targeting doctors and healthcare workers by suspending them and lodging FIRs for sharing videos highlighting the real state of city hospitals and said it was shooting the messenger. A brief pretrial hearing was held June 18 for a man accused of the January murders of two people in Concord Township. Blake Sargi, 27, is accused of the Jan. 3 shooting deaths of Euclid residents Heavenly Goddess Murphy-Jackson, 38, and William Larondez Jackson Jr., 39. Attorneys met in the chambers of Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Pat Condon before the short hearing convened in his courtroom. The reason I schedule a pretrial (hearing) in all my criminal cases is so theres no misunderstanding about the steps that are going to be taken between now and the trial and to talk about any plea offers in the case, Condon said in the courtroom. There are currently no plea offers on the table, he added. The sides will next meet in court July 30 for what Condon called a tentative change of plea date. If there is a plea offer between now and then, that would be the date you decide whether youre going to accept that pleabut if there is either no offer made or is no desire by you (Sargi) to plead, then your jury trial is going to be on Aug. 24 at 8:30 in the morning. Condon told Sargi that hes under no obligation to plead, but after July 30, absence of extraordinary circumstances, his options are to plead to the full 18-count indictment or go to trial. Sargi is facing four counts of first-degree felony aggravated robbery, four counts of second-degree felony robbery, and two counts of fourth-degree felony aggravated drug trafficking. All counts but the drug trafficking charges carry firearm specifications that carry three-year mandatory prison terms if he is found guilty. Lake County Sheriff Frank Leonbruno said at a Jan. 6 news conference that dispatchers received a call shortly after 11 p.m., Jan. 3, from Sargis stepmother. She said her stepson had shot and killed two people. She said the victims were in a white vehicle parked on Andrea Drive in Concord Township. Leonbruno said at the news conference that deputies were immediately dispatched. Due to the nature of the call and threat of armed violence, the Lake County Sheriffs Office SWAT team was dispatched. When deputies arrived in the 7500 block of Andrea Drive they found the two victims inside of a 2019 White GMC Yukon. Leonbruno said both appeared to have been shot in the head and were dead. They were in the front drivers side and front passenger seat of the vehicle. Deputies secured that scene; detectives and the Lake County coroner were called. Other deputies responded to the Oakridge Drive home where Sargi lives with his mother. Leonbruno said the father came out of the home and told authorities the mother was trying to convince Sargi to come out of the house and she feared what would happen to him. After a SWAT negotiation, Sargi gave himself up to law enforcement and was arrested. Sargi has been free on bond since a family member posted a $1 million cashiers check Jan. 7. FP Trending It's quite common to find gender imbalance in institutions and workplaces in fields like physics, engineering and computer sciences (PECS). People tend to explain the skewed stats in such programs by saying that most women are not interested in them. However, this isn't always true. A recent study published in the research journal Science reveals that this disparity is not caused by higher math or science achievement among men. The New York University researchers that conducted the study found that men, even with very low high-school GPAs in math and science on top of low SAT scores, were reaching for math-intensive majors. On the other hand, women with much higher math and science achievement were choosing such courses. "Physics, engineering and computer science fields are differentially attracting and retaining lower-achieving males, resulting in women being underrepresented in these majors but having higher demonstrated STEM competence and academic achievement," Joseph R Cimpian, lead researcher and associate professor of economics and education policy at NYU Steinhardt, said in a statement. During the course of the study, the researchers analyzed data from almost 6,000 US high school students for over seven years. They noticed that "male students in the 1st percentile were majoring in PECS at the same rate as females in the 80th percentile. This demonstrated a stark contrast between the high academic achievements of the female students opting for majors in PECS compared to their male peers. The team of researchers tried to find out if an extensive set of factors could explain the gender gap equally well among high, average, and low achieving students, according to Science Daily. They said that the gender imbalance in physics, engineering and computer science could be explained by factors such as a students prior career aspirations and confidence in their science abilities. But, these factors could not explain the higher rates of low-achieving men in the same fields. This new research suggests that any future interventions to address gender disparity and equality in these fields need to be implemented with more nuance with consideration of a student's achievement. India-China standoff, India Soldier, LAC, Galwan Valley Ladakh: As anti-China sentiments simmer in India, China issues statement blaming India for Galwan. Spokesperson says talk are on. China on Friday blamed India regarding the face-off that took place in Galwan valley region in Eastern Ladakh, saying that the responsibility entirely lies with India. Regarding the serious situation in Galwan valley, right and wrong is very clear and the responsibility entirely lies with the Indian side. India and China are in talks to ease the situation, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian. The comments came on a question regarding a call for the boycott of Chinese products in India. This comes in the backdrop of growing anti-China sentiment in India over the Galwan valley clash between the two countries that led to casualties on both sides. Read also: Chinese Foreign Ministry denies capturing Indian soldiers during Galwan face-off Read also: Policy option to completely decouple from China open: Donald Trump Lijian also said that China hopes that the two countries can jointly work together to maintain long term development of bilateral relations. On the night of June 15-16, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a clash with Chinese soldiers in the Galwan valley of Ladakh as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to unilaterally change the status quo during de-escalation process. Read also: Uighur Imams most vulnerable to persecution in China, says report For all the latest World News, download NewsX App Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 19) The Office of the Ombudsman said it is looking into probing cash aid releases under the government's Social Amelioration Program. Ombudsman Samuel Martires said Friday that the anti-graft agency has received about 30 complaints regarding the subsidy, which grants monthly aid of 5,000 to 8,000 for the two months under strict lockdown measures. He told CNN Philippines' The Source that the team is still checking to see if the data they have would allow Ombudsman probers to head to a direct investigation or will need to go through a fact-finding committee first. Even this early, Martires admits they may encounter problems for the investigation, as documents forwarded to them were lacking from the list of beneficiaries to even the names of barangay captains. He earlier told authorities to check Recto in Manila, following reports that some individuals were getting fake IDs, to present in order to get financial aid. "I think well have a hard time finding out 'yung fake claimants," he admitted, following reports that some 22,000 duplicate names were discovered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development on its list of beneficiaries. Martires also noted that he will still have to discuss with the Department of the Interior and Local Government regarding the available data which they can share with the agency. The government has just started releasing the second tranche of aid to recipients this month, which should have supported poor families under lockdown in May. Some 98 percent of the beneficiaries were able to receive the first tranche of cash aid, but implementation was marred with delays and corruption allegations. RELATED: Govt. eyes to finish cash aid delivery by June 23 Hundreds of unemployment recipients have reported to NJ Advance Media that they have not received their expanded $600 federal benefit for two weeks. They said they have tried to get answers from the Department of Labor, but they have not been able to get through on the telephone, even with the launch of a new call center this week. Workers asked whether the delay was connected to a payment problem that occurred last week, when systems for Bank of America, which handles disbursements for the state, were down for maintenance over the weekend. But now, a week later, workers said they didnt receive their payment for this week, either, Its generally a matter of timing, said Angela Delli-Santi, a spokeswoman for the Department of Labor. She said the $600 claims are processed once a week, on Friday nights, and take two business days to hit most direct deposit accounts. Thus, if someone certified for benefits after the payments were run on Friday, they would be waiting one week for their payment to be processed and two business days for it to hit their account, she said. But, she said, there was an issue with some payments not going through on June 12. Those payments were sent to Bank of America early (Thursday) to be processed, she said. They will hit many accounts (Friday), but may hit some accounts held at smaller banks on Monday, Delli-Santi said. Unemployment recipient David Paterno said the timing didnt seem right. This morning (Thursday) you have dozens of N.J. residents who certified before last Friday and many are still looking for the $600 in their accounts as they were expecting and promised, he said. But nothing. Yet at random, others received it (Wednesday). Its crazy. Michael Terlizzese, another unemployment recipient who missed two weeks of the $600 unemployment benefit, complained that the unemployment website hasnt given any information as to whether this is a Bank of America issue again and you cant get through to anyone to speak. Emailing them is not helpful either because I got what amounted to a robo response saying to visit their website for commonly asked questions, he said. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage More than 25% of New Jersey workers have filed a claim for unemployment benefits since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the Labor Department said Thursday. It said the states unemployment rate for May was 15.2%. For the week ending June 3, 26,392 more people filed new claims for unemployment benefits. That makes New Jerseys total 1.24 million workers, or 28% of the entire workforce, since the pandemic started, the state said. Last week, the Labor Department said that 94% of the 1.021 million workers who were deemed eligible for benefits have received at least some payments. The state said it has paid out $7.2 billion in state and federal unemployment benefits since the crisis began. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. FWDs agreement to invest in BRI Life follows its recent acquisition of PT Commonwealth Life and the signing of a 15-year distribution partnership with PT Bank Commonwealth in Indonesia. Through the transaction, FWD will begin working closely with BRI as part of the strategic partnership, with the goal of transforming BRI Life into a leading life insurance company in Indonesia. BRI is one of the largest banks in Indonesia, with more than 120 million customers, and is a market leader in micro and consumer banking. According to FWD, the partnership will be transformational for the insurers presence in Indonesia, allowing it to work closely with BRI Life to reach more customers in one of Asias fastest-growing economies. Indonesia is a country that offers great economic potential and is one of our key markets in the region where we intend to increase our investment over the long term, said Huynh Thanh Phong, FWD Group CEO. Were excited to work closely with both BRI and BRI Life to extend FWDs insurance expertise and digital capabilities to more customers in Indonesia. This investment will add significant size and scale to our presence in Indonesia, reflecting the substantial opportunity FWD sees to change the way people feel about insurance in a highly underpenetrated, rapidly growing market. In recent years, FWD has significantly grown its presence in Southeast Asia, in part due to the bancassurance channel. It has 12 bancassurance partnerships with leading banks in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. MTB Nagaraj, once India's richest MLA with assets valued at over Rs 1,015 crore as per his affidavit filed in the 2018 assembly elections, had been doing the rounds of many BJP MLAs the past few weeks, trying to persuade them that nothing must stop him from achieving his goal of becoming a Member of the Legislative Council. On Thursday, that goal was met he was among the four MLC candidates fielded by the BJP for the elections to seven seats that are slated to be held on June 29. He and R Shankar, once an 'independent' MLA who had moved his loyalty from the Congress-JD(S) coalition government to join the Congress, to then move to the BJP all in the span of a few months, have both made it to the coveted MLC list of the saffron party. In fact, with the BJP having enough numbers to vote four MLCs into office, the Congress having just enough numbers for two MLCs and the JD(S) for just one, there is unlikely to be an election on June 29. Each of these parties has nominated only the number of MLCs they are likely to win, and all seven will likely become Members of the Upper House of Legislature, unopposed. But as they say, there is a new beginning in every ending. The election process formally ends on June 22 (the last date to withdraw nominations, when the results of the MLC poll will get announced without holding an election) and this may kick-start the next round of political lobbying on who should make it to the Cabinet. As it is, both MTB and Shankar have been talking publicly about how chief minister BS Yediyurappa is a "man of his word" that he is a man who never goes back on his promise. Internally, everyone knows that at least 16 MLAs who quit the JD(S) and the Congress in June 2019 to pave the way for the BJP to come to power in Karnataka, have been assured of Cabinet berths. Since there was a long-drawn-out legal battle over their disqualification, this has taken its time (and given Yediyurappa some breather). However, after 12 of them were re-elected in December, all barring one were inducted into the ministry. The one remaining Mahesh Kumatahalli was made chairman of a government-run board. But now it is time to pacify the others as well Shankar and MTB will doubtless be demanding their rightful place in the Cabinet very soon. Both, after all, were ministers in the JD(S)-Congress coalition government and have time and again reminded the BJP of their 'sacrifice' to facilitate the saffron party moving from the opposition benches to the treasury. But while Shankar had not contested the bypolls as advised by the CM preferring to wait for the MLC seats to get vacant MTB lost the bypolls to a rebel BJP candidate, in fact the son of a sitting BJP MP. Once they become MLCs, the next logical extension would be a ministry but here, they may encounter problems. There is a long list of the 'original BJP' MLAs who are already unhappy at being ignored when it came to Cabinet formation. And they aren't going to keep quiet while the turncoats get their way. "How long will they keep talking about their sacrifice? So, yes, they sacrificed their ministerial positions, but does that mean that the ones who have worked hard to bring the BJP's numbers to 105 made no sacrifices?" asks a BJP strongman who has been privy to many of the conflicts between the 'original partymen' versus the defecting rebels or the 'newcomers'. In its choice for the four MLC seats, too, this conflict has been seen quite clearly while two of the seats went to the turncoat MLAs who did not make it back to the Assembly, the other two seats went to 'original' BJP grassroots leaders Sunil Valyapure and Prathap Simha Nayak. The party deliberately ignored the plea of H Vishwanath, another of the 16 turncoat MLAs who had lost the bypolls in December. He, too, had done his share of 'sacrifices' for the BJP having quit as the state president of the JD(S) to join the BJP. A former minister in the SM Krishna government, later an MLA of the JD(S) from Mysuru, Vishwanath today finds himself nowhere. There is a chance that he could still get nominated by the government to the Council when it comes time to fill other vacancies but it is seriously in doubt whether he would actually make it to the Cabinet. "We have nothing against them being made ministers but what we are saying is, strike a balance between the original BJP and the newcomers. If there are four seats, give two to loyal leaders of decades, two to the newcomers. Similarly, when we know that there are six ministerial berths to be filled and when we know we still have another three years in power, we want to ensure that we are given as much of an opportunity in the Cabinet as them," says a BJP leader of the 'original' faction. True to expectations, about eight MLAs such as Basangouda Patil Yatnala and Arvind Bellad met state party president Nalin Kumar Kateel on Thursday night to discuss the post-Council election scenario. Usually, even if there are six vacancies, not all would be filled typically chief ministers keep at least two or three Cabinet berths vacant for any future emergencies that may need sudden filling of these. However, these MLAs are also anxious to see that if both the turncoats get inducted as ministers, it should not be at the cost of the original BJP. "What we always say is, give them something proportionate to their strength. Eleven are already in the Cabinet now. You can't keep giving it to 'them' (turncoats) only. We need to balance it out... I always believe that government is a byproduct. Party is a production unit if the production unit is not strong, how will the product be," remarks a minister. What is worrying the party top-brass is that the list among ministerial aspirants in the 'original' faction is pretty long from eight-time MLA Umesh Katti who has made his displeasure clear many times publicly, to Lingayat influencers like Murugesh Nirani who have held secret meetings of other like-minded-and-upset MLAs like SA Ramadas to share notes, to youngsters like Arvind Bellad, to the Kodagu-district MLAs like Bopaiah and Appachu Ranjan, to... there is no corner of Karnataka where there is an MLA who feels he has been given his due. "The promise (given at the time of the turncoats quitting their parties and moving to the BJP) was that they would be fielded as MLA candidates and, if they lost, would be made MLCs. At the party level, there was no assurance of any Cabinet post... it would be wrong to infer that," says an aspirant from the 'original' faction. The meeting with the party state president too focussed on how development projects and fund allocations of their constituencies have been sidelined: something that the originals have been feeling angsty about for many months, wondering why the turncoats have got more money and power to wield just because they came from other parties. Two more by-elections are yet to be held, since they have been caught in legal wrangles and once these are held, if the turncoat MLAs win, there would be two more in the line to demand their pound of flesh for their 'sacrifices'. And if that happens, the originals worry that they would be further sidelined which is why they don't want to leave room for any more turncoats at the next Cabinet expansion. Yediyurappa, of course, may not look at it in that light. He once famously told a party meeting before the bypolls: "Put yourselves in their place, if these 16 MLAs had not resigned and sacrificed their MLA posts, the BJP would have remained in the opposition benches for another three long years." If nothing else, the turncoats have the saviour of their aspirations in him. Though that might have got Yediyurappa more enemies within the party his recommendations for the Rajya Sabha seats, for instance, were completely disregarded by the party high-command in Delhi last week, who chose to find their own candidates without giving his short-list a second look. June is officially recognized as Pride month, in honor of the June 28 start of the Stonewall Inn Riots that created the modern-day LGBTQ movement, which began in the late 1960s. The movement, which has brought about important legislation such as the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which legalized same-sex marriage in 2013, has consistently sought equal rights for members of the LGBTQ community. Life-long Cheshire resident Mario Leigh is adding his name to the long list of LGBTQ individuals who are on the frontlines of creating meaningful legislation for their community. As a gay man, I knew early on that the idea of creating a family would look very different for me than for my non-gay peers, Leigh began. There is a lot of discrimination in adoption against same-sex couples, and infertility treatments can be extremely expensive. According to Leigh, the average cost of things like surrogacy and in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be as high as $110,000 per child. In order to combat the issue, Leigh started the Connecticut-based Affordable Families coalition, which aims to create legislation that addresses the expensive and often complicated process of adoption and/or IVF treatments for same-sex couples. He partnered with Representative Liz Linehan (D-103), who serves as chairperson for the Connecticut Department of Children committee. Unfortunately, Mario is not my constituent, but arbitrary borders should not prohibit someone from being heard, so I met with him as a Cheshire resident, said Linehan. He had a valid point the current system makes it onerous and expensive for same-sex couples to have a child by surrogacy. He wants to change that, and I want to help him Leigh and his team at Affordable Families went on to develop specific legislation to address that process and they hope Connecticut will begin to take a look. The legislation we are looking to propose will decrease costs for gay individuals that want to become parents and allow the average couple to be able to afford to build a family, Leigh added. Linehan and Leigh have been working together since February, and, prior to the COVID-19 state shut-down, Leigh had the opportunity to testify in front of the Connecticut Insurance committee for his cause. Growing up questioning your sexuality isnt an easy thing. Its much harder when you recognize the reality that attaining the one thing many of us spend our lives working towards, may be out of reach. Im talking of course, about a family, Leigh said at the hearing. Too many young men and women are in this predicament, and it can make coming out extremely difficult. It forces people to choose between loving who they want and living the life that they want. While movement on passing Leighs legislation is on hold for now due to COVID-19, he is confident that the next legislative session will be fruitful for his efforts. For more information about Leighs Affordable Families, visit https://www.affordablefamilies.com/. Last October, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation celebrating the spirit of exploration, courage, and faith that led a legendary explorer and his crew to sail across the Atlantic and discover a new land. That explorer was Leif Erikson. No one can doubt the popularity of Christopher Columbus, who has been celebrated over the years with statues and holidays, as well as lending his name to towns in at least 18 states including a small community in Burlington County. But despite what you were taught in high school, Columbus was not the first European to discover America (for the record, theres no evidence he even set foot in North America he landed in the Caribbean islands). That honor goes to Erikson, a Norwegian explorer and the son of Erik the Red. Around 1000 AD, about 450 years before Columbus was even born, historians believe Erikson and his crew landed in present-day Newfoundland after being blown off course during a trip from Norway to Greenland. Its possible Erikson made it as far west at Maine, but well likely never know for certain. So why does pretty much everyone in America outside of the president and SpongeBob Squarepants ignore Eriksons contribution to history? Well, you could argue Columbus certainly had more of an impact by establishing transatlantic trade, which unfortunately included the enslavement of indigenous people in the Caribbean who historians say were sold at slave markets in Spain. By comparison, Eriksons footprint on the continent was light, and remnants of his settlement were only discovered by historians in 1960. Amazingly, I learned none of that history by visiting the Leif Erikson statue in Philadelphia, because the city has no monuments devoted to the Norwegian explorer. There once was a statue of Viking explorer Thorfinn Karlsefni at Boathouse Row, but it was knocked into Schuylkill River in 2018 and city officials are in no hurry to put it back up because of its unfortunate appropriation by some white nationalists. I guess even with a statue, you still need to open a book or two to learn about history. That or watch cartoons. More cartoons from The Inquirer Heres a roundup of recent cartoons from me and my colleague, Signe Wilkinson. For more editorial cartoons, visit inquirer.com/opinion/cartoons/: StandWithUs is proud to announce the online global premiere of its powerful new documentary, "Minority of One." The screening will take place on June 22 at 11 a.m. PST (2 p.m. ET), followed by a live Q&A with the subject of the documentary, Hussein Aboubakr. Hussein Aboubakr Mansour was born in 1989 in Cairo, Egypt. The ultimate villains in the local lore were the "bloodthirsty Zionists," so Aboubakr began to study the supposed enemies of his people. He studied Hebrew at Cairo University, but did not adapt to the official anti-Israel, anti-Semitic curriculum of the regime. The f... A tenant claims he was assaulted and held against his will by his landlords for being behind on his rent. The 24-year-old tenant failed to pay his rent on a Surry Hills property in Sydney due to financial difficulties sparked by coronavirus restrictions. He had told police there was a payment plan in place, which he had allegedly negotiated with property owner Mario Venneri, 56, and Anthony Mowad, 57. Mario Venneri, the 56-year-old property owner, was arrested and charged on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting and holding his tenant hostage However, the pair were not happy to have not been paid and allegedly visited their tenant at 3.30pm on Wednesday where they assaulted him. Venneri and Mowad allegedly stopped their tenant from leaving the premises and assaulted him until he paid all the money owed. When he was finally let go, the tenant reported the traumatising incident to police, which led to Venneri and Mowad's arrest. Detective Superintendent Tim Beattie said the men will be dealt with accordingly due to their handling of the situation. 'There was a physical altercation and it became very clear that the tenant was unable to leave, he was contained against his will,' he told reporters on Friday. 'There are processes and mechanisms to retrieve the outstanding money but if they cross the line there will be certain consequences that go with it.' Venneri was charged with detaining a person for advantage and appeared in Central Local Court on Thursday where he was granted condition bail. He is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on August 13 and must report daily to Toukley Police station until his next hearing. Mowad was charged with detaining in company with an intent to obtain advantage and occasion actual bodily harm. He appeared at Central Local Court on Friday where he was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on August 13. Matt, Matt, stop, Richmond said. Im not about to get sidetracked about the color of our children. . . . It is not about the color of your kids. It is about black males, black people in the streets that are getting killed, and if one of them happens to be your kid, Im concerned about him, too, and clearly, Im more concerned about him than you are. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Norman Harsono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 16:00 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40660180a4 1 Business pertamina,dividend,2019,profit,government,state-owned-enterprise Free State-owned oil and gas giant Pertamina will pay US$601.3 million in dividends to the government, 7 percent more than last year, as the state looks to fund its COVID-19 expenditures. The dividends amounted to 24 percent of Pertaminas net profit of $2.53 billion last year, the company announced in a statement on Thursday after an annual shareholders meeting. We are fortunate that Pertamina made several achievements and maintained a stable net profit, said Pertamina spokeswoman Fajriyah Usman on Thursday. The company attributed the lack of profit growth to low crude oil prices and a weak rupiah exchange rate against the United States dollar last year compared to the previous year. Indonesia Crude Prices (ICP) fell 7.5 percent year-on-year (yoy) to $62.37 per barrel in 2019, Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry data shows. The rupiah exchange rate, meanwhile, strengthened by 3.58 percent on a point-to-point basis in 2019 or by 0.76 percent on average, according to Bank Indonesia (BI) data. The government has been struggling to fund its state budget as it swells to Rp 695.2 trillion to accommodate COVID-19-related spending. Tax collection has dropped amid weakening business activity, and the government is now projecting that the 2020 state budget deficit will widen to 6.34 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), up from the 5 percent stated in the revised budget. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Like many mining executives, Jean-Sebastien Jacques has been trying to "change the barbecue conversation". Eager to promote minings contribution to human progress and prosperity, yet knowing full well that perceptions of greed and environmental damage loom large in the publics mind, sometimes this can seem like a losing fight. "I hate to tell you," the Rio Tinto chief once said. "Our industry is one of the least-trusted on the planet." In 2018, Jacques invoked Oscar-winning movie Avatars portrayal of miners - inflicting destruction on a fictional moon and displacing its Indigenous inhabitants in pursuit of the mineral "unobtainium" - to drive home the point hes been pressing for years: "We need to be better at telling our story." Which is why for many in the industry and investment community, Rio Tintos destruction of two ancient Aboriginal rock shelters at Western Australias Juukan Gorge last month came as something of a shock. The saga has devastated the areas traditional owners, incensed the Australian public and, in an instant, made the task of repairing minings image problem seem a whole lot harder. Rio Tinto's CEO Jean-Sebastien Jacques in Melbourne. Credit:Josh Robenstone Expectations around the role of business in society continue to ratchet upwards and the world is growing increasingly sensitive to social and environmental issues. At the same time, money managers are placing exponentially more importance on how companies minimise these risks, commonly referred to as ESG (environmental, social, governance). Nowhere is this more apparent than in "high-impact" industries such as mining. The inclusion of ESG into financial decision-making is based on an understanding that such issues will increasingly present a financial risk to investments and ought to be considered alongside other performance metrics. ESG pressure in recent years has been most evident in lobbying the mining sector on climate change action. At risk of being screened out by ESG-conscious investors and seeing their shares dumped, many of the worlds top miners have ploughed billions of dollars into carbon-reduction initiatives, investing in renewable energy generation, signing up to goals to become "net-zero" emitters and where possible reducing their exposure to the heaviest-polluting fossil fuels. Advertisement But there is now a gathering verdict in the investment community that the Juukan Gorge disaster is setting the scene for heightened focus on the S or "social" side of ESG. This will lift scrutiny of a long-running but often unspoken problem that has been lying beneath the mining sector for decades: an extreme power imbalance between miners and the Indigenous custodians of land on which they often operate. Some difficult questions are now being asked. Do the lands traditional owners have enough protections? And should there be instances in which significant sites must be permanently protected, no matter the amount of compensation offered? We wouldnt ever think of blowing up the pyramids because theres a coal seam underneath. Rio Tinto institutional shareholder Some investors and governance experts are likening the significance of Rio's Juukan Gorge saga to Australias banking royal commission, which focused the public on systemic issues that breached community standards. "The banking royal commission has a lot of parallels with this in as much as it really raised an underlying issue that was a point of contention with the community before and turned it into a catalyst for regulatory action," says Zoe Whitton, head of ESG at Citigroup. "Both industries - mining and banking - have to perennially renegotiate their bargain with society, their licences to operate. These feel like catalyst moments in those renegotiations." Not a legal dispute Advertisement For nearly 30 years since traditional ownership rights were recognised in Australia, Indigenous owners in WAs iron ore-rich Pilbara have been entering into legally binding native title agreements with mining companies, under which miners provide valuable royalty streams - a share in economic prosperity which they have long been denied - in exchange for the impact to their land and cultural heritage. As far as the law is concerned, however, WA legislation gives no right of review to landowners after a decision has been reached, and no state or Commonwealth acts offer traditional owners the ability to veto projects that would harm significant artefacts or sites. "Its a right to sit at the table, its not a right to say no," Griffith University law professor Kate Galloway says. Wiradjuri man and chief executive of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council James Christian says the Juukan gorge blast shows the laws designed to protect ancient Indigenous history are broken. "It is an indictment on the archaic policies across the country which continually fail to protect the cultural legacy and heritage of First Nations people," he says. The imbalance of power sits at the heart of Rio Tintos controversy at Juukan Gorge. There is no dispute about the legality of Rio's actions, obtaining all necessary legal approvals and consent back in 2013, nor is there dispute about the significance of the Juukan Gorge site, which has evidence of continual human occupation stretching back a staggering 46,000 years. The mining giant led investigations in 2014 which revealed the site to be more significant than first thought, and then collaborated with the traditional owners - the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura Aboriginal Corporation - to retrieve key artefacts so that they could be preserved. What is being disputed is whether Rio Tinto was aware of any formal requests by the traditional owners that the site itself be preserved following the finding of the artefacts and went ahead with it anyway, a claim that Rio denies. Regardless, Rio has apologised unreservedly and committed to a board-led review of its bungled decision and heritage management policies. Advertisement Line in the sand Should there be a line drawn in the trade-off between Aboriginal heritage and the economic benefits of developing a resource, and where should that line be? In the wash-up of the Juukan Gorge disaster, its a question on the minds of many in the mining and investment communities. "We wouldnt ever think of blowing up the pyramids because theres a coal seam underneath," one Rio Tinto investor said. "We do need to have a serious conversation." "Wherever the line is," one mining insider said, "the public clearly thinks Juukan Gorge was on the wrong side of it." What happened at Juukan Gorge and the adequacy of the frameworks that failed to protect the site are set to be reviewed under a parliamentary inquiry to be headed by Liberal MP Warren Entsch, which will recommend legislative changes required to prevent this happening again. "The existing process is very much focused on agreeing on compensation, its never been about undertaking not to mine," Citi's Whitton explains. "I suspect the process we are about to go through will result in being able to protect some sites permanently, which would be a huge change. The community response has very much been that some sites, some artefacts, should not be destroyed." WA Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt has been under fire for granting approvals to BHP and Rio Tinto. Credit:Lauren Pilat Advertisement However, there are some concerns of reforms in this area going too far. Western Australia Treasurer Ben Wyatt, an Indigenous man, is an advocate of traditional owners' self-determination. Although deeply critical of the failing's of WA's heritage legislation which failed to prevent Juukan Gorge's destruction, he is cautious about growing calls for government intervention in traditional owners' negotiations. "Well-meaning third parties can't say self-determination that we support is fine but can only take place on the terms that we insist upon," he told Perth radio 6PR. "Aboriginal people are going to make decisions that they make in their own interests and I support that self-determination." In the weeks that followed the Juukan Gorge disaster, a groundswell of concern about threats to Indigenous sites has been spreading across the Pilbara, and then across the country. Australias top miner, BHP, put on hold plans to destroy dozens of Aboriginal sites as part of its South Flank iron ore mine. And in NSW, a fresh legal push by the Gomeroi people to halt the destruction of ancient spear marks, burial sites and ceremonial grounds at a proposed open-cut coal mine being developed by China Shenhua Energy near Gunnedah, has put the topic of reform back on the agenda in the state parliament. Aberdeen Standard Investments, one of the top shareholders of BHP and Rio Tinto, says the response from the investment community following the Juukan disaster has been significant, in part due to the ever-rising awareness among asset owners and managers of the importance of ESG risks and their ability to act and engage rapidly when issues like these arise. Danielle Welsh-Rose, Aberdeens ESG investment director for Asia-Pacific, says there appeared to be a heightened focus on traditional owner issues emerging across the industry and a likely reframing of the sector's social licence to operate. "Weve already seen BHP pausing part of their expansion project in South Flank, and there are commentators talking about whether some sites should be permanently protected for environmental and social value," Welsh-Rose tells the Age and Herald. "That will become part of the broader conversation, where it hasnt been part of the conversation before." As well, the investment company says, the timing of the gorges destruction coinciding with the Black Lives Matter movement sweeping the world has "amplified" wider concerns surrounding inequality. Advertisement From my heart... I stand with our African-American brothers and sister. Diversity is what makes the United States great! Please let's end racism and anti-Semitism once and for all! No longer divide us... This is a message from RONALD S. LAUDER, that appeared very recently in the World Jewish Congress (WJC) digest: "In frightening and uncertain times, like those we are facing now with the coronavirus, some people all too often and dangerously look for and unjustly blame scapegoats. There is an open effort on the part of some fear mongers, some little more than troublemakers but many in posit... Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. Even as stores reopen in many parts of the country, people are still shopping online more than ever. And that includes using new sites set up by their favorite small businesses attempting to stay afloat through perilous economic times. But be careful, experts warn, because cybercriminals are flocking to e-commerce sites, too. Their favorite crimes include opening fake accounts at retail sites and hijacking real ones through identity theft. Online fraud was already on the rise before COVID-19, largely thanks to the rollout of chip-and-signature technology, which has made the in person credit-card fraud of the past a lot tougher to pull off. Account takeovers jumped 72 percent in 2019, to 13 million cases, according to the most recent figures from the security firm Javelin, which tracks financial crime. Losses from consumer fraud in the U.S. hit $16.9 billion that year, with consumers directly paying $3.5 billion of the total. The pandemic is just making the situation worse. While we can shop from home, [cybercriminals] can steal from home, too, says Krista Tedder, Javelins director of payments. Consumers are facing several new threats. Tedder pointed to the explosion of coronavirus-themed phishing emails designed to steal account credentials and other sensitive data. The emails tout everything from bogus cures to deals on masks and other essential items. Meanwhile, previously existing methods of stealing consumer information, such as online card-skimming software, are becoming bigger problems as consumers flock to the new e-commerce operations set up by their favorite small businesses. Heres a rundown on some of the major threats to online shopping and tips for how you can protect yourself. Rising E-Commerce Threats As grocers, cafes, and shops rushed to adapt to the pandemics challenges, many hastily put together processes to take more orders remotely, in some cases to avoid the hefty fees imposed by websites such as GrubHub and DoorDash. Story continues Thats not a bad idea. Many consumers probably like the idea of helping local businesses avoid overpriced middlemen. But Tedder says consumer security is suffering. People are taking card information over the phone and emailing card information with insecure methods, she says. That opens you to the old-fashioned risks of unscrupulous employees, or anyone else, pulling credit card info out of the trash. Meanwhile, hastily assembled websites often skip account safeguards such as two-factor authentication or strong-password requirements, making them easy targets for online criminals. On top of that, small business websites can be susceptible to so-called Magecart attacks, in which loosely associated groups of cybercriminals compromise shopping sites, inserting online skimming software that steals consumers card information. A handful of large companies, including Macys, Ticketmaster, and British Airways, have fallen victim to Magecart in recent years, but most of the businesses affected have been much smaller, says Ziv Mador, vice president of security research at SpiderLabs at Trustwave, a cybersecurity company focused on cloud security. Thats because the attacks often stem from the compromise of website plug-ins that are used to do things like process payments or provide chatbots, he says. Smaller businesses, especially those in a rush to launch an e-commerce business, often use off-the-shelf plug-ins and fail to adequately vet them. The thing about Magecart is they never stop, Mador says. They make their living from skimming credit cards. Theyre dependent on how clever they can be and thats why we see them coming up with new techniques every couple months. To most consumers, the sites look perfectly normal, so theyd have no idea that their information has been collected and sent back to the criminals. But avoiding small businesses, many of which are struggling right now, for fear of financial fraud isnt something many people want to do. So, experts say, the best thing consumers can do is think before they shop and take reasonable precautions when they do. How to Shop More Safely Here are important tips for protecting yourself while shopping. Also, just a quick reminder, as a consumer, youre not liable for fraudulent charges on your credit cards. If you see a charge that doesnt look right, report it to your bank and itll remove the charge and issue you a new card. Take care of the basics. Make sure your computer, mobile device, and antivirus software are all up to date. That can go a long way toward blocking all kinds of online threats. Setting good passwords, or better yet, using a password manager, will prevent a lot of problems, too. And, while youre at it, enable two-factor authentication, which adds a second form of identification, such as a fingerprint or physical key, wherever you can, Tedder says. Stick with reputable websites. While big-name retailers have been compromised by Magecart, Mador says theyre still the most likely to have adequate data security protections in place. And if a site looks sketchy in general, stay away. While it may not be a vehicle for Magecart, it could still be a scam. Use cash or a payment app with local stores. You can use your favorite restaurants website to order your takeout, but it is safer to then pay in person. Consider using cash or a service such as Apple Pay, where the retailer doesnt handle your credit card information at all. Dont take the phishing bait. Researchers have reported big spikes in coronavirus-themed phishing emails. Dont click on links or open attachments in emails from people you dont know. And never enter your banking or other credentials into a website you reached by following a link in an email. These are the ways the vast majority of account takeovers happen. Instead, open a new browser tab and enter the sites URL by hand or by doing a web search. Keep your shopping to one or two credit cards. This makes it easier to spot fraud. Even better, use a mobile payment service, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, whenever possible. Instead of your actual credit card number, these services use secure tokens that are worthless if stolen. Dont mix work and pleasure. If youre going to use the same computer for work or financial accounts as you do for shopping, set up separate browser accounts. That will help keep any malicious shopping-related browser extensions or scripts you might accidentally download from getting at your work-related information. You can even use two entirely different browsers, such as Chrome and Firefox. More from Consumer Reports: Top pick tires for 2016 Best used cars for $25,000 and less 7 best mattresses for couples Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright 2020, Consumer Reports, Inc. Over the past days, the Australian government has escalated its role as an attack dog in a US-led campaign against China, aimed at ensuring American hegemony in the Asia-Pacific. On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Marise Payne delivered a speech accusing China of spreading disinformation during the coronavirus pandemic and of fomenting division, particularly through the use of the internet. She warned that Beijing was seeking to undermine liberal democracies and made clear that Australia would pursue an aggressive foreign policy in the region and internationally. As if on cue, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced this morning that Australia was being subjected to an ongoing major state-based cyber-attack. Morrison claimed that the operation had targeted all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure. Asked by reporters whether Beijing was responsible, Morrison said that the government was not making any public attribution about these matters. In the same breath, however, he said that there were few countries capable of such sophisticated activity. His statements have already had their desired effect, with corporate journalists rushing to declare that China is the prime suspect. Less than an hour after Morrisons remarks, for instance, the Sydney Morning Herald published an article baldly declaring that China is understood to be a likely source of the threat. It appears that none of the reporters at Morrisons press conference asked any of the obvious questions, starting with whether he had evidence for his sweeping assertions. It was not even clear that Morrison was speaking about a specific cyber-attack that could be attributed to one source. Asked whether he would describe the alleged operation as unprecedented in scale, Morrison evasively stated This is ongoing activity, it hasnt just started. This is a constant threat to Australia. In other words, despite the atmosphere of national emergency that he sought to cultivate, Morrison could not even confirm a specific cyber-attack in recent days. He did not provide a single concrete example of an institution that had been hacked. Notwithstanding the supposed breadth of the operation and the fact that it had targeted virtually every government service, Morrison said that there had been no large-scale personal data breaches, leaving open the possibility that nothing had been successfully hacked. The purpose of the announcement was to whip-up a wartime atmosphere to justify further provocations against China. In this campaign, the government has the complete support of the Labor Party opposition, which has played a central role in fully aligning Australia with the US drive against Beijing. Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese repeated Morrisons vague talking points, telling reporters that cyber-attacks are a real issue, and stating: What the evidence is, is that these attacks are expected to be more often. The political establishment is confident that its unsubstantiated assertions will be promoted by a pliant corporate media. For years, the official press has trumpeted McCarthyite claims that Australia is the target of pervasive Chinese interference, legitimising the countrys involvement in a US military build-up throughout the region and serving as the pretext for sweeping attacks on democratic rights. Like the allegations of Chinese interference, the claims of a cyber-attack are being spearheaded by the intelligence agencies. This morning, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), the countrys electronic spying agency, took the unusual step of issuing a statement to the media, confirming the sustained targeting of Australian governments and companies by a sophisticated state-based actor. According to Nine Media, the ASD identified the techniques used as including links to fake websites designed to steal users details, links to malicious files, and use of email tracking services to identify when users were opening emails. The Australian Cyber Security Centre similarly warned of copy-paste compromises. The agencies appear to be describing a phishing operation, where an entity emails a link or attachment under false pretences that activates malicious software if it is clicked upon. Such emails have been encountered by virtually every internet user. They are widely used by private computer hackers and online scammers, further casting doubt on the official insistence that the supposed attack is state-based. The claims are being used to promote Australias collaboration with US-led intelligence networks. Morrison stated that he spoke to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson about the operation last night and had sought cooperation from Australias Five Eyes intelligence partners, the United States, Canada, New Zealand as well as the UK. His announcement dovetails with similarly unsubstantiated warnings last month from the US Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigations that American government institutions and companies were being hit by malware originating in China. The Australian intelligence agencies, including the ASD, are fully-integrated into the US-led Five Eyes network. As revealed by Edward Snowden, they collaborate on a daily basis, including in mass spying operations and other illegal activities, such as computer hacking, targeting ordinary people and foreign governments alike. The timing of Morrisons announcement and the ASD statement coincides with a major ratcheting-up of US rhetoric against China. It will doubtless be cited by Trump administration officials as further evidence of the threat that China poses to the US-led rules-based order. Foreign Minister Marise Payne (Credit: Australian National University) Foreign Minister Paynes Tuesday address to the Australian National Universitys National Security College, which is closely connected to the intelligence agencies, was along similar lines. She vaguely asserted that China had carried out targeted disinformation campaigns seeking to undermine democratic debate and exacerbate social polarisation, and improve their own image in the COVID-19 context. Payne favourably cited Twitters recent suspension of 32,000 accounts that it claimed were state-linked. As with the fraudulent claims of Russian-interference in the 2016 US election, the Australian political establishment will use allegations of Chinese-interference to intensify online censorship. The government is establishing a task force to combat online misinformation. This is a prelude to the branding of social and political opposition, above all from the working class, as being the result of foreign efforts to exacerbate social polarisation. Payne appeared to walk back earlier threats from Morrison to disengage from international institutions. Morrison, who has sought to identify himself closely with Trump, denounced negative globalism in terms similar to those of the US president earlier this year. Payne restated the longstanding consensus of the Australian ruling elite that it would seek to prosecute its own predatory interests and punch above its weight through multilateral engagement. She affirmed...that international standard setting bodies create rules that are vital to Australias security, interests, values and prosperity. Payne made clear that she was not calling for some form of peaceful global collaboration, but that Australia would aggressively intervene in international institutions. She stated: There are times to pursue quiet diplomacy behind the scenes. But there are also times to voice our concerns and persuade others of the need for a course of action. The context of her speech, and her earlier allegations of Chinese misinformation, demonstrated that such action would be directed against Beijing. Yesterday, the Australian revealed that Australian defence chiefs and their American counterparts were in the early stages of planning joint exercises in the strategic western Pacific outpost of Guam, home to the US Andersen Air Force Base. It reported that already on Monday, the HMAS Anzac, Ballarat and Arunta left Fleet Base West in Sydney to participate in various exercises in the Pacific. On Tuesday, the HMAS Canberra, Hobart and Stuart departed for training and maritime surveillance operations. Australia was also awaiting an invitation from India to join the Malabar naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal later this year alongside the US and Japan. Such an exercise would be particularly provocative, cementing a quadrilateral alliance strongly opposed by Beijing because it involves four of the largest military powers in the region. Australia will also participate in the August RIMPAC exercises, hosted by the US in Hawaii, which is the biggest marine warfare drill in the world. The recent movements of Australian warships follow major US provocations threatening military conflict with China, including last weeks deployment of three aircraft carrier strike groups to the Pacific. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 19) The Department of Health on Friday turned down a senators call for its chief to take some time off work while the Office of the Ombudsman launches an investigation into the alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 response. Hindi pa natin nakikita ang pangangailangan para mag-leave si Secretary Duque para dito sa sinasabing imbestigasyon na isasagawa ng Ombudsman, Health Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire told reporters in a media forum. [Translation: We dont see the need for Secretary (Francisco) Duque to take a leave of absence for the Ombudsmans investigation.] Vergeire said the health secretary has their full support, crediting Duques leadership as the reason why undersecretaries were able to accomplish their duties. On Thursday, Senator Sherwin Win Gatchalian said the appropriate thing for Duque to do is to take a leave of absence to ensure an impartial probe. Gatchalian was also among the lawmakers who signed a Senate resolution calling for Duques resignation in April. On Wednesday, the Ombudsman revealed an ongoing probe into supposed "irregularities and anomalies" in the DOHs pandemic response measures, including supposed confusing and delayed reporting of COVID-19 data and cases, and purported lapses that led to the death of medical workers and the increasing number of infections among frontliners. Ombudsman Samuel Martires told CNN Philippines' The Source that his office is sending subpoenas to Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado and Duque within the day. Vergeire, for her part, said the DOH is preparing for the investigation as she reiterated the departments commitment to comply with Ombudsmans directives. Funeral: Officers salute Sunil Kumar, who died in the clash. Photo: Reuters India used diplomatic channels with China to de-escalate a military stand-off in a remote Himalayan border region where 20 Indian soldiers were killed this week, its government said yesterday. Responding to China's claim to the disputed Galwan Valley, a spokesman for India's External Affairs Ministry said both sides agreed to handle the situation responsibly. "Making exaggerated and untenable claims is contrary to this understanding," he said in a statement. The clash that killed 20 Indian troops was the deadliest between the sides in 45 years. China has not said whether it suffered any casualties on Monday. Indian news reports said yesterday that 76 Indian soldiers were hospitalised with injuries following the clash. All are in stable condition, according to New Delhi Television. Indian officials have denied reports that any of its troops were in Chinese custody. India and China have accused each other of instigating the clash in the valley, part of the disputed Ladakh region along the Himalayan frontier. The deaths happened in the thin air at 4,270m above sea level, when soldiers brawled with clubs, rocks and their fists with no shots fired, Indian officials have said. The soldiers carry firearms but are not allowed to use them under a previous agreement in the border dispute. Defence analyst Ajai Shukla tweeted a photo of rods studded with nails purportedly used by Chinese troops. China maintained Indian troops had deliberately provoked the clash, though it also signalled it wanted talks, noting the importance of their broader bilateral relationship. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, citing Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a call with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishanka, said "mutual respect and support serves our long-term interests". Emotions were high in Hyderabad, where thousands watched the funeral procession of Colonel Santosh Babu. He was among the 20 Indian troops who died of injuries and exposure after the clash in sub-freezing temperatures. In the Indian Himalayan city of McLeod Ganj, the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile, demonstrators shouted anti-China slogans and burned the Chinese flag. An Indian confederation of small and mid-size companies called for a boycott of 500 Chinese goods, including toys and textiles, to express "strong criticism" of China's alleged aggression in Ladakh. The boycott call followed protests on Wednesday in New Delhi where demonstrators destroyed items they said were made in China while chanting, "China get out". Protestor gathered in Homs to protest against the Caesar Act and affirm the support of the Syrian army and the countrys people writes SANA. Participants in a national stand held Thursday at Martyrs Square in Homs city center rejected and condemned the unilateral coercive measures imposed on the Syrian people, and the so-called Caesar Act, affirming their adherence to the national principled stances and their commitment to the homeland in the face of the economic war and the unjust siege imposed on the Syrian people. Participants in the stand raised national flags and banners saluting the Syrian Arab Army, which is fighting terrorism, and condemning the unjust practices by the forces of aggression against the Syrian people, in addition to affirming their support for the army and leadership in the face of the unjust siege. They also expressed anger and condemned the US hostility towards free people, affirming that the fake humanity of the US and its allies has been exposed. The participants indicated that the stand is an expression of the Syrian peoples solidarity with their army and leadership, affirming that Syria will overcome the siege and triumph over it as it has been able to triumph over terrorism. 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. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment On June 17 in 1994, O. J. Simpson led police on a low-speed chase through the streets of Los Angeles. His attorney informed him that morning that murder charges had been filed against him in the killings of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. That evening, he reportedly made a 911 call from a cellphone in the white Ford Bronco of his friend, Al Cowlings. The California Highway Patrol then began pursuit of the vehicle. The Bronco led them onto the 405 Freeway in Torrance and eventually to Simpsons home in Brentwood, where he surrendered. Like millions of others, I watched the pursuit as it was broadcast on live television. But I never thought I would see the white Ford Bronco in person. Last year, my wife and I were on vacation in the Smoky Mountains, one of our favorite places in the world. We stopped by a museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. And there we found the vehicle on display. Not a replicathe actual white Ford Bronco. Now lets turn to another event that occurred on this day five years ago. On June 17, 2015, Dylann Roof walked into the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. He joined parishioners for forty minutes of Bible study, then he gunned down nine of them. He reloaded seven times. His intention was to start a race war, as he later confessed to police. He was eventually sentenced to nine consecutive sentences of life in prison without parole. I do not expect ever to meet O. J. Simpson or Dylann Roof. I can mourn the tragic deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson, Ronald Goldman, and nine precious lives lost in Charleston. And I can pray for those who mourn their deaths. But I can do more than respond to the pastI can help create the future. So can you. The prayer that can change everything I have no idea what ministries or churches, if any, reached out to Dylann Roof before he murdered nine people in Charleston. I know that Jesus could have changed his heart if he had opened his life to our Savior. If Christ could transform the man who called himself the worst sinner of all (1 Timothy 1:15 NIV), he can transform anyone. However, our Lord has made us his physical presence in our world (1 Corinthians 12:27) and commissioned us to bring his word and love to everyone we can (Acts 1:8). He will speak when we speak, care when we care, and touch lives when we touch them (cf. Acts 3:110). It is our privilege and responsibility to use our influence for Jesus with compassion and urgency. The next Dylann Roof may be someone you know. Henri Nouwen observed: One of the greatest human spiritual tasks is to embrace all of humanity, to allow your heart to be a marketplace of humanity, to allow your interior life to reflect the pains and joys of people. If you will ask Jesus to give you his compassion for the people you meet today, he will answer your prayer in ways that will change your life and may change your world. This is the promise and the invitation of God. CALHOUN COUNTY, MI A Battle Creek man faces five charges including open murder in the death of a woman found shot to death and burned in March. Jose Juarez, 26, was arrested and charged Thursday, June 18 in the death of 25-year-old Alison Sargent, of Pennfield Township. She was reported missing March 5 and police later identified a body, found by a passerby on March 7, as Sargent. RELATED: Missing womans body found burned, police investigating as homicide Calhoun County Sheriff Steven Hinkley announced in a press conference Thursday that an arrest warrant had been issued for Juarez, who was arraigned later that day at the Calhoun County District Court. Juarez was charged with open murder, mutilation of a dead body, possessing a firearm as a felon and two counts of using a firearm to commit a felony, court records show. He was identified as a suspect after police reviewed video surveillance that showed Juarez and Sargent leaving a grocery store together the same day she was reported as missing. The video surveillance was the last time Sargent was seen, police said. Police believe Juarez and Sargent were in a relationship, Hinkley said. Hinkley said detectives believe Sargent was shot and killed at her home, and her body was taken to the location where it was found, in a remote section of River Road between G Drive North and Raymond Road, and burned. Sargents car, a 2012 Black Dodge Journey, was found in Detroit by police March 10, Hinkley said. The interior of the car reportedly had been burned. The car was taken to the Michigan State Police lab in Detroit to be investigated. Juarez is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary exam at 2:30 p.m. July 27, court records show. More on MLive: Wyoming man sentenced to 20 years in prison for dealing fentanyl that killed a person State suspends license of Kalamazoo youth academy where 16-year-old died after being restrained Father charged with manslaughter in house fire that killed 3 sons, wife Mumbai: Visitors being screened for COVID-19 (coronavirus) at Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Head Office in Mumbai on March 17, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News New BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal on saturday visited the BYL Nair Hospital, one of the major Covid-19 facilities in the city, on the first day after taking his new charge. Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, June 19 : Maharashtra on Friday notched its highest number of Covid-19 cases at 3,827 - outstripping Thursday's 3,752, while Mumbai recorded 114 deaths, the highest on a single day till date. The state death toll again shot up from Thursday's 100 to 142, but down by 36 from the previous peak of 178 recorded on June 15, health officials said. The state's toll has now climbed to 5,893 and total cases shot up to 124,331 till date - the highest in the country. For most days in June, the state has been recording three-digit highs of deaths and over 3,000 new patients. Friday's numbers work out to roughly one death every 10 minutes, and a whopping 159 new cases notched every hour in the state, with a mortality rate of 4.74 per cent. The Health Department said of the total number of cases declared till date, 55,651 were active - a number lower than the number of patients cured. Mumbai's latest fatalities took the toll to 3,425 now, while the number of Covid-19 positive patients here went up by 1,264 cases to touch 64,139 now. The situation in Dharavi - Asia's biggest slum - however, continues to improve with only 17 new cases, taking the total to 2,151 and the number of fatalities remaining unchanged at 77. Besides Mumbai's 114 deaths, there were eight fatalities in Aurangabad, five in Palghar, three each in Raigad, Nashik, Dhule, and Jalgaon, two in Thane, and one in Solapur, while Pune district emerged without a death first time in over a month. On the positive side, a total of 1,935 fully cured patients returned home on Friday, taking the number of those discharged from 62,773 now - higher than the 55,651 active cases'. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday sanctioned a total of Rs 16.50 crore to upgrade and ramp up Covid-19 testing facilities at the Sassoon Hospital, Pune's biggest government hospital. Health Minister Rajesh Tope said an experimental project of 'Tele-ICU', in collaboration with Mediscape Foundation, has been launched in Mumbai, Thane, Jalgaon, Solapur, Aurangabad, Akola and Jalna for treating serious Covid-19 patients. Specialist doctors will treat the most serious patients from different parts of the state, with technology, and if the project is successful, it will be extended to more districts, he said. The MMR (Thane Division) remains critical with a total of 4,277 Covid-19 deaths, and the number of positive cases rising to 91,468. Thane - with 22,033 cases and 675 fatalities - has emerged as the second worst-hit district after Mumbai in the state. Pune district has dropped to the third position with 14,704 patients and 610 deaths till now. However, Pune Division ranks second (after MMR) with 17,627 patients and 829 deaths. The next major region of concern is Nashik Division with 388 deaths and 5,456 positive cases, followed by Aurangabad Division with 193 fatalities and 3,817 cases, and finally Akola Division with 96 deaths and 1,993 cases. Latur Division has 35 deaths and 728 cases, Kolhapur Division 40 deaths and 1,646 patients, and finally Nagpur Division with 15 deaths and 1,487 cases. Meanwhile, the number of people sent to home-quarantine increased to 591,049 now, while those in institutional quarantine decreased to 25,697. With two more labs opening on Friday, the number of testing facilities have gone up to 103 - 60 government and 43 private - for Covid-19 tests. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in) Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Spring Carlisle and the other massive car shows Carlisle Events stages at the Carlisle Fairgrounds will continue to be held under a deal struck between the firm and the state Department of Health, which accused the organizers of violating COVID-19 restrictions. The deal came right before a second hearing on the Health Departments lawsuit to shut down the show was to take place before a Commonwealth Court judge at noon Friday. At this point the states lawsuit has been withdrawn, said Carlisle Events spokesman Mike Garland. The shows will continue to operate. Garland said he couldnt say much more than that pending the release of a joint statement by Carlisle Events and the Health Department later today. He did say, however, that the agreement will cover the other shows the firm has scheduled for this year as well as Spring Carlisle, which ends Saturday. That show already had been delayed by two months due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Another car show is scheduled for next week. At this point all our events will go on as scheduled and as promoted, Garland said. A notice issued by attorneys for both sides right before noon stated only that the parties have reached a settlement agreement in principle that Fridays hearing is no longer necessary. The deal came a day after an inconclusive hearing in which Commonwealth Court Judge Anne E. Covey grilled a Health Department lawyer as to why, for example, the agency considered crowds at the car show to be a health hazard when Gov. Tom Wolf marched shoulder-to-shoulder with protesters in Harrisburg two weeks ago. The Health Department claimed the car shows hosted by Carlisle Events should be allowed to have no more than 250 attendees at a time because of the risk of spreading the coronavirus. Car show officials claimed they were in accord with the states COVID-19 restrictions by limiting attendance to 50 percent capacity of the 100-acre Carlisle Fairgrounds and taking other safety measures. The shows draw tens of thousands of patrons and vendors. (JNS) Scattered among the thousands of cellphone videos depicting looting and destruction in the streets of Americas greatest cities are clips of a different sort. In these short videos, we see throngs of white people on their knees, bowing before black people and asking for forgiveness for their white privilege and the structural racism in the deplorable, irredeemable United States of America. Earlier this week, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee former Vice President Joe Biden symbolically embraced these genuflecting denunciations of white privilege as th... City officials in Portage said the Columbia County Health Department has not provided enough guidance for them during the public health emergency as health experts in other places assessed the most recent COVID-19 case numbers in the region this week. Portage City Administrator Shawn Murphy and Mayor Rick Dodd said Thursday the city has relied on guidance from the state and U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention during the public health emergency and more recently it reached out to Divine Savior Hospital in Portage to get a better idea of the viruss presence in the city. When the Supreme Court order came about back in May, Dodd said, we had a conference call with the county and I expressed my desire to have the number of COVID-19 cases for the city so that we could track this and go along with it but basically was refused. The county health department has cited HIPPA laws in response to requests for Portage-specific numbers, Dodd said, but to me the laws do not apply because were talking about numbers not people. We didnt want to know who they are, we just wanted to know if they were in the Portage vicinity so that we could know what were dealing with. Taiwan's leader reiterated her support for pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong during a speech at the virtual Copenhagen Democracy Summit. In the pre-recorded message broadcast on Friday, Tsai Ing-wen said that allowing "anti-democratic forces and autocrats to advance abroad" would be "neglecting own democratic values", adding that Beijing should "respect Hong Kong's fundamental freedoms". Taiwan announced on Thursday that it will set up an office to support Hong Kongers seeking to leave the territory now that China is moving forward with new national security legislation. Tsai also referred to the World Health Organisation's decision not to include Taiwan in the World Health Assembly in May as "disappointing" considering Taiwan's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource centre, which collates data provided by governments on confirmed infections and deaths, Taiwan recorded only seven COVID-19-related deaths. B:2019 20200619 18:10:55 :B:2019 :B:2019 Stock Code: 000553(200553) Stock Abbreviation: ADAMA A(B) Announcement No.2020-34 ADAMA Ltd. Announcement of Dividend Distribution for the Year 2019 The Company and all members of its board of directors hereby confirm that all information disclosed herein is true, accurate and complete with no false or misleading statement or material omission. The 2019 Annual General Meeting of ADAMA Ltd. (the Company) has approved the 2019 dividend distribution plan (the Plan) on May 20, 2020. The details of the implementation of the distribution are as follows: IThe Plan On the basis of 2,446,553,582 total outstanding shares of the Company (among which 2,279,504,241 A shares and 167,049,341 B shares), to distribute RMB 0.12 per 10 shares, before tax, as cash dividend to all shareholders (After tax is deducted, RMB 0.108 for every 10 shares held by A-share QFII, RQFII and individuals and securities investment funds holding restricted shares issued before IPO; for A-share shareholders holding restricted shares issued after IPO, restricted shares for stock incentive, and non-restricted outstanding shares, different tax rates will be applied on the dividend: a dividend of RMB 0.12 for every 10 shares will be distributed first, then the tax will be deducted according to the actual shareholding period and number of shares sold by investor after the equity registration day (please see the note below); for securities investment funds holding restricted A-shares issued after IPO, restricted A-shares for stock incentive, and non-restricted outstanding A-shares,: the tax rate shall be 10% for the Hong Kong investors holding funds shares, and different tax rates will be applied on the dividend distributed to the mainland investors holding funds shares; the after-tax dividend for B-share non-resident enterprises and individuals holding restricted shares issued before IPO is RMB 0.108 for every 10 shares. Different tax rates will be applied on the dividend distributed to domestic (overseas) individual shareholdersa dividend of RMB 0.12 for every 10 shares will be distributed first, then the tax will be deducted according to the actual shareholding period and number of shares sold by the investor after the equity registration day). [Note: On first in first out basis, shareholding periods are calculated upon each shareholders account, namely RMB 0.024 of tax per 10 shares for a period under one month(inclusive); RMB 0.012 of tax per share for a period between one month and one year(inclusive); no tax is payable for a period of over one year.] Special note: Since the Company is a Sino-foreign joint venture, individual foreign investors could temporarily be exempted from dividend income tax. Dividend for B shares will be distributed in Hong Kong Dollars. According to the Articles of Association of the Company, the exchange rate will be the daily reference rate between RMB and HKD (HKD1.00 = RMB0.9144) published by the Peoples Bank of China at the 1st bank day (May 21, 2020) following the 2019 Annual General Meeting. II. Registration Day and Ex-dividend Day The equity registration day of A shares is June 29, 2020. The ex-dividend day of both A shares and B shares is June 30, 2020. The final trading day of B shares is June 29, 2020. The equity registration day of B shares is July 2, 2020. III. Shareholders Entitled to Receive the Dividend The following shareholders are entitled to receive the dividend: All shareholders holding Company A shares registered by China Securities Depository & Clearing Corporation Ltd. Shenzhen Branch (China Clearing Shenzhen Branch) upon the closing of Shenzhen Stock Exchange in the afternoon of June 29, 2020 and all shareholders holding Company B shares registered by the China Clearing Shenzhen Branch upon the closing of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in the afternoon of July 2, 2020 (the final trading day is June 29, 2020) IV. Ways of Distribution 1. The distribution of A shares dividend by the entrusted China Clearing Shenzhen Branch will be directly transferred into the shareholders accounts of the entrusted Security agency or other entrusted institutions on June 30, 2020. Dividend for B shares will be transferred to the shareholders accounts through the entrusted Security agency or the entrusted bank on July 2, 2020. If shareholders of B shares transfer the custody of ADAMA B on July 2, 2020, they should still withdraw their dividends at the original entrusted Security agency or the entrusted bank 2. The Company will distribute dividend to the following A shares shareholders: Number Shareholders Account Name of Shareholders 1 08 *****806 Syngenta Group Co.,Ltd. 2 08 *****389 Jingzhou Sanonda Holdings Co., Ltd. During the period of applying for the dividend distribution (from the application date June 17, 2020 to the equity registration date June 29,2020), if the number of shares of the above two shareholders decreases, leading to the cash remitted to China Clearing Shenzhen Branch by the Company being insufficient for the dividend distribution, the Company shall take full legal responsibility. V. Explanation on other Matter Shareholders of B shares who are not domestic individual shareholders or non-residential enterprises but are subject to deduction of withholding tax, are invited to contact the Company before the end of August 2, 2020, and provide the related materials to allow the Company to assist in applying for the refund. VI. Contact Information Address: 6/F, No.7 Office Building, No.10 Courtyard, Chaoyang Park Contact Person: Guo Zhi, Wang Zhujun Phone: 010-56718200 Fax: 010-59246175 Board of Directors of ADAMA Ltd. June 20, 2020 Stock Code: 000553(200553) Stock Abbreviation: ADAMA A(B) Announcement No.2020-34ADAMA Ltd.Announcement of Dividend Distribution for the Year2019The Company and all members of its board of directors hereby confirm that allinformation disclosed herein is true, accurate and complete with no false ormisleading statement or material omission.The 2019 Annual General Meeting of ADAMA Ltd. (the Company) has approved the2019 dividend distribution plan (the Plan) on May 20, 2020. The details of theimplementation of the distribution are as follows:IThe PlanOn the basis of 2,446,553,582 total outstanding shares of the Company (among which2,279,504,241 A shares and 167,049,341 B shares), to distribute RMB 0.12 per 10shares, before tax, as cash dividend to all shareholders (After tax is deducted, RMB0.108 for every 10 shares held by A-share QFII, RQFII and individuals and securitiesinvestment funds holding restricted shares issued before IPO; for A-share shareholdersholding restricted shares issued after IPO, restricted shares for stock incentive, andnon-restricted outstanding shares, different tax rates will be applied on the dividend: adividend of RMB 0.12 for every 10 shares will be distributed first, then the tax will bededucted according to the actual shareholding period and number of shares sold byinvestor after the equity registration day (please see the note below); for securitiesinvestment funds holding restricted A-shares issued after IPO, restricted A-shares forstock incentive, and non-restricted outstanding A-shares,: the tax rate shall be 10% forthe Hong Kong investors holding funds shares, and different tax rates will be applied onthe dividend distributed to the mainland investors holding funds shares; the after-taxdividend for B-share non-resident enterprises and individuals holding restricted sharesissued before IPO is RMB 0.108 for every 10 shares. Different tax rates will be appliedon the dividend distributed to domestic (overseas) individual shareholdersa dividendof RMB 0.12 for every 10 shares will be distributed first, then the tax will be deductedaccording to the actual shareholding period and number of shares sold by the investorafter the equity registration day).[Note: On first in first out basis, shareholding periods are calculated upon eachshareholders account, namely RMB 0.024 of tax per 10 shares for a period under onemonth(inclusive); RMB 0.012 of tax per share for a period between one month and oneyear(inclusive); no tax is payable for a period of over one year.]Special note: Since the Company is a Sino-foreign joint venture, individual foreigninvestors could temporarily be exempted from dividend income tax.Dividend for B shares will be distributed in Hong Kong Dollars. According to theArticles of Association of the Company, the exchange rate will be the daily referencerate between RMB and HKD (HKD1.00 = RMB0.9144) published by the PeoplesBank of China at the 1st bank day (May 21, 2020) following the 2019 Annual GeneralMeeting.II. Registration Day and Ex-dividend DayThe equity registration day of A shares is June 29, 2020.The ex-dividend day of both A shares and B shares is June 30, 2020.The final trading day of B shares is June 29, 2020.The equity registration day of B shares is July 2, 2020.III. Shareholders Entitled to Receive the DividendThe following shareholders are entitled to receive the dividend: All shareholdersholding Company A shares registered by China Securities Depository & ClearingCorporation Ltd. Shenzhen Branch (China Clearing Shenzhen Branch) upon theclosing of Shenzhen Stock Exchange in the afternoon of June 29, 2020 and allshareholders holding Company B shares registered by the China Clearing ShenzhenBranch upon the closing of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in the afternoon of July 2,2020 (the final trading day is June 29, 2020)IV. Ways of Distribution1. The distribution of A shares dividend by the entrusted China Clearing ShenzhenBranch will be directly transferred into the shareholders accounts of the entrustedSecurity agency or other entrusted institutions on June 30, 2020.Dividend for B shares will be transferred to the shareholders accounts through theentrusted Security agency or the entrusted bank on July 2, 2020. If shareholders of Bshares transfer the custody of ADAMA B on July 2, 2020, they should still withdrawtheir dividends at the original entrusted Security agency or the entrusted bank2. The Company will distribute dividend to the following A shares shareholders:NumberShareholders AccountName of Shareholders08 *****806Syngenta Group Co.,Ltd.08 *****389Jingzhou Sanonda Holdings Co., Ltd.During the period of applying for the dividend distribution (from the application dateJune 17, 2020 to the equity registration date June 29,2020), if the number of shares ofthe above two shareholders decreases, leading to the cash remitted to China ClearingShenzhen Branch by the Company being insufficient for the dividend distribution, theCompany shall take full legal responsibility.V. Explanation on other MatterShareholders of B shares who are not domestic individual shareholders ornon-residential enterprises but are subject to deduction of withholding tax, are invitedto contact the Company before the end of August 2, 2020, and provide the relatedmaterials to allow the Company to assist in applying for the refund.VI. Contact InformationAddress: 6/F, No.7 Office Building, No.10 Courtyard, Chaoyang ParkContact Person: Guo Zhi, Wang ZhujunPhone: 010-56718200Fax: 010-59246175Board of Directors of ADAMA Ltd.June 20, 2020 Like many contemporary social movements#metoo, Black Lives Matter, the Womens Marchthe environmental lobby has tended to create an atmosphere of unanimity. In its struggle to win public and elite opinion, it has frequently evoked science as something settled and immutable, warning that those who dissent are either self-serving or seriously deranged. Yet in recent months, there has been growing criticism about the current green orthodoxy, including from people long associated with environmental causes. This has been most widely seen in the strange case of the Michael Mooreproduced Planet of Humans, which exposes the rapacious profit-seeking and gratuitous environmental damage caused by the renewable energy industry. Critics have attempted to get Moores film de-platformed, and the green establishment has pressured distributors not to take the film. Such censorious behavior is increasingly common among the greens. Some veteran climate scientistssuch as Roger Pielke and Judith Curry, Greenpeace founder Patrick Moore, and former members of the UN International Panel on Climate Changehave been demonized and marginalized for deviating from what Curry has described as an overly monolithic approach to the issue of climate change. Some political leaders even seem ready to take dissenters to court in an effort to ban their ideas by legal means. Not only energy companies but think tanks and dissident scientists have been targeted for criminal prosecution. These tactics are all too reminiscent of the medieval Inquisition. The Green War on the Working Class Moores apostasy may be better known but lacks the breadth of Michael Shellenbergers new book, Apocalypse Never. A green zealot from his high school years, the Berkeley-based Shellenberger has worked on protecting habitats for endangered species and has battled climate change. His book, like Moores movie, exposes the hypocrisy of the green elite but, importantly, offers a more hopeful approach than Moores Malthusian worldview. Like Moore, Shellenberger has become utterly disillusioned with the self-serving and often counterproductive policies pushed by the green lobby. He demonstrates how green policies backed by oligarch-funded nonprofits have often worked against the economic interests of people in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, often leaving them with little recourse but to pillage their own natural environments. Shellenberger blasts green nonprofits for blocking new energy developmentdams, gas plants, pipelinesin these countries. Such actions may seem noble enough to the rich of the West, but it slows the manufacturing growth that could allow these countries to become rich enough to accommodate such things as habitat preservation. People working in textile or garment plants need not rely on the jungle for their survival, reducing the need to consume its bounty. Rainforests in the Amazon and elsewhere in the world can only be saved if the need for economic development is accepted, respected, and embraced, Shellenberger states. By opposing many forms of economic development in the Amazon, particularly the most productive forms, many environmental NGOs, European governments, and philanthropies have made the situation worse. Green plans to raise energy prices, eliminate cars, and ban fossil fuel development also have stirred fierce opposition from the working class, whether in pro-Trump middle America, or among Frances gilets jaune. But its not just the proverbial angry white men. In California, some 200 local civil rights leaders have filed lawsuits against the states regulators, arguing that the states climate policies are essentially discriminatory toward poor people and minorities. Challenging Religious Orthodoxy Even before Black Lives Matter, mainstream American journalism was being transformed into an extended-stay resort for the woke. Shellenberger calls out stealth environmental activists working as journalists who report the most drastic environmental projections while ignoring any contrary perspectives. Much of what people are being told about the environment, including the climate, is wrong, and we desperately need to get it right, he insists, suggesting that he is fed up with the exaggeration, alarmism, and extremism that are the enemy of a positive, humanistic, and rational environmentalism. Shellenberger places his hopes on competition from outside traditional news media institutions, having seen the gullibility of most reporters. For decades, they have embraced notions, first seen in Paul Ehrlichs 1968 book, The Population Bomb, that humanity would breed ourselves to extinction if birthrates were not severely curtailed. Reporters also widely hailed the Club of Rome report in 1972, which took a similar apocalyptic approach, predicting massive shortages of natural resources unless there was a shift to lower birthrates, slower economic growth, less material consumption, and, ultimately, less social mobility. Many of these apocalyptic predictions, like those in the Middle Ages, proved exaggerated or even plain wrong. Contrary to environmentalist dogma from the 1970s, natural resources, including energy and food, did not run out but became more available than anyone expected. So why the constant hyping and hysteria? Because what Shellenberger calls the apocalyptic environmental tradition demands it. In a way that perhaps only someone bitten by the green bug could understand, Shellenberger labels environmentalism as the dominant secular religion of the educated, upper-middle-class elite in most developed and many developing nations. This applies, he reports, not only to seemingly deranged cults like Britains Extinction Rebellion but also to august environmental groups like the Sierra Club or Friends of the Earth. Christianity offered guidance for how one should live and conduct ones personal affairs in a manner pleasing to God, but the green movement seeks to steer people toward a life in better harmony with nature. Like medieval Catholicism, the green faith foresees impending doom caused by human activity; human sin was the primary reason for the worlds problems in medieval times, and has been rediscovered by environmentalists. Apocalyptic environmentalism gives people a purpose: to save the world from climate change, or some other environmental disaster, Shellenberger writes. It provides people with a story that casts them as heroes. Needed: A New Human-Centered Approach to the Environment Perhaps what is most revolutionary about Shellenbergers book is his call for a new, more human-centered, environmentalism. In contrast to the green movements jihad against material progress, he suggests that only by making people more affluent will they be able to afford the environmental redress that the planet, in fact, needs. Rather than battle industrialism, greens need to appreciate what technological progress has done for the environment. The development of plastics helped reduce demand for ivory, hawksbill turtles, whale oil, and the despoiling of old forests. Dealing pragmatically, as opposed to religiously, with environmental concerns, means accepting the reality that some forms of efficient energy production, such as natural gas or nuclear, need to be part of a cleaner future. It is only by embracing the artificial that we can save whats natural, he states. The key to environmental success lies in affluence. Richer countries are more resilient, he says, quoting MIT climate scientist Kerry Emanuel, so let us focus on making people richer and more resilient. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and particularly Scandinavia become cleaner, in large part, because they can afford to do so and also must respond to popular pressures. Poor autocratic and officially socialist states, like those of the former Soviet bloc and China, did not face the same pressures for a cleaner environment. In the future, to succeed, environmental policy has to consider human concerns, particularly those of the working and middle classes. It needs not only to protect the natural environment but also to achieve the goal of universal prosperity. Thus Shellenberger speaks of a positive, humanistic, and rational environmentalism. Like any movement in a still-democratic society, he suggests, environmentalists can win over the population not by terrorizing them but by showing that we can protect nature without stomping out all natural human aspirations. Joel Kotkin is the Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University and executive director of the Urban Reform Institute. His new book, The Coming of Neo-Feudalism, is now out from Encounter. You can follow him on Twitter @joelkotkin. iStock/ChrisBoswell(RICHMOND, Virginia) -- BY: JACK ARNHOLZ As nationwide protests highlight racial inequities existent throughout sectors of society, a second black female candidate has announced her intention to run for governor in Virginia. In a video released Wednesday, Virginia State Senator Jennifer McClellan said that she plans to run for the states top job after the term of current Gov.Ralph Northam -- whose tenure was marked by blackface scandal last year -- expires in 2021. When were in the midst of a pandemic, an economic crisis, a reckoning with racial injustice and a crisis of faith in government's ability to solve problems, we need someone who can bring everyone together, make everyone of all perspectives feel valued and heard, McClellan told ABC News Thursday. The state senator joins fellow-Democrat Virginia Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy as the second black woman running for the post. Either candidate would make history if victorious in 2021 as the first black woman to become governor of any U.S. state. I am not running to be a black woman governor of Virginia. I'm running in order to create a future that comes to terms with our past, McClellan said. I do feel the weight of being a black woman knowing that I stand on the shoulders of a lot of people over the past 400 years who fought for just my ability to do this -- and knowing that I will help blaze a path for generations to come. And I can't help but feel just the power of that, she added. Despite making up one of the Democratic Partys most vital voting blocs, black women have been historically underrepresented throughout the American political landscape. Yet, in recent years, according to data from the Center for American Women and Politics, the U.S. has seen an increase in representation with 24 black women serving in the U.S. Congress and over 300 -- a historic high -- in state legislatures. We've had more run in the past few years than ever before. I think that, you know, the party can always do better, McClellan told ABC News. I think we can always strive to recruit candidates that reflect the diversity of the Commonwealth of Virginia. That's not just women and women of color, but I think young people as well. McClellan and Carroll Foy enter what will likely be a packed Democratic primary. Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe is also likely to vie for his old job -- Virginia law limits its governors to only serve one consecutive four-year term, but allows them to run again after leaving office. Virginias Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, who is black, might declare his candidacy as well, despite a sexual-assault allegation that threatened to force him out of office last year. When asked about how she plans to stand out in what might become a packed Democratic field, McClellan said, I think Virginians are ready for or are looking for new leadership, but with the experience that can roll up their sleeves and get things done and solve problems. ABC News' Rick Klein and Sasha Pezenik contributed to this report. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. MONTREAL, June 18 (Reuters) - Bombardier's chief executive told shareholders at its annual general meeting on Thursday that a deal to sell its rail division to France's Alstom SA remains "pretty much on track to our original timeline." Eric Martel said Bombardier "is making good progress" with asset sales, including the rail deal worth up to 6.2 billion euros ($6.96 billion). The rail deal, which is subject to regulatory clearance, is expected to close in the first half of 2021. ($1 = 0.8911 euros) (Reporting By Allison Lampert, Editing by Franklin Paul) Incredible footage shows the moment the Red Arrows performed a flypast over Paris on the 80th anniversary of Charles de Gaulle's 1940 call to resist the Nazis. Cockpit video from yesterday's display shows RAF jets in total streaking red, white and blue smoke over the French capital's landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower. The aerobatics squadrons flew over Paris with their French counterpart the Patrouille de France yesterday before making their way to London. Eighteen jets performed the flyovers to commemorate General de Gaulle's famous call to arms, broadcast by the BBC from London during World War Two. Yesterday, Emmanuel Macron arrived in the UK capital to mark the anniversary and discuss Brexit and the coronavirus crisis with Boris Johnson. The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, and the French Air Force Aerobatic Team, La Patrouille de France, perform a fly-past over Paris yesterday Cockpit video from yesterday's display shows RAF jets in total streaking red, white and blue smoke over the French capital's landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower (yesterday) The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, and the Patrouille de France carried out joint flypasts of both Paris and London yesterday (pictured, on the ground before take-off) Nine Red Arrows and nine PAF took part in the international flyovers yesterday, performing first in Paris and then London. They left RAF Brize Norton at 4.40pm before swooping through Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire and Surrey before getting into west London. The jets flew over Buckingham Palace at 5pm as Prince Charles welcomed Mr Macron, before flying north into Essex, through Norfolk and Lincolnshire. Finally, they landed at RAF Scampton just before 5.30pm. General de Gaulle laid the foundation of French resistance to the Germans. His broadcast from London is comparable to Winston Churchill's wartime speeches. Refusing to support an armistice with the Nazis and facing imminent arrest, de Gaulle fled to London, arriving the day before he made his famous speech. The Red Arrows and their French equivalent, Patrouille de France, performing a flypast of Paris and London during Emmanuel Macron's visit to the UK yesterday The Red Arrows and the Patrouille de France fly over London 80th Anniversary of General de Gaulle's Appel yesterday as Emmanuel Macron arrived in the UK General de Gaulle laid the foundation of French resistance to the Germans. His broadcast from London is comparable to Winston Churchill's wartime speeches Broadcast by the BBC, de Gaulle said: 'The generals who, for many years, have been at the head of the French armies, have formed a government. 'This government, claiming the defeat of our armies, has made contact with the enemy to halt the fighting.' The future president of France described how the country had been overwhelmed by Germany's blitzkrieg tactics and its 'infinite' supply of tanks and fighter planes. But he said: 'Has the last word been said? Must all hope disappear? Is defeat definitive? No! Believe me, I am speaking to you with a full understanding of the facts and I tell you that nothing is lost for France.' After his speech, de Daulle led his Free Forces from the British capital. The Red Arrows and La Patrouille de France perform a flypast as Boris Johnson and Emmanuel Macron watched from Horse Guards Parade in London yesterday British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and General Charles de Gaulle in World War Two The French President is expected to hold tense behind-the-scenes talks with Prime Minister Johnson on Brexit and the coronavirus crisis. Mr Johnson has announced honorary British MBE awards to four surviving French resistance fighters - one aged 100 and three in their late 90s. 'I have no doubt that - working side by side - the UK and France will continue to rise to every new challenge and seize every opportunity that lies ahead,' the PM said. Before heading to Britain, President Macron met in Paris with Hubert Germain, 99, one of the four surviving Resistance heroes. 'Our country is proud of your courage and it still inspires us. We will make sure every young person knows what they owe you,' he told the veteran. Latinos in Virginia are hard hit by COVID-19, and this is attributed to several factors. During a bilingual news conference, Gov. Ralph Northam said that about 45 percent of COVID-19 cases in Virginia have been diagnosed among Latinos and Hispanic residents, which comprise only around 10 percent of the population. Essential Workers with no Adequate Protection NBC Washington reported earlier that Latinos in the state are more possibly to work in sectors that have higher risk factors "and less possible to have insurance." For Senior Lead Organizer of the Legal Aid Justice Center's Immigrant Advocacy Program, Edgar Aranda-Yanoc, during this public health crisis, "Latinos are on the frontlines." The advocacy leader emphasized that Latinos are indeed, "Frontline workers-they are heroes" without the luxury to stay home and work through teleworking or Zoom meetings and conferences. These frontline workers, Aranda-Yanoc continued, "Wipe our floors, pluck feathers, pick crops and clean our rooms." The immigrant advocate added other reasons why more and more Latinos in Virginia are being tested positive with the virus are "language and fear among immigrants" that if they don't have documentation, they can be subject to expatriation by what he called "a hostile federal administration" if they show up to seek testing for the virus or treatment. Aranda-Yanoc, who is also the executive director of a nonprofit advocacy group, the Virginia Coalition for Latino Organizations, reiterated that many of these people in the Latino community are considered essential workers and they are required to work where they do not have adequate protections. CBS19 News reported earlier today, nationally, "49 percent of Latino's lost," their income or jobs while only 16 percent can work from home. The figures, according to the news site, have put the affected people from this group in a harm's way. Initiative to Combat the Pandemic In response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases, Virginia has increased its outreach, specifically in Spanish, offering free COVID-19 testing in places where there are large populations of Latinos, and tracking the data. For the Spanish-speaking immigrants in Virginia to better understand the government's initiatives to fight COVID-19, a big part of the news conference on Thursday was held in the Spanish language. Virginia Latino Advisory Board member, Dr. Sergio Rimola said, he suggested for the state to hire several "contact tracers who understand the Latino community." He also recommended social distancing and hand-washing since COVID-19 continues to spread. Also, Rimola said, the global pandemic has brought to light the inequalities existing in their community in terms of health. Aside from its initiative to address COVID-19 cases among Latinos in Virginia, the government is also preparing to reopen phase three slated for June 26, Northam said. The governor added, he advised the public to continue practicing social distancing. Check these out! Click here to read the full article. IT TAKES A VILLAGE: More than 150 artists are expected to pick up their paintbrushes in SoHo on Saturday to create 250 murals on boarded-up stores. The homegrown project Art2 [Heart] Project has spread by word-of-mouth and has already resulted in about 250 murals on the plywood-covered shops. The artistic endeavor started on June 8, following the vandalism that occurred in the neighborhood on May 31 and June 1. Artist and filmmaker Maxi Cohen, one of the groups organizers, said, With most of SoHo looted and almost every store boarded up with plywood, if there ever was a moment for artists to express themselves, it is now. It reminded me of SoHo in the Seventies, when the neighborhood was dark and there was no commerce. It was the artists who lived in SoHo who transformed the neighborhood that then gave rise to what now has been destroyed. Instead of teeming with weekend shoppers en route to stores which remain closed until Monday due to the lockdown the neighborhood is trying to reel in pedestrians with street art. Art enthusiasts, city officials, business alliances and community groups in Indianapolis, Chicago, Omaha and numerous other U.S. cities are also using murals on still-closed stores as downtown attractions. For the Art2 [Heart] Project, Paul Deo, C. Finley, UNLOK artist Gordon Kindlon, Nobuho Nagasawa, Jean Seidman and the Guerrilla Girls are some of the hundreds of artists involved. There are also unknown ones spanning from elementary school-age children to senior citizens. What is expected to be at least a seven-hour effort Saturday will start with participants gathering in a circle at 8 a.m. for a meditation/reflection at the corner of Spring and Greene Streets. Then the creatives will be able to paint where they want and what they want, according to Cohen, who has handled the advance work of getting permission from retailers and area associations. We have infused the concept of painting from the heart as a call for unity, and people paint as they will, said Cohen, who put the plan in motion with artist Bobbi Van, T Salon founder Miriam Novalle and Stephanie Frank. Story continues Many of the existing works address critical issues such as police brutality and COVID-19, as well as highlighting Black Lives Matter and calling for social change. Artists are asked to bring paint, buckets, paintbrushes, folding tables, chairs, rollers, ladders and other necessities to share with others. With major museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art closed to the public this summer, SoHos unofficial open-air art museum will remain on view until the stores get ready to open and remove the plywood. The existing murals can be found along Grand, Broome and Wooster, as well as parts of Greene and Spring Streets. Art2 [Heart] SoHo is calling on artists to relay optimism, healing and love to the world by painting messages of unity and compassion on the boarded-up storefronts. When more of the area retailers reopen and the art must be taken down, the plan is to save the art, show it and then auction it for charities and the artists. Cohen has already found a place to store the art. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Music producer Naughty Boy has opened up about his mother's battle with dementia, admitting 'every day is a challenge'. The DJ, called Shahid Khan, 35, from Watford, appeared on Good Morning Britain today where he revealed he's currently living with his mum Zahida, 66, and her full-time carer during lockdown. His mother received a diagnosis of dementia in 2019 after having a stroke two years ealier, and the producer said he is able to cope with the degenerative condition by looking for 'glimpses' of 'who Mum really is' each day. Music producer Naughty Boy (pictured) has opened up about his mother's battle with dementia. Zahida (pictured) ,66, received a diagnosis of dementia in 2019 after having a stroke two years before Appearing on GMB from his home in Watford, Naughty Boy revealed he's spent lockdown with his mother and her full-time carer 'Every day is a challenge', he said, 'But it's a beautiful challenge. I look for glimpses, as long as I get a few glimpses a day of who Mum really is. 'A lot of that is to do with love, when I get a love vibration from her or something that reminds me that I'm her youngest son and she's my mum, she's still there.' Shahid, who was appearing to support Dementia UKs Lives on Hold campaign, explained that while it's easy to get 'caught up in thinking', he focuses on creating good memories with his mother. He said: 'You know you can get caught up in thinking: something is peeling away at this person's brain. It includes memories it includes feelings, it comes and goes. The bad bits happen, but I focus on the good parts.' The DJ, pictured in London last year, admitted that he's 'so privileged' to be able to afford a live-in carer to take care of his mother The 'La La La' hitmaker explained that playing his mum's favourite tracks, as well as his own music, can bring back memories and 'brings up a smile' from his mother. 'Playing the song she got married to, it brings up a smile - great memories,' he explained. 'Lately Mum has been asking to watch the La La La video and she says it's her favourite video, so for me to be able to do that with my own mother and my own music, that is a game-changer.' He admitted that he's 'so privileged' to be able to afford a live-in carer to take care of his mother, and insisted she needs 'real human interaction and love'. Shahid explained that while it's easy to get 'caught up in thinking', he focuses on creating good memories with his mother He added that his mother's battle has inspired him to continue making music and is putting this challenge 'into his artistry' He said: 'I'm so privileged that I can afford a live in carer and having someone in the house caring for your mum. 'What Mum needs is real, human interaction and love and music, and I've learned so much throughout lockdown. I've found a comfortable space and something that sometimes feels like a bit of a circus'. He added that his mother's battle has inspired him to continue making music. 'One thing i'll always have is imagination and that's how music is created, said Shahid. 'Looking after Mum, I've been locking myself in the shed to finish my album and put what is a challenge into my artistry.' The FCC has made deploying 5G easier by limiting the influence cities have over whether the wireless infrastructure is too unsightly or obtrusive. Recent rule changes enable the major mobile network operators to modify existing base stations and build new ones, in anticipation of a massive national rollout of 5G, which is expected to bring a number of new capabilities beyond simply increasing network speeds. These include better handling of very dense traffic patterns and features designed to support a surge in traffic from connected devices that arent smartphones or computers, including smart-city tech like connected traffic lights and other types of IoT. But 5G will also require a lot of new construction as well as extensive modifications of existing sites. The idea is to streamline the approval process for deploying new networking gear or modifying the existing infrastructure. The FCC rules provide for a 60-day shot clock on applications, meaning that municipalities must issue a firm approval or denial within that time frame, as well as pushing rules on concealment and aesthetic conditions closer to what the carriers would want. The shot clock was already part of FCC rules, but proved difficult to enforce. A report by Awake Security indicates that 70 Google Chrome extensions, downloaded by over 32 million people, have been stealing user data and browsing history on a massive scale. The large-scale operation was enabled by a malicious domain registrar, GalComm. 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 According to a report by Awake Security, 70 malicious Google Chrome extensions, collectively downloaded by over 32 million users, have been stealing user data and Chrome browsing history. The Awake Security report, titled "Discovery of a Massive Criminal Surveillance Campaign," states that threat actors exploited the nature of internet domain registration to infect over 32 million users worldwide with spyware masquerading as Google Chrome extensions. These extensions had permissions to read the user clipboard, harvest credentials, log keystrokes, and take screenshots. This means that sensitive information like credit card details were potentially compromised. All of the malicious activity was registered through a single Israeli domain registrar, GalComm. While the ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) governs domain registrars, the report indicates that oversight is limited, making it easy for malicious actors like GalComm to exploit networks of trust. The complete list of malicious Google Chrome on the Chrome Web Store can be found here. It's a good idea to go through the list and verify whether you have any of these extensions installed. Photos by Elizabeth Jones | For Journal-Courier WINCHESTER A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a man in connection with a June 5 shooting incident. Stephon D. Burton, 33, is being sought on a charge of possession of a weapon by a felon. His last known address is an Illinois Department of Corrections facility in Lawrence. He has been on parole since Nov. 6. ISTANBUL - Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, speaking Friday at a press conference with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, said Italy "wants a sustainable ceasefire in Libya". Cavusoglu said Italy's position on Libya is "balanced". The EU's Operation Irini to monitor Libya's UN arms embargo, in which Italy also participates, "must not favour any of the parties" but "contribute to stopping the conflict", Di Maio said after the meeting with his Turkish colleague. "Like us, Turkey has accepted the UN-recognised government of Sarraj," Di Maio said. "There was a draft ceasefire, but the pandemic prevented the parties from meeting" to discuss the draft, he said. "The next steps must be the ceasefire and a political process. In the coming days I will have talks with the Libyan parties. There must be a solution recognised by the UN and the international community," he said. "We will continue to work with Italy for a lasting ceasefire and a fruitful political process in Libya," said Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu. Armed police officers blocked a car going down on Lincoln Road after two law enforcement personnel were shot, resulting in the death of one, after they dealt with a routine traffic stop earlier in the day. Routine traffic stop results in shooting According to NZHerald, a witness reported that police officers prevented a vehicle from moving on the overbridge in Massey. Witnesses report they saw a man in the back of the police vehicle. Authorities charged the man with murder for the death of a New Zealand police officer, attempting to kill another, and injuring a civilian with his vehicle after officers conducted a manhunt in Auckland. The investigation led police officers to storm a residence in West Auckland and taking two men into custody. Police officers described the incident resulted out of a routine traffic stop that led to the shooting of two personnel, one of which lost his life. The 24-year-old suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday, and police may charge more people involved in the crime. Police Commissioner Andrew Coster told reporters that the death of the officer was a tragic incident and had surprised the department, adding that it was the worst type of news that police and their families could hear, as reported by The Guardian. The officer's death marks New Zealand's first casualty in the line of duty since 2009. The suspect allegedly shot the second officer, hitting him in the leg, who was later carried to the hospital with severe injuries but in stable condition. One civilian was also involved and received minor injuries. Also Read: Active Shooter at Dallas Mall Injures One, Suspect Still At Large Rapid development Coster said that the event occurred at 10:28 a.m. when police officers observed a vehicle of interest and attempted to stop it. The car allegedly sped off, and when police discovered it for a second time, one man carrying a long-barrelled firearm came out and shot at the officers, hitting both. The suspect then went inside another vehicle with another person and fled the scene. Earlier, police officers stated they were talking with two "persons of interest" who were helping with the investigation. On Friday afternoon, Coster said the police officers would be armed but not routinely carry guns in the country until the suspect was caught. However, after the charges had been laid out, it was still unclear whether police officers were still armed. After the incident, authorities immediately conducted a manhunt across the area, causing schools to temporarily lockdown. Coster later announced that a firearm of interest had been located, and officers were coordinating with two people. CNN reports that New Zealand had not had police casualty in the line of duty since 2009, where the officer that died, Senior Constable Len Snee, was carrying out a routine search warrant in a Napier property. Coster said that the incident happened very quickly and revealed the real risk that police officers face every day as they go out and do their jobs. Last year, a Christchurch mosque shooting resulted in the death of 51 people. The massacre had police officers launching armed response team trials in three districts. Last week, however, Coster announced the trial would not continue as it does not represent the style of policing in the country. Related article: Officer Who Shot Rayshard Brooks Charged With Felony Murder @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Over 2.5 lakh Indians have returned to India from abroad after the government launched the 'Vande Bharat' evacuation mission on May 7 in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Over 2.5 lakh Indians have returned to India from abroad after the government launched the 'Vande Bharat' evacuation mission on May 7 in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of External Affairs said. As per the government's policy for evacuation, Indians with "compelling reasons" to return like pregnant women, elderly people, students and those facing the prospect of deportation are being brought back home. The first phase of the mission was carried out from May 7 to 15. The second phase of the evacuation mission was scheduled from May 17 to 22. However, the government had extended it till June 10. The third phase of the evacuation exercise was launched on June 11 and will continue till July 2. "In the third phase, we would have 550 flights, including 191 feeder flights. We would be covering 41 countries and operating from 55 international airports and 27 domestic ones," Srivastava said at an online media briefing. He said 2,50,087 Indians have returned to India since the launch of the mega evacuation mission. The MEA Spokesperson said, "21 per cent of these returnees are migrant workers. More than 75,000 Indians have returned through land border immigration checkpoints from Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh". He said more than 57,000 Indian nationals have been brought back by chartered flights. Chartered flights operations commenced on May 26. Also read: Coronavirus lockdown: CBSE asks parents, school management to cooperate Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda is set to shoot for producer Rahul Mittras Mard in Lucknow but the makers are yet to get a clearance from the government in Uttar Pradesh. They are likely to begin shoot only in August. Rahul told Mid Day in an interview, I attended a webinar with members of the UP government last week, where I formally apprised them of my film and sought clarity [on the way ahead]. I am hoping to hear from them soon. Looking at the current situation, I dont think we can start shooting before August. When told that he may consider shooting in Mumbai itself, given that Maharashtra state government has already allowed shootings to begin, with a proper sset of SOPs and guidelines to be followed, Rahul said he does not want to compromise. A major portion of the film has to be shot in the city. I cant compromise on the location as that is the real hero of my film, he told the tabloid. Mard will to be directed by Sai Kabir who has earlier directed Kangana Ranaut starrer Revolver Rani. The film is touted to be a new age love story that explores different shades of an Indian alpha male. The shooting was initially to begin November 2019. The film was slated for an early 2020 release when announced. Also read: Sushant Singh Rajputs friend Mahesh Shetty shares emotional note: How do you even explain if you suddenly lose a piece of your heart? About his upcoming projects, Randeep recently told Hindustan Times, I was shooting a film (before the lockdown was announced in March), a Bollywood comedy with Ileana DCruz tentatively called Unfair and Lovely. We were almost through with that and had about 10 days to go. So that was a bit of a setback, I wish Id finished that so I could then prepare for my one but since that is not finished, part of me stuck over there. Then I did another movie tentatively called Rat on the Highway, which is an out there kind of a subject. That I finished and theres another movie called Mard, which was going to go into production but still its on a standby right by. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON SINGAPORE While crowds were seen milling about shopping centres and markets on the first day of Singapores Phase 2 reopening on Friday (19 June), those interviewed were still cautious about the relaxation of rules. Queues were seen forming at shops selling beauty products, street vendors selling masks, bubble tea shops and a gaming shop in Clementi Town Centre during the lunch peak hour, while congregations of students formed on the streets of Orchard Road. While most individuals that Yahoo News Singapore spoke to were happy with the lifting of certain measures, most were cautious about going to crowded places and had not made plans that differed vastly from their schedules in the past few weeks. Most in fact were caught by the suddenness of the announcement when it was made on Monday. A vendor selling face masks seen at the Clementi Town Centre on 19 June 2020. (PHOTO: Dhany Osman / Yahoo News Singapore) Asked about the first thing she did upon hearing about the lifting of measures, housewife Shirley Ong described Mondays announcement as too sudden, as she did not expect the Phase 1 to end so soon. I think its not the time to be going out to eat as its very crowded, the 42-year-old said. If I need something, I will go out to buy, but I wont be going out very often. I think theres a need to be prudent and cautious and Im afraid of a second wave. Worried, but optimistic The homemaker, who was queueing for chicken rice at the hawker centre at Clementi Town Centre, said she did not have much plans in the coming Fathers Day weekend and for the long term. Her first stop on Friday was to Popular Bookstore, to buy stationery and assessment books for her children after she had to buy pen refill supplies online during the two-month circuit breaker period. Im getting used to staying at home, said the mother of three children aged six to 14. My kids are more disappointed that they have to go to school. At first they didnt like home-based learning but after a while they got used to it. Last week, they went to school and they found wearing masks very difficult as it is difficult to breathe and its hot. Story continues Given a choice, they now want home-based learning from the comfort of their home, she said, adding that her children were now not allowed to interact as much as before. People seen queuing at a bubble tea shop in Clementi on 19 June 2020. (PHOTO: Dhany Osman / Yahoo News Singapore) Asked if she was worried about catching the coronavirus, given more people are milling about, the mother said she was a little bit worried but optimistic. I am more worried about children, she said. Like a weekend crowd Singapore exited a two-month-long partial lockdown, known as the circuit breaker period, after 1 June. The authorities said then that Singapore would progressively reopen in three phases, with fitness facilities, beauty salons and the majority of retail services to resume in Phase 2. Previously, the Singapore government said that Phase 2 could begin before end-June, depending on the number of COVID-19 transmissions in the community in the first two weeks of the month. As of Friday, Singapore had 142 new cases of the virus, bringing the total number of infections to 41,615. Of these, at least 32,712 have since recovered. Manager Elaine Lua, who was spotted buying bubble tea with her husband, said that she would be staying home for the weekend, adding she did not expect so many people to be out on Friday. Describing the crowd, the 26-year-old said it was like a weekend crowd. We will (quickly) buy whatever we want, and then we will go back, she added. For undergraduate Ngeow Xiu Qi, 26, the first thing he did upon hearing news of the Phase 2 reopening date was to make plans with his friends for the weekend. For me, Im still doing the same things, he said. Most of my friends are on internship, so we can only (meet) on weekends. Im on holiday, so Im just doing my own personal things on weekdays. Youths congregate at Orchard Road Human traffic along Orchard Road on 19 June, the first day of Singapore's Phase 2 reopening.(PHOTO:Yahoo News Singapore/Dhany Osman) Over at Orchard Road, queues were seen at entrances of luxury retails shops and large numbers of people were seen strolling down the boulevards, with youths comprising a majority of them. One of them, 18-year-old Coco Loh, said that while she had made plans to go out with friends, she remains worried about contracting the coronavirus and infecting her family members. Another individual, data scientist Rahul Sahgal, was heading to buy an acai bowl from his favourite restaurant when approached. The 52-year-old said that restaurants he had called up to make reservations for Fathers Day were fully booked. Asked if he was worried about contracting the coronavirus with more people up and about, he commented that, as a statistician, he was not too worried since from what he reads and knows, the chances of developing severe complications from COVID-19 are extremely low. We have to find a way to live with this, he said. Even if the cases go up, I will continue to be cautious like I was before. Maybe Ill socialise less, meet fewer people. Otherwise Ill carry on with life. A queue was seen forming outside Louis Vuitton at Ion Orchard on 19 June. (PHOTO: Yahoo News Singapore/Dhany Osman) Tanut Watanachanobol, who works in sales, said that upon hearing the announcement, he exclaimed, Oh yes, opening please! I wanted to get out of the house. The 34-year-old added he would not be concerned about contracting the coronavirus, as long as the public keep to the rules of social distancing and maintain good hygiene. Ill be worried if cases spike, (but) Im sure the government will be able to address these kind of issues, he said. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore More Singapore stories: FAQ: Your guide to Phase 2 of the reopening of Singapore COVID-19: No physical rallies, cap of 5 per group for walkabouts if general election held COE bidding exercises to resume from 6 July: LTA Time-slot bookings, specific usage times for ActiveSG sports facilities in Phase 2 DUBLIN, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Broadband Internet Services Global Market Report 2020-30: COVID-19 Implications and Growth" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global broadband internet services market is expected to grow from $263.4 billion in 2019 to about $355.6 billion in 2020. There has been a signifiant growth in the demand for high-speed wireline broadband plans as employees started to work from home to contain the spread of COVID-19. Apart from work, the high speed internet is also in demand for playing games and availing several streaming services while spending leisure time at home. The market is expected to stabilize and reach $372.9 billion at a CAGR of 9.1% through 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest region in the broadband internet services market during 2019-2023. Increasing demand for consumer broadband is driving the broadband internet services market. The high costs of fiber optic cable restrain the broadband internet services market. Players in the broadband internet service industry are focusing on advancing digital infrastructure and services to serve its customers. In March 2019, consortium of Apax Partners, Warburg Pincus and two private equity Canadian pension funds firms acquired UK-based satellite communications company Inmarsat for $3.4 billion. The acquisition main priority is to remain Inmarsat's Headquarters in the UK and operates it in research and development. Inmarsat has 13 satellites that operate for providing internet services, email and video conferencing. Inmarsat still provides communication services for ships and the consortium ensured that the company Inmarsat would fulfill its all previous obligations under the global maritime distress and safety system. Major players in the broadband internet services market are SES Astra, Inmarsat, Iridium Communications, ViaSat, EchoStar, EarthLink Holding Corp., Intelsat General, Eutelsat, IDirect, and Singtel. Report Scope The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography. It places the market within the context of the wider broadband internet services market, and compares it with other markets. The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, the influence of the Covid 19 virus and forecasting its growth. Market segmentations break down market into sub markets. The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers the growth trajectory of Covid 19 for all regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets. Competitive landscape gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified. The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers. The broadband internet services market section of the report gives context. It compares the broadband internet services market with other segments of the broadband internet services market by size and growth, historic and forecast. It analyses GDP proportion, expenditure per capita, broadband internet services indicators comparison. Key Topics Covered 1. Executive Summary 2. Broadband Internet Services Market Characteristics 3. Broadband Internet Services Market Size And Growth 3.1. Global Broadband Internet Services Historic Market, 2015 - 2019, $ Billion 3.1.1. Drivers Of The Market 3.1.2. Restraints On The Market 3.2. Global Broadband Internet Services Forecast Market, 2019 - 2023F, 2025F, 2030F, $ Billion 3.2.1. Drivers Of The Market 3.2.2. Restraints On the Market 4. Broadband Internet Services Market Segmentation 4.1. Global Broadband Internet Services Market, Segmentation By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2019, 2023F, 2025F, 2030F, $ Billion C Band Ku Band Ka Band 4.2. Global Broadband Internet Services Market, Segmentation By Application, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2019, 2023F, 2025F, 2030F, $ Billion VoIP(voice over internet protocol) Internet TV Smart Home Application Remote Education Virtual Private LAN Service Interactive Gaming VPN on Broadband 5. Broadband Internet Services Market Regional And Country Analysis 5.1. Global Broadband Internet Services Market, Split By Region, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2019, 2023F, 2025F, 2030F, $ Billion 5.2. Global Broadband Internet Services Market, Split By Country, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2019, 2023F, 2025F, 2030F, $ Billion Companies Mentioned SES Astra Inmarsat Iridium Communications ViaSat EchoStar EarthLink Holding Corp. Intelsat General Eutelsat IDirect Singtel KVH Speedcast Gilat Satellite Networks Avonline Satellite Solutions Ltd. Skycasters HISPASAT Group China Telecom China Unicom Comcast NTT AT&T Deutsche Telecom Time Warner Cable Verizon Orange SA Korea Telecom Cambium Networks Intracom Telecom RADWIN Redline communications Proxim Wireless For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/hxiadt 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 As evangelical organizations and white pastors speak out with new urgency to declare black lives matter, many have in mind the deaths of black men. The high-profile murders of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and George Floyd in Minneapolis have spurred a global outcry and shifted something within the church. But in this new iteration of evangelical reckoning with systemic racism and police brutality, there has not been the same attention toward black womennamely, 26-year-old Breonna Taylor, who was killed in March by Louisville police who entered her home unannounced in the middle of the night looking for suspects who were already in custody. The officers responsible have not been charged and are still on the job. Her story is significant because she is not the only one. In death, Taylor joins an unfortunate sisterhood, including Atatiana Jefferson, Rekia Boyd, Kathryn Johnston, Sandra Bland, and Aiyana Stanley-Jones, to name just a few black women and girls killed by police violence. The absence of Breonna Taylor from evangelical conversations about racial justice is indicative of a broader issue. Despite being the most religiously devout Christian demographic in the country, black women are underrepresented in almost every significant public facet of evangelical life, from black heroines in church history to black authors in Christian publishing. In this moment, we are already starting to see an initial spike in attention toward female black voices. But the church cannot make meaningful progress toward racial justice without sustained, intentional efforts to acknowledge black women, our powerful witness, and our contributions to the body of Christ. Overlooked but Seen by God Scan the bookshelves for Bible studies written by African American women, and you will typically find two authors (Priscilla Shirer and Jackie Hill Perry). According to InterVarsity Press editor Edward Gilbreath, For many years, publishers did not believe there was a market for such books. Yet, according to the American Bible Society, African Americans are more avid Bible readers than other ethnic groups, with 69 percent turning to Scripture multiple times a year compared to a smaller number of whites (44%) and Hispanics (52%). Black women often serve as the spiritual center for our families and regularly rank among the most devout demographics in the country. According to the Pew Research Center, black women are most likely to believe in God with absolute certainty (83%), pray daily (79%), and attend church weekly (52%). I watched my mom, like a lot of women in the churches I grew up in, raise money for the church and serve as the cornerstone of their churches, their communities, and their families, yet they are denied formal leadership roles, said Stachelle Bussey, a minister and founder of The Hope Buss, a nonprofit organization based in Louisville. Part of uplifting black women is listening to us when we say we feel erased. In evangelical leadership, black women may be brought in for diversity initiatives but not empowered as decision-makers. I often find myself feeling as though I need to defend my knowledge, expertise, and leadership ability in both Christian and secular settings due to the pervasive gender and racial prejudices that still exist, said Shantel Crosby, a leader with Be the Bridge Louisville and a grant administrator in the Louisville mayors office. Kristina Button, a writer for The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, said black women are relegated to certain stereotypical roles and not given the opportunities to lead in roles we feel called to lead in. Black women who have branched out to start ministries on our own risk having our efforts looked over or co-opted. Recently, a well-known male African American pastor launched a racial reconciliation ministry with a name similar to Be the Bridge, popular nonprofit founded by Latasha Morrison. Article continues below Morrison was circumspect in discussing the situation, but reiterated that African American men have a special duty to lift the voices of African American women. Impact over intent, she said. Your intent may not be to erase black women, but the impact of certain actions is erasure, and part of uplifting black women is listening to us when we say we feel erased. The erasure of black women in the church has a long history, evidenced by the absence of African American women from sermons and Sunday school lessons, even as leaders make efforts to reclaim the legacies of civil rights heroes like Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, and Fred Shuttlesworth. In the proportion of evangelical lessons that reference women at all, we are more likely to hear about the faith of Elisabeth Elliot, Corrie ten Boom, Hannah More, or Ruth Graham than Jo Ann Robinson, Autherine Lucy, Ida B. Wells, or Fannie Lou Hamer. Even among the women of the Bible, we celebrate the stories of Sarah and Deborah, but what about Hagar, Shiphrah, Puah, and Jael? The depictions of most women in the Bible rarely reflect the reality that all women in the Bible were women of color, said Kristie Anyabwile, author of His Testimonies, My Heritage: Women of Color on the Word of God. The first person to name God in the Bible was an Egyptian woman named Hagar. She called God El-Roi, the one who sees. The story of Hagar reminds women of African heritage that they, like Hagar, are seen and valued by God. A Change Gonna Come It is easy to get discouraged and feel as though not much has changed since Sojourner Truth boldly asked a group of mostly white suffragettes, Aint I A Woman? But a change may be on the horizon. The Gospel Coalition (TGC) just launched a podcast for women called Lets Talk, where two of the three women co-hosts are black: Jackie Hill Perry and Jasmine Holmes. The audience for TGC is predominately white women, although it has made strides to increase diversity among its writers and conference attendees. In positioning two black women as authorities in Scripture and theology, TGC is helping to expand the imaginations and expectations of its audience of what black women in the church can be. The show ranked No. 1 on the Christian podcast charts its first day. Moody Publishers recently named Trillia Newbell as an acquisitions editor, making her one of the few black women employed in that role. [At Moody], I have not had to fight my way to the tableI have a seat and a voice. That kind of freedom and support is important and encouraging as I prayerfully consider authors and topics, said Newbell, herself the author of a half dozen Christian titles. Black women matter to God, and therefore they ought to matter to the church. Last week, following a nationwide push to read and learn from black authors, both Austin Channing Brown and Latasha Morrison had books hit TheNew York Times best-seller lists. Cindy Bunch, associate publisher and editorial director for InterVarsity Press, credits the success of Browns Im Still Here for opening new doors for African American Christian women in publishing. Browns [success] has both spurred on publishers to seek out these voices and has encouraged many authors to submit book proposals. We have a long way to go, but I am hopeful that recent events will continue to create space for African American women to write. In his painting Beyond the Myth of Benevolence, artist Titus Kaphar reveals the portrait of a black woman hidden behind the portrait of Founding Father Thomas Jefferson. In an interview about the painting, Kaphar describes the work as symbolic of the many black women whose stories have been shrouded by the narratives of our deified founding fathers. Article continues below The church has also failed to fully reveal and celebrate the unseen black women, whose work, sacrifices, and suffering have been woven both into the foundations of this country and church. But even where the church fails to see and value us, we are seen by the only who matters in the fullness of our humanity and [we] have no reason to be ashamed because God fearfully and wonderfully makes us in our embodied blackness, says theologian Ekemini Uwan. By exposing the unseen black woman and her labor, Kaphar exposes the myth of the benevolence of slavery. A myth that pervades much of evangelical public life is that it is benevolent to expect black women to conform to the narrow frames set out not by Scripture, but by men. Yet even those who do conform find their contributions overlooked and undervalued. I realized that the narrow confines were a mytha distortion of Scripture and a tool to deny my calling. There was a time when, as a black woman, I felt like I had to make myself fit into spaces to be seen. I worked hard to be softer, to smile more, to shrink so that others would not be threatened or made uncomfortable. Doing so was in some ways a rejection of the good gifts God had given me. It is a much harder, lonelier road to choose to live into your createdness, to occupy all the space God has given you. And yet, we must walk like our foremothers before us. Ida B. Wells and Fannie Lou Hamer had a testimony the world needed to hear, and even when the church refused to listen, they kept speaking. There is a generation of black female leaders with a divine calling and a testimony that the church of today needs to hear. God hears our cries, God sees our pain. I believe he will answer our prayers. Black women matter to God, and therefore they ought to matter to the church. Kathryn Freeman is a master of divinity student at Baylor Universitys Truett Seminary. She is a writer, lawyer, and the co-host of the Melanated Faith podcast. The scientists have suggested that cerebrospinal fluid of COVID-19 patients and postmortem brain of deceased patients should be assessed The team of researchers at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), Kolkata has explored the neuro-invasive potential of SARS-CoV-2 and suggested that the virus may infect respiratory centre of the brain and attention should be focused on the respiratory centre of the central nervous system to search for mortality due to COVID 19. The paper published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience and supported by Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB), a Statutory Body of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), implies that SARS-CoV-2 virus might enter the human brain through the nose and reaches the olfactory bulb of the brain. From there, SARS-CoV-2 virus might infect PreBotzinger complex (PBC), the primary center of the brain that controls the respiratory rhythm generation. This explains that collapse of the respiratory center in the brain may be responsible for breakdown of COVID-19 patients. Team of researchers Dr. Prem Tripathi, Dr. Upasana Ray, Dr. Amit Srivastava and Dr. Sonu Gandhi discussed that although, lung is one of the most infected organs, several other organs, including the brain, are also affected. This is the first report that highlights the SARS-CoV-2 may target the PBC of the brainstem that controls respiration and causes respiratory collapse of COVID-19 patients. The scientists have suggested that cerebrospinal fluid of COVID-19 patients and postmortem brain of deceased patients should be assessed to better understand the route of SARS-CoV-2 entry and its spread to respiratory center of brain. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 07:20:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HOUSTON, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Public school students in the U.S. state of Texas will return to campuses this fall semester, Governor Greg Abbott told state lawmakers on Thursday. Officials from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) confirmed to local media that school districts will not be required to mandate that students wear masks or have COVID-19 tests. "It will be safe for Texas public school students, teachers, and staff to return to school campuses for in-person instruction this fall. But there will also be flexibility for families with health concerns so that their children can be educated remotely, if the parent so chooses," local TV station Click2Houston quoted TEA Commissioner Mike Morath as saying. The TEA is expected to release additional guidance for school districts next week. Some surveys show that parents do not feel safe sending their children back to school. Enditem Subscriber content preview Image from the Fremont Arts Council Missing the annual Fremont solstice parade? Tune in Saturday for a virtual event featuring past displays. SEATTLE For nearly 50 years, the Fremont Fair has served as the city's celebration to welcome summer, with free spirit, creativity and whimsy. . . . Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 17:09:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RAMALLAH, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Palestine on Friday recorded 20 new coronavirus cases in the West Bank, bringing the total number in the Palestinian territories to 815. Palestinian Health Minister Mai al-Kaila said in an emailed statement that 18 cases were founded in the city of Hebron, one in Bethlehem city and one in Nablus city. So far, 575 patients have recovered from the virus, while the death toll still stood at five, the minister added. In light of the rising number of infections, Palestinian health authorities have warned that a second wave of the novel coronavirus has begun, urging the public to follow the government's instructions. "Infections increased following our attempt to bring Palestine to normal daily life to balance economy and health. But unfortunately, the medical protocol was not implemented," explained al-Kaila. She called on the Palestinians to abide by social distancing and wearing gloves and facemasks, "which should be a basic and important part of their daily life." Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 11:40:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SYDNEY, June 19 (Xinhua) -- A woman's touch could help companies recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report which showed that profitability, performance and productivity all increase under female leadership. The report, released on Friday by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency and the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), found that having women in key decision making roles such as on company boards was strongly linked with improved performance. By examining companies listed on Australia's stock market (ASX), they found that an increase in "top-tier" female managers of 10 percent or more led to a 6.6-percent increase in the businesses' market valuation, worth the equivalent of 71.7 million U.S. dollars. Report author and BCEC Principal Research Fellow Associate Professor Rebecca Cassells said effective leadership has never been so important during the COVID-19 crisis and the uncertain road to economic recovery. "When businesses are looking to a post-COVID-19 world, our research shows that having a female CEO has the potential to help companies navigate through the crisis," Cassells said. ASX-listed companies with a woman in the top job of CEO, on average saw a 5-percent increase in their market value, equivalent to 54.5 million U.S. dollars. However, according to the report's authors, three in 10 of the companies studied had no female board representation at all, and overall women made up just 17.1 percent of CEOs. Director of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency Libby Lyons said that the landmark study proved having more women leading business was not just about fairness, but also a commercial imperative. "This report provides tangible proof to support the established business case for gender equality. More gender-balanced leadership will improve the bottom line and financial performance of any organization," Lyons said. "As we 'snap forward' to a post-COVID-19 economy, this report demonstrates that CEOs and senior executives must include gender equality as they develop recovery plans." Enditem The historic church that once sheltered black Tulsans escaping one of the deadliest massacres in U.S. history has shut its doors for the Juneteenth holiday weekend, said the Rev. Robert Turner. It will provide only "essential services" such as feeding the hungry and serving people's spiritual needs. Hosting President Donald Trump, he said, is not essential. The president arrives in Tulsa Saturday for his first campaign rally since much of the nation locked down in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The event has drawn outrage from black Tulsans, who say it will stoke tensions - in a city still trying to make amends for the 1921 attack on a historic black community - during a weekend that celebrates freedom for enslaved black people and amid nationwide protests over racism in policing. When Turner heard that Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) had offered to give Trump a tour of the historic Greenwood district, where as many as 300 black residents were slaughtered, he was furious. "We are not doing tours," he said. "Juneteenth is our community holiday." At the behest of Stitt and others, Trump changed the date of the rally, which will be held at the 19,000-seat BOK Center, from Friday (the Juneteenth holiday) to Saturday. But for Turner and other black leaders, it wasn't enough. Civil rights activists say that vestiges of the attack on Greenwood - where white mobs attacked a wealthy, black community nicknamed Black Wall Street - have not been dealt with. Possible mass graves for the victims are still being investigated. Calls for reparations for descendants have gone unheeded. And the push to put Greenwood on the National Register of Historic Places has dragged on for years. "I commend him for listening to his African American friends," Turner said of Trump's decision to change the date of the rally. "I encourage him to listen to all Americans, especially those protesting in the street, demanding police accountability. I encourage him to listen to his own generals and change the names of military bases named in honor of Confederate generals who committed treason. I encourage him to listen to those of us calling for atonement of America's first sin, slavery. I want him to support the bill for reparations. We are still reeling. It's still real for us. We still have not received justice for it." African American leaders in Tulsa have planned two days of socially distanced outdoor festivities for Juneteenth, Turner said, and many plan to avoid Trump's rally and protests outside the arena. Historian J. Kavin Ross, a photojournalist who has documented stories of people who survived the race massacre, said the rally could further divide the city along racial lines. "We know he is coming to divide us," Ross said. "I think Donald Trump's visits to hot racial hotbeds around the country are obviously a direct and deliberate attempt to rally up his base. That is not needed at this time when we are dealing with unemployment. It's the wrong time because of Juneteenth. It's the wrong time because it's the 99th observation of the Tulsa Massacre and it's the wrong time because we are in the midst of covid." Oklahoma has recorded more than 9,354 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and 366 deaths. Tulsa County has recorded 1,945 confirmed coronavirus cases, including a record-high 96 cases on Wednesday. There have been 65 deaths. The state has not lifted its prohibition on mass gatherings, and Health Department Director Bruce Dart this week recommended that Trump's rally be postponed until case numbers decline. Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum (R) said Wednesday that he would welcome Trump at the airport but would not attend his rally. Tulsa residents and business owners, concerned about the potential for a large outbreak of coronavirus at the rally, have sued the venue manager, attempting to block the event unless it is held in accordance with social distancing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Tulsa County judge on Tuesday denied the request for a temporary injunction, but the decision was appealed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which heard arguments in the case Thursday and was expected to rule Friday. In Tulsa County, 7.2% of covid deaths are black patients, while 35.5% are white, according to the Tulsa County Health Department. Nationwide stats show black people are disproportionately affected. "We are in the midst of covid-19 and our cases are spiking. We need to be mindful of that," said state Rep. Regina Goodwin (D), who represents Greenwood. "That should be on [the] mind of every black person in Tulsa. We are dealing with the virus of racism and virus of covid-19." In the wake of the death of George Floyd, which set off worldwide demonstrations after video of him losing consciousness under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer went viral, Tulsa has erupted with its own protests against police brutality. On May 31, hundreds of Black Lives Matter protesters poured into Tulsa's streets, marching from Greenwood to the I-244 Expressway, where they blocked traffic. Ross, who attended the protest, said drivers tried to inch through the crowd. But one red Dodge truck pulling a horse trailer suddenly tried to barrel through. "When the driver met opposition, he put a gun on the dashboard and kept pushing his way through the crowd," Ross said. "It was a scene out of a horror film." Several cellphone videos captured the incident, showing two protesters clinging to the hood as the truck pushed forward. Some demonstrators jumped off the highway to avoid the truck. Dozens were injured, according to police reports. Among them was activist Kristi Williams's 20-year-old son, who she said jumped off the highway when the truck barreled through the crowd. "When he came home, he had one shoe, scratches on his leg and his clothes were twisted," Williams said. "He saw the man fall off the highway." Williams said Trump's rally is a diversion from activists' work in Tulsa toward justice. "Trump is here for a photo op," Williams said. "But we are way beyond symbolism at this point. They asked me what can Trump do for Greenwood. I said he could help put Greenwood on the National Historic Registry. And push for reparations for descendants." The protests in Tulsa were fueled by local incidents, as well. Under public pressure, the Oklahoma City Police Department released a video this week showing the May 20, 2019, arrest of Derrick Scott, a 42-year-old black man who pleaded with an officer kneeling on him. "I can't breathe," Scott said as police held him handcuffed to the ground. One officer replied, "I don't care." Scott died minutes later while in police custody. Scott's death came four years after Terence Crutcher, an unarmed black man on his way to church, was fatally shot by a Tulsa police officer after his truck stalled in the middle of a road. As a police helicopter hovered above the scene, an officer in the helicopter could be heard saying, "That looks like a bad guy," moments before Crutcher was shot. The Sept. 16, 2016, shooting of Crutcher, 40, was captured on video and drew national attention and protests. Tulsa's district attorney filed a "heat-of-passion" manslaughter charge against the officer who shot him, Betty Shelby. Protesters gathered at the courthouse and shouted, "No justice. No peace. No racist police." Shelby was acquitted in the shooting and later hired to train police. Tiffany Crutcher, Terence's twin sister, told The Washington Post that Tulsa has long avoided difficult discussions about race. The victims of the massacre, she said, "never received justice. They were never properly memorialized. We have suffered residual effects of this for close to 100 years. Our ancestors are crying out for justice, and we feel it is our duty to see to it" that they receive "the proper burials they deserve." On the eve of the 99th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre last month, Human Rights Watch released a report calling for reparations for survivors and descendants of the attack. The organization said that the massacre still affects generations of black people in North Tulsa, where life expectancy is much lower than the life expectancy in South Tulsa, which is predominantly white. Northern Tulsa, a "food desert," also has high unemployment and poverty, which Human Rights Watch linked to the effects of the 1921 Race Massacre. "Ongoing racial segregation, discriminatory policies, and structural racism have left black Tulsans, particularly those living in North Tulsa, with a lower quality of life and fewer opportunities," the report said. Human Rights Watch argued that governments are obligated under international laws to provide remedies for violations of human rights. "A movement is growing to urge state and local officials to do what should have been done a long time ago," the report said, "act to repair the harm, including by providing reparations to the survivors and their descendants, and those feeling the impacts today." At Tulsa City Hall on Wednesday, the Rev. Turner shouted into a bullhorn, demanding justice for black people in Tulsa, reminding the city of the massacre and what happened to people just a few generations removed from slavery. "They asked for nothing from this city, state or country," Turner shouts. "These were former veterans from World War who came and wanted to live out the American Dream. Tulsa, how did you repay them? You went down to Greenwood and looted and killed innocent people and dumped their bodies into mass graves. No one in the mob was ever charged." Turner's voice rises. He turns and points his bullhorn toward the gleaming city hall. "What kind of civilized society burns churches?" Turner shouts. "The blood of those you killed. The [people] you killed in cold blood [in] broad daylight. Their blood is on your hands." We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Submit Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 00:50:15|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JOHANNESBURG, June 19 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's ruling party African National Congress (ANC) on Friday welcomed the extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 as progressive, saying it reinforced international solidarity and multilateralism. "The breadth and depth of the Summit in terms of the broad of high level participation, and areas of cooperation that were discussed, turned out to be truly unique and progressive," said ANC in a statement. "That is an indication that the serious challenges of the coronavirus pandemic lead us into an era of renewed and deepened international cooperation and multilateralism that bodes well not only for China-Africa relations, but indeed for international solidarity and cooperation throughout the world." ANC welcomed China's demonstrated and extraordinary cooperation with, and support for African in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, as concrete steps to deliver on the commitment that China made to Africa at the FACOC Beijing summit, with regards to its longstanding friendship with Africa. "We applaud China's commitment to work with the global community to give greater support to those African countries that are hardest hit by the coronavirus, and are under heavy financial stress, by such means as further extending the period of debt suspension, " read the statement. ANC said it appreciated decisive steps that Chinese government took, "together with China's calls on the international community, especially developed countries and international financial institutions, to take concrete measures to ease the debt burden of African countries." ANC commended China for containing the COVID-19 and its timely sharing the information with WHO in an open, transparent and responsible manner, which bought precious time for the rest of the world. "This Summit charts the way forward to explore with global partners trilateral of multilateral cooperation in Africa in a way that is active, open and inclusive, and based on respect for African countries' wishes. We are confident that this is indeed the only way forward to facilitate an early victory against COVID-19 pandemic, and for the faster development of Africa," it said. Enditem Exults donates to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in support of the collective and ongoing Civil Rights movements. Aligning with the ACLU one of the nations foremost defenders of civil rights and liberties in support of equality made total sense for us as an organization, said Zach Hoffman, the CEO and Founder of Exults. Exults, a digital marketing agency located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, donates to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in support of the collective and ongoing Civil Rights movements. For almost a century, the ACLU has been our nations guardian of liberty and has worked tirelessly with the judicial system, legislative bodies, and local communities to defend individual privilege and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and the laws of the United States. Exults contribution will help champion the efforts of the ACLUs Racial Injustice program, which specifically aims to preserve and extend constitutionally guaranteed rights for individuals who have historically been denied those rights on the basis of race. Given the recent events that have unfolded across the US over the past month the leadership and staff of Exults felt compelled to be a proactive agent of change and affirm its position as an advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equality. Aligning with the ACLU one of the nations foremost defenders of civil rights and liberties in support of equality made total sense for us as an organization, said Zach Hoffman, the CEO and Founder of Exults. Recent events have heightened our nations focus the worlds focus on many critical issues, including institutional inequities. With Juneteenth, the oldest national celebration commemorating of the ending of slavery in the United States, being today, Exults hopes to build awareness on the importance of educating and connecting with a need for diversity and to celebrate black history and accomplishments. Exults is proud to support the ACLU in its daily battle to eliminate all forms of injustice and create a better world for everyone. For more information about how to donate to the ACLUs programs, visit the ACLU website. More About Exults: Exults Marketing is a full-service internet marketing company that is results driven. Offering a complete range of internet marketing services to reach its clients goals, Exults premier services include Website Design and Development, Ecommerce platform development and management, Search Engine Optimization, Pay Per Click Management, Social Media Marketing, and Digital PR. If you are interested in using targeted advertisement to spark meaningful engagement and online sales, contact Exults Marketing Agency. For more information, please visit the Exults website (https://www.exults.com/) or call 866-999-4736. Steam. Twenty-five years ago, when the Powerhouse was at its height which is to say, properly funded and energised you could bowl in off Harris Street and watch something astonishing. Standing centimetres from the immense, hissing and chugging 1785 Boulton and Watt steam engine, you could watch its great piston slide, its beam-arm pivot and its levers swing, forcing the massive flywheel into 20 smooth and relentless revolutions a minute. Watching it, youd marvel that something as soft as steam could energise an inert mass twice human height and a thousand times the weight. But, of course, it was steam infused with genius. Former Powerhouse Museum director Peter Denham in front of the Boulton and Watt steam engine in 2017. Credit:Ben Rushton Machines, now ubiquitous in our lives, are no longer marvellous to us. With their physics closeted inside a computerised black box we no longer see their workings nor intuit their logic. Ironically, this has robbed us of our sense of mystery. Which may be why, although this is the machine that gave Sydney life, were about to disrespect it utterly. The Geneva Museum has a small brass model of Boulton and Watts astounding engine. It runs not on steam but on compressed air, yet the museum is sufficiently proud to make a video explaining its genius. Britain, similarly, has both this engine and its Scottish genius-inventor James Watt engraved onto its 50 note. Freeway sign installation will close both south and northbound ramps from Interstate 5 to Interstate 205 northbound beginning around midnight Friday. Interstate 205 will see a series of night closures in June for installation of new RealTime signs. Crews with the Oregon Department of Transportation will close I-205 from I-5 to Stafford Road 11:59 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Saturday, June 19-20. The new sign bridge will be installed over the northbound lanes near the I-5 interchange. Ramps from I-5 south and north will close during those hours. See the graphic for detour route information. Detour map for weekend closure of I-5 ramps to I-205. ODOT The project requires as many as 12 night closures of I-205 at five locations this summer. Expect a series of nighttime closures this month for installation of new RealTime signs on I-205. This project requires as many as 12 night closures at I-205 this summer. The first closure begins at midnight, Friday, June 19. #pdxtraffic Closure details: https://t.co/NQY21wdeNn pic.twitter.com/UWxGTB1Mql OregonDOT (@OregonDOT) June 18, 2020 The second closure for the weekend is at the viewpoint pullout near West Linn. The northbound freeway will close 11 p.m. Saturday-5 a.m. Sunday, June 20-21. Traffic will be routed through the viewpoint parking area and back onto I-205 northbound. Upcoming closures include a four-night detour at Stafford Road on northbound I-205 from 11 p.m.-5 a.m. Monday-Thursday, June 22-25. Traffic will be taken off the freeway at Stafford exit and back on at the onramp. *** VANCOUVER 8:45 a.m.: Crash has the left lanes in both directions blocked on SR 500 near Falk Road. #pdxtraffic Crash has a lane closed in BOTH directions of SR 500 #VanWa near Falk Rd. pic.twitter.com/OikMEeg7aJ PDX Traffic Alerts (@TrafficPortland) June 19, 2020 *** NORTHEAST PORTLAND 7:26 a.m.: Injury crash on Northeast Columbia Boulevard near 50th Avenue. *** Drivers should expect delays and choose alternate routes if possible. A parking pay station outside of Portland City Hall marked with a Parking Kitty zone decal.Elliot Njus/Staff In celebration of Juneteenth, all on-street metered parking will be free of charge in Portland Friday. Portland Bureau of Transportation offices will be closed for the City of Portland holiday. Parking meters and the Parking Kitty app will not take payments for on-street parking, but regular parking rates will still apply at SmartPark parking garages. Check back throughout the morning for the latest commuting updates and follow us on Twitter: @trafficportland Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. (ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of protecting the LGBTQ community against workplace discrimination. Something that up until four days ago, could get a person fired in Missouri. In a 6-3 vote, the high court ruled on three separate cases of workplace discrimination. One of the cases being Bostock vs Clayton County. Gerard Bostock, a former counselor was fired from his job because from joining a gay softball league. After the Supreme Court decision, Bostock said, Im overwhelmed with joy and my heart is filled with gratitude. The highest court of the land ruling discrimination based on someone's sexual orientation or gender identity violates federal law. It is no longer legal in any state, but particularly here in Missouri it is no longer legal to fire someone simply because they for example identify as gay, said Brian Kirk, First Christian Church pastor and LGBTQ activist. A landmark decision that caught many by surprise. My initial response to the Supreme Courts decision was shock. I dont think any of us were expecting it given the current makeup of the court, given the number of conservatice judges that have recently been appointed and the fact that a few of them crossed the isle, were not the ones we expected to do that. It was a total shock, said Kirk. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating based on sex. Monday, the court ruling sexual orientation and gender identity fall under that definition. Even with a conservative Supreme Court, they saw that this was a no-brainer, said Kirk. Five years after same sex marriage was legalized, no federal laws were protecting LGBTQ individuals in the areas of housing, employment or public accomodation. Now, Federal law prohibits workplace discrimination against LGBTQ individuals, but there are still no protections regarding housing or public accomodation. A lack of protection that Kirk said has personally impacted his life. When I moved here with my husband seven years ago and we were looking for rental property, we didnt know what we were going to discover once somebody found out that it was two men looking for a place to live and we knew we had no recourse and we would still have no recourse, said Kirk. In St. Joseph, the city passed a non-discrimination ordinance, but local activists said the order has no teeth. Although we have an ordinance saying you should not discriminate against somebody because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, the fact is you can still do it in St. Joseph and nothing can be done about it. Now, we have a system to try and have mediation between people, let's say between as a business and a person who identifies as gay, but thats as far as we can go right now, said Kirk. Activists encourage the public to reach out to local elected officials and ask for a more binding and punishable ordinance in wake of this momentous change for LGBTQ rights. Hackers responsible for successive cyber attacks on Lion Australia, the beverage giant behind beer brands Little Creatures, XXXX, Tooheys and James Squire, are threatening to auction or publish confidential company data on the dark web unless they are paid a reported ransom of $1 million. Lion, which is also behind dairy brands Dairy Farmers and Pura, told employees during an all-staff meeting on Thursday afternoon that it had been hit by a second cyber attack that had further disrupted its IT systems. Company chief executive officer Stuart Irvine told employees that the beverage giant is now focusing on beefing up its network defences even as it continues to undo the damage to its systems from the first attack, according to a source who listened to the briefing. The briefing came as hackers, claiming responsibility for the attacks, have provided proof that they have stolen confidential copies of the company's and its clients' files. "You have 5 days to contact us and pay, otherwise all your financial, personal information your clients and other important confidential (sic) documents will be published or put up for auction," the hackers said in a note, accompanied by multiple screenshots of files. In a stunning turn of events that seemed impossible just a month ago, the New York City Council on Thursday voted 44-6 -- a veto-proof majority -- in favor of passing the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology (POST) Act. The bill will now head to Mayor Bill De Blasio for his signature within the next 30 days. The POST Act not only compels the NYPD to divulge the existence of its entire public surveillance capability, it also requires the department to develop cohesive policies as to how those capabilities will be used. For years the NYPD has assembled this really chilling and invasive setup of tools that can target the most intimate aspects of our lives, Albert Fox Cahn, Executive Director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, told Engadget. They haven't had to tell New Yorkers what they're getting, how they're using it, or how that information is being shared with other agencies. It's really crucial that we understand how our data is being collected, how our communities are being surveilled, he continued. Cahn also noted that for Black New Yorkers, police surveillance is a matter of life and death. Police surveillance leads to more police stops, more arrests, and even more police violence, Cahn said. The NYPDs domestic surveillance capabilities are nothing to sneeze at. The departments $6 billion annual budget has provided access to everything from facial recognition, which have already been banned by San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle and a number of other metropolitan cities, six-figure X-Ray vans, Stingray ICMI-catchers, and a host of other intrusive systems. Among the most unsettling capabilities, and one that STOP is still fighting against, is the departments use of geofence watch technology. This is where the NYPD can use a single judicial order to identify every single person in a geographic area, Cahn said. That can be a single house, it can be a street, it could be an entire neighborhood, or it could be identifying every single person at a protest. Story continues STOP is already litigating against the NYPDs use of geofence watching and that case is ongoing. Todays vote by the city council is a positive sign, however. I don't think there is any chance that we would have seen this bill passed, especially not by a 44 to 6 margin without the incredible public solidarity that we've seen in New York and cities around the country, Cahn exclaimed. This really speaks to the power of people to reshape what is considered possible in politics, to reshape our laws, to reshape our constitutional protections, and to fight back against police abuses. None of the bills that passed today would have passed if not for those protests, he concluded. Once signed, the bill will not go into effect for a couple months so if youre going demonstrating, be sure to take all necessary precautions to protect your identity. Engadget has reached out to both the NYPD and the bills sponsor, NYC District 16 Councilwoman Vanessa L Gibson, for comment and will update this post upon their response. Militants killed Srinagar: Six more militants were killed in two separate encounters with security forces in Pulwama and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir, taking the number to eight, officials said. Militants KilledWhile two militants were killed in the Pulwama encounter, four were killed in Shopian operation on Friday, the officials said. Advertisement Security forces launched a cordon and search operation after receiving specific information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. He said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants fired upon a search party of the forces. Militants killedIn another anti-militancy operation four more militants were killed on Friday morning. Advertisement In total, eight militants were killed in these two overnight operations in the last 24 hours. Virtual summit debates proposal for rescue fund to revive economy that, if accepted, would mark milestone for EU unity. EU leaders have launched negotiations on a huge recovery fund to revive a European economy ravaged by the coronavirus outbreak, deeply divided on the way forward. The European Union faces its biggest recession in the blocs 63-year history, and member states are under pressure to look beyond their own borders and to find ways to lift the whole continent. On the table at Fridays virtual summit is a proposal from European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen for a 750-billion-euro ($840bn) rescue fund that, if accepted, would mark an historic milestone for EU unity. This is a chance Europe cant afford to miss, Von der Leyen said, just before the leaders began their video conference. We have a collective responsibility to deliver, European Council President Charles Michel said on Twitter. Now is the time to engage. But opposition is fierce from countries known as the frugal four the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Austria who have promised to fight to rein in the spending. It is clear that we expect no essential agreements at this summit, said a government official in Germany, which takes over the EUs rotating presidency on July 1 and will drive the negotiations. A French source called it a warm-up round that would take the temperature before leaders arrive at a compromise in late July. Rival ideas Lined up against the frugals are EU countries such as Italy and Spain that were the first and hardest hit by the pandemic, and quickly asked for help from their better-off partners. Crippled with overstretched finances, these countries are unable to fight the recession with a wave of extra spending and are looking for a highly visible act of solidarity. The commissions plan is inspired by a German and French proposal in which EU money is raised on the financial markets to spend EU-wide in the biggest slice of joint borrowing ever undertaken by the union. By endorsing the plan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel broke Germanys long-held taboo against pan-European pooled borrowing, catching the frugals off guard. They have promised nonetheless to fight on, most notably in insisting that the funds should be released as loans with strict conditions and not as grants or subsidies. Speaking in the Swedish parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said it was important that funds raised should not be handed out as grants, without any requirements for repayments, thus sending the bill to future taxpayers. In an interview with the AFP news agency, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tried to assuage these concerns, assuring that the money would build a better Italy that would be more modern and greener. Green plan To help pay for the recovery plan, the proposal floats EU-wide taxation on big tech, or carbon emissions, to provide the European Commission with funds of its own. Complicating matters further, the recovery fund is linked to the EUs long term, seven-year budget which is being negotiated in parallel. This has countries usually on the receiving end of EU spending many in Eastern Europe worried that funds historically coming their way could be cut because of the recovery plan and they have also threatened to block the talks. The fund, as well as the EU budget, requires the unanimous approval of the EUs 27 member states, making compromise difficult. Noted economist B P R Vithal, who served as a member of the Tenth Finance Commission, died in Hyderabad on Friday. IMAGE: Economist BPR Vithal. Photograph: Courtesy, Vice President of India on Twitter. He was 93 and is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons. Vithal, a 1950-batch IAS officer, died early on Friday morning due to old age ailments, his son Sanjay Baru, media advisor to former prime minister Manmohan Singh, told PTI. Vithal had served as secretary, finance and planning, in the government of Andhra Pradesh from 1972 to 1982 and as deputy chairman of the State Planning Board. He was also chairman of the Expenditure Commission, government of Kerala. Vithal had a brief stint at the International Monetary Fund as fiscal advisor to the governments of Sudan and Malawi. He had established the Centre for Economic and Social Studies in Hyderabad. Educated at Madrasa-e-Aliya high school, Hyderabad, he graduated from Madras Christian College and joined the Hyderabad Civil Service in 194, qualifying for IAS in 1950. In 1942, Vithal quit his under-graduate studies at Nizam College, Hyderabad, and attended the Quit India session of the Indian National Congress in Mumbai and actively participated in the national movement. On Mahatma Gandhi's advice, written on a postcard that Vithal preserved with care, he returned to his studies at Madras, where he was the first Indian president of the MCC students' union to fly the Indian tricolor, Baru said. Vithal has also many publications to his credit. His essay The Telangana Surpluses: A Case Study played an influential role in shaping the demand for a separate state of Telangana, he said. Over his long retired life, Vithal was associated with many social organisations and causes, including the Nizam's trust, Hyderabad Literary Society and others. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao expressed his deep sorrow over Vithal's death and recalled his services as finance and planning secretary in undivided Andhra Pradesh and as member of the Tenth Finance Commission, an official release said. Details on where confirmed Covid-19 cases are located in Longford are published in a new publicly accessible database on the pandemic outbreak in Ireland. The updated Covid-19 dashboard shows figures by electoral districts. It reveals that Ballymahon accounted for 173 (or 61%) of Longford's 285 confirmed cases. CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO ACCESS THE MAP DATABASE and scroll down to section entitled "COVID-19 Confirmed Cases at Electoral Division (ED) Level" The figure for the Longford town is approximately 24 ; broke down as follows Longford Rural 14, Longford No 1 Urban <5 and Longford No 2 Urban 5. For confidentiality reasons, exact figures are not published when there are less than five infections in an area (as in the aforementioned Longford No 1 Urban). The map shows Edgeworthstown has had 11 confirmed cases, Caldragh 9, Kilglass 7 and Lanesboro 5. Less that five cases were confirmed in both Granard Urban and Rural areas, simply less that five confirmed are confirmed in Drumlish and Ballinamuck. As of June 18, there have been 285 cases of Covid-19 in Longford since February 29. Other very notable districts outside Longford include: Cavan Rural 258 & Cavan Urban 76, Virginia 93, Ballyjamesduff 53, Mullingar Rural 126, Mullingar North Urban 57, Mullingar South Urban 24; Roscommon Urban 47 and Roscommon Rural 55; Carrick on Shannon 7. Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said the new Covid-19 dashboard was launched on Thursday, June 18 to provide up-to-date information on the key indicators of Covid-19 in the community, including the number of daily cases, deaths, number of people in hospital and ICU and a daily update on testing figures. He added that it would help communities to be aware of the disease. In addition, the dashboard also allows people to monitor the number of cases of Covid-19 in their local area. The management of Covid-19 is an individual task, where we all must remain aware of the disease in our community, follow public health advice and adopt protective behaviours, he said. The dashboard is a collaboration between the Department of Health, Ordnance Survey Ireland, the All-Island Research Observatory, HPSC, HSE, and the Central Statistics Office (CSO). There have been 25,355 confirmed infections and 1,714 deaths in Ireland during the pandemic. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE NEW DASHBOARD 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 Justice Department has also gone on offense in politically charged investigations. Law enforcement officials spent nearly two years investigating Andrew G. McCabe, a former acting F.B.I. director and Mr. Trumps perceived enemy, over accusations that he was not candid with investigators looking into a media leak. The officials kept the matter alive for months past the point that it apparently became clear that there was not enough evidence to persuade a grand jury to indict him. Federal prosecutors were also investigating a years-old leak of classified information about a Russian intelligence document with a focus on the former F.B.I. director James B. Comey, who was fired by Mr. Trump and is a regular foil for him. Mr. Trump has publicly suggested without evidence that Mr. Comey should be prosecuted for unlawful conduct and spend years in prison. Last year, the Justice Department sued Omarosa Manigault Newman, a former communications director in a White House office who was fired and then wrote a tell-all memoir, for failing to file a personal financial disclosure report and sought a $50,000 penalty. Ms. Newman has said she did not willfully fail to file the report and has asked for a jury trial, accusing the department of selectively enforcing the law to go after her. (Using the Freedom of Information Act, The New York Times has requested emails containing or describing communications between the Justice Department and the White House about Ms. Manigault Newman. The department said 48 pages of such records exist but has been trying to keep 42 of them secret for now releasing only a copy of the six-page civil complaint that was attached to one email.) In the Bolton case, many legal experts said they were not surprised that the Justice Department filed the lawsuit, which in its initial form was focused on going after Mr. Boltons $2 million advance. If Mr. Bolton believed the White House was playing political games in delaying completion of the manuscripts prepublication review, the standard step would have been for him to sue not unilaterally publish. But the escalation in asking a judge to order him to stop its publication appears to have come far too late. The Justice Departments Civil Division began to draft its breach-of-contract complaint only late last week after Mr. Boltons lawyer made clear that his client was setting aside the review process. In an op-ed published online by The Wall Street Journal midday on June 10, Mr. Cooper declared that the book would be published as planned on June 23. His essay recounted at length a four-month back-and-forth over the manuscript to ensure it contained no classified information with Ellen Knight, the National Security Councils senior director for prepublication review. Wilson found her calling at 23, when a friend suggested that she apply for a job at what is now the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. After submitting her application, she called the zoo twice a week for a year, checking to see whether she had gotten the job. Once she did, it took hardly any time for Wilson to establish an air of authority and wisdom among zoo staffers and animals alike. June 18, 2020 News By C. Todd Lopez , DOD News Defense.gov Defense Space Strategy Addresses Militarization, Competition The Defense Department's newly released Defense Space Strategy addresses new realities in space: great power competition and militarization of the domain, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for space policy said. "The Defense Space Strategy provides strategic direction for departmentwide changes to policies, doctrine, capabilities, operations and partnerships, to ensure U.S. space superiority, to secure our nation's vital interests in space," Stephen L. Kitay told reporters during a news conference yesterday at the Pentagon. "Our desired conditions are a secure, stable and accessible space domain." The new strategy, he said, involves maintaining space superiority; providing space support to the national, joint and combined operations; and ensuring space stability. The department will achieve these conditions with four lines of effort: 1. Building a comprehensive military advantage in space; 2. Integrating military space power into national, joint and combined operations; 3. Shaping the strategic environment; and 4. Cooperating with allies, partners, industry and other U.S. government departments and agencies. "The Defense Space Strategy lays out a path that embraces space as a unique domain of national military power, and together with other domains, underpins joint and combined operations to advance national security," Kitay said. The new strategy comes as the intelligence community has begun to understand that competitors are now moving aggressively into the space domain and have made efforts to weaponize it, Kitay told reporters. "China and Russia have weaponized space and turned it into a warfighting domain," he said. "Their actions pose the greatest strategic threat with the ongoing development, testing and deployment of counterspace systems and the associated military doctrine designed to hold the allied and U.S. space systems at risk." As examples, Kitay said China and Russia are now developing jamming and cyberspace capabilities, directed energy weapons, on-orbit capabilities and ground based anti-satellite missiles to achieve their own goals in space. He cited two reports "Challenges to Security in Space" by the Defense Intelligence Agency and "Competing in Space" by the National Air and Space Intelligence Center in providing examples of both Russian and Chinese militarization of space. "These documents will tell you that China and Russia are developing and planning to use capabilities that threaten our space systems and those of our allies," he said. "Since last year, when those [reports were released], China and Russia have been conducting highly sophisticated on-orbit activities, which pose unprecedented new dangers to U.S. and allied space systems." Kitay said he believes the United States is still ahead of Russia and China in space, but that the lead is diminishing rapidly and the U.S. is "absolutely at risk" with the pace at which they are developing capability. "The Defense Space Strategy lays out a path that embraces space as a unique domain of national military power, and together with other domains, underpins joint and combined operations to advance national security," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address But now its all wrong, he said. My doctor friends who get it now wait 10 days for test results, even though they know they have it. The management doesnt care about our safety, they just care that the staff is working. He spoke on the condition that his family name not be used because he fears reprisal from hospital authorities. Photo: The Canadian Press Ghislain Picard The majority of independent investigators delving into alleged police misconduct in Canada are white men who are former police officers. Seven provincial independent investigation units currently look into incidents involving police. The Canadian Press has found that of the 167 members involved in these units, 111 are former officers or have had a working relationship with police, and 118 of them are men. Every province but British Columbia also provided the number of investigators in their units who identify as a visible minority or person of colour. There are 20. "It's very, very biased," says Ghislain Picard, regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. "How can you expect any trust from those cultural minorities and Indigenous Peoples? "The interaction between the independent bureau and our communities it's practically non-existent." Indigenous people don't have hope for justice when police investigate themselves, Picard adds, especially after what happened in Val d'Or, Que., more than 500 kilometres north of Montreal. In 2015, there were 38 cases involving complaints by multiple women there against Surete du Quebec officers. Some women claimed they were drugged and sexually assaulted. Montreal police investigated. In the end, two retired police officers were charged. Both died before their cases finished in court. At the time, some 2,500 police officers wore red bands while on duty to support their accused colleagues. First Nations members who testified during a commission said it was clearly an intimidation tactic. In the wake of the scandal, Quebec's Bureau of Independent Investigations was created. Picard says creation of a largely white investigative unit made up of former officers has done nothing to repair the relationship. More than half the unit's 44 investigators had previous police employment. Four are people of colour but none are Indigenous. It does have an Indigenous liaison. "It's again the police investigating their own," Picard says. "That's totally unacceptable for many people. There is no faith, no trust coming from women." WHO hopeful COVID-19 vaccines could be available before end of this year International pti-PTI London, Jun 18: The World Health Organisation's chief scientist, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, on Thursday said that the agency is optimistic and hopeful that the COVID-19 vaccines could be available before the end of this year. Addressing a press briefing from Geneva on the latest coronavirus drug trial findings, the top WHO scientist also said that clinical trials have now definitively shown that anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine does not have an impact on preventing deaths from COVID-19. Health Minister Harshvardhan launches India's first mobile lab for Covid-19 testing | Oneindia News WHO official says malaria drug won't stop deaths In reference to a future vaccine against the deadly virus, she said there are about 10 candidates which are in human testing phase and at least three of them are entering the new promising phase-three stage which proves a vaccines efficacy. Im hopeful, Im optimistic, but vaccine development is a complex undertaking and comes with a lot of uncertainty. The good thing is we have many different vaccine candidates and platforms, she said, adding that WHOs focus is also on accelerating and scaling up a potential vaccine. If we are lucky, there will be one or two successful candidates before the end of this year, she said. Clarifying the WHO's position on hydroxychloroquine, famously called "game-changer" by US President Donald Trump in the fight against coronavirus, she said that separate clinical trials had shown the futility of carrying on testing the drug as a means to cut mortality rates from the deadly virus. {quiz_181} Dr Swaminathan said that further large trials are ongoing to establish the last word on whether hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may have a role to play in prevention, either before or after exposure to coronavirus. What is clear now is hydroxychloroquine does not have an impact on the disease course on mortality in hospitalised COVID-19 patients, said Swaminathan, in response to a question about the anti-malarial drug. Where there is still a gap is: does it have any role at all in prevention or minimising the severity of the illness in early infection. We need to complete those large trials to have a definitive answer on that, she said. The scientist explained that the WHO-led Solidarity clinical trial data safety monitoring committee looked at the interim data and found there was no mortality benefit in the patients receiving hydroxychloroquine. Its move followed the UKs Randomised Evaluation of COVid-19 thERapY (RECOVERY) trial stopping their clinical tests of the drug earlier this month. The UKs RECOVERY trial and our Solidarity trial put together a large number of patients where there was no benefit. So, it was decided that there was no point in continuing, what we call 'futility', when we are convinced there is no benefit is one of the principles of clinical trials, explained Swaminathan. She said the WHOs decision on hydroxychloroquine is limited to its use in the ongoing Solidarity trial and that treatment guidelines are made differently and based on a pooled analysis of wider consolidated data. She added: As a global community, we want clear answers. We want to conclude whether a drug reduces mortality or not, and if it doesnt, does it have any other beneficial effects such as reducing need for hospitalisation or the need for ventilation. As far as the use of hydroxychloroquine for prevention of COVID-19, either before or after exposure, the last word is not yet out. There are some big trials going on. Asked if she sees the coronavirus pandemic as the most devastating outbreak in the last century, the scientist responded that we are still in the middle of it. "Its only been six months since it started. It certainly looks like its one of the more serious challenges that we have had in global health in the last century. I dont think anybody alive today has lived through a true pandemic; none of us can afford to take it lightly, she said. Hydroxychloroquine is one of the oldest and best-known anti-malarial drugs. US President Trump had called hydroxychloroquine a "game-changer" drug in the fight against COVID-19. Trump had on May 18 disclosed that he was taking hydroxychloroquine daily to ward off the deadly coronavirus. Defending the drug, he had said that hydroxychloroquine was a "line of defence" against the coronavirus. At Trump's request, India in April allowed the export of 50 million HCQ tablets to treat COVID-19 patients in America. However, the US food and drug regulatory body on Monday withdrew its emergency use authorisation in the treatment of COVID-19 patients after concluding that it may not be effective to cure the virus infections and lead to greater risks than any potential benefits. Author to present An Antidote to Violence at All Party Parliamentary Group on Indian Traditional Sciences during International Day of Yoga 2020 in the UK this Sunday An Antidote to Violence The COVID-19 pandemic has put societies everywhere under extreme stress, and collective stress is often a precursor to outbreaks of violence. Striking features of this global health crisis have been the collective anxiety of the population, the wide variations in the way governments have responded, and the varying degree of their success. While there is significant scientific research showing that meditation has a positive influence on the health and well being of individuals, is there any evidence that large-scale meditation can have a similar influence on societies in reducing stress and levels of violence? "Yes" is the surprising inference from the authors of a new book. Published June 26, An Antidote to Violence: Evaluating the Evidence provides evidence that the level of collective anxiety and tension in society, or incoherence in collective consciousness, is the key element, which determines the success or failure of a government in tackling crime, violence, social unrest and ill-health. Barry Spivack and Patricia Saunders describe how a rise in collective tensions spills over into increased social unrest, crime, violence, accidental deaths and hospital emergencies. They examine 20 peer-reviewed studies from over four decades, indicating that it is possible to neutralize or reduce stress in collective consciousness through the practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) and its advanced programs by a sufficient number of individuals, which is amplified in groups. Evaluating the Evidence "These findings are more relevant now than ever before at a time of pandemic, protest, and social unrest," says Spivack, and offers three examples from the studies cited in the book. Each of these experiments consisted of sufficient numbers either meditating on their own or together for a period of weeks or months, and in some cases, years, in societies wracked by violence: on 93 experimental days in Lebanon between 1983 and 1985, Cambodia between 1990 and 2008, and USA between 2007 and 2010 compared with the previous four years. In each case measured statistically, significant drops in violence occurred during the periods when the numbers meditating were above the predicted threshold. The authors emphasize this is the first book that draws on all the peer-reviewed research and looks at the implications of the research as a whole rather than just individual papers. "Compiling so many consistent experimental results may indicate more than a statistical correlation; it justifies further research into a causal hypothesis." Written for the social scientist and the lay reader alike, An Antidote to Violence offers answers to key questions, including: does group meditation actually influence society? If so, how does it work? What is the evidence? What do skeptics say? Weaving together psychology, sociology, philosophy, statistics, politics, physics and meditation, the book provides evidence that we have the knowledge to reduce all kinds of violence in society by creating coherence in collective consciousness and thereby neutralizing collective stress. Introduction by John Hagelin | Foreword by Bob Roth In his Introduction to the book, quantum physicist Dr. John Hagelin, and President of the Global Union of Scientists for Peace, suggests "the existing research, while compelling and rigorous, presents a direct challenge to established mainstream sociological paradigms and may be difficult for some to accept. Even more rigorous and repeated testing of the theories presented here is therefore essential to ensure widespread acceptance of this demonstrated sociological phenomenon." In the Foreword to the book, Bob Roth, CEO of the David Lynch Foundation, and author of the NY Times bestseller, Strength in Stillness: The Power of Transcendental Meditation, writes: "Barry Spivack and Patricia Saunders have opened our eyes to an entirely new vision of possibilities about human potential that is both sweepingly grand but also immediate and practical." Changemakers Books publisher Tim Ward was struck by the book's thought provoking premise and explained his reasons for publishing it. "While the evidence gathered in this book is striking, more research needs to be done to prove it true. And that's why I chose to publish An Antidote to Violence. Too much is at stake to let this possibility slip through our fingers. Just as we must explore every scientific means for beating COVID-19, so we must follow every lead for defeating the virus of violence." Barry Spivack was invited to speak about his new book to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Indian Traditional Sciences in the UK, Sunday, June 21, the International Day of Yoga 2020. Speakers will include High Commissioners and Members from both Houses of Parliament. Research provides evidence consistent with a causal interpretation Establishing causality in the social sciences is difficult. "Nevertheless," says Spivack, "there are at least 6 reasons why the research provides evidence for the hypothesis that Transcendental Meditation reduces conflict and divisions in society, and improves economic performance, which is consistent with a causal interpretation." 1) Repetition: There are 20 peer-reviewed studies, which show statistically significant results. 2) There is a dosage effect--the bigger the group the larger the impact. 3) The independent variable--the numbers practicing Transcendental Meditation--often varies at random in these experiments so you get a repeat effect within the same experiment whenever the relevant threshold of numbers is passed within the same study. 4) Studies have controlled for other possible causes in social changes, such as population density, median years of education, per capita income, the ratio of police per population, weather, holidays, seasons, political events, percentages of people in the age range 15-29, of the unemployed, of those below the poverty line, and of people over 65. 5) Normally unconnected variables, such as crime, accidental deaths, infant mortality, deaths from opioids, all move in the same direction at the same time when the relevant threshold of people practicing Transcendental Meditation is surpassed. 6) The independent variable--the numbers practicing Transcendental Meditation and its advanced programs--changes before the dependent variables change, such as crime or war fatalities or the misery index. What people are saying about An Antidote to Violence I was initially skeptical that such a simple solution could be effective. However, after examining the evidence, I changed my mind. An Antidote to Violence is a serious and well-researched book that offers an unconventional but effective peaceful solution to violence and terrorism. Lieutenant General Clarence E. McKnight, Jr, Former Director of Command, Control and Communications Systems for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington DC This book is especially good at discussing the evidence and the alternative explanations that have been advanced for the results. I can recommend the book to all readers with an open mind. Huw Dixon, Professor of Economics, Cardiff University Barry Spivack and Patricia Saunders address the problems of preventing violence and war with a high level of professionalism, and, by examining a means to achieve sustainable peace supported by long-term research, have created a book that is hugely relevant. Most importantly, they highlight the interdependence of power, violence, security, and individual and collective consciousness. This book will be extremely useful for people of all nationalities, regardless of their status, different religious beliefs, personal preferences and life strategies. The theoretical and methodological principles outlined here deserve to be studied carefully and disseminated in the world. Lieutenant General Vasyl Krutov, former First Deputy Head of the Security Service of Ukraine and First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine My most sincere congratulations to the authors for their research and presentation of this book. I hope it will be read and applied by leaders of government and by all in general for the good of society and each person in particular. Lieutenant General Jose Marti Villamil de la Cadena, former Chief of Staff of the Army and Commander of Ground Theatre Operations, Chief of Staff of the Joint Command, Vice-Minister of Defence, and General Secretary of the National Security Council in Ecuador Based on hard evidence corroborated by rigorous scientific studies, ...the book compiles an array of incredible success stories from all over the world in an easily readable style for all those interested in addressing the monumental challenge of eradicating violence and conflict. Ved P. Nanda, Professor of Law, University of Denver ### RELEASE DATE: June 26 in the UK and July 1 in the US 2020ISBN: 978-1-78904-258-0 | $24.95 | 15.99 EISBN: 978-1-78904-259-7 | $12.99 | 5.79 Changemakers Books is an imprint of John Hunt Publishing http://www.johnhuntpublishing.com. Detective Garda Colm Horkan began his shift at 4pm on Wednesday. He had spent the afternoon watching racing with his father. He left his home in Charlestown, Co Mayo, heading for work 35km away in Castlerea, Co Roscommon It was a day like any other and he got a handover from his colleagues in Castlerea, who were signing off from the day shift. It is understood there were no major ongoing concerns of a criminal nature in the area. But within the space of just a few minutes, events took a tragic and dramatic turn. Shortly before 11pm a number of calls were received directly at Castlerea garda station reporting that a local man, known to gardai, was driving a motorbike in an erratic manner up and down Main Street in the town. Read More It's understood the motorcyclist was speeding without lights and causing fear to local residents. Following the reports, a number of gardai began to patrol. Shortly before midnight, Det-Gda Horkan, who was on his own, came upon both the motorcyclist and another man walking together along Main Street. Expand Close Gardai search the streets in Castlerea. Picture Credit: Frank McGrath / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Gardai search the streets in Castlerea. Picture Credit: Frank McGrath A number of eyewitnesses have reported they then saw the motorcyclist flee the scene before any altercation began. He was not involved in the shocking events that followed. Witnesses then saw two men involved in a tussle. One of them was Det-Gda Horkan, who was calling for back-up on his Garda-issued mobile radio. Expand Close Det-Gda Colm Horkan after giving evidence at the Flood Tribunal in 2000. Picture: Donal Doherty / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Det-Gda Colm Horkan after giving evidence at the Flood Tribunal in 2000. Picture: Donal Doherty Baniel Novac, who works in Norio's takeaway just a couple of hundred metres from where the tragedy occurred, told the Irish Independent he heard up to "six or seven" separate bursts of gunfire. The sound came initially in two short bursts, then a pause and then up to four more bursts of gunfire. Through an interpreter, he described complete silence for a short period and then he saw a Garda car racing past the takeaway with the siren blaring. The suspect fired 15 shots, the entire magazine of the Sig semi-automatic pistol, at Det-Gda Horkan and he was hit at least five times. Windows of local businesses shattered in the hail of bullets. Two colleagues of Det-Gda Horkan arrived at the scene within seconds and arrested the suspect. A source close to the investigation told the Irish Independent: "We are very fortunate there wasn't a bigger tragedy here. These officers arrived in the immediate aftermath. "They were driving by on a different call. They were like Colm, two guards out doing their jobs. Protecting the community." A crew of paramedics who happened to be in the area arrived within minutes and tried to resuscitate the detective. But his injuries were catastrophic, and he was pronounced dead by a local doctor a short time later. A murder investigation was about to get under way. Fr John McManus, the parish priest in Castlerea, said he received a call from the Garda station at around midnight to attend the scene and perform a final blessing and the last rites. Expand Close Fr John McManus at the scene yesterday. Pic: Mark Condren / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Fr John McManus at the scene yesterday. Pic: Mark Condren "Sadly, like many of my own colleagues, you're never sure what the next phone call may be," he said. "Often when you do hear a call from the Garda station you are going out to something very tragic. "Little did I know it was one of their own colleagues. "Always and forever they are so professional on the scene in their guidance and direction, and I thought so poignantly in the stillness and silence and shock of the incident that they were there praying with me for their colleague." All of Castlerea was put into an effective lockdown, with Main Street and St Patrick's Street, the two main arteries into the town, completely blocked off by gardai. A blue tent was set up at a T-junction in the heart of the small town in Co Roscommon, opposite the dentist's office, Mulligan's Menswear, travel agent's and the AIB bank. Expand Close Forensic Gardai at the scene in Castlerea, Co Roscommon after a male Garda has been fatally injured in a shooting incident. Pic:Mark Condren / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Forensic Gardai at the scene in Castlerea, Co Roscommon after a male Garda has been fatally injured in a shooting incident. Pic:Mark Condren A fleet of Garda cars, marked and unmarked, monitored the streets and the Garda Technical Bureau arrived. With the town asleep, some lights came on in houses as the alarm was raised. Castlerea was waking up to news that brought back awful memories from decades past. Former local councillor Danny Burke recalled the two Castlerea-stationed gardai who were killed 40 years ago. Det-Gda John Morley and Gda Henry Byrne were both gunned down at Shannon's Cross, about 30 minutes from Castlerea, on July 7, 1980. They had been in a patrol car responding to an armed robbery at the Bank of Ireland in Ballaghadereen. "I haven't felt as sad since 1980," said Mr Burke. "It brought back awful sad memories to me. I haven't felt as sad since 1980 and I'm going to take a while to get over it. "These men are out there protecting us and it's a very sad thing that they can't go about their duties, this is how they are rewarded." Local TD Denis Naughten said he was "absolutely shocked and saddened" to hear of the tragedy. He said at age 49, Det-Gda Horkan would have been only a child when the two gardai were killed. "He may not have been old enough to remember it but all of the community would remember their tragic deaths. "This brings all of that back, particularly to the community in west Roscommon and around Castlerea. It adds to the tragedy." Daylight brought floods of tributes from all corners of Ireland and beyond. From the Taoiseach, President and colleagues of the fallen garda. There were more local tributes too, including one from Charlestown Sarsfields GAA club, where Det-Gda Horkan had earned the nickname 'The Bear'. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris visited the town and described the brutal killing of Det-Gda Horkan as "a random act". "Colm served the communities he worked in with distinction and pride during his 24 years as a member of An Garda Siochana," said Mr Harris. "Detective Garda Colm Horkan is the 89th member of An Garda Siochana killed in the line of duty. Today is a terrible reminder of the significant sacrifices, including the ultimate sacrifice, that gardai make to keep people safe." Speaking to reporters in Castlerea yesterday afternoon, he said there was no sense that the death was linked to organised crime, saying it was "a random act". "As we know in this time, this was in effect a conversation between Det-Gda Horkan and a member of the public," he said. "There was then an altercation during which the service pistol which Gda Horkan was carrying was then used against him and he was shot and fatally wounded. "He received very prompt and professional medical attention but to no avail and died from his injuries." Mr Harris said that Det-Gda Horkan's death was an "attack upon society". "I can certainly say at this moment in time there is no sense of a bigger picture, organised crime or subversive," he said. "What we have here is a random act, a violent act, that led to the death of Det-Gda Horkan, so it is tragic and it is an attack upon us all. "It is correct to say that it's an attack upon society," he added. The commissioner appealed to the public to help with the investigation as there is a video of the attack circulating social media. He urged anyone who was in Castlerea Town Centre on Wednesday night at 11pm-12.30am to come forward if they have information. Far from Castlerea, on the steps of Government Buildings, the shooting of a serving garda brought pause to a political week dominated by government formation talks. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar praised Det-Gda Horkan for the "courage" and "sacrifice" he showed during his more than two decades serving with An Garda Siochana. Mr Varadkar offered his condolence and support to Det-Gda Horkan's family. "Colm gave his life protecting the community he had served with distinction and courage during his 24 years as a member of An Garda Siochana," he said. "His story is the same as the thousands of men and women who wear the uniform. A story of courage, sacrifice and service." Our gardai are our guardians of the peace and defenders of the rule of law, he said. They are role models. "This tragedy is a heart-wrenching reminder of how much we owe our gardai for the work they do all over the country. "They protect and serve our citizens, our communities and our country, every day putting themselves on the front line of crime prevention on behalf of all of us," he added. Meanwhile, in the second largest town in Co Roscommon, disbelief was being replaced by grief. Up to 200 people gathered in the town centre last night for a vigil in Det-Gda Horkan's memory. A small green marquee was set up in the Fairgreen in the Main Street and tributes were led by local Fianna Fail Councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice and parish priest Fr McManus. Heavy rain lashed down as the small town mourned the passing of the garda. Expand Close Charlene Curren and Stacey McDermott at a memorial service last night. Photos: Mark Condren / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Charlene Curren and Stacey McDermott at a memorial service last night. Photos: Mark Condren "The terrible sad occasion that happened here last night is a tragedy that I suppose we will never, ever forget," said Mr Fitzmaurice. District Officer Superintendent Goretti Sheridan also paid tributes to a "friend and colleague". "I want to thank everyone for coming this evening, it means a lot to us. "We're obviously devastated at the death of our friend and colleague Colm," she said. Fr McManus said that the community had particularly felt the blow of the now three losses because they were "very much a part of the community" and widely respected in the Roscommon town. "Our prayers and thoughts are very much with his family, relatives and his colleagues here in Castlerea, and gardai everywhere," he said. Additional reporting by Gabija Gataveckaite, Conor Feehan and Tom Brady. Tauranga business woman Erika Harvey has announced she will be standing as the New Zealand First Tauranga candidate in this years general election. In a post on her Facebook page Erika says she is excited to be standing as a candidate for Tauranga. Most of all, thanks to my husband for always supporting me in every opportunity I pursue. I am one lucky lady. Erika and her husband Dan own a longline fishing business and she says it has given her first-hand experience of the challenges facing small business owners. In a statement New Zealand First says Erika possesses two decades of experience in corporate sales and marketing, across multiple industries, internationally. After her daughter was diagnosed with autism in 2014, Erika has dedicated herself to push for true equality for all New Zealanders challenged by a disability. Erikas vast expertise in business and her passion to help her local community makes her a stellar candidate for the Tauranga electorate. Erika is also a member of the board of trustees for Greerton Village School. New Zealand First says theyre proud to announce the hardworking New Zealanders that have put their hand up to fight for a common sense and resilient future. Current Tauranga based MP Clayton Mitchell has announced he will retire from politics at the coming election. Mitchell has spent six years in Parliament and says he decided a year ago that he wanted to spend more time with family. New Delhi: Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal on Friday made five-day institutional-quarantine mandatory for every COVID-19 patient under home-quarantine in the national capital. In his order, Delhi L-G said that after the five-day institutional-quarantine, asymptomatic COVID-19 patients will be sent for home-isolation. Five days institutional quarantine of each case under home-quarantine is to be made mandatory and, thereafter, (they) will be sent for home-isolation, except in cases where symptoms require further hospitalization, L-G Anil Baijal said in his order. However, responding to the order, a Delhi government official said that this will only serve to scare away people from getting tested. There is already a serious shortage of docs, nurses for treating COVID-19 patients here, the Delhi government said after LG's guidelines on home isolation. According to the government, there are around 8,500 COVID-19 patients in home isolation in Delhi, who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. India registered over 10,000 cases for the eighth day in a row. The country has witnessed a surge of 1,89,997 infections from June 1 till 19 with Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh among the top five states that have seen a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases. Of the 336 new deaths reported till Friday morning, 100 were in Maharashtra, 65 in Delhi, 49 in Tamil Nadu, 31 in Gujarat, 30 in Uttar Pradesh, 12 each in Karnataka and West Bengal, 10 in Rajasthan, six in Jammu and Kashmir, five in Punjab, four each in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, three in Telangana, two in Andhra Pradesh and one each in Assam, Jharkhand and Kerala. India is the fourth worst-hit nation by the COVID-19 pandemic after the US, Brazil and Russia. According to the Johns Hopkins University, which has been compiling COVID-19 data from all over the world, India is at the eighth position in terms of the death toll. Wrexham schools to only open for three weeks when children return to check in and catch up later this month This article is old - Published: Friday, Jun 19th, 2020 Schools across Wrexham County Borough will only open for three weeks when pupils return to Check in, Catch Up, Prepare for summer and September later this month. At the start of June Education Minister Kirsty Williams unveiled plans for what she described as the next phase for schools. They included all pupils returning back to the classroom on June 29th. Under the guidance it is expected that this will mean, at most, a third of pupils present at any one time. As part of the plans the education minister also said that schools would reopen for four weeks which would include the first week of the summer holidays. However in a joint statement from Council Leader Mark Pritchard and Chief Executive Ian Bancroft confirmed that schools across the county borough will not open for the fourth and final week, and will close for the summer holidays on Friday, July 17. In the statement they say it is their understanding that Welsh Government and trade unions are struggling to reach agreement, and the Government has stated in the media that schools and councils will have the final say. Cllr Pritchard and Mr Bancroft continue onto say: Theres no contractual obligation for staff to work the extra week putting the onus on individual head teachers and staff, which is unfair. It could also lead to inconsistency and confusion, with some schools able to open for the fourth week, and some not. We know that many parents will be feeling anxious and uncertain about sending their children back to school, and need to know exactly whats happening so they can make arrangements and feel confident. So this isnt something that can be left until the last minute, and its only fair to staff, parents and pupils that we make a decision for the whole of Wrexham now. As a result, we can confirm that schools across the county borough will not open for the fourth and final week, and will close for the summer holidays on Friday, July 17. Schools will reopen on Monday, June 29 for three weeks not four weeks, as originally planned. They add: We know this is really hard for everyone. Itll mean more work for schools in planning for three weeks instead of four, and it could mean your school needs to contact you about reducing the number of days your child can attend. Schools will continue to work extremely hard over the next few days to make any required amendments to the arrangements, and it would be appreciated if parents dont contact schools this timeas schools will be contacting parents / carers if there are to be any changes. We want to make it clear that this is in no way the fault of our schools. Its a national issue, and a decision we havent taken lightly. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Were still living in such strange times and facing challenges every day as a result of Covid-19. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a 70-year-old non-profit organization dedicated to saving historic sites across the U.S., says that Confederate monuments should be removed or relocated to new sites to achieve the greater good of ensuring racial justice and equality. The organization, based in Washington, D.C., released a statement Thursday saying that many of the monuments stand as symbols of white supremacy and sometimes serve as rallying points for bigotry and hate today. To many African Americans, they continue to serve as constant and painful reminders that racism is embedded in American society, it reads. The statement comes after weeks of protests following the May 25 death of George Floyd in police custody in Minnesota. Four Minneapolis policemen were fired following Floyds death, with one charged with his murder and three others facing related charges. Floyds death, recorded on video, touched off protests across the U.S., with some continuing weeks later. The National Trust also referenced the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, a Georgia man shot to death while jogging Feb, 23, and Breonna Taylor, a Louisville, Ky. woman shot to death March 13 by police in her own apartment. Downtown Birmingham saw civil unrest May 31 following demonstrations over Confederate monuments in Linn Park, with some businesses seeing break-ins, damage and fires. A day later, the 52-foot Confederate Soldiers & Sailors Monument was removed from the park. Protests have continued, with removal of statues in Mobile and Montgomery, and discussions about monuments ongoing around the country. In a statement on its website, the National Trust says that not all Confederate monuments are the same, but that it supports relocation of some to museums or other places for preservation so that their history as elements of Jim Crow and racial injustice can be recognized and interpreted. The statement also recommends interpretive markers to put monuments in context for visitors. This can be done in the case of monuments in states were legislatures have prohibited their removal. Alabama passed the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act of 2017 which set forth penalties for removing monuments. We believe it is past time for us, as a nation, to acknowledge that these symbols do not reflect, and are in fact abhorrent to, our values and to our foundational obligation to continue building a more perfect union that embodies equality and justice for all, the statement reads. Until such state laws are changed or overturned, contextualization may be the only option, at least for the present, it continues. Our view, however, is that unless these monuments can in fact be used to foster recognition of the reality of our painful past and invite reconciliation for the present and the future, they should be removed from our public spaces. A schoolboy can be heard begging another teenager's father to 'let him go' after spitting in his face in new footage of a bloody brawl outside a Queensland school. The disturbing video, captured on a mobile phone, showed two students trying to walk away from the father, who was blocking the teenagers' path, as he tended to his bleeding nose. The graphic footage first showed the group of teenagers bashing the father who claimed he was trying to protect his son outside Park Ridge State High School, south of Brisbane, Queensland on Monday afternoon. But another video showed the father threw the first punch and now new video of the incident has shed more light on the brawl. The disturbing footage, captured on a mobile phone, showed two students trying to walk away from the father, who was blocking the teenagers' path, as he tended to his bleeding nose 'The fight is over,' one of the teenagers could be heard shouting, according to the The Courier Mail. The father then responds incoherently before another teenager said: 'Just let him go'. 'What the f***? Why? You want to spit in my face again,' the man cried out. The man can be seen wiping blood off of his face while being told to 'walk away' by the group of teenagers. Several clips from the brawl have emerged over the last week. The first clip showed two teenage boys wrestling near the school before one wearing a red singlet was pinned to the ground. The father then went behind his son's attacker and punched the boy in the side of the head. He delivered another forceful blow and began punching the boy with both fists. The pack of at least six boys in school uniforms then started punching and kicking the man, who struggled to get himself off the ground. Earlier footage showed the father and one of the teenagers squaring off while shouting at each other, before the boy spat in the man's face. 'You f**king hit me,' the father yelled. 'Someone call the f***ng cops'. A fight broke out last Monday after school ended for the day at Park Ridge State High School, south of Brisbane, Queensland between six students and the father A Queensland Police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia that the investigation is going. A total of 12 videos of the incident are believed to be circulating on social media. No further incidents have happened between the parties since. Acting Senior Sergeant Nick Edwards said the father made a complaint, prompting a police investigation. 'I was blown away by the pack mentality of the students and that they gave no thought to what could have gone wrong with their actions,' Acting Senior Sergeant Edwards previously told The Courier Mail. Earlier footage showed the father and one of the teenagers squaring off while shouting at each other, before the boy spat in the man's face 'To see the student spit in the parent's face was disgusting.' The Queensland Department of Education said emergency services were called to the school, but couldn't confirm whether the students were punished. The school is working actively with the families involved and students are being dealt with in line with the school's Responsible Behaviour Plan,' a spokesperson said. Members of the school community said they were unhappy with how Park Ridge State High School handled similar incidents. Members of the school community said they were unhappy with how Park Ridge State High School handled similar incidents A parent with two boys at the school told Daily Mail Australia: 'They do sweep things under the rug.' 'I believe that school hasnt always dealt with my issues in the best way and believe some of the punishments for some students are harsher than others.' 'The school policy in general regarding detention for whatever reason needs reviewing in my option,' the mum said. Inside one of the Chinese labs racing to create a coronavirus vaccine, researchers work weekends, lab monkeys are in short supply and plans are being made for human trials abroad. Yisheng Biopharma, a company based in the northeastern city of Shenyang, has been working non-stop since January to find the silver bullet against the disease that emerged in China late last year. A resurgence of cases in Beijing -- after China had largely brought the virus under control -- has highlighted the urgency for the world to find a vaccine against the coronavirus, which has killed more than 450,000 people around the world. Yisheng is better known for making rabies vaccines, but it has converted one of its nine workshops into a coronavirus inoculation production line and will recruit up to 50 extra workers. The company is still in the early stages of development. But it will take the risk of starting production of its vaccine in September, before completing clinical trials, so the shots are ready sooner for the public if the product is approved. "This vaccine must appear quickly, and it is impossible to wait until the next epidemic season to complete the trial and the third epidemic season to use the vaccine," Yisheng chairman Zhang Yi told AFP. Zhang said his researchers had not had any rest on weekends since they got the gene sequence of the coronavirus, on the second day of Chinese New Year in late January. "There is too much work to do," he said. - Pricey monkeys - The company's planned vaccine is at the animal testing stage, which precedes human clinical trials. Zhang said tests on mice and rabbits had shown good results, giving the animals high levels of neutralising antibodies. The vaccine is expected to not only protect the healthy against infection, but also heal patients with COVID-19, according to the company. The next step will be to test it on monkeys, which have become expensive due to high demand from labs testing an array of COVID-19 antibody drugs and vaccines, according to Yisheng chief executive David Shao. Yisheng used to pay between 10,000 and 20,000 yuan ($1,400 and $2,800) each for macaques, Shao said. Now each animal is worth 100,000 yuan, according to Shao. Chinese labs mainly use rhesus and cynomolgus macaques, farmed in the country's southern provinces. China is a large provider of lab monkeys, exporting 20,000 of them last year and using 18,000 in local research, said Liu Yunbo, chairman of Beijing HFK Bioscience, a lab animal provider. "This year's consumption is quite large, so the supply is not enough," he said. - 'Racing for time' - Yisheng has spent about $3 million on its vaccine research so far, with plans to start production in a few months and make it available to the public this year. "It's more expensive than other vaccine products," Shao said, adding that there was a shortage of resources and research material. "We are really racing for time." The company plans to spend another $180 million for the clinical trials following the animal tests. "We can have as many as 10 production lines and produce 500 million doses a year," Zhang said. With too few infections now in China to test the vaccine on humans, Yisheng plans to apply for clinical trials in the United States, Europe, Singapore and Australia in collaboration with a US company. Thirteen clinical trials are taking place around the world, five of them in China. Zhang said competitors were likely to beat his company in the race to produce the first vaccine, but that was not his priority. "It's about who can produce the quantity. Who can get good results and make a high quality and effective product, he said. "This is what really counts. Being first doesn't mean anything." An already thinned out Congress in Telangana - after 12 of its MLAs broke away from the party and merged with the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in 2019 - may suffer further blow as its Bhadrachalam MLA Podem Veeraiah allegedly upset over infighting in the party may join ranks with the TRS. The Congress had won 19 out of 119 assembly seats in the state in December 2018 elections, but was reduced to just six seats after a big chunk of its MLA moved over to KCRs party. While Congress Veeraiah could not be reached for comment, a senior Congress leader familiar with the development said the tribal MLA has become inaccessible to the state party leaders for the last few days. We are aware that the TRS leadership has been trying to lure Veeraiah into the party because he holds considerable influence in the tribal areas of Khammam district. So, there is no surprise if he has any plans to move into the TRS, the Congress leader said. If Veeraiah jumps changes track and joins the TRS, the Congress would be left with just five MLAs: Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, D Anasuya alias Seethakka, D Sridhar Babu, T Jayaprakash Reddy and K Rajagopal Reddy. Out of those, Rajagopal Reddy is also looking towards the Bharatiya Janata Party and made statements in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi many times. On Thursday, some senior Telangana Congress leaders, who met at the residence of a former Rajya Sabha member, expressed concern over the lack of unity among the party leaders, mainly due to the alleged unilateral decisions taken by PCC president N Uttam Kumar Reddy. The ex-MP asked AICC general secretary in-charge of Telangana affairs R C Khuntia to immediately call for a meeting of the core committee to thrash out all the differences within the party and activate the party cadre. It is because of the attitude of the PCC leadership that some leaders are leaving the party. It is time the core committee calls for an emergency meeting and sort things out, before they go further out of hand, he said. The last time the core committee of the PCC, headed by Khuntia, had met was in November 2019 after the defeat of PCC chiefs wife N Padmavathi Reddy in the by-elections to Huzurnagar with a huge margin of over 43,000 votes. Following his wifes defeat Uttam Kumar Reddy offered to step down as PCC chief. Around the same time, the party high command sent a team of observers comprising AICC general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad and former Karnataka minister H K Patil to collect the opinions of all the party leaders on choosing a suitable candidate for the PCC chief post. The team held a series of meetings with party leaders who called for a dynamic team at the PCC and a complete overhaul of the party. But there was no consensus on the candidate for PCC chief and after that, there was no information whatsoever from Delhi. The party continues to be in a state of limbo, the Congress leader quoted above said. The attempts of PCC working president and Malkajgiri MP A Revanth Reddy to project himself as a potential candidate for the PCC chief post were thwarted by seniors like former MP V Hanumantha Rao, former deputy chief minister Damodar Rajanarasimha, Bhongir MP Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and Sangareddy MLA T Jayaprakash Reddy. Jayaprakash Reddy went to the extent of threatening that he would have to choose his own path if Revanth Reddy is made the PCC chief. A B.C. man faces multiple charges after his allegedly unruly behaviour aboard a Toronto-bound WestJet flight caused it to be diverted to Winnipeg on Sunday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A B.C. man faces multiple charges after his allegedly unruly behaviour aboard a Toronto-bound WestJet flight caused it to be diverted to Winnipeg on Sunday. Police say the 60-year-old Surrey resident lit a cigarette during the flight and refused to follow the instructions of the flight crew, including wearing a protective face mask. 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. Balvir Singh has been charged with mischief over $5,000, smoking on an aircraft, and two counts of failing to comply with directions of a flight crew. WestJet spokeswoman Morgan Bell said the plane refuelled in Winnipeg before resuming its flight to Toronto. "We sincerely apologized for the delay and interruption to our guests travel plans who were affected by the diversion and unfortunate situation," Morgan wrote in an email. Singh was released on $3,000 bail Wednesday. His next court date is July 16. Winnipeg is a frequent landing point for diverted flights, given the citys distance from other major airports, said Winnipeg Airport Authority spokesman Tyler MacAfee. In February, a man and woman from the United Kingdom were sentenced to 30 days in jail and fined $100,000 each after their drunken escapades aboard a plane bound for Los Cabos, Mexico, forced pilots to divert to Winnipeg. Hear ye, hear ye: Its patio season isnt that lovely? Restaurant and bar owners across Hamilton will raise a collective glass Friday to ring in the return of a summer staple and long-awaited dine-in customers. The hospitality sector has been rocked the past three months as most eateries shifted to a contactless, pickup and delivery-based business model amid COVID-19. Its slow comeback to the Golden Horseshoe all but 10 of Ontarios 12 public health units got the go ahead to reopen restaurants and bars June 12 comes with a number of caveats concerning safety regulations. There are sanitizing stations at nearly every turn, customer-cap limits and modified washrooms, distanced tables and throwaway menus. Theres even no singing and no dancing. In short: the dining experience as we know it will look substantially different. But its here, finally, and thats worth something. Ninety-three days exactly. Thats how long weve been waiting, said Jerome Skara, owner of the Gown and Gavel on Hess Street South. Im fantastically excited. When they announced Stage 2 for everything other than the Golden Horseshoe, I was in near tears here thinking, So close, but so far. Now were just waiting for the doors to open. Gown and Gavel is one of a dozen patios The Spectator contacted who are bracing for scores of customers this weekend. Most are recommending customers place reservations before arriving, while others like Saltlick Smokehouse on James Street North and Stoney Creeks Barangas on the Beach are operating on a first-come, first-served basis. All have downsized their patio seating charts and placed floor markers to allow for proper physical distancing. The amount of calls and reservations has been unbelievable, were already full, said Skara, whose patio has shrunk from around 350 chairs to 111. The provincial guidance prepared for restaurants and bars runs the gamut from mandatory PPE for staff and frequently cleaning, to reduced capacity and limited access to indoor facilities. Some are taking that a step further. Southcote 53, a tap and grill in Ancaster, will take the name, number, and time of arrival and departure of its customers to ensure theres a record if need be to draw from. It its a larger group of people, well take the contact information of one person who will be (a liaison) for everyone else, said Anna Banzon, manager of the eatery, which has dropped its patio table capacity from 40 to 20. Were just doing it for the safety of customers and staff in case theres a positive case. The popular Barangas on the Beach on Van Wagners Beach Road, a fixture on the Lake Ontario shoreline for 29 years, has prepped hundreds of disposable one-use menus to limit high-touch surface areas. Theyve also closed off their bigger restrooms to offer two private washrooms instead. Other eateries are using creativity to better host customers. Saltlick Steakhouse is one of the more than 70 restaurants have reached out to the city to inquire about expanding patios into parking lots and onto sidewalks or side streets. Owner Shane McCartney who said he drove down to Guelph last week to see how patios were faring there said he hopes his current cap of two tables will at least double in the next two weeks. The feeling of sitting on a patio, the normalcy of life Being able to go back to that is a pretty overwhelming experience. Its just awesome, he said. If everyones following the guidelines, I dont see a problem. Hitting a patio? Heres some safety tips Weve made it far enough practising what our health experts have preached for months why let up? So says Dr. Zain Chagla, an infectious disease expert at St. Josephs Healthcare Hamilton, who recommends people use common sense and draw on past experience as they venture out into the post-lockdown world. Things are opening, but dont treat them as theyre no-risk. Theyre low-risk, Chagla says. The principles over the last three months didnt disappear, and theres a number of things people can do to be more considerate of community safety. Heres a quick list of tips to consider when grabbing a bite in public. Be considerate if theres a lineup, make sure youre spread out. Try not to use the washroom. Bring sanitizer with you; lather before and after a meal. Dont share condiments, drinks, appetizers or meals. If you go inside a restaurant, wear your mask. The virus is not that hearty on surfaces like clean utensils, but, still, dont touch your face. Know the menu in advance to limit your stay. The US expects China to make some changes in its policy pertaining to Hong Kong, "in the next week or two", Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell said on Friday. "I am not saying there was an agreement, but we made very clear our position, so we will see in the next week or two or however long it takes if they begin to live up to their commitments," said Stilwell. "We are looking forward to the reconsideration of the domestic security legislation, national security legislation that they are imposing on Hong Kong," he ... 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 NEW DELHI: Voting for 19 Rajya Sabha seats spread across 8 states concluded peacefully at 4 pm on Friday. Voting began at 9 am in the respective Assemblies and concluded at 4 pm. Polling took place in 8 states simultaneously - Gujarat (4 seats), Andhra Pradesh (4 seats), Rajasthan (3 seats), Jharkhand (2 seats), Manipur (1 seat), Meghalaya (1 seat) and Mizoram (1 seat). Apart from routine preparations, the Election Commission had made special arrangements for sanitisation, social distancing etc. in view of coronavirus outbreak. The EC had arranged separate entry and exit gates. MLAs were allowed to enter the Assemblies after the thermal screening. 18 of the 19 seats are part of the 55 Rajya Sabha seats which fell vacant earlier this year. Out of these 55 seats, 37 were filled uncontested. Later, the Election Commission announced polls for four seats in Karnataka and one seat each in Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. While polls in Karnataka and Arunachal were unanimous affair, polling will take place in Mizoram. Tap for the live updates:- -Bharatiya Janata Party and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha win one seat (total 2 seats) each in Jharkhand. -BJP wins 2 seats from Madhya Pradesh and Congress one. BJPs Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sumer Singh Solanki and Congress Digvijaya Singh win RS election from MP. - Congress wins 2 seats from Rajasthan, while BJP 1 seat. BJP's Rajendra Gehlot won, while KC Venugopal and Neeraj Dangi won from the Congress party. -YSRCP has won all 4 RS seats from Andhra Pradesh. YSRCP candidates Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose, Mopidevi Venkata Ramana, Alla Ayodhyarami Reddy and Parimal Natwani have been elected to the Rajya Sabha. -Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma thanks ''all the MDA partners for bestowing their support to the National Peoples Party candidate WR Kharlukhi.'' Congratulations #DrWRKharlukhi for being elected to the #RajyaSabha from #Meghalaya. I thank all the MDA partners for bestowing their support to the National Peoples Party. pic.twitter.com/CA844nJMon Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) June 19, 2020 -Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma congratulates NPP candidate WR Kharlukhi -National People's Party candidate WR Kharlukhi wins Rajya Sabha seat from Meghalaya. -The Rajya Sabha has a maximum membership of 245 seats. Of the 245, 233 are elected by the legislatures of the states and UTs using single transferable votes through Open Ballot. The remaining 12 members are appointed by the President for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social services. -Voting for three Rajya Sabha seats in northeastern states (Meghalaya, Mizoram and Manipur) concluded peacefully. -The lone BJP MLA, Buddha Dhan, in Mizoram did not vote in the elections for the single Rajya Sabha seat in which NDA ally MNF is locked in a triangular fight, -Among those who are tipped to enter Rajya Sabha easily for the first time include Jyotiraditya Scindia, Mallikarjun Kharge, Tambi Durai, KC Venugopal and KR Suresh Reddy. -Counting of votes is currently underway. -Voting for 19 seats in 8 states concludes peacefully, counting of votes to begin shortly. -The Gujarat Congress has complained to the Election Commission against BJP MLAs Bhupendrasinh Chudasama and Kesarisinh and urged for cancelling their votes. -Of the 172 MLAs eligible to vote in the Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat, 170 MLAs cast their votes, while two others from the Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) stayed away from the process after they demanded a written assurance about the welfare of tribals, migrants and Dalits. -The saffron party has alleged that Ali flouted the coronavirus guidelines. It said Ali had returned from Australia one day ago and did not undergo the mandatory 14 days quarantine. -The BJP has filed a police complaint against Rajasthan Congress MLA Wajib Ali. -Pilot claimed that efforts were made to create confusion and spread rumour, but the candidates nominated by the AICC are going to win. "Both of our party candidates are going to win and I want to wish them in advance for their victory," he said. -Rajasthan deputy CM Sachin Pilot expressed confidence that the Congress will win the Rajya Sabha polls. -TDP leader and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu casts his vote for the Rajya Sabha elections in Amaravati. -Two TDP MLAs - K Atchannaidu and Anagani Satya Prasad - did not turn up for voting. -The BJP has claimed that the lone NCP MLA in Gujarat has voted for the party candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls. -Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh arrives at the state Assembly to cast his vote for one seat of Rajya Sabha. Europe Further strikes by Dutch workers at Tata steel Tata steel workers at the IJmuiden plant in the Netherlands struck again on Wednesday to protest the companys plans to cut 1,000 jobs. Office workers were to join 2,000 production workers. This follows days of strikes at the plant begun on June 10. On May 26, around 100 steelworkers held an unofficial walkout and picket over the planned job cuts. The unions plea to the company is only for no compulsory redundancies. In November, Tata confirmed plans to cut around 3,000 jobs across Europe, of which 1,600 would be in Holland. In the UK, where it owns the Port Talbot steel plant in South Wales, 1,000 jobs were slated for destruction. In March, the company announced it would revise its UK planned redundancies down to 500, based on natural wastage, to reduce the numbers. Tata is utilising the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with many firms internationally, to impose further restructuring. Protest by health workers in Greek capital Greek health care workers held a march in Athens on Tuesday to the Ministry of Health to meet with officials. Members of the Federation of Greek Doctors Union and National Union of Public Hospital Workers (POEDIN) were protesting the underfunding of the health system and called for the recruitment of additional doctors and other staff. They also called for temporary staff taken on to deal with the COVID-19 crisis to be made permanent. The march coincided with a 24-hour doctors strike, while POEDIN members are striking each day this week between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Protest over deaths at UK hospital A protest was held Monday outside the UKs St Georges Hospital Tooting, London. The action, organised by GMB union members, took place on International Justice Day for Cleaners. It commemorated the death from COVID-19 of two cleaners at the hospital. Council staff in London borough to strike Workers at Labour-controlled Tower Hamlets council in London are planning a one-day strike July 3, a two-day strike July 6 and a three-day strike beginning July 14. The Unison union members oppose the councils Tower Reward programmean attack on pay and conditions which will cut redundancy and severance pay. Council workers in England and Wales to vote on pay Around 100,000 council workers across England and Wales are to be balloted on pay and conditions. The Local Government Employer body has offered the Unite union members a 2.75 percent pay rise for 2020-21. The ballot will run from July 3 to August 14. Middle East Iranian sugar workers renew strike On Monday, workers at the Haft Tappeh Sugar Cane Company in Iran walked out. The workers held a protest outside the sugar cane factory, where they were joined by supporters. Their demands included the payment of wage arrears, the reinstatement of sacked workers and for the company to be renationalised. The Haft Tappeh Sugar Cane Workers union members in their thousands have undertaken a series of walkouts and mass protests over the last three and a half years over job losses, pay and conditions as well as to demand the company be taken back into state ownership. Haft Tappeh is the oldest sugar factory in Iran. Since it was privatised in 2015, wages and conditions have deteriorated. Exports of Irans crude oil have been slashed by 80 percent due to US sanctions, reimposed just over 18 months ago. The price of food, housing and necessities has soared, while there is a shortage of medicines. Africa Shopworkers in Soweto, South Africa, refuse to work over COVID-19 danger Three Shoprite stores in Soweto, Johannesburg were closed on June 10 when staff refused to work, fearing the risk of infection after several workers tested positive for COVID-19. Workers were especially concerned after seven managers had not turned up for work and the stores refused an explanation. South Africa has 76,334 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,625 fatalities. South African hospital workers demand to be paid for overtime Ancillary workers at Livingstone Hospital in Eastern Cape, South Africa, have threatened further strike action if they are not paid for working overtime. General Assistants, including cleaners, porters, cooks and laundry workers, say the hospital is understaffed. They have also demanded more personal protective equipment (PPE) and regular sanitising of wards with COVID-19 patients. The workers only returned to their posts on Saturday when they received promises via the National Union for Health and Allied Workers that management would meet their demands. Outsourced South African workers protest over unequal pay and conditions Outsourced municipal workers in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa, protested on June 10 demanding permanent employment. They get paid less than workers directly employed by the municipality. The Democratic Municipal and Allied Workers Union of South Africa members marched through the streets to City Hall, picketed the building and demanded to speak to the mayor. They included security guards, meter readers, seasonal workers and plumbers. South African warehouse workers picket to demand safety in the workplace Workers picketed on Monday at the Johannesburg warehouse of South African pharmacy retailer Dis-Chem, demanding the firm test all employees for COVID-19 and that they can self-isolate at home on full pay if tested positive. The company has not carried out an adequate screening and tracing process after 10 workers tested positive for coronavirus at the warehouse. The National Union of Public Services and Allied Workers union members are also insisting the building should be cleaned and disinfected and they should not have to pay for their own tests. Nigerian doctors stoppage over PPE and lack of benefits Resident doctors in Nigeria began strike action on June 14. The main issues are the lack of PPE and other benefits they expect, such as life insurance. They are vital in Nigerian health care due to their central role in hospital accident wards. The doctors are seeking a COVID-19 supplement, more funds for training, the ending of salary deductions in Kaduna state and other regions, and the repayment of previous deductions. Doctors treating COVID-19 patients are not currently part of the strike but expect to walk out if their demands are not met. Nigeria has 17,148 cases of coronavirus with 455 deaths. Nigerian college workers protest unpaid salaries and pensions Teaching staff at Edo State College of Education in Ekiadolor, Nigeria, protested against 11 months of working without pay or pensions being funded. The protest addressed the Benin state Head of Service (HoS), Anthony Okungbowa. Staff described the untold hardship that their families are suffering, made worse by the pandemic. The response of the HoS was to state they would receive one months payrejected by the protesters since it would not cover their bills. Sacked Ugandan hotel workers oppose company blackmail Hotel staff at Sanyu FM in Uganda, sacked after refusing to accept a 25 percent pay cut, are standing firm against the companys bullying. The staff were sacked after unanimously rejecting the cut in salary. They are looking at legal action for unfair dismissal. They used the companys Twitter account to ask for support, explaining that Sanyu FM management ... chose not to treat us fairly in accordance with the law and fired us. They asked for lawyers to come forward to take up their case. Liberian waste collectors protest non-payment of wages Almost 4,000 waste collectors employed by the Reclaiming Liberia Beaches and Waterways Program are preparing to stage a protest over non-payment of wages for 21 months. They issued a statement saying, We, the underprivileged slum dwellers in tears, frustration and hardship ... are left with no alternative but to protest in demand of our twenty-one months wages since the Government of Liberia ... continue to show no interest. The government admits owing the money to the workers but is fobbing them off with empty promises. It then wrote: "We reach the question, then: Does the preface (the '13 words') t with an operative clause that creates an individual right to keep and bear arms? It ts perfectly, once one knows the history that the founding generation knew and that we have described above. That history showed that the way tyrants had eliminated a militia consisting of all the able-bodied men was not by banning the militia but simply by taking away the peoples arms, enabling a select militia ... to suppress political opponents. This is what had occurred in England that prompted codication of the right to have arms in the English Bill of Rights. "We hold that the Districts ban on handgun possession in the home violates the Second Amendment... Assuming that Heller is not disqualied from the exercise of Second Amendment rights, the District ... must issue him a license to carry it in the home. A man was sentenced to 30 years in prison Tuesday by a Montgomery County judge for sexually assaulting a child. Curtis Lee Watkins, 35, of Conroe, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child, a first-degree felony, in the 221st District Court and was sentenced by presiding Judge Lisa Michalk. Watkins will be eligible for parole only after serving half his sentence, according to the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office. When Watkins was arrested in August 2019, he was being charged for sexually assaulting a child younger than 14 and for having the child perform oral sex in the period between Nov. 1, 2018 and Dec. 31, 2018, court records show. The case against Watkins started in April 2019 in California as investigators with the Department of Homeland Security determined Watkins was in the Houston area and had direct access to a child in extreme risk of sexual abuse. Watkins was taken into custody by the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, according to the DAs office. Watkins ultimately confessed to sexually abusing the child, the District Attorneys Office stated. The District Attorneys Office is steadfast in our commitment to the safety of children, said District Attorney Brett Ligon in a statement. The case was also investigated by the Conroe Police Department. The Conroe-based Childrens Safe Harbor advocacy group assisted in the case. The group, along with all other agencies involved in Watkins prosecution are part of the Houston Metro ICAC task force, according to the DAs office. The ICAC task force has once again done what it does so well, saved a child from abuse, said prosecuting Assistant DA Shanna Redwine in a statement. The professional and swift response of the Homeland Security investigations agents and Conroe Police Department detectives ensured that a dangerous man is in prison and a child in our community is now safe. jose.gonzalez@chron.com twitter.com/jrgzztx Would you prefer the next Broncos ownership group include John Elway or Peyton Manning? You voted: In Nigeria, the Senate President is the head of the National Assembly, and assisted by the Deputy Senate President. The Senate President and his Deputy also work with the Principal Officers in the house including the Majority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader, Minority Leader, Deputy Minority Leader, Chief Whip, Deputy Chief Whip, Minority Whip and Deputy Minority Whip. Same is applicable to the House of Representatives which is headed by the Speaker and assisted by the Deputy with other officers similar to those mentioned above. Fundamentally, everyone in the National Assembly is, or ought to be traditionally interested in the day-to-day existence of the average people in the country and honestly work hard to improve their lives by offering selfless service in the offices they occupy. But contrary to this expectation, a peep at the 9th Assembly in the past one year will reveal that although the present 9th Assembly, going by the profile of members, is arguably filled with the best trained and most highly skilled in the history of NASS in Nigeria. But asymmetrical personal interest has not allowed them to do the job of lawmaking that will enhance the life chances of Nigerians. Indeed, one event that first raised the red flag and did so well to reveal that the present Assembly may not be allergic to controversy or scandal was the out-of-the-ordinary political interplays, and considerable uncertainties that lasted for weeks created by new and returning members of the 9th Assembly angling for principal positions in both the senate and House of Representatives. What, however, made that situation a very curious one was that an exercise like election of principal officers which constitutionally supposed to be an internal affair within the Assembly, suddenly against all known logic got characterized by national intrigue with the ruling party, The All Progressive Congress (APC) taking time to underline the advantages, and otherwise of having a particular lawmaker in a particular position. Without any lesson learned, the exposed systematised personal interest in the 9th Assembly was amplified by the controversy that characterized the lawmakers first official assignmentthe screening of the ministerial nominees that was silent on portfolios forwarded to the house by President Muhammadu Buhari. Aside from the non attachment of portfolios rendering the senators clueless in generating relevant strategic questions for the nominees, what really caused concern among Nigerians with critical interest was the senators adoption of the doctrine of take a bow and go for the majority of the nominees that were once senators. Without minding whether they (ex-senators) are familiar with the magnitude and urgency of our problem as a nation or laced with the requisite knowledge that the ministerial positions demand to help the nation come out of its present predicament Before the apprehension raised by the Lawan led senate not allowing Nigerians know what the Ex- Senators on the list have done in the past, currently doing, or will do when they become ministers, could settle, that of the planned purchase of the controversial SUVs cars was up. While Nigerians were still waiting for the commencement of governance, the leadership of the National Assembly before embarking on its eight-week recess, which ended on September 24, 2019, begun moves to procure operational vehicles for the lawmakers that make up its dual legislative chambers. Essentially, while there was no question that high-offices such as the National Assembly need operational veihecle to facilitate their responsibilities, the stunning aspect of this episode going by reports is with the estimated current price of the chosen vehicle now N50 million. And the Senate needed about N5.550 billion to get enough quantity for its members. What is in one considerably different is the question; how can a nation spend over N5billion on such project in a country with slow economic but high population growth? Where excruciating poverty and starvation daily drives more people into the ranks of beggars? And were so many children are presently out of school? As if Nigerians were never tired of receiving frightening packages from the 9th Assembly, at about the same time the world leaders were standing up with sets of values that encourage listening and responding constructively to views expressed by citizens, giving others the benefits of the doubt, providing support and recognizing the interests and achievements of its citizens, the Senate came out with two Bills that critical minds and of course the global community qualified as obnoxious-the Internet Falsehood and Manipulations Bill, and the hate speech bill. At the most basic level, while the Internet Falsehood and Manipulations Bill, 2019, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Sani Musa,(APC Niger East), among other provisions, seeks to curtail the spread of fake information. And seeks a three-year jail term for anyone involved in what it calls the abuse of social media or an option of fine of N150, 000 or both. It also proposed a fine of N10 million for media houses involved in peddling falsehood or misleading the public. The hate speech bill on its part, proposed that any person found guilty of any form of hate speech that results in the death of another person shall die by hanging upon conviction. This is in addition to its call for the establishment of an Independent National Commission for Hate Speeches, which shall enforce hate speech laws across the country. The above defect is by no means unique to the Senate. In fact, if what is happening in the senate is considered by Nigerians as a challenge, that of the House of Representative is a crisis. Take as an illustration, a glance at the history of attempts seeking regulation of non-profitable organizations (NPOs) in Nigeria will reveal that no bill has ever received the level of knocks like the 9th Assembly planned but now suspended re-introduction of the NGO Bill formerly sponsored by late Honorable Umar Buba Jibril of the outgone 8th Assembly. The reasons for such knocks were built on the fact that if passed, it contains far-reaching, restrictive provisions than its counterparts. But one point they(House) failed to remember is that Non-Profitable Organizations are not just another platform for disseminating the truth or falsehood, information, foodstuff and other relief materials that can be controlled at will. Rather, it is a platform for pursuing the truth, and the decentralized creation and distribution of ideas; in the same way, that government is a decentralized body for the promotion and protection of the peoples life chances. It is a platform, in other words, for development that the government must partner with instead of vilification. Looking at commentary, what also made the Bill a very contoversial one lies in its quest for a regulatory commission established which shall facilitate and coordinate the work of all national and international civil society organisations and will assist in checking any likelihood of any civil society organisation being illegally sponsored against the interest of Nigeria. Weeks after the suspension of the Bill due to public outcry, the House in a related move declined the opportunity to promote local content- an expression that is daily preached within the government circle without compliance. As the house refused to patronize the locally assembled vehicles by Innoson Group, said to have been recommended for them; and in its place, opt for the 2020 edition of Toyota Camry which will not only double the price of the initially recommended but, will cost a whooping N5 Billion to purchase 400 of the Toyota Camry model needed by the house. Essentially, aside from the rejection of Innoson brand of SUVs initially recommended for members, and in its place, went for 2020 edition of Toyota Camry, that will gulp about N5billion of tax payers money, what, however, made the development newsy is that the house going by report has before now been at the forefront promoting the local content laws in the country. Of course, one strategic implication of the above is that it explains why what is today said at the floor of the national assembly hardly matters that much more to the people. In the same vein, the House few weeks after, through Honourable Odebumi Olusegun, of Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere federal constituency (APC, Oyo), pushed for the passage of a bill tagged; Bill for an Act to Alter Section 308 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999(as amended), which provides that: no civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors during their period of office. And have same provision extended to accommodate/cover Presiding Officers of Legislative officers during their period of office. This, and many other worrying developments from the current 9th Assembly in the last one year is in my views not the best way to legislate for the poor. Jerome-Mario Utomi([email protected]), is a Lagos-Based Media Consultant. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said Ramoni Igbalode, popularly known as Ray Hushpuppi or just Hushpuppi has a... The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said Ramoni Igbalode, popularly known as Ray Hushpuppi or just Hushpuppi has a case to answer with the commission. The EFCC, describing Hushpuppi as Nigerias most-wanted hacker, said it was familiar with the grisly details of his money laundering transactions, involving many high-profile cyber criminals. EFCC in a statement on Thursday said Hushpuppi has considerable cases of cyber crimes currently being investigated. The Commission is familiar with grisly details of his money laundering transactions, involving many high-profile cyber criminals facing trial in Nigeria. The Commission is engaging with the FBI in tracing victims of his fraudulent transactions and other fraudsters having direct involvement with him. Local cyber criminals with money laundering networks with him, are also being investigated, EFCC stated. The commission added that the Instagram celebrity was arrested on June 10 in connection with $35million ventilator scam. Dubai police: Why we arrested Hushpuppi The Dubai police also broke its silence on the arrest of Hushpuppi, saying he fraudulently obtained money from companies and individuals. According to UAE National, security officers in the emirate arrested the 38-year-old, whose real name is Raymond Igbalode, and 12 others for obtaining money through fraudulent means. It was gathered that the socialite, who has now been charged, had been referred to the Dubai public prosecution where hes currently being questioned by prosecutors at the Bur Dubai section. They would send out letters from email addresses almost identical to those of legitimate companies, targeting customers of these companies, a senior prosecutor was quoted to have said. This is with the purpose of diverting payments to themselves. Initial information includes that he was part of this gang which fraudulently obtained cash and cars from people. His statement was taken by the prosecution but this is just the beginning of prosecution investigations. Hushpuppi is known for his luxury lifestyle, which sees him flaunt expensive vehicles, dine with celebrities, and spread pictures of his glamorous homes state-of-the-art furniture on social media. In 2019, he made headlines after he claimed that his driver earned as much as a non-fraudulent commissioner in Nigeria. Hushpuppis case comes months after the anti-graft agency docked Mompha, another wealthy internet personality, over alleged N32.9 billion money laundering. It also comes at about the same time when Cubana Chief Priest, a nightlife promoter, was detained by the police over alleged misuse of escorts and unexplained wealth. After talking to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Lavrov said at a press conference on Thursday that Russia trusts that the EU, which has the role of mediator in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, must not isolate itself from its obligations, Xinhua news agency reported. Belgrade, June 19 (IANS) Russia will continue to support Serbia on the issue of the Kosovo and Metohija province, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during his visit to Serbia, stressing the responsibility of the European Union (EU) as a mediator in the ongoing dialogue. Pledging that Russia's position on Kosovo and Metohija province won't change, he emphasized that the solution must be in accordance with international law and the approval of the UN Security Council, and ensure peace and security in this part of Europe. "We have confirmed that we will support any steps and initiatives that will help Belgrade and Pristina reach a mutually acceptable solution based on Resolution 1244 (of the UN Security Council)," said Lavrov. "Today, we agreed to talk on an almost daily basis, to consult, exchange experiences and knowledge," said Vucic. Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic agreed with his Russian counterpart on the EU responsibility for the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. "Constant unilateral acts and failing to realize agreements (between Belgrade and Pristina) are factors that ruin the credibility of the EU," Dacic said. During the visit, Lavrov also met Serbian Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic, and signed an agreement on cooperation in the fight against terrorism between the governments of the two countries. --IANS rt/ A MAN who stabbed two women and a ten-year-old boy in their own home last Christmas, with the 47-year-old mother requiring nine hours of emergency surgery, was jailed for 10 years. Thomas O'Sullivan (54) was jailed as a judge warned that his actions could easily have had tragic consequences. O'Sullivan was jailed for 12 years, with two suspended, by Judge Sean O'Donnabhain at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. "This was a determined and vicious attack," the judge warned. He said it was shocking that the mother and children should have faced such a violent attack in their own home just days before Christmas. The judge added it was apparent that a long-standing grudge O'Sullivan had borne towards the family because of an alleged incident a number of years earlier had been allowed to fester until it had apparently "boiled up out of control." The defendant, with an address at Silvercourt, Silversprings, Cork, was convicted of three counts of assault causing serious harm on December 23 last. O'Sullivan was first charged before Cork District Court on Christmas Eve and appeared before the Circuit Criminal Court on guilty pleas. The court was told three people were left injured after O'Sullivan broke into a property in Cork on the evening of December 23 and assaulted a 47 year old woman, her 20 year old daughter and her ten year old son. O'Sullivan was wearing a balaclava and, on gaining entry to the property, went to the mother's bedroom. The family had earlier been making preparations for Christmas and festivities they had planned for the following day, Christmas Eve. On approaching the mother's bedroom, he was confronted by the 47 year old woman. O'Sullivan had a knife bound to his wrist and proceeded to stab the mother in the chest after threatening to kill her. The woman's children - a 20 year old girl and a ten year old boy - heard the woman's desperate shouts for help and bravely ran to her aid. The little boy pleaded with the intruder not to hurt his mother before being stabbed himself. Both children suffered stab and slash type injuries as they battled to help their mother. All three managed to escape from the intruder and rang the Gardai to raise the alarm. The mother and children were treated in Cork University Hospital (CUH) for stab injuries on December 23. The 47 year old woman had to undergo nine hours of emergency surgery and was in a critical condition before recovering. Both the 20 year old woman and ten year old boy also underwent surgery for non-life threatening injuries. In a victim impact statement, the mother said she feared for her life that night with the intruder wearing the knife tied to his wrist "like a charm bracelet." "He kept repeating: 'I am going to kill you.' My son came into the room and was screaming: 'Please, please stranger leave my Mommy alone.' But he stabbed both my son and my daughter badly - I thought we were all killed," she said. "I told my daughter to run to the neighbours and get help - she still feels bad about leaving me. "I had a nine-and-a-half hour surgery and was left in a bad way because of the loss of blood. We have recovered somewhat - the physical scars on all three of us remain visible but the emotional scars are worst of all. "(He) stole our most precious memories from us - we live in a lovely area with lovely neighbours, all of whom have been very good to us but home feels different now. "It is so hard for anyone to imagine how you would have planned and intended to cause me and my family such harm, leaving me almost dead. You intended to do this - you came prepared. I hope God will forgive you - but I cannot," the mother said. Judge O'Donnabhain imposed a 12 year prison sentence but agreed to suspend the final two years in light of O'Sullivan's plea and remorse. By Nathan Layne and Rich McKay ATLANTA (Reuters) - The former Atlanta police officer charged with murder in the shooting death of Rayshard Brooks last week turned himself into authorities on Thursday afternoon, in keeping with an arrangement with prosecutors, according to county jail records. Garrett Rolfe, a white officer charged on Wednesday in the killing, was being held at the Fulton County jail. He was fired by the department on Saturday, a day after the shooting in a Wendy's parking lot in south Atlanta. By Nathan Layne and Rich McKay ATLANTA (Reuters) - The former Atlanta police officer charged with murder in the shooting death of Rayshard Brooks last week turned himself into authorities on Thursday afternoon, in keeping with an arrangement with prosecutors, according to county jail records. Garrett Rolfe, a white officer charged on Wednesday in the killing, was being held at the Fulton County jail. He was fired by the department on Saturday, a day after the shooting in a Wendy's parking lot in south Atlanta. In announcing the charges on Wednesday, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said he had recommended no bond for Rolfe, who shot Brooks twice in the back with his service handgun after a scuffle. Rolfe was charged with felony murder and 10 other counts. A second officer on the scene, Devin Brosnan, did not discharge his weapon. He faces a handful of lesser charges, including aggravated assault and violation of his oath. Brosnan turned himself in at the Fulton County Jail earlier on Thursday and was released on bond, according to his lawyer. The death of Brooks - the latest in a long line of African Americans whose fatal encounters with law enforcement have been documented on video - further heightened U.S. social tensions at a time of national soul searching over police brutality and racism in the criminal justice system. Howard also said Brosnan had agreed to turn state's evidence against his fellow officer. "He has decided to testify on behalf of the state in this case," the prosecutor said at a briefing to announce the charges. But Brosnan's attorney, Don Samuel, on Thursday denied that his client had made such an agreement. While his client had told Howard's office "everything" during a lengthy interview and would cooperate with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's probe, he had not agreed to be "state's witness," the lawyer said. "Officer Brosnan has not agreed to testify. He has not agreed to plead guilty," Samuel said in a statement, adding that he "has not agreed to be a 'state's witness.'" The killing of Brooks followed a national wave of protests sparked by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. That officer, Derek Chauvin, was charged with second-degree murder. Three other Minneapolis policemen were charged with aiding and abetting. The police encounter with Brooks started out calmly after he was found sleeping in his car at a Wendy's fast-food restaurant drive-through lane in Atlanta. Rolfe and Brosnan administered a sobriety test, after which the situation escalated. Previously released video of Brooks appeared to show him grabbing one of the officer's Taser stun guns and turning and pointing it at Rolfe before being shot. Howard said Thursday that investigators concluded Rolfe knew by then that the Taser had already been fired twice and thus was rendered harmless. One of the bullets from Rolfe's gun hit a white Chevy Trailblazer at the Wendy's, threatening the life of the three passengers inside, according to Howard and the charging documents against the two officers. One of the car's passengers, Michael Perkins, told a media briefing on Thursday that he had taken cover in the back seat as the struggle between the officers and Brooks escalated. He said he "smelt gunsmoke" but was unaware the car had taken a bullet until later. "I almost was killed myself. I feel troubled about it but I'm glad the family is getting the justice it deserves." Samuel described the decision to charge his client as "irrational" and politically motivated. He said Brosnan's conduct on the night of the shooting was "exemplary" and a "textbook example" of how an officer should approach a situation involving someone inebriated, as Brooks was that night. While Brosnan did not fire his gun, Howard charged him with aggravated assault for allegedly standing on Brooks' body after he was shot and for violating his oath of office by not rendering medical aid immediately after Brooks went down. Samuel said Brosnan, despite suffering a concussion during a tussle with Brooks, rushed to provide medical aid. A private funeral for Brooks is scheduled for Tuesday at 1 p.m. (1700 GMT) at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the church said in statement. On Monday a public viewing is scheduled at the church. (reporting by Nathan Layne in Wilton, Connecticut and Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Alistair Bell and Jonathan Oatis) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The need for affordable housing in our communities is urgent. For too long, Connecticut has been a segregated state, with its poorest residents (largely people of color) clustered in pockets of our cities. Constructing affordable housing is part of the solution, but we must not do it on our terms, not those of the developers. Westports Planning & Zoning Commission recently rejected Summit Saugatuck LLCs proposal to build a 187-unit development in Old Saugatuck. The current plan is to transform a historical neighborhood that is already affordable to build a massive complex in which less than a third of units are actually deemed affordable housing. It constitutes a rapid shift in density, one which would cause a spike in traffic on the one existing road in and out. On top of that, Old Saugatuck is low-density right now for good reason its swampy ecosystem has historically prevented construction of multistory tenements like the ones proposed. There is no telling what problems construction workers may run into. Portland police have identified two people who were killed after they were stabbed in Northeast Portland Tuesday afternoon. Cassy Leaton, 22, and Nate Hobbs, 39, died following a stabbing at Davis Street and 14th Avenue, police said. Police said they responded to the scene around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday and found Leaton and Hobbs injured. Officers did not specify whether the two died at the scene of the stabbing or at the hospital. Portland police did not release any other details about the stabbing or say whether they had identified any suspects. Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. (Photo : Photo by Nahel Abdul Hadi on Unsplash) Dark Web Sale: Hacker Steals Over $1.7 Million Tax Refunds From 65,000 People The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) in Pennsylvania, United States, the biggest provider of the health care provider in the country, was recently hacked by a Michigan man. Over 65,000 employees from the hospital had stolen their names, social security numbers, addresses, and salary information. All of the data were said to be sold on the dark web, wherein the hacker stole tax refunds worth $1.7 million. 65,000 people's data sold on Dark Web: How much it is worth READ ALSO: [BREAKING] Facebook Accidentally Admits Antifa is a Hate Group by Removing Trump's Ad In 2014, the UPMC experienced a massive hacking breach affecting over 65,000 employees of the hospital. All the personal information of the employees were reportedly stolen. This week, the suspect of the said hacking crime was finally arrested and charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft in federal court. The man, identified as 29-year-old Justin Sean Johnson from Michigan, allegedly created the hacking inside the human resources databases of the medical facility. "Justin Johnson stands accused of stealing the names, Social Security numbers, addresses and salary information of every employee of Pennsylvania's largest health care system," U.S. Attorney Scott Brady said in a statement. "After his hack, Johnson then sold UPMC employees' PII to buyers around the world on dark web marketplaces, who in turn engaged in a massive campaign of further scams and theft. His theft leftover 65,000 victims vulnerable to years of potential financial fraud." Prosecutors claim that Johnson stole the names, social security numbers, addresses, and salary information of every UPMC employee-- a total of over 65,000. After stealing info, the hacker reportedly put all the employees' information on the dark web. In there, he sold the hacked info. Buyers of the data, then file fraudulent tax returns that were said to be used to buy products on Amazon, which were shipped to Venezuela. The total stolen tax returns amounted to $1.7 million. Not the first time This was not the first time that UPMC experienced a hacking breach from the past. In 2015, foreign citizens that were said to be part of a group that does phony tax refunds were arrested by federal grand jury by hacking UPMC. Almost $2.2 million were filed as tax refunds, at the time. It was then applied for Amazon.com credits and were used to buy smartphones, laptop, tablet computers, video games, and other high-end electronics. "The good news is we've specifically identified groups who stole identities and used them to file over $2 million in false tax returns," Hickton said. "In any computer hacking scheme, I'd be loath to say we've completely stopped it. But this indictment is good news that we've disrupted the conspiracy." 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. ISLAMABAD (AP) An international rights group urged Egyptian authorities Thursday to stop harassing and intimidating health care workers who have criticized the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic. In Pakistan, an increase of 5,358 cases over the last 24 hours pushed the number of infections in the Middle East region beyond 1 million. Since the pandemic hit, healthcare workers in Egypt have been complaining of a dearth of protective equipment, testing and hospital beds for front-line doctors. Instead of protecting front-line health care workers by addressing their legitimate concerns over their safety and livelihoods, the Egyptian authorities are handling the COVID-19 crisis with their usual repressive tactics, Amnesty International said in a statement. Overall, Egypt has officially recorded more than 49,000 cases of the coronavirus, including 1,850 deaths. But last month, an Egyptian official said the country might realistically have as many as 100,000 cases. At least 68 health care workers have died of the virus and more than 400 have tested positive, according to the countrys doctors association. Health workers in Pakistan have also been heavily hit by the pandemic, with more than 3,000 testing positive and several dying. In recent weeks the daily number of new cases in Egypt has often surpassed 1,000, raising concerns the countrys health care system could soon become overwhelmed. On Monday, Egypt recorded its highest daily death toll of 97 people. Amnesty said it has documented the arbitrary detention of eight Egyptian health care workers, including six doctors and two pharmacists, who shared their health-related concerns on social media between March and June. The London-based rights group also alleged that health care workers are facing other threats and administrative penalties. The campaign not only further undermines freedom of expression in the country, but also hamstrings the efforts of those tackling the heath crisis and puts their and others lives in danger, said Philip Luther, Amnestys research and advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa Story continues On Tuesday, Egypts Doctors Syndicate released a statement saying it had urged Egypts top prosecutor to release five physicians who were arrested for having expressed their frustration with the way the Health Ministry is handling the COVID-19 outbreak. Infection rates in Pakistan have been spiraling in recent weeks, exceeding 160,000 on Thursday even as Prime Minister Imran Khan resisted pleas from medical professionals and the World Health Organization to reimpose a strict lockdown for at least two weeks. Khan says a countrywide lockdown would devastate an already crumbling economy and hurt the poorest with unemployment expected to near 7 million over the next year. Economists say Pakistans poverty rate of 30% has increased to 40% since the virus forced a lockdown in mid-March. Khans critics say a series of missteps has led to Pakistans worsening infection rate beginning with his refusal to shut down mosques, particularly in April and May during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan followed by Eid-al Fitr, a holiday that brought millions of Pakistanis into overcrowded markets in preparation. Khan also was slow to stop a gathering of tens of thousands of Islamic missionaries from around the world who arrived in Pakistan at the end of February for a massive meeting in mid-March. The government eventually canceled the gathering, but not before thousands had arrived in Pakistan only to return home to spread the virus. In the last week, Khan has given televised addresses to urge Pakistanis to wear masks and practice social distancing, a practice rarely observed by the majority of the countrys 220 million people, many of whom believe the virus is a hoax. For over a decade Wa Xian, research associate professor of biology and biochemistry at the University of Houston Stem Cell Center, has been perfecting technology for cloning stem cells. Now she is using it to take aim at pediatric Crohn's disease. Xian, who received a $1.9 million grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, along with Frank McKeon, professor of biology and biochemistry and director of the center, are developing new drug therapies to selectively destroy rogue cells they found in biopsies of pediatric Crohn's patients, to create new treatments for the disease. Crohn's disease is a condition marked by chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the gastrointestinal tract that often requires surgery to manage life-threatening blockages and perforations common in patients. Usually diagnosed in those between 20 to 35, about 15% of cases first show up in children and tend to be more severe. Xian's work reveals that the intestines of these children are dominated by abnormal stem cells, and identifies three different stem cells in all Crohn's biopsies - one type is responsible for the normal regeneration of the intestinal tract while the other two greatly outnumber these normal clones and seem to collaborate in promoting a highly-damaging state of inflammation and fibrosis that defines Crohn's disease. We are now working to understand the origin of these unusual subpopulations of mucosal stem cells, how they orchestrate the immune system to damage the intestines, and how they differ in a molecular sense from normal intestinal stem cells. Armed with this knowledge, we can set about to identify drugs that will selectively eliminate them all the while sparing the normal stem cells. Wa Xian, research associate professor of biology and biochemistry at the University of Houston Stem Cell Center "Crohn's is an enormously complex disease involving interactions between the immune system, the bacteria that inhabit the intestinal tract, and the cells that line the intestine that keep these two antagonists apart," said Xian, who considers Crohn's disease an intestinal stem cell disease rather than the product of a hyperactive immune system. "Defects in any one of these components could be the basis of this disease, and most of the present-day therapies are directed at the immune response with only limited success." Xian is placing her bet that these stem cell variants seen in all pediatric and adult cases of Crohn's are the culprits, and together with graduate student Rahul Neupane and postdoctoral fellows Shan Wang and Yan-Ting Zhang, is working with chemists at UH and the Texas Medical Center to selectively target these rogue stem cells for elimination. The efforts are aided by a new state-of-the-art drug-screening platform made possible by a High Priority Area Research Equipment Grant from the University of Houston. "The same technology that enabled Wa (Xian) to identify these pathogenic stem cells can now be exploited in altogether new approaches for find cures for pediatric and adult Crohn's," said McKeon. "By examining the stem cell clones, we can better understand the cause of what has been a very confusing disease. "It's really not until you break down the heterogeneity of the intestinal stem cells that you can realize it's the variants and not some hyperactive immune cell at the core of this disease." WASHINGTON, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of the Treasury have agreed with the bipartisan leaders of the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee to make public additional data regarding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This agreement will ensure that the interests of both transparency and protections for small businesses are served. "We are striking the appropriate balance of providing public transparency, while protecting the payroll and personal income information of small businesses, sole proprietors, and independent contractors," said Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. "We value transparency and our fiduciary responsibility to ensure American taxpayer funds are used appropriately. This responsibility goes together with the steps we are now taking to provide needed public information in step with protecting entrepreneurs' personally identifiable information associated with their business loan," said Administrator Jovita Carranza. "Small businesses are the driving force of our economic stability and are leading the way to allow our nation to rebound safely." SBA will disclose the business names, addresses, NAICS codes, zip codes, business type, demographic data, non-profit information, jobs supported, and loan amount ranges as follows: $150,000 -350,000 -350,000 $350,000 -1 million -1 million $1 -2 million -2 million $2 -5 million -5 million $5 -10 million These categories account for nearly 75 percent of the loan dollars approved. For loans below $150,000, totals will be released, aggregated by zip code, by industry, by business type, and by various demographic categories. For PPP data disclosed to date, including total dollars approved, loan sizes, lender sizes and types, loans approved by state, top lenders, loans by industry sector, and funds remaining, click here. About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. Contact: [email protected], (202) 205-7036 Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Blogs & Instagram Release Number: 20-51 SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration Related Links www.sba.gov Protesters hold photos of Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, who are being detained by China, outside British Columbia Supreme Court, in Vancouver, on March 6, 2019, as Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou appears in court. Chinese prosecutors said on Friday they have charged two detained Canadians for alleged espionage, in a case that has driven a diplomatic wedge between Ottawa and Beijing. Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were arrested in late 2018 on state security charges, soon after Canadian authorities arrested Huawei Technologies' chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, in Vancouver on a U.S. warrant. China has repeatedly called for the release of Meng, and has warned Canada that it could face consequences for aiding the United States in Meng's case. In December, the foreign ministry said it had ended an investigation into the two Canadians, and the case had been turned over to prosecutors. Kovrig's case is being handled by prosecutors in Beijing, and Spavor's in the northeastern province of Liaoning. The charges represent the next step in judicial proceedings against the pair and mean a formal trial can begin. Canada has called the arrests "arbitrary." The Canadian Embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday. Moldovan President Igor Dodon said on Friday he wanted to discuss with the Russian leadership such matters as the possibility to extend duty-free export, and to obtain the 200 million euro ($224 million) worth loan from Russia, as well as some additional assistance CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th June, 2020) Moldovan President Igor Dodon said on Friday he wanted to discuss with the Russian leadership such matters as the possibility to extend duty-free export, and to obtain the 200 million euro ($224 million) worth loan from Russia, as well as some additional assistance. Earlier this month, Dodon confirmed he would attend the Victory Parade, honoring the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War II, that Moscow is set to host on June 24. "I plan a range of important bilateral meetings. I want to discuss the extension of the duty-free export regime, which is due to expire on June 30, with Russian colleagues . .. Everything related to the Russian loan and additional support for Moldova in general is another topic," Dodon said in a video address that he posted on Facebook. The Moldovan president added he would also like to discuss new certifications for Moldovan freight motor carriers selling goods in Russia. Moldovan Prime Minister Ion Chicu said on June 1 that the country intended to continue negotiations on receiving Russia's loan, aimed at helping Moldova cover its budget deficit. With the nation gripped by protests over racial inequality, the pressure on Joe Biden to pick a black woman as his running mate has been steadily growing. And a newly published study from Monmouth University suggests that Democratic voters broadly support the idea. The analysis, released on Thursday, is based on interviews with more than 2,000 people who voted in early Democratic primaries and caucuses. When asked to name their preferred vice-presidential nominee, most identified a black candidate. Senator Kamala Harris was far and away the most popular pick, chosen by more than a quarter of respondents. It should be noted that Monmouth did not interview a representative sample of Democratic voters nationwide, let alone the general electorate. The studys respondents most likely skew towards more engaged and heavily partisan Democrats, given that all of them cast a primary vote, most of them in Iowa or New Hampshire. Still, Monmouths survey contained at least one striking finding that seemed to carry broader implications: Ms Harris support ran strongly among Democrats of various political persuasions. She was a top choice even among voters who had supported senators Elizabeth Warren or Amy Klobuchar for the presidential nomination even though both of those lawmakers have also been on Mr Bidens vice-presidential shortlist. Ms Warren and Ms Klobuchar were the runners-up in the Monmouth survey, but even with their totals combined, Ms Harris outpaced them. Ms Klobuchar, once seen as a top prospect, announced late on Thursday that she had withdrawn her name from consideration and that she had urged Mr Biden to choose a woman of colour for the ticket. Ms Klobuchar had come under heavy criticism in recent weeks for declining to press charges against a number of police officers who were involved in shootings when she was a prosecutor in Minneapolis. Choosing Ms Harris as a running mate could feed an enthusiasm about Biden that he doesnt currently have, Patrick Murray, who runs Monmouths polling operation, said in an interview. How would this play among independents? I dont know. But certainly among the core group of Democratic voters, it would be a home run for him. A Fox News poll in late March asked registered voters how they would vote in November if Mr Biden had Ms Warren on the ticket with him, and then if he had Ms Harris. It found little significant difference between the results, in any demographic. Mr Biden led Donald Trump, 50 per cent to 42 per cent, with Ms Harris on the ticket, and 52 per cent to 42 per cent with Warren beside him. Other black contenders mentioned by a sizeable number of Monmouth respondents included the former Georgia legislator Stacey Abrams and representative Val B Demings of Florida. Some other possible running mates, including the former national security adviser Susan E Rice and mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta, were named by considerably fewer people. The Monmouth study was conducted in early June, as anti-racism protests flared across the country. Theres little doubt that the publics sharpened focus on race probably pushed some voters towards supporting an African American contender. But the Democratic electorate has for years been growing broadly more concerned about matters of racial justice, which are likely to figure prominently into the remainder of the campaign. And Democratic voters dont just see choosing a black running mate as the virtuous thing to do they consider it good strategy, too. Of the Democratic primary voters who spoke to Monmouth researchers, roughly 3 in 5 said they thought picking a woman of colour would help Mr Bidens chances in November. Kamala Harris is now considered to be one of, if not the frontrunners to sit on Bidens ticket (Getty) That part matters: since the start of the primary campaign, Democratic voters have said their main focus is on beating Mr Trump in the general election. A presumption that Mr Biden was the safe and electable choice sat at the heart of his appeal to many primary voters. Mr Biden holds a sizeable lead over Mr Trump in most head-to-head polls, including a national Fox News survey released on Thursday, which found the former vice president with a 12-point advantage. But Democrats are not yet as enthusiastic about Mr Bidens candidacy as they have been about many past nominees at this point in the race, and with a pandemic keeping him mostly off the campaign trail, Democratic voters are looking for reassurance that the Biden campaign is making wise and winning decisions. The choosing of a running mate is a prime opportunity to make that case. Mr Biden pledged during the primary battle that he would choose a woman as his running mate, and his campaign is in the midst of vetting close to a dozen contenders. In April, black women across the country signed on to a public letter making the case that the vice-presidential nominee should be an African American. It is a fact that the road to the White House is powered by Black women and Black women are the key to a Democratic victory in 2020, they wrote. Black women are not only the most loyal voters for the Democratic Party we are key to igniting Black voters across all demographics to show up in record numbers. In 2016, Hillary Clinton had the overwhelming support of black voters, but they did not turn out in nearly the same numbers they had for Barack Obama four years earlier. This contributed to her Electoral College defeat. While Mr Biden leaned heavily on support from black voters in the primary election, polls thus far have shown that he still has significant room to grow if he wants to outpace Ms Clintons numbers among this group. He shows particular weakness among younger African Americans. Recommended Meghan McCain has tense exchange with Kamala Harris on police funding But if black voters make up a crucial part of the Democratic base, so do liberals. These voters have long been wary of the relatively moderate Mr Biden, and some recent polls have shown that as many as one-third of liberals expressed a negative view of him. And naming a candidate such as Ms Harris or Ms Demings, both of whom held prominent roles in law enforcement before coming to Washington, could be a letdown to some on the left particularly at a moment when the role of the police in society is coming under intense public scrutiny. Until recently, polls tended to suggest that Ms Warren was the most popular vice-presidential contender among Democratic voters. A presidential hopeful turned Biden confidante, Ms Warren has the trust of many liberals and in the primary she earned some of her strongest support from female and suburban voters, groups that Democrats consider crucial to a win in November. Ms Warrens +57 net favorability rating among liberals in a CNN poll last month was considerably better than Ms Harris (+42). But more respondents said they had yet to make up their minds one way or the other about Ms Harris. New York Times Union home minister Amit Shah has wished speedy recovery to Delhi health minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendar Jain, who has been shifted to a private hospital in the city after his condition was said to have deteriorated on Friday afternoon. Jain was diagnosed with Covid-19 on Wednesday, his second positive test in a week. He was hospitalized after experiencing high fever and breathing difficulty-- symptoms of coronavirus disease. Praying for the speedy recovery of Shri Satyendra Jain, Health Minister of Delhi who is battling with COVID-19 infection, Shah tweeted on Friday afternoon. Two other AAP leaders including MLA Atishi Marlena and Anindita Mathur, advisor to the deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, have also tested positive for the disease. Akshay Marathe, an advisor to CM Arvind Kejriwal, has also tested positive for the viral disease on Wednesday, according to PTI. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said Jains latest CT scan report show that the pneumonia patches in his lungs have increased. He experienced increased giddiness and tiredness today. The advice of doctors will be followed, Arvind Kejriwal was quoted as saying by ANI. The 55-year-old minister was put on full-time oxygen support as his oxygen saturation level (Spo2) had dipped. We have put him fully on oxygen support as his Spo2 level had fallen to 89 at one point, normal level is about 95. Also, he has been diagnosed with pneumonia, so we are shifting him to an ICU at the hospital, a senior official of the hospital told PTI. A decision to shift Jain to a bigger private hospital was later taken. He was first admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH). Delhi health minister Satyendar Jains condition worsens, moved to another Covid-19 hospita Jain has been attending several meetings before he was diagnosed positive. On Sunday, he attended a meeting chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah which was also attended by Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, L-G Anil Baijal, and Union health minister Harsh Vardhan. Also Read: Day after Jain tests Covid +ve, Sisodia oversees health ministry affairs Manish Sisodia has taken over the additional charge of the health ministry in Jains absence. He will hold an important meeting on increasing the number of ICU beds in city hospitals on Friday. As per a senior official quoted by PTI, Satyendar Jain was also supposed to attend the meeting via video link, but that was before his condition deteriorated. An AMC theater sign at a nearly empty parking lot for the theater in Londonderry, N.H., on May 14, 2020. (Charles Krupa/AP Photo) AMC Now Requiring Masks When Movie Theaters Reopen Three largest theater chains won't require masks if not required by local, state rules People going to AMC movie theaters will be required to wear masks, a reversal of what the company previously said. AMC initially said people would only be forced to wear masks in theaters situated in locales with ordinances requiring masks inside businesses. This announcement prompted an intense and immediate outcry from our customers, and it is clear from this response that we did not go far enough on the usage of masks, AMC President Adam Aron said in a statement. As we reopen theatres, we now will require that all AMC guests nationwide wear masks as they enter and enjoy movies at our theatres. AMC is starting to re-open theaters on July 15. All 600-plus U.S. locations are expected to open in time for the release of Mulan on July 24. Aron said before the reversal that the initial decision not to require masks stems from trying to avoid a matter thats become politicized. We did not want to be drawn into a political controversy, Aron told Variety. We thought it might be counterproductive if we forced mask wearing on those people who believe strongly that it is not necessary. We think that the vast majority of AMC guests will be wearing masks. When I go to an AMC feature, I will certainly be wearing a mask and leading by example. Regal, the second-largest movie theater chain in the nation, also reversed course, saying it will now require all customers to wear masks. People wearing masks in Manhattan, New York on June 9, 2020. (Chung I Ho/The Epoch Times) Cinemark, the third-largest chain, is not reversing course. The company said in a previous statement, referring to federal recommendations, that customers are strongly encouraged to wear masks. Where applicable, the company said it will adhere to local policies that require residents to wear masks in public. Cinemark is beginning to reopen in early July. All three companies are implementing heightened cleaning procedures to try to prevent infections of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. AMC is cleaning every auditorium between each showtime with enhanced disinfection including doors, handrails, and tray tables. Fixtures and seating areas will be disinfected nightly using electrostatic sprayers. Regal is closing every other register at the concession stand and reducing the size of its menu while requiring employees to undergo daily health screenings and wash hands at a minimum of every 30 to 60 minutes, depending on their job. Cinemarks changes include reducing operating hours, installing hand sanitizer stations, and employing new tactics to increase the fresh air intake to enhance the overall air quality of its theaters. Staff members disinfect a waiting room of Beijing Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, June 18, 2020. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Beijing has published a slew of measures to tighten the control of personnel flow following the emergence of several new clusters of COVID-19 infections, a security official said at a press conference Thursday. People belonging to three categories are not allowed to leave Beijing, according to Pan Xuhong, deputy head and spokesperson of the municipal public security bureau. The first category includes confirmed COVID-19 patients, suspected cases, close contacts, asymptomatic carriers and people with fever. The second covers those who have visited Xinfadi wholesale farm-produce market or had close contact with relevant staff since May 30. The third includes people living in medium- and high-risk areas. Most of the new confirmed cases in Beijing were related to the Xinfadi market in the city's Fengtai District. Other personnel should avoid unessential travels outside Beijing, Pan said, adding that a negative nucleic-acid test certificate issued within the past seven days is a must for those who really need to leave the city. Civil aviation and railway departments have also imposed restrictions on the purchase of tickets for confirmed and suspected cases, close contacts and asymptomatic carriers in Beijing, as well as those who have been to the Xinfadi market or had close contact with relevant staff since May 30. All interprovincial bus lines operated by Beijing's carriers will be suspended starting from June 19, Rong Jun, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport, told a press conference on Thursday afternoon. Any purchased bus tickets will be refunded, Rong added. From June 11 to 17, Beijing reported 158 domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases. Bak Ji-won's "The Jehol Diary" is a multiple-volume book which detailed his experiences and discoveries during his five-month trip to China in 1780. / Korea Times file Author says 'Jehol Diary' is Joseon's finest literary work By Kang Hyun-kyung Joseon scholar Bak Ji-won (1737-1805) was an academic ahead of his time. Unlike his contemporaries, who were content with the Confucian way of thinking and made little effort to move forward, Bak was creative, inquisitive and open to new ideas and ways of thinking. His strong personality and his pragmatic way of thinking are reflected in his famous travelogue, "The Jehol Diary," a multiple-volume book which detailed his experiences and discoveries during his five-month trip to China in 1780. He was part of Joseon's delegation sent to China to pay tribute to Qing's Qianglong Emperor on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Park Soo-mil, an expert who has researched Bak and his works for 25 years, revisited the Joseon scholar's travelogue in his new book, "First Step Toward the Jehol Diary: Meet Joseon's Best Literary Piece" published by Dolbegae publishing house. In each chapter, the author cites parts of the travelogue written in classical Chinese letters and explains what they mean with detailed background information. The author says "The Jehol Diary" was a sensational piece back in 1780. News about the travelogue spread quickly through word of mouth as its readers discussed the fun experiences the author described. Reactions to the travelogue were polarized. Some liked it because it was entertaining. But some, particularly the conservative upper class, found it distasteful because they thought Bak had tried to curry favor with the Qing Dynasty ruled by Manchus, an ethnic group they considered barbarians. "Back then, the ruling class and high-ranking officials of the Joseon Kingdom considered the Qing Dynasty an illegitimate regime that took power after overthrowing the Ming Dynasty," Park wrote. "At that time, Joseon scholars viewed the previous Ming Dynasty ruled by Han Chinese as a legitimate government and they didn't withdraw their endorsement even after the Ming Dynasty was brought to an end by the Qing. So, the ruling class of Joseon felt offended when they read Bak's travelogue which praised China ruled by the Qing Dynasty." Bak's discoveries of and lessons he drew from them also bothered Joseon's ruling class. They were also disturbed by Bak's description of the lessons he learned from the way of life and customs of Chinese people. Park said Bak was an unrivaled writer of his time and maybe the greatest of all Joseon-era scholars, noting he agrees with an expert who argued Bak's works are one of the three finest legacies of the Joseon era. The remaining two, he said, were Admiral Yi Sun-sin's military tactics and the academic accomplishments achieved by two Confucian scholars, Yi Hwang and Yi I, whose academic rivalry raised the level of philosophical debate in Joseon. "The Jehol Diary" is Bak's account of China based on his experiences during his lengthy expedition to the country from May 25 to Oct. 27 in 1780. "First Step Toward the Jehol Diary: Meet Joseon's Best Literary Piece" by Park Soo-mil The announcement was an embarrassing turnaround after the government said contact tracing would be publicly available by May, our correspondents wrote. Now, the app is aimed for winter. It was the latest in a string of British mishaps in responding to the coronavirus. Read more about the botched human contact-tracing program in our back story below. Context: Health officials wanted to go in-house because Apple and Googles technology limits the data that can be centrally collected. But the team struggled to build a functioning app without their help. Germany and Italy, which both agreed to use Apple and Googles technology more than a month ago, debuted contact-tracing apps this week. Related: A French court on Thursday struck down most of a law passed by Frances Parliament last month to combat online hate speech a severe blow to the governments effort to police internet content. In other news: Seventy-seven nations have seen a growth in new cases over the past two weeks. Two of the highest tallies in the history of the pandemic were recorded this week, driven by outbreaks in Latin America, Africa, South Asia and the United States. Antibodies to the new virus may last only two to three months in the body, especially in people who never showed symptoms while they were infected, according to a study published on Thursday. Here are the latest updates and maps of the outbreaks spread. The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter like all of our newsletters is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says attacks by unnamed country have increased in intensity and frequency recently. The Australian government and other organisations are being targeted by a sophisticated state-based cyber-actor, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday. Morrison, speaking to the media in Canberra, would not name the state. This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure, he added. Although the threat was constant, the frequency of attacks had increased over many months, Morrison said, urging all organisations to ensure their systems were protected. The big question is who is behind this attack, Al Jazeeras Nicola Gage said from Canberra. Scott Morrison was very coy and said he would not be talking about that in public, although he went on to say that there were not many states that have the capability to do this. Australias Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said advice showed no large-scale personal data breaches from the attack. The revelation comes after Reuters reported Canberra had determined in March last year that China was responsible for a hacking attack on Australias parliament. Australia never publicly identified the source of that attack, and China denied it was responsible. A US security ally, Australias ties with China, its largest trading partner, have become increasingly strained over the coronavirus, with Australia pushing for an international inquiry into the source and spread of the virus, which first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year. Gonda: Former minister Vinod Kumar, alias Pandit Singh, and six people were booked under the Epidemic Act for holding a booth-level Samajwadi Party workers' meeting here, police said on Friday. A meeting of booth-level SP workers was held in a city hotel on June 15 in which Vinod Kumar, MLC Mahfooz Khan, district unit president Anand Swaroop and hundreds of office-bearers and workers took part, said Inspector Incharge of Kotwali police station Alok Rao. He said that prohibitory orders were in force to check crowding at public places due to coronavirus and added that on a complaint of Subhash Awasthi an FIR was lodged against seven named people, including these three, and hundreds of others unnamed people on Tuesday, he said. Mahfooz Ali, however, termed the FIR "politically motivated". He said that a meeting was held in the hall of a hotel in the presence of only 25 to 30 sector incharges, maintaining social distancing, and the FIR was lodged by presenting the photo of a meeting that was held before the lockdown. He warned of 'Jail bharo Andolan' if the case was not withdrawn and any party worker was arrested by the police. Sample frames from MIT AgeLab's annotated video dataset. Credit: Li Ding, Jack Terwilliger, Rini Sherony, Bryan Reimer, and Lex Fridman How can we train self-driving vehicles to have a deeper awareness of the world around them? Can computers learn from past experiences to recognize future patterns that can help them safely navigate new and unpredictable situations? These are some of the questions researchers from the AgeLab at the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics and the Toyota Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) are trying to answer by sharing an innovative new open dataset called DriveSeg. Through the release of DriveSeg, MIT and Toyota are working to advance research in autonomous driving systems that, much like human perception, perceive the driving environment as a continuous flow of visual information. "In sharing this dataset, we hope to encourage researchers, the industry, and other innovators to develop new insight and direction into temporal AI modeling that enables the next generation of assisted driving and automotive safety technologies," says Bryan Reimer, principal researcher. "Our longstanding working relationship with Toyota CSRC has enabled our research efforts to impact future safety technologies." "Predictive power is an important part of human intelligence," says Rini Sherony, Toyota CSRC's senior principal engineer. "Whenever we drive, we are always tracking the movements of the environment around us to identify potential risks and make safer decisions. By sharing this dataset, we hope to accelerate research into autonomous driving systems and advanced safety features that are more attuned to the complexity of the environment around them." To date, self-driving data made available to the research community have primarily consisted of troves of static, single images that can be used to identify and track common objects found in and around the road, such as bicycles, pedestrians, or traffic lights, through the use of "bounding boxes." By contrast, DriveSeg contains more precise, pixel-level representations of many of these same common road objects, but through the lens of a continuous video driving scene. This type of full-scene segmentation can be particularly helpful for identifying more amorphous objectssuch as road construction and vegetationthat do not always have such defined and uniform shapes. According to Sherony, video-based driving scene perception provides a flow of data that more closely resembles dynamic, real-world driving situations. It also allows researchers to explore data patterns as they play out over time, which could lead to advances in machine learning, scene understanding, and behavioral prediction. DriveSeg is available for free and can be used by researchers and the academic community for non-commercial purposes at the links below. The data is comprised of two parts. DriveSeg (manual) is 2 minutes and 47 seconds of high-resolution video captured during a daytime trip around the busy streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The video's 5,000 frames are densely annotated manually with per-pixel human labels of 12 classes of road objects. DriveSeg (Semi-auto) is 20,100 video frames (67 10-second video clips) drawn from MIT Advanced Vehicle Technologies (AVT) Consortium data. DriveSeg (Semi-auto) is labeled with the same pixel-wise semantic annotation as DriveSeg (manual), except annotations were completed through a novel semiautomatic annotation approach developed by MIT. This approach leverages both manual and computational efforts to coarsely annotate data more efficiently at a lower cost than manual annotation. This dataset was created to assess the feasibility of annotating a wide range of real-world driving scenarios and assess the potential of training vehicle perception systems on pixel labels created through AI-based labeling systems. To learn more about the technical specifications and permitted use-cases for the data, visit the DriveSeg dataset page. Explore further New method makes more data available for training self-driving cars This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching. John Bolton has written the harshest book about a sitting president by one of his former top advisers that anyone has ever seen or should hope to see. Bolton is a longtime friend of this publication and we take his honesty as a given. Any credibility contest between him and Donald Trump is laughably lopsided. That said, Bolton is facing legitimate questions about the propriety of taking a sensitive, high-level job in an administration and then immediately turning his experience into a best-selling book when back out of office. Hes also getting dinged for having information that he believed would have made the case for impeaching the president more compelling, yet not sharing it while impeachment proceedings were ongoing (although there would have been complications including disputes over what material was classified or privileged and nothing he said would have changed minds in the Senate). The White House has done everything in its power to delay the release of the book, and the Department of Justice has filed an injunction against its scheduled publication early next week on grounds that it contains classified information and violates various non-disclosure agreements. The governments motive is clearly pretextual. The president hates Bolton and the book is damaging, so Trump wants it buried. Squashing the publication on this basis would be a flagrant violation of the First Amendment. Besides, the book has already been reviewed by and reported on by major publications, excerpted in the Wall Street Journal, and sent to bookstores. The cat is out of the bag. The government may be able to embroil Bolton in litigation going forward, but his best defense is that he submitted the book for pre-publication review by the National Security Council and extensively revised it after several rounds of back-and-forth. None of this, though, is as important as the story that Bolton tells about the president. No one who has been paying attention will be shocked by the picture of a president who is mercurial, poorly informed, prone to flattery, reflexively hostile to our alliances, and bizarrely drawn to foreign strongmen. It is still stunning to see it rendered in detail. Story continues There has been much discussion of Boltons excerpt on Trump and China in the Wall Street Journal. Bolton says that Trump openly talked with Xi Jinping about how a Chinese agreement to buy more of our agricultural products would help his reelection bid. Trump isnt the first president to want a trade deal or foreign-policy achievement to boost his electoral chances, but talking about this desire openly with a foreign adversary is still gross. The more damning charge is that an interpreter in a TrumpXi meeting said the president blessed the Chinese government building prison camps for the Uighurs. With something so explosive, we would prefer to see the exact words that were spoken, but its damning enough that anyone would take Trump to have said such a thing and that its impossible to reject out of hand that he did indeed say it. There have been plenty of depressing episodes during the Trump presidency this is among the most dispiriting. More from National Review The United States on Thursday expressed its deepest condolences to India on the loss of lives of its soldiers in violent clashes with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in Ladakh early this week. IMAGE: Family members of Mandeep Singh, who was among twenty soldiers martyred during a clash with Chinese troops along the border in Ladakh, at their residence in Patiala district of Punjab. Photograph: PTI Photo "We extend our deepest condolences to the people of India for the lives lost as a result of the recent confrontation with China," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a tweet, hours after his meeting with top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi. "We will remember the soldiers' families, loved ones, and communities as they grieve," said Pompeo. The State Department did not say if the recent India-China confrontation along the Line of Actual Control in East Laddakh appeared during the Pompeo-Yang talks in Hawaii. A day earlier, the White House had said President Donald Trump is aware of the fierce clashes between the Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Laddakh. Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a colonel, were killed in the clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley on Monday night, in the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two countries. "The president is aware of it. We're monitoring the situation between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany had told reporters when asked about the border clash. "We have seen the Indian Army statement that 20 Indian soldiers died as a result of the confrontation today, and we extend our deepest condolences on that," she had said. McEnany stressed that there are no formal plans to mediate between India and China. No formal plans on that beyond what I already said in expressing our absolute condolences to the Indian soldiers that died as a result of today's confrontation. We extend our deepest condolences there, she said. I would note just that during the phone call on June 2 of this year that President (Donald) Trump had with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, they did discuss the situation on the India-China border, McEnany said. Monday's face-off was the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while over 300 Chinese army personnel were killed in the face-off. According to a report in the US News, at least 35 Chinese troops including one senior official died in the violent clash with Indian soldiers. The Indian Army has been fiercely objecting to border transgressions and has demanded their immediate withdrawal for the restoration of peace and tranquillity in the area. Both sides have held a series of talks in the last few days to resolve the row. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it. news Tyrese Allen Ouachita Baptist University has established the Annie Abrams Living Legacy Award, a new scholarship to recognize black students. Tyrese Allen of Savannah, Ga., and Dayja James of McGehee, Ark., have been selected as the scholarships first recipients and each will receive $2,500. A matching gift is in place to endow the scholarship, allowing it to be awarded annually for years to come. The scholarship will honor students involved in Ouachitas Multicultural Organization Reaching Equality (MORE) student organization who have demonstrated leadership, exemplified the universitys mission and shown promise to positively influence the world. This scholarship is another step by Ouachita to do more in advancing racial justice and human dignity by further investing in black student leaders, said Ouachita President Dr. Ben Sells. To receive the Annie Abrams Living Legacy Award will be an honor, as it is intended to recognize and develop leadership. The award honors the living legacy of Arkadelphia native Annie Abrams a civil activist, pursuer of social justice, educator, culture worker and museum curator whose achievements include working alongside Daisy Bates to desegregate Little Rock Central High School, establishing the citys annual Martin Luther King, Jr. parade and leading the campaigns to rename High Street in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. and 20th Street after Little Rocks first black mayor, Charles Bussey. Dayja James Abrams was named to Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 2010, and she is the recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Award given by Coretta Scott King, the First Ladys Women in Public Service Award and the Brooks Hays Award for Civil Rights Champions. It is an honor to be able to name this prestigious award after Annie Abrams, who served as an extraordinary civil rights activist and world-changing leader from Arkadelphia, said Nicole Porchia, Ouachitas director of Multicultural Student Programs. This scholarship also is offering black students at Ouachita the opportunity to have some financial ease and be acknowledged for the wonderful and strong attributes that make them both a deserving individual and influential leader not just to the black community but the campus community as a whole. This is another step toward progress that will move our Ouachita community forward in understanding the importance of standing together in support of equality, Porchia added. It makes me proud to be a Ouachita alumna knowing that we, as a university, are moving in this direction. Allen, a senior biology and psychology double major, recently was voted as Ouachita Student Senates student body president for the 2020-2021 academic year. He also has served as vice president of MORE, where he coordinated much of Ouachitas Black History Month campus events in 2020 and assembled a Tiger Serve Day team. James, a junior biology major, has been selected as president of MORE for the 2020-2021 academic year. She is involved in EEE womens social club and has been actively involved in MORE since her freshman year. James also is a member of Ouachitas Carl Goodson Honors Program. Tyrese and Dayja exemplify the leadership skills needed to make a positive impact and change on our campus, Porchia said. They are passionate about striving for justice and peace among all people and understand the importance of racial reconciliation. They both have shown us that they are a listening ear to the black community, but also that they recognize the importance of walking alongside others to make a difference; it is about unity, she continued. I consider them difference makers, and I know when they leave Ouachita, they will continue to lead in their communities. President Ben Sells meeting with Annie Abrams. The Annie Abrams Living Legacy Award took shape earlier this month following a $1,000 gift by former Ouachita student Stephanie Rodgers and a matching gift of $25,000 from an anonymous donor to further grow and endow the scholarship. Rodgers gift came after a challenge given by North Central University President Scott Hagan on June 4 during the memorial service for George Floyd. During the service, held on NCUs campus, Hagan announced that the Christian university would start a scholarship in Floyds name dedicated to inspiring young black leaders. It is time to invest like never before in a new generation of young black Americans who are poised and ready to take leadership in our nation, Hagan said. He challenged other university presidents to made additional investments in scholarships. Rodgers was watching the televised memorial service when she heard Hagans challenge. Both Ouachita and NCU are members of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), an organization with the mission to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and help its institutions transform lives by relating scholarship and service to biblical truth. An advocate herself, Rodgers works as director of development for Arkansas Baptist Childrens Homes in Little Rock. Growing up in the foster care system through the ABC Homes, Rodgers later attended Ouachita like her foster father, a Ouachita graduate. I knew that it was God tugging at my heart and calling me once again to stand in the gap, this time for black students at Ouachita, Rodgers said. Knowing the integrity of Ouachita, I jumped quickly knowing that I had to, in order to be the first to give. I was inspired by my fellow Christian college president, as well as by alumna Stephanie Rodgers who, at her own initiative, made the first gift to Ouachita to establish a scholarship for black students, Sells said. In response to this, and adding momentum, an anonymous matching gift of up to $25,000 was given. After Ouachita received news of Rodgers and the anonymous donors gifts, MORE student leadership began working with university administration to name the scholarship, and a committee of faculty and staff members selected the first award recipients. According to MORE student leaders, bestowing Annie Abrams name on the award makes the scholarship more personal to the Ouachita community. Annies achievements and works speak for themselves and act as a great example of the kind of recipient for such an award, MORE student leaders wrote. Two words that best describe her are love and action: two of the most important attributes of a civil rights activist and world-changing leader. The daughter of the late Mrs. Q.V. Reed, who influenced many young lives in the Arkadelphia community as an educator, Abrams attended Dunbar High School in Little Rock, graduated from Dunbar Junior College with her certification in education and later earned her bachelors degree in special education from Philander Smith College. In addition to her many achievements, Abrams has been involved in numerous community service organizations. Abrams served as a commissioner for the Fair Housing Commission and a treasurer of the Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus, and she was the first black president of the Parent Teacher Association at Little Rock Central High School. She continues to serve as honorary co-chair of the state Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission. After personally meeting Annie Abrams and learning about her life and legacy, including her ties to our community, it seemed ideal for Ouachita to honor her in a way that also recognizes and invests in black student leaders on our campus, Sells said. Abrams was moved by and affirmed this decision. To donate to the Annie Abrams Living Legacy Award fund, visit obu.edu/give and list Annie Abrams Living Legacy Award in the instructions line. The first $25,000 given will be matched, doubling the impact. For more information, contact Terry Peeples, vice president for development, at peeplest@obu.edu or 870-245-5169. OKLAHOMA CITY - On Friday, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Directors Guild of America, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Basic Crafts released a multi-union report touted as the next major step in resuming film and television production in the United States. Roth's romantic drama, which began lensing May 27 and wrapped Monday, is one of the first if not the first live-action productions to start in North America since the coronavirus pandemic brought TV and moviemaking to a sudden halt in March. "It's been going pretty smoothly. We normally shoot these in fewer days, but we expanded the amount of days to accommodate for the new protocols," Roth told The Oklahoman by phone Saturday. "The (coronavirus) case count and the recovery rate ... was certainly the best of the tax credit states that we looked at. ... We were looking to set up a hub here for these smaller movies anyway, and then the pandemic happened and it just worked out great that we were coming here anyway. We didn't have to pivot." Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 01:55:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BAGHDAD, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi health ministry on Friday recorded 1,635 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily increase since the outbreak of the disease, bringing the total nationwide infections to 27,352. The new cases included 517 in the capital Baghdad, 173 in Sulaimaniyah, 154 in Babil, 110 in Maysan and 103 in Wasit, the ministry said in a statement. The statement also reported 69 deaths during the day, the highest single-day rise so far, bringing the death toll in the country to 925, while 12,205 patients have recovered. The new cases were recorded after 11,226 testing kits were used across the country during the past 24 hours, and a total of 425,192 tests have been carried out since the outbreak of the disease, according to the statement. Meanwhile, Health Minister Hassan al-Tamimi said in a statement that the ministry's experts decided to use a drug from Russia to treat COVID-19. "Iraq started manufacturing the Russian medicine and will be available in health institutions at the end of the coming week," al-Tamimi said. As for the vaccine to treat COVID-19, al-Tamimi said the ministry experts and advisors are in connection with the international companies and the World Health Organization (WHO). "If there is a vaccine to be produced in the world, Iraq will be the first to benefit from," he promised. Al-Tamimi's comment came two days after a video conference meeting between the officials and experts of the Iraqi and Russian ministries to discuss the treatment protocols of COVID-19. However, Adham Ismail, the WHO representative in Iraq, warned in a press release on Thursday that the Russian drug "is not yet licensed for global use, and it is only authorized by Russia." "Iraq can use this drug in clinical experiments, provided that the amount of import to be small, and for the purpose of the experiment, not to use it on all citizens," Ismail said. China has been helping Iraq fight the COVID-19 pandemic. From March 7 to April 26, a Chinese team of seven medical experts spent 50 days in Iraq to help contain the disease, during which they helped build a PCR lab and an advanced CT scanner in Baghdad. Since March 7, China has also sent three batches of medical aid to Iraq. Enditem Witches, superheroes, and spacefaring adventurers feature heavily in this falls offerings, headlined by splashy debuts and long-awaited titles from heavy hitters. Top 10 Black Sun Rebecca Roanhorse. Saga, Oct. 13 ($27.99, ISBN 978-1-5344-3767-8) Bestseller Roanhorse launches an epic fantasy series about the warring matriarchs of two cities, both based on indigenous civilizations of the pre-Columbian Americas. A Deadly Education Naomi Novik. Del Rey, Sept. 29 ($27, ISBN 978-0-593-12848-0) The coming-of-age fantasy that kicks off Noviks Scholomance series follows a dark sorceress determined to buck the expectations of her classmates at a monster-ridden magical school. The Four Profound Weaves: A Birdverse Book R.B. Lemberg. Tachyon, Sept. 1 ($14.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-61696-334-7) Lemberg explores gender identity and human connection in their full-length debut, starred by PW, which sees two Birdverse elders searching for an exiled master weaver. Hench Natalie Zina Walschots. Morrow, Sept. 22 ($27.99, ISBN 978-0-06-297857-8) Walschotss debut, starred by PW, introduces a world dominated by reckless superheroes, in which disaffected millennial Anna Tromedlove pays the bills by temping as a hench for supervillains. What does this entail? Data entry, mostly. The House of Styx Derek Kunsken. Solaris, Aug. 18 ($27.99, ISBN 978-1-78108-805-0) The human colonies drifting above the atmosphere of Venus battle harsh living conditions as a storm brews on the planet below in Kunskens character-driven work of hard science fiction, starred by PW. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue V.E. Schwab. Tor, Oct. 6 ($26.99, ISBN 978-0-7653-8756-1) Addie LaRue makes a deal with the devil, who grants her immortality but curses her with loneliness, ensuring that no one she meets will ever remember heruntil, some 300 years later, someone miraculously does. The Ministry for the Future Kim Stanley Robinson. Orbit, Oct. 6 ($28, ISBN 978-0-316-30013-1) Bestseller Robinson returns with a near-future science fiction tale of climate change and technology that offers a hopeful vision for humanitys future. Remote Control Nnedi Okorafor. Tor.com, Jan. 19 ($19.99, ISBN 978-1-250-77280-0) Sankofa, the adopted daughter of Death, walks the world searching for an alien object that fell to Earth in a meteor shower in this dark fantasy from Hugo and Nebula Award winner Okorafor. The Space Between Worlds Micaiah Johnson. Del Rey, Aug. 4 ($27, ISBN 978-0-593-13505-1) Johnsons debut uses the concept of the multiverse to explore privilege, oppression, and belonging, as a young woman with the exceptional ability to travel between worlds discovers a threat to her homeland. We Hear Voices Evie Green. Berkley, Oct. 6 ($26, ISBN 978-0-593-09830-1) Greens horror debut, set in the aftermath of a global pandemic, follows a little boy who recovers from the virus only to be plagued by an increasingly controlling imaginary friend. Listings Ace Battle Ground by Jim Butcher (Sept. 29, $28, ISBN 978-0-593-19930-5). The 17th Dresden Files urban fantasy from bestseller Butcher sees wizard Harry Dresden facing off against his most formidable foe yet to save the city of Chicago and possibly the world. Angry Robot The Rushs Edge by Ginger Smith (Nov. 10, $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-85766-864-6). In Smiths debut, a genetically engineered super-soldier learns to cope with civilian life with the help of his scrappy salvage crewuntil the discovery of an alien presence on their ship throws the crews lives into chaos. Baen The Valkyrie Protocol by David Weber and Jacob Holo (Oct. 6, $25, ISBN 978-1-982124-90-8). Weber and Holos follow-up to The Gordian Protocol sees the crew of the Kleio on a desperate quest to save the multiverse from a temporal implosion. Berkley The Ghost Tree by Christina Henry (Oct. 6, $16 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-451-49230-2). Dark fantasy author Henry turns to all-out horror with this tale of a small town plagued by a murderous monster, the desensitized populace unwilling to put a stop to its violence, and the one teenage girl who cares enough to fight back. BHC A Witchly Influence by Stephanie Grey (Oct. 1, $26.95, ISBN 978-1-64397-139-1). Witch Carmen Devereaux returns to her North Carolina hometown after finalizing her divorce and teams up with an eclectic cast of other supernatural beings to help lost souls find their way. Black Balloon Tiny Nightmares: Very Short Stories of Horror, edited by Lincoln Michel and Nadxieli Nieto (Oct. 13, $16.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-948226-62-2). Michel and Nieto bring together 40 new works of flash fiction from Kevin Brockmeier, Brian Evenson, Samantha Hunt, Stephen Graham Jones, Rion Amilcar Scott, and others, to explore horrors both psychological and supernatural. Black Spot A Flood of Posies by Tiffany Meuret (Sept. 8, $17.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-64548-026-6). Two sisters navigate apocalyptic floods and the murky waters of their own complicated relationship in Meurets debut dark fantasy. Blackstone White Trash Warlock by David R. Slayton (Oct. 13, $15.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-09-406796-4). Slaytons debut fantasy follows backwoods magician Adam Binder as he comes to terms with his identity in order to save his brother from an ancient spirit. Bloomsbury The Mask Falling by Samantha Shannon (Jan. 26, $26, ISBN 978-1-63557-032-8). In Shannons fourth urban fantasy set in the world of Scion, Dreamwalker Paige Mahoney teams up with a former enemy to incite a rebellion against an expanding empire. Daw This Virtual Night by C.S. Friedman (Oct. 13, $27, ISBN 978-0-7564-0988-3). Returning to the universe of her 1998 novel, This Alien Shore, Friedman spins a far-future space opera about the political turmoil between the mutated descendants of humanitys long-established galactic colonies and the inhabitants of newly launched space stations. Del Rey The Shattered Stars by John Birmingham (Jan. 12, $28.99, ISBN 978-1-984820-55-6). In the sequel to Birminghams The Cruel Stars, a team of unlikely heroes rebuilds civilization following a devastating attack by a group of species purists intent on wiping out anyone with cybernetic enhancements. The Somebody People by Bob Proehl (Sept. 1, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5247-9900-7). The events of Proehls The Nobody People left millions of humans with superpowers. The sequel sees the rise of a villain with the ability to manipulate these newly minted superheroes into using their powers for his own gain. Ecco The Blade Between by Sam J. Miller (Dec. 1, $26.99, ISBN 978-0-06-296982-8). In this ghost story from Nebula Awardwinner Miller, a man returns to his family home in upstate New York and finds the town plagued by restless spirits and the specter of gentrification. ECW Afterlife Crisis by Randal Graham (Sept. 8, $17.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-77041-470-9). Graham returns to the world of Beforelife in this metafictional sci-fi comedy that follows Rhinnick Feynmans attempts to keep Isaac Newton from altering the course of history. Flame Tree The Sentient by Nadia Afifi (Sept. 8, $24.95, ISBN 978-1-78758-434-1). In Afifis debut, a brilliant scientist with a troubled past unravels a conspiracy surrounding a controversial cloning experiment, using her special ability to read peoples memories. Grand Central The Effort by Claire Holroyde (Jan. 12, $27, ISBN 978-1-5387-1761-5). A comet hurtles toward Earths skeptical and underprepared populace in Holroydes apocalyptic debut. When the comets impending impact becomes undeniable, the rules of society fall apart and humans come together in unlikely groups to weather the disaster. The Invention of Sound by Chuck Palahniuk (Sept. 8, $27, ISBN 978-1-5387-1800-1). The Fight Club author delivers a horror novel about a Hollywood sound designer turned serial killer who records the screams of her victims, a fathers desperate search for his missing daughter, and a contagion that sweeps the country. 100,000-copy announced first printing. Griffin A Snake Lies Waiting: The Definitive Edition by Jin Yong (Sept. 8, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-25012-4). The third Legends of the Condor Heroes fantasy combines kung fu and magic as Guo Jing, his teachers, and his fiance face grave danger at the hands of Apothecary Huang. Harper Voyager Ballistic Kiss: A Sandman Slim Novel by Richard Kadrey (Aug. 25, $28.99, ISBN 978-0-06-267257-5). The battle between angels rages in the background of Kadreys 11th Sandman Slim novel, which sees James Stark dealing with an infestation of malevolent ghosts. To exorcise the spirits, hell have to solve a cold case from the 1970s. The Bladebone by Ausma Zehanat Khan (Oct. 6, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-06-245925-1). The last installment to Khans Khorasan Archives epic fantasy series pits the warrior women of the Citadel of Companions against the tyrannical One-Eyed Preacher in a final confrontation. The Burning God by R.F. Kuang (Nov. 17, $26.99, ISBN 978-0-06-266262-0). The final installment to Kuangs Poppy War epic fantasy trilogy picks up where The Dragon Republic left off, with Rin more determined than ever to save her beloved homeland from all those who would suppress their shamanic arts. Head of Zeus The House of a Hundred Whispers by Graham Masterton (Jan. 1, $29.95, ISBN 978-1-78954-424-4). The former governor of Dartmoor Prison leaves his Tudor mansion to his estranged family after his death, in crime writer Mastertons return to the horror genre. Meerkat Speculate: A Collection of Microlit by Eugen Bacon and Dominique Hecq (Jan. 19, $15.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-946154-55-2) explores speculative fiction concepts through a collaborative collection of flash fiction, fragments, and prose poetry. MIRA We Could Be Heroes by Mike Chen (Jan. 26, $27.99, ISBN 978-0-7783-3139-1). A superheroine strikes up an unlikely friendship with a supervillain she meets at an anonymous support group in this standalone fantasy. MIT Entanglements: Tomorrows Lovers, Families, and Friends, edited by Sheila Williams (Sept. 15, $19.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-262-53925-8). Mary Robinette Kowal, Nancy Kress, Ken Liu, Annalee Newitz, Xia Jia, and others explore technologys effects on human connection in this anthology of near-future science fiction shorts. Mobius Lost Acre by Andrew Caldecott (Nov. 10, $26.99, ISBN 978-1-78747-376-8). An Elizabethan mystic uses magic to return from the dead, transporting himself into the present day, where he attempts to consolidate political power, in Caldecotts third Rotherweird fantasy. Orbit The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart (Sept. 8, $28, ISBN 978-0-316-54142-8). The first epic fantasy in Stewarts debut series introduces an Asian-influenced world ruled by a tyrannical emperor more interested in dark magic than in helping his people, and the revolution brewing among his subjects. Nophek Gloss by Essa Hansen (Nov. 17, $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-316-43065-4) launches a space opera trilogy with this tale of a young mans single-minded quest for vengeance against the slavers who murdered his family and destroyed his home planet. The Tower of Fools by Andrzej Sapkowski (Oct. 27, $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-316-42369-4). The first in a new epic fantasy series from the author of The Witcher follows a young healer magician who flees the wrath of a noble familystraight into the Tower of Fools, an asylum for those crazy enough to speak their minds. PM The Planetbreakers Son by Nick Mamatas (Jan. 1, $14 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-62963-834-8). Mamatass collection of speculative short stories travels from the halls of an unnamed spaceship, where the planetbreaker dutifully destroys worlds, through the vast dome of space, to an animal rescue shelter, and beyond. Quirk Secret Santa: A Horror for the Holidays Novel by Andrew Shaffer (Nov. 10, $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-68369-205-8). Bestseller Shaffer sets his latest comic horror story at a publishing house in the 1980s as the companys newest horror editor realizes the creepy gnome doll she received in the holiday gift exchange may be more than meets the eye. Redhook The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow (Oct. 13, $28, ISBN 978-0-316-42204-8). In an alternate 1800s New England, witchcraft is real, illegal, and has all but died outbut three sisters are determined to bring it back. Saga The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher (Oct. 6, $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5344-5112-4). A portal appears in the wall of an eccentric museum, opening to a strange otherworld comprising islands and willow trees, and occupied by a mysterious threat, in Kingfishers sophomore supernatural chiller. Machine by Elizabeth Bear (Oct. 6, $25.99, ISBN 978-1-5344-0301-7). This standalone sci-fi novel, set in the same universe as Bears White Space series, follows Jens, a doctor working to cure alien diseases aboard a space station, as she stumbles upon an ancient, extraterrestrial mystery. Skybound The Residence by Andrew Pyper (Sept. 1, $26, ISBN 978-1-982149-05-5). President Franklin Pierces recently deceased son haunts the White House in this alternate history horror story. When the first lady brings in a group of spiritualists for a seance, the barrier between the living and the dead may be lowered for good. SMALL BEER Reconstruction: Stories by Alaya Dawn Johnson (Nov. 10, $17 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-61873-177-7). Nebula Award-winner Johnson uses speculative and supernatural elements to explore the lives of the disenfranchised in her debut collection. Solaris The Black Coast by Mike Brooks (Sept. 1, $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-78108-824-1). When a demonic tyrant seizes control of Iwernia, the citizens must turn to their old enemies in Black Keep for refuge. With the entire continent headed toward war, the formerly opposing nations will have to work together to survive. Grave Secrets (The Lavington Windsor Mysteries #1) by Alice James (Sept. 1, $11.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-78108-861-6). Estate agent Toni Windsors desire for a quiet life is complicated by the wave of zombies rising from their graves, the murder mystery shes itching to solve, and the dashing vampire she cant resist. St. Martins Zoey Punches the Future in the Dick by David Wong (Oct. 13, $27.99, ISBN 978-1-250-19579-1). The second sci-fi thriller in bestseller Wongs Zoey Ashe series sees the eponymous heroine struggling to adjust to her new role as the leader of a sprawling empire as nightmarish villains and creepy crime bosses work to undermine her. Subterranean In the Shadows of Men by Robert Jackson Bennett (Aug. 31, $40, ISBN 978-1-59606-987-9). Two brothers purchase a West Texas motel that had once been owned by their distant relative and slowly discover its sinister past in the latest dark fantasy from Bennett. Seven of Infinities by Aliette de Bodard (Oct. 31, $40, ISBN 978-1-59606-976-3). Van, a tutor pretending to be someone shes not, teams up with The Wild Orchid in the Sunless Wood, a sentient spaceship with secrets of her own, to solve a murder. Tachyon Kittys Mix-Tape by Carrie Vaughn (Oct. 16, $16.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-61696-325-5). The final adventures of werewolf talk-show host Kitty Norville play out in this collection of urban fantasy short stories, featuring a wide cast of returning characters, including vampire Rick, detective Jessi, bounty hunter Cormac, and others. The Midnight Circus by Jane Yolen (Oct. 1, $16.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-61696-340-8). This new collection of dark fairy tales and poems from Yolen invites readers into supernatural worlds populated by cruel witches, voracious angels, and morally ambiguous shape-shifters. Titan From the Neck Up by Aliya Whiteley (Nov. 3, $14.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-78909-475-6). These 16 short stories range from sci-fi tales of first contact to fairy tale retellings, featuring the struggles of farming in the face of a second Ice Age, secret cities inside human bodies, and delicate glass creatures coming to life. Tor Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson (Nov. 17, $34.99, ISBN 978-0-7653-2638-6). The second epic fantasy in Sandersons Stormlight Archive series follows what happens after the two sides of a protracted war enter into a desperate arms race. 500,000-copy announced first printing. To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini (Sept. 15, $29.99, ISBN 978-1-250-76284-9). A woman hungry for adventure travels to a distant planet and discovers an alien relic that could spell the end of humankind in bestseller Paolinis latest epic. 2,000,000-copy announced first printing. Tor.com Master of Poisons by Andrea Hairston (Sept. 8, $27.99, ISBN 978-1-250-26054-3) draws on African folklore to craft a dark fantasy about an empire devastated by climate changes and its citizens fighting for the survival of their homeland. 50,000-copy announced first printing. Over the Woodward Wall by A. Deborah Baker (Oct. 6, $17.99, ISBN 978-0-7653-9927-4). Two children discover an impossible world populated by talking animals and terrifying supernatural creatures in this standalone portal fantasy from bestseller Seanan McGuire, writing as Baker. 50,000-copy announced first printing. Ring Shout by P. Djeli Clark (Oct. 13, $19.99, ISBN 978-1-250-76702-8). Maryse Boudreaux, a whiskey bootlegger in Prohibition-era Georgia, uses a magic sword to fight off demonic monsters called Ku Kluxes in this dark fantasy novella from Nebula Awardwinner Clark. 75,000-copy announced first printing. WordFire The Humans in the Walls by Eric James Stone (Sept. 9, $25.99, ISBN 978-1-68057-062-5). This collection of 27 short stories from Hugo Awardwinner Stone ranges broadly in genre and tone, encompassing supernatural thrillers, space operas, superhero stories, and fairy tales. Return to the main feature. This article has been updated with new metadata for some titles. The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force on Friday asked its staffers to uninstall 52 mobile apps, pointing that these applications could be used to extract information from their mobile phones. The STF order also asked staff members to get their family members to remove the mobile applications. The applications that have been red-flagged by the STF include short-video app TikTok, and other utility and content apps such as UC browser, Xender, SHAREit and Clean-master. The STF advisory comes in wake of an assessment by intelligence agencies that expressed concern about the safety of at least 53 mobile applications linked to China. The National Security Council Secretariat had backed this assessment of the intelligence community. Also Read: Intel agencies red-flag use of 53 mobile apps with links to China: Complete list Amitabh Yash, Inspector General (IG) of Police of UP STF, said that he had issued an order. He said an internal circular had been issued applicable to STF members to uninstall 52 Chinese applications in view of the possibility that their usage could lead to unauthorised sharing and stealing of personal data. The top STF police officer told Hindustan Times that he had got the notice pasted at different places in the UP STF office in Lucknow and had circulated it on internal groups to ensure 100 percent compliance of the order. Amitabh Yash said they had not listed Zoom video conferencing platform in the list of 52 because the Zoom meeting platform is already banned for the STF members. All staff members were told to uninstall it from their mobile handsets and other devices around a month ago, he added. Home Ministry announcement on its advisory for use of Zoom video conference platform In April this year, the Union Home Ministry had issued a general advisory on use of Zoom on the recommendation of the national cybersecurity agency Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-in). This advisory was issued in light of concerns around its safety. Additional Director General (ADG), Law and Order, Prashant Kumar added that the circular was issued as a precautionary measure and covers applications that, in their assessment, do not have proven credentials or were liable to be misused. It is designed to stay safe and secure in cyberspace, right from a mobile handset to a laptop or desktop computers. Kumar clarified that the state police headquarters had not issued a fresh order on the mobile apps but these are mandatory requirements to be taken by each organisation to stay safe in cyberspace. Amitabh Yas said he had asked STF members to ensure that their family members did not use these applications as our personal information could also be leaked and shared while talking and chatting on them. My conversation with my wife and children could be shared even if their mobile handset has Chinese applications, he said in response to a query on the reason behind asking families of STF members to delete the apps. Officials said the decision was taken after considering the possibility of data theft and leaking of personal information via these applications. Amitabh Yash said though he had listed 52 applications in his circular but the most commonly used applications by the people that are included in the list are TikTok, UC Browser, UC News, SHAREIt and WeChat. He said others in the list are Vault Hide, Vigo Video, Bigo Live, Weibo, Beauty Plus, Xender, Club Factory, Helo, LIKE, Kwai, ROMWE, SHEIN, News Dog, Photo Wonder, APUS Browser, Viva Video QU Video Inc, Perfect Corp, CM Browser, Virus Cleaner (Hi Security Lab), MI Community, DU recorder, You Cam Makeup, MI Store, DU Battery Saver, 360 Security, DU Browser, DU Cleaner, DU Privacy, Clean Master Cheetah, Cache Cleaner DU apps studio, Baidu Translate, Baidu Map, Wonder Camera, ES File Explorer, QQ International, QQ Launcher, QQ Security Centre, QQ Player, QQ Music, QQ Mall, QQ News Feed, We Sync, Selfie City, Clash of Kings, Mail Master, MI Video call Xiomi and Parallel Space. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Monday, June 8, marked the annual meeting of the Church of Christ, Scientist, based in Boston. The meeting was held online. The church is one of many faith groups that has worked tirelessly over the past several months to help congregations move to a virtual space, in compliance with local guidelines and recommendations. The annual meeting was an occasion for members to come together and consider what it means to be a church in a time of crisis to go above and beyond whats being asked by authorities, and really serve. What real love does is reduce fear, said Robin Hoagland, of the churchs five-member board of directors, and that is the love that is most needed right now. New Delhi, June 19 : The Indian Air Force has been on high alert across Northern and Western borders with Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria personally visiting the forward location bases in Leh and Srinagar to see the preparedness on the ground. "All fighter aircraft are put on high operational alert along the borders," sources said. Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria visited Leh and Srinagar air bases on July 17, two days after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in violent clashes with the Chinese People's Liberation Army troops in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh region. He went for a two-day visit to the forward bases and returned on Friday. The force has moved its fighter plans across the forward locations and has directed all its men to remain on high alert. Even Indian Navy has been put on high alert amid the ongoing tension between India and China. On Thursday, 10 Indian Army personnel, including four officers, were released from the captivity of the People's Liberation Army. The Indian Army personnel were released after hectic negotiations with the PLA for three consecutive days. Indian Army said on Thursday that there were no soldiers "missing in action" following the violent clash with the PLA rroops on Monday night. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also said that no Indian army personnel were missing. The statement was made after 10 Indian soldiers, who were held in captivity from Monday night onwards, were released. It is, however, not clear what led to Indians being taken into captivity by the PLA. The clash on Monday night occurred on the south bank of Galwan river in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. Those were the first casualties faced by the Indian Army in a clash with the PLA since 1975 when an Indian patrol was ambushed by Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh. Sources said Indian Army troopers were outnumbered by 1:5 ratio when they came under attack at patrolling point 14 along the Line of Actual Control. China's PLA troopers "savagely attacked" Indian Army personnel, according to sources in the government with knowledge of the details of the incident. "The numbers were stacked up against the Indian Army troopers. Yet, the Indian side decided to fight the PLA troopers. The Indian soldiers were outnumbered 1:5 by the Chinese troopers," the sources said. China is also said to have used thermal imaging drones to trace the Indian Army soldiers scattered on the treacherous terrain before brutally attacking them. "It was the deadliest attack carried on Indian Army personnel by the Chinese military personnel in our memory," the government sources said. The Indian Army said the soldiers went to the spot where the clashes broke out without any animosity and were displaying friendly gestures to the Chinese side. They were there to check if the de-escalation agreement was being followed as promised. Several Indian Army soldiers are still undergoing treatment. A man holds up a placard showing fallen Breonna Taylor, as he addresses a rally in Boston, Mass., on June 9, 2020. (Steven Senne/AP Photo) Officer Involved in Breonna Taylor Shooting to Be Fired by Police: Louisville Mayor A Louisville police officer who was involved in the shooting death of Breonna Taylor earlier this year will be fired by the department, said Mayor Greg Fischer on Friday. Louisville Metro Police Chief Rob Schroeder was initiating termination procedures against Louisville Metro Police Officer Brett Hankison, according to Fischers office. Unfortunately, due to a provision in state law that I very much would like to see changed, both the chief and I are precluded from talking about what brought us to this moment, or even the timing of this decision, the mayor said in a statement. A memorandum (pdf) from the Louisville Metro Police Department announced Hankisons firing on Friday. Hankison was one of three officers involved in the shooting of Taylor. Based upon my review, these are extreme violations to our policies. I find your conduct a shock to the conscience, Schroeder, the police chief, wrote in the document, saying that Hankison violated two standard operating procedures, including use of deadly force and obedience to rules. Schroeder said Hankison showed an indifference to human life when he fired 10 shots into Taylors apartment, noting that the rounds also entered a neighbors apartment. A person holds a sign that mentions Breonna Taylor during a protest in Tacoma, Wash., on June 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) The result of your action seriously impedes the Departments goal of providing the citizens of our city with the most professional law enforcement agency possible. I cannot tolerate this type of conduct by any member of the Louisville Metro Police Department, the chief added. Your conduct demands your termination. He concluded that the detective has never been trained by the Louisville Metro Police Department to use deadly force in this fashion, and his actions have brought discredit upon yourself in the department and severely damaged the image of our Department we have established within our community. Both the mayor and Schroeder said that further questions about his termination cannot be answered due to Kentucky state law. They instructed reporters to seek comment from Jefferson County Attorney Mike OConnell. Two other officers who fired their weapons into Taylors apartmentSgt. Jonathan Mattingly and officer Myles Cosgrovewere placed on reassignment following the womans death. Taylors death has been often cited as an example of police misconduct by Black Lives Matter protesters following the death of George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis police custody in May. Floyds death sparked protests, riots, acts of arson, vandalism, and nationwide unrest. The 27 European governments are negotiating for the first time Friday a proposal for 750 billion euros ($841 billion) to tackle the Covid-19 crisis. However, the new stimulus plan has sparked division among EU countries and it is unclear when they will manage to bridge their differences. "It is a necessary step," a Brussels-based European official, who didn't want to be named due to the sensitivity of the talks, told CNBC Thursday about the first negotiation among the leaders. Expectations are that Friday's video call won't lead to an agreement and at least one other summit most likely through face-to-face meetings will be needed before new fiscal stimulus is approved. The region is grappling with one of the most severe economic crises in post-war time. The European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, estimated in May a contraction of 7.4% in gross domestic product in 2020. However, the forecasts are dependent on how the health crisis evolves and on whether European economies will manage to reopen fully in the coming months. "Our ultimate goal is to reach a deal as soon as possible. There is still quite some way to go towards an agreement, so we will need to work hard in the coming days and weeks," European Council President Charles Michel, who chairs the talks among EU leaders, said in a letter to the 27 capitals this week. A second European official, who also didn't want to be named due to the sensitivity of the negotiations, told CNBC Thursday, that a face-to-face negotiation could be announced later on Friday. Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund (PIF) investment, the latest in Reliance Industries Jio Platforms, marks the end of the current phase of induction of financial partners for the company. Jio, the digital unit of Reliance Industries, on June 18 announced that PIF will invest Rs 11,367 crore for a 2.32 percent stake. The oil-to-telecom conglomerate has shed 24.7 percent stake in Jio Platforms and raised Rs 115,693.95 crore from some of the worlds top investors. The investment by PIF, estimated to own combined assets of nearly $400 billion, in Jio Platforms is at an equity valuation of Rs 4.91 lakh crore and an enterprise valuation of Rs 5.16 lakh crore. It comes close on the heels of investments by private equity giants L Catterton and TPG. This is Jio's eleventh deal in nine weeks following investments from Facebook Inc, General Atlantic, Silver Lake, Vista Equity Partners, KKR and Mubadala Investment Company, ADIA and TPG Capital and L Catterton. Jio has a variety of global investors, ranging from a media leader, private equity giants, growth equity firms, leading global investment firms and sovereign wealth funds. With these investments and the rights issue, RIL said it has become net debt free well ahead of its March 2021 target. "Our net debt was Rs 161,035 crore, as on March 31, 2020. With these investments, RIL has become net debt-free," the company said in a statement. A look at all the deals: > Facebook-Jio deal: The California-based company invested $5.7 billion (Rs 43,574 crore) into Jio Platforms for a 9.9 percent stake in the company. The transaction, announced on April 22, is the largest of the investments. It was also Facebook's biggest bet since it acquired messaging platform WhatsApp in 2014. The deal also made Facebook the largest minority shareholder in Jio Platforms. > Jio-Silver Lake deal: Silver Lake Partners acquired a 1.15 percent stake in Jio Platforms for Rs 5,655.75 crore ($750 million). > Jio-Vista deal: Vista Equity Partners bought a 2.32 percent stake in Jio Platforms for Rs 11,367 crore. > Jio-General Atlantic deal: Private equity firm General Atlantic picked up a 1.34 percent stake in Jio Platforms for 6,598.38 crore. > Jio-KKR deal: KKR acquired a 2.32 percent stake in Jio Platforms for Rs 11,367 crore, similar to the deal made with Vista Equity Partners. > Jio-Mubadala deal: The Abu Dhabi-based sovereign fund picked 1.85 percent stake in Jio for Rs 9,093.6 crore. The deal announced on June 5 valued Jio Platforms at an equity value of Rs 4.91 lakh crore and an enterprise value of Rs 5.16 lakh crore. > Jio-Silver Lake deal 2.0: Silver Lake will invest an additional Rs 4,546.8 crore in Jio Platforms for 0.93 percent stake. The aggregate investment by Silver Lake is Rs 10,202.55 crore for a 2.08 percent stake. > Jio-ADIA deal: Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) will pump Rs 5,683.5 crore into Jio Platforms. ADIAs investment is at an equity valuation of Rs 4.91 lakh crore and an enterprise valuation of Rs 5.16 lakh crore. > Jio-TPG Capital deal: TPGs investment in Jio is Rs 4,546.80 crore for a 0.93 percent stake, assigning it an equity valuation of Rs 4.91 lakh crore and an enterprise valuation of Rs 5.16 lakh crore. > Jio-L Catterton deal: L Catterton will invest Rs 1,894.50 crore in exchange for a 0.39 percent stake in Jio Platforms, a record tenth investment in the Reliance Industries (RIL) digital unit in seven weeks. > Jio-PIF deal: Saudi Arabias PIF, one of the worlds largest sovereign wealth funds, will invest Rs 11,367 crore for 2.32 percent of Jio Platforms. Reliance Industries (RIL) is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Former President John Dramani Mahama has described the Akufo-Addo's government handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as chaotic. Mr Mahamas comment comes on the back of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the country. As of Thursday, 18 June 2020, Ghana had recorded 12, 929 COVID-19 cases, 4,468 recoveries with 66 deaths. In the Ashanti Region, one doctor has died while 96 other health staff have tested positive. Reacting to this in a digital conversation with Ghanaians on Facebook on Thursday, 18 June 2020, Mr Mahama accused the government of ignoring the advice of well-meaning Ghanaians for its own political interest. He said: Today, disturbing reports are being received of health workers getting exposed, testing positive and forced to go into self-isolation and quarantine or treatment. This is happening at a time isolation and treatment centres are reported to be full and both health workers and other positive cases are being compelled to self-isolate at home. This is a sad reflection of the Akufo-Addo administrations chaotic handling of the COVID situation. Lack of adequate protective gear several months after our COVID emergency was declared is a sad testament to the inefficiency that has characterised the handling of this pandemic from the very beginning. The NDC flag bearer added: A refusal to be guided by science and a parochial desire for political interest has led the government to ignore advice from well-meaning Ghanaians including the Ghana Medical Association, as any perceived disagreement with thegovernment in its decision-making or public statement or information, has been met with savage attacks by the government and ruling party officials ---classfmonline Amongst the 14 cases, six were discovered in residential areas while eight others were noticed by local hospitals, according to the municipal Center for Disease Control. These people all crossed the border crossings by walking through small trails before catching public transport or charter vehicles to the southern metropolis medical facilities. Specifically, the Childrens Hospital 1 in District 10 discovered four Cambodian persons including a couple, an interpreter and one two-month old baby to seek treatment for their sick child. Medical workers discovered the four having made illegal entry into Vietnam. Medical workers prompted to take blood samples for testing and their initial test results all came back negative for the novel coronavirus. The hospital soon reported the cases to the health authority, and the three people were promptly sent to a quarantine facility in Cu Chi District while the baby was kept at the hospital for treatment. All medical facilities in the metropolis are advised to notify local authorities direction if they discover any case of illegal border crossing to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19). According to regulations of the municipal Department of Health, international arrivals must adhere to entry regulation that they have completed their mandatory 14-day quarantine period and medical facilities can provide healthcare services for those who have finished quarantine period. Additionally, the municipal asked its peers in provinces having border lines with Cambodia to work with border guard in prevention of illegal entry from Cambodia. By Thanh Son - Translated by Anh Quan Along the highway of Seling, in the forest-clad state of Mizoram, there are many shops without shopkeepers not just offering items to sell but also a very valuable lesson to anyone willing to learn. Just a few hours away from the state capital Aizawl lies the town Seling where a local community practices a unique and amazing tradition. Known as Nghah Lou Dawr culture, the tradition is all about opening shops but without the presence of the shopkeepers. Every now and then, images and videos of this beautiful practice make their way onto social media. The recent one is tweeted by an NGO named My Home India. They wrote that the shopkeepers open their shops and keep a money deposit box in their store. These shops work on principle of trust as people can take whatever they want and keep money in the box. They also shared an image along with the tweet: Along highway of Seling in Mizoram, many shops without shopkeepers are found without shopkeepers. It is called 'Nghah Lou Dawr Culture Of Mizoram' which means Shop Without Shopkeepers. You take what you want & keep money in deposit box. These shops work on principle of trust! pic.twitter.com/LbG1J8xN1d My Home India (@MyHomeIndia) June 19, 2020 People shared various appreciative comments on the post and chances are youll agree with most. Really proud to be an Indian, wrote a Twitter user. Bahut badiya, expressed another. Love these people, wrote a third. Its all about trust, tweeted a fourth. What do you think of this amazing culture? While 'Black Lives Matter' needs and deserves all the attention coming its way, the sudden outrage by India's upper caste on this issue seems rather hypocritical, considering their long history of brutality against Dalits and Adivasis. With protests raging across America and other parts of the world after George Floyd's murder by a White police officer, the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter has been trending on social media. The African-American struggle has a long history, and many marginalised communities across the world seek inspiration from their resistance. Other countries have extended their support to the protests, while expressing concerns over racism and police brutality. Similar support has also been extended by citizens of India to the on-going protests, condemning acts of racial violence and discrimination. While #BlackLivesMatter needs and deserves all the attention coming its way, the sudden outrage by Indians on this issue seems rather hypocritical, considering the upper caste's long history of brutality against Dalits and Adivasis. There is constant outrage in Kashmir about the cruelty inflicted by armed forces on civilians; people in the northeastern states of India are also victims of racism and brutality at the hands of the armed forces. In recent times, several activists and students fighting for the rights of marginalised communities have called out Indian celebrities for showing selective outrage. The marginalised in India have often faced criticism for even voicing their concerns. Seeing friends and colleagues be oblivious to matters in their own backyard, while showing extreme interest in the US protests, is worrying. For instance, news outlets and people on social media, pouring their hearts out for a very significant movement in the US, have never bothered to acknowledge the rampant racism towards people from the North East. The brutality towards the indigenous communities in Northeastern states is rarely addressed. When we talk about racism in India, it is certainly not restricted to the upper caste population. I have been in enough left-liberal spaces to say that it exists all over the country. We have the AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act), which gives the power to displace indigenous people, procuring their lands etc without being questioned and for the supposed national interests. Northeastern states have numerous communities with their own culture, who are facing their own set of problems with the laws implemented by the state and are bearing the brunt of colonial laws till date. It is infuriating that the region is homogenised when spoken about, covering our culture and issues under one huge umbrella. I have tried to voice my opinion about the ecological politics in Arunachal Pradesh, the brutality over tribals in the region and the silence over the issues. Neither are these issues spoken about nor is the racism that we face acknowledged, said Deyir Nalo, a student of sociology and Delhi University alum. We also have many colonial blunders to which tribals fall prey even till date. In Arunachal Pradesh, where I come from, I can point out an issue about the Yobin ethnic community who live on the borders of Myanmar. And to seal the border, Indian government evacuated a significant number of people from the community and pushed them into a region which was in 1983 notified as the Namdapha National Park. Now the people living there are constantly forced to move out of the place and no amenities can reach them since it is a national park. Racism, brutality, evacuations all of them go unreported, she added. The Dalit movement in India has taken immense inspiration from the African-American civil rights movement, connecting to Black struggles and seeking support from the teachings of leaders like Malcolm X. However, the Indian upper caste diaspora in the US and other countries continuously equates itself to the Black community, despite being perpetrators of oppression against the marginalised in India themselves. Manasa Yendluri, a Telugu-Dalit feminist, poet and writer, expresses distress over the same, "Many NRIs and Indians restlessly shouted at the top of their lungs and wrote their hearts out for George Floyd. But they never seemed to have heard the names of Madhu, Surekha Bhaiyyalal, Manasa Yadav, Teku Lakshmi, Bakki Sreenu, Vikas Kumar Jatav, and many other Bahujans who were killed in the name of caste. They kept their silence even if they knew about these incidents. Animal killings in this country have gotten the attention that not a single Bahujan life could get." On 27 May, a pregnant elephant in Kerala died after consuming a pineapple stuffed with crackers a common snare used to scare away wild boars from plantations. Social media outrage rose to a crescendo over it, with condolences pouring in on every platform. The death of the elephant was extremely disturbing and sad. However, what is rather revealing and heart-wrenching about India's reality is that Dalits and Adivasis, in spite of losing their lives to brutality every day, do not receive a similar outrage or response to atrocities committed against them. This reflects the truth about how lives of some communities in this country hold a different value when compared to others, and the value is nowhere close to the attention that an animal gets. The same people, grieving the death of the elephant, could also be seen proactively sympathising with the protests against police brutality and racism in the US. Over the last week, I've seen plenty of largely apolitical Savarna, middle and upper caste people, join in on the global outrage and solidarity over George Floyd's murder. This is particularly ironic when one thinks of how this empathy is absent when Adivasis, Dalits, Muslims and other marginalised communities in India are brutalised at the hands of the state machinery, day in and day out, says Nolina Minj, an Adivasi researcher and writer. While there is a history of transnational solidarity between Dalits and Blacks, upper-caste Indians would loathe recognising that their casteism and indifference towards the oppression of marginalised communities in their own country stems from the same unequal world order that enables racism. Supporting anti-racism in the West, while staying mum about violence at home, is a paradox that is morally flawed and unstable, she adds. According to a study by Common Cause in 2018, the percentage of people detained in India without being sentenced for a crime was 32 percent in 2003-2005, and 31 percent in 2013-2015. 67.2 percent of undertrials happen in India double the global standards' percentage. The survey also clearly indicates that the fear among Dalits, Adivasis and Muslims of being vulnerable to accusations of crime are quite significant. Newsrooms in India too bustle with a homogeneous population of upper caste people, with this lack of diversity and inclusivity mirrored in the attention attributed to brutality on marginalised communities. Several national and state broadcasters, which have reported on the protests against George Floyd's murder as an outrage against white supremacy, thereby projecting the protests as dissent with reason, have constantly criminalised the anti-CAA-NRC movement in India. They have also maligned the Bhima-Koregaon rallies, and with no reluctance, have reported saying social activists are anti-nationals. I have been consistently speaking out against the current government on social media, especially after the revoking of Article 370, during the anti-CAA-NRC protests, the Delhi pogrom, and the unreasonable arrests of activists. Several friends and acquaintances often shunned me saying I was blowing everything out of proportion, and asked me to focus on the positives in the situation. Protesting to protect my right to survive, and to speak about it, seemed to be costing me my friendships. But yes, at the same time, the same people tweet about 'Black Lives Matter', says Kazim Syed, a journalist from Ladakh. It is rather distressing and infuriating for marginalised communities to shout themselves hoarse, only to see people around them conveniently dodging the subject of violence inflicted on them in their own country. The same people either perpetrate said violence themselves, or are complicit in the act by choosing to stay quiet and ignorant about the lives of a huge section of society. Solidarity is important while dealing with oppression, but solidarity means nothing when it is wrought with hypocrisy. If incidents that happen to Dalits, Adivasis and Kashmiris in India had happened in the US, there would be so much more outrage. There are Whites who, like many communities in India, try to malign the Black protestors. But the support of celebrities towards Blacks is very crucial, because celebrities make up the US culture, says Shripad Sinnakar, a Dalit queer activist, writer and poet. According to a 2018 Amnesty report, more than 40,000 crimes against the Scheduled Castes were reported in the year 2016. In June 2012, 17 Adivasis were killed in an unprovoked attack by the security forces in Chattisgarh this being among the many atrocities carried out against the marginalised sections every day. Such incidents make for fleeting news pieces that are hardly paid attention to. It's akin to ignoring the fire in your own backyard, while being engrossed with the distant one being televised into your home. It's no secret that Indians from dominant castes and communities are far removed from resistance struggles in their own country. Their silence then, and outspoken outrage now, speak volumes about their inhuman hypocrisy. It only goes to show how in popular discourse, social justice has become a buzzword devoid of meaningful engagement that requires hard work, Minj says. The Indian diaspora abroad has always misrepresented India as a country, and also its dynamics. The diaspora condemns racial discrimination in the West, while erasing their role as perpetrators of violence against marginalised communities in their own country. Responsibility lies on their shoulders to raise their voices for the marginalised in their homeland, if they are vocal about the minorities in the countries they are living in," says Sinnakar, before adding: "But this is also an area of contention for me. What about the problems people in other countries are facing? Muslims in China, indigenous communities in Brazil, Chilean protests, and so many others. Those, like our own country's plight, are also talked about globally. So, I believe it's a moral responsibility of every diaspora to voice the concerns of their countries, which I'm sure the upper caste diaspora cannot do without being pretentious...Solidarity is a moral responsibility; it is what heals civilisations and people." Few days after students from Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia University were seen protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), news of the Delhi Police forcefully entering the institute's library on 15 December 2019, and charging at the students with canes, emerged. The videos of the incident were circulated widely on the internet. The police had entered university premises in riot gear, and had attacked students who were studying in the library. Expectedly, the Indian diaspora abroad chose to remain largely silent about the episode. Additionally, a significant section of this population also hosted pro-CAA rallies in their respective countries. It is also this sect of people who condemn racism and support affirmative action in the US, while speaking against reservation, and criminalising the discourse of marginalised communities in India. Upper caste feminists only address patriarchy, and refuse to speak of caste. Similarly, the Indian diaspora and a majority of upper caste Indians can only look at racism in other countries, but not (see) their own caste system. Indians who take pride in admitting that they fight against racism are giving a statement that they are much more 'educated' and advanced (than others), and that casteism is too small an issue to fight against. The day Ambedkar enters their bookshelves and rests in their hands, is the day this nation starts advancing, says Manasa Yendluri. The Management of Ghana Community Network Services Limited (GCNet) says it has handed over all data from year 2002 to May 31, 2020 to the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in the requisite format. The management said the data was transformable, manageable, acceptable and transportable to any relational database management system for consumption and use in accordance with international acceptable standards, i.e. Comma Separated Values (CSV) format. A statement issued in Accra and signed by Mrs. Aba Lokko, Corporate Communications Manager, GCNet said there was a trail of irrefutable evidence of confirmed receipt by GRA of all such data from GCNet/GCMS to this effect. It said as part of the data submission to GRA, GCNet provided on two separate occasions the Column Names and Data Types and therefore, it was totally false to suggest that GCNet did not hand over data to the GRA. The statement said GCNet was proud of the service it has rendered through its smart end-to-end e-Customs Single Window system, which facilitated trade, improved business competitiveness and ensured sustained improvements in revenue mobilization for the Government for national development over the years. 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 To the Editor: Re Im a Black American Refugee, by Tiffanie Drayton (Sunday Review, June 14): Ms. Drayton wrote a heart-wrenching profile of the racism that caused her to flee America for the refuge of Trinidad and Tobago. As a fellow black American, I feel that urge all the time. But as a direct descendant of enslaved Texans, I have no other home. And I dont intend to leave. Like the music we created or helped create jazz, blues, hip-hop, rock n roll black Americans like me are a uniquely American creation. We are the product of enslaved people and slaveholders. America was built on our backs, and great wealth was generated at our expense. But the reality of being a black American cannot be reduced to our misery. This denies us our humanity and our leadership role in the building and betterment of America. Despite our ongoing struggle, beauty, creativity, joy and amazing strength spring from our experiences and daily lives. America has finally discovered Juneteenth, which my family has celebrated my entire life. I feel it is important to recognize the humanity and complexity of the black American experience. Like Langston Hughes, I, too, am America, and I dont intend to leave. Moga/Bathinda/Faridkot: A 50-year-old Covid-19 patient from Moga, who was also suffering from liver cancer, died on Thursday night. Civil surgeon Dr Amarjeet Kaur Bajwa said that Tajinder Singh of Moga was admitted at Mohandai Oswal Hospital in Ludhiana for cancer treatment on June 17. He was discharged from the hospital on Thursday morning but during the day he tested positive. He passed away at 10.30pm on Thursday. The district administration conducted the cremation as per the protocol, she said. Meanwhile, five persons of Kotkapura town tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday. Civil surgeon Dr Rajinder Kumar said that of them, two residents of Prem Nagar are contacts of a positive patient admitted at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) in Ludhiana. The other three are residents of Surgapuri locality of Kotkapura that has been declared a containment zone. We are confirming whether they came in contact with a positive patient or if there is any other source of infection, he said. All of them have been admitted to the isolation ward of Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital in Faridkot. Now there are seven active cases in the district. Their samples were collected during the door-to-door survey conducted in the containment zone and high-risk areas by the health department, he added. TEENAGED GIRL FROM FAZILKA POSITIVE A 17-year-old girl from Fazilka town also tested positive on Friday. Fazilka civil surgeon Dr CM Kataria said the patient has no recent travel history but her parents visited Delhi and their samples have been sent to the laboratory for testing. The patient has been admitted at the isolation facility in Jalalabad town. PHOENIXEntrenue is the first U.S. distributor to carry the newest items from Iroha and Tenga, expanding vibrator and masturbator egg options with clever designs. New additions include Temari pressure-sensitive roller massagers and powerful Rin+ vibes from Iroha, as well as new variations of Tengas masturbation egg six-packs. The Iroha Temari, the newest addition to Irohas lineup of luxury vibrators, is a rechargeable external vibrator. Each Temari features a round patterned top mounted on an insulated base that helps keep powerful rumbling vibration from transferring to the users hand. Temari is waterproof and available in three design variations: HANA, meaning flower, MIZU, meaning water, and KAZE, meaning wind. These compact vibrators are pressure-controlled, which means users can activate vibration by pressing them against the body, and come equipped with a clever cap for discreet storage. Also new from Iroha is Rin+, a rechargeable and more powerful update to the original Rin massagers. The Rin+ retains its easy-to-hold shape (now longer) and soft spherical tip for unique insertable and external pleasure sensations. The new Rin+ features four vibration strengths and two pulse patterns, a unique anti-dust coating, and is available in two color options, Rin+Hisui (muted light green with a darker green base) and Rin+Sango (muted light pink with a darker pink base). New to Entrenues Tenga collection are two new six-packs of its popular masturbation eggs: the new Standard Egg Variety Pack features Tengas original eggs in six patterns: Wavy II, Boxy, Brush, Tornado, Sphere, and Silky II; and the Hard Boiled Egg Variety Pack includes Tengas firmer easy beat eggs in six patterns: Thunder, Crater, Misty, Cloudy, Shiny and Surfer. We are thrilled to add these new Iroha and Tenga products to our catalog, Entrenue CEOwner Joe Casella said. These affordable brands consistently produce thoughtful, quality products that cater to multiple categories. Tenga has become a go-to brand for masturbators and strokers, and Iroha is known for their interesting shapes and soft, smooth exteriors. Consumers love these products and we are very excited about offering them. Iroha packaging features modern, eye-catching designs and is ideal for coordinated shelf displays. Tenga items feature the companys distinctive red Tenga branding. To view Entrenues newest catalog, please log into your account at Entrenue.com to start browsing. To place an order, call (800) 368-7268, email [email protected] or visit Entrenue.com. China's air force approached Taiwan on Friday for the fourth time in four days, Taiwan's military said, as China steps up manoeuvres near the island that Beijing claims as its own territory. Taiwan's air force said the J-10 fighter jet was involved in the approach but did not say whether only one aircraft or more had entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone to the island's southwest around midday (0400 GMT). The Chinese air force was given a verbal warning to leave, and Taiwanese jets "responded", Taiwan's air force said, without giving further details. The aircraft then withdrew and the situation returned to normal, it said in a brief statement. In the past week-and-a-half, the Chinese air force has buzzed Taiwan six times, according to Taiwan's military. China has not said in public why it has increased its activity near the island, but has previously described such drills as routine and intended to show China's determination to defend its sovereignty. Taiwan's air force, which is well trained and is modernising its U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, routinely patrols above the sensitive Taiwan Strait which separates the island from its much larger neighbour. China has never renounced the use of force to bring democratic Taiwan under its control though the island has shown no interest in being ruled by autocratic Beijing. Taiwan has complained China has stepped up its military activity, including sending aircraft carriers near the island, since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Egypt has urged its citizens in Libya to avoid areas of conflict and exercise the highest degree of caution after 23 Egyptian workers were repatriated after being detained and abused by militias allied to the internationally recognised government in Libya. In press statements on Thursday, foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said the call comes amid increased activity by armed groups in several regions of the country. This week, a video circulated on social media in recent days showed militias loyal to Libyas UN-supported Government of National Accord (GNA) abusing a group of Egyptians in the western city of Tarhuna. The controversial video showed the workers forced to stand on one leg with their hands raised, with the men appearing to repeat, on an unidentified mans order, expletives against Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Libya's eastern-based military commander Khalifa Haftar. The Libyan government said it had arrested the culprits behind the detention and mistreatment of the nationals, and the workers arrived back in Egypt on Wednesday. Egypt, along with the UAE and Russia, backs Haftar, who has been fighting the forces of the UN-backed government, which is also backed by Turkey. Earlier this month, El-Sisi announced a peace initiative to end the civil war in Libya, proposing a ceasefire and an elected leadership council. Search Keywords: Short link: PIF's investment will translate into a 2.32 per cent equity stake in Jio Platforms on a fully diluted basis Reliance Industries and Jio Platforms on Thursday announced an investment of Rs 11,367 crore by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. (PTI Photo) Mumbai: Reliance Industries and Jio Platforms on Thursday announced an investment of Rs 11,367 crore by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). This investment values Jio Platforms at an equity value of Rs 4.91 lakh crore and an enterprise value of Rs 5.16 lakh crore. PIF's investment will translate into a 2.32 per cent equity stake in Jio Platforms on a fully diluted basis. With this investment, Jio Platforms has raised Rs 115,693.95 crore from leading global investors including Facebook, Silver Lake, Vista Equity Partners, General Atlantic, KKR, Mubadala, ADIA, TPG and L Catterton. A RIL release said that with the addition of PIF's investment, Jio Platforms has established partnerships with a marquee set of global financial investors, who will contribute to establishing the digital society vision for India. This is an unprecedented eleventh investment in Jio Platforms within nine weeks since April 22 this year. At Rs 115,693.95 crore, it is the largest continuous funds raised by a company anywhere in the world and was done amidst a global lock-down, "clearly signifying India's digital potential and Jio's business strategy". PIF is the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia and as part of its mandate to diversify its economy, has made its largest investment into the Indian economy to-date. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, welcomed PIF as a valued partner in Jio Platforms. "We at Reliance have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for many decades. From Oil Economy, this relationship is now moving to strengthen India's New Oil (Data-driven) Economy, as is evident from PIF's investment into Jio Platforms," he said. "I have greatly admired the defining role PIF has played in driving the economic transformation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I welcome PIF as a valued partner in Jio Platforms and look forward to their sustained support and guidance as we take ambitious steps to accelerate India's digital transformation for enriching and empowering the lives of 1.3 billion Indians," he added. Governor of PIF Yasir Al-Rumayyan, said the potential of the Indian digital economy is very exciting. "We are delighted to be investing in an innovative business which is at the forefront of the transformation of the technology sector in India. We believe that the potential of the Indian digital economy is very exciting and that Jio Platforms provides us with an excellent opportunity to gain access to that growth. This investment will also enable us to generate significant long-term commercial returns for the benefit of Saudi Arabia's economy and our country's citizens, in line with our mandate to safeguard and grow the national wealth of the Kingdom," he said. The transaction is subject to Indian regulatory and other customary approvals. Jio Platforms, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries, is a next-generation technology company focused on providing high-quality and affordable digital services across India, with more than 388 million subscribers. Shane Foley all but stole the show when dominating with four winners as racing resumed after a 76-day absence at Naas on Monday. Foley helped Jessica Harrington to a treble of her own and also provided County Down trainer Leanne Breen with the third winner of her career. Foley had previously ridden four winners on the same card at Dundalk in October 2014 and he set the ball rolling on the Harrington-trained Lucky Vega in the 6f maiden. The 9/2 chance battled well to score by half a length from the Aidan OBrien-trained 4/6 favourite Lipizzaner. Harrington and Foley landed a bigger prize when 22/1 outsider Punita Arora won the Listed Kuroshio At Compas Stallions Committed Stakes. She came from well off the pace to get the better of the Joseph OBrien-trained Alligator Alley by a length. A 9/2 chance, Masteroffoxhounds wrapped up a memorable day when giving Harrington her third winner and Foley his fourth in the concluding 8f maiden. In between, Foley had won the second division of the 6f handicap on the Leanne Breen-trained Parkers Hill which landed an 18/1 success with a two and three-parts of a length win for the Galaxy Horse Racing Syndicate. Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning were among the winners at Leopardstown on Tuesday where Ten Year Ticket, owned by Nicholas Teehan, battled well to take the Listed Holden Plant Rentals Trial Stakes. The 8/1 chance got the better of Aidan OBriens King Of Athens. Shane Foley was back in the winners enclosure at Navan. He got the well-backed 4/1 joint-favourite Blastofmagic up on the line to pip Leanne Breens Ticks The Boxes by a short-head for trainer Ger OLeary. While a lengthy photo-finish went again him in the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Salsabil Stakes, Foley had better fortune in the other Listed race on the card, the Heritage Stakes. He lost out by a nose to the Tom Madden-ridden Silence Please on One Voice, both trained by Jessica Harrington, but helped Harringtons Ancient Spirit beat Joseph OBriens Buckhurst by the narrowest margin. The remarkable run of both Foley and Jessica Harrington continued at Gowran Park the following afternoon where they landed the final two races. Peter Savills Bella Brazil pipped the Jim Bolger-trained Feminista by a head to win the 8f handicap at odds of 5/1 and Shone Mea, a 9/2 chance took the three-year-old handicap over the same distance by a length for owner Pat Harty. Joseph OBrien landed his first winners since racing resumed with a double at the Curragh on Friday evening. He saddled 4/1 chance Galileo Chrome to win the 10f maiden with Shane Crosse getting the winner up on the line to pip the Emmet Mullins-trained King Of The Throne by a head. Crosse was also in the plate as the pair landed a bigger prize later on the card. They took the Group Three Coolmore Ten Sovereigns Gallinule Stakes with Crossfirehurricane which remained unbeaten when comfortably accounting for the Jessica Harrington-trained Gold Maze at odds of 7/1. OBrien had to settle for second place in the 7f handicap as Bright Idea lost out by half a length to the Danny Sheehy-ridden Champers Elysses. Johnny Murtaghs 14/1 chance came from well off the pace to lead over a furlong from home. Shane Foley made it nine for the week and he gave Jessica Harrington her eighth winner in five days when capturing the Group 2 Irish EBF Mooresbridge Stakes with the hugely impressive Leo De Fury at the Curragh on Friday. The four-year-old came from well off the pace to score a three-length success from the Aidan OBrien-trained Fleeting at odds of 6/1. Foley easily reached double figures since the resumption on Monday with a cosy success on the Harrington newcomer Dickiedooda in the 5f fillies maiden in the colours of Alpha Racing. A well-backed 5/2 favourite, she beat Denis Hogans 33/1 outsider Grammata by an easy length and a quarter. DIARY FRIDAY: Tipperary (1pm), Gowran Park (4.05pm). SATURDAY: Naas (2.20pm). SUNDAY: Leopardstown (2.40pm). (Photo : REUTERS/Dado Ruvic) A test tube with fake blood and COVID-19 label and a 3D printed Google logo are placed near an Apple Macbook Pro in this illustration taken April 12, 2020 (Photo : REUTERS/Denis Balibouse) A Swiss soldier shows on a mobile device the contact tracking application created by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), using Bluetooth and a design called Decentralised Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing (DP-3T), which will be launched on May 11 by the Swiss Government for easing of the lockdown caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at the Chamblon barracks, Switzerland April 30, 2020 The United Kingdom government has now included the Apple-Google contact tracing app as its main coronavirus app, rather than depending on its own-created application. Despite tons of criticisms on creating a centralized app, the British government is now forced to make an embarrassing u-turn towards adapting the U.S.-based Apple-Google app. That also means that the American companies would be handling info of maybe around 66 million British people. Here's why. Apple-Google contact tracing app now has access to the U.K. On Thursday, June 18, the British government decided to scrap out all their actions of making a centralized Coronavirus app and finally, allowing Apple-Google companies to access the info of over 66 million of British men. Still, it will not be totally erased. The country's Health Secretary Matt Hancock explained that there will still be remaining features that will be applied on Apple-Google that initially came from the NHS app. "We have agreed to join forces with Google and Apple to bring the best bits of both systems together," said him. "We found that our app works well on Android devices, but Apple software prevents iPhones from being used effectively for contact tracing unless you are using Apple's own technology." Hancock defended their original app and said that it was not total trash. In fact, some of the beneficial features from the NHS app were not found with the Apple-Google app. "As it stands, our app won't work because Apple won't change their system, but it can measure distance," he added. "And their app can't measure distance well enough to a standard that we are satisfied with." When will it be operating? For those asking when will the app be starting operating, here's bad news. The U.K. government said that they are not going to "put a date on it" since the preparation for the partnership is still going to take a few months. However, he added that they're already "working on it." As of Thursday, June 18, the U.K. already recorded over 300,000 confirmed victims and more than 42,000 deaths due to the virus. The total population of the country is around 66 million, according to the database. If the government requires all citizens to download the app, that's a huge stake to take. ALSO READ: [BEWARE] Officials Warn Public of COVID-19 Contact Tracing Scams 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 19:41:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NAIROBI, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Sino-Africa cooperation, based on the pursuit of mutual interest, has been injected with fresh vitality as the two sides join hands to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, Wu Peng, the Chinese ambassador to Kenya, said on Friday. China and African countries have demonstrated sincere friendship by joining hands to fight the pandemic, Wu said in a commentary published on The Standard newspaper. "Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 in China, many African countries including Kenya have provided material and spiritual support for China," he said. "All these fully demonstrate our brotherly friendship in times of adversity." Both China and African partners share a similar vision of strengthening multilateralism and globalization as a prerequisite for overcoming challenges like climate change and infectious diseases, Wu said. China is committed to supporting African countries overcome challenges linked to COVID-19, in line with the ethos of building a community of shared future for mankind, he said. A white paper titled "Fighting COVID-19: China in Action," published recently by China's State Council Information Office, has become a clarion call for solidarity with African countries to revitalize the war against the disease, Wu said. The envoy singled out Kenya as a case study of solidarity and reciprocity to overcome challenges presented by a global pandemic. "In Kenya, Chinese nationals from all walks of life are also working with their Kenyan friends to overcome difficulties," he said. Wu said donation of medical supplies and other basic necessities by the Chinese government, corporations and philanthropists has been timely as Kenya intensified efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Resumption of direct cargo flights between China and Kenya has helped sustain bilateral trade during the pandemic, he said, adding that Beijing has supported Kenya's quest to establish a robust manufacturing industry for high-quality face masks. "Facing the most serious global public health emergency since the past century, no one can survive alone. Only with joint efforts will we be able to clinch the final victory," Wu said. He said the 73rd World Health Assembly, held virtually on May 18-19, set the stage for practical actions that China planned to undertake to help African countries overcome challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. "To help more people on the African continent, a cooperation mechanism will be established to pair up Chinese hospitals with their African counterparts, and the disease preparedness and control capacity of Africa CDC headquarters will be ramped up," Wu said. He said the June 17th Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 marked a milestone in practical cooperation between long-standing bilateral allies to help contain the pandemic. "In President Xi Jinping's keynote speech, he pledges that once the development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccine is completed in China, African countries will be among the first to benefit," Wu noted. The extraordinary summit, chaired by Xi, was held on Wednesday via video link. Enditem Eight more coronavirus cases have been reported in Burleigh County, and a 64th death has been confirmed in Cass County. The death of a woman in her 90s with underlying conditions is the state's 76th death related to COVID-19, according to the state Department of Health. The eight new cases in Burleigh County are among a batch of 33 new cases statewide, raising North Dakota's total to 3,226. Active cases are up by just one, however, to 310. State officials are monitoring Burleigh County in case it becomes the state's next hot spot, with cases mounting this month. It now has 50 active cases and 188 total cases. That still pales in comparison to Cass County, which has 148 active cases and 2,104 total cases. Thirteen new cases were reported there Friday. Friday's numbers included most of the results from mass testing conducted at the Capitol in Bismarck on Wednesday, according to the state's Joint Information Center. Officials tested 1,426 people, with 1,364 being negative and five positive so far. Other new cases reported Friday were in the counties of Dunn, Grand Forks, McHenry, McKenzie, Pierce, Sioux, Stark and Ward. There were 31 additional recoveries in the 24-hour period, bringing that total to 2,840. Twenty-six people statewide remain hospitalized with COVID-19, unchanged from the previous day; 210 people have been hospitalized at some point due to the disease. Officials reported 3,819 total tests handled Thursday, raising the total since the pandemic began to 148,099. That figure includes people who have been tested more than once. A total of 92,606 people have been tested at least once. That figure increased 1,952 from the previous day. Most people who get COVID-19 recover, experiencing only mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough. Others, especially the elderly and people with existing health problems, can experience more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover. For more information, go to www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus. Reach Blake Nicholson at 701-250-8266 or blake.nicholson@bismarcktribune.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. As the debate surges yet again over whether Juneteenth ought to become a federal holiday, I cant help but think of my mother. Recently, I asked her why she didnt celebrate Juneteenth, and her answer, simply and tragically, was that emancipation didnt matter. Born on the wrong side of the color line in Jim Crow Louisiana in the 1940s, she grew up with the rage and pain that stemmed from segregation and white supremacy, not the glory of racial equality promised by emancipation nearly a century before. Considering the darkness of the recent weeks, I understood her response. Weve all been painfully reminded of how far the road still stretches to Black liberation. Indeed, on this Juneteenth, it feels particularly difficult to celebrate the freedom of our ancestors from slavery while the cries of George Floyd to be freed from a policemans knee still ring in our ears. Nonetheless, as a historian, my mothers apathy troubled me. Invoking my love of the superlative, I implored her to understand that there was no more profound moment in U.S. history than the emancipation of 4 million enslaved Black men, women and children. When she rolled her eyes at me, my heart broke, and not because it always stings when your mama dismisses you. You see, my mother is not only a retired federal employee; shes also a patriot. She spent over 30 years working as a civil servant, procuring contracts for the military and other sectors of the federal government. My mother believes in freedom. She believes in this nation. But she doesnt celebrate Juneteenth. I cant help but wonder whether she and all Americans might feel differently if wed been encouraged to remember and affirm the liberty and dignity of Black people every Juneteenth for the last century and a half. After all, federal holidays, like national monuments, dont merely testify to the values of the nation. They ingrain those values in us. They teach us who and what matters, what to remember and what to forget. Despite my frequent lamenting over the present-day orientation of most Americans, we actually remember a great deal about the past. We can recall the multiple steps of political and cultural discord that erupted into violence and led to the bloody chasm of the Civil War. We can recount the heroes and villains of the war, whose granite and marble and bronzed figures still tower over us in towns and cities across the country. But we dont remember or celebrate the most profound consequence: the liberation of 4 million Black Americans. And the reason we dont remember emancipation, the reason we havent erected granite monuments of freed slaves and dont celebrate Juneteenth as a national holiday, is not because that moment was insignificant; its because that moment was so very significant, and thus, so very threatening. Emancipation disrupted and deconstructed the matrix of power on which the nation was based. It cast poor whites and blacks into the same lot, redefined Black folks as people rather than property, and imbued them not only with an air of dignity but also with a righteous claim to citizenship and a legal stake in the body politic. For all Americans to have commemorated emancipation then would have meant they acknowledged that the nation had fundamentally changed. To listen to the impassioned speeches of Black leaders would have been to affirm the legal and human rights of African Americans. And for the federal government to mark emancipation as a national holiday would have meant assuming the responsibility to protect those rights. Of course, none of that happened. And despite the seemingly earnest recognition that Black lives matter by so many Americans today, I doubt most will fire up their grills or head to Juneteenth celebrations this year. Then again, perhaps they will. Perhaps the fear of Black liberation is dissipating. Perhaps, were beginning to complete the radical ideological shift that President Abraham Lincoln began in the 1860s when he tied the freedom of the nation to that of the slave. Perhaps were beginning to agree with Frederick Douglass when he said, No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck. I hope so. Id certainly like to take off these chains, enjoy some Southern barbecue, and get on with the business of celebrating the inclusive meaning of American freedom embedded in Juneteenth with my mom. Candice L. Harrison is a professor of history at the University of San Francisco and the faculty director of the Black Achievement Success & Engagement program on campus. NEW HAVEN Detectives believe a city teen who died from a gunshot wound to the head was fatally wounded while she was sleeping earlier this week, police officials said Friday. New Haven police and fire units responded to a 911 call about an unconscious person at a Valley Street home between West Hills Road and Emerson Street in the West Rock neighborhood at about 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, according to police Capt. Anthony Duff. First responders provided aid on scene and the victim was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, police said. She was identified by police as 19-year-old Kiana Brown of New Haven. On Thursday, the medical examiner ruled Browns cause of a death as a gunshot wound to the head. The Police Departments Major Crimes detectives investigated the scene at the Valley Street home. Detectives found evidence of gunfire in the roadway and discovered the residence had been struck by a gunshot, Duff said. During a canvass of the neighborhood, officers learned several residents heard gunfire during the early morning hours on Wednesday, Duff said. Detectives believe the victim was fatally wounded as she slept. The New Haven Independent reported that when Brown was a senior at James Hillhouse High School, she was a member of the Hillhouse team that won the statewide girls championship. When she was still a senior at Hillhouse, Brown spoke to a Register reporter about a student athlete study program there, noting she often left practice tired, so she liked having most of her homework done before she arrived at home Anyone with information is asked to call police at 203-946-6304. Callers can remain anonymous. Anonymous tips can also be called in to 1-866-888-TIPS; anonymous tips can also be sent via text to 274637 with NHPD plus the tip in the message. By Mei Shixiong and Sun Shaolong BEIJING, June 19 -- The draft of the Veteran's Support Law was submitted to the 19th session of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) for deliberation for the first time on June 18. This draft focuses on the issues of general concern for veterans and is committed to improving the existing policy to better safeguard their legitimate rights and interests. The draft consists of 10 chapters and 77 articles, covering the retirement handover, resettlement, education and training, employment, preferential treatment and recognition of veterans. The draft stipulates that for the demobilized officers and soldiers who are qualified to be transferred to civilian jobs, the administrative organs, non-governmental organizations, public institutions and state-owned enterprises shall accept them and provide with staffing. For veterans who seek jobs or self-employment, the draft has strengthened support for their businesses, and the relevant departments are also required to give preferential support and recruitment policies. In terms of education and training, the draft stipulates that the troops would arrange skills training or continuing education courses for the military members before they are demobilized. Colleges and universities would enroll veterans by means of separate plans and separate enrollment. And those veterans who used to be college students before enlistments would enjoy relevant preferential policies in enrollment and re-entry to the school yards. Improving preferential treatment and recognition for veterans is also one of the main contents of the draft. The draft specifies that veterans shall enjoy preferential treatment in social insurance, housing, medical care and transportation. Veterans who have received commendations and awards during their active service shall enjoy a corresponding treatment in accordance with regulations after retiring. Besides, the draft has clarified the basic principles and management and supervision systems for the work for veterans. The draft emphasizes the necessity of effectively protecting the lawful rights and interests of veterans. The competent department of work for veterans should provide support for the maintenance of their legitimate rights and interests, and relevant public legal service agencies shall provide necessary assistance according to law. In the 1965 summer edition of Film Comment, actor and critic Edith Laurie reported on the third International Film Festival of India, held from January 8 to 21 of that year. The President and Vice-President of India, the Minister of Broadcasting and Information (who is the late Prime Minister Nehrus daughter), the Mayor of Delhi, and the chief minister of Bengal, Madras, and Maharashtra all took an active promotional part in the proceedings, she wrote, adding: Could anything short of a national emergency rally this kind of American-government support? This was the first competitive film festival held in the country the previous two editions, in 1952 and 1961, were non-competitive. Satyajit Ray, who headed the jury, was unhappy with the competitive nature of the festival, arguing that with several established film festivals around the world the Indian one was unlikely to get any good cinema. Laurie, however, reported that the festival came about as a result of stirrings deep within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Indira Gandhi, who headed the ministry as part of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastris Cabinet and who would later use it effectively during the Emergency to suppress dissent, announced at the festival that India would reduce censorship and issue more licences to foreign films. One of the films included in the competitive section was Chetan Anand-directed Haqeeqat (1964). It is the first movie treatment of Indias war with China, writes Laurie, (s)hot in the Himalayas. The film had received widespread state patronage and media support, according to some reports. It is dedicated to Jawaharlal Nehru, whose visionary self-fashioning was somewhat dented by the debacle in the Sino-India war. Naturally, its depiction of the enemy conforms to the widespread anti-Chinese hysteria stirred up by the government. The eye-rolling Chinese are reminiscent of sinister Japanese in Americas World War-II movies, writes Laurie. The usual patriotic cliches are spread thickly over every character. When the film was shown at the festival, though, one of the most striking aspects was that the songs written by Kaifi Azmi and music by Madan Mohan were scratched. Mohans son Sanjeev Kohli, in an interview , recollected the brief Anand had given his music director: Indeed at the back of the mind was the lost war, but the anguish and suffering of the armed forces and the nation was all pervading. Thus, the music had to be pathos-laden, with an air of despondency. But at the end, it needed to celebrate the contribution of those that laid down their lives.Anand was no mean craftsman; his debut venture, Neecha Nagar (1946), had been picked by the Palme dOr at the inaugural edition of the Cannes Film Festival. Whatever one might think of the saccharine jingoism of Haqeeqat, one could hardly deny its technical finesse. It reminds one of Leni Riefenstahls documentaries Anands film is, after all, called The Truth and the desire for documentation is intense, with sequences of Ladakhi culture and festival. It is a strange form of nationalism that exoticises its own citizens. But, the emotionally manipulative nature of the film is evident from the first shot itself, beginning with orchestral music, alerting the audience that they are in for an epic narrative. The sequence comprises montages of two army officers on their way to Srinagar to report for duty in a plane, intercut with shots of hilly topography. This is what they presumably see as they peek out of the aircrafts windows. The music is muted when we hear the dialogue between the soldiers and rises to a crescendo when we are shown the landscape. This landscape is India; this is what the soldiers martyred themselves for. This is also the structure of the film. It begins with frothy and romantic numbers such as Masti mei chedke tarana and Zara si aahat hoti hai, and the love story of Captain Bahadur Singh (Dharmendra) and Angmo (Priya Rajvansh), and rises to the crescendo of gunfire on the Himalayan heights and Ab tumhare hawale watan saathiyon. The nearly six-minute-long song goes from shots of the bodies of Indian soldiers strewn all over the arid landscape of Ladakh to documentary footage of a procession taken out by the Film Writers Association, collecting donations for the war effort. A portrait of Nehru, mounted on a truck, leads the procession. Kohli describes the song as the crowning glory of the films album. This song came at the end of the film and had everyone in tears the audiences did not move till it was over. Many marvelled at the fact that a war-based film could have such melodious music! We get a glimpse of Nehru, in high-altitude gear, addressing the soldiers and then the display of arms during a Republic Day procession in New Delhi. Soldiers are shown being paradropped in the Himalayas and the firing of guns, giving the audience the impression that the struggle is on. The truth was, of course, that the Chinese troops, having repelled Indias forward positions, withdrew to their lines and declared a ceasefire on November 21, 1962, exactly a month and a day after hostilities began. While the film and other such efforts helped reinstate Nehru, his defence minister Krishna Menon took the fall, resigning on October 30, 1962. In The Resurrection of Durga, Smriti Sawkar writes that four state spectacles in the early 1980s Asian Games in New Delhi (1982), the launch of the Maruti family car (1983), the Festival of India in Britain (1982), and the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in New Delhi (1983) were organised to recapture the imagination of the Indian middle class and reinstate in their minds, after her dominance was dented by aftereffects of the Emergency (1975-1977). Haqeeqat and the IFFI are also similar albeit early examples of Mrs Gandhis spectacular politics. The writers novel, Ritual, was published in February 2020 One of the thumb rules of investing is to locate the right stock at the right price. It makes no sense in putting ones hard-earned money on a stock for which all the positives are already captured in the price. Nevertheless, a number of investors continue to do invest just this way, assuming stocks will surge indefinitely. At the same time, investors tend to get rid of scrips whose prices declined - sometimes without even going into the reason behind the sell-off. It has been observed that often stocks are unfairly punished because of macroeconomic factors that may not have any significant bearing on their company businesses. In fact, contrary to the assessment of the general investor, pricing weaknesses often present the greatest investment opportunity. Moving Past Concerns The U.S. economy seems to have rebounded from the worst of the coronavirus crisis with renewed activity. As a proof of the resurgence, all three major stock indexes are now around 40% above their March lows. However, several macro-economic factors continue to weigh on the market. In its recent commentary, the Fed acknowledged that the economy is still struggling to regain momentum with a "long road" to recovery. Investors also remain worried about a second wave of coronavirus infections, while the omnipresent U.S.-China tensions remain a concern. And despite retail sales and employment numbers making a strong comeback in May, they are still down significantly - highlighting the damage caused by the pandemic. Clearly, investors have ample reasons to worry about. However, most of these issues have been existent for quite some time now and have already influenced the market. Further fall in stock price just because of these factors may not be justified. Nonetheless, some stocks continue to do so. So, why not invest in these companies now that they have become cheaper? But obviously, one must first come to the conclusion that the stocks are indeed on sale and that the decline in price is not the true reflection of its fundamentals. There are several such stocks in the market; one just needs to answer the correct knock on the door. Using the Zacks Methodology With the help of the Zacks Stock Screener, we have zeroed in on five stocks that have witnessed a slump this past week, with shares down more than 10%. While these companies have sold off significantly in the past few sessions, they have a favorable Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. . The Zacks Rank is a reliable tool that helps you trade with confidence regardless of your trading style and risk tolerance. To learn more about how you can use this proven system for market-beating gains, visit Zacks Rank Education. Here are our choices: United Natural Foods, Inc. UNFI: United Natural Foods is the leading distributor of natural, organic and specialty food and non-food products in the United States and Canada. The FY 2020 Zacks Consensus Estimate for this Providence, RI-based company indicates 20.2% earnings per share growth over FY 2019. The Zacks #1 Ranked company is gaining on the spike in demand, stemming from the coronavirus-led stockpiling. This apart, integration synergies related to SUPERVALU are aiding the companys performance. Perdoceo Education Corporation PRDO: Perdoceo Education (formerly known as Career Education Corporation) - headquartered in Schaumburg, IL - offers online and on-campus post-secondary education services. The firm has an excellent earnings surprise history having surpassed estimates in each of the last four quarters, the average being 24.5%. The coronavirus pandemic has forced schools and colleges to shift online as a measure to control the outbreak. Riding on the online wave with remote study becoming more and more common, Perdoceo Education with a Zacks Rank #1 - is set to play a key role in the transition. Adient plc ADNT: Adient is one of the worlds largest automotive seating suppliers. This Dublin, Ireland-based companys expected EPS growth rate for three to five years currently stands at 30.1%, comparing favorably with the industry's growth rate of 14.1%. Adient - with a Zacks Rank of 2 - recently fortified its liquidity after successfully issuing $600 million senior secured notes. The companys diverse customer base and regional presence has helped it to create strong market position. As the current global automotive environment remains uncertain, Adient has concentrated on reducing its cash burn to weather the storm. Puma Biotechnology, Inc. PBYI: Puma Biotechnology is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative treatments that enhance cancer care. Over 30 days, the Los Angeles, CA-based company with a Zacks Rank of 2 has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2020 improve 14.3%. Puma Biotech's only marketed drug Nerlynx is approved for early-stage breast cancer patients in the United States and other countries. Recently, the FDA approved Nerlynxs combo to address the third-line breast cancer. This should drive its sales in future quarters. Scorpio Tankers Inc. STNG: Scorpio Tankers is a leading refined products seaborne transportation company. The 2020 Zacks Consensus Estimate for this Monaco-based company indicates astounding 760.6% earnings per share growth over 2019. As producers keep pumping more oil into an oversupplied market, countries are running out of traditional inland storage facilities. This has prompted traders to buy giant tankers as floating storage, allowing them to move the (cheap) commodity onto ships and wait for an eventual recovery in prices. With its diverse and large fleet, #2 Ranked Scorpio Tankers is primed to take advantage of the upcycle. 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 United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) : Free Stock Analysis Report Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (PBYI) : Free Stock Analysis Report Scorpio Tankers Inc. (STNG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Adient PLC (ADNT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Career Education Corporation (PRDO) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Teachers, parents and, yes, even children are anxiously waiting for schools to reopen in the fall, but the biggest questions on everyone's mind are when and how that can happen safely. With so much still unknown about how coronavirus affects children and how it spreads, CNN asked health and education experts about the pros and cons of reopening schools. Are there risks? Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN he hesitated to make any broad statements about the safety of schools reopening, but said that conversation needs to happen with a particular focus on the infection level in each community. "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." "There's no 'no-risk' activity," Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told CNN. "Staying home is not a no-risk activity, particularly if the parent's working. So, it's a question of can we mitigate the risk." "Are we looking for absolute safety?" asked Dr. Susan Coffin, professor of pediatric infectious diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "If we're looking for absolute safety, we might choose to hunker down and wait until there's no more virus, and then begin to reopen schools exceptionally cautiously. But many educators and public health experts in the United States have been focused on strategies where we can have children come back together for in-person learning sooner rather than later." Anita Cicero, deputy director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said she thinks there's a false sense of security based on the relatively low number of cases of COVID-19 in children. "I don't know if people are really connecting the dots to how that will increase the risk and increase potential exposures for family members at home," she said. What does data say about kids passing virus to others? Data have consistently shown that coronavirus affects children less often and with less severity in comparison to adults. As of June 10, less then 5 percent of all coronavirus cases were children under the age of 18, according to data from the CDC. There is a small percentage of children who have a more severe reaction to coronavirus and develop Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, but the rate of this complication is so far extremely low. What remains unclear is the extent to which children infected with the virus can pass it onto others. "The big unanswered question is: How efficiently can a child who's infected with coronavirus pass it on to other kids and to teachers and family members at home?" Cicero told CNN. Fauci seemed to think that keeping schools closed in general was not necessary. "Children can get infected, so, yes, you've got to be careful," he 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." Do benefits of sending children back outweigh risks? School closures due to the coronavirus pandemic have affected more than 56 million public and private school students in the U.S., and 20 million of those kids rely on school lunches. American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten, who leads one of the largest unions for teachers and school staff in the country, said nothing will be a 100% guarantee of safety. "It's really important to get (kids) back into the community," Weingarten told CNN. "For teachers, they miss their kids and they know that the current, remote way of education has its limitations." Sharfstein, who recently co-wrote an article pushing for schools to safely reopen to mitigate academic losses of the "COVID slide," said he believes educating children is one of the most important things society does. "In all the talk about 'are barber shops going to open up' and 'what about theme parks,' we should be organizing to make sure the kids get what they deserve. The benefits are very important." How can schools reopen with so many unknowns? Many of the plans to reopen that have been announced so far involve social distancing, PPE, testing, isolation plans, and regular cleaning protocols. Some schools are also exploring hybrid models combining in-person and virtual learning. Such a major shift in how schools run will likely mean more teachers and resources will be needed. Weingarten said she is frustrated by the lack of federal guidance and funding so far. "I've never experienced a situation where we've gotten no guidance from the federal government, we've gotten nothing from Betsy DeVos, and we get very little from the CDC and very little from HHS," she said. Department of Education spokesperson Angela Morabito said school reopenings were being left to state and local officials, as closings had been. "Secretary DeVos has said that going back to school in the fall may very well look quite different this year than it has in the past, and that schools might choose to adopt hybrid models that combine distance education with in-person instruction," she said. "The department is providing guidance, flexibility and resources to state and local leaders so that they are equipped to make the best decisions for students and staff." Orange County Classroom Teachers Association President Wendy Doromal in Orlando, Florida, said any hybrid option will cost more. "We even have to hire new teachers if you divide up rooms and students, but how can you even do that because our schools are overcrowded? There's so many questions," Doromal told CNN. Cicero echoed the need for more funding. "That's also an incredible stressor and expense for schools to try to prepare all new systems to have these mass gatherings every day and keep everybody safe and infection free," she said. In addition to more funding, experts also say all reopening models must include the flexibility for families to make individual decisions based on their own risk assessments. Therefore schools must have a fully online option to accommodate the students, teachers, and family members who are considered high risk and do not want to attend school in person. Unanswered questions Research seeking to answer how coronavirus spreads among children and whether they are less susceptible to infection so far has been inconclusive. In Germany, researchers found that children are just as infectious as adults and therefore cautioned against an "unlimited reopening." But a study from the Netherlands concluded that children play a minor role in the spread of the virus. In a recent study from China, scientists analyzed data from Wuhan and Shanghai to find that while children were roughly a third as likely to contract coronavirus in comparison to adults, going to school gave them three times as many chances to become infected, effectively making children just as much at risk as adults. "While proactive school closures cannot interrupt transmission on their own, they can reduce peak incidence by 40-60% and delay the epidemic," the study found. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, launched its own study last month to get further clarification on whether children are less likely to catch coronavirus than adults. The results will not be available until at least December. "We're kind of down to the wire at this point," said Cicero. "It seems like we've been complacent in not really driving forward with the research that we need to figure out whether kids, once they go back to school, are likely to transmit the virus back to their family members or to their teachers and other school workers." The-CNN-Wire & 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. A former University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) President and the current Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Cape Coast has admitted that some UTAG-UCC members shot themselves in the foot with the initial wholesale rejection of the Public University Bill. He averred that at the inception of the Bill, he mooted the idea for the consideration of the Bill at a meeting at convocation, "UTAG members rejected the Bill without making any inputs and in fact some members called for my head as an officer". Some of our members allowed politics to take a better part of them". One thing this country must be careful about is our penchant to allow partisan politics into every facet of our national life". In addition, Prof. Kwarteng said "as academics, we ought not have allowed emotions to take a better part of us but we ought to look at issues dispassionately but unfortunately that didn't happen with this university bill". He continued that, "a colleague at the meeting can easily rise up, move motion for the rejection of the bill and unfortunately you get majority supporting same instead of us looking at the document before concluding" he added. Further, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, UCC said everybody has a political party he votes for but when issues come up, he expects that people should address such issues minus their political lenses. "If not for the wholesale rejection of the Bill they wouldn't have been at this level at this time". Expatiating further on why he thinks the wholesale rejection of government policies and programmes isn't good, Prof. Kwarteng who is also a historian, gave two classical examples; One, when Ghana was at the verge of attaining independence, a conference was organised for all stakeholders but the National Liberation Movement members boycotted the meeting. "The others attended and the outcome of the meeting was implemented, but he added that, if the NLM members had been part of that meeting possibly things would have been different". Secondly in 1992 when the NPP lost the presidential vote they decided to boycott the parliamentary elections. "What did they benefit, nothing and the NDC had a filled day and run the country". So today we as academics who should know better cannot repeat same mistakes that had been made by some politicians in time past. We have shot ourselves in the foot with that attitude". "We didn't help ourselves". Prof. Kwarteng remarked. Dr. Boadi-Kusi who is the current UTAG President of UCC and the Immediate Past National Secretary of UTAG also contributing to the discussion said the Public University Bill has come about because government indicated that there were too many laws governing different universities in Ghana with some of them being outdated. He explained that the bill went through a lot of processes to get to this point but in March of this year, the bill was gazetted, UTAG decided to go through the bill to ensure if their earlier inputs have been captured or not. "One problem UTAG had with the bill was that, it was not practical for government to have a harmonised law to govern all aspects of public universities since they had different mandates and different size and structures the current UTAG President explained. He added that some aspects of the law could be harmonised for example promotions and conditions of service but not every aspect needed to be harmonised". Notwithstanding all the disagreements, Dr. Boadi-Kusi said one monumental disagreement UTAG has with the new bill is the University Council. "There are three main principal officers of a University; Chancellor, Pro Chancellor or Council Chair and the Vice Chancellor". All three are officers who are appointed by Council per article 195(3) of the 1992 constitution which states that "The power to appoint persons to hold or act in an office in a body of higher education, research or professional training, shall vest in the council or other governing body of that institution or body". But "along the line and across all regimes, when the time comes for the appointment of these key officers of the University, article 70 which gives the power of appointment to the President is used to appoint the Council Chair and in some cases the Chancellor" he posited. This has been the convention overtime and no one has complained", but we have drawn the attention of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education to this since it is subject to interpretation of the Constitution. Dr. Boadi-Kusi continued that, irrespective of all the issues surrounding the bill, "UTAG met the President at the Jubilee House and the President agreed with most of the issues they raised and asked us to liaise with his Minister of education and see what can be done on our proposed amendments". We met the Minister and to a large extent most of our proposals were accepted". When his attention was drawn to the fact that, the Minister of Education has said that there isn't any substantial difference in current composition of the University Council and the new one, the UTAG President of UCC opined that "to a large extent I can agree with the Minister of Education because when a proper analysis is done on the current composition of the University Council, there are more members coming from outside than internal members". "We need to look at it dispassionately as academics and see the way forward and not jump to conclusions that government wants to take over the University Council". He further explained that the current University Councils have more external members. Example, "University of Ghana has about 22 members but only 7 are internal and even in my own institution, there are more external than internal members but the only problem now is that the numerical strength of our internal members is being reduced." "This is why people think decisions at Council would sway to government side" he asserted. He further explained that they have therefore proposed that at least one senior member representation of Convocation, the alumni and GRASSAG should be brought back on Council and the Minister agreed with that position. They were speaking to D. C. Kwame Kwakye on GBC Radio Central Morning Show today Thursday 18th June, 2020 and assessing the current state of the Public University Bill. On the way forward regarding how the law would favour both sides, Dr. Boadi-Kusi said, they have tabled their proposals to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education and expressed the hope that most of the proposals tabled will be factored into the revised bill. "I admit that when we went to parliament to meet the select committee on education, the Minister of Education urged his colleague MP's to pay particular attention to UTAG 's proposals since he the minister was in support of most of them and for us that is very progressive" he emphasised. He indicated that it is not possible to agree on everything but UTAG will continue to dialogue with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the right things are done. Dean of the Faculty of Arts Prof. Kwarteng on the other hand added his voice by saying that in every organisation there two kinds of people; "the hawkish and the dovish". "The doves are those who believe in dialogue while the hawks are those who believe things should be done with some kind of force". He concluded that, with his experience as a union leader and with close to twenty years teaching experience, "I believe dialogue helps to resolve issues than through the use of force" Prof. Kwarteng added. Job Title: Sales Team Leader Organization: ICEA General Insurance Uganda Limited Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda About US: Our client is one of the largest insurance and financial services providers in East Africa. With extensive network in Uganda, our client is now looking for Sales Team Leader to be based in one of its branches in Kampala. Job Summary: Reporting to the Head of Sales, the incumbent will be responsible for recruitment, motivation and retention of insurance agents whose role will be to acquire individual general insurance business. The incumbent will be required to identify markets and facilitate access of these markets by the agents recruited. The incumbent will also be required to deliver on several key performance indicators in respect to individual GI business and to submit regular reports regarding the same. S/he will play a central role in managing the performance of insurance agents in their respective team. Key Results Areas Recruitment and retention of insurance agents Training and development of the agents Acquisition of new business Retention of existing clients Accurately and timely generate productivity reports Compile and report sales pipeline Ensure that performing agents are licensed and comply with relevant regulations Enforcement of performance management processes as specified by the business Qualifications, Skills and Experience: Bachelors degree or Diploma is business or related course. A minimum of COP Accreditation At least 3 years experience in management of general insurance agents An understanding of Insurance products Excellent Computer Skills Knowledge and Skills Ability to deliver results when objectives are set Excellent presentation skills High level of initiative and self-motivation Good Planner with task and time management proficiency Ability to work independently while demonstrating excellent team working skills Good communications skills Resilience to cope with pressure of working in a fast paced and dynamic environment Remuneration: Very attractive How to Apply: All interested and qualified candidates should apply by sending their updated hr.hr@icea.co.ug not later than 30th June 2020. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Deadline: 30th June 2020 For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline The youth of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) made up of delegates in Bantama of the Ashanti Region have expressed their disgust and disappointment in the incumbent Member of Parliament Hon. Daniel Okyem Aboagye for his recent attacks targeted at the personality of his opponent for the partys primaries, Mr Francis Asenso-Boakye. The Bantama MP is said to have levelled allegations of vote-buying against his opponent, a situation the soft-spoken Deputy Chief of Staff to President Akufo-Addo has earlier declined on his Facebook timeline. In a statement, the group are demanding an immediate retraction and apology for the allegations against his Danso-Boakye ahead of the partys primaries scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2020. Read their press statement below: We have gathered here as delegates and constituents of the Bantama constituency to respond to some unfortunate baseless and unsubstantiated allegations made by our Member of Parliament, Hon. Daniel Okyem Aboagye and captured in sections of the media that we deem to impugn our integrity as delegates and the people we represent. In those abusive and disparaging remarks made by the outgoing Member of Parliament, he alleges that his opponent, the distinguished Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye has engaged in acts of buying votes to get our mandate to represent us in Parliament. As malicious as these statements are, we find them to be a direct insult in our face. Are delegates that cheap to be bought; has Hon. Okyem Aboagye ever bought delegates before, and for what amount? We want to know! Rather, what is known in this constituency is that the outgoing MP has been giving out cash amounts from our share of the MPs Common Fund to some delegates instead of using the monies for their intended purposes, which is to develop the constituency, like investing in the poor state of roads as we have in almost all areas like in Kokoso, Ohwim, Abrepo Patasi, Asubonteng among others. Instead, the MP prefers to give cash to some delegates. So we ask the MP, is the GHc2000 he has been giving to some delegates meant for the development of Bantama or it is to buy their votes? When Hon. Okyem Aboagye in the 2015 primaries gave ten (10) cars, each for one of the ten electoral areas in Bantama on the eve of the partys parliamentary primaries, was it intended to develop the constituency or to buy the votes of discerning NPP delegates? These questions are begging for answers! We are very familiar with the modus operandi of Hon. Okyem Aboagye. He is a confident trickster. His style of politics is always characterized by lies, malicious propaganda and deceit which does not serve the well-being of Bantama but only to enrich himself. Ladies and Gentlemen of the press all these we are saying is mainly to prove to you that if anyone intends and have started buying votes amongst the two aspirants, then it is obviously the outgoing MP, Hon. Daniel Okyem Aboagye. We want to emphasize that delegates are not cheap, and will not sell our conscience for money. As delegates of the Bantama Constituency, we do not only represent ourselves but also the whole people in this constituency. We want nothing but the progress and development of our land and its people. We are clear in our minds that Hon. Okyem Aboagye has failed in that direction and also lacks the clout to lobby for development projects for our great constituency. On the other hand, through the intervention of Hon. Asenso-Boakye the constituency is witnessing major several intervention projects in various sectors which will improve the living standards of residents and to ensure the stability, progress and long-term development of the constituency. These include the donation of an ambulance and various medical equipment to Suntreso Government Hospital; construction of the first basic school for Ohwim-Hwidiem community; construction of a modern AstroTurf pitch at Kookooase School Park; donation of LED street lights; renovation of several school buildings; construction of road networks; distribution of computers and other educational materials to various schools in the constituency. Through the intervention of Hon. Asenso-Boakye, a lot of the youth have gained jobs in notable institutions, had access to quality education with scholarships, both in Ghana and abroad. If these acts of development is what the outgoing MP considers as vote-buying, then we the people will support such a person to help develop our area. We cannot allow one selfish politician to retard the development of Bantama. Bantama deserves better! Ladies and gentlemen, these are some of the reasons we support Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, also known as Bantama Asenso-Boakye. He has the development of Bantama at heart, and we as delegates of the constituency will support him to bring progress and prosperity to our area. In conclusion, we wish to reiterate our disgust at these malicious fabrications made by Hon. Okyem Aboagye not only against Hon. Asenso-Boakye but also against the good people of Bantama and ask that he retracts those unfortunate statements and subsequently renders an unqualified apology to all the people of Bantama. We also want to use this opportunity to humbly urge Hon. Asenso-Boakye not be cowed by these ugly attacks but remain focus in his quest to develop Bantama. We the youth of are solidly behind him! We cannot fail our constituency this time! [June 19, 2020] A Robust Cost Takeout Strategy Can Ensure Savings of up to 20% for Engineering and IT Organizations, Says Zinnov Businesses have had to adopt liquidity planning and cash conservation to create a financial runway Proper classification of core vs. context activities and exploring newer engagement models can create efficiencies in outsourcing SANTA CLARA, California, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Zinnov, a leading global management and strategy consulting firm, released the findings of its rapid cost takeout study, focused on Engineering and IT organizations. The study helps empower business leaders to make informed decisions in their cost optimization measures, particularly in the current volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous business environment, brought on by COVID-19. The Zinnov study revealed that organizations can achieve up to 20% savings by focusing on three essential cost levers Globalization, Outsourcing, and Product Portfolio Optimization. Globalization is the strategy where an organization expands its geographical footprint by setting up global centers in key locations. Globalization can potentially save up to 15-20% of costs for an organization by aligning roles and skills to current business needs, optimizing talent and location strategy, and redistributing talent from high-cost to low-cost locations. Organizations are witnessing a fundamental shift in the demand for certain skills and roles, in the wake of the ongoing pandemic, such as cybersecurity experts, security engineers, privacy engineers, sales roles, etc. Further, globally distributed, mature teams eliminates the dependency on one particular location, thus ensuring business continuity. With acute cost pressures come rapid cost optimization measures in the form of talent redistribution from high-cost to low-cost locations. Additionally, global centers should be leveraged to operate as multi-function centers to achieve further cost savings. Zinnov's analysis highlighted that organizations can achieve significant savins on outsourcing through effective management of vendors and optimal work portfolio allocation. The five key elements to achieve maximum cost savings through an effective outsourcing model includes consolidating vendors, redefining engagement models, having clear pricing models, revisiting in-house vs. outsourced portfolio, and having a better vendor governance and management structure. The third essential lever that emerged from the Zinnov study is product portfolio optimization, which can potentially save organizations up to 15% in costs. In this process, organizations need to invest, optimize, and divest products based on the product development life cycle (PDLC) stage and its strategic importance to the business. The decision is based on key dimensions such as revenue, product roadmap, talent needs, infrastructure complexity, cost & margin pressures, and customer/market complexity. Speaking about the cost takeout study, Nilesh Thakker, Managing Partner & Global Head, Zinnov, said, "Cost pressures have increased in the wake of COVID-19-induced uncertainties for organizations across verticals, across the globe. Given how the pandemic is reshaping entire ecosystems, cost takeout isn't merely an important step but a necessary one. Companies today are asking themselves the questions am I getting my post-COVID strategy right? How are my employees going to be most effective? How are my customers interacting with me? Right now, companies aren't getting any additional budgets from their CFOs so they are figuring out how to leverage their current budget to spend on initiatives for future growth." "The remote working experiment has yielded success for many organizations, which in turn has influenced companies to explore teams that can be dynamically redesigned and geographically distributed, for business continuity. Companies have begun to understand that cost takeout doesn't mean organizations are just solving for cost, but are also solving for quality and output," he added. About Zinnov Founded in 2002, Zinnov is a leading global management and strategy consulting firm, with presence in Santa Clara, Houston, Bangalore, Gurgaon, and Paris. Over the past 18 years, Zinnov has successfully consulted with over 250+ Fortune 500 enterprises and technology companies to develop actionable insights that help them create value across dimensions of both revenue and optimization. With core expertise in Product Engineering, Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Outsourcing Advisory, Zinnov assists clients by: Enabling global companies to develop and optimize a global engineering footprint through center setups, and technology and functional accelerators to achieve higher R&D efficiencies, innovation, and productivity; Advising global PE firms in asset shortlisting and target evaluation, commercial due diligence, and value creation; Growing revenue for companies' products and services in newer markets through account intelligence, market entry, and market expansion advisory; Structuring and implementing Digital Transformation levers enabled by technologies like AI/ML, Cloud, IOT, and RPA; Helping global companies outline and drive their open innovation programs, design and operate accelerator programs, and enable collaboration with start-ups across specific use cases and predefined outcomes. With their team of experienced consultants, subject matter experts, and research professionals, Zinnov serves clients from across multiple industry verticals including Enterprise Software, BFSI, Healthcare, Automotive, Retail, and Telecom in the US, Europe, Japan, and India. For more information, visit http://zinnov.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/694742/Zinnov_Logo.jpg Media contact Nitika Goel Chief Marketing Officer, Zinnov [email protected] +1-408-390-5797 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Portlands 22nd consecutive day of protests against police brutality and systemic racism was defined by downtown and North Portland demonstrations, as well as the toppling of a George Washington statue along Sandy Boulevard. Several hundred demonstrators rallied at North Portlands Jefferson High School, a smaller group gathered outside the downtown Justice Center and a third group assembled at the statue, which became the latest monument to be torn down by protesters. Statues of historical figures have become frequent targets during the nationwide protests against police brutality and broader racism. Monuments to the Confederacy in Southern cities have been torn down by protesters, or in some cases removed by city leaders. In Oregon, protesters have previously torn down a statue of Thomas Jefferson outside his namesake high school and University of Oregon statues of pioneers that had been linked to celebrations of white supremacy. The Washington statue had stood at Northeast Sandy Boulevard and 57th Avenue since the 1920s. Washington was an active slaveholder for 56 years, and hundreds of slaves worked his Mount Vernon plantation. Washington depended on them to construct and maintain his household and plantation. Hes said to have struggled with slavery and spoke of his desire to end the practice, and he left instructions in his will to set free his slaves upon the death of his wife. The group of protesters gathered downtown Thursday blocked Southwest Third Avenue between Main and Madison streets for several hours, according to Portland police. Demonstrators threw items, including hot dogs, at the Justice Center doors and cut and shook a fence outside the building, police said. The group marched about 11:30 p.m. and started dispersing about midnight, according to police. The Jefferson High School rally lasted over an hour, and demonstrators dispersed about 9:30 p.m. No one was arrested during Thursdays demonstrations, which are part of a massive uprising sweeping the nation after the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in late May after a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. -- Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015 Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. New Delhi, June 19 : Leading bicycle maker Hero Cycles expects to increase its market share in India to 45-50 per cent in the current financial year, despite the slowdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the nationwide lockdown. In an interview with IANS, Pankaj M. Munjal, Chairman and Managing Director, Hero Motors Company - of which Hero Cycles is a group company, said that sales in India during the lockdown took a big hit but since June 8, when the restrictions were by and large lifted, sales have picked up. "It's difficult to cope up 100 per cent lost sales of Q1 (April-June) but we are hopeful that we will cover most of it consolidating our market share to 45-50 per cent this year, up from 40 per cent March 2020," he said. Munjal, however, noted that during the lockdown period, unlike in India, demand increased for the company's cycles in Europe. "In fact the demand was greater than the supply, because no one expected a spike so sudden and tall," the CMD told IANS. On the company's plans in the electric cycles' segment, he said that although the "electronic revolution" in India has been slow, over the past one year there has been growth in the segment and Hero Cycles expects to double the sales of its e-bikes this fiscal. In just two years, the company has sold nearly 25,000 units, he said. "E-cycles' penetration today increased to 200 cities and expected to grow to 250 to 300 within this financial year as well. We are also hoping to double the sales of our e-bikes in FY 2020." The bicycle industry leader also hoped that with the growing trend of environmental consciousness amongst consumers, e-bikes or e-cycles will be looked as a more eco-friendly, economical, non-motorised, personalised alternate mode of travel. As the lockdown gets lifted in phases, Munjal was of the view that the cycle industry and the demand scenario in the market will pick up faster compared to other sectors. Further, given shared mobility for transportation and gyms for fitness requirements are unlikely to be preferred soon in the near future, people may opt for cycles and e-cycles as an alternative both for fitness and commuting, he said. Asked about any delay in strategic decisions and planned operations due to the lockdown, he admitted that there has been "a slight delay". He said that the Hero Industrial Park that the company is building in Ludhiana, where Hero Cycles is based, has fallen a bit behind schedule. "Hero Industrial Park that we are working on got halted because of the Covid situation. Since the lockdown is nearly lifted, we are trying to put things back on track and complete construction by September and start production by Q4 FY 2020," he said. Munjal added that there are no other plans which have seen a major course correction. The Hero Motors Company CMD told IANS that in the wake of the unanticipated Covid crisis the company is trying to curtail any extra cost by making the value chain more efficient. He also said that Hero Cycles is supporting its dealers with extended credit periods and other support that they may require to continue operations and be back in business. (Rituraj Baruah can be contacted at rituraj.b@ians.in) A communal crisis is currently brewing in two towns, Eruwa and Lanlate, in Oyo State over the siting of a health facility at Lagaye village by the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin. Mr Ogundoyin is currently representing Ibarapa East State Constituency in the state House of Assembly. The 32-year-old lawmaker, who is a son of a foremost philanthropist in the state, Adesegun Ogundoyin, is a native of Eruwa. While some residents of Eruwa said that the village belongs to Eruwa, residents of Lanlate say it is theirs. That may set the stage for a confrontation as the speaker has apparently donated the centre to Eruwa. Residents told PREMIUM TIMES that the construction of the health facility at Lagaye village with an inscription that the village is part of Eruwa is generating tension which may soon degenerate into communal clash. Residents of Lanlate are angry that the inscription reads, Primary Healthcare Facility, Lagaye, Eruwa instead of Lagaye, Lanlate. Mr Ogundoyin officially commissioned the project last Saturday. But a native of Eruwa, Ridwan Adedeji, who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday noted that the village belongs to Eruwa. The village belongs to Eruwa. The Eleruwa installed Senator Peter Adeyemo as the Baale of the village, he said. But, checks by PREMIUM TIMES revealed that Lagaye village is one of the 45 villages under Lanlate, listed in the official gazette of Oyo state published in October 2016. Lagaye is listed as one of the villages in Ibarapa North East Local Council Development Area (LCDA) where Lanlate is the headquarters. Oyo State Gazette published in 2016. List of LGAs and LCDAs where villages and towns under each LG and LCDA were mentioned. Counter claims Investigation revealed that Lanlate people are furious, over what they described as a deliberate attempt by the Speaker to support his kinsmen from Eruwa in their bid to annex Lagaye village to Eruwa. Head of Lagaye Village, Adesokan Adegbaye, called on Governor Seyi Makinde to carefully look into the matter and call the Speaker to order. Lagaye Village belongs to Lanlate, and not Eruwa. There is Lagaye compound in Lanlate. Let Eruwa people show us where is Lagaye compound in their town. We are peace loving people, but our land remains our land. Eruwa people were accommodated to farm at Lagaye by our forefathers. They can never claim to be the land owners. They had taken different steps in the past to annexe our land but they failed. An indigene of Lanlate who prefers not to be named, noted that Lanlate people have many documents to prove that the village belongs to them. He said Mr Ogundoyins donation has renewed the hostility and rivalry between the two towns. The source, on Thursday insisted that the people of Lanlate have vowed to resist any attempt by anybody no matter how highly placed to rewrite the history of Lagaye. I want to be referred to as an anonymous but credible source. Let me start by saying that, I am from Lanlate. The issue is not even debatable because Lanlate community has many documentary facts that points to the fact that Lagaye is a village under Lanlate. First and foremost of these facts is that in Lanlate, there is a compound named Lagaye and this family are the ones that settled at Lagaye village many years back. Another fact is that even the Oyo State government recognises that Lagaye belongs to Lanlate. The only public primary school at Lagaye is named LA primary school, Lagaye, Lanlate. Ogundoyin unveiling the inscription of the health facility last Saturday. Senator Peter Adeyemo that is parading himself as the Baale of Lagaye graduated from that school and on his primary school leaving certificate, what was written was LA primary school, Lagaye, Lanlate. You can ask further that the mentioned senator should present his certificate. Or better still, make a visit to the ministry of education, Ibadan and ask for the file of the mentioned school for verification of my claim. Advertisements Another fact is that the only polling unit at Lagaye before 1993 was under a ward in Lanlate. Ward 8, Isale togun, Lanlate. How does Eruwa come in? Eruwa people came to Lagaye a long time ago for farming purpose and Lanlate people accommodated them. They were in their numbers and they settled in the village having Lanlate people as their landlords. Due to the fact that many people of Lanlate extraction that were in the village had left for the township leaving behind Eruwa people who continued their farming business in the village gave them the audacity to start claiming that the village belongs to them There had been several intervention on the issue by the state government at different times and at the end of the days, Lanlate came out victorious. What the speaker has done is a renewal of the hostility and rivalry between the two towns. The health facility from the front view. Meanwhile, the donor of the health facility, Mr Ogundoyin, when contacted, said he had no comments on the issue. He, however, alleged that some individuals in the two towns are behind the crisis due to their own selfish interest. The speaker in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, said, I saw the message you sent. Over that issue, there is no comment. It is just a very inconsequential issue. I have no comment, he added. It is just some individuals that are behind it because of their own selfish interests. JERSEYVILLE Lawyers representing Roger Carroll are taking the first step toward appealing the Jerseyville mans murder conviction. Carroll was charged with the June 25, 2010, death of Bonnie Woodward, 48, of East Alton. He was an early suspect in the investigation, but the case lay dormant until April 2018 after a reported assault of his wife, Monica Carroll, and subsequent testimony by his son, Nathan Carroll. A Jersey County jury convicted Carroll, 53, in March. He could get up to life in prison because a firearm was used in the commission of the killing, which enhances the usual sentence range. Before an appeal of the conviction could be sought, defense attorneys Clyde Kuehn and Scott Snider will argue a post-trial motion and sentence, Special Prosecutor Jennifer Mudge said. The defense motion contends Roger Carrolls attorneys were not given property notice of the testimony of the witness who identified Carroll. Kuehn and Snider also said the judge erred in allowing testimony about a confrontation between Roger and Monica Carroll. They argue, among other things, that the judge should not have allowed testimony about charred bone fragments at the spot where Roger Carroll is said to have set a fire to burn remains. Such motions are not uncommon in major felony cases. Mudge and First Assistant Madison County States Attorney Crystal Uhe said they plan to respond in writing in about two weeks. At the trial, witnesses testified Roger Carroll killed Woodward and burned her remains on a huge pile of brush before pushing it into a creek outside his rural Jersey County home. Mudge said that in the days before June 25, 2010, Roger Carroll stalked Woodward, figuring out her schedule and likely whereabouts in Alton. Before the killing, he and his wife had taken in Woodwards stepdaughter, Heather, who was not getting along with her stepmother. The Carrolls and Heather Woodward, 17, knew each other through church. According to testimony, Heather Woodward had planned to leave home when she turned 18. Authorities said Roger Carroll used her as bait for Bonnie Woodward who was found to be missing after her car was left in the parking lot of Eunice Smith Nursing Home in Alton. The jury took three hours to return a guilty verdict. UNITED NATIONS (AP) A draft U.N. resolution would maintain two border crossing points from Turkey to deliver humanitarian aid to Syrias mainly rebel-held northwest and reopen an Iraqi crossing to the northeast to deliver medical supplies for the COVID-19 pandemic. Russia, which insisted the Iraqi crossing be shut in January, holds the key to future cross-border operations. It contends cross-border aid was meant to be a temporary response to the nine-year Syrian conflict and the situation on the ground has changed. The proposed Security Council resolution, drafted by Belgium and Germany and obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, emphasizes that 11 million Syrians need aid and that cross-border deliveries remain an urgent and temporary solution to help them. It states that the pandemic presents a profound challenge to Syrias health system, socioeconomic and humanitarian situations and heightens the imperative of using every possible means of reaching people in need. In January, Russia scored a victory for its close ally Syria, using its veto threat to force the Security Council to adopt a resolution reducing the number of crossing points for aid deliveries from four to just two, from Turkey to the northwest. It also cut in half the year-long mandate that had been in place since cross-border deliveries began in 2014 to six months, as Russia insisted. The newly circulated draft resolution would extend the mandate for the two border crossings from Turkey to the northwest Bab al-Salam and Bab al-Hawa for a year. And it would reopen the Al Yarubiyah crossing from Iraq for an initial period of six months until Jan. 10, 2021, and for an additional six-month period if the council decides the impact of the pandemic warrants it after evaluating a report to be done by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Last month, U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock called the northwest border operation a lifeline for millions of civilians whom the U.N. cannot reach by other means, saying deliveries are at record levels with 1,365 trucks crossing from Turkey in April. Story continues Al Yarubiyah had been used mainly to deliver medical supplies to the northeast and while a first road delivery from Syria made it to the region in May, U.N. officials say the crossing from Iraq is essential to bring in COVID-19 supplies. Human Rights Watchs U.N. Director Louis Charbonneau said its research in late April showed that restrictions on aid from Damasus and Iraq were preventing medical supplies and personnel from reaching two million people in the northeast, where there were dozens of confirmed COVID-19 cases in May and at least three deaths. The U.N. Security Council including Russia needs to act quickly to reauthorize medical aid deliveries from Iran to Syrias northeast to prevent further spread of COVID-19 that could devastate the region, Charbonneau said, stressing that alternatives to Al Yarubiyah proposed by Russia and others have failed to close the gap. Whether Russia will allow the Al Yarubiyah reopening remains to be seen. The current mandate for the two Turkish crossings ends on July 10, and the Security Council hasnt yet engaged in serious discussions on the Belgian-German draft resolution. Last month, Russias U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said in response to Lowcock and calls by U.S. Ambassador Kelly Craft for the Iraq crossing to be opened: Do not waste your time on efforts to reopen the closed cross-border points. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Moch. Fiqih Prawira Adjie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 16:01 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066018d47 1 National KPK,Corruption-Eradication-Comission,pre-employment-card,courses,online-course,conflict-of-interest Free The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has found in a recent study several irregularities with the management and digital courses offered by the governments preemployment card program. The program was initially designed as a training program to equip the unemployed and fresh graduates with new skills that would help them enter the job market. However, it was later repurposed as a combination of cash aid and training subsidy following massive layoffs across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. President Joko Jokowi Widodos administration allocated Rp 20 trillion (US$1.4 million) to be disbursed for 5.6 million participants who will receive Rp 600,000 monthly for four months and Rp 150,000 after filling out the programs survey. Each recipient can also receive Rp 1 million to pay for various up-skilling courses, ranging from marketing to fishing. Though the KPK approved of the redesign, it also found some issues related to its management and courses offered. Missing target Since the first batch of online registrations in April, around 680,000 individuals have been accepted to the preemployment card program as of May, out of a total of 9.4 million applicants. KPK commissioner Alexander Marwata said the Manpower Ministry and the Workers Social Security Agency (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) had created a list of 1.7 million workers who were laid off during the outbreak. The commission further found that only around 143,000 of them were accepted in the preemployment card program. Read also: Preemployment card may not help people return to work despite new normal: Experts KPKs deputy for corruption prevention, Pahala Nainggolan, said some of the targeted individuals were senior citizens who were not proficient in using the internet. Meanwhile, registration could only be done online. The commission suggested that authorities contact laid-off workers listed by the Manpower Ministry and the BPJS Ketenagakerjaan by telephone first, as they were the main target of the program. Alexander also questioned the Rp 30.8 billion allocated for facial recognition technology to verify participants identities. He recommended that the government verify identities by cross-checking participants citizen identification numbers with the Home Ministrys Population and Civil Registration rather than procure new technologies for such matters. Potential loopholes Alexander highlighted loopholes in the program as it had no control mechanism to check whether participants had really attended and finished courses. Training institutions have already issued certificates for participants, even they may not have finished all their course packages yet, Alexander said. Participants will also receive monthly cash assistance of Rp 600,000, regardless of whether they participated in any courses at all, potentially wasting Rp 1 million allocated for the courses. The KPK urged the government to establish a control mechanism to guarantee that participants took and finished their courses, such as by implementing interactive learning methods. Read also: Roughly 110,000 complete preemployment card courses, entitling them to cash assistance Poor courses curation The antigraft body found after studying the list with the Indonesian Training Institute Association and the Manpower Ministry that only around 250 of 1,895 offered courses fulfilled the standards for online training. Pahala said some courses taught basic skills that did not require a class at all or necessitate face-to-face training sessions. In the study, the KPK also found that 89 percent of 327 random-picked courses were already offered free courses on other learning platforms such as prakerja.org, which was established to challenge the preemployment card program. Alexander urged the government to take out courses from the program that are being offered for free on other platforms, as well as invite more competent parties to help curate the course. Conflict of interest The program could also present a conflict of interest, as the antigraft body found that online education platforms distributing the courses were also the ones producing the classes. For example, online education platform Pintaria offered 199 courses for preemployment card holders, 69 of which were produced by HarukaEdu, the company that owns the platform. Similarly, 117 of 277 courses offered in Ruangguru platform are also made by its subsidiary Skill Academy. We found at least 250 problematic courses with a potential conflict of interest, Pahala said. It shouldnt be like this because it weakens the curation. Read also: Preemployment card ineffective, gimmicky, CEO participant claims Moreover, the government picked the eight partnering companies without a proper mechanism for procuring goods and services.. The KPK urged the government to remove the 250 courses that potentially have a conflict of interest. The government should also ask the legal opinion of the Attorney Generals Office regarding the procurement mechanism. Alexander said the antigraft body had handed over its recommendations to the Office of Coordinating Economic Minister and other related ministries in late-May. The KPK noted that the government had made some improvements on the program based on its suggestions, including postponing the fourth batch of new registrations. The Office of the Coordinating Economic Minister also said it would provide more offline courses after the outbreak had subsided, Pahala went on to say. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 16:22 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406601b7e1 1 News Sinarmas-World-Academy,Sinarmas,charity,face-shield,coronavirus,medical-workers,COVID-19,pandemic,arts Free Sinarmas World Academy (SWA) international school has announced that it will launch a charity initiative called the Art of Giving on June 27. The initiative will include a series of painting workshops designed for the use of parents and children at home. The profits made from the project will be donated to TEENCOV19, a non-profit collective initiated by SWA students to create and distribute face shields to clinics and hospitals across the country. Located in South Tangerang, Banten, SWA provides education from kindergarten to high school. Every year SWA aims to provide a charity initiative, with last years being an educational talk show created to raise awareness about breast cancer. SWA also created an initiative in April called #SWAuntukINDONESIA, which raised Rp 120 million (US$8,481) to help provide protective gear for medical workers. Read also: Indonesian engineer living in New Jersey produces, donates 3D-printed face shields For the current initiative, SWAs counselor Laurensia Lindi said that the experience of painting and other craft forms was considered incredibly important for children as it could help them express their emotions in a healthy way. The school said that the students were introduced to art at an early age with the help of art classes. The school also provides a website to showcase their students creations. In a statement, SWAs marketing manager Cynthea Tanu said, Through the Art of Giving program, parents can teach their children that doing good and aiding in the fight against COVID-19 can be done in a fun and enjoyable way. The primary hope for this activity is that numerous parents will influence their children to make social contributions and teach them the importance of charity at a young age. (cal/wng) Japanese electrical and electronic equipment maker Toshiba announced on Friday that Yoshimitsu Kobayashi, its chairman of the board, intends to resign from the post, a move seen as an indication the company has returned to a firm footing after the veteran executive was brought in to oversee its recovery from a wrenching scandal. Kobayashi joined Toshiba as an outside director in September 2015 following the exposure of accounting fraud that dragged the company into a financial crisis. He was brought in as the company embarked on a deep-rooted management reconstruction. Toshiba, for years a leading global name in consumer and industrial electronics, stood on the brink of delisting during the worst of the turmoil, but in the years since has succeeded in stabilizing earnings. And while that is viewed as perhaps a good time for Kobayashi to step down, numerous difficulties lie ahead for the company. "Toshiba's rehabilitation has almost come into sight," Kobayashi was quoted as telling people close to him. Earnings have clearly improved. In fiscal 2019 ended in March, for example, the company chalked up a consolidated operating profit of 130 billion yen ($1.21 billion), an increase of 3.7 times from the previous year. "As our rehabilitation is moving into orbit, he may be feeling at ease," a Toshiba executive said of Kobayashi's mindset. The veteran business leader's involvement in Toshiba started when he joined as an observer on a management reform panel the company set up in July 2015 to prevent a recurrence of the accounting fraud after the scandal burst into the open in April of that year. After he took a board seat as an outside director, huge losses incurred by Toshiba's U.S. nuclear power subsidiary were exposed. As a result, the company fell into negative net worth and was demoted to the Tokyo Stock Exchange's second section from the first. In October 2017, Kobayashi became chairman of the board. The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] More San Antonio H-E-B employees have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the grocery store's website. Nine employees were announced on Thursday and another Friday morning. The Friday announcement stated the employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was last working in the store on 415 N. New Braunfels Ave. on Thursday, June 11. Since the start of June, more than 35 employees working in San Antonio have tested positive. Earlier this month, H-E-B announced customers would no longer need to wear a face mask to enter the store, but starting June 22 shoppers will need a face covering again, per Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff's new order, which requires all businesses to implement a new face mask policy for their customers. Enter to win: Were giving away a $75 gift card and relaxing recliner Here are the H-E-B stores with COVID-19 cases that were announced on Thursday. - Deco District H-E-B: The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was last working in the store on 2118 Fredericksburg Rd. on Tuesday, June 16. - West Ave and Jackson Keller H-E-B: The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was last working in the store on 6000 West Avenue on Tuesday, June 16. - Las Palmas H-E-B: The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was last working in the store on 721 Castroville Rd. on Tuesday, June 16. - Lincoln Heights Market H-E-B: The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was last working in the store on 999 East Basse Rd. on Wednesday, June 10. - Zarzamora and Military H-E-B plus!: The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was last working in the store on 6818 South Zazamora Rd. on Monday, June 15. - Loop 1604 and Blanco Rd. H-E-B plus!: The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was last working in the store on 1150 NW Loop 1604 on Monday, June 15. - Potranco and 1604 H-E-B plus!: The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was last working in the store on 10718 Potranco Rd. on Thursday, June 11. - Nacogdoches and O'Conner H-E-B: The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was last working in the store on 14087 O'Conner Rd. on Monday, June 15. - 281 and Evans Road H-E-B plus!: The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was last working in the store on 20935 U.S. Highway 281 North on Tuesday, June 16. RELATED: H-E-B responds to Wolff's order, announces 2 more employees test positive for COVID-19 It is unclear when the employees tested positive. H-E-B said it has cleaned and sanitized all stores multiple times. Employees who had contact with the infected employee have been notified, the grocery chain said. The company has consistently announced when one of its employees test positive. Stores like Walmart or Target do not regularly make it publicly known if one of their employees test positive. Both stores have not responded to mySA.com about whether they have plans to release the information. Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre The coronavirus outbreak forced students at colleges across the U.S. to finish the spring semester at home. As Congress considers additional relief for higher education, lawmakers should focus on helping students at greatest risk of abandoning their studies altogether. According to surveys, enrollment in four-year colleges could drop by as much as 20% this fall. Attrition among poor and minority students is likely to be worse. Close to two-thirds of minority students say the crisis has changed their higher-education plans, and four out of 10 graduating from high school likely wont enroll in college this year. Their hesitation is understandable. Some schools have outlined plans for resuming in-person instruction, but many college students can expect to receive much of their instruction online an unappealing option for some, and a prohibitive one for those who lack reliable broadband access at home. In effect, the recession has made college even less affordable for low- and middle-income students, requiring them to borrow more to cover expenses like books and food. For these students especially, choosing to defer or forgo college will be damaging. More than 30 million Americans have some college but no degree. Only 15% of the lowest-income students get a bachelors degree within eight years of leaving high school. Among dropouts, fewer than 15% reenroll within five years. Students who fail to complete a credential earn less, suffer higher unemployment and are more likely to default on their student loans. The simplest way to help vulnerable students stay in school is to raise Pell Grants, the federal governments main form of need-based aid. More than 75% of Pell recipients are from families with incomes below $40,000. The maximum annual award of $6,345 for 2020-2021 covers less than one-third of the total cost of attending a four-year public university. Doubling it would cover half the cost for the lowest-income students. The additional public outlay, at least $30 billion a year, would be substantial, but hardly excessive in the context of the stimulus plans under discussion. Support for the neediest students should be more flexible, too. Student aid is just one fragment of a much larger problem. American higher education faces a host of other financial challenges, and theyll demand a sustained and comprehensive government response. But first things first. Right now, Congress needs to help the students most at risk. Bloomberg Opinion editorial board Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 New Delhi, June 19 : A 41-year-old woman suffering from rare schwannoma in the neck (parapharyngeal space tumour) was successfully treated with robot-assisted surgery in Delhi. Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals performed a robot-assisted ENT surgery after Babli Bhati, was presented at the hospital on June 4 with progressive swelling of the neck for the past two months. Post-admission, a contrast MRI was done where the doctors discovered that Bhati has shwanomma (tumour) in the neck measuring A3.8 cms. The doctors said that the surgery of a neck schwannoma is a challenging procedure, as these tumours arise between delicate areas of large blood vessels and critical cranial nerves in the neck and any kind of dissection if not done with accuracy can result in lifelong morbidity to the patients. Additionally, 14 per cent of such tumours if not removed at an early stage can be malignant, causing head and neck cancers. "Bhati's tumour in the neck was progressive in nature, and because of its large size it was putting pressure on the cranial nerves present in the neck obstructing her breathing process, had it been ignored for a longer time, there were chances of the tumour turning cancerous," Dr Kalpana Nagpal, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said in a statement. A team of senior surgeons conducted a robot-assisted surgery for the removal of the tumour. "In this kind of robotic surgery, we get a magnified 3D image of the surgical site on a console that displays these images," Nagpal said. "It helped in the preservation of vital structures in the neck because of precise dissection as the surgical planes are seen with ten-fold magnification," Nagpal added. This technique helped the surgeons ensure the preservation of vital structures surrounding the surgical area. The procedure was one hour-long, and the patient experienced minimal blood loss. With no breathing problems or any kind of pain, the patient was discharged within 24 hours of the surgery. "Unlike any other surgery, I didn't feel any pain and was discharged within 24 hours. I am grateful to the team that gave me such a seamless experience of surgery," Bhati said. The streets of Houston will fill with slabs, swangas and other vehicles on Friday afternoon as Trae tha Truth holds a Juneteenth "Ride for Justice." In an Instagram post, the Houston rapper invited the community to honor all victims of police brutality. The event will start at 1:30 pm. at 900 Emancipation Avenue, directly across from BBVA Stadium and Warehouse Live. (Alliance News) - Starwood European Real Estate Finance Ltd on Friday said it will invest EUR20.0 million of an agreed EUR71.9 million loan secured on a portfolio of industrial and logistics assets. The investment in the funding of the 36-month floating rate senior loan, secured on assets in the UK and Germany, closed on Wednesday and was made alongside Starwood Property Trust Inc. "The group expects the transaction to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns, in line with its stated investment strategy," said Starwood European. Having closed this new investment, Starwood European now has around GBP462 million of loans advanced across 19 investments as well as GBP68 million of unfunded commitments. The current average loan to value over the company's portfolio is around 62%, which it said represents "a strong equity cushion". With this new loan, Starwood European has net debt of GBP34 million - about 8% of its net asset value - with all loan interest to this point paid in full and on time. Moreover, future interest payments are also on track for payment in full given a forecast for "gradual continued easing of lockdowns across the UK and Europe". By class, Starwood European is most exposed in hospitality, with exposure at 33%. Its largest hospitality exposure, a hotel in Dublin, Ireland was substantially de-risked in March 2020 upon signing of a licence with the Irish Health Service Executive. This hotel amounts to 29% of Starwood European's hospitality exposure and under the licence will "assist in delivering additional accommodation capacity related to managing the Covid-19 outbreak." Of remaining hospitality exposure, 35% consists of three hotels in England and Scotland which are set to re-open in July. The rest of its hospitality exposure consists of a significant refurbishment project where interest will capitalise until six months after the project completes, likely in the third quarter of 2020, with no impact on the firm's operating cash flows. Office exposure, 23% of loans advanced, has seen rent collections exceeding 91% of contracted rent collected year-to-date. For loans on assets under construction, 22% of total loans advanced, all construction sites are open and in operation. For retail, 13% of total loans, the four Spanish shopping centres making up 83% of retail exposure have all reopened after lockdown restrictions were lifted in Spain. "While this asset class is experiencing significant headwinds, this has been particularly so in the US and UK where shopping centre densities are significantly higher than that of Spain. Early indications of post-Covid retail activity in Spain are positive with footfall since re-opening tracking at approximately 69% of 2019 levels. This is considered a strong performance given that key attractions such as cinema anchors and leisure areas are yet to re-open. All interest has been paid on time on these loans," said Starwood European. Shares in Starwood European were up 2.5% at 82.00 pence in London on Friday. By Anna Farley; annafarley@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Member of the National Assemblys Committee for Legal Affairs Pham Van Hoa talks about the added regulation that allows public non-business units run by provincial and municipal Peoples Committees to send workers abroad. Member of National Assemblys Committee for Legal Affairs Pham Van Hoa. Photo baodautu.vn While Vietnams National Assembly is discussing the draft amended Law on Vietnamese Guest Workers under Contract, South Korea one of the major recipients of Vietnamese workers has suspended receiving labourers who are from some localities of Vietnam. What do you think about the two moves? In the last five years, Vietnam annually sent more than 130,000 workers overseas to work under contracts, which helped offer jobs, increase peoples life quality and improve national human resources. However, the labour export activities had problems for both companies that provide labour export services and migrant workers. For example, the companies lured people, required them to pay high fees or sent the workers aboard and then left them there without care or support. Some migrant workers did not obey signed contracts with companies and ran away to work illegally for other companies, illegally stayed in the host countries or violated laws of the host countries. These are some reasons why some labour recipients refuse workers who come from localities with a high rate of these problems. Its a sorry situation that South Korea has announced it will stop receiving workers who come from ten such districts in Vietnam. This incident also helps prove the law on Vietnamese guest workers under contract needs to be revised to address problems and improve the quality of human resources. New contents were proposed in the draft of the amended law, of which, I would like to draw attention to the regulation allowing public non-business units run by provinces/cities Peoples Committees to send workers abroad as part of international treaties and international agreements. Can you clarify the participation of State organisations in sending Vietnamese workers abroad? Recently, some localities of Vietnam and those in other countries like South Korea, Japan and China agreed to send and receive guest workers. Accordingly, local governments signed agreements with localities or associations in other countries on sending labourers. The local governments assigned public non-business units to be in charge of the agreements because these activities are non-profitable and companies don't want to be involved in non-profitable business. Public non-business units are usually known as those which provide goods and public services for society and other goods/services in education, health care, information, sports, agriculture, forestry and aquaculture, helping maintain normal operations of national economic sectors. The units operate mostly to serve the public instead of seeking profit. At present, companies/organisations can send workers abroad when they meet criteria including to have legal capital of VND5 billion (USD217,400), have operation plans to send workers abroad and have a bank deposit of VND1 billion ($43,500). Will there be unfair competition between public non-business units and companies when they are both allowed to send workers abroad? I don't think so. Public non-business units only assist some eligible groups including demobilised soldiers facing difficulties, those from poor or near-poor households or families which enjoy preferential treatment policies. Workers who are not included in those groups would have to apply to labour export companies if they want to work overseas. The number of contracts between Vietnamese localities and those of labour receiving countries is still modest while there is huge demand for working overseas. So, I dont think there will be any competition among public non-business unit and companies specialised in sending people abroad for working. Do you think Vietnamese guest workers sent by public non-business units will commit similar violations to their peers from licensed labour companies? Some localities like the southern provinces of Dong Thap and the central province of Ninh Thuan sent workers abroad via public non-business units and all the guest workers strictly followed contracts as well as regulations. Employers in the host countries said they were very satisfied with the workers performance, behaviour and communication. Workers sent abroad by public non-business are selected carefully, so they are seen to have better discipline. When employers in host countries have demand for labour, they sign a contract with their syndication in their own countries. The syndication then signs a contract with a locality in Vietnam. In Vietnam, the local Peoples Committee will assign a public unit to recruit candidates with detailed criteria. The public unit will hire another unit to train the recruited candidates in terms of job skills, language, communication at work as well as equip them with proper understanding about the host countrys culture and lifestyle. Only shortlisted candidates will be sent abroad. Shortlisted candidates will be supported to get preferential loans if they face financial difficulties. With this way of recruitment, I think few workers will break the contract or violate laws of the host countries to solely seek personal benefits. VNS/Dau Tu Law expected to better protect Vietnamese guest workers Clear and detailed regulations are needed to strictly punish those who abuse labour export policies to make illegal profits, National Assembly deputies said on Wednesday morning A new snap poll survey has found that nearly 1 in 8 (12%) business leaders believe all staff will be back in their companies office/workspace once the Covid-19 lockdown is lifted, with 31% either planning to downsize their office space or having it under consideration. In addition, nearly 30% of respondents assessed their current office space/working environment as not conducive to implementing Government-approved social distancing measures. In good news for the current Government, 75% of business leaders believe the Governments phased plan to reopen the economy is either well judged or adequate. Furthermore, 71% of business leaders acknowledge that a recession is imminent but that it will be a short-term one. The Institute of Directors in Ireland (IoD) Ireland survey was conducted between Friday, 12th, and Tuesday, 16th June 2020, amongst the IoDs 3,000 members, comprising CEOs and company directors. The key findings of the Snap Poll include: - Office vs. Remote Working: When asked the question, Which statement is most relevant with regard to where your staff will be located once the lockdown restrictions are lifted?, respondents chose the following: Just 12% (or, nearly 1 in 8) of business leaders said All staff will be back in the office/workspace 5% chose All staff will now work remotely 26% said A minority of staff will continue to work remotely 40% chose An equal mix of staff working in the office and remotely and, 18% said The majority of staff will work remotely. - Office space and the future: When posed the question, Is your organisation planning to downsize its office space?, 69% said No with 12% answering Yes and 19% saying it is Under consideration. - Office space and social distancing: 61% of business leaders answered Yes to the question, Is your current office space/working environment conducive to implementing Government-approved social distancing measures?, 30% said No and 9% said they are Not sure. - Employment/recruitment: When asked the question, What would you say currently best describes your companys employment status?, 35% of business leaders selected No change from before the COVID-19 crisis, 27% chose Paused recruitment, 15% said Currently recruiting, 12% chose Making redundancies and 11% selected Reduced working hours. Therefore, 23% of business leaders say they are making redundancies (12%) or reducing staff working hours (11%). - Impact on salaries: When posed the question, Has your company reduced employee salaries?, 75% of business leaders said No, while 23% said Yes. - Recession looming? When asked the question, Do you think Ireland is facing an imminent recession?, 71% of business leaders selected the option Yes, but a short-term recession, and 22% selected Yes, and a long-term recession. 3% said No and 3% said Dont know. - The Governments lockdown exit strategy: When posed the question, What do you think of the Governments phased plan to reopen the economy?, 43% of business leaders said it was Well judged, 32% said it was Adequate, 21% believe it is Too slow, and just 3% said it was Too fast. - Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme: 37% of respondents noted that their company availed of the Governments Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, 54% said it did not, with 9% saying it was Not applicable. When those that that did avail of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme were asked, Has the Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme been beneficial to your business?, 81% said Yes, and 1% said No while 18% answered Not applicable. When asked, Do you think the Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme should be further extended beyond August?, there was an equal split of 35% each for those business leaders who said Yes and those who said No, while 22% were Undecided and 8% were Not sure. Maura Quinn, Chief Executive of the Institute of Directors in Ireland, said: Rumours of the demise of what many people call the office have been grossly exaggerated, but opportunities as well as challenges now face business leaders and employees alike. The future of workplaces and recruitment is being reconfigured. Business leaders will need to be agile to allow for these new changes, as well as showing clear leadership and guidance to help direct it. We are exiting the coping stage of COVID-19 in terms of how businesses operate and a substantial majority of business leaders believes a short-term recession is looming. There is no avoiding the stark reality of that happening. We are an open economy and our overseas markets have been similarly impacted. For this reason, we call on the Government to ensure continued business support measures are being put in place which, in turn, will help kick-start the economy. A never-before-heard solo version of the late Aretha Franklins Never Gonna Break My Faith, has arrived on Juneteenth. The song originally was a collaboration with Mary J. Blige about faith and race in 2006, however, a version with only Franklin singing was released Friday, June 19, the Associated Press reports. Sony's RCA Records, RCA Inspiration and Legacy Recordings released the song Friday, aligning with the holiday celebrating the day in 1865 that all enslaved black people learned they had been freed from bondage. Lyrics from the song include: "My Lord, won't you help them to understand/That when someone takes the life of an innocent man/Well they've never really won, and all they've really done/Is set the soul free, where it's supposed to be." Clive Davis, Sony Musics chief creative officer and Franklins close friend and collaborator, called the song chilling and that the songs lyrics and relevance will shake every fiber in your body. "The world is very different now. Change is everywhere and each of us, hopefully, is doing the best he or she can to move forward and make change as positive as possible," Davis said in a statement. "Everyone should hear this record. It deserves to be an anthem." "Never Gonna Break My Faith" won best gospel performance at the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008, marking Franklin's 18th and final Grammy win. She died in 2018 at age 76. The song was originally featured in the film Bobby, about U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedys 1968 assassination, and features background vocals from The Boys Choir of Harlem. RELATED: Jennifer Hudson is Aretha Franklin in teaser trailer for upcoming biopic, Respect New Aretha Franklin Christmas song to be released Turkey Says It Struck 500 Kurdish Militant Targets In Northern Iraq Radio Farda June 18, 2020 Turkey's Defense Ministry says the country's military has struck more than 500 Kurdish militant targets in northern Iraq during an operation in the region against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The "Claw-Tiger Operation" was launched on June 16 in response to an uptick in Kurdish militant attacks on Turkish army bases, the ministry said in a statement on June 18. Two separate air raids targeted PKK locations in various regions of northern Iraq on June 14 and June 16, the statement said, adding that Turkish F-16 jets, drones, and howitzers had hit and destroyed more than 500 PKK targets in 36 hours. "The Claw-Tiger Operation is going very well. God willing, by continuing with the same seriousness and determination, we will conclude the operation with success," the statement cited Defense Minister Hulusi Akar as saying. The PKK -- which is designated by Turkey, the United States, and European Union as a terrorist organization -- has conducted a nearly four-decade armed campaign against the Turkish state demanding greater Kurdish rights. Some 40,000 have been killed. It has armed and political wings in Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria as well as hundreds of thousands of supporters in the Kurdish diaspora in Europe. Iran has also admitted it hit Kurdish militant targets across the border in Iraq, in what appears to be coordination with Turkish forces. Rudaw, a Kurdish media outlet in Iraq, reported on June 16 that Iranian artillery hit Kurdish rebel positions in northern Iraq near the Haji Omran border crossing in what may have been a rare coordinated move with Turkey. The United Arab Emirates on June 17 condemned Turkey and Iran for their military "intervention" violating Iraqi sovereignty. Turkey regularly carries out military operations against the PKK in southeast Anatolia and has launched dozens of cross-border operations against the PKK in Iraq over the years, often during the summer fighting season. The Turkish military has also carried out three operations against Syrian Kurdish forces controlling swaths of northern Syria that Ankara says are controlled by the PKK. Based on reporting by Reuters and AP Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/turkey-says -it-struck-500-kurdish-militant-objectives- in-northern-iraq/30677412.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 IF THE high rate of murders in the TCI continues until the end of the year, the territory is on track to be labelled one of the leading per capita homicide destinations in the world for 2020. After the island nation recorded its 11th murder of the year in early June just two fewer than last years record total of 13 the Weekly News examined international murder rates. An analysis of the latest statistics revealed that the TCI is set to become one of the global violent crime hotspots if trends continue. Speaking to the Weekly News, Governor Nigel Dakin, who is responsible for internal security, said the number of murders in the TCI is a focus for all involved in law and order. "The raw numbers, of course, are just the crude data and can only start to serve as a reminder of the heart-breaking and life changing events for the victims family and their friends. Homicide rate marks the latest recorded number of murders per 100,000 people each year and the territorys small population means that it can move quickly from the bottom to the top of the list. By June 5, the TCI had tragically recorded 11 killings. If the rate of 11 murders per five and a half months continues, there will be 24 unlawful deaths by the end of 2020. The Department of Statistics Vital Statistics Report 2019 estimated the TCIs population to be 42,953. A total of 24 homicides per year in a population of 42,953 equates to 55.9 homicides per 100,000 the homicide rate. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in its 2019 Global Study on Homicide reported a global average homicide rate of 6.1 per 100,000 population in 2017. This rose to 13 in Africa and 17.2 in the Americas all well below the TCIs projected rate. "Using the statistics of 1:100,000 as a comparator to other countries is blunt, Governor Dakin said, "and perhaps blunt is what we all need to properly understand where we are and where we are headed." According to the UNODC, El Salvador currently tops the homicide rate list with 52.02 per 100,000 people from 2018 data, and the US Virgin Islands is second at 49.26 from 2012 data. Other Caribbean countries and territories in the top 15 murder capitals of the world include Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at eight with a rate of 36.5 (2016 data), and Saint Kitts and Nevis at ten with a rate of 32.4 (2012 data). The Bahamas is in spot 11 with a rate of 30.9 (2017 data), Trinidad and Tobago in at 12 with a rate of 30.9 (2015 data) and Anguilla at spot 14 with a rate of 27.7 (2014 data). A big solution In responding the Weekly News projections, the governor said: "There are a whole range of uplifts across policing, community engagement, legislation and justice sector reform that the Premier and I have spoken to in the recent past, and will speak to again in the future. "But for the moment let me start to describe the problem through numbers and also look at one of the big solutions again through statistics. Dakin looked back at the past 24 murders, which began on April 8, 2019, and said that 88 percent occurred in Providenciales with the remainder in Grand Turk. Twenty three of the 24 murders were committed using a firearm, and a male was the victim in 92 percent of the murders. About 70 percent of those murdered were under the age of 30, and "its believed that around 40 percent of all murders were motivated by inter-gang hostility, Dakin added. Only one person of the 24 was a visitor to the island, and he was staying with a long-term resident. "In short, the majority of the murders are being perpetrated by young men, on other young men, in Providenciales, the governor continued. "Some are clearly retaliatory killings. Within this young cohort, the perpetrator and victim start to become confused. They know each other. "Just taking the last three murders there were others caught up in the exchange of fire who received gunshot wounds. "But those who have been shot - who almost lost their lives - have chosen to not cooperate with the police. He added that others who were victims of robbery and burglary, and had no association with gangs or their culture, also lost their lives. The governor stressed the importance of members of the public coming forward to give tips through Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or www.crimestopperstc.com "Our community were magnificent during lockdown, he said. "Today, a fully engaged and motivated society, wanting a better future for all, can turn the tide against crime in the way we turned the tide against Covid-19. "None of the other tactics that are at the disposal of Government that are already underway (uplifts to policing, changes in legislation, reform of the criminal justice sector, a full cross government and engaged society response) can deliver so much, so quickly. "Every tip, however small, adds to the picture. Together we can make a difference. Another deadly year Following a request from the Weekly News for a response to the statistics, Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said the matter would be tackled in her national address on Monday. In her speech, she said: "Crime continues to be a scourge on our Caribbean nations and among the same demographics. "There is no play book as to how to save our young men from themselves but there are successful stories from around the region that we are prepared to use. She explained that increased gun charges and an increased life sentence from ten to 30 years has been implemented to serve as a deterrent. Recruitment has begun for the trade school and critical partnerships have been formed across the police, social services and probation services, the premier added. The Government is also now approved recruitment of people with police records. "We continue to resource the police at unprecedented levels, and as reported publically, a total change in approach is long overdue but underway. She said it is "heart-breaking to see homes impacted and lives lost to senseless killings. "Last week we experienced our 10th and 11th murders and are pretty much on track for another deadly year in the TCI. "Wives, husbands, children, parents have over the past years grieved painful losses because of those who chose this path in life, and as a result of too many incidences of what we know of as revenge killings. The premier offered her sympathies and said it grieved her to see the territory impacted in this way. She said the "troubled criminals are often known and need urgent intervention, adding that there must be unity on this matter. "There must be real and sustained partnerships to save our young men from destroying others lives and their lives in the process. She said she is seeking a cross-government approach never before employed with great opportunities for communities and their leaders to "stem out the scourge. "We are too small for this. And we must act as if it is on our own doorstep because it truly is and until we get that, we will continue to wander around on this issue. Cartwright Robinson added that the Government has spared no resource and asked partners to spare no effort to partner in the right direction on the issue. Victims of murder in 2020 THE MURDER count in the Turks and Caicos Islands during 2020 is at 11 with seven murders taking place since the territory was placed under lockdown in March. Twenty-year-old Garfield Dennie died on June 5, weeks after sustaining gunshot wounds in a shooting in Blue Hills, Providenciales, on May 23. Pierecine Petite, was fatally shot off South Dock Road in Providenciales shortly after 4pm on June 5. Nine-year-old Samardia Karioka was killed in her Grand Turk home on May 20. Her mother Najaj Karioka, 42, was taken into custody following the death. Percy Williams, 77, was shot dead in his Blue Hills home on May 3 as he tried to protect his family from armed robbers. A murdered man, who is yet to be identified, was found at Blue Hills dump site on April 18 after reports were made of shots being fired in the vicinity. On April 13, Martin Barga, a 44-year old construction worker from the Dominican Republic,was tragically shot and killed on Millennium Highway in Blue Hills. On March 18, Acyjeune Brunorlien, 57, was shot dead during a home invasion in Five Cays, making it the third murder in just over a week. Godly Petiote, 21, died in hospital on March 12 after he was shot several times on International Drive in Providenciales. Sheen Dean, 26, was shot dead on Bay Road in Blue Hills on March 10 - in an incident that left two others with serious injuries. Twenty-two-year-old Horace Wignal Junior, known as DJ Spookie, died from gunshot wounds on January 21 following a home invasion in Long Bay, Providenciales, earlier that month. The first murder of the year was that of 29-year-old Fritz Gerald Mossoul who died in Providenciales from gunshot wounds on January 17. Anyone with information on any incident can call 911, Chalk Sound Police Station on 338-5901 or 941-8082, or contact Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1-800-8477. Militant outfits in Pakistan including Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Muhammad and Lashkar-e-Tayyaba are joining hands to create mischief in JK Jammu and Kashmirs police Chief Dilbag Singh said on Thursday that Pakistan could seize the situation thrown up by the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the strategic Galwan valley of Ladakh which turned violent earlier this week for pushing in more militants to fuel trouble in the Union Territory (UT). Pakistan will try to infiltrate more militants and terrorists and also give impetus to violence in the Kashmir Valley and elsewhere in J&K, taking advantage of the standoff on Ladakh border, he said while chairing a meeting of senior officers to review the security scenario in the UT particularly its frontier districts. Meanwhile, Indian and Pakistani troops again traded fire at a few places along the Line of Control (LoC) in J&Ks Kupwara and Jammu districts on Thursday. While an Army jawan Jeevan Lal of 8 JAKLI regiment was injured in the Pakistani firing in Akhnoor sector of Jammu, a similar violation of the November 2003 ceasefire understanding in Machael sector of Kupwara created a war-like situation early Thursday, the Army and police sources here said. The Army sources said that this was 231st ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the de facto border which evoked strong and befitting response from the Indian Army. The Pakistani officials blamed the Indian Army for initiating combat and said that due to indiscriminate and unprovoked firing by the Indian troops in Bagsar and Nikial sectors on their side of the LoC four civilians including siblings Razeem Saleem, Tehzeeb, both in their twenties, 13-year-old Ali Maroof and 60-year-old Rasheeda Bibi were killed and another elderly resident Muhammad Hussain was seriously injured. A foreign office spokesman in Islamabad said that Indian Charge d Affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia was summoned by Director General (South Asia & SAARC) Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, to register Pakistans strong protest over the ceasefire violations by the Indian forces along the LoC on June 17. He said that the Indian Army and BSF have violated the ceasefire understanding by resorting to heavy artillery fire and using heavy-calibre mortars and automatic weapons as many as 1,410 times, so far this year, resulting in 12 fatalities and injuries to 102 persons. J&Ks DGP Mr. Singh, however, told the officers meeting that cross-border infiltration attempts from the Pakistani side are being made continuously even during the COVID-19 pandemic and we have to be extra alert to thwart such attempts. He said that as per intelligence reports there are over 300 militants at launch pads on the Pakistani side of the LoC, ready to infiltrate into J&K to increase the pitch of violence in the Valley and beyond. He cautioned the officers that in view of the Ladakh standoff, Pakistan will try to infiltrate more terrorists and also give impetus to violence in Kashmir Valley and elsewhere and, therefore, the borders need our extra attention. He also said that reports available with the police authorities say that militant outfits in Pakistan including Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Muhammad and Lashkar-e-Tayyaba are joining hands to create mischief in J&K. He reiterated that there are greater challenges of infiltration for which we have to be prepared in the changed environment. He directed the officers to take care of the vital installations and also review minority guards. Mr. Singh further said the security presence on the highway grid has been increased by sending out mobile patrols and increasing the number of nakas set up along highways and other roads and in vulnerable areas. As far as the fight against the militants, he said the J&K police, Central armed police forces and the Army are continuing with successful operations in the counterinsurgency grid and on the borders. Fungal pathogen disables plant defense mechanism Cabbage plants defend themselves against herbivores and pathogens by deploying a defensive mechanism called the mustard oil bomb: when the plant tissue is damaged, toxic isothiocyanates are formed and can effectively fend off attackers. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology and the University of Pretoria have now been able to show in a new study that this defense is also effective to some extent against the widespread and detrimental fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. However, the pathogen uses at least two different detoxification mechanisms that enable the fungus to successfully spread on plants defended in this way. The metabolic products thus formed are non-toxic to the fungus, allowing it to grow on these plants (Nature Communications, June 2020, DOI 10.1038/s41467-020-16921-2). Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a devastating fungal pathogen that can infect more than 400 different plant species. The main symptom of the disease called Sclerotinia wilt or white mold is wilting. Visible are also the white, cotton-like fungal spores that overgrow plant leaves and stalks. In agriculture, rapeseed cultivation is particularly at risk. The plant disease can affect other members of the cabbage family, and also potatoes, legumes and strawberries. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena have long been studying the glucosinolates and isothiocyanates that constitute the special defense mechanism of cabbage family plants, which include rapeseed, radishes and mustard. "We wanted to find out how successful plant pathogens overcome the plant defense and colonize these plants. We therefore asked ourselves whether widespread fungal pathogens have strategies to adapt to the chemical defenses of plants of the cabbage family," Jingyuan Chen, the first author of the study, explains. The researchers were able to show experimentally that the defense based on glucosinolates is actually effective against fungal attacks. However, they also discovered two different strategies of the white mold fungus to detoxify the defensive substances: The first is a general detoxification pathway that binds glutathione to the isothiocyanate toxins. This type of detoxification of organic poisons is quite common in insects and even mammals. The second and far more effective way to render the isothiocyanates harmless is to hydrolyse them, i.e. to cleave them enzymatically with a water molecule. The researchers wanted to identify the enzymes and corresponding genes underlying this detoxification mechanism. Genes that enable the successful detoxification of these substances had already been described in bacteria. They are called Sax genes after experiments with the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana: Survival in Arabidopsis eXtracts. "We based our search on the known bacterial SaxA proteins to select candidate genes for further investigations. We then tested whether these genes are actually expressed in greater quantities in fungi exposed to the toxins, and whether the resulting protein can render the toxins harmless," explains Daniel Vassao, one of the study leaders. Using high-resolution analytical methods, the scientists were able to identify and quantify the metabolites produced by the fungus during detoxification. They also used mutants of the fungus in which the SaxA-encoding gene had been knocked out for comparison. This revealed that the Sax protein of the white mold fungus is active against a range of isothiocyanates, allowing it to colonize different plants of the cabbage family. Mutants lacking the gene for this detoxification pathway were dramatically reduced in their capacity to tolerate isothiocyanates. "However, it was surprising to see that these mutants up-regulated their general pathway of detoxification, although this did not compensate for the mutation," says Jingyuan Chen. Glutathione conjugation cannot detoxify isothiocyanates nearly as effectively as hydrolysis can. Although it seems to be metabolically more expensive for the fungus, this general pathway is always present as it helps the fungus to detoxify a huge variety of poisons. "It is possible that this general pathway protects the fungus initially, while the machinery required for the more specialized pathway is assembled after an initial exposure to the toxin and can take over later in the infection," says Daniel Vassao. In further experiments, the researchers want to investigate whether other fungi that successfully infect plants of the cabbage family also detoxify isothiocyanates via the same pathway, and whether unrelated fungal species are also able to degrade these toxins. "Then we will know whether this widespread detoxification is due to repeated evolution in fungi colonizing mustards, or is a feature which has been conserved over time and is therefore found in many fungal lines," Jonathan Gershenzon, director of the Department of Biochemistry where the research was conducted, concludes. ### Original publication: Chen, J., Ullah, C., Reichelt, M., Beran, F., Yang, Z.-L., Gershenzon, J., Hammerbacher, A., Vassao, D. G. (2020). The phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum detoxifies plant glucosinolate hydrolysis products via an isothiocyanate hydrolase. Nature Communication 11: 3090, DOI 10.1038/s41467-020-16921-2 https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1038/ s41467-020-16921-2 Further Information: Dr. Daniel Giddings Vassao, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoll-Strae 8, 07745 Jena. Tel. +49 3641 57-1333, E-Mail vassao@ice.mpg.de Dr. Almuth Hammerbacher, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028 South Africa, E-Mail almuth.hammerbacher@fabi.up.ac.za Prof. Dr. Jonathan Gershenzon, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoll-Strae 8, 07745 Jena. Tel. +49 3641 57-1300, E-Mail gershenzon@ice.mpg.de Contact and Picture Requests: Angela Overmeyer M.A., Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoll-Str. 8, 07743 Jena, Germany, Tel. +49 3641 57-2110, E-Mail overmeyer@ice.mpg.de Download of high-resolution images via http://www. ice. mpg. de/ ext/ downloads2020. html This story has been published on: 2020-06-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. A 1 billion fund will be used to help children in England catch up with lost learning after months out of school due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Boris Johnson has announced. The most disadvantaged children will have access to tutors through a 300 million national programme, which is expected to run over two years, to prevent the attainment gap from widening further. A further 700 million will be shared across nurseries, schools and colleges over the 2020-21 academic year to help children from all backgrounds who have lost teaching time, the Prime Minister said. School leaders will be allowed to decide how best to spend the one-off grant on interventions to help students affected by the pandemic. UK Schools begin to reopen during Coronavirus lockdown ease 1 /28 UK Schools begin to reopen during Coronavirus lockdown ease Harris Academy Primary School Jeremy Selwyn Parents drop off children at Queen's Hill Primary School, Costessey, Norfolk, as pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, begin to return to school as part of a wider easing of lockdown measures PA Harris Academy Primary School Jeremy Selwyn Harris Academy Primary School Jeremy Selwyn Harris Academy Primary School Jeremy Selwyn Harris Academy Primary School Jeremy Selwyn Harris Academy Primary School in Croydon Jeremy Selwyn Harris Academy Primary School in Croydon Jeremy Selwyn Harris Academy Primary School in Croydon Jeremy Selwyn Harris Academy Primary School in Croydon Jeremy Selwyn Harris Academy Primary School in Croydon Jeremy Selwyn Harris Academy Primary School in Croydon Jeremy Selwyn Harris Academy Primary School in Croydon Jeremy Selwyn Harris Academy Primary School in Croydon Jeremy Selwyn Harris Academy Primary School in Croydon Jeremy Selwyn Parents and children arrive at Watlington Primary School as some schools re-open Reuters Lessons with reduced class sizes at Queen's Hill Primary School, Costessey, Norfolk, as pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, begin to return to school as part of a wider easing of lockdown measures PA Parents and children arrive at Watlington Primary School as some schools re-open Reuters Parents drop off children at Queen's Hill Primary School, Costessey, Norfolk PA Parents drop off children at Queen's Hill Primary School, Costessey, Norfolk, as pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, begin to return to school as part of a wider easing of lockdown measures. PA Parents drop off children at Queen's Hill Primary School, Costessey, Norfolk, as pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, begin to return to school as part of a wider easing of lockdown measures. PA The Government's aim is that providers who run holiday clubs and activities for pupils over the summer break will be able to open - if the science allows it. The announcement comes after Boris Johnson said last week that school pupils will undergo a "massive catch-up operation over the summer and beyond" to get up to speed on work they have missed. Ministers have come under pressure to get children back to school amid concerns about the damage being caused to pupils' attainment and wellbeing. Children in nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 have begun returning to primary school in England, and some Year 10 and 12 pupils returned to secondary school and college this week. But all pupils are not due to return to school until at least September after the Government was forced to abandon plans to get all primary school children back in class before the summer break. Mr Johnson said: "This 1 billion catch-up package will help head teachers to provide extra support to children who have fallen behind while out of school. "I am determined to do everything I can to get all children back in school from September, and we will bring forward plans on how this will happen as soon as possible." Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "We cannot afford for any of our children to lose out as a result of Covid-19. The scale of our response must match the scale of the challenge. "This package will make sure that every young person, no matter their age or where they live, gets the education, opportunities and outcomes they deserve, by spending it on measures proven to be effective, particularly for those who are most disadvantaged." Duchess of Cambridge leads school assembly on the importance of kindness Schools closed more than 12 weeks ago, remaining open only for vulnerable youngsters and the children of key workers, which will mean some children will have been out of class for nearly six months. On Thursday, Sir Daniel Moynihan, chief executive of the Harris Federation trust, which runs 48 academies, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "It's fair to say many children have been severely damaged educationally by this necessary shutdown. We've had a number of traumatised youngsters. "With the children that have been coming in, some have been very withdrawn, some have been disturbed they have missed interaction with their friends. "They've not only gone backwards in learning, they have gone backwards in emotional development as well." He added that the return to school will "look different" for months after September and schools will need to cope with a variety of issues. Sir Peter Lampl, founder and chairman of the Sutton Trust and chairman of the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), said: "Despite the heroic efforts of schools, many pupils' learning has suffered as a result of school closures. "These children are drawn disproportionately from disadvantaged communities and need extensive support." He added: "Extensive trials show that high-quality tuition is a cost-effective way to enable pupils to catch up. Through a collaboration of organisations across the country, our aim is to make this tuition available to tens of thousands of primary and secondary school pupils." The announcement comes after more than 1,500 paediatricians called on the Prime Minister to make the opening of schools a priority or "risk scarring the life chances of a generation of young people". The doctors signed a letter by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) asking for authorities in England and Northern Ireland to lay out detailed plans for getting children back to school. Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, welcomed the investment in helping children to catch-up. But on the 300 million National Tutoring Programme, Mr Barton said the school leaders' union had concerns about ensuring that it is "high-quality provision". He added: "It remains frustrating that we haven't had the opportunity to discuss any of this with the Government ahead of this announcement and that we once again find ourselves having to guess the detail. "We really do need a much more collaborative approach so that the Government and profession can together work on developing a really effective, joined-up national plan." * EU leaders seek elusive unity on coronavirus stimulus * Eastern states reject proposal to use ETS revenue to repay debt * France, Luxembourg in favour as west wants "green" recovery By Kate Abnett and Gabriela Baczynska June 19 (Reuters) - Eastern European Union countries have rejected using carbon emissions trading to boost the bloc's budget, sources said as leaders convened on Friday to wrangle over how to pay for recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. The 27 national EU leaders are discussing by video link an unprecedented stimulus package based on a proposal by the bloc's executive to raise 750 billion euros for a recovery fund that would top up the next EU budget worth 1.1 trillion euros. If approved, the plan would need to lay out how to repay the debt, with the European Commission proposing raising new EU funds to achieve that, including using the EU emissions trading system (ETS) to garner 10 billion euros. That proposal has faced opposition from east European states that want to keep hold of their carbon revenue. Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Estonia and Bulgaria are all against the idea, EU diplomatic sources said. "Expanding the ETS revenue is unacceptable to us, it would cost us too much," a senior EU diplomat from one of the countries told Reuters. The EU's ETS puts a price on pollution by forcing power plants and factories to buy permits to cover their emissions. Proceeds from those carbon permit sales - totalling 14.6 billion euros in 2019 - currently go to national budgets. The Commission proposed that, from 2021, countries keep the same ETS revenue as in recent years, while extra proceeds from expanding the scheme to shipping would go to EU coffers. Another eastern EU diplomat said it would put a disproportionate burden on poorer members of the bloc. That draws a battle line between the east and their western peers such as France and Luxembourg which favour the idea. Supporters say the ETS proposal, and the Commission's idea to tax non-recycled plastic to raise further EU revenue, could be implemented faster than other schemes, such as a digital tax and imposing carbon costs on imported goods. The fight over carbon reflects bigger divisions over a push by western EU countries including Germany, France and the Netherlands to deliver a "green" economic recovery from the pandemic, while the east frets about costly climate aims. "We refuse to put the Green Deal above the recovery," one government official from an eastern EU country said, referring to the EU's flagship plan to slash emissions to zero by 2050. "There is no Green Deal without a recovery." (Reporting by Kate Abnett, Gabriela Baczynska and Robert Muller; editing by David Evans) [June 19, 2020] ORYZON Enters Into Pioneering Precision Medicine Collaboration with La Paz Hospital in Madrid for Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Phelan-McDermid Syndrome is thought to be one of the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder Patient stratification to be carried out prior to clinical study with Oryzons vafidemstat LSD1 inhibition may open the way to precision medicine in certain subtypes of CNS disorders MADRID, Spain and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oryzon Genomics, S.A. (ISIN Code: ES0167733015, ORY), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging epigenetics to develop therapies in diseases with strong unmet medical need, announced today the start of a precision medicine collaboration with the Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics (INGEMM) of the La Paz University Hospital in Madrid in patients with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS). PMS is a genetic disorder that involves a deletion or mutation of the end of chromosome 22 by an alteration of the SHANK3 gene. It is thought that the inability of the single functioning copy of SHANK3 to produce sufficient Shank3 protein for normal functioning (haploinsufficiency) may be responsible for most of the neurologic symptoms (developmental delay and absent speech) associated with this disorder. Eighty per cent of people with PMS have an autism spectrum disorder. INGEMM has identified the mutation in some 200 Spanish and Latin American PMS patients in recent years. In this collaboration, a cognitive, behavioral and functional baseline status will be established in a preliminary study prior to performing a clinical study with vafidemstat in PMS patients. Recent work published by US researchers in Nature Neuroscience and at the Society for Neuroscience SfN2019 congress has shown that the LSD1-HDAC2 complex is involved in PMS and that, in animal models defective for Shank3 that recapitulate most of the symptoms of the human syndrome, the inhibition of LSD1 restores neuronal electrophysiology and rescues the learning deficits. Other recent publications show that this functional rescue might also happen in other subtypes of patients in a variety of CNS diseases. Vafidemstat is an LSD1 inhibitor in Phase II clinical development that has a good safety profile and has been shown to be effective in reducing agitation and aggression in clinical studies in patients with Alzheimer's disease, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD and Autism. It is estimated that one in 200 people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorders has PMS, or between 2,500 and 5,000 people in Spain alone. PMS patients suffer from neurocognitive development delay in multiple areas, especially in their ability to speak and communicate, and develop obsessive-repetitive behavior. The researchers leading this collaboration at INGEMM, Dr. Julian Nevado and Dr. Pablo Lapunzina, stated, It is an opportunity to try a new treatment in patients with Phelan-Mc Dermid Syndrome, since many of the therapeutic approaches that have been tried have had little success in the medium and long term. Carlos Buesa, Oryzons CEO, said, We are very pleased to initiate this ground-breaking collaboration with researchers at the internationally renowned La Paz Hospital. The mechanism of action of vafidemstat and its clinical results to date suggest it could have therapeutic potential in PMS and we are looking forward to starting this study. As we have seen in oncology over the last years, precision medicine in CNS disorders may open a new way to understand and treat these diseases. About Oryzon Founded in 2000 in Barcelona, Spain, Oryzon (ISIN Code: ES0167733015) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company considered as the European champion in Epigenetics. Oryzon has one of the strongest portfolios in the field. Oryzons LSD1 program has rendered two compounds, vafidemstat and iadademstat, in clinical trials. In addition, Oryzon has ongoing programs for developing inhibitors against other epigenetic targets. Oryzon has a strong technological platform for biomarker identification and performs biomarker and target validation for a variety of malignant and neurological diseases. Oryzon has offices in Spain and the United States. For more information, visit www.oryzon.com . About Vafidemstat Vafidemstat (ORY-2001) is an oral, CNS optimized LSD1 inhibitor. The molecule acts on several levels: it reduces cognitive impairment, including memory loss and neuroinflammation, and at the same time has neuroprotective effects. In animal studies vafidemstat not only restores memory but reduces the exacerbated aggressiveness of SAMP8 mice, a model for accelerated aging and Alzheimers disease (AD), to normal levels and also reduces social avoidance and enhances sociability in murine models. In addition, vafidemstat exhibits fast, strong and durable efficacy in several preclinical models of multiple sclerosis (MS). Oryzon has performed a Phase IIa clinical trial in aggressiveness in patients with different psychiatric disorders (REIMAGINE) and in aggressive/agitated patients with moderate or severe AD (REIMAGINE-AD), with positive preliminary clinical results reported. Additional Phase IIa clinical trials with vafidemstat are ongoing in patients with Mild to Moderate AD (ETHERAL), where a significant reduction of the inflammatory biomarker YKL40 has been observed after 6 months of treatment, and in Relapse-Remitting and Secondary Progressive MS (SATEEN). FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This communication contains, or may contain, forward-looking information and statements about Oryzon, including financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, capital expenditures, synergies, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally identified by the words expects, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates and similar expressions. Although Oryzon believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors and holders of Oryzon shares are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Oryzon that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the documents sent by Oryzon to the Spanish Comision Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV), which are accessible to the public. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and have not been reviewed by the auditors of Oryzon. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. All subsequent oral or written forward-looking statements attributable to Oryzon or any of its members, directors, officers, employees or any persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statement above. All forward-looking statements included herein are based on information available to Oryzon on the date hereof. Except as required by applicable law, Oryzon does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States or any other jurisdiction. Oryzons securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of Oryzons securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from Oryzon or the selling security holder, as applicable, that will contain detailed information about Oryzon and management, as well as financial statements. IR & Media, US & Europe: Spain: Oryzon: LifeSci Advisors LLC ATREVIA Emili Torrell Hans Herklots Patricia Cobo/Carlos C. Ungria BD Director +41 79 598 7149 +34 91 564 07 25 +34 93 515 13 13 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] But a day later, the department significantly escalated its efforts by asking for a restraining order and injunction against Mr. Bolton to try to halt further distribution of his book. It also submitted a declaration by a National Security Council official, Michael T. Ellis, saying the manuscript contained classified information, including an exceptionally restricted category that could reveal intelligence sources and methods. That escalation of the case into an 11th-hour attempt to stop further dissemination of the book raised not just practical questions but constitutional alarms. The Supreme Court has ruled that the First Amendment only rarely permits the government to gag speech. (A group of news organizations, including The New York Times, submitted a friend of the court brief arguing that such prior restraint on publication would be unconstitutional.) The judge opened the hearing with a suggestion that he may be inclined to agree with Mr. Cooper about the request for an order. The horse, as we used to say in Texas, seems to be out of the barn, Judge Lamberth said. But he also will be asked to decide other matters like the governments request to seize Mr. Boltons $2 million advance and asked why Mr. Bolton had walked away from the prepublication review and did not tell the government that he had told Simon & Schuster to start printing. Mr. Cooper, however, argued that Mr. Bolton had lived up to his obligations under the spirit and text of the agreements his client signed. He stressed that his client had worked with Ellen Knight, the National Security Councils senior director for prepublication review, and made numerous changes at her request. She told him in late April that she had no more edits. But the White House never sent a formal letter saying the process was complete something Mr. Cooper argued was unnecessary under the version of the agreement his client signed and it turned out that it had begun a second review by Mr. Ellis without telling Mr. Bolton until this month. Mr. Ellis submitted an affidavit this week claiming that he had found at least instances of six classified information in the book, including some from the exceptionally restricted category. Mr. Cooper has portrayed Mr. Elliss intervention as politically motivated and illegitimate, and he made much of the governments acknowledgment, in a revised complaint on Friday, that Mr. Ellis had received no training in how to review classified information until this month after he had studied the manuscript and identified the material he said was classified even though Ms. Knight had not considered it to be. The City Council has been meeting remotely since March but its meetings over Zoom are broadcast on NBCTV. Council President Paul Hopkins, NBCTV staff, Mayor Thomas Bernard and Administrative Officer Michael Canales have usually been at City Hall for meetings. North Adams Councilors Push for Public Participation NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Some city councilors are itching to get back into their City Hall chambers and let the voice of the people be heard again. The nine-member council held its last meeting in person on March 24, days after the governor's order to limit gatherings of more than 10 people to contain the novel coronavirus pandemic. Councilors, mayor, city clerk and press had spread out through council chambers that night with no public allowed in. Since then, they've been meeting remotely on the Zoom digital platform that allows the public to listen in over Northern Berkshire Community Television but not to participate. The issue's come up at the last two council meetings, last week's regular meeting and Tuesday's special meeting to review the budget. When it came time again to vote to suspend Council Rules 10 and 11 that deal with hearing of visitors and public comment, councilors on Tuesday voted against. "I'm going to vote no on this, this evening," said Councilor Jason LaForest. "Unfortunately, I feel very strongly that this is something that should have been resolved. Already we're three months into COVID and, I do hope that we'll be meeting in council chambers again soon, but I voted yes on this several times hoping it would be resolved the following week and we're continuing to see a delay and not allowing the public to participate is just not fair or frankly ethical." The city has been looking into a different format for Zoom that would allow for controlled participation. "The Zoom webinar platform allows you to have panelists, which would be the councilors and anyone that speaking on the agenda," explained Councilor Benjamin Lamb. "And then what can happen is, you can have 100 people watching it and they can raise their hand and there's an actual function for them to be brought in. "So they can observe the whole thing live and they can speak during public comment periods." But councilors are grumbling on why that hasn't been done sooner when other communities have been providing public access for weeks. Councilor Lisa Blackmer said last week that she's been on plenty of remote meetings for smaller towns recently that already have that capacity. And she didn't think council chambers would have the space for social distancing if they, the public and the administration was all in there. "I'm still a little apprehensive about meeting in public and I think having the public into that space is is not a good idea," she said of council chambers. "So I think it's harder for them to participate if we're in the meeting [space], whereas if we're all Zooming and they can Zoom in, then they can participate." The committees have been meeting over Zoom with public participation, she noted, and asked if the City Council was still private. Lamb confirmed that the council seems to be the only meeting that doesn't provide a Zoom link. (The councilors, administration, any participants and the media are emailed the link beforehand.) "I wholeheartedly echo all these sentiments," said Councilor Jessica Sweeney at the June 9 meeting. "I've been getting a lot of feedback and frustration from folks that I've been talking to about really wanting to engage with us in these meetings in some way." She asked if it could be done via video outside City Hall or through Facebook Live. Several councilors advocated for returning to City Hall. Councilor Marie T. Harpin noted that some communities have continued to meet in person, and mentioned Adams. The Adams Selectmen had been initially doing partial remote meetings, with some members at Town Hall and others calling in. More recently, they have meeting together but 6 feet apart and having town staff in to report and media to attend. Adams officials still broadcast over NBCTV and Zoom with the public able to participate over the Zoom line. Pittsfield also has call-in capability and other towns and school districts have used Cisco Webex and Google Meetings, both of which allow for some public participation. "There's plenty of room in council chambers for, you know, the individuals that need to be there," Laforest said last week. "We certainly could come up with a way to have individuals be present so that they can make their voice heard for the open forum period. We may need to limit it to the beginning of the meeting have individuals come in one by one and then leave after they've had their two minutes but at this point, with basic precautions there's no reason that we shouldn't be able to meet together in public." Blackmer, however, thought Adams was more of an exception in her experience and that the council should take into account whether people would be comfortable at this point in an in-person setting. Councilor Wayne Wilkinson, who logged on after the vote on Tuesday because connection issues, had already made his sentiments known the week before. "The Zoom concept of being a city councilor really doesn't appeal to me so much," said Wilkinson at the time. "I know we need to do it but I'm kind of tired of it. Council meetings in my room in my basement doesn't exactly ... . I'm tired of it, it's time to move on and get back to work." Councilor Robert Moulton Jr. agreed: "Let's be Councilor Wilkinson. Let's be pathfinders, let's move on." So on Tuesday, when the motion to suspend the rules allowing the public to participate came up again, it was shot down 5-3. "I'm not aware of anybody in the room who wants to speak, so I'm not sure where that leave us," said Council President Paul Hopkins. The council also rejected a suspension of rules to confirm an appointment on the License Board as not an urgent matter. Mayor Thomas Bernard had asked for Michael Obasohan to be appointed to the License Board to fill the unexpired term of Jeffrey Polucci, who died the week before. Bernard said it was important to bring up the three-person board to full strength as it was now dealing with approvals for outdoor dining plans in relation to the state's pandemic reopening. Councilors did not think it needed to be done at a special meeting and voted 6-3 to reject the suspension of rules, with Hopkins, Lamb and Keith Bona voting in favor. Alabama native Andre Holland will takes to the airwaves this summer, starring in a radio version of Shakespeares Richard II. The production is set to stream nationwide over four nights, July 13-16, at 7 p.m. CT at WNYC.org. The show, directed by Saheem Ali, will be presented by The Public Theater and WNYC, a public radio station in New York. Afterward, this version of Richard II will be available as a podcast. Initially, the play was set for May 19- June 21 at the Delacorte Theater in New York Citys Central Park, as part of the annual Shakespeare in the Park series. However, the show was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Public this week announced its new approach to Shakepeares history play, retaining Holland in the title role. The cast also includes Phylicia Rashad, Estelle Parsons, Miriam A. Hyman, Elijah Jones, John Douglas Thompson, Merritt Janson and Jacob Ming-Trent. I came to my senses and realized that its not my job to make theater if the conditions are right to make theater, but to keep making theater no matter what the conditions are, Oskar Eustis, the Publics artistic director, said in an interview with The New York Times. It was easy to see we couldnt afford to let Shakespeare in the Park vanish completely from the cultural scene. These are not the ideal ways we would like to be in the Delacorte but in the absence of that, it feels like the right thing to do. The production, with a cast mostly composed of people of color, will be dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement, the theater says. Holland previously appeared in Shakespeare in the Parks 2011 productions of Alls Well That Ends Well and Measure for Measure. The Bessemer native, 40, also starred in a 2018 production of Othello at the Globe theater in London. Holland earned acclaim for his standout role in the Oscar-winning Moonlight, portraying the best friend of the main character. Hes also appeared in movies such as Selma, A Wrinkle in Time, 42 and High Flying Bird, and TV series such as American Horror Story: Roanoke, Castle Rock, The Eddy and The Knick. The actor, who lives in New York City, returned to Alabama in 2019 for an appearance at the Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham. Filmmakers at the festival got a peek at a hometown project launched by Holland, touring the old Lincoln Theatre in Bessemer during a retreat. The actor bought the Lincoln in 2017, and plans to restore the building to its former glory, using it as a cinema and arts center. Holland displayed his command of Shakespearean dialogue in a video posted earlier this year by The Public Theater. In the 8-minute clip, he performs a key scene from Romeo and Juliet with Marsha Stephanie Blake. (CNN) - The Supreme Court on Thursday blocked the Trump administration's attempt to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an Obama-era program that protects hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the US as children from deportation. The 5-4 ruling was written by Chief Justice John Roberts and joined by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Elena Kagan, Stephen Breyer and Sonia Sotomayor. In penning the opinion, Roberts once again sided with the liberals on the bench in a momentous dispute that will infuriate judicial conservatives who are still bitter that he once provided the deciding vote to uphold Obamacare. The opinion is the second time in a week when the Supreme Court -- bolstered with two of President Donald Trump's nominees -- has ruled against the Trump administration. Monday, the court said LGBTQ Americans are protected under the Civil Rights Act. The ruling emphasizes that the administration failed to provide an adequate reason to justify ending the DACA program. "We do not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies," Roberts wrote in the majority opinion. "'The wisdom' of those decisions 'is none of our concern.' We address only whether the agency complied with the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action." It is a blow to the Trump administration, as immigration reform has been a lynchpin of Trump's agenda. It means that for now, participants in the program can continue to renew membership in the program that offers them work authorization and temporary protection from deportation. President Donald Trump appeared to blast the DACA decision and an opinion issued earlier this week that extended anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ workers. "These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republicans or Conservatives," he tweeted. Trump continued to attack the decision in a series of tweets later Thursday, claiming it didn't seem to be "based on the law" and that it "tell you only one thing, we need NEW JUSTICES of the Supreme Court." Former President Barack Obama also weighed in on the decision on Twitter Thursday morning, writing of DACA recipients: "Today, I'm happy for them, their families, and all of us." "We may look different and come from everywhere, but what makes us American are our shared ideals," Obama wrote, noting the program was created eight years ago this week. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden also celebrated the ruling, calling it a "victory" and again saying that if elected, he will work "immediately" on legislation that would make the program "permanent." "The joy of today's victory does not erase the difficult road ahead," Biden said in a statement. "We know that much work remains to be done." The Trump administration could move, again, to try to rescind the program, but this time the administration will have to provide a better explanation grounded in policy for its reason for termination. "Today's decision allows Dreamers to breathe a temporary sigh of relief," said Professor Stephen Yale-Loehr of Cornell Law School. "The administration may try to terminate the DACA program with a better justification, but that will take months or years. In the meantime, Congress should enact permanent relief for Dreamers to end this drama once and for all." Luz Chavez, a DACA recipient based in Maryland, was at the steps of the Supreme Court when the decision came down Thursday. "Right now, at the end of the day, our community won, right? We've been pushing for this for a long time. Immigrant youth are the reason why DACA was announced and created," Chavez told CNN. "It's exhilarating." 'A delicate political issue' After the ruling was handed down on Thursday, Trump retweeted a tweet featuring Justice Clarence Thomas' dissent. The decision is "an effort to avoid a politically controversial but legally correct decision," Thomas wrote. Thomas, one of the court's most conservative members, argued in his dissent that "the majority makes the mystifying determination that this rescission of DACA was unlawful. In reaching that conclusion, the majority acts as though it is engaging in the routine application of standard principles of administrative law." "On the contrary, this is anything but a standard administrative law case." Justice Samuel Alito seemed to agree with Thomas' assessment, writing that "DACA presents a delicate political issue, but that is not our business." "As Justice Thomas explains, DACA was unlawful from the start, and that alone is sufficient to justify its termination. But even if DACA were lawful, we would still have no basis for overturning its rescission," Alito argued. And Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Trump's second nominee to the court, wrote a separate dissent praising immigrants, but saying he did not agree with the majority opinion. "They live, go to school, and work here with uncertainty about their futures. Despite many attempts over the last two decades, Congress has not yet enacted legislation to afford legal status to those immigrants," Kavanaugh wrote. He noted that that "the only practical consequence of the Court's decision to remand appears to be some delay" because the court's decision "seems to allow the Department on remand to relabel and reiterate substance." Created by Obama after congressional stalemate DACA, established in 2012, is available to any undocumented immigrant who came to the US under the age of 16, who had lived in the US since at least June of 2007, was enrolled in high school or graduated and had not been convicted of certain offenses. An individual also had to pose no national security or public safety threats. Recipients who met the criteria became eligible for renewable, two-year grants of "deferred action" from removal. They were also eligible for work authorization and Social Security numbers. In return, however, they had to provide the government with certain identifying information. After Trump came into office, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the program had been created "without proper authority" and only after Congress had rejected proposed legislation. The following day, Elaine Duke, then-acting Secretary of Homeland Security, announced it would be phased out, pointing out that it had "legal and constitutional defects." Months later, after legal challenges had been launched, then-Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen issued a new memo laying out more policy-based justifications for winding down the program. She said, for example, that the program increased the risk of undermining public confidence in the rule of law. Federal courts stepped in and said the administration had acted arbitrarily when phasing out the program in violation of the law. The courts pointed to the administration's thin justification -- reasoning Roberts and the Supreme Court eventually agreed with. The administration moved aggressively asking the Supreme Court to lift the injunctions, and the President predicted success. "We want to be in the Supreme Court on DACA," Trump said. But the justices sat on the petition for months, before finally granting cert last term. The plaintiffs, including the University of California, a handful of states and DACA recipients argue to the Supreme Court that the phase-out violated the Administrative Procedure Act, a federal law that governs how agencies can establish regulations. One hundred and forty-three business associations and companies filed a brief in support of DACA stressing that its phase-out will harm the economy. The brief points to research from the libertarian Cato Institute that estimates that companies will face an estimated $6.3 billion in costs to replace Dreamers "if they can even find new employees to fill the empty positions." And Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, filed a brief in support of DACA noting that his company employs 443 Dreamers who come from 25 different countries and four continents. "We did not hire them out of kindness or charity," Cook argued. "We did it because Dreamers embody Apple's innovative strategy" he said. "They come from diverse backgrounds and display a wide range of skills and experiences that equip them to tackle problems from different perspectives." After the justices heard arguments in the case, supporters of DACA recipients also told the court that some 27,000 recipients were working on the front lines to fight Covid-19. Lawmakers look for a more permanent solution Several Democratic lawmakers applauded the decision by the court, proclaiming it a victory while also pushing for more permanent protections for Dreamers. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised the decision in a press conference Thursday, saying it "supports our values as a country." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it a "wonderful, wonderful day for the DACA kids, for their families and for the American dream." "We've always believed in immigration in America. We've had some dark forces oppose it in recent years, but we believe in it. It's part of our soul," the New York Democrat said on the Senate floor. "In these very difficult times, the Supreme Court provided a bright ray of sunshine this week." Many lawmakers pointed to the Dream and Promise Act, a bill making its way through the Senate that prohibits removal proceedings against certain immigrants and provides them with a path to permanent resident status, as a next step in the fight for DACA. "Supreme Court decision on #DACA is a victory for Dreamers & the American people against the cruelty & unlawfulness of the Trump admin," Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas tweeted. "Senate must immediately pass American Dream & Promise Act for permanent protection." Sen. Elizabeth Warren called upon Senate Republicans to "stop political games" on the bill. "I'm happy the Supreme Court upheld DACA to protect Dreamers from the crisis Trump created. But we can't stop here," the Massachusetts Democrat tweeted. "(Senate GOP): stop the political games & pass this bill for Dreamers & their families." Former members of the Obama administration echoed those calls. David Axelrod, a former Obama senior adviser and CNN commentator, tweeted Thursday that action from Congress is needed. "DACA was never presented as a permanent solution for these young people or to the status of the millions of undocumented people who are here, contributing to, and embedded in, our communities, yet still in a legal shadow. Congress needs to act to address these issues," Axelrod said. Former Democratic presidential nominee and member of the Obama administration Hillary Clinton also weighed in, urging Congress to provide a path to citizenship for DACA recipients. "Today's Supreme Court decision to uphold DACA is a happy end to the cruel uncertainty the Trump administration put these young people through. Now Congress must give them a path to citizenship," she said. GOP criticism of Roberts Rep. Jim Jordan, the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, took aim at Roberts for once again siding with the liberal justices. "First, Obamacare. Now, DACA. What's next? Our second amendment gun rights?" Jordan, who represents Ohio, wrote in a tweet. Sen. Tom Cotton was just as unhappy with the chief justice. "Yet John Roberts again postures as a Solomon who will save our institutions from political controversy and accountability," the Arkansas Republican said. "If the Chief Justice believes his political judgment is so exquisite, I invite him to resign, travel to Iowa, and get elected. I suspect voters will find his strange views no more compelling than do the principled justices on the Court." This story was first published on CNN.com, "Supreme Court blocks Trump from ending DACA" New Delhi, June 19 : The National Commission for Women on Friday took suo motu cognizance to media reports highlighting the alleged rape of a 25-year-old woman from Uttar Pradesh on a moving bus by one of its drivers. NCW chief Rekha Sharma in a letter to Director General of Police (DGP) Uttar Pradesh H.C Awasthi said, "Considering the gravity of the matter, it is requested that the investigation shall be done immediately and action be taken against the culprit." "An action taken report be sent to the Commission by E-mail/Fax," the NCW said on the Monday incident that took place in an overnight bus travelling through Uttar Pradesh. Sharma in her letter also expressed concern over the increasing crime against women despite the enactment of stringent laws in the country. In a tweet, the womens' body said:"#NCW condemns this brutality and has demanded strict action against the culprits." The woman passenger travelling with her minor children from Uttar Pradesh's Pratapgarh to Noida has alleged that she was raped by the driver inside the bus between the Lucknow and Mathura stretch, the police said on Wednesday. The accused driver absconded. However, the other driver was apprehended for allegedly intimidating the victim. According to the police, the incident took place in an overnight sleeper bus, in the presence of 12-13 other passengers. The rape happened in the moving bus sometime during the night. The victim registered her complaint at the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police station after she reached Noida on Tuesday morning. "An FIR was immediately registered. The bus has been seized. One person identified has been arrested. A medical board constituted will examine the victim. All co-passengers are being traced and will be questioned. Forensic team will inspect the bus," Vrinda Shukla, DCP (Women Cell) Gautam Buddh Nagar. According to the police, the woman's husband works in Noida and she was on her way from their hometown in Pratapgarh with her two minor children to see him. The young woman in her complaint stared that the journey started late at night however she was awake till they reached Lucknow around midnight, after which she fell asleep. "However, she was not very clear about the time at which the incident took place," said DCP Vrinda Shukla. Upon reaching Noida, the woman filed a complaint following which a case was registered and the suspects have been booked under section 376 (punishment for rape) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The police is currently using technical and local surveillance to nab the remaining accused persons. It is also questioning the owner of the bus who is based out of Ghaziabad. The police stated that the woman was given the last seat in the bus where the accused forced themselves on her. The driver who has been arrested had threatened her with dire consequences if she raised an alarm. After the woman deboarded, her husband had come to pick her and she narrated the ordeal to him after which police were informed. The bus was seized from the spot and it's owner traced to Delhi's Anand Vihar who has also been questioned in connection with the case, the police said. Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (R) hands over the dilomatic notes to head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti on June 18 (Photo: VNA) At the handover ceremony in Hanoi, Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said the ratification of the two deals by the European Parliament in February and the Vietnamese National Assembly recently strongly affirmed both sides wish and determination to continue intensifying the Vietnam-EU comprehensive cooperation and partnership. He asked relevant ministries and sectors of Vietnam and EU agencies to continue working closely together to help the EVFTA take effect soon, thus generating practical benefits for both sides people and businesses. The official also called on EU member states to accomplish the ratification of the EVIPA as soon as possible. For his part, Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, congratulated the country on completing the approval of the EVFTA and EVIPA. He described the two sides ratification of the agreements as a historic milestone which creates important frameworks for enhancing bilateral trade and investment links, as well as multifaceted relations. The EU will continue coordinating closely with Vietnam to effectively implement the EVFTA and urge its members to ratify the EVIPA, he added. The Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment expected the EVFTA and EVIPA will help raise the countrys GDP growth by 4.6 percent and exports to the EU by 42.7 percent by 2025. Meanwhile, the European Commission estimated this regions GDP will increase by 29.5 billion USD and exports to Vietnam will rise 29 percent by 2035. Under the EVFTAs regulations, as the EU side already notified Vietnam of its ratification of the agreement and Vietnam also officially handed over diplomatic notes informing the EU about its move, this deal is going to take effect on August 1. Meanwhile, the EVIPA will come into force after it sails through parliaments of all EU member states. Scientists have warned that a chilled climate with no sunlight can allow coronavirus to thrive in meat processing plants as a third factory is shutdown in the UK - after outbreaks in Germany and the US. Mobile testing tents have been set up outside Kober Ltd near Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, today which supplies supermarket giant Asda with bacon rashers and joints, after nearly 100 workers fell ill. It follows outbreaks at two food processing plants in Wales, with 58 cases confirmed at the 2 Sisters chicken factory in Llangefni on Anglesey, and a further 38 at Rowan Foods, which makes produce for supermarkets across the UK. There have been similar issues in meat processing plants in the US, with more than half of Covid-19 hotspots thought to be linked to meat processing plants. In Germany 657 workers have been infected with coronavirus at the Toennies slaughterhouse in Rheda-Wiedenbrueck. All 6,400 employees of the plant and their close contacts are now in quarantine after the plant was closed just hours after the news at 2pm on Wednesday. Experts believe the reason for the outbreaks is that the virus thrives in the cold, damp conditions and social distancing measures are much harder to implement in factory-style settings, though the Food Standards Agency (FSA) insists it is 'very unlikely' anyone can catch the disease from the meat itself. Prof Calum Semple, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Liverpool, has said the plants can be 'a perfect environment for the virus to persist on surfaces and in the air'. And Paul Hunter, Professor in Medicine at University of East Anglia, told MailOnline 'it's not immediately obvious' why meat packing plants have been suffering outbreaks, but suggested it could be due to the difficulty of social distancing in the facilities. An outbreak was reported at the Kober Ltd factory near Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire Kober Ltd in Cleckheaton near Bradford where mobile testing tents have been set up after Health secretary Matt Hancock announced an outbreak of Covid 19 in todays Downing Street briefing A chicken factory, above, that supplies meat to KFC and M&S has shut down for two weeks after 58 staff tested positive for coronavirus in a major outbreak He said: 'I think it's unlikely the virus got into the factories due to the meat. The more likely explanation is that it got in via one of the workers who was infected. One possible reason could be seeing outbreaks in these facilities is the jobs are indoors and it is more difficult to social distance. It may also be the case that it is not as easy to utilise masks or PPE.' Professor Hunter added there was 'no current evidence' to show the virus was 'food-borne'. 'Even if it was on food it wouldn't survive on food above 60 degrees. So if you do have contaminated food, by the time it hits your plate the virus would be mostly dead.' A spokesman for Asda, who own Kober Ltd, said today there shouldn't be any food wastage as the goods 'cannot be contaminated with the virus'. It is not known how many staff at Kober tested positive for Covid-19 or if there have been any hospitalisations or deaths as a result. Why meat factories are becoming a hotbed for coronavirus outbreaks The virus thrives in cold, damp and indoor environments, particularly on cool surfaces. The lack of a breeze or ultraviolet light from the sun means the moisture remains and can't be killed off inside food processing plants. Furthermore, social distancing is particularly difficult in workplaces with a busy production line meaning the virus is likely to spread more easily. Loud machinery also forces people to raise their voices and researchers say situations where people have to shout result in an increased risk of projecting the virus to others. It's not just in the UK where a trend has been seen, either, after hundreds tested positive in a Berlin slaughterhouse, while a wet market in Wuhan is believed to have been at the heart of a huge number of infections early on in the crisis. Advertisement A spokesperson for Asda and Kober said: 'As soon as we became aware that some colleagues at our Kober site may have Covid-19, we responded swiftly and worked collaboratively with the local authority and Public Health England to test all colleagues. 'We have existing strict safety measures in place on the site, however as a precautionary measure we have voluntarily closed the site to protect colleagues and prevent any further transmission. 'Colleagues who need to self-isolate will receive full pay and we aim to reopen the facility early next week. We're grateful to the Kirklees Council and Public Health England for their support through this process.' The local outbreak was confirmed last night by Matt Hancock, after public health chiefs said they were in the dark over 'local lockdown' policies. The Health Secretary said: 'The system is already up and running. In fact, I chaired a meeting this morning of our local action committee, which is the formal process through which we make these decisions, working with local leaders, for instance, in Kirklees. 'And the local director of public health and the council are heavily involved in the response.' Shocked residents have spoken of their concern about the outbreak. Many residents were surprised such a significant outbreak could happen 'so close to home'. One resident, Polly Asquith, who works next door to the factory said rumours had been circulating for a while regarding the outbreak. The 21-year-old process technician said: 'I work just found the corner and live a couple of minutes away by walk so it's been worrying. 'Because we work in a factory next door we were briefed on Monday there might be an outbreak. 'Rumours had been floating about before then which put us all at unease. 'It's scary because we all work quite close together so even if you're taking precautions you are still at risk. 'I'm quite calm but it's been eye-opening to see this happen so close to home. A further 38 cases have been found at Rowan Foods, which makes produce for supermarkets across the UK 'It's the first time I've known anyone near me to have coronavirus let alone an outbreak. 'I don't really shop at Asda anyway but I would have thought they'd take more precautions.' Diane Adams, a 57-year-old sourcing manager who lives locally, said: 'It's very worrying to see that all over the news and Facebook. 'Coronavirus has taken so many lives already and to find out Asda of all places had an outbreak - it has put me on edge. 'I won't be shopping at Asda for a long long while - we can't risk it. 'I live ten minutes away so it feels really close to home. I was just in total shock - it feels like we're at the end of the world.' Sam Daley, 21, an event planner who lives in the area said: 'I live nearby and I was shocked because I really thought we were getting better. 'It was starting to look like we were up and moving forward. 'But it's so surprising and it makes you wonder how and why something disastrous like this could happen. A security guard at Kober meat processing plant in Cleckheaton, that has been confirmed as the location of a localised coronavirus outbreak, in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire 'I think it shows people may not be taking this seriously. 'We've gotten a bit comfortable and maybe we need to be taking more precautions. 'But I try not to think about all of this too much. 'I won't stop shopping at Asda but I'll definitely consider going someplace else.' Dad-of-two Kevin McDonald, 42, said the outbreak was a warning sign for those who aren't taking the pandemic seriously. The wagon driver, who lives nearby said: 'It's concerning because I thought we were improving. 'A second wave seems inevitable if a small place like this can have an outbreak. 'As a father I'm worried because if schools shut again and we're locked down it's going to be horrible. 'The fact there's been an outbreak is concerning because it's so close to where we live. 'We need to be more cautious and not forget the impact of this virus - even three months in. 'A big company like Asda will have to look into what happened and put out a strong statement to regain our confidence.' While many were concerned the outbreak was an underlying symptom of a bigger issue, others argued it was best to 'get on with it'. Ben Scargill, 26, a barista who lives locally said: 'Thankfully I don't eat meat but obviously it's a concern if a big factory has an outbreak. 'But I don't know if I'm too concerned to be honest - I've had enough of it all. 'I just get on with it and I think we all should. 'Ultimately I think everyone needs to make their own decisions in terms of safety. 'But I don't wear a mask and I don't feel particularly concerned. I'll still shop at Asda but I don't eat meat anyway.' Andrew Santry, 52, a food quality manager who lives locally said: 'Coronavirus is out there so things like this are going to happen. 'I'm not worried, I don't think lives are at risk and I'm going to continue shopping at Asda. 'I live five minutes away and I feel as safe as I ever have. 'I work in the industry and I'm telling you there's nothing to worry about.' Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin criticised the way the news was revealed as 'thoughtless, sloppy and unhelpful'. She added: 'No one in Kirklees should be concerned. Having spoken to the council they've acted very swiftly, I'm proud of them but I'm really frustrated Matt Hancock took it on himself to announce it like that.' Director of public health at Kirklees Council, Rachel Spencer-Henshall, said: 'We were made aware of a number of positive cases of COVID-19 at a workplace in Kirklees. 'We have been providing support and advice to both the management and employees in order to minimise any further transmission.' News of the outbreak comes two months after a Twitter user shared a photo of workers at the plant during a shift change, which showed groups congregating near parked cars appearing to be less than two metres apart. An FSA spokesperson said: 'We are aware of concerns about the safety of food following outbreaks of Covid-19 in a small number of food production plants. Coronavirus is a respiratory disease, spread from human to human. It is very unlikely that you can catch Covid-19 from food, including meat.' Elsewhere, there are fresh fears in Leicester after it emerged around a quarter of its confirmed cases were reported in the last fortnight. Yesterday it emerged that the 2 Sisters Food Group, whose factory supplies meat to KFC and M&S has shut down for two weeks after staff tested positive. The company announced it was 'doing the right thing' and would cease work on site for 14 days with immediate effect. Public Health Wales confirmed that 58 cases of Covid-19 have been identified at the factory in Llangefni, North Wales. Earlier this week unions said they were aware of 13 cases among staff at the factory, with 110 people self-isolating as a precaution, while council chiefs said efforts to tackle the cluster were being treated as a priority. In a statement, the firm said: 'The health, safety and well-being of our colleagues is ultimately the thing that matters most at our business. We are a responsible company with people at its core. Without our people we are nothing. 'Therefore in light of the current Covid-19 cases at our Llangefni site, we have decided to take the necessary action to clearly demonstrate how seriously we take this issue by doing the right thing. 'Doing the right thing means from today we will temporarily suspend production at our Llangefni site with immediate effect for a period of 14 days. 'We will not tolerate any unnecessary risks - however small - for our existing loyal workforce at the facility. 'We have worked in close collaboration in the past week with Public Health Wales, Anglesey Council, the Health & Safety Executive, the FSA (Food Standards Agency) and the Unite union who have all offered great advice, scientific knowledge and support, and we thank them for their help and guidance which has informed this decision. 'Our sole focus now is to ensure we support all our colleagues through this time and look forward to operating safely and securely in 14 days' time.' The company said the first reported positive case at the plant was on May 28 and that a full 'safe ways of working' action plan had been in place since early March. The meat processing plant supplies supermarket giant Asda with bacon rashers and joints Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth posted on Twitter: 'Spoken with 2 Sisters management this morning - decision taken late last night to suspend operations at the chicken processing plant in Llangefni following significant Covid-19 outbreak. 'It's the correct decision to safeguard staff and the public.' On whether staff have been told to self-isolate, he added: 'I think that has to happen to halt this outbreak. 'The contact tracing team on Anglesey Council will be making it a priority to break chains of transmission, and I'll be seeking updates on that.' Dr Christopher Johnson, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health Wales, said: 'Public Health Wales can confirm that employees and contractors of the 2 Sisters poultry processing plant in Llangefni have been notified that they are Coronavirus contacts, and we are asking them to self-isolate for 14 days to help protect population health. 2 Sisters Food Group is one of the largest food producers in the UK, with customers such as supermarkets and other brands (a supermarket aisle with rows of chicken, file photo) 'We are working in close collaboration with the employer, Anglesey and Gwynedd Councils, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and other partners, and our priority is to bring this outbreak to a swift conclusion.' He added: 'We would remind all members of the public that they have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus, to help keep Wales safe. 'They can do this by always observing social distancing guidelines that's staying two metres away from others - washing hands regularly, and working from home if they can. 'If they are meeting members of one other household, as permitted by the guidelines, they must stay outdoors and stay local.' Production at the factory, where 560 people are employed, will be transferred to other company locations until July 2. 2 Sisters Food Group is one of the largest food producers in the UK, with brands including Fox's Biscuits and Holland's Pies, and customers such as supermarkets, KFC and Marks & Spencer. The Llangefni site does not supply retail or branded food service customers, said the company. Kober is the second Yorkshire meat factory to confirm a coronavirus outbreak. Cranswick Convenience Foods in Wombwell, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, which also processes bacon, had nine confirmed cases in the spring. Three workers died and all but two were hospitalised. STATEN ISLAND N.Y. -- Providing you with the latest headlines to start out your day. Multimedia journalist, Alex Salmieri talks about Mayor Bill de Blasios plans for phase 2 of reopening NYC, Juneteenth events on Staten Island, and a surge in 311 calls regarding fireworks. 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 How did the continents form? Although to a certain extent this remains an open question, the oceanic plateau of the Kerguelen Islands may well provide part of the answer, according to a French-Australian team led by the Geosciences Environnement Toulouse laboratory (CNRS/Universite Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier/IRD/CNES) (1). From a geological point of view, it is the Earth's outermost layer that distinguishes the continents from the oceans: oceanic crust, which is relatively thin, is mainly made up of basalts, resulting from the melting of the Earth's underlying mantle, whereas continental crust, which is thicker and of granitic composition, is derived from magmas that evolved at depth before solidifying. Such magmas form especially at subduction zones, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another. However, a study published on June 16, 2020 in the journal Terra Nova provides evidence in support of a second model: the formation of embryonic continents within oceanic plateaus such as the Kerguelen plateau. Formed by extensive basalt flows, the crust of such plateaus is abnormally thick compared to normal oceanic crust. The researchers focused on a rock of the granite family (syenite) emplaced in the plateau lavas. By studying the geometry and internal structure of the syenite intrusion and carrying out extensive dating of the rocks, they were able to reconstruct its history and show that it bears strong similarities to those of a large number of intrusions located in continental crust. Such similarities include the discontinuous injection over time of multiple magma sheets (which progressively uplifted the surrounding rocks), the duration of its construction (around 3.7 million years), and the magma fluxes. Could this syenite intrusion be an 'embryonic continent'? To further refine this hypothesis, the same team is currently studying the chemical composition of the syenites in order to understand the origin and evolution of the magmas. ### (1) The laboratory is a member of the Midi-Pyrenees Observatory. The team also includes members of the Magma and Volcanoes laboratory (CNRS/Universite Clermont Auvergne/Universite Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne/IRD), the Geoarchitecture laboratory (Universite de Bretagne Occidentale) and the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (Macquarie University, Australia). It has especially received support from the French Polar Institute (IPEV). Garrett Rolfe's stepmother, Melissa Rolfe, had her employment at the Atlanta-based Equity Prime Mortgage terminated this week, according to a statement from the company on Thursday The stepmother of the Atlanta police officer charged with murdering Rayshard Brooks has been fired from her job as a HR director of a mortgage company because employees no longer felt comfortable engaging with her. Garrett Rolfe's stepmother, Melissa Rolfe, had her employment at the Atlanta-based Equity Prime Mortgage terminated this week, according to a statement from the company on Thursday. The statement said Melissa, a HR director, had violated company policy and created an 'uncomfortable' and 'hostile' working environment as she was transitioning to a leave of absence granted by the firm. It is not yet clear what Melissa said or did to warrant her firing. DailyMail.com has contacted Equity Prime Mortgage for comment. 'Melissa Rolfe's termination was a direct result of her actions in the workplace and violation of company policy,' the company said. 'While working with Melissa as she transitioned to a leave of absence granted by our organization, we discovered she violated company policy and created an uncomfortable working environment for many of our employees. 'As an HR director, she ultimately lost the confidence of her peers, leadership and many employees who no longer felt comfortable engaging with her. 'We value diversity of thought and respect Melissa's personal views and the views of all employees; however, when those views create a hostile working environment, we must make difficult decisions to part ways.' The statement said Melissa, a HR director, had violated company policy and created an 'uncomfortable' and 'hostile' working environment as she was transitioning to a leave of absence granted by the firm News of Melissa's firing came just hours after Rolfe was taken into custody after being charged with felony murder and a string of other charges over Brooks' shooting death last week in a Wendy's parking lot Georgia congressional candidate Marjorie Taylor Greene on Tuesday tweeted a message she said she received from Melissa in which she called what we happening to her stepson as 'nonsense'. 'My name is Melissa Rolfe. My son is the Atlanta officer currently in the news. Our family has been completely devastated by all of this nonsense,' the message from Melissa read, according to Greene's tweet. 'I have heard how you feel on many topics and agree with you 100%. I pray you are victorious. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.' It is not clear if this message was tied to the decision to fire Melissa. Greene has come under fire this week after Facebook videos emerged this week of her making racist, Islamophobic and anti-Semitic views. Among the comments was the black people 'are held slaves to the Democratic Party'. The news of Melissa's firing came just hours after Rolfe was taken into custody after being charged with felony murder and a string of other charges over Brooks' shooting death last week in a Wendy's parking lot. Georgia congressional candidate Marjorie Taylor Greene on Tuesday tweeted a message she said she received from Melissa in which she called what we happening to her stepson as 'nonsense'. It is not clear if this message was tied to the decision to fire Melissa Body camera video provided by the Atlanta Police Department shows Rayshard Brooks speaking with Officer Rolfe in the parking lot of a Wendy's restaurant on June 12 prior to the shooting Rolfe surrendered to authorities on Thursday evening and is now being held at the Fulton County jail. He was fired by the city's police department on Saturday - a day after the shooting in the parking lot of a Wendy's fast food restaurant. Rolfe was charged with felony murder and 10 other counts after video showed him shooting Brooks twice in the back with his service handgun after a scuffle in which Brooks stole his taser. A second officer on the scene, Devin Brosnan, did not discharge his weapon. He faces a handful of lesser charges, including aggravated assault and violation of his oath. The killing of Brooks came amid a national wave of protests sparked by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. That officer, Derek Chauvin, was charged with second-degree murder. Three other Minneapolis police officers have been charged with aiding and abetting. A private funeral for Brooks is due to take place on Tuesday at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the church said in a statement. A public viewing is scheduled for Monday at the church. For 155 years, black Americans have observed the day with specific cultural foods, parades, and the ever-popular family cookout, among many other activities. Celebrating the holiday this year has felt imperative for a lot of African Americans given the recent deaths of Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and so many more. But with COVID-19 keeping gatherings to 10 or fewer people in Illinois until the next phase, many groups have had to find alternative ways to honor the day. Doan Thi Thanh Ha and Salvador Buban from the Economic Research Institute for the ASEAN and East Asia The COVID-19 pandemic has generated serious global shocks at an unprecedented scale. Since late 2019, within a few months, the virus has swept across continents, resulting in at least seven million cases of infection and over 400,000 deaths. On top of the enormous health cost, economic cost is also substantial. With strict transmission control policies such as wide-scale lockdowns, border closure and social distancing in place, production, trade, and services flows have been disrupted. The World Banks 2020 Global Economic Prospects report projected a global GDP contraction of 5.2 per cent in 2020, the deepest recession in decades. Without a full understanding of the virus itself and effective prevention and treatment, a clear recovery path is not yet in sight. Having close economic ties with China, ASEAN economies are expected to experience large contractions partly due to the disruption of China-led value chains. As of 2018, China is the blocs largest trading partner, accounting for approximately 17 per cent of total ASEAN trade. The negative shock is further exacerbated by the declining demand in the EU and the US, two large export markets for the ASEAN. In addition, reshoring by multinational enterprises who have invested in the region adds another risk to the disruption of global value chains. To mitigate the risks and maintain the regions appeal to foreign investors, ASEAN countries need to continue their joint endeavour of liberalisation through regulatory reform. The ASEAN has achieved significant improvements in tariff liberalisation. Average tariff on intra-ASEAN trade is as low as 0.2 per cent. On the contrary, non-tariff measures (NTMs), defined as policy measures other than ordinary tariffs, which can affect international trade by changing price or quantity traded, is on the rise. According to the NTMs database jointly developed by the Economic Research Institute of ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, between 2015 and 2018, the number of NTMs in the ASEAN has climbed by 15 per cent to about 9,500 measures. NTMs include many policy instruments, ranging from technical measures to ensure product safety and quality to non-technical measures, such as non-automatic licensing, price and quantity control, and subsidies, among others. Associated with NTMs is a plethora of technical and administrative procedures which could be time-consuming and costly for firms to comply with. COVID-19 adds to these trade costs in several ways. First, trade cost can increase due to the introduction of new regulations to address concerns about food safety, food security, and the shortage of medical equipment, countries have introduced new regulations. Some regulations are indeed trade-enhancing, such as tariff reductions, elimination of import licensing requirements, and the suspension of anti-dumping duties for certain products. However, a growing number of economies have imposed export restrictions on essential products, including face masks, sanitisers, and some medical equipment. In some countries, the export of staples has also been restricted. Albeit these measures could be allowed under the World Trade Organization, if not properly designed and administered, they can indeed be counterproductive. First, lack of access to necessities pose health risks to countries with inadequate domestic production capacity, especially for high-tech medical devices. In addition, the resulting price hike may prevent low-income people from getting access to medical supplies. Altogether, these imply higher risk of transmission of the virus, impeding cross-country efforts to contain the outbreak. Second, deprivation of export opportunities may discourage domestic firms from expanding their output. Third, imposition of trade barriers puts countries at risk of retaliation, stirring further trade disputes and disrupts supply chains. Looking at a broader scale, rising trade cost due to COVID-19 is not limited to products used for prevention and treatment of diseases. Even for existing regulations, the closure of government offices lengthens processing time for paperwork, adding to the waiting time for export and import clearance of goods at the border. In a complex production network, trade costs accumulated along the supply chain could be significant. Among the ASEANs key sectors with strong value chain participation, such as food and agriculture, and machinery and electronics, over 80 per cent of import value are subject to NTMs. A study by the ERIA suggests ad-valorem equivalent of NTMs are up to 5.7 per cent in manufacturing and 16.6 per cent in agriculture, implying significant added trade costs. Minimising trade restrictiveness to enhance supply chain connectivity. Overall, to enhance supply chain resilience, improving connectivity and the free flow of goods has become urgent. With tariffs being at a low level, regulatory co-operation should push towards simplification and streamlining of NTMs based on concrete statistics and careful cost-benefit consideration. Cognisant of the importance in addressing non-tariff barriers and managing NTMs, the 26th ASEAN Economic Ministers Retreat held on March 11 in the central city of Danang has resulted in a joint statement in which the ministers agreed to continue addressing non-tariff barriers, particularly those that impede the smooth flow of goods and services in supply chains, and refrain from imposing new and unnecessary non-tariff measures. The ASEAN Plus Three Economic Ministers virtual meeting held on June 4 further reaffirmed that commitment. Now the key task for the ASEAN is the effective implementation of initiatives and commitments on NTMs. While the ASEAN could continue to use its existing institutional arrangements and mechanisms to ensure that NTMs are not imposed arbitrarily without legitimate objectives, it should also strengthen co-operation with neighbouring East Asian countries. In the immediate term, restrictive measures on the export and import of essential commodities during the crisis should be removed. Measures to address safety concerns should be temporary and withdrawn once the pandemic situation improves. In the longer term, enhancing transparency through full implementation of the ASEAN Single Window and the ASEAN Trade Repository, and respective national trade repositories is vital. Moreover, the adoption of international standards and eventually the harmonisation of various technical regulations are key elements that should be pursued in order to manage NTMs in the ASEAN. [June 19, 2020] Dealership Tools Launches New Marine Industry Website TAMPA, Fla., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In February, the digital marketing and software agency "Dealership Tools" launched a new website tailored for the marine industry. Dealership Tools (DT) assists dealerships and brokerages to increase their boat sales through a combination of a new boat dealership website and specialized marketing offerings. Dealership Websites As part of their services, DT offers a dealership website generator that instantly creates a new responsive website for their clientele. Their dealership website software can build a new website filled with boat inventory in as little as 15 minutes. After the site is completed, the URL of the website and its Name Servers can be redirected to the new website content. Boat Dealership Success Platform Dealership Tools specializes in marine-based digital marketing, boat inventory, and lead management. Their offerings also include YouTube Commercials, PPC advertisements, Leads Generation landing pages, social marketing, as well as in-depth website text content, custom graphics, photography, and videography. The combination of their marine-based websites, along with their marketing services are referred to as their "Boat Dealership Success Platform". "Over the last 10 years, Dealership Tools has helped gro our online success to stay ahead of our competition." Gary Ingman Owner - Ingman Marine www.ingmanmarine.com Integrates with Popular Software DT dealership websites are compatible with the latest software offered in the fields of Social Media & Marketing, Finance & Accounting, Calendars & Scheduling, Contracts & Forms, and Sales & CRM Systems. The Dealership Tools platform will work with SalesForce, Quickbooks, Freshbooks, Google products, Microsoft products, Docusign, eSignatures, and additional software. Organic SEO and Content Writing Adding new content to a website is an important part of digital marketing. Dealership Tools supplies its clients with a wide variety of internet content. According to Dealership Tools, updating a dealership's product specials, articles, blogs, or other site text greatly improves a website's domain authority and can boost search engine rankings. Dealership Tools uses marine industry-specific marketing and, with the use of its new dealership platform, attracts new boat buyers to their modern, responsively designed websites. Learn more by contacting Dealership Tools. Phone: (877) 844-1970 Schedule a Demo: https://marine.dealership.tools/ Media Contact: Kevin Dwyer (877) 844-1970 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dealership-tools-launches-new-marine-industry-website-301079914.html SOURCE Dealership Tools Ball-and-stick model of the cortisol (hydrocortisone) molecule. Credit: Public Domain COVID-19 patients with extremely high levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood are more likely to deteriorate quickly and die, according to new research published today. The study, led by NIHR Research Professor Waljit Dhillo from Imperial College London and Consultant Endocrinologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, provides the first data to show that cortisol levels are a marker of the severity of the illness. The researchers suggest they can be used to identify those patients who are more likely to need intensive care. Cortisol is produced by the body in response to stress such as illness, triggering changes in metabolism, heart function and the immune system to help our bodies cope. Our cortisol levels when healthy and resting are 100-200 nm/L and nearly zero when we sleep. When ill patients have low levels of cortisol, it can be life threatening. Excessive levels of cortisol during illness can be equally dangerous, leading to increased risk of infection and poor outcomes. In the new observational study of 535 patients, of whom 403 were confirmed to have COVID-19, cortisol levels in patients with COVID-19 were significantly higher than in those without. The levels in the COVID-19 group ranged as high as 3241considerably higher even than after major surgery, when levels can top 1000. Amongst the COVID-19 patients, those with a baseline cortisol level of 744 or less survived on average for 36 days. Patients with levels over 744 had an average survival of just 15 days. Professor Dhillo, Head of Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at Imperial College London, said: "From an endocrinologist's perspective, it makes sense that those COVID-19 patients who are the sickest will have higher levels of cortisol, but these levels are worryingly high. "Three months ago when we started seeing this wave of COVID-19 patients here in London hospitals, we had very little information about how to best triage people. Now, when people arrive at hospital, we potentially have another simple marker to use alongside oxygen saturation levels to help us identify which patients need to be admitted immediately, and which may not. Having an early indicator of which patients may deteriorate more quickly will help us with providing the best level of care as quickly as possible, as well as helping manage the pressure on the NHS. In addition, we can also take cortisol levels into account when we are working out how best to treat our patients." The study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology and funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and the Medical Research Council, involved 535 patients admitted to three London hospitalsCharing Cross, Hammersmith and St Mary'swith suspected COVID-19 between 09 March and 22 April 2020. A COVID-19 swab test and routine blood testsincluding a baseline measurement of cortisol levelswere performed within 48hrs of admission. Over the study period, just under 27 per cent of the COVID-19 group died during the study period compared to just under 7per cent of the non-COVID-19 group. Professor Dhillo and his team hope that their findings can now be validated in a larger scale clinical study. Explore further Impact of COVID-19 infection in blood cancer patients One thing stands out about the Secondary Infektion campaign though: It almost never worked. Research firm Graphika says a shadowy group of operatives in Russia produced more than 2,500 pieces of false information across seven languages on 300 different social media platforms. In one example, a fabricated tweet appears as if U.S. Senator Marco Rubio is accusing British authorities of spying on President Donald Trump. The obscure disinformation campaign had been operating virtually undetected, according to new report published on Tuesday by social media researchers, NPR wrote. The operation, named "Secondary Infektion" by researchers, has sought to spread pro-Russian propaganda around the globe by sharing fake tweets from U.S. elected officials and conspiracy theories about the coronavirus. And it attempted to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. Researchers say it will likely try to spread falsehoods tied to the November election, too. Ben Nimmo, director of investigations at Graphika, the research firm that conducted the study, said in an interview that the specific culprit within Russia remains elusive. "We don't know whether it was run by the government, or associated with the government, or a group who wanted to support the government," Nimmo said. "But the overall tone and context makes it clear that this was an operation which was trying to support the Russian government and attack and undermine its critics." Read also"Foreign adversaries" targeting U.S. over ongoing unrest media Security officials at Facebook first identified the campaign last May, and since then, the tech giant and other platforms have been working to block the campaign. But it is so decentralized that it is still operating, though researchers say since it was exposed, the group's activity has slowed. It is the latest contribution in a growing body of research about how disinformation is created and spreads online, as social media platforms debate how best to control potentially damaging and harmful false content aimed at exploiting divisions and causing chaos around national crisis or elections. Nimmo said one thing stands out about the Secondary Infektion campaign: It almost never worked. Just about every fake story it tried to spread fizzled fast, indicating that the group was likely driven more by a quota than by online impact. "Which is an important reminder: Yes, there is disinformation on the Internet, but just because it's false, doesn't mean it's going to go viral," Nimmo said. Instead of focusing on a handful of popular platforms and building up a large following, Secondary Infektion took the opposite tack: creating so-called burner accounts, spreading one piece of false information on Twitter, Facebook, Reddit or some other social media network and then completely abandoning the accounts and never returning to them. Read alsoU.S. House Committee offers to designate Russia "State Sponsor of Terrorism" The content focused mostly on discrediting Ukraine and bolstering Russia. Some posts attempted to link Hillary Clinton to murder or tried to disparage German Chancellor Angela Merkel as an alcoholic. The campaign also worked to spread other baseless rumors, like that the U.S. was attempting to stoke a revolution in Azerbaijan. The accounts also created forged documents purporting to be written by congressional committees and fake Twitter messages, including a fabricated tweet that appears as if U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio is accusing British authorities of spying on President Trump. "Sometimes they wouldn't even spell the politician's name right," Nimmo said. "They didn't seem to be very good at creating viral content." While attention often focuses on the tactics of major disinformation campaigns by the Kremlin-backed Internet Research Agency and the Russian military intelligence agency, Nimmo said Tuesday's study demonstrates that it is but one slice of the false and distorted content coming out of Russia. "Those are two parts of the puzzle, but there's a whole other piece of the puzzle, which is just as a big and just as complex, and that is Secondary Infektion," Nimmo said. "As we look ahead to the election, our report shows there's all sorts of malicious activity we need to look out for, including burner accounts and forged documents that tries to interfere with peoples' thinking," he said. The US is mulling over restoring India's beneficiary status under its trade preference programme Generalized System of Preferences on receiving a counterbalancing proposal from New Delhi, a top Trump administration official told lawmakers on Thursday. The United States is currently negotiating with India for it, he added. We're in negotiations with India, we took away their GSP, and we're in the process of restoring it if we can get an adequate counterbalancing proposal from them, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told members of the Senate Finance Committee. Till now, we haven't done that. But this is something that we're actually actively negotiating right now, Lighthizer said, responding to a question from Senator Maria Cantwell from the Washington State. Senator Cantwell expressed disappointment over high import tariffs on apples from her State to India. India has a 70 percent tariff on apples, so obviously a big product in the State of Washington. What can we do to get those tariffs off from apples in India? she asked. We, of course, agree with you and we agree that -- that their regular tariffs are bad, their retaliatory tariffs are even worse, Lighthizer said. The top trade official from the Trump Administration said the US is currently in a big trade negotiations with India. We have a big negotiation with India which I'm sure you're aware of and potentially even moving to an FTA at some point if we can ever make any headway, and that's Asia. We have a lot of ongoing discussions. We call them TIFAs, trade and investment discussion forums or negotiating forums with most of the countries throughout that area, he said. Senator Steve Daines from Montana expressed his concerns over high import tariffs on pulses by India, which is the largest consumer of pulses and an important market for Montana farmers. Unfortunately, US pulses face high tariffs and an unfair playing field in India, Daines said. Early this year, he and Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota submitted a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to prioritise the issue and raise it directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In fact, I was pleased to see the president, President Trump, hand deliver that letter to Prime Minister Modi. In fact, he sent a picture back handing that specific letter to the prime minister and wanted to make sure that we saw it, Daines said. The Montana senator asked about the status of negotiations with India. Will you commit to working to remove these tariffs in any ongoing negotiations? he asked. Lighthizer said, Yes. The MFN tariffs that India has are extremely high on pulses and on just about everything else. One of the indictments I have of the WTO is the fact that we find ourselves in this position. When India joined the GATT, then the GATT, in like 1948, they had a GDP of maybe USD250 billion. Now they're almost $3 trillion and they still have a third of their lines of tariffs not bound at all and a whole bunch of them bound at 100 per cent, Lighthizer said. And there's nothing that the US can do about that, he told the Senators. How do we change that? The notion that we're locked into a WTO that says just forever you're stuck with that imbalance is, to me, crazy. And we have to do something about it, he said. Lighthizer said negotiations with India are clearly taking longer than he expected. They are dogged and insistent on keeping their tariffs and we're dogged in insisting that we're going to get a fair deal. So, we're still working on it very much. And hopefully we'll get to a good outcome, Lighthizer said. Bold Penguin, a commercial insurance technology provider, has added Columbus, Ohio-based State Automobile Mutual Insurance Co. (State Auto) to its platform, expanding its commercial auto insurance offering launched in March 2020. This integration allows users of Bold Penguins platform access to business use auto coverage through State Auto with other insurance products to be launched in Q3 2020. State Auto currently writes in 33 states with $2 billion in premium. The company offers products in Commercial Auto, Business Owners Policy (BOP), Workers Compensation, Middle Market Package, and Farm & Ranch. We have nearly completed a fully digital transformation of all product lines at State Auto over the last four years, while staying 100% committed to the independent agent, said In media release, Brandon Bauer, VP/Platform Distribution at State Auto Insurance said the company has nearly completed a fully digital transformation of all product lines at State Auto over the last four years, while staying 100% committed to the independent agent. Commercial auto, the first coverage product launched with State Auto, is a growing category in the $100 billion small commercial market. As small businesses adapt to changing market conditions, efficient access to insurance products increases in importance. Bold Penguin says its commercial insurance exchange has connected over 1.4 million small businesses with insurance products. In addition to Commercial Auto, the platform streamlines the quoting experience for General Liability, Business Owners Policy (BOP), Professional Liability, and Workers Compensation. Bold Penguin by a group of entrepreneurs who spent their early days working with Allstate, Nationwide, and Progressive alongside regional carriers and established insurance agencies. Source: Bold Penguin Related: Topics Mergers Auto Commercial Lines Business Insurance Ohio Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, Dean of School of Information and Communication Studies, at the University of Ghana has raised issues with the practice of media outlets paid by political parties to do live broadcasts of their events. She also raised issues with media outlets engaging in advertorial reporting for political parties to represent as a news report. Prof. Gadzekpo said such a practice was not only unethical but a practice that also dissuaded the voter, who might not know it was advertorial reporting. Prof Gadzekpo raised the issue while making a presentation on the topic: Journalism: Standards, Best Practices, Handling Misreporting, through a video link to journalists at a two-day media literacy, election reporting workshop on election reporting and safety of journalists, which ended in Tamale on Friday. The workshop was to train and further build the capacity of journalists to promote media professionalism and safety at all times during this years elections. It was jointly organised by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and the Media Foundation for West Africa with support from the United States Agency for International Development. About 45 journalists from the Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East, and Upper West Regions attended the workshop. The practice of political parties paying media outlets to do live broadcasts of their events is not new but it is expected to go a notch higher as the country enters the electioneering season for the December elections. This raises concerns of broadcasting unsubstantiated information, which the voter would consider as credible news because of the particular media outlet that broadcasts it. She argued that this practice allowed the political parties or politicians to ride on the back of the credibility of media outlets or journalists to push their messages across where in actual sense, the voter would have treated such messages differently if he or she had known that it was not an independent reporting. Prof Gadzekpo also delved into whether or not journalists should report anything said by politicians, saying, it is not enough to say, Yes, this person says this, so I must report it urging journalists to sieve the chaff from the story. Dr Etse Sikanku, a Political Communication Analyst and Executive Director of the Center for Public Discourse Analysis, who also made his presentation through a video link, advocated a newsroom culture that upholds professionalism, respect for ethics as well as a frown on hate speech and unsubstantiated allegations to help deepen the countrys democracy. Mr Balaarah Abdulai, Programme Officer at CDD-Ghana said the stakes were high in this years elections, hence, the need for high standards in media practice to ensure professionalism whilst deepening the countrys democracy. 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 Niger State recorded an outbreak of measles in 13 local government areas of the state during the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown imposed to contain the spread of the pandemic. The Director of Immunisation and Diseases Control, Fatima Abdullah, disclosed this during a one-day media orientation on measles immunisation awareness on Friday in Minna, the state capital. The event was organised by the Niger State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NSPHCDA) in partnership with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF). She explained that during the lockdown, many caregivers did not take their children to health facilities for routine immunisation, which she attributed to the fear of contracting the virus. Even though the health facilities were opened for 24 hours services, many parents failed to take their children for routine immunisation because they were afraid of contracting Coronavirus. All services such as routine immunisation, antenatal and family planning were available to serve everyone, but most mothers failed to access the service during the lockdown, she said. Mrs Abdullah solicited the support of the media in creating awareness on the need for mothers to take their children to health facilities within their ward for immunisation while observing the COVID-19 containment regulations. In his presentation, Ahmed Abdulsalam, Programme Manager, State Emergency Routine Immunisation Coordination, disclosed that there were records of measles in 13 local government areas. He said the local government areas are Bida, Bosso, Chanchaga, Munya, Kontagora, Mariga, Mashegu, Rafi, Gbako, Shiroro, Tafa, Suleja, Lavun, adding that Bosso, Munya and Suleja have high records of outbreaks within the last one month. We are yet to record any death, but we have records of outbreaks of measles in the state, he said. READ ALSO: According to him, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic affected routine immunisation globally, thereby leading to outbreaks of measles and other diseases. He said the state would embark on sensitisation on routine immunisation and its importance. He disclosed that over two million children under five years had died from measles globally and about 97 per cent of death occurred in undeveloped countries. Teni Sheru, UNICEF State Lead, advised mothers and pregnant women not to allow COVID-19 serve as hindrance to them from accessing routine immunisation. For a while now, the state has recorded an outbreak of measles because of failure of parents to take them for routine immunisation especially during the lockdown. These vaccines prevent children from contracting diseases, she said. Also, Samuel Jiya, Deputy Director Immunisation, NSPHCDA, said over 1,500 health facilities across the state were offering free and safe routine immunisation. Mr Jiya urged all mothers and pregnant women to visit the facilities to access the services. We must take measles and immunisation seriously to avoid the death of millions of children. We are calling on the media to support our campaign to eliminate measles and other killer diseases, he said. (NAN) There are several ways to reduce the risks of controlled human infection trials for COVID-19 vaccines, but they all come with drawbacks. A common technique in human challenge trials is to develop an attenuated strain of disease-causing virus so that if the participants get sick, they have less risk of serious illness. But in the high-stakes race for a COVID-19 vaccine, would a vaccine that stops a weakened virus still perform against the wild strain? There are groups working on an attenuated form that would be attractive for these kinds of studies, said Hutch vaccine researcher Kublin. Id be more intent on entertaining these kinds of studies should we overcome those hurdles. Kublin has carried out malaria human challenge trials with the naturally occurring pathogen that can cause death, but he had at his disposal medicines that could cure the disease in participants as soon as signs of infection emerged. There are no such rescue medicines available for COVID-19 trials. As we currently entertain these challenge studies we are focused on the potential benefits, but there are also risks and consequences, and I am afraid that currently there is just too much uncertainty about them to make an informed decision, Kublin said. Reducing the risks in human challenge trials The most obvious way to reduce risk in a COVID-19 challenge trial is to limit participants to young adults, who for unknown reasons are statistically far less likely to die from this new disease. If such trials are launched, they would likely target healthy adults aged 20-29, whose risk of death in the pandemic has been 0.03%, comparable to that of donating a kidney. But will a vaccine that protects young people in a challenge study still protect senior citizens, who are most at risk for death? Ethicists say it is important for volunteers in these trials to recognize the risks are real. For example, most vaccines that reach clinical trials fail. That means participants should not assume it is going to work. And in these carefully designed trials that infect volunteers with a live virus, they have an equal chance of receiving a potentially ineffective vaccine or a surely useless placebo. Even though the fatality rate for COVID-19 among young people is low, it is not zero, said Dr. Ben Wilfond, director of the Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics at Seattle Childrens Research Institute. Young volunteers should also be aware of recent research showing that those who survive serious bouts with COVID-19 may suffer long-term neurological or cardiac deficits. Professor Seema Shah, a bioethicist at Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago, said that she believes controlled human infection trials can be designed to limit risk and provide significant social benefit to justify them. Lets suppose we have a new vaccine this fall, but it is not perfect. It is not safe enough, or doesnt work in certain populations, or is very expensive. Wed want to quickly prepare another one. A challenge study could be one way to bridge the data to the next trial, she said. Shah is the lead author of an influential article in Science, published in May, which laid out a framework for ethical challenge trials for COVID-19. The authors even addressed the question of whether volunteers should be paid, as is standard in most such trials not in gold as in Walter Reeds day, but in dollars. To compensate for their time in quarantine, it could amount to several thousand dollars, they wrote. Participants should be compensated for their time and effort, rather than being asked to subsidize the research. Fortunately, available data suggest that payment doesnt compromise the ability to understand risks, Shah said. Ethicists such as Shah, and clinical trial researchers like Kublin at Fred Hutch, will be watching carefully as new studies provide added information about the biology and epidemiology of COVID-19. How our research community balances these complex equations of risk and benefit, timing and projected societal costs, will determine when and how these challenge studies begin and end, Kublin said. Chennai: In a sudden development, the Tamil Nadu government government withdrew its recent order changing the English spellings of 1,018 place names so as to follow the Tamil pronounciation. The government order changing place names drew flak from several quarters for its lack of consistency and clarity and for its timing amidst the COVID-19 crisis. However, Tamil writers welcomed the move. Tamil culture minister Ma.Foi. K Pandiyarajan said in a tweet Thursday: "We are working on alignment of views on transliteration standards from Tamil to English. Hopefully, we should get this released in two/three days. The G.O. on the change of English names...has been withdrawn. Will absorb all feedback and reissue shortly." Earlier, industrialist Gopal Sreenivasan had tweeted on the issue, quoting Dravidian ideologue Suba Veerapandian that if the government really wanted to help restore the authenticity (of place names in Tamil) it should first provide a standard for English spellings. "It is not too late for a transliteration standard!" A high-powered committee, set up by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has recommended fixing the cost of coronavirus COVID-19 treatment in private hospitals of Delhi, the Home Ministry said on Friday. The rates have been suggested for isolation beds and ICUs with or without ventilator support. The committee, under the chairmanship of V K Paul, Member NITI Aayog, suggested that isolation bed in a private hospital in Delhi should be in the range of Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000, ICU bed without ventilator at Rs 13000 to Rs 15000 and an ICU bed with a ventilator at Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 per day, the Home Ministry said on Friday. The prices include the costs of PPE. To provide relief to the common man in Delhi, HM @AmitShah constituted a committee under Member of @NITIAayog to fix rates charged by Pvt hospitals in Delhi for isolation beds, ICUs without ventilator support & ICUs with ventilator support. Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) June 19, 2020 Committee has recommended Rs 8000-10000, 13000-15000 & 15000-18000 including PPE costs for isolation bed, ICUs without & with ventilator respectively to all hospitals as compared to the current charges of Rs 24000-25000, 34000-43000 & 44000-54000 (excluding PPE cost)@HMOIndia Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) June 19, 2020 The current charges for isolation bed is between Rs 24000-Rs 25000, ICU bed without ventilator is between Rs 34000-Rs 43000 and ICU bed with a ventilator is between Rs 44000-Rs 54000. "To provide relief to the common man in Delhi, HM Amit Shah constituted a committee under Member of NITI Aayog to fix rates charged by Pvt hospitals in Delhi for isolation beds, ICUs without ventilator support & ICUs with ventilator support," tweeted Home Ministry spokesperson. "Committee has recommended Rs 8000-10000, 13000-15000 & 15000-18000 including PPE costs for isolation bed, ICUs without & with ventilator respectively to all hospitals as compared to the current charges of Rs 24000-25000, 34000-43000 & 44000-54000 (excluding PPE cost)," the spokesperson also tweeted. The committee was constituted on June 14 to ensure the availability of 60 per cent beds by private hospitals at lower rates and fix the rate of coronavirus testing and treatment F acemask vending machines have cropped up at travel hotspots across London as the capital emerges from the coronavirus lockdown. Since the Government made it a legal requirement to wear a covering on public transport, eagle-eyed commuters have spotted Covid-19 mask dispensers near Tubes and shopping centres in London. New company Maskey - who began trading in April 2020 - first launched the device in Chigwell, Essex. It has since rolled out the vending machines to 10 more locations including Hamleys in Regent Street, Woodford Station, east London, and Walthamstow shopping centre. On Monday the company will open a pop-up shop in Carnaby Street, as the Government urges shoppers to get out and spend to kickstart the economy post-lockdown. Further vending machines are planned London Bridge station and Hamleys in Lakside shopping centre. Maskey founder Adam Freeman, 42 said he came up with idea after speaking with a friend at the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak. His website reads: "The idea came to me whilst speaking to my neighbour and friend Russell who owns a suit manufacturing company. "His business was struggling due to the pandemic and I just asked him if he would be able to manufacture fashionable face masks, to which he replied "Yes, of course". The pair soon set about coming up with designs, and after a few tweaks Mr Freeman knew he was on to "something special". "I started to get the website built out and brand designed (alongside a million and one other things)," he added. "Looking at the competition, any masks I found were selling for north of 20, were of very poor quality, being shipped from outside the UK and keeping customers waiting for weeks (as stated on their websites). "Already being a germ-o-phobic (if such word exists), even masks that I bought from other websites, I just could not bring myself to wear as there was no way of knowing what country it has been in, where it has travelled to and from and who has touched it." The company also provides masks for workplaces and designs can be customised to include corporate logos. Ten per cent of profits from sales of the mask will be donated to Lenderhand, an Essex-based charity which is supporting the NHS and individuals and families in need during the pandemic. A worker assembles a box for delivery at the Amazon fulfillment center in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S., April 30, 2019. Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 that Texas slaves received news of their freedom, two years after the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation. The facility, known as DCH1, notified employees on Thursday that it's "honoring the Black community by supporting local Black businesses" and would offer employees chicken and waffles on Juneteenth, according to a document obtained by CNBC. The document appears to have been placed on a TV in the facility's break room. Workers at an Amazon warehouse in Chicago have voiced outrage at the company after the facility offered employees "an authentic meal" of chicken and waffles in celebration of Juneteenth . A Juneteenth flyer appears to have been advertised on a TV in the breakroom of Amazon's Chicago facility, DCH1. In a private online group for Chicago Amazon workers, employees said they were angered and insulted by the "racist form of celebration." Others said Amazon could have shown support for Black workers by designating Juneteeth as a paid company holiday. "So much for supporting your Black/African American employees," one post read. "Where's the Solidarity in that? We demand a paid holiday, not some damn chicken." An Amazon spokesperson told CNBC in a statement: "The leader who put on this event had good intentions to honor Juneteenth by supporting a local small business owned by a member of the Black community. After receiving some feedback from team members at the site, they've since decided to remove the sign in question." Amazon said the choice of venue and the poster were made by diverse local leadership, including the facility's site leader, who is Black. The business is one of employees' favorite restaurants, so they felt it was appropriate to show support on Juneteenth, the company said. Calls have recently intensified for Juneteenth to be considered a federal holiday. In lieu of that, companies including Nike, J.C. Penney, Target, Twitter and Square have made Juneteenth a company holiday. In a memo to employees Tuesday, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos encouraged employees to cancel all meetings on Friday to honor Juneteenth, adding that the company would offer a "range of online learning opportunities" throughout the day. On Friday, Amazon honored Juneteenth in a tweet and said it's "committed to helping build a community and workplace where everyone can live with dignity and free from fear." Roberto Clack, associate director of Warehouse Workers for Justice, said Amazon's messages in support of Juneteenth and the Black Lives Matter movement ring hollow given DCH1's "tokenized" celebration of the holiday. "I just think it's insincere," Clack said. "It's no secret that a large portion of that workforce is Black. "The way that Amazon could come through for some of its workers would be to fix issues with safety and working conditions, which are things that people have asked to be addressed," he added. Tensions have been growing between Amazon and warehouse workers, with employees claiming the company hasn't done enough to protect them from the coronavirus. Geologists shed light on the tibetan plateau origin puzzle: an open-and-shut perspective Earth's geographical surfaces have been formed over millions of years, and various current theories aim to explain their formation. The most popular theory, called the "plate tectonics theory," states that Earth's outermost layer is a dynamic system consisting of slowly moving plates, also known as "tectonic" plates. As theses plates move, they come close to each other and collide, or drift away from or slide past the other, causing tension or rupture along their boundaries. If two colliding plates face enormous compression force along the rupture line, a slab of the earth would uplift. The uplifted piece of land gives rise to geographical structures such as mountains or plateaus on the landscape of the earth. The Tibetan Plateau, the highest plateau in the world, is believed to have been formed through one such tectonic process, when the Indian and Eurasian continental plates collided with each other. Interestingly, the landscape of this enigmatic plateau consists of various unusual geological structures that have baffled geologists globally. For example, many independent geological units of different structures and ages are placed next to each other in a way that cannot be explained by a single tectonic event as per the existing theory. Intrigued by this, in a new study published in Earth Science Frontiers, a group of scientists at the China University of Geosciences, led by Dr Liu Demin, investigated in detail the geological structures of the southern Tibetan Plateau. Talking about their motivation, Dr Demin says, "The southern Tibetan Plateau has a complicated geological structure, which cannot be explained by the existing 'plate tectonics' theory. Our study uses a new idea to explain some unusual tectonic structures that are part of the southern Tibetan Plateau." To begin with, the scientists analyzed ancient tectonic ruptures in the form of "boundaries" between the distinct geological regions. The "South Tibet detachment system" (STDS) is one such boundary that runs parallel to the Himalayan range for more than 2,000 km. The researchers analyzed the geological data of STDS and other structures in the region, such as the Rongbu Temple normal fault and the Main Central Thrust (MCT), to trace the possible chain of events related to the evolution of these boundaries. They speculated that instead of a single "collision-compression" process (as per the existing theory), these boundaries were created in different periods altogether, through a series of tectonic events that date back to the early Cenozoic era (a geological era that extends from 66 million years ago to the present day) and occurred in multiple stages. According to this model, called the "opening-closing" theory, the upper layer or "crust" of a prehistoric ocean called the "Neo-Tethys" ocean expanded or "opened," and a part of the oceanic crust moved under the other, resembling a "closing" movement. The continental plates too followed a similar process of "opening and closing" as they moved towards and away from each other. This chain of events gave rise to the structures of the Tibetan Plateau. Using this model, the scientists were able to deduce that the Rongbu Temple normal fault and the MCT were formed earlier than the STDS was. Further, they revealed that two tectonic units, klippes and windows, in the Chomolungma region were actually the result of gravitational gliding (as opposed to compression, as previously believed) and thus should be characterized as extensions and slips, respectively. Dr Demin further explains, "Thermal energy and gravitational potential energy in the deep earth played a key role during this opening-closing evolutionary process." The geology of Earth's surfaces has changed over millions of years through continuous evolutionary processes. In this study, scientists unraveled part of the mystery surrounding the complex geological structures of the southern Tibetan Plateau. Dr Demin concludes, "A deeper understanding of the 'opening-closing' process requires us to focus more on the detailed geological record for evidence of continuous rather than temporal processes.'' The research team now plans to study the differences between the opening-closing view and the plate tectonic theory in detail, to shed further light on the genesis of the Tibetan plateau. ### Reference Authors: Liu Demin, Yang Weiran, Guo Tieying, RU Jiangtao, Xiong Aimin Title of original paper: Discussion on the Cenozoic tectonic evolution and dynamics of southern Tibet Journal: Earth Science Frontiers Affiliations: School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China About Earth Science Frontiers Earth Science Frontiers is a bimonthly peer reviewed scholarly journal co-sponsored by the China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and Peking University. It was first published in 1994, and academician Wang Chengshan is the current Editor-in-Chief. Each issue of the journal is centered on a specific geoscience topic and managed by experts in that field as Guest Editors. Each issue also contains a number of articles on self-select subjects. Articles published on Earth Science Frontiers cover all disciplines of earth sciences with emphasis on frontier and innovative basic research. At the same time, the journal also publishes research findings that may be considered contentious. Over the years, Earth Science Frontiers has won several publisher awards, including "The Internationally Most Influential Journal in Chinese Language" and "The Top 100 Outstanding Chinese Scholarly Journals." In 2019, Earth Science Frontiers was selected among top-tier journals to join a national action plan for achieving excellence in science and technology research publishing in China. E-mail: frontier@cugb.edu.cn Website: http://www. earthsciencefrontiers. net. cn About Dr Liu Demin Dr Liu Demin is Associate Professor at the School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan. His research is focused on the geodynamics of continental and geothermal geology. He has published seven research papers in reputed international journals. This story has been published on: 2020-06-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. A visitor wearing a mask to protect against the coronavirus looks at ancient artifacts placed inside a glass-protected display area at Cyprus Archaeological Museum in the capital Nicosia, on Thursday, June 18, 2020. Cyprus' museums opened to the public earlier this month as the government gradually lifted most of a string of tough restrictions imposed in March to check the spread of the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) Random coronavirus tests will be carried out on a proportion of travelers arriving at Cyprus' airports as an added layer of protection against the virus' spread, government officials said Friday. The measure was announced a day before the expiration of a requirement that foreign nationals permitted to travel to Cyprus from 22 countries obtain a health certificate declaring them coronavirus-free. The 22 countries include Austria, Greece, Finland, Australia, Germany, Norway, Bulgaria and Hungary. Cyprus' deputy government spokesman Panayiotis Sentonas said the measure was taken on the recommendation of an advisory body of medical experts "so as not to risk the positive epidemiological picture" the country has built over the last few months. Cyprus has managed a low coronavirus infection rate thanks to a nearly three-month lockdown imposed in mid-March that included a commercial flight ban and a stay-at-home order. The country is keen to restart is vital tourism sector that directly accounts for 13% of its economy, but wants to avoid imported virus flare-ups that could tarnish its image. Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou said health officials at the airports are aiming to randomly test 10-15% of 1,500 passengers who are estimated to arrive daily over the next few weeks. Ioannou said random virus tests will also be conducted on passengers arriving from 12 countries including France, Italy, Spain and Israel, who will still need a health certificate declaring them virus-free. Sentonas said that eight of nine crossing points connecting the ethnically split country's breakaway north and internationally recognized south will reopen to the country's citizens and permanent residents on June 21. The points, which cut across a U.N.-controlled buffer zone, were closed in mid-March. Sentonas said all those wishing to cross must obtain a health certificate three days prior to each crossing. The official also expressed concern that Turkish Cypriot officials didn't provide clear data regarding infection rates in the north and that flights to and from Turkey would begin July 1, even though the European Union categorizes the country as high-risk for the virus. Turkish Cypriot officials have said earlier their side of the checkpoints would open July 1 and that Greek Cypriots would need to carry a health certificate to be allowed to cross from the south. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Nastura Sharif, chairman of the board of trustees (BoT) of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has been released from detention. ... Nastura Sharif, chairman of the board of trustees (BoT) of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has been released from detention. Sharif, who was arrested by the police on Tuesday for leading a protest against growing insecurity in Katsina state, was later moved to Abuja. In a statement on Thursday evening, Abdulhazeez Suleiman, spokesman of the group, said Sharif was released following the intervention of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and other prominent well-meaning Nigerians and groups. The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) hereby confirms that Nastura Ashir Sharif, its chairman of the Board of Trustees, has today been freed from a two-day police captivity, the statement read. We acknowledge that Sharifs freedom was made possible by the enormous pressure exerted by the CNG, the Northern Elders Forum, patriotic leaders and elders of the North, a decent section of the civil society, a multi-sectoral cooperation of regional groups and activists and the vigilance of the national and international press. The group expressed appreciation to Nigerians and said it would never relent in its struggles for a just society. We equally appreciate the support, cooperation and patience of the entire northern public throughout the period of Shariffs detention. This is indeed reassuring, the group said. We assure the public that we shall never relent in our struggle for a decent, free, fair and just society no matter the odds. We urge authorities to endeavour to always place value on human liberty and peoples rights as basic cornerstones for civilised democracy. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 22:40:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (R) and his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio attend a joint press conference in Ankara, Turkey, on June 19, 2020. Turkey and Italy will work together to maintain peace in Libya, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Friday. (Xinhua) ANKARA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Turkey and Italy will work together to maintain peace in Libya, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Friday. Ankara wanted to work together with Rome for a lasting peace and a political process in Libya, as well as on meeting Libya's energy requirements such as electricity, Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference with his visiting Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio. The Italian minister, for his part, stressed that all the warring parties in Libya should respect the arms embargo and not deploy mercenaries. He also said that the UN should assign an envoy for Libya as soon as possible. Turkey backs the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj and has signed a military cooperation agreement with it to support its fight against General Khalifa Haftar. Turkey sent military officials to Libya as part of this accord. Libya has been locked in a civil war since the ouster and killing of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, and has been divided between the powers of GNA and the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Haftar. Enditem Experts have confirmed that more than 200 ants found at Aomi Pier on Tokyo Bay on Thursday are highly venomous fire ants. The red imported fire ants were spotted at a container yard during a survey by Environment Ministry and other officials. The variety is native to South America. The officials say none of the ants were queens, and no nests have been found. More than 50 queens were spotted at the pier last September and October. The officials say the newly spotted ants were found about one kilometer from the site where the queens had been sighted last year. The officials are working to eradicate the ants by placing insecticides around the area. They also plan to investigate the ants' entry route. Fire ants are active in hot weather. Environment Ministry officials are urging the public not to touch suspicious ants and report any sightings to the authorities. (Bloomberg) -- Donald Trumps decision to pack thousands of people into an arena for his first campaign rally in three months, intended to reinvigorate both his re-election effort and the candidate himself, has instead kept the president on the defensive. The Tulsa, Oklahoma, rally on Saturday was supposed to signal that America is well on its way back to normal after weathering both the coronavirus outbreak and nationwide protests against police brutality. And the event was just as much about lifting the presidents own morale, following broad criticism of his response to the virus crisis and the unrest, according to officials familiar with the campaign. But instead, the rally comes in the midst of turmoil on several fronts. Its led to new scrutiny of the presidents handling of both the pandemic and the nations divisive racial inequities. Health officials in Oklahoma have recommended delaying the event, expected to draw at least 100,000 people to the states second-largest city, as cases of Covid-19 spike. The city also is anticipating counter-protests. Ahead of the rally, Trumps campaign announced on Saturday that six members of the advance team had tested positive for Covid-19, would be quarantined and wouldnt attend the rally. The event also comes at a time when Trumps former National Security Adviser John Bolton is about to publish a book containing damaging details from within the Trump White House. And on Friday night, U.S. Attorney General William Barr moved to oust a top New York law enforcement official. Barr on Saturday said Trump had fired the Geoffrey Berman after the prosecutor had refused to step down; Trump said that wasnt his department. The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Friday rejected a request from two Tulsa residents that rally attendees be required to wear face masks. Trumps press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, said she wouldnt wear one, calling it a personal choice. Trump already moved the rally back a day after initially scheduling it for Juneteenth, a commemoration of the end of slavery, following criticism that he was insensitive to the plight of African Americans. Moreover, Tulsa is the site of one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history, the 1921 sacking of a prosperous Black neighborhood named Greenwood by a White mob. The president warned Friday in a tweet that authorities would treat protesters more harshly than in other major U.S. cities where anti-brutality demonstrations have taken place recently. Tulsa Mayor GT Bynum, a Republican, initially imposed a nighttime curfew through the weekend but rescinded it after Trump said the order wouldnt apply to those attending his rally. Trump said in a tweet that the Tulsa rally marks the start of his re-election effort. Rallies were the centerpiece of Trumps 2016 presidential campaign and continued through his presidency, providing a platform to reach voters directly, as well as a trove of voter data. Trump began increasing their frequency in late 2019 -- until the coronavirus forced the campaign to suspend them in March. Message Undercut The virus has damaged Trumps campaign in another way -- undercutting his message that he should be re-elected because of a booming economy. Social-distancing measures and stay-at-home orders led to the loss of millions of jobs and sent the economy into a tailspin, and officially into recession. Polls show Trump trailing Democrat Joe Biden nationally and in key swing states as voters express concern over the presidents handling of the virus and national protests that erupted over instances of police brutality and racism. Yet Trump maintains an advantage over Biden: enthusiasm among his core supporters, reflected in polls and turnout at campaign events. The rallies highlight that difference, people close to the president said. Theres just a hunger for the rallies. And I enjoy doing them, Trump said in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday. It gives energy to everybody. And we have tremendous enthusiasm. Blocks from where some of Trumps supporters were already camped out in the rain, hundreds of people gathered on Greenwood Avenue to celebrate Juneteenth. It felt like a slap in the face, said Nadia Green, 39, of Trumps decision to hold the rally in Tulsa. This is a red state so Im not really sure why the rally needs to be here, she said. But I appreciate that they moved the date. Rocky Duran, a 43-year-old Tulsa resident, had taken his seven-year-old son to check out the setting for the rally before they made their way over to the event in Greenwood. I want him to see both sides, Duran said outside Frios Gourmet Pops on Greenwood, where they had just taken a selfie while holding dripping Popsicles. Duran added that he wont vote for Trump, but isnt sure about Biden. Im more of a libertarian, he said. An Economic Appeal Trumps speech will likely highlight the economic achievements of his administration before the pandemic struck. He will also argue that the best prescription to unite a country amid the nationwide protests and civil unrest is an economic one, according to administration officials. The demonstrations were sparked by outrage over George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who died in the custody of a Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. Trump has rejected the idea of systemic racism among police, along with calls by protesters to overhaul law enforcement and cut police funding. Instead, hes backing new training programs as well as economic development and school choice. His campaign is sending more than 50 of its surrogates to the rally, including a large contingent representing the campaigns outreach initiative called Black Voices for Trump. Oklahoma is a securely red state and its Black population is just 7.8%, below the national average. Paris Dennard, a senior communications adviser at the Republican National Committee, defended Trumps initial decision to hold the rally on Juneteenth. He said the media took a negative view of the choice, but that he and other Black campaign and White House officials officials were supportive. Dennard said they saw the rally date as an opportunity for Trump to highlight both the holiday and Black Wall Street, another name for Tulsas Greenwood District, which was a beacon of Black wealth before it was wiped out by White mobs. Presidents Vision The economic element fits into the presidents vision for Black Americans, Dennard said. When it was decided that the rally would be held on June 19, we said Well, we can make this work. In remarks alongside Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt at a White House event about reopening small businesses on Thursday, Trump boasted of the audience hes likely to draw. The campaign said more than 1 million tickets have been requested and has tweeted pictures of people who started lining up for the event earlier this week. Big crowds and lines already forming in Tulsa. My campaign hasnt started yet. It starts on Saturday night in Oklahoma! Trump said in a tweet on Friday. Biden has largely been confined to his home in Delaware and hasnt held many public campaign events because of the pandemic. A June 8 CNN poll showed that Trumps supporters are more enthusiastic to vote for him in November than those who plan to vote for Biden. Curfew Plan Scrapped Trump trails Biden by an average of 8.5 percentage points, nationally, according to the average of polls compiled by RealClear Politics, although state-by-state polls are key. Saturdays rally will be held the BOK Center, an indoor arena that has capacity of about 20,000 people. Local officials expect an overflow crowd of perhaps 80,000 more people, including 35,000 in a nearby convention center and thousands in the streets. Tulsa Mayor Bynum had issued an executive order on Thursday evening, instituting a curfew for the citys downtown area from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Sunday morning, saying that information from authorities shows that individuals from organized groups who have been involved in destructive and violent behavior in other states are planning to travel to Tulsa for the purposes of causing unrest in and around the rally. But Trump said Friday in a tweet that Bynum told him the curfew wouldnt apply to those attending his rally. Bynums office then announced he repealed the curfew altogether. The event is moving forward despite concern raised by epidemiologists and local health officials that theres been a spike in cases in Tulsa and that indoor events are ideal for transmitting the coronavirus. The state has recommended attendees get virus tests before and after the rally. Oklahoma is currently experiencing one of the sharpest increases in virus cases in the country, with its caseload jumping 5% based on 450 new cases reported on Thursday. The latest data marked a sharp increase from its previous record of 259, set one day earlier. On Friday, the state reported 352 new cases. Tulsa County has highest number of cases in the state. Oklahomas incidence of Covid-19 is relatively low compared with many other U.S. states. Downplaying Safety Concerns Campaign officials have downplayed safety concerns, saying theyll conduct temperature checks, and offer masks and hand sanitizer to those attending as a precaution against spreading the virus. But masks wont be required. Trump told Axios in an interview published Friday night that he would not be wearing a mask. I dont feel that Im in danger, he said. In a briefing this week, McEnany complained of a double standard, criticism of Trump over the rally but not of the protests, with people marching shoulder-to-shoulder in the streets. The likelihood of coronavirus spreading is believed to be much higher in indoor settings than outdoors, though. A spokeswoman for the BOK Center, Meghan Blood, said in a statement that it had asked the campaign for a plan detailing the steps the event will institute for health and safety, including those related to social distancing. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. FILE PHOTO: People hold signs calling for China to release Canadian detainees Spavor and Kovrig during an extradition hearing for Huawei Technologies Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou at the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver By Cate Cadell and Tony Munroe BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese prosecutors said on Friday they have charged two detained Canadians for suspected espionage, indictments that could result in life imprisonment, in a case that has driven a diplomatic wedge between Ottawa and Beijing. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was "very disappointed" and would keep pressing China to release the duo. Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were arrested in late 2018 on state security charges, soon after Canadian police detained Huawei Technologies Co's [HWT.UL] chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, on a U.S. warrant. While China maintains the detentions are not linked to Meng, former diplomats and experts have said they are being used to pressure Canada. China has repeatedly called for Meng's release, and has warned Canada it could face consequences for aiding the United States in her case. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing on Friday that the indictments were "of particularly serious circumstances which violated Article 111 of the Criminal Law of the Peoples Republic of China," which pertains to espionage and state secrets. Under that article, a conviction can carry a sentence of from 10 years to life imprisonment. "The facts are clear and the evidence is solid and sufficient. He should be held accountable for criminal responsibility under the above mentioned charge," Zhao said of Kovrig, before making the same statement about Spavor. The charges mean a formal trial can begin. Trudeau, speaking to reporters in the Quebec town of Chelsea, said it was "a real shame" China did not appear to understand that governments in Canada could not interfere in the justice system. "We will continue ... to put pressure on the Chinese government to cease the arbitrary detention of these two Canadian citizens who are being held for no other reason than the Chinese government is disappointed with the independent proceedings of the Canadian judiciary," he said. Story continues The Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday that consular visits to detainees had been suspended due to the coronavirus. The Canadian foreign ministry said it was "deeply concerned" that the two Canadians hadn't been granted access to consular visits since mid-January and called for their immediate release. The ruling Communist Party's Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission said last year that Kovrig is accused of "stealing and spying on sensitive Chinese information and intelligence." It said Spavor provided Kovrig with intelligence. Kovrig works for the International Crisis Group (ICG), a non-governmental organization that focuses on conflict resolution. ICG CEO Rob Malley said in a statement that Kovrig was not endangering national security and that "he has become an unfortunate pawn in a larger struggle among the United States, Canada and China." Spavor, 44, is a businessman with deep ties to North Korea. Last month, Huawei's Meng lost a legal bid to avoid extradition to the United States to face bank fraud charges. (Additional reporting by David Ljunggren and Kelsey Johnson in Ottawa; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Kim Coghill and Jonathan Oatis) As protests, marches and rallies have unfolded across the country in the wake of the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, politicians have rushed to respond. Inevitably, the response by politicians, and their opponents in the November elections, will become the subject of election rhetoric. During a June 7 rally in Pottstown, U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-4th Dist., told a large crowd that she was returning to Washington the next day to begin work on federal legislation to reform policing in America. But the woman running against Dean in the November election, Kathy Barnette, was denied the opportunity to speak. Barnette, who is African American, is the Republican candidate and felt she might offer a unique perspective, but was told the speakers list was full. In a dispute which eventually found its way to the Pottstown NAACP Facebook page, Barnettes campaign manager, Bob Gilles, posted comments about her exclusion, which the NAACP removed. In a response to Gilles objections, chapter president Johnny Corson, posted a statement saying the posts were removed because the rally was not a candidates forum and that Dean and state Rep. Tim Hennessey, R-26th Dist., one politician from each party, had been allowed to speak because they are officeholders who have the ability to affect policy. The NAACP is a non-partisan organization and will not be misused by candidates, Corson posted. The event was not an NAACP event. The organization simply aided the young people who organized it, he said. In one response captured by MediaNews Group before it was removed, Gilles argued that Dean is also a candidate and that at least one un-scheduled speaker was allowed to take the microphone. Five more minutes to allow Kathy to speak would not have been a concern to the event schedule, he wrote, adding Barnette clearly could have provided insight into the issue more than other speakers. Her campaign contacted MediaNews Group, which agreed to provide her with an opportunity to share that insight. Temperatures are running high right now and everyone thinks policing is the number one issue. I do not believe that, Barnette said. Which is not to say she does not want to see progress on the issue. My hope is we come out of this with more than some peaceful marches and pretty speeches, said Barnette. She said she opposes legislation that would have police overseen by outside groups like the ACLU and NAACP rather than by the people who live in those communities. Im tired of white liberals coming into our community to tell us what our problems are, Barnette said. We need a culture of respect not just within police departments, but within our own community. I completely understand having a knee-jerk reaction when they see a picture of a police officer using excessive force, she said, adding that what happened to Floyd is a prime example of excessive force. However, she noted that Minneapolis and other cities where police violence is seen as a problem are all run by Democrats. Amy Klobuchar had the opportunity to prosecute police involved in excessive force complaints but she let the Grand Jury do her work for her, said Barnette. Prior to being elected to the Senate in 2006, Klobuchar, who ran for the Democratic nomination for president this year, was Hennepin County attorney. That made her responsible for all criminal prosecution in Minnesotas most populous county, which includes the city of Minneapolis Democrats, Barnette said, are manipulating people about the number of police incidents. A larger problem for the black community, Barnette said, is black-on-black crime, pointing to the large number of murders in Chicago. White suburban communities and the people who live there know who is running their town, but that is sorely lacking in the black community, Barnette said. Barnette said she believes the two most important issues for African-Americans are financial access and educational access. I want to see everybody thrive, Barnette said. What we lack is access and influence. Quoting Frederick Douglass, Barnette said, knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave. Barnette, who served for 10 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, is a former adjunct professor of corporate finance and author of Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain: Being Black and Conservative in America. Montgomery artist and business owner Michelle Browder did not want Juneteenth to pass without celebration in her hometown, steeped in both tragic history and heroic advances for civil rights. About a week ago, Browder made some calls and found no Juneteenth events in the works, partly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So she bounced an idea off a friend, Montgomery County District Judge Tiffany McCord, who liked it and said she would talk to Mayor Steven Reed. Today, Browders vision was on display at Montgomerys Court Square. Its a temporary Black Lives Matter mural painted on the walkway that encircles the fountain. The square was once the site of Montgomerys slave market. Browder said theres not a more fitting place to commemorate Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the United States in 1865, or to keep up the calls for police reform and racial justice in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd. A statue on the square marks where Rosa Parks got on the bus in December 1955 for the ride that would launch the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The square is at the foot of Dexter Avenue, where the Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march ended a decade later. You cant find that type of history anywhere in the world, Browder said. So, we have it. I just thought it was important because enslaved black lives mattered. Because black lives built Montgomery, Alabama and its commerce. It mattered to them because they were the source of commerce in the antebellum South. So, where better to do this than right here where they were bought, sold and traded?" Related: What is Juneteenth? Why is it called Juneteenth? How to celebrate, history, facts. Michelle Browder of Montgomery stands at Court Square, where she designed and helped paint a temporary Black Lives Matter mural. (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com) Jamie Gonzalez of the events team with the city of Montgomery said the artists used a temporary paint that will wash away with water. Gonzalez said the city will pressure clean the walkway once the mural begins to fade or chip. Browder, who owns a trolley tour business, called on friends from Kings Canvas, a nonprofit studio gallery, and 21 Dreams Arts & Culture, also a nonprofit, to help with the painting. They started Thursday afternoon after getting clearance from the mayor on Wednesday, she said. The mayor came out last night and gave us all a bit of a pep talk, Browder said. And its just important for Montgomery since the world changed because of what happened here in the 50s and 60s. One of the artists, Milton Madison of Deatsville, said he met people today who didnt realize that the square was once a slave market. Theres a historical marker, but its on a nearby corner, not on the circle with the fountain. He said he hopes young people are inspired by the display. Putting a positive message at a place that a lot of negative things happened, I think thats important, too, Madison said. A disc jockey played upbeat music this afternoon as people walked through the the square, posed for pictures, and found shady spots to enjoy the sights, sounds, and summer weather. Along with the bright lettering and design, the mural includes dark images of human figures that represent how people were stacked into slave ships, Browder said. Everybody wants to take a photo, Browder said. People are deeply touched. Theyre laying down and theyre taking photos of themselves. Array of Juneteenth events planned across Alabama A historical marker on Court Square in Montgomery describes the slave market that operated on the site in the 19th century. (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com) WESTFIELD Ronald Rix, the city school departments chief financial officer, has spent 40 years working in education, with more than half of those years in his hometown of Westfield. Now hes retiring to enjoy his beach home in Maine. Rix has been a fixture in the Westfield school system since 1996, working in a variety of administrative roles. His last say is June 30, and then he will head Old Orchard Beach for the summer to enjoy the start of semi-retirement. He intends on keeping his hand in education by doing some consulting work. Im ready to go onto the next phase of my life, he said. His career includes six years as a science and health teacher in Agawam from 1980-86; three years with the Connecticut educational system; and seven years in New York as a director of programming and director of training under contract with the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Among the extensive roles in which he has worked, Rix said his most rewarding experience came as an assistant principal in Westfield. I loved being assistant principal at the middle school. I loved the interaction with the kids, he said. My job was to discipline them, but I never looked at it as discipline. I looked at it as a learning experience for the students. That was back in the days when Westfield had one middle school on West Silver Street. Then came the new, $80 million building on Southampton Road, and Rix was instrumental in the planning of the school, now the Westfield Intermediate School. One person who made an impression on him during his career in the city was North Middle Schools first principal, Dennis Fahey, who had been principal at the West Silver Street building. We got to build North Middle School together, he said. He was the first principal there and really shaped middle school education in Westfield. Ive known so many different people and had unique relationships with them in different ways. Rix still hears from former students and recently ran into one at a local business who apologized for being a challenge during his middle school years. But thats the most rewarding part of his work seeing troubled kids become strong adults. Its rewarding for all when a kids turns themselves around, he said. Its amazing when they turn out well. While students have left an indelible mark on Rix, he, too, has left an indelible mark on the citys school system. Im most proud of the position that I left North Middle School in the climate and the culture that we were able to create, he said. Kids would say, This is our school. It was a successful approach that resulted in the middle school being recognized as a high performing school and a model for education. In his current position as chief financial officer, Rix has been tasked with developing and monitoring the school departments budget. While the coronavirus pandemic and ensuing lack of state and city revenue made the creation of the fiscal 2021 budget an arduous process for most, for Rix it was just another challenge to be dealt with in the best way possible. The key, he said, is to pinpoint priorities and go from there. For me, none of the budgets were challenging. What we do is set our priorities and work within the framework, he said. This year was the busiest, and we had to scale back. I believe we know whats important. Its the magic of what teachers do in the classroom. Part of building a solid spending plan that works for the children, Rix said, is to not look at financial shortfalls as cuts that need to be made, but as an opportunity to take a different approach to reaching goals and reshaping education for the future. I believe we know whats important, he added. When you believe in whats important you build a budget and dont worry about cutting just achieving our changed priorities. Retirement, Rix said, is bittersweet, and Superintendent of Schools Stefan Czaporowski, as well as School Committee and City Council members, had high praise for him and his accomplishments as an educator and as a human being. Ron has been invaluable, Czaporowksi said. Hes been more than a pleasure to work with. I will miss his advice, insight and sense of humor. LK, a nurse in a private, non-COVID Mumbai hospital, has forgotten how many times she has cried in the last three months: when her society asked her to choose job or them; when management forced her to reuse PPE and N95 masks; when her measly salary didnt come on time; when the family asked her to quit and left for village angry that she didnt; when she got a bad hostel accommodation etc. Worst was when a fellow nurse died of COVID-19 in another hospital and she could neither help nor attend the last rites. LK is lucky. Many of the over 3 million nurses in India are going through worse during the coronavirus pandemic. Ambika P K, a nurse in Kalra hospital, Delhi was allegedly asked to buy her own mask, besides reusing PPE kits. She contacted COVID-19 and died on May 24. Nurses refused to work after Ambikas death until adequate safety measures were instituted in the hospital. In KEM hospital, Mumbai after a bed couldnt be found for a nurse who had contacted the virus on duty, nurses went on strike demanding a separate ward for COVID-19 infected colleagues and shorter shifts. 3 doctors at the hospital released a heart-wrenching video about having to care for 25 critical patients alone. Across the country, hundreds of nurses and doctors have got infected - like Ambika and LKs colleague even in non-COVID hospitals. Nurses are quitting en masse - not just because they are scared (we all are), but as a protest against them being led to slaughter by deliberate, criminal negligence. Would you send soldiers towards enemy fire without any weapon or shield? This is much dangerous because unlike in war, here the infected can infect others. 8 of Ambikas colleagues and her daughter tested positive for COVID-19. Not far from them, over 200 healthcare workers in AIIMS have contacted COVID-19 so far. In Kolkata over 500 Manipuri nurses resigned and left for home early May after facing racial abuses like being called corona, people spitting on them, low pay for overwork, management apathy, PPE reuse etc. that caused over 160 of them to get infected. 22-year-old Somichon ignored racial abuse on Kolkata streets, but when early May she told management she had COVID-19 symptoms, they called it flu, gave her antibiotics, and didnt even test her. It was only when she quit, reached Imphal, that a test was conducted and she was found to be positive. In Mumbai, LK has been tested only once in the last three months since the outbreak worsened despite a colleague dying of it. Mumbai Mirror reported that in April and May over 300 nurses from various hospitals including Wockhardt, Bhatia, Jaslok, Bombay hospital, Nanavati, Lilavati, Hiranandani and Hinduja hospital tested positive. In Wockhardt, 80 nurses were infected while 57 at Jaslok and 45 in Bhatia tested positive. Around 80 nurses from Kerela quit their job then. Hundreds have quit since then, many not even waiting for their salaries and in some cases where management had kept their original certificates in a sort of modern-day slavery, not even taking them. Nurses in India seem to be quitting because the nation including all of us i.e. its citizens and the many governments in it are trying to kill them. Despite no longer having major PPE shortages because government ramped up production aggressively and even put price caps on them to prevent black marketing, they seem not to be reaching nurses in adequate numbers. Doctors have been exempt from re-using PPE. But it puts both doctors and patients at risk if nurses are forced to reuse PPE. Thats why a doctor in Kalra hospital tore discarded PPE when he learned nurses were being forced to wash and reuse. In normal circumstances Crush After Use is repeated millions of times daily for drinking bottles. Why not the same for the much dangerous PPE kits? Romalyn Ante, a Filipino origin nurse working for the United Kingdom National Health Service, who is also an award-winning poet, laments about nurses: These invisible women, goddesses of caring and tending, But no one hears when their skulls pound, like coconut shells about to crack. Having spent over three months living in and sleeping in hospitals while caring for people, I have seen first-hand what Romalyn evokes. The intimacy nurses share with patients and their families, the immense pressure, the emotional pain caused by attachments, the intensity of the care, the STSD Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder most nurses experience its enough to make their skulls pound, like coconut shells about to crack. Doctors instruct, nurses implement. While doctors attention span can falter for they can have time to recover, nurses especially in critical care are like high performing athletes: a moments distraction could cost them a race for survival. Most people consider doctors gods, and nurses as angels. I consider nurses gods, and doctors the occasionally visiting, albeit crucial, angels. If you saw how the brightest of them light up the day for a patient with their positivity and optimism in the face of grimness, how they console and consult families, how they often cry secretly for a patient they grow fond of, how they continue to work through their own physical or emotional pain you would too. Hence it causes me STSD to read what Abraham Mathai, who formed the All India Nurses Association, said in a Mumbai Mirror story, Nurses are one of the most important pillars of the medical fraternity and they are profiled abroad as just one below the doctor while unfortunately in our country the profile of a nurse is just one above the ward boy. Id say its not a stretch to rate a civilization based upon how it cares for its nurses. Its common sense right, that you care for those who care for you at your worst time? What do you say to a nation which does not even get that basic principle? Barbaric? Cruel? Inhuman? Asking nurses who interact much more with people than doctors and hence are much more at danger to reuse PPE during a pandemic is akin to attempting to kill them and I seriously feel manslaughter charges should be applied to those who ask this. Worst of all most hospitals dont even pay them minimum stipulated wages, even while World Health Organisation has asked hospitals to pay extra for the occupational hazard they face. Tellingly, neither the Delhi government nor the Centre that asked people to bang pots and pans to thank people like Ambika P K, even tweeted their condemnation or condolences on her death. It is alleged that the center has pumped 20 lakh crore stimulus into the economy. Is there some loose change in there for nurses and hospital staff? With India illogically coming out of lockdown just when the number of infections is rising to dangerous levels, well need every single nurse we can get, armed and ready at her/his battle stations. Unless we want the nation to be plunged into chaos, we need to woo our nursing staff with every trick in the book. Money should be the least of our concerns at this time. And while we are at it, why not fix the entire system permanently for them? In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis in March, poet-nurse Romalyn Ante had written: She walks an unlit road on her own, yet not alone. Look at her now night after night, shift after shift. Meanwhile, LK in Mumbai continues to wear reused PPEs and washed N95 masks, well aware that this is like playing Russian roulette. But she says shes no longer afraid for she has left her fate at the hands of god. Talking to her I cant help but wonder if the government has also chosen to do the same with the fate of its 1.35 billion citizens. Satyen K Bordoloi is a scriptwriter, journalist based in Mumbai. His written words have appeared in many Indian and foreign publications.) Read more by Satyen K Bordoloi: Mind in freefall: COVID blues not entirely caused by coronavirus Cold War 2.0: China vs USA with India in tow Wages of Wrath: COVID-19 unmasks real map of the world Is over-emphasis on a COVID-19 vaccine hurting the world? Mao Zedong's role in COVID-19 India needs up to 6 crore daily tests to win over COVID-19 Should GoI press the Coronavirus panic button and put India under lockdown? Wages of wrath the city migrant in search of dignity Covid19 lockdown: There's only one way to save Indian lives and economy India under lockdown: what's chess got to do with it? India will lose fight against COVID-19 if... Forgetting the most influential non-political Indian on his 100th birthday How India forgot its most famous woman on her 150th birth anniversary 50 Years of R&AW - Is India's Foreign Spy Agency Dreaded or Dreadful? India insisted on 'complete disengagement' in all its talks with China on eastern Ladakh row: Govt How China planned the violent skirmish at Galwan Valley India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 19: The entire violent skirmish at the Galwan Valley on Monday was plotted by the Chinese. As part of the protocol between the Indian and Chinese sides, the forward troops patrolling the disputed border do not carry guns. The Chinese soldiers were supposed to have withdrawn from the location under the de-escalation plan as per the discussions between the two military commanders on June 6. However, the Indian troops found the Chinese forces in violation of the understanding. India-China standoff: Positives emerge, but we are still several weeks away from a resolution India-China Galwan faceoff: China releases 10 Indian soldiers from custody | Oneindia News Their observation posts and tents were still around, an official privy to the information tells OneIndia. This is when Colonel Santosh Babu questioned the Chinese soldiers about the same, following which the clash broke out. The situation escalated and the Chinese soldiers refused to vacate and stood their ground. The Indian soldiers then removed the tents and observation posts and in a matter of minutes a violent clash broke out. The clash which lasted 7 hours spread out quickly and the soldiers threw stones and even exchanged blows. The Chinese attacked with iron rods and nail studded clubs. Some of the soldiers fell into the river and their bodies were retrieved the next day. The Chinese soldiers were higher in number. There were 250 of them, while the number of Indian soldiers was lesser. Despite this the Indian soldiers insisted that the Chinese get back and the tents and observation posts be removed. The official cited above said that going by the sequence of events, it is clear that the Chinese had pre-planned this and were all ready for a violent face-off. It was pitch dark when the fight took place and this resulted in the martyrdom of 20 Indian soldiers. India has said that there were casualties on both sides. Indo-China make headway at Point 14 amidst tense standoff Further, the Chinese had also blocked small rivulets in the heightened areas. They released water at a high speed when the Indian Army personnel appeared on the site. This made the Indian Army personnel lose balance. In addition to this the Chinese had also done a though reconnaissance with the help of drones. This got them information about the number of Indian Armed personnel present. While many have questioned why the soldiers were unarmed, the rules of disengagement mandate the same. Moreover, Forward Troops patrolling the disputed border do not carry guns. Even if they do, they are slung behind their backs and the magazines are in the pouches and not clipped on. Potential Lukashenka Challenger And His Son Detained In Minsk By RFE/RL's Belarus Service June 18, 2020 MINSK -- A potential challenger to Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka in an upcoming presidential election has been detained along with his son for questioning at the Committee For State Control (KDK). The state-run Television and Radio Corporation confirmed reports from activists for Viktar Babaryka's election campaign on June 18 that Babaryka and his son "had been brought" to the KDK's Financial Investigations Department for questioning in an ongoing probe into suspected money laundering and tax evasion by Belgazprombank, a financial institution that Babaryka led for 20 years before he recently stepped down to be eligible to run against Lukashenka in an August 9 election. Babaryka's election campaign staff said lawyers for the two men were not allowed to be present during the questioning and that Babaryka's home in Minsk was searched by law enforcement officers. On June 15, authorities took control of Belgazprombank as part of a wider money-laundering and corruption probe that has already led to the arrest of 15 executives. Major shareholders of the Belgazprombank are Russian energy giant Gazprom and its Gazprombank. Babaryka has said that the probes were designed to apply political pressure on him. He has reportedly collected the 100,000 signatures needed to be registered as a candidate for the vote and was expected to submit his documentation in the near future. In recent weeks, opposition rallies and gatherings in support of would-be candidates have attracted thousands of people across Belarus as the authoritarian Lukashenka seeks a sixth term. Several opposition activists, politicians, and bloggers were sentenced to up to 15 days in jail this week for taking part in what authorities called "unsanctioned rallies." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/potential- lukashenka-challenger-and-his-son- detained-in-minsk/30677991.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 special investigation team (SIT) of police on Friday arrested the chairman of Manav Bharti University (MBU), Raj Kumar Rana, after the Himachal Pradesh high court refused to grant him an anticipatory bail. Rana was arrested on the court premises as soon as his bail plea was rejected. He has been taken to Solan for interrogation, said additional superintendent of police Shiv Kumar. This is the fourth arrest in the case. Last week, the SIT had arrested KK Singh, former registrar of the university. Two university officialsregistrar Anupama Thakur and assistant registrar Munish Goelwere arrested in March. Ranas arrest was delayed due to the Covid-19 outbreak. He, however, had sent his son and wife abroad on March 7 soon after the case was registered. The fake degree scam, which was unearthed in February this year, after the University Grants Commission (UGC) received an anonymous complaint, involves the alleged sale of more than five lakh degrees by two private universities in Himachal, including MBU, Solan and APG University, Shimla. The UGC had informed the state government about the alleged sale of fake degrees by the two universities seeking an appropriate action. A case under sections 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code was registered against the university officials for cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy on March 3. The investigation revealed that MBU had issued several fake degrees to students. It also revealed that Rana and his family also possessed fake degrees. Since then, cases have been filed against MBU at various places, including Datia in Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Lucknow, Bilaspur and Pune. According to police sources, the SIT has also written to various bar councils and institutions of the country informing them about fake degrees issued to several people, many of whom may have obtained jobs in government and private sector on the basis of these degrees. Donald Trump claimed Osama Bin Laden backed Joe Bidens presidential bid and said he was withholding very interesting information about aliens in a recorded interview with his eldest son. The presidents comments came in a Fathers Day-themed interview streamed on the president's election campaign website, with Don Trump Jr, who hosts the podcast, 'Triggered'. Trump Jr. put some politics questions to the president and some others that were billed as those any son would ask their dad." I wont talk to you about what I know about it, but its very interesting, said Mr Trump when asked whether or not he would let us know whats really going on in Roswell, New Mexico, where some claim a UFO crashed in 1947. "So many people ask me that question," he added. "There are millions and millions of people who want to go [to Roswell] and see it. Asked whether he might reveal more information on aliens whilst in office, Mr Trump responded: Well, Ill have to think about that one. The president instead admitted that Twitter, which has started to label his posts with misinformation warnings, was a good way to connect with people. I dont call it Twitter, I call it social media, he added. And its a way of getting out to the world. Sometimes you say things you probably regret, said Mr Trump, who then turns to Trump Jr, and asks: How often does that happen to you?. There are probably times I regret, says Trump Jr., who then adds that sometimes apologising can be worse, and says: sometimes taking it back rather than just owning it, is actually worse. The president was then asked about documents seized in the raid that killed Osama Bin Laden in 2011, which detailed al-Qaeda plans to assassinate Barack Obama and install Biden as president. He [Bin Laden] wanted to assassinate president Obama because he would put Joe Biden in charge, said Don Jr, who added: and essentially, hes so grossly incompetent that it would lead to the destruction of America. Trump Jr. then claimed the documents were a posthumous endorsement of the Democratic presidential candidate, despite Obama officials having denied the threat at the time. Were going to immediately make a commercial out of that if thats true, the president responded. Say no more, its a great commercial because it happens to be true. Trump Jr. then unveiled a commercial as Fathers Day present," calling Biden Chinas candidate, Irans candidate and Osamas candidate. Karen Gardner was perplexed when she received her mail-in primary ballot. As a life-long Republican voter and chairwoman of the Bernardsville Republican Municipal Committee, Gardner wasnt expecting to find a list of Democrats inside the envelope. The slate of candidates was all Democrat from Joe Biden down to dogcatcher, but on the upper right it clearly stated it was a Republican ballot and it had my name and correct information on the return envelope, Gardner said. Its a clash over water usage that Egypt calls an existential threat and Ethiopia calls a lifeline for millions out of poverty. Just weeks remain before the filling of Africas most powerful hydroelectric dam might begin, and tense talks between the countries on its operation have yet to reach a deal. In an interview with The Associated Press, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew on Friday declared that his country will go ahead and start filling the $4.6 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam next month, even without an agreement. For us it is not mandatory to reach an agreement before starting filling the dam, hence we will commence the filling process in the coming rainy season," he said. We are working hard to reach a deal, but still we will go ahead with our schedule whatever the outcome is. If we have to wait for others blessing, then the dam may remain idle for years, which we wont allow to happen," he said. He added that "we want to make it clear that Ethiopia will not beg Egypt and Sudan to use its own water resource for its development, pointing out that Ethiopia is paying for the dams construction itself. He spoke after the latest round of talks with Egypt and Sudan on the dam, the first since discussions broke down in February, failed to reach agreement. No date has been set for talks to resume, and the foreign minister said Ethiopia doesnt believe its time to take them to a head of state level. The years-long dispute pits Ethiopias desire to become a major power exporter and development engine against Egypts concern that the dam will significantly curtail its water supply if filled too quickly. Sudan has long been caught between the competing interests. The arrival of the rainy season is bringing more water to the Blue Nile, the main branch of the Nile, and Ethiopia sees an ideal time to begin filling the dams reservoir next month. Both Egypt and Ethiopia have hinted at military steps to protect their interests, and experts fear a breakdown in talks could lead to conflict. Ethiopias foreign minister would not say whether his country would use military action to defend the dam and its operations. This dam should have been a reason for cooperation and regional integration, not a cause for controversies and warmongering, he said. Egyptians are exaggerating their propaganda on the dam issue and playing a political gamble. Some of them seem as if they are longing for a war to break out. Gedu added: Our reading is that the Egyptian side wants to dictate and control even future developments on our river. We wont ask for permission to carry out development projects on our own water resources. This is both legally and morally unacceptable. He said Ethiopia has offered to fill the dam in four to seven years, taking possible low rainfall into account. Sticking points in the talks have been how much water Ethiopia will release downstream from the dam during a multi-year drought and how Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan will resolve any future disputes. The United States earlier this year tried to broker a deal, but Ethiopia did not attend the signing meeting and accused the Trump administration of siding with Egypt. This week some Ethiopians felt vindicated when the U.S. National Security Council tweeted that 257 million people in east Africa are relying on Ethiopia to show strong leadership, which means striking a fair deal. In reply to that, Ethiopias foreign minister said: Statements issued from governments and other institutions on the dam should be crafted carefully not to take sides and impair the fragile talks, especially at this delicate time. They should issue fair statements or just issue no statements at all. He also rejected the idea that the issue should be taken to the United Nations Security Council, as Egypt wants. The latest talks saw officials from the U.S., European Union and South Africa, the current chairman of the African Union, attending as observers. Sudans Irrigation Minister Yasser Abbas told reporters after talks ended Wednesday that the three counties irrigation leaders have agreed on 90% or 95% of the technical issues but the dispute over the legal points in the deal remains dissolved. The Sudanese minister said his country and Egypt rejected Ethiopias attempts to include articles on water sharing and old Nile treaties in the dam deal. Egypt has received the lions share of the Niles waters under decades-old agreements dating back to the British colonial era. Eighty-five percent of the Niles waters originate in Ethiopia from the Blue Nile. The Egyptians want us to offer a lot, but they are not ready to offer us anything, Gedu said Friday. They want to control everything. We are not discussing a water-sharing agreement. The countries should not get stuck in a debate about historic water rights, William Davison, senior analyst on Ethiopia with the International Crisis Group, told reporters this week. During a period of filling, yes, theres reduced water downstream. But thats a temporary period, he said. Initial power generation from the dam could be seen late this year or in early 2021, he said. Ethiopia foreign minister expressed disappointment in Egypt's efforts to find backing for its side. Our African brotherly countries should have supported us, but instead they are tainting our countrys name around the world, and especially in the Arab world, he said. Egypts monopolistic approach to the dam issue will not be acceptable for us forever. Search Keywords: Short link: A 34-year-old man has been accused of secretly recording 85 people in a public toilet fore more than a year. Marc Eric Goncalves DAlmeida allegedly made the recordings between April 2018 and August 2019, Southport Magistrates Court was told. He was allegedly discovered when an 11-year-old boy saw a phone under the wall of the toilet stall, according to the Gold Coast Bulletin. Marc Eric Goncalves DAlmeida allegedly made the recordings between April 2018 and August 2019, Southport Magistrates Court was told (stock) The child allegedly left the cubicle and informed his mother of what had happened in the Burleigh Heads shopping centre bathroom. The man's phone was seized by Queensland Police. Goncalves DAlmeida allegedly had recordings of 85 people on the phone. The recordings were allegedly of both adults and children. However, further evidence is now required by police by the courts. Goncalves DAlmeida will fight the charges against him. The matter will return to court on June 25. The rising border tensions between India and China in the Galwan Valley took a bloody turn when 20 brave Indian soldiers lost their lives in a military skirmish with China. As strategic affairs experts try to figure out Chinas Achilles heel which India can exploit to tame the dragon, the clamour for an economic boycott of China is growing. From an international law point of view, can India can impose restrictions on Chinese imports by, say, revoking Chinas most favoured nation (MFN) status in the World Trade Organization (WTO)? In the immediate aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack, last year, in which around 40 Central Reserve Police Force soldiers died, India revoked Pakistans MFN status in the WTO. So arguably what is sauce for the goose should be sauce for the gander. Article XXI (b) (iii) of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) allows a WTO member country to take action which it considers necessary for the protection of its essential security interests taken in time of war or other emergency in international relations. The current situation between India and China definitely qualifies as an emergency in international relations. Since this standoff also involves safeguarding Indias territorial sovereignty, there is an essential security interest at stake. The legal challenge for India, in order to make a successful case under Article XXI, will be to demonstrate that the trade-restrictive measure it adopts during this emergency with regard to China is necessary to address the current security situation. Contrary to what many believe, the words, which it considers in Article XXI (b) (iii) does not make the provision self-judging. Although India will enjoy significant leeway in determining what constitutes necessary measures, these shall be subject to a good faith review. There are two cases in which WTO panels dealing with the national security and defence have affirmed this. These are the Russia-Traffic in Transit case involving Russia and Ukraine and the recently decided case between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Therefore, in order to show that the measure adopted is necessary, India has to prove two things. First, that India genuinely believes that adopting the measure (say reneging on an MFN obligation) is necessary to protect its essential security interests. Second, as the Russia-Transit case demonstrates, the measure meets the minimum requirement of plausibility with regard to the essential security interests in question. In other words, the measure should be connected to the emergency at hand as to make it feasible for the protection of essential security interests. In Pakistans case, India retracted its MFN promise by increasing tariff rates to 200% on all Pakistani imports. Although Indias decision to increase tariffs on Pakistani imports was driven by national security concerns, oddly enough, the notification on this did not even mention national security. This could have been because the decision was taken under Section 8A(1) of the Customs Tariff Act, which gives emergency power to the Indian government to increase import duties if the government is satisfied that this is necessary in the given circumstances. But, section 8A(1) does not talk of national security as a ground to modify tariff rates; it refers to economic emergencies. Consequently, it will be difficult to accept under WTO law that India genuinely believed that hiking tariff rates to 200% on all Pakistani imports is necessary to safeguard Indias essential security interests. India got away because Pakistan has not challenged Indias measure before a WTO panel. The reason could be that bilateral trade between the two countries is too small. But, using Section 8A(1) to impose trade restrictions on China will be tricky. China will, in all probability, challenge this in the WTO, and India will find it difficult to defend its action. If India wants to restrict Chinese imports on national security grounds, it will have to provide a reasonable explanation as to why and how imposing trade restrictions on China are necessary to defend Indias essential security interests. The other constraining factor for India is the high quantum of bilateral trade between the two countries. With bilateral trade at almost $90 billion a year, it is around 45 times more than that with Pakistan. Moreover, numerous Chinese imports are used as intermediary products in Indian industries ranging from pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and electronics. So, curbing imports on these will be tantamount to India losing out too. It is clear from this when it comes to Indias dealing with Pakistan and China under WTO, whats sauce for the goose is definitely not sauce for the gander. Prabhash Ranjan is a senior assistant professor at the South Asian Universitys faculty of legal studies The views expressed are personal Major reforms are needed to deal with racist incidents in the United States, but moves to disband the police can only make a bad situation worse The aftermath of the horrific killing of the black American citizen George Floyd has continued for a third week across the United States. The racially aggravated killing committed by a group of Minneapolis police officers has caused massive riots, which have expanded over the other side of the Atlantic, reaching the United Kingdom, France and Spain. The killing has sparked calls for reform within America and Europe towards a more just society that does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour or creed. Initially, the protests had the best of intentions and were meant to show the condemnation of all members of society of how Floyd was killed because of his race. However, the protests did not stop at this noble cause. Unfortunately, leftist groups and anarchists found this human tragedy to be the ideal moment for them to make a display of force before the rest of society. Thousands of rioters have since moved across many major US cities, looting and torching cars, stores and restaurants and causing huge human and economic casualties that are growing exponentially by the day. Over 22 American citizens and police officers have been killed in the riots and 11,000 injured as a result of the violence that has taken place since the death of George Floyd. During these protests, some irrational calls have been made by the organisers for the defunding or disbanding of the police in the United States. The city council of Minneapolis in Minnesota where the killing of George Floyd occurred took a decision to disband its police department as a result of the incident, for example. The council, which contains members affiliated to Islamist organisations such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), banned as a terrorist group in the UAE, said that it was considering replacing the citys current police force with a community-led system. This would mean that a community-led force would take charge of law enforcement, which if not done carefully could lead to more harm than good. The situation in the US resembles that in Egypt in 2011 after the 25 January Revolution, when some protesters in Cairos Tahrir Square called for the disbanding of the police, and rioters led by Muslim Brotherhood members and leftists attempted to storm the Ministry of Interior headquarters. This irrational idea became popular for a time and was spread in the media by the same group of individuals. For the first few days after the revolution, the police ceased to patrol the streets and stopped conducting their law-enforcement duties. These days were among the most dangerous in Egypts modern history. Whole neighbourhoods and streets were patrolled by local neighbourhood watch and militia-like groups before the police and security forces started operating normally again across the country. Violence did not stop because the police were no longer patrolling the streets. In fact, it increased dramatically. Crime, looting and the torching of public and private property became prevalent, including of homes, cars and shops, before most Egyptians became convinced that disbanding the police was one of the stupidest ideas ever to be entertained in the country. Everyone came to the conclusion that no modern society could function properly without an official law-enforcement force. The Muslim Brotherhood had a different purpose in propagating its devious plan to incorporate more Islamists and Brotherhood members inside the police force, however. Groups such as the Salafis were formed, and Islamist-affiliated policemen formed a group to them into the Ministry of the Interior and the police force. Ideas such as forming a morality police such as those that exist in Iran and Saudi Arabia were circulated, resulting in more violence and the deaths of innocent citizens. The United States today is experiencing a similar pattern of lawlessness to that which Egypt saw after the 25 January Revolution, and ironically enough Islamist figures in the United States are on the frontlines of some of the riots taking place across the country. The irony also is that many of the leaders of such police-disbanding initiatives are the champions of causes such as gun-control and the repeal of the second amendment to the United States Constitution which stipulates the right to bear arms. But the current wave of violence and the assault on property and people taking place across the United States only reinforces the argument for keeping the second amendment, as armed rioters such as in the current wave could target people indiscriminately, meaning that such people would need to be able to defend their lives and those of their families. The question remains why police forces across the US should have to pay the price for the shameful behaviour of a handful of their members in one individual state. Why should the sacrifices of the police officers who have lost their lives and those who have put their lives at risk everyday for decades go to waste just because of the policeman who killed George Floyd? Why is this entire noble profession being made to pay the price for the mistakes of one person or even a number of persons? The current high level of irrationality in the United States cannot provide answers to such questions. For the moment, the violence in the United States continues to spiral out of control. Another group of policemen shot dead Rayshard Brooks, a 27-year-old black man, at point blank range during an arrest in Atlanta on 13 June. The result of this latest incident of police brutality was the firing of the police officer who shot Brooks, the resignation of the Atlanta police chief and a fresh wave of violence, arson, and riots in the city. The protesters blocked interstate highways, and the situation remains prone to escalation. In Seattle on the West Coast, a large number of protesters have occupied six blocks of the city to create what they call a police-free autonomous zone. During these events, US President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act, which permits the president to order the deployment of military force into the states to suppress insurrections and enforce federal law. There are ongoing debates about whether the current wave of protests and riots would constitute the lawful use of this act to quell them. There are major reforms that it is necessary to implement across the United States in order to ensure that the police respect the freedoms of citizens and effectively perform their duties of securing society and maintaining law and order. These reforms must be introduced rapidly by the US Congress and ratified by the president in order to halt assaults on US citizens, especially minorities such as blacks and latinos who seem to have been the main victims of such crimes in recent years. That said, disbanding the police and replacing them with less-trained citizens in neighbourhood watches is a recipe for disaster that can only lead to further bloodshed and vendettas. At the moment, the United States is heading along a bumpy road that will bring it neither justice nor equality, but will drag the entire country into an abyss of destruction and counter-violence by armed groups that have not entered the fray until the present moment. The voice of reason is becoming less and less loud, and the escalating events are not helping it to be heard. 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 18 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Register with JOC.com and receive 5 free pieces of content for the first thirty days. After thirty days, you will receive 3 pieces of content and after sixty days you will receive 1 piece of content. To receive full access, Subscribe Today . You can also subscribe to our daily newsletter. Register Using contaminated wastewater from a residential ditch to process bottled water, a facility in Hai Phong has been shut down. Authorities in the northern city have shut down a facility producing drinking water in Ky Son Commune of Thuy Nguyen District over food safety violations. Inspectors from Hai Phongs Health Department found the Liem Son facility owned by Nguyen Van Hue, a local resident, has operated without a permit and sourced water from a ditch running through the commune to process into bottled water sold on the market under the brand Vinalis. The Vinalis bottled water has been found to be processed from ditchwater by an unlicensed facility in Hai Phong City in northern Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Chinh. The facility will be punished for this administrative violation, expected to cost it a fine of VND100 million ($4,300), said Pham Thu Xanh, director of the department. Liem Sons derogation was initially detected by local residents. According to reports, Liem Son advertised its Vinalis bottled water to "come from a source running from mountain formed thousands of years ago. But its water was later found to have been processed from water retrieved from a ditch passing through their community, contaminated by domestic wastewater. Do Van Khoa, deputy chairman of Ky Son Commune, told the press last week Liem Son has been in the water business since 2008 and that it has been processing water from an irrigation ditch built to initially serve agriculture. However, in recent years, the canal has become polluted with domestic wastewater. Yet in this situation, "the commune does not have the authority or function to question Liem Son, inspect its operations, or decide if what it has been doing is right or wrong." The ditch sourced by Liem Son to produce bottled water in Hai Phong, northern Vietnam, June 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Chinh. Liem Son covers over 200 square meters along a provincial road, near a residential area. The facility comprises of a house of around 60 square meters, its door always closed. The irrigation canal containing cloudy water runs in front of and to its right. This canal stretches two kilometers in total, starting from another commune and running through a paddy field before ending in Ky Son Commune. Liem Son's owner, Hue, admitted he has run the facility without any permission and drew water from the canal to produce drinking water. His market is Ky Son and several other nearby communes, where he sold 19-liter bottles at VND10,000 (less than half a dollar) each. Last week, Phuc Ha Company, also based in Hai Phong, was shut down for the exact same reason after authorities found it had used ditchwater to produce bottled water, branded Vimass. According to its permit granted in 2008, Phuc Ha is allowed to take underground water from near a mountain in the city to process drinking water yet after this source recently ran out, its owner had switched to taking water from a ditch running nearby. Anybody who loved Season 1 of The Politician will be thrilled to learn that its second season drops on Netflix today. While the streaming service has remained tight-lipped about the plot, there have been rumours circulating that Payton Hobart's mum, played by the infinitely gorgeous Gwyneth Paltrow, makes a decision which upstages her son's political notoriety. But if not a lot is known about the plot of the sophomore season, even less is known about the fashion. All we know ahead of its release is that Bette Midler makes a cameo in this season, donning some seriously slick jacquard offerings, while the show's British breakout star Lucy Boynton takes centre stage in an array of leopard-print and Gucci. For the first season of the hit show, the wardrobe was headed up by Lou Eyrich and costume designer Claire Parkinson. Eyrich and Parkinson told W Magazine that the tone for the style was set by the show's creator Ryan Murphy, who asked for "the opulence of Santa Barbara." They rustled up plenty of vintage pieces for the cast and worked according to a mood board of famous female icons, including Princess Diana, Jackie O and Katharine Hepburn. Once you've spent the weekend binging it, here are some pieces to help you emulate some of the new seasons' stellar styling. From Gwyneth's pared-back minimalism to Bette Midler's more-is-more, this is some seriously covet-worthy fashion. Netflix Stradivarius leopard double-breasted faux fur coat, 37, buy now Netflix Max Mara Algeri wool wrap coat, 815, buy now Netflix & Other Stories Blue Linen Blazer, 95, buy now Netflix Hebe Studio Two Tone Blazer, 329, buy now Netflix Gucci Detachable-ruffle silk-crepe blouse, 870, buy now Gucci GG leather belt, 250, buy now Abercombie & Fitch Women's Pinafore, 44.99, buy now The Zionist Organization of America reiterates that, as ZOA President Morton Klein previously tweeted, we condemn and deeply mourn the despicable, horrific murder of George Floyd. ZOA moreover reiterates Kleins call strongly urging that the former police officers involved must be held accountable to the full extent of the law. The killing of George Floyd, shown in an excruciating video, was an intolerable, depraved act. ZOA leadership has a long personal history of anti-racism activism. Klein fought for Black civil and voting rights, including by attending numerous rallies and sit-i... A girl holding a sign asking justice for Breonna Taylor demonstrating in Mestre, Venice, Italy on June 6, 2020. Giacomo Cosua/NurPhoto via Getty Images One of three Louisville, Kentucky, police officers involved in the shooting of Breonna Taylor has been fired from the Louisville Metro Police Department. On June 19, the city's mayor announced that Brett Hankison would be fired. He was officially terminated on June 23. An official termination letter written by interim Chief of Police Robert Schroeder on June 23 said that Hankison "displayed extreme indifference to the value of human life" by firing rounds indiscriminately into Taylor's apartment while executing a no-knock warrant with two other officers in mid-March. Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old Black EMT, was shot eight times and killed while asleep in her bed. Neither Hankison nor the two officers, Myles Cosgrove and Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly, have been arrested or charged with a crime in relation to Taylor's killing. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. One of the three Kentucky police officers who was involved in the deadly shooting of Breonna Taylor has been terminated from the Louisville Metro Police Department. An official termination letter written by Chief of Police Robert Schroeder on June 23 said that Hankison "displayed extreme indifference to the value of human life" by firing rounds indiscriminately into 26-year-old EMT Breonna Taylor's apartment while executing a no-knock warrant with two other officers on March 13. When the officers busted in, Taylor's boyfriend opened fire, assuming they were intruders. During the shootout, Taylor, who was asleep in bed, was shot eight times and killed. Schroeder also accused Hankison of violating the LMPD's rules on the use of deadly force by blinding firing into Taylor's apartment "without supporting facts that your deadly force was directed at a person against whom posed an immediate threat of danger or serious injury to yourself or others." The officer is said to have fired through a patio door and window that were covered, making it impossible for Hankison to distinguish between immediate threats and innocent bystanders. The letter also accused Hankison of endangering the lives of three other individuals in a neighboring apartment. Story continues The letter added that Hankison had previously been disciplined for "reckless conduct that injured an innocent person" in January. "Based on my review, these are extreme violations of our policies," Schroeder wrote in the letter. "I find your conduct a shock to the conscience. I am alarmed and stunned you used deadly force in this fashion., You have never been trained by the Louisville Metro Police Department to use deadly force in this fashion." The letter states that Hankison may appeal the decision in writing within 10 days. Hankison has not been arrested or charged with a crime in relation to Taylor's killing. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced on June 19 that Hankison would be fired for his conduct. Fischer also suspended the use of "no-knock" warrants last month. Sam Aguiar, an attorney for Taylor's family called the move "another good, small step." "We won't be satisfied until rightful charges are brought against him, until charges are brought against everyone responsible for Breonna's death," Aguiar said, according to the Courier-Journal. The LMPD has yet to take any disciplinary action against the other two officers involved in the shooting, Myles Cosgrove and Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly, according to ABC News. Taylor's death at the hands of police in March and the death of George Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis who died late last month after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, sparked protests across the country, demonstrations against racial injustice and police brutality. Expanded Coverage Module: black-lives-matter-module Read the original article on Insider Alex Wong/Getty Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday evening hit back at former National Security Adviser John Boltons depictions of the Trump administrations inner workings in his new memoir with a scathing statement. Ive not read the book, but from the excerpts Ive seen published, John Bolton is spreading a number of lies, fully-spun half-truths, and outright falsehoods, Pompeo said. It is both sad and dangerous that John Boltons final public role is that of a traitor who damaged America by violating his sacred trust with its people. Pompeo joins President Trump and other White House officials in portraying Bolton as a liar ahead of the June 23 publication of his book, The Room Where It Happened. The book contains a series of damning allegations about the Trump administration, including that the president sought Chinas help in securing victory in the 2020 election and routinely offered favors to dictators. The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit to stop the books distribution. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin echoed Pompeo in a statement released Thursday: John Bolton has put self-promotion ahead of the truth and of the interests of his country. Trump went even further in a series of Twitter tirades, calling Bolton a a wacko and a liar who is just trying to make him look bad. Bolton, known for taking detailed notes during his tenure as national security adviser from April 2018 to September 2019, has faced criticism for writing a book about incompetence within the Trump administration but refusing to testify before the House during impeachment proceedings. News of his book first broke in January 2020, but prepublication review by the federal government, meant to redact classified information, delayed its release for months. Lawyers for the White House have said Bolton failed to complete the process, an allegation Boltons attorneys and his publisher denied. 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. Hundreds of friends, family and community supporters turned out Thursday night in front of the Pettis County Sheriffs Office in rural Sedalia, Missouri, demanding justice for 25-year-old Hannah Fizer. The young unarmed white woman had been recently promoted to assistant manager when she was shot and killed by a still unidentified Pettis County deputy during a traffic stop on her way to work at the Tiger Eagle Stop convenience store on June 13. Family, friends, workers, youth and supporters are demanding the truth and the identity of the killer cop which state investigators and local police continue to withhold. Protests, which began on Tuesday, have swelled in size and frequency with more scheduled for today and Sunday. Signs carried by protesters demanded Justice For Hannah, as dozens chanted Whats his name? According to a terse statement issued by Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Sergeant Andy Bell Sunday, Fizer was pulled over for allegedly speeding and imprudent driving while on her way to work for her 10 p.m. shift. After she was pulled over by the unnamed deputy, the MSHP claims that Fizer became non-compliant and threatened the deputy by stating she was armed and going to shoot him. The incident allegedly escalated to the point that the unnamed officer had to discharge his weapon, killing Fizer. Tracie Karigan, whose daughter worked with and was friends with Fizer, questioned the officers use of force and disputed police statements attesting to Fizers alleged aggressive behavior in an interview with the Sedalia Democrat. She was 140 pounds, she wasnt doing anything, she was going to work. Whyd they have to end her life? They dont have that right, theyre not God. Its just wrong. Everybody in Sedalia that knows, that knew who Hannah was as a person. Thats why everyone is out here so angry and hurt and crying because this is wrong. Its not fair. Then you still tell us, Have faith in the law, believe in the law, stand up for your enforcement. Why, whenever they take away everything were supposed to believe in? How can we even do that? An unnamed witness, who wished to remain anonymous for personal safety, spoke to the Kansas City Star regarding what he saw on Saturday night. He states that he saw the police vehicle, with its lights on, follow Fizers car off of US Highway 50 and pull over shortly thereafter; it didnt appear to the man that either vehicle was speeding or driving recklessly. From across the street as he was approaching the vehicles, the man stated he heard a male voice shout stop twice, followed by five pops. The man walked across the street to see what had happened; as he approached more police arrived to cordon off the area. Thats when I saw him covering her up with a sheet from head to toe. The man observed Fizer lying face up, her body perpendicular to her car with her feet resting on the ground near her open drivers side door. By the time the man left the crime scene at 2:30 a.m., Fizers body was still lying on the ground in the same position. Fizers family has maintained from the outset that she did not own a gun and was not armed at the time. They have questioned from the outset why the officer felt the need to shoot an unarmed woman and what were the circumstances that led to the escalation. For three days police investigators refused to state whether they had found a weapon in the vehicle as they combed Fizers car and the surrounding area. On Tuesday investigators were forced to admit no weapon had been found in the car or the surrounding area, as the family had always maintained. In addition to no weapon there is also no footage of the events to support the deputys claims of a threatening Fizer. Pettis County Sheriff Kevin Bond said in a video interview with the Kansas City Star that his office had issued body cameras for deputies and dashcams for their patrol vehicles several years ago, But he said that due to technical difficulties and data failure they have not been used by the department for over three years. Bond admitted that defective devices havent been replaced, and while the department looked at a grant Bond and his superiors didnt bother to apply for it, adding if that grant had been applied for, we wouldnt have received it in time. Bonds cavalier attitude to accountability is indicative of a wider attitude among law enforcement and exposes the folly of any calls to reform or reimagine the oppressive armed agents of the capitalist state. The Pettis County Sheriffs Office has denied reporters requests to release any more information pertaining to the cop that killed Fizer beyond the fact that the officer was hired in 2007 and has been put on paid administrative leave. Bond personally refused a Freedom of Information Act request from the website copblaster.com for public records naming the officer involved in Fizers slaying. While declining to hold himself or his deputies accountable for Fizers murder, Bond issued an open letter to the citizens of Pettis County in which he tried to cast himself and his fellow cops as the real victims of a criminal social justice element in the city of 22,000, while urging the community to have faith in the American Way. In his nearly 550-word letter Bond spent less than 20 words offering the Fizer family his thoughts and prayers. Bond alleged that one of his deputies, who did not murder Fizer, was being singled out and targeted for harassment. Bond went on to mischaracterize copblaster.coms FOIA request as an extortion email before threatening the entire population of Pettis County. I am the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of this County. You have vested in me the authority to quell and suppress assaults and batteries, riots, routs, affrays, and insurrections I will carry this out to the best of my ability and continue to do what I believe is in the best interest of our community. I will not tolerate criminal behavior nor allow your properties to be damaged. Bond implored the people of Pettis County not to let Social In-Justice [sic] establish a stronghold here and to stand with me and not tolerate unreasonable behavior. I need you to step up to support and defend the rule of law. By rule of the law, Bond is referring to the law that allows a heavily armed agent of the state to gun down a 25-year-old unarmed woman because he feared she had a weapon and then walk free and collect a paycheck while doing so. James Johnson, 22, Fizers boyfriend of over six years and a production worker at a Tyson Foods facility, posted an impassioned Facebook video urging viewers that its time to get rid of these corrupt police, stating that anyone who considers themselves a good cop would quit, before concluding, There are no good cops. Johnson also rejected the racialist narrative put forth by the Democratic Party and pseudo-left that skin color is the primary factor in determining whether one becomes a victim of police brutality. Its not about race! Its not about color. My mom is white, my dad is full black Ok. So, I stand on both sides. Its not only black people that are targeted, you got Mexicans, minorities and whites, what it is, is the police. Those are the problems. They are targeting human beings, period. President Donald Trump has claimed some Americans might be wearing face masks in public to 'signal disapproval of him', instead of to prevent the spread of coronavirus. He made the suggestion despite official guidance from health experts saying that wearing masks in public, coupled with coronavirus testing and quarantining of infected people, is essential to contain its spread. Trump, who has repeatedly refused to wear a face mask in public, also implied that people fidgeting with masks in public actually helps spread the virus. 'They put their finger on the mask, and they take them off, and then they start touching their eyes and touching their nose and their mouth,' Trump told the Wall Street Journal. Trump had previously told advisers he believes wearing a mask would 'send the wrong message' amid fears he would look 'ridiculous' in one People stand in line while wearing face masks in New York City's Elmhurst neighborhood in April. Official guidance from health experts advises people wear masks in public to stop the spread of coronavirus 'And then they don't know how they caught it?' The President regularly flouts official guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization that people should wear masks in public to help stop the transmission of the airborne virus. It spreads through small droplets from the mouth and nose when an infected person coughs or breathes. The CDC advises wearing face coverings to 'slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.' Trump had previously told advisers he believes wearing a mask would 'send the wrong message' amid fears he would look 'ridiculous' in one. His repeated refusal to comply with the recommended measure has sparked backlash from White House officials. 'Its a vanity thing, I guess, with him,' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said of Trump on MSNBC. 'Youd think, as the president of the United States, you would have the confidence to honor the guidance hes giving the country.' Last month when visiting a Ford factory in Michigan, which has been making both masks and ventiliators, Trump wore his White House-branded mask only out of the view of photographers. A video showed a a maskless Trump on the factory floor talking to employees who were wearing the face coverings. When asked by reporters why he wasn't wearing a mask, Trump replied: 'Not necessary. Everybody's been tested and I've been tested.' During the WSJ interview Trump also claimed the US was nearing the end of the coronavirus pandemic, despite the rolling daily average of new cases standing at 22,600 in the week to Tuesday. Anthony Fauci, the US government's top infectious diseases expert, warned the WSJ earlier this week the country was still in its first wave of the pandemic - despite a nationwide easing of lockdown measures. Wuhan, which was where the first major Covid-19 outbreak happened, recently tested nearly all of its 11 million people after a number of fresh cases emerged last month. But Trump said he wouldnt want to replicate the measure if a similar re-emergence occurred in the US. He told the WSJ: 'I personally think testing is overrated, even though I created the greatest testing machine in history.' He added that more testing led to an increase in confirmed US cases, but that 'makes us look bad.' There have so far been close to 2.3million known cases of coronavirus across the US, and nearly 121,000 deaths - both higher than any other country in the world. And six US states - Arizona, Florida, Oklahoma, Oregon. Nevada and Texas recorded record highs of coronavirus infections - on Tuesday this week. Trump is being urged to cancel his indoor rally campaign in Oklahoma this weekend amid concerns that it would lead to a spike in cases. B. G., Opalesque Geneva: This is our regular report on hedge funds and alternative asset managers who are successfully protecting assets and outperforming the markets during the first months of 2020. Digital currency market as the new frontier The Portal Digital Fund is up +21.6% YTD after returning +8% in April and +3.7% in May 2020. It was launched in January 2019 and returned 61% that year. The fund is an institutional-grade, actively managed, global multi-manager fund focused on the digital currency investment space and is uncorrelated to global equity, currency, and debt markets. The fund seeks to achieve medium to long-term growth through investing in a diversified portfolio of 5-10 specialist fund managers running digital currency trading strategies. The fund is focused on absolute returns and expects to generate substantial outperformance with lower volatility versus the CCI 30 Index, the benchmark for digital currencies. "Our core thesis is predicated on our firm belief that 'everything is about to change' as digital assets become the fourth superclass of assets," says a manager commentary reviewed by Opalesque. "As the digital currency market formalises and becomes regulated, it continues to represent a new frontier for accredited investors to seek superior risk-adjusted returns that are uncorrelated with traditional equity and debt markets. These markets are inefficient and represent substantial sources of alpha for skilled investment managers." The manager and platform is First Degree Global Asset Management, established in 2011 and located in Singapore. Senior fund manager Mark O. Witten recently discussed future macroeconomic shocks yet to be realised in a video. He concludes: "We continue to believe that digital currencies are one of the only assets that can protect investors from the risk of the potential collapse of our current financial system. Digital currencies have evolved from being a means of transacting to a store of value and a trusted, verified, secure financial and accounting system of digital value that can never be created outside of the cryptographic algorithm. "It is our firm belief that digital currencies are nothing short of the future of our entire medium of exchange system, and of money itself and the platform on which it operates." Innovation as the driver The Man GLG Innovation Equity Alternative fund (DN USD) is up +7.75% YTD after returning 2.4% in April and +3.7% in May 2020. The UCITS was launched in January 2017 and has annualised 5.8% since. The strategy is a global long/short approach which aims to generate absolute returns by seeking opportunities in companies or sectors undergoing change or innovation. The team searches for companies within sectors that are particularly susceptible to the forces of change and innovation, most notably in technology, consumer discretionary, telecoms and industrials. Companies exhibiting these criteria are often mispriced as consensus sell-side estimates and expectations typically lag the effect of change or innovation. Additionally, these sectors have lower intra-sector correlations and the securities are more driven by micro fundamentals than macro, which lends itself well to building a diverse, risk optimised portfolio. The investment managers are Mike Corcell at Alex Robarts at GLG Partners LP. The management company is Man Asset Management (Ireland) Ltd. Good returns despite Hong Kong The Pictet Mandarin fund (I USD) is up 8.83% YTD after returning +1.53% in May 2020. Launched in October 2010, the $650m Luxembourg-domiciled UCITS has annualised 6% since. It is managed by Lan Wang-Simond at Pictet Asset Management S.A., a Swiss-headquartered independent management firm with $183bn in total AuM. The Fund follows an equity long/short investment strategy and mainly invests in equities of companies that are domiciled, or do most of their business, in Asia and, especially, in Hong Kong, Mainland China, or Taiwan. It can invest across any sector and currency. Money market instruments and deposits may represent a significant component of the assets; however, much of its actual performance is likely to derive from exposures created through derivatives and structured products. The investment manager uses fundamental company analysis to select securities that offer favourable growth prospects at a reasonable price (long position) while selling securities of companies that seem to be overvalued (short position). "The Greater China markets were down against strong performances in developed equities, led by the US," says a manager commentary reviewed by Opalesque. "Europe also staged a strong rally amid optimism on back-to-normal activities. Hong Kong was the worst performer, weighed down by the National Security Law ratified during the NPC in Beijing and potential retaliation measures from the US Chinese ADR listings also underperformed the main US stocks amid the uncertainties on the Accounting Equitable Act. Geopolitical and legal uncertainties clouded an otherwise better economic reading after the pandemic." Since the start of June, the managers reduced their exposure to over-owned momentum growth sectors, staying alert of pain trade damages, and added quality cyclicals. They also exited their Hong Kong index hedge as they believe that the macro and geopolitical tail risk is undergoing some near-term relief. *** Last issue of The Corona Fighters Report: Report 48. Opalesque's Corona Fighters reports are open articles. To see all past reports, please type Corona Fighters in the Opalesque search engine: www.opalesque.com/index.php *** Disclaimer: This is not investment advice. Opalesque has not verified this information and gives no warranty of accuracy or completeness. Past performance is not indicative of future results. See our Terms & Conditions for more information. *** WEBINARS: Meet 10 fund managers and learn how and why their strategies delivered positive returns and/or protected capital during the Corona led market meltdown! Each webinar lasts an hour and features five managers. "A well-chosen topic of discussion and a great set of speakers to hear and learn from." "I enjoyed the webinar and found the introduction to the strategies to be diverse and insightful. "Very resourceful and insightful." VIDEO REPLAY of CORONA FIGHTERS - Episode 1 webinar: www.opalesque.com/webinar/#pw4 VIDEO REPLAY of CORONA FIGHTERS - Episode 2 webinar: www.opalesque.com/webinar/#pw5 Video replays of Opalesque's past webinars can be found here: www.opalesque.com/webinar/#pastwebinar Don't miss our new webinars! - Corona Fighters Episode 3 Meet five more asset managers who delivered during the meltdown. Time: Tuesday, June 23rd, 10 am EST Details and registration: www.opalesque.com/webinar/ Opalesque's upcoming webinars: www.opalesque.com/webinar/ The UK government has issued new guidance regarding the post-study work visa. It has confirmed that international students, including Indians, will be eligible for the post-study work rights after completing their course even if they begin in the 2020-21 academic year. According to the UK Home Office, the Graduate Visa route, commonly referred to as a post-study work visa will be provided to overseas students including Indians for 2020-21 intake amind the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19) crisis. However, the two-year post-study work visa is available for students who are physically present in the UK by April 2021 to complete the final semester. Free Government-backed Scholarships In The UK The UK Home Office report, COVID-19: Guidance for Tier-4 Sponsors and Migrants and for Short-term students, reads, "Students will normally be expected to undertake their studies in the UK to be eligible for the Graduate route. However, if students are required to either continue their current studies or commence a new course by distance or blended learning due to COVID-19, they will still be eligible to switch into the Graduate route on a concessionary basis if they spent some time studying outside the UK." It also reads, "Students will benefit from this concession if they enter the UK before 6 April 2021 and complete the final semester of their studies in the UK." Aiming For Foreign MBA? Explore The 9 Important Things About GMAT Vivienne Stern, Director of the Universities UK International (UUKi), said, "Indian students can now have confidence that even if they are unable to travel to the UK in the autumn to start their studies due to COVID-19, they will still be eligible to apply for the graduate immigration route if they are in the UK by April 2021." TOEFL Exam: What You Should Know Before Drafting Your Abroad Plans Permitted Study "Short-term students who have been given an exceptional extension of leave in this category as a result of Covid-19 will be permitted to study on a further course other than that which they originally entered the UK to undertake," the report added. It also reads, "Short-term whose leave expires after 31 July will also be permitted to study a further course, but only if they are unable to continue the course that they entered the UK to study by distance learning or they have completed their original course. The normal requirement to leave within 30 days of the end of study will not be applied to those who are unable to leave the UK due to travel restrictions caused by the Covid-19 outbreak." Earlier, King's College London and Harvard Kennedy School published a new report "Universities open to the world: How to put the bounce back in Global Britain." Mr Jo Johnson former UK Universities Minister suggested that doubling the post-study work visa from the two to four years will attract more Indian students. He predicted the number of India students in the UK can be doubled by 2024 after extending the post-study work visa. 63% Increase In Indian Students To UK: Immigration Statistics Maria Cristina Rota, lead prosecutor in the investigation regarding a lack of coronavirus protections, talks to reporters in Rome. (Roberto Monaldo / LaPresse) First, lacerating sorrow. Then, anger -- and a sense that someone must be held to account. In those western European countries hardest hit by the coronavirus, calls are growing louder daily for leaders and officials to explain their actions -- and inaction -- as COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, has swept through Britain and France, Spain and Italy. All are countries whose cultural imprint is strong in the United States; their combined losses, as well, are of a similar dimension to those across the Atlantic. Opposition political parties are driving some of Europe's growing demand for a public accounting. But by and large, it is bereaved individuals and grassroots groups that are raising the greatest outcry -- organizing online, seeking out one another, tracing the jagged outlines of shared tragedy. These groups' goals vary -- investigations and inquiries, prosecution and penalties -- but most are united in the belief that lives were lost unnecessarily and that the same mistakes must not be made again. Some drama is playing out in real time, with government programs to fight the coronavirus furiously derided as failures even in their nascent stages. Some scrutiny falls on events whose origins, although only months old, are already being lost in a fog of recrimination and contradiction. And even as the pandemic's story unfolds, a fearful eye is cast on suffering still to come. All along, Europe's coronavirus curve has been a bit ahead of that in the United States. In countries that have borne the regional brunt of the coronavirus, judgments ultimately passed about the virus and its political touchstones could in some ways presage a common U.S. reckoning. Along with the same unfulfillable wish: that the dead were not truly gone. -- Life in Bergamo, Italy, is slowly returning to normal after the COVID-19 lockdown. (Emanuele Cremaschi / Getty Images) ITALY: A rallying cry arises -- 'Noi denunceremo' Antonio Fusco, 85, was in good health when the coronavirus reached northern Italy in late February. The retired accountant was happy and outgoing. He loved company, said his son Luca Fusco, 58. Story continues His family brought him to a nursing home where they hoped he would be safe. That was in Bergamo, a province whose name would soon be known to all the world. Fuscos positive test for the coronavirus came only a day before he died on March 11. By then, funerals were suspended. The family could not gather to mourn. Reeling, Luca Fusco and his 31-year-old son Stefano created a Facebook group called Noi denunceremo -- We'll Bring Charges -- to share their story and collect testimony from other bereaved families. Within 10 days, the group had reached 15,000 members; by mid-June, it had more than 58,000. Members post daily, describing feelings of loss, anger and helplessness and demanding an accounting from those who were tasked with managing the crisis. Some formed a committee that is now organizing legal action. In Italy, more than 34,510 people have died from coronavirus, the most of any country in continental Europe. Nearly half were in the northern region of Lombardy. In early March, the government declined to implement a red zone in the city and province of Bergamo, even as the number of cases grew and nearby cities were placed on lockdown. Bergamo was finally included in a nationwide lockdown that lasted from March 11 to May 18, but many residents believe that was too late. Noi denunceremo has filed 50 criminal complaints so far with the Bergamo prosecutors office and plans to file about 150 more by early July. Were not interested in people going to jail, Luca Fusco said. We want the people who were responsible to quit, and we want the people who replace them to create a new system, because this system doesnt work. Prosecutors and magistrate judges have opened investigations into why so many cases broke out in healthcare facilities and nursing homes, and are trying to determine whether national and regional governments acted negligently. They have questioned a number of high-level officials, including Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. In addition to legal steps, activists are demanding resignations of health officials and regional council members in Lombardy. Some of the officials under fire are pushing back. A senior Lombardy health official, Giulio Gallera, told the newspaper Il Giornale that the accountability movement was a political attack by unelected parties who have tried to "twist reality. With the immediate public health crisis having cooled -- although a second wave is feared -- dozens of organizations planned weekend demonstrations in the heart of Milan over the handling of the outbreak. People want the truth, Luca Fusco said. They want to understand why everyone in power underestimated the virus They want to know why so many people had to die. A waiter wearing protective face masks in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. (Joan Mateu / Associated Press) SPAIN: In 'the teeth of the wolf' With more than 27,130 dead of coronavirus in Spain, the worlds sixth-highest toll, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has faced not only harsh criticism, but also more than 40 complaints and lawsuits over the handling of the outbreak. Sanchez and his ministers are accused of a variety of serious missteps, from bungling efforts to stem the spread of the virus to failures in acquiring and stockpiling medical equipment. Javier Alberdi, president of the Professional Medical Union of Asturias, a major health professional organization in the northern province, said he understood the governments reluctance to alarm the public, but that it had utterly failed to convey the scope of the threat. They should have acted, he said. They saw the teeth of the wolf; they knew this could end badly. And look how it ended! Among other things, he said authorities failed to foresee how many medical personnel would be stricken due to the lack of personal protective equipment and supplies. "As a medical union, we want explanations, he said. Even those who care for the dead were at peril. In Spain, funeral homes are responsible for removing bodies from healthcare facilities and homes, and Juan Antonio Alguacil, president of the Spanish Assn. of Funeral Service Professionals, said scores of funeral home workers were infected. "It was a crime what they did, he said. We all saw it very clearly. Officials ignored an unusual spike in deaths from respiratory ailments in February and did not sound the alarm for weeks. Why didnt they take stock before? Alguacil said. The countrys high court is organizing and analyzing complaints, trying to determine whether criminal investigations against officials are warranted over actions ranging from failure to close off air traffic from Italy after the scope of the outbreak there was known to systemic negligence over worker safety. One of the biggest class-action lawsuits, filed by 11 lawyers on behalf of more than 3,000 families, accused the government of failing to act responsibly. Among the plaintiffs was Carmen, who did not want her full name used for privacy reasons. A crisis like this one would be a good time to spur action and bring real change. But she said politicians were only acting in accordance with their own immediate interests. "My uncle went to the hospital twice, and both times he was sent back home because there was no room in the hospital, she said. There wasn't a third time -- he died without any help." People queue outside the Niketown shop in London on Monday. (Matt Dunham / Associated Press) BRITAIN: 'Must stop myself from breaking things,' says grieving son Prime Minister Boris Johnson got a brief burst of public sympathy in the spring, after he was hospitalized with a case of COVID-19 so serious that aides contemplated how theyd break the news to the country if he died. But now calls are mounting for a public inquiry into his governments handling of the coronavirus crisis appeals that Johnson has so far brushed aside. With Britains death toll at more than 42,370, the third-highest globally after the U.S. and Brazil, anger is running high. The governments errors of omission have piled up, critics say: failing to learn from countries whose outbreaks occurred weeks before the pandemic reached Britain, early lack of quarantines on arrivals from abroad, botched efforts to procure protective equipment for medical staff, and a huge and still-ongoing failure of what was billed as an ambitious test and contact-tracing program. A group called the COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice, representing more than 900 people, has called for the government to review its actions urgently, with an eye to preventing more deaths. Activists have in mind cases like that of retired engineer Ian Fowler, who began showing coronavirus symptoms March 19. At first he blamed his cough and shortness of breath on hay fever. Admitted to the hospital on March 23, the first day of a nationwide lockdown, he died April 13. He was 56. Im convinced that had the government taken a more proactive approach to protecting people, then not only would my dad still be here, but probably 20,000 more people who died, said his son, Matt Fowler, 32, of the northern town of Nuneaton. Johnsons government often contends it has been guided by science, but England's chief medical officer, professor Chris Whitty, has said there is a long list of things that we need to look at very seriously. A former top scientific advisor to the government, Neil Ferguson, told a government committee this month that the death toll could have been halved had Britain gone into lockdown a week sooner. Meanwhile, trust in the government is dropping sharply, according to public opinion polls exacerbated, perhaps, by episodes of senior officials, including Ferguson and top Johnson adviser Dominic Cummings, flouting lockdown rules. For those who have lost loved ones, the emotional toll is exhausting. I spend most of the time trying to stop myself from breaking things and lashing out, Fowler said. Containing his rage, he said, was hard work. Like others who support an immediate inquiry, he said officials need to act as if lives hang in the balance, because they do. Many Britons fear a second wave of infection may already be on its way. If we can save one life, that might only be one statistic to Matt Hancock, Fowler said, referring to Johnsons health secretary. But to that persons family, it could be their entire world. Special correspondent Brancolini reported from Milan, Italy, staff writer Nunez from Gijon, Spain, special correspondent Boyle from London and staff writer King from Washington. By PTI UNITED NATIONS: Nearly 80 million people were forcibly displaced globally by the end of 2019 as a result of war, violence, persecution and other emergencies, according to the United Nations. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, in its annual report on displacement released on Thursday noted that an additional 11 million people were newly displaced in 2019 alone, with developing countries the worst-hit. The number is almost double the total figure over the past decade. While 2.4 million sought protection outside their country, 8.6 million were newly displaced within the borders of their countries. Many displaced populations failed to find long-lasting solutions for rebuilding their lives, with only 317,200 refugees able to return to their country of origin and only 107,800 resettled in third countries, the UNHCR said in the report released ahead of World Refugee Day on June 20. ALSO READ | COVID-19 could cause hundreds of thousands of additional child deaths: United Nations The global displacement number of 79.5 million or one in every 97 people on the planet at the end of 2019 is almost double the number of people in crisis registered a decade ago, it noted. "This almost 80 million figure -- the highest that UNHCR has recorded since these statistics have been systematically collected, is of course a reason for great concern. This is approximately one per cent of the world's population, we have never reached this very significant percentage," UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi said. Speaking to journalists in Geneva, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees chief noted that although the issue of displacement affects all nations, data showed that it was poorer countries which hosted 85 per cent of those forced from their home. "This continues to be a global issue, an issue for all States, but one that challenges most directly the poorer countries - not the richer countries - in spite of the rhetoric," he said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reminded countries of their fundamental obligation to protect the nearly 80 million people worldwide forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution and other crises. In his message to mark the World Refugee Day, the UN chief also praised those nations and communities hosting refugees and internally displaced people, often amid their own economic and security challenges. ALSO READ | About 25 million jobs could be lost worldwide due to coronavirus, says United Nations "We owe these countries our thanks, our support and our investment," he said. While refugees and internally displaced people are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Secretary-General commended them for stepping up on the frontlines of response. "From camps in Bangladesh to hospitals in Europe, refugees are working as nurses, doctors, scientists, teachers and in other essential roles, protecting themselves and giving back to the communities that host them," he said. Numerous emergencies old and new are behind the massive people flows, from Afghanistan to Central African Republic, to Myanmar, with hotspots including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burkina Faso -- and the wider Sahel -- and the continuing fallout in Syria, after nearly a decade of civil war, the report said. About 73 per cent of the 79.5 million on the move have sought shelter in a country neighbouring their own, Grandi said, dismissing the regularly politicised misconception that most migrants and refugees target richer countries far from home. ALSO READ | United Nations urges USD 2.5 trillion as coronavirus pandemic aid to developing nations Nearly seven in 10 of those displaced came from Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Myanmar, he said. "If crises in these countries were solved, 68 per cent of global forced displacement would be on its way to being solved," Grandi said. Asked about the impact of COVID-19 on mass population movements, he said it would "no doubt" push more people into crisis. "I am very worried and we've said it to a lot of different governments that have asked us the question," he said. "The livelihoods crisis...the increased poverty of these populations, in my opinion -- coupled with lack of solutions to a situation of conflict and in situations like the Sahel, with a deterioration of security -- there's no doubt it will increase population movements in the region but also beyond, towards Europe," Grandi said. Since the global health crisis began, the agency has also reported an increase in the number of Rohingyas moving from Bangladesh and Myanmar, towards Malaysia and other States in South East Asia. 'That in my opinion is linked more than COVID-19 once again by the very stagnant situation of the Rohingya issue,' Grandi said. 'No solution, great poverty and lack of opportunities in the camps in Bangladesh, now maybe also couple with the lockdown that was made necessary by COVID that has added to the hardship.' For the first time, Venezuela's 3.5 million displaced people feature in the UNHCR report, accounting in part for the significant rise, compared with the 2018-19 data. In terms of the ages of those affected, the UN agency estimates that around 30 to 34 million of the world's 79.5 million forcibly displaced, are children. Of the near 80 million people cited in the report, 26 million are refugees; 20.4 million come under UNHCR's mandate and 5.6 million are Palestine refugees registered with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The Arts Council has sent its congratulations to 21 Wicklow artists who have each been awarded a 3,000 grant to help them make new and original work during the Covid-19 crisis. The government agency for funding and developing the arts said applications from County Wicklow artists had scored very highly. Visual artists Alan Clarke, Ruairi Conaty, Michael Durand, Rachel Fallon (Kerskens), Shane Finan, Emma Finucane, Aisling Heaney, Jack Hogan, Laura Kelly, Jonah King and Patrick MacAllister were successful. Musicians Annette Cleary, Vyvienne Long Caimin Gilmore and Oscar Hacket were also awarded funding. Writers Jane Clarke and Lucy Sweeney Byrne were also successful for their involvement in literature, as was Eleanor Phillips for arts participation, Philip St John and Emily Gillmor Murphy for theatre and David Stephenson for film. The Arts Council said that across the whole of the country it was encouraged by both the quality of the applications, and the fact that almost two thirds of the successful artists had never before been funded by the Arts Council. With all now notified of their award, artists will begin to create work across the full range of art forms, genres and areas of arts practice. In time, the public can expect to experience traditional arts, literature, dance, theatre, music, visual art, circus, film, opera and architecture, as well as work in specific areas of arts practice, such as for children and young people, and arts participation. Despite the exceptional nature and fast turnaround time of the scheme - called the Arts Council Covid-19 Crisis Response Award - demand from artists was very high, with almost 1,000 applicants, the agency said. 'I especially welcome the many new artists who were successful under this round,' said Minister Josepha Madigan. 'I realise that now is a particularly challenging time for artists to make work. I look forward to the imminent report from the Arts Council's Expert Advisory Group on further proposals to sustain this vital sector.' The 1 million scheme is one of a suite of measures being introduced by the Arts Council to help support artists and arts organisations through the Covid-19 crisis. Other initiatives include honouring all existing funding commitments, and allowing grantees to draw down 90 percent of their funding to allow them fulfil in turn their own business commitments, especially to artists; the prioritisation and redirection of budgets and funding streams; a range of business guidance and assistance; and continued work with the Department of Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht and other government departments to ensure that artists and arts organisations benefit from the full range of government supports. 'We are very encouraged by the response to this award,' said Arts Council director Maureen Kennelly. 'The applications were of a very high standard and showed the depth and breadth of the arts in Ireland - with greater resources we could have awarded twice as many - and it is particularly heartening to see so many successful applications from artists not previously funded through the Arts Council. Of course, this also points to artists' particular and urgent needs at this time of crisis.' W hen the Covid-19 lockdown went into effect, public toilets across the UK shut too. Now the country is re-opening again, and people are having socially-distant meet ups in the park, the lack of public bathroom facilities is becoming a real issue. Luckily, a crowd-sourced website is here to save you and not a moment too soon. LockdownLoo.com has been set up by Sir Caughtshort, a character created by two brothers, one who works in tech and one in the civil service who both wish to remain anonymous. Sir Caughtshort said the reason behind the website was because it had become a desperate necessity. Like many others, I had found the lack of open toilets a real barrier to going very far, seeing friends or going to the shops. As the UKs current toilet databases seem to be all out of data, I decided to take lockdownloo.com. The website, which took only 30 minutes to set up, has been up and running for a few days. Sir Caughtshort has been using mainly council websites to find open toilets and is asking the public to submit ones they know about too. The listings are nice and detailed, sometimes including timings and comments on cleanliness, as well as the potential for a wait. For instance in Haggerston Park, the listing recommends to use only if absolutely necessary, whereas in Queensway, the toilets are clean but soap was limited and the hand dryer did not work. It started as a laugh but the response by people has been amazing. Already, Ive been told its helped some Londoners, for example planning their daily run. I know it will take a while for everything to open safely so this feels like the most helpful and fun solution. We got some feedback from a London bus driver as well who said it was a godsend for his colleagues. Westminster City Council is one of Londons councils that has been working with Lockdown Loo to provide information on its open sites. All its public toilets are open, with the exception of Broadwick Street in Soho, and the council has removed the majority of charges. Its also assigned more staff to maintain cleanliness and deter anti-social behaviour. As the city reopens to residents and visitors alike, it is essential that they can feel safe and confident to return, a Westminster City Council spokesperson said in a statement. Lockdown Loo is a great project to build this confidence in potential visitors as they can be certain of access to these facilities as they patronise our shops and businesses, and shortly, our hospitality sector too. Getty Images Sir Caughtshort hopes to get to 200 public toilet listings by the weekend, with over 100 already live on the website. The site has been viewed over 4,000 times in only two days since going live. Now, he has his sights on taking the site nationwide, with aims to prioritise rural areas in particular. An extended map will go live on Saturday so if youre not based in London, you can submit listings now ahead of the launch. Im pretty confident that when we launch nationally on Saturday, we will have nearly 1,000 locations nationwide. It is totally free to use. I want it to be peoples one-stop plop, he adds. Crowd-sourced websites have always been crucial ways to find out information when official channels are lax, but theyve taken on a life of their own since the lockdown. One website, Takeawaypints.co.uk has been chronically the pubs and bars across the UK that allows patrons to enjoy drinks off the premises. Creators Nick and Fede initially set up the website after finding a pub serving takeaway pints one Saturday and then found it closed the week after. The duo, who are full-time developers, built the website over a weekend with around 40 establishments they found advertising takeaway services on their respective websites, before opening it up to submissions on the Sunday. Now, theres over 1,200 pubs on the platform across the UK and Ireland, and yes, theres information on whether the pubs toilets are open for customers too. The reception weve received from pubc, suppliers and customers has been great. I think quite a few pubs have been a little surprised to hear that its completely free to be added to the list and have sent their thanks via email, explains Nick. Likewise, weve received a lot of thank you messages from people that really fancied a cold pint on a sunny day while out on their walks. The duo are going to keep the site running until it is no longer needed. "We have a few ideas in mind as to how we could still be useful post-lockdown but nothing is set in stone so can't say when we will wind things down," adds Nick. Until then, these websites will act as an essential public service for many during the coronavirus era. They may be foolish enough to go after DACA again, but I hope they know and see that America has the DREAMERS backs, Cecilia Munoz, who served as Mr. Obamas top adviser on Hispanic issues and domestic policy, wrote on Twitter. She added a warning to the president and his aides about the political power of the pro-immigrant movement. We see you, Donald Trump, we see you Stephen Miller, she said, and were coming for you. Whatever the president decides to do, the debate over what happens to the Dreamers in the long run will play out most starkly in the presidential contest between Mr. Trump and the presumptive Democratic nominee, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Mr. Biden hailed the ruling on Thursday and vowed to introduce legislation on his first day in office that would give the young immigrants permanent legal status in the United States. Efforts to pass such legislation have failed for more than a decade, but he said the courts temporary protections raise the stakes of the November election. I will continue to stand with DACA recipients, their parents and their families at every step, and in November, joined by millions across this country, we will reject the president who tried to rip so many of our family members, friends and co-workers out of our lives, Mr. Biden said in a statement. The issue is already at the forefront of several key Senate races. Hours after the ruling, a Democratic group issued a news release seeking to make an issue out of what they claimed was opposition to DACA by Senator Cory Gardner, a moderate Republican from Colorado. The group cited two votes to undermine the program that Mr. Gardner took in 2014 and 2015 as a member of the House. No amount of election season revisionist history from Gardner can change that, wrote Zach Hudson, a spokesman for the group, American Bridge. But since becoming a senator, Mr. Gardner has backed bipartisan efforts to find a legislative solution to give Dreamers a permanent legal status, including a path to citizenship. In a statement on Thursday, Mr. Gardner said he advocated such measures: I support immediate passage of the Dream Act and would also support the House-passed Dream and Promise Act. The Senate should act quickly to provide permanent relief for Dreamers. GUATEMALA CITY - Guatemala replaced its health minister Friday amid the rising pace of COVID-19 infections and deaths in the Central American country. President Alejandro Giammattei pushed out Health Minister Hugo Monroy and named Amelia Flores, a former vice minister of health in an earlier administration, as his replacement. Monroy, who had held the position since January, had been harshly criticized for his management of the pandemic. Federal lawmakers called him in multiple times for questioning and complained that the Health Ministry was spending too little of its budget during the pandemic. During his tenure, doctors from the public health system protested that they werent being paid. Images of hospitals overwhelmed by the sick have increasingly painted a grim picture of the situation in Guatemala. Guatemala has reported more than 11,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 449 deaths. President Alejandro Giammattei has been under growing pressure from the business sector to loosen restrictions. Earlier attempts to reactivate the economy were followed by a surge in infections, prompting Giammattei to clamp down again. Flores is a doctor who served in the administration of President Oscar Berger from 2004 to 2008. Its especially important in our culture to be able to celebrate the day our ancestors were set free. We are showcasing the many businesses we have. This is all about love, peace and unity. For about three months many businesses across Massachusetts have been closed due to mandated shutdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic. As some businesses have been cleared to open up, under strict guidelines as part of the states four-phase reopening plan, others are still waiting for approval from Gov. Charlie Baker. In the midst of phase two, restaurants received the green light to open outdoor dining Friday, and soon will welcome patrons back inside for the first time since March. Still, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association predicts that as many as one in five restaurants will remain closed after the pandemic. The industry has already lost $5 billion. As small businesses and industries attempt to navigate a post-pandemic world, MassLive Media is launching an initiative to help them recover, by doubling the value of their advertising and marketing dollars. All businesses are eligible and encouraged to apply. MassLive Media is pledging up to $1 million in matching marketing grants. The program matches advertising dollars spent with MassLive.com. The grants start at $750 and will be matched up to $50,000. Its not a cliche. We really are all in this together, so were proud and happy to support all size businesses with this program. Please reach out to us, said Gareth Charter, Vice President of Sales, MassLive Media. Businesses can apply for the matching program through July 31 here. Once submitted, businesses can expect a response within 48 hours. MassLive.coms MassForward campaign has been committed to helping small businesses and communities recapture the economic momentum they enjoyed prior to the pandemic. The stories included voices from businesses in Springfield and Worcester sharing how they endured headaches from Paycheck Protection Program. Some offered helpful advice regarding city orders that allowed the expansion of outdoor seating for restaurants. Others featured the innovative ideas businesses developed to remain afloat during unprecedented times. The path to the new normal will likely be a long one, but its one MassLive and MassLive Media are committed to helping Massachusetts communities navigate successfully. Deeply rooted in our Massachusetts home, the MassLive Media team shares your sense of hope as the restrictions of the past few months relax, Charter said. Together, we will emerge from our homes to find a changed community landscape. Our community will need our support now, more than ever before as they learn what business will look like in the wake of COVID-19. By PTI PUNE: Bodies of a couple and their two minor children were found hanging at their residence in Pune city of Maharashtra, police said on Friday. The bodies were found late on Thursday night, police said. Police suspect that the couple might have taken the extreme step as the family was apparently facing a financial crisis due to COVID-19. "All the four members of the family were found hanging from the ceiling of their residence in Sukhsagar Nagar area late on Thursday night," a police official said. The police said that it could be a suicide pact, wherein Atul Shinde (33) and his wife Jaya (32) first killed their children- son Rugved (6) and daughter Antara (3)- before hanging themselves, he said. "Shinde ran a small business of making identity cards for schools and it seems the family was facing a financial crisis as their business might have suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic," the official said. As there was no response to the repeated phone calls made to the victim by their family members and friends on Thursday, the police were alerted, he said. "Although no suicide note was recovered from the scene, the couple had allegedly written a message on a wall saying that no one should be held responsible for their deaths," an official from the Bharti Vidyapeeth Police Station said. The couple's signatures were also found below the message, he said. The police are in the process of registering a case and further investigation is underway, he added. An upsurge in the demand for dental aesthetics has led to the evolution of dental appliances like clear aligners. Clear aligners aid in aligning teeth in an appropriate shape within the dental arch. Over the past few years, clear aligners have gained importance as they appear more aesthetic, comfortable, and handy. However, clear aligners pose some side effects. Image Credit: antoniodiaz/Shutterstock.com How clear aligners help in aligning the teeth? The principal mechanism via which clear aligners work is similar to dental braces wherein teeth are slowly moved over some time. An orthodontist usually plans the treatment via obtaining various records like X-rays, photographs, and dental impressions. Post analyzing these records treatment is planned to achieve the desired tooth movement. At the end of the treatment, the aim is to achieve well-aligned teeth thus allowing proper closure of upper and lower teeth upon mastication. Tooth alignment is an intricate biological process where regular monitoring is imperative by the dentist. Tooth aligners are the plastic imitation of teeth. They work by creating a mild pressure on teeth and slowly push the teeth in the desired position. Orthodontists recommend wearing clear aligners for at least 22 hours a day. Clear aligners must be replaced at regular intervals; however, it is done at the discretion of a dentist. In general, an old set is replaced by a new one after two to three weeks to further reposition the teeth. The dentist will keep on replacing old aligners with new once until the desired results are achieved. What are the benefits and drawbacks of clear aligners? Tooth aligners are handy orthodontic appliances that can be easily removed during eating, brushing, and tooth flossing process which makes them more viable during routine dental regimens. However, one major drawback of aligners is that they cannot be replaced with orthodontic braces during complex orthodontic treatments. Aligners adhere to the tooth surface via tooth-colored attachments that are placed on the surface of the teeth; however, tooth aligners are susceptible to discoloration once they come in contact with liquids. Flavored water, energy drinks, fruit juices, drinks containing soda, or highly sugary or acidic drinks are some drinks that should be completely avoided. These liquids can easily penetrate through aligners and stay on its surface for a longer period which can lead to discoloration of aligners and even teeth. As a thumb rule, it is best to avoid drinks that have a pH below 7.0. Also, brushing the teeth with fluoridated toothpaste can protect teeth during treatment with aligners. Unlike fixed braces, aligners can be removed anytime, and patients can remove them often which will not result in the desired tooth movement. Aligners can easily become a source of various infections if they are placed in unhygienic conditions post removal. Placing them on dirty places like unclean surfaces, napkins, or in pockets should be completely avoided. Image Credit: Marian Weyo/Shutterstock.com What are the adverse effects of clear aligners? Several studies have been conducted over the past few years to assess the adverse effects of aligners on oral health. One such retrospective analysis was done on the safety of aligners. The data was collected from November 2006 to November 2016. This data was analyzed, and it revealed serious adverse events. Below is the list of side effects in the order of descending frequency: Breathing difficulty -Placement of aligners can hamper the normal breathing process and one may feel suffocated after wearing them -Placement of aligners can hamper the normal breathing process and one may feel suffocated after wearing them Sore throat and tongue - Soon after wearing aligners one may experience a sore throat. This can hamper in swallowing which may further result in other health complications - Soon after wearing aligners one may experience a sore throat. This can hamper in swallowing which may further result in other health complications Itchiness and hives- Tooth aligners can irritate oral mucosa and may result in extreme itchiness and breakouts Tooth aligners can irritate oral mucosa and may result in extreme itchiness and breakouts Severe hypersensitivity reactions - Many times aligners may be rejected by the bodys natural response to a foreign body. This may lead to severe hypersensitivity reactions referred to as anaphylaxis. - Many times aligners may be rejected by the bodys natural response to a foreign body. This may lead to severe hypersensitivity reactions referred to as anaphylaxis. Swelling in the lips Aligners may exert pressure on the lips and hence may cause inflamed lips Aligners may exert pressure on the lips and hence may cause inflamed lips Other concerns like restricted airway, pain in the chest, and cough were also reported during the analysis like restricted airway, pain in the chest, and cough were also reported during the analysis At times wearing aligners may cause nausea , painful ingestion of food, dryness of mouth, and headaches , painful ingestion of food, dryness of mouth, and headaches Rarely swelling of eyes is also reported with the usage of aligners. Aligners may also cause breakouts on the lips is also reported with the usage of aligners. Aligners may also cause breakouts on the lips Few patients may also report fatigue, soreness, and breakouts on the tongue. may also report fatigue, soreness, and breakouts on the tongue. Aligners may also put an excessive pressure on the gums thereby resulting in gums problems like swelling and bleeding Aligners worn over an extended period can severely affect gum health thereby resulting in concerns like periodontitis and gingivitis. One study done on aligners reported that aligners may lead to the weakening of tooth roots which may cause slow resorption of the dental roots over some time. Sources: Allareddy Veerasathpurush et al. (2017). Adverse clinical events reported during Invisalign treatment: Analysis of the MAUDE database. https://www.ajodo.org/article/S0889-5406(17)30603-0/pdf Fang Xuanwei et al (2019). Root resorption in orthodontic treatment with clear aligners: A systematic review and metaanalysis https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ocr.12337 Ke. Yunyan et al (2019). A comparison of treatment effectiveness between clear aligner and fixed appliance therapies https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6343314/ Tamer Ipek et al (2019) Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners and The Scientific Reality Behind Their Marketing: A literature review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7018497/ Qian Jiang et al (2018) Periodontal health during orthodontic treatment with clear aligners andfixedappliancesdl.uswr.ac.ir/.../...0Volume%20149%20Issue%208%20August%20%2819%29.pdf American Association of Orthodontists (2018) Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Alignershttps://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/orthodontic-treatment-with-clear-aligners/ Further Reading On Monday, June 1, in an address to the American people delivered outside the White House, Donald Trump declaimed, I am your President of law and order. He proceeded to characterize the large-scale, generally peaceful protests in response to the murder of George Floyd and against police violence as acts of domestic terror. If the marches and demonstrations did not cease, Trump promised to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 and deploy the US military on the streets of Americas cities, including Washington, D.C. Referring to the nations capital, the president went on, As we speak, I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property. Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas in Seven Days in May (1964) The following day, in a statement posted on the World Socialist Web Site, the Socialist Equality Party (US) explained that by this historically unprecedented threat to suppress political opposition through the use of the military, Trump had repudiated the Constitution and was attempting to establish a presidential dictatorship, supported by the military, police and far-right fascistic militia acting under his command. Several thousand National Guard troops from 11 states were eventually brought to the area, to reinforce the 1,200 D.C. troops already called up. Moreover, Pentagon officials warned the Guard, according to the New York Times, that if they could not control the situation, Mr. Trump would likely call in the 82nd Airborne. At this moment, political life in the US teetered on a knifes edge. In the face of Trumps dictatorial moves, the Democratic Party said and did nothing. The media largely remained silent. It was only on June 4 that Trump permitted regular troops to be sent home. Seven Days in May In fact, nothing has been resolved. As the SEP subsequently commented, The conspirators in the White House have not ceased their plotting. The military is biding its time and considering its options. The police remain armed to the teeth. These several days in June brought to many minds the 1964 American film Seven Days in May, directed by John Frankenheimer and featuring Kirk Douglas, Burt Lancaster, Fredric March and Ava Gardner, which envisions an attempted military coup detat in the US. Based on the 1962 best-selling novel of the same title by Fletcher Knebel and Charles W. Bailey II, the movie was scripted by Rod Serling of Twilight Zone fame. Received warmly by both critics and audiences, Seven Days in May angered the Pentagon, the FBI and the extreme right. Both the continuities and discontinuities between that period and the present day stand out. Frankenheimers movie, set in 1974, centers on a plot by the chairman of the US militarys Joint Chiefs of Staff, James Mattoon Scott (Lancaster), an egomaniacal, authoritarian Air Force general, to overthrow the elected president, Jordan Lyman (March), convinced he must save the nation from a leader who is soft on Communism. Scott believes he has chosen an opportune moment: polls indicate only 29 percent of the population approves of President Lymans performance and the general mood in the country is sour. Fredric March and Burt Lancaster in Seven Days in May (1964) The administration has recently signed a controversial disarmament treaty with the Soviet Union. In the films opening sequence, pro- and anti-treaty demonstrators brawl outside the White House gates. Violently opposed to the agreement with the Soviet government, Scott sets in motion his attempted overthrow, with the aid and assistance of other members of the Joint Chiefs. An aide, Marine Col. Jiggs Casey (Douglas), gets wind of the plot and eventually convinces a skeptical president of its seriousness. Under Scotts plan, a secret US Army unit known as ECOMCON will seize control of the country's telephone, radio and television networks, while Congress is prevented from implementing the disarmament treaty. Scott has launched his plan with the complicity of Frederick Prentice (Whit Bissell), the powerful Democratic Senator from California, and right-wing television commentator and demagogue Harold McPherson (Hugh Marlowe). Although personally opposed to Lyman's policies, Col. Casey is appalled by the plot. Alerted to the grave danger, Lyman gathers a circle of trusted advisors to investigate and respond, including the Secret Services Art Corwin (Bart Burns), Treasury Secretary Christopher Todd (George Macready), longtime friend and advisor Paul Girard (Martin Balsam) and Sen. Raymond Clark of Georgia (Edmond OBrien). Ava Gardner in Seven Days in May (1964) Girard is dispatched to Gibraltar to extract a written acknowledgement of the conspiracy from the evasive Admiral Farley Barnswell (John Houseman), while Clark flies out to West Texas to locate the mysterious Site Y, the secret base at which the coups shock troops are training for the takeover and awaiting final instructions. At the presidents request, with some reluctance, Casey pays a visit to Eleanor Holbrook (Ava Gardner), Scotts former mistress, in hope of obtaining incriminating evidence against the general. In fact, he gets hold of some damaging love letters, but Lyman ultimately decides against using a sex scandal to rid himself of the Joint Chiefs chairman. When Lyman asks Casey, a Marine and an admirer of Scott, what he thinks of the treaty with the Soviet Union, the latter replies that he does not agree with it, adding, however, I think its really your business. Yours and the Senate. You did it, and they agreed so, well, I dont see how we in the military can question it. I mean we can question it, but we cant fight it. We shouldnt, anyway. The president interprets this in his own way: So you stand by the Constitution, Jiggs? In fact, the US Constitution, appropriately enough, comes up for discussion or reference numerous times in the Knebel-Bailey novel, as well as the film. John Frankenheimer The book, for example, describes Casey, in a modest split-level house in Arlington [Virginia], rubbing his eyes, turning off the lamp and laying down a battered copy of the World Almanac. It was the only book he had been able to find in the house that contained the text of the Constitution of the United States. Later, Sen. Clark, seated in the White House, separated from the President by only a wall, has his feet propped up on a sofa and reads, carefully, an annotated copy of the Constitution of the United Statessomething he had not done since law school. The opening credits of Seven Days in May roll over an image of the original 1787 draft. Once having established the reality of the imminent coup attempt and with documentary evidence in hand, the president calls Scott to the White House for a confrontation. Outlining the facts that have come to light, Lyman bluntly and angrily accuses the Air Force general of planning the military overthrow of the United States government. He goes on, Im prepared to brand you for what you are, General. A strutting egoist with a Napoleonic power complex and an out-an-out traitor. Poster for Seven Days in May (1964) At a press conference announcing Scotts resignation, which the latter grudgingly submits, Lyman explains: Americans, traditionally and historically, have given vent to their views. On the day that the government does anything arbitrarily to stifle those views, it will have to change forms. It will cease to be a democracy. This relatively understated comment is one of the strongest passages in the film and speaks directly to the current situation. One of Serling and Frankenheimers major themes is the need for the military to be subordinated to elected civilian rule, a principle that has been almost fully abandoned by the Trump administration, which has seen the elevation of numerous Pentagon figures to cabinet and other prominent posts. On the whole, Seven Days in May stands up, 56 years later. First and foremost, the issue of the threat represented by the American military to the democratic rights of the people has hardly receded into the background. On the contrary, it is ten times more pressing than it was in 1964. Decades of political and economic decay have eaten away at American democracy, leaving it little more than a shell. Superficial and shortsighted observers may draw the conclusion from recent events that the US military is the torchbearer of democracy. Hardly! The Pentagon, which remains a hotbed of ultra-right and fascistic elements, merely chose not to be drawn in prematurely to openly repressive and murderous operations in America. The fact that, after nearly 60 years, Frankenheimers film still conveys urgency and outrage is a tribute to its strengths. The viewer remains riveted for the most part by the generally high level of the performances, the tautness of the action and the element of suspense and intrigue. John F. Kennedy and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, July 1962 (Interestingly, there was another adaptation of the Knebel-Bailey political thriller. In 1983, Soviet television broadcast a four-part adaptation of Seven Days in May, entitled The Last Argument of Kings, directed by Viktor Kisin and with a screenplay by journalist Vladimir Dunaev.) Douglas, Lancaster and March clearly threw themselves into the production. They are thoroughly believable as these human beings. Only four years earlier, Douglas, a prominent film star of the 1950s and 1960s, had assisted in ending the McCarthyite reign of terror in Hollywood by hiring and crediting blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo on Spartacus (1960). In Seven Days in May, the actor puts aside some of the histrionics in which he occasionally indulges and delivers a subdued characterization. Lancaster was even more of a left figure. He began shooting the Frankenheimer film fresh from working with left-wing Italian filmmaker Luchino Visconti on The Leopard, in which he gave one of his most memorable performances. Lancaster later appeared in Executive Action (1973), co-written by Trumbo and Mark Lane, a drama that recounts how the Kennedy assassination might have been planned and carried through by ultra-right elements, businessmen and intelligence operatives. The actor also narrated The Unknown War (1978), a 20-part series documenting the bloody conflict between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Lancaster spent three weeks in eight cities in the USSR for location filming on that project. In Seven Days in May, Lancaster is appropriately terrifying, during his relatively brief time on screen, as the embodiment of a particular American military type, ruthless, relentless and cruel in his technocratic efficiency. Here is a man who would exterminate ten thousand men, women and children with a bombing raid before lunch and arrive punctually for a three oclock appointment. Gen. Curtis LeMay A member of an older generation, March was an extremely versatile and compelling Hollywood figure of the 1930s and 40s in particular, working with such directors as Howard Hawks, Ernst Lubitsch, John Ford and George Cukor. He featured prominently in one of the finest works of postwar social criticism, William Wylers The Best Years of Their Lives (1946). March, always a remarkable, thoughtful performer, brings genuine depth and intelligence to his role. His President Lyman is considerably stronger than the character in the novel. The three central protagonists are more than ably supported by a host of character actors, the American film industrys tremendous resource of the time, including Balsam, OBrien, Macready, Marlowe, Bissell, Richard Anderson, Andrew Duggan and Helen Kleeb. Gardner is memorable in her role as would-be Fuhrer Scotts spurned lover. She tells Casey she now realizes the general never really felt anything. Each move was calculated I dont believe he ever took a chance in his life or ever really felt anything, any real emotion. The military and FBI took very definite note of Seven Days in May, revealing their intense sensitivity to such criticism. A memo uncovered in Ronald Reagans FBI file reveals that the bureau was concerned the film would be used as Communist propaganda and was therefore harmful to our Armed Forces and Nation. A March 20, 1964 memo details communications between retired Admiral Arleigh Burke and Assistant Director William Sullivan of the FBI in regard to the film and its potential damage. The memo includes this proposed smear: One correspondent, according to Admiral Burke, made the following charges concerning the principal members of the movies cast: (1) Fredric March, together with his wife, Florence Eldridge, have been members of some 20 communist front organizations; (2) Burt Lancaster is a zealous Moscow stalwart and was affiliated with several communist fronts; and (3) Kirk Douglas and Ava Gardner have been cited by a California Committee on Un-American Activities. Tokyo burns under B-29 firebomb assault on May 26, 1945 Hollywood films at the time, despite their sometimes clumsy approach (and despite the debilitating ideological consequences of the anti-communist purges), still endeavored to address large political and social problems. To a certain and important extent, the encounter between Lyman and Scott does concretize and concentrate artistically a pivotal social collision, an obligation of enduring drama. In his work devoted to Frankenheimers films, critic Gerald Pratley notes that Marchs respectable, liberal lines have come in for criticism from certain radical commentators. There are undoubtedly points to be made about Lymans attitude and positions, but Pratley, in our view, is quite correct to note that the aforementioned words of dialogue are delivered by March with complete naturalism at times where they are logically called for, and with great honesty and conviction. They re-state familiar principles perhaps, but they need to be said again, even if we have heard them before. Lyman speaks forcefully, but it is notable how close the Scott coup attempt comes to succeeding, only blocked by an improvised, rather ramshackle and amateurish countereffort on the part of the president and a handful of colleagues. And its near success does not feel far-fetched! Along those lines, Seven Days in May does undoubtedly drive home to the viewer the very dark character of the period in question. The picture that the John F. Kennedy administration (and family) offered to the world was one of youthfulness, progressive social thought and a commitment to democracy. Beneath the relatively glamorous surface of this neo-Camelot, however, lay an uglier, grimmer, far more contradictory reality. Although this was the heyday of the postwar boom in the US, a great deal that was sinister and conspiratorial was occurring behind the scenes. In fact, there was layer upon layer of political reaction in play. Even before Kennedy came to power in January 1961, outgoing President Dwight D. Eisenhower, in his Farewell Address, famously cautioned the councils of government to guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. Knebel and Bailey place this warning from Eisenhower on the novels dedication page. Once in power, Kennedy authorized the Bay of Pigs attack on Cuba in April 1961, aimed at overthrowing the Fidel Castro government, and only held back from a full-scale invasion out of fear of the Soviet response. He and his brother Robert proceeded to experiment with various plots to kill Castro, bringing in the Mafia in the process. Under the Kennedy administration, US intervention in Vietnam was stepped up, whatever the presidents trepidations may have been. In general, Washingtons counterrevolutionary global interventions continued unabated. Gen. Edwin Walker In addition, as Frankenheimers film centrally argues, there were violent conflicts within the American state. Kennedy had recurring clashes with US military chiefs and was deeply worried about the danger of a coup. Sixty years later! Several references are made in the book and film to the ultra-right views of various military figures, especially a certain Col. John Broderick (John Larkin). Early in the film, one of Caseys military colleagues refers to Broderick as a good officer. Casey replies, For certain armies. The kind that goose step. Later, Sen. Clark contemptuously suggests that Brodericks views border on out-and-out fascism! Explaining his interest in Seven Days in May, a project that was brought to him by Douglass business partner at the time, producer Edward Lewis, Frankenheimer observed that he had felt that the voice of the military was much too strong Wed just finished eight years with President Eisenhower, which were in my opinion a very discouraging eight years for the country. All kinds of factions were trying to take power. The film was the opportunity to illustrate what a tremendous force the military-industrial complex is. The director also later explained that he saw the film as an opportunity to put a nail in the coffin of [Senator Joseph] McCarthy. These are worthy ambitions and concerns, and the film largely lives up to them. But one shouldnt close ones eyes to the damaging constraints within which liberal filmmakers worked, and which they accepted for the most part. The scripts assumptions include the reactionary anti-communism that was the state-sponsored quasi-religion of the time in the US. The film takes for granted, despite the troubling events it depicts, that America, if it repels Scott and his accomplices, can still be a beacon of democracy and freedom and that the Soviet Union represents tyranny, lies and duplicity (this is actually more pronounced in the Knebel-Bailey novel). American liberalism, both politically and intellectually, as a WSWS comment on the 40th anniversary of Kennedys murder maintained, was founded upon a lie. It had survived the social tumult of the 1930s and 1940s by striking a Faustian bargain with political reaction. Anti-communism became the prevailing ideology of the US establishment, embraced by Democratic and Republican politicians alikeand also many American filmmakers, novelists and artists generally. Another problematic aspect of Frankenheimers film is the fact, as we noted in an obituary of the director in 2002, that the president and his advisors never consider warning or appealing to the American people. Indeed, General Scott and the other conspirators, in the end, are merely forced to resign, without their activities having been made public. The president explicitly declares that the population, which has barely avoided coming under the heel of a military dictatorship, must not be told about the conspiracy, because it would create disorder! It is absurd and socially illogical to dramatize an attempted coup supported by virtually the entire military high command and then suggest the country as a whole can be in a healthy political and social state. Indeed, it wasnt the Hollywood filmmaking community that formed the backbone of opposition to the danger posed by the extreme right. The weight of the mass social movement that erupted in the 1930s was still present. The trade unions continued to represent a significant force in American life and the mass campaign for African American civil rights wielded tremendous political and moral power. The shortcomings of Seven Days in May are no doubt concretely bound up with its origins and development. Kennedy, embroiled in disputes with US military chiefs, read and endorsed the Knebel-Bailey novel, although he criticized its potboiler aspects, and actively encouraged its being made into a movie. Frankenheimer later commented that he was certain Pentagon officials werent happy when they heard we were going to make it but at the same time they didnt try to censor us. The director remarked that he had heard indirectly that President Kennedy said he very much wanted the film made. Pierre Salinger, who was then his Press Secretary, was very helpful for us and when we shot the White House scenes he arranged for the President to go to Hyannisport [in Massachusetts]. Now if the White House had not wanted the film made I can assure you that we could not have obtained permission to shoot a small riot in front of it. American capitalism in the early 1960s stood at the pinnacle of its economic and political power. The foundations of that power, however, as the WSWS explained in 2003, were about to be blown apart by immense tensions and contradictions that could not be contained by Kennedys policies. Seven Days in May was filmed in the summer of 1963, with its theatrical release scheduled for December. That release was held up by the murder of Kennedy in Dallas on November 22. (The appearance of Stanley Kubricks Dr. Strangelove in theaters was delayed for the same reason.) The painful irony is that the real-life models for the fanatical right-wing elements in the military and intelligence apparatus fictionalizedand simply allowed to resign and fade awayin Frankenheimers film were no doubt linked to the cabal that carried out the assassination. Scott is generally taken to be a fictional version or composite of several leading military or former military figures of the day, including, in particular, Curtis LeMay, appointed by Kennedy to be Air Force Chief of Staff, and Edwin Walker, a fascistic US Army general. Gen. LeMay is a notorious figure, with a lengthy record of horrendous crimes to his name. The Air Force sent him in 1945 to direct the air war against Japan. A profile in the New Yorker magazine explained that LeMay, realizing that the Japanese had almost no air defense left, sent three hundred and twenty-five planes loaded with jellied-gasoline firebomb clusters over Tokyo in the early hours of March 10, 1945. The mission succeeded: the United States Strategic Bombing Survey estimated that probably more persons lost their lives by fire at Tokyo in a 6-hour period than at any time in the history of man. In that initial raid, nearly seventeen square miles of the Japanese capital [were] burned to the ground, with at least a hundred thousand people killed and hundreds of thousands injured. LeMay organized fire-bombings night after night until the end of the war, by which time sixty-three Japanese cities had been totally or partially burned out and more than a million Japanese civilians killed. Hiroshima and Nagasaki survived to be atomic-bombed only because Washington had removed them from Curtis LeMays target list. Years later, he told a cadet, I suppose if I had lost the war, I would have been tried as a war criminal. Fortunately, we were on the winning side. Later, as commander of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), LeMay, in his first war plan drawn up in 1949, proposed dropping the entire stockpile of 133 atomic bombs in one massive attack on 70 Soviet cities within 30 days. At the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, LeMay urged the bombing of Soviet nuclear missile sites in Cuba and campaigned for military invasion. He eventually left the Air Force over disagreements on Vietnam War policy (he threatened to bomb North Vietnam back to the Stone Age) and ran as the running mate of arch-segregationist Alabama governor George Wallace in 1968 on the American Independent Party ticket. In Kubricks Dr. Strangelove, both Gen. Buck Turgidson (George C. Scott) and Brig. Gen. Jack D. Ripper (Sterling Hayden) are considered satirical versions of LeMay. Gen. Walker, mentioned by name in Seven Days in May, was an extreme right-wing figure, who was forced to resign from the US Army in 1961the only US general who resigned in the 20th centurybecause of his attempts to indoctrinate troops under his command in Germany with materials supplied by the far-right John Birch Society and Billy James Hargis fanatically anti-communist Christian Crusade. Walker went on to participate in political events organized by Hargis and other ultra-right elements. In September 1962, Walker urged an uprising in protest against the attempt by James Meredith, an African American veteran, to integrate the University of Mississippi. Walker called on 10,000 patriots from every state to rally in Oxford, Mississippi. Thousands of Klansmen and assorted racists and fascists did show up and a violent melee broke out in which two people were killed execution-style and hundreds were injured. Walker was arrested, but charges were eventually dropped. He too is said to have partially inspired the Ripper character in Dr. Strangelove. In representing these psychopaths in their film, one might say that Frankenheimer and Lancaster exercised considerable, almost excessive restraint. Seven Days in May remains a forthright denunciation of military interference into domestic politics, with many of its implications, and a defense of democracy and the US Constitution. Where do we stand in relation to these issues some 60 years down the road? The Kennedy assassination marked a historical turning point. One of its aims, in which it ultimately succeeded, was to shift US government policies to the right and intimidate political opposition. It was not the final conspiracy, but rather ushered in an era of conspiracy, identified with such subsequent episodes as Watergate, Iran-Contra, the Clinton impeachment crisis, the hijacking of the 2000 election and the unexplained events of September 11, 2001. Unending war, ceaseless attacks on democratic rights, the growth of unimaginable social inequalitythese have characterized much of the intervening period. And now we have reached a point where the president of the United States is the leading figure in a conspiracy to overthrow constitutional rule. In this context, Seven Days in May is hardly the final word on these matters. But it compellingly and concretely dramatizes how dictatorship can come to America and by whom this might be done. In recent times, political conditions coupled with Indias economic situation has given rise to widespread sentiments around boycotting Chinese products. With Indias smartphone market being one of the most attractive in the world, manufacturers naturally heeded to Prime Minister Narendra Modis Make in India call in September 2014, to unveil local manufacturing plans. However, as India stands at a critical economic and political juncture, completely removing Chinas influence in the heavily valued segment still seems like a tall task, even though numerous brands have claimed otherwise. The critical roadblock India has graduated from a SKD (Semi Knocked-Down)-type manufacturing, to CKD (Completely Knocked-Down). However, all the major components (for manufacturing a smartphone) are sourced from China, and are only assembled in India. The three most important components of manufacturing a phone are chipset, memory and display, of which the first two require high-end technology, uninterrupted water and electricity supply, and very skilled manpower to run the automated machines in a closed and vacuumed environment, says Upasana Joshi, lead analyst for mobile phones, India and South Asia at IDC. It is this that acts as a critical roadblock for Indias local manufacturing ambitions. As Joshi adds, Dependency for these key components remains, and shall remain on Taiwan, Korea or China for at least the next few years. Currently, only parts like batteries, chargers, packaging materials etc are locally sourced. Make in India, circa 2014 If India still remains so largely dependent on China for its smartphones, then what has our Make in India initiatives achievements been, till date? Data from IDC states that over the past six years, local production of phones has evolved from 40 percent of SKD units, to about 95 percent assembling of CKD units. For reference, SKD refers to units that were fully assembled in an outside market, then taken apart and imported as parts, only to be put back together at a local plant. CKD, on the other hand, is a more local process where the components are sourced from outside, following which a host of local operations are undertaken to produce the final, working product. To understand what this implies, think of how local assembling plants of foreign automobile giants such as BMW operate in India while the engine and the chassis frame are imported as whole, everything is put together here, locally. This allows a brand to save significantly on heavy import duties, which comes into effect if a product is imported as a completely built unit (CBU). This is something that Apples iPhones have been largely exposed to. It is this that has been the biggest impact of Indias local manufacturing push. Samsung, the second largest smartphone OEM in India by quarterly shipments, in 2018 unveiled the worlds largest mobile manufacturing factory in Noida, India. By the end of 2020, Samsung aims to assemble as many as 120 million units every year, eventually meeting targets to export units from India to Samsungs other markets. Xiaomi, which overtook Samsung to take the top spot in Indian smartphone shipments in January 2018, claims to now have seven manufacturing facilities in the country. In November 2019, Muralikrishnan B, chief operating officer of Xiaomi India, claimed that 99 percent of the phones that Xiaomi sells in the country are locally built, according to a report by Business Standard. He further stated that Xiaomi has also begun exporting devices to Bangladesh and Nepal, albeit in limited quantities. Taking note India, hence, is a smartphone assembly hub for its own devices today, which harks back to Joshis insight that for sourcing of essential components, India remains dependent on nations such as China. Given the nature of these components, this dependence is likely to continue for at least the immediate future. The government has taken cognisance of this matter, as well. Earlier this month, India unveiled a Rs 50,000 crore package targeting the five largest global smartphone makers operating in the country, with performance-linked incentives (PLI) that involve cash benefits depending on meeting local sourcing, manufacturing and sales targets. This, as Ravi Shankar Prasad, union minister for electronics, IT and communications projected, could help India produce smartphones and components worth 10 trillion rupees ($133 billion) by 2025, as stated in a previous News18 report. Focusing on this, IDCs Joshi says that while the road ahead is long, the benefits are there to see. As she says, Locally sourced parts for manufacturing devices would require huge investments by ecosystem players, but the benefits will be multifold as well saving upfront import duty cost (which varies from 15-22 percent depending on the type of imports), exporting locally-manufactured devices to other parts of the world, earning through export subsidies and evolving as independent entities are some. However, Joshi also highlights the real problem at hand here. We are still very far away from replacing China as a manufacturing hub, owing to multiple fundamental challenges faced scarcity of essential resources like water and electricity, logistics, long term investments with dedicated arena for R&D, skilled manpower and hubs to promote production with sharing of resources are a few, she adds. With this in sight, can we actually ban Chinas influence on products sold in India, in the entirety? Right now, the challenge seems tall, for it would require all-round and intensive investments to develop an advanced manufacturing industry, the likes of which do not exist in our country right now. For the immediate future, assembling in India is what seems to be the way forward. Children should not wear PPE in classrooms and staff should only wear it in very limited circumstances, according to new recommendations on school reopenings from the Department of Education. The guidance envisages primary school children receiving a minimum of 40% face-to-face teaching in the classroom, with the rest remotely at home in what is called a 'blended learning' approach. Secondary school pupils will be in the classroom for at least 50% of the time, raising the possibility that they could attend school on alternate weeks. Read More Schools will return in the autumn based on one-metre social distancing between pupils, and 2m between pupils and staff. Teachers' unions on Friday night said they would prefer to digest the 53-page document from Education Minister Peter Weir before commenting in detail. Read More But Gerry Murphy, the Northern Secretary of the Irish National Teachers Organisation, said: "We are consulting with our membership and will issue guidance to them early next week." Mr Weir said his recommendations had been drawn up in consultation with trade unions. "My ambition has always been for the full-time resumption of classroom-based learning for all pupils as soon as it is safely possible to do so," he said. "I full appreciate the stresses felt by teachers, parents and pupils during this time of disruption and uncertainty." Expand Close Education Minister Peter Weir / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Education Minister Peter Weir The document warns that children who refuse to follow social distancing arrangements and "deliberately cough or spit at pupils or staff putting them at risk" could face exclusion. The Department of Education recommendations include a possible ban on school bags and pencil cases, pupils taking meals in classrooms, and staggered arrival and departure times. The guidance acknowledges that not all schools will be able to bring back all pupils full-time under the one-metre social distancing requirements. But primary schools which are unable to operate at full capacity must ensure pupils have at least two days a week in the classroom, and secondary schools must ensure pupils' learning is based on at least 50% class time. Pupils in years eight to 10 will be kept in small protective bubbles to limit mixing with older children. The latter won't be in bubbles as they will be expected to adhere to social distancing guidelines. The bubble model for younger pupils will be maintained during meal and playtimes. Staggered arrival and departure times are aimed at preventing parents gathering at the school gates. Children could be prevented from bringing bags into school and also from taking items home at the end of the day. The document says that coronavirus can "land on fabrics and remain for some time". But while pupils are encouraged to "wear clean uniform or fresh clothes each day", it is not made compulsory as "schools are not a high-risk environment". Schools are encouraged to make maximum use of their buildings to ensure as many children as possible can be present while maintaining distancing. Dining and assembly halls could be repurposed as classrooms if temporary screens are used to divide the space. Informal outdoor classrooms are also suggested. Door handles and desk tops will be cleaned regularly throughout the day. One-way corridors and a "no bell" strategy to allow flexibility on class start and finish times, and to avoid "the intensity of (pupil) flow", are also proposed. Secondary schools are urged to consider a model whereby the teacher moves between classes, not the children. It is suggested that school meals could be delivered to classrooms with disposable containers and cutlery. Pupils will be asked to wash their hands on arrival at school and regularly during the day. "PPE will only be required in a very small number of cases - for example dealing with intimate needs/giving medication. PPE should not be worn by children," the document adds. If a child develops Covid-like symptoms they should be moved into isolation until a parent collects them. "If it is not possible to isolate the child, move them to an area which is at least 2m away from other people," the document says. It adds that "appropriate adult supervision should be provided as required. If the child needs to go to the bathroom while waiting to be collected, they should use a separate bathroom if possible. The bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected before being used by anyone else". "PPE should be worn by staff caring for the child while they await collection if direct personal care is needed and a distance of 2m cannot be maintained - such as for a very young child or (one) with complex needs." Recommended All-Cash Takeover Offer of by Shandong Gold Perth, June 19, 2020 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Cardinal Resources Limited ( ASX:CDV ) ( FRA:C3L ) ( OTCMKTS:CRDNF ) ( TSE:CDV ) announces that it has entered into a Bid Implementation Agreement ("Bid Implementation Agreement") with Shandong Gold Mining (Hong Kong) Co, Ltd (a subsidiary of Shandong Gold Mining Co, Ltd) ("Shandong Gold"), pursuant to which Shandong Gold has agreed to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares in Cardinal at a price of A$0.60 cash per share, by way of an off-market takeover offer (the "Shandong Gold Offer" or "Transaction").The premium implied by the Shandong Gold Offer is a significant increase on the non-binding indicative and preliminary proposal announced by Nord Gold SE ("Nordgold") on 16 March 2020 of A$0.45775.The Shandong Gold Offer represents an attractive premium of:- 75.5% to Cardinal's 20-day volume weighted average price of A$0.34 up to 13 March 20201- 39.3% to Cardinal's 20-day volume weighted average price of A$0.43 up to close of trading on 18 June 2020, being the last trading date prior to announcement of the Transaction- 29.0% to Cardinal's last closing price of A$0.465- 31.1% to Nordgold's preliminary proposal of A$0.45775 per share announced on 16 March 2020Recommended Shandong Gold Takeover BidCardinal's Board of Directors has carefully considered the Shandong Gold Offer in consultation with the Special Committee appointed in connection with the strategic process, its financial and legal advisors. Accordingly, Cardinal's Board of Directors unanimously recommends that all Cardinal shareholders accept the Shandong Gold Offer in the absence of a superior proposal.Cardinal's Directors, who collectively hold approximately 6.37% of Cardinal's ordinary shares, intend to accept the Shandong Gold Offer in respect of all Cardinal shares they own or control by the later of 21 days after the offer is opened for acceptance and 5 days after dispatch of the Cardinal Target's Statement, in the absence of a superior proposal.Key Benefits to Cardinal ShareholdersCardinal's Board of Directors has been exploring a range of potential transactions to maximise value for shareholders and considers that the Shandong Gold Offer is the best option for shareholders, in the absence of a superior proposal, and will deliver several key benefits to shareholders including:- Certain and immediate value for Cardinal shareholders - ability for shareholders to realise certain and immediate value at a significant premium to Cardinal's trading price on the ASX and TSX markets. By accepting the Shandong Gold Offer, subject to the Shandong Gold Offer going unconditional, Cardinal shareholders will receive cash consideration of A$0.60 for every Cardinal share they own- No financing condition - the Shandong Gold Offer is an all-cash offer which is not subject to any financing conditions- Avoids risks associated with mine development - the Shandong Gold Offer eliminates exposure to the risks inherent in any new mine development, including financing, operational and regulatory risksCardinal's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mr Archie Koimtsidis stated:"The Board of Directors of Cardinal has negotiated what we consider a strong offer for our shareholders and one which delivers a significant premium to Cardinal's market price, at a time of considerable volatility and uncertainty in global markets."This is an opportunity for shareholders to crystalize their investment in Cardinal at an attractive price, and I am pleased that Shandong Gold is committed to getting on with development of Namdini to establish the first long-life gold mine in the Upper East Region of Ghana, bringing many significant and long-lasting benefits to the local community and Ghana."The Cardinal Team is looking forward to working with Shandong Gold and its advisors to implement the transaction delivering a seamless transition as Shandong Gold embarks on the next steps towards this world class development."Shandong Gold Chairman, Mr Li Guohong commented:"We have tremendous respect for the Cardinal organization for the manner in which it has advance Namdini to its current development status. We are conscious of the strong working relationship Cardinal has developed with its local Ghanaian community over many years and how important the development of Namdini is to both the local community and to the country of Ghana. We look forward to continue to build on this close relationship for the benefit of all stakeholders of the Namdini Project."Shandong Gold is currently the largest gold producer in China, and also has substantial mining interests in Argentina. We have a strong track record in environment, social and corporate governance matters and in safe production, and we proudly received the "Outstanding ESG Management Reward" for Chinese Companies in 2019. We will build on our positive track record and reputation as we expand our business into Ghana with this agreed Cardinal transaction. This is a positive track record and reputation we plan to uphold, as we continue to expand our operations to additional overseas jurisdictions, including our expansion into Ghana with this agreed transaction with Cardinal."We look forward to working closely with stakeholders, the local communities and the Government of Ghana to deliver the Namdini Project that will create employment and deliver many significant benefits for the regional economy and Ghanaians for many years to come."Details of the Bid Implementation AgreementCardinal and Shandong Gold have agreed a Bid Implementation Agreement (attached as Appendix A) pursuant to which the parties have given undertakings to each other to facilitate the Transaction. The Shandong Gold Offer is subject to a limited number of conditions (full details of which are set out in Schedule 2 of the BIA), including:- 50.1% minimum acceptance by Cardinal shareholders;- Regulatory approvals, including Foreign Investment Review Board ("FIRB") approval and approvals of certain Chinese regulatory bodies described below;- No material adverse change in relation to Cardinal; and- Other conditions customary for a transaction of this nature.The Bid Implementation Agreement contains customary deal protection mechanisms including "no shop", "no talk", "no due diligence", "notification" and "matching rights" restrictions. Cardinal has agreed it will not solicit any competing proposal or participate in any discussions or negotiations in relation to any competing proposal unless, in the case of discussions or negotiations, failure to do so would be a breach of the fiduciary or statutory duties of the Cardinal Directors. Under certain circumstances, an agreed break fee or reverse break fee of $3.3 million will be payable.The Shandong Gold Offer will extend to any Cardinal Shares that are issued during the offer period as a result of the exercise of Cardinal options that exist at the time of the offer opening. However, Shandong Gold has also committed to make offers to holders of certain Cardinal options to acquire those options by way of private treaty, subject to obtaining necessary regulatory approvals.Regulatory ApprovalsShandong Gold will shortly submit its application to the Foreign Investment Review Board. It is anticipated that the FIRB approval process should be completed within the usual timeframe.The Shandong Gold Offer is also conditional upon Shandong Gold obtaining approval from the following regulatory bodies from the People's Republic of China:o the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China (or its relevant local branch);o the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (or its relevant local branch); ando the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the People's Republic of China (or its relevant local branch).Interim FinancingIn connection with the Transaction, Shandong Gold has agreed to provide Cardinal with interim funding of $11.96 million by subscribing for 26 million ordinary shares in Cardinal at an issue price of $0.46 per Share ("Placement").Completion of the Placement is subject to and conditional upon no competing proposal being received by Cardinal, which the Cardinal Board of Directors considers is superior to the Shandong Gold Offer within 14 days from entering into the BIA. Shareholder approval is not required for the Placement.The funds raised by the Placement will be used to ensure Cardinal may continue advancing the Namdini Project towards development and for working capital prior to closing of the Transaction.Timetable and Next StepsDetailed information relating to the Shandong Gold Offer will be set out in the Bidder's Statement and Target's Statement, which are expected to be dispatched to Cardinal shareholders on or about 21 July 2020.The Bidder's Statement and Target's Statement will set out important information, including how to accept the Shandong Gold Offer, information about Shandong Gold and the key reasons as to why Cardinal Shareholders should accept the Shandong Gold Offer.AdvisersCardinal's joint financial advisers are Maxit Capital LP, BMO Capital Markets, Hartleys Limited and Canaccord Genuity Corp. Cardinal's legal advisers are HopgoodGanim Lawyers (Australia) and Bennett Jones LLP (Canada).About Cardinal Resources Ltd Cardinal Resources Ltd (ASX:CDV) (TSE:CDV) (OTCMKTS:CRDNF) is a West African gold exploration and development Company that holds interests in tenements within Ghana, West Africa. The Company is focused on the development of the Namdini Project with a gold Ore Reserve of 5.1Moz (0.4 Moz Proved and 4.7 Moz Probable) and a soon to be completed Feasibility Study. Exploration programmes are also underway at the Company's Bolgatanga (Northern Ghana) and Subranum (Southern Ghana) Projects. Cardinal confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in its announcement of the Ore Reserve of 3 April 2019. All material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning this estimate continue to apply and have not materially changed. About Shandong Gold Mining Company Limited Shandong Gold is principally engaged in the exploration, mining, refining and sale of gold and non-ferrous metals. Shandong Gold is listed on the main board of both the Shanghai and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges. Shandong Gold had a market capitalisation of approximately US$14.5 billion as at 18 June 2020. In 2019, Shandong Gold produced mined gold of 1.273 million ounces and generated revenue of US$9.0 billion and EBITDA of US$771 million. As of 31 December 2019, Shandong Gold controlled total resources of 35.5 million ounces. Shandong Gold is 48% owned by Shandong Gold Group Co., Ltd ("Shandong Gold Group"), which is ultimately controlled by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of Shandong Province of China ("Shandong SASAC"). Britain's Justin Rose fired a seven-under par 63 Thursday to seize the early lead as the US PGA Tour ended a 91-day coronavirus shutdown and paid tribute to George Floyd. Rose, the 2013 US Open champion, birdied seven of his first 12 holes then closed with six pars to grab a one-stroke clubhouse lead over Venezuela's Jhonattan Vegas and Mexico's Abraham Ancer at the Charles Schwab Challenge. No spectators were allowed at Colonial, which featured increased safety measures such as social distancing and temperature taking in the wake of the deadly disease outbreak. World number one Rory McIlroy, second-ranked Jon Rahm and third-ranked Brooks Koepka were set to tee off in the feature afternoon group in Fort Worth, Texas. Spain's Rahm could overtake four-time major winner McIlroy for the top spot with a win if the Northern Ireland star finishes in a four-way tie for second or solo third or worse. The event observed a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. for George Floyd, whose killing by a white policeman in Minnesota sparked worldwide protests over racial and social injustice. The time, 8:46, represents the eight minutes and 46 seconds in which the policeman held a knee to the back of the handcuffed black man. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan stood in silence at the first tee while three short air horn blasts halted play across the course as well as work on the practice putting green and driving range. Prime scoring conditions greeted players with sunny skies and little to no wind. England's Rose, who turns 40 next month, began on the back nine and opened with a 25-foot birdie putt at 10, then added a birdie from eight feet at the 12th and followed by sinking an 18-footer for birdie at the par-3 13th. The reigning Olympic champion struck again at the par-3 16th, holing a 12-foot birdie putt, and then ran off three birdies in a row to begin his second nine -- making a four-foot putt at the par-5 first, a six-footer at the second and a 13-footer at the par-4 third. Vegas, another 10th tee starter, sank a 21-foot birdie putt at 12 and ran off four in a row starting with a six-foot birdie putt at 17 and an 18-footer at 18, followed by tap-in birdies at the first and second. The South American put his approach at the fifth three feet from the pin and made the birdie putt to pull within one of Rose, but missed the green and made bogey at the par-3 eighth before closing with a 21-foot birdie putt at the ninth. New Delhi: A day after Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be attending SAARC summit in Pakistan, a leading national daily on Wednesday reported that the summit, scheduled for November this year, will be cancelled. The Hindu quoted a senior diplomatic source in Kathmandu as saying. There is no question of holding the summit if four countries declare their unwillingness to participate. As the current SAARC Chair, Nepal has the responsibility of seeking a solution to such pre-summit disputes but under the current circumstances nothing much can be attempted. We will do the due formalities and will declare the summit of 2016 should be cancelled due to non-participation of member states, said a Kathmandu-based diplomatic source. We wish that a diplomatic breakthrough could be found with a possible change of venue but no one can guarantee success of such steps as four countries have already declared their inability to attend the summit without seeking an alternate venue, he said. Earlier, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan had also decided to cancel their participation after Indias decision not to be a part of the SAARC summit in Islamabad. ALSO: Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan join India in boycotting Islamabad SAARC summit Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan had said that they have not received and official communication in this regard and they got to know about the development through MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup's tweet. However, Pakistan has called India's decision to not to participate the SAARC summit is unfortunate. "Pak has noted from Indian Spokesperson's tweet on Indian announcement about their refusal to participate in SAARC summit being hosted by us." Pakistan MoFA had said in a statement on Tuesday. "We have not received any official communication in this regard, the Indian announcement is unfortunate: Pakistan MoFAPak remains committed to peace & regional coop'n. Will continue to work to that end in the larger interest of people of this region," it said. ALSO READ: PM Narendra Modi to skip SAARC summit in Islamabad, Pakistan calls it 'unfortunate' In the prevailing circumstances, the Government of India is unable to participate in the proposed Summit in Islamabad, MEA had said in a statement on Tuesday. The development comes amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri, that had left 18 Indian soldiers martyred earlier this month. "India conveyed to current SAARC Chair Nepal that increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in the region and growing interference in internal affairs of Member States by one country created environment thats not conducive to successful holding of summit in Islamabad, the statement added. India remains steadfast in commitment to regional cooperation, connectivity but believes that it can only go forward in atmosphere free of terror. It said. We also understand that some other SAARC Member States have also conveyed their reservation about attending Islamabad Summit in Nov '16, MEA said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. - The thieves were accused of shoplifting household items and hiding them in their long dresses at Bumala trading centre, Busia - The incident was confirmed by police officers in the region who said the quadruple was caught in the act at Plant Matt and Khetias' supermarkets - TUKO.co.ke earlier reported a similar incident where a Mexican ambassador who was caught on camera shoplifting resigned citing frail health Four women have been arrested for shoplifting household items from a supermarket in Busia county. The suspects were caught on camera stealing several items including soaps, cooking oil, sanitisers and tissue papers as they hid them in their long dresses at Bumala trading centre on Friday, June 19. READ ALSO: Coronavirus update: CAS Rashid Aman confirms 117 more cases of COVID-19 The thieves were captured on CCTV stealing household items and hiding them in their dresses. Photo: UGC. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Uhuru nominates Nancy Gathungu as auditor general 8 months after receiving candidates' names Unknown to them, they were on the security radar and were nabbed after their proverbial 40 days were over given they had gotten away with similar theft cases in other several supermarkets across Western and Nyanza regions, NTV reported. The four women were said to be causing sleepless nights to shop owners and attendants in Busia. Photo: Citizen TV. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Mahakama ya rufaa yabatilisha uamuzi kuhusu kesi ya kuchaguliwa kwa Mbunge Kibe The incident was confirmed by police officers in the region who said the quadruple was caught in the act at Plant Matt and Khetias' supermarkets. An eye witness said the women were operating in groups of twos or threes and were said to be causing sleepless nights to shop owners and attendants in the region. "They normally get into the supermarket in a twos or threes, one of them is usually responsible for checking the status of security within the building..then there are those who are tasked with collecting the items and those ones are always clad in long dresses or hijabs," the eye witness said. In October 2019, a Mexican ambassador was accused of attempting to steal a shirt from a duty-free shop at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires. Photo: Getty images. Source: Getty Images READ ALSO: Messy reception: Moses Wetangu'la's convoy teargassed in Bungoma The suspects were put in police custody after they were arrested following the unfortunate incident. TUKO.co.ke earlier reported of a Mexican Ambassador who was caught on camera shoplifting and who resigned citing frail health. Ricardo Valero was recalled earlier in December 2019 by Mexico's foreign ministry amid fallout from the October 26, 2019, incident. Do you have an inspirational story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Tuko news. I can never leave my wife for any other - Joseph Omondi | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke Ive been asking friends of mine, Is this the moment? Mr. Legree said. Im a foolish optimist by nature, but Im old and mature enough to know people have to figure out how to cooperate to get into the power base of this country. Later, shortly after 7 p.m., the musician Jon Batiste took to a brightly painted upright piano on the library steps and performed a jazzy rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Raising his left fist in the air, Mr. Batiste called Juneteenth the idea of us existing on our highest level and said it was only the beginning of a journey that were still on. After urging the crowd to vote and leading a chant of We are done dying, he returned to the piano to lead a singalong of Amazing Grace. Earlier in the day, a motorcade composed of dozens of vehicles, some scrawled with slogans like Black Lives Matter and Happy Juneteenth, had made its way from Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn across the East River to Manhattan. When the caravan reached City Hall, drivers of all races raised their fists and honked their horns at a crowd holding signs reading Stop Police Crimes and listening to Nina Simones voice over a loudspeaker. People are in the streets because people have had enough, said Iman Essiet, an organizer of the City Hall rally, just one of the nearly 100 events scheduled for Friday. This is absolutely the beginning. Press Release June 18, 2020 As MinDA prepares BP2 template communities, Bong Go stresses importance of providing economic opportunities to Filipinos who wish to relocate to provinces after COVID-19 crisis Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his support for the ongoing preparations of various local government units in Mindanao for the beneficiaries of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program. Go said that ensuring the availability of economic opportunities in local communities will boost regional development consistent with the long-term goals of the program that is set to be fully implemented after the COVID-19 crisis. "Layunin po ng programang ito na mabigyan ng bagong pag-asa ang mga Pilipino na may hinaharap silang maayos na kinabukasan pagkatapos ng krisis at tutulungan sila kung sakaling gusto nilang bumalik sa kanilang mga probinsya," Go explained. In order to successfully implement the BP2 program, Go said that it is important for national agencies to conduct proper coordination with LGUs in order to ensure that health protocols are in place and local communities will be capable of providing economic opportunities to their constituents. "Marami nang gustong umuwi pero walang pilitan po ito. Lalo na pagkatapos ng krisis na ito kung saan karamihan ay nawalan na nga ng trabaho, huwag sana ipagkait pa sa kanila ang pag-uwi sa sariling probinsya. Ibigay dapat ang tulong na kanilang kinakailangan upang makabangon muli," he added. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chair, Secretary Emmanuel Pinol, disclosed that the BP2 Council member agencies recently concluded a series of consultations with various LGU officials mayors in preparation for those who wish to relocate to the provinces. The government is establishing resettlement villages in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte; Sergio Osmena, Zamboanga del Norte; and Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte. Pinol hopes the three villages will serve as a template for future communities once the BP2 program is fully implemented. Each community will be composed of 200 families from Metro Manila. They will also undertake a common production activity: organic broiler chicken and vegetables production (in Kauswagan); high-value vegetables and free-range chicken (Sergio Osmena); and tree farming with cacao and coffee intercrop and free-range chicken production (Kalawit). "There are still hundreds of hectares of agricultural lands and unlimited water resources that can be utilized for livelihood in the provinces. Agriculture and food security play a big role in regional development," said Sen. Go in a previous statement. In an interview, Pinol clarified that the BP2 Program Council's decision to postpone subsequent rollouts of the program will give the concerned local governments more time to prepare. The Kauswagan village, he continued, is expected to open in early September of this year. The BP2 program has almost 90,000 enrollees as of June 17, 2020. The BP2 Program Council is currently doing necessary ground preparations for subsequent roll outs, such as close coordination with the receiving local government units to give them more time to prepare for the arrival of BP2 beneficiaries who expressed willingness to relocate to their provinces for good, according to National Housing Authority General Manager and BP2 Program Executive Director Marcelino Escalada, Jr. In the meantime, the government is prioritizing various "Hatid Tulong" initiatives for locally stranded individuals. "Habang nilalabanan natin ang COVID-19, ihanda na rin natin ang mga probinsya para sa mga nais nang lumipat upang mabigyan ang mga Pilipino ng mas maayos na buhay pagkatapos malampasan ang krisis na ito," he said. Go also mentioned that government synergy will be a key factor in helping Filipinos recover from the crisis. He said that the success of BP2 Program will also depend on the widespread and active participation of key government agencies in boosting economic opportunities in the provinces. Senator Go proposed the BP2 upon realizing that congestion in Metro Manila has been a perennial roadblock for development and is one of the key factors in the very high number of COVID-19 infection cases. "Dahil sa dikit-dikit na mga bahay, pagkumpol kumpol ng mga tao, mas madaling kumalat ang sakit sa Metro Manila. Halos 70% ng mga kaso ng mga impeksyon at mga namatay dahil sa COVID-19 ay nasa Metro Manila," he said. "Nakikita naman natin ang naging masamang epekto at hirap dulot ng sobrang pagsikip ng mga tao at pamamahay, katulad sa Metro Manila. Masyadong maraming tao sa Kamaynilaan, dikit dikit ang mga bahay, lumalala ang trapiko, dumarami ang iskwater at walang maayos na tirahan. Mababa ang quality of life. Mas mabilis kumakalat ang sakit, at mas nahihirapan ang national government at ang mga local government units na alagaan ang lahat ng apektado ng krisis na kinakaharap natin," explained the Senator. The BP2 Program Council created under Executive Order 114, issued by President Rodrigo Duterte, institutionalizing the program, is presently crafting policies that will accelerate countryside socio-economic development. The EO came after Go authored Senate Resolution No. 380 which was adopted by the Senate during its plenary session on May 4, urging the executive department to formulate and implement the BP2 program. According to the EO, the BP2 Program will bring "balanced regional development and equitable distribution of wealth, resources, and opportunities through policies and programs that boost countryside development and inclusive growth." The program will also provide adequate social services to its people, promote employment, and focus on key areas, such as empowerment of local industries, food security, and infrastructure development in rural areas. In the long-run, the inter-agency council expects that more secondary economic growth hubs will be created in the provinces. This includes the establishment of special economic zones, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao. Economic planners also agree that there is a need to revisit how government provides incentives to investors to encourage them to invest in the countryside. "Kami po ni Pangulong Duterte ay probinsyano rin. Taga-Davao po kami. Doon po kami lumaki, at tulad ng ibang mga probinsyano, doon rin namin nais bumalik pagkatapos ng aming pagseserbisyo sa bayan," Go shared. "As PRRD said, starting fresh in the provinces would give Filipinos HOPE for a better future after COVID-19 crisis. Sa pagbabalik sa probinsya, mabibigyan sila ng bagong pag-asa," he added. E ducation leaders have hit out at a "poorly targeted" billion-pound fund from the Government to help children whose studies have been affected by school closures under lockdown. Most of the fund will be given evenly to state primary and secondary schools for children of all backgrounds, while the most disadvantaged students will get the remaining 350 million to pay for private tutors. But education sector leaders slammed the decision not to give any money to nurseries or colleges, whose students are most in need of support, they say. David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said it was indefensible to overlook the needs of the 700,000 students in tens of thousands of colleges across the country. Boris Johnson at a school visit on Friday / PA He added: "They deserve as much support to overcome the challenges thrown up by Covid-19 as every other age group, including their peers in schools. "I expect their exclusion from this announcement to be followed rapidly by clarification on the funding and support for college students. "We are in contact with the Department for Education and hope to have this rectified as soon as possible. Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of National Day Nurseries Association, has accused the Government of failing young children who are most in need of support in their early development. She went on: The Government must now show that it takes a childs early learning seriously and invest urgently to support young children and ensure nurseries are sustainable to support families before its too late. David Laws, executive chair of the Education Policy Institute think tank, said the plan was "poorly targeted". Referring to children in nurseries and college students, the former Liberal Democrat minister added: These phases are crucially important yet they have suffered from persistent funding neglect over a sustained period of time. Children in a London primary school / PA The news comes as Mr Johnson said he wanted all students to be back in schools full-time in autumn. He told reporters during a school visit in Hertfordshire: I want a world in which, as far as possible, provided we can make classrooms safe, and I think we can, I want every child, every pupil, every student, back in September. Im sure we can get it done." Mr Johnson also hinted that the two-metre social distancing rule could be cut, saying: "watch this space". But sector and union leaders said they had been left without enough information to prepare for children to return to school full-time. A child waiting outside a primary school in London / Reuters Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said there was an information black hole from the Government. Mr Barton added that head teachers are now preparing for two possible ways of managing schools in the autumn using rotas to stagger the return of pupils or bringing students back full-time. Meanwhile Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said: The Prime Ministers hopes are not enough. If the requirements of social distancing in order to stop a second peak are reduced even to 1m, then most schools could not have 30 children in a classroom, he added. Mumbai, June 19 : The hashtag #WeWantDilBecharaOnBigScreen kept trending on Twitter on Friday, with fans of late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput demanding that his last movie be released in theatres and not taken directly to OTT. This demand by the late actor's fans comes at a time when a lot of producers are taking the OTT route to release their movies owing to theatres being shut. Demanding a theatrical release for Sushant's last film "Dil Bechara", a fan tagged the film's director Mukesh Chhabra and tweeted: "#WeWantDilBecharaOnBigScreen. As this is last movie of our late Actor @itsSSR. it's heartfelt request not to release it on OTT platform. @CastingChhabra Sir we want it on the Big Screen." "Sushant will always be remembered... missing very badly..and yes #WeWantDilBecharaOnBigScreen," reads another fan's tweet. At the same time, netizens are demanding for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the late actor's untimely death as they tweet using the hashtag #CBIEnquiryForSushant. "He was full of life... He won't commit suicide.. Surely it's a planned murder #CBIEnquiryForSushant #WeWantDilBecharaOnBigScreen," tweeted another user. "Dil Bechara" was originally slated to hit theatres in May this year. However, the film could not release on time as theatres have been shut following the government's instructions amid the COVID 19 lockdown. Meanwhile, Sushant Singh Rajput passed away on June 14. Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text A large statue has been unveiled in Latvias capital to honour healthcare workers battling the coronavirus pandemic on the front lines. The 20-ft monument of a person wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and a stethoscope around their neck was revealed in Riga earlier this week. The statue looks up towards the sky with outstretched arms. The figure of a female medical worker in a white coat, face mask and gloves was unveiled outside the Latvian National Art Museum in the capital on Tuesday, according to the Arts Academy of Latvia. Sculptor Aigars Bikse, one of their professors, created the art work. The statue is dedicated to medics in Latvia and around the world, praising their selfless courage and care during the Covid-19 outbreak, the European League of Institutes of the Arts said. The three-month long lockdown period and fear for their lives has made the people change their perspective towards doctors, nurses and other medical staff, Mr Bikse said, according to a Latvian broadcaster. Many just now for the first time in their lives realised the vital importance of medical staff, he said, LSM.lv reported. People across the world have found ways to celebrate healthcare workers during the pandemic, with some countries applauding key workers from their doorsteps or balconies during lockdowns. A weekly clap for carers took place in the UK to honour those working on the frontline of the Covid-19 outbreak. People in other countries including France, Spain and Italy have also clapped and cheered from their homes to show appreciation for key workers. Sculptor Aigars Bikse speaks to the media next to his six-meter tall statue devoted to medics for their work during the coronavirus disease outbreak in Riga (REUTERS/Ints Kalnins) Similar scenes have taken place in Istanbul, with boats crossing the Bosphurus blowing their horns to join in. Around 1,100 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Latvia where the statue honouring healthcare workers was erected as of Friday, according to a Reuters global count. Meanwhile, 30 deaths have been recorded to date, figures show. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweets condolences and keeps families in remembrance as 20 Indian soldiers are killed in action and 18 others hospitalised after confrontation with China on June 15. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Friday extended condolences to people of India for the lives lost as a result of the confrontation with China at the Galwan Valley area in eastern Ladakh. We extend our deepest condolences to the people of India for the lives lost as a result of the recent confrontation with China. We will remember the soldiers families, loved ones, and communities as they grieve, Michael Pompeo tweeted. A total of 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, had lost their lives in a violent face-off that happened in the Galwan Valley, as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to unilaterally change the status quo during de-escalation in eastern Ladakh. As of Thursday afternoon, eighteen soldiers are currently at the Indian Armys hospital in Leh, they will be out on duty in about 15 days. No one is in a critical condition as of now, all are stable, said Indian Army sources. We extend our deepest condolences to the people of India for the lives lost as a result of the recent confrontation with China. We will remember the soldiers' families, loved ones, and communities as they grieve. Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) June 19, 2020 Read also: Nepal president gives nod to controversial bill on new map Read also: Turkeys Volkan Bozkir chosen as 75th president of UN General Assembly No one critical as of now, all are stable. 18 soldiers are at our hospital in Leh, they will be out on duty in about 15 days. 58 soldiers are at other hospitals they should be back on duty within a week. Status as of today afternoon, said Indian Army sources. Read also: US congratulates India on winning UNSC seat, looks forward to build diplomatic links For all the latest World News, download NewsX App Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) London, United Kingdom Fri, June 19, 2020 16:18 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406601b68b 2 World #UK,#racism,church,religion,Racism,Bank-of-England,slavery Free Two of the UK's biggest institutions -- the Church of England and the Bank of England -- apologized Thursday for their historic links to slavery with the church calling it "a source of shame". The apologies, reported by the Telegraph newspaper, come after analysis of figures compiled by University College London (UCL) found that individual members of both institutions profited from slavery. The UCL research found that nearly 100 clergymen and six governors plus four directors of the bank benefitted from slavery, reported the Telegraph. In response, a Church of England spokesman told the newspaper: "While we recognize the leading role clergy and active members of the Church of England played in securing the abolition of slavery, it is a source of shame that others within the church actively perpetrated slavery and profited from it." A Bank of England spokesman said: "As an institution, the Bank was never itself directly involved in the slave trade, but is aware of some inexcusable connections involving former governors and directors and apologizes for them." The bank added it would remove any images on display of former executives who were involved with the slave trade. The global explosion of the Black Lives Matter demonstrations, following the killing in the US of African-American George Floyd, has led to a reassessment in the UK of its central role in the slave trade. Recent demonstrations in the southwestern city of Bristol saw the toppling of a memorial to the slave trader Edward Colston. On Wednesday it was announced that Oxford University's Oriel College had voted to take down a statue of colonialist Cecil Rhodes. There has also been a backlash against attacks on statues with some demonstrators protecting memorials in parts of the country. The UCL research is reportedly focusing on logging details of up to 47,000 people involved in the slave trade who received compensation totaling 20 million pounds -- worth more than two billion pounds today -- when slavery was abolished by the UK in 1833. Chinese President Xi Jinping chairs the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 and delivers a keynote speech at the summit in Beijing, capital of China, June 17, 2020.(Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) "Hold a true friend with both hands." By cherishing their friendship as is called upon by the Nigerian proverb, China and Africa will surely win the anti-pandemic battle soon, and further deepen their friendship in the future. NAIROBI, June 18 (Xinhua) -- In face of the deadly coronavirus that has been raging across the world for months, China and Africa have been supporting and helping each other all the time as real good friends. And the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 on Wednesday, chaired by Chinese President Xi Jinping and attended by many African leaders and heads of international bodies, added to such a friendship, marking another concrete step towards building a closer China-Africa community with a shared future. Over the past few months, China and Africa have been sticking together through thick and thin. At the height of China's battle against the disease, Africa kept expressing solidarity with its Asian friend, sending urgently needed medical supplies as well as warm-hearted messages. In return, when Africa was struck by the virus, China was the first to rush to its aid and has since stood firm with the African people. The second batch of medical aids offered by Chinese government is pictured at Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, April 20, 2020. (Photo by Eddy Peters/Xinhua) So far, China has sent to more than 50 African countries and the African Union (AU) their much-needed supplies, dispatched medical experts to over 10 African countries, and shared its anti-epidemic experience with medical workers across the continent via video conferences. According to a communique issued on Saturday by the AU, China has ensured the supply of 30 million testing kits, 10,000 ventilators and 80 million masks each month for Africa, a "significant contribution" to Africa's response to the pandemic. Many Chinese enterprises and civil organizations have also been actively assisting the continent's fight against the virus. Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation, for example, have donated three batches of essential medical supplies, including 10.6 million masks and 800 ventilators. A staff member unloads Chinese medical supplies from an airplane at the Kotota International Airport in Accra, capital of Ghana, April 6, 2020.(Xinhua/Xu Zheng) At Wednesday's summit, China and Africa made new commitments, not only agreeing to extend each other more support and seek closer cooperation amid the pandemic, but also pledging to back the role of the World Health Organization in coordinating global anti-pandemic response and stay committed to upholding multilateralism. As Xi said during the summit, China will continue to do whatever it can to support Africa's response by "providing supplies, sending expert teams, and facilitating Africa's procurement of medical supplies in China," and ensuring African countries will be among the first to benefit once the development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccine is completed in China. China also voiced support for Africa on economic reopening and people's livelihood, promising to cancel the debt of relevant African countries in the form of interest-free government loans that are due to mature by the end of 2020, to work with the global community to give greater support to those hardest-hit African countries under heavy financial stress, and to support Africa's efforts to develop the African Continental Free Trade Area, enhance connectivity and strengthen industrial and supply chains. Staff unload donations from Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation at the Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, March 28, 2020.(Photo by Eddy Peters/Xinhua) For Africa's part, its leaders attending the summit reaffirmed their aspiration to consolidate Africa-China friendship and build a community with a shared future for mankind. Noting that "Sino-African solidarity and better multilateral cooperation is key to winning the battle against this pandemic," South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called on both sides to continue to strengthen the bonds and take collective action to secure the future of humanity. Cavince Adhere, a Kenyan international relations researcher with a focus on China-Africa relations, said China's commitments at the summit have helped breathe new life into Africa's struggle with the pandemic. Humphrey Moshi, professor of economics at the University of Dar es Salaam and director of the Center for Chinese Studies, said the summit is a continuation of China-Africa friendship and economic cooperation. Members of a Chinese medical team pose for a photo upon their arrival at the airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 16, 2020.(Xinhua/Wang Shoubao) Viruses respect no borders. Nor is race or nationality relevant in the face of a pandemic. Just as Xi said at the summit, solidarity and cooperation is "the most powerful weapon" against COVID-19. And this is exactly what China and Africa have been doing -- joining hands and fostering greater synergy to fight the disease. "Hold a true friend with both hands." By cherishing their friendship as is called upon by the Nigerian proverb, China and Africa will surely win the anti-pandemic battle soon, and further deepen their friendship in the future. Click here to read the full article. The coronavirus has disrupted how people shop. But it didnt prevent Sophia Chang and Romy Samuel from launching their female-focused e-commerce project Common Ace. The online marketplace, which launched May 15, aggregates sneakers to one place and gives women a chance to shop with variety. Common Ace is about accessibility, offering options and going to one place instead of on an unnecessary treasure hunt. Its 2020, the process should be easier, Chang said. Samuel admitted they debated launching during the COVID-19 crisis, but ultimately decided bringing a new idea to a marketplace in need of change was the right thing to do. I truly believe there isnt a better time to start new projects. The world needs to see women and people in general doing new things regardless of the circumstances, to constantly be inspired, Samuel said. Below, Chang and Samuel discuss the importance of female leadership in the footwear industry and name some of the women who they find inspirational. More from Footwear News Footwear News: Who is Common Ace for and who does it cater to? Romy Samuel: Common Ace is for us. Its for us and its by us. Its for every female across the board, whether youre a 12-year-old girl living in the Czech Republic and you love your sneakers or youre a mom living in Australia that has four kids and wants to buy some new sneakers to go to the gym in. Its for literally everybody, for every female across the board for her to know that this is the one-stop shop that she can go to online and feel that shes going to get exactly what she needs when she needs it. Why was it critical to forge ahead with this new project given the economic uncertainty created by the coronavirus crisis? Sophia Chang: Weve both been keeping it under wraps, not telling anyone about it, and the support that weve received ever since going live and making the announcement has been just insane from people within our industry, people who are strictly fans. The support is just immense. The entire planet is going through what theyre going through as far as COVID and struggling with whatever is in front of them and I think its a good time to launch because its hope, its refreshing, its a breath of fresh air, its something that we all needed for a long time. I think it develops this positivity for people within the community. And were really excited to be able to kick off the fundraising process as far as potentially talking to venture capitalists to see what support we can get. We see the potential. We know the potential. Story continues Did you have to adjust your launch plan due to COVID-19? RS: Not really. It was really just straight up, lets get it live and get the message out there. There wasnt really anything really changed about it. I mean, we pushed it out a little bit, maybe a few weeks date-wise, just so it didnt time with all the madness that was occurring around March and April. SC: And as soon as COVID hit, we were like, What should we do? Should we still launch? And of course, we decided to launch, but we wanted to really focus our energy into polishing the test to start and also just marketing in terms of developing stronger brand awareness. And then we were like, Lets buckle down and lets figure out what those two avenues really take. The website was very, very close to finished already, thats why it was really easy for us to be like, Lets do the finishing touches, lets go live.' Why is it vital for the sneaker marketplace to have a platform for women, by women? RS: It goes back to the original message of why it so important that there is female leadership in the industry right now. A site like this is going to create a space and a home for women online to know that we are in tune and we are in alignment with what the female market wants and understands. And women are going to resonate with that message. I think its important more than ever that ever that businesses these days really represent who is behind them as well. Its important for our audience, our customers, our users to know that this is Sophia and Romy standing behind this with our heart and that we truly believe we are in alignment with what our audience deserves and wants in a product. Who are some of the women who inspire you? SC: Theres just theres a lot. I think its really important, first and foremost, to pay homage to a lot of women who actually have been working in the streetwear and sneaker scene for a very long time behind the scenes like Beth Gibbs kids from Union. April Walker, I feel like she might be the first woman [in streetwear] thats always a fun argument to have, or discussion, about who was the first woman to really be a prominent person in the streetwear space because for me, sneakers and streetwear go hand-in-hand. I have a hard time separating the two. As far as designers, Im a huge fan of Johanna Schneider, who worked on Stone Island and Acronym and was working with Nike for a bit of time shes done some some sneakers, but definitely very involved on the NikeLab side and training product. For me, aside from the talent itself, its also what the gesture and the projects represent: Vashtie being the first woman to ever work on a Jordan and seeing the work that Aleali [May] is doing now and Melody Ehsani is really exciting and Jazerai [Allen-Lord] with Reebok. RS: Obviously the names that Sophia mentioned are definitely inspiring from within our industry and our community but Ill just have to say, and I know this sounds really cheesy, but my inspiration always stems from my grandmother who raised nine children in a very intense time in history. I just look at her and I think, God, if she can do that, I can do anything. Thats really where my heart lies when I think of females as a major strength and inspiration. Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. (Newser) One of the police officers in Louisville, Ky., involved in the shooting death of Breonna Taylor is getting the boot from his job. The Courier Journal reports that termination proceedings have begun against Brett Hankison, one of three cops to fire into the 26-year-old EMT's apartment on March 13 while executing a no-knock warrant in a narcotics probe. Per WLKY, a letter from interim Police Chief Robert Schroeder says Hankison breached two routine operating procedures: use of deadly force, as well as obedience to rules and regulations. "These are extreme violations to our policies," Schroeder writes. "I find your conduct a shock to the conscience. I am alarmed and stunned you used deadly force in this fashion." story continues below Among the things that shocked Schroeder, per his letter, is that Hankison fired 10 rounds into a patio door and window for Taylor's apartment, both of which were covered, which means Hankison wouldn't have been able to see if there was an immediate threat or innocent bystanders on the other side. Sadiqa Reynolds, the president and CEO of the Louisville Urban League, calls Hankison's firing a "long overdue step." An attorney for Taylor's family, meanwhile, had a more succinct take. "It's about damn time," he said, per the AP. "Let's hope that this is a start to some good, strong criminal proceedings." The two other officers involved in the shooting, Myles Cosgrove and Jonathan Mattingly, are currently on administrative reassignment. None of the three has been charged with a crime. (Read more Breonna Taylor stories.) Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on June 18 that Japan is in talks to make exceptions to its entry ban on Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam, as it seeks to ease travel restrictions imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19. Speaking at a meeting of the Government task force on COVID-19 response, Abe said foreign travelers from these four countries will be allowed into Japan on condition they submit negative results from a PCR test and an itinerary detailing where they plan to visit during their stay. Abe said the four countries were chosen because they have the coronavirus under control, and that the exceptions will be extended to other countries later on. He also highlighted the need to resume international travel, partially and gradually, in order to put the economy on a recovery track. Japan currently has an entry ban in place for more than 100 countries, including the US, much of Asia including China and the Republic of Korea, and the whole of Europe. Barring special circumstances, foreign travelers who have been to these areas within 14 days before arriving in Japan are being turned away./.VNA "We wanted to demonstrate our appreciation for those who have put their personal well-being on the line for the good of others," said Matt Wal The COVID-19 testing strategy was expanded with the launch of a rapid antigen-based diagnostic tool in Delhi A single-day jump of 12,881 COVID-19 cases took India's tally to 3,66,946 on Thursday, while the toll climbed to 12,237 with 334 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data. From 1 to 18 June, the country saw a surge of 1,76,411 coronavirus cases with Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh remaining among the top ten states accounting for the rising tally of COVID-19. The number of active cases as on Thursday stands at 1,60,384, while 1,94,324 people have recovered and one patient has migrated, according to the updated figure at 8 am. However, on Thursday, the testing strategy was expanded with the launch of a rapid antigen-based diagnostic tool in Delhi, amid an assertion by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the country is not going to "sit and wail" over the coronavirus crisis. Union Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan also launched the first mobile laboratory for coronavirus diagnosis which can be deployed in rural areas and help in promoting last-mile testing. Antigen-based testing begins Meanwhile, the Delhi government Thursday started rapid antigen-based testing in 169 centres in and around containment zones of the city. A total of 341 teams are involved in the testing process, an official said. According to PTI, the new rapid antigen-based test on swabbed nasal samples will allow infected patients to be diagnosed much faster, at lower rates and without laboratory examination. It will help cover a large population in a short span of time and with quick results authorities can modify their strategies accordingly, the news agency said. According to Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy, the Centre plans to conduct six lakh rapid antigen tests at these 169 facilities. "Two important things happened today. COVID-19 testing rates in Delhi have been reduced to Rs 2,400 and rapid-antigen testing has started. I hope people won't face any problem in getting themselves tested now," tweeted Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. - 1. 2400 2. 15 Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 18, 2020 A healthcare worker at one of the testing centres said that each testing kit costs Rs 450 and can provide results within 30 minutes as compared to RT-PCR test that takes three to four hours in laboratory conditions. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), suspected individuals who test negative for COVID-19 by rapid-antigen test should undergo RT-PCR test to rule out the infection while positive test results should be considered as true positive and do not need reconfirmation by RT-PCR test. Vardhan said the first mobile lab for COVID-19 testing also called I-Lab or Infectious Diseases Diagnostics Lab, can run 50 RT-PCR and about 200 ELISA tests in a day(both blood-based tests). A double set of machines can help increase the capacity to about 500 tests per day in 8-hour shift, he said. State-wise cases and deaths Of the 334 new deaths reported till Thursday morning, 114 were in Maharashtra, 67 in Delhi, 48 in Tamil Nadu, 27 in Gujarat, 18 in Uttar Pradesh, 12 in Harynana, 11 in West Bengal, eight in Karnataka, six each in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh, five in Rajasthan, three in Bihar, two each in Jammu and Kashmir and Andhra Pradesh. Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Puducherry, Telangana and Uttarakhand reported one COVID-19 fatality each. Of the total 12,237 deaths reported so far, Maharashtra accounted for the highest 5,651 fatalities followed by Delhi with 1,904 deaths, Gujarat with 1,560, Tamil Nadu with 576, West Bengal with 506, Madhya Pradesh with 482, Uttar Pradesh with 435, Rajasthan with 313 and Telangana with 192 deaths. The COVID-19 death toll reached 130 in Haryana, 102 in Karnataka, 90 in Andhra Pradesh, 78 in Punjab, 65 in Jammu and Kashmir, 44 in Bihar, 26 in Uttarakhand, 20 in Kerala and 11 in Odisha. Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have registered 10 deaths each, while Assam and Himachal Pradesh have recorded 8 deaths each. Puducherry has reported 7 deaths, Chandigarh 6 while Meghalaya, Tripura and Ladakh have reported 1 fatality each, according to the Health Ministry. Maharashtra has reported maximum number of cases at 1,16,752 followed by Tamil Nadu at 50,193, Delhi at 47,102, Gujarat at 25,093, Uttar Pradesh at 14,598, Rajasthan at 13,542 and West Bengal at 12,300, according to the health ministry's data. The number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 11,244 in Madhya Pradesh, 8,832 in Haryana, 7,734 in Karnataka, 7,071 in Andhra Pradesh and 6,942 in Bihar. It has risen to 5,675 in Telangana, 5,406 in Jammu and Kashmir, 4,605 in Assam and 4,338 in Odisha. Punjab has reported 3,497 novel coronavirus cases so far, while Kerala has 2,697 cases. A total of 2,023 people have been infected by the virus in Uttarakhand, 1,895 in Jharkhand, 1,864 in Chhattisgarh, 1,135 in Tripura, 687 in Ladakh, 656 in Goa, 569 in Himachal Pradesh and 552 in Manipur. Chandigarh has registered 368 COVID-19 cases, Puducherry has 245 cases, Nagaland has 193, Mizoram has 121, Arunachal Pradesh has 99, Sikkim has 70, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu together have reported 57 COVID-19 cases. Meghalaya and Andaman and Nicobar Islands have registered 44 infections each so far. Indian economy to contract by 4 percent in 2021-22: ADB In the meantime, the Asian Development Bank said in a supplement to its the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) that the Indian economy is expected to contract by 4 percent during the current financial year. Countries in developing Asia will "barely grow" in 2020, as per the ADB forecast. China, however, is expected to record a positive growth of 1.8 percent in 2020, sharply down from 6.1 percent in 2019, said the ADO. "Growth in Indian GDP slowed to 3.1 percent in the last quarter of fiscal year 2019 (FY2019, ended 31 March 2020), its slowest since early 2003. Economic growth slowed to 4.2 percent in the whole of FY2019 as both exports and investment started to contract," the report said. "High-frequency indicators such as purchasing managers' indexes fell to all-time lows in April, reflecting the bleak outlook. Migrant workers have gone home to their villages after losing their jobs in the cities and will be slow to return even after containment measures are relaxed. GDP is expected to contract by 4.0 percent in FY2020 before rebounding by 5.0 percent in FY2021," it added. Global picture Europe grappled with local spikes in coronavirus infections as the continent's lockdown restrictions eased, after hundreds of cases were found at one meatpacking plant in Germany, and Greece had to impose a total seven-day lockdown on one village. The developments came even as a new outbreak in Beijing saw a decline in daily cases and Hong Kong Disneyland reopened after a major drop in infections. In western Germany, health officials in Guetersloh on Wednesday said the number of new COVID-19 cases linked to the Toennies slaughterhouse in Rheda-Wiedenbrueck had risen to 657, a significant regional spike for a country that has recorded daily nationwide infections in the low hundreds lately. In neighbouring Turkey, authorities made wearing masks mandatory in three major cities, including the financial hub of Istanbul and the capital of Ankara, following an increase in confirmed cases since many businesses were allowed to reopen. The United States, meanwhile, has been increasing pressure on China's leaders to reveal what they know about the pandemic. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stressed the need for full transparency and information sharing to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and prevent future outbreaks, the US State Department said about his meeting with the Communist Party's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi. With inputs from agencies As India distances itself from China following the clash in Ladakh between soldiers of the two countries, the Centre is keen to have another go at negotiating the India-US free trade agreement, Business Standard has learnt. This, officials say, can lead to an effective trading bloc against the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. The same officials, in the finance and commerce ministries, say the government is being realistic, and because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the upcoming US presidential election in November, the business end of the negotiations will ... With quarantine for travellers to destinations outside these islands officially in place until next summer, many holidaymakers are looking at staying within the UK and Ireland this year. The five nations are opening up to tourism but all at different speeds. This is the picture right now. How soon can I take a domestic holiday? Immediately. The Northern Ireland executive permitted holiday and caravan parks, camping sites and self-catering properties to open in late June, while from 3 July, visitor attractions in Northern Ireland have been able to reopen, along with pubs (with table service only), restaurants, hotels, hostels and B&Bs. But spa facilities at hotels will remain closed. Tourism also restarted in England on 4 July. Many hotels opened on that Saturday, including the Macdonald group. In north Cornwall, the St Moritz Hotel & Spa reopened all the hotel rooms, self-catering apartments and villas with all operations in line with, or surpassing, all expected government requirements. Attractions also started opening on 4 July, including Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Alton Towers though the latter says: Tickets will need to be pre-booked in advance before visiting. When will Wales be open for visitors? Travellers from the rest of the UK have been permitted to enter Wales again from 6 July, while travelling within the country is also allowed again. 8 best hikes in the UK Show all 8 1 /8 8 best hikes in the UK 8 best hikes in the UK Ben Macdui, Cairngorms National Park Swap busy Ben Nevis for the scarcely-smaller Ben Macdui, Scotlands second highest peak at 4,295ft, and scale CairnGorm which ranks sixth for good measure. Twelve miles long and likely to take eight to nine hours, a rollercoaster of a hike bagging both begins from the Cairngorm Ski Centre car park. Youll shadow a run down Cairn Gorm, cross heathery moors and flank the small Coire an Lochain water (walkhighlands.co.uk). Getty Images/iStockphoto 8 best hikes in the UK Sandwood Bay Loop, Sutherland One of Britains great beaches, Sandwood Bays wind-blasted white sand is inaccessible by road; you must walk a four-mile track from Blairmore in remotest northwestern Scotland past small lochs. Its lagoon, supposedly-haunted bothy, crashing waves and spindly sea stack look even better from above. So zigzag up the southern cliff before taking the faint coast path and then crossing bumpy, boggy peat moorland back to the main track (ramblers.org.uk). Getty/iStock 8 best hikes in the UK Bochlwyd Horseshoe, Snowdonia Snowdon is Wales most famous bluff, but nearby Tryfan is more eye-catching thanks to a shark-fin shape. It forms part of the Bochlwyd Horseshoe, which involves much scrambling over scree fields and due to some wispy ridges a head for heights. Veteran hikers are rewarded with scintillating, panoramic Snowdonia vistas and photo-ops on the overhanging Cantilever stone. The slow-going route is only eight miles, but will feel longer (mudandroutes.com). Getty/iStock 8 best hikes in the UK Scafell Pike via Corridor Route, Lake District The ways up Englands highest mountain vary in popularity. Leaving the Lakeland hordes to follow an easy path from Wasdale, use instead the Corridor Route to steeply approach Scafell Pikes quieter north side. After attaining its boulder-strewn, 3,209ft summit, loop back to start-point Seathwaite via burly Broad Crag. Almost ten miles long, this tough circular promises riversides, ravines, a waterfall and four Hewitts hills over 2,000 feet (mudandroutes.com). Getty Images for PCA 8 best hikes in the UK Slieve Binnian Trail, County Down A challenging circular through Northern Irelands Mourne Mountains which starts off gently before plunging up alongside the attractive Mourne Wall: an early 20th-century dry-stone dyke built to separate cattle from a reservoir below. Though some scrambling is required to reach Slieve Binnians 2,449-foot crest, its views to the Isle of Man on clear days easily merit the effort, as does a diverse descent past the Blue Lough and Annalong Wood (walkni.com). Getty Images/iStockphoto 8 best hikes in the UK Byrness to Kirk Yetholm, Northumberland, Scottish Borders It can take 16 days to complete the 268-mile Pennine Way, but if you only have one to spare then combine the last (and usually least-crowded, due to a lack of accommodation) two stages for a real wilderness walk. Traversing the wild Cheviot Hills and hugging the Scottish border, its a lonely 27-mile trudge characterised by bog-hopping boardwalks and slab paths (nationaltrail.co.uk/pennine-way). Getty Images/iStockphoto 8 best hikes in the UK The Broomway, Essex Its only six miles long, yet the Broomway is reckoned to have killed 100 people. From Great Wakering, it heads straight out to sea at low tide, eventually reaching the marshy island of Foulness. Why so perilous? Because the path is mostly unmarked, the tide returns faster than humans can and there is a lot of quicksand on the route. But in good weather, and traversed safely, this can be one of the most bracing beach walks Britain has on offer (broomway.org.uk). Getty 8 best hikes in the UK Yorkshire Three Peaks What do Pen y Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough have in common? Well, theyre Yorkshires highest mountains, they each offer fine views and all three are surmountable during a gruelling 24-mile trek. Along with over 5,000 feet worth of ascent, youre promised the Ribblehead viaduct, picturesque Dales High Way sections and, of interest to geologists, distinct limestone-gritstone overlaps. Begin and end at Horton in Ribblesdale, where pubs are happily on standby (threepeakschallenge.uk). Getty Images/iStockphoto Holiday cottages, static caravans and hotels organised on a self-contained basis are open for bookings from 13 July onwards. When can I holiday in Scotland? The country is allowing self-contained accommodation for use by a single family to open, as well as caravan parks without shared facilities (or where those facilities will be closed). In terms of other tourist services, it will be the last part of the UK to open, which is hoped to be on 15 July though Fergus Ewing, the cabinet secretary for rural economy and tourism, calls it an indicative date from which we hope the sector can begin to operate. He said: This cannot be definitive. The science and health advice must be in the right place. The virus must have been suppressed, the test and protect system must be used effectively, and our route map must be on course. Will the islands be open? Some residents of Scotlands western and northern isles hope not. Donald Macsween, who runs crofting tours on the Isle of Lewis, wrote in The Scotsman: I think it would be madness to accept visitors into the islands, which could potentially undo the work of the lockdown. Anyone seen to be risking the lives of their friends and neighbours, for their own short-term financial gain, would have to live with the consequences. But Visit Outer Hebrides called the 15 July date welcome news for us. Jonathan Hinkles, chief executive of Loganair, Scotlands airline, said: We will be flying, as we have been, right the way through. By September, the vast majority of our routes will be flying again. When can tourists stay in Ireland? Unlike the UK, very early on in the Covid-19 crisis the republic set out a detailed road map explaining that tourism was expected to resume on 20 July, with the offshore islands opening only on 10 August. But the government in Dublin allowed hotels and restaurants in Ireland to open even sooner than previously planned, on 29 June. What about the Channel Islands? Tourists have been able to return to Jersey from Friday 3 July, after senators on the Channel Island voted to open its borders to unrestricted travel. But visitors face a rigorous procedure in order to enjoy the island, which is currently believed to have no active cases of coronavirus. Arriving travellers will have to register their travel plans in advance, with the Jersey government warning: Anyone who fails to pre-register can expect to face significant delays when arriving in the Island. On arrival, the visitor will expected to produce proof of a negative test for coronavirus, taken within the past 72 hours of arriving in Jersey. Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Show all 20 1 /20 Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Edinburgh Festival Fringe Edinburgh Festival Fringe David Monteith Hodge Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Giant's Causeway Giant's Causeway Stuart Stevenson photography/Ge Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Stonehenge Stonehenge William Toti/500px Lonely Planet's UK Travelist British Museum British Museum Chaokai Shen/500px Lonely Planet's UK Travelist St Paul's Cathedral St Paul's Cathedral Mark Chilvers/Lonely Planet Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Borough Market Borough Market Circle Creative Studio/Shutters Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Hadrian's Wall Hadrian's Wall Dave Head/Shutterstock Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Lake Windermere Lake Windermere Daniel_Kay/Shutterstock Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Yorkshire Dales Yorkshire Dales ravellight/Shutterstock Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Glencoe Glencoe Helen Hotson/Shutterstock Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Punting in Cambridge Punting in Cambridge Premier Photo/Shutterstock Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Bath Bath alice-photo/Shutterstock Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Tate Modern Tate Modern chrisdorney/Shutterstock Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Stratford-upon-Avon Stratford-upon-Avon Royal Shakespeare Theatre River Festival Lonely Planet's UK Travelist The Scilly Isles The Scilly Isles Julian Love/Lonely Planet Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Glastonbury Glastonbury Jason Bryant Lonely Planet's UK Travelist South Bank South Bank Tony C French/Getty Images Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Michael Roberts/Getty Images Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Pub roast Pub roast Diana Miller/Getty Images Lonely Planet's UK Travelist Arthur's Seat Arthur's Seat Martin McCarthy/Getty Images The alternative is to be swab-tested at the airport or harbour. In this case the incoming traveller will be expected to limit the time spent away from your accommodation, limit social contact and, where possible, avoid public transport and indoor gatherings. If the test result is negative, the arriving traveller will be texted with the result and can continue as normal, providing they follow public health advice. In the event of a positive test, the islands contact tracing team will insist on 14 days of self-isolation at a government-run location, and trace recent contacts. Those travelling to Guernsey are still subject to a mandatory two-week quarantine. And the Isle of Man? Flights from Heathrow to the island in the Irish Sea continue, and the first flight for months from London City airport departed on Sunday 21 June to the Isle of Man. But the islands state of emergency was renewed on 16 June and will continue in force until 15 July 2020 at the earliest. Anyone arriving must be in possession of a letter of exemption issued by the government chief secretary, which tourists are unlikely to have. Non-exempt travellers will be refused entry and will be required to return to their point of origin at their own expense, says the government. In a stunning reversal, the US Navy said Friday it would not reinstate the captain of a coronavirus-stricken aircraft carrier, saying he was in part to blame for the severity of the crisis on the warship. Admiral Michael Gilday, chief of naval operations, said Captain Brett Crozier, who was fired as captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt in April, was guilty of 'questionable judgment' in handling an outbreak of COVID-19 aboard the nuclear-powered ship in March. Gilday likewise faulted Rear Admiral Stuart Baker, Crozier's direct supervisor as the carrier's strike group commander, for poor leadership. 'It is my belief that both Admiral Baker and Captain Crozier fell well short of what we expect of those in command,' Gilday said at a Pentagon press conference. 'In reviewing both Admiral Baker's and Captain Crozier's actions, they did not do enough, soon enough, to fulfill their primary obligation' to keep the ship's 5,000 crew members safe, he added. Capt. Brett Crozier, then-commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, addresses the crew on January 17, 2020, in San Diego. In a stunning reversal, the Navy has upheld the firing of Crozier, the aircraft carrier captain who urged faster action to protect his crew from a coronavirus outbreak, according to a U.S. official The Navy found fault with both Captain Brett Crozier (left) and his commander Rear Admiral Stuart Baker (right) over their handling of a coronavirus outbreak on the Roosevelt Admiral Michael Gilday (above), chief of naval operations, said Crozier was guilty of 'questionable judgment' in handling an outbreak of COVID-19 on the USS Roosevelt The controversy exploded in April after Crozier sent a letter to Navy leaders asking that most of the crew be taken ashore, which was subsequently leaked to the press. After a two-month investigation, the Navy decided that Crozier would not return to the Roosevelt and not be eligible to captain another ship. Baker's expected promotion meanwhile has been placed on hold, pending further review. Based on the findings, Crozier and Baker would be able to remain in the Navy and move on to other jobs at their current rank, but the admonishments are likely career-enders for both men. The spread of the coronavirus aboard the carrier while on deployment in the Pacific in March exploded into one of the biggest military leadership crises of recent years. More than 1,000 members of the crew eventually became infected, and one sailor died. The ship was sidelined for weeks at Guam but recently returned to duty. The decision by Adm. Mike Gilday, the chief of naval operations, to hold both Crozier Baker, accountable is a confirmation of concerns expressed by top Pentagon officials who demanded a deeper investigation last month when the initial probe recommended Crozier's reinstatement as the ship's captain. The investigation, done by Adm. Robert Burke and endorsed Friday by Gilday, defends the abrupt turnaround on Crozier, saying that the more detailed probe uncovered poor decisions he made that failed to stem the outbreak or properly communicate the escalating crisis to senior commanders. It also concludes that the ship's slow response to the virus was not just his fault, and that Baker also failed to take decisive actions to address the problem. Gilday's recommendations cap a drama that has engulfed the Navy for nearly three months, sidelining the carrier for 10 weeks in Guam, and setting off a dramatic series of events that led to Croziers dismissal, the abrupt resignation of the acting Navy secretary who fired him, and the push for a broader review of the Pacific fleet's top commanders and how they handled the virus outbreak. Crozier's firing upset the carrier's crew, and he received an ovation as he walked off the ship in April. Capt. Brett Crozier, then commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), gives remarks during an all-hands call on the ship's flight deck Dec. 15, 201 Sailors on the USS Theodore Roosevelt applaud for Captain Brett Crozier, after he was relieved of his command of the Theodore Roosevelt in April Crozier is seen leaving the Roosevelt in April after being relieved of command In this March 18, 2020, photo provided by the U.S. Navy, an F/A-18F Super Hornet launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in the western North Pacific Ocean. The ship was sidelined in Guam for months The recommendations reflect concerns expressed by Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite who told a Senate committee in early May that the service was in 'rough waters' and suffering from leadership failures. Braithwaite, who the official said endorsed Gildays report, pledged to the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing that he would restore a culture of good order and discipline to the service. In late April, after a preliminary review, Gilday recommended that Crozier be returned to command the Roosevelt. But Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, pressed for a delay and a wider investigation of the coronavirus crisis on the ship, suggesting the need for deeper scrutiny of actions and decisions by senior admirals in the Pacific, a region critical to America's national security interests. The COVID-19 outbreak on the Roosevelt was the most extensive and concentrated spread of the virus across the U.S. military. It eventually sent all of the 4,800 crew members ashore for weeks of quarantine, in a systematic progression that kept enough sailors on the ship to keep it secure and running. More broadly, it put out of commission a massive warship vital to the Navys mission of countering Chinas power in the Asia-Pacific region. When the coronavirus outbreak was discovered on the Roosevelt, Crozier sent an email to several commanders pleading for more urgent Navy action, including the removal of nearly all sailors from the ship to protect their health. That email was leaked to media, and the acting Navy secretary at the time, Thomas Modly, accused Crozier of bad judgment and directed that he be relieved of command April 2. The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) departs Apra Harbor following an extended visit to Guam in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic Days later, amid an uproar of his handling of the matter, Modly resigned and was replaced by James McPherson. Braithwaites nomination to be secretary was still pending at the time. He took over earlier this month after he was confirmed by the Senate. In the report Friday, Gilday concluded that Crozier did not intentionally leak the email. The Roosevelt, meanwhile, spent weeks in port in Guam, as crew members rotated ashore for quarantine and isolation at the military base and in hotels around the island. After about two weeks of training at sea, the carrier returned to operations at sea with a reduced crew on June 4. Sailors have continued to fly back to the ship from Guam after they have recovered from the virus or completed two-weeks of quarantine. On Thursday, two of the ships aviators ejected from their F/A-18 fighter jet while conducting a training flight and were rescued in the Philippine Sea and found to be in good condition. The incident is under investigation and it's not clear whether the crews long layoff in Guam or rapid return to sea played any role in the crash. The Roosevelt's experience with the virus, however, spurred the development of widespread cleaning and health precautions across the military. And it also gave federal health authorities a population of sailors to test, providing greater insight into the science and the spread of the virus. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth.com, reports travelers are insuring more domestic trips than international trips. How COVID-19 Has Impacted Domestic Travel Squaremouth.com reveals a 90% decrease in international travelers throughout the remainder of this year, compared to only a 5% decrease in the number of domestic travelers. Domestic trips now comprise 57% of all insured travel throughout 2020, compared to just 12.3% in 2019. In response to this major shift in traveler behavior, Squaremouth.com shares three tips for buying travel insurance for domestic trips. Don't Pay For More Medical Coverage Most US health insurance providers can cover emergency medical expenses for travelers remaining in the US, but require a deductible to be paid upfront. Rather than shelling this out, it can be more affordable for travelers to buy a travel insurance policy with minimal medical benefits - just enough to cover their deductible. Cancellation Coverage Can Protect Trip Investments As travel returns, it is unlikely suppliers will continue to offer widespread refunds. With travelers spending 54% more on domestic trips this year, a cancellation style travel insurance policy can provide coverage to cancel a trip, protecting this expensive investment. Cancel for Any Reason Covers COVID-19 Concerns If travelers have concerns that can't be covered by a standard policy, such as travel restrictions or fear of traveling due to COVID-19, they should consider Cancel for Any Reason coverage. This upgrade allows travelers to cancel their trip 2-3 days prior to departure for any reason and provides a 75% refund of their insured trip cost. In response to evolving traveler behavior and concerns, Squaremouth launched "USA Only", with their proprietary brand, Tin Leg. Designed to be an affordable option for US travelers, the product includes domestic cancellation coverage with minimal medical benefits. Methodology: Data is based on travel insurance policies purchased through Squaremouth.com after March 13, 2020, for travel through December 31, 2020. Statistics reflect year-over-year changes unless otherwise noted. TRAVEL INSURANCE INFORMATION FOR COVID-19 The Traveler's Guide to Travel Insurance for COVID-19 was created to inform travelers about their insurance options during the coronavirus pandemic. The Coronavirus Pandemic Current Event Center includes answers to frequently asked questions and providers' position statements. These resources are updated daily as the situation evolves. ABOUT SQUAREMOUTH SQUAREMOUTH compares travel insurance policies from every major travel insurance provider in the United States. Using Squaremouth's comparison engine and third-party customer reviews, travelers can research and compare travel insurance policies side-by-side . More information can be found at www.squaremouth.com . Available Topic Expert: Kasara Barto [email protected] SOURCE Squaremouth Related Links http://www.squaremouth.com President Donald Trumps new CEO of the US Agency for Global Media on Wednesday fired the heads of at least three of its outlets who collectively oversaw its Middle East and Iran coverage. The move sparked immediate condemnation from key Democrats despite their previous bipartisan support for expanding the powers of the CEO position. US Agency for Global Media CEO Michael Pack, a conservative filmmaker, fired Middle East Broadcasting Network chief Alberto Fernandez and Radio Liberty/Radio Free Europe chief Jamie Fly, who also oversaw Radio Farda, the agencys Persian-language programming. Pack also ousted Radio Free Asia chief Bay Fang. Pack, who is under investigation for allegedly misusing funds at his nonprofit, assumed the office this month after the Senate confirmed him in a 53-38 party-line vote. Why it matters: The top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Bob Menendez, D-N.J., said Pack is on a political mission to destroy the agency's "independence and undermine its historic role. House Foreign Affairs Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., also warned Pack against the firings, expressing fear that the agency's "role as an unbiased news organization is in jeopardy under his leadership and adding that the agency is not the Ministry of Information. The law requires that our international broadcasting be independent, unbiased and targeted toward audiences around the world, Engel said in a statement. Nonetheless, Engel had supported former Chairman Ed Royce in the California Republican's successful bipartisan bid to reform the agency, which abolished what was formerly known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors and concentrated power within the hands of the CEO. Royce and other lawmakers were particularly concerned by what they viewed as a pro-Iran bias within the agencys Persian-language news programming, which most recently fell under Flys purview under the name Radio Farda. More broadly, lawmakers argued that taxpayer-funded news media should advance US foreign policy interests. In 2016, President Barack Obama signed the reforms into law. Whats next: Using his newly expanded powers as US Agency for Global Media CEO, Pack could have a lot more discretion when it comes to shaping news coverage from the Middle East Broadcasting Network and Radio Farda. It remains to be seen whom he will choose to replace Fernandez and Fly. Know more: Read Congressional Correspondent Bryant Harris deep dive into lawmakers' concerns with the agencys Iran coverage part of the reason Congress reformed the agency and expanded the CEOs powers. The world started celebrating International Yoga Day on June 21 in 2015. The same year, then Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda and then WHO Director General Margaret Chan inaugurated a photo-exhibition on Yoga on the sidelines of 68th World Health Assembly, at Geneva. It was named Yoga for All, Yoga for Health. Speaking at the occasion, Nadda had expressed gratitude on the adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly that declared June 21 as World Yoga Day. He said that the countries should encourage their citizens to practice Yoga. The exhibition of photographs by art historian Benoy K Behl was also held at Indian embassies across 20 countries all through the month of June to observe International Yoga Day. It comprised 64 photographs of the finest practitioners of yoga, taken across India, Vietnam and the US. The places where exhibition took place were Shanghai, Geneva, Reunion Island France, Sao Paulo, Athens, Bishkek, Beijing, Rabat, Port of Spain, Prague, Copenhagen, Birmingham UK, Zanzibar, Amman, Seychelles, Phnom Penh, Sri Lanka, The Hague, Armenia and Georgia. Apart from photos, a documentary, shot across India, Germany and the US, on Yoga was screened. It featured interviews with leading Yoga teachers like the late B K S Iyengar and doctors, scientists and sociologists. Like every year, it is not possible this time to celebrate International Yoga Day by practising Yoga in large open spaces due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year, the Ministry of AYUSH has organised an international video blogging contest, My Life, My Yoga. The announcement regarding the contest was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his latest radio programme Mann ki Baat. Those who want to participate in the video blogging contest can send their entries by June 21. Participants are required to upload a three minute video of three Yogic practices - kriya, asana, pranayama, bandha or mudra - including a short video message on how the Yogic practices have influenced their lives. People can share their video on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or the MyGov platform with the contest hashtag #MyLifeMyYogaINDIA and appropriate category hashtag. Indian participants can also win prizes up to Rs 1 lakh. The AYUSH Ministry through tweets is also urging people to share pictures of practising Yoga as per the Common Yoga Protocol on June 21 with the "#IdoYogaatHome" on social media. The theme for this years Yoga Day is Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family. Tata Motors Ltd is quoting at Rs 102.9, up 6.8% on the day as on 12:54 IST on the NSE. The stock is down 35.38% in last one year as compared to a 13.78% slide in NIFTY and a 16.44% slide in the Nifty Auto index. Tata Motors Ltd is up for a third straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 102.9, up 6.8% on the day as on 12:54 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 1.09% on the day, quoting at 10201.35. The Sensex is at 34567, up 1.05%. Tata Motors Ltd has gained around 23.31% in last one month. Meanwhile, Nifty Auto index of which Tata Motors Ltd is a constituent, has gained around 18.77% in last one month and is currently quoting at 6535.9, up 1.83% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 922.69 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 869.43 lakh shares in last one month. The benchmark June futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 102.75, up 6.59% on the day. Tata Motors Ltd is down 35.38% in last one year as compared to a 13.78% slide in NIFTY and a 16.44% slide in the Nifty Auto index. The PE of the stock is 0 based on TTM earnings ending March 20. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, BROOKLYN Debbie McClain worried her friend James A. Been's 100th birthday would be overshadowed by Juneteenth celebrations in a city stricken by the coronavirus pandemic and a reckoning over its policing policies. But then she realized the life of her friend a Black veteran who survived World War II, the Spanish Flu, a Great Depression and COVID-19 was a Juneteenth celebration in of itself. "He's our hero," McClain said. "When I say 'hero,' I mean New York, I mean Bedford-Stuyvesant." Been celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends and more than a few surprise well-wishers outside his lifelong Bed-Stuy home. They greeted him with gifts, a proclamation from Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, cake, balloons, visits from young relatives and honks from passing cars. A handout called him "A True World War II Black Soldier." It wasn't just a celebration of Been's life it was history coming together in one person and place. "I'm just shocked," Been said. "Sometimes I can't believe it." James A. Been sits in front a cake, one of several gifts he received on his birthday. (Matt Troutman/Patch) Been was born 55 years to the day the last slaves in Texas learned they were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation. He was raised in Bed-Stuy. In fact, he has lived in the same Halsey Street house on a block between Marcy and Tompkins avenues for nearly his entire life. From his steps and windows, he watched the neighborhood change around him. Been recalls horse and buggies clip-clopping past, then trolley cars he could ride for 5 cents. The school across the street used to be a field. Neighbors slaughtered cows down the street. And, for a time, Been's family was the only Black family on the block. He was the only Black student in PS 93. "The whole area was white," he said. That changed as Been grew up. Bed-Stuy became a beacon of Black culture an evolution Been witnessed firsthand, said his friend Eric Lemon. Lemon, who owns Brownstone Jazz on Macon Street and is McClain's partner, often visits Been to talk about the neighborhood's bygone days. Sometimes, as on Friday, they chat about Been's service in World War II. Story continues Been was drafted in 1942 and served as a radio operator in the 93rd Infantry Division, Headquarters Company 369th Infantry Regiment an all-Black regiment known as the Harlem Hell Fighters. He shipped out to the Pacific under famed General Douglas MacArthur, sailing by boat from San Francisco, to Hawaii and, finally, to Guadalcanal. "You went day and night, day and night until you got there," Been said. A friend of James Been holds a program for his 100th birthday celebration on Friday. (Matt Troutman/Patch) Been flew instead of sailed back, and transportation remained part of his life. He first drove electric trolleys in New York City and then the gasoline-powered buses which are now being transitioned back to electric. He stayed in Bed-Stuy with his wife of 70 years, becoming what his friend and neighbor Rose Harris called a "fixture." Harris calls him "Mr. Been" and has known him since she was in her mother's womb. "If we didn't have this pandemic he would probably be running the streets right now," she said. Harris, McClain and others organized the celebration for Been. Bed-Stuy couldn't let Been become a centenarian without notice, they thought. All day Friday, Been greeted visitors in his home and outside. Three enormous balloons spelling out "100" helped draw honks from passing cars. Several neighbors walked up and passed along birthday greetings. "I don't know y'all but I wanted to wish him a happy birthday," one said, as he cut through the crowd gathered around Been. "I know him I've lived in this neighborhood for years," said one onlooker. "I didn't know he turned 100." A MTA bus driver honked his respects. Been beamed. "He was a bus driver too," someone shouted at the bus. James Caldwell, president of the 77th Precinct Community Council, presented Been with Jeffries' proclamation recognizing Been's achievements and life through the "evolution and transformation of his beloved community." Then sirens blared. NYPD officers rolled up. But no one was scared. Officers from the 79th Precinct greeted Been warmly and wished him happy birthday. They joined the long line of people seeking photos. James Been poses for a photo with NYPD officers who showed up at his 100th birthday celebration to show their respects. (Matt Troutman/Patch) To Peter Duncanson, Been is "Cousin James." Duncanson and his father Humphrey Duncanson are part of five generations of family who visited Been on Friday. They visit him, listen to stories about the neighborhood in the past or Been's days driving trolleys, then buses, after World War II. Peter Duncanson stood under the shade of a tree and thought about his distant Cousin James' life, and what it meant for a Black man to turn 100 on Juneteenth. Maybe something in the universe orchestrated it, Duncanson said. "One hundred years someone who lived through Jim Crow, the Depression and the Spanish Flu," he said. "And now he sees the neighborhood changing and being gentrified." "There are those who still see the history here," he said, looking at Been's door. "I think that's what's significant about the whole thing. I'm honored to have family in the neighborhood that's so representative of all that history." James Been and several generations of his family members gathered for Been's 100th birthday. (Matt Troutman/Patch) This article originally appeared on the Bed-Stuy Patch A group of puppet artists from Rajasthan and several students visiting South Africa on a sea diving training were among 247 passengers on an Air India flight that left for New Delhi from here on Wednesday evening. Follow live updates on the COVID-19 pandemic here The flight was the part of Indias Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate its citizens stuck abroad amid the COVID-19 lockdown. There was an infant too on board. "Most of these Indian citizens were the ones who could not be accommodated on the outbound South African Airways (SAA) flight which went to Delhi and Mumbai recently to bring back South Africans stranded there," said Indias Consul General in Johannesburg Anju Ranjan. "The criteria used to select passengers included compelling reasons such as medical conditions, pregnant women, the elderly and people whose tourist visas had expired," Ranjan said. The Rajasthani group of five puppetry experts had been participating in a workshop when the lockdown was imposed in India and got stuck here. "We were able to get them onto the flight, thanks to a sponsorship from Satguru Travel," Ranjan said. The majority of passengers were from the economic hub of Johannesburg and neighbouring cities, besides some others from Durban and Cape Town. Among those from Durban were Indian staffers of an MSC cruise ship and some traders from India. "The traders had come here to participate in local India fairs held regularly in the city," Consul General in Durban Anish Rajan told PTI. "Some returned on the earlier SAA flight, but others who had stayed on in the hope of the Fairs being revived have now also gone back as these events are not allowed under the COVID-19 lockdown regulations in South Africa," Rajan said. Ashish Sharma from Satguru Travels' Johannesburg office, which was the special booking agent for this Vande Bharat flight, said about 100 passengers would disembark in Delhi and others in Mumbai. All passengers will undergo quarantine in these cities before heading to their respective home towns. The United States' former top trade negotiator excoriated the current administration on Thursday for having "no policy" on China and for pursuing a trade deal with Beijing that undermined long-standing efforts by past administrations to challenge its state-run economic model. The Trump administration's approach to China has been characterised by inconsistent messaging by top US officials, who are themselves contradicted by the president himself, said Charlene Barshefsky, who served as the US trade representative for four years during Bill Clinton's administration. "What that tells me is that the US has no policy with respect to China," said Barshefsky, who oversaw China's accession into the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2001. "It may have personal predilection, there may be individual pronouncements made by people in the administration, but that's not a policy." Barshefsky was speaking at a webinar event hosted by the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Her remarks came as a damning portrayal of US President Donald Trump's approach to dealing with his Chinese counterpart emerged on Wednesday, included in the upcoming book by John Bolton, a former national security adviser to the president. An excerpt published by The Wall Street Journal painted a picture of an administration whose public hawkishness toward Beijing jars drastically with Trump's private attempts to curry favour with Chinese President Xi Jinping, casting aside concerns over human rights in order to preserve a trade deal he sees as instrumental to his re-election chances. Under that deal, signed in January, Beijing committed to increasing Chinese purchases of US goods and services to US$200 billion above 2017 levels over a two-year period. Barshefsky on Thursday called the numbers "fantastical," adding that the coronavirus pandemic had made them "somewhat more fantastical". Story continues Speaking this week on Capitol Hill, the current US trade representative, Robert Lighthizer, said China was "on track" to fulfil its commitments, telling lawmakers that "the indicators now that we have are that they are going to meet them". That assessment jarred with recent analysis by the Peterson Institute for International Economics, which found that China's purchases to date were significantly below the prorated target. As of April, China's total imports of products covered by the agreement stood at US$26 billion although the year-to-date target is US$57.6 billion, according to the report. Even if China manages to meet the targets, the US trade deficit with the country " a singular focus for Trump " would not be erased by the managed purchases, Barshefsky said: "Trade flows and the complexity of global trade is such that micro decisions will not affect the macroeconomic outcomes." Targets and numbers aside, Barshefsky criticised the purchase-focused trade deal for its tacit approval of China's state managed economy, noting that it was state-owned enterprises, and "not the mom-and-pop shop", that were buying up the goods. "When we demand that these purchases be made, what we're saying to China is: 'Use your state enterprises, dictate to them what they have to buy, make sure they buy it'," she said. "This is exactly what the US has fought against " not just with respect to China but with respect to Europe and many other countries " for the last 40 years." As the top trade official during the Clinton administration, Barshefsky oversaw China's admission to the WTO in 2001. The country's place at the table is a recurring grievance for the Trump administration, which believes that its economic and trade policies have escaped necessary scrutiny under the WTO system and that it should no longer be considered a "developing country". US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer speaks at a Senate Finance Committee hearing in Washington on Wednesday. Photo: EPA-EFE alt=US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer speaks at a Senate Finance Committee hearing in Washington on Wednesday. Photo: EPA-EFE Lighthizer told lawmakers at Wednesday's hearing that the organisation had "failed America and failed the international trading system," and said the next head of the trade body should understand that "an extremely large state-run economy cannot be disciplined under the current WTO rules". The current director, Roberto Azevedo, unexpectedly announced last month that he would be stepping down at the end of August, a year into his two-year tenure. Defending the decision to bring China into the WTO, Barshefsky said on Thursday that the Clinton administration sought to build on the reforms set in motion by Deng Xiaoping and "mould" them in such a way as to become "more compatible with Western economic norms". "As China's reform became more robust, the US " and we in the Clinton administration " attempted to capture that, to expand it, to deepen it, to broaden it," she said. But China's reform and opening began to sputter in 2007 and had stopped altogether under Xi's governance, said Barshefsky, who acknowledged that the US had failed to hold China to its commitments to the rules-based world trade order. "We were, I think, inexcusably lax as a country through many administrations in enforcement of the WTO deal." 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. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota announced late on Thursday that she was withdrawing from consideration to be the running mate of Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket. Ms Klobuchar, who mounted her own campaign for the presidency before dropping out and becoming one of Mr Bidens most spirited surrogates, said during an MSNBC interview that she called Mr Biden on Wednesday night and told him he should choose a woman of colour to be his running mate. Ms Klobuchar, a moderate and veteran of the Senate like Mr Biden, was known to have a strong rapport with the presumptive Democratic nominee and was an early favourite of a significant number of his donors and supporters. But her case for being Mr Bidens running mate was badly damaged after the Memorial Day killing of George Floyd in the custody of Minneapolis police officers. The death, which has prompted weeks of demonstrations and protests against police violence across the country, led to renewed scrutiny of Ms Klobuchars career as a local prosecutor in Minneapolis. After what Ive seen in my state and what Ive seen across the country, this is a historic moment and America must seize on this moment, she said. I truly believe, as I told the vice president last night, that this is a moment to put a woman of colour on that ticket. In a Twitter post late on Thursday, Mr Biden praised Ms Klobuchar and described her as a key ally in the contest to beat Donald Trump in November. Mr Biden committed to naming a woman as his vice-presidential pick during a debate with senator Bernie Sanders on 15 March. His teams search committee has contacted roughly a dozen women, and eight or nine are being vetted more intensively, according to people familiar with the process. Senator Kamala Harris of California, who also ran against Mr Biden and is the only black woman in the Senate, is widely regarded as a strong candidate for the vice-presidential slot. Several other black women are being vetted by Mr Bidens search committee, including two whose prospects have risen as the national debate over racial justice amplifies calls for him to select a woman of colour: representative Val Demings of Florida and mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta. Mr Biden is also considering Susan Rice, the former national security adviser under Barack Obama, the people familiar with the process have said. Ms Klobuchar was still being vetted until her Wednesday night phone call to Mr Biden, according to a person familiar with Mr Bidens selection process. But in conversations earlier this week, Ms Klobuchar suggested to friends that she recognised that her own history made it difficult for Mr Biden to select her, given the widespread Black Lives Matter protests. As the district attorney in Hennepin County, which encompasses Minneapolis, Ms Klobuchar developed a tough-on-crime reputation 20 years ago that is a difficult fit with modern Democratic Party politics. Although she has rebutted criticism that she failed to prosecute police misconduct, her record was scrutinised during the presidential campaign and would quite likely have become a major headache for Mr Bidens campaign had he selected her as the running mate. Klobuchar says she believes its the right time for a non-white woman to be put on Bidens Democratic ticket (Getty) One person she spoke with on Monday said Ms Klobuchar relayed then that she understood she would not be selected and said she cited the scrutiny of her record as a prosecutor. A Klobuchar spokeswoman disputed the recollection of the call. Ms Klobuchars declaration that Mr Biden should choose a woman of colour created something of an awkward political dynamic for senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, another former presidential rival who is being considered by Mr Biden as a possible running mate. Ms Warren is the most prominent and formidable white candidate in the running, and she is far along in the vetting process. Other white candidates under consideration include senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and governor Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island. Asked by MSNBC host Lawrence ODonnell if her past record as a prosecutor would have made it difficult for her to function as Mr Bidens running mate, Ms Klobuchar said it was not a factor in her decision. I think I could have functioned fine, she said. Theres a lot of untruths out there about my record, and now is not the time to debate them. New York Times Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media file These days, the most common description of how people are feeling is overwhelmed. There is so much uncertainty, so much fear and pain, so much anxiety and anger. 2020 has been a year of upheaval. A pandemic threatened our very lives, causing us to take shelter in our homes, to keep apart from our families and friends, and to wear masks that obscure our identities and emotions. The economy crashed, and levels of poverty and unemployment have reached crisis proportions. And again, racism came to stare us full in the face. Our leaders were revealed to be inept at best - cynical and uncaring at worst. Our democratic way of life is threatened, leaving us to wonder if the principles upon which our country was founded will be trampled by avarice and leaders who seem bent on holding unto power. Only at such a time as this, we are asked, does faith matter? How so, I wondered? Our community represents different theological perspectives. The image we hold of the divine is unique to our traditions. We use different language. Our rituals are not the same. The Company has now donated 125,000 lbs. of food and 20,000 liters of sanitizing products to help over 150,000 vulnerable people TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS, June 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dinant manufacturer of the leading brands of YUMMIES snacks and ZIXX soaps in central America has undertaken a second round of donating food and sanitizing products to local communities and public authorities to ensure that they continue to have access to essential supplies during the COVID19 pandemic. Company spokesman, Roger Pineda, said, To date, Dinant has donated more than 125,000 pounds of food, 20,000 liters of disinfectants, and 36,000 units of soaps, benefiting over 150,000 vulnerable people. Many of our 7,200 staff come from these communities, so we have to do all we can to help those vulnerable families with food products while enabling them to keep their homes clean and safe. The company which was founded in Honduras 60 years ago and operates throughout central America and the Dominican Republic has also supported government institutions, public health centers and local fire departments by providing free food and sanitizing products to help those on the front line to keep safe and able to continue working in their important roles. And not just in Honduras. Dinant has donated 6,700 liters of cooking oil, 10,000 pounds of margarine, 7,200 Issima Soups, 200 gallons of bleach and 18,000 units of soap to the Government of El Salvador to support over 20,000 Salvadoran families who struggle to gain access to these products. Dinant together with Cargill Bogota and the Honduran Food Bank have contributed a combined 24,750 pounds of food to families living on the edges of San Pedro Sula that have been part of those most affected by the global crisis. Mr. Pineda continued, As Dinant is an agro-industrial company that manufactures products considered essential for peoples needs, the Honduran Authorities have permitted us to keep our facilities operating at 100%, ensuring that these crucial supplies get to those that need them most. Furthermore, by keeping our 7,200 staff in full employment, we can continue to purchase raw materials from many thousands of local suppliers, partially mitigating the economic crisis associated with the COVID pandemic. We are committed to supporting our local economies in these difficult times. Story continues About Corporacion Dinant Dinant is a family-owned consumer products manufacturer founded in Honduras in 1960. Its products are sold across Central America and the Dominican Republic. For 60 years, Dinant has been leading efforts in Honduras to implement and update protocols that keep its staff and customers safe. Dinant has retained many internationally-renowned certifications such as ISO 14001, ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001, and the SQF Safe Quality Food Program that rewards a culture of safe quality and encourages responsible manufacturing and agricultural processes. Dinant directly employs 7,200 people who in turn support approximately 22,000 family members as well as many thousands of contractors, vendors and suppliers who depend on Dinant. The company pays considerable local and national taxes, generates many millions of U.S. Dollars in exports for the Honduran economy, and contributes significantly to the economies of all regions and countries in which it operates. This material is distributed by Tricuro LLC on behalf of Corporacion Dinant. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C. Attachment Roger Pineda Pinel Corporacion Dinant +504 2239-8271 roger.pineda@dinant.com All amusement parks and carnivals around Texas are allowed to reopen today as part of Gov. Greg Abbotts phased reopening of the state economy, while hospitalizations for COVID-19 increase and the number of deaths climbs. Abbott is allowing those parks to reopen at 50 percent of maximum occupancy, even in hard-hit areas of the state. Six Flags of Texas in Arlington and Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio are among those that opened their gates today, but only to members and pass holders. On Monday, both of those parks open to everyone. We've implemented new safety measures and hygiene protocols, including new technology systems to protect our guests and employees, Six Flags Over Texas says on its website. All guests over the age of two and all employees are also required to wear masks. The Six Flags parks and Schlitterbahn water parks in New Braunfels and Galveston, which are also open, are also requiring people to make reservations beforehand to control park crowds. Abbott said earlier this week that there is no need to scale back reopening plans as cases of the coronavirus increase. On Thursday, Texas reported 2,947 lab-confirmed COVID-19 hospitalizations. Hospitalizations have nearly doubled since Memorial Day when Texas reported 1,511 hospitalizations. The state also has reported a surge in deaths. Over the last 7 days, Texas is averaging 26 deaths per day. During the previous 7 days, Texas averaged 22 deaths per day. REOPENING TEXAS: Gov. Abbott responds to alarm as Texas hospitals swell with coronavirus patients Abbott has consistently pointed out that Texas has had far fewer deaths from COVID-19 than other big states such as New York and California. While Texas now has 2,126 deaths from the virus, New York has had 24,661 die from it. "The increased occupancy of hospital beds, it does raise concerns but as shown today there's no reason to be alarmed, Abbott said on Tuesday. Texas still has plenty of hospital bed capacity Abbott said. He said the state has made tremendous gains since March and is better able to handle increased caseloads. He points to the state having more testing and more equipment for doctors and nurses on the front lines. Texas has also seen a surge in reported cases of the virus. On Thursday night, Texas had its third-largest single-day increase for new cases since the virus first appeared in Texas, according to data research by Hearst Newspapers. Texas had 3,345 new cases over 24 hours. Abbott has attributed the increase in cases to increased testing capacity. Over the last 7 days, Texas has averaged 28,774 tests per day. Last Friday that average was 23,863 per day. Abbott phased reopening plan allowed amusement parks and carnivals in counties with less than 1,000 COVID-19 cases to open on June 3. Todays move allows those facilities in counties with over 1,000 cases to reopen. There has been a significant drop in both in-patient and out-patient footfall for private hospital chains Over 7.5 million people have been infected by COVID-19 globally. In India, the number of cases have risen exponentially from 470 in March to over 2.9 lakhs, within a span of three months. Despite the implementation of lockdown measures including travel bans in India and worldwide, there have been over 4 lakh deaths and an increasing number of cases, especially when lockdown measures are being relaxed in varying capacities across countries. Impact on healthcare companies in India While public policy measures have been implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19, the measures have resulted in significant operational disruption for many companies including those in the Indian healthcare industry. Staff quarantine, supply-chain failures, and sudden reductions in customer demand have generated serious complications for companies across a wider range of sectors than initially anticipated. For most, the revenue lost in this period represents a permanent loss and has put sudden, unanticipated pressure on working capital lines and liquidity. Despite the current crisis being a healthcare issue, the private healthcare system in the country continues to reel under the negative impact of COVID-19. There has been a significant drop in both in-patient and out-patient footfall for private hospital chainsbe it single specialty, multi-specialty, tertiary-care hospitals or even diagnostics businesses, during this lockdown. This sudden decline in business has had an immediate effect on hospitals ability to sustain fixed costs. The inability of new centres/hospitals to start generating cash, debt repayment obligations, decreased levels of medical tourism, and increased scheme revenues (which represents credit revenue) are some of the many factors impacting cash flow. Steps taken by healthcare companies to face these challenges In an effort to sustain these challenges, hospitals have begun implementing measures to reduce or defer costs, with a view to reserve cash in hand. In the context of consumables, supplier consolidation for better rates and renegotiation of credit periods for pharmacy and consumables are some measures instituted by hospitals to conserve their cash flow. On the personnel cost front, changes are being made to doctor-engagement models by moving doctors to fully variable models based on the revenue they generate. In the case of other staff/employees, increments and variable pay have been calibrated while evaluating shared services, in an attempt to further reduce overall employee costs. With respect to other fixed costs, initiatives such as renegotiation of rent rates, vendor consolidation (for outsourced services such as housekeeping and security services), and deferral or staggered payment of annual maintenance costs have been administered. Most discretionary spends such as advertisement and sales promotions have largely been ceased. In such circumstances, there is also an increased focus on monitoring daily, weekly, and monthly cash flows relative to the budgets. Any deviations from the budget are carefully monitored to assess the impact on the cash flow. Revenue and other KPIs are also being monitored with a sharp focus. Hospitals may also have to get used to the new normal with increased hygiene measures and staff safety, resulting in costlier procedures. Expectations from the government With no immediate sign of the pandemic regressing, the situation can become tense. Hospitals across segmentsbig or smallhave limited reserves and require support from the government. Through faster payments for treatments under government schemes; speedy TPA claim processing and settlement ; GST rate reduction on COVID-19-related supplies such as testing kits, drugs, and consumables; faster GST refund to manufacturers on accumulated tax credit due to inverted duty structure; cheaper credit facilities for larger hospitals (akin to the scheme offered to MSMEs); and standardisation of COVID-19 costs across the country, the government could nip the effects of the pandemic on an already fragile healthcare system. Charu Sehgal, Partner & Leader, Lifesciences and Healthcare, Deloitte India Arun Laxminarayanan, Partner, Deloitte India Australias government, health and education services and various industries are being targeted by sophisticated state-based cyber attacks, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Friday. Morrison said that while the threat wasnt new, the frequency of the attacks had been increasing over many months and he urged all organizations to improve their cyber resilience. He didnt reveal the source of the attacks, but said that there werent many state-based actors that could engage in such activities. Morrison said the issue was constantly raised with Five Eyes intelligence partners and that he briefed UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the matter last night. This activity is targeting Australian organizations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organizations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure, Morrison said. We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the tradecraft used. Russia, China and North Korea are among nations that have in the past been accused of sponsoring or carrying out malicious cyber activity, including Russias efforts to disrupt U.S. elections. China last year rejected speculation that it was behind an attack on Australias Parliament House that breached the systems of the nations major political parties. Australias main internet site that provides online access to government services was hit by a cyber attack in March. During the press conference, Morrison was asked how he would respond to speculation that China could be behind the recent rise in attacks, particularly in light of escalating tensions between the two nations. The Australian government is not making any public attribution about these matters, he said, and also declined to reveal whether the government actually knows the source of the attack. Morrison said there had been no large-scale personal data breaches as a result of the attacks. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Cyber China Australia The brutal clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers on the night of June 15 has exposed the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA)s well-planned design of stealthily wresting the entire Galwan Valley from Indias control. It also carries a set of underlying messages and possibilities. First, immediately after the incident, PLAs Western Theatre Command (WTC) issued a statement on June 16, claiming Chinas territorial sovereignty over the entire Galwan Valley. That was followed by a June 17 statement from Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, that echoed, in verbatim, WTCs line claiming Chinas sovereignty over the Galwan Valley area. Second, it appears to have been triggered by local factors at a micro-level, with, at the most, instructions from WTC headquarters. Clearly, it is a case of a disengagement process not being handled properly at the local level and things going out of control. There have been other violent hand-to-hand clashes in this area since the 2017 Doklam standoff. It turned more violent this time with PLA using more lethal weapons, stones, boulders, rocks wrapped with barbed wire and wooden logs studded with nails. A third, inter-related, point is that the top PLA officials of WTC seem to enjoy more autonomy than other Chinese military theatres. In this case, the Chinese government only seems to have endorsed WTCs line, which has a specific mandate or a direct and wider strategic direction from Beijing to alter the ground situation in consonance with Chinas national vision for western provinces ie Xinjiang and Tibet. It also has a larger focus agenda with regards to securing Chinese interests, including safeguarding Chinas ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)-related projects moving just north of the Karakoram Range. PLA views Indias building of strategic roads in Ladakh as potentially causing disruption to the security of the BRI/Chinese Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Fourth, the incident can either spark greater escalation or actually, counter-intuitively, lead to de-escalation. The Indian Army has lost 20 personnel, including a commanding officer in the vicious attack. This is the biggest military clash in over five decades and the risk of the border standoff escalating into a full-scale confrontation is clearly present. However, unconfirmed reports suggest the Chinese side too suffered proportionate casualties, with at least 43 PLA personnel either dead or injured in the clash. If this is the case, then the balance of tragedies is established, and opens up the scope for further de-escalation to continue as agreed upon during military talks held on June 6. What happens now also depends on the political will of the two countries. If the political relationship between India and China is not smooth, the Chinese party leadership may find it hard to control PLA, which is generally seen as more hardline on India. At the same time, the situation can still be brought under control by political and diplomatic interventions at a higher level. The clash has finally compelled both sides to open up talks at the foreign minister-level. However, if China refuses to revert to a pre-standoff status quo position, India may be forced to evict PLA from the Indian side though a military intervention. Whether there is escalation or not is also closely related to how the two sides tell the story of the incident to their people. The Chinese side is not giving the exact figure of casualties. We do not know if they are embarrassed or whether they want to hide the figures from their own people and underplay the incident to prevent escalation. Where does this leave New Delhi? India must respond to Chinas move, not just through military means but through a forward-looking strategic, economic and connectivity vision matching Chinas BRI project. It must think about reconnecting and resuming old trade links. Ladakh is a geostrategic axis or a pivot point for India to reach out to central Asia, Europe and Russia. The Dorbo-Shayok-DBO road should be called the Ladakh economic corridor. It should be Indias approach to go beyond the Himalayas. Otherwise, India is destined to remain defensive in posture. This, however, is contingent on India reworking the governance priorities in Ladakh. It is the locals who have the best understanding of the border. The region has already remained neglected for a long time due to Article 370 and 35A. The way forward must have several components. First, the Ladakh administration should distribute the entire stretch of vacant land in eastern Ladakh (from Chumur to Karakoram) among the population of the Leh district for agriculture, horticulture and other economic activities. Two, the government must expedite infrastructure airport/road network expansion in eastern Ladakh. The Indian Air Force must reactivate the Fukche/Loma airport for both civilian and military use. Attempts should be made to reopen and refurbish the old Chuchul airport base. Three, authorities must re-populate the area with legal ownership to citizens and not leave the borderland vacant. The government must provide incentives for Changpa nomadic farmers presently settled in Leh (Kharnag-Ling settlement) to return to the borderland areas and encourage them to reactivate their nomadic Rebo herding skills. Security forces should be directed not to prevent their movement along the border areas. Four, large-scale forestation and large-scale grass-sowing activities through aerial seeding and use of drip-irrigation technology must be undertaken. Five, NITI Aayog should prepare a defence-development plan for area development. And six, the Indian Army should revisit the idea of legalising the existing illegal border trade at specific places such as at Dhumtsele and Demchok. Galwan has changed geopolitics in the Himalayas. India must step up. P Stobdan is an expert on the Himalayan region The views expressed are personal Log on if you are already subscribed or Subscribe... Louisville, June 20 : A policeman involved in the killing of a black woman in the US state of Kentucky will be fired, city officials announced. Breonna Taylor, 26, was shot as she slept when officers entered her flat in Louisville on 13 March during a drugs investigation, the BBC reported. Mayor Greg Fischer said Brett Hankison, one of three officers involved, will lose his badge. Taylor's name has become a rallying cry at global anti-racism protests. The other officers have been placed on administrative leave amid an investigation. Mayor Fischer did not provide more details regarding the decision to fire Hankison, citing a local law. "Unfortunately, due to a provision in state law that I very much would like to see changed, both the Chief and I are precluded from talking about what brought us to this moment, or even the timing of this decision," he said. In a letter to Hankison published by the Courier-Journal paper, Louisville Police interim chief Robert Schroeder wrote his conduct was "a shock to the conscience" that "demands your termination". Hankison is accused of "blindly" firing 10 rounds into Ms Taylor's apartment, displaying "an extreme indifference to the value of human life". "I am alarmed and stunned you used deadly force in this fashion," Schroeder added. "The result of your action seriously impedes the Department's goal of providing the citizens of our city with the most professional law enforcement agency possible. I cannot tolerate this type of conduct by any member of the Louisville Metro Police Department." Attorneys for Taylor's family said they look forward to seeing the other officers terminated as well. "We also look forward to these officers being prosecuted for their roles in her untimely death." Hankison, along with officers John Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove entered Ms Taylor's apartment by executing a no-knock search warrant - a judge-approved warrant that allows police to enter a home without permission. Police said they knocked before using a battering ram to enter the home, but this account has been disputed by Ms Taylor's family and a neighbour. Once inside, the officers exchanged fire with Taylor's partner, who thought the drug raid was a home invasion. The officers said they returned fire after one officer was shot and wounded. During the exchange, Taylor, an emergency medical technician, was shot eight times. A lawsuit filed by Ms Taylor's family accuses the officers of battery, wrongful death, excessive force and gross negligence. No drugs were found in the property. The lawsuit also says the officers were not looking for her or her partner, but for an unrelated suspect who did not live in the complex. Last week, Louisville's city council voted unanimously in favour of banning no-knock warrants. Similar legislation that would ban the warrants nationwide was introduced in the US Congress. On Sunday, pop star BeyoncA urged the Kentucky Attorney General to bring charges against the three officers involved. Taylor's killing was propelled into the spotlight again with the death of unarmed African-American man George Floyd, who died in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last month. For the past few weeks, Cedric Bobo, a former investment executive at the Carlyle Group, has spent the better part of his days on video calls, welcoming mostly Black and Hispanic students to paid summer internship programs. When he's not welcoming them, he's pitching the programs to real estate executives, hoping they'll fund even more students. Bobo is co-founder of Project Destined, a nonprofit real estate learning platform that he launched four years ago. It teaches minority kids in cities basic finance by working with them to understand how property investments in their own neighborhoods work. They learn about how to value buildings, how mortgages work and how investors decide if a property is worth buying. They then pitch deals to panels of experts. Project Destined then invests in the some of the properties and offers the students a chance to profit from the deals through scholarship funds if they stay engaged. Bobo teaches finance, but he preaches community ownership. Project Destined runs these programs in several major cities across the country, including New York, Detroit and Atlanta. When Covid-19 struck, he moved the entire program online. But when he heard that New York City had canceled 75,000 paid summer internships, he took the program one step further. He decided to use Project Destined's learning platform as a gateway to replace at least some of those lost internships. "So many of our cities are challenged right now with budget issues. Seventy-five thousand students in New York alone lost their jobs for the summer, many of them Black and Brown youth. I talked to the [Real Estate Board of New York], and overnight we created 100 internships for students, and that was a real stimulus around the country," said Bobo. "We went from there and began working with different corporates to begin to create more and more internships around the country." Bobo has recruited some of the biggest names in the real estate business: Brookfield Asset Management, Tishman Speyer, and Walker & Dunlop. The internships are five or six weeks and pay either $500 or $750, depending on the program. Students learn the basics from Project Destined's courses and then connect directly with executives at the real estate firms sponsoring them. They will also hear live lectures from top executives at Brookfield, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Amazon and former Yankee Alex Rodriguez, who runs his own real estate firm. "We went straight to the real estate folks, and we went straight to CEOs. That's really important because if you want to have action, you've got to have the leaders create action and then measure it," said Bobo. When the Black Lives Matter protests erupted, even more companies, large and small, began stepping up. He now hopes to fund more than 1,000 internships through the fall. "The protests are critical because they create awareness, and we need to sustain that awareness, but the next piece is how do you translate that into action. So what we've been doing is working with the corporates to create true training opportunities where they can hire those folks," Bobo said. Another sponsor in the program is Vincent Harris, co-founder of a small, Black-owned proptech firm called REIRail. It is a lead generation platform for smaller real estate investors to source property deals. Harris has been passionate about financial literacy since he was a child. His mother lost their home to foreclosure because she didn't understand how to manage her finances. "That was a really formative experience for me. I remember the trauma, frankly, of that, and vowed to never be in a position like that, to never have my children be in a position like that," said Harris. What drew him to the internship program, he said, was that it's not just about education; it's about putting those lessons into practice and getting both finances and invaluable professional connections into the hands of students. "A lot of the lack of access, that you see people demanding in the streets right now, comes from the fact that folks who have power, the power to hire, etc., don't interface with Black and Brown communities. They don't have a means of entry and so Project Destined is really cementing a pipeline of talent into these organizations," he said. On a recent Zoom call, Bobo welcomed Samuel Obasi to his new internship. Obasi, a Black junior at Towson University in Baltimore, explained why he wanted to make real estate his future. "Not only can you build wealth for yourself, but you can use that to build affordable housing for your own people in your own area, your own neighborhood," said Obasi. (TNS) More than two-thirds of New Orleans' charter school organizations have applied for federal loans through the congressional act to help keep businesses afloat during the coronavirus pandemic, garnering criticism from some groups for tapping into a program that hasn't been available to traditional public schools.Dozens of New Orleans schools have applied for Payroll Protection Program loans, aimed at shielding small businesses from closure due to COVID-19, according to interviews and a review of documents from over 40 boards operating schools in New Orleans.At least a third of the charters had received loans, with officials from those organizations saying they got anywhere from about $97,000 to more than $5.1 million in funds, based on their payroll."The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the city of New Orleans and created great economic uncertainty for our schools about how we can continue to operate, employ all of our employees, and not dramatically cut services for students, many of whom will return to school with learning gaps and needing additional social and emotional supports," said Kate Mehok, CEO of Crescent City Schools, which received $3 million.The money, which comes from a $349 billion stimulus established by the $2 trillion federal CARES Act, can be forgiven if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and if the money is used for salary, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, which along with the Treasury Department is implementing the program.Critics had already lambasted charter schools around the country for the applications, accusing the non-profits of abusing their status and double-dipping, and were miffed to learn about the dozens of applications to come out of New Orleans, which this year became the first major American city to have no traditional schools.Like traditional schools, local charters have already received some CARES Act funding through the Louisiana Department of Education. But unlike the charters, district-run schools weren't eligible for the extra payroll loans.The charter organizations each got hundreds of thousands of dollars from the $260 million doled out to districts and charters in late April as part of the Elementary and Secondary School Relief Fund, another part of the CARES Act, mostly for technology and distance learning.Supporters of the loans to the charters, including NOLA Public Schools, say the funds may prove to be critical for charters in the coming years, amid forecasts of sales tax revenue declines, state funding woes and declines in fundraising that some charter schools rely on to bolster their budgets."We support schools in their effort to secure these resources to ensure they have the funding they need to help students continue to grow and succeed, especially given the significant state and local funding decreases anticipated this coming school year and beyond," Orleans Parish school district officials said. "Now more than ever, these students are relying on the stability of their schools and teachers."Charter leaders noted that their per-pupil funding relies largely on taxes, and that sales tax revenue has dipped dramatically. Officials with the Algiers Charter School Association, which got about $3 million, called it "a lifeline."Some said they were losing thousands from canceled annual fundraisers, couldn't sell bonds to make up the difference and could face additional expenses related to coronavirus. For example, they expect to have to buy more technology for distance learning, cleaning and medical supplies, and incur additional transportation costs if schedules are stacked for social distancing.The school district is still determining how steeply revenues might fall. But last month a School Board committee was told a best-case scenerio might be a 13 percent-drop in per-pupil revenue for the 2020-2021 year.Nash Crews, COO for New Schools for New Orleans, said funding had never been enough in a district where more than 80 percent of students are economically disadvantaged, and Caroline Roemer, head of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools, said schools had to demonstrate need before getting funds.The program, however, has been controversial since it rolled out in the spring. Critics complained that some large businesses, like the national chain Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, were able to collect large loans from the program, while smaller businesses couldn't get any at all because the funds ran dry. Ruth's Chris ultimately returned its loan.Thanks to lobbying from national pro-charter organizations, schools in New Orleans were eligible to apply for the program, because they are run by separate, non-profit boards.And, because government-run schools weren't eligible, New Orleans schools could fare better than those in neighboring parishes directly run by traditional districts.That's problematic to Carol Burris, the executive director of the Network for Public Education, a national policy group backed by union members that has been critical of charter schools."You cannot have the privileges of being the private entity and of being a public entity at the same time," Burris said. "It's just not fair."Burris' group started a petition asking Congress to stop giving the charter schools the loans."We have men and women across this country who work for small businesses, who right now have no income, who are getting free food because they have no income and cannot take care of their families," Burris added. "Charter schools still have a stream of income."The group Parents United for Public Schools has also criticized charter organizations nationally for applying for the loans while running schools with robust fund balances and wealthy backers.Several New Orleans charters had healthy budgets as of April, and at least one -- Warren Easton Charter High School -- has enjoyed hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations from a big-name supporter, actress Sandra Bullock.Officials at Warren Easton, which applied for a loan, did not respond to requests for comment.Although support for the loans has been strong publicly, meeting documents show that at least some board members felt apprehension at taking the loans.A finance report for Bricolage Academy also showed a board committee was reviewing the terms of the loan in April with lawyers to decide whether to return it.Mehok, in the meantime, said critics were pointing fingers at the wrong people."The question we should be asking is why weren't traditional districts allowed to apply for PPP money," she said. "Furthermore, ask how the federal government intends to provide much needed relief to all public schools in the country to counteract the large decrease in revenue." Germany Says Kremlin Behind Murder of Ethnic Chechen By Jamie Dettmer June 18, 2020 Germany's federal prosecutors Thursday charged a Russian national for the killing last year of a Georgian rebel fighter in Berlin and said Moscow ordered the assassination. The development is likely to further strain Berlin's already rocky relations with the Kremlin, according to diplomats. The German government expelled two Russian diplomats last year over the murder in August of Zelimkhan "Tornike" Khangoshvili, an ethnic Chechen Georgian, who fought against Russia in the Second Chechen War and the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. The prosecutor's office said in a press statement it had charged a 49-year-old Russian, identified as "Vadim K, otherwise known as Vadim S." He accepted the "government order to kill," the prosecutor's statement said, in the hope of financial reward or because he shared the desire to "kill a political opponent." Prosecutors said that "state authorities of the Central Government of the Russian Federation" ordered the killing "at an unknown date prior to July 18, 2019," because of Khangoshvili's opposition to Russia. Prosecutors say Vadim K flew days before the slaying from Moscow to Paris and from there to Warsaw, before arriving in Berlin. He used a passport under the name Vadim S issued weeks earlier by Russian authorities. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told reporters the Russian ambassador had been called in for talks, adding that the federal government "explicitly reserves the right to take further measures." Juergen Hardt, foreign policy coordinator of Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling conservatives in the German parliament, said Berlin should mull further sanctions against Russia. "As long as top Russian officials shield the perpetrators of the Tiergarten murder, the federal government must not shy away from sanctions. It must also win over our European partners for such a move," he told Reuters. Russian President Vladimir Putin in December described Khangoshvili as a "bloodthirsty and brutal man," adding that he'd been involved in a bomb attack on the Moscow metro in 2010. But the Russian leader denied Moscow was behind the assassination, which took place in broad daylight in Kleiner Tiergarten Park in central Berlin as Khangoshvili was returning home from a mosque he attended. Khangoshvili was shot twice in the head by the assassin, who used a Glock 26 handgun equipped with a silencer. The accused assassin was apprehended shortly after, when two teenagers spotted him discarding the Glock pistol, a bicycle and a wig into the nearby Spree River. "I don't know what happened to him," Putin said. In February, Bellingcat, an investigative journalism website, in collaboration with Der Spiegel magazine, accused Russia's FSB security agency of being behind the murder. Their investigation led them to accuse Eduard Bendersky, chairman of the Vympel Charitable Fund for Former FSB Spetsnaz Officers, of overseeing the operation "apparently to provide a veneer of deniability." Bellingcat unmasked publicly the alleged Russian military intelligence officers behind the attempted poisoning assassination in 2018 in Britain of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. The identities were subsequently confirmed by British police, who charged the men in absentia. Bellingcat alleges the FSB provided false identity papers for Khangoshvili. It also claimed "Russian authorities attempted to scrub all public data relating to the killer's true identity, as well as data linked to his immediate family." The German government in Berlin warned last year Russia's ambassador in Germany, Sergey Nechayev, who was summoned to the German foreign ministry to explain the killing, of possible sanctions being imposed on Russia for the slaying. German officials publicly complained that Moscow had refused to assist in the investigation an allegation denied by Russian authorities. Despite "repeated high-ranking and insistent calls," Russian authorities would "not sufficiently cooperate in the investigation of the murder," said the foreign ministry at the time. Moscow retaliated by expelling two German diplomats. And Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said: "I categorically reject any link between this incident, this murder and official Russia." Russian officials say the killing might have been the result of a Chechen grudge. Germany last month threatened sanctions for a 2015 cyberattack on the German parliament. Chancellor Merkel said in May German intelligence agencies had turned up hard evidence that Russia was behind the cyberattack on the German parliament, dubbing the hacking "outrageous." Tensions have been escalating between Berlin and Moscow since the assassination of the former Chechen rebel fighter in the German capital. Merkel raised the incident in December with Putin during an international summit in Paris to discuss a Ukraine peace deal. Merkel has so far been cautious in her comments about the killing, confining them to accusing Moscow of stonewalling the German probe into the assassination one in a series of alleged Kremlin-linked killings and attempted slayings in the past few years in European countries of Russian dissidents and opponents of Putin's Kremlin. Khangoshvili was a military commander against Russian troops between 1999 and 2004. He moved back to Georgia after the war and worked for the Georgian interior ministry but continued, according to friends, to help Chechen insurgents. Russian officials accused Khangoshvili of being a "jihadist." But friends say he wasn't a radical Islamist. "He was always against Chechens going to fight in Syria or Afghanistan; he thought our only battle was with Russia," said Saikhan Muzayev, a friend who saw him in the German capital three months before he was killed. Khangoshvili arrived in Germany and sought asylum in 2016 after surviving an assassination attempt on him the previous year in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, according two friends. Western intelligence agencies in December say they had linked up to 15 members of Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU, to a series of murders, including the botched attempt to poison Skripal in 2018 in the English town of Salisbury. According to British, U.S., French and Swiss security officials the agents conducted operations between 2015 and 2018 from a "base camp" in the French Alps, near where the ski chase was filmed for the 1999 James Bond movie, The World Is Not Enough. 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 In 2017, Los Angeles teenager Rotzely had just turned 15, making her eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the Obama-era program that shields many young immigrants from deportation and allows them to work legally in the U.S.. That was also the year President Trump entered office. In September 2017, Trump announced he was dismantling the program known as DACA, which at its height enrolled 800,000 young people without legal immmigration status who were brought to the U.S. as children. Rotzely, who asked LAist not to use her last name for fear of deportation, was devastated that she had to put aside the application she had started. "It was just overall scary because I had no protection and during that time I felt that anytime me and my family could be broken up," said Rotzely, who came with her parents from Mexico when she was three months old. Now, nearly three years later, Rotzely is straightening out her application. The Supreme Court in a 5-4 ruling Thursday upheld DACA, saying that the Trump administration had acted in an "arbitrary" and "capricious" way in how it tried to end the program. That's good news for the 650,000 immigrants currently in the DACA program -- including an estimated 200,000 in California. They've been able to renew their DACA status -- which is good for two years -- even as the program has teetered in legal limbo since 2017, with lower courts blocking the rescission and the Trump administration appealing those decisions. Legal experts said they believe the ruling also opens the program up to new applicants like Rotzely. "The memo (from the Trump administration) that was terminating DACA has been vacated," said Araceli Martinez-Olguin, supervising attorney with the National Immigration Law Center. "What that leaves is the original memo that announced DACA in the first place. So USCIS should soon be accepting (applications) and processing them." CHIRLA Staff put a banner on a vehicle before a DACA car rally begins Thursday at MacArthur Park. (Chava Sanchez/ LAist) But U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency responsible for processing DACA applications, has not commented yet on whether it will accept new applicants -- let alone when. There was no guidance provided in a statement from the agency today. Instead it focused on the Supreme Court ruling: "Today's court opinion has no basis in law and merely delays the President's lawful ability to end the illegal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals amnesty program." Marisa Cianciarulo , an immigration expert at Chapman University's Fowler School of Law, said there is a lot of uncertainty about how USCIS will handle new applications given the Trump's administration's opposition to the program. "I don't know what that means in terms of how much staff power they're going to give to any new applications that come in," Cianciarulo said. At Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles, Victoria Dominguez is advising would-be applicants to have a conversation first with an immigration specialist at organizations like hers. She expects that more people will inquire about applying to DACA in the coming days and weeks. "Hopefully by that time, we're going to have more information from the USCIS regarding the kind of procedures and protocols moving forward," Dominguez said. Eli Cortez drives his convertible in support of DACA at the car rally in MacArthur Park. (Chava Sanchez/ LAist) But some other immigrant rights groups aren't waiting for federal guidelines before submitting DACA applications they've helped prepare. At the Coalition For Humane Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA, legal services director Luis Perez said Thursday he was putting together a package of DACA applications that have been sitting in their files since 2017. "Even though we have no instructions, we know this to be the right thing," Perez said. THE BACK STORY It's been eight years this week since the Obama administration first announced the DACA program. By August 2012, the first applications were in. DACA recipients have included young immigrants born not only in Latin America, but from a long list of countries including South Korea, the Philippines, India, Poland and Nigeria. In the time leading up to the Supreme Court's decision, organizations like CHIRLA were advising existing DACA recipients to renew their protection before it expired. The thinking? That if the court were to rule unfavorably, this could at least buy them some time before their protection was phased out. On Thursday, immigrant advocates renewed that call, warning that the administration could still try to dismantle DACA, especially if Trump is re-elected. Rotzely said she used to be scared of Trump after he rescinded DACA. "I felt like he could do anything with his power, that he could always come after me," she said. But in the years since she has gotten involved in organizing and joined CHIRLA. And she said that she's hopeful once she gets DACA, she will be able to get a job and afford to buy treats and gifts for her younger siblings. But even if the Supreme Court did not rule for DACA recipients, she said she knew she was going to be okay. "I found a way to fight myself, and finally give myself a voice," Rotzely said. WE LOVE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 10:57:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday said it has approved a 126 million U.S. dollars loan to support the construction of a 15-km water transmission pipeline aimed at helping secure water supply for nearly 13 million residents in the Philippine capital region. The Manila-based bank said the financing for the construction named Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project will help strengthen the water system's downstream transmission capacity in Metro Manila. According to ADB, the project is part of the city's effort to rehabilitate the Umiray-Angat-Ipo dam system, which supplies about 90 percent of Metro Manila's water. "Climate change is making annual rainfall unpredictable, putting tremendous pressure on water resource use," said Director of the Urban Development and Water Division of ADB's Southeast Asia Department Vijay Padmanabhan in a statement. "The Philippine government is increasing investments in clean infrastructure for environmentally sustainable water resource management across the country. Through this project, ADB is helping the Philippines secure Metro Manila's water supply," Padmanabhan added. The ADB said the new aqueduct, with a 3.6-meter diameter, will have a welded steel concrete-coated pipe. With cutting-edge technology to help it withstand magnitude 7.2 earthquakes, adding the project will reduce the risk of a system breakdown and increase the resiliency of Metro Manila's water supply. The ADB said the loan supplements ongoing ADB financing, approved in 2016 to fund the construction of a 6.3-km modern, earthquake-resilient upstream water tunnel. It added the tunnel is expected to be completed in June, three months ahead of schedule. Since 1974, the ADB has supported more than a dozen Metro Manila water projects, which, in addition to the current loan, includes four other loans supporting the Angat supply system. Enditem An Aboriginal site with ancient rock art in Victorias west has become the first to receive an interim protection order to guard the culturally significant works. The site in the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park contains more than 50 rock art motifs at a rock shelter called Dyurrite 1. The paintings are undetectable to the naked eye but advances in technology helped to identify the culturally significant site last year. The site in the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park contains more than 50 rock art motifs at a rock shelter called Dyurrite 1. The area was closed in December but additional hefty fines can now be issued if it is disturbed. Individuals will face fines of up to $297,396, while body corporates could be penalised more than $1.6 million. Dyurrite 1, which is popular with rock climbers, also has a stone quarry and a "scatter site" with cultural artefacts nearby. Plume, the Denver-based startup that provides hormone replacement therapies and medical consultations tailored to the trans community, could not be launching at a time when the company's services are more needed. It's no hyperbole to say that transgender citizens in the United States are under attack. Whether from government policies that are intended to defund their access to insurer-provided medical care, or actual physical assaults, transgender Americans are living in physically and politically perilous times. That's one reason why Matthew Wetschler and his co-founder Jerrica Kirkley founded Plume, which provides telehealth services tailored for the transgender community. The two doctors met and became friends in medical school. From the earliest days, the two were inseparable, Dr. Wetschler recalled. "She and I spent nearly 12 hours a day together," he said. Dr. Jerrica Kirkley, Plume co-founder Image Credit: Plume After medical school, Wetschler moved to the Bay Area to finish his residency at Stanford and then went on to run a consulting firm that worked primarily with digital health startups. Kirkley, who is transgender, focused on gender therapy in the trans community. A little over a year ago the two began to discuss the potential for creating a primarily telehealth service for the trans community, Wetschler said. "We have always shared a belief that the healthcare system can do better for patients and doctors," he said. And almost no population is quite as exposed to the shortcomings of the current healthcare system as the transgender community. "I had been increasingly interested in the telehealth space and the emerging trend of leveraging mobile technology to provide unparalleled access to clinical care at the touch of a button," said Wetschler. "And many of the problems [Kirkley] was seeing with her patients involved finding doctors with expertise and safe sources of medications." Story continues In many instances, despite the duty of care that physicians have to maintain, transgender patients are subjected to discriminatory practices and even the denial of care. Roughly 20% of transgender patients who seek care are either denied that care or harassed because of their gender identity, Wetschler said. Many patients don't have access to the medications they need, which can lead to up to 30% of patients seeking out the medications they need on the black market. It's an issue for the more than 1.4 million Americans who identify as transgender. Plume provides a safe, on-demand service for patients that need it, said Wetschler. And does it for $99 per month. The company doesn't perform gender reassignment surgeries, but that's about the only limitation on the care that the company offers. It can recommend local surgeons who will perform those procedures and it will provide consultations for patients or potential patients considering various hormone-related or surgical therapies. A majority of the Plume care team is transgender, according to Wetschler. "What were proud of with Plume is that we offer a way of accessing this way of trans-specific care regardless of policy or insurance coverage," said Wetschler. At the heart of Plume's services is access to gender-affirming hormone therapy. "This is the fundamental medical treatment for the trans community," Wetschler said. "The trans experience is unique in that for most it involves navigating a gender and cis-normative healthcare system that may not understand their experiences. It can be highly traumatic." Plume offers a medical evaluation, ongoing monitoring and lab assignments and prescriptions. Soon, the company will also provide medication delivery, as well. For most Americans, there's a presumption that medical care will be delivered in a non-judgmental and safe way (both psychologically and physically). For many trans Americans there's a lack of comfort and risk that's inherent in the end-to-end care experience. Plume is trying to solve for that. Dr. Matthew Wetschler, Plume, co-founder Image Credit: Plume Investors from the nation's top venture capital firms, General Catalyst and Slow Ventures, believe in the company's vision and have backed it with $2.9 million in seed financing. Springbank Collective is also an investor in the company. "What I was drawn to with Plume is the commitment and conviction Mathew and Jerrica operate with in providing the trans community -- a woefully underserved group with access to the health care they deserve," wrote General Catalyst partner, Olivia Lew, in a statement. "The rollback of healthcare protections for the trans community this past week have only heightened awareness for the dire need for this company. One of the things we're most excited about in the next wave of health innovation are companies that are using modern platforms like telehealth to serve people's individual needs with more consumer friendly, personalized experiences." These personalized services become even more important for populations at risk, like the trans community, and they're also more valuable. "When people take hormone therapy... there's an opportunity to have an ongoing longitudinal relationship and that's something that's highly valued," said Wetschler. Currently the transgender population spends around $4.5 billion to $6 billion on medication. And there's an opportunity to provide better emotional and behavioral support to patients, as well, according to Wetschler. Plume began providing services in Colorado a year ago, and is now available in California, New York, Florida, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, Virginia, Oregon, Maine and Massachusetts. There are roughly 700,000 transgender patients who can now avail themselves of the services Plume offers, but the population, and therefore the need, is growing. "The estimates on the size of the trans population since a decade ago has been growing 20% year over year," says Wetschler. "And Generation Z is five times more likely than baby boomers to identify as trans. The full visibility of the trans community is yet to be realized." COVID-19 patients with extremely high levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood are more likely to deteriorate quickly and die, according to new research published today. The study, led by NIHR Research Professor Waljit Dhillo from Imperial College London and Consultant Endocrinologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, provides the first data to show that cortisol levels are a marker of the severity of the illness. The researchers suggest they can be used to identify those patients who are more likely to need intensive care. Cortisol is produced by the body in response to stress such as illness, triggering changes in metabolism, heart function and the immune system to help our bodies cope. Our cortisol levels when healthy and resting are 100-200 nm/L and nearly zero when we sleep. When ill patients have low levels of cortisol, it can be life threatening. Excessive levels of cortisol during illness can be equally dangerous, leading to increased risk of infection and poor outcomes. In the new observational study of 535 patients, of whom 403 were confirmed to have COVID-19, cortisol levels in patients with COVID-19 were significantly higher than in those without. The levels in the COVID-19 group ranged as high as 3241 - considerably higher even than after major surgery, when levels can top 1000. Amongst the COVID-19 patients, those with a baseline cortisol level of 744 or less survived on average for 36 days. Patients with levels over 744 had an average survival of just 15 days. Professor Dhillo, Head of Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at Imperial College London, said: "From an endocrinologist's perspective, it makes sense that those COVID-19 patients who are the sickest will have higher levels of cortisol, but these levels are worryingly high. "Three months ago when we started seeing this wave of COVID-19 patients here in London hospitals, we had very little information about how to best triage people. Now, when people arrive at hospital, we potentially have another simple marker to use alongside oxygen saturation levels to help us identify which patients need to be admitted immediately, and which may not. Having an early indicator of which patients may deteriorate more quickly will help us with providing the best level of care as quickly as possible, as well as helping manage the pressure on the NHS. In addition, we can also take cortisol levels into account when we are working out how best to treat our patients." The study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology and funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and the Medical Research Council, involved 535 patients admitted to three London hospitals - Charing Cross, Hammersmith and St Mary's - with suspected COVID-19 between 09 March and 22 April 2020. A COVID-19 swab test and routine blood tests - including a baseline measurement of cortisol levels - were performed within 48hrs of admission. Over the study period, just under 27 per cent of the COVID-19 group died during the study period compared to just under 7per cent of the non-COVID-19 group. Professor Dhillo and his team hope that their findings can now be validated in a larger scale clinical study. ### F iona Shaw said she married later in life because she was dedicated to her career and not to finding love. The Killing Eve star, 61, wed Sri Lankan economist Sonali Deraniyagala two years ago. The pair, right, were introduced by friends after Shaw was so moved by Deraniyagalas memoir Wave, about the loss of her family to the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia, that she wanted to meet her. Shaw told Saga Magazine: I think it was a good time for me to get married. Until then, I had given my life to tearing around the world working. "I dont think I could have married when I was in my twenties or thirties; I dont think I was that person. "I just made a decision when I was about 26 to give myself entirely to the whims of my work, and it was only about six years ago I began to get fed up with that. Shaw, who was born in Farranree, Ireland, said her wife has little interest in her career, meaning her public and private life remain separate. It means my domestic identity has become separated from my public identity, she said. Sonali brings me everything. Life, fun, laughter, food shes a brilliant chef companionship, steadiness. Saga Magazine is out now On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis, at a time when many African Americans were still overwhelmed, outraged, and grieving the unjustified and race-based killings of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. At the same time, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) were also grappling with the deadly effects of the COVID-19 virus disproportionately ravaging their communities. I was personally feeling overloaded and frustrated when I began to receive requests on my personal social media pages to recommend books that could be used to explain current events to young, white children. Because I understood that people were asking me for help as a librarian, and not as their Black friend, I did not completely ignore the requests for my emotional labor during this difficult time. Still, I didnt have the bandwidth to provide individual readers advisory. So I reverted back to what I do best: being a librarian. As a way to channel my own fear and anxiety about the state of the world I created the website Anti-Racism Resources for All Ages. At this moment in history, there are literally hundreds of reading lists floating around with the goal of espousing anti-racism, Black history, and issues of social justice. Of the almost 200 resources featured on the site, I did not search for any of themall of them came across my social media feeds. After organizing the site, I set it live, and shared the resource page on social media with the following message: This project emerged out of the pain and frustration associated with the back-to-back deaths of #GeorgeFloyd #BreonnaTaylor and #AhmaudArbery in 2020. We must do better as a global society! #BlackLivesMatter. This list is not a panacea. This compilation of resources is JUST A STARTING POINT to encourage people to do their own work and have their own hard conversations. Do the Work Why is this list not a panacea? Because just reading Ibram X. Kendis How to Be an Antiracist or Robin DiAngelos White Fragility will not make you anti-racist. If it did, we all could have been anti-racists years ago. Just reading without acknowledging the historical context and your own personal experience is merely indulging a trendy topic, or assuaging your guilt. Just reading allows you to check a box and say all done, Im anti-racist! or not all white people do that, or not all cops are bad. Just reading gives you the false confidence to doubt your BIPOC colleagues, instead of accepting the painful truths about their experiences. Just reading absolves you from doing the real work, and allows you to perhaps even resent or discount the hard work BIPOC are doing to safeguard their existence. Just reading is not engaging or absorbing the key points and demands of anti-racism. Just reading encourages performative gestures of outrage and solidarity, and perpetuates the actual problem of systemic oppression. Just reading allows you to remain emotional about racism. As author Nathan Rutstein says, prejudice is the emotional commitment to ignorance. To be sure, reading is an an important first step. Anti-racism is a long game. Instead of just reading, I want to challenge you to go the distance. I want you to do the real work of becoming anti-racist. I want you to commit to being teachable. To acknowledge that youre not always right. We all have room to grow, change, and do better. Anti-racism requires risk, vulnerability, and accountability. But it also brings whole new levels of understanding and empathy. Anti-racism is a long game. Instead of just reading, I want to challenge you to go the distance. I want you to do the real work of becoming anti-racist. So, how to approach the hard work of becoming anti-racist? I suggest viewing your anti-racist journey in three stages: The first is critical self-reflection. This is where the book lists, and close readings collected on the Anti-Racism Resources for All Ages page come in to play. Strive to become culturally competent. Work to become comfortable with being uncomfortable with your various privileges (including white privilege) and implicit biases. Make a concerted effort to be a better listener. And believe the marginalized when they alert you to abuse, microaggressions, and other mistreatment. Second, is achieving critical consciousness. With your new awareness and understanding, learn about the systemic inequities that continue to plague our society. Things like redlining, medical apartheid, classism, whiteness, coded language, and many other inequities continue to have a stronghold on how people are socialized and lead their lives. In order to become anti-racist we first have to do the work of recognizing the internalized racism and white supremacy that beget racist thoughts and behavior. As author and activist Ally Henny says, saying youre sorry only puts a band-aid on the cut. You need to examine why you picked up the sword in the first place. Third, is action and advocacy. Anti-racism is about action, and enacting your critical consciousness. This is the part where you engage in tangible, community-based actions. This is where you create a plan to become a better citizen and ally. This is the part where you help change the world. A Collective Effort The first stage outlined above is more of an individual reflective process. The latter two stages bring you into conversation and collaboration with others who can further your education, and engage with you as you aspire to social justice action and advocacy. Dont get discouraged along the way. The anti-racism process is ongoing and dynamic, and it isnt one-size-fits-all. Your path to anti-racism may not match that of your co-worker, your spouse, or your children. It may change and evolve over time. And you will make mistakes along the way. Thats okaythe important thing is to assess, regroup, and begin again. And finally, a personal plea: please use your voices and power to amplify the voices of those who would not ordinarily have the opportunity to share their perspectives. Dont let your passion die when the current anti-racism bookclub trend begins to fade. Were all in this together. And anti-racism can only succeed and be sustainable when its a collective effort. Nicole A. Cooke is the Augusta Baker Endowed Chair and an Associate Professor at the School of Library and Information Science, at the University of South Carolina. Her research and teaching interests include equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice in librarianship, critical cultural information studies, human information behavior, and fake news consumption and resistance. A security personnel deployed outside the residence of Chhattisgarh chief minister has tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted to hospital for treatment, officials said on Friday. The duty of the security personnel found infected was at the western side gate outside the Chief Ministers residence, and clearly not inside the residence, a press release by the public relation department of Chhattisgarh stated. The security personnel did not enter inside the Chief Ministers residence. All the prescribed protocols and health safety standards are being followed as precautionary measures, the release added. The total number of active cases in the state is 735 out of a total 1,946 cases detected in the last three months, as per the state health departments bulletin. Nine patients have succumbed to the disease while 1,13,329 have been tested so far. Most of the Covid-19 cases detected so far in Chhattisgarh have been in the northern part of the state - Korba , Bilaspur, Baloda Bazar, Raipur and Mungeli districts. No cases were found in the three southern districts of Sukma, Bijapur and Narayanpur. The departments data, however, revealed that the tests conducted in the southern districts were much less than in the northern non-tribal dominated districts. Most cases detected are from the migrant community. The parts which have seen large influx of inter-state travellers have shown spike in the cases. In Chhattisgarh, people who came from western part and Uttar Pradesh have particularly been Covid-19 carriers. The southern (tribal dominated) districts so far do not have many such people with travel history and therefore, the cases are less, said health secretary Niharika Barik Singh. She said the lesser number of tests was done in southern districts because fewer people came under the criterion of Covid-19 testing, which allows testing of only those who show symptoms of the disease. We have followed ICMR guidelines for testing, Singh said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on June 19 raised withdrawal limit from fraud-ridden Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank to Rs 1 lakh from Rs 50,000 while extending moratorium or restrictions imposed on the bank for another six months The restrictions, which were earlier imposed till June 23, will now be applicable until December 22, 2020. Limit of withdrawal for customers of three other banks has been raised by the RBI. The central bank said that after a review of the bank's liquidity position, its ability to pay the depositors and to help depositors mitigate the difficulties faced during the prevailing COVID-19 situation, it has decided to raise the withdrawal limit to Rs 1 lakh per depositor. With this relaxation, over 84 percent of the bank's depositors will be able to withdraw their entire account balance. Also Read | In 2020, RBI has put 44 co-operative banks under watch. How deep is the rot? "Reserve Bank has been engaging with the stakeholders to explore the possibility of a resolution of the bank. However, the process has been affected due to the lockdown on account of COVID 19 and the continuing uncertainty around the pandemic. Further, the extent of the negative net worth of the bank, and the legal processes involved in the recovery of bad debts also pose challenges/limitations in the resolution of the bank," the central bank said. It added, "Nevertheless, consultation with various stakeholders and authorities for resolution of the bank is continuing. It is, therefore, considered necessary to extend the aforesaid Directions for a further period of six months to take the process forward." On September 23, 2019, the RBI had placed curbs on the Mumbai-headquartered PMC Bank after identifying financial irregularities and fraudulent operations. The cooperative bank's board was superseded and an administrator was appointed. The RBI circular had curbed the bank's functions like lending and withdrawals by customers. The move had sent customers of PMC Bank into a tizzy, with many flocking to branches of the bank and queuing up to withdraw their deposits. The RBI also raised the withdrawal limit in the case of three other banks on whom curbs had earlier been put in place, namely Kerala Mercantile Co-operative Bank Limited, Hindu Cooperative Bank Limited and Sri Guru Raghavendra Sahakara Bank Niyamitha. The withdrawal limit for depositors of the first two banks has been raised to Rs 50,000 and to Rs 1 lakh for those of the third one. Frankfurt, June 19 : Around 730 workers at a slaughterhouse in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) had tested positive for the novel coronavirus as of Thursday, German news agency DPA reported. Local authorities had ordered the Toennies Group meatpacking plant in Rheda-Wiedenbrueck in the district of Guetersloh to be temporarily closed on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported. Meanwhile, around 7,000 people are under quarantine in Guetersloh. Schools and daycare centres will be closed from Thursday until June 29. Regional media WDR reported Thursday that Guetersloh authorities plan to carry out around 5,300 more tests within the next few days. The state of NRW has launched an investigation into the source of the infections. Toennies said in a statement on Wednesday that the company will now primarily take care of the employees infected and in quarantine. It also said official tests have been carried out at other Toennies Group locations in recent weeks and there are currently no abnormalities. In early May, an outbreak of more than 200 cases was seen at a Westfleisch meat-processing plant in Coesfeld, NRW. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki speaks during a meeting at the Seoul Government Complex in Gwanghwamun, Friday. Yonhap Loan, guarantees and maturity extension allowed to auto part makers By Lee Kyung-min The government decided to offer 5 trillion won ($4.1 billion) in loans for ailing domestic parts suppliers to the country's top-tier conglomerates for use in automotives, airplanes, steel and ships crucial to the country's economy. The government also plans to offer an additional 2 trillion won assistance budget to small- and medium-sized vehicle component manufacturers including loans, guarantees and maturity extension. The relief meaures seek to help local car component suppliers in dire straits since the closure of Hyundai's car factories in South Korea due to the spread of COVID-19. Eligieble for the state support will be seven government-designated key industires including airlines, equipment, energy, shipbuilding and marine, vehicle manufacturing, telecommunications and semiconductors. Companies whose financials had long been deteriorating before the outbreak of the pandemic will be excluded from the relief measure. Funds assisted will be limited for use in financing operations, and not to pay off loans. "The government expects the emergency measures will help small businesses in dire need of prompt financing assistance," Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki said during a ministerial-level meeting at the Government Complex in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. The government is set to distribute 5 trillion won starting late July via primary collateralized bond obligations (P-CBOs) issued by a special purpose vehicle (SPC) set up with 1 trillion won drawn from a 40 trillion won fund. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) set up and operates the fund to stabilize the liquidity shocks experienced by the virus-hit industries. The P-CBOs, a kind of asset-backed securities (ABS), will comprise a pool of underlying assets including debt obligation bought from banks that lend money to SMEs. Half of the top-grade (AAA) P-CBOs will then be sold to private investors. Of the other half, 30 percent in middle-grade (BBB) securities will be held by state lenders including Korea Development Bank (KDB), 15 percent by the FSC-operated fund and 5 percent by SMEs. The government plans to run the program for at least six months. Eligible for the 2 trillion won assistance are low- and mid-credit car parts makers. At least 1.65 trillion won in loans will be offered by state-lenders including Korea Development Bank (KDB), Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank), Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) and Korea Asset Management Corporation (KAMCO). A 350 billion won fund managed by KDB and IBK will be used to help partner firms for which automakers requested prompt and imminent assistance. A 270 billion won credit guarantee fund will be set up with contributions of 10 billion won from central and municipal government bodies as well as 8 billion won from automakers. Hyundai Motor said it will offer 120 billion won to advance the initiative. The automotive group said it will give 100 billion won to the KDB- and IBK-managed 350 billion won fund and 20 billion won to the credit guarantee fund. The meeting also covered issues on how to better facilitate overseas business activities. Korea's special entry agreement with China will be expanded to Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. The government is also reviewing the possibility of granting a waiver to the required 14-day self-quarantine for travelers coming back from business trips in countries with low COVID-19 infection rates. Meanwhile, First Vice Minister of Economy and Finance Kim Yong-beom denied that the government has set up a special taskforce to accelerate corporate restructuring. "The ongoing corporate restructuring drive has been and will continue to be three-pronged," he said during a briefing at the Seoul Government Complex. "The degree of state support will be conditioned on each firm's efforts to improve sustainability including workers' job security and profit sharing following corporate profit recovery. The support will be given to firms that have exhausted all other options before seeking government help, a requirement that shows corporate responsibility. Shareholders and parties of interest should equally shoulder pain and mostly reduced profit." Were the Supreme Court to allow the lower courts decision to stand, this would ignore a lesson the Constitutions Framers learned the hard way by living through what is called the critical period of U.S. history. John Quincy Adams used this phrase, which later was adopted by scholars to describe the years 1781 to 1789, between the Revolutionary War and ratification of the Constitution, when George Washington said the states were held together by a rope of sand. Connecticut imposed duties on imports from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania had hostile trade relations with Delaware and, according to a historian, New Jersey, pillaged at once by both her greater neighbors, was compared to a cask tapped at both ends. The critical communication system used by police, fire and ambulance when they are out on a job is expected to fail by 2023. A report to the police minister says the radio network was so old that it would soon be impossible to get replacement parts. The government is dedicating nearly $50 million to building a new system. While police say they are proud of the communications network, and how they have managed to extend its life to about 30 years, there is only so long it can last. In the January briefing sent to Minister of Police Stuart Nash, police highlighted the current state of the network and how close a total failure could be. "The current emergency services communications infrastructure is 20 to 30 years old, mostly insecure and obsolete, and increasingly expensive to maintain," the report read. "By 2023, all feasible measures to extend the life of the radio network will be exhausted. Failure of the emergency services critical communications infrastructure is not an acceptable scenario." The system in question is used by police, Fire and Emergency and ambulance services to talk internally or between agencies, through radio or cellular networks. Cabinet asked police to provide a detailed business case for replacing the system, and the new features an upgraded network could have. As a result, almost $50m was awarded to the project in the May budget. The Next Generation Critical Communications project manager, Chris Goldsmith, says the funding is much needed. "Most of our infrastructure is 20 to 30 years old. We own it, we operate it, we've got to fix it, we've got to try and keep it going," says Chris. "It's well beyond the manufacture of a lot of the component parts, and so we're into a reconditioning type mode." The initial task is to build a network featuring new radio or cell towers by 2023. That means replacing the current voice-only communication systems with something more modern. From there, new and emerging technologies can be added to the fold, with the likes of streaming video and full broadband capability while on the job. It would mean first responders could feed more detailed information back to an operations base, and deployment could be more accurate, faster, and more appropriate for the job being faced. The improvements could even include mobile signal boosters in vehicles, which would mean communication blackspots are a thing of the past. All this will be a vast improvement on the largely analogue system, which Chris says has done a good job. "It was built in a very robust fashion with lots of redundancy in it. "The issue is that when you run out of spares, and the manufacturer doesn't produce those spares anymore and you can only recondition them so many times, then we get to the point where we have to replace the core capability." He says a major bonus of the new system would be improved security. It will mean an end to people listening in on emergency services using old school radios. Chris says the new cell towers would also mean better quality reception for the public. "Whether you're on Spark, Vodafone or 2 Degrees, every cell site they build, all three network providers will be able to provide coverage for the consumer. "If we fund a whole lot more sites there in order to meet the requirements of emergency services, then the public get the benefit of that as well." The current radio network covers about 75 per cent of the country, while the cell network reaches about 90 per cent. Chris says that is unlikely to change. Ben Strang/RNZ. Technavio has been monitoring the disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) market and it is poised to grow by USD 27.44 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 43% 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/20200618005830/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Please Request Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impact The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. Amazon.com Inc., Broadcom Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., iland Internet Solutions, International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp., NTT Communications Corp., Oracle Corp., and Sungard Availability Services LP are some of the major market participants. The improved manageability and protection 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. Improved manageability and protection has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market is segmented as below: Deployment Public Cloud Private Cloud Hybrid Cloud Geography North America Europe APAC 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=IRTNTR43407 Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) 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 disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) market report covers the following areas: Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market Size Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market Trends Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market Industry Analysis This study identifies the increasing adoption of cloud-based disaster recovery solutions as one of the prime reasons driving the disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) market growth during the next few years. Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of vendors operating in the disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) market, including some of the vendors such as Amazon.com Inc., Broadcom Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., iland Internet Solutions, International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp., NTT Communications Corp., Oracle Corp., and Sungard Availability Services LP. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) 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 Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) market growth during the next five years Estimation of the disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of disaster recovery-as-a-service (DRaaS) market vendors Table Of Contents: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem Value chain analysis Market Sizing Market definition Market segment analysis Market size 2019 Market outlook: Forecast for 2019 2024 Five Forces Analysis Five Forces Summary Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition Market Segmentation by Deployment Market segments Comparison by Deployment Public cloud Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Private cloud Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Hybrid cloud Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Deployment Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Europe Market size and forecast 2019-2024 APAC 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 by geography Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors Amazon.com Inc. Broadcom Inc. Cisco Systems Inc. Dell Technologies Inc. iland Internet Solutions International Business Machines Corp. Microsoft Corp. NTT Communications Corp. Oracle Corp. Sungard Availability Services LP Appendix Scope of the report Currency conversion rates for US$ Research methodology List of abbreviations 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/20200618005830/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/ A whale and its calf trapped in shark nets off Main Beach on the Gold Coast have been freed by expert rescuers. Footage from the scene just before 2pm showed a mammal swimming free with what is believed to be its calf alongside. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) Shark Control Program manager Michael Mikitis said the Marine Animal Release Team (MART) had been activated at 11.30am and had unpicked the net from both the young whale and its mother with assistance from Sea World. "The release operation was conducted in rough and difficult conditions, but it was a good result in the end," he said. President Xi Jinping delivers the keynote speech at the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19 via video link in Beijing on Wednesday. HUANG JINGWEN/XINHUA Supportive measures unveiled at event to consolidate Sino-African friendship African leaders and experts have hailed President Xi Jinping's keynote speech at the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19, saying the mutual support of China and African countries in the anti-epidemic fight is a vivid illustration of a China-Africa community with a shared future. In his speech at the summit he presided over via video link in Beijing on Wednesday, Xi assured African countries that China will continue supporting COVID-19 containment measures on the continent. While calling for solidarity and cooperation to defeat the novel coronavirus pandemic, Xi unveiled an array of measures to help Africa cope with the public health crisis, including providing technical and material support and debt relief for African countries. Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong said after the summit that what Xi advocated in his speech showed the firm determination of China and Africa to defeat the epidemic and overcome difficulties, indicated the direction for future cooperation and injected impetus into international anti-epidemic efforts. China and Africa expressed support for each other not only in the anti-epidemic fight and economic and social development, but also on issues related to each other's core interests and major concerns, Chen said. The virtual summit was initiated by China, South Africa and Senegal. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is the current chairperson of the African Union while Senegalese President Macky Sall is a co-chairperson of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Ramaphosa said the summit demonstrates the depth and resilience of solidarity between China and Africa. "Sino-African solidarity and better multilateral cooperation are key to winning the battle against this pandemic," he said. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar withdrew her name Thursday as a potential running mate for Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket. A former candidate for the Democratic nomination herself, Klobuchar was, by all reports, under serious consideration to join the Biden ticket and one of eight or nine women being vetted for the job. Klobuchar made only a modest impact during her run for the presidency, lagging far behind in national polling throughout, but sticking around for a handful of early conteststhe high point being a solid third place finish in New Hampshire before wilting in Nevada and South Carolinaand dropping out of the race to endorse Biden ahead of Super Tuesday. Klobuchar was quickly rumored to be a potential VP pick, but one that would have come with political downsides of its own, as mashing another moderate senator atop the Democratic ticket at a time when significant portions of the party are demanding leftist candidates would have riled the already fractious base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of the killing of George Floyd, however, Klobuchar in the VP slot was untenable due to her previous role two decades ago as a local prosecutor in Minneapolis. Her tough on crime record, history with law enforcement in the city, and the tactics her office used to secure high-profile convictions and mete out heavy-handed punishments, were already facing renewed questioning the longer she managed to stick around the presidential race. If her record seemed already out of sync with the Democratic Party in February, the national focus on policing in her home county was the death knell for her potential candidacy, no matter how good her relationship with the former vice president. BREAKING: Sen. Klobuchar announces she is withdrawing from consideration to be Joe Biden's vice presidential choice: "I think this is a moment to put a woman of color on that ticket." pic.twitter.com/xk4zZIP7Yd MSNBC (@MSNBC) June 19, 2020 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her eight-year tenure as the Hennepin County attorney, the chief prosecutor in Minneapolis, Ms. Klobuchar sought stiffer sentences, tougher plea deals and more trials, and vowed to call out judges for letting offenders off the hook too easily, the New York Times reported in February before Klobuchar had dropped out of the race. Those tactics served her well during her political rise, winning support from some conservatives and inoculating her from attacks by Republican opponents. But her record has also come under attack from civil rights activists who say she pursued policies that shored up her support in white suburbs at the cost of unfairly targeting minorities and declining to prosecute police shootings. Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to the Slatest newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. There is some question of whether Klobuchar jumped before she was shoved from the list, which likely would have been a political and personal courtesy from a longtime colleague and ally. On her way out, in an interview with MSNBC, Klobuchar called on Biden to select a woman of color to join him on the ticket. After what Ive seen in my state and what Ive seen across the country, this is a historic moment and America must seize on this moment, she said. I truly believe, as I told the vice president last night, that I believe that this is a moment to put a woman of color on that ticket. Police board report takes baby steps, say critics urging reform, June 18 Anything short of a complete overhaul of the Toronto Police Service, beginning with establishing city council as the only agency with responsibility for overseeing the governance of the TPS, is an exercise in futility. Currently, TPS operates under provincial legislation that hands ultimate decision-making to the Ontario Civilian Police Commission, including the power to override city council on budgetary matters. As for the current police board, anyone who has attended a meeting would notice the large and noisy contingent of police officers in uniform who attend to observe the decisions being made. Other jurisdictions have decertified police unions and associations. These are the necessary steps to be taken, not more anti-racism training, not an expansion of the forces specialized mental-health response teams, not more studies. If your venture fund was not one of the ten investors that backed Reliance Jio Platforms in recent weeks, you wont be able to plough cash into the fast-growing top Indian telecom network for at least a few quarters now as it is no longer scouting for fresh deals. Reliance Jio Platforms, which has raised $15.2 billion in the past nine weeks, said today that Saudi Arabias PIF $1.5 billion investment on Thursday marked the end of Jio Platforms' current phase of induction of financial partners. Mukesh Ambani, who controls Reliance Industries (the parent firm of Jio Platforms and a range of other businesses), said that Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail, the largest retail chain in the country, have received strong interest from strategic and financial investors, but he will now induct leading global partners in these businesses in the next few quarters. Indias richest man added that he plans to publicly list both Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail within the next five years. With these initiatives, I have no doubt that your company will have one of the strongest balance sheets in the world. Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of the Reliance Industries Ltd., arrives for the company's annual general meeting in Mumbai, India, on Monday, Aug. 12, 2019. Photographer: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg via Getty Images The announcement today caps perhaps the buzziest fundraising news cycle that lasted for nearly three months. Reliance Jio Platforms, which has amassed over 388 million subscribers in less than four years, announced in April that it had secured $5.7 billion from Facebook. In the weeks since, the telecom operator has raised an additional $9.5 billion from a roster of nine high-profile investors including Silver Lake, KKR, and General Atlantic . The huge capital infusion at the height of a global pandemic accounted for more than half of the investment into telecom companies globally this year, according to Bloomberg. By raising $15.2 billion, Jio Platforms, which Ambani describes as a startup, alone mopped up more capital than India's entire tech startup ecosystem last year. Story continues On Friday, Ambani also confirmed a market speculation about why Reliance Jio Platforms was raising money at all. Ambani said that the capital has helped him repay Reliance Industries net debt of $21 billion well ahead of schedule. The oil-to-retail giant, which was debt free in 2012, is now "net debt free," he said. Last August, Ambani promised shareholders that Reliance Industries, which is Indias most valued firm, would repay its debt by early 2021. Today I am both delighted and humbled to announce that we have fulfilled our promise to the shareholders by making Reliance net debt-free much before our original schedule of 31st March 2021, he said. Police investigate death of Myanmar man found hanged behind Korean restaurant PHUKET: Police are investigating the death of a Myanmar man who was found hanged outside the restrooms of a Korean restaurant in Kathu last night, after the mans friends said the victim was depressed as he had no income due to the COVID situation and he was not allowed to return home to his wife in Myanmar. deathpolitics By Eakkapop Thongtub Friday 19 June 2020, 06:10PM Rescue workers at the scene last night (June 18). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Capt Peerawat Yodtor of the Kathu Police was called to the Tae Guk Ki restaurant off Wichit Songkram Rd at 11pm after he was notified by the 191 national police hotline. Capt Peerawat and fellow officers, along with a medical team from Vachira Phuket Hospital and Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation rescue workers, arrived to find the body of Ye Htet, 41, on the ground in front of the restrooms at the back of the restaurant. Mr Yes friends told police that they were alone in the restauarnt after the restaurant closed at 10pm, Capt Peerawat reported. Mr Ye had called his wife in Myanmar and told her that he wanted to come home, but that he could not because of the COVID-19 situation, and that he had very little money, his friends said. Mr Ye had excused himself and left the group, and when he did not return his friends went searching for hime, and found him hanged by a nylon rope in front of the restrooms. The group of friends brought him down and despite their efforts were unable to revive hime, his friends explained. From the initial physical examination, there were no signs that Mr Ye was involved in any struggle, Capt Peerawat reported. Regardless, Mr Yes body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for post-mortem examination, he said. Police are now working gaining access CCTV camera footage from the restaurant. Capt Peerawat noted. The restaurant does have CCTV cameras, but there is a technical problem that is preventing us from seeing that footage. We havea technician working on that now, he said. At the moment, officers are still investigating, gathering any evidence of what happened, as well as waiting for the results of the post-mortem examination and questioning more witnesses, Capt Peerawat said. After that, the police will present a more comprehensive report to the [Myanmar] embassy and relatives of the deceased, he said. Oba of Benin, Omo NOba NEdo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, on Thursday said godfatherism and consensus candidate must be wiped out from the politics of Edo state. The monarch made this known in a statement, saying these two political vices are antithetical to the fundamental basis of democracy. According to Oba Ewuare II, reports suggesting that his palace prevailed on some aspirants to step down for a particular candidate in the upcoming primaries of a certain political party is false. The palace totally denounces this evil speculation and condemns those that originated it, the statement read. Advertisement His Royal Majesty, Omo NOba NEdo, Uku Akpoiokpolo, the Oba of Benin has said times without number that the Palace of the Oba of Benin does not get involved in partisan politics. The three prayer points of the Oba of Benin in the democratic process have always been as follows; that God and our ancestors should give us a governor that will accord respect to traditional institutions, develop this state and provide food on the table for the masses. The Omo NOba strongly advises that in order to eschew recurrent socio political conflict that seems to constantly ravish the state, making Edo people a laughing stock to the rest of the country in how politicians manage the affairs of Edo people, our Edo political actors must eradicate the twin evil political vices of Godfatherism and CONSENSUS CANDIDATE. Read Also: Obaseki Breaks Silence Hours After Oshiomholes Suspension These two practices seem antithetical to the very fundamental basis of democracy. In other words, this business of coercing aspirants to step down for another candidate for whatsoever reason is undemocratic It will not augur well for the development of democratic process in Nigeria. The oba said the palace is very weary of the imposition of candidates whom only certain individuals want, not the majority. Ghana Must Go politics should end in the State. Politicians should stop cashing in on the poor masses and exploiting them for their votes, he said. As the various political parties go about the process of selecting their candidates through their respective party primaries, we urge all to exercise the highest standards of maturity and sportsmanship, as the desire to bring about the best for the people of Edo State cannot be compromised nor sacrificed on the altar of intolerance, rumour mongering and fake news. Rumour mongers are reminded that there is an ancestral curse on anyone who attempts to tarnish the image of the Oba of Benin and the ancient throne of Benin Kingdom, which will normally be for their selfish ends. She has been a permanent fixture on TV screens when presenting on Good Morning Britain throughout the coronavirus pandemic. And Charlotte Hawkins put on a typically glamorous display as she headed to work at Global Radio studios in central London on Friday. The broadcaster, 45, opted for a pink and red leopard print cardigan that flattered her svelte physique. Gorgeous: Charlotte Hawkins put on a typically glamorous display as she headed to work at Global Radio studios in central London on Friday The TV and radio host teamed the garment with black leather culottes that fell above her ankles and completed her ensemble with orange court shoe heels. Charlotte wore her blonde tresses in bouncy curls and flashed a radiant smile on her way in. She shared another snap of her chic ensemble to her Instagram while holding up a charity T-shirt. To accompany the sweet snap, she wrote: 'At the @classicfm studios supporting @globals_make_some_noise Day, raising money with an Emergency Appeal to help those adversely affected by coronavirus. Stylish: The broadcaster, 45, opted for a pink and red leopard print cardigan that flattered her svelte physique 'You can get this fabulous charity t-shirt to support the cause via @veryuk @global #makesomenoise #classicfm #loveandhope #inthistogether.' Last week, Charlotte shared a rare snap of her five-year-old daughter, Ella Rose, to Instagram. The GMB presenter revealed that she had been judging a baking competition and Ella had been sent her 'dream' cupcake decorated as a cat. Charlotte took to Instagram to post the sweet snaps as she posed with her adorable daughter. Beauty: The TV and radio host teamed the garment with black leather culottes that fell above her ankles and completed her ensemble with orange court shoe heels She penned: 'Big smiles all round as it's been a while since we've had a proper cake!! (I can't get hold of any icing sugar!). 'I was delighted to be asked to be a judge for @buttercreamycakes Dream Cupcake competition in aid of @surreydriveuk, who've been providing hot meals for frontline workers. 'Well done all the winners, and a huge thank you to Butter & Cream cakes for making Ella Rose's dream cat cupcake a reality! This is not going to last long...' Charlotte shares Ella with husband Mark Herbert, they married in 2008. In the fight against the coronavirus, some frontline workers have not been highlighted. These are the journalists who face the risk of getting the disease in order to inform the public. Many of them are now paying the highest price. About 127 journalists have died in 31 countries from COVID-19, according to reports compiled by the Geneva-based Press Emblem Campaign. We need to recognize the risks our journalists face in doing their essential work, investigating the causes and implications of health conditions and policies that impact health, as well as the experiences of oppression and avenues for resolution, said Karin Wilkins, dean of the School of Communication. Of all the continents, Latin America is the most affected with at least 62 journalists who have died from the virus, compared with Europe's 23 victims, Asia's 17, North America's 13, and Africa's 12. The Poynter Institute in Saint Petersburg, Florida, has collected remembrances of 12 working and retired journalists who have succumbed to coronavirus in the United States. Of all the Latin American countries in the study, Peru has the highest number of journalists who have died from the virus. Twenty have died in the past two and a half months. Six of the journalists died in the area of Iquitos, an indigenous region in the northern Amazon region of Peru that saw one of the biggest outbreaks. Peru has reported 5,738 deaths due to the coronavirus, the third highest in the region after Brazil and Mexico, according to the countrys health ministry. Sallie Hughes, associate professor in the School of Communication and faculty director at the Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, said that journalists are trained to go get the story and only in recent years has the issue of minimizing risks while on assignment caused journalists to take potential dangers more seriously. The default mindset of a journalist is: I am going to cover the hurricane. I am going to the scene of a horrific shooting or accident, and I am going to do it because it is my job and because it is important to inform my readers, my community, she said. More journalism associations, international rights organizations, and academics are demanding journalists be provided safety training before covering risky stories and be offered psychological debriefings afterward, Hughes said. In the case of the Latin American journalists, besides access to training, other factors come into play that put them at a higher risk of infection. This includes a lack of financial resources, which prevented many from getting the appropriate gear to protect themselves, she explained. In Latin America, as in the U.S., there is a hierarchy in news organizations, she said. Some of the Latin American news organizations are well resourced and can provide journalists with training and appropriate protective gear, while many others are not able to do so. Another factor affecting many Latin American journalists is the precarious labor conditions they work in, Hughes noted. Many are freelancers who rely on their own initiative and news savvy to survive. They are paid by the piece and often not a very high wage. Staying home in quarantine is not an option for them. They have to work, Hughes said. They have to cover the hospital. They have to go to the morgue and speak to the victims family, because that is the story they can sell. All these stories are vital for an informed society during a health crisis, even more so in locations where governments may not be forthcoming or are even downplaying the severity of the crisis, she pointed out. Hughes research partner at the University of Lima, Professor Lilian Kanashiro, explained that all of these conditions have increased the risk of infection for Peruvian journalists, with the additional factor being that the worst hit parts of the country are areas where government health services are absent or poorly financed. In the case of the Amazon jungle, it is a double vulnerability, Kanashiro said. The health system had already been hit by dengue and by the indifference of the central government. After dengue, COVID arrived and the blow was brutal. Journalists in other continents have also succumbed to the virus. Zororo Makamba, a broadcast journalist in Zimbabwe, died of the coronavirus on March 29. He was 30 years old and Zimbabwes first coronavirus death. Writing in The Herald, the state-owned daily newspaper, Leroy Dzenga described Makamba as a passionate, eloquent patriot who understood the role of lucid communication in nation-building. In Italy, Paolo Micai, a journalist and camera man, died in March. The Italian news website wrote about him. In the last month he had narrated the drama of COVID-19 in the front line, accompanying with his images the stories of journalists from the cities and countries most affected by the pandemic, it stated. In the U.S., Maria Mercader, a journalist with the CBS News, died of the coronavirus. She was 54 years old. CBS News reported: Maria got her start at CBS News in 1987, in the CBS Page Program. In her years working on the CBS News foreign and national desks, Maria helped produce many of the biggest stories, including the death of Princess Diana and the 9/11 attacks. She won a Business Emmy in 2004 for her work on a CBS Sunday Morning report on computer spam. During this pandemic, the danger for journalists globally are far more widespread than ever before, Hughes remarked. And in the end, journalists, especially photographers, are frontline workers and face some of the same risks as health workers, emergency service workers, and others. China in recent weeks banned beef exports from Australias largest abattoirs, ended trade in Australian barley with a tariff wall and warned its citizens against visiting Australia. The measures are widely interpreted as punishment for Australias advocacy of an independent probe into the origins and spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 13:57:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 18 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Supreme Court latest decision on an immigration program established during the Obama administration has drawn the ire of President Donald Trump and Republicans on Capitol Hill. The nation's highest federal court, in a 5-4 ruling, on Thursday rejected the Trump administration's plan to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a program which grants undocumented immigrants brought to the nation as children permission to live and work lawfully. The justices ruled that the administration failed to give an adequate justification for terminating DACA. "The dispute before the Court is not whether [Department of Homeland Security (DHS)] may rescind DACA. All parties agree that it may," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in a majority opinion that was joined by the court's more liberal justices. "The dispute is instead primarily about the procedure the agency followed in doing so." Justice Clarence Thomas, in his dissent, called it "an effort to avoid a politically controversial but legally correct decision." DACA, created via an administrative memo in 2012, allows some undocumented immigrants in the United States to receive a renewable two-year deferral from deportation and makes applicants eligible for work permits, driver's licenses, and health insurance. Some 700,000 undocumented immigrants, most of them brought to the United States as children, had signed up for DACA introduced by the then Barack Obama government in 2012. "Eight years ago this week, we protected young people who were raised as part of our American family from deportation," Former President Barack Obama tweeted. "Today, I'm happy for them, their families, and all of us." Trump, who has made the abolishment of DACA a key part of his hardline immigration policy, lashed out at the Supreme Court decision. "These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republicans or Conservatives," Trump wrote in a series of tweets. "As President of the United States, I am asking for a legal solution on DACA, not a political one, consistent with the rule of law. The Supreme Court is not willing to give us one, so now we have to start this process all over again," he said. Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement that he thinks "the DACA program was created out of thin air and implemented illegally." There are five conservative and four liberal justices on the nine-seat Supreme Court. Thursday's decision to preserve DACA marked the third time Chief Justice Roberts, who leans conservative, cast the deciding vote on a major Trump immigration policy, and is likely to further cement his image as the court's new swing vote. Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, railed against Chief Justice Roberts on Thursday. Judging is "not supposed to be a game," he said during a Senate floor speech. Senator Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican claimed that the Supreme Court "appears to be legislating." The DACA decision came only days after the Supreme Court ruled that gay and transgender employees are protected by the nation's civil rights laws against employer discrimination. Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Neil Gorsuch, a conservative whom Trump picked to succeed Antonin Scalia, sided with their liberal colleagues to deliver the ruling. "During these dark times, these two decisions from the Supreme Court this week were a surprising ray of light," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday on Twitter. "No discrimination. Embracing immigrants." Trump, meanwhile, claimed that the Supreme Court doesn't like him. "The recent Supreme Court decisions, not only on DACA, Sanctuary Cities, Census, and others, tell you only one thing, we need NEW JUSTICES of the Supreme Court," the president wrote, adding that he will craft a new list of conservative Supreme Court Justice nominees in coming months. Supreme Court justices are nominated by U.S. president and confirmed by the Senate. Each justice has lifetime tenure. Besides Gorsuch, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who replaced Anthony Kennedy in 2018, was also nominated by Trump. Enditem Its almost like theres this monster inside of you Those who have battled the coronavirus say they arent certain theyve defeated it, but know their lives will never be the same. Here are the stories of eight Bay Area survivors. Its almost like theres this monster inside of you Those who have battled the coronavirus say they arent certain theyve defeated it, but know their lives will never be the same. Here are the stories of eight Bay Area survivors. Being a survivor of the coronavirus doesnt mean youve recovered. In the months since the virus first crept into the Bay Area, more than 500 people have died and more than 17,500 others have positively tested for the virus. For the rest, the prospect of getting sick looms large. Now, after 100 days in as most counties in the Bay Area have begun to open up it can feel like the air is looser, that the worst part is over. But those who dealt with the virus say they havent necessarily defeated it, and their lives will never be the same. The Chronicle interviewed eight coronavirus survivors who had a variety of experiences. Their stories, A6-A7 Online extra Hear their stories in their own voices: www.sfchronicle.com/coronavirus-survivors John Marble, 43, San Francisco John Marble still has his COVID-19 goodbye letter, and it is something to behold. In it, he explains why his San Francisco apartment was a mess (Ive just been deep Spring cleaning), offers his last words (What a life!) and crafted the whole thing in a blue highlighter. I didnt have the energy to walk 4 feet across the room to grab a pen, Marble says. Marble, a writer and speaker on autism and neurodiversity and founder of Pivot Diversity, avoided overnight hospitalization for the disease. But even with his relatively moderate case, the 43-year-old Mission District resident says it was the worst health experience of his life. Its going to be harder to take this disease seriously as it goes on, because its just human nature to be worn down by all the information and all the practices, Marble says. And its something we still have to be vigilant of, because I dont want other people to go through this experience. Marble in 2009 was appointed by President Obama to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, becoming Obamas first openly autistic staff member. He was in New York City in mid-March, scheduled to speak at a conference that was canceled. Marble started losing his sense of taste and smell in New York on Thursday, March 12, returned to San Francisco the following day and touched ground with strong flu-like symptoms. The symptoms lingered, and by the end of the month, the fever began to spike into dangerous territory. April first was probably my biggest low point, Marble said. My breathing was just heavily labored. It felt like I was manually having to make myself breathe, and I was concerned about passing away in the middle of the night. In retrospect, he probably should have called for an ambulance. Instead, he wrote his letter. I was furiously texting people, just appreciations of them, unspooling these love letters, things I want to say in case this goes south because it very much felt that way, Marble said. Marble spent most of April 2 in the emergency room. He returned a week later after experiencing chest pains related to pneumonia. Now entering his fourth month since he started showing symptoms of COVID-19, the once-active advocate only recently started rebuilding his strength. This is a hard thing to get through, even if youre considered mild or moderate, Marble says. I dont think my case would be considered severe, but this is probably the most severe health experience that Ive gone through. Shelly and Sherrie Howell, 53 and 73, Pleasanton In 2009, Shelly Howell was a healthy 42-year-old until the H1N1 pandemic. The infection landed her in the hospital for four months, where she spent five weeks in a coma and nine weeks on a ventilator. She awoke as a quadraplegic, and had to relearn everything from walking to brushing her teeth. The illness brought on years of other long-term issues, including permanent lung damage. Howell tried to be extra cautious when the coronavirus hit, before Pleasanton went on lockdown. She got sick anyway. March 7 marked her first symptom: an odd gurgling in her stomach that her mother, Sherrie Howell, 73, could hear from across the room. Then came the shooting abdominal pain; then, the debilitating headaches and dizziness. On the third day, her mother woke up and said her head was spinning. At that point, none of their symptoms fit the profile for the so-called three symptoms of coronavirus: fever, shortness of breath, and cough. Tests were limited, so they tried to stay out of the hospital for as long as they could. But the pains continued to grow. Over the past three months, Shelly experienced 45 different symptoms and her mother experienced at least 40 of the same ones, always a few days behind her. Chills that felt like ice cubes were running through her body, extreme indigestion, a constant smelling of gasoline or burnt acid, joint pain, strawberry tongue, brain fog. The oddest one, she says, was a feeling like she was in an idling car, but magnified 100 times. It was like my cells were rolling around in circles all over my body, she said. One day, she was calmly chopping onions, and suddenly she could feel her pulse, pounding in her neck: It was at 148 beats per minute, more than 90 beats above her resting rate. She and her mother both went to the ER at different times, and when she went, they found kidney stones, gallstones and inflammation in organs including her pancreas. Its almost like theres this monster inside of you, she said. And its going to play different games with you on different days. The most curious part was that it felt like clockwork, as if the virus was operating on its own sinister schedule. They had three phases of it, each that lasted around three weeks and then left them with three days of rest, as the virus plotted its next attack. Her flare-ups happened between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.; her mothers between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. One day in late May, Shelly woke up and, finally, felt better. Her mother lagged two weeks behind but is on the mend. Shelly has since experienced more pain, and more new symptoms but she and her mother both know that with this virus, mending is a complicated and nonlinear process. There is no one that can tell you when its going to end, she said. Jimmy Chang, 46, Danville As a nursing manager at Washington Hospital in Fremont, Jimmy Chang is someone who knows everyone on the floor where he works. So when one of his longtime co-workers came in to check on him during the first full day of his COVID-19 hospitalization, and Chang didnt recognize the nurse, alarm bells went off. Shes someone Ive known for 10 years, Chang says. She knew immediately something was wrong. So they ran some tests and found out my oxygen levels were so severely low that it affected my neurological status. He checked into his hospital March 26 for what turned out to be a dramatic 10-day fight, including several days on his stomach receiving high-flow oxygen. Jimmy Chang thought hed be home in a day or two. Instead, his oxygen levels dropped, and he was quickly transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where doctors recommended a proning treatment, placing Chang on his stomach with high-flow oxygen, which helps decrease the patients work of breathing. If he didnt respond, they might have to put him on a ventilator. Although figures are still coming in, early numbers suggested most COVID-19 patients who went on ventilators were not surviving. As I was able to digest the information, I realized, Oh shoot, if I get intubated, I might not make it out, Chang said. He texted his wife: Im scared. He made a slow recovery, spending 2 days in the ICU. He was discharged April 5, and surprised everyone when he returned to work a couple of weeks later. It was very comforting, because I know all of the staff there, Chang says. I had a lot of people waving their hands through the windows, just offering support. Chloe Barr, 51, San Francisco On March 14, Chloe Barr and her husband were halfway to Salinas to meet a friend when she started coughing at a rest stop, uncontrollably. I looked at my husband and I was like, I think I have the coronavirus, Barr, 51, said. So they turned back to San Francisco. It had been three days since shed flown to Denver for a job interview. Over the next week, her lungs started to make crackling and bubbling sounds. With an oxygen pulse oximeter left over from her late mother, she measured hers at 88 normal was usually between 95 and 100. Soon, she went to the ER, where they took a nasal swab and sent her home. A couple of days later, she went again, and despite her negative swab, they found signs of COVID-19 in her lungs. After three separate visits to the hospital, she finally checked into the ER and stayed there for five days. She was put on nasal oxygen, a cocktail of medications including the infamous hydroxychloroquine drug, antibiotics, vitamins and opioids. She lost her senses of taste and smell, battled thrush and sweated to the point shed soak through multiple towels. Her blood work showed damage to her organs and inflammation in her body. On the last day in the hospital, the mental pain finally caught up to the physical and she broke down. One of the nurses tried to comfort her, but Barr could tell she was scared, too. I think a lot of them were so scared of being in a room with me, she said. All the while, her husband had fallen sick, but didnt tell her. When she finally got home, the couple had to maneuver separate isolations in a tiny one-bedroom apartment; they kissed for the first time after 14 days. But then the horror continued, after Barr learned that her father, who was living at Atria senior living in Daly City, had tested positive for the virus and had been sent to the ER. In his few conversations with Barr, he consistently complained of not having enough water to drink. Her father ended up choking on a piece of chicken during lunch. He was resuscitated, but never regained consciousness again. It was a fugue of indescribable pain for Barr who was still so sick, but had to make an impossible decision about her fathers life. And though she was still dealing with the virus, the hospital let her be with him when he was disconnected from life support March 30. She stood over him for an hour and a half, holding his hand until he died. Recovery has not come as a beacon for Barr, who ended up getting the job she applied for and is working remotely. She still occasionally endures pain in her back, in her lungs, the smell of smoke around her, a symptom thats followed her throughout her sickness, and the fear that the virus could strike again. Martin and Kevin Jones, 60 and 59, Oakland Kevin Jones had many strange and horrible dreams during his harrowing battle with coronavirus: Delusions of limbs being cut off. A blue robot in the room filled with crystals. An upside-down chicken doing the chicken dance. When he did have a lucid thought, it was of his husband and partner of 34 years, Martin Jones. All I wanted to do was get back to Martin, he says. I remember that was the prevailing thought in my mind. Get back to Martin. The 59-year-old Oakland man, who was intubated for three weeks and given a slim chance to live, contracted the virus after returning from Europe on Tuesday, March 17, the day after the Bay Area shelter in place was announced. Kevin checked into Kaiser Oakland with a high fever on Friday, March 20, for what would become a month-long stay. By the following Monday, he was intubated and sedated, with oxygen dropping to perilous levels every time he was moved or bathed. Martin, who had a milder coronavirus case, began to receive grim news from doctors. When told his husband had a slim chance of survival, he lobbied for a visit with the Kaiser staff, a nurse manager, infectious disease doctors and others working to get approval on the basis that both men were COVID-19 positive. It was a dramatic scene. Martin drove into a secured loading dock, with a team of PPE-covered security and his own elevator. He spent four hours, holding Kevins hand, talking about the time they first met at the old Stud bar in San Francisco, their dogs and playing Kevins favorite music. I didnt actually say goodbye, because if in any way he was hearing me, thats not what I wanted him to hear, Martin says. But thats effectively what it was. Goodbye wasnt necessary. On Easter Sunday, April 12, after 21 days on a ventilator, Kevins fun energy poured into the world again. I woke up and said, Whats up bitches, Im back, Kevin Jones says. I came back the same day Jesus did. He returned home April 20, and as of early June was still receiving oxygen from a mobile tank to help with his breathing. But his energy is returning and spirits are high. He cooks meals and catches up with friends, even though conversations still leave him short of breath. We joke that Ive gone from being his caregiver to being his warden, Martin says. Appreciate the love you have, they say, and treat every day as a gift. I reach out and touch him at night, Martin says. Just to make sure hes there. Katie Swanson, 29, Sunnyvale Katie Swanson started feeling symptoms Feb. 22, around three weeks before the Bay Area went on lockdown, back when the coronavirus was far away and when no locals were thought to have died. The 29-year-old chemical hydrologist was walking a 5K with her family in Sacramento when she started to feel really off, which wasnt normal for her Swanson is an Ironman triathlete who works out seven days a week. But her nerves were pulsing with pain throughout her body, and she had no idea why. She assumed it couldnt have been the virus there was no way. That week, she worked a couple of part-time shifts at her gyms day care. When she got home from the last one, she stayed in bed for four days. On March 9, she felt as if someone very heavy was sitting on her chest and choking her. It felt like I was getting hit with a sledgehammer, Swanson said. Five days later, it felt like her sternum was broken and her chest was caving in. Panicking, she called her mom and ended up in the ER. As Swanson was led into the hospitals special quarantine area, she finally entertained the thought that she might have the virus. Her friends business partner had been in Wuhan in January and got sick; the friend didnt. Someone at her moms work had gotten sick. Swanson started taking off all her layers and asked for an ice pack to deal with the sweating. They did some tests and an X-ray, then told her to go home and to get tested at a drive-through clinic the following day. Her terror grew when that test came back negative. Up until (then), I thought that all medical tests were accurate, she said. I also believed that someone who was (29) couldnt get COVID-19. Friends told her she was overreacting, that it was probably just allergies. But as her symptoms got worse, her doctor grew skeptical, and told her she believed it had been a false negative. She also told Swanson there was little anyone could do. At home, Swanson was put on antibiotics and a nebulizer with two inhalers, but even doing something as simple as making food set her back. Then her mother got sick, too. Fortunately, she recovered quicker to take care of Swanson, who lost her ability to walk and to talk without stuttering. At one point, Swansons face was turning blue and her eyes looked like shed been punched. On April 3, she also tested positive for EBV for mono, something that confounded her even more. By mid-April, her condition seemed to be on the upswing. Thinking she had improved, she and her mother went on a bike ride with a few friends on Mothers Day. It backfired: Swanson immediately had trouble breathing and suddenly had an episode in which she couldnt recognize anything: plants, her block, the people she was with. That week, she struggled to spell simple words. Even now, more than 100 days in, it hasnt been a full recovery: Blood tests showed she had too little oxygen in her brain and her head still feels foggy. There is the emotional toll, too, of relationships falling apart, and the pain of people questioning her experience. Some people still seem scared of seeing her, even 6 feet apart with masks and its a burden for which no end date is clear. Johnnie Clark Sr., 72, Oakland Pastor Johnnie Clark Sr.s doctor said it wasnt a good idea to take a trip to New Orleans the virus was spreading around the U.S., and the 72-year-old had health problems but he went anyway. He didnt want to miss his mothers 95th birthday. He was feeling a little sick shortly after arriving, but chalked it up to a minor cold, his diabetes, his heart condition. A few days after he returned home, he realized he could barely breathe, so his wife, Sylvia, called an ambulance. Once he got to the hospital, he faintly heard the doctors talking about the virus and for a few minutes, his mind spun. I even thought about committing suicide, said Clark, a minister at Word Assembly Church in Oakland, as he recounted his days of having to lie upside down on a rotating bed, not knowing when the pain would end or what would happen to him. He was eventually induced into a coma and put on a ventilator. Most of his family had gotten sick as well, though to varying degrees. His mother was hospitalized, and his brother and two sisters fell ill. Though his wife hadnt gone on the trip, she dealt with the sickness alone at home. After 12 days on the ventilator, the family took a leap of faith; he was taken off the ventilator and they waited to see if he would breathe on his own. Wilson, who talked to the doctors every day, kept reminding them her father was no ordinary man. He had gone through drug addiction which brought him to preaching, heart-valve surgery in 1995 and Hurricane Katrina. Losing everything in that tragedy had brought them to the Bay Area in 2005. Clark said he remembered a promise he made to the Lord: that if he could see his house again, the first thing he would do would be to get on his knees in front of it and thank him. On April 30, as he struggled to hold on to his walker, he knelt down and fulfilled his end of the promise. Even a month after, its still hard to walk in the same way, sometimes its hard to breathe. But he is home. Victor Godinez-Cubillo, 60, Daly City Im not a person who gets sick, Victor Godinez-Cubillo says. An engineer with a background in geology, he once worked in the jungles of Mexico at risk of malaria and other diseases, with little fear of illness. After two decades working in his home country, Godinez-Cubillo moved to the Bay Area in 2001, settling in Daly City. The former marathon runner and swimmer, now 60, says that before COVID-19, he hadnt been ill in four years. But on April 20, what he calls the nightmare of my life began. It started with a light discomfort then slowly built to something serious. He tested positive for the coronavirus on April 23 and, with fever spiking, was told by his Kaiser doctor to head to the South San Francisco hospitals emergency room on April 25. The married father of three talks about the physical fight involving doctors and treatment but also the spiritual fight going on in his fever-scattered brain. When the virus was at its worst, and he was hooked up to oxygen, Godinez-Cubillo says he viewed his survival as a battle between dark and light. The dark side is dark because I feel very bad, and it doesnt allow me to think well, Godinez-Cubillo said. Sometimes the dark covered the light, and sometimes I thought I needed to give up. But always there is something saying, Keep on, keep on. The light is going to be there. Once I cried and asked God, Send me your light, and give me your mercy and help me. While Godinez-Cubillo handled the spiritual side of the fight, his Kaiser doctors had success with medical treatments, eventually giving the patient Remdesivir, an IV-administered drug being tested to treat the worst symptoms of coronavirus. After the second night on Remdesivir, Godinez-Cubillo improved quickly. He spent a total of five days in the hospital. Godinez-Cubillo says he got better quickly, going back to work in mid-May. Two weeks ago, he went on an 18-mile bike ride with his grown son. I felt tired, but I felt recovered in less than an hour, Godinez-Cubillo said. His message is one of hope, not alarm or dread. Follow the protocols, he says, listen to doctors, maintain your faith and be safe. Above all, even if you get the coronavirus, dont let your life be consumed by fear. Peter Hartlaub and Annie Vainshtein are San Francisco Chronicle reporters. Email: phartlaub@sfchronicle.com, avainshtein@sfchronicle.com New Delhi, June 19 : The condition of Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Friday worsened, two days after he tested positive for coronavirus. The 55-year-old Jain has been shifted to ICU ward of another Covid-19 hospital from Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, where he was admitted earlier this week. He was put on oxygen support after his lung infection increased. Jain was tested twice this week after he developed symptoms of coronavirus, including high fever and breathing difficulty. He tested positive the second time on Wednesday. On Sunday, he was present at a meeting between the Union Home Ministry and Delhi government. The meeting was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, L-G Anil Baijal, and Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan. Earlier on Friday, another Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi Marlena tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently in quarantine in her house. This came amid a sudden spurt in cases in the national capital. In Delhi, the cases are inching towards the 50,000-mark and over 1,969 people have succumbed to the disease. On June 9, Chief Minister Kejriwal had tested for the coronavirus after he complained of mild fever and sore throat. His test report, however, came out as negative. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The New Tag Recently Appeared On The Proflie According to police reports, Sushant was battling depression and was taking treatment for the same. An investigation is currently underway and the Mumbai police have questioned several friends and family members. Yesterday, the late actors' alleged girlfriend and actress RheaChakraborty was snapped outside the Bandra police station, where she was interrogated for nine hours. The Account Is Visible To All But Changes Cannot Be Made Meanwhile, latest reports suggest that the Mumbai Police has recovered five diaries from Sushant's Mumbai home which will be investigated. Fans Are Waiting For The Release Of Dil Bechara Sushant was last seen in Chhichhore and was gearing up for the release of Dil Bechara. Directed by Mukesh Chhabra, the film is a remake of the Hollywood film The Fault in Our Stars, which is based on a book of the same name by John Green. Dil Bechara was set to release on May 20, but the release was pushed due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 22:54:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Peerzada Arshad Hamid SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Eight militants were killed in two separate fierce gunfights with government forces in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said Friday. The gunfight broke out in Shopian and Pulwama districts, south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. According to police officials, five militants were killed in Shopian, while as three others were killed in adjacent Pulwama district. Both the gunfights triggered Thursday evening and the stand-off continued throughout the night. "Gunfights at both the places resumed in the morning and concluded today," a police official said. "In Pulwama the militants were holed up in a mosque. The police have not resorted to firing or usage of improvised explosive devises (IEDs) but only tear smoke shells were used to neutralize the militants to maintain the sanctity of the mosque." According to police officials both the operations were launched on specific intelligence information suggesting the presence of militants. Meanwhile, the senior most army official Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju, while addressing a joint press conference with region's police chief Dilbag Singh said since the beginning of this year 102 militants were killed. Police said the identity of slain militants was being ascertained. The government forces have not suffered any damage in the gunfight. Last month a top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit Riyaz Naikoo along with his accomplice were killed in a gunfight in the region. A civilian was also killed and several others injured following the clashes during the gunfight. Enditem The four Conservative leadership contenders squared off in the last official debate of the race Thursday with the candidates focusing their attacks not on each other but on the common foe: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party. While Wednesday night's French debate included much sniping between the two perceived frontrunners, Erin O'Toole and Peter MacKay, in the English debate the candidates called for unity among conservatives to take on Trudeau. MacKay and O'Toole avoided some of the personal slurs that peppered the French exchange on Wednesday, O'Toole called MacKay a "liar," for example, while MacKay said O'Toole is an "angry man" and focused instead on how their policies will better Canada. The four candidates used the two-hour event to brand Trudeau as a threat to family values and the country's continued prosperity. Toronto lawyer Leslyn Lewis said Trudeau has "destroyed the Canadian dream" and threatened the bonds of Confederation by alienating Canadians in the West. Watch | Power & Politics full special coverage of the English-language Conservative debate "Debt is piling up, social divisions are widening, but there is hope that Canada can be restored as a beacon of hope and opportunity for all around the world. "I believe that when Conservatives unite we can start the work of healing this great nation," she said. O'Toole said he's determined to "unite all conservatives all voices in our party are welcome," while MacKay said he is focused on "bringing conservatives together." MacKay, who presented himself as a social moderate on Wednesday night, said all conservatives must unite to stop Trudeau, including social conservatives. Watch | Erin O'Toole and Peter MacKay on being PM "I don't speak of being 'true blue' I speak of everyone. There are no hyphenated conservatives. We need to get the party together to keep the country together," he said. Story continues Speaking to reporters after the debate, MacKay said he took a more civil approach Thursday evening so that he could speak "directly to Canadians about my ideas and my platform and my eight-point jobs plan." "I personally think the bickering, the back and forth it's a by-product of competition... but I think tonight's debate had a good tone, it was substantive and we shone a positive light on our party," he said. Lewis and rookie MP Derek Sloan, the two social conservatives in this race, said the Liberal government is undermining family values by pushing legislation through Parliament that would criminalize conversion therapy. Lewis said the party should do more to promote family as "the cornerstone, the bedrock of our society," and, if elected, she should enact parental rights legislation. Watch | Derek Sloan and Leslyn Lewis on being PM Lewis, echoing lyrics from the Whitney Houston song "Greatest Love of All," said "children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way." Sloan said kids "go through a lot of different things," and in some instances, those with gender dysphoria, "will grow out of it." Sloan also promised to enact legislation on abortion. "It's not right that Canada doesn't have any laws when it comes to abortion," Sloan said. "It's put us out of whack with most of the developed world." Taking aim at Trudeau and COVID response O'Toole, referencing MacKay's assertion last night that he is an "angry man," said he is angry about what Trudeau has done to Canada in the last five years, rhyming off a list of the prime minister's perceived failings, including ballooning budget deficits, challenges to national unity, a troubled energy sector and a poor response to the COVID-19 pandemic. O'Toole said the Liberal government bungled the pandemic by refusing to heed Conservative calls to close the border in January, a decision, he said, that left our country saddled with untold thousands of infections. MacKay said Trudeau sent 16 tonnes of medical equipment to China early in the year, a decision that, he said, left Canada without the needed supplies at the start of this pandemic in March. Sloan, who faced earlier criticism for remarks he made about Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, said officials in Canada have been too deferential to the World Health Organization. He promised to pull Canada's contributions to the WHO. The candidates also took aim at Trudeau for mishandling foreign affairs, pointing to Canada's recent loss at the UN for a Security Council seat as just the latest failure. MacKay said Trudeau soured Canada's relationship with the U.S. by talking about U.S. President Donald Trump behind his back. "That type of behaviour doesn't advance Canada's interests," he said, adding Canada got a raw deal during the NAFTA negotiations because Canada let Mexico take the lead in renegotiating the trilateral trade deal. Watch | Sloan says Trump is 'a very shrewd and capable negotiator' Trudeau "acted like an absolute child when dealing with a shrewd negotiator," Sloan added, referencing Trump. "Donald Trump will not lift a finger to help Justin Trudeau because of what he's done," Sloan said. "I'm confident Trump will defy the odds again and win the next election and when I'm prime minister I'll call and congratulate him." Confronting systemic racism Asked about racism, MacKay said there is systemic racism in Canada and Trudeau isn't the man to lead this country through a time when minorities are demanding access to equity because the prime minister wore black-face multiple times. He said he grew up in New Glasgow, N.S., the town where Viola Desmond was arrested after sitting in a whites only part of a movie theatre, and he knows there has been a racist streak throughout Canada's history. "We cannot erase our history but we can try to make things right," he said. Watch | MacKay on systemic racism and Trudeau's blackface Speaking to reporters after the debate, O'Toole dodged questions about whether he thought systemic racism exists in Canada but promised to tackle prejudice. "There is racism in Canada. We will stamp out any instances of racism, unfairness or discrimination. We have to make sure we have a zero tolerance approach from top to bottom," he said. Lewis, the only black candidate in the leadership race, said Trudeau needs to do more than just take a knee during a protest on Parliament Hill. She said Trudeau is all about "virtue signalling" with little concrete reforms to policing. "Taking a knee is just a symbol if he wants to do something about making this country a better place he can do it. I think it's really important we have realistic changes," she said. Lewis said most Canadians aren't racist, but systemic discrimination exists in Canada as some Black and Indigenous people face unequal outcomes, such as stiffer penalties than a white person would receive for a similar crime. "The average Canadian feels very hurt because they know they themselves aren't racist so they become defensive," she said. "It's very hard for people to hear that there is systemic racism." Watch | Leslyn Lewis on Justin Trudeau taking a knee at Parliament Hill protest One area of disagreement came during the debate segment on the environment. O'Toole's three opponents piled on his plan, which will focus on "making industry pay" through a "national industrial regulatory and pricing regime." MacKay suggested that this was akin to a dressed-up carbon tax that will punish consumers and businesses alike. (O'Toole has said he will scrap the Liberals' carbon tax.) Lewis said a regulatory regime like the one proposed by O'Toole, which would levy taxes on large industrial emitters, would put the oil and gas sector at a disadvantage compared to its global competitors. Sensitive to the criticism the party faced in the last election about its climate policy, O'Toole said the party needs a serious environmental platform for the next election. "I'm the only one who has a detailed plan. It's disappointing to see Mr. MacKay attack that. If we're not clear on the environment in the next election ... we're not going to be able to get pipelines built," O'Toole said. MacKay's environment plan reads much like what outgoing leader Andrew Scheer pitched to voters in the last election a promise to achieve "advances in technology," invest in "carbon sequestration" and to sell Canadian natural gas around the world to displace coal as a source of energy. He said the problem with Scheer's plan was not the substance but how it was communicated to voters. Watch: Candidates offer final words in their closing statements I remember playing as a little girl with my brothers on the playground at the historic Vernon A.M.E. Church, one of the few structures to survive from the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. My mom and dad went to music workshops at the church and we would play outside not knowing that we were playing on sacred, blood-stained ground. My great-grandmother Rebecca Brown Crutcher lived in the Greenwood community. She and her family had a barbecue joint right in the heart of the business district that we call Black Wall Street. The entire community was self-sufficient and wealthy the picture of Black excellence. But in 1921, my great-grandmother fled in fear of her life because white people burned their communities to the ground. Often I sit back and wonder what my great-grandmother was feeling as she was terrorized, jumping on the back of a pickup truck as armed white Tulsans told them they had to leave. The survivors of the massacre were forced into silence through fear-mongering and white supremacy tactics that persisted throughout the Jim Crow eralike public lynchings. Black smoke billows from fires during the race riot of 1921 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. | Corbis/Getty Images The scars of this devastation trace across Tulsa today and were still dealing with the residual effects. Theres been a continual massacre since and the culture hasnt changed in Tulsa. The railroad tracks at Greenwood and Archer divided the white side of town from the Black side of town back in 1921. Today in 2020, it still symbolizes that racial divide. The same anti-Black white-supremacy culture that burnt down my great-grandmothers community, Black Wall Street, is the same anti-Black white supremacy culture in policing that killed my twin brother Terence Crutcher back in 2016. That is part of why these past few weeks have been so triggering for me and my family. When we organized and gathered in Tulsa to protest the death of George Floyd, and to demand justice for my brother Terence and for other Black Tulsans killed by the police, we were met with police intimidation. And over the past few days, a Tulsa police major said that officers should be shooting more Black people based on the data. Police were caught on video arresting and pinning down Black children for jaywalking in their own neighborhood. The Tulsa mayor went on national TV and insinuated that my brother, who was unarmed with his hands in the air, was somehow responsible for his own death because of his drug addiction, and that race played no role. Story continues So already being on high alert and retriggered, they announced President Trump would be delivering a speech right next door to a community thats so important to Black people with an amazing civil rights backdrop. His campaign has spent days boasting of the hundreds of thousands of people that will be attending the Trump rally in Tulsa during the Juneteenth weekend, as we enter the centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. We dont feel that the President or the mayor of this city are qualified to tell our stories. So, were going to tell our own story. Tulsa activists Greg Robinson and Tiffany Crutcher lead peaceful protests in the wake of George Floyd's death on May 31, 2020. | CreeseWorksThe Black Wall Street Times Were honoring our ancestors on our historic rally for freedom by truth-telling about how we were robbed of our generational wealth. How we were orphaned, beaten, killed. And were going to gather in defense of Black lives across this country. But were afraid of the crowd descending on our city in support of the President, who has upheld rather than rejected the tenants of white supremacy. Juneteenth is a holiday when we remember that the emancipation was not easily won. And were gathering in the thousandssafelyin Greenwood to commemorate our ongoing struggle for emancipation. Because in reality, were still not free. When I think about Juneteenth and what it represents, I think about the words of my twin brother, Terence, from the last conversation we had on our 40th birthday. He told me: Im going to overcome my struggles, Im going to go back to school, and Im going to make you proud. And God is going to get the glory out of my life This Juneteenth weekend is living proof of Terences last words. I have witnessed the strength and love and resilience of our Black community. Weve always drawn from the strength and resilience of our ancestors who rebuilt in the face of Jim Crow, slavery, segregation, mass incarceration. We have overcome every era of oppression. If they had to do it in blood, we have an opportunity to carry on that mantle for change and do it for our future generations. I stand by the quote of Ella Baker, when she says, Those who believe in freedom cannot rest. I believe in this fight for freedom and the fact that people are locking arms and coming together to make it happen. I do believe that this is the turning point. And unfortunately, so many had to die. Breonna Taylor. Ahmaud Arbery. George Floyd. But those names are changing the world. As told to Paulina Cachero. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. The pilgrims never stopped coming for the bus, even as some of them died along the way. Adventure seekers have for years retraced the steps of Chris McCandless, who detailed in a journal the tragic final moments of starvation in 1992 after he was trapped by the swollen, icy waters of the Teklanika River in Alaska. McCandless took shelter in an abandoned city bus for 114 days. His remains were later found there. And since the publication of the book "Into the Wild" four years later, followed by a feature film, countless people worldwide have ventured into the fringes of Denali National Park to visit what has become known as the "Magic Bus." Many had to be rescued, and at least two people have died on the unforgiving terrain. Perhaps the last chapter of "Into the Wild" was written Thursday, when members of the Alaska National Guard secured chains to the bus and airlifted the steel tomb to a "secure" undisclosed location, state officials said. Jon Krakauer, the author of "Into the Wild," said McCandless' sister Carine McCandless was distraught and blindsided by the removal. The family was in talks on what to do about the bus, he said, after years of calls to have it removed. "It really gobsmacked me," he told The Washington Post on Friday, describing his mixed emotions. "This place has been desecrated and now it's been obliterated. But it's really tragic people keep dying doing stupid stuff." State officials and local have long warned adventurers of the perilous journey to visit Fairbanks City Transit System Bus number 142 following numerous rescues and a pair of deaths in the last decade. Many Alaskans decry McCandless as naive and suicidal, Krakauer said, and some have even vandalized the bus. Other pilgrims have stolen pieces of it and left it trashed. But on his first visit to the bus in July 1993, Krakauer found a nearly untouched, accidental shrine. McCandless's boots were inside. His books and toothbrush was still there, along with jeans left to dry on a stove. There was an eerie feeling, Krakauer said, that McCandless was still alive and out picking berries. "I wish the bus could have remained how it was," Krakauer said. "But I wrote the book that ruined it." Krakauer said he is partly culpable for the waves of adventurers who come to the boggy, beaver-trodden lowlands in central Alaska every year, including some who never left. Veramika Maikamava, a 24-year old woman from Belarus, died last year on a search for the bus after she was swept into the current by the strong Teklanika River. Her husband plucked her body from the water downstream. A Swiss woman, Claire Ackermann, 29, drowned in 2010 after attempting to ford the same river, the Daily News reported. The state conducted 15 bus-related rescues between 2009 and 2017, the Alaska Guard said in a statement, a figure that doesn't include the hundreds who have become lost or injured on their way to the site, or the local effort to find hikers. A dozen people alone were rescued by the fire department in nearby Healy in the summer of 2013, Atavist reported. "We encourage people to enjoy Alaska's wild areas safely, and we understand the hold this bus has had on the popular imagination," Department of Natural Resources Comissioner Corri A. Feige said in statement. "However, this is an abandoned and deteriorating vehicle that was requiring dangerous and costly rescue efforts, but more importantly, was costing some visitors their lives. I'm glad we found a safe, respectful and economical solution to this situation." An enigmatic and listless product of the Washington suburbs, McCandless set out west for a frontier that had already been discovered and plotted. "No more blank spots on the map - not in Alaska, not anywhere," Krakauer wrote. "But Chris, with his own idiosyncratic logic, came up with an elegant solution to this dilemma. He simply got rid of the map. In his own mind, if nowhere else, the terra would remain incognita." Krakauer gravitated to the story because he saw himself in McCandless, he said. Defiant and stubborn, and attracted to the dangerous splendor of the frontier, Krakauer himself risked his own life in pursuit of grand adventure in Alaska as a young man. That may be why so many people are still drawn to the Stampede Trail after all these years, he said, and may be what keeps them coming, even if Bus 142 is no longer in the wild. "That bus is a powerful symbol," he said. "It was some strange manifestation of him that is not going to disappear now." A 30-year-old woman, Zainab Jafaru, has been arrested by the police in Adamawa for setting up her 33-year-old friend to be gang-raped by 8 men in Yola, the state capital. According to the report, the victim was allegedly deceived by Zainab into the rapists den. The police say five members of the gang have been arrested while four others are on the run. Advertisement Police spokesman Suleiman Nguroje, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said Zainab deceptively took her friend to the gang and disappeared. Read Also: 12-Year-Old Girl Gang Raped By 11 Men In Jigawa Nguroje said: On June 13, 2020, following a report received from a 33-year-old lady being raped by a syndicate of nine at Gerio, a remote area of Jambutu in Yola North Local Government Area, police operatives attached to the commands monitoring team arrested five people: Ahmadu Ismail (20); Salu Buba (25); Muhammed Ali (78); Abubakar Ali (28) and Zainab Jafaru (Female) 30 years. The incident happened on June 12, 2020 when the fifth suspect, Zainab Jafaru, deceived the complainant to accompany her to a certain place to meet her boyfriend. Upon arrival, Zainabs boyfriend (now on the run), invited his gang, who forcefully had sexual intercourse with the complainant one after another. EU leaders agree: they're not ready to sign off a recovery plan European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel attend a news conference following European summit in video conference format, in Brussels By Francesco Guarascio and Philip Blenkinsop BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU leaders agreed on Friday that urgent action was needed to haul their coronavirus-hit economies from the deepest recession since World War Two, but made no progress on a massive stimulus plan that has divided them bitterly for weeks. The 27 avoided a bruising bust-up during a summit by video-conference of around four hours, and agreed to meet in person in mid-July to haggle and get across the line a long-term budget and economic rescue package worth 1.85 trillion euros. "Leaders unanimously agreed that the severity of this crisis justifies an ambitious common response," Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, told reporters. Earlier, European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde warned the leaders that the European Union's economy was in a "dramatic fall" due to the coronavirus crisis and that the full impact on unemployment rates was yet to come. Under discussion is the EU's 2021-27 budget of about 1.1 trillion euros, and a proposal by the Commission, the bloc's executive, to borrow 750 billion euros from the market for a new recovery fund that would help revive economies hardest hit by coronavirus, notably Italy and Spain. With more than 100,000 deaths from COVID-19, the EU is keen to demonstrate solidarity after months of bickering that has dented public confidence and put the bloc's global standing at risk after its buffeting from Brexit. A "NOT PARTICULARLY USEFUL" SUMMIT Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez voiced impatience with a negotiation process that officials say could drag into August, calling for an early agreement. "The more time we waste, the deeper will be the recession," he said on Twitter. But Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said member states remained "fairly far from each other" and while everyone wanted to do a deal over the summer he was not sure it was possible. Story continues Fiscally conservative northern countries of the EU and a high-debt "Club Med" group of southerners are divided over the size and terms of the recovery fund, which the Commission has suggested be split into two-thirds grants and one-third loans. The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Austria - the "Frugal Four" - say the fund is too large and should be used only as loans, since grants would have to be repaid by all EU taxpayers. They want the funds to be clearly linked to pandemic recovery and say recipients must commit to economic reform. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz called for a clear time limit on the recovery fund so it does not become an "an entry into a permanent debt union". Eastern EU countries say too much money will go to the south and want spending to focus on agriculture and closing development gaps with the richer west. The latter group, in turn, are determined to keep their rebates on contributions to the bloc's joint coffers, which others want to phase out. One senior EU diplomat said while there was little to show for the summit, at least it was cordial. "It was not particularly useful," the diplomat said. "On the other hand, it was not very controversial either, and the tone of the debate was OK." (Reporting by Robert Muller, Andrius Sytas, Kate Abnett, Philip Blenkinsop, Andreas Rinke, Francesco Guarascio, Robin Emmott, Belen Carreno, Jan Strupczewski, Gabriela Baczynska, Writing by John Chalmers, Editing by Giles Elgood) BRONX, N.Y., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The COVID-19 pandemic in New York City caused a surge in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and deaths, according to a study co-authored by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Health System, and the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). The study, published online today in JAMA Cardiology, found a three-fold increase in out-of-hospital non-traumatic cardiac-arrest cases in March and April 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. On the worst day April 6cardiac arrests peaked at 305 cases, an increase of nearly 10-fold compared with the same day one year earlier. The mortality rate for cardiac-arrest cases also rose, from 75 percent in 2019 to more than 90 percent during the same period in 2020. "Relatively few, if any, patients were tested to confirm the presence of COVID-19, so we couldn't distinguish between cardiac arrests attributable to COVID-19 and those that may have resulted from other health conditions," said study senior author David Prezant, M.D., professor of medicine at Einstein, a clinical pulmonologist at Montefiore, and the Chief Medical Officer at the FDNY. "We also can't rule out the possibility that some people may have died from delays in seeking or receiving treatment for non-COVID-19-related conditions. However, the dramatic increase in cardiac arrests compared to the same period in 2019, strongly indicates that the pandemic was directly or indirectly responsible for that surge in cardiac arrests and deaths." The study used data from the New York City emergency medical services system. Run by the FDNY, it is the largest and busiest EMS system in the U.S., serving a population of more than 8.4 million people and responding to more than 1.5 million calls annually. Data was analyzed for patients 18 years or older with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who received EMS resuscitation from March 1, 2020 (when the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in New York City) through April 25, 2020 (when EMS call volume had receded to pre-COVID-19 levels). For comparison, cardiac-arrest data was also analyzed for the same time period during 2019. Between March 1 and April 25, 2020, 3,989 patients underwent EMS resuscitation attempts for out-of-hospital cardiac arrestscompared to 1,336 patients who were treated during that period in 2019. Compared with cardiac arrests in 2019, cardiac arrests occurring during the pandemic were associated with several risk factors. On average, the 2020 patients were: Older (average age of 72 vs. 68 for the 2019 cardiac-arrest patients) Less likely to be white (20 percent white vs. 33 percent) More likely to have hypertension (54 percent vs. 46 percent) More likely to have diabetes (36 percent vs. 26 percent) More likely to have physical limitations (57 percent vs. 48 percent) More likely to have cardiac rhythms that don't respond to defibrillator shocks (92% vs. 81%) More likely to die (90% vs 75%) Why might a respiratory disease like COVID-19 trigger heart problems? In addition to overwhelming pneumonia and acute respiratory failure, COVID-19 damages the lining of blood vessels, leading to blood clots that can trigger heart attacks even in people with no previous cardiopulmonary diseases. "Our findings show that it's clearly important to intervene early in the course of COVID-19 infection, before often-fatal cardiac arrests occur," said Dr. Prezant. "They also underline the critical need, particularly during a pandemic, to provide better access to healthcare and outreach for vulnerable patients with chronic conditions. Early, targeted interventions for those at-risk individualsregular telemedicine visits and home-based monitoring of vital signs including oxygen saturation levels, for examplemight help to reduce out-of-hospital fatalities." The study is titled "Characteristics Associated With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests and Resuscitations During the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in New York City." Other authors are: Pamela H. Lai, M.D., Ph.D., M.Sc., and Elizabeth A. Lancet, Dr.P.H. M.P.H., from FDNY; Michael D. Weiden, M.D. M.S., from FDNY and NYU Langone; and Mayris P. Webber, Dr.P.H. M.P.H.; Rachel Zeig-Owens, Dr.P.H., M.P.H.; and Charles B. Hall, Ph.D., all from Einstein-Montefiore and FDNY. About Albert Einstein College of Medicine Albert Einstein College of Medicine is one of the nation's premier centers for research, medical education and clinical investigation. During the 2019-20 academic year, Einstein is home to 724 M.D. students, 158 Ph.D. students, 106 students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program, and 265 postdoctoral research fellows. The College of Medicine has more than 1,800 full-time faculty members located on the main campus and at its clinical affiliates. In 2019, Einstein received more than $178 million in awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This includes the funding of major research centers at Einstein in aging, intellectual development disorders, diabetes, cancer, clinical and translational research, liver disease, and AIDS. Other areas where the College of Medicine is concentrating its efforts include developmental brain research, neuroscience, cardiac disease, and initiatives to reduce and eliminate ethnic and racial health disparities. Its partnership with Montefiore, the University Hospital and academic medical center for Einstein, advances clinical and translational research to accelerate the pace at which new discoveries become the treatments and therapies that benefit patients. Einstein runs one of the largest residency and fellowship training programs in the medical and dental professions in the United States through Montefiore and an affiliation network involving hospitals and medical centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn and on Long Island. For more information, please visit www.einstein.yu.edu, read our blog, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and view us on YouTube. About Montefiore Health System Montefiore Health System is one of New York's premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 11 hospitals, including the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and close to 200 outpatient care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter and view us on Facebook and YouTube. The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is the largest Fire Department in the United States and universally is recognized as the world's busiest and most highly skilled emergency response agency. The Department's main goal is to provide fire protection, emergency medical care, and other critical public safety services to residents and visitors in the five boroughs. The Department also works to continually educate the public in fire, life safety and disaster preparedness, along with enforcing public safety codes. Since its inception in 1865, FDNY has helped lead efforts to make New York the safest big city in the nation. This accomplishment requires a steadfast and daily commitment to maintaining the Department's core values. To that end, FDNY members are sworn to serve and protect life and property. FDNY not only responds to more than a million emergencies every year, its personnel also strive to prevent them by continually educating the public in fire, life safety and disaster preparedness, along with enforcing public safety codes. SOURCE Albert Einstein College of Medicine Related Links www.einstein.yu.edu With On-Site Clinics on the Rise, Employers See Productivity and Cost Savings On-site clinics are increasingly popular in workplaces, and for good reason. Not only do employees need to monitor their physical and ergonomic health, employers save money by protecting their workers. Benefits and wellness leaders are increasingly adding on-site natural care clinics to workplaces as a way to further drive a culture of health and wellbeing among employees. Growth forecasts for worksite health offerings are bullish, with the biggest growth area being mid-sized employers (200-500 employees). As the popularity of this offering increasesand employers of all sizes, employees and health professionals work together to focus on preventionemployees experience positive health outcomes and decreased medical expenses. Designed to reduce employee injury but also enhance employee health and increase productivity, on-site clinics have been known to bridge the gap between information and taking action in one's health, often resulting in reduced stress, improved mental, movement and physical wellbeing. On-site clinics come in several forms and most recently include complementary and integrative healthcare such as chiropractic, educational and motivational services; balance and workstation assessment; and chair massages. Employees are empowered to engage as the provider, and offering the services has no out-of-pocket cost to them. While the costs of risk management related to employee health and wellbeing are typically regarded as business overheads, business, operations, benefits and wellness leaders should consider the positive impacts of this long-term investment. Reduced Healthcare Costs and Injuries According to a recent survey, disabling workplace injuries cost U.S. companies more than $55 billion per year. Musculoskeletal conditions and poor health habits drive nearly 33 percent of these costs. Workers in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, leisure and hospitality, transportation, retail and professional and business services are at the greatest risk of these injuries. It is in these industries where the repetitive nature of the job can have a negative impact on workers physical health. In preparation for the return of students and employees to campus for the Fall 2020 semester, Southern Adventist University took the precaution of installing enhanced air filtration systems in every building on campus. These needlepoint bipolar ionization systems will provide hospital-level air filtration in all classrooms, offices, meeting areas, and residence halls. General benefits include reducing particulates in the air, neutralizing unpleasant odors, killing airborne pathogens, and saving energy. "Southern began working with bipolar ionization equipment in 2016, researching and testing it for long-term viability, said Marty Hamilton, associate vice president for Financial Administration, who oversaw the installation of the new filtration. The technology offers multiple benefits, so our administration decided to make the financial investment to cover all of campus with the equipment, not just for todays health concerns but for the future. Improving indoor air quality is a key component to keeping our campus healthy and well. The technology works by emitting charged ions that target harmful airborne contaminants such as various bacteria, allergens, mold spores, odors, and viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19. These ions bind to the particles and break down their molecular structure. A recent study by an independent laboratory reported that this system can neutralize the coronavirus with an efficacy of 99.4 percent in 30 minutes. The concept of ionizer air purifiers is not new; however, the needlepoint bipolar ionization system has the distinction of improving indoor air quality without generating harmful ozone as a biproduct. Other locations that have adopted this technology include such institutions as Boston Childrens Hospital, Harvard University, Mayo Clinic, and the White House. Since we adopted this technology, other local schools and churches have asked us for information and some have begun testing the system for themselves, Mr. Hamilton said. We are fielding calls from other universities as far away as Washington state, as they are learning about what we are doing. With the increase in demand, I expect new adopters will face a wait of two or three months, but we already have all of our equipment on campus because we reacted quickly. When San Antonios hospitals began seeing COVID-19 patients in March, they were in uncharted territory. Some information about the disease had trickled over from China, where the coronavirus first emerged, and other countries where it had spread. But the virus and the disease it caused were still largely a mystery to doctor, nurses and respiratory therapists. As the pandemic progressed, San Antonios health care workers overcame a steep learning curve with COVID-19. They treated hundreds of patients, including many who became critically ill. Along the way, they have become familiar with how the disease progresses and affects the human body. More treatments emerged, and preliminary data from studies has clarified their efficacy against an unpredictable disease. On ExpressNews.com: 18 hours inside a COVID-19 ICU Months after San Antonio identified its first coronavirus case, the approach to treating COVID-19 has evolved. Doctors and respiratory therapists have changed how they are deploying ventilators and other supportive breathing approaches. They have a better idea of what medications to use. After starting with few options, they now have more knowledge and tools at their disposal. But there is no magic bullet or one-size-fits-all approach to COVID-19. Doctors still have many questions about the disease, and what works for one patient wont necessarily do the same for another. I dont think were ever going to be comfortable around COVID, but I do think we have a lot more confidence taking care of the patients now, said Dr. Jeff Jones, an infectious disease physician with Methodist Healthcare. A shifting approach to ventilators When the coronavirus began spreading in the U.S., many health experts were concerned about the potential for hospitals to run out of mechanical ventilators for the sickest coronavirus patients. While the breathing machines are still playing an important role in the care of people who become critically ill from COVID-19, doctors are no longer rushing to intubate their patients. Part of that shift has to do with a greater understanding of the virus risk to health care workers. Initially, doctors in San Antonio worried about reports from China and New York of high rates of infections among hospital staff, especially with breathing supports that could aerosolize the virus. It was unclear how the virus was spreading and how it would behave in a hospital environment. In those early weeks, doctors would intubate patients more quickly, in the hopes that ventilators could help control the spread of infection by containing the virus in a closed circuit. We would lower our threshold for placing a patient like this on a ventilator, where in other diseases we would challenge the patients or see if they would tolerate less aggressive forms of oxygen support, said Dr. Omar Enriquez, medical director of the intensive care unit at University Hospital. But under this approach, doctors found that some patients werent doing well on ventilators. Mortality rates were high. On ExpressNews.com: Staggering COVID-19 surge continues, with hundreds of new cases and rising hospitalizations Once patients were hooked up to ventilators, they often stayed on them for long periods of time, raising the risk of ventilator-related complications, said Michael Jones, Universitys executive director of respiratory therapy. With positive pressure ventilation, it can weaken the bodys respiratory muscles, he said. It can cause different lung injury, because youre blowing pressure and air into the lungs, as opposed to sucking in using the diaphragm. Bob Owen /San Antonio Express-News Over time, as medical workers grew more comfortable using protective equipment to protect themselves, they began utilizing other types of breathing support for COVID-19. Rather than rushing to intubate patients with dropping oxygen levels, they would give patients regular or high-flow oxygen. They have also deployed BiPAP machines, which are used for people with sleep apnea. Some of the most critically ill COVID-19 patients will still need ventilators, but its not the only option. Weve learned that perhaps it is better for the patient to not jump the gun so quickly and not put them on respiratory life support so early on, Enriquez said. The rise of proning In the most severe cases, the coronavirus causes acute respiratory distress syndrome, where fluid accumulates in the tiny air sacs of the lungs. For years, hospitals have used a technique called proning with ARDS patients, flipping them onto their stomachs to help open up their lungs. As a surge of people with COVID-19 filled hospitals in New York, doctors there found that proning helped improve breathing in those patients. University implemented proning early on, Jones said, after observing its successes elsewhere. We learned from other places, he said. We could build our strategies, before we saw COVID patients. The idea behind proning is to capitalize on the anatomy of the human body. On ExpressNews.com: UT Health San Antonio specialist explains why diabetics are at greater risk of complications from coronavirus, COVID-19 The lungs are narrower at the front of the body, while on the back they widen at the base. Enriquez likened them to the peak and base of a pyramid. When a person is lying on their back in bed, it can exacerbate the breathing problems they are already experiencing. Gravity works, and all the fluid and everything settles in the lungs, Jones said. But when they lay on their stomach, the widest part of the lungs is less restricted by the chest wall and the persons weight, especially if the patient is obese. Jones said the hospital has been able to keep some patients off of ventilators by giving them oxygen and having them alternate between lying on their stomachs and their backs. They also use proning for patients who are already on ventilators but are still doing poorly. When all else fails In some of the most severe cases, when those options and even ventilators fail, some hospitals are falling back on a last-ditch effort extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO. This type of life support, which replaces lung and sometimes heart function, adds oxygen directly to a patients blood, giving damaged organs an opportunity to rest and recover. ECMO comes with its own risk of serious complications, so its most often used in younger patients and those without significant underlying health problems who would likely die otherwise. The large ECMO program at Methodist Hospital has treated close to 30 coronavirus patients since early April. That number includes people in their 30s and 60s, but the majority have been in their 40s and 50s, said Dr. Jeff DellaVolpe, co-medical director of Methodists ECMO program. Bob Owen /San Antonio Express-News On ExpressNews.com: A last resort against COVID-19: A ventilator wasn't enough for this 30-year-old patient, so S.A. doctors improvised As of Friday, eight coronavirus patients were on ECMO at the hospital. Methodists ECMO patients have fallen into two main groups, DellaVolpe said. The first includes people who improve after about a week on the machine. The second is comprised of people who may stay on ECMO for more than a month, in some cases eight or nine weeks. Because these patients are so sick, DellaVolpe said, outcomes have been mixed. Doctors have found the earlier the better, he said. In some cases, they have placed people on ECMO instead of intubating them, an approach that spares patients from the damaging effects of ventilators. Over the past few months, the program has refined its process for selecting people who will do well on ECMO. Its a limited resource and were trying to leverage the resource so its doing the most good for the most people, DellaVolpe said. From anti-malaria to antiviral From the start of the pandemic, hospitals were hampered by the lack of effective medications against the virus. Early on, many doctors were treating coronavirus patients with hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine. The cocktail of anti-malaria drugs was unproven for COVID-19. But in March, the Food and Drug Administration granted their off-label use during the pandemic, after they were found to prevent the growth of the virus in a laboratory environment. President Trump touted hydroxychloroquine as a solution to a growing public health crisis and, without evidence, said he was taking it to prevent becoming infected. The medications quickly became politicized, and a prominent study claimed they were associated with higher mortality rates. That study was retracted earlier this month at the request of its authors, who expressed concerns about the data, which they had not collected themselves. On ExpressNews.com: FDA fast-tracks coronavirus drug tested in San Antonio Still, on Monday, the FDA revoked its emergency authorization for the drugs, citing a different randomized study of hospitalized patients that found no improvements to mortality rates or recovery times. That squares with our experience with it, said Jones, of Methodist. We were giving it and really werent seeing anything with it. Other experimental but promising treatments have risen to take its place. One, the antiviral remdesivir, was tested on COVID-19 patients in San Antonio as part of a national study. Doctors are now also administering convalescent plasma collected from those who have recovered from COVID-19 to some of their sickest patients. Transfusions of blood plasma have long been used for diseases without a cure to equip the ill with disease-fighting antibodies. On ExpressNews.com: His COVID-19 patient got better after a plasma transfusion. To know if it worked, a San Antonio doctor is encouraging more donations. The use of both therapies are supported by data from strong clinical trials, said Dr. Marc Chalaby, a pulmonologist and chief of intensive care medicine at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in the Medical Center. Preliminary data from remdesivir studies determined it shortened hospital stays and reduced mortality rates. A small trial of Houston Methodist patients found most improved after receiving plasma. A larger study found convalescent plasma was safe and associated with lower mortality rates, but there was no comparison group. While the supply of plasma is growing as more people recover and become donors, remdesivir remains scarce, as do guidelines for how and when to administer it. Hospitals in San Antonio are receiving distributions of the drug from the state, but the short supply has forced them to ration it to their patients. Additionally, physicians now know to prescribe blood thinners, after many coronavirus patients demonstrated a propensity for developing blood clots. And while they originally thought that prescribing steroids might be detrimental, doctors have found they can help reduce inflammation in some patients, Chalaby said. Tough summer ahead Even with the familiarity hospitals have gained with COVID-19 over the past few months, the pandemic still poses an enormous challenge for health care systems. San Antonios hospitals are now contending with a new surge of coronavirus cases that began earlier this month, alongside other patients who are receiving routine medical care. The citys hospitalizations for COVID-19 have nearly tripled since the beginning of June, and DellaVolpe said his hospital was exceptionally busy. Our cases just keep going up, he said. Were doing what we can to keep up. There still remain many unanswered questions about COVID-19, Chalaby said. Bob Owen /Staff file photo This illness has many facets. Its tricky, he said. Some people can have it and have no symptoms and go around their regular life and maybe infect other people, who get really sick. Jones, the Methodist infectious disease specialist, said it could be a difficult summer for hospitals caring for the acutely ill and for other health care providers that are supporting peoples recovery from a debilitating illness. We dont know what the long-term effects are going to be, he said. Its not something to take lightly. Lauren Caruba covers health care and medicine in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Lauren, become a subscriber. lcaruba@express-news.net | Twitter: @LaurenCaruba MINNEAPOLIS After prosecutors said that a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on George Floyds neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds, that number became a grim symbol of police brutality. At memorials for Mr. Floyd, mourners stood in silence for eight minutes and 46 seconds. Activists have walked and run 8.46 miles in Mr. Floyds memory, and lawmakers knelt for eight minutes and 46 seconds. The precise length of time that Mr. Floyd was pinned beneath the officers knee, however, is no longer as exact. This week, prosecutors in Hennepin County said they had misstated by one minute the amount of time that had passed as the officer, Derek Chauvin, held his knee to the neck of Mr. Floyd. The misstatement had come in as part of the criminal complaint against Mr. Chauvin, who has been fired; the actual time, a spokesman for the prosecutor said, was seven minutes and 46 seconds. Madhya Pradesh: Congress' Digvijaya, BJP's Scindia and Solanki win RS polls India pti-PTI Bhopal, June 19: Veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and BJP candidates Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sumer Singh Solanki on Friday won Rajya Sabha election from Madhya Pradesh, an official said. The Congress' other candidate, Dalit leader Phool Singh Barriya, lost the election. While Singh is returning to the Rajya Sabha for second consecutive term, Scindia, his once arch rival in the Madhya Pradesh Congress who is now with the BJP, is entering the Upper House of Parliament for the first time. Gujarat Rajya Sabha Polls: BJP bags 3 out of 4 seats Sonu Nigam calls out mafias in the music industry after Sushant Singh's demise| Oneindia News Digvijaya Singh bagged 57 votes, Scindia 56 and Solanki 55, the poll official said. Barriya got 36 votes in the biennial election to three vacant seats from Madhya Pradesh. All 206 MLAs cast ballots during the voting which began at 9 in the morning at the Assembly complex. Even a Congress MLA who has contracted coronavirus arrived in an ambulance, wearing Personal Protection Equipment kit. He was the last one to vote. Poll officials said the votes of BJP MLAs Gopilal Jatav and Jugal Kishore Bagdi were canceled for technical reasons. Each candidate in the fray needed 52 votes to win. The BJP has its own 107 MLAs and enjoys the support of two BSP, one SP and two Independents. The ruling party thus has support of 112 members in the 230-member Assembly whose effective strength is 206. With the death of two legislators and resignation of 22 rebel Congress MLAs who were loyal to Scindia, there are 24 vacant seats in the Assembly. The Congress is now left with 92 MLAs after 22 legislators including six ministers deserted it along with Scindia in March, leading to fall of the Kamal Nath government and return of the BJP to power. Not taking any chances, the Congress on Friday ferried its MLAs to the voting centre in two buses after they gathered at Nath's residence in the morning. Two buses with 54 MLAs including Nath, the state Congress chief, reached the voting venue and cast vote for the party's first preference nominee Digvijaya Singh. BJP bags 11 of 24 in RS polls: NDA breaches 100 mark in Upper House Later, second lot of 37 Congress MLAs left for the Assembly complex and voted for the partys second preference nominee Barriya, a leader of Gwalior-Chambal region. Sanjay Yadav, who was in the first batch of Congress voters, said that no one in his party cross-voted. "The betrayers had already left us," he said, referring to 22 rebel Congress legislators who resigned. Its a tale of two hair salons. In Maple, Salon Verve plans to reopen this weekend, now that York region will move into stage two of the provinces reopening plan on Friday. We are pretty much completely booked for the next two months, said owner Lenny Ferri. We get emails and then phone calls, and then another email about the phone call. But south of Steeles Avenue in Toronto, where the city remains in stage one of reopening Salon Solis co-owner Dino Tolentino is left wondering when hell be able to open his doors. His staff is ready to get back to work and the customers keep asking when they can come in, he said. I cant even put a waiting list together. What Im supposed to do, call people every week we dont open? said Tolentino, whose salon is on Yonge Street just south of Bloor Street. As of 12:01 a.m. Friday, all of Ontario will have moved into stage two of the provinces reopening plan except for Toronto, Peel and Windsor-Essex the three regions that still produce the bulk of Ontarios dwindling number of new COVID-19 cases. When a region has reached stage two, restaurants are allowed to offer patio dining and businesses offering personal services can resume. Not so in stage one, which allows only retail businesses with storefront entrances to open. Among those entering stage two on Friday are most of the regions comprising the Greater Toronto Area: Halton, York and Durham. This raises the question of whether Torontonians who havent been able to get haircuts for three months will give up waiting on their local hairdressers and simply drive to another region. Tolentino is concerned about the impact that will have on his business once hes able to reopen. He has many clients who live on the outskirts of the city and have not been coming downtown lately as theyve been working from home. People are going to start saying, You know, Ive been waiting for three and a half months, I cant wait any longer; Im going to start searching for somewhere closer to home, he said. The ones that really want it done, theyre going to find an alternative. It doesnt help our business when we return, thats for sure. He wishes the province could at least provide a tentative date for Toronto to progress to stage two, to help businesses prepare. At Salon Verve, Ferri plans a soft reopening this weekend, with full services being offered again on Monday. He pointed out that one Toronto client mentioned said she would hold off coming in because she doesnt live in York region. People are being very respectful and understanding, he said. Even though we have regular clients coming from the city, they still dont want to cross over until theyre in phase two. Ontario remains Canadas most closed economy, according to a recent survey from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, with only 43 per cent of small businesses fully open. Only about 14 per cent of those businesses reported they are making their usual sales revenue. And even though a region moving into stage two means more businesses can open, it doesnt mean that they actually will, said Julie Kwiecinski, director of provincial affairs for Ontario for the federation. Businesses have to consider whether they can open safely with the right precautions to protect employees and staff, Kwiecinski said. The other consideration is revenue. The employer ultimately has to ask themselves: Can I open now? And is it worth my while in terms of the amount of revenue Im expected to generate? she said. The fact that some regions remain in stage one with closed businesses unable to pay their rent is a major reason the province needed a ban on commercial evictions, something the government passed this week, Kwiecinski said. At least the government is making sure that these salon owners, gym owners or the restaurants are not going to get tossed out on the street. Ferri knows a lot of people in the salon business in Toronto, and said the waiting is horrible for the staff and their families. I get it, theyre following protocols and the numbers, but the whole situation has been unpredictable, he said. And you cant do anything about that unfortunately, other than wait for it to be your turn. To those salons waiting their turn to reopen, Ferri says: Its going to be quick, and the calls and emails will not stop for days on end. In just about any other year, Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the day in 1865 that all enslaved black people learned they had been freed from bondage, would be marked by African American families across the nation with a cookout, a parade, a community festival, a soulful rendition of Lift Evry Voice and Sing. But in 2020, as the coronavirus ravishes black America disproportionately, as economic uncertainty wrought by the pandemic strains black pocketbooks, and as police brutality continues to devastate black families, Juneteenth is a day of protest. For many white Americans, recent protests over police brutality have driven their awareness of Juneteenths significance. This is one of the first times since the 60s, where the global demand, the intergenerational demand, the multiracial demand is for systemic change, said Cornell University professor Noliwe Rooks, a segregation expert. There is some understanding and acknowledgment at this point that theres something in the DNA of the country that has to be undone. Fridays celebrations will be marked from coast to coast with marches and demonstrations of civil disobedience, along with expressions of black joy in spite of an especially traumatic time for the nation. And like the nationwide protests that followed the police involved deaths of black men and women in Minnesota, Kentucky and Georgia, Juneteenth celebrations are likely to be remarkably more multiracial. I think this year is going to be exciting to make white people celebrate with us that were free, said 35-year-old Army veteran David J. Hamilton III, who has organized a Juneteenth march and protest through a predominantly black, Hispanic and immigrant neighborhood in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Hamilton, who is black, said this year is his first treating Juneteenth with the same fanfare as the Fourth of July or Memorial Day. In Tulsa, a day ahead of a planned presidential campaign rally Saturday for Donald Trump, the Rev. Al Sharpton and Tiffany Crutcher, the twin sister of a black man killed by a city police officer in 2016, plan keynote addresses about the consequences of racial prejudice. Their commemoration will take place in the Greenwood district, at the site known as Black Wall Street, where dozens of blocks of black-owned businesses were destroyed by a white mob in deadly race riots nearly a century ago. In Washington, D.C., and around the country, activists affiliated with the Black Lives Matter movement will host in-person and virtual events to celebrate the history of the black liberation struggle and amplify their calls for defunding police in the wake of high-profile police killings of African Americans. As of Thursday, organizers with the Movement for Black Lives said they had registered more than 275 Juneteenth weekend events across 45 states, through its website. Rashawn Ray, a David Rubenstein Fellow at the nonprofit public policy Brookings Institution, said many now view Juneteenth as an opportunity for education and to push to dismantle structural racism. Theres going to be a lot of people who are also going to double down on the push for reparations, Ray said. Theres no reason why black people have been the only group in the United States to be systematically discriminated against, legally, by the federal government and not receive reparations. Juneteenth marks the day on June 19, 1865, that Union soldiers told enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, that the Civil War had ended and they were free. The Emancipation Proclamation freed the slaves in the South in 1863 but it was not enforced in many places until after the end of the Civil War in 1865. The day is recognized in 47 states and the District of Columbia, according to the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation. Hawaii, North Dakota and South Dakota are the only states without an official recognition. And it is not yet a federal holiday. It took roughly 18 years after the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. before his birthday was observed as a federal holiday. Still, more workers than perhaps ever in history will have the day off on Friday: Nike, the NFL, Twitter and its mobile payments services company Square, along with a handful of media outlets, have announced plans to observe Juneteenth as a company holiday. On Wednesday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order recognizing Juneteenth as a paid holiday for state employees. The abolition of slavery in the U.S. was followed by the birth of Jim Crow segregation, relegating many black Americans to poor, redlined neighborhoods with under-resourced schools. After the passage of landmark civil rights protections in the 1960s, decades of mass incarceration policy and employment discrimination eroded opportunities and economic stability for black people and families. All along, police brutality has been a fixture of the black American experience. And now, COVID-19 is killing black people at more than three times the rate that it kills white people. Much of the systemic racism and atrocities visited on black Americans have gone unanswered. This week, the Equal Justice Initiative, which in 2015 cataloged thousands of racial terror lynchings of black people by white mobs, added nearly 2,000 Reconstruction-era lynchings confirmed between 1865 and 1876, bringing the total number of documented lynchings to nearly 6,500. Our continued silence about the history of racial injustice has fueled many of the current problems surrounding police violence, mass incarceration, racial inequality and the disparate impact of COVID-19, said Bryan Stevenson, director of the Equal Justice Initiative. We need a new era of truth and justice in America, he said in a statement. We must acknowledge our long history of racial oppression and then repair the damage this history has created including the presumption of dangerousness that gets assigned to black people by police and others. Juneteenth also comes at a time when the nation is at a political crossroads, and Black Voters Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown said it is shaping up to be a politically defining moment ahead of the November election. The devaluing of black lives is built into this American system to the point that the ideas around democracy dont apply to us the same way that they apply to white folks, Brown said, adding black voters are demanding change. So Juneteenth is a celebratory event but were not celebrating the country. Were celebrating our own freedom and our own ability to be liberated and the resiliency of black people. Singaporean professor Paul Tambyah appointed to lead International Society of Infectious Diseases Professor Paul Tambyah has become the first Singaporean to lead US-based International Society of Infectious Diseases (ISID). In a statement, ISID said Professor Tambyah has been appointed President-Elect of its Executive Committee. Currently Professor of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS), he is also Senior Consultant Infectious Diseases Physician at the National University Hospital (NUH), as well as Research Director in the Division of Infectious Diseases of the National University Health System. Professor Paul Tambyah. Photo courtesy: Tembusu NUS The president elects role is to support the president, and assume the role of the president if necessary, ISID said, adding that Professor Tambyah will become president of the ISID in 2022. After graduating from the National University of Singapore, Professor Tambyah did his postgraduate training at the University of Wisconsin before returning to Singapore in 1999. He has since held a number of academic, professional and advisory appointments including Assistant Dean of the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. Professor Tambyah is immediate past president of the Singapore Society of Infectious Diseases and Secretary-General of the Asia Pacific Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infection. "Paul is well-known to all in the field of infectious diseases, and brings a wealth of experience from his time with multiple international societies and august bodies, as well as formidable experience across the spectrum of infection, including outbreaks, tropical medicine, and clinical applied research," said Marc Mendelson, Past-President of ISID. "He is a go-to speaker on so many topics and currently serves as Chair of the ISID Publications Committee, playing a vital role in the success of our journal IJID. Professor Tambyah is also the Chairman of the Singapore Democratic Party, which has in a Facebook post congratulated the professor on his appointment. "Dr Tambyah will be fulfilling his duties remotely from Singapore, an island-nation that he will always call home." So here comes this letter from a schoolteacher who, unfortunately, suffered a stroke and was rushed to the Erlanger emergency room just last week. I did not solicit this letter nor did I encourage it. It came as the result of several articles I have written this week about our regions level one trauma center. Never in my life would I have dreamed in the past week what I have found; hundreds of members of the Erlanger family have bravely shared their pain and frustration since Will Jackson became the CEO last September. It a frightful manner, it is believed Erlanger is in serious jeopardy due to its president, Will Jackson, its twiddle-thumbed board, and its currently overwhelmed executive team. Earlier this week it was widely rumored the hospital will terminate up to 200 non-essential employees today, this after 11 mid-level managers were laid off, including Childrens Hospital CEO Don Mueller. The schoolteacher writes: I was sent to Erlanger on Sunday morning with symptoms of a stroke. Once there I experienced several concerning events during my 29-hour stay. * -- 1) I was asked to provide a urine sample in a bathroom that was filled with blood clots in the ER. The blood clots were on the walls, sink, and floor. * -- 2) I was given injections of blood thinner but not given a heart monitor because THEY DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH! Yes, I was told they did not have any. I was given one to wear almost 12 hours after being on site because one had become available. I hope the device was available due to a discharge not death! Note, I was in the stroke unit. * -- 3) I was wheeled around in broken wheelchairs into areas for testing that used only the lighting from the windows. After reading all of the (recent) articles about the hospital, I wonder if there were issues about costs for using lights. * -- 4) The equipment in my room, table, and chair did not work correctly. * -- 5) Initially, there was no phone in my room as they did not have a phone for me to use. It seems that phones in the rooms of the stoke unit are not the norm as they don't have many. They expect the patients to use their cell phones. I did not have mine with me at the time of the crisis. * -- 6) The communication about my room number was a hot mess. The poor orderly was given the incorrect room number and so was my family. Both groups were given vastly different numbers. My family was also given incorrect information about visitation. Good thing I was not in serious condition! - - - As a public-school teacher, it was like walking into a poorly funded school. Very scary since my life depended upon this hospital having what I needed. I did have a stroke. Thankfully, not a major event but still an event. I am at home and thankful but I also worry that if I have a major event I might not survive even though it is the 21st century because this medical center is so poorly run that it lacks equipment. Overall, I had a great experience with the staff. I tried very hard to be an easy patient and not ask for much as it became clear that there are issues. In a school if equipment is missing or broken, then usually the staff is overworked. That seems to be the case for this hospital. I am deeply concerned with the state of Erlanger. I have been in before as a patient for surgery in the past and it was far better run and equipped 16 years ago. I do hope you are able to be the catalyst for change to improve this medical center. Keep working to protect the patients who need this medical center to be at its best to serve us in a time of crisis! * * * AMONG MY EMAILS REGISTRATION EMPLOYEES FORCED TO WORK OFF THE CLOCK Thank you so much for airing the abuse Erlanger dishes out to employees as well as the unsafe practices. Did you know that Erlanger is forcing registration employees to work OFF the clock and have been for some time now to keep them from getting overtime. They are so short staffed that they have to have overtime to cover their shifts as expected. THIS IS SO WRONG! The fear and intimidation are relentless. Also, did you know that Erlanger has issued a directive to all employees that anyone who talks to, or emails Roy Exum, will be immediately fired and black-listed from getting another job? * * * GET PAID FOR 4 HOURS, THEN BE ON CALL FOR ANOTHER 8 AT $2.50 AN HOUR! No one has even mentioned radiology at North and what has been done to them. I have a good friend in radiology who is distraught over trying to pay bills and make ends meet without losing her home or auto. Since April 1, 2020, Mr. Jackson decided to only let them work four hours out of the 12-hour shift and make them take calls for the other eight hours at $2.50 an hour!!!! No travel pay. So, they stayed there eight hours making less than $20 a night. The four hours put them over the unemployment limit. They still have their hours cut. * * * OMINOUS MEETING AT ERLANGER NORTH ON WEDNESDAY, 7 A.M. Furthermore, if you could help here in any way it would be greatly appreciated. There is an employee meeting June 24, 2020 at Erlanger North at 7 a.m. with Mr. Jackson. This is just a few days before the new fiscal year. There are no meetings on other campuses. We fear he intends to close Erlanger North down. Red Bank Charter has a law preventing the closure of the Red Bank Hospital. We also have been told there will be 200 jobs cut today. We fear for our jobs. North is a busy hospital and ER. We need someone to get the Red Bank Charter and an attorney to help us out. Thank you for advocating for Erlanger nurses. * * * THE CHAIN OF COMMAND GOT US NOWHERE ITS ALL SPIRALING NOW I feel like all of this outcry would be avoided if we just felt like upper management listened to us. In the past few months, Dr. Jackson has been around on the units much more than any of the upper leaders. But I dont think he realized what was brewing, we were told to follow our chain of command which got us nowhere. Nurses were impressed, he listened. Which was more than we have been getting. Staff had not had a raise in years, the nursing matrix that was supposed to be our pay for performance that we were told we would actually get a raise this year -- flopped. Nurses who leveled up after jumping through hoops were to only get a $1,000 lump sum. Taxed at that. Needless to say, any nurse who did the work to maintain their level got nothing. Then there is the whole team nursing decision and reveal. We were pretty much told this is what is happening, and you will go from a ratio of five generally to two nurses and a tech for 12 patients. But you are working as a team, we were told. We were expected to go to each room as a team. This went over like a lead balloon to staff who were already beaten down. On the horizon looming is the creation of a centralized staffing office. All staffing would be handled not by the managers, but by this office. They would make the area's schedules, decided how many and who would be sent here and there. There is a float pool, mind you and they make 10 more dollars an hour than a nurse who picks a home unit. This has been disastrous. You have a director of a big staffing office who hasnt even been a nurse very long, Clinical Staff Leaders and then PCTs who decide who and what staff a unit can have. Pulling nurses all over the hospital out of their comfort zone and these regular staff get nothing, not the 10 extra dollars to be inconvenienced or stressed to go to a foreign unit. They get nothing. Nurses and techs were angry. So, you see its all spiraling. Now, a PCT or someone who knows nothing about staff obligations, staff babysitting issues is making a nurses schedule for six weeks at a time. Taking even more of any perk we have away. COVID hits and the decision is made for no overtime, prn and part time employees cant work. They leave or go travel nurse. Nurses are leaving, then the economy opens up. Now, due to all these nurses leaving or finding other means to survive, we are short staffed- again. Our floor areas have very sick patients, many nurses who leave say their ICU patients at their hospital are the same as what they had on the floor at Erlanger. It is almost impossible these days to care for even six sick floor patients, much less than seven or eight. Our clinical staff leader who you could count on as your resource or other pair of hands was made to always have just as many patients. We have no help, no extra hands, or no more experienced brain to pick. They are just trying to keep up like the rest of us. We are all tired, and this outcry for help, from you or a union should be viewed as us caring. Us caring for Erlanger, the place we chose to stay and work. We could all easily find another nursing job. There are good nurses at Erlanger who care about their patients and coworkers. We want to take good care of you. If we dont win and things continue, at least we can say we tried. Our Nurse Directors are leaving or stepping down at an alarming rate. This should be looked at as well. Why? Everyday someone else is gone. * * * ANY FOOL WOULD TAKE UNEMPLOYMENT THAN BE A PCT The primary reason there are no PCTs (patient care technicians) is because these people work paycheck to paycheck. A PCT can make more per week on unemployment than they would earn as a PCT at Erlanger. No hassle, no over-worked. No overtime. No worries. What would you prefer? * * * IF WE TALK, WE ARE THE PROBLEM, ATTRIBUTED TO JAN KEYS Please dont give up on us here at Erlanger! If we speak up, we will be fired, so please keep my name confidential. I have been with Erlanger over 30 years and have never seen anything like what is going on now. You are so spot on about Jan, Ted, and Angela and its mostly Jan. I have seen her tell nurses that if we talk we are the problem. I only have a few years left to suffer through this hell we are now in, but Im really worried about my fellow nurses (who are) being broken down by such an administration we now have. The team nursing is such (expletive) that is meant to spread to few nurses for many patients that cannot care for themselves. Please Roy I beg you to stay on this you are our only hope! * * * COMPLETELY IN LINE WITH YOUR REPORT Beautiful article! We moved from Florida seven years ago and my wife began working at Erlanger as an IV nurse at that time. The stories she told about the abuse that she and her co-workers suffered at the hand of Jan Keyes is completely in line with your report. Thank you for speaking plainly and honestly. * * * A PROUD GRANDFATHER URGES THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE Roy, this may be one of the most important issues you have taken on. I have twin grandchildren who were born at 23 weeks. Today they are college seniors who have lived a very normal and to date successful lives. They were born in Knoxville at East Tennessee Children's Hospital. At 23 weeks they were not expected to survive. Each weighed about one pound and were about the size of my fist. I told my wife when we saw them on the evening of their birth that they would not be there in the morning. Due to the superb care of the NICU nursing staff, they were there. They each had a nurse assigned to them 24/7 from Sept. 29 until Jan. 13 when they came home. There is no replacement for the skilled nurses who serve in these units, they have a special skill and more importantly a special heart for these premature newborns. Because of that I have two soon to be UTK and MTSU graduates. If Erlanger cannot support a NICU properly they should not be allowed to accept those cases. End of story!! * * * AND NOW, THE REST OF THE STORY Roy, what a crying shame to learn that the NICU (at Childrens) has been shuttered. That was one of your grandfather's pet projects back in the day. (Hospital Board Chairman Roy McDonald) personally hired my mother, Mary C. Cooper, RN to start what than as called the Premature Baby Unit at the old T.C. Thompson Children's. Mr. Roy, (as everyone called him) sent her to hospitals up east and as far west as St. Louis to learn best practices then in use. I remember her going to Boston (she was a graduate of Boston Children's Hospital), NYC, and St. Louis. Except for one year as Thompson's acting head nurse, Mom ran, first the Preemie Unit, and then the NICU when Thompson moved to the Erlanger campus. She was heavily involved in the design and the move to East Third Street and wrote the Procedure Manual for the NICU. She stayed on until she was 70 at the request of then administrator Jim Lamb. She always said the NICU was a blessing to families of the less fortunate in our community whose children were born prematurely at a higher rate than the more affluent. Some of those benefited as well though. Alan Casey once wept as he told me how his daughter was saved by the Preemie Unit at T.C. Thompson. The late Betty Serodino also told me how grateful she was for my mother and that Chattanooga had that medical resource. But you and I know it was Mr. Roy's vision. - - - POST SCRIPT: There came a day when Chattanoogas mayor, the county judge, the elder Senator Bill Brock, the presidents of the Chattanoogas top three banks and whoever was the congressman showed up at my grandfathers office and demanded to see him. My grandfather would say later he was completely taken by surprise, since every man there would call him often because he had bought the old Chattanooga News, combined it with his grocery chains Free Press, and had the Chattanooga News-Free Press on a roll. The surprise wasnt by accident; they didnt want him to have time to get out of the favor that they insisted: Erlanger is going out of business. Its broke. Mr. Roy, you can save the hospital and we, as a group, are prepared to get you whatever money it takes. Itll just be for a year or two, we hope until you can put an executive team together that you will direct and well use our combined resources to make it successful. Now, you just tell us what salary you want, and well have the first years lump sum delivered this afternoon. My grandfather told me he looked at his friends. Ive never been as busy in my life, but a hospital is this towns biggest asset. If you do it right, the hospital needs to make a profit but never a big one I cannot do it the way you describe ... cannot and will not but Ill tell you what Im willing to do. Ill look over it for a while if I have complete control. Ill pick the board but, boys, I never want to be paid as much as a dime. This falls under my service to our community just incidental expenses which wont be much. I dont want an office, just a secretary who can get in touch with me. We got to have a top-quality hospital. Thats how it happened. For a while lasted the next 38 years. He spent every Sunday afternoon, laughing that doctors were the greediest tribe on earth, and soon began putting the key people he would discover into the key jobs. He also became aware the day was fast approaching when an average working man would be smothered if catastrophic illness were to hit his family. Thats when he flew down to Cuba, paid $1,000 for the Charter of Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Tennessee and started up what you can now see has saved millions of lives. He was the BC-BS Board Chairman for its first 42 years and in keeping with his standards, never accepted a dime for his service to the community. He had a special affinity for Childrens Hospital and did indeed, have an early vision for Preemie care as well as emergency childrens care. At the time Childrens opened its special Premature Baby Unit it was one of about 20 in the entire nation. Its staff was handpicked. It had the best of equipment, a good helping of snazzy machines from England, Switzerland, and Germany, and it had a welcoming revolving door for other hospital executives, inquiring medical-school professors, delegations from foreign countries and the like. I want them to learn all they can from us and all we can learn from them. To call Mrs. Cooper a nurse was akin calling Babe Ruth a scrub batter. For many years Childrens Hospital was the gold standard. One time Life magazine did a big spread on the unit and my grandfather deferred all questions and interview requests to Mrs. Cooper with the exception of one quote: We dont want publicity all we want is to save childrens lives. That they did with mind-boggling mortality numbers. And thats the way it happened with this one last note. Mrs. Coopers husband, Brainard, was the brilliant editor at my grandfathers News-Free Press and once, at a newspaper staff gathering, she shared with my grandfather she wished she could do more for children. Well, I declare, he told her with delight most assuredly on his face. Be in my office at 10 oclock tomorrow morning, and when you get to Childrens for your 7 a.m. shift, tell Mr. So-and-so youve got to meet with me at my request. (The letter above was written by her son, Brainard Jr., and Mrs. Cooper helped deliver me, Roy McDonald Exum, as a newborn.) royexum@aol.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 23:19:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Nobel Peace Prize winner and children's education-rights campaigner Malala Yousafzai on Friday took to social media to celebrate her graduation from Oxford University. Yousafzai, who was born in Pakistan, shared two pictures on Twitter with the caption: "Hard to express my joy and gratitude right now as I completed my Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree at Oxford." In one picture, the 22-year-old was celebrating with her family in front of a graduation cake and the other was taken after a "trashing", a tradition at the university where students are covered with food and confetti after completing their exams. Yousafzai was shot in the head and neck by a Taliban gunman in Pakistan in 2012 after campaigning for girls to be educated in the country. After recovering from her near-fatal injuries, she and her family relocated to Birmingham in Britain. She became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2014, at the age of 17. In 2017 she was accepted to study at Oxford. Enditem A motorcyclist was killed in an accident on North Houston Rosslyn Road and Oaknut Street around 6 p.m. Thursday, according to Houston police. Houston Police Lieutenant Crowson said it appears the driver of a Chevrolet Camaro pulled out in front of the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist died on scene. Press Release June 19, 2020 De Lima dismayed over court's denial of her motion to join Senate online sessions Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has expressed dismay over the rejection by the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 205 of her omnibus motion seeking to allow her to participate in Senate sessions via teleconferencing from within her place of detention at the PNP Custodial Center in Quezon City. De Lima, chairperson of the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, maintained that disallowing her from taking part in online sessions, hearings and meetings of the Senate prevents her from fully performing her mandate as a lawmaker who was elected by more than 14 million Filipinos in the 2016 elections. "In denying my motion, the trial court may have failed to see what the Supreme Court has doctrinally acknowledged in the cases of Jalosjos and Trillanes that it is possible for a person deprived of liberty (PDL) to still legally pursue a profession or legitimately perform the functions of a public office as long as he or she can do it within the confines of his or detention cell. As the Senate rules now allow for teleconferencing as a mode of participating in sessions and hearings in crisis or emergency situations or pandemic, I can easily do it if I will be provided with a laptop and internet connection, without need for me to get out of the PNP Custodial Center," De Lima emphasized. Explaining that her cases are still at the trial stage, thus, she has not been convicted of any crime, De Lima points out that she is still in full possession of her civil and political rights, which she intends to assert and fully exercise. Last June 1, De Lima filed her omnibus motion to join plenary sessions through teleconferencing, declaring that there is no longer any valid reason to discriminate against her now that "participation in Senate sessions and Committee hearings and meetings by all members of the Senate is made possible and, more importantly, necessary to be done via teleconferencing" in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a Joint Order dated June 17, Muntinlupa RTC Branch 205, presided by Judge Liezel Aquitan denied De Lima's omnibus motion concluding that the presumption of innocence does not carry with it the full enjoyment of civil and political rights. For her part, De Lima opined that, "With all due respect to the Honorable Court, allowing my online participation in the Senate sessions will not negate the fact that I am still in prison. What the court permission can do however is to pay full respect to the mandate that I received from the Filipino people as a sitting Senator. Please note that there is no civil interdiction imposed on me by any court, thus, there should be no unreasonable restrictions on my rights and legitimate interests." It may be recalled that last May 4, in a plenary session, the Philippine Senate amended its rules to allow the attendance of its members via teleconferencing during extraordinary times, such as the quarantine measures in Metro Manila as a response to the pandemic. The Senator from Bicol, who has been in detention for trumped-up drug charges more than three (3) years ago since 24 February 2017, has recently suffered incommunicado detention due to strict enforcement of no visitor policy at the PNP Custodial Center from 25 April 2020 to 10 June 2020. As for the court's denial of her motion to be allowed to join the online sessions at the Senate, De Lima intends to file a motion for reconsideration with the same judge, hoping that the court will take a second look at the legal merits of her position. Today is Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the long-delayed emancipation of enslaved Black people in Texas on June 19, 1865. In the New Yorker, historian and Columbia University journalism professor Jelani Cobb writes that, "Emancipation is a marker of progress for white Americans, not black ones." From the New Yorker: [] Juneteenth exists as a counterpoint to the Fourth of July; the latter heralds the arrival of American ideals, the former stresses just how hard it has been to live up to them. This failure was not exclusive to the South. Northern states generally abolished slavery in the decades after the American Revolution, but many slaveholders there, rather than free the people they held in bondage, sold them to traders in the South, or moved to states where the institution was still legal. The black men, women, and children who heard [Major General Gordon] Granger's pronouncement [of emancipation] a hundred and fifty-five years ago in Galveston were not slaves; they were a barometer of American democracy. There's a paradox inherent in the fact that emancipation is celebrated primarily among African-Americans, and that the celebration is rooted in a perception of slavery as something that happened to black people, rather than something that the country committed. The paradox rests on the presumption that the arrival of freedom should be greeted with gratitude, instead of with self-reflection about what allowed it to be deprived in the first place. Seen is a telescope placed at Imjingak Pavilion near the heavily guarded Demilitarized Zone in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. The city, which has attracted many tourists with its border-area tourism programs, has been facing difficulties due to outbreaks of African swine fever and COVID-19 in addition to growing inter-Korean tensions. / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization By Jun Ji-hye Residents of Paju near the inter-Korean border are expressing concerns over possible further damage to their income as the heightened inter-Korean tension over anti-North Korea propaganda leaflets has led some to question when the city's tourist sites will be able open to visitors again, city officials said Friday. The city in Gyeonggi Province has attracted many foreign and local tourists with tour programs in the region, such as tours to the Joint Security Area (JSA). But life for those in the border city has been getting harder following a series of difficulties starting last year, such as the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak, the COVID-19 outbreak and the tension-ridden inter-Korean relations. Russia and Turkey have deployed another joint patrol, this time in the Ayn al-Arab area, with eight vehicles and helicopter protection reports Smart News. On Thursday, Turkey and Russia deployed a joint patrol in the Ayn al-Arab (Kobani) area, 150 kilometers northeast of Aleppo. Media sources from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reported to Smart News that the Turkish Army and Russian forces deployed the patrol with a convoy of eight vehicles, accompanied by Russian helicopters. The sources said that the patrol started from the village of Ashamah, west of Kobani, passing through six villages and towns adjacent to the Syrian-Turkish border, and then returned. 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. Yes Hilary! Hilary Barry has taken to Instagram to share a powerful, but straight to the point statement to all the "Geoff's" out there who have "ever told a woman what to wear or what part of her body to cover up." Posting a gorgeous, summery photo of herself on a beach in her togs, Hilary said: "This is for every Geoff who ever told a woman what to wear or what part of her body to cover up. We will not be told. Not now. Not ever." MIDDLETOWN Public school officials are pointing to specialized programs that target incoming high school freshmen as one of the factors that helped boost graduation rates to a five-year high. Middletown Public Schools 2018-19 graduation figures surpassed the state average by 11 points at 97 percent. Connecticuts median figure during that period was 86 percent, according to Superintendent of Schools Michael Conner. The city is designated by the state as an Alliance District, which targets 33 of Connecticuts lower-performing education systems, qualifying them for additional Education Cost Sharing funding. That aid includes new Dell computers for the classrooms. Figures show the district also exceeded the state average for all students by 3 percent over the five-year study period. The data shows that federally reported statewide on-time graduation rates, for most student groups, are at their highest levels in Connecticut since 2010-11, according to the district. Conner sits on the the state Department of Educations Governors COVID-19 Learn from Home Task Force, comprised of several superintendents from across the state. We know if kids arent engaged and arent successful that (first) year, there is a very small percent of kids who will actually get through high school in four years if theyre not successful freshman year, Middletown High School Principal Colleen Weiner said. Around five years ago, the district implemented a pilot program that instituted several types of interventions to prevent incoming high school students from falling behind. Last year, MPS was able to partner with the Middlesex YMCAs network to add additional guidance counselors, for example. Its such a pivotal year. What we see is were able to get them over the finish line their freshman year when theyre engaged, take more academic risks, and take more vigorous courses in the future, including Advanced Placement options, selection of which by students went through the roof, Weiner said. Similar to other public schools throughout the state, including Haddam-Killingworth, Middletown implemented an optional pass/incomplete grading system during the last semester of the current academic year due to the pandemic. We chose that system to ensure we had the most equitable grading policy possible. We didnt want to have any student who didnt have access, Weiner said. Since we were outside the brick and mortar, we know that when were in the building, thats when were able to level the playing field, and ensure everyone has the resources they need, she said. Each quarter counts toward 25 percent to a students overall grade. It wasnt only young people who experienced a learning curve, Weiner said . Staff underwent extensive training during the two weeks after the state forced schools to close in mid-March amid the COVID-19 outbreak to prepare for distance learning. That led to a number of collaborations across grade levels. It was a lot for teachers, but they were amazing. They got really creative, Weiner said. One of the biggest considerations in designing these virtual learning programs was the COVID slide, a result of less face-to-face and individualized education over the last 12 weeks of the academic year, Conner said. It is similar to the summer slide. Students were affected on two levels, he added, including a potential loss of learning gains. When a student steps into school and has a teacher just teaching, there are going to be some type of learning gains that student is going to experience, he said. Now, because of pandemic, it created a lot of disparities between access, including those without internet access, or whose parents are essential workers and need to leave their children at home to complete their work by themselves, Conner said. They were still guided by teachers, who engaged with their students via live meetings or recorded videos. We might not know what is going on versus two parents who are educators and stay on top of their child more, he said. The district is also collaborating with Equal Opportunity Schools to address the issue of potential loss of learning gains. This is all part of MPSs plan of student-directed learning, which gives youth more control over their education. They also benefited from 30-student focus groups consisting of students and community members who help guide their paths. If a student doesnt have a sense of belonging, theyre not going to be a success, the principal said. The achievement gap due to the COVID slide is anticipated to exacerbate this by around 25.6 percent, Conner said. Thirty-six percent of the gap is predicted to affect those in grades seven to 12, the superintendent said. Add that to the historical summer slide. Now you have students all over the place. Between March 13 and the end of classes in June, it is expected there will be a significant regression in achievement. It might be six, seven, eight months behind within the pandemic, he said . Curriculum development and articulation has to change, teachers practices have to change, the traditional model of education has to be fundamentally augmented, and were going to have to put an emphasis on tier supports and interventions for students with decreasing budgets, Conner said. With more children now qualifying for these services, with limited resources, this is where the level of creativity and innovation has to take place, he said . For information, visit middletownschools.org. By Silvia Aloisi and Sarah White MILAN/PARIS (Reuters) - The luxury industry will feel the fallout from the coronavirus crisis for the next two years if not longer, Chanel's chief financial officer said on Thursday, warning the French fashion label's 2020 revenues and profit would be significantly hit. By Silvia Aloisi and Sarah White MILAN/PARIS (Reuters) - The luxury industry will feel the fallout from the coronavirus crisis for the next two years if not longer, Chanel's chief financial officer said on Thursday, warning the French fashion label's 2020 revenues and profit would be significantly hit. Privately-owned Chanel - known for its tweed suits, quilted handbags and No.5 perfume is one of the biggest luxury brands in the world alongside LVMH's Louis Vuitton. It did not give details of the slide in sales so far this year but the next 12 to 18 months would be particularly tough, finance chief Philippe Blondiaux told Reuters, adding that a strong recovery in countries where the group's shops have reopened could not make up for the lack of international travel. "We anticipate that the external environment will continue to impact the luxury sector negatively for at least the next 18 to 24 months," he said in a phone interview after the group reported 13% growth in comparable sales for 2019. Like rivals, Chanel had to shut shops across the globe and idle manufacturing sites as the virus first emerged in the sector's key market of China and then spread to the rest of the world. Some 85% of the group's stores have now reopened and Blondiaux said Chanel had seen sales rebound in China - by over 100% in some weeks. Shoppers were returning in Paris, Milan and Berlin, he said. "This very strong performance with the local clientele will be insufficient to compensate for the absence of international business, for the absence of international visitors and for the fact that our duty free business... is still to a very large extent closed," he said. Consultancy Bain says the $310 billion luxury goods sector is on course for a sales fall of up to 35% this year. Chanel, which still expects to turn a profit this year, is reducing advertising and promotions by more than a quarter, cutting production and has cancelled or transformed some events like fashion shows this year, including by streaming them online. Two catwalk shows scheduled for later this year may still go ahead physically, Chanel said. It has increased prices on some products like handbags as raw material costs shot up. Chanel would forgo dividend payments in 2020, Blondiaux added. These payouts largely go to Chanel's billionaire owners, brothers Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, and almost doubled in 2019. Blondiaux said there was no change planned in Chanel's ownership or leadership, adding that Alain Wertheimer, 71 and the group's global CEO was in "great shape". ONLINE REFUSENIK Chanel has long been an outlier compared to rivals moving into online sales, arguing its clients preferred a more exclusive and personable approach. The label would stick to its strategy of selling mainly via its network of shops in spite of the pandemic, Blondiaux said. "We don't intend, crisis or no crisis, to sell fashion, watches and fine jewellery online," Blondiaux said. The fashion house, which does however sell cosmetics, perfumes and some small accessories online, said e-commerce sales in these areas had grown 60% from their 2019 levels so far this year. Chanel's 2019 revenues rose to $12.3 billion, while operating profit was up 16.6%. Blondiaux said the results showed that the transition between veteran designer Karl Lagerfeld, who died in February last year, and his discreet second-in-command Virginie Viard, had been "smooth and successful". Viard's ready-to-wear collection saw top line growth of 28%. The group, founded in 1910 by Coco Chanel, only began publishing results two years ago. It is focused on keeping a strong balance sheet and capital structure to guarantee its independence, Blondiaux said. (Adds dropped word in para 10 to make clear shows may still go ahead physically) (Editing by Elaine Hardcastle) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. ATLANTA, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Atlanta Housing Board of Commissioners voted to provide 39 additional HomeFlex subsidies for permanent supportive housing units for citizens who are currently experiencing or near homelessness. These subsidized units specifically will serve Atlanta Housing's Haven population, helping to reduce homelessness through HomeFirst, a public-private partnership developed in 2017 between the City of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta and the United Way Regional Commission on Homelessness. HomeFirst's mission is to invest $50 million in support of ClearPath, the City of Atlanta's five-year plan to end chronic homelessness in Atlanta by creating 500-plus new units of permanent supportive housing. The AH board committed to provide HomeFlex subsidies for up to 550 units in support of the initiative, contingent on the units being placed in service by June 30, 2023. So far, the board has approved 224 of those 550 units. "These HomeFlex subsidies will ensure that fewer families are homeless on the streets of Atlanta and get us closer to the goal of ending homelessness," said Atlanta Housing Commission Chairman Christopher Edwards, MD. "Atlanta Housing is delighted to partner with the City of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta and United Way to help ensure that we successfully tackle the crisis of homelessness in Atlanta. By working together, we will make this goal a reality." The Board of Commissioners authorized 30 permanent supportive housing units at McAuley Park Phase I, less than a quarter mile from the King Memorial MARTA Station at 375 Gartrell Street. McAuley Park I, LLC is a joint venture formed by Saint Joseph's Health System/Mercy Care and Pennrose, LLC. The board approved nine additional units at Dwell at Alcove at 314 Dixie Hills Circle NW. The developer, Dwell Communities, currently has 10 single-family units in AH's Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) portfolio and operates four income-restricted properties within Atlanta. The HomeFlex commitments are for 10 years with an option to extend the subsidies an additional five years. "We are extremely excited to continue our work with Atlanta Housing on this much needed affordable housing in this neighborhood," said Amon Martin, senior developer for Pennrose. "The transformative McAuley Park development will provide high-quality, mixed-income apartments and create access to health care for some of Atlanta's most vulnerable families and seniors." "Each step forward in this project is a step closer to providing critical access to affordable housing within steps of one of our clinics providing everything from chronic disease management to dental, vision and mental health services on a sliding fee scale," said Tom Andrews, CEO of Saint Joseph's Health System and Mercy Care. "We are grateful for our partnership with Pennrose and all the City of Atlanta partners making this a dream come true for Mercy Care and the surrounding community." About Atlanta Housing Led by President and CEO Eugene Jones, Jr., the Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta, Georgia (AH), is the largest housing authority in Georgia and one of the largest in the nation. AH provides and facilitates affordable housing resources for nearly 25,000 low-income households comprised of approximately 50,000 people. These affordable housing resources include AH-owned residential communities, AH-sponsored mixed-income, mixed-finance residential communities, tenant-based vouchers, project based rental assistance, supportive housing arrangements and homeownership opportunities. AH's programs are funded and regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"). Visit Atlanta Housing at atlantahousing.org or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook at @housingatlanta. SOURCE Atlanta Housing Related Links https://www.atlantahousing.org By PTI NEW DELHI: The NCW has asked UP police to take action against Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Aazad for allegedly making derogatory and defamatory statements against women. In a letter to UP DGP H C Awasthy, NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma said the commission has taken cognizance of Aazad's tweets "wherein it is seen that derogatory and defamatory statements have been made against women by him". "The commission has taken note of the rise in cyber harassment and use of derogatory statements in cyberspace against women amounts to serious offence under law," she said in the letter. In view of the above, it is requested that action shall be taken against the culprit as per the relevant provisions of law to avoid recurrence of the crime in the future, she added. However, Aazad has clarified that the tweets were not been sent by him as he was in jail during the period. "Some tweets of hate speech on women are going viral from my account. I want to explain that I was in jail from 08/06/2017 to 14/09/2018 in the case of Saharanpur violence. These tweets belong to this period, which I do not know about. I respect women very much," he said in a tweet. "Let me clarify that this Twitter account was created in February 2018 and I was released from jail in September 2018. Some worker gave me this account. I am a soldier of Babasaheb and respect for sister, daughters is paramount. The tweets are very wrong. I am improving the account. Jai Bhima, Jai Bharat," he said in another tweet. Friday, June 19, 2020 Interns-On-Call.com Offers PRSSA Students & Their Wide Range of Technical, Writing and Publicity Skills Broadcast Interview Source (BIS), the company which publishes the Yearbook of Experts, ExpertClick.com and runs News Release Wire.com, is welcoming students from the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) to create Interns-On-Call.com "Skill Pages" to promote their freelance skills. Giving students or fresh graduates experience while allowing PR clients, or private firms, to utilize their wide-range of affordable skills is the goal of BIS, with the help of PRSSA that has promoted the offer to their students. What's an Interns On Call "Skill Page?" It is a web page offering their services. Students can apply to create one at www.ExpertClick.com/free. ExpertClick.com, the action oriented online platform of Broadcast Interview Source, has a number of tools for creating news and profile content on the Internet. The printed Yearbook of Experts is published annually see the 2020 Yearbook as PDF at www.ExpertBook.com Once a expert profile has been created on Expert Click, members take full advantage of News Release Wire.com to generate an unlimited number of Internet News Releases which are picked up the Google News and the Lexis systems. Also www.NewsTip.com is the free & fast track for new clients to generate a release and immediately established a profile in the Expert Click system. News releases are free to create and send at www.NewsTip.com/refer/Guest_of_Mitchell_P_Davis One of the PR Junior Partners working with BIS is Kaitlin Martinez-Hall. About to graduate with a Masters in Communication from California State University, she is utilizing her skills: press release writing, graphic design and social media management to meet client's diverse PR needs. See her "Skill Page" at: https://www.expertclick.com/19-5198 Another partner is Brad Butler, experienced the in PR and has abilities in a wide-range of PR disciplines. He can produce a radio appearance on syndicated show on iHeart Radio which will then be cleaned and edited into subject based podcasts for the Expert Click Radio Sound Cloud Channel (the embed codes will then be available for use on website or in news releases to enhance online PR efforts). Butler can also perform writing, create custom graphic design, video editing or writing assignments. Having generated thousands of news releases through the Expert Click system, he is well versed in on how to utilize the system effectively. See his "Skill Page" at: https://www.expertclick.com/19-5131 Although Interns On Call is only 6 days old, Mitchell P. Davis the editor thought up the idea and the web site URL and Twitter handle were available. Follow us at www.Twitter.com/InternsOnCall where we tweet info on completed intern projects. Questions? Call Mitchell. P. Davis, the Editor at (202) 333-5000 or ExpertClick@Gmail.com Links to web sites mentioned: News Tip to send releases free: www.NewsTip.com/Refer/Guest_of_Mitchell_P_Davis Skill Page application for PRSSA students: www.ExpertClick.com/free President Trump painted a dire picture of an America under President Joe Biden as he sat down with his son Donald Trump Jr. for a Father's Day-themed interview. 'The whole country will be Minneapolis,' Trump warned. 'I feel like if the Democrats get in, we are literally going to end up in a recession/depression the likes of which you've never seen,' the president also said. Minneapolis was the site of the death of George Floyd, a black man, who was killed by a white police officer on Memorial Day, setting off weeks of 'Black Lives Matter' protests around the country and several nights of looting and rioting in the Minnesota city. President Trump painted a dire picture of America under a President Joe Biden in a Father's Day-themed interview with his son, Donald Trump Jr. President Trump (left) told Donald Trump Jr. (right) that 'the whole country will be Minneapolis' if Biden gets in Trump was referring to the chaotic nights directly following the death of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of a white police office in the Minnesota city President Trump credited the National Guard with restoring order in the city, as he's tried to brand himself the 'LAW & ORDER' president going forward Since then Trump hsa tried to market himself as the 'LAW & ORDER' president, crediting the National Guard for defusing the situation in Minneapolis. 'When the National Guard went in, it was so beautiful,' he said in the interview, which was released Thursday night. Trump lambasted cities under Democratic leadership and suggested without his Republican leadership at the top, the country would be a mess. 'It's a very sad thing,' he said. 'But I happen to think it's explaining to people that are getting ready to vote on November 3, that there's only one answer, and you can't go back to the bedlam,' Trump said. 'The country, I don't think would ever recover from it,' Trump warned. He pointed to the current situation in Seattle, in which demonstrators have taken over several blocks of the city and turned them into a police-free zone. He also continued to make an example out of Minneapolis. 'You look at Seattle, when you go to Minnesota, and you take a look at what's taken place there, it's incredible. They tried to take over a great city,' he said. Trump broadly critized Democrats at the helm of city governments. 'The cities that are having trouble are Democratic run cities, meaning Democrats ... The Democrat-run cities are the ones that are having the trouble,' he said, making sure to say Democrat, not Democratic, which is a Republican jab. 'It's a very simple thing.' But then had a number of choice words for Biden. Trump suggested Biden was declining, saying he's 'certainly not in the condition' to lead the country. 'He's China's dream,' Trump added. Over the course of the interview, Trump also debuted a new over-the-top campaign ad that suggested Biden had received the posthumous endorsement of Osama bin Laden, because papers found in the terrorist leader's compound revealed a plot to kill President Barack Obama, leaving Biden, Obama's vice president, in charge. Bin Laden calculated that Biden was 'totally unprepared' for the presidency and the U.S. would be plunged into 'crisis.' The plot was first reported by The Washington Post in 2012. Trump, however, had no knowledge of the report until Donald Trump Jr. brought it up. 'It says to me I didn't know that - and it says to me we're going to immediately make a commercial out of that if that's true. Is that true?' the president asked his son. Donald Trump Jr. then rolled the ad, calling it a Father's Day present. 'That was a good present,' Trump said. Between Trump's handling of the coronavirus crisis and the racial unrest surrounding Floyd's death, Biden has gained ground in the polls. Nationally, he leads in the Real Clear Politics polling average by 8.8 points. A Political Scientist for Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Osofo L.K.B Trotsky, has urged voters to come out in their numbers and register for the new voter ID cards when the Electoral Commission (EC) opens registration later this month. The ability of electorates to register for their voter IDs, he said was the only legitimate means they could break the dominance of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ghana politics. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview, Mr Trotsky accused both parties of misrule as their regimes were often characterised by ineptness, excessive borrowing, unbridled corruption, and abandonment of key state projects started by previous regimes. We are fed up with Nana Addo and John Mahama's deceptions and failure to fight corruption in Ghana during their terms of office, he said. We've had John Mahama's failed energy policies (erratic power 'Dumsoh'), unemployment and a 5 million alleged kickback scandal on purchase of military planes, which was published on the 14th May 2020 in the UK Sun Newspapers. Also, Nana Addo and Bawumia's NPP government has failed us on their promise to establish one district, one factory and the one million dollars they promised to give every constituency did not materialize. Both political parties have often been indicted for failing to fight corruption and tame mounting unemployment as well as neglecting the development of state enterprises. Equally blamed for, are the dumping of state companies established by previous governments, particularly during the regime of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, citing Asutware Sugar factory, Ghana Railways - Akyim Akroso railway station, which has been abandoned since 1991 in Asani Manso District of Eastern Region. Both NPP and NDC governments were also accused of selling off and abandoning most public companies that were set up by Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Some are the Bonsa Tyre Company, Takwa Gold Refinery, Asutware Sugar Factory and many more, Trotsky added. He also cited the Balkan Energy Company at Nzema Effasu in the Western Region as one of the state assets deserted by the duo dominant political parties when in government, resulting in a huge financial loss to the state. With this neglect alone, both NPP and NDC parties deserve to be voted out during the December 2020 general election to clear the way for GUM to take charge of the governance of Ghana. GUM was founded by Rev Christian Kwabena Andrews (Osofo Kyiriabosom), whom Trotsky described as a great man of God sent to rescue Ghanaians from oppression and hardships from NPP and NDC governance. The party had been crisscrossing the country and espousing its message through its private television, Fire TV, which largely draws on Dr Kwame Nkrumah's ideologies. Commenting on the 2020 polls, Trotsky said GUM needed votes to win the December elections and that voters needed their ID cards to vote for the party. He, therefore, appealed to electorates to encourage each other in their polling stations to register for their voter ID cards when the new register opens on June 30. He also urged voters to resist vote buying, stressing, Please, do not exchange your vote to any political party for money and any politician who gives you money in exchange for your vote is a corrupt politician, therefore, do not vote for them. The Movement said it would not exchange money or gift for votes because the party strongly abhors that, Mr Trotsky added. We believe it is wrong and it is not fair for the election and the constitution is against such corrupt practice so vote wisely and vote for GUM. Let's vote NPP and NDC out in the 2020 election due to their failure to deliver on their promises, he said. The time has come to stop the NPP and the NDC by voting GUM for Ghana to develop and create jobs for Ghanaians. He pledged the party's resolve to fight against corruption and create more jobs for the youth as well as amend the indemnity clause in Ghana's constitution that shields ex-presidents from corruption charges. The Electoral Commission has set Tuesday, June 30, 2020, to compile a new voters' register and that the exercise will be held at all registration centres and district offices of the Commission. ---GNA OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty ImagesBy KENDALL KARSON and QUINN SCANLAN, ABC News (WASHINGTON) -- Amy McGrath, the former Marine fighter pilot, heads into Tuesday's Kentucky Senate primary the presumptive Democratic frontrunner to take on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, with the backing of the national Democratic establishment and a $41 million war chest. But it might not be enough to get through the primary. After a string of recent killings of African Americans by law enforcement, including two within the state since mid-March, the contest is on new terrain, one in which the 2018 congressional candidate's advantages are struggling to offset the grassroots momentum that is sweeping her lesser-known rival, state Rep. Charles Booker, into contention for the nomination. McGrath is a darling of national Democrats, earning the backing of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee back in February and establishing her campaign as a fundraising behemoth since she launched her Senate bid in July 2019. But as Booker and his campaign cast her as a consultant-driven, more-of-the-same, moderate, "pro-Trump Democrat," McGrath invokes her outsider status to contrast herself with Booker, who she suggests is part of the "political establishment." "Everybody wants to put you in a box. Everybody wants to have their label on you," McGrath said in an interview. "Not everybody fits this perfect label...I'm a marine. I don't define myself as being anything other than an American, and a marine and a wife and a mother and yes, I'm a Democrat and I'm very proud of that." McGrath quickly brushed off any concerns about Tuesday, when she is set to square off against Booker, and Mike Broihier, a retired Marine lieutenant colonel, saying "we're finishing this primary strong." But it's hard to not take notice of Booker's insurgent candidacy, at a moment when widespread unrest in unsettling the country over deeply-rooted racial disparities. A once-sleeper race turns competitive in final weeks Booker, who centers his platform on several progressive planks, has garnered the backing of Congresswoman Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez, D-N.Y., the freshman phenom; Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-V.t., a leader of the progressive movement; Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.; Tom Steyer, another former presidential contender; Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., a member of the so-called "squad" alongside Ocasio-Cortez; and two of Kentucky's most widely circulated newspapers, The Lexington Herald-Leader and Courier-Journal. Hes even scored the backing of Alison Lundergan Grimes, a prominent Democrat in Kentucky politics who formerly served as the secretary of state and even unsuccessfully tested her own bid against McConnell in 2014. In the month of June alone, Booker has raised $2.3 million, which is nearly triple the total hes raised all cycle, and is more than four times his pre-primary total, which stretches from April 1-June 3. But it still falls about $200,000 short of McGraths haul in the first 24 hours of her campaign, and pales in comparison to her total for the cycle. But his campaign remains undeterred, and is currently spending about $1.1 million in TV ads, after launching its first TV ad in early June in an 11th-hour push to make up the deficit with McGrath, who has been blanketing the airwaves for months. "Everyday this race is changing seismically. Since the time we've been on the phone, I think Ayanna Pressley endorsed the campaign," said Karthik Ganapathy, a Democratic strategist who previously worked on Sanders presidential campaign in 2016 and is now working with the Booker campaign. "The race is changing every single day in Charles's favor." The shifting dynamics of the race -- and the late surge of momentum boosting Bookers campaign -- are fueled by the same energy that sparked dozens of protests over racial injustice across the country in the wake of the killing of Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old black woman, in her home in Louisville, and the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis -- both at the hands of police. "The energy that we're seeing, it started with protests like here in Kentucky and in Louisville with Breonna Taylor. Cries for justice have evolved into conversations about structural change, and people are rising up all over the country," Booker, 35, the youngest black state lawmaker in the state, said in an interview with ABC News Live. "And so I'm going to Washington with a big coalition that will not accept the status quo." "When Senate insiders decide which candidate theyre going to bless with their endorsement and the millions in contributions that come with it, the critical experience that a young Black man who has lost family members to gun violence, like Charles Booker, might bring with him to the Senate never enters the equation. And, that narrow vision leaves Congress and our country weaker," said Yvette Simpson, an ABC News contributor and the CEO of Democracy for America, a national progressive group, in a statement announcing the group's endorsement on Wednesday. But experts warn that it remains to be seen how much that enthusiasm will translate into votes on Tuesday. "Clearly, Booker has gained momentum...that being said, no one really knows how deep down into the electorate this new excitement for Booker is really spreading," said Steve Voss, an associate professor of political science at the University of Kentucky. "We don't know how many people have already marked up their absentee ballots back when the perception was a McGrath victory was inevitable. And once they submit a ballot, they're stuck with that vote even if circumstances change." On Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the upper chamber, reiterated his confidence in McGrath's standing in the race. "Amy McGrath is our candidate," he told reporters. "She's a strong candidate. She's giving McConnell a run for his moneyShe's doing very well and I believe that she'll win the primary." An electoral test of the country's reckoning on race The race is emerging as an early electoral test for Kentucky Democrats of the impact of the last couple of weeks on what kind of candidate they want to put forward right now and for a candidate whose life story reflects much of the themes in the demonstrations. "A lot of people are facing a lot of trauma, a lot of pain, and they are dealing with a lot of situations that are very similar to the struggle I've grown up in," Booker said. "We have been ignored for a long time and essentially my entire life. Mitch McConnell was elected two weeks after I was born, and no one cares about our concerns. No one asked what we want. They tell us what we want." "When you speak to that struggle, because I've lived it, we're able to build a new type of movement of regular folks that realize we can't play politics anymore," he added. In the wake of Floyd's death, the reckoning over structural racism and police brutality are seeping into nearly every aspect of the contest -- in ads, in debates, and in the very core messages of the leading campaigns. Booker has joined several protests in the state, including in his hometown of Louisville, where he invoked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when he told the crowd, "Peace is not the absence of violence and tension. Peace is the presence of justice." At a recent debate, too, he acknowledged that the racial inequities at the center of the protests are what "informs my platform and why I'm running." "We need results right now, and it means we have to acknowledge the challenges that are levied within our institutions to see someone that looks like me, that doesn't come from a lot, as a deadly weapon before a human being," he said earlier this month. McGrath, for her part, said during that same debate that she had not yet participated in a protest on the ground, a moment Bookers campaign turned into a digital video. But a few days later, she attended two interfaith vigils in Lexington and Louisville. "The first thing we have to do is step back and listen to the families, listen to the communities who are so angry, and they should be, and commit ourselves to finding solutions," she told ABC News when asked how she would deal with the unrest, before adding, "to not only finding solutions with regards to criminal justice reform, which is so important, but also finding solutions for the underlying causes of racial injustice in America." "I would be pushing the legislation in the Senate that deals with better training - racial bias training. We have this in the military," she continued. "Why can we not have this type of training for police forces around the country." Kentucky, still, is ruby red McGrath might be a political novice, never having held public office, but this is not her first time in the political ring. In 2018, she launched an unsuccessful bid for the 6th congressional district to much attention and praise after her campaign ad "Told Me" went viral. She ultimately lost the election to Republican Congressman Andy Barr by three percentage points, in a district that Trump carried by 15 points in the 2016 presidential election. This year, she's seeking to win statewide in a state that Trump won by nearly 30 points, just one year after Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear narrowly toppled the deeply unpopular Republican incumbent Gov. Matt Bevin. But her second bid saw some early stumbles. In one of her opening interviews for her Senate campaign, she told the Lexington Courier Journal she would have voted to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, only to retract her statement by the afternoon, saying she would have voted no. "You learn a lot as a first-time candidate," she said on Thursday about what shes learned since her last campaign. "You learn a lot about how important name recognition is. You learn a lot about how you say things and that things can be taken out of context. And so I certainly learned quite a bit, and you also learn to get thick skin." McGrath is also up against an even tougher road to the nomination this time around, and still in a state that heavily favors Republicans. "I think they're two entirely different campaigns that result in a very similar place," said Josh Holmes, a Republican consultant and the former chief of staff and campaign manager for McConnell. "Amy McGrath's campaign is basically five irons down the middle of the fairway...there's no surprises." "We're at a time when inauthenticity is the worst possible hand of cards that you could play and she's kind of played that hand of cards all the way through, which is why I think even with $40 million, she's had a rough go in the primary," he said. But Booker, who might be more of a wild card, and his liberal policies could make McConnell's path to re-election even smoother in a state that is so overwhelmingly red, Holmes said. "Charles Booker is very, very different obviously, extremely dynamic in the way he campaigns and would come at it with a lot of different energy," he said, before adding that his progressive policies are "basically disqualifiers for a general election statewide." Experts, too, believe that a McConnell-Booker matchup is the preferred race for the top Republican. "McConnell may be coy about the Democratic primary, but I have no doubt he'd rather face Charles Booker in November. It would just make his job a lot easier. The 'too liberal for Kentucky' message would be much easier to sell should he run against Booker than McGrath," Voss said. The McConnell factor Between the two, the race is coming down to an electability argument about who can ultimately defeat McConnell, with each Democrat making their own case in the closing weeks. Booker, who often invokes his own life experiences, including his early struggles of growing up poor, with diabetes, and whose own family is the victim of gun violence, argues that its time for a new kind of Democrat, one that is actually reflective of the electorate. "He's been in office for so long and the Democratic Party has tried to challenge him only by playing this political game of running to the soft center and saying that you're going to be approachable Democrat and people don't buy that BS," Booker said of competing against McConnell. "My campaign is speaking to Kentuckians and saying that we're going to do things differently. We're fighting for us for a change ... And so we will absolutely beat him." McGrath, who often finds herself being criticized from both sides by suggestions from Booker that she's not a real Democrat and by attempts from McConnell's campaign to paint her as aligned with the liberal wing of the Democratic Party, is pitching herself as a "commonsense Kentucky Democrat" who is tired of the divisive partisanship. "I will be able to stand up to any president, whether that president wears a red jersey or a blue jersey, to do what's right for Kentucky," she said. "That is, frankly, the biggest difference between myself and Mitch McConnell...I'm somebody that cares about the Constitution. I care about working with the other side to get things done when it's right for Kentucky. We need that, but also having the guts to stand up when it's right for Kentucky." McConnell's campaign, though, is keeping their focus trained on McGrath, failing to mention Booker when asked broadly about the Democratic primary. "Amy McGrath thought she could buy her way into a general election, but she is being soundly rejected by Kentucky Democrats. No candidate has ever spent so much to generate support that only exists outside of Kentucky," Kate Cooksey, a spokesperson for his campaign, said. But no matter who wins the primary on Tuesday, GOP strategists view the general election as a near-impossible uphill climb for Democrats. With an extensive record that spans over 30 years, McConnell brings "a really strong resume of deliverables," Holmes said, that always "made up the backbone of his campaigns." "He's also campaigning with the benefit of a presidential ticket that's likely to win by steep double digits," he continued. "The pathway for a Democrat in a presidential election year in Kentucky is slim to none...It doesn't take a lot of outside the box campaigning in order to just execute." The reality, Holmes said, is that "winning by 15 or winning by 20, what difference does it make, right? It's a huge, huge margin in a state like Kentucky and it's hard for me to believe that that's ever going to get close enough to make things interesting." Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 01:44:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- China hopes that India will work with China to jointly uphold peace and stability in their border areas, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said here on Friday. "China hopes that India will work with us, follow faithfully the important consensus reached between the two leaders, abide by the agreements reached between the two governments, and strengthen communication and coordination on properly managing the current situation through diplomatic and military channels," Zhao said. He made the remarks when elaborating China's position on settling the incident of the Galwan clash. The Galwan Valley is located on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the west section of the China-India boundary. For many years, the Chinese border troops have been patrolling and on duty in this region, Zhao said. Since April this year, the Indian border troops have unilaterally and continuously built roads, bridges and other facilities at the LAC in the Galwan Valley. China has lodged representations and protests on multiple occasions but India has gone even further to cross the LAC and make provocations, he said. By the early morning of May 6, the Indian border troops, who have crossed the LAC by night and trespassed into China's territory, have built fortification and barricades, which impeded the patrol of Chinese border troops. "They deliberately made provocations in an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo of control and management," Zhao said, adding that the Chinese border troops have been forced to take necessary measures to respond to the situation on the ground and strengthen management and control in the border areas. In order to ease the situation, China and India have stayed in close communication through military and diplomatic channels. In response to the strong demand of the Chinese side, India agreed to withdraw the personnel who crossed the LAC and demolish the facilities, and so they did. On June 6, the border troops of both countries held a commander-level meeting and reached consensus on easing the situation. "The Indian side promised that they would not cross the estuary of the Galwan river to patrol and build facilities and the two sides would discuss and decide phased withdrawal of troops through the meetings between commanders on the ground. "Shockingly, on the evening of June 15, India's front-line troops, in violation of the agreement reached at the commander-level meeting, once again crossed the LAC for deliberate provocation when the situation in the Galwan Valley was already easing, and even violently attacked the Chinese officers and soldiers who went there for negotiation, thus triggering fierce physical conflicts and causing casualties. "The adventurous acts of the Indian army have seriously undermined the stability of the border areas, threatened the lives of Chinese personnel, violated the agreements reached between the two countries on the border issue, and breached the basic norms governing international relations. China has lodged solemn representations and strong protests to the Indian side," Zhao said. During a phone conversation with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi repeated China's stern position, demanding India to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident, severely punish those who should be held accountable, strictly discipline Indian frontline troops, and immediately stop all provocative actions so as to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. A second commander-level meeting should happen as soon as possible to deal with the situation on the ground, according to the spokesperson. The two sides agreed to handle in a just manner the serious situation caused by the Galwan Valley clash, observe the agreement reached during the commander-level meeting, cool down the situation on the ground as soon as possible, and uphold peace and tranquility of the border areas in accordance with bilateral agreements reached so far, Zhao said. Enditem As Covid-19 cases surge in Delhi, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia will hold an important meeting on increasing the number of ICU beds in city hospitals on Friday, government officials said. The meeting will also be attended by Satyendar Jain who held the charge of the health department before being hospitalised as he tested positive for Covid-19, they said. The meeting to discuss increasing intensive care unit (ICU) beds at the hospitals will take place at 5 pm. Besides the Deputy Chief Minister, Jain will also take part in it through video call from the hospital, officials said. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said that Delhi government is working to arrange more ICU beds in hospitals that may be needed in coming days.As per latest official figures, the number of active Covid-19 patients in Delhi has gone over 26,000. Vietcombank plans to increase its charter capital for the 2020-2021 period by paying dividends in shares and issuing additional shares, according to documents of the upcoming annual shareholders meeting scheduled for June 26. Investors will receive a maximum of 18 shares for every 100 they currently hold. The Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam's charter capital will increase to over 43.7 trillion VND (1.9 billion USD) under the plan. Meanwhile, the second plan is to issue 241 million new shares, or 6.5 percent of the banks total charter capital, of which 204.9 million will be offered to investors. Its strategic investor, Japans Mizuho Bank, will still hold at least 15 percent of shares. If successful, the lender could increase its charter capital to almost 39.5 trillion VND. If Mizuho is to purchase more shares and increase its ownership to 20 percent, it would be eligible to appoint one more member to Vietcombanks board of directors if permitted to do so by the State Bank of Vietnam. The plan is expected to push Vietcombanks capital adequacy ratio to over 9 percent while its return on average equity will be around 22 percent./.VNA Vietnamese banking system sees big changes Private banks that can satisfy the requirements on capital adequacy ratio (CAR) now have great opportunities to obtain bigger market share. A child was shot and killed by Turkish border guards as he and his mother attempted to smuggle themselves into Turkey reports Etihad Press. A child was killed and his mother seriously injured on Wednesday, when they were directly targeted by Turkish gendarmerie border guards during an attempt to enter Turkish territory through a smuggling point from western Idleb. Four-year-old Humam al-Sadeer and his mother were from the city of Maarat al-Numan and were shot at with live rounds by Turkish gendarmerie while they were trying to seek refuge in Turkey from the war that has been going on in their home country since 2011. There have been repeated cases of gendarmerie targeting Syrian refugees trying to cross the border to flee the war. Turkey has also built a wall along the border, stretching 911 kilometers, to prevent the entry of refugees, resulting in the continuous killing and injury of civilians. According to the Violations Documentation Center (VDC), the number of Syrian refugees shot dead by Turkish border guards has reached 463, including 86 children and 59 women. The number of those wounded by gunfire or assault has risen to 489, including those who tried to cross the border, or residents of nearby Syrian villages and towns, farmers or owners of land along the border who were targeted with live bullets by gendarmerie. The VDC previously documented an attack by Turkish gendarmerie that killed two refugees and wounded 18 others in May 2020 as they were trying to cross the border in order to flee the war in Idleb and rural Aleppo. 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. California has surpassed New Jersey as the state with the second highest number of coronavirus cases in the country with more than 176,000 infections as of Sunday afternoon, according to a Chronicle analysis. That total eclipses New Jersey, which has reported more than 169,000 cases. California reported record daily numbers of new coronavirus cases last week as shelter-in-place restrictions continued to lift. The infection rate, per capita, is still significantly lower in California, where nearly 40 million people live, versus 9 million in New Jersey. New York has more than 387,000 cases, more than any other state. Were not out of the woods, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a news conference last week. As we mix, as we reopen, inevitably were going to see an increase in the total number of cases. Its our responsibility to address that and to make sure were prepared for spikes. Experts say case increases are likely due to the state easing shelter-in-place restrictions and people gathering together, sometimes without social distancing, which was evident during recent holidays such as Memorial Day. All but five California counties including four in the Bay Area have received approval to move into Stage 3 of reopening, where services like indoor dining, fitness centers and hotels can begin to reopen and gatherings can involve more people. California recorded its first day with 3,000 new cases on May 30. Over a seven-day period ending Saturday, the average has been more than 3,500, with a single-day high of 4,411 on Wednesday, according to The Chronicles coronavirus tracker. Hospitalizations statewide reached 3,574 on Saturday, a record high. Most of the states cases are still in Southern California. Los Angeles reported the highest number of cases, although Imperial County recorded the most cases per capita, followed by Kings County, according to New York Times data. The nine counties in the Bay Area also reported a record daily high of 457 new coronavirus cases on Saturday. More people in the Bay Area are getting tested, but more tests are also coming back positive, said Dr. Stephen Parodi, associate executive director of the Permanente Medical Group. Kaiser Permanente Northern California noticed a significant pickup in the percentage of positive tests conducted at its clinics in Oakland and the Central Valley in the past three weeks, he said. New Bay Area cases havent led directly to more hospitalizations, which have remained relatively stable. Calls about COVID-19 to Kaisers call center tripled from a month and a half ago, Parodi said. At the start of the pandemic, such calls often led to hospital visits a couple of weeks later. Kaiser hasnt seen the same correlation recently, except for a slight uptick in Oakland, he said. One possible explanation is that the statewide average age of people with the virus is dropping, California Department of Public Health data shows. Parodi said about half of the people currently testing positive through Kaiser are between the ages of 18 and 50. Parodi pointed out that as the pandemic began, the state clamped down on outbreaks in nursing homes, initially hot spots for virus transmission. Now, cases are spreading more in the community as people start to gather again. Younger people are less likely to have severe outcomes and require hospitalization for COVID-19 but can spread the virus to others more at risk. Even if those people are at less risk of landing in the hospital, Im really worried that theyre in households where some of these more vulnerable people live, Parodi said. Experts say theres little evidence that mass protests against police brutality and racial inequality, sparked by the death of George Floyd on Memorial Day, led to a spike in cases as was initially feared. Dr. Bob Wachter, head of UCSFs Department of Medicine, said cases havent disproportionately emerged in large U.S. cities with more protests, but instead in locations that reopened the economy faster. 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. More cases as people mingle are to be expected, he said, but must be watched closely. Its inconceivable that you could reopen and not see some uptick in cases, Wachter said. Were making a calculated decision and generally thoughtful decision about how large an increase in cases we are willing to tolerate for the advantages of improving the economy and improving peoples lives. Public health departments are tracking data including hospital capacity, number of tests, ability to trace cases, and how much personal protective equipment is available to understand whether the state is opening at the right pace. The goal is you dont want to increase the cases so much that you overwhelm the health care system and cant track cases and do contact tracing. That presents you an upper boundary of how much opening is prudent, Wachter said. Opening up is a dynamic process. San Francisco Chronicle staff writers Matt Kawahara and Mike Massa contributed to this report. Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mallorymoench Serbians are set to go to the polls this weekend as the country hosts its parliamentary election amid concerns over the continuing spread of the coronavirus and political divisions in the Balkan country. The ruling populist President Aleksandar Vucic is expected to cement his grip on power in Sunday's ballot, facing practically no challenge from the opposition parties which are split over whether to boycott the vote or not. Serbia has gone from very strict rules to curb the spread of COVID-19 to a much looser policy and there are virtually no restrictive measures for the ballot on Sunday. Health authorities will provide face masks and gloves at the polling station and their use is recommended but not obligatory. The country's crisis team has said that it is now up to the citizens to take care of their own health by respecting social distancing and other recommendations. Serbia still has dozens of new coronavirus cases and is facing a spike after relaxing lockdown measures. A former extreme nationalist, Vucic has sought to rebrand himself as a pro-European, but he has faced accusations of clamping down on democratic freedoms, fueling hate speech and divisions and curbing any dissent or criticism. Opponents say Vucic has complete control over the mainstream media, leaving virtually no space for critical voices. He has denied this. Serbia's beleaguered opposition parties are divided, with the biggest parties boycotting the vote on Sunday and others choosing to run in the race. The election was initially planned in April, but was delayed because of the virus outbreak. Pollsters say the ruling party will win the vote and several other groups will likely make it into the parliament. Apart from Vucic's Progressives, the main contenders are allied Socialists, extreme right Serbian Radical Party and several right and left-leaning groups. Polls open at 0500GMT and close thirteen hours later on Sunday. If you love a good summer festival, this is the news you have been waiting for. At a time when the coronavirus is disrupting many other such events, the Lake Geneva Jaycees have announced that they plan to conduct their 58th annual Venetian Festival this August. But organizers are stopping short of promising that the festival will happen in 2020. Activities are scheduled for Aug. 19 to Aug. 23 at Flat Iron Park, Library Park and Seminary Park in downtown Lake Geneva. Jaycees president Nate Love said organizers plan to follow federal, state and local guidelines for combating the coronavirus, to help make the festival safe for patrons and vendors. The Lake Geneva Jaycees are preparing to take all reasonable precautions to ensure that Venetian Festival can be enjoyed by everyone, Love said. While board members for Venetian Fest are continuing the planning process, a final decision will be made in three or four weeks about whether the summertime event will take place. Ryan Lasch, co-chairman of the festival board, said that the decision will be based on what is occurring with the spread of the coronavirus. We havent officially made the decision, Lasch said. Its not a 100-percent go. Tammie Carstensen, general manager for Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva hotel, said she was excited about the possibility of the Venetian Festival continuing as scheduled. Harbors Shores is one of the sponsors for the festival. At least one event wont possibly be cancelled, Carstensen said. It seems like everyones balloon is being popped this year, with all these events being cancelled. The Venetian Festival features live music, carnival rides, a boat parade and more, and is one of Lake Genevas premier summer events. Lasch said there will not be many changes to this years event, but there might be fewer vendors. Organizers are trying to contact vendors to determine if they plan to participate. Some vendors may show or not show up, he said. But it will still be the same festival. The Jaycees donate proceeds from the Venetian Festival to nonprofit organizations and agencies, including the Lake Geneva Food Pantry, Lake Geneva Police Department, Geneva Lakes Family YMCA, Geneva Lakes Water Safety Patrol, Walworth County Food Pantry and Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills. If the downtown festival goes forward this year, organizers are planning extra safety precautions to guard against spreading the coronavirus. There will be more hand-washing stations, and hand sanitizer will be available for volunteers and attendees. Signs will be placed throughout the festival grounds encouraging people to practice social distancing guidelines. Its for the safety of everyone, Lasch said. Venetian Festival board members plan for the event throughout the year. Lasch said some planning was delayed this year because of the coronavirus. Board members have been meeting virtually during the past few months to avoid putting one another at risk. Its been a little bit of a waiting game here and there, because of the coronavirus, he said. Although attendance figures were not available, Venetian Fest is a major event that draws thousands of people to Lake Geneva. Some people might be in Lake Geneva that weekend, but they might not be attending the festival, Lasch said. Its a busy weekend in Lake Geneva, just like Memorial Day weekend or Fourth of July. Carstensen said many festival goers stay at Harbor Shores. Generally, we are booked for the next year when the Venetian Festival is over, she said. 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. President Donald Trump on Thursday renewed his threat to cut ties with China, a day after his top diplomats held talks with Beijing and his trade representative said he did not consider decoupling the U.S. and Chinese economies a viable option. The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia described U.S.-China relations as "tense" after their first high-level face-to-face diplomatic talks in months, although he said Beijing did recommit to the first part of a trade deal reached this year and that coming weeks would show if there had been progress. Trump has made rebalancing the massive U.S. trade deficit with China a top priority, but relations have worsened steadily as his campaign for re-election in November heats up. "It was not Ambassador Lighthizers fault (yesterday in Committee) in that perhaps I didnt make myself clear," Trump said in a tweet referring to his trade representative, Robert Lighthizer. "But the U.S. certainly does maintain a policy option, under various conditions, of a complete decoupling from China." Lighthizer told a House of Representatives committee on Wednesday he did not see that as viable. "Do I think that you can sit down and decouple the United States economy from the Chinese economy?" he said. "No, I think that was a policy option years ago. I don't think it's a ... reasonable policy option at this point." His office had no immediate comment on Trump's tweet. U.S.-China relations have reached their lowest point in years since the coronavirus pandemic that began in China hit the United States hard, and Trump and his administration have repeatedly accused Beijing of not being transparent about the outbreak. MULTIPLE POINTS OF FRICTION Among multiple points of friction, the countries are also at odds over China's moves to impose new security legislation on Hong Kong, which have prompted Trump to initiate a process to eliminate special U.S. treatment for the territory. Trump made clear the deterioration in the relationship last month when he said he had no interest in speaking right now to President Xi Jinping, whom he has hailed as a friend, and suggesting he could even cut ties with China. Lighthizer said he expected to see more supply chains moving to the United States because of tax and regulatory changes, but also noted that the U.S.-China trade deal would result in significant positive changes and increased Chinese purchases of U.S. goods and services. The Phase 1 U.S.-China trade deal calls for China to buy $200 billion in additional U.S. goods and services over two years, but skeptics say the pandemic and resulting economic slowdowns will make it difficult for Beijing to reach its targets for this year. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, for a day of talks in Hawaii on Wednesday, but those appear to have done little to improve the mood. As the Hawaii meeting began, Trump signed legislation calling for sanctions against those responsible for repression of Uighur Muslims in China's Xinjiang region, prompting Beijing to threaten retaliation. David Stilwell, the assistant secretary for East Asia, told reporters that China's attitude in the talks could not be described as forthcoming and described relations as "tense." He said recent Chinese actions, over India, in the South China Sea and over Hong Kong, had not been constructive and that Washington looked forward to seeing China reconsider its plans for security legislation for Hong Kong. [L1N2DV2N2] At the same time, Stilwell said China did recommit to following through on the trade agreement and added that efforts to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons were another area of potential cooperation. "The trade deal the Chinese have recommitted to that numerous times ... and they insist that they will follow through," Stilwell said. "This is a good acid test to see if they will be cooperative partners." "Well see in the next week or two, or however long it takes, (if) they begin to live up to their commitments," he said. China described the Hawaii talks as "constructive," but its Foreign Ministry said Yang told Pompeo that Washington needed to respect Beijing's positions on key issues and halt its interference in matters such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Xinjiang, while working to repair relations. Hours after the meeting ended, China said its top parliamentary body would review draft Hong Kong security legislation during a session that began on Thursday. Earlier, foreign ministers of the G7 countries, including Pompeo, issued a statement calling on China not to follow through with the legislation, which critics call an assault on the territory's democratic freedoms. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Topics (Natural News) The state-funded Canadian broadcaster CBC has used their kids news show to attack Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling for saying last week she refuses to bow down to new trans activism. The show then pushed the normalization of transgenderism to kids. (Article by Anthony Murdoch republished from LifeSiteNews.com) CBC Kids News Host Myah Elliott authored a June 12 report which specifically attacked Rowlings comments. The CBC Kids News Twitter page also tweeted out a message on June 12 with a link to Elliotts report. Magic was lost this week for some members of the trans community after Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling went on a Twitter rant.? The #CBCRECAP squad has been watching this story and it had both sidekicks Veena Yamano and Sean Tran fired up, CBC Kids News tweeted. Elliotts report was linked to a video critique with her RECAP squad hosts, Sean Tran and Veena Yamano. They joined her to discuss Rowlings transgender comments, with Tran directly going after Rowling. Its 2020. Releasing these kinds of statements online is not a good look, and hasnt she been accused of transphobic stuff in the past, said Tran, when asked what he thought of the situation. Yamano answered Tran and brought up an incident last year where Rowling showed support for Maya Forstater, who lost her job over tweets where she said men cannot change into women. The shows host Elliott replied saying, Sis read the room, there are so many conversations right now about equality, justice and racism is it any surprise that this story is blowing up right now. Sidekick host Yamano replied with exactly, its pride month too. She then went on to speak about actor Daniel Radcliffe, who starred as Harry Potter. Radcliffe who wrote an essay in response to Rowling for The Trevor Project, where he criticizes Rowling. Radcliffes essay begins with an apology to all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished. Radcliffe goes on to say that he is deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you. I really hope that you dont entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you. Yamano commented that she liked how Radcliffe expresses hopes that people do not lose the love for the Harry Potter books in light of Rowlings comments. The shows host Elliott replied to Tran and Yamano that not only has she never read any of the Harry Potter books, but she also has not seen any of the film adaptations. Tran responded to Elliott saying, Well I did watch the movies and seeing Daniel advocate for what he believes in is so inspiring. Yamano said she thinks Rowlings comments will diminish the amount of respect that Rowling has, but that because her writing is so exceptional she does not think the hype is ever going to die down. LifeSiteNews reached out to Campaign Life Coalition (CLC) asking them about Rowlings remarks on transgender issues, as well as the dangers of having the taxpayer-funded CBC use a kids news show to openly promote transgenderism. CLCs Director of Political Operations Jack Fonseca touched upon his take regarding the CBC Kids News program, saying Its immoral and disgusting for a state broadcaster to use a kid show to attack womanhood. As for the CBC Kids program attacking JK Rowling, its a truly dangerous piece of work itself. It spreads misinformation about human biology. It contradicts science. It teaches gender-confused children to hate their own bodies. For this reason the CBC is preaching hatred. Self-hatred by children of their own bodies, Fonseca told LifeSiteNews. What the CBC has done with CBC Kids News is revolting. How dare they involve children in attacking a real woman for pointing out the biological males are not women. theyre recruiting children to push their sexual propaganda. Its immoral. Its disgusting. If this were a just world, the management of CBC would all be put in prison. Thats where they belong for this immoral and ideological corruption of children. Fonseca also said that the CBC should be defunded. The CBC has to be completely defunded once and for all. Its a source of anti-Christian bigotry, hatred, fake news and dangerous, unscientific misinformation, Fonseca told LifeSiteNews. Fonseca also spoke about his take on Rowling. He said that even though she is known to be pro-abortion and pro-homosexual, her defense of womanhood is admirable. Even though Rowling is a leftist and wed disagree with her on many things, we vigorously applaud her public defense of womanhood and basic biology. May God bless her for highlighting the absurdity of the transgender movement, Fonseca told LifeSiteNews. Her tweet deftly exposed the lunacy of the left, which has to use awkward, dishonest language to avoid saying the word women. Canadian journalist Jonathon Kay who writes for the National Post used his Twitter page to criticize the CBC Kids show for trying to raise a mob against Rowling. This is grotesque. I cant believe @CBCNews is using its *kids* channel to raise a mob against @jk_rowling. Its like the adults all went up to their cottages for the summer and the whole place is being run by interns, said Kay in his tweet. Kay went on to post a link to a tweet from the user @Dataracer117 where he shows an image of many twitter posts espousing hatred and death threats towards Rowling. Here are the death threats and harassment JK Rowling has been receiving. Including abuse from verified accounts. Dozens of hit pieces written about the backlash to her transphobia. Not one mentioned the threats shes receiving from these radical activists, said @Dataracer117. Rowling caused a media frenzy last week after she published a lengthy essay defending a series of June 6 social media messages where she spoke out on the issue of transgenderism, saying if sex isnt real, theres no same-sex attraction. In her essay, Rowling spoke about why she opposes the transgender agenda, saying she refuses to bow down to it despite massive public pressure to capitulate. Rowlings social media comments and her essay were both met with attacks by LGBTQ activists, including the LGBTQ rights organization GLAAD. Despite the negativity from the LGBTQ community, many have defended her online with the now trending Twitter hashtag, #IStandWithJKRowling. Colin Wright, the assistant editor for the news site Quillette, responded in defense of Rowling to the CBC Kids News tweet by saying, Rowling said nothing transphobic. See my essay below to understand why her statements about biological sex being real are correct. Wrights reply links to a June 7 essay he wrote titled, JK Rowling is RightSex Is Real and It Is Not a Spectrum. Wrights lengthy essay goes over the arguments used by the trans activists to dumb down the idea of male and female. He concluded by saying, But over time, its become clear that they created a false theory of biology that distorts human nature and harms vulnerable individuals. When one attempts to achieve equality and justice by distorting reality, inequality and injustice are never eliminated, just relocated. Read more at: LifeSiteNews.com and GayMafia.news. Constantine spokesperson Liz Cornejo refused to respond to questions in last weeks paper raised by an evaluation of the Palmer Project Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) by mining expert Jim Kuipers, as well as why Constantines stock (cur... Development experts have warned the Federal Government's $25,000 HomeBuilder grants for home renovators could slow the recovery of the property market. Prime minister Scott Morrison announced the sum would be available to owner-occupiers if they spend $150,000 to $750,000 doing up their house, in a bid to stimulate the construction industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The property market has taken a hit since the outbreak of the virus, with Sydney and Melbourne prices falling by $10,000 in one month. The market is expected to make a slow recovery, though development industry M3 Property has warned the government's HomeBuilder scheme could slow it down even further, Courier Mail reported. Development experts have warned the Federal Government's $25,000 HomeBuilder grants for home renovators could slow the recovery of the property market Prime minister Scott Morrison announced the sum would be available to owner-occupiers if they spend $150,000 to $750,000 doing up their house, in a bid to stimulate the construction industry during the COVID-19 pandemic M3 Property Data showed there is a surplus of 58,963 homes across Australia. National research director Jennifer Williams noted the demand for homes was already lower because of a dip in migration and investor activity. She pointed out population growth was also expected to drop by a staggering 300,000 by the end of 2023. This in turn, would only add to the reduced demand for houses. 'HomeBuilder has a positive effect on the economy and economic growth, but it does have the negative impact of increased vacancies and increased oversupply,' Ms Williams said. How COVID-19 rules are affecting house prices Sydney: down 0.6 per cent or $9,692 to $1,016,726 Melbourne: down 1.1 per cent or $9,532 to $809,274 Brisbane: flat at $559,975 Perth: down 0.6 per cent or $4,155 to $461,366 Adelaide: up 0.4 per cent or $2,045 to $478,294 Darwin: down 0.9 per cent to $473,861 Hobart: up 0.8 per cent to $514,496 Source: CoreLogic Hedonic Home Value Index data for median house prices, May 2020. Dollar figure movements based on April 2020 data before revision. Advertisement Of all the states, New South Wales has the largest oversupply of new homes in the country with a figure of 28,934. CoreLogic data also showed median house prices in Sydney fell by 0.6 per cent in May, marking the first monthly drop in a year. Home values dropped by almost $10,000 in just four weeks to $1.017million. M3 Property Data shows supply and demand would only balance out in 2023. Queensland was the next state to have the highest oversupply of homes with a surplus of 14,263. The oversupply is expected to drive a weak market until for the next 18 months. Ms Williams warned if there was just a slight reduction in interstate migration, there would continue to be an oversupply of houses until at least 2023. 'It might be Queensland is impacted a little more, as they are used to people retiring up there and buying homes,' Ms Williams said. South Australia has an oversupply of just 1,317 homes, which Ms Williams credited to a more stable buyer's market. 'They have a higher level of owner occupiers, who are less likely to be impacted by market changes than investors, as they (owner occupiers) will buy and sell in the same environment.' Victoria has headed in the opposite direction and has an undersupply of 7,391 homes, which has been attributed to a boost to migration over the years. Even so, CoreLogic data showed Melbourne's mid-point house prices fell by an even more dramatic 1.1 per cent in May, with values dipping for the second consecutive month to $809,274 - or also by almost $10,000. The market is expected to remain weak for another 18 months before prices begin to recover. The M3 data did not cover Tasmania, the Northern Territory or Australian Capital Territory. Kolkata, June 19 : After a guard of honour at the Indian Air Force's Hasimara airbase, the casket carrying the body of Havildar Bipul Roy, who died in the India-China border clash, started for his Bindipara village in Alipurduar district by road in an army vehicle on Friday evening. The martyr was given a gun salute at the IAF airbase and then sent to his village home wrapped in the tricolour and garlands. Meanwhile, thousands of villagers gathered in the tiny north Bengal village to catch a glimpse of the deceased braveheart on his last journey back home and pay respect to the martyr. The district administration also made all necessary arrangements in the area to manage the swelling crowd. According to local sources, the body will reach Bindipara village this evening and the final rites would be performed by the family members after that. The casket carrying the body of Bipul Roy reached Hasimara airbase by a special IAF flight. Earlier this morning, another slain jawan Rajesh Orang's body reached Birbhum's Belgoria village under Mohammad Bazar police station area. The body of Rajesh Orang arrived at Panagarh IAF airbase in Burdwan district on Thursday evening. The two soldiers were among the 20 Indian Army jawans killed in border clashes with Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops at Galwan valley in eastern Ladakh. Despite Turkeys ongoing coronavirus pandemic, President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government has put millions of students in danger, demanding they take High Schools Entrance Examinations (LGS) and Higher Education Institutions Examinations (YKS) this and next weekend. While the government initially postponed these exams to the end of July, it moved them back to the normal date as part of re-opening of economy in early May. This reckless decision provoked enormous opposition among millions of students and their families. Nearly 1.6 million students will take the high school exam this weekend, followed by nearly 2.4 million students taking university examination on June 27-28. The government insisted exams would proceed as part of its new normal policy, launched on June 1, ending all confinement measures. As a predictable result of this reactionary policy in the interests of the ruling class, which risks the health of millions of working people and youth amid a deadly pandemic, the number of daily new cases has begun to rise again in recent weeks from 700 to 1,500. The governments drive to organize exams as soon as possible is also related to its concerns over the deepening crisis in Turkeys tourism sector after the pandemic. To re-open the economy, the Erdogan government wants to boost domestic tourism, as virtually no foreign tourists have come to Turkey this year. In its June 12 press conference, the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) officials stated: Turkey is the 17th most populous country in the world. When the third month of pandemic is over, it is ranked 12th in terms of the total number of confirmed cases and 17th in terms of death toll. The TTB officials pointed to similarities with Iran, which has witnessed a new outbreak with more than 2,500 new cases and over 120 deaths daily. The TTB has also issued a statement on June 5 titled LGS and YKS must be postponed, declaring: As the Turkish Medical Association, we demand that these exams be delayed until the pandemic is fully controlled. Since the government moved the exams forward again to June, hundreds of thousands of students and their supporters have organized protests on social media, demanding the postponement of all mass examinations until the pandemic is under control, as scientists and medical experts advise. On June 15, they posted hundreds of thousands of posts on Twitter with a #TurkishStudentsLivesMatter hashtag, in solidarity with mass protests in the United States and all over the world. In a June 15 Star TV interview, Turkish Education Minister Ziya Selcuk, who owns a private school, laid out the governments token measures for national student exams, like distributing face masks and disinfectant, or enforcing social distancing between students during exams. However, his promises that there is nothing to fear were starkly refuted by a media report that same day. According to a local media outlet from Kocaeli, an important event took place during another national exam for the war academy that must be seen as a serious warning. While more than 400,000 students have taken this examination, one student in Kocaeli felt faint during the exam. His COVID-19 test was positive, and 16 other people in the same room were quarantined for two weeks. Moreover, these students had reportedly not had their temperature taken before the exam. Many students and their families reported on social media that there was no check of body temperature in many exam sites places. This by itself clearly shows that it is not safe to organize national exams under these conditions, and that these exams risk spreading the virus among large sections of population. Dr. Serdar Savas, a community health care and genomics specialist and an ex-official from the World Health Organizations European branch in the 1990s, accused the government of implementing a herd immunity policy, saying: We have YKS and LGS exams ahead of us. They [the authorities] endanger the lives of our millions of children. These attempts aim to spread the disease more. Nearly 10 million people will be mobilized. Millions of youth are being forced to endanger not only their own lives but also those if their families and loved ones. Moreover, many students have chronic diseases or a weak immune system, making them more vulnerable to COVID-19. They are being forced to choose between risking their health or even their lives by taking the exam or risking their future by refusing to take it under unsafe conditions. Education Minister Selcuk made clear the governments conscious neglect and indifference against the lives of youth and their working families. If we have children with COVID-19, we created separate schools for these children to take the exam, said Selcuk, adding ghoulishly that if they want, exams can be provided in the hospitals to infected students. The bourgeois opposition parties reaction on this homicidal policy shows they have no serious differences with Erdogan. Indeed, they share his indifference to the fate of millions and his partys base in the capitalist class. Republican Peoples Party (CHP) leader Kemal Klcdaroglu urged youth to work better, work more decided, and ordered his officials to distribute face masks to students before the exams. However, the current situation and future facing youth in Turkey is not bright in terms of either education or job prospects. While the government has largely privatized and gutted higher education over the past two decades, millions of young people have been forced to prepare national exams. But even if they are able to enter a university, this does not mean that the risk of unemployment has been overcome. According to a recent report prepared by the Young Unemployed Platform based on official figures, officially the number of unemployed aged 15-34 is about 2.3 million, including 707,000 university graduates. But in fact, there are another 1.3 million university graduates not officially considered unemployed. The devastating situation created by the pandemic for working class youth is not special to Turkey but is also faced by youth and students internationally. A recent report by the International Labour Organization stated: More than one in six young people have stopped working since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic while those who remain employed have seen their working hours cut by 23 per cent. This policy based on the interests of the capitalist ruling class is pursued at the cost of thousands of deaths and potentially thousands more. The pandemic has revealed once again that the only way forward for youth all over the world is to turn to the international working class and take up the fight for socialism. The German billionaire who owns the biggest stake in Deutsche Lufthansa is building a war chest of cash as he agitates for eleventh-hour changes to the distressed airline's 9 billion-euro ($10 billion) rescue. Heinz Hermann Thiele said Thursday that he plans to sell 8 million shares of Knorr-Bremse, the Munich-based brake-maker that underpins his $16.9 billion fortune. The move will provide about $850 million in cash for the 79-year-old investor as he contemplates his next move. The proceeds will be used "to support Mr. Thiele's other private investments," his KB Holding said in a statement. Stocking up on cash gives Thiele the option to further increase his stake in Lufthansa, and provides him with leverage as the airline heads into a crucial shareholder vote next week to approve elements of the German aid package. Thiele disclosed earlier this week that he had increased his holding in the carrier by more than half, to about 15.5%. He told German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung that he's unhappy with terms of the bailout and wants a better deal for shareholders, though he stopped short of saying he'd oppose it. Handelsblatt separately reported on Thursday that Thiele is seeking talks with Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, who so far has refused to alter a package that took months to pull together. The complex dynamics at play have turned the rescue of Europe's biggest airline into a white-knuckle ride. Lufthansa has warned it faces a cash crunch and may not be able to pay its employees in July. The shareholder vote scheduled for June 25 is in danger of failing, the company warned earlier this week. Bailout negotiations in other countries where Lufthansa owns airlines are also factoring into the talks. Switzerland is guaranteeing loans of 1.28 billion francs ($1.35 billion), while Austria's government and the country's banks will inject 450 million euros. Talks with Belgium are ongoing, with the Brussels Times reporting on Friday that Lufthansa may allow its Brussels Airlines unit to go bankrupt if no deal is reached. The boards of the airline unit and Lufthansa Group are set to meet on Monday, the newspaper said. Lufthansa declined to comment on the report. Germany is negotiating with Lufthansa to reduce the size of its bailout as aid from other the countries takes shape, Bloomberg News reported earlier. That negotiation, however, is focused on a state-backed loan program covering about one-third of the German package. Thiele has taken issue with a different element -- stock being granted to the government at a discount. Thiele had modest beginnings. He started at Knorr-Bremse in 1969 as a legal specialist in the patents department, and rose through the ranks before buying the company in 1985. At that point Thiele hadn't even repaid the mortgage on his house, he said in an interview with FAZ. In 2011, Knorr-Bremse said Thiele was increasingly focusing on his personal interests. Thiele plans to hand over Knorr-Bremse to his daughter and has told local media that estate planning factored into his decision to list the company in 2018, which helped to catapult Thiele higher in the ranks of Germany's wealthiest. He's now the nation's third-richest, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, behind shipping billionaire Klaus-Michael Kuehne and SAP co-founder Hasso Plattner. With his recent purchases, Thiele's stake in Lufthansa totals about 733 million euros. Shares of the Frankfurt-based airline are down 39% this year. He still controls about 65% of Knorr-Bremse. Its stock price has increased about 2% this year. The Air Force Inspector General has launched an investigation into whether the Air National Guard improperly used a spy plane to surveil citizens protesting in two U.S. cities earlier this month. The IG's office, headed by Lt. Gen. Sami Said, will examine whether RC-26 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance planes conducting multiple flights over Washington, D.C., and Minneapolis, and relayed information to local law enforcement units. Read Next: Air Force Set to Have Its First Female Top Enlisted Leader "Following discussions with the Secretary of Defense about shared concerns, the Secretary of the Air Force is conducting an investigation into the use of Air National Guard RC-26 aircraft to support civil authorities during recent protest activity in U.S. cities," Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, spokesman for the Air Force, told Military.com on Friday. The New York Times was first to report the investigation. Ryder said due to the ongoing nature of the inquiry, the service will not release any further details. The Times reported the investigation was prompted by lawmakers' concern over use of military equipment during protests happening across the country following the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of the Minneapolis police. The West Virginia Air National Guard had sent an RC-26 -- a C-26 Metroliner modified with electronic surveillance equipment -- to watch over protesters on June 2, the Times reported. Aircraft spotters had seen an RC-26 circling for hours over the D.C. area. The aircraft was also supported by Pennsylvania's 148th Air Support Operations Squadron. Officials told the Times the RC-26 was using FMV -- or full-motion video -- to record footage from the aircraft and beam it back to National Guard officials watching in real time. An RC-26 from the Wisconsin Guard was also seen circling over Minneapolis earlier this month. According to the Times, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a Republican from Illinois and a member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing, flew two missions over Minneapolis as part of his Guard duty. Kinzinger, part of a three-member crew, told the newspaper that the plane's cameras were gathering general images of people below; the sensors, however, cannot conduct "facial recognition or read license plates on vehicles," because of their inadequate resolution. "We don't gather human intelligence on what the protesters are doing," Kinzinger added. "We don't collect cell phone data. We don't harvest or analyze any data. We don't do any of that." There are currently 11 RC-26 aircraft in the fleet, according to the service, and vary in capability: five are Block 20s and six are Block 25s, which have different avionics packages. Since at least 2009, the Guard has overseen all 11 of the medium-altitude ISR aircraft, which are used for domestic response, counter-drug operations and disaster relief, as well as to respond to assistance requests from local governments. Kinzinger, a lieutenant colonel, previously deployed with his unit to conduct a surveillance security mission on the southern border of the U.S. in February 2019. The lawmaker last year also spoke out against the Air Force's potential cut to the ISR fleet, which the Guard has been attempting to make for years to reallocate resources. But the fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act halted that planned retirement. The Air Force cannot spend money to retire or realign funds meant for the RC-26 until the Air Force secretary "certifies to the congressional defense committees that other platforms or technologies provide equivalent capabilities," according to the legislation. The RC-26 has been used domestically mostly for hurricane and wildfire response. In 2017, RC-26s scoured areas in Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey. Air National Guard director Gen. L. Scott Rice previously told Military.com in those instances, the Guard doesn't conduct ISR, but rather "IAA" -- Incident Awareness Assessment. "It's a way to say, we're using the same piece of equipment but we're using it on a totally different focus ... to find and save lives as opposed to find and protect ourselves from the enemy," Rice said. Editor's note: This story has been updated to show that an RC-26 from the Wisconsin Air Guard flew over Minneapolis earlier this month. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @oriana0214. Related: Deployed Lawmaker Fights Air National Guard's Effort to Shrink Spy Plane Fleet CLEVELAND, Ohio -- MetroHealth and Cuyahoga County officials on Friday announced there are no known positive cases of the coronavirus among inmates in the countys jail for the first time since early April. The COVID-19 virus infected as many as 61 prisoners as of mid-May, but jail staff used a combination of expanded testing, contact tracing and isolation to prevent the type of widespread outbreak that has plagued several jails and prisons across the country, including some in Ohio. Highlights The smartphone with an S pen would now be available for Rs 37,999 for the 6GB variant The 8GB variant would be available for Rs 39,999. Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite is powered by Samsungs in-house Exynos 9810 chipset Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite has received a price cut in India, the company announced on Friday. The smartphone with an S pen would now be available for Rs 37,999 for the 6GB variant whereas the 8GB variant would be available for Rs 39,999. Both the variants have received a price cut of Rs 4000 Buyers who are looking for a phone with premium features and most importantly an S Pen can opt for this device. Interestingly, the Citibank debit and credit cardholders will get an additional discount of Rs 5000. So this would bring the price down to Rs 32,999 for the 6GB variant and Rs 34,999 for the 8GB variant. Buyers can also avail an instant cashback of Rs 2000 if that is not willing to avail the Citibank cashback. That's not all, the buyers can also avail a no-cost EMI offer for up to 9 months along with this, the buyers will also get a 2-month YouTube premium subscription. The offers are only valid until June 30, 2020. The Galaxy Note 10 Lite is the mellowed version of the flagship device, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10. It is the only smartphone to come with S-pen support in this price segment. So here are some of the key features of the device that should know before buying the device. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite is powered by Samsung's in-house Exynos 9810 chipset which has been coupled with 6/8GB+128GB RAM and storage configuration. Under the hood, Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite houses a 4500mAh battery with support for fast charging. The Galaxy Note 10 Lite features an edge-to-edge 6.7-inch Infinity-O display with Full HD+ resolutions and a pixel density of 394 PPI. Galaxy Note10 Lite features a Dual Pixel OIS (Optical Image Specialization) 12-megapixel wide camera along with an Ultra-Wide (123 degrees field of view) 12-megapixel and a 12-megapixel Tele lens for better photography. The smartphone also comes with a 32MP front camera that also has a portrait mode feature. One of the USP's of this device is a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen. The Air Command feature of the S Pen allows users to click pictures, navigate through presentations, and even edit videos like a pro, all with a simple click. With Note 10 Lite, Samsung made it affordable for users to own a device with an S-pen. Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.A) (NYSE:BRK.B) mastermind Warren Buffett may be the investing GOAT -- greatest of all time -- but Berkshire's performance lately has been downright sheepish. Nearly four months into the COVID-19 pandemic, Berkshire Hathaway is seriously lagging behind the market. From Feb. 21 through Wednesday's close, shares of the conglomerate lost 21%, well behind the S&P 500's 6.7% decline. In fact, Berkshire Hathaway is now losing to the market -- or merely tracking it -- at pretty much any point over the past decade, as the chart below shows. The results are enough to make longtime acolytes lose faith in Buffett and cast their Berkshire holdings aside. Pershing Square capital management chief Bill Ackman dumped his stake in Berkshire recently, saying there were better opportunities in the market. Edward Jones analyst James Shanahan told the Financial Times: I am nervous that he may have missed this whole rally. ... That's frustrating. A lot of retail investors were plowing money into the market and doing better than professional investors. I think you can include Buffett in that. CFRA Research analyst Cathy Seifert pointed to two particularly disastrous investments in Kraft Heinz and Occidental Petroleum, and called out Buffett's "chronic underperformance." Referring to tech companies and other growth stocks, Christopher Rossbach, chief investment officer of J Stern & Co. and a longtime Berkshire shareholder, said, "If Berkshire is to have the prospects of generating the value it has in the past, it has to adapt by buying these companies that will generate significant value over the next 25 years." The coronavirus crisis has not been kind to Buffett thus far. Not only has Berkshire widely underperformed the broad market, but his decisions are being second-guessed. Buffet sold large stakes in all four major airlines, believing they now have structural deficiencies that will be difficult to overcome. In recent weeks, however, airline stocks have bounced off of their lows during the crisis. Other investors expected Buffett to finally deploy his $137 billion war chest with stocks plunging in March, but the Berkshire chief has held onto his cards so far. Buffett explained at Berkshire's shareholder meeting in early May, "We have not done anything because we don't see anything that attractive to do." Berkshire was actually a net seller during the crash, but Buffett did assure shareholders that the conglomerate was willing to do something "very big." Blame it on the Fed Bearish investors have roundly blamed the Federal Reserve for inflating stock prices in recent weeks, as the central bank has pumped trillions into the economy in the form of loans to sometimes troubled corporations. Indeed, it does seem incongruous that the stock market is back near all-time highs while the unemployment rate is at double digits and the coronavirus is still raging in a number of states. Buffett is far from the only one who thinks this rally is full of hot air, and he now seems to be acting on his advice of being fearful when others are greedy. Buffett himself also noted that the Fed may have interrupted what could have been some juicy potential deals for Berkshire as the central bank essentially became a competitor. As he explained at the shareholder meeting: We were starting to get calls. They weren't attractive calls, but we were getting calls and the companies we were getting calls from after the Fed acted, a number of them were able to get money in the public market. Frankly, terms we wouldn't have given to them. Though the Fed may have neutered Buffett's ability to come in as a white knight, there's a bigger reason for the stock's underperformance during the crisis and its failure to beat the market over the last decade. We're all tech investors now Buffett is famous for his aversion to tech stocks, but the tech sector has crushed the rest of the market lately as platforms dealing with e-commerce, videoconferencing, and cloud computing have become essential tools during the pandemic. Though Berkshire is a major holder of Apple stock, the bulk of its portfolio is in sectors like financials, industrials, energy, and consumer goods, much of which have been hammered by the pandemic. That may explain Berkshire's sudden separation from the S&P 500. However, the emergence of the tech sector isn't new, and one of the things that separate this recession from the last is that much of the market's value is in tech stocks as opposed to financials and energy. The five biggest companies in the S&P 500 -- Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Facebook -- make up roughly $6 trillion in market cap, or nearly a quarter of the S&P 500. And the pre-eminence of tech stocks in other areas has become readily evident as well. PayPal's market cap has surpassed that of Wells Fargo, a Buffett favorite. Netflix temporarily topped Walt Disney's market value, and Tesla is now the most valuable automaker. Traditional value investing, Buffett's forte, has fallen out of fashion in favor of high-growth tech stocks. As the chart below shows, growth stocks have nearly doubled the returns of value stocks over the last decade, largely because of the emergence of the tech sector. IWO data by YCharts Has the Oracle lost his magic? Buffett hails from the Silent Generation, the group of Americans born around the Great Depression, and Berkshire's portfolio seems befitting for a man who came of age in the postwar years. Its subsidiaries include somewhat antiquated consumer brands like Dairy Queen, See's Candies, and Fruit of the Loom, and its stock holdings are made up of companies Buffett grew up with, like Coca-Cola, General Motors, and American Express. Berkshire owns almost nothing, either as a stock or a subsidiary, that was founded in the last generation, although younger companies, like Alphabet and Facebook, have created much of the value in today's market. The coronavirus crisis is far from over, and the market could crash again, setting up Buffett to bag an elephant or make a savvy deal like he did with Bank of America in 2011, netting him billions, but the tech sector's ability to withstand the worst impacts of the pandemic means it should continue to outperform the market as long as the virus is a weight on more sensitive stocks. That means that Berkshire is likely to be a loser as the crisis plays out. Though a clever deal or blockbuster acquisition down the road could help redeem his performance during the crisis, his reluctance to own tech stocks puts him at a disadvantage, especially in the current ecosystem, which will only accelerate the growth of tech stocks and sub-sectors like e-commerce and online payments over the long term. Buffett has long been an advocate of index funds, and investors may want to take his advice, as it's clear that owning Berkshire stock is no longer the escalator to riches it once was. On the other hand, an investment in an S&P 500 index fund -- with dividends reinvested -- would have nearly doubled Berkshire's returns over the last decade. Atlanta police have each been given a $500 bonus just one day after scores of cops walked off the job in protest over murder charges filed against the officer who shot dead Rayshard Brooks. The Atlanta Police Foundation said it had paid a $500 bonus to every Atlanta police officer on Thursday. It adds up to about $2 million. No city funds will be used to pay out the bonuses and it will instead come from money the foundation has raised, the group said. 'We felt like it was important at this time because the morale is at the level, there is the rumors of other officers leaving, and we just do not want to lose good police officers,' Dave Wilkinson, of the Atlanta Police Foundation, told WSBTV. The foundation said the bonuses were a thank you for the long hours put in by officers over the past three months. Scroll down for video Atlanta police have each been given a $500 bonus just one day after scores of cops walked off the job in protest over murder charges filed against the officer who shot dead Rayshard Brooks They will also be putting funds towards purchasing 20 new police cars that have been destroyed during protests across the city in recent weeks. The news came as a number of Atlanta cops called out sick to protest the filing of murder charges against Garrett Rolfe in the shooting death of Rayshard Brooks in a Wendy's parking lot last week. Atlanta's interim police chief has acknowledged that members of the force feel abandoned amid protests demanding massive changes to policing. Interim Chief Rodney Bryant said the sick calls began Wednesday night and continued through Thursday, but he said the department had sufficient staff to protect the city. It's not yet clear how many officers called out or if it continued into Friday. 'Some are angry. Some are fearful. Some are confused on what we do in this space. Some may feel abandoned,' Bryant told the AP of the officers. 'But we are there to assure them that we will continue to move forward and get through this.' The Atlanta Police Department tweeted on Thursday that it was still equipped to respond to 911 calls despite reports officers had been calling out sick in protest Garrett Rolfe (left) and Devin Brosnan (right) have both been charged over Rayshard Brooks' death. Rolfe is charged with felony murder, while Brosnan is charged with aggravated assault and violation of his oath Body camera video provided by the Atlanta Police Department shows Rayshard Brooks speaking with Officer Rolfe in the parking lot of a Wendy's restaurant on June 12 prior to the shooting Rolfe was taken into custody on Thursday after being charged with felony murder and a string of other charges over Brooks' shooting death. Rolfe surrendered to authorities on Thursday evening and is now being held at the Fulton County jail. He was fired by the city's police department on Saturday - a day after the shooting in the parking lot of a Wendy's fast food restaurant. Rolfe was charged with felony murder and 10 other counts after video showed him shooting Brooks twice in the back with his service handgun after a scuffle in which Brooks stole his taser. A second officer on the scene, Devin Brosnan, did not discharge his weapon. He faces a handful of lesser charges, including aggravated assault and violation of his oath. The killing of Brooks came amid a national wave of protests sparked by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. That officer, Derek Chauvin, has been charged with second-degree murder. Three other Minneapolis police officers have been charged with aiding and abetting. The health of the immediate past Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, has reportedly worsened, sparking rumours that he might have... The health of the immediate past Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, has reportedly worsened, sparking rumours that he might have died. However, Ajimobis spokesman, Bolaji Tunji, disclosed on Thursday evening that his principal is alive. I spoke with those around him not long ago and they confirmed to me that he is still alive. Please disregard news of his death as fake news, Tunji said. I spoke with those around him not long ago and they confirmed to me that he is still alive. Please disregard news of his death as fake news, Tunji said. The former governor, who was named the acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress on Tuesday, had been on quarantine for over two weeks, battling COVID-19. Ajimobi, who is 70-year-old is believed to have an underlying illness which is slowing down his recovery. YPSILANTI, Mich. - The mayor of a Michigan college town is apologizing after saying she would support the appointment of a human relations commissioner only because she would be crucified if she voted against a black person. Beth Basherts comments were made Tuesday during a Ypsilanti City Council meeting that was held through video conference. The council was voting on the reappointment of KaRon Gaines to a commission that advises the council on eliminating prejudice and discrimination. Bashert, who is white, was the only council member to vote in favour of Gaines, the Detroit Free Press reported. Since I will be crucified if I vote against any black person on any commission, Im going to vote yes, Bashert said. Gaines appointment was defeated. Ypsilanti, 35 miles (55 kilometres) west of Detroit, is the home of Eastern Michigan University. I think that is disrespectful, honestly, to our constituents and our community to say that you have to vote yes because then, if not, you would be attacked because you didnt appoint another black person, said council member Nicole Brown, one of three African Americans on the council. Bashert apologized and posted a statement on Facebook. I made a biased statement and voted based on that statement, she said. Then I compounded the whole thing by digging in and getting defensive when questioned. All of those actions were racist. I am deeply ashamed and saddened that I did this. I have spent the time since that meeting feeling remorse, shame, and anger at myself. Some critics want Bashert to resign as mayor. A protest is planned for Monday. By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 19, 2020 | 10:04 AM | PADUCAH, MURRAY Online petitions have recently been created to remove Confederate monuments in western Kentucky, and have gathered thousands of signatures so far.A petition on Change.org, started by an organization known as Citizens of Paducah, calls for the "swift removal" of the statue of General Lloyd Tilghman in Paducah's Lang Park, and says the monument "should not exist and tax-paying Paducahans should not be funding its upkeep"."In addition to removal, we call for the creation of a plan in conjunction with Black community leaders to replace this Confederate memorial with a memorial dedicated to Paducahans who have fought for Black lives." the petition continues.The Tilghman monument was built in 1909 by His Sons and United Daughters of the Confederacy. It was listed on the Register of Historic Places in 1997. So far the petition has gathered about 530 signatures since it was created three days ago.A similar petition on Change.org by an anonymous person urges Calloway County Judge-Executive Kenny Imes and the Calloway County Fiscal Court to remove the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee on the Murray Court Square. It has gathered almost 10,000 signatures since it was created about two weeks ago.The petition says, "This statue is of the confederate soldier Robert E. Lee who fought FOR slavery. In order for our town to progress towards becoming an inclusive environment, we should remove this statue that promotes everything we should stand against which is racism."The Lee monument was constructed in 1917 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.The petitions come amid a recent movement across the nation to remove Confederate monuments from public land. You can read them both at the links below. On the Net: (Newser) A "sophisticated state-based cyber actor" is targeting Australia in an escalating cyber campaign that is threatening all levels of government, businesses, essential services, and critical infrastructure, the prime minister said Friday. Prime Minister Scott Morrison would not name the state, amid inevitable speculation that the cyberattacks were part of Australias increasingly hostile rift with China. Morrison said he made the growing threat public to raise awareness and particularly wanted organizations involved in health, critical infrastructure, and essential services to bolster technical defenses, the AP reports. A range of sectors are being targeted and the frequency of cyber intrusions to steal and cause harm has increased for months, he said. story continues below "This is the actions of a state-based actor with significant capabilities. There arent too many state-based actors who have those capabilities," Morrison said. Monash University international security expert Greg Barton says the malicious nature of much of the reported cyber crimes suggests it is part of deteriorating relations between China and Australia. "Theres no doubt that its China," Barton says. It might be a bit of rattling of the cage and reminding us that we have some vulnerabilities." China in recent weeks banned beef exports from Australia's largest abattoirs, ended trade in Australian barley with a tariff wall and warned its citizens against visiting Australia. The measures are widely interpreted as punishment for Australia's advocacy of an independent probe into the origins and spread of the coronavirus pandemic. (Read more Australia stories.) When Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state, announced his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday, members o f the par... When Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state, announced his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday, members o f the party hailed him, expressing confidence that his good works will continue. On his part, the governor told those he met at the PDP secretariat in Benin, the state capital, that the energy I see here is the kind of energy I require to take Edo to the next level. Obaseki and his new party are now focused on ending the 12-year dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, making all south-south states to be under the control of PDP. But six months ago, the PDP saw nothing good in Obaseki. While addressing a news conference in Benin on November 19, 2019, Dan Orbih, chairman of the PDP in the state, had said Obaseki failed to offer leadership to make the people enjoy the dividends of democracy. He said the crisis rocking the APC had become a distraction for the governor, preventing him from offering meaningful governance. Orbih had alleged that Obaseki had only brought agony and deprivation to the populace, denying them the benefits expected from democracy. It is obvious that the APC has nothing to offer to the people of Edo State. As at today, Edo State is the only state where only a few elected members of the state assembly are sitting. More so, the governor has not delivered on the 200,000 jobs he promised youths in Edo State, he had said. Our roads are begging for attention. There is worsening insecurity, in spite of the huge amount of security vote he withdraws monthly. He should, henceforth, commence the support of security agencies in the state for efficiency and if he cannot, he should stop withdrawing or collecting security votes. The APC promised better days for Edo State and more than 11 years after the people have nothing to show for the promise. Edo people should remain resolute and committed in effecting a change in government come 2020. The governor owes it a duty to account for every action of his in the state. Peter McLoughlin has sold off all of his Bray Wanderers memorabilia, a year after his lung transplant, to raise money for the Mater Foundation. The Bray man was collecting jerseys, scarves, programmes and more for about 25 years. He will miss his wonderful collection, but felt he needed to do something for the foundation that saved his life. He would also like to encourage people to become organ donors, and to discuss their wishes with their family members. In total he raised around 1,500, a third of that via a defibrillator demonstration organised by his daughter, who is a nurse. 'I had no difficulty getting buyers for the memorabilia,' said Peter, who is from Ardmore Park. 'I sent items all over the place, including Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, and two went over to Portugal.' He wanted to do something to raise funds for the Mater Foundation. 'There wasn't a lot I could do, I couldn't do a run or anything like that. So I decided to sell the lot - lock, stock and barrel!' It will have been a year on Thursday, June 18, since Peter's life-changing surgery. He has been adapting very well, and while he will need to continue to take medication, hasn't run into any difficulties since the lung replacement. 'I feel excellent, thank God,' he said. 'I'm looking around for wood to touch - thankfully I haven't had any complications.' Peter cocooned throughout the lock-down period. He and his wife Margaret had their granddaughter Olivia with them as Olivia's mum is a nurse, so that was the safest option for the family. The three of them got on fine, but Peter was relieved to be able to get back out for a walk. 'I was bored silly!' he said. He loves walking, and has done the rounds, as well as Bray Head. This weekend's jaunt will be to celebrate 12 months since his lung transplant. He is also looking forward to getting back to the Carlisle Grounds to support Bray Wanderers when the time is right. Prior to his surgery, the Bray man needed an oxygen tank to breathe properly, and that is now a thing of the past. Ankara, Washington Agree to Join Forces in Libya, Turkish Foreign Minister Says Sputnik News 18:14 GMT 18.06.2020 ANKARA (Sputnik) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US leader Donald Trump have agreed to cooperate in Libya, gripped by a nine-year civil war, the Turkish foreign minister said Thursday. "Our president suggested to Trump that we could cooperate there, and Trump reacted positively", Mevlut Cavusoglu said during a video conference. He added that his ministry, as well as the Turkish military and intelligence, had been ordered to coordinate their actions in Libya with the US. "We are conducting this work", Cavusoglu said. The statement comes after the western-based Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), which is the eastern-based forces' rival in the conflict, received a high-level delegation from Ankara. During the meeting, the parties discussed the recent developments in the North African country, as well as security and military agreements between Turkey and Libya's western-based authorities. The Turkish delegation included Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Minister of Finance Berat Albayrak and National Intelligence Organization Chief Hakan Fidan. Turkey has provided extensive military support to the GNA since it requested assistance in late 2019. The sides signed a military cooperation pact that was heavily criticized by the LNA and the eastern-based authorities that it supports. Libya has been split between two rival administrations since its longtime leader was deposed and killed in a NATO-led operation in 2011. Turkey supports Tripoli's UN-backed Government of National Accord, while its regional rivals back eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address H SBC today hit out at misleading rumours over its future in China, insisting that it would continue to invest in and support the country's economy. On its official WeChat account on Friday, the bank urged the Chinese public to reasonably consider its positive role as an international bank involved in China's development. We have noticed some misleading rumours on HSBC recently, which are unfounded, the London-based bank said. Its statement comes a day after local Chinese news sites published an article with the headline: HSBC may end its Chinese business, embark on massive lay-offs. The lender had earlier said that it would revive a massive cost reduction plan that had been put on halt due to Covid-19. This includes cutting 35,000 jobs globally as part of a drive to focus more of its business in Asia, where it makes the bulk of its revenue. HSBC has already come under fire this month for voicing its support for a new security law that China is planning to enact in Hong Kong. The bank said in its WeChat statement: For over 150 years, we have been deeply rooted in China and have never stopped servicing the mainland. Since the reform and opening more than 40 years ago, HSBC has been a steadfast backer of and active participant in Chinas economic and social development. The Korean unit of Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co. on Friday signed a partnership deal to support South Korea's artificial intelligence (AI) businesses as it tries to expand its presence here. Under the deal with the Korean Artificial Intelligence Association, which represents some 300 startups in the AI sector, Huawei Korea will support local companies exploring overseas business opportunities. It will also co-organize events and education programs with the association. Huawei Korea added it will support AI-related computing infrastructure and solutions to develop a healthy AI ecosystem in South Korea. Huawei, currently dealing with sanctions from the United States over security reasons, has been trying to expand its presence in South Korea by increasing product purchases and investment here. The company last year opened its 5G lab in Seoul, where local companies and other business partners can test their 5G technologies and equipment. (Yonhap) This photo provided by the North Korean government shows the demolition of an inter-Korean liaison office building in Kaesong, North Korea, Tuesday, June 16, 2020. AP North Korea issued no new statements against South Korea for the second day Friday as state media reported that people from all walks of life in the communist nation are exploding with anger at the South. The North has sharply ratcheted up tensions with the South in anger over anti-Pyongyang leaflets flown from the South. It has made a series of bellicose threats and rhetoric that culminated with Tuesday's shocking demolition of the inter-Korean liaison office in its border city of Kaesong. Pyongyang has also vowed to cut off all cross-border communication lines, redeploy troops to joint economic zones near the border, restore guard posts removed from the Demilitarized Zone and restart military exercises near the border. Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, issued a harshly worded statement against South Korean President Moon Jae-in, saying his recent speech urging the North not to backtrack on the peace process was "disgusting." - The president of Honduras, Juan Orlando, has been admitted to the hospital after him and his wife tested positive for COVID-19 - Two people who work close to him also tested positive due to contact and are also undergoing medical treatment - Juan has said he is fine as he showed hope of returning to his office soon Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in Honduran President Juan Orlando has been hospitalized after testing positive to coronavirus. He is currently being treated for pneumonia. His wife, Garcia Carias, also tested positive for the deadly disease. Unfortunately, two other people who work with the couple have also been infected, Vatican News reports. According to the media, the president is getting medications through his veins as his condition gradually improves. READ ALSO: Photos of Ibrah One's cars that are likely to be seized over non-payment of duty pop up Juan has addressed the media, saying that his health is getting better. It should be noted that the president is one of the 10,000 cases of coronavirus in Honduras. A collage of the president and his wife. Photos sources: NYT/Time Magazine Source: UGC READ ALSO: Kotoko defender Imoro Ibrahim begs for food; details surface online It was earlier reported that Jacques Joachim Yhombi Opango, a former president of the Republic of Congo died of coronavirus in France. It was gathered that Opango died on Monday, March 30, at the age of 81. READ ALSO: Kwadwo Wiafe: Video of late Neat FM presenter having fun with Fadda Dickson and McBrown pops up Opango had been ill before he contracted the deadly virus which is spreading across the world like raging wildfire. Opango was an army officer who became the Republic of Congo's first general and served as its head of state from 1977 to 1979. READ ALSO: Jackline Mensah: TikTok video queen says she introduced TikTok to Ghanaians In other news, Calethia Hodges, the doctor that will be conducting clinical trials of experimental dru*gs in the bid to find a vaccine for the deadly coronavirus, has the task of persuading black people to partake in the process. Though African Americans have been really affected by the virus, they are not well represented in human studies that are aimed at treating the disease. Almost a quarter of the more than 116,000 lives lost to Covid-19 are blacks, according to a study called Color of Coronavirus by APM Research Lab. Recall that an American man with the name James Henderson has lamented how his 22-year-old grandson caught coronavirus. Grandpa James said the young man went to a party with about 30 people without observing any form of social distancing or wearing a mask. The man said he and 9 other people came down with the disease. In his final words, he said that this is a warning to young people who think their immune system is stronger than the virus. In talking about the stigma associated with having coronavirus, a Nigerian survivor of the disease, Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi, shared a powerful message in a short video. In the short clip, she told people that being negative does not give them the right to stigmatize those that are positive for the virus. University of Ghana reopens for final year students | #Yencomgh Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Enjoyed reading our story? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news! Source: YEN.com.gh Buying car insurance online has multiple benefits. Besides saving time and money, drivers will also avoid dealing with manipulative insurance agents, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. Carinsuranceplan.org has launched a new blog post that presents the advantages of purchasing car insurance online. For more info and free online car insurance quotes, please visit https://carinsuranceplan.org/top-reasons-for-shopping-online-for-car-insurance/ Shopping online for car insurance is a process that more and more people are willing to embrace. And with so many companies and brokerage websites, it would be a pity not to take advantage. Shopping online for car insurance has the following benefits: Policyholders can save time. All they need is an internet connection and a device like a smartphone, tablet, pc, notebook and they are ready to shop online for car insurance. In the past drivers had to travel from one insurance company to another in order to obtain car insurance offers. It could have taken several days for drivers to obtain some offers to compare. Now, they can sit in the comfort of their homes and they can analyze car insurance quotes in just a few minutes. Drivers can obtain multiple offers in one place. With the help of brokerage websites, drivers can compare quotes from multiple insurers with just one search. They will no longer have to go to different insurance companies websites and obtain just one quote from each. Online shopping will help drivers avoid manipulative agents. Insurance agents will try to put pressure on their prospective customers in order to make a sale. Policyholders that shop online, will avoid dealing with pushy agents that try to make a sale. Take advantage of the offered discount. Usually, insurance providers offer small discounts for drivers that obtain online quotes or choose to purchase online coverage. Online quotes are free. Drivers dont have to pay a middleman in order to obtain online car insurance offers. Drivers are immediately insured. They will receive their digital proof of insurance, immediately after the purchase is finalized. The digital proof of insurance can be either printed on paper or saved on any capable mobile device. For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit https://carinsuranceplan.org/ Carinsuranceplan.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. Disgraced former Baltimore mayor Catherine Pugh pleaded guilty to a state perjury charge Friday for failing to disclose a business interest relating to her Healthy Holly children's books on her financial disclosure forms when she was a Maryland senator. Pugh, a 70-year-old Democrat, was previously sentenced to three years in federal prison and three years probation for netting hundreds of thousands of dollars in the self-dealing scandal over the self-published books, which center around an African-American girl who promotes exercise and healthy eating. Authorities said Pugh earned about $800,000 from the sale of the books - at least $345,000 in income in 2016 alone - but failed to mention her ownership in financial disclosure forms while she was a state senator. Former Baltimore mayor Catherine Pugh (in February) pleaded guilty to a state perjury charge Friday, related to her failure to disclose a business interest on financial disclosure forms Pugh (on Friday) did not list her interest in the self-published Healthy Holly books she sold while she was a Maryland senator. She allegedly earned about $800,000 on book sales Pugh (center on Friday) was already sentenced to three years in federal jail and three years probation on the federal fraud and tax evasion charges Pugh (center right on Friday) is seen leaving the Annapolis, Maryland's Anne Arundel County Circuit Court after pleading guilty to a state perjury charge Friday The forms are filed with the Maryland State Ethics Commission and signed under the penalties of perjury, according to the state prosecutor's office. She had resigned as mayor in May 2019 and entered a guilty plea for four of 11 federal conspiracy and tax evasion charges filed against her in November 2019. On Friday in an Annapolis, Maryland, courtroom, Pugh answered 'yes' quietly through a mask when asked by her attorneys whether she understood the plea agreement on the perjury charge. She was sentenced to six months in jail to be served concurrently with her federal sentence for the perjury charge. Pugh could've faced up to 10 years in prison on the charge, according to WBALTV. Judge Mark Crooks said he was saddened for the city of Baltimore, which has struggled with high violent crime, when he heard of the charges against her Friday. 'It forced you to leave the helm of the ship in the middle of the tempest,' Crooks said. Prosecutors said the Healthy Holly books were sold to institutions Pugh had influence over or that were seeking to do business with the city and state while she was a senator Pugh (center on Friday) was sentenced to six months in jail to be served concurrently with her federal sentence for the perjury charge Friday Pugh (in blue on Friday) resigned as Baltimore's mayor in May 2019. She was elected in 2016 Charlton Howard, the state prosecutor who brought the charge, said after the sentencing that ensuring elected officials are transparent about their business relationships is essential to maintaining integrity in government. He noted that she reported other business interests on her financial disclosure forms, but not Healthy Holly. 'In order for us in the state and for the state prosecutor's office to have the best opportunity to battle corruption, the first important step is transparency. That's the reason behind the financial disclosure forms, so that the public doesn't have to guess at what are the financial ties that our public officials have,' Howard said. Pugh served in the Maryland Senate from 2007 to 2016, when she was elected Baltimore's mayor. She resigned as mayor under pressure in 2019 as authorities investigated bulk sales of her paperbacks. Prosecutors said that over the years, Pugh had earned about $800,000 from the sale of her Healthy Holly book series to nonprofit institutions she had influence over or businesses looking to work with the city and state, NPR reported. In the federal case, Pugh admitted to defrauding purchasers of her books to pay for straw donations to her political campaign for mayor and to fund the purchase and renovation of a house in Baltimore. She also admitted to selling her books to the University of Maryland Medical System, where she had served as a board member. The FBI is seen at Pugh's Baltimore home, executing a search warrant in April 2019 The FBI is seen removing items from Pugh's Baltimore home in April 2019. She pleaded guilty to fraud and tax evasion charges in federal court in November 2019 While serving in the state Senate, Pugh sat on a committee that funded the medical system. She also sat on the hospital network's board from 2001 until the scandal erupted in March 2019. Pugh returned the last $100,000 payment. One example involved a no-bid deal in which the medical system paid Pugh a total of $500,000 for 100,000 copies that were meant to be distributed to schoolchildren. About 60,000 of those books were actually sent to a city warehouse and a Pugh office, where thousands were removed to give to other customers. Prosecutors say Pugh never delivered the other 40,000 books the health system purchased for city schools. Authorities said the money from the resold books - already paid for by the medical system and other institutions - was used to fund her political campaigns and the fund and renovate a house in Baltimore. Prosecutors said that prior to being elected Baltimore's mayor in 2016, she had taken $35,800 in checks written for the Healthy Holly books and converted them into political donations from straw donors, illegally using other people's names to make the donations to her own campaign. After sentencing on the federal charges, the U.S. District Court judge ordered Pugh to pay $400,000 in restitution and forfeit nearly $700,000. She was also ordered to pay back about $12,000 to the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund, which had also purchased books, according to NPR. Pugh's federal prison term was postponed until the state case against her was adjudicated. She is scheduled to report to federal prison next week in Alabama. Takealots distribution centres have been overwhelmed because of the increased demand for ecommerce due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only has this resulted in delays in shipping orders, but also in suppliers being able to deliver their stock on time, an industry source has told MyBroadband. The source, who requested to remain anonymous, explained that third-party sellers are being held responsible for capacity problems at Takealots warehouses. For third-party sellers, this is not about being unfairly blamed, though. Many of them have had their products delisted and now worry that Takealot will kick them off its platform because of the way its systems work. Takealot Marketplace When you buy a product through Takealot, it is quite likely that you are not actually buying from Takealot but from a third-party seller. Takealot handles the buyers money and takes care of delivering the goods, but the actual product comes from another business that uses Takealot as an ecommerce platform. This is not an unusual or unique arrangement. Amazon offers a similar platform for sellers called Fulfillment by Amazon. On Takealot, third-party sellers can offer their goods in two ways: on a lead time basis, or as an in stock product. In stock means that the seller ships the product to one of Takealots distribution centres before listing it for sale on the platform. Lead time means that the seller will send the stock to Takealot after a customer has ordered the item. Takealot lays down strict service levels for this kind of selling. Minimum service levels for lead-time orders The Takealot Seller Compliance division tracks whether a sellers lead-time orders were received on time, ahead of schedule, or late. It also tracks how many lead-time orders were cancelled. Sellers are only allowed a certain percentage of late or cancelled lead-time orders. For example, you might be required to deliver 98% of your lead-time orders within five business days, and only 1% of your lead-time orders may be cancelled. If a seller breaches their service level agreement (SLA), they will get an e-mail from the Seller Compliance division warning them that their lead-time privileges will be disabled if they dont get their numbers right. After a final warning, sellers who dont get their SLA compliance up to par will have their lead-time privileges disabled for two weeks. The decision can be appealed, but it can take more than a week before appeals are heard and they take up to another five business days to process. According to the source who spoke to MyBroadband, seller accounts have been completely banned from Takealots platform for repeated violations of the SLA requirements. Sellers unable to deliver stock to Takealot DC When everything is working as intended, Takealots strict enforcement of its SLAs is not a problem. From a customer perspective, it is a major boon. However, in the past few weeks sellers hit a problem where they were simply unable to deliver stock to the Takealot distribution centre within their SLA timeframe. Takealot has a booking system for sellers that allows them to reserve a slot to deliver their goods. In the past two weeks, sellers could not book slots sooner than a week ahead. This resulted in third-party sellers with a five-day SLA seeing their late delivery statistics skyrocket, and ultimately receiving a warning email from Takealot Seller Compliance. MyBroadband has seen emails where Seller Compliance sent one seller a final warning on Monday and then suspended their lead-time privileges two days later. Over 1 million products delisted from Takealot According to the industry source, there are likely hundreds of seller accounts affected, each of which represents a small business employing between two and 20 people. Some businesses that trade through Takealot on a lead-time basis employ eighty people or more. Thousands of people have been affected, with likely over 1 million products being removed from Takealot without warning. The source said that sellers that generate over R50 million in turnover are affected. Handling huge order volumes while understaffed We all understand the situation. All of us are understaffed while filling huge volumes of orders, the source said. According to the source, if Takealot had told sellers that it needs to temporarily disable lead-time orders to give its warehouse chance to catch up, they would have understood. All Takealot has done by choosing to invoke its SLAs in this way is to create uncertainty among the seller community, the source said. Some sellers are wholly dependent on Takealot and the possibility of being kicked off the platform is an existential threat to them. It threatens not only their livelihoods but also that of their staff. Ecommerce players in South Africa previously told MyBroadband that they saw a surge in sales when the government allowed online shops to sell non-essential items. MyBroadband also saw an email that Takealot sent to affected sellers that suggests the ecommerce platform is over capacity. Due to the current environment uncertainty and abnormal sales volumes, we are taking this stricter measure to clear the order pipeline and create capacity balancing for couriers and inbound for lead-time orders, the email stated. Sellers are welcome to appeal if there are justified reasons behind the poor performance. Valid appeals will be taken into account in future lead-time SLA reviews, but no lead time will be switched on before 19 June. MyBroadband asked Takealot for comment, but the company did not provide feedback by the time of publication. Now read: Big online shopping plans for Makro and Game to take on Takealot Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 13:14:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota announced Thursday night that she is withdrawing from consideration to be former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's running mate. During an interview with MSNBC, Klobuchar, a former Democratic presidential contender, said she has urged Biden to choose a woman of color to be his running mate. "America must seize on this moment," she said. "I truly believe as I told the vice president that I think this is a moment to put a woman of color on that ticket." Klobuchar's decision came amid weeks of demonstrations across the United States in the wake of deaths of African Americans caused by police officers. Klobuchar, 60, launched her presidential bid in February 2019. On March 2, 2020, the day before Super Tuesday, Klobuchar dropped out and endorsed Biden. Biden, who has clinched the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, has committed to selecting a female running mate. He will challenge sitting President Donald Trump in the race. Enditem Workers who would have traveled to a farm where there is a health problem will be reassigned and will not lose the possibility of traveling to Canada and having an employment contract, the spokesman said. He said the 26,400 Mexican workers who contracted with farms in Canada last year sent home remittances of nearly $250 million. Protesters march during a demonstration over the death of George Floyd, in Denver, Colo., on June 6, 2020. (Jason Connolly/AFP via Getty Images) Colorado Bill Ending Qualified Immunity, Banning Chokeholds Signed Into Law Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Friday signed a bill into law that ends qualified immunity for police officers, bans chokeholds, and requires all officers who interact with the public to wear body cameras. The bill, S.B. 217, was driven by recent demonstrations sparked by the death last month of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in Minneapolis policy custody. This is a meaningful, substantial reform bill, Polis said at the State Capitol just before signing it. Colorodans need to recognize that police officers do important work on a daily basis but officers need to understand that the status quo is unsustainable, the Democrat said. By facing the cold hard truth about the unequal treatment of black Americans and communities of color, we can and we will create real change that will materially improve the lives of countless Americans, of this generation and future generations, and we can bend the arc of the moral universe towards justice, he added later. Qualified immunity is not a defense to a civil action brought by a person who feels their constitutional rights are infringed upon by an officer, according to the legislation. Local agencies are required to indemnify employees for such a claim unless the employer determines the officer didnt act upon good faith and reasonable belief that the action was lawful. Police officers walk through a cloud of tear gas as they try to disperse people protesting against the death of George Floyd in front of the Colorado State Capitol, in Denver, Colo., on May 30, 2020, amid nationwide protests and riots. (Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images) In that case, the officer would be personally liable for 5 percent of the judgment or $25,000, whichever is less. The bill (pdf) also creates new standards of force, including the requirement that officers not use deadly force to apprehend a person who is suspected of only a minor or nonviolent offense. It also states that officers need to have a legal basis when making contact with a member of the public and, after making contact, they report the perceived demographic information of the person along with other information. State Senate President Leroy Garcia, a Democrat who sponsored the legislation, said that with the passage of bill Colorado was leading the country at an important period of time in the nations history. Enough is enough. We need actions, he told reporters, saying the bill would bring about greater transparency and integrity to law enforcement. State Rep. Leslie Hood, also a Democrat, said that law enforcement, for too long, has been able to target communities of color, without retribution, without accountability. The bill doesnt legislate hate out of someones heart, but it is a big step in the right direction, she added later. Colorado Springs Police Chief Vince Niski said the new legislation does present challenges for us, such as deciphering contradictory language about when provisions are to take effect and logistically collecting data without an effective technological system. While we will overcome those hurdles, we are proud to say that many of the new requirements set forth by law have already been our standard procedure for years, he said in an email to The Epoch Times. The department is reviewing the bill and drafting policy revisions to make sure its in line with the new law. A Denver Police Department spokesperson told The Epoch Times that its working with the citys attorneys office to evaluate changes the department will be making to comply with the law, which it supports. The department made a number of changes since Floyds death, including making all police officers complete mandatory classes on cultural diversity and advanced skills classes on de-escalation. The department also banned the use of chokeholds. Before school ended a few weeks ago, children were at home participating in eLearning. Most child care centers were closed for regular operations due to Covid-19; so, how do we know what to look for when our children reunite at their former childcare centers? Quality childcare has always been a concern and a necessity for working parents. As parents return to work and children return to child care centers and reunite with their teachers and classmates how do parents decide which program best meets their needs? Parents will need to feel that their child is in a safe environment that is providing the optimal safety requirements for their child while ensuring social-emotional and academic needs are being met. There are options for parents in choosing a quality center. First, parents should look at the status of the childcare center prior to closing due to Covid-19. Programs that emphasized quality prior to closing and had a long-standing of quality within the community would be a good resource for families to start their search. How is quality childcare defined? The parent needs to identify what they need in a center as far as availability of hours, payment options and services offered to support specific needs of their child. In addition, parents need to know how the program verifies their attention to quality. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) provides licensure to programming that stipulates the number of children that can be in care, necessary supplies for programming, health requirements for children and staff, nutritional expectations and staff qualifications. This, however, is only a starting resource for parents. The state of Illinois has an established protocol for monitoring quality childcare that moves beyond DCFS licensing, known as Excelerate Illinois. ExceleRate Illinois is a statewide quality rating and improvement system, under the operation of the Illinois Network of Child Care and Resources Agencies (INCCRA) and is designed to make continuous quality improvement an everyday priority among early learning and development providers. There are four levels of achievement for early childcare centers that build on each other as a center demonstrates a higher level of quality of programming: DCFS licensed level, Bronze level, Silver level and Gold level. Center and home care providers will have their level of excellence displayed for parent review. All levels represent a safe environment for children. Riverbend Head Start and Family Services (RHSFS) offers six Gold level centers throughout Madison County that focus on providing quality family services for pregnant moms and children through age five. The agency is committed to ongoing quality programming for a society impacted by the challenges of COVID-19. As RHSFS strives to serve low-income families and children including those with special needs, the agency is currently sending out parent surveys to better understand and determine how we can best support them and their families this coming school year. It is our goal to have safety precautions in place for our center-based program option as well as in our home-based visiting program option, should the state of Illinois allow students to return to in-person learning this fall. However, all families within the community are in couraged to reach out to Riverbend to help locate community resources including quality childcare programming that meets their individual family need. As parents return to work and a new normal around childcare develops, quality child care services will be an important concern for families. Riverbend Head Start and Family Services is proud to serve the community with their demonstrated emphasis on excellence. Anyone interested in Head Start programming or in need of other child care options should call, 618-463-5950 or visit: www.riverbendfamilies.org and click on Become A Client to pre-apply. Veneta Wadlow is the Center Operations Coordinator for the Riverbend Head Start & Family Services The EBRD and the EU boost the packaging products manufacturers financial soundness Business advice supported by the EBRD and the European Union (EU) helped a leading packaging moulds manufacturer in Serbia to enhance its financial reporting and improve its market performance. The company is now ready to give back to the community by helping to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Carving a business out of knowledge Founded by Goran Jankovic in 2013, Inmold Plast is a family-run tools and packaging products manufacturer in Serbia. Mr Jankovic brings 24 years of engineering expertise to the table in a company that through investment and innovation has advanced to the forefront of manufacturing in Serbia. Inmold Plast has also taken a proactive approach to youth inclusion and access to skills and employment. The enterprise offers regular apprenticeships to students in vocational schools, helping them build technical expertise and develop business acumen. Having scoped out the possibilities for growth, Inmold Plast found its next niche in the production of robots. The EBRD together with the EUs Western Balkan Enterprise Development and Innovation Facility (WB EDIF) supported an advisory project in financial reporting in order to help Inmold Plast focus its efforts and achieve growth targets. Merging theory with practice When the coronavirus broke out in Serbia, Inmold Plast joined forces once more with the education sector to help stave off the pandemic. The company which had always maintained collaborative ties with universities knew that students from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Belgrade were already hard at work producing face shields for medical workers. We were familiar with the technology the students were using to make the visors, and we knew there were challenges, explains Mr Jankovic. Thats precisely what prompted us to help them speed up the process and set up a serial production line. Combining academic knowledge and business acumen increased their production capacity to 4,000 highly protective face shields per day. Mr Jankovic projects that Inmold Plast will produce and donate 100,000 face shields to meet the critical needs of healthcare professionals working in precarious conditions. Visors will also be donated to medical centres in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. It is a great honour and a pleasure to be able to do our part and contribute with a solution in this time of crisis, Mr Jankovic added. Reliance Industries (RIL) on June 19 said it is moving towards the listing of Jio and Reliance Retail within the next 5 years, the company said in a press release. The company said it has become completely net debt-free and has raised over Rs 1.68 lakh crore in just 58 days, hinting that it will have one of the strongest balance sheets in the world. Stock market expert SP Tulsian of sptulsian.com told CNBC-TV18 that the stock of Reliance Industries may see a big re-rating. He has a target of Rs 1,900 on the stock, which Tulsian believes, it can achieve by March 2021. Tulsian sees retail as the next growth driver for Reliance. "The company's first goal of being debt-free has been achieved and now he does not see any further dilution in Jio Platform. The next growth area will be Reliance Retail," he said. "If you compare Reliance Retail with DMart, having a market capitalisation of 1.5 lakh crore with the topline of 25,000 crore, Reliance Retail has a topline of about 2 lakh crore. So, it is about 7 times the size of the topline. I guess the valuation of Reliance Retail can be between 4-5 lakh crore," Tulsian said. "Probably the process of the induction of strategic and financial investors in Reliance Retail will happen like in Jio Platform," said Tulsian. Tulsian said Jio may not see Indian listing as it will not be able to capture full value of the stock. Jio may see an overseas listing in the next couple of years to give maximum value to the Reliance shareholders. Because if Jio is listed on Indian bourses, then the discounting of the holding company will start and Reliance Industries may not capture the true value. But if the Jio Platform is listed overseas then the holding company can capture the full value. The oil-to-telecom behemoth, Reliance Industries on June 19 said it has raised over Rs 1,68,818 crore in just 58 days through the investments by global tech investors (Rs 1,15,693.95 crore) and rights issue (Rs 53,124.20 crore). Along with the stake sale to BP in the petro-retail JV, the total fundraising is in excess of Rs 1.75 lakh crore. "Our net-debt was Rs 1,61,035 crore, as on March 31, 2020. With these investments, RIL has become net debt-free," said the company. "The combined capital raised has no precedence globally in such a short time. Both of these are also unprecedented in Indian corporate history and have set new benchmarks. This is even more remarkable that this was achieved amidst a global lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," the company said in a media release. Jio platforms has raised Rs 1,15,693.95 crore from leading global investors including Facebook, Silver Lake, Vista Equity Partners, General Atlantic, KKR, Mubadala, ADIA, TPG, L Catterton and PIF since April 22, 2020. PIFs investment marks the end of Jio Platforms current phase of induction of financial partners, the company said. The RIL Rights Issue, which was subscribed 1.59 times, was not only the largest ever in India but also the largest in the world by a non-financial entity in the last ten years. Today I am both delighted and humbled to announce that we have fulfilled our promise to the shareholders by making Reliance net debt-free much before our original schedule of March 31, 2021," said the group's Chairman Mukesh Ambani. "Exceeding the expectations of our shareholders and all other stakeholders, again and yet again, is in the very DNA of Reliance. Therefore, on the proud occasion of becoming a net debt-free company, I wish to assure them that Reliance in its Golden Decade will set even more ambitious growth goals, and achieve them, in fulfillment of the vision of our Founder, Dhirubhai Ambani, to consistently increase our contribution to Indias prosperity and inclusive development, he said. On 12th August 2019, at the 42nd AGM of Reliance Industries Limited, Ambani had assured the shareholders about his roadmap for Reliance becoming a net-debt free company before March 31, 2021. Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd which publishes moneycontrol.com. Pro-democracy protesters hold up their mobile phones as they sing during a rally in the Causeway Bay district of Hong Kong on June 12, 2020. (Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images) Beijings National Security Law for Hong Kong Poses Threat to Citys Press Freedoms: Rights Groups The future of Hong Kongs press freedoms is under close scrutiny as Beijing will soon impose a national security law on the Chinese-ruled city. In a statement on June 19, Paris-based NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF) addressed the risks that journalists reporting in Hong Kong would face once the law is implemented. A day before, local trade group Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) said there was overwhelming opposition to the law among its members. Such regulation [national security law] would give the Chinese regime the means to harass and punish any journalist they dislike in Hong Kong with the appearance of legality, said Cedric Alviani, head of RSFs East Asia bureau, in a press release. Alviani added: The vast majority of the 114 journalists currently detained in [mainland] China are imprisoned under allegations of national security-related crimes. China ranks 177th out of 180 in RSFs annual world press freedom index. On May 28, China adopted the national security law for Hong Kong after a ceremonial vote by its rubber-stamp legislature. The law would criminalize those who engage in activities connected to subversion, secession, terrorism, and foreign interference. On Thursday, Beijing announced that the standing committee of the rubber-stamp legislature was deliberating the drafting of the law. RSF warned that journalists covering Hong Kongs mass protest movement against Beijings encroachment could be prosecutable under the national security law as an act of terrorism since Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam often referred to the movement as terrorism. Journalists could also be at risk of being charged with secession for writing on Hong Kongs cultural identity or the movement, RSF said. RSF pointed out that Victor Malletwhose visa wasnt renewed by the Hong Kong government in 2018 after he hosted a panel that featured a local activist who pushed for Hong Kongs formal independencewould have been charged with secession under the national security law. The sedition charge could be slapped against journalists who report on pro-independence events or quote pro-independence activists. The punishment could extend to newspapers that run opinion pieces that criticize the Chinese government or investigative pieces concerning the illegal practices of Chinese officials, RSF said about the sedition charge. Employees of foreign media and their sources in Hong Kong could be accused of serving foreign powers, putting them at the risk of being subjected to surveillance, harassment, violence or punishment, according to RSF. On June 18, HKJAs chairperson Chris Yeung announced survey results of its 150 members conducted between June 8 and 11. At a press conference, Yeung announced that 147 respondents (98 percent) said they opposed the national security law, while two respondents did not have an opinion, and one respondent supported the law. When asked whether the law would have an impact on the citys press freedoms, 131 respondents (87 percent) said the law would have a severe impact, while only one respondent said it would not have any impact. 71 percent said they would decrease their amount of coverage, and 87 percent they would stop their coverage on certain sensitive topics, such as Taiwans independence, Hong Kongs independence, or Xinjiang. All are taboo subjects in China, as they challenge the Communist Partys claim of sovereignty over those territories. 122 respondents (81 percent) said they believed media companies would start to self-censor once the law was implemented. As for the future of Hong Kongs press freedoms, 95 respondents (63 percent) said they were extremely pessimistic, 53 respondents (35 percent) said they were pessimistic, while one respondent said he was extremely optimistic. Yeung, speaking at the press conference, said many protesters recently held up signs that read, The Heavens Will Destroy the Chinese Communist Party. Once the law was implemented, he said that media companies might worry if they could use any of their photos that happen to capture the sign. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 14:00:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia reported three new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, taking the national count to 204, the country's National Center for Communicable Disease (NCCD) said Friday. "A total of 339 tests for COVID-19 were conducted across the country yesterday and three of them were positive," the NCCD's head Dulmaa Nyamkhuu told a daily press conference. The latest cases were found in a 32-year-old Mongolian national, a 59-year-old Russian citizen and a 37-year-old Belarusian citizen, all of whom are transport drivers, said Nyamkhuu. Meanwhile, five more patients have recovered from the disease, raising the total to 132, according to the official. All the confirmed cases in Mongolia are imported ones, mostly from Russia. No local transmissions or deaths have been reported in the country so far. On March 10, a French national tested positive for the novel coronavirus, becoming the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Mongolia. Enditem Robert 'Skipper' Dunn has been fired from the Rossville Police Department because of his inflammatory Facebook post A Georgia cop has been fired for posting a Facebook comment calling for the hanging of five black people who were involved in the 2016 murder of a white grandmother. Officer Robert 'Skipper' Dunn had been employed with the Rossville Police Department on a part-time basis prior to his termination on Thursday. Dunn has worked in law enforcement since 1981, and told ABC9 that he was 'very disappointed and sad that his four-decade career' had ended in such a way. On Monday, Dunn took to Facebook to share a post showing mugshots of five black people involved in the 2016 robbery and murder of grandmother, Dorothy Dow, 83 . Justin Grady, Cortavious Heard, Mina Ellery and Angel Harmon were sentenced to life in prison for the brutal attack on Dow. The group broke into Dow's home with the intent of stealing money. However, when they were unable to find any, they punched the grandmother in the face, broke both of her arms and set her on fire. She later died in hospital. A friend of the group, Shanquavious Cameron, was sentenced to seven years in prison for a related robbery that took place at the Dow residence several days prior to the murder. 'I think a hanging is in order,' Dunn wrote in his Facebook post above the five mugshots. Dunn shared the mugshots of the black criminals before writing 'I think a hanging is in order' The Rossville Police Department was immediately inundated with complaints about Dunn's post - which was swiftly removed from Facebook. Despite deleting the post, Dunn insisted it was not racist. He told ABC9 that 'he would have suggested the hanging, no matter the race of suspects', due to the gruesome nature of their crimes. The Rossville Police Department launched an investigation, which concluded with Dunn's termination. In a statement shared on Thursday, they wrote: 'After a detailed internal review of the issue, the Police Department has decided that Officer Robert 'Skipper' Dunn will no longer be performing duties with the Rossville Police Department. 'It is important that everyone understand Officer Dunn certainly enjoys the First Amendment Right to post his opinions. However, when those posts or opinions detract from his ability to effectively serve the community it is in the best interest of the community that he no longer be assigned those duties'. As art in Sydney creeps back into the light, White Rabbit Gallery is embarking on its second decade. Over its first 10 years, Judith Neilsons private museum of contemporary Chinese art has charted the social, political and cultural changes in a turbulent country. The collection now includes more than 3000 works by 700 artists, all made since the year 2000. Yu Hong's One Hundred Years of Repose (2011) is on show at White Rabbit Gallery's And Now exhibition. The artists in the collection have taken the temperature of their times in works that express varying degrees of optimism and caution. Few pieces express overt rebellion, but there is no shortage of oblique social criticism and black humour. The gallerys current show, And Now, features recent acquisitions. As usual the hang is full of surprises, and it is easily the most engaging exhibition in Sydney. One of its keenest pleasures is a broad selection of paintings, often treated as a marginal artform in contemporary surveys. There are also three video works and large, impressive installations by Zhang Peili and Zhu Jinshi. Be warned that access to the gallerys fourth floor is limited by obligatory social distancing requirements. This means that only about 15 people at a time get to see Liu Chuangs three-channel video, Bitcoin Mining and Field Recordings of Ethnic Minorities (2018). As Solicitor General of the United States, Noel Francisco is responsible for upholding the governments positions before the U.S. Supreme Court. He does so ably, in my opinion. Its not Franciscos fault that Chief Justice Roberts decided to become the new Justice Kennedy or that Justice Gorsuch botched textualism. Francisco has announced that he will step down as SG when the Supreme Courts term ends this month. To my knowledge, theres nothing to read into his decision. Its not unusual for the SG to step down after the end of the Courts term in the final year of an administration. Doing so enables the SGs principal deputy to assume the role. Ted Olson did it for Paul Clement in the last year of the first Bush 43 administration and Clement did it in the last year of the second. Don Verilli also stepped down in June of Obamas second term. Jeff Wall is Franciscos principal deputy. As Scott observed, Wall did an outstanding job arguing before a skeptical panel of the D.C. Circuit on Michael Flynns mandamus petition. He was similarly stellar in an argument before the Fourth Circuit two years ago (I think) in a case involving one of President Trumps exclusionary immigration orders involving entry to the U.S. by residents of certain countries. Wall will become the acting SG. If Trump nominates a successor to Francisco, its likely to be either Wall or Patrick Philbin, a deputy White House counsel. Philbin received high marks for his defense of President Trump during the impeachment trial. (I was out of the country on vacation, and heard very little of these proceedings.) So the president has two excellent candidates. Its a good thing too, given the challenges of successfully arguing conservative positions to this very disappointing Supreme Court. BEIJING - China has charged two detained Canadians with spying, escalating tensions between the two countries following the arrest in Vancouver 18 months ago of a senior Huawei executive wanted on U.S. charges. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. FILE - In this March 2, 2017, file image made from video, Michael Spavor, director of Paektu Cultural Exchange, talks during a Skype interview in Yanji, China. China has charged two detained Canadians with spying in cases linked to Canadas arrest of a Huawei executive on U.S. charges. Chinese prosecutors said Friday, June 19, 2020, that Spavor and Michael Kovrig have been charged. (AP Photo, File) BEIJING - China has charged two detained Canadians with spying, escalating tensions between the two countries following the arrest in Vancouver 18 months ago of a senior Huawei executive wanted on U.S. charges. Chinese prosecutors said Friday that Michael Kovrig was charged in Beijing on suspicion of spying for state secrets and intelligence. Michael Spavor was charged in Dandong city near the North Korean border on suspicion of spying for a foreign entity and illegally providing state secrets. The charges were announced by China's highest prosecutor's office in brief social media posts. Both men have been held since December 2018 in a move seen as an apparent attempt to pressure Canada to release Meng Wanzhou, a top executive at Chinese tech giant Huawei. China has denied any explicit link between her case and the lengthy detention of the two Canadian men, but outside experts see them as tied and Chinese diplomats have strongly implied a connection. FILE - In this March 28, 2018, file imag made from video, Michael Kovrig, an adviser with the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based non-governmental organization, speaks during an interview in Hong Kong. China has charged two detained Canadians with spying in cases linked to Canadas arrest of a Huawei executive on U.S. charges. Chinese prosecutors said Friday, June 19, 2020, that Kovrig and Michael Spavor have been charged.(AP Photo, File) The daughter of Huawei's founder was arrested at Vancouver's airport on Dec. 1, 2018, at the request of U.S. authorities who want her on fraud charges, which she and the company have denied. Meng is out on bail as hearings are ongoing in B.C. Supreme Court after a judge rejected the first set of arguments from her lawyers late last month in a bid to set her free. Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes ruled Meng's alleged offences would constitute a crime in Canada and the case should proceed. The next round of legal arguments is set to focus on whether Meng's arrest was unlawful and whether the U.S. records of the case contain misstatements or omissions. The Chinese embassy in Ottawa denounced Holmes's decision and called once more for Meng's immediate release. Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne responded in turn by calling for the release of the two "arbitrarily detained" Canadian men. Kovrig is an ex-diplomat who was working for the International Crisis Group and Spavor is an entrepreneur who did business in North Korea. A security guard stands on duty as residents pass by the Canadian Embassy in Beijing on Friday, June 19, 2020. Chinese prosecutors charged two detained Canadians with spying Friday in an apparent bid to step up pressure on Canada to drop a U.S. extradition request for a Huawei executive under house arrest in Vancouver. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) They have been in Chinese prisons since they were arrested nine days after Meng's arrest. The conditions under which the two Canadians are being held has been the subject of scrutiny. Kovrig and Spavor had no access to lawyers or their families as of May, with the exception of a phone call the Chinese embassy said Kovrig was allowed to make to his sick father in mid-March. At the same time, the embassy said Kovrig and Spavor were being provided with better food to strengthen their immunity against the novel coronavirus. It said detention centres were closed due to the epidemic, so Kovrig and Spavor were receiving more frequent letters and parcels to ensure their contact with Canadian diplomats in China. The allegations against Meng, who is Huawei's chief financial officer, date back to 2013. The U.S. is seeking to extradite Meng on fraud charges based on allegations she lied to HSBC about Huawei's relationship with Skycom, a telecommunications company in Iran, putting the bank at risk of violating American sanctions against that country. But in a case management memo dated June 12, Meng's lawyers assert their client delivered a presentation to an HSBC banker in Hong Kong that included statements about Huawei's business activities in Iran, but the statements were omitted from U.S. records of the case. They argue Meng's statements provided the bank with "the material facts it needed to know in order to assess whether there was any risk to HSBC in continuing to provide banking services to Huawei, including processing U.S. dollar transactions related to Huawei's commerce in Iran." The tensions between Canada and China have spilled over into trade between the two countries including canola exports from Canadian farmers. Earlier this month, Huawei's ambitions to be a player in Canada's 5G network were very much cast in doubt after two of the country's three largest telecom companies announced partnerships with the Chinese company's European rivals. 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. Bell Canada announced on June 2 that Sweden-based Ericsson will be its second supplier of the radio access network equipment a major component in fifth-generation wireless networks following its choice of Finland's Nokia in February. Later in the day, Telus Corp., which uses Huawei equipment extensively in its current network, announced that it too had selected Ericsson and Nokia for its 5G network needs. Huawei is the worlds biggest supplier of network gear used by phone and internet companies. The announcements come as Ottawa continues its review of Huawei's role in Canada's 5G networks over security concerns due to suspicions about the company's relationship with China's government. The United States has warned Canada, the United Kingdom and other allies that it will limit intelligence sharing with countries that have Huawei equipment in their 5G networks citing its potential use for spying by China, an allegation Huawei denies. With files from The Canadian Press Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 06:25:57|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 18 (Xinhua) -- UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on Thursday asked for leadership to address the refugee issue. In the last 10 years, the number of people forcibly displaced has doubled, to almost 80 million people. At the same time, solutions remain elusive, Grandi told the Security Council. The number of people displaced has been rising since 2012. 2011 was the last year in which this figure went down, and since then it has risen year after year, he noted. The global trends represent, in a way, the human impact of a decade of crises: wars, violence, persecution and discrimination against people and groups, and countries in which social breakdown prevails. All of this is accelerated by poor governance, by the climate emergency, by prevailing inequality and exclusion, he said. "These trends somehow show how, when leadership fails, when multilateralism, which you represent, doesn't live up to its promise, the consequences are felt not in the global capitals of our world; not in the homes of the powerful and of the rich. They are felt in the peripheries of nations, in border communities, among the urban poor, in the lives of those that have no power," he said. "And among them are the refugees and the displaced, whose history is too often told only in numbers and statistics, who appear in newspapers and our social media feed only as pawns in political debates, or frankly, as part of grotesque international squabbles on who can push them back or push them away harder, and further," he added. Grandi asked for unity and leadership of the Security Council. "Please, echo and follow up on the cease-fire call of the secretary-general. Use your leadership and influence, the tools and resources that you have at your disposal, to seek out and to expand space for solutions," he said. Resolving forced displacement concerns areas that are at the heart of the Security Council's mandate, said Grandi, who briefed the Security Council just days before World Refugee Day, which falls on June 20. Enditem Leaders of major political parties are expected to take part in the meeting via video conferencing as tensions escalate in Eastern Ladakh between India and China. At least 20 political parties are likely to attend the all-party meeting, called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation at the border areas with China that is scheduled to be held on Friday at 5 pm, sources said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda will also be present in the virtual party meeting. According to sources, former BJP chief Rajnath Singh had on Thursday personally invited all leaders on behalf of the Prime Minister. After coming in for criticism from parties such as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and RJD that they had not received any invitation to the meet, sources clarified that only recognised national parties, those with over five MPs in the Lok Sabha, leading parties from the Northeast and parties with Union Cabinet Ministers had been invited. The meeting was called after at least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, had lost their lives in the violent face-off with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley area of Ladakh on June 15. Read also: Galwan Violence: India calls on China to strictly observe LAC In order to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas, Prime Minister @narendramodi has called for an all-party meeting at 5 PM on 19th June. Presidents of various political parties would take part in this virtual meeting. PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 17, 2020 Read also: S Jaishankar hits out at Rahul Gandhi on Galwan violence, asks him to get facts straight India had said that the violent face-off happened in Ladakhs Galwan Valley as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to unilaterally change the status quo during de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh and the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side. In order to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for an all-party meeting at 5 pm on June 19. Presidents of various political parties would take part in this virtual meeting, PMO had tweeted. Read also: Sino-India Relation: Time For India To Step Up For all the latest National News, download NewsX App How Janine Freeman Got Where She Wanted To Be Some Soul-Searching and Road-Tripping Set Her on the Right Route to Her Goal of Working with NRELs System Advisor Model June 19, 2020 The Road to Realizing a Career in Renewables In 2011, Janine Freeman was working at an independent solar engineering firm in New York when she came up with the idea for a new feature to add to photovoltaic (PV) modeling tools. She never imagined that five years later she would design and implement the capability in NRELs System Advisor Model (SAM) as a senior engineer in NRELs Strategic Energy Analysis Center. Freeman grew up in Massachusetts, where she loved the woods and spending summer days at the lake. She went to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York to study mechanical engineering. Late in her undergraduate career, she started learning about renewable energyand quickly realized that was her true passion. She went on to get her masters degree, also at Rensselaer. As a research assistant, Freeman helped plan and optimize vertical axis wind turbine designs for cities. After graduating, she looked at working at NRELher dream jobbut every position called for at least a decade of experience, so she joined the solar engineering firm. There, Freeman started using various tools to simulate energy generation, optimize designs, and develop methods to evaluate uncertainty for solar projects. One of NRELs most popular tools, SAM is free techno-economic software that models many types of renewable energy systems, and beyond solar PV, it spans technologies from wind and concentrating solar power, to solar water heating, to battery storage with lithium-ion, lead acid, or flow batteries, to geothermal power generation. The tool is used widely, whether at tech-savvy engineering firms or by engineering professors or business owners. Coupled with its robust engineering, the model also offers detailed financial structures. Are you funding a PV project with another firm, and one of you qualifies for a tax equity? SAM can model that. Accurate PV system performance modeling is crucial to financing, verifying, and monitoring a PV system," Freeman said. "SAM is an excellent way to do that." Detour of a Lifetime During her time at the solar firm, Freeman kept running into the need for more accurate ways to use irradiance data: how much power is received from the sun. Popular PV modeling softwareincluding SAM at the timerequires those inputs based on a flat plane, but solar panels are installed at a tilt. When the angle is factored in later, it introduces error, sometimes up to 10%. What if modeling software could directly input data from the plane of the array? Freeman stored the idea away for later. Going straight into the workforce after years of school had caught up to her. She hit the road for a driving tour of the maritime provinces in Canada. Afterward she traveled to Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, and Thailand. Janine celebrates at the top of the second Flatiron in Boulder, Colorado. Sometimes taking a break puts you on the right path, she said. It did. When she returned, Freeman looked at NREL again for her next job opportunity. The timing was perfect. There was an open position for an engineer and software developer for SAM. She packed up her two cats and moved across the country to Colorado, where she joined NRELs Strategic Energy Analysis Center to help develop SAMs wind and PV power modeling capabilities. She was excited not only for the job, but also to meet so many people who shared her passion for rock climbing, and started to get into road biking as well in her new home. After two years at NREL, Freeman pitched her idea of inputting plane-of-array data directly into SAM. I was still early in my career, and the principal investigator gave me a chance to run with it. Thats what makes NREL so special, Freeman said. The people are so nice, passionate, and smart. You can be talking to the world expert on a topic and not know it. The team secured funding and was able to add the plane-of-array data feature to SAM in 2013. The SAM team on their 2018 annual retreat at offsite contractor Steve Janzou's house. Sights Still Set on SAM Ahead Seven years later, Freeman now leads the work on SAM, but says it never gets old. One day she is learning about financial projects; the next she is in the weeds with PV technology. She is now studying how to value uncertainty in models like SAM. These tools produce a specific outcome based on certain conditions, but they do not account for changes in those conditions. What if a model could produce a range of data to be more accurate? That is her latest question. Freeman is also growing her understanding in the area of PV systems with batteries, a popular topic right now given its many unknowns. There are many different battery chemistries with varying solar configurations. She and the team are studying the impact of batteries and how they are operated on the finances of PV systems. Through ongoing partnerships and stakeholder engagement tests, Freeman has built relationships with SAM users and PV modelers like her younger self. Its pretty neat to be on the other side of it, designing the tools and solving modeling challenges. I love how its all worked out. Learn more about NRELs free data and tools for energy analysis research. Norwegian activist & Head of World Action for Refugees Eric Cameron, has denounced the Algerian regime for its responsibility in the appalling humanitarian situation in the Tindouf camps and the serious violations of the human rights of the Sahrawis sequestered in the Algerian desert. Speaking during Sahara Debate program broadcast on social networks, Mr. Eric Cameron slammed Algeria for the devolution of authority to the Polisario over a part of Algerian territory in violation of the 1951 Convention related to Refugee Status and its 1967 Protocol, as well as all the decisions of the Executive Committee of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. This exceptional situation under the international humanitarian law has allowed the Polisario to commit systematic violations of human rights in the Tindouf camps to muzzle any protest against its legitimacy, deplores the chairman of the NGO World Action for Refugees. Thus, arbitrary detention, kidnapping and torture are inflected on the Sahrawi civilian population in connivance with Algerian authorities, he added, confirming the moral, legal and penal responsibility of Algeria in the violations committed over its territory, in the Tindouf camps. For the Norwegian expert, Algeria, which hosts the Tindouf camps, has the obligation to prevent and investigate the human rights violations committed against people on its territory, and hold accountable those responsible for these violations. In 2018, the UN Human Rights Committee had expressed concern over the devolution of Algerias powers, including jurisdictional powers, to the Polisario. In his analysis of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Tindouf camps, Eric Cameron cites the systematic embezzlement by the Algerian officials and Polisario leaders of the humanitarian aid destined to the Sahrawi population sequestered in Tindouf Camps. These diversions were confirmed by the UNHCR and the World Food Program during an inspection mission carried out in 2005 in the Tindouf camps. Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday sought an assurance from the government that status quo will be restored on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Galwan Valley in Ladakh area and that China will revert to its original position. In her address at the all-party meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the border stand-off with China, Gandhi asked pointed questions on whether there was an intelligence failure on the massive build-up of Chinese forces along the LAC. In fact, even at this late stage, we are still in the dark about many crucial aspects of the crisis, Gandhi said. The meeting was attended by leaders of 20 political parties. Defence minister Rajnath Singh and external affairs minister S Jaishankar too were present. The Congress has been asking the government to be transparent about the situation along the LAC, especially after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in violent face-off with Chinese troops on Monday night. Modi has said the sacrifice of Indian soldiers will not go in vain and the country will give a befitting reply to any provocation. At the meeting Gandhi said: We have some specific questions for the government. On which date did the Chinese troops intrude into our territory in Ladakh? When did the government find out about the Chinese transgressions into our territory? Was it on May 5, as reported, or earlier? Does the government not receive, on a regular basis, satellite pictures of the borders of our country? Did our external intelligence agencies not report any unusual activity along the LAC? Did the Military Intelligence not alert the government about the intrusion and the build-up of massive forces along the LAC, whether on the Chinese side or on the Indian side? In the governments considered view, was there a failure of intelligence? She contended that valuable time was lost between May 5 and June 6, the date on which senior Indian and Chinese commanders met and agreed on some de-escalation and disengagement measures. She added that even after the June 6 meeting, efforts should have been made to talk directly, at the political and diplomatic levels, to Chinas leadership. We failed to use all avenues, and the result is the loss of 20 lives as well as dozens injured. I would urge the prime minister to kindly share with us all the facts and the sequence of events beginning April this year till date, the Congress chief said. The question is, what next? What is the way forward? The entire country would like an assurance that status quo ante would be restored and China will revert back to the original position on LAC, she said. Gandhi also sought to know the status of the Mountain Strike Corps, with two mountain infantry divisions, that was sanctioned for the army in 2013, when the Congress was in power at the Centre. Should the government not treat it with utmost priority? We would also like to be briefed on the preparedness of our defence forces to meet any threat, she said. Gandhi said the all-party meeting should have been held sooner and immediately after the government had been reportedly informed about the Chinese intrusion on May 5 at several places in Ladakh and elsewhere. As always, the entire nation would have stood together like a rock and fully supported the government of the day in the steps required to defend the territorial integrity of the country. Alas, that was not to be, she added. Gandhi said the Congress and the entire opposition unitedly stood by the defence forces and are prepared to make any sacrifice to ensure they are battle-ready. The entire nation expects that government will take all opposition parties and the country into confidence and brief us regularly so that we may present to the world a picture of unity and solidarity, she said. Gandhi began her speech by paying homage to the 20 soldiers killed in a violent clash with the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in Galwan Valley on Monday night. We meet today in the aftermath of a tragic conflict and our hearts are filled with great sorrow and anguish. Let me begin by paying homage to the brave soldiers of our army, who laid down their lives as also convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. To the injured jawans, we wish them a speedy recovery and good health, she said. Apart from Gandhi, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Telangana Rashtra Samithi leader K Chandrasekhar Rao, Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MK Stalin, YSR Congress Partys YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray were among those who attended the meeting. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Washington: The United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo extended his condolences to the people of India for the death of 20 Indian Army soldiers who were killed in the recent face-off with the Chinese PLA in the Galwan Valley region of Ladakh. "We extend our deepest condolences to the people of India for the lives lost as a result of the recent confrontation with China. We will remember the soldiers' families, loved ones, and communities as they grieve," he tweeted. The United States had on Thursday stated that it is closely monitoring the situation between India and China along the LAC. "We note the Indian military has announced that 20 soldiers have died, and we offer our condolences to their families," the State Department spokesperson said. Both India and China have expressed their desires to de-escalate and the US supports a peaceful resolution of the current situation, the spokesperson said. He also referred to the June 2 phone conversation between PM Modi and US President Donald Trump on India-China border. "During their phone call on June 2, 2020, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had discussed the situation along the India-China border," he added. The condolence message from the United States comes in the wake of 20 Indian soldiers losing their lives in a violent clash between the troops of India and China at Galwan Valley in Ladakh on June 15 night. The clash in Galwan Valley is the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while the death toll on the Chinese side was over 300. 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. Comedians Jen Eden and Elyssa Phillips were working what should have been a typical Sunday dinner shift at Osteria Mozza, when the city of Los Angeles ordered restaurants to shut their dining rooms. As they wrapped up dinner service, they realized the order had effectively left them and their coworkers unemployed. "To say it was devastating is an understatement," Eden said. "All I could say to Elyssa was, 'Look, we're in this together. We're not the only ones getting laid off. Everybody is getting laid off.'" With the Mozza restaurant group closed, the two had plenty of time to workshop ideas for a socially distanced, online comedy show, but they had trouble settling on the right concept -- until Eden saw it in a dream. "I scrawled on a piece of paper, 'What if we did a show where we're in our uniforms, and we're connecting with our regulars?'" Eden said. At the beginning of last month, they launched Mozza Mealtime, a weekly 30-minute livestreamed show, aiming to celebrate Mozza while connecting patrons, staff, and fans. RESTAURANT SERVICE VIA ZOOM Their first episode received what they described as a huge response, with staff, guests, managers, and past employees checking in from around the United States. They received a constant stream of messages throughout the show, with hundreds of comments. Modeled after a late-night talk show, Mozza Mealtime opens with Eden and Phillips chatting with viewers as they get settled in. That's followed by a monologue filled with foodie in-jokes, interviews with restaurant staff, and the occasional cocktail. Eden provides musical accompaniment on a Fender ukulele and an accordion, performing the show's plucky theme song and using her musical improv chops to respond to comments in real time. Co-hosts Elyssa Phillips and Jen Eden on Mozza Mealtime. (Courtesy Mozza Mealtime) "We missed working at Mozza, and we missed seeing our family -- both our family that we work with and our family that comes in and visits us all the time," Phillips said. (Restaurant work is hard, on-your-feet labor, with long hours. The bonds among employees can be incredibly tight; there's a reason the shared staff dinner is called "family meal.") The show plays up their disparate personalities, with Jen's bubbly side and Elyssa's cynicism pushing each other on -- in one segment, Jen sings what the servers say to customers, while Elyssa translates to their own internal frustrations about customers asking for more ice or not understanding the menu. PROTESTS AND LOOTING Their fourth episode, on May 30, marked a turning point. One of the restaurant's owners, Joe Bastianich of MasterChef fame, was scheduled to be their guest. They considered cancelling the show due to the rallies sweeping the country after the police killing of George Floyd. "When the world is falling to pieces -- literally, when black people don't have the same rights as other people -- it's like, I don't know if I can do this right now," Eden said. She and Phillips decided that rather than cancel, they would give viewers a distraction from all the more serious events happening in the world, while also addressing the George Floyd protests. That night, they encouraged their audience to make donations while connecting with other viewers. "I would never want us to seem tone deaf, like we don't know what's going on in the world -- but in a way, being a comedian, being an actor, an artist, we're here to give back, we're here to put a smile on your face," Eden said on the show. "Not to throw a blindfold over, but if you want to feel a little humanity, a little connection -- we're here." Bastianich, based out of New York City, talked with the hosts about the unexpectedly fast announcement of restaurants reopening in L.A., the difficulty of adding takeout/delivery service to a traditionally dine-in restaurant, and more. You can watch their show from that night here: After the show, Phillips received a text from a friend: "Are you watching the news?" Phillips wasn't, but she soon learned that looters had broken into MelroseMAC, the Mac repair store next door to Mozza. She felt helpless as she watched events unfold on the news. Phillips started texting with her manager. He told her the restaurant would be fine and that Mozza is its people, not its building. REBUILDING AND REOPENING File: Chef Nancy Silverton attends the Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival dinner at Bank of America Building on Oct. 12, 2017 in New York City. (Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images for NYCWFF) The next day, Phillips showed up at the "Mozzaplex" to see the damage and to help clean up. She cleaned up liquor and wine bottles alongside chef and owner Nancy Silverton, who had recovered from coronavirus after being diagnosed in late March. "We are a restaurant group run by a bunch of badass women," Phillips said. "Nancy was there with her hair did and her flowers and she was like, 'We have insurance, we'll be OK. Moving on.'" That Wednesday, Silverton and her partner, Michael Krikorian, wrote an op-ed in the Los Angeles Times encouraging people not to weep for the restaurant, but to think about George Floyd and his family. That message was overshadowed as Silverton and Krikorian faced an onslaught of criticism (including from L.A. Times staffers such as deputy food editor Andrea Chang and columnists Lucas Kwan Peterson and Frank Shyong) for describing coronavirus as "that Wuhan, China, bat thing" and for referring to looters as "roaches." Comments mentioning Rodney King's "Can we all get along" moment from the 1992 L.A. riots and statements like, "How many of the losers wrecking Melrose even knew the name of the man the protest was about?" also didn't sit well with some readers. Silverton offered an apology on Twitter, though her account has since been deleted. "Journalist Michael Krikorian & I wrote an Op-Ed in the L.A.Times, an attempt to keep the media's focus ON George Floyd, NOT looting damage at my restaurant. Some of it, however, was hurtful to many. That was NOT my intent at all and we deeply and sincerely apologize." Eden and Phillips declined to comment on the op-ed, other than saying via email that they believe Silverton is "a really strong and awesome lady, and we are glad she is our boss." Phillips said she knows the structure that houses Pizzeria Mozza, Osteria Mozza, Chi Spacca, and Mozza2Go is just a building, but it's also the place where she worked for the past six years. During the ongoing effects of the coronavirus, she said it has also been a lifeline for her and others, providing free meals and "essential supplies" to laid-off restaurant workers until Silverton's COVID-19 diagnosis. "It really saved us a lot of money on groceries," Eden said. "There was no unemployment coming in, no money, so it's like, 'OK, let's just eat at Mozza.'" But after that late May show, Mozza Mealtime went on hiatus as Eden and Phillips debated whether this is the time to do comedy -- an issue other comedians have grappling with. Ultimately, they decided that they wanted to continue doing the show in order to spread positivity, light, and love each week, according to Phillips. With Osteria Mozza having recently reopened, they're working on reformatting the show and launching a welcome back lunch episode on Monday, June 22 at 1 p.m. On their social media channels, the hosts have started directing followers to support Black-owned restaurants, including linking to a selection of resources. They said they plan to direct viewers to charities that support Black-owned restaurants (they hadn't yet selected the charities at press time). Phillips, who has experience running social media accounts, has also been volunteering to help Black-owned restaurants with their social media. They're eager to keep the show going and to continue bringing their community together. "About 40 people showed up [the night before Mozza was looted], which means those 40ish people wanted to connect," Phillips said. "And if people want to connect, that's so important right now." KV Navya By Express News Service CHENNAI: After Express published multiple articles on the shortage of epilepsy medicine Sabril Vigabatrin, the Department of Welfare of the Differently Abled Persons sourced 3,400 tablets from abroad through Vande Bharat flights.Sabril is an oral anti-epileptic drug. As imports were restricted post lockdown, there was acute shortage of this medicine. Express had initially published an article on how social media helped a man from Chennai procure Sabril Vigabatrin for his two-year-old child from Bengaluru. Express had also carried reports on the grave shortage of this medicine and how it was rushed to a Bengaluru man in dire need of the drug. With the help of reports and activists, we requested the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation to help us. We sent a letter to Ministry of External Affairs. We tried different countries like Sri Lanka, Honkong and Dubai. We finally sourced 3,400 tablets worth `8 lakh from multiple sources and got it to Tamil Nadu using Vande Bharat flights, said Johny Tom Varghese, State Commissioner for the Welfare of Differently Abled. He further added that these medicines will be distributed among the needy free of cost. Those who require the medicine can approach the Commissionerate of Welfare of Differently Abled office at KK Nagar in Chennai, in person with a medical prescription. Vaishnavi Jayakumar, a disability rights activist who was actively involved in helping out the families in need of this medicine said, Tamil Nadu has shown the way. Also, this could be the beginning of a patient assistance program. As a medicine, Sabril Vogabatrin is very costly. It is made in India and exported abroad. People who have money import it again to India. This could be the beginning of something very vital in assisting epileptic patients. The OnePlus 8 Pro got sold out within minutes after its sale began via Amazon India on June 18, amid calls for a boycott of Chinese smartphones and goods across India. OnePlus flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 8 Pro was unavailable for purchase on Amazon minutes after the sale started. The demand for the OnePlus 8 Pro has been huge, especially after the company had to delay its product sales due to supply chain issues. It is, however, surprising to see how the Chinese smartphone went out-of-stock so soon amid the anti-China sentiments over the killing of 20 Indian soldiers on the India-China border. OnePlus is one of the top Chinese smartphone brands in India that is now placing its bet in the premium category. Chinese smartphone players currently dominate the Indian market with over 70 percent market share. With no Made in India smartphones available, Indians have very few alternatives to Chinese smartphones. It was recently reported that despite the ongoing protests against Chinese smartphones, there has been no impact on the sales front. Meanwhile, Chinese smartphone makers are also tweaking their strategy to project products as Indian brands. Techno has decided to highlight Made-in-India in our packaging more prominently. Vivo India already ships its smartphones with a Made in India badge on the box. On social media, too, Chinese smartphone brands have been vocal about being local. Realme India CEO Madhav Sheth went ahead and called Realme an Indian startup which is now a global multinational company. The likes of Xiaomi and Poco have also been lately promoting their India-first approach and the set of features and products they launch in the country. Indian smartphone brand Micromax is making an attempt to cash-in on the opportunity and has confirmed to make a comeback with three new budget smartphones under Rs 10,000. Sophie addressed the UN virtually on Friday afternoon. (Royal Family) The Countess of Wessex has said the coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately affected women in conflict zones because they have been unable to access help for sexual violence. Sophie spoke at a virtual UN event to mark the international day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. She called for a survivor-centred approach, asking that local realities shape global responses. Beginning by acknowledging how the world has shrunk by the power of digital platforms, Sophie said many people were disconnected, adding: Since the pandemic began the number of cases of sexual violence across conflict settings and in domestic settings are very likely to have risen substantially. Women and girls once again are being affected disproportionately, with increased difficulties in accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare, higher numbers of maternal deaths and teenage pregnancies, closures of domestic violence shelters, closure of schools, reduction in aid work and funds for charities, delays in relief packages. COVID-19 has amplified suffering with the restrictions imposed on survivors. Read more: President Macron breaks social distancing rules by touching Prince Charles on arm during London visit She added that time is against the victims and said action plans to tackle sexual violence should be accelerated where possible. Sophie, 55, said: My message therefore today is simple, and I hope I may speak for all survivors of Conflict Related Sexual Violence when I say: we must listen to the needs and wishes of all survivors and we must act accordingly. The countess closed by saying: Let us all respond by listening to the needs of Survivors and with the urgency that they deserve. Mother-of-two Sophie, who is married to Prince Edward, the Queens youngest son, has had a more visible royal role in recent weeks during the coronavirus pandemic. But she has been working on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and the UKs Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) since the end of last year. Story continues In 2019 she visited Kosovo where she highlighted the trauma and stigma faced by sexual violence survivors of the Kosovo War, meeting survivors and charity workers to see the efforts being made to tackle it. She also became the first royal to visit South Sudan, taking a trip earlier this year where she met survivors of gender-based violence. Read more: How Sophie Wessex rose through the royal ranks Sophie, the Countess of Wessex taking a picture of Ali (centre), a fellow volunteer organising food deliveries at the Shah Jahan Mosque, where she and Edward volunteered. (Buckingham Palace/PA Images) Speaking at the time, she said: The women and girls that I have met this week fill me with confidence that South Sudan has the right women to work alongside their male counterparts to bring about a lasting peace for everyone and a more equal country. So my message to the men is to encourage you all to listen to your women folk and to support them to take their place at your side. This is not a take-over, this is not a competition, this is about peace, it is about unity, it is about what is fair and right for the benefit of all. At the end of the day we are better together. Sophie has been a working royal since 2002 when she and her husband Prince Edward gave up their paid work to support the Queen. Through lockdown, she has been volunteering with groups near to their home in Bagshot Park, and returned to face-to-face duties earlier this week when she joined counsellors at Childline on a shift. June 19 : Celebrities such as John Abraham, Nivin Pauly, Prithviraj Sukumaran along with many others mourns the demise of celebrated and veteran Malayalam screenwriter and director Sachy passed away in Thrissur on Thursday. He was 48. Sachy was admitted to a private hospital in Thrissur on Tuesday following cardiac-related complications after undergoing a hip-replacement surgery at another hospital in Vadakkanchery. He was in a critical condition and on ventilator for the past two days. Actor John Abraham took to his social media profile and expressed his grief, he wrote, Shattered to lose such a talent. Rest In Peace my friend. #RIP #Sachy Shattered to lose such a talent. Rest In Peace my friend. #RIP #Sachy pic.twitter.com/VdDSE168xY John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) June 18, 2020 Actor and producer Nivin Pauly wrote, Shocked to hear the sudden demise of Sachy ettan. Indeed a big loss to Malayalam cinema. May his soul rest in peace! Shocked to hear the sudden demise of Sachy ettan. Indeed a big loss to Malayalam cinema. May his soul rest in peace! pic.twitter.com/sWy7Au3O6V Nivin Pauly (@NivinOfficial) June 18, 2020 Prithviraj Sukumaran, who has worked with Sachy, wrote, Gone Sachy entered the Malayalam film industry as a screenwriter. Along with writer Sethu, he penned movies like Chocolate, Robin Hood, Makeup Man, Seniors and Doubles. He, however, parted ways with Sethunath in 2011. Sachy then went solo and penned movies like Run Baby Run, Chettayees, Ramaleela, Sherlock Toms and Driving License. He also wrote and directed Anarkali and Ayyappanum Koshiyum. Facebook has removed campaign ads by President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence that featured an upside-down red triangle, a symbol once used by Nazis to designate political prisoners, communists and others in concentration camps. Nathaniel Gleicher, the company's head of security policy, confirmed at a House Intelligence Committee hearing Thursday that the ads had been removed, saying Facebook does not permit symbols of hateful ideology unless they're put up with context or condemnation. In a situation where we don't see either of those, we don't allow it on the platform and we remove it. That's what we saw in this case with this ad, and anywhere that that symbol is used, we would take the same action," Gleicher said. The ad began running on Wednesday. In a statement, Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh said the inverted red triangle was a symbol used by antifa so it was included in an ad about antifa. He said the symbol is not in the Anti-Defamation League's database of symbols of hate. But it is ironic that it took a Trump ad to force the media to implicitly concede that Antifa is a hate group," he added. Antifa is an umbrella term for leftist militants bound more by belief than organizational structure. Trump has blamed antifa for the violence that erupted during some of the recent protests, but federal law enforcement officials have offered little evidence of this. Gleicher appeared with representatives of Twitter and Google at a hearing centered on efforts by the technology companies to police the spread of disinformation, tied to both the election and COVID-19, on the platforms. That is a significant challenge in a country facing potentially dramatic changes in how people vote, with expected widespread use of mail-in ballots creating openings to cast doubt on the results and even spread false information. Facebook said Thursday that it is working to help Americans vote by mail, including by notifying users about how to request ballots and whether the date of their state's election has changed. The Vote By Mail notification connects Facebook users to information about how to request a ballot. It is targeted to voters in states where no excuse is needed to vote by mail or where fears of the coronavirus are accepted as a universal excuse. In working to facilitate voting by mail during the pandemic, the company is stepping onto politically sensitive ground. Trump and other Republicans are trying to limit such voting, while Democrats are pushing it to boost turnout. Democrats pressed the Facebook and Twitter representatives on why certain content, including tweets by Trump referencing the shooting of looters and a video that was doctored to make House Speaker Nancy Pelosi look intoxicated, were not taken down and remained on their platforms. The questions were part of persistent criticism of Facebook by Democrats who say CEO Mark Zuckerberg has refused to take action on inflammatory posts by Trump. The hearing came as Big Tech faces increasing pressure to monitor content and be transparent about the accuracy of information visible to users. Twitter has begun labeling tweets based on manipulated media that are attempting to confuse and mislead people, and has taken steps to prohibit paid political advertising, including by government-controlled news media entities. The Trump administration, meanwhile, proposed this week rolling back legal protections for technology companies for material posted on their platforms. Of particular concern heading into November are foreign influence operations, reliant on bogus social media accounts, aimed at swaying opinion. An investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller revealed a vast Russian effort to sow discord on the internet during the 2016 presidential election campaign by playing up divisive social issues. Facebook said that two days before the 2018 elections, it dismantled more than 100 accounts linked to the same operation. Between January and March of this year, the company said it dismantled roughly 1.7 billion accounts. MEDIA COURTHOUSE Attorneys representing Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority on Thursday laid out a road map of issues to work through surrounding councils attempt to block a pending authority sale to Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater Inc. Common Pleas Court Judge Barry Dozor said there seems to be two main prongs that need to be addressed: Delaware Countys complaint that a trust was illegally created to take in sale proceeds as part of a rate stabilization plan under the $276.5 million merger, and a pair of cross-injunctions filed by both parties concerning DELCORAs termination under a county ordinance adopted June 3. The complaint claims that the previously Republican-controlled county council voted in December to amend DELCORAs articles of incorporation and grant it the ability to establish a trust to exist for the benefit of rate payers to distribute to rate payers some or all of the proceeds received from any transfer and sale of the authoritys assets. The trust was created between DELCORA and Univest Bank Co. as trustee on Dec. 27, 2019, according to the complaint. While the stated purpose of the trust was to benefit DELCORAs rate payers, the suit indicates one section explicitly states that distributions from the trust will go to Aqua, not rate payers directly. Because the trustee has no authority to make any distributions without direction from DELCORA, the complaint asserts, it would essentially be used as a conduit for the distribution of public money to Aqua. A later amended complaint also seeks to block any assets from being transferred into the trust, county council attorney Carol Steinour Young said Thursday. Current county council members, now all Democrats, claim the move to amend DELCORAs bylaws and establish the trust was politically motivated so the sale could go through and benefit Republican Party members and donors. Aqua and DELCORA assert that the sale is only intended to stave off approximately $1.2 billion in expected new costs over the next decade and that the trust would act as a fund to keep increases pegged at just 3 percent for ratepayers instead of an expected 10 percent. While the complaint was pending in court, council adopted the June 3 ordinance directing DELCORA to wind up operations; transfer its assets, funds and liabilities to the county; and halt the authority from taking any actions or spending any money that is not in connection with effectuating the ordinance. The ordinance directed the authority to remove any impediments to its termination, and approve, execute and deliver a certificate of termination to the county by Thursday. That prompted DELCORA to file a petition to stay the ordinance and an injunction against its enforcement. The county this week filed its own injunction seeking to block DELCORA from creating any additional impediments to termination, such as taking on new debt, executing any contracts that are not required to operate the system, providing any bonuses or pay raises to any member of the executive team. The authority argues that the county is ill-equipped to take over DELCORA and will have to pass several regulatory and financial hurdles before it can do so. Among them is satisfying $171 million in outstanding bonds when the authority only has $104 million cash in hand, said DELCORA attorney Nicholas Poduslenko. Young argued that there seems to be some disconnect from DELCORAs point of view. If the sale could go through to Aqua and the authoritys assets be transferred there without issue, she said, then they can just as easily go to the county through a dissolution. Regardless of the suit and ordinance, both DELCORA and Aqua have stated that they believe the sale agreement is still enforceable and they intend to go through with the merger. Aqua has also petitioned the court to intervene as a party to the suit. Young said she would need to consult with her clients on Aquas petition and Dozor gave her until June 25 to file a response. Poduslenko and Young indicated they would work toward trying to come to a stipulated agreement on the injunctions rather than litigate them, which would allow the authority to continue providing services to its ratepayers without interruption as the court proceedings go on. That could be filed as early as next month, if an agreement can be reached. Dozor said the existing status quo would remain in place until then. Both attorneys also anticipate conducting some limited discovery and possibly taking depositions on the trust issue, and requested a hearing date sometime in August. Dozor explained that court time slots are somewhat limited at the moment due to COVID-19 concerns, but would let the attorneys know when the next hearing could be scheduled. DELCORA is pleased with the outcome of todays hearing because it continues to protect ratepayers, spokesman Jay Devine wrote in an emailed statement. It was quickly apparent that the Delaware County Council had neither a plan nor understood the necessary legal and financial implications of its dissolution vote. DELCORA will continue to operate as the legal stay remains in place. DELCORA will continue to fight for its right to establish a Customer Trust Fund to offset future rate increases under the county councils plan. There were no surprises at todays hearing, and the county council remains committed to terminating DELCORA and returning its assets to their rightful owners: The people of Delaware County, said county council spokesman Jeff Sheridan. Politics and patronage should never come before the hardworking men and women of Delaware County, and council members look forward to communicating their position to the court. Muriels Weddings self-deluding heroine comes to her senses only after shes abandoned her fantasy of living happily ever after with Mr Wrong. My Best Friends Wedding, which Hogan made in in 1997 with Julia Roberts and Rupert Everett, is a blithe but moral lesson in the consolations to be had in behaving well when you fail to get what you want. Both films celebrate the joys to be found in friendship rather than romance. Muriel and the bridesmaids from hell in Muriel's Wedding. Romance often plays a supporting role in these movies, with bride and groom relegated to the sidelines while the main action plays out among the guests. Robert Altman, who loved a crowd, packed 48 characters into A Wedding (1978), his tilt at the genre, and the grooms affair with his new sister-in-law has to take its place alongside all the other sub-plots. The films trailer, which bounces along in time to Going to the Chapel of Love, is set in a strictly ironic key. Most of the films relationships are analysed and found wanting and a multitude of hypocrisies are exposed. But Altman steps lightly through it all, keeping things moving with long takes and overlapping dialogue a favourite device together with his sharp eye for the divisions forged by class and the waves that can engulf a family in the wake of sex with the wrong person. All these themes are staple ingredients of the wedding movie. The grooms affair with his new sister-in-law has to take its place alongside all the other sub-plots. Mira Nairs Monsoon Wedding (2001) works on a similarly expansive scale. Set in Delhi with a palette composed of all the primary colours, together with their closest relatives, its Nairs tribute to the exuberance of her Punjabi heritage. Just for the hell of it, she planted a snobby Bengali among the wedding guests so he can sniff at the singing and dancing erupting all around him, regarding it as yet more proof of the Punjabis incurable addiction to showing off. Its not subtle. Its not meant to be. Yet it does have something to say about love, loyalty and the importance of behaving honourably, no matter how high the price. It also displays a leisurely sense of proportion in regard to these big, tough questions. They will all be dealt with in good time. More urgent is the need to keep the good times rolling. Loading All up, its a hymn to excess in all its most positive forms, guaranteed to lift the spirits and lighten the heart. The joys of singing and dancing are also the point of Stanley Donens Royal Wedding, made in 1951 during the heyday of the MGM musical. This is the film in which Fred Astaire dances on the ceiling, a feat made possible in those pre-CGI times by shooting the scene inside a revolving barrel. Jane Powell is Astaires co-star, and although her footwork is pretty nimble, her main talent lay in her singing voice, which could be why a couple of the films set-pieces have Astaire dancing with the furniture. And they do suit the nonchalance of his style, which was always more about grace than passion. The film is set in London with a plot inspired by real-life. Astaires first dance partner, his older sister, Adele, gave up show business in 1932 to marry an English peer. The eternally debonair Peter Lawford plays his screen alter ego. And the films royal wedding, that of Elizabeth and Philip, is the catalyst which helps resolve their affair, along with the one Astaire is having with another Londoner, played by Winston Churchills daughter, Sarah. Romance at last: Andie MacDowell and Hugh Grant in Four Weddings and a Funeral. But the movie which really encapsulates the English penchant for a lavish wedding is Mike Newells Four Weddings and a Funeral. Its Richard Curtis script has all the familiar elements a self-deprecating yet disingenuous hero with a sharp wit and an enduring fear of commitment, together with a cast of great character actors, all of whom are accorded at least one shining moment. Its glamorous and romantic and Newell expertly negotiates its typically British transitions between pathos and farce. Now for something completely different. Theres not a hint of hyperbole in the title of Argentinian director Damian Szifrons Wild Tales (2014). Produced by a team led by Pedro Almodovar, its made up of six short films, each more anarchic than the last. Damian Szifron's Wild Tales: The cathartic pleasures of behaving very, very badly. The finale is a wedding a gloriously unbridled production about the cathartic pleasures of behaving very, very badly. Its a slapstick masterpiece. Every glance counts, every cutaway contains an essential clue to the brides dawning realisation that the groom has been sleeping with one of the guests and every move brings the party closer to chaos. Exuberant partygoers are gradually transformed into mesmerised spectators, appalled by the fallout from the brides lust for revenge yet unwilling to leave for fear of missing the next ingeniously bruising twist in the tale. California Sen. Dianne Feinstein View Photo Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) delivered remarks on at the hearing on Police Use of Force and Community Relations, which was held on Tuesday. Feinstein was Fridays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are her words: On May 25, a Minneapolis police officer knelt on the neck of George Floyd for almost nine minutes. Mr. Floyd repeatedly said I cant breathe. Bystanders begged the officer to stop. But he continued to choke Mr. Floyd until his body went limp, his life extinguished. Now, what was the unforgiveable crime that led an officer an officer to kill this unarmed 46-year-old Black man? He was suspected of using a counterfeit $20 bill to buy groceries during a global pandemic. Personally, this is beyond anything I can imagine and I hope it is beyond anything you can imagine. George Floyd isnt the first unarmed Black man or woman to be killed by police. The names are etched into this countrys consciousness: Breonna Taylor, an emergency medical worker shot eight times by Louisville, Kentucky police while asleep in her home. Eric Garner, choked to death by an NYPD officer for selling cigarettes. Freddie Gray, killed after being taken into custody by Baltimore police for possessing a knife. Walter Scott, shot in the back by North Charleston police after being stopped for a bad brake light. Stephon Clark, killed by Sacramento police in his grandmothers backyard for breaking windows. Michael Brown, shot six times by Ferguson police while his hands were raised in the air. And just last weekend, the Atlanta police were called to respond to reports of a young man asleep in his car and blocking a fast food restaurants drive-through. Even though the young man moved his car to a nearby space when asked by the police, the encounter ended when Rayshard Brooks was shot in the back twice as he ran away. I dont know how anyone can read these stories or see the videos and not conclude that something is radically wrong in this country and that we got to move to stop this epidemic of deadly force against Black Americans. I remember well the call to action in 2014 after Michael Brown was shot in Ferguson, Missouri. President Obamas convened the Task Force on 21st Century Policing. That task force provided a roadmap to reform law enforcement. Unfortunately though, the task forces recommendations have not been followed and instead have been largely abandoned under President Trumps watch. For example, in August 2017, the Trump administration lifted President Obamas ban on the transfer of certain military equipment to police departments. That ban was put in place by President Obama consistent with the task forces finding that the use of military-style weapons and riot gear escalated tensions between police and the communities they serve. The Trump administration has similarly abandoned the use of pattern or practice investigations to identify and remedy systemic problems within police departments. Congress gave the Department of Justice authority to conduct pattern or practice investigations following the following the horrific police beating of Rodney King in my home state, California. And since then, most administrations have really used that tool effectively. The Obama administration, for example, opened 25 investigations into possible illegal patterns or practices within law enforcement agencies. Several of these investigations resulted actually in consent decrees that set out specific reforms designed to shift police culture and end systemic problems. Now by contrast, according to public reporting, the Trump administration has opened just one narrow pattern or practice investigation that focuses on a single unit of the Springfield Police Department in Massachusetts. Remarkably, in the wake of George Floyds death, Attorney General Barr has refused to open a pattern or practice investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department. How can that be? Anyone who has seen the video of George Floyds last nine minutes of life has seen that none of the officers at the scene objected or intervened to help a man who was pleading for his life. And I think the video shows the truth in that. So enough is enough. Last week, Senators Booker and Harris introduced the Justice in Policing Act. Thats a bill that would implement many of the recommendations of the Task Force on 21st Century Policing and require real accountability for police use of force. I want to commend them and thank them. Mr. Chairman, I hope this committee will take that bill seriously, we can hold hearings. We can process it and perhaps we can make some progress. This isnt a simple bill, its quite comprehensive. It addresses tough issues and it makes notable changes. Let me just list a couple: It bans the use of chokeholds or carotid holds by law enforcement officers. It prohibits the use of racial profiling by police officers. In other words, ending police targeting of individuals for criminal investigation based on their race, ethnicity or national origin. Long overdue. It creates a police misconduct registry that would collect the disciplinary or termination history of officers so that potential employers would be aware of an officers past misconduct. It gives subpoena authority to the Justice Department to conduct pattern or practice investigations, which would ensure that investigators could obtain all the information they need to conduct thorough investigations of systemic police misconduct. And it also eliminates the defense of qualified immunity so that police officers are held accountable for misconduct. These are difficult issues but they must be addressed. I really want to congratulate both of my colleagues for putting this bill together and bringing it to us. Meaningful reform is long overdue, Mr. Chairman, and I look forward to our careful evaluation of this bill over the coming weeks. So thank you Senators Booker and Harris, as well as Representatives Bass and Nadler, for your leadership on this issue. Mr. Chairman, you and I spoke in the days after George Floyds killing. I remember you saying that his death was horrific that is actually the word you used and said both of us were appalled at what we saw. You were right. You also said this hearing and hopefully more to follow will explore better policing and racial discrimination regarding the use of force. I was so delighted to hear you say that and Im delighted that youre beginning to carry that out which is what I interpret this hearing to be. So I trust that this will not be the committees final word. I hope we will be able to have Attorney General Barr before us. He has not agreed to come thus far. But among other things, the attorney general needs to explain why the Justice Department appears to have abandoned pattern or practice cases and, specifically, why the department has declined to open a broader investigation into police misconduct within the Minneapolis Police Department following George Floyds killing. Mr. Chairman, we have much to do. I dont we can leave these happenings in abeyance without taking action. And so I trust we will do just that. The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8;45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML. The conference will be honored by the virtual presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister, Mr Anutin Charnvirakul, who is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on the importance of MICE industry and how the pandemic can highlight Thailand's strength sectors where MICE can be a tool to propel the country into a leading destination. Discussion among TCEB, public health agency and MICE city destinations on health issues will follow with a particular focus on how such issue will reshape business events organization and how city destinations and MICE entrepreneurs nationwide should be prepared and continue business. Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister, Mr Anutin Charnvirakul, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented an unprecedented challenge for governments around the world. Successful countries have been able to not only halt the outbreak, but also strike a balance between putting the spread under control and sustaining the economy as well as returning daily life to normal as far as possible even without a vaccine against the disease. "The medical personnel, public health organizations, the government and private sector have worked very hard to control the outbreak, which has finally led to the relaxation of some social restrictions and lockdown measures to allow the resumption of economic activities. Despite maintaining stringent public health measures, the government has developed relief measures to assist affected MICE entrepreneurs. MICE Venue Hygiene Guidelines is one such key measure designed to respond to the new normal conditions. For the socio-economic recovery, the government is placing emphasis on creating the events to support MICE entrepreneurs and help business to recover as soon as possible," Deputy Prime Minister Anutin said. Regarding Thailand's key strength sectors that can create potential MICE business opportunities in the aftermath of COVID-19, he stressed that Thailand can become a preferred and leading MICE destination in three disciplines: safe tourism center, a medical and public health center, and a global food safety center. The possibility is based on the country's high profile in public health standards and global standards of its food industry. However, technology and innovation must be utilized to support such business opportunities in meeting and matching the new normal. Mrs. Supawan Teerarat, Senior Vice President for Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, stated that TCEB is moving forward the industry to meet the new challenges through various projects which is in line with the government's policy for the promotion and recovery of the MICE industry. For instance, TCEB has supported venues certified with Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS) to upgrade their health standards which will enhance the confidence of both event organizers and visitors. In terms of business channel, the bureau has implemented Virtual Meeting Space (VMS) to support organizers to stage their meetings via webinar and hold exhibitions on 020 or Offline to Online platform. Furthermore, TCEB has set up the TCEB COVID-19 Center and portal to provide real-time and up-to-date information for both domestic and international target groups. "Today, our strategy for MICE industry recovery focuses on forming partnerships between public and private sectors to stimulate domestic MICE events, both seminars and exhibitions, while complying with the government's required health practices and meeting the relaxed lockdown measures. Initially, the bureau is aiming to support events located at venues that meet the required standards and using exhibition space not exceeding 20,000 sqm. Part of the recovery measures is to drive MICE Cities that are ready to comply with health measures. TCEB's four regional offices are now working in full steam to support the city destinations, their local associations and MICE operators so that they can capitalise on MICE recovery measures and, thus, create jobs at the local level nationwide" Mrs. Supawan concluded. Related Photo: http://shorturl.at/fnqEP SOURCE Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) Related Links http://www.tceb.or.th A team of researchers at CSIR - Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), Kolkata has explored the neuro-invasive potential of Covid-19 and suggested that the virus may infect the respiratory centre of the brain, a statement said. The researchers have also suggested that attention should be focused on the respiratory centre of the central nervous system to learn about mortality due to coronavirus. The paper published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience and supported by Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), implies that coronavirus could enter the human brain through the nose and reach the olfactory bulb of the brain. From there, the virus might infect PreBotzinger complex (PBC), the primary centre of the brain that controls the respiratory rhythm generation. This explains that collapse of the respiratory centre in the brain may be responsible for breakdown of Covid-19 patients. The team of researchers comprising Dr. Prem Tripathi, Dr. Upasana Ray, Dr. Amit Srivastava and Dr. Sonu Gandhi suggested that while the lung is one of the most infected organs, several other organs, including the brain, are also affected by Covid-19. This is the first report that highlights that SARS-CoV-2 may target the PBC of the brainstem that controls respiration and causes respiratory collapse of Covid-19 patients, the statement added. The scientists have suggested that cerebrospinal fluid of Covid-19 patients and postmortem of the brain of the deceased should be assessed to better understand the route of SARS-CoV-2 entry and its spread to the respiratory centre of the brain. The PreBotzinger complex functions as the primary respiratory oscillator and it has been proposed as a centre of respiration. It has been earlier shown that disruption of PBC causes lethality due to respiratory failure, suggesting its central role in respiratory rhythm generation. It is possible that SARS-CoV-2 may shut down respiratory centre, and in turn breathing by infecting and destroying the PBC of the brainstem, it said, adding that this hypothesis needs to be validated for SARS-CoV-2. Another recent study from a group of scientists at Kings College London, UK highlighting that loss of smell was one of main symptoms of Covid-19 patients, hinting at the involvement of the same route through which coronavirus may enter the brain. The study highlights that it is important to not only screen the Covid-19 patients for neurological symptoms but also further segregate when the symptom appears. The researchers have pointed out that while at present, the brain is not considered as the site of primary or secondary reason for death of a Covid-19 patient, attention needs to be focused towards the brains respiratory centre. Postmortem of brain of COVID-19 patients could be assessed to know the route of entry and affected areas including detailed assessment of respiratory centre of the brain, the statement added. (CNN) Relations between China and India have always been complicated. During British colonialism, India was the source of opium foreign traders forced onto Chinese markets, sparking war between the UK and the Qing Empire that ended in humiliation for China. Since independence, India's relations with its largest neighbor have been tested by issues such as Tibet, Pakistan and the countries' shared Himalayan border. This week, that border blew up into renewed conflict, in the bloodiest engagement in 40 years, which left more than 20 soldiers dead after a brutal fight with fists and clubs high in the mountains amid freezing temperatures and scant oxygen. While both governments are now scrambling to deescalate, the conflict could provide the final push for a pivot already begun by New Delhi, away from Beijing and towards China's traditional rivals, the United States and Japan, as well as a growing regional one, Australia. As India seeks to push back against what many in the country view as Chinese aggression, it will rely on these allies more than ever. "The sacrifice made by our soldiers will not go in vain," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday. "India's integrity and sovereignty is supreme for us, and no one can stop us from defending it. Nobody should have an iota of doubt about this. India wants peace. But when provoked, India will give a befitting reply." Rahul Gandhi, leader of the main opposition Congress Party, put it more bluntly: "How dare China kill our soldiers? How dare they take our land?" Encircling China In an editorial Wednesday, the influential Hindustan Times said that "China wants to limit New Delhi's power and ambition; it wants India to accept Beijing's primacy in Asia and beyond." In response, the newspaper urged, New Delhi should "double down on its partnership with the US, make Quad ... a more permanent arrangement, and be a part of any club that seeks to contain Chinese power." The Quad, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is an informal strategic forum for the US, Japan, Australia and India, featuring semi-regular summits, information exchanges and military drills. While not a formal military alliance like NATO, it is seen by some as a potential counterweight to growing Chinese influence and alleged aggression in Asia-Pacific. While members have emphasized the more benign aspects of the relationship, such as recent cooperation on the coronavirus pandemic, the potential for military encirclement by countries has not gone unnoticed by Beijing. As early as 2007, when the first Quad meetings were proposed, China issued formal diplomatic protests to all parties involved, and later that year Australia pulled out over fears of offending Beijing, and the alliance was put on hold until 2017, when meetings resumed, in large part due to growing concerns over Chinese advances in the South China Sea. Potentially, an anti-China bloc led by the US could be far larger than the Quad. During a telephone call earlier this month between Modi and US President Donald Trump, the American leader invited India to join the next G7 summit. They also, according to White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany, discussed "the situation on the India-China border." Trump has previously spoken of wanting to expand the traditional grouping of mostly European and North American states to include Washington's allies Australia and South Korea, as well use this year's planned meeting to "discuss China's future." India has traditionally been wary of getting too close to the US, seeking to balance that relationship with strong economic -- if not always diplomatic -- ties to Beijing. Amid growing pressure on its border, however, and what appears to be a strong personal bond between Trump and Modi, this could be the perfect time for such a pivot. Greater Indian participation in both the Quad and other military alliances with the US would have benefits for Washington, according to foreign affairs analyst Amrita Jash, who wrote this week that "India's strong foothold in the Indo-Pacific provides a counterbalance to China's growing footprint in the Indian Ocean." Not without cost Both Delhi and Beijing have spoken of the desire to deescalate and preserve a peaceful relationship following this week's clash in the Himalayas, but many experts are skeptical about how feasible, or sustainable this is. Aidan Milliff, an expert on political violence and South Asia at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, predicted this month that the latest conflict could "portend the development of a Sino-Indian situation that reflects an 'ugly stability' between India and Pakistan: persistent low-level conflicts and political-military crises that simmer below the threshold of conventional war." Already shaky ties between Beijing and Delhi had already been harmed by the coronavirus pandemic, with many in India blaming China for its initial mishandling of the crisis and Chinese officials frustrated by their Indian counterparts' perceived failure to express support for Beijing at the World Health Organization and other international forums. Any major shift towards the Quad or Washington alone would likely only take place if Delhi believes relations with Beijing are beyond repair, however, as they could come with high costs for both India and China. Under Modi, India's economic engagement with China has been increasing. Together, the two countries account for 17.6% of the global economy. But although China is India's largest trading partner, their estimated $84 billion bilateral trade in 2017/18 was a mere fraction of the US-China trade volume, which stood at almost $600 billion. Before the coronavirus pandemic, China was gradually emerging as a major foreign investor in the growing Indian market, but that trend has been halted by new investment rules passed by Delhi widely seen as aimed at Chinese firms. Economic pain is not the only thing that will be jointly shared. While Beijing may be loathe to see India cosying up to the US and Japan, it can respond by increasing support for Delhi's major rival: Pakistan. China has close economic, diplomatic and military ties with Pakistan, making it one of the nation's closest allies in the region. Between 2008 and 2017, Islamabad purchased more than $6 billion of Chinese arms, according to think tank CSIS. China has also invested billions in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, an integral part of Xi's Belt and Road trade and infrastructure mega-project. Protecting that corridor was seen by some analysts as a driving factor behind the recent spat in the Himalayas, another factor in which was recent Indian moves over Kashmir, in which China supported Pakistan in a failed attempt to censure Delhi at the United Nations. Similarly, China has made diplomatic and economic inroads in countries traditionally considered as within Delhi's sphere of influence, including Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. India's South Asian neighbors have also increasingly looked to China for assistance during the coronavirus pandemic, accelerating a trend that seen Beijing invest heavily in the region. The willingness of Nepal, in particular, to work with Beijing has led to concerns in Delhi of potential geopolitical realignment. Nepal, which is sandwiched between India and China, and has recently butted heads with its southern neighbor over a decision to approve a revised map that includes areas claimed by Delhi. Part of the problem in the region are the messy, widely disputed borders that many of the countries share. If relations continue to worsen between Beijing and Delhi, however, they may seem like nothing compared to the nightmare of geopolitical complications that could arise across all of Asia-Pacific. This story was first published on CNN.com A border dispute with China may push India closer to some of Beijing's top rivals A n artist has created face coverings using the smiles of historical figures to raise money for NHS workers. Ron Arads designs feature the lower half of the faces of Albert Einstein, Salvador Dali, Marilyn Monroe, Winston Churchill, Florence Nightingale and Mona Lisa. Two portraits painted by Matisse and two by Picasso also feature in the collection. Stars including Stephen Fry, Jason Isaacs, left, and Natasha Kaplinsky have been spotted wearing the designs. Proceeds will go to the artists Smile For Carers campaign and then donated to various causes supporting NHS frontline workers. The masks cost 9 each or 18 for three. Visit smile4ourcarers.co.uk By Laman Ismayilova Baku Book Center will hold a virtual event in support of the Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Bahram Bagirzade. As part of the project, Trend News Agency's correspondent Vugar Imanov will read out Bahram Bagirzades books for children for students on June 20. The event will be streamed on Baku Book Center's social networks. Bahram Bagirzade is in an intensive care unit in a hospital in Baku where he is being treated for COVID-19. Bagirzade is a member of the Azerbaijan Union of Artists, the Union of Cinematographers as well as Association of Photographers and Society of Cartoonists. He is the author of more than thirty books about prominent public and art figures such as Gara Garayev, Vagif Mustafazade, Sakit Mammadov and others. Founded in 2018, Baku Book Center encourages people in reading book as a bearer of cultural, spiritual values and useful knowledge. Here booklovers can also take part in presentations of books, literary and musical evenings, meetings with cultural and art workers, thematic master classes and much more. The Center also organizes events with the participation of international organizations and diplomatic missions. By the decision of the CIS Executive Committee, Baku Book Center has been awarded the diploma "For the great work in development of domestic book distribution and international book exchange in 2018." --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Markus Braun, CEO of Wirecard. (Peter Kneffel/Picture Alliance via Getty) Wirecard (WDI.DE) chief executive Markus Braun has stepped down, the German company said in a statement this afternoon. Brauns resignation comes after it was revealed this week that the company cannot account for 1.9bn (1.7bn, $2.1bn) in cash missing from its accounts. The news prompted its stock price to plunge by over 60% on the DAX on Thursday (18 June), and to collapse again on Friday by almost half, chopping around 10bn off its value in less than two days. The stock recovered slightly on news of Brauns resignation. Braun is the second head to roll at the troubled German company this week: on Thursday chief operating officer Jan Marsalek was temporarily suspended. James Freis, who was already teed up to start as head of Wirecards new Integrity, Legal, and Compliance department will now take over as interims boss of the company. Wirecard said on Thursday that its auditor EY had refused to sign off its accounts for 2019, as it could not confirm the existence of 1.9bn in cash balances on trust accounts. "At present it cannot be ruled out that Wirecard has become the aggrieved party in a case of fraud of considerable proportions," the company chief executive Markus Braun said in a video statement released on Friday. EY said more audits were required after two Asian banks that have been managing the companys escrow were unable to locate accounts with about 1.9bn in funds. It is currently unclear why the two banks have stated to the auditor that the confirmations are spurious. The trustee has announced to Wirecard AG that he will clarify the facts of the matter with the two banks managing the trust accounts at short notice, Braun said. The company, which joined the German blue-chip DAX in 2018, said that the delay could mean billions in loans may need to be called in immediately. African-American band at Emancipation Day celebration on June 19, 1900, in Austin, Texas. (Austin History Center, Austin Public Library) Growing up in Natchez, Miss., in the 50s and 60s, I had never heard of Juneteenth, the celebration of the end of slavery in America that took place two states over in Texas. It will be commemorated today with programs, marches and other festivities in communities in the 47 states where June 19 is now an official holiday. June 19, 1865, which has come to be known as Juneteenth, is the day that Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger finally arrived in the Texas port city of Galveston, one of the last Confederate outposts, with a stunning announcement known as General Orders, No. 3: The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. Texas was the last state to receive the news that President Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation had, more than two years earlier, abolished the enslavement of nearly 4 million African-Americans, including 250,000 in Texas. The news set off spontaneous celebration among the freedmen of Galveston, and beginning in 1866, community events, parades, cookouts, prayer gatherings and musical performances inaugurated Juneteenth. The annual event has continued and spread from a largely Texas tradition to a national celebration of African-American freedom and culture, and a way to empower young people with a sense of their own history. Juneteenth became an official state holiday in Texas on Jan. 1, 1980. This year, in the wake of the Memorial Day death of George Floyd, an African-American man, under the knee of a white police officer in Minneapolis, which sparked nationwide protests, Juneteenth is a potent reminder of how Americas past and present are inextricably connected. Acknowledging an awakening, over 20 major corporations announced they will either honor or recognize today as a paid holiday for their employees as a nod to support for the Black community, according to CNBC. They include Google, JP Morgan, JCPenney, Target and Nike. General Motors announced it will hold moments of silence at its plants in American cities. There is also renewed push to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Story continues The new mood is a welcome change, but it is also a reminder that African-American history, which is to say American history, has many hidden figures, traditions and customs. As a youngster, I was never taught about Juneteenth. But in Natchez we had our own annual unique event celebrating the end of slavery, which also commemorated and honored the participation of African-American ancestors in their own liberation. It was known simply as the 30th of May. It was and still is that rare ceremony in the South that celebrates the Union cause in the Civil War, and the valor of the soldiers these honored dead, as Lincoln called them in the Gettysburg Address who fought and died for that side. Natchez "30th of May" marchers, circa 1950s. (Courtesy NAPAC Museum) Like Juneteenth, the 30th of May was a daylong celebration of fun, barbecue, snow cones and hot dogs. It kicked off with an early-morning parade across the Mississippi River Bridge from Natchez in Vidalia, La., and snaked through the downtown district. Flag-carrying veterans, church society women in their white uniforms and regular citizens swelled the ranks as the marchers streamed into the National Cemetery. Vendors with food stands lined the street, and inside the grounds, the marchers placed flowers and flags on the headstones under the sound of a brass band and military gun salute. I was probably 8 the first time I attended a 30th of May event with my parents and siblings, and even then I was aware that for all the fun and food, there was something serious and important that we were celebrating. As I would learn later, we were honoring a remarkable and little-appreciated aspect of the Civil War, and the role that runaway slaves played in turning the war into a battle for freedom. Fifty years before the war, Natchez, the oldest European settlement on the Mississippi, had been the site of Forks of the Road, the second-largest domestic slave trading center in America. Then, after Union troops arrived in the city in July 1863, the Forks became a staging ground for the liberation of thousands of former slaves. When the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), a fraternal organization of Civil War Union veterans, both white and Black, began the national tradition of Decoration Day in 1868, Natchezs Union casualties, nearly all Black, were interred on the site that is now the Natchez National Cemetery. In his 2001 book Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory, Yale historian David Blight traces the first events of what became known as Decoration Day, and what is now known as Memorial Day, to May 1865, after the first Union troops, including the 21st Colored Infantry, entered Charleston, S.C. At a planters racetrack that had been converted into an outdoor prison for Union soldiers in the wars last year, a group of Black workmen descended on what had been an impromptu mass burial ground for hundreds of Union dead. They reburied them properly and built a high fence around the compound with the inscription Martyrs of the Race Course, Blight recounts. A statue in Galveston, Texas, depicts a man holding the state law that made Juneteenth a state holiday. (David J. Phillip/AP) Thousands of Black schoolchildren, Black women carrying baskets of flowers and wreaths, and regiments of Black and white Union soldiers joined in a march to the former slaveholders racecourse on the first Decoration Day. Most Southern states would not officially recognize Decoration Day because it honored Union soldiers, says Darrell White, director of the Natchez Museum for African American History and Culture, which was established in 1991 by NAPAC, the Natchez Association for the Preservation of African American Culture. But in Natchez, where the transition of Black people from slavery to freedom and citizenship came with a heavy price of blood, the 30th of May pilgrimage to the National Cemetery became a lasting tradition. While word of the Emancipation Proclamation was a long time coming to the enslaved people of Texas, they may have taken some satisfaction in the knowledge that their brethren werent just waiting to be told they were free. Almost 200,000 self-emancipated Black men had enlarged the Union forces elsewhere in the South and helped seal a Union victory. Vern E. Smith is the former Atlanta bureau chief of Newsweek. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Wikipedia has been a go-to site for medical information during the COVID-19 pandemic, getting more than 10 million hits per day from people seeking medical content including information on the novel coronavirus. And while you are clicking on the site looking for the latest COVID-19 information, a Saskatchewan-born and educated doctor is one of the people on the other side of the site, ensuring that the information you see is indeed accurate. Dr. James Heilman is that Wikipedian. When he's not editing the site, he is also the head of the emergency department at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook, B.C. "There's a whole number of layers of quality assurance," Heilman told CBC Radio's The Afternoon Edition, but added, "If you are making an important decision, I wouldn't base it 100 per cent on what you read on Wikipedia's pages." Heilman said the very first entry about this current pandemic showed up as a single sentence on Jan. 6 this year. There were only 44 cases recorded at the time; now there are more than 8.5 million cases in the world, and counting. Wikipedia's COVID-19 content has grown rapidly and since that first entry, about 58,000 people have made more than 700,000 edits in the topic area. The COVID-19 information also exists in 175 languages. Heilman said when there are issues with Wikipedia, "it's often that information is missing or at times, out of date." When it comes to COVID-19, Wikipedia prioritizes information from reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Health Canada, according to Heilman. Heilman was born near Cochin, Sask., a resort village 153 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon, and is a graduate from the University of Saskatchewan's School of Medicine. His relationship with Wikipedia began one quiet night in the emergency room about 13 years ago: Heilman was looking at a page that had a few minor issues. Story continues "Then I noticed an edit button, and I hit that edit button, and I realized I could fix the internet," said Heilman. "That's what roped me in and I've been trying to fix the internet ever since." For the past year, Heilman says he puts in about 20 hours a week on Wikipedia content. It's also a fraction of what he has done in the past. Submitted by James Heilman He has, at times, dedicated as many as 60 hours per week to Wikipedia. At one point a few years ago, he reduced his time working in the emergency room so that he could spend more time doing his Wikipedia work. Heilman likes the encyclopedia of the internet because it shows the origin of every article and every change made along the way. Because anyone can contribute to Wikipedia and initially anyone can edit the pages on the site, some people criticize its accuracy. Heilman says that Wikipedia is actually pretty accurate. Regardless, his advice is to double check and verify for yourself. Heilman would give the same recommendation for any source because anything you find on the internet can potentially contain errors. Heilman points out that content on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are often plagued with errors, far more so than Wikipedia. Submitted by James Heilman One of the reasons he is so passionate about the site is its usefulness which allows it to help people, even those without internet access. Heilman works with others to package Wikipedia content into offline mobile apps for those in remote places. "This way, people can download all of Wikipedia's medical content when they have access to the internet and then when they return to their communities, where there is no access, they can still browse that content because it's downloaded on their phone." One of the most far reaching projects he's collaborating on is called "Internet in a Box." Heilman downloads all of Wikipedia's content onto miniature computers and then he mails the small computers to places around the world, where the internet doesn't exist or where there is little internet access. "I've sent these computers to Papua New Guinea, Uruguay, Argentina, Cuba. I even sent some to Puerto Rico when they were struggling after the hurricane when the power and electricity went down," he said. Heilman said he's shipped some to nursing schools, small medical clinics and libraries in far flung places, always with the hope to give people access to information. Burma Another Low-Level Administrator Killed in Myanmars Rakhine State The place where the body of the murdered GAD clerk was found in Kyaukphyu Township / Lei Wadi Kula Rakhita Philanthropic Association / Facebook In a new essay penned for TIME magazine on Thursday, Angelina Jolie urged Americans to view the ongoing fight for 'human rights and equality' as 'one fight' taking place across the world. 'As the burning injustice of discrimination and racism in America bursts to the forefront, we must also address persecution and oppression rising globally, depriving millions of their rights, their liberty and their physical safety,' began the 45-year-old actress. Jolie - who is special envoy for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees - revealed that 'nearly 80million' people globally 'have been forced from their homes by extreme persecution and violence, and are living as refugees.' Going global: In a new essay penned for TIME magazine on Thursday, Angelina Jolie urged Americans to view the ongoing fight for 'human rights and equality' as 'one fight' taking place across the world; Angelina pictured with Syrian refugees in 2015 The data, which was published by the U.N. Refugee Agency, is considered 'the highest number since records began, according to available data.' 'For the first time, forced displacement is affecting more than one percent of humanity, or 1 in every 97 people. 'These are people fleeing attacks on schools and hospitals, mass sexual violence, the siege and starvation of whole cities, the murderous oppression of terrorist groups, and decades of institutionalized persecution based on religion, gender or sexuality,' wrote the Mr. And Mrs. Smith star. Jolie marveled at the fact that 'global displacement has almost doubled since 2010' and that 'more people are being forced to leave their homes on a larger scale in more places and at one of the fastest rates in living memory.' Highest ever: Jolie - who is special envoy for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees - revealed that 'nearly 80million' people globally 'have been forced from their homes by extreme persecution and violence, and are living as refugees'; Angelina pictured in 2018 As to why the numbers have increased so rapidly, Angelina believes that the economic crash in 2008 'fueled hardship and anger and discontent' globally, which has led to a warped view of refugees. '...Refugees are often regarded as a burden, greeted with xenophobia and racism, and denigrated and dehumanized in politics and the media,' explained Angelina. She went on to slam nations for not 'regarding human displacement as a temporary, man-made phenomenon we have the power to influence.' 'But from my personal experience the vast majority of refugees want to return home, and would do so, if their home countries were stable. Doubled: Jolie marveled at the fact that 'global displacement has almost doubled since 2010' and that 'more people are being forced to leave their homes on a larger scale in more places and at one of the fastest rates in living memory'; Angelina and an Iraqi refugee pictured in 2007 Economic crash: As to why the numbers have increased so rapidly, Angelina believes that the economic crash in 2008 'fueled hardship and anger and discontent' globally, which has led to a warped view of refugees; Angelina pictured with refugees outside Mafraq, Jordan in 2012 'Working to solve the conflict in any one of the top five refugee producing countries, from Syria to Myanmar, would bring the overall number of displaced people down by millions.' She called out the United States for being 'quick to criticize the human rights records of adversaries' while staying silent 'when conflicts creating displacement and misery involve our allies.' 'When we start to pick and choose which countries or peoples we help, from our humanitarian assistance to our asylum policies, we ourselves are discriminating: assigning different levels of importance to different peoples, races, religions and ethnicities, violating the fundamental principle that we are all born equal.' Hypocritical: She called out the United States for being 'quick to criticize the human rights records of adversaries' while staying silent 'when conflicts creating displacement and misery involve our allies'; Angelina pictured during an interfaith Iftar reception to mark World Refugee Day in 2016 Angelina believes that 'Americans are not taught enough to respect and admire the cultures and contributions of countries with histories far longer than our own.' And that without this 'deep understanding' of global cultures, Americans cannot 'have a truly deep understanding of [their] own history, and the acts [their] country was built upon.' 'What has become clear to me through my work is that the fight for human rights and equality is universal. It is one fight, wherever we live, and however different our circumstances might be. 'There is a dividing line running across our world between those who have rights and freedom and those who do not. Who we choose to stand with, and how much we are prepared to change and to fight, should not stop at our borders,' she concluded. Clare Crawley will soon start filming her postponed season of The Bachelorette in a 'bubble' located away from the familiar mansion, according to an ABC executive. Matt James, 28, who was recently announced as the first black star of The Bachelor will hopefully begin filming by the end of September, said Rob Mills, vice president of alternative programming during an interview Wednesday with Ryan Seacrest, 45. 'Here's what were going to do: For Clare's season, which is going to come first, that's going to shoot in about a month,' Rob said. 'Everybody is going to be at one location. Everybody is going to be tested a week before; everybody comes back negative; we shoot; and they're inside that bubble'. Bubble bound: Clare Crawley, shown in March in New York City, will begin shooting The Bachelorette 'in about a month' in a 'bubble' due to the coronavirus pandemic Clare, 39, was announced as The Bachelorette on March 2 on Good Morning America and season 16 of the series was set to premiere in May, but it was postponed due to Hollywood production halting in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Rob told On Air With Ryan Seacrest that Claire also will be filming her season at a new location. 'They won't be at The Bachelor mansion. They'll be at some sort of resort and we've scouted several of them and all of them have been scouted for good date locations,' Rob revealed. A romantic trip to Italy for Clare and her suitors also was canceled due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. September start: Matt James, who will be the first black star of The Bachelor, will follow Clare with filming expected to start by the end of September, said ABC executive Rob Mills 'We had incredible travel planned for Clare's season. We were going to Italy all these places that were going to be great but there will be plenty of different date locations that will feel hopefully as close to The Bachelorette as possible,' Rob said. The network has hopes that Matt in the fall can start filming back at the mansion. 'We're hoping to start on time which will be the end of September and we'll see where the world is,' Rob said. 'Hopefully that's when we would be at The Bachelor mansion. Maybe there's some travel. Maybe it's just domestic. Maybe it's by bus, but we'll see. If not, if things aren't that safe, we'll shoot it the same way [as Clare's] where everybody is safe; they're tested; they're quarantined; and then you can have kissing, arguing and everything else.' Pandemic postponement: Clare, 39, was announced as The Bachelorette on March 2 on Good Morning America and season 16 of the series was set to premiere in May, but it was postponed due to Hollywood production halting in response to the coronavirus pandemic Clare at age 39 is the oldest Bachelorette in the history of the franchise, passing Rachel Lindsay, 35, who was 32 when she starred on season 13 of The Bachelorette. Sacramento, California-native Clare was the runner-up on season 18 of The Bachelor featuring Juan Pablo Galvais, 38, who was the first Latino star of the franchise. It was announced Friday that Matt would become the first black star of The Bachelor in the show's 18-year history amid nationwide protests over systemic racism and police brutality against blacks. 'We know we have a responsibility to make sure the love stories we're seeing onscreen are representative of the world we live in, and we are proudly in service to our audience,' ABC said in a statement. 'This is just the beginning, and we will continue to take action with regard to diversity issues on this franchise. We feel so privileged to have Matt as our first Black Bachelor and we cannot wait to embark on this journey with him.' Last Monday opened with an unprecedented scene of three cruise ships in the Kingstown bay area. They brought home Vincentian crew members, including two new COVID-19cases, not tourists. St Vincent and the Grenadines, as of last Wednesday (June 17), had recorded 29 cases of COVID-19 according to health officials. That figure registered an increase by two since the official figures were last released. The two new confirmed cases were said to be from among 59 Crew members of the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, who arrived here on June 15. Samples for the 59 Crew members were tested as part of a batch of 83 samples sent for testing at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) lab in Trinidad, Results showed the two confirmed cases. The remaining 57 crew members on board Royal Caribbean tested negative. The two new cases have since been isolated in a government facility for fourteen (14) days, and the remaining 57 members will continue mandatory quarantine for a period of fourteen (14) days. As for 19 students who arrived over the weekend from Barbados at the Argyle International Airport, none of the students tested positive following the first round of testing, according to a release from the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) on behalf the Health Services Subcommittee - National Emergency Committee. Samples for three Disney Cruise Lines Crew members who also arrived here on June 15, were sent to Trinidad for testing on Wednesday, according to Chief Medical Officer Simone Keizer-Beache. Crew members from Norwegian Cruise Lines also arrived here this week. The latest positive results mean that this country now has four active cases of COVID-19 with 25 persons having recovered. Those active persons are being held in isolation for fourteen days at a government facility. The Houston Fire Department is searching for four suspects caught on video setting a fire that led to an explosion at Bar 5015 last week. Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pena said during a press conference that the fire, which occurred around 5 a.m. on Friday, June 12, caused more than $750,000 in damage to the business. Bar 5015 is located at 5015 Almeda Road. According to Chief Investigator of Arson George Smith, also present during the press conference, four unidentified men walked into the bar, each carrying a five gallon container of flammable liquid. STILL MISSING: Fort Hood commander launches sexual harassment investigation in Vanessa Guillen's disappearance The men poured the liquid on the chairs, table and deck, causing a buildup underneath. One of the men also poured a trail of liquid down the ramp just before lighting it and causing all the accumulated fumes underneath the deck to explode. Smith said due to the distance of the men to the fire, they believe one or all of them have burns or glass injuries. The fire also caused collateral damage to the neighboring business and broke windows of some surrounding homes. Pena said HFD has partnered with ATF in the investigation and will make a point that "this will not be tolerated." "The issue that this was an intentionally set fire that caused an explosion is a huge concern for us in this community," said Pena. "We will put all the resources that we have available to us to ensure that we solve this incident and prevent anything like this from happening again." If you have any information that can help investigators, you're asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. At a meeting in Vienna, the International Atomic Energy Authority (AEA) called on Iran to stop blocking its inspectors from two sites: REUTERS/Carlos Barria/ Western European diplomats are working on how to save the Iran nuclear accord in a day of important developments on the issue which saw Tehran censured by the UN nuclear watchdog, and the US reiterate its demand that a key part of the deal is scrapped. Foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany - three signatory states to the agreement - met in Berlin to formulate a strategy for the next crucial months with Iran and its nuclear programme under focus. At a meeting in Vienna, the International Atomic Energy Authority (AEA) called on Iran to stop blocking its inspectors from two sites and the Trump administration announced that it has drafted an extension to an arms embargo on Iran which is due to be lifted in a few months time. The IAEA motion was proposed by France, Germany and Britain after sustained US pressure. And although it was passed by the 35 nation board of governors, Russian and China, two fellow signatories to the nuclear agreement, opposed it and eight other countries abstained. The lifting of the UN arms embargo on Iran is due to happen in October as part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The Trump administration, which pulled out of the agreement two years ago, wants it to continue. Washington has threatened that a rejection of an extension by the UN Security Council will lead to it activating a clause to re-impose all UN sanctions on Iran. Such a move would, almost certainly, kill off the JCPOA which was signed after years of painstaking negotiations in 2015. Brian Hook, the USs special envoy on Iran, confirmed we have drafted a resolution on extending the embargo. The last thing the Middle East needs now is more weapons enabling Iran to attack other countries, as it has attacked Saudi Arabia. Before the Berlin meeting got under way, the French foreign minister, Jean-Yven Le Drian, stressed that his country, the UK and Germany the E3 were doing their utmost to keep the nuclear deal alive. But a senior diplomat from a West European country said: It is getting very difficult. We need Iran to let the IAEA into these sites and then we have the issue of the embargo in the Autumn. Things may change, of course, if there is a new occupant in the White House after November. Story continues Following the Berlin meeting the E3 foreign ministers issued a statement condemning Tehrans alleged breaches, but also warning that the US re-imposing UN sanctions on Iran will have severe adverse consequences. The foreign ministers of the UK, France and Germany said in statement after the meeting: We share fundamental common security interests, along with our European partners. One of them is upholding the nuclear non-proliferation regime, and ensuring that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) plays a key role in this respect. We have stated unequivocally our regret and concern at the decision by the United States to withdraw from the JCPoA and to re-impose sanctions on Iran. Since May 2018, we have worked tirelessly to preserve the agreement. Since 2019, Iran has taken nuclear measures contrary to its commitments under the JCPoA. We are deeply concerned by those actions, which seriously undermine the non-proliferation benefits of the agreement. ... We also note with grave concern that ... Iran has denied the access requested by the Agency for many months. We firmly believe that any unilateral attempt to trigger UN sanctions snapback would have serious adverse consequences in the UNSC. We would not support such a decision which would be incompatible with our current efforts to preserve the JCPOA. Iran had allowed the inspections to continue apart from at the two sites in question. Tehran says that IAEA asking for access to the sites is in breach of its own statutes, and the demands to do so were based on fake information coming from Israel. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Irans foreign minister, said before the vote that that his country had nothing to hide and the IAEA resolution would ruin attempts to reach agreement on visits to the facilities. China stated that it deeply regretted the result and warned of potentially huge implications for the future of the nuclear agreement. Mikhail Ulyanov, Moscows ambassador to the IAEA, said the vote could prove counterproductive, adding that Tehran and the UN agency should settle the site access question without delay. Saudi Arabias ambassador to the IAEA, Prince Khalid bin Sultan, said: For more than four months, Iran has continued to provide irrational justifications in its refusal for the IAEAs request to allow two inspectors to verify any undeclared nuclear material and activities at the sites under its safeguards agreement and additional protocol with the IAEA.This reinforces doubts about Irans nuclear programme intentions and what it is seeking to reach.. Read more Fears of second wave as Iran Covid-19 deaths spike to two-month high Split between Trump, Pentagon and military top brass laid bare US Navy veteran detained in Iran for two years en route home The real reason Iran is backing down in its conflict with the US A draft UN resolution would maintain two border crossing points from Turkey to deliver humanitarian aid to Syrias mainly rebel-held northwest and reopen an Iraqi crossing to the northeast to deliver medical supplies for the Covid-19 pandemic. Russia, which insisted the Iraqi crossing be shut in January, holds the key to future cross-border operations. It contends cross-border aid was meant to be a temporary response to the nine-year Syrian conflict and the situation on the ground has changed. The proposed Security Council resolution, drafted by Belgium and Germany and obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, emphasises that 11 million Syrians need aid and that cross-border deliveries remain an urgent and temporary solution to help them. It states that the pandemic presents a profound challenge to Syrias health system, socio-economic and humanitarian situations and heightens the imperative of using every possible means of reaching people in need. In January, Russia scored a victory for its close ally Syria, using its veto threat to force the Security Council to adopt a resolution reducing the number of crossing points for aid deliveries from four to just two, from Turkey to the northwest. It also cut in half the year-long mandate that had been in place since cross-border deliveries began in 2014 to six months, as Russia insisted. The newly circulated draft resolution would extend the mandate for the two border crossings from Turkey to the northwest - Bab al-Salam and Bab al-Hawa - for a year. And it would reopen the Al Yarubiyah crossing from Iraq for an initial period of six months until January 10, 2021, and for an additional six-month period if the council decides the impact of the pandemic warrants it after evaluating a report to be done by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Last month, UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock called the northwest border operation a lifeline for millions of civilians whom the UN cannot reach by other means, saying deliveries are at record levels with 1,365 trucks crossing from Turkey in April. Al Yarubiyah had been used mainly to deliver medical supplies to the northeast and while a first road delivery from Syria made it to the region in May, UN officials say the crossing from Iraq is essential to bring in Covid-19 supplies. Human Rights Watchs UN Director Louis Charbonneau said its research in late April showed that restrictions on aid from Damasus and Iraq were preventing medical supplies and personnel from reaching two million people in the northeast, where there were dozens of confirmed Covid-19 cases in May and at least three deaths. The UN Security Council - including Russia - needs to act quickly to reauthorise medical aid deliveries from Iran to Syrias northeast to prevent further spread of Covid-19 that could devastate the region, Charbonneau said, stressing that alternatives to Al Yarubiyah proposed by Russia and others have failed to close the gap. Whether Russia will allow the Al Yarubiyah reopening remains to be seen. The current mandate for the two Turkish crossings ends on July 10, and the Security Council hasnt yet engaged in serious discussions on the Belgian-German draft resolution. Last month, Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said in response to Lowcock and calls by US Ambassador Kelly Craft for the Iraq crossing to be opened: Do not waste your time on efforts to reopen the closed cross-border points. Doctors say lives are being put at risk as overcrowding returns to the nations emergency departments, leaving patients stuck in corridors for hours or days and creating "the ideal environment for COVID-19 to spread. The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and the Australian Medical Association is reporting that after a notable dip in emergency visits early in the coronavirus crisis, numbers have returned to near normal. Emergency department doctor Sarah Whitelaw at the Royal Melbourne Hospital Credit:Simon Schluter At the same time, hospitals are under strain managing new social distancing and infection control requirements, while the gradual return of elective surgery has reduced the number of beds available. Crowding is being reported in all jurisdictions but is said to be most dire in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory. TAMPA, FL As of 5 p.m. Friday, Tampa residents heading out for a night on the town better make sure they're wearing face masks. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor announced Thursday that she is mandating that all Tampa employees and customers wear face masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Castor made the announcement during Thursday's Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group meeting. If we wear masks, we can put an end to this spread. That is the bottom line, Castor said. The order will take effect at 5 p.m. Friday and apply to all indoor locations outside the home when residents can't maintain a six-foot separation from others said Castor in a Facebook announcement. Those violating the order could receive a civil citation. Children under 2 are exempt. She added that the city will provide masks to anyone who needs one. Castor said she's concerned about a recent uptick in positive cases of the coronavirus among millennials since businesses have reopened and people have gone back to work. She said five ZIP codes in the city have the highest rate of positive cases per 1,000 residents. See Hillsborough County cases by ZIP code. They include downtown Tampa, West Tampa and the airport, East Tampa and the area around the University of South Florida. The only way to stop this is to wear a mask. Thats the only way, Castor said. I, for one, dont want to wait until we get past the point of no return. Face masks may become a countywide fashion accessory. Taking its cue from Castor, the EPG voted 5-3 Thursday to have the county attorney's office draft a mandatory mask order to be voted on at Monday's EPG meeting. Voting in favor of the order were Hillsborough County Commissioners Sandy Murman and Kimberly Overman, commission chairman Les Miller, acting Temple Terrace Mayor Andy Ross and Castor. Hillsborough School Board chairwoman Melissa Snively, Sheriff Chad Chronister and Plant City Mayor Rick Lott voted against the order. Story continues The vote came after a presentation by Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott A. Rivkees who emphasized the importance of masks in preventing the spread of the coronavirus. He said those in the 15 to 34 age group testing positive for coronavirus is becoming a statewide trend. EPG members are especially concerned because the number of people being admitted to area hospitals with the coronavirus is on the increase. Members suggested creating a special response team to concentrate on education efforts and distribute face coverings to residents in areas with the largest number of coronavirus cases. This article originally appeared on the Tampa Patch NEW DELHI - Indias prime minister said Friday that the entire country is hurt and angry at the killing of 20 soldiers by Chinese forces in a disputed Himalayan border region, while denying assertions that any Indian territory had been lost. Addressing a meeting of top opposition leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country today has such capability that no one can even dare look towards an inch of our land. Modi underscored that India wants peace and friendship, but upholding sovereignty is foremost. Sonia Gandhi, the main opposition Congress party chief, had earlier questioned whether intelligence failures had allowed China to build up forces in the area and she called for tough government action in getting China to leave Indian territory. We are still in the dark about many crucial aspects of the crisis, she said. India and China accuse each other of instigating Mondays fight in the Galwan Valley, part of the disputed Ladakh region along the Himalayan frontier. China has not said whether it suffered any casualties in what was the deadliest conflict between the sides in 45 years. Both countries said they were communicating through military and diplomatic channels and stressed the importance of their broader relationship. Experts say the two nations are unlikely to head to war, but easing tensions quickly will be difficult. China on Friday maintained its position that India is to blame for the clash. The right and wrong is very clear and the responsibility lies entirely with the Indian side, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said. Both India and China have denied media reports that Indian soldiers were in Chinese custody. During Mondays clash soldiers brawled with clubs, rocks and their fists in the thin air at 4,270 metres (14,000 feet) above sea level, but no shots were fired, Indian officials have said. The soldiers carry firearms but are not allowed to use them under a previous agreement in the border dispute. Indian security officials have said the fatalities were caused by severe injuries and exposure to subfreezing temperatures. The clash escalated a standoff that began in early May, when Indian officials said Chinese soldiers crossed the border in three places, erecting tents and guard posts and ignoring warnings to leave. That triggered shouting matches, stone-throwing and fistfights between the opposing sides, much of it replayed on TV news programs and in social media. The action has taken place along a remote stretch of the 3,380-kilometre (2,100-mile) Line of Actual Control the border established following a war between India and China in 1962 that resulted in an uneasy truce. The rules of engagement along the Line of Actual Control which prohibit using live ammunition but also ban physical contact between soldiers will have to be renegotiated, defence analyst Rahul Bedi said. There is a lot of pressure on the Indian side, the emotions are high among the public, Bedi said. It remains to be seen whether India will sit down at the negotiating table with China and say it will like to change these agreements to make them a little more aggressive or offensive in nature, he said. In Fridays meeting with Modi, Gandhi said the entire country would like assurances that China will move its forces back to the Line of Actual Control. Other opposition leaders echoed her call. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said there was no intelligence failure on the part of the army. Modi maintained no Indian territory had been captured by China and praised the sacrifice of the soldiers killed, saying they taught a lesson to those who had dared to look towards our motherland. The nation will forever remember their valour and sacrifice, he said. The clash has fanned growing anti-Chinese sentiments in India, which were already high because of the coronavirus pandemic, which began in China late last year. Indias caseload has climbed to fourth-highest in the world. An Indian business confederation called for a boycott of 500 Chinese goods, including toys and textiles, to express strong criticism of Chinas action in Ladakh. Taylor Fravel, director of the Security Studies Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said China was trying to put pressure on India, and he didnt think Beijing wanted a violent clash between their armies. From a strategic perspective, Fravel said, China should want to drive a wedge between India and the United States to prevent any kind of counter-balance coalition. The deaths and the clash on Monday night will probably very quickly and much more rapidly push India closer to the United States, which I think is probably not what China wants, he said. G. Parthasarthy, a retired Indian diplomat, said that both China and Pakistan Indias archrival were aiming at low-cost containment of India. China has a hangup against India and its civilization. For us to expect China will be a friendly neighbour . It will never be a friendly relationship. China claims about 90,000 square kilometres (35,000 square miles) of territory in Indias northeast, while India says China occupies 38,000 square kilometres (15,000 square miles) of its territory in the Aksai Chin Plateau in the Himalayas, a contiguous part of the Ladakh region. India unilaterally declared Ladakh a federal territory while separating it from disputed Kashmir in August 2019. China was among the countries to condemn the move, raising it at forums including the U.N. Security Council. India was elected to the council this week. SPRINGFIELD In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and protests in defense of Black lives, Athena Gamble decided to launch her own business in Springfield offering up sweet treats during a very difficult time. Snap, Crackle & Pop is a gourmet popcorn business featuring flavor combinations like cookies and cream and pecan popcorn. It was definitely a risk, but one worth taking because it has been selling like crazy, said Gamble, who joined dozens of businesses owners Friday in Springfields Court Square to celebrate Juneteenth. Juneteenth marks the day June 19, 1865 that enslaved African Americans in Texas received word they were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The Western Massachusetts Black Chamber of Commerce, Real Recognize Fake and Peaceful Roots 413 decided that highlighting Black-owned businesses was one way to celebrate the historic day while at the same time promoting economic development. The whole concept is stating to the city of Springfield that Black businesses matter, said Tiffany Allecia, founder of Real Recognize Fake, a Springfield-based community group. Just the way we have been systematically oppressed, we want people to systematically invest in Black-owned businesses. Allecia said there is a myth that Springfield does not have anything going on. People think there is nothing in Springfield, no one is opening businesses and no one is doing things of value. After today we want people to see that everything we need is right here in Springfield and that we should invest in our city, she said. The event kicked off at DeBerry Park on Union Street and included performances by Black artists and a march downtown by Black business owners and their allies. Its important to have events like this in the community because we have to educate our minds to understand that the true power is in wealth, said Springfield City Councilor Malo Brown. Sometimes we forget that we need to support Black businesses and how far a dollar in our community can go. Brown said the coronavirus pandemic has hit urban communities, which are densely populated, pretty hard. When it comes to services and health care and day-to-day life, those are the communities most affected, he said. If you look in the news there have been shootings hour after hour, tensions are high. Its about economical and societal oppression. When we can start fighting that by supporting Black businesses and each other then we can create steps to overcome it. Greg Ellerbee, president of the Western Massachusetts Black Chamber of Commerce, wants residents and also large corporations, including banks, to recognize the importance of Black-owned businesses. Juneteenth is a very historical celebration for African American community, he said. There have been so many marches to protest police brutality, because of course it is terrible and people should be held accountable for their actions. But we cant forget that economics play a big role. We need more support from local banks and lending institutions. We are looking for opportunities to be on a level playing field. Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and members of the Brethren Community Foundation including Robert Cee Jackson also celebrated Juneteenth with a flag raising and proclamation at City Hall. This is a very important day in the Black community, Sarno said, adding that a larger celebration was canceled due to the need for social distancing. Still, we always look to do something out of respect to all that came before us, so Im very happy the Brethren is here. State Rep. Bud Williams spoke at the event and said he is proud to have been one of the legislators to sponsor a bill in the House of Representatives this week that would make Juneteenth an official state holiday, a step thats already been taken in other states. The Senate also passed a similar bill. There are a lot of changes going on in this country. We know how monumental this day is and the reason we want to make it a national paid holiday is because it deserves it. Black history is part of American history. American history has to incorporate Black history, he said. Massachusetts law calls for the governor to issue an annual Juneteenth proclamation and for the day to be observed on the closest Sunday to June 19. Gov. Charlie Baker said he is open to recognizing the day on a wider scale. (I) look forward to working with the Legislature to come up with an approach to this that puts a much finer emphasis and a bigger point on Juneteenth, he said. U.S. Rep. Richard Neal said the holiday is a reminder that all American families deserve respect and to have their freedoms protected. Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures, he said. Today, while our nation continues to suffer heartache and grief, is a timely reminder that we must continue to protect the freedoms that our nation was founded upon for all members of the American family. For business owners like Gamble, becoming a self-employed entrepreneur is a way to establish a legacy for her family. On Juneteenth she greeted new customers throughout the day interested in trying her fun flavors of popcorn. I have just always loved popcorn and candy and I started looking at the market for gourmet popcorn in this area and I decided to give it a try, she said. I do flash sales every week on my Facebook page and people preorder online. It has been going really well and I hope to be able to open a storefront in the city. Lenny Underwood, owner of Upscale Socks, a business he launched in 2016, said the national climate has increased interest in his business, from individual purchases to businesses wanting to partner with his brand. I have gotten many new online orders, some for $100-$200, and Im in conversations about wholesale purchases, and its all been organic and unsolicited, he said. Obviously it is a very difficult time right now for race relations, and dont know if the increase in sales comes from our allies wanting to support or if maybe there is some guilt involved. But I see it as an opportunity and its better late than never. I feel that there is a genuine interest to partner with the Black business community. Related Content: If there was one criticism I would level against the president, he didnt hire very well, Mulvaney said. He did not have experience at running government, and didnt know how to put together a team that could work well with him. Juneteenth celebrations marking the end of slavery in the United States were being held across the country on Friday with the holiday taking on added significance this year amid nationwide protests for racial justice. In a stark illustration of the tensions roiling the nation, President Donald Trump issued a solemn statement commemorating Juneteenth while at the same time threatening protestors on Twitter. Juneteenth marks the day -- June 19, 1865 -- when a Union general arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed slaves that they were free -- two months after the Civil War had ended and two-and-a-half years after president Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Demonstrations, prayer services and cultural celebrations of food and music will be held from New York to Chicago to Los Angeles to honor the day. This year's celebrations come against a backdrop of protests for racial justice fueled by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Several commemorations have gone virtual to account for the coronavirus pandemic, but many are going ahead as planned or with modifications such as social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines. Trump scheduled a re-election campaign rally on Juneteenth in Tulsa, Oklahoma, his first since the pandemic began. But he was forced to change it to Saturday amid an outcry over his provocative choice of date and location -- Tulsa suffered one of the country's worst racist massacres, in 1921, when as many as 300 black Americans were killed. - 'Day of reflection' - The Republican president and First Lady Melania Trump issued a joint statement on Friday to mark Juneteenth. "Juneteenth reminds us of both the unimaginable injustice of slavery and the incomparable joy that must have attended emancipation," it said. "This Juneteenth, we commit, as one Nation, to live true to our highest ideals and to build always toward a freer, stronger country that values the dignity and boundless potential of all Americans." At the same time, Trump issued a blunt warning to counter-protestors at his Tulsa rally. "Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis," he said. "It will be a much different scene!" Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum declared a curfew in the city which is to run until 6:00 am on Sunday, with a break for Trump's rally. Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives, also issued a statement commemorating Juneteenth. "Sadly, this Juneteenth comes during a moment of extraordinary national anguish, as we grieve for the hundreds of Black Americans killed by racial injustice and police brutality," Pelosi said. "This Juneteenth must be a day of reflection that moves our nation to finally confront and combat its long and shameful history of systemic racial injustice targeted at communities of color." Pelosi also recalled that she had ordered the removal this week of portraits of leaders of the pro-slavery Civil War South from the US Capitol. Monuments depicting Confederate generals or soldiers have been toppled by protesters or ordered removed by local governments in a number of US cities during the past few weeks. - 'Black Lives Matter' - Video of Floyd's death energized a quest for equality among African Americans who decry how systemic racism and injustice have been allowed to fester in the world's flagship democracy. Millions of people have taken to the streets of cities in the US and beyond under the "Black Lives Matter" banner to protest racial injustice and police brutality. Further fuelling tensions, a police officer in Atlanta last week shot dead a black man who was running away after a scuffle during a drunk-driving arrest. Both offending officers in the incidents have been charged with murder, and the killings have spurred US lawmakers to introduce sweeping new police reforms. In Washington, several streets have been closed to traffic and there was a strong police presence in the new "Black Lives Matter" plaza near the White House, where protesters were to converge in the afternoon. In Tulsa, a day-long "I, Too, Am America" rally for justice is planned and the civil rights activist Al Sharpton is scheduled to give a speech. Dozens of events are planned in New York including a march to City Hall demanding "justice, dignity and equality" for black Americans. Chicago will host a "Black Lives Matter Block Party" featuring voter registration drives. Pressure has mounted for Juneteenth to be declared a national holiday and New York and Virginia have moved to make it an official state holiday. Several major US companies including Nike and Twitter recently announced they were making Juneteenth a paid holiday for employees. People praying during a Juneteenth event at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia In honor of Juneteenth, the World Bank Group displayed an 'End Racism' banner on their headquarters in Washington Juneteenth, the annual US commemoration of the end of slavery, comes as Americans continue Black Lives Matter demonstrations and protests against police brutality following two high-profile killings of blacks by police in May and June, 2020 A woman walks past a street mural by artist Vincent Ballentine in the New York borough of Brooklyn Several Confederate statues have been toppled or ordered removed across the United States, including one of president of the Confederacy Jefferson Davis, whose statue was pulled down by protesters in Richmond, Virginia A man holds a picture of George Floyd during a Black Lives Matter protest in New York City Altisource calls for increased transparency from RESI regarding the failed Amherst transaction Altisource requests that RESI post a full list of all questions RESI receives during its June 22, 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, along with RESIs responses, to its public Investor Relations website in a timely manner Altisource reiterates its intention to WITHHOLD votes for directors Rochelle Dobbs and George McDowell and to vote AGAINST the advisory proposal to approve the compensation for RESIs named executive officers at the upcoming Annual Meeting LUXEMBOURG, June 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. (Altisource) (ASPS), a leading provider and marketplace for the real estate and mortgage industries and a significant shareholder of Front Yard Residential Corporation (the Company or RESI) (RESI), today publicly called on the Board of Directors (the Board) of RESI to increase its transparency with shareholders at its upcoming Annual Meeting, which will be held on June 22, 2020. As noted in our letter to shareholders dated June 8, 2020 , Altisource, as one of RESIs largest shareholders, has suffered substantial value destruction. While we have remained patient and supportive over the past several years, we have grown increasingly frustrated by RESIs costs, excessive compensation, history of underperformance, lack of disclosure regarding its termination of the shareholder approved merger with Amherst, and most recently, its efforts to fast track its Annual Meeting in an apparent attempt to frustrate shareholders ability to submit nominations and to meaningfully exercise their franchise. We are now just one business day before RESIs Annual Meeting and the Company has yet to disclose any process or directions for shareholders to submit questions during the Meeting a consequence, we believe, of RESIs rush to hold an annual meeting, which also resulted in a proxy statement that lacked such basic information as the number of outstanding shares as of the record date. Story continues Because RESI has failed to adequately address our concerns during our private discussions, we are issuing the below series of questions for shareholders to submit at RESIs upcoming Annual Meeting. We believe that RESIs shareholders deserve transparency and accountability from the Board, and we respectfully request that RESI commit to publishing on its Investor Relations site a list of any questions it receives during the Annual Meeting, along with their respective answers if not addressed during the Annual Meeting, on a timely basis. Will RESI commit to a strategy of selling its assets on an individual basis and, where advantageous, also on a portfolio basis? RESI historically stated that its assets have a value in the range of $16-$20/share. In support of the Amherst transaction, RESI noted that it would incur approximately $6.50/share in costs if it undertook to sell these assets on an individual basis. Employing an asset sale strategy could render net proceeds for shareholders that are equivalent to or better than the expected proceeds from the failed merger. Will RESI commit to reinstating its dividend? Why did RESI suspend its dividend payment in the first place? RESIs public company peers have continued paying dividends. RESI also received $100 million from Amherst as part of its termination of the merger agreement and recently noted on its earnings call that it had completed its best month in history. Additionally, RESI subsequently issued a press release on June 5, 2020 reporting that its April and May rent collections and occupancy performance were strong and in line with historical trends. Cash conservation does not appear to be a significant concern. What issues did Amherst raise in connection with the merger that caused RESI to consent to the termination? RESI appears to have had specific performance rights and Amherst appears to have had committed debt and no right to terminate for a pandemic. Will RESI commit to not pay compensation bonuses, equity, golden parachute compensation or other change in control payments to executives who by agreement are employees of and compensated by RESIs external manager? RESI paid approximately $3 million in cash and equity in 2019 to executives who are employed and compensated by its external manager. RESI further committed to over $15 million in golden parachute payments to these same executives in connection with the failed Amherst merger. RESI should not be making these payments when RESI already pays its external manager, which is contractually responsible for these executives costs. We believe the financial burden to RESI of these massive payments is unwarranted, a waste of corporate assets and destroys shareholder value. What is RESIs cost reduction strategy? We believe RESI has a bloated cost structure that is substantially out of line with its peers. Will RESI commit to replacing the two directors whom we believe appear to have a conflict of interest as it relates to RESIs CEO? The director biographies available on RESIs website suggest long-standing relationships among George Ellison, Rochelle Dobbs and George McDowell dating back to the time when all three were executives at Bank of America/Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAML). We believe that Mr. Ellison was the catalyst for the nomination of his former BAML colleagues for election to RESIs Board; as a result, we believe they could owe their directorships to Mr. Ellison, yet serve as two out of the three members of the compensation committee responsible for determining the unwarranted additional compensation payable to him, as well as other executives. We are concerned that this appearance of conflicts of interest compromises the objectivity and loyalty of these two directors particularly in light of the unwarranted payments to employees of RESIs external manager. What is the basis for RESI issuing the statement that the Board unanimously supports George Ellison and Robin Lowe despite the fact that they were placed on administrative leave by RESIs external manager in connection with the external managers internal investigation? What does the external managers internal investigation concern? What is the RESI Boards contingency plan if Mr. Ellison and/or Mr. Lowe are relieved of their positions as officers of its external manager? Given that RESI issued its statement in support of Messrs. Ellison and Lowe on the same day that they were placed on administrative leave by AAMC, did RESI undertake an investigation into the circumstances giving rise to the two RESI executives suspension prior to issuing its statement? And if so, what were the findings of this investigation? At the time the RESI Board approved June 22 as the date for the 2020 Annual Meeting, was the Board aware that had the Annual Meeting been scheduled just one day later, the nomination window would have been re-opened and shareholders would have been able to submit nominations? Why did the Board and management act in such an unfriendly manner to shareholders even after we brought this issue to your attention? What was the date that RESI initiated its brokers search in connection with the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and did that timeline satisfy the SEC regulation requiring 20 business days between the search initiation date and the record date? We respectfully encourage other RESI shareholders to attend the Companys upcoming Annual Meeting and to exercise their rights as shareholders and hold the RESI Board accountable for its lack of transparency. Our previous communications to the RESI Board and management team have been met with only cursory and inadequate responses, and we hope that the collective action of RESI shareholders will prompt the Company to offer meaningful answers to our and other shareholders questions. In the meantime, we continue to believe that the seriousness of the RESI Boards lack of transparency and history of underperformance and governance failures demand urgent action. We reiterate the fact that we will vote WITHHOLD on the apparently conflicted nominees Rochelle R. Dobbs and George W. McDowell, and AGAINST the advisory proposal to approve the compensation for RESIs named executive officers. We look forward to engaging with the RESI Board at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and in the future as circumstances warrant. About Altisource Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. (ASPS) is an integrated service provider and marketplace for the real estate and mortgage industries. Combining operational excellence with a suite of innovative services and technologies, Altisource helps solve the demands of the ever-changing markets we serve. Additional information is available at www.altisource.com. Investor Contact: MacKenzie Partners, Inc. Bob Marese/David Whissel +1 (212) 929-5500 proxy@mackenziepartners.com Written materials are submitted voluntarily pursuant to Rule 14a-6(g)(1) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This is not a solicitation of authority to vote your proxy. Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. (Altisource) is not asking for your proxy card and will not accept proxy cards if sent. The cost of this filing is being borne entirely by Altisource. PLEASE NOTE: Altisource is not asking for your proxy card and cannot accept your proxy card. Please DO NOT send us your proxy card. There is a need for cooperation between parents and school management for proper education of children, said a director of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Thursday. His statement came amid growing discontent among parents of various private schools over, what they claim, irrational fees charged even during the outbreak of COVID-19. "Parents and school management must cooperate and complement each other for the sake of their child's education as, someday schools are bound to open," CBSE's Training & Skills Director Biswajit Saha said at a CII organised e- session on education. It is alleged that several private schools are charging various fees other than tuition fee, which cannot be applicable as institutes are closed during lockdown and only limited virtual classes are being taken. MP Locket Chatterjee and members of the teachers' cell of the BJP demonstrated outside the state education department office, demanding that private schools be asked not to charge any fee for the entire lockdown period that began in the middle of March. Several states have directed private schools to reduce or exempt fees but the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal has only asked the institutes to refrain from hiking fees, she said. Also read: US mulls restoring India's beneficiary status under GSP, says top official After the Shramik Special Train headed to Patna on Friday left with 554 empty seats, despite efforts to contact stranded migrants in the city, the UT administration has decided to do away with the Shramik train project for now. The administration had planned to run another Shramik train to Patna on Monday. However, seeing the dismal response, the plan has been scrapped. The Shramik train on Friday left at 1pm with 1,046 passengers against a capacity of 1,600. Since Wednesday, more than 11,000 registered persons were contacted through telephone calls and SMSes for the Friday train. Station house officers (SHOs) of the various police stations were also requested to give details about stranded migrants in their areas. Some NGOs were also asked to provide this information, a UT official said, not wishing to be named. However, since industrial and commercial units have resumed operations, a considerable number of workers are now not interested in going back, he added. It was on May 23 when the Shramik train first saw vacant seats. It had left for Gaya in Bihar and Dhanbad in Jharkhand. Since then, number of passengers has been dwindling. As many as 39,795 migrants have been sent to their home states via Shramik trains, while another 4,633 have been transported by buses. A man who kicked his mother in the face after drinking two bottles of Buckfast tonic wine has been jailed for seven months. Prosecutors said Roben Johnston, 20, inflicted a cut to her mouth during the attack at their home in Newtownards, Co Down. Johnston, of East Street in the town, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He also admitted criminal damage to a clock belonging to his mother in the same incident. Newtownards Magistrates' Court, sitting in Belfast, heard the victim reported the assault to police on May 2. "She stated that her son had kicked her in the face following an argument," a Crown lawyer said. "She had a cut lip and blood around her mouth." Johnston was arrested but initially unable to provide a statement due to alcohol taken. He told police that he had drunk two bottles of Buckfast and some beers, the court heard. Defence counsel Alan Blackburn acknowledged the seriousness of the case. "This is an unpleasant incident and he's very remorseful about it," the barrister said. He also submitted that Johnston's guilty plea had spared his mother from having to give evidence. "He's faced up to this in a manly way," Mr Blackburn added. District Judge Fiona Bagnall replied: "That's the one good thing to come out of it." Imposing seven months custody, she pointed out: "The assault on his mother was a kick to the face, which is a particularly unpleasant matter." The former RTL journalist explains the Centre's role and the place of language in society. Last year, Marteling was appointed director of the newly opened Centre for the Luxembourgish language (Zentrum fir dLetzebuerger Sprooch), overseen by the Ministry of Education. Our colleagues at 5Minutes recently interviewed Marteling on the role of the Centre in the development of language. The Centre's primary mission is to ensure the Luxembourg language stays dynamic and in use, with Unesco describing the language as "vulnerable". However, Marteling refutes this judgement, explaining that Unesco consider it vulnerable due to the number of people speaking the language - around 400,000 - but in his view, the language is very much "not in danger". He highlighted the fact that the demand to learn Luxembourgish has increased, with plenty of residents from overseas flocking to courses. " The law also defines four further missions for the Centre, revolving around standards for spelling and grammar. Tres reactif, le LOD a compile le vocabulaire lie au coronavirus durant la crise sanitaire (cliquez sur l'image pour y acceder). / Impression ecran LOD One of the tools used to promote the language is the LOD (Luxembourgish Online Dictionary), with a number of built in features. The Centre must also seek to define the correct use of the language, and carry out translations on behalf of the Ministry. Tres reactif, le LOD a compile le vocabulaire lie au coronavirus durant la crise sanitaire (cliquez sur l'image pour y acceder). / Impression ecran LOD Marteling explained the lack of codification has posed an obstacle to those learning the language in the past, particularly for those who prefer strict rules. However, he said Luxembourgish has so many influences and fluctuations that it cannot strictly be codified. / Domingos Oliveira In recent decades, Luxembourgish has progressed from a primarily spoken language to a written one. Marteling praised the use of new technologies such as emails, text messages and social media in this development. The government hopes to make Luxembourgish an official language of the European Union, which could influence the Centre's work on providing the basis for codification. This would require a number of EU texts to be translated into Luxembourgish in order to be accessible to the population. However, Marteling underlined this would be a strictly political decision. Video in (ironically) French A former Nigerian Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, is battling coronavirus. Earlier reports had indicated that he had died. But his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, has dismissed the claims, saying they are untrue. In a post on his social media handles, he urged Nigerians to pray for the recovery of the APC chieftain who is battling with COVID-19. The former Governor is the Acting Chairman of President Buhari's APC party a position he has not assumed since it was conferred on him few days ago after the substantive chairman was thrown away. Mr Ajimobi is 70years. Daily Guide On Thursday, in the morning, at Government House, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC hosted Investiture Ceremonies for the following recipients of Australian Honours and Awards announced in the 2020 Australia Day Honours List: Mr Lucas Patchett OAM and Mr Nicholas Marchesi OAM. Following, at Government House, His Excellency hosted an Investiture Ceremony for the following recipient of Australian honours and awards announced in the 2020 Australia Day Honours List: Emeritus Professor Raymond Specht AO. In the afternoon, at Government House, His Excellency presided, via teleconference, at a meeting of the Executive Council. Following, at the Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, His Excellency attended the 2020 Wesley Medical Research Panel Pledge, officially opened the virtual Wesley Medical Research COVID-19 Rapid Response Research Centre and addressed guests. Photograph: Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images The Navajo nation has been forced to reinstate lockdowns to shield its people from major coronavirus outbreaks outside the reservation, especially in Arizona, where cases are surging. The Navajo, the second largest Native American tribe, has been severely affected by the pandemic with 322 confirmed deaths as of Wednesday more than 16 states including Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota. The death toll equates to a death rate of 177 per 100,000, higher than any single US state. Related: Why Native Americans took Covid-19 seriously: 'It's our reality' New cases and deaths have been declining over the past couple of weeks, thanks to public health measures such as widespread testing, which led to travel restrictions including a weekend curfew being lifted at the start of June. However, tribal leaders fear the rapid rise in cases in neighboring states, especially Arizona but also Utah, threatens to undo their hard-won progress in containing the spread. Complicating the issue is the fact that the Navajo nation is a food desert with only 13 grocery stores, and a third of residents do not have running water, which forces people to travel to neighboring states for basic items. Navajo nation president Jonathan Nez said at a virtual town hall earlier this week: Arizona relaxed its preventive measures, and the number of cases and hospitalizations continue to drastically increase. We cannot put our nation in the same situation. We will continue to rely on science and data as we fight this pandemic. A 57-hour lockdown has been ordered for the next two weekends, with only essential travel permitted. Face masks must be worn in all public spaces. A sign warns non-residents to stay out of the town of Tuba City in Arizona. Photograph: Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images A second surge, a worse surge, may put a lot of pressure back on our healthcare system and our healthcare workers, said Nez. During its peak, the Navajo nation sent the sickest patients from the reservation to hospitals equipped with intensive care units in neighbouring states. But this may not be possible in future, given that more than 80% of Arizonas adult ICU beds are full almost 40% with Covid-19 patients. Story continues As Nez reinstates public health measures to avoid a new surge, Doug Ducey, Arizonas Republican governor, has stood by his decision to reopen for business. The state began easing restrictions on businesses in early May and lifted its statewide lockdown order on 15 May, even though there was no consistent downward trend and rapid testing is not widely available. About 25% of the population on the reservation have been tested, one of the highest rates anywhere. In comparison, Arizona has tested 5% of its population, and nationwide the figure stands at 8%, according to the Covid Tracking Project. It would be preposterous to think that people going out arent increasing the positive cases, Dr Murtaza Akhter of the University of Arizona College of Medicine told Cronkite News. One of my concerns is whether people are ever going to take public health emergencies seriously. Duceys critics have accused him of making coronavirus policy choices in response to Donald Trumps visits to Arizona, with little regard for the science and public health data. Amid growing pressure from city officials and frontline health workers, Ducey on Wednesday said he would allow local mayors to mandate wearing masks in public, but refused to implement a statewide order. Coronavirus cases are increasing in 20 states including California, Florida, Alaska and Idaho. In response, tribal leaders across the US continue to enforce strict lockdown measures even as governors ease public health controls in favor of reopening for business. In Montana, which reopened to tourists on 1 June, the impact of coronavirus remains relatively low, with 630 confirmed cases including 20 deaths, but numbers are on the rise. The states eight tribes, including the Crow and Blackfeet nations, have not relaxed shutdowns or stay-at-home orders, partly in order to protect their vulnerable elders, who are revered as guardians of Native culture and heritage. Photo credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech From Popular Mechanics Photo credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech On July 20, if all goes according to plan, the Perseverance rover will blast off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center atop United Launch Alliance's Atlas V 541 rocket. Between 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. ET, the rocket's engines will roar to life, sending Percy out toward our planetary neighbor. The mission has a 22-day launch window that stretches from July 20 to August 11. If it misses that window, NASA will have to wait more than two years before the rover can attempt another launch for the Red Planet. The orbits of Earth and Mars align in such a way that they're on the same side of the sun once every 26 months. To get this tricky orbital choreography just right, NASA pushed forward with the $2.7 billion mission despite the spread of the novel coronavirus. "It's very expensive if we have to take Perseverance and put it back in storage for a period of two years," NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, said at a June 17 press conference. Perseverance isn't the only mission hoping to take advantage of the orbital alignment. China National Space Administration is also sending a rover (and orbiter) to the Red Planeta first for the country. The United Arab Emirates is planning to launch its Hope Mars orbiter this summer, too. ESA and Roscosmos were supposed to launch their ExoMars rover, dubbed Rosalind Franklin, this summer, but work was delayed due to the spread of the coronavirus and the agencies postponed the launch. The rover will blast off in about two years. NASA hopes that its newest rover, designed and developed in cooperation with partners from the European Space Agency, as well as researchers from Norway, Spain and Francewill be the first to find evidence of life outside of our pale, blue dot. "This is the first rover mission designed to seek signs of past microbial life by detecting it, by collecting and caching rock and soil samples that'll be returned to earth by future missions," says Lori Glaze, the director of NASA's Planetary Science Division. "The rover's instruments will also look for evidence of ancient habitable environments and monitor environmental conditions, which will help us better understand and protect future human explorers." Story continues Eventually, a joint NASA-ESA lander, rover and orbiter will arrive to scoop up the samples that Perseverance left in its wake. Through a series of complicated steps, the spacecraft will work together to hurl those samplesand the secrets they carryback to Earth. When the samples arrive in about ten years, we'll have enough martian material to keep scientists toiling away in laboratories for decades. It'll take Perseverance about 213 days to travel the 309 million-mile stretch to Mars. The rover is scheduled to make its Martian debut on February 18, 2021. The mission was designed to last for one Martian year (that's 687 Earth days), but if past rovers are any indication, it could last a lot longer. Seven Minutes of Terror Photo credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech The entry into Mars' atmosphere is arguably the most dangerous part of the mission. The capsule will come barreling through Mars' atmosphere at an initial rate of about 12,100 mph. So begins the so-called "seven minutes of terror," when spacecraft enters the planet's atmosphere. NASA will test a swath of new Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) features during this mission. To guide the spacecraft during descent and ensure it arrives safely, NASA added two new technologies to the mission: Range Trigger and Terrain-Relative Navigation. Previously, spacecraft entering Mars' atmosphere deployed their parachutes based on their velocity. With Range Trigger, the spacecraft will deploy its parachute based on the rover's position relative to where it needs to land. This will help the spacecraft focus on a smaller target landing area. Terrain-Relative Navigation will use the spacecraft's computers to avoid obstacles and safely navigate to the surface. As the Perseverance hurtles toward Mars, a camera will snap pictures of the quickly approaching surface and feed them to the ultrafast onboard computer. The computer will then analyze the images, select the safest spot to land, and nudge the spacecraft in that direction. NASA has its eyes and ears on the prize. Commercial cameras will watch over the spacecraft as it hurtles toward the Martian surface and, for the first, there will also be audio recorders strapped to the spacecraft to capture the sounds of the mission. We'll get a front row seat to all the action. "This is the first time that we have ever been able to see a spacecraft land on another planet and we're looking forward to that imagery, obviously," Matt Wallace, the Perseverance deputy project manager, said at the press conference. Target: Jezero Crater Photo credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU Once Perseverance safely lands, it will begin to explore Jezero Crater, a 28-mile-wide impact basin in the middle of a dried-up delta-lake system. The goal is to find evidence of microbial life on the Red Planet. Jezero Crater, which boasts some of the oldest rocks on Mars, is a prime target. Perseverance deputy project scientist Katie Stack Morgan and her colleagues hope to find biosignatures, patterns, and textures in rocks that are formed by living things. Stromatolites, layered mounds that form from the fossils of long-gone algae, are a type of biosignature found on Earth. These small, blobby rocks are evidence of some of the first signs of life on our planet. "At Jezero, we'll have access to some of the oldest rocks in the solar system," Perseverance deputy project scientist Katie Stack Morgan said at the press conference. The rover will have the opportunity to collect samples along the crater rim, some of which date to around 4 million years old. Stack Morgan says the rover will also study carbonate rocks on the Martian surface. "Based on what we know about carbonates here on Earth, we think those are another really important astrobiology target for the mission," Stack Morgan said. Planetary geologists have studied the site for years and have found evidence for at least 5 different types of rocks to study. Drilling into these rocks will help researchers get a better sense of how Mars and other rocky planets formed and evolved over time. A Suite of Instruments The rover has to be tough. Temperatures on Mars can drop to minus 200 degrees Fahrenheit at night, and Martian dust is a constant worry. (RIP Opportunity.) "It's very difficult to build mechanisms for a rover that has to operate flawlessly 100,000,000 miles away with no human intervention," said Wallace. Fortunately, it has brand new wheels to help it navigate the tough terrain. "They're more capable of dealing with the surface of Mars and pretty much anything that Jezero Crater can throw at it," Wallace said. In addition to helping it land safely, the onboard computer will also help the rover process images more quickly, which means it won't get bogged down trying to figure out where to go next. "That allows us to drive at about twice the speed as Curiosity is able to drive," Wallace added. The rover's got a suite of seven instruments that will be used not only in the search for life, but to help assess and address challenges that future Martian explorers might face. Here the high-tech science payload that Perseverance will bring to the Red Planet: A High-Flying Stowaway Photo credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech The Ingenuity Mars helicopter is a technology demonstration designed to explore the Martian atmosphere. The 4-pound rotorcraft will be the first to explore the skies on another world. There aren't any scientific instruments aboard the tiny helicopter, and its mission is simple: fly the Martian skies. Mars has one third the gravity that Earth does and an atmosphere that's just a fraction as thick as Earth's. Generating lift will not be an easy task. The remotely operated rotorcraft will conduct a series of test flights on the Red Planet, each lasting about 90 seconds long. The small helicopter is designed to travel as high as 15 feet and as far as 60 feet. If successful, Ingenuity could open up an entirely new way of viewing distant worlds. Sample Return At the end of its 7-foot-long arm, Perseverance has a sample collection robot that will drill into the rocks and soil and scoop up to 43 vials of material. The robot will transfer the tubes into a cartridge within the rover and seal it in preparation for travel back to Earth. "Our sampling system was particularly challenging in that we've also had to keep it very, very clean," Wallace said. "In fact, this is probably the cleanest system that we've ever launched to Mars." Once the Perseverance rover identifies and collects its samples, the rover will scatter them on the Martian surface where they'll wait to be scooped up during a future mission. Eventually, a joint NASA-ESA lander will arrive on the Red Planet to pick up the samples. The lander will deploy a rover, which will locate each of the samples, collect them and deposit them into a small rocket attached to the lander. With samples in tow, that rocket will launch from the lander into Mars' orbit. Once it is safely in orbit, the sample pod will jettison from the rocket and rendezvous with an orbiter, which will have launched in 2026. In 2031, the samples will return to Earth for analysis. If it sounds complicated, it is, Glaze said. There's a lot of room for error, but researchers from every single NASA campus are working on the effort, along with scientists and engineers from ESA. So, why go through all that trouble? "Scientists have wanted samples of Mars to study for generations," said Glaze. "We have meteorites on Earth that came from Mars, but it's not the same as getting an actual samplepristine Mars rocks and soil to study." Next Steps The launch is just a month away and Perseverance is now at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The team has finished testing the spacecraft and will now will begin the encapsulation phase of integration. "We actually clamshell the spacecraft in between its two payload fairings, which will protect it while it's exiting Earth's orbit and on its way to Mars," Perseverance deputy electrical integration and test lead Luis Dominguez said in the press conference. Soon after, the spacecraft will be transported to Launch Complex 41, where it will be fixed atop the Atlas V rocket and stored until launch day. "The spacecraft is a very small part of the launch vehicle but the most important part and we're hoping she gets there safe," Dominguez said. You Might Also Like Ben proves hes a cut above the rest to raise money for Wrexham mental health charity This article is old - Published: Friday, Jun 19th, 2020 A man has used his lockdown haircut at home as an opportunity to raise funds for a local mental health charity. Ben Williams, from Wrexham, decided to have his hair shaved off to his support for Advance Brighter Futures (ABF) a charity he described as being very close to his heart. Ben, who began as as a volunteer in February 2018 before becoming an employee in September 2019, wanted to show his appreciation for the charity and raised 200 by shaving off his hair. With the country in lockdown and all of the hairdressers closed, I was in need of a haircut, but I didnt have many options, explained Ben. The idea of shaving my head came up, and thats when I started to see it as an opportunity to do so as a fundraiser for Advance Brighter Futures (ABF). I asked people if theyd donate if I shaved it all off and they were really, really generous. My step-dad did the shaving and overall, I raised 200 for an amazing charity. I get to see first-hand all the incredible work it does in the local areaplus, as an added bonus this haircut should last me until the hairdressers re-open. Established in Wrexham since 1992, Advance Brighter Futures is a mental health and wellbeing charity which aims to ensure that no individual experiencing mental health problems ever feels like they are on their own. Ben said working at the charity is like being part of big family. It started with me coming in to do two afternoons a week of administration work, he said. Following that I then volunteered to help out with the Erddig walk on a weekly basis too. Im now on a nine-hour contract where I do admin work for them and I also continue to do the walk on a voluntary basis. Advance Brighter Futures means family to me because everyone who works here is part of one big family. ABF also means happiness because everybody here always has a big smile on their face, which will brighten your day. Lorrisa Roberts, Chief Officer at Advance Brighter Futures, said: Its wonderful that Ben used his initiative to raise some money and bring awareness to the work we do, but it didnt surprise me at all. Ben is someone who came in to us as a volunteer and understood our core values very quickly and is now employed by the charity. He represents us really well and Id just like to say that Ben, youre a credit to ABF. Lockdown has presented many challenges for charities across Wales, but ABF continues to operate and provide its vital services, albeit in a much different way than usual. Lorrisa explains: Something were keen to stress is that were still open, and although you wont be able to come to the building for support, weve set up our staff to work from home to provide telephone support to the people who need us. Weve also been able to use Zoom to still offer our group sessions, and this has also been a great way for staff to keep in touch by having staff meetings. In many ways this has brought us all closer together. The country is in lockdown, but mental health certainly isnt and our message is clear were still here for you. For more information about the charity and the services we offer, please visit www.advancebrighterfutureswrexham.co.uk Busy Bee Cafe owner Raymundo Sanchez serves breakfast to Cal Youngblood, 75, at the downtown Ventura restaurant on May 21. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Residents will once again be able to visit nail salons, tattoo and massage parlors and other personal-care shops in Ventura County that have long had their windows darkened due to coronavirus-related restrictions, health officials said this week. Just because those businesses can reopen starting Friday doesn't mean it's back to business as usual, though. Services such as electrolysis, waxing, makeup, piercings and facial massages can only be offered if a client can keep his or her mask on, according to county guidelines released Thursday. There's also a 30-minute time limit on procedures conducted in confined spaces. Wedding ceremonies are also now permitted with restrictions. Attendance for outdoor services is capped at 100 or potentially less depending on "what the venue can safely support," according to the county. Those held indoors can have either up to 100 attendees or fill 25% of a venue's capacity, whichever is less. Parties and receptions remain a no-go. County officials also announced that movie theaters can restart their reels on June 26. All businesses planning to reopen must adhere to relevant social distancing and health protocols, as well as register with the county at vcreopens.com. The announcement comes just days after the public health officer, Dr. Robert Levin, said it was possible the county may have to delay a wider reopening citing an uptick in how many COVID-19 patients were hospitalized in the region. At this point, it would be foolhardy to just open up and continue to open up everything given what our numbers are doing, he said during Tuesdays meeting of the countys Board of Supervisors. When Levin broached that possibility, there were 47 such hospitalizations in Ventura County. That number fell to 38 Wednesday before creeping back up to 41 Thursday. That range is still up markedly from two weeks ago, when 25 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, but the county said its hospitalizations have now stabilized. Story continues Also on Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered all Californians to wear face coverings while in public or high-risk settings citing concerns that too many unmasked people jeopardized "the real progress we have made in fighting the disease." Californias strategy to restart the economy and get people back to work will only be successful if people act safely and follow health recommendations," he said in a statement. "That means wearing a face covering, washing your hands and practicing physical distancing. However, the matter of enforcement remains an open question. While those who violate the new requirement could be charged with a misdemeanor and potentially face a financial penalty under state law, officials have in the past focused on education and encouraging voluntary compliance. Still, Levin who previously eschewed requiring face coverings in the county said he accepts the state's directive. I always follow all the governors orders because that is the nature of the system, and I am happy to do that, he told the Ventura County Star on Thursday. Updates for Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Sedan and Wagon June 19, 2020; Since the legendary "Hammer" of 1986, the E-Class with its superior AMG engine has been a central model supporting the core of Mercedes-AMG. In its latest generation, high-performance vehicle dynamics are combined with considerably more comfort and supplemented by an extensive design update. The central air cooling inlet in the completely restyled front section is significantly larger than before and now also bears the distinctive AMG-specific radiator grille, featuring vertical slats and a larger central star. Together with the flatter, all-LED multibeam headlamps, aggressive wheel arches flared further outwards and the rounded-fit hood with twin power domes, a completely new, considerably more dynamic appearance is created. The reshaped front bumper in a jet-wing design with three large, functional air intakes and a front splitter enhances the overall proportions and also significantly reduces lift at the front axle. The interior is also thoroughly enhanced: the Widescreen Cockpit, the new AMG Performance steering wheel and the MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific functions and displays all clearly reinforce its membership in the AMG family. The eye-catching new look of the E 63 models also features technical benefits that support its changes. In order to ensure optimum air throughput around the Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, including charge air cooling, the outer air intakes in the jet-wing design are not only particularly large; they also guide air to where it is required in a targeted manner with the aid of two transverse louvers. "Thanks to our efficient V8 engine and the variable all-wheel drive, the E 63 offers not only outstanding performance and vehicle dynamics at the highest level, but with the latest revision of the Sedan and Wagon we have also significantly increased comfort and yet still retained the hallmark AMG character. In conjunction with the extensive design update, which also helps the E-Class from Affalterbach achieve improved aerodynamics values, our customers are now receiving an even more attractive overall package," says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. Designers and aerodynamics experts worked closely together during development. Their insights not only resulted in the striking AMG styling but also in the optimized aero balance for agile handling characteristics on country roads and optimized driving stability at high speed on the highway. Another striking visual feature is an integrated flap in high-gloss black which extends across the entire front bumper, continuing into the outer edge of the jet-wing and rounding off outwards to the sides. The front splitter is available in either Silver Shadow as standard, in high-gloss black (with optional AMG Night Package) or in carbon fiber (with the optional AMG Exterior Carbon-Fiber Package I). Compared to a standard E300 Sedan, the E 63 S is noticeably more powerful-looking and 1.1 inches wider, the wheel arches designed to accommodate the greater track width and the larger wheels on the front axle an additional functional advantage. New rear design conveying elegance and lightness Two new, flatter tail lights immediately catch the eye on the tail end of the Sedan. They now extend into the trunk lid, where they are visually linked with a trim strip in high-gloss chrome on top. On the Wagon, this trim strip extends even further up to the end of the outer rear lamps. While their shape is unchanged, the tail lights have been given a new internal design to resemble those on the Sedan. The spoiler lip on the lift gate of the Wagon is painted in the color of the vehicle or is available in carbon fiber with the optional AMG Carbon-Fiber Package II. The reshaped rear bumper emphasizes the broad width of the Sedan and Wagon and also has a positive effect on aerodynamics. The lower part is high-gloss black and is elegantly structured with a silver trim strip running along the entire width of the car, taking up the contour of the reshaped twin-tailpipe trims. As an option this trim strip is available in high-gloss black with the AMG Night Package or in carbon fiber with AMG Exterior Carbon-Fiber Package I. The rounded 3.5 in trapezoidal twin tailpipes have a titanium matte finish with fluting on the inside and outside. The rear section is rounded off by a high-gloss black diffuser, also restyled, with two longitudinal fins. Aerodynamically optimized wheels and individual Design Packages Aerodynamically optimized and painted in a choice of matte black, high-gloss black or in high-gloss grey, the revised wheel offerings add fresh highlights. As standard, the E 63 S wears new 20-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, also aerodynamically optimized and with a wider aero rim edge, painted in a choice of high-gloss grey or optionally in matte black. Graphite Grey metallic, Cirrus Silver metallic and designo Brilliant Blue magno are newly available exterior color options. Additional individual touches can be set with the optional AMG Night Package. With this package, the exterior mirror housings, window frames, plus trim elements in the front and rear bumpers are finished in high-gloss black. The tailpipe trim elements are also in black chrome. The AMG-specific radiator grille is also optionally available in a darkened design. Exclusively available for the 63-series AMG models, the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fiber Package I includes a front splitter, trim insert in the longitudinal member and trim element in the rear bumper in carbon fiber. The AMG Exterior Carbon- Fiber Package II adds individual highlights with mirror caps and a spoiler lip on the trunk lid (Sedan only) in carbon fiber. Refined interior with sport accents and high comfort for long journeys The interior combines a fine ambience and high-quality materials with characteristic AMG performance. The AMG seats are upholstered in exclusive nappa leather, combine secure lateral support with high comfort for long journeys and have an AMG-specific seat upholstery featuring an "AMG" badge in the front seat backrests. Additional detail elements include nappa leather trim for the dashboard and beltlines as well as seat belts in grey, available with certain upholsteries. Nappa leather in Black/Titanium Grey with yellow contrasting topstitching is available in the range as a new AMG-specific upholstery. A further new highlight is the MBUX infotainment system with a touchscreen and touchpad, intelligent voice control plus AMG-specific displays and settings. The two displays for the instrument cluster and multimedia displays are housed beneath a shared glass cover to form the Widescreen Cockpit. Two 12.3-inch screens are on board as standard. For the instrument cluster's display, the customer can switch between the three AMG display styles of "Modern Classic", "Sport" and "Supersport". The "Supersport" mode is particularly striking with a central, round rev counter and horizontal displays presented in perspective to the left and right of the rev counter, creating a spatial impression of depth. Via the AMG menu, the driver can select various AMG displays such as Engine Data, gear speed indicator, Warm-up, Set-Up, G-Meter and RACETIMER. With individual AMG displays such as visualization of the drive programs or telemetry data, the touchscreen multimedia display also underscores the performance-oriented configuration. On first-name terms: "Hey Mercedes" with additional functions The trailblazing voice control activated with the words "Hey Mercedes" is also part of the standard specification. Thanks to artificial intelligence, MBUX recognizes and understands nearly all sentences from the fields of infotainment and vehicle operation, even if they are expressed indirectly. As a further new feature it is possible to have the weather forecast for certain regions read out in a wide variety of languages. New AMG Performance steering wheel in twin-spoke design With a distinctive twin-spoke design and seamlessly integrated buttons the new AMG Performance steering wheel creates an even closer link between driver and machine. The three rounded twin spokes combine stability with lightness, and the flat lower steering wheel rim is a hallmark from motorsport. The AMG Performance Steering Wheel is orderable in leather, in DINAMICA microfiber or as a combination of leather and DINAMICA microfiber and includes standard steering wheel heating. In the steering wheel rim there is also a sensor mat to detect "hands-on". If the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for a certain time, a warning cascade begins, which finally activates Emergency Brake Assist if the driver continues to be inactive. Seamlessly integrated steering wheel buttons The new buttons on the steering wheel are seamlessly integrated into the surface of the horizontal twin spokes and have a very elegant look. Haptic sensing aids in the area of the symbols make control easier. The instrument cluster is operated via the left-hand sensor surface on the upper steering wheel spokes, the media display via the right-hand sensor surface. The lower spokes contain the controls for the cruise control/DISTRONIC (left) and telephone/hands- free system/volume control (right). The standard AMG Drive Unit steering wheel buttons for activating the drive programs and additional individually-configurable functions, include even more brilliant displays with new icons and are now both rounded in shape. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission can be operated by hand via the aluminum shift paddles arranged on the left and right behind the steering wheel rim. For even more precise shift commands the paddles are now slightly bigger and positioned further down. The center console includes an AMG-specific control unit with additional switches that are used to regulate the drive programs, media volume, 3-stage ESP, manual transmission mode, Adaptive Damping System, standard AMG Performance exhaust system, ECO start/stop function and the standard Surround-View camera. Alongside the AMG brushed stainless steel pedals with rubber studs, door sill panels and black floor mats with "AMG" lettering further accentuate the performance-focused look. A wide range of high-quality interior trim elements are available for further individualization of the interior. AMG trim elements in carbon fiber lend a particularly sporty touch to the interior. Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with twin-scroll turbochargers The Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine in the E 63 S continues to achieve 603 hp and a maximum torque of 627 lb-ft. It is available across a wide engine speed range from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm, thus conveying the feeling of effortless superiority with every accelerator pedal position. The E 63 S Sedan completes the sprint from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 3.3 seconds. The 0-60 mph time for the Wagon is an estimated 3.4 seconds. In order to ensure optimum output and response from the AMG 4.0-liter V8 engine, the two exhaust gas turbochargers feature twin-scroll technology. This reduces the exhaust gas back-pressure and optimizes the gas cycle. Thanks to the standard cylinder shutoff and further measures these performance models are also highly efficient. When the driver has selected the "Comfort" drive program, the cylinder deactivation system is available in a wide engine speed range from 1,000 to 3,250 rpm. A special display in the instrument cluster indicates whether the cylinder deactivation system is in use and whether the engine is presently operating in four or eight-cylinder mode. The transition between these two operating states is immediate, fast and torque-neutral, so the occupants do not have to relinquish any comfort. The E 63 S is the only car in its competitive segment that is fitted with dynamic engine mounts. These mounts solve the conflicting goals of achieving as soft a connection as possible to the powertrain for high comfort and as rigid a connection as possible for optimum driving dynamics. The dynamic mounts are quickly and variably able to adapt their stiffness to the driving conditions and requirements. These measures enhance the vehicle's precision when driven dynamically, while the soft setting increases comfort. Short shift times, high efficiency: the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission is specially tuned to the requirements of these AMG performance models. The software enables extremely short shift times and fast multiple downshifts, while the double-clutching function makes for an evocative shifting experience. A wet multi-plate start-off clutch replaces the torque converter, saving weight and optimizing response, especially when accelerating or coming off the power. Highlights of the transmission include: adaptation of the shift characteristics to the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program in manual-shift M mode, the transmission responds directly to manual shift commands by the driver the powertrain responds precisely and executes the commands almost instantly the temporary manual M mode allows an immediate change to manual mode merely by using the shift paddles automatic double-declutching function when downshifting: this effect is automatically active in the drive programs "Sport", "Sport+" and "RACE" the ECO start/stop function is automatically active in the "Comfort" drive program the "Gliding" function can be activated in "Individual" mode Specially developed suspension for maximum lateral and longitudinal dynamics with enhanced comfort The agility and the highly dynamic lateral acceleration of the new models result from the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension with fully supporting multi-chamber air suspension and adaptive adjustable damping ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System), which ensures exceptionally high levels of camber stability, driving dynamics and steering precision. With the enhancement the comfort characteristics of the suspension have been tangibly increased thanks to retuning and revised elastokinematics. A four-link front axle design uses forged aluminum components with wishbones, strut rods and a spring link. Independent wheel control and wheel suspension elements enable high lateral acceleration with minimal torque steer. The rear axle is also independent and has been specially adjusted. The suspension thus ensures hallmark Mercedes E- Class comfort, combined with the high levels of precision and driving dynamics of AMG. Thanks to a special air spring and damper set-up as well as the Adaptive Damping System, the new three-chamber air suspension combines exemplary driving dynamics with excellent road noise and tire vibration characteristics. The stiffness of the air springs can be adjusted over a wide range by activating or deactivating individual air chambers, making for perceptibly enhanced comfort and handling. There are three degrees of spring tuning, depending on the selected drive program and current driving situation. The spring rate is hardened automatically in the event of sudden load changes, fast cornering, heavy acceleration or heavy braking, which effectively reduces roll and pitching while stabilizing the vehicle. The Adaptive Damping System can be set in three stages "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport+" to choose between relaxed comfort on long journeys and maximum performance dynamics. The rebound and compression levels are adjusted independently of each other, and the freely programmable maps permit a wide spread between minimum and maximum damper force. The difference between the comfortable and sporty suspension settings is more refined and clearly perceptible. AMG Performance 4MATIC+ variable all-wheel drive with Drift Mode All E 63 S models are equipped with AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive as standard. This intelligent system combines the advantages of different drive concepts: torque distribution on the front and rear axles and ensuring optimum traction on any surface. The driver can rely on a high level of handling safety. An electromechanically controlled clutch connects the permanently driven rear axle variably to the front axle. The best possible torque distribution is calculated continuously. The E 63 S can thus be driven in a continuously variable way from traction- oriented all-wheel drive to purely rear-wheel drive. In addition to traction and lateral dynamics, the all-wheel-drive system also improves the longitudinal dynamics for even more powerful acceleration. It is still possible to drift thanks to fully variable torque distribution. The Drift Mode integrated into the E 63 S as standard is ideal for this. This can be activated in the "RACE" drive program using the shift paddles, provided that ESP is deactivated and the transmission is in manual mode. When Drift Mode is activated, the E 63 S becomes a purely rear- wheel drive vehicle. Drift Mode remains engaged until the driver deactivates it again. Rear-axle limited-slip differential: optimum traction For improved traction and driving dynamics, the E 63 S performance models are equipped with an electronically regulated rear-axle limited-slip differential. This reduces the slip on the inside wheel when cornering, without any control intervention in the braking system. The driver is able to accelerate out of bends earlier and more powerfully. The car remains more stable when braking from high speeds, and the locking differential improves traction when accelerating. The greatest benefit of the electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential is the even more sensitive and proactive control, which pushes the thresholds higher and makes it easier to drive at the vehicle's limits. Three-stage ESP with "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT Handling Mode" and "ESP OFF" settings, works in precise unison with the rear-axle locking differential and the all-wheel drive, and is optimally tuned to the outstanding dynamics. Direct and with clear feedback: the AMG speed-sensitive steering The electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering has a variable ratio and impresses with its precise, authentic feedback. The steering servo assistance is reduced at high speeds, and continuously increases at lower speeds. This means that comparatively little steering force is required at low speeds, while the best possible control over the vehicle is maintained at high speeds. The steering assistance is assigned to the various stages of the AMG DYNAMICS system. Comfortable steering tuning is set in "Basic." In "Advanced" and "Master/Pro", the driver receives incrementally more feedback about the driving status thanks to sportier steering tuning. Good control and fade-resistant: the AMG high-performance brake system The large-sized high-performance compound brake system is reliable, quick and fade-resistant, even under high loads. There are internally ventilated and perforated compound brake discs measuring 15.4 x 1.4 in with six-piston fixed calipers at the front, and 14.2 x 1.0 in with single-piston floating brake calipers on the rear axle. In addition, there is an AMG Carbon Ceramic brake system available as an option, with brake discs measuring 15.8 x 1.5 in on the front axle and 14.2 x 1.3 in on the rear axle. For a personalized experience: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT and AMG DYNAMICS With six DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs of "Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+", "Individual" and "RACE", the characteristics of the new models can be influenced at the tap of a finger. The available range extends from efficient and comfortable to very sporty. The modes modify key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, the driver has the option of switching directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts are executed exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The suspension set-ups can also be selected specifically as needed. AMG DYNAMICS vehicle dynamics control is integrated into the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs. In the "Basic", "Advanced", "Pro" and "Master" levels, it influences the control strategies of the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) or the all-wheel drive for example. The intelligent pilot control anticipates the desired vehicle behavior based on the driver's actions and the sensor data. The spectrum ranges from extremely stable to highly dynamic. The AMG DYNAMICS functions can also be individually selected via the AMG Drive Unit steering wheel buttons. Parameters relevant to driving, such as the response of the engine and suspension, the control strategy of the all-wheel drive system and the control thresholds of the ESP are intelligently adapted according to the drive program. The spectrum ranges from extremely safety-oriented to highly dynamic. The "Master" mode stored in the RACE drive program ensures optimum agility and brings out the high driving dynamics potential to optimum effect - for example through higher yaw rates and a faster response from the accelerator pedal, gearshift system, electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential or brake force distribution of the all-wheel drive system. Technical data at a glance E 63 S Sedan Engine Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 with direct injection and twin twin-scroll turbochargers Displacement 3,982 cc Output 603 hp at 5,750-6,500 rpm Peak torque 627 lb-ft at 2,500-4,500 rpm Drive system AMG Performance 4MATIC+ permanent all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution and Drift Mode Transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G (with wet-start clutch) Acceleration 0-60 mph 3.3 s est. Top speed 186 mph* E 63 S Wagon Engine Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 with direct injection and twin twin-scroll turbochargers Displacement 3,982 cc Output 603 hp at 5,750-6,500 rpm Peak torque 627 lb-ft at 2,500-4,500 rpm Drive AMG Performance 4MATIC+ permanent all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution and Drift Mode Transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G (with wet start-off clutch) Acceleration 0-60 mph 3.4 s est. Top speed 180 mph* *Electronically governed # # # About Mercedes-Benz USA Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment with 15 model lines ranging from the sporty A-Class Sedan to the flagship S- Class and the Mercedes-AMG GT R. MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. This undated photo provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitaiton shows Terron J. Boone. He was the half-brother of Robert Fuller, 24, who was found hanging from a tree last week in Palmdale The half-brother of Robert Fuller was about to be arrested for holding his ex-girlfriend hostage when was he killed during a shootout with police. Terron Jammal Boone, 31, died after opening fire on deputies in Rosamund, north of Los Angeles, on Wednesday. His death came exactly a week after his half-brother, Robert Fuller, 24, was found hanging from a tree in nearby Palmdale. Fuller's death was initially ruled a suicide, but his family believes he may have been lynched, and the case has garnered nationwide attention. More than 1,000 people turned out for a protest and memorial last weekend, which held around the tree where Fuller's body was found. Now the Fuller family is facing a double tragedy, with Wednesday's fatal shooting of Boone. Authorities allege Boone imprisoned his ex-girlfriend in her Palmdale home between June 9 and June 15, threatening and pistol-whipping her. Boone's ex-girlfriend 'waited for an opportunity when he wasn't looking and she was able to get out, run to a business and had them call 911,' detectives claim. Prosecutors filed 13 counts against Boone on Tuesday, including assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment, domestic violence and criminal threats. A warrant was issued for his arrest. The next day, a surveillance team of deputies followed Boone to a residence in Rosamond, about 20 miles north of Palmdale. Boone, who was in the passenger seat of a blue SUV (pictured) was shot multiple times in the upper body and died at the scene, Lt. Robert Westphal said Terron Jammal Boone was shot dead on Wednesday afternoon in Rosamond, just north of the Los Angeles County border, after authorities say he opened fire on them Boone got into a blue SUV and left with a woman and a seven-year-old girl. Deputies later moved in to arrest him, and the shootout erupted. Gunfire broke out after the cops tried to stop the vehicle, which was driven by the woman. Boone - who has previously been convicted of burglary and injury to a child - was shot and killed by police. He was shot multiple times in the upper body and died at the scene, Lt. Robert Westphal said in a press conference. The woman driving the SUV was struck by gunfire, treated at a hospital and released. Detectives and the seven-year-old girl were both uninjured in the shootout. According to the Los Angeles Times, none of the detectives involved were wearing body cameras, but investigators are trying to obtain footage of the incident from home surveillance systems in the area. Boone's motive for allegedly keeping his ex-girlfriend captive remains under investigation. Robert Fuller, 24, was found hanging from a tree on June 10. Authorities are now conducting a full investigation into his death A demonstrator carries a sign reading: 'Robert Fuller 4Ever' during an All Black Lives Matter march organized by black members of the LGBTQ community, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles on Sunday, June 14, 2020 Meanwhile, the death of his half brother, Robert Fuller, is also being investigated. Fuller was found in a park near Palmdale City Hall early in the morning of June 10. A preliminary autopsy was conducted the next day, but the initial finding of suicide immediately prompted skepticism among the black community in an area of Los Angeles County with a racist history. Homicide detectives also said there was no evidence of foul play - but that has outraged family members who are now seeking an independent autopsy. Fuller's family and friends described him as a peacemaker who was street-smart, loved music and video games, and mostly stayed to himself. Days before he died, he attended a Black Lives Matter protest, the Los Angeles Times reported. The FBI and state attorney genera's office on Monday announced they are monitoring the LA Sheriff Departments investigation of Fuller's death. Fuller was the second black man to be found hanged in a public place in Southern California in recent weeks. People are seen gathering at the site where Fuller was found dead in Palmdale on Monday Malcolm Harsch, a 38-year-old homeless man, was found on May 31 in Victorville, a desert city in San Bernardino County east of Palmdale. Authorities will also probe the death of Harsch. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department had said that although foul play was not suspected in Harsch's death, they are still investigating what happened. Harsch's family, meanwhile, has said they are worried that his death will be prematurely ruled a suicide. In a statement to Victor Valley News, Harsch's family said that his cause of death hadn't been released yet, but that they were 'concerned that his death will be labeled as a suicide.' Malcolm Harsch, 38, was also found hanging from a tree near what's been described as a homeless encampment, close to the Victorville City Library on May 31 'Amidst the current racial tension and following the protesting the night prior to his body being discovered we were truly troubled to learn of his passing particularly of how his body was discovered,' the statement read. 'He is an African-American man whose body was found hanging from a tree! The deputy who called to confirm his death asked questions about drug or alcohol use, he made a statement about how the coronavirus has 'hit people really hard' and said that a USB cord was used to hang himself.' The family claimed they were told by witnesses that his 6'3'-long body was not even dangling from the tree when it was found and that there was blood on his shirt. They also noted that there 'there didn't appear to be any physical implications at the scene to suggest that there was a struggle or any visible open wounds at that time,' which would explain why his shirt might've been bloodied. The family said that Harsch 'didn't seem to be depressed to anyone who truly knew him' and that he had recently spoken with his kids about seeing them soon. Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah has issued a stern warning to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) rank and file stressing there should be no vigilante groups at any of the electoral areas during the party's primaries. The NPP has slated their Parliamentary Primaries for tomorrow, June 20, 2020 and 102,000 delegates are expected to participate in the election of the party's aspirants across the nation to stand for the party during the Parliamentary elections on December 7th. Three hundred and eight (308) aspirants will be competing and out of the number, 47 are female aspirants who will be in competitive match with their male contenders. Contributing to Peace FM's flagship programme 'Kokrokoo', Hon. Simon-Osei Mensah urged the aspirants and delegates to maintain peace and order during the primaries. He cautioned that there will be strict security presence at all the polling stations and any person found in possession of an offensive object will be drastically dealt with according to the laws of the country. "We don't need any vigilante group at any place. We don't need any macho-man anywhere. We're also saying we don't want to see any motor bike at any polling station or the immediate surroundings. We don't want anything that will wreak havoc at the electoral areas and you should make sure you have no weapon of any kind in your possession because the security forces will lawfully deal with you when you're caught," he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The governments handling of the coronavirus crisis has been world beating only in delivering one of the highest death rates. When ministers refuse to acknowledge that anything could or should have been handled differently, how on earth will they learn from mistakes? Britain was in no position to follow World Health Organisation guidance on testing and tracing because inadequate equipment and facilities, combined with fragmented and underfunded public health systems, meant they were rapidly overwhelmed. We were late into lockdown, and for all the promises and ambitious targets, scant supplies of personal protective equipment left health and social care staff vulnerable to infection and increased the risk of transmission to patients. The decision to quarantine people arriving from overseas happened months after it could have helped to prevent the virus taking root across the UK. Coronavirus has also starkly exposed pre-existing health inequalities, which disproportionately affected black, Asian and minority ethnic communities as well as other disadvantaged groups. Far from being the great leveller, it looks set to widen the gap in health for decades to come. For young people, the education gap will be profound and they are likely to pay the highest price in the long term for the economic fallout, especially if that is then compounded by a no-deal Brexit at the end of this year. And yet Boris Johnson insists he is proud of his record. At the time of writing, there have been over 64,000 more deaths since the start of the pandemic than would normally be expected based on the average over five years for the same period. The official figures presented at the daily briefings hugely underrepresent the true lethality of coronavirus across the UK. Government claims that they had thrown an early protective ring around care homes are patently false. The death toll amongst residents and the impact on carers tell a different story and bereaved families are taking action. One of them is Cathy Gardner, whose father Michael Gibson died in an Oxfordshire care home in early April, after a patient who tested positive for the virus was discharged there from hospital. Gardner points to failings which led to large numbers of unnecessary deaths and serious illnesses, aggravated by the making of wholly disingenuous, misleading and in some cases plainly false statements suggesting that everything necessary has been done to protect care homes during the pandemic. Her request for a judicial review cites the European Convention on Human Rights alleging that policies and measures adopted by the health and social care secretary, NHS England and Public Health England have manifestly failed to protect the health, wellbeing and right to life of those residing and working in care homes. Gardner is not alone in accusing the government of misleading statements. The chair of the UK Statistics Authority, Sir David Norgrove, warned that statistics are being rendered incomprehensible and meaningless because the aim seems to be to show the largest possible number of tests even at the expense of understanding. It is time for all public health officials and advisers who flank ministers at the daily briefings to insist on clarity and independence. Some, like Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, the deputy chief medical officer, and Ruth May, the chief nursing officer, have done so, but they have been exiled as a result. The televised daily briefings increasingly appear like a vehicle for delivering spin alongside the reports from unnamed No 10 sources that the briefings were originally set up to replace. Trust lies at the heart of handling a public health emergency on this scale. What on earth are contact tracers to say to those who, like Dominic Cummings, want to pop back to their workplace first or to travel hundreds of miles with someone who is unwell, potentially seeding the virus elsewhere? It is extraordinary that the prime minister continues to undermine public health by placing the career survival of his adviser ahead of the need to protect communities and contain the virus. Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Show all 18 1 /18 Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Jack Dodsley, 79, with a carer in PPE at Newfield Nursing Home Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Jackie Wilson, a healthcare assistant, wearing PPE before going into rooms Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Jack Dodsley, 79, speaks to a carer at Newfield Nursing Home Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Carers working at Newfield Nursing Home Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A care worker wearing PPE opens a drink carton Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Jack Dodsley, 79, sits with a carer Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Jack Dodsley, 79, with a carer in PPE Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A care staff member wearing PPE Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A staff member at Newfield Nursing Home looks after a resident SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A carer wearing PPE uses a speaker Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A carer helps Jack Dodsley, 79, from his chair Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A carer wearing PPE helps Jack Dodsley, 79 Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A staff member at Newfield Nursing Home Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A carer brings food to a resident at Newfield Nursing Home Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Jack Dodsley, 79, with a carer in PPE Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A staff member puts on PPE at Newfield Nursing Home Tom Maddick/SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside Jackie Wilson, a healthcare assistant, puts on PPE before she enters a room SWNS Care home hit by coronavirus: A rare glimpse of life inside A bench at Newfield Nursing Home Tom Maddick/SWNS In the absence of government transparency or willingness to learn lessons, we urgently need a rapid inquiry or parliamentary commission to make sure that we can learn from mistakes and prevent a second wave. There are many models. The Commission on Banking Standards, which was set up to provide a rapid response in the wake of the last financial scandal and collapse, is just one example. A similar commission of both houses of parliament could take a wider look than is possible for a single select committee. It could benefit from cross-bench expertise in the Lords, instruct counsel and hear evidence in public with a number of specialist panels sitting simultaneously to allow for rapid advice to be given. A public health emergency would also allow for a no-blame approach to encourage maximum transparency and could be set up entirely independent from parliament and hosted by a health think tank. The advantage of the Commission on Banking Standards, however, was that having been set up with cross-party support and with a chair appointed by the prime minister, there was a commitment from the outset to pay attention to and implement its recommendations. No one doubts the difficulty of balancing the health, educational and economic challenges ahead. The problem is there is serious doubt about the governments willingness or capacity to learn the lessons necessary to do so. Dr Sarah Wollaston is a GP, the former MP for Totnes and the former chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee The death of George Floyd was a call for action: to reform, to protest and, for many, to write a check. A GoFundMe campaign created by Floyd's brother Philonise has received $14 million from almost 500,000 people, a record for the most individual donations on the platform. Celebrities tweeted their support of the protesters by giving money to bail relief and legal defense funds. Billionaire Robert Smith and boxer Floyd Mayweather paid for Floyd's memorial services; actor/director Tyler Perry is covering the expenses for next week's funeral of Rayshard Brooks and college tuition for Brooks's four children. "It's support like that and it's people who are actually in this community - that love the community, that want healing and families like this to never have to go through something like this - to step forward," said Brooks's attorney Chris Stewart during a news conference this week. "And we want to thank him for such a generous move." With the pandemic, protests and another March on Washington planned for August, this year is poised to become a historic one for organizations advocating for racial justice. Smith, Mayweather and other donors stepped up to pay the $300,000 costs for Floyd's three services, says the Rev. Al Sharpton, and his National Action Network paid for an independent autopsy because the Floyd family couldn't afford one. Other donors have pledged to support Sharpton's march, scheduled for the 57th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic gathering in 1963. These donations are not just giving back, Sharpton says. They are a way of acknowledging that no African American, no matter how rich or famous, is immune from racial injustice. "It says to the average black (person) who has not been a success, that those who have succeeded and those who have lived a lifestyle above what many of us could, still identify" with the community, Sharpton explains. "It's not hyperbole to say that a policeman in Minneapolis would not have known on that corner the difference between Tyler Perry and George Floyd unless he went to a Tyler Perry movie. So somewhere deep down inside, they say, 'That could have been me.' " Sharpton's mantra: Everybody has a role. Some people can organize and protest. Some can lobby politicians. And some can fund the movement. "I don't expect people to do what I do, and I can't do what others do," he says. "But if everybody does what they can do, that's what makes a movement." So Michael Jordan and Nike's Jordan Brand have pledged $100 million over 10 years to fight racial injustice. Kanye West gave $2 million to support the families of Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. Barbra Streisand donated a chunk of Disney stock to Floyd's 6-year-old daughter, Gianna; professional hockey player P.K. Subban announced a $50,000 donation for her, an amount matched by the NHL. Chrissy Teigen, Steve Carell, Seth Rogen and Don Cheadle donated to a Minnesota-based bail relief nonprofit organization. And on Wednesday, Netflix billionaire Reed Hastings and his wife, philanthropist Patty Quillin, gave $120 million, the largest individual donation to historically black colleges and universities. The couple earmarked the money for scholarships: $40 million each for Morehouse College, Spelman College and the United Negro College Fund. The gift had been in the works for more than a year, but they decided that this was the perfect time to make the announcement. "I only used to give to my alma mater, a predominantly white institution - Bowdoin College, a very wonderful place," Hastings told the Undefeated. "With the tragedies that the black community is currently facing, the covid crisis, police violence, with everything going on today, we realized this is the time to try to set an example of bringing attention to the HBCUs by doing a really big gift and to try to break down some of those social barriers where white capital only flows to PWIs." For many, the million-dollar question is how and where to give right now. Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, gets that query every day. "I ask them what impact do they want to see and how comfortable are they with risk," says Walker. "Because some people want to be conservative and just want to make what I call 'guilt grants.' They ask, 'What should I do?' But they actually want an easy answer." Walker describes a 'guilt grant' a big, one-time donation to a large African American organization with no real personal connection. Even a grant like this can do good, admits Walker, but "the donor is not really internalizing the problem. It is a superficial response to a systemic problem." Walker, the author of "From Generosity to Justice," says most philanthropy has been based on Carnegie and Rockefeller's traditional view of charity as an act of generosity. King had a different view: While philanthropy is commendable, philanthropists should not be allowed to forget the economic injustice that makes philanthropy necessary. "It's a different idea of what charity ought to be and what philanthropy is about," Walker says. "I think there are philanthropists who are motivated by justice, and that's a different idea." Those philanthropists, he says, are more interested in root causes. "So much of what we are working to address - inequality, poverty - at its root in America is anchored in the reality of racism and white supremacy. And so how does a philanthropist make grants that get at the root of the problem?" Long term, Walker steers them toward civil rights organizations supporting research and those on the front lines, such as groups in the network of the Black Lives Movement. Because the Ford Foundation (which just announced a two-year, $1 billion initiative to support racial justice) doesn't accept donations, so Walker recommends the Borealis Fund, which serves as an intermediary for many grass-roots organizations. "We have, for the first time in our nation's history, a real chance to address the historic challenge of racism, because white Americans don't want to live in a racist America," he says. "I believe most white Americans are heartbroken by what they saw: the murder of an American citizen by a person who was supposed to be protecting the public. It was so devastating that it is causing a collective convulsion in this country." Corporate America has jumped on the bandwagon, pledging $450 million dollars in the past month to civil rights groups traditionally supported by individual donations. But not everyone is clamoring to scoop up the big bucks. Rashad Robinson, president of Color of Change, is very clear about what money he'll accept and from whom. In an email, Robinson said his online racial justice organization does not take corporate donations because it regularly takes on business targets. In the past month, there's been an "outpouring" of unexpected donations including some from "corporations with no track record or relationship to the racial justice movement." So his board created "The Emergency Fund For Racial Justice" to direct the funds to local social justice, grass-roots and nonprofit organizations. "As part of our mission to challenge injustice and hold corporate leaders accountable, Color of Change continues to urge corporations to follow donations with deeper relationship building," Robinson writes. "Deep systemic racism is killing Black people in our country and dismantling it demands that we put action behind our dollars." And even the best intentions can go sideways: Donors to the Black Lives Matter Foundation - including Apple, Google and Microsoft - discovered that they had mistakenly earmarked their philanthropy for a California-based charity with one employee and an UPS store as its address, reports BuzzFeed. They meant to give, of course, to the Black Lives Matter Global Network, the better-known voice for the BLM movement. Sharpton's August 28 march is slated to be the largest gathering of the summer, starting at the Lincoln Memorial and ending at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial - an homage to the 1963 march that attracted 250,000 people and where King delivered his "I Have A Dream" speech. Sharpton's march celebrating the 50th anniversary of King's march attracted 200,000 people and cost $1.2 million. He's expecting his to be bigger and cost more. The logistical plans involve the sound production, port-a-potties, buses for attendees - all the elements of a successful event, especially in the heat of August. Sharpton and his National Action Network have submitted plans to the National Park Service; once the permits are approved, the fundraising can start in earnest, although he says "I've had several people call me and say, 'Tell me what you need.'" Surveillance programs could jeopardize protestors pursuit of justice The cascade of protests against racism and police brutality in response to the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd sent a shockwave through the consciousness of America. The grief, love, and solidarity on display seems to be on a larger scale than ever before. When our brothers and sisters marched in Ferguson in 2014, they lacked the groundswell of support across the country that were witnessing now. Even still, we have a long way to go until African Americans can truly enjoy, equal justice under law, a promise etched in stone on the Supreme Court building but not yet fulfilled in daily life. The sheer volume of peaceful protestors and online advocates is a ray of hope through the dark valley of lingering racial injustice. As Black and Brown communities have known for a long time, and as many will learn in the wake of these protests, there are often forces working against the fight for justice that cant be seen. A recent report showed that the Drug Enforcement Administration was permitted to conduct covert surveillance on people attending marches. As protestors walked through Minneapolis, a drone controlled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection flew overhead. It even came to light that the Department of Homeland Security used location data to investigate activists in the Black Lives Matter movement back in 2016. I could go on. This is not a trend. Its a feature of a system that routinely uses any technology at its disposal to deter Americans, especially African Americans, from exercising their God-given rights. As long as these technologies exist, its almost inevitable that certain authorities will use them to surveil lawfully assembled protestors who challenge the system. ADVERTISEMENT There is one such technology being implemented in Los Angeles that is entirely invisible, and incredibly granular. If left unchecked, it could become a citywide apparatus for tracking residents of this great city, and the next covert surveillance tool to monitor those fighting for justice. Its called Mobility Data Specification (MDS), and its a new program developed by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT). Using MDS, mobility companies are required to provide LADOT with access to real-time rider location data in order to receive operating permits. That means a riders entire route, from start to finish, could be monitored by anyone with access to MDS. Although the program doesnt collect names, it has been plainly demonstrated that a rider can still be personally identified using just a handful of these data points. Today, MDS is being tested on dockless bikes and scooters, and officials have said it will soon be expanded to all ride-hailing services. Former State Assemblyman Mike Gatto, who served as Chairman of the Consumer Protection & Privacy Committee, said that, when a city government creates new databases, law enforcement has the ability to access it, and they will. The sheer existence of MDS leaves open the possibility for abuse, and I fear that the consequences will be disproportionately felt by people who look like me. Furthermore, LADOT has not created any clear policies for safeguarding this sensitive data even their data protection principles made no mention of a warrant being required in order for law enforcement to access it. They also will not permit riders to opt in or out of MDS, nor will they explain why real-time tracking is necessary to achieve their transportation goals. To my brothers and sisters marching for equal justice, does MDS sound like something you want to see added to a system that already heavily surveils you? This week, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles to halt the implementation of MDS, arguing that it plainly violates the Fourth Amendment and California privacy law. Sure enough, the lawsuit even says a single trip to a protest against police violence may result in a riders name being revealed and her presence at the protest exposed against her wishes. Dr. King said in his Letter from a Birmingham Jail, Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. The city government, if they are to truly be guardians of the public interest, must implement programs that will encourage civil engagement, not deter or punish it. With thousands of people in our city crying out for the foundational right to equal justice under law, city officials should commit to protecting us, like shepherds keeping the wolves at bay, and recognize that moving forward with MDS will place a stain on that commitment. ADVERTISEMENT Pastor Smart is President and CEO at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California. SCLC is a nonprofit, non-sectarian, inter-faith, advocacy organization that is committed to nonviolent action to achieve social, economic, and political justice. Officials in the San Antonio area have ordered people to wear face masks in public when social distancing isnt possible and warned that businesses could face fines of up to $1,000 for failing to comply with county health policies in the next five days. Shortly after the local order was issued in one of Texas most populous counties, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott said other local governments are free to do the same. Abbott had previously refused to include mask requirements in his earlier statewide orders. The executive order from Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff came amid hospitalization rates as Texas continues to reopen during the coronavirus pandemic San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg joined Wolff in a press conference to say they are concerned younger people will get infected with COVID-19 and take the virus home to older family members. People younger than 40 are showing the most infections in the area, the mayor said. What we are doing here is to protect the life and safety of the San Antonio community, Nirenberg said. The local order comes a day after Abbott acknowledged that many Texans have become lax about wearing masks and social distancing as his statewide virus restrictions have been lifted. He urged them to take greater personal responsibility for stopping the spread but said he would not require the general public to wear masks. In May, Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton lashed out at the cities of San Antonio, Dallas and Austin over what he called unlawful local orders that are tougher than restrictions prescribed by Abbott, and threatened lawsuits if the cities dont back off. In an interview with television station KWTX, Abbott said his state order would have allowed this move by Bexar County long ago, adding county officials had finally figured that out. We want to make sure individual liberty is not infringed upon by government and hence government cannot require individuals to wear masks, Abbott said. Local governments can require stores and businesses to require masks. Theyve always had the opportunity and ability, just like they can require people to wear shoes and shirts, these businesses can require people to wear face masks. Nine mayors of Texas largest cities, including San Antonio and Dallas, sent a bipartisan letter to Abbott, a Republican, asking for local governments to have the authority to enforce the use of face coverings. Texas hit a record high for COVID-19 hospitalizations on June 17 with 2,793, an 85% increase since Memorial Day. The state has set a record for hospitalizations nine of the last 10 days. Abbott insisted Texas hospitals can handle the rising numbers of patients and the Republican has routinely touted available hospital space and intensive care beds as proof hospitals wont be overwhelmed. Texas health officials reported 13,815 hospital beds available overall with 1,473 ICU beds. Texas Supreme Court Justice Debra Lehrman said her symptoms while battling COVID-19 were quite severe but she is now recovered. Lehrman is one of nine judges on the states highest court for civil law. She announced May 21 that she and her husband Greg tested positive for the coronavirus despite being diligent about following social distancing guidelines. She is the highest-ranking state official in Texas known to test positive for the virus. Greg & I are so thankful for the many kind thoughts and prayers that undoubtedly helped us through this challenging time. Although my symptoms became quite severe, we are both fine with negative test results. Now, on to donating our plasma to help others! Lehrman tweeted in announcing recovery. Acacia Coronado is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics COVID-19 Texas Long-read sequencing, also called third-generation sequencing, is a DNA sequencing technique currently being researched which can determine the nucleotide sequence of long sequences of DNA between 10,000 and 100,000 base pairs at a time. This removes the need to cut up and then amplify DNA which is normally required in other DNA sequencing techniques. Image Credits: Gio.tto / Shutterstock.com History of DNA sequencing One of the most basic forms of DNA sequencing is Sanger sequencing. This method can sequence relatively small fragments of DNA of up to about 900 base pairs. Fragments of DNA are replicated many times, all of varying lengths and all with a fluorescent tag on one end. These tagged fragments can be mapped out to determine the exact sequence of the original DNA. The more modern forms of DNA sequencing are called next-generation sequencing. These techniques are faster, cheaper and can much more efficiently determine long DNA sequences compared to Sanger sequencing. This is achieved through high-throughput analysis of many different DNA fragments at once. These DNA fragments tend to range from 50-700 base pairs in length, but the techniques used can determine DNA sequences made up of millions of base pairs. Long-read sequencing, sometimes also called third-generation sequencing, is a very recent DNA sequencing technique that can read the DNA sequence of much longer DNA fragments at a time. These normally range from between 10,000 and 100,000 base pairs but have been shown to be able to read even 1-2 million base pairs at a time. How does long-read sequencing work? Long-read sequencing has been described as solving a jigsaw puzzle with large pieces. The DNA fragments produced in this technique are easier to assemble into a complete DNA sequence than in other sequencing techniques. There are two main technologies within scientific research which utilize long-read sequencing: Oxford Nanopore sequencing, and PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. These techniques implement different methodologies, but are both capable of sequencing long lengths of DNA. Nanopore sequencing measures changes in ionic current when single-stranded DNA fragments are moved through a nanopore, which are very small proteins forming pores are embedded within a membrane. Different DNA sequences will produce different levels of resistance when they pass through these pores, so the exact nucleotide sequence can be determined. SMRT sequencing works by detecting different levels of fluorescence that are generated when a target DNA sequencing is replicated with modified nucleotides. This occurs in a series of wells and is limited by the quality of the DNA polymerase in use. Advantages of long-read sequencing Long-read sequencing has several distinct advantages compared to next-generation sequencing technologies. One of the major advantages is that long-read sequencing can much more accurately sequence DNA containing repeats, which is where the same sections of DNA repeated within the genome. Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing often struggle with these repeats when assembling their DNA fragments. These repeats, or copy number variations, are much easier to detect in long-read sequencing which is very important. For example in Huntingdons disease, the copy number of the DNA sequence CAG dictates if a person is likely to develop the disease. Determining this copy number can have large implications in the diagnosis or prediction of genetic disease. This sequencing technology can also more accurately detect larger-scale mutations, where long sections of DNA are deleted or moved. These structural variants often have roles in genetic disorders but have not been extensively studied in the past due to the lack of technology available. What has been achieved with long-read sequencing? In 2018, Jain et al. and other researchers from the University of California used long-read sequencing to accurately map the human Y chromosome centromere. The centromere is a very important section of all chromosomes which has a vital role within division, and its dysregulation has been linked to cancer formation and several different genetic syndromes like Downs Syndrome and Turner Syndrome. Nanopore sequencing has been used to detect and identify pathogens within clinical environments in as short as 6 hours from when the samples were taken. Nanopore sequencing was also used during the ebola outbreak to rapidly and efficiently test blood samples for presence of the virus. The equipment was flown into West Africa and used directly on-site to monitor the epidemic. Sources Heather, J. M., & Chain, B. (2016). The sequence of sequencers: The history of sequencing DNA. Genomics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygeno.2015.11.003 PHG Foundation. Long read sequencing technologies. (2018). www.phgfoundation.org/.../long-read-sequencing-ready-for-implementation Koren, S., & Phillippy, A. M. (2015). One chromosome, one contig: complete microbial genomes from long-read sequencing and assembly. Current opinion in microbiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mib.2014.11.014 Amarasinghe, S. L., et al., (2020). Opportunities and challenges in long-read sequencing data analysis. Genome biology. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13059-020-1935-5 Eid, J., et al., (2009). Real-time DNA sequencing from single polymerase molecules. Science. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1162986 Jain, M., et al., (2016). The Oxford Nanopore MinION: delivery of nanopore sequencing to the genomics community. Genome biology. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13059-016-1103-0 Further Reading To listen to the many assessments as to how the Irish peace process was won, one could be forgiven for thinking that it had 100 fathers, which it did not, but incontestably, it had only one mother - Jean Kennedy Smith. Without her presence in Dublin, and that of her brother Ted in Washington, there would not have been a Good Friday Agreement. When she arrived in Dublin on becoming ambassador in 1993, she cut a frail figure that did not indicate anything of the courage and political skill required to achieve that triumph. In the years before she appeared in the US embassy in Dublin, hosting the July 4 celebrations, she had returned from an estrangement to nurse her former husband Stephen E Smith, in his last illness. She had also sat through every day of her son William's lengthy rape trial. He was eventually found not guilty. In her endeavours for the peace process, she found herself up against two of her Government's departments, that of State and Defence, both of whom had deep entanglements with the British in both FBI/CIA co-operation, and military co-operation in areas such as the Middle East and the Balkans. Moreover, she had to contend with hostility in the London Embassy spearheaded by US Ambassador Raymond Seitz, and in her own Dublin Embassy. Here, some of her staff took advantage of a provision in State Department regulations, which allow officials to disagree with their ambassador, to sign a dissent from her activities. These, they claimed, were harmful to American permanent interests, and indicated that she might have been listening unduly to Irish influences, including myself. The opposition to her initiative grew to such a high - though hidden pitch - that when it became known that she intended to visit Northern Ireland, the RUC let it be known they could not guarantee her safety. She famously went anyway, and en route to Belfast received a call from Warren Christopher, then secretary of state, and officially at least, her boss. But she informed him that the line was bad and that as she could not hear him, she was passing the phone to her assistant. Strangely enough, she too developed a hearing loss. The journey continued unimpeded, as did Jean. She had an incredible talent for friendship and the embassy soon became a Mecca for every poet, playwright and artist of stature in Dublin, from Seamus Heaney and Brendan Kennelly to Sebastian Barry. Apart from these public contacts, she made other friends also, chiefly Fr Alec Reid, the Redemptorist priest from Clonard Monastery off the Falls Road, who became a key confidante. He helped to bolster the advice that Gerry Adams was to be trusted, and given the visa to visit the US on which the first IRA ceasefire ultimately swung. It was the signal to the militants that the ballot box, rather than the armalite, was the fruitful route. Jean was also trusted not merely by the republicans but by crucial figures in the Irish establishment, notably Taoiseach Albert Reynolds who, along with Tony Blair, justifiably deserves to be included with honour in the lists of the peace processes paternity. Not all the Irish establishment agreed with her. But the 'Jean machine', as the 'Sunday Times' dubbed her, continued onward. When using the phone, Jean would refer to Fr Reid as "the Monk". He reciprocated by calling her the "speir bhean" bracketing her with the mythical figures from the aisling poetry who appeared to poets in their dreams. Legend has it they brought tidings of comfort to Ireland in an hour of need. It was an apt comparison. For if one applies to Jean Kennedy Smith the only true acid test of political life - "Did he or she leave the situation she found better or worse?" - Jean Kennedy Smith passes with first-class honours. Its an award-securing streak in which a Friendswood public safety team continues to maintain a strong pulse of service because it maintain a pulse for its patients. The Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department Emergency Medical Services team was recently selected for the American Heart Associations Lifeline EMS Award for the fourth consecutive year a ringing level of recognition for pre-hospital care of heart attack patients. These professionals work hard educating themselves and practicing proper life-saving techniques so that when they respond to a patient, they are able to provide the highest level of service, Lisa Camp, Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department EMS chief, said in a news release. The American Heart Association recognizes that pre-hospital personnel are the first providers of care to patients suffering from a (severe heart attack called ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in which a major artery is blocked) and are an integral part of the STEMI system of care impacting the overall care and outcome of the patient, stated the AHA. Camp herself recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award as part of this years Houston 100 Club Hero Awards for law enforcement and firefighters. Its great to see regional and national organizations place the Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department EMS and their chief, Lisa Camp, in the top categories of achievement in emergency medical care, said Mayor Mike Foreman. We appreciate all of our first responders. This opportunity to highlight the life-saving work of our EMS team is well-deserved. In other news: Concerts in the Park show at new location The citys Concerts in the Park have been moved to Stevenson Park around the gazebo. The final concert is scheduled for June 26 and the festivities begin at 7 p.m. Hang around for the music and the door prizes during intermission. Taking aim at rough roads OK, you know your street isnt the smoothest, but then comes a day when youre in a rush and you forget about that pothole and what it can do to your tires.. Take heart residents, the city has already said goodbye to a host of jarring potholes and now it hasa bunch more in its crosshairs. They include: Apple Blossom Lane, Bentwood Lane, Laura Leigh Drive, Mary Ann Drive, Parkview Drive, Pennystone Way, Westwood Drive, Winding Road, Winding Way, Whittier Oaks Drive, Dunbar Estates Drive, Diamond Lane, Colt Road, Merriewood Drive and Clearview Drive. These needed repairs were paid for with the three-eighths of a cent sales tax for street repairs that voters approved in 2016. ravery@hcnonline.com The theme for this International Yoga Day is Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family. With the sixth International Yoga Day slated to take place on 21 June, the government and various organisations have been urging people to start practising Yoga regularly. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, people have been advised to practice it at home with family this year. The theme for this International Yoga Day is Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family. Even though one cannot meet up with near and dear ones due to social distancing norms, awareness about International Yoga Day can still be raised with the use of technology. One option for that is through sending WhatsApp stickers. Android users will have to go to the Play Store and type WAStickerApps yoga in the search box. WAStickerApps yoga is a keyword that should be used while looking for stickers on the Play Store. A list of Yoga sticker apps will appear on the screen after tapping on the search button. Install the app of your choice and open WhatsApp. Go to any chat window and tap on the emoji. After that, tap on the sticker button. A + sign can be spotted on the top right, after tapping on which a sticker menu will appear. Here, all the installed stickers can be seen under My Stickers. For sending the sticker, one has to go to the sticker menu while chatting and there one will find installed stickers for use. The UN General Assembly had in 2014 adopted a resolution and declared 21 June as International Yoga Day. The day was first celebrated on 2015. Every year, people across the world gather in large spaces to practise Yoga on this day. They share pictures and videos of them performing Yoga to spread awareness of it. As per a report in The Hindustan Times, the first International Yoga Day saw India creating two records. One was for the largest yoga class and the other for the highest number of nationalities to have participated. YPSILANTI, MI - National topics of conversation about law enforcement ranging from the use of force in the line of duty to defunding the police were put under the microscope by the Ypsilanti community during a frank discussion about race and policing. Ypsilanti Police Chief Tony DeGiusti and members of the city council and its Police Advisory Commission provided insights about how the department responds to calls, how it holds officers accountable and how it recruits members to best reflect the population it serves during a virtual forum hosted Thursday, June 18. The discussion came in light of widespread protests and incidents of police brutality against black people throughout the country, highlighted by the recent alleged killings of George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks that have resulted in police officers being charged with murder. Some residents in the forum believe defunding the police in favor of other community outreach services would be a better use of resources for the city, including Ypsilanti Police Advisory Commission member Heather Berkovitz-Freeling. What (defunding the police) really means is moving away from the stunted conception of what public safety looks like; investing in mental health, housing services and other community-based organizations, and not just law enforcement, Berkovitz-Freeling said. If the police do not realize the scale of this problem, theyre not going to accept the scale of the solution. DeGiusti criticized the concept of defunding the police by noting the department has seen its resources and personnel dwindle for decades. The police department has been consistently defunded since the 1990s, DeGiusti said. In the early 90s, there were over 50 officers that worked at the Ypsilanti Police Department. Now there are 30, and the workload hasnt shifted. One measure the city is making to shift the focus of the department toward addressing mental health and proper responses to calls from residents is through the proposed hiring of a social worker to assist the department in the city budget. The social workers annual base salary will be $65,000, funded through money from the countys public safety tax, providing assistance to officers during incidents including domestic violence. DeGiusti said he hopes the concept will expand to include internships from those studying social work at Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan to maximize its impact. Theres no way around saying theres a lot of domestic violence in the city of Ypsilanti, DeGiusti said. Safe House is a great resource, but they cant do everything. Sometimes us reaching out to Safe House or a social worker reaching out to Safe House could make a difference. The forum also addressed the use of force by officers and how there can be better transparency from the Ypsilanti Police Department in providing information about the frequency with which it occurs. Police Advisory Commission member Andrew Fanta said the department reports using force between four to six times per month, or about 70 times a year. Reports provided by DeGiusti describe the incidents and whether their use of force or response was appropriate. I just react with great pride because the training and the professionalism of the police are revealed in these incidents, Fanta said. Some residents in the forum were skeptical of the process, arguing that it is in the best interest of police to characterize the actions of its officers in a positive light, while others noted the commission doesnt help address policing strategies that target only certain areas within the city, including its south side. That doesnt mean all of the crime is on the south side, but thats where the said crime is, Resident Lee Tooson said. My problem with that is youve got a bunch of young police officers that are afraid of blacks. Im so afraid that whats going to happen is that some of them are going to get killed or theyre going to kill somebody because theyre frightened. DeGiusti said the department is looking to improve its service to the community through implementing de-escalating and implicit bias training including Fair and Impartial Policing and Human Terrain Mapping. DeGiusti said he also believes the department can be more effective in the line of duty through the recruitment of officers with an understanding of the community they serve. He pointed to the departments administrative ranks that include African-Americans and women in greater numbers than in recent decades. Were looking into diversity at the top, as well as the entire department trying to look like the community, DeGiusti said. Thats not to say that were relaxing any standards or making any exceptions for anybody, these are all officers who well-trained, well-qualified, and frankly are coming to us because theyre recruited by people who already work here. While the majority of focus during the forum was on policing, some community members lamented the citys leadership is a root issue in holding the department accountable, specifically calling out the recent comments of Mayor Beth Bashert during a city council meeting. There have been calls for Bashert to resign after her fellow council members and members of the public criticized her rationale for voting to reappoint a black member of the citys Human Rights Commission, explaining that, Since I will be crucified if I vote against any black person on a commission, Im going to vote yes. Bashert, who helped moderate the forum, opted not to address her remarks during the forum in favor of Mayor Pro Tem Lois Richardson leading the discussion. She apologized for her remarks online Thursday. Ypsilanti resident and Human Rights Commission member Sam Jones-Darling said Basherts actions and words are part of the problem the city is facing in addressing issues of systemic racism in the community, asking that she resign. Black Lives Matter means that mayor, its time you held yourself accountable, Jones-Darling said. Step up, understand that you are indeed racist. That step up cant just be a post on Facebook. You have to resign. READ MORE: Ypsilantis two-year budget: limited street work, more funds for housing help Downtown Ypsilanti businesses get OK to use sidewalks, streets for more space as coronavirus precaution Racism is a public health crisis, Ypsilanti leaders declare in resolution that must be more than symbolic The United States on Thursday expressed its deepest condolences to India on the loss of lives of its soldiers in violent clashes with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in Ladakh early this week. We extend our deepest condolences to the people of India for the lives lost as a result of the recent confrontation with China, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a tweet, hours after his meeting with top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi. We will remember the soldiers' families, loved ones, and communities as they grieve, said Pompeo. The State Department did not say if the recent India-China confrontation along the Line of Actual Control in East Laddakh appeared during the Pompeo-Yang talks in Hawaii. A day earlier, the White House had said President Donald Trump is aware of the fierce clashes between the Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Laddakh. Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel, were killed in the clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley on Monday night, in the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two countries. The president is aware of it. We're monitoring the situation between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany had told reporters when asked about the border clash. We have seen the Indian Army statement that 20 Indian soldiers died as a result of the confrontation today, and we extend our deepest condolences on that, she had said. McEnany stressed that there are no formal plans to mediate between India and China. No formal plans on that beyond what I already said in expressing our absolute condolences to the Indian soldiers that died as a result of today's confrontation. We extend our deepest condolences there, she said. I would note just that during the phone call on June 2 of this year that President (Donald) Trump had with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, they did discuss the situation on the India-China border, McEnany said. Monday's face-off was the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while over 300 Chinese army personnel were killed in the face-off. According to a report in the US News, at least 35 Chinese troops including one senior official died in the violent clash with Indian soldiers. The Indian Army has been fiercely objecting to border transgressions and has demanded their immediate withdrawal for the restoration of peace and tranquillity in the area. Both sides have held a series of talks in the last few days to resolve the row. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC). China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it. Also read: Chinese adventure on LAC meant to take advantage of coronavirus distractions, says US official She got people talking after she was seen out with Megan Fox's ex, Brian Austin Green. But Courtney Stodden was out on her own on Friday. The star, 25, was spotted grabbing coffee for two in Los Angeles, while flaunting her long legs in a pair of hot pants and Gucci heels. Starting a buzz! Courtney Stodden was spotted grabbing coffee for two in Los Angeles, while flaunting her long legs in a pair of hot pants and Gucci heels Not only that, but she topped off the look with Brian's SMAG (Someone Make America Great) hat. The star propped it atop her long blonde locks, which cascaded beside her perfectly done-up complexion. Mini backpack slung over her shoulders with a hot and cold beverage in either hand, and Courtney was ready to take on her day. Courtney made headlines a week earlier after she was seen out with Brian, whose estranged wife Megan Fox is currently dating rapper Machine Gun Kelly. Let's do this: Mini backpack slung over her shoulders with a hot and cold beverage in either hand, and Courtney was ready to take on her day However, a source told TMZ they are just friends and connected to potentially work on music together. The duo decided to get food together after sharing some ideas online, the website reports. Brian and Courtney were pictured picking up food from a Mexican restaurant in LA last Saturday. Casual Friday: The actress wore hot pants and a Pink Floyd T-shirt The website also revealed that Brian and Courtney bonded over their 'similar political views' - the kind that 'makes them want to make a change that's bigger than themselves'. The pair are just friends for now, but that could change in the future, the source said. Courtney is reportedly not ready for a relationship following her divorce from Green Mile actor Doug Hutchison, 60, who she married when she was 16 and he was 51. They split in 2017 and the divorce was finalized earlier this year. Rajesh Asnani By Express News Service JAIPUR: Despite horse-trading charges over the past fortnight, the ruling Congress won 2 seats in the Rajya Sabha polls in Rajasthan while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to get just one seat. Both the Congress nominees, KC Venugopal and Neeraj Dangi won impressively while the BJP could ensure a win only for Rajendra Gehlot and while its second candidate Onkar Singh Lakhawat got just 20 votes. Venugopal with 64 votes got the maximum support and his junior colleague Neeraj Dangi secured 59 votes. Rajendra Gehlot got 54 votes. In the house of 200 members, the Congress has 107 MLAs and was supported by Independents and legislators from the Rashtriya Lok Dal, CPM and Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP). The Congress candidates won a total of 123 votes as expected. The two BJP candidates had the backing of 72 MLAs and the support of 3 Rashtriya Loktantrik Party members but as one vote was disqualified the BJP candidates together secured 74 votes. Earlier, MLAs of both parties reached the Rajasthan Assembly in buses from the luxury hotels where they were staying in order to prevent poaching from the other side. Congress MLAs, Independents and legislators of other supporting parties reached the assembly in six buses. The Congress had confined its MLAs at a resort alleging that the BJP was trying to lure them away. Over the past few days, the BJP too had shifted its MLAs to a luxury hotel ostensibly for a Training Camp to make the MLAs familiar with voting processes for the Rajya Sabha. All social distancing norms and other anti-COVID precautions were observed at the Rajasthan Assembly during the vote. The results mark a special victory for Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot who had strongly raised horse-trading charges against the BJP. At a press conference in Jaipur last week, Gehlot had claimed that Rajya Sabha polls were purposely postponed for two months to enable the BJP to buy time and complete its horse-trading in the state. Delighted at securing two seats, Gehlot was quick to tweet after the Congress victory and remarked , Congratulations to Congress national general secretary KC Venugopal ji and Neeraj Dangi ji for winning #RajyaSabhaElections from #Rajasthan. It is a victory of the ideology, policies and programmes of Congress Party under the leadership of CP Smt. #SoniaGandhi hi. Congratulations to Congress national general secretary KC Venugopal ji and Neeraj Dangi ji for winning #RajyaSabhaElections from #Rajasthan. It is a victory of the ideology, policies and programmes of Congress Party under the leadership of CP Smt. #SoniaGandhi ji. Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) June 19, 2020 My compliments to all MLAs from other parties & independents, who voted for our candidates & who remained firm in supporting us despite several attempts by the BJP to lure them. We are happy that together we ensured those forces, which plotted to disrupt the democratic process on basis of money power gets defeated. Parliament has unanimously called on political parties to initiate constitutional reforms to end the ritual of holding parliamentary primaries every four years subjecting all members to contest irrespective of their experience. They said that the manner in which some experienced parliamentarians lose their seats only weakens the House. The MPs also urged the parties to readjust their calendar of activities to ensure that they did not interfere with meetings. The House had to adjourn yesterday without a single business, private or public, barely 30 minutes into proceedings because all but few members, especially from the Majority wing, were present. This is because majority of lawmakers on that side of the House are up for contest in the governing New Patriotic Partys parliamentary primaries tomorrow. Responding to an application of the Minority for the House to be adjourned till Tuesday instead of today, the Majority Leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, said the current trend if not checked would leave Parliament weakened. Political parties should ensure that when they hold primaries it should not fall within the period when Parliament is meeting. What is the purpose of holding these primaries when the gate is opened for all to contest? What we are doing here does not exist in any part of the world, he said. Acknowledging that political parties are injuncted by their constitutions to hold elections in the manner that it is today, the Suame MP said there should be a way to address the issue revealing that his ministry was engaging with political parties on the subject. We all have to confront this reality because being honest with myself; I cannot envisage what will happen to us in the next two parliaments after this one. The path we are creating for ourselves is not the best. The two major parties must bite the bullet and do introspection into the operations of their constitutions and proffer the necessary amendments. We cannot continue this way and pretend everything is okay. We are walking a very slippery road so let us not bury our heads in the sand. What is happening is not the best, the Majority Leader said. The Minority Chief Whip, Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, supporting the Majority Leader said the practice of primaries for all every four years cycle had led to some experienced legislators leaving the House. It has almost become like a crime to have kept long in this House and gain the necessary experience, he observed. He said elsewhere like in the United Kingdom, they do not hold primaries for all constituencies every election year; a situation which makes it possible for lawmakers to be in the chamber for four decades with their experiences. Mr Speaker, the way we do it here, where even the Deputy Speaker all the way to the last back bencher is subjected to contest is not good for our democracy. Source: The Ghanaian Times Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 23:07:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RAMALLAH/GAZA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Palestinians demonstrated on Friday in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip against the Israeli plan of annexing large parts of the West Bank lands. Palestinian sources and eyewitnesses said that dozens of demonstrators joined a rally in the Jordan Valley area, which is threatened to be annexed by Israel amid an intensive presence of the Israeli army forces. The demonstrators waved Palestinian flags, chanted anti-Israel slogans and carried banners that stressed on sticking to the Palestinian lands and rejecting the Israeli plans of confiscating it. The sources said that dozens of Palestinians prayed on Friday on the lands that were bulldozed by Israeli army bulldozers in the village of Harres, northwest of the West Bank city of Salfit. On Friday, several Palestinian factions in Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) called on the Palestinians to conduct the weekly Friday prayers on the Palestinian lands, which Israel plans to confiscate. At the end of the prayers, clashes broke out between the demonstrators and the Israeli army forces in several West Bank towns and villages, according to the eyewitnesses, adding that Israeli soldiers dispersed the demonstrators by tear gas. In Gaza, the Islamic Hamas movement organized a demonstration with hundreds of participants to condemn the Israeli annexation plan. They waved Palestinian flags and chanted anti-Israel slogans. Mushir el-Masri, a senior Hamas leader, said "the factions of resistance are determined to topple the Israeli annexation plan and all other conspiracies that aim at liquidating the just Palestinian cause." Enditem Charles Leclerc drove his Ferrari Formula One car through the streets of Maranello on Thursday as the Italian team fired up for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic halted track activity in March. Ferrari said the 22-year-old Monegasque was the first driver of the modern era to have driven an F1 car through their home town. The low-speed run, which ended at the Fiorano test track without Leclerc completing any laps, came 110 days after the SF1000 car last turned a wheel at testing in Spain at the end of February. "I don't normally like getting up early, but this morning there was a great reason to do so," commented Leclerc, who recognized his raucous run may have woken up some of the citizens. Good morning Maranello ! Sorry if I woke you up this morning, I was just going to work pic.twitter.com/IHj5o5RLlY Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) June 18, 2020 "It was exciting to get back in the car today, particularly on such a special route. Being back in the cockpit felt like coming home again. "It seemed like a fun way of saying we are ready to get back on track." The rescheduled season is due to start in Austria with two races on July 5 and 12, both without spectators and under carefully controlled conditions. Story continues Leclerc's early morning route took him from the factory gates, through which late team founder Enzo Ferrari drove the first car bearing his name in 1947, and across Via Abetone Inferiore. He then drove past the Ferrari museum and down Via Gilles Villeneuve, named after the team's late Canadian great, to Fiorano. You Might Also Like Our live blog will be updated throughout the day. For first-in-the-morning updates, sign up for The Daily Briefing. TULSA, Okla. About a mile away from the arena where President Trump will hold a Saturday rally, the Reverend Al Sharpton spoke to a field filled with people on the campus of Oklahoma State University - Tulsa, near where the city's infamous 1921 race massacre took place. Sharpton, one of several speakers for this years Juneteenth celebration in Tulsa, said they tell their children that Lincoln freed the slaves. The fact is the slaves freed Lincoln. He also rejected claims that protesters for the Black Lives Matter movement were violent. We are not violent, we're fighting violence, he said to the crowd. Sharpton said Juneteenth needed to be a federal holiday, because it's the first date this country stepped toward living up to the model that announced that all men were created equal. Several lawmakers have introduced legislation to make the day a holiday. The Rev. Al Sharpton speaks during a Juneteenth celebration in Tulsa, Okla., on June 19, 2020, the day before President Donald Trump was scheduled to host a rally there. The president said he was coming on June 19, Sharpton said to boos from the audience, who were watching in the rain, and slammed the president for admitting he did not know about Juneteenth. He said that Trump's admission showed he was not qualified to represent the country as a head of state. Sharpton also called Trump insensitive and isolated, especially when he was born and raised in New York, where two-thirds of New York is black and Latino. Earlier in the week, Trump claimed that "nobody had ever heard of" the June 19 holiday before the controversy surrounding his rally, which he originally scheduled to be on Juneteenth. Nicholas Wu, Courtney Subramanian, Savannah Behrmann Pressed by reporter, Pence won't say Black lives matter Vice President Mike Pence refused to say Black lives matter when pressed on the issue Friday and instead responded to a question with all lives matter. Let me just say that what happened to George Floyd was a tragedy, Pence told an ABC affiliate in Philadelphia, when asked if he would say that Black lives matter. And in this nation, especially on Juneteenth, we celebrate the fact that from the founding of this nation weve cherished the ideal that all, all of us are created equal, and endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights. And so all lives matter in a very real sense. Story continues The reporter pressed Pence, But I will note you did not say those words, Black lives matter, and there is an important distinction. People are saying, of course all lives matter, but to say the words is an acknowledgement that Black lives also matter at a time in this country when it appears that theres a segment of our society that doesnt agree. So why will you not say those words? Pence responded, Well, I dont accept the fact that theres a segment of American society that disagrees, in the preciousness and importance of every human life. And its one of the reasons why as we advance important reforms in law enforcement, as we look for ways to strengthen and improve our inner cities, that were not going to stop there. All lives matter is a saying often tied to criticizing the Black Lives Matter movement, and is viewed as those associated with the Black Lives Matter movement as dismissing and detracting from the concerns of racial injustice. Savannah Behrmann Tulsa mayor lifts curfew ahead of Trump's rally Tulsa officials have rescinded a curfew tied to President Donald Trump's controversial rally scheduled there Saturday in an extraordinary reversal that came after Trump spoke with the citys mayor. But in another update Friday night, Tulsa officials announced a police zone downtown for Secret Service and police to eject "individuals that are only present to break the law and disrupt the rights of people assembling peacefully." "In lieu of the Executive Order, a secure zone has been established by the United States Secret Service in cooperation with the Tulsa Police Department and multiple law enforcement agencies," the department posted. The reversal came hours before Trump was set to touch down for the pivotal campaign event. The president tweeted on Friday, I just spoke to the highly respected Mayor of Tulsa, G.T. Bynum, who informed me there will be no curfew tonight or tomorrow for our many supporters attending the #MAGA Rally. Enjoy yourselves - thank you to Mayor Bynum! The move represented a reversal by Bynum, a Republican, who hours earlier imposed a curfew to cover Friday and Saturday nights based on projections that 100,000 people could attend and concerns about civil unrest. The timing of that curfew represented a challenge to Trump rally attendees, many of whom have been lined up for days at the BOK Center in anticipation of the rally. Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum speaks during a news conference at police headquarters in Tulsa, Okla., on June 17, 2020. President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a rally Saturday in Tulsa. Bynum said in a statement that he imposed the curfew Thursday at the request of Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin, after consulting with the Secret Service and based on their intelligence. Bynum said the Secret Service asked the city Friday to lift the curfew. Today, we were told the curfew is no longer necessary so I am rescinding it," Bynum said. Trumps rally is being closely watched by supporters and critics because it is his first event since a rally in North Carolina in March during the early weeks of the coronavirus. Local health officials in Oklahoma had recommended against holding the massive indoor event for fear it could spread the virus further. After the curfew was announced, Trump supporters lined up outside the 19,000-seat BOK Center were forced to move as city officials began setting up concrete barriers to section the area ahead of expected crowds of thousands who plan to attend. Kelli Butler, 43, drove with her husband Dan and 13-year-old son Friday morning from Stillwell, about an hour southeast of Tulsa. Butler, who arrived at about 8:30 A.M. local time, said some of the groups, hovered under tents and seated in camping chairs, were told to move behind the barriers but were told their place in line would be honored. John Fritze, Nicholas Wu, Courtney Subramanian, Savannah Behrmann State Supreme Court denies challenge to rally The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Friday denied a request for a temporary injunction to block the BOK Center in Tulsa from hosting President Donald Trump's campaign rally Saturday. The justices cited a lack of any mandatory language in the state's reopening plan, which provides social distancing guidelines for entertainment venues. Attorneys in Tulsa filed a lawsuit earlier this week on behalf of two businesses and two residents to stop ASM Global, which manages the 19,000-seat arena, from hosting the rally "to protect against a substantial, imminent and deadly risk to the community." They argued the rally should be prohibited because it would act as a "spreader" event for the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Paul DeMuro, a lawyer who brought the case, said the goal was to enforce Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidlines. The only winner today is the virus. The virus won," DeMuro said. "Our lawsuit didnt fail. Our local leaders failed us. The petition cited a rise in documented cases of COVID-19 in Tulsa County, which have spiked in recent days. Oklahoma set a new state record for case increases in a single day on Thursday, confirming 450 new cases. The state added 352 new cases on Friday, giving it 802 new cases in two days. "Despite this alarming uptick ... ASM Global plans to host an event that will bring tens of thousands of people into an enclosed area in downtown Tulsa ... without putting precautions in place to prevent the spread of the virus," the petition stated. James Massery, left, of Preston, Okla., and Daniel Hedman, of Tulsa, Okla., supporters of President Donald Trump, camp outside the BOK Center in Tulsa on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, four days before his scheduled rally Saturday. "All credible, qualified medical experts, including the CDC, agree that this type of mass-gathering indoor event creates the greatest possible risk of community-wide viral transmission." The Trump campaign said it will check attendees temperature as they come in, provide hand sanitizer and issue masks but not require they be worn. Tickets to the rally come with a liability waiver that says the campaign or other parties associated with the event cannot be held liable for exposure to the coronavirus. In addition, the BOK Center will provide personal protective gear to event staff, periodically clean and disinfect the arena during the rally, and install plexiglass partitions at all concessions stands. Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt said earlier this week that people concerned about the spread of COVID-19 at the rally should stay home. Tim Willert, The Oklahoman TULSA, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 19: Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump sleep in the early morning while lined up to attend the campaign rally of U.S. President Donald Trump near the BOK Center, site of tomorrow's rally, June 19, 2020 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Trump is scheduled to hold his first political rally since the start of the coronavirus pandemic at the BOK Center on Saturday while infection rates in the state of Oklahoma continue to rise. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775525014 ORIG FILE ID: 1250658372 Trump campaign: Hope any protests are peaceful A Trump campaign spokesman said Friday peaceful protests are common around the presidents rallies, but that officials hope the latest event in Tulsa on Saturday doesnt become as violent as protests for racial justice in other cities. Trump tweeted Friday that protesters, anarchists, looters or lowlifes wont be treated like in New York, Seattle or Minneapolis, but that Tulsa will be a much different scene! Civil-rights advocates have argued that Trump lumped peaceful protesters, who have a First Amendment right to protest, with the violent rioters. Marc Lotter, the director of strategic communications for the Trump 2020 campaign, told MSNBC that the campaign hopes the protests remain peaceful. Well, I think if theyre peaceful and if theyre agitating and getting into the violence and other things that will be a different story, Lotter said. But we normally have peaceful protests going on around our rallies. And we would hope that anybody thats coming in from out of town would continue to honor that peaceful tradition in our country and not go to violence. Lotter also said the campaign is providing masks for attendees, but wouldnt mandate they be worn because people are free to make their own decisions. Well, were making the masks available and we encourage anyone who wants to wear one to be able to do so, Lotter said. But we also understand that this is an individual choice. And that people have a right to make the decision for themselves whether they want to come to the rally, whether they want to come inside, whether they want to be outside and also if they want to wear a mask. This is a risk that people know and that they are free to make the decisions that best reflect their needs, their desires and their own personal health. Bart Jansen, USA TODAY Trump threatens Tulsa protesters on rally eve President Donald Trump threatened to crack down on protesters expected to show up at his campaign rally in Tulsa, Okla., on Saturday, the first such event since the coronavirus pandemic sidelined his campaign schedule. Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis, Trump tweeted on Friday. It will be a much different scene! Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary, said Trump was referring to "destructive" protesters, noting that buildings have been burned, looted, and vandalized during recent demonstrations against police brutality. President Donald Trump announces an executive order on police policy June 16 in Washington. "These things are unacceptable," she said. "And we will not see that in Oklahoma." The presidents tweet came hours after Tulsa mayor G. T. Bynum imposed a curfew, citing expected rally crowds of more than 100,000, planned protests and the civil unrest that has already erupted in the city and around the nation this month. Trump drew widespread and bipartisan criticism for his last interaction with protesters, when U.S. Park Police and other law enforcement agencies used force to clear Lafayette Square near the White House so the president could pose with a Bible in front of the historic St. Johns Church. The latest threat also drew fire. William Kristol, former editor of The Weekly Standard, posted on Twitter that the constitutional right "of protesters are the same in Tulsa as elsewhere in the US. So are the 1A rights of Trump supporters. It's up to OK and Tulsa authorities to follow the law and protect all citizens. But what Trump's doing is inciting his followers to extra-legal action." Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., accused Trump of "threatening peaceful protesters standing up for justice." John Fritze, USA TODAY Police: Threats to Trump rally from social media Concerns among Tulsa officials about the potential for violence outside Trump's rally Saturday appeared to come from social media postings, according to Tulsa police. Jeanne Pierce, a Tulsa Police Department spokesperson, told USA TODAY the city's information on threats came from social media postings on sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Craigslist. Pierce cited posts on Craigslist that urged people to come to Tulsa and make trouble or for people infected with COVID-19 to attend and expose others to the sometimes fatal illness. At least some of the posts have been confirmed fake. They "dont know if theyre hoaxes or theyre true but its a precautionary measure, Pierce explained. Asked about the mayor's estimate of over 100,000 people at the rally, Pierce said the numbers were what the White House press office had told the city, factoring in the 19,1990-person capacity of the arena and the overflow capacity outside. Nicholas Wu, USA TODAY Curfew imposed ahead of rally The mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma, imposed a curfew ahead of President Donald Trump's campaign rally there, prompting officers to move out supporters who had been camping out in front of the arena. Mayor G. T. Bynum announced the order Thursday evening, citing the expected crowds of more than 100,000, the planned protests and the civil unrest that has already erupted in the city and around the nation this month. Bynum also said he's received information from the Tulsa Police Department and other law enforcement agencies "that shows that individuals from organized groups who have been involved in destructive or violent behavior in other states are planning to travel to the City of Tulsa for purposes of causing unrest in and around the rally." Bynum said the order is needed to protect health and safety and preserve lives and property. The curfew of parts of the city's downtown started at 10 p.m. Thursday and is in effect until 6 a.m. Saturday. It begins again at the conclusion of Trump's rally and continues into Sunday morning. Big crowds and lines already forming in Tulsa, Trump tweeted Friday morning, hours after the curfew went into effect. Big crowds and lines already forming in Tulsa. My campaign hasnt started yet. It starts on Saturday night in Oklahoma! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 19, 2020 He also issued this warning: "Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis. It will be a much different scene!" Trump supporters began lining up outside the BOK Center days in advance of the rally. "Sacrificing a week of our lives is nothing for what Trump has done for us," Robin Stites, who arrived on Monday to secure the No. 2 place in line, told the The Oklahoman earlier this week. Trump supporter Randall Thom waves a giant Trump flag to passing cars outside the BOK Center June 18, 2020 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Trump is scheduled to hold his first political rally since the start of the coronavirus pandemic at the BOK Center on Saturday while infection rates in the state of Oklahoma continue to rise. In a Facebook post Thursday evening, the Tulsa Police Department said anyone in violation of the mayor's executive order will be asked to leave the area. Those who refuse may be cited or arrested. In addition to the curfew, the order bans Molotov cocktails or other combustible devices. "This is an unprecedented event for the City of Tulsa and has hundreds of moving parts," the post said. "We are asking for everyones help in making this a safe event for all citizens." More: Health experts fear Trump's campaign rally in Tulsa could turn into a coronavirus 'super spreader' event More: Oklahoma coronavirus cases surge, hospitalizations rise ahead of Trump's Tulsa rally Oklahoma City festival postponed for COVID-19 Organizers of an Oklahoma City celebration of Black culture postponed the event Friday because of concerns about gathering crowds during a time when the number of COVID-19 cases is surging in the state. The Plaza District in the city had scheduled a half-dozen events during the weekend collectively called Solidarity in the Plaza: Black Lives Matter, to showcase Black artists, vendors, filmmakers and performers. But the event that coincided with Juneteenth on Friday was expected to draw 10,000 people at a time when health officials have warned that any large gatherings could spread the coronavirus pandemic. "We're crushed. We were so excited to do something that felt important and like a celebration and artistic. But we just have to put safety and public health first," Selena Skorman, the Plaza Districts executive director, told The Oklahoman. "We are definitely going to reschedule." The number of state cases of COVID-19 rose by 450 on Thursday, in a surge beyond the 259 infections reported Wednesday. You cant say Black Lives Matter and then put the lives of those who are most vulnerable to the disease at risk, Chaya Fletcher, one of the Plaza District event organizers, said in a statement. Black people have been disproportionately affected by COVID and it is our responsibility to not contribute to the increase in those numbers. Brandy McDonnell, The Oklahoman This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump Tulsa rally: Sharpton slams president at Juneteenth celebration Click here to read the full article. The Oscar-nominated short documentary St. Louis Superman introduces viewers to Bruce Franks Jr., whose voice has become a clarion call against racial injustice. His message was first manifested as a practitioner of battle rapan art form noted for its contest of ideas between two performersbefore he became a Black Lives Matter activist and later, remarkably, an elected representative in the Missouri House of Representatives. Franks BLM activism was spurred by the 2014 death in Ferguson, Missouri of Michael Brown, an unarmed African-American teenager gunned down by a white police officer. The documentary reveals how throughout his life Franks has navigated a world beset by gun violence and endemic racism that has left people of color with more opportunities to grieve than to celebrate progress. More from Deadline 'St. Louis Superman' The film directed by Smriti Mundhra and Sami Khan and produced by Al Jazeera Witness became the first acquisition for MTV Documentary Films under the leadership of Sheila Nevins, the former longtime head of HBO Documentary Films. St. Louis Supermanthe title comes from the nickname Franks constituents gave himis now contending for an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special. As the nation pulses toward a long overdue reckoning with systemic racism, Deadline spoke with the filmmakers and Franks about mass protests in support of Black Lives Matter, and the contentious issue of reformingor defundingpolice. DEADLINE: What do you make of the massive demonstrations were seeing after the death of George Floyd, as well as Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor? BRUCE FRANKS JR.: It reminds me a lot of August 9th, 2014. Michael Brown was killed and it ignited something across not only the United States but the entire world. [But] after that, we still had people dying at the hands of the police. And so now its like history repeating itself, as it does. Story continues I know people are waking up all across the world and thats great, and I would never take away from people now getting into the social movement and fighting for Black lives, but people have also got to realize that Black folks are tired. Were just tired. Were tired as hell of going through the same things and now were hoping for something different but its hard for us to be cautiously optimistic when weve only seen cops getting off even after all of these movementsin Ferguson and across the world. Michael Brownthat officer [who killed him] is living his life somewhere with his daughter and his wife, free of everything. And so I am grateful for whats happening, but its tiresome. Its tiresome. DEADLINE: Arguably little resulted in terms of structural change after the protests in Ferguson, Missouri. SMRITI MUNDHRA: Im encouraged and cautiously optimistic about everything thats happening and the very real commitment to change that weve never had the courage as a country to talk about before. And thats all great. I think its really important also to recognize that the activism has to go beyond posting black squares on InstagramIts important to think beyond the performative aspects of itShowing solidarity is incredibly important, but whats more important is utilizing this moment to really reflect about the ways that each of us has upheld systems of oppression. And I think whats really unique about this moment is that we can have that conversation in a way that we couldnt before. The word racist or racism was so triggering before for people who are not Black, that thats where the conversation would stop. I think theres a little crack right now where white people or non-Black people who have a lot of privilege are finally able to acknowledge the impact of the privilege that theyve had, and the impact that they have had in upholding systems of white supremacy. DEADLINE: One of the key focuses right now is on police reform. And theres the question of whether more radical action is needed to bring about real structural change. FRANKS: All these politicians and stakeholders want to come out and have listening sessions now and the first thing they say is, Well, we need to talk about police reform. No, we dont need to talk about police reform. Weve been talking about police reform since the Civil Rights Movement. Weve been talking about police reform since after the Black Panthers. Weve been talking about police reform since what happened to Rodney King and Michael Brown. And now we are here again, 50, 60 years later talking about the same things. It aint broke, its working the way that it was intended to work. Policing was started as a slave patrol, and at the end of the day, they still hunt down Black folks. They are still locking up Black folks unjustly. The only way to reform the police is to abolish the police departmentespecially in Black and brown communities that are most affected by police violence. When we talk about defunding the police, yes, that is a mechanism in order to get to a point where we can abolish the police department. We know what the root causes of violence areWe need to start allocating those funds that they are misusing and overusing and allocate those into the community piece by pieceBecause you cant train somebody how to look at me like a human being. You cant train the racist out of somebodyIm an American just like everybody else, but Im Black. And if you cant look at me like that, I dont need you in the police department. I dont need you so-called protecting and serving me, or anybody that looks like me, or anybody that has any melanin in their skin. So we cannot reform, we have to abolish. No, we cannot train, we have to get rid of. DEADLINE: At some demonstrations we saw some police officers take a knee with protesters in solidarity. But recently the head of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police said any member who takes a knee could be thrown out of the organization. Does the symbolic gesture of taking a knee have any meaning, or are police going back to a tribal mentality? SAMI KHAN: [Officers taking a knee] is a cynical ployBut the thing I worry about is, whats the next version of that? Whats the 2.0 version that police departments and the prison industrial complex are going to deploy to try and deflect attention from the real issues that the leaders and protesters across the country have done such an amazing job of articulating? Because the system is so powerful and its so wealthy and its so invested in white supremacy that theyre not going to just go quietly into the nightThe idea of public safety and public security is just an enforcement of white supremacy and, honestly, white terror in Black communities. And I dont have a hopeful idea from that becauseI see the superficial attempts to placate people or show alliance and ally-ship. But then when its time to have the conversations about race, they feel even more charged and more difficult because people havent done the work. And this goes back to the kneeling thing. If youre doing the work you dont need to do the kneeling. You dont need to insult Colin Kaepernick and the legacy of George Floyd. If you actually mean it, do the work. FRANKS: Excuse my language, but [police officers kneeling], that dont mean s**t. At the end of the day you have a man who was killed with a knee on his neckNo, I dont want to see officers kneeling as a gesture. I want to see officers speaking up and speaking out about systemic racism. I want to see officers filing complaints on those other officers and not staying true to that blue line of violence. DEADLINE: In this supposed time of heightened consciousness you have Rayshard Brooks, who fell asleep in the drive-thru lane of a fast food restaurant in Atlanta, who winds up dead after police arrive. [The officer who shot Brooks after he fled has been charged with murder]. Deescalation didnt seem to be practiced there. FRANKS: Tamir Rice was in a park playing with a toy gun. Philando Castile did exactly what they asked him to do. Breonna Taylor, Atatiana Jefferson in Texas, Botham Jean, were all in their own homes. The brother in Atlanta made a conscious decision not to drive because he was inebriated and admitted to the officers that he was. He was the one deescalating. They were the ones escalating. They get into a scuffle where, no, he didnt want to go to jail. Yes, hes still under the influencehe is still unarmed. Even if he takes your Taser and shoots it back at you, one [other officer] still has their Taser. This is still considered a nonlethal weapon. So why would you shoot a lethal weapon at him knowing the only one that he has is a nonlethal weapon? Only thing this proves is that every time Black folks and people of color walk out the door we are in a war we didnt sign up for. When you see my skin and you see my very being as a threat to who you are before I even open my mouth, before I even pose a real threat, and my life is in danger every single time I wake up, what else do we have to do? What more reform do we have to talk about? How much more voting do we have to do? Who the hell do we need to vote in, in order to get America to see that we belong here just as much as anybody else, if not more because we built the damn place? What else can we do? I dont know what the solution is anymore. I got a million policy ideas. I got a million funding mechanisms. I got all of that. At the end of the day, its not going to stop a police officer, and even going beyond that, a white person who doesnt see me as equal, who doesnt see me as a human being, who still looks at me the way that their fathers looked at meThey dont look at us like a human. They dont look at us like we should be here. St. Louis Superman is currently available to stream for free at Pluto TV. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. (Photo : Blair Gable / Reuters) It could be remembered that his wife was among the infected individuals of the coronavirus during its first wave. The upcoming contact-tracing app in Canada will be "completely voluntary." This was what Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Thursday in the aim to curb the worsening crisis. The North American country is launching a contact-tracing smartphone app that will help with tracing efforts during the pandemic, and it is coming out in the coming weeks. "At no time will personal information be collected and shared, and no location services will be used," PM Trudeau said. "The privacy of Canadian will be fully respected." The wife of Trudeau, it can be recalled, was among the first cases of the coronavirus during its first wave. In Canada, there are now about 100,000 confirmed cases, with 62,000 people who have recovered, and 8,300 deaths. READ ALSO: China's NEW Virus Outbreak Comes From Eating Salmon? Here's What Experts Suggest Curbing the pandemic This announcement from the Canadian government was released due to this growing number, saying that the federal offices are now reviewing smartphone apps, preparing to strongly recommended a particular app. Yet, on June 1, the country's health minister Patty Hajdu revealed discussions with the provinces and other territories about the contact-tracing app are now on-going. Hajdu said that there are jurisdictions that "prefer" the usual contact tracing systems. This was confirmed after individuals have accurately detected those who are positive for the virus, and tracked down close contacts with the help of frontliners. With the soon-to-launch app, the idea is for this technology to join these efforts, especially those considered critical to the spread of the pandemic. Autonomous measures from Alberta There are warnings, though, including those from the federal, territorial, and provincial privacy commissioners and other privacy experts, including the use of digital apps. These public health tools may significantly impact the privacy of the locals, give the collected data. They also advocated for the use of these apps to establish the public's trust. For instance and in particular, Canadian province Alberta has already completed launching its own app, known as ABTraceTogether. Last May, the premier of Ontario called for a nationwide contact tracing strategic planning. Those involved included the Canadian Digital Service, Ontario government, BlackBerry, and Shopify, the prime minister said. Details will be revealed by the Ontario Premier Doug Ford, including information on how the app will receive testing in the province. Prime Minister wife diagnosed with COVID-19 Trudeau's wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, revealed her recovery and her journey with the coronavirus after being among the public figures, and patients diagnosed with it during the first waves. She has recently been active on social media to interact with her followers, who want to know her experience dealing with COVID-19. Her health is continuously improving, and precautions are being adhered to avoid any complications. The novel coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China, in December, and now in several countries in the world, data from Johns Hopkins University reported. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Mr Yovich has said if Justice Hall finds he is not satisfied Mr Edwards' DNA came to be under Ciara's fingernails through an altercation before her death, then he cannot find him guilty on any of the charges. Justice Stephen Hall "The rest of the evidence taken at its highest wouldn't get you there," he said. "The propensity of course puts the accused in a class of persons more likely to be responsible ... it increases the likelihood he is the offender. "The fibre evidence is accepted in the terms in which it's expressed, and places the accused in a class of persons who might explain those findings." But Mr Yovich said the state had failed to prove Mr Edwards was the Claremont serial killer. Justice Hall has questioned why the nine Pathwest scientist contamination incidents were relevant, given there is a "ready explanation" for the opportunity and mechanism for the contaminations to have occurred. The defence does not put forward an opportunity or mechanism for Mr Edwards' DNA to have contaminated AJM40 or AJM42. Justice Hall has asked what the relevance of the small sample size of Mr Edwards' DNA profile is, given Mr Yovich has mentioned it several times in his closing address. "The amount was sufficient to provide a repeated and interpretable result and we have not challenged the validity of the result, or the science, or the interpretation," Mr Yovich said. "What it illustrates is when you have such sensitivity than the evidentiary value of the findings becomes potentially less." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ghina Ghaliya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 14:28 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406601342e 1 Politics hajj-cancellation,hajj-pilgrimage,COVID-19,coronavirus,Fachrul-Razi Free Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi found himself in hot water during a hearing with the House of Representatives on Thursday, as lawmakers on Commission VIII overseeing religious affairs criticized him for not consulting with the House before deciding to cancel the 2020 haj pilgrimage over coronavirus concerns. The minister announced earlier this month that Indonesia would prevent haj departures to Saudi Arabia this year, a decision that affected hundreds of thousands of would-be pilgrims in the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation. Indonesia has the largest haj pilgrim quota of any country. John Kennedy Azis of the Golkar Party a political party in President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's ruling coalition questioned Fachrul's sudden announcement of the policy on June 2, saying there had been no pressure for the central government to announce it immediately without consulting the legislative body. "There was no external pressure that we would be fined if we didnt decide [on haj departures] quickly. Why couldn't you wait for just two days? Why so sudden?" John said, referring to a planned House hearing with the government on the matter scheduled for June 4. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with Saudi Arabia's indefinite suspension of haj and umrah (minor haj), were cited as reasons behind the government's decision to cancel this year's haj departure. Fachrul previously said the conditions had left the government without enough time to prepare visas and protective measures. Indonesia initially planned to send about 221,000 people on the annual pilgrimage, and nearly 180,000 people had already paid for the journey, Religious Affairs Ministry data shows. The government said the pilgrims would be placed on next year's haj. Read also: Religious affairs minister to lobby Saudi Arabian government for bigger 2021 haj quota Fachrul said at the time of the cancellation that he had communicated with the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and the House regarding the cancellation, but some lawmakers quickly fired back, saying he had not done so. John said to Fachrul a retired military general that he had made numerous controversial moves as a minister. The politician cited his past controversial support of a ban on the niqab in government compounds a statement that Fachrul later backtracked from and his past announcement of a plan to repatriate 689 people who had joined the Islamic State (IS) movement in the Middle East. He warned Fachrul that the House could use its interpellation and inquiry rights against him or could write a letter to the President if he continued his controversies. "Don't underestimate us at the House [...] This should be the last [controversial move]." John also highlighted a plan floated by Aceh to get their own, separate haj quota. The provincial administration was reportedly considering issuing a qanun (regulation) on the matter based on Law No. 44/1999 on Acehs special autonomy. "Regions are trying to apply for haj quotas themselves. If that happens, then where's the government?" he said. Read also: Plan to ban niqab in government offices stirs controversy Muhammad Husni of the Gerindra Party said Fachrul had violated Law No. 8/2019 on the haj and umrah, which stipulated that matters related to haj funds should not be decided unilaterally by the government but should include the House. "Logically speaking, we should decide on the cancellation together. The Minister said that he had coordinated with House Commission VIII but we never knew that," Husni said. In response to the criticism, Fachrul apologized to the lawmakers during Thursday's hearing, saying the cancellation decision was not made by his ministry but by himself as a minister. "I personally apologize to the leaders and all members of the House Commission VIII for this incident," said Fachrul. The minister explained that at that time, he felt obliged to announce the cancellation as soon as possible because it had exceeded the June 1 deadline for the government to announce the year's haj departure date. Indonesia initially expected Saudi Arabia to announce its final decision on the haj pilgrimage which attracts millions of Muslims annually from around the world on May 13. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has plunged the 2020 haj into doubt as Saudi authorities have yet to announce any decision about whether they will accept haj pilgrims this year. "We needed to quickly give certainty to the pilgrims who had been waiting for the announcement," he said. President Donald Trump got tough on Friday, promising 'agitators' and 'lowlifes' at his Tulsa rally will get harsh treatment as the city declared a 'civil emergency' out of fears of 'extremely violent' protests. 'Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis. It will be a much different scene!,' President Trump wrote on Twitter. The president didn't specify how it would be different and how he knew that would happen but he had criticized officials in New York, Seattle, and Minneapolis for not using the National Guard or other means to quell the Black Lives Matter protests that sprung up in the wake of George Floyd's death. His tweet came on Juneteenth, the date that celebrates the end of slavery. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the president didn't mean peaceful protesters but 'violent' ones. 'He was meaning violent protesters, anarchist, looters on the kind of lawlessness that we saw play out before President Trump came in with the National Guard and calm their streets with law and order,' she said at her press briefing on Friday. Trump himself came under fire after law enforcement officials used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear the area around the White House of protesters to the president could walk over to St. John's church for a photo-op holding the bible. And Oklahoma will activate 250 Oklahoma Army National Guard soldiers to help provide security during President Trump's rally, a Tulsa TV station reported. Tulsa's mayor declared a 'civil emergency' ahead of Donald Trump's campaign rally on Saturday, citing fears the protests of the president could turn 'extremely violent' Protesters have already gathered outside the rally site. Above, Nicholas Winford (left) debates Trump supporter Randall Thom (right), on Trump's racial policies The president's vow came as Tulsa's mayor declared a 'civil emergency.' Mayor G.T. Bynum, a Republican, cited recent 'civil unrest' and the expectation that more than 100,000 people - a combination of Trump supporters and protesters - will swarm the downtown area as the reason for his 'civil emergency' declaration. It's the latest hurdle for Trump as he attempts to return to the campaign trail. Additionally, the operators of the BOK Center asked the campaign for a 'written plan' on how they will deal with the threat of the coronavirus. And the Oklahoma Supreme Court will rule on Friday whether attendees must wear masks. The mayor's order places a federal exclusion zone for a six-block radius near the BOK center and includes a curfew. 'I have received information from the Tulsa Police Department and other law enforcement agencies that shows that individuals from organized groups who have been involved in destructive and violent behavior in other States are planning to travel to the city of Tulsa for purposes of causing unrest in and around the rally,' Bynum wrote in the executive order. These groups in other states have engaged in extremely violent and destructive behaviour, including arson and malicious injury to both public and private property, he noted. The order includes a 10 pm curfew that went into effect on Thursday but makes an exception for Saturdays rally, saying it will be implemented when the MAGA event is over. The curfew forbids people from loitering in the six-block area around the arena and bans Molotov cocktails along with other combustible, flammable or explosive liquids. Supporters have already lined up outside the BOK Center for the event - with some camping out over night - and protesters have also appeared on the scene. Trump also bragged on Twitter Friday: 'Big crowds and lines already forming in Tulsa. My campaign hasnt started yet. It starts on Saturday night in Oklahoma!' Trump's rally - his first since March - has been deeply problematic ever since it was announced on June 10. The original date of Friday, June 19, was switched to Saturday after an uproar about the clash with Juneteenth - the annual celebration marking the end of slavery. Additionally the Oklahoma Supreme Court will rule Friday on whether attendees to the rally will have to wear masks The mayor's executive order also establishes a 10 pm curfew Additionally the state of Oklahoma and the city of Tulsa have seen an increase in coronavirus infections since the reopening process began. Oklahoma is in phase three of its reopening - one of the few states that far along in the process. That was one of the reasons the Trump campaign tapped Tulsa for the rally location. On Thursday the BOK Center, the 19,000-seat arena where Saturday's rally will be held, sent the Trump campaign a letter asking for a written plan identifying 'the steps the event will institute for health and safety.' We have requested the Trump campaign, as the event organizer, provide BOK Center with a written plan detailing the steps the event will institute for health and safety, including those related to social distancing, officials said. The BOK center said its employees will be tested for the coronavirus and provided with personal protective equipment. The arena will be cleaned and disinfected repeatedly throughout the event and 400 hand sanitizer stations will be placed around it. The Trump campaign has said precautionary measures will be taken, including temperature checks and providing attendees with masks and hand sanitizer. The campaign, however, said they would not require the masks to be worn. The BOK center is encouraging masks to be worn and, on Friday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court will rule on the issue. A group of Tulsa attorneys requested a hearing to impose a temporary, emergency injunction stopping the rally this week, but a Tulsa judge denied the effort on Tuesday. The matter was appealed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which will rule Friday on whether attendees must follow CDC guidelines on social distancing and wearing face masks. Trump supporters sleep around the BOK Center as they wait in line for Saturday's rally President Trump's campaign rally on Saturday is his first since March and he tweeted in praise of the supporters lined up to get inside Trump supporters have been lined up and camped out as the arena only holds 19,000 people and the president claimed more than one million requested tickets Memorabilia on a barricade that supporters put up for President Donald Trump outside the BOK Center in Tulsa The area around the BOK Center in Tulsa is subject to a curfew which forbids 'loitering' and Molotov cocktails Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, a Republican, seen at the White House with President Trump on Thursday said the state was ready for the rally and 'it's going to be safe' Oklahoma set a new state record for COVID-19 increases in a single day on Thursday, confirming 450 new infections. But Governor Kevin Stitt dismissed concerns during an event with President Trump at the White House on Thursday. 'We're 56 days into our reopening plan, and currently we have under 200 people in the hospital across the state of Oklahoma. And we had an uptick in the number of cases, and so the media tries to talk about that. But we knew we were going to have an increase a little bit, because we're 56 days into reopening,' Stitt, a Republican said. 'Oklahoma is ready for your visit. It's going to be safe. And we're really, really excited,' he told the president. The Trump campaign said it was reviewing the letter from the BOK center, adding 'we take safety seriously, which is why we're doing temperature checks for everyone attending, and providing masks and hand sanitizer.' The campaign has already asked attendees to acknowledge the risk of exposure to COVID-19 at the rally and agree not to sue the campaign or the venue if they fall ill. Mayor Bynum said the city also has been indemnified from the risk of any lawsuits. On Wednesday, the city's top health official, Bruce Dart, said he was worried the rally could become a 'super spreader' event and recommended it be postponed. He warned attendees they face 'an increased risk' of contracting the coronavirus. 'So many people are over COVID but COVID is not over,' Dart said. He also asked people wear masks when out at events on Saturday. 'People coming together without taking precautions is what causes the virus to transmit,' Dart said. Dart admitted he'd like to see the rally postponed but, since it wasn't going to be, then officials would deal with the fallout. 'I recommended we postpone it until its safer,' he said. 'If we could push it back to when the data tells its safer, that was my personal recommendation, that is what Id personally like to see happen. Its here so lets focus on staying safe while its here.' Mayor Bynum expressed confidence that the city could handle any illness that resulted from the gathering. He said local hospitals have plenty of protective equipment on hand and pointed out of the 120 beds dedicated to coronavirus patients, only three were occupied as of Wednesday. Coronavirus cases across the U.S. on June 18. Texas, Florida and California are of concern G.T. Bynum, the mayor of Tulsa, issued an executive order declaring a 'civil emergency' Coronavirus cases in the U.S. as of June 18. More than 2.1m people are known to be infected The Oklahoma Department of Health has urged senior citizens and other vulnerable individuals to 'stay home' ahead of the president's rally and watch a livestream of the event instead. Commissioner Lance Frye said those looking to attend the president's rally 'will face an increased risk of becoming infected with COVID-19.' The department has tripled its contact tracing team ahead of the rally, and Dr Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, when asked if he would attend replied: 'Of course not.' Even Bynum admitted he wished it was not happening. 'I would love for some other city to have tried this first,' he said at a press conference Wednesday. 'But the president chose this city, and so it falls on us to set that standard moving forward.' The anger at the date - which takes place on the holiday celebrating the end of slavery - meant that the rally got off to a bad start. Critics pointed to the Trump's administration handling of protests that sprung up around the country in the wake of George Floyd's death. Tulsa was the site of one of the countrys bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence in 1921. Called the Tulsa Race Massacre, as many as 300 people were killed, more than 10,000 remained homeless, and, according to the Tulsa Race Riot Report of 2001, an estimated $1,470,711 was incurred in damage - equal to about $20 million today. Trump has show some insensitivity on race relations. He also bragged he made 'Juneteenth very famous' in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. He also admitted he learned about it from a black Secret Service agent and was surprised to hear the White House had put out a statement on the holiday last year. 'I made it famous. I made Juneteenth very famous,' he told the newspaper. 'Its actually an important event, its an important time. But nobody had heard of it. Very few people have heard of it. Actually, a young African-American Secret Service agent knew what it was. I had political people who had no idea.' Brad Parscale, Trump's campaign manager, chose the site and the date, The New York Times reported. Oklahoma also was chosen for its Republican support - Trump carried the state by 36 points in the 2016 election. Additionally Tulsa has a Republican mayor. Most cities in the country are run by Democrats. Yet Trump and his aides failed to grasp the significance of holding a rally on Juneteenth. Nor did they appear to realize that Tulsa was the site of one of the country's bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence, after a white mob killed attacked the affluent black community in 1921. Trump supporters camp out near the BOK Center on Thursday, ahead of Saturday's rally Fans of the president have been arriving at the site of his first campaign rally since March Lines of people wait for the doors to open on Saturday for the Trump rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma 'Think about it as a celebration,' Trump said in an interview with Fox News, when asked if the date was intentional. 'My rally is a celebration.' Pictured is Tulsa during the 1921 onslaught Trump announced that he was changing the date of his Tulsa rally, scheduled for Juneteenth The rally in Oklahoma will now be held on Saturday, instead of the Friday night as planned 'Think about it as a celebration,' Trump said in an interview with Fox News shortly after the rally was announced, when asked if the date was intentional. 'My rally is a celebration.' About 30 hours later, he changed the date to Saturday. The error, however, is said to have refocused attention on how few African-American aides work on Trump's campaign or in the White House. 'They're stinging from it, they're reeling from it,' former Representative J.C. Watts of Oklahoma, who was the first black Republican elected to Congress from south of the Mason-Dixon Line since Reconstruction, told The Times. 'Juneteenth was on the schedule before any rally was. People are reeling from it.' (Newser) AMC Theaters said it wanted to avoid a political brouhaha when its CEO announced masks would be optional when the chain reopens. That didn't work out. A day after a social media uproar met the news, Adam Aron said Friday that customers will have to wear a mask to be admitted to see a movie, CNN reports. "It is clear from this response that we did not go far enough on the usage of masks," Aron said, adding that "with the full support of our scientific advisors, we are reversing course and are changing our guest mask policy." The original decision, he said, was based on not wanting to be "drawn into a political controversy." story continues below AMC plans to open about 450 of its 600 US theaters on July 15, and the rest by July 24. The chain's safety efforts will include limiting each theater to 30% capacity, using electrostatic sprayers to disinfect seating areas each night, and improving ventilation systems. All employeesincluding Aronwill be required to wear a mask. Theaters will sell masks for $1. Another chain, Regal Cinemas, said Friday that it also will require customers wear masks, per the Hollywood Reporter, after first saying masks would be optional. Regal also will make disposable masks available to customers. (Read more AMC stories.) Amazing images of the Butterfly and the Jewel Bug nebulae have been captured in unprecedented detail by the Hubble Space Telescope, according to NASA. These colourful regions of interstellar space are created thanks to 'stars gone haywire', throwing off jets and bubbles of hot gas at the end of their life. The new images show the two young planetary nebulae in the full spectrum of light - from ultraviolet to infrared, giving astronomers a rare glimpse at their makeup. Astronomers were able to use the extremely detailed images to gain a deeper understanding of how nebulae form and why these two have 'bizarre shapes'. One theory proposed as part of the image release suggests that the shape is caused by a binary pair of stars in the nebulae - pushing the ejected matter about. New images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope show a pair of stars at the centre of the butterfly nebula (pictured) 'going haywire' as they near the end of their lives and the matter being ejected by the stars has led to the unusual shape of the gas and dust cloud Most stars live placid lives for millions to billions of years but at the end of their life they turn into 'crazy whirligigs' puffing off jets of gas, according to astronomers. The researchers found unprecedented levels of complexity and rapid changes in the jets and gas bubbles blasting off of the stars at the centre of each nebula. By studying images captured in this level of detail, researchers are able to get closer to actually understanding the mechanisms underlying this chaos. The Hubble Space Telescope has imaged these objects before, but not for many years and never before with the Wide Field Camera 3 instrument across its full wavelength range making observations in near-ultraviolet to near-infrared light. 'These new multi-wavelength Hubble observations provide the most comprehensive view to date of both of these spectacular nebulae,' said Joel Kastner study lead. This image from the Digitized Sky Survey shows the planetary nebula NGC 6302 and its surroundings. The researchers have found unprecedented levels of complexity and rapid changes in the jets and gas bubbles blasting off of the stars at the centre of each nebula 'As I was downloading the resulting images, I felt like a kid in a candy store.' 'The [Jewel Bug nebula] shows emission at an incredibly large number of different wavelengths, each of which highlights not only a specific chemical element in the nebula, but also the significant, ongoing changes in its structure,' said Kastner. Both nebulae are among the dustiest planetary nebulae known and both also contain unusually large masses of gas because they are so newly formed. This makes them a very interesting pair to study in parallel, say researchers. The new Hubble images reveal in vivid detail how both nebulae are splitting themselves apart on extremely short timescales. This split is allowing astronomers to see changes the cloud of dust and gas over the past couple of decades, researchers say. In particular, Hubble's broad multi-wavelength views of each nebula are helping the researchers to trace the histories of shock waves in them. Such shocks are typically generated when fresh, fast stellar winds slam into and sweep up more slowly expanding gas and dust ejected by the star in its recent past, generating bubble-like cavities with well-defined walls. Researchers suspect that at the heart of each nebula were two stars orbiting around each other, based on the fact both nebulas have 'bizarre shapes'. Each has a pinched, dusty waist and polar lobes or outflows, as well as other, more complex symmetrical patterns. A leading theory for the generation of such structures in planetary nebulae is that there is a star losing mass - creating the dust cloud - and it is part of a pair. The two stars orbit one another closely enough that they eventually interact, producing a gas disc around one or both stars. The disc then launches jets that inflate polar-directed lobes of outflowing gas. Another, related, popular hypothesis is that the smaller star of the pair may merge with its bloated, more rapidly evolving stellar companion. This very short-lived 'common envelope' binary star configuration can also generate wobbling jets, forming the trademark bipolar outflows commonly seen in planetary nebulae. This is the Jewel Bug nebulae and like the butterfly nebula its cloud and shape is the result of a star losing its mass, ejecting material as it interacts with a partner star in a binary system However, the suspect companion stars in these planetary nebulae have not been directly observed. Researchers suggest this may be because these companions are next to, or have already been swallowed by, far larger and brighter red giant stars. NGC 6302, commonly known as the butterfly nebula, exhibits a distinct S-shaped pattern seen in reddish-orange in the image. Imagine a lawn sprinkler spinning wildly, throwing out two S-shaped streams. In this case it is not water in the air, but gas blown out at high speed by a star. And the 'S' only appears when captured by the Hubble camera filter that records near-infrared emission from singly ionised iron atoms. This image from the Digitized Sky Survey shows the planetary nebula NGC 7027 and its surroundings. By studying images captured in this level of detail, researchers are able to get closer to actually understanding of the mechanisms underlying this chaos This iron emission is indicative of energetic collisions between both slow and fast winds, which is most commonly observed in active galactic nuclei and supernova remnants. 'This is very rarely seen in planetary nebulae,' explained team member Bruce Balick of the University of Washington in Seattle. 'Importantly, the iron emission image shows that fast, off-axis winds penetrate far into the nebula like tsunamis, obliterating former clumps in their paths and leaving only long tails of debris.' The accompanying image of NGC 7027, which resembles a jewel bug, indicates that it had been slowly puffing away its mass in quiet, spherically symmetric or perhaps spiral patterns for centuries - until relatively recently. 'Something recently went haywire at the very centre, producing a new cloverleaf pattern, with bullets of material shooting out in specific directions,' Kastner said. A study of the images has been published in the journal Galaxies. A federal judge seemed skeptical he could block the sale of John Bolton's tell-all book, 'The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir,' because the 'horse is out of the barn.' Federal District Judge Royce Lamberth, a Reagan appointee, heard arguments Friday over Zoom from Bolton's lawyer Charles Cooper and Deputy Assistant Attorney General David Morrell, representing the government. On Tuesday, the Trump administration sued Bolton, the former national security adviser, in order to postpone the release of his book, which was leaked to the media the next day. It contains a number of damaging claims about President Trump, including that he asked China for help with his re-election bid - a move similar to how Trump interacted with Ukraine, which led to him being impeached. Cooper argued that it was too late now that Bolton's book was in the hands of journalists and hundreds of thousands of copies have been sent to bookstores nationwide and abroad. 'It seems to me, as we used to say in Texas, that the horse is out of the barn,' Lamberth said. 'What am I supposed to do?' On Friday afternoon, an attorney for former National Security Advisor John Bolton (left) squared off with a government attorney after President Trump's (right) administration sued to ex-official in order to stall the publication of his tell-all John Bolton's lawyers argued that distribution of his book can't be stopped, using as an example the fact that CBS News reporter Paula Reid (right) brought a copy to the White House and held it in her hand as she questioned press secretary Kayleigh McEnany (left) The Trump administration sued John Bolton on Tuesday, trying to stop the release of his White House memoir, due out June 23 Bolton's legal team had made that argument in a filing made Thursday night. Copies of the book ended up in the hands of reporters working for The New York Times and The Washington Post on Wednesday. DailyMail.com obtained a copy Wednesday evening. 'Indeed, the surreal nature of the Government's request to enjoin publication and distribution of the book was driven home earlier today when a CBS News reporter, holding a copy of the book in her hand, questioned the President's press secretary about passages in the book on the White House lawn,' Bolton's legal team said, referencing CBS' Paula Reid, who participated in a gaggle in the White House driveway with press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. 'For the Government is asking the Court to order Ambassador Bolton to do something he is powerless to do,' they said. 'The practical reality is that neither Ambassador Bolton nor his publisher, Simon & Schuster, has any ability to stop copies from being sold to the general public on June 23.' During court Friday, Morrell suggested the judge could order digital and audio copies of Bolton's book not be sold. 'There is still an interest we have in limiting the further mass dissemination of this book,' he said. Morrell argued that Bolton shouldn't have gone ahead with publication of the book because he never finished a review process, which would determine if the book contained classified information. The president argues it did. In court, Cooper suggested questions about whether the book contained classified information could be saved for a later date. That being said, the lawyer also revealed what he called a 'troubling revelation,' that the Trump political appointee called in to take over the classification review of Bolton's book never got the proper training until June 10 - nine days ago. Cooper argued that the administartion rushed Michael Ellis, the NSC's senior director for intelligence programs, onto the job to overrule Ellen Knight, the National Security Council's senior director for prepublication review, who's in charge of reviewing manuscripts so no classified information slips out. She had informed Bolton on April 24 that after a nearly four-month back-and-forth over the manuscript's contents, 'that's the last edit I really have to provide for you.' In the Thursday night filing from Bolton's legal team, the lawyers wrote, 'At that moment, Ambassador Bolton fulfilled any obligation he had under the express terms of his non-disclosure agreement with the government.' 'Nevertheless, the President, and those acting at his direction, have sought to delay publication of the book until after the election by withholding the customary pro-forma letter confirming that the book was cleared for publication,' the filing read. Judge Lamberth asked why Bolton didn't go to court to get its permission, instead of simply deciding to go ahead and publish the tome. In the government's lawsuit, the Department of Justice blasts Bolton for 'unilaterally deciding that the prepublication review process is complete and deciding for himself whether classified information should be made public.' Lamberth also asked Morrell if it was unusual that a senior official would intervene in the review process of a book after a career official had already deemed no classified information was present. Morrell knew of no other example, but argued that Bolton was an extraordinary circumstance because of the role he held - that of national security adviser - and because he had very recently served the administration, leaving in September 2019. Most of Friday's back-and-forth revolved around the book already being widely disseminated and if it contained classified information. Lamberth said he needed to look at said classified information before making a decision, though will need to rule by Tuesday, June 23 - the book's publication date. The legal document filed Thursday night by Bolton's team also argued he should be allowed to go ahead with his book release on First Amendment grounds. 'If the First Amendment stands for anything, it is that the Government does not have the power to clasp its hand over the mouth of a citizen attempting to speak on a matter of great public import,' Bolton's lawyers wrote. They charged the U.S. government with asking the court to stop the book's distribution 'for the transparent purpose of preventing Ambassador Bolton from revealing embarrassing facts about the Presidents conduct in office.' 'It is difficult to conceive of speech that is closer to the core of the First Amendment than speech concerning presidential actions in office, including actions at the heart of the Presidents impeachment, and it is difficult to conceive of a greater attack on the First Amendment than the suppression of that speech in the service of a reelection campaign,' the lawyers said. Bolton's team argued that this was 'precisely' what was happening. On Tuesday, the same day the White House sued the former Trump aide, Bolton was informed by the Trump administration of more changes that needed to be made to the book. They included 'passages describing or recounting a significant majority of the President's conversations with his advisors and with foreign leaders.' 'The government also deleted numerous passages portraying President Trump in an unflattering light,' the lawyers said. A day before, Trump told reporters, 'I will consider every conversation with me as president highly classified.' 'So that would mean that if he wrote a book and if the book gets out he's broken the law. I would think he would have criminal problems,' Trump said of Bolton. A five-bedroom mansion with a hotel and helipad popular with bands and movie stars has hit the market after a deal three years in the making fell through. The estate, in the Mornington Penisula, Victoria, has an asking price of $40million for the 63-hectare property. The property, known as the Morning Star Estate, almost sold to a Chinese developer for $36.2million in 2017 but the deal fell through, according to the Herald Sun. The property, in the Mornington Penisula, Victoria, has an asking price of $40million for the 63-hectare property Property owner Judy Barrett re-listed the home with Michael Keating International this week. The mansion was commissioned by a wealthy Englishman named Francis Gillet in 1865. The home was built in the Tudor and Gothic styles. The realtor describes the home as 'more a chateau than a grand English manor house'. In addition to the mansion, there is 30-acres worth of vines over three vineyard blocks which produce pinot noir, cabernet and shiraz grapes. The vines are believed to have been planted by Franciscan friars who brought them from France in the 1930s. Property owner Judy Barrett re-listed the home with Michael Keating International this week The friars planted the vines when the property became a boys' home during that period. Ms Barrett revived the property after it was left in disrepair. Wine is no longer made on the property but there is a tasting room where many labelled wines can be enjoyed. The mansion was commissioned by a wealthy Englishman named Francis Gillet in 1865 INXS and Jimmy Barnes have both performed at the beautiful property. It was also used in the filming of Kath And Kimderella in 2012 Until recently the estate hosted weddings, concerts and was used as a film set. INXS and Jimmy Barnes have both performed at the beautiful property while it was used in the filming of Kath And Kimderella in 2012. The hotel has 20 rooms and 200 parking spaces. Another incredible feature of the home is the 75,000 rose bushes that cover the luxurious grounds. There is also a restaurant and helipad on the grounds. Pakistan on Thursday skipped a crucial meeting with India to tackle recent locust attacks that led to extensive crop damage in both countries, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said. As per the available information, Pakistan has refused to join the meeting which was proposed to be held today, said Anurag Srivastava, MEA spokesperson on meeting between India and Pakistan on locust management. Officials from both India and Pakistan were expected to hold a technical level meeting on June 18. Islamabad had not given any formal response on the request to hold discussions over the issue earlier, according to the diplomatic sources. The Pakistan foreign office had said on June 5 that Pakistan and India are cooperating with each other to tackle the issue of desert locust under a forum administered by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Pakistan and India are members of FAOs Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in South-West Asia (SWAC). Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui, in the weekly media briefing, had said that the ministerial meeting of the commission was held in March during which it was decided to reactivate communication between the member states on the locust situation and a Technical and Operational Coordination (ToC) team was formed to exchange information, enhance coordination at the border areas and increase synchronisation to combat desert locust outbreak in the region, Dawn reported. She said Pakistan had been participating in the SWAC meeting on a weekly basis. She said cooperation in exchanging information in bordering areas of Pakistan and India was fruitful, according to the report. We believe that the respective technical teams have been coordinating appropriately through FAO, she had said. Farooqui said that Pakistan remains committed to cooperating with all SWAC member states, including India, in combating desert locust outbreak. Pakistan and India are facing the worst locust attack in recent years. The desert locust is a species of locust, a swarming short-horned grasshopper and poses an unprecedented threat to food supply and livelihoods of millions of people. Locust swarms from Pakistan entered Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh threatening standing crops. Rajasthan is the worst affected state. Workers assemble cars on the line at Tesla's factory in Fremont. David Butow (Photo by David Butow/Corbis via Getty Images) Many U.S. companies have announced that they will recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday for their employees starting in 2020. They are doing this as a sign of support for their Black employees and the broader Black community following historic protests against police brutality that disproportionately effects Black people and systemic racism. Two current Tesla employees told CNBC on Friday that they found it offensive the company only informed them of this option on and not before June 19. The email arrived late in the morning on the east coast and after many had already arrived for shifts on the west coast. Tesla human resources informed employees on Friday that they could take the day off to observe Juneteenth a holiday honoring the end of slavery in the United States unpaid, according to emails sent by the company's head of HR that were viewed by CNBC. Juneteenth is a portmanteau combining the words June and nineteenth, and commemorates the date when enslaved Black people in Texas were informed by a Union general that slavery had been abolished. Two years earlier, the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 legally ended slavery, but slave owners hid this information from the enslaved. At the end of May, following the death of George Floyd while in police custody, Tesla's HR boss Valerie Capers Workman, who is a Black woman, published an open letter about her own personal experience coming to work amid these historic protests and Covid-19 stresses. In that letter, she encouraged employees to research social justice and take advantage of mental health support at Tesla, especially if they are personally effected by racism. She wrote: "Bringing my whole self to work is more than just rocking my natural hair or supporting Tesla's Employee Resource Groups or championing diversity. It's about being willing (and able) to show how social injustice is not an intellectual concept for me. It's a part of my life and as a Tesla leader, to know all of me is to know that when I see these images, I am seeing a possible future for someone I love." Here's what Capers Workman wrote in the e-mail sent to all Tesla U.S. employees on Friday, which CNBC transcribed below: To: U.S. Employees From: Human Resources Subj.: HR Update - JUNETEENTH! Date: June 19, 2020 [Ed. Time Stamp redacted] Tesla fully supports Juneteenth for any US employee that wants to take the day off to celebrate, reflect or participate in events that are meaningful to you. This is an unpaid PTO and excused absence. Valerie Capers Workman | North America HR + EMEA & AU/NZ/JP/KR Registered In House Counsel [Ed. Address and contact information redacted] Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. Transatlantic Emergency Call ! Paul, G4MWO spotted this interesting item in a recent ARRL Letter: Delaware Section -- On Monday, May 18, Kent County Amateur Radio Club member Ken Dix, KB2KBD, picked up an emergency call on the 146.91 MHz repeater: Richard Tashner, N2EO, of Massapequa, New York, was suffering a medical emergency and could not reach his phone to call for help. He was close enough to grab the microphone to his DMR radio. Tashner called for help and Maxis Johnston, GM0MRJ, answered his call. Johnston then called for "anyone in the states" and was heard by Dix on the 91 machine, which was linked to the North American talk group. Dix called a police department in New York near Tashner, and help was sent. Dix said the dispatcher in New York was able to hear part of the call and was amazed at how an amateur radio communication had gone from New York to Scotland to Delaware and then back to New York. The dispatcher was also surprised at how quickly the information had been relayed across the Atlantic. The 146.91 MHz repeater near Woodside, Delaware, is set on C4FM Fusion and is linked to DMR on "America's Net." The repeater is located at the Delaware State Communications complex. Kudos to the operators for their alertness and willingness to take the emergency call and get the information relayed to the proper personnel. Amateur Radio at its finest! Jerry Palmer, N3KRX, Sussex County AUXCOMM Training Officer; ARRL Emergency Communications Course Mentor; and Assistant Emergency Coordinator, Kent County, Delaware Source: The ARRL Letter Chilean Health Minister Jaime Manalich resigned last weekend. Only hours earlier, the deeply unpopular minister was exposed for hiding the true number of deaths caused by the highly contagious COVID-19 virus. A media investigation revealed that the government was providing the World Health Organization a coronavirus body count that was almost double that given to the general public. The discredited ministers removal is aimed at damage control under conditions where the government and Parliament confront seething anger at the states incompetence and opposition to dealing with a rapidly deepening health, economic and social catastrophe for the working class. Since March 3, the rate of infection from COVID-19 has increased exponentially in the country of 19 million due to the criminally negligent policies pursued by the administration of ultra-right President Sebastian Pinera. Only 105 days after the first victim, there are today 184,449 confirmed cases, but even this number is likely just the tip of the iceberg. Jaime Manalich (La Moneda Palace) This was made evident when Manalich, responsible as health minister for implementing strategies to deal with the coronavirus, was exposed for a second time in less than two weeks as underreporting the number of fatalities. Last Friday the investigative journal CIPER got hold of the ministrys weekly report to the WHO from the Department of Statistics and Health Information (DEIS) that showed that over 5,000 people had died of coronavirus by June 12, a figure greatly exceeding the 2,870 deaths reported to the public. The DEIS, which reports directly to the Health Ministry, supplies the official causes of death in Chile by processing data from the Civil Registry, which is then reviewed by the National Statistics Institute (INE). DEIS, which works off criteria established by the WHO, counts not only deaths with positive PCR tests, but also those classified as probably caused by the coronavirus but not test-confirmed. This follows another expose which revealed that the health ministry, in defiance of the WHO recommendations, was reporting as COVID-19 deaths only those who had received a positive PCR result, until it was forced to acknowledge that it had underreported coronavirus deaths by 653 cases on June 1. Exiled investigative reporter Alejandra Matuswho exposed the judiciarys systematic whitewashing of the crimes committed by Augusto Pinochets 17-year military juntapresented in May findings of her study of Civil Registry deaths for the last ten years. Matus study suggested that Chile was massively underreporting coronavirus deaths, pointing to an excess death rate for March 2020 of more than 11 percent above the average of the previous five years and the sharpest rise in a decade. Matus explained that the government was only reporting PCR-positive fatalities at hospitals, whereas 46 percent of people die in their own homes and another 10 percent die in other places such as shelters for the elderly. In other words, a significant number of people have died without ever knowing whether they contracted COVID-19 because they were not tested. Matus immediately received a hostile reaction from the Chilean state. The ministers of different authorities, not just the health minister, immediately came out to reject [my report], raise suspicions of spurious political intentions [and to accuse me] of fake news, Matus said. That the health ministry lied to the population is not a revelation. The entire administration has responded to the pandemic with criminal negligence and brazen lies. Valuable time afforded the government to prepare for the novel coronavirus was frittered away. When the pandemic did arrive, the government played down the threat, rejecting calls from the health community to implement strict quarantines, close non-essential services and industries and conduct mass testing and contact tracing. It repeatedly lied outright to the population so it could forestall forking out any financial aid and resources to working people. Manalich in particular has played a reprehensible role, first arguing that the virus would mutate into something like the regular flu, then falsely claiming that the virus had reached a plateau and Chile had survived its first peak. In May, he began playing the herd immunity card, insisting that everyone would unavoidably become infected and at the same time reach immunity. Just before the collapse of the Santiago hospital system at the end of May, Manalich claimed the country had achieved a new normal, meaning that it was safe to ease quarantines and resuscitate economic activity, especially in the mining sector. He adopted a reckless dynamic quarantining policy, which meant letting the disease spread before reacting to the outbreak and only then placing a community in or out of quarantine on the basis of unclear criteria. He refused to place the Valparaiso region under total quarantine until the hospital system almost collapsed, and proposed to take the Antofagasta region out of quarantine until a recent massive outbreak in the Calama mining district threatened collapse of the health system there. The public hospital system continues to be starved of critical equipment, PPE and personnel. Workers are falling ill in the thousands and, with the approval of the former minister, the concierge private hospitals have avoided spending on ICU infrastructure, which has in effect placed the entire financial burden of the health crisis on the public purse. It would be dangerous to believe that there will be a change of course with Manalichs ouster. One of the first statements made by the incoming health minister, Enrique Paris, was that this is a ministry, in a sense, of continuity. Paris, former president of the Medical Association, is a pediatrician who rose in the medical profession under the Pinochet dictatorship. He was an advisor to the previous centre-left coalition government, but is aligned with Pinera, having served on his health team during the 2017 presidential election and being brought onto the governments COVID-19 Roundtable as the unofficial spokesman for the government line. From the very beginning of the pandemic, he excused the governments criminal inaction and rejected total quarantine measures, calling them a populist solution. Paris is equally committed to a punitive law-and-order response, arguing in March that people who dont comply, should go to jail. Upon assuming office, he has sought to concretise this conviction by supporting congressional moves to impose three-year prison terms and hefty fines for infractions of health emergency guidelines. But through Paris, the government has been able to secure a national agreement (albeit temporary and unstable) and that was the whole purpose of removing the health minister, because the entire Chilean political establishment was deeply compromised by Manalich, rightly considered in the working class a criminally reckless, sociopathic liar and thug. A day before his resignation, in a media stunt by the official parliamentary center and left, Maya Fernandez (Socialist Party), Carmen Hertz (Stalinist Communist Party), Carmen Frei (Christian Democrat) and Beatriz Sanchez (Frente Amplio) issued a joint statement that claimed that for national unity to occur we need a health authority that gives confidence, that listens and that brings humanity back into office. The open letter called for a new health strategy and Manalichs resignation. Paris delivered, saying that with his administration a stage is opening in which we must receive divergent opinions and called for dialogue for the entire health sector to come together and work together. It is likely, however, that his administration will be short-lived because, like Manalich, Paris is committed to securing the needs of finance and corporate capital and that will mean only more hardship, pain and death for the working class. It is under these conditions that the Stalinist Communist Party will be brought forward to save Chilean capitalism in its most profound crisis of rule since the revolutionary period of 19681973. For historical reasons associated with the belated and semi-colonial development of capitalism in Chile, Stalinism has played a preponderant role in official political life from almost its inception in the 1920s. Originally founded as a workers party adhering to the revolutionary traditions of the Third International founded by Russian Bolsheviks Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky, leaders of the October Revolution, the CPC was quickly co-opted into the Chilean state apparatus. By 1925 it participated in the drafting of the countrys bourgeois constitution and held ministerial posts in various coalitions during the most politically convulsive periods of the 20th century: the great depression, World War II, two decades of Cold War and the Popular Unity government of Salvador Allende. Its raison detre is to defuse a revolutionary period and channel working class struggles into harmless parliamentary politics. That is the significance of the promotion of current president of the Medical Association, Izkia Siches, 34, a member of the Young Communist League while studying medicine at the University of Chile and around Frente Amplio when she became leader of the doctors union three years ago. Siches received a glowing bio in Americas Quarterly April 2, praising her as the youngest-ever and first female leader of the Medical Association committed to a message of unity, inclusion and clear thinking. The Stalinists are laying a trap against the working class for the umpteenth time. There is no possibility of a parliamentary solution to the historic crisis of capitalism and the dangers of economic depression, dictatorship and war. Workers can go forward only if they break from all the parties of the nationalist and opportunist Chilean left and begin to construct a genuine, revolutionary internationalist socialist party that represents their independent political interests. That is the perspective of the International Committee of the Fourth International, which publishes the World Socialist Web Site. China is the prime suspect of a huge cyber attack targeting Australian universities, hospitals, industry and governments, Daily Mail Australia understands. Prime Minister Scott Morrison today said a 'sophisticated state-based actor' was behind ongoing attacks which have been happening for 'many months' but have increased recently. He did not name any suspects but senior sources have told Daily Mail Australia that government agencies believe China is behind them. Beijing and Canberra have been at loggerheads since Australia became the first nation to call for an inquiry into the origins of coronavirus in March. Chinese troops marching during a military parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China China retaliated by slapping an 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley and telling students and tourists not to travel Down Under in an apparent attempt to damage the Australian economy. Intelligence officials attributed a major cyber attack on the Australian parliament last year to China - and critics say intensifying attacks could be part of a Chinese campaign to intimidate or bully Australia as tensions over trade foment. Cyber expert Nick Savvides, director of strategic business at Forcepoint, told Daily Mail Australia there could also be other motivations for the attack. He said a state actor could be trying to gain a foothold in Australia's systems to shut down schools, hospitals and key industries in the event of war. Another aim could be to access classified government or commercial information, according to Professor Matthew Warren of RMIT University. Mr Savvides said he believes Mr Morrison made the announcement today to tell the attackers 'we're on to you and we know what you're up to'. Chinese President Xi Jinping drives in a Hong Qi car after inspecting the troops during a parade to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China The Australian Cyber Security Centre said in a statement the attacker has been using various 'spearphishing' techniques such as sending links to credential harvesting websites, emails with links to malicious files, and emails with other 'click-through events'. Australian Strategic Policy Institute executive director Peter Jennings said he is 95 per cent sure the attacker is China. 'The Russians could do it. The North Koreans could do it, but neither of them have an interest on the scale of this. They have no interest in state and territory government or universities,' he told The Australian. 'The only country that has got the interest to go as broad and as deep as this and the only country with the sophistication and the size of the intelligence establishment to do it, is China.' The Prime Minster said investigations by the Australian Cyber Security Centre so far have not found any personal data has been leaked. He said 'many' entities have been targeted but the success of the attacks has been 'less significant'. We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the trade craft used Prime Minister Scott Morrison 'Australian organisations are currently being targeted by a sophisticated state-based cyber actor,' he said today after calling a press conference at short notice. 'This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of Government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure. 'We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the trade craft used,' he said. 'Regrettably, this activity is not new. Frequency has been increasing.' Mr Morrison said he would not name the enemy government because the threshold for attributing a cyber attack is very high. He said he has spoken to allies including UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night - and also informed leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese and state and territory leaders. A huge cyber attack has been aimed at the Australian government. Pictured: PM Scott Morrison Who was behind attack and why? Senior sources have said that government agencies believe China is behind the campaign. Cyber expert Nick Savvides, director of strategic business at Forcepoint, told Daily Mail Australia there are ten to 15 states that could be behind the attack including Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. He said motivation for a state-sponsored cyber attack can be to gain a foothold in an enemy's systems to shut down schools, hospitals and key industries in the event of war. 'Attribution is really hard because you can be anyone you want to be in cyber space,' Mr Savvides said. 'Hackers can make operations look like they come from another state by mimicking another state actor. 'To some it may sound like Scott Morrison is trying to get out of naming a suspect but I sympathise with him. 'We're in a heightened geopolitical climate so you would want to be absolutely sure and have evidence you can publicly state before you name some-one.' Mr Savvides said the Prime Minister had used 'very powerful language' by declaring the attack was by a state. He said current trade tensions with China may lead people to believe the attack was ordered by Beijing - but another state could be capitalising on this to get away with it. Mr Savvides said he believed Mr Morrison gave the press conference today to tell the attackers 'we're on to you and we know what you're up to'. Australian Strategic Policy Institute executive director Peter Jennings said he is 95 per cent sure it was China. 'The Russians could do it. The North Koreans could do it, but neither of them have an interest on the scale of this. They have no interest in state and territory government or universities,' he told The Australian. 'The only country that has got the interest to go as broad and as deep as this and the only country with the sophistication and the size of the intelligence establishment to do it, is China.' Advertisement Chinese troops on military vehicles roll past Tiananmen Square during a military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China Chinese female troops march past Tiananmen Square during a military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said: 'There is no doubt that malicious cyber activity is increasing in frequency, scale, in sophistication and in its impact.' She urged businesses to check their cyber security and take extra steps such as ensuring employees use multi-factor identification before logging in to devices. Food and drink company Lion was forced to shut down production for eight days on 8 June after a cyber attack targeted its systems. Mr Morrison said that attack was not related to the state attacks announced today. Lion, which produces Little Creatures, XXXX, Tooheys and James Squire, shut down its Little Creatures brewery in Geelong. How are the attacks carried out? The Australian Cyber Security Centre has identified the actor utilising various spearphishing techniques. This spearphishing has taken the form of: Links to credential harvesting websites Emails with links to malicious files, or with the malicious file directly attached Links prompting users to grant Office 365 OAuth tokens to the actor Use of email tracking services to identify the email opening and lure click-through events Source: Australia Cyber Security Centre Advertisement The education sector has been targeted by the cyber attacks which have been happening for months Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the government has been targeted. Pictured: Parliament House in Canberra The cyber attack has resulted in temporary shortages or out-of-stock products in kegs, bottles and cans. An attack on the federal parliament and three largest political parties before the general election last year was earlier this year attributed to China by security agencies. Matt Warren, from RMIT University Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation, said cyber attacks were 'the new normal'. 'It's not that there's an increase in cyber-attacks, but we're seeing these attacks be more successful because what they're focusing on is the human aspect,' he told the Geelong Advertiser. 'It also highlights that organisations aren't prepared for it. What you need to do NOW to avoid being hacked by China: The simple steps that help keep you safe online as cyber attackers target Australia Defence Minister Linda Reynolds today told businesses how to improve their cyber security as Australia faces a series of major cyber attacks from a 'sophisticated state actor'. Cyber experts said it was the first time in history that an Australian defence minister had addressed the nation with specific technical tips to avoid being hacked. She urged businesses to check their security systems and take extra steps such as ensuring employees use multi-factor identification to log in to devices. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds (left) today told businesses how to improve their cyber security as Australia faces a series of major cyber attacks from a 'sophisticated state actor' Senior sources have told Daily Mail Australia that government agencies believe China is behind the relentless campaign to hack into the systems of Australian companies. Pictured: Chinese people at an internet cafe Ms Reynolds also warned companies to download recent software, secure their cloud-based platforms and report any breaches to the Australia Cyber Security Centre. She said: 'Firstly, patch your Internet facing devices promptly, ensuring that any web or email servers are fully updated with the latest software. 'Secondly, ensure you always use multifactor authentication to secure your Internet access, infrastructure and also your CLOUD-based platforms. Dane Meah of cyber security firm, InfoTrust, said the announcement 'serves as a reminder that cyber security is crucial.' 'Often security projects are one of the first to be scaled back during a recession and this could potentially cause even more damage to the Australian economy if we see businesses start to fall victim to these attacks,' he said. 'Our advice to businesses would be to complete a review of the controls, policies and procedures they currently have in place, including testing a response plan and making staff aware of threats.' Advertisement 'It's actually a relatively easy cyber attack to recover from, but the problem is because organisations have now become complex, they haven't kept up their backup resilience strategy to reflect their operations.' Earlier this week Australia launched six warships into the Indo-Pacific for training operations ahead of huge show of force in the region with the US Navy. HMA Ships Canberra, Hobart, Stuart, Anzac, Ballarat and Arunta all left their base in Sydney Harbour on Monday. They will conduct 'task group training' before taking part in a warfare training exercise with the US and other allies known as the Rim of the Pacific in August. Australia has launched six warships into the Indo-Pacific for training operations ahead of huge show of force in the region with the US Navy. Pictured: HMA Ships Stuart (foreground), Hobart and Canberra (background) depart Fleet Base East in Sydney Left to right: HMA Ships Stuart, Hobart and Canberra depart Fleet Base East in Sydney for Force Integrated Training The exercise is the world's largest international maritime warfare training mission, held every two years from Honolulu, Hawaii. A defence spokesman said the ships are 'currently conducting maritime task group training under strict COVID-19 preventive measures'. It comes amid trade tensions with China after Australia angered Beijing by calling for an inquiry into the origins of coronavirus which erupted in Wuhan. In recent months China has increased training exercises in the Pacific and started trailing its first homemade aircraft carrier. Prime Minster Scott Morrison said China should not be shocked by the show of force. 'These are our routine partnerships and exercises that we do. There's nothing extraordinary about that,' he told Sydney radio 2GB. 'I don't think it would cause anyone any surprise who are looking in from elsewhere.' HMAS Sirius departs Fleet Base West for taskgroup force integrated training Maharashtra: How farmers in Maharashtra are enhancing their income amid Covid crisis June 19,2020 | Source: The Hindu Business Line They sell fish and milk products directly to consumers to sustain losses in farming The Centre has set an ambitious target to double farmers income by 2022 but many farmers in drought-prone regions of Maharashtra are already close to the target, that too amid the Covid-19 crisis. Washim district in Vidarbha is known for freshwater fish farming and fish farmers usually sell their produce to brokers at Rs.70 per kg. But during the Covid-19 crisis, as the chain of brokers broke down, fish farmers sold their produce directly to consumers at Rs.200/kg, which fetched them Rs.130 extra per kg. Fish farming is a secondary enterprise for farmers here and the income they got from fish farming will help them sustain the losses in farming. The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) has documented innovative experiments of farmers in Maharashtras suicide zones of Marathwada and Vidarbha. The document, titled Innovative Agri-Solutions During Covid-19, also covers the efforts taken by farmers elsewhere in India. The battle against Covid-19 by farmers in the drought zone is significant considering the series of natural disasters causing damage to crops and pushing farmers into distress. Devastated by a severe drought last year followed by unseasonal rains and then the pandemic, farmers in Marathwada and Vidarbha regions have put up a resilient fight during lockdown. Milk producers: For milk producer farmers in Takli in Amravati district, the lockdown came as a blessing in disguise. About 1,600-litre milk is produced daily in the village. With the direct connection with consumers, farmers got a price of Rs.60 per litre for buffalo milk and Rs.40 per litre for cow milk. Farmers are also trying their hand in producing milk products. Farmers of Takali village are getting Rs.80,000 daily and Rs.24 lakh a month by selling direct to consumer and making value-added products, the ICAR report said. Farmers in Beed came up with the idea of markets on wheels as traditional mandis stopped operations during the lockdown. With the help of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) scientists and local officials, farmers got licences to sell their goods to consumers. Hundreds of farmers in Aurangabad joined hands to form a supply chain connecting to consumers. Farm to Kitchen: The alternative marketing and supply chain proved valuable for farmers in Nanded, who reaped the benefits of the direct sale of vegetables. KVK in Jalna developed the Farm to Kitchen e-commerce website for online purchase of fruits and vegetables. Covid has taught many lessons and the important lesson for us is that one has to find solutions to problems instead of complaining and succumbing to the situation, said Kaka Thote, a farmer in Aurangabad. Even as farmer suicides continue in Marathwada and Vidarbha, there are many farmers who have shown the way forward, Thote added. By ANI NEW DELHI: Just five days ahead of its release, Netflix on Friday released a very intriguing trailer of Anushka Sharma's latest production 'Bulbbul.' As the trailer of the horror flick begins, two children are seen sitting while one of them narrates a story of a demon-woman to the other one. The child is seen giving a brief description of the demon-woman and the trailer is seen featuring visuals complementing the description. As the trailer proceeds further with horror music, it revolves around social evils like child marriage. A child bride can be seen growing up into a woman ruling the household. The rest of the trailer is woven in mystery, supernatural events, and an edgy narrative. The Indian Netflix original features several actors like Tripti Dimri, Rahul Bose, and Avinash Tiwary in pivotal roles. Helmed by Anvita Dutt, the film has been bankrolled by Anushka Sharma's production house, Clean Slate Films. The periodic horror-thriller 'Bulbbul' will release on Netflix on June 24. Its about damn time. It should have happened a long time ago, but thankfully its at least happening now, Aguiar said. This is an officer thats plagued our streets and made this city worse for over a dozen years. ... Lets hope that this is a start to some good, strong criminal proceedings against Officer Hankison, because he definitely deserves to at least be charged. Civil rights icon and activist Ruby Bridges says that when she saw the young people take to the streets after George Floyds killing, she felt like it was about time. In a video series TIME is producing with journalist Katie Couric, Bridges says that when she saw footage of Floyds death she thought about the kids watching and what they must have been thinking. She explains that she thinks the video was the straw that broke the backs of so many people before that young man, sparking protests across the U.S. and around the world. It made me think about the protesters from 1960, Bridges says of when she first saw the recent mass demonstrations. It made me think about the day that I walked up those stairs when I integrated Frantz school. Bridges was only six years old when she made history by becoming the first Black child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960. She was met with an angry crowd of white protestersand for her own safety, four federal marshals escorted her to school every day that year. Ruby Nell Bridges at age 6, was the first African American child to attend William Franz Elementary School in New Orleans after Federal courts ordered the desegregation of public schools | Bettmann Archive Bridges tells Couric she definitely remembers her first day at the school. Her parents had never explained that she was integrating a white school, she says, and so when she first arrived and saw those protesting integration she thought we had stumbled into a Mardi Gras parade. She also recalls how some people protesting her enrollment would carry around a Black doll inside a babys coffin, which triggered nightmares. That was my first encounter, knowingly, about racism, Bridges tells Couric. I realized at that point its not Mardi Gras. It all came together and made sense then. I knew that it was about me and I knew that it was about the color of my skin. The racism and violence that Bridges faced was the subject of the iconic 1964 painting The Problem We All Live With, which former President Barack Obama installed in the White House in the hallway outside the Oval Office in 2011. Story continues I cannot even begin to tell you how moved I was, Bridges says of when she was invited to the White House to see the painting. She shares that upon her meeting with President Obama, everyone else in the room began to cry. It was history, she recalls. It was those two generations coming together. Everything that all those people fought for. Bridges tells Couric that she thinks the protests of today look very different from the protesters during the Civil Rights Movement, due to their diversity. Yes, there were lots of white folks, Hispanics, lots of people that took part during the Civil Rights Movement, says Bridges. But what weve seen today in the streets is very, very powerful. Theyve taken on this charge, she continues. I think the baton has been passed. Bridges says the protests make her hopeful about the future of the U.S., adding, I think when we open our doors and we are able to go back out, this world is going to be a different place. This interview is part of a special series produced in collaboration with Katie Couric. Read more from TIME Reports with Katie Couric, and sign up for her weekday morning newsletter Wake-Up Call with Katie Couric. Stock selection is the most important parameter when it comes to long-term wealth creation. If you are invested in the right stocks, you will be rewarded while if the stock selection is poor then the possibility of erosion of capital remains high. There are as many as 64 stocks in which fund managers have reduced stake consistently in the last four quarters. The fall in stake could also be related to booking of partial profits while for the rest, fund managers could be turning cautious. More than 70 percent of the companies, or 48 out of 64 companies, have given negative returns to investors in the last year. Out of 48, there are 20 stocks that have fallen over 50 percent. The 20 stocks include Wonderla Holidays, PNB, Union Bank of India, Canara Bank, Equitas Holdings, PNB Housing Finance, Future Retail, Indian Bank, and HSIL, data from AceEquity showed. Close Related stories Daily Voice | Budget 2022 likely to be more populist rather than being mindful of fiscal gap, says A... Market snaps four-week winning streak on weak cues; rupee slips Nippon India Mutual Fund files for artificial intelligence fund Data for last year suggests that fund managers have been steadily reducing stake in companies that are consumer-facing, NBFCs, or auto ancillary which might have got impacted due to slowdown in demand, and economic activity, suggest experts. Major exits by the fund managers are from consumer, NBFC, and Auto Ancillaries. Although the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is not fully seen in March 2020 portfolio, evidently these sectors are under pressure owing to the economic slowdown, Amit Singh, Head, Investica told Moneycontrol. Over the next 1-2 quarters, this impact will be visible in the financial results. Considering the current market scenario, it is better to stay away from cyclical sectors. Especially in NBFCs and HFCs, the default rates for retail and MSME loans may see an increase in the next few quarters, he said. Singh further added that this will have a direct impact on their top line. Investors should be careful with their investment in HFCs and NBFCs and should avoid these sectors to the extent possible. What should investors do? Not all stocks in which MFs have pared the stake gave negative returns. There is one stock that has more than doubled investor wealth, while as many as 10 stocks gave a return of 10-70 percent in the same period. As many as 16 out of 64 stocks in which fund managers reduced stake have given positive returns, including Abbott India, ICICI Securities, Torrent Pharma, Trent, Colgate Palmolive and Dabur India, data from AceEquity showed. Even though some of the stocks have risen despite fund managers reducing their stake, experts feel that investors should stay cautious, and avoid these stocks. However, no decision should be taken in isolation, and investors should consult their financial advisor or do their own analysis before making a buy or a sell decision. Fund managers are considered as experts of their profession and they had their past record to speak for themselves. It is better to avoid stocks in which they are consistently reducing their stake as they are more capable of analyzing stocks, Nitin Shahi, Executive Director, Findoc told Moneycontrol. Investors should be wary of such activities of various funds and try avoid betting on these stocks. Fundamental aspects like ROE, ROCE, profit growth over the years remain the main factors to acquire any stock, he said. Paras Bothra, President of Equity Research, Ashika Stock Broking suggest investors avoid following somebody's investment style because investment decisions should always be based on company financials and cash flows and relevant return ratios and most importantly confidence in the management. In these challenging times, companies run by strong management and having strong business models will overcome quickly, he said. : The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. New Delhi: At least eight terrorists were killed by security forces in two separate encounters in Pulwama and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir. According to reports, while three terrorists were killed in Pulwama's Awantipora, five were killed in Shopian. A search operation is currently underway. According to reports, the first gunbattle took place between forces and terrorists at Meej in Pampore area of Awantipora in south Kashmir. Two terrorists took refuge inside a huge local Jamia mosque for several hours and disobliged appeals made by Iman to surrender themselves. After receiving specific information about the presence of militants there, the forces cordoned off the area and a gunbattle ensued in which both terrorists were neutralised. According to officials, the operation turned into an encounter after militants fired upon the search party, inviting a retaliation. While conducting the operation at Meej Pampore, full sanctity of the mosque was maintained. Local people and Mosque committee expressed happiness and thanked district police chief Tahir for patience and good supervision. They also complimented the Army and CRPF involved in the operation for restraint. Another terrorist was killed by forces in Munand area of Shopian district. According to officials, all three slain terrorists were affiliated to the Lashkar-e-Toiba terror outfit. A top police official said, "Last night, the Awantipora Police launched an operation at village Meez Pampore, along with the Indian Army and other security forces. The target was a house adjoining a big mosque. After an initial exchange of fire, a grenade was thrown outside while the cordon was being laid. The terrorists then shifted to the mosque." "The exchange of fire resumed as the terrorists shifted to the adjoining shed. One terrorist has been killed in the operation so far," the official said. Earlier during the midnight, on a tip-off by informants, a joint team of the Awantipora Police, the Indian Army's 50 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and the Central Reserve Police Forces (CRPF) had launched a cordon-and-search-operation in Meej Pampore. The police official said that as the joint team approached the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired upon the search party and also lobbed a grenade. The fire was retaliated upon by the joint team, triggering off an encounter. The search operation is still on to neutralize the remaining terrorists in hiding if any. Meanwhile, late last night, in a joint operation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army's 1 RR and the CRPF, one terrorist named Imran Nabi of the Hizbul Mujahideen was arrested in the Anantnag district. One pistol, along with six rounds of ammunition and several other incriminating materials were recovered from his possession. Sushant Singh Rajput Had Worked With YRF On 2 Films As per a report in Indian Express, a senior Mumbai Police officer revealed that the investigators sought to learn the nature of the contract with YRF, and how many films the late actor was supposed to do with them. Sushant had starred in two films which was produced by the banner- Shuddh Desi Romance in 2013 and Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! in 2015. As per media reports, the late actor had bagged a three-film deal with the production house. Shekhar Kapoor's shelved film Paani with Sushant, was also supposed to be bankrolled by YRF. The Cops Have Recorded The Statement Of Sushant's Former Business Manager And PR Manager The Bandra police have recorded the statement of Sushant's business manager Shruti Modi and Radhika Nihalani from the PR team. In her statement to the police, Shruti said that she was working with Sushant from July 2019 to February 3, 2020, and was with him during the promotions of Chhichhore. Here's What Sushant's Manager Revealed In Her Statement Shruti told the officials that Sushant was in the process of registering a company named Nation India For World to undertake social activities like relief work and tree plantation drives, and another one named Vivid Rage Realistic to create virtual reality content. She further said that the late actor was also working on a social project called 'Geniuses and Drop Outs'. A police official told Indian Express, "Rajput had been exploring several ideas aside from films. We will speak to a lawyer Rajput had engaged to register the firms." The Police Investigation Is On In Connection With Sushant's Demise Until now, the police have recorded the statements of 13 people, including Sushant Singh Rajput's rumoured girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty, friend Mukesh Chhabra, his father and his three sisters. Earlier, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh had tweeted that the Mumbai police will be investigating the 'professional rivalry' angle in connection with Sushant's death. If people havent been back to the beach or their favorite spot in a while, it may be very different with erosion or a lot less beach, said John Allis, the Army Corps chief of the Great Lakes hydraulics and hydrology office, based out of the Detroit District. Conditions can be very different on the coastline than people may be used to in the past. Most of what you know about Johnny Cashs life probably came from the 2005 movie Walk the Line. As played by Joaquin Phoenix, Cash was shown there as a sort of primitive folk genius tormented by personal demons until he is rescued by June Carter, who goes on to become his second wife. As is usually the case, what really happened is far more complicated. And thats what My Darling Vivian, a new documentary that streams starting June 19, addresses. Vivian Liberto, Cashs first wife and the mother of his four daughters, was largely left out of Walk the Line. Shes been erased from other works about Cash as well, including the memorial concert from Nashvilles Ryman Auditorium that was broadcast on CMT. Filmmaker Matt Riddlehoover was considering projects when a friend suggested a documentary about Vivian. His husband and producing partner, Dustin Tittle, is Vivians grandson. Over the years my mother-in-law, Kathy Cash Tittle, told me stories about Vivian, Riddlehoover said by telephone. Hearing about what happened to her and the kids in Hollywood, when they lived in Johnny Carsons old house, and then in the house on the hill in Casitas Springs, I was thinking, where was all of this in Walk the Line? The director knew he was taking on a huge responsibility. Revealing Vivians life would be the equivalent of saying, Okay, everything you think you know about that story is either a myth or downright not true. Despite his qualms, his mother-in-law and aunts Rosanne Cash, Cindy Cash and Tara Cash Schwoebel agreed to the project at once. Riddlehoover began by scanning the thousands of photographs and letters Vivian kept from the time she met Cash (then an Air Force cadet) as a 17-year-old girl in San Antonio. Forbidden to marry by her strict parents, Vivian and Cash corresponded almost daily while he served in Europe. Their letters are heartbreakingly romantic. In one, Cash writes about Vivians self-esteem problems, encouraging a painfully shy girl with sensitivity and insight. To me that was like an epiphany moment, Riddlehoover said. This is why things affected her the way they did, this is why she was so reserved, so private, so unwilling to use her voice. It surprised me that I hadnt read it in her memoir, and that the girls seemingly didnt know about it. The film also presents a different side to The Man in Black, an archetypal figure whose characteristics have hardened into myth. Walk the Line pushed Cash through a Hollywood storyline; My Darling Vivian shows some of the trouble he left behind. None of this was ever meant to settle scores, Riddlehoover insisted. We wanted this to be loving, to show a side of John that no ones ever seen before. Honestly, the side that his daughters remember. A dad who was very much in love with their mother. Home movies Vivian kept all her life provide another view into the daughters childhoods, first in Memphis and then Los Angeles. Cash is an animated presence throughout barbeques, birthdays and holidays, but after 1962, the movies and photos stop. Theres very little photographic evidence when times were tough, Riddlehoover said. It was kind of a gut punch to realize that the early years in their marriage, the birth of the first three children, all of it was so well-documented, especially for the time. And then it just kind of dries up. What happened was that Cash left Vivian for June Carter, a member of the folk-music dynasty. As the documentary makes clear, Vivian was devastated by the betrayal. It was clear from the stories I heard over the years from Kathy that Vivian was terribly, terribly hurt, and it was important to shed light on that. Much of My Darling Vivian is told by her daughters, who in separate interviews offer contradictory accounts of incidents in their lives. I had seen the four of them sitting together on a couch at the Country Music Hall of Fame a few years ago, Riddlehoover remembers. They were talking about photos of their father in Europe, and all these differences in opinions and recollections came out. So for this movie, I wanted them to be in their own space, comfortable, not having anyone question what they remembered. The director spoke with a few other sources as well, notably songwriter and musician Rodney Crowell, who was married to Rosanne in the 1980s. He gave Riddlehoover access to his own movies of the family. Rodney was tremendously instrumental in helping me revisit the memorial tribute, which is how Vivians memoir opens, Riddlehoover recalled. He said, You know I dedicated a song to her, but when it aired on television, it wasnt there. I knew CMT had sent the family both edited and unedited versions of the concert. So I went through it and sure enough, there it was. When talking about assembling the material, shaping it into a narrative, Riddlehoover compares it to piecing together a puzzle. Separate themes emerged when the director interviewed the Cash daughters, and he wanted to give credence and attention to each. I was surprised by what Rosanne brought to the table, what Cindy and Tara thought, and then the candid conversations I had with Kathy, my mother-in-law, the director said. Things in the letters that werent mentioned in Vivians memoir, photos the family as a whole wasnt aware of. To this day photos will come up, and Tara will say, Ive never seen this before.' Reclaiming incidents from the past, exploring new insights into culture, learning what it felt like growing up in that family My Darling Vivian is broad in scope but surprisingly intimate. In the end, it renders Vivian and Johnny Cash recognizably human. They were and are a family just like any other, Riddlehoover noted. Divorce happens. Remarriage happens. Step kids happen. If somebody gets married, youre all there. Somebody passes away, youre all there. That was part of this for me, sharing these moments. The documentary was scheduled to screen at this years South by Southwest before the festival was canceled. Riddlehoover and Tittle had also planned to show their film at other festivals in the spring and summer, until the pandemic intervened. At first the cancellations were a little devastating, as if it were just a continuation of Vivian being silenced and her story not getting the proper platform, Riddlehoover admitted. But then reality set in and it was sobering to realize how serious this was. So thank god they canceled it. My Darling Vivian will be available instead as a virtual release, starting on June 19. Not just to get the film out there, the director said, but to support art-house theaters whose doors are closed right now. The post The True Story of Johnny Cashs Largely Forgotten First Marriage appeared first on InsideHook. Credit:Illustration by Jim Pavlidis Watching them embrace at the door, Christian observed that Pennys brother had her eyes and self-assurance and an alarmingly big backpack. Next morning, he noted the wreckage of Kanes midnight snack in the kitchen and his undies on the bathroom floor. Returning from work that evening, he found Kane, feet on the coffee table, drinking one of his expensive Belgian beers. Welcome home, love! Kane quipped. Later, in bed, Christian casually asked Penny for Kanes departure date. Oh, Christian! she snapped. Outnumbered, outflanked, Christian waited until Penny was asleep before sliding out of bed and hiding his beer. Farmers and landowners are being invited to give their views on the future creation and management of woodland in England. A Defra consultation has been launched today (19 June) on the England Tree Strategy, which will run for 12 weeks. It is seeking views on how to increase tree planting and woodland management. Farmers are being invited to have their say. Subject to consultation, the new strategy will set out policies to expand tree cover and increase public engagement with woodlands. It comes as the government committed to increase tree planting to 30,000 hectares per year across the UK by 2025. The government is also asking for views on the most effective way in which trees and woodlands can be created and managed to help combat climate change. Forestry minister Lord Goldsmith said the government needed input from landowners, farmers and the public. In many ways the coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on the importance of nature," he said. "Growing and protecting our nations forests will be an integral part of our recovery, and the England Tree Strategy will give us the tools to do this. This consultation will help inform a keystone strategy which will be vital for helping us deliver the governments tree planting commitment, our commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. The England Tree Strategy will be developed in parallel with other key strategies that flow from the 25 Year Environment Plan. These include the recent Tree Health Resilience Strategy and the forthcoming England Peat Strategy, as well the future Environmental Land Management Scheme for farmers. The consultation period is due to conclude in 12 weeks on 11 September 2020. Subject to review, the England Tree Strategy will be published later in the year. London, June 19 : UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unveiled a 1 billion pounds ($1.24 billion) catch-up plan programmed for children who have missed school during the COVID-19 lockdown, according to the Department of Education. The huge support package is aimed at giving millions of the most disadvantaged pupils access to one-to-one or small group tuition to make up for months of lost teaching time, the Metro newspaper reported on Friday. It includes 350 million pounds for a "national tutoring programme" and 650 million pounds to be shared across state primary and secondary schools over the 2020-21 academic year, the Department said. Head teachers will have sole discretion on how the one-off payment is spent. In a statement, Johnson said: "This 1 billion pounds catch-up package will help head teachers to provide extra support to children who have fallen behind while out of school. "I am determined to do everything I can to get all children back in school from September, and we will bring forward plans on how this will happen as soon as possible." The announcement comes after ministers were put under pressure to get children back to school amid concerns about the damage being caused to pupils' attainment and wellbeing, said the Metro newspaper report. But all pupils were not due to return to school until at least September after the Government was forced to abandon plans to get all primary school children back in class before the summer break. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the new package would "bring long-term reform to the educational sector that will protect a generation from the effects of this pandemic". The Texas Eagle left the station shortly after 7 a.m. Thursday for its 1,306-mile journey from San Antonio to Chicago, a departure the seven-car Amtrak trains have made daily for the past 20 years. That seven-day-a-week service will be history Oct. 1. The Texas Eagle to Chicago will be reduced to three times a week, the victim of coronavirus-induced budget cuts by Amtrak. The federally chartered railroad companys sweeping plan to survive the recession will affect almost all of Amtraks long-distance trains. Airlines arent the only segment of the U.S. transportation network badly damaged by the recession. Roger Harris, Amtraks chief marketing/revenue officer, said in a letter this week to Amtrak employees that the company will make service cuts on 12 of its 15 long-distance trains, including the Texas Eagle, in the early fall. Bob Owen, Staff-photographer / San Antonio Express-News During the COVID-19 pandemic, our ridership has been down by as much as 95 percent year-over-year, Harris said. Its climbing back slowly and it is going to take a long time to return to normal. We expect our systemwide ridership in Fiscal Year 2021 to be only 50 percent of what it was in 2019. Amtraks fiscal year begins Oct.1. It also plans to cut the frequency of its Northeast corridor trains between Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington by 32 percent. Amtrak never has made a profit in its 50-year history, but this year officials said they were on track to do so before the pandemic. The train operator is receiving more than $1 billion in federal stimulus money to help pay employees salaries and stay afloat, but those dollars will run out by Sept. 30. To maintain even reduced service, Amtrak said it will need more than $3.5 billion in federal aid in its next fiscal year, about an 80 percent increase from this year. Bob Owen, Staff-photographer / San Antonio Express-News Amtraks Northeast corridor is profitable, but its long-distance trains, such as the Texas Eagle, are not. In the first seven months of the current fiscal year, the Texas Eagle cost Amtrak around $18 million more than it earned on the service. Amtrak officials insist there are no plans to eliminate the Texas Eagle and other long-distance trains. Our goal is to restore daily service on these routes as demand warrants, potentially by the summer of 2021, Amtrak spokeswoman Kimberly Woods said in an email. Still, rail advocates are concerned that the Texas Eagle never will return to daily service. How in the world would a train be able to (show) Amtraks management that its ridership has recuperated enough to (warrant) daily operation if the very act of frequency reduction hamstrings ridership? asked Garl B. Latham, a Schertz resident and president and chairman of the Texas Association of Railroad Passengers. Peter LeCody, 72, a Dallas jewelry repair shop owner who serves as president and chairman of Texas Rail Advocates, has taken the Texas Eagle hundreds of times. He said the junkyards outside of large cities, farmland, Texas Hill Country scenery and goats and sheep roaming near the tracks all add to the allure of the train ride. Its a little bit of America that you cant get at 30,000 feet, he said Destini Carrington was one of about 60 passengers boarding the Texas Eagle on Thursday at the San Antonio Amtrak station. She moved here from Oklahoma City three months ago, and was taking the train with her 9-year-old son Lance back to visit her mom. Its relaxing because the chairs are comfortable and there is a lot more room than on an airplane, she said. Bob Owen, Staff-photographer / San Antonio Express-News The journey would take a long time about six hours to get to the Fort Worth station. There Carrington and her son would wait for three hours for the Heartland Flyer, which goes to Oklahoma City. The second train would add another 4 hours to the trip. Carrington said she didnt mind. I dont have to worry about running to the next flight, she said. The Texas Eagle makes 11 stops in Texas. After departing San Antonio each morning, it goes to San Marcos, Austin, Taylor, Temple, McGregor, Cleburne, Fort Worth, Dallas, Mineola, Longview and Marshall. The train then proceeds through Arkansas, Missouri and Illinois before arriving in Chicago. The entire trip takes more than 30 hours. LeCody said cutting the Texas Eagles schedule would make it too inconvenient for train passengers to make the journey. You can't run a part-time railroad. People can't travel they can't make their plans if you can only book a ticket one out of three days a week, he said. The one daily long-distance train service that will remain under Amtraks plan is the popular and profitable Amtrak Auto Train. It transports passengers and their cars between Northern Virginia and Orlando, Fla., near Walt Disney World. Bob Owen / Staff photographer Amtrak currently has two long-distance trains that run three days a week. The Cardinal, which operates between New York and Chicago, and the Sunset Limited, the second Amtrak train that stops in San Antonio. That train starts in New Orleans and ends up in Los Angeles. The Texas Eagle last saw cutbacks in 1993. Amtrak restored daily service in 2000. A reduction from daily to tri-weekly in 1993 was intended as a cost-saving measure, but many riders found the tri-weekly schedule unworkable, which resulted in lower revenue than anticipated, said Bill Pollard, an Arkansas dentist who serves as the volunteer chairman of the Texas Eagle marketing and performance organization. Unfortunately, that lesson was learned by a generation of Amtrak managers who have now largely retired or been purged from the company, he said, and there seems to be little institutional memory left to recall the difficult lessons learned in the past. 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 Esteban Ocon says his test in Austria this week reassured him that he is ready for Formula 1's post-corona crisis restart. Although the test irked Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko, Renault drivers Ocon and Daniel Ricciardo drove a two-year-old car at the scene of the forthcoming Austrian GP. "It was great. It only took four laps before I had the taste again," Ocon told L'Equipe when asked how driving an F1 car felt after the long shutdown and lack of racing in 2020. The French driver said he held up to the challenge physically. "I have no great pain, my body doesn't hurt," said Ocon. "I'm just a little tired mentally. It confirms that I was able to prepare well. "It definitely doesn't feel as though it's been three months away. I can't wait to race now in two weeks," he added. Ocon also said driving a Formula 1 car in real life does not completely compare with his at-home simulator. "In particular, the braking in the simulator is considerably easier than braking in a F1 car," he said. (GMM) If the government has its way, our universities will be hit shortly by a grand scheme of social engineering. The proposed overhaul of university fees, announced on Friday, is nothing short of radical. While fees for subjects in health, teaching, agriculture and science will be reduced, fees for subjects in the arts, humanities and social sciences will more than double. Education Minister Dan Tehan says this will mean students can complete a degree more cheaply if they choose to study in areas where there is expected growth in job opportunities. Dan Tehan has proposed significant changes to fees for university courses. Credit:Mick Tsikas Theres nothing wrong with the government seeking to meet skills shortages. Offering incentives for students to study in areas such as health, education and science is entirely appropriate. But these moves go well beyond that. They have the clear aim of undermining the humanities and social sciences the foundations of a modern liberal arts education. They are designed, in other words, to remake universities. President Donald Trump issued a message marking Juneteenth but has no public events on his schedule to honor the celebration of the end of slavery. The president did send out at least a dozen tweets and retweets Friday before noon but none of them mentioned Juneteenth, a day he claimed he made 'famous.' Instead they focused on his upcoming campaign rally, a recent Supreme Court decision on DACA, and his Democratic rivals. Several streets around the White House were closed on Friday as marches took place in the nation's capital in honor of Juneteenth. Activists called for walk outs, street blockades and dance parties to shut down parts of the city. The marchers are expected to be near the White House and the National Mall. President Trump issued a message in honor of Juneteenth but his Friday morning tweet storm didn't address the day marking the end of slavery Demonstrators march during a Juneteenth march and rally in Washington, DC Streets around White House were closed Friday amid marches in support of the Black Lives Matter movement Rick and Jayna Powell sit on a concrete barricade in front of the White House with signs the read 'All Lives Matter Only When Black Lives Matter' and 'Silence is Death We Cannot be Silent Any Longer!' In the presidential message, released by the White House, President Trump noted that 'Juneteenth reminds us of both the unimaginable injustice of slavery and the incomparable joy that must have attended emancipation. It is both a remembrance of a blight on our history and a celebration of our Nation's unsurpassed ability to triumph over darkness.' 'This Juneteenth, we commit, as one Nation, to live true to our highest ideals and to build always toward a freer, stronger country that values the dignity and boundless potential of all Americans,' he added. Meanwhile first lady Melania Trump was out ahead of the gate, posting a video to Twitter Friday morning of her reading 'All Different Now' by Angela Johnson, which sheds a light on the first Juneteenth through the eyes of a young girl as she marked the day. In her video, Melania Trump remembered her trip to Ghana when she visited Africa in October 2018, where she saw the House of Slaves. And she called on Americans to learn from one another's differences. 'As our country works through the racial issues it still faces today, it's important to remember we are one global community,' the first lady said. 'Let's all agree that any differences we have should be celebrated and learned from.' On Thursday, Melania Trump made an announced visit to the National Archives, just a few blocks from the White House, to specifically view the Emancipation Proclamation ahead of the Juneteenth holiday. She went with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, an African American member of the president's cabinet. Juneteenth marks the day when news of emancipation reached people in the Galveston, Texas, one of the deepest parts of the former Confederacy. More than 200 official events will place across the country and the world to mark the date. Trump's message on the anniversary comes as he faced criticism for his record on racial issues and ahead of his first campaign rally since March, which will be Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Originally scheduled for Friday evening, Trump moved the date after being criticized for holding it on Juneteenth in a city with a record of racial tension. Critics also pointed to the Trump's administration handling of protests that sprung up around the country in the wake of George Floyd's death. Tulsa was the site of one of the country's bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence in 1921. Called the Tulsa Race Massacre, as many as 300 people were killed, more than 10,000 remained homeless, and, according to the Tulsa Race Riot Report of 2001, an estimated $1,470,711 was incurred in damage - equal to about $20 million today. Trump bragged he made 'Juneteenth very famous' in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. He also admitted he learned about it from a black Secret Service agent and was surprised to hear the White House had put out a statement on the holiday last year. 'I made it famous. I made Juneteenth very famous,' he told the newspaper. 'It's actually an important event, it's an important time. But nobody had heard of it. Very few people have heard of it. Actually, a young African-American Secret Service agent knew what it was. I had political people who had no idea.' President Trump issued an official message in honor of Juneteenth while Melania Trump released a video of her reading a children's story In her video marking Juneteenth, Melania Trump mentioned her October 2018 visit to Ghana in Africa, where she visited the House of Slaves He told the newspaper that he has black supporters and 'two African-American friends' that caused him to schedule the rally on Juneteenth 'out of respect' for those individuals. He asked White House communications director Alyssa Farah if she had ever heard of Juneteenth. 'I did from last year when the White House put out a statement,' she replied. Trump appeared surprised by her statement. 'Oh really? We put out a statement? The Trump White House put out a statement?' When told yes, he responded: 'Oh OK. Good. I don't think it was put up by others. But we made people aware of it, and it's good.' But past presidents, including Trump's two most recent predecessors Barack Obama and Geroge W. Bush, did issue presidential messages to commemorate Juneteenth during their tenure. Obama also revealed on June 19, 2019 that while he was president, he kept a painting of a crowd of slaves waiting for the moment they would be freed outside of the Oval Office. 'Outside the Oval Office, I kept a painting of a small crowd huddled around a pocketwatch, waiting for the moment the Emancipation Proclamation took effect,' Obama tweeted last year. 'On Juneteenth, we celebrate the anniversary of that news - freedom - reaching slaves in Texas.' 'And something more: On Juneteenth, we celebrate our capacity to make real the promise of our founding, that thing inside each of us that says America is not yet finished, that compels all of us to fight for justice and equality until this country we love more closely aligns with our highest ideals,' he continued. An 84-year old woman was killed in an accident Thursday afternoon on Rossville Boulevard. At approximately 12:09 p.m., the Chattanooga Police Department's Traffic/DUI Unit responded to 2500 Rossville Boulevard on a two-vehicle crash. The Jeep turned in front of the Ford causing a T-bone style crash. A Ford driven by a man, 34, was traveling north on Rossville Boulevard when a Jeep attempted to turn left from Linberg Avenue onto Southbound Rossville Boulevard.The Jeep turned in front of the Ford causing a T-bone style crash. The woman was pronounced deceased by EMS. A passenger of the Ford was taken to the hospital by Hamilton County EMS with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Ford was taken to the hospital by private vehicle with minor injuries. New Delhi, June 19 : A total of 5,646 persons have been challaned here since Monday on charges of flouting social distancing norms, not wearing face masks in public and spitting on roads, Delhi Police said on Friday. According to the police, of these 5,646 challans, 832 were issued on Friday. Delhi Police has also distributed 2,239 masks on Friday, taking the total since Monday to 25,134. On Thursday, the Delhi Police had challaned 640 persons and distributed 2,598 masks to the members of the public. Delhi still has 26,669 active coronavirus cases, with 1,969 patients succumbing to deadly COVID-19 so far. Here's a look at the yearly recharge plans offered by Jio, Vodafone and Airtel. Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone offer recharge plans based on different use cases and needs. You get one day top-ups, weekly recharges and monthly ones as well. Then there are yearly prepaid plans for those who have a more fixed usage behaviour. All three telcos offer yearly prepaid plans with different benefits. The yearly plans are the most expensive too but its a one-time investment with validity of 365 days. We breakdown annual prepaid plans offered by Jio, Vodafone and Airtel. Reliance Jio Jio has two yearly plans that come with 365 validity. Jios 2,399 annual plan offers 730GB data in total with 2GB assigned per day. This recharge plan also has unlimited Jio to Jio calls, 12,000 minutes of Jio to non-Jio, 100 SMS/day and subscription to Jio apps. Jios second annual plan is priced at 2,599 and this one too offers 2GB/day. But it has additional 10GB data. Rest of the offers remain the same for this annual recharge plan. ALSO READ: Top plans under rS 500 that offer 1.5GB data per day Airtel Airtel has three recharge plans offering 365 days validity. The first one is priced at 1,498 and it comes with unlimited local/STD calls to any network, 24GB data and 3,600 SMS. Then theres one priced higher at 2,398 and it comes with 1.5GB data and 100 SMS daily and unlimited local/STD calls. Airtels yearly recharge plan priced at 2,498 also comes with all the same offers but it offers 2GB data daily for 265 days. Vodafone Vodafones yearly recharge plan priced at 1,499 comes with unlimited calls to any network, 24GB data and access to Vodafone Play and Zee5. For more data you can choose the recharge plan priced at 2,399. This one offers 1.5GB per day and you get unlimited calls too. Last year, I was on a family holiday to the United States (US). As the heatwave raged across Texas, we took a break on the beach. We also decided to retrofit the car windows with tint. We found a dealer who showed us a selection of brands of tint films. This one, the dealer said, is from India. As we drove-off with the sun control on the glass surfaces, we felt proud of sporting a Made in India brand. This month, I decided to start my cars engine after two months of hibernation. On opening the car doors, I realised there was a strong toxic smell of burnt plastic, coming from the faux leather seat covers exposed in the harsh Delhi sun. Recognising the dire need for shade to cool down the cabin temperature, I decided to put sun control film on the glass surfaces in the car. I googled for an appropriate dealer in Delhi and learnt that there is a complete ban on tinting of car windows and windscreens in India. I had been aware that the Indian Motor Vehicle Act had prescribed a standard for light transmission but not that tinting in the aftermarket was completely banned. I researched a bit. Why is this Indian product, available and doing well in the US, but banned in India? Which government entity banned it? When? In that story lies a microcosm of the challenges faced by the Make in India initiative and boosting manufacturing in India. It also illustrates the challenges to Prime Minister Narendra Modis quest for a self-reliant India, which strongly relies on a thriving domestic industry which is local but acts globally, and is an integral part of global supply chains. In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2012 at the Supreme Court (SC), a Kolkata-based petitioner prayed that in view of the rising crimes against women, carjacking and such, the black film should be banned. SC banned not only the black film but all films that could be applied to glass surfaces of vehicles. Its acceptable if the tint in the vehicles glass came with the manufacture, which is as per Indian Standards. But the same luminosity, conforming to the Indian standards, is not permissible if the tint is achieved by adding a film. Overnight, the tint film application industry was declared illegal. But the SC appears to have been misled. The PIL stated that tinting in the aftermarket is not allowed even in developed countries. It quoted the examples of the United Kingdom, Germany, and the US. This was quoted in the judgment. But the fact is that tinting, by externally affixing film, is allowed in most countries around the world, including the US; only, on account of the federal nature of the country, the permissible light transmission standards are different. The Indian brand I encountered in the US is recognised as a reputed brand in the international market in more than 80 countries. Adding tint to automobile glasses in a hot country like India has its merits. The cabin heat of a parked car puts the engine under extreme stress as it takes the additional load of the air conditioning system for prolonged periods. Unlike in colder climates, radiation from direct sunlight and its reflection from the ground makes the cabin temperature unbearable. As per a The Energy and Resources Institute report, tinting can save fuels worth a thousand crore as well as reduce Co2 consumption. We must remember that the factory-fitted tinted glass in vehicles comes at a very high price and most cars on Indian roads do not have that. It therefore has the potential to optimise energy resources and contribute to climate sustainability. There are safety benefits as well. A crash may shatter the windscreen but the film will arrest shards of glass from flying. And most importantly, tinting, according to the International Window Film Association, can filter 98% of the harmful, cancer-causing ultraviolet rays. While the order also relied heavily on the perception that having tinted glasses could undermine womens safety, data on the automobile-related snatching of jewellery and purse, theft of computers from car cabins, humiliation, and harassment to women due to a lack of privacy makes for a strong case in the favour of tinted glass in India. In fact, violent crimes including rapes have taken place after identifying women as passengers in the car and dragging them out. There are some broad lessons. When an industry grows, think carefully and scientifically about all elements associated with it before introducing restrictions, either through executive or judicial orders. When an industry is doing well globally, allow it to leverage domestic markets if it is not in violation of the law. Create an enabling environment for it. And only then will India become both self-reliant and a true manufacturing hub. Sanjay Singh is former principal resident executive, Tata Sons The views expressed are personal Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 04:00:50|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BISSAU, June 18 (Xinhua) -- A second donation of medical supplies from the Chinese government to Guinea-Bissau arrived Thursday at Bissau's Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. This batch of equipment, including 10,000 test kits, 15,000 N95 masks, 150,000 surgical masks, 5,000 gowns, 7,000 protective glasses, 7,000 disposable gloves and 3,000 disposable shoe-covers, will be distributed to the High Commission of fighting against COVID-19 and the first lady's association that helps women and children. Upon the arrival of the donation at the airport, Chinese Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau Jin Hongjun stressed the importance of solidarity in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. "The only way that will allow us to defeat the virus, this common enemy of humanity, is solidarity between countries," the Chinese diplomat said. Magda Robalo Correia e Silva, High Commissioner for the fight against COVID-19 in Guinea-Bissau, thanked the Chinese government for this gesture of solidarity. "China is a friend country of Guinea-Bissau, and is always available to help its partners at any time, especially in difficult times," she said. On behalf of the first lady of Guinea-Bissau, Minister of Women, Family and Social Solidarity Maria da Conceicao Evora stressed the importance of this aid for helping vulnerable people, in particular women and children. So far, Guinea-Bissau has reported 1,492 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 153 recoveries and 15 deaths. Enditem Our Divisions Copyright 2021-22 DB Corp ltd., All Rights Reserved This website follows the DNPA Code of Ethics. Prime Cuts: You Are Here, In Rhythm, King Among Men Overall Grade: 3/5 If Justin Bieber or Ariana Grande were to release a worship album, this would be it! SEU Worship's "A Thousand Generations" is a worship album made for today's Millennials. Its synth riffs and cool beats that permeates right through these cuts updates worship music to day's pop sound. SEU Worship is the worship movement coming out of the campus of Southeastern University in Lakeland. Florida. "A Thousand Generations" is the team's debut full-length album for Provident Music, following the release of their EP last year. "A Thousand Generations" thus include the songs from last year's EP, bulking up to become a record of 17 cuts; a generous offering especially in this digital age. Though this record be entitled "A Thousand Generations," the songs are more domesticated to the sounds of this generation. "Glory Come down" with its synth-manufactured flute sound and its cascading drum sounds, would not be foreign on the new Jonas Brothers' record. The rousing "Freedom All Around," which borrows musical progressions from Hillsong Y&F, is the perfect invitation to a worship party. Despite its Hebraic title, "Yeshua" sounds more like it was made for the urban dance floor than for the Jewish soils of Palestine. Among the more propulsive entries, current single "In Rhythm" is perhaps the lodestar. Featuring an irresistible melody, worship leader Olivia Grimes urges our hearts to beat in rhythm with that of Jesus'. However, the team doesn't just let worship twirl around the dance beats. David Ryan Cook does pen what can be a great Christmas/Advent hymn "King Among Men." The song's slow melodic build up to give description to what the incarnation of christ means is stunning. Not bad too is the Sydney Wilson-led "You Are Here." Sydney's use of her various vocal intonations bring out nuances of the song that is noteworthy. Sounding like a song Hillsong UNITED's Joel Houston would write, "Glimpse of You" has a haunting ethereal feel that draws us in to who Jesus really is. Lyrically, the songs reflect what is typical of pop music today: they are conversational bereft of much (or any) poetic and biblical allusions. Without much overt interactions with Scripture, many of the songs sound more like love songs with Jesus taking over the pronouns. Though it's not wrong to sing love songs to Jesus, there is a lack of authority and depth when all our worship vocabulary tilt towards this direction. Though a case can be made for worship music to be conversational, without any poetic nuancing, there's a lack of memorability to these songs. This record may speak to today's generation, but will they still sing and sting two generations from today? Tags : SEU Worship A Thousand Generations Album Review SEU Worship SEU Worship news SEU Worship new album In an honour more than 50 years in the making, Brisbane Airport tradesman John Hansford's name now takes pride of place alongside aviation luminaries Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and Nancy Bird Walton at Australia's third-busiest airport. Mr Hansford, 72, spent Friday out on the tarmac inspecting the 100-metre bridge that now bears his name - the John Hansford Bridge. Retiring Brisbane Airport worker John Hansford polishes a sign of his eponymous bridge, commemorating his five decades on the job. Credit:Tony Moore It was the culmination of a Brisbane Airport career that started in 1969, when the airport was a couple of kilometres away from its original Eagle Farm site. The cement bridge, near the new parallel runway, lets ambulance and fire crews get over Kedron Brook and straight to the new runway in cases of emergency. Father-daughter dances are usually emotional, but for the guests at the wedding of Harmony Walton and Bayo Ajigbotafe, the dance brought on more tears than most. It was the wedding dance that was very likely never going to happen, Harmony Walton told "Good Morning America." Harmony Walton's dad, Bruce Walton, is an ex-NFL player. He's also been his daughter's coach in life, she told "GMA." In 2017, Bruce Walton thought he was sick with the flu. It turned out it was pneumonia. What followed was a series of events that makes it miraculous he was alive to see his daughter marry, much less dance at her wedding. PHOTO: Harmony Walton and Bayo Ajigbotafe on their wedding day. (James x Schulze Photography ) (More: These grooms' love story might shake up the toy industry for the best reasons) He collapsed one night and suffered two traumatic brain injuries, resulting in uncontrolled seizures, meningitis and kidney failure. He was put into a medically induced coma for months. Doctors told the family it was time to start thinking about saying goodbye. "When I was with him in the ICU, one of the things I thought about was how he would never see me get married," she said. "I knew when I met Bayo we would get married, but we weren't engaged yet. I was so sad we hadn't just gotten our act together [and gotten engaged and married]." PHOTO: Harmony and Bruce Walton on her wedding day. (James x Schulze Photography ) The meningitis nearly killed Bruce Walton. But the doctor, Harmony Walton said, had one last drug they could try. "They called it 'the big gun,'" she said. "If that wasn't going to work, nothing would." It worked. He lived, but was left completely deaf. As an ex-NFL player and former radio station owner, the combination of needing to use a walker -- he has permanent dizziness, his daughter said -- and his hearing loss was a tough adjustment. But, Harmony Walton told "GMA," her dad is "the most positive person" she ever met. PHOTO: Harmony and Bruce Walton share their father-daughter dance. (James x Schulze Photography ) (More: This video of parents doing a choreographed labor dance is birthing goals) Story continues It was partially his positive outlook on life and part sheer determination that led her dad to say "let's do it" when she asked him if he wanted to go through with the father-daughter dance on May 10 at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. "I wanted to make sure he knew we didn't have to do it at all. I didn't want him to feel degraded," Harmony Walton said. PHOTO: Wedding guests watch Harmony and Bruce Walton during their father-daughter dance. (James x Schulze Photography ) Bruce Walton insisted. And so she had him choose the song they would dance to. "I wanted it to be one he remembered the tune since he wouldn't be able to hear it play," she said. Her father chose "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. It started awkwardly, Harmony Walton said. "I was trying to lead and we were just totally off." So she started mouthing the words to her dad. And then suddenly, they were perfectly in sync. There was barely a dry eye in the house, she said. "We were totally on the beat. Then came the ugly cry," she said. "It was very emotional for us both," Bruce Walton told "GMA". "I had zero rhythm with my dance moves but I didnt care. It was one of the most beautiful moments of my life, freeze framed in my mind forever." Editor's note: more details of the wedding can be found at Brides. This was originally published on June 12, 2019. The story of 'ugly cry' that came from this gorgeous father-daughter dance originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com On this day in 1865, in Galveston, Union Army Gen. Gordon Granger read the federal orders declaring that all enslaved persons in the state of Texas were now free. One of Abraham Lincolns most noteworthy pieces of legislation, the Emancipation Proclamation, had been signed 2 1/2 years prior, but the Civil War did not conclude until April of 1865 with the surrender of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, so word was slow to spread in the South. The nation has taken on June 19 (Juneteenth) as the day that slavery finally ended in the United States. It is a day that has been celebrated as Black Independence Day -- and our nations second Independence Day -- ever since but this year, in 2020, Juneteenth has a whole new meaning. On May 25, the world watched a black mans life taken away by the people sworn to protect it. We watched George Floyd declare the words blacks in America have been saying for centuries, I Cant Breathe. In the 8 minutes and 46 seconds that the world witnessed another unarmed black man take his last breath, the world woke up to the realities of the struggle. COVID-19 took away all the usual distractions when these tragedies occur. We had no sports, no school, no travel and no excuses. Everyone had to watch and react. Instantly, the movement for the freedom from oppression began again. The Black Lives Matter movement gained unprecedented steam. Not only did every major city in the United States rise up in protest, small communities throughout the country voiced their support for the simple concept that all lives cant matter until black lives actually matter. For the first time in this countrys history, protests were held in all 50 of the United States. The world has joined in on the movement with protests seen in countries on nearly every continent. This is now a true global effort. So, this year, Juneteenth has a whole new meaning. Midlanders are experiencing this new movement for equality in unprecedented ways. We have seen protest marches and rallies led by our youth, determined not to prolong the treatment of their family members before them. We are in the middle of a discussion about institutional racism and how symbols affect the psyche of groups of people. We are on the cusp of epic change in our city whether people embrace the change or not. This Juneteenth is different. This year, we can celebrate a new awakening in our city and country. Black Midlanders and Americans are moving toward a newfound freedom. This Juneteenth has a whole new meaning, because at long last, people are realizing what that freedom truly means. Today and this weekend, our great city and nation will celebrate this important moment in American history. We will attend rallies and participate in the various activities being offered around the city. We will honk and wave at the cars and floats in the annual Juneteenth Parade on Friday morning. We will gather at Washington Park to enjoy the power and beauty of black excellence. This Juneteenth needs to be celebrated like none before. Stay safe, wear your mask and embrace the beauty of our culture. This Juneteenth is truly special. Pottawattamie County reported 19 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the total tracked by local public health officials above 600. Pottawattamie County Public Health said the new cases include two individuals from Crescent and Treynor apiece, one apiece from Carter Lake and Oakland and the rest are from Council Bluffs. Two of the cases are epidemiologically-linked, and the other county residents were tested between June 12 and June 16. Of the new cases, one is 17 or younger; five are between 18 and 40 years old; seven are 41 to 60; and six are 61-80. The state COVID-19 website, coronavirus.iowa.gov, lists 551 cases in the county out of 6,990 tested, for a positive rate of 7.9%, up slightly from Wednesday but still lower than last week. Including epi-linked cases, Pottawattamie County Public Health said accounts for a total of 608 COVID-19 cases. The state does not include epidemiologically-linked cases. Pottawattamie County Public Health defines epi-linked cases as individuals whove had contact with a confirmed positive that are exhibiting symptoms of the disease. The department provides assistance for those individuals as they do individuals whove tested positive. The county department said 367 individuals have recovered and 198 are self-isolating. Six are hospitalized, the same as Wednesday. Pottawattamie County Public Health said contact tracing investigations show 161 cases are the result of community spread. Of the 608 cases, 305 are women and 303 are men. Young adults 18 to 40 account for the highest number of cases at 268, followed by the 41 to 60 age range at 192, 61 to 80 at 89, 17 or younger at 44 and 81 or older at 15. Of the 11 COVID-19 deaths in the county, six have been among residents 81 or older. Three were 61 to 80 years old, and one apiece were 41 to 60 and 18 to 40, according to Pottawattamie County Public Health. Reynolds: Iowa recovering despite many new virus cases Gov. Kim Reynolds said Thursday that Iowa is recovering strongly from the coronavirus pandemic and its economy is set to grow, even as some counties reported spikes in infections and the state said hundreds of people test positive on most days. Reynolds said the trend is toward fewer positive cases, and that the rate of Iowans testing positive has fallen from a high of 30% in mid-April to 10.3% on Wednesday. She said hospitalizations are also down from a high reached in May, and 21 of the long-term care centers that had reported outbreaks have had no new cases for 28 days and will come off an outbreak list. Although COVID-19 as a public health concern is not over and we continue to manage it every day, were well into the recovery phase, she said. Reynolds named several business executives to a recovery advisory board that she said will help chart a course for an economic comeback. The CEO of Ruan Transportation, Ben McLean, will chair the board, which also has executives from companies including John Deere, MidAmerican Energy and Principal Financial Group. Some rural counties have reported increases in cases, and when Reynolds was asked if thats a sign the state isnt staying ahead of new spikes, she said the state responds to increases with testing to help identify where outbreaks occur and initiate control measures. When asked about spikes in new cases in Texas and Florida, where businesses have reopened as in Iowa, she said increased testing is part of the reason higher case numbers are surfacing. She repeated that people need to take personal responsibility and wear a mask or keep distant from others in public places. I think its important to remember that we never guaranteed that anybody would not get COVID-19, but our goal was to really identify those most vulnerable and make sure we were doing everything to protect them, she said. Iowa had 24,738 positive cases as of Thursday afternoon and 678 deaths. Thats about 500 additional cases since Wednesday and eight new deaths. Reynolds will discontinue the more frequent schedule of press conferences she began in March when community-spread of the virus became apparent. She plans to return to holding a weekly press conference next week, she said. COVID-19 cases in southwest Iowa A new TestIowa clinic will open in Atlantic at Cass County Health System, 1500 E. 10th St. According to coronavirus.iowa.gov, the site will be open on June 23 and June 25. Mills County Public Health reported two new cases on Thursday, both individuals are between 18 and 40 years old. According to coronavirus.iowa.gov, Crawford County has nine new cases. The positive rate in the county is at 25.1%, down from Wednesday. Monona County has five new cases as the countys positive rate continues to rise its now at 9.1%. Shelby County has three new cases, Cass County has two and Harrison and Page Counties have one. Heres a look at numbers in southwest Iowa, based on data from the counties and coronavirus.iowa.gov: Pottawattamie County 551 cases (Pottawattamie County Public Health is tracking 608, including epi-linked cases), 367 recoveries (per the county), 6,990 tests, 7.9% of those tested have come back positive, 11 deaths Mills County 26 cases, 22 recoveries, 1,641 tests, 1.6% Harrison County 41 cases, 29 recoveries, 809 tests, 5.1% Cass County 16 cases, 14 recoveries, 624 tests, 2.6% Shelby County 59 cases, 38 recoveries, 617, 9.6% Montgomery County nine cases, six recoveries, 583 tests, 1.5%, two deaths Monona County 55 cases, 21 recoveries, 606 tests, 9.1% Crawford County 631 cases, 361 recoveries, 2,514 tests, 25.1%, two deaths Page County 18 cases, 15 recoveries, 977 tests, 1.8% Fremont County four cases, two recoveries, 294 tests, 1.4% 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 nine patients hospitalized with five in intensive care, both remaining the same from Wednesday. The region has 195 inpatient beds available, 21 intensive care beds available and 62 ventilators available, all the same as Wednesday. Two hospitalized COVID-19 patient are on a ventilator, same as Wednesday. Information about COVID-19 Symptoms in people who have been exposed to coronavirus 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 the mouth and nose. Face shields are an option as well, as they cover the eyes. 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. 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. Also, the Hope 4 Iowa Crisis 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. David Pitt of the Associated Press contributed to this report. (CNN) Scientists have found evidence that large carnivorous dinosaurs lived in Australia. A team of researchers analyzed dinosaur footprint fossils and concluded they belonged to large-bodied carnivorous dinosaurs that were up to three meters high at the hips and about 10 meters long, according to a press release from the University of Queensland. "To put that into perspective, T. rex got to about 3.25 metres at the hips and attained lengths of 12 to 13 metres long, but it didn't appear until 90 million years after our Queensland giants," said lead researcher Anthony Romilio, a paleontologist at the university. "The Queensland tracks were probably made by giant carnosaurs -- the group that includes the Allosaurus. At the time, these were probably some of the largest predatory dinosaurs on the planet." The footprints, which date from the late Jurassic period, between 165 and 151 million years ago, were mostly between 50 and 60 centimeters in length, said Romilio, with some reaching almost 80 centimeters. "These tracks were made by dinosaurs walking through the swamp-forests that once occupied much of the landscape of what is now southern Queensland," he said. Romilio points out that paleontologists previously knew about the Tyrannosaurus rex in North America, the Giganotosaurus in South America and the Spinosaurus in Africa, but now there is evidence Australia had large carnivorous dinosaurs. While this is the first time the fossils have been scientifically described, they were discovered more than half a century ago, said Romilio. "They were discovered in the ceilings of underground coal mines from Rosewood near Ipswich, and Oakey just north of Toowoomba, back in the 1950s and 1960s," he said, explaining that they had sat in museum drawers for decades. The full research paper was published in the journal Historical Biology. In 2017 researchers found the world's biggest dinosaur footprint in northwestern Australia. Measuring nearly 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters), the track belonged to a sauropod, a long-necked herbivore. The record was previously held by a 1.15 meter-long (nearly 3 feet 9 inches) footprint found in Bolivia in July 2016, which was the biggest ever from a carnivorous dinosaur. This story was first published on CNN.com Evidence of huge carnivorous dinosaurs discovered in Australia Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain's health has reportedly deteriorated. The 55-year-old tested positive for coronavirus two days ago, after he complained of breathing problems. According to India Today TV, Jain has developed pneumonia and has reported breathing difficulties. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has wished speedy recovery of Jain. Shah, in a tweet wrote, "Praying for the speedy recovery of Shri Satyendra Jain, Health Minister of Delhi, who is battling with COVID-19 infection". Praying for the speedy recovery of Shri Satyendra Jain, Health Minister of Delhi who is battling with COVID-19 infection. - Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 19, 2020 Jain was admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH) after suffering from high-grade fever and a sudden drop in oxygen levels on Tuesday. Jain's test result came positive on Wednesday evening after a second test. Doctors have said that Jain's health was being monitored constantly. Jain was present at a meeting between the Centre and Delhi government on Sunday. The meeting was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, LG Anil Baijal, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Delhi Chief Secretary and Home Secretary apart from other officials. Meanwhile, another Aam Aadmi Party MLA Atishi has been tested positive for COVID-19. Atishi is under home isolation. "Thanks a lot for all the love and good wishes! Want to reassure everyone that I'm doing OK. Am in home isolation since I got my test results. Fully equipped with fruit, Vitamin C and an oximeter to monitor oxygen levels," she tweeted, posting photos of oximeter, fruits and medicines. Also read: Mumbai-based builder hands over new 19-story building to be used as COVID hospital Also read: Coronavirus: Hospitals to face action if salaries of health workers not paid on time British Petroleum (BP) India is looking to set up a global business service centre in Pune and may hire 2,000 people, the company said. The move comes in the backdrop of BP laying off 10,000 employees the impact of COVID-19 outbreak. The energy major's facility in Pune is set to become operational by January 2021, Mint reported. "Our new centre in India will enable us to put digital at the heart of BPs businesses. Accessing Indias great talent pool and leveraging an agile mindset, we expect to advance the customer experience, adding further value to BP," said Camille Drummond, senior vice president for GBS, BP as quoted by the paper. The facility will be operated by a third party, and will work on improving BP's analytics and data science capabilities, the report added In India, BP has a staff of around 7,500 across its oil, gas, lubricants, and petrochemicals businesses. It also has a joint venture with Reliance Industries in the fuel retail segment. (Disclaimer: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd) A bookshop owner in Cork says reaction to a mask-wearing policy has been mostly positive, despite calls for a boycott of the store. Joan Lucey, who owns Vibes And Scribes in Cork city, is asking customers bring their own masks or to make a charity donation to pick one up in-store. Some replies to a social media post called for people to boycott the shop. Ms Lucey says it hasn't had much of an impact, but adds she would still be wary: "Anybody can go on social media but when you think about it, it only takes one or two cranks to start a trend. "A few people start doing it, then other people start joining them," she added, explaining how it snowballed. Speaking to The Echo, she said that the last three months have been very difficult and that although the online shop has been busy, that the crafts and supplies store on Bridge Street has been turned into a warehouse to meet demand and cannot reopen as of yet. Ms Lucey was happy to invest in the masks which are in aid of the Sexual Violence Centre and said she felt as though mask-wearing is about looking after other people. During this time of the coronavirus, it is more important than ever for members of the Greater Houston Womens Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC) to support each other and the community, and that is just what they are busy doing. Two area businesswomen shared their insights about how they are adapting to ensure their success. Beth Wolff, the founder and chairman/CEO of Beth Wolff Realtors Real Living, opened her office in 1978. Under her guidance and vision, the company has become one of Houston's premiere real estate companies. They have changed a few thongs during COVID-19. During the pandemic, we are rotating staff in the office, even though we have a very large space, Wolff said. Realtors at Beth Wolff are also doing virtual tours of homes, with limited face-to-face interaction, and they have been busy. Transactions are being closed, as we have the collaboration and cooperation of all in the industry, Wolff said. During this challenging time, those with Beth Wolff have had time to stop, and reach out and foster relationships via technology tools, especially with members of the GHWCC, where Wolff is a member. This is a great time to learn, and the GHWCC is doing an excellent job with sending out information with a focus on the needs of members, and offering programs on different topics, Wolff said. With GHWCC programs, members get to see and interact with each other through technology, strengthening relationships and building contacts -- members can partner, share information, and move forward in their professional lives. Stephanie Tsuru, a GHWCC member and founder of SheSpace, is dedicated to the economic and educational empowerment of women. While in graduate school at Rice University, she saw the lack of inspiring and female-friendly work and meeting spaces. As a result, she founded SheSpace, a mix-use space, slated to open in late 2020, where women can gather to find community, and support for their dreams to move forward. Like the GHWCC that highlights women-owned businesses, SheSpace is about all women, rallying around women-owned businesses and supporting them, Tsuru said. So, SheSpace provides meeting space, at a convenient location in the lower Heights district, with easy parking and access to the office, Tsuru said. We understand the needs of women in business, which often differ from men. Our mission is to create clear pathways for women to accomplish personal and professional goals through the convenience of a female-fueled space. Barnette said it was predicted the university would see a significant increase in enrollment when the Promise program was rolled out last year. Despite the pandemic, that seems to still be the case. She said the university has seen more than 1,000 more enrollment applications for the 2020 fall semester than last year. In light of COVID-19, we are being cautious, Barnette said. Barnette said there was a concern students would cancel their deposits due to the pandemic. That has not been the case so far. She said enrollment is now being handled online more often than in the past. I think this pandemic has forced us to think outside the box, she said. Barnette said the faculty is using video-calling tools to introduce themselves to new students and allow those students to ask questions before they start their college careers. Class schedules also will be adjusted to help reduce the number of students and faculty in buildings. The changes include staggering the time between classes, allowing more time for cleaning and keeping most classes to one hour of in-person instruction at a time, according to the release. An all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation along the India-China border on Friday saw leaders of major political parties putting across their views on the sensitive issue. The virtual meeting began with participants paying tributes to the 20 Indian soldiers killed in the violent face-off with Chinese troops in East Ladakh earlier this week. Prime Minister Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were seen standing in silence as a mark of respect for the fallen army men. Singh and Jaishankar spoke on the stand-off at the meeting, according to early visuals. Also Watch l All party meet on faceoff with China: RJD and AAP excluded, slam Modi govt Congress president Sonia Gandhi, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, TRS leader K Chandrashekhar Rao, JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, DMKs M K Stalin, YSR Congress Partys YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray were among those who attended the meeting. The government had invited presidents of major political parties for the meet. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have been asking the government to be transparent about the situation on the border and slammed its handling of the issue. Modi has asserted that the sacrifice of Indian soldiers will not go in vain. Defence Minister Singh had said that Indian soldiers displayed exemplary courage and valour in the line of duty and sacrificed their lives in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. MRT file photo Oil gained as stronger consumption continued to push physical markets higher, even as many countries struggle to bring the coronavirus under control. Futures in New York rose above $40 a barrel on Friday. Oil traders Vitol Group and Trafigura Group and exporter Saudi Aramco all talked up the strength of the demand recovery in recent days, and prices for some of the worlds major oil products have begun to roar higher. Gasoline futures in the U.S. moved into backwardation for the first time in three months on Thursday, a bullish signal indicating supplies are tightening as the summer driving season gets under way. Meanwhile, swaps in the North Sea market that prices much of the worlds crude jumped as traders posted several bids for cargoes but only one willing seller emerged. West Texas Intermediate for July rose 4.02 percent to $40.40 a barrel as of 9:30 a.m. in Midland. Though the outlook for crude has brightened in recent days, a potential resurgence of the virus is clouding the long-term outlook. Traffic in Beijing has plunged as authorities battle a fresh outbreak, while some U.S. states are still seeing cases surge. Still, OPEC+ gave reassurance on output cuts on Thursday, finalizing a deal with Iraq -- a habitual quota cheat -- to compensate for overshooting its production target in May. OPEC+ has done a good job turning things around and stronger demand also helps, said Carsten Fritsch, an analyst at Commerzbank AG. Apart from the virus, the other major threat to oil prices comes from suppliers returning shuttered production too early. U.S. producer Continental Resources Inc. said Thursday it will start bringing back some of its idled oil output next month, but will keep about 50 percent curtailed. WTI prices for 2021 have traded above $40 for much of this week, a level that could entice producers to hedge their output. Press Release 19 June 2020 CHICAGO -- Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG), in partnership with the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), launches a joint initiative to better-align marketing and technology disciplines in hospitality organizations. Advertisements This joint community of interest will operate under HTNG's concept of Strategic Pillars for the industry following the successful launch in 2018 of a similar effort around hospitality distribution with partners HEDNA (Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association) and the OpenTravel Alliance. The Marketing and Commercial Technologies Strategic Pillar will focus on improving and leveraging organizations' uses of technology that support commercial strategies while strengthening the internal relationships between a hotel brand CIO, CMO and CTO. "HTNG and HSMAI have always had a very close relationship, so this is a natural next step toward leveraging the talents and expertise of both organizations' members to improve the industry," said Mike Blake, CAE, CEO of HTNG. As a joint effort between HTNG and HSMAI, participation is open to any member of either organization. The Strategy Chair for this pillar is Jacqueline Nunley of Salesforce, and the Strategic Advisors are Calvin Anderson of Domio, Kristie Goshow of Preferred Hotels and Resorts, Tammy Lucas of Best Western International and Flo Lugli of Navesink Advisory Group, LLC. "The need for the hotel industry to find efficiencies in integrating and building their technology stack has been talked about for years," said Robert A. Gilbert, CMHE, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI. "We're excited to have this group of senior executives working to identify ways to move the industry forward, which can only happen when marketing and commercial strategies are integrated first. Customer expectations are only going to continue to rise and hotels will need to adapt to continue to capture and achieve premium performance levels." The Marketing and Commercial Technologies Strategic Pillar will kick-off with a teleconference on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Central Standard Time. HTNG members who have not yet joined the Global Strategy Team, please sign-up here. HSMAI members who would like to be involved in this strategic pillar, please fill out this form to join. About Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG) The premier technology solutions association in the hospitality industry, HTNG is a self-funded, nonprofit organization with members from hospitality companies, technology vendors to hospitality, consultants, media and academic experts. HTNG's members participate in focused workgroups to bring to market open solution sets addressing specific business problems. HTNG fosters the selection and adoption of existing open standards and also develops new open standards to meet the needs of the global hospitality industry. Currently more than 400 corporate and individual members from across this spectrum, including world leading hospitality companies and technology vendors, are active HTNG participants. HTNG's Board of Governors, consisting of 22 top IT leaders from hospitality companies around the world, itself has technology responsible for over 3.1 million guest rooms and world-leading venues. HTNG publishes workgroup proceedings, drafts and specifications for all HTNG members as soon as they are created, encouraging rapid and broad adoption. HTNG releases specifications into the public domain as soon as they are ratified by the workgroups. For more information, visit www.htng.org. About HSMAI The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners and is the industry's leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as the Adrian Awards, HSMAI ROC, Marketing Strategy Conference, and Sales Leader Forum. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at hsmai.org, HSMAI Facebook, HSMAI Twitter, and HSMAI YouTube. In a policy speech on Thursday, Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell reportedly stated that the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) of China may have instigated the violent clash along the Line of Actual Control in order to grab territory. He delivered his speech on the floor of the House and the Communist-ruled country featured in the list of countries that threaten the interest of the United States and its allies. While reiterating the need for peace and de-escalation, he said that the violent clash that took place between two nuclear states, namely, India and China at Galwan Valley in Ladakh was a matter of grave concern. While India is reported to have suffered 20 casualties, 43 Chinese soldiers have been deemed casualties in the stand-off, government sources confirmed to media agency ANI. But the world could not have received a clearer reminder that the PRC is dead-set on brutalizing people within their own borders, challenging and remaking the international order anew in their image to include literally redrawing the world map, he was quoted as saying. China being a menace to its neighbours Highlighting the expansionist intentions of the Communist Party of China (CCP), the Senator noted that China has been advancing their influence in the region by using the Coronavirus pandemic as a smokescreen. He stated that China had escalated its oppression against Hong Kong, intruded into Taiwans airspace on four different occasions, and had been a menace for Japan near the Senkaku Islands. Reportedly, another Congressman, Jim Banks applauded Indias strong, wise decision to ban Huawei and ZTE and stated that it was in the best interests of every country to push back thugs of CCP. Nana Sramangyedua III, the queen mother of Wenchi Traditional Area in the Bono Region, has observed that the compilation of a bnew voters register is in the right direction in order to reform electoral system. The existing voters register is prone to manipulation which can endanger and change the outcome of the December polls and I support the call for compilation of an entirely new voters register, she stressed. Mounting a defence for her support on compilation of a new voters register for the December polls, Nana Sramangyedua pointed out that looking at situations surrounding the current electoral system apart from known facts of multiple registration, the system was porous for manipulation. Nana Sramangyedua added her voice to the call for the compilation of a new voters register debate when the regional executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Bono Region led by Kwame Baffoe, the regional chairman paid a courtesy call on the queen mother as part of a three-day regional tour of traditional councils to sensitise, educate and solicit support and assistance of traditional authorities on the Electoral Commissions quest in sanitising the electoral system. If experts are advising that the current register is not credible and cannot be trusted because it has been bloated with the names of foreign nationals, minors and other illegalities, then its better we compile a fresh voters register that will promote free, fair, credible and transparent elections, she intimated. The executives also paid courtesy calls on traditional authorities in the Jaman North and South, Berekum West, Wenchi and Tain districts to interact with them and also dispel rumours, lies, untruths and propaganda about the compilation of a new voters register peddled by some opposition parties and civil society organisations. Source: The Ghanaian Times Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video I dont know if what he says is true or not. I do know that, you know, in my day, and maybe this is old school, but, you know, what happens in the Oval Office and conversations with the president is meant to remain confidential, Portman said. Photograph: Eric Risberg/AP The number of coronavirus cases in Californias San Quentin state prison has tripled within the last two weeks, prompting advocates, families and attorneys to demand urgent action to fast track the release of prisoners and curb the spread among correctional officers. San Quentin, Californias oldest prison and home to the states only death row for male prisoners, reported its first batch of 15 positive cases on 3 June. Since then, that number has risen to 46. Organizers are pointing to the 30 May transfer of more than 100 incarcerated people from the California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino as a catalyst for the spread of Covid-19 in the prison. While the individuals who were transferred are being quarantined, San Quentin staff and Corrections Officers (COs) are actively spreading the virus by not relegating themselves to one part of the prison, organizers with #StopSanQuentinOutbreak wrote on behalf of incarcerated people in the prison. In a statement, the CDCR spokesperson Dana Simas says that while some inmates from CIM tested positive for Covid-19 upon arrival to San Quentin, these individuals were not exposed to the general population, and are currently isolated. CDCR has also suspended all transfers from CIM. Related: 'People are sick all around me': inside the coronavirus catastrophe in California prisons Nationally, coronavirus spread among prison and jail populations has been described as a public health catastrophe by public health and criminal justice reform experts. For years, incarcerated people in California have complained about unsanitary, unsafe prison conditions, and as the pandemic spread these calls grew more urgent. Californias prisons, where overcrowding has been the subject of a yearslong legal battle, are filled to more than 120% capacity, according to the CDCRs latest population report. This makes social distancing impossible for most inmates, especially in crowded prison dormitories lined with bunk beds. In March around 40% of the CDCR population was housed in one of these dorm settings many of which, according to court records, are also over 100% capacity. Story continues As of 18 June, the CDCR has reported 3,332 positive cases of Covid-19 and 18 people have died. And while the number of infections at San Quentin is significantly lower than other institutions such as CIM, which has 496 cases, and Chuckawalla Valley state prison, where 941 people have tested positive advocates say San Quentins outbreak raises ongoing questions about CDCRs responses to Covid-19. I dont think theres ill intention but its important to acknowledge these decisions have had harmful consequences, said Rebbecca Weiker, an MPH and restorative justice practitioner for Re:Store Justice. Layers and layers of systemic problems are being magnified by incarceration and the failures of the system to respond well. Since the coronavirus began spreading in March, calls have mounted for the mass release of medically vulnerable and aging inmates, which make up almost 40% of the CDCR population. According to a CDCR press release the states prison population has decreased by 8,000 since the beginning of March. And on 16 June CDCR announced their new community supervision program which will allow eligible people to serve the final 180 days of their sentences in home confinement. The new program excludes anyone currently serving time for a violent or serious offense, domestic violence, and those who would have to register as a sex offender upon release. Incarcerated people with #StopSanQuentinOutbreak and organizers with the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights are now calling on prison officials to take steps that include expanding opportunities for incarcerated people to earn credits that can lead to expedited releases, and expand job assignments so people can buy hygiene products from the prison canteen. Hopeful huckleberries to the hundreds of people who marched in Missoula Tuesday to mark the second anniversary of Jermain Charlos disappearance. Not only are they maintaining a sense of urgency in Charlos case, but theyre keeping the spotlight on the issue of the heartbreaking numbers of missing and murdered indigenous people. Brightly lighted huckleberries to Professional Electric Technology Energy Services Electric, which used CARES Act funds to pay its electricians for work donated to the YMCA and other nonprofits during the shutdown. And spaced-out servings of huckleberries to the Poverello Center and Greater United Way of Missoula County for adapting two popular volunteer efforts the Pov's neighborhood cleanup last week, and United Way's Day of Action this Saturday to socially distanced realities. Chokecherries beaten into plowshares to the self-appointed protectors showing up with guns to Missoulas anti-racism protests. Do they have a legal right to open carry? Absolutely. But it defies logic to think their presence is in any way helpful. Our highest designation of huckleberries pie! to the activists who peacefully, but persistently, push back against such provocation. Open-minded huckleberries to the Missoula City Council for setting up listening sessions on the topic of racial justice emphasis on listening. The conversations going on around Missoula are difficult, but necessary. We hope theyre productive. Five-hundred shriveled chokecherries to the wholly inadequate $500 fine given to Bozemans Samuel Schwerin for landing his helicopter in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The fine was the maximum allowed, but as a disgusted letter writer pointed out, Schwerin probably paid that much for the gas to fly his helicopter into the Bob. Pick-your-own huckleberries in Montanas wild places in celebration of the U.S. Senates 73-25 vote to approve the Great American Outdoors Act cosponsored by Montana Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines that fully funds the Land and Water Conservation fund and removes it from the annual appropriation process. Huckleberry is one of the hues in the rainbow, which seems entirely fitting given this weeks U.S. Supreme Court decision extending nondiscrimination protection to LGBT employees. A pot o huckleberry-hued thanks to the Montana groups whove successfully fought over the years for the enactment of local nondiscrimination ordinances, and a heaping extra scoop to the three Missoula-area groups Western Montanas LGBT Community Center, the Montana Two Spirit Society and the Gay Health Task Force taking orders from around the world for their rainbow-themed masks. A welcome basket of huckleberries to Alan Townsend, the new dean of the University of Montanas W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. Townsend returns to his Missoula roots after stints as provost of Colorado College in Colorado Springs, faculty member of the University of Colorado-Boulder, and dean of the Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment in 2014. We're glad he found his way home. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 3 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 This Fathers Day, Franklin Myles is fortunate to be alive after being led away from his home on a stretcher and taken to Hillcrest Hospital this spring. His tight-knit family of five was jolted when he needed emergency care in what felt like a blink of an eye due to the coronavirus. While Myles was the only member of his family to need hospital care, the virus also infected three other members of his family. On Sunday, Myles looks forward to showing his wife, Tanya and their three children Mariah, Alexander and Jordan how much they mean to him after spending six frightening days in the hospital battling low oxygen levels and kidney issues. During that time his greatest fear was leaving his family too soon. The frightening thing (was) thinking about the possibility of your family having to carry on without you there. I was concerned much more about that than I was my health, said Myles. Its Something That You Just Want to Do Prior to entering the hospital, Myles had read and watched news segments about how the American Red Cross and other blood collection organizations joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations effort to support the collection and distribution of convalescent plasma. He knew it was a potentially life-saving treatment for critically ill COVID-19 patients. Once fully recovered, donating his convalescent plasma became a priority. As an owner of a State Farm Insurance Agency, Myles helps clients prepare for the unexpected and is accustomed to helping them get to a better state. Donating his convalescent plasma to patients in need was no different. When youre going through that situation of uncertainty, if youre able to get out of there you want to help other people, said Myles. In the hospital I said if I survive this, theres no way I am not going to donate to try to help as many people as I can with my blood. A Gratifying Gift for the Critically Ill Last week Myles made his second convalescent plasma donation, and his second blood donation of any kind. Thanks to the generosity of Myles and other fully recovered patients, the Red Cross has collected convalescent plasma from more than 7,000 donors and has distributed more than 8,750 units to treat patients at hospitals throughout the country. Helping families remain whole during this pandemic is a gift that Myles feels grateful to give, I feel proud to do anything to lend a hand if its going to save one persons life. How to Help After Fully Recovering from COVID-19 The Red Cross is encouraging individuals who have fully recovered from COVID-19 to donate convalescent plasma by registering on RedCrossBlood.org/plasma4covid. Their donation may be able to help seriously ill coronavirus patients and provide hope to families. Individuals may qualify if they meet specific convalescent plasma and regular blood donation eligibility requirements: Around 2 dozen terrorists have been killed in the last two weeks in various encounters by the security forces in the valley. All these terrorists who have been gunned down are locals. An estimated number of 100 militants have been killed by the forces in Kashmir this year. Eight terrorists were killed in two encounters that took place in the Shopian and Pampore district of Kashmir in the last 24 hours. The DGP of Kashmir, Dilbagh Singh is currently addressing the issue. The terrorists had taken cover inside a mosque in the village; hence there was no use of firing and IEDs, only tear smoke shells were used to maintain the sanctitude of the holy place. The police confirmed that the slain terrorists belonged to Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) and Hizbul Mujahideen terror outfits. The security forces initiated the anti-terror operations only after receiving accurate and specific information on the whereabouts of the terrorists. The operation has been labeled as one of the rarest of the rare operation, where there was no usage of the IEDs which has generally been the trademark move of the security forces, only tear smoke shells were used to kill the terrorists. Though not all who died are the ones who took refuge in the mosque. Also Read: Galwan clash: 76 soldiers injured, all stable, say army sources Also Read: Rahul Gandhi writes to families of slain jawans, condoles loss Jammu and Kashmir Police Chief, Dilbagh Singh said that the locals and the masjid committee people were extremely happy and profusely thanked the district Police Chief, Mr. Tahir for conducting the operation with full sanctity and patience, considering that the exercise to eliminate terrorists took place inside a mosque. While reports have confirmed that the security forces suffered no casualty during the encounter. Also Read: Galwan Violence: India calls on China to strictly observe LAC Encounter has started at #Meej Pampore area of #Awantipora. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) June 17, 2020 For all the latest National News, download NewsX App live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More COVID-19 has brought an opportunity through low labour costs to compete with China in exports of speciality chemicals, believe experts. For long, China has been dominating specialty chemicals export market, and currently it sells about 2.7 times that of India. However, factors like shutdown of capacities amid environmental deterioration, the rising cost of labour and trade-related supply disruption are threatening China, which is seen as an opportunity for India. The Indian chemicals sector has built up world-class capabilities over the past few years and has been moving up the value chain at a rapid pace. There has already been a shift in production from China to India over the past few years due to increasing costs and environmental issues in China. Jyoti Roy, DVP-Equity Strategist, Angel Broking, expects an acceleration in the trend of global companies diversifying their supply chain away from China post-COVID-19, with the Indian chemicals industry uniquely placed to capture a significant part of the opportunity. Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services points out in the last few years the Indian chemicals sector is benefitted hugely from high sourcing from India by shifting from China due to regulatory restrictions for pollution, cost optimisation and diversification. As per brokerage firm KRChoksey Shares and Securities, India has a strong base in the top three export segments in specialty chemicals agrochemicals (nearly 27 percent of Indias specialty exports), dyes and pigments (nearly 19 percent) and intermediates for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs about 18 percent). Overall, while India exported specialty chemicals worth $23.8 billion in FY19, China exports stood at $173 billion, indicative of the huge opportunity that lies ahead for Indian specialty players. "Our analysis show that Indian specialty names operate at better ROE/EBITDA margin profile than international peers (although at a lower scale of operation) indicating enough headroom to compete effectively," said KRChoksey. The brokerage sees idle installed capacities available across chemicals sub-segments which can be utilised to ramp-up production and fulfill immediate requirements of incremental demand without incurring additional CAPEX in the near term which is cash flow positive. Runjhun Jain, AVP - Equity Research (Retail) at Nirmal Bang, also believes the current trend would bring the Indian chemical sector into the limelight, as global giants across the world are looking for a second source to de-risk their businesses. "Many companies in the sector have done the CAPEX in recent past to further increase their capabilities, capacities and to integrate backward to reduce their dependence on Chinese sources," Jain added. Deepak Jasani, Head Retail Research, HDFC Securities said Indian companies need to be backward integrated and have diversity in raw material sources. "They need to grow in areas apart from agrichem and pharma and invest monies in building own proprietary technologies which may involve large CAPEX and outgo. Hence capital allocation policies would be key," he said. In views of Siddharth Sedani, Vice President- Equity Advisory at Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers, key factors of Indian chemicals companies long-term growth include operations in key markets, established lines of communication with the big chemicals companies globally, strong client relationships, niche chemistry capabilities, integrated operations (backward & forward) and focus on product and process R&D. Indian chemical companies have most of these in varying proportions. Stocks to buy Brokerage: KRChoksey Shares and Securities UPL The brokerage said it continues to have a positive outlook on the long-term performance of this stock. "We believe that further streamlining and improving the integration of the combined entities (Arysta) along with resulting larger global presence and a greater portfolio will help enhance the companys performance," said the brokerage. The brokerage has a 'buy' on the stock with a target price of Rs 614, lower than the previous target price of Rs 667. Aarti Industries The brokerage continues to remain positive on Aarti Industries in the light of shifting of manufacturing bases outside of China and recent capacity expansion. The companys CAPEX plans for both its segments (specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals), well- established backward integration facilities, focus on a rising share of high-value products show strong earnings visibility over the next 2-3 years, the brokerage said. "We maintain a 'buy' call on the stock with a target price of Rs 1,194. We do not envisage any material impact of the recent termination of one long-term supply contract on our forecast period," said the brokerage. Analyst: Jyoti Roy, DVP Equity Strategist, Angel Broking PI Industries PI Industries is a leading player in providing custom synthesis and manufacturing solutions (CSM) to global agrochemical players. The CSM business accounted for 66 percent of the companys revenues in FY19 and is expected to be the key growth driver for the company in the future. The company has posted a decent set of numbers for Q4FY2020 despite COVID-19 related supply chain issues and has also given a more than 20 percent revenue growth guidance for FY2021. The analyst has a 'buy' call on the stock with a target price of Rs 1,784. Galaxy Surfactants Galaxy Surfactants is the market leader in chemical-based surfactants, which is used in personal and home care products. The company has been increasing its share of high margin specialty care products in its portfolio which now accounts for nearly 40 percent of its revenues. The company has a very strong relationship with MNC clients like Unilever, P&G, Henkel, Colgate-Palmolive and supplies raw materials to them not only in India but also globally. The analyst has a 'buy' call on the stock with a target price of Rs 1,610. Analyst: Siddharth Sedani, Vice President, Equity Advisory, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers Alkyl Amines The company has a leadership position in the amines market for some of the products. The Indian amines industry broadly oligopolistic and AACL is one of the leading players with over 100 products. As per the analyst, the company planned to incur CAPEX of about Rs 80 crore in FY20E and about Rs 100 crore in FY21E to further add capacities in its Dahej plant and augment capacities at other locations. The company is expected to generate revenues of around Rs 250 to Rs 300 crore out of these capital expenditure programs in the coming years. "With the sustained improvement in performance owing to favourable raw material pricing, lower threat of dumping through imports and increased visibility of revenues going ahead we believe Alkyl Amines should continue to report better performance reiterate our coverage with a 'buy' rating and a target price of Rs 2,650," said the analyst. Vinati Organics The analyst has a 'buy' call on the stock with a target price of Rs 1,350. The company's revenue in Q4 declined 18.7 percent year-on-year (YoY), but quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) was up 2.9 percent, to Rs 245 crore. Despite 363 bps YoY and 509 bps QoQ expansion in the gross margin, the EBITDA margin was 41.4 percent (the same as a year ago, up 664 bps QoQ). Higher employee cost (up 216 bps YoY to 6.5 percent) and higher other expenses (up 147 bps YoY to 11.7 percent) partially hurt the operating performance. On the other hand, the analyst highlighted that despite an 18.7 percent contraction in the top-line and EBITDA, PAT declined only 9.6 percent YoY to Rs 74.6 crore, supported by higher other income and lower tax expenses though partially impacted by higher depreciation expenses. Navin Fluorine The analyst has a 'buy' call on the stock with a target price of Rs 1,800. Navins diversified businesses, strong customer relations, large CAPEX of Rs 450 crore in 3-4 years and multi-year contract of Rs 2,900 crore would be triggers for future growth, said the analyst. The analyst expects a continued strong performance in the coming years. Further, the rising percentage of specialty chemical products and CRAMS would support margins. Brokerage: Edelweiss Broking Balaji Amines The brokerage has a 'buy' recommendation on the stock with a target price of Rs 500, valuing the company nearly 11 times FY22E EPS. Balaji Amines (BAL) is a leading player in aliphatic amines in India. It has a product portfolio of over 25 products, with a leadership position in several of them. It is the sole domestic manufacturer for a few of these products. The aliphatic amines industry is oligopolistic in nature as there are considerable entry barriers in terms of technological know-how, the ability to handle hazardous chemicals, among others. As per the brokerage, the management had embarked on capacity expansion, which would result in considerable growth in top- and bottom-line, along with an expansion in a product portfolio that would be import substitutes. "We expect FY21 to be a strong year as utilisation of the newly added capacity of BAL/BSC improves. But keeping in view the delay that was experienced in starting new capacities and the current low pricing environment for chemicals, we have revised our FY21E/FY22E EPS to Rs 39/45, respectively," said the brokerage. Deepak Nitrite The brokerage has a 'buy' rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 570, valuing the company at 12.5 times FY22E EPS compared to its current market valuation of 11 times. As per the brokerage, the company will continue to remain resilient given its focus on forwarding integration (it has acquired land for future expansions at most locations that it operates from, with CAPEX plans in pipeline) and a diversified business mix. Agrochemicals remains a key end-user industry for the company, which is a bright spot in the current scenario and will aid the FSC segment. SRF The brokerage has a 'buy' recommendation on the stock with a target price of Rs 4,007, valuing the company at 21 times its FY22E EPS. SRF is a leading fluorochemicals player in India, with a business interest in packaging films and technical textiles. Its chemical business (CB) operates in the fluorochemical industry, which is fast-growing, particularly the fluorospecialty segment. CB also houses the refrigerant gas business. The packaging film business (PFB) manufactures BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) and BOPET (biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate) films while the technical textiles business (TTB) manufactures nylon and polyester tyre cord fabrics, belting fabrics, industrial yarns, among others. As per the brokerage, speciality CB will be a key value creator for SRFs shareholders given its R&D capabilities in the fluorination space, product development and customer relationships, resulting in a larger contribution to its revenue and profits. "Growth in the PFB segment will be driven by overseas expansions. Weak demand may persist in FCB and TTB in the near term. Factoring these, a reduction in debt, consistent CAPEX and lower tax rate, we estimate FY21/FY22 EPS to be at Rs 144/191, respectively," said the brokerage. The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Bette Midler has revealed that daughter Sophie von Haselberg has tied the knot in a low-key wedding ceremony. The American actress, 74, told the Manila Bulletin that Sophie, 33, was married last week amid the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking about the occasion, Bette said: 'It was a pandemic wedding, a very small wedding, and her husband, her new husband, hasn't had a haircut in three months. So she looked online on how to cut hair and she gave him a pretty good haircut.' Joyful: Bette Midler has revealed that daughter Sophie von Haselberg (pictured on the big day) tied the knot in a low-key wedding ceremony last week Bette, who was married to Martin von Haselberg for 36 years, added: 'I think my daughter is going to have a great time. 'She laughs incessantly, she sings, she dances. They both do and they are very joyful together. So it gives me a lot of happiness, tremendous happiness. 'And I think the best thing to do if you are a mother-in-law is to back off and let them have their lives and realise that you are not living their life and you don't have all the answers and it's up to them to find their own life and the answers.' Sophie herself uploaded a light-hearted snap from her wedding day to Instagram on Thursday alongside a lengthy caption that read: 'In the midst of COVID, a piece of $h!t president, and the power and poignancy of the Black Lives Matter movement, I got married! Family: Bette, who was married to Martin von Haselberg for 36 years, candidly revealed: 'I think the best thing to do if you are a mother-in-law is to back off and let them have their lives' (pictured with daughter Sophie in 2017) 'Because honestly, WHY NOT. It's great to have cake smeared on your face by someone you love! And hot DAMN do I love this man! [sic]' The announcement comes after it was confirmed Bette will take part in a virtual AIDS Walk: Live From Home edition to be live streamed next month. The benefit event is being organized by AIDS Walk New York and AIDS Walk San Francisco, each of whom have long upheld the tradition every year of hosting a walk in support of community members effected by HIV and AIDS. This year, due to the ongoing and more recent COVID-19 pandemic, the two organizations are coming together for the first time for this 90-minute online event, which will see appearances or performances from Midler, Gloria Estefan and Queer Eye's Tan France, Bobby Berk and Karamo Brown, among others. Heartfelt: '[You have to] realise that you are not living their life and you don't have all the answers and it's up to them to find their own life and the answers,' she added (pictured together in 2014) Candid: Sophie herself uploaded a light-hearted snap from her wedding day to Instagram on Thursday alongside a lengthy caption that began: 'In the midst of COVID, a piece of $h!t president, and the power and poignancy of the Black Lives Matter movement, I got married!' AIDS Walk: Live From Home will stream on July 19th, and will benefit both New York's GMHC (Gay Men's Health Crisis) and San Francisco's PRC (Positive Resource Center). The lineup of those set to participate will also include Matt Bomer, Vanessa Williams, Laura Linney, Alan Cumming and Alex Newell, along with RuPaul's Drag Race stars. 'Stemming from the uncertainty surrounding the current healthcare crisis, we collectively decided to bring teams together virtually to create a new vision for the Bay Area's largest, single-day AIDS-related fundraiser,' PRC chief executive officer Brett Andrews said. The event will mark AIDS Walk San Francisco's 33rd active year. AIDS Walk New York was founded in 1986, and has been considered the largest walkathon in the world. And GMHC's chief executive officer Kelsey Louie said that proceeds from this year's event cannot come at a better time. 'With people sheltering at home, we are bringing GMHC's services directly to the doorsteps of thousands. We've delivered more than 30,000 meals thus far,' Louie said in a statement. 'We are meeting the skyrocketing need for mental health services and legal services, substance use counseling, and HIV home testing. Videoconferencing and other technologies have been harnessed to provide help with supportive housing, financial management, and so much more, so that our clients' vital resources continue uninterrupted. Midler, 74, has been a longtime ally of the LGBTQ community as well as those affected by HIV and AIDS, and has participated in many charity events and benefits over the years as a speaker and performer. Rockets hit Baghdads Green Zone where the US Embassy is located Wednesday night. It was the latest in a string of such attacks by unknown groups as the United States and Iraq discuss the status of the American military in the country. Iraqs Security Media Cell, a part of the prime ministers office that reports on security developments, reported that four rockets fell in the fortified Green Zone, where several embassies are located, late Wednesday night. The incident was without human or material losses, the cell said in a tweet. Security forces determined the rockets were fired from south Baghdad. The attack followed several other recent rocket attacks in the Green Zone and on US and Iraqi military positions in the country. On Monday, rockets hit Baghdad International Airport, where both US and Iraqi forces are. On Sunday, Iraqi forces thwarted a rocket attack on their positions and near a base hosting US troops north of Baghdad. A rocket also landed near the Baghdad airport last week. In a more deadly incident, two American troops and one British soldier died during a rocket attack at Camp Taji in March. The Iraqi military base hosts foreign troops who are part of the global coalition fighting the Islamic State (IS). The US and Iraq are currently in talks on the status of US forces in the country, who are there to help Iraq fight IS. The latest talks ended last week with the United States pledging to continue removing troops from Iraq and Iraq committing to protecting US forces there. Political pressure against the US presence increased when the United States killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani via an airstrike in Baghdad in January, which followed an attack by pro-Iran militia supporters on the US Embassy in Baghdad. Several of the recent rocket attacks have gone unclaimed. The United States suspects Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) are behind the attacks. Iranian state media reported yesterday that League of the Revolutionaries, a mysterious new Iraqi group that has claimed attacks on the United States before, took credit for a US military plane crash at Camp Taji last week. The US military said the incident was not the result of an attack, however. The group also claimed credit for one of the recent missile strikes on the Baghdad airport, according to Irans Al-Alam News Network. Muhammad al-Waeli, an Iraq-based analyst, said the recent rocket attacks aim to drive the US military out of Iraq as negotiations continue. The rocket attacks sort of provide pressure on both the Iraqi government and also the Americans in Iraq in regards to the negotiation process, Waeli told Al-Monitor. The ones doing the attacks aim at making the Americans pull out or at least have a very limited presence. Waeli said the recent attacks are likely the result of Iraqi groups who are not part of the main PMU factions. He said it is possible the groups have relations with Iran but are not directly controlled by Tehran, similar to the Hamas-Iran relationship. Several new militias claimed responsiblity for the attacks on their telegram channels. The Joint Operations Command has formed a special committee to investigate the recent attacks. We shouldnt think of it as a centralized process in which Iran is supporting and controlling them and telling them when to hit and what. These groups are very likely Iraqi and they have their own agenda, Waeli said. For them, its actually safer to not have a strong, centralized connection with Iran. In a Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology review article Norbert Stefan from the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), the University Hospital of Tubingen and the Boston Children's Hospital, highlights why and to what extent a large hip circumference, an estimate of increased fat mass in the lower part of the body, protects from type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). He also provides new information that a high amount of hip and leg fat mass is very important to retain metabolic health. In addition, he discusses lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions that improve body fat distribution and exemplifies how a focus on lower body fat mass helps clinicians in risk assessment and patient communication. An increased fat mass is an important risk factor for the worldwide increase in type 2 diabetes and CVD. However, for a given fat mass, there is a large variability in the risk of these cardiometabolic diseases. For example, some lean people unexpectedly have a risk of type 2 diabetes and CVD that is similar to the increased risk that is observed in most people who have obesity. What both of these phenotypes have in common is an increased upper body, and more specifically, an increased visceral (inside the belly), fat mass. As a result, much focus has been given on the strong predictive power of upper body obesity. However, comparisons to rare diseases such as lipodystrophy (dramatic rarefication of fat mass under the skin) and studying genetically determined fat distribution in the general population, suggest that an impaired ability to expand fat in the lower part of the body is also very important for predicting the incidence of these diseases. Norbert Stefan highlights mechanisms that result in storage of energy in different fat depots of the body, or ectopically, in organs such as the liver, the pancreas and the heart. Then he discusses studies showing to what extent measurement of fat in the lower part of the body is helpful to estimate the risk of type 2 diabetes and CVD. In this respect recently published landmark studies provided genetic support that a low amount of estimated visceral fat and a high amount of lower body fat may be equally important to retain cardiometabolic health. He then provides novel information from a magnetic resonance imaging study supporting this hypothesis. The author then discusses mechanisms that may drive a dramatic re-distribution of fat from the lower to the upper part of the body during aging. In this respect changes of sex hormone levels and signaling during lifetime are considered very important, both, in men and in women. He also highlights strategies, related to changes in lifestyle, or pharmacological treatment in diseases associated with disproportionate fat distribution, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or a lipodystrophy-like phenotype, that help to hinder such fat-redistribution. Finally, he exemplifies how the focus on lower body fat mass helps health care providers to better assess the risk of cardiometabolic diseases and to communicate this risk with their patients. Raised on the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay, India, by a father who was a professor of chemistry at the institute and a mother who was a mathematician, Pratim Biswas grew up with STEM infused in his DNA. As a young boy, he admired the field of engineering, often marveling at how those who practiced the discipline could solve intractable problems. This fascination served Biswas well, as he would go on to become one of the worlds leading authorities in aerosol science and engineering. He is renowned for his work in applying aerosol science to energy and environmental nanotechnology, solar energy use, air pollution control, medicine, and other areas. Now, he is bringing his expertise, vision, and organizational skills to the University of Miami. Biswas, the Lucy and Stanley Lopata Professor in the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, has been named dean of the University of Miami College of Engineering. A member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering, Biswas has begun transitioning to the University and will be integrating with the College of Engineering this fall and assuming his new post in January 2021. Pratim Biswas is a leader in his field, a skilled academician, scholar, and researcher who is deeply dedicated to helping both students and faculty members to excel, said University of Miami President Julio Frenk. His knowledge of all facets of engineering and his ideas on bolstering interdisciplinary initiatives at the University promise to elevate the College of Engineering to new heights. As a member of the academy, Dr. Biswas brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to the University of Miami, along with a passion that will benefit everyone at the college and throughout the University, said Jeffrey Duerk, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. His keen insights and work in the area of aerosol science is applicable to several ongoing research areas at the University of Miami such as climate change, sea level rise, and public health. At Washington University, Biswas serves as assistant vice chancellor for international programs and chair of the Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering. He arrived at Washington University 20 years ago to rebuild an environmental engineering science program that had been dismantled 30 years prior. Six years later, he created the Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, the first program of its kind nationallywhich currently has 146 undergraduates, 30 masters-degree students, and 110 Ph.D. students; 24 tenured, tenure-track, teaching, and research faculty members; and $8 million in annual research expenditures. Biswas is proud of his more than 55 doctoral graduates of the Aerosol and Air Quality Research Laboratory, and he has published more than 425 peer-reviewed journal papers with them. During his stint at Washington University in St. Louis, Biswas orchestrated numerous national and international collaborations. He serves as the universitys ambassador to the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and directs the McDonnell Academy Global Energy and Environmental Partnership, a consortium of 35 universities worldwide in which scholars collaborate on research and new educational initiatives. At the University of Miami, working with his faculty colleagues, students, alumni, other stakeholders and the University administration, Biswas hopes to implement a bold vision for the College of Engineering, congruent to the Universitys Roadmap to the New Century. In one area, he would be building an interdisciplinary chemical engineering program at the College of Engineering consistent with the chemical and molecular sciences initiative of the University. That particular branch of engineering has far-reaching impacts, he said, noting that it leads to advances in health care and medicine as well as the development of systems for synthesis of advanced materials, enhancement of environmentally benign energy systems, and improvement to environmental quality. He is looking forward to working closely with the Frost Institute of Chemistry and Molecular Sciencethe first initiative under the umbrella of the Frost Institutes for Science and Engineeringas well as mentoring both students and investigators. He looks forward to further enhancing programs in all the College of Engineering departmentsin areas such as health systems engineering, sustainability and resilience, data and computer science, and space science and engineering. The ability to build critical mass and promote growth in several other strategic areas of excellence, the opportunity to collaborate with a multitude of other schools and colleges, and an ideal mixture of junior and senior faculty members are some of the College of Engineerings other areas of strength that appealed to Biswas. He joins three other members of the National Academy of Engineering at the University. The College is also young, with over 11,000 alumni worldwide, Biswas said. And connecting with that alumni will be one of the cornerstones of my deanship. The applications of his specialtyaerosol science and engineering, which he calls an enabling disciplineare numerous. Weve heard a lot about its importance in air-quality issues, and the United States has made significant strides to improve its overall air quality, Biswas said. But global challenges remain. Populations around the world that are beset by air pollution need partnership to tackle these challenges. Even in our own urban areas where there are communities that suffer from detrimental health effects like asthma that are triggered by small particles or aerosols, we can use the applications of our field to overcome these challenges. At the same time, he said, aerosol scientists and engineers use a fundamental understanding of particle formation, growth, and transport to synthesize a range of advanced nanomaterials (the good particles) to benefit society, using them to build electronic devices, photovoltaic and photocatalytic systems, make computer chips, and manufacture and deliver drugs to treat disease. The University of Miami, Biswas said, has a strong foundation in aerosol science and air quality, most notably through the Rosenstiel Schools Department of Atmospheric Sciences, where he will have a dual appointment. When the novel coronavirus began to spread exponentially around the world, Biswas knew his area of expertise could be employed to help understand and mitigate the viruss impact. As such, he has been conducting research to develop sensors that would be carried by health care workers in emergency rooms and other settings to detect COVID-19 aerosols. We have developed remote sensors that operate on wireless technology by which we are now monitoring exposure of health care physicians on the front lines to the virus, he said. His group has also developed approaches to design and characterize masks to ensure that the wearer is protected. He looks forward to the College of Engineering furthering its collaborations with the Miller School of Medicine, College of Arts and Sciences, Miami Herbert Business School, and with the Rosenstiel School, particularly in the area of aerosol science and engineering, sustainability and resilience, and climate change. Its not enough to say that climate change is happening and is a problem, he said. But working with engineers to develop solutions will be important. Technological solutions will play a key role, and the College of Engineering is ideally placed to collaborate with the Rosenstiel School. With the College of Engineering having one of the highest enrollments of women in the nation, Biswas plans to build on it. Diversity has historically been a challenge in our discipline, he said. But the University of Miami is a step ahead in that regard, and it is critical to support and enhance that diversity at the undergraduate and graduate levels and within the faculty. Miami is a diverse community. Its natural to build on that. I think engineers, because of our knack for problem-solving, can reach out to communities and work with them collaboratively to help develop solutions to many problems, Biswas said. Biswas was elected as a fellow of the Academy of Science, St. Louis, in 2003 and a fellow of the American Association for Aerosol Research in 2009. In 2014, he was selected as a fellow of the International Aerosol Research Assembly, and in 2017 he was elected fellow of the Association of Environmental Engineering Science Professors. He has won numerous awardsincluding the Fuchs Award in 2018 given to a leading aerosol scientist across the globe for their sustained contributions and accomplishments in the field of aerosol science and engineering. In 2019, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. He was the conference chair for the 10th International Aerosol Conference that was held in St. Louis, it had the largest attendance of any aerosol conference to date. He was also chair of the 15th annual meeting of the American Association for Aerosol Research held in Orlando, Florida; chair of the Critical Review Committee of the Air and Waste Management Association; an associate editor of the Aerosol Science and Technology Journal; the technical program chair of the 7th International Aerosol Conference in 2006; and chief editor of the Journal of Aerosol Science. He served on the board of directors of the American Association for Aerosol Research, and he was the treasurer in 1998 and president of the organization in 2006-07. He is a distinguished alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and a recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award from Washington University. He is a member of the steering committee of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy and is the current president of the International Aerosol Research Assembly. Biswas earned a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology; a Master of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles; and a bachelors degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. Advertisement This drug has a good safety profile and acts by preventing entry of virus into human cells and also by priming the immune system, Ministry of Science and Technology said I'm a statement.The Ministry said that it has developed the process technology for Umifenovir in record time and licensed the economical process technology for manufacturing and marketing the drug to M/s. Medizest Pharmaceuticals Private Ltd. Goa, who have already received test license from DCGI.Professor Tapas Kundu, Director CSIR-CDRI, said that all the raw materials for the drug are indigenously available and if the clinical trial is successful, Umifenovir can be a safe, efficacious, affordable drug against COVID-19 and can be part of National Program against it.Professor Kundu also added that this drug has the potential for prophylactic use.Dr. Shekhar Mande, DG-CSIR highlighted that this clinical trial is an integral part of the CSIR strategy of repurposing drugs for Covid19 and complimented the team of scientists of CSIR-CDRI.The clinical trial application was processed on high priority as per the DCGIs initiative against COVID-19. The next steps of the trial are being fast tracked to enable the availability of the drug to Indian patients as soon as possible.Source: IANS YARDLEY, Pa., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CCK) will release its earnings for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020 after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, July 20, 2020. The Company will hold a conference call to discuss these results at 9:00 a.m. (EDT) on Tuesday, July 21, 2020. The dial-in numbers for the conference call are (630) 395-0194 or toll-free (888) 324-8108 and the access password is "packaging". A replay of the conference call will be available for a one-week period ending at midnight on July 28, 2020. The telephone numbers for the replay are (203) 369-3603 or toll free (888) 293-8914. A live webcast of the call will be made available to the public on the internet at the Company's website, www.crowncork.com. Crown Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading global supplier of rigid packaging products to consumer marketing companies, as well as transit and protective packaging products, equipment and services to a broad range of end markets. World headquarters are located in Yardley, Pennsylvania. For more information, contact Corporate Communications at (215) 602-2653. SOURCE Crown Holdings, Inc. Related Links http://www.crowncork.com Advertisement The statues dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela emerged once again in Parliament Square today after workers removed the metal boards covering the iconic leaders on the same day the French President made his visit to the capital. Construction workers, dressed in protective clothing and equipped with harnesses, set to work removing each of the protective metal boards covering both monuments today as President Emmanuel Macron made his arrival to London. The move come just a day after workers dismantled the metal boards covering Sir Winston Churchill's statue, which was boarded up along with those of Nelson Mandela and Gandhi on June 12, after it was daubed with graffiti accusing him of being a 'racist'. Today, the bronze sculpture of Gandhi, the civil rights activist who led the campaign for India's independence from British rule, made an appearance once more. The statue, which was initially unveiled in London in 2015 and shows the activist wearing a shawl with his hands clasped, stands at nine feet tall and was designed by the British sculptor Philip Jackson. The statue dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi emerged once again in Parliament Square, London, today after it was boarded up earlier this month amid the Black Lives Matter protests Workers, dressed in hard hats and protective clothing, removed the metal boards covering the former President of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela today The monument dedicated to the Indian civil rights activist Gandhi, who led the successful campaign for India's independence, emerged once again Meanwhile the monument dedicated to the former President of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist Mandela overlooked Parliament Square again as workers began to remove the scaffolding around it. In 2007, Nelson Mandela, arrived to London to pay tribute to the anti-apartheid campaign as the then Prime Minister Gordon Brown unveiled the towering statue outside the Houses of Parliament in his honour. Speaking to his supporters in Westminster on the day, Mandela said: 'The history of the struggle in South Africa is rich with the stories of heroes and heroines, some of them leaders, some of them followers. All of them deserve to be remembered. 'Though this statue is of one man, it should, in actual fact, symbolise all those who have resisted oppression, especially in my country.' Both monuments dedicated to the iconic leaders were initially boarded up amid the Black Lives Matter protests which swept over the capital and saw demonstrators and far-right activists clash with police following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. The scenes come as President Macron was earlier welcomed to Britain with a ceremony of pomp and pageantry as he marked the 80th anniversary of General Charles de Gaulle's famous wartime broadcast following the Nazi invasion of France. He spoke after the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall greeted him at their official London home of Clarence House in the pouring rain - but all remained two metres apart, following coronavirus social distancing guidelines. The French president is visiting England, without his wife Brigitte who is undergoing an eye operation back in Paris, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of his predecessor General De Gaulle's 'Appel'. Ahead of the French President's arrival London Mayor Sadiq Khan's office confirmed that boarding would be removed around Sir Winston's statue. A spokesman said: 'The covering around the Winston Churchill statue will be removed for the visit of President Macron to London. 'But the protective coverings around the statues of Mandela and Gandhi, which the mayor is also responsible for, will stay in place 'under review'. Yesterday a DBR worker, who went by the name of Winston and who was originally tasked with removing the graffiti from Sir Winston's statue, feared it could take 'all night' to remove the vandalism which is set deep into the rough stone. Workers arrive to remove the metal boards covering the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, just a day after the box surrounding the statue of Sir Winston is removed The bronze sculpture of Mandela overlooks Parliament Square in London once more after being boarded up amid the Black Lives Matter protests A worker wearing face mask and a harness sets to work removing the metal box around the anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela The statue dedicated to the Indian civil rights activist Mahatma Gandhi begins to emerge as workers remove the metal covering The Gandhi statue is pictured at Parliament Square in Westminster this morning having had the boarding taken down Workers wearing face masks arrive to Parliament Square in the nation's capital to remove the boards covering Gandhi The DBR London worker said: 'I've already got the paint out, but the ghosting is still there. 'It's rough granite so it's going to be difficult to get into the actual stone itself. I think it's going to take all night. I'm not happy honestly, because I'd rather be sleeping.' He denied feeling the time pressure that comes with the President's arrival, adding: 'I know Macron is going to look at the statue, but there's no pressure. It's a job like any other.' Winston has cleaned graffiti across London since 2006 and says that his job doesn't allow him to take political sides. He said: 'I'm not allowed to voice political views. It doesn't matter who put on the graffiti. As I said already, it's just a job. At the end of the day, it happens all the time.' Following Mr Khan's decision to board up the monument dedicated to Sir Winston, the Prime Minister said it was 'absurd and wrong' to have to cover the statue of a 'national hero' to protect it from attack. On the day it was boarded up, Mr Johnson said: 'What makes me sad about what's happening today is that you've got a situation in which the statue of Winston Churchill, who is a national hero, has had to be boarded up for fear of violent attack. That to me is both absurd and wrong.' The Winston Churchill statue is pictured at Parliament Square in Westminster this morning having had the boarding taken down The monument dedicated to the former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill is uncovered ahead of the French leader's arrival today The towering statue of Churchill begins to emerge as workers set to work removing the protective boards around it A worker, wearing protective clothing, removes the metal boards surrounding the statue of the former Prime Minister in Parliament Square Workers remove the protective metal boards ahead of President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the capital Members of staff remove the protective metal boards in preparation for the French President's visit to London today Workers arrived to Parliament Square in London yesterday to remove the metal box surrounding the statue of the former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill The French premier's visit marks the 80th anniversary of General Charles de Gaulle's appeal to the French population to resist the German occupation of France during the Second World War. His rallying call was broadcast on the BBC in June 1940, when he said: 'I call upon all Frenchmen who want to remain free to listen to my voice and follow me.' Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said it was 'important' for boarding around the Churchill statue to be removed ahead of Mr Macron's visit. 'To have Churchill covered up at that point would not be a great look,' he told the daily Downing Street briefing. Mr Khan was forced to defend his decision to cover Churchill's statue in Parliament Square after criticism from the Home Secretary. 'We should free Churchill, a hero of our nation, who fought against fascism and racism in this country and Europe. 'He has given us the freedom to live our lives the way we do today,' Priti Patel told the Daily Mail. 'We have seen the desecration of war memorials, which is thoroughly unacceptable. 'Now we're seeing a national hero being boarded up.' Police officers and construction workers arrive to Parliament Square in London as work begins on the removal of the protective board Two workers wearing protective equipment climb onto scaffolding as they slowly begin to remove the boards around Sir Winston Two police officers stand guard as workers set about removing the protective board around the statue in Parliament Square One person carries a protective board over their head as work begins to remove the box surrounding the former Prime Minister And the Prime Minister used an article in the Daily Telegraph to defend the statue and warn against attempts to 'photoshop' Britain's cultural landscape. He lauded Churchill as 'one of the country's greatest ever leaders', saying it was the 'height of lunacy' to accuse him of racism. 'I will resist with every breath in my body any attempt to remove that statue from Parliament Square, and the sooner his protective shielding comes off the better,' he wrote. However, Mr Khan said the decision to protect the statues in Parliament Square was a 'wise' precaution, fearing they could become a 'flashpoint for violence' involving extreme far-right protesters. Those attending Saturday's demonstration claimed to be guarding the statue of Winston Churchill as well as the Cenotaph. Macron, who displays de Gaulle's war memoirs on his desk in his official photograph, is making much of 2020 as an anniversary year for the French resistance leader who would later become president of post-occupation France. In May, he paid tribute to de Gaulle at the site of the 1940 Battle of Montcornet, one of few effective counter-attacks by French soldiers against the Nazis and where de Gaulle made his name as a military commander. On November 9, Macron is to mark the 50th anniversary of the general's death by visiting his final resting place in Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, eastern France. He will award the Legion of Honour to London, making it the seventh city to be decorated with France's highest order of merit, after Algiers, Belgrade, Brazzaville, Liege, Luxembourg and Volgograd. Britain, which left the EU in January, is negotiating a trade deal to govern relations after December 31, when it stops abiding by EU rules. Macron has on occasion expressed impatience with the drawn-out Brexit process. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in an interview with the French daily La Croix to be published on Wednesday that he still did not rule out a 'no deal' scenario. He said the UK could not have 'a foot in and a foot out' of the EU and may not have 'understood the full magnitude of their withdrawal'. French President Emmanuel Macron in December 2018. Macron will visit London on Thursday, which will be the 80th anniversary of a speech made by Charles de Gaulle after he was exiled from France during WWII General Charles de Gaulle issues a call to the French people from London, England, June 18, 1940, just after the Nazi occupation of France. De Gaulle led the Free French Forces from London and later from Algiers throughout the occupation, and returned to Paris on its liberation in September 1944 In his radio broadcast from London, de Gaulle urged all those who could to carry on fighting for France, words that laid the foundation of the resistance movement and helped keep alive hope that France would be liberated, as it finally was in 1944. 'Has the last word been said? Should hope disappear? Is the defeat final? No! Believe me, I... tell you that nothing is lost for France,' he said. De Gaulle's iconic stature and his defiant wartime spirit are being tapped into even more during the unprecedented challenges posed by the epidemic. In a telling reflection of his status, the vandalisation of a bust of the general in northern France this week was met with a torrent of outrage. The statue in Hautmont was daubed in orange paint and with the slogan 'slaver'. 'De Gaulle was neither on the left nor on the right... He was above the parties,' said French historian Michel Winock, author of a book on de Gaulle. But he was also simply 'a legendary hero, the man of June 18, the defiant fighter who embodies an epic, glorious France, an incorruptible man who never mixed up public money and his own account', Winock said. South Africa: Government avails R1.3 billion for taxi relief fund Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has announced R1.135 billion relief package to the countrys taxi industry in an effort to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the sector. Addressing reporters on Friday, the Minister said reaching an agreement within government for this relief support for the taxi industry was a difficult process, which involved extensive lobbying and convincing the relevant authorities on the importance and need for this fund. Most of the special relief funds for sub-sectors provides on average maximums of about R350 million in comparison to whats on offer the taxi industry, he said. The Minister said the industry has further requested that the Department of Transport should review the regulations and directions to allow for the loading capacity to be increased from the current 70% to 100% with all passengers wearing masks and with regular sanitisation of vehicles after each journey as mitigation measures. This is not a matter the Department of Transport can finalise on its own and will need to be discussed by the NATJOINTS and the National Coronavirus Command Council for its consideration and then a response will be provided to the Taxi Industry, he said. The taxi industry, he said, has also requested that the department allow inter-provincial travel of taxis and for cross-border operations. Similarly, this too will be subjected to the intra-governmental processes and to this extent, I have undertaken to report back to the taxi industry in the coming week on the feedback of my engagement with the colleagues on the proposals, said Mbalula. He said he was also requested to intercede on behalf of the operators, who are clients of SA Taxi Finance, to ask for a moratorium on vehicle repossessions and also on an extended repayment holiday for taxi operators in distress. In this regard, he said the Ministry had received encouraging and positive feedback from SA Taxi Finance. The company, he said, will put a moratorium in place and also extend their initial one-month repayment holiday by a further two-months to aid in alleviating the difficult position the taxi industry finds itself in as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Transport is set to finalise its work and will in due course announce the date on which payments in respect of the available relief will start. The departments mandate, he said, is to enable mobility in the economy and social-setting. However, we are enjoined to execute this mandate responsibly and in a manner that ensures that the preservation of human life remains sacrosanct. The hard choices we have to make as a nation are premised on the centrality of the right to life and our singular commitment to uphold this right, above all else. Not everyone will be happy with these choices, some of which have been hard and will undoubtedly change our way of life. However, we must never forget the reason we make these difficult choices in the first place: to preserve human life. We are equally duty bound to ensure that ours is not a sector that will enable the rampant spread of the virus. The measures that we put in place, and continue to revise from time to time, are meant to mitigate against this spread through various transport modes. The taxi industry moves approximately 15.6 million passenger journeys on a daily basis, accounting for moving 68% or 5.4 million passengers daily. It is estimated that this industry generates in excess of R40 billion per annum, with approximately anything between 250 000 to 300 000 taxis that generate approximately 350 000 direct and indirect job opportunities. These include drivers, rank marshals and other administrative support staff. The Minister said there were currently 137 000 legal taxis operating in the country, with the relevant and valid operating licences. We also estimate, based on the last audit undertaken, that there are approximately 113 000 taxis operating illegally with receipts as proof that they have applied for operating licences with the relevant provincial authorities. It should be emphasised that the fact that you have applied for a permit does not automatically mean that you are issued with a permit, he said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Omjasvin MD By Express News Service CHENNAI: Terming the next 12 days crucial, Chennai Corporation Commissioner G Prakash has requested people not to hide any symptoms when the survey staff come for fever screening door-to-door. Addressing reporters here at Amma Maligai, in the corporation headquarters, Prakash on Friday said if symptoms are identified early, they can be treated soon and a network of healthy people could be created in the city. You may have slight throat infection, breathing issues or slight cold. If you mention these symptoms, we can treat them early," he said. He said that a review at the corporation's death registers showed that many people had hidden their symptoms. If we had tested them early, we could have saved their lives, Prakash said. Prakash said that all the survey staff have been given thermal guns to screen temperature. The instrument will show a yellow or red display when a person has fever. Apart from this, all primary health care centres have been given pulse oximeters, the commissioner said. Prakash said that if the oxygen saturation is below 95, the staff may take the patients to a government hospital, care centre or private hospital of the patients choice. We have given the instruments to zone 4, 5 and 6 completely. All the PHCs and doctors at fever camps use this, he said. Meanwhile, in Chennai, about 2.10 lakh people have so far been tested for COVID-19 using RT PCR kits. 37,070 of them have tested positive, Prakash said. The Chennai Corporation has also conducted 513 fever camps till now, which were attended by 31,509 people. Of these, 689 people with Influenza like Illnesses were identified. About 400 doctors are with us to conduct fever camps and manage cases at the primary health centres. Per ward three camps are conducted, said Prakash. He also said that the GCC has appointed 4,000 volunteers to help and monitor patients who are in home quarantine. "One volunteer will cover 10 to 15 streets. They will help distribute essentials for people in quarantine," the commissioner said. He said that as most people will be in their houses due to the lockdown, it would be easier to conduct a fever survey. Currently, Tondiarpet has 2322 active cases, Royapuram has 2212, Teynampet has 2070, and Anna Nagar has 1957, among Chennais total 16,882 active cases. So far, 501 people have died in the city. Said Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas: I dont really have any comments about it, because I havent read it. I know hes trying to sell a book. Mr. Boltons book contains some unflattering information about Mr. Trumps lack of knowledge about basic facts of world affairs and geography. The president did not seem to know that Britain possessed nuclear weapons, Mr. Bolton wrote, or that Finland was not part of Russia. While those accounts prompted some mockery, Democrats mostly seemed frustrated at Mr. Boltons refusal to participate in the impeachment inquiry. During the House proceeding, Mr. Bolton declined to appear, joining a lawsuit that sought a decision from a federal judge about whether he should heed Congresss request for his testimony or a White House order not to participate. Rather than engage in a lengthy court fight, House leaders wrapped up the inquiry in December without him and moved to a vote to impeach Mr. Trump on two counts: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. But then in January, Mr. Bolton abruptly changed course and said he would be willing to testify if subpoenaed at the Senate impeachment trial. By then, the matter was in the hands of Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, who moved to block any witnesses from being called, a decision that Republicans upheld in a nearly party-line vote, paving the way for the presidents swift acquittal. The fact that he wasnt willing to testify in the House and was willing to tie us up in court for a long time, but willing to tell the story to a book, to make money for a book, tells you a lot about John Boltons character, Representative Adam Schiff of California, the chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said on CBS This Morning. Whether his testimony would have made significant difference in trial? It may have led to further evidence and further witnesses, but we will never know. And this is the price the country had to pay for John Bolton putting profit before country. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, said he wished that Mr. Bolton had revealed his story to the panel. Trump supporter Randall Thom waves a giant Trump flag to passing cars outside the BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla., on June 18, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Oklahoma Governor: Trump Rally Will be Very Safe President Donald Trumps first post-lockdown rally will be safe, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said Friday. Were going to be very safe and we think its the right time, Stitt, a Republican, said during an appearance on Fox News Americas Newsroom. My question back to all the folks who say you shouldnt have a rally: When is the right time? Do we really think that in July or August or in November, coronavirus is not going to be here? Weve got to learn to deal with thisweve got to learn to be safe, take precautions but weve got to learn to also live our lives. The rally is slated for BOK Arena in Tulsa on Saturday. Tulsa officials and others in the city have asked the president to reschedule to a later date but he declined to do so. Stitt said the president has his support and that he will be attending the event. President Donald Trump listens as Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt speaks during a roundtable at the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington on June 18, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) While Oklahoma has seen an increase in CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus cases in recent days, the new cases are primarily among people under 50, who rarely experience severe illness from the virus. Only three people in that age group have died in the state from COVID-19, the disease the virus causes, Stitt noted. And hospitalizations peaked in the state in March. Dr. Bruce Dart, the Tulsa County Health Department director, sounded a similar theme at a separate briefing earlier in the week. Most of the new cases in the country were among those between the ages of 18 to 32, he said, and hospital capacity remains strong. Still, Dart warned people who are sick, elderly, or have weakened immune systems to stay home and asked people who do to wear masks. Let me be clear: Anyone planning to attend a large-scale gathering will face an increased risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, he said. People entering the arena will be checked for their temperatures and will be given masks and hand sanitizer if they want, campaign officials said. Supporters of President Donald Trump camp near the BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla., on June 19, 2020. (Seth Herald/AFP via Getty Images) They will not be required to wear masks. Oklahomas Supreme Court on Friday rejected a request to require all attendees to don face coverings. Over one million people have requested free tickets, which are honored on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tulsas arena holds some 20,000 people. Dart told various outlets he preferred the rally be pushed back, but a judge on Tuesday declined to issue a court order to halt the event. Prospective attendees are told that they cannot sue the Trump campaign or the venue if they contract the CCP virus. Stitt said in the television appearance that Oklahoma is big on freedom and people are free to stay home or free to attend. President Donald Trump arrives for an event at the White House in Washington on June 17, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Oklahoma is different. We have unity. We dont have the divide that were seeing in other states, he said. And I wanted Oklahomans to know that every black, woman, children, child, those lives matter. All lives matter to us in Oklahoma. We have different, its kind of the Oklahoma standard that were trying to portray. I dont think youre going to see the divisiveness that you see in other states. Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, also a Republican, declared a civil emergency late Thursday, with a curfew put in place near the arena where President Trump will host his rally. Bynums executive order references unrest that erupted at or near recent protests in Tulsa this month and how riots took place in other cities in recent weeks. He said he received information from law enforcement that shows organized groups linked to the destruction and violent behavior were planning to travel to Tulsa to cause unrest in and around the rally. Trump 2020 campaign manager Brad Parscale at President Donald Trumps MAGA rally in Grand Rapids, Mich., on March 28, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) The curfew will help protect health, safety, welfare, and public peace, the order said. But President Donald Trump suggested Friday afternoon the rally was being rescinded, telling supporters he had spoken with Bynum. Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale said in an appearance on Fox & Friends that people are coming in to disrupt and trying to create situations that will go viral online. I have a great feeling that were going to see 100,000 MAGA supporters down there just wanting the country to reopen, he said. Trump said the situation in Tulsa will be much different than events that have unfolded elsewhere. Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis, he wrote on Twitter. It will be a much different scene! (Newser) A white deputy in Tennessee is posting publicly about a kind gesture. Sumner County deputy Jody McDowell was eating breakfast at a Cracker Barrel in Nashville when the waitress came over with a note from two African-American women in the restaurant informing him they had paid for his meal, reports Fox17. BLM But so does yours," reads the note, a reference to Black Lives Matter. "Thank you for your service. Breakfast Paid. story continues below McDowell thanked the "sweet" women but didn't get their names and said he hoped they would at least see his post. A Cracker Barrel employee confirms the story to CNN and praised "random acts of kindness" such as that one. The women apparently weren't locals. They told McDowell they were getting breakfast before heading to the airport and a flight home to Baltimore. (Read more uplifting news stories.) Crooked Run Baptist Church (Rapidan) holds Revival services with guest preacher Pastor Roger Browning and special music by Tommy Wood at 7 p.m. June 27 and June 27 and 10 a.m. June 28. 7351 James Madison Highway. (540) 672-0510. Overseas Students Mission hosts a Wednesday Night Bible Study Fellowship for University of Virginia summer school and international students. Well House Cafe, 118 10-1/2 St. NW. For details and meeting time, call Bill Bray at (434) 227-0811. This calendar, published every Saturday, lists special events of a religious nature. Because of space constraints, notices about regular worship services cannot be included. Items intended for publication, including an address and phone number, should be faxed to (434) 978-7252; mailed to Worship Calendar, The Daily Progress, P.O. Box 9030, Charlottesville, VA 22906; or emailed to ewood@dailyprogress.com. Material must be received by 4 p.m. the Wednesday prior to publication. Representative Image The United States has reduced its troop presence in Afghanistan to 8,600, fulfilling its obligation as part of a February deal with the Taliban, the general who oversees American forces in that region said. Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie gave no indication of when, or at what pace, U.S. forces would be further reduced. He noted that the February deal requires the U.S. to fully withdraw its forces by next May, but he called that an aspirational commitment that would depend on certain actions by the Taliban. President Donald Trump has been eager for a full U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, asserting that American forces are merely policing a civil conflict and should be brought home. The war began in October 2001. Without directly mentioning the 8,600 figure, McKenzie said, We're at that number now," in accordance with the February agreement. The deal said the U.S. would drop to 8,600 within 135 days, which is mid-July. It represents a reduction from about 12,000 troops at the time of the agreement. We have met our part of the agreement, he said, speaking at an Aspen Strategy Group webinar. McKenzie said a full U.S. withdrawal would happen if conditions are right. Conditions would have to be met that satisfy us that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan, he said. That's not the Taliban. That is, of course, al-Qaida and ISIS, referring to the extremist group that used haven in Afghanistan during the Taliban's previous rule to plan the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, as well as the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate. As part of the February deal, the Taliban agreed they would not allow any extremist group to use Afghan territory to plan or carry out attacks on the United States. The jury is still very much out on that Taliban commitment, McKenzie said, and so we will watch the Taliban. He added, They have not yet completely made that case. There remains an opportunity for them to do it, but time is now beginning to grow short. McKenzie spoke cautiously of trends in Iraq, where several thousand U.S. troops are training and advising Iraqi forces and contending with periodic hostility from Iranian-backed militia groups. Although he praised recent efforts by the Iraqi government to deal with Iranian influences in the country, he cited a beginning of a spike in unprovoked rocket attacks on Iraqi bases that host U.S. forces. He said he thinks Iran and its proxies in Iraq are conducting these recent attacks because they have been unable to prevail in the political arena in Iraq. He spoke after Iraqi authorities reported that four rockets exploded inside Baghdad's fortified Green Zone near the American Embassy. It was the third such reported attack since the U.S. embarked on strategic talks with Iraq's new government. Monica Dongban-Mensem has been sworn in as the President of the Court of Appeal. Before Friday, Mrs Dongban-Mensem had served as the president of the appellate court for over three months, in an acting capacity. President Muhammadu Buhari recently submitted her name to the Senate for approval. She was cleared by the Senate last week. READ ALSO: The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko, at the swearing-in ceremony held in Abuja, advised Mrs Dongban-Mensem to live up to expectations by maintaining a cordial relationship with her colleagues on the court of appeal bench. From my personal experience, workload in the court of appeal, especially in the divisions, is the highest. It is a home of work, it is a home of cooperation, but with your experience, hardwork, and zeal, you will not find your new status difficult. Mr Tanko was quoted as saying. Some of those present at the swearing ceremony are Simon Lalong, the Governor of Plateau State where Mrs Dongban-Mensem hails from and Aminu Tambuwal, the Sokoto State Governor. I Just witnessed the swearing-in of a proud daughter of Plateau State, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem as the substantive President of the Court of Appeal. You are a pride to the legal profession, women and the people of Plateau State, Mr Lalong wrote on Twitter. I Just witnessed the swearing in of a proud daughter of Plateau State, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem as the substantive President of the Court of Appeal. You are a pride to the legal profession, women and the people of Plateau State. pic.twitter.com/NRvUdnneed Simon Bako Lalong (@sblalong) June 19, 2020 India plans to impose higher trade barriers and raise import duties on around 300 products from China and elsewhere, two government officials said, as part of an effort to protect domestic businesses. The plan has been under review since at least April, according to a government document seen by Reuters, and is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recently announced self-reliance campaign to promote local products. The new duty structures are likely to be gradually outlined over the next three months, said the sources, who asked not to be named as the plan is still being ... Ayodhya: The Ram Mandir trust in Ayodhya has decided to put its plan to begin the construction of the temple on hold in light of the Indo-China border standoff at Galwan Valley in Ladakh in which 20 Indian soldiers were martyred. In an official statement, the trust referred to the June 15 incident at the border as serious and said that defending the country was the "most important" thing to do. The trust said a new date will be announced soon. "The decision to begin construction (of temple) will be taken according to the situation in the country and will be announced officially," Anil Mishra, member of the trust told PTI. This is the biggest ever military confrontation between the two armies in over five decades. In a statement, the Indian Army said that almost the same number of Chinese troops have been killed during the clashes in the Galwan Valley. Meanwhile, several Hindu organisations led protests against China in Ayodhya. Some protesters burned the Chinese flag, some burned the effigy of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese-made products were destroyed to register their protest. On Friday, the United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo extended his condolences at the the death of 20 Indian Army soldiers killed in the violent clash with Chinese PLA at the Galwan Valley region of Ladakh. The United States had on Thursday stated that it is closely monitoring the situation between India and China along the LAC. While Russia has extended support to India in its efforts to pacify the tension between the two nations. Pacific Dining Car in Westlake (Christopher Reynolds) This week in food news: Pacific Dining Car closes Santa Monica site Pacific Dining Car in Santa Monica has closed. The Westside location of the historic 24-hour steakhouse in Westlake had been open since 1990. The restaurant is selling its remaining kitchen equipment, furniture and decor via an online auction. The Westlake restaurant remains open. pdcshop.com Reopening concerns According to Los Angeles County officials, half of the roughly 2,000 restaurants inspected last weekend did not comply with coronavirus safety guidelines. Restaurants that violated the orders will be revisited. Customers who notice potential risks at businesses can file complaints via the Department of Public Health Customer Call Center, (888) 700-9995. publichealth.lacounty.gov S.O.L cafe opens in WeHo Strings of Life (S.O.L) is open in West Hollywood. The all-day cafe from the owners of E.P. & L.P. offers casual Australian fare: cheese and Vegemite croissants, smoked salmon rosti potatoes, avocado toast and a coconut chia pudding. 8535 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, sol-losangeles.com El Ruso honored Food & Wine has named Boyle Heights taco stand El Ruso to the magazines annual list of best new restaurants. In addition to his Sonoran-style carne asada tacos on flour tortillas, owner Walter Soto recently expanded El Rusos menu to include Sinaloa-style tacos filled with adobada or tripas. 1401 Mirasol St., Los Angeles, elrusola.weebly.com Kirsh Baking Company Uyen Kirshenbaum, executive pastry chef at the Arthur J and M.B. Post, has launched a special-order cookie company, Kirsh Baking Company, while on furlough. Cookies can be ordered by the dozen for two-day shipping nationwide. Flavors include salted chocolate chip, vanilla lavender, cherry almond and coconut chocolate joy. kirshbakingcompany.com Sweetgreen Pasadena Salad chain Sweetgreen has opened a location in Pasadena inside the restored United Artists Theatre, a 1931 Art Deco movie house. L.A. Chefs fundraiser Story continues Cassia co-owners Bryant Ng and Kim Luu-Ng are hosting the fourth L.A. Chefs for Human Rights fundraising dinner on June 27, which benefits homeless individuals and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A $250 ticket includes a family-style meal delivered on the day of the event, plus access to live virtual programming. la.chefsforhumanrights.org 'Chicano Eats' cookbook Chicano food blogger Esteban Castillo, a Santa Ana native who now resides in Fresno, will release his first cookbook, Chicano Eats: Recipes From My Mexican-American Kitchen, on June 30. The book features 85 traditional and fusion Mexican recipes such as chorizo-spiced squash tacos, mac and queso fundido and champurrado chocolate birthday cake. chicanoeats.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 21:19:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi reiterated China's position on the Korean Peninsula issue that the Chinese side always stands for denuclearization of the peninsula and solving problems through dialogue and consultation, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Friday. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian cited Yang's remarks at a press conference while responding to media queries about the meeting between Yang and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Yang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, said that advancing political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue conforms with interests of all parties. Yang said the Chinese side has always insisted on maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, realising denuclearization of the peninsula, and solving problems through dialogue and consultation. China advocates advancing political settlement of the issue in according with the dual-track approach in a phased and synchronized manner. The Chinese side hopes the DPRK and the U.S. could meet each other halfway, accommodate each other's legitimate concerns and make concrete efforts to advance political settlement, Yang said. Enditem YEREVAN. The attempts to turn the Karabakh conflict into an indefinite large-scale Armenian-Azerbaijani enmity are not in the interests of either the Armenian or the Azerbaijani people. Armenia Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated this Friday during the joint meeting of the Security Councils of Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), in Yerevan "The European Court of Human Rights verdict on the case of [Azerbaijani army officer] Ramil Safarov [who had brutally killed Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan] clearly recorded and condemned the encouragement of the hate crimes being committed in Azerbaijan against Armenians. This verdict should define clear red lines for Azerbaijan, showing that not only Armenia and the Armenian people, but also the international community is standing beyond those red lines. Throughout its historythat is, in the last 100 years, Azerbaijan has been subjected to two major trials: in April 1920, when Azerbaijan lost the statehood it had acquired two years ago, and in June 1993, when Azerbaijan had re-approached the verge of losing statehood gained two years ago. These two trials for the statehood of Azerbaijan were conditioned by the war unleashed against Artsakh in both 1920 and 1991. It is clear that both in 1920 and in the early 1990s, Azerbaijan had overestimated its capabilities and underestimated the devastating effects of the war. In 1920, the loss of Azerbaijan's statehood gave nothing for us, Armenians. And more importantly, in 1994 weArmenia and Artsakh, were able to establish a ceasefire together with Azerbaijan, and put an end to the war and stabilize the situation in the region," Pashinyan added, in particular. Its going to be something different that were not used to, and you have to be very disciplined because I think customers are going to be very critical of skipping a beat. Restaurant owners all over the country have been reinventing the wheel transforming from close-knit dining establishments, to exclusively take-out and delivery carriers. But in New Jersey, the days have been getting more challenging as businesses are approaching 100 days without in-house diners, turning streets, sidewalks, and parking lots into temporary dining rooms to serve customers outdoors. Despite the limitations, longtime-restaurateur and owner/operator of the Pour House in Tinton Falls and the Sitting Duck in Long Branch, New Jersey, Gary Schoelkopf, has continued to drive business at his restaurants, even while the doors remain closed. Schoelkopf has experienced his fair share of crisis during his 34-year career in the restaurant industry the last 26 years as a restaurant owner. After previously owning four restaurants in the Jersey Shore area, he has since scaled it down to two properties one, a casual pub-style eatery, the other, a laid-back family restaurant. But since the global pandemic forced restaurants to close their dining rooms, Schoelkopf had to adjust to reduced hours and take-out services. Although customers are unable to sit at the bar to enjoy their meal, this hasnt stopped them from ordering their food to-go. We have a very strong local base, said Schoelkopf. Theyre not driving by and coming from North Jersey or anywhere else. At the Sitting Duck, Schoelkopf credits the uptick in business to the restaurants neighborhood location where most customers live nearby and have been primarily staying home the last few months. While the Pour House had a slower start due to customers apprehension to go out, regulars of the eatery couldnt stay away for long. The phone does not stop ringing from 3:30 in the afternoon to 7:30-8:00 at night almost every day of the week, said Schoelkopf. The positive turnout is refreshing as many restaurants have struggled without their usual dine-in customers, but Schoelkopf made sure both restaurants were prepared for these rainy days by scaling back the hours of his kitchen staff and reassigning job titles to keep more long-time employees. In anticipation for when guests can return to indoor dining, Schoelkopf installed touch-less doors to his restaurants several weeks ago to help alleviate guests concerns about dining again. Everyone seems to be very happy with it, said Schoelkopf. We put it out there on the Internet and the response has been very positive. In videos posted to the Pour Houses website and Facebook page, guests can see the automatic doors in use at the front entrances where sanitizers are also supplied as well as signs encouraging people to use them. While New Jersey restaurants are permitted to open to outdoor dining beginning this week, Schoelkopf is waiting to see how things go before making arrangements, hoping indoor restrictions are lifted sooner rather than later. There has not been one person in the last two weeks who has said that they would sit in the parking lot of the restaurant, said Schoelkopf. Our customers are very loyal, and they cant wait to come back to eat inside. However, regardless of the Governors decision on when restaurants can operate again, Schoelkopf believes it is ultimately up to the people and if they will feel comfortable returning anytime soon. I think its going to be at least the end of the year before you see over 50 percent [capacity], said Schoelkopf, adding that a vaccine would be needed to ease the publics covid-fears. By March of next year, he hopes the restaurants can get back to the level they were pre-pandemic. These people have been cooped up for months. I think the response is initially going to be really vital, said Schoelkopf. In the meantime, he has been acting as a guiding light for his customers and staff to keep their spirits lifted during these uncertain times. My biggest challenge with the business is keeping the morale up, said Schoelkopf who has kept his employees engaged by challenging them to come up with new menu items and modeling a hard work ethic. That keeps the morale high because they see me working hard and so they work hard. While customers and staff have been getting used to the new safety precautions and take-out procedures, they are expecting to follow further guidelines when in-person dining resumes. Its going to be something different that were not used to, and you have to be very disciplined because I think customers are going to be very critical of skipping a beat, said Schoelkopf. As his restaurants have survived several catastrophic events over the years, Schoelkopf trusts that they can emerge once again. We have to keep the faith. This is just another hiccup like 9/11, like [Superstorm] Sandy, said Schoelkopf. The tragedy is on the other end. Were riding on the gravel road, when are we going to hit the asphalt?... Im wondering for everybody, what are we going to have on the other side. After nearly 100 days servicing customers at a distance, Schoelkopf is eager for them to return, promising the same service they are used to. We welcome you back, said Schoelkopf. Well be ready to receive you in a good, healthy fashion and following all the rules. Nothing will have changed as far as the quality, the price, or the food. To view the full video interview, visit Bielat Santore & Companys website at http://www.123bsc.com, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/123BSC/, and Vimeo page https://vimeo.com/bielatsantore and stay tuned for the next Thursday Restaurant Rap interview. About Bielat Santore & Company Bielat Santore & Company is an established commercial real estate firm. The companys expertise lies chiefly within the restaurant and hospitality industry, specializing in the sale of restaurants and other food and beverage real estate businesses. Since 1978, the principals of Bielat Santore & Company, Barry Bielat and Richard Santore, have sold more restaurants and similar type properties in New Jersey than any other real estate company. Furthermore, the firm has secured in excess of $500,000,000 in financing to facilitate these transactions. Visit the companys website, http://www.123bsc.com for the latest in new listings, property searches, available land, market data, financing trends, RSS feeds, press releases and more. Angelina Jolie has become such a legendary figure in Hollywood in recent years that newer fans might be shocked to find out about her dark past. These days, shes known for her expansive humanitarian efforts, the love that she has for her big family, and, of course, for having been married to (and then divorced from) actor Brad Pitt. Jolie seems so regal and serene that its hard for even longtime fans to remember that life wasnt always so smooth-sailing for Jolie. In fact, her early adulthood was riddled with troubles from drug addiction to relationship problems. Jolie certainly had a reputation as a dark and wild individual in Hollywood. In fact, she was once so obsessed with darkness and death that she was considering another, more morbid career path as an option if acting didnt work out. Jolies dark past with death and darkness Angelina Jolie | Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage RELATED: Angelina Jolie Bought Brad Pitt a $1.6 Million Just Because Gift Jolie had some interesting and even dangerous habits in her 20s. It was well-known that she consumed an unhealthy amount of drugs, like many Hollywood starlets, but Jolies darkness didnt stop there. She was so obsessed with death and darkness that she seemed to revolve her entire identity around those themes. Her alleged former drug dealer has said that Jolies New York apartment was plastered with pictures of murder scenes and dead bodies. As if that wasnt creepy enough, she was also known to wear a vial of blood around her ex-husbands blood around her neck and had a collection of knives. So why was Jolie so obsessed with death as a young person? As she got older, Jolie reflected on this period in her life and admitted that she was just trying to find herself. She explained to Elle magazine: [I]n fact it wasnt a need to be destructive or rebellious its that need to find a full voice, to push open the walls around you. You want to be free. Jolies back-up plan was to become a funeral director Jolie was so comfortable with and attracted to death at that time in her life that she even thought of a back-up career plan if acting didnt work out for her: funeral director. However, theres a sweet story behind this, and her motivations might not be as morbid as you think. It sounds like this very strange, eccentric, dark thing to do but in fact I lost my grandfather and was very upset with his funeral. How somebody passes and how family deals with this passing and what death is should be addressed in a different way, she once said in a 60 Minutes interview. Even from that young age, Jolie just wanted to make a difference in the world, in her way, which is what finally brought her mental salvation in the end. If this whole acting thing didnt work out that was going to be my path, she said in the interview. Well, as we all know, acting worked out for Jolie and were thankful for it! Helping others helped Jolie out of dark times Watching Jolie work as a UN Ambassador now, shes hardly recognizable as the same young woman who taped pictures of murdered bodies all over her apartment. Its clear that shes overcome those dark times, and she credits both her humanitarian work as well as her most important role yet, mom, for that. The experience with the UN completely changed her outlook on life. Ive become a better human being. Ive learned the strength of the human spirit, shes said. She added: Its changed my view of what is important. Im not so concerned with things I used to be so concerned with. I feel that [now] Im of some use to other people in the world. From drug addiction to Goodwill Ambassador: Jolie has sure come a long way. Weapons, drugs and a drug manufacturing lab have been seized during a raid at a property with links to the Comanchero and Bandido outlaw motorcycle gangs in Brisbane's east. The lab, used to produce ice and 30 grams of ice, cannabis and a substance believed to be a dangerous drug (yet to be analysed), were found at the Old Cleveland Road address at Chandler on Thursday, along with a machine gun, a handgun and ammunition. The illicit laboratory team attended the location to remove the lab items and render the property safe. A 45-year-old Chandler man was charged with various drugs and weapons offences and is scheduled to appear at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 28. A: Theres so much going on in the world around us, and to be black in this country is to live in a perpetual state of grief. Just this week we had a homegoing celebration in Minnesota for George Floyd. That same day, we found out that the last words that Ahmaud Arbery heard were f---ing n----- as a white guy stood over him after murdering him. You go through this wide range of emotions, from pain to sorrow to sadness to hope. And you have to grasp whatever sense of this American Dream you possibly can. She welcomed her first child with husband Karl Stefanovic, daughter Harper May, at the beginning of May. And Jasmine Yarbrough looked every inch the doting mother as she enjoyed a stroll with the newborn and her mother, Cheryl, in Sydney's Mosman on Friday. Cradling the youngster close to her chest, the 36-year-old shoe designer appeared to be in great spirits as she went about her day after a trip to the hair salon. Day out: Jasmine Yarbrough, 36, looked every inch the doting mother as she enjoyed a stroll with her newborn daughter, Harper, and her mother, Cheryl, in Sydney's Mosman on Friday Jasmine cut a casual figure in a pair of roll-up jeans which she teamed with a quirky jumper. Opting for maximum comfort, she strolled along in a pair of navy loafers from her Mara & Mine shoe line, which boasted gold embroidery. Jasmine relied on her naturally striking features as she kept her makeup to a minimum, while her tousled locks effortlessly caught the slight breeze. Happy: Cradling the youngster close to her chest, the shoe designer appeared to be in great spirits as she went about her day after a trip to the hair salon Low-key cool: Jasmine cut a casual figure in a pair of roll-up jeans, which she teamed with a quirky jumper Stylish touch: Opting for maximum comfort, she strolled along in a pair of navy loafers from her Mara & Mine shoe line, which boasted gold embroidery She was joined by her glamorous mother, who put on a stylish display in a leather jacket, black jeans and shades. Cheryl looked in great spirits as she pushed along little Harper in the pram. Jasmine then took Harper out to deconstruct the pram as they prepared to head off in a car. Pretty: Jasmine relied on her naturally striking features as she kept her makeup to a minimum Family affair: She was joined by her glamorous mother, who put on a stylish display in a leather jacket, black jeans and shades Jasmine and Today host Karl, 45, welcomed Harper on May 1. She was born at Sydney's North Shore Private Hospital. In a statement to the Today show at the time, Karl said: 'Harper and Jasmine are doing well and dad had a great night's sleep.' He added: 'I am in awe. Harper is absolutely perfect.' The happy news was also announced on Weekend Today on Saturday May 2, by Karl's colleague and close friend, Richard Wilkins. Motherhood: Jasmine then took Harper out to deconstruct the pram as they prepared to head off in a car First time mum: She welcomed her first child with husband Karl Stefanovic, daughter Harper May, at the beginning of May Richard confirmed that Harper weighed 2.9kg at the time of her birth and was born the day prior, just after midday. Karl met Jasmine in late 2016, five months after his split from wife of 21 years, Cassandra Thorburn. The new couple wed in a lavish ceremony at the One&Only Palmilla resort in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, in December 2018. Karl is already a father to three children shared with Cassandra: son Jackson, 20, daughter Ava, 14, and son River, 12. Long neglected hospitals around the world are reporting shortages of oxygen, with some patients waiting 10 hours or more to refill tanks as COVID-19 spreads. Here's more on that and the latest virus updates from around the world. Like most of us, I go through my weeks this year gauging what feels like a safe bet and the right move, in terms of civic responsibility, and what does not. Part of me desperately wants to see Mulan and Tenet a month or so from now, though that yearning for big-screen communal moviegoing comes with a second wave of second thoughts. The Peel Regional police chief said charges are expected to be laid in the horrific multi-vehicle crash in Brampton that killed a 37-year-old woman and her three young daughters. The familys van was heading northbound on Torbram Road early Thursday afternoon when it was struck by a blue Infiniti travelling eastbound on Countryside Drive, according to Ontarios Special Investigations Unit. Klara Ciasullo, 6, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her mother, Karolina, and sisters Lilianna, 4, and Mila, 1, were rushed to Brampton Civic Hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries. Investigations have not formally released the name of the 20-year-old driver of the Infiniti, who is hospital with serious injuries. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown wrote on Twitter that the man was driving with a suspended licence and plates that didnt match his car. I am infuriated that a reckless driving incident would rob this family of their future, Brown wrote. In an earlier Tweet, the mayor said that community members and police tried to stop the driver, in an incident depicted in a June 16 video of a blue Infiniti dangerously rolling through a busy Caledon intersection. The Star could not confirm whether the Infiniti captured in the video is the same one involved in the fatal collision less than nine kilometres away just two days later. In the video, recorded on a dashboard camera, the Infiniti is missing a front licence plate and the driver appears to be slumped against his headrest. Sandeep Singh posted the video online. In it, Singh sprints from his vehicle and desperately tries to yank open the Infinitis passenger door. The Infinitis driver steps on the gas, jumping the curb and crashes into roadside planters at Kennedy Road North and Dougall Avenue. The cars tires squeal and white smoke billows from the tail pipe. Singh and a bystander can be heard repeatedly screaming, Turn it off! as the driver backs up and peels away. Feel so sick and sad and I told the OPP that this driver would end up killing himself or worse killing others; I did not know what I said would come true, Singh alleges in a Facebook post. He could not be reached for comment. A name and photographs of the alleged driver have emerged online, although the Star was unable to confirm if the man, from Caledon, was involved in either incident. Old friends of the man from when he went to high school in Ladysmith, B.C., remember him as obsessed with cars. Cecilia Gibson remained connected with the man through social media after he moved to Ontario around 2016. She said he posted pictures and videos of himself driving in ways she found to be totally reckless. She said some of his web postings showed him with lean, a blend of cough-syrup, soda and hard candy commonly called Purple Drank or Dirty Sprite, when in the car. I had actually shown it to my mom and been like, What the hell! This is not OK, Gibson said. A friend of the Ciasullo family has launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised more than $182,000 as of 8 p.m. Friday. Its absolutely heartbreaking, said Bobby Garabet, a friend of the Ciasullo family, told the Star. They were incredibly sweet people. The parents raised the three girls in Caledon, Garabet said. The father is the sole surviving member of their immediate family. As recently as Tuesday, Karolina was asking her moms group on Facebook for ideas of things to do on Fathers Day. A Grade 4 teacher at Isaac Jogues Catholic Elementary School in Brampton, on the tail end of maternity leave, she was looking forward to going back to work, said Liana Cancian, a close friend. She was planning for September with her parents babysitting her kids while she went back to work, said Cancian. In a statement, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board expressed its condolences to Ciasullos husband, friends and family. As a Catholic school community, we offer our prayers for the family and all those affected by this tragic event, the statement read. People from the Caledon East community gathered in front of her house Thursday night for an impromptu vigil. The SIU launched an investigation Thursday afternoon shortly after the crash. The civilian oversight body investigates interactions involving police that result in death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault. In a news release, the agency said that, leading up to the collision, a Peel Regional Police officer was travelling westbound on Countryside Drive when he observed an Infiniti vehicle travelling eastbound. The release does not say whether the police gave chase. Determining what transpired, including whether or not a pursuit was initiated, will be part of the SIUs investigation, SIUs spokesperson Monica Hudon wrote in an email to the Star. As a result of the collision, two other vehicles sustained damage. Police did not specify the total number of people injured. Four investigators, three forensic investigators and one collision reconstructionist from the SIU have been assigned to investigate the fatal collision. In a statement on Friday, Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah extended his condolences to the family and encouraged the SIU to complete a swift investigation. I realize that these tragic incidents leave permanent scars, and it is during these times that we all need to provide support and compassion for everyone that has been affected, he said. Pending further investigation, we expect that charges will be laid, the chief added. He did not say when that might happen or how long the investigation might take. In an update issued Friday afternoon, the SIU said that a subject officer and a witness officer have also been assigned to the case, and that more than a dozen civilian witnesses have been interviewed. In his daily news conference, Premier Doug Ford offered his condolences to the family. Our prayers and our thoughts are with you and your entire family, Ford said. Justice will be served. With files from the Caledon Enterprise and the Brampton Guardian Jacob Lorinc is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @jacoblorinc Read more about: WASHINGTON - A federal judge on Friday criticized former Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton for moving to publish his book without formal clearance from the White House, but the judge suggested he was probably powerless to stop its release given that copies of the manuscript have already been widely distributed. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth told lawyers during arguments Friday that the horse seems to be out of the barn and wondered aloud what he could do to retrieve books already sent out all over the country. A lawyer for Bolton agreed with the judge and said the Justice Departments request to halt the publication of the book and to retrieve copies was both surreal and impractical. More than 200,000 copies have already been printed and distributed to booksellers throughout the country, and the book has received substantial publicity from major news media organizations who have reviewed it ahead of its scheduled release next week. But the Justice Department bristled at the idea that nothing could be done, with Justice Department lawyer David Morrell saying that Bolton had created a mess by publishing his book without receiving what he said was formal authorization that the manuscript was free of classified information. He said Bolton should not be permitted to profit from a problem he created by flouting his contractual obligation to not disclose classified material he was exposed to while on the job. He has flung the barnyard doors open. He has let the horses out, and now he looks at us collectively and says, What are you going to do about it? Morrell said. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth did not immediately rule, saying he wants to further weigh the governments classification arguments in a court case that raises core First Amendment and national security concerns. The book is due out on Tuesday, and Lamberth is expected to make a ruling before then. The Justice Department sued earlier in the week to halt the release of The Room Where it Happened, insisting that the book contained classified information that could damage national security and that Bolton had failed to complete a prepublication review process. Lamberth appeared to find compelling the Justice Departments assertion that Bolton had prematurely bailed on the review process. He cant just walk away, and he didnt tell the government he was walking away, Lamberth told Boltons attorney Chuck Cooper. The Justice Department similarly argued that it wanted the judge to send a message that government employees who become disgruntled during the manuscript review process dont simply give up and publish classified information without approval. Deterrence matters because theres a massive government interest in ensuring that these agreements arent breached by a disgruntled author, Morrell said. But the judge also repeatedly pressed the Justice Department on how the White House came to reach the conclusion that Boltons manuscript contained classified information, especially since Bolton had been assured on April 27 by the career official responsible for overseeing the National Security Councils prepublication review process, Ellen Knight, that edits on the manuscript were done and that there was no classified material. Boltons lawyers argued that he had laboured painstakingly for months with Knight, including on a line-by-line edit. But another White House official, Michael Ellis, soon after embarked on an additional review and identified material that he said was classified, prompting the administration to warn Bolton against publication. That late-stage, end-round around Knights judgment by a political appointee was troubling, Cooper said. The question becomes, Is she an authorized official? Well, theres no doubt that she is. Did she confirm that the information is unclassified? Theres no dispute by the government that she did, he added. Boltons lawyers have argued that the White House assertions of classified material are a pretext to censor him over a book the administration simply finds unflattering. If the First Amendment stands for anything, it is that the Government does not have the power to clasp its hand over the mouth of a citizen attempting to speak on a matter of great public import, they wrote in a court filing. The book, due out Tuesday, depicts a president whose foreign policy objectives were inexorably linked to his own political gain. It recounts how Trump pleaded with Chinas Xi Jinping during a 2019 summit to help his reelection prospects, and how he linked the supply of military assistance to Ukraine to the countrys willingness to conduct politically charged investigations into Biden allegations that were at the heart of an impeachment trial that ended with the presidents acquittal in February. Trump on Thursday called the book a compilation of lies and made up stories intended to make him look bad. He tweeted that Bolton was just trying to get even for being fired like the sick puppy he is! Other administration officials who figure prominently in the book, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, denied comments or actions that were attributed to them and joined the president in condemning the book. Even Democrats who seized on some of Boltons anecdotes to portray the president as unfit for office nonetheless expressed frustration that he had saved his damaging accounts for his book instead of sharing them in the impeachment case. _____ Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP The new CEO will take office after approval by the National Bank of Ukraine. The Supervisory Board of the state-owned Oschadbank ("State Savings Bank of Ukraine") on Thursday decided on the winner of a competition to select the bank's CEO. "We thank all the candidates who took part in the competition. A comprehensive review of candidates and several interviews allowed the Supervisory Board Members to form an opinion about each of the candidates. Serhiy Naumov has a reputation of a highly professional banker and manager. He is a practicing banker with extensive experience in crisis management, strategy development and implementation. We are confident that Oschadbank under the leadership of Naumov will successfully pass another stage of transformation," said Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of JSC Oschadbank Baiba Apine. Read alsoMoody's upgrades ratings of six Ukrainian banks Naumov graduated from National Aviation University and Inter-regional Institute of Market Relations (Economics Department) in the capital city of Kyiv. He has an MBA degree from Kassel International Management School (Germany). Naumov has 25 years of experience in the banking sphere. He held managerial positions in leading Ukrainian banks, in particular, Raiffeisen Bank, UkrSibbank, Pravex Bank, and Piraeus Bank. He served as CEO in the latter three banks. He also worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers. According to legal procedures, Naumov will take office after powers of incumbent CEO Andriy Pyshny are terminated and Naumov's appointment is approved by the National Bank of Ukraine. It is pursuant to the current legislation and in accordance with the Management Transition Plan to be determined by the Supervisory Board. As UNIAN reported earlier, on May 8, 2020, the Supervisory Board of Oschadbank announced a competition for the bank's CEO. Since March 2014, this post has been held by Pyshny. According to the current legislation, the term of office is five years. UNIAN memo. The State Savings Bank of Ukraine was registered by the National Bank of Ukraine on December 31, 1991. It is wholly owned by the state. Bogota (AFP) - Colombia's army said Thursday it had freed a Swiss and a Brazilian kidnapped three months ago by suspected guerrillas. Daniel Max Guggenheim and Jose Ivan Albuquerque were rescued during a military operation in the southwestern Cauca department, one of the areas most blighted by drug-trafficking violence. The two men fell into the hands of the "Dagoberto Ramos Mobile Column" in mid-March, the army's anti-kidnapping unit said in a statement. The guerrillas are among around 2,300 armed dissidents from the former rebel FARC movement who refused to lay down arms during the historic 2016 peace accord that ended a 50-year struggle by the Marxist group. The unit said it also captured one of the suspected kidnappers, who was guarding the pair when they were rescued. Guggenheim, who is retired, said in a press conference that he and Albuquerque were kidnapped while visiting the Pacific coast as tourists. As they were returning to the capital Bogota, they were kidnapped at gunpoint from a restaurant in the Cauca department. "He told us we'd reached the cemetery," said Guggenheim about their armed assailant. The two men were taken hostage alongside two pet Pomeranian dogs. Since breaking away from the FARC, disparate dissident groups have continued armed resistance to the government, financing themselves through drug-trafficking and illegal mining. The more than half-century conflict left nine million people dead, missing or displaced. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 00:57:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MAPUTO, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The Mozambican olice of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM) have dismantled a base and cut the logistics supply chain of the terrorists operating in several districts of the northern province of Cabo Delgado, local newspaper Jornal Noticias reported on Friday. According to the Director of Operations of the PRM's General Command, Victor Novela, speaking to the paper, the successful offensive operation aims not only to put the targets out of action, but also to cut their logistical supply chain. "During the operations, the armed men were neutralized while transporting more than 50 machetes to reinforce the enemy's arsenal in the region of Cagembe," said Novela. The director added that in actions carried out in some regions of Cabo Delgado, the police recovered guns that were used in attacks to murder innocent citizens, as well as uniforms, groceries and motorcycles. "A military cot was seized at the scene of attack, characteristics suggest it belongs to the army of a country in the Great Lakes region," Novela said. Enditem Directed by Ram Madhavani, Aarya is a nine-episode web series, which is an adaption of the dutch series 'Penonza'. On the day of its release, the web series has received a positive feedback from Ms Sen's ardent fans and followers. Sushmita Sen, who was crowned Miss India in 1994 and won Miss Universe 1994, has made a comeback in Ram Madhvanis web series, Aarya. Ms. Sen was last seen on screen in 2015s Bengali film Nirbaak and in 2010 Hindi film No Problem. The nine-episode web series, which has released today, is an adaption of the Dutch series Penonza. Ms. Sens fans have been ardently waiting to see her on the screen. At her trailer launch, Sushmita said that she was only waiting for the right kind of script that could inspire her. Talking about working with Sushmita, Director Ram Madhvani said that Ms. Sen has always been a star and that he was extremely eager to work with her. He further added that Ms. Sen had put her faith and was ready to work with him only because she liked Neerja, a film directed by him. Also Read: Sushant Singh Rajputs Instagram account memorialised Also Read: Bulbbul trailer: Anushka Sharma-backed Netflix release is scary-fairy tale Ms. Sens avid followers have been showering her with love and affection since the release of the web series today. Some of them have even called her the god mother of cinema. According to the viewers, the series starring, not only Sushmita Sen but also Sikander Kher, is a breath of fresh air in the crime drama genre. Also Read: There is a huge void: Shraddha Kapoor on Sushant Singh Rajputs death Comeback and how!! I had been waiting to watch @thesushmitasen back on screen and #Aarya is surely a treat to watch. She brings grace, grit and panache to the character and keeps you hooked to the show. A must watch over the weekend on @DisneyplusHSVIP Sreedhar Pillai (@sri50) June 19, 2020 Just watched #Aarya on @DisneyplusHSVIP and it's just wow!!!! @thesushmitasen nailed with her performance .. Direction , screenplay , storyline was amazing . Loved it .. pic.twitter.com/YufyYf5NhM Aditya Raj (@Adityarj1662) June 19, 2020 For all the latest Entertainment News, download NewsX App NEWTOWN A 2020 Newtown High School graduate whose brother was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting is launching a virtual music series with her peers in a gun-violence prevention group. In addition to advocating for common sense gun laws, music has played a huge role in helping me to cope with my heartbreaking loss, said Natalie Barden, whose brother was among the 26 first-graders and educators slain in the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook. We dont have all the answers but we thought it would be helpful to bring together students virtually to sing, share stories and find a path forward to create change together. The biweekly summer series, which began Thursday night, features youth music performances and discussions on the videoconferencing platform Zoom. Today, our lives are full of uncertainty and anxiety due to the global pandemic, the ongoing epidemic of gun violence and the horror of witnessing George Floyd and other black Americans being murdered by police officers, Barden said in a news release. We will use music as a vehicle for young people to share stories related to gun violence, build a diverse community, heal, and unite around an action plan to end all forms of gun violence in America including police violence. Barden, whose father, Mark, is co-founder of the nonprofit Sandy Hook Promise, is co-chair of the Junior Newtown Action Alliance, the youth arm of the homegrown nonprofit Newtown Action Alliance. Michael Cuomo, Hearst Connecticut Media The Junior Newtown Action Alliances 2020 National Gun Violence Prevention Summer Music Series is being coordinated with those two groups and 16 other groups across the country, including March for Our Lives the youth movement born out of the 2018 Valentines Day killing of 17 students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. With everything that is going on in the world, the youth feel like its very dystopian right now, said Po Murray, chairwoman of the Newtown Action Alliance. Theyre excited to put together some programming that unites students from different parts of the country to share their experience about gun violence and talk about how to prevent it. The debut of the five-part virtual series on Thursday featured music by Barden. For details about participation and music acts for dates in July and August, visit www.newtownactionalliancefoundation.org/national-summer-music-series. The series goal is to capture some of the energy and momentum that was generated two summers ago when student leaders from March for Our Lives concluded a 50-city, gun-violence protest tour at a rally in Newtown with student activists from Sandy Hook. Barden appeared on stage to deliver a speech and to sing, as her father played guitar in the background before a crowd of 1,000 at Newtowns Fairfield Hills campus. More recently in March, Barden and fellow Newtown High School senior Danielle Johnson helped lead the second annual New England Student Gun Violence Prevention Summit at the Yale School of Public Health. rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342 Theres a lot of excitement around royal weddings. Crowds flood the streets hours before the ceremony hoping to catch a glimpse of the bride and groom. The occasion marks the start of a new chapter for the couple and means new additions to the British royal family. When the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walked down the aisle in 2011, Sarah, Duchess of York, watched the ceremony on TV like millions of other people around the world. Hurt she didnt receive a royal wedding invite, Sarah voiced her concerns. Keep reading to learn more about her royal wedding snub and how her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, Duke of York comforted her before the ceremony. Prince William and Kate Middleton at their royal wedding | Chris Jackson/Getty Images Sarah Ferguson isnt invited to Kate Middleton and Prince Williams royal wedding A former member of the royal family, Sarah voiced her disappointment when William and Catherine didnt invite her to their 2011 royal wedding. The only member of the immediate York family to be excluded from the event, the Duchess of York, watched as her ex-husband and daughters participated in the festivities. Andrew arrived at Londons historic Westminster Abbey alongside him and Sarahs daughters, Princess Eugenie of York and Princess Beatrice of York. She wants to go as a family Sitting down with Oprah on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2011, the Duchess of York opened up about not getting invited to William and Catherines royal wedding. According to Us Weekly, Sarah talked about what she did on April 29, 2011, and why not being invited was so difficult. RELATED: Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrews Relationship in Photos In Thailand during the royal wedding, the mother of two said she missed out on sharing the experience with her Eugenie and Beatrice. It was so difficult not getting invited because I wanted to be there with my girls to be getting them dressed and to go as a family, she told Oprah. Also, it was so hard, because the last bride up that aisle was me. The Duke and Duchess of York had their royal wedding at Westminster Abbey in July 1986. Prince Andrew comforts Sarah Ferguson The Duchess of York also told Oprah she and Andrew were in touch on the day of the royal wedding. She described how the Duke of York consoled her, saying, When Andrew went with the girls, we were talking all morning and he was saying, Its OK. Just remember we had such a good day. Our wedding was so perfect.' Because were such a unit together. He made me feel very part of the day, she added. Prince Andrew, Princess Eugenie, and Princess Beatrice at Kate Middleton and Prince Williams 2011 Royal Wedding | Ian Gavan/GP/Getty Images RELATED: Sarah Ferguson Finally Admits She and Prince Andrew Are More Than Friends Sarah went on to say she doesnt harbor any ill will toward the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for not inviting her to their royal wedding. [it] was quite right they didnt invite me, she told Oprah. Why would they why would they invite me? Before the royal wedding, Sarah came under fire for a scandal. An undercover journalist recorded her offering access to Andrew for a fee. The footage went public in 2010, and after previous scandals, the royal family distanced themselves even further from her. Hence the 2011 royal wedding snub. Sarah Ferguson attends Prince Harry and Meghan Markles royal wedding Sarah Ferguson attends royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Gareth Fuller WPA Pool/Getty Images When Williams brother, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, married Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in 2018, Sarah got a spot on the guest list. Harry and Meghan extended an invite to the Duchess of York, but theres a catch. The 60-year-old only made it on the guest list for the ceremony at St. Georges Chapel, not the exclusive reception hosted by Prince Charles. RELATED: Why Sarah Ferguson Says She and Prince Andrew Divorced A man holds a flag with the image of U.S. President Donald Trump in Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S., on Friday, June 19, 2020. The White House insisted Friday that Covid-19 is "still a priority" for the administration, even as President Donald Trump prepares for a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that could spread the disease. During a White House briefing, press secretary Kayleigh McEnany was asked by a reporter whether the virus was a priority after Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of Trump's coronavirus task force, said Tuesday that he hadn't spoken to the president in two weeks. "Absolutely it's still a priority," McEnany said. "It's why the task force meets regularly, the president is given that information. The vice president has been leading on the task force and the president ultimately makes the decisions and is constantly kept up to date with the latest numbers." The White House coronavirus task force last held a public briefing on the virus on April 27, 53 days ago. White House task force meetings still take place but are less frequent and closed to the press. McEnany said Friday that the task force doesn't hold public briefings anymore because updates on the virus are "regular routine." The task force briefings "happened in the very early days of Covid-19, the pandemic. We were making major decisions on travel bans, major decisions on supplies, PPE and therapeutics. It was very important those decisions be made with the nation," she said. "We're in a more regular routine where when we see a spike or an ember as the president calls them we're able to quickly go and put it out and we have that system in place," she added. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, a former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration during the Trump administration, warned on Thursday that that this is not the case. He said several states in the South and West are "on the cusp of losing control." As coronavirus cases begin to rise in nearly two dozen states, public health experts and infectious disease specialists say a strong, coordinated message on the virus from Trump and the White House is more important than ever. Yet, in recent weeks, Trump has shifted his focus to reopening the economy, police reform and the November election. He is scheduled to hold a rally Saturday in Tulsa, which is expected to attract thousands of attendees packed inside a convention center. The campaign is doing temperature checks for attendees and providing them with masks and hand sanitizer upon entry, but public health officials worry the event still isn't safe. The campaign didn't say whether social distancing measures would be implemented, but it said wearing masks would be optional. Fauci and task force response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx both vocalized concerns internally last week about the safety of holding a rally, according to NBC News. Trump has also continued to play down the threat of the virus. He said Wednesday night on Fox News that "it's going to fade away, but having a vaccine would be really nice." He also told The Wall Street Journal in an interview published Thursday that the U.S. is nearing the end of the pandemic, contrary to experts in his own administration. Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence, chair of the White House coronavirus task force, said in an op-ed in the Journal that Covid-19 cases have stabilized, and he touted the U.S. response to the virus as a "cause for celebration." Cases are on the rise, however, and public health experts fear a slow burn of infection through the summer could lead to a massive resurgence this fall. CNBC's Kevin Breuninger contributed to this report. NEW HAVEN Restaurants this week began indoor table service, after nearly a month of outdoor dining, but getting together with friends may not be the wisest thing, according to Yale New Haven Health Systems chief clinical officer. At the health systems online press conference Thursday, Dr. Thomas Balcezak spoke about the safety of sitting across a table from others at a restaurant, if fellow diners are not living in the same household. Diners must wear masks entering a restaurant but then remove them in order to eat and drink. We are still asking folks not to gather in groups that are not household contacts with one another anyway, so I wouldnt recommend it unless you can stay 6 feet apart, Bacezak said. He added later, I think eating outside, especially distancing more than 6 feet, is better than inside. Marna Borgstrom, CEO of Yale New Haven Health, said she thought Phase 2 of the states reopening was being handled well. I actually have to say that time will tell but I think that, having worked with the governors panel for the last three months, we have tried to be as thoughtful as possible in coming up with the kind of measures that would allow us to reopen safely and also continue to monitor our progress so that if we see a backslide of any magnitude we will understand where that is, she said. Borgstrom added that there is more contact tracing being done, including getting a lot more volunteer support for community health departments to do contact tracing. The plan that weve talked about is that if we are seeing some spike were going to look at it on a regional basis. Were going to go in and try and contain that. But I dont think that this administration has shown itself to be at all reticent to turn back the opening plans if they need to. Balcezak also said that he believes regular hospital visitors will be able to enter the health systems hospitals as soon as next week. Weve put together a group that includes patients and families as advisers thats run by our patient experience staff to create criteria for each of our system hospitals to open, Balcezak said. None of them have opened up and de-restricted our visitor status yet. I anticipate though that we will be able to open and de-restrict some of our visitors in some of our institutions by early next week. So far, since the pandemic began, only patients who are at the end of life, women giving birth, patients in the neonatal intensive care and psychiatric units and people with disabilities need a support person have been able to have visitors. While the numbers of cases of COVID-19 continue to drop and the number of tests to rise, health system officials cautioned about becoming complacent. I feel like I have to pinch myself because were all reading the national news about the dramatic increases in COVID-positive patients and inpatient admissions particularly in various states particularly out west and in the Southwest, and our numbers have continued to come down, Borgstrom said. She said that from a peak of 850 patients in the systems five hospitals, we are below 70 cases for the entire Yale New Haven Health System. She said Greenwich Hospital has gone from a high of 126 cases, and where we are is less than 10 percent than at our peak. In testing for the coronavirus, Borgstrom said, We now have significant capacity. Weve done over 73,000 tests since the pandemic began; 11,000 of those have been positive. She said the rate appears high because only medical staff and people with symptoms have been tested. Balcezak said that by the end of next week, more than 10,000 employees of Yale New Haven Health will have been tested, and we are aiming for much less than 1 percent positive, he said. He said, as of Thursday, about 4,200 staff members had been tested with a positive rate of 0.25 percent. He said all patients are also being tested, with those who show no symptoms testing positive at a 0.7 percent rate. He said the lower rate among employees is a testament to how well we have done in terms of reducing transmission among our employees. He added that vans will be deployed to New London, New Haven and Bridgeport as additional testing sites, and blood-draw stations across the state also will offer testing. Balcezak praised Connecticut residents for adhering to the safety and health guidelines of wearing masks, keeping a safe distance from one another and regularly washing hands. I think were starting to see that Connecticut is becoming a national leader in terms of how were being able to really snuff out this disease and were seeing fewer and fewer positive cases every day. edward.stannard@hearstmediact.com; 203-680-9382 When even Mitch McConnell changes course on the need for congressional police-reform legislation, one could be forgiven for believing that something real is about to happen. But a look at what actually occurred on Capitol Hill on Wednesday more of the same nonsense quickly blew any sense of optimism away. McConnell, the Senate majority leader, hasnt been one to allow much debate in the upper chamber. And when the generally taciturn Kentuckian has a plan, he isnt easily moved to abandon it in favor of something else. But thats exactly what he did by deciding to push a Republican-sponsored reform bill to the front of the line. Sadly, though, the measure that was proposed is so much more show than substance. It creates a commission to study the matter. This, of course, is one of the oldest tricks in the book for those in government who want to seem to be doing something, but who dont actually want to act. It makes suggestions for improved practices and encourages additional training. What it is, is all too plain: a hollow election-year effort to seem to be up to the moment. Across the Capitol, the House was moving on a bill of its own on Wednesday. That measure, much tougher than whats been proposed in the Senate, would ban choke holds and certain no-knock warrants, would create a database intended to keep bad cops from being able to bounce from one police department to another without notice, and would end so-called qualified immunity, a move that would allow victims of police brutality to seek damages. These are the sorts of sensible, real-world reforms that could actually do some good. As such, Republican members of the House Judiciary Committee, both sadly and predictably, worked to change the subject at Wednesdays meeting. They yakked about the FBIs doings on the probe of Russian meddling in our elections. They brought up abortion. And the discredited left-wing notion of defunding the police. In short, they showed themselves to be anything but serious. The wave of nationwide protests that were sparked by the Memorial Day death of George Floyd in Minneapolis seemed to demonstrate that the citizenry had reached a tipping point. Wednesdays continued foolishness from Republicans in both houses of Congress made it clear that the message hadnt gotten through to the once-Grand Old Party. 2016 It Feels Like Yesterday The Trump clan and Republicans got away with quite an election coup back in 2016. It may not have been the biggest shock, but it was a shock nonetheless and what unfolded throughout most of the 1st term was perhaps even more jaw-dropping. Collusion with the old enemy? Back in the 1960s, if an American was accused of siding with the reds, they would have been a person non Grata. The Trump may not have officially received any support from Putin but as they say, where there is smoke there is fire We could go on, but theres no point. It really is a broken record and Trump managed to dodge a bullet. Deja Vu It goes without saying that Trump cant go knocking on Russias door for the 2nd time Assuming that he had received help, solicited or not, the 1st time around. That seems to put just one other nation with the means to materially influence the outcome of a Presidential Election. Rewind to January 2020 and Trump was sitting pretty and looking set for an almost uncontested 2nd term. We even saw his main contender, Bernie Sanders call it a day in April. Then there was the pandemic and it was not just the pandemic but the management of it. For voters, November is not that far away and the loss of loved ones will still be a painful cross to bear. Throw in Trumps disregard for human life in the interest of attempting to reverse an economic meltdown by November It gets even worse. How an elected President can have such disregard for human life is astounding and lets not even talk about the riots The Democratic Lifeline Joe Biden will be licking his lips. The Oval Office door is ajar and the Democrats have the chance of a return to Office. Surely, only Tomfoolery would leave Biden out in the cold Another short one. After all, it is really for the Republicans to lose than for Biden to win. If the latest polls that are flying around are an indicator, its going to be a lot closer than 2016. And, Im sure that Trump will do a little more damage between now and November After all, there is Twitter, which is quite aptly named. Story continues The College Vote Alas, there is the college vote and it has thwarted many a popular candidate to become the next U.S President. What an accolade and yet the voting majority doesnt decide on the outcome Interestingly, both Reuters and CNBC had Biden out in front this week. In fact, Biden was also a nose ahead in the swing states. Just one more gaff and Biden is in. As for the global financial markets, Biden seems to have received a nod of approval, albeit a slight one. We havent seen any panic over the prospect of a Biden victory. For those of us who cover the markets, however, it will be a shame not to be able to cover Trump and all his antics Maybe Trump Jr will entertain us down the road For the hardliner Republicans, a 2nd impeachment? Well, that would be a legacy to behold. This article was originally posted on FX Empire More From FXEMPIRE: CLEMSON, South Carolina - A Clemson University scientist has joined forces with an international team of astronomers to identify periodic gamma-ray emissions from 11 active galaxies, paving the way for future studies of unconventional galaxies that might harbor two supermassive black holes at their centers. Among astronomers, it has long been well-established that most galaxies host a black hole at their center. But galaxies hosting a pair of black holes has remained theoretical. The results of the team's research appeared in The Astrophysical Journal on June 19, 2020 in a paper titled "Systematic search for gamma-ray periodicity in active galactic nuclei detected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope." "In general, supermassive black holes are characterized by masses of more than a million masses of that of our sun," said Pablo Penil, lead author of the study and a Ph.D. student at Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain. "Some of these supermassive black holes, known as active galactic nuclei (AGN) have been found to accelerate particles to near the speed of light in collimated beams called jets. The emission from these jets is detected throughout the entire electromagnetic spectrum, but most of their energy is released in the form of gamma rays." Gamma rays, which are the most extreme form of light, are detected by the Large Area Telescope onboard NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. AGN are characterized by abrupt and unpredictable variations in brightness. "Identifying regular patterns in their gamma-ray emission is like looking at the stormy sea and searching for the tiny regular set of waves caused by, say, the passage of a small boat," Penil said. "It becomes very challenging very quickly." The team accomplished the first difficult step of identifying a large number of galaxies that emits periodically over years and is trying to address the question of what is producing that periodic behavior in these AGN. Several of the potential explanations are fascinating. "The next step will be the preparation of observational campaigns with other telescopes to closely follow up on these galaxies and hopefully unravel the reasons behind these compelling observations," said co-author Marco Ajello, an associate professor in the College of Science's department of physics and astronomy at Clemson University. "We have a few possibilities in mind - from lighthouse effects produced by the jets to modulations in the flow of matter to the black hole - but one very interesting solution would be that periodicity is produced by a pair of supermassive black holes rotating around each other. Understanding the relation of these black holes with their environment will be essential for a complete picture of galaxy formation." Thanks to a decade of Fermi-LAT observations, the team was able to identify the repetition of gamma-ray signals over cycles of a few years. On average, these emissions repeated about every two years. "Our study represents the most complete work to date on the search for periodicity in gamma rays, a study that will be instrumental in deriving insights about the origin of this peculiar behavior," said co-author Alberto Dominguez, Penil's Ph.D. supervisor in Madrid and also a former postdoctoral researcher in Ajello's group at Clemson. "We have used nine years of continuous LAT all-sky observations. Among the more than two thousand AGN analyzed, only about a dozen stand out for this intriguing cyclical emission." Enlarging the limited sample of periodic emitters constitutes an important leap forward for understanding the underlying physical processes in these galaxies. "Previously only two blazars were known to show periodic changes in their gamma-ray brightness. Thanks to our study, we can confidently say that this behavior is present in 11 other sources," said co-author Sara Buson, a professor at University of Wurzburg in Germany. "In addition, our study found 13 other galaxies with hints of cyclical emission. But to confidently confirm this, we need to wait for Fermi-LAT to collect even more data." ### NEW DELHI Indias prime minister said Friday that the entire country is hurt and angry at the killing of 20 soldiers by Chinese forces in a disputed Himalayan border region, while denying assertions that any Indian territory had been lost. Addressing a meeting of top opposition leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country today has such capability that no one can even dare look towards an inch of our land. Modi underscored that India wants peace and friendship, but upholding sovereignty is foremost. Sonia Gandhi, the main opposition Congress party chief, had earlier questioned whether intelligence failures had allowed China to build up forces in the area and she called for tough government action in getting China to leave Indian territory. We are still in the dark about many crucial aspects of the crisis, she said. India and China accuse each other of instigating Mondays fight in the Galwan Valley, part of the disputed Ladakh region along the Himalayan frontier. China has not said whether it suffered any casualties in what was the deadliest conflict between the sides in 45 years. Both countries said they were communicating through military and diplomatic channels and stressed the importance of their broader relationship. Experts say the two nations are unlikely to head to war, but easing tensions quickly will be difficult. China on Friday maintained its position that India is to blame for the clash. The right and wrong is very clear and the responsibility lies entirely with the Indian side, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said. Both India and China have denied media reports that Indian soldiers were in Chinese custody. During Mondays clash soldiers brawled with clubs, rocks and their fists in the thin air at 4,270 meters (14,000 feet) above sea level, but no shots were fired, Indian officials have said. The soldiers carry firearms but are not allowed to use them under a previous agreement in the border dispute. Indian security officials have said the fatalities were caused by severe injuries and exposure to subfreezing temperatures. The clash escalated a standoff that began in early May, when Indian officials said Chinese soldiers crossed the border in three places, erecting tents and guard posts and ignoring warnings to leave. That triggered shouting matches, stone-throwing and fistfights between the opposing sides, much of it replayed on TV news programs and in social media. The action has taken place along a remote stretch of the 3,380-kilometer (2,100-mile) Line of Actual Control the border established following a war between India and China in 1962 that resulted in an uneasy truce. The rules of engagement along the Line of Actual Control which prohibit using live ammunition but also ban physical contact between soldiers will have to be renegotiated, defense analyst Rahul Bedi said. There is a lot of pressure on the Indian side, the emotions are high among the public, Bedi said. It remains to be seen whether India will sit down at the negotiating table with China and say it will like to change these agreements to make them a little more aggressive or offensive in nature, he said. In Fridays meeting with Modi, Gandhi said the entire country would like assurances that China will move its forces back to the Line of Actual Control. Other opposition leaders echoed her call. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said there was no intelligence failure on the part of the army. Modi maintained no Indian territory had been captured by China and praised the sacrifice of the soldiers killed, saying they taught a lesson to those who had dared to look towards our motherland. The nation will forever remember their valor and sacrifice, he said. The clash has fanned growing anti-Chinese sentiments in India, which were already high because of the coronavirus pandemic, which began in China late last year. Indias caseload has climbed to fourth-highest in the world. An Indian business confederation called for a boycott of 500 Chinese goods, including toys and textiles, to express strong criticism of Chinas action in Ladakh. Taylor Fravel, director of the Security Studies Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said China was trying to put pressure on India, and he didnt think Beijing wanted a violent clash between their armies. From a strategic perspective, Fravel said, China should want to drive a wedge between India and the United States to prevent any kind of counter-balance coalition. The deaths and the clash on Monday night will probably very quickly and much more rapidly push India closer to the United States, which I think is probably not what China wants, he said. G. Parthasarthy, a retired Indian diplomat, said that both China and Pakistan Indias archrival were aiming at low-cost containment of India. China has a hangup against India and its civilization. For us to expect China will be a friendly neighbor . It will never be a friendly relationship. China claims about 90,000 square kilometers (35,000 square miles) of territory in Indias northeast, while India says China occupies 38,000 square kilometers (15,000 square miles) of its territory in the Aksai Chin Plateau in the Himalayas, a contiguous part of the Ladakh region. India unilaterally declared Ladakh a federal territory while separating it from disputed Kashmir in August 2019. China was among the countries to condemn the move, raising it at forums including the U.N. Security Council. India was elected to the council this week. Two UW Law Students Selected for Harvard Journal of Law, Policys Symposium Issue Editorial Board Two University of Wyoming College of Law students were selected to the editorial board of the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policys (HJLPP) 39th annual Federalist Society National Student Symposium Issue. Third-year law student Nathan Cowper, from Laramie, and second-year student Elizabeth Stephani, of Centennial, Colo., are the first UW law students selected for the prestigious position. The HJLPP is among 17 student-produced scholarly journals at Harvard Law School, and is published three times annually by the Harvard Society for Law and Public Policy Inc., an organization of Harvard Law School students. The journal is among the top five most widely circulated law reviews. The symposium edition will be available in the HJLPPs Volume 44 this fall. Students are selected based on their editing abilities, attention to detail and demonstrated commitment to the journal. A notable alumnus of the HJLPP is U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, who is scheduled to visit UW later this fall. Cowper and Stephani both served as research assistants for UW College of Law Professor George Mocsary during their first year of law school. He encouraged them to apply to the editorial board. Nathan and Lizzie will be excellent additions to the HJLPPs editorial board, Mocsary says. Their demonstrated initiative and abilities, honed by their College of Law experiences, will ensure that they excel in their roles. A leading periodical for conservative and libertarian legal scholarship, the HJLPP often explores issues and hotly debated topics related to the Constitution. The 2020 National Student Symposium took place in March online and examined the structural Constitution in the 21st century. The upcoming symposium edition of the law review will feature panel transcripts and articles surrounding the theme of the event. Cowper grew up in Laramie where he was inspired to earn a law degree by two aunts, both UW College of Law alumnae. He earned an English degree (2017) from UW and worked as a research assistant for the late UW law Professor John Burman, who inspired Cowper to pursue a law career. Following law school, Cowper plans to work as an advocate of individual liberties, especially those protected by the Second Amendment. He has served as an extern with the Laramie City Attorneys Office, and is currently working for the Firearms Policy Coalition, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization advocating for individual liberty and important constitutional rights. I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to work as an editor for the HJLPPs Federalist Society Symposium Edition, Cowper says. I believe strongly in the goals of the society, namely, the promotion of individual liberty, traditional values and the rule of law. I am humbled by this incredible opportunity. With an interest in sustainability, public land management and a passion for private property rights, Stephani earned her bachelors degree (2018) in government, with a minor in environmental science and policy, from Smith College. Before starting law school, she spent four months in South Africa working on a waste management project. She also gained experience as a fellow at the Colorado Secretary of States Office and as a project manager for the nonprofit AeroAngel. Stephani is working as an extern with the U.S. Attorneys Office in Denver, Colo., this summer. The board of the United Nations atomic watchdog agency on Friday issued a rare condemnation of Iran for stonewalling its nuclear inspectors, and called on the country to allow the agency access to two undeclared sites. The resolution passed by the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) 35-nation Board of Governors was the first to formally criticize the Islamic Republic since 2012. Drafted by the E3 France, United Kingdom and Germany the text calls on Iran to fully cooperate with the Agency and satisfy the Agencys requests without any further delay, including by providing prompt access to the locations specified by the Agency. Board members demanded access to two old sites used in the early 2000s, but identified in March, where they suspect Iran has stored or conducted nuclear activity without declaring so to the agency. In its latest report, the IAEA said one of the facilities was partially demolished, and it had observed activity at the other that suggested Iran was cleaning up traces of nuclear activity. Iran says the agency lacks the authority to inspect the sites in question. Following the vote Friday, Irans permanent representative to Vienna-based international organizations, Kazem Gharib Abadi, vowed his country would respond appropriately. "Those who made this decision will bear responsibility for its consequences," said Gharib Abadi, as quoted by state-controlled ISNA news agency. The calls for inspections come as the United States maintains its pressure campaign of tough economic sanctions in hopes of bringing Tehran back to the table for a deal that would more tightly restrict its nuclear ambitions. In 2018, President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions on Iran after withdrawing the United States from the nuclear deal reached by the Barack Obama administration and major world powers in 2015. Iran has since resumed uranium enrichment in violation of the deal. The IAEA says the country's growing stockpile may be enough for a nuclear weapon, which Iran insists it has no plans to build. The White House is currently pushing for extension to a United Nations arms embargo on Iran that is set to expire in October under the terms of the original nuclear deal from which the United States withdrew. ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Baltimores disgraced former mayor pleaded guilty to a state perjury charge Friday for failing to disclose a business interest relating to her Healthy Holly childrens books on her financial disclosure forms when she was a state senator. Catherine Pugh, a 70-year-old Democrat, already has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for netting hundreds of thousands of dollars in the self-dealing scandal over the books that touted exercise and nutrition. She is scheduled to report to federal prison next week in Alabama. Last year, she pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy and tax evasion charges. She answered yes quietly through a mask when asked by her attorneys whether she understood the plea agreement on the perjury charge. She was sentenced to six months in jail to be served concurrently with her federal sentence. Judge Mark Crooks said he was saddened for the city of Baltimore, which has struggled with high violent crime, when he heard of the charges against her. It forced you to leave the helm of the ship in the middle of the tempest, Crooks said. Charlton Howard, the state prosecutor who brought the charge, said after the sentencing that ensuring elected officials are transparent about their business relationships is essential to maintaining integrity in government. He noted that she reported other business interests on her financial disclosure forms, but not Healthy Holly. In order for us in the state and for the state prosecutors office to have the best opportunity to battle corruption, the first important step is transparency. Thats the reason behind the financial disclosure forms, so that the public doesnt have to guess at what are the financial ties that our public officials have, Howard said. Pugh served in the Maryland Senate from 2007 to 2016, when she was elected Baltimores mayor. She resigned as mayor under pressure last year as authorities investigated bulk sales of her paperbacks, which netted her hundreds of thousands of dollars. Pugh earned at least $345,000 in income in 2016 through sales of her books but failed to mention her ownership in financial disclosure forms, which are filed with the Maryland State Ethics Commission and signed under the penalties of perjury, according to the state prosecutors office. In the federal case, Pugh admitted to defrauding purchasers of her books to pay for straw donations to her political campaign for mayor and to fund the purchase and renovation of a house in Baltimore. She also admitted to selling her books to the University of Maryland Medical System, where she had served as a board member. The medical system paid Pugh a total of $500,000 for 100,000 copies that were meant to be distributed to schoolchildren, but about 60,000 of those books were sent to a city warehouse and a Pugh office where thousands were removed to give to other customers. Prosecutors say Pugh never delivered the other 40,000 books the health system purchased for city schools. While serving in the state Senate, Pugh sat on a committee that funded the medical system. She also sat on the hospital networks board from 2001 until the scandal erupted in March. Pugh returned the last $100,000 payment. People told her it was a mistake. After all, she was the lead singer in Savages, a critically-acclaimed, all-female UK band that formed in 2011, taking the barbed-wire sound and incendiary attitude of late-'70s post-punk and translating it perfectly for the new millennium. There were whispers in her ear that she really shouldn't leave all that behind to make a solo album. Jehnny Beth "I think change is scary and people don't see your vision until it's accomplished," says Jehnny Beth, self-isolating in her Paris apartment due to COVID-19. "People aren't in your head so they can't tell where you're heading, but they know what you're leaving. "It's common in the music industry. I've heard it before. 'If you do this you're going to lose your career' or 'If you do this no-one's going to remember you'. I've never been impressed by that kind of thinking. I kind of like the feeling of doing something wrong." She wasn't born Jehnny Beth. Her real name is Camille Berthomier and she grew up in Poitiers, in western France. Sixteen years ago she met musician Nicolas Conge, who became her partner in both life and art. He adopted the name Johnny Hostile; she mirrored it with Jehnny Beth. US Religious Freedom Commission Cites Turkey for Persecuting Religious Minorities Yazidis and others living in the Sinjar region of northern Iraq are still reeling from Turkish airstrikes that terrorized them over the weekend. Turkey says it was targeting Kurdish rebels belonging to the Kurdistan Workers Party or PKK, which both Turkey and the US deem as a terrorist organization. Using the codename "Operation Claw-Eagle," Turkish fighters blew up 81 targets Sunday including shelters and caves in Sinjar, the Qandil Mountains, and Makhmour which is home to thousands of Kurds. The attack occurred just a few days after some 200 Yazidi families were moving back into their homes in Sinjar after being displaced in 2014 when the Islamic State committed genocide against their people. "So it was very troubling to us as well as to many others around the world," Nadine Maenza, a commissioner on the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) told CBN News. Turkey says PKK fighters were planning attacks against Turkey from hideouts in the region, but Maenza says there's no proof. "These attacks to do 81 strikes in an area that is so poor, so desperate, with so few Yazidis having returned and the ones that did return had to experience literally watching Mount Sinjar on fire was really troubling and really disturbing to them," she said. "It seemed as if they weren't trying to hit the targets that they were trying to make a statement and to scare. Was it to keep the Yazidis from coming or was it to make a point that they consider the PKK to be dangerous and worthy of these kind of strikes even though it didn't seem to match the facts on the ground?" she continued. More than 400,000 Yazidis remain in refugee camps in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Before they were defeated, ISIS kidnapped 6,000 Yazidi women and sold them into sex slavery. 3,000 of these women are still missing. Six years later, construction is just starting to begin to rebuild their communities that ISIS ravaged. Maenza says for Yazidis, along with Christians in the region, there's a great need for self-governance and the building of security forces so these minority populations can be protected. "For Turkey to come in and do this right now as they're just starting to try and get people back sent a message against Yazidis," she said. Just last week USCIRF conducted a hearing on how Turkey has taken away religious freedom from a number of religious minorities, including ancient Christian communities, in northeast Syria. Maenza says this latest attack appears to be straight from the public relations playbook of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan -- to make news on the international stage in order to distract from what's happening inside his country. In this case a waning economy, the pandemic, and a growing coalition of political foes. She compares the airstrike in Iraq to Erdogan's arrest and imprisonment of American Pastor Andrew Brunson four years ago which served as another domestic distraction at the time. USCIRF has condemned Turkey's behavior both in Iraq and Syria. "Turkey should not be going after religious minorities either in Iraq or Syria. When they do we're going to call them out," she says. June 19 : Chinese smartphone brand Xiaomi expanded its product portfolio in India by launching Mi Selfie Stick Tripod at Rs. 1,099. The product works as a selfie stick as well as a tripod, and can be purchased right away from Mi.com. Unlike its other Mi products like the electric toothbrush, the Selfie Stick Tripod is not a crowdfunded product. Specifications Mi Selfie Stick Tripod features some control buttons that can operate certain functions of the phone. So, it saves you from touching the phones screen. While the Selfie Stick Tripod can fit phones of different sizes, even large phones like the Mi Max 2, it can connect with any phone over Bluetooth v3.0. The product also comes with a Bluetooth remote for easy access, which can be separated from the selfie stick and can be used for clicking pictures from afar. Mi fans, free your hands and capture perfect and steady shots. Mi Selfie Stick Tripod (with Bluetooth remote) is light, sturdy, portable, and non-slip. Available at 1,099 on https://t.co/D3b3Qt4Ujl. Know more: https://t.co/c3fdWYds3E pic.twitter.com/pppsN2rolO Mi India (@XiaomiIndia) June 18, 2020 The mobile accessory combines the selfie stick with a tripod in one single unit. The stand requires Android 4.3 or higher, or iOS 5.0 or higher to connect to your phone. The newly launched device offers 360-degree phone holder rotation and has an adjustable grip. When the selfie stick is extended, its length becomes 510 mm. The device can be folded easily to slide into the pocket making it quite portable. Mi Selfie Stick Tripod has dimensions of 190 x 45 x 50 mm and weighs 155 grams only. The selfie-stick-cum-tripod features a micro-USB port for charging. Emily Quaile feels stuck. A bartender and server at Union Local 613, an Ottawa restaurant, shes been out of work since the her workplace closed due to COVID-19. She has been receiving the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) since mid-April, and has been spending a lot of time with her young child. But now the restaurant is open, and Quaile has been asked if she wants to come back to work. She doesnt know what to say she cant find child care, but is afraid that refusing work could penalize her, perhaps costing her the CERB benefit. Quaile is one of many workers facing a tough decision. CERB has been extended for another eight weeks. But it wont be around forever, prompting questions about what happens when its gone. Experts say CERB has exposed gaps in the existing employment insurance (EI) system, a system thats bureaucratic, out of date and doesnt make room for workers in the modern gig economy. They say this might be an opportunity to fix it. But theyre not sure how or if thats going to happen. David Macdonald, senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, said CERB is a far better system than EI. For one, he said the EI application processing system is too slow, taking sometimes more than a month to process new applications. When COVID-19 hit, the system couldnt handle the flood. Even more worrying, during the pandemic it became clear just how many Canadians didnt qualify for EI who should. These include self-employed people and gig workers, which have made up an increasing number of the workforce over the past decade. Then there are seasonal workers, minimum-wage and insecurely employed workers, and workers who rely on tips these workers wouldnt make a lot on EI, if they manage to qualify at all, Macdonald said. Quaile is one of those. As a server in Ontario, she makes $12.20 an hour, which is $1.80 less than minimum wage. The rest of her income comes in tips. But those tips dont contribute to EI. And if she goes back to work now, shell be making less in tips because of the restaurants reduced capacity. Macdonald said theres a perception that people arent going back to work because of CERB. He doesnt believe thats true. Largely the impediment is that (businesses are) not willing to increase wages, he said. If you dont pay people very much, its gonna be hard to find people to work in your industry. Tammy Schirle, a professor of economics at Wilfrid Laurier University, agrees. She said while there are lots of anecdotes from employers to support the idea that CERB is preventing employees from going back to work, shes not sure thats the case. Its not obvious to me that its any more challenging now than it ever was to get people into those types of low-paying, low-hours types of jobs, she said. I dont like to overrepresent what those anecdotes might mean without good data to back it up. Schirle said shes most concerned about the group of people who, if they went back to work, would make between just over $1,000 and a little over $2,000. Those who make even $1,001 wont qualify for a CERB top up, she said, and those who would make, say, $2,200, wont have a financial incentive to return to their job. It would have been nice to see some modification of the program that would allow for people to keep more of their earnings, Schirle said. Quaile agrees that CERB has spotlighted issues with the existing EI system, namely that it only provides people with what she calls a poverty-level income. She also believes its not CERB preventing people from going back to work, but that the jobs themselves arent offering enough. If the minimum wage and the working conditions are so poor that they compete with a poverty-level subsistence benefit, wheres the fault? she said. Macdonald said while CERB may not be a perfect program, he believes it illustrates the need for a modern EI system, though he hasnt seen moves by the government to make that happen. He said hes concerned the government is taking a wait and see approach, and may continue extending CERB instead of creating a new, sustainable system. Extending CERB also extends the uncertainty of what happens at the end of CERB, he said. Schirle said when the extension is over, she estimates roughly a quarter of the people accessing CERB will not be eligible for EI self-employed people, gig workers, part-time workers and others who havent worked enough hours to qualify. The EI program was structured for a very standard employment relationship, she said. It was not made for short-term contracts, combining gig work with part-time employment and these other sorts of things. Over the next couple of months, Schirle hopes to see a program that will benefit these workers, such as an addition to the EI program. But thats easier said than done. Schirle said these types of programs are hard to build in a way that still incentivizes people to work, and while its true CERB has exposed some gaps in the current EI program, CERB isnt a permanent fix. It is not meant to be a permanent program and it should not be a permanent program. It would be a disaster, I think, as a permanent program. She said adapting the current EI system, or creating a new one, would be a big undertaking. The new system would need to find ways to cover people who are self-employed, or who quit instead of being laid off, for example, she said, adding thats it not as simple as a basic income. I think it is fair to say that there is an obvious problem here, but the solution is nowhere near obvious at all. The situation in Galwan Valley in Ladakh remains highly tense after two days since the Indian Army soldiers and Chinese troops clashed along the LAC. Twenty soldiers of the Indian Army passed away amidst the clash, which brought tension and anger among the remaining troops in the region. The incident between the two countries raised tensions, and become the first deadly clash for at least 45 years in the border areas. Reportedly, the initial statement of the Indian army included three death cases of its soldiers, adding that both troops suffered casualties. But on Tuesday, according to India Today, the officials stated that several of the seriously injured soldiers had passed away due to the criticality of their wounds. China was held responsible by India's external affairs ministry for breaking a treaty struck the previous week to respect the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Galway Valley. In a statement by James Robbins, the violence between the two troops high up in the Himalayas is very alarming, and pressure will increase on the two nuclear powers not allowing a slide into the full-scale dispute. As stated by the Indian Army, 17 Indian troops were seriously injured in the line of duty and died due to their injuries, making the total number of those who died in the middle of the clash to 20, BBC reported. The Chinese troop confirmed no casualties during the clash but accused India of crossing the border onto their side. In a statement by Zhao Lijian, spokesman of the Chinese foreign ministry, on Monday, India has crossed the borders twice attacking and provoking Chinese personnel which resulted in a serious physical clash between the two border forces. Read also: Transcript of 911 Dispatcher Report on How George Floyd Was Murdered Released According to Daily Mail, both the Indian and Chinese parties stated that no bullet has been fired in the last four decades, and on Tuesday the Indian army uttered that no shots were fired in the latest battle. It is unclear how a clash that resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers did not involve an exchange of fire. Reports said that it was fought with clubs and rocks. As reported by local outlets, Indian soldiers were beaten to death. The LAC is terribly divided. The shifting of lines is possible due to the presence of lakes, rivers, and snowcaps. The Indian and Chinese soldiers, the two of the largest armies of the world, come face to face at many points. But in recent weeks, confrontations along the border have been tense. India held China accountable for dispatching thousands of troops into Ladakh's Galwan valley. India claimed that China has been taking up 38,000 sq. km (14,700 sq. miles) of its area. In the last three decades, a number of rounds of talks have failed to settle the boundary controversy. India and China have fought only in one war, in 1962, when India the endured agony of a humiliating defeat. In May, on the border in the northeastern states of Sikkim, a number of Indian and Chinese armies exchanged physical blows. In 2017, after China attempted to expand a border road through a disputed plateau, the two countries battled in the region. There are a number of reasons why tensions are rising between the two countries, but competing strategic goals lie at the root, and both parties blame one another. Related article: Eight Mass Graves in Libya With People Buried Alive Discovered @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. By Nathan Layne (Reuters) - Devin Brosnan, one of the two Atlanta police officers charged in the shooting death of Rayshard Brooks, has not agreed to be a witness for the prosecution, his lawyer said on Thursday, contradicting an assertion by the lead prosecutor on the case. Brosnan turned himself in at the Fulton County Jail on Thursday and was soon released after filling out booking forms, getting fingerprinted and signing his own bond, according to his lawyer, Don Samuel. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard had told a news conference on Wednesday that Brosnan had turned 'state witness', agreeing to help prosecute Garrett Rolfe, the other officer charged in the killing of Brooks on June 12 By Nathan Layne (Reuters) - Devin Brosnan, one of the two Atlanta police officers charged in the shooting death of Rayshard Brooks, has not agreed to be a witness for the prosecution, his lawyer said on Thursday, contradicting an assertion by the lead prosecutor on the case. Brosnan turned himself in at the Fulton County Jail on Thursday and was soon released after filling out booking forms, getting fingerprinted and signing his own bond, according to his lawyer, Don Samuel. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard had told a news conference on Wednesday that Brosnan had turned "state witness", agreeing to help prosecute Garrett Rolfe, the other officer charged in the killing of Brooks on June 12. Rolfe, who shot Brooks in the back with his gun, was charged with felony murder and 10 other charges. Brosnan, who did not discharge his weapon, faces a handful of lesser charges, including aggravated assault and violation of his oath. The death of Brooks - the latest in a long line of African Americans whose fatal encounters with law enforcement have been documented on video - further heightened U.S. social tensions at a time of national soul searching over police brutality and racism in the criminal justice system. Howard had highlighted Brosnan's cooperation as "something remarkable", adding that the officer had "now become a state's witness. He has decided to testify on behalf of the state in this case." Brosnan's lawyer said that was not true. While his client had told Howard's office "everything" during a lengthy interview and would cooperate with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's probe, he had not agreed to be "state's witness," the lawyer said. "Officer Brosnan has not agreed to testify. He has not agreed to plead guilty," Samuel said in an emailed statement, adding that he "has not agreed to be a 'state's witness'". Brooks' killing came amid a storm of protests sparked by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who perished after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. That officer, Derek Chauvin, was charged with second-degree murder. Three other Minneapolis policemen were charged with aiding and abetting. The police encounter with Brooks started out calmly after he was found sleeping in his car at a Wendy's restaurant drive-through lane in Atlanta. Rolfe and Brosnan administered a sobriety test, after which the situation escalated. Previously released video of the Brooks appeared to show Brooks grabbing one of the officer's Taser stun guns and turning and pointing it at Rolfe before being shot. Howard said Thursday that investigators concluded Rolfe knew by then that the Taser had already been fired twice and thus was rendered harmless. One of the bullets from Rolfe's gun hit a white Chevy Trailblazer at the Wendy's, threatening the life of the three passengers inside, according to Howard and the charging documents against the two officers. One of the car's passengers, Michael Perkins, told a media briefing on Thursday that he had taken cover in the back seat as the struggle between the officers and Brooks escalated. He said he "smelt gunsmoke" but was unaware the car had taken a bullet until later. "I almost was killed myself. I feel troubled about it but I'm glad the family is getting the justice it deserves." Samuel described the decision to charge his client as "irrational" and politically-motivated. He said Brosnan's conduct on the night of the shooting was "exemplary" and a "textbook example" of how an officer should approach a situation involving someone inebriated, as Brooks was that night. While Brosnan did not fire his gun, Howard charged him with aggravated assault for allegedly standing on Brooks' body after he was shot and for violating his oath of office by not rendering medical aid immediately after he went down. Samuel said Brosnan, despite suffering a concussion during a tussle with Brooks, rushed to provide medical aid. Rolfe is expected to turn himself in later on Thursday, said Vince Champion, regional director for the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, the officers union. (reporting by Nathan Layne in Wilton, Connecticut and Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Alistair Bell) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Captain Brett Crozier, commanding officer of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, addresses the crew during an all-hands call on the ship's flight deck in the eastern Pacific Ocean December 19, 2019. WASHINGTON The U.S. Navy announced Friday that the service will not reinstate Capt. Brett Crozier, who sounded the alarm about a growing coronavirus outbreak aboard an aircraft carrier, a reversal from a previous recommendation. In April, the Navy's top officer recommended that Crozier be reinstated to his command on the USS Theodore Roosevelt after he was relieved following a messy string of events that also resulted in the resignation of then-acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly. "Had I known then what I know today, I would not have made that recommendation," Chief of Naval Operations Mike Gilday said Friday at the Pentagon. Gilday determined that Crozier should not be recommended for further command. "It is clear to me following this investigation, Capt. Crozier did not act according to the standards I expect of our commanding officers to adapt in the face of adversity, exercise ingenuity and creativity in crisis, demonstrate resilience, communicate effectively up the chain of command, and to take bold and appropriate action early and often," Gilday wrote. Gilday also said Friday that the Navy would delay the promotion of Rear Adm. Stuart Baker, who is responsible for the strike group that included the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier. Is China using the worlds preoccupation with the Covid-19 crisis to enlarge its position on several border disputes and target rivals that could have a say in shaping the post-pandemic global order? Thats a question now being debated by experts and analysts following a string of actions by China over the past few weeks and months. India-China border standoff: The most urgent of the crises is the tense weeks-old face-off between Indian and Chinese border troops in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that has sparked at least three clashes since early May, the latest being the violent brawl of June 15 that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. India has accused China of taking pre-meditated and planned action that reflected an intent to change the status quo on the LAC. ALSO READ | China releases 10 Indian soldiers after intense negotiations Reasons advanced for Chinas actions have ranged from anger over Indias beefing up of infrastructure along the strategic Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road and Indias decision last August to scrap Jammu and Kashmirs special status and create the union territory of Ladakh, which Beijing has indicated had an impact on its territorial claims in the region. Experts have also pointed to Chinas desire to protect its considerable investments in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a key part of which is located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Australia cyber attack: The Australian government said on Friday it was dealing with a massive cyber attack targeting all levels of the administration, industry, education, essential services, critical infrastructure and political organisations. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said a malicious and sophisticated state-based cyber actor was behind the attack, adding that there are not a large number of state-based actors that can engage in this type of activity. Though Morrison didnt name any country, Australian experts and observers pointed the finger of blame at China. Peter Jennings, executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, told CNN there was a 95% chance that it is China who is responsible for this attack. Australia has been vocal in recent months about an international investigation into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic and backed Indias calls for reforms of the World Health Organization (WHO) for its initial handling of the crisis. China retaliated with tariffs on Australian exports, including barley and beef. India and Australia have also spoken about working together to shape the post-Covid world order. South China Sea: There has been no let-up in Chinas activities to bolster its presence in the South China Sea, where it is embroiled in maritime boundary disputes with several countries, despite the Covid-19 pandemic. A Vietnamese vessel was rammed by a Chinese ship near Paracel Islands on June 10, months after another Vietnamese boat was sunk by Chinas coast guard in the same area. Numerous Chinese vessels have been spotted near Thitu Island, controlled by the Philippines but claimed by China. ALSO READ | World busy with Covid-19, Beijing pushes South China Sea agenda Earlier this month, Filipino authorities launched work on critical infrastructure on Thitu, located just 24 km from an artificial island created by China and equipped with radars and missiles. Over the past two months, an exploration vessel operated by Malaysias state-run oil company Petronas has been harassed in the South China Sea by Chinese vessels. Of these three countries, Vietnam has often turned to India to back its position in the South China Sea. Last year, Chinese vessels repeatedly operated in areas close to the waters where state-owned ONGC Videsh is engaged in oil and gas production. Senkaku Islands: On Thursday, China set a new record of sorts by sending its vessels into waters off the Senkaku Islands for 66 consecutive days. The islands in the East China Sea are controlled by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing, and Chinese vessels have been spotted in Japans contiguous zone every day since April 14. The contiguous zone is the area beyond the territorial sea and extending up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline that a country can claim. Technically, the presence of the Chinese vessels is not an intrusion but Japan regards it as a provocation. Japans chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga told the media on Wednesday the Senkaku islands are unquestionably our territory historically and under international law and that a protest had been lodged with China over the presence of the vessels. We think it is extremely serious that these activities continue, he said. Both Japan and India are part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad, which was upgraded to the level of foreign ministers last September. When the exclusive documentary Tianshan Still Standing: Memories of Fighting Terrorism in Xinjiang was broadcast by CGTN on June 19, some viewers commented that it reveals terrorism with blood and tears. The documentary is powerful because it is real. It presents the astounding stories of those who defend peace, survivors and even people who have inflicted harm. Thousands of terrorist attacks took place in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region between 1990 and 2016. Over the past three decades, terrorist groups, such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), have been manipulating Xinjiang locals, who generally have low levels of education, into perpetrating a number of terror attacks, resulting in a number of tragedies. It was only in the last three years that the violence has been prevented. No violent terrorist attacks have occurred in Xinjiang for the past 40 consecutive months, and right to life and the right to the development of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang have been efficiently guaranteed. Those who have not watched the 60-minute documentary have no right to point fingers at Xinjiangs counter-terrorism efforts, some people said after watching the documentary. The documentary is the third in a series released by CGTN. The previous two, which aired last December, have been played by more than 1 billion times. In non-English speaking countries such as Russia, Japan and some Middle Eastern countries, the two documentaries sparked heated discussions. China is fighting against terrorism and extremism the biggest threats to Xinjiang, remarked the website of Italian newspaper Il Giornale. Regrettably, no mainstream Western media have covered the two documentaries. Despite constantly scrutinizing the Xinjiang issue, they have now collectively gone silent. In addition, Youtube restricted viewer access to and removed the two documentaries for so-called violation of rules. At a press conference held by Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, when the spokesperson asked if any of the foreign correspondents present had seen the documentaries, none of them replied that they had. The awkward response from the foreign media to the documentaries is confusing. Are these media outlets so shocked by the facts and truth that they dont know how to continue lying to the world about the situation in Xinjiang? Or do the tragedies portrayed in the documentaries prove that those media outlets condemnation of the anti-terrorism and de-radicalization measures in Xinjiang is totally groundless? As the Western world continues to criticize anti-terrorism and de-radicalization efforts in Xinjiang, they should watch the documentary in order to become less ignorant and have some respect for the lives of Chinese people. It they have ulterior motives, then they will definitely continue to pretend to be deaf and dumb on the issue. Well see how they react. African Americans, who make up less than 7% of Wisconsins population, have had 18% of confirmed COVID-19 cases and 24% of deaths. Latinos, who also account for just under 7% of state residents, have had 33% of cases and 11% of deaths. Such disparities, which have long been found for other health conditions, have gained more attention in light of Black Lives Matter protests, Juneteenth events on Friday and a Republican state leader attributing high rates of COVID-19 among Latinos to immigrant culture. (Alliance News) - SIG PLC on Friday said it intends to raise GBP165 million in a share issue, as it said it has started to see improvement in its trading and profitability. The issue price of 25 pence each represents an 11% discount to the Thursday closing price of 33.5p each. The stock was trading 14% higher at 38.08p each on Friday morning in London, giving it a market capitalisation of GBP226.0 million. The building materials supplier said the fundraise includes an investment from American private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice LLC, which has agreed to subscribe for 240 million shares at the issue price for a total of GBP60 million. CD&R has also agreed to subscribe for shares as part of a planned placing and open offer, taking its total investment to GBP94 million. SIG said the equity fundraise will be structured in two, inter-conditional tranches. A tranche of GBP60 million being placed firm to CD&R at a price of 25 pence per share, and a second tranche of GBP105 million comprising a placing and open offer at the same price. The open offer will give qualifying shareholders the opportunity to subscribe for shares also at 25p each on the basis of 1 new share for every 4 existing shares. In May, when plans for the fundraise was announced, the Sheffield-based company said CD&R agreed to invest up to GBP85 million with a guaranteed minimum of GBP72.5 million conditional on GBP150 million of equity being raised and satisfactory amendments to the company's financing facilities being agreed. At the time, SIG said CD&R is expected to hold about 25% of the total enlarged issued share capital, adding that through a relationship agreement, CD&R will take two seats on the board. The company's largest shareholder IKO Enterprises also agreed to participate in the fundraise. The placing will be carried out by way of an accelerated bookbuild in which Jefferies International Ltd and Peel Hunt LLP are acting as joint bookrunners. The new cash will be used to improve liquidity, repay GBP48 million of its outstanding loan notes and "provide further resilience against the effects of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic" on its business. SIG said it has reached an agreement with lenders to amend the terms of its revolving credit facility and the holders of its private placement notes agreeing to no amortisation or scheduled repayments until May 2023 in relation to around GBP234 million of its remaining facilities. Separately, the company noted a gradual improvement in its performance throughout May and June 2020, particularly in the UK and Ireland. It said trading at the start of June was in line with pre-Covid-19 levels. Profitability has also improved "materially" in May with operating losses in the UK lower than management estimates as at the time of the start of the lockdown By Ife Taiwo; ifetaiwo@alliancenews.com. Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. If an editorial page editor is prevented from presenting that argument for fear of being forced out, newspapers would cease to be public forums. In the past, the Times opinion page has run pieces authored by Vladimir Putin, the Taliban and others many Americans would find unsavory, to say the least. If the nations major newspapers are no longer forums, how on earth are American citizens supposed to understand those who come from different backgrounds? Let alone engage with them? Let alone govern with them? Green Party deputy leader Catherine Martin has said that when the Taoiseach changes there will be an opportunity to renegotiate the terms of the programme for government. In the meantime the Green Party will conduct internal analysis every two to three months to monitor how policies are being implemented, she told Today with Sarah McInerney. Key barometers firmed up and hit the day's high in mid-morning trade. At 11:28 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 198.50 points or 0.58% at 34,406.55. The Nifty 50 index added 61.15 points or 0.61% at 10,152.80. The broader market was trading firm. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index rose 1.25% while the S&P BSE Small-Cap index gained 1.32%. The market breadth was strong. On the BSE, 1661 shares rose and 611 shares fell. A total of 129 shares were unchanged. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 366.57 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers to the tune of Rs 1,131.27 crore in the Indian equity market on 18 June, provisional data showed. Buzzing Index: The Nifty Pharma index gained 0.57% to 10,032.45. The index ended almost flat on Thursday. Piramal Enterprises (up 11.29%), Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (up 1.47%), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (up 0.8%), IPCA Laboratories (up 0.44%), Dr Reddy's Laboratories (up 0.23%) and GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (up 0.21%) advanced. Abbott India (down 0.65%), Strides Pharma Science (down 0.51%), Aurobindo Pharma (down 0.39%), Wockhardt (down 0.34%), Lupin (down 0.32%), Alkem Laboratories (down 0.12%), Cadila Healthcare (down 0.11%) and Divi's Laboratories (down 0.05%) declined. Cipla rose 0.36% to Rs 643.85 after the company and Roche Products (India) entered into an agreement to provide better access to innovative medicines for patients in India. Under this agreement, Cipla will be responsible for marketing and distribution of Roche Pharma's key trademark oncology drugs viz.,Trastuzumab (Herclon), Bevacizumab (Avastin) and Rituximab (Ristova). Alembic Pharmaceuticals gained 1.57% to Rs 922.60 after the company informed that its joint venture Aleor Dermaceuticals (Aleor) has received approval from the US Food & Drug Administration for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) Adapalene Gel. The approved ANDA is therapeutically equivalent to the reference listed drug product (RLD), Differin Gel, 0.3%, of Galderma Laboratories. Adapalene Gel is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older. According to IQVIA, Adapalene Gel has an estimated market size of $34 million for twelve months ending March 2020. Global Markets: Asian stocks edged higher on Friday as they shrugged off concerns over fresh spike in global coronavirus cases. On the whole, markets have reportedly been sideswiped this week on fresh contagion concerns, prompting some investors to temper their optimism about how quickly the global economy can recover for the pandemic. Meanwhile, China is grappling with its worst outbreak since the initial one in Wuhan. In Beijing, a new round of cases has reportedly prompted school closures and canceled flights into and out of the city, though authorities have said the outbreak is under control. On Thursday around 400 workers at a slaughterhouse in northern Germany tested positive for the virus. The US stocks finished mixed after swinging between slight gains and losses in a choppy trading session on Thursday, 18 June 2020, as risk sentiments were muted after stubbornly high jobless claims data and reports of rising Covid-19 case counts in several states. The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits edged down last week, the Labor Department said on Thursday, though applications remained historically high at 1.5 million. Several US states have seen a spike in coronavirus cases, and Texas, Arizona, and North Carolina this week have reported record numbers of COVID-19-related hospitalizations. Investors are nervous that increasing cases will undermine efforts to restore the economy by relaxing lockdowns. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A major drive is being launched to source and publish for the first time Offaly GAA stories from the grassroots of the association by a well-known Clara author. The collaboration between the association and publishers, Ballpoint Press Ltd, aims to gather the most comprehensive treasure trove of Gaelic-related stories ever compiled in the 136-year history of the GAA. As well as Offaly and the four corners of Ireland, stories will also be sought from across the globe, in particular from those who have been GAA frontier people in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries. The story gathering will include oral accounts so that all kind of stories can be written down for the first time in book form and also feature in the GAA's archives at Croke Park. Potential contributors who feel they have a story but may not feel up to writing it can get in touch with Ballpoint Press and relate their account. It will then be written and sent back for approval before being submitted for final publishing. The president of the GAA, John Horan, said he welcomed the exploration through the GAA grassroots to find the diversity of stories that undoubtedly exist there. The grassroots are the lifeblood of our organisation and it is timely that that such an undertaking is finally going ahead. I'm delighted because it means that there will be a permanent home for these stories in both book form as well in our own GAA archive section. Clara man and well-known journalist and author, PJ Cunningham, will spearhead the undertaking alongside GAA Communications Director, Alan Milton. PJ said it had been an ambition of his for many years to bring what he believes is the great legacy of GAA stories together under one project. GAA is a way of life for most Irish people at home and abroad. It is packed with diverse stories from on and off the pitch. I grew up listening to them and enjoying their retelling, but the reality is that many of these stories exist only in word of mouth form. At present, we all have a bit more time to commit such stories to paper so that they can be preserved for future generations. Ideally the stories should have their own unique selling point rather than just normal accounts of winning or losing matches. They can also include inter-county fare and personnel because it is the grassroots people who gather in large numbers to support those encounters. Basically, we are interested in any story from 1884 onwards to the present day that has a special, novel or unusual twist to it. For further information contact pj@gaastories.ie or communications@gaa Letters can be sent to GAA Grassroots Stories, Ballpoint Press, 4 Wyndham Park, Bray, Co Wicklow, phone 086 8217631. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: The export of ready-made clothes from Turkey to Azerbaijan from January through May 2020 decreased by 1.87 percent compared to the same period of 2019 and amounted to $16.5 million, the Turkish Ministry of Trade told Trend. At the same time, the export of ready-made clothes from Turkey to Azerbaijan in May 2020 decreased by 20.49 percent compared to May 2019 and amounted to $3.6 million. Turkeys export of ready-made clothing to the world markets dropped by 26.1 percent from January through May 2020, compared to the same period of 2019, amounting to $5.6 billion. Turkeys ready-made clothing export amounted to 9.1 percent of the countrys total export for January through May 2020. In May 2020, Turkey exported ready-made clothing worth $840.2 million to the foreign markets, which is 48.2 percent less compared to the same month of 2019. Turkeys ready-made clothing export in May 2020 amounted to 8.4 percent of the country's total export. During the last twelve months (from May 2019 through May 2020), Turkey exported the ready-made clothing in the amount of over $15.6 billion. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu The release of the army personnel, including two Majors, two Captains and six jawans from two units, came about after three days of negotiations in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh headed by a a Major General of the Army. Ten Indian Army soldiers, held captive by the Chinese troops after the violent clash on Monday in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, were released on Thursday evening. The release of the army personnel, including two Majors, two Captains and six jawans from two units, came about after three days of negotiations in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh headed by a a Major General of the Army. According to India Today, a consensus on the release was reached at Major General-level talks between the Indian Army and China's People's Liberation Army. The senior Indian officer was reportedly assured of the safety of the soldiers during talks on Thursday. An official word on the release of 10 Indian Army soldiers is, however, still awaited. Without giving any details of the release, the Army on Thursday said that all soldiers involved in the clash in eastern Ladakh on the intervening night of 15 and 16 June with the Chinese army have now been accounted for. "It is clarified that there are no Indian troops missing in action," the army said in a brief statement on Thursday. However, the Chinese state television CGTN quoted the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian during a press briefing on Friday as saying: "China has not seized any Indian personnel." China has not seized any Indian personnel, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a daily press briefing on Friday in response to a question about the China-India border situation: China's CGTN pic.twitter.com/ujfIluRKd4 ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2020 Military sources were quoted saying on Thursday that at least 76 Indian soldiers were injured and remain in hospital after the clashes. All of them are expected to rejoin duty within 15 days. Some media reports have also claimed that the soldiers were assaulted by the Chinese army with iron rods and clubs wrapped in barbed wire laced with nails. Although, the Chinese military did not reveal the number of casualties, according to army sources at least 45 Chinese soldiers have either been killed or injured. Meanwhile, analysis of satellite images has shown a large presence of Chinese troops in the northern banks of Pangsong Tso lake, a disputed territory for years. "In the past month, Chinese forces have become an overwhelming majority in the disputed areas. Significant positions have been constructed between fingers 4 and 5, including around 500 structures, fortified trenches and a new boatshed over 20 kilometres further forward than previously. More structures appear to be under construction," according to a report published in The Strategist, the journal of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. The clash in Galwan Valley is the biggest confrontation between the two militaries since 1967 in Nathu La, when India lost around 80 soldiers while the toll on the Chinese side was over 300. The last time the Chinese military had taken Indian soldiers captive was in July 1962 after a clash in the same region, Galwan Valley. China opening multiple fronts like the one on the border with India is because of Beijing's assessment that the world is 'distracted' due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it could take advantage of it, a top United States diplomat has said. Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell made the remark on Thursday, adding that the Trump administration is closely watching the Indo-China situation. 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel, were killed in a clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley on Monday night, in the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two countries. The latest Chinese activities with India is similar to Beijing's past activities on India border, including Doklam, Stilwell told reporters during a conference call. "One explanation for (China) creating multiple fronts like this is an assessment in Beijing that the world is distracted and is focused entirely on survival right (now), recovering from the corona pandemic, which then possibly is seen as an opportunity to take advantage of the distraction," Stillwell said. "I'm not going to offer an official US government position on that, but there are numerous explanations out there for that (in the public domain)," he said, responding to a question on the aggressive Chinese behaviour with its neighbours, including India. "What we're doing, we're obviously watching the India-China border dispute very closely," Stillwell said during the conference call after the Hawaii meeting between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi to exchange views on bilateral relations and coronavirus pandemic. "This activity is similar to the activity we've seen in the past on border disputes with the PRC (Peoples Republic of China), and again, I would point you to those I think it was 2015 when Xi Jinping travelled to India the first time," he said. "The PLA (People's Liberation Army) invaded this contested area deeper and longer, with more people, than ever before historically. Whether that was a negotiating tactic or just a punch in the nose to demonstrate their superiority, I don't know," Stillwell said. "But then we saw the Doklam issue down near Bhutan, where we saw similar concerns. I wish I knew. Again, we don't have a lot of visibility and we don't have a lot of open dialogue with our Chinese counterparts, and honestly, I'd like to see more of that if we can," he said. During the news conference, Stilwell did not confirm if the ongoing Indo-China border clash came up during the Pompeo-Yang talks. But the State Department official did express concern over the recent Chinese behaviour in the region. "The actions that we've seen out of the PRC of late -- and you all know this as you watch the beat -- have been not really constructive as we look at India, the South China Sea, Hong Kong issues, and just go around the perimeter. "In the periphery things like trade have not lived up to the billing, unfortunately," Stillwell said. The US seeks a constructive and result-oriented relationship that is fair and reciprocal with China, he said, adding that implies not just conversations but actions. In addition to talks on areas like North Korea, Pompeo during the meeting insisted on the Chinese disclosing all they know about how this pandemic began, to share all the information that they have that leads to saving lives, he said. "This is not about saving face; it's about saving lives. And we insist that they live up to their agreements with the WHO and with the international health regulations to make open as this is beyond politics," Stillwell said. "We have to understand and assess that, as I talk about a constructive and result-oriented relationship, that the words are fine but will be judged by the deeds. If we have words of peace but we have aggressive actions, then we're going to have to increase the pressure to manage that," he said. In this the US is not alone, Stillwell added. "This is not a US-China event. It's not a US-China issue. This is China versus lots of others. We just saw a very strong G7 statement on Hong Kong that demonstrates that it's the world that's concerned with this behaviour," he said. "The objective of these talks was to help the Chinese government understand that their actions are actually working against them and that if they come to the table with a reasonable proposal, the US is obviously going to greet it reasonably and look for ways to work toward a positive outcome," Stillwell said. WASHINGTON Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota announced late Thursday that she was withdrawing from consideration to be the running mate of former Vice President Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket. Klobuchar, who mounted her own campaign for the presidency before dropping out and becoming one of Bidens most spirited surrogates, said during an MSNBC interview that she called Biden on Wednesday night and told him he should choose a woman of color to be his running mate. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Generally cloudy. High 21F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Periods of snow. Low near 15F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 90%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected. T he Australian government is being targeted by a "sophisticated, state-based" cyber attack, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said. The attacks have targeted all levels of the government, political organisations, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure, Mr Morrison said. "We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting, he said at a media briefing in Canberra. Mr Morrison would not name the state responsible but said there were not a lot of state actors that could launch this sort of attack. He said: "This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure." Although the threat was constant, the Australian PM said the frequency of attacks had increased "over many months". Mr Morrison added: "This is the actions of a state-based actor with significant capabilities. There aren't too many state-based actors who have those capabilities." Australia's Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said advice showed no large-scale personal data breaches from the attack. The revelation comes after Canberra determined in March last year that China was responsible for a hacking attack on Australia's parliament. Australia never publicly identified that source of the attack and China denied it was responsible. By Express News Service KOCHI: It's been more than three months since 225 Malayali medical students were stranded in their college hostels in Kyrgyzstan. These students reached out to the Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan and Norka Roots, but in vain. Around 400 students from the state are studying in five colleges situated in the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan. Despite being under quarantine in their hostels, these 225 students have been attempting to return. "As our university has permitted us to return and write our semester exams online, we decided to reach home before the situation worsens. As many as 50 students of International Higher School of Medicine (IHSM) and 165 students of Osh State University have tried their best to find a place in the Vande Bharat Mission," said RS Ajayaraj of Pathanamthitta, who is a medical student there. Even in the third phase of the mission, which will operate flights till June 28, no service has been chartered to Kerala. "Our classmates from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh etc have returned. It's frustrating when authorities pass the buck amid numerous requests for evacuation," said the 21-year-old student. The lack of communication from authorities has severely affected the morale of anxious students. "So far, we have only received a letter from the Kerala government's principal secretary, which was sent to the Indian Embassy and MEA to initiate action. Over 2,000 cases have been reported in Kyrgyzstan and it will increase in the coming days. The Indian government needs to intervene immediately," said Anandhu Anilkumar of Kollam, another student. A majority of these students hail from the southern part of the state. Thanks to their university administration, the students are provided with food through their hostel mess. "We used to come home every year during the annual vacation, which begins in June. Though we have been provided with food and hostel facilities, all of us are anxious about the rising number of coronavirus cases here. Even our relatives back home have approached many authorities, but nothing has happened so far," said Anatta Sobi BC from Thiruvananthapuram. Meanwhile, a new flight is scheduled on July 9 from Kyrgystan under Phase 3 of Vande Bharat. "Though they have scheduled a flight on July 9, only 149 of us can be travel in it. We have no clarity over the situation of the rest of the students," said another student. Responding to their plight, Norka roots officials pointed out that a special plan to bring back the students from foreign countries will be arranged soon."Under the new plan, both chartered flights and Vande Bharat flights will be made available to the students. But the students have to bear the expense of the tickets," said the spokesperson. Despite several attempts by TNIE, V Muraleedharan was unavailable for comments. Garda at the scene in Castlerea, Co Roscommon (Niall Carson/PA) A man in his 40s remains in custody in Co Roscommon after the killing of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Mr Horkan was shot dead while on duty in Castlerea in Co Roscommon on Wednesday night. A man aged in his 40s was arrested on Thursday and remains in custody at Castlerea Garda Station for a second day in a row. He can be questioned for up to 72 hours from the time of his arrest. Mr Horkan was shot dead while on duty in Castlerea in Co Roscommon on Wednesday night. Gardai believe Detective Horkans gun was taken from him after he became involved an altercation while he was on patrol in the town. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has described the killing as a random act. Hundreds of local people gathered in Castlerea on Thursday evening for a vigil paying tribute to Detective Garda Horkan. I have opened online Book of Condolence to allow Dubliners to express their sympathies to family & colleagues of Detective Garda Colm Horkan who was killed while on duty serving and protecting the people of Ireland. It can be signed at https://t.co/W1upVqEoi5 until Tues 23 June pic.twitter.com/t49fiiG7ud Lord Mayor of Dublin (@LordMayorDublin) June 18, 2020 The post-mortem into his death has been completed and his body is expected to be released to his family in Charlestown, Co Mayo, for burial in the next few days. Gardai are examining how a State funeral will be held for Detective Horkan given the Covid-19 restrictions as members of the public will also want to pay their respects. Books of condolence have opened at garda stations around the country. Dublin City Council has opened an online book of condolence, with all messages to be presented to Detective Horkans family. Meanwhile, Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran says the death of Detective Garda Colm Horkan has caused outrage in the area and has appealed for calm. Bishop Doran said the community in Co Roscommon is still trying to come to terms with Detective Horkans death. There is an actual feeling of revulsion in people about what happened it is important we dont allow what has happened to bring our society down to that level. What has happened and the cruel way in which it happened, does not and cannot define the kind of society that we are, he told Shannonside FM. The remains of Detective Horkan will be brought to his family home in Co Mayo on Friday evening. Hundreds of people lined the streets in Ballaghdareen in Co Roscommon on Friday afternoon to pay their respects to Detective Horkan, who worked there as a garda for several years. Signing the book of condolence for the late Detective Garda Colm Horkan in Wexford Garda Station. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/xF47C8VqRC BrendanHowlin (@BrendanHowlin) June 19, 2020 Politicians have been among those signing books of condolence in Garda stations on Friday. Signing the book of condolence for Detective Garda Colm Horkan, opened today in Cabra Garda Station. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam https://t.co/Y9qTLSka36 pic.twitter.com/6Kxjz4u7R5 Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) June 19, 2020 Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and Labour TD Brendan Howlin were among those to pay their respects. American Fable, Selma, Army of Darkness. Classic romantic adventures, time tripping horrors and historical civil rights true stories are all up for grabs as TopFilmTip brings you the best films on TV for Friday, 19 June. Some films may require a Sky subscription. Outstanding odd-couple romantic adventure as Hepburn Bogart steams up the Congo to battle Germans in charismatic classic The African Queen 5:00pm Sony Movies Action Numerically challenged chap and big-eyed girl find friend-sex and flash mobs in atypical, quick-quipping comedy Friends With Benefits 9:00pm Comedy Central Nic Cage and John Travolta try to out-crazy each other in preposterously plotted, fantastically fun John Woo action film Face/Off 9:00pm Sony Movies Obnoxious immature college girl must solve her repeated murder in character arcing gleeful groundhogging mystery fun Happy Death Day 9:00pm Film4 Arnie suits up as the T-800 for Terminator Genisys - Credit: Paramount Pictures Sexy time trippers target evil OS in protagonist/antagonist inverting, helicopter-headbutting, sprawling sci-fi Terminator Genisys 9:00pm E4 Badass president Harrison Ford kills terrorist hijackers & saves family single handed in neck snapping, zip-lining fun Air Force One 9:00pm 5 Star Failed father Tom Cruise and despondent kids flee tenacious tentacled tripods amidst civilian incinerating alien invasion War of the Worlds 10:45pm BBC One After his familys slaughter, ex FBI man exacts calculated reign of terror on those responsible in explosive actioner The Punisher 10:50pm Sony Movies Action Bitten, shark-stalked and stranded yards from shore, symbolically broken surfer battles for survival in intense thriller The Shallows 10:50pm Film4 Visionary eloquent orator leads campaign for equality and equity as courageous oppressed march into brutal fist of bigotry Selma 11:20pm BBC Two Cop Kevin Bacon becomes embroiled in elaborate and twisted web of blackmail and murder in seductive threesome thriller Wild Things 11:30pm 5 Star To escape bullying brother, naive girl befriends mysterious man in fathers grain silo precipitating clash of innocence and reality in emotionally astute parable American Fable 00:30am Film4 Story continues Timid, self-harming aspiring actress gives up her dignity for promise of stardom in maggot puking, skull crushing curio Starry Eyes 00:35am Horror Channel Chainsaw handed deadite destroyer grows evil Ash, gets hailed / sugar in medieval dead, homunculus hoarding, boomsticking fun Army of Darkness 2:20am Film 4 Everything new on streaming in June: Netflix UK: Junes new releases NOW TV and Sky Cinema: Junes new releases Amazon Prime Video UK: June's new releases Disney+ UK: June's new releases Credit: CC0 Public Domain A report from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago shows that infants under 90 days of age who tested positive for COVID-19 tend to be well, with little or no respiratory involvement. Fever was often found to be the primary or only symptom. Findings were published in The Journal of Pediatrics. "While there is limited data on infants with COVID-19 from the United States, our findings suggest that these babies mostly have mild illness and may not be at higher risk of severe disease as initially reported from China." says lead author Leena B. Mithal, MD, MSCI, pediatric infectious diseases expert from Lurie Children's and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "Most of the infants in our study had fever, which suggests that for young infants being evaluated because of fever, COVID-19 may be an important cause, particularly in a region with widespread community activity. However, evaluation for bacterial infection in young infants with fever remains important." The study included 18 infants, none with a significant medical history. Of the 50 percent of these infants who were admitted to the hospital's general inpatient service, none required oxygen, respiratory support, or intensive care. Indications for admission were mainly clinical observation, monitoring of feeding tolerance, and ruling-out bacterial infection with empiric intravenous antibiotics in infants younger than 60 days. Of the infants admitted to the hospital, six out of nine had gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (poor feeding, vomiting and diarrhea). Upper respiratory tract symptoms of cough and congestion preceded onset of GI symptoms. Young infants also had notably high viral loads in their nasal specimens despite mild clinical illness. "It is unclear whether young infants with fever and a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 require hospital admission," says Dr. Mithal. "The decision to admit to the hospital is based on age, need for preemptive treatment of bacterial infection, clinical assessment, feeding tolerance, and adequacy of follow-up." There may be opportunities to utilize rapid SARS-CoV-2 testing to determine disposition of clinically well infants with fever." Dr. Mithal and colleagues (Drs. Machut, Muller, and Kociolek) also observed an overrepresentation of Latinx ethnicity among their sample of infants with COVID-19 (78 percent). At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Chicago, over 40 percent of cases were in individuals of Latinx ethnicity. "Although we expected that there would be many infants of Latinx ethnicity with COVID-19, there may be additional factors contributing to the disproportionate majority of Latinx cases we observed in this age group," says Dr. Mithal. "Access to sick-visit care in some primary care pediatric offices has been limited, with practices referring symptomatic children to the emergency department. Limited access to telemedicine care also may be a factor. Finally, there may be a greater likelihood of exposure with extended family living in the home or family members working outside the home during this pandemic." Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak More information: Leena B. Mithal et al, SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Infants Less than 90 Days Old, The Journal of Pediatrics (2020). Journal information: Journal of Pediatrics Leena B. Mithal et al, SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Infants Less than 90 Days Old,(2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.06.047 Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers have made significant advances in understanding the inflammatory cell death regulatory protein MLKL and its role in disease. In a trio of studies published today in the journal Nature Communications, the team used advanced imaging to visualise key steps in the activation of MLKL, revealing previously unseen details about how this protein drives an inflammatory form of cell death called necroptosis. They also showed for the first time that inherited variants of MLKL are connected to a human inflammatory disease. By examining sequence variations in human MLKL and comparing the structure of different animals' MLKL proteins, the team also provided evidence for MLKL having been subject to evolutionary pressures, potentially through its role in protecting against infections. The multidisciplinary research was led by Dr Andre Samson, Dr Joanne Hildebrand, Dr Maria Kauppi, Ms Katherine Davies, Associate Professor Edwin Hawkins, Associate Professor Peter Czabotar, Professor Warren Alexander, Professor John Silke and Associate Professor James Murphy. At a glance - MLKL is a protein that is required for cells to die by an inflammatory process called necroptosis. - In three concurrent publications, a multidisciplinary team has greatly advanced the understanding of the structure and function of MLKL. - The team also revealed that alterations in MLKL are associated with a human inflammatory disease, and provided evidence for evolutionary pressures having led to substantial variability in MLKL between different vertebrate species. Understanding inflammatory cell death Cell death is a way that the body protects itself from diseases, by removing unwanted or dangerous cells. In some situations - such as viral or bacterial infections - dying cells trigger inflammation to protect neighbouring cells from the infection. This form of cell death is called 'necroptosis', and is tightly controlled by specific proteins within cells. Associate Professor James Murphy said the protein MLKL was an important regulator of necroptosis. "While MLKL and necroptosis protect our bodies from infections, excessive necroptosis has been linked with inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases," he said. "Our research team has taken several complementary approaches to better understand how MLKL functions - which could improve the understanding and treatment of diseases involving excessive necroptosis." One study, led by Dr Andre Samson, used advanced imaging technologies to watch the MLKL protein in cells as they underwent necroptosis. Dr Samson said this identified two important 'checkpoints' in necroptosis. "We could see how MLKL changed its location as necroptosis occurred, clumping and migrating to different parts of the cell as the cell progressed towards death," he said. "Intriguingly, we could see activated MLKL gather at the junctions between neighbouring cells - potentially suggesting a way for one dying cell to trigger necroptosis in surrounding cells, which could be a form of protection against infections." Role of MLKL in inflammatory diseases Dr Joanne Hildebrand and Dr Maria Kauppi examined links between alterations in the MLKL protein and inflammatory conditions. Dr Hildebrand said Institute researchers isolated a variant of MLKL that caused a lethal inflammatory condition in laboratory models. "We discovered this form of MLKL contained a single mutation in a particular region of the protein that made MLKL hyperactive, triggering necroptosis and inflammation," she said. "By searching genome databases, we discovered similar variants in the human MLKL gene are surprisingly common - around ten per cent of human genomes from around the world carry altered forms of the MLKL gene that result in a more-easily activated, more inflammatory version of the protein. The team speculated that the pro-inflammatory variant of MLKL might be associated with inflammatory diseases. "We looked more closely at databases of genomes of people with inflammatory diseases to understand the prevalence of MLKL variants. Indeed, people with an autoinflammatory condition chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) were much more likely to carry two copies of a pro-inflammatory variant of the MLKL gene than people without an inflammatory disease. This is the first time changes in MLKL have been associated with a human inflammatory disease," Dr Hildebrand said. Evolutionary pressure on MLKL Dr Hildebrand said the high frequency of MLKL variants in humans around the world suggested that the more inflammatory variants of the protein might have offered an evolutionary benefit at some point of human history. "Perhaps having a more inflammatory form of MLKL meant some people could survive infectious diseases better than those people who only had the less-easily activated form of the protein," she said. In a separate paper, Ms Katherine Davies led research investigating the three-dimensional structure of MLKL in different vertebrate species, using the Australian Synchrotron and CSIRO Collaborative Crystallisation Centre. Dr Davies said usually when one protein is found in different vertebrate species, the proteins in the different species have a similar structure that has been conserved during evolution. "To our surprise, the structures of MLKL were quite different between different vertebrate species - even between closely related species such as rats and mice. In fact, rat MLKL is so different from mouse MLKL that the rat protein cannot function in mouse cells - which is surprising as many proteins are interchangeable between these two species," Dr Davies said. "We think that evolutionary pressures such as infections may have driven substantial changes in MLKL as vertebrates evolved. Animals with variant forms of MLKL may have been able to survive some pressures better than other animals, driving changes in MLKL to accumulate, much faster than for many other proteins. "Together with the data for human variations in MLKL, this suggests MLKL is critical for cells to balance beneficial inflammation, which protects against infections, with harmful inflammation that causes inflammatory diseases," Dr Davies said. Long-term research yields rewards Associate Professor James Murphy said the team's research started through studying the inflammatory variant of MLKL more than 13 years ago - at a time when MLKL's role in necroptosis was not known. "Our most recent discoveries, made by a multidisciplinary research team, have provided a massive advance to the field of necroptosis, adding substantial detail to our understanding of MLKL. This will provide an enormous boost to a range of research into inflammatory diseases. Our team and others are already working to develop new medicines that could temper MLKL-driven inflammation, which we hope could be a new approach to treating a range of inflammatory diseases," Associate Professor Murphy said. ### The research was supported by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Cancer Research Foundation, US National Institutes of Health, The Sylvia and Charles Viertel Foundation, HHMI-Wellcome International Research Scholarship and Glaxo Smith Kline, the Lorenzo and Pamela Galli Charitable Trust, the Felton Bequest, the Victorian Cancer Agency, Cancer Australia, Leukaemia Foundation of Australia, CASS Foundation, the Australian Department of Education, Skills and Employment, the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Government. Books of condolence are being opened in Garda Stations across the country in tribute to the late Detective Garda Colm Horkan, who was tragically shot while on duty in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, shortly before midnight on Wednesday. A book of condolence has been opened at Longford Garda Station. Gardai are asking members of the public to bring their own pen to avoid the potential spread of Covid-19. Judge Seamus Hughes at Granard District Court this morning expressed his sympathy to the family of Detective Garda Horkan this morning and held a poignant moment of silence in the court room as a mark of respect. "I would like on behalf of the District Court in Longford to express my deepest sympathies for Detective Garda Horkan's father, Marty, his sister, Deirdre, his brothers Andy, Brendan, Dermott and Padraig, and the wider Horkan family," he said. "Also to his garda colleagues who are deeply saddened by his passing." Dave Conroy, GRA representative for the Longford/Roscommon Division said that this has been "a massive loss" to Det Gda Horkan's hometown of Charlestown and the wider Castlerea community. "Everyone who encountered him has nothing but a good story about him," he said. Garda members are "traumatised" he added. "It has affected the larger garda family in Ireland." Paying tribute to the 49-year-old detective, Longford Senator Micheal Carrigy expressed his deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Colm Horkan. "I would like to take the opportunity to offer my deepest sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues of the Garda. An Garda Siochana play a crucial role in our communities and everyday put themselves on the frontline of crime prevention on behalf of us all," he said. Longford TD Joe Flaherty also paid tribute to the fallen detective on social media: "Deepest sympathy to the family and colleagues of Detective Garda Colm Horkan in the Longford/Roscommon Division. He died in the line of duty and service of the State," he said. A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene and remains in custody at Castlerea Garda Station this morning. Gardai are appealing for anyone who was in the Castlerea Town Centre area between 11pm on Wednesday night and 12:30am Thursday morning, particularly any road users who may have dash cam footage, to contact the incident room in Castlerea Garda Station on 094 962 1635. Mall owner Taubman Centers, Inc. (NYSE: TCO) is taking legal action and says Simon Property Group Inc (NYSE: SPG) has no right to terminate the merger agreement between the companies. What Happened: Simon agreed to acquire Taubman for $3.6 billion, or $52.50 per share, in February. The larger mall owner is looking to break the deal due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Wednesday, Taubman filed a counterclaim and said Simon is having "buyer's remorse," CNBC's David Faber reported on "Squawk on the Street." "The Simon Parties agreed to a series of merger transactions with the Taubman Parties ... on February 9, 2020, at a time when the parties and the world were well-aware of the risks of the novel coronavirus pandemic," Faber quoted the legal papers as stating. Taubman further argues that Simon Properties agreed to accept risks related to the pandemic. Why It's Important: Simon's original legal complaint includes a "weak" argument, but that doesn't mean it ultimately won't succeed in the legal battle, Faber said. A Simon spokesperson commented on Taubman's legal complaint, Faber said. "The Merger Agreement explicitly provides that a pandemic that has disproportionately affected Taubman compared to others in the retail real estate industry gives Simon the right to terminate the Agreement," the spokesperson said. "Nowhere in its extensive legal filing does Taubman seriously contest that it was not disproportionately impacted." What's Next: Under a worst-case scenario, Simon would have to proceed with its prior plans to acquire Taubman, Faber said. Taubman investors appear to be betting on an acquisition, he said, or the stock would be "a lot lower" and "not be anywhere" near $37 per share. Taubman shares were up 0.13% at $37.43 at the time of publication, while Simon Property Group shares were higher by 0.36% at $71.93. Story continues Related Links: Why Taubman Centers Stock Is Trading Lower Today BofA Downgrades Simon Property Amid Unprecedented Challenges In Retail See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. 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. The body has called on Tehran to give access to two sites where past nuclear activity allegedly took place. The board of governors at the United Nations nuclear watchdog has passed a resolution critical of Iran, the first of its kind since 2012, as tension mounts over Tehrans nuclear programme. Fridays resolution was put forward by European states and urges the Iranian government to provide inspectors from the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with access to two sites to clarify whether undeclared nuclear activity took place there in the early 2000s. It calls on Iran to fully cooperate with the Agency and satisfy the Agencys requests without any further delay, including by providing prompt access to the locations specified by the Agency. Iran has been blocking access to the sites for months, prompting a growing diplomatic row. The resolution was carried by 25 votes in favour versus two against, with seven abstentions: South Africa, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Mongolia, Azerbaijan and Niger. Russia and China voted against. The resolution was proposed by France, Germany and the United Kingdom, and supported by the United States though the US ambassador to the UN in Vienna had said the text could be strengthened. Iran categorically deplores this resolution Kazem Gharib Abadi, Irans ambassador to the UN in Vienna, told Fridays meeting that the resolution will not encourage Iran to grant access to the Agency based on fabricated and unfounded allegations. Iran categorically deplores this resolution and will take appropriate action in response, the repercussions of which would be upon the sponsors of this resolution, he added. While stressing the need for Tehran and IAEA to settle this problem without delay, we believe that the resolution can be counterproductive, Russias Ambassador to the UN in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov tweeted after the resolution was passed. The #IAEA BG adopted resolution calling upon #Iran to provide access to 2 locations specified by Agency. #Russia and #China voted against. While stressing the need for Tehran and IAEA to settle this problem without delay, we believe that the resolution can be counter productive. Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) June 19, 2020 Even though the sites in question are not thought to be directly relevant to Irans current nuclear programme, the agency says it needs to know if activities going back almost 20 years have been properly declared and all materials accounted for. Despite the row over the two sites, the IAEA says it still has the access it needs to inspect Irans declared nuclear facilities, as per its mandate under the landmark deal between Iran and world powers reached in 2015. However, the latest dispute comes as that deal further unravels, with Iran continuing to scale back its compliance in retaliation to the USs unilateral withdrawal from the accord in 2018 and the reimposition of punishing sanctions against Tehran. Iran has previously hinted that a resolution along the lines of the one passed on Friday could cause complication and difficulties for the future of the 2015 accord, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). In his statement, Gharib Abadi warned the IAEA against actions that could lead to the destruction of the JCPOA. No exceptions in IAEA agreements Speaking to reporters after the resolution was passed, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said it would be absolutely unacceptable if an example were to be set that states can be selective in their implementation of agreements with the UN agency. There are no exceptions. There is no Additional Protocol a la carte, Grossi said, referring to the agreement under which the IAEA requested access to the sites. I intend to sit down with Iran very soon and to try to solve this as soon as possible, he said, adding that Gharib Abadi would be his first port of call. Earlier this week, Iran said the IAEAs access requests were based on allegations from Irans archenemy, Israel. Additional information provided by the IAEA to back up its requests were merely some commercial satellite imageries that contained no convincing underlying reason to provide access, Tehran argues. Also on Friday the British Foreign Office said Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab would be meeting his French and German counterparts in Berlin to discuss a diplomatic solution to Irans destabilising activities in the Middle East. Puzzles hub Visit our brain gym where you will find simple and cryptic crosswords, sudoku puzzles and much more. Updated at midnight every day. PS ... We would love to hear your feedback on the section right HERE ROTHBURY, MI - The host of the popular Electric Forest camping and music festival, canceled this year due to coronavirus, has announced plans for a knockoff event called Sherwood Forest. Every summer for the last decade, thousands of people have traveled to the Double JJ Resort in West Michigan for the Electric Forest music, art and camping festival. SAN RAMON, Calif. - Apple is closing 11 stores in Arizona, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina that it had reopened just few weeks ago as coronavirus infections rates in some regions in the U.S. begin to rise. The decision announced Friday is another sign that the pandemic might prevent the economy from bouncing back as quickly as some states have been hoping. Those concerns sent stocks on Wall Street lower Friday. Arizona and Florida have both experienced rising incidents of new cases and rates of those testing positive for COVID-19. There were 286.7 new cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in Arizona over the past two weeks, which ranks first in the country for new cases per capita. The rolling average number of daily new cases has increased by 1,024.1, or 143.1%. Over the past two weeks, the rolling average number of daily new cases in Florida has increased by 1,422.7, or 144.4%., according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University tracking the virus. We take this step with an abundance of caution as we closely monitor the situation and we look forward to having our teams and customers back as soon as possible, Apple said in a prepared statement. The Carolinas have also experienced an uptick, based on the John Hopkins data. There were 179.3 new cases per 100,000 people in South Carolina over the past two weeks, which ranks fourth in the country for new cases per capita. The rolling average number of daily new cases has increased by 495, or 213.0%. In North Carolina, the rolling average number of daily new cases has increased by 36.8%, or 329.7 people per 100,000. Apple began reopening more than 30 stores scattered across the country last month after shutting down all of its U.S. brick-and-mortar locations in March. The Cupertino, California, company has continued to sell iPhones, including a new $399 model released during the lockdown, and other products in its online store. Seven of the Apple stores that are closing again are in Arizona. Two stores are closing in both Florida and North Carolina. The other one is in South Carolina. Although he doesnt expect the store closures to put a significant dent in Apples sales, Wedbush Securities Daniel Ives said the move is a worrisome trend that speaks to the volatility and fluidity of this COVID environment. Like many of the biggest players in the technology industry, Apple has been faring far better than most companies as the U.S. economy has plunged into a recession that is widely expected to last through this year. Apples stock price hit a record high of $356.56 in Fridays early trading before news of the store closures rattled investors. The shares were down by about 1.5% in afternoon trading. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 21:45:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BISHKEK, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyzstan on Thursday registered 132 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total number of infections to 2,789. Of the new cases, seven are imported and 66 are contacts of existing cases, while the source of the other 59 cases remains unknown, the country's Deputy Health Minister Nurbolot Usenbaev told a news briefing. Among the 132 patients, 24 are medical workers, bringing the total number of infected medics to 533, he said. Usenbaev also confirmed one new virus-related death, bringing the death toll to 32. A total of 1,961 patients in the country have recovered from COVID-19, including 28 people who have been discharged from hospitals over the last 24 hours, he added. In addition, 1,336 people who have had contact with infected patients are in community isolation facilities and another 11,609 are in home quarantine under medical supervision. Enditem Photo: The Canadian Press Finance Minister Bill Morneau Mid-sized Canadian businesses that are strapped for cash because of COVID-19 can now apply through their own banks to get loans of up to $60 million from the federal government. The loans, to be administered by the Business Development Bank of Canada, are part of a package of federal credit programs Finance Minister Bill Morneau promised in late March. The federal government had initially planned programs specific to oil and gas, which were facing particularly tough times as global demand for oil plummeted during the pandemic-induced economic slowdown at the same time as Russia and Saudi Arabia faced off in a production war that sent oil prices into a tailspin. However, the Business Development Bank of Canada has now merged the oil and gas program with one for other companies, to create a single mid-sized business loan program for any company, in any sector, that meets the qualifying terms. That includes companies with revenues between $100 million and $500 million that were financially viable before the pandemic, but saw their operations negatively affected by the economic shutdown or falling oil and gas prices. Loan amounts will fall between $12.5 million and $60 million, with the Business Development Bank of Canada covering 90 per cent and a company's own financial institution the rest. The BDC advises companies interested in the program to reach out directly to their main financial lender, and work with them to determine if the program is a good fit and how to proceed. Applications will be open until the end of September. Ben Brunnen, the vice-president of fiscal and economic policy for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, said this week the loan programs had the potential to help struggling companies but that there was frustration and anxiety in the oil sector at how long it was taking to begin. Oil prices fell to never-before-seen lows in April, briefly trading in negative territory, meaning oil producers were paying others to take their oil away. Natural Resources Minister Seamus O'Regan said in an interview with The Canadian Press this week that the day that happened, he thought there was a technical glitch on the app he uses on his phone to monitor the markets. "A lot of us will never forget where we were when the barrel hit negative," he said. "It was something that you never thought you'd see." Prices have rebounded a lot as the production war between Saudi Arabia and Russia appears to have eased, and global demand is slowly rising as countries reopen their economies. Western Canadian Select is back above $34 a barrel now, but a year ago, it was trading for nearly $60. Brunnen said there remains a ton of uncertainty for the industry because nobody knows what might happen if a second wave of the novel coronavirus arrives. Even in a best-case scenario, he doesn't anticipate more normal production until well into next year, and many companies do not have the reserves to keep going for that long without help. O'Regan said the government's "eyes are wide open" to that fact so the loan programs are being designed to help. A separate program for big companies with revenues over $300 million, is being administered by the Canada Development Investment Corporation. But the terms of those loans are so strict there has been no uptake so far. Brunnen said that program, the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility, or LEEFF, will be the route of last resort for the big oil producers, because the terms are so strict. They include government officials observing on the board, limits on executive pay, dividends and shareholder withdrawals. There are some similar conditions being placed on the loans for mid-sized companies as well, including not allowing shareholder withdrawals, no increases to salaries or other benefits for management, and no increase to dividends. Neither is anyone inside our territory nor has any Indian post been captured, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday on the six-week border standoff with China as he briefed prominent political leaders about the killing of 20 soldiers in the Galwan Valley that triggered a massive escalation in tensions between the two countries. At an all-party meeting, he said the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice taught a "lesson" to those who had dared to look towards India and that the army has been given "freedom" to take necessary steps. "At the outset, prime minister clarified that neither is anyone inside our territory nor is any of our post captured," the government said in a statement, adding he assured the leaders that the armed forces are leaving no stone unturned to protect the country. The categorical statement by the prime minister came in the wake of reports that Chinese military has transgressed into the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de-facto border, in several areas of eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso and Galwan Valley. The prime minister's assertion came even as Congress president Sonia Gandhi questioned the government's handling of the situation, asking if there was any intelligence failure and seeking assurance that China will "revert" to its original position. While the Congress and the Left sought to corner the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government, most other parties, including the ruling alliance's bitter critics like West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and DMK's M K Stalin, extended their support over the issue. Assuring all the leaders that armed forces were fully capable of protecting the country's borders, Modi said, "While on the one hand, the army has been given freedom to take necessary steps, India has also conveyed its position clearly to China through diplomatic means." he said. He added that India today has such capability that no one can even dare to look towards "an inch of our land". Modi said the entire country is hurt and angry at the steps taken by China at the LAC and underscored that India wants peace and friendship, but upholding sovereignty is "foremost". The nearly four-hour meeting through video conference was attended by top leaders including BJP president J P Nadda, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, BSP's Mayawati, CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury, DMK's M K Stalin, Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray besides Gandhi and Banerjee among others. The government said the leaders of the political parties hailed the bravery displayed by the armed forces in Ladakh and reposed faith in the leadership of the prime minister in this hour of need. They expressed commitment to stand united with the government. In the meeting, Gandhi asked some tough questions to the government like whether there was any intelligence failure on the situation along the LAC, and sought an assurance from Modi that status quo ante would be restored at the border. In her introductory remarks, she said even at this stage they were in the dark about many crucial aspects of the crisis as she posed a set of questions to the government and sought specifics about when Chinese troops intruded into the Indian territory. "In the government's considered view, was there a failure of intelligence," she asked. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the nation will never forget the sacrifice of the martyrs while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar gave an overview of agreements between India and China on border management, besides sharing details of recent developments. Several leaders, including BJP ally and Lol Janshakti Party president Chirag Paswan and Banerjee, asked the government to work to curb trade, especially import, with China and said investment from Chinese firms in infrastructure sector in India should be desisted. The clash in Galwan Valley was the worst cross border confrontation between the two sides in 45 years. While India lost 20 soldiers, China's People's Liberation Army has not yet talked about the number of casualties it suffered. The prime minister's comment that Indian soldiers taught a "lesson" to those who dared to look towards India is seen as reference to casualties on the Chinese side. The Chinese soldiers used stones, nail-studded sticks, iron rods and clubs in carrying out brutal attacks on Indian soldiers after they protested the erection of a surveillance post by China on the Indian side of the LAC in Galwan. Pawar, a former defence minister said diplomatic channels should be used to defuse the tension, adding Chinese troops must be "evacuated" from the high ground in the Galwan valley. He said that the Chinese army is occupying the high ground in the Galwan valley with a "specific objective of dominating the Dubruk-DBO road on the Indian side". Chinese troops can at any time decide to enforce closure of this road and India will have to pay a heavy military cost if that happened, the NCP chief said in the meeting. Trinamool Congress supremo Banerjee said her party stands firmly behind the Union government in this hour of crisis and urged the Centre not to allow Chinese investments in strategically important infrastructure sectors. The West Bengal chief minister said India "should and will" unitedly tide over the crisis, sources in her party said. "We stand with the government in this hour of crisis. We will win. We will put up a united fight as one nation," Banerjee was quoted as having told the meeting by a source in the TMC. Opposition parties like the RJD, AAP and AIMIM reacted angrily over not being invited to the meeting and raised questions over the criteria for the invitation. The two armies were engaged in a standoff in Galwan and several other areas of eastern Ladakh since May 5 when the two sides clashed on the banks of the Pangong Tso. The situation in the area deteriorated after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on May 5 and 6. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on May 9. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long LAC. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it. Prior to the clashes, both sides have been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. Dublin, June 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ResearchAndMarkets.com published a new article on the hospitality industry, "Bars and Nightclubs Could be Among the Last Businesses to Reopen due to COVID-19" Bars and nightclubs have not fared well in the age of social-distancing. As countries enacted lockdown measures, bars and nightclubs were among the first businesses ordered to close and are likely to be the last to reopen. Since bars and nightclubs are typically designed for social interaction of large crowds it may be difficult to safely reopen them without a COVID-19 vaccine. In China, some venues have reopened with safety precautions like temperature checks prior to entry and regular disinfection of surfaces and dance floors. However, South Korea has reversed its recent decision to reopen nightclubs after a spike in infections was linked to venues in Seoul. All clubs and bars in Seoul have now been ordered to close again amid fears that the country could be facing a second wave of the virus. Several countries have laid out plans to reopen bars and nightclubs. In the UK, bars and nightclubs could potentially reopen after July 4th however, venues which are designed to be crowded may only be allowed to operate at a reduced capacity or ordered to remain closed. In other parts of Europe bans on reopening may continue to be enforced until late July or early August. In the US there has been an uneven pattern of reopening. Restrictions have been eased in parts of Kentucky and Texas while in cities like New York and Los Angeles it is likely that reopening will happen much later. To see the full article and a list of related reports on the market, visit "Bars and Nightclubs Could be Among the Last Businesses to Reopen due to COVID-19" About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Story continues Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 The Yerevan court of general jurisdiction in Shengavit Administrative District, under the chairmanship of Judge Anna Danibekyan, promulgated the accusatory speech of the prosecutor for the case of Hayk Sargsyan, nephew of third President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan. The prosecutor filed a motion with the court to sentence Hayk Sargsyan to seven years in prison. The prosecutor substantiated the fact that the attempt of the committed murder has been justified and filed a motion to apply statute of limitation for keeping illegal weapon. In his accusatory speech, the prosecutor stated the charge against Hayk Sargsyan, adding that he had intentionally shot Davit Simonyan in the abdomen with an illegally acquired pistol, but hadnt finished the crime due to circumstances beyond his control. Hayk Sargsyans family, using their ties, closed the case. After that, for nearly ten years, Davit Simonyan has been ill, has become disabled and has been afraid of telling the truth. Davit Simonyan has been interviewed a couple of times, and all the interviews have shown that Hayk Sargsyan has illegally had an intention to kill him. The next trial is scheduled for July 17, and the defendant will speak during that trial. Hayk Sargsyan is charged with a crime committed 11 years ago (attempt of murder and illegally keeping arms and weapons). On September 10, 2018, Judge Anna Danibekyan had upheld Hayk Sargsyans attorneys motion and decided to declare bail for Sargsyan as permissible, and Sargsyan was released from Nubarashen Penitentiary Institution on bail after paying AMD 50,000,000. In response to the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, young protesters have taken to the streets of American cities and towns to demand justice and reforms. On June 3, former President Barack Obama praised the younger generation and acknowledged its efforts. Part of whats made me so hopeful is the fact that so many young people have been galvanized and activated and motivated and mobilized, Obama said. Because historically, so much of the progress that weve made in our society has been because of young people. Yahoo News spoke to a few young protesters from around the country who range in age from 5 to 29 to document their perspectives on the movement to change how policing is done in America. Are you gonna shoot us? 5-year-old Simone Bartee asked a Houston police officer during a peaceful protest in Texas on June 2 led by George Floyds family. The officer, who was suited up in riot gear, knelt down beside her in the middle of the crowd and put his arm around her. Simones father, Simeon Bartee, filmed the officers response, which later went viral on social media. Were here to protect you. Were not here to hurt you at all, the officer told the girl. You can protest, you can party, you can do whatever you want. During the protest in Houston yesterday one of the police officers noticed my daughter crying. She asked him Are you gonna shoot us he got down on one knee wrapped his arm around her and responded: pic.twitter.com/gQWF7HMf3l SimeonB (@iamsimeonb) June 3, 2020 Bartee said one of the reasons he and his wife brought young Simone to the march is that they have a personal experience with police brutality. Bartees brother was beaten into a coma in Harris County jail in 2016. The next year, five Harris County jail detention officers were indicted in the incident. Story continues Bartee recognizes that he has a unique perspective in experiencing law enforcements actions from both sides. I dont ever want her to think all police officers are bad, Bartee said of his 5-year-old daughter. Being on the other side where we can see the perspective of officers and they have regular lives like we do and not all of them are racist and not all of them are out here trying to hurt us. Just a few days earlier in Charleston, S.C., 23-year-old Gee Jordan made his own emotional plea to officers that went viral. All of you are my family. I love each and every one of you, Jordan told the police at Marion Square as others filmed the encounter, which took place moments before he was arrested. please watch. please listen closely. if anyone has any information on this man / a link to his go fund me please let me know. this is absolutely not okay. we will not be silenced. pic.twitter.com/t2h6FovmoL ('-') (@sweeeetdee_) June 1, 2020 After a night of looting, violence and destruction in the area, Jordan went to the park after he helped clean up local businesses that were looted. He was also inspired to lead a kneel-in that day, the message of which focused on peace and communication. I knew if I can get maybe just one, one officer to kneel down and hold my arm and look me in my eyes and say we changed the world together, thats powerful. As a tense exchange unfolded between police and protesters, he found himself in the middle. People just gravitated towards my energy because I was the only one that was calm, Jordan told Yahoo News. He encouraged other protesters to stay peaceful, he said, because in my head their way wasnt working because it would only lead to more violence. He told Yahoo News he was ultimately arrested for disobeying a lawful order because the officers told them to move. Jordan said many people have asked him why he was singled out at that moment. He said if he had to guess its because he was labeled as the leader, and law enforcements strategy was to take the leader out. Yalakesen Baaheth, 25, and her friend decided the time was right to demonstrate in Vidor, Texas, a former sundown town where for decades, Black people were not welcome after dark. Vidors reputation as Texass most hate-filled town, as Texas Monthly once called it, stems from a history of racial intolerance and Ku Klux Klan activity. Many of my people, we dont stop in Vidor. As a matter of fact when I was younger, the only time we would stop in Vidor was to go straight to our friends house, and we wouldnt go anywhere else, Baaheth told Yahoo News, adding, Sometimes whenever people are given a stereotype, others, they dont give them the chance to correct it. Thats why Baaheth and her friend organized a Black Lives Matter march in the town on June 6. On the day of the protest, the young activists werent sure what to expect. We knew that we could stand by our decision, and if we would have died that day, we would have been OK with it, Baaheth said. Instead, over 200 protesters showed up and what we felt was just pure love and support. In a Saturday, June 6, 2020 photo, people walk in Gould Park in Vidor, Texas. Several hundred people came out to the park on Saturday afternoon for a protest and peace march in honor of George Floyd who died while being detained by Minneapolis police. (Fran Ruchalski/The Beaumont Enterprise via AP) It was Texas, so everybody they were open carrying, they were concealed carrying, and it didnt matter because they were there for the right cause, Baaheth told Yahoo News. She said that a few trucks did rev their engines as they passed the protest, but nobody got out of their vehicles. Baaheth credits the Vidor Police Department for making sure everything ran smoothly. I can never tell you how amazing they are, and that goes to show how far that theyve come and how far we can go. The interactions between young protesters and police have not always been so amicable, however. I am not moved by police kneeling with protesters, Im not moved by police marching with protesters, Im not moved with police hugging protesters, Deon Jones, 28, told Yahoo News. The former Obama White House staffer continued: Police kneeling with me and police hugging me doesnt negate the fact of a police officer busting my face open. UPDATE: I made it home at 11:30 PM last night from the hospital. The police gave me two facial fractures & the bullet wound busted open my face near the back of my cheek. Thanks to everyone for the love sent. Pray for those who will go out today and put their bodies on the line. pic.twitter.com/nv3gna9o5W Deon T. "DJ" Jones (@deontjones) May 31, 2020 On May 30 in Los Angeles, Jones says he was hit with a billy club and was shot with a rubber bullet on the right side of his face. He suffered two broken bones, but according to his doctor, he was lucky that the bullet didnt blind or kill him. What I need is to see that city budgets show that we are de-investing in the police and reinvesting in communities that really need them in terms of health care, education, parks and recreation and social services, Jones told Yahoo News. My feelings towards law enforcement have gotten a little stronger, especially after that night, 22-year-old Meka, who joined a protest in Washington, D.C., told Yahoo News. Meka, who did not want to provide his last name for this article, said he and hundreds of protesters found themselves boxed in by police in a residential neighborhood on Swann Street the night of June 1. Despite repeatedly asking police where they should go, Meka said, they got no response. After about 30 minutes they started moving in, started macing people, hitting people, pushing people, Meka said. THE POLICE BOXED IN A GROUP OF PEACEFUL PROTESTERS AND THEN STARTED HITTING AND MACING PEOPLE. A MAN TOOK SOME OF US INTO HIS HOUSE AND THE POLICE HAVE US TRAPPED. THERE ARE PEOPLE STILL TRAPPED IN THE STREET ON 15th AND SWANN pic.twitter.com/H2B2QCup1o Meka (@MekaFromThe703) June 2, 2020 Thats when Rahul Dubey, a complete stranger, opened his door to about 70 protesters, Meka being one of them. All night he was just amazing, so supportive and just making sure everyone was OK, Meka recalled. The police kept trying different tactics to try to get into the building, Meka said. Ultimately the protesters hiding inside decided that they could use the media coverage to their advantage. We figured as long as we could get enough press to the door, we would be covered and they wouldnt harass us on national TV, Meka said. After several hours, they got out safe, leaving the apartment after 6 a.m., when the curfew ended. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: The government of Ejin Horo Banner in Ordos city, north China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, hosted a live broadcast to promote local products on June 16. The two-hour-long live broadcast, an attempt of the local government to stimulate consumption and maintain the results in poverty alleviation, attracted 2 million viewers, with a turnover of over 300,000 yuan (over $42,000). Ejin Horo Banner has already lifted all 1,370 people from 607 registered poor households out of poverty. This achievement has been made possible due to the cooperation of both the companies involved and the government. While the companies provide funds to help poverty-stricken households breed animals or plants, to then purchase the products from the households above the market price, the government helps expand the channels for selling the products, supporting the companies as well as guaranteeing the steady income of the poor population. Selling products via live broadcasts, an emerging economic model, helps bring green food to consumers, modernize and digitize traditional industries, all while eliminating poverty and vitalizing the rural areas, said the director of the bureau of industry and information technology in Ejin Horo Banner. Ejin Horo Banner boasts abundant underground resources, with the vegetation coverage reaching 88 percent and the forest coverage reaching 36 percent, respectively. The local products such as sea buckthorns and honey are well received by consumers. Among the thousands of immigrant Christians, church leaders, and advocates praying for a victory in this weeks US Supreme Court decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy (DACA), one was an Episcopal priest on the team who worked on the case. Armando Ghinaglia is himself a DACA recipient, a native of Venezuela who was raised in Texas. A curate at Christ Church New Haven and a law student at Yale, Ghinaglia worked for the Connecticut legal clinic that argued against the Trump administrations rationale for rescinding DACA in 2017. The Supreme Court ruled in its favor on Thursday. The crux of the teams argument, Ghinaglia said, was how little effort appeared to have gone into the decision to end a program that would devastate so many. Under DACA, young people who were brought into the country before age 16 can apply to stay and work in the US legally as long as they are currently working, honorably discharged from the military, or in school. To qualify, they must have no felony convictions and fewer than three misdemeanors. While the arguments against resciding DACA were personal to Ghinaglia and steeped in his Christian belief in the imago Dei, his legal team also knew that Chief Justice John Roberts would be the likely swing vote, and, we figured John Roberts was not going to be emotionally sappy. They stuck to a fairly dry defense, saying that the administration had violated the Administrative Procedures Act (APA), and the court agreed, 5-4. The ease with which people within the administration were willing to dispose of DACA residents was insulting, Ghinaglia said. I latched onto that. For something as simple as removing an animal from the endangered species list, he explained, the government usually provides thousands if not tens of thousands of pages of research and justification, called the administrative record. The administrative record for ending DACA was about 250 pages. The Supreme Court found that the administration had indeed not considered alternatives or directives to mitigate the social and economic consequences of ending the program. In ending the program, Roberts wrote in the majority opinion, Acting Secretary [Elaine] Duke should have considered those matters but did not. That failure was arbitrary and capricious in violation of the APA. The team also tried to make the case that DACA should be subject to the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment, but only Justice Sonya Sotomayor agreed, claiming the administrations discriminatory animus had been downplayed in the majority opinion. I would not so readily dismiss the allegation that an executive decision disproportionately harms the same racial group that the President branded as less desirable mere months earlier, Sotomayor wrote. The courts decision did not determine whether DACA itself is legal and did not shore the policy up against future challenges. It merely said that the Trump administrations decision to end it did not follow legal procedure. As a Christian, Ghinaglia said he has to balance his desire to win a caseespecially one with a humanitarian outcomewith his convictions and values. His legal team chose not to argue that DACA was about the worthiness of certain immigrants and assigning blame to others because he said that approach doesnt fully acknowledge the humanity of the 700,000 people who depend on DACA for stability and security. Late in the case, his team did opt to appeal to the utilitarian argument for DACA, he said. After COVID-19 struck, the team wrote a letter to court detailing how many DACA recipients were on the front lines of the pandemic and what their disappearance might do to the country. Thursdays victory is not final. The program does not provide permanent legal status, nor does it open a path to citizenship. But for today, DACA recipientsknown as Dreamers can enjoy a degree of security and protection from deportation after years of legal limbo. Its both a relief and surreal for people like 25-year-old North Carolina pastor Jose Ocampo, who lobbied against rescinding DACA two years ago. After developing an immunity to planning and getting my hopes up, Ocampo can finally join his friends in mapping out post-college aspirations: continuing his work in ministry and possibly starting a family. He says this knowing, as Ghinaglia does, that the reprieve could be short-lived. The country needs to figure out what theyre going to do with not only Dreamers but refugees and other immigrants, Ocampo said, referencing the other groups who have had been affected by the Trump administrations steep curtailment of most immigration policies including Temporary Protected Status, refugee resettlement, and grounds for asylum. The administration still has ample options to reverse DACA, Ghinaglia said, but most would require it to come out firmly against Dreamers themselves. Ironically, he explained, if Trump had issued an executive order simply ending DACA because he found it beneficial to do so, the courts could have done little to stop it. As Roberts wrote, The dispute before the Court is not whether DHS may rescind DACA. All parties agree that it may. The dispute is instead primarily about the procedure the agency followed in doing so. RALEIGH, N.C., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In the context of COVID-19, taking immediate action can help flatten the curve and prevent community spread when social distancing is relaxed. Successive Technologies believes that digital contact tracing can be extremely useful in breaking the chain of transmission due to the surge in the number of cases. Successive Technologies "We have built a contact tracing application to ensure our employees' safety. Our mission with the app is to track high-risk and asymptomatic people so that they can be tested for the disease on priority," said Sid Pandey, the CEO of Successive Technologies. The underlying principle of this app is that if two mobile phones can connect to each other via Bluetooth, the users are close enough to transmit the virus among themselves. Successive has built the application such that it is triggered as soon as this happens and records information about location, time, and participants involved in the interaction. They plan to deploy the app within the organization and also collaborate with state and national health departments to take appropriate steps once they receive information about those who have come in contact with a COVID-positive person. This will make testing more convenient and enable the authorities to offer support during the quarantine. Businesses, in particular, need internal apps to automate contact tracing to make better, smarter and most importantly, faster decisions since public apps do not suffice in this regard. During this pandemic, ensuring employees' safety is of utmost importance and thus, contact tracing is essential to every company. With features like easy on-boarding, self-assessment forms for the risk determination, COVID updates and navigation bar, the application is an easy-to-use tool that offers all-round support. "We are focusing on making it as user-friendly as possible since this app requires a high degree of uptake to be successful. We have also kept data privacy and security in mind since this might be a concern for users," said Mark Bavisotto, Head of North America's Business Unit for Successive Technologies. The only information that is exchanged between mobile phones is an anonymous random key when the devices are within 10 meters from each other. "We will not even disclose the identity of the person who has tested positive. Those who have been in contact with an infected person will receive a notification on the app. They could be friends or strangers in the metro or even co-workers," said Sid. "We are confident that it will help countries control the disease as restrictions are eased. We hope that vaccines come up soon but until then, this app will help support health systems and control the pandemic," said Mark. Contact: Mark Bavisotto [email protected] (716) 903-4126 Related Images image1.jpg Related Links Successive Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Follow on LinkedIn SOURCE Successive Technologies Related Links https://successive.tech Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19 2020 The Indonesian outlets of British auto shop MG Motor have announced that they are ready to serve customers again in Jakarta and its satellite cities, as well as in Bandung, West Java, with an octagonal showroom. The showroom contains a comfortable waiting room divided into two, as well as strict health protection protocols. During the new normal period, we are applying several supporting measures, such as body temperature checks and asking visitors to use hand sanitizer. We also sanitize vehicles before handing them over to customers, MG Motor Indonesia sales director Rendi Radito said. 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 When whites remain so self-absorbed as to imprison themselves in the belief that theirs is the only story worth telling, and deliver mere tokenism to the Indigenous experience, then we may as well still be living in those times of repugnant ignorance. Fred Jansohn, Rose Bay Aly has given us a sad prognosis. There can be no reconciliation while we go on destroying sacred Indigenous sites and while we continue to ignore the Uluru Statement from the Heart. In the absence of reconciliation "there is nothing left anymore but protests, anger and statues". Mark Porter, New Lambton If only our politicians would read Aly's article they may understand the reasons for recent rallies and calls for removal of statues. Until Indigenous history is recognised as being as important as the arrival of white people in Australia we will not have true reconciliation. Allowing mining companies to destroy Indigenous history is not the way forward. Sandra Burke, North Sydney Aly digs deep into our psyche to give a credible explanation of our lack of any true understanding of our Indigenous culture and history, seen in an absence of a heritage "gut feel". He's right. This is what's missing and what creates the obstacle to moving forward as a mature nation. He brings in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its message of deep meaning and goodwill - the gut feel - which was so drastically misinterpreted by our government, thus failing to create the catalyst for change needed. Judy Finch, Cedar Party Honour the originals Having lived in Sydney for more than 60 years from a child to now, I am embarrassed that I haven't previously questioned why we have never had any statues of Aborigines in Sydney. Changes are needed (Letters, June 19). David Vale, St Ives Defacing and destroying statues does little to help us learn from history. I suggest a way to balance the preponderance of statues celebrating oppression in Australia is to commission artists to create statues celebrating those who were victims of the colonialists and oppressors. Sally Smith, North Sydney Ignorance may be wilful I find it difficult to understand the ignorance of Indigenous history (Letters, June 19). I taught it as part of the history syllabus from 1990 to 2014 in state schools; including such topics as the white invasion, the rainbow serpent, the apology to the Stolen Generations and the difficulty successive governments have had in closing the gap. If readers under 50 are ignorant of all this, then they can't have been listening. Vivienne Parsons, Thornleigh To all Aboriginal people, thank you for your deep knowledge of our land, sea and sky, for your beautiful art, music, dance and writing, for your great wisdom and for your warm generosity of spirit towards us all. You touch and enrich our lives profoundly. Helen Milgate, Mittagong Sigh of relief as NSW told hands off harbour There was a collective sigh of relief when the commonwealth released its review of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust as it confirmed a long-term commitment to preserve the natural, maritime, industrial, Indigenous and cultural heritage of these prime harbourside sites ("My federal colleagues have dudded us on the harbour", June 19. How blind to reality is Planning Minister Rob Stokes when he complains about the NSW government's apparent exclusion from the review process. This is the government that dug a road through historic Thompson Square at Windsor, cut down century-old Moreton Bay figs on Anzac Parade, is carving through Parramatta in another light rail destructive charge, destroyed the convict-built Royal Oak and is ready to rip up the Fleet Street heritage precinct where the national heritage listed Female Factory is threatened by the gross over-development afflicting Parramatta, while the much loved Willow Grove and St Georges Terrace are to be demolished for a fake museum. Jennifer Sanders, Russell Lea How unseemly of Rob Stokes to whine about not being consulted on the future of the sites managed by the trust. His department has an atrocious record of heritage protection, courtesy of the miracle of state significant development assessment. In nine years of government, it has let high rise development rip around the harbour foreshore from Barangaroo to Pyrmont. Why would we want this government anywhere near Cockatoo Island when its best idea for Sydney's most significant industrial heritage site, the Powerhouse Museum, is to sell it for more apartments? Kylie Winkworth, Newtown Better that our precious harbour public lands are managed by all three levels of government. This way there's at least a discussion before your government tries to flog them off to another dodgy developer to build yet more rubbish apartments. Sue Young, Bensville Keeping the poor poor The federal government's proposed increase to the cost of an arts degree is a huge blow to our egalitarian tertiary sector ("Funding overhaul to shape degree choices", June 19). It will disproportionately prevent less advantaged students from accessing higher education and the greater economic security that comes from that education. The change is based on the disinformation that studying humanities does not offer students "employable" skills. Data from the government's own website shows that this is incorrect: arts graduates actually have better long-term employability than those in STEM disciplines, as they're trained to develop a broad-ranging set of adaptable, transferable skills. It is astonishing the government would do such damage to the futures of so many Australians. Louise D'Arcens, Sutherland The idea of degrading an arts degree and charging some students more is discriminatory. It will unbalance the system. I thought the Libs believed in market forces; if they do, let the market decide. Jon Sloan, Narooma In current times, we need critical thinkers more, not less. Humanities subjects deal with the enduring stuff of life and the cultural life that persists and enriches us through economic ups and downs. Does our federal government really want to line up with the type of governments who don't value history? Sue Bowrey, Darlinghurst Universities are to become the new TAFE. Two problems solved in one move. How good is that? Wendy Lowe, Enmore Stackers branching out Branch stacking is a phenomenon associated with politics (Letters, June 19). Rest assured, it occurs in many a government organisation. Carmen Fenech, Frenchs Forest Just trying to work out Brad Crosling's letter. That is one heck of an allegation he is making to say that the ALP does not have the nation's interest at heart. I could make the same statement about the current government. Alice Khatchigian, Ermington Take temperature test Keeping the last two rows on a flight available for domestic passengers who display COVID-19 symptoms when in flight is like closing the gate after the horse has bolted (Letters, June 19). A self-regulated health check 48 hours before flying is not good enough. Rex announced some time ago that it would have mandatory temperature testing for passengers. Why is this not a required part of the protocols for safe domestic air travel for all domestic airlines? Paul Parramore, Sawtell Closed borders work for me As a person who lives in regional NSW, I have no issues with Annastacia Palaszczuk keeping the Queensland border shut ("Premier blasts border closures", June 19). Sydney and Melbourne people are looking for a place to holiday and with the Queensland and South Australian borders closed, I hope more people will visit our region, see our farms and enjoy the great communities in western NSW. Annastacia Palaszczuk, your loss is our gain. Greg Adamson, Griffith Dismiss Dismissal hopes Anyone who believes the National Archives will be releasing all the Whitlam dismissal documents unredacted or that there aren't further letters gone "missing" probably also believes in unicorns and pink elephants (Letters, June 19). Frank De Silva, Bowral Does the slow, censorious brake on the palace letters release unwittingly reveal an uncomfortable embarrassment of historical riches? Anne Garvan, Chatswood West Dylan unites generations I was one of those lucky ones fortunate enough to have grown up with Bob Dylan supplying the soundtrack to my life ("Bob Dylan's new album will stand the test of time", June 19). Now, at the age of 79, he pumps out yet another fabulous album, finding a whole new audience from among the youngsters. What amazes me is that a 19-year-old could be entranced by a 79-year-old. That would be like me, in the 1960s being entranced by my parents' favourite, Rudy Vallee. Would never have happened. Bill Young, Greenwich End of a Vera Sentimental songs gave us hope ("Vera Lynn dies at 103", June 19). There'll be love and laughter and peace ever after. That wonderful morale-raiser in the dark days of war Vera Lynn has gone. Barrie Smillie, Duffy ACT With amazing prescience, Queen Elizabeth II during her recent address about the pandemic reached the concluding sections with the phrase "we'll meet again", the late Dame Vera Lynn's best-known song. The Queen's English people, her Commonwealth subjects and all the Allied forces certainly hope so. Paul Hunt, Engadine Is there a more poignant song for anyone who lived through the war years than We'll Meet Again? Ray Alexander, Moss Vale Speak the dummy Am I the first to notice? We have a new word; "ventriloquise", invented by Oxford dons no less. Apparently, you ventriloquise someone when you quote them correctly but in a context deemed to be politically incorrect. A word with a future surely. John Crowe, Normanhurst Illustration: Cathy Wilcox Credit: One for the fridge Thanks, Cathy Wilcox, for yet another gem that's sure to adorn print readers' fridges and digital readers' devices (Editorial cartoon, June 19). But please allow me to offer two suggestions: provide regularly updated versions of it (daily/weekly/monthly) and invite readers to vote for their "favourite" rogue. Col Shephard, Yamba Postscript Two subjects were our focus this week: the vandalising of statues, and branch stacking at the Victorian branch of the ALP. Most letter writers felt similarly about the events which unfolded in Victoria: no one party has a monopoly on branch stacking. But correspondents' opinions on the destruction of statues were varied and strongly felt. There was discussion about "juxtaposing statues" rather than tearing them down. "After all, they are part of our history for good or bad," wrote Chris Borton of Darling Point. He suggested erecting a new statue in proximity to the old "reflecting our new reality". Like others, Phil Johnson of Rockdale needed to clarify the difference between a statue and a museum or memorial. "Statues raised to memorialise individuals are quite a different thing to museums housing historical, factual and important remnants. Nobody would accept a statue of Mussolini, Hitler or Rhodes, excepting in their own, controlled, whitewashed and frightening regime." Ian Morison of Forrest ACT wrote that he doesn't care "what my predecessors did 50, 100 or 200 years ago that may or may not suit modern thinking. Surely, we should be asking what we are doing wrong now that in 50, 100 or 200 years may be regarded as abhorrent". Many agreed with his point of view, also in regards to changing geographical names. It is not the first time that angry protesters and activists on social media demand autonomy for their cities or states. Before Seattle protesters made the demand recently in protest over the murder of George Floyd last month, some in California were demanding sovereignty in protest of Donald Trump winning the White House in 2016. President Trump retorted in anger at events in Seattle, accusing the radical left in the Democratic Party of spearheading these calls. He tweeted: Domestic Terrorists have taken over Seattle, run by Radical Left Democrats, of course. Law and order. He also warned: Take back your city now. If you dont do it, I will. This is not a game. These ugly anarchists must be stopped [sic] immediately. move fast. He was addressing Washington Governor Jay Inslee and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, whom he said were playing a risky game, unlike any other in the history of the US. Trumps agitation is justifiable. If these calls for autonomy were made by protesting anarchists, they would have no impact on Trump. However, they came from officials in government positions whether elected or not. This pushes grave political divisions in the US since Barack Obamas tenure to disturbing depths. But why are there calls for autonomy, or what anarchists call self-rule by the street, without oversight? And what will Trump do to carry out his threat to end calls for autonomy if the governor and mayor cannot, or decide to join the autonomy demand? The US Constitution does not contain language that allows any state to hold a referendum among locals asking if they want to stay or leave the federation of the United States, therefore the only path to autonomy will be through violence and combat. In 2011, anarchists attempted this during the Occupy Wall Street movement in New York, which resulted in extensive violence. In the wealthy state of California, which is also a Democrat stronghold, some party activists and radical left dissidents such as ANTIFA mobilised protesters to demand autonomy for California after Trump took the presidency in 2016. They called it Calexit, meaning exit of California inspired by the term Brexit used for Britains exit from the EU. Calexit was very popular on Twitter and the movements leaders called for a state-wide referendum in 2019 for California to become autonomous if the results were in favour. Trump was not too upset back then because it was a call by activists, not California officials, and the constitution does not give these rights to States in the Union. The recent call could have passed without much notice but the similarity today between anarchists who want to overthrow all powers by any means and officials in government positions is disturbing. These similarities can soon greatly challenge the US, since this new unprecedented trend may not stop at protesting Trumps presidency who has a unique style of governance but will extend to become a staple means of protest in the US. The lack of trust in political institutions, including the two major parties, Republicans and Democrats, has opened the floodgates for radical groups at both ends of the spectrum to lead the streets towards violence and calls for autonomy. Even more dangerous is that Democrats do not understand the catastrophic outcome of flirting with radical leftist groups. Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi exaggerated her pandering to those leading the violence on the street by supporting the destructive attacks on statues from a bygone era, demanding that 11 statues of confederate soldiers be removed from Capitol Hill. In a letter to the Joint Committee on the Library, Pelosi said: Monuments to men who advocated cruelty and barbarism to achieve such a plainly racist end are a grotesque affront to the ideals of democracy and freedom. She added that statues of men who participated in a failed secession war during the Civil War must be removed. I believe that there is no room for celebrating the violent bigotry of the men of the Confederacy in the hallowed halls of the United States Capitol or places of honour across the country, she wrote. Pelosi was not just pandering to anarchists and their supporters for electoral reasons, but indirectly oppressing many Americans, especially White Americans, who take pride in their countrys history without necessarily adopting the same racist ideals of that bygone era. This all adds fuel to the ongoing fire of division in the US which will gradually evolve from a political fissure to an ethnic chasm. Democrats believe in removing Trump in the upcoming elections by any means, even if it results in political and social catastrophe in the country. Some commentators in the US media point out how Democrats manipulate slogans according to occasion. For example, in Newsweek on 12 June, Boris Epshteyn wrote an opinion piece titled Democrats hypocrisy on riots reveals political nature of coronavirus lockdowns. He noted how Democrats defend the shutdown of the economy to contain the Covid-19 pandemic and condemn protests calling for lifting the lockdown and restarting business, claiming these protests are not freedom of expression but a violation of the right of Americans to protect against the pandemic. Meanwhile, they defend protests led by left-wing groups denouncing anti-racism, as if these protests do not threaten the safety of Americans in a pandemic. Preventing these protests is seen as an assault on the First Amendment. Meanwhile, Trump is using risky methods in facing his adversaries, including attempting to involve the military in political quarrels. It seemed that when he threatened the governor and mayor that he had means to end calls for autonomy, he was referring to using the army to quash these calls if they continue or evolve into a threat of domestic unrest. Trump already knows that Defence Secretary Mark Esper opposes using the military against protesters after the president suggested they intervene to stop rioting after Floyds death. Also, General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed his regret for appearing in uniform in a photo op with Trump during a stroll around the White House to show he is in control in Washington DC after clashes two weeks ago. Trumps actions were an exaggerated response to anarchist calls for autonomy in Washington and Seattle, even though they pose a serious threat in the near future. Also, the hasty call on the army to become involved in political conflicts can be manipulated by Democrats to portray the matter as a clear violation of the US Constitution, and a serious threat to the checks and balances of power in the United States. This could seriously hurt Trump at a time when the race for re-election is approaching quickly. *A version of this article appears in print in the 18 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: TRENTON Let the voting begin. Thanks to the coronavirus public health emergency, Gov. Phil Murphy has ordered New Jerseys July 7 primary election to be conducted primarily via vote-by-mail. Registered voters may postmark or hand-deliver their ballot selections between now and Primary Election Day, or voters may cast a provisional ballot at a physical polling place subject to aggressive social distancing protocols. The Mercer County Clerks Office mailed vote-by-mail ballots to registered Democrats and Republicans last week, according to County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello. But Mercer County GOP Chairwoman Lisa Richford has complained that no registered Republican in Trenton or Hamilton has received a mail-in ballot as of Tuesday, unlike their Democratic counterparts. Hundreds of Democrats in Hamilton, Trenton have received their vote by mail ballots and have sent their votes in, Richford said in an email to Sollami Covello. Explain that please. In terms of their residential populations, Trenton and Hamilton each have more registered Democrats than Republicans. These voters should be receiving their vote-by-mail ballots by June 22, according to the clerk, who said the county has used a reputable mail house for the mailing. All registered Democrats and Republicans will receive a mail-in ballot which can be used for the election, according to information posted on the Mercer County Clerks Office website. All inactive or unaffiliated voters will receive an application to vote by mail, for which they can declare a party and send back so they can vote in the primary. All postage is paid, the clerks office says, so voters do not have to use stamps for applications or ballots. Voting instructions Mail-in ballots must be filled in using blue or black ink, according to the clerks office, which says red ink and lead pencils cannot be accepted. Voters who wish to participate in the July 7 primary have other options beyond mailing in a ballot. For example, voters may hand-deliver their vote-by-mail ballots to the Mercer County Board of Elections at 640 S. Broad St. in Trenton. Voters also have the option to fill-in and drop off their ballots at designated drop boxes. The locations of drop boxes are as follows: * The Princeton Municipal Building at 400 Witherspoon St., Princeton, NJ. * The Hamilton Call Center at 5 Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. Way, Hamilton, NJ (next to the Hamilton Free Public Library). * The Hopewell Township Administration Building at 201 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ (at the intersection of Scotch Road). * The Trenton-Courthouse Annex at 209 S. Broad St., Trenton, NJ. * The East Windsor Police Station at 80 One Mile Road, East Windsor, NJ. Murphys Executive Order No. 144 requires each county to procure at least five secure ballot drop boxes and to place them in locations that are readily accessible to the registered voters within the county. While the governor strongly pushed for vote-by-mail this year given the public health emergency, he said each county must open a minimum of at least one polling place in each municipality for voters to cast provisional ballots on the July 7 primary election date. There will be 55 polling locations across Mercer County, but these locations have yet to be finalized by the Board of Elections, the clerks office announced in a news bulletin dated June 10. Once approved, the office said, the polling locations across the county will be advertised in print ads and on the Mercer County website on the election pages and all Municipal Clerks will have the list. Polling places must adhere to strict COVID-19 mitigation guidelines under Murphys order, but a citizens right to vote shall be respected even if a voter refuses to comply with the guidelines. In-person voters who require an ADA-accessible voting machine must be accommodated, according to Murphys order. New Jersey usually holds primary elections in the month of June, but Murphy this year postponed it to July 7 because of the novel respiratory disease that has killed over 12,000 New Jerseyans to date. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. till 8 p.m. July 7 on this rescheduled 2020 Primary Election Day. Every vote-by-mail ballot that is postmarked on or before July 7 and that is received by 8 p.m. July 14 shall be considered valid and shall be canvassed, Murphy ordered. Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Miami Prone to Price Declines BOCA RATON, Fla., June 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The cost of homeownership is outpacing the cost of renting across the United States, and the discrepancy between the two is rising sharply in parts of the Southeast, Midwest and Pacific Northwest, according to the latest national index by professors at Florida Atlantic and Florida International universities. The Beracha, Hardin & Johnson Buy vs. Rent Index determines whether consumers will create wealth faster in buying a home and building equity or renting the same property and reinvesting the money they would have spent on ownership, such as taxes, insurance and maintenance. The index examines the entire U.S. housing market but isolates 23 key metropolitan areas, factoring in home prices, rents, mortgage rates, investment returns, property taxes, insurance and home maintenance costs. The quarterly numbers show that Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Seattle and Portland, Oregon, are all significantly above their long-term fundamental home price levels. That means renting clearly is the better option in those areas, according to Ken H. Johnson, Ph.D., a real estate economist within FAUs College of Business. These metro areas are the most at risk for home price declines, including any future negative impacts to housing values brought about by COVID-19, he said. Were still waiting to see how the pandemic will affect the housing market. The remaining metros tracked in the index -- Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego and St. Louis appear to be under little or no pressure in terms of the demand for homeownership. That suggests its a toss-up between renting and buying in those areas. Homeownership traditionally was considered the far better option than renting for building wealth, but the historic housing crash from 2006-2011 changed that perception for many Americans, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will soon be felt. The buy vs. rent index, first published in 2013, shows that even when home prices are rising, renting can be equally or more lucrative for disciplined investors. Story continues Still, renters who would not invest the money they would have spent on ownership are better off buying a home, according to Eli Beracha, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Hollo School of Real Estate at FIU. Homeownership doesnt necessarily generate attractive rates of return, but it does force consumers to be more mindful of their expenses, he said. Renters should be honest with themselves. If they arent going to put their extra money into the stock market, then the safer option over the long run would be to own. The indexs housing price numbers cover all transactions for the months of January, February and March, before much of the effect from the coronavirus pandemic was felt nationwide. Johnson and Beracha agree that the timing makes it difficult to predict what COVID-19 may do to home prices. If effective treatments and a vaccine are developed quickly, COVID-19s impact on U.S. housing prices should be minimal, Johnson said. But if the nation remains under a long-term threat from the virus, the potential for significant housing price declines is high. Paul Owers Florida Atlantic University College of Business 5612214090 powers@fau.edu "Aarya" (series streaming on Disney+ Hotstar) Cast: Sushmita Sen, Chandrachur Singh, Sikander Kher, Namit Das, Ankur Bhatia, Maya Sarao, Jayant Kripalani, Vikas Kumar, Alexx ONell, Manish Choudhary, Vishwajeet Pradhan Created by: Ram Madhvani Rating: * * and 1/2 (two and a half stars) By Vinayak Chakravorty "Aarya" starts off with a couple of advantages. It marks the return of Sushmita Sen, a fact that has helped the show pump up hype over the past weeks. Secondly, there proven core content at hand. The show is based on the Dutch series "Penoza", which saw a whopping run of five seasons, and which has already inspired an American rehash, "Red Widow". Both the advantages, however, come with a catch. There was always the challenge of molding the uber-glamour of Sushmita Sen -- still India's first Miss Universe in the minds of most -- into a protagonist that fits the scope of a web series (it is a challenge that her Bollywood directors mostly never tried tackling, which often saw her essay the 'other heroine' in two-heroine projects). On the second aspect, what worked in Dutch may not necessarily work for a 'desi' revisit. Aarya Trailer It's obvious right from the start that writer-creator Ram Madhvani's primary labour over nine episodes lay in setting up a saleable, authorbacked showcase to highlight the Sushmita factor, with his Indianised imported plot. Sushmita is Aarya Sareen, alpha mother of three, and she is hanging upside down defying gravity, executing a complex inversion workout, when we first meet her. The scene is perhaps symbolic, meant to tell us how 'in control' she can be, when her world turns upside down. Which doesn't take long to happen actually. Beneath the veneer of a happy family, where Aarya wants to give her kids a normal childhood, we soon learn the Sareens are not 'normal' people. The regal lifestyle owes itself to dealings more than meet the eye. Aarya's husband Tej (Chandrachur Singh) and his partners are drug mafia, running their trade under the garb of a pharmaceutical business. The tele-play aims at building its storyline gradually over the episodes -- only too gradually you would think, after the opening episode gives the show a dramatic plot-pusher, not to be revealed for the sake of shielding spoilers. That momentum, however, gets squandered as Madhvani's narrative tries accommodating too many sub-plots for too many characters. The average runtime of each of the nine episodes ranges from around 45 to 55 minutes. You wish Madhvani and his co-directors (Sandeep Modi and Vinod Rawat) had stuck to the point, restricting the show to, may be, five episodes of 30 minutes each with sharper editing. Pace is not the only problem. Despite basing its narrative on something as promising as a thriller about drug running and the deceptions that come in its wake, "Aarya" cannot boast of many authentic moments that thrill. The most disappointing aspect is what the entire series ultimately decides to settle upon, for a 'storyline'. Without giving away the plot, for all its intriguing premise, this is a hackneyed story about cops and mafia gunning for a USB stick that contains -- ahem -- secrets that could bring down the drug empire. It reminds you of those B-flicks of yore. Back then, they would all be chasing a little black diary of 'kachha-chittha'. Nowadays it seems bad guys keep their black deeds documented in black pen drives. From trailer and previews, you would have the broad idea that circumstances will force the homemmaker Aarya to take over her husband's trade. Yet, when that momentous event does happen, there is absolutely no spark -- save the bit of shimmy swag that Sushmita exudes as she makes her way to her husband's chair, backgrounded by retro Bollywood score. In fact, that nutshells the whole show. It is a lazy drama propped by Sushmita's screen presence in particular, as well as rest of the cast. Fans of Sushmita won't be disappointed, though. After a decade of absence from the Bollywood screen (five years if you consider she did a brilliant Bengali arthouse film called "Nirbaak" in between), the actress returns to prove that she has lost none of her edge. Be it as the doting mom or the cold avenger, Sushmita's Aarya Sareen is a balanced and believable act. Two other actors who particularly stand out are Jayant Kripalani and Maya Sarao. Kripalani, who also returns on screen after a hiatus, is Aarya's father Zorawar, with a deceptively pleasant disposition that he pulls off effortlessly. Maya Sarao is Maya, Aarya's close friend and the wife of one of Tej's partners, Jawahar (Namit Das). Although Maya is really a secondary character, she gets her moments, letting Sarao score. Most of the others in the cast are adequate. "Aarya" leaves open the scope for an obvious season two going by its final scene. For a few thrills more, we will hope Madhvani and company serve it headier the next time. (Vinayak Chakravorty can be reached at vinayak.c@ians.in) -- Syndicated from IANS China's top legislature on Thursday started a session to review a draft law on administrative discipline for government employees, and a draft law on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, among other documents. Li Zhanshu, chairman of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presided over the first plenary meeting of the committee's 19th session on Thursday morning. The session will run until June 20. The draft law on administrative discipline for government employees was submitted to the session for its third reading. The latest draft, among others, establishes a mechanism to correct wrong decisions on administrative discipline. Also on the lawmakers' table was a draft revision to the Law on the People's Armed Police Force, which was submitted for a second reading. The lawmakers also began to review the second draft revision to the Archives Law, which further pushes for opening and using archives, strengthens the archives' digitalization, and ensures information security. The NPC Constitution and Law Committee considered the above three drafts as ready, and proposed their adoption at the session. A draft law on safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China was submitted to the session for deliberation. The move was to implement the spirit and requirements of the NPC Decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the HKSAR to Safeguard National Security, which was adopted at the third session of the 13th NPC in May. Entrusted by the Council of Chairpersons, Shen Chunyao, director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, briefed lawmakers on the draft. Other new legislative bills presented to the session included draft laws on promoting rural vitalization, and support for veterans. Lawmakers are also deliberating a proposal on joining the Arms Trade Treaty. Other documents for review at the session included a report on the central government's 2019 final accounts, an audit report on the execution of the central government's 2019 budget, and other fiscal revenue and expenditure, as well as a report on the examination results of the draft 2019 final accounts. The report on final accounts highlights five areas as the next step, including stabilizing and expanding employment, ensuring and improving people's livelihoods, and supporting the development of market entities against challenges. The audit report raises suggestions on advancing fiscal and financial system reforms, and further enforcing a proactive fiscal policy, among others. Personnel matters will also be discussed at the session. This obituary is part of a series about people who have died in the coronavirus pandemic. Read about others here. For the last 15 years of her short life, Lynika Strozier dedicated herself with increasing fervor to a career in science, much of it as a researcher at the Field Museum in Chicago, where she delicately extracted DNA from early land plants. The plants we deal with are often old and fragile; some are as small as an eyelash, Matt von Konrat, the museums head of botanical collections, said in a phone interview. Others threw up their hands and gave up on these experiments. But Lynika persevered. He added, She had golden hands. During her time at the museum, Ms. Strozier discovered another passion mentoring young people and in January left to teach ecology and evolution at Malcolm X College in Chicago. Syracuse, N.Y. Onondaga County Republicans are rallying behind longtime political operative Benedicte Doran of Jamesville to replace Tom Dadey as chair of the county GOP committee. Assuming she is elected in September, when Dadey plans to step down, Doran will almost certainly bring a different leadership style to the job. Doran, 50, is far less known to the public than the outspoken Dadey. But Republicans say they value her many years of quiet, behind-the-scenes work as a fund-raiser and organizer. Shes definitely got a different style,' said Onondaga County Legislator Deb Cody, a longtime Salina committee member. I think shell bring more of a softer approach to it, not as combative as Tom.' Several GOP leaders said they do not anticipate any serious competition for Doran, who has indicated an interest in serving as county chair. Party members will vote at their organizational meeting in September, but several sources said the outcome seems predictable. For the last 20 years there is no (GOP) campaign that hasnt involved Benedicte,' said Hank Chapman, the Manlius committee chair. There is no elected official that hasnt been helped by Benedicte. There is no committee chair anywhere that hasnt worked closely with her. I would be shocked if she didnt win handily.' Cody, who worked together with Doran for former state Sen. John DeFrancisco, said she is not aware of any other contender to lead the county party. I know this has been an aspiration of hers, to help our candidates,' Cody said. I would love to see her step into that role.' Dadey was an early and ardent supporter of President Donald Trump. In 2015, he made a hostile bid to wrest control of the state GOP from then-Chairman Ed Cox. Dadey has been willing at times to battle with other top Onondaga County Republicans, including District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick and former County Executive Joanie Mahoney. Doran is more at home outside the spotlight, Chapman said. Among other talents, she is an accomplished fund-raiser, he said. Shes all about getting the job done, and not necessarily worried about being out in the limelight,' he said. After two decades of political work, Doran said she sees the top job as an opportunity to bring greater coordination and fund-raising to GOP campaigns that she would be helping anyway. I do so much with everybody already,' she said. This could just kind of pull it all together.' Doran said she is not aware of anyone else seeking the job. If elected, Doran said she hopes to use her fund-raising talents to amass resources to support new candidates as they start in politics. She said she also wants to increase coordination between Republican candidates, who too often operate their campaigns separately now. We have a lot of different people working separately,' she said. Id like to try to have everyone working together so that we can share resources.' Doran said she also would work to increase GOP enrollment, which has declined recently in the county. Im always behind the scenes trying to help people be successful, because thats what I enjoy,' Doran said. She is currently working on the campaign of U.S. Rep. John Katko as political director. Last year, she raised money for County Executive Ryan McMahons successful campaign. Doran managed the winning campaign of Sheriff Gene Conway in 2014. She worked as communications director for DeFrancisco from 2008 to 2013. She served as a legislative aide to former Assemblyman Jeff Brown from 2002 to 2006. Doran also has held a variety of marketing and communications jobs. From 1991 to 1994, after graduating from SUNY College at Oswego, she worked as an editorial assistant at The Post-Standard. Doran is married to County Court Judge Matthew Doran. They have three sons. An Election Commission (EC) official first heard about the term personal protective equipment (PPE), the clothing, face shields, goggles, etc used for the prevention of infections, in March when it entered the popular lexicon amid the worsening Covid-19 pandemic. Even then, he thought it was solely for doctors and others involved in tacking the disease. Little did the official know that a few months later he would find himself in a PPE suit conducting a Rajya Sabha election in Madhya Pradesh on Friday. For about 45 minutes, when the only Covid-19 positive legislator came to vote, all the polling officials were in PPE suits, like the MLA [member of legislative assembly], the official said. It took some of us nearly as long to put the suits on. The legislator was brought for voting in an ambulance that was sanitised multiple times. To further reduce the risk of transmission, all fans and coolers were switched off at the polling booth when he voted. PPE suits and ambulances were part of ECs guidelines for conducting the elections to vacant Rajya Sabha seats across eight states. This was the first major voting exercise since the pandemic prompted sweeping measures in March to ensure social distancing to check its spread. The polls were earlier scheduled for March. Nearly 1,000 legislators participated in the polling in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Rajasthan. Meghalayas chief electoral officer, F R Kharkongor, called the election challenging and added they revisited their entire rulebook and re-evaluated the procedure. But after a few hiccups, we managed fine. Another EC official in the state said a coughing legislator sent them into a tizzy for a few seconds. But once the doctor examined the legislator, we realised it was because the legislator choked on something... The official said the people in their part of the country always greet each with handshakes but this time all they saw were namastes as the lawmakers sought to ensure social distancing. In Andhra Pradesh, a poll official said entourages that normally accompany the chief minister and senior ministers when they come to vote were subdued. The official said guidelines were sent to all legislators that also said they should travel to the polling venue with as few people as possible. The legislators in Andhra wore colourful masks as they turned out to vote. Some were even wearing their party symbol on their masks, the official said. Unlike previous elections, the mood was somber. Electors came, voted, and left almost immediately. Andhra Pradeshs chief electoral officer, K Vijayanand, said no one took off their masks, even as they voted and a majority were wearing gloves. The Madhya Pradesh official cited above said the atmosphere was more businesslike. Normally there is a lot of chit chat. Legislators hang around after they are done and gossip for hours, but this time, everyone kept their distance, voted, and left... A poll official in Gujarat said the discharge and an end to the quarantine period of three lawmakers tested Covid-19 positive helped smoothen the election process. Gujarats additional chief electoral officer, Ashok Manek, said everyone was careful and maintained social distancing norms. Extra care was taken and everyone was screened at the entrance of the [polling venue]. The election was smooth sailing, said Rajasthans top poll official Anand Kumar. ...[We] were extra cautious. But all in all, it went off pretty well. One day, shortly after Aba died, Ima decided to take us to the exhibit at the zoo. To let us out of our cages, for a short while. We saw turtles with old necks, just like hers, their shells shining like shields, the quicksilver leap of saffron spotted tree-frogs, the bright plumage of eggshell-blue birds. Ima pointed out the carp swirling in the water. She told us Aba was a fish, that he was swimming around and keeping an eye out for us. We could come here, she said, and talk to him if we wanted to. The fish rose up to snatch a scrap of bread, thrown in by my brother, and then they were gone, leaving behind nothing but a few vanishing ripples. Ima had seen the newspaper clippings and was playing along with Shonis fantasies. It was a bad idea. When she wasnt looking, Shoni leaped up over the glass railing of the exhibit and liberated the fish, which squirmed in his arms, flapping around and jerking wildly, scales flashing and glinting in the afternoon light. Once Ima explained to the zoo-keepers and security guards that our father just died, we left the zoo and never came back. She stopped making up stories about Aba. He was dead and that was that. But there was no dead, not for Shoni. Princess Charlotte will not return to school in London until her brother Prince George does due to 'logistical' reasons, a royal expert has claimed. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are currently residing at their Norfolk countryside home Anmer Hall, where they are homeschooling their three children. But while Thomas' Battersea has resumed its classes for five-year-old Princess Charlotte's reception year group, it is unlikely she will attend without her older brother, according to royal biographer Katie Nicholl. Six-year-old Prince George's Year 2 class remains closed in the phased reopening of the primary school. Princess Charlotte will not return to school in London until her brother Prince George does due to 'logistical' reasons, a royal expert has claimed. Pictured on Charlotte's first day at the school in September 2019 Speaking to 9Honey, Katie said: 'If they're based at Anmer Hall, it would be very logistically challenging to send Charlotte back and keep George and Louis at home. 'It would mean moving back to London for the sake of sending one child back to school and possibly, logistically with everything else they're juggling in terms of official duties, it might just be too challenging and that may be why they decided not to do it.' Katie added, however, that she believes the children could resume their studies at school in the near future. 'I think it's likely if George's year does go back, even if it's just for a short while before the end of term, then I think it's probably likely they will want him and Charlotte to go back,' she explained, pointing out that both children will be moving into a new year group in September. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are currently residing at their Norfolk countryside home Anmer Hall, where they are homeschooling their three children (pictured in April) 'If nothing else it will be an opportunity to say hello and goodbye to their friends,' she added. Thomas's concludes its summer term on Friday July 3, with its summer extension coming to an end on July 17. Michaelmas term begins on September 7. Katie said she doesn't believe Prince William, 37, and Kate, 38, will make a 'big deal' of taking their children back to school as doing so would be 'too disruptive' amid the pandemic. She said if they do return, she imagines it will be kept 'pretty low key' and done 'quietly and below the radar'. While Thomas' Battersea has resumed its classes for Princess Charlotte's reception year group, it is unlikely she will attend without her older brother, according to royal biographer Katie Nicholl. Pictured: Princess Charlotte, taken by her mother to mark her fifth birthday in May In April a source revealed Kate is 'leading' the homeschooling efforts while organising playtime for Prince Louis, one, each day. William has also reportedly 'rolled his sleeves up' to help out during the coronavirus crisis. A source told The Sun: 'Kate is leading on most of the teaching. She spends time every day doing something with them.' The couple later told BBC Breakfast that they homeschooled their children during the Easter holidays without telling them. Prince William and Kate said it had been 'challenging' to teach their three children - who they said had 'got such stamina', although it 'hasn't been all hardcore'. Kate admitted: 'Don't tell the children, we've actually kept it going through the holidays. I feel very mean. The children have got such stamina, I don't know how. 'Honestly, you get to the end of the day and you write down the list of all the things that you've done in that day.' She added: 'It's just having that bit of structure actually. And it's great, there's so many great tips online and fun activities that you can do with the children, so it hasn't been all hardcore.' FAIRFIELD As a show of support for Pride Month, First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick and students from Fairfields two high schools raised a rainbow flag over the Old Town Hall Wednesday afternoon. In a ceremony before the event, several elected and community leaders spoke to the importance of supporting people regardless of sexuality, gender or race. Two leaders from local churches also led people in prayer for strength to continue fighting for justice and equality. The event came after a Monday ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that LGBTQ employees are protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Rev. Sarah Smith-Scott, senior minister of the United Congregational Church in Bridgeport, said that while raising the flag in Fairfield was significant, the work to secure justice for all people is not yet done. So, where do we get our strength to carry on? Smith-Scott said, adding that she identifies as LGBTQ. As a proud member of progressive minded clergy, I would suggest that we ask the spirit of the universe, however you understand that reality... to bless the symbolic act we witness today, even as it continues to call us to justice. Kupchick said the town of Fairfield, and she as its leader, will stand against discrimination of any kind. In the Pledge of Allegiance, she pointed out, Americans are guaranteed liberty and justice for all. That is what we all stand for, Kupchick said. This is what our town stands for. And this is what our nation stands for, and should stand for. State Sen. Tony Hwang said that after the landmark Supreme Court case, he got feedback from residents who questioned the necessity of the ruling, given that Connecticut already had those protections in place. We do in the state of Connecticut, Hwang said. But, unfortunately, nearly half of this country did not. So I think its a powerful lesson that we will take that theres so much more work to do. Hwang also said it was important to discuss awareness, education and appreciation that occurs in peoples hearts. He said people need to fully embrace the diversity and uniqueness of each individual. We need to, in our hearts, believe that each person should be judged by what they bring to the table, he said. Not what we think they are. As a self-described closeted queer person who grew up in Fairfield, Anna Burns said raising the flag was an important thing for the town to do. Currently the community educator for Triangle Community Center in Norwalk, Burns said the Supreme Court ruling comes in the wake of a decision by the federal Department of Education that threatens to withhold federal funds over a Connecticut policy allowing transgender girls to compete against non-transgender girls in high school sports. Burns mentioned the Trump administration finalizing a rule that overturns Obama-era protections for transgender people against sex discrimination in health care. She said the LGBTQ people also have to address racism within their own community and outside it. Im really grateful to be here, Burns said. This is awesome to see all your faces. Were all on the same team. But we have a lot more work to do. I cant wait to continue the hard work with you all. This is the second year the town has raised the pride flag over municipal property. Fairfield resident John Brannelly, who organized the ceremony, said the town signifying its support for Pride Month makes him feel more comfortable openly identifying as an LGBTQ community member. Brannelly said the day on which the event happened is also significant. He said Wednesday was the 11 year anniversary of the suicide of Emma Von Euhler a Southport resident, Fairfield Ludlowe High School student and person who identified as LGBTQ. The risk (of suicide) is five times greater if you are gay... for attempting suicide, Brannelly said. Thats why its so important to do these things. To remind people that its okay to be gay and that they are welcome here. There are people who will love and support them. Around June 18, an image that shows slain soldiers laid on the ground went viral on social media with the claim that it shows martyred Indian soldiers in Ladakh. A Facebook page Kashmir Update shared the viral image and wrote, Pic From #Ladakh Indian Army. It has been shared over 600 times. (archive link) The viral image was also published by Baaghi TV. (archive link) Alt News has received several requests to fact-check this on WhatsApp (+917600011160) and on its official Android application. Fact-check Alt News performed a reverse image search on Google and found that the image was published in a 2015 blog called Time Press Africa. As per the blog, the image shows Nigerian soldiers who were martyred while battling against militant Islamist group Boko Haram. The blog reported that the bodies of the slain soldiers were secretly buried by the Nigerian army at the military cemetery in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Using this as a clue, Alt News performed a keyword search and found that Nigeria-based The Guardian published a report in December 2015 on the incident. As per the report, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) demanded an investigation on the widespread allegations of the secret burial by the military of more than 105 soldiers who were reportedly killed during an ambush by armed Boko Haram militants in the last week of November. Thus the social media claim that the viral image shows Indian army troopers is false. TV personality and legendary Footy Show host Sam Newman will part ways with Channel Nine after his extraordinary rant against George Floyd. The former Geelong AFL great announced on Friday night he was ending his 35-year partnership with the network. 'The Nine network and I have mutually decided that, in the station's best interests, I withdraw from appearing on their programs,' he wrote on Twitter, with the 74-year-old describing his career with the network as 'fantastic'. Newman also took a shot at the media saying 'let's see how this get's reported, can't wait'. While Nine also said the parting was mutual, it follows Daily Mail Australia reporting that Newman had called George Floyd, whose death while in police custody sparked mass Black Lives Matter protests across the U.S. and the world, was a 'piece of sh*t. Newman made the comments on his podcast 'You Cannot Be Serious', alongside fellow footy great Don Scott and journalist, Mike Sheahan. Controversial TV personality and former AFL great Sam Newman (pictured on the Footy Show in 1999) announced his split from the Nine Network after 35 years on Friday night Newman's (pictured) split from Nine comes after Daily Mail Australia reported the Footy Show host unleashed an extraordinary rant on George Floyd and labelled him 'a piece of sh*t' 'George Floyd, who is a piece of sh*t incidentally,' he began before his co-hosts attempted to intervene. 'You know who George Floyd is? He has been in jail five times, he held up a pregnant black woman with a knife, he's a drug addict, he's a crack head and he's a porn star.' George Floyd died after he was arrest on May 25 as officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for eight minutes, despite Floyd complaining he could not breathe. Newman said George Floyd's death occurred 'because of the police brutality'. 'And it should never have happened, but I'm just telling you who George Floyd is and they've made a monument to him and he's a piece of sh*t,' he said. Newman said his split from Nine was mutual and he left the channel on a positive note. Both Newman and Channel Nine said the decision to separate had been mutual Newman slammed George Floyd (pictured right), the inspiration behind the Black Lives Matter movement, on his podcast 'You Cannot Be Serious' A spokesperson from Nine told Daily Mail Australia the decision had been made 'mutually and amicably'. 'Sam Newman has been a part of the football landscape in Melbourne for generations. He enjoyed an illustrious playing career, notching up 300 games for the Geelong Football Club.' 'We thank Sam for his service with Nine over several decades. His contribution to The Footy Show was paramount to the enormous ratings success the show enjoyed over many years,' the spokesperson said. George Floyd died under the knee of Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin who pressed his knee on Floyd's neck for nine minutes Pictured: Newman criticised AFL players for taking a knee to support the Black Lives Matter movement at the Collingwood Magpies and the Richmond Tigers match on Thursday The spokesperson said Newman 'was a master at live television' who 'attracted a legion of loyal fans to The Footy Show with his comedic and insightful input'. Newman joined the network as a panelist on the Footy Show in 1993 and sparked a number of controversies throughout his career. In 1999, Newman appeared on the show in blackface and impersonated Indigenous footballer Nicky Winmar. Newman referred to sixteen-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg as an 'annoying little brat' and a 'shit' in late 2019. Many Twitter users celebrated the announcement that Newman was no longer partnered with Channel Nine and one commenter said 'good riddance to bad rubbish' Another user called for Newman to be banned from TV and radio He also responded to Jacinda Ardern's comments on the Christchurch Mosque massacre in 2019 with an extended critique of the New Zealand accent. Newman recently criticised AFL players for taking a knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. He claimed the gesture at the Richmond Tigers and Collingwood Magpies match was an act of 'preening'. Many Twitter users celebrated the announcement that Newman was no longer partnered with Channel Nine. 'Spin it all you like old man, your use by date was 20 years ago. Good riddance to bad rubbish,' one user wrote. 'Sam Newman must be banned from TV and radio,' another commented. 'If there was a statue of Sam Newman I would p*ss all over it,' one user said. Another commenter asked: 'Has Sam Newman ever been to reality?' One Twitter user asked if Sam Newman had 'ever been to reality' Locals in Keshani village in the Haftanin area of northern Iraq's Dohuk province expressed fear and anger on Thursday following a Turkish military operation in their area. Earlier this week, Turkey said it airlifted troops into northern Iraq for a cross-border ground operation against Turkey's Kurdish rebels. Several airstrikes hit farms and other sites around Keshani village in the past two days, residents said. The airborne-and-land offensive into the border region of Haftanin, some 15 kilometres (9 miles) from the Turkey-Iraq border, was launched following intense artillery fire into the area, said the Defense Ministry in Ankara. The operation by commando forces is being supported by warplanes, attack helicopters, artillery and armed and unarmed drones, according to the ministry's statement posted on Twitter. It did not say how many troops are involved. Turkey regularly carries out air and ground attacks against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which it says maintains bases in northern Iraq. Turkey has defended its past operations into northern Iraq, saying neither the Iraqi government nor the regional Iraqi Kurdish administration have acted to remove PKK insurgents who allegedly use Iraq's territory to stage attacks on Turkey. The ministry said Wednesday's operation, dubbed Operation Claw-Tiger, follows "increasing harassment and attempts to attack" military outposts or bases in Turkey. A care home in south Brazil has created a hug tunnel to allow residents to embrace their loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic. Staff at the Geriatric Clinic Tres Figueiras facility in the state of Rio Grande do Sul came up with the idea last month, shortly after Mothers Day. We noticed that our senior residents were feeling sad, owner Luciana Brito told CNN. We thought they would be much happier if we found a way for them to hug their relatives. Ms Brito said that the facility, which is home to 28 senior residents who have been in isolation since March 17, took inspiration from a video in the US, where a woman used a plastic curtain to her mother. Eraldo Quintana, an 81-year-old retiree living at the home, said it was difficult to hug someone when there is plastic in the way, but it had allowed him to embrace his two daughters when they visited. Recommended Trump bans travel from Brazil due to coronavirus outbreak I was very happy to see them, Mr Quintana told CNN. If we didnt have this we would be scared to embrace due to the coronavirus. The tunnel is made of a large plastic sheet with four arm holes and covers one of the facilitys entrances. All visitors have their temperatures checked and apply hand sanitiser before using the tunnel, while the area is disinfected every 30 minutes. Visits are also scheduled ahead of time to avoid crowding. If anyone out there runs a senior living home or facility, I recommend you do this, Rubia Santos, the facilitys administrator, said in a video posted on the homes Facebook page. It is so gratifying to see them hugging each other and so important. To date, Brazil has reported 47,748 deaths and close to one million cases, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. On Friday, Mike Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organisations (WHO) emergencies programme, said the country had recorded an additional 1,230 Covid-19 deaths over the past 24 hours. BELGRADE - An electoral silence goes into effect in Serbia beginning at midnight ahead of the vote on Sunday to renew the country's parliament and local administrations. The conservative Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) led by President Aleksandar Vucic enjoys an enormous advantage, with the last poll in recent days showing it has more than 58% of the vote, far ahead of the Socialist Party (SPS) of Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, in second place with just over 12%. The two political forces are allied in the coalition of the outgoing government. The opposition, which in recent months despite various positions seemed to want to unite against Vucic, has since divided, with the most radical members having decided to boycott the vote. Other smaller parties and movements with a more moderate position have decided to participate in the vote, although they have little chance of surpassing the 3% minimum threshold. The radical forces maintain that conditions don't exist for holding correct, free, and democratic elections, and a boycott is needed in order to avoid legitimising the "authoritarian regime" and the "autocratic power" of the president, who they maintain has total control over the media. In addition, the health and epidemiological situation is not an ideal one for organising an election. Vucic spoke in a televised speech on Thursday evening and called for voters to turn out en masse on Sunday to show support for his policy of reforms, economic progress, and the modernisation of Serbia, the results of which he said are clear for all to see. WASHINGTON, D. C. - President Donald Trump may want to secede from the World Health Organization in light of its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, but extricating the United States from the Geneva-based organization cant be done solely on his say-so, according to local public health experts. And doing so may not be the fine idea Trump believes it is. It isnt that easy to get out, said Case Western Reserve University political scientist Kathryn Lavelle. She said its not legally clear how Trump could unilaterally withdraw the United States from an organization chartered through a treaty ratified by two thirds of the U.S. Senate. She also noted Trump cant make unilateral decisions about funding international organizations because Congress appropriates government money. The World Health Organization (WHO) was set up by the United Nations in 1948 to lead international public health efforts, such as fighting epidemics, monitoring health trends around the world, and promoting sound health care practices. Over the years, its efforts eradicated smallpox and reduced polio cases around the globe. Trump has accused China, where the COVID-19 virus originated last year, of enabling its global spread by covering it up and pressuring the World Health Organization to mislead the world about the disease. He claimed China has total control over the World Health Organization, despite only paying $40 million per year compared to what the United States has been paying, which is approximately $450 million a year. After an April order that his administration stop funding the World Health Organization on the grounds that it botched its COVID-19 response, Trump followed. up by declaring that hell try to sever the nations relationship with the WHO and redirect its funding to other worldwide and deserving, urgent, global public health needs.. Afterwards, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said his organization would like to continue its relationship with the United States and the U.S. contribution to global health over the years has made a great difference in public health all around the world. He declined further comment on Trumps actions. COVID-19 does not discriminate between rich nations and poor, large nations and small, said Ghebreyesus. It does not discriminate between nationalities, ethnicities, or ideologies. Neither do we. Many of Trumps top health care officials havent backed his call to leave the WHO. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield told a House Appropriations subcommittee the United States continues to have a close collaboration with the WHO, and recently helped the organization address a new Ebola outbreak in Congo. I feel confident that the public health partnership that we have, although it may be modified in some way at a political level, I dont think its going to be modified in terms of our public health efforts, Redfield told the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Dr. Anthony Fauci told Canadas CBC news that the World Health Organization is needed despite its flaws. The WHO is an imperfect organization. It certainly has made some missteps but it has also done a lot of good, Fauci told the CBCs Rosemary Barton. I would hope that we could continue to benefit from what the WHO can do at the same time that they continue to improve themselves. Ive had good relationships with the WHO and the world needs the WHO. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, expressed support for the World Health Organization in a break from President Trump, who said last month that the US would terminate its relationship with the WHO https://t.co/QNot4GtrM3 CNN (@CNN) June 11, 2020 CWRUs Lavelle said the WHO plays a key role in disseminating vaccines and is the only organization that can declare a global pandemic. Its efforts to fight diseases like Ebola in lower and middle income countries keep those diseases from spreading elsewhere, she said. If Trump succeeded in withdrawing from WHO, the United States wouldnt have a voice in its activities but would generally have to abide by what the organization does, said Lavelle. My opinion is that it is a lot of bluster and it plays well to the base, Lavelle added. J.B. Silvers, a professor of health finance at Cases Weatherhead School of Management and its medical school, agreed with Lavelle, noting that Trump hasnt gone through any of the formal steps required to withdraw from the WHO treaty. So far it is posturing, Silvers said. He hasnt followed up. Until he does something real, I think it is posturing to his base. Without the WHO, the United States and the rest of the world would be more vulnerable to disease outbreaks because nobody would be overseeing the big picture, said Silvers. It is like if the United Nations werent there, wed be back to bilateral negotiations on everything and there would be no forum to deal with worldwide problems, said Silvers. According to the non-partisan Pew Research Center, the United States was the WHOs largest contributor in 2018 and 2019. It provided the WHO with just over $893 million, or about 20% of its approved budget in that time frame. The second largest donor was the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which contributed roughly 12%. Polling from Pew found that just 46% of Americans give the WHO positive marks on its coronavirus response. The organization found 62% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents say the organization did at least a good job in handling the pandemic, but just 28% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents say the same. Trumps decision met criticism from presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, and from members of Congress in both political parties. Who the hell is going to lead the World Health Organization without us?" former vice president Biden asked after the announcement. Unfortunately, its clearer than ever what deadly mistakes Trump has made. The Republican Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Tennessees Lamar Alexander, released a statement after the announcement to express his disagreement. Certainly there needs to be a good, hard look at mistakes the World Health Organization might have made in connection with coronavirus, but the time to do that is after the crisis has been dealt with, not in the middle of it, said Alexander. "Withdrawing U.S. membership could, among other things, interfere with clinical trials that are essential to the development of vaccines, which citizens of the United States as well as others in the world need. And withdrawing could make it harder to work with other countries to stop viruses before they get to the United States. Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown called Trumps decision to pull the United States out of the World Health Organization in the middle of a pandemic about the stupidest thing Ive ever seen a president of the United States do, but said it was in line with other actions by Trump that he believes are counterproductive, like pursuing a court case to repeal Obamacare when a fatal disease is spreading across the country. A spokesperson for Ohio Republican Sen. Rob Portman said her boss wants the United Nations to convene an independent panel of experts to conduct a thorough review of the WHOs response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, and believes doing so is critical to any effort to restore trust in future global health efforts. Withdrawing from the WHO doesnt preclude our need for global cooperation going forward to prevent future pandemics, but we need to reconvene as an international community now to figure out how to do that, said Portman aide Emily Benavides. More coverage: Q & A: Trump adviser and Cleveland native JaRon Smith discusses police reform Ohio Democrats in Congress praise Supreme Court DACA decision decried by Trump: Read it here Prompted by Cleveland case, Sen. Rob Portman introduces bill to crack down on Chinese intellectual property theft Senate passes bill by Sen. Rob Portman to fund National Park repairs What is Juneteenth and should it be a federal holiday? Panel chaired by Rep. Marcia Fudge examines voting during the COVID-19 pandemic Ohio U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown decries calls for business liability relief in COVID-19 legislation The $600 question: Should the federal unemployment subsidy continue? Local pastor tells congressional police reform hearing that police cuts made Cleveland 'unbelievably unsafe Sherrod Brown chides Housing Secretary Ben Carson at Senate hearing Federal oversight of Chinese telecom companies is lacking, says report from Ohio U.S. Sen. Rob Portman Toledo Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur questions Trump administration proposal to resume nuclear tests Ohio housing advocates warn of impending COVID-19 related eviction crisis and urge Congress to act Child and domestic abuse reports rose during the COVID-19 crisis, legislators are told SNAP benefits can now be used online in Ohio The stand-off between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh region has created a tense situation at the international border. There have been efforts from both sides to defuse the tension but no breakthrough has been achieved so far. Indications are that the situation might deteriorate further. So, it becomes important to compare the military might of the two countries. On paper, the Chinese military appears to be stronger than India. But in reality, Indian soldiers are better equipped to fight in extreme climates, according to an analysis published in HTs sister publication Hindustan. It is a well-known fact that China spends more on the defence sector. In 2019, it allocated $261 billion for the defence sector. In comparison, India spent a little over $71 billion. China might have more weapons, but India is ahead in terms of number of soldiers. India has around 34 lakh soldiers whereas China has 27 lakh. The Belfer Centre for Science and International Affairs in Harvard Kennedy School says that Indias Air Force is more powerful than Chinas. The Mirage 2000 and Sukhoi 30 that India have give Indian Air Force an edge over Chinas J10, J11 and Su-27 fighter jets. India also has all-weather multirole aircraft, whereas only the J10 in China has this capability. India also has more experience in fighting wars then China. It has fought many wars with Pakistan over the years and won all of them. China, on the other hand, fought the last war in Vietnam in 1979. When it comes to high altitude warfare, India is better prepared than China here too. There are many aircraft in India which are capable of flying at high altitudes, whereas Chinese pilots have to fly with limited supplies and fuel due to difficult weather conditions in their airbases near Tibet. Both India and China are nuclear powered countries. What makes this comparison interesting is that India keeps on participating in war exercises with other big countries like the US, France, the UK etc. The Americans can help Indians with intelligence inputs in case the situation deteriorates further. China, on the other hand, has been fighting many countries on too many fronts, the latest being on the spread of the coronavirus disease. (Analysis done by Defence and strategy expert Major (Retd) Mohd Ali Shah for Hindustan Times sister publication Live Hindustan) She's been hunkering down with her family in her hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska, during the coronavirus pandemic. And living with her mom had an unexpected consequence for plus-size model Ashley Graham on Thursday. The 32-year-old shared via Instagram that she had broken off her front veneer tooth while eating one of her mom Linda's homemade oatmeal cookies. Gap in her smile: Ashley Graham revealed via Instagram on Thursday that she's broken her front veneer tooth while eating one of her mom Linda's homemade oatmeal cookies In the video clip, Ashley explained that her mom had stored the cookies in the freezer and when she took one out and bit down on it, it broke off her veneer tooth. She then moved her hand that had been covering her mouth as she spoke to reveal the gap in her smile - that showed her actual tooth underneath her usually perfect smile, thanks to her veneers. The 32-year-old seemed to be taking the mishap in her stride and appeared amused by the whole thing. Oops: The model, 32, covered her mouth as she explained she'd taken a cookie from the freezer and her tooth broke when she bit into it. She then moved her hand to show off the gap Pearly white: She later took to her story with a video of herself showing off her new veneer, writing: 'Glued a new one in' Close: Ashley, along with her husband Justin Ervin and their baby son Isaac, have been living with her mom Linda in her hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska, during the coronavirus crisis Ashley has been staying with her mom along with her husband Justin Ervin and their baby son Isaac. The couple, who married in 2010, welcomed their first child in January. She recently gushed about life in lockdown to Harper's Bazaar UK magazine, explaining: 'The silver lining is having all of these incredible, special moments with Isaac, and the nostalgia of being with my son in the home I grew up in.' She added: 'I've had time to focus, and I'm so grateful.' Lockdown life: She recently gushed: 'The silver lining is having all of these incredible, special moments with Isaac, and the nostalgia of being with my son in the home I grew up in' Dublin, June 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "COVID-19 Impact on the 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" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global facial recognition market size 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. The major growth factors of the facial recognition industry include government and companies worldwide shifting their focus on facial recognition from touch-based biometrics. Cloud facial recognition expected to attain substantial growth during the forecast period. The demand for services is on a surge during the pandemic due to a rise in the tailored demands of customers. The requirement of innovative cloud-based facial recognition solutions, which are effectively coupled with big data, AI, security, and network connectivity, is on a surge in different verticals. The adoption of cloud-based facial recognition is expected to rise in the coming years, as regulatory authorities of various countries are majorly focused on monitoring the health, safety, and surveillance of their citizens. The government and defense segment projected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Governments across the world are using facial recognition solutions and other surveillance technology for contact tracing to limit the spread of coronavirus. Countries such as Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and even some parts of India used contact tracing across digital and physical space. When an individual is admitted with COVID-19 symptoms, the government retrieves the data spanning 14 days before his/her travel history, purchases, people who came in contact. These people have been tested and asked to home quarantine themselves. This was possible with the help of facial recognition and other technology implementation in public and private areas. Story continues Asia Pacific projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The widespread 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. South Korea has designed an app called Corona 100m, which alerts the users if they come within a range of 100 meters of a corona affected person. After returning from Italy, a family in Kerala tested positive for which the authority quickly detected the places they visited and the people they met by using facial recognition and CCTV footage with the help of which the administration listed 900 people that could have been in contact with the family. The government of Kerala has taken various steps along these lines. At Kochi airport, the incoming travelers are asked to download an application called MaaS360 developed by IBM, which will help the authorities to track them. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Impact on the Ecosystem and Extended Ecosystem 4.1 Facial Recognition Ecosystem Analysis, by Stakeholder 4.1.1 Technology Providers 4.2 COVID-19 Pandemic-Driven Market Dynamics and Factor Analysis 4.2.1 Drivers and Opportunities 5 Business Implications of COVID-19 on the Facial Recognition Market 5.1 Implication on Technology Segments (Pessimistic, Pre-COVID, & Optimistic Scenarios) 5.1.1 Component Forecast, 2020-2021 5.1.1.1 Forecast, 2020-2021 (Optimistic/Pre-COVID/Pessimistic) 5.1.2 Services Forecast, 2020-2021 5.1.2.1 Forecast, 2020-2021 (Optimistic/Pre-COVID-19/Pessimistic) 6 COVID-19 Impact on Major Verticals with Use Cases and How Clients Are Responding to the Current Situation 6.1 Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance 6.1.1 Forecast, 2020-2021 (Optimistic/Pre-COVID-19/Pessimistic) 6.1.2 Key Use Cases 6.1.3 Viewpoint (Vertical'S Response to COVID-19) 6.2 Government and Defense 6.2.1 Forecast, 2020-2021 (Optimistic/Pre-COVID-19/Pessimistic) 6.2.2 Key Use Cases 6.2.3 Viewpoint (Vertical'S Response to COVID-19) 6.3 Retail and Ecommerce 6.3.1 Forecast, 2020-2021 (Optimistic/Pre-COVID-19/Pessimistic) 6.3.2 Use Cases 6.3.3 Viewpoint (Vertical'S Response to COVID-19) 6.4 Healthcare 6.4.1 Forecast, 2020-2021 (Optimistic/Pre-COVID-19/Pessimistic) 6.4.2 Use Cases 6.4.3 Viewpoint (Vertical'S Response to COVID-19) 6.5 Education 6.5.1 Forecast, 2020-2021 (Optimistic/Pre-COVID-19/Pessimistic) 6.5.2 Use Cases 6.5.3 Viewpoint (Vertical'S Response to COVID-19) 6.6 Automotive 6.6.1 Forecast, 2020-2021 (Optimistic/Pre-COVID-19/Pessimistic) 6.6.2 Use Cases 6.6.3 Viewpoint (Vertical'S Response to COVID-19) 6.7 Others 6.7.1 Forecast, 2020-2021 (Optimistic/Pre-COVID-19/Pessimistic) 6.7.2 Viewpoint (Vertical'S Response to COVID-19) 7 COVID-19 Impact on Regions 7.1 North America 7.1.1 Forecast, 2020-2021 (Optimistic/Pre-COVID-19/Pessimistic) 7.2 Europe 7.2.1 Forecast, 2020-2021 (Optimistic/Pre-COVID-19/Pessimistic) 7.3 Asia Pacific 7.3.1 Forecast, 2020-2021 (Optimistic/Pre-COVID-19/Pessimistic) 7.4 Middle East & Africa 7.4.1 Forecast, 2020-2021 (Optimistic/Pre-COVID-19/Pessimistic) 7.5 Latin America 7.5.1 Forecast, 2020-2021 (Optimistic/Pre-COVID-19/Pessimistic) 8 COVID-19 Focused Profiles of Key Vendors 8.1 Introduction 9 Appendix 9.1 Knowledge Store: Subscription Portal 9.2 Author Details Companies Mentioned Aimbraine (Biocatch) Aware Ayonix Cognitec Daon FaceFirst FacePhi Fulcrum Biometrics Gemalto Herta Security id3 Technologies Idemia Innovatrics Megvii {Face++} NEC Neurotechnology nVviso SA Sightcorp SmilePass Stereovision Imaging For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/hubeel Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 With Fathers Day on Sunday, 21st June, Lionsgate Play, the latest streaming service from global content leader Lionsgate is launching an innovative campaign, #RADDAD, wherein the OTT player will celebrate the occasion by showcasing a unique line up of critically and commercially acclaimed movies. The campaign will further be amplified on the social media platforms of the brand. Lionsgate Play has created fun-relatable-edgy creatives especially for this campaign which will be uploaded throughout the week followed by an exciting social media contest for the followers. Lionsgate Play will urge followers to share some of the coolest advices they have received from their dads. Best three answers will win exciting gift vouchers. The campaign focuses on how fathers are our personal superheroes who change roles depending on who we need them to be. They can go from a stern taskmaster like in Remember Me to a loyal friend in American Pie and Wonder to a trustful aide in Juno all within few seconds. The exclusive line up of movies includes A Better Life, Nims Island, Furry Vengeance, Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls and Blind Spotting which cinephiles can enjoy with their dads on Fathers Day weekend. All of these movies are available on Lionsgate Play's partner apps - Vodafone Play, Idea Movies & TV and Airtel Xstream. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rohit Jain, Managing Director South Asia Lionsgate, said, This Fathers Day, we want to acknowledge the various roles which a father plays in a childs life. Fathers are usually portrayed in serious characters but with the #RADDAD digital campaign, we aim to show their edgier, funnier, and wittier side. The campaign will showcase the illustrious collection of #RadDad-themed creatives that one can share with their fathers and movies that can be binge watched by the entire family to celebrate and treasure this special day. On Monday, June 22, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency will host press conference entitled "Socio-Political Sentiments of Ukrainian Citizens after Quarantine: What has Changed?" according to the results of an all-Ukrainian study of public opinion conducted from June 7 to June 9. Participants include Head of the sociological company Active Group Oleksandr Pozniy, co-founder of the Club of Experts company, political scientist Danylo Bohatyriov, political expert Valentyn Haydai. The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. (8/5a Reitarska Street). Admission requires press accreditation. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 08:43:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MEXICO CITY, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Uruguayan midfielder Leonardo Fernandez has rejoined Tigres UANL after completing a six-month loan at their Mexican rivals Deportivo Toluca. The 21-year-old arrived at the Monterrey club in June last year but was immediately loaned out to Universidad de Chile and then Toluca. With the latter, he scored eight goals in 10 matches before the Liga MX Clausura season was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic. "I'm a little anxious and just want to start playing again after everything that's been going on in the world. I can't wait for the opportunity," Fernandez said in a video published on Tigres' social media platforms. The Clausura season was canceled last month, with Toluca 15th in the 18-team standings and Tigres seventh. Liga MX officials have announced that the Apertura tournament will begin on July 24, with matches to be played without fans until further notice. Enditem The 2020 World Peace Forum Special Video Conference opens on June 16, 2020, under the theme Post-Pandemic Era: China and the World. (Photo courtesy of Tsinghua University) The 2020 World Peace Forum (WPF) Special Video Conference under the theme Post-Pandemic Era: China and the World concluded on June 17. As Chinas first non-governmental high-level forum on international security initiated by Tsinghua University since 2012, the two-day event brought together renowned international political leaders and experts to discuss ways to deal with new security challenges facing the world in the post-pandemic era. Due to the impact of COVID-19, this years event was held online. Now that the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be setting global politics onto an undesirable trajectory, we think it is our responsibility to convene this special conference, provide a platform for leading international strategists to freely interact, and try to find effective prescriptions to problems threatening world peace, Qiu Yong, president of Tsinghua University, said in his opening remarks. President of Tsinghua University Qiu Yong delivers the opening remarks of the 2020 World Peace Forum Special Video Conference held June 16-17, 2020. (Photo courtesy of Tsinghua University) During the panel discussion on the theme World Order after the COVID-19 Crisis, Graham Allison, the Douglas Dillon professor of government at Harvard University, said the coronavirus crisis provides a vivid reminder that each nation faces external threats that it cannot defeat by acting alone, adding that the US and China have come to recognize each other as insufferable but inseparable conjoined twins. I hope we can get our minds around a complicated, difficult, challenging rivalry going forward, but one in which we understand that we have shared interest as well as competing interest. And we have to manage to do that in order to survive, Allison said. Screenshot of experts participating in the 2020 World Peace Forum Special Video Conference. (Photo courtesy of Tsinghua University) Alexander A. Dynkin, president of the Primakov Institute of World Economy and International Relations in Russia, said multilateral responsible leadership in the future requires universal application of the principles of international law and rejection of double standards. Volker Perthes, CEO and director of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, believed that the pandemic is a revolutionary force or a multiplier of international dynamics and trends, and the world will have more demand and less supply of global cooperation and governance. According to Perthes, the pandemic is likely to sharpen inequalities both within countries and between nations and also lead to a sectorial de-globalization. International organizations are likely to become more polarized or weakened if the US policy of exit from these institutions is not reversed, and that would lead to more regional cooperation, including in security affairs, he noted. Yan Xuetong, dean of the Institute of International Relations at Tsinghua University, argued that the world will have an order of bad faith as there will be no global leadership for at least the next decade, adding that international treaties or agreements will be weakened and the roles of international organizations are likely to decline in the future. However, I am still optimistic about the future, he concluded. Screenshot of the panel discussion on the theme China-US Relations in the Post-Pandemic Era at the 2020 World Peace Forum Special Video Conference. With regards to China-US relations, Zhu Min, former Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, noted during the panel discussion on the theme China-US Relations in the Post-Pandemic Era that the China-US relationship is deteriorating. Zhu argued that the two sides must hold a constructive dialogue to move forward and solve issues like trade, supply chain and technology, while stressing the importance of talks between Chinas senior diplomat Yang Jiechi and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Hawaii. The world urgently needs both sides to play a leading role in this difficult time, as it is not only important for the US and China, but also for the whole world, he added. Echoing Zhus comments, Susan Shirk, professor at the University of California, San Diego, said the deterioration of relations is very dangerous not just because of the failure to cooperate on the pandemic, but also because the decoupling of our highly integrated economies, societies and universities would be tragically costly. It is essential to bring the business community back on board and to stop the coercive diplomacy in the midst of the pandemic, Shirk said, adding that Chinas promise to share therapies and vaccines with people throughout the world is laudable. According to Wang Jisi, president of the Institute of International and Strategic Studies at Peking University, the China-US relationship is now suffering from forceful disengagement after steady progress in engaging each other for four decades. Wang stressed that the pace and scope of the downward spiral of China-US relations remain uncertain, but three bottom lines should be upheld in bilateral relations: avoiding war, maintaining a certain scale of economic and trade cooperation and financial stability, and keeping people-to-people contact and educational exchanges. I only hope that people like us participating in this panel discussion will continue to engage and inform each other of where things are moving and get better prepared for future risks, he concluded. BUFFALO, N.Y., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- M&T Bank announced today that Tracy Woodrow has been named Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and appointed to the company's Management Committee following the decision by Janet Coletti to retire from the bank following a distinguished 35-year career. Ms. Coletti joined M&T Bank in 1985 as part of the Management Development Program and held numerous leadership positions within Retail and Business Banking until February 2015 when she was named M&T's CHRO and appointed to its Management Committee. "Janet has been especially instrumental in the bank's successful mergers and conversions during her career. She also drove significant transformational change to enhance the employee experience," said Rene F. Jones, Chairman and CEO of M&T Bank. "Most importantly, Janet's integrity, warmth and compassion set a foundation for the kind of company we are and will always be. The countless colleagues who call her a mentor will ensure that her legacy is long lasting." Ms. Woodrow joined M&T Bank in 2013, and served as Bank Secrecy Act Officer, responsible for overseeing the enterprise-wide anti-money laundering program. Prior to joining M&T, she worked as in-house counsel and a senior compliance leader with HSBC Bank USA, NA, focusing on commercial, anti-money laundering and employment law matters. "In her time at M&T, Tracy has been a vocal champion for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. Her passion for employee development and her focus on preparing her colleagues to take the next step in their careers makes her ideally suited to advocate for the more than 18,000 colleagues across the M&T community," said Mr. Jones. About M&T Bank M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, operates banking offices in New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. Trust-related services are provided by M&T's Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. 2020 M&T Bank. Member FDIC. Media Contact: Dave Lanzillo 716-842-5139 [email protected] SOURCE M&T Bank A woman has been accused of murdering her 65-year-old missing mother after emergency services were called to a fire at her family home. Lucy Fox, 38, was charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life by police investigating concerns for the welfare of pensioner Judith Fox. Police said the charges brought against Fox were connected to a fire outside a house in Apley Park, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, in the early hours of Sunday. Appearing at Stafford Crown Court today via video link, the defendant, also from Bridgnorth, was told she faces a trial in the week beginning November 30. Prosecutor Kevin Hegarty QC told the court that 'the body of Judith Fox has not yet been found and the investigation continues'. Lucy Fox (left), 38, was charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life by police investigating concerns for the welfare of pensioner Judith Fox (right), 65 West Mercia Police said in a statement: 'No-one was injured in the fire. 'Subsequent enquiries into the fire led to concern for the welfare of a 65-year-old woman at an address in Haughton Drive in Shifnal. 'Enquiries are ongoing to locate her.' Fox was remanded in custody until a plea hearing on July 14 at the same court. Judith Fox previously worked as a nurse at the Express & Star and Shropshire Star newspapers, according to the BBC. Inquiries at a house fire in Apley Park, between Bridgnorth and Ironbridge, led them to a house in Haughton Drive, Shifnal (pictured), where a police cordon remains Her family said in a statement: 'Judy was a wonderful mother and a devoted grandmother. Our hearts are breaking with sadness'. Known affectionately as Nurse Judy, she was known to all staff and described by former colleagues as a 'wonderful' and 'caring' woman. Officers were alerted after a fire at a Georgian house in Apley Park, between Bridgnorth and Ironbridge last weekend. Inquiries there led them to the house in Shifnal, where a search of the property prompted a murder inquiry and a subsequent search for Mrs Fox. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bellamy, who is involved in the case, thanked neighbours for their cooperation as the search of the area continues. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nina A. Loasana (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 14:11 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066011b1c 1 National COVID-19-in-Indonesia,covid-19-east-java,epicenter,lamongan,covid-19-task-force,doni-monardo,isolation,observation,facility,fasilitas-isolasi,virus-korona-indonesia Free COVID-19 task force chief Doni Monardo led an opening ceremony by video conference on Thursday for Infectious and Emerging Diseases Isolation and Quarantine Facility in Lamongan regency, East Java. Speaking during the virtual event, Doni expressed appreciation for the Public Works and Housing Ministry for its success in constructing the facility in just five weeks. "I hope the Lamongan administration will manage the facility to the best of its ability," he said. Doni also thanked local health workers for their contributions in mitigating the COVID-19 outbreak in the region. "We are sure that the professionalism of the health workers has helped Lamongan's residents to get the best health service," he said. Read also: As COVID-19 transmission rate soars, Surabaya urged to restore restrictions At the same occasion, public works deputy minister John Wempi Wetipo said that the new facility would help the regency's health service provide faster treatment for COVID-19 patients. "We hope that developing the isolation and observation facility will greatly benefit [efforts to curb] the spread of COVID-19 in Lamongan regency," said John. The new infectious diseases facility, which covers 6,180 square meters, is to admit and treat COVID-19 patients from Lamongan regency as well as other regions in East Java, the new epicenter of the Indonesian outbreak. Read also: 'COVID-19 is real': Virus ravages family in Indonesia's second-largest city The regent of Lamongan had specifically requested the development of the new facility, as the regency did not have a designated COVID-19 hospital despite its being the second-hardest hit region in East Java. The newly inaugurated facility is located close to Dr. Soegiri Regional General Hospital. It is equipped with a screening ward, a quarantine ward that can accommodate 75 patients and an isolation ward accommodate 7 patients. Editor's note: An earlier version of this story and the headline incorrectly stated that Rear Adm. Stuart Baker had been fired. His promotion has been held by the Navy. The Navy won't reinstate the captain who was fired after warning of a serious health crisis on his ship, and the captain's superior has also had his promotion withheld as the result of a deeper probe into the matter, top Navy leaders said on Friday. The Navy secretary and top admiral reversed course on a previous recommendation to reinstate Capt. Brett Crozier as commanding officer of the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. Crozier will be reassigned. If he was still in command today, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said he would relieve him. Read Next: Alaska Army Helicopter Airlifts Out 1940s-Era Bus Chris McCandless Died In "It is because of what he didn't do that I have chosen not to reinstate him," Gilday said. Crozier acted too slowly to keep his crew safe and made questionable decisions to release sailors from quarantine, potentially putting others at risk, the CNO added. Gilday also said the email Crozier sent warning about the situation on the ship "was unnecessary." Gilday, about two months ago, recommended that Crozier be reinstated as the Roosevelt's commanding officer. "Had I known then what I know today, I would have not made that recommendation," Gilday said on Friday. "... Capt. Crozier's primary responsibility was the safety and the wellbeing of the crew so that the ship could remain as operationally ready as possible. In reviewing both [Rear Adm. Stuart] Baker and Capt. Crozier's actions, they did not do enough soon enough to fulfill their primary obligation." Baker, former commander of Carrier Strike Group Nine, won't be promoted pending further review, Gilday said. His promotion to rear admiral upper half was approved by the Senate on March 20. "They were slow egressing sailors off the ship, and they failed to move sailors to available safer environments quickly," Gilday said. "... It is my belief that both Adm. Baker and Capt. Crozier fell well short of what we expect of those in command." The decisions are the result of a deeper review into the situation on the Roosevelt, which James McPherson directed in April over what he called "unanswered questions" while serving as acting Navy secretary. Braithwaite said on Friday he stands by the latest investigation's findings. Jonathan Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesman, also said Defense Secretary Mark Esper was briefed on the findings and supports the Navy's decisions. Baker was aboard the Roosevelt when Crozier emailed several people about a growing number of COVID-19 cases among the crew. Crozier, whose email asking for help was leaked to the San Francisco Chronicle, was ultimately fired by then-acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly over his handling of the situation. Modly told reporters when announcing his decision to relieve Crozier of command that the captain should've walked "down the hallway" to discuss his concerns with Baker before sending the email. Modly later resigned from his post as acting Navy secretary amid backlash over these events. The Roosevelt pulled into Guam in late March as more than 100 crew members tested positive for COVID-19, the sometimes-fatal illness caused by the coronavirus. Crozier had warned in his email that sailors could die if they didn't quickly evacuate the ship. "If we do not act now, we are failing to properly take care of our most trusted asset -- our Sailors," he said. Ultimately, more than 1,200 members of the roughly 4,800-person crew tested positive for the virus, including Crozier. One sailor, 41-year-old Chief Petty Officer Charles Robert Thacker Jr., died of the illness. Gilday said his initial recommendation to reinstate Crozier was based only on "a narrowly scoped investigation" that looked only at why he had sent the email warning. "I was tasked to take a look at those facts against then-acting Secretary Modley's justification for relieving him," Gilday said, "and I did not feel that the ... facts supported the justification." The CNO said the two-month-long deeper investigation, ordered by McPherson, made additional facts visible. That included the decision to lift quarantine in part of the ship, which allowed about 1,000 crew members to potentially expose other sailors to the virus, Gilday said. He also said Crozier and Baker failed to take advantage of 700 beds in a gym in Guam that were spaced 6 feet apart, choosing to put his sailors' "comfort over safety." In his endorsement letter accompanying the results of the investigation, Gilday said he thought Crozier had the best interests of his crew and the readiness of the ship in mind. But, he added, Crozier did not "forcefully and expeditiously execute the best possible and available plan, or do enough, soon enough." Baker and Crozier were talking to the U.S. Seventh Fleet commander every day, Gilday told reporters on Friday, and if the two had issues they should have raised them. "If [Crozier] fearlessly communicated with that email that he sent -- that I've never disagreed with, his fearless sending of the email -- then he certainly should have just [as] fearlessly communicated issues every day during those video teleconferences," Gilday said. Rep. Adam Smith, a Washington Democrat and chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said on Friday that everyone up and down the Navy chain of command had a role to play in the inadequate response to the situation on the carrier. Smith announced that his committee has launched its own investigation into the Roosevelt's COVID-19 outbreak. "The Department's civilian leadership portrayed Captain Crozier's decision-making aboard the Roosevelt as the critical weakness in the Navy's response, but the truth is that civilian leadership was also to blame," Smith said. "... While the committee works on our own investigation, it is my hope that the Navy will learn from this series of mistakes." -- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins. Related: Navy Orders Deeper Investigation into Crozier Firing Over 'Unanswered Questions' Recently, Canadian media and scholars have discussed a lot about China-Canada relations. We have heard such arguments as there are no common interests between China and Canada, the China-Canada relationship is not worth saving, and Canada should deal with China together with countries sharing the same values. I was shocked by these public arguments that attempt to downgrade our relationship and sow discord between China and Canada. There are some acute issues in China-Canada relations currently, which leads to severe hardships in bilateral ties. As this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Canada, we should take and reflect on these issues seriously. There is no need to be fearful of problems; what is fearful is being apathetic or unable to understand and solve problems from a proper perspective. I want to share my observations and reflections. First, is it necessary to maintain China-Canada relations? Fifty years ago, amid the raging Cold War between East and West and the fierce confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union, the leaders of China and Canada made a correct decision to establish diplomatic relations by overcoming numerous obstacles and difficulties. They realized that the development of bilateral relations is in line with the trends of the times and the long-term interests of the two peoples. Their political courage and vision have always been impressive. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, China-Canada relations have generally maintained a momentum of development, benefiting the two peoples a lot. Especially in recent years, with Chinas deepening reform and expanding opening up, the traditional friendship between China and Canada has renewed its vitality. The trade volume between China and Canada reached $74 billion U.S. last year, nearly 500 times that in the 1970s. Over 200,000 Chinese students are studying in Canada, and over 1.5 million tourists travel between the two countries every year. Both sides share common views in maintaining multilateralism and free trade, supporting the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the World Health Organization, and responding to climate change and other major issues related to world peace and development. This year, the two countries have assisted each other in medical supplies in the face of difficulties in fighting against COVID-19, which once again showcasing the fine tradition of mutual support between China and Canada in difficult times. The argument that the China-Canada relationship is not worth saving falls apart in the face of these solid facts. Second, what is the crux of the China-Canada relationship? Many people think it is the values. But as far as I am concerned, the biggest problem in the current China-Canada relations largely comes from the interference of third parties. The Chinese side believes that the Meng Wanzhou case is a grave political incident concocted by the United States to suppress Chinese high-tech enterprises. It has been proved by the United States constant use of national power, drawing, and even intimidating allies to exert maximum pressure on Huawei. The United States often uses state apparatus to suppress other countriesenterprises through unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction. The French company Alstom is a good example. The international community sees this very clearly. Additionally, the United States has vigorously promoted America First worldwide at the expense of others. It is prone to wield a big stick of tariffs against other countries. Multilateral mechanisms and agreements are applied if it wants and abandoned if it doesnt. Withdrawal and breach of contract are constantly on show. In recent years, the United States has withdrawn or announced to withdraw from more than ten important organizations and treaties such as the World Health Organization, United Nations Human Rights Council, and the Paris Agreement. What the United States has done harms the common interests of the international community. Those insightful people in Canada have seen it through. Canada is taken advantage of by the U.S. in the Meng Wanzhou case, and the United States is indeed the troublemaker in China-Canada relations. At last, what is the way out for China-Canada relations? The Canadian people have a tradition of independence and a self-reliance spirit. Regarding major issues such as the Iraq War, the Cuban question, and the COVID-19 response, Canada has stayed committed to making independent choices based on international fairness and justice, which not only safeguards its interests but also wins an international reputation. Canada was a pace-setter among Western countries in terms of developing relations with China. The Chinese side always believes that there are no historical issues and conflicts of fundamental interests between China and Canada. The bilateral economic, trade and cultural cooperation is full of vitality, and the bilateral relations can and should develop better. The Chinese side never takes the initiative to stir up trouble and will never do anything to interfere in Canadas internal affairs or undermine China-Canada relations. As long as we uphold mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit and strive to eliminate third-party interference, China-Canada relations can move forward in a healthy and stable manner, which is the fundamental way out for China-Canada relations. The Chinese side does not ask Canada to make a choice between China and the United States and believes that the Canadian side is wise enough to actively cooperate with China while managing its relations with the United States. The Chinese side expects the Canadian side to make a correct decision to properly overcome obstacles between China-Canada relations based on its interests and the merits of the matter itself. Fifty years may mean half of the journey for human life. But for China-Canada relations, its just a prelude. I believe the road our predecessors paved for China-Canada relations remains broad, and the cooperation potential between the two sides is still enormous. Still, they all rely on our decisions and choices. Cong Peiwu is the ambassador of China to Canada. Read more about: Inspirational: Marie Byrne (left) has nominated Eilish Walsh (right), who works at St. Francis Hospice in Raheny, as a frontline star of the week Palliative care nurse Eilish Walsh has been hailed "an inspiration" by those closest to her, who are in awe at how hard she has worked throughout Covid-19. For the past 20 years, Ms Walsh (49) has worked with St Francis Hospice in Raheny, Dublin 5. She has made sure her patients are still receiving face-to-face end-of-life care despite the added challenge of Covid-19. And with a family to care for at home, she says she has not had a day off since lockdown began. Today, Ms Walsh is named as the Irish Independent Frontline Star of the Week. She said lockdown has been "without a shadow of a doubt the most difficult time" of her career. She said: "It was really difficult and stressful because with our job, we work as a team and we get our support from each other and we couldn't get that support because we were all in different offices. Some of the nurses were working remotely from home and phoning patients. "Not only were you working on your own and visiting on your own, you couldn't actually get to see your colleagues because every meeting was on a Zoom, even though we were based in the office as far as possible." She said it was important to stay in touch with patients as for some families, the hospice staff were their "only port of call". "Patients were almost afraid to see us, and yet they needed to see us, and families were very frightened. It was so difficult for families trying to look after their loved ones with nurses not visiting as much or carers not coming in because of their fears of the virus," she added. "The stress of having a smaller staff - and it's not as if you can bring in staff somewhere else. It is such a specialised area." Eilish, a mother of three, said her children feared she would bring the virus home. "I do have my support network, my husband is amazing. My teenagers were good, but at the same time it was all about them. I have one doing the Leaving Certificate, which didn't happen, and one in fifth year, and a 12-year-old. Their concerns were if I would be bringing Covid back to the house." Ms Walsh was nominated by her close friend, Marie Byrne. Ms Byrne recalled how Ms Walsh cared for her late father before he passed away. "She helped me through when my father died five years ago towards the end of his life. He only got home for four days, but in that time she had never met him before, but she bounced into the room," she said. "She's an inspiration. I saw her being both professional, but still a bundle of joy. If we could all have a little dose of what she has, we'd be doing well. I can just imagine her lifting everybody's spirits that she goes in to see. Yet, she's so professional." Ms Byrne added that her friend was shocked to hear she had nominated her for this award, but touched too. For more than 60 years, the Irish Independent has honoured the Sportstar of the Week. This year, our nation has faced a challenge far beyond our sporting fields. To nominate, email your submission (100 words max) with a photo, telling us about your nominee to frontlinestar@independent.ie City-based budget airline GoAir on Friday operated its maiden flight from Kuwait to Jaipur under the central government's Vande Bharat Mission with 180 passengers. GoAir flight G8 7098, which took off at 1040 hours (local time) from Kuwait and landed at Jaipur with 180 passengers aboard, operated with all the precautionary measures and guidelines laid down by the governments of the countries and other stakeholders, the airline said in a release. Today (Friday) was a day that had special feelings across our cockpit crew, cabin crew, airport staff and the various teams involved in making the Vande Bharat flight happen and as we flew back our stranded citizens and reunited them with their families," a GoAir spokesperson said. GoAir is thankful to the governments of India and Kuwait besides to the governments of Rajasthan and Gujarat for allowing the airline to operate this special flight at this crucial time, with safe return of Indian citizens, he added. Rajasthan: Cong wins two Rajya Sabha seats, BJP bags one India pti-PTI Jaipur, June 19: The Congress won two Rajya Sabha seats from Rajasthan and the BJP got one in the elections held here on Friday. Both ruling party nominees, AICC general secretary and former Union minister K C Venugopal and state unit general secretary Neeraj Dangi, were declared elected. Rajasthan BJP vice president Rajendra Gehlot won the third seat. Onkar Singh Lakhawat, the second candidate fielded by the opposition party, lost. With the two wins, the number of Congress members in the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan has increased to three. The remaining seven seats from the state are with the BJP. Out of the 200 MLA in the Rajasthan Assembly, 198 cast their vote. Rajasthan minister and Congress MLA Bhanwar Lal and CPMs Girdhari Lal kept away due to their health. K C Venugopal got 64 votes, his party colleague Neeraj Dangi 59 and BJPs Rajendra Gehlot 54. Lakhawat, the defeated candidate, got 20 votes. Sonu Nigam calls out mafias in the music industry after Sushant Singh's demise| Oneindia News One vote, cast in favour of the BJP, was rejected. The results were on predictable lines. In a House of 200, the Congress has 107 MLAs and is supported by 13 independents, two CPM MLAs, two Bhartiya Tribal Party (BTP) MLAs and one from Rashtriya Lok Dal. The BJP has 72 MLAs and the support of three Rashtriya Loktantrik Party members - enough to win just one seat. Rajasthan Rajya Sabha Polls: After Cong, now BJP moves its MLAs to hotel The elections at the state assembly building were conducted following social distancing norms to guard against the spread of coronavirus. The MLAs entered after thermal screening and were given masks. Each legislator was given a separate pen to mark the ballot paper. But there was a flutter when Congress MLA Wajib Ali came to cast his vote wearing a full PPE kit. The MLA has recently returned from Australia. The BJP protested, saying that he was violating quarantine norms and a police complaint was also lodged later. The MLA, however, said he has already tested negative for COVID-19. Newly elected Congress MPs Venugopal and Dangi said they will raise the issues that concern the state in the Upper House. I will be the voice for Rajasthan in the Rajya Sabha, Venugopal said. He listed farmers problems, the locust menace and issues related to rural job guarantee scheme MGNREGS. Congratulating the new MPs, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said it was a victory of the party's ideology, policies and programmes under the leadership of Congress president Sonia Gandhi. My compliments to all MLAs from other parties and independents who voted for our candidates and who remained firm in supporting us despite several attempts by the BJP to lure them, he said. We are happy that together we ensured that those forces, which plotted to disrupt the democratic process on the basis of money power, get defeated, he tweeted. The Congress had confined its MLAs to a hotel for several days before the elections, claiming that the BJP was trying to poach them. The BJP had dismissed the move as theatrics. It too shifted its MLAs to a hotel for a couple of days, saying this was being done for their training. AICC spokesperson Randeep Surjewala called the results a victory for democracy and the defeat of a conspiracy. He said the win was a birthday gift for party leader Rahul Gandhi, who has just turned 50. BJP national vice president and former chief minister Vasundhara Raje congratulated Rajendra Gehlot for his win. I am confident that you will continue to discharge your duties in national development by raising issues related to public interest in the Upper House of Parliament, Raje tweeted. The Chinese Embassy in Ghana has donated large quantity of personal protective equipment worth $80,000.00 (GH480,000) to the University of Ghana Medical Centre in Accra on Thursday. Items donated include 15 ventilators with 60 nasal masks 20,000 medical masks, 1600 N95 masks, 120 protective suits, 100 medical goggles and some nutritional stuffs. The delegation from the Chinese Embassy was led by the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Mr. Shi Ting Wang. In his address, His Excellency Shi Ting Wang revealed the rationale behind the donation, stating that, its part of the Chinese governments support to some developing countries in the globe in the fight against the novel Coronavirus which started from Chinas city of Wuhan to the other parts of the world. He highlighted on some of the supports that the Chinese Government has offered to Ghana in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic by sending medical supplies on a chartered flight to the West African country. In building a consensus on uniting to fight against the pandemic, an Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against the Coronavirus pandemic was convened Wednesday (June 17,2020) by Chinas President Xi Jinping via videolink and issued a Joint Declaration. Leaders of thirteen African countries and Chairperson of the African Union Commission attended the Summit as well as the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Director-General of the World Health Organization as special guests. In facing the daunting challenge of combating the virus and stabilizing the economy, H.E. President Xi Jinping laid out measures of China to help Africa win the battle against the virus in four areas. The measures, Shi Ting Wang believes will help in combating the pandemic in the African continent. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu who received the items, expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for the support. Present at the ceremony was the Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Bernard Okoh Boye, CEO of the UG Medical Centre, Dr. Darius Osei, Provost of College of Health Sciences; Prof. Patrick Ayeh-Kumi and other officials from the Chinese Embassy. Kyfilla.com SAN FRANCISCO For months, Facebook has weathered criticism for its willingness to show all types of political advertising to its billions of users, even if those ads contained lies. Now the company is changing tack sort of. On Tuesday, the social network said it would allow people in the United States to opt out of seeing social issue, electoral or political ads from candidates or political action committees in their Facebook or Instagram feeds. The ability to hide those ads will begin with a small group of users in the coming weeks, before rolling out to the rest of the United States and later to several other countries. Everyone wants to see politicians held accountable for what they say and I know many people want us to moderate and remove more of their content, Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive of Facebook, wrote in an op-ed piece in USA Today on Tuesday. For those of you whove already made up your minds and just want the election to be over, we hear you so were also introducing the ability to turn off seeing political ads. Well still remind you to vote. The move allows Facebook to play both sides of a complicated debate about the role of political advertising on social media before the November presidential election. With the change, Facebook can continue allowing political ads to flow across its network, while also finding a way to reduce the reach of those ads and to offer a concession to critics who have said the company should do more to moderate noxious speech on its platform. Zuckerberg has long said that Facebook would not police and moderate political ads. Thats because the company does not want to limit the speech of candidates, he has said, especially in smaller elections and those candidates who do not have the deep pockets of the major campaigns. But critics, including the Biden presidential campaign, have argued that Facebooks laissez-faire approach has dangerous consequences, with untruthful political ads leading to the spreading of disinformation and potential voter disenfranchisement. Some Republicans have argued that Facebook should not act as an arbiter of what can and cannot be posted in ads, and that the companys intervention amounts to censorship. The Biden presidential campaign lashed out at Facebook over its hands-off policy on political ads last October after the Trump campaign released ads on the social network that falsely claimed that Biden had offered to bribe Ukrainian officials to drop an investigation into his son. Since then, the Biden campaign has called for the company to fact-check ads from candidates and their campaigns. Last week, Bidens campaign also began an online petition and letter to Zuckerberg to demand changes to its speech policies before the 2020 presidential contest. At the same time, the Biden campaign also spent $5 million in advertising on Facebook, surging past political ad spending by Trump on the platform. Facebook has previously modified what some users can see with political ads. In January, the company said it would allow people the option to see fewer such ads. The update announced Tuesday will let them opt out entirely. Other social media companies have taken a far harder line on political ads. Last year, Jack Dorsey, Twitters chief executive, said Twitter would ban all political ads because they presented challenges to civic discourse. We believe political message reach should be earned, not bought, Dorsey said. Both Facebook and Twitter publish libraries of political ads that have run on their sites, allowing people to research specific advertisers while tracking their messages and spending habits. The companies also regularly take down coordinated disinformation campaigns, and are monitoring attempts at election interference from foreign operatives. Still, critics said that Facebook wasnt being transparent enough. There are significant problems with the Facebook ad library, which makes it really difficult to keep on top of what is circulating to even monitor for disinformation in ads, let alone to judge what the impact is with audiences, said Claire Wardle of First Draft, a nonprofit that researches the effect of misinformation in the media. Facebook also unveiled a voting information center on Tuesday, a feature that aims to give people more data on elections. That includes details on how and when to vote, information about voter registration, voting by mail and early voting. COVID is going to make it really difficult for people to understand whats going on and how to vote, Emily Dalton Smith, a director of social impact products at Facebook, said in an interview. She said the voting information center would help people get necessary and accurate information for the fall elections. The feature will roll out at the top of the news feeds for American users of Facebook and Instagram. Facebook has pledged a goal of helping more than 4 million people register to vote through its initiative. It estimated that roughly half the U.S. population would see information on how to vote in the November elections. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. President Xi Jinping delivers the keynote speech at the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19 via video link in Beijing on Wednesday. HUANG JINGWEN/XINHUA Supportive measures unveiled at event to consolidate Sino-African friendship African leaders and experts have hailed President Xi Jinping's keynote speech at the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19, saying the mutual support of China and African countries in the anti-epidemic fight is a vivid illustration of a China-Africa community with a shared future. In his speech at the summit he presided over via video link in Beijing on Wednesday, Xi assured African countries that China will continue supporting COVID-19 containment measures on the continent. While calling for solidarity and cooperation to defeat the novel coronavirus pandemic, Xi unveiled an array of measures to help Africa cope with the public health crisis, including providing technical and material support and debt relief for African countries. Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong said after the summit that what Xi advocated in his speech showed the firm determination of China and Africa to defeat the epidemic and overcome difficulties, indicated the direction for future cooperation and injected impetus into international anti-epidemic efforts. China and Africa expressed support for each other not only in the anti-epidemic fight and economic and social development, but also on issues related to each other's core interests and major concerns, Chen said. The virtual summit was initiated by China, South Africa and Senegal. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is the current chairperson of the African Union while Senegalese President Macky Sall is a co-chairperson of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Ramaphosa said the summit demonstrates the depth and resilience of solidarity between China and Africa. "Sino-African solidarity and better multilateral cooperation are key to winning the battle against this pandemic," he said. Calling the summit "an excellent initiative", Sall said that leaders attending the meeting reaffirmed their aspiration to consolidate the friendship between Africa and China and to build a community with a shared future for mankind. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who attended the summit in his capacity as a member of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, thanked China for its swift response to provide Kenya and the rest of the continent with medical supplies, including testing kits, personal protective equipment and pharmaceuticals to help them fight the epidemic. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari also commended the Chinese government for its efforts to help African countries tackle the pandemic, and said Xi's strong support has further demonstrated the spirit of solidarity and enhanced the bond of partnership that already exist among FOCAC members. A joint statement released after the summit reiterated the countries' opposition to the politicization and stigmatization of the virus, and called on the international community to jointly prevent discrimination and stigmatization and reject misinformation and disinformation. The countries also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting multilateralism, opposing unilateralism, safeguarding the United Nations-centered international system and defending international equity and justice, according to the statement. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus participated in the summit as special guests. Speaking at a news conference in Geneva, Tedros said that since the pandemic started, China has been supporting Africa, especially in sending experts, sharing information and providing supplies, including COVID-19 testing kits. He applauded the summit, saying the platform will be important in strengthening China-Africa relations and solidarity across the world. Mamadou Saliou Bah, director of Guinea's Laboratories of the National Health Security Agency, said working together to fight the epidemic has undoubtedly deepened the friendship between China and Africa. Humphrey Moshi, professor of economics at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, said that the summit is a continuation of China-Africa friendship and cooperation. President Xi's remarks at the summit show "China cherishes its friendship with Africa and both sides regard cooperation as an effective way to address COVID-19", Moshi said. Peter Kagwanja, president of the Africa Policy Institute, an independent, nonprofit Pan-African think tank in Kenya, said that "Xi's main point in his address, and indeed his diplomatic genius, is in recognizing the equal, mutual and reciprocal relationship between Africa and China in fighting against COVID-19". The disease knows no race and no borders, he said, and the joint fight against the virus has strengthened trust and understanding between the African and Chinese peoples. Boubacar Abdou, technical adviser to the president of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council in Niger, said that China has played a decisive role in the fight against COVID-19 worldwide, and particularly in Africa, by reaching out to others. "It must be recognized that in the fight against the pandemic, China has been an important partner for Africa in general and West Africa in particular," Abdou said. [June 19, 2020] Hyper Personalization and Engaging Content Key to Retaining Customers in an Overcrowded OTT Market, Says Zinnov NEW YORK, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Zinnov, a leading global management and strategy consulting firm, shared the findings of its impact study on the Media OTT segment, in the shadow of COVID-19. As a part of this extensive study, Zinnov evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on the Global Media OTT space, the expected shifts in consumption patterns as well as key trends that will shape the space in the post-pandemic reality. The global Media OTT space enjoyed an incredible bull run from 2012 to 2019, where the OTT market witnessed a ~23% growth. This period was defined by the rise of hybrid monetization models, intensified competition, razor sharp focus on content and customer experience, and the entry of start-ups and unicorns. With over 300 OTT providers in the fray, the global OTT market grew to USD 85-90 Billion in 2019. In 2020, owing to restrictions on travel, closure of theaters, cinemas, and live events, Subscription TV and OTT applications experienced a strong surge across geographies. In fact, the time spent on OTT applications such as Netflix, Amazon's Prime Video has dramatically increased by more than 40% in the first quarter of 2020, compared to the same quarter in 2019. There has been a 30% increase in the number of hours spent on OTT platforms, while on average, there is a 3X increase in subscriptions across these players. Netflix added 15+ Million paid subscribers in Q1 of 2020 alone, bringing its current number to 180+ Million subscribers. Amazon's Prime Video witnessed an increase of more than 100% viewership for family content in April. A key shift in the OTT space in the wake of COVID-19 is the continuous refresh of the content catalog to attract and retain viewership, while also factoring in content security to avoid piracy. As a large percentage of this content consumption is being driven through online and mobile channels, the adoption of digital technologies such as automation and cloud will accelerate. Zinnov analysis also reveals that the OTT space is in a state of flux, with large companies making acquisitions, new players entering the segment, newer services being offered, and consumers being saddled with a problem of plenty. Large media conglomerates such as Comcast, AT&T, and Disney have mde acquisitions over the last 18 months, which has put a significant amount of debt on their balance sheets. Disney acquired Fox for USD 71 Billion, AT&T acquired Warner Bros., and Comcast acquired Sky. However, the revenues of all these conglomerates will be impacted as each of them has additional businesses such as theme parks, movie production, cable and consumer products, which have been severely affected owing to the pandemic. The revenue loss in some of these businesses will be significant, making it difficult to balance out and recover from the gains made in other businesses. Zinnov's analysis revealed that Disney's multiple theme parks alone contribute upwards of 30% to their overall revenues, with 10+% of operating income. The company is already looking at raising debt, which can be managed effectively, given their strong balance sheet. Disney, during this time, has lost 1/3rd of its market capitalization, while Comcast has lost 1/5th. Comcast was able to fortify itself in part because a large part of its revenues come from its cable business, which will see an uptick as more consumers upgrade their Internet connections, owing to extended lockdowns around the world to contain the spread of the virus. In recent times, the OTT space has become an overcrowded market, with at least 4 new applications being launched in the last 3 months alone. AT&T has launched its new OTT channel HBO Max from its Warner Media unit in the last week of May, Comcast plans to launch its in-house OTT channel Peacock TV in mid-July, etc. Speaking about the Media OTT space, Sidhant Rastogi, Managing Partner, Zinnov, said, "The Media OTT space is in an interesting phase right now. In the near-term, we expect 4 major global trends to take off as we begin this new decade OTT alliances between key players to achieve scale as they jostle for space in the overcrowded market; focus on building clear identity in the customers' psyche to circumvent OTT fatigue; innovation in distribution owing to rising Subscriber Acquisition Costs (SAC) and churn management costs; and lastly, a resurgence in Advertising-based Video on Demand (AVOD) with targeted and interactive ad models." "Over the next 18-24 months, we expect a paradigm shift in the way OTT platforms will look to serve their customer base. Studios will accelerate their movie releases to streaming platforms, including live events such as concerts, sporting events, etc. Another major shift will be the demand towards live broadcasts to boost sales or to own their D2C services. OTT players with a clear focus on hyper personalization, superior customer experience, and a large repository of content variety will fare better than others," he added. About Zinnov Founded in 2002, Zinnov is a leading global management and strategy consulting firm, with presence in Santa Clara, Houston, Bangalore, Gurgaon, and Paris. Over the past 18 years, Zinnov has successfully consulted with over 250+ Fortune 500 enterprises and technology companies to develop actionable insights that help them create value across dimensions of both revenue and optimization. With core expertise in Product Engineering, Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Outsourcing Advisory, Zinnov assists clients by: Enabling global companies to develop and optimize a global engineering footprint through center setups, and technology and functional accelerators to achieve higher R&D efficiencies, innovation, and productivity; Advising global PE firms in asset shortlisting and target evaluation, commercial due diligence, and value creation; Growing revenue for companies' products and services in newer markets through account intelligence, market entry, and market expansion advisory; Structuring and implementing Digital Transformation levers enabled by technologies like AI/ML, Cloud, IOT, and RPA; Helping global companies outline and drive their open innovation programs, design and operate accelerator programs, and enable collaboration with start-ups across specific use cases and predefined outcomes. With their team of experienced consultants, subject matter experts, and research professionals, Zinnov serves clients from across multiple industry verticals including Enterprise Software, BFSI, Healthcare, Automotive, Retail, and Telecom in the US, Europe, Japan, and India. For more information, visit http://zinnov.com. Media contact Nitika Goel Chief Marketing Officer Zinnov [email protected] +1-408-390-5797 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/694742/Zinnov_Logo.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Former US Vice President Joe Biden leads sitting President Donald Trump by 8 points nationally, according to a new poll released. A similar Quinnipiac poll released in May suggested an 11-point Biden lead over Trump. In the latest poll, Democrats went to Biden 93 - 4 per cent and independents were split with Biden at 43 per cent and Trump at 40 per cent, while Republicans went to Trump 92 - 7 per cent. Meanwhile, 42 per cent of voters approved of the job Trump was doing while 55 per cent disapproved. On Trump's handling of the economy, 52 per cent of voters approved, while 45 per cent disapproved. On several other issues, including Trump's response to the coronavirus pandemic and his handling of race relations, more than half of the respondents disapproved of the job he was doing on each of those fronts. "The country gyrates uneasily through a killer virus, unrest in the streets, and volatile ugly divisiveness, but the presidential horserace looks now like it did back in February," said Tim Malloy, a polling analyst at Quinnipiac University. As for how satisfied people are with the way things are going in the nation today, 25 per cent said they were either very or somewhat satisfied, while 71 per cent said they were somewhat or very dissatisfied, according to the poll. A total of 1,332 self-identified registered voters nationwide were surveyed with a margin of error of plus/minus 2.7 percentage points, Quinnipiac University said. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Since I wasnt even alive in 1968, Ill defer to Boomers and historians to tell us whether the country was more divided back then or today. In my lifetime, however, I can confidently say that the racial, political, economic, and ideological polarization has never been worse, nor has the violence and outrage. No matter the issue, from public policy to personal morality to global health, people seem to immediately run to their ideological and political corners: No discussion, little charity, less concern about the requirements of a common life together, but a lot of yelling. Its difficult to imagine a people less able to accomplish a life together than us, with no shared vision and no shared memory. Friday, however, offers us an opportunity to come out of our ideological and political corners and agree to commemorate a significant day in American history. Every American, regardless of politics or background, should reflect on a day marked in many African American communities for over 150 years. June 19th is Juneteenth, the anniversary of the day in 1865 in which the particularly vicious evil of chattel slavery effectively came to an end in this country. Heres the history. In 1862, President Lincoln issued the most famous executive order in history, known as the Emancipation Proclamation. on the first day of January, read the order, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward and forever free. With this order, Lincoln only declared the emancipation of slaves within the Confederacy. Pro-Union border states and even areas in the South controlled by Union troops were not in rebellion against the United States. Practically speaking, the Emancipation Proclamation was more symbolic than effective. The surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox in April of 1865 signaled the end of the Confederacy and foresaw the final end of slavery. Even then, however, pockets of resistance persisted. Emancipation would have to be enforced. On June 19, 1865, more than two thousand Federal soldiers of the 13th Army Corps arrived in Galveston [Texas] and with them Major General Gordon Granger . . . Grangers men marched through Galveston reading General Order, No. 3, which informed the people of Texas that, in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. That is a moment worthy of commemorating. In fact, African-Americans in Texas began commemorating Juneteenth very next year, 1866. As African-Americans migrated north and west, they took the commemoration with them. Even today, though officially recognized in hundreds of cities and in 47 out of 50 states, Juneteenth remains largely an African-American celebration. But its a day all Americans should commemorate. Juneteenth was the culmination of the efforts of men and women across race and social standing to put an end to a particularly shameful practice on our shores. Last year, my Colson Center colleague Tim Padgett wrote an outstanding column on Juneteenth at BreakPoint.org,. In it, he described how American abolitionists were driven by the understanding that the realities of American Slavery were irreconcilable to their Christian beliefs about the dignity of humanity and their American dreams about the centrality of liberty. They saw that the slave was as made in the image of God as anyone else and therefore as deserving of honor as themselves. Juneteenth 1865 is an important event in our national timeline, an attempt to live up to what Chuck Colson liked to call our American creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Weve not yet lived up to that creed. We still have a long way to go. Perhaps remembering Juneteenth together could remind us of the type of nation we say we are, and compel us to keep trying. Originally posted at breakpoint.org In March, Rakia Akter was confronted with a serious parenting problem. As the coronavirus pandemic grew worse, schools in Buffalo, New York, where she lives, were shutting down in-person classes and shifting entirely to online, distance learning. With her husband earning $30,000 a year working for FedEx while she stayed at home raising their children, money was tight. They couldn't afford to pay for home internet. How, she wondered, would their 9-year-old and 7-year-old daughters be able to keep up with their classmates? Eventually, Akter heard that the cable giant Charter Communications was giving away free internet access to help families in need during the lockdown. Akter signed up and, for the moment, her family's remote-learning crisis was averted. But then, last month, the 60-day free period ran out. Facing a monthly bill that would jump to $64, Akter reluctantly canceled the service. "People say, 'Internet is just $60 a month,' but we've had to cut so many corners just to have what we have," said Akter, who is 27 and has three kids. "That's food for a week for us." Thousands of people in communities across the country are about to grapple with a similar dilemma. Earlier this year, to help students and teachers finish the disrupted school year online, Charter, Comcast, AT&T and others began providing free internet. They also pledged not to cut off service or charge late fees to customers struggling financially because of the pandemic. Now, several of those programs are set to end in the coming weeks - a looming expiration that, if left unaddressed, threatens to unravel a precarious thread of the social safety net at a particularly difficult time for many American families. Angela Siefer, the executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, a nonprofit focused on increasing internet adoption, said that although the school year is winding down, the need for access to the web - and the challenge of affording it - have not gone away. The industry's charitable internet programs have been helpful, said Siefer, but ultimately amounted to a temporary "Band-Aid" on the still-gaping digital divide. "We had this problem pre-covid," Siefer said. "All covid did was draw attention to it because of online learning. We have to come up with a substantial, long-term solution." "These students are already way behind because of the limited interactions we had with them." Due to coronavirus safety concerns, many public libraries, an internet lifeline for low-income Americans, remain closed. About 21 million Americans are unemployed and have less income now to pay for online access to help with their job searches. Next month, a record number of New York City students will go to summer school online. Without internet at home, some students have been doing schoolwork during the pandemic in parking lots using the ambient Wi-Fi from surrounding buildings. The scope of the problem is reflected in the number of people who have taken advantage of the industry's emergency measures during the pandemic. Charter said it expects to provide free internet to more than 400,000 students, teachers and their families. A Comcast spokesman said the company signed up 32,000 families for a free version of its low-cost service, known as Internet Essentials, at the end of March, just a few weeks after the lockdowns began. An AT&T spokeswoman said more than 156,000 customers have received financial assistance to stay connected to the company's wireless, broadband and video services. On Thursday, Comcast announced it will be continuing its 60-day free internet offer through the end of the year. AT&T plans to extend free unlimited wireless internet for students until late August if schools request it by June 21. Similar free-internet offers from Charter and Altice USA Inc., another cable provider, are set to expire June 30. Cox's program is ending on July 15. On Friday, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai asked Congress for legislation to help consumers and small businesses keep their internet connections beyond June 30. Pai said he'd also asked companies to offer customers who are struggling financially due to the pandemic more flexible payment options, and to continue and expand their free-internet programs for students. As the pandemic drags on, other longer-term efforts are being made to help people in need maintain access to the web. In Portland, Oregon, a nonprofit that supports the local school system is sponsoring free internet for up to six months for 2,000 families in partnership with Comcast. In Congress, House Democrats earmarked more than $5 billion in the next stimulus package to provide internet to students and teachers and give people who were laid off or furloughed a $50 monthly credit for access to the web. But the measure is currently stalled. Charter spokeswoman Cameron Blanchard said the company is notifying customers in advance when the 60-day free period is about to expire and providing options for those who want a low-cost service. The company offers a $14.99-a-month service called Spectrum Internet Assist to low-income families. "As that free period ends, our goal is to work with our customers to find a plan that matches their needs and budget," Blanchard said. At an investor conference last month, Charter Chief Financial Officer Chris Winfrey said that providing free internet to students and teachers was both a goodwill gesture and a business opportunity. "By doing good in the community and at the same time having a focus to acquire customers, then I think we're going to end up with a lot more customers than we would have otherwise," he said. From the start, many of the industry's pandemic-related measures came with certain conditions attached, such as stipulating that only new customers could qualify. Initially, Charter and Altice USA barred students from signing up whose families had an outstanding balance. Both companies lifted the policy after facing criticism. Another issue, said Siefer, is that the offers for free internet for students and teachers weren't widely advertised. "There was definitely an awareness problem," she said. "A lot of folks didn't know they existed." Back in Buffalo, just as Charter's 60-day free offer was starting to run out, Elmwood Village Charter Schools bought about 20 Wi-Fi hotspots for families, including Akter's, who couldn't afford to pay for internet access. Even so, Liz Evans, the school's director of operations, worries about how some students will fare in summer school, which runs through early August and will require internet access. "These students are already way behind because of the limited interactions we had with them," she said. "If we aren't able to offer them summer school, they're going to be that much further behind at the start of next year." Together with 38 press freedom groups and civil society organizations, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has joined an official call for the Turkish government to reverse a Court decision to ban radio station Ozguruz. Ozguruz is based in Germany, and has already been blocked several times by the Turkish authorities since 2017. A pensioner sent an intruder disguised in surgical protective clothing packing with two brain-wobbling slaps to the head she had learned from her self-defence class. The conman, clad head-to-toe in PPE, tricked his way into the home of 71-year-old Kaye Parish posing as a college volunteer handing out bottles of hand sanitiser to the elderly. Once through the front door of the bungalow in Dagenham he pushed her up against a wall and demanded cash. Mrs Parish, who has rheumatoid arthritis, said her 5ft 9in assailant was carrying fake ID. He told me he had sanitiser and handed me two bottles, she said. I thought how nice, what a lovely thing to do. He grabbed me and pushed me so hard against the wall. He was shouting give me your money. "Then I remembered my self-defence classes and this slap our teacher taught us where it wobbles the brain and makes the person disoriented. "So I did that and he looked shocked but screamed about money again. I just hit him again and he ran off. Mrs Parish, who has lived alone since her husband Charlies death six years ago, had been regularly attending her councils self-defence classes before the lockdown. Im so grateful for those classes and my teacher, Jason. He made us practice that head slap move over and over again so it would become second nature. It saved me. Mrs Parish's teacher Jason Duck is a member of the council's Healthy Lifestyle Team, which helps keep the residents of Barking and Dagenham fit. He said: With self-defence its all about keeping the techniques simple so they can be used even under extreme stress and pressure but still be effective. "Its great to hear that Kaye was able to save herself due to the training that she was given and I was glad to be of some help. Councillor Sade Bright, cabinet member for employment, skills and aspiration, said: It is really important that we all keep active especially during the lockdown and the councils healthy lifestyle service has a number of programmes on offer. Its great to hear that Kay was able to protect herself due to the training that she was given and Im very proud of her. Police are investigating. The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Friday took cognizance of Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Aazad's demeaning tweets on women and requested Uttar Pradesh DGP HC Awasthy to take strict action against him. Aazad allegedly used vulgar words in the tweets during his conversation with women on March 23, 2018, and April 16, 2018. In a letter to the UP DGP, NCW Chief Rekha Sharma said that Aazad has made derogatory and defamatory statements against women. The commission has taken note of the rise in cyber-harassment and use of derogatory statements in cyberspace against women amounts to a serious offence under the law, read the letter. @NCWIndia has taken cognizance of the demeaning tweets made on #women by @BhimArmyChief. Chairperson @sharmarekha has written to @dgpup requesting strict action against Azad to put an end to #cybercrimes against #women. pic.twitter.com/uNQwMJza9z NCW (@NCWIndia) June 19, 2020 It further requested that action be taken against "the culprit as per the relevant provisions of law to avoid recurrence of the crime in the future". "The National Commission for Women has taken cognizance of tweets on Twitter of Chandra Shekhar Aazad (Link of the account: https://twitter.com/BhimArmyChiet?s=20) wherein it is seen that derogatory and defamatory statements have been made against women by him. The Commission has taken note of the rise in cyber harassment and use of derogatory statements in cyberspace against women amounts to serious offence under law," read the letter. Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, the NCW said, "NCWIndia has taken cognizance of the demeaning tweets made on women by Bhim Army Chief. Chairperson Rekha Sharma has written to UP DGP requesting strict action against Azad to put an end to cybercrimes against women." "NCW is also in touch with SP Sharanpur regarding this cyber abuse of women on Social Media. NCW is committed towards ensuring cybersecurity to women and creating safe spaces for them," it also tweeted. However, Aazad has refuted the allegations. The Texas Railroad Commission permitted oil and gas producers to destroy $750 million worth of natural gas in a single year, and despite the pleas of royalty owners and environmentalists, it allows that waste to continue. The three elected officials who supervise the oil and gas industry in Texas are mandated to promote efficiency and minimize waste but have issued permits allowing drillers to burn billions of dollars worth of natural gas through a process called flaring over the past seven years. Last week, commissioners finally began considering new rules to stop it, but it doesnt look good. First, a quick lesson on flaring. Oil wells also produce natural gas, much to the chagrin of the driller who wants only oil. This associated gas must go somewhere, and when there are no pipelines, drillers ask the Railroad Commission to burn it off with flares. TOMLINSONS TAKE: Energy execs need market overhauls to fight climate change Anyone driving through South or West Texas at night has seen these huge flames. Refineries also use flares to burn off dangerous gases, so they also are common along the Houston Ship Channel. Natural gas contains methane, a gas six times more harmful to the climate than carbon dioxide. Getting rid of methane is essential, and capturing it can generate additional revenue. But lately, drillers have been in such a rush to pump oil, they are not waiting for gas pipelines. The commission almost never has rejected a flaring permit. Since the fracking revolution kicked off in 2013, commissioners have allowed flaring to increase four-fold, and drillers have burned enough gas to meet Texas power, heating and industrial needs for three years, state records show. The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, a nonpartisan group that researches industry trends, calculated Texas drillers flared gas worth $749.9 million in 2018 alone. The RRCs duty to address waste in oil and gas production is not only a legal requirement but also a practical imperative that is becoming more and more critical for the financial future of Texas, the group concluded. It needs to recalibrate itself and align its actions with its critical responsibility to protect the public. Commission Chair Wayne Christian formed a task force to recommend what should be done about flaring. Outgoing Commissioner Ryan Sitton oversaw a study. Oil and gas lobbyists and environmentalists drafted their own reports. The hyperanalytical Sitton devised what he calls a flaring intensity benchmark, which is a ratio of gas flared to barrels of oil produced. He thinks its a fair measure of efficiency, if not necessarily the best measure for environmental or royalty owner protection. Sitton calculated that Texas has one of the best flaring intensities in the world, which prompted him to ask whether the commission should impose additional regulations that may hurt Texas competitiveness in export markets. Reducing flaring will cost money, and foreign producers flare like maniacs. Environment Texas, meanwhile, argued that flaring hurts the environment, wastes energy and signals the industrys long-term decline. If drillers must flare to make money, then the industry is doomed. The commission should phase out flaring forever, the group concluded. Lastly, a group of seven trade associations calling itself the Texas Methane and Flaring Coalition has a plan that it says will reduce flaring through minor tweaks to the current permit process. The coalition predictably argues that additional regulation will cost Texas jobs. The Railroad Commission, which desperately needs a name change because it has nothing to do with railroads anymore, is supposed to strike a balance between energy production, environmental impacts and financial royalties. We need oil and gas. We need to fight climate change. Drillers should not cheat mineral rights owners. TOMLINSONS TAKE: Oil companies need a nudge, or more, to stop flaring waste gases Christian, a former lawmaker known for conservatism and religious fundamentalism with no industry background, has signaled a historic shift away from being in the pocket of drillers to worrying about royalty owners and investors. We cannot continue to waste this much natural gas and allow the practice of flaring to tarnish the reputation of our states thriving energy sector to the general public and investors on Wall Street, he said after Tuesdays hearing. He called on commission staff to prepare proposals by the fall. Environmentalists sighed in dismay, the commission remains uninterested in climate change. Lobbyists for drillers and royalty owners girded for a fight. If Christians new rules mean less gas is flared, that is a great outcome, but thats not the long-term problem. The world is moving away from fossil fuels, especially oil. Natural gas will remain important, but demand will fade. The commission needs to manage not only the end of flaring but the safe winding-down of oil and gas in Texas to a much smaller industry. Rather than worry about investors, commissioners should worry about Texas. Tomlinson writes commentary about business, economics and policy. twitter.com/cltomlinson chris.tomlinson@chron.com The Metropolitan Police says it received only one letter from German prosecutors investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann and it did not contain evidence or proof she is dead. Media reports said correspondence was sent to the couple stating German police have "concrete evidence" Madeline is dead. The prosecutor at the head of the German investigation, Hans Christian Wolters, told Italian newspaper La Repubblica that a follow-up letter had been sent. However, the Met Police on Friday released a clarification stating: "The Met received one letter from the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) on 12 June, which was passed to the family. "The letter did not state that there was evidence or proof that Madeleine is dead the Met continue to investigate Madeleines disappearance as a missing person investigation. "No letter has been received by the Met" from Wolters, it added. It comes after Kate and Gerry McCann said the claims their daughter was dead had caused "unnecessary anxiety to friends and family and once again disrupted our lives". Their statement read: "Since the recent police appeals regarding Madeleine's disappearance there have been many inaccurate stories reported in the media. "The widely reported news that we have a received a letter from the German authorities that states there is evidence or proof that Madeleine is dead is false. "Like many unsubstantiated stories in the media, this has caused unnecessary anxiety to friends and family and once again disrupted our lives. "As we have stated many times before, we will not give a running commentary on the investigation - that is the job of the law enforcement agencies and we will support them in any way requested." Mr Wolters has said prosecutors have "concrete evidence", but not "forensic evidence", that Madeleine was killed by the suspect and may "know more" than Scotland Yard, who are still treating the case as a missing person investigation. German investigators believe Christian Brueckner, 43, killed Madeline soon after abducting her from a holiday apartment in the Praia da Luz resort in Portugal in May 2007. Brueckner is in jail in Germany for drug dealing, and is appealing against a conviction for the 2005 rape of a 72-year-old woman, also at Praia da Luz. He has not yet spoken to investigators, who say they are convinced that he has committed other sex attacks. Brueckner is a suspect in a string of unsolved crimes, reportedly including an attack on a 10-year-old British girl in Praia da Luz in 2005, one of a series of such incidents where young girls were targeted. Additional reporting by Press Association Hundreds of thousands of graduates benefiting from the federal governments N30,000 monthly N-Power scheme will be disengaged in the next two months, an official has said. The federal government Friday announced plans to disengage both Batch A and B graduates enrolled in the N-Power scheme. In a statement signed on Friday by the humanitarian ministrys Deputy Director, Information, Rhoda Iliya, she said the exit of the volunteers would commence on June 30 and July 31 respectively for batches A and B. The ministry also disclosed that the disengagement of both batches would follow a fresh enrollment for a new Batch C volunteers which will be effective from July 26. According to the statement, the decision followed efforts to provide opportunities for more Nigerian youth to access the programme. The Ministry has announced that Batch A will exit June 30, 2020 and Batch B will exit the programme on July 31, 2020. And the commencement of enrolment for a new batch of N-Power beneficiaries effective July 26, 2020, the official said. The federal government is committed to the continuation and expansion and as such will now begin enrolment and onboarding of a new Batch of beneficiaries. Skills acquisition for entrepreneurship and job creation are critical for an economy that will require a boost post-Covid-19 and we are gearing up proactively for the challenge. It noted that the Batches A and B volunteers are not eligible to participate in the new application process, adding that comprehensive details for the new batch will be announced in the coming weeks. The ministry also said that applications will be conducted using a hybrid system of enrolment to ensure that all Nigerians are given an opportunity to participate. It added that special considerations would be available for persons living with disabilities. The online portal would be open to receive applications from noon on June 26, 2020 and will provide a level playing field for all applicants. All applicants must supply their Bank Verification Number (BVN) in their application. This is to ensure a streamlined and transparent selection process. Once applications are submitted, the ministry will review submissions and publish a list of successful applicants, Ms Iliya said. The humanitarian ministry also said efforts are being made to ensure that the exiting beneficiaries are absorbed into government entrepreneurship schemes after completion of psychometric assessment to determine competency and placement into various opportunities. We have commenced the transitioning of beneficiaries from Batches A & B into government entrepreneurship schemes and engaging private sector bodies to absorb some of the beneficiaries after the completion of psychometric assessment to determine competency and placement into various opportunities, Ms Iliya said. The N-Power programme was inaugurated by President Buhari in 2016 with thousands of direct beneficiaries spread across the key industries targeted by the programme Agriculture, Health, Education, and Tax. The first batch (A), which commenced with over 200,000 young Nigerians in 2016, was to have exited the scheme in December 2018. READ ALSO: Perhaps because of the general elections in February 2019, the federal government extended the programme to May 2019. This was followed by indefinite extension which will now end on June 30. The second batch (B) kicked off in August 2018, with about 300,000 beneficiaries who ought to exist he programme in July 2020. There had been controversies between humanitarian minister Sadiya Farouq and President Muhammadu Buharis Special Adviser on Social Investment, Maryam Uwais, about the exit package for the Batch A volunteers as each traded blame on who was responsible for the delay in disengaging the beneficiaries. The minister had blamed the National Social Investment Office (NSIO), under Mrs Uwais, for having no viable plan for the exit of the beneficiaries. In reaction, Mrs Uwais said her team had made exit plans which had not been implemented before the programme was moved to Ms Farouqs ministry. She also said she had briefed Ms Farouq on those plans. The scheme involves the deployment of thousands of unemployed graduates to schools and other institutions to work there while the government pays them a stipend of N30,000 monthly. SUZHOU, China, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. (Innovent) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high quality medicines for the treatment of cancer, metabolic, autoimmune and other major diseases, today announced that BYVASDA (bevacizumab biosimilar), a recombinant humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody drug independently developed by Innovent, has been officially approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and metastatic colorectal cancer in China. BYVASDA is Innovent's second monoclonal antibody drug approved by the NMPA following TYVYT (sintilimab injection, officially approved for treatment of patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma in December 2018). In recent years, the cancer burden in China has been continuously increasing. According to the report of Cancer Today from the WHO's International Agency for Cancer Research, there were 4.285 million newly diagnosed cancer patients and 2.865 million deaths from cancer in China in 2018. Among the malignant tumors in China, lung cancer ranks first both in incidence rate (0.774 million newly diagnosed patients) and mortality rate (0.691 million deaths). Colorectal cancer ranks second in incidence rate (0.517 million newly diagnosed patients) and fifth in mortality rate (0.245 million deaths). Since the launch of bevacizumab, it has been approved for the treatment of patients with multiple malignant tumors globally, including non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, glioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, cervical cancer, and epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, and in China it was approved for the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and metastatic colorectal cancer. The efficacy and safety of bevacizumab have been well recognized worldwide. Currently there still remains huge unmet clinical demand for bevacizumab treatment in China, as many ordinary Chinese patients cannot afford for it. BYVASDA is an anti-VEGF humanized monoclonal antibody and a bevacizumab biosimilar independently developed by Innovent. The launch of BYVASDA will provide Chinese patients with high-quality and relatively more affordable bevacizumab biosimilar injection. Dr. Hui Zhou, Vice President and Head of Oncology Strategy and Medical Sciences of Innovent, stated: "BYVASDA is another example of our success with the National Major New Drug Innovation and Development Projects and the second monoclonal antibody drug approved by the NMPA following TYVYT (sintilimab injection). We hope to bring this high-quality and cost-saving drugs to more patients in need in China as soon as possible. In January 2020, Innovent out-licensed the commercial rights of BYVASDA in the United States and Canada to Coherus BioSciences, a leading biosimilar company, demonstrated an international recognition of the quality of BYVASDA. We are looking forward to working together to make BYVASDA benefit more patients globally." About BYVASDA BYVASDA is a bevacizumab biosimilar and a recombinant humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody drug. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important factor in angiogenesis that is highly expressed by the endothelial cells in most human tumors. An anti-VEGF antibody binds VEGF selectively with high affinity and blocks its binding to VEGF receptors on the surface of vascular endothelial cells, thereby inhibiting signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt/PKB and Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK. BYVASDA produces anti-tumor effects by inhibiting the growth, proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells, blocking angiogenesis, reducing vascular permeability, blocking blood supply to tumor tissues, inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells and inducing apoptosis in tumor cells. Since the launch of bevacizumab, it has been approved for the treatment of patients with multiple malignant tumors globally, including non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, glioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, cervical cancer, and epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer. The efficacy and safety of bevacizumab have been well recognized worldwide. About Innovent Inspired by the spirit of "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent's mission is to develop and commercialize high quality biopharmaceutical products that are affordable to ordinary people. Established in 2011, Innovent is committed to developing, manufacturing and commercializing high quality innovative medicines for the treatment of cancer, metabolic, autoimmune and other major diseases. On October 31, 2018, Innovent was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code: 01801.HK. Since its inception, Innovent has developed a fully-integrated multi-functional platform which includes R&D, CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls), clinical development and commercialization capabilities. Leveraging the platform, the company has built a robust pipeline of 23 valuable assets in the fields of cancer, metabolic, autoimmune diseases and other major therapeutic areas, with 18 in clinical development, 5 in Phase 3 or pivotal clinical trials, 3 under NDA reviews by the NMPA (2 under priority review status), while 2 products, TYVYT (sintilimab injection) and BYVASDA (bevacizumab biosimilar), officially approved for marketing in China. TYVYT has been the only PD-1 inhibitor included in the NRDL since 2019. Innovent has built an international team of advanced talents in cutting-edge biological drug development and commercialization, including many overseas experts. The company has also entered into strategic collaborations with Eli Lilly, Roche, Adimab, Incyte, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Hanmi and other international partners. Innovent strives to work with all relevant parties to help advance China's biopharmaceutical industry, improve drug availability to ordinary people and enhance the quality of the patients' lives. For more information, please visit: www.innoventbio.com. SOURCE Innovent Biologics, Inc. Related Links www.innoventbio.com Pennsylvanias highest court on Wednesday granted the Democratic governors request and took over a lawsuit by legislative Republicans that could end his pandemic shutdown order. The Supreme Court announced it will decide the case filed by Senate Republicans, seeking to enforce a resolution that both chambers passed last week to end the state of disaster emergency imposed by Governor Tom Wolf in March. The case had been filed in Commonwealth Court, where Republicans hold a majority of the seats, but Democrats have a 5-2 edge on the Supreme Court. Asked about the Supreme Court taking up the matter, Wolf said at a news conference later Wednesday: I applaud that. The order said justices will decide the case based on filings that have been made in both courts and that they will address the merits of the petitioners application in due course. The high court announcement came one day after Commonwealth Court had scheduled oral argument for June 29. Republican majorities in both chambers, along with a few Democrats, voted to end the emergency disaster declaration that has led to closure of non-life-sustaining businesses, bans on large gatherings and orders that people stay at home. The sides dispute whether the legislative resolution has any legal weight without the governors support. The state constitution grants governors the right to approve or veto concurrent resolutions, but the emergency services law includes a provision that gives the Legislature power to end disaster proclamations at any time. The state attorney generals office, which represents Wolf, made a filing last week that said legislative Republicans were trying to upend the commonwealths carefully planned reopening process. Senate Republican leaders say the need for drastic action to cut infection rates has passed, and the shutdown order is needlessly harming the state economically. A Senate Republican spokeswoman said Wednesday they were happy the justices acted quickly. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Pennsylvania Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Lexus announced a sales volume of 22,145 new vehicles it achieved for its China market in May, a vigorous year-on-year growth of 35.1%, rebounding to the normal level before the COVID-19 broke out. With 7,618 units sold, the electrified models accounted for 34.4% of the brand's China sales last month. For the first five months, the Toyota-owned premium brand sold over 78,300 vehicles in the world's largest auto market, versus 52,700 units offered by Cadillac. (Lexus ES, photo source: Lexus) In 2019, Lexus saw its full-year China sales jump 25% from a year earlier to 200,521 units, for the first time topping the 200,000-unit threshold. Aiming to sell 300,000 units in 2020, the automaker also suffered severe losses inflicted by the coronavirus spread. Thanks to the effective pandemic prevention and control, Lexus's China sales started recovering since March. Its first-quarter volume plunged 25.3% over the previous year, while the sales in March grew to 92% of the prior-year level. The growth returned to positive in April, standing at 6%. The blooming increase is partly attributable to the automaker's proactive roll-out of new products. Apart from the main sales contributor, the all-new ES, Lexus put the LM flagship MPV and the UX 300e BEV into Chinese market this year, perfecting its China product matrix. On June 16, the all-new Lexus IS made its world's debut, and will be sold in roughly 40 countries or regions worldwide from autumn. However, there is no report saying the new SUV will be introduced into China. Parents, child-care centre directors and early childhood educators have joined forces to demand the Manitoba government throw a lifeline to the struggling child-care industry. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us Parents, child-care centre directors and early childhood educators have joined forces to demand the Manitoba government throw a lifeline to the struggling child-care industry. "I think that the pandemic and our response to COVID has just brought to light and really emphasized the problems that child-care centres have always been facing, but its just worse because of the pandemic," said Lorraine McConnell, executive director of Childrens Den Inc. and the Brandon spokeswoman for the group, which launched the Childcare Is Essential campaign Thursday in Winnipeg. When the province first announced all early childhood programs were to be suspended, all of the centres lost their revenues, except for an operating grant, McConnell said. "So all parent fees, which is 55 to 60 per cent of our revenue, was eliminated and we still had the same expenses." Once child-care services were resumed, Childrens Den, for one, was faced with increased expenses and lower revenues because they were only allowed to take in 16 children half their normal placements, she said. Child-care centres in the province can resume full operations on Sunday as Phase 3 of the reopening plan kicks in. Whether or not they will be able to do so remains to be seen, McConnell said. There have also been added expenses in terms of hand sanitizers and personal protective equipment, she said, adding they have had to hire two child-care assistants whose sole job is to keep the centre clean and sanitized, "and were still working through what thats going to look like come September." The campaign is also calling for the creation of a sustainable, high-quality system of affordable public child care after several years of frozen provincial funding and is raising awareness about the upcoming release of a report by KPMG, which many expect will contain recommendations that could damage Manitobas system of child-care through additional funding cuts and privatization. "This government has made no secret that it supports privatization," McConnell said. See More Page A2 Erika Lesage, chair of the Childrens Den board and a parent of two young children in care at the centre, said she worries that if centres are privatized, the quality of care at some will be compromised. "There might be higher ratios (of children to staff), less trained staff," Lesage said. "Child care just wont look like what it has looked like before everything." A petition to Families Minister Heather Stefanson has been signed by more than 2,000 supporters from across Manitoba, the group said in a news release. The group is calling on the province to immediately backfill parent fees lost because of the COVID-19 pandemic due to such things as centre closures, reduced numbers due to social distancing guidelines as well as families reorienting to work-from-home guidelines. They also want the province to provide the funding that centres had planned to fundraise in their 2019-20 and 2020-21 budgets and provide dollars needed for PPE and increased sanitation practices. The petition also calls on the Pallister government to immediately: increase operating grants for licensed child-care programs by a minimum of eight per cent to replace funds lost when operating grants were frozen four years ago; reimplement the annual increase for all operating grants at a minimum two per cent per year; maintain or increase the number of licensed, non-profit child-care spaces in Manitoba by committing to honouring and maintaining all existing operating grants until at least 2023-24, regardless of whether centres are closed or operating at reduced levels due to COVID-19. immediately fund child-care spaces centres have already created in response to government request, but which remain unsupported by operating grants; ensure child-care workers are well-compensated while moving toward universal access for parents; ensure the Inclusion Support Staffing Grant is maintained as part of temporary COVID-19 child-care plans; and act in good faith when investing federal contributions for child care by using these dollars to support and strengthen non-profit, licensed options in Manitoba. "Our government recognizes the critical importance of child care for working families as our economy reopens, and child-care workers have truly been heroes helping heroes throughout this unprecedented public health emergency," Stefanson said in an emailed statement to the Sun. "That is why we have invested $50 million in child care during the COVID-19 pandemic, including $30 million in operating grants for child-care centres as well as an $18-million grant program to help early childhood educators provide child care in their homes and in the community." Stefanson said there are now 801 child-care facilities open in the province, offering more than 12,000 child-care spaces. An additional 124 facilities plan to open by July 1. The province has also created 131 new child-care spaces through a grant program with the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. As well, she said, the province has distributed nearly 20,000 individual personal protective equipment items to child-care facilities, including masks, gloves and eye protection. "Our government understands how critical child care is to our economic recovery and growth, which is why we are focused on ensuring that parents have choice in child care, including in private and home-based settings," Stefanson said. "We will continue to make investments to ensure that Manitoba families have access to the child care that they need, when they need it." brobertson@brandonsun.com Alvanei Xirinana was the first native Brazilian to die from the Covid-19 pandemic. He was Yanomami and lived in an indigenous village. Indigenous from the city and Indigenous from the village are terms that describe two ways of life for native peoples. When it comes to tallying deaths from the pandemic, the question of territory matters as much as ethnicity in disputes over who is Indigenous and who isnt. Fifteen-year-old Alvanei Xirinana lived as you would imagine native peoples living: far from any town, speaking his own language, practicing his own beliefs, occupying a communal dwelling. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has said absolutely nothing about the deaths of Indigenous people during the coronavirus pandemic. The only words anyone in his administration have pronounced about Alvanei Xirinana came from Minister Damares Alves, the official in charge of Brazils Indigenous policy, who hinted at evidence of criminal contamination, suggesting that the young boy died from biological warfare rather than poor healthcare policies. Lacking any evidence, Minister Alvess delirium is a sleight of hand meant to cover up how the government has abandoned Brazils indigenous population. Raoni Metuktire, leader of the Kayapo people, says: Bolsonaro is using the pandemic to exterminate the indigenous people. If any crime has been committed, it was the presidents crime against indigenous peoples. Villagers cannot practice social distancing because their lands have been invaded by prospectors, loggers and land-grabbers. Not to mention global capital. Before Alvanei was attacked by the novel coronavirus, he had survived malaria and malnutrition So what did Alvanei Xirinana die from? Covid-19 is a disease caused by a virus which takes advantage of the open wounds of a body that has resisted enduring inequality. Before Alvanei was attacked by the novel coronavirus, he had survived malaria and malnutrition, harrowing diseases endemic to people living in extreme poverty in Latin America; he had survived the pernicious inequality faced by Indigenous peoples and forest peoples. Alvanei Xirinana died because he is indigenous in Brazil. All Covid-19 did was speed up his death. The 1950s measles epidemic showed how brutal a new disease can be for the original people residing on the border between Brazil and Venezuela. Brought in by travelers, the measles virus slaughtered one-third of the Yanomami nation. Alvanei Xirinana was probably a member of the fourth generation of survivors of the measles epidemic. The elders tell the stories of these epidemics, handing memories down from generation to generation. Carlos Fausto, an anthropologist who leads ethnographic memory projects, like filming videos in the villages, says that from the beginning of colonization, native peoples have had to learn within their bodies what an epidemic is. He recounts a recent conversation with his pamu (cousin), Kanari Kuijuro, who is from Canarana, a town in the Xingu Indigenous Territory: [Fausto] Pamu, you cant risk it. You can only return if you go into quarantine. Its a very serious disease. [Kuijuro] I know, pamu, its like measles in the time of my grandfather Agatsipa. Besides prohibiting the publication of official data about the general population, Bolsonaro has also created his own classification system for determining who is indigenous Covid-19 is a serious disease for all bodies lacking immunity, but it is even more serious for those lacking any protection from the government, like black and indigenous people. According to the Brazilian Indigenous Peoples Association (Articulacao dos Povos Indigenas do Brasil, or APIB), 2,390 indigenous persons have contracted Covid-19 and 236 have died. Ninety-three of Brazils 305 Indigenous groups have been struck. The federal government refutes these numbers. Besides prohibiting the publication of official data about the general population, Bolsonaro has also created his own classification system for determining who is indigenous; according to his categorization, 85 have died, because only those who live in villages are indigenous. City Indians are another kind of people, says the xenophobia of authoritarians. Sonia Guajajara, coordinator of the Brazilian Indigenous Peoples Association, describes Bolsonaro as a declared enemy of indigenous peoples. Sonia Guajajara, who wears a cocar headdress and was vice-presidential candidate in the elections that brought Bolsonaro to power, exemplifies the fallacy of the indigenous from the city versus indigenous from the village dichotomy. Our existence is our resistance, says Guajajara, who believes the Covid-19 pandemic brings the risk of a new genocide, accompanied by ecocide against the Amazon. Despite the danger presented by the coronavirus, Guajajara is not self-quarantining, because the death of Alvanei Xirinana forebodes a coming tragedy like the tragedies experienced by her ancestors. Debora Diniz is a Brazilian anthropologist and a researcher at Brown University. Giselle Carino is an Argentinean political scientist and CEO/regional director of IPPF/WHR From the rural Eastern Cape to co-founding his own investment firm, Unathi Mkiva has never forgotten the values of sharing with others, discipline, respect and embracing one's blessings instilled in him by the extended family that raised him. Unathi Mkiva, CEO, Vintage Capital The challenges we face have created social and psychological issues in our society at a national and individual level. The concept of equality is becoming a far-fetched dream for most individuals and families as they must fend for themselves for survival, resulting from limited economic opportunities. Despite all these challenges, I still believe that helping others is a sign of patriotism, good citizenship, accountability, and selflessness. I often challenge people to get involved in shaping our countrys future by improving the lives of ordinary people - 'In unity, we shall thrive'. "As a means of giving back, I am actively involved in the Johannesburg and Keiskammahoek communities. In Johannesburg I have a bi-annual Helping the Homeless drive which takes place in June for winter and in December for Christmas. This drive collects clothes, blankets, food, and other necessities from friends, family and clients for the homeless living in the streets or homeless shelters."As charity begins at home, I also support more than 15 families back home in Keiskammahoek by providing Christmas food packs, so these families also enjoy Christmas like others in the neighbourhood, says Mkiva, a chartered accountant, registered auditor, and CEO of Vintage Capital.South Africa continues to experience a lot of challenges including negative/low economic growth, high unemployment rates, and legacy/leadership issues which impact the development of the country socially and economically.The Helping the Homeless drive aims to be the wheels in motion for people by igniting ubuntu and selfless leadership. The objective is to show, encourage and motivate others to share the little they have with those less fortunate than them. As responsible leaders, we need to start looking at our countrys challenges as mini-projects that we can resolve ourselves. Those with resources and opportunities should strive to do more. I am aware that many want to help but individually feel that they cant do much. Therefore, I started this initiative so that individuals can contribute towards making a difference. I thank those that have actively helped from last year Umntu ngumntu ngabantu,".My next projects will be in December for both Johannesburg and Keiskammahoek. With Helping the Homeless in Johannesburg I am encouraging people to donate clothes, blankets, tinned food, toiletries and other necessities. The drop-off is scheduled for 16 December. Alternatively, I also ask people to consider contributing to the Christmas food packs initiative where I hand out food parcels on 23 December in Keiskammahoek. Food parcels per family are R650, and more contributions will mean we reach more families or include more food items in the parcels we already provide. The more families we support, the more we improve Christmas for those who wouldnt normally celebrate. The financial contribution (of any amount) for the Christmas food parcels can be made directly to a local supermarket where the goods are purchased from.To contribute, complete this contact form and Mkiva will get in touch, alternatively email umkiva@gmail.com. ANCHORAGE, Alaska - An abandoned bus in the Alaska wilderness where a young man documented his demise over 114 days in 1992 has been removed by officials, frustrated that the bus has become a lure for dangerous, sometimes deadly pilgrimages into treacherous backcountry. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. This March 21, 2006, file photo, shows the abandoned bus where Christopher McCandless died in 1992 on Stampede Road near Healy, Alaska. (AP Photo/Jillian Rogers, File ) ANCHORAGE, Alaska - An abandoned bus in the Alaska wilderness where a young man documented his demise over 114 days in 1992 has been removed by officials, frustrated that the bus has become a lure for dangerous, sometimes deadly pilgrimages into treacherous backcountry. An Alaska National Guard Chinook helicopter flew the bus out of the woods just north of Denali National Park and Preserve on Thursday. Christopher McCandless hiked to the bus located about 250 miles (402 kilometres) north of Anchorage nearly three decades ago, and the 24-year-old Virginian died from starvation when he couldnt hike back out because of the swollen Teklanika River. He kept a journal of his plight, discovered when his body was found. McCandless story was first documented in Jon Krakauers 1996 book Into the Wild, followed by Sean Penns movie of the same name in 2007. Over the years, the bus became a magnet for those wishing to retrace McCandless steps to the bus to pay homage. But the Teklanika River that prevented McCandless from hiking out also has caused problems for people who came later on pilgrimages. Two women, one from Switzerland in 2010 and one from Belarus in 2019, drowned on such pilgrimages. State officials said there have been 15 other search-and-rescue operations since 2009, including one involving five Italian tourists last winter, one with severe frostbite. In this photo released by the Alaska National Guard, Alaska Army National Guard soldiers use a CH-47 Chinook helicopter to airlift an abandoned bus, popularized by the book and movie "Into the Wild," out of its location in the Alaska backcountry in light of public safety concerns, as part of a training mission Thursday, June 18, 2020. Alaska Natural Resources Commissioner Corri Feige, in a release, said the bus will be kept in a secure location while her department weighs various options for what to do with it. (Sgt. Seth LaCount/Alaska National Guard via AP) We encourage people to enjoy Alaskas wild areas safely, and we understand the hold this bus has had on the popular imagination, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Corri A. Feige said in a statement. However, this is an abandoned and deteriorating vehicle that was requiring dangerous and costly rescue efforts, but more importantly, was costing some visitors their lives. In Alaska, the Department of Natural Resources is responsible for protecting and preserving state land. I was stunned when Commissioner Feige informed me, Carine McCandless, Christophers sister, said in an email to The Associated Press. Though I am saddened by the news, the decision was made with good intentions, and was certainly theirs to make. That bus didnt belong to Chris and it doesnt belong to his family. In this photo released by the Alaska National Guard, Alaska Army National Guard soldiers use a CH-47 Chinook helicopter to airlift an abandoned bus, popularized by the book and movie "Into the Wild," out of its location in the Alaska backcountry in light of public safety concerns, as part of a training mission Thursday, June 18, 2020. Alaska Natural Resources Commissioner Corri Feige, in a release, said the bus will be kept in a secure location while her department weighs various options for what to do with it. (Sgt. Seth LaCount/Alaska National Guard via AP) The 1940s-era bus, sometimes called Bus 142 or The Magic Bus, was used to house employees by the Yutan Construction Co. when it built an access road about 25 miles west of the Parks Highway, the main thoroughfare between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The National Guard named Thursdays bus lift Operation Yutan. The bus was abandoned in 1961 and had become an emergency shelter for those using the backcountry to recreate or hunt. Seeing those photos of Fairbanks 142 flying out of the bush triggered a flood of complicated emotions for me, Krakauer said in an email to the AP. FILE - This March 21, 2006 file photo, shows the abandoned bus where Christopher McCandless starved to death in 1992 on Stampede Road near Healy, Alaska. State officials say the abandoned bus in Alaska's backcountry that was popularized by the book "Into the Wild" and movie of the same name has been removed Thursday, June 18, 2020.(AP Photo/Jillian Rogers, File ) Krakauer said he respects the decision to remove the bus, but some powerful history is attached to that old bus. A great many people care deeply about what happens to it. For now the bus is being kept in a secure, unnamed location while the department decides what to do with it, Feige said. A release from the Alaska National Guard said the discussion includes possible plans to display the bus for the public to view at a safe location. The guard said its air crew also is safekeeping a suitcase that holds sentimental value to the McCandless family. Officials didnt detail what was in the suitcase. ___ Bohrer reported from Juneau, Alaska. A high court of the federal capital territory (FCT) has reaffirmed Victor Giadom as the acting national chairman of the All Progressives... A high court of the federal capital territory (FCT) has reaffirmed Victor Giadom as the acting national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The court also ruled that Mustapha Salihu, national vice-chairman north-east, should act as national secretary. The rulings of the court on Thursday were sequel to ex parte motions filed by Salihu. S. U Bature, the judge, held that his ruling would subsist pending the time NEC convenes and take a decision or determination of the suit. Ex parte orders subsist for only two weeks but could be renewed. The party has been embroiled in a leadership crisis following the appeal court judgment upholding the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as national chairman of the party. An Abuja high court in March 2020 ordered the suspension of Oshiomhole as national chairman of the APC. While the party announced Abiola Ajimobi, former Oyo governor, as acting chairman, Giadom declared himself as national chairman. He had reversed the disqualification of Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, from the June 22 gubernatorial primary election and ordered a fresh exercise. of the former Oyo governor who was unavoidably absent. But members of the national working committee (NWC) loyal to Ajimobi nominated Hilliard Eta, APC vice-chairman south-south, to act in the placeof the former Oyo governor who was unavoidably absent. Bature was the judge who made an order allowing Giadom to act as the partys national chairman when a court ordered the suspension of Oshiomhole in March. When contacted on Thursday, Salihu told TheCable that he was shocked by the court order because he had moved on. But Salihu did not respond to a question on whether he had withdrawn the suit. Advertisement An increased fat mass is an important risk factor for the worldwide increase in type 2 diabetes and CVD. However, for a given fat mass, there is a large variability in the risk of these cardiometabolic diseases. For example, some lean people unexpectedly have a risk of type 2 diabetes and CVD that is similar to the increased risk that is observed in most people who have obesity. What both of these phenotypes have in common is an increased upper body, and more specifically, an increased visceral (inside the belly), fat mass.As a result, much focus has been given on the strong predictive power of upper body obesity. However, comparisons to rare diseases such as lipodystrophy (dramatic rarefication of fat mass under the skin) and studying genetically determining fat distribution in the general population, suggest that an impaired ability to expand fat in the lower part of the body is also very important for predicting the incidence of these diseases.Norbert Stefan highlights mechanisms that result in the storage of energy in different fat depots of the body, or ectopically, in organs such as the liver, the pancreas, and the heart. Then he discusses studies showing to what extent measurement of fat in the lower part of the body is helpful to estimate the risk of type 2 diabetes and CVD.In this respect, recently published landmark studies provided genetic support that a low amount of estimated visceral fat and a high amount of lower body fat may be equally important to retain cardiometabolic health. He then provides novel information from a magnetic resonance imaging study supporting this hypothesis.The author then discusses mechanisms that may drive a dramatic re-distribution of fat from the lower to the upper part of the body during aging. In this respect, changes in sex hormone levels and signaling during lifetime are considered very important, both in men and in women. He also highlights strategies, related to changes in lifestyle, or pharmacological treatment in diseases associated with disproportionate fat distribution, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or a lipodystrophy-like phenotype, that help to hinder such fat-redistribution. Finally, he exemplifies how the focus on lower body fat mass helps health care providers to communicate this risk with their patients.Source: Eurekalert Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Glucaric Acid Market is anticipated to reach over USD 1,467 million by 2026 according to a new research published by Polaris Market Research. In 2017, the detergents segment dominated the global market, in terms of revenue. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the leading contributor to the global market revenue during the forecast period. Increasing application of Glucaric acid in agriculture, chemical, and food industry supports the growth of the Glucaric acid Market. Increasing use in polymer manufacturing further promotes the growth of this market. Glucaric acid is increasingly replacing phosphates in detergents owing to stringent regulations regarding harmful environmental effects of phosphates, thereby supporting market growth. Other factors supporting market growth include increasing awareness regarding environment, and research and development for advancement. Increasing demand from developing nations, and growing use in healthcare sector is expected provide numerous growth opportunities to the market players during the forecast period. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/glucaric-acid-market/request-for-sample Asia-Pacific Glucaric acid Market generated the highest revenue in 2017, and is expected to lead the global market throughout the forecast period. The rising use in agriculture and chemical industries in the region drive the market growth. The increasing demand of detergents and growing environmental concerns in the region further support market growth. The increasing demand of glucaric acid for animal feed and growing demand for healthy livestock is expected to accelerate the adoption of glucaric acid during the forecast period. The well-known companies profiled in the Glucaric acid Market report include Cayman Chemical, Rivertop Renewables, Inc., Carbosynth Limited, Haihang Industry Co., Ltd., Rennovia Inc, Kalion Inc., Alfa Chemistry, AK Scientific Inc., Merck KGaA, and Shanghai Meicheng Chemical Co. Ltd. among others. These companies launch new products and collaborate with other market leaders to innovate and launch new products to meet the increasing needs and requirements of consumers. Complete Summary with TOC Available @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/glucaric-acid-market Glucaric acid Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Type Calcium D-Glucarate Pure Glucaric Acid D-Glucaric Acid-1,4-Lactone Potassium Sodium D-Glucarate Others Glucaric acid Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Application Detergents Healthcare Food Manufacturing Corrosion Inhibitors Others Glucaric acid Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Region North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany UK France Italy Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific China India Japan Rest of Asia-Pacific Latin America Brazil Middle East & Africa Avail discount on this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/glucaric-acid-market/request-for-discount-pricing About Polaris Market Research Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. We provide unmatched quality of offerings to our clients present globally. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for our clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve our diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semi-conductors and chemicals among various other industries present around the world. We strive to provide our customers with updated information on innovative technologies, high growth markets, emerging business environments and latest business-centric applications, thereby helping them always to make informed decisions and leverage new opportunities. Contact us- Polaris Market Research Phone: 1-646-568-9980 Email: sales@polarismarketresearch.com Web: www.polarismarketresearch.com Advertisement It was the stomping ground for the Beats, hippies and punks. For decades, the creative glitterati flocked to St. Marks Place for shows, theater, revelry and debauchery. And on that street in Manhattan's East Village, Gem Spa was the corner spot where musicians, artists, writers, locals and tourists went for smokes, unique publications, and, of course, a New York egg cream, a frothy concoction of milk, seltzer and flavored syrup. Poet Allen Ginsberg incorporated Gem Spa into his work, Lou Reed intoned a song about its egg cream, and artist Jean-Michel Basquiat immortalized the shop in a piece of art. The New York Dolls famously used an image of the store on the back of an album cover, Patti Smith went there with Robert Mapplethorpe, and more recently, Parul Patel told DailyMail.com that she had made an egg cream for Julian Lennon while her father once whipped up the iconic beverage for Chris Rock. 'This kind of thing only happens in New York City,' said Patel, whose father, Ray, bought the shop in 1986. 'These are regulars. This was what made the store what it was.' The longtime mom-and-pop business shuttered in May because of the pandemic and lockdown. 'COVID-19 was something we couldn't survive,' she explained. 'It was heartbreaking to close.' When Madonna moved to New York City from Michigan, she reportedly first lived on the Upper West Side and then moved to Alphabet City in the East Village, which had cheap rent, crime, and bustled with creativity and artists. Parul Patel, whose family has opened Gem Spa on the corner of St. Marks Place and Second Avenue since 1986, said that Madonna was at one point a regular customer. In 1982, Madonna and artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, who also frequented Gem Spa and referenced it in one of his paintings, dated. Madonna was on the cusp of stardom and later that year burst onto the music scene with the song Everybody. Above, Madonna in front of Gem Spa during the filming of Desperately Seeking Susan in 1984 Gem Spa has been located in the East Village for decades and Parul Patel told DailyMail.com that she thinks that the store opened sometime in the 1920s. By the time it is profiled in a New York Magazine article, Anatomy Of a Candy Store, for the June 2, 1969 issue, what was then known as Gems Spa, seen above on March 19, 1969, was a neighborhood staple. Ruby Silverstein and his partner Harold Shepard then owned the 24-hour shop, according to the article. 'The names "Gems" comes from a combination of the initial letters of Gladys, Etta, Miriam and Silverstein-Shepard. The three ladies, Ruby explained, are his wife, his former partner's wife and his present partner's wife.' He told writer Jane Wilson that he picked up the word 'spa' when he was overseas in the service The East Village attracted artists, musicians and writers. The Beat poets were said to move into the neighborhood during the 1950s. The area was once considered part of the Lower East Side but by the 1960s, it had cemented its name. It became a counterculture center and St. Marks Place became the stomping ground for hippies and punks. Several bands either played in one the neighborhood's venues or hung out there. Above, the New York Dolls pose in front of Gem Spa for the back cover of their eponymous first album, which was released in 1973 How long some type of store has been at the corner of Second Avenue and St. Marks Place is unclear but Patel noted that the building that housed Gem Spa was finished in 1900. She said she thinks the shop opened sometime in the 1920s. By the time it is profiled in a New York Magazine article, Anatomy Of a Candy Store, for the June 2, 1969 issue, what was then known as Gems Spa was a neighborhood staple. (Under the headline read: 'Sure the small businessman has a rough time. Neighborhoods change, suppliers hassle. But Ruby knows his territory.') Ruby Silverstein and his partner Harold Shepard had owned the 24-hour shop, which was described in the article as 'battered and functional... long and narrow, with egg creams out front and public telephones in the back,' for about 10 years. They bought the lease in 1957 from a family called Goldfeather, who had run a business there for over 30 years, according to the article. 'The names "Gems" comes from a combination of the initial letters of Gladys, Etta, Miriam and Silverstein-Shepard. The three ladies, Ruby explained, are his wife, his former partner's wife and his present partner's wife.' He told writer Jane Wilson that he picked up the word 'spa' when he was overseas in the service. Customers used to come to the East Village for the Jewish theaters, he said, but that started to change in 1963 when off-Broadway and music venues, such as Fillmore East, as well as nightclubs, like Electric Circus and Dom, which was frequented by Andy Warhol, started springing up. The eternal New York City lament of change was apparent in the 1969 article. Wilson wrote: 'A few traces of the former character of this part of the Lower East Side are still to be seen.' Until roughly the 1950s, the East Village was considered a part of the Lower East Side. Then the Beats, like Ginsberg, moved in, and soon other artists, musicians, and businesses, such as art galleries, followed. The neighborhood cemented its name sometime in the 1960s. Counterculture flourished on St. Marks, and Gem Spa 'was in the epicenter of the cultural vitality that is the East Village,' said Andrew Berman, executive director for the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, known as GVSHP. 'Gem Spa really drew a big cross section of the neighborhood,' he told DailyMail.com, adding that from the 1960s until the '90s, it was a piece of the East Village that one couldn't imagine not having there. In the 1970s, crime-ridden New York City was in financial dire straits and almost filed for bankruptcy in the middle of the decade. In certain parts of the city, such as the Bronx, the Lower East Side and the East Village, some landlords let their buildings fall into disrepair. People squatted in some of the abandoned structures, which continued into the early 1980s. Rent was also cheap. Before she was a household name, Madonna lived in the neighborhood and dated Jean-Michel Basquiat. Patel told DailyMail.com that they were both regulars at Gem Spa. The couple dated in 1982 with Madonna telling Howard Stern on his show: 'He wouldn't stop doing heroin. He was an amazing man and deeply talented, I loved him. When I broke up with him he made me give (his paintings) back to him. And then he painted over them black.' Basquiat died of a heroin overdose at the age of 27 in 1988. Beat poets - Allen Ginsberg, Gary Snyder, Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Gregory Corso - sought to challenge conformity with their work. It became a literary movement that took off in the 1950s. Ginsberg lived in the East Village from 1952 until he died in 1997, according to the website of Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, known as GVSHP. Ginsberg wrote: 'Back from the Gem Spa, into the hallway, a glance behind / and sudden farewell to the bedbug-ridden mattresses piled soggy in dark rain.' Above, poet Ted Berrigan, who considered himself a 'late Beat,' according to the Poetry Foundation, in front of Gem Spa in 1972 It is unclear when the 's' was dropped at the end of Gem. But what is clear is the store, which sold cigarettes, a myriad of singular publications and periodicals, and its famed New York egg cream, a frothy concoction of milk, seltzer and flavored syrup, was a neighborhood staple for decades. The East Village drew those seeking the avant-garde and those pursuing artistic endeavors. The area had cheap rent and crime was rampant throughout the 1970s and '80s. Above, Gem Spa on June 11, 1991 Counterculture flourished on St. Marks, and Gem Spa 'was in the epicenter of the cultural vitality that is the East Village,' said Andrew Berman, executive director for the preservation group GVSHP. 'Gem Spa really drew a big cross section of the neighborhood,' he told DailyMail.com, adding that from the 1960s until the '90s, it was a piece of the East Village that one couldn't imagine not having there. 'The tenor really started to change in the 2000s,' Berman said. Above, a boy holds a card stating Zoltar Speaks in 2015. A Zoltar machine was outside of Gem Spa starting in 2011 In the 1980s, the neighborhood continued to be an artist enclave but crime was rampant. Drugs like crack infiltrated the area and the HIV/AIDS crisis was raging. By the summer of 1988, there was a clash between police and those the homeless, squatters, punks, users that lived at Tompkins Square Park. They were protesting against gentrification and the NYPD came out in full force. Photographers Karla and James Murray moved to the East Village in 1988 because of the neighborhood's unique character and funky independent businesses like Gem Spa. 'You would meet people there and it was super busy. It was a big meeting place,' Karla Murray told DailyMail.com, adding that the store was like the Times Square of the neighborhood. The Murrays have been chronicling mom-and-pop businesses throughout the city since the late 1990s. But, she noted, they started in the outer boroughs. 'We took for granted the stores in our backyard,' Murray said. 'We thought they would always be there.' Berman, of the preservation group GVSHP, said: 'The tenor really started to change in the 2000s.' The Gap moved to the neighborhood in the late 1980s but by the 2000s, luxury condos and chain stores started to populate the area. 'It's still a wonderful block with great businesses and history,' he said of St. Marks Place, noting that over the past two decades there have been some lamentable losses. 'There's been some significant changes.' Gem Spa was known for its New York egg cream, a frothy concoction of milk, seltzer and flavored syrup, such as chocolate or vanilla, which can be seen above in front of the store. Photographers Karla and James Murray moved to the East Village in 1988 because of the neighborhood's unique character and funky independent businesses like Gem Spa. The couple first chronicled Gem Spa in 2001. Parul Patel's father, Ray, told the photographers that the trick to their famous egg cream was that they kept their milk in the ice cream freezer so it would be cold when they frothed it. The store used the original soda fountain and he said they sold some 70 egg creams on a typical night Above, an employee inside of Gem Spa. Parul Patel took over running the store after her father, Ray, who had owned the shop since 1986, became ill. She told DailyMail.com that due to violations, the store lost its cigarette and lotto licenses. The sales from the those products were the backbone of the business, she said. Patel created an Instagram account, switched up the products, and introduced Gem Spa T-shirts and other merchandise. Things were looking up when COVID-19 hit Above, Gem Spa on St. Marks Place at night. The store was open 24 hours and this drew people to it after a night out, concerts and shows, said Karla Murray, a photographer who has lived in the neighborhood since 1988. 'You would meet people there and it was super busy. It was a big meeting place,' Murray told DailyMail.com, adding that the store was like the Times Square of the neighborhood. For decades, Gem Spa was the spot to shop for neighborhood characters, tourists, the famous and the almost famous The Murrays first chronicled Gem Spa in 2001. St. Marks was still mom-and-pop shops at that time, she said, and Gem Spa 'was definitely the spot.' Since it was open late, people went there after a night out, concerts and shows. Parul Patel's father, Ray, told Murray that the trick to their famous egg cream was that they kept their milk in the ice cream freezer so it would be cold when they frothed it. They still used the original soda fountain and he said that they sold some 70 egg creams on a typical night. The couple documented small businesses for their 2008 book, Store Front: The Disappearing Face of New York. Murray said that when they photographed a store, they often interviewed the owner. She said about 85 percent of the businesses closed due to a huge increase in rent. For Gem Spa, they were late on rent, which was about $17,000 a month, for March and didn't have enough for April. The family decided to close the shop, Patel said. The store was facing challenges before the pandemic and lockdown happened. Patel explained that there were violations that lost the store's lotto and cigarette licenses. The sales from the those products were the backbone of the business, she said. Her father, Ray, is dealing with an illness and was in and out of the hospital. Patel stepped up to run the store, created an Instagram account, switched up the products, and introduced Gem Spa T-shirts and other merchandise. Things were looking up when COVID-19 hit. Berman said: 'We definitely mourn the loss.' Patel said that Gem Spa is not finished. 'The retail store is closed but the website continues. We hope one day we can come back. We strongly feel we will.' 'They certainly had challenges before the pandemic but COVID seemed to be the nail in the coffin,' said Andrew Berman, executive director for the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, known as GVSHP. 'For Gem Spa they couldn't hold on anymore.' Berman said it was already 'an incredibly tough environment' for small businesses before the pandemic and there are concerns whether mom-and-pop shops can survive the lockdown. He said: 'This is adding fuel to the already raging fire.' Above, the Gem Spa signs comes down on May 17 Parul Patel said: 'COVID-19 was something we couldn't survive. It was heartbreaking to close.' The store, which her family has owned since 1986, couldn't meet its nearly $17,000 monthly rent during the citywide shutdown due to the pandemic. However, she said that Gem Spa is not finished. 'The retail store is closed but the website continues. We hope one day we can come back. We strongly feel we will.' Above, Parul Patel with the Gem Spa sign. She told DailyMail.com that she planned to auction off the signs UNITED STATES JANUARY 27: Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., walks through the Senate Reception Room to the Senate chamber for the start of the Senate impeachment trial proceedings on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) Friday is Juneteenth, recognized as the day that thousands of enslaved people in Texas learned they were free more than 150 years ago. Its an important day in American history, one that remains meaningful to millions of Black Americans. Thats why lawmakers are now pushing for Juneteenth to become a national holiday. Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris, and Republican Sen. John Coryn plan to introduce bills in Congress to officially recognize the day as a national holiday. Harris says she is also working with Sens. Tina Smith, Ed Markey and Cory Booker on the bill. On Juneteenth, we reflect on the past and rejoice in the progress made, Harris wrote for USA Today. On this day, we recognize the hard-fought road that led to the emancipation of enslaved people and recommit ourselves to Americas promise of equal justice for all. Juneteenth is currently observed in some form in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Hawaii, North Dakota and South Dakota are the only states that currently do not recognize the holiday, while New York, Virginia, Oregon and Philadelphia announced this week that they will also recognize the day an official holiday. For years, Congressional leaders in both the House and Senate have passed resolutions to recognize Juneteenth as Independence Day, but legislation to declare it a national holiday has stalled. Now may be the time to push forward the holiday, as Juneteenth has gained national attention this year, especially in relation to the ongoing protests for Black liberation and amid calls to defund and abolish the police. Calls to recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday have been louder more recently, just as the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s ushered in a period of renewed attention to efforts around recognizing the day nationally. Even as they introduce legislation now to make Juneteenth a national holiday, lawmakers acknowledge it could take many years still for that to happen. But Rep. Jackson Lee sees this moment as an important one to increase awareness of the day and the legacy of American slavery. Story continues There needs to be a reckoning, an effort to unify. One thing about national holidays, they help educate people about what the story is, Jackson Lee told TIME. Juneteenth legislation is a call for freedom, but it also reinforces the history of African Americans. Weve fought for this country. Weve made great strides, but were still the victims of sharp disparities. Rep. Jackson Lee herself introduces a resolution every year to observe Juneteenth, and helped introduce the legislation this year to recognize it as a national holiday with more than 200 co-sponsors. Black activists are also shedding light on what this day means, particularly right now. On this Juneteenth, as we are having a new conversation about what freedom looks like, lets think about the role that police play in keeping Black people from being free, Patrisse Cullors, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter wrote for USA Today. Lets think about the role jails play in keeping Black people from being free. Lets think about how every single moment this country used Black bodies as slave labor. Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here? Is Trump Really Columbusing Juneteenth? How I Am Reflecting On Juneteenth This Year Juneteenth And America's Unkept Promise Green Party deputy leader Catherine Martin has said it is healthy for her husband to disagree with her over the programme for government. Ms Martin voted in favour of the programme for government being put to her partys membership. However her husband, Green Party TD Francis Noel Duffy, was among a group of party members who abstained on the vote. Ms Martin, who was the Greens lead negotiator during the talks, said it is not a perfect deal and it is healthy for members to disagree no matter what their connection. Expand Close Pippa Hackett, Catherine Martin, Neasa Hourigan and Eamon Ryan during the Green Partys general election manifesto launch (Caroline Quinn/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pippa Hackett, Catherine Martin, Neasa Hourigan and Eamon Ryan during the Green Partys general election manifesto launch (Caroline Quinn/PA) Ms Martin said: The healthy debate in our house is mirrored in the party itself. It is a bit presumptuous to think two TDs will have the same views just because theyre married or in a relationship, she told RTE radio. Francis is my husband so there is interesting times in our house. I saw someone tweet yesterday that we must be going home on separate bicycles and someone else said, Shock horror married couple disagrees. We agree to disagree some people say could I not convince Francis, I turn that on its head and say maybe Francis did not succeed in convincing me. The husband and wife disagreement is getting a lot of attention. It would be a bit presumptuous to think that two TDs in the same party would think totally alike and act accordingly because theyre in a relationship or because theyre siblings or cousins. One of the strengths in our relationship adds vibrancy and we need that freedom to disagree and challenge each other. Our strength as a party and our strength in our relationship is how we value diversity of opinion and how we listen and work together. The Green Party held an online convention ahead of a vote by the membership on whether to back the programme for government agreed with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. About 2,600 members of the Green Party in the Republic and Northern Ireland registered to watch the online convention. Almost 2,000 postal ballots are now making their way across the country. Everything about #GPSC2020 has been a first, but under the stewardship of our Gen Sec @MauraMcMahonGP, we've had unprecedented engagement with our members on this crucial decision. Now it's over to you. pic.twitter.com/TGoK7aIL1P Green Party Ireland (@greenparty_ie) June 18, 2020 Green Party leader Eamon Ryan called on members to back the deal. TD Neasa Hourigan, who was a member of the negotiating team, said she could not vote for the agreement and that the new government would potentially worsen the housing and homelessness crisis. Ms Martin said she would not like to see a return to austerity if the Green Party decides to go into government. She said: Im absolutely confident that the Greens will make it a priority that austerity does not happen. This government would provide a substantial stimulus programme straight away to get the economy moving again. That will start straight away if all three memberships of the parties vote for this government deal next Friday. On Monday, that government will hit the ground running when it comes to the July stimulus package. Ms Martin defended the lack of costings contained in the programme for government. She said: The reality is no programme for government has had robust timelines and costings. When it comes to costings, the position we are in right now makes it difficult to say for certain where the public finances will be in the coming months. The Central Bank governor said we are only at the end of the beginning of the economic crisis presented by Covid-19. Meanwhile, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has said claims from a councillor about his leadership of the party are outrageous. Fianna Fail councillor John Paul Feeley said on Thursday that grassroots members were being pressurised and bullied into supporting the government deal agreed between Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens. I think the latter part of (Mr Feeleys assertion) should be withdrawn that is an outrageous assertion. It is a secret ballot going out to more than 15,000 members and there has been vigorous debate, he told Northern Sound FM. The idea of having a ballot allows for debate and for people to discuss the proposals.. there is very strong positive feedback coming back from the grassroots members in support for the deal. Yves here. Given our recent discussions of the profound obstacles facing restaurant operators in the Covid-19 era, this case study seemed germane. Readers may be able to help in advising how much this example can be generalized to other middle to high end eateries. For instance, in NYC, except for a very few restaurants where the tables are spaced well apart (helpful for business discussions) like the Le Bernardin, the old Four Seasons, and even some not quite at pricey spots (Brasserie 8 1/2, quite a swank spot in the basement where KKR has its offices), New York is big on buzz as an excuse for crowding. I assume most fancy and even mid-range wine country restaurants have fairly generous table spacing because expansiveness would seem consistent with being outside a city. I would also assume thats because rental costs are generally lower than is urban settings. I also wish the article had provided more data of a general nature. For instance, a recent Wall Street Journal story indicated that restaurant fixed costs (wages plus rent) in the old normal were about 35% of revenues. Is that proportion different in a top-tier restaurant? By John M. Glionna. Originally published at California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation Like countless other restaurateurs across California and the nation, Alex and Charity Prestifilippo have been caught in a precarious health-and-safety limbo. Beginning in March, the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered their popular Gourmet Italia restaurant in Temecula, a wine-growing community of 115,000 southeast of Los Angeles. Dozens of employees were laid off; food stocks quickly became outdated. They began bleeding cash about $20,000 every day in lost business, rent and sundry other payments on Gourmet Italia and their other properties, a winery and the pizzeria Spuntino. While desperate to reopen, the couple also realized the perils involved in serving food to the public with a dangerous pathogen on the loose. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions guidelines were confusing enough for the general public. For restaurants trying to keep loyal patrons safe, the lack of clarity was maddening. What precisely did social distancing mean inside their restaurant, the Prestifilippos wondered. Did customers expect servers, chefs and busboys to wear masks? How vigilantly did they have to sanitize counters and tables? How often should employees wash their hands? It was stressful, said Charity. While we understood the government itself was trying to figure all of this out, nobody could give us any hard answers. And we couldnt devise a plan of attack without permanent information. After being advised he could seat his restaurant at only 50% capacity, Alex said, he was later informed there was no capacity limit, as long as tables were spaced 6 feet apart. Government health officials were giving owners a moving target. Even restaurant associations were having a hard time getting a handle on the right process, said Phil Mott, a Colorado-based restaurant consultant. Owners faced retraining all their employees, but they werent even sure what that training entailed. The Prestifilippos recently reopened Gourmet Italia and Spuntino, but not without much anguish and deliberation, and many tough decisions. Beginning in April, Charity joined a weekly virtual meeting with dozens of other restaurant owners in the tightknit tourist community, dotted with privately owned wineries and mom and pop eateries. Many feared they would be forced to close for good if they didnt reopen soon. Some wanted to go rogue, opening collectively and gambling that heath officials would not close them all down. In the end, the group of Temecula restaurant owners decided to wait, using the time to develop a list of preferred practices for the future, precautions that ranged from providing hand sanitizer and wipes to replacing traditional salt and pepper shakers with disposable packets. They agreed to document bathroom cleaning schedules and open the parking lot to outdoor tables so customers could keep their distance. Cafes with counter service considered installing plexiglass barriers between diners. The idea was to do more than you would probably need so customers could see that you were doing your best to create a safe place, said Charity. But there were also business considerations. Could you be as quick and efficient with your service if you have to take all these precautions? How was all this going to work? After emigrating from Sicily, Alex, 51, learned English and opened his first restaurant in 1999. He eventually developed a 7,000-square-foot space with high-end Italian cuisine and white linen tablecloths that Tripadvisor describedas a romantic dining spot. Charity, 47, was one who found romance there. She came in first as a customer, then met Alex, and they fell in love. The Prestifilippos received about $300,000 in economic assistance through Small Business Administration loans. Still, it felt as if they were leaking hard-earned money. And the projected costs of implementing all these health precautions between $500 and $1,000 a day brought sticker shock. I showed Alex the figures and he said, Are you kidding me? Charity recalled. Not only were supply prices escalating with increased demand, but also there were long waits for items such as specialized thermometers that could be applied to the foreheads of employees, and possibly customers, which cost $180 or more if you could get them. They also needed gallons of sanitizer, masks, gloves and who knew what else? I just spent $2,800 on peroxide for the two restaurants and I have no idea how long thats going to last, Alex said. Masks cost $1.50 each, and the chefs, servers and busboys use several each shift, he said. Alex decided not to raise prices to cover the costs. That would not be fair to his customers, he said. On May 30, after months of quarantine, customers formed a line outside for Gourmet Italias first lunch seating. The diners encountered a coronavirus safety plan that had been months in the making. For starters, the owners kept the front doors open so customers didnt have to touch the handles and installed hand-sanitizing devices at the entrance. Servers and busboys wore masks, and the bar and kitchen staff donned gloves as well. Only after tables were seated were plates and wrapped silverware presented. Menus were sanitized after each use, and salt and pepper shakers were brought on demand and quickly wiped down. Tables were moved into the bar area to create extra distance, and workers patrolled the restaurant to clean surfaces. All 35 workers returned from layoffs. So far, business has been down. Alex handled 150 diners during the Saturday night of the reopening and brought in $10,000, down from 450 customers and $30,000 on a typical Saturday before the shutdown. Street protests against police violence in Temecula held down the opening-day crowd, he said. Alex described the opening-night atmosphere as like a family reunion, with people constantly approaching to congratulate him. He had to duck inside his office to get any paperwork done. Alex said hes sure no customer will get sick in his restaurant. We have one employee whose only job all day is to sanitize menus, chairs, tables and door handles, and clean the bathroom every half-hour, he said. I feel safe. And though he hails from an Italian culture of embraces and social kisses, Alex has chosen to put safety over traditional social graces. I told myself, Im not gonna hug, he said. Its very important to respect the code. I let my employees know elbow bumps only. No hugs. No hands. Colgate, Cream of Wheat and Mrs Butterworth are the latest brands reckoning with racially charged logos. Colgate-Palmolive said it was working to review and evolve its Chinese toothpaste brand Darlie, the latest in a string of brand reassessments amid a US debate on racial inequality. Darlie is a popular Chinese brand owned by Colgate and its joint venture partner, Hawley & Hazel. Its package features a smiling man in a top hat. It used to be called Darkie and featured a man in blackface. Its current Chinese name still translates to Black person toothpaste. The move on Thursday comes as Corporate America reacts to weeks of protests over racial injustice and police brutality sparked by the death in May of George Floyd, an African American man, in Minneapolis after a white police officer knelt on his neck. For more than 35 years, we have been working together to evolve the brand, including substantial changes to the name, logo and packaging. We are currently working with our partner to review and further evolve all aspects of the brand, including the brand name, Colgate-Palmolive said in an email. Evaluating our packaging On Wednesday, PepsiCo Inc announced it was dropping its Aunt Jemima logo, prompting peers to initiate reviews of other food brands featuring African American characters. B&G Foods Inc, which makes Cream of Wheat hot cereal, also said on Wednesday it was initiating an immediate review of its packaging. A smiling Black chef holding a bowl of cereal has appeared on Cream of Wheat packaging and in ads since at least 1918, according to the companys website. We understand there are concerns regarding the chef image, and we are committed to evaluating our packaging and will proactively take steps to ensure that we and our brands do not inadvertently contribute to systemic racism, Parsippany, New Jersey-based B&G said in a statement. Cream of Wheat is the fourth major brand in 24 hours to announce it would be reviewing its packaging over concerns of racist origins pic.twitter.com/EPVbRDAaOk Local 24 News (@LocalMemphis) June 18, 2020 Separately, Chicago-based Conagra Brands that makes Mrs Butterworths syrup said its bottles which are shaped like a matronly woman are intended to evoke a loving grandmother. But the company said it can understand the packaging could be misinterpreted. Critics have long claimed the bottles design is rooted in the mammy stereotype. We understand that our actions help play an important role in eliminating racial bias and as a result, we have begun a complete brand and packaging review on Mrs Butterworths, Conagra said in a statement on Wednesday. Bottles of ConAgra Brands Inc Mrs. Butterworths branded syrup are seen beside Aunt Jemima [File:Brendan McDermid /Reuters] On Thursday, Yelp announced it was partnering with My Black Receipt, a group encouraging people to spend $5m at Black-owned businesses through July 4. Yelp said it is adding a free search function for consumers to easily find businesses that identify themselves as Black owned. Robert Bonang in police custody: (Braintree Police Department) A Massachusetts man has been accused of murdering his former neighbour while disguised as a UPS delivery driver. Robert Bonang, from Braintree, Massachusetts, was arrested on Wednesday, after allegedly murdering his former neighbour, Laurie Melchionda, earlier that day. Mr Bonang, disguised as a UPS delivery driver, walked up to Ms Melchiondas house with a gun hidden inside a brown box, according to the Braintree Police Department. The 61-year-old frantically rang the doorbell, and when Ms Melchionda answered, shot her in the head and back a total of seven times, according to the Daily Mail. Ms Melchionda, a 59-year-old director of health services for the Weston Public Schools, as well as a school nurse, was rushed to a local hospital, where she died later that day. A local babysitter, who witnessed the incident, told Norfolk assistant district attorney Greg Connor that Mr Bonang walked up to Ms Melchiondas residence wearing a brown jacket, a face mask, and carrying a brown box. He was wearing a brown, UPS-style shirt in his booking photo, provided by the Braintree Police Department, and the box reportedly had a UPS sticker on it. Mr Bonang, who was waiting outside Ms Melchiondas house, waved at officers when he saw them approaching, according to the outlet. The former neighbours had had issues in the past, but Mr Bonang had not lived across the street from Ms Melchionda for six years, according to CBS News. Michael Morrissey, the Norfolk district attorney, said: Shes well known in town. Shes been active in town in the board of health. Shes a well-respected nurse. Shes extremely well-thought of in town. Read more Massachusetts lawmaker threatened after urging extended lockdown The Syrian National Assembly has declared that it is now part of the Syrian National Council and work to create political solutions in Syria reports Hawar News. The Syrian National Assembly (SNA) announced during a conference in Vienna yesterday that it had joined the Syrian National Council (SNC) in the presence of assembly members and SNC co-president Riad Darar. In this context, Darar said that the SNA was an extension of the Qordoba business group in 2013, and had reached the formation of a political body in 2015. Darar pointed out, in an exclusive statement to Hawar News, that there are common characteristics between the SNA and SNC, such as looking after constituents and caring for their role and rights in Syria. He pointed out that the accession took place following a series of meetings and visits by members of the SNA to northern and eastern areas of Syria, adding that all members of the SNA have become a part of the activities of the SNC. Darar indicated that they were working to complete their project in inviting all democratic national forces to join and align with their path in northern and eastern Syria, as the SNAs activities are currently focused in Damascus and its countryside. As for goals that are shared between the two parties, Darar said that they share the same aims of gathering all democratic forces and participating in a preparatory committee for the democratic forces conference. They also called for the formation of a Syrian platform to represent all Syrians without becoming attached to foreign agendas. He added that there are several platforms, such as the Cairo and Moscow platforms, and the Turkish platform in the form of the Syrian National Coalition. Most of them are tied to foreign agendas. But the Syrian National Council is working to form a Syrian platform without foreign loyalty to anyone. Darar said that their work will focus on unifying Syria with participation from all political forces in joint activities in order to confront extremism and terrorism. They would free those held in detention by all sides, work to confront tyranny and its regime in Syria, and invite a decentralized democratic system in which all Syrian peoples aspirations can be fulfilled. Darar concluded by saying that they were organizing joint activities in Europe in the coming period. 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. Australian regulator says Google's $2.1 billion Fitbit deal could harm competition Fitbit Blaze watch is seen in front of a displayed Alphabet logo in this illustration By Byron Kaye and Shashwat Awasthi SYDNEY/BENGALURU (Reuters) - Australia's antitrust regulator warned Google's planned $2.1 billion acquisition of fitness tracker maker Fitbit may give it too much of people's data, potentially hurting competition in health and online advertising markets. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is the first regulator to voice concerns about the deal in a preliminary decision on Thursday. The Alphabet Inc -owned tech giant is already at loggerheads with the Australian government over planned new rules about how internet companies use personal information. "Buying Fitbit will allow Google to build an even more comprehensive set of user data, further cementing its position and raising barriers to entry to potential rivals," ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said on Thursday. "User data available to Google has made it so valuable to advertisers that it faces only limited competition." The ACCC, which does not generally have the power to block a deal outside Australia, will announce its final decision on August 13. In previous takeovers, it has ordered certain conditions such as asset sales. Google wants the deal, announced in November, to help it compete with Apple and Samsung <005930.KS> in the market for fitness trackers and smart watches. But consumer groups have raised privacy concerns. The U.S. Justice Department is evaluating the deal, while the European Commission is due to give a ruling in July. Following an ACCC report last year, the Australian government is working on new rules to force large internet companies to disclose their data usage, and pay for the local media content. Google and Facebook Inc oppose most of the proposed changes. Google said it had promised not to use Fitbit data for advertisements, and to give users choice and control over their data. "We will be transparent about the data we collect and why - and we do not sell personal information to anyone," Google said in an email. Fitbit was not immediately available for comment. (Reporting by Byron Kaye in Sydney and Shashwat Awasthi in Bengaluru; Editing by Kim Coghill, Edwina Gibbs and Jane Wardell) HOUSTON, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to assist vulnerable communities cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Simon Bolivar Foundation, the non-profit, private foundation of CITGO Petroleum Corporation, is launching today a food drive program called "Hoy Invita Simon," an initiative that will provide grants of up to $50,000 on a rolling basis to qualified nonprofits to develop food assistance projects. The objective of "Hoy Invita Simon" is to offer nutritional food access to communities in need without discrimination, while aiming to reach members of the Venezuelan diaspora and other vulnerable populations. Online applications for the "Hoy Invita Simon" program will be opened on Friday, June 19 on the Foundation's website. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, July 3. Qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organizations are invited to present proposals that can range from a one-day food drive to a multi-week food supply program to families in need. Grantees will be selected through a review process based on their potential community impact, cost-effectiveness, and implementation plan among other criteria. A pilot run for "Hoy Invita Simon" was conducted during the last week of May in two cities in the United States with a significant presence of the Venezuelan diaspora: Doral, Florida and Houston, Texas. "The Foundation partnered with local nonprofits and Venezuelan restaurants to provide hot meals to families impacted by the pandemic," said Mariela Poleo, president of the Simon Bolivar Foundation. The success of the pilot program confirmed the need for this type of initiative to help the Venezuelan diaspora in the United States. "Because the response was strong and immediate," she continued, "we quickly worked to create the framework to accommodate an open call to more organizations interested in developing similar efforts in more cities." Carmen Chumaceiro, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of I Love Venezuela Foundation, which partnered with the Simon Bolivar Foundation in Florida said, "This is a wonderful, twofold initiative for the Venezuelan community that provides a helping hand to people in need as well as to the small business owners, their employees, and restaurant suppliers suffering from the sudden loss of income after the total or partial shutdown of their operations." "Hoy Invita Simon" is part of the Foundation's Small Grants Program, an initiative that has already donated almost $600,000 this year to empower local organizations developing projects and activities for populations at risk, including individuals in and from Venezuela. About CITGO Petroleum Corporation Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CITGO Petroleum Corporation owns and operates three large-scale, highly complex refineries, with a combined crude capacity of approximately 769,000 barrels-per-day, located in Corpus Christi, Texas; Lake Charles, Louisiana; and Lemont, Illinois, has ownership/equity interest in 41 active refined product storage and transfer terminals, and has access to over 120 third-party and related party terminals through exchange, terminaling and similar arrangements. SOURCE CITGO Corporation Related Links www.citgo.com Advertisement According to Moeti, the disruptions to the global supply chain linked to the disease had already worsened the shortage of equipment required to facilitate blood donation and transfusion.Moeti said that the use of blood plasma from patients who had recovered from COVID-19 to minimize severity of the disease to those infected reaffirmed the need for countries to have an adequate supply of the commodity.She hailed efforts by African countries to ramp up blood donation in order to support the use of plasma in the treatment of COVID-19 amid a spike in the number of cases in the continent."In Mauritius, 150 people who have recovered from COVID-19 have indicated they are willing to give plasma in line with the national decision to use serum plasma therapy for COVID-19 patients in intensive care," said Moeti.She said the pandemic presents African countries with an opportunity to improve their national blood donation services and ensure they collect, process and store COVID-19 convalescent plasma in a safe manner.Source: IANS Australians didn't need a prolonged period of enforced isolation to start dreaming about the beach, that mystical place where sand meets sea; for many of us, it is a key element of our collective psyche. But Warwick Thornton's six-part series The Beach pushes far deeper into the relationship between the physical environment of sand, sea and horizon and the internal landscape of the mind. It's hard to say exactly what sort of show it is, or precisely what it has to say to us, but it is so mesmerising that simply submitting to its slow, sensual pleasures in no way feels like a compromise. Immersion, sometimes, is its own reward. Warwick Thornton's striking and personal TV series, The Beach. Credit:SBS The premise is simple, though barely proffered. Thornton the director and cinematographer of Samson and Delilah and Sweet Country has fetched up at a shack on a small mound on the Dampier Peninsula in Western Australia. At low tide, it is surrounded by endless stretches of sand, mangroves and rocks. At high tide, it is a tiny islet, the water just metres from the slatted timber floor and corrugated iron walls outside which Thornton's chooks are cooped. My parents and I struggled daily to balance the weighty risk of deportation against our need for food, clothing and medical care so much so that my mother was ill for nearly a year before we dared to have her see a real doctor, and then only because I found her rolling in bed, incoherent from pain. Just the act of walking through school doors demanded faith in government. As someone who lived in this country as an undocumented child, I have the fear of deportation etched in my bones. Even to this day, the most terrifying act is revealing my illegal history. When they submitted their DACA applications, the 700,000 recipients made the courageous, conscious decision to hang their lives on the good word of our government. But shortly after taking office, President Trump rescinded Mr. Obamas policy. Impervious to the Dreamers substantial reliance on DACA, Mr. Trump and his administration allowed just a six month grace period before protections were to end. Arguing before the Supreme Court, the solicitor general claimed that the president was entitled to execute that abrupt about-face. Whats more, he claimed that the executive decision could not be reviewed by any court. And, as any lawyer would, the solicitor general was quick to point out that the claim about President Trumps expansive executive powers (as opposed to President Obamas limited ones) was confined to immigration law alone. Our nations history shows that immigration law is a political litmus test. But for Thursdays decision, undocumented immigrants would have been the latest to suffer from our national instability, though they would have been far from the last. Perhaps in the face of the truths our nation has been forced to reckon with in the past few weeks, our highest court has refused to allow our executive branch to perform its about-face without an adequate accounting of the significant reliance placed on the law not just by the Dreamers but also by the citizens who love them, employ them and rely on them. Before we left China, my parents and I were at the whim of our government sacrificial pawns in our leaders games of political chess. For all his emphatic, continuing denunciations of the Chinese government, President Trump has spent a great deal of his presidency emulating its practices. His reactions to the recent Black Lives Matter protests have eerie parallels to the Chinese governments reactions to the civil unrest in Hong Kong. The man who drove through a crowd of Black Lives Matter protesters earlier this month in Medford, Oregon, is allegedly the head of the neighboring town. Chris Luz, the mayor of Phoenix, is accused of intentionally hitting at least one woman with his car during a demonstration on June 1. Video captured Luz in a yellow car that read 'The Maids' on the side. He appeared to be frustrated and blared his horn. Instead of stopping his car or trying to go around the group, the car struck one of the demonstrators. The Medford Police Department says there is an active criminal investigation but no one has been arrested or charged yet. The driver of a yellow car drove into a group of Black Lives Matter protesters in Medford, Oregon, on June 1 (pictured) Protester Mikala Johnston accused Chris Luz (left and right), the mayor of the neighboring town Phoenix, of being the driver. Johnston says Luz hit her with the car's left bumper and then again with the side mirror On Monday, during a city council meeting, residents of Phoenix voiced concerns and called on Luz to resign. Mikala Johnston, the woman who says Luz hit her with his car, accused him of abuse of power during the public comment period, reported News 10. 'The reason that we were protesting is that the police are not being policed. They are not being held accountable for the wrongdoings they are doing to the whole community but especially to the black community,' she said. 'We saw a perfect example of people in power not being held accountable for their actions when the Mayor of Phoenix Chris Luz hit me with his car.' Johnston says Luz first hit her with the front left bumper of his vehicle and then a second time with his side mirror. 'The city of Phoenix cannot ignore that the mayor is in fact a criminal. There is absolutely no excuse for the actions that you took that day, Chris,' she said. 'Chris, you assaulted me.' Johnston said she was shocked when, rather than swerve to avoid demonstrators, he rammed into them. 'I couldn't believe this man would avoid slightly turning his wheel to not hit me,' she said. 'He then proceeded to try and drive through the crowd of peaceful protesters, that is when I decided to take out my phone and start recording and gather any information I could.' Luz did not address the allegations during a city council meeting on Monday despite calls by several to resign. Pictured: The car forcing itself through a crowd of protestors in Medford There have been at least 19 cases of cars striking demonstrators during anti-police brutality and racial injustice marches. Pictured: The car forcing itself through a crowd of protesters in Medford According to News 10, Luz took notes and shook his head as Johnston spoke, but did not comment on the incident. 'I have it all on video, stop shaking your head!' Johnston exclaimed. Other council members also called on Luz to address the allegations, which he refused to do. Luz's office did not immediately reply to DailyMail.com's request for comment. According to The Washington Post, there have been at least 19 cases of car driving into protesters during anti-police brutality and racial injustice protests. So far, eight drivers have had criminal charges brought against them. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-18 21:15:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close The UN and African leaders highlighted the importance of global solidarity and cooperation against the pandemic at the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against #COVID19 on Wednesday. The Supreme Court on Friday declined to stay the redevelopment of Lutyens Delhis Central Vista for the second time in two months, saying it cannot prevent government authorities from acting according to the law. The bench headed by justice AM Khanwilkar, however, made it clear that any work done on the project will be subject to orders passed by the court in future. The bench clarified this after the government, through its second senior-most law officer, solicitor general Tushar Mehta, told the top court it cannot give any assurance that no work on the ground will be done. The case was adjourned till July 7 after the government requested additional time to file its response. The Supreme Court had earlier refused to stay the project when the matter had come up for hearing on April 30. The Central Vista is home to iconic buildings such as the Parliament, Rashtrapati Bhavan and the North and South Block buildings, which house important ministries, and the India Gate. The Union government plans to redevelop the Central Vista by constructing a new Parliament, a new residential complex that will house the prime minister and the vice president and several new office buildings. The petitioners, advocate Rajeev Suri and Lt Col (retired) Anuj Srivastava, told the court on Friday that approvals by various authorities are being granted despite the matter pending before the Supreme Court. They sought a direction from the court that no further construction work should take place for the project even if approvals are granted. Solicitor general must assure that no further step is taken, it was urged on behalf of the petitioners. The bench declined to grant such relief and the solicitor general said no such assurance can be given. Suri and Srivastava first approached the Delhi high court in February, challenging a notification issued by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on December 21, 2019 regarding changes in land use for the redevelopment. Suri challenged the alterations envisaged by the central government on the ground that they involve changes to land use and standards of population density, and that DDA doesnt have the power to bring about such changes. He submitted that this power, if at all, lies with the central government. Srivastava challenged the public hearings held to raise objections to the exercise, arguing they were a mere formality devoid of any meaningful content. A single judge bench granted interim relief to the petitioners on February 11 but this was overturned by the division bench of the high court on February 28. Suri then approached the Supreme Court, challenging the denial of interim relief by the high court. The Supreme Court transferred the entire case to itself from the Delhi high court on March 6, saying in an order that in the larger public interest, we deem it appropriate that the entire matter pertaining to challenge pending before the high court is heard and decided by this court expeditiously. States asked to replicate initiatives taken by Karnataka for Covid-19 management There are 160,384 active cases of coronavirus in the country, while 194,324 people have been cured of the disease or discharged. As many as 380,533 people have been infected with coronavirus nationwide. According to experts, the steep rise in Covid-19 cases in the country is alarming as it points to faster spread of the virus. While seven of every 100 samples were turning out to be positive a month ago, 31 of 100 are positive now. Click here for full Covid-19 coverage According to an analysis published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, breaking the chain of transmission within households and quarantine of close contacts could reduce new infection during the incubation period. For this, timely tracing is essential. Follow live updates on Covid-19 here: Have you ever wondered why online ads appear for things that you were just thinking about? There's no big conspiracy. Ad tech can be creepily accurate. Tech giant Oracle is one of a few companies in Silicon Valley that has near-perfected the art of tracking people across the internet. The company has spent a decade and billions of dollars buying startups to build its very own panopticon of users' web browsing data. One of those startups, BlueKai, which Oracle bought for a little over $400 million in 2014, is barely known outside marketing circles, but it amassed one of the largest banks of web tracking data outside of the federal government. BlueKai uses website cookies and other tracking tech to follow you around the web. By knowing which websites you visit and which emails you open, marketers can use this vast amount of tracking data to infer as much about you as possible your income, education, political views, and interests to name a few in order to target you with ads that should match your apparent tastes. If you click, the advertisers make money. But for a time, that web tracking data was spilling out onto the open internet because a server was left unsecured and without a password, exposing billions of records for anyone to find. Security researcher Anurag Sen found the database and reported his finding to Oracle through an intermediary -- Roi Carthy, chief executive at cybersecurity firm Hudson Rock and former TechCrunch reporter. TechCrunch reviewed the data shared by Sen and found names, home addresses, email addresses and other identifiable data in the database. The data also revealed sensitive users' web browsing activity from purchases to newsletter unsubscribes. "There's really no telling how revealing some of this data can be," said Bennett Cyphers, a staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, told TechCrunch. "Oracle is aware of the report made by Roi Carthy of Hudson Rock related to certain BlueKai records potentially exposed on the Internet," said Oracle spokesperson Deborah Hellinger. "While the initial information provided by the researcher did not contain enough information to identify an affected system, Oracle's investigation has subsequently determined that two companies did not properly configure their services. Oracle has taken additional measures to avoid a reoccurrence of this issue." Story continues Oracle did not name the companies or say what those additional measures were, and declined to answer our questions or comment further. But the sheer size of the exposed database makes this one of the largest security lapses this year. The more it knows BlueKai relies on vacuuming up a never-ending supply of data from a variety of sources to understand trends to deliver the most precise ads to a person's interests. Marketers can either tap into Oracle's enormous bank of data, which it pulls in from credit agencies, analytics firms, and other sources of consumer data including billions of daily location data points, in order to target their ads. Or marketers can upload their own data obtained directly from consumers, such as the information you hand over when you register an account on a website or when you sign up for a company's newsletter. But BlueKai also uses more covert tactics like allowing websites to embed invisible pixel-sized images to collect information about you as soon as you open the page -- hardware, operating system, browser and any information about the network connection. This data known as a web browser's "user agent" may not seem sensitive, but when fused together it can create a unique "fingerprint" of a person's device, which can be used to track that person as they browse the internet. BlueKai can also tie your mobile web browsing habits to your desktop activity, allowing it to follow you across the internet no matter which device you use. Say a marketer wants to run a campaign trying to sell a new car model. In BlueKai's case, it already has a category of "car enthusiasts" and many other, more specific categories that the marketer can use to target with ads. Anyone who's visited a car maker's website or a blog that includes a BlueKai tracking pixel might be categorized as a "car enthusiast." Over time that person will be siloed into different categories under a profile that learns as much about you to target you with those ads. (Sources: DaVooda, Filborg/Getty Images; Oracle BlueKai) The technology is far from perfect. Harvard Business Review found earlier this year that the information collected by data brokers, such as Oracle, can vary wildly in quality. But some of these platforms have proven alarmingly accurate. In 2012, Target mailed maternity coupons to a high school student after an in-house analytics system figured out she was pregnant before she had even told her parents because of the data it collected from her web browsing. Some might argue that's precisely what these systems are designed to do. Jonathan Mayer, a science professor at Princeton University, told TechCrunch that BlueKai is one of the leading systems for linking data. "If you have the browser send an email address and a tracking cookie at the same time, that's what you need to build that link," he said. The end goal: the more BlueKai collects, the more it can infer about you, making it easier to target you with ads that might entice you to that magic money-making click. But marketers can't just log in to BlueKai and download reams of personal information from its servers, one marketing professional told TechCrunch. The data is sanitized and masked so that marketers never see names, addresses or any other personal data. As Mayer explained: BlueKai collects personal data; it doesn't share it with marketers. 'No telling how revealing' Behind the scenes, BlueKai continuously ingests and matches as much raw personal data as it can against each person's profile, constantly enriching that profile data to make sure it's up to date and relevant. But it was that raw data spilling out of the exposed database. TechCrunch found records containing details of private purchases. One record detailed how a German man, whose name we're withholding, used a prepaid debit card to place a 10 bet on an esports betting site on April 19. The record also contained the man's address, phone number and email address. Another record revealed how one of the largest investment holding companies in Turkey used BlueKai to track users on its website. The record detailed how one person, who lives in Istanbul, ordered $899 worth of furniture online from a homeware store. We know because the record contained all of these details, including the buyer's name, email address and the direct web address for the buyer's order, no login needed. We also reviewed a record detailing how one person unsubscribed from an email newsletter run by an electronics consumer, sent to his iCloud address. The record showed that the person may have been interested in a specific model of car dash-cam. We can even tell based on his user agent that his iPhone was out of date and needed a software update. The more BlueKai collects, the more it can infer about you, making it easier to target you with ads that might entice you to that magic money-making click. The data went back for months, according to Sen, who discovered the database. Some logs dated back to August 2019, he said. "Fine-grained records of people's web-browsing habits can reveal hobbies, political affiliation, income bracket, health conditions, sexual preferences, and as evident here gambling habits," said the EFF's Cyphers. "As we live more of our lives online, this kind of data accounts for a larger and larger portion of how we spend our time." Oracle declined to say if it informed those whose data was exposed about the security lapse. The company also declined to say if it had warned U.S. or international regulators of the incident. Under California state law, companies like Oracle are required to publicly disclose data security incidents, but Oracle has not to date declared the lapse. When reached, a spokesperson for California's attorney general's office declined to say if Oracle had informed the office of the incident. Under Europe's General Data Protection Regulation, companies can face fines of up to 4% of their global annual turnover for flouting data protection and disclosure rules. Trackers, trackers everywhere BlueKai is everywhere even when you can't see it. One estimate says BlueKai tracks over 1% of all web traffic an unfathomable amount of daily data collection and tracks some of the world's biggest websites: Amazon, ESPN, Forbes, Glassdoor, Healthline, Levi's, MSN.com, Rotten Tomatoes, and The New York Times. Even this very article has a BlueKai tracker because our parent company, Verizon Media, is a BlueKai partner. But BlueKai is not alone. Nearly every website you visit contains some form of invisible tracking code that watches you as you traverse the internet. As invasive as it is that invisible trackers are feeding your web browsing data to a gigantic database in the cloud, it's that very same data that has kept the internet largely free for so long. To stay free, websites use advertising to generate revenue. The more targeted the advertising, the better the revenue is supposed to be. While the majority of web users are not naive enough to think that internet tracking does not exist, few outside marketing circles understand how much data is collected and what is done with it. Take the Equifax data breach in 2017, which brought scathing criticism from lawmakers after it collected millions of consumers' data without their explicit consent. Equifax, like BlueKai, relies on consumers skipping over the lengthy privacy policies that govern how websites track them. In any case, consumers have little choice but to accept the terms. Be tracked or leave the site. That's the trade-off with a free internet. But there are dangers with collecting web-tracking data on millions of people. "Whenever databases like this exist, there's always a risk the data will end up in the wrong hands and in a position to hurt someone," said Cyphers. Cyphers said the data, if in the hands of someone malicious, could contribute to identity theft, phishing or stalking. "It also makes a valuable target for law enforcement and government agencies who want to piggyback on the data gathering that Oracle already does," he said. Even when the data stays where it's intended, Cyphers said these vast databases enable "manipulative advertising for things like political issues or exploitative services, and it allows marketers to tailor their messages to specific vulnerable populations," he said. "Everyone has different things they want to keep private, and different people they want to keep them private from," said Cyphers. "When companies collect raw web browsing or purchase data, thousands of little details about real people's lives get scooped up along the way." "Each one of those little details has the potential to put somebody at risk," he said. Send tips securely over Signal and WhatsApp to +1 646-755-8849. Gardai conduct a search along Patrick Street in Castlerea where he was fatally shot The suspect in the brutal killing of a brave Irish police officer fired 15 shots at him, hitting him up to five times, after grabbing the gun during a tussle. Detective Garda Colm Horkan (49) was shot dead by a man after a struggle in which his attacker wrestled his gun from him and then emptied the weapon's magazine. The gunman fired the full clip of 15 bullets, hitting Garda Horkan multiple times. Read More Garda Commissioner Drew Harris described Mr Horkan's death as "an attack upon society". The deadly incident shortly before midnight on Main Street in Castlerea, Co Roscommon lasted just over four minutes. It is understood Castlerea Garda Station had received a number of calls shortly before 11pm reporting that a local man, known to gardai, was driving a motorbike in an erratic manner up and down the Main Street of the town. It's understood the motorcyclist was speeding without lights. Following the reports, a number of gardai began to patrol the area in search of the motorcyclist who had by this time gone to ground. Shortly before midnight Mr Horkan, who was on his own, came upon both the motorcyclist and the suspect in his killing walking together along the main street. A number of eyewitnesses have reported to gardai they saw the motorcyclist flee the scene. He is not believed to have been involved in a struggle with Mr Horkan or in his subsequent shooting. It is believed Mr Horkan approached the other man and the incident quickly turned into a confrontation. Mr Horkan was said to have been pushed and shoved as he radioed for assistance. Once a call has been made on these devices, the next 30 seconds is automatically recorded. It's understood that through this and a number of witness accounts investigating, gardai have a clear picture of events. During the struggle, the man grabbed his gun and began firing at him until he had emptied the clip. The incident took less than five minutes. As Garda Horkan slumped to the ground, other officers quickly came to his aid in response to his alert. An ambulance crew also arrived on the scene but they were too late to save his life. A suspect, in his 40s, was arrested nearby and taken for questioning to Castlerea station. The suspect is understood to have had mental health issues in the past. Gardai said the incident was not provoked by a personal grudge and appeared to have been motivated by the man's reaction to being questioned. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris described the murder as a random act. The former PSNI Deputy Chief Constable said Castlerea had lost a "really beloved member" of the community. He said he was deeply saddened by the death of his colleague and the thoughts of all personnel in the Garda organisation were with the family, friends and colleagues of Colm Horkan and with the members of the detective unit in which he served. Speaking in Castlerea, Mr Harris added: "I can certainly say at this moment in time that there is no chance at all of a bigger picture in terms of organised crime or a subversive. "What we have here is a random act and a violent act which has led to the death of Detective Garda Horkan. "It is tragic and it is an attack upon us all. "Policing is an extension of good citizenship and we should acknowledge that this demeans and belittles us all. "It grieves us all as a society that this has happened. It is not how we view ourselves and it is not how we wish to be seen." Mr Harris said Mr Horkan "served the communities he worked in with distinction and pride". He added: "Today is a terrible reminder of the significant services, including the ultimate sacrifice, that gardai make to keep people safe." Last night the suspect was being questioned at Castlerea garda station under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act and can be held without charge for up to 72 hours. He was also medically examined by a local doctor while in custody. After he had graduated from the Garda College in Templemore, Colm Horkan spent the first three and a half years of his career in Finglas in west Dublin. He served in Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen for the other 21 years until he became the 89th member of the force to be killed in the line of duty. The murdered garda is a native of Charlestown, Co Mayo. He lived with his father having been predeceased by his mother and twin sister. He is also survived by his four brothers and a sister. The Garda Ombudsman was notified about the incident but will not be carrying out separate inquiries to the garda investigation as Mr Horkan did not fire the weapon. Gardai said last night they were trying to establish the full circumstances surrounding the shooting and were trying to trace anybody who had been in Castlerea's Main Street or surrounding streets, particularly at the junction with Patrick Street, between 11.30pm and 12.15 am. The Garda Representative Association's president, Jim Mulligan, said: "Colm was a gentleman, known for his kindness and commitment to helping other people." He added: "On behalf of the GRA, I extend our deepest sympathy to the family of our colleague fatally shot in the line of duty in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, overnight. "Our brave colleague died as result of injuries sustained when he was responding to an incident." Police closed the centre of Castlerea to traffic as investigations continue in the town of fewer than 2,000 people. A sombre mood pervaded the town following the murder. A Garda member was visibly emotional as she laid a bouquet of flowers at the edge of the town. Castlerea publican Ollie Hester said he and others in the town are in a "deep state of shock and sadness". He added: "He was such a lovely man and so well respected in the community here. "He was an absolute gentleman. "No-one in the town can get over what has happened to him." Gardai are appealing for anyone with information about the incident, and for CCTV footage of the scene. "We understand an image was shared on social media so we are appealing for that as it could be very useful and important to us in this investigation," Mr Harris said. A monument erected 100 years ago taken down in Decatur, Georgia, the latest in a series of removed Confederate statues. With hundreds of people watching as midnight approached, a crane moved in and took down a Confederate monument that stood in the town square of an Atlanta suburb since 1908. The stone obelisk was lifted from its base with straps amid jeers and chants of Just drop it! from onlookers in Decatur, Georgia, who were kept a safe distance by sheriffs deputies. Mawuli Davis, a driving force behind the lobbying effort to remove the monument, watched with others as the obelisk was slowly lowered onto its side and slid to a waiting flatbed truck. Daviss organisation, the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights, held a demonstration in front of the monument just a day earlier, demanding its removal. This feels great. This is a peoples victory. All of our young people from Decatur High School that made this happen. All of these organisers, everybody came together, Davis told The Associated Press news agency. This is it. This is a victory for this country. This is an example of what can happen when people work together. Groups like Daviss and Hate Free Decatur had been pushing for the monument to be removed since the deadly 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Workers secure a Confederate monument with straps after removing it from its base in Decatur, Georgia, after a judge ordered to remove it [Ron Harris/AP Photo] The monument was among those around the country that became flashpoints for protests against police brutality and racial injustice in recent weeks, following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis. The city asked a Georgia judge last week to order the removal of the monument, which was often vandalised and marked by graffiti, saying it had become a threat to public safety. DeKalb County Judge Clarence Seeliger agreed, and ordered the 30-foot (9-metre) obelisk in Decatur Square to be removed by midnight June 26 and placed in storage indefinitely. The order came hours before a white Atlanta police officer fatally shot another Black man, 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, in the back, sparking renewed protests in Georgias capital region. Instead, the monument came down on the eve of Juneteenth the holiday celebrating the day in 1865 that all enslaved Black people learned they had been freed from bondage as workers chipped it loose and the crowd cheered. Democratic politicians in the US Congress are pushing to have 11 Confederate statues removed from the US Capitol [Susan Walsh/AP Photo] Its always been troubling to see that monument over there on the square. We spend a lot of time up here and its troubling that our friends and our loved ones and other people of colour have to look at that monument to slavery and to the Confederacy, Megan Beezley, who hustled to the square with her daughter after learning about the removal from a Facebook post, told AP. DeKalb County spent several years trying to rid itself of the Lost Cause monument erected by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1908. A marker added last September says the monument was erected to glorify the lost cause of the Confederacy and has bolstered white supremacy and faulty history. JOHANNESBURG/LUSAKA, June 18 (Reuters) - Barrick Gold on Thursday said there is "absolutely no truth" in a news release circulated on social media in Zambia claiming the gold miner sold its Lumwana copper mine. The fake press release, dated June 15, claimed Barrick had sold its Zambian copper mine to Metalinvest Capital Corporation and Zambia's National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) for $895 million in cash. "We don't know who's behind this and we have alerted the relevant securities regulators and law enforcement authorities," a Barrick spokeswoman told Reuters in a statement. NAPSA - a government-owned pension fund - issued a statement saying it had not entered into any such transaction nor been involved in any such discussions. "We would like to urge members of the public to ignore the said press release and treat it with the contempt it deserves," the acting director general wrote, adding that the pension fund would seek to ensure the perpetrators were prosecuted. Metalinvest has no knowledge of the deal and is launching its own investigation, founder and director Mohamed Matongo said in an email to Reuters. "It has come as a great surprise to me that my company name is being mentioned in a transaction that we have no knowledge about," he said. Barrick was last year seeking buyers for its Lumwana copper mine, but in February Chief Executive Mark Bristow told Reuters he would not necessarily sell it, and might instead look for a partner in Zambia or a deal with a copper processor. (Reporting by Helen Reid and Chris Mfula; additional reporting by Jeff Lewis; Editing by Franklin Paul, Alex Richardson and Jonathan Oatis) The coronavirus pandemic has delayed a timeline for reforms in the Newark Police Department (NPD) that were laid out in a 2016 consent decree, according to a report from a federal monitor who oversees compliance. The city and police department entered into the consent decree after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) found a pattern of unconstitutional practices among officers. Peter Harvey, a former New Jersey Attorney General, was selected to monitor the department. In his thirteenth quarterly monitoring report, which examined a period between Jan. 1 and March 31, Harvey noted the pandemic delayed the monitoring teams ability to evaluate the police departments compliance with the consent decree. The virus also hampered the departments efforts to implement reforms. For example, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, NPD has suspended all in-person training, including NPDs Bias-Free policing training, which began in February 2020, Harvey wrote. Likewise, to protect the health and safety of members of both NPD and the Monitoring Team, the Monitoring Team has postponed in-person review NPDs activities or police documents, as well as in-person meetings between its Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and members of NPD. The city and department have to endeavor to reach compliance with consent decree reforms by about May 2021. But the virus has put strains on the police. Five members of the department have died from the virus as of June 11, the report said. The department reported that 177 sworn members of the police department tested positive for the virus as of June 11 and 144 had recovered. However, 33 were still recovering and 292 were under mandatory quarantine. Those assigned to the departments consent decree implementation unit have sometimes had to work field duty, the report said, especially as more resources were put into handling additional tasks related to Gov. Phil Murphys stay-at-home orders. The monitoring team, which consists of members from the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice and Rutgers University, declined to comment when asked if the police department would not reach its targeted date of completion for reforms. Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said the police have made great progress towards reforms. We are confident that we have made great progress toward rectifying the major issues that gave rise to the Consent Decree through the implementation of all of the required training and policies, Ambrose told NJ Advance Media. We will continue focusing our development in the areas of Technology and Data Analytics towards reaching full compliance. Any updates regarding dates of expected completion will be announced. The bias-free training was just beginning to be administered days before the first case of the coronavirus was reported in New Jersey, Harvey wrote. The police department hired an outside company called Fair and Impartial Policing last year to develop the core of Newarks bias-free policing training program. Ambrose said 316 members of the police department have already completed the bias-free training, including 81 supervisors. The training, which was suspended due to restrictions on in-person gatherings, is expected to resume in the next few weeks, he added. The department on March 20 also requested a suspension of all on-site inspections and audits, but also asked for a list of documents it could make available to the monitoring team to remotely review. Both Ambrose and the monitoring team told NJ Advance Media that all records for use of force audits have been securely turned over for remote review. The body-worn camera audit will be conducted by a member of the monitoring team in-person at the beginning of August, Ambrose added. Harvey last year stressed that the department was running out of time to do an estimated $31 million overhaul of its computer systems to track early warning signs in cops and other data. Ambrose, at the time, said he expected the police department to still meet all consent decree deadlines. Harvey, Ambrose, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and U.S. Senate candidate Larry Hamm will host a discussion on race, policing and reforms at 8 p.m. Thursday on WBGO. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com. Your undergraduate focus was on stone sculpture; what is that? Stone sculptures are three-dimensional artwork that are a labor of love. For me, sculpting with stone is a process that involves having a vision for the finished piece before getting started. This helps with laying out your time, selecting the materials, knowing what tools you will want to use, and knowing how to correct any mistake you make along the way. My favorite professor when I was in undergrad was Shawn Morin. Professor Morin is still at BGSU and I will never forget how my journey with stone started with him. I was an art education major and needed an elective. Since I was sculpting in most of my ceramics classes, I thought that intro to carving would be a good elective. The first day of class, were all sitting around a large wooden table. Professor Morin walks in and hurls a piece of limestone on top of the table and tells us limestone would be our first material. After class, I told him that the course description didnt quite match his description of what our semester would entail. I shared that I was unsure that I could work with such a challenging material. I am so grateful that he told me to stay in the class and give it a try for a couple of weeks before I made up my mind. Thanks to his instruction and mentorship, I would go on to study sculpture. I continued in his courses even through graduate school. How did you get from art education to Title IX and sexual assault prevention and education? After teaching for a brief stint, I realized that teaching 7th and 8th graders was not one of my strengths. So I returned to school to pursue a masters degree. I love working with college-aged students. So the CSP program was perfect for me. My graduate assistantship was with the Office of Residence Life as a graduate hall director in Founders Hall. I was able to handle low-level conduct cases and I realized that this was the functional area I wanted to pursue. When I graduated, I took a job at John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio, as an area coordinator for Murphy Hall. The assistant dean of students knew my interest in conduct and allowed me to serve as the co-chair for the University Conduct Board. JCU was the first place that I started responding to Title IX reports. I was only at JCU for one year before taking a job as the assistant director for Student Life at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore. There, I oversaw a large residential area consisting of four buildings with all class years represented. I worked closely with the associate director for Student Conduct and it was there that I started taking on suspension and expulsion level conduct cases, and getting the chance to work more closely with Title IX cases as well. While I was at Loyola, I created a Social Justice Learning Community and taught a class on Social Justice in Film and Media. I could have stayed on that campus forever, but as fate would have it, someone at Loyola nominated me for the director of Student Rights and Responsibilities position at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg. Given that conduct is what I loved, and this position served as the deputy Title IX coordinator for students, I took the job. Little did I know that I would spend the next six and a half years there in various roles. I had an hour-and-20-minute commute each way still living in Baltimore, but it was perfect because it gave me time to decompress some of the most difficult situations before getting to my family. I started as the director of SRR and Title IX deputy, and a year and a half later I was promoted to assistant dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for student initiatives after founding the Diversity Peer Educators and the Social Justice Institute. I was still serving as the director of SRR and doing the Title IX work, which by then had really taken off. The next year, the director of the Womens Center resigned and students asked the vice president for College Life and dean of students if I could take over the role. I did the only thing I could think to do, and I said no! However, the VP requested that I do it as an interim while still fulfilling my other roles to give the college a chance to search. I found myself permanently in that role for nearly four years. It worked out, though, because I was able to open the Womens and LGBTQIA Resource Center, which is still around at Gettysburg College. This center became home to the Womens Center and LGBTQIA Advocacy and Education. A lot was accomplished around equity while I fulfilled those job responsibilities. It was a great opportunity. How did it feel to come back to BGSU as assistant vice president for student affairs/Title IX officer? It was a great feeling to return to BGSU. I remember how fitting it was that when I arrived, the Office of Residence Life had signs everywhere that said HOME. Indeed, BGSU is like home to me. I love that I get to serve a community that gave so much to me as a student. What is the role of a chief diversity and belonging officer? In my role, I am responsible for supervision, administrative and programmatic oversight, and coordination of the Division of Diversity and Belonging. Diversity and Belonging is home to the Center for Women and Gender Equity, the Center for Violence Prevention and Education, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, LGBTQ+ Programs, the Office of Title IX, and TRIO Programs (Student Support Services, Educational Talent Search, McNair, and Upward Bound). I work each day to advance the Universitys strategic plan and create diversity and inclusion strategies to support that plan. I get the opportunity to support graduate and undergraduate curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular education by working in partnership with Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to engage faculty, staff, and students in issues related to diversity and belonging. In my role, I also build collaborative working relationships with external community members and groups. I serve on Cabinet and Executive Council to help ensure that the Universitys commitment to compliance, diversity, and inclusion is a part of all decisions amongst the various constituents. Overall, I get to work with individuals to better position BGSU to provide a premier living and learning experience. Who inspires you? My family serves as a daily inspiration to me. Do you have a favorite quote? My favorite quote is in the end it will be all right, and if its not all right, its not the end. What were the topics of your two TEDx talks? My first TEDx talk was about Teaching Bystanders to Intervene. Years later when I got the chance to do the second, I titled that one Why College is Too Late to Start Talking About Consent. The titles really capture the messages. You chair 10 committees and serve on 21 others. Why is this service important to you? I always look to develop myself and those around me, and committee work is a great way to contribute to the public good. I try to focus on empowering and uplifting others. Instead of leading by authority, I work to give back to the community by direct involvement. I believe that we should all work to make life better for someone else, and the committee work that I do is my service to the community. New Google technology reveals never before seen details of 'The Last Supper' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Through the use of Gigapixel digital camera technology, people can now get an up-close look at Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece "The Last Supper." Millions have traveled to Milan, Italy, to see the beloved painting which depicts Christ and His disciples at the Last Supper, which has been slowly deteriorating for years. The Last Supper is housed by the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. According to the U.K. Times, a Gigapixel camera from Google enables viewers to zoom in closer than ever before to see images of the world's greatest works of art. An "art camera" team from the tech giant spent hours making high-resolution images of the most highly regarded early copy of the famous painting, which was completed in 1498. The copy of the original painting began fading within years of completion because Da Vinci used an experimental technique instead of the traditional fresco. "Google Arts & Culture has spent the past year there creating Gigapixel images of 20 of its most renowned artworks including 'The Last Supper,' which is thought to have been created by Giampietrino or Boltraffio, who were pupils of Leonardo," the U.K. Times reported. Now completed, viewers can see the smallest of details that are hard to see in the copies of the painting or have been lost from the original. "You can really zoom into the finest level of detail like never before," said Luisella Mazza, head of global operations at Google Arts and Culture. "It makes the invisible visible." The feet of Jesus in the original mural were cut off when a door was put into the wall of the refectory on which Leonardo painted, where he applied paint onto dry plaster using egg tempera instead of painting on wet plaster. Among other details that can be seen with the new camera that are all but missing from the original mural is the finger of Thomas, which is gesturing in way that points to his later doubts about Christ's resurrection. It also shows the hand of Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, clasping a bag of money. The new gigapixel art camera has been in use for the past decade at museums and galleries worldwide and is custom-made to create hundreds of high-resolution close-up images of paintings. The technology utilizes a laser and sonar to capture the most intricate details of paintings that are subsequently stitched together into a "billion-pixel" image. Mazza said the close-up digital image of "The Last Supper" was only the beginning of future endeavors where other great works will also be examined using advanced technology. "You can see brushstrokes, cracks in the painting. In real life it would be very hard to get close to the artwork for security reasons and even if you could get close enough, how long could you really stand in front of an artwork to examine all these fascinating details," she said. The Brooklyn, New York-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ex-Police Association, U.S.A., Inc. on Sunday, posthumously honoured executive member Anthony Tony Fitz-allan Husbands, by conducting a motorcade in Brooklyn leading up to his Canarsie, Brooklyn home, then showering his widow and children with gifts, flowers and plants, and offering condolences. A significant number of Vincentian groups and nationals were also on hand, to present gifts and offer condolences in front of the family home on Peardegat 7th Street. They included the Brooklyn-based Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO), the umbrella Vincentian group in the US; the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Nurses Association of New York, Inc.; and the Biabou Methodist School Alumni. "Brother Husbands was a fixture that cannot be replaced, Pamella Ferrari-Easter, president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ex-Police Association, U.S.A., Inc. told THE VINCENTIAN after presenting a huge plant and other gifts to Husbands widow, Dr. Olga Husbands, president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Nurses Association of New York, Inc. "He was a kind person, a team player; he always talked to us, telling us how we need to be better, added the Canouan-born Ferrari-Easter, who led the groups March-Past in front of the family home. "He was a very stern person, but he did not shy away from helping others, she continued, and went on the say that Husbands, who served as her vice president, was "a real player in our organization. Theres no person to replace him. Arden Tannis, a former president, now serving as a trustee of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ex-Police Association, U.S.A., Inc., and coordinator of the event, said Husbands "was very instrumental in organizing events for our group, adding, "Its really a trying time for the organization,. We lost three members in the span of a year Husbands, Winy Peters and Ingrid Matthews. Beris Latham, a former police officer in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and member of the organizing group, lauded the motorcade and ceremony. "It brought tears to my eyes, said the former vice president and Marriaqua native. "He (Husbands) was my good friend. I wish the family all the best; my deepest condolences. Husbands, an ex-United Nations Police Captain and erstwhile Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Officer in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, who served as president of the Brooklyn-based Vincentian group Biabou Methodist School Alumni, died on Jun. 2 from complications related to the coronavirus (COVID-19), his widow said. He was 60. Dr. Husbands, a registered nurse, told THE VINCENTIAN that her husband, who hailed from Cedars, a small village adjacent to Biabou on the eastern coast of mainland St. Vincent and the Grenadines, died at Lenox Hill Hospital, on 77th Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan, after being hospitalized for 55 days. "He loved working at the United Nations, and spent 33 glorious years, she said. "He looked forward to retiring in the next three years, where he would live the rest of his life back home in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The United Nations said in a statement that its Security and Safety Service of the Department of Safety and Security and the UN community at large were "deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Capt. Anthony Tony Husbands. He was highly respected by his colleagues and all who knew him. Husbands joined the United Nations on Sept.1 1987, rising to the rank of captain. Before joining the United Nations, Husbands served seven years (1979-1986) with the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. Besides his wife, Husbands is survived by four children Tashema, Anthony, Jr., Chanelle and Chandelle; six grandchildren; mother Elma Husbands; several brothers and sisters, including Lynette Prince, Susan Husbands, Bertin Bronco Husbands and Sylvester Husbands; and daughter-in-law. Husbands funeral service will be held today, Friday, Jun. 19, following which he will be interred at the Cypress Hills Cemetery at the border of Brooklyn and Queens. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Around 1,016 cargo transportation runs were carried out from Turkey to Kyrgyzstan by Turkish trucks from January through May 2020, which is 16 percent more compared to the same period of 2019, Trend reports referring to Turkeys International Freight Forwarders Association (UND). Kyrgyzstan accounts for 0.22 percent of the total volume of cargo transportation from Turkey by trucks for the reporting period, the association said. In May 2020, 61 cargo transportation runs by Turkish trucks were carried out from Turkey to Kyrgyzstan, which is 68 percent less compared to May 2019, the UND noted. In the first 5 months of 2020, the number of foreign transport by Turkish trucks amounted to 459,738 runs, a decrease of 11 percent compared to the same period of 2019. In May 2020, 89,760 cargo movement runs were carried out by Turkish trucks, which is 20 percent less compared to May 2019. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 23:48:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BAGHDAD, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Three Iraqi Kurds were killed in Turkish airstrikes on border areas in the northern province of Duhok, the Kurdish media said on Friday. "The Turkish warplanes bombarded the areas of Sidan near the town of Shiladze and killed three Kurdish civilians aged between 30 to 40," Washin Salman, the mayor of Shiladze, told the Kurdish media Rudaw. The bodies were "badly charred" and one of the three bodies could not be identified, the report said without giving further details about when exactly the three were killed. Turkish forces frequently carry out ground operations, airstrikes and artillery bombardments against the positions of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants in northern Iraq, especially the Qandil Mountains, the main base of the PKK. The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-18 20:57:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close COPENHAGEN, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Following an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Policy Committee, the Danish government presented a new model for easing both border restrictions and travel guidelines, according to a foreign ministry press release on Thursday. From June 27, Denmark will ease travel restrictions to and from certain European Union (EU) states, non-EU Schengen countries and the United Kingdom, said the press release. According to the new model, to be "open" for Danish travelers, a country must have less than 20 infections per 100,000 inhabitants per week. Once a country is open, its status could be changed to a "quarantine country" if its infections rise to 30 per 100,000 inhabitants in a week. "In this way, entry and exit from Denmark can be done in a responsible way," said Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod to Denmark's TV 2. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs promised to produce by June 25 an updated list of the countries that are open for tourists, as well as a list of states where two-week quarantine is required upon return to Denmark. With regard to the rest of the world, the Danish government has yet to produce a solution. "I am pleased that we can now take a significant step towards normalization and enable Danes to travel to more countries in Europe. We stand in a significantly better place in Denmark than we had dared to hope just a short time ago," says Kofod. Meanwhile, the Danish Patient Safety Authority on Thursday reported 18 cases of COVID-19 infection, which can be traced back to an aircraft that flew from Pakistan's capital Islamabad to Copenhagen on June 6. As of Thursday, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Denmark stood at 12,294, with 600 deaths, according to the latest count released by the Danish Statens Serum Institut. Enditem I have learned that, when it comes to politics, knee jerk reactions can be dangerous. We need to examine both the intentions of those driving the debate and the true and long-term impact of the solutions they offer. Politicians are driven by pleasing people, and sometimes in their haste to do so, they fail to examine issues thoughtfully. I am not in favor of passing bad laws in a quest to do something. My interest and inspiration to be involved in making policy for my community and to ultimately become a State Senator is a result of my love of American history, and of the foundational principle of this great country: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Of course, America was born with a terrible and immoral birth defect slavery. The scars are stubborn and refuse to heal, because of the reality that racism still exists in our country (and sadly may never be fully eradicated) and because there are those that continue to pick at the scab for the purpose of creating more division. When I was a teenager, I began learning about the Civil War and more specifically Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. Abraham Lincoln was elected as the very first Republican President of the United States, standard-bearer of a party created with the goal of abolishing slavery. This became Lincolns main focus as President, as part of his larger vision to have our country live up to the sentence quoted above, that opens our Declaration of Independence and forms the foundation of what we are as a nation. Thankfully, Lincoln and Grant were victorious, and slavery was indeed abolished. However, the work of making a more perfect union remains unfinished. We must continue to work to make sure all people are indeed recognized as equals. I serve as our State Senator to work towards that goal, and I feel a special connection to Lincoln and our history even in writing to you on this subject. I share all of this to let you, the reader, know where I am coming from. I hear your concerns and do not take my position and responsibility to answer you lightly. Foremost, I condemn racism as pure ignorance. No thinking person believes they can judge anothers character, intelligence, worth, or any other quality based on something as superficial as skin color. Martin Luther King Jr. taught that we should be judged by merit and action, not by superficial qualities like race. His dream, like that of Lincoln and our founders, was for us to achieve our full potential as a people and a nation. In addition, I condemn criminal violence no matter by whom or for what purpose it is committed. This is particularly egregious when someone in a position of authority and trust commits the act. Police officers should be held to the highest standard; those who use their position to harm others must be made an example of. Rioting and looting is also wrong. There is no excuse for the destruction of property, and none should be made for those who engage in criminal and counterproductive acts. Thankfully, we have not seen this happen in our state. I also hear your call for police reform, but I have to point out that what happened in Minneapolis does not reflect the district I represent or the fine police officers who serve in the towns of the 16th district. I stand by them and am confident that any type of police brutality or abuse would not be tolerated by any of our departments. No police department is perfect, but I know the level of professionalism that each of these officers strives for. I have a long and consistent record of demanding transparency and accountability at all levels of government. I also believe that all laws should apply to every single individual the same way. For race or status to influence the judgment of a court is an intolerable violation of American principle. There should also be no special protections for law enforcement officers. I have repeatedly and consistently advocated that public sector union contracts must be subject to Freedom of Information Laws and that secret agreements that hide the truth from the public must be abolished. Sadly, many of the same people coming forward now to demand this accountability are the same ones who have blocked my efforts in the past. We must also remember that all people in our society are innocent until proven guilty and that no matter how egregious a crime is, everyone deserves their day in court and a proper defense. I am fearful that in a rush to judgment, laws that protect due process may be weakened. This would be unfortunate since those protections are especially important to members of the minority community. Here in Connecticut, there has been a steady modernization of statutes regarding law enforcement. I have been a strong advocate of police body cameras since they were first introduced. They protect both the officer and the public by shining a light on each interaction. I will continue to advocate for their use in all 169 towns in our state. Just last year, Republicans and Democrats in the State Senate worked together to develop and pass significant police accountability and public safety reforms in Public Act 19-90, which was passed with unanimous support in the Senate. This new law included the following provisions: 1. Requires police to release any body or dash camera video of incidents timely. 2. Adds the use of chokeholds and pursuits to the list of incidents police must report, in addition to any incident that is likely to cause serious injury. These reports also must include a summary of the race and gender of those involved and how the force was used, and any injuries suffered. 3. Prohibits police from shooting at or into fleeing vehicles unless there is an imminent threat of death to another person, and prohibits police from positioning themselves in front of a fleeing motor vehicle 4. Requires that police must notify other agencies when they chase a car across city lines. 5. Establishes the Police Officer Standards and Training Council to study and review the use of firearms by officers engaged in pursuits. I believe we have done a good job in Connecticut in establishing a system of laws that protects our communities and promotes positive reactions between officers and citizens the way it should work. Of course, there can always be improvements and I look forward to debating and voting on them when the time comes. The proposals to defund the police as well as demands for bail reform that amount to no bail at all are unproductive and irresponsible. The result would be more crime and less safety, exactly the opposite of what we should be working towards. I heard someone say, we can do better. Indeed, we all can be better in the way we treat our fellow human beings, and in the way we speak to one another, simply by offering respect to everyone, particularly those we disagree with. It is a small person who resorts to name calling (or even worse) when they encounter a different viewpoint. I encourage us all to listen and remember the Golden Rule do unto others as we would have them do unto us. There are those who will continue to drive a wedge between us as neighbors and citizens, including some that will take issue with this statement, despite my genuine desire to unite us. There are also those who wish to divide us by race, by gender, by income by any means possible, to perpetuate anger and violence. Good people who have come out to stand against racism and police brutality and to march in protest of what happened in Minneapolis have been booed and shamed because they refused to kneel or, heaven forbid, mentioned that every life is precious. How does that make sense? I beg anyone reading this who wants an end to racism and police brutality to condemn that behavior. We can indeed be better. It starts with thinking for ourselves and treating others with kindness. Black lives matter and so do all other lives. If you do not believe that, then you are not interested in fighting racism. I am genuinely concerned about the political operators using an honest outpouring of good will between citizens to advance their agenda. However, I remain hopeful that the solutions ultimately offered will be prudent and based in the desire for good policy that promotes what should be our common vision of a society united by the goal of a better quality of life for every person. 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 Ladakh face-off: Modi to hold all-party meet shortly; Mamata to attend, AAP claims not invited India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, June 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair an all-party meeting on the India-China border face-off on Friday. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the Monday night brawl and 18 others have been injured. News agency ANI reported that 20 parties will attend the virtual meeting in which home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh and BJP president JP Nadda will also be present. Ladakh standoff: China says 'presently it hasnt detained any Indian soldiers India-China border dispute: IAF chief makes quiet visit to forward air bases | Oneindia News Meanwhile, Banerjee, the TMC chief, had on Wednesday said the Centre's move to call the all-party meeting to discuss the situation was a right decision. "Our party supremo would attend the meeting via video-conference. As she had earlier mentioned, we stand by the country in this hour of crisis," a senior TMC leader said. On the other hand, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh, claimed that they have not been invited to Friday's meeting. "A strange ego-ridden government is running at the Centre. The Aam Aadmi Party has a government in Delhi. It is the main Opposition party in Punjab. There are four MPs all over the country, but still the BJP does not want AAP's opinion on such an important matter. What will the prime minister say in the meeting, the whole country is waiting for it," Singh tweeted in Hindi. Ladakh faceoff: 'India capable of giving befitting reply, sacrifice of jawans won't be in vain' All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi wrote to PM Modi stating, "it is disappointing that my party was not invited to today's "All Party Meeting" on China border issue which was to be chaired by you." Wrote to @PMOIndia about the growing concerns regarding Chinese incursions into Indian territory. Weve lost 20 brave personnel besides our territory to Chinese occupation. Recovering this territory by any means necessary is the best way to avenge the killings of our men pic.twitter.com/8GlIMxZQ9l Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) June 19, 2020 Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a colonel, were killed in a clash with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two neighbours. ANN ARBOR, MI Two candidates are seeking a 1st Ward seat on City Council in the Aug. 4 Democratic primary. Anne Bannister, who was first elected in 2017 and is seeking a second term, is being challenged by Lisa Disch, a University of Michigan political science professor. They discussed issues ranging from political divisions on council to growth and change in the city during a virtual forum hosted by the Ann Arbor Democratic Party on Thursday, June 18. Disch said shes heard loud and clear from residents the most important issue is managing growth. Ann Arbor is growing and Ward 1 residents tell me that that they feel like theyre bearing the brunt of the growing pains, she said, adding shes heard from many about traffic. We need to do a better job regulating traffic on residential roads that were not designed to see the kind of commuter traffic that theyre seeing now, she said, expressing support for expanded park-and-ride services on Plymouth Road to bring more people into the city via bus. Because theres no reason that commuting to Ann Arbor should mean commuting through our residential neighborhoods and all the way into the center of the city. Bannister has expressed similar thoughts while on council, suggesting more University of Michigan employees should be using park-and-ride services to get into town. Racial justice and the soaring cost of housing are other top concerns for residents, Disch said. Im really committed to addressing these big problems through provision of basic services at that very everyday level, and addressing them really from the ground up, she said. Other issues of concern in Ward 1, Bannister said, include community policing, police oversight, carbon-neutrality, affordability, affordable housing, fiscal responsibility, environmental protection, the Gelman dioxane plume, the Treeline trail project and natural features preservation. The most important thing is constituent service and engaging with residents, Bannister said. Whatever the issue is, I want to hear from my residents, she said, adding she engages diverse populations. Disch said she welcomes growth and change in Ann Arbor, because its a sign of a thriving city, but its important to listen to what residents feel they need. And some people are really not happy about the high-rise growth that theyve seen downtown and the more suburban-style sprawl that theyve seen on more of the outskirts in Ann Arbor, she said. Weve seen a lot of those two kinds of development, but there is an alternative, and I would love to see us support transit-supported development. That means putting new development on roads well served by bus routes, Disch said, so more people can live within a short bus ride from work or be able to walk to get a haircut or pick up a burger and a beer. Thats what is fun in other cities that are denser in a different way than ours will ever be, she said. But thats the kind of thing with some creative zoning we could start to see here. Timeline: Ann Arbors downtown housing boom and whats to come Before-and-after views of downtown Ann Arbors dramatic transformation Ann Arbors small-town look fading as downtown reaches toward sky Bannister, who has opposed some new housing developments and joined a majority of council in tabling a transit-oriented development initiative recently, said growth is one of the biggest issues facing the city. People erroneously think residents are anti-growth, Bannister said, adding we prefer to say that were for responsible and harmonious development. That means making sure infill development is in harmony with existing neighborhoods, she said. As for more density, Bannister said people tell her they would like to see transit-oriented development piloted at South State Street and Eisenhower Parkway in the Briarwood Mall area. The mall may be antiquated, Bannister said, calling it a logical place for dense housing. The city also is looking at surface parking lots as opportunities for more affordable housing, Bannister said, mentioning the citys exploration of high-rise housing on the Y Lot next to the Blake Transit Center. Thats a top priority, she said. Theres about 10 city-owned properties where we could build on, she said. Were looking at premiums for developers who will build affordable housing units. Disch expressed concerns about factional divisions on council and competitive politics. Those divisions were perhaps most apparent in councils 7-4 vote to fire City Administrator Howard Lazarus this year, a move Bannister supported and Disch opposed. Divisiveness is a real problem on council and Ward 1 voters tell me that its a real turnoff, Disch said, adding they want a council that works collaboratively to solve problems. And I think what they really dont want is a council that approaches the biggest issues that it faces with an attitude of if you win, I lose. Thats what I think of as factionalism. Ann Arbor is a town on its way to becoming a small city and that kind of transition is hard, Disch said, so disagreement is appropriate, but it shouldnt come at the expense of problem-solving and collaboration. Bannister pushed back, suggesting theres not as much division on council as some think. When you actually look at the record, we actually have a lot more unanimity on City Council than folks might expect, she said, adding council members vote independently. Council members do work together on issues facing us, she said, noting council unanimously approved the citys A2Zero carbon-neutrality plan recently. That came after council reached a compromise on language about housing density. Moving forward, we are all working together on that climate emergency, Bannister said. Council also has collaborated on rethinking the way the city funds sidewalk gap projects, Bannister said, indicating voters can expect to see a 0.2-mill tax proposal in November to fund those projects citywide, rather than burden adjacent property owners with sometimes large assessments. Bannister, a certified financial planner and personal finance educator, was raised in Ann Arbor, graduated from UM and is a 30-year resident of the 1st Ward and former co-chair of the Ann Arbor Democratic Party. She is endorsed by former 1st Ward Council Member Sumi Kailasapathy and current Council Members Jack Eaton, Kathy Griswold and Jane Lumm. Bannister said shes a listener and a problem-solver and she hopes Ward 1 voters re-elect her so that we can continue on the work that we have begun and the relationships and networks that weve built. Disch has lived in Ann Arbor 12 years and said shes running because she shares the core values of many residents. I believe in environmental sustainability and urban stewardship, she said. I think that public policy serves us better when its based on evidence, rather than on personal-impression anecdata. Disch is endorsed by former 1st Ward Council Member Jason Frenzel, current 5th Ward Council Member Chip Smith and former Mayor John Hieftje. Candidates also discussed city budget shortfalls due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Democratic values, local governments role in advancing racial justice and police matters. Watch the full forum here. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS: Ann Arbor Ward 2 candidates weigh in on racial justice, housing, key city issues Affordable housing, racial justice discussed by Ann Arbor Ward 4 candidates Ann Arbor Ward 3 council candidates discuss gentrification, racial justice and political factions Ward 5 Ann Arbor council candidates discuss policing, racial justice, housing Higher rates of severe COVID-19 infections in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) populations are not explained by socioeconomic or behavioral factors, cardiovascular disease risk, or by vitamin D status, according to new research led by Queen Mary University of London. The findings, published in the Journal of Public Health, suggest that the relationship between COVID-19 infection and ethnicity is complex, and requires more dedicated research to explain the factors driving these patterns. Growing international reports highlight higher risk of adverse COVID-19 infection in BAME populations. The underlying cause of this ethnicity disease pattern is not known. Variation in cardiovascular disease risk, vitamin D levels, socio-economic, and behavioural factors have been proposed as possible explanations. However, these hypotheses have not been formally studied in existing work. Investigators from Queen Mary, in collaboration with the Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit at the University of Southampton, used the comprehensive and unique UK Biobank cohort of over half a million people to investigate the role of a range of socioeconomic, biological, and behavioural factors in determining the ethnicity pattern of severe COVID-19. The dataset included 4,510 UK Biobank participants who were tested for COVID-19 in a hospital setting, of whom 1,326 had a positive test result. The results demonstrate that BAME ethnicity, male sex, higher body mass index, greater material deprivation, and household overcrowding are independent risk factors for COVID-19. The higher rates of severe COVID-19 in BAME populations was not adequately explained by variations in cardiovascular disease risk, vitamin D levels, socio-economic, or behavioural factors, suggesting that other factors not included in the analysis might underlie these differences. Dr Zahra Raisi-Estabragh, BHF Clinical Research Training Fellow at Queen Mary University of London, led the analysis. She said: "There is increasing concern over the higher rate of poor COVID-19 outcomes in BAME populations. Understanding potential drivers of this relationship is urgently needed to inform public health and research efforts. This work goes some way in addressing some of these pertinent questions". Steffen Petersen, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Queen Mary University of London, who supervised the work added: "The results of this analysis suggest that factors which underlie ethnic differences in COVID-19 may not be easily captured. In addition to assessment of the role of biological considerations such as genetics, approaches which more comprehensively assess the complex economic and sociobehavioural differences should now be a priority." Nicholas Harvey, Professor of Rheumatology and Clinical Epidemiology at the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, was a key collaborator in the work. He comments: "The detailed participant characterisation in the UK Biobank and the rapid linkage of this data with COVID-19 test results from Public Health England permitted consideration of potential importance of a wide range of exposures". The work was also supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) through the Barts Biomedical Research Centre, NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre. ### For more information, please contact: Press Office Queen Mary University of London press@qmul.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) 20 7882 3004 Notes to the editor Research paper Research paper: 'Greater risk of severe COVID-19 in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic populations is not explained by cardiometabolic, socioeconomic or behavioural factors, or by 25(OH)-vitamin D status: study of 1326 cases from the UK Biobank'. Zahra Raisi-Estabragh, Celeste McCracken, Mae S. Bethell, Jackie Cooper, Cyrus Cooper, Mark J. Caulfield, Patricia B. Munroe, Nicholas C. Harvey, and Steffen E. Petersen. Journal of Public Health. doi 10.1093/pubmed/fdaa095 About Queen Mary University of London At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable. In 1785, Sir William Blizard established England's first medical school, The London Hospital Medical College, to improve the health of east London's inhabitants. Together with St Bartholomew's Medical College, founded by John Abernethy in 1843 to help those living in the City of London, these two historic institutions are the bedrock of Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. Today, Barts and The London continues to uphold this commitment to pioneering medical education and research. Being firmly embedded within our east London community, and with an approach that is driven by the specific health needs of our diverse population, is what makes Barts and The London truly distinctive. Our local community offer to us a window to the world, ensuring that our ground-breaking research in cancer, cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, and population health not only dramatically improves the outcomes for patients in London, but also has a far-reaching global impact. This is just one of the many ways in which Queen Mary is continuing to push the boundaries of teaching, research and clinical practice, and helping us to achieve the previously unthinkable. Lucknow: There is a slight improvement in the condition of Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon but he is still on the ventilator, hospital officials said on Friday. "There has been a very minor improvement in the condition of the Madhya Pradesh governor but he is still on the ventilator. His condition continues to be serious but under control," Medanta Hospital Director, Rakesh Kapoor told PTI. A team of specialist doctors is continuously keeping a watch on him, Kapoor said. The director of Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) R K Dhiman, specialist doctors of the King George's Medical University are being consulted for the treatment of Tandon, Kapoor said. Tandon (85), was admitted to the Medanta Hospital here on June 11 with breathing problems, difficulty in urination and fever. Ankara says strikes in northern Iraq targeted the PKK in response to increase in rebel attacks on Turkish army bases. Turkish air strikes in northern Iraq have killed a Kurdish shepherd, the first known civilian victim of Ankaras air and ground assault on the region targeting Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) fighters. Ihsan Chalabi, an official from Iraqs autonomous Kurdish region, told AFP news agency on Friday that the shepherd was killed on Thursday morning when Turkish air strikes hit the Bradost district. On Wednesday, Turkey launched a cross-border operation into the mountainous terrain of northern Iraq where the PKK has bases. Ankara considers the PKK a terrorist organisation because of its decades-long uprising against the Turkish state. The Turkish government maintains that Turkish warplanes and raids targeted the PKK, which Ankara says has been in response to an increase in rebel attacks on Turkish army bases. Its defence ministry said on Thursday that Turkish forces hit more than 500 PKK targets in northern Iraq in 36 hours. Turkey has sporadically bombed PKK hideouts in northern Iraq but its new operation, dubbed Claw-Tiger, is a dramatic escalation and has prompted scores of families in the area to flee, according to local activists. Iraqs foreign ministry has summoned Turkish ambassador Fatih Yildiz twice this week, demanding Ankara withdraw its special forces and halt the bombing campaign. But Yildiz has been defiant, telling Iraqi authorities that if Baghdad did not take action against the rebels, Ankara would continue to fight the PKK wherever it is. Iraq even summoned Irans envoy in response to cross-border shelling of Kurdish areas of northern Iraq. Iran, which has its own Kurdish minority, has also been fighting Kurdish rebels who use Iraq as a base. There has been no direct comment from Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, who is himself a Kurd and is close to top officials in the autonomous Kurdish region, where Claw-Tiger is taking place. The regional government considers the PKK a rival group but have been unable to uproot it from its mountain hideouts. Authorities in Florida arrested a man in connection with a shooting Friday that injured eight people at a San Antonio bar. Jenelius Crew, 37, was taken into custody at a Miami hotel on Thursday, police said. On Friday, a man who was denied entry to REBAR because he was intoxicated shot eight people in the pubs parking lot. The bar is located in the 8000 block of Broadway on the North Side. READ MORE: 'I hope its not true': Dana White addresses San Antonio shooter's claim to be UFC fighter San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said five females and three males, from ages 23 to 41, were injured. All eight individuals were expected to survive. Police said Thursday that homicide detectives began collecting evidence and developed information on a suspect. On Wednesday, the unit obtained eight aggravated assault with a deadly weapon arrest warrants for Crew. The U.S. Marshals received information Thursday morning that Crew was staying at a hotel in Miami. While conducting surveillance, they saw him exit the hotel room. The Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force and Broward County Sheriffs Office took him into custody without incident. "Its apparent that criminals dont pay much attention to city limits, county and state lines or even the borders of the United States," said U.S. Marshal Susan Pamerleau. "Its the collaborative efforts and partnerships with state and local agencies that enable us to reduce violent crime across this nation." Crew was booked into the Miami-Dade County Jail. People living in a Laois parish could have to book to go to Mass due to restricted numbers at churches for Covid-19 social distancing measures which may also limit mass going to once a month for parishioners. Plans for the reopening of churches in the Rathdowny Errill parish near the Tipperary and Kilkenny borders reveal the challenges facing priests and parish councils all over Ireland as some restrictions ease but others remain. The Parish Pastoral Council has informed parishioners that planing is underway in Rathdowney and Errill to re-open churches for the public celebration of Mass. Preparations started after the Irish Bishops published a Framework Document to guide this process but each parish has to submit a detailed plan to bishops outlining how churches can re-open safely for the public celebration of Mass and other Sacraments. The pastoral council outlined what will be involved. "The First thing we had to determine was how many people can be accommodated while observing the two metre social distance. This means that Rathdowney church would only be able to have a maximum of 75 people attend at Mass and in Errill it would be about 30-35. "How do we determine who comes to mass? Given that our regular mass attendance pre-Covid was 550 approx this would mean that for the foreseeable future our regular attendees would only be able to come to mass every month or five weeks. "The parish Council has agreed that anyone wishing to come to mass will have to indicate in advance their intention to do so. We will have a group of ushers at each mass who will greet people at the door and bring them to a designated seat in the church. "The Parish Council also agreed that we will only be opening Rathdowney church initially and Errill will open at a later date. This will give us a chance to see how the new system is working and adjust as necessary. Having both masses in Rathdowney for the immediate future means that those who cannot attend physically will have access to both masses on the webcam. "This is going to be a very big challenge and we hope that our parishioners will be patient and understanding as we try welcome back congregations to weekend mass in a safe way," said the note issued on Facebook. The council said the plan would be updated as it is finalised over the next few weeks. If the plan is approved by the Bishop of Ossory, the parish intends to celebrate the first weekday mass on Tuesday 30th June and the first weekend masses on Saturday 4th July/Sunday 5th July. Fr Martin Delaney, Parish Priest, invited parishioners to contact him or any member of the Parish Pastoral Council for clarification. He said all helpful suggestions will be very welcome. No system for booking masses has been set up yet but will be in place when the plan is finalised. hapabapa/iStockBy MORGAN WINSOR, ABC News (NEW YORK) -- The Air Force inspector general is investigating the use of military aircraft to monitor protests across the United States this month in the wake of George Floyd's death. "Following discussions with the secretary of defense about shared concerns, the secretary of the Air Force is conducting an investigation into the use of Air National Guard RC-26 aircraft to support civil authorities during recent protest activity in U.S. cities," Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the chief Air Force spokesman, told ABC News in a statement. "The investigation is being led by the Air Force inspector general. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time due to the ongoing nature of the investigation." The New York Times first reported the news of the probe. The move comes just days after Joseph Kernan, the under secretary of defense for intelligence, confirmed to Congress that no military intelligence agencies had spied on Americans during the wave of nationwide protests, nor were they asked to do so by the Trump administration. In a letter to House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who had inquired about the use of military intelligence, Kernan said that "a recent effort" by the Defense Intelligence Agency "to establish an internal coordination group focused on potential foreign interference associated with the protests was mischaracterized" in media reports as being "potentially focused on domestic political activities of U.S. persons." Earlier this month, more than 5,000 National Guard members from dozens of states were deployed to the nation's capital while thousands more were sent to cities across the country to help local law enforcement quell the civil unrest. The wave of demonstrations, some of which ended in violence, were prompted by the May 25 killing of Floyd, a 46-year-old unarmed black man who died in Minneapolis shortly after a white police officer was filmed kneeling on his neck as three other officers stood by. On June 4, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., took to Twitter to demand answers after an Air National Guard reconnaissance aircraft was tracked circling over the protests in Washington, D.C. Air National Guard spokesperson Lt. Col. Devin Robinson subsequently told Air Force Magazine that the aircraft belonged to the West Virginia Air National Guard and was "responding to a District of Columbia National Guard request to provide airborne situational awareness of key lines of communication and critical infrastructure within the District." Last week, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper ordered a review of the National Guard's controversial response to the demonstrations. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Guide To Becoming A Music Manager If you want to be in the music business but performing isnt really your bag, a music manager can make for an exciting and full career in the industry. Here, we explore how to get started. Guest post by Randi Zimmerman of the Symphonic Blog Aside from creating the actual music, a music manager handles almost everything else in an artists career. They negotiate deals, manage performances, and handle all the business affairs artists dont have the time to deal with. If these tasks are right up your alley, becoming a music manager could be the perfect gig for you! Not sure how to get started? Heres how How to Become a Music Manager Like many jobs in the industry, the work of a music manager can be extremely competitive and exceptionally stressful. Great managers do everything they can to secure the best opportunities for their artists, and sometimes this requires playing many different roles. A manager needs to: Be a liaison between the artist and the rest of the team Develop itineraries and manage calendars Give advice, whether its personal and professional Understand artist rights and how royalties work Negotiate contracts and fees Guide artists through the ins and outs of the industry Analyze data, set goals, and track and measure results Its your job to guide the artist(s) you work with throughout their career and create as many opportunities for them as you can. To do this, you need to be able to multitask. Youll be tasked with handling all the things they arent the best at, so the skills you bring to the table need to be top-notch. That being said, how do you get started? There are 2 main ways to get into music management: Consider working for existing industry professionals. This route is more of a long game. It means finding a position as an apprentice to an established manager or getting a job on the ground floor of a bigger management company and working your way up. With this option, you can learn a lot and gain professional experience from those who have already found success doing the same. Find a great unestablished band and offer yourself up as their manager. If you decide to find a new artist at the beginning of their career, you have the opportunity to grow along with them before the majors swoop them up. This means youll be working harder for probably less money, but it also forces you to be as passionate and motivated about the artists success as they are. Because until theyre successful and making money, neither are you. Learn more Most Effective Leadership Styles for Artist Managers Every Artist Manager Should Master These Skills 7 Ways Label Managers Can Get Ahead During Quarantine How Do Music Managers Make Money? Most music managers work on commission, which means they receive a percentage of their clients revenue. Before you start working with someone, you should have a management contract that specifies the percentage of their earnings that go to you. Typically, the average fixed commission rate is 15 to 20 percent. Realistically, music managers and management companies rarely commission on the entirety of a clients gross revenue. This is because the artist needs to reinvest a chunk of that revenue into things like tour transportation, service fees to get songs on streaming platforms, publicist fees, and even commission paid to other professionals like lawyers and agents. Educate Yourself. Because music managers are responsible for all the legal and business aspects of an artists career, they typically need to have completed a bachelors degree in the music business or business in general. The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) accredits over 600 post-secondary music programs and consults with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business on relevant business degree programs. The NASM requires music business degree programs to contain some work experience in the form of guest lecturers, workshops or internships (nasm.arts-accredit.org). Many institutions even include an industry internship as part of the curriculum, which can provide some entry-level experience and help you build the critical business connections required to become a manager. Youve got many other options available to you, too. There are tons of schools out there that offer music management or business degrees. To help narrow it down, here are a couple of the best schools for music management: Being a music manager is hard work. Theres always the chance of your client blowing up out of nowhere and seeing major success, bringing you along for the ride. But theres a much higher chance that getting to that level will take some time and a lot of hard work. The biggest skill youll need to master is gaining the trust of your clients. As an artist manager, youll need to make major financial decisions and give advice on very sensitive topics. Whoever you end up working with needs to trust what you have to say. The only way to successfully navigate these tasks is with the utmost honesty and respect for your client and their career. With the right mindset and preparation, youll be ready to start managing artists in no time. You got this! Share on: Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 20:06:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NICOSIA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Crossing points along the buffer zone keeping apart Greek and Turkish Cypriots will reopen as of Sunday, Cypriot government said on Friday. Deputy government spokesman Panayiotis Sentonas said that those coming from the part of Cyprus controlled by Turkish troops must have a negative coronavirus test certificate, and Cypriot authorities will make random testing of people moving through the crossing points. He also said that a checkpoint in the heart of the capital Nicosia, used only by pedestrians, will presently remain closed, but all other eight crossings are available to both motorists and pedestrians. Sentonas said the Turkish Cypriot side was informed about the decision. Turkish Cypriot authorities have allowed some Turkish Cypriots working in the government jurisdiction areas of Cyprus to cross over the buffer zone but are not allowing them back until the end of the month. The Cypriot Health Ministry said no new coronavirus cases were reported in the country in the past three days. Enditem New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who turned 50 on Friday (June 19), sharpened attack on the Narendra Modi-led central government over the recent violent face-off at Gulwan Valley in eastern Ladakh in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. The former Congress president took to Twitter and claimed that the Chinese attack in Galwan Valley was pre-planned and accused the government in Centre of fast-asleep and that the price was paid by jawans at the border. He also attached a report with his tweet in which Union Minister Shripad Naik said that the June 15 attack was pre-planned by China. "Its now crystal clear that: 1. The Chinese attack in Galwan was pre-planned; 2. GOI was fast asleep and denied the problem; 3. The price was paid by our martyred Jawans," the Congress leader tweeted today. Rahul had on Thursday too had questioned the government over the martyrdom of Indian soldiers and has demanded answers from the Prime Minister. "China has committed a big crime by killing unarmed Indian soldiers. I want to ask who sent these bravehearts towards danger without arms and why. Who is responsible for this," Gandhi asked in a video message. "How dare China kill our UNARMED soldiers? Why were our soldiers sent UNARMED to martyrdom," he said. Twenty Indian Army personnel including a Colonel were killed in the fierce clash between the two armies in Galwan Valley on Monday evening. China has not yet released any casualty figures. The Chinese soldiers used stones, nail-studded sticks, iron rods and clubs in carrying out brutal attacks on Indian soldiers after they protested the erection of a surveillance post by China on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control in the Galwan Valley. Jaishankar's response came hours after Gandhi questioned why Indian soldiers were sent "unarmed to martyrdom" in Ladakh and who was responsible for sending them towards danger. He also asked "how dare" China kill the Indian soldiers. The clash in Galwan Valley was the biggest confrontation along the Line of Actual Control between the two forces after their clashes in Nathu La in 1967 when India lost around 80 soldiers while the death toll on the Chinese side was over 300. The two armies were engaged in a standoff in Galwan and several other areas of eastern Ladakh since May 5 when the two sides clashed on the bank of the Pangong Tso. After the standoff began, the Indian military leadership decided that Indian troops will adopt a firm approach in dealing with the aggressive posturing by the Chinese troops in all disputed areas of Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie. 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. The situation in the area deteriorated after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on May 5 and 6. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on May 9. Visual artist, Leanne Mullen who was one of the Louth artists awarded a 3,000 grant to make a new and original work during the COVID-19 crisis The Arts Council has sent its congratulations to the Louth artists who have each been awarded a 3,000 grant to help them make new and original work during the COVID-19 crisis. The government agency for funding and developing the arts said applications from County Louth artists had scored very highly. Visual Artists Leanne Mullen, Sean McGuill and Declan Kelly, and musicians David Lennon aka Jinx, Stephen McArdle and Tadhg McDonald Leahy, as well as Martin Maguire, who is involved in film, were successful. The Arts Council said that across the whole of the country it was encouraged by both the quality of the applications, and the fact that almost two thirds of the successful artists had never before been funded by the Arts Council. With all now notified of their award, artists will begin to create work across the full range of art forms, genres and areas of arts practice. In time, the public can expect to experience traditional arts, literature, dance, theatre, music, visual art, circus, film, opera and architecture, as well as work in specific areas of arts practice, such as for children and young people, and arts participation. Despite the exceptional nature and fast turnaround time of the scheme -- called the Arts Council Covid-19 Crisis Response Award -- demand from artists was very high, with almost 1,000 applicants, the agency said. Minister Josepha Madigan commented, 'I especially welcome the many new artists who were successful under this round. I realise that now is a particularly challenging time for artists to make work. I look forward to the imminent report from the Arts Council's Expert Advisory Group on further proposals to sustain this vital sector.' The 1 million scheme is one of a suite of measures being introduced by the Arts Council to help support artists and arts organisations through the Covid-19 crisis. Other initiatives include honouring all existing funding commitments, and allowing grantees to draw down 90 percent of their funding to allow them fulfil in turn their own business commitments, especially to artists; the prioritisation and redirection of budgets and funding streams; a range of business guidance and assistance; and continued work with the Department of Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht and other government departments to ensure that artists and arts organisations benefit from the full range of government supports. 'We are very encouraged by the response to this award,' said Arts Council Director Maureen Kennelly. 'The applications were of a very high standard and showed the depth and breadth of the arts in Ireland - with greater resources we could have awarded twice as many -- and it is particularly heartening to see so many successful applications from artists not previously funded through the Arts Council. Of course, this also points to artists' particular and urgent needs at this time of crisis.' The Government has announced today announced the membership of a new independent anti-racism committee, which is being tasked with the drawing up of a new action plan against racism for Ireland. The committee will be Chaired by Caroline Fennell, Professor of Law at University College Cork. Ms Fennell was a founding member and co-Director of the Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights, and was appointed a Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission by President Higgins in May 2018. The new Committee will consult broadly in the development of new ideas for fighting racism in Ireland. In one year's time, the committee will recommend an action plan to Government, which will form the basis for a government Action Plan Against Racism. The Committee membership comprises people from diverse backgrounds, including those with lived experience of racism. Members come from the business, education, academic, advocacy, and local government sectors. The Committee will review the current evidence on racial discrimination in Ireland and examine best international practice on steps that can be taken to combat racism. The group held their inaugural meeting, via Zoom, yesterday, and Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, and Minister of State with responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton, both addressed the Committee. The committee held its first meeting yesterday. Minister Flanagan welcomed the first meeting of the committee, saying, I wish the Committee every success in this critically important work. "We need to acknowledge that racism does occur in Ireland; to understand better how prevalent it is and what its impacts are; and to generate effective strategies for tackling it. The committee also hopes to hold several stakeholder dialogues, in order to gain information from the views of civil society, ordinary members of the public, Oireachtas members, the business sector, the media, and other relevant parties. At the end of one year, the Committee has been asked to provide a draft anti-racism strategy, containing a clear action plan and recommendations for the Government to consider. I very much look forward to working with my fellow Committee members on this important task," Professor Fennell said. "There is a broad and deep range of knowledge and expertise on the Committee, including lived experience of racism in Ireland, which will be so very important to our work, she added. I was called for an audition at Casting Bay. I went well-prepared and did two scenes. Although I got it in the first two takes, the casting team pushed me to include nuances, which I loved. In about two weeks I got the call. Weve all faced it (discrimination) or have been affected by such things directly or indirectly. I studied the various aspects of the characters background and explored them - his religion, adab (culture), ethnicity, policing, education, aspirations to be an IPS officer etc. It took me to places, where interacted with people from the police force. It made me read books. All of that stayed with me when I went to the set. Jaideep is a great guy, a wonderful team player. He would be on the sets and even assist in lighting it up at times. Hed give great inputs as to how we could shoot a scene. It was a democratic set where intelligent ideas and solutions were welcomed. Ive been an admirer of Gangs Of Wasseypur and loved his part in it. Wed often talk about that, his days at the FTII, about theatre, about plays. It feels amazing. I am grateful for all the love that people are giving the show and all of us. An actor needs to be told you did a good job. People give me such detailed accounts of what theyve liked about my performance that its overwhelming. Its like they could read my mind and knew exactly what I was thinking. I want to be a part of good stories, a Paatal Lok happens probably once in five years or in a decade. Its the kind of storytelling that you wouldve seen in Ardh Satya, Bandit Queen, Satya, Black Friday, Gangs Of Wasseypur... While I have an appetite for such films, there are so many other stories also being told. Content is truly at the centre these days. Paatal Lok has opened new doors. Im hungry for characters that are both - complex and fun to play. I want to thank everyone, who liked the performance and the show. Every message is like an achievement. I feel so grateful for the love. Also, Id urge everyone to stay safe and try to fight the current crisis in whatever capacity they can. An architect by profession, Ishwak Singh responded to his inner calling, when he joined a theatre group in Delhi. Ishwak entered mainstream cinema with a cameo in Raanjhanaa in 2003. He was next seen in Aligarh, Tamasha and Veere Di Wedding. Little did he know that the OTT platform would make him a household name. As the grounded Iman Ansari, he plays the complete foil to Jaideep Ahlawats volatile Hathi Ram Chaudhary in the crime drama Paatal Lok. As a metaphor of the marginalised, victimised and dehumanised, his act of a Kashmiri Muslim cop speaks of hope and dignity in a rotten system. Anushka Sharmas production, directed by Avinash Arun and Prosit Roy, spotlights the unhealthy nexus between the lawmakers and law-keepers. It will remain a milestone in Ishwak Singhs careerIt feels amazing. One thing an actor needs is for people to know what hes all about, what his skills are and whats unique about him. Every actor has something special. When people notice that its a great feeling.Its real. Its one of the best scripts Ive read. Because I read a lot of plays and scripts, Ive a sense of what an extraordinary script is. The day I read it I knew it was special. He suggested the clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan valley in Ladakh on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, 76 injured and 10 were taken captive (who were later released) were because his government had invested in improving border infrastructure that helped increase patrolling by the Indian side. The PM said that we are better informed about the developments at LAC (Line ... 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 Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) holds its 2020 undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 31. Top Hong Kong universities are launching new scholarships to attract high-caliber doctoral candidates whose plans to study overseas have been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announced Wednesday the establishment of a new Vice-Chancellors PhD Scholarship Scheme, which offers HK$216,300 ($27,900) a year and an award of HK$80,000 to candidates with outstanding academic performance. Eligible applicants must have been offered a full-time Ph.D. place in a top overseas university for the academic year 2020-2021, but changed their plans due to the pandemic and travel restrictions, CUHKs website said. City University of Hong Kong also released its Presidential PhD Scholarship scheme on Tuesday, offering up to HK$1.56 million for a four-year doctoral program in fields related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Candidates for the awards include those who have received admission offers to study STEM subjects by top global universities, but have either not accepted or have declined the offers, the colleges website said. The University of Hong Kong also encouraged doctoral students affected by Covid-19 to apply for its Presidential Scholarship. Students are required to submit admission offers from another top universities, if any, when applying. Moreover, several of the regions universities have pushed back the deadline for doctoral scholarship applications, with the deadline for the 2020 to 2021 academic year, with most now set at late June or early July. Candidates were typically required to submit their applications by the end of the previous year. Since the pandemic began to sweep the world, several countries popular with international students such as the U.S., U.K. and Australia have shut down university campuses, sent their students home and moved classes online. Also, several countries have restricted who can enter from overseas as a precaution against cases being imported from overseas. Australia will likely keep its border closed to travelers until next year, Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said recently, but will relax this restriction for students or other long-term visitors. The U.S. Department of State suspended routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates on March 20. In the wake of these measures, 57% of global applicants surveyed said they had changed their plans for studying overseas due to the pandemic as of March 26, according to a report published by QS World University Ranking. Contact editor Joshua Dummer (joshuadummer@caixin.com) Jeffrey Bryan, a professor of oncology at the MU College of Veterinary Medicine, with one of the many dogs his team has treated. Credit: University of Missouri Ruby had always been an active dog. So when Kristen Constable and her family returned home from vacation and discovered their beloved greyhound limping, they assumed Ruby had simply injured herself while playing. Nothing too serious. But a trip to the family veterinarian led to a referral to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, which resulted in a devastating diagnosisRuby had osteosarcoma, a common type of bone cancer in dogs. The prognosis was grim, probably less than a year to live after amputation of the cancerous limb and several rounds of chemotherapy, not to mention all the side effects that go with it. The Constables were crestfallen. But Brian Flesner, an assistant professor of oncology, and Jeffrey Bryan, a professor of oncology, at the MU College of Veterinary Medicine and their team offered the family an alternative. Ruby could enroll in a first-of-its-kind study to help advance a patient-specific, precision medicine treatment for bone cancer in dogs. That was more than three years ago. Today, 12-year-old Ruby is living proof that Bryan and his research team have advanced an exciting new method for treating osteosarcoma in dogs that can significantly prolong the life of some patients without the use of chemotherapy. By creating a vaccine from a dog's own tumor, MU scientists worked with ELIAS Animal Health, the developers, to target specific cancer cells and avoid the toxic side effects of chemotherapy, while also opening the door to future human clinical trials. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently placed the process on the fast track for treatment of a form of cancer in humans called glioblastoma multiforme or GBM. "What we learned in this dog studythe successes and failuresis already informing what is being done in human studies," Bryan said. "We hope to expand the types of cancer that we treat using this method." Credit: University of Missouri Precision medicineor treatments tailored to the patient like the vaccine and cell treatment Ruby receivedwill be a key component of the NextGen Precision Health Initiative by helping accelerate medical breakthroughs for both patients in Missouri and beyond. Precision medicine can be based on someone's own DNA orin Ruby's casebased on specific tumors growing in one's body. Bryan will serve as the Cancer Faculty Research Lead at the NextGen Precision Health Institute slated to open in Fall 2021. Today marked a topping-off ceremony for the facility. Osteosarcoma is not common in humans, representing only about 800-900 new cases a year in the U.S. About half of those cases are reported in children and teens. The disease is much more common in dogsespecially big dogswith more than 10,000 cases a year in the U.S. In Bryan's study, researchers used the dog's own tumor to create a vaccine that was then injected into the patient to stimulate anti-tumor lymphocytes. The lymphocytes were then collected and expanded outside the body by ELIAS to create a transfusion of the patient's immune cells. "Essentially, the lymphocytes are exposed to chemicals that make them very angry and ready to attack the targeted cells," Bryan said. "Then, we transfuse them back into the patient's blood like we would a blood transfusion." The result: angry lymphocytes hunt down the cancer cells and kill them. The whole process is over in about seven to eight weeks. Overall, the dogs like Ruby who received the vaccine had more than 400 days of remission compared to about 270 days for dogs receiving chemotherapy in a separate study by the National Cancer Institute.In the near future, Bryan said researchers plan to launch a similar patient-specific, precision medicine study aimed at treating melanoma in dogs. For Constable, the gratitude of still having Ruby is eclipsed only by the joy of watching her race across the yard and leap into the air for a toy. "Honestly," she said, "you couldn't ask for a better dog than Ruby." Explore further New precision medicine procedure fights cancer, advances treatment for pets and humans By Ayya Lmahamad Azerbaijan has extended until August 1 the special quarantine regime in the country, the coronavirus task force under the Cabinet of Ministers said in a briefing on June 18. The task force also announced the decision to impose a strict quarantine regime from 00:00 on June 21 to 06:00 on July 5 in the territories of Baku, Ganja, Sumgayit, Lankaran, Yevlakh, Masalli, Jalilabad and Absheron region. Under the new lockdown rule, system of obtaining SMS-permissions for leaving the place of residence will be re-activated. Operation of shopping centers, catering facilities, beauty salons, as well as museums, exhibition halls, sport and beaches was also suspended until July 5. Thus, restaurants and cafes will be closed during the period of strict quarantine regime and will only work in the delivery mode. Unlike the previous quarantine regime, this time persons over 65 years are not prohibited from leaving the place of residence, although they are strongly advised not to leave home without need. The work of public transport will not be restricted; parks, boulevards and recreation centers will remain open. Furthermore it was stated it was stated during the briefing that state borders will remain closed until August 1, although measures on the repatriate Azerbaijani citizens to the country will continue. In the meantime, chairman of the Association for Management of Medical Territorial Subdivisions (TABIB) Ramin Bayramli stated that preparations for treatment of coronavirus infected people at home are currently underway. For this purpose mobile surveillance methods will be introduced to E-tabib, which will monitor the conditions of patients. "Patients will be instructed not to leave home until they are cured. Questions will be sent to the district doctor every 12 hours by mobile phone. On this basis, decisions will be made whether to continue treatment at home or to hospitalize the patient. For now, patients continue to be hospitalised," Ramin Bayramli said. It should be noted that currently about 25 laboratories are doing coronavirus tests, and the cost of the test is about AZN 40. Azerbaijan registered its first coronavirus case in February and imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 24. The fourth stage of quarantine regime easing came into force on May 31. The country imposed two-day special quarantine regimes on June 6-7 and June 14-16 to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Azerbaijani Management Union of Medical Territorial Units (TABIB) warned on June 12 that the country may transition from weekend lockdowns to long- term tightened quarantine regime if there is further surge in infection cases. As of June 19, the country has registered 11,329 COVID-19 cases and 139 coronavirus-related cases. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz TN: Rs 34 lakh in cash and nine luxury cars seized from premises linked to ex-AIADMK minister KC Veeramani AIADMK, DMK on same page; support PM Modi over face-off with China India pti-PTI Chennai, June 19: In a rarity, the ruling AIADMK and main opposition DMK on Friday extended their firm support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to defend the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the wake of face-off with China in Ladakh. Taking part in a virtual all party conference convened by Modi, AIADMK coordinator and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam said the Prime Minister displayed "great sagacity and firmness" in dealing with the situation. "We fully support the measures proposed to be taken by the Prime Minister, the government of India and our armed forces," he said. Sonu Nigam calls out mafias in the music industry after Sushant Singh's demise| Oneindia News He recalled AIADMK late supremo J Jayalalithaa's donation of her jewellery to then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri for the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war fund and her stand that there can be no compromise on defending the nation's territorial integrity. "I am sure, our nation under the wise and inspirational leadership of the Prime Minister, will definitely overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic and by the adventurism of any of our adversaries," he said. The people of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK firmly stood behind the Prime Minister, the Centre and armed forces vis-a- vis defence of the country's borders, he said. Explained: Number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra declines as it increases in Tamil Nadu, Delhi "This is an opportunity for all of us, to demonstrate that we stand united, as a country, behind the Government of India, to protect our frontiers and our nation," Panneerselvam said. DMK president M K Stalin said his party stood firmly, "with the Prime Minister, at this moment, in regard to any steps he must take to protect the integrity, and sovereignty of India. We will not retreat, when the battle cry is sounded. Let us go forth, as a country together, and restore, the pride of India." He welcomed the statement of the Prime Minister, that India will protect her self-respect, and every single inch of its territory, from any external aggression. "The DMK, and the people of Tamil Nadu, are always at the forefront, when it comes to defending our country," he said and added that during the 1962 Indo-China war, the DMK was "the first political party" to condemn China. "We collected money, and donated it for the Indias Defence Fund," Stalin recalled. Right from the 1962 Indo-China war to the 1999 Kargil battle, the DMK had stood behind the Prime Ministers of the time, he said. "Today, we have no hesitation in supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi." Though different parties had diverse ideologies, when it came to defending the country, the parties are united so that people can have a better future, he said. Both the AIADMK and DMK top leaders recalled the supreme sacrifice of Havildar K Palani from Tamil Nadu besides that of 19 other soldiers who were killed on Monday in the face-off with Chinese troops in Ladakh. Also, they said the country was facing difficult times since India had to handle the coronavirus pandemic in addition to the Chinese aggression. Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened an all party meeting over the face-off with Chinese troops in Ladakh days ago. In his closing remarks at the virtual meeting, Modi said the whole country is hurt and angry at what the Chinese have done. She welcomed her daughter to the world last month. And Millie Mackintosh appeared to be taking to life as a new mum swimmingly as she posed for a stunning snap while taking baby Sienna for a walk on Thursday. The former Made In Chelsea star, 30, who shares her daughter with husband Hugo Taylor, was radiant in a pretty blue dress paired with comfy trainers. Stunner: Millie Mackintosh appeared to be taking to life as a new mum swimmingly as she posed for a stunning snap while taking baby Sienna for a walk on Thursday Millie looked sensational as she posed in the street while pushing SIenna's pram and sporting the stunning boho-inspired dress. She added a celebrity touch with oversized sunglasses and wore her hair in perfectly coiffed waves to add to the chic style. Millie added a caption reading: 'After the rain comes a rainbow'. Last week, Millie finally unveiled the name of her baby daughter, five weeks after welcoming her first child with her husband in Hello! magazine. Love! She welcomed her daughter to the world last month with husband Hugo Taylor She introduced little Sienna Grace to the world as she cradled her adorable girl in a stunning cover shoot. The blogger gushed she's 'on cloud nine' and praised sunglasses entrepreneur Hugo, 34, for being present during labour amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused most hospitals in the UK to allow only one birthing partner. Revealing they settled on Sienna Grace's name 'months' before the birth, Millie added of their first weeks of parenthood: 'We're on cloud nine; it's gone so quickly. Wow! On Monday, Millie switched her casual look for a pretty chic white dress as she showcased her collection with MILLIE X PITUSA 'We've been in our little love bubble at home, cherishing those newborn moments, whether that's her sleeping on me or just lapping up all the cuteness. Time has gone so quickly. She is so adorable, even down to the little noises she makes.' Hugo added: 'Sienna has turned our world upside down. It's like first love all over again that wondrous feeling of excitement, joy and endless possibility for the future. I can't wait to watch her grow.' It's unclear whether Millie named her daughter after actress Sienna Miller, but she has made no secret of being a supporter of the thespian - having taken inspiration from her cropped haircut in 2013, getting the same star tattoo as her and fangirled over her wearing her Nouveau Lashes to the 2015 Golden Globes ceremony. James Doyle riding Pinatubo to victory in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot last year. He will look for another win in the Group One St James's Palace Stakes. Charlie Appleby could be afforded a sleepless night as his prized asset bids to put some sparkle back on their resume at Royal Ascot, writes James Toney Last season PINATUBO carried all before him as he was crowned champion juvenile with four stunning victories, including a searing win in the Chesham Stakes at the royal meeting. However, a disappointing third on his Classic bid at the Qipco 2000 Guineas means reputations must be redeemed in a fascinating St James's Palace Stakes (3.00pm). Aidan O'Brien's Wichita, who finished a career best second in that race, is a big threat and John Gosden's unbeaten Palace Pier another danger in a red-hot renewal over one mile. But Appleby is confident his charge will improve on their seasonal debut and show the type of form that had fans ticking off the days this winter to see him back on the track. The booking of Frankie Dettori makes SCEPTICAL even more appealing as Ireland's top sprinter looks set to cement his status in a wide-open Diamond Jubilee Stakes (3.35pm), though One Master will be a big danger if the ground remains soft. And in the first of three high-quality Group Ones, Jessica Harrington's ALPINE STAR - a half-sister to former winner Alpha Centauri - could trigger a memorable day for the popular Italian jockey. Roger Charlton's Quadrilateral, who ran third when well-supported in the 1000 Guineas, was the star two-year old filly last season. But Alpine Star has already claimed the scalp of Santiago, a horse now being talked up for the Derby following his win in Friday's Queen's Vase. Admiral Nelson looks a proper speed machine for O'Brien, who has picked up one winner each day of the meeting with almost relentless efficiency. A confident winner of their first race at the Curragh last week, the Ballydoyle handler immediately targeted this, which he has won nine times in his career. However, Mark Johnston's QAADER - with red-hot jockey Jim Crowley as pilot - looks the pick in the Coventry Stakes (1.50pm) after searing to victory on their debut at Newbury. Story continues The SWINDLER appeared promising last season and was twice a winner at Ascot, which makes him the marginal choice in a tough to call Silver Wokingham Handicap (12.40pm). Harrington's record with two-year old fillies looks set to be further franked by DICKIEDOODA in the Queen Mary Stakes (1.15pm). She was electric on debut last week and could give rising star jockey Tom Marquand his first Royal Ascot winner, 24 hours after girlfriend Hollie Doyle banked hers. Clive Cox's talent with sprinters was underlined with a Commonwealth Cup victory for Golden Horde on Friday and another speedster could have slipped under the radar in the Wokingham Stakes (4.10pm). And all the trends seem to point to his charge LETHAL LUNCH, who looks a big price for a race known to throw up a shock. And finally THE GRAND VISIR, a winner off top weight of the Ascot Stakes at this meeting 12 months ago, could oblige again in the Queen Alexandra Stakes (4.40pm), the 36th and final race of the meeting. Todays Royal Ascot selections: 12.40 Swinder, 1.15 Dickiedooda, 1.50 Qaader, 2.25 Alpine Star, 3.00 Pinatubo, 3.35 Sceptical, 4.10 Lethal Lunch, 4.40 The Grand Visir A combination of enhanced social protection investment, government guarantees to catalyse liquidity support for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and the establishment of a shelter for victims of gender based violence will be key to helping to ensure that Anguilla can weather the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions are among the several recommendations contained in a new UN report on the Human and Economic Impact (HEAT) of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new report models a series of possible impacts on economic growth, poverty and government finances and identifies and examines a range of relevant interventions that could help mitigate these effects. The HEAT assessment report is the first in a series of publications from the United Nations Sub-Regional Team in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean which form part of the combined offer from the UN system to support counties in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Coordinated by the United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF and UN Women, the new HEAT report series will cover 8 Eastern Caribbean islands, providing deep insights, strategic recommendations and a framework to promote relief and resilience. The report for Anguilla concludes that while Governments swift response has limited the domestic spread of the virus, projected declines in economic growth and increases in unemployment will contribute to decreases of as much as EC$66 million in public revenue as well as a projected increase in poverty of 5%. The report contains a range of other fiscal, regulatory and social policy proposals aimed at accelerating post-COVID-19 recovery and mitigating any lost progress toward Anguillas achievement of its Sustainable Development Goals. The series will be released over the coming weeks, in parallel with the wider response of the UN under the 8-pillar Multi-Sectoral Response Plan (MRP) which is designed to foster international solidarity and to help mobilize financial resources to meet the needs of Barbados and Eastern Caribbean. These HEAT reports fall under the Economic Recovery and Livelihoods pillar, which is led by UNDP. The other key pillars include Health and Wellness, Food and Nutrition Security and Standards, Education, Social Protection, Gender Based Violence and, Violence Against Children, Human Rights and Logistics and Supply. To download the full report, visit: www.bb.undp.org Since 2003, Ad Grants has provided non-profits with up to $10,000 per month in free ads on internet search results to help attract donors Google increased its free advertising initiative by $200 million, with the added funding intended for non-profits tackling pressing issues like COVID-19 response and recoveryespecially in hard-hit developing economiesand fighting racial injustice around the world, Google Ad Grants head Michelle Hurtado said in a blog post. San Francisco: Google on Thursday boosted to $1 billion the amount of free advertising it will give non-profits this year, taking special interest in groups combatting racism and damage done by the coronavirus pandemic. The internet titan increased its free advertising initiative by $200 million, with the added funding intended for non-profits tackling pressing issues like COVID-19 response and recoveryespecially in hard-hit developing economiesand fighting racial injustice around the world, Google Ad Grants head Michelle Hurtado said in a blog post. Since 2003, Ad Grants has provided non-profits with up to $10,000 per month in free ads served up with internet search results, in an effort to help the groups attract donors, recruit volunteers, and promote their missions, according to Hurtado. Netflix chief Reed Hastings and his philanthropist wife Patty Quillin this week gave $120 million to two historically black US colleges to fund full scholarships for students. The gift to Spelman College and Morehouse Collegeboth in Atlantaand the United Negro College Fund was touted as the largest-ever contribution by an individual in support of such scholarships. Quillin and Hastings said they hoped the scholarships help reverse generations of inequity in our country. Apple recently launched a $100 million initiative to combat systemic racism, and Google has committed $275 million to help black artists on YouTube, fund African-American small businesses and other projects. The top prosecutor of Germany has announced his accusations of Russia engineering the murder of a man from Georgia while he was in Berlin park. The allegations come at a time when authorities have a charged a suspected contract killer for the murder. Planned assassination According to CNN, German officials identified the 40-year-old victim as a citizen of Georgia. He also had Chechen heritage and was named Tornike K. The killer was riding a bicycle in when he shot and killed the victim in Kleiner Tiergarten park in downtown Berlin. The victim's previous name was Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, and he was killed when he was on his way to midday prayers. Within hours of the incident, authorities arrested a Russian national that led to the beginning of a murder mystery that left Germany in a stalemate. The Russian government had denied any connections to the man, but the investigations into the suspect's origins brought the shaky relationship between the two countries into the surface. Investigators, however, have acquired sufficient evidence to charge the suspect they identified only as Vadim K. The charges are for the murder of the victim and illegal possession of a weapon, as reported by Reuters. The officials said that the suspect took the orders to kill the man from state authorities and hoped for either financial compensation or had a shared motive with the masterminds of wanting to kill a political rival. Also Read: Declassified Susan Rice Email Revealing Secrets Information About US, Russia Leaked Denying allegations Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the victim was previously a killer who committed heinous acts on Russian soil and that they did not need Moscow's requests to extradite him. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas considered the murder as an extraordinarily dangerous act and shared his support for the decision of the prosecutors. The Foreign Ministry requested the attendance of Sergei Nechayev, the Russian ambassador, to make clear their position and to let them know that Moscow knows Berlin has the right to take further steps in the investigation of the case. Later on, Nechayev stated that Moscow would respond accordingly if Berlin took new reactions against Russia for the murder. He added that their claims were baseless and had no evidence to support them, as reported by BBC. A German spokesperson also said that the charges the prosecutors decided on include the severe accusation that claims Russia is behind the murder. He added that the Federal Government takes the matter very seriously. The spokesperson also revealed that the German government would carefully observe the trial until a verdict is reached, also revealing that they expelled two Russian embassy members in December for alleged connections to the case. It was also said that Germany had previously taken actions against Russia over a hacking attack in 2015 on the German Bundestag. Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives in parliament's foreign policy coordinator, Juergen Hardt, announced Berlin must further examine sanctions against Russia. Hardt also added that the federal government must become strict with their sanctions as long as top Russian officials defend the criminals of the Tiergarten incident. He also noted they must gain the support of their European partners to execute such a plan. Related Article: Russia Denies Involvement in US Protests, Insists 'Explosion' Has Been Long Overdue @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. PIGGS PEAK Nginamadolo is turning into a Skom Plaas. This is a concern raised by residents and the inner council about the area after pieces of land were allocated illegally at a very fast rate such that some homesteads are situated within grazing land. Yesterday, Piggs Peak Ndababazantu Masheshisa Kunene, accompanied by Alson Dlamini from the Land Management Board (LMB), visited Nginamadolo to inspect the area following allegations that people were illegally allocated land. The visit came after senior members of the areas inner council approached Kunene that there were about 630 homesteads that had been allocated land illegally. The senior members are said to have been led by Prince Congo, who expressed concern that the land was being given away willy-nilly without the right procedures being followed. Congo expressed concern that despite that there was currently no chief in the area, land was still being allocated under the kukhonta system. The prince also decried that land that was supposed to be used for grazing by livestock had also been allocated illegally for the construction of homes. Kunene and the representative of LMB visited the area while in the presence of police officers, some senior residents as well as the local indvuna. Among the entourage were also three elderly residents who were referred to as imisumpe. Kunene first started off by informing the residents that his team was in the area because they had been informed about land allocations despite that the area did not have a chief. He also said people were being given land in areas reserved for grazing or farming. He also expressed concern that the plots that the people were being allocated were very small, adding that this was a sign that there was something wrong going on. Where will they cultivate their crops? he asked. After briefing the residents about his presence, Kunene toured the area where most of the land had been allocated. Some of the houses were still being constructed while Kunene was busy touring the area with his entourage. Cleared It was also observed that some portions of land had been recently cleared while many others remained closed off. Kunene decried that it appeared that the land was being allocated despite the order that there should be no land allocation in areas where there were no chiefs. He wondered what the new chief would find since nearly most of the land had been given away. After Kunenes team had inspected the area, he requested that all the local authorities including the senior princes should meet next Thursday at his office in Piggs Peak. Kunene also requested that the indvuna be present. He said on the date, a verdict would be given regarding the next step in the matter. Kunene ordered that during this period, before the verdict, no one would be allowed to continue constructing houses. The indvuna, Nicholas Mkhatshwa, also advised that there should be no meetings in the area. He complained that many people were still meeting due to the different factions that existed. Mkhatshwa said he noticed that people had continued holding meetings. Some of the residents complained that the area was being turned into a suburb without the permission of the authorities. They said the new homesteads had made it impossible for them to drive livestock through. We no longer have grazing land and this is a serious concern, said the residents. Dexamethasone, a commonly-used steroid, can help critically-ill COVID-19 patients, according to a new study South African pharmaceutical giant Aspen Pharmacare has said that it is ready to scale up production of a generic anti-inflammatory drug that could help save the lives of critically ill coronavirus patients. A mass treatment trial led by Oxford University this week found that a low-dose steroid named dexamethasone could reduce mortality among ventilated patients by a third. Durban-based Aspen, the largest drug producer in Africa, will now "ramp up production" of the drug, Aspen senior executive Stavros Nicolaou said in an interview Thursday night. Dexamethasone has been on the market for over 60 years and usually serves to reduce inflammation. "We are still getting to terms with what the global demands will be," Nicolaou said. "Obviously, if this surges through the roof, you are going to have some constraints." The company currently manufactures dexamethasone tablets in Germany and contracts the drug's injectable form to third parties. The World Health Organization has flagged further research on the cheap and widely available steroid as a "priority", which is likely to lead to a surge in demand. Aspen's shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange soared to a three-month high after the study's release on Tuesday. "What this does for us, more importantly, is that it allows Aspen to continue playing a leading role in the South African COVID response and also more broadly in other countries," Nicolaou said, adding that the company has already been helping with coronavirus outbreaks across the world. Established in 1850, Aspen has been a major supplier of anaesthetics to European countries fighting COVID-19. "Anaesthetics are an important portfolio of products for COVID so we were able to make a difference for patients," Nicolaou explained. "We will now again be able to make a difference with dexamethasone." South Africa's health ministry has recognised the Britain-led dexamethasone trials as an "important breakthrough" that would be "easily implementable in our country". "The Department of Health... has recommended that dexamethasone can be considered for use on patients on ventilators and on oxygen supply," President Cyril Ramaphosa said in an address to the nation this week. "We believe that this will improve our management of the disease among those who are most severely affected." "It is quite exciting," Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said on SABC national television, "because licences to do this drug all over the world are owned by a South African company." Explore further UK coronavirus patients to get dexamethasone steroid immediately 2020 AFP A convicted felon from Oregon who accidentally shot himself in the groin and blamed it on a homeless man has been sentenced to six years in federal prison. Marcus Davis Jr, 35, who has an extensive history of gun and drug offenses, learned his fate on Monday after pleading guilty to a count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Davis, who is black, falsely claimed that he was robbed and shot by a white homeless man at a TriMet bus stop at Southeast Powell Boulevard and 82nd Avenue in Portland on January 8, 2020. But according to prosecutors, Davis was unable to provide a description of the suspect, and police found no evidence of a shooting at the location indicated by Davis, reported The Oregonian. Investigators later discovered the .40-caliber handgun that injured Davis hidden in his bloody clothing inside his girlfriends car. A gunshot hole was also found in the back of the mans sweatpants. Police believe Davis had the gun in his pocket, or tucked into the waistband of his pants, when it accidentally discharged. The bullet traveled through the top of the mans penis, through his right testicle, and into his right thigh. Following the shooting, Davis was treated for his injuries at a local hospital. As a convicted felon who was on federal supervision at the time of the incident, Davis was not allowed to be in possession of a firearm. On top of that, the handgun recovered by the police had been reported stolen in 2018. He paid a significant price with his physical injuries and the sentence hes now going to receive, Assistant US Attorney Lewis Burkhart said. I dont think anything the court can say or the government can say can top the injuries he gave to himself to stop him from possessing firearms. Hopefully this is the last time we will see Mr. Davis. As she sentenced Davis to five years and nine months in federal prison, US District Judge Karin Immergut expressed hope that he would turn his life around and make a change. Davis, described in court documents as a member of the Rolling 60s street gang, has a lengthy criminal record that includes prior convictions for attempted murder, assault, cocaine trafficking and firearm possession. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates [June 19, 2020] Spero Health Opens New Warren, OH Clinic Offering Addiction Treatment With Telehealth Services Spero Health has announced plans to open a new addiction treatment clinic in Warren, Ohio as part of the organization's quick response to the growing need for expanded services as communities continue to adjust to the COVID-19 outbreak. CARF-accredited and community based, Spero Health is a national leader in providing care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders and will bring affordable, high quality addiction treatment services through a combination of telehealth and in-person visit options at this new clinic. Located at 552 North Park Avenue, it is set to open its doors on June 23. The new Warren Clinic joins a network of more than 35 Spero Health locations throughout Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Indiana, providing care for more than 7,200 patients each month. To ensure access to care is not a barrier to treatment, Spero Health accepts Ohio Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. Individuals who need addiction treatment services are encouraged to call: 234-243-3127 for more information or to schedule an appointment. The Warren, OH Spero Health clinic is one of several new clinics the organization is opening over the next few months to meet the high demand for access to addiction treatment services close to home. When speaking about these new clinics, Spero Health's CEO, Steve Priest said, "While our public health system is battling one crisis, we can't afford to overlook another one which has had a grave impact on our communities for years. During these past few months 2 epidemics have collided, creating fear and uncertainty associated with social and economic distress experienced because of the spread of COVID-19. It has aggravated psychological issues, and many people have turned to drugs and alcohol to ease the stress. Wefeel it is critical for communities to have access to life-saving addiction treatment options during this time, and we are working very hard to make that happen." Coroners and emergency responders around the nation are reporting spikes in overdose calls and deaths. According to local health officials, some Ohio counties have seen a 50% increase in fatal overdoses from January to April alone. "In order to combat the urgent need, we are bringing a transformative addiction treatment care model that will improve social and economic outcomes for those at risk. Like all public health crises, addiction cannot be fought alone. We look forward to working with community partners to decrease the gaps that exist for individuals needing immediate access to high quality care, and we know this new Warren clinic will be one solution for that," said Priest. Discussing the importance of flexibility of care, VP of Clinical Services for Spero Health, David Hayden said, "Addiction is a complex disease and it affects people of all ages, genders, races and backgrounds. It is important that we create avenues in which we connect with those that need help and to provide innovative ways to deliver comprehensive services during this pandemic. Virtual appointments are one way we are doing this, giving people the opportunity to keep close connections with their counselors and physicians on-line and over the phone, making it easy to get help from essentially anywhere they are." About Spero Health Spero Health, Inc., is an integrated healthcare services organization specializing in local and affordable outpatient care for individuals suffering from substance use disorders with a mission to "Save Lives, Instill Hope, and Restore Relationships." Spero Health utilizes an innovative evidence-based integrated care model that combines both physical and behavioral healthcare services under one roof to treat the whole patient. This integrated care model combines physician services (including medication-assisted treatment), behavioral health counseling, recovery support services, medication management and patient and family education. Its community-based approach to treatment allows patients to continue working and caring for their families as they overcome addiction. Based in Nashville, Tenn. and privately held by Heritage Group, Health Velocity Capital, South Central, Inc. and Frist Cressey Ventures, Spero Health operates more than 35 outpatient clinics located throughout Kentucky, Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee. Providing care for more than 7,200 patients each month, Spero is one of the largest office-based opioid treatment providers in the country and is in-network with Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. For more information about Spero Health, please visit www.sperohealth.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200619005294/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Boris Johnson will fly the flag for Britain when he travels to international summits on his revamped VIP jet - according to a leaked diagram which shows the Union Jack blazoned across the tail. An RAF Voyager used by the prime minister, senior ministers and the royal family is undergoing a 'red, white and blue' makeover costing 900,000. The first glimpse at what the patriotic paint job could look like has been mocked up by aviation enthusiast and photographer Andrew Evans. By photo-shopping the supposedly 'leaked' design plans, which have been widely circulated and been seen by MailOnline, on to the current military aircraft, he has provided the closest possible estimation of the finished product. The first glimpse at what the patriotic paint job could look like has been mocked up by aviation enthusiast and photographer Andrew Evans He said that the leaked diagram, which was being shared among the aviation industry as early as Wednesday night, seemed 'legitimate' Prime Minister Boris Johnson joins a socially distanced lesson during a visit to Bovingdon Primary School in Bovingdon, today The words United Kingdom are painted in gold on the outside of the fuse lage and the British flag coats the tail before trailing off in a single blue line towards the cockpit. Mr Evans, 36, from Solihull, tweeted the picture last night with the caption: 'Based on the diagram of the design doing the rounds in enthusiast groups last night - here is the expected scheme for the VIP Voyager currently being painted at the moment.' He said that the leaked diagram, which was being shared among the aviation industry as early as Wednesday night, seemed 'legitimate'. Commenting on the plane design, he told MailOnline: 'It's better than I expected. 'Considering who it's for, I expected it to be a bit more bold. It's more subtle.' Mr Evans, the current volunteer chair of the Air Show Review likened it to the VIP jets used by the French government. Britain does not have a prime ministerial plane used solely by Downing Street, unlike many other countries such as America's awesome presidential jet, Air Force One. The makeover will try to bolster the UK's standing on the world stage, but it has come under fire by political rivals who brand it a waste of taxpayer money. File photo dated 25/07/17 of an RAF Voyager used by the Prime Minister and members of the royal family which is being repainted in the colours of the Union flag Acting Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: The drug dexamethasone, that can potentially save the lives of people with coronavirus, costs 5 per patient. 'Boris Johnson could have bought 180,000 doses of that, but instead he's painting a flag on a plane.' Defending the plan, the PM's spokesman said: 'This will mean that the plane can better represent the UK around the world with national branding, similar to many other leaders' planes, while also retaining its military air-to-air refuelling capability.' The idea has also been ribbed on social media, with suggestions that Mr Johnson will look like Austin Powers on tour. Red, white and blue will be painted on the rear of its fuselage and up the fin. It is expected to be unveiled in the coming days. The interior of the Voyager had a 10million makeover in 2016, when David Cameron was prime minister. Mr Johnson and other ministers, as well as members of the Royal Family, will be allowed to use the plane, which will also continue to be used as a refuelling aircraft. Indian Air Force (IAF) will get 123 air warriors including 19 women officers on Saturday (June 20, 2020) after the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) at the Air Force Academy Dundigal in Hyderabad. The CGP marks the successful completion of pre-commissioning training of Flight Cadets of various IAF branches. However, for the first time in the history of AFA Dundigal, the parents and family members of the cadets will not attend the Passing Out Parade due to the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria will confer Presidents Commission to all the 123 cadets. The IAF Chief is also the Reviewing Officer of the Passing out Parade where the Wings and Brevets will be presented to the cadets successfully completing the Flying and Navigation training respectively. Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria will also present the 'Wings' to Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) officers who successfully completed flying training at the AFA. The cadet standing first in the order of merit at the AFA will be awarded the Sword of Honour and the Presidents Plaque. Similar Presidents Plaque will also be awarded to the Flight Cadet coming first in the overall merit in the Ground Duty Branches. A Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) will be held at Air Force Academy on 20 Jun 20. Due to #COVID situation parents & relatives of the passing out cadets will not be able to attend the ceremony. But you can watch live: Doordarshan & IAF social media pages, 20 Jun @0845 onwards. pic.twitter.com/WCW5skaowC Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 19, 2020 Following the Passing Out Parade, Pilatus, Kiran Hawk, Chetak helicopters and an aerobatic display by Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the IAF will carry out a flypast. Just like the Indian Military Academy Passing Out Parade, which too was organised under the restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus threat, the graduating IAF officers will directly report to their assigned squadrons and units unlike previously when they used to be given a break of meet their families. IAF social media handles will broadcast the passing out parade live from 8:45 am on June 20, 2020. A report on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australian research has forecast a severe impact that could be felt for years and possibly decades. The report was prepared by Australias Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel with number of leading scientific organisations and experts from Australia and New Zealand, known as the Rapid Research Forum. The report was a product of an Australian government request that posed the question: What impact is the pandemic having and likely to have on Australias research workforce and its capability to support our recovery efforts? The report concludes that the biggest economic hit will be to universities due to the loss of income from foreign students and reduced funding by the business sector. However, medical research institutes, publicly-funded research agencies and the industrial sector also will be impacted, with expected sharp declines in business research spending and philanthropy. The effect is expected to be greater than that of the 2008 global financial crisis. Research in the university sector will decrease by at least $3 billion in 2020 due to the pandemic but the loss could be as much as $4.6 billion. The report says universities, the largest sector for research output, will reduce casual teaching positions and increase teaching loads on permanent staff, further limiting research capacity. Universities have accounted for a growing amount of Australias research, rising from 24 percent of total research and development ten years ago, to 34 percent in 201718. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the research workforce currently stands at over 164,000 full-time jobs, an increase from 91,000 since 2009. Of the 80,000 who work at universities, 57 percent is made up of domestic and international postgraduate students, with 30 percent being full-time academic staff. More than 9,000 international research students are not expected to resume their research work in 2020. In addition, up to 21,000 full-time university positions are projected to be axed over the next six months, with possibly 7,000 being research-related academic staff. The report outlines a significant setback for the development of new technologies in all areas of scientific research, and a new era of job insecurity for those who work in research. The downturn is predicted to primarily impact early and mid-career researchers and recent graduates, who are a highly casualised workforce, with many employed on fixed-term funding from research grants. Currently much research has been put on hold and, where resources and skills are available, research into COVID-19 has commenced. However physical distancing and travel restrictions have hindered access to laboratories and research facilities, including for clinical trials and population health studies. One area impacted is investigating the health effects of the summer bushfire crisis. A seven-member Innovative Research Universities consortium, which includes Adelaides Flinders University and Western Sydney University, published a statement on the risks of the pandemic for university research, calling for government assistance. Conor King, the consortiums executive director, said: Research is the driver of our economy and the solution to every medical and scientific question ever asked. If we allow research funding to fall, not only will jobs be put at risk but also the knowledge those jobs generate. As the coronavirus crisis has shown, you never know when that knowledge may come in handy. Most research funding in Australia comes through government grants, which totalled $9.6 billion in 20192020. The universities receive almost 38 percent. Approximately 22 percent goes to industry with another 22 percent to government research activity, which includes the Commonwealth Scientific Research Organisation (CSIRO), the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and defence. The smallest portion, of nearly 19 percent, is paid to medical research institutes, agriculture and energy. Spending on research from all sources, including government and industry, has declined in recent years. Research investment increased from $6.667 billion in 200708 to $10.072 billion in 201112 and was then cut to $9.396 billion by 201819. As the economic crisis deepens, as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments will view this funding as an area for potential funding cuts. In 2011, following the global financial crisis, the then Labor government proposed cuts to the National Health and Medical Research council funding scheme of up to $400 million over three years. This was during the peak of the mining boom when Chinas strategy to offset the crash through infrastructure spending required Australian resources. In 2016, the current Liberal-National government planned to sack up to 350 climate scientists from the CSIRO. This decision, condemned by scientists internationally, was a major blow to environmental research at a time when a deeper understanding of the effects of climate change is essential. New Zealands Labor-Greens-New Zealand First government has already begun cutting funding, even for health research, during the pandemic. The recent 2020 budget reduced health research funding from $131.2 million in 2019 to $117.5 million. Such a decision, in the face of a global health disaster, to cut the resources to address a pressing human need is a testament to the destructive character of the capitalist system. The drive for corporate profit conflicts with the need to advance human knowledge. Instead of mobilising all of societys resources to address significant threats to human existence, scientific inquiry is blocked by the cost-cutting priorities of big business. The only alternative is a scientifically and globally planned socialist economy, where investment in scientific discovery is regarded as critical for the advancement of humanity. The Ontario government is replacing its outdated disease reporting system one that still relies on fax machines and manual data entry with a new cloud-based platform designed to more quickly trace and analyze COVID-19 infections. The new $20-million system will replace the provinces integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS), a 15-year-old database that has been blamed for delays, inconsistencies and significant under-reporting in Ontarios tracking of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Officials say the new system will ensure the provinces local health units can begin case investigation and contact tracing no more than three days after a patient first provides a sample for testing. Currently, testing labs cannot enter patients results directly into iPHIS. Results are instead sent to the health units commonly in batches sent by fax after which the patient data must be painstakingly entered hand, a step that can take days. Replacing iPHIS is definitely something that could have been done earlier but definitely a step in the right direction, said Todd Coleman, an epidemiologist at Wilfrid Laurier University. Coleman, who used iPHIS in his former role as a public health official in London, called it a really old system that couldnt keep up with the necessities to be able to manage an infectious disease outbreak efficiently. The new case and contact management system is among several new initiatives unveiled by the province Thursday, including more staff to help with contact tracing should the need arise and a new smartphone app designed to let users know if they have been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The moves come as doctors and epidemiologists are warning of a second wave of infections likely to happen in the fall. At a media briefing Thursday, ministry officials explained that the new system, custom-built on the Salesforce platform, will be rolled out over the next two months, with three local health units testing it in July and a broader rollout by mid-August. Due to the urgent need for an IT solution, the system was not put out to tender, according to a provincial spokesperson. The Star has previously reported how iPHIS relies on cumbersome processes that lead to reporting delays and missing, inconsistent or difficult to analyze data. Moving forward, when patients view their lab results online, theyll be able to enter key data in a secure form right at that time, including information about their known contacts who may have been exposed, ministry officials said. That information can then be fed directly to local health unit investigators, who can get a head start on contact tracing. To assist in that effort, the province also announced it is partnering with Statistics Canada to bring in 1,700 more contact-tracing staff, if necessary. The province currently has access to about 2,000 staff for contact tracing, including surge capacity. The new system will also allow for significantly better data extraction than iPHIS, letting the province more quickly analyze trends and local hot spots, officials said. They added that the case management systems created out of frustration with the provinces sluggish database by some jurisdictions, such as Toronto Public Health, will eventually be integrated into the new cloud-based system. This is exactly what Ive been hoping the province would do from day one, said Dionne Aleman, a professor at the University of Toronto and an expert in pandemic modelling. Its taken a little bit of time to get there, but Im glad that theyve finally invested the time and effort to have a streamlined data collection and storage system that will hopefully circumvent a lot of these random glitches that weve seen that have changed what we thought we knew about the pandemic. Kenyon Wallace is a Toronto-based investigative reporter for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @KenyonWallace or reach him via email: kwallace@thestar.ca Ed Tubb is an assignment editor and a contributor focused on crime and justice for the Star. He is based in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @edtubb Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 19) - Former National Task Force on COVID-19 special adviser Dr. Tony Leachon said on Friday he has no plans of leading the Department of Health as claimed by a lawmaker. Wala po akong hangad sa posisyon na yan, kahit I-offer sa akin, hindi ko tatanggapin ang Secretary of Health position, Leachon told CNN Philippines. [Translation: Im not aiming for that position, even if it would be offered to me, I will not accept the position of being a Secretary of Health.] This was his response to the statement of former Health secretary now Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin that he is taking advantage of the controversy for personal gain. Garin told the health expert to shut up and avoid getting pity and sympathy from people, citing how Leachon is vocal on social media instead of putting his words into actions. Leachon said he did not expect his posts to go viral. Hindi ako naghahabol sa social media para maka-ask ng supporters. Ito po ay pumatok na lang sa Internet, hindi ko naman po hinahangad ito, he said. [Translation: I dont have any plans of gaining attention from social media and have supporters. My posts just became a hit in the Internet and I did not expect that.] Despite comments from his former colleague in the medial profession, Leachon said he does not want to quarrel with anyone. At end of trading hours, stocks of RIL closed at Rs 1,764 per share - up by 6.51 percent or 107.75 points up in intra-day trading. Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani claimed a major victory - completing the target of going net debt-free. Previously the target was set to be achieved by March 2021. Mumbai: Stocks of Reliance Industries Limited saw jubiliation with the scrip soaring to a 52 week high of Rs 1,788.60 per share on Friday. According to a filing posted to stock exchanges nearly an hour before the start of the trading session, RIL said it raised Rs 1,68,818 crores in just 58 days. This the company did so on the back of investments from global tech majors in recent days and a historic rights issue. Together with a stake sale to BP, RIL has raised Rs 1.75 lakh crores. This completes the company's net debt target. As on 31st March 2020, RIL's net debts were reported at Rs 1,61,035 crores. In the filing, Mukesh Ambani is quoted as saying, "Today I am both delighted and humbled to announce that we have fulfilled our promise to the shareholders by making Reliance net debt-free much before our original schedule of 31st March 2021. Exceeding the expectations of our shareholders and all other stakeholders, again and yet again, is in the very DNA of Reliance. Therefore, on the proud occasion of becoming a net debt-free company, I wish to assure them that Reliance in its Golden Decade will set even more ambitious growth goals, and achieve them, in fulfilment of the vision of our Founder, Dhirubhai Ambani, to consistently increase our contribution to Indias prosperity and inclusive development." His statement further reads, "Over the past few weeks, we have been overwhelmed by the phenomenal interest of the global financial investor community in partnering with Jio. As our fundraising milestone from financial investors is achieved, we sincerely thank the marquee group of financial partners and warmly welcome them into Jio Platforms. I also express my heartfelt gratitude to all the retail and institutional investors, both domestic and foreign, for their overwhelming participation in our record-setting Rights Issue." The filing also provides details of the 11 investors and the grand RIL rights issue. Here is a table of RIL's strategic investments in the past 58 days. Investors Date Amount %Stake Facebook, Inc 22nd April 2020 43,573.62 9.99% Silver Lake Partners 4th May 2020 5,655.75 1.15% Vista Equity Partners 8th May 2020 11,367.00 2.32% General Atlantic 17th May 2020 6,598.38 1.34% KKR 22nd May 2020 11,367.00 2.32% Mubadala 5th June 2020 9,093.60 1.85% Silver Lake Partners Additional Investment 5th June 2020 4,546.80 0.93% Abu Dhabi Investment Authority 7th June 2020 5,683.50 1.16% TPG 13th June 2020 4,546.80 0.93% L Catterton 13th June 2020 1,894.50 0.39% PIF 18th June 2020 11,367.00 2.32% Total 1,15,693.95 24.70% RIL's rights issue helped it raise Rs 53,124.20 crores - subscribed by 1.59 times, it remains the highest amount raised by a non-financial entity in the last ten years. RIL said it was targeting to go net-debt free by March 2021 during its AGM held in Mumbai on August 12, 2019. Ambani back then expressed confidence of RIL achieving its target in 18 months. On Friday, he has shown that he could do it in record 58 days (from the date of the first investor) or nearly 11 months of the AGM. 2SM radio host Brent Bultitude must be feeling relieved the weekend is finally here. The talkback host was flooded with prank calls during a segment on his afternoon radio show on Friday. Brent had asked listeners to phone in with suggestions of things they'd like to see manufactured in Australia amid growing trade tensions with China. Not joking: 2SM radio host Brent Bultitude must be feeling relieved the weekend is finally here. The talkback host was flooded with prank calls during a segment on his radio show on Friday Instead, the unsuspecting host was flooded with prank callers asking questions about 'male brothels'. It all started when a man called 'Will' phoned in and suggested Australia start manufacturing its own fishing gear. 'Gear is very important to me and it needs to be reliable. And it's being manufactured in China, and look, one out of two rods snap on me,' he explained. Fishy: Prank caller 'Will' claimed to be the 'world record holder for the three-metre flatty', with an incredulous Brent calling his apparent claim to fame 'unbelievable' 'My reels are unreliable, and I just don't think it's right. Australia was built on fishing. This is where fishing was invented, by Rex Hunt.' 'Will' claimed to be the 'world record holder for the three-metre flatty', with an incredulous Brent calling his apparent claim to fame 'unbelievable'. Continuing his ruse, 'Will' told Brent he'd caught the sizeable flathead fish by throwing 'a chicken' into the ocean on the end of his line. Family show: Things took a turn when 'Will' then asked: 'Does anyone know why there are no male brothels in Australia?' But things took a turn when 'Will' then asked: 'Does anyone know why there are no male brothels in Australia?' Realising the conversation was veering off into the wrong direction, Brent hurriedly got off the phone, only to be confronted by three more callers, all with questions about male brothels. A defeated Brent decided to end the segment and concluded: 'Let's not worry about it. It's one of those afternoons.' The Nigeria government has rejected a recent report from the United Kingdom All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion, detailing cases of alleged genocide against Christians in the country. The Nigerian presidency said the claims are not true and gave its reasons in a statement. we look forward to welcoming members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group to our country to see for themselves the work that is going on to promote these fundamental rights of our citizens, Garba Shehu, a presidential aide, said on Friday. The group of over 100 British parliamentarians from different political parties earlier condemned killings of Christians in Nigeria. In the 56-page report, the international group raised concerns on the scourge of inter-communal violence in Nigeria that has claimed the lives of thousands of people and displaced thousands more. It stated that the response of the Nigerian Government to conflicts involving farmers and herders had been inadequate or ineffective and that this had allowed the violence to escalate. Before now, the United States government had expressed worry over the incessant attacks on citizens of Nigeria living in the northern part of the country. On Sunday, a PREMIUM TIMES analysis revealed that over 140 people were killed in armed violence across Nigeria just last week. Confident defence In his reaction, Mr Shehu said the claims of the British group did not take into consideration the strides made by the Buhari government to strengthen security. President and Government of Nigeria wish to thank members of the United Kingdom All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Religious Freedom or Belief for their report, launched a few days ago. Although it is difficult reading, the statement also acknowledges the importance of accurate, unbiased, depoliticised and truthful information when it comes to understanding the realities and addressing the challenges for those of faith in Nigeria. He further stated that when uncritical attention is afforded to critics with dubious intentions, it only becomes harder for both the government and people of Nigeria to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve our differences, and uphold what is enshrined in our Constitution and laws: that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. READ ALSO: The presidential aide, however, acknowledged tensions between the major religions, Christianity and Islam, and between herders and farmers both for access to ever-decreasing arable and farmland due to a rapidly rising population, temperatures and desertification through global warming. He said the nation has recorded some successes. In concert with our American and British allies, Nigerias military have pushed back the terrorists and largely reduced their capacity over the last five years compared to the previous decade. Boko Haram have targeted Christians and Churches specifically because they know it drives forward religious and land tensions already existent in the country. Similarly, they attack mosques and Muslims in order to issue the threat: radicalise, or become targets yourselves. Also, he stated that the government is committed to increasing its efforts alongside our allies to fully defeat and finally finish Boko Haram, in order to bring security to the north of the country. Also, according to him, other focused areas include: securing the return of all those held hostage and in captivity by the terrorists; uniting the nation through dialogue organised around respect for difference in religion and countering fake news. The President and Government have and will at all times work with those both within and without Nigeria with a concern for the rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, he added. The virus is winning. That much is certain more than six months into a shape-shifting pandemic that's killed more than 454,000 people worldwide, is gaining ground globally and has disrupted lives from Wuhan to Sao Paulo. While promising, fast-moving vaccine projects are underway in China, Europe and the U.S., only the most optimistic expect an effective shot to be ready for global distribution this year. If, as most experts believe, an effective vaccine won't be ready until well into 2021, we'll all be co-existing with the coronavirus for the next year or longer without a magic bullet. And this next phase of the crisis may require us to reset our expectations and awareness and change our behavior, according to public-health professionals. In their view, success isn't defined as returning to life as it was in 2019. Rather, it's about buying time and summoning the staying power and policy flexibility to limit the destructive capacity of an expanding pandemic, which may result in global deaths of more than one million according to one estimate, until there are medical tools to effectively treat and immunize against the virus. "People are fatigued. They mistakenly feel that things were going away," said Cameron Wolfe, an infectious-disease doctor and associate professor of medicine at Duke University. "We're going to have to figure out a way to live with this." Complicating matters, the perceived threat varies from neighborhood to neighborhood, let alone country to country. Much depends on the severity of local outbreaks and the effectiveness of testing, contact tracing, social distancing, hospital systems and public-health messaging that is free of political shading. Leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson or Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have seen their poll numbers crumble at least in part because of high infection rates and deaths from covid-19, the disease spawned by the virus. In many instances, messages from the top have seemed to conflict with the advice of experts, or drowned out the guidance of government agencies. That has created confusion and mistrust and invited people to view public-health information through a partisan lens. Not all the news is grim. In the first half of the year, governments worldwide resorted to emergency measures like forced business closures, stay-at-home rules and bans on large gatherings. The moves slowed infection, saved lives and gave leaders time to stockpile medical equipment and supplies. Yet that progress came at the cost of economic contraction, soaring unemployment and trillions of dollars in fiscal and monetary stimulus measures. Governments are likely to be reluctant to resort to wholesale lockdowns again in anything short of a catastrophe. Instead, the biggest economies seem intent on reopening, even if the pace varies. That, in turn, means more social mobility and more opportunities for the virus to spread. Already, scientists who track virus trends are seeing signs that re-opening is leading to a spike in cases. "I understand there is a perception of the need to balance on these economic considerations," said Ada Adimora, an epidemiologist and professor of medicine in infectious diseases at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. "But to the extent that we open up society and have people going to restaurants - you can't wear a mask while you eat - you are not really working to control the threat of the virus." The ability to co-exist with SARS-CoV-2, as the virus is known, will increasingly ride on how individuals assess risks and make decisions. "No activity will be without the risk of coronavirus," said Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Baltimore. "It's just how much risk people think is worth assuming." Trouble is, the virus is stealthy. Countries like China and South Korea that contained their local outbreaks have seen secondary flare-ups. Beijing this week closed its school system and limited international flights after a new outbreak spread to neighboring provinces. In Germany, which has kept its death toll below that of other large European countries, new clusters of infection emerged in a slaughterhouse and a Berlin apartment block. In the U.S., the pandemic has made inroads into Sun Belt states like Florida, Texas and Arizona after hard-won gains taming it in New York. Latin America, spared early on, is now getting walloped. Brazil, home to densely populated urban centers and rural areas with weak health-care systems, has become a new epicenter. The resurgence in cases in China and the U.S. shows what can happen when regions start to lift restrictions, according to Seth Berkley, chief executive officer of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The nonprofit is part of a global effort to deploy coronavirus vaccines equitably. "Clearly it isn't over anywhere," Berkley said in an interview. "We need to have some humility in how we manage this thing going forward. Obviously if we were to just throw open the gates and try to go completely back to normal, we would see continued spread of the virus." While the virus ebbs and flows regionally, it's on the march at the global level, where there are 8.5 million confirmed cases and the pace is accelerating. At the start of May, the daily tally of new confirmed cases was running at about 88,000; now it's 176,000, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Some experts say the global death toll will top one million. "We'll go well over a million," said Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California. "I wouldn't be surprised by 2022 if we go into a couple million or more, knowing that there are so many people out there who are vulnerable." Reopening campaigns in the U.S. have prompted the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation to increase its U.S. death-toll forecast for the start of October by 18% to 200,000. As of June 16, covid-19 has resulted in 118,000 lost American lives. "I'm not sure how you prepare for something of this magnitude and severity," said Carissa Etienne, director of the Pan American Health Organization. "It's almost difficult to conceptualize." A reprieve from the pandemic that Trump and other experts had hoped would come with the arrival of warmer weather hasn't yet materialized and may not ever, according to to Davidson Hamer, a professor of global health and medicine at the Boston University School of Public Health and School of Medicine. If people feel a false sense of security, they're less likely to wear masks and avoid large gatherings. "The real worrisome time will be this fall, when we are reopening universities and returning to work, with more people inside and cooler temperatures," Hamer said. "It's the perfect storm for a resurgence of disease." The high number of asymptomatic infections is having a huge impact, according to Topol. "This is the worst pandemic in 100 years," he said. "1918 didn't have 30% of people who were infected who didn't know it. It's the stealth infection thing that adds to the mix.'' Drug developers are racing to find effective treatments and a vaccine. This week, University of Oxford researchers reported that a low-cost, widely used anti-inflammatory drug called dexamethasone improved survival in covid-19 patients, the first treatment to show life-saving promise months into the pandemic. U.S. officials and scientists have launched an accelerated program that aims to have a vaccine to prevent covid-19 by the first half of 2021, but White House health adviser Anthony Fauci has cautioned that it could take longer. Promising candidates include shots being developed by biotechnology company Moderna, several Chinese programs and a partnership of the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca projecting a vaccine as early as September. The World Health Organization hopes there will be about 2 billion doses of a handful of effective vaccines available by the end of next year, Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan said at a briefing this week. But that's enough for less than one-third of the world's population. Future vaccines that do arrive on the scene may not provide long-term immunity. If SARS-CoV-2 is like other coronaviruses, including some that cause the common cold, individuals may need annual booster shots to ward off subtle changes, Fauci said in a recent interview. Without a vaccine in place, countries are doing the best they can to contain the virus with contact tracing and targeted quarantines. Testing is crucial, and many countries still haven't ramped up their capability sufficiently to identify outbreaks when they're still small enough to bottle up, said David Heymann, professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, who led the WHO's response to severe acute respiratory syndrome in 2003. "It's all trial and error but if you know the epidemiology and where transmission is occurring you can do a more tailored response," he said. As the pandemic rolls into the summer, this much is clear. The virus will not "fade away" even without a vaccine, as Trump predicted this week. "This was never something that would be containable or would disappear," said Adalja at Johns Hopkins. "It spreads too efficiently between humans. That's all it needs to do." Smart Cinema, a mobile cinema app, recently signed a deal with the 24th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival to "screen" acclaimed domestic movies in South Korea. Somewhat like a cinema in your pocket, the app streams theatrically released new films, with one purchase permitting a person to watch one film one time. Chinese films, which will be exhibited via the app as an online sector of the festival, include crime thriller Sheep Without a Shepherd, the suspense film The Shadow Play, and the sci-fi romance Gone with the Light. An annual event initiated in 1997, the festival which will start online presales on July 3 -- will be held from July 9 to 16 in Puchon, South Korea, with a combined online and offline presence. Chul Shin, the festival's director, says it marks the first time for quality Chinese films to be exhibited online as a special sector of the festival. In addition, the South Korean version of Smart Cinema will also be launched in South Korea amid the festival, becoming a new path for Chinese films to go abroad. South Korea, with a population of more than 50 million and over 4,000 theaters, has a per capita annual moviegoing attendance of 4.3 visits to the cinema, far surpassing the 1.24 visits in China. Jack Gao, founding partner and CEO of Smart Cinema, says he believes South Korean audiences have a strong interest in watching films, making the country one of the most important film markets in the world. Besides, it could create huge potential in the market as more and more Chinese have studied or worked in South Korea in recent years, and Smart Cinema could be an efficient platform to watch movies in their mother tongue, adds Gao. 2020 GCS Cultural Awards - Call for Nominations Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, has today launched the Cultural Awards to celebrate the best of Gibraltars arts and culture. The GCS Cultural Awards run from 1st July 2019 to 30th June 2020 with the public encouraged to nominate individuals or groups, events, projects, venues, and organisations, throughout this specific one year window. The categories are: Junior Award 15 years and under An individual or group of artists that has shown potential or has displayed real talent, during the last year. Youth Award 16 to 25 years An individual or group of artists that has shown potential or has displayed real talent, during the last year. Senior Award 26 years and over An individual or group of artists that has shown potential or has displayed real talent, during the last year. Best Education Project A project that has shown the power of the arts and culture, engaging the community, and creating high-quality artistic outputs, during the last year. The Cultural Ambassador Award An artist or artistic endeavour which has promoted Gibraltars talent or the Rock as a destination to a wider audience, or helped put the Rock on the map, during the last year. Cultural Space of the Year A dedicated venue or space used/ or that has been used for the arts and/or a particular performance, event or exhibition. It will recognise the group or individual which organised the event. Two additional awards will be presented which will not be open to public voting. These are: The Gibraltar Cultural Services Award Special COVID Award A discretionary award given to an individual or group based on an extraordinary achievement during the COVID period. The Ministry of Culture Lifetime Achievement Award An award which recognises dedication, commitment and service to the Arts. Minister for Culture, John Cortes commented, These awards provide a valuable and much needed recognition of the role that Culture plays in our community and of the huge number of people who work hard within the world of the Arts. It also gives the community a chance to thank and reward those who work hard in these areas. I urge people to respond and to send in their nominations. The public is invited to submit their nominations by category in writing to Gibraltar Cultural Services, addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, GCS, 308 Main Street or via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Alternatively you can complete a nomination form at the John Mackintosh Hall Reception. Closing date is Friday 10th July 2020. This years Cultural Awards Ceremony is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 3rd November 2020 with all the proceeds collected from the public telephone vote donated to the GBC Open Day Fund. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on workers in every state. Check out the latest unemployment rates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This article was first published on Stacker By Cate Cadell and Tony Munroe BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese prosecutors said on Friday they have charged two detained Canadians for suspected espionage, indictments that could result in life imprisonment, in a case that has driven a diplomatic wedge between Ottawa and Beijing. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was "very disappointed" and would keep pressing China to release the duo. Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were arrested in late 2018 on state security charges, soon after Canadian police detained Huawei Technologies Co's [HWT.UL] chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, on a U.S. warrant. While China maintains the detentions are not linked to Meng, former diplomats and experts have said they are being used to pressure Canada. China has repeatedly called for Meng's release, and has warned Canada it could face consequences for aiding the United States in her case. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing on Friday that the indictments were "of particularly serious circumstances which violated Article 111 of the Criminal Law of the Peoples Republic of China," which pertains to espionage and state secrets. Under that article, a conviction can carry a sentence of from 10 years to life imprisonment. "The facts are clear and the evidence is solid and sufficient. He should be held accountable for criminal responsibility under the above mentioned charge," Zhao said of Kovrig, before making the same statement about Spavor. The charges mean a formal trial can begin. Trudeau, speaking to reporters in the Quebec town of Chelsea, said it was "a real shame" China did not appear to understand that governments in Canada could not interfere in the justice system. "We will continue ... to put pressure on the Chinese government to cease the arbitrary detention of these two Canadian citizens who are being held for no other reason than the Chinese government is disappointed with the independent proceedings of the Canadian judiciary," he said. Story continues The Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday that consular visits to detainees had been suspended due to the coronavirus. The Canadian foreign ministry said it was "deeply concerned" that the two Canadians hadn't been granted access to consular visits since mid-January and called for their immediate release. The ruling Communist Party's Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission said last year that Kovrig is accused of "stealing and spying on sensitive Chinese information and intelligence." It said Spavor provided Kovrig with intelligence. Kovrig works for the International Crisis Group (ICG), a non-governmental organization that focuses on conflict resolution. ICG CEO Rob Malley said in a statement that Kovrig was not endangering national security and that "he has become an unfortunate pawn in a larger struggle among the United States, Canada and China." Spavor, 44, is a businessman with deep ties to North Korea. Last month, Huawei's Meng lost a legal bid to avoid extradition to the United States to face bank fraud charges. (Additional reporting by David Ljunggren and Kelsey Johnson in Ottawa; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Kim Coghill and Jonathan Oatis) Tiger Air and Virgin sit idle on the tarmac at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport on April 12, 2020. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) Australias Consumer Watchdog to Closely Monitor Domestic Air Travel Competition The ACCC, Australias consumer competition watchdog, has announced that it will closely monitor and report on the competitiveness of the domestic air travel market. This comes as News Corps The Australian reported on June 18 that senior government officials are angry with the administrators of Virgin Australia over concerns that regional routes and jobs may be lost as two U.S. hedge funds bid for the airline. In a media release on June 19, ACCC Chair Rod Sims said: A strong aviation industry is vital for Australian consumers and the economy more broadly, and for our way of life. We welcome this opportunity to help ensure competition in this market at this time, he said. The ACCC welcomes todays direction from the Australian Government to actively monitor and regularly report on the domestic air travel market, particularly in relation to its competitiveness. https://t.co/Mucj2GYFOR pic.twitter.com/bqmnD2gDsn ACCC (@acccgovau) June 19, 2020 The ACCC will be keeping a close eye out for early signs of damage to competition that could harm the long-term interests of consumers, and then act quickly and or provide that information to the government. This will provide insight into whether an airline could be adding additional flights to a route in an attempt to damage a competitor or drive them off the route, according to the statement. A sufficient level of competition provides consumer choice, and helps to maintain service levels and keep prices down over the long term, Sims said. The ACCC said it is currently investigating whether Qantas has breached this law by taking a 19.9 percent stake in Alliance Airlines. This purchase made Qantas the single biggest shareholder in Alliance. Ensuring that competition by smaller airlines is not hindered has become one of the ACCCs particular areas of concern amid the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemiccommonly known as novel coronaviruswhich has brought major upheaval to the aviation industry. The ACCC was directed by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on June 19 to monitor and provide quarterly reports on the prices, costs, and profits of the domestic airline industry to inform policy. "The real concern is what is coming in the next week or two" (Reuters) Troubling spikes in coronavirus infection rates were reported on Friday in several U.S. states, mainly in the South and West, a day before President Donald Trump was due to preside over an Oklahoma campaign rally that will be America's largest indoor gathering in months. "Clearly the cases are rising rapidly. It's not just a matter of testing more," said Dr. Murtaza Akhter, an emergency room physician at Arizona hospitals, noting the lag time between a positive test and severe illness or death. "The real concern is what is coming up for us in the next week or two." The World Health Organization considers positivity rates above 5% to be especially concerning, and widely watched data from Johns Hopkins University shows 16 states with average rates over the past week exceeding that level and climbing. Four were averaging double-digit rates - Arizona at 17%, Alabama at 12%, Washington state at 11% and South Carolina at 10%. The dozen others were led by Utah, Texas, Mississippi, Florida and Georgia, all averaging rates of 7.5% or higher. SANTA BARBARA, Calif., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Freedom Day, Coastal Dispensary will donate 5% of revenue earned on Friday, June 19th to support JuneteenthSB . JuneteenthSB is a local organization participating in a national celebration of Black joy and culture, honoring local Black artists, performers, organizations and activists in Santa Barbara, CA. Coastal stands with our community against inequality and in support of Black Lives Matter. As leaders in California's cannabis industry, Coastal is committed to uplifting Black voices while working together to address the damages from the War on Drugs. "Juneteenth is the celebration of true liberation for Black people in America and the partnership with JuneteenthSB and Coastal Dispensary is a stepping stone for Black people to understand the roles they can play in the Cannabis industry," said Courtney Frazer, JuneteenthSB team member, and President and Founder of the Black in Santa Barbara Cannabis Coalition. "Coastal is committed to utilizing our voice and role in the cannabis industry to uplift those who have been disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs," said Devon Wardlow, Coastal's Director of Public Affairs. "We are committed to working with our community to educate individuals on the policies enacted under Prop 64, specifically in respect to cannabis-related record expungement." Coastal will host quarterly, free expungement clinics in collaboration with The Black in Santa Barbara Cannabis Coalition to empower and educate community members. "We are excited to make this connection and help educate the Santa Barbara community on decriminalization, job placement, and health & wellness in the Cannabis industry," explains Frazer. Additionally, Coastal has teamed up as a founding corporate partner with local entrepreneurs, activists, and friends Christopher Ragland and Austin Jones. Chris and Austin, who successfully organized CommUnity Paddle Out, a peaceful protest in honor of George Floyd with over 1,200 participants at Leadbetter Beach, are launching their own initiative. Their 501c3 mission (formal name still being decided) is to provide opportunities for underserved local youth to learn and experience the benefits of the ocean and all the sporting, social, and ecological aspects that come with it. "We at Coastal are committed to encouraging an active, healthy happy lifestyle. Chris's mission of expanding opportunities for underserved youth to experience the benefits of the ocean is an initiative Coastal Cares will proudly and actively support," said Devon Wardlow. Once formally announced, Coastal pledges to bring Chris and Austins' initiative on board as a Coastal Cares partner where Coastal will provide consistent volunteer and monetary support to their efforts. "We are encouraged by the outpour of support from the community. We are committed to creating an environment where young black and brown kids have the opportunityand feel that they belongin the wonderful outdoors that CA and our beaches have to offer. Having companies like Coastal step up to the plate, engage in the conversation, and commit to being a leader in this space, is the type of leadership we need to make real change in our community," said Chris Ragland. MEDIA CONTACT: For all press inquiries or to schedule an interview with an executive, please contact Devon Wardlow [email protected] // 805-637-0558 ABOUT COASTAL Coastal is a premier cannabis dispensary based in Santa Barbara, California. Focused on encouraging a happy, healthy lifestyle, Coastal holds retail, delivery, manufacturing and distribution licenses across the state. As a vertically integrated, retail focused cannabis company, Coastal is a foundational leader in setting the gold standard for the legal cannabis industry in California and beyond. SOURCE Coastal Dispensary Related Links https://www.coastaldispensary.com/ Mumbai, June 19 : In a significant decision, the Maharashtra government On Friday announced its decision to cancel the crucial final year examinations for all professional and non-professional courses in all state universities for the current academic year in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. As many as 734,516 were due to appear for examinations in various non-professional courses (like BA, BCom, BSc., etc) and another 283,937 for professional courses (like BE, LlB, BCA, etc) for the AY-2019-2020 final year examinations scheduled by 14 government universities, Higher & Technical Education Minister Uday Samant said. The decision follows the recommendations of a state-level committee appointed as per the UGC guidelines which submitted its report last month, and a series of meetings held since. However, owing to the pandemic and the series of lockdowns since March, all examination schedules for the AY-2019-2020 have gone haywire. For the non-professional degree courses, the students' performance would be assessed on the basis of their past examination results for passing them and awarding degrees this year. Nevertheless, in case there are students who opt for writing their examinations, they will have to make a written application to the university or the district collectorate concerned and depending on the Covid-19 situation, a suitable decision would be taken in the matter. As far as the professional courses are concerned, while the state has expressed its inability to conduct their examinations, the final decision would be taken by their central governing boards/councils which would be conveyed later. On the issue of backlog of past students, a separate announcement will be in the next few days, said the official. Citing reasons, the government has said that as many as 41 varsity buildings and 198 students hostels have been taken over for Corona patients' isolation, and a majority of the students have vacated these premises to return to their homes. In view of the pandemic, it would be difficult to complete the entire examination formalities like setting question papers, finalising exam halls and centres, paper checking, marksheets, declaring the results, revaluation, police security, the movement of students, teachers, academic staff, etc. Mandatory Credit: Photo by MICHELE TANTUSSI/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (10682634m) Nordrhein-Westfalen M.P. Armin Laschet, arrive sfor a meeting of German Federal State Premiers at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, 17 June 2020. The German Prime Ministerial Conference took place earlier this day in Berlin. Chancellor Merkel meets German Federal State Premiers in Berlin, Germany - 17 Jun 2020 - MICHELE TANTUSSI/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The favourite to succeed Angela Merkel as German chancellor has come under fire after he appeared to blame migrant workers from Romania and Bulgaria for a new coronavirus outbreak. There is growing concern in Germany over the outbreak among workers at a pig slaughterhouse, which has fuelled the largest daily increase in new infections the country has experienced in almost a month, with 770 cases recorded on Thursday alone. But Armin Laschet, currently regional prime minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, dismissed concerns the outbreak had been caused by his decision to lift the lockdown in the state. Its got nothing to do with it. Romanians and Bulgarians entered the country and the virus has come from there, Mr Laschet told reporters on Thursday. After his remarks were seized on by political rivals, including the foreign minister, Heiko Maas, who called them extremely dangerous, Mr Laschet hastily backtracked. It is forbidden to blame people of any origin for the virus. I want to make clear that this goes without saying for me and for the entire state government, Mr Laschet said. The outbreak at the Tonnies slaughterhouse in Rheda-Wiedenbruck has so far been successfully contained. The German military has been drafted in to set up a testing centre, some 7,000 staff have been place under quarantine and the production has been shut down. Altogether, there have been 730 cases confirmed at the slaughterhouse, and it is believed to account for more than 300 of the 770 new infections recorded on Thursday alone. Mandatory Credit: Photo by FRIEDEMANN VOGEL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (10684765f) A German armed forces (Bundeswehr) soldier wearing a face mask arrives at the headquarters of the company Toennies, Europe's biggest slaughterhouse, where the troops are helping to set up a coronavirus testing center, in Rheda-Wiedenbrueck, western Germany, 19 June 2020. According to media reports, at least 650 Toennies employees at the Rheda-Wiedenbrueck plant have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease, making it one of the largest clusters of the ongoing pandemic detected so far in the country. German army helps set up coronavirus testing center at Toennies meat factory, Rheda Wiedenbrueck, Germany - 19 Jun 2020 - FRIEDEMANN VOGEL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Mr Laschets initial comments appear to have been prompted by speculation the outbreak could have been caused by migrant workers at the slaughterhouse who travelled to their home countries over a holiday weekend last week. But that theory has been dismissed by virologists, who say there wasnt sufficient time for new infections to develop after the workers return. Story continues Instead attention has focused on poor conditions at Germanys slaughterhouses, where migrant workers often live on production sites in cramped and unhygienic staff quarters. The outbreak is the most serious in a series of similar incidents at slaughterhouses, and Mr Laschet has since said he will focus on improving conditions for workers. We have to assume working conditions and staff accommodation have contributed to the fact that the coronavirus was able to spread, he said. Inhumane working conditions for employees are not acceptable in the meat industry or in any other branch. Mr Laschet is still favourite to become the new leader of Mrs Merkels Christian Democrat party (CDU) in December, but the race has been thrown open by the coronavirus crisis. Tonnies, the family-owned company that operates the slaughterhouse, has come under pressure over the outbreak, with calls for Clemens Tonnies to stand down in favour of his son. Despite the outbreak, government scientists believe the virus is still under control in Germany. The R number the number of people each infected person passes the virus to remains under 1. L.A. City Mayor Looking to Combat Potential Waves of Homelessness Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti addressed the effects of COVID-19 within the unsheltered population. On Friday, June 12, the mayor wanted to bring a focal point to the health crisis, that applied weight to the fragility of the economy. Additionally, Garcetti acknowledged the call for social reform presented in city protest. Circling to issues within the community before coronavirus, homelessness has been a concern viewed as a national crisis. COVID-19 has added an extra layer of demise within that population, the mayor held a briefing to share the developments in place to bring aid to those who need it most. Amidst this pain, there is also urgent work for us. Urgent work to take this moment and to meet it, not to miss it. To do what we can do both individually and privately, as well as publicly and together to make sure this moment isnt lost. The mayor continued to highlight the business of maintaining growth and recovery, he spoke about the intensity of fighting against COVID-19. Mayor Garcetti reemphasized the importance of upholding physical distancing guidelines in order to maintain the stability and control over the spread of the virus. The citys order has been updated, to reflect the reopening of locations permitted in Los Angeles County. The mayor shared that fitness centers, museums, aquariums, galleries, hotels, and day camps are approved to be open. Garcetti reiterated the choice of opening is voluntary for the business. He encouraged them to take their time to ensure the proper steps to a safe opening. ADVERTISEMENT There are certain health requirements to protect the staff and guests of each sector. There is an estimation of 200,000 deaths due to COVID-19 within the United States, the mayor declared that the city needs to be prepared to do everything possible to fight the spread within the community. A consistent factor that all public officials stand behind is COVID-19 testing as a strong defense. In L.A. over 20,000 people can get tested within a day, Garcetti encouraged those who were protesting to schedule an appointment at the nearest testing site. On Friday, over 600,000 Angelenos were tested, the city is joining forces with the county to further develop studies and tests that focuses on contract tracing. General Hospitalization continues to be stable, several hundred beds and over a thousand ventilators are currently available to treat COVID-19 and other severe respiratory concerns. The county reported over 1,000 positive cases on Friday and over 200 deaths, there has been two weeks in a row where nearly 10,000 positive cases were added. The mayor is looking into ways to keep those numbers down, as the world anticipates a cure for the virus. Garcetti touched on the present battle for social reform, the death of George Floyd called for action in all levels of government to listen and to act. We cant just grieve, we need to grow. We need this to be a transformative moment. The first meeting was held with the newly commissioned Civil and Human Rights Department. Garcetti stated he will continue taking broad steps forward, looking at the city budget and policies and making sure that Los Angeles is aligned with progressive movements of equal opportunity. The crisis among the unsheltered is one concern that crosses both economic and racial inequities. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 the city began receiving necessary aid and grants to house people who were experiencing homelessness. The formula that left so many people unsheltered is when trauma meets unmanageable living costs. Over 20,000 Angelenos were housed last year, nearly 430-million dollars of the city budget will focus on the needs of the unsheltered. By August there will be 24 new shelters in Los Angeles, establishing 1,800 beds to be available. The mayor is looking to address the needs of the streets. The city is looking to get ahead of the next wave of homelessness, by looking at the root cause of residents becoming homeless. Narrowing down the issue to the underserved communities heavily affected by the imbalance in support for living in L.A., there is a mission to house Black Angelenos by fighting the poverty found in the African American Communities. A still from the video of two Buffalo police officers shoving Martin Gugino to the ground: WBFO NPR /AFP via Getty Images Martin Gugino, the protester shoved to the ground by Buffalo police officers during the George Floyd protests, is recuperating in a secret location due to threats he's received. Mr Gugino's attorney said on Thursday that his client had received "concerning and threatening messages and one letter" since he was assaulted by police officers in Buffalo. The 75-year activist was seen in a viral video being shoved by a police officer. After hitting the ground, Mr Gugino lay unmoving, blood seeping from his ear. The officers marched by and ignored him, even after becoming aware of the blood. At one point, one officer actively prevents another officer from stopping to help. Days after the video began circulating online, President Donald Trump tweeted out a conspiracy theory that Mr Gugino could have been an "antifa provocateur" who was trying to "scan police communications in order to black out the equipment." The president's tweet as well as other conspiracy theories alleging that Mr Gugino, a Catholic peace activist, was a plant or he was faking his injuries has made the elderly activist a target of the far right. Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur. 75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment. @OANN I watched, he fell harder than was pushed. Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2020 His lawyer said the seriousness of the threats was still being determined. "It is not clear that these are credible death threats. In order to avoid the risk, Martin will be recovering in an undisclosed location when he is released from the hospital. We do not expect that to happen for a good week, so things could change," Kelly Zarcone said. Story continues Mr Gugino has been hospitalised since his injury, with recent reports suggesting he suffered a brain injury and hasn't been able to walk. The police officers who shoved him, Robert McCabe and Aaron Togalski, were suspended from the Buffalo police department and were charged with assault. Both have pleaded not guilty. Following their suspension, 57 of their fellow officers resigned their assignments on the Buffalo police department's emergency response team. Originally the resignations were publicised as an act of solidarity by the police union representing the department, but officers later refuted that claim, instead attributing the mass resignations to fears that the union wouldn't cover their legal fees if they were sued over actions they took in the George Floyd protests. Read more Trump threatens protesters who want to show up at his Tulsa rally Dozens of protesters gathered Thursday in Romania to express their opposition to a law banning the teaching of gender studies in the country's schools and universities. People carrying banners and wearing masks - some with an "x" taped across them - attended the hour-long rally outside Bucharest's Cotroceni Palace, the official residence of President Klaus Iohannis. They demanded he refrain from signing the bill and urged him to send it back to parliament, which approved the legislation Tuesday. Some of the banners read: "This is an attack on the autonomy of the universities," "Open minds not closed doors" and "Biological sex is not gender identity." "We think this is an assault against the transgender community in Romania," said Vlad Viski, president of MozaiQ, an LGBT organization. "All in all, approximately 12 articles of the constitution are violated if this law passes." The law has been strongly criticized by several Romanian universities and student organizations, which see it as an attack on academic freedom and human rights. Neighbouring Hungary passed similar legislation in 2018, removing accreditation and funding for gender studies at the university level. Hungary recently banned transgender people from changing their gender on official documents. A police officer involved in the shooting death of Breonna Taylor will be fired, the Louisville, Kentucky, mayor announced Friday. Louisville Metro Police Officer Brett Hankison was one of three officers involved in the shooting that took place on March 13 when they conducted a no-knock warrant. PHOTO: This undated photo courtesy of Breonna Taylor family shows Breonna posing during a graduation ceremony in Louisville, Ky. (Family of Breonna Taylor via AFP/Getty Images) Mayor Greg Fischer said LMPD Chief Rob Schroeder is initiating termination procedures, but could not offer more details. "Unfortunately, due to a provision in state law that I very much would like to see changed, both the Chief and I are precluded from talking about what brought us to this moment, or even the timing of this decision," Fischer said in a statement. MORE: Timeline: Inside the investigation of Breonna Taylor's killing and its aftermath According to his termination letter that was shared with local reporters, Hankison violated procedure when he fired 10 rounds into Taylor's apartment while executing the warrant. "I have determined you violated Standard Operating Procedure ... when your actions displayed an extreme indifference to the value of human life when you wantonly and blindly fired ten rounds into the apartment of Breonna Taylor," the letter stated. PHOTO: Det. Brett Hankison are seen here. (Louisville Metro Police Department) Schroeder also said Hankison violated procedure by using deadly force without knowing the force was directed at a person who posed an immediate threat. The chief noted that the door and window that he shot through were covered and prevented Hankison from identifying if there was any threat on the other side. During the incident, Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, heard the plainclothes police attempting to break down the door. Walker took out his licensed gun and fired it, according to investigators. Police opened fire and hit Taylor, 25 and an EMT, at least eight times while she was asleep in her bed. No disciplinary action has been taken against the other two officers, Myles Cosgrove and Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly, but they have been reassigned to administrative duties pending the investigation. Story continues Ben Crump, Lonita Baker and Sam Aguiar, the attorneys representing Taylor's family, said they were pleased with Hankison's termination and pushed for investigators to prosecute him and the other two officers. "Todays announcement makes it clear, as we have always maintained, that the city had the power to fire the officers involved in Breonna Taylors murder. We look forward to them terminating the other officers involved in Bres murder," the attorneys said in a statement. Schroeder said Hankison was previously disciplined last year for "reckless conduct that injured an innocent person," but would not go into further details. A team of FBI members were in Taylor's apartment Thursday as part of its probe into her death, the agency's Louisville office said in a statement. The agents took a "fresh look" at all the evidence including re-interviewing witnesses, the FBI said in a statement that was posted on its Twitter page.. MORE: Breonna Taylor case: Breonna's Law passed to ban no-knock warrants Taylor's death at the hands of officers sparked protests throughout the country, and along with George Floyd's killing, pushed lawmakers to enact police reforms. Lousiville's Metro Council passed Breonna's Law last week, which banned no knock warrents and requires officers to turn on their body cameras before executing any warrent. ABC News' Sabina Ghebremedhin and Anthony Mcmahon contributed to this report. Officer involved in Breonna Taylor shooting to be fired by Louisville police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Conflict, war, persecution, violence and natural disasters are some of the reasons forcing many in sub-Saharan Africa to flee from their homes. Paul Samasumo Vatican City 79.5 million people around the world have been forced to flee their homes. Among them are nearly 26 million refugees. Of these, half are said to be under the age of eighteen. According to UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, Africa has over 18 million displaced persons. The majority of displaced persons, in Africa, come from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Nigeria, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon. I salute communities that shelter refugees As the world commemorates 20 June 2020, World Refugee Day, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said the world is marking the day against a backdrop of a dramatic global crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. "As we battle COVID-19, I draw inspiration from the resilience refugees have shown in overcoming their own crisis of displacement and dispossession; their separation from home and family; and their determination to improve their own and others' lives, despite these and other hardships," said Grandi. He continued, "On World Refugee Day, I salute and celebrate the fortitude of refugees and displaced people around the world. I also pay tribute to the communities that shelter them, and that have demonstrated the universally shared values and principles of compassion and humanity. They have sometimes hosted and protected refugees for years or even generations, and continuing to uphold these values in a time of pandemic is a powerful message of hope and solidarity," the UNHCR Commissioner said. Scalabrinian nuns and Refugees Sister Neusa de Fatima Mariano, Superior General of the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo (Scalabrinians), said that most of those forced to flee are victims of conflicts, persecutions, violence, or natural disasters. Sister Neusa cited Pope Francis, who says that, Refugees are not just numbers but people who have faces, names, stories, and need to be treated as such. Sister Neusa further says as Scalabrinians, they long to see the day when politicians, local, national and international leaders will not be indifferent to the plight of migrants and refugees. Migrants and refugees in Libya are very vulnerable UNHCR and the World Food Programme (WFP) have joined forces in Libya to reach up to 10,000 food-insecure refugees and asylum seekers with emergency food aid this year. The partnership was launched in recognition of the severe socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Libya as well as the effects of the ongoing conflict. The Sahel emergency UNHCR is equally alarmed over escalating armed attacks in the Sahel region that has seen hundreds of innocent civilians targeted in recent weeks. The violence has triggered more displacement and is seriously hindering humanitarian activities. The terrorist attacks and ensuing counter-security operations have led to more people fleeing their homes for security. A Twitter emoji from Ivory Coast In the meantime, the UN Refugee Agency, partnered with Twitter and 22-year-old Ivorian artist O'Plerou Grebet for the launch of the 2020 World Refugee Day emoji. The emoji, two hands linked together in the shape of a heart, symbolises solidarity and diversity. The Twitter emoji has the hashtags: #WorldRefugeeDay, #RefugeeDay and #WithRefugees in 12 languages. It will be live until 23 June. World Refugee Day, celebrates the courage and resilience of millions of people forced to flee their homes. On New Year's Eve, terrifying images of Australia's wildlife attempting to escape burning habitats were broadcast internationally. Now, thanks to a program developed by the Australian Museum called DigiVol, Australians can contribute to the future protection of these animals from their couch, as they spend more time at home during the COVID-19 restrictions. Fires wiped out vast areas of koala habitats in northern NSW and south-east Queensland, and the status of local populations may be escalated from vulnerable to endangered. Credit:Jenny Lewis The NSW government's Saving our Species platform has placed cameras all over the state to document the habitats of native wildlife and determine conservation investment. Thousands of images are then uploaded to the DigiVol website where volunteers are asked to identify the animals captured in the photos using detailed manuals. Each identification is reviewed by five other people before being passed on to the Saving our Species conservationists. This citizen science allows conservationists to study what impact human interventions such as providing food and water has on the animals. About 110 teachers or staff, 3,600 students arrested over social incidents in HK since June last year: HKSAR official People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:30, June 18, 2020 HONG KONG, June 17 (Xinhua) -- About 110 teachers or staff from education institutions and about 3,600 students have been arrested over social incidents in Hong Kong from June 2019 to May 2020, Hong Kong's education chief said on Wednesday. Answering questions raised by a member of HKSAR's Legislative Council in a written reply on Wednesday, Kevin Yeung, secretary for education of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said that among the people arrested during the period in relation to the social incidents, about 10 of them were staff members of post-secondary institutions and about 100 of them were staff or teachers of primary and secondary schools. Among the students arrested in the same period, about 2,000 were from post-secondary institutions and the remaining about 1,600 were aged under 18 who were believed to be mostly secondary students and very few of them primary students, Yeung said. Yeung said that the HKSAR's education bureau has attached great importance to the professional ethics and conduct of teachers. For teachers who are involved in illegal acts, they have to bear the legal responsibility and the bureau will follow up on the matter seriously in accordance with the Education Ordinance. He said that under the established mechanism, if a registered teacher is charged upon arrest, the bureau will review whether a teacher has misconducted himself/herself and his/her teacher registration status by referring to the court documents and other obtainable information, regardless of whether the teacher concerned is convicted or not. If an arrested teacher is not charged but the bureau receives complaints or information about the professional conduct of the teacher concerned, the bureau will also take action according to the established mechanism, he added. "We are currently following-up on the concluded case according to the procedures mentioned above. No cancellation of registration of the teachers concerned has been recorded so far," Yeung said. Yeung said that some people and groups with ulterior motives deliberately mislead students into participating in political activities using radical means, attempting to achieve their political objectives at the expense of students' interests and prospects. The bureau strongly condemned the acts of these people who have been misleading and causing harm to the students, he added. "The social incidents have posed unprecedented impact on and challenges to the education sector," Yeung said, adding that as a place for nurturing students and developing their moral values, schools should assist students to rectify their misdemeanor and should work with parents to help students reflect on the impact of their behavior on themselves and others so that students can re-establish positive values. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address London: An Oxford professor whose team discovered the use of dexamethasone in preventing deaths among seriously ill Covid-19 patients says use of the drug can bring very significant benefits for India. This is particularly the case given the upward rise in the number of cases in parts of India, particularly Delhi and Mumbai. That curve means the discovery has come in time for thousands of patients in India. I hope it can have a significant impact, professor Peter Horby from the Nuffield Department of Medicine at the University of Oxford that led the research told CNN News18. Its a drug that weve shown works among hospitalised patents who require oxygen or mechanical ventilation. Among patients who are just on oxygen, On a face mask, for example, it reduces the risk of death by about 20 per cent, Horby said. And in patients who are even sicker, who require mechanical ventilation, it reduces the risk of death by about 35 per cent. Given the scale of the spread of coronavirus, that can translate into huge numbers of lives saved. Among 30,000 hospital deaths that weve had in the UK, about 5,000 could have been prevented by the use of dexamethasone, Horby said. The discovery has come late for too many in Britain which is now well past its peak in the spread of the virus. But its a timely discovery for India and other countries where the virus is still spreading, such as many countries in Latin America. Just how does it work? Its an anti-inflammatory drug, so in patients who are quite sick, it reduces inflammation in the lung and helps them recover, he said. But he sounded a note of caution. Its very important to get the message across that this is not a drug for people at home and not very sick, because those patients dont have the inflammation, and the drug may make them worse. Is there an in-between stage between ventilation and home treatment where this drug could help? There is, and appears to be one where patients have significant respiratory illness, and they have the need for oxygen before the need get to ventilation, he said. That is really the largest number of patients in hospitals, because you wouldnt be in hospital unless you were quite sick, and for them theres a benefit. In India that in-between stage is currently crucial given a shortage of ventilators in some hospitals. If patients are in a state where they need oxygen, then this drug could well save them from getting to a stage where they will need a ventilator. It can probably prevent most people from going on to ventilation, so in patients who require oxygen even via a mask, this drug would have a benefit, said Horby. And if they do get on to a ventilator, the drug could save significantly more lives than mechanical ventilation without this drug might. The Oxford trials were carried out under the RECOVERY (Randomised Evaluation of COVid-19 thERapY) programme established in March. The first drug to be tested was hydroxychloroquine for which the results came in about two weeks back. With that we did not see a benefit in hospitalised patients, the professor said. That leaves four more drugs or lines of treatment to be tested. Next in line is test results for lopinavir-ritonavir (a combination of two drugs), an HIV drug, which will be the next drug we will get an answer on, he said. I suspect that will be in about one months time. Following from there the Oxford department will test azithromycin, an antibiotic, and then tocilizumab, another strong anti-inflammatory. The department also plans to test convalescent plasma. Those last three will probably take some time because the UK now has very few cases, so I dont think well get an answer on those probably until next year, said Horby. Bryce Dallas Howard has said she would not star in The Help if it were made today, amid an outcry over its renewed popularity. The 39-year-old daughter of Ron Howard spoke to the Los Angeles Times about the film, which is about Black maids in the segregated South, but is told through the eyes of a white woman and has been accused of a 'white savior' tone. In her new interview Bryce pointed viewers instead to 'an extraordinary body of work that centers on Black characters from Black creators.' Looking back: Bryce Dallas Howard has said she would not star in The Help if it were made today, amid an outcry over its renewed popularity; she is pictured in the movie These projects stand in contrast to The Help which had a white director, Tate Taylor and is based on a novel by a white author, Kathryn Stockett. Bryce was asked about a recent Instagram post where she noted that The Help had become the most viewed movie on Netflix after being added there on June 1. While saying she was 'so grateful for the exquisite friendships' she made on the film, she listed some other shows and movies that she would prefer her followers watch inasmuch as they 'center Black lives, stories, creators, and / or performers.' These included three projects by Ava DuVernay - the films Selma and 13th and the mini-series When They See Us - as well as Spike Lee's biopic of Malcolm X. Details: The film is about black maids in the south played by Viola Davis (right) and Octavia Spencer (center) but is seen through the eyes of a white woman played by Emma Stone (left) She told the Los Angeles Times why she wrote the post, saying: 'Being around movie sets, I know what goes into a production. So when Im watching a movie, I know when I see the directors name that they were really, really involved and its largely their opinions and the writers opinion.' Bryce shared with the newspaper: 'The actors, I dont want to say were props - we can be more than props,' then laughed and added: 'But the final decision is not ours. I know who has the power. And so right now, in this time, stories are going to play a crucial role in our ability to empathize and to be inspired into action.' She continued: 'And the storytellers who we must listen to right now and look to and learn from - theres an extraordinary body of work that centers on Black characters from Black creators.' When she said she would not appear in the film if it were made now she noted that 'What Ive seen is that folks have the courage to say that. "With all due respect, I love this project, I do not think you could be the filmmaker." Thats a really powerful thing to say. Thats an important stance to take in order to make room for the true authentic storytellers.' Bryce argued: 'In this transformation thats happening, theres a new freedom of expression. Im seeing from others - and feeling from myself - that it is less about worrying about offending people and looking within and saying: "Why? What really am I scared of, and what is that reinforcing?: And so I posted it and didnt look back.' Netflix added The Help to its repertoire on June 1 and it became number one on June 4, all as riots and protests swept the nation over the George Floyd killing. A string of critics took exception to the movie's popularity including Rebecca Theodore-Vachon who wrote: 'I'm so sorry but the last thing folx need to be watching are bootleg "racial reconciliation" movies like The Help.' The Help star Viola Davis, who was nominated for an Oscar for her work in the film, told the New York Times in 2018 that she 'regretted' having been in it. 'We can all go further': Bryce was asked about a recent Instagram post where she noted that The Help had become the most viewed movie on Netflix after being added there on June 1 She showered praise on her co-stars and director but 'just felt that at the end of the day that it wasn't the voices of the maids that were heard.' Referring to her character and the one played by Octavia Spencer, she said: 'I know Aibileen. I know Minny. They're my grandma. They're my mom.' Viola noted that 'if you do a movie where the whole premise is, I want to know what it feels like to work for white people and to bring up children in 1963, I want to hear how you really feel about it. I never heard that in the course of the movie.' It is going to be extremely difficult to sell a business without real estate until the economy and small businesses rally back to near-normal; but if you own real estate, there are buyers out there. Frank & Teddys Tavern, 175 Highway 36, Hazlet, Monmouth County, New Jersey has been sold according to Richard Santore of Bielat Santore & Company, Allenhurst, New Jersey, the broker for the sale. This roadside tavern had been a neighborhood tavern for nearly 90 years. 85 of those years as Strykers Bar and thereafter as Frank and Teddys. Although Strykers was a family owned and operated business, which included the owners living above the bar, the most recent ownership of Frank & Teddys was absentee. The establishment was purchased by a contractor as an investment property. He had a friend that was in the bar business and that friend and his wife were to operate. Unfortunately, the arrangement did not work out and the bar was eventually closed and remained closed for two years prior to the sale. New ownership has not announced any plans for the 2,300 square foot building which sits on 1.2 acres of land. Other uses for the facility are being contemplated and this purchase may mark the end of the 90-year run as a roadside tavern. This is the second restaurant/bar sold by Bielat Santore & Company during the Covid-19 shutdown. It is amazing that we have been able to close two deals during this crisis, says Santore. We have four or five more deals that went under contract before the mandated shutdown of restaurants in New Jersey. Those contracts and closings have been extended until such time when restaurants and bars are able to open for business again, continues Santore. Of course, it will be challenging to market and sell businesses that have temporarily been shuttered during the pandemic, because valuations are based on historical financial data. However, whether you choose to reopen your business or not, owners can still position them for sale. So, what should you do if you want to sell in the next 6 12 months? Contact a good business broker that specializes in the sale of hospitality real estate and businesses. Bielat Santore & Company, Allenhurst, NJ has been brokering such sales for over 40 years and will be able to help you come up with flexible deal structures and capital sources to make a sale. Believe or not, even during this pandemic, there are buyers looking for hospitality real estate, adds Santore. It is going to be extremely difficult to sell a business without real estate until the economy and small businesses rally back to near-normal; but if you own real estate, there are buyers out there. About Bielat Santore & Company Bielat Santore & Company is an established commercial real estate firm. The companys expertise lies chiefly within the restaurant and hospitality industry, specializing in the sale of restaurants and other food and beverage real estate businesses. Since 1978, the principals of Bielat Santore & Company, Barry Bielat and Richard Santore, have sold more restaurants and similar type properties in New Jersey than any other real estate company. Furthermore, the firm has secured in excess of $500,000,000 in financing to facilitate these transactions. Visit the companys website, http://www.123bsc.com for the latest in new listings, property searches, available land, market data, financing trends, RSS feeds, press releases and more. by: FOX 4 Newsroom Posted: / Updated: KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is hosting a series of discussions on systemic racism in KC, and the first one is today, June 18. The listening session comes in the wake of worldwide protests against police brutality and racism after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Jodie Whittaker and David Tennant teamed up to judge a Doctor Who cosplay contest while wearing their famous costumes. Appearing on The Late Late Show, the current and former Doctor Who stars appraised the efforts of superfans, who dressed up as characters including a cyberman, a Dalek and the Face of Boe. Im gonna be good cop, said Whittaker, before the competition began. Im gonna be ruthless, Tennant responded. The contestants had been given just 24 hours to assemble their costumes, and some of the improvised uses of kitchen equipment and household objects provoked laughter from the two judges. Tennant joked that it had been quite a little while since he had last worn the clothes of the 10th Doctor. It all still fits, thankfully, he added, even after lockdown. The Scottish actor played the Doctor for three series of the hit BBC sci-fi programme, from 2005 until 2010. Tennant was replaced by Matt Smith, who was subsequently replaced by Peter Capaldi. Whittaker took over the role in 2017. Elsewhere on the programme, the pair opened up to host James Corden about their experiences playing the character. Its part of our cultural heritage in this country, said Tennant. This shows been going since 1963. Just about everyone alive in Britain has grown up with it, or certainly has it in their lives. Its wonderful and thrilling to become part of that, but you dont want to break it. Whittaker added: Its the best, most incredible journey but it cant be described. Tennant can currently be seen starring alongside Michael Sheen in the BBC1 sitcom Staged, which was filmed under lockdown conditions. The Baudry Lab is using supercomputers to find naturally occurring compounds that chemically bind to proteins of the COVID-19 virus, preventing them from working. Credit: The Baudry Lab | UAH The Baudry Lab at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) has identified 125 naturally occurring compounds that have a computational potential for efficacy against the COVID-19 virus from the first batch of 50,000 rapidly assessed by a supercomputer. It's the first time a supercomputer has been used to assess the treatment efficacy of naturally occurring compounds against the proteins made by COVID-19. Located in UAH's Shelby Center for Science and Technology, the lab is searching for potential precursors to drugs that will help combat the global pandemic using the Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Cray Sentinel supercomputer. The UAH team is led by molecular biophysicist Dr. Jerome Baudry (pronounced Bo-dre), the Mrs. Pei-Ling Chan Chair in the Department of Biological Sciences. Dr. Baudry is video blogging about his COVID-19 research journey using HPE's Cray Sentinel system. His research is in collaboration with the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy and HPE. "We have used supercomputers to predict natural products most likely to bind to three proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus," says Dr. Baudry. SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that causes COVID-19. "Out of the 50,000 natural products that we have looked at using supercomputers, we find several hundred to be predicted to be potentially binding on the proteins of interest," he says. "We further found 125but there may be morethat are particularly interesting because they bind right where we want to, they are not too big, not too small and they have the chemical profiles of pharmaceuticals." There are many diverse natural sources for the chemicals of interest, Dr. Baudry says. "Many are from relatively common medicinal plants that can be found in the U.S., and many are from more distant plants from Southeast Asia and South America, as well as from some ground and oceanic bacteria strains and fungi." Promising compounds will undergo a computational technique called pharmacophore analysis to find what the chemicals have in common and flag chemical features important for future research. The next phase for the compounds is in vitro testing by a partner laboratory that will use live virus and live cells. Those chemical molecules found most efficacious will form the basis for future drug research and development processes that include testing for efficacy, tolerance and adverse effects in human trials. That process might also include chemical modifications to make the drug more efficient, better tolerated or both. "Maybe we will need a cocktail of drugs, as is the case in many anti-AIDS treatments. But every drug that ends up surviving this long and winding road of development and testing starts as a hit that binds to a protein. It is this initial event that we are modeling here using supercomputers," Dr. Baudry says. "Normally it would take a very long time and a lot of money to achieve that, but with the supercomputers we can perform this initial hit discovery step much faster and cheaper," he says. "Everything is being accelerated for COVID-19, so the whole process that can take up to a decade may end up being shorter here." More batches are being prepared for supercomputer testing, according to Baudry Lab researcher Dr. Kendall Byler, who is running the calculations on Sentinel. Dr. Byler is highly experienced in using computational approaches for natural product research. "Actually, there are over 400,000 compounds we'd like to test," Dr. Byler says. The UAH lab headed by Dr. Jerome Baudry has announced results from its testing of the first group of 50,000 naturally occurring compounds out of more than 400,000 that may show promise as treatments for the COVID-19 virus. Credit: Michael Mercier | UAH Blocking proteins In the initial batch, naturally occurring compounds were found that seem likely to bind to two important proteins, COVID-19's papain-like protease, or PLpro, and the main protease, or Mpro. The proteins are enzymes from the virus' genome that are responsible for processing all the virus' proteins in infected cells. Infected cells are forced to manufacture them so that the virus can replicate. "If we can block these viral proteins from self-assembling and performing their functions inside the cell, we may not have been able to save that one infected cell, but we will prevent the virus from replicating and it will die with that cell," Dr. Baudry says. "If we find a chemical that 'sticks' in these reactive regions of the proteins, the processing reactions will not be possible anymore and we will stop the infected cells from making and releasing more virus." The third protein of interest is COVID-19's spike protein, which is how the virus attaches itself to a cell to initiate the infection process. This spike protein is present on the surface of the virus and gives the virus its characteristic crown-like (corona in Latin) appearance. It binds to a protein called ACE2 on the cell surface to begin the infection process. "We are trying to find chemicals that would bind on the surface of the virus' spike protein and prevent it from locking itself with the cell's ACE2," Dr. Baudry says. In the initial batch modeled, scientists found the interactions of 24 compounds interesting in the spike protein, 41 molecules interesting in the main protein and 60 compounds interesting in the PL-pro protein. "We can then have a good idea of what the natural products exhibit that makes them successful in these different proteins, and that is the starting point for screening larger databases of millions of chemicals much faster, helping chemists to synthesize novel molecules down the road, maybe more potent and more selective than the original natural products against these proteins," Dr. Baudry says. AI and ancient knowledge Located in a Microsoft Azure data center in Texas, the Sentinel supercomputer makes the work more rapid than ever before possible and an HPE team is helping facilitate it. Dr. Baudry's UAH team has access to Sentinel's powerful capabilities through the cloud with Microsoft Azure. Sentinel, which features HPE's Cray XC50 end-to-end high-performance computing (HPC) system, is capable of computing 147 trillion floating point operations per second and can store 830,000 gigabytes of data. Sentinel helps to cut compound testing time from months or even years to weeks, Dr. Baudry says. The supercomputer is as fast as the Earth's entire population doing 20,000 calculations every second and has storage capacity for more than 45 years of high definition video. The fight to prevent COVID-19's sometimes devastating health consequences has created a new meeting of modern high-capacity artificial intelligence with humankind's most ancient healing knowledge, Dr. Baudry says. "Even five years ago, this would not have been possible," he says. "It is fortunate for us that this kind of very advanced, very rapid computational power is available at this time when we need it so much." Explore further Scientists tap the world's most powerful computers in the race to understand and stop the coronavirus The Supreme Court on Friday sought to know from Delhi government about the status of construction of second trauma Centre at Dwarka of Rs 60 crores deposited as fine by real estate barons Sushil Ansal and Gopal Ansal, convicted for negligence in 1997 Uphaar theatre fire tragedy case. A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and M R Shah asked additional solicitor general Sanjay Jain, appearing for Delhi government, What happened to that trauma Centre? There is already one trauma Centre. It is working well for COVID-19 patients". The bench asked Jain, if that trauma Centre is not constructed till now then who should be held accountable. Jain said that he needs to seek instructions in this regard. The bench noted in its order, A question was posed to Sanjay Jain, Additional Solicitor General appearing for the Delhi Government about the status of construction of second trauma centre at Dwarka out of Rupees Sixty Crores deposited as a fine by the Ansal Brothers in Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy caseJain submitted that he will get back on this on the next date of hearing. It posted the matter for further hearing in third week of July. The apex court had in August 2015 allowed the real estate barons Sushil Ansal and Gopal Ansal to walk free and asked them to pay a fine of Rs 30 crore each, which shall be used for setting up second trauma Centre at Dwarka. On June 13, 1997, halfway through the screening of Hindi film "Border", a fire broke out in Uphaar Cinema, which was owned by Ansals and situated in Green Park area here. Fifty-nine people had died of asphyxia, while over 100 others were injured in the ensuing stampede. The top court also took exception to the reply filed by Delhi government and said, apart from general statement that all steps are being taken, the affidavit does not indicate any mechanism for proper supervision of the functioning of the hospital and steps for improvement. The affidavit tries to give an impression to the Court that everything in the Government hospital in NCT, Delhi is well, and all steps are being taken by the Government of NCT of Delhi. When the Government does not endeavour to know any shortcomings or lapses in its hospitals and patient care, the chances of remedial action and improvement becomes dim, the bench said. It said, every organisation, every individual should be more than ready to know about shortcomings, lapses and it is only after knowing one's shortcomings and deficiencies, remedial actions can be taken. We impress upon Government of NCT of Delhi to be more vigilant in knowing about the deficiency and lapses in functioning of the hospitals and patients care and take immediate and remedial steps to redeem the miseries of patients, the public who needs medical care and help, it said. The bench issued slew of directions for care of COVID-19 patients and bringing uniformity in the treatment costs across the country in the matter taken suo motu cognizance. It took exception about the Maharashtra government circular, which said that a positive report of the patient shall not be given to the patient or the relatives of the patient. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Centre said that this kind of circular should not have been passed and added that when a report of the patient is positive, the same shall be given to the patient or his relatives. We have no doubt that the States and all concerned shall supply a copy of the report of the patient to him or his relatives and the hospital, the bench said. Standing counsel Sachin Patil, appearing for Maharashtra government said that he shall be allowed to obtain instructions regarding non-giving of the report to the patient or his relatives. He said that he would advise the State to issue an appropriate order permitting handing of the report to the patient or his relatives and the hospital. The bench appreciated Maharashtra government for its initiative to cap the price of testing from Rs 2,200 to Rs 2,800 and said it would help in stepping up the number of testing in the state. Patil said that Rs 2,200 is charged when swabs are given directly to the lab and Rs 2,800 is charged when swabs are collected from the home and submitted that more than 16,000 tests are conducted on daily basis in the state. A former town manager and a group of other activists held a small Black Lives Matter rally in front of Signal Mountain Boulevard and Mississippi Avenue late Wednesday afternoon. Honna Rogers, who was the town manager from 2008 until 2013, was among the group of six standing with signs calling for racial equality. Im trying to bring awareness to the cause, and I support the Black Lives Matter movement as a whole, said Ms. Rogers. I think its important that we think of any potential bias we may have, and how do we as individuals address it. Ms. Rogers held a neon yellow sign that read Black Lives MATTER, are NEEDED, are LOVED, and the other rally-goers held similar signs. As a mother of black children, it is my job to advocate for them, and stand up for them and to show that their lives matter and are needed and are loved, said Ms. Rogers. How can we take a look around and at ourselves, and how can we be accepting of others and treat others equally? As white people, we have the choice to think about race, and black people dont have that choice because its their life every day. As the interview took place, a host of cars drove by that spot. Many enthusiastically honked their horns, while others raised their first in support. Ms. Rogers said this was emblematic of how most people were receiving the demonstrations message. Over 90 percent of the people who honk or address us have been positive, said Ms. Rogers. Its overwhelmingly positive. But we have had a few people say negative comments. But those are just a few. She said she would like to go to the protests downtown. However, because of what she described as health issues, Ms. Rogers decided to stay in Signal Mountain, where the smaller number of protesters would limit the risk of becoming ill. Some people want to say 'all lives matter.' And all lives do matter, but they cant matter until black lives matter too and until we address the overall way we as individuals treat black people, said Ms. Rogers. Whether that will be, figuring out why do we call the police on someone? Thats what Im trying to address? How do we interact with and see people? She said she has not seen instances of racial bias or prejudice in Signal Mountains law enforcement, and made sure to point out she was not protesting the conduct of the Signal Mountain Police Department. I reached out to the town to let them know I supported their department, said Ms. Rogers. Its more about reaching out to citizens, because I havent seen a problem with the police department. Ms. Rogers also cited her faith as a reason for her actions, saying, As a Christian, that is what also brought me out here. Being a Christian and loving all people. The Leicester City Council on Friday ruled out the possibility of Mahatma Gandhis statue being removed from an arterial road in the city, days after an online petition seeking its removal with over 6,000 signatures was submitted to the council. Peter Soulsby, mayor of Leicester, gave the assurance that the statue installed on Belgrave Road in 2009 will not be removed in a letter to former Labour MP from Leicester East, Keith Vaz. The city in the east Midlands has a large population of Indian origin. Soulsby, a Labour party politician, wrote: I well remember the pride and pleasure we enjoyed when this very prominent statue was unveiled on Belgrave Road. It was a matter of great pride that our City with the generous support of the donors was able to celebrate the life of Bapu who was so inspirational in the creation of modern India and such as example to the rest of the world. I am delighted to be able to give you an absolute assurance that there is no prospect whatsoever of the council agreeing at any time to the removal of the statue and certainly not while I remain Mayor, Soulsby added. The council had previously noted that it was aware of the petition and would consider it as part of wider review of statues, street names and building names in the city. The review was sparked all over the UK by the Black Lives Matter campaign against symbols of racism and slavery. According to a council spokesperson, In such a culturally-diverse city as Leicester, its important that we respect the histories of all our communities and understand the context for the historical references that are part of our streetscape and built environment. The Gandhi statue in Leicester installed with donations from charity organisation Samanwaya Pariwar is among seven across the UK: Tavistock Square, London (1968), Parliament Square, London (2015); Saughton Park, Edinburgh (1997); Museum Quarter, Hull (2004); Belgrave Road, Leicester (2009); Cardiff Bay, Cardiff (2017), and Manchester (2019). SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has written to the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, requesting the immediate arrest and prosecution of 10 soldiers who allegedly killed three policemen and two civilians. The 10 officers were recently charged by the police alongside the suspected kidnap kingpin, Hamisu Bala, popularly called Wadume, who was arrested in Taraba. The case was later transferred to the office of the attorney general. Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court had ordered the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, to release the army officers for prosecution. The said soldiers are Tijjani Balarabe, David Isaiah, Ibrahim Mohammed, Bartholomew Obanye, Mohammed Nura, Okorozie Gideon, Markus Michael, Nvenaweimoeimi Akpagra, Abdullahi Adamu, and Ebele Emmanuel. The federal government however arraigned Mr Wadume and six other defendants on 13 counts bordering on terrorism while excluding the soldiers. We Want Justice In a letter dated June 15, Mr Falana accused the attorney general of trying to shield the 10 military personnel who were allegedly complicit in the murder. Citing the order by the federal high court mandating Mr Buratai, the Army chief to produce the officers, Mr Falana also attached a certified true copy of the court order. Instead of using your position as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation to ensure compliance with the court order in line with the provisions of section 287 of the Constitution of Nigeria your office took over the case from the police prosecutor, amended the charge and withdrew the case against the suspects. Femi Falana (SAN) In view of the gravity of the 16-count charge of terrorism, murder and kidnapping pending in court against the 20 suspects you will agree with us that the withdrawal of the case against the alleged 10 killer-soldiers is not in consonance with section 174 of the Constitution which provides for the take over and withdrawal of pending criminal case in the public interest, the interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process, he wrote. Stemming from the foregoing, we hereby request immediate compliance with the valid and subsisting order of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division by ensuring that the suspects who are at large are produced by the Chief of Army Staff or whoever has their custody so that they can be arraigned and tried in accordance with the law. He said if the request failed within seven days of the receipt of the letter, there will be no hesitation to take appropriate action in order to ensure the slain police officers and civilians do not die in vain. Mr Falana, in his letter, said the request of the police investigation team to interrogate the 10 soldiers, who were indicted in the killing of the three policemen and two civilians, as well as the kidnap of members of the public in Taraba State, was turned down by the Army authorities. However, the alleged kidnap kingpin was rearrested by the Police. In the course of his investigation, the suspect gave details of the criminal activities perpetrated by him with the connivance of a number of soldiers and policemen, he said. The Wadume Saga The police officers were on an operation to arrest a suspected kidnap kingpin in a remote settlement in Taraba State. After apprehending the suspect, Hamisu Bala, aka Wadume, officers handcuffed him and drove him towards Jalingo, the state capital, the police said. Suspected Taraba kidnap kingpin Hamisu Wadume [PHOTO CREDIT: But between Ibi and Wukari communities, the police team of 10 persons came under fire from soldiers. Three officers and a civilian were killed in the process, while several others were injured. The soldiers then freed the handcuffed suspect, police spokesperson Frank Mba said, when he first made the development public. Army spokesperson Sagir Musa admitted soldiers from 93 Battalion were responsible for the tragedy. He, however, blamed it on poor communication on the part of the police, saying the officers were mistaken for kidnappers. The army also claimed that villagers made a panic call to soldiers that kidnappers had come to operate in their community, leading to the pursuit that ended in the killing of three police officers. The inaugural Prospect Series will kick off this Saturday (June 20) at Hanover Raceway with three divisions for Ontario-sired three-year-old pacing fillies. The divisions have been carded as Race 5, 7 and 9 on the 2 p.m. program. Trainer Jack Darling will harness two fillies in the opening leg of the Prospect Series, as he is hoping for good things from both Dreamadreamforme and Twin B Hello. Dreamadreamforme, she actually won a Grassroots up there last year at Hanover, said Darling. But her first start she didnt race very [well], so I thought Id put them both in and see how they do and go from there. Hope they can move up, if not then they will stay in the 'Prospect.' Dreamadreamforme will start from Post 3 in the second $7,100 Prospect Series division with Jason Ryan in the race bike. The Betterthancheddar filly is heading into the race off of a 1:56.4 victory in her May 29 qualifier at Woodbine Mohawk Park and a fifth-place result in her sophomore debut at Georgian Downs on June 9. Last season, the filly toured the Hanover half-miler in 2:00 in the August 24 two-year-old pacing filly Grassroots event. Ryan will steer Twin B Hello from Post 5 in the third division, and the pair will be looking to match or improve on the second-place result they posted in a June 9 start at Georgian Downs. The Sunshine Beach filly was also second in her May 29 qualifier at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Twin B Hello last year as a two-year-old, she was okay, but she really wasnt even good enough for the Grassroots. Shes actually come back better this year, noted Darling, a resident of Cambridge, Ont. that also owns both fillies. She seems a little better, so well try her in there, and if she gets better we can always upgrade to the Grassroots, but for now thats a good spot for her. The Prospect Series is open to two and three-year-olds sustained to the Ontario Sires Stakes program. Like the OSS programs Gold and Grassroots events, Prospect Series events are numbered one through five and horses may only be entered in one of the corresponding events (i.e. Prospect Series No. 1, Grassroots Series No. 1, or Gold Series No. 1). However, should a Prospect Series leg fail to attract enough entries, horses can be entered in the corresponding Grassroots or Gold Series event. Throughout the summer, horses competing in the Prospect Series will accumulate points toward one of nine spots in their respective $15,000 final, to be held on Friday, September 25 at Grand River Raceway. As with the corresponding events, horses are only able to declare into one postseason finale either the Prospect Series Final, Grassroots Semi-Final or Super Final. Starting fees for the Prospect Series are $100 and each division will race for $6,500 plus starting fees. Starting fees can be paid by cheque, made out to Ontario Sires Stakes, MasterCard or Visa. Like all events conducted under the AGCO Rules of Racing, horses must meet the added-money qualifying times to be eligible for the Prospect Series. For additional information about the Prospect Series, visit the Ontario Sires Stakes website or contact OSS program administrator Allison Glynn at [email protected]. To watch Saturdays Prospect Series opener, tune into the Hanover Raceway live stream on the tracks website, Facebook page or YouTube channel. Programs are available for download at the Hanover Raceway website. The first race will get underway at 2 p.m. and the Prospect Series divisions will head postward for Race 5, 7 and 9. To view the harness racing entries for Saturday at Hanover, click the following link: Saturday Entries - Hanover Raceway. (OSS) BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19 By Tamilla Mammadova Trend: In the first quarter of 2020, Georgia exported to Azerbaijan vegetables and roots in the amount of $166,500, Trend reports with reference to National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat). In the first quarter of 2019, this indicator reached $409,700, said Geostat. According to the report, the decline in exports in the first quarter of 2020 was conditioned by the restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. In the first quarter of 2020, the whole volume of products was exported to Azerbaijan by road transport. Azerbaijan ranked third in Georgias commodity circulation from January through April 2020. In the reporting period, the foreign trade turnover between Georgia and Azerbaijan amounted to more than $367 million, which makes up 10.6 percent of the total trade turnover of Georgia. During the reporting period, Georgia exported products worth $221.8 million to Azerbaijan, which comprises 9 percent of total exports from Georgia. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan exported products worth $145.1 million to the Georgian market, which is 14.5 percent of total imports to Georgia. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356 A new map has been launched which shows the number of Covid-19 confirmed cases in people's own villages and towns You can search by your address, Eircode or just zone in on the map, which is broken down by local electoral areas. Latest figures on the map (which are accurate to June 12) show 228 cases in the Naas Urban electoral area, which covers much of Naas town. Four electoral areas cover most of Newbridge. Droichead Nua Urban had 24 cases, Morristownbiller 56, Droichead Nua Rural 10 and Oldconnell 34. Kildare (town) had 27 cases; Monasterevin 45; Kilcullen 10 and Rathangan 20. In the south of the county, Athy East Urban had 19 cases; Athy West Urban 9, Athy Rural 10. Clane had 18; Downings (covering Prosperous) 14 and Kill 14. Up in the north of the county, Celbridge had 90 cases and Donaghcumper 55; Leixlip 216; Maynooth 178 and Kilcock 78. TO SEE THE MAP CLICK: https://covid19ireland-geohive.hub.arcgis.com/ Dr Ronan Glynn, deputy chief medical officer, Department of Health, said: "A new Covid-19 dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of Covid-19 in the community, including the number of daily cases, deaths, number of people in hospital and ICU and a daily update on testing figures. "In addition, the dashboard also allows people to monitor the number of cases of Covid-19 in their local area. The management of Covid-19 is an individual task, where we all must remain aware of the disease in our community, follow public health advice and adopt protective behaviours." The dashboard is a collaboration between Ordnance Survey Ireland, the All-Island Research Observatory, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, the Health Service Executive, the Central Statistics Office and the Department of Health. Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader Deve Gowda who has recently been re-elected to the Rajya Sabha, on Friday, issued a statement asking for toning down of nationalist rhetoric. Saying that this was not the time for using language of provocation and revenge, he said that media outlets spreading fake information and cheap rhetoric endanger the lives of our soldiers and diplomatic staff. The letter released to the public also asked the opposition parties not to use intemperate language, saying that this was an hour for co-operation. Interestingly Gowdas statement came on a day when the PM convened an all-party meeting to discuss the Indo-China border standoff. Stating that there is a feeling among our fellow citizens that we are engulfed by hostile nations, he urged the political leadership to ensure that such anxiety is quelled with proper information. He said that a senior serving military officer and a diplomat should make a detailed presentation to opposition leaders on the ground situation. He stated that the demand was not for classified details but truthful information. Criticizing what he said were efforts in recent times to politicise the armed forces, he said that this was a dangerous move and added that it should be allowed to remain a professional force. Urging the government not to encourage reactionary language of economic boycott, the implications of which were deep, he said that the country should be guided by pragmatism. Gowda did not attend the PMs meet of opposition leaders, as he was not invited, said his office. "Confident that it is a state-based actor", said Morrison, as he expressed concerns of attacks on a higher-than-ever frequency, especially on critical infrastructure and in private sector. In a major breach of security, the Australian government as well as the private sector, has been hit by a major cyberattack by a state-based actor, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday. 9News, an NBC-affiliated television station, quoted the Prime Minister as saying that this cyber intrusion has been done by a state-based actor. I can only say what I have said, Morrison said. The Australian government is not making any public attribution about these matters. We are very confident that this is the actions of a State-based actor. We have not gone any further than that. I cant control what speculation others might engage in on this issue or, frankly, any other. I have simply laid out the facts as we know them and as we have disclosed today, he added. Read also: Pentagon accuses China of using Covid-19 as a way to exploit economic warfare Read also: Nepal president gives nod to controversial bill on new map The Prime Minister, however, refused to blame any single nation when asked who was responsible for the intrusion. I am saying the threshold for being able to answer your question along those lines is very high, Morrison said. What I can confirm, with confidence, based on the advice, the technical advice that we have received, is that this is the actions of a State-based actor with significant capabilities. There arent too many state-based actors who have those capabilities, he noted further. Morrison said that the intrusions on Australias cyber network were not new. But frequency has been increasing, Morrison said. He said that the purpose of raising this matter today is to simply raise awareness of these specific risks. All levels of Australian government, critical infrastructure and the private sector are being targeted in a sophisticated state-based cyber attack, Morrison revealed. Read also: Turkeys Volkan Bozkir chosen as 75th president of UN General Assembly For all the latest World News, download NewsX App Alcohol kills almost 2,000 men in Ireland every year, according to Alcohol Action Ireland. The group is asking men to "rethink their drinking" as Men's Health Week continues. CSO figures from April show around one in four men have dropped their consumption during lockdown. Spokesperson Eunan McKinney believes people are taking stock of their habits: "We know that approximately 1,900 men are dying every year in Ireland because of alcohol. "Two-thirds of them are related to illnesses such as gastral issues, liver disease, cardiovascular disease," he said adding that alcohol also causing harm in accidents that occur involving people who had been drinking. Researchers from Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan, have suggested that throat gargling may have beneficial effects during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although gargling would not eradicate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), it might reduce viral load in the throat and positively influence the course of the disease, say researchers Chialing Tsai and Pei-Chang Wu. In a letter to the editor published in the journal Public Health, the researchers suggest that gargling with saline or tap water may be beneficial to both high-risk individuals such as healthcare workers and the population in general. Image Credit: Alexander Knyazhinsky / Shutterstock SARS-CoV-2 is initially most active in the throat The teams suggestion is supported by recent studies showing that the virus is most active in the throat during the early days of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Research has also suggested that gargling with tap water or hypertonic saline can reduce viral load and disease severity in cases of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Researchers in Hong Kong recently showed that among SARS-CoV-2 patients, viral loads were highest in oropharyngeal swabs taken during the first week of infection, with loads peaking on day four. Researchers in Germany found that SARS-CoV-2 infection could be diagnosed using throat swabs taken on the first day of symptom onset when illness would typically be mild. During the initial week of infection, viral replication was highest in the throat, while no evidence of infection was identified in feces samples. Furthermore, genome sequencing identified that SARS-CoV-2 present in the throat differed from the virus present in the lung of the same patient. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 is suggested to exhibit tropism for the tissues of the throat, says the team. Another study of SARS-CoV-2 conducted in China showed that a higher viral load in the nasopharynx was associated with more severe disease. Learning from the 2002 to 2004 SARS outbreak During Taiwans experience of the 2002 to 2004 SARS-CoV-1 outbreak, the importance of wearing masks to reduce inhalation of the virus and initial viral load was realized. During the current pandemic, Taiwan, therefore, introduced the mask-wearing policy early on, which Tsai and Wu say reduced the incidence of COVID-19. However, in some countries where masks have been in short supply, incidence, and mortality rates have been high, they add. The researchers think that although the main protective measures taken during the current pandemic are still mask-wearing, frequent hand washing and social distancing, new preventative measures are urgently needed to reduce the incidence or at least the severity of COVID-19. Reducing the amount of virus in the body tissue at the initial stage of infection might positively influence the course of the disease, they write. Thus, throat gargling, an ancient therapeutic method, might be potentially useful in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies supporting the hypothesis A trial conducted in Japan found that gargling with tap water three times per day reduced the incidence of UTRIs by 36%. Another trial in England found that, among UTRI patients, nasal cavity irrigation and gargling with a saline hypertonic solution during the first two days of symptom onset was associated with a significantly lower viral load, a two-day reduction in length of illness, a 36% reduction in the use of medication and a 35% reduction in household transmission. The authors say potential mechanisms underlying the observed benefits of gargling may involve viral shedding and inactivation of the virus. They also think the concentration of chlorine in Japanese tap water is enough to inactivate viruses. Chloride ions in hypertonic saline have been shown to inhibit virus replication and are used by cells to produce hypochlorous acid to exert antiviral effects, writes the team. Other researchers agree Writing in the journal Function, another research team says: It is becoming increasingly recognized that the throat is a major site of replication and shedding of virus in COVID-19 illness and that viral load is important. Throat and sputum are abundant in particles, which peak 56 days after symptom onset, and decline thereafter. Commenting on the trial in Japan, it was speculated that chlorine in the water might have contributed, since levels in Japan were above concentrations that are known to have viricidal activity, write Valerie ODonnell (Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff) and colleagues. An effective and virtually cost-free way for everyone to benefit Tsai and Wu point out that since gargling with tap water or saline is almost cost-free, the relative social and economic benefit in terms of reducing URTIs could be huge. During the current pandemic, throat gargling habits with tap water or saline might be suggested for high-risk populations of quarantined people and medical staff, write the researchers. Furthermore, gargling might also benefit the population overall, they conclude. Aussie Competition Watchdog Worried Googles Fitbit Deal Could Be Anti-Competitive, Launches Investigation Australias competition watchdog has outlined preliminary concerns over Googles proposed acquisition of FitBit in the United States, saying Googles access to even more consumer data could entrench its dominant position in Australia and influence the advertising and health market. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)s chairperson Rod Sims said in a statement on June 18, Our concerns are that Google buying Fitbit will allow Google to build an even more comprehensive set of user data, further cementing its position, and raising barriers to entry to potential rivals. He said the ACCCs recently concluded investigation into tech giants Google and Facebook found that Googles substantial market power is built on its concentration of search and location data, and data collected via third-party websites and apps. Past acquisitions by Google, of both start-ups and mature companies like Fitbit, have further entrenched Googles position, Sims said. The access to user data available to Google has made it so valuable to advertisers that it faces only limited competition. A sign is pictured outside a Google office near the companys headquarters in Mountain View, Calif, U.S., May 8, 2019. (Dave Paresh/Reuters) Fitbit develops, manufactures, and distributes wearable devices that can track physical activities, heart rates, and sleep patterns. It also has data on the birthdate, gender, height, and weight of the user. The California-based company has over 10 years worth of data on its consumers. The brand has become synonymous with staying healthy and currently enjoys a userbase of over 28 million around the world. On Nov. 1, 2019, Fitbit announced it had entered an agreement to be bought by Google for US$2.1 billion. Rob Nicholls, associate professor at the University of New South Wales Business School, told The Epoch Times on June 18 that even though Fitbits data was collected anonymously, it could be re-identified and matched with users at a later date. The effect is there may be lessening of competition in a number of markets, including the advertising-based one, by [Googles] acquisition of this data, he said. Fitbit user (Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Fitbit) Nicholls said another issue would be newer competitors, who relied on Googles software, could be disadvantaged. The ACCC said it was investigating the possibility of Google favouring its own wearable devices over competitors, especially when it came to providing software, such as Google Maps and Google Play. Related Coverage Competition Watchdog Tasked to Make Google, Facebook Pay Microsoft was famously accused of anti-competitive behaviour by the United States government in 2001 through a similar practice, by bundling its Internet Explorer software with Windows. This practice helped Microsoft cement its dominance in the web browser market. Submissions to the ACCCs inquiry are due 10 July 2020, and the final decision will be announced on 13 August 2020. New Delhi, June 19 : Despite bail to suspended Jammu and Kashmir DSP on Friday in a terror-related case by a Delhi court, National Investigation Agency (NIA) said that he will remain in judicial custody in the case being probed by it. "We have adequate evidence against him and he will be chargesheeted in the due course," an agency official said. The anti-terror probe agency's reaction came after the Delhi court granted bail to Singh, who was arrested in January while allegedly ferrying two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway, after the Delhi Police failed to file the charge sheet within the stipulated time period. The NIA had taken over the case registered by Jammu and Kashmir Police in January this year. The Ministry of Home Affairs approved the case transfer to the NIA following revelations by Singh during his interrogation by a joint team of the NIA, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Jammu and Kashmir Police's CID. On January 11, Jammu and Kashmir Police intercepted a car at Mir Bazaar ahead of the Jawahar tunnel in Kulgam district and arrested Singh while he was travelling to Jammu along with two top Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists -- Naveed Babu and Asif Ahmad -- and lawyer Rafi Ahmad. The police had intercepted the vehicle while tracking the movements and location of Babu, a former Special Police Officer, when he made a phone call to his brother. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police Special Cell is probing Singh and Syed Naveed Mushtaq's role in alleged planning of a terror attack. Singh was in judicial custody in Hira Nagar Jail in Jammu and Kashmir till June 16. Besides Singh, accused Javed Iqbal, Syed Naveed Mushtaq, and Imran Shafi Mir are also in custody. Delhi Police's Special Cell had brought Singh from Hira Nagar Jail to the national capital in March for interrogation in another case. Police had earlier told the court that Mushtaq, alleged to be Hizbul Mujahiddeen commander of Shopian district, along with other militants, were planning to execute a terror attack in Delhi and other parts of the country and targeted killings of protected persons. In this connection, the Delhi Police had filed an FIR which stated that the youths of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab are being trained for carrying out terrorist activities. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) bagged 11 of the 24 Rajya Sabha seats that went to the polls on Thursday, bringing the ruling coalition within striking distance of the majority mark in the 245 member-strong Upper House of Parliament and in a much better position to manoeuvre position to clear crucial bills. The ruling alliance now has 101 members in the Rajya Sabha. The Bharatiya Janata Party alone commands 86 seats of which 11 were won on Thursday. With the help of parties such as the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu (9 seats), the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party in Andhra Pradesh (6), the Biju Janata Dal in Odisha (9), the Mizo National Front in Mizoram (1) and four nominated members, the NDA is in a position to breach the majority mark of 123 in the Upper House. These parties have backed the NDA on a number of key pieces of legislation in the past for instance, during the passage of the controversial Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Bill that bifurcated the erstwhile border state into two Union territories last year. Four nominated members are also expected to back the ruling coalition. The opposition United Progressive Alliance has 65 members in the Upper House with the Congress having 44 seats. Among the big names who won were senior BJP leader and former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, former Jharkhand chief minister Shibu Soren, and former prime minister HD Devegowda. The numerical boost for the NDA that can now hope to breach the halfway mark with like-minded parties is significant as the Narendra Modi government has signalled its intent to roll out bold reforms to attract more investments in the post-Covid world order. The government has already asked the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DIPPT) to prepare a document to woo investors in China and according to officials involved in the process, major reforms that require parliamentary sanctions would be part of the new policy. The NDAs numbers assume significance because the government faced a stiff challenge in the Upper House in its first term because it didnt enjoy a majority. The government failed to push through some key bills, such as the land acquisition bill. But things started to change after Narendra Modi returned to power with a thumping majority in summer last year. The NDA now enjoys a massive majority in the Lok Sabha with 335 of the 543 seats. Soon after Modi was re-elected in May last year, cracks started appearing in Opposition unity. Bills to ban triple talaq, bifurcate Jammu & Kashmir into two Union territories and the resolution to effectively scrap Article 370 passed in the Upper House. The added strength of the coalition can also come handy to tackle any possible Opposition criticism for the governments handling of the conflict between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh, the handling of the economy and the Covid pandemic. In the past few weeks, the Opposition has criticised the government, especially over the plight of migrant workers and the issue is likely to come up during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. The government has a long list of pending bills that it aims to push through quickly in Parliament. These include the two labour codesindustrial relations and social security that are aimed to reform the labour market to woo investors. The government also is keen to clear the Personal Data Protection Bill, a contentious legislation that aims to deal with securing data of private people. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill and the surrogacy bill are in the pipeline. Coronavirus distancing measures cant keep down the Alabama Launchpad. The popular startup pitch competition from the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama awarded $150,000 in funding to two companies this week as its Cycle 2 competition ended. Moxie, a Birmingham Internet of Things (IoT) company, won the $100,000 seed stage competition, while Field Culture Compost, which looks to become the states first commercial compost producer, took the $50,000 concept state award. The competition gives startups the chance to make their pitches before a panel of judges, with money awarded to companies needing investment capital or startup funds. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the finale was held online, streaming on Facebook Live and the website on Wednesday. Led by CEO Ross Wesson, Moxie plans to use the funding to recruit talent. Field Culture Compost, founded by Matt Nesbitt and Alex Thompson, was created to reduce the waste going into landfills. Though we greatly missed our planned live event in Mobile, we were thrilled to showcase these Alabama entrepreneurs with viewers around the state, EDPA Innovation Consultant Dennis Leonard said. These are two startups with high-growth potential who also offer innovative solutions in their respective sectors. During this challenging economic period, its now more important than ever to support dynamic startups who can grow and create jobs in Alabama. Now in its 14th year of providing funding for startups throughout Alabama, Alabama Launchpad has awarded $5.7 million in funding to 94 startups, generating more than 700 jobs, with a combined post-money valuation of more than $325 million. Beyer and other Democratic lawmakers last month urged Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper and Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to avoid such an event rather than risking public health and spending millions of taxpayer dollars during an economic downturn. Instead, Beyer said in a statement, Trump is using the military to stage yet another costly political photo op. Three years ago, the "Black-ish" season 4 premiere was titled "Juneteenth," a day celebrated, as Dre Johnson (played by Anthony Anderson) notes, as "the day in America where all slaves were finally free." Members of the "Black-ish" cast, including the episode's writer, Peter Saji, gathered for a digital discussion about the monumental episode. During the conversation, they highlighted the episode's impact it made and the impact it had when it aired (Oct. 3, 2017) as well as how it's now more relevant than ever. MORE: Quaranstream: Free events and services to watch online while self-quarantining In a clip of the chat, Anderson said being a part of the table read with the rest of his castmates "felt like you were a part of history as you were making history." "It was exciting, I was excited," he continued. "My adrenaline was flowing." MORE: Here are 8 books on race and privilege to learn how to be a white ally Other cast members to join in the Zoom call were Tracee Ellis Ross, Laurence Fishburne, Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Marsai Martin and Miles Brown. Anderson, 49, even remembered telling himself "everything that I ever thought I wanted to be as an actor and become as an actor is going to be called upon" for the episode. And, in the end, he felt it "brought out the best in all of us." The Emmy-nominated actor explained how the goal of everyone who has worked on "Black-ish" is to "move the culture forward with our show and to say important things and to be provocative and thought-provoking." The Juneteenth episode, in particular, he added, "embodied all of that -- and then some." Anderson said he was in tears watching it for the first time and was even getting chills just talking about it now "because of what it means" and what he and the rest of the cast and crew had to do to ensure the final product worked. Story continues Here's the full 'Black-ish' Zoom call about the show's Juneteenth episode: For those who haven't seen the episode, Juneteenth gets its name from the day in 1865, June 19, when Union Gen. Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, that enslaved Black people were free and the Civil War was over. MORE: 10 diverse children's books to teach kids about racism and representation This was about six months before Congress ratified the 13th Amendment, two months after Abraham Lincoln's death and two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday turns 155 years old on Friday and, as of this milestone, is a ceremonial or state holiday in 47 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The only states remaining as holdouts are Hawaii and the Dakotas. MORE: Virtual Pride events offer new way to celebrate LGBTQ history and culture in June This month, governors of Virginia and New York even proposed making Juneteenth a paid holiday for state employees while big companies, including Nike, Target and Twitter have recognized it as a paid company holiday. Thus far, efforts to make Juneteenth a national holiday have come up short. 'Black-ish' cast reflects on Juneteenth episode and its relevance today originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com India will place efforts to contain Chinese attempts to expand its influence in the United Nations system as a foreign policy priority. New Delhi has always sought to reduce Beijings influence in the UN and its affiliated organisations, but it is now considering all options in its responses. Even the UN Human Rights Council, a tainted body that India has generally kept at arms length, may not be off the list. Previously indifferent to East River, over the past decade, China has come to see the UN as a means to legitimize its status as a great power. Its footprint has also grown because of United States hostility to the organisation. There at least four areas India will direct its diplomatic firepower. One will be to deny China chairmanship of UN agencies. Beijing holds four chairs presently and wants more such positions. India will, at the least, seek to ensure China does not win more positions and preferably lose some of the ones it already holds. The Chinese heads of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the International Telecommunications Union are already in their second terms and seen as vulnerable. Indian officials say China sees four chairs as the absolute minimum it should have. A second line is to ensure no major UN offices or agencies are set up in China. Beijing has long been unhappy that no UN agency is based in their country despite being the worlds number two power. The present UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, has been trying to set up regional UN offices because of the high cost of operations in New York City. Last year, Beijing lobbied to have one such office set up in Shanghai. Besides land and housing, it even offered to pay part of the salaries of the UN staff. When China tried to mobilize the 140-strong Group of 77 countries to win support for the idea, India mobilized friendly governments from Africa to stall the plans. The US joined in at the Security Council level, citing security concerns about having UN offices on Chinese soil. While this drive has been derailed, Beijing will try again. Its still on the agenda, says a former Indian UN diplomat. China also wants to take the helm in UN peace-keeping efforts. Beijing now contributes more to the peacekeeping fund than Britain, France and Russia combined. India has noted China is already pushing its soldiers to countries where its firms have economic interests. Chinese soldiers have performed miserably in South Sudan, but Beijing is more interested in giving the orders from the top. Finally, Beijing chafes at the fact it receives very few of the UNs lucrative billion-dollar contracts for services and equipment. India, for example, is the second largest UN contractor thanks to its pharmaceutical products. China, say UN officials, is nowhere on the list. There is an expectation Beijing will try to get the rules of the UNs tendering process diluted to its advantage STORY LINK Pound to Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) Exchange Rate Sinks Despite Signs of Recovery for UKs Retail Sector GBP/CAD Exchange Rate Sinks as UK Public Borrowing Rockets in May Canadian Dollar (CAD) Edges Higher as Oil Prices Rise GBP/CAD Outlook: Could a Positive UK Services PMI Buoy Sterling on Tuesday? Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Pound to Canadian Dollar (GBP/CAD) exchange rate fell by -0.6% today, with the pairing currently trading around CA$1.67.Sterling suffered today despite signs of a recovery in the UKs retail sector after Mays retail sales figures beat forecasts and rose from -18% to 12%.However, Samuel Tombs, the chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, was gloomy, warning that the overall consumer picture remains bleak.Mr Tombs also added:May's recovery in retail sales should not be interpreted as a sign that the economy is embarking on a healthy V-shaped recovery from Covid-19.Naturally, spending on goods will recover faster than on services, which usually require human contact and remain largely unavailable.Meanwhile, the UKs public spending figures shot to 55.2 billion, nine times higher than in May 2019.Chancellor Rishi Sunak commented that the figures reflected the severe impact that Covid-19 has had on the British economy.Mr Sunak said:The best way to restore our public finances to a more sustainable footing is to safely reopen our economy so people can return to work.The Canadian Dollar (CAD) has continued to benefit from rising oil prices today, after oil rose above $42 per barrell on Friday. As a result, Loonie investors are becoming more optimistic that Canadas oil-reliant economy could be on the fast road to recovery.This follows Iraq and Kazakhstans compliance at the OPEC+ meeting to improve oil cuts. Consequently, this has improved hopes that curbs could improve in coming months.Paola Rodriguez Masiu, analyst at Rystad Energy, commented:There is enthusiasm in the market that oil supply is still under control. A positive OPEC+ meeting does that, and yesterdays session helped renew confidence.Some of the Canadian Dollars gains were held back by todays release of the Canadian retail sales figures for April, which shot below forecasts from -9.9% to -26.4%.Royce Mendes, senior economist at CIBC Capital Markets, commented:Retailers were devastated by the shutdowns and physical distancing measures employed in April.It wasnt all bad news in the report though. Retailers who had an online presence were able to capitalize on some of the shifts in buying patterns.Canadian Dollar (CAD) investors will be looking ahead to Mondays speech by the Bank of Canadas Governor, Tiff Macklem. Any dovish comments about the Canadian economy would prove CAD-negative.Pound (GBP) traders will be looking ahead to Tuesdays flash release of the Markit Services PMI for June. However, if this improves this month could see Sterling rise as the UKs largest sector recovers from the Covid-19 crisis.Oil prices will continue to drive the Loonie next week, so any signs of an uptick in the value of oil would boost the CAD/GBP exchange rate.The GBP/CAD exchange rate could recover some of its losses next week if Downing Street announces any further easing to the nationwide coronavirus lockdown restrictions. 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: Canadian Dollar Forecasts Pound Canadian Dollar Forecasts A Midland County grand jury indicted Tye Anders Thursday on a charge of evading arrest, according to District Attorney Laura Nodolf. Anders was indicted on one count of evading arrest with a motor vehicle, a third-degree felony, Nodolf said. She said its punishable by two to 10 years in jail and/or a $10,000 fine if the defendant is convicted. Anders arrest on May 16 made national news after a bystander video showing several Midland police officers pointing guns at him as he lay in the grass went viral on social media. The video received renewed scrutiny following the death of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck during an arrest. An arrest affidavit for Anders detailed the minutes before the bystander video began. According to the affidavit, he failed to pull over when an officer initiated a traffic stop for allegedly running a stop sign and continued driving until he reached his grandmothers house a distance of two blocks, or 0.2 miles. The city of Midland released body and dashboard camera footage of the incident in response to public outcry and allegations by Anders attorney that hed been struck by an officer during his arrest. Nodolf said at the time her office had reviewed all footage and did not see any evidence of wrongdoing by police. Anders indictment comes ahead of a protest of his arrest planned for June 27 at Midlands Washington Park, organized by Dallas civil rights group Next Generation Action Network. Beijing: Chinese prosecutors have charged two detained Canadians with spying in an apparent bid to step up pressure on Canada to drop a US extradition request for a Huawei executive under house arrest in Vancouver. Michael Kovrig was charged by Beijing on suspicion of spying for state secrets and intelligence. Michael Spavor was charged in Dandong, a city near the North Korean border, on suspicion of spying for a foreign entity and illegally providing state secrets. Detained in China: Canadian nationals Michael Kovrig, left, and Michael Spavor. Credit:AP The charges were announced by China's highest prosecutor's office in brief social media posts. Asked what evidence China had against the two, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said only that each is charged with "secretly gathering state secrets for overseas forces with particularly serious consequences". On questions of immigration, the Supreme Court seems to be representing the interests of foreign nationals who haven't bothered to come to the U.S. legally. They threw out the perfectly legitimate request to reinstate the 2020 Census question on U.S. citizenship, something that has been on that form since the dawn of the Census and only recently was dropped, saying the Trump administration hadn't presented a good enough reason to do it. Now they've done the same thing on the question of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the Obama administration executive order that permits a large bloc of illegal aliens to work and stay in the country with zero fear of deportation, cutting them a spot in the line well ahead of immigrants. Message: Get across the border with your kids; waiting in line to immigrate to the U.S. legally is a chump's errand. They cited the exact same reason as on the earlier question: that the Trump administration didn't give a good enough reason to them to do it. This is bizarre stuff if Obama had a right to issue the order, why does Trump not have the right to rescind the order? If past presidents had the right to ask about citizenship in the Census, why does this one have to jump through hoops and hope his rationale is good enough to pass muster from the Supreme Court hall monitors? Equal justice much? It's not as if this order involved negating legislation in fact, the original DREAM Act from which DACA sprang actually failed to pass legislation, which ought to weight its rescission all the more. But somehow, Trump gets less. It certainly would explain why Trump put out this tweet, much derided from the left. Do you get the impression that the Supreme Court doesnt like me? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2020 It's kind of creepy to know there's a Supreme Court out there that gives more presidential rights to presidents of one party and fewer to another. Funny what Trump-hate can do to legal reasoning. The problem is Chief Justice John Roberts, the Bush administration appointee who has rapidly swung to the leftist side of the court and pretty well sides with the leftists every time. (This despite Democrats' insulting behavior to him during their impeachment fiasco.) Now Joe Biden's out touting the greatness of the ruling, and the press is reporting that it's re-charging his campaign and he plans to run with it: Biden vows to make DACA permanent on "day one" if elected president https://t.co/jZHAerGon8 pic.twitter.com/EtuEIR8Xe9 The Hill (@thehill) June 18, 2020 Earlier on: Former Vice President Joe Biden claimed on Tuesday that illegal immigrants [sic] in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program are "more American than most Americans" because they had "done well in school." Biden, who recently said he believed drunk driving should not be crime that warrants deportation, made the statement during a campaign rally in Ames, Iowa. Now he says this: As for Trump, he's back to the drawing board. Politico says it would actually be a tough thing for him to decide whether to try again and win Justice Roberts's NeverTrump heart over, or to just scrap it and hold off until re-election. Trump is already lagging behind presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in both national and swing state polls. Trying to shutter DACA again could hurt his chances to appeal to Hispanics and slice into Democrats' advantage with them. Some Republicans argue DACA should be rescinded because it was created through an improper use of executive authority but they would still like Dreamers to be protected through legislation. One thing he could do is work on alternatives to DACA such as preferential legal immigration for young people in countries where most DACA recipients come from, making it more attractive to immigrate to the U.S. legally than illegally, or the suspended animation of DACA. Another possibility is to break up the large undifferentiated bloc of DACA recipients 700,000 people, all admitted on the lowest of standards and initiate seriously tough standards for admission, cream of the crop alone no record of any crime whatsoever, no record of illegal voting or ballot-harvesting, and either military service or some kind of proof of immigrant drive over welfare attachment such as evidence of entrepreneurship for the less academic, or academic achievement in a STEM (as opposed to a woke studies) discipline for the more academically driven plus fluency in English and other proof of assimilation. For those who quality, maybe a revised DACA, with a path to citizenship, but no chain migration privileges to reward the parents who foisted them upon us, could be the substitute, a good deal for the better of the DACA kids plus less crime, social disintegration, and Democrat voting blocs for the rest of us. It's hard to say what will happen now, but for sure, making better offers to attract more law-abiding and economically contributory people would maybe get the rescission of the order through. With Roberts around, though, maybe it's just best to appoint better judges. Image credit: Pixabay public domain. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 14:40 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066014011 1 City BNN,narcotics,narcotics-in-prison,salemba-prison,penitentiary,narkoba,convicts,drug-smuggling,drug-offenses,EcstasyPills,CrystalMethamphetamine,methamphetamine,sabu Free Serving time in Central Jakartas Salemba Penitentiary has reportedly not prevented a convict from controlling a drug-smuggling operation for the sale of methamphetamine and ecstasy in Bekasi regency of West Java. The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) revealed on May 28 the arrest of a suspect, A, 43, who was driving a box van through Jl. Industri Raya in Cikarang. In the raid, BNN investigators found 66 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside rice sacks, BNN chief Insp. Gen. Arman Depari said. From the information and clues we got at the scene, investigators developed the case and raided a rice kiosk used to keep the drugs, located not far from where A was arrested, Arman said on Thursday as reported by kompas.com. He added that, before the team of BNN personnel arrived at the kiosk, two people allegedly running the illicit business, AZ and MS, had fled the scene. Read also: BNN seizes millions of 'PCC' in raid on illicit Bandung pill factory AZ and MS would reportedly give the drugs to A to be distributed. The preliminary investigation suggests that DS, who is serving time at Salemba Penitentiary for drug offenses, controlled the smuggling operation. Investigators liaised with officers of Salemba penitentiary, and we brought DS and the evidence to BNNs headquarters on June 5 for further investigation, he said. Two days later, BNN personnel captured AZ and MS in Medan, North Sumatra, as they were reportedly heading for Aceh in their escape. In separate operations, the BNN says it foiled attempts to smuggle ecstasy and crystal methamphetamine in Rokan Hilir and Dumai city in Riau province earlier this month. From all three separate cases, the agency confiscated 118.9 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 80,960 ecstasy pills and arrested eight suspects in total. (mfp) The shipping insurance market played a key role in Europes global scramble for empire, treasure and slaves. The Lloyds of London insurance market has apologised for its shameful role in the 18th and 19th-century Atlantic slave trade and pledged to fund opportunities for Black and ethnic minority groups. About 17 million African men, women and children were torn from their homes and shackled into one of the worlds most brutal globalised trades between the 15th and 19th centuries. Many died in merciless conditions. We are sorry for the role played by the Lloyds market in the 18th and 19th Century slave trade an appalling and shameful period of English history, as well as our own, Lloyds said in a statement on Thursday. Recent events have shone a spotlight on the inequality that black people have experienced over many years as a result of systematic and structural racism that has existed in many aspects of society and unleashed difficult conversations that were long overdue, it added. The worlds leading commercial insurance market, Lloyds which started life in Edward Lloyds coffee house in 1688 is where complex insurance contracts ranging from catastrophe to events cancellation are agreed and underwritten. Lloyds grew to dominate the shipping insurance market, a key element of Europes global scramble for empire, treasure and slaves, who were usually in the 18th-century included in insurance policies in the general rate for ship cargo. A man wears a t-shirt with a raised fist during a Black Lives Matter protest in London, UK [File/Simon Dawson/Reuters] Weapons and gunpowder from Europe were swapped for African slaves who were shipped across the Atlantic to the Americas. Those who survived endured a life of subjugation on plantations, while the ships returned to Europe laden with sugar, cotton and tobacco. Although the UK abolished the transatlantic slave trade in 1807, full abolition did not follow for another generation. Lloyds said it would invest in programmes to attract Black and minority ethnic talent, review its artefacts to ensure they were not racist and support charities and organisations promoting opportunity for Black and minority ethnic people. Inexcusable A sweeping global reassessment of history and racism has been triggered by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him. An Oxford University college said on Wednesday it wanted to remove a statue of 19th-century colonialist Cecil Rhodes that has been a target of anti-racism protests. And Greene King, which describes itself as the UKs leading pub owner and brewer, apologised for the profit one of its original founders made from the slave trade. It is inexcusable that one of our founders profited from slavery and argued against its abolition in the 1800s, Green Kings chief executive Nick Mackenzie said. Green King would make investments to help the Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) community and to support racial diversity in its business, Mackenzie added. The history of several other British financial firms, including Barclays, is also under fresh scrutiny. The bank was named after David Barclay, a Quaker who campaigned actively against slavery in the late 18th century, but it later acquired institutions with links to the slave trade, including Colonial Bank in 1918 and Martins Bank in 1969. We cant change whats gone before us, only how we go forward, a Barclays spokesman said. We are committed as a bank to do more to further foster our culture of inclusiveness, equality and diversity, for our colleagues, and the customers and clients we serve. The City of London Corporation has launched the Tackling Racism Working Party, which it said will look to promote economic, educational and social inclusion in the City of London and assess the future of statues and monuments. His congregation might be small, but Beausejour minister Mark Reimer wants the freedom for all his parishioners and every church in Manitoba to gather without any restrictions on group size and physical distancing. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. His congregation might be small, but Beausejour minister Mark Reimer wants the freedom for all his parishioners and every church in Manitoba to gather without any restrictions on group size and physical distancing. This weekend, the pastor of Grace Life Church plans to present Premier Brian Pallister with a petition signed by dozens of southern Manitoba churches asking him to remove any limits on gathering size, social distancing or other health precautions due to COVID-19 pandemic. Grace Life Church pastor Mark Reimer said his requests stems from the rights to freedom of religion and freedom of assembly guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. (Katie Barkman Photo) Reimer said his requests stems from the rights to freedom of religion and freedom of assembly guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. "Our argument is the threat to health isnt significant enough to supersede the Charter of Rights," said Reimer. Since the shutdown in mid-March, Reimers congregation of about 70 has met online or in smaller groups in homes. He developed the petition, titled Reopen Manitoba Churches, in early June and circulated it among other evangelical Christian ministers before posting it online. The petition says churches can assume responsibility to protect their people in the way that is best for their own context. By late Thursday afternoon, 1,400 individuals and 48 churches had signed on. It could be up to the individual (to decide) whats the risk of catching this. We do this all the time during flu season. Mark Reimer "We generally accept there are some risks to how we live," Reimer said, comparing the risks of contracting COVID-19 in Manitoba as less than being killed in an automobile collision. "It could be up to the individual (to decide) whats the risk of catching this. We do this all the time during flu season." Reimer also said in an interview that citizens shouldnt be forced to wash their hands and health experts dont agree on the best way to deal with the global pandemic. At Thursdays news conference, Premier Pallister urged religious groups to be patient, citing it as a biblical virtue. He also reminded church organizations that health policy is not their jurisdiction but the responsibility of Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, and his team of advisors. "They have good reasons for being careful about the restrictions that are necessary to keep us all safe," the premier said. "And I think it would be in the best interests of all of us to show respect for that and to make sure all of us (are) working together to protect our own health and the health of others." "I think it would be in the best interests of all of us to show respect for that and to make sure all of us (are) working together to protect our own health and the health of others. Premier Brian Pallister Under Phase 3 guidelines, which come into effect this Sunday, groups of 50 can gather indoors with physical distancing. The guidelines also allow for indoor gatherings of up to a maximum of 30 per cent of the sites capacity as long as the assembly can be divided into smaller groups of 50 or less. Each sub-group must enter, participate, and leave without co-mingling with members of another sub-group. That means churches or other religious groups with larger buildings can meet in the same space, provided they follow the public health guidelines. Reimer said the Phase 3 guidelines dont go far enough, since churches with large members would not be able to accommodate everyone in their buildings because of the 30 per cent capacity cap and limited number of entrances and exits. Churches from several southern Manitoba communities such as Altona, Morden, Steinbach, Morris have signed the petition, as have nine churches in Winnipeg, including Springs Church. Not all signatories agree with Reimer in suggesting physical distancing and other health guidelines not be followed during worship. The Free Press is committed to covering faith in Manitoba. If you appreciate that coverage, help us do more! Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow us to deepen our reporting about faith in the province. Thanks! BECOME A FAITH JOURNALISM SUPPORTER Click here to learn more about the project. Rev. Joshua Shetter of Redeeming Grace Bible Church in Morden said his church has already adapted how they serve communion by providing individual servings of juice and wafers and he encourages vulnerable members to stay home once they start meeting again to protect their own health. "We want to be legal and we dont want to defy the government," he said of his congregation of 70 people, which usually meets in a rented space in a seniors building, now closed due to the pandemic. Winnipeg pastor Wayne Bustard signed the petition because of his frustrations around large group restrictions in the first two phases of re-opening but said Phase 3 has addressed most of his concerns. Members of his Wide World of Faith Church have been meeting outside on the church parking lot for the last three Sundays and plan to move indoors when Phase 3 comes into effect. The downtown church could seat 135 people in three segregated groups, and his members look forward to meeting together again. "Its where they find their strength and peace and hope," said Bustard. "When you take it away and people are isolated, and a lot of them do not do well." brenda@suderman.com Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has reiterated concerns by his party that the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) intends to suppress votes in their strongholds. The NDC has accused the governing party of pushing for the compilation of a new voters register for the 2020 general election in a bid to disenfranchise many Ghanaians especially those in areas it gets more votes. NDC officials have further accused the NPP of scheming with the Electoral Commission and the National Identification Authority to make this possible. Speaking during one of his digital conversations on Facebook, Mahama argued that the Electoral Commissions decision to accept the Ghana card and passports as the only form of identification required to register to vote is wrong. Our party has been in the vanguard of a fight to prevent the disenfranchisement of a switch of the citizens of this country. We recognise that our opponents are determined to suppress votes in areas of the country they deem not be their strongholds otherwise it is difficult to understand some of the restrictions being put in the way a wider enfranchisement of all eligible Ghanaian voters, he said. John Mahama however urged the Supreme Court to give a ruling that will be in the national interest. We await the verdict of the Supreme Court and it is our hope that whatever verdict is given will be in the national interest to promote the wider participation of our citizens in our democratic process rather than a restriction to an elite few, he further urged. The Electoral Commission is set to compile a voters register for the 2020 general elections but the commission has decided to use the Ghana Card and the Ghanaian passports as source documents to getting unto the roll. NDC sues EC The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is challenging the Electoral Commission in court on the matter. On June 9, Parliament voted to allow the EC to use the Ghana Card and Passports as the only forms of identification for persons registering to vote after relevant Constitutional Instrument had matured. The EC 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. But the NDC feels this amendment will lead to many Ghanaians being disenfranchised. EC's justification The Electoral Commission subsequently submitted its legal justification for the amendment and described the old voter ID as a fruit from a poisoned tree and a breach of Article 42 of the constitution, which defines who is qualified to register to vote. The EC cited the court's judgement in the Abu Ramadan case, where it indicated that the use of the National Health Insurance Card to register a voter is inconsistent with Article 42 of the constitution and therefore void. In line with the judgement in the Abu Ramadan case , over 56,000 names registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards were deleted. It further argued that it was an independent body and had the constitutional responsibility of determining how any registration exercise will be conducted. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has subsequently set Tuesday, June 23, 2020, to deliver its judgment on the case. citinewsroom A hunt for the family of Constable George C.Murray has been launched alongside a fundraiser to mark the grave of Constable Mornington Alfred Clements (L).(NORTHUMBRIA POLICE) A police force has set up an appeal to find the next of kin of a Police Constable who died in an air raid during WWII. Police Constable Mornington Alfred Clements, who died aged 49, and Reserve Constable George C. Murray, aged 68, were killed by bombs dropped by the German Airforce during a raid on the evening of 9 April, 1941, in Tynemouth, north-east England. Now, nearly 80 years later, an appeal has now been launched to track down the family or next of kin of Murray - while Clements, originally from Colchester, Essex, was left in an unmarked grave. Both officers were buried in Preston Cemetery, North Shields in separate graves. The Police Roll of Honour Trust (PROHT) plans to place a headstone at the grave of Constable Clements and in the process mark his sacrifice with a short ceremony and also that of Murray in April 2021. Constable Mornington Alfred Clements, who died alongside Constable Murray, was buried in an unmarked grave. (NORTHUMBRIA POLICE) Northumbria Police are asking the public to help spread the word and track down any living relations or individuals who might have information about the whereabouts of Murray's next of kin or family. Constable Clements wife was awarded a police pension of 1.10p (equivalent) per week, leaving her unable to afford a headstone for her husband. She died seven years later and is buried alongside him. The attack, carried out by German bombers during the Second World War, destroyed shops, houses, timber yards and other premises throughout Newcastle and Tyneside. An elderly couple clear away the rubble near their homes after an air raid by the German Luftwaffe on a residential area of Newcastle in 1941. (Getty Images) The devastation killed a total of 35 people - including 21 men and 14 women - in one singe night. Neighbourhood PCSO Tim Cousins, the officer spearheading the search from Northumbria Police, said: While the Police Roll of Honour Trust have identified distant relations for Police Constable Clements and are in touch with them, sadly they have not yet been able to trace the Murray family. Through extensive research by the Trust they have been able to establish that Constable Murrays family used to live in Wallsend Road, North Shields. Reserve Constable George Murray's grave at Preston Cemetery in North Shields. (NORTHUMBRIA POLICE) At the time the North Shield's district was part of the former Tynemouth Borough Constabulary that now forms part of Northumbria Police. Story continues We are asking the public to help spread the word and hopefully we can then track down any living relatives for the ceremony next year. Anyone wth information on the whereabouts of Constable Murrays family can contact the force by emailing 4654@northumbria.pnn.police.uk A JustGiving page has been set up to help fund the financing of the headstone for Constable Clements. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo News UK Earlier at the turn of the year, Xiaomi unveiled its Mi Watch Color in China and as per new reports, it will soon become the company's first globally available smartwatch. New information claims the Mi Watch Color will be sold outside of China as the Mi Watch Revolve. The information comes after the watch was spotted in the Mi Watch app alongside the upcoming Mi Smart Band 4C -- expected to be a rebrand of the Redmi band. There's also more hint at the same, with Spanish YouTuber eSavants also uploading a hands-on video of the smartwatch where we can clearly see the watch being called as the Mi Watch Revolve. If it's the same watch as the one being sold in China, then we expect very little change in terms of the specs. The Mi Watch Color also shares most of the functionalities with Xiaomi's original Mi Watch that debuted last year. It can record a host of fitness functions such as steps, heart rate and calories. It also seems to be running on MIUI for Watch which is based on the Google Wear OS platform. The watch gets a 1.39-inch AMOLED display and it can you choose from 110 watch faces. Xiaomi says it can be water-resistant up to 50 meters depth. In China, the Watch Color costs just CNY 799 which is around Rs 8,000 in India. In terms of sensors, there's a heart-rate monitor, sleep tracker, GPS, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, compass, barometer, gyroscope, accelerometer, and ambient light sensor. It is also rated to last up to 14-days with a 420mAh battery. The Mi Watch Color also focuses more on being fashionable than functionality. The watch gives the option to choose from three different colours for the dial and multiple straps. There is no word on when the device will come to India, but whenever it does, we expect it to give the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active and the Huawei Watch GT 2 a good run for its money. 8 terrorists killed in Valley in 24 hours India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 19: The security forces have killed 8 terrorists in the Valley, including two who had taken shelter in a Mosque. At Meej in Pampore, a joint cordon and search operation was launched on Thursday morning following specific information about the presence of terrorists in the area. While one of the terrorists was killed immediately after the operation was launched, two others took shelter in a Mosque. There were several appeals made to the terrorists even as a tight cordon was maintained around the Mosque. The IGP of Kashmir said no use of firing and IED to force the terrorists out of the Mosque. Used tear smoke shells only. Patience and professionalism worked in the operation, he also said. The terrorists refused to surrender despite appeals being made, even by the local Imam to come out. India-China Galwan faceoff: China releases 10 Indian soldiers from custody | Oneindia News 27 terrorists gunned down in past 17 days In another operation, in Shopian, five terrorists were gunned down by the security forces. The operation was launched on Thursday and all five were killed, defence spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia said. Iberostar has organised a conference in Playa de Palma on Sunday to analyse the tourism season with around one hundred representatives from the German tourism and travel industry. The hotel group has chartered a plane to bring these representatives to Majorca on Sunday, which is when Spain's borders reopen. The conference will consider health measures as they apply to the tourism industry and their impact on countries which are supplier markets for Majorca's tourism - Germany being the largest supplier. The regional health minister, Patricia Gomez, has been invited in order to outline government measures. The paralysis of business activity will naturally be a major topic for discussion, and there will be presentations of companies' strategies for the new normal and for the application of health protocols. The airline industry will be represented by the CEO of Condor, Ralf Treckentrup. Following the collapse of Thomas Cook, Condor was rescued by a German government bridging loan of 380 million euros. The sale to the Polish airline LOT fell through when the scale of the coronavirus crisis started to become clear. The tourism industry in the Balearics considers Condor's survival to be vital. Other representatives include those from the DER Touristik tour operator, the DRV travel association, and Lufthansa's travel agencies network. Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Chinese Army released 10 soldiers from their captivity on Thursday, three days after the violent clashes at the Galwan Valley. The sources informed that 10 soldiers were returned back unharmed after the Division Commander level talks. The group of 10 included two officers. As per Army statement, four critically injured soldiers were now stable. While 18 were getting treated in Leh itself, 58 more would join duty in a week or 10 days as they had minor injuries only. Army had clarified during the day that all soldiers were accounted for. THE MASSACRE: After temporarily damming two upper rivulets, PLA laid an ambush for an Indian patrol. When it reached the scene, the Chinese unleashed a torrent of water and then went charging after those who hadn't been swept away, hacking them with these nail-studded iron rods. pic.twitter.com/ikBc1PKF7M Brahma Chellaney (@Chellaney) June 18, 2020 "It is clarified that there are no Indian Troops Missing In Action." said Army. The soldiers were missing since evening of Monday, June 15 when the Chinese Army soldiers attacked the Indian troops and killed 20 of them including the Commanding Officer of the local unit. The Indian soldiers had gone for Patrolling Point 14 to verify the compliance of agreements reached between the Army Corps Commanders of both sides on June 6. The Chinese had to move back from the standoff location. The chinese attacked Indian soldiers with rods and bamboo sticks studded with iron nails. The chinese attacking party was fully prepared with riot gears like the sticks, shield, elbow and knee guards. While the Indian troops had their personal weapon with them but did not breach the agreement of 1996. There was an agreement with China signed in November 1996 that neither side can open fire guns or use explosives within 2 kilometres of LAC. They carry the weapons but barrel is kept pointing down. CALGARY, Alberta, June 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cardinal Energy Ltd. ("Cardinal") (TSX: CJ) announces that 99.54% of the holders of our 5.50% convertible debentures that voted at the extraordinary meeting of debentureholders held earlier today have voted in favour of a resolution approving certain amendments to the debentures. As a result, all debentureholders now have the right to exchange their debentures for a new series of 8.00% convertible debentures. This right must be exercised prior to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on Monday, July 20, 2020 (unless otherwise terminated, extended or amended by us). Please contact us via email at info@cardinalenergy.ca or our exchange agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc., at 1-800-564-6253 or via email at corporateactions@computershare.com if you need any assistance in exercising your exchange right. The exchange right is optional so you must contact your broker to have your exchange right in order to receive the extended debentures. The new debentures will be similar in all material ways to the existing debentures except that, the new debentures: will have a maturity date of December 31, 2022, compared to December 31, 2020, for the existing debentures; will bear interest at the rate of 8.00% per annum, payable in equal instalments semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 31 in each year, compared to 5.50% for the existing debentures; will be convertible into our common shares at a conversion price (as defined in the Indenture) of $1.25 per share, compared to $10.50 per share for the existing debentures; will not be redeemable by us prior to December 31, 2020; and as a consequence of the reduction in the conversion price, will have a different number of additional shares that are payable in connection with a change of control of us in certain circumstances. The amendments and the terms of the exchange right are more fully described in our information circular dated May 24, 2020 which is available under our SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com and our website at www.cardinalenergy.ca We have the right, in our sole discretion, at any time or from time to time, to extend the period of time during which the exchange right is open, and to vary the terms of the exchange right. We also have the right, in our sole discretion, prior to the expiry time: (a) to not exchange and return all tendered debentures to the holders thereof; and/or (b) at any time or from time to time, to vary the terms of the exchange right in any respect, subject to compliance with the indenture governing the debentures, as amended. About Cardinal Energy Ltd. One of Cardinal's goals is to continually improve our Environmental, Safety and Governance mandate and operate our assets in a responsible and environmentally sensitive manner. As part of this mandate, Cardinal injects and conserves more carbon than it directly emits making us one of the few Canadian energy companies to have a negative carbon footprint. Cardinal is a Canadian oil focused company with operations focused on low decline light, medium and heavy quality oil in Western Canada. For further information: M. Scott Ratushny, CEO or Shawn Van Spankeren, CFO or Laurence Broos, VP Finance Email: info@cardinalenergy.ca Phone: (403) 234-8681 Website: www.cardinalenergy.ca On March 4, just 10 days before Spain decreed a state of alarm to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the governments top national security advisory body ratified a report minimizing the risk of a pandemic. The National Security Council approved a document ranking the likelihood of a pandemic in 2020 in 14th place out of a list of 15 worst-case scenarios contemplated by the National Security Strategy. Only the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction was listed as even more unlikely. The annual report, which the government has just sent to Congress, did warn about the need to upgrade [public] health monitoring systems in Spain. Slow reaction The lack of awareness about the risk posed by a virus that was already spreading in Spain can be explained by the fact that the bulk of the document had been drafted months earlier. The National Security Council merely ratified it on March 4 at a ceremony presided by King Felipe VI and attended by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, his four deputy PMs, nine ministers and numerous state secretaries. The report evidences the inability of Spains bureaucratic machinery to react swiftly to new developing situations, as well as underscoring experts limited foresight. For the first time this year, the document included a risk analysis in the short term (for 2020) and the mid-term (to 2022), based on the probability and danger inherent to each scenario. A pandemic was described as the sixth least-dangerous of all the contemplated situations. By the time the report was approved, the World Health Organization (WHO) had already issued an international alert; the coronavirus had spread from China to Europe, Italy had shut down all its schools, and the first cases had been recorded in Spain. Cybercrimes, espionage The report said that the most probable risks to the nation were the vulnerability of its cyberspace, espionage, financial instability, irregular immigration and the effects of climate change, in that order. As for the most dangerous situations, cyberspace violations ranked first, followed by emergencies and disasters, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, espionage and threats to critical infrastructure. On a scale of one to five, with one being very unlikely and five very likely, the risk of experiencing a pandemic scored 2.7. Meanwhile, the danger posed by a pandemic was established at 3.4, where one means minimal danger and five has catastrophic implications. Survey of experts The risk analysis was based on a survey sent out to 230 government experts, private companies and members of academia, as well as on an analysis of global reports. Only half of the experts sent back answers, and of these, only 21% were women while there was a significant presence of experts from the fields of defense and the fight against terrorism and organized crime, a fact that plays a role in the reports concept of security. The reports forecast for 2022 was that the risk of experiencing a pandemic would not increase, unlike most of the other scenarios. While there was a specific chapter on health risks that mentions Ebola and listeria, there was no mention of coronaviruses, although this family of viruses was already known before the emergence of SARS-Cov-2. The document acknowledged that globalization favors greater mobility of pathogens that could trigger an epidemic, but added that existing healthcare mechanisms would enable early detection and lead to action to reduce the impact on the population. It also warned about the need for Spain to upgrade its health-monitoring systems, to integrate this information with early-alert systems, and to introduce automated processes to help recognize signs and take action. According to the report, the biggest risk on the health front in the years to come is resistance to antibiotics. English version by Susana Urra. COLUMBUS, Ohio In November 2018, State Rep. Stephanie Howse, a Black Democrat from Cleveland, was gaveled down as she tried to speak against a stand your ground gun bill that she said would disproportionately put her constituents in danger. That event now is seen as a watershed moment that led the speakers gavel to pass from one Republican, then-State Rep. Ryan Smith to another, current House Speaker Larry Householder, with the support of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus and other Democrats. The transition, and the early tenure of Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, prefaced a period of rare bipartisanship last year that stretched across party and racial lines. Arizona, Florida, California and Nevada reported record spikes in confirmed Covid-19 cases on Friday as states continue their phased reopenings and ramp up testing. The Arizona Department of Health Services reported 3,246 new positive cases, exceeding Thursday's single-day high of 2,519 cases. Florida health officials added 3,822 new cases Friday morning, surpassing the state's previous single-day high of 3,207 cases also reported on Thursday. California officials reported 4,317 new cases Friday that were confirmed on Thursday, topping the previous record of 4,084 reported on Thursday. The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services reported 410 new cases Friday afternoon, breaking its previous single-day high of 379 from Monday. More states are reporting record-setting daily numbers of Covid-19 cases as infections spread at a rapid pace. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded its list of states where Covid-19 deaths are expected to accelerate over the next four weeks compared with the past four weeks. The list now includes Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Hawaii, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina and Utah. While some state and federal leaders have attributed the rise in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases to increase in testing, many are seeing a climb in hospitalizations. This metric, like new cases and deaths, is also considered an important measure of an outbreak because it helps health officials gauge how severe it may be. Arizona Arizona has quickly become one of the hardest-hit areas in the U.S. as new coronavirus cases continue to rise rapidly. Some hospitals in the state are nearing capacity, reporting a record number of patients in ICU beds on Thursday, which accounts for 84% of the state's capacity. Republican Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced new policies on Wednesday that allow local officials to require that residents wear masks and follow social distancing rules in public and in businesses. Ducey also acknowledged that the virus is spreading more quickly than previously thought. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards "I said two weeks ago that there is not a trend here," Ducey said Wednesday evening while presenting a chart of daily new cases across the state. "Looking at the last two weeks of data, there is a trend. And the trend is headed in the wrong direction and the actions we're going to take are intended to change that direction and reverse this trend." To help curb the spread of the virus, the governor announced plans to ramp up testing as well as contact tracing, a process whereby health officials contact infected people to try to identify the source of infection and others who might have been infected. However, some health officials are concerned that the virus has already reached a level of infection that will be hard to control. Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb tweeted on Friday that Arizona has entered a "period of steep growth in its Covid epidemic." Tweet Gottlieb told CNBC on Thursday that the hardest-hit areas are now "on the cusp of losing control. Arizona, Houston, Austin, parts of Florida certainly look very concerning right now," he said. Florida Florida added nearly 4,000 new cases on Friday, bringing the state's total to 89,748 according to data from the Florida Department of Health. The state also reported 3,104 deaths and 12,774 hospitalized patients as of Friday. Florida was among the first states to reopen, allowing most restaurants and businesses to restart with limited capacity on May 4. The majority of the state is currently in "phase 2" of reopening. Earlier this week, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state would not reimplement more restrictions or delay its reopening progress. "We're not shutting down. We're going to go forward. ... We're not rolling back," the governor said at a news briefing Tuesday. "You have to have society function." Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards On Friday, DeSantis said that the median age of those who tested positive for Covid-19 has fallen from 65.5 years old in March to 37 in June. "That median age is plunging even further," he said at a news briefing and added that the average will continue to fall. "I think it's important for people to understand, a lot of the people who are testing positive now are not symptomatic." DeSantis said the rise in infection among the state's younger population is due to "erosion of social distancing." "I'm definitely seeing when I'm out and about that people are not necessarily adhering to social distancing guidelines, that they're not necessarily wearing a mask or wearing it correctly," said Cindy Prins, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Florida. The governor attributed the increase in cases at least partly to increased testing. While the positivity rate has risen, he said the numbers are different among each demographic. The state has tested or offered a test to every resident and staff at nursing homes, according to DeSantis. He said the key is to keep the infection rate low among the elderly and those at high health risks. During the briefing, the governor reassured residents that there's "plenty hospital capacity." "We have twice as much capacity in the hospitals throughout the state of Florida today than before the pandemic began," he said. However, despite the increase in the number of tests being administered each day in Florida, the percent of people with positive test results has also increased. In fact, it has doubled since early June. "If you go back over the last two weeks, I don't think there's been a really significant increase in testing on a weekly basis if you add up those numbers, and yet it does seem that we've definitely had a jump in cases and people being identified," Prins said. "I don't think you can say at least the week or so of cases is because of an increase in testing, I don't think that really holds out with the data." California After reporting more than 4,000 new cases for the first time on Thursday, California set a new record-high of 4,317 confirmed cases on one single day. The state announced a total of 165,416 positive Covid-19 cases and at least 5,360 total deaths. California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statewide order on Thursday requiring people to wear a face covering in most indoor settings and outside when physical distancing is not feasible. He said too many residents have started to venture out in public without any masks. The order does not clarify how the state plans to enforce the rule or whether people will be fined for not complying. "Science shows that face coverings and masks work," Newsom said. "They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open and restarting our economy." Nevada LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron will most likely talk about the global fight against the novel coronavirus and Britain's future relationship with the European Union at talks later on Thursday. "President Macron is visiting London to mark an important event in the shared history of our two countries and to commemorate the sacrifices made during the Second World War," Johnson's spokesman told reporters. "But it is also an opportunity for the PM and the president to discuss a range of other issues and I expect them to talk about the global fight against coronavirus and also for our future relationship with the European Union to come up." (Reporting by Elizabeth Piper; editing by Stephen Addison) Almost 27 years ago, two officials a Palestinian and an Israeli thought their respective sides had found a path to peace. Now, as Israel debates plans to annex land the Palestinians envisage for a future state, their hopes for a shared future, with two states co-existing side by side, seem to be slipping further away. Nabil Shaath clearly remembers the day the Oslo Accord was sealed with a handshake on the White House lawn in 1993, raising hopes that Palestinians would soon have a state alongside Israel. "I felt that it was absolutely possible that within 20, 25 years there would be a totally different Middle East with prosperity and peace and stability," said Shaath, who is Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' adviser on foreign affairs and international relations. "But what do I predict today? Chaos," said Shaath, who helped lead Palestinian efforts to implement the 1993 accord in further peace negotiations with Israel. Image: Signing the initial Oslo Accord (J. David Ake / AFP - Getty Images file) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Cabinet discussions would begin as early as July 1 on his plan to extend Israeli sovereignty to territory in the West Bank that Palestinians seek for a future state. Annexation was one of his major campaign pledges to right-wing voters before the election in March. The exact land Netanyahu plans to annex remains unclear, but he has indicated that it will fit within the Trump administration's plan for peace in the region, which was announced in January. The United States' so-called deal of the century would allow Israel to annex about a third of the West Bank, including major settlement blocs, as well as the strategic and fertile Jordan Valley, the region's breadbasket, on the border with Jordan. Download the NBC News app for breaking news and alerts However, the Palestinians, who were not involved in developing the Trump plan, have rejected it and annexation, which would leave them with scattered territorial enclaves. The proposal would also impose conditions for statehood, including law enforcement control, free and fair elections and demilitarization. Story continues The other official, the Israeli, is Yossi Beilin, who as Israel's deputy minister of foreign affairs was one of the chief architects of the historic 1993 Oslo peace process with the Palestinians. He has also warned against unilateral annexation, saying it could lead to a de facto one-state scenario rather than two independent states. Image: Yossi Beilin (Loay Abu Haykel / Reuters file) In that situation, it would become difficult to deny Palestinians Israeli citizenship without Israel's being accused of creating an apartheid state and jeopardizing the Jewish majority in Israel. "The world will move from the support of the two-state solution to one-person, one-vote," Beilin said. "If on the 1st of July there is annexation, the threat against the Jewish state is huge." By contrast, Shaath said the Palestinians would accept a democratic, secular state for Jews, Christians and Muslims. Annexation would violate international law, peace agreements and the Oslo Accord, said Shaath, who negotiated with Beilin, directly and indirectly, for years. "It will make what remains of Palestine totally incapable of developing an economy and developing a unified society, building the institution of the state," he said. Over the years the pair became good friends, and Beilin even attended Shaath's wedding. Together, they have watched as the prospect of peace has slowly faded. Image: Nabil Shaath (Nicholas Kamm / AFP file) Beilin, however, is optimistic that even if the government proceeds with annexing parts of the West Bank, it will not permanently spell the end of a two-state solution, because Israelis will ultimately reject a one-state solution. What's more, he added, while it would be difficult, it is not impossible for lawmakers to reverse a decision to extend Israeli sovereignty over land in the West Bank if 80 out of 120 agree in Israel's parliament, the Knesset. Israel captured the West Bank, a kidney-shaped territory dotted with olive trees, stone walls and biblical towns, from Jordan in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Since then, the construction of Israeli settlements has ballooned, and the territory is now home to more than 425,000 Israelis, as well as almost 2.7 million Palestinians, according to figures collated by Peace Now, an Israeli organization that advocates for a two-state solution. The settlements, which range from small outposts to cities with tens of thousands of people, are considered illegal by most of the international community. However, last year the U.S. reversed its decadeslong position that they violated international law. Image: Israeli soldiers (Menahem Kahana / AFP - Getty Images) The extension of Israeli sovereignty to those settlements, however, is a final step toward Israel's being able to keep the land. Last week, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh warned that if Israel proceeds with annexation, the Palestinian Authority will declare a Palestinian state based on the armistice lines before the 1967 war, with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to the Palestinian newspaper Al Quds. It remains unclear whether the U.S. will greenlight the annexation if there is no sign of Israeli negotiations with the Palestinians. Israel's agreeing to negotiations was one of the conditions for the U.S. to recognize Israeli sovereignty over parts of the West Bank, a senior administration official told NBC News this year. Netanyahu has faced increasing international pressure to call off the annexation, including urgings from the European Union, the Arab League and Norway, which helped broker the 1993 and 1995 Oslo accords. The king of Jordan, which Israel has a peace agreement with, has warned Israel of a "massive conflict" if it proceeds. Shaath hopes the outcry and warnings of the international community will persuade Israel not to proceed the hope being, he said, that if the Palestinians can survive five or 10 more years of the status quo, leadership in the U.S. and Israel will have changed and the prospects of a peaceful settlement will have been revived. "The period 1994 to 1999, this was paradise," he said wistfully. "There was a real possibility of peace then. Today, I don't see it." 19 June 2020 Imperial X Plc ("Imperial" or the "Company") Exercise of Warrants and Director's Shareholding Replacement Options Granted Exercise of Warrants The Directors of Imperial X Plc are pleased to announce that a total of 4,774,686 ordinary shares of 0.1p each have been issued following a warrant exercise. The total funds raised of 47,746.85 will be used for general working capital purposes. Application will be made for the 4,774,686 ordinary shares to be admitted to trading on the AQSE Growth Market and it is expected that admission will occur on or around 24 June 2020. Melissa Sturgess, non-executive director, and her family members have exercised 3,700,380 warrants of the 4,774,686 ordinary shares to be issued pursuant to the warrant exercise. Following the issue of ordinary shares Melissa Sturgess and family members will be interested in 5,300,000 ordinary shares, representing 9.36 per cent. Of the enlarged issued share capital. Replacement Options On 13 January 2017, a total of 5,000,000 share options were issued to James Hamilton and Russell Hardwick, previous directors of the Company, exercisable at 4 pence per share. These share options that were due to expire in January 2022 have now been surrendered and replaced with the grant of share options over 5,050,000 ordinary shares ("New Options"). The New Options will have an exercise price of 2.5 pence per share. They will vest immediately upon listing of the Company's ordinary shares on the Standard Segment of the London Stock Exchange (Admission), for James Hamilton and Russell Hardwick. The other New Options will vest in 24 equal monthly instalments, commencing, from 1 June 2020, and will vest in full 24 months following the Vesting Commencement Date of 1 June 2020. The New Options will have a life of 10 years from vesting. The full list of the people being granted New Options are as follows: James Hamilton 400,000 Russell Hardwick 400,000 Melissa Jospehine Sturgess 500,000 Emma Priestley 500,000 Kyler Hardy 1,500,000 Kyle Hookey 500,000 David Robinson 500,000 Rod Whyte 350,000 Campbell Smythe 400,000 Total 5,050,000 On issue of the ordinary shares, the Company's enlarged issued capital consists of 56,631,212 Ordinary Shares of 0.1p per share with voting rights. This number may be used by shareholders, following the placing, as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change in interest in, the share capital of the Company under the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules. The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the content of this announcement. For further information please contact: Imperial X Plc Kyler Hardy Tel: +1 250 877 1394 khardy@cronincapital.com Peterhouse Capital Limited Guy Miller Tel: +44 20 7220 9795 Notification and public disclosure of transactions by persons discharging managerial responsibilities and persons closely associated with them. 1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Melissa Sturgess 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status PDMR, non-executive director b) Initial notification /Amendment Initial notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Imperial X Plc b) LEI 213800ZLZVEPOS7YID88 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Identification code Ordinary shares of 0.1 pence each in Imperial X Plc Identification code (ISIN) for Imperial X Plc ordinary shares: GB00B44LQR57 b) Nature of the transaction Exercise of warrants c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 1p 3,700,380 d) Aggregated information - Aggregated volume - Price N/A e) Date of the transaction 10 June 2020 f) Place of the transaction NEX Exchange Growth Market Notification and public disclosure of transactions by persons discharging managerial responsibilities and persons closely associated with them. 1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Melissa Sturgess 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status PDMR, non-executive director b) Initial notification /Amendment Initial notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Imperial X Plc b) LEI 213800ZLZVEPOS7YID88 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Identification code Ordinary shares of 0.1 pence each in Imperial X Plc Identification code (ISIN) for Imperial X Plc ordinary shares: GB00B44LQR57 b) Nature of the transaction Grant of options c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 2.5p 500,000 d) Aggregated information - Aggregated volume - Price N/A e) Date of the transaction 1 June 2020 f) Place of the transaction NEX Exchange Growth Market Notification and public disclosure of transactions by persons discharging managerial responsibilities and persons closely associated with them. 1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Emma Priestly 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status PDMR, non-executive director b) Initial notification /Amendment Initial notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Imperial X Plc b) LEI 213800ZLZVEPOS7YID88 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Identification code Ordinary shares of 0.1 pence each in Imperial X Plc Identification code (ISIN) for Imperial X Plc ordinary shares: GB00B44LQR57 b) Nature of the transaction Grant of options c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 2.5p 500,000 d) Aggregated information - Aggregated volume - Price N/A e) Date of the transaction 1 June 2020 f) Place of the transaction NEX Exchange Growth Market Notification and public disclosure of transactions by persons discharging managerial responsibilities and persons closely associated with them. 1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Kyle Hookey 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status PDMR, non-executive director b) Initial notification /Amendment Initial notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Imperial X Plc b) LEI 213800ZLZVEPOS7YID88 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Identification code Ordinary shares of 0.1 pence each in Imperial X Plc Identification code (ISIN) for Imperial X Plc ordinary shares: GB00B44LQR57 b) Nature of the transaction Grant of options c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 2.5p 500,000 d) Aggregated information - Aggregated volume - Price N/A e) Date of the transaction 1 June 2020 f) Place of the transaction NEX Exchange Growth Market Notification and public disclosure of transactions by persons discharging managerial responsibilities and persons closely associated with them. 1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name David Robinson 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status PDMR b) Initial notification /Amendment Initial notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Imperial X Plc b) LEI 213800ZLZVEPOS7YID88 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Identification code Ordinary shares of 0.1 pence each in Imperial X Plc Identification code (ISIN) for Imperial X Plc ordinary shares: GB00B44LQR57 b) Nature of the transaction Grant of options c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 2.5p 500,000 d) Aggregated information - Aggregated volume - Price N/A e) Date of the transaction 1 June 2020 f) Place of the transaction NEX Exchange Growth Market Notification and public disclosure of transactions by persons discharging managerial responsibilities and persons closely associated with them. Sensex and Nifty turned majorly bullish in afternoon session Friday and closed over 1.5% higher each, amid heavy buying in realty shares. Bucking the weakness in Asian counterparts, Sensex ended 523 points higher at 34,731 and Nifty ended 152 points higher at 10,244. Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, ONGC, Tata Steel, JSW Steel were among the top gainers today. Infosys, HCL Tech, Wipro, Adani Ports, M&M were among the top losers. The rally was also led by index heavyweight Reliance Industries that became the first Indian company ever to cross Rs 11 lakh crore market capitalisation. The stock was among the top gainer on both the bourses today. Commenting on the market trend, Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, "Indian markets ignored the potential fallout of India-China tensions and rising number of virus infections to close well above its 100-DMA. The gains were led by Reliance Industries, which alone contributed half of the gains for Nifty. Global cues also supported the markets to close out a news-heavy week. Geo-political tensions may increase volatility in the markets and investors are advised to watch out for the same." Ajit Mishra, VP - Research, Religare Broking said, "Besides, the prevailing buoyancy in banking and financial stocks combined with up move in auto, realty and infra stocks further added to the positivity. The broader markets too participated as both midcap and smallcap indices ended with gains of 1% and 1.4%, respectively. Domestic markets gained majorly today, despite weak cues from Asian equities, and Wall Street Futures amid fears of a resurgence of virus in US and China. Asian equities traded lower as investors were concerned about rise in coronavirus cases in China. Wall Street indices closed lower as they took into account possibility of more time for economic recovery. Meanwhile, companies set to announce their earnings are Punjab National Bank, Bajaj Electricals, LIC Housing Finance, Oil India, Cadila Healthcare, Camlin Fine Sciences, Century Plyboards among others. On Nifty's near term outlook, Jimeet Modi, Founder & CEO, SAMCO Securities & StockNote said,"The zone of 10100 to 10500 is a very important resistance for the index going ahead which also coincides with 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the recent fall from the top to bottom. We expect Nifty50 to move in this broader range going ahead and support on the downside is now placed at 9550." RIL becomes first Indian firm to cross Rs 11 lakh crore market capitalisation Share Market Highlights: Sensex ends 523 points higher, Nifty at 10,244; realty shares lead gains LIC IPO: Bids invited from consulting firms, investment banks Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 18:48:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on March 12, 2020 shows the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua) "Eight years ago this week, we protected young people who were raised as part of our American family from deportation," Former President Barack Obama tweets. "Today, I'm happy for them, their families, and all of us." WASHINGTON, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Supreme Court latest decision on an immigration program established during the Obama administration has drawn the ire of President Donald Trump and Republicans on Capitol Hill. The nation's highest federal court, in a 5-4 ruling, on Thursday rejected the Trump administration's plan to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a program which grants undocumented immigrants brought to the nation as children permission to live and work lawfully. The justices ruled that the administration failed to give an adequate justification for terminating DACA. "The dispute before the Court is not whether [Department of Homeland Security (DHS)] may rescind DACA. All parties agree that it may," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in a majority opinion that was joined by the court's more liberal justices. "The dispute is instead primarily about the procedure the agency followed in doing so." Justice Clarence Thomas, in his dissent, called it "an effort to avoid a politically controversial but legally correct decision." DACA, created via an administrative memo in 2012, allows some undocumented immigrants in the United States to receive a renewable two-year deferral from deportation and makes applicants eligible for work permits, driver's licenses, and health insurance. Some 700,000 undocumented immigrants, most of them brought to the United States as children, had signed up for DACA introduced by the then Barack Obama government in 2012. Demonstrators holding signs march against the separation of immigrant families in Los Angeles, the United States, on June 30, 2018. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across America on Saturday to protest the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" immigration policy resulting in over 2,000 children separated from their families who crossed the border illegally.(Xinhua/Zhao Hanrong) "Eight years ago this week, we protected young people who were raised as part of our American family from deportation," Former President Barack Obama tweeted. "Today, I'm happy for them, their families, and all of us." Trump, who has made the abolishment of DACA a key part of his hardline immigration policy, lashed out at the Supreme Court decision. "These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republicans or Conservatives," Trump wrote in a series of tweets. "As President of the United States, I am asking for a legal solution on DACA, not a political one, consistent with the rule of law. The Supreme Court is not willing to give us one, so now we have to start this process all over again," he said. Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement that he thinks "the DACA program was created out of thin air and implemented illegally." There are five conservative and four liberal justices on the nine-seat Supreme Court. Thursday's decision to preserve DACA marked the third time Chief Justice Roberts, who leans conservative, cast the deciding vote on a major Trump immigration policy, and is likely to further cement his image as the court's new swing vote. Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, railed against Chief Justice Roberts on Thursday. Judging is "not supposed to be a game," he said during a Senate floor speech. Senator Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican claimed that the Supreme Court "appears to be legislating." People protest against the Trump administration's immigration policy near the Capitol in Washington, D.C., the United States, on June 30, 2018. Tens of thousands of Americans marched and rallied across the United States to protest the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" immigration policy resulting in over 2,000 children separated from their families who crossed the border illegally. (Xinhua/Yang Chenglin) The DACA decision came only days after the Supreme Court ruled that gay and transgender employees are protected by the nation's civil rights laws against employer discrimination. Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Neil Gorsuch, a conservative whom Trump picked to succeed Antonin Scalia, sided with their liberal colleagues to deliver the ruling. "During these dark times, these two decisions from the Supreme Court this week were a surprising ray of light," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday on Twitter. "No discrimination. Embracing immigrants." Trump, meanwhile, claimed that the Supreme Court doesn't like him. "The recent Supreme Court decisions, not only on DACA, Sanctuary Cities, Census, and others, tell you only one thing, we need NEW JUSTICES of the Supreme Court," the president wrote, adding that he will craft a new list of conservative Supreme Court Justice nominees in coming months. Supreme Court justices are nominated by U.S. president and confirmed by the Senate. Each justice has lifetime tenure. Besides Gorsuch, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who replaced Anthony Kennedy in 2018, was also nominated by Trump. COLUMBUS, OhioThe state of Ohio will start to deny state unemployment benefits to people who refuse to return to work because of coronavirus, unless they meet one of a number of exceptions. But though it ends a period where Ohio has relaxed enforcement of its usual restrictions on collecting benefits without seeking work, many are praising the move for permanently ensuring many people with coronavirus concerns can still collect weekly unemployment benefits, which usually equals one-half of a workers average weekly wage. Gov. Mike DeWine issued an executive order Thursday specifying that such benefits can continue only for certain workers, including those who: Are age 65 or older Have a medical professionals recommendation that they are in a category considered to have a high risk of contracting coronavirus and are not able to work remotely Have tangible evidence of a health or safety violation by their employer for example, if employer doesnt allow employees to practice social distancing, take appropriate hygiene measures, or wear protective equipment Have been quarantined by a medical or health professional because they were potentially exposed to coronavirus Are staying home to care for a family member who is suffering from coronavirus or is quarantined at the direction of a medical or health professional Until now, no one has been denied benefits for refusing to return work, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services spokesman Bret Crow stated an in email. The department has not yet started to review cases, said Jobs and Family Services Director Kimberly Hall during a Zoom call with reporters on Thursday. Among those who no longer qualify for state benefits are Ohioans who quit or declined work solely because of troubles with finding childcare, Hall said. Ohioans in such a situation may still be eligible for special federal coronavirus unemployment benefits of $600 per week, she said. State Rep. David Leland previously introduced legislation that would enshrine many of the exemptions DeWine put in his executive order, including those considered at high-risk of dying from the disease. Now, because of provisions from the Worker Protection Act that are included in the Executive Order, at-risk Ohioans have the certainty that they wont have to choose between their life and their livelihood, Leland, a Columbus Democrat, said in a statement Friday. Some people may have been paid these benefits in the past, but there was no guarantee until now that they could keep them or continue to receive them. Policy Matters Ohio and the Ohio Poverty Law Center also applauded DeWine for recognizing that people who are susceptible to COVID-19 should not be forced to go back to work and lose their unemployment benefits. This will help workers avoid making what is an impossible decision and preserve the health of many Ohioans, the two left-leaning groups said in a joint statement. However, the groups also said DeWines order should go further and explicitly cover employees who dont come to work because their employer is violating the governors list of safety requirements. They also questioned the orders requirement for a worker to show tangible evidence of a violation, asserting the burden of proof should be on employers to show their workplaces are safe. Ohios unemployment benefits system has been overwhelmed with applicants since the coronavirus pandemic, which led DeWine and his administration in mid-March to shut down non-essential businesses (including bars and restaurants) and issue a stay-at-home order. Since then, Ohio has paid $2.2 billion in unemployment benefits to 274,000 applicants, Hall said Thursday. In total, more than 1 in 10 Ohioans -- 1.36 million of 11.75 million residents -- have filed for unemployment since the coronavirus closures began, leading to lengthy delays in issuing benefits. Earlier this week, Ohios unemployment insurance system officially went broke, though benefits will still be paid out because the state borrowed $3 billion from the federal government (a loan that will eventually be repaid with interest through higher taxes on Ohio employers). In addition, about 24,000 Ohioans have been overpaid unemployment benefits because of department error, and state officials have ordered those recipients to return the extra money. On Friday, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, wrote Hall asking that her department waive all overpayments in instances where the state is at fault. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected low-wage and black and brown workers, and these aggressive notices are particularly distressing to families who are already facing significant challenges and who cannot tell from the notices what their options are and whether they are at fault, Brown wrote in the letter. Read more Ohio politics and government stories: Ohios unemployment rate improved in May but still remains near historic high Can he do that? Local health experts question President Trumps decision to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization Ohio sitting on 4M hydroxychloroquine pills, no longer recommended for coronavirus Gov. Mike DeWine, LG Jon Husted to return part of their salaries after ordering pay cuts for state workers Gov. Mike DeWine announces coronavirus hotspot in 5 counties around Cincinnati, Dayton (Bloomberg Opinion) -- Until recently, it seemed like the contentious debate over lockdowns was over. By the end of May, many states were defying the warnings of public-health experts, reopening restaurants, retail and public spaces. The huge protests against police brutality and racism reinforced the notion that keeping Americans confined to their homes was a lost cause. Now, even San Francisco, one of the first cities to issue a stay-at-home order, is proceeding with a phased reopening of businesses and public spaces. But reopening always came with a question mark. With the coronavirus still out there, would cases rise if stay-at-home orders were lifted? And if that happened, would lockdowns have to come back? Unfortunately, while the hard-hit Northeast has mostly gotten its outbreak under control, almost half of the states, largely in the South and Southwest, are seeing a rise in new cases. In states such as Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Arizona, positive test ratios are rising, suggesting that a wave of new infections, rather than increased testing, is behind the increase. This has some experts asking which states will be the first to re-instate lockdown. Houston is already considering a new stay-at-home order. The arguments for new localized lockdowns are strong. After all, the disease is the same as it was in March, so if lockdowns made sense then, why not now? And epidemiological evidence does show that stay-at-home orders were effective in suppressing the disease in the U.S., reducing a countys death rate by about 60% after three weeks. The easiest way to see the difference is simply to compare Sweden, which famously refused to implement a lockdown, to its Nordic neighbors, all of which made the opposite decision: Despite this surge of deaths, Sweden still hasnt reached herd immunity, meaning more infections and loss of life are on the way. The epidemiologist who designed the countrys strategy now says he regrets his choice. Story continues But what about the economic damage? Swedens economy is set to suffer a sharp contraction, but less than that of most other European countries. With the federal government considering whether to curtail the flow of relief money after the end of July, states and cities that shut down again might risk economic devastation. Theres good reason, though, to believe that most of the economic damage from the lockdowns werent due to stay-at-home orders, but because of public fear of the virus. For example, people started avoiding restaurants before lockdowns began in late March: More rigorous evidence confirms the finding. A recent paper by economists Lisa Kahn, Fabian Lange and David Wiczer uses data from a job-vacancy website, together with unemployment claims, to measure the precise timing of coronavirus economic toll. They found that lockdowns had very little to do with it: The labor market collapsed at the same time across the U.S. irrespective of the state-level policies imposed. There is very little evidence that labor markets in statesthat imposed stay-at-home orders earlier were differentially affected. State lockdowns also didnt affect credit-card spending very much. Even in Scandinavia, economists estimate that lockdowns accounted for only a modest fraction of Denmarks economic underperformance relative to Sweden. It might seem strange that lockdowns can be both effective at protecting people from coronavirus and yet not have a big impact on the economy. But its definitely not impossible. Theres growing scientific evidence that Covid-19 spreads primarily through prolonged indoor personal contact. By forcing people to work from home and socialize over the internet instead of filling crowded offices and social gatherings, lockdowns could protect public health without doing too much harm to the economy. This suggests that new lockdowns need not be as restrictive as the ones in March to protect the public. Instead of mandating that everyone stay at home, they could simply ban large indoor social gatherings and indoor restaurant and bar seating, while requiring that companies continue work-from-home policies. Everything else -- indoor retail, outdoor gatherings, small indoor social interactions -- could be allowed, with the additional requirement that masks be worn in stores or at outdoor events. This sort of lockdown-lite might achieve the best of both worlds for states and cities experiencing coronavirus spikes. But it also needs to be paired with vigorous testing, contact tracing and isolation of infected people. Most states still either havent hired enough contact tracers to track new infections, or arent doing enough testing -- or both. Together, this toolkit -- masks, testing and tracing and targeted lockdown-lite -- can control the virus until a treatment or vaccine arrives, while causing minimal damage to the economy. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Noah Smith is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. He was an assistant professor of finance at Stony Brook University, and he blogs at Noahpinion. 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. Pacific Palisades, California--(Newsfile Corp. - June 19, 2020) - Green Stream Holdings Inc. (OTC Pink: GSFI) ("Green Stream", "GSFI", or the "Company"), an emerging leader in the solar energy space, is excited to unveil the revolutionary Community Solar Project model of its wholly owned subsidiary, Green Rain Solar, LLC ("Green Rain"). Green Stream Logo To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://media.zenfs.com/en-us/newsfile_64/00e75f76d398ea63d49688d235ef5320 Madeline Cammarata, President of Green Stream Holdings, explained, "I am thrilled to highlight to our shareholders the continually refined focus of Green Stream on our unique, niche, business paradigm: the Community Solar Project. The Community Solar Project is an elegantly simple solution to basic renewable energy and sustainability challenges faced by high energy cost urban areas around the nation. The simplicity of our model means it can scaled in myriad ways to meet the needs of urban communities, small and vast. The clarity of our vision comes from examining old problems through a new multidisciplinary lens combining the latest insights and advances in renewable solar energy generation, world-class architectural design, urban planning, and public utility infrastructure engineering. However, it can sometimes mean that the simple effectiveness of our model can be obscured in the particulars of cutting edge tech-speak. In order to cut through that fog, I want to set a floodlight of clarity on our Community Solar Project model by highlighting three simple concepts. "1) We are a Solar Energy Utility Company. Perhaps due to our close collaboration with world renowned architect, Antony Morali at our partner, Morali Architects, some have assumed that we are in the solar energy installation business. But this is not so. Our niche is not competing with installers. Like household names PG&E of California or Consolidated Edison of New York, we are providing energy for the power grid. Our niche is differentiated in that we target high cost energy urban locations around the nation with effective, sustainable solar power generation. The sun shines on the rooftops of New York City just like it does every else. Without our solar energy collection systems, that energy becomes a wasted resource. With our systems in place that sunlight generates cost effective power that can be plugged into the grid as a viable business model. Speaking of rooftops, that flows naturally into the second concept. Story continues "2) We Own the Rooftops. We are not competing in the race to buy up land for solar panel installation. As we are targeting high energy cost urban areas we overlay our footprint on another potentially wasted resource hiding in plain site in cities across the nation: empty rooftops, overpasses, and canopies. The proprietors of the facility receive lease payments as compensation for system install and collection of solar energy. Everyone wins: money comes into the community as an overlooked product of urban sprawl becomes productive. The community gains access to cost effective clean, green energy. Elegantly designed solar energy collection architecture is introduced to the public face of the city, and revenues are generated creating value for our shareholders and partners. And the win/win paradigm continues with the final concept. "3) We are Ending Food Deserts. In inner cities across the USA a silent public health scourge stalks children and families living in urban sprawl and the scourge is this: lack of access to locally sourced, fresh, organically grown produce. Our Solar Greenhouses takes under utilized space and turns them into sustainable inner city farms, harnessing collected solar energy and runoff water to become an oasis for healthy produce to be reintroduced into urban deserts and improve the health and well being of the community." Ms. Cammarata concluded, "Imagine if you would a gas station/convenience store in the heart of the city: the epitome of a negative carbon footprint and unhealthy nutrition thrust upon a community with few other options. By partnering with the proprietor of that gas station/convenience store in the launching of an urban rooftop greenhouse and solar energy collection system, the Green Rain Community Solar Project model is able to offset the environmental impact of that footprint and benefit the community in every way. And all of it in a commercially viable way to the benefit of our partners and shareholders. We are in the midst of pursing just such projects in places like Newark, NJ and Bellport and Larchmont, both in New York. And further lucrative projects are being structured at the moment. Although I am not yet at liberty to discuss the particulars on those projects, I hope to be able to announce the details in the very near term." Green Rain Solar To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://media.zenfs.com/en-us/newsfile_64/16b6bb86316b024cc75dc16700a7a1ff Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBM_uBi3EOk About Green Stream Finance, Inc.: Green Stream Finance, Inc., a Wyoming-based corporation with satellite offices in Malibu, CA and New York, NY, is focused on exploiting currently unmet markets in the solar energy space, and is currently licensed in California, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Colorado, Hawaii, and Canada. The Company's next-generation solar greenhouses, constructed and managed by Green Rain Solar, LLC, a Nevada-based division, utilize proprietary greenhouse technology and trademarked design developed by world-renowned architect Mr. Antony Morali. The Company is currently targeting high-growth solar market segments for its advanced solar greenhouse and advanced solar battery products. The Company has a growing footprint in the significantly underserved solar market in New York City where it is targeting 50,000 to 100,000 square feet of rooftop space for the installation of its solar panels. Green Stream is looking to forge key partnership with major investment groups in order to capitalize on a variety of unique investment opportunities in the commercial solar energy markets. The Company is dedicated to becoming a major player in this critical space. Through its innovative solar product offerings and industry partnerships, the Company is well-positioned to become a significant player in the solar space. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. That includes the possibility that the business outlined in this press release cannot be concluded for some reason. That could be as a result of technical, installation, permitting or other problems that were not anticipated. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Green Stream Finance, Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein. Except for any obligation under the U.S. federal securities laws, Green Stream Finance, Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Company Contact/Address Green Stream Finance Inc. & Green Rain Solar, LLC 16620 Marquez Avenue Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 Phone: 310-230-0240 For All Inquiries Contact: info@greenstreamfinance.com SOURCE: Green Stream Finance, Inc. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/58232 KALAMAZOO, MI The trend of Black Lives Matter murals turning up on city streets throughout the country made its way to Kalamazoo Friday as part of the communitys Juneteenth celebrations. Artists, community members and volunteers gathered underneath the warm sun Friday morning, June 19, painting a 200-foot-long Black Lives Matter mural in block letters across South Rose Street. The project continued into the afternoon along the closed road, between Lovell and South streets, near the entrance to the Kalamazoo Public Library. If you cannot see the photo gallery below, click here to see all the photos from the creation of Kalamazoos Black Lives Matter mural Friday. One of the first such murals appeared in Washington D.C., where artists painted on spans two blocks of 16th Street, nearby the White House and has been mirrored in work by muralists across the nation since then. Last weekend, a similar mural was painted in Flint along Martin Luther King Avenue. On June 17, the Jackson City Council signed off on a Black Lives Matter mural that was painted across East High Street last week. The mural in Kalamazoo began as an idea by local artist Jermaine Jackson, who also serves on the local school board. Drawing his inspiration from similar murals being painted throughout the country, Jackson wanted Kalamazoos to stand out in its own way. Artists and volunteers, many wearing masks, began filling stencils with white paint around 8 a.m. before painting the letters with red, yellow and green paint. Jackson said continuing into the afternoon, artists will paint a portrait of a black historical figure inside the first letter of each word. The second letters will contain names of people who have died at the hands of police violence and the rest of the letters in the mural will display multiple variations of black power fists, painted by the different artists and volunteers. Jackson chose Friday morning, June 19, to paint the mural in recognition of Juneteenth, the holiday that celebrates the end of enslavement in the U.S. Juneteenth was the liberation of black slaves and of course we know that even though the (Emancipation Declaration) was made, that it was two and a half years later before it got to slaves in Texas. Imagine the slap in the face it was to realize they shouldve been free two years ago, Jackson said. Jackson said Juneteenth represents the ongoing struggle of delayed justice in the U.S., particularly involving black and brown people. Its something thats continuing to be perpetuated in our community, in our society. Its something we have to continue to fight against, Jackson said. Today were coming together as a collective, black brown, white, alike, to unify ourselves under one banner of love and unapologetically say that Black Lives Matter. The group of artists received support from City Commissioner Eric Cunningham, Jackson said. The city agreed to close South Rose Street between Lovell and South streets from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. We saw Black Lives Matter written on the street in Washington going up to the White House and Jackson kind of just threw it out there like, That would be a good idea for us to do, and I texted him back and said, If you can get the paint, I will help you do that, Battle Creek resident Gerald King said. King said the group was able to secure equipment like stencils, long brushes and paint from KalBlue, a commercial printing company in downtown Kalamazoo. King drove to Rose Street Thursday night to eyeball the location, getting measurements and planning the layout. He traveled from Battle Creek to Kalamazoo at 6 a.m. Friday morning and was among the first lay paint on South Rose Street as work on the mural began. When we do events like this, its kind of a reminder that this really is a movement. Were not out here to get Facebook likes, a lot of these injustices have been going on longer than the social media age were in now, King said. Chris Ludwa, a Kalamazoo College art professor, brought his family to help volunteer at Fridays mural painting event. Carrying a bucket of paint and a brush, Ludwa said that the mural is a great way to show support for the movement, but hed like to see some more permanent changes. It has to go beyond the painting, it has to be more than a reminder to us, Ludwa said. Weve got to get out and vote, we got to put people in office, get busy on the school boards, find ways to raise money to make sure everybody has the same opportunity. Local artist Darrien Burress echoed Ludwas sentiment that while the mural is a start to the communities affirmation of black voices, it should not stop there. This mural for me is about, meeting the list of demands that we have given to the city, its about abolishing the police and I know a lot of people dont want to hear that, but thats the truth, Burress said. Its about receiving equity when it comes to education, housing, resources. This mural is just a statement to say were here, were not going anywhere and you cant erase us, but the movement is so much bigger. Also on MLive: Black Lives Matter mural planned for downtown Kalamazoo 30-foot Black Lives Matter mural painted in Ann Arbors Graffiti Alley Juneteenth celebrations in Kalamazoo happening in-person and virtually on Friday Jackson mayor asks city to make Juneteenth official holiday Wow, eight years in a row! says Tim Thompson, Partner at Crestwood Associates. We dont need awards to know how great our team is, but its always great to get recognized. Our people work tirelessly to provide value for our clients, and placement on this list is just one testament to that. Crestwood Associates has again been named to the Bob Scotts Top 100 VARs for 2020 for the eighth year in a row. The Top 100 resellers are chosen from organizations that sell and implement Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and accounting software. Wow, eight years in a row! says Tim Thompson, Partner at Crestwood Associates. We dont need awards to know how great our team is, but its always great to get recognized. Our people work tirelessly to provide value for our clients, and placement on this list is just one testament to that. The selection is based on annual revenue generated by each reseller. A special report that includes names of the organizations selected for this years Top 100 list, ranked by revenue, is downloadable at http://www.erpglobalinsights.com. About Crestwood Associates, LLC Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, Crestwood Associates (http://www.crestwood.com) is a premier Cloud Service Provider (CSP), Gold-Certified Microsoft Dynamics Partner, 10-time Presidents Club Award Winner, and 2017 Inner Circle recipient. In addition, Crestwood was honored to be chosen as Acumatica's US Partner of the Year in 2016 and 2017, and a member of Acumaticas Presidents Club for 2018 and 2019, with numerous Acumatica MVP awards. Crestwood delivers a variety of business solutions, including: Acumatica Cloud ERP, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics SL, Microsoft Dynamics CRM (now called Dynamics 365 for Sales), Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, and Greentree applications. From accounting and financial reporting, to CRM, manufacturing, distribution, payroll and human resources, Crestwood Associates provides the tools and services that help businesses perform above and beyond the competition. The Crestwood team is comprised of over 45 certified professionals who provide in-depth industry experience and functional expertise. About Bob Scott Bob Scott has been informing and entertaining the mid-market financial software community via his email newsletters for 21 years. He has published this information via the Bob Scotts Insights newsletter - now known as ERP Global Insights - and website since 2009. He has covered this market for nearly 29 years through print and electronic publications, first as technology editor of Accounting Today and then as the Editor of Accounting Technology from 1997 through 2009. He has covered the traditional tax and accounting profession during the same time and has continued to address that market. The global strategy and marketing consultancy conducts three times a year a survey among MBA students at the London Business School regarding their likelihood to buy Netflix or alternative streaming services under various price/value scenarios. It surveyed 76 MBA students from six regions, namely Europe, Asia, North and South America, Middle East, and Australia and New Zealand. The study has been conducted nine times since 2017.The study measured price elasticity, the mathematical expression of how a products sales volume will change and has always to date found that there was a clear inverse correlation between pricing and demand. Yet looking at the current times of the new normal, Simon-Kucher & Partners found that Netflixs pricing power has increased dramatically. It noted that whereas in the past, a 10% price hike would have resulted in a 6% decline in demand, its latest survey showed that the same 10% price increase now would only drive away 1.3% of customers.The survey participants showed that they had very quickly adjusted their perceptions of price and value for streaming services as the environment changed. When asked to rank the most important criteria for choosing between different streaming services, breadth of content available and access to latest releases were the first and second most important criteria, whereas price was only fourth in importance.With social distancing rules and restrictions on public life imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the analyst said that it was perhaps no surprise that customers value streaming services like Netflix now more than ever. And this value was translating into a higher willingness to pay for the service. Yet the analyst added that it remained to be seen whether this is a permanent change in value perception, or just a short term effect during lockdown conditions.The results indicate that price elasticity for streaming services is at an all-time low, noted Mark Billige, CEO of Simon-Kucher & Partners . For the past three years, the calculated price elasticity for a Netflix subscription was approximately -0.6. But in our June study, we saw elasticity collapse to just -0.13. That means that for the same theoretical price increase, volumes would now only fall by about a 1/5th of what we would have expected in the past. Consumers are currently having a crash course in what they can (or cant) live without. And streaming services are definitely in the cant live without bucket.While it cautioned that it would need to conduct a more representative study before making any concrete recommendations on optimal prices, Simon-Kucher & Partners stressed that the results sent a very positive message to streaming providers. Indeed, Billige recommended that companies in all industries review their price elasticities. This crisis just shows us that its never been more crucial to know how customers perceive your products and services when making pricing decisions, he concluded. Breaking Bad is considered one of the greatest television dramas ever created. The show spanned 5 incredible seasons and over that time, told the complete story of a man who gradually transformed from an average high school chemistry teacher into a drug kingpin hellbent on dominating his industry. Most fans dont stop to think too hard about the name of the series. But like everything else on the award-winning AMC drama, the selection of the title Breaking Bad was both significant and intentional. Vince Gilligan had specific goals for Walter White Bryan Cranston on Breaking Bad | AMC RELATED: The Most Hated Episode of Breaking Bad Is About Walter White Catching a Fly The shows creator Vince Gilligan revealed his vision for Breaking Bad from early on was transforming Mr. Chips into Scarface. Film buffs probably remember that Mr. Chips was a kindly English schoolteacher in the 1939 movie Goodbye, Mr. Chips, which was based on the book by the same name. Arthur Chipping (whose students gave him the nickname Mr. Chips) is disciplined in the classroom and finds his life fulfillment in teaching at an all-boys boarding school. Meanwhile, Scarface is a very different film. The 1983 crime drama follows Tony Montana (Al Pacino), a.k.a. Scarface, as he murders anyone who stands in his way to become the biggest drug lord in the state. Eventually, his quest for power and drug-fueled paranoia become his downfall. Based on the events of Breaking Bad, plus comparing the Walter White from the first season to Heisenberg in the finale, its clear that Gilligan achieved his goal. What does breaking bad technically mean? Time reported that the phrase breaking bad has more than one meaning. They called it, a Southern regionalism from the area in Virginia from which [Gilligan] hails. It means to raise hell, as in I was out the other night at the barand I really broke bad. But Gilligan used it in a more violent way when he decided to name his series. Even though breaking bad was commonly used in his hometown, the showrunners definition more closely aligns with Urban Dictionary, which describes breaking bad as to go wild, to defy authority and to break the law. Someone who broke bad might be verbally combative, belligerent, or threatening. Plus, breaking bad on someone means youve completely dominated or humiliated them. Walter White became the antihero Plenty of shows have tried to mimic what Breaking Bad appeared to do so effortlessly, which is to turn the protagonist of the story into the antihero. Audiences start out rooting for Walter White and hoping he could fulfill his noble task of providing for his family before he died. His methods, however, make it impossible for anyone to stay on his side by the end. Walts business partner Jesse Pinkman represents a moral opposite who fails to embrace the ends justify the means approach Walt adopts. By the end of the series, Walt is willing to stop at nothing to achieve total dominance in the drug game. Jesse, meanwhile, internally struggles with guilt over the crimes he commits. In the final season, Walt finally admits that he continued pursuing power and money not for his family, but for himself. Its probably the most self-aware moment of the entire series and proves that Gilligan achieved his goal. Heisenberg was on the same level as Scarface in the end. In a world filled with injustice, what is the role of Christ-followers to help those who are in need? Is it our job to speak up and to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves? Is our inability to speak on these issues really a sin or just a harmless choice to side-step something that feels hard? Thankfully the Bible has a lot to say about justice, mercy, service, love, and our role in being a help to our fellow man. The Word of God can be our guide as we live through a time when our world is pushing conflicting messages at us that are filled with bias and political interest. The Bible is our rock, our solid ground while a storm of uncertainty rages arounds us. Gods word can be a lamp to our feet as we live through dark times. One verse that stands out as a call to stand up for those who are experiencing oppression and injustice comes from Proverbs 31. Proverbs 31:8-9 says, Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. The wisdom of Gods word pushes us to move past our affiliations, comfort zones, and tells us to do what each of us can to be an advocate for those we come across that need our help being heard and who dont have access to the justice they deserve. Where Is This Phrase Found in the Bible? Proverbs is a part of what is called the wisdom literature from the Bible. Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes comprise the wisdom literature in the Bible. These books were written by sages of the time that drew insight from the natural world and Wisdom traditions of the day. The phrase speak for those who cannot speak from themselves comes from Proverbs 31. Proverbs 31 is counted by most as a Proverb of Solomon but there is some debate as to if he was the actual author. The text of Proverbs 31 states the author's name is King Lemuel but most believe that this was another name for King Solomon and not a different writer. Lemuel means one devoted to God which lines up as a possible divine name given to Solomon or potentially a name of endearment from Solomons mother. In 1 Kings 3 we read that Solomon was granted the gift of Wisdom directly from God. Solomon went on to write these Proverbs in order to share with others the powerful gift of wisdom God had given him. Solomon wrote the Proverbs in an effort to offer instruction, wisdom, and understanding to others (Proverbs 1:2). Solomon goes on to say that the words of this book were recorded to help others judge rightly, gain prudence, and helped to pass knowledge to the young (Proverbs 1:3-4). He also wants to inspire the wise to gain even more wisdom, he is writing to give some practical advice, and expanding on sayings or riddles of the wise (Proverbs 1:5-6). Context of Proverbs 31:8-9 Proverbs 31 is thought to be a prescriptive list of how to live. Laid out in the chapter are principles that the writer would have been taught to live by from their parents. Verses 8 and 9 address how we can wisely approach injustice and specifically would have guided Solomon as he administered justice as a ruler. Solomon was the third King to rule over Israel. God was pleased with Solomon. He appeared to Solomon in a dream and He told Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted God to give him. Solomon humbly requested that God give him wisdom so he could be a good leader. God was pleased with Solomons request and granted Solomon great wisdom along with a long life and wealth (1 Kings 3:1-15). Gods wise counsel to Solomon on how to approach injustice urges him to be one who speaks for those who cannot speak on their own. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary explains that in verse 8, we are to plead for those who cannot plead for themselves such as orphans and strangers, these would be those who are appointed for destruction. Verse 9 tells us to plead for the poor and needy. John Gills Exposition of the Bible explains that those who are oppressed by the rich or powerful cannot plead for themselves. It is our duty to stand up on their behalf to ensure that proper justice is served and the oppression of these people ends. How Do We Apply These Words to Racial Issues Today? This passage urges actions on the part of those who are in a position to act. If you have a voice, access, privilege, or influence you should be using it to plead the cause of those who are experiencing oppression. Inaction is not something the Bible makes room for. What an uncomfortable truth, for me and for all of us who would rather live life blinded to the needs of others in our community. For those who dont experience injustice, profiling, hate, or the pain of racism on a daily basis. It is much easier to back away from these complex and difficult issues. Not messing with status-quo is a much easier path for those of us that have access to a world void of racism. The second challenge this verse presents us is the how. How do we speak for those who are lacking a voice? How do we rally beside those who are lacking equitable access to education, justice, and sometimes human decency because of the color of their skin? Be Willing to Listen The first thing we have to do is open our hearts and minds to listen to what those in our community are saying. This may require being willing to hear those from those that subscribe to a different lifestyle, political affiliation, or upbringing. Listening right now in the current political climate can feel like a threatening activity. We have somehow begun to equate a listening ear to actively condoning something different ourselves. This is not true--listening is how we find wisdom in any situation. Its how we grow empathy. Proverbs 1:5 says, Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance. If we want to be the voice for the voiceless we first have to be willing to hear what they are saying so we can speak up with wise words. Pray Over What Your Role Is in Bringing Race Reconciliation Many of us desire to be agents of reconciliation and advocates for justice but it can be hard to find the right ways to advocate for these changes. The numerous layers to this issue make it difficult to approach. Bottom line is that there are no one-size-fits all answers to this problem. Even so, we all have a unique and important role to play in ensuring justice and love abound in our world. We each can begin by prayerfully examining our hearts and ask God to reveal ways that you have let apathy, comfort, or ignorance stop you from speaking up for those that need your voice. We can seek God to discover how he wants to use you as an agent of Gods healing power for this issue. Big issues require even bigger prayers. Its okay if you feel lost on how to speak to racial injustice, you dont have to figure this out on your own. Just bring it to Jesus through prayer, boldly asking Him to reveal how he wants to use your voice to speak for those that need to be heard. My husband and I prayed this daring prayer last year, asking God to use us to make a difference for those who are the most in need in our community. When we began praying this way, we were clueless as to where this big prayer may lead us. Faithfully, God led us to become Foster Parents and gave us a heart to speak for these kids that have been forgotten by many. Even today as we see our world in turmoil over racial injustice we are praying that same prayer again; seeking God to direct us in how we can be used as ones who advocate for justice and racial reconciliation. The way God answers this prayer will look different for us all. It may look like reaching out to a co-worker of color to build a new bridge of relationship. It could be calling out others when their actions or words dont value people of color. It may be supporting black-owned businesses to show them solidarity as they use their resources to speak out against racial injustice. It could be organizing prayer meetings that focus on praying for God to deliver justice and healing to your city. It could be leveraging your expertise, influence, or platform to fight for those who are most vulnerable in our society. Just reading books that clue you into voices and stories youve never heard before could be the spark that starts a fire in your heart for someone you never considered before. It could be lobbying for change in your schools, in the courts, in policing, and the church. What this does look like is each of us is using the gifts we have been given to reach to pull forward those who are not as fortunate as ourselves. Isnt this the picture of the body of Christ painted in the New Testament? Every believer uses their gifts so the whole body is able to work together in unity. When we all embrace this idea then our neighbor in need is taken care of. Micah 6:8 in the Message version says, But hes already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. Its quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And dont take yourself too seriously take God seriously. Lets take God seriously and begin to do what he tells us to do in the Bible. Live with compassion, love, and seek justice for those in need. Photo Credit: GettyImages/Motortion Amanda Idleman is a writer whose passion is to encourage others to live joyfully. She writes devotions for My Daily Bible Verse Devotional and Podcast, Crosswalk Couples Devotional, the Daily Devotional App, she has work published with Her View from Home, on the MOPS Blog, and is a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com. You can find out more about Amanda on her Facebook Page or follow her on Instagram. Billions of dollars of support from state and territory governments to protect their economies from the coronavirus pandemic is set to be removed at the same time as federal government stimulus, prompting fears of a double blow to the economy just before Christmas. Payroll tax concessions offered by every state to help businesses stay afloat plus land tax concessions and support for the commercial and residential rental markets all start to end through the second half of the year. Deputy Prime Minster Michael McCormack at the Western Sydney Airport project earlier this year. It is receiving extra funding as part of federal government efforts to protect the economy. Credit:Kate Geraghty Combined, the states and territories have pledged more than $20 billion in support for their economies. That is on top of the $140 billion in programs put in place by the federal government and the $90 billion in credit extended to banks by the Reserve Bank to help small businesses. While all states and territories have promised infrastructure spending support, much of the heavy financial lifting is being done by waiving or deferring fees, charges and taxes. Space X tycoon Elon Musk has denied having a "three-way affair" with his ex Amber Heard and model Cara Delevingne. During a deposition in Johnny Depp's lawsuit against ex-wife Heard, it was alleged by one of the actress' friends that she had spent the night with the Tesla CEO and their friend Cara Delevingne back in November 2016. However, Musk has now not only denied the claims, but also his involvement with the Aquaman star during her marriage with Depp. In a statement made to Page Six, Musk said: "Cara and I are friends, but we've never been intimate. She would confirm this. Getty Images "Also, I wish to confirm again that Amber and I only started going out about a month after her divorce filing. I don't think I was ever even in the vicinity of Amber during their marriage!" The 48-year-old also went on to comment on Depp's legal pursuit of Heard, stating: "Life is too short for such extended negativity. Nobody is going to say, after it's all over, that they wished the court battle had lasted longer!" Depp, who married Amber Heard back in February 2015, filed a $50million defamation suit against her last year, after she wrote about her experience of domestic abuse for the Washington Post, without naming him. Musk, who has recently welcomed a baby boy with partner Grimes, dated Heard on and off between 2016 and 2018. He was previously married to Tallulah Riley, but the pair split after three years of marriage. He added he hopes everyone involved in the Depp-Heard case "[buries] the hatchet and [moves] on." The Standard Online has reached out for comment from representatives of Amber Heard and Cara Delevingne. The coalition has come together because of the numbers weve seen coming out of the assessors office, Resolutes Rob Nash told us. The increases have been dramatic in the northern triad and we know those have real world implications for property tax bills. Especially in this economy, we need to have a real conversation about the challenges in the assessment system because the region will not recover if we have 40% increases based on massively inflated assessments. Mithun Chakraborty was worried for his family as the the 'only earning member' during the pandemic Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ati Nurbaiti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 08:24 582 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdffee76 1 Opinion University-of-Indonesia,Depok,Papua,racism-in-indonesia,academics,academic-freedom,#commentary Free A strange and solid voice emanated recently from the University of Indonesia (UI). After praising the student executive body (BEM-UI) for fostering free speech in its discussion on the sensitive subject of Papua, UI lecturers last week urged the university to assume a more active role in disseminating diverse ideas [...] to avoid producing a [singular] truth. Come again? The lecturers defense was unexpected, not only for my alma mater but for Indonesian academia. We expect silence from our lecturers, who have been wary of their job security and careers since the New Order, even after 22 years of Reformasi. Many academics dont really care to seek what are likely to be uncomfortable truths beyond the one version we grew up with regarding Papua and other touchy issues. Over 20 members of the UI Lecturers Alliance signed the above statement, which was issued in response to the rectorates criticism of the BEM-UI, that the June 6 talk lacked a strong enough scientific foundation and had invited inappropriate speakers (the discussions speakers included Veronica Koman, a renowned human rights activist and lawyer who has represented many Papuans, and Papuan activist Sayang Mandabayan). Alliance member Shofwan Al-Banna told The Jakarta Post, [...] we felt that it was crucial for us [to speak up] now, because the very essence of any university is to enable the search for scientific truths. We tend to romanticize the role of academics who, like journalists, are often challenged on their integrity. Yet if academics remain in their cocoons, they risk simply passing on many dominant, but not necessarily true, versions of Indonesias history. The New Order survived as long as it did partly thanks to academics support for and the medias reproduction of its official truths. Those lecturers who didnt fit the confines of state universities sought positions at private Indonesian universities or went overseas, if they did not switch professions. Leaving was better than enduring ostracization, the threat of dismissal or a stifling daily environment, some lecturers said. Thus, while state universities still struggle to reach even the top 100 in regional collegiate rankings, becoming a lecturer lack appeal. The prevailing truth that relatively few Indonesian academics challenge include the 65 the mother of all taboo subjects referring to the failed 1965 coup, the subsequent witch hunt and massacres and Papuas unquestionable place in the Unitary Republic despite the Papuan peoples racial grievance. Like other recent talks, the BEM-UI discussion on Papua and racism was prompted by the killing of African-American George Floyd by a white policeman in Minneapolis. The lecturers defense of the student board was especially surprising, given that Indonesian academics rarely contribute to unresolved issues regarding Papua. Among their few contributions is the recently updated Papua Road Map by researchers of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, which include their recommendations on addressing the fundamental problems of racism and the contrasting historical truths of how Papua became part of Indonesia. Further, the chauvinism prevalent in higher education has led to institutional suppression of reports on sexual harassment and rape that involve respected male lecturers, while institutional conservatism has silenced gender minorities and efforts to promote interfaith tolerance. Lecturers are not known for defending the outspoken student press, as in the case of Balairung Press at Gadjah Mada University (UGM). In 2018, Balairung published the results of its investigation into a female students allegations of sexual assault against another student, only to face denial, if not a cover-up, from UGM higher-ups. Therefore, the lecturers support for a safe space to speak up comes better late than never, even as their integrity as scholars and educators continue to be challenged. In 2016 for instance, UI lecturers joined in the fearmongering over the spread of LGBT that led to the closure of the Support Group and Resource Center on Sexuality Studies, which offered counseling for the universitys LGBT students. In 2015, lecturer Rosnida Sari of Banda Acehs Ar-Raniry State Islamic University was suspended after publishing her experience in teaching students about interfaith tolerance, which included a dialogue with a local church minister. Her suspension, followed by public bullying, reflected the rising trend in intolerance, especially in the sharia-rule province. Herlambang Wiratman, the president of the Indonesian Academic Freedom Caucus, said that academic freedom was no better today than it was under Soeharto, citing the new Science Law that requires permits for research on subjects deemed a threat to national security and social harmony. Some academic discussions on controversial topics do reflect some progress, but their organizers must constantly take heed of the whos who in the administration and their stance on non-mainstream views. This means that all efforts to facilitate freedom count; although it would not restore what historians call the lost generation of Indonesia intellectuals. Lecturers and students in 1960s Indonesia were targeted in the witch hunt against suspected communists led by university administrators and lecturers, as testified in 2015 at the International Peoples Tribunal on 1965 Crimes Against Humanity in the Hague. This academic generation included thousands of exceptional students, the majority of whom never returned from their foreign scholarships in various countries, because the state revoked their passports and left them stateless. The efforts of the UI Lecturers Alliance and others before them must grow and strengthen, as the hard-won freedom to speak ones mind must never be taken for granted. *** Staff writer at The Jakarta Post By Will Henderson Betsy Myers, a renowned leadership expert and former senior adviser to U.S. presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, will deliver an online seminar on June 23, focusing on leadership during a crisis. The event follows Myers November 2019 speech at SFUs Surrey campus, where she discussed emerging leadership trends for the 21st century, based on changes in technology, demographics and the global economy. Since that time, the world has experienced even more radical changes that few could have predicted, with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has transformed how people live and work globally. For Myers, a crisis on this scale demands leadership that combines accurate communication of the hard facts with empathy and even vulnerability, to inspire large groups of people to recognize harsh realities and make personal sacrifices for the common good. I always say to people that leaderships about getting results, and whats interesting now in the world of crisis is looking at what has been effective, she says. Ive been fascinated with the integration of the head and heart, so the integrated leader. Myers cites the example of Andrew Cuomo, governor of New York, whose press briefings have shown transparency around the crisis the state was enduring, as well as revealing the personal struggles he and his family have faced. She also praises New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who rallied the nations population to act as a team of five million, and whose efforts have been remarkably effectiveall but eradicating the virus in the country while it continues to rage elsewhere. Another impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a rapid shift to remote working for many people, and Myers believes this represents the acceleration of a trend that was already well underwaydriven by changing expectations from younger generations entering the workplace. For so long I would tell leaders, the number one issue thats causing the most strain and stress on their people is the inability to figure out how they can manage their home lives with their work lives, she says. And so whats happened with this virus is that all of a sudden were having a giant pilot thats been forced upon companies. So now everyones at home and theyre having to figure out, well, people do get their work done. As for corporate leadership when many employees are working remotely, Myers believes the same rules apply as always have: maintaining personal interaction through regular check-ins, even though the medium and tools we use to do that might have changed. She says this is an opportunity for leaders to embrace the potential to create a new model for working. We dont know yet exactly what it looks like, but were creating a new normal, says Myers. I think theres going to be a lot of benefits. Event Details Registration: Attendance is complimentary, but registration is required. Please reserve your spot by registering here. The link to access the webinar will be shared by email to registrants the day prior to the event (June 22). Inquiries: beedie-events@sfu.ca Mining giant Rio Tinto has pledged to make public the findings of its internal review of heritage management processes, following the destruction of 46,000-year-old Aboriginal rock shelters in Western Australia. The nation's second-largest miner on Friday announced the review would be conducted by its non-executive director Michael L'Estrange, a former Australian high commissioner to the United Kingdom, and would seek input from employees, the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) people and experts. Protesters are seen during a rally outside the Rio Tinto office in Perth. Credit:AAP The review, which will begin immediately and aim to report by October, will focus on recommending improvements to Rio Tinto's internal processes and governance and assess its internal heritage standards, procedures and reporting. It will also examine its relationship and communications with the PKKP traditional owners of the Juukan Gorge, who have been left devastated at the loss of the significant rock shelter sites Rio Tinto's blasting of the shelters has unleashed public outcry, investor condemnation and the launch of a government inquiry into legislative changes. Rio Tinto, which had all necessary legal approvals for the blast, said it believed it had the consent of the PKKP traditional owners of the land around its Brockman mines until it was too late. The company has apologised for the distress suffered by the traditional owners. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown gave Multnomah County the go-ahead to enter Phase 1 on Friday. Heres a recap of what that means for Portlanders and other county residents. The lifting of restrictions. imposed to curtail the coronavirus outbreak, comes after three months of stay home limitations on businesses and residents. Masks Brown wants Oregonians in seven counties, including Multnomah, to wear masks when going out and while in indoor public places such as stores and offices. The requirement to wear masks in indoor public places will go into effect June 24. Many businesses require masks for customers. If you dont have a mask or need to make one, feel free to use the examples provided in the video above. Heres where you can find masks and other face coverings both locally and online: Restaurants Masks or face coverings are not required while eating and drinking in restaurants and bars. Restaurants can reopen Friday under conditions: Ensure tables are spaced at least six feet apart so that at least six feet between parties is maintained, including when customers approach or leave tables Require all employees to wear cloth face or disposable coverings, which employers must provide End all on-site consumption of food and drinks by 10 p.m. View all guidelines for restaurants, bars Salons Hair, nail and other personal service salons, such as massage therapy businesses, can reopen with limitations. They include: Maintain a customer log Maintain six feet physical distancing between clients Remove all magazines, newspapers, snacks and beverages from waiting areas Require face coverings by employees and, in some cases, clients View all Phase 1 Personal Care Services guidelines Gyms City of Portland community and recreation centers remain closed. Private gyms and fitness centers can reopen with limits: Limit maximum number of customers accordingly Enforce physical distancing & sanitation View all Phase 1 Gym and Fitness guidelines Gatherings Local gatherings, including faith gatherings: Limit gatherings to 25 people with local travel only and only if physical distancing can be maintained Travel/recreation: Residents should continue to minimize non-essential travel. Oregonians may go out for recreational activities such as walking and hiking, as long as physical distancing is maintained. Portland parks remain open, although sport courts and playgrounds are closed. OMSI and the Oregon Zoo are preparing to reopen. Retail Most retail businesses that can maintain physical distancing were allowed to reopen already with some exceptions for personal services, malls and fitness centers, which can reopen as of Friday. In Phase 1, indoor and outdoor malls can reopen with limitations. Work Remote work is still encouraged under Phase 1 guidelines. Businesses that can maintain physical distancing have already been allowed to operate. Doctor, dental and other offices have been open with safety enhancements. Libraries Multnomah County Library branches offer sidewalk services at some locations. Not allowed under Phase 1 of reopening These businesses and activities are not allowed in Phase 1: recreational sports; pools; venues like movie theaters, bowling alleys and arcades; social, civic and faith-based gatherings meeting in groups larger than 25; concerts, conventions, festivals, live-audience sports. Visits to long-term care facilities are still restricted throughout Oregon. Here is more information. Aussies Buy 70,000 Jetstar Tourism Recovery Fares in Just 5 Hours Jetstar has announced that it has sold almost 70,000 fares since Qantas and Jetstar launched sales at 9 a.m. this morning. The sale was launched on Friday morning, offering 200,000 Qantas and Jetstar fares at discounted prices to help reboot the domestic tourism industry and help families and friends reunite. Brisbane to Cairns and Perth to Broome are the two most popular Qantas routes sold today, the media release indicated. Jetstar offered up 10,000 fares for only $19 at 9 a.m.selling out within 4 hours. A Jetstar media release said this highlights the huge pent up demand for air travel. Jetstar said its sale fares sold at a rate of 220 per minute this morning, which is nearly 40 times higher than the rate of bookings on a normal day. Qantas also launched triple frequent flyer points earned on all domestic flights. Jetstar launched sales on 35 routes, across 15 destinations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Northern Territory, and South Australia; and the travel is for select periods between July 14 and October 31. Other sale fares include Brisbane to Mackay from A$49, Sydney to Hamilton Island from A$79, and Brisbane to Darwin from A$79. The fares will be on sale from 9 a.m. on Friday June 19 to 11.59 p.m. on June 22. Kia Ora New Zealand! Well be back in the skies from July 1. The number of flights, routes, schedules and cheap fares can be found here: https://t.co/XSd3lFqDn0 pic.twitter.com/NNuYqnoeSf Jetstar Airways (@JetstarAirways) June 8, 2020 The biggest thing Pennsylvania can do to help improve the food supply chain after the coronavirus pandemic is to bolster independent restaurants and help them thrive again, the head of Hatfield meats told a panel of state Democratic senators Thursday. They need your help, your support. They need aggressive state and local practices. They need to be open. They got to stay open, said Brad Clemens, senior vice president of Montgomery County-based Clemens Food Group, more commonly known as Hatfield Meats. The hearing focused on building a resilient food chain after the disruption from the coronavirus. It was held via Zoom by Democratic senators Lisa Boscola, Northhampton and Lehigh counties, Maria Collett, Montgomery and Bucks counties, and Judy Schwank, Berks County. The biggest thing to help anyone in the meat space is to help the food service sector, Clemens said. The best way to help us now is to help our customers. Hatfield is the largest hog owner in the state and runs two of its largest meat processing facilities. We are in that vertically coordinated model, Clemens said. Clemens was pushed right up to the breaking point through COVID. We dont think it broke us, but it got close. Even in states that opened up ahead of Pennsylvania, restaurants are struggling to stay open under social distancing guidelines that allow just 50 percent capacity. When it came to worker safety, Clemens said, We felt like we were on our own. The company procured its own antibody testing, he said. Berks County farmers Karah and Ben Davies also spoke about the need to support independent restaurants and to focus policy on regionally self-reliant food chains. Prior to the coronavirus, the couples Wild Fox Farm near Barto supplied several restaurants in the Philadelphia region, developing friendships and understanding of their practices. Some restaurants now face starting from scratch, even after being successful for many years. Its easy to take for granted how catastrophic this was for them, Ben Davies said. While Wild Fox was able to pivot to direct sales to customers and have its best sales in a decade, Ben Davies said not all farms were able to do that. And the small meat processors they work with are overwhelmed. They urged the state to increase capacity for meat processing. Im on the waiting list for four different butchers, Davies said. Davies said the focus on regional reliance is not always the forefront of policy, but it holds the answer for resilience. He said the state could incentivize businesses that make concerted efforts to support local food producers and/or that market their products locally. Mentorship programs and food safety plans help, and education could help bolster regional farm workforce. He said the state should find ways to support regional food hubs, storage facilities and processors, among other ideas. The two-hour hearing surveyed the impact of the coronavirus on the food supply chain in Pennsylvania. Senators heard from experts in technology and economics from Penn State as well. Key areas participants urged legislators to look at to improve were workforce safety, increasing meat-processing capacity and diversifying farms. The experts described a food supply chain that is not one chain but different tracks of processing, packaging and labeling for different marketplaces, institutional and retail. When the pandemic shut down most wholesale buyers like schools and amusement parks, it was very difficult for processors and suppliers to switch tracks quickly, the experts testified. Laws that govern labeling and systems for packaging for retail differ from institutional processing. The disruption also affected how food banks were able to access food at a time when they were seeing a 50 percent increase in need. Darrin Youker, director state government affairs of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, urged support of House Bill 2435, which would create a grant program for personal protective equipment for processing plants. He also said farmers need to be able to diversify because the farms that are doing OK are the ones that have a direct-to-consumer component. Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding said he marveled at how the states food industry adjusted and shifted to meet the challenges of the coronavirus. One area that remains a critical focus is workforce, Redding wrote in submitted testimony. The Wolf Administration will continue to support the food supply chain through worker safety measures, such as the PPE Reimbursement Program. This program makes $280,000 available to Pennsylvanias poultry, swine, lamb, goat, and sheep processors to reimburse costs associated with the purchase of personal protective equipment for their workforce through the Center for Poultry and Livestock Excellence, a result of Governor Tom Wolfs 2019 Pennsylvania Farm Bill. Redding said additionally, the Center for Dairy Excellence recently announced the availability of up to $100,000 in grants to cover PPE and other COVID mitigation expenses. The Center for Dairy Excellence also purchased about $5,000 in masks that were distributed to hauling companies and processors earlier during the pandemic and covered material costs for volunteers to make cloth masks for farms. The Department of Agriculture is working with the Department of Health to provide access to testing, screenings and guidance for agriculture employees who work in high risk areas. The state is also surveying the food industry to monitor operations and identify unmet needs. To see the whole hearing go to: www.senatorschwank.com/video The judge refused bail. Chairman of Kherson Regional Council Vladyslav Manger, one of the key suspects in a fatal acid attack on Kherson activist Kateryna Handziuk, will be kept in a pretrial detention center until July 28 without the right to post bail. The decision was passed by Kyiv's Pechersky district court in the early hours of June 19, according to Graty, a Ukrainian media outlet that covers trials and court rulings. Read alsoHandziuk case: Kyiv court authorizes compulsory delivery of suspect Manger As UNIAN reported earlier, the Pechersky court for the third day on June 18 was trying to choose a preventive measure for Manger. Kherson Regional State Administration's head is suspected of ordering the murder of the local activist. The prosecutor's office complained that his defense was deliberately seeking a delay in the case. The prosecutors demanded that Manger be taken into custody without the right to put up bail. The suspect was detained in a Kherson hospital on June 16, 2020, and delivered to Kyiv for trial. UNIAN memo. Kherson activist, advisor to the Mayor of Kherson and acting manager of affairs at Kherson City Council's executive committee Kateryna Handziuk, 33, on July 31, 2018, survived an acid attack. She suffered burns to more than 35% of her body and underwent 11 operations in Kyiv. Handziuk died on November 4, 2018. The immediate cause of her death was a severed blood clot resulting from the acid attack. Police originally qualified the attack as an attempted murder committed with extreme cruelty, then its status was changed to completed murder. WYOMING, MI A year after the roof collapsed at Godfrey-Lee Middle & High School, the district plans to place a bond proposal on the Nov. 3 election ballot to fund repairs and renovations. On June 5, 2019, no one was injured when the roof caved in overnight on a wing of the high school section, destroying seven classrooms and the psychologists office. The area has been cordoned off. The 30-year, $17.9 million bond proposal would call for a 1.67 mil increase of property tax, according to Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Polston. He said the measure would allow the district to fix the roof in addition to renovations and upgrades throughout the entire building. We believe the request were coming to our community (with) will be what we need to make the building safe and also improve the learning environment, he said. Polston said the bond would cost the average district homeowner would pay an additional $5.50 per month ($66 per year) increase in property taxes. He said the average home value is approximately $80,000. The school board discussed the proposal Monday, June 15 for the building, located 1335 Lee St. SW. Polston said the school board has a budget and design plan prepared as they rely on the approval of voters as they do not expect the insurance settlement to cover the full cost of repairs and renovations. Were still working with our insurance carrier to agree to a settlement for the restoration of the portion of the building that was lost due to the structural failure, he said. A total of 926 students are enrolled at the Middle & High School, according to 2019-20 state enrollment date. The campus includes a main building and adjacent sixth-grade building. Schools closed statewide in March to slow the spread of COVID-19 and students worked remotely for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. Students were back on campus in August for the first time since the collapse. Polston said renovations would include approximately $3.5 million required to bring the building up to fire code. He said the school would also receive air conditioning throughout the building, increased accessibility and a band room among other additions. The campus is old. Polston has said previously that sections of the building were built at different times and the damaged area dates back to 1925. He said there are other areas on the backside of the building constructed in the 1980s. The school board was told by structural engineers that the cause of the collapse was the failure at the bearing point of steel bar joists on the buildings west wall. Those joist seats corroded over time due to exposure to water, but the precise source of the water penetration is unknown. Polston said the board will take a formal vote in July to put the measure on the ballot once the Michigan Treasury reviews and approves the proposal. Although repairs were originally expected to begin in 2021, Polston is hopeful if things proceed as planned renovations will begin in early 2022. More from MLive: Friday, June 19: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan Recreational marijuana could come to Grand Rapids this year under expedited plan Michigan public officials may continue meeting virtually under Gov. Whitmers renewed order Hopes for British birds of prey rose today after moorland estates across the North of England reported an encouraging number of hen harrier nests on their land. These included six nests in Lancashire, four nests in Cumbria and two nests in Yorkshire. All were found on estates managed for red grouse. The hen harrier, a medium-sized raptor with a grey plumage in males and a brown in females, is Britain's most intensively persecuted bird of prey according to the RSPB. Scroll down for video A male hen harrier, top, drops a rodent in mid-air to a female fen harrier, bottom A female hen harrier pictured in full flight in San Francisco Bay Three juvenile hen harriers raise their wings and emit a call on a grouse moor in Yorkshire A hen harrier is fitted with a satellite tagging device on a grouse moor in Yorkshire Although the species has been protected by law since 1952, its habit of preying on grouse has made it the target of illegal hunting on commercial grouse moors. This, together with habitat loss, has made the species endangered in Britain, with only 617 pairs recorded in 2012, a 20 per cent fall since 2004. More recently, however, the birds have enjoyed a resurgence, with successful nests increasing by 100 per cent since 2015. While males are a pale grey colour, females and juveniles are brown with a white rump and a long, barred tail which earned them the name 'ringtail'. They fly with wings held in a shallow 'V', gliding low in search of food, which mainly consists of meadow pipits and voles. The Orkney population is famous for being polygynous, with males sometimes mating with multiple females on the island. The dozen nests reported so far this year already matches the total number of successful nests in 2019 which was in itself a record-breaking year, with 47 chicks fledging from 12 nests, the majority on grouse moors. A hen harrier pictured in its natural habitat as the birds enjoy a resurgence in Britain A camera catches the moment a magnificent adult hen harrier lands on a perch in Cumbria A female hen harrier pictured on the wing above the Norfolk coast in Britain Amanda Anderson, who is the Director of the Moorland Association Amanda Anderson, Director of the Moorland Association, said: 'This is very encouraging news and further evidence that birds of prey are welcome on land managed for grouse shooting by our members. 'We obviously have to wait to see how many of the chicks fledge successfully, but the signs are promising that 2020 will be another good year for hen harrier breeding. 'It is heartening to see the bird doing better in the north of England with the help of gamekeepers protecting it from predators and encouraging a healthy habitat teaming with prey species. 'Whilst there is a long way to go, we believe we are on the right track as we try to rebuild the harrier population.' The government-led joint action plan to aid hen harrier recovery has led to 99 chicks since 2016 thanks to partnership collaboration, with 81 of those chicks fledging in the last two years since an innovative Brood Management Trial was launched. Hen harriers are notoriously poor survivors in the first year, with natural mortality affecting at least half of the birds. Satellite tagging of birds has enabled scientist to understand their movements after they leave the moors, with extraordinary journeys recorded to Spain and France. Of the birds tagged last year in Britain, 12 are alive or presumed alive, six are dead or presumed dead, and the fate of five is unknown. Persecution of some of the birds whose fate is unknown has been alleged but not established. Moorland Association members are passionate in their care for 860,000 acres of heather moorland in England and Wales for wild red grouse, spending 52.5 million a year on these iconic, fragile landscapes. Britain has around 75 per cent of Europe's upland heather moorland which is treasured by millions of walkers and wildlife enthusiasts and is said to be rarer than rainforest. A group of Houston-area U.S. Representatives is pitching the nations fourth largest city to become home of the U.S. Space Command. In a letter sent this week to U.S. Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett, members of the Houston delegation emphasized that the city is home to Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base which has Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air National Guard and Coast Guard stationed there and NASAs Johnson Space Center. On HoustonChronicle.com: Early Space Force missions will be less exotic than youre imagining Texas has a long, proud history of supporting our military, the letter said. We also have the resources, universities, and human capital to support something as important as the nations U.S. Space Command and the U.S. Space Force. Houston has supported the aerospace, aviation, and defense industries for decades, giving it a workforce that can contribute to the mission of the U.S. Space Command and the U.S. Space Force. The U.S. Space Command is different from the U.S. Space Force, with the latter being an armed force that will organize, train and equip space forces. The Space Command is the newest of the 11 unified commands in the Department of Defense. As a combatant command, it employs assigned forces from each of the military services. Its mission is to conduct operations in space that deter conflict and, if necessary, defeat aggression, deliver space combat power and defend U.S. interests. Gen. John Jay Raymond is commander of the Space Command and chief of space operations for the Space Force. U.S. Reps. Pete Olson and Brian Babin, both Republicans, led the effort. But the proposal has bi-partisan support as other signers of the letter included Democrats Sheila Jackson Lee, Al Green, Lizzie Fletcher and Sylvia Garcia as well as Republicans Kevin Brady, Michael McCaul, Randy Weber and Dan Crenshaw. Houston is the perfect home for the United States Space Command, Babin said in a news release. For decades, this region has led in space, and we continue to do so to this day. In fact, Houstons leadership in space exploration over the years has earned it the moniker Space City. It would be a wise decision for Ellington to be chosen as the permanent home of (U.S. Space Command). After all, first small steps and giant leaps are what we excel at. The Department of the Air Force announced in May that it would revise its approach for finding a new headquarters, which expanded the number of locations that would be eligible for consideration. Communities must, at minimum, be within the countrys 150 largest metropolitan areas, be located within 25 miles of a military base and have a Livability Index score of at least 50 points (out of 100) as determined by the American Association of Retired Persons Public Policy Institute. The Livability Index looks at housing, transportation, neighborhood characteristics, environment, health, opportunity, and civic and social engagement. Houston has a score of 50. The headquarters are expected to move from Colorado Springs, Colo., to this new location in about six years and will have roughly 1,400 military and civilian personnel working there. The Department of the Air Force expects to announce its selection early next year. The U.S. Space Force headquarters will be located in the Pentagon. andrea.leinfelder@chron.com twitter.com/a_leinfelder Former Tory MP Lord Tyrie has quit as head of the UK's consumer watchdog after voicing frustration that regulation is not fit for the 'digital age'. The peer will step down from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in September after only two years in the role. He said he wanted to 'make the case more forcefully' for reform, voicing frustration at the 'inherent limits' in his job. The move comes after the CMA asked the Government for greater powers, including the right to fine companies without going to court. Lord Tyrie said: 'The Government asked me to take this work forward at great pace. I have done so. 'I now want to make the case more forcefully for legislative and other reform - in Parliament and beyond - than is possible within the inherent limits of my position as CMA chairman.' Former Tory MP Lord Tyrie has quit as chairman of the UK's consumer watchdog after voicing frustration that regulation is not fit for the 'digital age' The peer, former chair of the Commons Treasury Select Committee, has been a strong proponent of changing the rules so that the CMA can go after technology companies who rip off customers. He wrote to then business secretary Greg Clark in February last year, saying: 'Despite relatively recent legislative changes, the UK has an analogue system of competition and consumer law in a digital age.' Lord Tyrie leaves before the changes that he had proposed to Mr Clark are enacted by the Government. He said yesterday: 'On taking the role, I was asked by the Government to map out a route to a new type of competition authority, one better equipped to understand and respond to what most concerns ordinary consumers: penalties for loyal customers, price discrimination against vulnerable consumers, the difficulties faced by millions in getting good deals online, among them. 'I was also asked to suggest ways in which the CMA could become more agile, less legally encumbered, and also with closer international ties, reflecting both the increasingly global and often digital nature of consumer detriment, and the CMA's enhanced post-Brexit role. 'We've all, particularly the most senior executive team and the board, worked hard at the CMA to do that.' It will now fall to the Department for Businessto find a replacement for Lord Tyrie. The department said: 'We are grateful to Lord Tyrie for his contribution as chair of the CMA over the past two years. 'The day-to-day running of the CMA will continue under its CEO Andrea Coscelli and we will announce next steps on recruitment for a new chair in due course.' Voices from inside the CMA have said that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic throws the UK's laws into the spotlight. Lord Tyrie previously complained that the UK has an 'analogue system of competition and consumer law in a digital age'. (Stock image of someone shopping online) Early in the crisis, the CMA launched a task force to monitor and clamp down on any unscrupulous business practices. Chief executive Andrea Coscelli backed up the calls for tougher laws in March, saying: 'This is obviously a time when we all have to behave responsibly to protect our fellow citizens, and particularly those who are most vulnerable. 'We urge retailers to behave responsibly in the exceptional circumstances of the Covid-19 outbreak. 'But if they do not, our task force is monitoring market developments to enable us to intervene as quickly as possible.' Notable decisions taken on Lord Tyrie's watch include the merger between Just Eat and Takeaway.com; Amazon's attempts to buy a stake in Deliveroo; and blocking Sainsbury's attempts to merge with Asda. The Northampton City Council voted in the early hours of Friday morning to approve the 2021 city budget with a double-digit cut to the citys police department. The vote followed a series of debates about how much to cut, protests that drew thousands downtown and hundreds to attend city council meetings. The amended budget passed by an overwhelming majority with all councilors voting in favor with the exception of Ward 5 Councilor Alex Jarrett, who abstained from the budget approval vote due to a conflict with a separate line item in the budget. The 10% cut represents a $669,957 decrease in funding for the Northampton Police Department. In his budget proposal submitted last month, Mayor David Narkewicz sought to increase police funding by $193,579 or 2.88% in fiscal year 2021. More than $140,000 would have gone to contractually obligated salary hikes, $8,072 to police training and $45,465 to replace five police cars with hybrid cruisers. In weeks since, Narkewicz sought to trim that proposal. I realize that our world has changed dramatically since I submitted this budget on May 18, the mayor said. With the 10% decrease in funding, the department will lose several officers, Chief Jody Kasper told the council. The city council first considered a 15% decrease in police funding in a motion brought by Jarrett. He spoke during the meeting of hearing complex stories of police interactions with the community related to mental health, addiction and homelessness, among other issues. These are issues I believe people other than the police would be more equipped to handle, Jarrett said, adding that there are limits to policing. Thursdays meeting represented the latest in a series of ongoing discussions about defunding the police, and relying more on a mix of social services such as mental health and drug counselors to respond to non-emergency 911 calls. 55 Northampton Protest on Saturday Following protests that drew thousands downtown for multiple days, protesters traveled through the city before Thursdays meeting. More than a 100 vehicles - and more participants on bicycle and foot - protested outside the homes of city councilors. Speaking during the council meeting Thursday evening, Jarrett called reducing the citys police department budget by up to 50% an achievable goal but one that will take time, saying there are too many unknowns for that significant of a cut during the evenings meeting. Following the introduction of the motion, Kasper spoke strongly against the proposed cuts Thursday, calling the amount arbitrary. Throwing around numbers feels very sudden, without thoughtfully recognizing the impact to the city, Kasper said. She estimated the initially proposed 15% cut would result in her losing 12 or 13 officers, with contracts mandating they cut their most recent additions to the department. We only have 50 patrol officers that cover the city, she said. If you cut 12, youre talking about substantial changes to policing in the city. Several candidates - including three people of color - are set to graduate from the police academy and the cuts would result in them not joining the ranks of the Northampton Police Department as officers. She expressed concerns regarding a significant shift to the police ranks without a plan in place. Following Kaspers comments, Jarrett withdrew his motion to reduce the police department budget by 15%. Councilors then debated introducing gradual decreases to the department budget before a motion was introduced to decrease the budget by 10%. Northampton is the latest community to look at ways to reduce the police department budget as means to fund alternative forms of public safety. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh declared racism to be a public health crisis in the city last week and announced a series of reforms, including a proposed reallocation of about $12 million, about 20% of the Boston Police Departments fiscal year 2021 overtime budget. The funds will be invested instead in community programs for youth, for homelessness, for people struggling with the effects of inequality, Walsh said. Bostons Police Commissioner William Gross publicly stood by the mayor to welcome the new reforms, saying spreading out the responsibility of keeping Boston safe will ultimately help officers focus on their jobs. Quite frankly, what Ive heard in the community is we wear too many hats anyway, Gross said. " A child doesnt want to go to school? You call the Boston police. A childs on the bus being unruly? You call the Boston police. Theres an emotionally disturbed person in a home? You call the Boston police. How many hats do you want us to wear? Protests have been held in all 50 states and internationally in protest of police brutality following the death of George Floyd. The 46-year-old black man was held down with a knee on his neck by Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. He was pronounced dead shortly after at an Minneapolis hospital. The day following his death, Chauvin and the three other officers involved in his arrest - J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao - were fired. Four days after his death, Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder. A week later, the charge was upgraded to second-degree murder. Kueng, Lane and Thao were each charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin, an officer who served with the Minneapolis Police Department for nearly 19 years was subject to at least 18 prior complaints, department internal affairs records show. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) is an organic polymer consisting of aromatic rings linked with sulfides. The distinguished properties of PPS such as flame retardant, chemical resistant, corrosion resistant, dimensional stability, and low moisture absorption are responsible for substitution of heavy metals, mainly required in major end-use industries such as automotive and aerospace. The surging demand for the product in the automotive and electrical industry is expected to propel the market growth during the forecast period. The increased fuel efficiency and weight reduction potential by the use of PPS in automotive are one of the major drivers of the global polyphenylene sulfide market. Additionally, increasing consumption of the product in electrical and electronic appliances such as non-stick cookware, fans & blowers, and hairdryer components are likely to favor the market growth. It is an entirely recyclable, environment-friendly compound and a fine alternative to other polymers such as epoxy, ABS, PTFE, PEI, PVDF, and others. Radical improvements in advanced avionics, operating efficiency, and use of new electrical systems are rapidly changing the manufacturing of the aircraft. Advanced platforms, which are already in the production such as Boeings 787, 737 MAX including A330, and others are expected to boost the market growth. The extensive use of filter bags in steel, chemical, and thermal plants is fuelling the global market of polyphenylene sulfide. Furthermore, the product provides sterilizable healthcare and laboratory equipment, which may effectively rise the market growth. However, rising demand for substitutes such as PEI, polyamide, and PEEK coupled with the high cost of polyphenylene sulfide may restrain the market growth. Market Segmentation The global Polyphenylene Sulfide Market Share is segmented on the basis of type, applications, and region. Commercially, the PPS is manufactured in two types: virgin and recycled. The virgin type PPS is costly and contains lesser impurities and environmental risks as compared to the recycled type. On the basis of the application, the market is segmented into automotive, electrical & electronics, filter bags, industrial applications, aerospace, coatings, and others. Regional Analysis The global polyphenylene sulfide market is segmented into five major regions of Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region in terms of value on account of the presence of a large number of automotive, and electrical and electronics industries. Countries such as China and India are the major contributors to the regional market growth due to the increasing demand for advanced and efficient automotive. The presence of renowned automotive manufacturers such as Honda, Nissan, and Toyota in Japan has fuelled the market growth in this region. High production of automobiles in countries such as Thailand and South Korea is further anticipated to favor the market growth in coming years. North America is another substantial contributor to the global market growth owing to the mature automotive sector and growing aerospace sector. Increasing demand for the product from the established aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing, GE Aviation, Northrop Grumman in the U.S is the major driver of the market in this region. The growth of the market is sluggish in Europe due to the stringent Government regulations for environmental safety despite the presence of coal and thermal plants in this region. Latin America is expected to join hands with the leading region's growth in the coming future due to the growing automotive industries, especially in Mexico. Competitive Analysis Some of the major market players in the global polyphenylene sulfide market are Tosoh Corporation (Japan), TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC. (Japan), Celanese Corporation (US), SK Chemicals (South Korea), Solvay (Belgium), KUREHA CORPORATION (Japan), Polyplastics Co., Ltd. (Japan), DIC CORPORATION (Japan), Chevron Phillips Chemical Company (US ), Haohua Honghe Chemical Co., Ltd. (China), Kotec Corporation (Japan), TEIJIN LIMITED (Japan), NHU Materials Co. (China), SABIC (Saudi Arabia), and Aetna Plastics Corp. (US). Access Report Details @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/polyphenylene-sulfide-market-5642 Impact of COVID-19 on Iso-Propyl Alcohol Market Impact of COVID-19 on Steel Extruded Products Market Coronavirus Outbreak and Plastic Films Market NOTE: Our team of researchers are studying Covid19 and its impact on various industry verticals and wherever required we will be considering covid19 footprints for a better analysis of markets and industries. Cordially get in touch for more details. No country opens its territory to inspection based on enemy claims: Iran envoy to IAEA Iran Press TV Thursday, 18 June 2020 2:45 PM Iran's permanent representative to Vienna-based international organizations says "no country will open its territory to the inspections" only based on continuous allegations provided by its own enemy. Kazem Gharibabadi made the remarks on Thursday in an address to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), at a meeting focused on Iran and its refusal to allow access to two sites, which the IAEA alleges, based on Israeli reports, that are related to the country's nuclear program. "Possibly you may ask why Iran does not grant access to the two locations automatically. The answer is clear: as a matter of sovereignty, no country opens its territory to the inspections only based on continuous allegations provided by its own enemy, even if it is evident that the result of which will prove those allegations to be false," the Iranian diplomat said. He added, "I would like to ask the Member States to put themselves in our shoes and see if they are ready simply to engage with the Agency every now and then based on unsubstantiated allegations made by their adversaries?!" Stressing Iran's fundamental policy of cooperating with the IAEA in line with its obligations under the Safeguards Agreement, Gharibabadi said, "Iran acknowledges the Rights of the Agency for raising legitimate questions, seeking clarifications or requesting for access in line with its mandate and in accordance with the approved procedures, while it also underlines its rights as a Member State to seek for underlying reasons and supporting documents and argumentations from the Agency in this regard." The Safeguards Agreement ensures non-diversion of nuclear material declared by a country. "Iran also believes that the obligations of Member States, which reflect the Rights of the Agency, are not unlimited and are defined within the framework of the relevant instruments. The Rights of the Agency and the obligations of its Member States are two sides of a coin which are supposed to be mutually reinforcing," the envoy said. The Iranian diplomat then warned that the current extensive level of cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Agency has not been achieved easily, just to be diminished by imprudent political interests, referring to the Israeli provocations. "As a result of the JCPOA, Iran implements Additional Protocol provisionally and voluntarily. Iran, alone, with 432 inspections in 2019, receives more than 20 percent of the Agency's total inspections at the global level," he said. The IAEA's 129-page 2019 Safeguards Implementation Report shows that the Islamic Republic had received the biggest part of the inspections that were carried out worldwide by the atomic organization in 2019. According to the report, the country received 21 percent of the entire visits that were made to various nuclear sites across the world by the Agency's inspectors last year. The inspections, which include unannounced visits, take place under the Islamic Republic's 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers. Under the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran voluntarily undertook certain limits to its nuclear activities. Israel, however, has invariably been campaigning against the JCPOA. The United States left the deal illegally and unilaterally in 2018, in a move that was suspected to have been majorly encouraged by the Israeli regime. Washington has rampped up its efforts to vilify Iran's nuclear work in chorus with Tel Aviv since withdrawing from the JCPOA. Iran faults Israel-sourced claims Addressing the IAEA's claims about possible nuclear activities in two sites to which the Agency has asked access, Gharibabadi said, "Iran has explicitly raised two main ambiguities and concerns, which are legal and legitimate. First, the requests by the IAEA are based on invalid and safeguards-irrelevant information which are neither publicly available (open-source information), nor valid and verifiable.... Second, Iran has also expressed its serious concerns over attempts to open an endless process of verifying and cleaning-up of ever-continuing fabricated allegations." Considering the above-mentioned legal ambiguities and concerns which still need further clarification, Gharibabadi noted, Iran has invited Deputy Director General for Safeguards Massimo Aparo to Tehran for further discussions or hold a meeting in Vienna with Iranian delegation at the earliest time convenient for the agency. Scapegoating Iran Iran's ambassador then added, "While Iran expressed its readiness to continue its consultations with the Agency with a view to settle the thematic differences and resolve the issues at hand as soon as possible, the release of the current report by the Director General is received with deep regret and disappointment." He was referring to a Monday report by Rafael Mariano Grossi, in which the IAEA chief had expressed "serious concern" about Tehran's refusal to lend credit to Tel Aviv's allegations. Gharibabadi said, "It is paradoxical that the Agency behaves in a way as if there is no other issue rather to report on Iran. We consider this way of conduct neither impartial nor professional, but a double standard." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police on Wednesday had to perform a peculiar task of tracing the body of a coronavirus patient after his family tried to flee with it to his hometown while it was being transported from the hospital to a burial ground here. The family was intercepted and the vehicle traced by the central district administration, officials said. The man, infected with COVID-19, was admitted to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on June 1. He died on Wednesday. Following the death, Qabrastan Ahle Islam, the burial ground at ITO, was informed to make necessary arrangements as a grave has to be dug up with the help of a JCB and there is a separate entry gate for transporting coronavirus bodies, the officials said. The body left the hospital in an ambulance but did not reach the burial ground. Another ambulance with an UP number plate was kept ready near the burial ground by the family to take the body to Moradabad, they said. The central district administration was alerted when the relatives of the patient snatched the body. In a letter to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Karol Bagh, the Central district asked the police to trace the body immediately. A COVID positive dead body being transported from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Central district to burial ground near the ITO/ Feroz Shah Kotla for burial was snatched from the attendants of the hospital by around 30 people, the letter stated. The body was being transported in a forcefully hired ambulance, the directive said. The police said the family had travelled a few kilometres within the city, but then it was contacted by the district administration and asked to bring the body back to the burial ground. The victims relatives finally relented. The staff at the burial ground waited until 6 pm but the body did not arrive. It was only at around 10.30 pm that the police said the body has to be buried immediately. The body was finally buried post midnight, said Mohammad, the caretaker of the burial ground. (With PTI inputs) Chevron is selling its minority stake in the largest liquefied natural gas project in Australia. The California-based energy major told Reuters this week it has decided to market its 16.7 percent stake in the North West Shelf project in western Australia after receiving several unsolicited offers. The company didn't respond to a request for comment. Chevron is selling its stake in the 35-year-old project, which is nearing the end of its natural gas production and is shifting toward becoming an LNG processing facility, Reuters reported. The project is a joint venture between six equal partners BHP, BP, Chevron, Japan Australia LNG (MIMI), and Shell. "Chevron ... is unlikely to be able to monetize any of its gas through the facility in the near-term, David Low, a senior energy analyst at Wood Mackenzie, said in a statement. We see this as part of the reason why its stake in the NWS is up for sale. RELATED: Exxon, Chevron face shareholders as oil faces uncertain future Chevrons stake could be sold for as much as $4 billion, Reuters reported, citing an anonymous source. Chevron told the wire service it remains committed to its Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG projects in western Australia. Wood Mackenzie, a U.K.-based energy research firm, said Chevron has a few likely suitors, but said it sees Woodside -- an operator and partner in the North West Shelf -- as the most likely buyer because it is well-positioned financially and has already announced it is looking to acquire projects in Australia. "We still see Australia as a strategically important part of Chevron's portfolio it is in fact one of its most important countries in terms of remaining upstream value, Low said. Chevron will continue to focus on squeezing maximum value from its large LNG projects, Gorgon and Wheatstone, without the distractions of the NWS." Western European diplomats are working on how to save the Iran nuclear accord in a day of important developments on the issue which saw Tehran censured by the UN nuclear watchdog, and the US reiterate its demand that a key part of the deal is scrapped. Foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany - three signatory states to the agreement - met in Berlin to formulate a strategy for the next crucial months with Iran and its nuclear programme under focus. At a meeting in Vienna, the International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA) called on Iran to stop blocking its inspectors from two sites and the Trump administration announced that it has drafted an extension to an arms embargo on Iran which is due to be lifted in a few months time. The IAEA motion was proposed by France, Germany and Britain after sustained US pressure. And although it was passed by the 35 nation board of governors, Russian and China, two fellow signatories to the nuclear agreement, opposed it and eight other countries abstained. The lifting of the UN arms embargo on Iran is due to happen in October as part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The Trump administration, which pulled out of the agreement two years ago, wants it to continue. Washington has threatened that a rejection of an extension by the UN Security Council will lead to it activating a clause to reimpose all UN sanctions on Iran. Such a move would, almost certainly, kill off the JCPOA which was signed after years of painstaking negotiations in 2015. Brian Hook, the USs special envoy on Iran, confirmed we have drafted a resolution on extending the embargo. The last thing the Middle East needs now is more weapons enabling Iran to attack other countries, as it has attacked Saudi Arabia. Before the Berlin meeting got under way, the French foreign minister, Jean-Yven Le Drian, stressed that his country, the UK and Germany the E3 were doing their utmost to keep the nuclear deal alive. But a senior diplomat from a west European country said: It is getting very difficult. We need Iran to let the IAEA into these sites and then we have the issue of the embargo in the Autumn. Things may change, of course, if there is a new occupant in the White House after November. Following the Berlin meeting the E3 foreign ministers issued a statement condemning Tehrans alleged breaches, but also warning that the US reimposing UN sanctions on Iran will have severe adverse consequences. The foreign ministers of the UK, France and Germany said in statement after the meeting: We share fundamental common security interests, along with our European partners. One of them is upholding the nuclear non-proliferation regime, and ensuring that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) plays a key role in this respect. We have stated unequivocally our regret and concern at the decision by the United States to withdraw from the JCPOA and to reimpose sanctions on Iran. Since May 2018, we have worked tirelessly to preserve the agreement. Since 2019, Iran has taken nuclear measures contrary to its commitments under the JCPOA. We are deeply concerned by those actions, which seriously undermine the non-proliferation benefits of the agreement ... We also note with grave concern that ... Iran has denied the access requested by the agency for many months. We firmly believe that any unilateral attempt to trigger UN sanctions snapback would have serious adverse consequences in the UNSC. We would not support such a decision which would be incompatible with our current efforts to preserve the JCPOA. Iran had allowed the inspections to continue apart from at the two sites in question. Tehran says that IAEA asking for access to the sites is in breach of its own statutes, and the demands to do so were based on fake information coming from Israel. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Irans foreign minister, said before the vote that his country had nothing to hide and the IAEA resolution would ruin attempts to reach agreement on visits to the facilities. China stated that it deeply regretted the result and warned of potentially huge implications for the future of the nuclear agreement. Mikhail Ulyanov, Moscows ambassador to the IAEA, said the vote could prove counterproductive, adding that Tehran and the UN agency should settle the site access question without delay. Saudi Arabias ambassador to the IAEA, Prince Khalid bin Sultan, said: For more than four months, Iran has continued to provide irrational justifications in its refusal for the IAEAs request to allow two inspectors to verify any undeclared nuclear material and activities at the sites under its safeguards agreement and additional protocol with the IAEA.This reinforces doubts about Irans nuclear programme intentions and what it is seeking to reach. The way Scott Morrison revealed the latest cyber threat against Australia raised immediate fears of widespread attacks on critical systems. So the Prime Minister soon faced questions over whether he was crying wolf when it emerged there was no single incident to trigger the alarm. The companies that run the nation's critical infrastructure the banks, energy generators and others did not report new attacks. No federal agency owned up to any intrusion in recent days. What nobody said in public was the NSW government has seen significant attempts to hack its systems. ESPANOLA, N.M., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- 3HO, the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization that is part of the Siri Singh Sahib Corporation, has moved its annual Summer Solstice event which normally gathers over 2,000 individuals in the mountains of northern New Mexico to an online forum to protect the health and wellbeing of its yogic community during the coronavirus pandemic. Given that a digital celebration removes traditional barriers of travel and capacity constraints, the Summer Solstice event is accessible to more practitioners of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation than ever before, with more than 5,300 individuals registered to participate in this year's festivities, held June 19-21. "It was with heavy hearts that we canceled our traditional Summer Solstice Sadhana, as we have created a truly uplifting and energizing environment in the high desert mountains for cleansing the mind and deepening our collective consciousness," said Pritpal Kaur, CEO of 3HO. "However, by moving our event online, we are able to connect with so many more Kundalini Yoga teachers and students during these critical days, and we take comfort in the knowledge that so many around the country and the world will be lifting their souls simultaneously." 3HO's Summer Solstice event is a yogic gathering that offers a rare opportunity to cleanse the mind, move beyond ego and feel spirits soar. The annual experience includes Kundalini Yoga workshops, morning Sadhana, live Kirtan, live music programs and community connection. This year's celebration is being conducted online at www.esolsticeregistration.com. About 3HO 3HO the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization comprises people dedicated to living a life that uplifts and inspires. Founded in 1969, 3HO has become a vibrant, dynamic community of leaders, teachers, students and seekers of various faiths, persuasions and cultures practicing the time-proven technology of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation, grounded and centered in a philosophy of compassion and kindness. More information can be found at www.3ho.org. Media Contact Wendy Lane 503.546.7900 [email protected] SOURCE 3HO Foundation International Related Links http://www.3ho.org Since it would be too much of a stretch to refer to a series of stage performances as Carnival, the Government has decided to offer instead a Taste of Carnival. For traditional Carnival interests whose events will be facilitated and supported by the State, the proposal presented on Wednesday by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Randall Mitchell, must be a welcome case of half a loaf being plenty better than none. An ethnic Uzbek who was detained in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in 2018 and whose case was the subject of a recent United Nations inquiry was sentenced to 15 years in prison last month, according to official sources. Aezimet Enver was detained in April 2018 after returning from Turkey the previous year, allegedly for having studied in the nationone of several blacklisted by Chinese officials for Uyghurs to travel to, citing the threat of alleged religious extremism. Envers father, Enver Tursun, who was the owner of the Taksim shopping mall in Ghulja (in Chinese, Yining) city, was detained three months earlier, reportedly for having traveled to Turkey to visit him. Late last year, their relatives living in exile in several Western countries began giving public testimonies on their behalf, leading London-based legal group Justice Abroad to present their case to the United Nations. In March, according to Justice Abroads website, the U.N.s Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances (UNWGEID) confirmed that it had transmitted the details of the mens cases to the Chinese government, saying it hoped that appropriate investigations would be carried out in order to clarify the fate and whereabouts of the aforementioned individuals and to protect their rights. In the meantime, Envers relatives abroad recently told RFAs Uyghur Service they had learned he was sentenced to 15 years in prison in a trial held in Suydung (Shuiding) township, in Ili Kazakh (Yili Hasake) Autonomous Prefectures Qorghas (Huocheng) county. Envers mother and sister were reportedly present at the trial, which sources said took place without providing him the right to legal representation. Repeated attempts by family members to obtain written documentation of his case or sentencing have been rebuffed by authorities. Minawwar Tursunhoja, Envers aunt in Edmonton, Canada, told RFA she had received news from an informed source that he was taken to trial at an Ili prefectural court and sentenced to 15 years. We only know that they handed down a verdict [but not whether hes already in prison], she said. The fact that he studied at a university in Turkey was used as the basis for his trial. Tursunhoja said the family had vowed to set up tents and camp outside the offices of the U.N. in Geneva to demand justice for her nephew if the U.N. inquiry failed to yield results. Sentencing confirmed A Han Chinese employee of the Qorghas County Court told RFA that he was unable to discuss Envers case on the phone. There arent anyits over, he said, when asked whether he could locate the documentation of Envers trial. When asked whether a spokesperson for the court could elaborate further, the employee became irate and hung up the phone. A Uyghur staffer at the Ghulja city Public Security Bureau (PSB) told RFA she did not know anything about Envers case, but a Han Chinese employee who took the phone from her said that without a way to verify the reporters identity, her office cant reveal things like this over the phone. RFA also spoke with a Uyghur employee at the police station in Envers home district of Yengi Hayat in Ghulja city who said that he had been tried in May along with four other people: Salayiddin Zaman, Abdurahman Qeyyum, Faruk Sultan, and Abduwakil Seyit. Additionally, RFA contacted the Yengi Hayat Community Office, where staffers filled in additional details about Envers trial. One Uyghur employee of the office said that while the proceedings had been held jointly, the cases of the five were unrelated and they were tried and sentenced separately. Another Uyghur employee confirmed that Enver was handed 15 years, while at least two of the others were sentenced to 18 and 20 years. Apparently, they all studied, she said, implying there was some illegal element to the education they received. She was unable two say what it was that the five had studied but claimed that the other four besides Enver had not traveled abroad. Envers relatives said that during his years in Turkey he was careful not to take part in any political activism lest he cause difficulties for his family members back home. However, his silence was not enough to ensure their safety or his. In addition to his fathers imprisonment awaiting sentencing, his mother Mukaddas was reportedly detained for one year in one of the XUARs vast network of some 1,300 internment camps, where authorities are believed to have held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities since April 2017. Continued efforts Michael Polak, an attorney with Justice Abroad, told RFA that Envers case appears to confirm recent reports of Uyghurs being arrested on spurious grounds, having committed no crime, and then being sentenced to very long, harsh prison sentences. He noted that reports suggest that in some cases, Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been forced to choose what offenses they were guilty of, in an attempt by the Chinese authorities to legitimize these lengthy sentences. Theyre being given as part of the systematic oppression of the Uyghur people and other [Turkic] people, he said. Polak, who sent Envers case material to the U.N.s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, said that the Chinese government has yet to respond to the groups request for information on his situation. Its very important that the world continues to place pressure on the Chinese authorities about what is happening in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous area, he said. [Enver and Tursun] need to be back with their family ... not part of some sham system detaining them for long periods when they should be at home with their families ... So, we will continue to push for the release of Ezimet Enver and Enver Tursun so they can return to what they were doing before. Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by Elise Anderson. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Western Australia is headed for a major event in terms of further job losses if the state's border remains closed, the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry warns. Chief executive Chris Rodwell said the state government must share its secret formula of what they have in mind for reopening our state and our economy. Businesses need clarity on when the border may be reopened. Credit:File WA cant go it alone, we rely on interstate and international trade ... and whilst we dont have that certainty, we dont have that formula, we are losing jobs," he told Radio 6PR. He said Federal Treasury indicated 50 to 100 jobs were being lost every day while the WA border was kept closed. Bulbbul trailer: Just five days ahead of its release, Netflix on Friday released a very intriguing trailer of Anushka Sharmas latest production Bulbbul. As the trailer of the horror flick begins, two children are seen sitting while one of them narrates a story of a demon-woman to the other one. The child is seen giving a brief description of the demon-woman and the trailer is seen featuring visuals complementing the description. As the trailer proceeds further with horror music, it revolves around social evils like child marriage. A child bride can be seen growing up into a woman ruling the household. The rest of the trailer is woven in mystery, supernatural events, and an edgy narrative. The Indian Netflix original features several actors like Tripti Dimri, Rahul Bose, and Avinash Tiwary in pivotal roles. Helmed by Anvita Dutt, the film has been bankrolled by Anushka Sharmas production house, Clean Slate Films. Also Read: There is a huge void: Shraddha Kapoor on Sushant Singh Rajputs death Also Read: Sushant Singh Rajputs family immerses his ashes in Ganga The periodic horror-thriller Bulbbul will release on Netflix on June 24. The Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi actor made her production debut with Amazon Prime Videos Paatal Lok, the thriller show that started streaming on May 15. The gripping show has been inspired by the Indian realms of Paatal Lok, Swarga Lok, and Dharti Lok and shows an interplay between them. The show has received a positive response from many Bollywood stars as well as netizens. Also Read: Depression should be treated like any other ailment: Deepika Padukone For all the latest Entertainment News, download NewsX App Sony has already announced that the company will be releasing two consoles this year where one of them will only support digital games. Microsoft had a similar plan for the Xbox Series X based on previous leaks and it may just be what the company needs to challenge the PlayStation 5. Now, a new leak has surfaced online on the Beyond3D forums which claims that Microsoft is gearing to battle Sony with cheaper consoles. Reddit/u_jiveduder The insider tipped that an all-digital Xbox console is indeed gonna launch and will be cheaper than the flagship Series X console and even the PS5. Heres what insider eastman had to say: Last I heard it be half the price of the XSX and last I heard MS was prepared for a $400 XSX. I am not sure what the final price will be. I think if sony is $500/$600 MS may try to go in at $200/$400/$500 but we will see. Previous leaks have dubbed an all-digital Series X console as Project Lockhart and Microsoft is expected to announce the console at their upcoming event in July. The console will not have a disc drive similar to the PlayStation 5 and is expected to run games at decent frame rates and resolution. Sony PlayStation The console is also expected to take advantage of Mircosofts Xbox Game Pass, a service that gives a collection of games for a subscription something like Netflix for games. The all-digital console is expected to work in tandem with the service that could be bundled with the console at launch. The console is also expected to support Microsofts upcoming game streaming service called Project xCloud. These exclusive features may encourage gamers to opt-in for the all-digital console in order to avoid spending a lot of money on a dedicated gaming machine. MensXP If these rumours are true, Microsoft will sell the console at a loss when keeping the hardware in mind but will make up for it with their services, subscriptions and digital game sales. MS will make up any losses they take by getting a higher cut of game sales and more subscriptions, said eastman. Pricing also depends on what Sony does. MS doesn't have to go as extreme in pricing if sony prices itself higher. But heres the kicker, Microsoft is not only looking to challenge Sony but also want to take the fight to Google, Amazon, Apple, Sony and Nintendo. The insider suggests the console will be very aggressively priced and may even cost almost half as much as the PlayStation 5. From what I've heard from all my sources July isn't about Sony, July is about the industry and Microsoft want it to be a night of mic drops, said eastman. They are going to come hard with the strategy they have been building up to for years and they want Google, Amazon, Apple, Sony and yes Nintendo to shaken up. So expect a series of mic drop moments followed by the price being the key part of all this. Source: eastman on Beyong3D MALINDZA - Resettled Sikhuphe residents are demanding E48.1 million compensation from Inyatsi Construction Group Holdings. These are the residents who were resettled to pave way for the construction of the King Mswati III International Airport, a project which commenced in 2001. The E48.1 million, which the resettled residents are demanding, is a balance of the E6.9m which was approved by government since the consultant which was hired to evaluate the compensation for the Sikhuphe community members, recommended that they should be paid a sum of E55m. Compensation Dr Tambo Gina, the Minister of Economic Planning and Development, met with the affected residents at Sulutane Primary School yesterday at Malindza in the Lubombo Region, where he delivered a report about the compensation, which was adopted and approved by Parliament in April 2020. The minister said government received a claim of E55m compensation from the affected residents. However, he mentioned that normally, the contractor, which in this case was Inyatsi Construction Group Holdings, should have budgeted to compensate the community for any damages they suffered. Nonetheless, the minister said government said it would not fold its arms and watch, thus it approved E6.9m towards the compensation. The affected residents are represented by Lawyer Bongani Mdluli and during the meeting, he asked if the E6.9m, approved by government, was a full and final settlement or it was part of the E55m which they demanded. The residents lawyer said he was asking this question because there were many residents who were affected and the damages were huge. This publication gathered that Mdluli is representing about 250 households. In response, the minister said some of the things which were listed in the E55m demand, were not included in the E6.9m which was approved by government through Cabinet and Parliament. He said this meant that the other items in the E55m claim would be discussed at a later stage. However, he clarified that he should not be misquoted as having said government would bring the balance of E48.1m. It was then that the residents, who had noted that the report which was delivered by the minister recommended that the rest of the compensation should be paid by the contractor on site, demanded that Inyatsi Construction Group Holdings should compensate them. Dvokodvweni Member of Parliament (MP) Mduduzi Magagula, who is also the chairman of the Economic Planning and Development Portfolio Committee, confirmed that the report recommended that the rest of the settlement should come from the contractor on site. He added that according to the report, which was issued in April 2020, the recommendations should be implemented in two months (May and June 2020). Meanwhile, by the time of compiling this report, Inyatsi Construction Group Holdings Marketing Manager Gugulethu Bennett, had not responded to a questionnaire which was sent to her after the meeting yesterday. Consumers willing to spend more, revive domestic economy: Survey From:ChinaDaily | 2020-06-17 15:02 There has been an improvement of consumption willingness in China as the country has effectively controlled the contagion, which will bring new vitality to domestic economic development, research from the global measurement and data analytics company Nielsen showed on Wednesday. "Since the outbreak of the virus, China's experience in fighting off the disease has been a barometer for the world. As people's lives gradually return to normal, consumer-driven domestic demand is now recovering in China, which has injected optimism into the wider global market," said Justin Sargent, president of Nielsen China. Faced with the crisis, China's economy and consumer market are extremely resilient. Taking the 2008 financial crisis as an example, China's economy and the fast moving consumer goods industry rebounded rapidly after dropping during that period. "China's consumer market has begun to show signs of recovery. Driven by a number of government policies aimed at spurring consumption, the retail industry continues to improve and new consumption momentum has emerged," said Sargent. According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, the total retail sales of consumer goods dropped 2.8 percent year-on-year in May, compared to the decrease rate of 7.5 percent in April. The slower decreasing rate indicated that consumption has been gradually picking up. "While we saw the decline of the overall retail business, a few industries have finally returned to growth and are stabilizing. Fast moving consumer goods posted positive growth of 8 percent in April, mainly driven by online momentum," Kateryna Edelshtein, vice-president of Nielsen China, said. Businesses like online shopping, online education, remote office, health and technology grew during the pandemic and are still developing. Online consumption remains popular. Nielsen research showed fast moving consumer goods online sales climbed 33 percent year-on-year in January and February, 32 percent in March and 43 percent in April. So far this year, the number increased 37 percent year-on-year, maintaining a growing momentum. Nielsen's latest CEO survey also shows that business leaders' confidence increased in May. When asked their prediction of the pandemic's impact on companies, 75 percent of the respondents believe that the situation in the second quarter was optimistic or not affected. The proportion was much higher than 40 percent in March. Fifty-five percent of those surveyed believe COVID-19 will either not affect or will have a positive impact on the company's overall performance in 2020. In March, the proportion was 50 percent. Zheng Hao contributed to this story. The head of the French Armed Forces, General Thierry Burkhard, rolled out a new military strategy document on Wednesday that signals the turn by French imperialism to preparations for large-scale state against state wars. Introducing the document before the National Assemblys defense committee, Burkhard made clear that the blueprint, entitled Operational security 2030, would prepare the military for wars against not only the targets of French neo-colonial interventions in the Middle East and North Africa of the past 15 years, but major powers. Drawing an analogy to the coronavirus pandemic, Burkhard stated that the eruption of a major war is missing only the patient zero of a war epidemic. In other words, the conditions for a war between major powers already exist and are awaiting only the necessary spark to set it off. Capt. Samuel Norton, right, executive officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau and General Thierry Burkhard, left. (Wikipedia Commons) The world is evolving quickly enough and badly enough, he said, pointing to a growth in the pace of conflicts and an uninhibited re-militarisation. The army had imagined a situation of 2035 But in 2020, a certain number of check-boxes are already ticked. France now confronted the end of a stage of conflicts that had been marked by interventions in the Sahel and Afghanistan, in which French forces enjoyed overwhelming military superiority against the targeted populations. The army expects new, symmetric conflicts, Burkhard said, state against state. In an internal video to the army cited by Le Monde, Burkhard added that the most minor incident can degenerate into an uncontrolled military escalation. Le Monde, reporting on Burkhards statements, quoted an unnamed NATO official in Paris pointing to a war with nuclear-armed Russia. The future conflict with Russia will not be preceded by an invasion, but perhaps by tactical miscalculations that will draw us in. The officials conclusion was that the French army must concentrate on its deterrence capacitiesthat is, on nuclear weaponswhile always testing itself and innovating under pressure, developing its arms, its interoperability, its anti-missile defenses The conclusion drawn by Burkhard from his presentation of the state of world geopolitics was that France must carry out a massive build up in every area of its military forces. Between now and 2030 it must harden the military so that it is ready for more difficult engagements and shocks, he said. This did not mean that we must prepare to re-do May 1940, when French military forces were defeated in World War II, because we must better combine the effects of cyber and information technology. The General and the assembled members of the defense committee did not spell out the implications of this invocation of a new world war, which today would rapidly develop into a nuclear conflagration that would dwarf in its death toll the more than 85 million people killed in the course of the Second World War. Le Monde, citing the statement of unnamed generals, noted that the term of the masses had returned to the vocabulary of the military. They have noted that the 155mm Caesar cannon fired more than 20,000 rounds in three years in Iraq, or that an international force of 90,000 soldiers were needed to expel 15,000 jihadists from Mosul. The French army will not increase in size but it will extract more significant forces from the reserves. The reference to Mosula city destroyed by the US-led coalition in 2017 in an offensive that US General James Mad Dog Mattis termed a war of annihilation, killing anywhere up to 40,000 peopleis indicative of the scale of crimes being prepared by the French military. The blueprint contains numerous references to the need to increase the number of soldiers via the recruitment of youth, referring to the Universal National Service (SNU) reintroduced by President Macron, which includes the option to spend ones compulsory service in the military. Under the title, A ground forces ambition for the youth, it states that without the support of the reserves, the army will invest in the universal national service in order to extract all the possible opportunities from it. Its reintroduction was supported by the entire political establishment, including Jean-Luc Melenchons Unsubmissive France. Before the latest announcement, the French military was already carrying out a military build-up alongside its neo-colonial intervention in the Sahel, where 5,000 French troops are deployed. In September 2019, the armed forces budget were increased by 1.7 billion to 37.5 billion per year, an increase of 4.5 percent. Nonetheless, Burkhard stated that even this was insufficient, complaining that the army was ruled by a corporate mentality and declaring that efficiency means a lack of resilience. In July last year, the Macron administration announced the creation of a new space command, including the deployment of a new generation of satellites equipped with visual cameras to identify and ultimately destroy rival powers satellites. The announcement was part of French preparations to wage war against major powers, which rely heavily on satellite technology for their operations. The cost of this program of military build-up is to be paid for by the working class in France and internationally, both in the form of destruction and death and in the slashing of social programs to fund the transfer of resources to the military. Within the working class, however, there is no support for the ruling class megalomaniacal plans for French imperialist domination and wars for spheres of influence. Press release Change in management in the Windows Division Arbon, 19 June 2020 - Harald Pichler will step down as Head of the Windows Division and member of Group Management of the Arbonia Group. Nicolas Casanovas, Managing Director and Head of Sales at EgoKiefer AG, will succeed him on 1 July 2020. Harald Pichler joined Arbonia as Head of the Windows Division on 1 February 2016. In this capacity, he was responsible for the comprehensive restructuring of the division initiated at the end of 2015 and successfully completed in 2019, with the four production relocations from Switzerland to competitive locations in Eastern Europe and the associated setup of three highly automated production competence centres as part of an integrated division. Thanks to his contribution, the division has returned to a sustainably healthy level of profitability and is thus well positioned to gain further market share in a demanding market environment. Following the completion of this extensive programme of measures to ensure the future viability and competitiveness of the Windows Division, and with this strong foundation created, Harald Pichler has now decided to turn his attention to new projects outside of Arbonia. The Board of Directors would like to thank him for his engagement and all he did during this intense period, and wishes him all the best in both his professional and private life. Nicolas Casanovas will take over as Head of the Windows Division on 1 July 2020, also becoming a member of Group Management. He will remain Managing Director and Head of Sales at EgoKiefer AG. Born in 1984, Swiss national Nicolas Casanovas studied business administration at HSG (University of St. Gallen School of Management, Economics, Law, Social Sciences and International Affairs), earning his master's in 2009. Before joining the Arbonia Group, he was a Project Leader at the Boston Consulting Group until he joined the Arbonia Group in 2017 as Head of Strategy and Business Development. In 2018, he assumed management of EgoKiefer AG, also becoming Head of Sales. In this position, he is already a member of the Windows Division management. "Nicolas Casanovas has a profound knowledge of business administration and a broad industry-specific expertise. He played a key role in the operational implementation of the restructuring of the Windows Division, but above all of EgoKiefer" says Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO Alexander von Witzleben. Contact Fabienne Zurcher Head Corporate Communications & Investor Relations T +41 71 447 45 54 fabienne.zuercher@arbonia.com This announcement, the fact sheet on Nicolas Casanovas, his portrait as well as further information on Arbonia can be found on the website www.arbonia.com. Arbonia is a focused building components supplier that is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has its headquarters in Arbon, in the canton of Thurgau (CH). The Group is active worldwide with its own distribution companies, as well as offices and partners in more than 70 countries. Its main production sites are located in Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Russia, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands. A total of around 8300 employees work for the Arbonia Group. The divisions that make up Arbonia are active in the following sectors: heating technology, air-conditioning and ventilation technology, sanitary equipment, windows, as well as exterior and interior doors. Frank Kenny is to step down from the board of Hibernia Reit at the companys annual general meeting next month. Mr Kenny, a non executive director with the group, has more than 35 years experience in the Irish and United States property markets in the areas of commercial and residential property investment and development for both private investors and institutions. The chartered surveyor is the founder and chief executive of Willett Companies in New York, a mid-sized property investment company, which he founded in the early 1990s, specialising in multi-tenanted office and retail properties on the East Coast of the United States. Meanwhile, last month Hibernia, which is one of the country's biggest commercial property developers, has said building costs will not rise dramatically as a result of Covid-19. Kevin Nowlan, the chief executive of stock market- listed landlord and developer Hibernia Reit, said that it was not budgeting any additional costs for the major project it has under way - a massive office redevelopment at Cumberland Place in Dublin. Princess Eugenie appeared effortlessly chic when stepping out in London with her husband Jack Brooksbank earlier this week. The Queen's granddaughter, 30, and her partner sported matching face masks as they walked side-by-side in the British capital on Tuesday. It seems the couple have returned to their Kensington Palace home Ivy Cottage after spending lockdown with Eugenie's parents Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew at the Royal Lodge in Windsor. Princess Eugenie appeared effortlessly chic when stepping out in London with her husband Jack Brooksbank this week (pictured) The Queen's granddaughter (pictured), 30, sported a face mask along with her partner as they walked side-by-side in the British capital on Tuesday The royal, who has taken an active role in praising frontline staff who have been working tirelessly amid the coronavirus pandemic, looked stylish in a green and blue frock. The shirt dress complemented Eugenie's hourglass figure, with its cinched waist detailing and billowing sleeves. She teamed the garment with a pair of chic round sunglasses and white trainers, as well as trendy bracelets. Her husband looked equally casual in a pair of dark jeans and a green T-shirt, teamed with a cap and matching black backpack. It seems the couple (pictured) have returned to their Kensington Palace home Ivy Cottage after spending lockdown with Eugenie's parents Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew at the Royal Lodge in Windsor The royal (pictured), who has taken an active role in praising the frontline staff who have been working tirelessly amid the coronavirus pandemic, looked stylish in a green and blue frock The shirt dress complemented Eugenie's (pictured with her husband) hourglass figure with a cinched waist detailing and billowing sleeves Their walk comes after Eugenie teamed up with The Anti Slavery Collective to discuss how the coronavirus pandemic has been affecting all aspects of the anti-slavery movement - before praising England's response to the crisis. The royal joined her friend and co-founder of the group, Julia de Boinville, to talk with the director of non-profit Arise, Luke de Pulford, earlier this month The exchange was shared on the Anti Slavery Collective Instagram account, alongside the caption: 'While we have been working from home, our co-founders HRH Princess Eugenie of York and Julia de Boinville, have been seeking to find out and share how #COVID19 is affecting all aspects of the anti-slavery movement.' The royal has been working to campaign against modern slavery since 2012. The royal (above) teamed the garment with a pair of chic black sunglasses and white trainers, as well as trendy bracelets Eugenie's husband (seen left) looked equally casual in a pair of dark jeans and a green T-shirt The Vatican has announced that the World Youth Day Magazine, highlighting the memories of World Youth Day (WYD) in Panama City in January 2019, is now available free online. By Robin Gomes For the past thirty years, the Vaticans World Youth Day Magazine has been an official souvenir of the fruitful dialogue between the Holy Father and young people at the international events. The last World Youth Day (WYD) took place in Panama City, January 22 to 27, 2019. The latest edition of the World Youth Day Magazine is available as of June 19 on the website of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life, the Vatican dicastery that oversees the organization of the youth event. Published by the John Paul II Youth Foundation as a single issue containing multiple languages (English, Spanish, French, and Italian), the World Youth Day Magazine is issued after every international World Youth Day. It documents the events development with a wide selection of images and with brief but incisive texts. The purpose is to inspire again millions of young people who have participated in WYD by reminding them of their experiences, encounters and the highlights of the event. Those who have not yet participated in WYD may be inspired to attend one in the future. The 25th edition of the magazine marks the start of the souvenirs online edition. It echoes the exhortations of the Pope and the testimonies given by the young people who attended the event. There is also a section dedicated to the conference, Youth for Our Common Home: Ecological Conversion in Action. The third meeting of the conference was held in Panama. The conference aims to offer a deeper understanding of and living out Pope Franciss 2015 Encyclical, Laudato si, and safeguarding creation. World Youth Days World Youth Day was the brainchild of Saint Pope John Paul II. After noting two successful international gatherings with young people in Rome in 1984 and 1985, he instituted it in December 1985. Since then, WYD has been celebrated each year on Palm Sunday at the diocesan and local levels across the Church worldwide. Every two or three years, WYD is celebrated internationally at a venue chosen by the Pope, where young people from around the world come together around the Holy Father. Participants spend time visiting the host country, performing community service, visiting dioceses, and participating in festival events. A papal Mass concludes the event that lasts several. The Portuguese capital, Lisbon, has been chosen as the venue of the next WYD scheduled for August 2022. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, on April 20, the Vatican postponed it by a year to August 2023. T he UK government revealed yesterday it was abandoning the development of its own coronavirus track and trace app for a version based on technology provided by the tech giants Apple and Google. In a statement announcing the U-turn, the NHS Test and Trace chief Baroness Harding and NHSX boss Matthew Gould said there had been specific technical challenges when developing its own app. We have agreed to share our own innovative work on estimating distance between app users with Google and Apple, work that we hope will benefit others, while using their solution to address some of the specific technical challenges identified through our rigorous testing, they said. So what's different about the Apple and Google model and why didn't the UK use it in the first place? The Apple and Google model vs UK model Early on in the pandemic, Apple and Google joined up to collaborate on an API technology that would allow their respective phones to communicate with one another so it would be possible for governments and health agencies to see where devices had been in close proximity with one another via Bluetooth technology. Its almost unheard of for tech rivals such as Apple and Google to collaborate in such a way but it was necessary: Apple smartphones and Google/Android smartphones cant communicate well together because they are based on different tech ecosystems. However, under this new joint project, the two respective sets of devices would be able to talk to one another in a more accurate way that would allow agencies to be able to check which devices had been near one another for track and trace purposes. In addition, with the Apple and Google API, there was an emphasis on decentralising the location data so it ensured the privacy of the individuals involved. The only information thats created and transferred is that theres a proximity event between two individuals, Polly Sanderson, privacy counsel at the Future of Privacy Forum, told the Standard. No one knows where the event was, you dont know anyones location, so you get around that sensitive data collection issue. Theres no government database which could be repurposed. The NHS contact tracing app has been tested in the Isle of Wight ahead of a nationwide roll-out that will no longer happen now / Steve Parsons/PA Wire/PA Images This decentralised database was one of the reasons the UK decided to pursue its own track and trace app. Public Health England wanted to hold the information centrally on those who had coronavirus for 20 years, and the contact information of people you had been near would be kept for five years. At the time, it said this was necessary in order to help control the spread of the virus, both current and in the future. However, by choosing not to use the Google and Apple API, this affected the accuracy of the Bluetooth signals. France was another country that wanted to pursue its own model in order to have a centralised database of information about the spread of the virus. I can see why countries like the UK and France want to collect more information and want to do it for legitimate purposes. But using the API, thats not possible, said Sanderson. But not using the API decreases the accuracy of the system. Was a U-turn to the Apple and Google model inevitable? Given the privacy concerns over a centralised database holding information on people who had coronavirus as well as people they had been near, as well as the lack of accuracy in this model, its perhaps unsurprising that the UK government has decided to opt for the Apple and Google model, says David Richards, CEO and co-founder of distributed computing specialists WANdisco. Not opting for a decentralised model from the start, set out the whole project to fail. In truth, there was never any chance an effective centralised model would be built in time in fact, this would be a huge task even for global tech giants with a fast-tracked supply chain, let alone a heavily bureaucratic organisation, said Richards. Simply put, we would need a quid pro quo for this to work. If you are asking everyone to freely hand over their data, share their location and have personal interactions tracked, you need to provide a tangible incentive in return. Without incentive, developing this technology will be nothing a colossal waste of time. Even though the government is switching to building an app based on Apple and Googles privacy-first model, it doesnt mean people are going to be happier using this version, compared to the original. According to a recent survey by adtech company Ogury, only 41 per cent of UK citizens are willing to share data with the government to combat Covid-19, and 60 per cent dont trust it will protect the data they share. Loading.... This type of tracing app is crucial in the fight against the spread of the virus. Though the UKs alert level has been downgraded, the virus is still in circulation and an app is one way to monitor the spread in case of second waves. Its good the UK government is switching to Apple and Googles API, but unless people trust it and download it, it wont make much difference. (Newser) President Trump has slammed former national security adviser John Bolton as a liar, a "wacko," "incompetent," and a "sick puppy," which raised a question about the former Apprentice host's hiring practices for CBS journalist Paula Reid. "Mr. President, why do you keep hiring people that you believe are wackos and liars?" she asked Trump Thursday at the end of a White House roundtable. Fox News reports that the president did not respond. According to Mediaite, he "sat still with a displeased expression on his face." story continues below Trump, who went on the attack against Bolton after explosive claims from the former adviser's upcoming book surfaced, has often insulted former administration officials who went on to criticize him. Among them: former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, whom Trump described as "dumb as a rock and totally ill prepared and ill equipped to be Secretary of State." Earlier this month, he called former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis "the world's most overrated General" after Mattis criticized his response to the George Floyd protests. (Bolton says Trump is "unfit for office.") MasterChef Australia viewers never normally get to see beyond the pristine industrial-style kitchens. But on Wednesday, contestant Khanh Ong took fans behind the scenes of the production studio - and the space looks nothing like you'd expect. In footage shared to TikTok, the 27-year-old chef asked his co-stars questions as they took a break between the cooking challenges. The 'secret studio' you DON'T see on! On Wednesday, Khanh Ong gave MasterChef viewers a rare glimpse beyond the famous gantry on TikTok. Pictured: contestant Poh Ling Yeow Unfortunately for the contestants, there doesn't appear to be a lot of downtime. Several of them seemed to be working on laptops, as they continued to run their successful businesses back home. Poh Ling Yeow, for example, runs a market stall in Adelaide called Jam Face, and she was seen typing away while leaning back in an armchair. After saying hello to Poh, Khanh moved on to dessert queen Emilia Jackson, who was relaxing on a leather couch and looking at her iPhone. Not much time for rest! Dessert queen Emilia Jackson relaxed on a leather couch and looking at her phone. Meanwhile, Simon Toohey was visible in the background, sitting at a work station Simon Toohey was also visible in the background, sitting at a work station wearing earphones and staring at his laptop. After his first stint on MasterChef last year, Simon co-founded the Sustainable Earth Network, which focuses on using whole ingredients and fighting food waste. Because the current cast is made up of all-star competitors, many of whom have food businesses back home, accommodations have been made on set to allow them to continue with their projects while filming the hit Channel 10 program. Taking care of business: Because the cast is made up of all-star competitors, many of whom have food businesses back home, accommodations have been made to allow them to continue with their projects while filming the show. Pictured: office work stations set up in the studio Also, for the first time in the franchise's history, the contestants have been staying in private apartments, instead of living under one roof together. Callum Hann told HuffPost Australia: 'In previous seasons weve all been in the same house together, but this year is a little bit different because people like myself are still running their businesses. 'I can go back to the hotel at night and get my laptop out and make a few calls and check emails.' New rules: For the first time in the franchise's history, the contestants have been staying in private apartments, instead of living under one roof together. Callum Hann (pictured) said this was because many of the participants have businesses to run back home It comes after fan favourite Khanh was eliminated from MasterChef on Sunday after failing to impress the judges with his quail dish. But it appears as though he might not be done with reality TV, as he has since expressed an interest in being involved in a gay-themed Bachelor series. When asked by Now to Love on Monday if he would be up for it, the 27-year-old said: 'Twenty-four gay men in a house vying for the attention of one gay man - why?' 'You know what, I would do that show. I won't be the Bachelor though,' he added. 'I want to be in the house with the other 23 gay men!' [June 19, 2020] Everipedia's IQ becomes first EOS token listed on Binance, World's Largest Exchange GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Everipedia , the world's largest decentralized encyclopedia announces that its IQ Tokens are available for trading on the world's largest crypto exchange Binance . The listing also completed another milestone for the EOS community when IQ became the first EOS token to ever get listed on Binance, which is currently the world's largest exchange. "This milestone is a significant indicator of the growth and maturity of Everipedia and the IQ ecosystem, as well of the EOS ecosystem with Everipedia leading the way," said Theodor Forselius, Co-Founder and CEO of Everipedia. The Binance listing announcement comes just a week after Everipedia announced a big push with the company into DeFi (Decentralized Finance). The company intends to release a comprehensive roadmap outlining all future DeFi initiatives in the near future. Binance also released a comprehensive research report on their own website about Everipedia and details about upcoming initiatives by the company. "Everipedia is the world's first encyclopedia to use blockchain technology. Our next step is to build out our decentralized finance roducts into the platform using the same blockchain innovations that we are known for," said Sam Kazemian, Co-Founder and President of Everipedia. "We're looking forward to working with Binance to ensure the greatest number of community members have access to the utility of the diverse Everipedia ecosystem." Everipedia raised $30M in 2018 in a round led by Galaxy Digital to build out the decentralized knowledge base and other blockchain initiatives. Since then Everipedia has reached several major milestones such as hitting 300 million wiki views, over 50,000 daily active users and have completed a rollout of the decentralized encyclopedia in English, Mandarin, Korean and Spanish. Trading on Binance starts today giving IQ Token holders all the Binance benefits, including liquidity, cutting-edge trading solutions, dedicated focus on security and decentralization. The Binance listing also establishes a direct connection between IQ and BNB holders, providing them with an efficient exchange mechanism and giving additional utility to both assets. About Everipedia Originally started in 2014 as a more modern and inclusive alternative to Wikipedia, Everipedia has become the world's first encyclopedia to use blockchain technology to enable content creators to become stakeholders in the knowledge base themselves and earn rewards for their contributions. Everipedia has since then leveraged blockchain technology to expand further into decentralized finance products. Find out more at everipedia.org and follow Everipedia on Facebook and Twitter . All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies. Our discussion may include predictions, estimates or other information that might be considered forward-looking. While these forward-looking statements represent our current judgment on what the future holds, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect our opinions only as of the date of this presentation. Please keep in mind that we are not obligating ourselves to revise or publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events. Media Contact: Leslie Mayer FortyThree, Inc. 831.401.3175 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/everipedias-iq-becomes-first-eos-token-listed-on-binance-worlds-largest-exchange-301080478.html SOURCE Everipedia [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] In view of surging COVID-19 cases in the city, the Delhi government will rope in NGOs, civil society organisations, NCC and NSS cadets and scouts for survey of coronavirus suspects, and surveillance and management of isolation cases. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed to NGOs and individuals to join the fight against COVID-19 in large numbers. "Delhi will fight Corona together. I appeal to all NGOs and individuals to join in this effort on a large scale," he tweeted. Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev said in an order issued on Thursday that a web portal and dashboard will be developed for registration of NGOs, civil society organisations and individual volunteers for helping the district administration. The volunteers need to be at least 18 years of age, physically fit and free from COVID-19. The number of coronavirus cases in the national capital was close to the 50,000-mark on Thursday, while the death toll has mounted to 1,969, authorities said. "Considering the rising number of COVID-19 in NCT of Delhi, it has been felt necessary to involve NGOs, CSOs, individual volunteers, NCC cadets, NSS cadets, scouts etc for survey of COVID suspect cases, and surveillance and management of isolation cases and to establish a government-NGO coordination," said the order. The volunteers and cadets may also be deployed in helpline assistance, looking after senior citizen and assisting at hospitals. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 may also register to work as volunteers and the concerned district administration may use their services for confidence building among people, said the order. The district administration will obtain names and details of National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme cadets and scouts from respective organisation's headquarters, it said. All NGOs, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), NCC and NSS cadets and individual volunteers will work under the supervision of concerned district surveillance officer or any other officer designated by the district magistrate. Orientation course and training will be imparted to them by the district administration. A certificate of appreciation and participation will be given to each volunteer by the district magistrate in recognition of their services in fighting the virus. Also read: Coronavirus vaccine: When will it be ready? Moderna, AstraZeneca offer answers Health The Daily Beast HandoutRosie Diven, a mother of three in rural South Carolina, had no idea her 16-year-old son had COVID-19 until a fearsome syndrome nearly killed him.Branson Diven had been vomiting and suffering a loss of appetite when Rosie brought him to an urgent care center near their home in Hartsville on Dec. 10. He did not have classic COVID symptoms such as a sore throat or a cough, and after testing negative for COVID and positive for flu, he was sent home under the assumption he would soon be better Blackmore used investor money for property development. (Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images) Thousands of ordinary savers are set to lose over 40m ($49.6m) from bust mini-bond project Blackmore. Administrators Duff & Phelps said in its initial report, filed with Companies House this week, only 5m is likely to be recovered from Blackmore. Blackmore fell into administration in April after failing to pay interest on its bonds for six months. The company owed 2,868 retail investors 46m at the time of its collapse. Duff & Phelps said initial estimates suggest only 5m can be recovered from Blackmores property projects. Blackmore had just 906 in the bank when it was placed in administration. Read more: Mini-bond Blackmore collapses with 45m at risk Detailed investigations are ongoing to see if any more cash can be recovered, but administrators told bondholders to expect a substantial shortfall. The sorry tale is the latest high-profile mini-bond scandal in the UK. Mini-bonds are unregulated debt instruments sold to everyday investors and savers. Typically marketed online, they are high-risk and investors lost over 1bn last year. Most are ordinary savers unaware of the risks. Blackmore issued six mini-bonds between October 2016 and November 2018, promising interest of between 6.5% and 9.9%. Controversially, two were marketed as an alternative to Innovative Finance ISA and two bond issues were managed by ISA managers. Mini-bonds are not ISAs and much of the confusion about their safety has stemmed from the fact many were wrongly marketed as ISAs or ISA-like. ISAs typically involve investor protection, while mini-bonds do not. Read more: Mini-bond ads permanently banned after investors lose millions Blackmore also used controversial marketing firm Surge Financial to help it raise cash. Surge ran online marketing and investor relations for Blackmore and was paid 20% of all the money Blackmore raised for its services. Surge also ran marketing for London Capital & Finance, the most high-profile mini-bond scandal so far in the UK. London Capital & Finance collapsed at the start of last year owing investors 267m. The Serious Fraud Office is investigating and Surges founder Paul Careless was arrested and questioned as part of the investigation, according to the Evening Standard. Administrators are required to inform creditors of any potential wrongdoing by directors. Duff & Phelps said there were a significant number of matters relating to the company and the wider group that require investigation in relation to conduct of directors. The company said further details couldnt be given as investigations were ongoing. Earlier this week the Financial Conduct Authority made a temporary ban on mini-bond ads permanent, saying the products do too much harm to consumers. Is the coronavirus crisis impacting the mental health of new mums? (Getty Images) New mums are much more likely to suffer from post-natal depression amid the coronavirus pandemic, a new study has suggested. Researchers revealed that the number of women suffering from the condition have soared with up to three in four pregnant women or those who have recently given birth suffering with anxiety during the pandemic. That compares to less than one in three suffering beforehand. And more than four out of 10 (41%) have suffered with depression, almost treble the pre-pandemic rate of 15%. Pregnant women and those who have recently given birth are already at a greater risk of depression and anxiety, with around one in seven struggling with symptoms just after having a baby. Read more: Women who have winter babies are more likely to develop postnatal depression, here's how to combat it But a study, published in the journal Frontiers in Global Women's Health, found that the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated those struggles. Researchers found that the likelihood of maternal depression and anxiety has substantially increased during the global health crisis. The social and physical isolation measures that are critically needed to reduce the spread of the virus are taking a toll on the physical and mental health of many of us, explains study co-author Dr. Margie Davenport, of the University of Alberta in Canada. We know that experiencing depression and anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period can have detrimental effects on the mental and physical health of both mother and baby that can persist for years. New mums are 'much more likely to suffer from post-natal depression amid virus pandemic'(Getty Images) Read more: The impact coronavirus lockdown could be having on new parents' wellbeing Dr Davenport says effects can include premature delivery, reduced mother-baby bonding, and developmental delays in infants. The study surveyed 900 women, 520 of whom were pregnant and 380 of whom had given birth in the past 12 months, and asked about their depression and anxiety symptoms before and during the pandemic. Before the pandemic began, 29% of the women experienced moderate to high anxiety symptoms, and 15% experienced depressive symptoms. Story continues However, during the pandemic, those numbers spiked with almost three in four (72%) experiencing anxiety while 41% suffered depression. Annie Belasco, from PANDAS Foundation says that while COVID-19 and lockdown does not cause PND, the circumstances and stress's around this could certainly contribute, relationship challenges, financial worries and not having time or a break away from the parents child can induce and also create depression and increased symptoms and signs of PND. We know that parents who have a diagnosis are particularly vulnerable during this time as their 'normal coping mechanisms' day to day are not able to take place, she explains. Sleep deprivation, due to not having a break through the night or the day, physically and practical help and also socialising and meeting other parents to share experiences. Disturbance of routine, anxiety around the political and economical state have also contributed to parents with or without a diagnosis of perinatal mental illness that can create heightened anxiety and stress which can also magnify depression and low mood, she adds. What are the signs of PND? According to Wendy Powell, maternal health expert and founder of MUTU System, PND signs can range from low energy, anxiety, irritability and changes in sleeping or eating patterns. PANDAS says symptoms of PND can include but are not exhaustive of: Struggling to bond with baby Feelings of worthlessness and lack of self esteem Persistent feelings of anxiety and very low mood Wanting to self isolate and not socialise Excessive dark and frightening thoughts Lack of appetite or over eating Mums are suffering from depression and anxiety during coronavirus crisis. (Getty Images) What can new parents do to protect their mental health during the coronavirus crisis? Create healthy boundaries We are so reliant on social media and its important to control what you are being put in front of, explains Belasco. Positive, motivational and comparison free social media sites would be advised to anyone who is experiencing perinatal mental illness as a risk to induce anxiety and depression. Establish a new routine For you and your baby. Belasco says it is important to ensure that you have a list of aims that you can tick off throughout the day, without putting too much pressure on yourself to keep up or get everything done. Find a support network According to Powell it can really help to surround yourself by a reliable support network. This can help you to feel as though you have somebody who will always listen to you without passing judgement, give you reliable guidance and have your best interests at heart, she explains. Its so important that you arrange frequent discussions with peers and likeminded women who know exactly how you feel, even virtually, to keep in regular discussion. Stay connected Powell suggests new mums should try to stay connected with those they are closest with, such as the childs grandparents and close friends. You can arrange weekly/fortnightly calls at a certain time or create a WhatsApp group to regularly feed in updates and pictures of your newborn with a small group of friends and family, she says. Above all else, its important to make sure you are always talking about your wellbeing and to get everything out there in the open. Practice self care This is a small but significant change that can be implemented easily. Remember to consider yourself throughout the day and where possible take some time, to do one thing that makes you feel good, advises Belasco. Nice food, a bath, relaxing, writing and reading it can be the smallest thing but can make a huge difference to your wellbeing. Ask for help Although practical/physical support is unlikely, PANDAS foundation offer a safe go to for support for all parents from conception through to birth and beyond. Through our four free support channels. Opening up and talking to just one person who you feel safe and confident in being heard without judgment can raise spirits in the short and longer term, adds Belasco. For more information about PND visit PANDAS or call the FREE helpline Monday - Sunday 08081961776 11am- 10pm free from uk landlines and uk mobiles Additional reporting SWNS. Today, Lenovo Data Center Group (DCG) announced new flexible solutions to empower customers to simplify common data management challenges. DCG is announcing the launch of the ThinkSystem SR860 V2 and SR850 V2 servers, which now features 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors with enhanced support for SAP HANA based on Intel Optane persistent memory 200 series. In addition, Lenovo is announcing new remote deployment service offerings for the ThinkSystem DM7100 storage systems. This announcement is further supported by Lenovo being awarded #1 in server reliability for seven years running. With these new offerings, customers can more easily navigate complex data management needs to deliver actionable business intelligence through artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics, while getting maximum results when combined with business applications like SAP HANA. Many industries are faced with the ever-increasing challenge of having to analyze greater volumes of data, maintain the velocity of the data being transacted and support the variety of the data being collected and stored. Without proper storage and processing capabilities, organizations are missing critical insights about their customers and business, while others experience bottlenecks due to a variety of data types that need to be analyzed, categorized and more quickly utilized to drive business value. Finally, the insights that come from data have definitive time limits, so the faster that systems can handle data, the greater amount of value that can be extracted. To help customers accelerate high performance workloads and improve efficiency, Lenovos new ThinkSystem SR860 V2 and SR850 V2 servers feature the latest in high-end processing and memory capabilities, with twice the amount of NVMe storage capacity1. The servers, combined with the DM7100 and business intelligence solutions from SAP, are material to helping customers address their data challenges in a variety of ways: ThinkSystem SR860 V2 and SR850 V2 The new 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processor-based enable more rapid data ingest capabilities to help tackle the growing volume of data coming into the data center. Featuring improved AI acceleration with Intel Deep Learning Boost enhanced with bfloat16, these new CPUs were purpose built to accelerate data insights. These systems also feature next-generation technologies that include: o Increased onboard storage from 24 to 48 2.52 drives, improving the rate at which data can be consumed and improve performance for data-intensive applications such as large databases. o Introduction of GPU support on the ThinkSystem SR860 V2 server (four double-wide 300W or eight single-wide GPUs) ideal for handling AI workloads, power VDI deployments and data analytics. o The SR860 V2 leverages new GPU rich configurations to manage next-generation AI workloads, allowing customers to focus efforts on unstructured datasets to drive new insights. o Intel Optane persistent memory 200 series to power SAP HANA, providing leading database and analytics performance along with expanded memory and storage capacity. When combined with ThinkSystem DM7100 series storage, Lenovo provides a business processing, analytics and data management platform for SAP database and business applications o When combined with Lenovo DB fiber channel switches, customers can now achieve end-to-end NVMe deployment, delivering higher throughput and up to a 50 percent reduction in latency. ThinkSystem DM7100 Software includes integrated hybrid cloud data tiering and management for secure and efficient data management in public and private cloud solutions. The cloud capability enables customers to build backup and high availability capability for analytic workloads Can scale up to 21PB effective storage or scale out to 264 PB of effective storage, protecting the customer investment by allowing for seamless future growth A new remote deployment option offers up to 80%2 faster implementation vs. scheduling on-site deployments, reducing complications and down-time risks, speeding time to value. Customers have access to Lenovos Technical Consultants to configure and deploy the solution based on their unique requirements remotely. To handle the increase in the variety of data being collected, Lenovo Intelligent Insights with SAP Data Intelligence, make it possible to utilize structured and unstructured data from multiple sources, such as cloud data stores, data lakes, smart devices, sensors and other IoT available for greater business insights. Finally, customers will experience Lenovos Premier Support, which works to ensure positive customer experience, better response and consistent uptime. The constant change in information and ever evolving needs of customers means there must be faster and more efficient solutions to turn data into information that empowers businesses, said Kamran Amini, Vice President and General Manager of Server, Storage and Software Defined Infrastructure, Lenovo Data Center Group. Our new ThinkSystem servers are designed to enhance mission-critical applications like SAP HANA and accelerate next-generation workloads like AI, analytics and machine learning, enabling mission critical performance and reliability for all data centers and maximum business value for our customers. Select configurations of the ThinkSystem SR860 V2, SR850 V2 and DM7100 solutions are available through Lenovo TruScale, the pay-for-what-you-use data center, offering customers a flexible and cost effective option for adoption. The ThinkSystem solutions featured today will be added to Lenovos industry-leading portfolio of workload optimized, pre-verified offerings under the Intel Select Solutions program, complementing a broad portfolio of ThinkSystems SR650 and SR630 solutions All products are secured by Lenovo ThinkShield. More talks urged on travel bubbles BANGKOK: The country is in no rush to open up travel bubbles as more thought is needed into putting the concept into practice, said the head of security for the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). COVID-19tourismhealth By Bangkok Post Friday 19 June 2020, 09:04AM Pornpipat: No need to rush in. Photo: Bangkok Post The bubbles, where travel is permitted between any two countries where the Covid-19 pandemic has been brought under control, needs more thought before overseas visitors are allowed back in, said Defence Forces chief Pornpipat Benyasri, the top supervisor of CCSA security, reports the Bangkok Post. He said issues, which must be addressed before travel bubbles are given a go-ahead without the mandatory 14-day quarantine, include public health regulations and pandemic-related legal requirements of the countries involved. Theres no rush [to engage in the travel bubbles]. The priority is creating and maintaining health safety, Gen Pornpipat said. He was referring to Thailands ability to contain the outbreak as a result of the governments decision to keep borders closed, separating potential COVID-19 carriers from the rest of the population and deploying rigorous quarantine procedures. A CCSA working group looking into the easing of COVID-19 restrictions is considering the gradual re-opening of borders to foreign visitors. The group was told some foreign nationals have been granted permission to re-enter Thailand since the end of April. They are business people holding a work permit, teachers and students, skilled workers and technicians repairing machines in large industries. They were quarantined for 14 days upon arrival in alternative state quarantine facilities for which they paid for out of their own pockets. The group was also told Thai citizens returning from overseas have also been placed under state quarantine. Several were confirmed to be the source of imported infections. After the pandemic situation is resolved, overseas tourists will be permitted to return in small groups from countries with travel bubble agreements. They can travel only to select destinations for the sake of effective public health surveillance, a source said. The CCSAs working group asked the Tourism Authority of Thailand to study the possible downsides of the travel bubbles, including a new wave of COVID-19 triggered by the border reopening and the economic costs which the government must foot if an outbreak recurs. The working group also voiced caution over delicate issues such as travel bubble partner countries negotiating compromises on travel conditions which increases the risk of a new outbreak. Also, local communities might resist the reopening under travel bubble agreements of some tourist destinations located close to them. Meanwhile, the Department of Health Service Support said medical tourism could be incorporated in the terms of bubble arrangements. Medical tourism was good for the economy though details should be spelt out in travel bubble agreements, said Tharet Krassanairawiwong, of the department. A petitioner claiming to be a social worker wanted the Supreme Court to ban the sale of aerated beverages Coca Cola and Thums Up. The top court has dismissed his plea on grounds of it not being based on 'technical knowledge' and has instead slapped a whopping Rs 5 lakh fine on him, for the same. Image For Representation/AP According to an NDTV report, the top court rejected petitioner Umedsinh P Chavda's plea and said his counsel has failed to disclose "why two specific brands in particular are chosen to be the target of the proceedings." A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud, Hemant Gupta and Ajay Rastogi questioned the reason for targeting only two brands of the cold drinks, as Chavda claimed that the cold drinks were detrimental to health and sought a ban on health grounds. Hemant Gupta and Ajay Rastogi, said, "The petitioner claims to be a 'social worker'. The petition has been filed without the petitioner having any technical knowledge on the subject. The source of his assertions has not been substantiated." Image For Representation/Reuters The court said that the petition has been filed for extraneous reasons and it is a misuse of PIL. The top court, after hearing the counsel for the petitioner, said, "We have come to the conclusion that invocation of the jurisdiction under Article 32 is not a bona fide recourse to the jurisdiction in public interest litigation. Consequently, besides dismissing the petition an order directing the imposition of exemplary costs is necessary." The petitioner has moved the top court seeking directions to the Centre to submit a complete analytical report and scientific approval by scientists in providing license of sale and use of liquid items like Coca Cola and Thums Up. The court directed Mr Chavda to deposit Rs 5 lakh with the top court Registry within a month and disburse the same to the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association. All Inputs IANS Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian accused Azerbaijan on Friday of hampering a compromise solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with maximalist demands and territorial claims to Armenia. Pashinian launched unusually scathing attacks on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev as he chaired a meeting of Armenias and Karabakhs top security officials. He complained that Aliyev has never reciprocated his repeated calls for an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace deal that would satisfy all parties to the conflict. It is obvious that with such [Azerbaijani] approaches we cannot anticipate real progress in the negotiation process, especially given that they are accompanied by war threats or territorial and direct or indirect historical claims to the Armenian people, said Pashinian. Aliyev, he said, realizes that Bakus attempts to end the conflict by force would provoke a more than adequate response from the Armenian military. For more than 15 years [Aliyev] has promised his own people to solve the Karabakh conflict through military force and under this guise they have spent billions of dollars which have very often ended up on offshore accounts of known people, Pashinian went on. And now he cannot explain to his own people why the reality is as it is. He realizes that a possible [military] adventure would not only cause Azerbaijan irreversible devastation but also dismantle his anti-democratic regime, claimed the Armenian premier. And so in order to deflect peoples attention and get out of this deadlock he raises the temperature of his statements. Pashinian seemed to allude to Aliyevs recent renewed claims that much of modern-day Armenia, including Yerevan, lies in historic Azerbaijani lands. Aliyev and Pashinian most recently met in February on the sidelines of an annual international security forum in Munich. They publicly traded accusations during a panel discussion on Karabakh held right after their brief talks. The Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers have since tried to keep the peace process alive despite the coronavirus pandemic. In late April, they held a joint video conference with the U.S., Russian and French mediators co-heading the OSCE Minsk Group. The Foreign Ministers and Co-Chairs agreed to remain in close contact and to continue negotiations in person as soon as possible, read a joint statement issued at the time. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced last week that more such talks will be held later this month. Former DIA Analyst Sentenced for Leaking Classified Information to Journalists FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, June 18, 2020 A former employee of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for leaking classified information to two journalists in 2018 and 2019. "Frese repeatedly passed classified information to a reporter, sometimes in response to her requests, all for personal gain," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. "When this information was published, it was shared with all of our nation's adversaries, creating a risk of exceptionally grave harm to the security of this country. His conviction and sentence demonstrate the Department's commitment to the investigation and prosecution of such betrayals by clearance holders as part of our mandate to protect our citizens and defend the national security of the United States." "The American people expect those entrusted with our nation's most sensitive secrets to keep those secrets safe. Mr. Frese did just the opposite," said Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division. "The FBI is committed to protecting the national security interests of the United States and will vigorously pursue investigations into current and former clearance holders who leak classified information." "When our nation's secrets are published, in print or online, those secrets are made available to all of our adversaries," said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. "Frese's choice to betray his oath to his country had real consequences and caused actual harm to the safety of this country and its citizens." "When Mr. Frese chose to provide classified information to members of the media, he violated his oath to serve the United States as a trusted government employee," said Timothy R. Slater, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Washington Field Office. "Put in the hands of our adversaries, this information causes damage and harm to our country. This investigation and today's sentencing serve as a reminder that unauthorized disclosures of classified information is a crime, and will not be tolerated." According to court documents, Henry Kyle Frese, 31, of Alexandria, was employed by DIA as a counterterrorism analyst from February 2018 to October 2019, and held a Top Secret//Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance. United States government agencies have confirmed that in the spring and summer of 2018, News Outlet 1 published eight articles, all authored by the same journalist (Journalist 1) that contained classified NDI that related to the capabilities of certain foreign countries' weapons systems. These articles contained classified intelligence from five intelligence reports (the Compromised Intelligence Reports) made available to appropriately cleared recipients in the first half of 2018. The topic of all of these initial five Compromised Intelligence Reports foreign countries' weapons systems was outside the scope of Frese's job duties as an analyst covering CT topics. The media articles, and the intelligence reporting from which they were derived, both contained information that is classified up to the TS//SCI level, indicating that its unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to result in exceptionally grave damage to the national security. The intelligence reporting was marked as such. According to court documents, Frese and Journalist 1 lived together at the same residential address from January 2018 to November 2018. Throughout 2018 and 2019, Frese and Journalist 1 "followed" each other on Twitter, and on at least two occasions Frese re-Tweeted Journalist 1's tweets announcing the publications of articles containing NDI classified at the Top Secret level. In or about April of 2018, Journalist 1 introduced Frese to a second journalist (Journalist 2). Subsequently, Frese began texting and speaking with Journalist 2 by telephone. Between mid-2018 and late September 2019, Frese orally transmitted NDI classified at the Top Secret level to Journalist 1 on 12 separate occasions, and orally transmitted NDI classified at the Secret level to Journalist 1 on at least four occasions. Frese knew the information was classified at the Secret and Top Secret levels because the intelligence products from which he had learned the classified information had visible classification markings as to the classification level of the information, and the intelligence products accessed by Frese were stored on secure, classified government information systems. In relation to one of the 12 times Frese orally transmitted Top Secret NDI to Journalist 1, in or about mid-April to early May 2018, Frese accessed an intelligence report unrelated to his job duties on multiple occasions, which contained NDI classified at the Top Secret//SCI level (Intelligence Report l). A week after Frese accessed Intelligence Report 1 for the second time, Frese received an April 27, 2018 Twitter Direct Message (DM) from Journalist 1 asking whether Frese would be willing to speak with Journalist 2. Frese stated that he was "down" to help Journalist 2 if it helped Journalist 1 "progress." During the same April 27, 2018, Twitter exchange, Journalist 1 indicated that a certain United States military official told Journalist 2 that the official was not aware of the subject matter discussed in Intelligence Report 1. Frese characterized the official's denial as "weird" and commented on the source of information contained within Intelligence Report 1. Several days after the April 27, 2018, Twitter exchange, Frese searched on a classified United States government computer system for terms related to the topics contained in Intelligence Report 1. A few hours after searching for terms related to the topic of Intelligence Report l, Frese spoke by telephone with Journalist 1, and several hours later he spoke by telephone with Journalist 2. Immediately after the call with Journalist 2, Journalist 1 called Frese. During at least one of the calls with Journalist 1 and Journalist 2, Frese orally passed Top Secret NDI derived from Intelligence Report 1. Approximately 30 minutes after Frese spoke with the two journalists, Journalist 1 published an article (Article 1) which contained Top Secret NDI, orally communicated by Frese and derived from Intelligence Report 1 classified at the Top Secret//SCI level. On at least 30 separate occasions in 2018, Frese conducted searches on classified government systems for information regarding the classified topics he discussed with Journalists 1 and 2. On multiple occasions in 2018 and 2019, Frese conducted searches on classified government systems because of specific requests for information from Journalists 1 and 2. Additionally, between early 2018 and October 2019, Frese communicated with an employee of an overseas CT consulting group (Consultant 1) via social media. On at least two occasions, Frese transmitted classified NDI related to CT topics to Consultant 1, using a social media site's direct messaging feature. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danya E. Atiyeh, Neil Hammerstrom and Trial Attorney Jennifer Gellie for the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division prosecuted the case. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Scientists have grown mini brains from human stem cells containing Neanderthal DNA to help shed light on how it has impacted our development. Researchers from Germany showed how genetic material derived from our distant Neanderthal cousins can be identified and tracked in the model organs as they grow. Past studies have shown that around 2 percent of the gene pool of modern humans outside of Africa is composed of Neanderthal DNA. This genetic heritage was acquired as a result of various episodes of interbreeding between our ancestors and Neanderthals tens of thousands of years ago. Scientists have grown mini brains from human stem cells containing Neanderthal DNA to help shed light on how such has impacted our development. Pictured, a model of a Neanderthal In their study, geneticist Gray Camp of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany and colleagues analysed cell lines taken from the Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Initiative or 'HipSci', as it is dubbed. This international resource was established to provide data and cell lines for genetic studies and nearly all of the latter are derived from individuals of UK and northern European descent, meaning that they contain traces of Neanderthal DNA. 'Some Neanderthal alleles have [a] relatively high frequency in this population,' Dr Camp explained. An allele is a variant form of a given gene. 'Because of that, this induced pluripotent stem cell resource contains certain genes that are homozygous for Neanderthal alleles, including genes associated with skin and hair colour that are highly prevalent in Europeans.' A homozygous gene is one where both alleles one inherited from each parent are the same, meaning that they will be expressed even if they are not dominant. The researchers set about identifying these traces of genetic material from our ancient relatives which were acquired as a product of cross-species interbreeding and predicting which functioning variations of such might also have existed. They then went on to use five of the cell lines to create so-called 'organoids' that resemble brain matter and studied their cell composition using RNA sequencing. Finally, the team were able to demonstrate that the data this provided allowed them to track Neanderthal-derived RNA across various development processes. 'Using induced pluripotent stem cells lines to study the functions of archaic human DNA is an untapped but very interesting approach,' said Dr Camp. 'No one has ever been able to look at the role Neanderthal DNA plays during development,' he said, noting that the present proof-of-principal study had overcome this hurdle but that there is more work to be done. 'The real challenge will be scaling up the number of lines in one experiment, but this is already starting to be possible,' he added. With their initial study complete, the researchers are now looking to further investigate Neanderthal DNA, including how it impacts other areas of the body. 'Organoids can be used to study a number of different developmental processes and phenotypes controlled by Neanderthal DNA,' said Dr Camp. These, he added, include the 'intestinal tract and digestion, cognition and neural function, and the immune response to pathogens' With their initial study complete, the researchers are now looking to further investigate Neanderthal DNA, including how it impacts other areas of the body. 'Organoids can be used to study a number of different developmental processes and phenotypes controlled by Neanderthal DNA,' said Dr Camp. These, he added, include the 'intestinal tract and digestion, cognition and neural function, and the immune response to pathogens'. In addition, Dr Camp explained, the principle behind the research might be similarly employed top investigate other ancient human populations such as, for example, the Denisovans, whose genes can primarily be found in populations in Oceania. The full findings of the study were published in the journal Stem Cell Reports. Washington, June 19 : Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar has announced that she was withdrawing from consideration to be former US Vice President Joe Biden's running mate in November's presidential election. During an interview with MSNBC on Thursday, Klobuchar, a former Democratic presidential contender, said she has urged Biden to choose a woman of colour to be his running mate, reports Xinhua news agency. "This is a historic moment, and America must seize on this moment. And I truly believe as, I actually told the vice president last night when I called him, that I think this is a moment to put a woman of colour on that ticket," she said. Responding to Klobuchar's decision, Biden, who has clinched the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, tweeted on Thursday: "Amy - from the moment you announced you were running for president in a snowstorm, it wasn't hard to see you had the grit and determination to do anything you set your mind to. "You know how to get things done. With your help, we're going to beat Donald Trump." Klobuchar's decision came amid weeks of demonstrations across the US in the wake of deaths of African-Americans caused by police officers. The 60-year-old Senator launched her presidential bid in February 2019. On March 2, the day before Super Tuesday, Klobuchar dropped out and endorsed Biden. She was the first 2020 primary candidate with a number of delegates to announce she would endorse the former Vice President. Biden has said he hopes to pick his running mate around August 1 China suffered ten times more flu cases than average at the end of 2019, according to suspicious figures that cast more doubt over the true scale of the country's Covid-19 crisis. Data published by Chinese officials show 1.2million cases of influenza were recorded in December - up from 130,000 in the same month the year before. Analysts who spotted the figures fear the 'explosion' of flu - which can cause a fever and cough, the two tell-tale signs of coronavirus - may be down to the 'undetected spread' of coronavirus. Beijing health chiefs first warned of a mysterious disease, now known as Covid-19, on December 31 after 40 patients were struck down with pneumonia. The virus spread to Thailand just a fortnight later. Questions have repeatedly been raised about the accuracy of China's Covid-19 data, with cases of the disease tracked back to November and studies suggesting the real death toll is much higher than official data shows. One study published this week claimed China's real Covid-19 death toll could be 14 times higher than figures given by Beijing, with US researchers estimating 36,000 people had died in Wuhan alone by March 23. Fresh concerns about the accuracy of China's data emerged this week on the back of a spike in coronavirus cases in the capital, which went almost two months without a single infection. People are tested for coronavirus by medical workers wearing hazmat suits at a makeshift testing centre in Beijing yesterday CHINESE OFFICIALS HID SARS OUTBREAK FOR FOUR MONTHS IN 2002 China's government has insisted it is being transparent about the Covid-19 outbreak there and a World Health Organization mission early on in the epidemic was satisfied that Beijing was telling the truth, but the company has form for covering up disease outbreaks. When the first cases of the almost-identical SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), first popped up in China in November 2002, the government hid it for three months. It was not until late January 2003 that officials classified the disease's spread as a potential outbreak and not until mid-February that they announced it publicly. By the time it was contained in May 2004, 8,098 people had been made ill by the virus and 774 people had died. China promised to be more transparent but messages coming out of Wuhan in March were oddly reminiscent of past actions. Early reports said the first case was diagnosed on December 31 but studies have since suggested that the first cases of the virus were circulating as early as October 2019. At the start, officials insisted the condition was 'mild', 'under control' and was not being transmitted between humans. Even Wang Guangfa, a top government respiratory expert, who told the media on January 10 that the Wuhan outbreak was 'preventable and controllable,' contracted the virus. And other cities in mainland China didn't reveal they had cases until Hong Kong news media reported that cases of the virus had been confirmed in its region. Advertisement China's huge spike in influenza cases at the end of 2019 was flagged by Taiwanese consultancy group SindoInsider, The Times reports. It pointed to data released by the nation's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). SindoInsider claimed Chinese health officials then stopped providing flu updates on December 27, four days before Covid-19 cases were first reported. The report said: 'We have reasons to believe that the uncharacteristic explosion of flu cases in December may be due to the undetected spread of the coronavirus. 'We estimate that tens of thousands of people could have been infected with Covid-19 by the end of December.' A separate study released this week suggested China covered up the true size of its epidemic, after calculating deaths based on the activity of crematoriums in Wuhan. Wuhan crematoriums were operating 24 hours a day at full capacity during the peak of the crisis, according to reports analysed by the researchers. They estimated Wuhan was burning up to 2,000 bodies a day by the second week of February, when the official death toll for the whole of China was only 700. And they suggested by March 23 - when the UK went into lockdown - around 36,000 people had died in Wuhan alone. China's official toll at the time was 2,524. Beijing states there have now been 4,634 deaths from Covid-19 across the country, less than a tenth of the total number of fatalities seen in the UK. Figures show 98 per cent of recorded coronavirus fatalities have occurred in Hubei province, which Wuhan is the capital of. China has come under regular scrutiny during the pandemic for reporting such low numbers of cases and deaths. US President Donald Trump called out the World Health Organization (WHO) in April over not forcing China to reveal more data. He said had the WHO 'done its job', the pandemic - which has killed 450,000 people worldwide - could have been contained at its source 'with very little death'. The WHO investigators who did go to China in the early stages of the outbreak said they were satisfied that Beijing was telling the truth about what was happening. Beijing is now reporting a sudden surge in coronavirus cases and 21million have had lockdown rules reimposed on them in a desperate bit to halt a second wave. There had reportedly been no cases in almost two months until this happened, but scientists remain sceptical about what is really happening. China today pointed the finger at a European coronavirus strain for a new outbreak in Beijing. Beijing yesterday shared the genome data from the latest outbreak, claiming it 'came from Europe'. But it is different from the virus that is currently spreading there - suggesting it could have been lurking in frozen food for some time. European salmon producers have played down the link after state media linked the outbreak to chopping boards used to cut up salmon at the Xinfadi food market. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has announced that another two people have died from Covid-19. It brings the total death toll from the virus in the country to 1,714 after two other deaths were denotified by the HPSC. There were also another 13 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of midnight on Thursday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 25,368 in Ireland. Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, said: The importance of people exercising their own judgement and taking personal responsibility in protecting themselves and others cannot be overstated at this crucial point in the pandemic. Handwashing, physical distancing, cough/sneeze etiquette, face coverings and knowing the symptoms of Covid-19 - and what to immediately when experiencing symptoms - is how every individual can equip themselves to live safely as restrictions are eased. Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: Gov.ie/health and HSE.ie should continue to be the key sources of information on public health measures for Covid-19. Additionally, the new Covid-19 dashboard is a useful tool for anyone who wants to more about the disease in the community around them. Great progress has been made but the virus is still circulating and, as the World Health Organisation has said, the biggest threat now is complacency." Boko Haram kills at least 60, including 4-y-o girl, in northeast Nigeria Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment At least 20 soldiers and 40 civilians, including a 4-year-old girl, were killed in two attacks claimed by a Boko Haram faction last Saturday as the trend of extremist violence in northeast Nigeria continues. On Sunday, United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria Edward Kallon condemned attacks in the Monguno and Nganzai local government areas in Borno state in which many civilians were killed and a humanitarian aid facility was damaged by non-state armed groups. I am deeply saddened by the news that many civilians, including an innocent child, lost their lives in these horrific attacks, Kallon said in a statement. My deepest condolences go to their families. Those who were injured are also in my thoughts and I wish them a speedy recovery. Two residents and an unnamed Civilian Joint Tasks Force fighter told Reuters that militants entered Nganzai around the same time on Saturday morning in pickup trucks and motorcycles before killing over 40 residents. Meanwhile, two unnamed humanitarian workers and three residents of the area told the news agency that militants armed with heavy weaponry arrived in the nearby town of Monguno at around 11 a.m., when they overran government forces. The militants are said to have killed at least 20 soldiers while some civilians were injured in the crossfire between the militants and soldiers. In addition to the deceased, the U.N. reports that at least 37 other people were injured in the two attacks. "They fired rocket-propelled grenades indiscriminately which fell on homes, killing three people and injuring many others," Monguno resident Kulo Gana told AFP. "I saw the bodies of the two soldiers and the militia member on the streets after the fighting." According to the sources who spoke with Reuters, the militants are said to have set a local police station and a U.N. humanitarian office on fire in Monguno. Additionally, the sources said that militants distributed letters to residents in the Hausa language telling them not to work with military, white Christian westerners or non-believers. The U.N. stated the humanitarian facility only sustained light damage as initial reports indicated that the building was targeted. U.N. and nongovernment organization vehicles in front of the facility were set on fire, however. Due to protective security measures, no staff members working at the U.N. hub were harmed. Kallon said that aid workers and their facilities should never be a target and must be protected and respected at all times. I am relieved all staff are safe and secure, but I am shocked by the intensity of this attack, Kallon said. It is the latest of too many clashes affecting civilians, humanitarian actors and the assistance we provide. The attacks in Monguno and Nganzai come just days after as many as 81 people (some reports suggest at least 69 people) were killed when suspected Islamic radicals attacked a nomadic community in the Gubio local government area of Borno last Tuesday. Boko Harams offshoot faction, Islamic State West Africa Province, which split from the insurgency in 2016, has claimed responsibility for all three of the recent attacks, according to Reuters. I am appalled by the continued violent attacks launched by non-state armed groups in civilian areas in Borno State, Kallon stressed. The U.N. reports that there are over 150,000 displaced people in the town of Monguno. The international body warned that attacks impede its ability to deliver assistance to the people in need. As many as 25 aid organizations are assisting the displaced persons in Monguno. ISWAP is associated with the Islamic State terrorist network and has carried out numerous attacks in Nigeria since its formation in 2016. Reports have indicated that ISWAP attacks have primarily targeted military bases and the group has imposed taxes and controls trade in areas it wants to control. ISWAP has been responsible for the killings of civilians, including the December 2019 killing of 11 Christian aid workers and the January 2020 execution of a Nigerian Christian student by a child soldier. The Nigerian government is facing increasing international pressure over its inability to protect its citizens from attacks carried out by Boko Haram and ISWAP in the northeast as well as violence against communities in the Middle Belt that has reportedly led to thousands of deaths in recent years. According to the U.N., there are millions of people living as internally displaced people throughout Nigeria who have been uprooted by violence in their communities. In the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, there are over 10.6 million people in need of assistance. Advocates are calling on the Trump administration to appoint a special envoy to monitor the situation in Nigeria. Last December, the U.S. State Department included Nigeria for the first time on its special watch list of countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom. Nigeria ranks as the 12th worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USAs 2020 World Watch List. Academics and scientists must be free to express frank views on Executive policy on tackling Covid-19, a member of Stormont's health committee has said. It follows concerns that some experts here are facing pressure not to air their opinions to the media. Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw said any attempt to restrict views would be "entirely inappropriate". And a senior health expert insisted it was right that official policy was subject to full scrutiny. The Belfast Telegraph understands that concerns have been raised about commentary from academics around government policy on a number of occasions in recent weeks. In some cases, the academics' institutions were contacted about what had been said. The Department of Health denied that it has "sought to curb" academics from speaking to the media. First Minister Arlene Foster said she is not aware of anything to prevent people from commenting. Dr Connor Bamford, a virologist at Queen's University, Belfast, whose expert analysis has been covered in this newspaper and other media outlets, expressed concern in a social media post on Wednesday evening. He tweeted: "I understand that public health is a sensitive matter at the minute, yet politely requesting that virologists do not engage with the media on such issues at this critical time and only talk about 'the virus' does not bode well for the future of this pandemic." BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme reported on Thursday that the Department of Health is understood to have written to the Vice-Chancellor at Queen's University in relation to comments made by one of its academic staff to the media. Expand Close Queen's University / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Queen's University The Department of Health said it had contacted the educational institution in April "on a specific issue of concern, involving an academic seemingly issuing public advice on PPE use that ran contrary to NHS guidance". The Belfast Telegraph asked the department to elaborate further, but did not receive a response. We need far greater clarity of the evidence on which advice to the Health Minister and the First and Deputy First Minister is currently based Paula Bradshaw Ms Bradshaw said it was in the Northern Ireland public's best interests for independent experts to freely and frankly scrutinise Stormont's Covid-19 response. "Northern Ireland is very fortunate in this situation to have virologists who are truly world-class experts in their field," she said. "Their expertise also expands to broader public health issues, and I know many members of the public have benefited from their expertise over the past few months. "It is entirely inappropriate for any pressure to be applied to stop them stating their views and presenting their expertise publicly. On the contrary, what we need is far more open and transparent presentation of the evidence on which decisions are being based, followed by informed public debate as appropriate. "We need far greater clarity of the evidence on which advice to the Health Minister and the First and Deputy First Minister is currently based." Former World Health Organisation (WHO) director Professor Karol Sikora said that as society emerges from lockdown, it was vital that public health policy is properly scrutinised. Earlier this week Prof Sikora was vocal in dismissing a Department of Health report which raised fears over a second Covid-19 wave occurring here. "It's important to have scrutiny. Governments shouldn't be frightened of it. They should be able to stand up and be questioned," he said. Expand Close Professor Karol Sikora / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Professor Karol Sikora "And the public deserve to get answers from them. If the university experts are saying, 'I don't believe this - show me the data', and they (the officials) can't. Then that's a problem." Mrs Foster said she was "certainly not aware of anything to prevent people from commenting in relation to the science". "Our Chief Scientific Adviser (Professor Ian Young) is an academic at Queen's ... so it's not something that I'm aware of, but if there are some issues it will be raised with us," she added. The Department of Health said that it is "completely supportive of the role" played by academics here who have "provided informative and instructive comment via the media". "Academics should be assured that their unfettered contributions to public understanding are welcome and valued," it continued. "At no time has the department or any of its officials sought to curb that discourse. Indeed the work undertaken by academics from both our outstanding universities is recognised as having played a major part in the ongoing advances in tackling the effects of Covid-19. "There are no grounds for anyone to claim that a chill factor has broken out among academics in June as a result of a letter on a specific issue that was written in April." Queen's University said it is "proud" of the "valuable" contribution its staff has made in providing the public with their academic insights via the media. Forex trading is popularly known as the attempt to profit from the prediction of the future direction of a market. But it goes more than that, and forex trading can employ numerous strategies that can still deliver profitability. One of the least risky strategies available is forex arbitrage. During crises such as the current pandemic, the first to react are the financial markets. A good example is how the markets have turned during this COVID-19 situation. As the intensity of the situation increased, the markets have reacted with volatility, and in effect uncertainty. Because of the pandemic, the whole world is deemed to potentially face the worlds worst recession since the Great Depression. The current situation has hit emerging markets currencies and the capital and economic growth projections also suggest further downtrend pressure. This trend means that the emerging markets forex likely remains the weakest link in the short term. Surprisingly, some of the financial markets are still standing strong amidst the current situation. This might sound alarming, especially for forex traders who rely on future predictions, but luckily, there are strategies they can use to overcome the volatile markets. How arbitrage plays a role in volatile forex markets Arbitrage is the simultaneous buying and selling of assets such as forex in different exchanges, profiting from its price differential. This strategy is profitable even when markets are volatile because it does not rely on any economies. Arbitrage takes advantage of market inefficiencies and profits from them. Some arbitrage trading strategies include two currencies, while others have three. [It] is obvious that at least one of the currencies involved in FX arbitrage is sometimes mispriced to an extent that is sufficient to generate arbitrage opportunities, according to a published study by Akram et al. Because of the volatility of the forex markets through supply and demand, currency mispricing is evident due to constant changes in currency pairs across global markets. Some platforms cant keep up with the changing figures of each currency fast enough, opening the way for mispricing through exchanges. Such occurrences are what we popularly know as market inefficiencies and arbitrage helps in alleviating these conditions. Improving market inefficiencies through high-frequency trading Even though the markets have evolved, the forex market still can be inefficient, especially during times of volatility. As the market trend rapidly changes, some exchanges globally arent able to capture price adjustments, thus, providing arbitrage opportunities. While some would only think that profitability is the only advantage of arbitrage, this strategy also helps equilibrate the markets. Arbitrage provides awareness to the markets that price discrepancies are present. Once the trade has been initiated, and an influx of either buying or selling of currencies arise in an exchange, a pricing gap may occur. Through this, exchanges turn cognizant of the mispricing, and as an answer, adjust it to the market price, bringing back efficiency to the markets, explains Tony Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Jubilee Ace, an automated arbitrage trading platform that offers forex arbitrage. With the rise of technology and digital platforms, theres a growth in high-frequency trading among markets. This strategy uses advanced technologies and dedicated algorithms to make trades for you automatically. As new arbitrage opportunities arise and fills quickly, the use of automation drastically helps execute arbitrage trading at speed. According to a paper published by the European Central bank, high-frequency tradings have a beneficial role in the price discovery process in terms of information being impounded into prices and smaller pricing errors. Leveraging on price differentials are beneficial in the overall market standing. With high-frequency trading, anyone can increase their profitability and help make the markets efficient again. The benefits are for both traders and markets. Its a win-win situation in all, Jackson added. Bottomline Although the current pandemic has brought about different economic uncertainties, traders still have the option to grow their investment even during these times. Traders can employ alternative strategies and shy away from traditional methods to help weather the volatility of the markets. With arbitrage through high-frequency trading, youre not only profiting, youre equilibrating the markets. Britain was urged to be on its guard yesterday after Australia came under attack from a wave of foreign cyber hackers. The attack, suspected to be by China, targeted everything from government to schools and has seen industry, health agencies and utility companies fending off attempts to breach networks. Scott Morrison, the Australian premier, did not name the superpower as the culprit yesterday but said the cyber bombs were coming from a sophisticated state-based actor. He added: There are not a large number of state-based actors that can engage in this type of activity. Security experts in Australia said they were certain China was responsible after Canberra pushed for an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus outbreak. Mr Morrison has flagged up his concerns to the Five Eyes intelligence alliance with Britain, the US, Canada and New Zealand. Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison (pictured), said that 'cyber bombs' came from a 'sophisticated state-based actor' but did not name the superpower culprit when speaking yesterday In an unusual step, he went on television yesterday to say the country was under digital attack in a malicious and state-based assault. Hackers were targeting organisations across a range of sectors, he said, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure. As Mr Morrison pushes for a Covid inquiry, China has warned tourists against travelling to Australia, alleging racism and violence prompted by the virus. Peter Jennings, of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute think-tank, said he was absolutely certain the attack was coordinated by Beijing. In response, Beijings foreign affairs spokesman Zhao Lijian claimed China was a staunch upholder of cyber security and the claims were baseless and nonsense. In the current attacks, hackers steal sensitive information by sending scam emails to trick recipients into revealing their details. One security official told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation the malicious cyber campaign was provoked by the country banning Huawei from building the 5G infrastructure but that calls for a coronavirus inquiry had made things worse. (Photo : Pixabay) Philadelphia Protesters Caught by FBI After Their Social Media Accounts Were Papertrailed: Here's How (Photo : Pixabay) Philadelphia Protesters Caught by FBI After Their Social Media Accounts Were Papertrailed: Here's How The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tracked Philadelphia protesters using their Instagram and other social media platforms, charging them with the arson of two police cars. According to The Independent's latest report, FBI used information from social media platforms including Instagram, LinkedIn, and Etsy to track down a woman who allegedly set fire to two police cars during the protests in Philadelphia. Amid Black Lives Matter protests on May 30, Lore-Elisabeth Blumenthal allegedly set two police cars on fire and was charged with arson on Wednesday, June 17, as announced by the prosecutors. The woman was identified by the FBI using a number of open-source information, and taking only a few days for investigators to track the woman down to make an arrest. According to NBC Philadelphia's report, the investigators tracked Blumenthal down through videos of protests, social media, together with her tattoos and t-shirt detailed by a criminal complaint against the 33-year-old woman. "We at the US Attorney's Office fully support the First Amendment right of the people to assemble peaceably and to petition their government. But torching a police car has nothing to do with peaceful protest or any legitimate message," said US attorney William McSwain. Protester caught by tracing her social media accounts were FBI agents first identified the protester through a video posted on Vimeo, and by watching aerial footage of the protests in Philadelphia. This was detailed by an affidavit signed by one of the agents involved in the case. After obtaining amateur photographs of the protests from Instagram, the agent claimed that they were able to determine that the woman involved was wearing a "Keep the immigrants, deport the racists" t-shirt. The FBI was able to identify that a user located in Philadelphia had left a review of the product after tracking down the slogan t-shirt to a seller on Etsy. Also, a "peace" sign tattoo on the woman's forearm in some of the images in social media was identified by the investigators as stated in the affidavit. It was reported that the investigators were able to acquire the username "lore-Elisabeth' after searching the username of the Etsy reviewer online. The agents cross-referenced videos on a LinkedIn page for a woman who worked as a massaged therapist for a company in Philadelphia with the tattoo they had previously identified after searching for "Lore Elisabeth Philadelphia". Using the website which was then cross-checked with the Pennsylvania DMV to find the address of the 33-year-old woman in the photo, the FBI was able to obtain a phone number for Ms. Blumenthal. A subpoena to the Etsy seller also determined that the name of the user that the t-shirt was shipped to. Rather than being dealt with by local officials, just like other similar cases regarding the protests in Philadelphia, the lawyer of Ms. Blumenthal said that he was concerned that the prosecutors will charge Blumenthal in federal court. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Advertisement The number of deaths from all causes has returned to normal for the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, Public Health England said. Figures show no excess deaths in all age groups for the week to June 10 as experts say the data points to the 'first wave' being over without evidence of a second peak. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that for the first week since mid-March, the number of people who died from coronavirus and anything else was 'no higher than is normal at this time of year', The Times reported. The Office for National Statistics has said that new coronavirus cases had averaged 3,800 a day since late April but there may have been a slow in the decline in recent weeks. A healthy 13-day-old baby yesterday became Britain's youngest Covid-19 victim, health chiefs confirmed as 135 more deaths were announced and promising statistics showed a third of hospital trusts in England have gone a week without recording a single fatality. Department of Health officials say the death toll now stands at 42,288. But the tally only includes lab-confirmed patients unlike other damning figures that take into account all suspected deaths and show the actual number of victims has already topped 50,000. NHS England yesterday recorded 62 more coronavirus deaths in hospitals, including the unidentified 13-day-old who had no known underlying conditions. It is unclear how the baby whose gender wasn't revealed caught the virus. A six-week-old baby was the previous youngest victim of the pandemic. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that for the first week since mid-March, the number of people who died from coronavirus and anything else was 'no higher than is normal at this time of year' (pictured: A graph showing the mortality rate spiking amid the pandemic - and then returning to normal) Figures show no excess deaths in all age groups for the week to June 10 as experts say the data points to the 'first wave' being over without evidence of a second peak (pictured: Glasgow, Scotland, April 2020) Data today also revealed one in three NHS hospital trusts 49 out of 131 in England have went a week without a Covid-19 death. Oxford University experts found half of the bodies haven't recorded a fatality in 48 hours Public Health England's coronavirus surveillance report says: 'In week 23 2020 in England, no statistically significant excess mortality by week of death... was seen overall or by age group.' Director of the University of Oxford's Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Carl Heneghan, said the figures show that excess deaths from coronavirus have ended and we should be 'reassured that so far there has been no detectable increase in the transmission of Covid'. Professor of structural biology at Oxford, James Naismith, said: 'We are through the first wave and we might hope that the number of infections will continue to drop over the summer. If this occurs we must not mistake a temporary respite for permanent deliverance. The virus is still here and no one needs to be reminded just how quickly it can spread. We must use every moment of this respite to prepare for the autumn.' ONS data reports 732 excess deaths for the week ending June 5, with the figures for the next week, which are due on Tuesday, expected to confirm a return to normality in the number of deaths. Yesterday's 135 deaths is a 26.7 per cent drop on the 184 recorded the previous day, and down from the 151 registered last Thursday. Northern Ireland's own officials recorded no Covid-19 fatalities, for the second day in-a-row. Government figures also revealed that the official number of diagnosed coronavirus cases has surpassed 300,000, with 1,218 new infections. Millions of people are actually thought to have been struck down with the disease since the virus began spreading on British soil in February. Figures also revealed one in three NHS hospital trusts in England (47 out of 131) haven't suffered a Covid-19 death in a week. And half of the bodies haven't recorded a fatality in 48 hours, according to two Oxford University experts who crunched the numbers. It comes as two separate batches of data released show the Covid-19 outbreak is continuing to fade across Britain, suggesting only 3,300-3,800 people in England are catching the coronavirus each day. Estimates from King's College London 's COVID Symptom Tracker app suggests the number of new daily cases has plunged by a quarter in just a week to 3,391. And the Office for National Statistics predicted around 3,800 people are catching the virus each day a slight drop on the 4,500 last week. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE REALLY DIED? Department of Health: 42,153 Department of Health's latest death count for all settings stands at 42,153. The daily data does not represent how many Covid-19 patients died within the last 24 hours it is only how many fatalities have been reported and registered with the authorities. It also only takes into account patients who tested positive for the virus, as opposed to deaths suspected to be down to the coronavirus. Individual health bodies: 32,651 The Department of Health has a different time cut-off for reporting deaths, meaning daily updates from Scotland as well as Northern Ireland are always out of sync. Wales is not affected, however. NHS England yesterday revealed it has registered 28,175 lab-confirmed deaths across the country. But the figure only applies to hospitals meaning fatalities in care homes are excluded from this count. Scotland has recorded 2,462 coronavirus deaths among patients who have tested positive for the virus, followed by 1,471 in Wales and 543 in Northern Ireland. These tolls include fatalities in all settings. National statistical bodies: 52,664 Data compiled by the statistical bodies of each of the home nations show 52,664 people died of either confirmed or suspected Covid-19 across the UK by the end of May. The real number of victims will be even higher because the tally only takes into account deaths that occurred up until June 7 in Scotland and June 5 in the rest of Britain, meaning it is up to 10 days out of date. The Office for National Statistics yesterday confirmed that 47,820 people in England and Wales died with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 by May 29. The number of coronavirus deaths was 774 by the same day in Northern Ireland, according to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). National Records Scotland which collects statistics north of the border said 4,070 people had died across the country by June 7. Their tallies are always 10 days behind the Department of Health (DH) because they wait until as many fatalities as possible for each date have been counted, to avoid having to revise their statistics. Excess deaths: 64,402 The total number of excess deaths has now passed 64,000. 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. Data from England and Wales shows there has been an extra 58,693 deaths between March 21 and June 5, as well as 4,769 in Scotland between March 23 and June 7 and 940 in Northern Ireland between March 21 and June 5. Advertisement Department of Health data released yesterday showed that 136,516 tests were carried out on Wednesday, a figure that included antibody tests for frontline NHS and care workers. But bosses again refused to say how many people were tested, meaning the exact number of Brits who have been swabbed for the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been a mystery since May 22. The daily death data does not represent how many Covid-19 patients died within the last 24 hours it is only how many fatalities have been reported and registered with the authorities. The data does not always match updates provided by the home nations. For example, the Scottish government yesterday announced nine deaths but the DH only recorded five north of the border. The Department of Health has a different time cut-off, meaning daily updates from Scotland as well as Northern Ireland are always out of sync. Wales is not thought to be affected. Two leading experts based at the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine at Oxford University yesterday calculated that 47 hospital trusts in England haven't had a death occur in the past week. Professor Carl Heneghan and Dr Jason Oke added that 68 trusts just over half had registered no Covid-19 deaths in the past two days. The figures come as an investigation yesterday found at least 130,000 more people have died during the coronavirus pandemic globally than is being officially reported. A review of 'excess death' figures in 27 countries suggested the true toll is closer to 600,000 significantly higher than the 450,000 fatalities declared by governments around the world. Some of these deaths the total number of fatalities above the five-year average will be down to undiagnosed Covid-19, experts say. Others will be the indirect result of the pandemic, including people whose medical treatment was delayed, or who couldn't get to hospital when they were seriously ill. Excess deaths are considered to be an accurate measure of the number of people killed by the outbreak because they include a broader spectrum of victims. Other statistics released yesterday showed almost 90,000 people in England were told to self-isolate in the first two weeks of the NHS test and trace scheme. Department of Health data revealed that a total of 87,639 people have been contacted and asked to stay at home because they might have Covid-19. England's system has been up and running since May 28 and has had to trace people who have been in close contact with one of 14,045 confirmed coronavirus patients. But thousands of people are still flying under the system's radar, with tracers unable to reach 27.4 per cent of all at-risk contacts so far - a total 3,853 people. And one in 10 of their contacts (9.4 per cent) were also unable to be contacted, meaning some 9,107 people were either unaware they might be infected or ignored contact tracing staff. The Labour Party called this 'hugely worrying' and said large proportions of at-risk people slipping through the net was a 'gaping hole' in the UK's Covid-19 strategy. Statistics for the week from June 4 and June 10 showed 44,895 contacts were found, meaning the army of 25,000 contact tracing staff had to phone two people each over the course of an entire week, on average. Tracers attempt to contact someone 10 times within the first 24 hours of receiving their details and use phone calls, texts and emails to try and get through. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have their own contact tracing systems up and running but deal with significantly smaller numbers of people. Pictured: Countries with over 10,000 more deaths than the five-year average. The US and UK have recorded the highest number of Covid deaths, but Ecuador has the highest excess fatalities as a percentage Pictured: Countries with fewer than 10,000 additional deaths compared to the five-year average Data from the COVID Symptom Tracker app suggests there are now only around 3,400 new cases of Covid-19 appearing each day in England, down from more than 11,000 per day a month ago Air France will resume operations between Cork and Paris from July 1. The route initially launched two years ago and will recommence as a twice-weekly service initially, increasing to four times a week for the peak summer period. The route will be operated by Air France Hop using an Embraer 190, carrying 100 passengers. In line with Irish Government guidelines, Cork Airport and Air France require customers to wear a face mask or face covering throughout their entire journey from arrival at Cork Airport, during the flight to exiting the Terminal at Paris CDG. Health Authorities in France have introduced temperature checks for passengers departing from Paris CDG. Customers whose temperature is higher than 38C may be denied boarding. Benedicte Duval, General Manager for Air France, UK & Ireland said: "After this challenging period, we are delighted to be in a position to return to our pre-COVID network in Ireland, connecting passengers from Cork with our worldwide network via Paris." Managing Director of Cork Airport, Niall MacCarthy said they were thrilled to welcome the recommencement of operations by Air France at Cork from July 1. Both our team in the airport and the excellent Air France team look forward to making your journey a safe and comfortable one as you return to flying from Cork in the days, weeks and months ahead. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 01:00:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOGADISHU, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The UN on Friday called on Somalia to intensify efforts to eliminate conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) which is widespread in the Horn of African nation. James Swan, UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia, said the leaders, communities and partners should do more to assist and listen to victims and survivors of CRSV. "Conflict-related sexual violence inflicts deep personal wounds, and remains a violation of the human rights of the victims," Swan said in a statement issued in Mogadishu to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. He said conflict-related sexual violence also scars the fabric of society and the country and has no place in the modern, emerging Somalia. The UN envoy called for all people to stand in solidarity with those who have endured these acts, and to act decisively to eradicate CRSV in Somalia. He paid tribute to those taking on the challenging and often dangerous work to prevent such violence. In 2019, the number of rape cases reported in Somalia was 744, of which 241 were confirmed as cases of CRSV that targeted women and girls, according to the UN statistics. However, the UN said the vast majority of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence do not report such violence due to fear and cultural stigma, and therefore, it remains an under-reported crime. According to the UN, some 3,000 victims and survivors of sexual assault and gender-based violence, including CRSV, received medical and health assistance last year, and some 5,700 received psychological assistance. Enditem Jenelle Evans has publicly reunited with her husband David Eason after saying that she was planning to 'move on' from their marriage, following his arrest for an alleged 'assault with a deadly weapon.' Eason, 31, was taken to Columbus County Detention Center in Whiteville, North Carolina last Friday, where he was later released on an 'unsecured bond' and given a July 6 court date. In an initial statement, Evans, 28, admitted to being shaken up over the altercation and revealed plans to 'move on' from her husband. Back on: Jenelle Evans reunites with husband David Eason in North Caroline on Thursday... after his arrest for alleged 'assault with a deadly weapon' despite saying she had 'moved on' However, on Thursday, it appeared that the Teen Mom 2 star had a change of heart, as she and her husband Eason were pictured walking their puppy together at a dog park in North Carolina. The pair appeared to be in high spirits too, as they they hugged one another and smiled, enjoying their day out. Evans seems to have now forgiven her husband, as in a statement shared to Celebernation, she said about his arrest: 'I'm shaking and saddened by this, its time for me to move on from this relationship and find happiness for my kids and myself elsewhere.' Reunited: Despite saying she had moved on from the marriage, it seems Jenelle has since had a change of heart PDAs: It seems the fiery pair are now working through their differences Taking it step by step: Last week, Jenelle had blasted David on social media saying she needed time away from her husband She continued: 'I'm upset how everything ended up and wish the situation was taken in a more serious manner, I didnt agree with the unsecured bond.' The reality star also addressed the incident via Facebook last Saturday. 'I just want to let the public, tabloids, and my fans know that IM OK, IM SAFE AND SO ARE THE KIDS,' wrote Evans. Mug shot: Eason allegedly used a handgun to to hit Jenelle's friend on the neck and threatened to take his life Break: 'I love you all for the support that you all have shown me and Ill be stronger and better than ever soon,' concluded the 28-year-old Teen Mom 2 alum Statement: 'I just want to let the public, tabloids, and my fans know that IM OK, IM SAFE AND SO ARE THE KIDS,' wrote Evans in a Facebook post addressing the incident on Saturday 'Im going to take a few days out to myself to gather my thoughts and focus on whats going on so I wont be on social media much. 'I love you all for the support that you all have shown me and Ill be stronger and better than ever soon,' concluded the Teen Mom 2 alum. According to Celebernation, the event that led to Eason's shocking arrest occurred at the couple's home in North Carolina at an undisclosed date. Moving on: According to reports, Eason's shocking arrest occurred at the couple's home in North Carolina at an undisclosed date. Claims: It was alleged that Eason had gotten into a 'heated argument' with a man over his truck keys being misplaced, which eventually led to him striking one of the men with a pistol. Walk it off: Evans - who married Eason in 2017 - had planned to 'file a restraining order on Monday' though clearly changed her mind. Jenelle had allegedly arrived to the home in the company of two male friends as she attempted to 'collect some of her belongings.' The outlet alleged that Eason had gotten into a 'heated argument with one of the men over his truck keys' being misplaced, which eventually led to him striking one of the men with a pistol. Eventually, Eason learned that 'neither Jenelle nor any of the men were in possession of the keys' and after some searching he was able to locate them, himself. Troubled: The couple endured a brief split in 2019 after Eason callously killed their family dog following an alleged biting incident. After the incident, Evans and the two men filed a police report. Evans - who married Eason in 2017 - had planned to 'file a restraining order on Monday' though clearly changed her mind. The couple endured a brief split in 2019 after Eason callously killed their family dog following an alleged biting incident. But the stormy pair decided to give their rocky relationship a second chance and got back together in March of this year. They share three-year-old daughter Ensley, but each have children from prior relationships. Evans has two sons, 10-year-old son Jace, who she shares with ex boyfriend Andrew Lewis and five-year-old Kaiser, who she shares with ex Nathan Griffin. As for Eason, he has a 12-year-old daughter named Maryssa. Eason is currently offering fans 'shout-outs' at $10-a-pop on the app Cameo. As erosion eats away at the Lake Erie shoreline, officials celebrated the completion of a 600-foot revetment wall that will protect the Lake County Raw Water Pump Station that serves about 40,000 residents on the countys east side. The pump station at 1399 Bacon Road in Painesville Township sits atop a 60-foot-high bluff that rises above a beach. Severe erosion from wind and waves along the Lake Erie Bluff put the station and pipe at risk of structural failure, thereby potentially affecting drinking water service, according to the Lake County Department of Utilities. Without the revetment, the shoreline would have continued eroding, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District. Among those on hand June 18 to celebrate the completion of the roughly $3.7 million project were U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District Lt. Col. Jason Toth, U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Banbridge Township and all three Lake County commissioners. Toth said the completion of the project would not have been possible without the partnership of the Army Corps of Engineers, Lake County Department of Utilities and federal and local officials. I was proud to work alongside Lake County officials and the Army Corps of Engineers to get this project off the ground back in 2018 and was honored to join them today to celebrate its completion, Joyce said. That year Joyce announced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District has awarded a $3.4 million contract to Eastlake-based Huffman Equipment Rental for the project. The project was conducted on the Army Corps of Engineers Continuing Authority Program, Beach Restoration and Shoreline Protection. Lake County Sanitary Engineer Randy Rothlisberger told the News-Herald in 2018 the bluff was eroding about a foot or two every two years. Rothlisberger was also on hand to celebrate the projects completion. According to officials, a structural failure of the pump station or any of its key components, such as its water intake pipe into Lake Erie would require the county to acquire an alternative water supply until a new pump station could be built. The estimated cost to build a replacement facility is about $10 million and would take two years to complete. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- Spring Lake Township residents stopped a 22-year-old man from fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run late Thursday night, Ottawa County Sheriffs deputies said. Deputies were dispatched at 10:50 p.m. to a crash near the intersection of Fruitport Road and Willows Drive in Spring Lake Township, according to a news release. A 22-year-old man from Grand Haven Township crashed his Chevrolet pickup truck into a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by a 50-year-old man from Spring Lake Township. After the crash, the Grand Haven man continued to drive away until he lost control of the pickup truck and stopped in the front yard of a nearby home. He then got out of the car and began to flee on foot, according to the release. Area residents stopped him and kept him on scene until police arrived, according to the release. Both drivers were transported to area hospitals for treatment of their injuries. Both are in stable condition. The exact circumstances of the crash remain under investigation. Any witnesses are asked to contact the Sheriffs Office at 1-800-249-0911. Read more on MLive: Three injured in West Michigan crash after car runs stop sign, police say Man charged with murder, mutilation in death of woman found shot, burned Father charged with manslaughter in house fire that killed 3 sons, wife The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gained crucial ground in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, winning eight of the 19 seats across eight states that went to polls in the first major electoral exercise since the outbreak of Covid-19. The party has earlier won three seats unopposed. Former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia of the BJP, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and former Jharkhand chief minister Shibu Soren were among the heavyweights who emerged victorious on Friday even as high drama unfolded in Gujarat and Manipur, where the counting of votes began late amidst allegations of irregularities. Also read: 1,000 leaders clad in safety gear cast votes for Rajya Sabha seats The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which had 90 members in the Rajya Sabha, has taken its tally to 101 in the 245-member Upper House, where the majority mark is 123. This is for the first time that the NDA tally in the Upper House has breached 100. The BJP alone will have 86 seats. The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) will have 65 seats. The NDA, if backed by parties such as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), can breach the halfway mark in the Upper House, and will be in a position to push key legislations in Parliament. It has an overwhelming majority in the Lok Sabha. Elections to 24 seats in 10 states were initially scheduled for March 26, but they were deferred as India clamped a lockdown to stop the spread of the disease around that time. From the original list, four candidates in Karnataka, including former prime minister HD Devegowda, and one in Arunachal Pradesh were elected unopposed. Polling was held in the remaining seats on Friday. Altogether, the BJP won 11 of the 24 seats. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitizer were in supply in polling booths on Friday, and social distancing norms followed with nearly 1,000 legislators taking part in the polling process in the shadow of the pandemic. In Gujarat, the ruling BJP won three seats (Narhari Amin, Abhay Bharadwaj and Ramilaben Bara) and the Congress one (Shaktisinh Gohil). The resignation of eight MLAs since March denied the Congress a chance to bag the second seat. The declaration of the result was delayed after the Congress demanded that the Election Commission (EC) invalidate two BJP votes on different grounds. The Congress objected to Bhupendrasinh Chudasama casting his vote on the ground that his election was annulled by the Gujarat high court in May. The Supreme Court has stayed that order. The party also red-flagged Kesrisinh Solankis vote, saying an unauthorised person accompanied him inside the booth. A senior official, however, said the EC observer rejected the Congresss objections and referred the matter to the poll watchdogs Delhi office for final decision. In Manipur, the lone Rajya Sabha seat went to poll in the backdrop of an ongoing power tussle between the ruling BJP and the Congress. Fifty-two of the 59 members of the legislative assembly exercised their franchise with the BJPs Sanajaoba Leishemba, the titular king of Manipur, securing 28 votes to defeat the Congresss T Mangibabu, who got 24 votes. Though polling in the north-eastern state ended at 4pm, the counting of votes began around 8:30pm. The delay was attributed to the Congresss complaints about irregularities during the voting process. In other states, results were along the expected lines with the ruling Congress foiling the BJPs bid to such snatch an extra seat in Rajasthan. In the desert state, KC Venugopal and Neeraj Dangi of the Congress were declared winners. So was Rajendra Gehlot of the BJP. Also read: JMMs Shibu Soren and BJPs Deepak Prakash win Rajya Sabha polls from Jharkhand The BJP fielded a second candidate, but he lost. Congress insiders praised deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot for winning two seats in the face of the BJP onslaught. Scindia, who joined the BJP in March, sailed through in Madhya Pradesh and will make his debut in the Upper House. His party colleague, Sumer Singh Solanki, too registered a win. Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh retained his seat. In Jharkhand, former chief minister Soren and the BJPs Deepak Prakash won the two seats. K Vanlalvena, a candidate of BJP ally Mizo National Front (MNF), bagged the lone seat in Mizoram, while the National Peoples Partys (NPP) WR Kharlukhi won in Meghalaya. The lone BJP MLA in Mizoram did not turn up to vote for ally MNF. In Andhra Pradesh, the ruling YSR Congress Partys Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose, Mopidevi Venkata Ramana, Parimal Nathwani and Ayodhya Rami Reddy swept the four seats up for grabs. Altogether 61 seats in the Rajya Sabha were filled this year with 43 first-timers being elected and 12 members getting re-elected. Apart from Scindia, other prominent first-timers included Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal of the Congress, and M Thambidurai of the AIADMK, among others. After the vacancies arose in March across 20 states, 42 members were elected unopposed, including 28 first-timers. While the 61 retiring members have a total experience of 95 terms ranging from one to four terms in the Rajya Sabha, the winners come with a total experience of only 32 terms, resulting in a decline in total experience of 63 terms, a Rajya Sabha official said. Some of the 12 members who were re-elected included Bhubaneswar Kalita, a former Congress parliamentarian who switched sides to the BJP; Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar; and Union minister Ramdas Athawale. Amazon Prime streams testimony of Pulse survivors who now preach freedom in Christ for LGBT Pride Month Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment At the launch of what some observe as LGBT pride month in America, the testimony of two Pulse survivors was released on Amazon Prime, titled More Than A Victim: The Angel Colon and Luis Ruiz Story. More Than A Victim is the exploration of Colon and Ruiz's survival of the horrific Pulse Nightclub Massacre, the emotional turmoil they endured and the miraculous way God stepped into their lives, brought them freedom from sin and redefined their identity. Colon and Ruiz are now Christian ministers who run the outreach Fearless Identity in which they help expose others in the LGBT community to the love of Jesus. The Jason Holmes-directed documentary does not bash people over the head with the Gospel message. It testifies of the transformation that took place in both Colon and Ruiz. Both young men were present at Pulse Night Club on June 12, 2016, when a gunman opened fire during Latin gay pride night and killed 49 people. Colon was shot several times and Ruiz was trampled resulting in both men being hospitalized. The film recounts their experience and features firsthand testimonies from them as well as former police officer Omar Delgado, who developed PTSD after the trauma, Florida Senator Dennis K. Baxley and others. Ruiz, a pastor's kid, said following his experience at Pulse night club, he no longer chases freedom. I chase Jesus and He is my freedom and He becomes my God," Ruiz told The Christain Post on Tuesday. "For a long time we tried this pray the gay away and we've tried all these things to pursue freedom. We'll put our faith in church and books and resources, and they're all great. But at the end of the day, they're not Jesus, they're not that intimate place where you can be free. Because where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom, he declared of his newfound identity. Since leaving his former lifestyle, Ruiz has dedicated his life to ministry. He is looking forward to one day experiencing the true definition of sexual relations when he finds a godly wife. "I'm now getting to understand the meaning of sex. God created sex. Sex was good. He gave it to us, something from Him. Of course, we've perverted it, he noted. I never knew sex, I've known sin. As per feedback to the faith-based documentary, Ruiz said the response on social media has been overwhelmingly surprising. "The reactions that we've been getting from this have been amazing, intense. I'm very surprised! I'm very surprised that we have not gotten any kind of backlash, he told CP. Both Colon and Ruiz are also gearing up to shoot another documentary about their full Christian transformation with former lesbian and filmmaker M.J. Nixon. The next documentary will be proceeded by a feature film. Ruiz, an Army veteran, is thanking God for the response hes getting for More Than A Victim. "I've been getting a lot of parents that have been reaching out to me and it has just given them hope. Even my own parents. My mom was in tears seeing it live on prime TV, he explained. Sitting there and seeing it on TV and hearing what I went through and even the prophetic message she gave me as soon as it started, it started with my mom's prophetic message, she started bawling, in tears. Ruiz said he and his family watched it on the anniversary of the shooting. "I've been getting a lot of people reach out to us saying thank you. All I've been getting from people, it's just put them in tears. People from my church, came up to me on Sunday and they were like, I heard your story behind the microphone, but to see it on TV and to see the news clip articles and it just coming to life with you and Angel, it just it put me in tears.' I was getting a lot of hugs, he added. Ruiz encouraged everyone who will stream More Than A Victim to review the film and help keep the movie on the mainstream streaming service. "The reviews are super vital right now because that's going to be the make it or break it, if they take it off of Amazon because of our message, he said. Mumbai, June 19 : Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Friday set political circles aflutter when he said that the party sees its leader and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray as a "future Prime Minister of India". In his address at the Shiv Sena's 54th Foundation Day, Raut said that the dream of the party's founder-supremo, the late Balasaheb Thackeray, of seeing a Sena CM has come true. "However, we want to see Uddhav Thackerayji as the next Prime Minister. Now is the time to lead not only the state but also the country," he said amidst applause. He urged Thackeray to "now cross the border of the state as it is the time to lead the country". Raut said it is only because of Thackeray's leadership that Maharashtra has been able to tackle the Covid-19 crisis effectively. Earlier, in his address to partymen at the Sena Bhavan and across the state via video-conferencing, Thackeray said that the party has not compromised on its ideologies nor bent before anybody. "I am here as the CM to change the kind of politics that was played with us. Trusting is not our weakness, but our tradition, 'Pran jaaye par Vachan na jaaye' is our culture. The Sena and its chief will never bow before anybody," Thackeray declared. He said that people often refer to how he kept encountering one cyclone after another, "but for me the Sena itself is one storm with the Sainiks as its protective shield" . "I may have lessened communication with you but will never be far from you. In the future, we shall make a Shiv Sainik as the Prime Minister of India," vowed Thackeray. Several top leaders of the party, various ministers including Tourism Minister Aditya Thackeray, party MPs, MLAs, elected representatives in civic bodies across the state attended. Earlier today, Nationalist Congress Party leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar warmly greeted Thackeray and the Shiv Sena on its 54th Foundation Day celebrations and congratulated all the party leaders and workers. Paying homage to the memory of the late Balasaheb Thackeray, who launched the Sena on June 19, 1966, Pawar lauded the party's contributions at the social, political and cultural levels over its long journey and said he was happy to work with the Sena-NCP-Congress Maha Vikas Aghadi government. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Galih Gumelar (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, June 20 2020 The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has once again hit a wall in its fight against corruption after the Supreme Court upheld the acquittal of the former head of state-run electricity company PLN, Sofyan Basir, the latest graft suspect to evade conviction. His acquittal was formalized in a court ruling dated June 16, in which the Supreme Court rejected the KPKs appeal against a not-guilty verdict handed down by the Jakarta Corruption Court last year. The former PLN president director was detained for allegedly accepting bribes in relation to a coal-fired power plant (PLTU) project in Riau province. 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 Having trouble finding a Muni - Bonds fund? Delaware National High Yield Municipals A (CXHYX) is a potential starting point. CXHYX holds a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 2 (Buy), which is based on nine forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance. Objective We classify CXHYX in the Muni - Bonds category, an area rife with potential choices. Muni - Bonds funds focus their investments on debt securities issued by state and local governments. These are typically used to pay for the construction of infrastructure, the operation of public schools, and other municipal functions. These securities can come in the form of revenue bonds, which are backed by taxes, as well as " general obligation " bonds that are not backed by a defined source. Investors are usually interested that come with most municipal bonds, which can be especially important for those in higher tax brackets. History of Fund/Manager Delaware Investments is based in Philadelphia, PA, and is the manager of CXHYX. The Delaware National High Yield Municipals A made its debut in September of 1986 and CXHYX has managed to accumulate roughly $171.66 million in assets, as of the most recently available information. A team of investment professionals is the fund's current manager. Performance Of course, investors look for strong performance in funds. This fund carries a 5-year annualized total return of 3.69%, and it sits in the top third among its category peers. But if you are looking for a shorter time frame, it is also worth looking at its 3-year annualized total return of 3.27%, which places it in the top third during this time-frame. When looking at a fund's performance, it is also important to note the standard deviation of the returns. The lower the standard deviation, the less volatility the fund experiences. The standard deviation of CXHYX over the past three years is 8.07% compared to the category average of 10.42%. The fund's standard deviation over the past 5 years is 6.88% compared to the category average of 9.51%. This makes the fund less volatile than its peers over the past half-decade. Story continues With a beta of 1.05, this fund is more volatile than a broad market index of fixed income securities. Taking this into account, CXHYX has a negative alpha of -1.47, which measures performance on a risk-adjusted basis. Ratings Investors should also consider a bond's rating, which is a grade ( 'AAA' to 'D' ) given to a bond that indicates its credit quality. With this letter scale in mind, CXHYX has 29.78% in medium quality bonds, with ratings of 'A' to 'BBB'. The fund's junk bond component-bonds rated 'BB' or below-is at 20.65%, giving CXHYX an average quality of BBB. This means that it focuses on medium quality securities. However, it is worth noting that 37 % of the bonds in this fund are not ranked, so take the average quality level with a bit of caution. Expenses As competition heats up in the mutual fund market, costs become increasingly important. Compared to its otherwise identical counterpart, a low-cost product will be an outperformer, all other things being equal. Thus, taking a closer look at cost-related metrics is vital for investors. In terms of fees, CXHYX is a load fund. It has an expense ratio of 0.85% compared to the category average of 0.82%. So, CXHYX is actually more expensive than its peers from a cost perspective. Investors need to be aware that with this product, the minimum initial investment is $1,000; each subsequent investment needs to be at least $100. Bottom Line Overall, Delaware National High Yield Municipals A ( CXHYX ) has a high Zacks Mutual Fund rank, and in conjunction with its comparatively strong performance, average downside risk, and higher fees, this fund looks like a good potential choice for investors right now. This could just be the start of your research on CXHYXin the Muni - Bonds category. Consider going to www.zacks.com/funds/mutual-funds for additional information about this fund, and all the others that we rank as well for additional information. For analysis of the rest of your portfolio, make sure to visit Zacks.com for our full suite of tools which will help you investigate all of your stocks and funds in one place. 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 Get Your Free (CXHYX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Rentuu, a London, UK-based provider of a technology platform for the equipment hire industry, raised 1.5m in funding. Backers included Italian Angels of Growth (IAG), Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou (founder of easyJet), Pilabs VC, Boost Heroes VC and others. The company intends to use the funds to continue to expand its business reach into new markets and operations. Co-founded by Andrea Guzzoni and Dennis Helderman, Rentuu operates a cloud-based technology platform and franchise network for the sterling equipment hire industry within construction and events. The company is experiencing rapid growth, having secured the backing of a strong global brand the easy family of brands through investment from Sir Stelios Haji-Joannou, founder of easyJet and easyGroup, and securing the brand rights for easyHire, easyEventhire and easyToolhire. Rentuu has offices in 4 countries (London, UK, Milan, Italy, Amsterdam, The Netherlands and Kyiv, Ukraine) and 300+ partners in the development pipeline. FinSMEs 19/06/2020 India insisted on 'complete disengagement' in all its talks with China on eastern Ladakh row: Govt We will continue to deal with Chinese PLA in firm, resolute manner: Army chief Import substitution to duty hikes: India plans to hit China hard on economic front India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 19: Hitting China economically is a top priority for India. The Indian government is readying several moves to hit China on the economic front and these include import substitution to duty hikes. The government is now in the process of shortlisting several items for import substitution. These items could include toys from China and electronic goods. This also gels well with India's new strategy of self reliance, officials tell OneIndia. India-China hold Major General level talks for over 6 hours India-China Galwan faceoff: China releases 10 Indian soldiers from custody | Oneindia News The move also comes in the wake of the violent skirmish that took place in the Galwan Valley in which 20 soldiers were martyred. New Delhi is also thinking of an import hike on 100 major imports from China. On Tuesday, the Department of Telecommunications had told BSNL not to use China-based firms' equipment in its network. The Railways on Thursday cancelled a China firm's contract. On the cancellation, the Railways said that this was because of the inability of the company to complete the project. However, it came close on the heels of the Galwan Valley clash. In 2016, the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India, a company of the Indian Railways had asked the company to build freight corridors. The Chinese company National Railway Research and Design Institute of Signal and Communication Group Limited was awarded a Rs 471 crore contract. India confirms Jaishankars participation in trilateral with China and Russia India's major imports from China include electrical machinery, organic chemicals, fertilisers, nuclear reactors, chemical products, iron and steel and auto components. In 2018-19, 60 per cent of Indian's total of electrical machinery came from China. Fertilisers and organic chemical imports stood at 60 per cent, while in the case of plastic it was 82 per cent. Hanoi: Samsung Electronics is planning to shift much of its display production from China to Ho Chi Minh City in 2020, Vietnamese state media reported on Friday, although the South Korean tech giant said those reports were untrue. The newspaper Tuoi Tre reported the relocation of Samsungs display production from China citing an announcement on the website of Samsung Vietnam, but the parent company in Seoul said the reports were groundless. Samsung did not elaborate. Several other Vietnamese online media outlets had reported the shift from China but by Friday evening those stories could no longer be viewed. Samsung is the single largest foreign investor in Vietnam, with investments totalling $17 billion.Samsung h as display production operations in Vietnam among its six factories and two research and development centres. The reports come as more companies look to diversify supply chains beyond China, after widespread disruption globally when the novel coronavirus first struck there. Tuoi Tre said the screens would be produced in the Samsung Electronics Complex in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnams business hub. Advertisement Schools in England face waiting a fortnight to find out how the government expects to bring every child back to school in September with unions and teachers baffled over how a bubble of 30 children per class will work. Boris Johnson and Gavin Williamson said on Friday they intend to speed up pupils' return to the classroom, with the Education Secretary saying the government was looking at expanding bubbles of 15 'to include the whole class'. The Department for Education has offered no guidance on how schools can plan their return to the new academic year, but it will likely involve cutting the gap between pupils to one metre and following similar guidance from elsewhere. Unions are up in arms over the lack of clarity, but a 53-page document from Northern Ireland's Department of Education could offer a glimpse inside daily life for schools come September, it involves: Stay in one classroom: Secondary school pupils could be asked to stay in one classroom throughout the day, with teachers moving between lessons. There's a possibility meals could be delivered to classrooms to save space and stop 'bubbles' from spreading germs. It's not clear what will happen to art, science and technology equipment, such as canvases and Bunsen burners. Primary schools have followed similar measures, with pupils heading out for staggered, supervised breaks that are often more organised than normal playtime. Don't bring anything to or from home: Pupils will be encouraged not to bring bags into school and will also be told not take anything room from the classroom. Equipment that is hard to clean could be placed in storage, which has been done with toys in younger years classes in England. It's not clear what will happen for children bringing books to school or doing homework. Lessons in dining halls: To ensure schools have enough room to teach classes, the DoE says dining halls and assembly halls can be temporarily converted to make room for multiple classes. Where there still isn't enough space, schools are being encouraged to make remote learning a possibility. There have been calls, including from Labour leader Keir Starmer, to use empty libraries and leisure centres as makeshift schools to create extra space. No need for PPE: The guidance says children should not wear PPE in school and staff should only wear it in very limited circumstances, such as giving medication to a pupil. Pupils to stay one metre apart Pupils to stay one metre apart in classrooms. In Northern Ireland, some principals have said a one-metre social distancing requirement would prevent them from accommodating all pupils at the same time. Scientists have told Boris Johnson to relax the two-metre rule. Pupils at a school in Corringham, Essex, are obeying new social distancing rules, with classroom sizes limited to 15 students at a time Northern Ireland's Department of Education published guidance on Friday explaining how classrooms could be set out from the start of the autumn term Schools should be ready to exclude pupils who do not follow new Covid-19 rules. The Department of Education warned schools should 'make provision to be able to sanction, up to and including exclusion, pupils who wilfully refuse to adhere to arrangements of social distancing and deliberately cough or spit at pupils or staff, putting them at risk.' Speaking during a visit to a Hertfordshire primary school on Friday, Boris Johnson said: 'To be absolutely clear, I'm absolutely signed up to the fact that we want to bring every child back, in every year group, in every school. The PM said it was 'absolutely' his aspiration that pupils of all ages will be back in the classroom for a full five days a week in September. With detailed plans being released in Northern Ireland, teaching unions are calling for greater clarity from the government on how classes will return to their full size in England. Children's Commissioner Anne Longfield told The Sun: 'With Ireland reducing social distancing to one metre in schools, it seems like a good opportunity for Government to look whether schools in England can do the same. 'Children and parents have sacrificed to help battle this virus. 'The wellbeing and education of millions has been turned upside down and the most disadvantaged kids are at risk of falling further behind.' In other coronavirus news: The government has been accused of underplaying the coronavirus death toll during the height of the crisis Scientists have cleared the way for Boris Johnson to reduce the two-metre rule down to one-metre Pubs have been given the green-light for drinking outdoors - but punters aren't allowed to drink at the bar Labour leader Keir Starmer has called on the government to create a 'coherent plan to reopen our classrooms Smaller schools in England are preparing to open to all pupils on Monday, but still with classes of 15 Kevin Courtney, of the National Education Union (NEU), says: 'The Prime Minister's hopes are not enough.' In his most categorical statement yet, Boris Johnson said it was 'absolutely' his intention for all pupils to be back at school full-time by September All pupils returning to school are being encouraged to wash their hands regularly, it remains a key part of the guidance issued by Northern Ireland on Friday Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said: 'The desire to bring everyone back is correct but we need to know what the Government is thinking and the scenarios they are planning for. 'This will give school communities what they need to get through this term and plan for the new academic year in September.' Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), added: 'The Prime Minister's hopes are not enough.' 'If the requirements of social distancing - in order to stop a second peak - are reduced even to 1m, then most schools could not have 30 children in a classroom,' he added. Labour leader Keir Starmer told The Mirror the government must develop a 'coherent national plan to reopen our classrooms safely together with those who know our schools best: parents, teachers, unions and local councils'. Mr Starmer called on the government to repurpose empty libraries, leisure centres and town halls into schools, along with reversing any gaps in attainment that the coronavirus lockdown has worsened. He added: 'None of this beyond the capability of government. It simply requires focus, leadership and determination.' General secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders Geoff Barton told The Times: 'Everybody wants to see all children back in schools full-time from September. It would not be possible to do this while limiting class sizes to 15. You would need twice as many classrooms, and twice as many teachers. Tables have been used as barriers to enforce two-metre distancing rules at Orfu Gable Hall School in Corringham - but the Department of Education in Northern Ireland is preparing for classes to return with a reduced one-metre gap between pupils Plans in Northern Ireland encourage keeping a two metre gap between pupils and staff - similar to current conditions in English classrooms (above) 'The education secretary has indicated that there will be further guidance in the next two weeks. It is very important that this guidance is supplied to schools and colleges as soon as possible. They are doing their best to put in place plans for September but they have so far had to do this in the dark without any input from the government.' Academy heads are calling on the government to give clear guidance within the next two weeks. The letter, signed by the likes of The Harris Federation and Future Academies, read: 'The current situation, where schools are partially open to some of our pupils some of the time, is achieving very little to address the widening attainment gap,' The Telegraph reported. 'We urge the Government to announce a clear plan in the next two weeks for how they plan to make it compulsory for all students to return to school in September full time.' Calling on her government to get children back into schools, Conservative MP Lucy Allan said: 'There is a very real risk that if schooling is disrupted for much longer, a whole generation will suffer long-term detriment to their education and future prospects. This Government cannot let this happen.' Some smaller primary schools in England are preparing to fully reopen on Monday, albeit with smaller class sizes. The Eleanor Palmer Primary School in North London has installed a special trough for children to wash their hands in the school's playground. Children can turn the taps on for the long metal sink with their knees, preventing any chance of spreading germs with their hands. Boris Johnson tried out an outdoor sink during his visit to Bovingdon Primary School in Hertfordshire on Friday. The sinks are part of new measures being taken across schools to improve cleanliness in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic The school has just one class per year group and has managed to reopen the school by separating each class into morning and afternoon sessions. In a newsletter to parents shared by The Times, Kate Frood, the head teacher, said: 'Half days are not ideal for your work we know, but we feel it is better for learning as it allows for continuity and progression in learning with no gaps.' Sherborne Prep School in Dorset will welcome back its pupils and will scan them with a thermometer before sending them to classes of no more than 15. In Dartmoor, Princetown Community Primary School's 35 pupils are returning on Monday. The school only has two classes - one for children in Reception to Year 2 and the other for years three, four and five. It will split into three classes come next week. Speaking on plans for schools in England come September, Mr Williamson said: 'Over the coming weeks we will publish further information and guidance to help schools prepare for a full return in September. 'We are working across Government and with the sector to ensure these plans are fully in place so that this can happen.' When pressed for any details on how English classes would return to full size, the Department for Education said: 'The Government announced its clear intention for all pupils to be back in school in September today, with further information and guidance being published in the coming weeks.' Yesterday's England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales' chief medical officers all agreed that the national Covid-19 alert level should come down. The Joint Biosecurity Centre recommended on Friday that the Covid-19 alert could be reduced from Level 4 to Level 3 In a joint statement they said: 'The Joint Biosecurity Centre has recommended that the COVID-19 alert level should move from Level 4 (A COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation; transmission is high or rising exponentially) to Level 3 (A COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation). 'The CMOs for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have reviewed the evidence and agree with this recommendation to move to Level 3 across the UK. 'There has been a steady decrease in cases we have seen in all four nations, and this continues. It does not mean that the pandemic is over. The virus is still in general circulation, and localised outbreaks are likely to occur. 'We have made progress against the virus thanks to the efforts of the public and we need the public to continue to follow the guidelines carefully to ensure this progress continues.' A major change to class action law in Victoria could make it easier to bring litigation against big corporations for wage theft and consumer harm. Hotly-contested laws passed by State Parliament on Thursday night will allow lawyers running class actions to charge contingency fees, enabling them to take a cut of multimillion-dollar class action settlements. Victorian Attorney-General Jill Hennessy. Credit:AAP Contingency fees are said to increase access to justice because the scheme forces lawyers to bear the cost for plaintiffs if they lose. At the moment, lead plaintiffs are liable for defendants costs if they lose, meaning class actions are usually brought by lawyers on a "no-win, no-fee" basis with most plaintiffs forced to obtain insurance or the backing of a litigation funder. They relate to the appointment of the prime minister without a parliamentary coalition, meddling in the Kyiv District Administrative Court's activity, and the appointment of members of the High Council of Justice. Ukrainian Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova says three criminal cases initiated after the ex-Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration under Viktor Yanukovych, Andriy Portnov, had filed claims against former President and incumbent Member of Parliament Petro Poroshenko were closed over the lack of corpus delicti. "Another three proceedings on the appointment of the prime minister in the absence of a [parliamentary] coalition, meddling in the activities of Kyiv's District Administrative Court and the appointment of members of the High Council of Justice were closed last week. These proceedings were closed over the lack of corpus delicti. They were registered in the Unified Register of Pretrial Investigations upon claims filed by Andriy Portnov," she said at a briefing on June 18, 2020, according to an UNIAN correspondent. Read alsoProsecutor general explains essence of charges pressed against Poroshenko At the same time, Venediktova said the information on the case of the appointment of Serhiy Semochko as first deputy chief of the Foreign Intelligence Service was registered upon a claim filed by Acting Chairman of the Foreign Intelligence Service Valeriy Kondratiuk. "Last week, a case was opened and information was registered in the Unified Register of Pretrial Investigations upon a statement by the chairman of the Foreign Intelligence Service. And Prosecutor General Venediktova informed the MP [Poroshenko] of the charges," she said. "There is a difference when the chairman of the Foreign Intelligence Service makes a statement about the crime you understand that the judicial and investigative perspective was completely different," the prosecutor general explained. As UNIAN reported earlier, Poroshenko is suspected of abuse of office in issuing a wrongful order that prompted former Chairman of the Foreign Intelligence Service Yehor Bozhok to exceed his official authority. The case concerns the appointment of Semochko, a target of journalistic investigations into enrichment sources and his family's ties with Russia, to the post of first deputy head of the Foreign Intelligence Service. The prosecutors initially asked the court to remand Poroshenko in custody amid a pretrial investigation, setting bail at UAH 10 million (US$373,692). On June 18, the prosecutor's office amended the motion for the preventive measure, easing it from "holding on remand" to "personal recognizance." Heritage Florida Jewish News congratulates all of the 2020 high school graduates in Central Florida. As everyone knows, graduations were either put on hold until July or not scheduled at all for this year because of the coronavirus. Many families got creative and held neighborhood parades, made banners, videoed their graduate in gown, or had small family gatherings to honor their student. Heritage would like to recognize these students. Congratulations to: Anne Botwinik Aviva Diamond Anne was home-schooled and also attended Valencia College. She graduated with honors. Anne will attend the University of Florida on a full Bright Futures scholarship. Aviva Diamond Aviva attended Winter Park High School and was in the International Baccalaureate Program. She will be attending Washington University in St. Louis this fall. Kyle Mathew Dombrosky Kyle is graduating from Avalon School as class valedictorian with a 4.0 grade point average. A gifted thespian, Kyle's future plans are to attend college for computer programming. Felissa Gaber Felissa attended Winter Park High School. She will be attending Ithaca College in the fall to pursue theatre studies, psychology and American Sign Language. Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities signed an agreement on June 2 to transfer Cairos historical area of Bab al-Azab, which includes the imposing Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi Citadel, to the control of the Egyptian Sovereign Wealth Fund to develop and manage the site in order to increase its tourism appeal. Overlooking Egypts capital and dominating its eastern skyline, the Cairo Citadel, was erected in the 13th century and for nearly 700 years was the home of the countrys rulers. The fortress, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of Islamic Cairo in 1979, features towers and gateways and its walls encircle a number of museums and three mosques, including the famous Mohamed Ali Mosque, commissioned in the 19th century. It is one of the main non-pharaonic tourist attractions of Cairo. Bab al-Azab includes very important monuments of medieval heritage and it is one of the main sites in Historic Cairo, so it is very important to develop the site, cultural heritage researcher Karim Badr told Al-Monitor. There were many development projects, but they were for developing the archaeological sites, restoring monuments, antiquities and buildings, and the area is still in need of an integrated development that can enhance visitors experience, Badr said. According to the plan, an unutilized area of the Citadel will open to the public, and its tourist and cultural offerings will be expanded with a museum dedicated to the history of the site and equipped with interactive technologies, a historical library, a design school and a theatre. It will also include a market for spices, traditional crafts and food. It will be like a hub for Historic Cairo, with stories and activities related to the area, Eman Zidan, assistant tourism minister for investment and developing financial resources, told Al-Monitor. It will be the first investment project of the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Egypt in the countrys tourism and services sectors, which are not among the funds main priorities. According to the contract, which was signed after more than six months of negotiations, the fund will develop the site and manage its operations and services for a period of 49 years, Zeidan explained. The Supreme Council of Antiquities will remain in charge of safeguarding the archaeological site. Established in 2018, the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Egypt aims to attract private investment and promote public-private partnerships in the country, with a special focus on untapped state-owned assets. To this end, the fund selects public assets in concert with different state bodies to develop them, engaging local and foreign investors and financial partners. So far, however, no private investment in Bab Al-Azab has been announced. Last December, the funds CEO, Ayman Soliman, announced that Egyptian tycoon Samih Sawiris was in negotiations on a partnership to develop the site. But Al-Mal reported on June 7, citing government sources, that the negotiations did not pan out and that the door is now open for other investors to step in. Al-Monitor's efforts to reach Soliman were not successful. This type of investment and public-private partnership follows the economic model that the Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism is also seeking to promote. This is a model that is replicated in other historical places and archaeological sites, because this is the way it should be to give visitors the best experience when they visit a place, Zeidan argued. We are in partnership with investors that are capable of providing services in a sustainable way, generating more income for the Supreme Council of Antiquities and promoting Egypts most significant archaeological sites, she said. Zeidan added that another contract of this kind will be soon announced for the operation of the Baron Palace, a Hindu temple in Cairos eastern district of Heliopolis. The site, which has been closed and neglected for years, was set to finish restoration works and open to the public early this year, before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement of the agreement between the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Sovereign Wealth Fund comes as Egypt begins to gradually reopen its tourism industry and revive a sector severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis. In the fiscal year that ended in July 2019, tourism revenues in Egypt recorded a record high of $12.57 billion, but the pandemic has provoked an unprecedented contraction. In April, Egypts Minister of Planning Hala el-Saeed anticipated tourism revenues to drop by $5 billion in the current fiscal year from the $16 billion expected before the pandemic. A month earlier, Minister of Antiquities and Tourism Khaled al-Anany projected that the sector would lose $1 billion a month with the suspension of flights. Micromax, Karbonn and Lava are preparing to announce new smartphones in India. Micromax to soon launch three smartphones. Karbonn to launch phones with made for India UI Micromax, Karbonn and Lava are preparing to announce new smartphones in India that will be launched between entry-level to mid-range segment. All the three brands have either confirmed or have shown an intention to make a comeback in the smartphone market amidst growing anti-China sentiments in India. The official Twitter handle of Micromax, while replying to a users tweet revealed that the company is working hard and will soon come up with something big. In response to another users query, the handle tweeted that the company is preparing a device with premium features thats budget-friendly as well. Interestingly, the last phone from the company remains the iOne Note that was launched in October 2019. According to a report by Gadgets360 that cites a person familiar with companys plans, Micromax is going to launch three new smartphones in India as a part of soft launches that will likely be held in July. It further states that these smartphones would be priced under Rs 10,000 in India. Notably, the company has been notorious when it comes to rebranding a phone, something it has been known to do in the past. It remains to be seen when Micromax announces the new smartphones officially and how it manages to offer value for money phones to the Indian consumer. Karbonn to launch two new smartphones in India by September Karbonn Mobiles has been catering the feature phone category from a while now, but in a recent interview to The Mobile Indian, Sashin Devsarre, Executive Director of Karbonn Mobiles revealed the companys plan to launch two new smartphones in India between by September. He went on the confirm that both these smartphones will be priced well under Rs 10,000. The company has been developing a new UI for its smartphones that will be turned to the Indian preferences with a reinforced focus on data security and privacy. While there is currently no information about these phones, the new smartphones by Karbonn have been confirmed to come with a clean and robust UI which indicates a focus shift in the way manufacturers are now prioritizing user experience for the consumers. Upcoming Lava phone spotted on Geekbench A GeekBench listing for an upcoming Lava Z66 has been spotted hinting at an imminent launch. As per the listing, the phone has 3GB of RAM and runs on Android 10. It is powered by a Unisoc (formerly Spreadtrum) processor with a 1.20Ghz clock speed. The Z66 has been awarded a single-core score of 153 points and a multi-core score of 809 points, indicating it could be an entry-level phone. Lava Mobiles had launched the Lava Z53 with Android Pie (Go Edition) back in February and it looks like the Z66 will follow suit. Well know more about the launch details of smartphones by these Indian smartphone manufacturers as we near the official announcement. 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. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f048733d060)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f048744eef0)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f048733d060)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f048744eef0)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f04873470d0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f048744eef0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f048744eef0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04868fc040)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f0487402ba8)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f0487402ba8)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 Everybody loves free stuff. Credit: MoneyforCoffee from Pixabay (cc) Everybody loves freebies, whether it's a tasty treat handed out at the supermarket or a month of Netflix. These campaigns are a great way to bring attention to a new product or service, and marketers use them to target new customers and grow their customer base. But offering free trials to existing customers might seem like a waste of time, after all, your customers are already sold on your product. However, a new study, published in Management Science, looked at what happened when a telco offered free mobile phone data to existing users, and found it was an effective way to increase sales, particularly if customers could share the offer with friends. "It might seem like a waste of resources to provide a free trial to existing customers, but that is not what we found, and surprisingly, higher data usage customers were more likely to redeem the offer than lower usage customers," says marketing researcher Dr. Hillbun Ho from the University of Technology Sydney. "We expected low usage customers would be more likely to take up the offer and increase their usage. However, low usage customers were largely unresponsive to the free trial," he says. Many of the customers who took up the offer then continued their higher usage after the free trial campaign ended, increasing sales for the company. And when the company gave some customers the option to forward the free trial to friends who were also existing customers, both the sharer and the recipient were more likely to redeem the offer, and continue the higher data usage. These results have important implications particularly for companies that offer online 'experience products' such as gaming, collaboration tools or music streaming services, where customers need to experience it to appreciate its value, says Dr. Ho. "When software companies promote their products, they frequently use a "freemium" model, where the basic version is free but customers have to pay to get access to more advanced functions or features. "These companies often face challenges in migrating customers from the free version to the paid version, because the free version customers have no experience in using the advanced functions that are only accessible to paid users. "Our research suggests that providing free or lower cost trials to the paid version for a short promotion period is likely to increase the trial users' appreciation of the product, inducing take-up of the paid version," he says. The research findings also suggest that to increase the impact of free trial campaigns, marketers can leverage the "power of sharing" by including a sharing feature in their offer. Previous studies have shown that businesses can save five times more money when they retain customers rather than look for new ones. More information: Sadat Reza et al, Experience Effect in the Impact of Free Trial Promotions, Management Science (2020). Journal information: Management Science Sadat Reza et al, Experience Effect in the Impact of Free Trial Promotions,(2020). DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.2020.3613 NEW HAVEN They are nearly there. Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that closed city schools and canceled an untold number of events, the school district has celebrated about 1,000 graduates this week. And smiles abounded Thursday as hundreds of graduating students of Wilbur Cross and James Hillhouse high schools were honored with separate special commencement ceremonies. The Wilbur Cross High School drive-up graduation ceremony was held at Lighthouse Point Park, and students dressed in red and white caps and gowns were able to collect diplomas on a stage set up for multiple ceremonies this week. The purpose of this activity is to provide the class of 2020 with the opportunity to walk the stage and receive their diploma, according to Paul Whyte, assistant superintendent for instructional leadership. New Haven Public Schools is extremely proud of the Class of 2020, he said in a statement. Many families drove through the park in cars decorated for the occasion. Eight city schools used Lighthouse Park for their drive through ceremonies. Over at Bowen Field for the Hillhouse graduation, decorated cars and smiling grads but this time in blue and white caps and gowns were the order of the day. The cars helped with the social-distancing but there were plenty of masks and elbow bumping instead of hand shaking. Hillhouse seniors also went to the stage to receive their diplomas. The district this year skipped having speeches at the ceremonies. Last week, hundreds of New Haven Public Schools then graduates-to-be were celebrated with a parade of cars. According to the schedule released by the district, Riverside Academy will have the final commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Last month, the publishers of the largest newspapers and news organizations in the country published an urgent open letter to the government of Canada. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Last month, the publishers of the largest newspapers and news organizations in the country published an "urgent" open letter to the government of Canada. They urged the Canadian government to pass legislation that would require internet companies to pay their "fair share" of the cost of production of original news content, just as the governments of France and Australia are planning to do. Adrian Wyld / The Canadian Press Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault says legislation will be introduced in the fall. It looks like the government may have been listening. At the Banff World Media Festival last week, Steven Guilbeault, minister of Canadian heritage, said legislation is "pretty much ready" to be introduced in the fall that would require companies such as Alphabet (the parent company of Google) and Facebook to compensate the original publishers of content that appear on their sites. According to The Wire Report, a news service produced for the telecom, broadcasting and digital sectors where Guilbeaults remarks were reported, the legislation would follow a similar approach to that used in France and Australia. In an email exchange with the Free Press, Guilbeault said the government is looking at models adopted by other countries regarding media support and "will come back with propositions in due course." In the meantime, he said, "Our government is continuing with the measures we adopted to help Canadian journalism face the crisis and the decline in their advertising revenues, making sure that the $650-million journalism package announced in our last budget is effective and fair." He also noted media can tap in to COVID-19 emergency funding as part of Phase 2 of the $500 million announced by Canadian Heritage, as well as other government financial support programs to help deal with the pandemic. "Our government is fully aware of the challenges faced by our media sector, especially during this difficult time." he said. "We are thankful for their work around the clock to deliver news across the country, for the information and safety of us all." So while it is not certain what sort of legislation will appear or how it will work, the governments intention to pursue such a course is good news for the embattled news industry. "Its a real shift in policy and I think it is quite big news," said John Hinds the CEO of News Media Canada, an organization that represents hundreds of newspapers and digital news media outlets across the country. "It was done in a low-key way and maybe that was the intent. I think it is big news and very exciting." 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. For years, newspapers across the country have been watching advertising spending drift to digital sites, some of which feature plenty of original content produced by news organizations that receive no compensation from those Internet companies. In their open letter, the news organizations said, "The situation is urgent, with media companies suffering huge advertising revenue declines because of the coronavirus pandemic. Other governments recognize the need for speedy intervention. Both France and Australia have set deadlines to have mandatory solutions in place by July. That means paying for copyrighted content and sharing the advertising dollars and data that flow from it." Hinds said he believes the government will follow the path taken in France where its competition bureau ruled that Google was using its market dominance to unfairly influence the market. French regulators have forced Google and Facebook to negotiate with publishers. Hinds said it is hard to quantify the value of the content, but he said a study in Australia pegged it at around $600 million. "A significant amount of content on social media comes from publisher-generated content," Hinds said. "People are sharing and using that news content because they value it. (Compensation) can go a long way to ensuring that news publishers can continue to invest in quality content." martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca Snapchat has apologised and removed its Juneteenth filter after the lens sparked backlash among users. On Friday, the social media platform released a new lens in honour of Juneteenth, the anniversary of the day that slavery in the US ended, that prompted users to smile to break chains. When using the filter, which was set against a backdrop of a Pan-African flag, users saw virtual chains rise above their heads, which were then broken when they smiled. Shortly after the filter was released, users accused the company of being tone-deaf. Please tell me the Juneteenth filter on Snapchat does not have CHAINS, one person tweeted. Another said: This Snapchat #Juneteenth filter prompts users to smile to break the chains Unfortunately, this sadly indicates how their team lacks the diversity required to curb this implicit bias. Tech startups, please diversify your talent. Multimedia designer Ashten Winger, who previously worked at Snapchat as a developer, was among those criticising the filter, writing on Twitter: This is what happens when you dont have any black people on the product design team. As a Snap alumni, this is extremely embarrassing. It doesnt have to be this hard - how about an AR experience to inform your 229 million daily active users what Juneteenth is? Recommended The history behind Juneteenth In a statement to The Independent, Snapchat apologised to those who were offended by the lens and said that a diverse group of Snap team members were involved in the development of the filter, but that the version that went live had not gone through the companys review process. We deeply apologise to the members of the Snapchat community who found this lens offensive, the company said. A diverse group of Snap team members were involved in developing this concept, but a version of the lens that went live for Snapchatters this morning had not been approved through our review process. We are investigating why this mistake occurred so that we can avoid it in the future. This is not the first time Snapchat has faced criticism over filters deemed racially insensitive. In 2016, the company released a Bob Marley-inspired filter that darkened the user's skin and added dreadlocks, according to Variety, before releasing a filter later that year that pulled down users eyes into slanted lines, enlarged their cheeks and made their front teeth more prominent if smiling. The Executives of Western North Region branch of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) have put in place all the necessary measures and precautions to ensure the successful election of parliamentary candidates in three constituencies where the party has sitting Members of Parliament. Mr Samuel Kofi Abiaw, the Regional Secretary, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said Veronica buckets, soaps, tissue paper and hand sanitizers would be provided at the various electoral areas to ensure delegates adhere to all protocols aimed at fighting COVID 19. On the candidates, he said, Dr Kwaku Afriyie, Member of Parliament for Sefwi- Wiawso and Mr Alex Djonoboah Tetteh, Member of Parliament for Sefwi- Akontombra were going unopposed. He said the two members of parliament would meet delegates at their various electoral areas for acclamation. The Regional Secretary said there would, however, be voting at the Bibiani Anwhiaso Bekwai Constiuency which would be held at 36 electoral areas, adding that another electoral area would be created for constituency and council of patrons. Mr Abiaw called on the rank and file of the party members to unite to ensure a resounding victory for the party in the December polls. In a related development, Mr Christopher Addai, one of the aspirants in the Bibiani Anwhiaso Bekwai constituency primaries has withdrawn from the race on health grounds. In this regard, Mr Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu, incumbent Member of Parliament and Western North Regional Minister, would battle it out with Mr Alfred Obeng Boateng former BOST Managing Director. ---GNA England will not be following Northern Ireland in setting a date for reducing the two-metre rule in schools until the virus is "under control", the UK Government has said. Health Secretary Matt Hancock indicated yesterday that the social distancing restriction would not be relaxed in time for all primary schools to reopen in England before the next academic year. This comes despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson, two days before, suggesting the rule could be eased, when he said "watch this space" in response to pressure to lift it. Asked about the possibility of reducing the two-metre restriction for pupils, at the Downing Street daily briefing, Mr Hancock said: "We are working on what is needed to get schools open in September, to get all schools open in September. "And there is a review into the current two-metre rule. But the two-metre rule is in itself a social distancing measure. "Removing it has an impact in terms of the transmission of the disease, so we have to make sure in that review that we have the space and the virus is under control enough to be able to make the change and replace the two-metre rule, if that is the conclusion of the review, with something that then makes it easier to do things like have people together in schools." More clarity has been given for schools in Northern Ireland, where most pupils are set for a return to full-time education in the autumn, after ministers agreed to cut the social distancing measure to one metre. Conservative MPs including chairman of the Commons Science and Technology Select Committee Greg Clark, Bob Stewart and Imran Khan, have called on the Prime Minister to urgently reduce the two-metre social distancing rule for this reason and to help the economy recover. Former Tory minister Tobias Ellwood also described the reduction of the two-metre rule to one as "game-changing for schools". Editors Note: The following is the first of a three part series which seeks to give an account of how the Geothermal Project at La Soufriere has panned out. The series makes no attempt to be editorial in approach. Instead, it reports the facts as relayed to the writer. The drilling phase of the geothermal energy exploration project has ended. This, according to the projects manager Ellsworth Dacon, who availed himself of an exclusive interview with The Vincentian Newspaper to help set the record straight. Dacon also put to rest a rumour alleging the possible cover up of the decommissioning of the drill rig which was retired on March 16, 2020. An estimated US $22M was allotted for what should have been a 10-month drilling contract which was awarded to the Iceland Drilling Company, also known as Jarborboranir hf. And although the SVG Geothermal Company fulfilled its obligation, "to make sure that the (drilling) rig was transported safely to the site without any hiccups, the projected drilling schedule could not be strictly maintained. As such, the anticipated "60 days per well along with the prearranged 10 days to move the rig in between wells had to be revised. Dacon explained, "We had several delays. We also went deeper. Its not an exact science you dont know what rock youd meet or when [the well] will collapse. Rig demobilised Almost one year and 3 wells instead of the predicted 4 wells later, the SVG Geothermal Company, "ordered the rig to be demobilised; once we have ordered the rig to be demobilized, all payments stop. It is up for the rig now to pack up and leave; use the balance of the money that they have, because we have a demobilization fee, and they would proceed to the next job. The rig is still on the site. They havent gone anywhere yet, Dacon asserted. The rig, christened Odin by its Icelandic owners, was reported to have been spotted onboard an outward bound vessel at the Kingstown cargo port sometime in March. Dacon dismissed this buzz as an uninformed opinion. He noted, "They have reduced their crew, they went back to Iceland and they were supposed to demobilize the rig and move it and take the rig to the Azores; they would normally change some parts, service it up and get it ready for the next job. However, COVID-19 theyre trapped [out of State]. "And we cant do any testing due to COVID-19, because the testing team is also trapped. Right now, we just doing some monitoring of the wells; were taking some pressure and temperature readings, and were logging that. We have not been sneaking out the rig in the middle of the night. During the whole drilling operation, we have to use certain steel casings. In order to use the casings, each casing has to be certified. If the casing sits in the atmosphere for a while, they have to be recertified. Because there is rust and so on, and you dont want to put down a casing that is no good. Post drilling contract Dacon continued, "What normally happens when a drilling contract ends, there are materials that are leftover, and the SVG Geothermal Company can sell these to the contractor. And the drilling contractor would want to know that these casings are still good so theyd try and get them certified. So they sent them to Trinidad to see if they were still good and come back thats what they were doing in the night, moving pipes. According to the project director, "the drilling phase is normally capital intensive; usually high risk because it requires a lot of money and you could have zero returns. To mitigate against this, two financiers of the project - the Caribbean Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank - and the government of SVG negotiated a "contingent plan described as a novel feature in the financing protocols of the project. This means that monies committed to the alternative energy venture would only be recouped as a loan if the exploration is deemed successful. And if the testers, when they do get here, fail the initiative then the monies would be ascribed as grants. Kolkata: The nationwide clamour for boycott of Chinese goods is getting louder amid the Ladakh face-off, with traders urging the Centre to direct e-commerce firms to restrict the sale of items from the Dragonland, which imports products worth USD 74 billion to India annually. Of the total import from China, retail traders sell goods worth around USD 17 billion, mostly comprising toys, household items, mobiles, electric and electronic goods and cosmetics among other things, which could possibly be replaced by Indian products, a national trading body said. "We, at 'Federation of All India Vyapar Mandal', are advising our members to clear their stocks of Chinese products and refrain from placing fresh orders. We are also requesting the government to restrict e-commerce companies from selling Chinese products," V K Bansal, the association's general secretary, told PTI. Sushil Poddar, the president of the Confederation of West Bengal Traders Association, said its members have been told to shun trading in Chinese goods as much as possible. Another national traders' body, The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), has decided to step up its movement against the boycott of Chinese goods, under its campaign 'Bhartiya Samaan-Hamara Abhimaan'. It released a list of over 450 broad categories of commodities, comprising 3,000 Chinese products. CAIT has also written an open letter to several celebrities, asking them to stop endorsing made-in China products. BRUSSELS - European Union lawmakers called Friday for an investigation into the alleged misuse of EU funds in the Czech Republic and warned of a possible conflict of interest involving Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis on a day when he and the blocs other leaders debated their next multi-billion-euro budget. A leaked EU audit last year concluded that the populist billionaire might have had a conflict of interest over subsidies involving his former business empire. More than 100 million euros ($112 million) could be involved. Babis denies any wrongdoing and has accused the EU of trying to destabilize his country. In a resolution, adopted by 510 votes to 53, the lawmakers deplored that Babis was and continues to be actively involved in the implementation of the EU budget in the Czech Republic in his position as Prime Minister while still controlling the Agrofert Group as a founder and the sole beneficiary of two trust funds. The resolution called on the European Council, the forum for the leaders of the EUs 27 member nations, to take all necessary and appropriate measures to prevent conflicts of interest in the context of the negotiations for the future EU budget. The leaders held inconclusive video talks Friday on a massive coronavirus rescue package that could total around 750 billion euros ($841 billion) and which would be tied to the EUs next long-term budget, expected to stand at more than 1 trillion euros ($1.1 trillion). The parliament resolution also called on the European Commission, which proposes EU laws and ensures theyre enforced, to rapidly conclude its own audit and make the findings public. The conservative European Peoples Party, the biggest bloc in the parliament, said that the distribution of EU funds in the Czech Republic is neither fair nor transparent but designed to favour the private interests of Prime Minister Andrej Babis. The resolution follows a fact-finding mission to Prague in February by the parliaments budgetary control committee, which has no legal power to investigate national budgets or even oversight of the budget of the European Council. Committee Chairwoman Monika Hohlmeier said the information gathered points to the intentional establishment of rules in the Czech Republic which hide real beneficiaries of subsidies, favour big conglomerates and prevent controlling authorities from carrying out checks on this system. Hohlmeier and other members of the fact-finding mission said they were routinely threatened while in the Czech Republic, and since, including by individuals in high government office. Czech EU lawmaker Thomas Zdechovsky said he and his family received thousands of threats through social media, email and messaging apps during the coronavirus lockdown. He, his wife and four children were placed under police protection. Police detained a number of people and charged some of them, he said. They even said if we go outside they would find us in the street. They described how we would be murdered and what they would do to me and my family, Zdechovsky told reporters Thursday. This is the result of Mr. Babis calling me and (Czech Greens lawmaker Mikulas Peksa), traitors to the nation. Babis apologized soon after suggesting that the men were traitors. Holhmeier said the group was confronted with a situation of aggressivity we never have faced before over the mission. She said that while members of the ground are used to some hostility as politicians, the attacks from the top level of government were of a new dimension. Were only doing something normal, just checking whether the taxpayers money has been correctly disbursed, Holhmeier said. Akbar Mammadov President Ilham Aliyev has said that Armenia is illegally settling Armenians in Azerbaijans occupied Nagorno-Karabak region. Aliyev made the remarks during the Summit of the Eastern Partnership countries via video conference on June 18. Aliyev highlighted the fact that four UN Security Council resolutions call for the unconditional and complete withdrawal of Armenian troops from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Instead of complying with these [UN] resolutions, as well as the relevant documents adopted by the OSCE, the Non-Aligned Movement, NATO, the European Parliament and other international organizations, Armenia pursues a policy of illegal settlement in the occupied territories. Contrary to what the Prime Minister of Armenia, who is trying to destroy the essence and format of the negotiations, Nagorno-Karabakh is not Armenia, but Nagorno-Karabakh is Azerbaijan, and the whole world recognizes this so, the president said. In this regard, Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan's territorial integrity must be restored. Armenia continues to occupy 20 per cent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory. Nagorno-Karabakh and 7 other regions of Azerbaijan have been under Armenian occupation for almost 30 years. As a result of Armenia's policy of ethnic cleansing, more than 1 million Azerbaijanis have become refugees and internally displaced persons, the president noted. Furthermore, the president spoke about racism and glorification of ASALA terrorist in Armenia. Aliyev mentioned Varoujan Garabedian (Karapetyan), a convicted Armenian terrorist who was sentenced to life imprisonment for planting a bomb in Paris airport that killed eight people in 1988. Armenian terrorists are known across the world. Karapetyan, who committed a terrorist attack at Paris' Orly airport, was later extradited to Armenia and pardoned by the Armenian president, Aliyev said. It should be noted that ASALA has been recognized as a terrorist organization by the US and a number of European countries. __ Follow us on Twitter @AzerNews Investment firm Jana Partners (Trades, Portfolio) revealed it reduced its holding of HD Supply Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:HDS) by 25.23% according to GuruFocus Real-Time Picks. The investment management firm specializes in event-driven investing and was founded in 2001 by Barry Rosenstein. The firm typically applies a fundamental value discipline to identify undervalued companies that have one or more specific catalysts to unlock value. The sale was on trend for the firm as it has been selling shares since the third quarter of 2017. On June 18, the firm sold 459,129 shares of the company at an average price of $35.58. The sale had an overall impact on the portfolio of -1.90%. GuruFocus estimates the firm has gained an estimated 19.11% on the position overall. Through a combination of acquisitions and organic growth, HD Supply has become one of the largest industrial distributors in North America. It is the market leader in the two sectors in which it operates (facilities and home improvement maintenance, repair and operations and specialty construction). Today, HD Supply offers 650,000 stock-keeping units and serves 500,000 customers through 270 branches across the U.S. and Canada. On June 19, the stock was trading at $35.38 per share with a market cap of $5.68 billion. According to the Peter Lynch chart, the company was trading close to its intrinsic value and was fairly priced. d3cdf53a1d22152b12556ec58826a4e2.png GuruFocus gives the company a financial strength rating of 4 out of 10 and a profitability rank of 6 out of 10. The cash-to-debt ratio of 0.01 places it lower than 88.08% of the industry, but the company has drastically reduced debt levels since 2013. HD Supply boasts a high operating and net margin percentage that beats the majority of the industry. 1189e461569a68c4d681b4d66da2ccaf.png Top guru shareholders include FMR LLC (Trades, Portfolio), Vanguard Group Inc. (Trades, Portfolio), Fiduciary Management Inc. /WI/ (Trades, Portfolio), BlackRock Inc. (Trades, Portfolio) and Seth Klarman (Trades, Portfolio). Story continues Portfolio overview At the end of the first quarter, the firm was invested in 11 stocks, with three new holdings. By weight, the firm is most invested in the consumer defensive (39.94%), consumer cyclical (17.60%) and industrials (14.12%) sectors. e81ec3eac0ab26ad9c7769382ade1122.png New holdings as of the end of the first quarter included Perspecta Inc. (NYSE:PRSP), Hillenbrand Inc. (NYSE:HI) and New Relic Inc. (NYSE:NEWR). Disclaimer: Author owns no stocks mentioned. Read more here: Video Game Studios Seeing Steady Growth Guru Consensus Picks With Large Gains Biggest Year-to-Date CEO Sells Not a Premium Member of GuruFocus? Sign up for a free 7-day trial here. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Ralph Rusty Marino, the former police chief in Stow, has been ordered to have no contact with children younger than 18 after being arraigned Friday on a child enticement charge. Marino, who appeared in a virtual arraignment over Zoom because of the coronavirus pandemic, is charged with enticing a child younger than 16 after allegedly planning to meet with a person who he thought was a 14-year-old boy on April 17. A not-guilty plea was entered on behalf of Marino, 63, during the virtual arraignment. In addition to staying away from children, Marino was also ordered by a Leominster District Court judge to stay away from and have no contact with the witness that he met with in April, the person Marino thought was a 14-year-old boy but was actually a member of Predator Poachers Massachusetts. Marinos attorney, Greg Johnson, moved to waive the reading of a criminal complaint against Marino during the arraignment, which prosecutor Courtney Sans did not object to. The arraignment lasted just a few minutes, and Marino is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 2. Ralph "Rusty" Marino, the former police chief in Stow, appeared for a virtual arraignment on June 19. Marino is facing a child enticement charge. Image is a screenshot of the live-streamed arraignment. Marino started talking on a dating app on April 11 with who he thought was the 14-year-old boy. The two planned to meet and engage in sexual acts on April 17, according to a criminal complaint filed in Leominster District Court. The conversation was sexually explicit and includes language from the older man indicating that he wished to engage in sexual acts with the 14-year-old boy, the complaint reads. On the app, Marino allegedly used the handle Daddydearest, according to a search warrant affidavit. Predator Poachers Massachusetts is a group not affiliated with law enforcement that claims to catch sexual predators on online dating sites. Marino met with a member of the group in Leominster and the group posted a video of the interaction online. Leominster police watched the video on April 17 and saw the license plate of the car Marino drove to the meetup. Police checked the license plate and learned the SUV was registered to the Stow Police Department. Police recognized the man in the video as Marino and requested help from Massachusetts State Police, officials said. On April 18, state police detectives spoke to Jason Velasquez, a member of Predator Poachers Massachusetts who confronted Marino. Velasquez told investigators he had been posing as a 14-year-old boy on a dating app and was chatting with Marino, the search warrant affidavit said. The chat log was recorded and handed over to state police. Also on April 18, state police investigators asked Marino to go to the Stow Police Department for an interview, according to the criminal complaint. Marino, who lives in Lancaster, was being watched by troopers. Marino left his home and before going to the police station, he pulled onto a side street and walked into the woods, investigators wrote in the search warrant affidavit. Troopers waited for Marino to leave then checked the woods and found a plastic bag containing a sex toy and lubrication, authorities said. During the interview, Chief Marino made statements indicating that he did engage in conversation using a social media application and was aware that the person he was engaging with was identifying as being a 14-year-old boy, the complaint reads. Chief Marino admitted to leaving the Stow Police Department Friday afternoon in his department issued Ford Explorer and traveling to Leominster for the purposes of meeting with a boy he believed to be 14 years old. Marino let investigators examine two cell phones he had. He admitted to deleting all text messages, call logs and social media apps used on the phones before meeting with investigators, the complaint reads. Marino was relieved of duty on April 18 and has had no official role or duties for the town since then, officials said. Last year, Marino was appointed chief in September after then-Chief William Bosworth retired. Marino joined the Stow Police Department in 1988 and in 2014 was promoted to lieutenant. Before working in Stow, Marino was a police officer in Richmond, Virginia, Marino told the Board of Selectmen when he was appointed chief. Related Content: KITCHENER Nick Roy wants to persuade Kitchener to reconsider its name, again. He first tried a few years ago. A petition went nowhere, as have other calls to abandon a foreign namesake of questionable conduct who helped build the British Empire. Now Roy is petitioning a second time, sensing a new public mood while people elsewhere topple historic statues and question monuments. He drafted a new online call with friends, seeking a referendum to rename the city. By Thursday it gained more than 380 signatures, far more than his earlier petition, he says. But Roy has not found a city council member to champion the cause. The City of Kitchener is standing without enthusiasm behind the name residents chose in 1916 while at war with Germany. We acknowledge that the legacy of our namesake, Horatio Herbert Kitchener, a decorated British Earl who established concentration camps during the Boer War, is not one to be celebrated, city hall said in a statement. While we in no way condone, diminish or forget his actions, we know that more than a century after our citizens chose this name for their community, Kitchener has become so much more than its historic connection to a British field marshal. Roy, 27, works as a moderator of social media. He doesnt expect his referendum call to bring about a new name, but is encouraged that people are debating history. He sees Lord Kitchener as a man of his time, perhaps more brutal than his peers. He wasnt the most pleasant individual, Roy said in his petition. His motivation for turfing the Kitchener name lies partly in his fondness for the historic Berlin name, reflecting the citys deep German roots. Berlins decision in 1916 to rename itself was a wrenching, sometimes violent, and much-mocked undertaking. Business leaders led the charge to change the name, worried about lost sales amid anti-German sentiment after two years of war. The hope was that a new name would appease people who were upset that Berlins young men were reluctant to enlist. The first choices to replace the name were so odd they earned national ridicule. Kitchener, a British war leader, was not yet in the running. Then fate intervened. A German mine sank Kitcheners ship and he drowned. His sudden death made him a British hero even as he was losing stature among his contemporaries. His name was added late to the choices and it squeaked through a low-turnout referendum. He died at the right time, said historian John English, a former member of Parliament who is retired from the University of Waterloo. Today Kitchener is remembered in popular culture as the fierce, famous face of wartime recruitment posters: Lord Kitchener wants you. His descendant, the last Earl of Kitchener, died in 2011. The link to popular culture remains in Julian Kitchener-Fellowes, writer of the television series Downton Abbey. Hes married to Emma Kitchener-Fellowes, niece of the last Earl. Like Roy, English is a fan of the original Berlin name. He opposes dropping Kitchener for practical and historic reasons. When you scratch people in this way it brings out some emotions, he said. The Kitchener name is a part of history that changed in an inept and unfortunate way, but here weve been living with it for 104 years. Why reopen wounds of the past? Technicians work near the door of a 737 Max aircraft at the Boeing factory in Renton, Wash., on March 27, 2019. (Lindsey Wasson/Reuters) Air Maintenance Firms, Manufacturers Plan for $60 Billion in Lost Sales Maintenance firms and spare parts producers who keep airplanes running are bracing for a decline of up to 75 percent in sales this yearand more pain to followas airlines park or retire thousands of aircraft due to the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic. Worth about $80 billion in sales last year, the industry ranges from engine makers like General Electric and Rolls-Royce, to systems companies like Honeywell International and Raytheon Technologies, and a host of smaller suppliers. Jetliners on average cost $3 million a year to service and make up a significant portion of revenue for most of these firms. That is under threat as the crisis cripples air travel and reduces the number of hours planes spend in the air, pushing back overhauls. We foresee reduction in maintenance, repair, and overhaul demand of 60 percent or more for commercial aero engines (in 2020). And production will fall 40-50 percent, said Kevin Michaels, managing director at aerospace consulting firm AeroDynamic Advisory. We will have an overhang of thousands and thousands of aircraft more than we require for years. To balance that out, you are going to have to retire thousands of aircraft. The decline of up to 75 percent in services revenue, which amounts to about $60 billion in lost sales, was estimated by analyst Richard Aboulafia at aerospace consultancy Teal Group. Lower demand for new jets is also causing the industry to revisit projections for demand for services later on, as fewer jets come down the pipeline for future parts servicing. Thousands of layoffs are already planned or underway but some aerospace experts suggest the impact is likely to be deeper than originally thought and point to several years of hard choices, with the market properly recovering only in 2023. The International Air Transport Association said last week that airlines would lose $84 billion in 2020, with revenue down by half to $419 billion, the worst year in the sectors history. This is going to be a very brutal time for companies dependent upon aftermarket revenues, Aboulafia said. The job cuts and spending cuts have only begun, he added. Generally, they need to fall as closely in line with output as possible, and outputof aircraft and spare partshas only begun to be cut too. Halt Some 18,000 planes, or around 65 percent of the global fleet, were grounded throughout April and most of May, and the industry is now planning for a global recession and a future where business travel is reduced and holidaymakers stay closer to home. Air France Boeing 777 planes sit on the tarmac at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport in Roissy-en-France during the outbreak of CCP virus in France, on May 25, 2020. (Charles Platiau/Reuters) Estimates collected by Reuters suggest the reduced demand will result in fewer than 20,000 planes in use in 2021 compared with an active fleet of about 27,000 planes in 2019. All analysts with whom Reuters spoke said they did not expect maintenance spending to recover to 2019 levels until 2023. Numbers on the current age of fleets, together with indications given by some airlines, suggest between 1,500 and 2,600 aircraft could be retired over the next 12 months, more than three times as many as in a typical year. At $3 million a plane, that adds up to $7.8 billion in lost aftermarket revenue. But planes over 10 years old also tend to demand more work. They make up around 48 percent of the current fleet, but account for more than half the maintenance, according to consulting firm Oliver Wyman. So lost revenue is likely to rise. As aircraft are retired, aircraft operators will extract parts (used serviceable material) from retired aircraft rather than purchase parts from aftermarket suppliers, Credit Suisse analyst Robert Spingarn said. Costs per plane also vary drastically. A young Boeing 737 may cost less than $1.5 million to maintain, while a widebody 777 or 787 four times as much. Delta Air Lines, in one example, is cutting 18 Boeing 777 planes which one analyst told Reuters cost $7.3 million each on average to maintain per year. Timothy Kuder from consultancy Frost & Sullivan said airlines are likely to make significant job cuts once a moratorium on new layoffs under the governments bailout runs out in September. What that means for the companies reliant on aftermarket revenue (is) there is going to be less business out there than (parts suppliers) are able to sustain with their workforce. Epoch Times staff contributed to this report Scotland Yard today hit back at claims they have failed to hand crucial letters to Madeleine McCann's parents from German police and also denied there is any evidence that the missing British girl is dead. Kate and Gerry McCann have also rubbished claims they have received multiple notes from Bundeskriminalamt detectives investigating paedophile prime suspect Christian Brueckner who is currently in Kiel prison for drug smuggling. But Braunschweig prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters has insisted two letters were sent to the couple by the German Federal Police (BKA), albeit indirectly via Scotland Yard, alleging British detectives then failed to pass them on. Amid the war of words between British and German police, a spokesman for the Met said this afternoon: 'The Met received one letter from the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) on June 12, which was passed to the family. 'The letter did not state that there was evidence or proof that Madeleine is dead - the Met continue to investigate Madeleines disappearance as a missing person investigation. No letter has been received by the Met from the German prosecutor'. The clash between German authorities and British police came amid tensions in Portugal where German detectives have been refused permission to test a mystery saliva sample found in the Praia da Luz holiday apartment the British toddler vanished from on May 3, 2007. Madeleine McCann has been missing since she disappeared on holiday in Portugal in 2007 and the probe is now being led by German Police because the prime suspect is a German and convicted paedophile Kate and Gerry McCann, pictured, reportedly failed to receive crucial letters about their daughter's disappearance after a blunder by British police, who have denied the claims But prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters, pictured, has insisted two letters were indeed sent, albeit indirectly, to Scotland Yard, where police chiefs then failed to pass them on 13 years of heartache: Timeline of the key events in the hunt for missing Madeleine McCann May 3, 2007 - Madeleine McCann disappears from her apartment in Praia da Luz. 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. May 30 - The McCanns meet the Pope in Rome during a series of trips around Europe and beyond to highlight the search. August - Sniffer dogs reportedly find blood traces in the McCanns' apartment. September 7 - The McCanns are made arguidos official suspects. They were totally exonerated the following year. 2008 - Detective Goncalo Amaral falsely claims the McCanns hid Madeleine's body. 2011 - The Met Police launches Operation Grange and identify almost 200 new lines of inquiry. 2013 - The Met identifies 38 people 'of interest'. Portuguese detectives reopen the case. 2017 - A witness comes forward with the name of the German suspect, Christian Brueckner. The McCanns reveal they still buy gifts for Madeleine. June 3, 2020 - Police sensationally reveal that they are investigating a German sex offender. Brueckner's name emerges the following day. June 8 - German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters says he has evidence Madeleine is dead but won't say what it is. June 15 - Mr Wolters says he has written to the McCanns telling them he has evidence their daughter is dead. Once again, he gives no details. Advertisement Mr Wolters said the first letter, dispatched at the end of May, confirmed that German police were treating the case as a murder, while the second was sent last week to update them on the investigation. It is the latest revelation in what appears to be a disjointed operation involving forces in Germany, Britain and Portugal, where Madeleine vanished in 2007. Investigators with the Portuguese Judiciaria said last week they were 'incensed' at the way they are being made to look like they are dragging their feet over the renewed appeal for help, as Mr Wolters described working with police in the country of the youngster's disappearance as 'cumbersome'. Kate and Gerry have never given up hope of finding their daughter and new life was breathed into the 13-year-old case this month when German sex attacker Christian Brueckner was named by prosecutors as prime murder suspect. Scotland Yard and German police have received more than 1,000 calls since Brueckner, 43, was identified. They believe the German drifter burgled holiday homes in the Algarve and on some occasions sexually assaulted women and girls inside the properties. Public appeals for information have featured Brueckner's former farmhouse and another property in which he stayed, as well as a VW campervan and Jaguar car he owned. Detectives are also trying to find the person who phoned him an hour before Madeleine disappeared, shortly before her fourth birthday. Police say that Brueckner received the call near the McCanns' holiday apartment in the Ocean Club complex. Mr Wolters said this week: 'We have concrete evidence that our suspect has killed Madeleine and this means she is dead. 'The parents have been told the German police have evidence that she is dead but we have not told them the details.' However, Kate and Gerry hit back with a furious rebuke, in which they said: 'The widely reported news that we have a received a letter from the German authorities that states there is evidence or proof that Madeleine is dead is FALSE.' 'Like many unsubstantiated stories in the media, this has caused unnecessary anxiety to friends and family and once again disrupted our lives. Christian Brueckner is the latest man to be linked with Madeline's disappearance after a long history of offences 'As we have stated many times before, we will not give a running commentary on the investigation - that is the job of the law enforcement agencies and we will support them in any way requested.' Now, though, it has emerged the mix-up came at Metropolitan Police headquarters. A spokesman told The Sun: 'We do not comment on or confirm any private correspondence.' Mr Wolters added that he didn't want to add more details about German authorities' contact with the family, saying it was 'not necessary at the moment'. Fort Hood has initiated an internal investigation into allegations that Pfc. Vanessa Guillen, a soldier from Houston who has been missing since April 22, was sexually harassed. Guillen was last seen April 22 in a parking lot at Fort Hood. She reportedly told her family she had been sexually harassed on base before her disappearance. Are planets with oceans common in the galaxy? It's likely, NASA scientists find Several years ago, planetary scientist Lynnae Quick began to wonder whether any of the more than 4,000 known exoplanets, or planets beyond our solar system, might resemble some of the watery moons around Jupiter and Saturn. Though some of these moons don't have atmospheres and are covered in ice, they are still among the top targets in NASA's search for life beyond Earth. Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's moon Europa, which scientists classify as "ocean worlds," are good examples. "Plumes of water erupt from Europa and Enceladus, so we can tell that these bodies have subsurface oceans beneath their ice shells, and they have energy that drives the plumes, which are two requirements for life as we know it," says Quick, a NASA planetary scientist who specializes in volcanism and ocean worlds. "So if we're thinking about these places as being possibly habitable, maybe bigger versions of them in other planetary systems are habitable too." Quick, of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, decided to explore whether -- hypothetically -- there are planets similar to Europa and Enceladus in the Milky Way galaxy. And, could they, too, be geologically active enough to shoot plumes through their surfaces that could one day be detected by telescopes. Through a mathematical analysis of several dozen exoplanets, including planets in the nearby TRAPPIST-1 system, Quick and her colleagues learned something significant: More than a quarter of the exoplanets they studied could be ocean worlds, with a majority possibly harboring oceans beneath layers of surface ice, similar to Europa and Enceladus. Additionally, many of these planets could be releasing more energy than Europa and Enceladus. Scientists may one day be able to test Quick's predictions by measuring the heat emitted from an exoplanet or by detecting volcanic or cryovolcanic (liquid or vapor instead of molten rock) eruptions in the wavelengths of light emitted by molecules in a planet's atmosphere. For now, scientists cannot see many exoplanets in any detail. Alas, they are too far away and too drowned out by the light of their stars. But by considering the only information available -- exoplanet sizes, masses and distances from their stars -- scientists like Quick and her colleagues can tap mathematical models and our understanding of the solar system to try to imagine the conditions that could be shaping exoplanets into livable worlds or not. While the assumptions that go into these mathematical models are educated guesses, they can help scientists narrow the list of promising exoplanets to search for conditions favorable to life so that NASA's upcoming James Webb Space Telescope or other space missions can follow up. "Future missions to look for signs of life beyond the solar system are focused on planets like ours that have a global biosphere that's so abundant it's changing the chemistry of the whole atmosphere," says Aki Roberge, a NASA Goddard astrophysicist who collaborated with Quick on this analysis. "But in the solar system, icy moons with oceans, which are far from the heat of the Sun, still have shown that they have the features we think are required for life." To look for possible ocean worlds, Quick's team selected 53 exoplanets with sizes most similar to Earth, though they could have up to eight times more mass. Scientists assume planets of this size are more solid than gaseous and, thus, more likely to support liquid water on or below their surfaces. At least 30 more planets that fit these parameters have been discovered since Quick and her colleagues began their study in 2017, but they were not included in the analysis, which was published on June 18 in the journal Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. With their Earth-size planets identified, Quick and her team sought to determine how much energy each one could be generating and releasing as heat. The team considered two primary sources of heat. The first, radiogenic heat, is generated over billions of years by the slow decay of radioactive materials in a planet's mantle and crust. That rate of decay depends on a planet's age and the mass of its mantle. Other scientists already had determined these relationships for Earth-size planets. So, Quick and her team applied the decay rate to their list of 53 planets, assuming each one is the same age as its star and that its mantle takes up the same proportion of the planet's volume as Earth's mantle does. Next, the researchers calculated heat produced by something else: tidal force, which is energy generated from the gravitational tugging when one object orbits another. Planets in stretched out, or elliptical, orbits shift the distance between themselves and their stars as they circle them. This leads to changes in the gravitational force between the two objects and causes the planet to stretch, thereby generating heat. Eventually, the heat is lost to space through the surface. One exit route for the heat is through volcanoes or cryovolcanoes. Another route is through tectonics, which is a geological process responsible for the movement of the outermost rocky or icy layer of a planet or moon. Whichever way the heat is discharged, knowing how much of it a planet pushes out is important because it could make or break habitability. For instance, too much volcanic activity can turn a livable world into a molten nightmare. But too little activity can shut down the release of gases that make up an atmosphere, leaving a cold, barren surface. Just the right amount supports a livable, wet planet like Earth, or a possibly livable moon like Europa. In the next decade, NASA's Europa Clipper will explore the surface and subsurface of Europa and provide insights about the environment beneath the surface. The more scientists can learn about Europa and other potentially habitable moons of our solar system, the better they'll be able to understand similar worlds around other stars -- which may be plentiful, according to today's findings. "Forthcoming missions will give us a chance to see whether ocean moons in our solar system could support life," says Quick, who is a science team member on both the Clipper mission and the Dragonfly mission to Saturn's moon Titan. "If we find chemical signatures of life, we can try to look for similar signs at interstellar distances." When Webb launches, scientists will try to detect chemical signatures in the atmospheres of some of the planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system, which is 39 light years away in the constellation Aquarius. In 2017, astronomers announced that this system has seven Earth-size planets. Some have suggested that some of these planets could be watery, and Quick's estimates support this idea. According to her team's calculations, TRAPPIST-1 e, f, g and h could be ocean worlds, which would put them among the 14 ocean worlds the scientists identified in this study. The researchers predicted that these exoplanets have oceans by considering the surface temperatures of each one. This information is revealed by the amount of stellar radiation each planet reflects into space. Quick's team also took into account each planet's density and the estimated amount of internal heating it generates compared to Earth. "If we see that a planet's density is lower than Earth's, that's an indication that there might be more water there and not as much rock and iron," Quick says. And if the planet's temperature allows for liquid water, you've got an ocean world. "But if a planet's surface temperature is less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), where water is frozen," Quick says, "then we have an icy ocean world, and the densities for those planets are even lower." ### Other scientists who participated in this analysis with Quick and Roberge are Amy Barr Mlinar from the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson, Arizona, and Matthew M. Hedman from the University of Idaho in Moscow. By Lonnie Shekhtman NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. This story has been published on: 2020-06-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19 By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend: The issue of fulfilling Azerbaijan's state budget for 2019 was discussed in the third reading at the meeting of the extraordinary session of the Azerbaijani parliament on June 19, Trend reports. The state budget revenues were approved in the amount of 23.2 billion manat ($13.6 billion), expenses 24.2 billion manat ($14.2 billion) for 2019. Some 7.7 billion manat, thats $4.5 billion (31.7 percent) of budget revenues accounted for the revenues through the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy, 4.4 billion manat, thats $2.6 billion (18.2 percent) - through the State Customs Committee, 11.4 billion manat, thats $6.7 billion (46.9 percent) - for the share of the state budget transfer from the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan, 772.9 million manat, thats $454.6 million (3.2 percent) - for the share of other income including 578.9 million manat, thats $340.5 million from the paid services of budgetary organizations, 182.6 million manat, thats $107.4 million - from other revenues, 11.4 million manat, thats $6.7 million - from revenues from the rental of state property and lands on which privatized state enterprises and facilities are located. The state budget revenues for 2019, excluding transfers to the state budget from the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan reached 12.8 billion manat ($7.5 billion), which is by 1.3 billion manat, thats $764,705 (11.3 percent) more compared to 2018. The state budget expenditures for 2019 were fulfilled at 24.4 billion manat ($14.3 billion) that makes up 97 percent of the predicted figure worth 25.2 billion manat ($14.8 billion) and is by 1.7 billion manat, thats $1 billion (7.5 percent) more compared to 2018. The state budget expenditures worth 13.5 billion manat, thats $7.9 billion (55.4 percent) were transferred for the current expenses (by 1.9 billion manat, thats $1.1 billion or 17.1 percent more compared to 2018), 9.4 billion manat, thats $5.5 billion (38.4 percent) - for main expenses (by 430.6 million manat, thats $253.3 million or 4.8 percent more compared to 2018), 1.5 billion manat, thats $882,352 (6.2 percent) - for expenses associated with the service on public debt and obligations in 2019. Some 31.8 percent (7.8 billion manat thats $4.6 billion) of the state budget expenditures for 2019 were transferred to finance the social expenses, which is 564.8 million manat, thats $332.2 million (7.8 percent) more compared to 2018. Following the discussions, the issue was put to the vote and approved on the last third reading. (1 USD = 1.7 AZN on June 19) The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, a Kansas-based tribe that sought to prevent all the remaining aid from being spent, is appealing the decision. But some other tribes have warned that the funding needs to be released immediately in order to avoid further economic and health devastation. Theres a timeline on this, Jonathan Nez, the president of the Navajo Nation, said at a recent town hall. We need to get those dollars to all the tribes across the country so they can help their citizens. Before sending the first wave of payments, the Treasury Department asked tribes to submit information, including figures on enrolled members of the tribe, to help calculate how the money should be divided. The $8 billion fund was split into two portions, one to be allocated based on population and enrollment, and the other based on tribal expenses. But instead of using the broader count based on tribal citizenship, tribal leaders say, the agency used population data from the Department of Housing and Urban Developments Indian Housing Block Grant program to determine funding levels. The housing departments figures are tied to how many people within a certain geographic area identified as American Indian or Alaska Native on their census forms. Because some tribes do not have a designated reservation or service area, their population counts were listed as zero and they received only the minimum $100,000 allocation. We are not races we are sovereign nations, said Chief Ben Barnes of the Shawnee Tribe. How can a tribe have zero people? he added, noting that more than 3,000 people belong to his tribe. It was a simple clerical error, but no one at Treasury tried to fix it. The oversight was even more egregious, Chief Barnes said, because there is also a census count that, while not completely accurate, would have ensured the tribe got closer to the $12 million it believes it is entitled to based on enrollment numbers. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 01:37:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ROME, June 19 (Xinhua) -- A deal for Italy to export two kinds of specialty rice to China is seen as a sign of the continued strengthening of ties between the two countries, as it does about the popularity of Italian rice-based cuisine. Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced recently that the two countries finalized a deal that will allow Italy to export Arborio and Carnaroli rice to China. The agreement is one of the latest commercial deals between the two countries. The agreement was based on the protocol of China's General Administration of Customs and Italy's Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies "on the inspection and quarantine requirements of Italian rice exported to China," which stated that Italian rice "meets the inspection and quarantine requirements" for import. That cleared the way for the export of Italian rice to China. "It may sound counter-intuitive that Italy will export rice to China just because China already produces so much rice already," Silvana Ballotta, head of Business Strategies, an advisory firm, said in an interview. Rice has been part of Italian cuisine since the 15th century, but the Arborio and Carnaroli varieties only date back around 100 years. They are used to make risotto, a traditional dish in which the rice is cooked in meat, fish, or vegetable broth until it becomes creamy. The Chinese embassy in Italy has confirmed the deal, saying it might satisfy the needs of Italian restaurants in China as risotto is an important part of the Italian cuisine. Additionally, while Italy is Europe's leading producer of rice, the country has only around 230,000 hectares (570,000 acres) of land under cultivation for rice, all of it in northern Italy, according to data from the Italian Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies for 2018. "Arborio and Carnaroli rice will only be part of a niche market in China," Ballotta said. "But this is more about developing the wider market for Italian food products and about the ties between the countries." According to Francesca Filippone, founder and managing director of L3, a business development consultancy specializing in the food and wine sectors, this deal is "a further sign of strong relations between two countries that already have many ties." "I think Italy realizes that China is its economic future," she said. "This is about building that relationship as much as it is about selling some rice." Ballotta said that for the Italian rice varieties to claim a market in China, distributors will have to explain how the rice should be prepared according to Italian traditions. When it made the announcement about the deal, Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation cast it as a piece of positive economic news, especially for rice growers in the northern part of the country hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. The Italian economy is expected to contract by around 10 percent this year, in part because of weaker exports as the world recovers from the pandemic. Enditem First and foremost, I made this film for trans people, says Sam Feder, the director of the new Netflix documentary Disclosure. We needed to lay out our story in this way so it could be owned, and I hope trans people feel emboldened by seeing this history, its pain and its complexities told by other trans people. Weaving together interviews with trans writers, actors and producers, Disclosure offers an in-depth look at the history of trans representation onscreen, from the early days of moving pictures to recent TV series like Pose that have gained mainstream success. Executive-produced by Laverne Cox, the documentary examines the enduring impacts of problematic and painful depictions from the past as well as examples of the more positive representations that result when trans people gain control over their own stories. Cox, alongside Lilly Wachowski, Yance Ford, MJ Rodriguez, Chaz Bono and several others share their insights into what films and television series as varied as Paris Is Burning, CSI, Women in Revolt and Dirty Sexy Money have meant to them. There was something so validating about the roots of this history going so deep, because Ive felt it in my bones, says Feder. It helps you understand why transphobia runs so vast in our society. Every single stereotype and distorted image we see all goes back to saying trans people arent realand it disavows who we say we are. Here, the director shares nine significant moments from his own reckoning with trans representation onscreen, from some of the most painful to some of the most affirming. Judith of Bethulia (1914) Disclosures interviewees explore instances where depictions of transness may not be as obvious to other audiences; historian Susan Stryker points to the 1914 D.W. Griffith film Judith of Bethulia, one of the earliest feature-length silent films. Stryker explains the symbolism of one moment in which a gender non-conforming character is shown circling around a decapitation scene, which could potentially suggest the notion of the character being cut or castrated. Story continues I love how Susan Stryker has centered trans people in the history of film, and you just slightly shift the lens and youre a part of history in a way youve never been before, says Feder. Though Griffiths racist perspective is well-documented (see: The Birth of a Nation), the fact that he made the gender non-conforming body the butt of a joke has been historically overlooked when discussing his work, says Feder. Daytime television talk shows (1990s) I grew up in Brooklyn, and often came home and watched television after school, says Feder. His memories of these TV sessions often group shows together into what he describes as an amorphous experience of violence against trans people. A section of Disclosure is dedicated to clips from talk shows in which interviewers including Jerry Springer, Maury Povich and Katie Couric ask invasive questions that dehumanized trans people in front of large audiences. The talk shows were relentlessI watched them all, I engaged with them all and they absolutely influenced the way I saw the world, says Feder. The Crying Game (1992) Set in Northern Ireland against the backdrop of the Troubles, the 1992 film The Crying Game featured a storyline involving a romance between Fergus, an IRA volunteer, and Dil, a transgender woman, played by Jaye Davidson. The film gained critical acclaim and was nominated for six Academy Awards, including a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Davidson. Feder has conflicting feelings about it, saying that while The Crying Game was a really beautiful, complicated and political love story, its promotional campaign focusing on the secret, referring to the fact that Dil was transgender, and treatment of a sex scene did it a disservice. In that scene, when Fergus and Dil are about to have their first sexual encounter, the camera pans down to show Dils penis. Fergus reacts with disgust, slapping Dil away as he runs to the bathroom and vomits. The interviewees in Disclosure discuss how damaging that reaction was, and how it was echoed in several other films, like Ace Ventura and Naked Gun 33 , both of which were released in 1994 and treated trans women as punchlines. That scene has been seared into my memory since, says Feder. Boys Dont Cry (1999) Based on the true story of Nebraska teenager Brandon Teena, Boys Dont Cry tells the story of a young trans man coming to terms with his identity and eventually falling victim to a brutal hate crime at the hands of two male acquaintances. Hilary Swank won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her lead role as Teena the following year, and Feder remembers it having a significant impact on him at the time. It was one of the first times that the mainstream had been engaged with the story of a trans man, he says. Its a film that several interviewees refer to in Disclosure, particularly in terms of its violent and visceral nature, and the fact that a Black, male friend of the real life Teena was written out of the story. Walking away from that film made me want to dis-identify from any inclinations towards a trans identity. It wasnt really until I met trans people in real life did I understand; these images informed what I thought trans people were, and they only made me misidentify, says Feder. By Hook or By Crook (2001) Co-written, directed by and starring Silas Howard and Harry Dodge, this queer buddy comedy premiered to critical acclaim at Sundance in 2001 and became something of a cult classic. Howard later went on to direct episodes of Transparent as well as the 2018 film A Kid Like Jake. That film was way ahead of its time, says Feder of By Hook or By Crook. Before making Disclosure, Feder says he wasnt really paying that much attention to mainstream Hollywood images because of the pain they had evoked during his adolescence and early 20s, and instead looked to independent cinema. Thats where I feel the most hopeful and excited, for the films and television that trans people are making for themselves and by themselves. Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019) Laverne Cox in 'Orange Is the New Black' | Netflix Orange Is the New Black is fantastic, says Feder. The series, which ran from 2013 to 2019, followed a cast of characters living and working in a womens prison and became Netflixs most-watched original series. Laverne Coxs role as Sophia Burset, a transgender woman in Litchfield Penitentiary who acted as the prisons hairdresser, earned her an Emmy nomination, making her the first openly transgender person to receive such a nomination in any acting category. Cox was featured on the cover of TIME for a 2014 story about the transgender tipping point, referring to the increased visibility of trans people in media and broader American society. Feder highlights that Coxs performance in OITNB wasnt a singular point for trans representation, but a victory built on decades of work by the trans movement and by Cox herself. Whats largely left out of the mainstream conversation is the fact that we have such a deep and rich history and we didnt just appear in 2014. he says. Drunktowns Finest (2014) Directed by transgender Navajo filmmaker Sydney Freeland, Drunktowns Finest is the coming-of-age story of three young Native Americans on journeys of self-discovery. A father-to-be, an adopted girl and a transgender woman star in the film, which was set on a Navajo reservation. In terms of the projects Im attracted to, its definitely if theres an outsider character or a character that comes from a marginalized background, said Freeland in an interview with High Country News, adding that trans women in film have tended to be depicted as caricatures as opposed to characters. Drunktowns Finest immediately comes to mind for Feder when thinking about other hopeful projects created by trans people. Its a complicated, beautiful film, he says. Her Story (2016) For the first time, trans people are taking center of their own storytelling, says writer, actor and producer Jen Richards in Disclosure. Her 2016 web series Her Story did just thatcentering on the lives of trans and queer people based in L.A., starring Richards and Poses Angelica Ross. Comprised of six nine-minute episodes, the show portrays the women navigating their careers and love lives. It was also produced on a small budget without major studio backing, and became the first indie web series to be nominated for an Emmy. Her Story has a lot of tropes that we see in other films, but its done with a certain sensitivity that can only come from a trans person, says Feder. A Fantastic Woman (2017) Daniela Vega in Sebastian Lelio's 'A Fantastic Woman.' | Sony Pictures Classics A Fantastic Woman, starring Daniela Vega, was met with critical acclaim on its release in 2017. A story of grief and shock, the Chilean film features Vega, a transgender actor, in the role of Marina, a transgender character who is coping with the death of her lover. But Feder feels that the movie, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, was aimed more at cisgender audiences than at trans people. Im often looking at how the public is responding to an image, and that tells me about the state of public consciousness at the time. I found that everything that happened in A Fantastic Woman happened to the protagonist because shes trans, says Feder, pointing to one particular scene where Marina is disrobed by a criminal investigator. The film was not made for trans people; it was made for cis people to feel good about feeling bad for trans people. Thats a lens Im often pushing up against, thinking about who is this for, and how is it supposed to make people feel and how are people reacting to that feeling. A Fantastic Woman was lauded but it was so disheartening to know that thats where we still are, that the only access to allyship was through pity. TRENTON Bad cops, bad cops, what you gonna do? What you gonna do when they come for you? On Thursday night, the capital city legislative body passed a pair of police-reform measures aimed at improving TPDs operations and policies, in the wake of worldwide protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The measures call for an independent assessment of the Trenton Police, which has faced accusations of brutality over the years. Last year, the feds indicted city cops Anthony Villanueva and Drew Inman as part of an excessive-force probe. The charges are still pending. City officials also approved a measure urging Mayor Reed Gusciora to commit to having the department revise use-of-force policies. That measure could be moot as AG Gurbir Grewal already banned the use of chokeholds and neck restraints except in cases when deadly force in necessary. He also pledged to revisit his offices two-decade-old use-of-force policies and make public a list of cops who committed misconduct on the job. Gusciora told The Trentonian this week that he also favors the push to publicize city cops internal affairs jackets. But he wouldnt commit to how much transparency the city intends on with those records, saying he needed to consult with the local police unions. Gusciora said the capital citys plan could mirror Patterson Mayor Andre Sayeghs pledge to publicize next month a list of cops who were fired, demoted or suspended for five days for misconduct. Not waiting for the mayor to take action, Trenton council Kathy McBride sponsored two resolutions aimed at police reform. They both passed with majority support, despite concerns from some residents who wondered how beneficial a review of the department could go toward shaping future policy and reducing misconduct. McBride said the council will have input in the scope of the professional assessment, which must be put out to bid by the administration. She asked the administration to put out a Request for Proposal to firms that could undertake the vigorous examination. There was no word from the administration if or when it would do so. Thats a step in the right direction, McBride said. An independent group already did an assessment of the police force a couple years ago, said Michael Schiaretti, president of the PBA Local 11. He wasnt sure if the group produced a report. Schiaretti said the union will consult the administration and counsel about what reform looks like in Trenton. As for revising the use-of-force policies, he said any city mandate must align with the revised use-of-force guidelines put out by the AG. I think whatever the ultimate outcome is I think people will be surprised to learn the men and women have conducted themselves professionally, he said. Theres no stick of dynamite theyre gonna unearth that theres major issues with this police department. The cost of an analysis is unclear at this point, but whatever firm is tapped must produce recommendation to city officials on how to improve the police force. At the meeting, Trenton resident Caitlin Fair questioned whether the assessment was a performative gesture. She referred to a a tactical unit in Trenton as notoriously violent, called on the council to decrease funding for TPD and said it should require the funds for the assessment to come out of the departments budget. Fair also called out Lt. Jason Astbury, who has made headlines in the past over some of his conduct on the job. She pointed to his involvement in a police shooting. Alcohol was later found in then-Sgt. Astburys police cruiser, but that didnt stop him from getting promoted, Fair said. She alleged misconduct was rampant among many officers who continue to patrol our streets. At-large councilman Jerell Blakeley urged colleagues not to stop at the outside professional evalutaion. He unveiled plans to propose an ordinance for a civilian review board, once the state Supreme Court weighs in on the Newark Police unions bid to limit the powers of Newarks civilian oversight group. Blakeley suggested the body could also use its investigatory powers to spearhead change at TPD. We definitely have power as a body to address, to ask questions, to have our own review, he said. One area of study could be the long-simmering disdain for the street crimes, a specialized unit that TPD Director Sheilah Coley promised to equip with body cameras. Attorneys and residents have criticized what they view as the units heavy-handed tactics, with some officers in the unit being compared to the Alonzo Harris, the corrupt Los Angeles Police detective played by Denzel Washington in the movie Training Day. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: China on Friday again blamed India for the Galwan Valley. clash Regarding the serious situation in Galwan Valley, right and wrong is very clear and the responsibility entirely lies with the Indian side. India and China are in talks to ease the situation, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said. India has already dismissed China's claim of sovereignty over the Galwan Valley, saying such "exaggerated" and "untenable" claims are contrary to the understanding reached during a high-level military dialogue on June 6. During a media briefing here, Zhao Lijian again blamed India for the violent face-off in eastern Ladakh on the night of June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers, including a Colonel, were killed, and issued a press note giving 'step-by-step account of the Galwan clash' as per China. ALSO READ: Neither has anyone intruded into Indian territory nor has anyone taken over any post, says PM Modi Zhao's reiteration of Beijing's claim over the Galwan Valley came a day after the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said "given its responsible approach to border management, India is very clear that all its activities are always within the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). We expect the Chinese side to also confine it's activities to it's side of the LAC." "The Galwan Valley lies on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control in the western section of the China-India border. For many years, Chinese border guards have been patrolling and performing their duties normally," he said. In the press note on the Chinese Foreign Ministry website, Zhao also said "a second commander-level meeting should happen as soon as possible to deal with the situation on the ground". The two sides are in communication on easing the situation through diplomatic and military channels. China attaches importance to China-India relations and hopes that India will work with China to jointly maintain the larger picture of the long-term development of bilateral relations. "The two sides agreed to handle in a just manner the serious situation caused by the Galwan Valley clash, observe the agreement reached during the commander-level meeting, cool down the situation on the ground as soon as possible, and uphold peace and tranquility of the border areas in accordance with bilateral agreements reached so far," he said. "China hopes that India will work with us, follow faithfully the important consensus reached between the two leaders, abide by the agreements reached between the two governments, and strengthen communication and coordination on properly managing the current situation through diplomatic and military channels, and jointly uphold peace and stability in the border areas," Zhao said. Asked about growing calls in India to boycott Chinese goods, Lijian said the two countries can cooperate to maintain long term bilateral relationships. Hu Xijin, editor of the Global Times, the Chinese government mouthpiece, blamed India for the death of its soldiers. In fact, most of the Indian soldiers died due to the backward logistical support of the Indian army. China shouldnt be blamed, he tweeted. Meanwhile, in what appears to be a reaction to calls for boycott of Chinese goods in India, Beijing made 98 per cent of products coming in from Bangladesh duty-free from July 1. Experts say this is a direct signal that China can look beyond India in the region to further its interests. It should serve as a wake-up call for India. Cutting trade ties with Beijing will be more harmful for New Delhi. With China targeting Indias age-old allies like Bangladesh, it should be taken seriously. It is also interesting that countries like Bangladesh have not expressed support for India in the Galwan Valley incident, a researcher at the Institute of Chinese Studies said. Sinologist BR Deepak also urged India to strategically trade with China. (With PTI Inputs) Health experts fear Americans are putting off basic preventative care, such as checking blood pressure. (Ross May / Los Angeles Times; Getty Images) The message from my doctors office fell into my inbox in early May. It stated: Based on our records it appears that the following appointment is due for scheduling. What? My doctor wants me to come in for a checkup? Amid a pandemic? At first, I considered playing possum not responding. Yes, Los Angeles was lifting its stay-at-home requirements and was starting to open up, but the county was still a hot spot for COVID-19. Could I put this off? Wouldnt it be better to avoid medical clinics where other people have been breathing, sneezing, touching things? Ultimately I decided to go ahead with the appointment. The reasons involved a national healthcare disaster few have recognized. Over the last three months, Americans have been avoiding hospitals and medical clinics, even when sick or injured. In May, the Commonwealth Fund published a study that found doctors visits in the United States dropped by about 60% from mid-March to mid-April. Visits have rebounded as the economy has slowly reopened, but as of mid-May, the number of visits was still roughly one-third lower than what was seen before the pandemic, the researchers reported. Here in California, emergency department visits dropped by 40% to 60% during the two-month shutdown, according to a report this month by the California Health Care Foundation. There are likely several reasons for this drop. People are busy. Some are juggling jobs while caring for kids at home. Others are mired in the red tape of obtaining unemployment insurance. Video teleconferences with doctors have been an option ever since the lockdowns of mid-March but early on, there were questions on whether health insurance would help cover those calls . Yet fear is a major factor. Rightly or wrongly, some are apparently scared that medical clinics could be a conduit for contagion. That is unlikely. Doctors' offices and medical personnel have to comply with strict safety protocols, giving these clinics a whole new feel amid this pandemic. When I arrived for my appointment, a masked nurse was outside the clinic doors, asking if I felt any symptoms and checking my temperature with a forehead thermometer. Inside, the waiting room was empty. Another masked nurse quickly escorted me to the scales to check my weight. Story continues Unlike in the pre-pandemic era, the nurse asked me to remove my sandals before stepping on the scales, on which she had placed a piece of protective paper. She took my blood pressure, and retook my temperature with an ear thermometer. Minutes later, my physician, Dr. Elizabeth Ko, entered the room. Instead of shaking my hand, she put her hands together in front of her chest and bowed. "This is how we shake hands," she said, and I could detect a big smile on her face, even behind her mask. For the most part, it was a pretty normal exam, other than the fact she spent most of it on a chair seven feet away. We talked for a while, with her asking questions about my life and work. She clearly was checking in on my mental health. "Are you sleeping well?" I did my best to sound more sane and and rested than I probably am. Since the March shutdowns, Dr. Ko had been helping colleagues with COVID-19 patients, treating them by video and not in the clinic where I was sitting. When California and Los Angeles County signaled in early June that various businesses would be allowed to reopen with restrictions, UCLA Health started sending out emails urging me and others to make appointments. I recall during past medical exams that the doctor would ask me to open my mouth, at which point a very rough tab would be placed on my tongue, as my doctor would peer into my mouth. That did not happen during this exam. My mask stayed on. So did hers. Then she pulled out her stethoscope. As she checked my heart, the experience took me back to my first childhood days. I remember those early exams, when the surface of a stethoscope seemed so cold on my skin, so clinical. Now I find it fascinating that doctors continue to depend on such old-school technology to check something as important as a heartbeat. (Interesting historical fact: The stethoscope was invented in the early 19th century by a French doctor, a devout Catholic named Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laennec, who was concerned about placing his ear directly on a womans chest.) Asking me to lie back, Dr. Ko then pressed on my stomach, checking the surface of organs such as liver, kidneys and bladder. She checked my neck, which I informed her was unusually stiff from three months of working at a computer on our dining room table. She checked my head, nicely shorn by my wife after I finally broke down and let her cut my hair during the lockdown. All this just took a few minutes but it prompted some reflection much later. I had allowed my doctor and her nurse to touch me directly. This was the first time in three months that anyone other than my spouse had done so. The rest of the checkup was routine, with blood and urine samples taken. And that was it. A few days later, I got my test results back. I was fine, other than needing to slightly knock down my cholesterol levels, perhaps a side effect of too many heavy meals after purchasing too much meat early during the pandemic. As a child, I remember not wanting to see the doctor or sit in those exam rooms, with their fluorescent tube lighting and antiseptic smells. I can understand why so many people want to avoid them. But now, more than ever, staying healthy is crucial. Simple blood tests, urine tests and direct exams can detect early cancers, diabetes, hypertension and many other illnesses. Most of these ailments can make one more vulnerable to COVID-19. Or they could kill you outright, regardless of the coronavirus. So stop playing possum. Visiting your doctor might be the key human contact you've been missing all these weeks. Americans are protesting on the streets, but it is the courts and the legislatures where justice, ultimately, is delivered. With African Americans demanding the civil rights the Constitution grants them, the Supreme Court has affirmed the rights of LGBTQ workers, another oppressed minority. And in Sundays editorial, we will reflect on the courts decision to preserve DACA. Each decision deserves its own reflection. In a landmark case, the high court ruled that LGBTQ workers are protected from job discrimination, broadening the scope of sexual discrimination to include orientation and transgender status. It was the biggest triumph for the gay community since the court legalized same-sex marriage in 2015, but the recent ruling is more far-reaching, touching the lives and livelihoods of more Americans than any previous decision. The workplace, thanks to the ruling, is no longer a minefield, forcing LGBTQ employees to be careful about every step they take. As Graciela Sanchez, head of the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, said of the ruling, Not everyone wants to get married, but just about everyone needs to work. The 6-3 decision was shocking to some and surprising to many as the court has a solid conservative majority, but the decision shows that civil liberties transcend partisan lines. In upholding the protections granted by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Supreme Court reviewed three cases, including the firing of a transgender woman, Aimee Stephens, as the director of a funeral home in Michigan. It was the first time the court had heard arguments involving the rights of a transgender person. Stephens died in May. The ruling was a sharp rebuke of the Trump administration, which had urged the court to rule that Title VII does not cover orientation and transgender status. The ordinary meaning of sex is biologically male or female; it does not include sexual orientation, the Justice Department said. Trump was subdued, saying he would live with the decision, but one of his advisers was less philosophical. Its bizarre, its ridiculous, and its disappointing, Jenna Ellis, a legal adviser for the Trump campaign, said on a radio program. The president, of course, disagrees because he is a constitutional originalist. But it was Justice Neil Gorsuch, an originalist and Trump appointee, who wrote the decision. An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex, Gorsuch wrote. Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what Title VII forbids. The Civil Rights Act was crafted in a different era, when brutal acts of violence against African Americans were broadcast on the nightly news throughout America. Racism seemed rampant, the order of the day. The nation was shocked and sickened. More than 50 years later, the bigotry would be less open, less aggressive. But it was, according to the court, no less insidious. And no less worthy of remedy. Those who adopted the Civil Rights Act might not have anticipated their work would lead to this particular result, Gorsuch wrote. But the limits of the drafters imagination supply no reason to ignore the laws demands. Such historic rulings often have ripple effects throughout society, and observers are waiting to see what other rules, policies and regulations may be affected, or if this ruling is winnowed and narrowed in other cases. It may be too early to gauge the broader impact of this decision, but LGBTQ advocates hope it will help implode the Trump administrations decision to strip health care and health insurance protections from transgender individuals. There is reason for hope. Landmark court rulings often correspond to dramatic changes in society. A CBS News poll released this month found that 82 percent of Americans, including 71 percent of Republicans, said the Supreme Court should extend civil rights protections to gay individuals. Weve come to the point in this country where the lived reality of most Americans, and certainly most of the justices, is that they know, like, admire and probably even love someone who is gay, Roberta Kaplan, a civil rights lawyer, told the New York Times. This reflects social progress, but its the court that has ensured equal treatment under the law. Vacation Club members anticipated to be among the first to return to Cancun, Riviera Maya Cancun, Riviera Maya The vacation club market has begun to reschedule vacations to the Mexican Caribbean after a three-month hiatus with vacation club representatives anticipating member arrivals this month. Patricia de la Pena Sanchez, president of the Association of Vacation Clubs of Quintana Roo said that those who canceled are now looking for airlines to resume their trips to the Cancun, Riviera Maya region. The member of a vacation club usually returns year after year, covering at least 48 percent of the rooms, she mentioned adding that we will be the first to reopen with the sanitary certifications. She says the reactivation must be gradual with open communication between the tourism sectors so that they can help visitors reschedule their next vacation with the security that their flight will depart and the resort will be ready to receive them. According to the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council, some airlines have already resumed operations into the Cancun International Airport. Reactivation capacities will depend on instruction of the Ministry of Health. This will be slow and we will not return with occupations of 100 percent. Changes have been made within the hotel industry to meet the new health and security standards to ensure travelers have a safe stays, she explained. The proper response to this isnt to fixate on tropes from a 51-year-old cartoon but to point out that Lightfoot is, in fact, championing incremental not radical changes in police training, practices and accountability. She is, for instance, behind the idea of police licensing. And she recently drew the ire of the Fraternal Order of Police when she called for the summary firings of officers who covered up their badge numbers during recent street protests and the officer who flipped off protesters. Lightfoot also quickly and strongly criticized the officers seen on surveillance video relaxing in the South Side office of U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush allegedly at a time when looting was taking place nearby. Staff at Englands only NHS gender clinic say concerns about patient welfare were shut down leading to vulnerable children facing a lifetime of damage, it was claimed last night. They raised fears that some patients attending the service at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust in London were being referred on to a gender transitioning pathway too quickly, the BBCs Newsnight reported. Damning claims from leaked transcripts of staff interviews from a review of the service include cases where staff feared a child had suffered sexual abuse or trauma but were discouraged from referring them to social services, the programme said last night. According to Newsnight, in one of the leaked transcripts a staff member expresses fears that very many vulnerable children have been very poorly treated and will be left with, potentially, a lifetime of damage [File photo] It also highlighted claims of homophobic attitudes among parents of children attending Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), with some allegedly appearing to prefer their children to be transgender and straight, rather than gay. The claims around the clinic come days after JK Rowling expressed her concern over the huge explosion in young women wishing to transition. Campaigners say children as young as 12 should not be given powerful puberty blocker drugs because they are too young weigh up the impact of such a momentous decision. NHS England is conducting a review of its policies on the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. The trust said it strongly refuted the Newsnight claims, insisting the clinic offers a safe and caring service and stressing that only a minority of patients go on to physical intervention. A review into the clinic was published last spring after concerns about childrens welfare were raised by staff in an internal report. According to Newsnight, in one of the leaked transcripts a staff member expresses fears that very many vulnerable children have been very poorly treated and will be left with, potentially, a lifetime of damage. Newsnight claims that in some cases, clinicians thought it wouldnt be appropriate for a patient to be referred for puberty blockers, but that staff could be overruled. In addition, one senior figure would allegedly sometimes refer children for puberty blocker treatment after one or two appointments, rather than the minimum of three recommended by NHS England. Other concerns relate to an alleged culture of being cautious about talking to the clinics safeguarding team. According to Newsnight, one staff member told it the approach seemed unsafe, adding that this could by why more than 40 clinicians decided to leave within three years. In the transcripts, clinicians claim their concerns were shut down. The Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust said it was proud of the care it delivered. It said: GIDS supports a wide range of children and young people grappling with distress about their gender identity. The Trust stands by its 2019 review of the service. We strongly refute the allegations put to us by Newsnight. Safeguarding is of the utmost importance to the Trust. In August 2018 a safeguarding lead was created specifically for GIDS. It said clinical scenarios including safeguarding issues were addressed in the reviews recommendations. Only a minority [of patients] are referred on for consideration for hormone blocking drugs and, of those who are, there is no automatic progression to cross-sex hormones. Patients who start on blockers may come off [them]. The Trust is committed to maximum transparency. Former patient Keira Bell, 23 is bringing a legal claim against the clinic, alleging children are being given life-changing therapy while too young to give informed consent. The case is due to be heard in October. A total of 146 persons who tested positive for COVID-19 in the Central Region have fully recovered. Dr Akosua Owusu-Sarpong, the Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), briefing stakeholders on the status of the disease in the Region, said 9,570 of the 11,754 specimen sent to the various testing centres came out negative. Results for the remaining were yet to be ready, she told the meeting, attended by metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives, heads of senior and basic schools, regional and district health directors, the police and heads of department and agencies. It was to establish a clear cut operational instructions for the re-opening of basic and senior high schools. Dr Owusu-Sarpong said the patients were being treatment at designated health facilities including the Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital, Trauma Specialist Hospital at Winneba, and the Ajumako Hospital. The rest are the Dunkwa-On-Offin Hospital, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, and Pentecost Convention Centre. Others are also being treated at home. The Cape Coast Metropolis has the highest number of confirmed cases of 169, followed by KEEA - 104, Mfantseman 74, and Awutu Senya East - 67. The Assin North has eight, Gomoa East six, Ajumako - 22, Agona West - six, Gomoa West-22, Ekumfi-five, Agona East - six, Twifo Atimokwa-11, Upper Denkyira East-27, AOB - four, Assin Fosu - 33, Assin South - four and Gomoa Central - two. Dr Owusu-Sarpong said the Directorate continued to receive personal protective equipment from the Government and other benevolent organisations and individuals, which they distribute to the various health facilities. She said the GHS would continue to engage the various stakeholders in ensuring that the safety protocols were adhered to through radio discussions and community information centres among other mediums. Dr Owusu-Sarpong said the GHS had begun engagement with District Directors of Education and schools on the measures to be instituted before re-opening. She said all senior high schools had been linked to specific health institutions with nurses to monitor their activities for quick intervention if the need arose. She called for enhanced routine surveillance in the schools to swiftly handle any suspected case. She noted that many people did not wear nose masks when in public and cautioned that the only way to prevent getting infected was to adhere strictly to the protocols. ---GNA A brand new single from Martin Smith's hit "KING the Musical" will be released online next Saturday to raise funds for charity. The musical, about the life of Martin Luther King Jr, will be releasing a four-track EP later this year but a first track, "We Need You Now" will be available from next week to raise funds for charity. Cedric Neal, who sings the part of King, said "The lyrics of "We Need You Now" were written in the 1980s about the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, and are just as appropriate, relevant and necessary today. This song has become my personal prayer in the fight for EQUALITY and the end of systemic racism. "The message of Dr King and Martin Smith's "We Need You Now" are one and the same. Peace is achieved through LOVE for one another equally given and received." The tune is accompanied by London Musical Theatre Orchestra, and is conducted by Freddie Tapner. All proceeds will be donated to the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Fund, with the song being available here. It was 100 days ago that Hamilton recorded its first COVID-19 case. Seems a lifetime has passed since then, doesnt it? A hundred days ago, public health officials and the citys two hospital systems were trying to chart a course through the unknown as the world came to grips with a pandemic. The question they wrestled with as they tried to prepare their resources: Was Hamilton going to be more like Italy, which at the time was overwhelmed with infections and deaths, or more like South Korea, where strict measures and quick action contained the spread of COVID-19? Somewhere right in between, it turns out. Dr. Zain Chagla is the co-medical director of infection control for St. Josephs Healthcare in Hamilton. He was one of the people trying to model what might happen as the pandemic unfolded in early March. The citys hospital systems came up with three scenarios. There was the Italy scenario where things went off the rails very quickly, Chagla said, a scenario where there was some dampening but cases increased on average by 25 per cent a day, and a scenario where more aggressive social distancing kept the rise in daily cases to about 15 per cent. Looking at the modelling data and comparing it to our numbers, our curve kind of fit that more aggressive model, Chagla said. At the 100-day mark, Hamiltons rate of COVID-19 cases is 144 per 100,000 population, not nearly as low as South Koreas 24 cases per 100,000 people but nowhere near as high as Italys rate of 394 cases per 100,000. The citys death rate from COVID-19 is 7.8 per 100,000 population, which is a third of the Canadian rate and far below Italys death rate of 57 per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, the citys public health epidemiologists were working on their own projections and predicting significantly fewer hospitalizations than the hospitals models. When you look at the projections and the concerns about the hospitals, the number of hospitalizations over this period of time is better than we were expecting, said Dr. Doug Sider, an epidemiologist and physician with Hamiltons public health department. It took a number of weeks where we got to a point where we could start to say no, were not facing a catastrophe, hospitals are not going to be overwhelmed. At the peak of Hamiltons outbreak, forecast to arrive in late April, the citys hospitals had projected a need for 250 hospital beds for COVID-19 patients at any one time. The forecast was for slightly more than 100 intensive care beds to be needed at the peak and about 100 ventilators. We have not even come close to that, said Chagla. At any given time within the two institutions, theres been a handful of people in the intensive care unit. I dont think at any given time our ICUs were anywhere near overwhelmed. Only 140 people in total have been hospitalized for COVID-19 over the first 100 days. Just 21 of them ended up in ICU and only 14 have required a ventilator. About 15 per cent of Hamiltons hospitalizations for COVID-19 required the ICU, a rate thats significantly lower than Ontarios rate of 21 per cent, Niagaras rate of 23 per cent and Kitchener-Waterloos rate of 24 per cent of hospitalizations requiring the ICU. And of the 140 people ever hospitalized, 64 of them arrived on a single day when the Rosslyn Retirement Residence was evacuated due to a horrific outbreak. In April, Sider said, public health was projecting between 29 to 43 COVID-related deaths by the time the first wave wound down sometime in mid to late June. Currently, there have been 42 deaths, with 14 of those involving residents of the Rosslyn home. Both Chagla and Sider point to three reasons for the citys success in keeping the caseload manageable: Distancing measures were put in place early and people adhered to those requirements. I think everyone has accepted and is living with physical distancing, Sider said. The number of cases in Hamilton was lower than other regions of Ontario when the travel and distancing restrictions were put in place in mid-March. Niagara got seeded very heavily from its traffic at the border, and Toronto and the GTA because of ... a lot of return travellers, Chagla said, adding that while there is some travel in Hamilton, its probably less of a degree than Niagara and Toronto. So we had a slower start. Hamiltons population isnt as densely concentrated as it is in other parts of the GTA. We dont have a lot of huge towers people live in, Chagla said. What does the future hold? The benefit of hindsight shows Hamilton exceeded expectations during the first wave of the pandemic but that wont necessarily hold true for whats believed to be an inevitable second wave sometime during the fall or winter. I think its the million-dollar question whats going to happen to our community? said Chagla. A public health department projection suggests the nearly 800 cases identified so far represents about 20 per cent of the true number of COVID-19 infections in Hamilton. If so, that would mean about 4,000 people less than one per cent of the citys population may have built up some kind of immunity to the coronavirus. Thats far from the 60 or 70 per cent needed to provide so-called herd immunity. We still have that susceptibility and I dont think anyones got an easy answer, said Sider. The one sobering thing is that weve never been successful in developing a coronavirus vaccine, he added. Over the summer, Chagla predicts there will be a slow burn of new COVID-19 cases a few hospital admissions and a few ICU patients at any given time. The success seen during the first wave should also be a positive sign for the next wave. We know a lot more, society is a lot more prepared, said Chagla. Things like universal masking are being debated in terms of long-term prevention of spread in the community, case and contact tracing are more up to snuff. I dont think were going to see as much of a catastrophic scenario. Africans living in America on Sunday staged a protest to show their solidarity to African Americans, who have partnered with local people to protest against racism in USA. This follows the death of George Floyd and Rayshard Brooke in the hands of police officers. Advertisement Gavin Williamson tonight suggested class 'bubbles' will be doubled to 30 children to get all schools fully up and running in September. The Education Secretary hinted at a doubling of the current group size as he underlined the government's determination to have 'every child back in every year group in every school' after the summer holidays. He said the 'bubbles' would in future be expanded to 'include the whole class' - which would be around 30 pupils. But he refused to give more details, saying full guidance for schools will be published over the next fortnight. 'There are still going to have to be protective measures put in place to make sure children are safe,' he told the Downing Street briefing. Earlier, Boris Johnson solemnly promised that schools will return fully in September and hinted at an imminent shift on the two-metre rule - something that would delight business and Tory MPs. An ebullient PM hailed news that the coronavirus alert level has finally been reduced from four to three, meaning the Joint Biosecurity Centre has concluded there is no longer 'high transmission'. Asked on a visit to a primary in Hemel Hempstead whether the restriction will be eased, Mr Johnson said: 'Watch this space.' And in his most categorical statement yet, he said it was 'absolutely' his intention for all pupils to be back full-time by September. Figures out today showed UK debt is now bigger than the whole economy for the first time in 57 years, as GDP plunges and millions of people face unemployment. But there was brighter news as retail sales rebounded from their April low. Mr Johnson faced a backlash at the end of last month when he announced tweaks to lockdown, before it emerged that the alert had not been changed from level four - which according to the government's own definition requires 'current social distancing measures and restrictions' to stay in place. The move was approved by the chief medical officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. England's chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, was rumoured to have stood in the way of the move, although there is also thought to have been resistance from his counterparts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In a joint statement today they said: 'The Joint Biosecurity Centre has recommended that the COVID-19 alert level should move from Level 4 (A COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation; transmission is high or rising exponentially) to Level 3 (A COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation). In his most categorical statement yet, Boris Johnson said it was 'absolutely' his intention for all pupils to be back at school full-time by September After weeks in which the alert was maintained despite Boris Johnson (pictured visiting a primary school in Hemel Hempstead today) starting to ease lockdown, the Joint Biosecurity Centre has concluded that transmission is no longer 'high or rising exponentially' Education Secretary Gavin Williamson underlined the commitment at the Downing Street briefing this evening, saying the government was determined to bring 'every child back in every year group in every school' The Joint Biosecurity Centre has recommended today that the Covid-19 alert level be reduced Figures today showed retail sales have bounced back somewhat from their April low - although they are still down dramatically on previous levels How does the UK's Covid alert system work? The Covid Alert Levels system was announced by Boris Johnson in his televised address to the nation on May 10. The PM said he was establishing the JBC to run the alert system, which is similar to that used to establish the terrorist threat. It has five tiers from level one to five based on the spread of Covid-19 through the country. At level five, transmission is high or rising and there is a risk healthcare services will be overwhelmed. Level one means coronavirus is no longer known to be in the UK. Level three is when the epidemic is in general circulation and gradual easing of restrictions can take place, while level two is when the number of cases and transmission is low and 'no or minimal' restrictions are required. Advertisement 'The CMOs for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have reviewed the evidence and agree with this recommendation to move to Level 3 across the UK. 'There has been a steady decrease in cases we have seen in all four nations, and this continues. It does not mean that the pandemic is over. The virus is still in general circulation, and localised outbreaks are likely to occur. 'We have made progress against the virus thanks to the efforts of the public and we need the public to continue to follow the guidelines carefully to ensure this progress continues.' Speaking to Sky News during his visit today, Mr Johnson said 'watch this space' when asked whether social distancing restrictions could be cut to help schools return in September. He said: 'Of course, on the social distancing measures, as I've said, ''watch this space''. 'We will be putting in further changes as the science allows. 'I think that's what the public also wants to see, they want to see us working with the reality.' The premier said the UK was moving from a world where blanket restrictions were needed to 'one where we are able to do more localised responses'. Mr Johnson said it was 'absolutely' his intention that children of all ages should be able to return to school by the autumn on a five-day-a-week basis. 'Let me be very clear - I want a world in which, as far as possible, provided we can make classrooms safe and I think we can, I want every child, every pupil, every student, back in September. 'I'm sure we can get it done.' He added: 'We have to start thinking of a world in which we are less apprehensive about this disease. 'Yes it has been a horrible shock for the country and for the world, and I think the British people have worked incredibly hard to drive it down. 'But we are starting to make some real progress with test and trace, with treatments for the disease, and I hope, as we go forward into the autumn, people will be much, much more confident.' Mr Williamson said: 'We've been creating bubbles of children in the classroom, creating a protective environment for those children. 'Currently that is at 15, what we would be looking at doing is expanding those bubbles to include the whole class.' He said signs the virus was reducing meant ministers could look at 'making sure every child returns to school'. Mr Williamson added: 'We recognise there is still going to have to be protective measures put in place to make sure children are safe and make sure that teachers and all those who work in school are safe as well, and that is why we are going to be issuing further guidance in the next two weeks.' Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said schools and colleges were trying to prepare for September amid an 'information black hole' from the Government. Wales keeps five-mile travel limit for another fortnight - but tourism will resume next month Wales plans to end its five-mile restriction on travel next month and allow holidaymakers to return a week later, the First Minister has said. Mark Drakeford said tourism businesses have three weeks to prepare for the potential changes, which will allow the use of self-contained accommodation such as caravans and cottages. Mr Drakeford said the further headroom to lift restrictions has been created by the efforts of the public to bring coronavirus under control in Wales, where the R number shows Covid-19 is receding at a faster rate than in England. He said the further headroom to lift restrictions has been created by the efforts of the public to bring coronavirus under control in Wales, where the R number shows Covid-19 is receding at a faster rate than in England. He said that at the height of the pandemic, one in every 1,000 people in Wales was 'probably infectious', but that has now dropped to one in 10,000 or lower. It means Monday will also see the reopening of all non-essential shops as long as they can comply with social distancing measures, while the housing market will also resume, and more outdoor individual activities such as tennis will be allowed for the first time since lockdown. Private prayer in places of worship with social distancing can also take place from Monday, with childcare facilities available on a phased basis to support people returning to work. Mr Drakeford told the Welsh Government's daily press briefing the five-mile 'stay local' requirement would end on July 6 if transmissions continue to fall, but warned that 'coronavirus is not over'. Advertisement Speaking after Boris Johnson set out his aim to return all pupils back to the classroom for five days a week in autumn, Mr Barton said: 'Everybody wants to see all children back in schools full-time from September. 'In order for this to happen, the current Government guidelines would need to change because it would not be possible to do this while limiting class sizes to 15. You would need twice as many classrooms, and twice as many teachers.' 'Schools and colleges are doing everything they can to prepare for September in what can only be described as an information black hole on the part of the Government,' he added. The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies last week confirmed the UK's R rate was between 0.7 and 0.9 - although in some areas it might still be slightly higher. Anything below 1 means the prevalence of the virus is shrinking. Mr Hancock said the lowering of the Covid-19 alert level was a 'big moment' for the UK, and showed the 'Government's plan is working'. He said: 'The UK moving to a lower alert level is a big moment for the country, and a real testament to the British people's determination to beat this virus. 'The Government's plan is working. Infection rates are rapidly falling, we have protected the NHS and, thanks to the hard work of millions in our health and social care services, we are getting the country back on her feet.' However, the Government is still facing doubts over its contact tracing system - which will be essential to stop the virus flaring up again and plunging the country into another devastating lockdown. Mr Hancock was yesterday forced into an embarrassing U-turn over the NHS tracing app, admitting it had not worked and will be abandoned. Instead, the government will follow countries such as Germany and focus on the version built by tech giants Apple and Google. The NHS software, originally promised for mid-May, was unable to spot 25 per cent of nearby Android users and a staggering 96 per cent of iPhones in a trial on the Isle of Wight. The government issued slides updating the public on the status of the coronavirus outbreak this evening Health Secretary Matt Hancock (pictured left yesterday) said the lowering of the Covid-19 alert level is a 'big moment' for the UK, and showed the 'Government's plan is working'. Chief medical officer for England Chris Whitty (right in Downing Street today) signed off on the change Research for MailOnline by Redfield & Wilton Strategies found eight in 10 people have yet to visit a non-essential shop since they were allowed to open on Monday UK debt is bigger than GDP for the first time in 57 YEARS at nearly 2trillion UK debt is bigger than GDP for the first time in 57 years as coronavirus wreaks havoc, it was revealed today. Public sector debt was fractionally below two trillion pounds at the end of last month - equivalent to 100.9 per cent of GDP. The grim milestone was reached after the government was forced to borrow 55.2billion over the month. That was nine time the figure for May last year, and the highest since records began in 1993. The last time debt was bigger than the whole economy was 1963. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data underlines the scale of the damage being inflicted on business and the public finances by lockdown. The government is now propping up 9.1million jobs through the furlough scheme, which together with the bailout for the self-employed is expected to cost more than 100billion. Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who has been pushing in Cabinet for the two-metre social distancing rule to be eased, said evidence was growing of a 'severe impact' on the UK. 'The best way to restore our public finances to a more sustainable footing is to safely reopen our economy so people can return to work,' he said. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Apple and Google technology can spot 99 per cent of close contacts using any type of smartphone but Mr Hancock said it cannot reliably tell how far away they are. At the Downing Street briefing last night the Cabinet minister appeared to point the finger at Apple, saying: 'Our app won't work because Apple won't change their system'. But an Apple source told The Times that it had not been informed of the announcement or consulted on the plan to work together. 'We don't know what they mean by this hybrid model. They haven't spoken to us about it,' the source said. On the idea that its version was less accurate at measuring distance than the government's NHSX model, the source said: 'The app has been downloaded by six million in 24 hours in Germany, the Italians have had it going since Monday, the Dutch government and Irish government have it, and there has been no issue about proximity detection.' MailOnline understands Apple was aware of the government's concerns about the accuracy of the model, but the company pointed out that Germany has concluded it is 'better than relying on people's memories'. In a round of interviews this morning, schools minister Nick Gibb was unable to confirm whether a contract had been signed between the Government and Google and Apple to develop the contact-tracing app. Asked if a deal to develop the app had been completed with the tech giants, the school standards minister told Sky News: 'Well, that's a matter for (Health Secretary Matt Hancock). 'He's working with Google and Apple, I don't know the details of the contracts that they have.' He added: 'What I do know is that we are working with Google and Apple to iron out these problems with the system to make it robust and accurate in how it tracks and traces.' The easing of lockdown measures in England at the beginning of June caused concern as the Covid-19 alert level remained at four - which the Government previously said would mean restrictions remaining in place. There was then confusion over whether the JBC was up and running, and what role it would play in setting the alert level. The Covid Alert Levels system was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in his televised address to the nation on May 10. Public sector debt was fractionally below two trillion pounds at the end of last month - equivalent to 100.9 per cent of GDP The government was forced to borrow 55.2billion in May, according to the ONS. That was nine time the figure for May last year, and the highest since records began in 1993 Will coronaphobia derail the recovery? Half of Britons say they WON'T visit any non-essential shops this month despite Boris Johnson's pleas Coronavirus fears are holding Britons back from heeding Boris Johnson's pleas to get back to shops and save the economy, a poll suggests today. Research for MailOnline found eight in 10 people have yet to visit a non-essential shop since they were allowed to open on Monday. And two-thirds of them said they had no intention of doing so this month, regardless of the appeals from the PM and Chancellor Rishi Sunak to help prop up businesses. Meanwhile, the Redfield & Wilton Strategies survey identified strong support for the two-metre rule staying in force - despite warnings from the hospitality industry that millions of jobs could go unless the restrictions are eased. Some 57 per cent said the social distancing limit should be enforced in pubs if they reopen as scheduled on July 4, compared to 29 per cent who want it loosened. Advertisement He said he was establishing the JBC to run the alert system, which is similar to that used to establish the terrorist threat. It has five tiers from level one to five based on the spread of Covid-19 through the country. At level five, transmission is high or rising and there is a risk healthcare services will be overwhelmed. Level one means coronavirus is no longer known to be in the UK. Level three is when the epidemic is in general circulation and gradual easing of restrictions can take place, while level two is when the number of cases and transmission is low and 'no or minimal' restrictions are required. Alongside Prof Whitty, Dr Gregor Smith for Scotland, Dr Chris Jones for Wales and Dr Michael McBride for Northern Ireland take the decision on lowering the level. Mr Johnson will hope the reduction could counter some of the coronavirus fears that appear to be holding Britons back from heeding pleas to get back to shops and save the economy. Research for MailOnline found eight in 10 people have yet to visit a non-essential shop since they were allowed to open on Monday. And two-thirds of them said they had no intention of doing so this month, regardless of the appeals from the PM and Mr Sunak to help prop up businesses. Meanwhile, the Redfield & Wilton Strategies survey identified strong support for the two-metre rule staying in force - despite warnings from the hospitality industry that millions of jobs could go unless the restrictions are eased. Some 57 per cent said the social distancing limit should be enforced in pubs if they reopen as scheduled on July 4, compared to 29 per cent who want it loosened. JERSEY CITY, N.J., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA) today announced that Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Development America, Inc. (MTDA) has initiated a Phase-3 clinical trial in the U.S. of the selective melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) agonist), MT-7117 (dersimelagon), an investigational oral therapy being studied as a possible treatment option to increase pain free light exposure in adult and adolescent patients with a history of phototoxicity (including severe pain on exposure to sunlight) from erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) or X-Linked Protoporphyria (XLP).1 MTDA was granted Orphan Drug Designation for MT-7117 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on June 8, 20202, and received Fast Track Designation in June 2018.3 "Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma group companies are working hard to advance research and development activities to deliver new therapy options that address the needs of patients fighting serious diseases," said Atsushi Fujimoto, President, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. "Through further clinical development and potential regulatory approval, this investigative oral treatment could provide another option for patients with EPP or XLP." The global Phase-3 study (NCT04402489) is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate efficacy, safety, and tolerability of MT-7117 in approximately 159 people (age 12-75 years) with EPP or XLP over a 26-week treatment period.4 The primary objective of the study is to investigate efficacy of MT-7117 on time to first onset of prodromal symptoms associated with sunlight exposure in adults and adolescents with EPP or XLP.4 The Phase-3 study design will leverage experience and knowledge obtained from an earlier Phase-2 study. The Phase-2 study (NCT03520036) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of MT-7117 in 102 people (age 18-75 years) with EPP.5 The study consisted of a two-week screening period, a 16-week double-blind treatment period and a six-week follow-up period at Week 22.5 About MT-7117 (Dersimelagon) MT-7117 is a novel synthetic, orally-administered, non-peptide small molecule, which acts as a selective agonist of melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) with a potential for being effective to increase pain free light exposure in patients with a history of phototoxicity from erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and X-Linked Protoporphyria (XLP). Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (MTPC) is developing MT-7117 as a potential treatment option for EPP or XLP. MT-7117 is an investigational medication and not approved by FDA or any other regulatory authority. About Erythropoietic Protoporphyria and X-Linked Protoporphyria Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP) is an inherited disorder of the heme biosynthetic pathway that results from mutations of the ferrochelatase (FECH) gene or, less commonly X-Linked Protoporphyria (XLP) that results from mutations in the aminolevulinic acid synthase-2 (ALAS2) gene.1 Both EPP and XLP are characterized by accumulation of protoporphyrin in blood, erythrocytes and tissues and cutaneous photosensitivity.1 EPP and XLP usually present early in childhood with extremely painful phototoxic reactions which are preceded by a prodrome of tingling, stinging, and/or burning of sun-exposed skin.1 The onset of prodromal symptoms after direct sun exposure varies but may occur in less than 10 minutes.6,7 Importantly, continued exposure to sunlight following the onset of prodromal symptoms will lead to phototoxicity-induced pain.8 About Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. Based in Jersey City, N.J., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation's (MTPC) 100 percent owned U.S. holding company, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Holdings America, Inc. MTPA is dedicated to delivering innovative products that address the unmet medical needs of patients in North America. It was established by MTPC to commercialize approved pharmaceutical products in North America with plans to expand its product line through collaborations with partners. For more information, please visit www.mt-pharma-america.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. About Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Development America, Inc. The U.S. headquarters of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Development America, Inc. (MTDA) is located in Jersey City, New Jersey. MTDA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation's 100 percent-owned U.S. holding company, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Holdings America, Inc. MTDA is dedicated to research and develop innovative pharmaceutical products that address the unmet medical needs of patients. For more information, please visit https://mt-pharma-development-america.com/ Overview of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, which was founded in 1678, has its headquarters in Doshomachi, Osaka, which is the birthplace of Japan's pharmaceutical industry. With business centered on ethical pharmaceuticals, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma is a well-established company with one of the longest histories of pharmaceutical companies in Japan.9 In accordance with the corporate philosophy of "contributing to the healthier lives of people around the world through the creation of pharmaceuticals," the Company formulated the key concept of Open Up the Future under the Medium-Term Management Plan 2016-2020. Through the discovery of drugs that address unmet medical needs, centered on its priority disease areas immune-inflammation diseases, diabetes and kidney, central nervous system, and vaccines Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma will strive to contribute to the health of patients around the world. MTPC is the parent company of MTPA and MTDA. For more information, go to http://www.mt-pharma.co.jp/. Media inquiries: Debbie Etchison 908-340-8578 [email protected] 1 NIH website: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/4527/erythropoietic-protoporphyria 2 FDA website: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/opdlisting/oopd/detailedIndex.cfm?cfgridkey=645518 3 MTPC Press Release: https://www.mt-pharma.co.jp/e/release/nr/2018/pdf/e_MTPC180727.pdf 4 ClinicalTrials.gov. U.S. National Library of Medicine: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04402489 5 ClinicalTrials.gov. U.S. National Library of Medicine: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03520036 6 Balwani M, Naik H, Anderson KE, Bissell DM, Bloomer J, Bonkovsky HL, et al. Clinical, biochemical, and genetic characterization of north american patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria and X-linked protoporphyria. JAMA Dermatol. 2017 Aug 1;153(8):789-96. 7 de Bataille S, Dutartre H, Puy H, Deybach JC, Gouya L, Raffray E, et al. Influence of meteorological data on sun tolerance in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria in France. Br J Dermatol. 2016 Oct;175(4):768-75. 8 American Porphyria Foundation: https://porphyriafoundation.org/for-patients/types-of-porphyria/epp-xlp/ 9 Research by TOKYO SHOKO RESEARCH, LTD. SOURCE Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. Related Links http://www.mt-pharma-america.com New Delhi: Former Reserve Bank governor Urjit Patel will take charge as chairman of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) from June 22, the economic think tank said on Friday. Patel will replace Vijay Kelkar, who assumed office on November 1, 2014. "National Institute of Public Finance and Policy is privileged to have Dr Urjit Patel, former Reserve Bank Governor, as its Chairperson for a four-year term commencing June 22, 2020," the economic think tank said in a statement. "NIPFP records its deep sense of appreciation and gratitude for the significant contributions made by the outgoing Chairman, Dr Vijay Laxman Kelkar during his tenure which has immensely helped the institute towards scaling to its present level of growth and effectiveness," it added. Patel on December 10, 2018, had unexpectedly resigned months before the end of his three-year term in September 2019. He, who was the first governor since 1990 to step down before his term ends, had in a brief statement had cited "personal reasons" for the decision. Patel was eligible for a second term like most of his successors barring a few like his outspoken predecessor Raghuram Rajan. From being considered a government's man on the Mint Street, Patel had in less than two years had emerged from the shadows to find his own voice on issues that mattered the most - autonomy and independence of the central bank. Hailing from a business family based in Nairobi, Patel, who studied at London School of Economics, Oxford University and Yale University, was a Kenyan national until 2013. He acquired Indian citizenship before he was appointed RBI deputy governor in January 2013. Iran Reacts To New US Sanctions On Syria By Promising More Aid June 18, 2020 Iran's First Vice-President Es'haq Jahangiri on Thursday told Syria's new prime minister the Islamic Republic will spare no effort "to reduce pressure on the Syrian people". In a phone call with Hussein Arnous who was appointed by Bashar al-Assad yesterday, Jahangiri referred to the meeting with his predecessor, Imad Khamis, in 2015 and his visit to Damascus in 2019 and called for implementation of the economic agreements between Iran and Syria "as soon as possible". Jahangiri also maintained that the killing of Qods Force Commander Qassem Soleimani has not altered Iran's policy of supporting Syria as a part of what Iran calls the Resistance Front against Israel. He urged the international community and particularly the United Nations to take practical steps to support the Syrian people "particularly by providing medicine and essential goods amid the pandemic". The gesture of support comes as the United states sanctioned 39 Syrian individuals and entities including Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma on Wednesday in a bid to increase the pressure on the Assad regime. "We anticipate many more sanctions and we will not stop until Assad and his regime stop their needless, brutal war against the Syrian people," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. In a tweet on Wednesday Pompeo said these sanctions were the beginning of a sustained campaign of economic and political pressure "to hold the Assad regime and its foreign enablers accountable for their brutal acts against the Syrian people." In an interview with Etemad Online May 19, Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, a conservative lawmaker and former chairman of the Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, in a rare statement said Iran has spent 20-30 billion dollars in Syria that must be reimbursed by the Syrian government. Protesters in the past few years have always expressed their resentment with the Iranian people's money being spent in other countries including Syria. On Wednesday Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi also reacted to the U.S. sanctions law known as the Caesar Act which authorizes severe economic sanctions on Syria as well as supporters of the Syrian regime including Iran, Russia and the Hezbollah of Lebanon. "The Islamic Republic of Iran does not give any credence to such cruel and unilateral sanctions," he said in a statement and called them "economic terrorism" and another attempt by the United States to destabilize Syria. Mousavi underlined that Iran will strengthen its economic relations with Syria despite the new sanctions. Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iran-reacts-to- new-us-sanctions-on-syria-by-promising -more-aid/30677933.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 Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have protested moves in Russia they say are a whitewashing of historical facts about the 1939 nonagression pact between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany that led to their annexation by Moscow. Known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, the accord and its secret protocols divided Central and Eastern Europe into Nazi and Soviet spheres of influence. The foreign ministries of the three Baltic states on June 18 summoned Russian ambassadors and representatives to express concerns about historical revisionism in a recent legislative initiative by lawmakers in Russia's State Duma. If approved, the legislation would revoke a December 24, 1989, resolution by the Soviet Union's Supreme Council that condemned the nonagression pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Under the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Poland was jointly invaded and then divided between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. The pact also led in 1940 to the Soviet occupation and annexation of the three Baltic states -- which did not regain their independence until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. In a lengthy essay published on June 18 in the U.S.-based journal National Interest, Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected criticism of Soviet cooperation with Nazi Germany at the start of World War II. "The blame for the tragedy that Poland then suffered lies entirely with the Polish leadership, which had impeded the formation of a military alliance between Britain, France, and the Soviet Union and relied on the help from its Western partners, throwing its own people under the steamroller of Hitler's machine of destruction," Putin wrote. Putin reiterated Moscow's contention that the Soviet Union was forced into signing the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact after Western powers rejected the creation of a military alliance against Nazi Germany. "The Soviet Union did its utmost to use every chance of creating an anti-Hitler coalition. Despite -- I will say it again -- the double dealing on the part of the Western countries," Putin wrote. Putin also took issue with a European Union resolution adopted in September 2019 as the world marked the 80th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The EU resolution states that 1939 pact between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany "paved the way for the outbreak of World War II." Putin said the EU resolution failed to mention an agreement reached with Nazi Germany in Munich in 1938 by Britain, France, and Italy that allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland in what was then western Czechoslovakia. Referring to the agreement as the "Munich Betrayal," Putin said it "destroyed even the formal, fragile guarantees that remained on the continent" and showed that "mutual agreements were worthless." "It was the Munich Betrayal that served as a 'trigger' and made the great war in Europe inevitable," Putin said, accusing European politicians, and Polish leaders in particular, of wanting to sweep the Munich deal under the carpet. Draft legislation to revoke the Soviet Union's 1989 condemnation of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was submitted in the State Duma on May 27. The State Duma's Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously backed the bill on June 9 and submitted it for further consideration. The foreign ministers of the three Baltic states agreed in Vilnius on June 15 to simultaneously summon Russian ambassadors to discuss their concerns about historical revisionism by authorities in Russia. With reporting by Reuters and AP More Louisiana residents will have access to medical marijuana under a significant expansion of the states therapeutic cannabis program that was signed into law by Gov. John Bel Edwards. The changes in the law, which take effect in August, allow doctors to recommend medical marijuana for any patient they believe it would help, and remove restrictions on which doctors can recommend cannabis. The state House and Senate agreed to House Bill 819 sponsored by Republican Rep. Larry Bagley of Stonewall, the chairman of the House health committee in the regular session that ended June 1. The House voted 75-16 for the measure, while the Senate agreed in a 28-6 vote. Edwards, a Democrat, announced on June 15 that he had signed the bill into law. Under a 2015 law and additional changes passed since then, Louisiana allowed cannabis to treat a long list of diseases and disorders including cancer, seizure disorders, epilepsy, glaucoma, post-traumatic stress disorder and Parkinsons disease. Bagleys legislation expands that to include any condition that a doctor considers debilitating to an individual patient. In addition, the new law will no longer require doctors to register with and receive authorization from the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to recommend cannabis for patients. Only the agricultural centers at Louisiana State University and Southern University are authorized to grow cannabis in Louisiana, and only nine dispensaries can provide it to patients. LSUs grower has been selling products since August, while Southerns grower hasnt yet started its sales. Marijuana can be available in oils, pills, liquids, topical applications and in an inhaler, such as that used by asthma patients but not in a smokeable form. LSUs grower currently offers cannabis in a flavored liquid tincture, a bottle containing a dropper to use, but the company has said it intends to expand that to also include dissolving strips taken by mouth. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Louisiana Cannabis Thursday, June 18, 2020 Recently, the Ernest Becker Foundation held an online discussion with scholars of the pioneering American cultural anthropologists work. Dr. Ernest Becker, author of The Denial of Death Becker wrote several books on human motivation and behavior, most notably the 1974 Pulitzer Prize-winning work, The Denial of Death. In it, he argues that the basic motivation for human behavior is our biological need to control our basic anxiety, to deny the terror of death. (Keen 1973). Becker suggested that a significant function of culture is to provide successful ways to engage in death denial. Webinar on Covid-19 and Mortality Salience The Ernest Becker Foundation recently held a webinar to discuss the current pandemic with three researchers who study mortality and human behavior: Sheldon Solomon, Lindsey Harvell-Bowman, and Kenneth Vail. The host was Lyla Rothschild, Program Director of the Ernest Becker Foundation. They provide brilliant insights into what we are feeling and why. (Bios at this blog post) Watch the Webinar: [embedded content] Follow-up Insights During the webinar, I posed this question in the chat box: Im hearing more people are now writing wills and advance medical directives, some are even doing pre-need funeral planning. How would you categorize these people who are taking steps to address their mortality? Dr. Lindsey Harvell-Bowman replied: I would argue that writing advanced wills and pre-planning funerals definitely helps us to feel better about death. So, its not too surprising to hear that theres an uptick in these things right now. Interestingly, we also see the opposite. People will avoid it as well, for some of the same reasons. I wonder if theres a personality moderator in there, in addition to the conscious and unconscious reminders. Lyla Rothschild provided these insights: As discussed in the webinar, when death is in our conscious attention, people tend to respond with rational, action-oriented, and health-promoting behaviors (exercising, taking vitamins, wearing a mask, following CDC recommendations, etc.), and these things reduce our death anxiety. But when death is more subconscious (easily accessible but not actively thinking about it), people tend to reduce death anxiety by focusing on their existential needs adhering to the cultural values, increasing their self-esteem, protecting their ego. Our culture structures reality in a way that makes us feel safe and important, so by taking part of it we feel that we are part of a larger enduring meaning, which in turn reduces death anxiety. As you know, this is the premise of terror management theory. Based on this research, I realized that a big problem with advanced care planning (ACP) and one reason why people might be so reluctant to do it is because it brings up conscious thoughts of death. We know this puts people in a rational, solution-focused frame of mind, and yet there is no solution to death. So, although ACP is a very rational response to death, it still requires an acceptance of our death, whereas other rational-responses (vitamins, exercise, etc.) are more about prolonging life and delaying death. There is nothing preventative being offered in this situation, thus procrastination is the next best thing. The fact that there is an uptick in this sort of planning right now might be simply because people are seeing the negative ramifications of what it looks like to die without having any of those things in place (news stories about people dying along in a hospital room and nothing being ready for the family). Although we would all rather procrastinate than do it, at writing our will and filling out an advance directive gives us some control over our wishes. It is much harder to ignore this reality right now when were seeing death in the news a lot, whereas during normal times its easier to say yea, I know I should do this, but Ill do it next week. And as Lindsey said, there are probably some personality factors at play as well. Long-term solutions to ACP resistance (when were not in a pandemic and people go back to their default mode of denial) may lie more in the metaphorical framing and/or self-esteem enhancing potential of ACP. Framing these conversations in a way that boosts self-esteem by taking action, increasing exposure and normalcy, and metaphorical framing talking about ACP as legacy planning, or as leaving a gift for your family are all good techniques for reducing resistance. By giving people a sense of meaning and purpose and framing ACP in a way that focuses on ones legacy rather than ones death, this may help mitigate some of the negative emotions that come with thinking about our own death. Learn more at the Ernest Becker Foundation website. Share this: Health experts are encouraging young people to protect their skin in the sun as new research shows that nine out of 10 schoolchildren in Ireland have experienced at least one episode of sunburn. The report, published today by the Institute of Public Health and NUI Galway, examines for the first time childrens exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds, UV skin protection behaviours, and sunburn. It will be used to inform the implementation of the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan. Dr Helen McAvoy, from the Institute of Public Health and co-author of the report, believes the message to protect skin when outdoors has never been more important as people spend more time outside during the Covid-19 restrictions. The frequency of sunburn found in this report is concerning and shows there is a need for focused action and research on skin cancer prevention. Being outside and keeping active is good for childrens physical and mental health, but they also need to be sun smart, said Dr McAvoy. As measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 are still in place, and as school holidays start, it is likely that more children will be outdoors playing. We need to ensure that people are not over exposed to the sun, avoid peak UV hours, use sunscreen, and wear sunglasses, hats, and clothing to cover arms and legs. Nearly 90% of 10 to 17-year-olds said they have experienced sunburn in their lifetime. Around 74% said they experienced sunburn at least once during the past year. Childhood sunburn, unprotected sun exposure and use of sunbeds increase the risk of developing skin cancers later in life. Repeated episodes of severe sunburn during childhood doubles the risk of developing melanoma - the most serious form of skin cancer in later life. The report found that eight out of 10 schoolchildren reported wearing sunscreen, while seven out of 10 reported using sunglasses on sunny days. However, the adoption of other sun protection measures, like covering up, wearing hats and avoiding peak UV hours, were less consistent. Just 32% of schoolchildren reported that they avoided peak UV hours of the day. Around 50% said they wore protective clothing to cover arms and legs when in the sun, while 17% reported never using sunscreen. Girls were more likely to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, clothes that cover arms and legs as well as avoid peak UV hours on sunny days. Boys were more likely to wear hats on sunny days. The report also found that 3% of children said they used a sunbed in the last 12 months. While the report found sunbed use by children under 18, it is not clear how much of this use is occurring in commercial premises. Providing a sunbed service to anyone under the age of 18 is contrary to Irish law as outlined in the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014. Prof Saoirse Nic Gabhainn, from NUI Galways Health Promotion Research Centre, said the findings provide a vital insight into childrens sun behaviours in Ireland. This is the first time that childrens sun behaviours have been comprehensively recorded in Ireland, and its clear that this area requires focused development to protect children. This survey data will be important for planning future awareness programmes and targeting resources to those children and families who most need it. Dr Triona McCarthy, Director of Public Health at the National Cancer Control Programme, has welcomed the report. We are delighted to have linked with the Institute of Public Health and NUIG to deliver a comprehensive profile of school-childrens risk and protective behaviours relating to UV exposure as outlined in the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan. UV exposure during the first 1015 years of life makes a disproportionately large contribution to lifetime risk of skin cancer, said Dr McCarthy. This report will inform development of resources and implementation of programmes to support children and young people to enjoy being active outdoors safely. By adopting the SunSmart 5 Ss, the majority of skin cancers caused by UV sun exposure could be prevented. Be SunSmart - follow the 5 Ss to protect your skin Aidan O'Brien - with 73 career Royal Ascot winners - could be set for a big day at Royal Ascot, with three winners already this week Denied the opportunity for their desired preparation, and with the soft ground presenting additional question marks, it's not been easy picking winners at Royal Ascot this week, writes James Toney. Following Jim Crowley - who has doubled his career meeting wins inside three days with his six triumphs - could well be the way ahead and, if in doubt, it often pays to back Aidan O'Brien blind here. O'Brien has bagged 73 Royal Ascot winners in the last 23 years and while he's not been banging in winners with his usual strike rate this week, three wins in three days is hardly cold form. His horses all seem to be improving for their second run this season, Battleground was imperious winning the Chesham Stakes yesterday and Sir Dragonet and Monarch of Egypt both went very close too, a study of their split times showing they got unlucky too. Which opens things up for another Ballydoyle charge in the Commonwealth Cup (3.35pm), today's Qipco British Champions Series feature race. LOPE Y FERNANDEZ finished just two and a half lengths behind the highly-rated Siskin at the Irish 1000 Guineas one week ago and while this ground will be a new experience, the same could be said of all major rivals, with favourite Pierre Lapin's two winning runs both on good to firm. O'Brien also has two eye-catching juveniles in the Norfolk Stakes (2.25pm) and Albany Stakes (1.50pm). Ryan Moore takes the ride on LIPIZZANER in the former, a horse that was narrowly beaten in his first two starts but handled the softy heavy ground at Naas on his debut in March. And the same jockey takes charge of MOTHER EARTH in the earlier race, who is stepped up to 6f with no major concerns about the ground. O'Brien's Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck didn't do a lot right after winning last season's Epsom Classic but had an encouraging run on his seasonal debut at Newmarket, where he was beaten by Ghaiyyath in the Coronation Cup. However, he clearly didn't relish this ground at Ascot when Enable handed down a 39-length beating at last year's King George, so Crowley's charge ELARQAM is preferred. Story continues Trained by Mark Johnston, the Frankel colt had no worries with good to soft earlier this month when beaten by the narrowest margin by Lord North, who franked that form with a big win here in Wednesday's Prince Of Wales's Stakes. Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy has won two this week and hit the bar with a couple more but Andrew Balding's BERKSHIRE ROCCO looks a good chance in the Queen's Vase (4.10pm) despite some concerns about the ground, worries that could be equally applied to the whole field. DEJA appeared a horse with potential last season and will run for the first time as a gelding when Andrea Atzeni partners him for the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (4.40pm). The opening race has been something of a graveyard this week with winners returned at 14-1, 12-1 and 20-1 and the long-priced globetrotter MAYSTAR is perhaps most eye-catching. Todays Royal Ascot selections: 1.15 Maystar, 1.50 Mother Earth, 2.25 Lipizzaner, 3.00 Elarqam, 3.35 Lope Y Fernandez, 4.00 Berkshire Rocco, 4.40 Deja People gather to stage a demonstration to protest against the annexation plan of the Jordan Valley, located in the occupied West Bank and illegal Jewish settlements in West Bank, Tel Aviv, Israel on June 6, 2020. WASHINGTON (JTA) - The leading pro-Israel lobby in the United States is telling lawmakers that they are free to criticize Israel's looming annexation plans - just as long as the criticism stops there. Two sources - a congressional aide and a donor - say the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, is delivering that guidance in Zoom meetings and phone calls with lawmakers. The message is unusual because the group assiduously discourages public criticism of Israel. But these are unusual times: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set a July 1 deadline to annex parts of the West B... STRATFORD About 100 people gathered Friday morning to mark Juneteenth at a ceremony in front of Town Hall. The day now known as Juneteenth occurred on June 19, 1865, when Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was finally enforced in Galveston, Texas, the last state of the former confederacy to be occupied by federal troops. The Rev. Kelvin Newton of the Greater Works Ministries of Bridgeport offered an invocation and benediction. He and other speakers noted the nationwide unrest in the wake of George Floyds killing by police in Minneapolis May 25. Even in the time that were in now, we thank you for the change that is happening. But as we are prevailing and travailing through this, we thank you that were coming out stronger, wiser, greater and better as a people, Newton said. Mayor Laura Hoydick read a formal proclamation recognizing Juneteenth before introducing Deborah Caviness, coordinator for Juneteenth of Fairfield County. This years large regional parade to mark Juneteenth had to be canceled, Caviness said, but community service projects led by 50 parade marshals in the community are ongoing, engaged in work including free Covid-19 testing, registering voters and encouraging census participation. Stratfords event was one of several being held throughout the area including an open community meeting in Ansonia, a rally in Fairfield and a flag-raising and community street painting followed by a virtual celebration in Bridgeport with music, poetry and dance. Today is a very emotional day and I think it should be more a day of prayer, reflection and a call to action, Caviness said. We have so many issues that we are facing today were never going to solve them unless we work together. There are so many people who dont understand why Black Americans are angry, and its because youve never walked in our shoes, she said, asking her audience to put themselves in the shoes of those related to Black victims of violence. What would you do? Thats something that everyone should think about today and you can understand why we feel the way that we do, Caviness said before noting support for Black Lives Matter, Colin Kaepernick and peaceful protests around the world. Enough is enough, she said, quoting civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer. Hoydick said she appreciated the perspective because it is something that we dont know. And I cant tell you how humbling it is and painful it is to realize as an elected leader that we dont know and we have to listen, Hoydick said. Parade Marshals included Stratford residents Rene Gibson and Town Council Member Dave Harden, D-4, who read an excerpt from Tom Feelings The Middle Passage. Fridays event was the first marking Juneteenth in Stratford under Hoydicks administration because the mayor said officials usually take part in the parade and festival in Bridgeport, canceled because of the pandemic. Hoydick said the town may now make an observation like Fridays an annual event. Its hard to understand how different people in the community feel about different things unless you talk to them or do things like this, she said. As we keep building around this issue and finding other ways to communicate and other ways to show support, I didnt realize this was so important, so Im learning every second. This is the terrifying moment a driver is captured hurtling the wrong way down a highway in Connecticut. The driver endangers the lives of scores of drivers as he continues heading towards oncoming vehicles on the I-395 Montville, even when he is chased by a police car. At least six cars had to make last-second swerves to get out of the way of the vehicle, driving southbound on the northbound side of I-395, which police said was driven by an elderly driver. The heart-stopping footage, which includes trucks heading in the path of the SUV, was captured on June 10 by Jake Demaio as his car traveled on the opposite side of the highway. 'I hardly saw him swerve, hardly saw him hit the brake lights, nothing. It was like full gas,' DeMaio told WFSB News. State police said the incident started around exit 38 and ended north of exit 24, a distance of two miles. The black SUV, traveling the wrong way, narrowly misses a black car which almost spins out of control on the I-395 Montville, Connecticut on June 10 The black SUV is filmed as it drives on the wrong side of the road for at least three minutes. The car shows no sign of stopping until a police car blocks its path. As the footage begins a head-on collision is narrowly averted as the driver of a white pick-up is confronted by the black SUV hurtling towards it. The white car's driver is forced to drive onto the grass of the central reservation, to avoid a head-on collision, as the driver of the black SUV weaves into the middle lane. The vehicle was filmed going the wrong way for over three minutes Not put, off the black SUV continues down the road. 'It's getting faster,' says one of the people traveling in Jake Demaio's car. At one point they talk about the danger of flying debris if the black SUV crashes. The SUV brazenly drives in the middle lane for some time as drivers continue to move out of its way and at least one truck driver flashes his lights in warning. The siren of a police car can be heard as the vehicle overtakes the car filming the footage. A white vehicle is forced to mount the grass after a near miss with the black SUV Police pursue the black SUV from the correct side of the road. However, it carries on undeterred. A second police car appears and they chase the car down the highway. The driver maintains his speed and he shows no sign of stopping. Another white car is forced to swerve away from the black SUV, followed by a number of other cars. Two police cars pursue the vehicle on the other side of the road which still shows no sign of stopping At one point a dark colored vehicle in the SUV's path swerves and gets clipped. It looks like its about to lose control before managing to correct its course. 'Dude, this guy is out of his f***ing mind,' the commentator in the car adds. Following another near miss, a police vehicle appears on the same side of the road as the black SUV. A state police cruiser angles itself to block the SUV from going any further down the highway and the driver looks as though he is trying to squeeze past, but he can't. Police say the elderly driver, who was behind the wheel of the SUV, caused three accidents. There were only minor injuries reported and police say no arrests were made. Key indices are trading higher in early trade on buying demand in index pivotals. At 9:26 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 199.71 points or 0.58% at 34,407.76. The Nifty 50 index was up 61.25 points or 0.61% at 10,152.90. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.84%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 1.04%. The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, is strong. On the BSE, 1293 shares rose and 334 shares fell. A total of 56 shares were unchanged. Stocks in news: Reliance Industries (RIL) rose 1.67%. RIL on Thursday (18 June) said Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) will buy 2.32% stake in Jio Platforms for Rs 11,367 crore. This investment values Jio Platforms at an equity value of Rs 4.91 lakh crore and an enterprise value of Rs 5.16 lakh crore. Jio Platforms is a wholly-owned subsidiary of RIL. Cipla rose 0.68%. Cipla and Roche Products (India) (Roche Pharma) announced that the two companies have entered into an agreement to provide better access to innovative medicines for patients in India. Under this agreement, Cipla will be responsible for marketing and distribution of Roche Pharma's key trademark oncology drugs viz.,Trastuzumab (Herclon), Bevacizumab (Avastin) and Rituximab (Ristova). Tata Motors rose 0.21%. Tata Motors informed that based on Moody's Investor Service letter dated 18 June 2020, the credit rating of the company and its subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Plc has been downgraded due to challenges posed by the coronavirus outbreak. Thermax fell 1.45% after the company reported 69.24% fall in consolidated net profit to Rs 39.03 crore on 36.32% fall in total income to Rs 1,353.66 crore in Q4 March 2020 over Q4 March 2019. Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals lost 2.09% after the company reported 36.83% fall in consolidated net profit to Rs 61.85 crore on 6.45% fall in total income to Rs 1,874.73 crore in Q4 March 2020 over Q4 March 2019. MOIL dropped 4.54% after the company reported 90.35% fall in consolidated net profit to Rs 13.47 crore on 41.95% fall in total income to Rs 282.96 crore in Q4 March 2020 over Q4 March 2019. Global Markets: Overseas, Asian stocks were mixed on Friday as investors continued to monitor the situation surrounding a recent uptick in coronavirus cases in some countries. Meanwhile, a Chinese health expert said Thursday that a recent virus outbreak in Beijing is under control. The Chinese capital saw a jump in infections after more than 50 days without domestically transmitted Covid-19 cases. In US, stocks ended mixed on Thursday as investors weighed a resurgence in coronavirus infections and the possibility of a new round of shutdowns. Back home, domestic shares ended with robust gains on Thursday, led by rally in banks and metal shares. Gains in HDFC twins and index heavyweight Reliance Industries (RIL) boosted indices. The barometer S&P BSE Sensex jumped 700.13 points or 2.09% at 34,208.05. The Nifty 50 index rallied 210.50 points or 2.13% at 10,091.65. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 366.57 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net buyers to the tune of Rs 1,131.27 crore in the Indian equity market on 18 June, provisional data showed. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Malayalam writer-director Sachy aka KR Sachidanandan, who was hospitalized in Thrissur after he sustained a cardiac arrest on Tuesday, passed away on Thursday. The filmmaker was being treated at the critical care unit of Thrissurs Jubilee Mission Hospital where he was admitted on Tuesday. As per a report by The News Minute, Dr Benny Joseph, the CEO of Jubilee Mission hospital confirmed the directors death. He was 48. On Tuesday, Sachy was brought to the hospital after having suffered a cardiac arrest which had cut off blood supply to his brain. Sachy made his directorial debut with 2015 Malayalam film Anarkali. His latest release Ayyappanum Koshiyum, starring Prithviraj and Biju Menon, was a blockbuster. The film is already getting remade in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu. The film tells the story of its title characters, Ayyappan Nair and Koshy Kurian, who lock horns over an incident and their egos take them on a wild trip. While Biju Menon played the character Ayyappan Nair, a policeman with unblemished records, Prithviraj was seen as a retired army havildar Koshy Kurian, who had put in 16 years of service. Also read: An amazing person: Shraddha Kapoor remembers Sushant Singh Rajput The film, which has emerged as a box-office hit, also featured director Ranjith as Prithvirajs father. Gowri Nandha and Anna Reshma Rajan played the female leads. At the box-office, Ayyappanum Koshiyum is said to have minted over Rs. 30 crore since its release earlier this year in February. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop The Great British Bake Off has reportedly banned older contestants from competing due to coronavirus. The Channel 4 show has a proud tradition of inviting a diverse age range of contestants to compete, with many aged over 60. But this year's series will only feature younger bakers who are considered less vulnerable to the pandemic, reports the Sun. Making changes: Great British Bake Off will only allow younger contestants to compete this year due to coronavirus Insiders told publication that bosses fear a contestant could fall ill during filming the hit show. That would mean the production would have to shut down, potentially costing millions of pounds. A source said: 'There's a real sense of urgency to get the next series of Bake Off in the can, considering it's one of Channel 4's biggest draws. Former champion: Nancy Birthwhistle, who was 60 when she claimed the crown in 2014, is the show's oldest winner 'That means the nation's baking grans and grandads have been deemed too high risk. Bake Off's wizened contestants are often the heart of the show. 'Val, who would "listen" to cakes to work out if they were done, and rapping septuagenarian Flo became favourites.' One of the show's most classic moments came courtesy of older contestant Diane Beard, who was implicated in the Baked Alaska-gate scandal of 2014. Fan favourites: Diane Beard (left) and Val Stones (right) are among many of the show's popular older bakers All the cast and crew on this year's show will have to quarantine together because judge Prue Leith, 80, has been refused insurance. But Channel 4 is eager to press ahead and ensure the show hits our screens in its usual late August slot. Comedian Matt Lucas will join the hosting team this year alongside Noel Fielding after Sandi Toksvig stood down earlier this year. The Iraqi foreign ministry Thursday summoned Irans envoy and warn the Islamic Republic to respect its sovereignty after Iranian forces launched artillery strikes into its territory, Anadolu news agency reports. Ambassador Iraj Masjedi was handed a protest note over artillery strikes that targeted border villages in the Erbil province of northern Iraq. The note also according to the Turkish news agency also asked Teheran to the strikes and instead seek cooperation in controlling their shared borders. The protest came after Iran noted on Wednesday that it targeted militant groups of Irans Kurdish Komala party and Iranian Kurdish Democratic Party in mountainous areas along the border with Iraq. Both organizations are on Irans black list. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 10:55:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WELLINGTON, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is supporting a worldwide multi-stakeholder's appeal to keep and improve migrants' access to remittance or money transfer services during the current economic crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by the governments of Switzerland and Britain, the call to action highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to economies, communities, and families dependent on remittances. The World Bank predicts that remittances to low and middle-income countries will drop by about 20 percent, a RBNZ statement said on Friday. To address this, the call to action has recommendations on policy, regulations, and service provision to ensure affordable access to money transfer services of migrants and their families. New Zealand, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), is one of the latest countries to join and pledge its support for the initiative, it said. "Across the world, many migrants and their families who rely on remittances for basic needs are experiencing financial hardship because of COVID-19. We are committed to supporting this initiative to ensure that no one gets left behind in the economic recovery plan," Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr said in the statement. "This is very much aligned with the current work that the Reserve Bank, with support from the MFAT, is engaged in. The Bank's Pacific Remittances Project aims to address the challenges facing remittance services domestically and in the Pacific region," Orr said. Enditem With political unrest convulsing across the United States since the death of unarmed African American man George Floyd in police custody last month, long-standing inequalities in housing, education and beyond have been pushed to the forefront of the national consciousness. Black Lives Matter movements are also drawing attention to another festering but overlooked systemic inequality environmental racism. African Americans are three times more likely to die from exposure to small particle air pollution than the general population, according to a 2017 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Communities of colour in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions of the US breathe 66 percent more vehicle pollution than white Americans, a study by the Union of Concerned Scientists found. And surveys by the National Institutes of Health have also found that asthma and lead poisoning rates are also much higher among African American children in the US than white children. Scientists warn that that climate change will further exacerbate and layer onto these pre-existing inequities. Studies have shown that climate change increases water and air pollution, which can worsen respiratory illnesses like asthma. But environmental justice campaigners are seizing the moment, arguing that an economic recovery plan steeped in sustainability will help redress structural unfairness in the US. A lot of people are not realising, with climate change and everything else going on, that the worst-hit are Black and brown communities, New York City resident and activist Rachel Rivera told Al Jazeera. For Rivera, a mother of six who works with the grassroots nonprofit New York Communities for Change (NYCC), these inequalities are not simply close to home, they are woven through the environment where she lives, works and raises her family. My six-year-old daughter suffers from respiratory seizures when its too hot or too cold, said Rivera. Its for real. It saddens me but affects all of us. When Superstorm Sandy happened in 2012, Riveras apartment building sustained major roof damage from the strong wind and torrential rain. She said her 14-year-old daughter still becomes intensely anxious during severe weather events. Its a nightmare, and if we continue like this, were going to have more Hurricane Sandies, Rivera said. We need to stop using fossil fuels, recycle, and use green energy, she said. We could actually make a difference. A lot of people are not realising, with climate change and everything else going on, that the worst-hit are Black and brown communities Rachel Rivera, New York City resident, mother and activist Crisis of the moment The coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately hit African American communities. A study of 43 states and the District of Columbia by APM research lab found that as of June 9, the overall mortality rate for COVID-19 was 2.3 percent higher for African Americans than for whites or Asians. Pete Sikora, climate and inequality campaigns director at NYCC, told Al Jazeera it is important for policymakers to not just focus on the crisis of the moment because the pandemic is just a preview of the racial and ethnic disparities that will widen due to climate change. The climate crisis makes COVID-19 look small in comparison, he said. Sikora sees a rare opportunity to rebuild the US economy to make it start working for all Americans and not just the privileged. Visitors look at memorials at the site of the arrest of George Floyd, who died in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US [File: Eric Miller/Reuters] New York Citys top 1 percent, for example, earn average incomes about 40 times higher than the bottom 99 percent, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Raising taxes on the highest earners is one policy that could help remedy inequality, says Sikora. He is also calling for measures that reduce residents exposure to highways, industrial plants and leaking pipelines. Connect these issues At the national level, campaigners are seeking to drive policy by linking up what were formerly considered separate issues. Adrien Salazar, the senior campaign strategist for climate equity at progressive think-tank Demos is advocating for lawmakers to craft stimulus programmes that promote sustainability and help close the racial income, wealth and opportunity gaps. Investments in a social safety net and job-creating programmes that also strengthen our green infrastructure and help us transition to a renewable energy economy, are crucial, Salazar told Al Jazeera. He cited a study by the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts Amherst that envisions 90 million jobs being seeded over the next 10 years through a suite of proposed green legislative and executive measures spanning broadband, rail lines, water treatment facilities, retrofitting houses, installing photovoltaic panels and restoring agricultural land. The nonprofit climate movement 350.org is another national group that is now explicitly linking up a litany of intersecting issues that disproportionately affect communities of colour, from climate change to criminal justice. George Floyd had COVID, then got murdered by a police officer, said Tamara Toles OLaughlin, 350.orgs national director. Whether you live or die is often based on the zip code you are in. Sam Grant is the executive director for the Minnesota branch of 350.org the state where Floyd died in police custody. Minnesota has among the worst racial disparities in the United States, particularly for American Indians and African Americans, he told Al Jazeera. Whatever population of colour is largest in any county in Minnesota tends to be overrepresented in negative statistics like unemployment, incarceration and poverty, and underrepresented in positive statistics like health and wealth. Grant says he is focusing most of his current energies on making sure Minnesota lawmakers adopt stimulus measures that will promote greater economic equality. To that end, he is organising activists in 36 of 66 state senate districts where the elected officials deny climate science. When MN350 was founded, it began with a commitment to focus on divestment from fossil fuels and pipeline resistance, Grant told Al Jazeera, referring to the groups original focus on the biggest carbon emitters. Over time, the organisation has expanded its understanding. To the Editor: Re How to Do Reparations Right, by David Brooks (column, June 5): How to do reparations right? Not by assuming that the problem is poverty in black neighborhoods or a problem that can be solved by money. Rather, recognizing and starting with the admission that the problem is with white presumption and its associated responses ranging across anger, cruelty, discrimination, hate, indifference and sanctioned harm. And recognizing that the harm is to all of us, black and white. To start, then, lets have a nationwide admission of racial sin by government entities at all levels, by educational and health institutions, businesses and unions, churches and charities. Recognizing the problem where it is, where it was. Admit, apologize. Then reparations, yes. But not a top-down program of public spending. Let each institutional and organizational entity across the country decide what is appropriate, what reparations should mean in their individual contexts. Some entities may decide to pick up on Mr. Brookss suggestion of aid to neighborhoods. But others may have even better approaches. Let a thousand ideas flow. Transport company loses appeal against refusal to ban BlaBlaCar in Russia RAPSI, Maria Petrova 11:32 19/06/2020 MOSCOW, June 19 (RAPSI) The Moscow District Commercial Court has upheld in cassation refusal to ban BlaBlaCar service in Russia upon a request of a transport company, according to court records. In late October 2019, the Moscow Commercial Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Astrakhan transport company Transline seeking BlaBlaCar service ban in Russia. The applicant also demanded to declare information published on blablacar.ru and m.blablacar.ru websites prohibited. The Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals rejected an appeal filed by Transline against the ruling in January. This is not the first attempt to shut down the service in Russia. In December 2017, a court in Krasnodar reversed a lower courts ruling declaring information published on the website of BlaBlaCar banned. BlaBlaCar, one of the largest online ride-sharing services in the world, was founded in 2006. Speaking on BBC Radio 4 today, musical impresario and venue owner Andrew Lloyd Webber announced plans to test measures in trial runs at The London Palladium in July. Accord to Lloyd Webber, the trials will follow the example set in South Korea, where The Phantom of the Opera has continued to play for over two months: "It's really the local producers who have done the extraordinary work there...the key thing they have is incredibly good hygiene in every possible way. Both backstage and in the front of the orchestra. The whole point is to make people feel as safe and secure as they can. "For example they have thermal imaging cameras at stage door and as you come into the theatre. These can identify if people have temperatures extremely quickly. Airlines are also developing this and we've also ordered it. We've ordered silver ion self-cleaning door handles for our little tests, these are completely effective against pathogens like coronavirus for a long period of time. Everybody going into the theatre is fobbed with the anti-viral chemical, which lasts 30 days." But Lloyd Webber stressed that there'll be no social distancing "because it's impossible to do social distancing in the theatre". He now hopes to replicate the South Korean model in the UK, imminently. "What I hope to do is to demonstrate what has happened in South Korea at The London Palladium hopefully in the first week of July. We've just had the final piece of equipment delivered and it's just clearing customs. Then we're going to do a series of tests to see if it's going to work. "The reason that we've chosen the Palladium is that it's a very big theatre, just under 2300 seats. It's the biggest theatre we have and in one way the most problematic. We want to be able to demonstrate there that this can work." "All we can do is continue to be positive and demonstrate we can open. If we do that and we fail then at least we've tried." The creator of shows like Cats and Phantom of the Opera wasn't the most enthusiastic about the government response to the pandemic: "I've had a couple of conversations with Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden about it, and I'd love to be able to say that they understood a little more. "I have seen a report on theatre and I don't know what's going to be in the report that's supposed to be coming out on Monday, but I sincerely hope it doesn't contain some of things that I have seen in their advice. One of the things was a brilliant one for musicals: you aren't allowed to sing. "One lives in hope but all you can do is to try and demonstrate and stay positive...I want to prove that they can reopen. " Perth detectives have charged a 40-year-old man after an extensive investigation into an incident in Wembley where a woman who had been asleep in her bed with her young child next to her was indecently assaulted. They allege the man removed a fly screen from a window about 12.30am on Sunday, May 24 and entered a unit on Herdsman Parade. Last month police said the woman fought back "very quickly" and managed to break free and cry out. The attacker fled through the back door before the little boy awoke. The man, from Wembley, has been charged with aggravated home burglary and aggravated indecent assault in the course of an aggravated home burglary. As evidence mounts for the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 infecting various animals, scientists at UCL say a global effort is needed to reduce the risk of the virus later returning to people. In a comment piece for The Lancet Microbe, researchers write that if the virus becomes common in an animal population that lives near people, such as pets or livestock, there would be a risk that another outbreak could occur even if the virus is eradicated in people in the area. The authors call for more research into which animals are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing the Covid-19 disease, and suggest implementing surveillance programmes to regularly test animals that could pose the highest risks of transmission. Co-author Professor Joanne Santini (UCL Structural & Molecular Biology) said: "There is increasing evidence that some animals can catch SARS-CoV-2 from people, and might subsequently transmit it to other people - but we don't know just how much of a risk this is, as it's an area of study that has not yet been prioritised. "We need to develop surveillance strategies to ensure we don't get taken by surprise by a large outbreak in animals, which could pose a threat not just to animal health but to human health as well. "Virus transmission in animal populations could become irreversible if left unchecked, and may threaten the success of existing public health measures if people continue to catch the virus from an infected population of animals." The authors write that the immense scale of the Covid-19 pandemic compounds the possibility of sufficient animals becoming 'reservoirs' of the virus, which could be more likely than for past epidemics, such as the more contained SARS-CoV-1 outbreak in 2002-2003. Professor Santini and co-author Professor Sarah Edwards (UCL Science & Technology Studies) reviewed evidence from case studies, experiments testing infection in small groups of animals, as well as laboratory and modelling studies describing likely infection mechanisms. Modelling and lab studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 could in theory be transmitted to numerous animals, based on findings that the spike protein on the virus attaches to host cells, using a protein that is found in many different species. The research paper advises that, once scientists identify which animals could become infected, they then need to figure out whether they will become unwell or remain asymptomatic, and whether an infected individual is able to then transmit the virus to other animals or even to humans. Notably, there have been recent cases in the Netherlands of farmed mink becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2, leading to two people catching the virus from these animals, in an outbreak that has led to thousands of mink being culled. The researchers say this example highlights not only the risk to human health, but also animal welfare concerns and potential loss of livelihoods in the agricultural sector. Professor Edwards commented: "There's an urgent need for widespread surveillance, by testing samples, preferably non-invasively, from large numbers of animals, particularly pets, livestock and wildlife that are in close proximity to human populations. More laboratory experiments on small numbers of animals are unlikely to give us the evidence needed to be confident that certain species are entirely safe, making major surveillance work the only real option here. "We need more information, at the same time as taking simple precautionary measures especially with species which have the potential to spread the virus rapidly in the wild. A robust risk assessment would also require reviewing our ability to manage an outbreak in those animals, namely our ability to isolate, protect, or contain different animals." ### The former boss of UK Finance embroiled in a sexism row has been dragged deeper into Amanda Staveley's 1.6billion High Court battle with Barclays. Staveley, a high profile financier, has accused Stephen Jones of engineering a 'questionable' 2billion loan as Barclays fought to avoid a Government bailout in 2008. Jones stepped down as boss of the lobbying group on Tuesday after making 'highly derogatory' comments about Staveley during the financial crisis. Amanda Staveley: The high profile financier, accused top brass at Barclays of sexism and misogyny But as managing director of Barclays Capital at the time he also helped arrange a loan with Qatari investors which Staveley has alleged may have been illegal. Staveley, who burst into tears yesterday after being accused of trying to 'hustle' Barclays out of hundreds of millions of pounds, previously told the court that Barclays secretly offered Qatari investors the 2billion loan behind her back, while also concealing it from shareholders. She has suggested the money, loaned in November 2008, was used to invest in Barclays shares a banned practice known as financial assistance. In October 2008 the bank was desperately seeking to avoid a Government bailout by raising 7.3billion from Middle Eastern investors, the court heard. Staveley and her firm PCP Capital helped secure a bail-out from Abu Dhabi investors. Fraud claim over Yellow Pages By TOM WITHEROW and JAMES BOOTH UK Finance's chairman is facing a court hearing next month in a multi-million pound claim alleging he defrauded shareholders while chair of Yellow Pages-owner Hibu. The case in the US has been a major headache for City grandee Bob Wigley, who lost his chief executive Stephen Jones over a sexism row earlier this week. Court hearing: City grandee Bob Wigley is accused of defrauding shareholders while chair of Yellow Pages-owner Hibu The claim relates to Wigley's time as chairman of directories business Hibu which crashed into administration in 2013 wiping out the holdings of smaller shareholders. An action group of 450 aggrieved former shareholders sued Wigley, Hibu and other directors of the company in the US last summer. The case is set to go before the US District Court in Philadelphia on July 20 on a motion to dismiss the claim, according to documents filed in the US this week. The lawsuit, first filed in August last year, alleges that Wigley and Hibu chief executive Mike Pocock, who died in December 2018, misled shareholders with positive updates about the firm's position, while moving cash to subsidiaries to prepare for administration. The claim accuses Hibu and its former directors of fraudulent misrepresentation, deceit and negligent misstatement. The claim said: 'The conspiracy culminated when, in secret cooperation with its lenders, the company effectively divested itself of assets so as to qualify for 'administration' and extinguished the rights of its shareholders, with no compensation.' The defence argues the case should be dismissed as the court lacks jurisdiction over the defendants and the claim has been filed too late. Chris Belcher, from the Hibu action group, said shareholders took the case to the US after feeling let down by the UK regulatory response to their claims. Wigley could not be reached for comment yesterday. She said Barclays told her six times that PCP and the Abu Dhabi investors would be offered the same deal as the Qataris, it is claimed. Instead the bank is accused of misleading markets and funnelling an extra 346million in secret fees to the Qataris, a move which 'smacked of corruption', according to court documents. Staveley is claiming between 400million and 1.6billion in damages. The loan, according to Staveley's witness statement, was 'a large, unsecured loan whose purpose seemed to change during the negotiations'. It caused immense disquiet within Barclays because banks were slashing risky borrowing to protect their balance sheets, it is claimed. Former boss: Jones engineered a questionable 2bn loan as Barclays fought to avoid a Government bailout in 2008 But the court heard that pressure was exerted by the former chief executive Bob Diamond to do the deal, with Jones saying in a call: 'We have to find a way of making this financing available.' The loan was agreed within weeks of the Qatar investment in Barclays, it is claimed, and Jones admitted 'we would go to prison' if the money were 'explicitly to fund the capital raising efforts'. In court documents Staveley's firm PCP claims that making the loan constituted unlawful financial assistance under the Companies Act 1985. Barclays dispute the claim saying the loan contract explicitly prevented Qatar from using the money in this way. Yesterday Staveley was accused of lying by Barclays' barrister. Jeffery Onions QC rejected Staveley's claim that she was crucial to the Abu Dhabi rescue deal, and portrayed her as an inexperienced, bit-player prepared to use false documents to make herself a fortune. He said: 'You were effectively engaged in what might be colloquially called a hustle trying to place yourself at the centre. You had no funds to invest, and nothing to offer.' Staveley has also accused Barclays's top brass of 'sexism and misogyny', with executives branding her a 'tart' and a 'foxy blonde'. Jones's personal comments about Staveley have not been revealed, but he has said they were 'wholly inappropriate. I regret making these comments and I cannot defend them and will not seek to'. UK Finance declined to comment. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 12:03:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- A total of 10.71 million students will sit this year's national college entrance exam in China on July 7 and 8, an increase of 400,000 over last year, the Ministry of Education said Friday. Over 7,000 exam sites will be set up across the country, including around 400,000 exam rooms, and 945,000 people will work as invigilators or service providers. Wang Hui, an official with the ministry, said the exam will be the largest organized event in the country since the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, at a press conference. The exam, also known as the gaokao, is deemed the most important event for Chinese students. It is hailed as a fair system to select talent and change the fate of children from poor families. Enditem Indias Reliance Industries Ltd said on Friday it has become net-debt free after raising 1.69 trillion rupees ($22.2 billion) via stake sales in its digital unit and a share sale over the past two months. The oil-to-telecoms conglomerate had previously set a target to clear its net debt of just over $21 billion by year-end. The Mumbai-based company kicked off stake sales in Jio Platforms in late April with Facebook Inc buying a 9.99% stake for $5.7 billion. It has since sold 24.7% of Jio Platforms to global investors including General Atlantic, KKR, Saudi sovereign wealth fund and Abu Dhabi state fund, raising a total of $15.22 billion. Reliance also sold shares to existing shareholders worth $7 billion. Strong investor interest in Reliances consumer businesses, Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail, will help the two units move toward a public listing in the next five years, company chairman and billionaire tycoon Mukesh Ambani said in a statement. Reliances retail unit runs close to 12,000 stores, including cash-and-carry wholesale, in over 6,700 Indian cities. Last month, it launched an online grocery service, JioMart, in a move aimed at rivalling Amazons local unit and Walmarts Flipkart. It plans to wrap up a bulk of the private fundraising for Jio Platforms - the unit which houses telecoms venture Jio Infocomm - by the third quarter of 2020 and then explore a potential public listing for it in the United States in 2021, Reuters reported previously. Reliances Jio Infocomm is Indias biggest telecom carrier by subscribers with more than 376 million users. Unlike traditional carriers, Jio launched in late 2016 with free voice and cut-price data plans. It has also ventured into music and movie streaming apps. The company has driven consolidation in Indias crowded telecoms sector, forcing several rivals out of business. First Minister set for lunchtime update on lockdown regulation changes This article is old - Published: Friday, Jun 19th, 2020 All eyes will be on the lunchtime briefing today as Welsh Government give the latest three week update on lockdown regulation changes. The First Minister Mark Drakeford will today announce all non-essential retail businesses in Wales will be able to open from Monday June 22 if they can take all reasonable measures to comply with the physical distancing duty in Welsh law. Welsh Government have said the change is at the heart of a comprehensive package of measures to further unlock the coronavirus restrictions and move many aspects of daily life into the amber zone on the Welsh Governments traffic light system. The First Minister, who will today announce the outcome of the three-week statutory review of the regulations in Wales, will also say the Welsh Government will review the requirement to stay local by 6 July. No other details have been released. You can watch the briefing on BBC One Wales, S4C and in full live via the @WelshGovernment twitter account. The briefing broadcast starts at 12:30pm. Massachusetts cannabis regulators on Friday discussed revising a number of regulatory policies, many of which would impact economic empowerment applicants, a license type created to benefit people disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. Among various topics considered during a virtual meeting of the Cannabis Control Commission for the regulatory policy discussion was to require that marijuana businesses have a code of ethics and whistleblower policy among personnel records. Commissioner Shaleen Title said a number of employees have told her directly that theyre concerned about retaliation. They are already protected under the law but the point of having a code of ethics and a whistleblower policy would be to ensure that information is accessible to the employees and I think by having to go through the process of creating it, it will make the employer more aware of that as well, Title told reporters following the meeting. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the commission reminded employees that they could file complaints with the commission via email if they felt they were working in unsafe conditions. Much of the conversation Friday focused on equity in the states cannabis industry, particularly the social equity and economic empowerment programs. The meeting fell on Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Economic empowerment status was created to offer a prioritized review and licensing for people disproportionately affected by the war on drugs or those in communities disproportionately impacted by high rates of incarceration and arrest for marijuana offenses. The social equity program is a free technical assistance and training program. For economic empowerment applicants, commissioners weighed whether or not to allow a reduction of ownership by target community members, or those people intended to benefit from economic empowerment status, from at least 51% down to 33% so long as target community members retain control and receive a certain amount of economic benefit. A reduction could mean more flexibility to obtain capital, something that has been a struggle for equity applicants. I believe that we should not dictate to applicants and to entrepreneurs how they run their business as long as they adhere to our regulations, CCC Chair Steven Hoffman said. My basic belief is that we should be both providing more flexibility to people in terms of how they structure their finances and we should not be telling them how to do it. Title agreed with Hoffman but said shed only be ok with moving the threshold down to 33% ownership as long as economic empowerment applicants maintained control of the company. However, commissioners Britte McBride and Jennifer Flanagan wanted to keep the threshold at 51%. I think its extraordinarily important that we are promoting minority ownership of businesses, McBride said. With opinions in a tie, the commission invited public comment from those who may want to see that threshold change. If we get feedback that people are hamstrung from being able to attract investors and theres a rationale for doing that I think we should be open to that, McBride said. My hesitancy with that is really just based on wanting to make sure that we are promoting as much as we can the majority minority ownership in businesses. During the roughly four-hour meeting, the commission discussed a range of topics for which they may revise regulations. In addition to issues of equity, the commission talked about delivery licenses, testing, vaping regulations, research licenses and more. The commission did not make any final decisions Friday. The next steps include more discussion, votes, finalizing draft regulations and a public comment period. Commissioners Title, McBride and Flanagan noted that they are in support of amending the social equity regulation to state that the commission may by vote expand the categories of people eligible to participate in the social equity program, like veterans, for example. Title said she wanted to make sure any changes were based on data and noted there has only been one cohort of the social equity program thus far. Hoffman said he would support no change to the current regulation, but that he was open-minded on the topic. I think its early in the evolution of the social equity program and I want to make sure, at least my opinion is that we need to keep it focused, Hoffman said. The commissioners also signaled their support of expanding eligibility to participate in the social equity program to economic empowerment applicants. Many economic empowerment applicants are already participating in the social equity program, but this change would streamline the process and give those applicants access to resources, tools and mentorship. Related Content: By Hyonhee Shin and Josh Smith SEOUL, June 19 (Reuters) - South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday accepted the resignation of the minister responsible for relations with North Korea, as tensions with Pyongyang rise over the activities of defectors in the South and stalled diplomacy. South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul, who oversees engagement with North Korea, offered on Wednesday to step down, making himself accountable for the worsening ties. After seeing a boost in favourability over his government's handling of the coronavirus outbreak, Moon's approval rating fell to 55%, the lowest level in about three months, driven by worries over North Korea, according to a Gallup Korea poll released on Friday. North Korea has snubbed Seoul's calls for engagement as efforts to restart inter-Korean economic projects stalled due to international sanctions designed to rein in the North's nuclear and missile programmes. Pyongyang has also taken issue over defectors in the South sending propaganda leaflets into North Korea. Citing South Korea's failure to stop the defectors, North Korea this week blew up the joint liaison office on its side of the border, declared an end to dialogue with South Korea and threatened military action. Unification Ministry spokeswoman Cho Hye-sil told a briefing on Friday that an emigre planning to send hundreds of bottles stuffed with rice, medicine and medical face masks to North Korea by throwing them into the sea near the border on Sunday, had been asked to abandon its plan. She warned that authorities would stop the group, and others like it, from carrying out such plans, and would seek to impose penalties for violations of a law governing inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation. After a flurry of barbed statements earlier this week, North Korean officials did not issue direct criticism of South Korea for a second day in a row on Friday. But state media kept up steady stream of reports on North Koreans "exploding with anger" at the South. (Reporting by Josh Smith; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) Australia's one-percenters are unable to use their superyachts and private jets due to ongoing coronavirus travel bans. Lindsay Fox, who runs logistics giant Linfox, is completely cut off from his 58-metre superyacht called Volpini 2, which is currently stranded in Barcelona, Spain. Premier Investments chairman Solomon Lew is also unable to enjoy his 54-metre yacht Maridome while its moored in the Catalan port. Fox and property development mogul Max Beck both own private jets, which are currently grounded at Essendon Fields Airport - an airport they jointly own. Property developer John Gandel owns the world's largest business jet, the Bombardier Global Express 7500, which is also gathering dust in a hangar. Only James Packer is able to enjoy his $200million luxury superyacht in Mexico's Cabo San Lucas as he has been spending COVID-19 lockdown there. The 58-metre long superyacht called Volpini 2, which is owned by Lindsay Fox, who runs logistics giant Linfox Fox and his wife Paula. The cashed-up couple have not been able to leave Australia due to COVID-19 pandemic due to travel bans - meaning their yacht is stranded in Barcelona In sunny Barcelona, Fox's AU $90 million yacht Volpini 2 is docked in the port and has been waiting months for its next voyage. The spacious yacht can fit 12 guests across six rooms and and 13 crew members in seven cabins and can reach speeds of up to 15.5 knots. Premier Investments chairman Lew is in a similar position, with his luxury $43 million seafarer Maridome also docked in the Catalan capital. The 54-metre long vessel can fit 10 guests in five cabins and 14 crew and is slightly faster than Fox's boat as it is able to reach 16 knots. Fox and property development mogul Max Beck both own private jets, which are currently grounded at Essendon Fields Airport. Luckily for them, they can store their jets for free since they jointly own the airport. Superyacht Maridome (pictured) is 54 metres long and can fit 10 guests in five cabins and 14 crew in seven cabins and is slightly faster than Fox's boat as it is able to reach 16 knots Premier Investments Chairman Solomon Lew (pictured) has been unable to access his Maridome yacht amid the COVID-19 pandemic Property developer Gandel is the only Australian owner of the Bombardier Global Express 7500, which is the world's largest business jet. The monster plane can seat up to 19 passengers and has a master bedroom and a shower to wash off any flight ickiness. But like Fox and Beck, Gandel cannot make use of the plane's enormous 13,000km travel range due to COVID-19 travel bans. Paul Little's Gulfstream 650 is also sitting idly at his his $100-million Melbourne Jet Base in Tullamarine Airport. A Bombardier Global 7500 plane, the world's largest business jet. Property developer John Gandel is the only Australian to own the plane but is unable to put it to full use due to bans on international travel A private jet in Essendon Fields Airport, which is jointly owned by Lindsay Fox and Max Beck. Both millionaires have kept their jets at the airport due to travel bans Mr Little said private airports were feeling the financial pinch as a result of less departures and arrivals from Australia's super rich. 'Around the world, there are planes parked up that aren't being used because the demand's not there,' Mr Little told the Australian Financial Review. 'We're even storing some aircraft at the moment that would typically be running in and out of I think it's Korea we're storing those planes because there's no demand. So it's not unique to Melbourne Jet Base.' Mr Little said the COVID-19 pandemic reduced their traffic by roughly 20 to 30 per cent in March. Property developer John Gandel and his wife Pauline. Mr Gandel is the only Australian owner of the world's largest business jet, the Bombardier Global Express 7500, but is currently unable to fly overseas because of COVID-19 travel bans While many of Australia's wealthy folk are not able to play with their luxury toys, billionaire James Packer got out of the country before travel bans came into place. He was spotted earlier this month on his $200million luxury superyacht, which is docked in front of his $50million beachfront mega-mansion being built in Mexico's Cabo San Lucas. The custom-made yacht was built by Benetti in Livorno, Italy, and measures 108 metres in length. Why would an elected public representative in a supposedly progressive country fail to condemn President Donald Trumps bad leadership and instead hail the democratic qualities of the United States, especially at a time when millions of Americans are out on the streets demonstrating against the widespread and deep-rooted injustices in their country? Only a leader who is wilfully blind to Trumps problematic stance on racial justice and the massive demonstrations that have materialised after George Floyds brutal murder at the hands of police officers would struggle to publicly acknowledge and condemn the US presidents divisive and dangerous actions and words. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, however, did just that in Parliament on June 10. The Scottish National Partys Kirsty Blackman asked Johnson whether he still believes Trump has many, many good qualities, especially after the latters horrendous and often reckless response to Black Lives Matter protests. Without batting an eyelid, a rambling Johnson reaffirmed Trumps leadership and claimed the US has been a bastion of peace and freedom since 1964. This is an absolute, shameful lie. The US has endured endless uprisings over institutionalised racism and police brutality since 1964. Johnsons attempt to effortlessly expunge Americas long history of racism and state-sanctioned violence at home and abroad from across the Atlantic Ocean is highly disturbing. His willingness to whitewash Americas violent past is a strong and insightful reflection of Britains long-established willingness to both glorify and minimise its equally destructive colonial past. After all, the USs troubled and violent history is only second to the UKs disastrous colonial presence in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Johnsons wilful blindness about the growing calls for racial justice is not limited to his refusal to acknowledge the role Trump has played in deepening Americas racial divides either. He is so wonderfully lost in espousing the grand heritage of Britains colonial conquests that he also remains wholly unmoved by the growing and universal opposition to monuments and symbols that commemorate and honour colonialism, racism, slavery and white supremacy. Americans have been tearing down Confederate statues for a decade. The Rhodes Must Fall campaign, which started in 2015 at the University of Cape Town, led to a wider movement to decolonise education across South Africa and beyond. Just a few days ago in the Belgian city of Antwerp, a statue of King Leopold II, who seized a huge swathe of Central Africa and killed up to 10 million Africans, was set on fire and eventually taken down by the authorities. Following years of protests and criticism, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte finally accepted earlier this month that Black Pete, a Christmas character traditionally played by a white person in black face paint, is problematic and should die out. Progressive Britons are also taking action to tear down monuments to slaveholders, colonialists and racists in their country. A statue of enslaver and human trafficker Edward Colston was toppled during a Black Lives Matter protest in Bristol. The figure of slaveholder Robert Milligan was taken down from its plinth at West India Quay in Londons Docklands. The University of Oxford recently announced its decision to remove a statue of Rhodes following student protests. There have also been calls for the removal of wartime British Prime Minister Winston Churchills statue in Londons Parliament Square due to his racist, white supremacist views and his role in the Bengal famine. But Johnson is somehow shocked by the global outrage expressed towards outdated and divisive symbols of slavery, colonialism and white supremacy. In a piece defending Churchill, titled, Rather than tear some people down we should build others up, Johnson writes, What has the world come to when one of this countrys greatest ever leaders perhaps our greatest has to be shielded from the wrath of the mob? His dog-whistle reference to the mob in London sounds perturbingly familiar to Trumps labelling of the demonstrators as thugs in the US. Moreover, Johnson suggests Britain should build statues of Black and Asian leaders that helped make the Commonwealth great, presumably to stand alongside symbols of slavery and colonial oppression. He remains convinced that there are outstanding Black and Asian leaders who valued or understood Britains brutal past and worked hard towards building the Commonwealth ostensibly for the good of the enlightened natives in African, Arab and Asian lands. Johnsons glowing and fanciful view of the Commonwealths impact adopts a British, rather than an African, Indian or Palestinian view of colonialism. From Lagos to New Delhi and the Gaza Strip, the people that bore the brunt of British colonialism, do not subscribe to the prescribed morality of the Commonwealths history. Yet Johnson has expressed a willingness to resist with every breath in my body any attempt to remove that statue from Parliament Square and described any move to dispose of various statues of white British heroes as a distortion of our history. But the real distortion is how Britain has failed to be open about its colonial past. How Britains colonial history is still not taught in English schools. And how Britain cannot come to terms with the brutality of the past, and move on. Indeed, the morality of pleading with Britain and the Commonwealth to retain symbols of white supremacy, with the caveat that everything should be placed in context, misses the point altogether: commemorating the context the Transatlantic Slave Trade and colonialism is the problem. Applauding the men who championed yesteryears racist violence in todays progressive world is certainly a problem. And the idea that we need to tackle the substance of the problem, not the symbols is simply short-sighted, expedient hogwash. In an atmosphere where the large, residual context of British colonial rule is abundant in the race-driven failings around overwhelming police brutality towards Black men, the Grenfell scandal, the Windrush Generation scandal and high death rates from COVID-19 among Britains Black, Asian and minority ethnic people, celebrating colonialism or slavery is unquestionably selfish and inhumane. Unfortunately for Britain, like Trump, Johnson prefers to view the world through the restrictive prism of conservative white privilege. He has described Black people living in Commonwealth countries as flag-waving piccaninnies and the tribal warriors [who] all break out in watermelon smiles. That enduring and regressive colonial mentality is the underlying spirit behind his woeful defence of the British Empire. Yet Johnson is the prime minister of Britain, an official embodiment of its political values, morality and character. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 19, 2020 / Ximen Mining Corp. (XIM.V)(1XMA.F)(XXMMF) (the "Company" or "Ximen") is pleased to announce that it has acquired 7 additional claims near its Kenville gold mine property in Nelson, southern British Columbia. Seven claims covering approximately 693 hectares were acquired this week in the Nelson Mining Camp. One block of 2 claims surrounds the Company's Queen Victoria historic mine, located about 5 kilometers northwest of the Kenville mine. A second block of 5 claims adjoins the east boundary of the Company's Kenville gold mine property. The Queen Victoria copper-gold-silver skarn deposit was mined between 1907 and 1956 and produced 1.48 million pounds of copper (673 tonnes), 30,544 ounces of silver, and 246 ounces of gold. The new claims also cover three crown granted claims that reverted. The eastern block of claims covers five reverted crown grants and the Mor 1 mineral occurrence. In addition, the Oro Fino occurrence lies on the boundary between the newly acquired claims and existing Ximen property. At Oro Fino, known mineralization is similar to that of the Kenville mine: quartz veins with pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite and free gold, so it appears that the Kenville vein system continues into this area. The Mor 1 occurrence is located 1 km southeast of the Kenville mine. Known mineralization there consists of disseminated pyrite with minor chalcopyrite in diorite and pyrite and chalcopyrite in narrow quartz veins up to 30 centimetres in width, indicating potential for bulk-mineable and lode gold deposits. The total land package assembled by Ximen in the Nelson-Ymir-Salmo area since first acquiring the Kenville gold mine now stands at 19,582 hectares. Earlier this year, properties were acquired from Emgold Mining Corporation, Klondike Gold Corp. and 49er Creek Gold Corp. Map showing new claims and current Ximen properties in Nelson-Salmo area. The Company is also pleased to announce that it has arranged a non-brokered private placement of 4,444,444 million units at a price of $0.45 per unit for gross proceeds of $2,000,000. Each Unit consists of one common share and one transferable common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to purchase, for a period of 24 months from the date of issue, one additional common share of the Issuer at an exercise price of $0.75 per share. Story continues Directors, officers or other insiders of the Company may participate in the foregoing offerings, and such parties may sell securities of the Company owned or controlled by them personally through the facilities of the TSX Venture Exchange to finance participation in such offerings. There is no material fact or material change of the Company that has not been generally disclosed. A finder's fee may be paid to eligible finders in accordance to the TSX Venture Exchange policies. All securities issued pursuant to the offering will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of closing. The offering and payment of finders' fees are both subject to approval by the TSX-V. Subject to certain limitations, the financing is open to all existing shareholders of the Company as at June 18, 2020, in reliance on the existing shareholder exemption pursuant to B.C. Instrument 45-534. The aggregate acquisition cost to a subscriber under the existing shareholder exemption cannot exceed $15,000 unless the subscriber has obtained advice from a registered investment dealer regarding the suitability of investment. In addition, other investors who qualify under available prospectus exemptions will be allowed to participate in the financing. Existing shareholders of the Company are directed to contact the Company for further information. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used by the Company for exploration expenses on the Company's British Columbia mineral properties and general working capital. 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. 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. 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/594438/Ximen-Mining-Expands-Land-Position-Adjacent-to-Its-Kenville-Gold-Mine-in-the-Historic-Nelson-BC-Gold-Camp NPPD was not a party in the lawsuit but had filed to intervene in it. Tom Kent, NPPD president and CEO, said the decision affirmed the wildlife service's process in analyzing the impact of the project on the beetles, whooping crane and other endangered species. Kent interpreted the ruling on vacating the burying beetle take permit as being decided on two narrow issues the impact of the Thunderhead Wind project interconnecting at an NPPD project substation and the route alternatives in the O'Fallons Bluff area near Sutherland. The Oregon and California trails run up and over the bluffs, and pioneer wagon ruts remain as historic landmarks. "We're very confident in the work we've done. And we're looking forward to working with the Fish and Wildlife Service to do whatever needs to happen to resolve those narrow issues identified by the court," Kent said. Bob Bernt of Clear Creek Organic Farms near Spalding, an opponent of the R-Project, said he wasn't surprised by the vacation of the take permit. But he is dismayed that NPPD has continued with its preparatory work on the project with stockpiles of equipment and paths laid across wet meadows and the Dismal River. The Supreme Court is seen in Washington on June 15, 2020. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo) Supreme Court Fast-Tracks Death Row Challenge to DOJ Lethal Injection Method The Supreme Court on Thursday announced it would fast-track an appeal by four death-row inmates convicted of killing children who are challenging Attorney General William Barrs plans to resume federal executions this summer. The four inmates, whose execution dates were scheduled Monday for the months of July and August, argue that their scheduled lethal injections would violate the 1994 Federal Death Penalty Act, which says that the method of execution should be determined by the state where a capital crime is committed. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled early April that the Trump administrations plan to resume executions of federal death row prisoners via lethal injection is lawful. The execution protocol relies on a single drug, pentobarbital. The justices ordered the DOJ and the death-row inmates to submit briefs in the coming days, before the court determines whether to hear the case. It came three days after Barr ordered the Federal Bureau of Prisons to schedule the executions of the four death row inmates, marking the first use of capital punishment by the federal government since 2003. Two of the four death-row inmates convicted of killing children were also convicted of raping the children they murdered, the Justice Department said. The appeals court lifted an order in November 2019 by a lower court judge that had put on hold the executions. Inmate Daniel Lewis Lee, once a member of a white supremacist group, was convicted in Arkansas in the murder of a family of three, including an 8-year-old girl. He robbed the family and shot them with a stun gun, covered their heads with plastic bags, and threw them into the Illinois bayou. His execution has been scheduled for July 13. Wesley Ira Purkey of Kansas, whose execution is scheduled for July 15, was charged in the murder and rape of a 16-year-old girl. According to the DOJ, he dismembered, burned, and dumped the girls body into a septic pond. He was also charged in the killing of an 80-year-old woman. Dustin Lee Honken, has had his execution scheduled for July 17 over the fatal shooting of five peoplea mother and her daughters, aged 10 and 6, and two of his victims who had planned to testify against him. Keith Dwayne Nelson kidnapped a 10-year-old girl who was rollerblading in front of her Kansas home and raped her in a forest behind a church before strangling the young girl to death with a wire. His execution date has been set for Aug. 28. The court in its order (pdf) Thursday granted the motion filed by Lee, Purkey, Honken, and Nelson seeking to expedite consideration of their petition. Barr said in a statement Monday that the inmates have received full and fair proceedings under our Constitution and laws. We owe it to the victims of these horrific crimes, and to the families left behind, to carry forward the sentence imposed by our justice system, he said. Attorneys for the inmates have decried the DOJs decision to move ahead with the executions. In an emailed statement, Ruth Friedman, a lawyer for Daniel Lee, argued that the lead prosecutor and the victims family all oppose his execution and believe a life sentence is appropriate. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Island shoppers rejoice! With New York City officially set to enter Phase 2 of its reopening on Monday, Jun. 22, hundreds of local retailers are planning to open their doors to shoppers for the first time since mid-March. Phase 2 brings with it the return of in-store retail, albeit with strict guidelines that businesses must adhere to in order to ensure the health and safety of their employees and customers. Stores can only operate at 50% capacity. Employees must wear masks whenever theyre interacting with customers. Customers must also wear masks, if medically able. Stores must control foot traffic with designated signage and/or floor markings. Self-serve stations must remain closed. Store owners may refuse service to any customer not wearing a mask. And malls remain closed with the exception of stores with external entrances. Despite the bevy of restrictions, Staten Island stores are raring to reopen and recoup some of revenue lost as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. EMPIRE OUTLETS Empire Outlets will reopen all of its stores and public spaces on Monday, Jun. 22, with reduced hours and new social distancing and health safety protocols in place. All stores at the Empire Outlets are permitted to open because they all feature external entrances. We are looking forward to welcoming back our community, staff and shoppers to Empire Outlets, said Joseph Ferrara, Principal of BFC Partners and Developer of Empire Outlets. While our waterfront esplanade, Walgreens and takeout at Shake Shack continued to be open for our local Staten Island community since mid-March, we are thrilled to fully and safely reopen our open-air property including all of our retail spaces and public areas for visitors who can take the free Staten Island Ferry, which is located steps from Empire Outlets. The outlets will be open on Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. In regards to the new safety protocols, all employees will be required to wear masks and will be subject to temperature checks. Employees will also be trained with COVID safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Enhanced cleaning procedures have been put in place to ensure that the outlets remain safe and sanitary, with increase implementation of contactless transaction technology to limit the amount of physical interaction between customers and employees. Social distance markings, hand sanitizer stations and advisory signage will also be installed throughout the outlets. Signage to promote social distancing will be placed throughout each store at the Staten Island Mall, encouraging shoppers to stay at least six feet apart. Hand sanitizer will be available to customers and employees at various locations. Plexiglass barriers will be installed at all checkout locations, with cashiers required to disinfect keypads after each transaction. (Alexandra Salmieri/Staten Island Advance) STATEN ISLAND MALL The vast majority of stores at the Staten Island Mall will not be permitted to reopen on Monday during the start of Phase 2 due to the lack of external entrance. However, some stores, such as Macys, does feature an external entrance and is expected to reopen its doors to customers on Monday, according the Staten Island Mall. In early May, Macys began laying out plans to reopen all stores within a two-month span as some states began reopening amid the pandemic. Assuming that COVID-19 continues to trend as were seeing today, we anticipate that the majority of our stores will reopen in the next six to eight weeks. Having studied the recovery rates and consumer behavior of Asian and European countries that are ahead of the U.S. in the cycle, we do anticipate a gradual sales recovery in our brick-and-mortar stores, Macys CEO Jeff Gennette said at the time, noting that stores will likely only do about 15% to 20% of their normal sales upon initial reopening. While Macys will reopen, the store will look a bit different -- as new health standards have been put in place with an emphasis on customer, colleague and store environment safety. Signage to promote social distancing will be placed throughout each store, encouraging shoppers to stay at least six feet apart. Hand sanitizer will be available to customers and employees at various locations. Plexiglass barriers will be installed at all checkout locations, with cashiers required to disinfect keypads after each transaction. All store employees will be provided with cloth face coverings, and those interacting with customers will also receive gloves. Cleaning protocols have been enhanced to provide for more frequent sanitization. Many services will also be modified or temporarily unavailable during the initial phases of reopening. Macys Beauty will offer no-touch consultations, with all customer application and spa-like services suspended until further notice. Alterations and ear-piercings have been suspended at all locations that offer such services. Dress shirts are currently unavailable to try on, and bra-fitting services have been put on hold. Any customers looking to try on watches or jewelry will be required to use hand sanitizer first. We want the customers to feel like theyre entering a safe environment. We want our colleagues to feel that way and communicate that to our customers, Gennette said. Its currently unclear whether other Staten Island Mall retail establishments with external entrances, such as Barnes and Noble, JCPenney and Ulta Beauty, will reopen on Monday. LOCAL BUSINESSES Small, local businesses, many of which have been completely shuttered for more than three months, are beyond eager to reopen on Monday. Anthony Rapacciuolo, executive director of the South Shore Business Improvement District (BID), said that about 20-25 local businesses in his district -- including retail shops, salons and barbershops -- are expected to reopen on Monday. Its very exciting. The retailers are anxious to open. They need to open because they need to make money because many of these businesses havent made any revenue so theyre struggling severely, Rapacciuolo said. All these business owners are willing to do whatever it is they need to do. They just need to open up. Rapacciuolo said that business organizations, such as the South Shore BID, have been working alongside the local retailers to ensure that theyre compliant with all city and state regulations, though he still hopes that agencies will be lenient in their enforcement as businesses continue to adjust to the new normal. Im hoping that the citys not going to come out next week and start issuing fines as soon as everything opens. I would hope they could issue guidance because guidance is more important and all these businesses are struggling. All these businesses will do anything they can to open up. You tell them jump this high and theyll do it just so they can serve their customers, he said. Local businesses hope that the reopening of in-store retail, outdoor dining and grooming services will help bring back some of the business theyve lost to neighboring states as Staten Islanders have been taking day trips to New Jersey and Connecticut to partake in what were once deemed everyday activities such as shopping, dining and getting a haircut. I hope that the start of Phase 2 on Monday will curtail that effect because now people have the option to dine and shop on Staten Island, which should help stop the money from going over the bridge and keep it on Staten Island, Rapacciuolo said. Linda Baran, president of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, said that the restoration of in-store retail is crucial to many of the small businesses who were without the resources to open for delivery or curbside pick-up. For the business owners, its really hard for a small retail establishment to bring on staff and try to do pick-up and delivery when people cant see the products, Baran said. Baran said that most of the local businesses that will be reopening are primarily concerned with their customers feeling safe within the store. Some of the concerns Ive been hearing are about how comfortable the customers will be coming into the store. From what Ive heard from most smaller shops, theyre just taking the necessary precautions to make sure that the customers feel safe and they want to come in, she said. Nancy Nix, co-owner of Wicked Stitches, said her and her business partner, Carolyn Buckheit, have been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the return of in-store customers in Phase 2. Were thinking we can probably have two people working and two customers in the store at a time, given the square footage, Nix said. So were just figuring out how to post that information outside for the customers and what would be the best and safest way to go about things, but were all in on Phase 2. The West Brighton-based custom gift shop has been handling online orders throughout the pandemic, but sales have dropped significantly with customers unable to come in a peruse the stores selection. For us its been especially difficult because were a custom gift shop so while we have our stock custom gifts, we also do unique things that arent on our website. Weve tried to use social media for that, but its honestly just not the same, said Nix. On top of that, the pandemic has encompassed three significant holidays and celebrations that typically drive business at the shop. We went through Mothers Day and now Fathers Day is coming up and then weve got all the graduations, Nix said. Those are three things we usually do a lot of business for. The store is expected to officially reopen for in-store shopping next week, from Tuesday through Friday, under limited hours, with hopes of restoring their standard 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours in the near future. I would love to see people in here shopping just like the good old days of four months ago, Nix said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 20:05:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 is an exceptional prospect to rebuild African health systems and economies in a comprehensive and accountable way, an Ethiopian expert said on Friday. On Wednesday, Chinese and African leaders held the summit to deepen cooperation that envisaged jointly fighting the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic across the African continent. "The world is at an extraordinary junction in history, as nations endeavor to pull themselves out of a pandemic-induced state failure to protect both human lives and their economies. Nonetheless, the China-Africa summit on solidarity against COVID-19 is an exceptional prospect to rebuild African health systems and economies in a comprehensive and accountable way," Costantinos Bt. Costantinos, an economic advisor to the AU and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), told Xinhua on Friday. The summit, held via video link, was jointly proposed by China, South Africa, the rotating chair of the African Union (AU), and Senegal, the co-chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). "China is providing medical assistance to more than 50 African countries. Moreover, China plans to suspend debt repayments for developing countries, as it is teaming up within the G20 framework for debt relief initiative for Africa...China will make COVID-19 vaccine global public goods," the expert said. Meanwhile, speaking exclusively to Xinhua on Thursday, Billene Seyoum, Spokesperson for the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, said the virtual summit has demonstrated the excellent anti-COVID-19 partnership between Africa and China. "With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic within China, a lot of African countries had shown solidarity in those trying times China was undergoing," Seyoum said. "Similarly, as African countries were declaring the first few cases of COVID-19 within the continent, China paid attention in the expression of solidarity, as well as in the provision of essential supplies that were needed and are still needed in the continent to address the challenge that is ahead of us," noted Seyoum. Seyoum said the purpose of convening this special summit is to reinforce solidarity on the common challenges posed to mankind by COVID-19. China, which is also fighting COVID-19 at home, is intensifying its efforts with African countries as well as regional and continental organizations in support of Africa's fight against the pandemic. As of Thursday, a total of 267,519 COVID-19 cases have been reported in 54 African countries with 7,197 deaths, accounting for about 3.2 percent of all cases reported globally, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), a specialized healthcare agency of the African Union. Enditem Indigenous families are missing out on disability support amid fear of child removals despite Aboriginal children being twice as likely to have a disability as non-Indigenous children, a leading Aboriginal welfare expert says. Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency chief executive Muriel Bamblett said Australia's history of institutional racism, the complexity of disability services and a fear of being branded a "bad parent" for seeking help were impeding access to support. Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency chief executive Muriel Bamblett says Indigenous families need more support to navigate the disability sector. Credit:Justin McManus "Non-Aboriginal people believe they have a right to a service," Ms Bamblett, an adjunct professor at La Trobe University's School of Social Work and Social Policy, told the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. "Aboriginal people don't believe they have the same right as everyone else ... They are concerned that someone will see them as not a good parent." Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 00:48:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Video image taken on June 19, 2020 shows a session of the UN Human Rights Council held in Geneva, Switzerland. (Xinhua) The resolution, in particular, condemned police brutality that led to the deaths of U.S. citizen George Floyd in Minneapolis and other people of African descent. GENEVA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Human Rights Council on Friday adopted a resolution strongly condemning the continuing racially discriminatory and violent practices perpetrated by law enforcement agencies against Africans and people of African descent. The resolution, in particular, condemned police brutality that led to the deaths of U.S. citizen George Floyd in Minneapolis and other people of African descent. The resolution, adopted by consensus without a vote in the 47-member UN body, also deplored the recent incidents of excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement officers against peaceful demonstrators defending the rights of Africans and people of African descent. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed speaks via video teleconference during an urgent debate of the 43rd Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council held in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 17, 2020. (Bodi Hugger/ACANU/Handout via Xinhua) The resolution requested the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a report on systemic racism, violations of international human rights law, and abuses against Africans and people of African descent by law enforcement agencies. The report will contribute to accountability and redress for victims, said the resolution, calling on all states and relevant stakeholders to cooperate in the preparation of the report. The resolution also requested the High Commissioner to examine government responses to antiracism peaceful protests, including the alleged use of excessive force against protesters, bystanders and journalists. Demonstrators take part in a protest sparked by the death of George Floyd on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, the United States, June 13, 2020. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua) Many journalists have reported attacks while doing their job in the U.S., with some estimates going as high as "148 arrests or attacks" in the U.S. between May 26 and June 2. The resolution came in the wake of U.S. citizen George Floyd's death in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25. The 46-year-old African American man died during an arrest after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Videos from security cameras and made by witnesses later became public. Since then, protests in response to Floyd's death, and more broadly to police violence, spread across the United States and took place in some other countries. As hundreds marched towards the Peel District School Board Wednesday evening in a protest against anti-Black racism, a group of youngsters gathered around two people with microphones and chanted: Fire Peter Joshua. Fire Peter Joshua. Joshua is the embattled director of education at the school board, the man who sat coolly surveying his board from the top seat, apparently oblivious to the leaping fires beneath. A few hours later, at its public meeting, the Peel school board trustees made a historic vote a unanimous one to ask the Ministry of Education to take control of the board and send a supervisor to oversee them. Its an acknowledgment that they had failed miserably in tackling systemic anti-Black racism. Thursday morning, Ontarios education minister, Stephen Lecce agreed. The vote brings the youths demand closer to fruition. This moment in the saga of resistance by Peel Regions Black communities that has played out publicly for nine months should put on notice all companies issuing pretty statements committing to anti-racism: platitudes dont cut it. People want accountability. Look at what it took for the Peel board to get to this point: 1. The board appoints its first woman of colour in a senior leadership position in 2017. Turned out the board was unprepared when she did what she was hired to do. Equity chief Poleen Grewal consulted with Black communities and educators and oversaw the creation of We Rise Together, a strategic action plan to support Black students. A key component of the plan: deep anti-Black racism training across the system. This has yet to happen. A simple suggestion from Grewal that teachers apply an anti-oppression lens to teaching To Kill a Mockingbird, for instance, was too much for some staff, who turned to the media, which for the most part criticized the move. Months later, Grewal would go on to say in a human rights complaint against the board and Joshua that the board was unnerved and did not support her publicly. She also alleged she faced reprisals for complaining. The board denied the allegations. 2. Two women of colour on the board of trustees disrupt the status quo. In October, trustee Kathy McDonald, supported by Nokha Dakroub, publicly raised the issue of a fellow trustee calling McCrimmon school students McCriminal. Its an example of casual racism that had required a quick, heartfelt apology; trustee Will Davies could have just apologized as soon as McDonald called him out in private, or when she called him out publicly, or when the community pressed for an apology. Instead, the board dug in its heels, the case went to an integrity commissioner who exonerated him to widespread fury in the community. The commissioners contract was recently terminated. 3. Black communities step up and keep the pressure on. None of this would have stayed in the public eye without Black parents, students and community members who showed up to public meeting after public meeting, sharing their own experiences, often of trauma, sometimes through tears, sometimes with jeers at the inaction that continued despite Joshuas pretty words of reassurance. Two Black men seen as the organizers were penalized; one warned and the other banned from PDSB properties. At one point, the board even called the police during a meeting, alleging threats. Instead of seeing the communitys presence as a call for action, the board chair said the community is after us, one report would find. 4. The Ministry of Education steps in. A ministry review in March found glaring issues of anti-Black racism among other systemic inequities in the board, mediations it called for collapsed and finally an all-guns-blazing report by lawyer Arleen Huggins gave the board a fat F grade for non-compliance with ministry-mandated recommendations. 5. Community organizations add their voice. At least 18 Black community organizations wrote a letter to the board seeking the ouster of Joshua in March. The National Council of Canadian Muslims and Muslim Council of Peel added their voices last week saying, We make this call today because we are left with no other choice in this context. This week, the Ontario Gurdwaras Committee urged Joshua to resign, calling the followup report by Huggins shocking and horrific. On Thursday, the Tamil Civic Action called for his immediate resignation and urged the ministry to ensure that any supervisor it appoints have depth and experience to address anti-Black racism. And still. The director remains in office. In a statement Monday, the board said Ontarios former Education Commissioner Avis Glaze was to serve the board effective immediately as an impartial critical adviser to Joshua, providing candid feedback on anti-racism. But the directors office already has an anti-racism head in associate-director Grewal. Why should taxpayers shell out money because of Joshuas personnel issues? Why does a man, who, when he got his job pledged to support marginalized students, get to keep it when its clear he needs one-on-one training to do it? At Wednesday nights public meeting, Joshua walked back on that statement around hiring Glaze and said the outside consultant was in concept at this point. A board statement Thursday said Dr. Glaze considers it necessary to take time to review all reports and ministry directives before engaging in a formal process with the board. This sounds suspiciously like shes not taking up the job. Since he cant do it without her help, he must give up his. A total of 542,247 PCR tests were conducted. Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov has listed five regions with the most confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in the past day. Read alsoUkraine to start talks to preorder COVID-19 vaccine Stepanov "In terms of the regions, the highest number of confirmed cases in the past 24 hours was registered in Lviv region (142), Rivne region (121), the city of Kyiv (92), Zakarpattia region (78), and Chernivtsi region (76)," he told a briefing on June 19. A total of 542,247 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests were conducted. The total number of confirmed cases per region is the following: 1,596 cases in Vinnytsia region; 1,673 in Volyn region; 1,021 in Dnipropetrovsk region; 350 in Donetsk region; 1,201 in Zhytomyr region; 1,960 in Zakarpattia region; 547 in Zaporizhia region; 1,940 in Ivano-Frankivsk region; 604 in Kirovohrad region; 4,176 in the city of Kyiv; 2,142 in Kyiv region; 3,540 in Lviv region; 71 in Luhansk region; 338 in Mykolayiv region; 1,200 in Odesa region; 289 in Poltava region; 2,693 in Rivne region; 246 in Sumy region; 1,605 in Ternopil region; 1,744 in Kharkiv region; 185 in Kherson region; 608 in Khmelnytsky region; 4,211 in Chernivtsi region; 585 in Cherkasy region; 459 in Chernihiv region. Data from Russia-occupied areas the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions is not available. COVID-19 tests were conducted by the Public Health Center's virological reference laboratory and regional laboratories. As of the morning of June 19, 2020, the Center had received 1,192 reports of suspected cases. In total, there have been 76,946 reports on suspected COVID-19 since the beginning of 2020. As UNIAN reported earlier, as of 09:00 Kyiv time on June 19, there were 34,984 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine. They included 985 deaths and 16,033 recoveries. Some 921 new cases were recorded in the past day. Luca Frigeni, an Italian businessman living in Shanghai, finally fulfilled his dream late last year when he opened his own restaurant and lounge. But the coronavirus pandemic stalled that dream, as he entered "the most difficult" moment in his career. Business at his restaurant SakeMate was initially encouraging, and his venue saw crowds increasing. But weeks later, his Japanese and Peruvian-inspired fusion restaurant, located in the heart of the city's nightlife and tourism district, had to completely shut down for nearly a month due to government mandates. Luca Frigeni, Owner & General Manager of SakeMate, a restaurant in Shanghai SakeMate Shanghai is a highly dense city with a population of nearly 25 million. It is a 90-minute flight from Wuhan, the Chinese city widely believed to be where Covid-19 originated from. "In February, because this was my first time opening a restaurant, I was getting very depressed," Frigeni said. "I think this outbreak was the biggest battle we ever had in our lives, business-wise." He had to find a way to immediately cut costs, and that included slashing salaries, cutting staff positions, sending his head chef back to Peru for awhile, and negotiating with his landlord. "Saturday night at eight, you walk out from the restaurant, you could not see people, you could not see cars, it was very apocalyptic style," he recalled. A group of guests eat at SakeMate in Shanghai in June 2020. SakeMate To the editor, I am writing in response to David and Barbara Spindlers letter to the editor from June 11 questioning our local sheriffs. I disagree with their opinion, and I believe it is a false accusation as well. For starters, the Spindlers write that Sheriffs Todd Purcell and Ed Williams are not upholding the law when it comes to the COVID-19 response from the state of Michigan. This premise is false. There is no proper laws in place for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. All we have had in our state is edicts and executive orders from an out of control governor. The Spindlers also add, scoffingly, that if Sheriff Purcell and Sheriff Williams want to make laws they should run for the Legislature. Interesting that the Spindlers bring up going through the legislature in order to pass laws, as our beloved governor doesnt seem to take that course either. The entire reaction and policies to COVID-19 in Michigan were, for all intents and purposes, through one personGretchen Whitmer. The argument from the Spindlers opinion falls flat when you consider where the laws they are arguing to uphold originate from. We should be thankful that we have two local sheriffs that actually stand up for our personal freedoms and liberties. We are all letting or allowing too much power to be transferred to small centralized power groups at our state and federal levels of government. Governors and presidents, especially in recent history, have more and more relied on executive orders to make laws of the land. Some of this is due to the obstructive hyper-political atmosphere carried into our legislative bodies, but most of it is due to power hungry leaders ruling an apathetic and ignorant population. Sheriffs Todd Purcell and Ed Williams have nothing to be sorry for, and they are doing their jobs correctly. I only hope the next sheriffs in our area, following the elections, continue to uphold our personal freedoms and liberties as the current occupants are. Our local sheriffs have done what they could to help and protect us from the overreach of a governor and administration that have done nothing but destroy Michigan much worse than any pandemic ever could. James L. Brown Big Rapids Opposition parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Aam Aadmi Party and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen reacted angrily on Friday over not being invited to the all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation along the India-China border and raised questions over the criteria for the invitation. IMAGE: All-party virtual meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss India-China border situation, in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo The Lalu Prasad-led Rashtriya Janata Dal MPs, including his daughter Misa Bharti and Manoj Jha, also staged a protest at Mahatma Gandhi's statue inside the Parliament complex and contended that despite being the chief opposition party in Bihar and the single largest party in the Assembly, it was not invited. Jha also wrote a letter to Prime Minister Modi expressing "deep anguish" at being excluded from the all party meeting on an issue of such national importance. According to sources, the criteria followed for sending invites to parties was -- all recognised national parties, those with over 5 MPs in the Lok Sabha, leading parties from the Northeast and parties with Union Cabinet ministers. Hitting out at the criteria, Jha tweeted, "The untenable logic of 'FIVE MEMBERS' gets exposed... first through our strength of 5 in RS and second.. TDP- 4 MP invited, Apna Dal- 2 MPs invited, SAD- 2 MPs invited, CPI- 2 MPs invited, NC- 1 MP invited...There is more to it than what meets the eye." The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party was also miffed at not being invited at the all-party meet with its Rajya Sabha leader Sanjay Singh saying the party has a government in Delhi and in Punjab, it is the main opposition party, but still the BJP does not want its opinion on such an important matter. "The BJP government at the Centre should take everyone along on a serious issue like national security. It is unfortunate for democracy that a three-time chief minister has not been called for suggestions on an important subject," Singh told reporters. In its official statement, the AAP said it is proud that "All Party Meeting is taking place in New Delhi, where AAP governs, and hopes that the meeting will bring about honourable solutions to the threat posed by China and to the ongoing crisis in Ladakh, bringing back Galwan Valley back into India". "The AAP remains committed to stand up for India in all respects. It remains disappointed at its exclusion from the meeting but stands committed to its outcome," it said. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also questioned the criteria for inviting parties to the meet. Jha, in his letter to Modi, also said his party has five MPs in Rajya Sabha, which makes it qualify this "strange and arbitrary criteria". All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi also wrote to Modi, expressing disappointment at his party not being invited to the all-party meet. At a time when national consensus and a unified response is essential, it is unfortunate that AIMIM was not invited to the meeting, Owaisi said in his letter. "Furthermore, the 'criteria' of the invitees betrays any rational explanation. It is absurd to limit the invitee-political parties only to those with over 5 Lok Sabha MPs, parties with Union Cabinet Ministers, and recognised national parties. This situation required the government to include every political party with a Member of Parliament," he said. "It is essential to convene Parliament at the earliest so that opposition parties may seek accountability from the ruling party and the government is bound to answer queries of representatives regarding occupation of Indian territory," Owaisi said. He also urged the government to set up a review committee so that objective facts must be shared in the public domain regarding extent of Chinese incursions, extent of lapses in Indian decision-making and the consequent loss of Indian territory to Chinese occupation. The government must publish the Committee's findings in a White Paper and make it accessible to the public, he demanded. Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal-Secular leader H D Deve Gowda, who also was not invited to the meeting, said he fully appreciated the prime minister's decision to call the all-party meet. Gowda offered his suggestions, saying a senior serving military officer and diplomat should make a detailed presentation to opposition leaders on the ground situation, and the progress of talks. "Only with this information could there be a meaningful exchange of ideas between the government and the opposition leaders... The demand here is not for classified details, but truthful information," he said. The virtual all party meeting comes after 20 India Army personnel, including a colonel, died in a violent clash with Chinese troops in Galwan valley in Ladakh. BJP chief J P Nadda, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, TRS leader K Chandrashekhar Rao, JD-U leader Nitish Kumar, DMK's M K Stalin, YSR Congress Party's YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray were among those who attended the meeting. Opposition parties, including the Congress, had asked the government to be transparent about the situation on the border and slammed its handling of the issue. The Navy has decided to uphold the firing of an aircraft carrier captain whose warning of a coronavirus outbreak on board was leaked to the press, multiple outlets reported on Friday. Brett Crozier, former captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, sent a letter to superiors in late March pleading for help in controlling coronavirus cases on the ship. Crozier was fired after his letter was leaked to the San Francisco Chronicle almost immediately after the former captain had sent it to superiors. Two sources familiar with the details of the decision said that the Navy will uphold the promotion of Rear Admiral Stu Baker to captain. The results of the investigation justified the relief [of Crozier], one source told Politico. He failed to take appropriate action, to do the things that the commanding officer of a ship is supposed to do, so he stays relieved. Towards the end of April, Admiral Mike Gilday, chief officer of the U.S. Navy, said he believed Crozier should be reinstated. It is not immediately clear what let to the reversal in the Navys position. After Croziers warning leaked to the Chronicle, then-Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly condemned the captain for risking a leak by sending his letter to too many individuals. Modly then flew to Guam and excoriated Crozier in a speech to sailors on the ship. Modly subsequently apologized and resigned his post. Crozier himself contracted coronavirus and has since recovered. Video of Crozier leaving the aircraft carrier following his firing showed sailors cheering the captain. More from National Review US Military Transport Planes Run Routine Flights to Libya From Ramstein Air Base in Germany Source Sputnik News Tim Korso. Sputnik International 12:29 GMT 18.06.2020(updated 13:19 GMT 18.06.2020) The country is currently engulfed in an ongoing civil war, with clashes mainly taking place between two major factions the UN-approved Government of National Accord in Tripoli and the Tobruk-based Libyan National Army (LNA) of General Khalifa Haftar, supported by the Libyan House of Representatives. US military transport planes regularly conduct flights from the Ramstein Air Base in Germany to two Libyan cities, Tripoli and Misrata, an anonymous diplomatic source told Sputnik. Both cities are currently under the control of the Government of National Accord (GNA), a Libyan government approved by the UN and in charge of the country's north-west. The source said that there is a possibility these planes are carrying military cargoes to the North African country and added that Washington is thinking about solidifying a permanent military presence there. The diplomatic source also noted that the US accuses Russia of supporting the GNA's rival, the Libyan National Army (LNA) of General Khalifa Haftar only to divert attention away from its own "ugly" role in this conflict. The source said that the US is pursuing its own interests, pushing the GNA and LNA to continue the conflict there. "The US was at the spearhead of NATO's intervention in Libya's Jamahiriya in 2011 which brought the country to its current state. Later, the US distanced itself from collective efforts to reach a political solution to Libya's problems and adopted a wait and see attitude", the source said. Ever since the NATO intrusion, Libya has been torn apart by warring groups each claiming their right to rule parts of or the entire country after its last leader Muammar Gaddafi was murdered by rebels supported by western countries. The GNA is currently controlling the country's capital Tripoli, but is confined to the north-western chunk of the country. The majority of eastern and central Libya is controlled by forces of Haftar's LNA loyal to the Libyan House of Representatives, which doesn't recognise the GNA's authority. The country's south and south-west are controlled by an array of smaller groups like Tuareg militants and the Tubu tribal militia. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WASHINGTON - John Boltons claim in an explosive new book that President Donald Trump urged Chinas Xi Jinping to help him win reelection could undermine his campaigns effort to portray Democratic rival Joe Biden as soft on Beijing. Bidens top aides moved quickly on Thursday to argue that its Trump who has taken a weak approach to the rising superpower. They seized on accusations from Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser, that the president continually kowtowed to Xi and ignored human rights abuses while trying to get his foreign counterparts assistance with domestic politics. The Bolton allegations are just the most noxious and hateful cherry on top of a sundae that already existed here, Ron Klain, a longtime Biden adviser, said in an interview. We have seen for three years that Donald Trump has curried favour with authoritarian regimes that are willing to help him personally and politically. China already loomed large in the contest as Trump and Biden have traded accusations over corruption, geopolitical pandering and the presidents shifts in tone toward the country during the coronavirus pandemic, which ignited in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. But Boltons accusations intensified the debate with less than five months remaining until the election. Bidens team hopes the book will help reinforce their argument that the administration was slow to react to the pandemic, in part because of the tone set by Trump. Klain, who served as President Barack Obamas Ebola co-ordinator and Bidens chief of staff when he was vice-president, said he began briefing Biden on the situation in China as early as Jan. 10. Biden wrote an op-ed warning about the virus on Jan. 27 and began speaking about the issue on the campaign trail around that time. Trump, meanwhile, told CNBC on Jan. 22 that the virus was totally under control and that he trusted Xi to handle the outbreak. Trumps team insists the president has taken a strong stance against Beijing. President Trump is the first president to actually stand up to China for their decades of trade cheating and he has held them accountable for lying to the world about the coronavirus, said Tim Murtaugh, the Trump campaigns communications director. Joe Biden has spent his entire career appeasing China, failing to take them seriously as an economic competitor, and allowing his son Hunter to profit wildly through a Chinese-controlled bank. The president, eager to run for reelection on the back of a strong economy, resisted pressuring China for fear of rattling the stock market but also because he did not want to upset Xi, as The Associated Press first reported in February. The two nations had only recently completed the first phase of a sweeping trade deal, and Trump viewed the completion of the rest of the agreement as a key plank in his reelection platform, according to three White House and campaign officials not authorized to speak publicly about private conversations. Trumps initial reluctance to challenge Xi has echoes in a moment recounted in Boltons book, which the White House has tried to block from being published. According to Bolton, Trump turned a blind eye toward Xis construction of camps for Uighurs, who are predominantly Muslim and culturally and ethnically distinct from the majority Han Chinese population At the opening dinner of the Osaka G-20 meeting, with only interpreters present, Xi explained to Trump why he was basically building concentration camps in Xinjiang, Bolton wrote of a 2019 meeting. According to our interpreter, Trump said that Xi should go ahead with building the camps, which he thought was exactly the right thing to do. Trump also, according to Bolton, asked Xi for China to make agricultural purchases from U.S. farmers that could shore up the presidents hold on states hed need to win this November. Turning a blind eye to human rights to China is a pattern; its an administration that is carrying out an amoral foreign policy that some might say is immoral, said Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, who noted that Trump has also not called out abuses by the likes of Saudi Arabia and Russia. They want to look tough on China without actually being tough on China. But after the pandemic tore across America, Trumps rhetoric shifted dramatically, blaming China for not containing the coronavirus and underselling its severity. And as support for the president began to slide, the campaign looked to link Biden to China, suggesting that as Obamas pointperson to Asia, he helped enable Beijings rise. The campaign also claimed that Bidens son Hunter personally profited off his fathers international access. It also put tens of millions of dollars behind television and digital ads that resurface Bidens previous praise for Beijing. But polling suggests the ads have largely been a wash the two men are viewed as about even in their ability to manage China and have yet to make a significant impact on the publics perception on the issue. Democrats hope to keep the pressure on Trump into the fall. The Democratic National Committee this week launched a six-figure digital and television ad campaign hitting Trump on China, which party officials say will expand in the coming weeks. And it allows the Biden campaign to return to an issue that aides see as one of the candidates key assets in the campaign: his foreign policy experience and pledge to restore Americas standing as a global leader. But Trumps allies have no plans to cede the matter. Beyond the pandemic, they still believe they can link the Obama administrations trade deals and economic policy to the loss of manufacturing jobs, particularly in the vital battlegrounds of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, a strategy that worked in 2016. The upper Midwest was in a decline and its because those jobs are in China and we won with that, said Steve Bannon, the chief executive officer of Trumps 2016 campaign, in a recent interview. Trump can still deliver a tough message about getting those jobs back. Biden is the wrong guy for the moment. ___ Lemire reported from New York. NYPD cops are fed up with protestors, and how they are treated. So on July 4, many policemen who have pledged their service will call in sick on Independence Day. Reports circulated that disgruntled law enforcement officers will take a leave on July 4 Independence Day so that protesters can have a 'cop-free' day. According to Daily Mail, most feel animosity as protesters fight back efforts to return to law and order. NYC to have 'cop-free' day on July 4th One of these messages said NYPD cops will strike on the 4th to give NYC the independence it wants from cops. Since the George Floyd protests, the NYPD was under attack for allegedly attacking protestors who were rioting and looting. They have accused policemen of police brutality after ex-officer Derek Chauvin killed George Floyd in Minneapolis. Other issues against police are systemic racism as well. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced measures to prevent incident like this. As an example, a database will be used to track officers with a record of using excessive force and another police reform. Other serious demands are the defunding of police, as mentioned in the New York Times. One of the reasons for the cops' walkout on the 4th of July is that New Yorkers are not honoring them. The Taylor Law prevents cops from striking, said one of the messages. But this will not stop some cops who will attend the strike at 3 pm on July 4. One of the messages sent around is the #BluFlu, which is about cops calling in sick to work. Policemen take oaths to protect the citizens as part of their jobs, but protestors who turned to looting and rioting are running around scot-free. Policemen are now vilified and decided to stand together as well. To make sure the protest works, messages with instructions were given how to go about, logging in sick leaves. If anyone is held up by #BluFlu, asking for a bus and leaving their post was instructed. Also read: Black Organizers Do Not Trust White Protestors in the Seattle Autonomous Zone Cops are reaching 'breaking point' amid protests Whether or not the messages were authored by the NYPD cops are yet to be determined. Patrick Lynch, an NYPD officer, confirmed that the police are fed up and are reaching their breaking point. Patrick Lynch said that over the few weeks that they were attacked by rioting protesters. They caused chaos, but the media depicts the cops negatively, and politicians have joined the George Floyd bandwagon against them, according to New York Post. He added that after that he and other cops are treated worse when going to work than looters and rioters in the protests that destroyed property and lives. The NYPD is now reprimanded for their violent responses to control the wild crowd. According to CNBC, one officer named Vincent D'Andraia was accused of attacking a female protester who initiated an attack in Brooklyn during the last week of Mau. During the protests, an NYPD cruiser slammed into a bunch of rioting and out-of-control protestors to clear the way. All the vilification does not account for the 350 injured officers who sought to keep the peace as looters and rioters went out of control, even committing theft. Not all NYPD cops will strike in July, and some will stay on the job. It won't be 'cop-free' totally, but law enforcement is still needed especially amid the coronavirus pandemic. Related topic: 38 Murders Happened in New York in Just 28 Days From Lockdown and Protests @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. By PTI BEIJING: China on Friday said that "presently", it has not detained any Indian soldiers, amidst reports that the Chinese military took some Indian troops captive after a deadly clash in the Galwan Valley on June 15. The brief statement of the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian came a day after the Indian Army said that all Indian soldiers involved in the clashes with the Chinese army at the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night have been accounted for. "As far as I know, China presently has not detained any Indian personnel," Zhao told a media briefing here while answering questions on the tense standoff between the Indian and Chinese troops at the Galwan Valley. ALSO READ | Galwan Valley clashes: 10 army soldiers released by Chinese PLA after three days Asked if there are any Chinese soldiers detained by India, he said: "China and India are (engaged) in a dialogue to resolve the matter on ground through diplomatic and military channels. I don't have any information for you at the moment". Ten Indian Army personnel including two Majors were released by the Chinese military on Thursday evening following three days of negotiations, people familiar with the development said in New Delhi. Indian and Chinese militaries held a Major General-level dialogue on Thursday for the third consecutive day on disengagement of troops as well as restoring normalcy in areas around the Galwan Valley. The clash in Galwan Valley is the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while the death toll on the Chinese side was over 300. After Milan, Rome becomes embroiled in Black Lives Matter statue debate. A Rome street was symbolically renamed after George Floyd, the unarmed African American killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis, by anti-racist activists on the night of 18 June. Members of the group Rete Restiamo Umani renamed Via dell'Amba Aradam in the S. Giovanni area after Floyd and Bilal Ben Messaud, who died in Porto Empedocle last month while "trying to reach land, fleeing forced confinement on a ship", according to a statement on the group's Facebook page. The activists placed a banner over the Metro C works on Via dell'Amba Aradam which stated (in Italian) that no station should be named after "oppression", and signed in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The activists also poured red paint over a bust of an Italian general, Antonio Baldiserra, located in the Pincio area of the central Villa Borghese park, in protest over his "violent and racist colonialism." Baldissera was a general in charge of Italian troops in Eritrea and was governor of the Italian colony at the end of the 19th century. The group pledged to "dismantle the symbols of colonialism in the capital", targeting Rome streets that recall "shameful massacres carried out by Italian soldiers in Ethiopia, such as Via dell'Amba Aradam" (named after a battle which took place in Ethiopia in 1936) or the "monuments that confer eternal glory on men guilty of the worst atrocities towards mankind." The activism in Rome comes days after the defacing of the Milan monument to Indro Montanelli, the prominent right-wing Italian journalist who bought a 12-year-old Eritrean girl as his wife while serving in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War in 1936. Cover photo: La Repubblica Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 22:15:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's confirmed COVID-19 cases reached 4,070 after 116 new COVID-19 positive cases were confirmed on Friday, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health said. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health, in a statement issued on Friday, revealed that a total of 4,809 medical tests were conducted within the last 24 hours period. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health also said that 1,027 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 had recovered from the virus as of Friday. The ministry also disclosed that seven COVID-19 patients succumbed to the disease on Friday, eventually bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the East African country to 72. 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 The Ogun State Government has rescinded its decision to reopen places of worship for religious activities. The state had earlier fixed June 19 for the reopening of the worship centres in the state and had set up a tripartite committee to work out the guidelines for the reopening. According to Governor Dapo Abiodun, on Friday, the planned reopening of the religious centres in the state was suspended following the increase in the COVID-19 cases in the state. Consequently, we are confronted with two choices yield to the demand of those who want the restrictions to be further relaxed or even completely removed, even if this is at variance with the dictates of incontrovertible data analysis and scientific opinion; or tow the path that preserves public health and safety, even if not so popular. READ ALSO: As a responsible administration, we choose life and the wellbeing of our citizens and are therefore constrained to take the painful but necessary decision to maintain the current regime of eased lockdown in the meantime. We are consequently suspending our initially slated reopening of places of worship. As of the time of filing this report, Ogun had recorded 586 out of the 18,480 cases of the pandemic reported in the country. A breakdown of the 18,480 confirmed cases shows that Lagos State has so far reported 7, 896 cases, followed by FCT 1,451, Kano 1,170, Oyo 764, Edo 729, Rivers 721, Ogun 586, Kaduna 490, Borno 457 Gombe 447, Bauchi 438, Katsina 426, Delta 400, Jigawa 317, Ebonyi 234, Imo 205, Plateau 186, Nasarawa 178, Kwara 177, Abia 173, Sokoto 135, Bayelsa 111, Ondo 105, Enugu 95, Zamfara 76, Kebbi 67, Anambra 66, Niger 66, Yobe 56, Osun 51, Akwa Ibom 48, Adamawa 42, Benue 36, Ekiti 30, Taraba 18, Taraba 18, and Kogi 3. Only Cross River State is yet to record a single infection since the pandemic broke out in Nigeria in February. South Africa: Intensify GBV fight in honour of Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke With South Africa counting down to the 150 years anniversary of Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke, the country has been reminded of her contribution to the fight against patriarchy in society. Theres been discrimination against her throughout her life but these actions never discouraged her or broke her spirit to place women issues on the agenda. She became a symbol of resistance, a torch bearer and a trend setter, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa said. The Ministers tribute comes as South Africa continues to experience high prevalence of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). We meet at a time when we are faced with gender-based violence... In rememberance of Mannya-Maxeke, we have to intensify the struggle which she lived to fight -fighting patriarchy in society, Mthethwa said. He was on Friday addressing the virtual launch of the Countdown to the 150 years anniversary of Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke in 2021. The struggle of gender equality is a struggle of all humanity. It is mostly upon men to take their place and play their role in the fight against the very patriarchy, which defines the kind of men that we have today in our country, who continue to kill women, the Minister said. Mannya-Maxeke has been described as an activist, leader, trade unionist, spiritual leader, artist, gender activist, a fighter against patriarchy, revolutionist and death defying being. We are talking of a woman, who defied all odds stacked against her and achieved the highest honour by graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in America, outsmarting even her own oppressors and men of her own elk. People would comment on her getting into meetings, which ordinarily society didnt expect her to be there. She was defiant. Thats because she lived ahead of her time, Mthethwa said. He said one year after the formation of the ANC in 1913, she led women in Bloemfontein to burn passes, defiant against authorities. The Year of Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke initiative was launched by the National Heritage Council (NHC) and Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI), in partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture. As the CMMI, our mission is to ensure her work comes to light, so that this generation can use her story as a torch in solving todays challenges, CMMI chairperson Thulani Makhanya said. He said the activities to highlight Mannya-Maxekes work and encourage dialogue amongst all people in society will start towards the end of June. With the current challenges that we are facing with the killing of women... as men in society, we should stand with our women and make sure that safety is paramount. We join the Presidents call in saying GBV cannot be tolerated, Makhanya said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The smaller co-working space operators are expected to find it very difficult to weather the COVID-19 storm and at least half of this stock amounting to 3.2 million quarter feet (msf) will be vacated by their operators within 2020 as these small operators fade away, according to a Knight Frank report. Approximately 25 percent, that is 6.4 million square feet (msf) of the total 25.45 msf co-working stock in the top eight cities is operated by small players. Low occupancy and increasing cost are expected to make co-working operations unviable for fringe players and would therefore, force smaller players to vacate their low performing offices, according to a report titled: Co-working: Surviving COVID-19 by Knight Frank India. The Indian co-working business, much like other sectors will feel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the fringe players likely to make an exit. This will be a period of shake-out for this segment where we expect larger players with a greater weightage of enterprise tenants to endure, said Shishir Baijal, Chairman & Managing Director, Knight Frank India. Knight Frank believes that while the industry is expected to see a significant exit of start-up tenants and smaller occupiers as they cut on costs in this crisis scenario, the demand from large enterprises is expected to grow over the medium to long-term. 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 Demand from MSMEs and start-up tenants to reduce to a great extent. On average, they make up approximately 25-40 percent of the tenant rosters of prominent co-working operators, but there are some players who have up to 60 percent of their portfolio constituted of these tenants, the report said. Demand from large enterprises expected to sustain and grow over the medium to long term: Most operators that have built large capacities of over 15,000 seats across Indian cities have a 60-75 percent weightage of large enterprise clients and demand from this segment is expected to sustain and grow over the medium to long term. Co-working operators with a higher weightage of enterprise tenants will remain reasonably insulated from immediate tenant exits. However, it will still not protect them from having to re-negotiate per-seat costs and renewal terms. Renegotiation with landlords to take place: As in the case of malls and office space occupiers, co-working operators are also renegotiating rents downward or asking for a temporary moratorium in rents. Additionally, co-working players will increasingly look to acquire office space on revenue or profit-sharing terms to reduce their own fixed costs and improve their financial resilience in the event of a downturn. The business focus may shift toward customised and managed co-working offices in the long term. Co-working industry will need to steer toward a customised Managed Office model that will allow occupiers to pick and choose the amenities they pay for and nothing more. The uncertain economic environment will compel more companies to look for flexible options that can adapt to and fulfil their changing requirements, without capital expenses and shorter lease terms. The increasing need for flexibility and the competitive advantage of being a workspace expert will sustain the industry over the long term. While there are over 250 co-working players operational in India today, an estimated 75 80 percent of the market in the top eight cities is dominated by the top 10 players. The annual space taken up by co-working players has nearly quadrupled since 2017 to a little over 8 msf (0.75 mnsq m) in 2019. Gross revenues of the co-working business in India have more than doubled since 2017 to an estimated Rs 34 bn in 2019. The top eight cities of India contained an estimated 25.45 msf (2.4 mnsq m) of co-working stock at the end of 2019, which is about 3.4 percent of the total office stock. Bengaluru and NCR have been major markets for flexible office space due to the proliferation of start-ups and a greater acceptance of the flexible workspace format by resident companies in the technology sector. The co-working engine was fuelled by private equity investors looking to cash in on a high growth opportunity. This growth capital spurred an expansion spree that saw co-working operators claiming nearly 13 percent of the total office space transacted during 2019. Close to $110 million of private equity investments were made in co-working businesses in 2019. Two Republican lawmakers are among a group suing to block Secretary of the State Denise Merrills plan to allow people potentially at-risk from COVID-19 to use absentee ballots in this Novembers election. The suit filed in Superior Court claims allowing more people to use absentee ballots increases the likelihood of voter fraud and irregularities and that Merrills action is both unlawful and unconstitutional. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit include two Republican state lawmakers: Sen. Eric Berthel, of Watertown, and Rep. Jason Perillo, of Shelton. Merrill responded Thursday by warning the lawsuit could force people with serious health conditions to come to a polling place in person, despite the Centers for Disease Control warning that their health conditions increase their risk of COVID-19. Voters with heart disease, asthma, or who are immuno-compromised because of cancer treatment are at high risk and should have the option of voting safely by absentee ballot, Merrill said in a statement. In May, Merrill issued a Memorandum of Opinion expanding the number of people in Connecticut who could vote by absentee ballot in the coming election. She cited her authority under state law to administer and interpret election laws. Merrills memorandum stated that any registered voter who has a pre-existing illness can vote by absentee ballot because that voters illness would prevent them from appearing at their designed polling place safely because of the COVID-19 virus. Also included under Merrills expanded definition for those eligible to vote via absentee ballot are people who may have been in contact with those infected with the coronavirus, first responders, people caring for someone at higher risk for the virus, and those who feel ill and may have COVID-19. The lawsuit filed Wednesday in New Britain Superior Court includes two other Republicans as plaintiffs: Dominic Rapini, who previously ran for the U.S. Senate in this state; and Linda Szynkowicz, a candidate for the state House this year. Connecticuts state constitution specifies that absentee ballots may be used in an election by a registered voter who is unable to get to their polling place because there are away from their city or town on Election Day, are in the armed services, or because sickness, disability or religious issues prevent them from voting that day. The plaintiffs charge that Merrill usurped the rights of Connecticuts electorate to decide who should be allowed to vote by absentee ballot. The suit also argues that absentee ballots historically have been targets for voting fraud, are subject to getting lost or intercepted, and that they could allow people to influence the person using an absentee ballot. Contributed Photo / Contributed Photo The Secretarys actions will decrease public confidence in the election process and increase the elections susceptibility to irregularities, from errors to fraud, according to the legal action. But Merrill responded that overturning her memorandum would force doctors, nurses and EMTs, who have already been putting their lives at risk for our safety, to enter a polling place and interact with poll workers who will see hundreds of other people on Election Day. Republicans in Congress and in various states around the U.S. have opposed efforts to expand absentee voting during this pandemic. They also argue it could lead to fraud and distort the election results. Is the Connecticut Republican Party so afraid of losing seats in the 2020 election that they would endanger the health of Connecticut voters? Democratic State Chair Nancy DiNardo asked in an email. Our state and federal governments have taken unprecedented steps to cope with a pandemic that has already killed 117,000 people, DiNardo said. Forcing people to stand in line in a public place to vote could potentially endanger their health. Or reduce voter turnout. The $2bn in gold bars is stored in the UK, which recognises opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuelas president. In the vaults beneath the Bank of England, where foreign nations stash parts of their vast gold reserves, lie 1.7 billion euros ($1.9bn) of disputed gold bars. Two parties claim access to them. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says they belong to his administrations central bank. His rival, opposition leader Juan Guaido, who the British government recognises as Venezuelas rightful leader, says the bars are his to control. Next week, a British commercial court will begin deciding whose claim is just, after the Venezuelan central bank (BCV) sued the Bank of England to gain access. A decision is not expected until August or September, the judge wrote in a May 28 ruling. At stake is a sizeable chunk of the Maduro governments dwindling overseas assets. Lawyers representing the BCV say much of the gold would be sold to fund Venezuelas response to the coronavirus pandemic, which threatens to overwhelm a health system gutted by six years of economic crisis. The opposition alleges Maduro wants to use the gold to pay off his foreign allies, which his lawyers deny. Over the past two years, Maduros government has removed some 30 tonnes from its reserves in Venezuela to sell abroad for much-needed hard currency, according to people familiar with the operations and the banks own data. The opposition, still led by Guaido almost a year and a half after he began a parallel presidency, hopes a favourable verdict could influence other countries to hand them control of more Venezuelan assets, including $5bn of state funds frozen in foreign bank accounts. Opposition leader Juan Guaido speaks during a news conference on Wednesday after Venezuelas pro-government Supreme Court replaced the leaders of two key opposition parties, months ahead of legislative elections [File: Manaure Quintero/Reuters] Without a doubt recognition from the court would be a very important precedent, Guaidos chief overseas legal representative, Jose Ignacio Hernandez, told Reuters news agency. The Bank of England has declined to comment on the case. The dispute began in May 2018 when Maduro secured re-election in a vote that the main opposition coalition boycotted and called a sham. Afterwards, Boris Johnson, then the British foreign minister, said: We may have to tighten the economic screw on Venezuela. Concerned by mounting sanctions against the Maduro government, the BCV told the BOE it wanted to bring home 14 tonnes of gold it had stored there. Around the years end, Calixto Ortega, the BCV president, travelled to London to discuss this with BOE officials, according to Sarosh Zaiwalla, a London-based lawyer representing the BCV. The BOE officials told Ortega they could not accept his instruction as there was an issue with his authority, Zaiwalla told Reuters. The following February, Britain joined dozens of other nations in backing Guaidos claim. In April, the US Treasury sanctioned the BCV, alleging Maduro was using it to plunder Venezuelan assets to enrich corrupt insiders. Before the sanctions, Venezuela paid off several gold swap transactions the BCV had agreed with Deutsche Bank in the previous years, people familiar with the deal said. This resulted in 17 tonnes of gold held in the BOEs vaults being returned to the control of the BCV, bringing its holdings there to 31 tonnes, about a quarter of Venezuelas total gold reserves. The sanctions then triggered the early termination of other gold swaps made between BCV and Deutsche Bank, releasing more gold to the BCV, according to a chronology filed to the court by Guaidos legal team. Guaidos team asked the court to determine who had the authority to represent the BCV and receive the gold. In July, Guaido appointed his own central bank board. This February, Maduros government hired Zaiwalla to replace another law firm. He says Ortega contacted him after he represented Irans Bank Mellat in a case seeking damages from the British government for imposing sanctions that harmed its reputation and goodwill. The British government settled for 1.25 billion pounds ($1.54bn) last year. This case is bound to have some bearing because a UK court decision is respected worldwide, Zaiwalla said. Important precedent In April, Zaiwalla sent the BOEs solicitors a letter instructing the BOE to facilitate the sale of gold worth $1bn and transfer the sum to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which would buy medicine and food needed for Venezuelas coronavirus response, according to documents submitted in court. When the BOE did not comply, Zaiwalla filed a legal claim against the bank in May, saying it was depriving the BCV of funds at a time of national and global emergency. We have no income, no way of generating cash flow, Ortega told Reuters in May. Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro speaks at a March 2018 meeting with ministers in Caracas [File: Marco Bello/Reuters] So far, Maduros administration says the virus has killed 28 people out of 3,300 confirmed cases. The number of infections has accelerated in recent weeks raising worries that any leap in severely sick patients could overwhelm hospitals. The UNDP has confirmed the BCV approached it. In a letter seen by Reuters sent to the opposition on June 3, the UNDPs Latin America regional director said any UNDP engagement would only follow a formal agreement between the BCV and the BOE. In response to the legal claim, the BOE asked the court to rule on whether it should follow instructions from Maduro or Guaidos boards. In their arguments submitted to the court, Maduros BCV says the court should consider which side controls the state in Venezuela and whose ambassador is recognised by the British government. The UK Foreign Offices current diplomatic list names a Maduro-appointed official as ambassador, not Guaidos own ambassador, Vanessa Neumann. Neumann told Reuters this is because Guaido does not control the immigration authority. Guaidos camp argues the court should base its decision on the British governments recognition of his authority. The Foreign Office, in a letter to the court in March, confirmed this remains the governments position. Meanwhile, the opposition says Maduro is trying to intimidate figures involved back home. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in May accused Guaido and his legal chief Hernandez of trying to steal the gold. On June 1, Hernandez denounced that intelligence agents were raiding his home in Caracas, though he now lives in the United States. He said this was in retaliation for defending Venezuelas assets abroad. A protester stands outside the presidential palace in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, June 18, 2020, during a rally against a law banning the teaching of gender studies. (AP) Bucharest: Dozens of protesters gathered Thursday in Romanias capital to express their opposition to a law banning the teaching of gender studies in the countrys schools and universities. People carrying banners and wearing masks some with an x taped across them attended the hour-long rally outside Bucharests Cotroceni Palace, the official residence of President Klaus Iohannis, calling on him to refrain from signing the bill and send it back to parliament, which approved the legislation Tuesday. Some of the banners read: This is an attack on the autonomy of the universities, Open minds not closed doors and Biological sex is not gender identity. We think this is an assault against the transgender community in Romania, said Vlad Viski, president of MozaiQ, an LGBT organization. All in all, approximately 12 articles of the constitution are violated if this law passes. The law has been also strongly criticized by several Romanian universities and student organizations, which see it as an attack on academic freedoms and human rights. Neighbouring Hungary passed similar legislation in 2018, removing accreditation and funding for gender studies at the university level. Hungary recently also banned transgender people from changing their gender on official documents. In nearby Poland, meanwhile, President Andrzej Duda, who is seeking a second term in an election next week, has described the LGBT rights movement as more dangerous than communism and signed a Family Charter that pledges to ban the propagation of LGBT ideology in public institutions and oppose same-sex marriages and adoption. A Tesco supermarket in Krakow, Poland. (Omar Marques/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Tesco (TSCO.L) has agreed to sell its Polish arm to Denmarks Salling Group for 181m ($227). Tesco announced the all-cash deal on Thursday. The transaction, which covers 301 stores, is expected to close by the end of this financial year. We have seen significant progress in our business in Central Europe, but continue to see market challenges in Poland, chief executive Dave Lewis said in a statement. Today's announcement allows us to focus in the region on our business in Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, where we have stronger market positions with good growth prospects and achieve margins, cashflows and returns which are accretive to the Group. Read more: Tesco CEO gets 4.8m bonus after profit rise Tesco Polska had sales of 1.3bn last year but made an operating loss of 24m. We understand and welcome the exit from a market where the business never really did breakthrough, wrote Clive Black and Darren Shirley, retail analysts at stockbroker Shore Capital. The deal will leave Tesco with 19 stores in Poland. The supermarket said it was seeking to offload these and said 22 stores have already been sold over the last 18 months for around 200m. The sale of Tesco Polska is the latest move by Lewis to slim down the supermarket groups international operations. Tesco has exited a joint venture in China and the sold its Thai and Malaysian business over the last years. Read more: 'Unknown' new Tesco CEO must battle Brexit, German discounters, and changing tastes Lewis thanked Tesco Poland staff for their dedication to serving customers in Poland over many years. The energy and commitment they have shown over the past two years transforming Tesco Poland to a two-format business has been incredibly impressive, he said. We see this transaction as the best way to secure the future of the business for our colleagues and customers in Poland. Tesco shares rose 1.2%, amid a wider market sell-off. New Delhi, June 19 : Even though the demands to boycott Chinese goods are becoming shriller day by day after the violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in Ladakh, questions remain whether it can be implemented on the ground. Looking for answers, IANS visited Karol Bagh to hear the views of those involved in the sale of electronics and electrical appliances imported from the communist country in national capital Delhi. Traders said it was not easy to forego Chinese products. The Gaffar Market in Karol Bagh sells items like China-made mobile phones, power banks, headphones, earphones, pen drives, mobile chargers, memory cards, and data cables etc. Shopkeepers in the market said that 80 to 95 per cent of such items sold in the market were imported from China and people preferred to buy these since these were cheaper. Municipal Market Traders Association Vice President Honey Handa said: "If we boycott the products of any company, obviously they will lose money. But we don't have manufacturing facilities in India. Mobile phones are assembled in our country but the raw material (parts) comes from China. It is not easy to boycott Chinese products. We will have to first prepare for such scenario." Karol Bagh has 2,500 to 3,000 shops selling mobile phones and accessories, with Gaffar Market accounting for 300 to 400 of these. Gaffar Market shopkeeper Gurdeep Singh said: "Mostly, China-made products are sold in the market. If such products are banned, the Rs 2.5 lakh daily sale will go and finish the market. Will we then sell rajmah-chawal?" He said that a 2-yard shop in the market commanded Rs 60,000 monthly rent and each shop had at least four salesmen. The ban on Chinese products will have a very bad effect since 90 per cent of the sales was in such items, he pointed out. Another shopkeeper said the government of India should come up with policy changes if it wants people not to buy Chinese products. "Indian mobile phones are costly compared with the Chinese ones, though the profit margins could be slightly more or less," he said. He also said that 75 to 95 per cent of the mobile phones and accessories available in Gaffar Market and nearby shops were of Chinese origin. Delhi Mobile Traders Association member Sunny said: "The first step is to uninstal the Chinese software. Then the government should extend support in setting up factories in India, though it will take time. When these products' manufacturing starts in India, the government should ban Chinese products." Though back covers of mobile phones and chargers are made in India, the raw material comes from China, he pointed out. "The biggest challenge India faces is of production," he remarked. The UN Human Rights Council on Friday condemned discriminatory and violent policing after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month and ordered a report on "systemic racism" against people of African descent. The 47-member state forum in Geneva unanimously adopted a resolution, brought by African countries. The mandate also asks UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet to examine government responses to peaceful protests, including accusations of the excessive use of force, and deliver findings in a year's time. Philonise Floyd, the brother of the Black man whose death under the knee of a white officer roused world protests against racial injustice, urged the forum on Wednesday to investigate US police brutality and racial discrimination. Burkina Faso's Ambassador Dieudonne W. Desire presented the African resolution on Friday, urging its adoption by consensus. "It is important to show Africa...the Human Rights Council has heard the plight of African and people of African descent calling for equal treatment and application of equal rights for all," he said. The Africa group had made "concessions" in the negotiations with other countries that were "quite numerous", he added. The text was watered down during closed-door negotiations from an initial draft explicitly calling for a UN commission of inquiry on racism in the United States and elsewhere. "By bullying other countries to water down what would have been an historic resolution and exempting itself from international investigation the United States is yet again turning its back on victims of police violence and Black people," said Jamil Dakwar of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which led 600 activist groups in calling for the debate. "We will not rest until US is fully held accountable for police violence and structural racism," he said. The Trump administration, which quit the forum two years ago alleging bias against its ally Israel, made no immediate comment. US Ambassador to the UN in Geneva Andrew Bremberg issued a statement on Wednesday that his country was "not above scrutiny" as it grappled with racial discrimination but was implementing police reforms after Floyd's killing. Italy has been set on alert after coronavirus related deaths started to rise once more on Friday, showing warning signs of a possible return. Deaths from the covid-19 pandemic in the nation climbed by 47 on Friday, against 66 the day before, the Civil Protection Agency said, while the daily tally of new cases decreased to 251 from 333 on Thursday. The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on February 21 now stands at 34,561 the agency said, the fourth highest in the world after those of the United States, Brazil and Britain. The number of confirmed cases amounts to 238,011, the eighth highest global tally or virus deaths. People registered as currently carrying the illness fell to 21,543 from 23,101 the day before. With the country trying to get back to an element of normal life, Italy has now reported warning signs that coronavirus could make an increased return Tourists and roman citizens pictured milling around at the Pantheon on Thursday, wearing protective masks as the tourism industry tries to get back onto its feet Figures of individuals in intensive care totalled 161 on Friday from 168 on Thursday. Of those originally infected, 181,907 were declared recovered against 180,544 a day earlier. The Civil Protection Agency said 2.987 million people had been tested for the virus against 2.959 million on Thursday, out of a population of around 60 million In its weekly report, the Higher Institute of Health (ISS) said the situation was generally positive, but that there was still a significant circulation of the virus. 'In some regions, a high number of new cases of COVID-19 infection continues to be reported,' the agency said in the report for the week of June 8-14. Lazio, the region including the capital Rome, topped the number of cases, exceeding Lombardy, the original epicentre of the epidemic in the country. Two outbreaks were identified in recent days in Rome, where health officials say the situation is 'under control'. One was an illegally occupied building in a working-class neighbourhood and the other in a hospital. 'This should encourage caution because it indicates that in certain parts of the country, the circulation of the virus is still significant,' the report said. Citizens have been taking back to the streets of the capital, with protests occurring this week for seasonal airport workers at Montecitorio An analysis of sewage released late on Thursday said samples taken in Milan and Turin on December 18 showed the presence of the SARS-Cov-2 virus The epidemic has killed more than 34,500 people in Italy, since the first case was recorded in Codogno in Lombardy, the first infection identified outside China where the disease appeared in December 2019. The latest news comes after Italian researchers discovered genetic traces of SARS-CoV-2 - as the virus is officially known - in samples of waste water collected in Milan and Turin at the end of last year, and Bologna in January, the ISS institute said. Italy's first confirmed cases were not until February. The results 'help to understand the start of the circulation of the virus in Italy,' the ISS said. Italy was the first European country to be hit by the virus and the first in the world to impose a nationwide lockdown, in early March. It suggests COVID-19 was already circulating in Northern Italy before China reported the first cases on December 31 Many European countries followed suit, and most have only begin reopening this month after painful shutdowns that devastated their economies. Facing the biggest recession in the EU's history, leaders on Friday held a virtual summit on the European Commission's proposal for a 750 billion euro ($840 billion) rescue fund. However they fell short of reaching a deal on a plan that has been seen as a key gesture of solidarity and unity for the troubled bloc. Opposition is fierce from the 'frugal four' - Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Austria - who have promised to fight to rein in spending. On the other side are countries such as Italy and Spain that were the first and hardest hit by the pandemic, having already been crippled by overstretched finances. SAN DIEGO, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Neighborhood Bancorp and Neighborhood National Bank will hold their annual shareholder meetings on July 10, 2020, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at 780 Bay Blvd. Suite 205, Chula Vista, California. The items of business at both meetings will be the election of directors and ratification of the public accountant for the company and bank. In addition, Neighborhood Bancorp shareholders will vote on an amendment to its bylaws to change the range for the size of the board of directors to between five and nine from its current range of between six and eleven. Neighborhood National Bank, a Community Development Financial Institution, is a full-service, business-focused community bank providing financial services to businesses, professionals, non-profit organizations, investors and individuals throughout San Diego County, focusing on underserved markets in South and East San Diego County. The Bank has two full-service branches in San Diego and El Cajon. Additional information may be found at the Bank's website. Information contained herein may contain certain forward-looking statements that are based on management's current expectations regarding economic, legislative, and regulatory issues that may impact the Bank's ability to be approved and open in the future. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. The Bank undertakes no obligation to release publicly the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For Further Information Contact: Scott R. Andrews President & CEO, Neighborhood National Bank [email protected] 619-789-4423 www.mynnb.com SOURCE Neighborhood National Bank Related Links http://www.mynnb.com Infrastructure Minister of Ukraine Vladyslav Kryklii and Turkish Ambassador to Ukraine Yagmur Ahmet Guldere have discussed the resumption of scheduled flights between Ukraine and Turkey, the Government portal reports. Infrastructure Minister of Ukraine Vladyslav Krykliy held a working meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Ukraine Yagmur Ahmet Guldere in Kyiv on June 18. An important issue was raised at the meeting - the resumption of international scheduled air service between Ukraine and Turkey," reads the statement. Yagmur Ahmet Guldere stated that the Turkish side is ready to accept Ukrainian tourists from July 1, 2020 in line with needed safety rules, noting that self-isolation and testing are not required. In turn, the Ukrainian minister said that some airlines, in particular, Azur Air Ukraine, SkyUp, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines and Windrose, had already announced their readiness to operate regular passenger flights from Ukraine to Turkey from the beginning of July. Kryklii also thanked the Turkish ambassador for fruitful cooperation in the transport sector and stressed that Ukraine very much appreciates friendly relations with the Republic of Turkey. iy Private First-Class Vanessa Guillen, 20, vanished on April 22. She was last seen at Ford Hood Army Base in Killeen, Texas The Army has released images of troopers searching for missing soldier Vanessa Guillen, almost two months after she vanished. Private First-Class Guillen, 20, was last seen in a parking lot at Fort Hood Army Base in Killeen, Texas on the afternoon of April 22. Guillen's disappearance has been made all the more sinister after reports she told her family that she was being sexually harassed by a sergeant and did not feel safe shortly before she vanished. Guillen did not name her alleged harasser. The Army is now investigating those claims as they continue their 'aggressive' search around the 214,000 acre Fort Hood base. On Thursday, members of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment were pictured scouring fields and river beds in the training areas of Fort Hood in an attempt to uncover clues at to Guillen's whereabouts. Several soldiers were also seen out on a boat as they conducted a water search. On Thursday, members of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment Trooper were pictured scouring fields and river beds in the training area at Fort Hood in an attempt to uncover clues at to Guillen's whereabouts Soldiers are seen scouring a part of the 214,000 acre Fort Hood base on Thursday 'Tomahawk troop, Pioneer Squadron and 3rd Cavalry Regiment have led hundreds of hours of searches through the buildings, barracks, fields, training areas, lakes, and trails all over Fort Hood,' Lt. Col. Edward Gavin, who is commanding the search, stated in a press release. 'We have sought to develop the situation by action, not leaving to chance that Guillen may be on-post. It breaks my heart for her family, with so many unanswered questions, but also for this troop who have many of the same questions and are still searching for evidence of her whereabouts.' The release also included a message from one of Guillen's fellow female soldiers. 'No one really understands how much we're searching; I hope we can find her and as much as I know America has faith in us to protect this country and to fight for our nation, I feel like they should have faith in us to know that we are doing everything possible to find her,' Sergeant 1st Class Ashlee Ibarra stated. Agents are continuing to conduct interviews and follow up on all credible investigative leads in a quest to locate the young soldier. Guillen's disappearance has been made all the more sinister after reports she told her family that she was being sexually harassed by a sergeant before she vanished. Guillen did not name her alleged harasser Officials at the Fort Hood army base in Texas have announced an investigation into Guillen's claims she was sexually harassed It comes after the Fort Hood Army Base officially launched an investigation earlier this week into Guillen's alleged claims of sexual harassment. On Thursday Col. Ralph Overland, the commander of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, appointed a team to perform a standard investigation called an 'AR 15-6 investigation'. 'I take allegations of sexual harassment very seriously and we are conducting a thorough investigation,' he stated. Overland declared the regiment 'will not stop until we find her.' A reward of $55,000 is being offered for information in Guillen's disappearance. The Army announced Monday it had increased its initial reward offering of $15,000 to $25,000. Texas rapper Baby Bash subsequently said he'd pay $5,000 for information on her location, before the LULAC announced an additional $25,000 reward. Guillen's family have also pleaded for more to be done to help find her. 'Two months have passed, and we know nothing, nothing, nothing. What's happened? What happened on that base? Why did my daughter disappear?' Guillen's mother Gloria said Tuesday during a virtual press conference hosted by Texas Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. The family have begged he military to share more information about her disappearance. Pictured is Vanessa's mother Gloria Guillen holding her military portrait Guillen's (circled in red) car keys, barracks room key, identification card and wallet were later found in the armory room where she was working earlier in the day 'I can't bear anymore, not one day more because I'm not sleeping and I'm in bad health. Where is my daughter?' Actress Salma Hayek shared a post on Instagram vowing to share a picture of Guillen every day until she is found. After she vanished, Guillen's car keys, barracks room key, identification card and wallet were found in the armory room where she was working earlier in the day. She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, light purple leggings and black Nike sneakers. Mayra Guillen wrote on Facebook that the missing woman's phone was last tracked on Belton, Texas, about 20 minutes away from Fort Hood. Her phone has not been found. Guillen is described as a woman of Hispanic descent, standing at 5 feet 2 inches, weighing 126 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on Guillen's whereabouts is asked to call 254-495-7767 or send a tip via the Army's Criminal Investigation Command website. London, June 19 : British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron held talks at 10 Downing Street, the first meeting between heads of state in Britain since the coronavirus pandemic started. The two spent around 45 minutes in private talks on Thursday, after which they watched a flypast over London by the Royal Air Force (RAF) Red Arrows and its French counterpart team, La Patrouille de France, Xinhua news agency reported. The two did not face the media after their talks, and instead Downing Street issued a statement about the meeting. On Brexit negotiations, Johnson welcomed the agreement to intensify talks in July and underlined that Britain does not believe it makes sense for the negotiations to be prolonged into the fall, according to the statement. Britain has formally ruled out the possibility of an extended post-Brexit transition period. Johnson on Monday held video talks with European Union (EU) chiefs, with both sides calling for a new momentum in the search for an agreement before the end of this year when the Brexit transition period ends. Meanwhile, Johnson and Macron welcomed the ongoing cooperation between Britain and France on small boats and illegal migration, said the statement. Hundreds of refugees have been making the perilous journey in small boats across the English Channel, one of the world's busiest waterways, from mainland Europe. The two leaders also discussed cooperation on the fight against coronavirus. "They agreed that the partnership between our countries will be crucial in overcoming the coronavirus pandemic and ensuring the global recovery is green and sustainable," added the statement. Macron's visit to London came on the 80th anniversary of a famous speech made by French Resistance leader Charles de Gaulle in a BBC radio broadcast directed at people in Nazi-occupied France. During their meeting, Johnson and Macron reflected on the sacrifice made by the British and French people in the World War II and on the enduring strength of the Britain-France relationship. "They highlighted the modern day successes of this friendship including the political and defence cooperation enshrined in the Lancaster House Agreement ten years ago," the statement said. At Downing Street, Johnson guided Macron around a display of artefacts documenting General de Gaulle's time in London and his partnership with Britain's wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Earlier, Macron and Britain's Prince Charles laid wreaths at a statue in London of General de Gaulle. A statue of Churchill in London, boarded up after being vandalised during Black Lives Matter demonstrations, was uncovered ahead of the French leaders' visit to the British capital. By Trend Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund (ADIF), through Kapital Bank and the International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA), paid compensation on insured deposits in the amount of 61.6 million manat ($36.2 million) to depositors of Amrahbank, AGbank, NBC Bank and Atabank, which are in the process of liquidation, ADIF told Trend. Issuance of compensations to depositors of Atabank and Amrahbank started from June 1, 2020, and is carried out in 35 branches through debit cards of Kapital Bank and the X?zri quick money transfer system. Compensation payment to depositors of AGbank and NBC Bank began on June 16, 2020, and is carried out through debit cards of the IBA in 20 branches. According to article 28.3 of the Law of Azerbaijan on deposit insurance, the Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund accepts applications of depositors within a year from the date of the first publication of the notification on compensation. (1 USD = 1.7 manat on June 19) Sacha Dent, 39, checked the weather before packing up her bag, preparing for a treasure hunt that could end in a prize of an estimated $2 million. Looking at the radar, checking wind direction, precipitation levels and humidity, Dent took it all into account for her 300 trips into New Mexico's wilderness. After following the temperatures in the mountains for weeks, making sure the ground had thawed out but that the snowmelt wasn't flooding the creeks, she went out to investigate her theory of needing a sunny day to cast her shadow on the hidden treasure. For more than a decade, treasure estimated to be worth at least $2 million sat tucked away in a crevice of the Rocky Mountains, its location known only to one man until a new pair of eyes glanced quickly down. Forrest Fenn, an art collector and millionaire, had been diagnosed with kidney cancer in the late 1980s, and doctors' prognosis gave him little chance of beating it. Fenn loaded some of his antiquities on hand into an ornate, antique bronze lockbox of Romanesque design, locking gold, jewels and other artifacts inside. He had originally planned to have his remains interred with the treasure, to be hidden until someone stumbled upon them both, according to The California Sunday Magazine. Then, against all odds, Fenn beat the cancer. Still, the thought of a treasure hunt stuck. In 2010, Fenn self-published a memoir, The Thrill of the Chase, including a cryptic poem with the promise of treasure at the end. And so began the chase. Treasure hunter First Sergeant Jason Dent converses with Forrest Fenn in the art collector's home in New Mexico. (Sacha Dent) A vague direction of where to look for the treasure (and where not to look) was given as a starting point, along with the line in the poem "Begin it where warm waters halt." Fenn revealed the treasure was somewhere in the Rocky Mountains, between Santa Fe and the Canadian border at an elevation of above 5,000 feet. The treasure would also not be located in a mine, a graveyard or near a structure. Story continues The public reception to the memoir resulted in thousands flocking to the mountains as news stations picked up on the hunt. Interviews with Fenn inspired thousands to take to the mountains, fulfilling his goal of "getting people off their couches," and discovering the outdoors. The glamour of the chase, however, was soon marred by the dangers that came with exploring the Rockies. As recently as March 2020, two snowmobile riders from Colorado became stranded in a Utah park, where one died in search of the treasure, according to CBS News. The two had been searching for the treasure near Dinosaur National Monument along the Utah-Colorado border. This was the second time a rescue team had been deployed to help the two snowmobile riders when they'd been out searching for the treasure, according to The Washington Post. In this March 22, 2013 file photo, Forrest Fenn sits in his home in Santa Fe, N.M. Randy Bilyeu, a treasure hunter from Colorado, disappeared in early January 2016 while searching for author Fenn's $2 million cache of gold and jewels in northern New Mexico. Santa Fe Police spokesman Greg Gurule said Tuesday, July 26, 2016, that the office of the medical investigator confirmed the remains recovered along the Rio Grande are those of Bilyeu. (AP Photo/Jeri Clausing,File) "What happened was tragic," Fenn told CBS News in an email about the fate of the Colorado men. "You have lightning, bears, cliffs, thermal areas. Lodgepole pine trees aren't known for staying standing -- they come down easy," backcountry guide Jim Holstein with Yellowstone Tour Guide in Big Sky told The Washington Post, describing the dangers around the park that other treasure hunters have run into. "There have been people killed by all of those methods over the years. You definitely have to be prepared and you should know what you're doing." New Mexico police urged Fenn to halt the search in 2017 after the body of Paris Wallace, a pastor from Colorado, was found along the Rio Grande. He had been reported missing after telling his family he was going to search for the treasure. The year before, 54-year-old Colorado resident Randy Bilyeu was found dead along the same river seven months after his disappearance while searching for the treasure, according to The Guardian. Some have even suggested that people were embarking on a quixotic adventure or a hoax with only Fenn's word as proof the treasure actually existed. "People are coming from other states and other parts of the world to find this elusive treasure that may or may not exist, with very little clues," Chief Pete Kassetas of the New Mexico State Police said in 2017, urging Fenn to stop the hunt. "They're underestimating New Mexico." "It is always tragic when someone dies, and this latest loss hit me very hard," Fenn said in response to the death, according to The New York Times. "Life is too short to wear both a belt and suspenders," he said. "If someone drowns in the swimming pool we shouldn't drain the pool, we should teach people to swim." At least three people have lost their lives in search of the treasure. Despite the dangers of the chase, Dent, who now works in communications and public relations, was one of the thousands enticed by the call. She first heard about it while watching a segment of NBC's Today Show in 2013, but was pregnant at the time. After saving a few online pages she had found on the treasure, she didn't think about the treasure again until several months after her son was born. In the process of transferring information from her old computer to a new one, Dent came across the bookmarked pages. It came at a time when Fenn had just released his second book, which included a map. "When I looked at the map, it made me think of the scene from The Goonies when they are in the attic and they accidentally break the picture and they find the treasure map in the movie," Dent told AccuWeather over a Skype interview. "Ever since then, I was just hooked. I started looking I think that week." The spark of adventure ignited. "Every time I went out on a treasure hunt ... it always felt the same way," Dent said. "It was always excitement for the unknown and what I could discover on that day. So for me, that sense of adventure I think was just born into me as it is many others and that's what drew many people to want to participate in this incredible adventure." A New Mexico resident, Dent stuck to searching in the state since Fenn lived in Santa Fe. Fenn was in his late 70s before publishing his first book, and he had hinted that the treasure wasn't anywhere a man his age couldn't reach on his own. For Dent, she didn't think he would go too far from his home with the treasure weighing an estimated 45 pounds. Other adventurers have theorized Fenn hid the treasure near Dinosaur National Monument or Yellowstone National Park, based on interpretations of his book. Sacha Dent met her husband, First Sergeant Jason Dent, through Forrest Fenn. The two searched for the treasure together before moving to Kansas. (Sacha Dent) Many treasure chasers have delved into Fenn's two books, scouring them for clues and dissecting his words. From this, a variety of different interpretations were formed -- everything from where to begin the hunt to what weather elements to watch the radar for. "Forrest Fenn gave words of advice when you look for his treasure, and one of the words of advice that he gave is that the Rocky Mountains can have instant personality reversals, and weather was just as important as any other factor in a treasure hunt," Dent said. While out on the expeditions, she also used the birds as an indicator for any unexpected weather. She viewed the crows as sentinels since they routinely were on patrol overhead. "One way I would notice that bad weather was coming is that none of the birds would fly, and so ... that was a big indicator," Dent recalled. "I became accustomed to seeing the crows flying above so one of the biggest and most noticeable ways you knew weather was moving in is that the birds were quiet and they weren't flying." Storms rolling in often meant not just more difficult terrain and the threat of lightning, but the rain also led any creeks Dent had crossed to rise. If she didn't take the weather threat seriously, a swollen creek could have led to more dangerous hazards when she made her return. "Begin it where warm waters halt/ And take it in the canyon down," were two of the nine hints in the poem Fenn wrote to guide explorers toward his treasure. (Sacha Dent) Dent developed a theory that required her to pay close attention to the weather in the mountains before going out to search. She recalled that Fenn used to say, "If you don't know where warm water is, then you should stay home and play Canasta." In the card game, a player can't pick up the discard pile when it's frozen, so Dent theorized that meant she wouldn't be able to retrieve the treasure when the ground was frozen. While keeping a pulse on the temperatures in the area, Dent employed the use of the USGS website to gauge water levels and speed of the creeks and streams she would have to cross. "I had to know when it was going to be warm enough that the snow thaw in the mountains above us were done so that the water levels would be lower, because in the spring the water levels are too high to cross the creek," Dent said. "And then I had to know, is all the snow melted in the area where I want to search, has it been warm enough to warm the ground?" After using her research to meticulously plan a time frame for her search, Dent employed the use of another of her theories. This one would require a sunny afternoon. Sacha Dent holds up a map of the Rockies along with Fenn's poem that thousands have tried to decipher to find the hidden treasure. (Sacha Dent) The cover of Fenn's second book, Too Far to Walk, portrays a shadow of an adventurer cast over flowing water. Dent interpreted this as a new clue. "I believed at the end of the afternoon, your back to the afternoon sun would cast your shadow to a specific location and would let you know that's the area where the treasure was hidden," Dent said. CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP On June 6, 2020, Fenn confirmed that the decade-long treasure hunt had come to its conclusion. Fenn told the Santa Fe New Mexican that the man who found the riches did not want to be named, but was from "back East" and had sent in a photo of the treasure as confirmation. "It was under a canopy of stars in the lush, forested vegetation of the Rocky Mountains and had not moved from the spot where I hid it more than 10 years ago," Fenn said on a blog post. "I do not know the person who found it, but the poem in my book led him to the precise spot. I congratulate the thousands of people who participated in the search and hope they will continue to be drawn by the promise of other discoveries. So the search is over." Fenn posted three photos of the treasure on his blog Tuesday, June 16. "The treasure chest was found by a man I did not know and had not communicated with since 2018," Fenn wrote. "The finder wants me to remain silent and I always said the finder gets to make those two calls. Who and where." The end of the hunt came with a mix of emotions from the people involved, from relief to disbelief and frustration to a yearning for a new adventure. "We are very happy," Dan Johnson, spokesman for Dinosaur National Monument, told The Washington Post. The park had been a place of multiple rescues during the search. For Dent, the realization hit hard. "When I heard the treasure had been found, I went through a lot of emotions like a lot of people," she said. "We heard on Saturday night, and so Saturday night there was shock and almost disbelief, and then on Sunday, there was a lot of sadness because the adventure's over." Come Monday, Dent said, excitement grew once more as she began to look for new opportunities to search for lost treasure. The Dent family stuck to searching New Mexico for the treasure, theorizing Fenn hadn't hidden the treasure too far from his home. (image/Sacha Dent) "That unknown and that excitement of what's the next adventure is pretty thrilling," Dent said. As for the last hunt, she doesn't want Fenn to release the location, stating nothing good can come from knowing it. People would feel awful if they found out they had been looking in the right location only to let it slip through their fingers, or to find out that they were no where near solving the poem and never stood a chance. "I don't think any good can come from knowing the location of where the treasure chest was found," Dent said. "So long as the location's never realized, all of us who searched for the treasure get to believe that we were right in our own minds. That we had that chance, that we were a contender, and for some of us, that's as good as it's going to get." Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios. Click here to read the full article. MILAN Nothing will be as before. Tods chief executive officer Diego Della Valle, despite the after-effects of the coronavirus pandemic, has a positive message to convey. The Italian leather goods and fashion group will launch a new communications project that will bow in September and last through the winter. Called Tods Together, the campaign is symbolic of unity and solidarity after months of social distancing and isolation. We want to give a positive signal, Della Valle told WWD. We want to say we are here, we want to help. Italians are smart, we cant forget what happened, but we dont want the mood to continue to be negative. People want to get back together, to start living again, to go out in the open with friends and families. Its been tough for everyone. Magnum photojournalist Alex Majoli will begin to lens the campaign on Monday, but Della Valle was mum on the casting. It will be an open stage, with daily life images, whether its someone walking their dog on the street, or two lovebirds on a scooter. The campaign will roll out on digital and traditional channels and media. Tods Together celebrates friendship, kindness and the pleasure of seeing each other. Its a campaign that illustrates Italian taste and know-how, explained Della Valle. Della Valle, who has over the years spearheaded several charitable initiatives and the restoration of Italian landmarks such as the Colosseum, said this is a moment to be close to our employees, to support those in need, those who have lost loved ones. The campaign is meant to be not aggressive and elegant. As reported, Diego and his brother Andrea Della Valle, vice chairman of Tods SpA are waiving their remunerations for the year 2020 and the company will not distribute any dividends. The destination of 1 percent of consolidated net income last year, which corresponds to 456,588 euros, to pursue solidarity projects was confirmed. Story continues Della Valle last month touted a strong start to the year at the company, which comprises the Tods, Roger Vivier, Hogan and Fay brands, with growth in all markets. But this was halted by the COVID-19 outbreak, which drove sales down almost 30 percent in the first quarter. Della Valle on Thursday said he was thinking of 2021, confident in the groups long-term strategies and leveraging the groups timeless and long-lasting products an asset at this moment. His belief is that people during the lockdown rediscovered familiar pieces, an old jacket or a bag that had been forgotten. Having to stop, there was no need to rush out and go buy the next new thing. There is a newfound desire for history and objects close to our hearts. The entrepreneur hinted at a new communication strategy last month, commenting on first-quarter results. We are preparing a brand new design, marketing and communication plan that takes into account the peoples habit of using the web more and more, which in the future will be increasingly protagonist in spreading products, stories and all that which will be used to communicate and will also help our e-commerce division, which is growing very solidly, Della Valle said at the time. He remarked on the development of e-commerce and the increase in sales of the companys stores, the two pillars, that will allow the group to obtain the necessary growth in a relatively short time and on this we will focus our greatest efforts. We will continue, more and more emphatically, to support the philosophy of our brands, that enhance the great quality, exclusivity and uniqueness, values that are becoming increasingly relevant in this period. Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. (Newser) On June 2, Taco Bell posted a letter from its CEO noting it was "committed to being part of long-term solutions" on "racism or violence against Black people." This week, the fast-food chain took flak for that statement after an employee in Youngstown, Ohio, was fired for wearing a Black Lives Matter face mask to work. Per WKBN, Denzel Skinner says the store's AC went on the fritz on June 8, and the heat made the surgical mask he'd been given too hard to breathe in. Instead, he says, he donned his own Black Lives Matter mask and was told by a manager to take it off. He refused and says he was told he'd lose his job if he walked out. From his car, Skinner posted a 30-minute live video to Facebook explaining what had happened; a shorter clip by social media personality Elijah Daniel also went viral, amassing millions of views. story continues below Yahoo notes that after his video went viral, the #RIPTacoBell hashtag started making the rounds, with people offering recipes on how to make the chain's food at home. USA Today reports that in the video a woman's voicepossibly the manager who fired Skinnercan be heard telling him "you don't get it" and "you can't be bringing politics into the building." "How is this considered politics?" Skinner responds, adding, "I'm standing up for my people." The chain agreed. Taco Bell tweeted that it was "deeply upset" about the incident and that "we believe the Black Lives Matter movement is a human rights issue and not a political one." It also said it would clarify its mask policy. Still, Skinner says he won't go back to the job he's had for the last eight years. (Business Insider rounds up other companies taken to task on Black Lives Matter, including Starbucks.) North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un (L) and sister Kim Yo Jong attend the Inter-Korean Summit at the Peace House on April 27, 2018 in Panmunjom, South Korea. Kim Yo Jong appears to be stepping out on her own recently without her elder brother, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by her side which analysts said may indicate that she could be moving into a bigger role within the country's leadership structure. In the last week, Pyongyang has issued threats and directives under the younger Kim's name alone a development analysts said was striking. "We're seeing a lot of big statements coming out of Kim Yo Jong," said John Park, director of the Korea Project at the Harvard Kennedy School. This indicates that her role is not just ceremonial and that she has been "chronically underestimated," he added. The elder Kim sibling's complete absence is particularly significant, said Miha Hribernik, head of Asia, risk insight at Verisk Maplecroft. "By letting his sister Kim Yo-jong lead the highly visible charge against the South, he is likely laying the groundwork for her elevation to a more senior position within the regime," Hribernik wrote in a note this week before North Korea blew up its joint liaison office with South Korea. There's precedent for this since Kim Jong Un notably led the bombardment of South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island in 2010 in order to boost his standing with the military before taking over as Supreme Leader in 2011, Hribernik noted. Little is known about Kim Yo Jong, but it is well documented that she spent some time in Switzerland with her brother Kim Jong Un. Both were born to the same mother, a consort to the late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. There was high drama for the election to the lone Rajya Sabha (RS) in Manipur on Friday amid an ongoing tussle between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress over power-sharing in the politically-volatile north-eastern state. Manipur assembly Speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh played a key role, as 52 of the 59 members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) were allowed to cast their votes for the two main candidates, the BJPs Sanajaoba Leishemba, the titular king of Manipur, and the Congresss T Mangibabu. Earlier this year, the 60-member assembly was reduced to 59 after BJP MLA, Thounaojam Shyamkumar Singh, who had defected to the Congress in 2017, resigned after the Supreme Court (SC) banned him on anti-defection charges. Though polling in the north-eastern state ended at 4pm, the counting of votes had not started even after 7 pm. The delay is being attributed to the Congresss complaints about the irregularities during the voting process and the Election Commission of India (ECI) is believed to be looking into them. Fridays voting took place a day after the Congress staked claim to form the state government and two days after nine MLAs including three from the BJP, four from the National Peoples Party (NPP), one from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and an Independent withdrew support to the government, challenging the majority of the N Biren Singh-led coalition government. Earlier in the day, Speaker Singh allowed four of the seven rebel Congress MLAs, who had switched sides to the BJP after the 2017 polls, to vote, but barred the three others. On June 9, the Manipur high court (HC) had restrained the seven Congress MLAs from entering the assembly till the Speaker disposed of disqualification proceedings against them. On Thursday, the HC had asked Speaker not to decide on their cases till June 22. Though the decision on the disqualification of the seven MLAs was to be taken on June 22, the Speaker advanced it to June 17, prompting the Congress to seek his removal the following day. The names of the three BJP MLAs, who had resigned from the party earlier this week and joined the Congress, were not in the list of voters on Friday. The TMC legislator, who had withdrawn support to the BJP, was also not allowed to vote, and he has moved the HC. The Congress demanded that the ECI rejects votes of two MLAs, including that of the Speaker, for allegedly showing their ballot papers to agents present during the polls. The Congress also alleged that one of its party lawmakers had shown his vote to a BJP representative, which violates the Upper House poll norms. Meanwhile, several leaders of the Secular Progressive Front (SPF) led by Congress, NPP, TMC and the lone Independent MLA met Governor Najma Heptullah at the Raj Bhawan on Friday evening seeking a special assembly session soon for a trust vote to take place. Today Congress has 24 MLAs while the BJP has only 18. Therefore to uphold democracy a trust vote is needed soon, Manipur Congress spokesperson Ningombam Bupenda Meitei said. The delegation comprised former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, former Manipur Congress president Gaikhangam and NPP leader Y Joykumar Singh. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A new poll has found that most Americans support banning police use of chokeholds, while a majority are opposed to renaming military bases that are named for Confederate generals. The ABC News/Ipsos poll of 727 statistically representative U.S. adults was conducted this week and released on Friday. The poll found that nearly two-thirds of Americans, or 63 percent, support 'banning the use of chokeholds by police officers'. That included a clear majority of all demographic groups, with the highest support from black Americans at 71 percent. A mural depicting George Floyd is seen in Berlin. Floyd's death in Minneapolis prompted a renewed discussion over police tactics, including chokeholds Republicans were split on the question, with 51 percent supporting a ban and 48 percent opposing one. Earlier this week, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that bans police from using chokeholds except for in instances when their lives are at risk. Meanwhile, the poll found that 56 percent of Americans oppose 'changing the names of U.S. military bases that are named after Confederate leaders'. Independents are more opposed to renaming bases than supportive, with 59 percent opposed to the move. The majority of African Americans support renaming the bases, however, with 67 percent in favor of the move. Fort Bragg in North Carolina is named for Confederate General Braxton Bragg, and is one of 10 military bases named for Confederate officers Earlier this month, Trump vowed that he would never allow bases such as Fort Benning and Fort Bragg to be renamed. In all, 10 military bases are named for generals of the Confederacy, most of whom were respected U.S. military officers before the nation split in the Civil War. The third question on the poll examined attitudes toward reparations for slavery, finding that the vast majority opposed paying reparations to the descendants of slaves. The poll found 73 percent of people think the federal government should not 'pay money to black Americans whose ancestors were slaves as compensations for that slavery'. Only about one in eight white Americans support reparations compared to three-quarters of African Americans. Democrats are split on reparations, with 54 percent in favor and 45 percent opposed. The vast majority of Republicans oppose the move at 94 percent, and 82 percent of Independents were also opposed. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calls for slavery reparations at the National Action Network's annual convention last year. Reparations do not have widespread support, a new poll shows Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said last week that he was in favor of paying slavery reparations to African Americans and Native Americans if studies found direct cash payments to be a viable option. 'If, in fact, there are ways to get direct payments for reparations, I want to see it,' Biden said during a virtual town hall meeting. 'But why are we waiting around for the study? We can deal with this stuff.' Trump has previously said that he thinks the concept of the federal government giving reparations to the descendants of slaves is 'unusual' and 'interesting' but he doesn't 'see it happening.' Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 19:05:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, June 18 (Xinhua) -- San Francisco Mayor London Breed on Thursday announced that the city is to conduct a targeted audit of all upcoming law enforcement job examinations to change the nature of policing and address structural inequities. The moves came after the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes on May 25. Protests in response to Floyd's death and more broadly to police violence spread across the United States, with congressional lawmakers and states since pushing for police reforms. According to the announcement, changing the way San Francisco hires and promotes law enforcement officers is a key part of fundamentally changing the nature of policing and addressing structural inequities. The city's Department of Human Resources will lead a process in collaboration with the Civil Service Commission, the Police Department and the Sheriff's Office to review current entry-level and promotional exams to ensure that the city's testing process helps identify candidates who possess the requisite ethics, judgment and temperament to serve as a San Francisco law enforcement officer. "We want our law enforcement officers to reflect the best of our city and our values ... We can improve how we are identifying the qualities that we want as well as those we know we don't," said Breed. She argued that the audit would reduce the influence of implicit and explicit bias and strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and communities, ultimately saving lives. There are inequities at every level of the criminal justice system, with many studies showing that unconscious or implicit bias often plays a significant role in the split-second decisions that lead to the disproportionate policing, incarceration and use of force, the announcement said. "It is our responsibility as a city to use the tools we have available to identify candidates for law enforcement positions who would not be too quick to use force, who are patient and compassionate, or who would not be likely to let racial bias drive their attitudes and actions," said Micki Callahan, director of the city's Department of Human Resources. San Francisco's police chief Bill Scott also agreed that audit and reform would help reduce the use of force and eliminate bias. "There should be no place in law enforcement in our city for candidates who fall short of our values," he said. Enditem Chinese prosecutors charged two detained Canadians with spying Friday in an apparent bid to step up pressure on Canada to drop a U.S. extradition request for a Huawei executive under house arrest in Vancouver. Michael Kovrig was charged by Beijing on suspicion of spying for state secrets and intelligence. Michael Spavor was charged in Dandong, a city near the North Korean border, on suspicion of spying for a foreign entity and illegally providing state secrets. The charges were announced by China's highest prosecutor's office in brief social media posts. Asked what evidence China had against the two, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said only that each is charged with "secretly gathering state secrets for overseas forces with particularly serious consequences." "The facts are clear and the evidence solid and sufficient," Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing. Zhao gave no details. Both men have been held for 18 months. They were detained shortly after the December 2018 arrest of Meng Wanzhou, a top executive at Chinese tech giant Huawei. The daughter of Huawei's founder was arrested at the request of U.S. authorities who want her on fraud charges related to trade with Iran. A Canadian judge ruled this month that the U.S. extradition case against Meng could proceed to the next stage. China has denied any explicit link between her case and the lengthy detention of the two Canadian men, but outside experts see them as tied and Chinese diplomats have strongly implied a connection. Meng has been released on bail while her extradition case proceeds in court and is residing in one of her two Vancouver mansions where she is reportedly working on a graduate degree. Kovrig and Spavor are being held at an undisclosed location and up to now, have been denied access to lawyers or family members. China has also sentenced two other Canadians to death and suspended imports of Canadian canola, while saying those moves were also unrelated to Meng's case. Relations between Canada and China are at their lowest point since the Chinese military's bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests centered on Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989. The tensions appear to be causing further harm to Huawei's reputation in the Americas, with two of Canada's three major telecommunication companies announcing earlier this month that they've decided not to use the Chinese tech giant 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. 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, saying 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 intelligence a charge the company denies. Canada's diplomats in China have been meeting regularly with their detained citizens but there was no immediate comments on the new indictments. Rajesh Kumar Thakur By Express News Service PATNA: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday evening announced an ex-gratia of Rs 11 lakh, in addition to a government job for the closest dependent of each of the five soldiers from the state martyred in bloody clashes with the Chinese army along the LAC in Ladakh's Galwan valley. The brave soldiers- Chandan Kumar of Bhojpur, Jai Kishor Singh of Vaishali, Aman Kumar Singh of Samstipur, Kundan Kumar of Saharsa and Sunil Kumar of Patna Bihta- were from Bihar regiments. The bodies of four of the martyrs were brought on Friday while the body of Sunil Kumar was brought on Wednesday and consigned to flames with full state honour on Friday morning. Chief minister Nitish Kumar, after paying floral tributes to the martyrs, expressed heartfelt condolences for their sacrifice. ALSO READ | He loved chopper rides in Ladakh: Kin remembers LAC standoff martyr Chandrakant Pradhan According to an official statement, a sum of Rs 25 lakhs would also be given to the nearest dependent of each of these five martyrs in addition to Rs 11 lakh, from the chief minister relief fund. A total 36 lakh would be given to the nearest dependent of each of the five martyrs by the state government in addition to a government job. At least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, had lost their lives in the clash. The violent face-off happened in the Galwan Valley as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to unilaterally change the status quo during de-escalation in eastern Ladakh and the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side, India said on June 16. ALSO WATCH: In the low-income, predominantly black and Latino neighborhoods where the networks 14 crisis intervention workers operate, residents are equally as likely to say they want fewer police as they are to say they want more, Cardona said. If officials asked residents whether they want more social workers or officers, he added, they would probably say both. Europe Looking For A Compromise On Iran Arms Embargo Issue Radio Farda June 18, 2020 European diplomats want to find a way to reach a compromise between signatories of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal by proposing a limited extension of Iran's arms embargo and save the agreement from total collapse, Wall Street Journal reported on June 17. Iran's five-year arms embargo, one of the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and Germany ends on October 18. However, President Donald Trump's administration, that exited the nuclear agreement known as JCPOA in 2018, is trying to extend the embargo. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently expressed confidence in the extension of the five-year arms embargo, asserting that Washington plans to achieve its goal. One of the ways Washington is trying to make the extension possible is through JCPOA's "trigger mechanism." The trigger mechanism is devised to resolve disputes among the countries that are part to the JCPOA and paves the way for returning the Islamic Republic' case to the Security Council, should Tehran refuse to fulfill its obligations set in the deal. In such a case, the UN sanctions against Iran will automatically resume. However, Iran, China, and Russia insist that as the United States is no longer a party to the JCPOA, it cannot not activate the deal's trigger mechanism. In a letter to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last week, Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, described the U.S. approach as "ridiculous and irresponsible." In the meantime, the European powers who are struggling to keep the JCPOA alive, have found themselves in a complicated position. "European diplomats, by and large, have played down the near-term risk of lifting the arms embargo, asserting that Iran's deep economic problems will make it hard for Tehran to go on a weapons-buying spree," WSJ reported on Wednesday. Therefore, to satisfy Washington's demands, the three European countries, Germany, Britain, and France, want to limit the "potential volume of arms deals" with Iran. At the same time, to convince China and Russia not to veto their proposed resolution, the European trio considers extending the arms embargo in a limited time frame and restricted volume. The details of the trio's plan are still at an early stage of discussion, but, according to WSJ, "the ideas center around a measure that would allow some arms purchases by Iran while keeping key weapons systems out of Tehran's hands, and an extension on the arms trade restrictions that might initially be limited to twelve months, the diplomats said." Moreover, the Europeans are likely to call for tighter controls on Iran's arms shipments to its Middle East proxies by authorizing the international bodies to confiscate suspected cargos. The trio also hopes to draft a resolution that satisfies China, Russia, and the U.S., and prevent them to veto it. The Islamic Republic, for its part has called on Europe, Russia, and China not to succumb to Washington's pressure to extend the arms embargo against Tehran. It has gone even further threatening that, if the arms embargo is extended, it will react. Russian diplomats have said in private that a "compromise" might be "possible" if Iran could convince other parties to the JCPOA to keep the deal alive until after the U.S. presidential election, next November. However, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Rear Admiral, Ali Shamkhani, has already warned that the JCPOA would "die forever" should the UN arms embargo be extended. Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/europe- looking-for-a-compromise-on-iran-arms -embargo-issue/30677378.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 Caribbean countries have said that British financial institutions which benefited from the slave trade should go further than saying sorry by paying reparations. Apologies for their role in slavery have already been made by both Lloyd's of London and pub chain Greene King. Both firms also pledged to make financial contributions after their founders were revealed as slave-owners. But a regional alliance of Caribbean countries said that Britain's institutions should go much further than simply apologising and give some of the wealth back to the Caribbean by funding development at the epicentre of the slave trade. More than 10 million Africans were shackled into the Atlantic slave trade by European nations between the 15th and 19th centuries. Those who survived the often brutal voyage, ended up toiling on plantations in the Americas. Caribbean countries have said that British financial institutions which benefited from the slave trade should go further than saying sorry by paying reparations Apologies for their role in slavery have already been made by both Lloyd's of London and pub chain Greene King. Both firms also pledged to make financial contributions after their founders were revealed as slave-owners 'It is not enough to say sorry,' said Hilary Beckles, chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission which was set up by Caribbean countries to seek reparations from former colonial powers such as the United Kingdom, France and Portugal. 'We are not asking for anything as mendicant as handing out cheques to people on street corners,' Beckles told Reuters from Jamaica. 'The issue of money is secondary, but in this instance the moral discharge of one's duty does require in a market economy that you contribute towards development.' 'It is not enough to say sorry,' said Hilary Beckles, chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission Beckles, a Barbadian historian, said the antecedents of many British and European banks, as well as an array of accompanying institutions in the City of London, 'drank from the well of Caribbean slavery'. The Bank of England apologised for what it called the 'inexcusable connections' of some past governors and directors to slavery, and said it would remove any portraits of them from display anywhere on its premises. The history of several other British financial firms, including Barclays, is also under fresh scrutiny. 'Unfortunately, one cannot go back and remake the history but you can make atonement: it is not enough to make your apology as a public spectacle, it is not enough to present it as public relations exercise,' said Beckles. 'It is not about public relations - it is about a negotiated settlement whereby everyone finds closure within a moral framework,' he said. 'To say sorry and issue a press release is disrespectful - it does not fly with the people who were victimized.' British institutions, he said, should sit down with Caribbean nations to fund development projects - or even consider a sort of 'Marshall Plan' to give some of the plundered wealth back - a reference to the U.S. aid given to Europe after the destruction of World War Two. 'The British legacy of slavery and colonalisation has left the black community in quite a mess,' Beckles said, adding that he was not calling for litigation of any kind. Greene King's chief executive Nick Mackenzie said the company would update its website - which does not mention its historical ties to slavery - and apologised for the company's role in the evil and inhumane practice. Pictured: Its brewery in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk 'All the institutions that created this mess really have to come and help in practical ways to clean it up.' On Britain's broader reassessment of its past, Beckles said public consciousness was catching up with history. 'Public consciousness is catching up with history: that moment has come. British public morality has caught up with its own institutional history of slavery. It comes after a spokesman for Lloyd's apologised for the role the company played via the Lloyd's market in the 18th and 19th Century slave trades, adding that it was an 'appalling and shameful period of English history, as well as our own'. They committed to giving financial support to 'charities and organisations promoting opportunity and inclusion for Black and Minority Ethnic groups'. Lloyd's added that they would review 'organisational artefacts' to make sure they are 'explicitly non-racist'. It comes after a spokesman for Lloyd's apologised for the role the company played via the Lloyd's market in the 18th and 19th Century slave trades, adding that it was an 'appalling and shameful period of English history, as well as our own'. Pictured: The Lloyd's building in London Greene King's chief executive Nick Mackenzie said the company would update its website - which does not mention its historical ties to slavery - and apologised for the company's role in the evil and inhumane practice. He said: 'It is inexcusable that one of our founders profited from slavery and argued against its abolition in the 1800s. 'We don't have all the answers, so that is why we are taking time to listen and learn from all the voices, including our team members and charity partners as we strengthen our diversity and inclusion work.' Mr Mackenzie said Greene King would make a 'substantial investment to benefit the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic community and support our race diversity in the business as we increase our focus on targeted work in this area.' Beer historian Martyn Cornell told MailOnline: 'The facts about Benjamin Greene and slavery have been in the public domain for 37 years, since a well-researched history of Greene King was published by Professor Richard Wilson of the University of East Anglia. 'So Greene King has had almost four decades to deal with this. Lloyds Banking Group has also come under scrutiny for its links with the London and Brazil Bank, with which it merged in 1923 'But it's good to see firms finally facing up to the murkier aspects of their past, rather than ignoring those unpalatable facts, and it's good that firms wish to do something to make up for what we now recognise as the crimes of our ancestors.' Lloyds Banking Group has also come under scrutiny for its links with the London and Brazil Bank, with which it merged in 1923. The president of the London and Brazil Bank was John White Cater, who the UCL records show was compensated for estates on Jamaica, including the Washington and Hibernia estate where 57 people were enslaved. The bank said much has changed in its 300-year history, and claimed to 'stand against racism, slavery and discrimination in all its forms'. A spokesperson said: 'Like any institution that is so interwoven with our countrys history, we must acknowledge and learn from our past. 'Today we strive to create a fully inclusive environment for all of our colleagues, customers and communities, one that is truly representative of modern day Britain.' Diplomatic channels should be used to defuse the tension in eastern Ladakh but the Chinese troops must be "evacuated" from the high ground in the Galwan valley, NCP chief Sharad Pawar told Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. The former defence minister, in a series of tweets, said he underlined the threat to Dubruk-DBO road due to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) occupying adjoining hills during the all-party meeting convened by Modi on the stand-off with China. It would be advisable to "strategize using diplomatic channels to defuse the tension and make China see reason", he said. Pawar, who joined the meeting from Mumbai through video conference, warned that the Chinese army is occupying the high ground in the Galwan valley with a "specific objective of dominating the Dubruk-DBO road on the Indian side". Chinese troops can at any time decide to enforce closure of this road and India will have to pay a heavy military cost if that happened, the NCP chief said in the meeting. He told the PM that "compulsory measures" should be taken to "evacuate the PLA from Galwan valley". In the last three decades, China has quietly strengthened its position along the 4,000 km Line of actual Control, and focused on enlarging and strengthening its presence in the eastern Ladakh sector, Pawar said. The road connecting Dubruk to DBO is entirely on the Indian side of the LAC, he said, adding that it is crucial for India as DBO is an advanced landing ground and provides an airfield for the Air Force to quickly respond to any emergency, he said. "During my tenure as defence minister, I had visited China and signed the peace and tranquility agreement in 1993 which was the first peace effort after the 1962 war. "Both countries have respected the terms of understanding, barring some minor incidents as compared to this incident," he said. DBO is also important as it further links with the Karakorum pass and on the left Siachen glacier, he said. One month since the resumption of manufacturing activity throughout the country, it is clear that the Trump administrations campaign to prematurely force workers back on the job has resulted in a major resurgence of COVID-19. Twenty-one states in the South and the West are seeing a sharp rise in infections, hospitalizations and deaths. Ten statesAlabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina and Texashave recorded their highest seven-day averages since the pandemic began, according to a CNN analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. With at least 800 people dying from COVID-19 each day, the US, already leading the world with 121,000 fatalities, is on pace to reach more than 200,000 deaths by the end of September. Auto workers leave the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Warren Truck Plant in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) US factories and other large workplaces have been a major vector for the spread of the deadly disease. On Thursday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that at least 200 of the 829 workers at a Dole Fresh Vegetables plant in Springfield, Ohio had tested positive for COVID-19, with more results to come. The company issued a standard statement that the safety of its employees and the community were top priority, before announcing it would not close the plant. In the meatpacking industry, more than 25,000 workers have been infected and at least 91 have died. These numbers have increased five-fold since President Trump issued an April 28 executive order reopening slaughterhouses and meat processing plants after the spread of the contagion closed dozens of plants. At the same time, Trump approved requests by 15 poultry plants, including those owned by Tyson Foods, to squeeze workers even closer together on production lines and increase line speeds by 25 percent, according to a report released Wednesday by the National Employment Law Project (NELP). Half of these plants have seen spikes in cases, with at least one fatality. As for the supposed safety measures adopted by the meatpacking companies and the Trump administration, Its all smoke and mirrors, said Debbie Berkowitz, a former Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) advisor, who now directs NELPs worker health and safety program. Since the reopening of the auto industry on May 18, there have been scores of infections, including at Ford plants in Chicago, Dearborn, Michigan and Kansas City, Missouri; General Motors plants in Arlington, Texas and St. Louis; and Fiat Chrysler plants in Toledo, Ohio and the Detroit area. Toyota has reported 40 cases in its US plants. At least four workers have tested positive at Tesla, which reopened its Fremont, California plant last month after billionaire owner Elon Musk blackmailed county officials into lifting lockdown orders by threatening to move his operations to Texas or Nevada. A Tesla employee, Carlos Gabriel, who demanded the release of information about infections and safety precautions, was informed earlier this week that he is being terminated today. In a Reuters article Thursday headlined Automakers report no major COVID-19 outbreaks since restart, a top UAW official claimed there were few, if any, cases in the factories and blamed these on workers. Reuters wrote: "'People leave work and then they have their own protocols outside of the workplace,' said Gerald Kariem, UAW vice president and director of the union's Ford department. But in terms of the workplace, the protocols are probably better than the protocols that you'll see out in the general public.'" These are bald-faced lies. While the UAW, the auto executives and the media conceal outbreaks in the factories, autoworkers have informed the World Socialist Web Site about the real conditions in the auto plants. I work for LINC/Universal and we warehouse parts for General Motors Fort Wayne plant work, right across the street, wrote one auto parts worker. So far, there have been five confirmed cases with COVID-19 and there is a possibility of 20 more. The GM bigwigs at the Fort Wayne plant have told our bigwigs and bosses at LINC that they do not care how many people get sick, they will not be shutting down no matter what. As production of the most profitable vehicles has increased and summer shutdowns have been canceled, workers have reported to the WSWS that the half-hour down time before and after shifts for cleanup has been abandoned, bathrooms are once again filthy, and workers are being piled into entryways, work stations and break rooms. As in the meatpacking industrywhere many plants are experiencing a 30 to 50 percent absenteeism ratethousands of autoworkers are staying away from the factories out of concern for getting sick and bringing the virus home to spouses and children. As the Reuters report noted, At Ford Motor Co.'s F-Series pickup truck plant in Louisville, Ky., the company has given more than 1,000 workers leave related to COVID-19 concerns. It hired temporary workers to fill their jobs as the plant accelerates production of trucks critical to Ford's financial recovery. After allocating over $6 trillion to bail out Wall Street and major corporations with the bipartisan CARES Act, the American ruling class intends to pay for the increased debt by ruthlessly pumping out surplus value from the labor of the working class. The Federal Reserve is spending trillions to purchase bad corporate debtsincluding the junk bonds of Fordwhile the Trump administration threatens to cut off the $600 weekly addition to unemployment benefits in order to force workers back into infected factories. The Socialist Equality Party urges workers to elect rank-and-file safety committees in every factory and workplace to fight for the protection of workers in opposition to management and the profit principle. These committees must fight for control of working hours and line speed, as well as full access to protective equipment, safe and comfortable working conditions, regular testing, universal health care and guaranteed income. They must ensure the distribution of information, protect workers against retaliation for exposing unsafe conditions, and reserve the power to halt production to guarantee safe conditions. Workers all over the world face the same conditions that are shown in the damning video sent to the WSWS from Mexican workers at GMs Silao complex, along with reports of alarming infections among Polish coal miners, Chilean copper miners and meatpacking workers in Germany and Brazil. The fight against the pandemic requires the international unity of the working class and all those committed to defend human life in opposition to all forms of nationalism, chauvinism and militarism. The policy of capitalism is death. The policy of the working class is life. That is why the struggle for the day-to-day conditions in the factories must be fused with a political struggle to put an end to capitalism, break the grip of the corporate and financial oligarchs, and create a socialist society based on the satisfaction of human needs, not corporate profit. Infiniti Research's team of industry experts and analysts are constantly monitoring the business impact of the COVID-19 crisis across sectors to help organizations prioritize response, mitigate risk, and continuously monitor the economic adversities on their business. To help companies across sectors to make headway against the adversities of the coronavirus outbreak on business operations, Infinitipresents immediate, impactful, and in-depth insights and action plans to navigate the crisis. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200619005344/en/ Why Retail Customer Intelligence is a 'Must-Have' For Retailers to Overcome the Aftermath of the Pandemic. (Graphic: Business Wire) The COVID-19 crisis has led to dramatic shifts in customer buying behaviors and spending patterns. Besides, the uncertain nature of the pandemic has compelled customers to tighten their wallets and eliminate discretionary spending. These shifts have left many retailers scrambling to effectively serve customers through other channels. To navigate through these challenging times and drive future growth, retail brands will need to adopt new ways to maintain and build relationships with customers. Retail brands must focus on creating exceptional customer experiences to set themselves apart from their competitors and build agile capabilities for fluid times. Our retail customer intelligence solution can help you achieve these strategic objectives. Request a FREE proposal here. Experts at Infiniti Research have identified some key strategies for retailers to thrive in the post-pandemic world using retail customer intelligence solutions. Extend digital channel presence and engagement The COVID-19 pandemic has suddenly shifted more customer traffic to digital channels. Owing to this sudden shift, online sales grew by nearly 25% in two weeks in March 2020. To ensure business continuity and maintain profitability, retail brands are compelled to expand their digital presence quickly. For retailers looking to extend digital channel presence and engagement, retail customer intelligence solution can help gather user acquisition and behavior data. Besides, retail customer intelligence solutions can help business leaders to deliver a seamless omnichannel strategy that boosts customer engagement and builds lasting customer relationships. Bring an in-store feel to the digital experience To adapt to the needs and demands of customers, retail brands will need to revamp their current omnichannel strategy and bring an in-store feel to the digital experience. By leveraging Infiniti's retail customer intelligence solution, businesses can gain a better understanding of how customers are interacting with their brand, analyze their journey across different channels, and identify gaps in offerings. Embrace an agile operating model As the coronavirus pandemic is expected to last longer, retail businesses must embrace an agile operating model to continually reassess their strategies. Infiniti's retail customer intelligence services can help businesses to categorize customers with similar attributes and devise customized audience segments. This will subsequently help retailers to provide customers with personalized options that best suit their needs and preferences. You may also like some of our recent articles on the retail industry: Retail Customer Intelligence: How a Global Retail Firm Boosted Customer Retention with a Holistic User-Engagement Strategy Developing High-Value Customer Engagement Strategies to Drive Foot Traffic for a Fashion Retailer Using Target Market Segmentation Preparing for the Future of US Retail Industry: Key Areas that Need to be Addressed As customer buying behavior and spending patterns are rapidly owing to the COVID-19 outbreak, retail brands must focus on creating exceptional customer experience to gain a competitive edge in the long-run. Our retail customer intelligence solution can help you achieve these strategic objectives. Request more information. About Infiniti Research Established in 2003, Infiniti Research is a leading market intelligence company providing smart solutions to address your business challenges. Infiniti Research studies markets in more than 100 countries to help analyze competitive activity, see beyond market disruptions, and develop intelligent business strategies. To know more, visit: https://www.infinitiresearch.com/about-us View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200619005344/en/ Contacts: Infiniti Research Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager US: +1 844 778 0600 UK: +44 203 893 3400 https://www.infinitiresearch.com/contact-us [June 19, 2020] SNC-Lavalin to pay $1.9 million in fourth Quebec bid-rigging settlement Fourth settlement brings total payments by colluding firms to more than $8.5 million GATINEAU, QC, June 19, 2020 /CNW/ - Engineering firm SNC-Lavalin has been ordered to pay $1.9 million for rigging bids on municipal infrastructure contracts in the province of Quebec as part of a settlement with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. The settlement, filed today with the Superior Court of Quebec, ends the Competition Bureau's investigation of the company's role in a scheme in which several engineering firms conspired to rig bids for municipal contracts. SNC-Lavalin participated in the scheme between 2003 and 2012, rigging bids on public infrastructure contracts in Montreal and in the Quebec City area, the period varying for each municipality. The settlement takes into account that SNC-Lavalin previously reimbursed the overpayments related to the bid-rigging through the Government of Quebec's Voluntary Reimbursement Program, and that the individuals involved in the scheme no longer work for the firm. As part of the settlement, the Court has also ordered SNC-Lavalin to maintain its corporate compliance program, which is designed to prevent further anticompetitive activity by its employees. This is the fourth settlement with an engineering firm resulting from the Competition Bureau's ongoing investigation. Dessau, WSP Canada (formerly Genivar), and Norda Stelo (formerly Roche) were previously ordered to pay $1.9 million, $4 million and $750,000 respectively for their roles in the bid-rigging scheme. The investigation has also resulted in guilty pleas by four former executives of engineering firms Cima+, Genivar and Dessau for bid-rigging on City of Gatineau infrastructure contracts. They received conditional prison sentences totalling five years and 11 months, and court-ordered community service totalling 260 hours. The $1.9 million payment by SNC-Lavalin will be made to the Receiver General for Canada. Quotes "Rigging bids on infrastructure contracts raises costs for municipalities and amounts to a theft of taxpayers' money. Our investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to pursue all those who plot to increase their profits through criminal bid-rigging schemes." Matthew Boswell Commissioner of Competition Related Information For general enquiries, please contact: Enquiries/Complaints Stay connected Stay connected: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | RSS Feed | Email Distribution List The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace. SOURCE Competition Bureau Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 01:25:57|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Iran's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna on Friday slammed the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for adopting a resolution against Tehran. The IAEA's 35-nation board of governors passed a resolution on Friday, calling on Iran to cooperate fully with it and let the agency access two locations. The board "calls on Iran to fully cooperate with the agency and satisfy the agency's requests without any further delay, including by providing prompt access to the locations specified by the agency," according to the text of the resolution submitted by France, Germany and Britain and adopted by a vote of 25 to two with seven abstentions, the IAEA said on its website. "Adoption of this resolution will neither encourage Iran to grant access to the Agency based on fabricated and unfounded allegations nor will it force Iran to come down from its principal positions," Gharibabadi said in a statement. "Iran categorically deplores this resolution and will take appropriate action in response, the repercussions of which would be upon the sponsors of this resolution," said Gharibabadi. Enditem "Just because his pops got killed ... they can't put them bodies up on him. Anybody could've done that," said Pope, 28, clad in a black hooded sweatshirt as he shivered slightly in the cold while standing Wednesday afternoon on the front porch of a South Shore home. "They just doing that because my little cousin just got out of jail, his daddy just got killed, the type of area we in, the people who we affiliated with." Bengaluru, June 19 : The divisional railway manager's office in the city centre has been shut for sanitisation after a visiting employee tested positive for coronavirus, an official said on Friday. "The three-floor DRM office has been closed for the day and all employees have been advised to work from home for sanitisation as one of our staffer who visited the office early this week tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday," senior divisional commercial manager Krishna Reddy told IANS here. The DRM's office of the South Western Railway (SWR) is located adjacent to the Krantivira Sangoli Rayanna (KSR) main railway station in the city centre. "Railway hospital staff is on tracing the primary and secondary contacts of the affected employee for testing and isolating them at the earliest," Reddy said. The affected staffer works at the Hebbal railway station in the city's northern suburb. The affected employee, in mid-50s, also visited the railway hospital near the station for a check-up as he had knee problem. The railway hospital referred him to a private hospital for his knee treatment, where a Covid test on him turned prositive. "The railway hospital staff who would have come into contact with the affected employee has also been tested and their results are awaited," said Reddy. The railway hospital is also being disinfected. The state's mini secretariat Vikas Soudha adjacent to the iconic Vidhana Soudha in the city centre has also been shut for sanitization after a government employee working in it tested Covid positive. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which is entrusted with the task of containing the corona virus spread, has already started sanitising a portion of the massive building in the city centre. After an employee of the food and civil supplies department tested positive, all offices on the ground floor of the mini-secretariat were sealed and sanitised. The city registered 17 fresh cases on Thursday, taking the total number of positive cases to 844. With 14 discharged earlier in the day, 384 have been cured of the infection, while 408 are under treatment. Of the 114 Covid deaths across the southern state since March 10, Bengaluru accounted for a whopping 51 till date. Parents of children with Down syndrome are disappointed, angry and distressed to see some cohorts of students not included in draft guidelines for summer programmes. That is according to Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) which said that the initial announcement to include children with Down syndrome in summer programmes for the first time was widely welcomed by parents around the country. However, draft guidelines later published by the Department of Education outlined that the majority of post-primary students, or students going from primary to secondary school, will not be eligible for the summer tuition. It is hard to see children left out, especially students who have complex needs. It is hard enough to fight to be included, said Nicola Hart, head of member support at DSI. We werent sure if families wanted to take part in summer programmes this year, given that their children might have additional health needs, so we held a survey. This survey found that almost 90% of the 784 people questioned wanted their child to take part in summer programmes this year. They can see a regression in their kids during the long break. Children with language, hearing or attention difficulties can find it hard to make progress with online teaching. "Parents are disappointed, angry and distressed to now see the restrictions, Ms Hart added. Talks between the charity and the Department of Education are on-going. Summer provision for children with special needs is an expansion of the traditional July Provision, a spokesman said. The Department of Education is continuing to engage with education partners and directly with schools on planning for the provision, he added. Detailed guidance has been issued on both school-based and home-based tuition. Primary schools and schools with special classes have also been invited to participate in the programme, he added. Meanwhile, the online application where schools must enter data on students' Leaving Cert calculated grades will remain live until Monday, after a number of schools failed to submit their information. The application was set to close on Friday afternoon. However, the Calculated Grades executive office has decided it will now remain open until the close of business on Monday, June 22. "Schools have been engaging extremely well with the process and very good progress has been made," a spokesman for the Department of Education said. "The extension has been provided to facilitate a small number of schools who have yet to fully complete the process." A woman wearing a face mask walks outside of Heungnyemun gate of the 14th-century Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, Friday, June 19, 2020. AP At least six Bangladeshi nationals and one South Korean have tested positive for the coronavirus after entering South Korea on the same flight from the South Asian country, authorities said Friday. All of the seven patients, including three Bangladeshi students enrolled in a Jeju university, used Korean Air flight KE9656, which landed at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, at 5:32 a.m. Thursday after departing from Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. They then traveled to their homes or other residences around the country before taking COVID-19 tests at testing centers in Jeju, Incheon, Paju, Namyangju and North Jeolla Province, authorities said, noting epidemic research has been launched for the airplane and all of its passengers. The three students are part of a group of 18 Bangladeshis enrolled in Cheju Halla University, who flew into Jeju International Airport on Thursday afternoon via the Incheon airport and Seoul's Gimpo International Airport to return to their campus on the southern resort island. All of the 18 students took COVID-19 tests on landing at the Jeju airport and three of them tested positive, Jeju's provincial government said, noting that none of them showed symptoms of the virus at that time. Another student's test was inconclusive, as it was difficult to judge his test result because it is located between positive and negative reference values, saying an additional test is due within several days. The remaining 14 students tested negative. The Bangladeshi students are known to have used four different flights to travel from the Gimpo airport to Jeju after taking taxis from the Incheon airport to the Seoul airport. The three infected students arrived at the Jeju airport via T'Way flight TW713 at 12:52 p.m. and Jeju Air's flight 7C117 at 1:44 p.m. The Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti announced the entrance exam result for Class 6 and 9 today. The Jawahar Navodaya Vidayalaya Selection Test (JNVST) for Class 6 and Class 9 was conducted on 11 January and 8 February. The Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti announced the entrance exam result for Class 6 and 9 today. The Jawahar Navodaya Vidayalaya Selection Test (JNVST) for Class 6 and Class 9 was conducted on 11 January and 8 February. Union Minister for Human Resource Development Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank shared a message on Twitter on 17 June to inform that selection list for admission to Class VI in summer bound areas and lateral entry for class IX in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas for the session 2020-21 will be declared on 19th June 2020. Happy to share that select list of candidates for admission to Class VI in summer bound areas and lateral entry for class IX in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas for the session 2020-21 will be declared on 19th June 2020. Stay tuned... Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) June 17, 2020 The selection list has been released at navodaya.gov.in. According to Hindustan Times, every year, the results for the entrance exams are declared in April, but this year, the results have been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The entrance test for Class 6 was conducted in for a few states. The entrance exam for the remaining states will be conducted later, reported The Times of India. The admission to the JNV takes place only on the basis of merit list. Coronavirus has led to postponement of exams and delay in result declaration across the country. How to check result Step 1: Visit navodaya.gov.in. Step 2: Click on the link for Class for which you appeared. Step 3: Enter your roll number and date of birth. Step 4: The result will display on screen. Step 5: Download the result for future reference. The JNV begins the admission process just after the declaration of results. Chahid El Hafed (Refugee Camps) June 17, 202 June 17, 2020 (SPS) - The Saharawi people commemorate Wednesday the 50st anniversary of the popular uprising of Zemla against Spanish colonialism, in attempt to recover its inalienable rights to freedom and independence, three years before the outbreak of the armed struggle led by the Polisario Front. Denying the Sahrawis the right to self-determination, Spain had developed a document describing the integration of the Saharawi population into the Spanish metropolis, saying Western Sahara is "Spanish province." The announcement of the Spanish decision was accompanied by a solemn festival June 17, 1970. The measure prompted spontaneous reactions from the Saharawis part. Protesters led by Mohammed Sidi Brahim Bassiri brought a petition to the general governor of Spanish Sahara, in El Aaiun. While dispersing the manifestation, Spanish Foreign Legion fired on the crowd, killing 11 protesters. Hundreds of Saharawis were arrested within days, among them Bassiri, who disappeared in prison, presumably murdered or tortured to death. Mohamed Sidi Brahim Bassiri paid his life like other Sahrawis, as a tribute for freedom and dignity. SPS 125/090/ This Friday is Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating emancipation from slavery. The day has long been celebrated by black communities in the U.S., but its still a topic that many students and teachers say isnt coveredat length, or sometimes at allin K-12 schools. For Briyana Mondesir, a rising junior at Washington and Lee University, the omission speaks to what she sees as a broader disregard for black history in most school curricula. A lot of the way that schools depict black history, our history, is: We were slaves, then Martin Luther King happened, and then everythings fine, said Mondesir, the deputy director of Students for Educational Justice, a youth advocacy organization of high school students and young adults in New Haven, Conn. This year, the group organized two events this week for Juneteenth : a virtual panel and community discussion about the importance of teaching black history in schools, and a march and teach-in at a local park. Mondesir and her peers hadnt learned about Juneteenth in school, she said. Its not just that teachers dont discuss the day, and its significance, in class. Many dont know about Juneteenth themselves, said India Meissel, a U.S. and Virginia history teacher, and social studies department chair, at Lakeland High School in Suffolk, Va. Meissel, a past president of the National Council for the Social Studies, remembers leading summer history and social studies trainings for elementary school teachers who had never heard of the day. In the past few weeks, following nationwide protests against police killings of black people, local governments and corporations are commemorating the holiday, in attempts to show solidarity with protestors and the black community. A few cities and states have made Juneteenth an official, paid holiday, and some companies have also given the day off to their employees. Mondesir hopes that this new attention to an important moment in the nations past will last, and will translate to a greater awareness of Juneteenthand of black history in generalin the classroom. The pattern in America, it feels like, is that we celebrate and we honor a lot of things that happened to a majority white population. But things that happened to predominantly African American and indigenous groups, those are more pushed to the side, she said. The Textbook: Not Necessarily the Whole Story Juneteenth is a celebration of June 19, 1865: the day that the Union army came to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas. By that date, the Civil War had already been over for more than two months. And it had been more than two years since the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. But areas under Confederate control didnt release enslaved people from bondage during the war. Juneteenth marks the date that changed in Texasone of the most remote parts of the country at the time, where enforcement of emancipation had been inconsistent throughout the war. In Meissels classroom, teaching Juneteenth puts the Emancipation Proclamation in context. History classes tend to teach that Lincoln issued the document, and it freed those who were enslaved, she said. But emancipation wasnt a single point in timeit was a process, Meissel said. Explaining the full timeline, she said, demonstrates that what you get in the history textbook is not necessarily the whole story. Meissel starts her discussion of the Emancipation Proclamation with local history. She tells her students about the Emancipation Oak, an old tree near the entrance to the Hampton University campus, where the Emancipation Proclamation was read for the first time in the South, in 1863. Then, she asks her students to read copies of General Order No. 3, the document the Union army read on Juneteenth in Galveston. And then all of a sudden the lightbulb goes on, Meissel said. They start looking up and going, Wait a minuteit took them over two years to get the word to people in Texas that there was an Emancipation Proclamation? This realization opens up a conversation about why it would take so long for emancipation to be enforced, and who would have had an interest in keeping that knowledge secret from enslaved people, and why. Carlicia Alexander, a middle school special education co-teacher in Willis, Texas, agrees that its important to investigate these questions. In years past, shes taught Juneteenth as part of the 7th grade Texas history course that all students in the state take. But next year, she wants to give students the option to study the holiday as part of a project-based learning assignment. Theyll investigate historical questionslike why the order wasnt read in Texas until after the Civil Warand Juneteenths modern-day significance. Texas history classes touch on some significant moments in black history, but they dont cover nearly enough, said Alexander. Our history didnt start in Texas in slavery, and it doesnt end in slavery, and then pop back up in the Civil Rights Movement, she said. Black people played a major part in the agriculture industry in Texas, they played a major part in the cattle drives. Thats where a lot of cowboy culture comes from , it comes from the Buffalo Soldiers . Alexander also wants Texas social studies classes to cover figures important to regional black culture, like Myrtis Dightman , the first African-American bull rider to compete at the National Finals Rodeo. Black history shouldnt be reduced to, or centered around, all the trauma and all the struggles, she said. Black accomplishments need to be highlighted as well. Not a Superficial Conversation Mondesir, of Students for Educational Justice, also wishes her teachers in Connecticut had taken a more local approach to black history. For example: Mondesir had grown up seeing the Amistad Memorial in front of the New Haven City Hall, but doesnt remember learning about the Amistad revolt at school. The sculpture commemorates this mutiny in 1839, when kidnapped West Africans took control over a ship headed to sell them into slavery. Instead of making it to its original destination, the ship docked in Connecticut, and the Supreme Court eventually recognized their freedom. I knew there was a statue dedicated to it at city hall, but I didnt know why it was there, Mondesir said. Last year, the Connecticut legislature passed a bill requiring all high schools to offer an elective course in African American, Puerto Rican, and Latino history by 2022. SEJ was one of the youth advocacy groups to organize in support of the bill, but Mondesir still worries about the laws implementation. Shes seen news stories from other places in the country about attempts to teach black history gone wrong, like teachers who ask black students to reenact slavery. A lot of teachers arent really qualified 100 percent to teach this material, because they werent trained in how to teach this material, Mondesir said. Its schools responsibility, she said, to make sure that these lessons are not a superficial conversation, and that its not traumatizing. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Low-cost airline GoAir on June 18 operated its first under the Vande Bharat Mission to get back Indians stuck abroad. The Wadia family-owned airline is now the third private carrier to participate in the Mission, which has been otherwise dominated by national carrier Air India and its unit, Air India Express. GoAir's maiden flight flew from Kuwait to Jaipur, via Ahmedabad. "GoAir flight G8 7098 took off at 10:40 hours (local time) from Kuwait with 180 passengers aboard and completed its journey at Jaipur," a GoAir spokesperson said. The Vande Bharat Mission, which is claimed to be the biggest repatriation exercise in the world, is now in its third phase. Till now, over 2.5 lakh Indians have returned to India from abroad, the Ministry of External Affairs has said. Over four lakh Indians in total have registered. The government had faced criticism from other players in the industry, over Air India enjoying a 'monopoly' over the Mission. But now in the third phase, the exercise will include about 30 flights from the private carriers, including IndiGo, Vistara and GoAir. The third phase of the Vande Bharat Mission will be the largest, with Air India operating 203 flights out of India, an updated schedule from the national airline showed. The third phase started on June 10 and will last till July 1. The schedule also has 356 flights, which include the return services and domestic connections. While three private carriers getting to 'participate' in the exercise is a welcome move, said industry executives, they should be allotted more routes. "The private airlines don't have wide-body aircraft to do the long routes, which can be done by Air India. But on the shorter destinations, private carriers should do more. This will only help in getting more Indians back home," said a senior industry executive. Mumbai police recorded the statement of Sushant Singh Rajput's business manager Shruti Modi and Radhika Nihalani on Thursday, 18 June Mumbai Police on Thursday asked Yash Raj Films to submit a copy of the contract signed between the film production house and Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput in connection to the latter's suicide investigation. The actor had worked in two YRF films - Shuddh Desi Romance (2013) and Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015). Police have directed that the contract copy must be submitted soon while interrogation with Rajput's friend and actor Rhea Chakroborty is underway. So far, the police have recorded the statement of Rajput's business manager Shruti Modi and Radhika Nihalani from the PR team on Thursday. Modi was working with the deceased actor from July 2019 to 3 February, 2020, as per her statement to the police. She was with him during the promotions of the film Chhichhore. According to Modi's statement, Rajput was different, he was working on three important things which were his dreams including, virtual reality, nation India for the world, and Dream 150. He was preparing to create a company of vivid range realistic virtual games, her statement added. Apart from this, he was preparing to create a social service organisation called Nation India for World and wanted to work with college students for the environment and society, as per Modi's statement. However, Modi was unaware whether the company was registered or not. Her statement further stated that Rajput was also working on a social project called "Geniuses and Drop Outs". According to the police, a "special telescope" is kept in Rajput's residence, as he loved observing planets and stars. (Also read Sushant Singh Rajput passes away: An 'outsider twice over' who found a unique place for himself in Bollywood) (Also read Sushant Singh Rajput, a hardworking actor unfazed by stardom, made all the right noises with his silences) (Also read Sushant Singh Rajput passes away: The unspoken hierarchies in Bollywood and what it means to be an 'outsider') * A collection of Suicide prevention helpline numbers are available here. Please reach out if you or anyone you know is in need of support. The All-India helpline number is: 022 2754 6669 Gandhinagar June 19 : The Gujarat Congress on Friday complained to the Election Commission of India against BJP MLAs Bhupendrasinh Chudasama and Kesarisinh and urged for cancelling their votes in the Rajya Sabha biennial elections here during the day. Voting for four Rajya Sabha seats from Gujarat was held at the Assembly building here on Friday. Congress complained that Bhupendrasinh's Assembly seat victory was quashed by the Gujarat High Court and his Assembly membership no longer existed. The party said Kesarisinh cast his vote through a proxy voter, despite being totally fit till Thursday. "If a proxy voter was required due to his failing health condition, Kesarisinh ought to have applied for the required permission from the Election Commission prior to the day of the filing of nominations for the Rajya Sabha elections," Congress said. The Congress urged the commission to cancel the votes of these BJP MLA and not count them when counting of votes was taken up during the day. The BJP had fielded three nominees and the Congress two for the four seats. There was a fight between BJP's Narhari Amin and Congress' Bharatsinh Solanki, both of whom required 35 votes to win the election. The BJP had 33 votes and Congress 30 votes as none of them had sufficient votes to ensure a clear-cut victory for their candidates. Both were relying on the votes of other parties like BTP, NCP and independent votes. Two Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) MLAs said they would not vote till a written assurance about the welfare of tribals, Dalits and migrants. This development put the Congress to a disadvantage as it was heavily relying on such votes. KEY HIGHLIGHTS: Higher tariff on key raw materials from China will raise input cost by 10-40% for MSMEs Higher tariff on key raw materials from China will raise input cost by 10-40% for MSMEs Industry bodies want the government to chart out long-term plan for gradual import substitution Ad-hoc measures like raising tariff and putting trade barriers could end up hurting local industry more than China Trade experts say that the best way to respond would be to make the economy stronger Coronavirus-hit MSMEs have urged the government to avoid knee-jerk policy measures in response to China's military aggression on the border as they can have devastating impact on businesses. The MSMEs say a hike in import duty or placing of non-tariff barrier on items can make input cost expensive by 10-40%. Since the small companies are already reeling under coronavirus impact, any further blow will be a death knell. The MSMEs have made the call after the government identified over 300 items to impose higher duty or trade barriers in a bid to reduce import from China and other countries. The MSMEs instead suggest the government to chart out a medium to long-term plan to support local industry so that they can eventually replace Chinese imports. Leading small industry bodies such as Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises, SME Chamber of India and All India Manufacturers Organisation (AIMO) have recommended a long-term import substitution plan apart from making local industry competitive. They advise the government to not take steps based on public sentiment against China. Several small manufacturers told BusinessToday.In that their input cost will go up substantially if import from China stops. According to them, importing the same raw materials from South Korea, Japan and Europe is far costlier. Firms importing chemicals, dyes, electronic items and pharma raw inputs will be the worst hit from any such measures that target China. "I think we need to think very rationally. When we are talking about raising duty or boycotting a product it should be done very smartly," says FISME President Animesh Saxena. He cites the example of pharmaceutical ingredients, saying that nearly 70% of the APIs are imported from China. If these imports are stopped, the cost of medicine will go up. This will eventually hit the poorer section of the society, he says. Similarly, there are other items which are imported from China and any increase in their cost will have a ripple effect - the burden will eventually be on end users. SME Chamber of India Founder and President Chandrakant Salunkhe echoes the view saying the country has to first empower local manufacturers which are currently facing myriad problems due to coronavirus. Any supply disruption at this juncture would impact local manufacturers to meet export demand. "In case we import various products from other countries instead of China the rate would go up in the range of 25-40%. If we decided to import the same products from South Korea, Japan or other countries we will end up paying more. Moreover, we will have to find new suppliers and negotiate with them which will take time," Salunkhe said. Trade experts also endorse the view saying the best way to respond will be to make the economy stronger and go for long-haul measures. "The response I think should be taken keeping medium and long term in mind rather than a short-term knee-jerk reaction. If we react immediately on the economic front, we might end up hurting ourselves more than we hurt China. So, we have to be careful that we don't cut our nose to spite our face," said Ananth Narayan, former banker and Professor at SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR). Former All India Manufacturers Organisation (AIMO) National President K.E. Raghunathan also advises against ad-hoc measures of raising import duty and suggests the government to form committees to draw five-year plans for gradual substitution of imports. "Today, 35% of our MSMEs are going to wind up. Our concern must be to give oxygen and a ventilator to them for survival. First nurture the local industry to survive. Once they survive, nurture them to healthiness. After that focus should be on revival and then to prosperity and eventually wealth creation. That should be the steps," says Raghunathan. The industry captains seem to be echoing the sentiments on the ground. Surat-based Prashant Industries Director Prashant Patel says that some of the chemical items which he currently imports from China used to be shipped from Europe but the cost was 10-15% more, which forced him to shift to a cheaper market. Chakradhar Chemicals Chairman Neeraj Kedia also says that many chemicals which if sourced locally will be 10-15% more expensive than China. He also added there were also quality issues with sourcing of raw materials from the domestic market. Also Read: Coronavirus: Hospitals to face action if salaries of health workers not paid on time ALso Read: RIL share hits all-time high after firm becomes net debt-free ahead of target A businesswoman from North Wales has apologised after using social media to encourage people to dress up as the Ku Klux Klan for a Black Lives Matter protest. Ahead of a Black Lives Matter protest in Caernarfon, Wales, Wendy Rowland posted vile messages on Facebook urging people to wear KKK outfits. In the post, Mrs Rowland, who runs the Amore Pizza mobile pizza van, said: 'Come on. Let's do it. Let's dress as Ku Klux Klan. Who's joining us. Let's stand our ground!' She also encouraged people from her home county of Cheshire to travel to Caernarfon and help defend its history. The comments came during an argument online where Mrs Rowland said that a pub in the town, The Black Boy, should keep its name. Wendy Rowland, who runs the Amore Pizza mobile pizza van, posted messages on Facebook encouraging people to dress as the KKK ahead of a Black Lives Matter protest in Caernarfon Initially Mrs Rowland claimed that hackers had posted the vile comments but she later admitted that she had in fact posted the messages After receiving backlash, Mrs Rowland claimed that her account had been hacked by someone else who had posted the messages. After it was pointed out to her that her accounts had continued to advertise her pizza business while the alleged hackers had been posting, Rowland admitted she had been responsible for the posts. NorthWalesLive reports that she said: 'What I said has been completely blown out of proportion. 'I didn't realise social media was such a dangerous thing. People are out of order, it was just a bit of banter, it was nothing serious - I was just joking.' Mrs Rowland said that she plans to attend a future Black Lives Matter protest to better educate herself on the topic. Pictured: Caernarfon Black Lives Matter protest on June 14 Mrs Rowland made the comments about dressing as the KKK while arguing that the name of a Caernarfon pub (pictured in 2017) should stay as, Black Boy Mrs Rowland explained that she had seen the protests in London and wanted to protect Caernarfon from being destroyed. She has since deleted the posts and her business page and said she plans on attending a Black Lives Matter protest to educate herself. Apologising, Mrs Rowland added that she thought the KKK were just people who dressed up. Arfon MP Hywel Williams, who formerly represented Caernarfon, said: 'I am aware that some unpleasant and ill-judged comments appeared on social media in relation to recent Black Lives Matter protests held in Caernarfon. 'These comments in no way reflect the overwhelming tolerance and diversity which enriches our communities here in Arfon.' Inspector Jon Aspinall said that North Wales Police were investigating the posts and that they take these matters seriously. PRETORIA, South Africa, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- United Allied States (UAS) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Apollo Fintech ( https://aplfintech.com/ ). Apollo Fintech is the leading technology company developing interconnected solutions for government. The blockchain company is designated as UAS's official technology partner, and will continue developing and maintaining the most advanced and efficient government systems available, for the UAS. Apollo's innovations and capabilities will ensure the sovereign territory's resources are secured and managed effectively. UAS Designates Apollo Fintech as Official Technology Partner "Our leadership team is excited to leverage Apollo Fintech's innovation so that UAS can achieve its mission of efficiently maintaining free-market enterprise across all of its states and territories," says Wessel Sevenster, Congressman of UAS. "We believe Apollo's government products are at the forefront of egovernance and payment technology, these tools will give UAS citizens and businesses an economic advantage in the global marketplace." The goal of the UAS is to become the most advanced and efficient government on Earth. Apollo Fintech Capabilities The company will utilize its ecosystem of platforms to support nearly every branch of UAS government. Products that will be utilized include the National Currency System, Tax System, Government Bank Platform, Bank to Bank Network, Mineral Claim System, and many more. The UAS will be utilizing Apollo Fintech's National Currency Platform as the base of all other products. This platform utilized an unhackable, immutable ledger hosted on Apollo Fintech's blockchain. The Tax System, in conjunction with National Currency System, can be adapted to nearly every tax model. It reduces red tape and the need for an internal revenue agency by making the collection process more efficient and transparent. This platform will act as the central system connecting most other government services. Nearly every government department will utilize Apollo Fintech's blockchain technology. "The Apollo team is thrilled to partner with UAS and support its vision of creating the most efficient, free-market government," says Stephen McCullah, CEO of Apollo Fintech. "This partnership will showcase the full capabilities of not only Apollo Fintech's products, but blockchain as a whole. It will show that innovative blockchain technologies can not only preserve individual liberty but also advance the civic and economic interests of citizens and businesses in a free- market system." The United Allied States (UAS): United Allied States (UAS) is an independent, sovereign entity with the determination to become the freest and most prosperous nation on Earth. The nation promotes the values of freedom; respect for human life; and free-market enterprise. Media Contact: Wessel Sevenster (512) 360-0438 [email protected] SOURCE United Allied States People protest at King George square on June 06, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Jono Searle/Getty Images) Police Limit Brisbane Hotel Protest Plans Queensland police have successfully applied to a court to limit the size of a protest in support of asylum seekers detained in a Brisbane hotel. The protest organisers planned to hold a large rally for much of Sunday in front of the Kangaroo Point Central Hotel, where about 120 men are being held. But police successfully applied to Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday to have the gathering limited to two hours. Concerns were raised over disruptions to traffic and how people would adhere to the COVID-19 health restrictions that currently restrict gatherings to a maximum of 20 people. Protesters will also only be allowed to congregate on two side streets and not on Main Street as they did last weekend. We are disappointed with the result but not deterred, protest organiser Rilka Laycock-Walsh said via text. We will continue protesting to demand the release of these innocent men by Christmas. About 300 people gathered on Saturday to demand the government stop transferring the asylum seekers from the hotel, claiming it was an attempt to silence the mens complaints about their treatment. Organisers were permitted to hold that rally, saying they had negotiated with police over social distancing issues. Protesters have also been camping outside the hotel for more than a week in a bid to prevent the removal of asylum seekers. Spokeswoman Keri Okee told the court on Friday that police had assisted them to search vehicles leaving the premises to ensure no one was being removed. Fridays court ruling comes as prosecutors dropped charges against Greens councillor Jonathan Sri, who was arrested at Saturdays protest for contravening a police direction. By Aaron Bunch Newly released data for the first week of June shows 196 new cases of coronavirus among residents of 39 Alabama nursing homes, with an additional 106 infections among workers. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) first released data two weeks ago breaking down the number of coronavirus cases and deaths in each nursing home facility, data that Alabama would not release at the state level. More than 95 percent of Alabama nursing homes submitted coronavirus information to CMS, which regulates the facilities. Each nursing home is also required to report cases to the county health department, state health department and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some Alabama nursing homes with large outbreaks early on reported no new cases in early June, including South Haven Health and Rehabilitation in Hoover, Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation and Arbor Springs Health and Rehab Center in Opelika. Other Alabama nursing homes are still experiencing large outbreaks and reported dozens of new infections in the first week of June. Those include homes in Montgomery, Tuscaloosa and Mobile counties. Nursing homes have been an epicenter of coronavirus transmission since the virus first arrived in the United States. Many elderly residents suffer from underlying conditions that make them particularly vulnerable to serious complications and death. According to CMS, nursing home residents account for about a quarter of the nations COVID-19 deaths. The data displayed by CMS does not come from the Alabama Department of Public Health. ADPH reports 2,067 resident cases and 1,243 worker infections as of Wednesday. The number of total deaths from coronavirus dropped from 335 reported June 4 to 283 today, a change that may reflect the correction of errors in the first batch of CMS data. Last month, Vice President Mike Pence urged all states to implement universal coronavirus testing for residents and staff. Alabama officials have not announced plans to test residents and workers for coronavirus. They have activated the Alabama National Guard to sanitize facilities and train workers. The following nursing homes reported new cases of coronavirus among residents in the first week of June: Diversicare of Montgomery: 27 residents and six staff Hunter Creek Health and Rehabilitation (Northport): 23 residents and four staff Southern Springs Healthcare Facility (Union Springs): 21 residents and 13 staff Atmore Nursing Center: 19 residents and seven staff Crowne Health Care of Eufaula: 12 residents Diversicare of Bessemer: 11 residents and one staff Sumter Health and Rehabilitation: Eight residents and two staff Cherokee County Health and Rehabilitation Center : Seven residents and two staff Colonial Haven Care & Rehabilitation Center (Greensboro): Seven residents Prattville Health and Rehabilitation: Six residents and two staff Knollwood Healthcare (Mobile): Five residents and one staff Lynwood Nursing Home (Mobile): Five residents River City Center (Decatur): Three residents and two staff Greenbriar at the Altamont (Birmingham): Three residents Magnolia Haven Health and Rehabilitation Center (Tuskegee): Three residents and three staff Woodhaven Manor Nursing Home (Demopolis): Three residents Baron House of Hueytown: Three residents Shelby Ridge Nursing Home (Alabaster): Three residents and two staff Georgiana Health and Rehabilitation: Three residents Cottage of the Shoals (Tuscumbia): Three residents and one staff Forest Manor Health and Rehab (Northport): Two residents and six staff Cypress Cove Care Center (Muscle Shoals): Two residents and one staff Crowne Health Care of Mobile: One resident Shadescrest Health Care Center (Jasper): One resident Crowne Health Care of Greenville: One resident Washington County Nursing Home: One resident Brookdale University Park (Birmingham): One resident Crowne Health Care of Montgomery: One resident Keller Landing (Tuscumbia): One resident and nine staff Talladega Healthcare Center: One resident Traylor Retirement Community (Roanoke): One resident and one staff Henry County Health and Rehabilitation Facility: One resident Thomasville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center: One resident and two staff Diversicare of Oneonta: One resident Ridgeview Health Services (Jasper): One resident and one staff Diversicare of Riverchase (Birmingham): One resident and two staff Folsom Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare (Cullman): One resident Altoona Health & Rehab: One resident Wetumpka Health and Rehabilitation: One resident and three staff How Innovation Works: And Why it Flourishes in Freedom By Matt Ridley Harper. 406 pp. $29.99 --- Innovation, Matt Ridley tells us at the start of his new treatise on the subject, "is the most important fact about the modern world, but one of the least well understood." Even as it functions as a powerful engine of prosperity - the accelerant of human progress - innovation remains the "great puzzle" that baffles technologists, economists and social scientists alike. In many respects, Ridley is on to something. After decades of careful study, we're still not entirely sure about innovation's causes or how it can best be nurtured. Is innovation dependent on a lone genius, or is it more a product of grinding teamwork? Does it occur like a thunderclap, or does it take years or even decades to coalesce? Is it usually situated in cities, or in well-equipped labs in office parks? We can't even agree on its definition. Generally speaking, an innovation is more than an idea and more than an invention. Yet beyond that, things get confusing. We live in a moment when we're barraged by new stuff every day - new phones, new foods, new surgical techniques. In the pandemic, we're confronted, too, with new medical tests and pharmaceutical treatments. But which of these are true innovations and which are novel variations on old products? And while we're at this game, is innovation limited to just technology, or might we include new additions to our culture, like a radical work of literature, art or film? Unfortunately, no one happens to be policing the innovation space to say what it is and is not. Mostly we have to allow for judgment calls and an open mind. As an occasional writer on the subject, I tend to define innovation simply, but also flexibly: a new product or process that has both impact and scale. Usually, too, an innovation is something that helps us do something we already do, but in a way that's better or cheaper. Artificial light is an excellent case study. Over time we've moved from candles, to whale oil and kerosene lamps, to incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, and now to LEDs. Or, as another example, we might look to one of the great accomplishments of the 20th century, the Haber-Bosch process to make synthetic fertilizer, as a leap that changed the potential of agricultural production. On the other hand, we can regard the Juicero press - a recent Silicon Valley-backed idea that promised to "disrupt" the juice market and burned up more than $100 million in the process - as a fake or failed innovation. And still, this leaves us plenty of room for disagreement about what falls between these extremes and why. Ridley enters into this messy arena with the intent of organizing the intellectual clutter. The first half of his book, "How Innovation Works: And Why It Flourishes in Freedom," takes us on a tour through some highlights in the history of innovation. We visit with the early developers of the steam engine, witness the events leading to the Wright brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk, N.C., and hear about the industrialization of the Haber-Bosch fertilizer process. There are likewise forays back to the early days of automobiles and computing, the development of smallpox vaccines and clean drinking water, and stories that trace the origins of the Green Revolution in agriculture, which alleviated famine for more than 1 billion people. For dedicated science readers, Ridley's lessons may have a glancing and derivative feel. He knits together stories many of us have probably heard before - say, through the renditions of writers like Steven Johnson, Charles Mann or Walter Isaacson - but somehow misses the opportunity to enliven these sketches with a sense of wonder and surprise. More seriously, he skirts the opportunity to footnote his summarizations, leaving only a skeletal guide to sources in his back pages. What becomes clear, though, is that Ridley is focused less on exploring the pageant of history than on fashioning a new belief system. I don't necessarily mean this as a critique; in fact, the second half of his book - where he looks closely, chapter by chapter, at the factors that shaped the innovations he's spent his first 200 pages describing - is more polemical in its approach but often more engaging, even as one might disagree with a narrative direction that arises from what I would characterize as the libertarian right. Indeed, as his book progresses, Ridley makes it obvious that he is not presenting an academic treatment of scientific history. Mainly, he'd like to proffer an argument for the importance of free-market principles and why they're crucial to improving our world and our lives. Ridley's most important chapters, and his book's most interesting, are where he calls attention to "surprisingly consistent patterns" that describe the process of making new things. Innovation, he tells us, is usually gradual, even though we tend to subscribe to the breakthrough myth. Or as he puts it, "There is no day when you can say: computers did not exist the day before and did the day after." The innovative journey, as he shows us, goes back to Jacquard looms and the step-by-step advances of a number of early tinkerers. And at some indistinct point, new computing machines achieved functionality; then impact; then scale. He also illustrates how innovation can be a matter of the right people solving the right problem at the right time - and that it often involves exhaustive trial-and-error work, rather than egg-headed theoretical applications. This was typically the case with Thomas Edison, who, as Ridley notes, tried 6,000 different organic materials in the search for a filament for his electric light. Edison, he points out, "remained relentlessly focused on finding out what the world needed and then inventing ways of meeting the needs, rather than the other way around." One problem with cherry-picking the history of innovation, however, is that you tend to leave out examples that weaken your claims for universal principles. Innovations that involve academic or state funding are given short shrift by Ridley, leaving one to naively presume that whatever governments do by way of investment or regulation hinders rather than helps the cause of progress. Thus, you won't find a lot here about the development of the atomic bomb, which depended almost entirely on state largesse, or about the subsidization of renewable energy. Nor will you read much on the transistor, many early lasers or the photovoltaic solar cell, which were created under the auspices of Bell Labs, part of a government-authorized monopoly. There isn't mention of Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Rad Lab, which (thanks to the cavity magnetron, a British invention) helped develop radar. And in Ridley's story about the origins of Google, you will not see any indication that its founders were helped in their earliest days by a grant from the National Science Foundation. Indeed, his book consistently plays down the influence of public funding in medicine, public health, personal technology, transportation and communications; it likewise minimizes - quite strenuously, and erroneously - the role of federal assistance in the development of natural gas fracking, which was kept alive by research investments from the Energy Department in the 1970s. It may be the case that we increasingly prefer argument to evenhanded analysis. The world is too bewildering, and the field of innovation reflects the extreme complexity of our sciences, economics and politics. Therefore a skilled polemicist can help us cut through the confusion. Yet by the end of this book, it's hard not to ask whether the author has avoided difficult questions about his subject. If you were wondering how new technological capabilities - in biology, computing or material science - have substantively changed the nature and pace of innovation since the days of the steam engine, you won't find satisfying answers here. More crucially, you won't come to any insights about whether some economic sectors, such as energy, follow different innovative patterns because of our political systems and our legacy investments in oil, gas and coal. Instead, Ridley's final pages focus on esoteric debates that probably mean little to most readers - disputes about "linear innovation," for instance, which involve whether innovation goes in one direction, from a scientific idea to an engineered product - that were all the rage in academia decades ago but are now largely exhausted. It is, in many respects, indicative of this book's inefficient approach to solving the puzzle that innovation presents. Indeed, at Ridley's conclusion, he can tell us only that innovation "is the child of freedom and the parent of prosperity" and "we abandon it at our peril." It is unclear who would actually advocate such an absurd position or why the human urge to move forward is now at risk of being abandoned. It seems more reasonable to believe that the pursuit of innovation will be just fine, as long as we keep encouraging and incentivizing men and women who are trying to solve important problems. And we don't necessarily have to create an ideological schema to explain what may be happening. For instance, our smartest scientists and engineers are now working around-the-clock, and around the world, to fashion a vaccine for the novel coronavirus. They are approaching a big problem with lots of funding, lots of talent, lots of teamwork and lots of ambition. Isn't that how innovation works, too? --- Gertner is the author of "The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation" and "The Ice at the End of the World: An Epic Journey Into Greenland's Buried Past and Our Perilous Future." A ndrew Marr has said that Nick Robinson will host his morning politics show this weekend following the death of his father. The Andrew Marr Show on BBC One will be covered by the Radio 4 Today programme's presenter on Sunday. The 60-year-old was due to interview shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth, Professor Peter Piot, Sir Ian Diamond, Kristin Scott Thomas and Sir Nicholas Hytner this Sunday. He tweeted on Friday evening: "Good luck and thanks Nick Robinson for taking over Sundays show. "My lovely dad has just died and I am out of action." His father, Donald Marr, was an investment trust manager from Glasgow. Marr questions Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs George Eustice on his Sunday show / VIA REUTERS Fellow journalists and politicians sent messages of condolence to Marr under his tweet. BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty wrote: "Sending love and condolences X" Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner also commented: "So sorry to hear the news about yr dad, sending my deepest condolences to you and the family x" Lib Dem MP Layla Moran said: "Sorry for your loss Andrew" while TalkRadio host Julia Hartley-Brewer wrote: "Im so sorry Andrew. My condolences. X" In January 2013 the presenter suffered a stroke that left him in hospital for two months. He returned to presenting the Sunday show that September. The BBC have been contacted for comment. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 23:46:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUANSHYA, Zambia, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The youth skills training programs in Luanshya district in Zambia, supported by the China Nonferrous metal mining Luanshya Copper Mine (CLM), will help to create jobs for the stakeholders in the mining district, a government official has said. The Luanshya District Commissioner Patrict Maipambe said CLM is financing some programs at Luanshya skills training centre, which will enable the district to have a skilled labour that can be hired by other stakeholders across the country. Luanshya Skills Training Center is being managed by CLM and it is offering various training in mining and other industries. Speaking in an interview, Maipambe called on the youths to take the training seriously if they are to acquire knowledge and become a skilled labour force in the country and the Southern African region as a whole. "The Chinese training is of high quality in terms of technology and other skills," he said. Maipambe also said that the Chinese-owned mine has been very active in fighting the spread of COVID-19 through the donation of assorted items to fight the pandemic. "The company has donated assorted items to the district administration, among the items donated are hand sanitizers, face masks, non-contact thermometers and other materials," Maipambe said. He said apart from making such donations, the mine has been involved in carrying out various developmental projects in the district. Maipambe said CLM is one of the companies in the district which was doing very well in terms of corporate social responsibility support to communities. And employees at CLM has hailed the Chinese firm for its improved working conditions. "Our working conditions are not bad, our salaries are always paid on time. Further, we are happy with the measures that the company has taken in preventing the spread of coronavirus disease that has claimed so many lives across the globe," one of the workers John Phiri said. Phiri said that the company has attached great importance in providing education assistance to vulnerable but viable students in the community of Luanshya. He urged the management at the company to continue helping the community of Luanshya through the social corporate responsibility programs. "It is our prayer that the Chinese-owned mine would continue partnering with government and helping people bettering their lives," he added. Enditem CHARLOTTETOWN - A statue of Sir John A. Macdonald in Prince Edward Island was doused in red paint Friday, the latest in a series of defaced sculptures and monuments depicting historical figures across Canada with ties to racist elements of Canada's past. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Workers remove red paint from a Sir John A. Macdonald statue in Charlottetown on Friday June 19, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Morris CHARLOTTETOWN - A statue of Sir John A. Macdonald in Prince Edward Island was doused in red paint Friday, the latest in a series of defaced sculptures and monuments depicting historical figures across Canada with ties to racist elements of Canada's past. Charlottetown Police Services is now investigating the incident, which occurred sometime overnight Friday. Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown denounced it as an act of vandalism while also acknowledging an ongoing debate brewing within the city about whether the statue should be removed. "This is a public piece of art and I know it's representing Sir John A. Macdonald, but it's public property," Brown said. He said his office has been inundated with emails and messages discussing the merits of removing the statue ever since a crowd of thousands marched in an anti-Black racism protest in Charlottetown earlier this month. Macdonald's role in the creation of residential schools, where thousands of Indigenous children were forcibly placed, abused and even died is sparking calls for the sculpture in the P.E.I. capital to be removed. In 2018, Victoria city council removed a statue of Macdonald that stood outside city hall, and has had multiple public meetings since to discuss what to do with the statue, which for now remains in storage. A Charlottetown city committee is now studying the issue to determine if it should go or, if it does stay, whether more information could be added to a plaque to include details about the Macdonald government's controversial relationship with Indigenous peoples. Brown says he favours this route, citing former Truth and Reconciliation Commission chairman Murray Sinclair, who told The Canadian Press in 2017 tearing down tributes to historical figures would be "counterproductive" to reconciliation efforts between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. "I'm an educator, I taught for 30 years and I believe education is power. And when you empower people with knowledge then you make a better society for it," Brown said. Statues and monuments of historical figures across the world are being vandalized and torn down in the wake of protests against anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, and similar incidents in Canada are mounting. Earlier this week in Vancouver, a statue of John Deighton, known as "Gassy Jack," was also doused with red paint. Deighton was a 19th-century bar owner for whom the Vancouver neighbourhood of Gastown was named. His marriage to a 12-year-old Squamish girl has led to calls for the statue's removal. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he acknowledges that Canada has made many mistakes in the past and that those mistakes continue today with entrenched racism in policing agencies and public institutions. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. He promised to take "concrete measures" to improve these systems but steered clear of saying what specific statues or monuments should be taken down. "Obviously, there are many conversations going on around names of sports teams, around statues, around the way we commemorate historical figures and those conversations are going to be important and need to continue," he said. "We encourage those conversations to be had." In 2017, Trudeau renamed the former Langevin Block building, which sits across from Parliament Hill and houses the Prime Minister's Office, arguing at the time that keeping the name of Sir Hector-Louis Langevin who was associated with the residential school system on the building clashed with his governments vision. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 19, 2020. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version had incorrect capitalization in Sir John. A. Macdonald's surname. A drug-addict couple has been charged in China after selling their newborn son online to strangers for nearly 7,000 to buy crystal meth. The parents rushed to trade off their baby last October after striking a deal with another couple who had trouble conceiving through an online chatting platform. The pair had been on police's radar due to their history of drug abuse and were caught the next day in a hotel room with meth bottles and stacks of cash. The couple was sentenced on Tuesday for child trafficking. Their newborn son (pictured) had been looked after by the grandparents since the incident, according to Neijiang police Two drug-addict parents (pictured left and right) have been charged in China after they sold their newborn son online to another couple for nearly 7,000 in order to buy crystal meth The parents from south-western Chinese city Neijiang were sentenced last month for child trafficking, reported Chinese news outlet Sina. Their son has been rescued by police and is now looked after by the grandparents. According to the report, the couple, Mr Wang and Ms Zhong, was long-time drug addict and buried in debts. Ms Zhong was pregnant at the beginning of last year and even used meth multiple times during her pregnancy. The pair then decided to sell their unborn son to pay off their overdue debts. In February last year, Ms Zhong got to know a woman called Ms Lan in a group on QQ, a popular chatting platform. Ms Lan and her husband, Mr Chen, had struggled to conceive for years and were desperate for a baby. Ms Zhong had been imprisoned for various crimes before, including providing venues for drug users, robbery and child trafficking. But in 2018, she gave birth to her second child and her sentences were executed outside the jail. She got 'let go' by her prison's manager in June, 2018. Upon knowing Ms Lan last February, she told the woman that she couldn't afford to raise a child and was looking for a family to 'look after' her unborn child. They agreed that Ms Lan would pay 60,000 yuan (6,800) 'nutrition fees' to the drug-addict couple, who would then hand over the baby as soon as he was born. On October 11, Ms Zhong gave birth to a healthy boy. Within hours, Mr Wang left the hospital with his baby in a hurry. But the parents did not realise that they had been under police surveillance due to their history of drug abuse. Suspected of the father's strange act, the officers immediately started tracing Mr Wang's whereabouts and spotted him completing the deal with Ms Lan and Mr Chen. On the next day, the authority tracked down Ms Lan and Mr Chen, who confessed their agreement with the sellers. The newborn boy was found at Ms Lan and Mr Chen's home. Police officers later caught Mr Wang and Ms Zhong in a hotel room. Footage released by Neijiang Central District police shows the officers arresting the addict parents while stacks of cash and used meth bottles scattered around the bed in the hotel Footage shows the officers arresting Mr Wang and Ms Zhong while stacks of cash and used meth bottles were scattered around the bed. The couple admitted that they had bought a batch of crystal meth and two brand-new mobile phones with the profit from selling their son. They said that they had just finished the drugs before the police arrived. The drug-addict parents were found guilty of child trafficking on May 29 by the Shizhong District People's Court of Neijiang. Mr Wang was jailed for five years. His wife Ms Zhong was handed a six-year prison sentence. The court said Ms Zhong would be imprisoned for a combined 13 years due to 'unfinished prison terms from previous crimes'. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday warned Europeans they are abandoning democracy if they embrace China, in a scathing denunciation of Beijing two days after he held talks on trans-Pacific friction. "There's also no way to straddle these alternatives without abandoning who we are. Democracies dependent on authoritarians are not worthy of the name," Pompeo told a forum in Denmark by videoconference. Pompeo was speaking publicly for the first time since meeting for nearly nine hours Wednesday in Hawaii with a top Chinese official, Yang Jiechi, on the soaring tensions between the United States and China. In his speech, Pompeo indicated that the meeting did little to change his hawkish views on China, which he called a "rogue actor" on the world stage. He renewed calls on Europeans to shun Chinese telecom giant Huawei, which he called the arm of the communist "surveillance state," and said Beijing was "flagrantly attacking sovereignty" through its port investments in Greece and Spain. "We must take off the golden blinders of economic ties and see that the China challenge isn't just at the gates -- it's in every capital," he said. "Every investment from a Chinese state-owned enterprise should be viewed with suspicion." The public mood is anti-China and even the BJP/NDA supporters are dead against normal ties/trade ties with China, the survey shows. It is not just that voters supporting the Opposition are in this strident mood, but the BJP supporters are also very negative towards China. New Delhi: The mood in India has turned completely against China following the incidents in Ladakh with an overwhelming number of people, more than 93 per cent, in favour of severing all trade ties with China, according to an IANS CVoter Snap Poll. Given the sweeping nature of the anti-China sentiments cutting across socio-economic groups, the Modi government will have to do a tightrope walk to chalk out the future foreign policies with regard to China, keeping an ear to the ground, especially with its own supporters in favour of cutting off trade and business ties. In a previous survey, 70 per cent of Indians were of the view that Covid 19 is a China hatched conspiracy. That strong distrust has only been strengthened now with the latest developments, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a violent clash with the Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night. Yashwant Deshmukh, Founder of CVoter, said, "China's trustworthiness has been damaged. The 18 meetings in 6 years between the top leaders of India and China had to some extent improved relations. But with these developments, the mood towards China has gone back to 1962 days. It will take a long time to recover this trust." India and China had gone to war in 1962. The question posed in the survey was given the tremendous amount of tension on the India-China border and many Indian soldiers getting killed in a bloody clash on Monday night, should India continue its trade relations with China? As many as 93.4 per cent of the respondents said yes, India should snap trade ties with China. An even higher, 97.9 per cent of BJP/NDA supporters want snapping of trade ties while 88.3 per cent, a much lower number, of Opposition supporters are towards this tilt. Interestingly, more women than men are in an anti-China mood as 97.5 per cent women favour this against 89.7 per cent men. The only exception is the middle age group (45-60 years) which are more cautious as only 69.8 per cent favour a cut in trade ties while those in higher education category, at 63.4 per cent, want this approach. Ditto for the higher income group where the numbers are lower at 66.9 per cent. Across the socio economic groups, there is a strong mood against China. As many as 96.7 per cent Muslims favour strong action against China. The urban sentiment is much more muted compared to semi-urban and rural with 82.7 per cent in favour of snapping ties. In the states of Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the support for cutting trade ties is more than 90 per cent with the exception of J&K at 89.7 per cent. The Irish government is to guarantee credit notes issued by travel agents in an effort to ease pressure on the sector. Under consumer law, customers are entitled to full a cash refund in a circumstance where a package holiday is cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. Where customers agree to accept a voucher instead of cash, the government will now stand over the value of that voucher in any cases where the travel agent or tour operator goes out of business. Transport Minister Shane Ross had flagged the move previously but signed off on the necessary legal framework on Friday. He said the government "is determined to save jobs and protect businesses as much as it can, as well as the rights of the hard-pressed consumer". The move guarantees the value of refund credit notes issued by Irish licenced travel agents and tour operators. The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) welcomed the move. ITAA CEO Pat Dawson said the travel industry remains one of the most damaged parts of the economy, with business down 98% since March. He said more is needed, though. "We are calling on the Department of Foreign Affairs for an update on travel advisories and consistency of messaging around DFA travel advice, as many flights continue to operate contrary to travel advice. These inconsistencies will have a detrimental effect on consumer confidence in the travel industry. In a submission to the Aviation Task Force earlier this week, the ITAA outlined a number of short-term actions necessary for the recovery of the Irish travel industry, including the removal of the two week quarantine period when entering Ireland, an immediate change to Department of Foreign Affairs guidelines on travel, and increased consistency on travel advice across all Government departments. The ITAA have also stressed the need to rebuild consumer confidence in travel, stating that there must be a co-ordinated, sustained, and informative set of guidelines for consumers to re-establish confidence for them to restart booking travel and travelling. Angelina Jolie used her talent in writing to send a warning to people regarding how the refugee crisis all over the world will worsen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 18, Angelina penned an article titled "The World's Refugee Crisis Is Bad Now-But It's Only Going to Get Worse" for TIME Magazine. Her article came after the U.N. Refugee Agency published its latest annual report on the current situation of human displacement across countries. "As the burning injustice of discrimination and racism in America bursts to the forefront, we must also address persecution and oppression rising globally, depriving millions of their rights, their liberty, and their physical safety," Jolie began her piece. The "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" actress revealed the agency's statistics, stating that over 80 million people are currently living as refugees. The number is considered as the highest count of forced displacement victims ever recorded, and it means that the crisis is affecting one percent of humans all over the world. According to Angelina, what made her heart hurt even more was the fact that this decade has been fueled by hardships and catastrophes. In addition, a high number of these refugees are serving on the frontline of the COVID-19 response, but they have been regarded as a burden. They also experience the worst while helping people as they receive racist responses rather than words of thanks. "But in the last 10 years, what little justice and solutions were available for refugees has dried up," Jolie explained, referring to how things will soon get worse if they are left disregarded somewhere else. Despite the alarming status due to the pandemic, Angelina shared how much she wanted to help the refugees that she was eager to join UNHNR in her early 20s. She later on assured that her fight for human rights and equality will always be universal and that the people's fight amid this crisis is her fight, too. "There is a dividing line running across our world between those who have rights and freedom and those who do not. Who we choose to stand with, and how much we are prepared to change and to fight, should not stop at our borders," she went on. The article also marked the first year ever since the actress joined TIME as a Contributing Editor. On June 19, 2019, Editor in Chief and CEO of TIME Edward Felsenthal welcomed Angelina to the team and announced that she plans to focus on tackling displacement and human rights. She published her first article for TIME as part of World Refugee Day that year. It then became part of the July 1 issue of the print magazine, following her previous essay about women's role in the peace negotiations in Afghanistan. The World Health Organization has also done its part by publishing interim guidance titled "Preparedness, prevention and control of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) for refugees and migrants in non-camp settings" as part of the organization's holistic effort to respond to the pandemic. READ MORE: Dwayne Johnson For President? The Rock Scores Huge Endorsement For Presidency Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE A bill authorizing new election procedures for New Mexicos 2020 general election advanced Thursday, but only after a Senate committee stripped out a key provision dealing with voting by mail. In its initial form, Senate Bill 4 would have allowed county clerks to mail ballots to voters in early October, even without voters first requesting an absentee ballot, as is currently required. But critics claimed that provision could lead to voting irregularities, and two Democratic senators who were defeated in this months primary election Clemente Sanchez of Grants and Mary Kay Papen of Las Cruces ultimately joined with four Republicans to amend it out of the bill. Sen. Gregory Baca, R-Belen, said the bill as initially drafted would have removed voter fraud safeguards by allowing for ballots to be mailed directly to voters without being requested. If we have erroneous ballots being cast, I think that negates an accurate count, Baca said during a Thursday hearing of the Senate Rules Committee. He also said the proposed system could be more expensive to administer and lead to longer waits for voting results. However, backers argued the change would give county clerks the flexibility to decide how to run this years election with the pandemic still possibly looming over the state. I think the committee showed a lack of trust in our county election officials, Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver told reporters after Tuesdays hearing. Heather Ferguson, executive director of Common Cause New Mexico, a group that supports expanded mail-in voting, also lamented the change, saying county clerks should have the ability to make decisions based on the needs of their local voters. Five states already mail a ballot not a ballot application to all voters, though the states vary in how much in-person voting they also offer, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. But mail-in voting has faced resistance in New Mexico, as the state Supreme Court in April rejected a petition from 27 county clerks to allow the primary election to be conducted largely by mail. As part of its ruling, the Supreme Court ordered election officials throughout New Mexico to mail absentee applications to every eligible voter before the election. New Mexico ended up having a historic turnout for the primary election, as more than 417,000 voters or about 42% of those eligible to vote cast ballots, according to unofficial results. Nearly 267,000 of those who voted did so via absentee ballot, after Toulouse Oliver and other top state officials urged eligible voters to use the option in order to reduce person-to-person contact. Under the bill approved Thursday after being amended, county clerks could still decide to send out absentee ballot applications in advance of the Nov. 3 general election or just leave it up to voters to decide a voting method. Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto, D-Albuquerque, the lead sponsor of the bill, said he was disappointed by the amendment but said the bill still contains positive elements. That includes allowing absentee ballot applications to be sent out earlier than currently allowed and requiring a bar code system be used on envelopes of mail-in ballots in order to track them. This enhances security and it does not disenfranchise anybody, Ivey-Soto said. However, the bill would not extend the current deadline for absentee ballots to be received. Under current law, ballots must be received by the time polls close on Election Day in order to be counted. Students call for boycott of professor who criticized Black Lives Matter Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A student organization at Cornell Law School has encouraged their peers to not take courses from a professor who has garnered controversy for his criticism of the Black Lives Matter movement. Cornell Black Law Students Association posted a letter to the Law School community on Facebook on Monday calling on students to not take courses by Professor William A. Jacobson. According to the letter, Jacobson has engaged in anti-Black rhetoric by claiming that the movement was Marxist in nature and wanted to tear down our society. This is a clear attempt to red-bait Black activists with McCarthyist rhetoric while refusing to acknowledge the tangible harm caused by structural racism and oppression, stated the BLSA in the letter. Jacobson reinforces the construct of otherness in many of his posts when he suggests that some ill-defined we needs protecting from them. If it is anti-American to demand more of the officials who are sworn to protect and serve their citizens, then whose America are we really protecting? The student group went on to say that their executive board will refrain from participating in the Securities Law clinic that Professor Jacobson supervises and tell students to reconsider studying under an individual whose views perpetuate hatred towards their fellow students. Jacobson responded to the BLSA letter in a blog post on Wednesday, labeling their claims false and misleading and explaining that the boycott call came after he offered to debate them. Open debate, having your views challenged in an environment that allows a give-and-take, and taking courses from professors with whom you might disagree politically, apparently is the latest thought crime, wrote Jacobson. Ive offered to debate people on the history and trajectory of the Black Lives Matters Movement, and how much of what takes place under that banner has other goals. That offer of debate has been rejected. What are they afraid of from an open exchange of ideas?" "With the slogan 'Silence is Violence' being used at the law school, there will be enormous pressure for student groups to go along. Not to do so would be deemed an act of 'violence.' "This is an attempt not just to scare students away from my course, but to scare students away from speaking their minds, and to create a faculty and student purity test." He argued, "This isnt activism, its anti-intellectualism." Cornell Law School Dean Eduardo M. Penalver recently addressed the controversy over the posts of Jacobson, as some have called for disciplinary action against him. Penalver said that he finds Jacobsons views on the BLM movement offensive and poorly reasoned, but he will not pursue disciplinary action against Jacobson. We can simultaneously affirm our commitment to diversity and inclusion and equal justice while employing someone who has written the sorts of things about the protests that Professor Jacobson has, because, as an institution of higher learning, we also value academic freedom, stated Penalver. to take disciplinary action against him for the views he has expressed would fatally pit our values against one another in ways that would corrode our ability to operate as an academic institution. Following the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer, many have taken to supporting the phrase and movement Black Lives Matter through demonstrations and social media posts. A notable proponent is Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear, who expressed his support for the sentiment behind "black lives matter," but not the organization. I realize that the movement and the website have been hijacked by some political operatives whose worldview and policy prescriptions would be deeply at odds with my own, but that doesnt mean that the sentiment behind it is untrue, stated Greear. I know that we need to take a deep look at our police systems and structures and ask what were missing. Where are we missing the mark? And Ill say that we do that because black lives matter. Ryan Bomberger, chief creative officer and co-founder of The Radiance Foundation, argued that the movement is too corrupted by radical agendas. Yes, #BlackLivesMatter. But Truth matters. As a Christian, the Church should be leading on these issues instead of sheepishly following a movement hostile to the Gospel, wrote Bomberger. The founders of the movement, the #BlackLivesMatter Foundation (BLMF), created it to radically shift culture MFBL released a shocking manifesto of policy positions that are deeply political and deeply disturbing. As the Bay Area emerges from a season of dreary pandemic isolation into an unfairly beautiful June and all the potential of a sun-drenched and hard-earned summer, the temptation is becoming unbearable. People want to go outside, and they want to see each other again. Fathers Day barbecues, Fourth of July picnics, family reunions in Tahoe, and Stinson Beach weekends with friends are surely starting to make it onto social calendars. But heres the hard truth: The coronavirus doesnt care if people are tired of sheltering in place. Recent surges in cases across the Bay Area already have been tied to social gatherings, first Mothers Day and then Memorial Day. A few clusters are associated with graduation parties, and public health officials expect to see more in the coming weeks. The pace of family gatherings has not slowed down. I think it started on Mothers Day and it hasnt stopped, Bela Matyas, the Solano County health officer, said in a recent interview. Every weekend were having these get-togethers, and seven to 10 days later we start getting the cases. California reported a one-day record of new cases this week more than 4,000 on Wednesday and its impossible to blame that surge on any one factor. The state has dramatically increased testing over the past month and counties have been steadily easing shelter-in-place restrictions, so more people are returning to work and interacting with others. Plus, thousands of people have joined Black Lives Matter protests that will almost certainly result in some new cases, public health experts have said. But throughout this pandemic, its become clear that the riskiest situations involve close, lengthy contact with others. Thats why clusters often form around people in a shared household. Parties with close friends and family are similarly perilous. Small social gatherings are allowed, if not necessarily encouraged, as state and local shelter-in-place directives begin to ease up. San Francisco formally permitted them as of Saturday, but only outdoors and in groups of up to 12 people six if theres a shared meal. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offered guidance last week on how people should come together as the coronavirus continues to circulate. Alameda County earlier this month endorsed social bubbles groups of up to 12 people who may meet outside for friendly hangouts. Though these gatherings will always come with some risk, public health experts say there are ways to make them safer, and by now most people should be familiar with the advice: Wear face coverings, meet outside instead of inside, keep 6 feet apart, dont shake hands or hug or kiss, dont share food or utensils or anything else. Jessica Christian / The Chronicle Charles McLaughlins family was abiding by those principles at Golden Gate Park last Saturday, when they gathered with two other families to celebrate his daughters sixth birthday. The families spread picnic blankets more than 6 feet apart and brought their own food. Everyone had face coverings. Even the children were doing their best to maintain social distancing, riding bikes across the grass and chasing each other around a field beside the Conservatory of Flowers. Weve been locked up for a while. It feels good to be outside, McLaughlin said as Addie, the birthday girl in a pink tutu, took off on her bike. As recently as last month, McLaughlin and his wife had thought that Addie would have to celebrate with just her immediate family, with some friends invited to drive by with their well wishes. The McLaughlins and another family at the party share a nanny for their four children, but they only started socializing again a couple of weeks ago. It was tough on the children to be separated, said Ryan Keerns, whose two sons are friends with McLaughlins daughters. The older kids have known each other since they were 6 months old. They have the same nanny, they go to school together, Keerns said. To just go cold turkey with not seeing each other is hard. But Keerns said they were all cognizant of the hazards of spending time together. Weve stayed in our apartment since the beginning of all this, he said. In fact, as infectious disease experts learn more about the new coronavirus, its become increasingly obvious that close, extended contact is the most common avenue of transmission making social gatherings especially risky as people resume some kind of normal life after sheltering in place, public health officials say. Santa Cruz County reported several clusters of cases tied to Mothers Day celebrations. Three Bay Area health officers said they saw a notable uptick in local cases after Memorial Day, and some were connected directly to social events that occurred over the holiday. 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. Earlier, the CDC reported clusters that were associated with funerals and birthday parties. Those gatherings are sure to happen more often in the coming weeks with summer celebrations on the horizon, public health experts acknowledge. Thats especially true after people have been sheltering in place for three months, and as more of the economy opens up and people begin to venture outside their homes anyway. People are just darned tired of being cooped up, locked up in their homes, not being able to go out and see other people, said Warner Greene, an infectious disease expert with the Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco. We are basically social beings. Greene and his wife are starting to socialize more, he said. A couple of weeks ago, they organized a weekend retreat with their adult children and the grandchildren. Theyre thinking of inviting a pair of friends over for dinner. He noted that large gatherings are still profoundly unwise. He said he cringed at images of people crowding beaches over Memorial Day and hes worried about Fourth of July festivities. But as the pandemic wears on and communities learn to live with the coronavirus, small get-togethers with family and close friends seem reasonable, he said. As long as people are careful. That was Mary McLaughlins thinking too. At 61, shes been worried about her elevated risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and has been strictly sheltering in place at her home in Davis for three months. But last Saturday she finally ventured outside, to her granddaughters birthday in Golden Gate Park. Being around so many people was unsettling, she said. She stood at the edge of the party, N95 on while she watched the children race around the grass. Im still kind of getting used to being outside. Im still a little nervous, she said. But its really nice to be here for her birthday. And it seems like the numbers are going up in California, so maybe this is the best window of opportunity to visit. If there was ever a good time. Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com A Winnipeg city councillor has a plan to promote unity and combat divisiveness through community conversations in the park. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Winnipeg city councillor has a plan to promote unity and combat divisiveness through community conversations in the park. Kevin Klein, who represents Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood, partnered with former Winnipeg police chief Devon Clunis and his wife Pearlene Clunis to kick-start Community Conversations #ForaBetterWpg a public talk series with the goal of strengthening "the collective social and cultural fabric" of the city, Klein said. Klein and the Clunises announced the series outside city hall Thursday. Pearlene Clunis told media the idea had been percolating since she and her husband were visiting Florida several months ago and noticed "tension and divisiveness" within the community. "We had talked about doing these community events to give people an opportunity to be able to have open dialogue, to bring unity and to bring a cohesiveness so we can be protected from the kind of divisiveness that we see all around the world," Pearlene said. Coun. Kevin Klein hopes the talks will promote unity and combat divisiveness. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) Klein said the community conversations will give residents a chance to share concerns, frustrations and observations with one another to foster diversity, inclusivity and equity while working towards policy solutions. "The ultimate goal is to bring motions to council," Klein said. "The ultimate goal is to see how we as community leaders can put measures in place or policies in place for the City of Winnipeg, where our jurisdiction allows it, to bring a new way of thinking, a forward way of thinking, to the community." Pearlene Clunis echoed those goals, noting that the goal was to provide more than just "a venting session," but to encourage conversation and understanding among community members. The talks come on the heels of a long period of isolation for many residents, she said, and in the midst of widespread conversations about racial injustice. Devon Clunis said he has heard several frustrations and concerns from his community, and felt the time was right to create a "safe venue" for sharing those concerns with community leaders. "This is giving people an opportunity to come and share and learn from one another, and then go forward in terms of building the right climate, the right culture in our community," he said. "This is what it's all about, we can't simply sit back and watch what's taking place and not do anything about it." 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. Former police chief Devon Clunis (left, with his wife Pearlene Clunis) said he has heard concerns from the community, and felt the time was right to create a safe venue for sharing those concerns. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) Clunis confirmed conversations around systemic racism in policing across North America were part of the motivation for the event, but when asked about community concerns around police brutality in Winnipeg, Clunis said that terminology could "actually be very divisive" and send the wrong message. "In my time there I would never say police in Winnipeg are brutal because that's just not a reality," the former police chief said. "I'm not here just to defend policing, but I'm saying police are one part of the community and how we advance the conversations are really critical." Clunis would not comment on a video captured last week in the Exchange District, where officers can be seen repeatedly kicking and kneeing a suspect who is face down on the ground during an arrest, or on the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Eishia Hudson during a police pursuit in April, citing ongoing investigations into the incidents. The first community conversation session will be held in Assiniboine Park at Picnic Site 3 (in the northwest corner of the park) June 27 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Klein said the talks would be held outdoors to ensure physical distancing measures could be maintained. More dates and locations will be announced in the coming weeks, Klein said, and community groups are invited to host their own community conversations by contacting Klein. julia-simone.rutgers@freepress.mb.ca Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) said the record investments it received from some of the worlds top financial investors that wanted to grab a piece of its digital unit Jio Platforms and a mega share sale helped it become net debt free well ahead of its March 2021 target. RIL raised more than Rs 168,818 crore in just 58 days through Rs 115,693.95 crore collected from investors in Jio and another Rs 53,124.20 crore from a rights issue. Along with the stake sale to BP in the petro-retail JV, the total fund raise is in excess of 1.75 lakh crore, the company said in a statement. "Our net-debt was Rs 161,035 crore, as on March 31, 2020. With these investments, RIL has become net debt-free." RIL has amassed Rs 115,693.95 crore in exchange for 24.7 percent stake in Jio through the largest uninterrupted fundraising by a company anywhere in the world. The deals, led by a strategic investment of Rs 43,574 crore on April 22 by Facebook for 9.99 percent, followed one after the other in a span of just nine weeks and during a global lockdown at that. Also Read: Facebook buys 9.9% stake in Reliance Jio for Rs 43,574 crore in largest tech FDI The rights issue, which was subscribed 1.59 times, was not only the largest ever in India, but also the largest in the world by a non-financial entity in the last ten years, RIL said. Today I am both delighted and humbled to announce that we have fulfilled our promise to the shareholders by making Reliance net debt-free much before our original schedule of 31st March 2021," said Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of RIL. "Exceeding the expectations of our shareholders and all other stakeholders, again and yet again, is in the very DNA of Reliance. Therefore, on the proud occasion of becoming a net debt-free company, I wish to assure them that Reliance in its Golden Decade will set even more ambitious growth goals, and achieve them, in fulfilment of the vision of our Founder, Dhirubhai Ambani, to consistently increase our contribution to Indias prosperity and inclusive development. Also Read: Jio Platforms: From Facebook to Saudi Arabia's PIF, here's a fact-box of the 11 deals so far On June 18, Saudi Arabias PIF, one of the worlds largest sovereign wealth funds, said it will invest Rs 11,367 crore for 2.32 percent of Jio Platforms, which runs movie, news and music apps as well as the telecom enterprise Jio Infocomm. Besides Facebook and PIF, General Atlantic, Silver Lake (twice), Vista Equity Partners, KKR, Mubadala Investment Company, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, TPG and L Catterton have lined up to invest in Jio. PIFs investment marks the end of Jio Platforms current phase of induction of financial partners, according to RIL. Jio could still be open for a strategic investment from a tech powerhouse like Facebook. : Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd) Defence Minister Linda Reynolds today told businesses how to improve their cyber security as Australia faces a series of major cyber attacks from a 'sophisticated state actor'. Cyber experts said it was the first time in history that an Australian defence minister had addressed the nation with specific technical tips to avoid being hacked. She urged businesses to check their security systems and take extra steps such as ensuring employees use multi-factor identification to log in to devices. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds (left) today told businesses how to improve their cyber security as Australia faces a series of major cyber attacks from a 'sophisticated state actor' Senior sources have told Daily Mail Australia that government agencies believe China is behind the relentless campaign to hack into the systems of Australian companies. Pictured: Chinese people at an internet cafe Senator Reynolds also warned companies to download recent software, secure their cloud-based platforms and report any breaches to the Australia Cyber Security Centre. She said: 'Firstly, patch your Internet facing devices promptly, ensuring that any web or email servers are fully updated with the latest software. 'Secondly, ensure you always use multifactor authentication to secure your Internet access, infrastructure and also your CLOUD-based platforms. 'Thirdly, it's important to become an Australia Cyber Security Centre partner to ensure you get the latest cyber threat advice to protect your organisation online.' Prime Minister Scott Morrison said a 'sophisticated state-based actor' was behind ongoing attacks which have been happening for 'many months' but have dramatically increased recently Steps to improve cyber security Defence Minister Linda Reynolds urged businesses to check their cyber security and take extra steps such as ensuring employees use multi-factor identification to use devices. She said: 'Firstly, patch your Internet facing devices promptly, ensuring that any web or email servers are fully updated with the latest software. 'Secondly, ensure you always use multifactor authentication to secure your Internet access, infrastructure and also your CLOUD-based platforms. 'Thirdly, it's important to become an ACSC partner to ensure you get the latest cyber threat advice to protect your organisation online.' The Australian Cyber Security Centre said in a statement the attacker has been using various 'spearphishing' techniques such as sending links to credential harvesting websites, emails with links to malicious files, and emails with other 'click-through events'. Advertisement He refused to name any suspects but said there are 'not a large number' of countries which can carry out such large-scale cyber operations. Senior sources have told Daily Mail Australia that government agencies believe China is behind the relentless campaign to hack into the systems of Australian companies and government service providers. Dane Meah of cyber security firm, InfoTrust, said the announcement 'serves as a reminder that cyber security is crucial.' 'Often security projects are one of the first to be scaled back during a recession and this could potentially cause even more damage to the Australian economy if we see businesses start to fall victim to these attacks,' he said. 'Our advice to businesses would be to complete a review of the controls, policies and procedures they currently have in place, including testing a response plan and making staff aware of threats.' Senior sources have told Daily Mail Australia that government agencies believe China is behind the campaign. Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping at the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in October Beijing and Canberra have been at loggerheads since Australia became the first nation to call for an inquiry into the origins of coronavirus in March. China retaliated by slapping an 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley and telling students and tourists not to travel Down Under in an apparent attempt to damage the Australian economy. Intelligence officials attributed a major cyber attack on the Australian parliament last year to China - and critics say intensifying attacks could be part of a Chinese campaign to intimidate or bully Australia as tensions over trade foment. Cyber expert Nick Savvides, director of strategic business at Forcepoint, told Daily Mail Australia there could be other motivations for the attack. He said a state actor could be trying to gain a foothold in Australia's systems to shut down schools, hospitals and key industries in the event of war. Another aim could be to access classified government or commercial information, according to Professor Matthew Warren of RMIT University. Mr Savvides said he believes Mr Morrison made the announcement today to tell the attackers 'we're on to you and we know what you're up to'. A huge cyber attack has been aimed at the Australian government. Pictured: PM Scott Morrison Chinese troops marching during a military parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China The Australian Cyber Security Centre said in a statement the attacker has been using various 'spearphishing' techniques such as sending links to credential harvesting websites, emails with links to malicious files, and emails with other 'click-through events'. Australian Strategic Policy Institute executive director Peter Jennings said he is 95 per cent sure the attacker is China. 'The Russians could do it. The North Koreans could do it, but neither of them have an interest on the scale of this. They have no interest in state and territory government or universities,' he told The Australian. 'The only country that has got the interest to go as broad and as deep as this and the only country with the sophistication and the size of the intelligence establishment to do it, is China.' We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the trade craft used Prime Minister Scott Morrison The Prime Minster said investigations by the Australian Cyber Security Centre so far have not found any personal data has been leaked. He said 'many' entities have been targeted but the success of the attacks has been 'less significant'. 'Australian organisations are currently being targeted by a sophisticated state-based cyber actor,' he said today after calling a press conference at short notice. 'This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of Government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure. 'We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the trade craft used,' he said. 'Regrettably, this activity is not new. Frequency has been increasing.' Mr Morrison said he would not name the enemy government because the threshold for attributing a cyber attack is very high. He said he has spoken to Five Eyes allies including UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night - and also informed leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese and state and territory leaders. Who was behind attack and why? Prime Minster Scott Morrison has refused to name any suspects. But Senior sources have told the ABC that government agencies believe China is behind the campaign to hack into the systems of Australian companies and government service providers. Cyber expert Nick Savvides, director of strategic business at Forcepoint, told Daily Mail Australia there are ten to 15 states that could be behind the attack including Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. He said motivation for a state-sponsored cyber attack can be to gain a foothold in an enemy's systems to shut down schools, hospitals and key industries in the event of war. 'Attribution is really hard because you can be anyone you want to be in cyber space,' Mr Savvides said. 'Hackers can make operations look like they come from another state by mimicking another state actor. 'To some it may sound like Scott Morrison is trying to get out of naming a suspect but I sympathise with him. 'We're in a heightened geopolitical climate so you would want to be absolutely sure and have evidence you can publicly state before you name some-one.' Mr Savvides said the Prime Minister had used 'very powerful language' by declaring the attack was by a state. Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the opening of the National People's Congress at The Great Hall Of The People on May 22 He said current trade tensions with China may lead people to believe the attack was ordered by Beijing - but another state could be capitalising on this to get away with it. Mr Savvides said he believed Mr Morrison gave the press conference today to tell the attackers 'we're on to you and we know what you're up to'. Australian Strategic Policy Institute executive director Peter Jennings said he is 95 per cent sure it was China. 'The Russians could do it. The North Koreans could do it, but neither of them have an interest on the scale of this. They have no interest in state and territory government or universities,' he told The Australian. 'The only country that has got the interest to go as broad and as deep as this and the only country with the sophistication and the size of the intelligence establishment to do it, is China.' Advertisement Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said: 'There is no doubt that malicious cyber activity is increasing in frequency, scale, in sophistication and in its impact.' She urged businesses to check their cyber security and take extra steps such as ensuring employees use multi-factor identification before logging in to devices. Food and drink company Lion was forced to shut down production for eight days after a cyber attack on its systems on 8 June. Mr Morrison said that attack was not related to the state attack announced today. Lion, which produces Little Creatures, XXXX, Tooheys and James Squire, shut down its Little Creatures brewery in Geelong. How are the attacks carried out? The Australian Cyber Security Centre has identified the actor utilising various spearphishing techniques. This spearphishing has taken the form of: Links to credential harvesting websites Emails with links to malicious files, or with the malicious file directly attached Links prompting users to grant Office 365 OAuth tokens to the actor Use of email tracking services to identify the email opening and lure click-through events Source: Australia Cyber Security Centre Advertisement The education sector has been targeted by the cyber attacks which have been happening for months Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the government has been targeted. Pictured: Parliament House in Canberra The cyber attack has resulted in temporary shortages or out-of-stock products in kegs, bottles and cans. An attack on the federal parliament and three largest political parties before the general election last year was earlier this year attributed to China by security agencies. Matt Warren, from RMIT University Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation, said cyber attacks were 'the new normal'. 'It's not that there's an increase in cyber-attacks, but we're seeing these attacks be more successful because what they're focusing on is the human aspect,' he told the Geelong Advertiser. 'It also highlights that organisations aren't prepared for it. 'It's actually a relatively easy cyber attack to recover from, but the problem is because organisations have now become complex, they haven't kept up their backup resilience strategy to reflect their operations.' Earlier this week Australia launched six warships into the Indo-Pacific for training operations ahead of huge show of force in the region with the US Navy. HMA Ships Canberra, Hobart, Stuart, Anzac, Ballarat and Arunta all left their base in Sydney Harbour on Monday. They will conduct 'task group training' before taking part in a warfare training exercise with the US and other allies known as the Rim of the Pacific in August. Australia has launched six warships into the Indo-Pacific for training operations ahead of huge show of force in the region with the US Navy. Pictured: HMA Ships Stuart (foreground), Hobart and Canberra (background) depart Fleet Base East in Sydney Left to right: HMA Ships Stuart, Hobart and Canberra depart Fleet Base East in Sydney for Force Integrated Training The exercise is the world's largest international maritime warfare training mission, held every two years from Honolulu, Hawaii. A defence spokesman said the ships are 'currently conducting maritime task group training under strict COVID-19 preventive measures'. It comes amid trade tensions with China after Australia angered Beijing by calling for an inquiry into the origins of coronavirus which erupted in Wuhan. In recent months China has increased training exercises in the Pacific and started trailing its first homemade aircraft carrier. Prime Minster Scott Morrison said China should not be shocked by the show of force. 'These are our routine partnerships and exercises that we do. There's nothing extraordinary about that,' he told Sydney radio 2GB. 'I don't think it would cause anyone any surprise who are looking in from elsewhere.' HMAS Sirius departs Fleet Base West for taskgroup force integrated training Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday gave his final daily coronavirus briefing after 111 days and proudly told New Yorkers they had 'done the impossible' in controlling the virus spread. Unlike every other briefing which has taken place in front of the media with his aides next to him, Cuomo appeared alone on Friday from his office. He read a 12-minute speech where he reflected on the 'frightening' last three months and revealed that daily deaths in the state had dropped to 25, the lowest three day average since the pandemic began. Of the more than 70,000 tests that were done on Thursday, fewer than one percent came back positive. 'I gave everyone the day off today, I think I can handle this final briefing myself,' Cuomo began. Scroll down for video Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave his final coronavirus daily briefing on Friday after 111 days 'After 111 days of hell, they all deserve a break. We all do. 'Today's facts are more good news and I don't even need a power point to explain them. The hospitalization number is 1,284, the lowest number we have seen. 'We conducted 79,000 tests yesterday which is a record high for us and we have the lowest weekly infection rate, less than one percent, and we have the lowest weekly average of lives lost, 25 souls each day and we will remember them in our thoughts and prayers. 'All regions of the state have lower infection rates and the state experts have gone all over all the data and they will allow NYC to begin phase two on Monday. In this crisis we were united. We were there for one another. We did act as one Cuomo on Friday 'But, COVID isn't over. We still have much more to do. 'We have to monitor the local infection rate, local governments must monitor tracing, we have to watch out for a second wave, we have to watch out for possible infections coming now from other states and many people need help now to get their lives back to normal. 'But for all of that, it's clear. Over the past three months, we have done the impossible. 'In the beginning, this virus hit us hard. It actually came from Europe after we were told that it was coming from China. 'We had more cases per capita than any state in the country or any nation on the globe. But today, we have done a full 180. 'From worst to first. We are controlling the virus better than any state in the country, and any nation on the globe. By reducing the infection rate, we saved over 100,000 people from being hospitalized and possibly dying. Just think about that. 'It is an unimaginable achievement. I'm so incredibly proud of what we all did together and as a community. 'We reopened the economy and we saved lives. It was never a choice between one or the other, it was always right to do both. 'Today we are seeing the virus spreading in many places, more people will die and it doesn't have to be that way. Forget the politics. Be smart. Open the economy intelligently and save lives at the same time. That's what we showed works in New York,' he said. He went on to say he did not know at times if it was possible to flatten the curve like New York had done, and while first responders were to thank, it was the 'people' of the state who had changed the course. He thanked his daughters for making him 'laugh' when he wanted to cry, and said that throughout the pandemic, he got an 'education' in human resilience. He thanked the '59 million' viewers who watched his briefings, saying: 'Thank you for believing in me and giving me support. Thank you for giving me the benefit of the doubt. Good lord knows I needed it.' 'We have so many people to thank... to the great people of the state who rose to the occasion, joined hands and did what they had to do,' he said. Cuomo shared graphs showing how New York had demolished the curve over the last 111 days Cuomo finished his address with this slide, using his signature reminder of what day it is, as a sign off Cuomo also shared images from around New York throughout the pandemic He thanked people for waving to him in the street or giving him a thumbs up, saying: 'I can't express how much it means to me.' One of the photos from around the state which he showed The reflective video featured messages of hope from around the state since the start of the crisis He thanked people for waving to him in the street or giving him a thumbs up, saying: 'I can't express how much it means to me. Your smiles lighten my soul... 'I know this period has been incredibly hard on all of us. I thought about it every day as climbing a mountain. 'The Mount Everest of social challenges. Forty-two days up the mountain and 69 days down the other side. Every step, every day, hurt and was hard. 'It was frightening and sad. But I really believe we will be the better for it. I believe we are.' 'After 62 years when I thought I had seen it all. I got an education too. No matter how dark the day, love brings the light. That is what I will take from the past 111 days. 'It inspires me and energizes me and excites me. If we could accomplish together what we did here, there is nothing that we can't do. 'We will be better. It shows us how capable we are when we are at our best,' he said. 'If we could accomplish together what we did here, this impossible task of beating back this deadly virus, then there is nothing we can't do. 'And we will be better. And we will be stronger for what we have gone through,' he said. At the end of the briefing, he shared a video that his team had put together of poignant moments throughout the pandemic while he spoke over it. It finished with the words: 'New York Tough. And don't forget, tomorrow is Saturday.' Cuomo's daily briefings were a source of comfort and information for millions throughout the pandemic. Many said he was the nation's true leader, not Trump, because of how he handled it. The briefings always took the same format; a 30 minute presentation from him which always included a slide telling people what day it was. He became known for it and Twitter and Instagram users particularly enjoyed weekend briefings where he'd remind them: 'Today is Saturday.' THE BEST CUOMO SLIDES FROM HIS 111 DAILY BRIEFINGS Cuomo's daily briefings became a focal point of the pandemic not just for New Yorkers but for many watching around the world. He always shared slides that included key data about projections, along with daily hospitalization, infection and death numbers. Pepper in there were humorous slides that lent themselves to viral memes. Some of the most popular are featured below. [June 18, 2020] India Emerges as a Hotbed of IoT Opportunities as the Indian IoT Market Is Set to Soar to USD ~15 Billion by 2021, Says Zinnov BANGALORE, India, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Zinnov, a leading global management and strategy consulting firm, released the findings from its latest study titled, "India - Emerging Hotbed of IoT Opportunities," today. The study analyzed the Internet of Things (IoT) market landscape in India, the key demand segments, adoption across verticals, talent availability, and the opportunities for IoT Technology and Service Providers. Zinnov estimated that the IoT investments in India were close to USD 5 Billion in 2019, and are expected to triple to touch ~USD 15 Billion by 2021 across both technology products and services components. The study highlighted that by the end of 2019, India had 200-250 Million connected devices. Zinnov estimates that this number will grow tenfold to touch 2 Billion devices by 2021, signaling the exponential market growth in the next few years. In fact, IoT adoption has exploded in the last 3 years, with enterprises spending billions of dollars in testing and deploying several IoT use cases. A large part of this spend - about 60-70% - is comprised of software and hardware products, while the rest is on services. Manufacturing, Automotive & Transportation, and Energy & Utilities are the top 3 verticals driving investments in IoT. Five key segments are contributing to the overall IoT market demand in India - Large Enterprises, Global Capability Centers (GCCs), Small Medium Businesses (SMBs), Consumers, and the Government. There are over 1200 public-listed Large Enterprises in India, with a current IoT adoption rate of around 35%. The base of 1400+ GCCs is further propelling the IoT segment in India and these GCCs are rapidly testing, implementing, and scaling IoT technologies and use cases. With 75 Million+ SMBs, India has the second highest base of SMBs in the world. About 50,000 of these leverage some form of advanced digital technology solutions for driving business operations, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud, IoT, etc. These burgeoning segments, coupled with the increasing connectivity and smartphone penetration across the country, is driving the adoption of IoT-based solutions in the consumer segment. The Indian Government is also driving large-scale initiatives such as the Smart Cities project with a budget outlay of USD 31 Billion between 2015 and 2022. Zinnov analysis also highlighted the specific use case categories where IoT investments by Large Enterpries are scaling. Industry 4.0 or Smart Manufacturing and Connected Assets are two most prominent categories with 20-25% of investments directed towards each of these. Spends on Connected Products and Connected Logistics account for 15-20% each, with the share of Connected Workers accounting for 5-6%. In the case of Industry 4.0, the focus is on digitalization of individual factories for enhanced throughput and quality on the shop floor, which is then scaled as multi-factory deployments for higher enterprise-level efficiencies. Connected Assets use cases revolve around real-time operational intelligence and predictive maintenance of assets, while Connected Products is about building intelligent products to derive insights such as performance, usage patterns, personalized recommendations, etc. Connected Logistics focuses on reducing supply chain friction and Connected Workers category comprises of use cases around worker safety, AR-assisted operations, etc., Zinnov's analysis further revealed. For this study, the top 200 of the 1400+ GCCs were evaluated. Zinnov shared that a staggering 55% of these GCCs are working on IoT, while nearly 50% of the 35 major global IoT platform companies have engineering centers in India. IoT is clearly a priority for some of the largest GCCs in India, with even technology giants have made significant investments on IoT; in many cases, the global IoT programs are being driven from India. The Zinnov study also disclosed that India is one of the richest talent ecosystems for IoT, with 30-40K professionals dedicatedly working on this technology. With 25-30%, Bangalore tops the IoT talent pool, followed by Mumbai and Delhi-NCR at 10-15% each. This talent is spread across GCCs, Service Providers, and enterprises, and ranges from software developers to hardware engineers, AI/ML experts, to IoT security professionals, required for any successful IoT deployment. Speaking about the study, Prankur Sharma, Head of IoT Practice, Zinnov, said, "India is one of the most vibrant IoT ecosystems in the world, with various supporting enablers making it conducive for companies looking to serve global demand beyond national boundaries. The 5 major enablers propelling the Indian IoT market include the IT talent, the dynamic start-up ecosystem, the 10,000+ strong base of IT Service Providers, the robust digital infrastructure that the government is investing in, and the dedicated IoT Centers of Excellences (COEs) being set up. Large Enterprises in India are leveraging COEs as test beds for IoT use cases and initiatives. This, in conjunction with the fact that close to 10% of the billion-dollar Large Enterprises in India have set up IoT-focused COEs, makes the estimates more compelling. With the various ecosystem entities working closely to conceptualize, support, and scale IoT programs, India has emerged as one of the top global IoT hotspots." About Zinnov Founded in 2002, Zinnov is a global management and strategy consulting firm, with presence in Santa Clara, Houston, Bangalore, Gurgaon, and Paris. Over the past 18 years, Zinnov has successfully consulted with over 250+ Fortune 500 enterprises to develop actionable insights to help them accelerate their Digital Transformation journeys to create value - across dimensions of both revenue and optimization. With core expertise in Product Engineering, Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Outsourcing Advisory, Zinnov assists clients by: Structuring and implementing Digital Transformation levers enabled by technologies like AI/ML, Cloud, IoT, and RPA; Advising global PE firms in asset shortlisting and target evaluation, commercial due diligence, and value creation; Helping global companies outline and drive their open innovation programs, design and operate accelerator programs, and enable collaboration with start-ups across specific use cases and predefined outcomes; Enabling global companies to develop and optimize a global engineering footprint through center setups, and technology and functional accelerators to achieve higher R&D efficiencies, innovation, and productivity; Growing revenue for companies' products and services in newer markets through account intelligence, market entry, and market expansion advisory. With their team of experienced consultants, subject matter experts, and research professionals, Zinnov serves clients from across multiple industry verticals including Enterprise Software, BFSI, Healthcare, Automotive, Retail, and Telecom in the US, Europe, Japan, and India. For more information, visit http://zinnov.com . For media queries, please contact: Nitika Goel Chief Marketing Officer, Zinnov [email protected] +91-9845016255 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Acclaimed economist and retired IAS officer BPR Vithal died due to age-related problems in the early hours of Friday in Hyderabad. He was 93. He is survived by his wife Seshu, daughter Nivedita Kumar, sons Sanjaya Baru and Chaitanya Baru. He was a man full of ideas, a pioneer of reforms in public finance and working with him was a great experience, said several economists, who worked with him closely over many decades. "I was associated with him for sixty years. Vithal was a witness to Quit India movement and was involved in other agitations also. When he headed the Regional Committee on Telangana, I was also a member of that committee," said Ch Hanumantha Rao, former chairman of Centre for Economic and Social Studies(CESS), which Vithal had founded. CESS chairman R Radhakrishna said that he had an enriching association with Vithal since he joined the University of Hyderabad as professor of Economics in 1980. "Vithal garu was responsible for positioning CESS as an autonomous national institution providing a platform between academicians and policy makers," the CESS chairman said. Visiting professor of CESS S Galab said: "Vithal used to treat me like a son. He was a humanist and humorist." Galab said that Vithal used to provide simple solutions to even complex problems and added that he was not only a good economist but also a good administrator as well. Retired professor N Sreedevi said that Vithal nurtured her like a small plant and trained her how to think. "After my MPhil, I joined CESS as a research assistant. Vithal sir guided me in public finance. He is a legend. He encouraged me and was like a father figure," Sreedevi said. Recalling the great work done by the Vithal for increasing the States share in Central taxes, State government Advisor (Finance) and Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) member GR Reddy said that the Constitution of India was amended based on the recommendations of Vithal as a member of the 10th Finance Commission. Vithal in those days felt why should there be only two taxes while all other taxes should be made shareable. "The Central government approved his recommendation and started sharing all taxes with the States later. That was his main contribution to the States," Reddy said. CESS director E Revathi said that Vithal used to encourage youngsters to write, especially on public finance. "When I became director of the CESS, he personally congratulated me. It is a great experience to associate with him. Vithal not only founded the CESS but was also responsible for the growth of the institution," she said. Minister KTR called on eminent economist and founder of Centre for Economic and Social Studies Sri BPR Vithal today pic.twitter.com/VPFlNF3CYC Minister for IT, Industries, MA & UD, Telangana (@MinisterKTR) June 22, 2016 KCR, KTR condole death of Vithal HYDERABAD: Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao expressed sorrow over the death of well-known economist BPR Vithal. Rao recalled the services rendered by Vithal and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the the bereaved family. MAUD Minister KT Rama Rao said he was saddened to learn about the death of veteran bureaucrat BPR Vithal EDWARDSVILLE A judge has denied a request from a local business group to temporarily stop Gov. J.B. Pritzker from enforcing state-mandated pandemic rules. Circuit Judge Christopher Threlkeld has ruled the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce is unlikely to succeed in its ultimate goal of obtaining an injunction against Pritzkers order. To justify a temporary restraining order, the chamber had to demonstrate it was raising a fair question that may allow a final favorable ruling. The court finds that the plaintiff is unlikely to succeed on its statutory interpretation, Threlkeld wrote. The judge also ruled that the chamber has not identified any of its members who have a protectable right or interest at stake. The chambers pleadings makes only conclusions and no allegation of fact, he wrote in his order. It is clear that the chamber has not plead any facts to identify a single member who is being irreparably harmed, Threlkeld wrote. In May, the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce filed suit in Madison County Circuit Court claiming Pritzker does not have the authority to close down businesses because the governor issued the state order under a section of law that refers to a disaster. The suit refers to orders Pritzker issued in response to the pandemic in an effort to prevent people from coming into close contact. Pritzker has referred to the pandemic as a public health emergency, the suit states. The chamber argued the governors disaster declaration could only be in effect for 30 days and he did not have the power to extend the declaration by issuing subsequent declarations. Threlkeld disagreed. He noted governors have often issued disaster orders for more than 30 days in cases in which the disaster continues. He cited flooding and the H1N1 virus as examples. In public statements, the chamber has said the governor has seriously harmed local businesses, which make up its membership. After more than two months of many businesses being shut down, a soaring unemployment rate, and economic devastation, the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce decided to take this action on behalf of our small businesses, said Desiree Bennyhoff, president and CEO of the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce when the suit was filed by Thomas Devore of Greenville who has filed similar suits on behalf of other plaintiffs. The court is aware of the economic devastation in Illinois and Madison County as a result of the governors executive orders and is not saying that the governors authority to exercise his emergency powers is without restraint, the judge wrote. As the act outlines, he must identify an occurrence to support each proclamation, and if the occurrence is not-exeistent, then those affected can petition for redress, the judge concluded. Elsewhere in his order, Threlkeld stated Pritzker has cited dozens of findings of fact in his orders. The plaintiff here has not challenged the factual basis for the governors proclamations, wrote Threlkeld, a Republican who was appointed as resident circuit judge by Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier. Pritzker is a Democrat. The European Union is committed to reaching an agreement with Britain on their new relationship after Brexit - but not at any cost, the bloc said on Friday. EU chiefs Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen briefed the 27 national leaders on Friday on the latest talks with Britain, which have made precious little progress since London left the bloc in January, and now face an end-year deadline. "We jointly stressed our willingness to undertake all possible efforts to come to an agreement," von der Leyen, the head of the EU's executive European Commission, told a news conference after the summit. "For this we have to bridge wide divergences, which remain to be solved." The chairman of EU leaders echoed that sentiment, saying the bloc wanted a new deal with Britain, "but not at all costs". "We need to intensify the negotiations," he told the same news conference, noting that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had refused to seek extra time for the talks beyond the year-end, when Britain's standstill transition after Brexit runs its course. While Johnson wants a loose trade deal with the EU, the bloc is seeking much closer ties for the future covering climate, fishing, transport and security. Disagreements over how to guarantee fair competition, fisheries, rules for settling disputes or the role of the EU's top court have so far prevented progress as the bloc seeks to tie London closely to its rules while Johnson wants to cut his country loose. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said after the EU discussions on Friday that a deal with Britain must materialise this autumn to leave enough time for ratification before 2021. A French official said the leaders agreed that they must stick to their stance on fisheries and the so-called level playing field provisions aimed at ensuring fair competition. TRENTON Mayor Reed Gusciora said Friday he welcomes a prosecutor-led investigation into police director Sheilah Coleys actions during a May 31 riot. Coley has caught heat for telling officers to stand down from an arson call at Tony Liquor in downtown Trenton. Her order was captured by body-camera footage, which was provided to The Trentonian by a source. Since then, the owner of Tony Liquor, the Latino Merchant Association of New Jersey and ex-TPD cop William Osterman filed complaints with county prosecutor Angelo Onofri. I would welcome an outside agency or security review of what could have been done better, Gusciora said. The mayors comments come a day after Coley claimed she was filing a defamation lawsuit against the city because she was viciously attacked during executive session by South Ward councilman George Muschal. Muschal reportedly called Coley a coward and said she was clueless, city officials said during the public portion of the meeting. Council president Kathy McBride later called on Muschal to apologize to Coley after the council met in executive session to discuss a $20,000 settlement for fired TPD cop Lino Rosario. Hes being reinstated with back pay after the legislative body approved the settlement. Im glad that city council did the right thing and brought officer Rosario back, city police union boss Michael Schiaretti said. It was a sham investigation by internal affairs. He should have never been fired. We look forward to him coming aback to work. The executive-session conversation apparently went off the rails, but without the audio, its impossible to know how the conversation went. The Trentonian has asked the city to release the tape of the discussion to determine what were the comments that set Coley off. Coley went after Muschal when given the floor toward the end of the meeting, claiming the ex-cop and councilman turned on her once he learned she couldnt be controlled and wouldnt do his bidding. I have never been so viciously attacked and demeaned as a woman, as I was in this particular executive session, she said. This is a personal and racist attack. I can say that wholeheartedly. Its unclear if Coley was speaking based off emotions or whether she meant what she said about filing suit. Online court records did not turn up a lawsuit as of Friday morning, and Gusciora was unaware of the city being served with a complaint. Gusciora said he hadnt talked to the police director since Thursday nights blowup. He was hesitant to judge whether he felt her actions were appropriate during the May 31 riot, when she called off a group of officers outside City Hall as they prepared to respond to Tony Liquor. Where are you going? Coley said on the body cam. Whats your mission? OK, so can you do anything about a fire? No, right? Can you stop anybody from pouring gas on a building? No, right? So thats not your mission. Thats the fire departments mission. All of this is happening because of tactical error. Lets not put error on top of error, right? So you guys are going to remain staged here. As a matter of fact, one, two, three, four, you go back to headquarters and man the barrier. Gusciora said the police director didnt want officers putting themselves into a dangerous situation that could incite the looters and rioters. Unlike state police, Gusciora claimed, Trenton Police doesnt receive riot training. Coley was upset that rioters torched TPD cruisers when she arrived at City Hall that night, Gusciora said. She felt that was a tactical error, he said. The mayor said he understood the outrage from Arias, the owner of Tony Liquor, and the greater business community after dozens of stores were ransacked. I think there was just complete chaos, he said. The bottom line is the perception was there was little done to stop it or prevent it, for that matter. The question is was there gross malfeasance or negligence. I think, given the whole circumstances, its hard to assess blame when things just unrolled. Thats why I welcome some kind of oversight to really assess everybodys involvement. Schiaretti said the local union would withhold judgement on Coleys alleged misconduct. Im confident the prosecutors office will investigate. Well see what their findings are. I think it would be premature for us to officially make a statement on what it is without knowing what the complaint is. Gusciora said his police director is doing the best she can with the resources the city has. He believes theres little chance Coley walks away from the post but conceded Trenton is a tough town, with competing factions, many feeling they can run the city better than the current people in power. I think she does love her job and she did come out of retirement and she feels like she can make a difference, Gusciora said. Gusciora wouldnt say whether he agrees with the notion Muschal is racist. I dont know what is in somebodys heart, he said. George feels that he was a longstanding police officer and he knows Trenton policing. I used to be a prosecutor, and sometimes I think I know whats going on, and yet I dont keep up with the case work. I value his opinion because he does have a unique perspective, but he also has a unique way of going about things. Erica Hunter of Middletown organized the peaceful Black Lives Matter march May 30 downtown. Shes also spearheading a similar Juneteenth procession from the North End to the South Green Friday at 6 p.m. For Hunter, a person of color, June 19 represents a true independence day. Its hurtful that blacks were enslaved in the first place, but they were legally liberated in 1863. Then, finally, those last ones that were still under the laws of the state of Texas and still enslaved were set free, said Hunter, a person of color. We had to fight. Civil war had to happen. Black soldiers, white soldiers -- they had to die. At least, the last black slaves were free. You cant say given the same opportunities, because they werent, but they were no longer enslaved, Hunter said. Independence Day was not so for all Americans, she said. July 4, 1776, we were enslaved people, but June 19, 1865, the last bit of the ones who were slaves were set free. That is actually liberation day, she added. The Eastern Partnership is useful for Ukraine if it brings the country closer to EU membership, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated at the Eastern Partnership video conference summit. The Eastern Partnership should not limit the ambitions of the partners. A political dialogue may be enough for someone, someone needs a strategic partnership with the EU, someone wants integration into the common market on the basis of the 'four freedoms', and others, like Ukraine, demand full membership in the EU," Zelensky said, the presidents press service reported. The Ukrainian president reminded that primarily the goal of the initiative was to build the EU community with partners who share European values and principles. At the same time, all citizens of the member countries should take advantage of such an association. He also stated that it is possible to overcome current challenges together, in particular the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, by deepening integration and increasing coordination between countries, rather than by political self-isolation and protectionism. "This meeting is a great opportunity to discuss further cooperation to overcome the current crisis and overcome similar challenges in the future. We are facing very difficult tasks: to protect the lives and health of citizens, to restore people-to-people and business contacts, to bring the economy out of the crisis trajectory, he said. Zelensky also thanked the European Union for its support, in particular for the new macro-financial assistance program worth EUR 1.2 billion, which is important and timely. In addition, according to him, Ukraine counts on cooperation with the EU in the purchase of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is produced As reported, the Eastern Partnership video conference summit took place on Thursday, June 18. It was attended by the heads of state and government of the 27 member countries of the EU, as well as the leaders of the Eastern Partnership member states - Azerbaijan, Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. iy A police officer was tragically killed on his way home from a shift leaving behind his pregnant fiancee. Constable Aaron Vidal, 28, was struck by a ute at the intersection of Windsor and Schofields Roads, Rouse Hill in Sydney's north-west just before 5.45pm on Thursday. NSW Ambulance paramedics performed CPR on Const Vidal but attempts to save his life were unsuccessful and he died at the scene. Police will allege the male driver, 37, from The Ponds failed to stop at a red light. Constable Aaron Vidal, 28, was struck by a utility car at the intersection of Windsor and Schofields Roads, Rouse Hill in Sydney's north-west just before 5.45pm on Thursday (pictured: Const Vidal and his pregnant fiancee) The driver was not injured in the accident but has been taken to Westmead Hospital for mandatory testing. He has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving occasioning death. The driver is due to appear in Blacktown Local Court on Friday. Const Vidal commenced his duties as a probationary at Sydney City after he completed his training in December 2017. He was later confirmed as a constable in December 2018 and worked alongside his father, Chief Inspector David Vidal. NSW Ambulance paramedics performed CPR on Const Vidal but attempts to save his life were unsuccessful and he died at the scene NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has extended his condolences to the Vidal family on behalf of the NSW Police Force. 'My thoughts are with Aaron's family and fiancee, as well as his current and former colleagues at this difficult time,' Commissioner Fuller said. 'Dave has always been incredibly proud of his son following in his footsteps and walking the beat side-by-side with him,' Commissioner Fuller said. Const Vidal was confirmed as a constable in December 2018 and worked alongside his father, Chief Inspector David Vidal (right) Constable Vidal worked at the Sydney City Police Area Command throughout his entire career and was part of the Proactive Crime Team since late 2019. 'On two occasions he had been formally recognised for good police work by members of the community, which shows that he was held in high regard by not only his peers, but the community he served,' Commissioner Fuller said. 'Prior to joining the police force, Aaron served in the Australian Army, which further demonstrates his commitment to serving and protecting the community.' GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne said Friday he is concerned that budget cuts to his department being discussed by some residents and elected officials could hurt community safety. Right now, theres been a discussion about (budget cuts) and moving forward Im sure theres going to be more discussions about it, Payne told reporters Friday, June 19. But I must point out that the safety of the community is my No. 1 priority, and any significant reductions to our budget could potentially impact that. Thats not a scare tactic, thats a reality. The significant reductions that Payne was referring to total about $9.4 million. That number is the amount two city commissioners, Joe Jones and Kurt Reppart, have said theyre comfortable talking about divesting from the department to reimagine policing in the city. The reduction would decrease the police departments share of the general fund budget from 38.6% to 32%, the lowest possible share under the citys charter. Defunding some portion of police department budgets and reallocating those funds to other community resources and aid, such as mental health workers responding to service calls instead of officers, has gained national attention following the death of George Floyd. Floyd, a black man in Minnesota, died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The press conference with Payne comes just a day after police union officials painted a grim picture of what cutting the department budget back to 32% could entail. In a joint statement on Thursday, officials with the Grand Rapids Police Officers Association and Grand Rapids Police Command Officers Association said a $9.4 million cut could result in the layoffs of 78 of the citys 298 officers and leave detectives freed up to only investigate the most violent crimes. If we were mandated to make this cut, it would be our entire night shift and approximately half of our investigative unit, the joint statement read. If the outspoken minority that are demanding the GRPD return to 32% of the budget are the only voice, we fear the ability to keep our community as safe as our department and our citizens have come to expect. Since May 31, a total 3,060 people have called and emailed Mayor Rosayln Bliss office advocating for some form of defunding or divestment from the police department, according to records obtained by MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Only four people in that time period explicitly communicated their opposition to some form of defunding. Payne said he hasnt had time to look at the specifics of what a $9.4 million cut would translate to in terms of reduced officers and service levels. Instead, he said, hes focused on making reforms. Im concentrating on the 23 items that have been put forth, that I know I can have an immediate impact on, he said. Thats what Ive been spending my time with: how to look at those items and make sure were making the reforms we said we would make and getting that done. The city recently put forward a list of reform and accountability measures that it plans to complete within 60 days. Some were proposed by city officials, others by community members. Among them are improving the policy requiring officers to de-escalate situations and requiring officers to exhaust all other reasonable alternatives, including non-force and less-lethal force options, before resorting to deadly force. Related: What protesters, community activists are saying about Grand Rapids police reforms Only commissioners Reppart and Jones have stated a desire to reduce the police departments budget to 32%, with the purpose of reigminaging how those dollars could be spent. In the days and weeks following Floyd's death, people have flooded the city's elected officials with thousands of calls and emails regarding police reform, racial injustice and defunding the police department. Bliss' office compiled a spreadsheet logging every call and email and categorizing it by subject. Not including duplicate emails, Bliss' office has received 3,060 calls and emails since May 31 advocating to defund the police department or enact a people's budget, which generally means reallocating major divestments in a police department to aid programs and crisis management. The defund/people's budget category, which does not detail any specific plan or divestment amount, is by far the largest category of communications Bliss has received. The category with the next highest call and email volume were communications advocating for the 8 Can't Wait campaign, which aims to diminish police violence with eight department policy changes. A total 323 people advocated that position. Only four people between May 31 and June 16 called and emailed Bliss' office to advocate for not defunding the police. Another 230 people called Bliss office about a video. While the category does not specify the video, a widely-shared video on social media from the May 30 downtown riot captured police pepper spraying a man and then shooting him at close distance with a projectile. One city police officer is under internal investigations for their actions during the incident. Grand Rapids police have released few further details. Still others called about curfew, the Michigan National Guard, city police officers not wearing badges, the protests, the riots and systemic change. The next city commission meeting is scheduled for July 7. Read more: Helicopter video shows dramatic after-dark rescue of woman lost in swamp West Michigan software company plans to expand with $4.5M new building Sherwood Forest knockoff festival planned at site of Electric Forest Outdoor social zone restaurant seating opening today in Grand Rapids TULSA, OklahomaBy almost any measure, this has been a terrible month for Tulsa Mayor G. T. Bynum. Like almost every other city in America, Tulsa was the scene of major protests after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked major protests. Demonstrators tried to take over an interstate highway and some even marched to Bynums house, an act he called intimidation. In a city that was the site of the nations most notorious massacre of black residents, hundreds of whom were murdered in their homes by a white mob, the mayors insinuation that he felt threatened by unarmed protesters didnt sit well in the black community. It only got worse. Bynum, a mild-mannered 43-year-old with tortoise-shell glasses, gave an interview on national television that downplayed the role of race in a widely publicized police shooting. No sooner had he apologized for his dumb and overly simplistic comment than one of his highest-ranking officers said that police should statistically be shooting more black people based on the crimes committed. In the middle of all this, President Trump, whose provocative rhetoric after Floyds death inflamed tensions across the country, announced he would come to Tulsa to hold his first rally since the coronavirus pandemic had ended his public campaigning. Bynum, a moderate Republican, has stressed he had nothing to do with Trumps visit, but he resisted repeated calls to cancel the rally at the 19,000-seat BOK Center in downtown. He did not respond to interview requests made to his office. In a public statement, he said that an event in the middle of a spike in Covid-19 cases isnt ideal. Now Tulsa, population just under 400,000, is preparing for the arrival of tens of thousands of Trump supporters and counter-protesters. High steel fencing lines streets through downtown, which Bynum placed under curfew starting Thursday night in fear that organized groups who have been involved in destructive and violent behavior in other States are planning to travel to the City of Tulsa for purposes of causing unrest in and around the rally. Trump torqued up the tension Friday morning with a tweet threat: Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis. Story continues Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum. Whatever happens over the coming hours and days is unlikely to make Bynums job easier. Even before Floyds death spurred the Black Lives Matter movement into overdrive, Bynum found himself in a political vise increasingly familiar to mayors in cities across the conservative heart of the country. He represents a city where Republicans outnumber Democrats by about two to one. But over the course of his four years in office Bynum has made conscious efforts to reform a police department that arrests black people at twice the rate of white people and that has been condemned for controversial killings of black men. In February, Bynum appointed Tulsas first black police chief. But like so much in the Bynum administration, the move has failed to resonate with some black voters, who regard Police Chief Wendell Franklin as a police force insider rather than a true agent of change. In recent days the pace of that change, and Bynums commitment to it, has come into question as the mayor has tried to mediate a fraught negotiation about civilian oversight of the police. Almost everyone involvedthe police union and Black Lives Matter supportershave expressed feelings of betrayal by the mayor who they accuse of flip-flopping on the issue. At a Wednesday press conference, Franklin said, The eyes of the world are upon us now. We are ready. Bynums leadership of Tulsa once had a sense of destiny. His uncle, grandfather, and great great grandfather all held the same position. Elected in the summer of 2016, Bynum seemed eager to bridge racial divides that have lingered for nearly a century. He declared he wanted One Tulsa, and launched a fact-gathering mission to quantify racial disparities such areas as policing, education and housing and created the Mayors Office of Resilience and Equity to pilot reforms. Then, just weeks after he was elected, a white female officer shot and killed Terence Crutcher, an unarmed black man who had stopped his car in the middle of the road. The shooting was captured on video by a circling police helicopter. The officer was charged with manslaughter. There was a flurry of national attention but in the black community the outrage never disappeared. Then in 2017, it happened again. Tulsa County deputies shot Joshua Barre, a mentally ill 29-year-old black man who was wandering the street with two knives. Only three weeks before, the officer who shot Crutcher had been acquitted. Bynum, meanwhile, promoted economic investment in the predominantly black neighborhoods of North Tulsa. And, to address long-standing fear and anger from black residents toward the Tulsa Police Department, Bynum proposed in January 2019 establishing an Office of Independent Monitor to provide oversight, based on a model he admired in Denver. The mayor also responded to the request of leaders in the black community, such as the Rev. Robert Turner, to create a commission to investigate the whereabouts of mass graves from the 1921 massacre and placed the pastor on the commission. City officials and community leaders hoped bodies could be exhumed and given a proper burial for the centennial anniversary next year. I think the mayor has done a good job of engaging that, more so than any mayor I can remember in Tulsa, said Corbin Brewster, the chief public defender of Tulsa County. Then you have Trump announce hes going to have a rally... That just magnifies all those fissures and second guessing and pressure on our city officials. But others feel the problems are self-inflicted. The Office of Independent Monitor stalled after pressure from the police union and disagreement on details among city council and activists. And Turner nearly quit the committee charged with overseeing the survey and excavation of mass graves from the massacre because of how slowly the city was moving and how narrowly it conducted its search. The work is now on pause indefinitely as a result of the pandemic, even though the state has largely opened up. But the days after the George Floyd killing have been especially challenging for Bynum, who has seemed to pinball between defensiveness and stubborn insistence on law and order. Not long after he complained of intimidation by activists, Bynum appeared on a conservative talk radio show on June 1. He continued his criticism while defending law enforcement. Within the day, however, he met with the activists, including the Rev. Turner, and agreed to a number of their demands, such as ending LivePD in Tulsa, a reality law-enforcement show featuring local cops on the beat. He agreed to meet with the Crutcher family, which had filed a civil lawsuit against the city, and to re-new his push for the Office of Independent Monitor. Conservatives accused him of flip flopping. Jerad Lindsey, chairman of the Tulsa Fraternal Order of Police described himself as completely blindsided. He added that the mayor owed the police officers of Tulsa an explanation. Meanwhile, public relations disasters kept exploding around Bynum. On June 8, Major Travis Yates of the Tulsa Police Department, made national headlines with his remark on local talk radio that police were shooting African-Americans about 24 percent less than we ought to be, based on the crimes being committed. The mayor condemned the comments but Yates kept his job, pending an internal investigation. Shortly thereafter, Tulsa Police made national news again, this time with a video of police officers roughly arresting black teenagers for walking in a street. In the midst of this, Bynum appeared on CBS Sunday Morning in a segment about the historical racial strife in Tulsa, saying that it was drug use rather than race that played a factor in the killing of Terence Crutcher. After meeting with the mayor and thinking we were moving in the right direction, we hear him make those egregious comments, said Tiffany Crutcher, the twin sister of Terence who has risen to prominence in Tulsa as an activist after creating the Terence Crutcher Foundation to advocate for civil rights. I was nauseated. Bynum apologized. When your friends start calling you and repeatedly use the phrase I know your heart, it is a good indicator youve screwed up, he wrote on Twitter. But the damage was done. Within days Tiffany Crutcher recruited a board member of her foundation, Greg Robinson, to run for office against Bynum in August, bringing the total challengers to seven. This is part of our three-year push for change, Crutcher said. We just felt we needed to take it to the next level. Crutcher is his campaign manager. Meanwhile, the Fraternal Order of Police isnt forgetting Bynums remarks either. Lindsey told me the mayor has not yet but is close to losing support of the police. We are giving him a lot of latitude because Tulsa is a unique place and this is a unique time in history. Still, the police union opposes his proposal for the Office of Independent Monitor, arguing that it will result in less policing, not better policing. Lindsey said the cops in Denver told him they work in fear of residents reporting them to the citys OIM for doing their jobs. What is the easiest way to not get a complaint? he asks. Not to engage. You have guys sitting in parking lots; they dont drive neighborhoods. A five-minute drive in Tulsa can take you from the growing camp of defiant President Trump supporters at the BOK Center to a place that feels both far away and uncomfortably close: the Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church, which was burned in the 1921 Black Wall Street massacre that killed some 300 black Tulsans. The church was soon rebuilt, but it now needs million in repairs it cant afford. Annual revenue is $200,000 per year, and the congregation is elderly and fewjust 135 worshippers. I know churches with Sunday School classes larger than our whole membership, Pastor Turner told me this week. But God chose us to be his vessel. Turner, 37, keeps a bullhorn and a sign at his desk that reads in all caps: REPARATIONS NOW. He has led the fight to identify and excavate the mass graves of victims of the Tulsa race massacre and secure compensation for their descendants, many of whom make up his congregation. His church is responding to Trumps presence by hosting two rallies: one on Friday, the anniversary of Juneteenth, the celebration of the symbolic end of chattel slavery in 1865, and the other one opposite the presidents rally on Saturday evening. Raising the profile of the event, is the Rev. Al Sharpton, who is flying in to deliver an address Friday night. Meanwhile, the Trump campaign is claiming so much enthusiasm that it has rented a second venue near the BOK Center for an overflow crowd. Unless he has changed his political strategy, Im concerned that [Trump] is going to charge them up, said Turner. His last campaign was very high on vitriol and bombast. So you get filled with that for however long hes going to speak, and God knows what those folks are going to want to do. The National Guard has been activated, but Turner is worried enough that he is not counting on them or local police alone to keep the peace. So he has hired private security for his rally. As a Christian I do not worry, Turner says. As a human being, I have concerns. I just pray to God to protect us. I know he can. I pray he will. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misstated the anniversary of the Juneteenth celebration. On Wednesday, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh tried to push forward a motion that would: address systemic racism within the RCMP, review the use of force by officers, review the RCMP budget and boost funding for healthcare workers to de-escalate situations. The motion which seemed to have the support of the House, that is until there was a faint objection from Bloc Quebecois House Leader, Alain Therrien. The following happened off-camera, but Singh insists Therrien made eye contact with him to gesture him off, and he retaliated by calling La Prairie MP a racist. Its true, I called him a racist, said Singh, while addressing the speaker of the house. Singh was promptly removed from the House, but he did leave on his own merits. In a press conference that took place moments after leaving the floor, he addressed the media. I was angry at the moment and I stand by it, in that moment, I saw the face of racism, he said. Matthew Green is an NDP Member of Parliament for Hamilton Centre. After seeing the events unfold as they did, Hamilton Centre MP and NDP Caucus member, Matthew Green agreed with the leader of his party. If you are upholding or holding back advances against anti-racism, that is in of itself inaction and a part of systemic racism. And its racist, said Green. Green details the behind the scenes of what happened leading up to the motion being denied and Singhs response. Its often customary that a party will give advance notice if they will support a motion or intend to block it, but thats not the case with the BQ, according to Green. He had previously tried to pass a motion to ban hate groups from using public spaces, but it was blocked by the BQ. I cant say that I was shocked because it was the second time that theyve done that and its part of a pattern, he said. Moreover, the rhetoric of not calling out racism and instead trying to create a divide of race and ethnicity seems to be the nature of Quebec politics in this day and age, according to Green. Its consistent with a lot of the rhetoric and leadership that were seeing in Quebec at this very moment, he said. Story continues Not only does Green agree with Singhs handling of calling out racism in a blunt and necessary way, he feels the BQ has consistently pushed the concept of an ethnostate by not focusing on the issues of people of colour within Quebec. I think he held honesty in what he said, and in that honesty, the Bloc Quebecois are scrambling. They have relied on the silencing of people of colour in their province, he said. Systemic racism in Parliament When Parliament was founded in 1867, it was made up and designed at the time for white men who represented a very white Canada at the time. Over 150 years later, while there is more diversity in the house in this current day and age, it doesnt change history or even the current days structure, according to Erin Tolley, an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto. Admitting that systemic racism exists means people who have benefitted from these institutions that theyve achieved what they have not because of their merit or greatness, but because these systems were created to propel them to success, she said. Can we take a minute and recognize how little coverage there is about the fact that the MP literally made eye contact with Jagmeet and made a 'brush off' motion with his hand after voting against his anti-racism motion? Shouldn't that be in every headline? #cdnmedia Gurratan Singh (@GurratanSingh) June 18, 2020 When Tolley evaluated the situation as it unfolded, she noticed how there was more focus on what Singh did, but few comments on Therriens behaviour. The tension immediately shifts to the hurt feelings of the white person who received the comment in the first place, she said. We focus on the calling of the act of a racist as a distraction from actually doing something about the root problem, she said. In her eyes, Tolley thinks there are two ways to call out racism, the first being in a blunt manner, and the other option to skirt around the issue to avoid hurting a white persons feelings. She thinks that Singh took the right course of action in calling out Therriens lack of support. Its important to name racism, to call it out and say it's racist and not to protect white fragility and skirting around the issue by not calling it what it is, said Tolley. When asked why Therrien would pushback on a topic of this nature, Tolley wasnt sure as the MP has not answered any requests from the media to speak. Tolley thinks anyone who fails to understand the RCMPs clear systemic racism, something which both the Prime Minister and RCMP Commissioner, Brenda Lucki, have admitted exists, is failing BIPOC at this moment. If you cant realize the ethos, processes, procedures, structures that are based into the RCMP from its foundation are of racial hierarchy, you just dont understand how institutions work, said Tolley. Erin Tolley, an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto. In respect to other BIPOC people being marginalized, Tolley highlights the challenges two Liberal MPs, Celina Caesar-Chavannes and Iqra Khalid went through between 2015 to 2019. Caesar-Chavannes ended up quitting the Liberal Caucus, citing many problems within the structures of how the government operated on her way out. She said oftentimes shed be asked for her credentials, mistaken for another Liberal MP or not thought of as an MP. Khalid on the other end faced a myriad of pushback while trying to introduce a bill to condemn Islamophobia in Canada. Every single Conservative MP besides Michael Chong and Bruce Stanton opposed the bill, but it still ended up being passed. Just looking at the numbers doesn't address institutional structure or the experiences that those people have when theyre in the institution, which for many can be an inhospitable place, said Tolley. White MP calls another MP racist. 9 December 1974. No expulsion. https://t.co/krAXuU9tqx 1 pic.twitter.com/hmUoT2z9l3 Robert Jago (@rjjago) June 18, 2020 Writer Robert Jago has highlighted at least seven incidents in the House of Commons in instances where white Parliamentarians have previously called each other a racist. No one was ever expelled from parliament. Green added that the house is not the place of civility that is described, and the BQs assertion that Singhs actions were unbecoming. Anybody whos ever attended Question Period in person knows there is no decorum, insults fly around all the time, theres heckling, he said. What Singh was trying to achieve In an interview on CTV Power Play on Thursday, Singh reiterated his stance on Therrien. In the same interview, Singh said his intention with putting forward the motion was to hold the Conservatives and the now-governing Liberals accountable for creating these structures to uphold systemic racism. The whole goal of this was really to push the Prime Minister of this country, Prime Minister Trudeau and push the government to actually do something, its not about an opposition party, he said. Reporters lobbed up similar questions to the Prime Minister about Singhs actions in the House, but he did not take the bait. "In regards to what Mr. Singh said, it is not for me to criticize any Canadian, particularly not the only racialized leader in the House of Commons, for making people uncomfortable by calling them out for not recognizing systemic discrimination," he said. Not only did Trudeau not criticize Singh in any fashion, he said these are part of the tough conversations the country needs to have in order to make real change. "I think we need to recognize that these conversations are going to make people uncomfortable. But it has been the lived reality of racialized and Indigenous Canadians for far too long, and we need to continue to move forward in a way that attempts to bring people together, he said. As Tolley sees it, theres instances of racism that are called out all the time that go viral on social media, and this was a moment in time for the BQ to be on the right side of history, but the narrative has shifted. Weve seen individuals behaving in a racist way, but the much more insidious way that racism plays out is within those institutional systems. This entire discussion has prevented any of that, its completely about that individual interaction between two MPs, said Tolley. Focus shifting away from Therrien When Tolley listened to Singhs media availability following his expulsion, he was asked at least three times if he stood by calling Therrien a racist. Even in his interview on CTV Power Play, the host, Evan Solomon talks about the bigger issue, but continued to solely focus on Singhs use of the word. Rather than framing the story around Jagmeet Singh being the first leader of colour to stand up and focus on these issues of systemic racism, theyre framing it as a white MP being called a racist, she said. The problems within the media are ones too familiar to Green, who as a Black MP has been interviewed countless times about calls to defund the police and to speak on racism within Canada. Ive done probably 40 or 50 interviews over the past two weeks and some of these interviews Im still being asked the question of does racism exist in Canada? said Green. Green thinks the media has played a hand in holding up the current power structures because theyre predominantly white, and argued that while Singh has been put on trial, Therrien has avoided speaking to media. The mainstream media is complicit in maintaining the status quo of power structures within this country, they always have been, he said. While his MP and party did not support Singhs motion, BQ Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet admitted on Thursday that some Canadian institutions are rife with systemic racism. "It must be found and removed from our rules and institutions and behaviours. I believe that this exists," he said. The BQ leader says he thinks Singhs suspension should be extended and his punishment should match his actions. During the past month, the mayor, police chief and city manager of Gresham have all called it quits for various reasons. So who is in charge of Oregons fourth-largest city? For now, the top job belongs to City Council President Janine Gladfelter who was appointed as acting mayor after Shane Bemis abruptly announced his resignation Tuesday, effective the next day. In a lengthy Facebook post, Bemis said he needed to prioritize business and family demands tied to the coronavirus pandemic. He operates Boccellis Ristorante in downtown Gresham, which has been closed to sit-down diners since Gov. Kate Brown halted in-person dining statewide in March. Just a few days before that, Police Chief Robin Sells announced her retirement, citing a desire to spend more time with family. But in a letter to city leaders, Sells said she had been pushed out of her job because of an incident that Corey Falls, the deputy city manager, had considered racist. Falls came to Gresham in 2017 to help reform the Police Department and eliminate bias, according to The Outlook, a local newspaper in Gresham. He worked closely at times with both Sells and City Manger Erik Kvarsten. Sells wrote that when she had started as chief, her family gave her a gnome statue and, as a prank, some officers had taken the statue and posed it in pictures all over the country. At an awards banquet, while the statue was still missing, she wrote that she told a crowd its time to return my gnome, as gnome lives matter also, an apparent reference to the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement. Falls called the remark racist, according to Sells letter, which was obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive through a public records request, and the chief said she eventually felt pressured to resign. I truly wanted to stay and ride this out, but in this day and age, somehow truth doesnt matter and I felt pressured to leave, Sells wrote. My departure has caused a huge divide between city hall and the police department one that will take years to repair. Sells wrote that despite whatever city officials had heard, I am not a racist. I do abhor lazy people, who get paid for not doing a job they are hired to do. Thats not racism!!! Thats called accountability. Sells criticized Falls, saying he achieved little in his role. A few days before Sells announced her retirement, Kvarsten, who had been city manager for nearly two decades, said he, too, would retire. Kvarsten plans to leave the position July 9. To begin the task of filling all the vacancies at the top of government, the City Council will meet Monday morning to appoint a temporary mayor to finish out Bemis term. The council has 30 days to do so, according to the rules of the City Charter. The council will also need to appoint an interim city manager before Kvarsten departs in July. That person can only serve for a maximum of six months before a permanent replacement is selected, a job Falls has expressed interest in, according to city councilors. As of Friday afternoon, Capt. Claudio Grandjean had assumed command of the police force in Gresham, but The Outlook reported Sells was reconsidering her decision to retire. Elizabeth Coffey, a spokeswoman for the city, said Sells had an agreement with the city that she could rescind her retirement within seven days of announcing it but had asked the city for an additional seven-day window to mull it over. She must make a decision by Thursday, Coffey said. -- Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Mr Amidu Chinnia Issaahku, the Upper West Regional Minister, has said he would win the NPP Sisssla East primary and retain the seat for the party in the 2020 polls. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Tumu on Thursday ahead of Saturdays primaries, he said, he was confident of winning because of what he has done for the constituents. The contest, which is between Amidu Chinnia and the incumbent Member of Parliament Ridwan Abass Dauda, would be conducted in all 21 electoral areas in the constituency. Mr Chinnia said It is my hope that by the grace of God I will emerge victorious in the contest, due to the long service I have rendered to the growth of the party". He said, "In 2001, I was appointed as the assistant secretary of the party and then in 2003, I was made the acting secretary and that he has been active in the frontline activities of the party for the past fifteen years and this would be rewarded on Saturday. Mr Amidu Chinnia said the New Patriotic Party was bigger than any individual and that the decision of the delegates must be respected by both candidates as well as supporters after the Saturday encounter. He said, This is an NPP in-house contest, myself and Ridwan are party members and leadership of the party who want the development of the Sissala land. I am, therefore, begging all supporters of mine and Ridwan to jubilate in moderation to ensure unity. It is worthy to note that the NPP before the 2016 elections had no single seat in the Upper West Region but went ahead to win five out of the 11 seats in the region. Their ability to maintain all five seats or more will not only be based on the general performance of the party in government but also the caliber of candidates that will be chosen to lead the party into the Parliamentary elections this 2020 as the NDC is waiting patiently for a slip to reclaim its seats. 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 Former Google CEO and chairman of the Pentagons Defense Innovation Board Eric Schmidt said that theres no question Chinese telecom giant Huawei has business practices not acceptable in national security. Speaking to BBC Radio 4 for a documentary, Schmidt said that a proper understanding of Huawei should make one see the company as a means of signals intelligence that functions as a spy agency. Theres no question that Huawei has engaged in some practices that are not acceptable in national security, he stated. Theres no question that information from Huawei routers has ultimately ended up in hands that would appear to be the state. However that happened, were sure it happened. In May, the U.S. Department of Commerce slapped additional sanctions on Huawei to limit its ability to acquire semiconductor chips using American technology. The Department of Justice said in February that the firm has conducted a decades-long operation to misappropriate intellectual property from U.S. technology firms, while Trump administration claimed that Huawei has secretly accessed American cell phone data for over a decade. Lets cut to the chase: Chinas main export is espionage, and the distinction between the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese private-sector businesses like Huawei is imaginary, Senator Ben Sasse (R., Neb.) said in May. Huaweis supply chain depends on contracts with American companies and the Commerce Department ought to take a careful look at how we can effectively disrupt our adversary. In the interview, Schmidt admitted that he had held prejudices about China, such as the belief that tech firms in the country are very good at stealing, but said that these prejudices now need to be thrown out. The Chinese are just as good, and maybe better, in key areas of research and innovation as the West, Schmidt explained. Theyre putting more money into it. They are putting it in a different way, it is state-directed in a way that is different from the West. We need to get our act together to compete. More from National Review The Gautam Buddh Nagar police on Thursday arrested one more person in connection with the rape of a woman in a moving passenger bus, officials said. The police had on Wednesday arrested one of the two accused drivers, while a search is on for two more persons in connection with the case, the officials said. A 25-year-old woman who was travelling from Pratapgarh to Noida was allegedly raped at around 2 am on Wednesday in a privately-operated AC sleeper bus, according to the police. One more accused, identified as Amit alias Mayuri who is a native of Bijnore district, has been arrested by Sector 20 police team. Search is on for two more persons in connection with the case, a police spokesperson said on Thursday night. More details about the arrested person or the other accused could not be gathered immediately. The woman, who was travelling with her two children to Noida where her husband works as a vegetable vendor, was allegedly raped by one of the two drivers of the long-route bus on a road stretch between Lucknow and Mathura, the police said. There were around a dozen more passengers on board the bus at the time of the incident when the woman was allegedly raped on the last seat and threatened with dire consequences if she tried to raise an alarm, according to officials. An FIR was registered at the Sector 20 police station in Noida under IPC sections 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender) and 212 (harbouring offender), it said. (CNN) As coronavirus cases in Arizona hit a new record high, the state is facing another serious threat: wildfires, with several large blazes stoked by extreme heat and drought burning not far from three of its largest cities. Scientists said the fires are an ominous start to what could be a very active fire season in the West, as the pandemic, wildfires and climate change all converge to create a recipe for potential disaster. Arizona has already seen three times as much land burned by fire this year compared to the same time frame in 2019, according to Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management statistics. The largest of the state's fires is the Bush Fire, which is burning northeast of Phoenix in Tonto National Forest. In the roughly five days since it began, it has exploded to become the largest fire currently burning anywhere in the US, and is already one of the largest fires in Arizona history. As of Thursday morning, the blaze was only 5% contained and had scorched more than 114,000 acres, an area larger than the city of Denver. Evacuation orders have been issued for some towns in Maricopa and Gila counties, as hot and dry conditions are forecast to continue beyond the next week. As public health officials try to keep the coronavirus from spreading, the pandemic has forced the state's firefighters to adjust how they suppress fires. This year, they are prepositioning more crews, spreading out camp sites and relying more on aircraft to dump water, according to Tiffany Davila, public information officer for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. "... It can be difficult at times to be socially distant while fighting fire, especially when there can be hundreds, maybe even a thousand firefighters assigned to any incident. But we are working in the safest possible way to make sure our crews remain healthy and our communities and residents remain protected," she said. Extreme heat and a 'megadrought' are fueling the fires Abnormally high temperatures are the main driver of these massive fires, says Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA and the National Center for Atmospheric Research. May was one of the warmest in Arizona history, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with temperatures in the state 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than the 20th century average for the month. But there are also longer-term trends at play. According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, the city has not seen any measurable rainfall in more than two months. And underlying this is an epic, multi-decade "megadrought," which has parched huge swaths of the Southwest. A recent study found that the last two decades are likely the driest stretch the region has seen in hundreds of years, and that human-caused global warming is to blame. In the short term, favorable weather to help firefighters get control of the flames is not expected anytime soon. The next opportunity for rain likely won't come until the monsoon season begins in early to mid-July, Swain says. "Right now, it looks like it'll be at least a couple more weeks of very dry, hot and occasionally windy conditions, which are probably going to mean that some of the fires burning now in Arizona are going to be burning well into July," he said. A fiery rest of 2020 is likely The situation in Arizona is concerning, but the possibility of what could come as fire season shifts North to other parts of the Western US is even more troubling, especially in California, which has been devastated by several deadly fires in recent years. The National Interagency Fire Center's most recent outlook projects above-average fire activity in Northern California starting in June, and broadening to include much of the Northwest, which could see fires pop up through September. "Unfortunately, [Arizona is] probably a preview of what's coming to the surrounding states over the coming weeks and months, because of this emerging drought across much of the West and the projections for a warmer than average summer just about everywhere, which is happening pretty often these days with climate change," Swain said. To Swain, the prospect of a pandemic colliding with the threats posed by an intense fire season are worrying. There's the smoke, that on its own can pose health risks, and even more so in light of how the coronavirus attacks victims' lungs. There are the challenges that coronavirus poses for firefighters tasked protecting people from fires. And then there's the issue of evacuations, and the risk that moving thousands of people out of the path of a fire could potentially lead to more Covid-19 infections. "It may have been a challenging fire season even without the pandemic, but it's making things that much more difficult." This story was first published on CNN.com Facing a record increase in coronavirus cases, Arizona is besieged by wildfires (TNS) The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office is a step closer to outfitting its deputies with body-worn cameras.The County Commission on Wednesday voted 6-1 to allow Sheriff Chad Chronister to put out a new request for proposals to purchase cameras that would run full time, not just when a deputy draws a sidearm or stun gun, as Chronister originally planned.The system would be more expensive, but worth it, Chronister told commissioners. He said the recent death of George Floyd by Minneapolis police made him decide to change course.I think theres an opportunity to make history, Chronister said. I think theres an opportunity to build trust through transparency to go to full-time body worn cameras.The Sheriffs Office first put out a request for proposals from camera vendors last summer. After months of evaluation, Chronister told commissioners, he decided to go with a holster-activated system that started capturing video when deputies pull their service weapons or stun gun.Then the George Floyd murder happened, Chronister said, sparking daily protests across the country and in Hillsborough that continue today. He decided to ask the commission for its blessing to seek another vendor proposal for a camera system that would activate, with some exceptions, every time a deputy would be out of their car.I think theres an outcry by our public to be even more transparent, he said.A Sheriffs Office news release issued after the meeting said the cameras would record each call for service and daily work-related interactions between deputies and the public they serve.Chronister told the commissioners he estimated the total cost will be $14 million. Thats based on what other agencies of comparable size are paying for their cameras and data management systems, a Sheriffs Office spokeswoman said.How much that would increase Chronisters request was not made clear during the meeting and the Sheriffs Office did not have an estimate.Chronister said the office hopes to piggyback on another local agencys request for proposals from vendors. The County Commission would then vote on a contract.I know that some may find this hard to believe, but our deputies are calling for this as well, he said.He said research shows that complaints against deputies about use of force and other incidents drop when cameras are rolling.County Administrator Mike Merrill recommended the move to commissioners, calling it the right way to go.The additional cost is well worth the benefits to the community, Merrill said.Commission Chairman Les Miller, Vice Chairwoman Kimberly Overman and commissioners Sandy Murman, Ken Hagan, Pat Kemp, and Mariella Smith all agreed.The transparency is vitally, vitally important, Miller said.Commissioner Stacy White voted no. White said he might support a holster-activated system but didnt think a full-time camera system would be worth the cost. He also cited privacy concerns.Im sensitive to whats going on across the country but cell phone footage has been able to document and memorialize these horrendous acts that have gone on around this country, White said. We dont seem to really have had problems with documenting that incredibly small number of bad apples in law enforcement.Chronister said he would have to hire three employees to store the video and handle public records requests, redacting the footage according to exemptions in public records law.Its not cheap, its not easy, there are pros and cons to every course of action, but this is a necessary course of action in our community at this point in time, Smith said.The vote marked another step toward bringing Tampa Bays local law enforcement agencies more in line with many of their counterparts in Florida and across the country. Local agencies have been slow to adopt camera technology.The Tampa Police Department is moving forward with the purchase of 650 body-worn cameras, one for every officer through the rank of corporal. City officials earlier in the year had decided to hold off on the purchase due to concerns about a financial hit from the pandemic. Then, Mayor Jane Castor announced on June 2 that the city would refinance bonds to help free up up money for the $7.4 million purchase. Two days later, the City Council unanimously approved the purchase from vendor Axon.Tampa police officers are required to activate their cameras during most interactions with the public, including traffic stops, pursuits and arrests.The same day Castor made her announcement, St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway and three of his officers were outfitted with cameras from a company called Body Worn.The cameras look like a cell phone and are worn in a pocket in the front of the uniform. When officers pull their service weapon or stun gun from a holster, the camera begins recording. The camera can be preset to capture footage in the seconds leading up to the moment the gun or stun gun is pulled. After a pilot period of several weeks, Holloway will make a recommendation to the City Council on whether to purchase the cameras.The Pasco County Sheriffs Office outfitted its deputies with cameras in 2015. Sheriff Chris Nocco has said the cameras have exceeded expectations, helping resolve citizen complaints and shed light on deputy misconduct.The Pinellas County Sheriffs Office does not use the technology. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has remained against them but said earlier this year that he would keep an eye on St. Petersburgs trial program. He's the cheeky Brit who will get his second shot at love on the upcoming season of Bachelor in Paradise. And as fans count down the weeks until Ciarran Stott is back on screens, the heavily-tattooed hunk is convinced he will get a 'villain' edit. He told the Manchester Evening News in April that while he doesn't regret his time on the show, his public image may well be tarnished when it goes to air. 'I'll go from sweetheart to bad boy': As fans count down the weeks until Ciarran Stott (pictured) debuts on Bachelor in Paradise, the heavily-tattooed hunk is convinced he'll get a 'villain' edit 'I think I'll go from the sweetheart of Australia to the bad boy of Australia so that won't be good,' he said. The English-born heartthrob explained that every girl in the villa took him out on a date, which he really enjoyed. 'My ex-girlfriend [Renee Barrett] was on there as well, which isn't ideal, and I just thought I was on Love Island so was trying to get with every bird possible,' he added. 'I just thought I was on Love Island': The cheeky Brit, who will arrive naked at the Fijian villa, said his public image may well be tarnished when Paradise goes to air in the coming weeks Ciarran also said he was convinced he could've won Angie Kent's heart on The Bachelorette last year, had he not been forced to leave early because of his grandmother's death. He said: 'It wasn't nice to leave because I think I would have won it, without sounding cocky.' But the flamboyant reality TV star will get another chance to find the woman of his dreams in Bachelor in Paradise. 'I think I would have won it, without sounding cocky': Ciarran also told The Manchester Evening News he was convinced he could've won Angie Kent's heart on The Bachelorette last year, had he not been forced to leave early because of his grandmother's death In a teaser trailer for the upcoming Channel 10 series, he arrives naked at the Fijian villa with only a bunch of red grapes covering his modesty. He confidently strides up to Abbie Chatfield, the runner-up from last year's season of The Bachelor, who reveals she has a crush on him. '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. Bachelor in Paradise season three will air on Channel 10 in the coming weeks A high schooler in Chicago has confessed to killing a woman after she told him she was transgender, according to police. Orlando Perez told officers he shot Selena Reyes-Hernandez twice in her home, then came back and fired into her body again, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. "It's even more heinous crime," a rep for the Chicago Police Department told reporters. "Like, 'I'm going to kill someone because of how they choose to live their life.'" Reyes-Hernandez is at least the 16th transgender person killed so far in 2020. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. A high-school student in Chicago has confessed to killing a transgender woman after she disclosed her gender identity to him, according to police. Orlando Perez told law enforcement he shot Selena Reyes-Hernandez twice in her home, then came back and fired his gun again into her body, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Related: 15,000 Protesters Rallied in Support of Black Trans Lives At a press conference on Wednesday, a Chicago Police Department representative said detectives believe Perez, 18, and Reyes-Hernandez, 37, met some time around 5:30 a.m. on May 31 and then went back to Reyes-Hernandez's basement apartment in Marquette Park. While there, police say, Perez asked Reyes-Hernandez if she was a girl. When she said she was transgender, he told her he had to leave. According to prosecutors, surveillance video shows Perez leaving, then returning with a dark face covering around 6 a.m., according to the Sun-Times. Footage also shows Perez taking out a handgun and jumping the gate outside Reyes-Hernandez's home, then leaving several minutes later, the Sun-Times reported. He told detectives after finding her door open, he walked in and shot Reyes-Hernandez in the head and back. "He thought that was enough so he ran out," Assistant State's Attorney James Murphy said during Perez's bond hearing. "But he kept seeing her face, so he went back there to do it again." Perez shot her body several more times, Murphy said, then moved her car before fleeing the scene. Story continues "It's even more heinous crime, like, 'I'm going to kill someone because of how they choose to live their life,'" a CPD rep said Thursday. After hearing noises, family members went downstairs, discovered Reyes-Hernandez's body, and immediately called police. A gun with the same type of bullets used to kill Reyes-Hernandez was discovered at Perez's home, prosecutors said. Perez was arrested Sunday. Officers were able to track him down using video on Reyes-Hernandez's cellphone. Demonstrators protest for transgender rights in Chicago on March 3, 2017. Scott Olson/Getty Image 'We must fight and fight hard to keep our trans community protected' The killing took place the same weekend more than 1,200 people were arrested in Chicago during protests over the police killing of George Floyd. Other demonstrations nationwide have decried the killings of Black Americans and transgender people of color. On Sunday, an estimated 15,000 people marched in Brooklyn in support of Black trans lives. Perez now faces a first-degree murder charge. He is being held without bail until his next hearing on July 6. "Black and Brown trans lives matter," Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot tweeted on Wednesday. "Selena Reyes-Hernandez's life matters." Condemning the murders of trans women of color, Lightfoot said, "being outraged is not enough." "We must fight and fight hard to keep our trans community protected and demand their attackers are brought to justice." At least 27 transgender and gender-nonconforming people were killed in 2019, according to HRC. This year, there have been at least 16 trans people killed, including Dominique Fells, whose mutilated body was discovered earlier this month in Philadelphia. In 2018, Illinois banned the so-called "gay panic" and "transgender-panic" defenses, barring attorneys from suggesting their client was reasonably provoked to violence by learning their victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Used in about half of US states, panic defenses have resulted in lesser charges and lighter sentences. In addition to Illinois, they have been banned in New York, California, and a handful of other states. Read the original article on Insider ORLANDO, Fla. - Drawing direct comparisons to the death of George Floyd, a civil rights lawyer said hes filing suit against a Florida police department in the death of a 36-year-old white man who collapsed with an officers knee on his neck. Timothy Coffman died four days after four South Daytona police officers struggled to control him during an arrest in July 2018, attorney Benjamin Crump said Thursday at a news conference where he appeared with Coffmans mother. It was the knee of the South Daytona Police Department that killed Timothy Coffman, Crump said. The death of Floyd in Minneapolis Police custody has sparked global protests against police killings. A black man, Floyd pleaded for air while offering little resistance to his arrest on May 25. Crump also represents the Floyd family. Like George Floyd, Timothy Coffman has a police officers knee on his back until he lost consciousness, Crump said. The South Daytona Police Department declined to comment, citing pending legal action. Coffman was violent as officers tried to subdue him, according to body cam video. His autopsy listed the cause of death as complications of methamphetamine toxicity and the contributory condition as physical restraint. No charges were filed against the officers. Seventh Circuit State Attorney R.J. Larizza said in October 2018 that his office reviewed all the reports and statements in the case, and that no further action is warranted, according to The Daytona Beach News-Journal. Crump is calling for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate. In addition to methamphetamine, the toxicology report listed other drugs in Coffmans system, including amphetamines, morphine, fentanyl and norfentanyl. Crump and attorney Jasmine Rand represent Coffmans mother, Kimberly Mitchell. She told the news conference that her son was mentally ill and she had tried to get help for him. Court records show Coffman had prior arrests before police were called to respond to a suspicious person who seemed off, the newspaper reported. A police report said Coffman fled when the first officer to arrive asked to speak to him. The officer fired a stun gun at him, and Coffman ripped out the barbs and kept running. The officer sprayed Coffman with pepper spray. Coffman then grabbed a bottle of insecticide and sprayed the officer. The officer said he knew he couldnt physically restrain Coffman, who weighed 244 pounds, so he stalled until help arrived. Four officers then struggled with Coffman before finally getting him in handcuffs and leg restraints. Body cam video shows one of the officers putting his knee on the neck, shoulder and back of the face-down Coffman, who yelled Get off me. Coffman struggled for a few minutes, then stopped. The officers rolled him over and put him in a sitting position, the video shows. By then, his head and neck appeared limp. Paramedics took him to a hospital where he died four days later. What he needed was a helping hand, Crump said of Coffman. What he got was a deadly knee. Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) - The inauguration of Evariste Ndayishimiye on Thursday as Burundis new president is an opportunity to restore respect for human rights in the country by reopening the civic space, ending crimes under international law and human rights violations by security services and the ruling partys youth wing the Imbonerakure, human rights advocate Amnesty International has said Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 09:51:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAPE TOWN, June 18 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) on Thursday launched the Africa Medical Supplies Platform intended to address the supply shortages in the continent's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. "Through this platform we will address shortages and security of supply, ensure price competitiveness and transparency in procurement, reduce logistical delays, simplify payment processes and provide a common platform where governments can access services from quality and certified suppliers," South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as the rotating AU Chairperson, said at an online press briefing. He called the platform that is developed in partnership with the African Export-Import Bank "a ground-breaking innovation" and "the jewel in the crown of pan-African cooperation." The platform is designed as a continental online portal to enable every African country to access critical medical supplies needed in combating COVID-19, said Ramaphosa. Noting the buyer is government instead of individual, Ramaphosa said African countries will be able to directly source from manufacturers in both the necessary quantities and at competitive prices. For example, once a vaccine is available, it will be added to this portal in line with the stated commitment by African countries to ensure equitable access to any form of lifesaving medication, Ramaphosa said. "Resources will be secured by governments on a quota basis determined among other things by vulnerability level," he said. African countries will have ready access to an online marketplace with the click of a button, as opposed to the onerous and time-consuming process of scouring the globe to procure medical supplies, according to Ramaphosa. By pooling the needs of the continent, African countries manage to achieve quantities of scale and present suppliers with a large and assured market, without going through the "middle man" in supply chain processes, he said. Moreover, African countries, with this platform, are laying another building block towards the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose launch has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, said Ramaphosa. "The continent's response to this pandemic is testament to Africa's resilience, to our often undervalued expertise in managing public health emergencies ... to our unwavering quest for self-reliance," he said. Enditem Women's Experiences of Using Specialised Courts for Violence Against Women: Lessons from Ecuador Despite significant legal reform to protect women in Ecuador from violence, it remains widespread. A team of researchers from the School of Law at the Universidad del Azuay, Ecuador, and academics affiliated with the Institute for Global Innovation at the University of Birmingham, investigated the extent to which these reforms are informed by womens experiences and how useful they are in practice. This report summarises the pilot study which incorporated both fieldwork and document analysis. Their 10 findings and subsequent recommendations highlight the need for a welfare system unconnected to the criminal justice system to assist survivors, and that it is essential that law enforcement works hand in hand with this. Stronger protections, both economic and from rights violations would make reporting violence and continuing a judicial process, a much safer option for many women. Team of researchers and academic advisors: Universidad del Azuay (School of Law) Dr Silvana Tapia Tapia Ms Tatiana Padron Palacios Ms Maria Caridad Sanchez Dr Sebastian Lopez Hidalgo University of Birmingham Professor Kate Bedford (Birmingham Law School) Dr Caroline Bradbury-Jones Download the full report Turkey Brushes Off France's 'Groundless Allegations' of Aggression in Mediterranean Sputnik News 09:23 GMT 18.06.2020(updated 09:57 GMT 18.06.2020) The French Foreign Ministry on 17 June accused Turkey's navy of hostile actions towards its NATO allies to prevent them from imposing a United Nations arms embargo on Libya. Turkey has brushed off France's "groundless and deliberate allegations" of "aggressive" action by Turkish frigates against a French Navy vessel taking part in a NATO mission in the Mediterranean. The statement comes after the French Defence Ministry denounced the frigates' action as "unacceptable by an ally". A spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry said that the main obstacle to establishing peace in Libya is the systematic violation of the UN arms embargo, in particular by Turkey. Over the past few weeks, France has been working on resuming talks for a quick ceasefire under the auspices of the UN and within the framework established in Berlin, according to the spokesman. The ministry spokesman also urged Turkey to stop these activities, adding that any other foreign interference in the conflict must stop. In January, the international conference on Libyan reconciliation in Berlin urged all countries involved to refrain from assisting the rival parties and observe an arms embargo on Libya. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ANN ARBOR, MI -- A local t-shirt business partnered with a mouthguard manufacturer to make face shields for health care workers. Ann Arbor T-shirt Company has continued to sell products online and maintained its employees, but co-owners Jerry Kozak and Ricky Winowiecki wanted to help after noticing health care workers were short on personal protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic. After the two came across a story about Ackervall Technologies, a Saline-based mouthguard maker, they discovered the company went into making face shields. We felt kind of guilty. We screen print. We dont cut and sew here. We dont have equipment to offer but we are making money with our Amazon sales, Kozak said. We told our employees Dont file for unemployment, were going to keep you on. I talked to Ricky, my co-owner and we were like What can we do? They reached out to Ackervall and offered $50,000 to provide materials to make more, but due to the companys limited capacity, Ann Arbor T-shirt employees gathered in their 30,000 square-foot space to assemble 25,000 shields. Over the course of three to four weeks, we were able to make 25,000 shields, Kozak said. Face shields were sent to St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, Michigan Medicine, and various urgent care and dental facilities. Its been tremendously fulfilling to turn our success to the community, Kozak said. I like t-shirts but its pretty evident its not what the country needed right now. The company had between 200,000 and 300,000 shirts in the warehouse system during the business closures, which helped keep sales going. As the owners prepare for a second wave, theyre aiming to catch up on production to list items on Amazon, providing protective equipment to employees, setting up plexiglass and checking temperatures. Expect the worst, hope for the best. For now, were trying to produce as much as we can, Kozak said. DiBellas Subs surprises Ann Arbor front-line workers with free lunch Traffic being limited on several Ann Arbor roads With no buyer on the horizon, Ann Arbors treasured Treasure Mart nears closure NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 19, 2020 / The internet and social media are two powerful tools that have completely changed how people do business. Now, you can make millions of dollars just by using your phone and other devices to leverage your presence on social media. This is exactly what Willy Moeller did to make him money and now wants to help others do the same. "I was born in Quito, Ecuador. I am 34 years old and moved to Miami 20 years ago! For over 10 years, I have been a traditional business owner who completely merged into the online business world about 3 years ago! Now, I run multiple multi million dollar online businesses." Recounts Willy. For Willy, the internet has been crucial to magnifying his success and financial freedom, particularly the tools associated with social media. In particular, Willy has used Instagram to help grow his brand. He now has over half a million followers and an incredible brand, which helps him expand his presence in the business world. "I focused a lot on building a personal brand, and growing my social presence, which now I leverage it to build relationships with all the major entrepreneurs!" Exclaims Willy. His talents of making money online by moving his traditional business format into the virtual world has allowed Willy to make millions of dollars from anywhere in the world, including on vacation. His income went from a couple thousand dollars to millions of dollars by embracing the digital world. Now, Willy makes money while he sleeps, from the comfort of his own home, or while traveling. "I went from making 4 to 5 thousand a month to well over 6 figures a month in profit in less than a year! I have grown to over half a million followers on Instagram, and have leveraged it to connect and do business with all the top entrepreneurs. I have also traveled to over 80 countries while making money from my phone, and I am now helping others do the same!" Explains Willy. Since achieving so much success, Willy has been helping others do the same. He created his own business to help others expand their presence on Instagram, create their own amazon storefronts to make money even while they sleep, and is generally offering advice on how to use digital formats to become more successful than anyone imagined. "We work with the absolute best in the industry, which allows us to guarantee the results our clients need. My website has on its homepage 'Maximize your full potential. Welcome to the digital world.' That is what we intend to do: maximize any person or business' potential by enhancing their presence. Your Instagram account shows the world who you are, so you should start treating it like a business." Says Willy. Willy's business, though now incredibly successful, did not start off that way. He had to change some major things about the way he was going about life and thinking about things in order to make the massive shift to the digital world. This mostly came in the form of a mindset change, which was needed to think outside the box and embrace this new style of conducting business. "I needed a change of mindset and adjustment to the changes from the traditional business world into the digital!" States Willy. Willy hopes to continue to embrace the best digital formats to create the best resources for himself and for others who want to use digital technology to help expand their business. Willy's service is crucial now more than ever in the times of coronavirus when digital presence is the only way that customers can interact with businesses due to lockdowns and limitations on physical presence. To learn more about how to launch your business into the future with digital, check out Willy's website here: www.willymoeller.com/. You can also follow Willy on Instagram @wmoeller85. CONTACT: Paula Henderson 202-539-7664 phendersonnews@gmail.com About VIP Media Group: VIP Media Group is a hybrid PR agency. Their diverse client base includes top-class entrepreneurs, public figures, influencers, and celebrities. SOURCE: VIP Media Group View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/594479/Willy-Moeller-Makes-Money-While-Traveling-The-World-In-Luxury-Find-Out-How-He-Did-It Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair an all-party meeting on the India-China border face-off on Friday. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the Monday night brawl and 18 others have been injured. In order to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas, Prime Minister @narendramodi has called for an all-party meeting at 5 PM on 19th June. Presidents of various political parties would take part in this virtual meeting, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) had tweeted on Wednesday. In order to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas, Prime Minister @narendramodi has called for an all-party meeting at 5 PM on 19th June. Presidents of various political parties would take part in this virtual meeting. PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 17, 2020 News agency ANI reported that 20 parties will attend the virtual meeting in which home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh and BJP president JP Nadda will also be present. The defence minister had personally called and invited all leaders on behalf of PM Modi on Thursday, ANI further reported. Indian Army officials claimed 43 Chinese were killed or seriously injured in the incident on June 15. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Thursday that the country has taken the incident in Galwan Valley very seriously. We all pay tributes to the martyred Army officers and soldiers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made clear Indias view over what was done by the neighbouring country China, the PIB release quoted him as saying. India has taken this incident very seriously, the senior BJP leader said. PM Modi had said ahead of a meeting with the chief ministers on the Covid-19 situation that India is a peace-loving country but can give befitting reply if provoked. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will attend todays meeting, news agency PTI quoted sources in the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Banerjee, the TMC chief, had on Wednesday said the Centres move to call the all-party meeting to discuss the situation was a right decision. She had skipped the chief ministers meeting on the Covid-19 situation because West Bengal was not given time to speak during the video-conference. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh, meanwhile, claimed that they have not been invited to Fridays meeting. A strange ego-ridden government is running at the Centre. The Aam Aadmi Party has a government in Delhi. It is the main Opposition party in Punjab. There are four MPs all over the country, but still the BJP does not want AAPs opinion on such an important matter. What will the prime minister say in the meeting, the whole country is waiting for it, Singh tweeted in Hindi on Thursday. 4 AAP ? Sanjay Singh AAP (@SanjayAzadSln) June 18, 2020 The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has also said that it has not been invited to todays meeting. Rashtriya Janta Dal MP Manoj Kumar Jha on Friday said it was unfortunate. This is very sad and unfortunate that we are not invited. We are the single largest party in Bihar including five Rajya Sabha MPs, eight MLC and 80 MLAs. The party is present in 21 states. I do not know what criteria they have fixed. Bihar regiment has lost five soldiers. We have many things to ask and suggest to the Prime Minister, the RJD leader said. The Congress, meanwhile, has been attacking the government over the incident in Ladakh. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi had earlier questioned whether the Indian soldiers were sent to the site of the clash in Ladakhs Galwan Valley unarmed. Foreign minister S Jaishankar had hit back, saying the soldiers were carrying arms but did not open fire following protocols. Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a colonel, were killed in a clash with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakhs Galwan Valley on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two neighbours. And can the Trump administration do it now? Theoretically yes, under still another acting homeland security secretary, but any newly justified rescission announcement would find the administration back in court within hours, the clock ticking all the while toward Election Day. Although the chief justice nominally left it up to the administration to weigh the reliance interests against its policy goal, his exposition of the strength of those interests sets a very high bar for this or any subsequent administration to clear. Where was the other Chief Justice Roberts this week, the one of the disastrous Shelby County v. Holder voting rights decision and of the travel ban decision? Was the Chief Justice Roberts who silently joined Justice Neil Gorsuchs majority opinion bringing L.G.B.T.Q. people within the protection of federal anti-discrimination law the same chief justice who wrote a snarky dissenting opinion five years ago when the court upheld the constitutional right to same-sex marriage? Contemplating this head-snapping week at the Supreme Court, Im reminded of the amazing 2002-2003 term, when the court under another conservative chief justice, William Rehnquist, seemed to pull its robust conservatism up short. In the space of a few weeks in the spring of 2003, the court upheld affirmative action in higher education; granted constitutional protection to gay men and lesbians for their private sexual lives; and upheld the application of the family-care provision of the Family and Medical Leave Act to state employees. Chief Justice Rehnquist himself was in dissent in the first two of those cases, but he surprised nearly everyone by writing the majority opinion in the third, a case that may sound obscure now but that effectively spelled an end to the federalism revolution on which, under the chief justices leadership, the court had been embarked. What could have accounted for that surprising turn of events at the dawn of the new century? Wrestling with that question, I eventually concluded that the court was realigning itself, as it has done historically, with its own sense of what the public wanted and expected from it. No great Supreme Court case is only a question of law, I wrote then. It is always also an episode in the ongoing dialogue by which the court engages with the society in which it operates and in which the justices live. Just so with this weeks cases. Mondays ruling on the right of gay and transgender people to be free of discrimination in the workplace showed a court that by a refreshing vote of 6 to 3 decided not to stand in the path of a tide of social change. The DACA decision contained a message threaded through its dry language of administrative procedure a warning to the Trump administration not to assume that it gets a free pass, not to take the Supreme Court for granted. WASHINGTON - Demonstrators spread across Washington on Friday to celebrate the death of slavery 155 years ago and continue the national street crusade against the racial oppression that pervades the country today. On foot, by car and bicycle they came to march, pray, dance and vent in the third week of almost daily demonstrations following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody on May 25. Students, teachers, military veterans and sports stars came to protest poor education and health care for African Americans, as well as police brutality and institutional racism. They brought umbrellas to block the rain, megaphones to be heard, and horns to make music. Jeremy Berheisel brought his black Audi A4, which was covered with Black Lives Matter graffiti, and invited people to sign it. Two go-go bands thundered from the back of a flatbed truck. A man in a white loincloth simulated the crucifixion of Jesus. By late evening, the marches and speeches of the day near Lafayette Square had given way to music and laughter along U Street, making the protests feel more like a street festival. People of all ages and races strolled around, listening to music, eating at barbecue tents and an ice cream kiosk, and buying T-shirts from the many vendors still on hand. Most wore masks to protect themselves and others from the still-raging coronavirus pandemic. No police were visible anywhere. But street medics were on hand to dispense free hand sanitizer, masks or ibuprofen to anyone in need. The protest was still happening - it was just happening casually, unfolding in its own time and on its own terms, and with very little engagement from Secret Service officers or other authorities. Friday's rallies marked the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth - June 19, 1865 - the day a military decree was announced in Galveston, Tex., informing thousands of enslaved people in the Confederate state that they were free. African Americans have embraced the date for generations as the symbolic end of almost 250 years of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth "really is in some ways the second Independence Day in this country," Lonnie Bunch III, the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, said as crowds assembled Friday morning. "For many people, Juneteenth raises the fundamental question of the power and impact of freedom, and the fragility of freedom," said Bunch, the first African American to serve as Smithsonian secretary. Celebrations and marches were held in Atlanta and Salt Lake City, in Richmond, Va., and Minneapolis. In Washington, people marched from Dupont Circle and Columbia Heights, from U Street and Meridian Hill Park, also known as Malcolm X Park - small groups joining to become thousands to share the triumph of the day and the struggles that persist. In Washington, pro basketball players from the Wizards and the Mystics rallied outside Capital One Arena, where hundreds of mask-wearing supporters gathered. Wizards guard Bradley Beal, Mystics guard Natasha Cloud and John Thompson III, the former coach of the Georgetown Hoyas, led a march through the streets of Penn Quarter to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Beal spoke of an encounter with a police officer who threatened to arrest him two years ago when he was pulled over on the Capital Beltway. "I didn't do anything," Beal recounted. "But because I was a black athlete driving a nice vehicle, that's why he came over. And how am I supposed to respond to that?" At Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House, River Rubalcava, 37, of San Antonio simulated the crucifixion. He made a loincloth out of his shirt and wrote "BLM," for "Black Lives Matter," across the front. He fashioned the cross out lumber scraps from a dumpster. He pointed to the White House and said, "I want him to know that in the end, everyone has to stand before God." By 1 p.m., hundreds of people gathered on the National Mall across from the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture for a planned "Freedom Day March" to the MLK Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. As the sun came out and the day grew hotter, Kevin Cramer, one of the event's organizers, directed attendees to free bottles of water while fielding questions from a German television reporter. "Today is Juneteenth," he said. "We're supposed to be celebrating freedom. But we know black people in America are only conditionally free." Cramer, a 24-year-old from Wilmington, Del., had been at protests at the White House following Floyd's killing when authorities deployed pepper spray. Friday's scene was different, with protesters, including families with young children, waiting in the shade for the march to begin. Aminah Mellion, 39, a public school employee from Springfield, Va., was at the march with her 6-year-old daughter, Ella, who was holding a "Black Lives Matter" sign. The pair had left Ella's father and younger sibling home for their first trip out since coronavirus shutdowns began. Mellion said she thought it was important for Ella "to be part of this moment." "I just had to show up," she said. "I couldn't not be a part of it." At the edge of the crowd, Ken and Pat Moss, a married couple in their 60s from Silver Spring, Md., held a protest sign featuring a portrait of Floyd that Pat had painted. The pair remember marching against the Vietnam War on this same ground a generation ago. "It's important for white people to show up," Pat Moss said. "The work we did was unfinished. We didn't even know how unfinished it was." As marchers reached the Lincoln Memorial, storm clouds rolled in and people assembled on the steps. Sanjeev Sriram, a pediatric doctor in the District of Columbia, said he was born in rural Virginia at a hospital founded at the behest of "black and brown people." As a health-care practitioner, he said his industry had failed those it purported to serve, instead enriching a small number of corporations. "Our health-care system was not built for us," he said. "They are failing at racial equality because they are too busy succeeding at profits, not people." Scharon Ball, 58, took in the scene from a memorial step. The Maryland resident said she had watched the recent protests with interest, but this was the first time she had come out. "It feels like it's time to participate," she said. "People are dying needlessly." Ball said that she did not expect substantive change from the current administration but thought the recent demonstrations across the nation were helping Congress listen to what the American people were saying. "Protest is American," she said. "This is how we get our government to see." Elsewhere, Grace Odrick, carrying a trombone in one hand and a sign in the other, was hurrying to catch up to the other horn players who had just marched north on 14th Street NW, playing Peter Tosh's "Get Up, Stand Up." "This is a magnificent event," said Odrick, 57. "I like history. I thought it was important to celebrate my own African American history in spite of the rain, in spite of my weight - I'm overweight - and my leg is hurting." Her sign said "No More Auction Block" - a message of refusal and promise. "It means anything that is holding me back from being myself, changing from within and changing society, whatever it is - overeating, being shy, being a female musician." At Black Lives Matter Plaza, Jeremy Berheisel was showing off his graffiti car. Nearly every inch - wheels and interior, too - was covered in Black Lives Matter graffiti. He said he is a former Army platoon sergeant who is tired of President Trump and tired of the racial division in the United States, which he said he recognized as a white man in the armed forces. In the field, people were united, he said. But he said he saw blatant discrimination in promotions and personnel decisions. In Richmond, Va., hundreds of protesters gathered for a candlelight vigil around the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, which has been the focus of demonstrations on police brutality. Like the scene in Washington, a diverse group of people danced and sang as they demonstrated. In 1865, the Juneteenth order issued by Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, stated: "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, 'all slaves are free.' " "This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves," the order said, "and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor." The main Confederate army had surrendered on April 9, 1865, but resistance and defiance continued in some areas and would continue for more than a century. The decree immediately affected the lives of 250,000 enslaved people in Texas. It was greeted with jubilation and has been celebrated in African American communities for generations. Bunch, speaking at a Washington Post Live event streamed online, said: "This day should remind us that freedom wasn't given. . . . African Americans . . . fought for their freedom. It wasn't just given to them. . . . We should celebrate the moment but recognize that it's incumbent upon us to protect this freedom." He said the current wave of protest over racism after the killing of Floyd "is a moment that's part of a long historic arc. . . . What I'm seeing is a struggle in the streets to make the country better." "There's a part of me that's hopeful and a part of me that's not," said Bunch, who was also the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. "I'm seeing changes that I never would have expected," he said. "On the other hand, we've seen this moment before. . . . I worry a little bit that this is a moment that could be taken away if we don't continue to push." More gatherings are expected to continue into Saturday and Sunday, which is Father's Day. Protests in the District have remained peaceful for more than two weeks following the aggressive police tactics - including deploying chemical agents, smoke bombs and pepper bullets - used to clear the square in front of St. John's Church ahead of a visit from President Trump. And looming over the weekend's festivities was the long shadow of the pandemic, which has continued to ravage communities across the country. Organizations and city officials encouraged protesters to wear masks at demonstrations and be tested at free sites throughout the District. - - - The Washington Post's Emily Davies, Paul Duggan, Fredrick Kunkle, Gene Wang, Samantha Schmidt, Marissa J. Lang, Lauren Lumpkin and Perry Stein contributed to this report. A man (40) has died in Assam due to head injuries sustained while trying to flee from a quarantine centre after he came to know that he has tested coronavirus disease (Covid-19) positive. The deceased, who had recently returned from Odisha, where he was working, amid the easing of nationwide lockdown restrictions, was quarantined at a makeshift facility in a school near his native village in Bongaigaon district. The deceased and another person tested Covid-19 positive on Tuesday. He was informed about it and an ambulance was sent to transfer both these patients to a hospital, said MS Lakshmi Priya, deputy commissioner (DC), Bongaigaon. When the ambulance reached the quarantine centre, the other person boarded the vehicle. But the man, who had recently returned from Odisha, gave an excuse that he would need to collect some of his stuff from the quarantine centre. He tried to scale a wall of the centre in a bid to escape. Unfortunately, he slipped and sustained severe head injuries, the DC added. He was immediately shifted to the medical college hospital in neighbouring Barpeta district, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). He died on Thursday. Even though he had tested Covid-19 positive, he didnt die due to symptoms related to the viral outbreak. His death wont be counted as a Covid-19 fatality, the DC said. This is an unfortunate incident and the deceased would definitely have recovered from the viral disease within a few days. Weve no idea why he took such an extreme step. Were taking extra care of all those who are under institutional quarantine in the district, she added. His last rites were performed at his native village in Bongaigaon district on Thursday, as per the central governments strict guidelines of disposing of bodies of Covid-19 patients. Bongaigaon district has recorded 65 Covid-19 positive cases until Thursday. Around 7,000 people working in other states have returned to the district in the past 45 days since the ban on inter-state movement was lifted. Assam has recorded 4,862 Covid-19 positive cases till Thursday, including 2,849 patients have recovered and nine deaths. Over 2.91 lakh people have returned to the state from other states in the north-east and the rest of the country since May 4. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Alfre Woodard in a still from Clemency. (Bohemia Media) Clemency, Chinonye Chukwus critically-acclaimed drama starring Alfre Woodard, has landed a UK release date of 17 July. The film, about a death row prison warden who confronts the psychological and emotional demons of her chosen career, won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Its the first release from new UK distributor Bohemia Media which is dedicated to promoting titles from marginalised groups that are not well-served within mainstream culture. The film will launch on streaming service Curzon Home Cinema and Bohemia's own platform simultaneously from the 17 July. Bohemia has pledged to share revenue from sales on its own platform with independent cinemas across the country. Chinonye Chukwu, left, and Alfre Woodard attend the 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominee Brunch at the Boa Steakhouse on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, in West Hollywood, Calif. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP) Punters who stream the film via Bohemias bespoke film streaming platform will be able to select a local cinema to receive an equal split of the revenue. Despite cinemas being able to open from July, as long as coronavirus infection rates continue to decline, many independent cinemas have said they wont be able to reopen until September due to the loss of revenue imposed by social distancing measures. Chukwu wrote and directed the death row drama, and she became the first Black woman to win the top prize at the acclaimed indie film festival. Read more: The films that will reopen UK cinemas Matt Fagerholm on RogerEbert.com said of the Woodards performance, which sadly went overlooked at this years Oscars: This is screen acting of a very rare sort, and Clemency is a vital emotional powerhouse sorely deserving of being seen. Guardians Benjamin Lee called Clemency: a bleakly effective character study as well as a damning indictment of a barbaric and unjust system. Manohla Dargis of The New York Times said: Sometimes acting seems like possession. Thats how Alfre Woodards performance in Clemency feels as she violently sweeps you up with the force of her talent. Clemency is out on 17 July. Watch the US trailer for the film below. Thanks to the efforts of Black Lives Matter protesters, and to Americas ongoing reckoning with police brutality and entrenched racism, more Americans who arent black are hearing about Juneteenth this year. (No, President Donald Trump, its not all about you.) Gov. Ralph Northam introduced legislation to make June 19 a paid state holiday in Virginia; companies like Twitter and Square (and Slate!) gave their employees the day off; Google added it to its calendar of U.S. holidays. Advertisement The story of emancipation contains within itself a story of white failure. Juneteenth, our former colleague Jamelle Bouie wrote in a 2014 argument for the addition of the day to the calendar of federal holidays, is a celebration of emancipation but also a celebration of the commitment to liberty and equality. This ideathat the days significance lies in our stated commitment, not necessarily our accomplishmentsshould be key to our celebration. As Bouie pointed out, the concept of Juneteenth resonates in part because the day fell in 1865, two-and-a-half years after the date of the Emancipation Proclamation, showing how gradual and patchwork enslaved peoples wartime achievement of freedom was. Emancipation, Juneteenth tells us, was a process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, in the middle of a pandemic and recession that have been way worse for black people, Im thinking on Juneteenth about how the fable of emancipation contains within itself a story of white failure. Take a closer look at this Circular that Union Gen. Gordon Granger ordered placed in the Galveston Daily News on July 7, 1865, to notify Texans that all slaves are free. It was Grangers arrival in Galveston on June 19, 1865, that brought formal emancipation to Texasthe last former slave state to hold people in captivity. (Speaking of the patchwork nature of liberation, some people from other parts of the South even brought those they held in bondage to Texas, to be able to retain their property for longer.) Advertisement Advertisement As a document of Juneteenth, Grangers Circular foreshadows how reluctant the North was going to be to support the freedpeople in their freedom. The first paragraph of the notice speaks of absolute equality between former masters and slaves, and tells the newly minted employers that cruel treatment or improper use of authority would not be tolerated. (That last part feels like a near-criminal misreading of the nature of this interpersonal situation.) But the bulk of the text is aimed not at former masters, but at freedpeople. Advertisement No persons formerly slaves will be permitted to travel on the public thoroughfares without passes or permits from their employers. They will not be subsisted in idleness, or in any way except as employees of the Government, or in cases of extreme destitution or sickness. Idleness is sure to be productive of vice. No person, white or black able to labor, will be subsisted by the Government in idleness, and thus hang as a dead weight upon those who are disposed to bear their full share of the public burdens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is part of the story of emancipation, too: the way that white Northerners extended a provisional vision of freedom, while requiring hard labor, under whatever terms possible. In the 19th century, the brutal folk adage root, hog, or diea reference to the practice of turning pigs into the forest and letting them fend for themselvesreminded Americans that they must be self-reliant or perish. Approaching Reconstruction, mixing the ideology of free labor with a dose of racism, the federal government made it clear that Northern whites would not make an exception to this rule of self-reliance for the formerly enslaved. The reluctance to assist was an artifact of cultural belief about individual responsibility, but it was a function of Northern whites racism. In her Beyond Redemption: Race, Violence, and the American South After the Civil War, historian Carole Emberton writes that a protective impulse among Northerners who wanted to shield freedpeople from abuse and intimidation in their relationships with their former masters brushed up against an equally strong impulse to discipline ex-slaves, to reform their degraded spirits and control their laboring bodies. Northerners, even some of those who were working for the Freedmens Bureau and were ostensibly on the freedpeoples side, were wary of offering material support for people who were going through a great upheaval. Even under these most extreme circumstances, they feared the strings-free fulfilling of basic needs like food and shelter would lead to dependency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northerners, Emberton argued, also had limited sympathy for freedpeople because they had the idea that black suffering would be a condition of freedomthat the formerly enslaved must also pay a price for their liberation, which came at the cost of so much Union blood. Emberton cites words from Capt. Charles Soule, a Freedmens Bureau agent in Orangeburg, South Carolina, who spoke to freedpeople in June 1865, the same month that Granger showed up in Galveston. He thought the people he was charged with caring for were asking too muchshelter, food, medical careand told them that suffering was their lot. You are now free, but you must know that the only difference you can feel yet, between slavery and freedom, is that neither you nor your children can be bought or sold, Soule said. You may have a harder time this year than you have ever had before; it will be the price you pay for your freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Because the Freedmens Bureau believed that the quickest way to get freedpeople supporting themselves would be to incorporate them into the workforce as soon as possible, they tried everything they could to match people with jobs, including moving them from state to state, writes historian Jim Downs in Sick From Freedom: African-American Illness and Suffering During the Civil War and Reconstruction. Accustomed to a model of social order that regarded a male laborer as a support for a family, officials from the North thought of the formerly enslaved as healthy, unencumbered men, who could work in the fields for their daily bread. This left many people who didnt fit this description, or werent supported by anyone fitting this description, without any subsistence at all. As a consequence, elderly, young, sick, or disabled freedpeople, not to mention mothers caring for young children, struggled. While some Northerners involved in Reconstruction, especially those working for benevolent associations, recognized this problem and tried to help, most didnt. Advertisement Frederick Douglass said in a speech in Elmira, New York, in 1880, after Reconstruction had ended, that the old master class is today triumphant, and the newly-enfranchised class in a condition but little above that in which they were found after the rebellion. To explain this, Douglass pointed back at the very moment of emancipation, and the fact that freedom didnt come with material support. The old master class was not deprived of the power of life or death, which was the soul of the relation of master and slave, Douglass said. They could not, of course, sell their former slaves, but they retained the power to starve them to death, and wherever this power is held there is the power of slavery. Advertisement This is an angle on the story of Emancipation that is hard to read about. Its one thing to believe that Reconstruction failed because of Southern reactionary intransigence, and Southerners liberal use of suppressive violence against the formerly enslaved among them. Its another to realize how parsimonious and begrudging the North was to the people who were suddenly free, but who had nothingand how that lack of support dragged freedpeople down, right from the beginning. This, too, is part of Juneteenth, especially for white peopleor it should be. For more on Reconstruction, listen to Rebecca Onion and Jamelle Bouies Slate Academy podcast series. Governor Seyi Makinde says the recent rise recorded in the number of coronavirus cases in Oyo State is due to more tests being carried out in the state. Oyo state recorded 103 confirmed cases on Thursday, its highest daily number yet. According to the governor in a post on his verified Facebook account and Twitter page, the rise being witnessed is connected to the activation of 10 community-based testing centres in the state. You may have noticed the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in Oyo State in the past few days. Between June 10 and June 18, 2020, weve tested 3,065 more samples due to the activation of 10 community-based testing centres. The total no. of samples tested currently stands at 7,051, he said. Mr Makinde said the more samples we test, the more positive cases we are likely to get. as he urged the residents to start taking responsibility and follow guidelines to curb the deadly virus. This means that COVID-19 is still very much in our midst and we need to take responsibility and follow the guidelines provided by the COVID-19 Task Force. We urge those with any strange fevers, sudden loss of taste/smell or other known COVID-19 symptoms to please visit the nearest community-based testing centre to get tested. Speaking on the cases recorded on Thursday, he said: the COVID-19 confirmation tests for 103 cases came back POSITIVE. The cases are from Oyo East (28), Saki West (13), Oluyole (12), Lagelu (9), Ibadan South West (9), Ibadan North (7), Ibadan South East (4), Akinyele (4), Ona Ara (3), Ibarapa North (2), Itesiwaju (2), Ogbomosho North (2), Oyo West (2), Atiba (1), Ido (1), Ibadan North West (1), Kajola (1), Egbeda (1), Ogbomosho South (1) Local Government Areas. READ ALSO: The governor confirmed that the total number of confirmed cases in Oyo State as of the time of this report is 764. Oyo State sits fourth in the states ranking of the disease in Nigeria. For the past seven years, a Munich-based firm called riskmethods has tried to interest companies in buying software that allows them to track all their suppliers in a way that minimizes risks in operating globally spread supply chains. Until recently, that has been a tough sell. But in the wake of mass disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic, riskmethods subscribers have increased by 20%, and requests for trials of its risk-intelligence services in the current quarter have surged by more than 200% from a year ago. With pandemic-induced lockdowns cutting off supplies of critical raw materials and components, and social distancing guidelines increasing the cost of manual labor, business is booming at companies like riskmethods that offer digital tools to help map out supply-chain risks, run factories and even forecast demand. In modern multi-tier supply chains, production processes are often spread across dozens of firms operating in multiple countries in a bid to maximize economic efficiency. A study in 2014 found that Japans Toyota Motor Corp employed 2,192 suppliers in its production process. As many companies discovered during the initial wave of lockdowns, any break in this complex and elongated supply chain can cause production interruptions. Still smarting under the shock, they are now scrambling for tools to protect operations from future disruptions. In the aftermath of the outbreak, riskmethods launched an application that was focused on providing intelligence about the contagions impact on supply chains. The response from companies and even suppliers to the application was overwhelming, said Bill DeMartino, chief customer officer at riskmethods, adding that the pandemic has rendered investments in supply-chain risk management a mainstream requirement. Distant Locations Similarly, Instrumental Inc. a digital startup in California is fielding a threefold jump in inquiries from electronics manufacturers for its artificial-intelligence platform that enables companies to maintain control of production processes at distant and offshore locations without sending engineers on site. They are not looking for a solution nine months from now, said Anna-Katrina Shedletsky, chief executive and founder of Instrumental, referring to manufacturers contacting her company. They want something next week. A survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers of chief financial officers at U.S.-based companies last month showed more companies are planning to use automation in the supply chain in response to COVID-19. Orders at Minneapolis-based Hartfiel Automation, which distributes robots and automation hardware, are up 20% within the past two weeks, and inquiries are up 40%, said CEO Myron Moser. The orders and inquiries are mostly from businesses that were shut down at the height of the pandemic, he said. Longer-term, setting up autonomous guided vehicles, robotics welding or material handling systems could contribute to further job losses even as the U.S. unemployment rate languishes in double-digits. Automation could put more pressure on millions who lost jobs to the pandemic. At the same time, riskmethods has bolstered its overall team by nearly 33% globally this year. It plans to increase headcount by another 12% before the fall. Instrumental, which had 30 employees as of February, wants to expand its workforce by 25%. Supply Chain Visibility Before the pandemic, many companies tended to have limited visibility of all but their top suppliers, and the process of tracking them was mostly manual. Now, some companies are deploying vibration sensors in the factories of their critical suppliers to track if they are running or not, said Justin Rose, managing director at Boston Consulting Group. At Vermeer Corp, an Iowa-based equipment manufacturer, the virus spread from China to Europe and then the United States and Mexico left the companys managers uncertain whether factories could operate from one day to the next. Chief Executive Jason Andringa said his team has been working the phones for the past four months to track down potential broken links in the supply chain. It has been a daily and hourly thing that we have been worried about, he said. The cloud technology units of companies such as International Business Machines Corp, Microsoft Corp and SAP SE are seizing the moment, as are a new breed of service companies like riskmethods. The applications sold by riskmethods provide early warning signals of potential supplier disruptions like mass factory shutdowns, force majeure and bankruptcy to clients such as AGCO Corp, Cummins Inc and Douglas Dynamics Inc . They also help clients monitor the operations of their customers. Digitalization Drive Ecolab Inc., a St. Paul, Minnesota-based cleaning and pest-control services company, has been heavily investing in digital applications for the past six years. The investment has allowed it to monitor over 30,000 customer sites. Chief Executive Doug Baker said this ability enabled it to remain effective while operating remotely and serve customers even at the height of the health crisis. In response to the virus-induced business turmoil, Ecolab has slashed capital spending for the year by half. But the budget for digitalization remains intact. The company is speeding up plans to automate facilities where human workers run the risk of infection and now aiming to implement the plan in next 12 months instead of two years. (Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh in Chicago Editing by Joseph White and Matthew Lewis) Topics COVID-19 InsurTech USA Tech Data Driven Manufacturing The Roman Catholic Diocese has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, just days after 38 people filed Child Victims Act lawsuits against the church. Since last year, the diocese has faced dozens of claims that its priests sexually abused children and that officials covered up the abuse for decades. Wednesday, 38 more victims filed lawsuits, including a Central New York grandmother. Bishop Douglas Lucia, who was installed last year, in court records said diocese officials filed for bankruptcy in order to respond to the Child Victims Act claims, while continuing the churchs ministry. The diocese has not yet commented on the bankruptcy filing. It has scheduled a news conference for 12:30 p.m. today. The filings in court show the diocese has assets of more than $10 million but less than $50 million. Lawyers for the diocese from Syracuse firm Bond, Schoeneck & King estimated the diocese has between 100 and 200 creditors and up to $100 million in liabilities. The filings also revealed the diocese received a $1.3 million federal Paycheck Protection Program loan to help cover expenses during the coronavirus pandemic. Other Catholic dioceses across the country have filed for bankruptcy as the church has faced an onslaught of sex abuse cases. The dioceses in Rochester and Buffalo have filed for bankruptcy, and the Rockville Centre diocese on Long Island has signaled it will likely file. There are eight Catholic diocese in New York state. Many of the dioceses creditors include victims with active, disputed Child Victims Act cases against the diocese. Jeff Anderson, who represents nearly 40 victims who have filed sexual assault lawsuits against the diocese, said he views the filing as a legal tactic to prevent victims from obtaining information about their cases. It effectively puts the ongoing Child Victims Act cases on hold, he said. It gives them the opportunity to stop us and the survivors from excavating their secrets, their history, their practices... he said in an interview with syracuse.com. Once they file, we can no longer uncover their files, their top officials who have concealed this, and all the offenders that are in their files. Anderson said that in addition to filing more cases, his firm was also recently pushing the diocese to release information in already-filed cases. They have not turned over any files -- not one file, he said. We have made demand after demand. They knew we were forcing that issue. Thats what triggered the timing of the filing. Court filings by the diocese offer a response to this accusation, arguing the church does not seek bankruptcy relief to hide the truth or deny any person a day in court. The diocese in recent years has attempted to reconcile with victims and head off lawsuits by them through its Independent Reconciliation Compensation Program. Last year, the diocese paid $11 million to 79 survivors. During the program, the diocese publicly named 57 priests found to have credible claims of child sex abuse against them. Still, nearly 80 lawsuits have been filed since the program ended. The Syracuse diocese has 227,431 Catholics living in seven counties: Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego. The diocese has 114 parishes, 11 missions and 22 schools. It has about 3,000 employees. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Public Affairs Reporter Julie McMahon covers courts, government, business, education and other issues affecting taxpayers. She can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992 An anglers dream fishing trip with the legendary Bill Dance is one of the packages available for a lucky winner in the 2020 Tennessee Conservation Raffle sponsored by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation. The fishing package is one of the seven, priceless outdoor experience adventures put together this year by the TWRF. The winner will be treated to a 1-day, 6-hour trip with one of Americas most recognized fishermen. Mr. Dance has generously donated the trip and depending on the time of year and his schedule, the trip could be fishing for Mississippi River catfish, jigging for crappie or going after largemouth bass in one of West Tennessees many lakes. In addition to the fishing trip, the winner will receive an Ascend 12T Sit-on Top Kayak, a fishing kayak so stable, anglers can stand up and cast from it. In addition, the winner will receive a Bass Pro Shops gift card valued at $1,000 that can be used for online purchases, catalog orders, and purchases at any Bass Pro Shops or Cabelas retail store. Formerly known as the Elk Tag Raffle, this years Conservation Raffle has opportunities for everyone whether a hunter, fisherman, camper, or lover of the outdoors. One hundred percent of the funds from the raffle goes to support wildlife habitat restoration. In addition to the fishing package, other packages available this year include an elk hunting package including a tag to participate in the 2020 Tennessee elk hunt; deer hunting package including a deer hunt on Presidents Island with crossbow and gear; off-road package with a 2020 Honda Pioneer UTV; turkey hunting package including gun and participation in the Governors One Shot Turkey Hunt; waterfowl hunting package; and a camping package. All the packages feature additional items and a complete list of the prizes can be found at https://raffle.twrf.net/. A single ticket is $20, three tickets for $50, and 10 for $100 and are on sale now until Aug. 16. There is no limit to the number of raffle tickets that can be purchased and the more tickets you buy, the better opportunity you have of grabbing one of the packages. Raffle tickets may be purchased online directly at https://raffle.twrf.net/. The winning tickets will be drawn live this year at the August meeting of the Commission which will be held in Kingsport. The seven winners will be drawn for the seven great packages. The first person drawn will get to select the prize package they prefer. The next person drawn will select their package and the process will continue until all seven packages are selected. TWRF is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting habitat conservation, responsible land stewardship, and Tennessee's hunting and fishing heritage for the benefit of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Tennessee's outdoor enthusiasts. It's four years since a nurse in the hospital, where I am working, suggested to me that I watch 'Breaking Bad'. I took her advice and watched two or three episodes before deciding it was not for me. On one of the first days after the cocooning regulations had been lifted I was out walking with a friend. During our walk we were talking about time spent watching screens during the pandemic. One thing led to another before my friend asked me if I had ever watched 'Breaking Bad'. I told him my story. He suggested I give it another try because he thought I'd enjoy it. I am now an addict. Oops, no, not to drugs, but to the series. Most evenings I watch one episode but once or twice I have done some binge viewing and watched two episodes. If you haven't seen it, then I strongly recommend viewing. I'm watching it on Netflix. It aired between 2008 and 2013. It's made up of 62 episodes spread over five seasons. The series finale was watched by over 10.3 million people in the US. I t is regarded by many experts as one of the best ever television series. It's the story of fictional Walter White, a chemistry teacher, who has learned that he has lung cancer. He is a highly gifted chemist and teacher. He has a wife and a son with cerebral palsy. Early in the series his wife is pregnant. He needs money to finance his cancer treatment and to support his family. Walt sets out to do what he does best and manufactures methamphetamine. He makes the best crystal meth in Albuquerque. And the series is about all that that entails, killings, crimes, wrong-doing of every shape and size. At times I have to turn away from the violence. There are also funny aspects to it and plenty of black humour. But a continuing theme right through the series is that of relationship. And I find that intriguing. Last Sunday week, June 7, Christians celebrated the feast of the Trinity, which is about the mystery of three persons in one God. It might sound quite mad, especially to non-Christians, but once we try to say anything about God, language breaks down, almost. The Trinity is about relationship in God. Has it ever crossed your mind that everything we do in our lives involves us in relationships? Our parents, our children, our spouses, our lovers. The place where we work involves us in relationships. Indeed, we have a relationship with the sea, with the air we breathe. It really is extraordinary. Some relationships are more important than others. There are relationships that enhance our lives and there are those that damage and can indeed, destroy us. Christianity offers us an extraordinary insight into our own humanity. I'm often baffled how we can so easily dismiss as boring and of no relevance to our lives so many of the themes of the Christian faith. I've not yet seen an episode of 'Breaking Bad' that does not involve a serious study of relationship. And then to think that the ultimate living out of a perfect relationship is to be found in God, surely that has to set in front of us an extraordinary ideal, something to which each one of us can aspire? Yes, everything about God is extraordinary. So what? Remember those lines from Oscar Wilde? ''Never love anybody who treats you like you are ordinary'. Wise words. None of us is ordinary. Turmoil in the oil and gas markets has already claimed some major victims in 2020. Bakken shale producer Whiting Petroleum, drilling rig operator Diamond Offshore, and Colorado fracker Extraction Oil & Gas have already filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Coal miner Foresight Energy has, too, as the country continues its shift toward cleaner energy sources. And the year's not even half over yet! It's likely that we'll see more energy bankruptcies before 2020 is done. Here are the top five most likely companies to declare bankruptcy before we ring in 2021. 5. Borr Drilling Prime candidates for bankruptcy have a lot of debt on their books and no obvious way to pay it, plus operational issues that make creditors unwilling to issue new debt to the company to pay off the old debt. Offshore rig operator Borr Drilling (NYSE:BORR) fits that profile perfectly. Borr has $1.8 billion in debt on its books and just $13.2 million in cash. Due to the volatility in the oil and gas sector, its rigs aren't in high demand. On May 20, Borr's management announced it might need to sell off "certain modern assets" and renegotiate terms of various agreements with creditors, including shipyards where it keeps its idle rigs (of which it has 14, more than half its fleet). While the company has "received certain waivers from its lenders, including ... interest payment deferrals," those won't last forever. When its creditors run out of patience, Borr could find itself filing for bankruptcy. 4. Denbury Resources A company's management team usually tries to put as positive a spin as possible on its company's prospects, even when things seem to be falling apart. For Gulf Coast oil and gas producer Denbury Resources (NYSE:DNR), though, things got so bad in May that even management had to come clean in its SEC 10-Q filing about the bankruptcy risks: [Current] conditions have also increased the difficulty in repaying, refinancing or restructuring our long-term debt, which is necessary in order to maintain our continuing financial viability... . Oil prices remaining at current levels will significantly reduce our cash flow and liquidity to a degree that threatens our continued financial viability. ... We have engaged advisors to assist us in, among other things, analyzing various alternatives to address our liquidity and capital structure. When a company brings in outside "advisors" to look at "alternatives," bankruptcy often follows. And with $2.2 billion in debt and just $6.9 million in cash on its balance sheet, Denbury just isn't in a good position to weather the crisis. Much of Denbury's debt matures in 2021, so it might be able to keep the wolf from the door until the end of the year, but beyond that, its prospects look grim. 3. Callon Petroleum Callon Petroleum (NYSE:CPE) took on a lot of debt at precisely the wrong time. It purchased fellow Texas shale producer Carrizo Oil & Gas at the end of 2019, pushing its debt load up to $3.3 billion. Its current cash position, on the other hand, is just $14.8 million. The company has tried to restructure that debt on more favorable terms, even hiring debt restructuring advisors, which is always a red flag. However, they don't seem to have had much luck: The company rescinded its exchange offer on May 26. When even the pros are having trouble getting a company out of its financial mess, it's at high risk for bankruptcy. 2. California Resources For a lot of the companies on this list, we know things are bad. For driller California Resources (OTC:CRC), the problem is that we have no idea exactly how bad things are. The company punted on issuing its Q1 2020 quarterly SEC filing until June, but June's more than half over and there's still no sign of it. In fact, California Resources hasn't put out a single press release or investor presentation since April 8. The only updates we have are through California Resources' SEC filings, where things look grim. The company, which had $5 billion in debt and just $17 million in cash on its balance sheet at the end of 2019, has entered into a series of forbearance agreements with its creditors, pushing a May 29 payment back to June 30. On May 19, it notified the SEC of changes to its variable compensation packages (a fancy term for performance-based bonuses), a move that often precedes a bankruptcy filing. Half of the payout will now be earned on (wait for it...) June 30. It wouldn't be surprising to see California Resources declaring bankruptcy on July 1. 1. Chesapeake Energy By the time you read this, the once-mighty Chesapeake Energy (OTC:CHKA.Q) may have filed for bankruptcy already. Even if it hasn't, the writing's on the wall for the former natural gas juggernaut, whose shares have lost more than 99% of their value over the last 10 years. Over the past month and a half, there have been a lot of red flags that a Chesapeake bankruptcy was imminent. Like California Resources, Chesapeake has filed its intention with the SEC to prepay $25 million in variable compensation to its top executives and vice presidents. In another filing, management issued a similar warning to Denbury, stating that "there is substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern." If that wasn't worrisome enough, recent news reports have suggested that a bankruptcy filing is imminent. True, you shouldn't always believe those kinds of rumors, but in this case, they're backed up by a lot of hard evidence that Chesapeake just isn't long for this world. And many, many more Just because these are the five energy companies most likely to declare bankruptcy by the end of 2020 doesn't mean they're the only ones. In fact, plenty of oil companies have high debt levels and have been hit hard by continuing volatility in the energy sector. Investors should do their homework before buying an energy company with a surprisingly cheap share price right now -- it could be about to go under. A French minister trolled Boris Johnson over trade talks today claiming the UK 'needs' a deal more than the EU. European Affairs minister Amelie de Montchalin insisted the British cannot afford a 'second shock' after the coronavirus turmoil. She said the UK would struggle to cope without access to the 'security net' and 'stimulus fund' of Brussels. The jibes came after Boris Johnson held a virtual summit with EU commission president Ursula von der Leyen this week in a bid to break the impasse. The bloc's demands on fishing rights and accepting their rules are the main sticking points, with the UK insisting it would rather walk away than give up control. The leaders confirmed that the standstill transition period will end in December, and declared that negotiations will be 'intensified' in July. European Affairs minister Amelie de Montchalin (left) trolled Boris Johnson (right) by insisting the British cannot afford a 'second shock' after the coronavirus turmoil Turning up the heat, Ms de Montchalin told Europe 1 radio today: 'Those who need a deal the most are the British. 'They cannot withstand a second shock after the epidemic. They wouldn't have access to the security net that is Europe, they wouldn't have access to the stimulus fund,' Mr Johnson said this week that he believes there is a 'very good' chance of a settlement 'provided we really focus now and get on and do it'. But he added that the process cannot be allowed to drag on into the autumn 'as perhaps in Brussels they would like'. 'We cannot leave the EU and stay somehow controlled by EU law,' he said. As tensions threatened to boil over, European Council president Charles Michel warned that Brussels will not accept a 'pig in a poke', saying it is 'essential' that the UK bows to EU standards on food and the environment. Mr Michel said a 'broad and ambitious' agreement was in both sides' interests but the level playing field was 'essential'. The EU was 'ready to put a tiger in the tank but not to buy a pig in a poke'. Pharmacists posted at dispensaries under the panchayat department on Friday boycotted their Covid-related duties and staged a protest demanding regularisation of jobs and hike in salaries. They raised slogans against the government outside Amritsar deputy commissioner Shiv Dular Singh Dhillons office. Members of the Punjab Rural Health Pharmacy Officers Association have been working for the last 14 years for Rs 10,000 per month in over 1,186 pharmacies. The government officials have time and again promised us that our salaries will be increased but nothing has been done on ground, said Kamaljeet Singh Chauhan, vice-chairperson of the association. The government hires pharmacists on contractual basis and this year the contracts have not been renewed. The pharmacists have been assigned emergency Covid-related duties at different public places, including the Golden Temple, Durgiana Temple, ICP Attari, Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport, to medically screen people. Despite working in the emergency situations, the government is not fulfilling our demands, he said. The associations district president Gurdeep Singh said, Besides regularising our jobs, the government should increase the salaries of frontline warriors. The employees should be provided medical insurance and the benefits that are available to other medical staff. Singh said all pharmacists of the state had boycotted Covid-related duties on Friday and protesters were being staged in different districts of Punjab. We will re-join our Covid-19 duties once the government assures us regularisation of jobs and hikes our salaries. If our demands are not fulfilled we will intensify our protest, a protestor said. What is it? Genus breeds pigs and cattle with the best genes for providing high-quality meat and milk, selling them to farmers in the form of breeding animals, semen or embryos. What's the latest? The share price hit an all-time high in April, boosted by hopes that farmers in China have been restocking their herds following huge culls related to the outbreak of African Swine Fever. Who backs it? Big-name institutions including Legal & General Investment Management, Baillie Gifford and Vanguard are investors, as well as the National Farmers Union Mutual Society. Why should you invest? Graham Spooner, investment research analyst at The Share Centre, said: 'Global demand for pork, beef and milk is predicted to continue to increase, especially in developing countries, with their rising incomes, population growth and move to urbanisation.' And why shouldn't you? But, Spooner adds, animal diseases such as the spread of African Swine Fever in Asia still pose a threat to companies working in this field. Paul Nice retires after more than half century of working for Franconia Hosting the La Joya Main Mineralized Trend as well as the Santo Nino and Coloradito deposits, the Property's exploration potential is considered excellent Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 19, 2020) - Silver Dollar Resources Inc. (CSE: SLV) ("Silver Dollar" or the "Company") is pleased to report it has signed a Letter of Intent ("LOI") with First Majestic Silver Corp. ("First Majestic"), wherein Silver Dollar has the option to earn an initial 80% interest following the exercise of which it may earn an additional 20% for an aggregate 100% interest in First Majestic's La Joya Ag-Cu-Au property (the "Property") located in the south-eastern portion of the State of Durango in the Mexican Silver Belt (see Figure 1). The Property consists of 15 mineral concessions totalling 4,646 hectares and hosts the Main Mineralized Trend (MMT), Santo Nino and Coloradito deposits (see Figure 2). Historical Estimate: In 2013, Silvercrest Mines Inc. disclosed a resource estimate reported to conform to CIM definitions for resource estimation. A qualified person of Silver Dollar has not done sufficient work to classify this historical estimate as a current mineral resource and the Company is not treating this historical resource estimate as a current mineral resource. Independent data verification and an assessment of the mineral resource estimation methods is required to verify this historical mineral resource. Table 2 from NI-43-101 Technical report titled "Preliminary Economic Assessment for The La Joya Property, Durango, Mexico", dated 5 December 2013. To view an enhanced version of Table 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7232/58185_table2.jpg Key assumptions, parameters, and methods: 89 holes totaling 30,085 metres (m). Raw assay data was composited to 2 metres, capped at 550 gpt Ag, 5.5 gpt Au 6% Cu and interpolated into a block model using 5 m x 5 m x 5 m block size using inverse distance squared (ID2) methodology. Silver equivalency formula assumes Ag:Au is 50:1, Ag:Cu is 86:1, based on US$24/oz silver, US$1200/oz gold, US$3/lb copper and 100% metallurgical recovery. Mining by open-pit methods. Mining and process costs assumptions not specifically stated. Story continues The Property is situated approximately 75 kilometres (km) directly southeast of the state capital city of Durango in a prolific mineralized region with past-producing and operating mines including Grupo Mexico's San Martin Mine, Industrias Penoles' Sabinas Mine, Pan American Silver's La Colorada Mine and First Majestic Silver's La Parrilla and Del Toro Silver Mines. Access and infrastructure near the Property are considered excellent with highway, rail and power lines nearby. "La Joya is an advanced exploration and development stage project that will provide our shareholders with tremendous leverage in a rising metals market," said Mike Romanik President of Silver Dollar. "The Property's regional targets are of particular interest as they have never been followed up and their exploration potential remains untapped. The transaction also gives us an opportunity to work with First Majestic, one of the largest silver producers in Mexico." Under the terms of the LOI, Silver Dollar and First Majestic will negotiate a definitive agreement within the next 60 days. To exercise its first option and acquire an 80% interest in the La Joya property, Silver Dollar will pay First Majestic $1.3 million cash over four years, issue shares equal to 19.9% of Silver Dollar's then-outstanding common shares within one year, incur $1 million of exploration expenditures within the first five years, and grant First Majestic a 2% net smelter returns royalty. If Silver Dollar incurs the exploration expenditures within the first three years; however, First Majestic will waive the remaining $600,000 - or nearly half - of the cash option payments. Silver Dollar may exercise its second option and acquire the remaining 20% (for an aggregate 100% interest) of the La Joya property by providing notice to First Majestic within 30 days of earning the first 80% interest and issuing to First Majestic additional shares equal to 5% of Silver Dollar's then-outstanding common shares within five years. If Silver Dollar does not provide such notice, Silver Dollar and First Majestic will enter into a joint venture. Garry Clark, P.Geo., of Clark Exploration Consulting, is the "Qualified Person" as defined in NI 43-101, who has reviewed and approved the technical content in this press release. About Silver Dollar Resources Inc. Silver Dollar Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration company focused on creating shareholder value by finding and developing economic precious and base metal deposits. Having completed its initial public offering in May 2020, the Company is now trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "SLV". Silver Dollar's initial exploration projects are the Pakwash Lake and the Longlegged Lake properties that are both located in the re-energized Red Lake Mining Division of Ontario, Canada. The Company has an aggressive growth strategy and is actively reviewing potential acquisition targets in mining-friendly jurisdictions, internationally. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Signed "Michael Romanik" Michael Romanik, President, CEO & Director Direct line: (204) 724-0613 Email: romanikm@mymts.net Silver Dollar Resources Inc. Suite 200, 551 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2C2 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 regarding future capital expenditures, anticipated content, commencement, and cost of exploration programs in respect of the Company's projects and mineral properties, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, resources and/or reserves on the Company's projects and mineral properties, 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. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that market fundamentals will result in sustained precious and base metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration of the Company's properties, that the COVID-19 global pandemic will not affect the ability of the Company to conduct exploration, the availability of financing on suitable terms, and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. 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 to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, including the Company's options to acquire mineral properties, the proposed expenditures for exploration work thereon, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals, permits or financing, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, the Company's limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, and environmental issues and liabilities. 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 news release except as otherwise required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/58185 Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 02:44:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (L) meets with French President Emmanuel Macron at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on June 18, 2020. Boris Johnson and Emmanuel Macron held talks Thursday at 10 Downing Street, the first meeting between heads of state in Britain since the COVID-19 pandemic started. (Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua) LONDON, June 18 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron held talks Thursday at 10 Downing Street, the first meeting between heads of state in Britain since the coronavirus pandemic started. The two spent around 45 minutes in private talks, after which they watched a flypast over London by the Royal Air Force (RAF) Red Arrows and its French counterpart team, La Patrouille de France. The two did not face the media after their talks, and instead Downing Street issued a statement about the meeting. On Brexit negotiations, Johnson welcomed the agreement to intensify talks in July and underlined that Britain does not believe it makes sense for the negotiations to be prolonged into the fall, according to the statement. Britain has formally ruled out the possibility of an extended post-Brexit transition period. Johnson on Monday held video talks with European Union (EU) chiefs, with both sides calling for a new momentum in the search for an agreement before the end of this year when the Brexit transition period ends. Meanwhile, Johnson and Macron welcomed the ongoing cooperation between Britain and France on small boats and illegal migration, said the statement. Hundreds of refugees have been making the perilous journey in small boats across the English Channel, one of the world's busiest waterways, from mainland Europe. The two leaders also discussed cooperation on the fight against coronavirus. "They agreed that the partnership between our countries will be crucial in overcoming the coronavirus pandemic and ensuring the global recovery is green and sustainable," added the statement. Macron's visit to London came on the 80th anniversary of a famous speech made by French Resistance leader Charles de Gaulle in a BBC radio broadcast directed at people in Nazi-occupied France. During their meeting, Johnson and Macron reflected on the sacrifice made by the British and French people in the World War II and on the enduring strength of the Britain-France relationship. "They highlighted the modern day successes of this friendship including the political and defense cooperation enshrined in the Lancaster House Agreement ten years ago," the statement said. At Downing Street, Johnson guided Macron around a display of artefacts documenting General de Gaulle's time in London and his partnership with Britain's wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Earlier, Macron and Britain's Prince Charles laid wreaths at a statue in London of General de Gaulle. A statue of Churchill in London, boarded up after being vandalised during Black Lives Matter demonstrations, was uncovered ahead of the French leaders' visit to the British capital. Enditem MIDDLETOWN Elementary-age students who require additional learning time ahead of entering the next grade will be part of a pilot summer school program, some elements of which will guide the districts post-pandemic education plan. Middletown Public Schools will hold a socially distanced learning program through August, dubbed the Summer Literacy Academy, for children in grades one through four. The program will be held Monday through Thursday at Lawrence and Wesley elementary schools beginning July 6 and ending Aug. 6. The sites were chosen because both facilities have air conditioning, part of working to maximize health and safety during the COVID-19 outbreak, officials said. The first week will be a getting-to-know-you time. There will be colorful signs throughout each building to keep students at a safe distance while moving about, according to Chief of School Operations and Communication Marco Gaylord. He is ensuring the HVAC system will maintain maximum airflow, and there will be no sharing of materials. For instance, each student have their own Chromebook to take back and forth. Weve been planning this since the end of March, talking about the possibility of not returning until the end of the year, but also what the summer looks like. Dr. (Michael) Conner is a future-focused leader, Gaylord said of the superintendent of schools. Summer school was offered last year in Middletown for the first time in a decade or more, said Conner, who sits on the state Department of Educations Governors COVID-19 Learn from Home Task Force. The panel consists of several district leaders from across the state. That gives us a sneak peek at what might come down the road, Gaylord said. All COVID guidelines, including face coverings for staff and students, as well as constant sanitizing of surfaces and cleaning throughout the day, will be observed. Children will be allowed to remove their masks only during outside activities. A biweekly schedule is set up to maximize the number of students about 200 are expected who can take advantage of summer learning, alternating week by week between virtual and in-person classes. Parents can also opt for a full virtual experience for those who may not yet feel comfortable having their children return to the physical facility, Conner said. Temperatures will be taken by bus monitors as well as once students arrive at their school, according to Gaylord. Cleaning protocol will be similar to mass transit guidelines in Connecticut. Parents who drop off their children will be asked to remain in their cars until their childs temperature is taken in case they have to return home. A nurse will be on site at both locations, and there are procedures in place should a student become ill during the day or test positive for the coronavirus. Safety is our primary concern for this instruction, but also to put parents minds at ease that its going to be a safe environment, Gaylord said. Classes will begin at 8:30 a.m. for a half-hour breakfast time, with lessons taking place until noon, when they will break for lunch, both of which will be provided by the Middlesex YMCA through the states summer meals program. The district also will continue its lunch pickup program at three locations throughout the city. Distribution has already surpassed 10,000 families, Gaylord said. There will be an option for students to take a bus home after classes or stay for afternoon activities until the day concludes at 4:30 p.m. to allow working parents extra time, Gaylord added. Each classroom will contain 10 students who will remain together throughout the afternoon. Transportation will be provided to and from the facilities as well as during the mid-day. Schooling will be available to children identified as at-risk, based on multiple internal metrics, Conner said. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to make some really radical shifts with how were going to be able to ensure and provide continuous service to these students that are aligned with their needs, but, moreover, to adhere with state guidelines. District officials are piloting the program with an eye toward what learning will look like in the 2020-21 academic year and beyond. Were very excited, because thats what weve been preparing for, for the last eight weeks, Conner said. Serving students with the program a such a young age is new for the district. The preparation gap essentially starts from birth all the way up to four. The achievement gap is a symptom of the preparation gap, he added. Middletown 2021: Keys to Innovation & Equity, the school districts strategic operating plan for the 2018-21 academic years, is poised to erase that disparity in learning, Conner said. Parent and student feedback will be essential to forming a future plan. Its 2018-19 graduation figures surpassed the state average by 11 points at 97 percent, according to figures released by the state Board of Education May 27. Connecticuts median figure during that same period was 86 percent. We still have immense gaps, in particular the K-12 sector, so this program is trying to spot the achievement gap at early onset. We know if the achievement gap continues, students become disengaged, the superintendent said. We want to be able to catch it early, preferably by first grade, Conner said. For information, visit middletownschools.org. In the aftermath of Mondays Bostock decision, a common refrain issuing from social media and various articles has been, Yes, this decision is consequential, but lets wait and see how it plays out. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) were told, is religious libertys safe harbor. US Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, in his opinion, cited the RFRA as key to settling future religious liberty disputes. Professor Daniel Bennett recently wrote, The case will certainly have major implications for religious exercise. But contrary to initial reactions, this decision should not be read as a decision that dooms religious liberty in America, but rather as an inevitable step toward something Congress and most state legislatures have thus far been unable to do: crafting a compromise that balances LGBT rights and religious freedom. To accept the logic of such voices as Gorsuch and Bennett, one must rely on at least two assumptions: One, that progressives see some sort of compromise as desirable; and two, that the Religious Freedom Restoration Acts provisions remain intact in the present form, well, forever. As much as I want to share in Gorsuch and Bennetts patient optimism for a better way forward, I believe the aforementioned assumptions are flawed. Mondays decision, barring a comprehensive statutory compromise, will be judged by historians as a significant inflection point in the never-ceasing culture wars. We already have the evidence for why. On Thursday, Senate Democrats attempted a voice vote to pass the Equality Act, legislation profoundly hostile to religious liberty. To do this by unanimous consent only signals that Democrats, with the wind at their backs, have little desire to defend religious freedom and are advancing a take-no-prisoners approach in their culture war victory. In a move that demonstrates just how cowed Republicans are in wanting to spend any political capital on defending religious liberty, only three Republican Senators rose to challenge it: Senators Josh Hawley, Jim Lankford, and Mike Lee. Were it not for these three Senators, the Equality Act would surely become law. Even still, given Mondays ruling, it seems that the spirit of the Equality Act has indeed become law, and all that awaits are its future entailments elsewhere in federal law. A lesser-known feature of the Equality Act undermines the argument that RFRA will sufficiently protect religious dissenters. To understand why the Religious Freedom Restoration Act is not the permanent salve some declare it to be, consider that a provision of the Equality Act aims at specifically undoing RFRA of its provisions where they come in conflict with sexual orientation and gender identity. The firewall heralded as the last preserve of religious liberty is already on the chopping block. Toxic legislation with little resistance is not a good sign for religious libertys future. And yet, here we are. In an interview from last year with National Review, noted religious liberty scholar Douglas Laycock of the University of Virginia said that the Equality Act goes very far to stamp out religious exemptions . It regulates religious non-profits. And then it says that [the Religious Freedom Restoration Act] does not apply to any claim under the Equality Act. This would be the first time Congress has limited the reach of RFRA. This is not a good-faith attempt to reconcile competing interests. It is an attempt by one side to grab all the disputed territory and to crush the other side. For now, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act remains intact, but its provisions are one election away from passage if Democrats take control of the Senate. Even still, that its provisions remain intact is no sure proof that it will give relief to those who appeal to it in future cases. Article continues below In 2016, Harvard Law professor Mark Tushnet infamously compared those with traditional views about sex and gender to racists and Nazis. He was more than honest about what victors in the culture war ought to do: Give them no quarter. Writes Tushnet, For liberals, the question now is how to deal with the losers in the culture wars. Thats mostly a question of tactics. My own judgment is that taking a hard line (You lost, live with it) is better than trying to accommodate the losers, who remember defended, and are defending, positions that liberals regard as having no normative pull at all. Trying to be nice to the losers didnt work well after the Civil War, nor after Brown. (And taking a hard line seemed to work reasonably well in Germany and Japan after 1945.) I should note that LGBT activists in particular seem to have settled on the hard-line approach, while some liberal academics defend more accommodating approaches. When specific battles in the culture wars were being fought, it might have made sense to try to be accommodating after a local victory, because other related fights were going on, and a hard line might have stiffened the opposition in those fights. But the wars over, and we won. No normative pull at all. What does that mean? It means the Judeo-Christian understanding of sexuality and gender are not remotely persuasive or deserving of protection. It means to leave no room for it to flower or grow, especially if it is a hindrance to social justice. This hypothesis is what a lot of us have been saying for some time: Nothing within the internal logic of progressivism explains why there should be robust protections for those holding beliefs deemed harmful to society. Are we really to believe that cultural elites so brazenly contemptuous of historic Christian belief will have the magnanimity to leave cultural and public space for those who they liken to racists to continue in their bigotry? We can hope, but I am not optimistic. Like anyone, I am fallible and cannot predict the future. Maybe RFRA will stay intact; perhaps a compromise will be struck. If one is, expect religious liberty to grow increasingly narrow in its conception. A lot of religious libertys future hinges on elections, personnel, and policy. Those are doubtlessly important. What we must do in the meantime is work even harder, in truth and grace, to explain that what we believe is believed not just by faith alone, but reason as well. We must work even more diligently in our churches and in our homes to catechize ourselves, to know that what our faith teaches is not only true but beautiful. We must promulgate and fortify the virtues of courage, gentleness, humility, perseverance, and hope. A belief in an enchanted world such as our own is to believe that the God who created it and stands behind it always wills our good, even in the face of great challenge. Because we believe that Christ is the ultimate Lord and Judge of history, Christians reject all forms of fear and panic, but that should not stop us from being honest about the bleak future awaiting religious liberty. Andrew T. Walker is associate professor of Christian ethics and apologetics at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Speaking Out is Christianity Todays guest opinion column and (unlike an editorial) does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publication. Public health officials are advising Manitobans to watch for symptoms of the novel coronavirus if they visited two big-box stores in south Winnipeg last week. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Public health officials are advising Manitobans to watch for symptoms of the novel coronavirus if they visited two big-box stores in south Winnipeg last week. On Thursday, Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, announced two new cases of COVID-19: a man and a woman in their 40s from the Winnipeg region. Roussin said one individual had travelled to Manitoba from Europe and the other is a household contact. Roussin said the household contact stopped at the Home Depot at 1999 Bishop Grandin Blvd. on June 12, between 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m., and the Walmart at 1665 Kenaston Blvd. on June 13, between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., for about five minutes. The individual was not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 while at the stores, Roussin said, and risk of exposure to the public is very low. "Ideally, when people are self-isolating, if they self-isolate at home, you shouldn't really have close contact with those at home, and if you do, those people should essentially be self-isolating," Roussin said. CP A person confirmed to have COVID-19 was at the Home Depot on Bishop Grandin on June 12 between 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. (Jim Mone / The Associated Press files) "We do know the person who did the travelling was self-isolating the whole time," he added. "For the most part, the self-isolation of the traveller went as we would recommend." Winnipeg casinos prep for potential July 2 reopening Click to Expand McPhillips Street Station casino (Jesse Boily / Winnipeg Free Press files) Posted: 7:00 PM Jun. 18, 2020 Winnipeg's two government-run casinos are gearing up to reopen sooner than expected. The Free Press has learned Club Regent and McPhillips Station are tentatively set to resume operations as early as July 2. The casinos have been closed since March 18, due to novel coronavirus restrictions, and were not included in the province's Phase 3 reopening plan, taking effect Sunday. Read Full Story As of Thursday, Manitoba had 308 total cases of COVID-19, eight of which are active. No one was in hospital as of 9:30 a.m. Thursday, and 293 people have recovered from the disease. The province ran 828 tests Wednesday, bringing the total since early February to 55,743. Roussin also provided additional details on two new cases announced Wednesday in the Winnipeg region: two males, one in their 30s, and the other in their teens. While the two cases are close contacts to each other, Roussin said public health officials have not been able to pin down where the initial exposure occurred. The individuals had a limited number of contacts and public exposure is minimal, he said. "We do follow up for days continuing to look for these links," Roussin said. "We don't really have any significant community-based contacts that we could identify." None of the announced cases have been linked to the Justice 4 Black Lives rally June 5, at which thousands of people assembled on the west lawn of the Manitoba legislature, he noted. The household contact with COVID-19 was at the Walmart on Kenaston on June 13, between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., for about five minutes. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) The provinces top doctor said he doesnt yet know when Manitobans will be able to access the national contact tracing application announced Thursday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, even as self-isolation requirements on some travellers are relaxed June 21. The new app, which was built in collaboration with the government of Ontario, Blackberry Ltd. and Shopify Inc., uses Bluetooth technology to notify users if theyve been exposed to COVID-19. It will have a trial run in Ontario before being launched nationwide. Trudeau said the app will be available across the country at the beginning of July, but requires integration with local public health authorities to have the greatest impact. Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister said the provinces preferred application would be capable of facilitating contact tracing with other jurisdictions effectively. "We have a national economy. It doesn't benefit from having barriers at the borders of provinces," Pallister said. "We need to do everything we can as we open our economy, as we take barriers down to track COVID cases effectively." 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?rel=0&wmode=transparent" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen> In the meantime, Manitoba will rely on a contact tracing and information-sharing framework already established with neighbouring provinces to monitor positive COVID-19 cases among travellers, Roussin said. "Public health contact traces many of the reportable illnesses and we're quite used to dealing with multi-jurisdictional issues with that," he said. "That process has been going on right from the beginning." Roussin said he also anticipates reopening the press room at the Manitoba legislature to allow reporters to once again attend in-person briefings. "That's something in short order we'll have up again," he said. danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca The private-jet industry is seeing a rapid rebound from the coronavirus crisis, as new customers who had never flown private splurge to avoid the crowds and lines of commercial flying. While commercial traffic is running about 15% to 17% of last year's totals, private flights are running at up to 70% or more of normal, according to industry data and Private Jet Card Comparisons. Some private-jet charter companies are even running above their year-ago numbers. The growth is being driven almost entirely by new customers drawn to flying private because of health concerns and lower jet prices. New customer sign-ups with industry leader NetJets in May were more than double the typical May, according to Pat Gallagher, the company's president of sales, marketing and service. May was the biggest month for new clients since December 2007, which had been the industry's previous peak. PrivateFly, the private-jet charter broker, saw an 85% rise in inquiries in the first two weeks of June compared with the same period last year. Sentient Jet, part of Directional Aviation, said that of the more than 5,000 jet hours the company has sold since the beginning of April, half came from new customers. Vista Jet, the global charter company, is back to about 85% of its pre-pandemic traffic in the U.S., according to CEO Thomas Flohr. He said 71% of all new customers are people who never had private-jet programs or memberships before. While business travel remains almost nonexistent, private-jet companies say personal travel by wealthy affluent fliers many of them older have more than taken up the slack. They say that while many families who could afford to fly private couldn't justify the costs, they are willing to spend the extra money for greater health safety. "What we are seeing today is predominantly personal travel with people traveling to see loved ones, moving between homes and otherwise looking for an escape from wherever they have been hunkered down through the pandemic," NetJets' Gallagher said. Blade, a private-aviation company that runs choppers and planes, said its private-jet charter business is up over 600% from last year, and over 70% of the business is customers who had never chartered. The most popular routes for fliers are New York to South Florida, and New York or the Northeast to Los Angeles. Blade says health concerns are the top concern of customers, and the company has created a vast array of special health and safety measures including allowing passengers to drive right up to the plane on the tarmac where certain airports allow. Passengers are given temperature checks and oximeter checks, and jets are fumigated and decontaminated with special machines. Some passengers ask pilots not to exit the cockpit without first texting passengers and many passengers are bringing their own food and beverages so they don't have to interact with crew. NetJets says it is spending over $1 million a month on keeping its aircraft interiors virus-free and is testing all of its crew members and is clustering its aircraft at base locations to enable crew to travel to their planes in their own cars rather than having to fly commercial. It is also treating its jet cabins with an "antimicrobial barrier" that provides long-term protection from bacteria germs and viruses. Another reason for the increased interest in private jets is lower costs. Prices for certain flights are now 30% to 50% cheaper than they were a year ago, bringing private-jet flights closer in line with first-class or business-class seats. What's more, as part of the stimulus plan, the government suspended the 7.5% excise tax charged for private-jet flights, so many fliers are loading up on jet cards that they can use for future flights without having to take them immediately. Chartering a super midsize private jet one way from New York to Miami, for instance, cost about $20,000 last year. Today, it costs around $10,000, according to Avinode. Since super midsize planes like a Challenger 300 or Citation X can seat around eight to 10 passengers, the flight could cost a little more than $1,200 a person, not including other charges. A one-way flight from New York to Los Angeles on a Gulfstream IV would typically be about $30,000 and now it's around $24,000, according to Avinode. That could work out to be less than $2,400 a person. Because commercial airlines have also suspended flights out of certain smaller airports, private jets have become more attractive to fliers who don't want to travel to larger airports. "The load factors that the airlines need to operate profitably has destroyed that commercial infrastructure," Flohr said. "That's where business jets are coming in." The ancient city of Kyoto, the former Japanese capital and currently the capital city of the Kyoto Prefecture, has been listed as the top place to visit in Japan, ranking ahead of some of the country's top and most-visited attractions. The city was given the gold medal by the travel website The World Bucket List, finishing in first spot on their aJapan Bucket List', a compilation of the ten best things to do in The Land of the Rising Suns. The Japan Bucket List The Japan Bucket List pulls together the very best of what Japan has to offer, and ranks them in order from tenth place to first. While any bucket list is subjective, there is no doubt that any one of these ten choices would find a place on all similar itineraries. The article regards Japan as the acultural capital of the Easta and aone of Asia's most notable nationsa, a claim hard to dispute considering the country's pulling weight in tourism; around 31 million people visit, making it Asia's third most visited country after Thailand and China. Throughout the list, The World Bucket List puts forth its ardent reasons as to why each attraction or location occupies the slot it does, and for the benefit of future visitors it includes the relevant address of each. Who are The World Bucket List? The World Bucket List regards itself as an inspirational global travel website that puts together bucket lists of the top things to do in the world's uppermost cities and countries. Travelling can be tough and selecting the best attractions to visit is a difficult endeavour, but the aim of The World Bucket List is to minimise the impact and help you to arrange the best possible trip. The website has stretched its tentacles across the globe, compiling itineraries for the likes of Thailand, Ireland, the UK, the United States of America and Europe, providing the eager traveller with obvious destinations. The city of Kyoto Described as Japan's acultural utopiaa, the city of Kyoto is a place buttressed by history and attracts millions of visitors each year. It is home to over 4,000 ancient historical monuments, and in 794 it was chosen as the new seat of Japan's imperial court. When visiting Kyoto, make sure to see the numerous Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and palaces, many of whom have earned the status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are well-worth your trip. The World Bucket List, in justifying its decision, notably mentions the Fushimi Inari Taisha, aarguably Japan's most spectacular sitea, as one of the best places to visit in the city, a Shrinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Elsewhere, the article refers to Kinkau-Ji and Ginkaku-Ji as apeaceful escapes for touristsa, while the cultural experiences of geisha and tea ceremonies areturn us to a humbler world untouched by modern technology.a With a population of 1.5 million, Kyoto is amongst Japan's ten largest cities, and is a splendid fusion of an imperfect past and a promising future, each of which can be accessed from the moving car that is the modern day. Who is on the Japan Bucket List? In tenth place, The World Bucket List lists Hiroshima, much of which has been rebuilt since its destruction during World War II, while in ninth lies Tokyo's world-famous izakaya, a alaid-back culinary experiencea cherished by the locals. Experiencing the Otaku culture is eighth, a dream come true for fans of manga, anime and video games. The website urges its readers to eat the ramen in seventh place, a adelectable Japanese disha and an essential exercise to get the best out of your trip. Cherry Blossoms bloom during springtime in Japan, and The World Bucket List recommends we take advantage of that by celebrating the Hanami festival at sixth. In fifth, we are asked to attend a kabuki performance, while at the magnificent Sapporo Snow Festival ranks at fourth. Kicking off the top three is the beautiful Nara Park where deer run free, while in second place and just missing out on the top prize is Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest pedestrian crossing that sits beneath the rising skyline of Tokyo city. Photo credit: Boston Globe - Getty Images From Town & Country Jean Kennedy Smith, a sister to President Kennedy and skilled diplomat in her own right, who helped paved the way for the formal peace agreements in Northern Ireland as the U.S. ambassador to Ireland in the '90s, has died. She passed away in her Manhattan apartment at the age of 92, her daughter Kym confirmed the news to the New York Times this morning. In addition to Kym, Smith is survived by her two sons, Stephen Jr. and William, her daughter, Amanda; and six grandchildren. Her husband Stephen Edward Smith passed away in 1990. Photo credit: Bettmann - Getty Images Smith was the last living sibling of President Kennedy, having outlived her seven brothers and sisters, several of whom died under tragic circumstances. And like her brothers John, Robert, and Ted, she too worked in government, serving as the United States ambassador to Ireland from 1993 to 1998. The Irish people were willing to take me at face value, to give me the benefit of the doubt because I was a Kennedy, she said, per the Times, reflecting on her role in helping to bring peace to the region. I was a cog, really, in the machine that was moving. I was fortunate to be here to perhaps add momentum to what was happening. She also founded Very Special Arts, a nonprofit organization, which provides arts education to people with disabilities. I never sat down and said, Now I must make a contribution, that one person can make a difference, she said. But I felt I was in a position where I could contribute. I never thought of it in the light of history or my brothers. I just felt I had an obligation. Photo credit: Keystone - Getty Images In 2016, Smith released a memoir, called The Nine of Us: Growing Up Kennedy, sharing for the first time, stories of her childhood, and memories of her brothers and sisters as kids. "I hope that people who read this book better understand who my parents, brothers and sisters truly were," she told Town & Country at the time. "They were real people who loved each other and loved this country. They kidded each other, played together, learned hard lessons, and tried to make the most out of every day." You Might Also Like OFX Daily Market News Posted by OFX AUD Australian Dollar The Australian dollar drifted lower through trade on Thursday following a larger than anticipated up tick in unemployment and a consolidated shift in risk demand. The Australian dollar fell to 0.6843 after labour market data showed the unemployment rate jumped to 7.1%, as almost 230,000 jobs were lost in May, a print well beyond conservative estimates. Alarmingly the upturn in unemployment came despite a reduction in the participation rate. With many Australians giving up the search for re-employment, unemployment statistics fail to capture the true scale of labour market turmoil. Having fallen below 63% the dip in the participation rate masks a much higher rate of unemployment. Had active participation in the workforce remained at Januarys high (66.1%) then unemployment would sit nearer 11.5%. With labour market conditions continuing to worsen, yesterdays print offers a stark reminder of the economic costs sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. Having touched intraday lows, the AUD found some support in the promise of easing Chinese Monetary policy. The PBOC announced a 20-basis point cut to its reverse repo rate in a bid to stimulate the flow of credit and drive the Chinese recovery. The AUD crept back toward 0.69 before a shift in risk demand prompted another downward correction and push to safe haven assets. With the number of new infections across the US continuing to rise at an alarming rate and Beijing still battling its own outbreak, there is real concern a second wave of infections will derail any economic rebound through the short/medium term. Having slipped back below 0.6850, the AUD opens this morning buying 0.6847 US cents. Key Movers A modest risk-off mood prompted a broader push to safe haven currencies overnight, propping up the USD, JPY and CHF. Concerns surrounding an alarming uptick in new infections across the US and a second outbreak in Beijing have prompted investors to reassess expectations surrounding the pace and path of economic recovery. Texas, Arizona and North Carolina all reported a record number of coronavirus related hospitalisations on Wednesday as case numbers across the country continue to rise amid lifting social distancing restrictions. The US dollar edged higher as growth correlated currencies fell. Story continues The Great British pound was the days big loser, falling over 1% in the wake of the Bank of Englands policy announcement. The MPC elected to leave the cash rate at 0.1% while confirming an uptick of 100billion pounds to its current QE program. The increase takes the total purchase facility to 745bn and means the program will now run into the end of the year. While the move was largely expected, many analysts were pushing for a larger increase in the asset purchase program. With normal drivers flipped on their head and increased monetary easing/stimulus driving currency gains, the disappointment forced sterling below 1.2450 to intraday lows at 1.2406. Attentions today remain squarely affixed to the broader risk narrative, with the risk on risk off environment creating ongoing short term volatility. Expected Ranges AUD/USD: 0.6780 0.6960 AUD/EUR: 0.6050 0.6130 GBP/AUD: 1.7920 1.8320 AUD/NZD: 1.0620 -1.0720 AUD/CAD: 0.9280 0.9350 Posted by OFX The post Rising unemployment and risk-off tone force AUD lower appeared first on . A gathering of Trump supporters on 4th Street and Cheyenne Ave. in downtown Tulsa, Okla., ahead of President Donald Trump's campaign rally in the city on Saturday. Read more TULSA, Okla. The Oklahoma Supreme Court Friday rejected an appeal of a lawsuit attempting to block President Donald Trump from holding an indoor campaign rally here Saturday that many feared could worsen the spread of coronavirus, paving the way for the event to go off as planned. A lawsuit filed on behalf of local residents, business owners and a community center in the historically black neighborhood of Greenwood earlier this week had demanded that the arena adhere to social distancing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or that the event be canceled. The Trump campaign has said it will take temperatures of supporters entering the 19,000-seat BOK Center and hand out masks, but face coverings are not required. The plaintiffs had sought a temporary injunction against the ASM Global, the parent company of the entity that manages the BOK Center, to protect against a substantial, imminent, and deadly risk to the community, according to a copy of the complaint. Paul DeMuro, an attorney for the plaintiffs, had argued that it was madness to let the event proceed as new coronavirus cases in Tulsa are spiking. The court said that the state's June 1 reopening plan allowed business owners to use discretion over social distancing measures, and they were not mandatory as the plaintiffs had asserted. The ruling came as thousands of Trump fans and protesters poured into this city in advance of Trump's first campaign rally in months, authorities imposed a curfew as fears of potential violence mingled with anxiety about a spike in new cases of coronavirus. Metal barricades went up around downtown and police cars began blocking off streets after Tulsa announced a last-minute curfew for the downtown area Thursday night that will continue through Friday and part of Saturday. Officials cleared the area around the BOK Center, where Trump fans had been camping for days in the hopes of being among the first inside the Saturday night rally that is expected to draw far more than the 19,000-seat arena can hold. The move came after Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, R, declared a "civil emergency," saying law enforcement informed him that "individuals from organized groups who have been involved in destructive and violent behavior in other states are planning to travel to the City of Tulsa for purposes of causing unrest in and around the rally," according to his executive order. Trump joined the fray, tweeting Friday that "any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma, please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle or Minneapolis. It will be a much different scene!" The Oklahoma Supreme Court is expected to rule Friday on a lawsuit filed by local citizens against the venue demanding that the arena adhere to social distancing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or be canceled. The president's decision to hold his first campaign-style rally since the pandemic began in Tulsa on Juneteenth weekend has angered many across the country and in Tulsa, the site of one of the country's worst race massacres, and it comes as the country is in the midst of a historic reckoning on race after the May 25 death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody. Trump, who has used divisive language about race, originally planned the rally to be held on Juneteenth itself, but moved it a day after widespread outcry. He told the Wall Street Journal earlier in the week he had never heard of the celebration until one of his black Secret Service officers explained it to him. "I did something good: I made Juneteenth very famous," Trump claimed, though observances of the end of slavery happen annually across the country on June 19. "It's actually an important event, an important time. But nobody had ever heard of it." FAQ: Your coronavirus questions, answered. About a mile from the arena, thousands of people gathered Friday for the Juneteeth celebration in the historic black community of Greenwood, once known as Black Wall Street, where an estimated 300 black residents were killed by a white mob in 1921. Celebrants painted "Black Lives Matter" on the street in yellow paint, an echo of Washington D.C.'s street mural in front of the White House. The Rev. Al Sharpton and other black leaders are scheduled to speak at the rally, set to stretch into the evening hours. Leaders in Greenwood said they were worried about the potential for violence and asked Juneteenth celebrants to stay away from the Trump rally for fear of clashes. "We did our rally as a way to protect our people from going over to Trump's," said Nehemiah Frank, a community leader and the editor and chief of the Black Wall Street Times news site in Greenwood. "We're working to extend our rally into Saturday as well to keep them occupied. We don't want them clashing with those people. Trump has a lot of racist followers, and they are dangerous. They know the history of our city. "Our rally is going to be a peaceful one," he said. Rev. Robert R.A. Turner, 37, stood in front of the Historic Vernon A.M.E. Church where the basement was one of the few structures that survived the devastation in 1921 and watched as crowds streamed past one group selling Black Lives Matter clothing and another registering people to vote. He said he would not allow himself to fear the violent potential of the upcoming weekend, but he was "very concerned that citizens may come here for nefarious reasons." "We know that people came here nearly 100 years ago and sought to destroy black Wall Street," Turner said. "We don't want other individuals to come finish the job. I just hope and pray that the president keeps his people calm, but I have no faith in this president. He has shown a propensity to incite violence." Around the BOK center early Friday, the mood was on edge, even as vendors continued to hawk T-shirts and faces masks, and small clusters of people wearing MAGA hats and Trump T-shirts roamed the streets freely, taking photos. "The city is under siege," said Kavin Ross, a photojournalist in Tulsa who has researched the 1921 Tulsa race massacre. He said Quik Trip convenience stores were boarded up and there was a National Guard presence on the streets. About four blocks from the BOK arena, dozens of people clustered in soggy lawn chairs and huddled under umbrellas and tents in the morning rain after being moved from their spots in front of the arena Thursday night. Rick Frazier, 64, said he arrived in Tulsa from Ohio Tuesday around noon with a friend who had been to 36 Trump rallies. Frazier said he was fifth in line for what he said will be his 21st Trump rally. The two camped in front of the arena and slept in their car for three days until police asked them and about 100 others camping out in front of the arena to leave the property. Frazier said he got to know people from Massachusetts, Indiana and Michigan who were in line with him. When police told the group they would have to move, just before 9 p.m. Thursday, he said, many were unhappy because they feared losing their place in line. Those who moved from the arena lined up in the same order to preserve their place in line, he said. Frazier said he understands the need for police to move people camped in front of the arena. He said police arrested a man who punched a Trump supporter waiting in front of the arena. "We had one attack the second night we were here, or the day, when a person just came in unprovoked and hit a guy," he said. "The police got him." Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale disputed the idea that the president's supporters would cause unrest, telling Fox and Friends Friday morning, "You know, I've been here since day one, and I've found all Trump supporters to be really, you know, caring, loving people that care about this country." "I think you see people coming in. They're trying to disrupt. They're trying to create scenes," he added. Although Oklahoma is a solidly Republican state, Trump campaign officials said they chose the city for Trump's first campaign rally in months because Oklahoma is already well into reopening after the coronavirus shut down and view it as a celebration of sorts that the worst of the crisis is over. Trump and others have said about 1 million people have requested tickets to the event. But cases are rising in the state. Eric Feigl-Ding, an epidemiologist at Harvard University's Chan School of Public Health, said Oklahoma has the second-fastest-growing per capita rate of new coronavirus infections in the country, based on a seven-day average. As of Thursday, infections were up 140% in the state, according to estimates by the Federation of American Scientists, a nonpartisan policy institute where Feigl-Ding is a senior fellow. Cases in Tulsa have spiked in recent days. As Friday, Tulsa County had 2,070 cases and 65 deaths, and Oklahoma had 9,706 cases and 367 deaths. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Friday no one in the administration has any reservations about going forward with the rally during the pandemic. Asked why Trump is taking the risk of spreading infection, she said, "Look, I think we're confident we can operate safely in Tulsa." McEnany said she will be at the rally and will not wear a mask, which she said is a personal choice. Bynum noted Friday in a Facebook post that Tulsa is the first city in the country to host a major event during the pandemic, which "some think is great, some think is reckless." "We do this as our positive COVID-19 cases are rising, but while our hospital capacity remains strong," he wrote. "Some think it is great, some think it is reckless. Regardless of where each of us falls on that spectrum, we will go through it as a community. "We will learn from this weekend. Others will learn from how we handle this weekend," the mayor wrote. The BOK Center venue managers have asked the Trump campaign for a detailed plan of the safety measures it will take to prevent the spread of the highly-contagious virus. The campaign intends to supply rallygoers with masks and hand sanitizer, but will not be keeping attendees six feet apart. Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said in an emailed statement: "We've received a letter from arena management and we're reviewing it. We take safety seriously, which is why we're doing temperature checks for everyone attending, and providing masks and hand sanitizer. This will be a Trump rally, which means a big, boisterous, excited crowd. We don't recall the media shaming demonstrators about social distancing in fact the media were cheering them on." Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford, R, who will attend the rally, told "CBS This Morning" that he intends to wear a mask "most of the time." "I assume that I'm going to have it on a lot of the time," he said, but added that when out in public he does not see many Oklahomans wearing masks. Parscale was noncommittal, however, telling Fox News he "probably will be wearing a mask" at the event. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, R, has said he will be welcoming the president with open arms Saturday. "My question back to all the folks that say you shouldn't have a rally, when is the right time?" he said on Fox Friday. "Do we really think that in July or August or in November coronavirus is not going to be here? We've got to learn to deal with this. We've got to learn to be safe, take precautions, but we've got to learn to also live our lives." But medical professions and local health officials in Tulsa continue to raise alarms about the safety of the event. The city's top health official, Bruce Dart, has said he was worried the rally could become a "super spreader" event and said Wednesday that he had recommended the rally be postponed until it was safe. "I know so many people are over COVID," Dart said. "But COVID is not over." Stitt initially said this week that he invited Trump and Vice President Mike Pence to stop by Greenwood where white mobs burned down buildings and killed as many as 300 people in 1921 during their Saturday visit, and later backed off that invitation, saying the president's security detail would complicate the celebration. Stitt said Pence would likely have a meeting with black leaders Saturday. Frank said black leaders in Greenwood were not consulted before Stitt invited the president, calling his act the "height of white privilege." Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden was set to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday virtually. He plans to address a virtual social justice conference called JusticeCon on Friday, according to his campaign. Biden's team is also holding organizing events to commemorate Juneteenth in states across the country, his campaign said. The states include Colorado, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. Earlier this week, the campaign said that starting on Juneteenth, it would make a six-figure advertising investment in African American print, radio and digital programming in six battleground states. The moves are happening as Biden has ramped up his criticism of Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which he cast as reckless and negligent in a speech this week. Biden has also been sharply critical of Trump's response to the recent protests over racism and police violence. Seeking a contrast with Trump, Biden has said he would not "traffic in fear and division" and "fan the flames of hate." The Washington Posts DeNeen L. Brown in Washington and Ziva Branstetter in Tulsa contributed to this report. Pennsylvanias unemployment rate in May was 13.1 percent, which remains far higher than normal but indicates more people are going back to work. The unemployment rate fell 3 percentage points, down from 16.1 percent in April, the highest level in more than 40 years, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. The national unemployment rate fell from 14.7 percent in April to 13.3 percent in May. More than 2 million Pennsylvanians have filed unemployment claims since the coronavirus pandemic emerged in March. Gov. Tom Wolf ordered the closure of businesses across Pennsylvania to slow the spread of the virus. As Wolf has rolled back coronavirus restrictions in recent weeks, more businesses are reopening and more people are going back on the job. Pennsylvanias total non-farm jobs rose by 198,300 to 5,191,400 in May, representing the largest single-month increase on record, the labor department noted. The biggest gain in May came in the construction industry, which saw an increase of 77,400 jobs. The Wolf administration put construction activity to a halt statewide for several weeks but Wolf allowed construction to resume widely in May. The construction sector has recovered over two-thirds of its March and April losses, the labor department said. Still, many people remain without work. For comparison, the states unemployment rate was only 4.7 percent in February. The leisure and hospitality industry has been hit especially hard. The labor department noted that sector has dropped 300,100 jobs compared to the same month last year. More from PennLive Wolf Administration reinforces orders for Pennsylvanians to mask up at businesses, workplaces, public indoor settings Given several high-profile incidents where white police officers killed black victims, followed by nationwide protests directed largely at police in general, its hardly the best time to be a cop. Which means Stamfords new chief, Tim Shaw, has taken the reins of the citys 270-member department at a time when U.S. police officers are under more scrutiny than ever due to the brutal misdeeds of faraway officers. Though Stamford has grown into a city of around 130,000, there have been no reports of excessive force by officers in recent years nor have any officers apparently fired their weapons in recent years. According to Stamford Police Capt. Tom Lombardo, the last recorded instance was in 2016. Most Stamford cops never fire their weapons, said Lombardo, who during his 47 years in the Stamford Police Department has never fired his gun. That has made fatal shootings by Stamford police officers rare. The last fatal shooting occurred in March of 2016 when an emotionally disturbed man was shot and killed by two officers when he pointed a gun at them in the backyard of his home. The previous fatal shooting occurred in 1980 when Sgt. Robert Glander shot and killed an armed rapist who had been holding a woman hostage at the Stamford Motor Inn. Glander and the victim were white. Two other men were killed in the same decade. One was an emotionally disturbed man who attacked officers with a board while the other victim was a man who was threatening his family with a knife. In both of those cases the officers were white and the victims black. According to Lt. Sean Cooney of the departments Internal Affairs unit, officers discharged their weapons three other times in the last two decades. The first incident occurred downtown April 2, 2006 when an officer shot a man armed with a gun in the shoulder on Bank Street following an altercation. Two years later, in January of 2008, an officer shot a man wielding a knife in the buttocks following a struggle involving a second officer in an East Side apartment. In the third incident, in January of 2016, an officer fired a shot at a motorist he stopped on suspicion of drunken driving on Grove Street after the man displayed a gun which had fallen out of the glove compartment. The man was not hit. Only two Stamford officers have been killed while on duty. The first, officer David Troy, was shot and killed by a robber at a downtown bar on July 7, 1960. On Dec. 18, 1973, Officer William McNamara became a victim of so-called friendly fire when he was shot and killed by a fellow officer during a liquor store holdup. Chief Shaw said Wednesday that one of his goals is to increase diversity hiring. I also would like to increase community policing, Shaw said. I also have a lot more on my mind in the way of changes. Lombardo said that when he became a police officer in 1973 the department had 17 black officers, all men, and two Hispanics, also male. The department now has 21 black male officers and three black females, along with 21 Hispanic male officers and three Hispanic female officers and a few Asian officers. The department now includes 26 female officers, while there were none when Lombardo joined the force. The number of surviving Stamford veterans who served during World War II continues to dwindle. The latest to die was Jane Jackson, who served as a cryptographer in the Waves, the female equivalent of the U.S. Navy. She died June 6 at age 97. Jackson was predeceased by her husband, Lew, who died two years ago, also at 97. One of the first women from Stamford to enter the military during World War II, Jane Buckley joined the navy a month after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The teenager, who barely met the 5-foot height requirement, was told she was under the weight minimum of 110 pounds. Seeing how disappointed I was, the tough old petty officer told me if I wanted to make it Id better go outside and eat as much as I could and then come back, she recalled. So I went outside and gorged myself on ice cream. During her four years in the navy as a petty officer based in Washington, she was part of a team working to break the Japanese code in the Pacific, where Lew Jackson was serving. Lew Jackson enlisted in the Army Air Corps and became an aerial gunner aboard a B-29 bomber which made 26 bombing missions over Japan and had several close calls. Once we were returning from a bombing run over Osaka when I saw a Japanese Zero at one OClock heading straight at us, Lew Jackson, by then a master sergeant, once told me. From my spot in a bubble on top of our plane I opened fire and hit his left wing and saw him go down. The 21-year-old Jackson saved his own life and the lives of the bombers 10 other crew members, for which he received one of the militarys highest honors, the Distinguished Flying Cross. Back home in Stamford, Lew Jackson returned to his job as a banker and his friendship with Jane Buckley, also a banker, whom he had met at a dance class at Burdick Junior High School in the late 1930s and then dated occasionally at Stamford High, from which they graduated in 1941. We werent really serious when we went into the service, Jane Jackson told me a few years ago. The relationship was revived by accident. I loved Janes mother and went to see her after I returned home, he said. She was the greatest mother in the world and while I was there Jane came walking in, and we started dating again. This time the dating became serious and led to a marriage that produced five children and lasted 69 years. A delightful wartime love story between two young patriotic Stamford bankers who served their country admirably. Jack Cavanaugh, a Stamford native and resident, is a longtime print and network reporter, a sportswriter for The New York Times and the author of six books. As it has in the past, Pasadena Parks & Recreation Department is serving kids meals this summer, but due to COVID-19, it looks quite a bit different. We provide meals and snacks for kids at our recreation centers, Trina Rodriguez, Pasadenas recreation manager said. But, due to COVID-19, we had to change the program; so now were doing it curbside. Pasadenas summer meal program is a partnership with Houston Parks & Recreation, and it is typically done every summer, Rodriguez said. The program started June 5, and meals are served at ODell Harrison Recreation Center, 415 Delta; Peter C. Fogo Recreation Center, 914 Hart; Rusk Recreation Center, 708 Witter; and starting Monday, June 22, Golden Acres Recreation Center, 5001 Oak; will have meals, too. Meals are served 1-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The process is pretty simple. Basically, you drive up and we will feed children ages 1 through 18, Rodriguez said. We dont need proof of residency, we dont need any information from you. The child must be in the car to get a meal, though. Each child actually gets two meals, a breakfast and a lunch, and there is a good variety, too. For breakfast weve seen everything from individual cereals, bagels, a cinnamon crumble, Rodriguez said. For lunch, weve had hot dogs to pizza to tamales. Also, each meal come with a fruit and usually a vegetable, too Milk is also included with each meal. So far, there havent been any hiccups. We havent had too much trouble, Rodriguez said. Typically, it takes three or four minutes from when you pull up for someone to come out. The line has been going very smoothly. The summer meal program has been popular. In the first week more than 1,000 meals were served. Rodriguez would like to see it grow bigger. We hope that as more people know about the program, more will take advantage of it, she said. We know that with COVID-19 everybody has been impacted in a different way. All we want to do is make the publics lives better. For more information on Pasadenas summer meal program, call 713-477-6491. John DeLapp is a freelance writer. He can be contacted at texdelapp@gmail.com. SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 19 June 2020 - PSB Academy (PSBA), one of Singapore's leading private education institutions, have pledged to renew partnerships with Australian universities The University of Newcastle, Australia (UON) and La Trobe University (LTU), to continue to offer select undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Singapore for another five years. From top left clockwise: Professor Sally Chan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Singapore) and Chief Executive Officer, University of Newcastle Singapore Dr Charles Ong, Head of School of Life and Physical Sciences, PSB Academy Derrick Chang, CEO, PSB Academy Dr Mike Angove, Head, Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, La Trobe University, Australia A World's Top 200 University strengthens its roots in Singapore Ranked 197 in the latest QS World University Rankings 2021, UON has been partners with PSB Academy since 2006. Together, they have educated over 6,000 graduates in Singapore in the fields of Business, Commerce, Communication, Engineering, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety and Information Technology. Professor Sally Chan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Singapore) and Chief Executive Officer, University of Newcastle Singapore, cites UON Singapore as the Asia Pacific hub of the University. The University's strong culture of inclusion and collaboration in its core planning, teaching, and assessment initiatives with PSB, is its key to maintaining a strong and sustainable internationalisation strategy in Singapore. "Our shared values with PSB Academy have allowed us to be steadfast and effective in developing industry-ready graduates for Singapore and across the region for close to 15 years now. Our students and graduates in Singapore are integral to our international community of excellence. We continue to be confident in our partnership, even as we face formidable challenges in the higher education industry in these trying times," says Professor Chan. Story continues STEM education for the life sciences sector remains a bright spot LTU has seen a year-on-year student population growth of more than 30% in Singapore since it started its first intake with PSBA in 2016. A Top 15 University in Australia for Biological Sciences QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020, it offers undergraduate courses in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences as well as chemistry through this partnership, and has enrolled close to 1,000 students in less than five years. "PSB Academy and the University aim to strengthen our position as a leading higher education provider of STEM education in Singapore, and are looking at developing programmes in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Digital Health and Nursing Science, to meet the demands of the fast-growing biotechnology and healthcare industry in Asia Pacific.," says Dr Charles Ong, Head of School of Life and Physical Sciences at PSBA. "Our survey with current PSBA life sciences students show their thirst for more options in postgraduate studies and a wider range of specialist skillsets in these fields.," says Dr Mike Angove, Head, Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, La Trobe University, Australia. "Given the accelerated support for the biomedical manufacturing sector and Singapore's remarkable potential in Asia's race for a coronavirus vaccine, we are in a privileged position to work with committed partners like PSBA to develop talent that will advance the role of medical and pharmaceutical research." Alliances in education key to supporting a post-COVID-19 roadmap for growth "Our mutual resilience and collective resolve to emerge stronger from this pandemic, has only deepened our commitment to international partners like UON and LTU. Our schools and universities face new tests of resilience, but education needs to continue to be a bulwark for the global community's journey to recovery. We will forge forward, to innovate and expand our offerings, and to renew our focus on delivering on strong graduate outcomes in the face of these difficult times," says Derrick Chang, CEO, PSB Academy. To mark this partnership milestone with UON and LTU, and also working together with other reputable university partners from Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), PSBA will host an ANZ Virtual University Fair to recruit students interested in pursuing an Australian or New Zealander degree in Singapore. Other partners featured in the fair are Edith Cowan University (ECU) which is One of Two Australian Universities that is designated Academic Centre for Cyber Security Excellence (ACCSE) and offers courses in cyber security and ethical hacking Massey University, which offers a Master of Analytics Programme sponsored by SAS University of Canberra, which offers Doctor of Business Administration programme University of Wollongong (UOW), which is also ranked among the World's Top 200 Universities (QS Rankings 2021) and offers degree courses in a range of business disciplines An 88-year-old Washington Township, Northampton County, man was pulling out from a stop sign on Thursday afternoon in Plainfield Township when his minivan was struck by oncoming SUV, Slate Belt Regional police report. Leon Brodt was pronounced dead at the scene by the Northampton County Coroners Office, Slate Belt Chief Jonathon Hoadley said Friday morning. The other driver, who is a Plainfield Township resident but wasnt named due to the ongoing traffic investigation, wasnt hurt, Hoadley said. Brodt, heading east just after 2 p.m. on Mill Road in a 2004 Chrysler Town & Country, had made a complete stop, but apparently didnt see the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe traveling south that didnt have a stop sign on Pen Argyl Road, Hoadley said. The minivan was struck on the drivers side as it crossed Pen Argyl Road, Hoadley said. While the crash probe is continuing, Hoadley said drugs or alcohol have been ruled out. Brodt was taken for an autopsy and county Coroner Zachary Lysek will rule on the cause and manner of the death, Hoadley said. There were no passengers in either vehicle, Hoadley said. The spelling of Brodts last name ha been corrected. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting lehighvalleylive.com with a voluntary subscription. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Kristina: With people spending more time online, were hearing a lot more about the importance of personalization. Are brands using personalization as it should be used? Christian Selchau-Hansen, CEO & Co-Founder, Formation: For most marketers personalization rarely means personal. Including a name in an email, retargeting or doing simple demographic segmentation does not offer sufficient relevance or value for todays consumer.A Theres a lot of ambiguity around the word personalization and what that actually means. That ambiguity can make it difficult for brands to use personalization effectively. We think about personalization in three stages: segmentation, microsegmentation and individualization. Many brands are between stage one and two, segmentation and microsegmentation. Moving from stage one to stage two by adding a few more segments linearly increases the amount of resources and effort required to execute on campaigns. However, that linear increase doesnt scale to individualization because segmentation is often a manual and laborious process. The only way to scale to stage three is with machine learning and automation. Brands that can implement the technology and strategies that allow them to move beyond segmentation and toward 1:1 personalization will be most effective.A Additionally, there are numerous applications of personalization and different applications have different levels of return. Individualized offers, where we have deep specialization, is one of the most effective and lucrative applications. Kristina: What is the difference, from a marketing perspective, between personalization and repetition? Christian: Using data from past purchases, browsing and customer actions to inform future marketing communications and promotions is a step in the right direction for brands marketing to that individual. However, thats only part of the equation. Identifying a pattern and repeating those same marketing efforts is easy enough, but to create true personalization and loyalty, marketers need to offer relevance to their customers. This starts with understanding why a customer engages in a given pattern and that not every customer purchases in the same pattern. Machine learning helps brands to develop individual insights and optimize offers over time, while automation makes sure that far fewer resources are required to deploy millions of variations thus maximizing relevance to each customer.A Kristina: How can brands ensure they are properly personalizing campaign materials without repeating the same, non-relevant, information to consumers? It all hinges on understanding the customer, being able to act on the relevant and recent data and do so at scale. Otherwise, the only choice is to show everyone the same message, which we know cannot maximize relevance or value to the customer. Christian: Granularity is essential. Just knowing that a customer recently made a purchase is less valuable than understanding a customer purchased a yoga mat six days ago with a 25% off coupon. This is an opportunity to improve the customers journey. Rather than retarget that customer with an ad for another yoga mat or a blanket 25% coupon, brands could dive deeper into the customers motivations and interests. They could really drive engagement and improve the customer experience with offers for additional yoga items or even videos around online yoga classes.A Kristina: How does personalization feed into the overall digital experience? Christian: Digital is becoming the primary experience. Digital natives have developed tremendous personalization and reset customer expectations. Everyone else needs to catch upA The rise of digital channels means that customers have more options than ever for where to shop, and every time a consumer is exposed to an improved digital experience, their expectations for all experiences are reset to a new higher level. And personalization is the same. Consumers are experiencing improved personalization, which means for a brands digital experience to be successful, it needs to be personalized. Personalization also helps brands build and deepen relationships with customers, so it is key to making a brands digital experience stickier.A Kristina: How can brands use personalization to give their shoppers, or readers in the case of publishers, a more relevant experience? Christian: Relevance requires personalization. And higher degrees of relevance require higher levels of personalization. Amazon, for example, was one of the first retailers to personalize recommendations within search results by using data on past purchases, browsing and what other users have been buying. Other brands like Netflix and Stitch Fix also use personalized recommendations to create a more relevant experience. Companies are increasingly using data and automation technology to personalize experiences through everything from surfacing more relevant search results to tailoring marketing communications and promotional offers.A Kristina: When personalization and experience are done well, what is the benefit to merchants and brands? Christian: A personalized customer experience increases customer engagement, brand loyalty and customer lifetime value while also supporting customer retention. Acquiring customers is costly, so prioritizing value and retention has a significant impact on a brands bottom line. Additionally, when integrated with a companys promotional strategy, individualization enables even higher relevance resulting in higher engagement, more transactions and larger baskets. The net result is higher lifetime value. Moreover, because the offers are more tailored, they are substantially more efficient.A Kristina: What are your top 3 tips for brands to improve personalization? Christian: 1. Change your mind-set from product focused to a customer-centric approach. The customer experience is critical in building relationships with consumers. Yet most brands still rely on traditional product-centric strategies and promotional offers to drive purchases. Rather than generating loyalty and increasing the lifetime value of a customer, these types of transactional offers create short-term and temporary results. aa 2. Focus on individual relevance. 76% of customers expect companies to understand their needs and expectations, and thats not possible without data. When you improve customer experience, customers are more than willing to opt in. A loyalty program can be a great way to build this data. With data in hand, leverage AI and machine learning to develop individual customer insights at scale. a3. Implement 1:1 automation and turn insights into $$. Applying automation and the individual insights, brands can create and deploy millions of individualized offers. These offers maximize relevance, customer engagement and business impact ultimately driving growth, customer lifetime value and more efficient marketing spend. For the first time, leading Australian experts in both physical climate change science and disaster modelling are working together with Australian financial institutions to provide a scientifically robust, common standard for industry disclosure and reporting of climate-related financial risks in Australia, said Christopher Lee (pictured), CEO of Climate-KIC Australia. This will provide companies and regulators with a common understanding of the science and how model-based projections of climate variables can be integrated into physical risk scenario analysis. Read more: ICA and IGCC call for state and federal disaster strategies Representatives supporting the project include Preeminent scientists from the CSIRO Climate Science Centre, Bureau of Meteorology, and leading universities under auspices of the National Environmental Science Programs Earth Systems and Climate Change (ESCC) Hub, working in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes (CLEX). Lee says developing a common Australian standard for performing physical climate scenario analyses will help provide investors and other users of climate-related disclosures with an improved level of comparability and an understanding of the scientific uncertainty in the data used as a basis for their disclosures. These will be in line with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), he added. Climate-KIC has been working with a range of financial institutions on this project for the past six months, Lee continued. It really seeks to provide greater guidance and understanding of how TCFD recommendations should be implemented in Australia and get out some open-source standards for the scientific information, and then also how they should be disclosed and then how applications from service providers should use the information when theyre providing advice to organisations. Lee says the key factor the project is moving towards is achieving comparability. If the industry starts to develop standards which organisations are operating under, Lee says it will allow for clearer reporting. By creating some of these closure standards then it means that everyones starting from the same page, he said. They are going to be voluntary standards and theyll provide guidance on different approaches. But it starts to get us that common framework, which is really important. Read next: Risk expert on climate change perils for insurers Additionally, he claims this project will benefit investors and impact the way insurance products are priced because the common frame from which the information is disclosed and presented will help investment decisions. However, climate change and its risks are not new scientists and experts have been warning about the dangers presented by climate change to governments, investors and financial institutions for decades. Lee says the financial sector has been responding to climate change through its own internal and external pressures and that the outcome of this project may lead to mandatory changes. What this type of work does is really start to formalise the reporting and disclosure of these risks, which means its not just a few organisations leading the way it becomes common practice, he explained. Everyone will be doing it and, at some point, the regulators may decide to make these things mandatory. Karachi, June 19 : Two Pakistan Rangers officials and a civilian were killed in a blast in Sindh province on Friday, police said. According to Senior Superintendent of Police Farrukh Lunjar, the blast took place in the city of Ghotki near a Rangers van that was parked in a market, reports Dawn news. At least three people were also injured in the blast. It is not yet clear if the attack was targeted. The nature of the blast was yet to be ascertained. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text YEREVAN. One-thousand employees of Gazprom Armenia will be laid off in the near future, informed executive director Hrant Tadevosyan of the company. According to him, the whole Gazprom Armenia workforce, including the drivers, will face downsizing. "I have offered to reduce my salary. In addition, I am going to reduce the salaries of the management10 people," he added. There will not, after all, be a new water bottling plant in the Sierra de Camarolos, in Antequera. The company, Inversiones Domago S.L., announced on Wednesday that it is cancelling the 15-million-euro project, which would have created around 100 direct and indirect jobs, despite having been granted all the relevant permits from the Junta de Andalucia. The decision came after pressure from several mayors in the area who joined forces to try to have the project stopped because of fears that the water supply in their municipalities would be negatively affected. The company said this has given the bottling plant an incorrect and damaging reputation. Domago first embarked on this project in 2009 and in the 11 years since then the regional government, first in the hands of PSOE and then PP and Ciudadanos, has given all the authorisations needed. In fact, in 2016 the environmental report on the potential impact of the plant said that the amount of water that would need to be pumped was much lower than the resources available and there was no reason to believe that supplies would be affected or over-exploited. No previous opposition The company also explained that the water to be used by the bottling plant was not the same as that which supplies Villanueva del Rosario and the other villages whose mayors were opposed to the project. In the statement announcing that it would not now go ahead, the company said that during all the years of administrative processes, nobody had opposed or criticised the plans and all the permits and authorisations are in order. The mayors who have spoken out against the bottling plant are Juan Gonzalez of Villanueva del Rosario, Jose Maria Garcia of Villanueva del Trabuco, Jose Martin of Colmenar, Juan Jesus Gallardo of Alfarnate, Daniel Benitez of Alfarnatejo and Jose Maria Garcia Fernandez of Casabermeja. One argument they put forward was that in 2018 the authority responsible for planning and managing public water supplies had said the project was incompatible with the intended use of the water, but the project was reactivated when the government of the Junta de Andalucia changed. Political differences There are claims that the disputes over the project are politically motivated. The regional government's delegate in Malaga, Patricia Navarro, has described the mayors' opposition to the bottling plant as a "political operation", and has asked the company to reconsider because cancelling the project would be "very negative for the area". The president of the Malaga provincial authority, Francisco Salado, has also expressed support for the plant. The mayors say they are "very pleased" the project is not going ahead. Iran test-fires new cruise navy missiles in Indian Ocean drills IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, June 18, IRNA -- Iranian Navy forces successfully test-fired new cruise missiles in military drills staged at north Indian Ocean and Oman Sea early on Thursday. In the drills, both short-range and long-range cruise missiles were fired. The long-range missiles reportedly hit the targets at a distance of 280 kilometers, the range of which is also expected to be extended. The surface-to-sea and sea-to-sea missiles were both launched from the coast and the deck of the navy vessels hitting their targets with high accuracy. The new missiles were designed and produced domestically by the Ministry of Defense in cooperation with the Navy. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address By PTI BEIJING: China on Friday reacted guardedly to calls for a boycott of Chinese products and investments in India following the brutal attack on Indian soldiers at the Galwan Valley, saying it values its relations with New Delhi and both countries are in talks to ease the situation. The boycott calls and the growing anti-India sentiment is causing a sense of disquiet in China especially among its telecom companies like Huawei, Xiaomi and Oppo etc which made a big dent in the Indian market, the second-largest in the world after China in mobile phones. China is the biggest beneficiary of the bilateral trade with India, with about USD 60 billion balance of trade in its favour in about USD 92.68 total trade in 2019. Asked about growing calls in India to boycott Chinese products and investments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the responsibility for the crisis lies with India. I would like to reiterate that regarding the serious situation in the Galwan valley, the right and wrong is very clear and the responsibility entirely lies with the Indian side," he said. On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the two sides agreed to "cool down" tensions on the ground "as soon as possible". During the conversation, Jaishankar conveyed to Wang India's protest in the strongest terms on the violent face-off and said the unprecedented development will have "serious impact" on the bilateral ties. "The Chinese side took premeditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties. "It reflected an intent to change the facts on the ground in violation of all our agreements to not change the status quo," Jaishankar told Wang. At the Chinese Foreign Ministry briefing, spokesman Zhao said, Both China and India are in communication with each other through diplomatic and military channels on easing the situation. China values our bilateral relations. We hope the Indian side can work with China to jointly maintain the long-term development of bilateral relations," he said. Twenty Indian Army personnel were killed in the clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley on Monday night, in the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two countries. The impact of rising tensions between China and India following the latest border brawl seems to be spreading to Chinese companies in India," a report in the state-run Global Times said on Friday. Chinese smartphone maker Oppo on Wednesday cancelled the live online launch of its flagship 5G handset in India, it said. The deadly border incident was something neither party could have anticipated or wanted to see, and the consequent rising nationalist fever in India has already caused significant pressure to bilateral relations and economic ties," the report said. It is high time to call for both governments and the people to show rationality in the face of the border tension to maintain the stability of bilateral economic and trade ties. "Whether China-India relations can weather the current difficulties will be a major test for the resilience of the two countries' economic ties," the report said. Last Saturday, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of the most powerful man in North Korea, Kim Jong Un, suggested the decimation of a Joint Liaison Office between North and South Korea in Kaesong. By Tuesday, the office was reduced to rubble. And as the smoke cleared, Jon Un emerged as a new face in North Korea's political leadership, one that is already been touted as a successor to the secretive nation. In the recent past, Jong Un has been seen taking a leading role in a new, more hard-line pressure campaign against South Korea, highlighting what analysts say is a substantive policy role that goes beyond being her brother's assistant. And blowing up the liaison office, built in 2018 to improve inter-Korean communications, was a move both tactical and symbolic. With it, Jong Un not only put herself at the forefront of North Korea's stand on South Korea but also emerged as one of the top leaders in the North Korean politburo after her brother Jon Un himself. Who is Kim Yo Jong? Believed to be in her early 30s, Kim Yo Jong is the only close relative of the North Korean leader to play a public role in politics. During the 2018-2019 flurry of international diplomacy, Kim Yo Jong garnered global attention by leading a delegation to the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. Later, she was often seen dashing about to make sure everything went well for her older brother, including holding an ashtray for him at a train station on his way to a summit with US President Donald Trump in Vietnam. But in recent months, Yo Jung seems to have taken on a more hands-on role, especially since the nation's anti-South Korean agenda came to the fore. Why blowing up the liaison office is significant? The explosion comes as a blow to bilateral North and South Korean relations following a week of tensions after activists and defectors from South Korea sent anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets against Jong Un's dictatorial rule and human rights violations, hidden in balloons that were flown into the North. Pyongyang reacted by threatening to end the 2018 military pact to reduce inter Korean tensions. Blowing up of the office, which was the central point of contact for inter-Korean relations and a symbolic totem of peace and cooperation between the North and South, is being seen as an end to a continuing dialogue between the two nations. Sister tougher than Kim Jong Un? The move is symbolic as blowing up a liaison office sends a powerful message. And spearheading the change is the tough Yo Jung. The Supreme Leader's sister previously warned South Korea that she would shut down the liaison office. "By exercising my power authorised by the Supreme Leader, our Party and the state, I gave an instruction to the department in charge of the affairs with [the] enemy to decisively carry out the next action," Yo Jong said in a statement as state news agency KCNA. The bombing came upon Seoul's failure to respond and has further cemented speculation about Yo Jung becoming Jong Un's successor in leading the secretive nation. But she did not stop there. North on Wednesday threatened to bolster its military presence in and near the Demilitarized Zone, a day after blowing up its liaison office with the South, prompting sharp criticism from Seoul. In a series of denunciations of South Korea, the nuclear-armed North rejected an offer from President Moon Jae-in to send envoys for talks. Yo Jong called the offer a "tactless and sinister proposal", as per KCNA news. Seoul retorted with an unusually stern condemnation, calling her remarks "senseless" and "very rude". Yo Jong has worked behind the scenes in North Korea's propaganda agencies, a role that led the United States to add her to a list of sanctioned senior officials in 2017 because of human rights abuses and censorship. In 2018, she became the first of the Kims to visit South Korea since the Korean War and has since been actively involved in the nuclear-armed nation's international relations and diplomacy policies. In March, state media carried the first-ever statement by Kim, in which she criticized South Korean authorities. That was followed by several more, including a response to comments by Trump. Rising from the ranks of Jong Un's younger sister to his personal assistant to now his "enforcer", experts have even surmised that Yo Jung would be an even tougher, more brutal ruler than her dictator brother. While her direct bloodline ensures her hold over the politburo, her trigger-happy debut has definitely drawn eyes. Will Jong Un's sister become the first woman to rule the deeply male-dominated political sphere of North Korea and emerge its leader? Blowing up a symbol of peace sure seems like a stunning way to arrive in world politics after all. (With inputs from Agencies) Advertisement Wildfires are raging across Arizona, marking an ominous start to the fire season in the West, which many fear will be severe due to hot, dry conditions. So far this year, wildfires have burned more than 170,000 acres in Arizona, nearly four times the area destroyed by fire at the same point in 2019, according to officials. The Bush Fire in Tonto National Forest, which ignited on Saturday in a car fire, now covers 114,941 acres, or about 180 square miles, and is just 4 percent contained. Shocking satellite photos have emerged showing the extent of the damage, with the Bush Fire alone scorching an area larger than the city of Philadelphia. Four large wildfires were captured by NASA's Aqua satellite on June 17, 2020 in this image. Three of them are in Arizona and one is inside the state line of New Mexico The extent of the Bush Fire is seen on June 16. The fire was completely uncontained amid hot, dry and windy conditions The Bush Fire burns northeast of Phoenix in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona on June 14, 2020. The human-caused brush fire is burning in the Sugarloaf and Four Peaks Recreation areas A portion of the Bush fire burns through the Tonto National Forest, Tuesday, June 16, 2020, as seen from Apache Junction The Bush Fire is now the largest active fire in the U.S. and according to the National Weather Service it is the seventh largest in Arizona's history. The largest was the Wallow Fire which incinerated more than 522,000 acres of land in 2011. The blaze has spread through the Sonoran desert, canyon lands and ponderosa pine forest, but no injures have been reported. Meanwhile, two other large fires are actively blazing in the state. The Mangum Fire north of the Grand Canyon spans 88 square miles and is only 3 percent contained, while the Bighorn Fire has burned through more than 48 square miles north of Tucson and is 40 percent contained. On Thursday night, firefighters battling the Bighorn Fire, which was caused by lightning, got a reprieve from high winds that had whipped the flames. Air tankers continued to drop fire retardant throughout the day to limit spread of the fire burning in the Wilderness of Rocks. The Bighorn Fire burning in the wilderness of the Santa Catalina Mountains looms over homes on June 13 The Big Horn fire has burned over 24,000 acres in the Santa Catalina mountains near Tucson. Dry conditions, 105 degree heat and high winds have made fighting the fire difficult A DC-10 air tanker drops fire retardant along a ridge west of Mt. Lemmon Sky Center during the Bighorn Fire burning in timber west of Mt. Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson on June 16 The burn area of the Bighorn Fire is seen on June 15 in this satellite image The cause of the Magnum Fire, which began on June 8, is still under investigation. Some 640 personnel are currently battling the fire. On Friday, firefighters will attempt to hold and secure fire lines at the Magnum Fire, maintain anchor points, and on the northern section of the fire, construct new lines where needed. Over 2,000 people were evacuated from the three large wildfires in Arizona on Thursday as dry conditions and gusty winds whipped blazes across the U.S. Southwest. More than 1,500 residents fled small communities in mountains about 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Phoenix, Arizona, as a wildfire grew to an area larger than the city of Detroit overnight, fire officials reported. Firefighters battling the Bush Fire faced gusting winds, low relative humidity and triple-digit temperatures as flames leaped through pinon pine and juniper in the Tonto National Forest. 'We have hotter temperatures approaching,' said Marvin Percha, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Phoenix, forecasting above-average temperatures of 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius) by Monday. Traffic on SR-87 leads to the Bush Fire burning northeast of Phoenix in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona on June 14 A portion of the Bush fire burns through the Tonto National Forest, Tuesday, June 16, 2020, as seen from Apache Junction Flames from the Bighorn Fire loom behind the Mountain Shadows Presbyterian Church in Oro Valley on June 13 A stiff wind out of the southwest pushes the Bighorn Fire into the central Santa Catalina Mountains on June 13 Around a dozen other fires burned in Arizona as it faced another record daily rise in coronavirus cases on Thursday. The Mangum Fire has forced 230 people to leave their homes. Four hundred homes were evacuated for the Bighorn Fire north of Tucson, which had burned 23,892 acres. To the west, much of California remained under a 'red flag warning' for erratic gusty winds, around half a dozen small fires burning up and down the state. Alaska reported dozens of small blazes and the use of dogs to protect wildland firefighters from bears. Karelian Bear Dogs, a Finnish breed known for their fearless nature, were flown to a firefighting camp to protect personnel and supplies from the intruding animals, according to fire authorities. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on June 19, 2020. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image) Australian Leader Says Unnamed State Increasing Cyberattacks CANBERRA, AustraliaA sophisticated state-based cyber actor was targeting Australia in an escalating cyber campaign that is threatening all levels of government, businesses, essential services, and critical infrastructure, the prime minister said on June 19. Prime Minister Scott Morrison would not name the state, amid inevitable speculation that the cyberattacks were part of Australias increasingly hostile rift with China. Morrison said he made the growing threat public to raise awareness and particularly wanted organizations involved in health, critical infrastructure, and essential services to bolster technical defenses. A range of sectors were being targeted and the frequency of cyber intrusions to steal and cause harm has increased for months, he said. This is the actions of a state-based actor with significant capabilities. There arent too many state-based actors who have those capabilities, Morrison said. Peter Jennings, executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute think-tank, said only China had the capability and interest in launching such a massive cyber offensive against Australia. Im absolutely certain that China is behind it, Jennings said. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian dismissed such allegations, saying China has been opposing and combating all types of cyber attacks. The attacks coming from institute against China are totally baseless nonsense, Zhao told reporters at a daily briefing on Friday. China in recent weeks banned beef exports from Australias largest abattoirs, ended trade in Australian barley with a tariff wall, and warned its citizens against visiting Australia. The measures are widely interpreted as punishment for Australias advocacy of an independent probe into the origins and spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic. Australias foreign minister this week accused China of using the anxiety around the pandemic to undermine Western democracies by spreading disinformation online, prompting China to accuse Australia of disinformation. Morrison said Australia doesnt engage lightly in public attribution but said he couldnt control speculation about who was responsible for the cyber campaign. He offered few details about the activities and said it was difficult to understand whether the intrusions were motivated by desires to steal state secrets, intellectual property, or the personal data of ordinary Australians. Australian investigations to date had not uncovered any large-scale personal data breaches, Morrison said. And he said many of the intrusions had been thwarted. Defense Minister Linda Reynolds said the governments cyber agency, Australian Cyber Security Center, and the Home Affairs Department published a technical advisory on how organizations can detect and mitigate cyber threats. The cyber agency warned last month that malicious cyber adversaries were taking advantage of key staff at critical infrastructure working from home during the pandemic. Power and water networks as well and transport and communications grids were threatened. We are continuing to see attempts to compromise Australias critical infrastructure, agency head Abigail Bradshaw said. It is reprehensible that cybercriminals would seek to disrupt or conduct ransomware attacks against our essential services during a major health crisis, she added. The agency also reported that malicious cyber actors were attempting to damage or impair hospitals and emergency response organizations outside Australia. Sydney-based brewery giant Lion said on Friday it was continuing to recover from a ransomware attack last week. Lion and our expert cyber team continue to investigate the ransomware attack that caused a partial IT outage last week, a company statement said. Its important to reinforce that while this attack has had an impact on our operations, we are still brewing beer and manufacturing our dairy and drinks brands, and weve managed to keep shipping products to many of our customers, it added. By Rod McGuirk Epoch Times staff contributed to this report. The next day, an NYPD detective showed up at his door and was able to identify him through the mug shot attached to his rap sheet. The investigator also saw the Honda in the driveway of Sanchez-Santanas home and the suspect admitted he was driving in Manhattan around the time of the crime, according to court documents. VANCOUVER, BC, June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Body and Mind Inc. (CSE: BAMM) (OTCQB: BMMJ) (the "Company" or "BaM"), a multi-state cannabis operator, announced today that it has finalized a production licensing agreement with Her Highness, a growing cannabis brand aimed to introduce and educate women, both the curious and experienced consumers, on the benefits of incorporating cannabis into her lifestyle with a dynamic suite of premium products. "Advancing this opportunity with Her Highness continues our strategy of working with innovative brands which complement the premium Body and Mind offerings," stated Michael Mills, CEO of Body and Mind. "The enthusiasm of the Las Vegas re-opening has been positive and when combined with new efficiencies expected at the new Nevada production facility alongside our strong distribution platform, we offer a turn-key opportunity for Her Highness." Already retailing throughout California, Her Highness is a cannabis lifestyle brand built by women for women with a goal to capture the female cannabis market. Their curated collection of cannabis essentials include low-dose fat-free mints, chic gold electroplated vape pens, proprietary slim, elongated pre-rolls housed in a gold cigarette box with the brand's signature gold lighter, and a coveted THC "pleasure oil" for enhanced pleasure. With an elevated range of thoughtfully reimagined cannabis products for enjoyment and self-care, Her Highness satisfies every woman's cannabis curiosity and craving in a way that's true to her lifestyle and in sync with the way women live and play. "We have seen strong growth of the Her Highness brand in California and feel our offerings will be equally popular with women in the Nevada market." stated Allison Krongard, co-founder of Her Highness. "Throughout California, we've established Her Highness as a reliable brand that female consumers can trust. Body and Mind's long history of premium quality products and strong distribution in Nevada present a fantastic opportunity to extend the success of our brand into the Las Vegas and Nevada market." Her Highness co-founders, Laura Eisman and Allison Krongard, noticed a gap in the market and craved a premium cannabis experience that was infused with a sense of play and delivered with style. The duo brought to the table their experience and successes with launching female minded companies and set out to reverse the stigma and create a full-scope lifestyle brand for the canna-curious, experienced users, and CBD advocates. "Our mission is for Her Highness to be a household name for women and cannabis. We're thrilled to have BaM as a licensing partner as we look to expand into additional legal markets throughout the US and internationally," commented Laura Eisman, co-founder of Her Highness. "Our current CBD line has already put a stake in the ground in establishing us as a nationally recognized brand." Through the partnership with BaM, Her Highness' line of cannabis products will soon be available in dispensaries throughout Nevada. About Her Highness: Her Highness is a female-first lifestyle cannabis brand based in New York designed for the modern cannabis consumer. With an elevated brand aesthetic, a sophisticated collection of cannabis and CBD products and stylish consumption accessories, Her Highness is created for the feminine lifestyle. Her Highness' accessories and CBD line retails online with their THC line available in California and soon Nevada. Curated with female-friendly effects like clear head, sans-munchies, anxiety-free and high-functioning, Her Highness products are developed to benefit women, addressing specific needs in their daily lives. Made with the highest quality materials and pure ingredients, Her Highness delivers a clean, reliable experience and memorable high. Her Highness is committed to supporting all women in cannabis. Through a partnership with Last Prisoner Project, Her Highness both donates and raises funds that directly support women incarcerated for non-violent cannabis crimes. To learn more about Her Highness' elevated experience visit www.herhighness.com and follow along on Instagram and Twitter at @herhighnessnyc. About Body and Mind Inc. BaM is a publicly traded company investing in high quality medical and recreational cannabis cultivation, production and retail. BaM's wholly owned Nevada subsidiary was awarded one of the first medical marijuana cultivation licenses and holds cultivation and production licenses. BaM products include dried flower, edibles, oils and extracts as well as GPEN Gio cartridges. BaM cannabis strains have won numerous awards including the 2019 Las Vegas Weekly Bud Bracket, Las Vegas Hempfest Cup 2016, High Times Top Ten, the NorCal Secret Cup and the Emerald Cup. BaM continues to expand operations in Nevada, California, Arkansas and Ohio and is dedicated to increasing shareholder value by focusing time and resources on improving operational efficiencies, facility expansions, pursuing state licensing opportunities and mergers and acquisitions. Please visit www.bamcannabis.com for more information. Instagram: @bodyandmindBaM Twitter: @bodyandmindBaM 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. Safe Harbor Statement Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable United States and Canadian laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans, "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as "forward-looking statements". Such 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 be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the actual results of activities, variations in the underlying assumptions associated with the estimation of activities, the availability of capital to fund programs and the resulting dilution caused by the raising of capital through the sale of shares, accidents, labor disputes and other risks. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release. Certain matters discussed in this news release and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may constitute forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Many of these factors are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and that could impact the Company and the statements contained in this news release can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities. SOURCE Body and Mind Inc. Related Links https://bamcannabis.com/ Schmid moves on after being in the role since July 2017. He originally joined Swiss Re back in 1991 and has held a host of important positions during his tenure including as head property & specialty reinsurance, head property & casualty risk, and more. On behalf of the board of directors I would like to thank Edi Schmid for his dedication and an enormous contribution to Swiss Re over nearly three decades, said Swiss Re chairman Walter B Kielholz. We are grateful that he will continue to share his expertise and knowledge with the group in an advisory capacity. Meanwhile, Leger has been heading up the Life Capital Business Unit a combination of iptiQ, elipsLife and ReAssure. He joined the firm back in 1997 before moving to Swiss Re New Markets in 2001 and being a part of the executive team in France from 2003-2005. In more recent times, he became head of the globals division in 2010, and in 2013 assumed the role of head of life and health products reinsurance. The Life Capital Business unit will be disbanded when ReAssure is sold to Phoenix Group a move that should be complete by the third quarter of 2020. We are pleased that Thierry Leger has accepted this new challenge after achieving many milestones during his time at the Life Capital Business Unit, added Kielholz. His expertise in underwriting, technology, data and innovative solutions will be a big asset in furthering the development of Swiss Res leading position in underwriting. The firm has also made additional changes with elipsLife, which provides life and health solutions to corporate clients, moving to Corporate Solutions from the end of September. Meanwhile, iptiQ, the white labelling digital insurance platform, will become a standalone division reporting to the group CEO with effect from January 01 next year. The changes announced today will position Swiss Re well for the next chapter of the groups strategic development, said group CEO Christian Mumenthaler. Having grown dynamically over the past years, iptiQ is on track to becoming a leading player in its field. And being part of Corporate Solutions will open further growth opportunities for elipsLife. In underwriting, we will continue to evolve our capabilities through cutting-edge research, access to more and better data and advanced analytics. Bowling Green State University is planning to resume in-person teaching and learning Aug. 26 with a revised academic calendar and new health and safety measures in place this fall. Two University-wide planning groups have been working to address student academic and non-academic experiences along with safety and campus operations. BGSU continues to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and regional and local health care partners to comply with directives and guidelines to safeguard students, faculty, staff and visitors and reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Revised Academic Calendar In the best health and safety interests of the community and with the University's responsibility to promote public health, Bowling Green State University is adjusting its 2020-2021 academic calendar. Classes will now start on Wednesday, Aug. 26. Students planning to live on campus will be assigned a specific move-in time during Aug. 20-25. In-person classes will end on Wednesday, Nov. 25. The last week of classes will be Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 2020, and will be conducted remotely. Final exam week will be Dec. 7-11, 2020, and will also be conducted remotely. Winter Session in 2021 will be canceled. Based upon current planning, in-person classes for the spring semester will begin Jan. 11, 2021, and end on April 30, 2021. While there are changes to the academic calendar, previously announced University holidays will continue to be observed. Preparing to Return to Campus Before returning to campus, students, faculty and staff will successfully complete online trainings to ensure awareness of recommendations and orders from the CDC and the ODH. Additionally, the University will conduct a health and safety assessment of its facilities. Classrooms will be retrofitted or reconfigured for appropriate physical distancing. All personal workspaces will be cleaned and sanitized and supplies and personal protective equipment will be made available. In addition, the University will enhance its daily cleaning protocols in all facilities. Campus Health Measures Based upon current knowledge and the direction of the CDC and ODH, BGSU has outlined expectations for the fall semester, which include: All individuals will complete a daily self-administered wellness check before coming to campus. Anyone who has a diagnosis or symptoms relating to COVID-19 must notify the University. Individuals will be required to wear a face covering in all indoor public and shared environments. In the absence of the ability to physical distance, face coverings will be required at outdoor spaces as well. Everyone will be required to adhere to physical distancing requirements in classrooms, common spaces and outdoors. In collaboration with the Wood County Health Department, the University will conduct health monitoring, contact tracing, testing surveillance and will work to assist with quarantine and isolation protocols. In addition, each student, faculty and staff member will be required to comply with the Universitys current business travel restrictions. Everyone also will be required to sign a COVID-19 social commitment outlining the University's shared expectations to minimize risk for the public health of our community. This commitment will include detailed expectations regarding public health protocols. "We are being intentional as we consider a variety of scenarios and are developing a multi-phased plan for the return to campus," BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. "Our plans are still evolving, requiring us to be flexible and adaptable. As we make decisions, the very health and safety of our community requires us to work together." Faculty and Staff Guidelines Critical personnel and researchers began returning to campus in June. Additional faculty and staff members will begin to return to BGSU campuses in phases in July. To ensure social and physical distancing and to allow for the appropriate office and facility safety measures, faculty and staff will be prepared to work alternating schedules to reduce the University's employee footprint and avoid high density on campuses. Reinventing a New Normal Students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to request alternative work and classroom considerations. If students want to limit classroom exposure, BGSU will offer online classes. BGSU will also offer a hybrid learning approach called BGSUSync, allowing students to participate in a live class from their residence hall room or off-campus location. "We are reinventing a new normal, which will necessitate adapting course delivery, classroom management and configuration, curriculum offerings, residence and dining hall safeguards, student life programming, and many operations and functions across the University," Rogers said. "We will balance the interactions that make a residential campus like ours so valuable with a priority of creating a safe environment." Five days since actor Sushant Singh Rajput died by suicide, the film industry and his fans are still reeling under the shock of his sudden demise. Rajput's death didn't only open the gates around conversations on mental health but also stirred the nepotism storm once more inside the film fraternity. Days after an FIR was filed against the big names of Bollywood including Karan Johar, Ekta Kapoor, Salman Khan among others ina court in Bihar's Muzaffarpur, social media also came down heavily on 'nepotists' for allegedly ignoring the 34-year-old's talent inside the industry. A day after Rajput was found dead in his apartment in Mumbai, his fans in Patna, from where the actor hailed, staged a protest by burning effigies of renowned Bollywood personalities. READ: Bullying Karan Johar, Alia Bhatt for Sushant Singh Rajput's Death Won't Fix Nepotism Battle Amid fans terming his death as 'planned murder', viral videos show people gathering outside a shop of Salman Khan's 'Being Human' store in Bihar demanding the removal of the actor's poster from the front board. Salman khan murdabad" MOOD IN BIHAR . Protest against Salman by Bihar Kya bolta ho public sahi ki galat?#SalmanKhan #SalmanKhanIsBULLY #JusticeForSushantSinghRajput pic.twitter.com/4Bf3CDF9sx RM (@R24966786) June 18, 2020 Protest karne se kuch nhi hoga. Requesting people of Bihar if u ever loved sushant. Never ever watch Salman Khan films in theaters. Completely boycott him for treating Sushant wrong#JusticeForSushantSinghRajput https://t.co/pL4c7MfdON Abhi! (@abhiraj1717) June 18, 2020 Salman khan murdabad" MOOD IN BIHAR . Protest against Salman by Bihar Kya bolta ho public sahi ki galat?#SalmanKhan #SalmanKhanIsBULLY #JusticeForSushantSinghRajput pic.twitter.com/JzKXogM4Q9 B-O-S-S (@DEMON_KHILADI) June 18, 2020 Besides, social media continues to be riddled with hate messages against such famed stars, with many blaming nepotism by and by for Rajput's death. READ: Sushant Singh Rajput Fans Burn Effigies of Salman Khan and Karan Johar in Patna: Report Hashtags like 'Bollywood Blocked Sushant', 'Boycott Karan Johar Movie Gang' and many star kids like Alia Bhatt, Sonakshi Sinha and Sonam Kapoor started trending on Twitter in the wake of Sushant's demise. US President Donald Trump speaks with the daughter of jailed Uyghur scholar Ilham Tohti during a meeting with survivors of religious persecution in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, July 17, 2019. U.S. President Donald Trump should immediately enforce sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for rights abuses in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) as authorized by an act of Congress he signed into law this week, according to a panel on religious freedom. On Wednesday, Trump enacted the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 (UHRPA), which passed nearly unanimously through both houses of Congress last month and highlights arbitrary incarceration, forced labor, and other abuses in the XUARhome to internment camps holding as many as 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslims. In addition to condemning the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for the three-year-old internment camp program, the new law requires regular monitoring of the situation in the region by U.S. government bodies for the application of sanctions to top officials such as XUAR party chief Chen Quanguo. It also addresses Chinese government harassment of Uyghurs living inside the United States. In a statement issued on Thursday, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) noted that the Trump administration has been unambiguous in expressing both concern and outrage over the treatment of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in China and called on the White House to turn its words into action. USCIRF urges the Administration to enforce the Act and issue immediate and targeted sanctions against Chinese government officials responsible for the persecution of Uyghurs, it said. The administration must take meaningful action now to condemn Chinas crimes against humanity, modern slavery, and cultural genocide. Tense relations Trumps signing of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act into law drew applause from the Uyghur exile community and others who have championed the rights of the Uyghur people. Washington-based Uyghur-American attorney Nury Turkel, who last month was appointed to USCIRF, noted that the new law is the first bill in the history of the Uyghur people being put in place to protect their political, social, and religious rights. Beijing, which has previously warned of retaliation in proportion if Chen Quanguo were targeted as part of legislation in support of the Uyghurs, said that the UHRPA stigmatized Xinjiangs anti-terrorism, anti-secession, and deradicalization measures, and warned of consequences to come. The signing follows months of tense relations between the U.S. and China, with the Trump administration taking multiple jabs at Beijing for its lack of transparency in handling the coronavirus pandemic, trade policy, and expansive territorial claims. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held a seven-hour closed-door meeting with Chinas foreign policy chief, Yang Jiechi, in Hawaii on Wednesday, marking the first high-level meeting between the two countries since the beginning of the outbreak. It also came on the same day that the Washington Post published an excerpt from a forthcoming memoir by former national security adviser John Bolton which claimed that Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping he approved of Chinas construction of its camp network amidst negotiations on a trade agreement. According to Bolton, Trump even pleaded with Xi to help ensure he was re-elected in 2020. Trump later told the Wall Street Journal that signing the UHRPA proved that he would not back down to China and called Bolton a liar. In the unlikely event that Trump had vetoed the act, Congress could have overridden him because of the near unanimous support it received in both the House and the Senate. Presidential discretion Under the UHRPA, Chinese officials such as Chen deemed responsible for persecution in the XUAR could see their assets in the U.S. frozen and be subjected to visa restrictions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, crafted initially to deal with rights abuses in Russia. However, the act provides significant leeway for Trump to withhold sanctions if he believes doing so would run counter to U.S. interests. His administration already has the ability to sanction Chinese officials over rights abuses and has chosen not to do so, amidst fears that it could derail the implementation of a long-stalled U.S.-China trade deal. While Trump on Wednesday praised the new law for its ability to [hold] accountable perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses in the XUAR, he also noted in a statement after the signing that it purports to limit my discretion to terminate inadmissibility sanctions. The president said such limitations could be inconsistent with his constitutional authorities to receive foreign officials as diplomatic representatives, and therefore would consider the relevant section advisory and non-binding. He pledged to make efforts to notify relevant congressional committees before removing inadmissibility sanctions against any officials targeted by the new law. Last month, Sophie Richardson, the China director at New York-based Human Rights Watch, told the online journal Foreign Policy that the UHRPA is the first piece of legislation to explicitly recognize rights abuses in the XUAR and set out U.S. policy responses to them. A lot depends on how enthusiastically this is enforced, she noted. When asked by RFAs Uyghur Service Friday about the likelihood that the administration would take measures against officials such as Chen under the new legislation, Morgan Ortagus, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, responded, We do not comment on sanctions. We are working hard to encourage the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) government to cease its human rights abuses in Xinjiang, and we are constantly evaluating various measures to do so, she said. A senior administration official told RFA Friday that Trump has a strong, action-oriented record of holding the Chinese government accountable for its atrocities in Xinjiang, citing restrictions on visas and exports he imposed last year on Chinese entities complicit in the abuses. We call on the Chinese government to release the millions of Uyghurs and other minorities arbitrarily detained in their 21st century indoctrination camps and immediately end its forced labor practices for Made in China goods being exported around the world. Congress may also soon deliberate new legislation which would prohibit imports from the XUAR to the U.S. amid growing evidence that internment camps in the region have increasingly transitioned from political indoctrination to forced labor, with detainees being sent to work in cotton and textile factories. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, introduced in March, would block imports from the region unless proof can be shown that they are not linked to forced labor. Reported by Alim Seytoff for RFAs Uyghur Service. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. The MDC-A leadership should be very ashamed and embarrassed by the action of their security staff, a violation of the rights of journalists as workers and also their supporters, who want to hear what they are saying, said Dongozi WALLINGFORD Two candidates running for the state Senate seat to be vacated by Len Fasano spoke recently about where they stand on issues facing voters in the 34th District. Fasano, the North Haven Republican who leads his party's Senate caucus, announced in April he would not be seeking a 10th term. The district includes East Haven, North Haven, Durham and Wallingford. The race is currently between Republican Paul Cicarella Jr., vice chairman of the North Haven Republican Town Committee and a member of the towns Zoning Board of Appeals, and Democrat April Capone, a former East Haven mayor and a former manager at the state Office of Policy and Management. Both candidates secured ballot access through party nomination, and both have qualified for funding from the state Citizens Election Program after raising the minimum of $16,000 from at least 300 individuals. A third party or independent candidate has until August to petition to be on the November ballot. Candidate platforms Cicarella, 36, said his platform is based on common sense solutions, a philosophy he applies to creating jobs, growing the economy and making living in Connecticut affordable for working and middle class families. Too many people are leaving the state at an alarming rate, he said, especially young professionals. We have to definitely create good-paying jobs to keep people here in Connecticut. As a small business ownerhe owns three investigative and security companieshes an advocate for affordable, though not universal, health care for all. Health care is a huge expense, he said, and the cost of insuring a family can be oppressively burdensome if people dont receive health care benefits through an employer. How we would go about doing that, Id have to really analyze data that I have not had access to yet and come up with a common sense solution, he said. Education is also important to him as the father of two elementary school-age children, as well as ensuring seniors are able to afford to live in the state. He said that the biggest concerns facing residents of the 34th District are getting people back to work and health care. Right now is the time to listen to what they have to say, he said, and from my time speaking with everybody, thats definitely a concern, making it affordable to stay within the district and the state. Capone, 45, said she believes legislators are the chief advocate for their constituents and must vote in ways that ensure the resources taxpayers send to Hartford benefit their district. They also must help individuals cut through the red tape when dealing with state agencies. I have done all of those jobs in one form or another, she said, citing her past local and state government experience and her current job at Yale New Haven Hospitals Center for Living Organ Donors. Experiencing COVID as part of the heath care team Im not a clinician, but experiencing it as part of the team at Yale New Haven, I am very concerned about the state of health care, she said. I think we have learned the hard way that having your health care tied to your job is probably not the best option for many people. She said that shes in favor of affordable, reliable coverage for everyone, but stops short of Medicare for All. Sometimes we need to get to where we want to go through incremental change, she said. She said that she and her husband are small business owners, so she would advocate for getting small business back on track and keep people employed. This is a working-class district, she said. I think the issues of pay equity, pay fairness, fair taxation resonate with the people of this district. Weve got hard-working middle class people in this district who certainly pay their fair share into the state. Can we really say that about Connecticuts most fortunate residents? Q&A Q: How do you feel about how Gov. Ned Lamont has rolled out his business reopening plan? Cicarella: Listening to some people in the district and different professions, (I heard) a lot of different opinions I think that safety is first and foremost, and the health of everybody, not only the employees but the people who will be entering the establishments. But I think it needs to be the choice of both the people, and more importantly the business owners so theyre able to support their families and be able to open their doors so their employees can go to work and feed their families. With that in mind, I think the health risk needs to be mitigated in whatever way necessary. Capone: Im very fortunate that I work with people who are medical experts and I think its been important to listen to the experts. We are all having quarantine fatigue (but) so far the numbers show that the reopening plan is working because the rates of new infections are going down. We will have to see over time if that continues, and my hope is that if that doesnt continue, that we would readjust and put the health of our residents first This is the situation and I think the state put the health and safety of residents first, so Im cautiously optimistic. Q: The coronavirus ripped through our nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Is there anything that could have been done differently to prevent the deaths of so many elderly people? Capone: I lost my aunt early on. She was in a nursing home Maybe its time we look at how we care for our elderly and disabled in the state. Im sure nursing homes could have done things differently, we know that now, but maybe there is also a different way to care for people ... As mayor, I was at the nursing homes quite a bit. I dont know one person whos ever wanted to go into a nursing home. Most people want to stay in their homes. Most people want community-based care. Cicarella: My wife is a nurse and she works in a nursing home (in North Haven) and, knock on wood, there was no cases, and I think it was a great job on their part to make sure that the PPE equipment was utilized and there were common sense plans put in place by the business to prevent that from happening That was a terrible, terrible thing, but as we know the virus does attack people with compromised immune systems and unfortunately some of our elderly are at a higher risk. Q: Where do you stand on Black Lives Matter? Cicarella: That was a terrible video to watch, and it was awful that that had to happen, and it didnt have to happen. But you cant judge every police officer for the actions of one person I think there is a time, and its now, to listen and make proper changes. I do support police. Im retired law enforcement, I was in the Department of Correction. Every organization has good and bad people, and I think the decisions need to be made taking that into consideration. Now is a time for unity. Capone: When there are people in your community who are hurting, one of your roles is to listen and respond. It happened in East Haven when I was mayor, and that was one of the concerns, how do you respond to the community. I've marched with Black Lives Matter these past weeks and proud to do so. I think we need to have the tough conversations in our community We send police out to do way too much Police officers cannot be expected to be mental health professionals, to be social workers, to be drug counselors. Were sending them with lethal force to do these jobs. Q: Where do you stand on police reform? Do you want to see changes in funding, training, equipment? Capone: I stand with police in making sure they are trained, they are supported, they are held accountable, which is very important, that they are given the right tools for their job and that they are not sent to do a job they shouldnt be doing Ive long called for the demilitarization of our police because I dont think that that serves us on the streets of our communities. I believe in the community policing model that has been successful. Cicarella: Coming back to life experience and common sense, my mentality is, even in my business, everything can always be made better, and to do that you need to take data or information, analyze it and see where we can make things better. From a small business to policing, we can always be better. More training is definitely a great idea. I think that there needs to be more education for officers on how to deal with certain mental health issues and de-escalation of certain situations. As far as defunding, if anything I think now is more of a time to give more training to officers. Q: What should be addressed in the proposed special legislative session? Cicarella: Getting people back to work and figuring out how were going to get out of this situation. We definitely need to come up with a plan to get everybody back to work. Definitely the health concerns are very, very important. People are worried about a reoccurrence in the fall. I think that has to be discussed, but more importantly putting the people back to work and finding safe ways for them to do that, and how were going to be able to financially bounce back from the costs associated with his pandemic. Capone: I think there need to be significant police reforms The special session should address voting if that cannot be done by executive order, but I really think (it should address) police accountability and training and support. When you look at what East Haven did under the federal consent decree, it was very similar to the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The actions that they took are very, very similar. They work. So lets make sure all of Connecticut is held to that standard. Q: How do you feel about voting by mail or voting by absentee ballots in the fall? Capone: Thats more a right-now situation than a long-term one, but I just dont think anybody should have to risk their health to go out to vote. We have systems already in place that can help people vote safely and legally It is our legal right to vote and Ive spent most of my adult life doing everything I can to encourage as many people as possible to vote in every election. I know that the polling places are staffed by mostly elderly folks who come in for the day and work. Im really concerned about that. Cicarella: People who have a legitimate health concern, from my understanding, are able to vote via an absentee ballot. I think that same practice should be applied to this. If they have a compromised immune system, or a genuine fear of this virus, that they should be able to vote with an absentee ballot, but obtain the same way that they do now. If people are able to go to the supermarket, the pharmacy or Target, I think that they should be able to go and vote. Q: How did your kids do with distance learning and would you have made any changes to that system? Cicarella: (I have) a newfound respect for teachers, absolutely. Education is so important and the teachers, they work so hard to shape the future generation, and kudos to them because it is tough. My wife and I thought about possibly getting a tutor to come help out. Distance learning is tough. The teachers did as good as they can. I spoke to other parents with children that were a little bit older and they had a different type of distance learning, which I think was a little bit better because it was more structured With the little kids, I dont think there was enough to do to really keep their attention but from what I understand the teachers did a very good job with the hand they were dealt. Capone: (My 15-year-old stepson) just finished his freshman year and I am really fortunate because he would get up every morning and the first thing he would do is spend two or three hours doing his school work and get it done My concern is that not all students have that support. Ive talked to teachers and Ive talked to other parents. Part of the concern for working parents is that its very, very hard. Ive been working through this also, Im working from home, but with a teenager whos pretty self-sufficient. Its much different if you have younger children. Youre now their teacher. Youre trying to keep them engaged with school Im very concerned about children who have learning disabilities and how they are being served. LTakores@record-journal.com203-317-2212Twitter: @LCTakores A committee formed by Union home minister Amit Shah has recommended slashing the fees Delhis private hospitals charge coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients by more than half, a government spokesperson said on Friday, in a move that comes in the backdrop of complaints over exorbitant treatment costs in such health facilities at a time fresh infections are rising steadily. The panel, headed by NITI Aayog member VK Paul, recommended to all hospitals a price range of Rs 8,000-10,000 a day for an isolation bed, Rs 13,000-15,000 a day for a bed at an intensive care unit (ICU), and Rs 15,000-18,000 a day for an ICU bed with ventilator, according to home ministry spokesperson Nitin Wakankar. These charges will include the cost incurred for personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical staff. At present, the fee for an isolation bed is Rs 24,000-25,000 a day. For an ICU bed, it is Rs 34,000-43,000 a day while an ICU bed with ventilator costs Rs 44,000-54,000 a day, Wakankar said. These do not include PPE charges. Treatment costs at private hospitals are not regulated currently, and the price range mentioned by the government is indicative of how much such facilities across the city charge patients. The Delhi government has not received the recommendations of the committee on this yet. As soon as we get it, we will examine it and issue further directions, an official statement of the Delhi government said. Representatives of a section of private hospitals said capping prices for hospital beds will compromise the quality of care. Shah made the announcement on forming the high-powered committee on Sunday with an aim to fix the rates of isolation beds, ICUs and testing kits in the national capital. He held two meetings with the Delhi government and civic bodies on that day, and also asked private hospitals to earmark 60% of the beds allotted for Covid-19 patients at a cheaper rate. The panel headed by Paul was tasked with ensuring the reservation of 60% beds, and fix rates for testing and treatment. A spokesperson said the Delhi government did not receive any information from the Centre on reserving beds at private hospitals. Earlier, the committee recommended the rates for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests the most credible for Covid-19 patients so far be capped at Rs 2,400, a decision that was accepted by the Delhi government. A senior Delhi government official said the capping of rates in private hospitals recommended by panel will be reviewed by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). Lieutenant governor Anil Baijal is the chairperson of DDMA and chief minister Arvind Kejriwal its vice-chairman. The recommendations will have to be tabled before DDMA, like it was done for the Covid testing price revision decision on Thursday. The rates will be applicable in Delhi only after DDMA approves them. Following the DDMAs approval, an order will have to be issued by the state health department notifying the revised charges for Covid treatment in private hospitals. This process can take place in a single day, the official said on the condition of anonymity. Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) welcomed the panels recommendations. Atul Goyal, the president of United Residents Joint Action (URJA), which is an umbrella body of 2,500 RWAs, said capping the prices in private hospitals will help patients and their families. URJA has been demanding central and the state governments to reduce the prices of treatment or at least put a maximum limit to what private hospitals can charge, he said. BS Vohra, the president of East Delhi RWA Federation, another umbrella body of around 100 RWAs, said: If these charges are recommended for treatment at big hospitals such as Max and Fortis, the rates at the local private hospitals must be even lower as they cant offer the same standards. Delhi recorded 3,137 cases on Friday, ending the day with 53,116 infections (27,512 of them active) and 2,035 deaths. From June 8-14, the city has registered 12,246 cases. This week so far (June 15-19), it has recorded 11,934. Detailing steps taken by authorities for disease control in Delhi, the home ministry also said, as Shah discussed with state authorities on Sunday, a door-to-door survey has been completed in 242 containment zones in Delhi covering a total of 230,000 people. The ministry said with the help of quick-result antigen methodology, which was launched on Thursday, a total of 7,040 people in containment zones were tested in 193 centres on the first day. Testing will continue with increased number in coming days, Wakankar said. The government added that testing was doubled in the national capital in line with the directions given by Shah. A total of 27,263 testing samples have been collected in Delhi from June 15-17 against the daily collection which varied between 4,000 and 4,500 earlier, the spokesperson said. After meeting Kejriwal on Sunday, Shah announced testing will be doubled in the next two days, and trebled after six days. According to the Delhi governments submission in the high court before Shahs meetings, the combined daily testing capacity of 40 labs 17 public and 23 private was 8,600 per day.However, from June 8-14 the city conducted just 5,525 tests per day. As on June 18, Delhis per million testing figure stands at 16,215, more than 4,821 times the national average of 3.4. A senior home ministry official, who did not want to be named, said Shah was closely monitoring the situation in Delhi and may call more review meetings if things take a turn for the worse. For now, things have started looking like they are getting back on track (in terms of testing), said this official. A new report claims that Apple will begin assembling the newly-launched iPhone SE in India as soon as this summer. The report by The Information spotted via TheStreet.com cites a source familiar with the matter and said that Apple has asked to ship key iPhone SE components to a facility in India from July. Apple has been assembling some of their older models in India, however, this move will make it even more attractive for Apple to start assembling some of their newly-launched phones. Apple has not seen a significant change in its market share in India due to higher prices for its products as a result of import tax. Ever since China and the U.S.s trade war started to culminate in 2018, Apple and other companies have been looking to change their production strategy and diversify it more. MensXP/Akshay Bhalla. It is no secret that Apples supply chain is too dependant on China as nearly half of its component suppliers are located in the country. It is worthy to point out that if this report is true, Apple will only be assembling the iPhone SE in India and not producing the phone from the ground up. Assembling iPhone SE in India will help Apple avoid a major 20% import tax and will allow the Cupertino giant to grow its foothold in the Indian smartphone market. This move will directly result in more affordable iPhones and other products Apple makes once the company decided to assemble other products in India. The move will also appease the anti-China sentiment in India due to the recent tensions at the Indo-China border. Ever since the Coronavirus outbreak and the recent tensions; Indian smartphone customers are actively looking to avoid buying Chinese brands in the country. While most of the Indian market is dominated by Chinese smartphone companies, if Apples move to assemble iPhones in India is indeed true, it could serve as a great alternative for Indian smartphone customers. MensXP/Akshay Bhalla The iPhone SE was launched in late April and arrived in India sometime a month later. The smartphone has already seen healthy early sales because of its lower price and better performance than most Android smartphones. It would be interesting to see if there will be a difference in the iPhone SEs price once the production moves to India, making it possibly more affordable for Indian customers. Source: The Information h/t TheStreet.com A 20-year-old college student reportedly died by suicide after his account on a popular investing app allegedly showed him having a negative balance of more than $700,000 a number a relative says may have misstated the number he actually owed. Alexander Kearns, 20, died on June 12 while staying at his parents home in Naperville, Illinois, according to Forbes and Kearns' obituary. He was a sophomore studying management at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, according to CNBC. Kearns who had recently expressed a keen interest in markets and the economy was a user of the app Robinhood, which allows users to invest in stocks and offers commission-free trading, Bill Brewster, a cousin by marriage and analyst at Sullimar Capital, tells PEOPLE. The student had reportedly started experimenting more and more with the app amid the coronavirus pandemic, but last week was thrown for a loop after his account showed that he had $16,000, but also a negative $730,165 cash balance, Brewster says. In an alleged suicide note Brewster shared to Twitter, Kearns appeared exasperated by the situation, and angry with the Robinhood app for allowing someone who had no clue what he was doing to be assigned that much. How was a 20 year old with no income able to get assigned almost a million dollars worth of leverage? Kearns allegedly wrote. The puts I bought/sold should have canceled out, too, but I also have no clue what I was doing now in hindsight. There was no intention to be assigned this much and take this much risk, and I only thought that I was risking the money that I actually owned. If you check the app, the margin investing option isnt even turned on for me. A painful lesson. F Robinhood. RELATED: A Third of Americans Show Signs of Clinical Anxiety or Depression in the Wake of the Coronavirus All of us at Robinhood are deeply saddened to hear this terrible news and we reached out to share our condolences with the family over the weekend. We will not share any details regarding the account to respect privacy and confidentiality," a spokesperson for the company told PEOPLE in a statement. Story continues Brewster says that while he has never used the Robinhood app, he received many responses to the suicide note on Twitter from users who suggested the problem may lie in confusion over the app's user interface and that, upon connecting the dots based on the anecdotes he received, he believes the large balance may have actually represented his temporary balance until the stocks underlying his assigned options actually settled into his account. A source familiar with Robinhood's procedures tells PEOPLE that it is possible for the app to display positive portfolio value, but negative buying power and negative cash, which are not the same as debt. This will happen if a contract to purchase shares is called one day, but the corresponding option to sell shares to cover that isn't executed until the next trading day, and that the app notifies users of this by email or in-app notification. Despite the temporary negative display, the value of the account will still be accurately reflected in the portfolio value. When he saw that $730,000 number as a negative, he thought that he had blown up his entire future, Brewster added to Forbes. "It doesn't make any sense to me. I would think that a tech company that is focused on financial transactions would have the sense to understand that they should display the number to people in a way they can decipher," he tells PEOPLE. "The fact of the matter is this kid died over nothing. Nothing. He didn't owe a penny... This is finance, this is people's lives." RELATED VIDEO: Introducing PEOPLE's New Mental Health Initiative: Lets Talk About It Introducing PEOPLE's New Mental Health Initiative: Lets Talk About It PEOPLE is launching a year-long initiative to encourage readers to have vital conversations about their mental health A spokesperson for the platform which reportedly has more than 10 million users and is popular among younger, first-time investors told PEOPLE in a statement that Robinhood is "committed to continuously improving our platform and are reviewing our options offering to determine if any changes may be appropriate." For now, Brewster says he hopes that Kearns' death will inspire changes within the app and its design. "I would argue that if you are playing with people's finances, and it is true that you are driving people to use options... you have got a duty to make sure that people do not sign on and see a number like [$730,165]," says Brewster. "Because you know right now most of those people unsophisticated." The source tells PEOPLE that customers are required to complete an eligibility questionnaire before they can be approved to use options, and that the certification process is consistent with FINRA rules and regulations. According to his obituary, Kearns is survived by his parents, Daniel and Dorothy, and a sister named Sydney, whom Brewster tweeted are requesting their privacy at this time. His family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org. In a tweet Thursday, Trump refuted comments a day earlier by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who said a full decoupling of the worlds two biggest economies was not a reasonable policy option. The tweet comes a day after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Chinese official Yang Jiechi, amid questions over whether the nations trade pact will remain in tact. According to Pompeo, Yang said China is committed to maintaining agriculture purchases that were crucial to Trumps support of the deal. Meanwhile, Trumps former national security adviser, John Bolton, has cast new light on the deal by alleging that Trump told Chinese counterparts to help him win re-election by buying more U.S. farm products. Trump has also ramped up his rhetoric against Beijing as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread in the U.S. Trump refers to the illness as the plague from China, and has accused the country of withholding important information in the early days of the outbreak. I think the trade deal is a great deal. But ever since we got hit with the Chinese plague, I feel different toward everything having to do with China. And Ive always been hardline on China, he told the Wall Street Journal during an interview on Wednesday. Lighthizer told a congressional hearing on Wednesday that he believes U.S. supply chains should be brought back from China, but that the countries economies should remain intertwined. This issue of decoupling is a complicated one. Do I think supply chains should be brought back? Yes. Do I do think they should be brought back from China? Yes. Do I think they should be brought back from everywhere else? Yes, Lighthizer said. Do I think that you can sit down and decouple the United States economy from the Chinese economy? No, I think that was a policy option years ago, he added. I dont think its a policy -- a reasonable policy option at this point. Bloomberg By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Delhi Police to file a status report on a plea by Jamia Coordination Committee member Safoora Zargar, who was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and is seeking bail in a case related to the Delhi communal violence in February. Zargar, an M Phil student of Jamia Millia Islamia, is more than four months pregnant.Justice Rajiv Shakdher issued notice to the police asking it to file a status report on the bail plea. The court will hear the case next on June 22. Zargar, who was arrested by the Special Cell of Delhi Police on April 10, has challenged the June 4 order of the trial court denying her bail in the case. In its order, the trial court had said when you choose to play with embers, you cannot blame the wind to have carried the spark a bit too far and spread the fire. It had said that during the course of investigation, a larger conspiracy was discernible and if there was prima evidence of conspiracy, acts and statements made by anyone of the conspirators, it is admissible against all. The court had said that even if there was no direct act of violence attributable to the accused, she cannot shy away from her liability under the provisions of the UAPA. It, however, had asked the jail superintendent to provide adequate medical aid and assistance to Zargar. Getting in touch with nature just got easier in Pasadena. Big Island Slough, 9800 Red Bluff Road, got some new additions in the past few weeks, one of which is particularly attractive to kayakers. This is great, James Kinzler said as he looked at a new kayak launch perched on the shore of the slough. Were big kayakers; so were happy with this. Kinzlers we was his wife, Kim, and friends Joe Schwarz and Tina Bryan. The four didnt get to the park via water. They pedaled in to take a break during a bike ride on the trail that runs along Red Bluff Road. VISITORS WELCOME: These 19 Houston attractions survived coronavirus and are reopening They cleared out a bunch of (foliage) here, too, Kinzler said. Now you can sit on this bench and get a great view of the water. Big Island Slough is not a very big waterway, but if kayakers put in at the park and head north, they can go deep into Pasadena. If they head south, they will soon be in Armand Bayou, which flows into Clear Lake. This is part of the Texas Paddling Trail for Armand Bayou, Pasadena Parks Director Jed Aplaca said. You can put in here and go down to Armand Bayou. Somebody told me its about 30 minutes to Bay Area Park from here. The park is City Councilman Thomas Schoenbeins District H. Though a novice at kayaking, he gave the new launch a try on Thursday. He took to kayaking like a duck to water. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Hidalgo to order Harris County businesses require customers wear masks as hospitalizations rise It was scary, but it was relaxing, he said. When you dont do something very often, you get a little nervous, but that was fun. Also new: Stage, bird blinds, natural play area The park is dotted with several new features, including bird blinds, an outdoor stage and a natural play area. Aplaca said the overall cost to the improvements was about $30,000. Chevron, however, donated $25,000 for the project, so Pasadenas out-of-pocket expense was about $5,000. Tim Sutherland, general manager of Pasadenas Chevron refinery, was pleased with work done at the park. Im a big-time outdoorsman, he said. I love to hike and fish and kayak. The new bird blinds are in densely forested areas, but only a few minutes walk from the parking lots. From the blinds, a variety of land birds and waterfowl, such as ospreys, egrets, cormorants, hummingbirds, cardinals and chickadees, can be viewed. The new play area looks something like an abstract sculpture. MORNING REPORT: Get the top stories on HoustonChronicle.com sent directly to your inbox Its a natural play area, not just a pile of rocks, Aplaca said. Theres a movement now where the whole idea is to get kids to play with natural things. The structure is made of massive oak logs and large slabs of rock. We were looking for logs and rocks to climb on, Alpaca said. We got the oaks from another city project where we were taking some things out; so we used our own material. The play area is already a hit, as several children were seen climbing over the logs and rocks and leaping to the ground. Adults also seem to enjoy it. Its not just kids that like to play on it, Aplaca said. The one new addition that hasnt been used yet is the outdoor stage. The goal is to bring out kids and have environmental education classes and things like that there, Aplaca said. But, summer camps have been pushed back; so we havent been able to bring any kids out yet. Picnic tables near the stage do get used, though. It is a common place for fishermen to take a respite from the sun. John DeLapp is a freelance writer. He can be contacted at texdelapp@gmail.com. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 19) The Office of the Ombudsman is summoning documents from the secretaries of the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Health to find out where the funds for the local COVID-19 response went. Ombudsman Samuel Martires told CNN Philippines' The Source on Friday that his office is sending subpoenas to DBM Secretary Wendel Avisado and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III today to aid its ongoing probe on the country's response measures amid the pandemic. Martires said in focus are the special allotment release orders for cash benefits extended to the families of frontliners who got infected with the virus and died in the line of duty. "There are some documents we want to get from the Department of Health which is the subject of subpoena," Martires said. "Gusto naming malaman kung saan ginamit itong pera, gaano katagal nabigyan ng ayuda 'yung mga pamilya ng namatayan na mga frontliners, those who were inflicted by the virus... Nasaan ang pondo, nasaan 'yung pera ngayon?" [Translation: We want to know where the money was spent, how long it took to provide aid to the families of frontliners who died after they were inflicted with the virus... Where's the money and where did it go?] TIMELINE: The COVID-19 response money trail The government has spent 354 billion for COVID-19 response as of June 9, according to DBM data. Avisado said the agency has not received the subpoena as of Friday night, but committed to cooperate with the Ombudsman's probe. He said the SAROs are "readily available." "We are prepared to provide all the documents that the Office of the Ombudsman will be requiring from us because that will help shed light on the issues involved in this investigation," Avisado said in an interview with CNN Philippines' News Night. This clarified an earlier statement made by Budget Undersecretary Lloyd Lao that the agency has received the summons. Lao supervises the Procurement Service. President Rodrigo Duterte scolded DOH officials two weeks ago for the slow release of compensation to the family of health workers, saying he will "remove" them due to inefficiency. It is unclear if any DOH employee or official was sacked, but the President did appoint Southern Philippines Medical Center Director Leopoldo Vega as a new health undersecretary to handle this issue. Caught by surprise? The head of the country's anti-graft body also slammed DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire's comments that they were taken aback by the announcement of the probe two days ago. Martires said the Ombudsman's fact-finding teams first got in touch with Vergeire's office but could not get her to talk on the phone. He added that they also called up the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, then Duque's office when they started to investigate before the March 15 lockdown, so the officials cannot say they were caught by surprise. Martires also disputed Vergeire's claim that the probe will interfere with the DOH's work on COVID-19 response and will dampen the morale of their employees. He said their request for cooperation simply involves releasing documents something that "can be done by a mere clerk, not even by a division chief unless they would like to 'sanitize the documents'." RELATED: Families of 30 fallen health workers receive 1-M death benefit Martires said the fact-finding investigation will also seek to establish if there were anomalies in the procurement of COVID-19 test kits vis-a-vis the locally-developed kits by the University of the Philippines, as well as delays in providing personal protective equipment to health workers. Lapses Martires admitted that he is not happy with how government is handling the pandemic. "I dont think the medical frontliners are happy with what is happening, that is my assessment I dont think that people are also happy with what is happening," said the head of the anti-corruption agency. If the country loses the frontliners one by one, who will the people run to, he added. However, he clarified that the team is not yet exploring possible charges against DOH officials, saying they are focused on establishing the facts and pointing out who are responsible for lapses for now. He added that the investigation will last less than a year, or before a COVID-19 vaccine is discovered. Martires also criticized how DOH is presenting the daily tally of COVID-19 infections, especially with how it lumps fresh and late cases into a distinction between new cases in Metro Manila and Central Visayas, and lump the rest of the regions as "others" instead of providing specific data. "Sa mga nangyayari, parang may mga itinatago [As things are, it looks like they're hiding something]," Martires said. On calls for Duque to resign or take a leave of absence in the middle of the investigation, Martires said he will leave it to the health chief's discretion. But whether Duque stays or takes a break will not affect their investigation, he added. RELATED: Duque should just go for the sake of pandemic victims, DOH Lacson CNN Philippines' Eimor Santos contributed to this report. Soldiers use a Chinook helicopter to removed an abandoned bus out of its location in the Alaska back country (Sgt Seth LaCount/Alaska National Guard via AP) A bus abandoned in the Alaskan wilderness and made famous by the book and film Into The Wild has been removed for public safety after tourists repeatedly had to be rescued while trying to reach it, the states National Guard said. A US Army helicopter airlifted the 1940s-era vehicle from its spot west of the Teklanika River on Thursday. The bus was made famous by 24-year-old adventurer Chris McCandless, who lived in it during the summer of 1992 and died of starvation after 114 days in the wilderness. His story was told by author Jon Krakauer in the 1996 book Into The Wild, which was adapted into a 2007 film directed by Sean Penn. The National Guard said the bus was a public safety issue because it was luring fans of McCandless to venture out into the dangerous Alaskan wild. There were 15 bus-related search and rescue operations by the state between 2009 and 2017, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Two travellers died after drowning while on their way to the vehicle in separate incidents in 2010 and 2019, officials said. Expand Close (Sgt Seth LaCount/Alaska National Guard via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (Sgt Seth LaCount/Alaska National Guard via AP) As recently as February, Alaska State Troopers rescued five Italian hikers, one of whom suffered severe frostbite. Video of the Day Locals had called for authorities to reduce or eliminate the danger caused by the bus, the National Guard said. Corri A Feige, commissioner for the Department of Natural Resources, said: We encourage people to enjoy Alaskas wild areas safely, and we understand the hold this bus has had on the popular imagination. However, this is an abandoned and deteriorating vehicle that was requiring dangerous and costly rescue efforts, but more importantly, was costing some visitors their lives. Im glad we found a safe, respectful and economical solution to this situation. The bus was removed by a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. The aircrew also ensured the safe transportation of a suitcase that holds sentimental value to the McCandless family, the National Guard said. Mr Feige said the bus will be stored at a secure site while the Department of Natural Resources considers a permanent place for it. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size When the phone blares in the middle of the night, it's never good news for a cop in a quiet country town. Invariably someone is missing, injured or dead. But the call that got Geoff Fay out of bed not long after midnight 20 years ago would deliver all three on an unimaginable scale. Fay lived just two blocks from the Palace Backpackers Hostel in the Queensland town of Childers when itinerant fruit picker Robert Paul Long decided to set the century-old timber building on fire. Even so, the local fire crew beat him there. Among them was rural fire brigade volunteer Col Santacaterina. Just six minutes earlier, he'd driven past the hostel on his way to the fire station. He'd glanced through the thick fog at the two-storey structure but hadn't seen a thing. When he returned with the fire truck - 360 seconds later - he couldn't believe his eyes. Advertisement Smoke billowed from beneath the verandah and windows along the side, an orange glow coming from the lower floor. Terrified backpackers stood shell-shocked in the street. Others had escaped onto the awning of a neighbouring building. The firies hoisted a ladder and helped them to safety. In the smoke and the chaos inside the hostel, Santacaterina and crew mate Hayden Whitaker found more panicked backpackers and got them out. Moments later, they were ordered out too. Charred remains of the hostel staircase. Credit:Angela Wylie The fire was going to flash over. When it did, the combustion of the super-heated upper floor generated a belt of wind that, in Santacaterina's words, just about blew the pair out the door. It fell to Fay to cobble together a master list of the injured and the missing. He didn't want to think about the dead. He moved efficiently between huddled groups of backpackers, shrouded in white sheets and blankets. Who are you travelling with? Are they out? Where were they when you saw them last? Advertisement In all, 15 names - mostly of overseas travellers who'd come to harvest local crops - would appear on the list of the dead. Arson was suspected from the start. Two survivors were quick to tell Fay just that. British backpacker Lisa Duffy gave Fay a name: Robert Long, who'd recently moved out of the hostel. She would later tell a Queensland court that earlier in the night, Long had asked her "to leave the back fire escape door open". He wanted to be able to get inside to beat up another backpacker he'd clashed with. He also claimed to be dying from cancer and expressed a desire to kill himself. The name rang a bell with Fay. The day before, the publican at the Federal Hotel had found a suicide note, signed by Long. A second note had been slipped under the hostel door. "I took possession of it, not knowing at that point in time what it was going to mean at the end of the day," Fay says. Advertisement As Duffy shared her suspicions in the main street of Childers, fire officers headed back inside. They were in a ground-floor dormitory when part of the ceiling fell in, dumping the body of the first known victim at their feet. There was nothing they could do for him. Or any of the others who'd be found upstairs. One on a bed. Others at a window fitted with steel bars. Nine in a single room, the exit blocked by a bunk bed. Twins Kelly and Stacey Slarke died in a blaze. Long had left the hostel more than a week earlier, owing money. But on the night before the inferno, he was back at its ground-floor internet kiosk. British survivor Neil Griffith would later tell investigators that when he'd gone downstairs, he'd seen a bin on fire, a cushion on top forming a bridge to a sofa. Griffith tried to put out the flames and yelled to the man at the computer for help. Long replied: "I've got it", and calmly carried the bin out the back door, which closed behind him. Griffith returned to bed thinking the danger was over. But as he was drifting off, he was startled by the sound of windows smashing in the fire. Advertisement He made it onto the awning next door. Some of his roommates didn't. Long was at the centre of a manhunt that lasted five days, his image flashed on the TV news and plastered across the nation's newspapers. There were at least six sightings of him in the Childers area but in the end, it was a police dog that picked up his scent on the Old Bruce Highway half an hour out of town. Cornered on the banks of the Burrum River, Long wrestled with the police dog and used a knife to stab an officer in the jaw. Another officer pulled his gun and fired, leaving Long with an injured ear and prompting a dramatic confession - "I'm dying anyway, I started the fire" - that had to be scrawled on a $10 note. Long wasn't dying from his wound or from cancer. Earlier this month, he applied for parole having served the minimum 20-year sentence for the murders of Perth twins Stacey and Kelly Slarke. He was never tried for the other 13 lives he took with prosecutors indicating it would have needlessly complicated legal proceedings and may not have changed his sentence. Advertisement Simon & Schuster CEO Jonathan Karp believes the contents of former national security advisor John Boltons book are of utmost public importance. He said so in an affidavit Thursday night. A lawyer for Bolton filed a dismissal request Thursday related to the suit brought by President Donald Trumps administration earlier this week. The Trump administration sued Bolton on Tuesday, arguing that Bolton breached his contractual and fiduciary obligations by revealing classified information in his upcoming book. The book, The Room Where It Happened, is scheduled to be published on June 23 from Simon & Schuster. In a promotional summary released last week, Simon & Schuster marketed it as the book Donald Trump doesnt want you to read, adding that Bolton argues the House committed impeachment malpractice by keeping their prosecution focused narrowly on Ukraine when Trumps Ukraine-like transgressions existed across the full range of his foreign policy. Also Read: John Bolton Says Trump 'Not Fit for Office,' Lacks Competence to Perform Job (Video) In the dismissal request, reviewed by TheWrap, Bolton lawyers Charles J. Cooper and Michael W. Kirk wrote, If the First Amendment stands for anything, it is that the Government does not have the power to clasp its hand over the mouth of a citizen attempting to speak on a matter of great public import. Karp, however, added an affidavit in which he argued that the book had been fact-checked and reviewed for classified information in a way that differed from others like it in terms of severity: Although I do not consider myself an expert in national security matters, based on my review, it seems inconceivable to me that it contains any information that is properly classified or that would otherwise harm national security. To be sure, the Book contains information that is likely to be highly embarrassing to the Administration and the President, but my understanding is that embarrassment alone is not sufficient reason to classify information. Karp pointed out that Trumps many public statements on the forthcoming memoir reinforce his belief that the real goal of the lawsuit is to shield Trump from an unflattering portrayal. Still, he said, Based on my decades of publishing experience, I have absolute confidence that the Book is a matter of utmost public importance. Read original story Simon & Schuster CEO Counters DOJ Suit: John Boltons Book is of Utmost Public Importance At TheWrap Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) President Shibu Soren and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state President Deepak Prakash were sent to sent to the Upper House from Jharkhand after Rajya Sabha polls were held on Friday. Soren got 31 votes, while Prakash got 30 votes. Congress nominee Shahzada Anwa managed 18 votes. The JMM got 29 votes from its MLAs and two from other parties, while the BJP secured 26 votes from its MLAs and two from Independents and two from the All Jharkahnd Students Union (AJSU). Polling began at 9 a.m. and ended at 4 p.m. All the 79 legislators caste their votes in Friday's polling. Adequate arrangements were made amid the coronavirus outbreak, and legislators had to undergo thermal screening and sanitise their hands for safety reasons. Polling for the two Rajya Sabha seats was scheduled on March 26 but was deferred due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The 81-member Jharkhand Assembly currently stands at 79, as Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who won from two seats, later resigned from the Dumka seat, while the Bermo seat has fallen vacant due to the sudden demise of Congress legislator Rajendra Prasad Singh. A candidate needed 27 votes on first preference to win the seat. A Buffalo police officer appears to shove a man who walked up to police, in Buffalo, N.Y., on June 4, 2020. (Mike Desmond/WBFO via AP) Buffalo Protester Martin Gugino Recovering at Undisclosed Location After Death Threats The elderly protester who suffered a brain injury after being pushed by Buffalo police officers during unrest and protests will recover at an undisclosed location, said his lawyer. Martin Gugino, 75, was pushed by a riot officer during Black Lives Matter protests earlier this month. The officers are heard telling him to get back before one pushes him, causing him to stumble backward and hit his head. Guginos lawyer, Kelly Zarcone, said that hes received concerning and threatening messages and one letter, meaning that he will be recovering in an undisclosed location when he is released from the hospital. We do not expect that to happen for a good week, so things could change, according to the New York Post. Zarcone said its not clear if these are credible death threats. Police officers Robert McCabe and Aaron Torgalski were suspended by the police department and face assault charges. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said the video of the incident is horrific, saying that he believes the officers didnt use common sense. However, he remarked that the situation was moving very quickly, noting that the riot officers likely didnt deliberately try to injury Gugino. People in every single profession can make a mistake, and that mistake doesnt mean that an intention to mislead is what occurred, he told CBS News on Sunday. Days before that, Brown said that Gugino was told by officers to leave the area several times, adding that a curfew was in effect at the time. One of the things that happened before was conflict among protesters and there was a danger of fights breaking out, and police felt it was important to clear that scene for the safety of protesters, said Brown. Medics attended to Gugino within seconds of him falling backward, the mayor added. Last week, Gugino said through his lawyer that hes encouraged and uplifted by the outpouring of support which he has received from so many people all over the globe after he was diagnosed with a brain injury. 19.06.2020 LISTEN As the Novel Coronavirus continues to bite hard across the world, it has become necessary that governments put in place the requisite health infrastructure to deal with the pandemic. It is against this background that the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Oko Boye has revealed that the government is taking steps to turn two Hospitals in the Ashanti Region into COVID-19 health facilities. He says one is being considered at Bekwai. The Deputy Minister made this known in an interview with the media on the sidelines of the donation ceremony at the Ridge hospital. The Chinese Community in Ghana donated some COVID-19 relief items to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital at Ridge. According to the Minister, the Health Ministry is engaging the Ministry of Finance for financial clearance to set up the facilities. His comments come after doctors in the Ashanti Region complained that health facilities were being overwhelmed by Covid-19 patients with frontline health workers contracting the virus. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 00:30:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KIGALI, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Kigali International Airport, Rwanda's main airport, has opened to general aivation since Thursday, its operator said Friday. Arriving passengers should carry out COVID-19 tests 72 hours before travelling to Rwanda and present the test certificate by an ISO (International Standard Organization) certified laboratory, Rwanda Airports Company said in a public notice, adding that a mandatory COVID-19 test will be conducted upon arrival. It also required all travelers to wear face masks and practice social distancing while at the Kigali International Airport. The move further eased the restrictions to the aviation sector that were aimed at containing spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Rwanda. On Wednesday the government allowed international tourists to enter the country with charter flights as it reopened tourism activities. The central African country suspended all arriving and departing commercial passenger flights from midnight on March 20, one day before it closed borders, except for goods, cargos and returning citizens, to stem the spread of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has "greatly impacted" its national flag carrier RwandAir, which in April said it had resolved to reduce employees' salaries as part of measures to reduce expenditure. The small landlocked country is seeking to become a regional aviation hub for both passengers and cargos, with a vision that aims at making it one of the major aviation hubs in Africa. Last December, the Rwandan government signed an investment partnership agreement with Qatar Airways for a new international airport project which was expected to accommodate 7 million passengers per year and have the capacity to handle 14 million passengers annually by 2032. Enditem Officially, the Emancipation Proclamation freed all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State where the residents were in rebellion against the United States. In practice, it applied only to those slaves who lived near Union lines, where they could make an easy escape or take advantage of the Northern advance. News of emancipation would move slowly, which would be compounded by the mass migration of slave owners, who fled their holdings in Louisiana and Mississippislaves in towfollowing the Union victories at New Orleans in 1862 and Vicksburg in the spring and summer of 1863. Tens of thousands of slaves arrived in Texas, joining the hundreds of thousands in the interior of the state, where they were isolated from most fighting and any news of the war. Indeed, Union attempts to occupy Texas were limited to the coastlinesfar from the densest slave populationsor repelled before they had a chance to succeed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As such, for the next two years, slaves and slave holders lived at a far remove from the events of the eastern United States, including the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia in April 1865. Yes, it ended the war, but it didnt end the conflict, as fighting continued on the far borders of the Confederacy. And so, when Gen. Gordon Granger entered Galveston, Texas, on June 19 to lead the Union occupation force, he wasnt just faced with Confederate remnants (the Army of the Trans-Mississippi, for example, had surrendered only a month prior); he had to deal with ongoing slavery in defiance of the Emancipation Proclamation. To fix the situation, he issued an order: Advertisement The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere. Advertisement This proclamation would form the basis for June the Nineteenth or Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the announcement of the end of slavery in Texas. Advertisement I say announcement because it would be a stretch to say this freed the slaves of Texas. There, as elsewhere in the South, attempts to act on this freedom were met with violence from former slave owners and other angry whites. There is much evidence to suggest that southern whitesespecially Confederate paroleesperpetrated more acts of violence against newly freed bondspeople in Texas than in other states, writes historian Elizabeth Hayes Turner in an essay titled Juneteenth: Emancipation and Memory. Between the Neches and Sabine rivers and north to Henderson, she continues, reports showed that blacks continued in a form of slavery, intimidated by former Confederate soldiers still in uniform and bearing arms. Murder, lynching, and harassment were common. You could see lots of Negroes hanging from trees in Sabine bottom right after freedom, reported one freed slave, They would catch them swimming across Sabine River and shoot them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But neither violence nor the sheer size of Texas could stop emancipation from rolling across the landscape. And as it did, freed slaves began to commemorate and celebrate the event, both as an occasion for jubilee and as an act of defiance toward unreconstructed Confederates and other whites who maintained their grip on power in the state. Advertisement Advertisement The first public Juneteenth events occurred in 1866, preceding any similar commemoration of the Confederacy legacy in Texas. At these events, former slaves read the 1863 Emancipation Proclamationsubversively honoring Abraham Lincoln as the Great Emancipator at a time when white Texans saw the slain president as the destroyer of Southern freedomsang spirituals, held games, and celebrated freedom. These celebrations would continue throughout the 19th centurygrowing in size and prominenceuntil the advent of Jim Crow and the aggressive repression of the early 20th century, when blacks were fully disenfranchised and outside the protection of law, vulnerable to the depredations of terrorists and lynch mobs. Put another way, its difficult to celebrate freedom when your life is defined by oppression on all sides. Still, the holiday remained in the civic life of black Texans, and began to expand beyond the state with the Great Migration of blacks from the South. As Isabelle Wilkerson writes in The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of Americas Great Migration, The people from Texas took Juneteenth Day to Los Angeles, Oakland, Seattle, and other places they went. Advertisement With the growth of the civil rights movement in the middle of the 20th century, Juneteenth began to reclaim its space as a central holiday on the black American calendar. It experienced a resurgence in 1968, following the Poor Peoples March to Washington D.C., which coincided with the holiday. Attendees from the event brought the celebration back to their homes, creating new traditions in cities and towns across the country. Juneteenth was made a Texas state holiday in 1980, and in 1997, Congress recognized June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day, after pressure from a collection of groups like the National Association of Juneteenth Lineage and National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Thursday marks the 148th anniversary of the first Juneteenth. For now, its a niche holiday, celebrated by black Americans and a handful of others who know and understand the occasion. But it deserves wider reach. Indeed, I think we should add it to the calendar of official federal holidays. Advertisement Insofar that modern Americans celebrate the past, its to honor the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation or to celebrate the vision of the Founders. Both periods are worthy of the attention. But I think we owe more to emancipation and the Civil War. If we inaugurated freedom with our nations founding and defended it with World War II, we actualized it with the Civil War. Indeed, our struggle against slave power marks the real beginning of our commitment to liberty and equality, in word, if not always in deed. Put another way, Juneteenth isnt just a celebration of emancipation, its a celebration of that commitment. And, far more than our Independence Day, it belongs to all Americans. Marino has added True Terpenes and Jennys Baked At Home to its portfolio of cannabis and CBD accounts. The agency has been tasked with developing and executing a communications strategy to help build and establish the brands among key target audiences. True Terpenes creates, researches, and sells terpene blends (organic compounds that give each flower, herb, and fruit its own unique scent and flavor) used for cannabis, beverage, cosmetic, food, industrial and pharmaceutical products. Jennys Baked at Home is a Brooklyn-based company producing organic, full-spectrum CBD foods and skin products. The cannabis sector continues to be a rapidly expanding industry that we are excited to grow alongside, said Marino senior vice president Jordan Isenstadt, who runs the agencys cannabis practice. Brainbox Immersive Marketing is working with the U.S. Army Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Battalion to support the Armys National Hiring Days initiative. As part of the Armys Find Your Warrior campaign, BBIM has developed a social media-based quiz for potential Army candidates and, based on their answers, calculate the position that best suits them. Users can then share their results with friends on social media. Qualified applicants are eligible for a $2,000 bonus for joining during Army National Hiring Days. The quiz, which has launched on Facebook and Instagram, and continues through July 2, can be accessed by clicking here. U.S. Army recruiters have focused heavily on virtual communications since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chapter 2 is now representing Josh Kesselman and lifestyle brand RAW. The agency will be handling media and partnership opportunities for the client. Founded by Kesselman in 1993, RAW produces a line of vegan rolling papers, as well as pre-rolled filter tips, and other accessories. The company says its papers do not alter the flavor of whatever is being smokedtobacco, legal herbs or marijuana. RAW, which has offices in the U.S., Asia, Canada and Europe, sells its products in convenience stores, smoke shops and cannabis dispensaries. Kesselman has also started up the RAW Foundation, which has supported such projects as digging wells in Sub-Saharan Africa, building orphanages in South East Asia, and fostering tree and water preservation initiatives across North America. Egyptian and Chinese orchestras held a joint online concert that will be broadcasted on Saturday to mark the 64th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the Egyptian culture ministry said on Thursday. The online symphony orchestra concert was held between Egypt's Cairo Symphony Orchestra and China's Liaoning Symphony Orchestra. It will be broadcasted on online platforms such as those with Egyptian Ministry of Culture and Cairo Opera House. "The concert is a meeting between the two greatest civilizations in the history of humanity," Egyptian Minister of Culture Inas Abdel-Dayem said in a statement on Thursday, stressing that it embodies strategic partnership and cultural dialogue between Egypt and China. The concert presents a variety of Egyptian, Chinese and international pieces including Egyptian March, My Motherland, Jasmine Flowers, Days Gone By and Beethoven's masterpiece Egmont Overture. It also includes a performance of "Hand in Hand," a song written by Shi Yuewen, cultural counselor of the Chinese embassy in Egypt and head of the Chinese Cultural Center in Cairo, and composed by Egyptian musician Ehab Hamid. A documentary on the deep-rooted Sino-Egyptian ties will also be screened right before the broadcasting of the joint online concert on June 20. Egypt and China have been cooperating closely in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic through exchanging medical aid and expertise and offering mutual support and solidarity. In mid-May, Egyptian and Chinese musicians staged a virtual performance of the Triumphal March from the world-famous opera Aida to inspire people in these difficult times. Earlier in March, Egypt lit up three famous historical sites, including ancient temples in Luxor and Aswan, in red and golden stars to resemble the national flag of China as a sign of solidarity against the novel coronavirus. Covid-19 patients in Delhi under home quarantine so far will now have to undergo mandatory five-day institutional quarantine, Lieutenant-General Anil Baijal said on Friday. The L-Gs order added that after the five-day institutional quarantine, asymptomatic Covid-19 patients will be sent for home quarantine, according to news agency PTI. Five days institutional quarantine of each case under home-quarantine is to be made mandatory and, thereafter, (they) will be sent for home-isolation, except in cases where symptoms require further hospitalization, Baijal said in his order. However, the citys AAP government has called the L-Gs decision arbitrary and said it will seriously harm Delhi. The Arvind Kejriwal government has also asked the L-G to reconsider his decision. Saying that there was already a serious shortage of doctors and nurses for treating Covid-19 patients in the national capital, the AAP government added that manpower is already stretched and large quarantine centres would be needed to accommodate thousands of asymptomatic people. L-Gs decision on home isolation will discourage many people from getting tested and (this in turn) will spread coronavirus further, PTI quoting Delhi government as saying. The L-Gs order came on a day that Delhi recorded yet another highest single-day spike in Covid-19 cases. With 3,137 new infections reported on Friday, the national capitals tally crossed the 53,000-mark. while the death toll rose to 2,035, according to PTI. Meanwhile, the government is gearing up to augment ICU bed capacity in the citys dedicated Covid-19 hospitals, Delhis deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said on Friday. In another development during the day, the Delhi government tested 12,680 people for the coronavirus infection using Rapid Antigen Testing kits and found at least 951 positive samples. Today, 12,680 people in Delhi were tested for Covid-19 using Rapid Antigen Testing Kits, out of whom 951 people were found positive, Sisodia said in a tweet. (With inputs from PTI) COPENHAGEN, Denmark, LONDON, BERLIN, AUCKLAND, New Zealand and NEW YORK, June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Peakon, an employee success platform, announced the appointment of Sohaib Abbasi as Chairman of the board of directors. A technology industry veteran, Sohaib brings a wealth of experience to Peakon, including more than a decade as CEO of Informatica - a software company which grew five-fold during his tenure. Sohaib currently serves on the boards of McAfee, Nutanix and StreamSets. Commenting on his appointment, Sohaib Abbasi said: "Over the past 6 years, Peakon has established itself as a top leader in the employee engagement software category. "Peakon is well-positioned for sustained growth as organizations increasingly focus on employees to attain their potential. I'm excited to join the board of directors as Peakon pursues its promising opportunity to help shape the future of work, and the workplace," he added. Peakon CEO and co-founder Phil Chambers said: "I am delighted to welcome Sohaib as Chairman of the Peakon board. His experience and knowledge of the technology space will prove invaluable to us as we march ahead with our ambitious growth plans, and continue on our mission to make work work for people." Sohaib served as the chairman and chief executive officer of Informatica from 2004 to 2015. Under his leadership, Informatica grew five-fold to $1 billion. Software revenue from new products grew by a 10-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 50% and established Informatica as the number one independent leader in data integration, data quality, MDM and cloud data integration. Prior to Informatica, Sohaib served at Oracle Corporation for 20 years, most recently as a member of Oracle's executive committee and as senior vice president of two major divisions, Oracle Tools and Oracle Education. Sohaib joined Oracle in 1982, when it was a 30-person startup, and was instrumental in growing the business from $4 million to more than $9 billion in annual revenues. He envisioned and launched the Oracle Tools business, which he grew from zero to $3.75 billion in cumulative license revenues. In 2010, Sohaib was named the Chairman of the Year in the American Business Awards. In 2013, Bloomberg ranked him second in its list of all-time business turnaround CEOs in technology; in 2014, Glassdoor ratings ranked him one of the five best CEOs to work for in the Enterprise Software industry. Sohaib served on the board of Red Hat Software from 2011 to 2019 and on the board of New Relic from 2016 to 2019. Currently, Sohaib serves on the board of McAfee, Nutanix and StreamSets. He also serves as a senior advisor at TPG Capital and Balderton Capital. He holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. About Peakon Peakon is an employee success platform that converts feedback into insights. It makes the employee conversation quantifiable and actionable to increase employee engagement - not simply measure it. Peakon's core belief is that work should work for people, and with the largest data set of employee feedback in the world, Peakon provides customised benchmarks and personalised insights to support our mission of helping every employee drive the change they want to see. To date, Peakon has helped organisations like Capgemini, Verizon, Pret, Trustpilot, and easyJet make fundamental changes in how they operate to improve employee experience, driving greater business results. Press contacts River Financial, a San Francisco, CA-based bitcoin financial institution, closed a $5.7m in seed funding. Backers included Polychain Capital, Slow Ventures, Castle Island Ventures, DG Lab Fund, Cygni, Pfeffer Capital Ltd, and IDEO CoLab Ventures as well as individual investors Steve Lee of Square Crypto. Additionally, CEO and Co-Founder of Lightning Labs Elizabeth Stark is an advisor. The company intends to use the funds to build out its suite of Bitcoin financial services and continue its expansion through the U.S. Founded in early 2019 by CEO/CTO Alex Leishman, and Chief Operating Officer Andrew Benson, and also led by recent hires Chief Security Officer Jonathan Wilkins, Chief Client Officer Rod Roudi and lead iOS Developer Dave OCallaghan, River Financial is a challenger financial institution specializing in Bitcoin financial services. Its flagship product, a Bitcoin brokerage, provides retail investors with a platform to buy and sell Bitcoin. The company has also launched its Private Client offering. This service is tailored to family offices, high net-worth individuals, and other sophisticated investors who are searching for larger order limits (up to $250,000,000), instant liquidity, and a dedicated private client advisor. FinSMEs 18/06/2020 (CNN) The federal government is stuck with 63 million doses of hydroxychloroquine now that the US Food and Drug Administration has revoked permission for the drug to be distributed to treat coronavirus patients. The government started stockpiling donated hydroxychloroquine in late March, after President Trump touted it as "very encouraging" and "very powerful" and a "game-changer." But Monday, the FDA revoked its emergency use authorization to use the drug to treat Covid-19, saying there was "no reason to believe" the drug was effective against the virus, and that it increased the risk of side effects, including heart problems. That leaves the Strategic National Stockpile with 63 million doses of hydroxychloroquine, plus another 2 million doses of chloroquine, a related drug donated by Bayer, according to Carol Danko, a spokesperson for the US Department of Health and Human Services. Many public health experts point to all of this as an unfortunate chapter in the history of the pandemic thus far. "Nationally, we put a great emphasis on one drug, hydroxychloroquine," said David Holtgrave, the dean of the School of Public Health at the University at Albany, who co-authored a study of the drug as a treatment for coronavirus. "I worry that history will judge this as having over-invested in one treatment pathway as opposed to looking more broadly at a larger number of treatment candidates." Before the FDA revoked its authorization, the stockpile had already distributed 31 million doses. Novartis and Mylan donated doses of the drug to the stockpile. "HHS is working with the companies that donated the product to determine the available options for the product that remains in the Strategic National Stockpile," Danko wrote in a statement to CNN. Hydroxychloroquine has been used for many years to treat diseases such as malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus. After President Trump started touting hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for Covid-19, patients with those illnesses reported having trouble finding the drug. The news about the leftover doses was first reported in The New York Times. Last month, FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn wrote that his agency's decision to authorize hydroxychloroquine in March "was based on evaluation of the EUA criteria and the scientific evidence available at that time." However, many infectious disease experts, including those who've studied the drug for coronavirus, say there was never any evidence that the drug worked for the virus. In March, Trump tweeted that a French study showed hydroxychloroquine and the antibiotic azithromycin "have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine." He continued to be a cheerleader for the drug for several months, and even said he took it himself after being exposed to staffers with the virus. That French study had so many problems that the society that published it has backed away from it. First, the study didn't conclude that the drug worked for Covid patients -- just that it decreased the amount of the virus found in the nose and throat. Also, it was a very small study -- just 20 patients -- and it ignored patients who took hydroxychloroquine and died or ended up in the intensive care unit. After complaints about the study, the International Study of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, which published the study in its medical journal, concluded that the study "does not meet the Society's expected standard." Since then, two major studies have found that the drug is ineffective against coronavirus. One of the studies, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, also showed that Covid patients who took the drug were more than twice as likely to suffer cardiac arrest. After days of dwindling number of cases and deaths, experts advising the UK government recommended on Friday that the Covid-19 alert level be reduced from 4 to 3, a development described by health secretary Matt Hancock as a big moment. The chief medical officers of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and the deputy chief medical officer of Wales said the Joint Biosecurity Centre has made the recommendation after reviewing the evidence and data. Hancock said: The UK moving to a lower alert level is a big moment for the country, and a real testament to the British peoples determination to beat this virus. The governments plan is working. Infection rates are rapidly falling, we have protected the NHS and, thanks to the hard work of millions in our health and social care services, we are getting the country back on her feet. The update says: The Joint Biosecurity Centre has recommended that the Covid-19 alert level should move from Level 4 (A Covid-19 epidemic is in general circulation; transmission is high or rising exponentially) to Level 3 (A Covid-19 epidemic is in general circulation). There has been a steady decrease in cases we have seen in all four nations, and this continues. It does not mean that the pandemic is over. The virus is still in general circulation, and localised outbreaks are likely to occur. We have made progress against the virus thanks to the efforts of the public and we need the public to continue to follow the guidelines carefully to ensure this progress continues, the update adds. As of June 18, the cumulative figure for deaths in the UK was 42,288 and 300,469 cases. The UKs five Covid-19 alert levels are: Level 1 Covid-19 is not known to be present in the UK. Level 2 Covid-19 is present in the UK, but the number of cases and transmission is low. Level 3 A Covid-19 epidemic is in general circulation. Level 4 A Covid-19 epidemic is in general circulation; transmission is high or rising exponentially. Level 5 As level 4 and there is a material risk of healthcare services being overwhelmed. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Union Minister DV Sadanand Gowda on Wednesday said the Department of Pharmaceuticals has approved the lifting of ban on the export of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine API as well as its formulations. "Manufacturers except SEZ/EOU Units have to supply 20% production in the domestic market. DGFT has been asked to issue a formal notification in this regard," he said on Twitter. Department of Pharmaceuticals has approved the lifting of ban on Export of Hydroxychloroquine API as well as formulations. Manufacturers except SEZ/EOU Units have to supply 20% production in the domestic market. DGFT has been asked to issue formal notification in this regard. Sadananda Gowda (@DVSadanandGowda) June 10, 2020 India had banned export of hydroxychloroquine on March 25, with some exceptions, amid views in some quarters that the drug could be used to fight COVID-19. On April 4, it completely banned the exports without any exception. India accounts for 70 per cent of the global production of hydroxychloroquine, which is also used to treat lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Despite the challenges, Indian companies have managed to export the medicine to 97 countries during the pandemic, the health ministry said. Brazil, Germany and a number of South Asian and African nations are reported to have been among those to ask India for major supplies of the medicine as they deal with the contagion. India exported hydroxychloroquine API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) worth $1.22 billion in April-January 2019-20. During the same period, exports of formulations made from hydroxycholoroquine was at $5.50 billion. Mayor Jenny Durkan was there as well, talking to organizers, trying to find a way, her spokeswoman says, for Seattle to lead the nation on criminal justice and police reform. Durkan, who earlier in her career was a U.S. attorney who led the charge for Seattle to reform its Police Department, is in some political hot water for her handling of the unrest. Protesters are unhappy, for example, that she promised during one night of dissent last week to discontinue the use of tear gas for crowd control, only to turn around and allow it two nights later. Then came the Trump tweet: Radical Left Governor @JayInslee and the Mayor of Seattle are being taunted and played at a level that our great Country has never seen before. Take back your city NOW. If you dont do it, I will. This is not a game. These ugly Anarchists must be stooped (sic) IMMEDIATELY. MOVE FAST. What a gift (typo included) for a mayor eager to change the subject. Durkan joined the tweet battle. Make us all safe. Go back to your bunker, she tweeted. Could a mayor of liberal Seattle invent a better foil? Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr's wife, 39-year-old Eleanor Carol Leavell Barr, was remembered by her husband as "dear and precious" in a statement Wednesday morning. The congressman's spouse, who went by Carol, died in the family's Lexington home on Tuesday night, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader and other news outlets. While The New York Times reported that she "likely" suffered a massive, fatal brain aneurysm, the Fayette County coroner said later Wednesday that her cause of death appeared to be mitral valve prolapse, according to the Associated Press. A brief statement from the coroner's office on Tuesday night listed her manner of death as natural and stated that she died shortly before 7 p.m. An autopsy was pending, the corner said then. In his statement on Wednesday morning, Rep. Barr, 46, spoke of his "profound grief" but did not provide further information about Carol's death. Andy Barr/Facebook Carol and Andy Barr (center) with their daughters The couple, married since 2008, share two young girls: Eleanor, 9, and 7-year-old Mary Clay. "At this time of tremendous grief and pain, we ask for prayers for our beautiful, dear and precious Carol, the greatest, most selfless and giving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend anyone could ever have," Barr said in his Wednesday statement, released by his office. "We also ask for love and prayers for Carols greatest legacy her loving and devoted daughters Eleanor and Mary Clay through whom Carols extraordinary life, high character and irrepressible spirit will continue," he continued. Cliff Owen/AP/Shutterstock Rep. Andy Barr (right) next to wife Carol in 2015 Timothy D Easley/AP/Shutterstock Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr (right) with his wife, Carol, in 2018 An alumna of the University of Kentucky, Carol had recently worked in health care and had grown up in Georgetown, Kentucky, according to the Herald-Leader. Story continues "[Carol's] warmth filled whatever room she entered and her contributions made Kentucky a better place for all of us," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his wife, Elaine, said in a statement. She was a true Kentuckian, said the state's agriculture commissioner, Ryan Quarles, according to the Herald-Leader. She loved our state and always had a smile on her face. Rep. Barr said Wednesday that his family's faith was a succor. "In this moment of profound grief and heartbreak, we are so grateful for the gift and blessing of Carols life, for her strong faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for the comfort of fond memories and her victory in heaven," he said in his statement, "and for all those who have surrounded Carols family, the girls and I with beautiful expressions of love, compassion and sympathy." With reporting by WENDY GROSSMAN KANTOR Reid said the diocese has been in conversations with him for more than a year in an effort to determine the facts in this case and, eight months ago, had been promised the opportunity to examine records that might help us to determine whether (the plaintiff) was sexually abused in the early 1980s by Richard D. Kearney, a former priest of the diocese. Sachin071989 wrote: Hi, As the subject says My GMAT scaled score is 700 (Q48V38). But my IR score is an embarrassing 1. I would like to know how that affects my over all chances of selection at a B School? Should I retake the GMAT just to improve my IR score? My target school are mostly the 40th-50th ranked US b schools. Terry UGA is my first choice. Appreciate any comments on this. Thanks!! Sachin Dude,For schools ranked 40-50 you don't have to worry at all.But one question: With a 700 why aint you aiming higher?Jon MediaNews Group CHADDS FORD >> Sen. Tom Killion, R-9, of Middletown, and entrepreneur and community activist Jim Turner, a member of the ministry team at New Life Ministries International in Chester, participated in Wednesdays joint hearing of the Pennsylvania Senates Judiciary and Law and Justice committees on ensuring accountability and equality in law enforcement and the criminal justice system. In the wake of the George Floyd tragedy, conversations like the one we had yesterday are important. We must work towards a Pennsylvania where all citizens of the commonwealth can be assured that those who protect and serve them will do so justly, equitably and fairly, said Killion. Killion noted a number of criminal justice reform measures de-emphasizing mass incarceration have been enacted during the current legislative session, including Act 115 of 2019. Authored by Killion, Act 115 streamlined the placement of non-violent offenders in drug treatment programs and expedited the parole process for non-violent offenders. A member of the Law and Justice committee, Killion requested the participation of Turner, president and CEO of Dunamis Marketing, a full-service marketing and consulting firm and an ordained minister. Turner has served at NLMI for 32 years and is chairman of the board of directors of the United Way of Delaware County, Eastern University Academy Charter School, Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, Boys and Girls Club of Chester and a board member of the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. During the hearing, Killion asked Turner, Whats one quick step we should be looking at to try to establish a better relationship between the community and the police? The ability to bring the police and the community together in similar spaces, said Turner. To get our police officers, as was recommended earlier, to a place where they can actually get into the streets of the harder-to-reach communities and actually have some conversations with [community members] so they know them, I think that would be a great first place to start and it wouldnt cost any money. Turner also referenced the success of weed and seed programs, initiatives in which police obtain cooperation and information from area residents about illegal activities while assisting residents in obtaining information about community revitalization and resources. This hearing was an important initial step, said Killion. These issues have been a part of our society for generations, and they wont be corrected overnight. I remain committed to building a commonwealth that is true to its stated ideals and respects the inherent human dignity of all of its citizens. Missouris Republican-controlled Legislature has refused for years to expand Medicaid as envisioned under the Affordable Care Act. Whatever excuses theyve made, the crassly partisan reason has always been clear: They would rather let poor Missourians suffer needlessly, while refusing hundreds of millions of federal dollars, than to go along with former President Barack Obamas signature policy. Missouri voters this year will finally have the chance to override that irrational obstructionism by voting Medicaid expansion into the state constitution. Republican Gov. Mike Parson late last month made that task considerably more difficult by moving the vote up to the low-turnout Aug. 4 primary instead of the November general election. Nothing would be more just than for voters to turn out in droves anyway and, finally, get this done. America elected Obama, twice, based largely on his priority of expanding health care coverage to all Americans. The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, tackles that historic goal from several directions. Among its provisions is to expand the number of people eligible for Medicaid, the health program for the poor thats run by the states and jointly funded by states and the federal government. Obamacare provided additional federal money to the states to cover the cost of that expansion, initially funding it fully, then decreasing gradually to a permanent level of 90% funding as of this year. In what would have seemed unfathomable in an earlier, saner political era, many Republican-run states refused to adopt it. Their refusal continued even as study after study showed clear reductions in premature-death rates in states that did adopt it. Missouri and 13 others have continued their intransigence to this day, declining huge federal infusions of health care money literally sacrificing the lives of some of their own poorest citizens so they could deny a policy success to a Democratic president. They dont put it that way, of course. Theyve claimed instead that having to pay even 10% of an expanded Medicaid system is too burdensome to state budgets. But that stance ignores the broader fiscal benefits of having a healthier population. Parson continues to oppose Medicaid expansion, but he claims his decision to move the vote forward to August has nothing to do with that opposition. He says the move is meant to give the state more time to implement it should it pass. We wont claim to see into Parsons soul, but whatever his motives for moving the vote, theres no disputing that it will make passage a heavier lift for proponents. So they should get busy lifting, with an aggressive public-education campaign to make sure voters know whats at stake. As has been the case on too many other topics lately labor rights, the minimum wage, political reform its up to Missouris voters to do the right thing, because Missouris leaders refuse to. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 20:57:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BISSAU, June 19 (Xinhua) -- China's support and aid is important to and much appreciated by Africa in the continent's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, former Director-General of the West African Health Organization Placido Cardoso has said. China's assistance to Africa "is very important and essential in different strategies to fight against the virus," the expert on international health said in an interview with Xinhua. Cardoso, who is currently a member of the High Commission of fighting against COVID-19 in the country, said since COVID-19 broke out, China has been providing support and aid to Guinea-Bissau, which is "special and much appreciated" by the country. He also noted that "China's experience in dealing with this health crisis is extraordinary, and Guinea-Bissau needs it." According to a United Nations report in late May, Guinea-Bissau has the second most vulnerable health system in Africa, and the report warns that the country's health system risks collapsing with the COVID-19 pandemic. "Guinea-Bissau's health system is failing due to lack of investment in the sector, so the country is left without quality health infrastructure, without necessary medical equipment and lack of qualified medical personnels," the report said. On Thursday, a second donation of medical supplies from the Chinese government to Guinea-Bissau arrived at Bissau's Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. Cardoso also stressed that China's gesture of solidarity shown in the COVID-19 fight "will further strengthen the existing cooperation relations between China and Africa." "I think all countries should follow this gesture of solidarity from China and its people," said the expert, while hailing China's rapid support to the African continent. The Chinese government, Chinese companies in Africa, and Chinese foundations of Jack Ma and Alibaba have made several donations of medical supplies and equipment to help African countries cope with the virus, he added. "China has shown once again that its relations with Africa are excellent," said Cardoso. "This gesture of solidarity strengthens the trust and friendship between our peoples." Enditem After weeks of protest and hours of public comments debating the topic, the Flagstaff City Council voted unanimously Thursday to pass the citys 2021 budget with police funding fully intact. Council directed staff to reallocate existing dollars within the budget to be directed toward the police department for officer training and education. Into the early hours of Wednesday morning, 386 Flagstaff residents had lobbied the council both for and against defunding the police. Those comments from the public lasted nearly seven hours and the meeting came to an end just before 3 a.m. Councils decision -- and the massive public interest surrounding it -- came as recent police killings of unarmed black Americans across the United States have brought renewed attention to police brutality. Specifically, the video of George Floyd, a black resident of Minneapolis, dying while in police custody sparked protests both nationally and in Flagstaff. During those protests, activists have made new calls to defund police departments and put more money into social programs that they contest would reduce police violence and crime. Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans acknowledged the protests and the evidence of police violence across the country. All you have to do is turn on the TV and see the countless videos of people who are being mistreated, Evans said. I can not tell you the countless experiences I have had with Phoenix police officers that were negative. She added that, as a black woman, she knows what it is to be painted with a brand brush and defended the Flagstaff Police Department as a whole. Evans added that officers are doing a dangerous job and pointed out the department has lost officers to violence as well. Evans said the way to improve policing in Flagstaff is to increase the departments funding, not reduce it. The problems linked to policing are just one of many issues faced by black residents in Flagstaff and the county, Evans said, and those issues all need to be addressed. As such, Evans said one of Councils top priorities should be to allow for a community conversation to take place about the lived experience of black residents in Flagstaff, led by black community members. Evans, addressing protesters, said changing city policy without first letting such a conversation take place would be to act prematurely. Most members of council agreed with the mayor. Councilmember Austin Aslan said he thought Council needed to begin that conversation and proposed it be led by the Southside Neighborhood Association. That group already began to organize such a community conversation to be led by black residents last week. I dont know where this will take us. Frankly, as a white person of undeniable privilege, it's not up to me to speculate on that or to lobby or to lobby for particular outcomes, Aslan said. Councilmember Regina Salas added: Without law enforcement, anarchy, chaos and lawlessness may prevail." Vice Mayor Adam Shimoni said the city should examine alternative systems for public safety to augment the current police department -- which other cities have already implemented. Such systems employ unarmed specialists, such as those with mental health experience, who can respond to substantial portions of calls that do not require a sworn officer. But that idea seemed largely passed over by the remainder of Council. Public participation The last time the council received nearly as much participation from the public was over a decade ago in the late 2000s, according to City Clerk Stacey Saltzburg. At that time, the issue was one regarding the nearby Snowbowl Ski Resort, according to Saltzburg. Even the 386 emails city staff read aloud to the council do not represent the total number of messages the city received regarding police funding, said city spokesperson Jessica Drum. Drum said they were unable to read some messages either because there was no name to attribute the comment to or no actual text associated with the comment. The City of Flagstaff has historically, we have a very engaged community, and I think we saw that community come out last night with strong opinions across the board, Drum said. And residents didnt limit their opinions to emails on Tuesday evening. Although councilmembers and the majority of staff were attending the meeting online in accordance with social distancing, Flagstaff residents also made their voices heard on the city hall lawn both for and against reductions in police funding in the 2021 budget. In 2021, the police department is set to take about 31% of the citys general fund -- only 5% of its total budget -- and some have been calling for that funding to be cut by as much as half and reallocated to other programs such as housing. But Flagstaff Deputy Police Chief Dan Musselman wrote in an email to the Arizona Daily Sun that the department has already had to make some cuts as city revenues fall due to the COVID-19 crisis. The Police Department agrees we need more affordable housing along with other programs to help our most vulnerable citizens. Unfortunately, there is no capacity in the Police Budget without eliminating several officer positions. Personnel costs make up over 80% of our total budget. Previous cuts have already impacted our training budget and required that two dispatcher positions be frozen, Musselman wrote. Love 10 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 3 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. Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a news release Thursday that he would introduce the ordinance with all four black members of the City Council. Lucas said eliminating laws that disproportionately affect black people can help "improve police-community relations," the Kansas City Star reported. Welders work on columns for a new Interstate 74 bridge in Bettendorf, Iowa, in 2018. President Donald Trump has outlined a new $1 trillion infrastructure plan that would rebuild roads, bridges and water systems. Read more President Donald Trumps new $1 trillion infrastructure plan could create one million jobs, according to a recent analysis from the Penn Wharton Budget Model. The infrastructure plan, which is still under construction by the Department of Transportation, would fund typical infrastructure projects such as roadways or bridges. But it is also expected to include projects that expand rural broadband and 5G wireless and even upgrade water systems. The federal aid would also help state and local governments make up for recent infrastructure budget cuts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal infrastructure aid has a very different effect in these economic times, says Jon Huntley, a senior economist for the Penn Wharton Budget Model who performed the analysis. Its going to allow the state to continue to employ that person who otherwise would not be employed. Since the start of the pandemic, more than 42.6 million Americans have filed for unemployment. Earlier this month, a group of economists declared that the United States entered a recession in February, when initial layoffs began. The Wharton program analyses the financial implications of public policies. Huntleys prediction that the new infrastructure plan could create a little more than a million new jobs a rough estimate based on a previous Wharton analysis of the CARES Act might seem like only a drop in the bucket at a time of record unemployment. But Guy Ciarrocchi, president and CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, argues that the plan would have long-lasting effects beyond short-term job creation. Theyre really jobs that are needed, but theyre jobs that have a multiplier effect, he said. They improve peoples quality of life and opportunity and access to information. Chester County and surrounding areas also need funding for basic upkeep of roads and transportation systems, especially once more businesses and offices start to reopen. As more people start to drive again after months of lower traffic, Ciarrocchi worries that road damage will intensify. Ciarrocchi also believes that expanded broadband might be the most significant of the infrastructure projects. Pennsylvanias economy ranked 44th out of all 50 states in 2019 for growth, jobs and the business environment. And Ciarrocchi attributes some of this shortfall to the lack of internet availability in poor or rural areas. The limited access to internet is a disincentive for businesses to stay here, he said. Both Huntley and Ciarrocchi note that water and storm system maintenance is also in dire need of funding. Susan Hardwick, the executive vice president and chief financial officer of American Water, agrees. The American Water Works Association estimates that $1 trillion will be needed over the next 17 years to improve and safeguard water infrastructure. Now more than ever, public health, economic development, manufacturing, commerce, and much more are dependent on clean and reliable water, Hardwick wrote in an email. Hardwick, like Ciarrocchi, says investing in infrastructure can create jobs outside of the water industry. Referring to a 2017 report from the U.S. Water Alliance, she wrote that for every $1 million invested in water infrastructure, it is estimated that upwards of 15 jobs are generated throughout the economy. Some of those jobs are in the design and construction of water infrastructure, but Hardwick thinks that others will come indirectly from continued spending after initial investments. This kind of job creation will be one of the big short-term benefits of the infrastructure plan, as Huntley states in his analysis. But the key to reaping all of those benefits, he argues, is timing. The longer the plan takes to start, the less useful it will be in creating jobs and increasing revenue. News of Trumps plan comes right as the Democratic-controlled House prepares its own $1.5 trillion infrastructure package. That package will provide aid for infrastructure involving roads, housing, water, education, and broadband with an emphasis on green policy. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said she expects to pass the package in the House before July Fourth. Speed is critical, Huntley said. To the extent that the administration wants this plan to help people stay employed and stay in their homes and be able to continue to buy necessities, its important they move quickly. That means Huntleys rosy estimations of a $720 billion GDP and a little more than a million new jobs start to fall as the economy returns to normal. NEW YORK, June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Stetson has long stood for tradition, style and quality craftsmanshipvalues that guided the development of the brand's first visual refresh in over 20 years. Stetson Worldwide "This refresh speaks to Stetson's timelessness, enduring relevance, and ability to adapt," says Xiao Li Tan, President of Stetson Worldwide. "The Stetson brand is synonymous with Americana. Our products are iconic in the imagery of the Old West, our dress hats were worn by the jazz legends and we've outfitted the National Park Service and U.S. Cavalry soldiers. Stetson's updated brand identity speaks to our legendary heritage and history, with an eye for appealing to the modern consumer." To execute the rebrand, Stetson worked with awarded, boutique Dallas-based agency, Tractorbeam. Stetson and Tractorbeam partnered to excavate the brand's extensive archive, examining logos, marks and expressions from the 1860's through the modern era. Both teams were inspired to develop a brand projection that leveraged historical assets and stayed true to Stetson's roots. Rich, sophisticated and steeped in heritage, the new brand identity will roll out globally across product and consumer touchpoints over the next year, beginning with a launch this week on the new Stetson.com. "The relaunched Stetson.com combines legendary heritage and modern commerce to deliver a best-in-class experience," says Andrea Bozeman, Stetson's SVP of Marketing and Ecommerce. Stetson's refreshed brand identity includes: An updated wordmark derived from the brand marks that were most prevalent during the peak American design periods of the 1870s, 1920s and 1950s. A refreshed color palette inspired by rich earth tones, and the brand's most iconic product colors, including Oxblood, Steel and Silverbelly. A reimagined brand crest, illustrated by Yonder Studios, with special consideration paid to each historical detail. A redesigned websiteStetson.com. Optimized for mobile, and rich with product history, this is the ultimate destination for the Stetson connoisseur. Stetson, an iconic American brand since 1865, has been worn by presidents and patriots, artists and musicians, mavericks and historical figures from all around the world. Worn by culture setters from Buffalo Bill to Pablo Picasso, from Annie Oakley and Louis Armstrong, from L.B.J. to Waylon Jennings, Stetson is forever woven into the fabric of America. ABOUT STETSON As it has since 1865, Stetson is an iconic brand that embodies the resourceful, authentic, adaptable and diverse core of the American spirit. A global leader in authentic American lifestyle products, Stetson is committed to a heritage of craftmanship and quality that communicates individuality and freedom. John B. Stetson's story of perseverance continues today, over 150 years later in step with the journey of Americaever evolving, yet timeless. MEDIA CONTACT ANDREA BOZEMAN SVP, MARKETING & ECOMMERCE STETSON WORLDWIDE [email protected] 212-563-1848 Related Images image1.png Related Links Instagram Twitter SOURCE Stetson Worldwide Community Chaplaincy Norfolk (CCN) is seeking more volunteer mentors as it continues to provide a Both Sides of the Gate support service to people leaving prison in Norfolk. Community Chaplaincy Norfolk (CCN) is seeking more volunteer mentors as it continues to provide a Both Sides of the Gate support service to people leaving prison in Norfolk. New chief executive for Aylsham Care Trust Philip Macdonald has been appointed chief executive of the Aylsham and District Care Trust (ACT) which has been providing care and support for older people in the community for over thirty five years. Read more Pandemic drove Norfolk church community online New figures show that across the height of the pandemic lockdowns in 2020, churches across the Diocese of Norwich saw their in-person congregations halve but they retained 94% of their worshippers with the help of online and church-at-home services. Read more Why we need the water of life Regular columnist James Knight explains why water is so important in our lives, especially the spiritual variety. Read more Norwich church needs Outreach Weekend Cafe Manager St Stephens Church is seeking an Outreach Weekend Cafe Manager to become part of its successful and dynamic Cafe team, serving the community and city. Read more Trustee treasurer role at King's Lynn foodbank Kings Lynn Foodbank are urgently seeking a new Trustee Treasurer to work with a fun, friendly, team who are all passionate about combating food poverty in Kings Lynn. Read more Christian pregnancy charity gets Yarmouth hub TimeNorfolk, the Christian pregnancy loss charity, has opened a space dedicated to counselling for bereaved parents in Great Yarmouth. Read more Family days at Norwich Cathedral The schools and families learning department at Norwich Cathedral are holding two sessions morning and afternoon for a Family Activity Day at the Cathedral on Wednesday February 16. Read more Churches prepare Queen's Platinum Jubilee plans Churches, Christian charities and youth organisations are working together to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee over the four-day Bank Holiday from June 2-5 and a new website has been created to celebrate the Queen's 70 years of faith and service. Read more Eckling Grange cares for the elderly Despite some bad press, there are some Care Homes where 'Care' really does mean 'what it says on the tin', and a star example of this is the Norfolk Christian residential care home, Eckling Grange, at Dereham. Read more New Commission to look at use of Norfolk churches A new Church Buildings Commission has been launched with the purpose of looking at the church buildings across Norfolk and Waveney in terms of their use and sustainability. Read more Norfolk link to teaching opportunity with TCKs A Norfolk couple working in Asia have been helped by teachers of Third Culture Kids, and a programme is now inviting more people to get involved with it. Read more Norfolk charity seeks mentors for prison leavers Community Chaplaincy Norfolk (CCN) continues to provide a Both Sides of the Gate Mentor support service to people leaving prison in Norfolk. Read more Prayer and Worship week for Sheringham church Lighthouse Community Church in Sheringham has launched a Prayer and Worship week as they seek Gods guidance for 2022 Read more South Norfolk church schools are set to merge The Diocese of Norwich St Benets Multi Academy Trust has been given the green light to amalgamate Harleston CE Primary Academy and Archbishop Sancroft High School into one All Through School. Read more Norwich conference looks at how to tackle spiritual abuse Following a series of revelations about high-profile Christian leaders, a group of Norfolk churches is organising a conference to look at spiritual abuse and godly leadership. Read more Revelation vacancy for Centre Manager The Revelation Christian Resource Centre and Cafe is seeking to appoint a Centre Manager. Read more Gardening morning at N Norfolk Christian centre The Pleasaunce Holiday Centre in Overstrand is holding a work-party morning on Saturday February 5 and would like as many people as possible to join in to help get the gardens ship-shape. Read more Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 02:13:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature has issued a circular asking standing committees of people's congresses at various levels to strengthen follow-up rectification supervision regarding problems discovered through audits. The guidelines are expected to strengthen the supervisory role of the people's congresses, and contribute to establishing and improving a long-term mechanism for the rectification of problems found in audits, according to an official with the Budgetary Affairs Commission under the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee. The guidelines put forward five main measures. These include formulating the work plan of follow-up supervision, and combining it with the supervision of budget and final accounts, as well as the supervision of state-owned assets. Audit offices and relevant government departments are also asked to improve the publicity of audit results, and information about rectifications. Pursuant to the guidelines, the NPC Standing Committee will organize follow-up supervision, focusing on audit problems concerning the implementation of major policies and measures, after having reviewed the audit report during this week's session. During this coming December, it will also review the central government's report on the rectification of problems found in the audit, and carry out special inquiries. Enditem Gitega (Burundi) (AFP) - Burundi's new president, Evariste Ndayishimiye, took the oath of office at a colourful ceremony in the capital on Thursday, assuming the helm of a troubled nation after the sudden death of his predecessor. Elected in May in a vote disputed by the opposition, Ndayishimiye was meant to take office in August, but his inauguration was brought forward after outgoing president Pierre Nkurunziza died from what authorities say was heart failure. In his oath Ndayishimiye, 52, pledged to "devote all my force to defending the superior interests of the nation and ensure the national unity and cohesion of the Burundian people, peace and social justice." A 21-gun salute rang out in the capital Gitega after he signed the pledge before the seven members of the constitutional court, before he inspected the guard and walked around a stadium packed with citizens dressed in identical outfits. While guests were made to wash their hands upon entering the stadium, only a few dignitaries wore masks in the upper tiers and no distance was maintained between attendees. Along with members of the military, police and judiciary, diplomats and representatives of international organisations were present, but no international heads of state attended. Shortly before taking the oath of office, Ndayishimiye knelt surrounded by the leaders of the Catholic, Anglican, evangelical and Muslim faiths, who prayed for him. "Understand that you are a son of God and as such must bring peace among Burundians, you know how much we need it," said the Catholic archbishop of Gitega, Simon Ntamwana. "Bring back to our country the refugees in the camps, bring back the intellectuals in exile so that they can take part in the development of our country, renew ties with the international community so they can help us develop," he said. Ntamwana had publically opposed Nkurunziza's devastating third-term presidential bid in 2015, which sparked protests and a failed coup, with violence leaving at least 1,200 dead while some 400,000 fled the country. Story continues - 'A dark and sad legacy' - Nkurunziza, a devout evangelical who believed he was chosen by God to lead Burundi, leaves a "dark and sad legacy", Carina Tertsakian of the Burundi Human Rights Initiative told AFP. UN rights investigators have said the period since 2015 has been marked by likely crimes against humanity committed by state forces, citing extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests, disappearances, torture and sexual violence. Nkurunziza, who ruled the East Africa nation for 15 often tumultuous years, died on June 8 of "heart failure" in a hospital in the eastern city of Karuzi, according to an official statement issued the following day. But the 55-year-old took ill less than two weeks after his wife had been flown to a Nairobi hospital for treatment for coronavirus, according to a medical document seen by AFP, and speculation is rife he may have caught the virus. A medical source told AFP he had suffered "respiratory distress" before dying. Compared to its neighbours which imposed lockdowns and curfews -- with the exception of equally sceptical Tanzania -- Burundi has taken few measures to combat the COVID-19 virus. The country last month expelled a team of World Health Organization (who) experts who were supporting the country's response to the epidemic. - Hopes for change - Ndayishimiye, a former army general and Hutu rebel like his predecessor, had been handpicked by the powerful ruling CNDD-FDD party to run in a May 20 presidential election. He won the vote with 68.7 percent, and an opposition bid to have the results overturned due to alleged fraud was rejected just days before Nkurunziza's death. Ndayishimiye is reputed to be more tolerant and open than his predecessor and is not a regime hardliner. Observers say the death of Nkurunziza -- who was expected to continue to play a significant role -- might give him more independence. However he will still have to please the powerful group of generals at the core of the ruling party, who anointed him to succeed Nkurunziza. After the news of Nkurunziza's death Ndayishimiye vowed to "continue his high-quality work that he has done for our country". The change in president also opens up the possibility of warmer ties with foreign donors, who cut Burundi off after the 2015 crisis. A source in the French presidency said the country would work with its European partners and "extend a hand to the new Burundian president". "For the first time we will have a leader who is not just forging ahead regardless of the consequences, wrapped up in divine faith," the source said. The government has yet to announce a date for Nkurunziza's funeral. With the nation gripped by protests over racial inequality, the pressure on Joe Biden to pick a black woman as his running mate has been steadily growing. And a newly published study from Monmouth University suggests that Democratic voters broadly support the idea. The analysis, released Thursday, is based on interviews with more than 2,000 people who voted in early Democratic primaries and caucuses. When asked to name their preferred vice-presidential nominee, most identified a black candidate. Sen. Kamala Harris was far and away the most popular pick, chosen by more than a quarter of respondents. It should be noted that Monmouth did not interview a representative sample of Democratic voters nationwide, let alone the general electorate. The studys respondents most likely skew toward more engaged and heavily partisan Democrats, given that all of them cast a primary vote, most of them in Iowa or New Hampshire. Still, Monmouths survey contained at least one striking finding that seemed to carry broader implications: Harris support ran strongly among Democrats of various political persuasions. She was a top choice even among voters who had supported Sens. Elizabeth Warren or Amy Klobuchar for the presidential nomination even though both of those lawmakers have also been on Bidens vice-presidential shortlist. Warren and Klobuchar were the runners-up in the Monmouth survey, but even with their totals combined, Harris outpaced them. Klobuchar, once seen as a top prospect, announced late Thursday that she had withdrawn her name from consideration and that she had urged Biden to choose a woman of color for the ticket. Klobuchar had come under heavy criticism in recent weeks for declining to press charges against a number of police officers who were involved in shootings when she was a prosecutor in Minneapolis. Choosing Harris as a running mate could feed an enthusiasm about Biden that he doesnt currently have, Patrick Murray, who runs Monmouths polling operation, said in an interview. How would this play among independents? I dont know. But certainly among the core group of Democratic voters, it would be a home run for him. A Fox News poll in late March asked registered voters how they would vote in November if Biden had Warren on the ticket with him, and then if he had Harris. It found little significant difference between the results, in any demographic. Biden led President Donald Trump, 50% to 42%, with Harris on the ticket, and 52% to 42% with Warren beside him. Other black contenders mentioned by a sizable number of Monmouth respondents included the former Georgia legislator Stacey Abrams and Rep. Val B. Demings of Florida. Some other possible running mates, including the former national security adviser Susan E. Rice and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta, were named by considerably fewer people. The Monmouth study was conducted in early June, as anti-racism protests flared across the country. Theres little doubt that the publics sharpened focus on race probably pushed some voters toward supporting an African American contender. But the Democratic electorate has for years been growing broadly more concerned about matters of racial justice, which are likely to figure prominently into the remainder of the campaign. And Democratic voters dont just see choosing a black running mate as the virtuous thing to do they consider it good strategy, too. Of the Democratic primary voters who spoke to Monmouth researchers, roughly 3 in 5 said they thought picking a woman of color would help Bidens chances in November. That part matters: Since the start of the primary campaign, Democratic voters have said their main focus is on beating Trump in the general election. A presumption that Biden was the safe and electable choice sat at the heart of his appeal to many primary voters. Biden holds a sizable lead over Trump in most head-to-head polls, including a national Fox News survey released Thursday, which found the former vice president with a 12-point advantage. But Democrats are not yet as enthusiastic about Bidens candidacy as they have been about many past nominees at this point in the race, and with a pandemic keeping him mostly off the campaign trail, Democratic voters are looking for reassurance that the Biden campaign is making wise and winning decisions. The choosing of a running mate is a prime opportunity to make that case. Biden pledged during the primary battle that he would choose a woman as his running mate, and his campaign is in the midst of vetting close to a dozen contenders. In April, black women across the country signed on to a public letter making the case that the vice-presidential nominee should be an African American. It is a fact that the road to the White House is powered by Black women and Black women are the key to a Democratic victory in 2020, they wrote. Black women are not only the most loyal voters for the Democratic Party we are key to igniting Black voters across all demographics to show up in record numbers. In 2016, Hillary Clinton had the overwhelming support of black voters, but they did not turn out in nearly the same numbers they had for Barack Obama four years earlier. This contributed to her Electoral College defeat. While Biden leaned heavily on support from black voters in the primary election, polls thus far have shown that he still has significant room to grow if he wants to outpace Clintons numbers among this group. He shows particular weakness among younger African Americans. But if black voters make up a crucial part of the Democratic base, so do liberals. These voters have long been wary of the relatively moderate Biden, and some recent polls have shown that as many as one-third of liberals expressed a negative view of him. And naming a candidate such as Harris or Demings, both of whom held prominent roles in law enforcement before coming to Washington, could be a letdown to some on the left particularly at a moment when the role of the police in society is coming under intense public scrutiny. Until recently, polls tended to suggest that Warren was the most popular vice-presidential contender among Democratic voters. A presidential hopeful turned Biden confidante, Warren has the trust of many liberals and in the primary she earned some of her strongest support from female and suburban voters, groups that Democrats consider crucial to a win in November. Warrens +57 net favorability rating among liberals in a CNN poll last month was considerably better than Harris (+42). But more respondents said they had yet to make up their minds one way or the other about Harris. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Haiti - Justice : Justice no longer exists, for more than 2 weeks The Citizen Protection Office (OPC) expresses its concerns following the unlimited work stoppage launched by various Magistrate Associations. While taking note of the Magistrates' commitments in their fight linked to the improvement of the judicial system, the OPC remains deeply concerned because of the disastrous consequences of this approach on litigants in general and the prison population in particular, 75% of whom are situation of prolonged preventive detention. After more than two weeks of general strike which paralyzed the Courts and Tribunals of the 18 jurisdictions of the country, "the Public Service of Justice has become almost non-existent" https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31060-haiti-news-zapping.html Faced with this observation, it is urgent for the stakeholders to find a peaceful and negotiated solution. To this end, the OPC encourages the President of the Republic and the Superior Council of the Judicial Power (CSPJ) as legal and constitutional representative of the Judicial Power to initiate discussions with a view to resolving this crisis in the interest of all litigants. Wednesday, in this context, Lucmane Delile, the Minister of Justice in the presence of Michel Patrick Boivert Minister of Economy and Finance, met with Jean Wilner Morin President of the National Association of Haitian Magistrates (ANAMAH), Michel Alexis President of the Association of Haitian Judges of Peace, Wando Saint-Villier, President of the Professional Association of Magistrates (APM) and AIkenson Edume President of the National Network of Haitian Magistrates (RENAMAH) as well as the representatives of 4 union associations who presented their claims. However, due to the absence of representatives of the CSPJ who had not been invited and of magistrates who did not have a mandate, it was agreed to postpone this meeting "sine die" this time with the presence of representatives of the CSPJ. Nevertheless, Ministers Delile and Boivert have openly expressed their interest in finding a way out of this crisis which is completely paralyzing the justice system. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31060-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30992-haiti-justice-anamah-calls-on-all-magistrates-to-observe-an-unlimited-general-work-stoppage.html HL/ TB/ HaitiLibre BENTLEYVILLE, Ohio Car crash, failure to control: Grey Fox Run A Lake Wales, Fla., man, 24, was cited around 1 p.m. June 12 after police initially received reports of an erratic driver in the area, then of a parked landscaping trailer being hit by a van. One caller stated that an oncoming driver had crossed left of center while dragging a traffic cone underneath his Chrysler Pacifica. Located in the area, the Florida man told police he was reaching for food at the time he hit the trailer, which reportedly had four directional traffic cones placed around it on the side of the street. Traffic stop, curfew violation, no operator's license: Pine River Drive, Solon Road A juvenile driver was cited for no operators license and no headlights and, along with four passengers, was given a warning for curfew violations after their car was stopped around 1:30 a.m. June 10. All parents were contacted and the vehicle was released on the scene to a valid driver around 2:15 a.m. One juvenile occupant was given a courtesy ride home to Chagrin Falls and another to Moreland Hills. Driving under suspension: Arbor Lane A Cleveland woman, 21, was stopped and cited on the night of June 16 in the Cleveland Metroparks when a random enforcement computer check showed that the owner was driving on a non-compliance suspension for not having insurance. This time, she showed proof of insurance, but had no valid license yet. The car was then turned over to a licensed driver in the car. Read more from the Chagrin Solon Sun. One of the three police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky, is being fired, Mayor Greg Fischer announced Friday. The chief of the Louisville Metro Police Department, Rob Schroeder, is initiating termination procedures against the officer, Brett Hankison, the mayor said in a statement. It is the first significant action taken against an officer in a case that has drawn widespread criticism and national protests. Two other officers are on administrative reassignment while the shooting is investigated. Louisville police officer Brett Hankison. (Louisville Metro Police Department) Fisher said that "unfortunately," he and Schroeder could not talk about "what brought us to this moment, or even the timing of this decision," because of a provision in state law. He added that he would like to see the law changed. Hankison was hired by the department in 2003. Taylor, 26, an African American emergency-room technician, was killed by police on March 13 after three plainclothes officers used a "no-knock" warrant to enter her apartment around 12:40 a.m. as part of a drug investigation. Taylor was shot eight times. According to his termination letter released Friday by the police department, Hankison violated procedure when he "wantonly and blindly" fired 10 rounds into Taylor's apartment while executing the warrant. "These rounds created a substantial danger of death and serious injury to" Taylor and "the three occupants of the apartment next to hers," Schroeder wrote. Hankison violated procedure by using deadly force without the "supporting facts" that it was directed at a person who posed an immediate threat, the letter said. The patio door and window that Hankison shot through were covered with material that "completely prevented" him from verifying if there was an immediate threat "or more importantly any innocent persons present," according to the letter. "I find your conduct a shock to the conscience," Schroeder wrote. "I am alarmed and stunned you used deadly force in this fashion. You have never been trained by the Louisville Metro Police Department to use deadly force in this fashion." Story continues In a joint statement, Benjamin Crump, Lonita Baker and Sam Aguiar, the attorneys representing Taylor's family, said Hankison's firing three months after Taylor was killed is a welcome, but long-overdue step toward justice. "The department's termination letter clearly outlines the case for a murder charge to be brought against this officer," they said in a statement. "By the department's own assessment, he committed wanton endangerment, wanton murder and wanton attempted murder." The attorneys said it is time for Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron to file criminal charges against all the officers in the case. "We await further action by the police department to terminate the other officers," they said. Taylor's family has named Hankison along with Officers Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove in a wrongful death lawsuit. Attorneys for Taylor's family say her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fearing a home invasion, called 911, grabbed a gun and fired, shooting an officer in the leg. He had a license to carry and keep firearms in the home. Taylor was unarmed. The lawsuit accuses the officers of "blindly firing" more than 20 shots into the apartment. The suspect at the center of the police investigation had already been taken into custody at another residence, the lawsuit states. Taylor and Walker had no criminal history or drug convictions, and no drugs were found in the apartment, the lawsuit states. At a news conference on the day of the shooting, police said officers had knocked several times and announced their presence as police who were there with a search warrant. The Louisville Metro Council voted unanimously last Thursday to pass a ban on no-knock warrants, a measure known as Breonnas Law. The FBI is also investigating Taylor's death. Cameron has said that he was asked to serve as a special prosecutor in the case. Separately, Louisville police are investigating allegations by at least two women that they were sexually assaulted by Hankison. The allegations against Hankison were posted on social media this month, and they are similar both women say they were sexually assaulted after he gave them rides home from a bar. The retired police officer pictured being carried to safety by a Black Lives Matter activist has thanked his rescuer for 'saving his life' after he was beaten 'senseless' by rival protesters. Witnesses claimed Bryn Male sparked trouble after shouting 'f*** Black Lives Matter,' but the Millwall fan today denied having any association with the violent thugs who caused mayhem in London last week and insisted he wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for the bravery of Patrick Hutchinson. The former Met officer, from Hampshire, said he didn't have a 'racist bone in his body' and was motivated to travel to the protests by his pride in Britain and his desire to protect historic statues, under threat from BLM demonstrators. Mr Male - who was still sporting a black eye and was in obvious pain while talking - realises now it was 'stupid' to get involved. Bryn Male, pictured, has thanked his rescuer for 'saving his life' after he was beaten 'senseless' by rival protesters Mr Male was pictured being carried away from danger over the shoulder of Patrick Hutchinson in a now iconic image The 55-year-old described for the first time the moments that led up to the now iconic picture of him being carried away from danger over the shoulder of personal trainer Mr Hutchinson. He claims he did nothing to provoke the attack and said he was set upon by BLM protesters while he was walking alone. 'I had spent the day in Trafalgar Square, talking to police officers,' he said. 'In the late afternoon I walked across Waterloo Bridge and at Festival Hall about 15 to 20 people jumped on me and started beating me. I'll remember it for my whole life. I was completely on my own. It was madness. 'They beat me senseless and then two or three of them, including Patrick, came to rescue me. Patrick put me on his shoulder because he realised I was going to get killed. 'He said something like, 'Come with me'. Even as I was being rescued, people were hitting me.' Mr Male said he now wanted to meet up and hug his saviour. 'I would love to stand there and shake that man's hand who saved my life,' he said. ' If you could feel the pain I'm in now. He saved my life. I take my hat off to his cause. 'If he was here today I would say, thank you big man. He is a humble nice man and I can only say I want to meet up in the future and give him a hug and thank him.' Mr Male said he only decided last Saturday morning to attend the protest. Talking about Patrick Hutchinson, pictured, Mr Hale said: 'I want to meet up in the future and give him a hug and thank him' Mr Male, pictured right, said he didn't have a 'racist bone in his body' He said: 'I made the most stupid, stupid decision to go up to London that day because I'm a passionate British man and I wanted to protect the statues and our British heritage. 'I was totally alone. I didn't go up with anyone. I didn't speak to anyone. I wasn't with any other protesters. I wasn't with any of the boys from Millwall. 'It was a stupid, stupid moment. I just decided to go on the morning. 'I have not got a racist bone in my body. One million per cent I would do the same for Patrick if it was the other way round. 'I would never watch another man get beaten senseless for no reason whatever colour they were. I just get so stupidly passionate about the history. 'I can't say it enough, I am not a racist. I don't like what's going on at the moment and I couldn't help myself from going up there. The world needs to change, I know that. I just didn't think this was the right way.' Mr Hutchinson said earlier this week Mr Male has not been in contact with him, but that he would have 'not have much to say to him' if he did. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 18:46:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Iran's confirmed novel coronavirus cases rose to 200,262 on Friday after an overnight registration of 2,615 new infections, according to official IRNA news agency. During her daily briefing, Sima Sadat Lari, the spokeswoman for Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education, said out of the new cases in the past 24 hours, 986 were hospitalized. The pandemic has so far claimed the lives of 9,392 Iranians, up by 120 in the past 24 hours, she said. So far, 159,192 have recovered and been discharged from hospitals and 2,833 remain in critical condition. According to Lari, 1,370,718 lab tests for COVID-19 have been carried out in Iran as of Friday. Iran's health official said that six provinces are in high-risk condition, urging people to respect health protocols. Iran announced its first cases of COVID-19 on Feb. 19. In mid-February, at the early stage of the coronavirus outbreak in China, Iran lit up the Tehran Azadi (Liberty) Tower to show its solidarity with China, and donated 3 million masks to China. In return, China has delivered several shipments of medical supplies to Iran. On Feb. 29, a five-member Chinese medical team visited Iran for a month-long mission to help Iran fight the pandemic. Enditem Photo: (Photo : unsplash/Sharon McCutcheon) Due to the nonstop increase in the number of coronavirus cases, most governments are implementing precautionary measures. They require people to stand at least six feet away from others and wear face masks. Now, there are more reasons to wear face masks. According to a study, states that required people to wear masks showed positive results. People who wore face-covering when in public caused a significant drop in coronavirus cases' daily growth rate. The authors of the study found direct evidence that wearing face masks has widespread community effectiveness. Published by the healthaffairs.org, the study is very timely with Raleigh's ordinance taking effect on Friday. The city requires that people use face coverings when out in public. It comes after the state set a single-day high for hospitalizations related to COVID-19 for the third consecutive day. It was also the eighth-time in 11 days with a number of patients reaching 857 on Thursday. Coronavirus' daily growth rates dropped after face masks were required Researchers from the University of Iowa studied the 15 states, including the District of Columbia. These states had statewide executive orders that required wearing face masks from April 8 to May 15. The team found that at the county level, coronavirus cases daily growth rates dropped almost immediately. Within the first five days, the percentage of cases decreased by 0.9 points. More than three weeks after enactment, the rate continued to fall by two percentage points. The study stated that there is a significant decline in the daily growth rate of coronavirus cases after they required the people to use face covers. It also noted that the effect increases over time upon signing the order. They said that the declines in growth rate in five days are "broadly consistent" with the other measures. One of which is the closing of certain businesses. They could have prevented around 200,000 to 450,000 cases by May 22, as estimated by the team. They also said that people should view their estimates "cautiously." Use of face masks decreased the number of people getting ill British researchers at Cambridge and Greenwich universities did another study about the effect of face coverings. They studied how it affects the effective reproductive number of coronavirus. They called Rt or the Re as the average number of people a sick person could infect. An Rt of greater than one shows exponential growth. If the Rt is less than one, it could control the spread of the virus. They found that wearing face masks in public could reduce the Rt twice as much as when only those showing symptoms are wearing them. They conclude that if more than half of the population wears masks, the Rt will drop to below one. It means that it would be easier to manage the pandemic. On Thursday, a Duke University infectious disease specialist, Dr. Cameron Wolfe, said that the scientific community is more united on their effectiveness. She believes that wearing masks, including cloth masks, is very satisfactory at preventing them from getting sick. Other articles about face masks: Coronavirus: Should Couples Wear Masks During Intercourse? Cloth Mask: Effective Against COVID-19 Based on Studies Best Fabric to Use for Home-Made Face Mask for Maximum Protection Coronavirus: Should My Family Wear Face Mask? Thiruvananthapuram : KPCC President Mullappally Ramachandran on Friday mocked Health Minister KK Shailaja over the covid precautionary measures in the state. Mullappally pointed that the minister was doing this all for the sake of doing them Applauding the efforts of health workers for containing Nipah successfully, he added that the health minister was just doing a guest role during Nipah outbreak in Kozhikode. Taking a dig at the minister, he said that the minister is competing for the 'covid rani' title after 'Nipah princess'. On July 5, 1852, runaway slave-turned-abolitionist, writer and newspaper editor Frederick Douglass rose to speak to nearly 600 people in Corinthian Hall in Rochester, N.Y. Invited by the Rochester Ladies Anti-Slavery Society to deliver a Fourth of July address, he delivered, in the words of his biographer David W. Blight, the rhetorical masterpiece of American abolitionism. Douglass noted the irony of a runaway slave giving a Fourth of July address. Fellow citizens, said Douglass, Pardon me, allow me to ask, why am I called upon to speak here today? What have I, or those I represent, to do with your national independence? In the speechs most famous phrase, one of blistering and prophetic eloquence, Douglass attacks the blatant hypocrisy of people celebrating their freedom while brutally denying freedom to people they treated like animals. What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciations of tyrants, brass fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade, and solemnity, are, to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices, more shocking and bloody, than are the people of these United States, at this very hour. With nearly 11 years remaining before the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and 13 years before the news of that proclamation would reach Texas slaves, on June 19, 1865, Douglass articulated what has always been a contradiction of the Fourth of July holiday for African Americans. The Declaration of Independences self-evident truths that all men are created equal didnt include the 500,000 black women and men who were enslaved in the soon-to-be independent 13 Colonies. The only mention of slavery was Thomas Jeffersons passage blaming the British Empire for the slave trade without any responsibility accepted by the Americans. On ExpressNews.com: Where former slaves in San Antonio lived That passage was deleted. In celebrating the Fourth of July, as African Americans have done for generations, they are celebrating the independence of their nation but not necessarily the freedom of their people. By the time of the Civil War, there were 4 million slaves in the United States. In the past couple of weeks, Juneteenth, in words President Donald Trump once said of Douglass, is being recognized more and more. Its a recognition accelerated by his campaigns initial decision to hold a rally on Juneteenth in Tulsa, Okla., where whites once waged violence against blacks. (The rally has been moved to June 20.) But lets take advantage of this new appreciation of Juneteenth by declaring it a national holiday and recognizing it as this nations Second Independence Day. As of now, 46 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday or day of observance. In Texas, Juneteenth became a state holiday on Jan. 1, 1980, but how many Texans and black Texans, specifically have had the day off in those 40 years? Recently, companies including the New York Times, Target and Nike have announced that Juneteenth is now a paid holiday for their employees. Its an idea under consideration at the Express-News for 2021. This is a wonderful gesture that captures the historic moment were in, but the truest way to show a commitment to the significance and meaning of Juneteenth is to give it equal pairing with the Fourth of July and make it a national holiday. Not all Americans were given independence July 4, 1776. The delayed freedom granted slaves in 1863 and 1865 was incomplete, and it didnt speak to the enduring brutalities not inflicted on white colonists before their independence. Honor the emancipation of slaves and the ideals of this nation by letting freedom ring on June 19 and July 4, and recommitting ourselves to preserving and expanding that freedom. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen gestures during a ceremony to unveil the Cyber Security Investigation Office in New Taipei City on April 24, 2020. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images) 3 Former Political Aides in Taiwan Arrested on Suspicion of Being Chinese Spies TAIPEI, TaiwanThree Taiwanese men who were once aides to local lawmakers have been taken into custody on espionage charges for allegedly passing on confidential information to China. The three former aides, Lee Yi-hsien, Chen Wei-jen, and Lin Yun-ta, were interrogated by the prosecutors office in Taipei on June 18, after local prosecutors and officials from Taiwans Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau conducted raids at five separate locations, according to local media. Lee and Chen were detained and held incommunicado for allegedly violating the islands national security law, after the Taipei District Court granted a request from prosecutors to hold the two suspects, on the grounds that the two could collude or destroy evidence. Meanwhile, Lin was released after paying NT$100,000 (about $3,375) in bail. Prosecutors said the three men were directed by Chinese intelligence agents under Chinas Ministry of State Security to establish an espionage organization in Taiwan and recruited locals into the group from 2014 to 2018. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory, despite the fact that the self-ruled island has its own constitution, military, and democratically-elected officials. Beijing has thus infiltrated Taiwan through various means, such as spreading Chinese propaganda through local social media and enticing locals to become Chinese agents. According to local media United Daily News, the three men reached out to local reporters who covered the Taiwan government and offered them a monthly stipend of NT$30,000 (about $1,010) or free tourism trips to China, in exchange for information on meetings held by government officials. In the four years, the three men handed over confidential information from multiple Taiwanese government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Mainland Affairs Council, to Chinese agents, prosecutors alleged. The information included meeting minutes and personnel appointments. Lee was an aide working for Chang Li-Shan, a local lawmaker of the opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), between 2016 and 2018. Following Lees detention, Chang, now a magistrate for Taiwans Yunlin County, issued a statement saying that Lee was a volunteer at the time and not one of her officially registered aides. Chang urged the local justice department to be strict in its investigation to safeguard Taiwans national security. Chen Wei-ren worked for KMT lawmaker Chen Shu-hui between 2009 and 2010. The latter is now the deputy mayor of Taiwans Chiayi City. Chen Shui-hui also hired Lin as her legislative aide between 2009 and 2010. Prior to that, Lin worked as an aide to former lawmaker Cheng Chin-ting from 2005 to 2008. The last high-profile espionage case was in March 2019, when two retired Taiwanese lieutenant colonels were sentenced to a six-month prison term and a fine of NT$180,000 (about $5,820), after being found guilty of attempting to collect Taiwans military secrets for Beijing. Hsu Chih-chieh, a lawmaker with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), told the Taiwan branch of The Epoch Times that national security is of utmost importance for the island, and anyone who sabotages it should be severely punished. Independent lawmaker Freddy Lim told local media that Taiwan needs to impose more rigorous checks on people that could come across sensitive government information, since Beijing uses different techniques to infiltrate the island. As the local investigation continues, prosecutors could charge the three men under different local laws. For instance, under the national security law, people found guilty of passing on confidential information to China could be sentenced to more than seven years in prison with a fine of NT$50 million to NT$100 million (about $1.7 million to $3.4 million). Taiwans criminal law has different articles on treason. For example, people found guilty of leaking documents or information related to the islands national defense could be sentenced between one and seven years. Illustration by The Daily Beast/GoFundMe The half-brother of Robert Fuller, a Black man found dead by hanging in California last week, was killed in a police-involved shooting on Wednesday, compounding the grief and unanswered questions surrounding what appears to be a spate of hanging deaths amid nationwide protests against police brutality and racism. Six people of color have died by hanging in the last month. And while authorities were quick to label each a suicide, family and community leaders have pushed for deeper probes, fearful of the possibility of lynchings as racial tensions continue to rise in the wake of George Floyds death. People are on edge. They are nervous. This is a troubling, a challenging time for us. It is shocking in our community, and no death in that form should go uninvestigated, Congressman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) told Fox26 this week after a Hispanic man was found hanging from a tree in Houston on Monday. A Black Man Was Found Hanging From a TreeResidents Dont Buy That It Was a Suicide Jamon Hicks, a lawyer representing the Fuller family, said in a statement Wednesday that he had to notify the sisters of Robert Fuller that their half-brother Terron Jammal Boone was killed by Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies in Kern County. According to the sheriffs department, who did not identify Boone, the shooting began at around 4:30 p.m. in a parking lot on Wednesday after officials began a search for a kidnap domestic assault suspect. Authorities identified a man matching the suspects description in a car being driven by a woman, with a 7-year-old female passenger. Detectives followed the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop," the sheriffs department said in a statement. The suspect opened the front passenger door of the vehicle and engaged the Deputies by firing multiple rounds at them with a handgun. During the shoot out, the man was shot several times in the upper torso. The female driver was struck but was later released from hospital following treatment. The 7-year-old girl was not injured. Story continues A day before, Boone was charged with multiple criminal counts after allegedly kidnapping, pistol-whipping, and assaulting a former girlfriend at her home. The Los Angeles Times reported that the female driver was a former girlfriend and the 7-year-old was her child. At the scene, detectives also recovered a semiautomatic handgun. While there was no initial indication that the incident was connected to the investigation into Fullers case, it marked another death of a Black man at the hands of law enforcement and came as the families of six hanging victims were questioning the circumstances of their loved ones deaths. Since May 27, four men, one woman, and a teenage boy have been found dead by hanging in public places in Portland, California, and New York. Fuller, 24, was found hanging from a tree on June 10 in a park near Palmdale City Hallabout 20 miles south of where his half brother was shot and killed. Authorities immediately deemed it a suicide and city officials attributed it to the emotional despair caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Alarmed residents and family members questioned the hasty conclusion. The Department of Justice and the FBI are now reviewing Fullers death, after Los Angeles County officials this week walked back their original statements about the case. Jonathan Lucas, the chief medical examiner-coroner, told reporters on Monday that Fullers death was listed as a suicide after his office found no immediate indications of homicide. Initially, there wasnt any evidence or information that lead us to believe that there was anything other than a suicide, he said. Now, though, he felt it was prudent to roll those initial findings back and continue the investigation, he added. We felt better that we should look into it a little bit more deeply and carefully, just considering all the circumstances at play, he said. The Fuller family, who have stressed the 24-year-old was not suicidal, were also seeking an independent investigation and autopsy. To rush to the conclusion that this was a suicide and not a homicide is extremely disturbing, Hicks, the familys lawyer said in a statement. Especially given the manner by which Mr. Fuller was foundhanging from a tree. For African-Americans in America, hanging from a tree is a lynching. Why was this cavalierly dismissed as a suicide and not investigated as a murder?' About an hour from where Fuller was found, authorities in Victorville found another Black man dead by suspected suicided 10 days earlier. Malcolm Harsch, 28 was found in a tree on May 31 near a homeless encampment. Authorities said that while an initial investigation and autopsy conducted on June 12 didnt find any evidence of foul play, they were working with state officials to further examine the death. The explanation of suicide does not seem plausible. There are many ways to die but considering the current racial tension, a Black man hanging himself from a tree definitely doesnt sit well with us right now, the Harsch family said in a statement. We want justice not comfortable excuses. One state over in Oregon, authorities are now investigating the May 27 death of Otis Titi Gulley, a 31-year-old who was found hanging from a tree in Rocky Butte Park. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Gulley's death a suicide, but Gulleys family fear she was killed for being queer. You didnt ask any questions, Kenya Robinson, Gulleys mother, told the Portland Mercury, referring to the Portland Police Bureau. You saw a Black man in a tree who was in a homeless camp, and you wrote him off as being a transient homeless, and wrote it off as a suicide. (While Robinson used male gender pronouns for Gulley, friends told the Portland Mercury she used female pronouns and presented herself as a woman.) In Texas, authorities were investigating the discovery of a Hispanic man found hanging in a tree around 9 a.m. Monday. Houston police said early evidence didnt indicate signs of foul play but Congressman Jackson said she believes there could be more to the story after an eerie pattern of recent suicides where black men were found hanging from trees. On June 9, the NYPD said Dominique Alexander, 27, was found hanging from a tree at around 6 a.m. in Manhattans Fort Tryon Park. The medical examiners office ruled Alexanders death a suicide. And on Wednesday, the Harris County Sheriffs Office said a Black 17-year-old boy was found hanging in a tree outside an elementary school in Houston. The discovery in the playground area of Ehrhardt Elementary School occurred Tuesday night. Based on security video, witnesses and other evidence, preliminary indications are the male hanged himself, the sheriffs office said in a statement. While authorities were still awaiting autopsy results, there were no signs of foul play and the boy had a history of suicide attempts, with one attempt as recently as a few weeks ago. The Los Angeles Times reported that there was no bodycam footage of the California shootout that killed Boone. Investigators have recovered footage from a Ring camera and other home video systems. At this time, until we receive all of the information, the family and their legal team doesn't have any further comment on this incident. The family respectfully asks that their privacy be respected," Hicks added in the Thursday statement. If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. 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. WSU Begins Construction on Solar Covered Parking Lot June 19, 2020 OGDEN, Utah Weber State University is taking another step in its goal of becoming a sustainable, carbon-neutral campus by installing a solar covered array over the W10 parking lot, on the northwest side of the Ogden campus. We are very excited about the first solar covered parking structure at Weber State, said Mark Halverson, Facilities & Campus Planning associate vice president. The location in the W10 lot makes a clear and visible statement about the sustainable values the campus holds. The new solar array will be a significant step forward toward our carbon neutral goal, and we hope it is the first of many similar installations. Weber State broke ground in June on the solar array, which is the first of its kind on any of the universitys campuses. As an added benefit, the array will turn W10 into a covered-parking lot, protecting vehicles from the elements. Construction is expected to be finished by the beginning of the fall semester. When completed, the array will house 550 kilowatts of solar panels that will feed directly into Lindquist Hall and the campus electrical grid. The power produced by the array is expected to offset 80% of Lindquist Halls energy consumption. Solar is a major piece of the university's plan to reach carbon neutrality, and this array will help us with that goal, said Justin Owen, WSU energy manager. It will not only save money on WSU's utility bills, it will also reduce WSUs environmental impact. Weber State currently has approximately 6,500 solar panels in use across all of its campuses, and the new array will add almost 1,400 panels to that number. In 2007, Weber State set the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The university is set to reach carbon neutrality 10 years ahead of the original goal. Since 2007, WSU has reduced its consumption of electricity by 32%, natural gas consumption by 30% and total greenhouse gas emissions by 22%. WSU has reduced energy costs by 47% in the process, saving more than $13.6 million in the last 10 years. For photos, visit the following link. wsuucomm.smu gmug.com/Press-Relea se-Photos/2020-photo s/Solar-Parking-Lot Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University. Australia's government and institutions are being targeted by ongoing sophisticated state-based cyber hacks, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says. Scott Morrison said the "malicious" activity had been increasing over months Image copyrightEPA Mr Morrison said the cyber attacks were widespread, covering "all levels of government" as well as essential services and businesses. He declined to identify a specific state actor and said no major personal data breaches had been made. The attacks have happened over many months and are increasing, he said. The prime minister said his announcement on Friday was intended to raise public awareness and to urge businesses to improve their defences. But he stressed that "malicious" activity was also being seen globally, making it not unique to Australia. Who has been targeted? Mr Morrison did not name specific cases but said it had spanned "government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure". He did not give further details. Previously, defence manufacturers, government contractors and accounting firms have been among those to report data breaches. Last year, the Australian National University said it had been hacked by a sophisticated operation which had accessed staff and student details. Australia's main political parties and parliament were hit by a "malicious intrusion" earlier in 2019, also attributed to a "sophisticated state actor". Who is behind it? Speaking on Friday, Mr Morrison said officials had identified it as a state hack "because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the trade craft used". "There are not a large number of state-based actors that can engage in this type of activity," he said, without giving specifics. When asked to identify a country, Mr Morrison said he would not make "any public attribution". Cyber intelligence experts have long linked various hacks in Australia to China. They say China is one of the few states, along with Russia, Iran, and North Korea, which have the capacity for such attacks - and are not allied with Australia. However, they also note that cyber espionage between countries and even allies is common. "There's always simmering tensions between Russia and China so really it comes down to those being the key actors they [Australia] would be referring to," expert Joshua Kennedy-White told the BBC. The Reuters news agency has previously reported that Australian intelligence agencies suspected China of carrying out the parliament hack in 2019. Canberra declined to comment. BBC Regions of DNA that give rise to non-coding RNA are required for proper development of plant reproductive organs. Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) have shed light on the reproductive role of 'dark matter' DNA - non-coding DNA sequences that previously seemed to have no function. Their findings, published today in Nature Communications, have revealed that a specific non-coding genomic region is essential for the proper development of the male and female reproductive organs in rice. "Rice is one of the major global crops and is the staple food in many countries, including Japan," said Dr. Reina Komiya, senior author of the research paper and associate researcher from the OIST Science and Technology Group. "Further research into how these genomic regions affect plant reproduction could potentially lead to increased productivity and more stable yields of rice." Many previous developmental studies have focused on genes - the sections of DNA that provide instructions for making proteins. But in complex creatures like plants and animals, a large fraction of the genome - typically between 90-98% - doesn't actually code for proteins. The vast expanse of this 'junk DNA' has long puzzled biologists, with many dubbing it the 'dark matter' of the genome. But recent research suggests that many of these non-coding genomic regions may have a function after all, giving rise to non-coding RNA. Scientists have now identified numerous types of non-coding RNA, ranging from small molecules only 20-30 nucleotide bases in length to long molecules of over 200 nucleotides. Although studies show that non-coding RNA plays a vital role in the regulation of gene expression - the process where a gene's instructions are used to make RNA or protein - the precise function of each specific non-coding RNA remains poorly understood. Dr. Komiya is particularly interested in reproduction-specific RNAs. "These are non-coding RNAs that are produced as the reproductive system forms. I wanted to uncover what role they play in the development of stamens and pistils, the male and female reproductive organs in plants." Making mutants In the study, Dr. Komiya's group focused on a reproduction-specific microRNA - a major class of small non-coding RNAs - called microRNA2118. The scientists created mutant rice strains by deleting a region of the genome that contains multiple copies of the specific DNA sequence that gives rise to microRNA2118. They found that the mutant strains were sterile and showed abnormalities in the structure of the stamens and pistils. "This means that the role of microRNA2118 in the proper development of the stamens and pistils is essential for plant fertility," said Dr. Komiya. Revealing RNA and probing proteins In order to delve deeper into how microRNA2118 controlled development of the anther, the scientists then identified which other molecules were affected by microRNA2118. They found that microRNA2118 triggered the cleavage of long non-coding RNA, producing many tiny RNA molecules, called secondary small RNAs. "Interestingly, these small RNAs were rich in uracil, one of the four nucleotide bases found in RNA, which is very unusual compared to other small RNAs," said Dr. Komiya. "We hope to find out the exact function of these small RNAs - and whether this difference in nucleotide composition is important - in further research." The scientists also discovered that two Argonaute proteins that were only produced in the stamen were dependent on the presence of microRNA2118. Previous research has shown that Argonaute proteins team up with small RNAs to carry out many regulatory functions, such as silencing genes and cleaving RNA. Dr. Komiya's group therefore proposes that the Argonaute proteins may interact with microRNA2118 to trigger production of the secondary small RNAs. The proteins may also interact with the secondary small RNAs to silence specific regions of the genome. The team hopes to elucidate exactly how the Argonaute proteins and secondary small RNAs affect development of the plant reproductive system in further research. "Reproduction is an important phenomenon of passing genetic information to the next generation and is essential for maintaining a stable yield supply. However, development of the reproductive system is complicated, and many aspects remain unknown," concluded Dr. Komiya. "This study shows that non-coding RNAs, derived from regions of the genome that were thought to be non-functional, are vital for plant reproduction. Exploring non-coding RNAs further is an exciting and important area of research." ### * This research was supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) Strategic Creative Research Promotion Project PRESTO (creation of next-generation basic technology for control of plant life phenomena in the field) and Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (RNA taxonomy). TOKYO - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday the National Security Council will this summer discuss steps to strengthen Japan's deterrence, and that possessing the ability to strike enemy missile bases would be one issue up for consideration. Acquiring this ability would mark a major shift in the nation's security policy. "We will work out a new course of action and move quickly to implement it," Abe said at a press conference, just days after the government announced it was suspending a plan to deploy the U.S.-developed Aegis Ashore land-based missile defense system. Abe acknowledged that North Korea's missile technologies have improved. In a nod to concerns about the emergence of missiles that would be difficult to shoot down with Japan's existing defense system, Abe said: "What should the nation do to bolster its deterrence and ability to respond? The NSC will exhaustively discuss Japan's security strategy." The prime minister also expressed a willingness to consider a proposal from a Liberal Democratic Party division that the nation possess the ability to strike enemy bases. "We must seriously accept the situation. I want the government to hold fresh discussions on this," Abe said. The government's position is that having the ability to strike enemy bases is allowed by the Constitution, but it has not made a policy decision to possess such a capability. Abe's willingness to get the ball rolling on discussions regarding the ability to strike bases overseas reflects the urgency of avoiding any security "vacuum" created by suspending the Aegis Ashore deployment and rebuilding an effective defense structure. "Peace isn't something someone gives to you," Abe said. "We will achieve it ourselves." During the press conference, Abe spoke determinedly about speeding up discussions on the nation's new security posture. "At a time when the other side's abilities are steadily increasing, is it right to be bound by our previous discussions?" he asked. Abe especially emphasized how Japan should deter a possible attack. "A deterrent makes an adversary, who is considering firing a missile at Japan, believe that it's better to abandon that plan. I want to hold new discussions on the shape our deterrent should take," Abe said. Possessing the ability to strike an enemy's base was uppermost in Abe's mind. Since the end of World War II, Japan has stuck to an exclusively defense-oriented principle and, under the Japan-U.S. alliance, relied on the United States to provide the capability to attack enemy bases. Even so, the current interpretation of the Constitution allows for possessing the ability to strike enemy bases in self-defense, provided the adversary has started preparations for a missile attack on Japan, and given that it is unthinkable that the spirit of the top law requires the nation to sit and wait for its own destruction. Japan's nonpossession of such ability has been a "policy decision." The government already has decided to introduce long-range equipment capable of firing missiles more than several hundred kilometers. Among them are aircraft-mounted "stand-off" long-range cruise missiles for defending Japan's islands, and surface-to-surface hyper velocity gliding projectiles. It appears a plan for converting such missiles for use in attacking enemy bases will be considered. Following a string of ballistic missile launches by North Korea in 2016 and '17, the government and the ruling LDP discussed the appropriateness of Japan possessing the ability to hit enemy bases. However, North Korea temporarily refrained from provocations such as ballistic missile launches following a U.S.-North Korea summit meeting in June 2018, so the discussions fizzled out. Pushing ahead with consideration of possessing the ability to strike enemy bases will spark criticism that the government might make the Self-Defense Forces fight in a war. Observers believe this would reduce the likelihood of Abe achieving his long-cherished dream of revising the Constitution. It seems Abe's announcement was aimed at adding a new aspect to his national security legacy at a time when discussions on amending the Constitution have grown stagnant. However, quickly translating these plans into reality when the Abe Cabinet's public support rate has been slipping will likely be far from easy. A human-specific gene causes a larger neocortex in the common marmoset, a non-human primate. The expansion of the human brain during evolution, specifically of the neocortex, is linked to our cognitive abilities such as reasoning and language. A certain gene called ARHGAP11B that is only found in humans triggers brain stem cells to form more stem cells, a prerequisite for a bigger brain. Past studies have shown that ARHGAP11B, when expressed in mice and ferrets to unphysiologically high levels, causes an expanded neocortex, but its relevance for primate evolution has been unclear. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden together with colleagues at the Central Institute for Experimental Animals (CIEA) in Kawasaki and the Keio University in Tokyo, both located in Japan, show now that this human-specific gene, when expressed to physiological levels, causes an enlarged neocortex in the common marmoset, a New World monkey. This suggests that the ARHGAP11B gene may have caused neocortex expansion during human evolution. The researchers published their findings in the journal Science. The human neocortex, the evolutionarily youngest part of the cerebral cortex, is about three times bigger than that of our closest relatives, the chimpanzees, and its folding into wrinkles increased during evolution to fit inside the restricted space of the skull. A key question for scientists is how the human neocortex became so big. In a 2015 study, the research group of Wieland Huttner, a founding director of the MPI-CBG, found that under the influence of the human-specific gene ARHGAP11B, mouse embryos produced many more neural progenitor cells and could even undergo folding of their normally unfolded neocortex. The results suggested that the gene ARHGAP11B plays a key role in the evolutionary expansion of the human neocortex. The rise of the human-specific gene The human-specific gene ARHGAP11B arose through a partial duplication of the ubiquitous gene ARHGAP11A approximately five million years ago along the evolutionary lineage leading to Neanderthals, Denisovans, and present-day humans, and after this lineage had segregated from that leading to the chimpanzee. In a follow-up study in 2016, the research group of Wieland Huttner uncovered a surprising reason why the ARHGAP11B protein contains a sequence of 47 amino acids that is human-specific, not found in the ARHGAP11A protein, and essential for ARHGAP11B's ability to increase brain stem cells. Specifically, a single C-to-G base substitution found in the ARHGAP11B gene leads to the loss of 55 nucleotides from the ARHGAP11B messenger RNA, which causes a shift in the reading frame resulting in the human-specific, functionally critical 47 amino acid sequence. This base substitution probably happened much later than when this gene arose about 5 million years ago, anytime between 1.5 million and 500,000 years ago. Such point mutations are not rare, but in the case of ARHGAP11B its advantages of forming a bigger brain seem to have immediately influenced human evolution. The gene's effect in monkeys However, it has been unclear until now if the human-specific gene ARHGAP11B would also cause an enlarged neocortex in non-human primates. To investigate this, the researchers in the group of Wieland Huttner teamed up with Erika Sasaki at the Central Institute for Experimental Animals (CIEA) in Kawasaki and Hideyuki Okano at the Keio University in Tokyo, both located in Japan, who had pioneered the development of a technology to generate transgenic non-human primates. The first author of the study, postdoc Michael Heide, travelled to Japan to work with the colleagues directly on-site. They generated transgenic common marmosets, a New World monkey, that expressed the human-specific gene ARHGAP11B, which they normally do not have, in the developing neocortex. Japan has similarly high ethical standards and regulations regarding animal research and animal welfare as Germany does. The brains of 101-day-old common marmoset fetuses (50 days before the normal birth date) were obtained in Japan and exported to the MPI-CBG in Dresden for detailed analysis. Michael Heide explains: "We found indeed that the neocortex of the common marmoset brain was enlarged and the brain surface folded. Its cortical plate was also thicker than normal. Furthermore, we could see increased numbers of basal radial glia progenitors in the outer subventricular zone and increased numbers of upper-layer neurons, the neuron type that increases in primate evolution." The researchers had now functional evidence that ARHGAP11B causes an expansion of the primate neocortex. Ethical consideration Wieland Huttner, who led the study, adds: "We confined our analyses to marmoset fetuses, because we anticipated that the expression of this human-specific gene would affect the neocortex development in the marmoset. In light of potential unforeseeable consequences with regard to postnatal brain function, we considered it a prerequisite -- and mandatory from an ethical point of view -- to first determine the effects of ARHGAP11B on the development of fetal marmoset neocortex." The researchers conclude that these results suggest that the human-specific ARHGAP11B gene may have caused neocortex expansion in the course of human evolution. Father Soldier Son (Netflix) A documentary from the New York Times about Sgt. 1st Class Brian Eisch, who was wounded in Afghanistan. The film follows the journey of love and loss he and his sons take. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 18:32:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIRUT, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) expressed their concern about living conditions of migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region amid COVID-19 outbreak. "All people, regardless of their status, should be provided humanitarian assistance," IFRC said in a statement issued from its Beirut's office on Friday ahead of World Refugee Day on June 20. Hossam Elsharkawi, head of the IFRC for MENA region, noted that migrants, refugees and IDPs, especially women and children, are amongst the most vulnerable people in the region. "They are particularly at risk of health complications and violence. Their temporary accommodation can be crowded, often with inadequate sanitation and shelter or little access to medical care and good nutrition," he said. The statement assured that IFRC and related organizations across the region are working directly with local authorities and international agencies to ensure that these people are included as part of all COVID-19 response operations. The statement added that IFRC teams are ensuring that people can access information to keep themselves and their families safe, regardless of their reading ability, dialect or country of origin. Enditem Iran, Russia condemn US economic terrorism against Syrian nation Iran Press TV Thursday, 18 June 2020 7:31 AM Iran and Russia, both assisting Syria with its counter-terrorism campaign, have denounced the latest round of American coercive economic measures against the Arab country, saying the sanctions violate international law and humanitarian principles. On Wednesday, the US State Department and Treasury released 39 targets for sanctions, including Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the bans "the beginning of what will be a sustained campaign of economic and political pressure to deny the Assad regime revenue." The sanctions are part of the so-called Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which came into effect on Wednesday six months after it was signed into law by US President Donald Trump. Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Thursday that the Caesar Act runs against international law and humanitarian principles. "At a time when the world is dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, imposing such inhumane sanctions will only increase the Syrian people's suffering and pain," he said. "The Islamic Republic, as it has previously declared, attaches no value to such cruel and unilateral sanctions, which are enacted and implemented through bullying, and considers them economic terrorism against the ordinary Syrians people in line with US efforts to destabilize the country." Mousavi further expressed Tehran's resolve to boost economic relations with Damascus and continue cooperation with the Syrian nation and government despite sanctions. Similarly on Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry complained that the fresh US restrictive measures target ordinary citizens of the war-stricken country. "The Caesar Act that is on paper aimed at protecting civilians only affects ordinary Syrians," it said. "Washington fully realizes that the unilateral US sanctions that have been in place for a number of years and new restrictions added to them today largely provoked depreciation of the Syrian lira and send prices of oil, food and essential goods soaring. As a result, thousands of ordinary Syrians found themselves on the verge of survival, according to reports of specialized UN humanitarian agencies." The ministry also stressed that the US sanctions are illegal under international law as they bypass the UN Security Council and block the import of medicine as well as fertilizers, water treatment system, construction equipment and energy generators to Syria. Syria: US sanctions crime against humanity Meanwhile, the Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the US sanctions as "a crime against humanity and a flagrant violation of the international law that targets the livelihood of the Syrians." In a statement carried the official SANA news agency, an official source at the ministry said the Caesar Act reveals the US administration's disregard for international norms and the level to which its officials have went down. The Americans, the source added, are behaving like "gangs and highway robbers." The US government, which discriminates against and kills it own citizens, is the last one who has the right to talk about human rights, the source added. "The US administration, [which is] talking about human rights in Syria, goes beyond the ugliest forms of lies and hypocrisy as embodied in its policy of supporting terrorism," the source said, noting that the US sanctions amount to a new form of terrorism. "The Syrian people and their heroic army, who have defeated the US project in defense of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, will not allow the black criminality professionals in the White House to revive their defeated project," he emphasized. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Drug maker Novartis India has reported a sharp decline of 80.53 per cent in its net profit at Rs 10.08 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2020 as against Rs 51.77 crore during the previous year ended March 2019. The company, a part of Swiss pharma major Novartis International AG, posted 10.69 per cent decline in sales at Rs 438.25 crore for FY20 as against Rs 490.68 crore during the previous fiscal, Novartis India said in a regulatory filing. During January-March quarter of FY20, Novartis India posted 65.28 per cent fall in net profit at Rs 6.78 crore as compared to Rs 19.53 crore during the same quarter of the last fiscal. Sales dropped 15.11 per cent to Rs 93.70 crore in the quarter ended March 2020 as against Rs 110.38 crore during the year-ago period. Novartis India's board has recommended final dividend of Rs 10 per equity share of Rs 5 each for the year ended March 31, 2020, subject to approval of the shareholders of the company. The board has also approved appointment of Sanker Parameswaran as an additional director (Independent and Non-Executive) of the company, to hold office for a period of 5 years with effect from June 22, 2020. His appointment as an Independent Director will be subject to approval of the shareholders of the company. Meanwhile, shares of Novartis India ended day's trade at Rs 602.25 apiece, down 1.16 per cent, on the BSE on Friday. By Chitranjan Kumar Also Read: Coronavirus vaccine: When will it be ready? Moderna, AstraZeneca offer answers Also Read: India-China border tension: Talks back on track after release of 10 Indian soldiers Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Do black lives matter? On the one hand, the answer seems pretty obvious: of course, black lives matter. In recent weeks, weve witnessed protests, rioting, and violence all intended, we are told, to convince the nation, and even the world, of that fact. But even though most Americans agree with the sentiment (while many disagree with the tactics), we are left with a real question: why do black lives matter? Something does not become true simply because one person, or even a mob, insists it is true. So, we must do some thinking. If one begins with the assumption that matter is the primary reality and that humans exist merely as a product of natural selection and random mutation, then insisting on the moral significance of the accidental outcome of that process smacks of wishful thinking. If matter is all there is, then human lives have no moral significance. Thus, the idea of equality has no moral value; the notion of human rights is merely a bald assertion without justification; and justice is a human invention that, more likely than not, will benefit the strong and wealthy at the expense of the weak and the poor. In this scheme, black lives do not matter. Black lives cannot matter morally and neither do any other lives. Power is the fundamental component of all human relationships, and in such a world, the weak will always lose. The only open question eventually settled by violence is determining who is, in fact, weak and who is strong. Our country is careening recklessly in this direction. But clearly the BLM protesters are making a moral claim, even if their tactics have at times descended into chaos and violence. This suggests a strange combination. They are making a strong and justifiable claim against the abuse of power by the police and voicing anger about elements of racial injustice that seem baked into the system. At the same time, the tactics of pure power suggests that the only real currency is force. In this strange scheme, power is wed to purity; Machiavelli to Christianity; Nietzschean will-to-power to Puritan moralism. This union, of course, is fundamentally incoherent: we are simultaneously hearing passionate calls for justice real justice but witnessing actions that suggest that power is all that matters. If power is all that matters, justice is an illusion, but if justice is a real category, power is not ultimate. If we are going to build a credible and coherent case that black lives have moral significance, we will need to take another path. There is an obvious alternative: In the beginning was the Word. These familiar words from the Gospel of John indicate an alternative to the materialism that provides no justification for the moral significance of human life. The word translated as Word is logos. Logos can mean word, rational principle, or rational order. Thus, in the beginning was rational order. The Apostle continues: the Word was with God, and the Word was God.Through Him all things were made. John identifies this logos as Christ, who is both the personification of rational order and the maker of the universe. The creator has infused all of creation with a rationally intelligible moral order. Human beings participate in that order. Furthermore, we read in Genesis that God created human beings in His own image. Thus, humans possess inherent dignity because we are not simply the random products of a purely naturalistic process. In this scheme, all humans are morally equal because we are equally children of God. Here the concept of rights makes sense, and justice represents a real moral category calling forth real obligations. As moral beings we are obligated to seek justice, and given what we know about power, it is likely that we will need to protect the weakest among us: the poor and the helpless or, as one writer puts it, the widows and orphans. One cannot make black lives matter by merely insisting that they do. One cannot will moral categories into existence. One cannot create moral value by protest, rioting, violence, or wishful thinking. If black lives matter only because of the force of protest or the threat of violence, then they dont matter. Only power matters. However, black lives have long been the objects of abusive power. Turning the tables so that black people are now exercising power over others, though perhaps a temptation, is a fools game that jeopardizes any hope of a just solution to the abuse of power. It is playing the same old game by the same old rules: power trumps all. If power is the final arbiter of human affairs, then it will be abused, and life is reduced to nothing more than a struggle for domination. In this Hobbesian world of perpetual warfare, there is no prospect for peace or justice, much less reconciliation. The alternatives are clear: reality is either fundamentally nothing more than brute matter or it participates in a divine order. If the former, no life matters. If the latter, humans possess inherent dignity regardless of race. But I want to up the ante. The rhetoric and focus of Black Lives Matter effectively excludes all but those killed by rogue police an injustice that must be addressed. However, the numbers clearly indicate this is not the only source of injustice and certainly not the most prevalent. The weekend before George Floyd was killed, six black men were murdered in Chicago. Do you know their names? They matter. On the day George Floyd was killed, Ledell Randel was shot in the head in a drive-by shooting in Chicago. He was black. His life mattered. Each day, on average 900 black babies are aborted. Their lives matter. So, too, the life of the lonely widow, abandoned and forgotten. And the life of the homeless person who in desperation has turned to drugs to blunt the despair. And those suffering from the internal chaos of mental illness. Yes, black lives matter. All Black Lives Matter. Racism is repellant precisely because each human life is a beautiful reflection of the divine. If black lives matter (and they do), then all lives matter. Or to put things slightly differently: black lives matter precisely because all human life is precious. When we all begin living according to this profound truth, then and only then, will justice prevail. For the first time, a tweet by President Trump has been marked Manipulated Media by Twitter. The video he tweeted depicts a supposedly racist child. However, it turns out that the video has been doctored, hence the manipulated media tag. Twitter and Trump have been in a battle over free speech for some time now. These arguments have even led to Senator Ted Cruz calling for a criminal investigation into the company. This most recent move from Twitter is, therefore, sure to ruffle a lot of feathers. Trump Tweet Marked Manipulated Media The aim of these manipulated media tags is to true and turn people against fake news. By highlighting videos and photos that have been doctored Twitter is trying to tackle the spread of misinformation. The video was first shared by CNN who claimed it used real footage when covering the story. Advertisement However, CNN implored the President to be better than sharing fake videos. A Twitter spokesperson has been made a comment as reported by Engadget. They said, This Tweet has been labeled per our synthetic and manipulated media policy. Although the tweet has been marked in such a way others can still retweet or share it. The aim is to simply highlight the nature of the tweet rather than censor the speech in any way. Tweets by President Trump have been marked before by Twitter but this is the first time he has had the manipulated media tag put on one of his tweets. Advertisement During the BLM protests, Twitter tagged Trumps tweets for fact-checking and one of removed for inciting violence. This has led to more tense interactions between the company and the President. Social Media Companies Take Action on Trump Twitter is not the only company taking action against President Trump. Snapchat has said that it will no longer promote Trump on its discover section. This means users have to search for the President rather than promoting him artificially. Joe Biden has called on Facebook to tackle fake news. However, Mark Zuckerbergs company has declined to act against the President. Advertisement The company says it wants to promote free speech regardless of its opinion on said speech. However, Facebook has introduced a voting information hub on its platform. The aim is to encourage users to register to vote. It is also going to provide information on political advertising. Social media companies are beginning to take action against misinformation and fake news. However, the repercussions such actions against the President could cause problems down the line. Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service usually conducts its business behind closed doors. But in an exclusive for foreign media, the head of the spy agency has been speaking to the BBC. Los Angeles Police Department recruit officers. (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times) "I'm about to die," George Floyd said as he lay facedown beneath the knee of Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, who debated with his partner, Thomas Lane. "Should we roll him on his side?" Lane asked. "No, staying put where we got him," Chauvin replied. "I am worried about excited delirium or whatever," Lane said. By the time Chauvin removed his knee from Floyd's neck, Floyd had no pulse. In the weeks since Floyd's death was captured on video, protests have reignited calls for police reform and a deeper look at use-of-force training nationwide. In several police departments, that training comes from a Minnesota company called the Force Science Institute, or FSI, which remains popular with agencies despite, experts say, a long history of disputed concepts like "excited delirium" to justify encounters that sometimes turn deadly. Its critics include a former Justice Department official and the head of a top policing group, who worry that the institute's offerings are ineffective and foster fear among officers that can lead to unnecessary force. Prior to publication of this story, the institute said it had a weeklong training session with the Los Angeles Police Department scheduled for November. Following publication of this story, the LAPD told The Times in a statement that the training was "erroneously advertised" and had not been approved. "The department is not hosting this planned event, nor will it be hosting any future trainings by [Force Science Institute]." In a post-publication interview, LAPD Training Director Luann P. Pannell explained that the department is going "in a different direction," and "every training effort is going to be clearly evaluated and put into alignment with where the department is going." According to Pannell, fewer than 70 LAPD officers have attended Force Science training since 2012, with just two officers attending last year. She also pointed out that LAPD officers attended the institute's two-day course , which focuses on human behavior like reaction time and memory, not the institute's de-escalation or tactical training. Story continues The LAPD was unable to provide a dollar amount for how much it has spent on FSI courses. A listing for the November program on the Force Science website has been updated and no longer mentions the LAPD. In a statement, the department wrote that it "does not sponsor, endorse or support the Force [Science] Institute (FSI), and their curriculum is not accredited by the LAPD. Among the institute's offerings is what it calls a "de-escalation" course, which includes training officers how to respond to "excited delirium." The company and others describe that condition as a frenzied state that can quickly turn violent. Many medical experts question whether it exists. The condition is not recognized by the American Medical Assn., the World Health Organization or the American Psychiatric Assn. But the term has been embraced by FSI, which was founded in 2004 by William Lewinski. A former college professor in Minnesota, Lewinski has billed himself and his institute as a leading source of research on policing, with legal expertise for officers accused of using excessive force. The company has trained officers nationwide, including in Los Angeles and Minnesota, and argued against local reforms to use-of-force policies in 2018 after the fatal shooting of an unarmed Black man in California. Since 2005, FSI has written extensively on excited delirium, including more than 20 web articles exploring the dangers of the condition for both police and suspects. The institute has long drawn criticism from academics and police-reform advocates who say the group uses psychology in questionable ways to explain police encounters that can turn deadly. Critics say the FSI overuses concepts like "inattentional blindness," in which people fail to see what's right in front of them, to defend a variety of police situations gone wrong. Lewinski has repeatedly come under fire for his prolific paid work defending officers in court, including in high-profile cases like the 2009 killing of Oscar Grant, who was fatally shot by transit police in Oakland. William Lewinski, founder of the Force Science Institute. (Stuart Clarke / Shutterstock) FSI remains popular with law enforcement. In 2018, the institute was hired by the International Union of Police Assns., the country's largest police union, to lead a national training seminar. The police union did not respond to requests for comment. Last fall, nearly 70 law enforcement personnel from across the country gathered at the training center for the St. Paul Police Department in Minnesota for FSI's eight-hour de-escalation course, which included how to handle excited delirium. Among the attendees of the class, which cost $295 per person, were three Minneapolis Police Department officers, according to department spokesman John Elder, who declined to share a list of approved external training or to say whether the department works with FSI. A separate source confirmed to The Times that none of the three Minneapolis officers who attended were among the four fired in connection with Floyd's killing. In a four-page statement to The Times, the institute declined to provide specific figures on how many officers or police departments it has trained over the years and said it did not have a formal relationship with the LAPD at this time. FSI also reiterated its commitment "to training officers to recognize and safely de-escalate threats before any force becomes necessary." "We hope that our research will lead to the development of tactics and strategies that reduce the need for force," it added. However, at least two departments have pulled back on FSI training amid criticism from advocates of police reform. In 2017, the Rochester Police Department in New York canceled plans to send 10 officers to a five-day training session sponsored by the local police union. Advocates of police reform had criticized the use of $15,000 in city funds for the event, which they felt was aimed at helping officers justify shootings. A two-day program for Ohio State Universitys police division was canceled in February after a petition garnered nearly 500 signatures from the campus community. This language is incredibly disturbing and suggests that this class is little more than a training in how to get away with police brutality, the petition reads. In both instances, critics cited a 2015 article by the New York Times that questioned Lewinskis credentials and his work testifying and consulting for officers in use-of-force lawsuits. In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, FSI wrote that it was disappointed by Ohio State's decision to cancel the training. Among the institute's critics is Christy Lopez, a professor at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington and an attorney who litigated police misconduct with the Justice Department during the Obama administration. Lopez also oversaw reforms at the Oakland Police Department in 2003. She counts FSI as part of an insidious trend in police training in which "pseudoscientific studies" are used to justify excessive force on the streets and in courtrooms, allowing officers to evade accountability for misconduct. Lopez attended an FSI training session while working at the Justice Department and called it "the Bill Lewinski show." "He paces around, talks about how hes a black belt, he does mock karate moves, she said, comparing Lewinski to animal trainer Joe Exotic, who was featured in the Tiger King Netflix documentary series. While students may eat it up, Lopez says, the danger is real. That is a big part of creating this undue fear among officers that make them overreact in situations and make them afraid to not take the time to not kill somebody. Chuck Wexler, director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a Washington-based nonprofit founded in 1976 that works closely with law enforcement agencies and policymakers, said FSI training wasnt helpful to reducing use of force. "A lot of cops would go to Force Science and were led to believe the concepts were evidence-based. ... We just felt like, too often, their programs lacked any kind of quality control," he said. Chauvin, the officer who kneeled on Floyd's neck, has been charged with manslaughter and second-degree murder, and the three other officers on scene, including Lane, are charged with "aiding and abetting." Lane's lawyer, Earl Gray, told The Times in an interview that his client learned the term "excited delirium" in his work at juvenile detention centers before becoming an officer and that it was "extremely important" to his defense. Previewing his defense argument, Gray said the day Floyd was killed was Lane's fourth as an officer, and that while his reference to excited delirium in questioning whether Floyd should be turned over demonstrated an attempt to intervene, the expectation that Lane should physically stop Chauvin, his senior and a field training officer, was "unreasonable." Lawyers for Chauvin and former officer Tou Thao, who was also charged in the Floyd case, did not respond to requests for comment. Thomas Plunkett, who represents the former officer J. Alexander Kueng, declined to comment. A debate over training had been brewing in Minneapolis a month before Floyd's death sparked national protests against police brutality. In April, the Minneapolis Police Department and mayor instituted a ban on "fear-based, warrior style training for its police force. But that ban did not specifically mention FSI. Lewinski's relationship with the Minneapolis Police Department dates back to 1990, when he trained rookies at the academy for three years. In the decades since, he has conducted special training sessions for the department and, in 2007, was invited to discuss lethal force with the chiefs of the Minneapolis and St. Paul police departments. St. Paul Police Department spokesman Sgt. Mike Ernster said no St. Paul officers attended the November 2019 FSI de-escalation training, and it was the only time, to his knowledge, that the institute had conducted training at the department. "We do not have a contract or consult with Force Science Institute," he said. The institute offers several types of training, including a popular weeklong use-of-force course. Participants in that program are certified as FSI analysts, a title that appears on more than a hundred LinkedIn profiles belonging to former and current cops, defense attorneys and consultants ranging from police instructors to expert witnesses for hire. While the institute bills itself as nonpartisan, it recently sided with police unions against efforts to revamp Californias use-of-force policy following the 2018 fatal police shooting of Stephon Clark, an unarmed Black man in Sacramento. The 2019 legislation requires law enforcement to use deadly force only when necessary, instead of when reasonable, and has gotten renewed attention amid efforts to set national guidelines for use of force. The institute criticized an early 2018 version of the bill, writing in a blog post that it would create far greater hazards for officers and their agencies and failed to reflect an understanding of deadly force realities. A Facebook photo in March 2019 showed Lewinski in the California Capitol with a caption noting that he was staying busy this week making rounds with legislators. FSI was not listed as a lobbyist on the final bill and did not address whether it engages in lobbying generally as an organization. By the institutes own count, Lewinski had served as an expert witness in over 200 coroners inquests, grand juries, criminal and civil cases and arbitration hearings as of 2018. Among them: several lawsuits against LAPD officers, dating back to 2002, in which Lewinski was hired to testify as an expert. Those cases were handled by the police litigation unit of the Los Angeles city attorneys office. The head of that unit, Cory Brente, delivered a keynote address at an institute conference in October 2018 on vital strategies for preparing police officers and expert witnesses to maximize trial success in use-of-force cases, according to an FSI Facebook post. The city attorneys office declined to make Brente available for an interview or provide a copy of his presentation. In a statement, spokesman Rob Wilcox wrote that the office continually reviews its slate of expert witnesses. To the best of our knowledge, Mr. [Lewinski] has not been retained by our office for several years," Wilcox wrote. Brente defended the LAPD in two use-of-force lawsuits last year one in which Alex Aguilar, who was suspected of drug possession, died after being tased five times during a strip search, and another in which Omar Gonzalez was fatally shot in the back twice during a car pursuit. A year earlier, Brente represented one of the officers involved in the Gonzalez case in another fatal shooting, that of 14-year-old Jesse Romero . In all three cases, juries sided with the officers. Contributing reporting by Maloy Moore. The US is mulling over restoring India's beneficiary status under its trade preference programme Generalized System of Preferences on receiving a counterbalancing proposal from New Delhi, a top Trump administration official told lawmakers on Thursday. The United States US is currently negotiating with India for it, he added. We're in negotiations with India, we took away their GSP, and we're in the process of restoring it if we can get an adequate counterbalancing proposal from them, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told members of the Senate Finance Committee. Till now, we haven't done that. But this is something that we're actually actively negotiating right now, Lighthizer said, responding to a question from Senator Maria Cantwell from the Washington State. Senator Cantwell expressed disappointment over high import tariffs on apples from her State to India. India has a 70 percent tariff on apples, so obviously a big product in the State of Washington. What can we do to get those tariffs off from apples in India? she asked. We, of course, agree with you and we agree that -- that their regular tariffs are bad, their retaliatory tariffs are even worse, Lighthizer said. The top trade official from the Trump Administration said the US is currently in a big trade negotiations with India. We have a big negotiation with India which I'm sure you're aware of and potentially even moving to an FTA at some point if we can ever make any headway, and that's Asia. We have a lot of ongoing discussions. We call them TIFAs, trade and investment discussion forums or negotiating forums with most of the countries throughout that area, he said. Senator Steve Daines from Montana expressed his concerns over high import tariffs on pulses by India, which is the largest consumer of pulses and an important market for Montana farmers. Unfortunately, US pulses face high tariffs and an unfair playing field in India, Daines said. Early this year, he and Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota submitted a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to prioritise the issue and raise it directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In fact, I was pleased to see the president, President Trump, hand deliver that letter to Prime Minister Modi. In fact, he sent a picture back handing that specific letter to the prime minister and wanted to make sure that we saw it, Daines said. The Montana senator asked about the status of negotiations with India. Will you commit to working to remove these tariffs in any ongoing negotiations? he asked. Lighthizer said, Yes. The MFN tariffs that India has are extremely high on pulses and on just about everything else. One of the indictments I have of the WTO is the fact that we find ourselves in this position. When India joined the GATT, then the GATT, in like 1948, they had a GDP of maybe USD250 billion. Now they're almost USD3 trillion and they still have a third of their lines of tariffs not bound at all and a whole bunch of them bound at 100 percent, Lighthizer said. And there's nothing that the US can do about that, he told the Senators. How do we change that? The notion that we're locked into a WTO that says just forever you're stuck with that imbalance is, to me, crazy. And we have to do something about it, he said. Lighthizer said negotiations with India are clearly taking longer than he expected. They are dogged and insistent on keeping their tariffs and we're dogged in insisting that we're going to get a fair deal. So, we're still working on it very much. And hopefully we'll get to a good outcome, Lighthizer said. Also read: Govt mulls customs duty hike, trade barriers on 'non-essential' imports amid stand-off with China Indian smartphone brand Micromax is reportedly planning to launch three new smartphones in India, and all under Rs 10,000. The company confirmed its comeback on Twitter when users asked for an alternative to Chinese smartphones in India. Micromax will launch the three new smartphones under Rs 10,000 in India. The company told Gadgets360 that all of these phones will be launched tentatively next month. It also confirmed the news on Twitter when users inquired about its comeback. We are working hard internally and soon we will come up with something big. Stay tuned! Micromax responded to a tweet. The smartphone will also have premium features and sport a modern look without making the wallet feel light, it said in another tweet. The company has been using two hashtags #MadeByIndian and #MadeForIndian amid the ongoing anti-China sentiments and vocal for local initiative. While Micromax is an Indian brand, it has outsourced the manufacturing to Chinese companies and even launched rebranded Chinese smartphones in India. Also Read: The absolute dominance of China in Indias smartphone market The demand for non-Chinese smartphones has been on the rise more than ever after PM Modis call for an Atma Nirbhar Bharat, followed by the death of 20 Indian soldiers on the India-China border. Chinese smartphone brands in India are trying hard to convince people about their commitment to India. Realme India CEO Madhav Sheth went ahead and called Realme an Indian startup which is now a global multinational company. Also Read: Chinese smartphone brands get vocal about being local in India The likes of Xiaomi and Poco have also been lately vocal about their India-first approach and the set of features and products they launch in the country. New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Essikado Ketan Constituency in the Western Region, Joe Ghartey has been confirmed by regional executives and delegates as the partys candidate for the December parliamentary election. This comes after an overwhelming decision by delegates to let Mr. Ghartey contest for the partys internal primaries alone. The short ceremony was held at the constituency to publicly outdoor the MP who doubles as Minister for Railway Development. Speaking at the ceremony, he has promised to give the NDC's parliamentary candidate, Dr. Grace Ayensu Dankwa a voting difference in the December polls. 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 About 200 people on Friday paid their final respects to 22-year-old Sean Monterrosa, the San Francisco man who was fatally shot by a Vallejo police officer earlier this month during a night of protests and riots over police brutality. Family and friends filed out of the Pacifica Chapel by the Sea funeral home just after 1 p.m., many dressed in white or wearing Long Live Tucan T-shirts, an homage to Monterrosas nickname. John Burris, an attorney for the family who attended the funeral, said he intends to file a civil suit against the city of Vallejo after reports that Monterrosa dropped to his knees just before an officer fired five shots through his own windshield. The officer was responding to a call of looting at a Walgreens and opened fire after mistaking a hammer in Monterrosas pocket for the butt of a gun, police said. Before filing the lawsuit, though, Burris said he would demand the officer be criminally charged by Solano County prosecutors. Unless I hear information to the contrary, I think the district attorneys office should be prosecuting this officer, or the state now that the attorney general has come in, Burris said. I demand that prosecution take place, if the evidence clearly demonstrates that he was on his knees, trying to surrender, and he was shot at multiple times from officers who were in position of safety. Monterrosa was fatally struck by a single bullet to the center of his neck, Burris said. Officers were responding to reports of a break-in at the Walgreens at Broadway and Redwood on June 2 at around 12:30 a.m. when they encountered Monterrosa outside the store, police said. The shooting happened during a night of unrest sparked by the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd on May 25. Monterrosas family said they believe the young man was surrendering when he was killed. As the latest victim of police violence, Monterrosas death has now triggered its own demonstrations. Hundreds gathered in the Mission District on June 5 and knelt in his honor. 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. Vallejo police and city officials have declined to name the officer who fired the fatal shot, but several people familiar with the case identified the officer as Jarrett Tonn. He joined the Vallejo Police Department in 2014 after working several years with the Galt police in Sacramento County. Tonn has been involved in three nonfatal shootings, according to sources familiar with the case and public records. Monterrosas supporters are calling for the immediate release of the officers body camera footage. Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams has vowed transparency in the case, but he did not disclose Monterrosas death for more than 24 hours and the city still hasnt released the body camera footage. By law the footage must be released within 45 days of the incident. Days after Monterrosas death, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced his office had entered into a review and reform agreement with the city of Vallejo and its Police Department. The review will include an investigation of use-of-force procedures, antibias community policing and officer accountability, Becerra said. Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy Worcester city officials on Thursday afternoon said the number of new cases of COVID-19 continues to diminish, but urged residents who are going out to restaurants and stores that have recently reopened to wear a face mask. Since last Thursday, the last time the city gave an update on coronavirus cases, there have been 47 new cases, an average of seven per day, City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said. At the beginning of the pandemic, the city was giving updates in daily press briefings. Since then, briefings had reduced to twice weekly and now just on Thursdays. Thats a very diminished number from what we had been seeing in the weeks previous to that, said Augustus. In total, Worcester has seen 5,115 cases of coronavirus, the city manager said. Between Saint Vincent Hospital and the UMass Memorial Health Care system, there are 49 inpatients with coronavirus, and of those patients, 18 are in the intensive care unit, according to Augustus. In the last week, 10 more patients at the hospitals have died from the virus, bringing the total to 328, the city manager said. This week, the state organized two days of free coronavirus testing for residents, urging people who have attended recent protests to get tested. UMass Memorial Medical Center was designated one of the testing centers and administered about 780 tests on Wednesday, Augustus said. Results have come back for about 665 tests, and of those, only 13 were positive, a rate of less than 2%, according to the city manager. Augustus and Mayor Joe Petty urged residents to wear masks while out at restaurants. Petty said the city has noticed that some patrons are not wearing masks while dining out. We do not want to have whats happened in Florida, Texas, Arizona and some of the other southern states, said Petty, referring to states that have seen big increases in the number of new cases of the virus. As the state continues to reopen, Augustus said city playgrounds and skate parks are being reopened as of Thursday. It may take a few days for all parks to open and there will be some changes, like some swings being removed to ensure a physical distance of at least 6 feet, the city manager said. To help local children have as normal a summer as possible, AiVi Nguyen, the chair of the board of the United Way of Central Massachusetts, announced that the United Way is going to draw from its operating reserves $500,000 to assist summer programs. Related Content: The Government was accused last night of underplaying the coronavirus death toll after it emerged more than 1,000 people died every day in the UK for 22 consecutive days. The figures, which reflect deaths in hospitals, care homes and private homes, dwarf those that were announced by ministers at the time, which only took hospital fatalities into account. Fresh analysis has shown that there were more than 1,000 deaths a day for 22 consecutive days - coinciding with Boris Johnson's hospitalisation for coronavirus. Sir David King, the former government chief scientific adviser and chairman of the independent Sage group, told the Guardian the discrepancy in the numbers was 'an attempt to play down the adversity that the country was faced with'. Britain's worst day during the crisis came on April 8, just before Easter, when a record 1,445 people died in 24 hours. When Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab stepped in for the hospitalised Boris Johnson on April 9 to reveal the figures from the previous day, he announced the number of deaths had risen by 881 - meaning the true tally was some 64 per cent greater than the nation was told at the time. Fresh analysis has shown that there were more than 1,000 deaths a day for 22 consecutive days The Government has been accused of underplaying the coronavirus death toll after it emerged more than 1,000 people died every day in the UK for 22 consecutive days Similarly, just three days earlier, Mr Raab described the increase in fatalities in the previous 24 hours as 439, but official figures show that almost three times as many people actually died from the virus. Between April 2 and April 23, more than 1,000 people fell victim to the virus each day but none of the Downing Street briefings in that time suggested the number of daily deaths had reached four figures. Critics argue the Government should have been clearer in explaining the daily death tolls were only estimates of the real tallies, given the exclusion of thousands who died out of hospitals. A change to include deaths in all settings, including those without a Covid-19 test, was only made at the end of April with health bosses insisting collating the full data was time-consuming and technically challenging. In the two months since, the daily death toll has dropped substantially, sometimes even to just double figures, now the peak of the crisis has passed. This has resulted in an easing of some lockdown measures, with non-essential shops opening this week for the first time since March, albeit with a range of social distancing measures. Yesterday, 173 deaths were announced, with experts describing the virus as 'firmly in retreat'. When Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab stepped in for the hospitalised Boris Johnson on April 9 to reveal the figures from the previous day, pictured, he announced the number of deaths had risen by 881 - but the true tally was some 64 per cent greater than the nation was told at the time Boris Johnson, pictured at a school in Hertfordshire yesterday, was one of several ministers to have announced daily death tolls that have now proven to be much lower than the actual figure Sir David King, pictured, he former government chief scientific adviser and chairman of the independent Sage group, told the Guardian the discrepancy in the numbers was 'an attempt to play down the adversity that the country was faced with' British solicitor Nazir Afzal tweeted that he was aware of the Government's alleged cover-up of the true number of coronavirus deaths for 22 days in March and April Sir David King, who was the government's chief scientist from 2000-2007, has previously accused the government of blundering by trying to pursue a 'herd immunity' policy that would have kept the economy going. He said; 'They didn't say we have to add on all these other numbers which would have been a more honest thing to say. 'This is the most disastrous handling of any serious challenge to a government for 100 years.' In an interview with Channel 4 News, he added: 'The message that goes across when we reduce [the alert level] from four to three in this way is we seem to be winning the battle but the number of cases per day is still very high for the whole of England.' Asked if the science was being massaged to follow the politics, he said: 'I very much fear that is the case. I think that we know the scientists were resisting the change of the alert number from four to three before and the politicians were pushing very hard for that to happen. 'I'm really questioning whether we've been following the science from the very beginning.' He said the test and trace system needs improving, arguing that only around 25-30% per cent of cases are being identified when 'we need to be up there' with 85 per cent. A government spokesperson insisted ministers had always been 'transparent' about reporting Covid-19 deaths and said it was 'wrong to suggest we would in any way attempt to play down the scale of this global pandemic'. A back-series of daily death tolls has subsequently been published by the Department of Health and Social Care. It was recently revealed that April was the deadliest month on record in England and Wales, according to official statistics that lay bare the true toll of the coronavirus crisis. The number of people dying in April each year has remained relative stable at around 40,000 or the last 13 years, but saw a massive spike to 88,000 this year as the coronavirus epidemic raged through the UK The Covid-19 pandemic doubled the rate of deaths from all causes in England and Wales in April, data showed today. 8,180 people died as a direct result of the coronavirus during the worst week, from April 11 to 17 WHAT HAVE BEEN THE DEADLIEST MONTHS ON RECORD? April 2020 was the month in which England and Wales recorded more people's deaths, of any cause, than at any other point since current records began in 2006. It is the only month featuring in the worst 10 that has not been in the depths of winter - eight of the 10 were in January and one was in December. These are the 10 months which had the highest death tolls: April 2020: 88,153 people died January 2018: 64,154 January 2015: 60,891 January 2017: 57,368 January 2016: 56,706 January 2009: 55,045 January 2019: 53,910 December 2008: 53,594 January 2013: 52,898 January 2008: 52,057 Advertisement Data shows 88,153 people died across the two countries - more than double the amount recorded last April (44,123) or before the outbreak spiralled out of control in February 2020 (43,653). The figure, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), shows the arrival of Covid-19 on British shores led to people dying at twice the rate they would in a normal month. In London this effect was even worse, with startling figures showing the number of people who died in April was triple what it was in the same month last year. The statistics came as a grim analysis by the Financial Times claimed Britain has suffered the highest excess death rate of any comparable country during the coronavirus pandemic. It showed the 59,537 excess deaths counted since the outbreak began amounted to 891 deaths per million people. This was higher than any other country in Western Europe or the US, with Italy at just below 800 per million. The month-by-month data showed that in January this year, 56,706 people died in England and Wales, which was high but not unheard of for winter. That was followed by 46,653 in February and 49,723 in March. April, however, brought a huge spike to 88,153 - 0.15 per cent of the entire population. Regionally the biggest increase in deaths between April last year and April this year happened in London, where it rose 197 per cent from 4,102 to 12,175. It also more than doubled in the West Midlands, which is centred around Birmingham, from 4,527 to 9,932 (119 per cent). And in the North West, including Lancashire, Cumbria and Manchester, it rose by 112 per cent from 5,835 to 12,354. Britain announces 173 more Covid-19 deaths with virus 'firmly in retreat' as health chiefs confirm the outbreak is shrinking by 4% each day and the crucial R rate remains below the dreaded level of one Britain yesterday announced 173 more coronavirus deaths including a 12-year-old, as government scientists confirmed the outbreak is in retreat with the number of new cases shrinking by 4 per cent each day and the crucial R rate remaining below the dreaded level of one. Number 10's scientific advisory panel SAGE revealed the reproduction rate - the average number of people each Covid-19 patient infects - is still between 0.7 and 0.9, meaning the coronavirus is firmly in retreat after terrorizing Britain for months. It must stay below one or Britain will face another crisis. Separate data released for the first time yesterday also claimed the UK's current growth rate - how the number of new daily cases is changing day-by-day - could be as low as minus 4 per cent. If the rate becomes greater than zero, the disease could once again spiral out of control. Department of Health officials say the death toll now stands at 42,461. But the tally only includes lab-confirmed patients unlike other damning figures that take into account all suspected deaths and show the actual number of victims has already topped 50,000. Number 10's scientific advisory panel SAGE revealed the reproduction rate - the average number of people each Covid-19 patient infects - is still between 0.7 and 0.9, meaning the coronavirus is firmly in retreat after terrorizing Britain for months. It must stay below one or Britain will face another crisis. Separate data released for the first time yesterday also claimed the UK's current growth rate - how the number of new daily cases is changing day-by-day - could be as low as minus 4 per cent. If the rate becomes greater than zero, the disease could once again spiral out of control HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE REALLY DIED? Department of Health: 42,461 Department of Health's latest death count for all settings stands at 42,461. The daily data does not represent how many Covid-19 patients died within the last 24 hours it is only how many fatalities have been reported and registered with the authorities. It also only takes into account patients who tested positive for the virus, as opposed to deaths suspected to be down to the coronavirus. Individual health bodies: 32,710 The Department of Health has a different time cut-off for reporting deaths, meaning daily updates from Scotland as well as Northern Ireland are always out of sync. Wales is not affected, however. NHS England today revealed it has registered 28,221 lab-confirmed deaths across the country. But the figure only applies to hospitals meaning fatalities in care homes are excluded from this count. Scotland has recorded 2,470 coronavirus deaths among patients who have tested positive for the virus, followed by 1,475 in Wales and 544 in Northern Ireland. These tolls include fatalities in all settings. National statistical bodies: 52,664 Data compiled by the statistical bodies of each of the home nations show 52,664 people died of either confirmed or suspected Covid-19 across the UK by the end of May. The real number of victims will be even higher because the tally only takes into account deaths that occurred up until June 7 in Scotland and June 5 in the rest of Britain, meaning it is up to 10 days out of date. The Office for National Statistics yesterday confirmed that 47,820 people in England and Wales died with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 by May 29. The number of coronavirus deaths was 774 by the same day in Northern Ireland, according to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). National Records Scotland which collects statistics north of the border said 4,070 people had died across the country by June 7. Their tallies are always 10 days behind the Department of Health (DH) because they wait until as many fatalities as possible for each date have been counted, to avoid having to revise their statistics. Excess deaths: 64,402 The total number of excess deaths has now passed 64,000. 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. Data from England and Wales shows there has been an extra 58,693 deaths between March 21 and June 5, as well as 4,769 in Scotland between March 23 and June 7 and 940 in Northern Ireland between March 21 and June 5. Advertisement The number of daily Covid-19 victims announced represents a 14 per cent drop on the 202 recorded this time last week and is the lowest figure recorded on a Friday since March 20, three days before the draconian lockdown was imposed to halt the spread of the disease. Nicola Sturgeon claimed the coronavirus was 'firmly in retreat' and Boris Johnson hinted at an imminent shift on the strict two-metre social distancing rule, after the UK's Covid-19 threat level was dramatically reduced from four to three. And the chief executive of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust - England's largest hospital organisation - revealed there are no Covid-19 patients in its intensive care for the first time since the pandemic began, adding that coronavirus-infected Brits 'don't seem as sick as they were'. Government scientists published growth rate data for the first time yesterday. Until now, SAGE had only provided details on the R rate - the average number of people an infected person is likely to pass the virus on to. For the UK as a whole, the current growth rate is minus 4 per cent to minus 2 per cent and the estimate of the reproduction number, referred to as R, remains at 0.7 to 0.9. The growth rate reflects how quickly the number of infections is changing day by day, and, as the number of infections decreases, is another way of keeping track of the virus. If the growth rate is greater than zero, and therefore positive, then the disease will grow, and if the growth rate is less than zero, then the disease will shrink. It is an approximation of the change in the number of infections each day, and the size of the growth rate indicates the speed of change. It takes into account various data sources, including government-run Covid-19 surveillance testing schemes. For example, a growth rate of 5 per cent is faster than a growth rate of 1 per cent, while a disease with a growth rate of minus 4 per cent will be shrinking faster than a disease with growth rate of minus 1 per cent. R estimates - which are at least three weeks behind - do not indicate how quickly an epidemic is changing and different diseases with the same R can result in epidemics that grow at very different speeds. Growth rates provide different information from R estimates, by suggesting the size and speed of change, whereas the R value only gives data on the direction of change. To calculate R, information on the time it takes for one set of people in an infected group to infect a new set of people in the next group is needed. However, the growth rate is estimated using a range of data similar to R, but it does not depend on the 'generation time' and so requires fewer assumptions to estimate. Neither measure - R or growth rate - is better than the other but each provides information that is useful in monitoring the spread of a disease. Experts say each should be considered alongside other measures of the spread of disease. Professor Keith Neal, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Nottingham, said: 'It is good that R remains below 1 and that the growth rate is negative. As the number of cases falls everybody's risk falls.' But he added that it remains unclear how many cases included in these calculations are acquired in either care homes or hospitals - surveillance sampling carried out by the Office for National Statistics published yesterday suggested 3,800 people were being struck down with the virus in the community in England. Department of Health data released yesterday showed that 169,600 tests were carried out the previous day, a figure that included antibody tests for frontline NHS and care workers. But bosses again refused to say how many people were tested, meaning the exact number of Brits who have been swabbed for the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been a mystery since May 22. The SAGE files: Shutting UK's borders would have 'little value' in stopping Covid-19 crisis and immunity passports won't work without widespread routine testing, latest batch of scientific papers reveal Scientists steered the Government away from shutting the UK's borders because it would have had 'surprisingly little value' in stopping Covid-19's spread, secret advice papers published yesterday revealed. One of the scientific reports presented to ministers in May to help guide them through the crisis said restricting air travel would have virtually no effect because the damage was already done. If borders were locked down right at the beginning of the pandemic, however, it could have prevented a full-blown crisis, as was seen in the likes of Australia and New Zealand. Another study found that giving immunity passports to Covid-19 survivors - a measure touted by Health Secretary Matt Hancock in April - would only be safe if these people were also tested every month for antibodies. The Government was also told in early May that mandatory mask-wearing could help control the crisis by stopping asymptomatic people spreading the disease. Some 40 documents were yesterday published by the Government Office for Science, which is headed by Sir Patrick Vallance, England's chief scientific adviser. They are among dozens in a tranche of papers presented to SAGE, the Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, over recent months to help guide ministers through the crisis. And the reports detail all the scientific advice which is being presented to decision-making officials who dictate when and how the country moves out of lockdown. The latest batch of SAGE papers, which are being released in a bid to show greater transparency from the Government, come as 173 more deaths have been confirmed. There have now been a total of 42,461 people who died after testing positive for the coronavirus in the UK, but many more who weren't tested haven't yet been counted. Here, MailOnline takes a look at some of the stand-out papers from today: UK missed its chance to control the epidemic by shutting its borders Two separate reports advised the Government not to shut its borders in April and May because the damage was already done in February and March. One of the studies was a 2006 paper modelling the effect of restricting incoming flights in the event of a highly-infectious flu pandemic. Researchers from the Health Protection Agency - which ceased operations in 2013 - found 'restrictions on air travel were likely to be of surprisingly little value in delaying epidemics, unless almost all travel ceases very soon after epidemics are detected'. One of the studies was a 2006 paper modelling the effect of restricting incoming flights in the event of a highly-infectious flu pandemic. it found that a blanket ban which saw 99.9 per cent of flights grounded at the start of the epidemic would have halted the pandemic significantly SAGE then handed a separate paper to Government in early May reiterating that there was 'little scientific justification' for putting restrictions at the border. The scientists estimated that fewer than 0.5 per cent of new infections were being imported into the UK in April and May. It did this by reviewing Home Office data of incoming flights and predicting how many of these passengers were likely to be infectious based on bad epidemics in their home countries were. SAGE said that current swabbing techniques were too slow, and temperature checks were too unspecific to warrant being set up at airports and borders. However, the group said that restrictions may need to be put in place in the event global air travel returns to normal and other countries suffer second waves. It recommended a 14-day quarantine, which is now being implemented by the Home Office, despite huge backlash. People who get 'immunity passports' need to be routinely tested If immunity passports were issued to allow key workers to return to work, monthly retesting would be critical, scientists said. Imperial College London researchers presented a paper on Covid-19 immunity to SAGE in April. The team found no available data about how long antibody responses last after SARS CoV-2 infection, beyond about two weeks after recovery. Imperial College London researchers presented a paper on Covid-19 immunity to SAGE in April. The team found no available data about how long antibody responses last after SARS CoV-2 infection, beyond about two weeks after recovery Based on literature for other coronaviruses, mild infections can result in low antibody responses that wane just a couple of months after infection, they warned. For this reason, SAGE was told that Matt Hancock's idea of so-called immunity passports would need to be accompanied by routine antibody testing. Such passports, where people carry documented proof they have immunity because of a past infection, were touted as a possible way to ease lockdown in April. But the idea appears to have been scrapped because scientists cannot pin-point exactly how long antibodies protect survivors for and current antibody tests have so far proved too inaccurate for widespread use. Face masks DO work and could help prevent asymptomatic spread A report on May 4 found compulsory mask-wearing could prevent a significant of coronavirus infections in the UK. The analysis by DELVE - the Data Evaluation and Learning for Viral Epidemics group - said if everyone wore them it could prevent 40 to 80 per cent of transmissions. The multi-disciplinary group, convened by the Royal Society, based its estimates on the fact that between four in 10 and eight in 10 Covid-19 patients show no signs of infection yet remain highly infectious. It also highlighted the fact that droplets from the mouths of infected people play a major role in spreading the virus, through coughs, sneezes and even just by talking. DELVE found that home-made coverings could catch between 50 and 70 per cent of viral bacteria being dispersed into the air, while surgical coverings could stop nearly 90 per cent. The group compared outbreaks in countries where mask-wearing is compulsory compared to nations where it is not and found a huge disparity. But despite strong evidence for their use since May, the UK Government only last week made masks mandatory on public transport and in hospitals. Britons are urged to wear them in shops and crowded places, but this is not being enforced. At least nine in 10 care homes will suffer outbreaks of coronavirus University of Manchester researchers warned in April that at least 90 per cent of care homes would report at least one case of Covid-19. Just 20 per cent of care homes had recorded outbreaks at the time of the researchers' modelling. They warned that staff were importing the disease into the homes unknowingly, highlighting the need for them to be tested rigorously. Writing in the study, they said: 'Staff interact with households and community and so infection can be passed to and from care homes in this manner. More than 11,000 people are confirmed to have died in care homes as a direct result of Covid-19 and many more are thought to have succumbed to the virus without being diagnosed, meaning they are so far uncounted in official death tolls 'Estimates of expecting high within care home attack rate remains highly likely. 'A natural conclusion is that with no change in disease transmission in future we might expect at least 90 per cent of care homes to report at least one case eventually if current reporting trends are maintained (currently about 20 per cent have reported such).' NHS hospitals discharged 25,000 people into care homes during the peak of Britain's Covid-19 crisis without testing them for the coronavirus. The move was ordered to free up beds for an anticipated surge in seriously ill virus patients. Staff were also not being routinely tested for the disease, which has led to more than 15,000 care home residents dying in England and Wales from Covid-19. 14,000 Britons could die every day in Britain's worst winter ever A paper submitted to SAGE on April 25 by Imperial College London looked at how Covid-19 would affect the country during winter. Even with 'good compliance' with social distancing, the team predicted 14,000 people would die every day next January and February. The modelling assumes 75 per cent of homes comply with 14-day household quarantine policy, and that general social distancing reduces contacts outside the household and workplace by 90 per cent and workplace contacts by 50 per cent. 'Good compliance' scenario assumes 75 per cent of homes comply with 14-day household quarantine policy, and that general social distancing reduces contacts outside the household and workplace by 90 per cent and workplace contacts by 50 per cent. The 'poor compliance' scenario assumes school closure increases household contacts by 100 per cent (rather than 50 per cent for central) and social contacts outside the household by 50 per cent rather than 25 per cent. It also assumes general social distancing only reduces contacts outside the household and workplace by 66 per cent (rather than 75 per cent for central) The health service is bracing for its worst winter on record, when it will have to battle an influx of patients with seasonal flu and Covid-19. New infection control measures and social distancing will mean it can only function at about 60 per cent capacity, NHS bosses say. And ten million people could be stuck on waiting lists by the end of the year due to hold-ups caused by the pandemic, making treatment harder to come by. Whole household isolation - dismissed as a Covid-containing tactic early on in crisis - would have pushed epidemic curve back 1.5months. Isolating entire households would've led to 40% less deaths Lancaster University urged the Government to reconsider its position on whole household isolation in a paper submitted on March 15. The idea of telling entire families to isolate for 14 days was thrown out by the Government early in the crisis over concerns there would be low compliance. The measure would have seen whole households required to not leave home for two weeks, even if they had no symptoms, if one of them tested positive. Ministers went in a different direction, and encouraged the symptomatic person to isolate in their room alone. How the UK's outbreak would have developed if 50 per cent complied with 'whole household isolation' (yellow), versus 100 per cent of people (pink). Blue shows how Britain's epidemic actually played out But the researchers found that even if just half of families complied with whole household isolation, it would be enough to shrink the size of the epidemic by 40 per cent. This would've also pushed the curve back by roughly one-and-a-half months, the modelling suggested. Writing in the study, the scientists said they recommend the measure 'should be re-considered as an intervention to manage the spread of Covid-19 in the UK.' Some videos make it clear that police had no justification for killing the victim; George Floyds gruesome killing by Minneapolis police was an extreme but by no means unique example of this. The video of Chester officers gunning down a handcuffed man is not at all clear-cut. It could very well be that officers Nicholas Harris and Justin Baker overreacted, perhaps even criminally so, when they fired at least 24 shots at 28-year-old Ariane McCree while Mr. McCrees hands were cuffed behind his body. Its also quite possible that the killing was justified. Chester Police Chief Eric Williams gave a convincing demonstration Tuesday of how someone handcuffed behind his back still could aim and shoot at an officer. We dont know which is the case because Mr. Baker didnt activate his police body camera until Mr. McCree collapsed, which meant we got grainy video but no audio from the previous 120 seconds. Mr. Harris never activated his camera. And that points to one of the biggest reasons police bodycams havent put an end to unjustified police killings: Officers dont always turn them on when theyre supposed to. The other problem with bodycams is that police and prosecutors too often refuse to release the video to the public immediately, if ever: The Chester shooting occurred in November, but we didnt see the video until last week. So we welcome Chester Mayor Wanda Stringfellows call to fire both officers for not following protocol and activating their cameras, and we look forward to a productive debate on that matter when the City Council discusses it on Monday. We dont know that failure to properly activate a body camera before a violent encounter should automatically be a firing offense, in general or in this specific case. But we know this: There must be severe consequences when an officer uses force without the camera turned on even if its clear that the force was justified. Police say they dont always have time to activate their cameras, and were sure there are in fact instances when police are caught off guard and have to focus on defending themselves and others rather than thinking about turning on a camera. Were also sure those are the exceptions rather than the rule. An officer might not know that the person he just pulled over for speeding has a gun, but he knows hes about to get out of his car and approach the driver; he should turn on his camera. Officer Harris, who was working off-duty at Walmart but wearing his police body camera, probably had no idea that the handcuffed Mr. McCree was going to retrieve a gun from his car after he headbutted the officer and ran away. But he knew he was chasing the shoplifting suspect, so his camera should have been on. (Chief Williams said Mr. Harris had been reprimanded for not activating it, although he and Mr. Baker both remain on active duty.) Mr. Baker heard about the chase and shots fired on his radio as he was pulling into the Walmart parking lot, so he certainly had advance warning, and he should have turned on his camera before he got out of his car. If we want police officers to use their body cameras, they need to know that they will be disciplined and may even lose their jobs if they fail to activate them before approaching a suspect, regardless of whether they expect to use force. And if we want the public to trust police, the police need to make body camera video public once the quickest of initial investigations has been completed. The Legislature needs to require this, as it does video for car-mounted videos, except in rare cases where police can convince a judge that releasing the video would impede an investigation. But until it does so, police and prosecutors should use the discretion state law gives them to always release the video. In a stunning turn of events that seemed impossible just a month ago, the New York City Council on Thursday voted 44-6 -- a veto-proof majority -- in favor of passing the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology (POST) Act. The bill will now head to Mayor Bill De Blasio for his signature within the next 30 days. The POST Act not only compels the NYPD to divulge the existence of its entire public surveillance capability, it also requires the department to develop cohesive policies as to how those capabilities will be used. For years the NYPD has assembled this really chilling and invasive setup of tools that can target the most intimate aspects of our lives, Albert Fox Cahn, Executive Director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, told Engadget. They haven't had to tell New Yorkers what they're getting, how they're using it, or how that information is being shared with other agencies. It's really crucial that we understand how our data is being collected, how our communities are being surveilled, he continued. Cahn also noted that for Black New Yorkers, police surveillance is a matter of life and death. Police surveillance leads to more police stops, more arrests, and even more police violence, Cahn said. The NYPDs domestic surveillance capabilities are nothing to sneeze at. The departments $6 billion annual budget has provided access to everything from facial recognition, which have already been banned by San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle and a number of other metropolitan cities, six-figure X-Ray vans, Stingray ICMI-catchers, and a host of other intrusive systems. Among the most unsettling capabilities, and one that STOP is still fighting against, is the departments use of geofence watch technology. This is where the NYPD can use a single judicial order to identify every single person in a geographic area, Cahn said. That can be a single house, it can be a street, it could be an entire neighborhood, or it could be identifying every single person at a protest. STOP is already litigating against the NYPDs use of geofence watching and that case is ongoing. Todays vote by the city council is a positive sign, however. I don't think there is any chance that we would have seen this bill passed, especially not by a 44 to 6 margin without the incredible public solidarity that we've seen in New York and cities around the country, Cahn exclaimed. This really speaks to the power of people to reshape what is considered possible in politics, to reshape our laws, to reshape our constitutional protections, and to fight back against police abuses. None of the bills that passed today would have passed if not for those protests, he concluded. Once signed, the bill will not go into effect for a couple months so if youre going demonstrating, be sure to take all necessary precautions to protect your identity. Engadget has reached out to both the NYPD and the bills sponsor, NYC District 16 Councilwoman Vanessa L Gibson, for comment and will update this post upon their response. (Natural News) Acid-reducing agents (ARAs) like antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are some of the most common medications prescribed for the treatment of heartburn. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition found that long-term use of PPIs leads to a decrease in the amount of Faecalibacterium, one of the most beneficial bacteria in the human gut. Long-term use of PPIs also leads to the proliferation of Streptococcus, a genus of bacteria linked to numerous infections including strep throat and pneumonia. Gastric acid and heartburn Gastric acid plays an important role in digestion. It breaks down food and improves the absorption of proteins, vitamins and other essential nutrients. Gastric acid also helps neutralize harmful bacteria and other pathogens in the stomach to prevent infection. In some cases, the contraction of muscles around the esophagus can cause gastric acid to back up into the esophagus from the stomach, causing a burning sensation to spread across the chest. This is called heartburn or acid reflux. Certain foods and drinks can trigger this action, including spicy foods, acidic foods, fried foods, alcohol, coffee and carbonated drinks. For the most part, heartburn is no cause for concern. It might take a few hours to subside depending on the cause, but it does disappear on its own. That said, frequent heartburn may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a digestive condition common in pregnant women and overweight individuals. Because frequent heartburn can be a painful inconvenience, many people who suffer from GERD tend to use antacids to treat heartburn fast. If the heartburn is quite severe, a physician may prescribe PPIs. These medications work much like antacids but with stronger acid-reducing effects, neutralizing stomach acids and eliminating trapped gas in the stomach. (Related: Antacid drugs linked to increased risk for heart attack, dementia and renal failure.) The adverse effects of PPIs on gut health Researchers from the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine and Takara Bio Inc. in Japan found evidence that long-term use of PPIs has harmful effects on gut health and microbiota. To understand the mechanisms behind these effects, the researchers studied 36 patients from the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicines outpatient clinic who used PPIs for at least a year prior to the study. They also studied 36 non-users of PPIs as control subjects. They then collected fecal samples from all of the participants and checked these for the presence of bacteria. After analyzing the samples, the researchers found that PPI users had a lower amount of Faecalibacterium in the gut. Faecalibacterium is one of the most abundant beneficial bacteria in the gut. This bacterium helps maintain intestinal health and guard against inflammation linked to gastrointestinal conditions, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease. Therefore, low levels of this beneficial bacterium can make the gastrointestinal tract susceptible to inflammation and infection. The researchers also discovered that the long-term use of PPIs encouraged the growth and spread of Streptococcus bacteria. Most of the species that belong to this genus are linked to infections like strep throat, which is marked by inflamed tonsils and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Streptococcus bacteria have also been linked to community-acquired pneumonia. Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that the long-term use of PPIs affects the bacterial communities in the gut. It follows, then, that PPI use has negative effects on overall gut health. Sources include: NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov MayoClinic.org "Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character." Heraclitus While it has long been true, there is no longer any doubt. Our left no longer makes any pretense about the importance of character. Nothing matters to the left but skin color and sexual orientation. The more victimized an individual can be seen to be, the better. Victimhood is the cult leftists have so carefully constructed. The more criminally inclined those they deem victims, the better. So of course they defend the rioters, the looters, the vandals and thieves! The left has created them, and they are proud of their results. It's taken nearly three generations of infecting all of academia with their anti-American nonsense America is irredeemably racist, America is white supremacist, white privilege is a thing, etc. The media have always been mind-melded with the left. When the rioters of the 1960s became tenured radicals throughout our universities, the writing was on the wall. For those former members of the SDS and the Black Panthers, critical thinking was no longer the goal of higher ed. Indoctrination was the new order of the day. And now, forty years later, we are benighted by the ingrained groupthink that has brought us right back to the senseless rioting of the sixties. This time, however, young people have been proselytized for so long that they do not question the validity of all the accusations hurled at all people not of color. They are nearly all willing to take a knee in repentance. They do not. One has only to tune in to CNN or MSNBC for a few minutes to see their glee at all the damage done by the violent hoodlums who are ruining their own communities and any others in which the police have been ordered to "give them space." The media are cheering them on, happily blaming Trump. The wholesale lack of character Democrat policies have inculcated all these years has borne very bitter fruit for those least likely to recover from the desecration the left has fostered. So what? The Democrats believe that all their carefully orchestrated violence will be the final nail in the Trump presidency. They think they can hold responsible the guy who has been in office just shy of four years who was elected to take America back from these nation-destroyers. Candace Owens has it exactly right in her video pledging not to buy into the media/Democrat phony martyrdom of George Floyd. The man was a career criminal, and he was high on fentanyl and meth at the time of his untimely death. The left and the media are now hard at work canonizing Rayshard Brooks, the man killed in Atlanta after resisting arrest and tasering one of the officers. He too had a long record of law-breaking. A third DUI would have sent him to prison. But the lack of these men's character and disrespect for the law is of no relevance to the media or the Democrats. Both men are perfect examples of what the left hath wrought. LBJ began the process of sabotaging the black family with his crippling Great Society programs that drove black fathers from their families and set in motion the pattern of out-of-wedlock black babies. In some communities, there are four generations of children who never knew their fathers; women are grandmothers by age thirty-five. Fatherlessness is the single most certain predictor of the violence and lawlessness we are seeing in the streets. Fatherlessness and Democrat policies that is what has devastated all the cities so vanquished by the recent riots. The wisdom of MLK was tossed aside long ago by the left. His "dream" has been dismissed as antithetical to the current left's agenda of dispensing with our pesky Constitution and the freedoms listed therein. Instilling character in children was, since America's founding, a parent's number-one most important job respect for the law, for those who enforce it, respect for others, and for the property of others. Children were taught never to steal, to always be kind to others, and to do no harm. They were taught not to lie. If lucky, they were taught the value of learning. "Intelligence plus character that is the goal of true education" (MLK). Little of this is the case any longer. Such values are now disparaged as effects of white privilege. For decades, young inner-city blacks have been taught that to perform well in school or to be seen carrying books was "acting white." This is what the left has done to our minorities as they sought to ensure their permanent support at the ballot box. They have victimized them as surely as if they put them in concentration camps. Trump is the first president to try to reach them, to implement programs to directly benefit those trapped in failing schools, Democrat-run cities and states. He has jump-started prison reform and opportunity zones, programs that never occurred to Obama and Biden. MLK was of course as right as right can be when he dreamed that one day his children would be judged by their content of their character and not the color of their skin. But for the Democrat party that fanatically opposed ending slavery which led to the Civil War and the southern Democrats who opposed integration for their own bitter ends, most Americans have lived by that tenet since the end of the Civil War. Skin color is wholly irrelevant but character counts above all. But the Democrats long ago dispensed with any concern or regard for the development of character in favor of the use and abuse of the most vulnerable Americans for their own ends. Their stage-managed "ends" have fomented the violent unrest that is ravaging all the cities now under siege. For decades, the left in its determination to gain and retain power over us all, has abrogated America's long-cherished respect for good character. Their programs and policies have gradually undermined what was once inculcated in all children of all colors and creeds. For fifty years, the Democrats have sought to convince minorities that their circumstances are the causes of their despair but it was Booker T. Washington who said "Character, not circumstances, makes the man." Booker T., like Frederick Douglass then and MLK, Thomas Sowell, Clarence Thomas, Shelby Steele, Robert Goodson, Walter Williams, Larry Elder and the countless other fine and great black men of character who have long sought to lift up their brethren are repeatedly foiled by the American left which teaches that any black person who embraces conservative, traditional values is a race traitor, an Uncle Tom. Those who use that as a pejorative never read Stowe's book. Tom was truly a man of character. Image credit: Needpix public domain. Trump has been a failure in many areas, but nowhere else has there been a greater distance between what he claimed to achieve and what he actually did than on North Korea. In his telling, he averted the war that Barack Obama had been on the verge of initiating. You would, right now, be in a nice, big, fat war in Asia with North Korea if I wasnt elected president, he claimed last year, in one of his hallucinatory episodes. Chef Carla Hall, seen here in Austin in April 2019, dishes about soul food and Juneteenth. (Photo: Rick Kern/Getty Images) Juneteenth is a widely celebrated holiday that commemorates the last slaves being freed in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865 more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. As with most holidays, food is an integral part of the celebration. Red drinks and foods like strawberries and watermelon are traditional, as they represent strength and perseverance in bondage. Barbecued meats and soul food round out the offerings of this shared meal gathering. With most of the country in phases of reopening, you may not be able to attend a large barbecue or dine out in celebration today. Were bringing the restaurant experience to you with our 3D chefs table. Chef, television host and cookbook author Carla Hall shares three of her favorite recipes in augmented reality. Launch the experience below to join her. To hear the personal stories behind each dish, activate the audio in the top right corner. And to learn more about Halls philosophy on foods place in our current political climate, as told to Yahoo Life, continue reading. Whats the common theme behind the dishes you chose to share at your chefs table? I wanted to show people the dishes that I enjoyed for Sunday suppers. These were the dishes that I looked forward to with my family, some of them during celebration time, some of them not, but it was always about family and coming together at the table. With soul food, there is a balance between everyday dishes and celebration dishes. Theres also ways to take an everyday dish and to elevate it in the way that makes it a celebration. I wanted to show a dish with a balance between the raw and the cooked, the rich and the fresh. I also wanted to show something that seems so decadent and beautiful can be so approachable. Youve included a strawberry cake for Juneteenth. What does the holiday mean to you? It is a time of reflection, a time of acknowledging when information was passed to enslaved people in Texas, where they werent aware of the Emancipation Proclamation. So for me, its also about passing on information. And information is power. Because if you dont have the information, you dont get the benefits. I do think its important for the country to recognize this as a day that slavery had ended. This should not be a holiday that is only recognized in the Black community. Story continues Related: Chef Carla Hall Shares Meaningful Recipes for Juneteenth Youve worked with places like the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History & Culture on using food to tell cultural stories through history. What role do you see food playing in our nations path forward? Through food, you can see someones culture. I think thats really important. In this day and age, we need to make sure that we dont look at another cultures food with judgment. Food is an opportunity to showcase culture and get away from stereotypes. Lets talk about watermelon and how the negative stereotype came about after emancipation. Many of the formerly enslaved started growing and selling watermelon to make a living. When it was seen that they were being very industrious and selling this crop, they started being teased. People began associating the watermelon with being shiftless and gave it that negative connotation. We should not make up stories about a culture, but rather understand why they eat certain things and be open to learning about these cultures. Do you think food will be a part of our nations healing? Diplomacy happens at the table. Its really hard to sit across from someone and have a meal with them and not feel fellowship with them. That is a place of diplomacy and peace and welcoming. I always talk about cooking food with love. The healing process starts with the preparation of food. When you make food with the intention of sharing and giving people something that is nourishing, then the healing begins. What have you been working on while in quarantine? Any upcoming projects youre excited about? Since quarantining, Ive been in D.C. a lot. Ive been dating my husband, my house, my yard, my neighborhood. Its been great, lots of wonderful walks, seeing things from a different perspective. I was really excited to partner with Cuisine Solutions and learn more about the method of sous vide cooking where all of that flavor and moisture is locked in. We used one of their products in the oven-smothered chicken dish. I have a show coming out on Netflix called Crazy Delicious, on June 24, and Ill go back into the studio in mid-July for Best Baker in America, which will be on the Food Network this fall. Here are the recipes shared in Carla Halls AR chefs table: STRAWBERRY CAKE Makes one 9-inch cake CAKE Unsalted butter and all-purpose flour, for the pan 1 cup all-purpose flour cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder teaspoon salt cup heavy cream teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 1 large egg 1 large egg yolk 1 cup ( ounce) dehydrated strawberries, broken into small pieces TOPPING cup heavy cream cup sour cream cup confectioners sugar 1 pounds strawberries, hulled and quartered For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter a 9-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper and butter the paper, then flour the pan, tapping away any excess. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer. Combine the cream and vanilla in a medium bowl. Beat the dry ingredients with the paddle attachment on low speed until well mixed. Add the oil and beat until evenly distributed. With the machine running, add the butter 1 tablespoon at a time and beat until fully incorporated. The mixture will look like coarse sand. Add the egg then egg yolk, beating well after each addition and scraping the bowl occasionally. While beating, add the cream mixture in a slow, steady stream. Beat just until smooth. Fold in the dehydrated strawberries until evenly distributed. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake until the top springs back a little when gently pressed, 25 to 27 minutes. Cool in the pan on a rack for 5 minutes. The sides should have come loose from the pan. If not, run a knife around the sides of the pan. Center a piece of parchment over the cake and invert onto a cutting board or another rack. Peel off the bottom parchment and invert the cake back onto the rack, top side up. Remove the top parchment. Cool completely. For the topping: Whisk the cream, sour cream and sugar until soft peaks form. Transfer the cake to a serving plate. Dollop the cream over the cake, then top with the strawberries. Serve immediately. OVEN-SMOTHERED CHICKEN 2 teaspoons onion powder 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons sweet paprika 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 6 chicken legs, excess fat trimmed Kosher salt 2 onions, very thinly sliced 6 garlic cloves, lightly smashed and peeled cup unsalted chicken stock Preheat the oven to 350F. Mix the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne in a small bowl. Season the chicken generously with salt, then sprinkle with the spice mixture. If you have time, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to overnight. Toss the onions and garlic in a 3-quart shallow glass or ceramic baking dish. Spread in an even layer and put the chicken skin-side-up on top. Pour the stock all around. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake until the chicken is cooked through, about 1 hour. Uncover and turn the chicken in the pan juices. Arrange them skin-side-up again. Bake until the meat is fork tender and the skin is lightly browned, about 30 minutes longer. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Use a fork to smash the garlic and onions into the pan juices and stir well to form a light pan gravy. Season to taste with salt and spoon all over the chicken. Note: Chicken thighs may be substituted for legs. Dark meat works better than white meat, because white meat will dry out. SOUTHERN MEATBALLS WITH SPICY KETCHUP, GOLDEN POTATO PUREE AND TOMATO-CUKE SALAD MEATBALLS 3 eggs, beaten cup oatmeal, finely ground cup milk 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground cayenne 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste 1 pound ground beef 1 pound ground pork 1 pound ground chicken 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 small onion, minced 1 ribs celery 3 medium carrots 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped SPICY KETCHUP 2 cups fire-roasted tomatoes cup horseradish 2 tablespoons vinegar 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoon cumin teaspoon Worcestershire sauce GOLDEN POTATO PUREE 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and kept whole pound unsalted butter 2 cups whole milk, warmed Salt to taste TOMATO-CUKE SALAD 4 plum tomatoes, seeded and dice 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced in half-moons cup celery and parsley leaves, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons dill, chopped 4 tablespoons white vinegar cup olive oil 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon kosher salt teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Preheat oven to 325F. For the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine egg, oatmeal, milk, cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper. Let stand for 5 minutes. Process garlic, onion, celery and carrot in a food processor until finely chopped. Add ground meats and finely chopped vegetables to oatmeal mixture. Add herbs to bowl. Gently toss until thoroughly combined. Be careful not to over-mix. Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on sheet pans. Chill for at least 30 minutes in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Remove meatballs from fridge. Heat a large skillet with olive or vegetable oil. Sear the meatballs until golden brown on all sides and finish in the oven until cooked through, about 4 minutes. For the spicy ketchup: Combine all the ingredients for the spicy ketchup in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes. Cool, then puree. Set aside. Serve on the side with meatloaf. For the potatoes: Put potatoes into cold salted water and bring them to a boil. Boil until soft or tender (about 15 minutes). The key is a stainless steel ricer for mashing. If you dont have a ricer, you can use a mixer with a paddle as well. Add butter and milk; stir into potatoes. Salt to taste if necessary. Mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated in a microwave before serving. For the salad: In a large bowl, add the tomatoes, onion, cucumber, celery and parsley. Drizzle white wine vinegar, olive oil and sugar. Toss to combine. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve with the meatloaf. AR production by Jon San and Henry Keyser Read more from Yahoo Life Want daily lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Lifes newsletter. The recovery in Asia's demand for oil remains fragile despite the reopening of economies across the region, as a second wave of coronavirus outbreaks could hit consumption again, the outgoing head of Malaysia's Petronas said. "We really had a collapse these past few months, but are seeing signs of opening up of the economies," Petronas' CEO Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin said in a conversation with IHS Markit's Daniel Yergin on Monday. "But ... the recovery is fragile," he said, in what is likely his last interview as head of one of Southeast Asia's largest energy majors. Energy affordability has become a priority for many governments, Wan Zulkiflee said, as the pandemic cut disposable incomes. "When demand collapsed, our inventories were coming up, logistics were affected, customers were not taking products and essentially, we had issues on all fronts," he said. "This is also when we adopted the philosophy of 'you produce only what you can sell'." Petronas cut crude and LNG exports in second quarter. The company is exploring ways to adapt to the "new normal", said Wan Zulkiflee who is stepping down at the end of June. "Some changes are here to stay. The way customers will behave in the future will be very different, and also the way the workforce, our staff, expectations of the workforce, will be very different as compared to before this crisis," he said. The increase in online interaction as a result of the crisis could change the future leadership attributes required by the company's staff, 55 percent of whom are now under 35, he said. In the long run, oil and gas will remain the dominant contributors to its energy mix, although Petronas is stepping up renewables and specialty chemicals investments. "In this part of the world we cannot run away from solar," he said. Petronas has allocated about 7 percent of its 2020 capital expenditure in renewables. Follow our full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic here Shanghai (Gasgoo)- The patent images of Geometry T, a yet-to-be-launched BEV model owned by Geely-owned EV brand Geometry, was recently unveiled by Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The new model measures 4,755mm long, 1,802mm wide and 1,503mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,700mm. It carries a curb weight of 1,535kg and provides tires in size of 205/60R16. According to the photos leaked by the MIIT, the Geometry T looks much similar to the Geely Emgrand GL. The signature cosmos chrome-plate grille with a black grounding where Geely's logo is centrally located is still adopted here. Besides, the in-vogue closed-off grille is also offered as an optional facility. Consumer may be allowed to freely choose the variants with silvery or black badge at the grille's center. The rear end displays a resemblance to the Geely Emgrand EV, adopting the bigger taillights rather than the slender one used in the Geometry A and C. Powering the Geometry T will be a 150kW electric motor produced by Nidec Automotive Motor (Zhejiang) Corporation (R&D) and a lithium ion battery pack coming from Viridi E-Mobility Technology (Ningbo) Co.,Ltd. Information about the range and battery capacity still remain uncovered. Geometry has to-day had one all-electric model, the Geometry A, on sale. The second one and also the brands first SUV will be available for presale starting from June 20, and it said to hit the market in the third quarter (photo source: MIIT). Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, June 17, 2020 (ECA) Tackling the ongoing coronavirus pandemic effectively to ensure Africa grows back and builds back better in the aftermath of COVID-19 requires boldness never before seen on the continent, says Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Speaking during an African Youth Ministers consultative meeting on COVID-19 on Wednesday, Ms. Songwe, quoting the late American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., said Africa needs to remain awake and help find solutions to the pandemic as restrictions put in place to curtail the virus begin to be eased. This is a time to be bold. It is a time when we need to come together to ask if we are responding to the call of the youth, she said. Today our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change. No time ever in our history have we been at such a crossroads where we have both a health pandemic and an economic recession on the continent. Ms. Songwe said 51 percent of Africas growth is in the services sector and requires technology, raising the need for member States to move with speed to address crippling internet issues across the continent. We cannot grow back and build back better without enough access to technology for our youth who are the innovators. They are the ones who will find the solutions for tomorrow for us. My plea to you as ministers of youth is please join us, work with us and together let us implement the African Digital Transformation Strategy and increase access, affordability, stability and reliability of the internet system so that many other things can begin to fall into place, she said. Ms. Songwe said recent consultations with African youth had revealed clearly their hunger and thirst to participate in decision-making processes so they can help bring change through innovation. But they need our institutions to come along and to respond to them and to ensure that together we can deliver this future that we have so long wanted an Africa that we want, she said. Ms. Songwe implored the youth ministers to work with their colleagues in ICT and education ministries to ensure curricula is in line with the job market, inequalities in access to school are removed, and that broadband internet access is available for all. The cost of internet across Africa is very high. It cannot be what creates the jobs for our youth. We need to be able to provide the youth with access to affordable, accessible and reliable technology that works, she said. Ms. Songwe also implored African leaders to sign the protocol on the free movement of persons saying this would greatly aid the youth who want to move across the continent, especially to innovative hubs in countries such as Kenya or Rwanda. We do not want our youth to continue to die in the oceans. We want them to find relief and fulfillment on our own continent. So hopefully as we work with you ministers of youth, you can help us help the African Union build this Africa we want by being part of this group that continues to ask and clamor for better access to technology not because we want access to technology but because with technology our girls will stay at school instead of getting married; because with technology we can continue to trade our goods even if we cannot travel and because with technology we are able to embrace this new world that we see today, added Ms. Songwe. Zambias Youth, Sport and Child Development Minister, Emmanuel Mulenga, in opening remarks to the meeting, said the onus is on African nations to build an environment that will provide the youth with opportunities that support their dreams and aspirations. As member states, we need to prioritise our efforts in order to minimise and mitigate the impact of the virus on the young people as they represent the most vulnerable population who have not been spared from the challenges caused by the virus, he said. The challenges confronting our young people today will require them to be dynamic, patriotic, and having the welfare of their communities at heart. Ms. Aya Chebbi, AU Youth Envoy, Ms. Julitta Onabanjo, UNFPA Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director, and Ms. Sarah Anyang Agbor, African Union Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology, also spoke during the opening session in support of initiatives to assist Africas youth during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Issued By: Communications Section Economic Commission for Africa Parliament on Thursday closed earlier than normal by 1400 hours and would not sit on Friday 19th June, 2020 to allow more time for incumbent MPs on the Majority New Patriotic Party (NPP) to participate in their partys parliamentary primaries coming off this weekend. As a result of the one day holiday of the House on Friday, the reading of the Business Statement was pushed to the following week. The House was to pass resolutions on Visa Waiver Agreements and take the Land Bill 2019 through the consideration stage, which had begun, and too have Committee Sittings. However, Majority Leader Osei Kyei- Mensah-Bonsu informed the House that sponsors of Land Bill 2019 were not available and consequently, the consideration of the proposed legislation did not proceed as scheduled. The Majority Leader then enquired from the Speaker, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye if he had admitted any statement for the day for which the Speaker responded in the negative. On the presentation of papers, the Majority Leader in an apparent reference to Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Chairman on Committee on Foreign Affairs and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, said the Chairman was not available in the House and pleaded with the House to reschedule the activity for next week. Mr Annoh-Dompreh is seeking to be re-elected at the NPP primaries slated for this weekend, and as the Majority Leader put it, the House had to reschedule the activity to allow the Chairman to deal with the forces controlling him. Other papers that were supposed to have come from Foreign Affairs Minister were not presented and the House was rather implored to reschedule them for next week. Mr Speaker, in the circumstance and subject to the agreement of colleagues we may have to adjourn, Majority Leader moved. It was then that the Speaker recognized Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, MP for Wa West, who was on his feet. Mr Chireh complained about the absence a number of Committee Chairmen in the House and said this has made the House unable to do business as expected. He prayed the House to grant Minority Members of the House an abstention. Mr Chireh recalled that in the event of the coronavirus pandemic, the Speaker suspended, rather than adjourned the House and prayed the Speaker for similar suspension as members of the Majority side stayed away from business of the House in the run-up to its primaries. I think that, you as a Speaker, (must) use your discretion to suspend our sitting like when we were asked to come even when there was crisis. Anybody seeing this Parliament would not take us serious and rather he, (pointing the Majority Leader) should move the motion for us to adjourn. Minority Chief Whip Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka referred to the absence of a large number of members on the Majority side as predicament and prayed the House to read the Business Statement, usual read on Friday on the next Tuesday so that we just dont come here tomorrow because of the Business Statement. Alhaji Muntaka said the inability of Ministers, Rankings and Chairpersons to be present makes it impossible for the MPs to conduct any meaningful business. He called for a suspension or an adjournment without the House sitting on Friday for the necessary pieces of documentation to be worked on before the House comes back on Tuesday. I believe we save ourselves the worry of congregating tomorrow so that we take it first thing on Tuesday morning when we come back. Following this, Speaker Oquaye said the House might have to bite the bullet, face the reality and comeback on Tuesday. The Majority Leader then suggested to Speaker Oquaye to study the mood of the House for decision to be taken on whether to sit on Friday or not. Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu observed that the situation had brought to the fore a lesson, that the holding of party primaries should not be done when the House is sitting or should not come close to immediately after an adjournment of a meeting saying it had rippling effect on the performance of MPs when the House resumes. Some members heckled the Leader on that statement but he defended himself that video clippings of sittings of the House after primaries would evidence poor attendance of members. According to Majority Leader the decision or practice of the House not sitting or having poor attendance for business as a result of primaries does not happen in any of the entrenched democracies. Furthermore, he argued, that primaries would not be the only way to re-energize the House despite the constitution of the various parties enjoining for primaries to elect candidates. The Majority Leader said some experienced members of the House become casualties at the primaries which contribute to the attrition rate MPs. He wondered if the holding of primaries, where money plays a big factor in getting candidates elected to represent political parties, was not a breeding ground for corruption in politics and urged the political parties to self-introspect and come out with other means of getting candidates for the elections. 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 General Officer Commanding of 3 Corps Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita along with other senior officers of the Army visited the site of the gas well fire tragedy at Baghjan in Assam on Friday to monitor the progress of the work to cap the well. The Army is part of a multi-agency effort to cap the Oil India Limited's well in Assam's Tinsukia district. Gas is being spewed from a well for about three weeks now and fire is raging there for over a fortnight. The production by the PSU major has been hit in the face of public ire and the company has so far lost 7,042 MT of crude oil and 9.23 MMSCM of natural gas output in the last 24 days due to bandh and blockades, the company said. "Lt General Rana Pratap Kalita, General Officer Commanding of the 3 Corps with other senior officials from 3 Corps, Indian Army visited blowout area today at Baghjan to monitor the progress of work at ground zero," Oil India Ltd (OIL) said in a statement. The Army is constructing bailey bridge of about 150m over a water body adjacent to the blowout well at Baghjan. Kalita had a detailed discussion with OIL Director (E&D) P Chandrasekaran, other senior officials from the company and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), the statement said. "Materials sent from Misamari for construction of bailey bridge by 3 Corps, Indian Army have been unloaded from 11 trucks at Baghjan and unloading of remaining four trucks is underway," the OIL statement said. It said 34 heat shields for Indian Army personnel have been handed over and fabrication of additional numbers of heat shields are in progress at OIL's engineering workshop. The PSU said assembling and testing of the blowout preventer is on to douse the flames. "Testing of other equipment mobilised from ONGC is on by an expert team of Alert, Singapore at OIL CMT yard and equipment yard in association with CMT-ONGC team and OIL technical team," it added. On production loss due to the agitation by locals and some groups, OIL said there was an output cut of 504 MT of crude oil and 0.62 MMSCM of natural gas as reported on Thursday on account of disruption in 33 oil and five gas wells. "Cumulative production loss since May 27, 2020 due to bandh and blockades is 7,042 MT crude oil, 9.23 MMSCM of natural gas," it added. Referring to the company's outreach to the affected villagers, OIL said mosquito repellent cream and other essential items were distributed to around 9,000 people lodged in 13 relief camps. It said as part of the effort to douse the flames, vehicles carrying the second load of heavy equipment from ONGC's Rajamundry and Vadodara facilities are on the way to Assam. Various assessments and impact studies of the blowout as well as the blaze in villages and nearby forest areas are being conducted by multiple agencies such as ERM India, TERI, CSIR-NEIST and Assam Agricultural University, the PSU said. Well number 5 at Baghjan in Tinsukia district of Assam has been spewing gas uncontrollably since May 27 and it caught fire on June 9. The fire claimed the lives of two of OIL's firefighters at the site. The blaze at the well is so massive that it can be seen from a distance of more than 30 kms with thick black smoke going up several metres high, endangering the local biodiversity in the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. Though there is no fire in the periphery of the well site at present, the company has declared an area up to 1.5 km of radius as "red zone" to avoid any untoward incident and damage to the general public. Two officials of the OIL have been suspended for alleged negligence of duty at the gas well site, while a show cause notice has been sent to John Energy Pvt Ltd, the outsourced private operator of the well. An FIR has also been registered against Oil India and John Energy for the blowout. Friday, June 19th, 2020 (11:51 am) - Score 4,885 Fixed wireless access provider Orbital Net (Vfast) and new entrant MGMT have separately today both revealed that theyre developing plans for future roll-outs of a gigabit-capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network, albeit in different parts of England and Scotland. Both intend to target areas that are currently poorly served. The plans came to light as part of two separate requests for Code Powers from Ofcom (here and here), which can help to speed-up the deployment of new networks and cut costs by reducing the number of licenses needed for related street works across the United Kingdom. Well start with Orbital Net, which is more familiar because of their well-established wireless broadband network Vfast in Kent (England), although they also have some limited coverage in parts of East Sussex, Devon and Essex. The provider has previously offered some FTTC and FTTP services too, albeit mostly over separate network platforms (e.g. OFNL, Openreach). Under the new proposal Orbital Net is now looking to facilitate the expansion of its FTTP access network in England (mainly by harnessing Openreachs existing cable ducts via Physical Infrastructure Access) and also to facilitate the operation and expansion of its FWA [wireless] network. Sadly nothing too specific is mentioned. Finally we come to the latest entrant into the full fibre race, MGMT, which is seeking to build a 10Gbps capable FTTP network aimed at both homes and businesses across some unspecified parts of England and Scotland. We couldnt find a website for this provider, but their company details suggest that they were recently renamed from LIGHTSPEED CONSTRUCTION LTD (Lightspeed Group). We think its possible that MGMT could be acting as a civil engineering company rather than a retail ISP, but some groups have crossed into both territories. In any case we couldnt find any further details on the Cheshire based business. The nations rig count continued to fall to record lows, this time joined by the Permian Basin rig count. Baker Hughes reported in its weekly rig count Friday that the U.S. rig count fell 13 to 266, its lowest since the service company began keeping records in 1940. The decline was the rig counts 15th consecutive decline and seventh consecutive record low. Reuters reported that the Permian Basin rig count tied a record low of 132 first set in 2016, according to data going back to 2011. The regions rig count was down five for the week. The Texas count also continued to decline, dropping three to 111 rigs. For a second consecutive week, Texas did not account for the majority of the nations rig decline. That fell to New Mexico, which dropped five rigs to 51 for the week. Eddy County, New Mexico, recorded the steepest decline in drilling activity for the week but continued to be the most active in the Permian with 31 rigs at work within county lines, down five for the week. Lea County, New Mexico, was second with 20 rigs, unchanged from the previous week. Loving County reported 14 rigs, unchanged for the week. Martin County added two rigs for 13 and Midland County dropped two rigs to 12 rigs for the week. Culberson County saw the addition of a rig for the first time in several weeks. The U.S. rig count has dropped 60 percent since March. Reuters reported it is down 72 percent, or 701 rigs, from a year ago. Reuters quoted an analysts note from Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. that said, While weekly declines have slowed a bit versus what we saw in April and May, they are likely to continue at the slower pace into the third quarter with most operators in no rush to pick-up rigs and few others still cutting activity per their plans. Justin Manley, founder and owner of Sigma Drilling Technologies, told the Reporter-Telegram in a phone interview that drilling activity is destined to rebound. Crude is the one commodity that has taken vast numbers out of poverty and the continued demand for oil will require producers to drill for additional supplies, he said. We do have a depressed market, he said, noting that this is the second oil crisis hes faced in five years. The downturn from 2014-2016 spurred U.S. innovation that will pay dividends for years to come, he said. The most negative impact of these down cycles is the loss of what Manley calls legacy information as industry veterans leave the industry. Industry veterans are laid off and that legacy information never comes back, he said. Companies hire new guys in the up cycles, but as we go through these cycles, we lose more and more legacy information. Theres a whole generation of drillers with sophisticated, powerful equipment and no one with the information to say, This is how this works and This is what we need to do to maintain efficiency. LOS ANGELES, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A former 57-year-old African-American employee of Disney has filed a lawsuit claiming he is a victim of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of his veteran status, age, disability, and race after Disney abruptly terminated his 32-year career. Douglas Keith Harris' lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages against Disney in Los Angeles, California. The lawsuit alleges that veteran Harris' 32-year exemplary career suddenly ended when he was falsely accused of brandishing a gun to a coworker at work, despite no evidence he actually had a gun at work. According to the complaint, which was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Harris' younger superiors initially would inappropriately mock Harris for being deaf in one ear and often told him, "You should retire." Despite his coworkers finding Harris' six-foot three appearance "intimidating," Harris claims that his supervisors abused their power over him by changing his schedule to the graveyard shift upon his return from a surgery. By January 2020, Harris' complaints about the way he was being treated were silenced when he was accused of bringing a gun to work. Rather than speak to him first, Disney called the police to search Harris' car and belongings. The police did not find any weapons. Ignoring Harris' pleas that he never brought a gun to work and does not have one, Disney then suspended him. Harris alleges that he was treated like a criminal by Disney and suffered extreme emotional distress. He was fired a week later. His lawsuit alleges discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on race, veteran status, age, and disability, as well as wrongful termination and defamation, among other claims. "Mr. Harris was a loyal and dedicated employee for 32 years until he lost his career over one unfounded accusation," said Carney Shegerian, an employee rights activist and founder of Los Angeles-based employee rights firm, Shegerian and Associates. "Disney's actions exhibit a work environment that condones the very same stereotyping and bias that ruins the lives of many Americans, and there is no excuse for such misconduct. Disney must be held fully responsible for the career-ending discrimination and false statements alleged in Mr. Harris' lawsuit." About Shegerian & Associates: Shegerian & Associates has won clients over $300 million in employment-based disputes and maintains a 98% success rate. We have offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and New York. Media Contact: Rosanna Vargas [email protected] SOURCE Shegerian & Associates Related Links www.shegerianlaw.com The managers of the arena in Oklahoma where President Donald Trump plans to hold a controversial campaign rally requested on Thursday that the Trump campaign provide a detailed written plan outlining "health and safety" measures ahead of the event to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, according to a statement from the venue. The rally is planned for Saturday evening at the BOK Center, a 19,000-seat venue in downtown Tulsa. According to the arena management's statement, the campaign has already said it will offer masks, hand sanitizer and temperature checks to everyone who attends. The statement added that facility staffers will be tested for the coronavirus and that the venue will be "cleaned and disinfected repeatedly throughout the event, with special emphasis on high-touch areas." A number of Tulsa residents and business owners, alarmed by the prospect of a large-scale outbreak of coronavirus if the rally proceeds, have sued the venue manager attempting to block the event unless it is held in accordance with social distancing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Tulsa County judge on Tuesday denied the request for a temporary injunction, but the decision was appealed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. An officer for the state Supreme Court on Thursday afternoon heard arguments in a conference call with opposing sides and said the court would decide the issue Friday. During the hearing, Paul DeMuro, one of the attorneys for the plaintiffs, said that "an indoor mass gathering such as this, without adherence to the CDC guidelines, creates grave, imminent and certain public risk to the community." "This is not a question of whether additional people will be infected and die in Tulsa," he said. "It's just a question of how many." Joseph Farris, an attorney for ASM Global, a Los Angeles-based company that manages the city-owned BOK Center, conceded that there were risks inherent in hosting such an event during a pandemic. "We certainly agree that the CDC and other relevant medical experts believe that this type of event is ill advised," Farris said. "No question about it. And we don't argue that the CDC . . . classifies events like this as presenting the highest possible risk." "We're certainly not hiding our head in the sand on this," he said. But he added that the June 10 license agreement with the Trump campaign to use the BOK Center for its rally establishes that attendees will have their temperatures checked and be provided masks, and that there will be signage posted indicating "people suffering from covid symptoms should not go inside." "So there's not much more we can do other than ask the licensee adhere to these rules and regulations," he added. "We can't prevent someone who's otherwise qualified to sign contracts and adhere to those contractual obligations, like this event, regardless of the nature of the event." Farris added that the public interest in the "right to peaceable assembly under the First Amendment is at least equivalent" to the "legitimate concerns about the potential health effects of this gathering." In a rebuttal, DeMuro called it a "pretty shocking admission to say we know this event is going to be dangerous." "What they can do about it is shut it down," he said. He added: "Nineteen thousand people, chanting and screaming and yelling in a big box in the middle of the worst pandemic we may have ever faced as a country - it's madness to let this event go forward." Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said in an emailed statement: "We've received a letter from arena management and we're reviewing it. We take safety seriously, which is why we're doing temperature checks for everyone attending, and providing masks and hand sanitizer. This will be a Trump rally, which means a big, boisterous, excited crowd. We don't recall the media shaming demonstrators about social distancing - in fact the media were cheering them on." If the lawsuit prevails, it could require the venue manager to postpone the event or dramatically reduce the number of people allowed inside, to keep people some distance apart. But the specifics remain unclear. The CDC has not issued firm guidelines about political rallies. Last week, the CDC issued "considerations" for events and gatherings. Jay Butler, the deputy director for infectious diseases at the CDC, said the "most important things" involve social distancing, hand hygiene and encouraging face coverings. Asked about indoor rallies or political conventions, Butler said: "The guidelines I think speak for themselves. And they are not regulations. They are not commands. But they are recommendations or even suggestions." Tulsa Health Department Executive Director Bruce Dart said at a Wednesday news conference that he had recommended the rally be postponed until it was safer. "I know so many people are over covid," Dart said. "But covid is not over." Cases in Tulsa have spiked in recent days. As of Thursday, there were 1,945 confirmed coronavirus cases in Tulsa County and 65 deaths. Eric Feigl-Ding, an epidemiologist at Harvard University's Chan School of Public Health, said that Oklahoma has the second-fastest-growing per-capita rate of new coronavirus infections in the country, based on a seven-day average. As of Thursday, infections were up 140 percent in the state, according to estimates by the Federation of American Scientists, a nonpartisan policy institute where Feigl-Ding is a senior fellow. The Tulsa lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Greenwood Centre, a local board connected to the Greenwood community where the 1921 Tulsa race massacre occurred. It also was filed on behalf of two named plaintiffs who are "immunocompromised," DeMuro said. Trump and others have said that about 1 million people have requested tickets to the event. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, during a roundtable at the White House on Thursday for an event on small businesses reopening, said that "it's just going to be amazing." "Oklahoma is ready for your visit," Stitt said. "It's going to be safe, and we're really, really excited." Trump said during his remarks that the rally will have a "crowd like I guess nobody's seen before." "We have tremendous, tremendous requests for tickets like I think probably has never happened politically before," Trump said. "And one of the reasons we chose your state, as you know, Kevin, was that you've done so, so well with the covid, you've handled it incredibly well." - - - The Washington Post's DeNeen L. Brown and Lena H. Sun contributed to this report MEXICO CITY, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In his capacity as vice president of the institution, Olegario Vazquez Aldir pointed out that the Red Cross has been pending not only to attend to the Covid-19 pandemic, but also to provide medical attention and service to all emergencies that affect the country's population. Vazquez Aldir specified that in recent days the Red Cross received ten ventilators to attend critically ill patients with Covid-19. These ventilators were donated by the Mexican Business Council, and will hopefully extend the life expectancy of those admitted to the Red Cross. "It should be noted that the Red Cross and its medical personnel are committed to the cause, not only to attend to cases of Covid-19, but to provide medical services in the event of any emergency or scenario that may arise in the country," said Vazquez Aldir. In this sense, the vice president of the Red Cross called on the population to take precautionary measures before the official start of the hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Adding that this institution is prepared to provide support to federal and state authorities in emergencies derived from meteorological phenomena. Likewise, Olegario Vazquez Aldir explained that all the personnel working at the Red Cross are trained to offer medical assistance, as well as support in water rescue operations, evacuations, humanitarian aid distribution, shelter organization, and collection centers. "The Red Cross currently has more than 2,500 ambulances and rescue units to provide care nationwide, and is ready to deal with emergencies that could arise during this hurricane season," Vazquez Aldir said. Regarding the protection of migrants due to the Covid-19 pandemic, volunteers from the Mexican Red Cross are working in assistance points in the following localities: Tenosique, Tabasco; Palenque, Chiapas; Ciudad Serdan, Puebla; Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila; and Nogales, Sonora. Since last March, the Mexican Red Cross implemented humanitarian actions, where the dissemination of campaigns on symptoms and prevention measures stand out. SOURCE Olegario Vazquez Aldir A murder probe has been launched after a man was shot dead in Sutton, south London. Police were called to reports of shots being fired in Brocks Drive, North Cheam at 1.12am on Friday. Armed officers attended the scene and found a man, believed to be in his mid-20s, in the street suffering from a gunshot injury. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene, just over half an hour later. Police are appealing for dashcam footage of the incident / Google Maps Met Police said the victim's next of kin have been informed but formal identification awaits. A post-mortem examination will be held in due course. Detective Chief Inspector Richard Leonard said: "We are in the very early stages of our investigation and at this time need to hear from residents or people who were walking or driving through Brocks Drive around the time of the incident. Did you see anyone acting suspiciously? No matter how insignificant it may seem, you could have crucial information. "A man has lost his life in violent circumstances and his family have been devastated. "They need and deserve answers and the community can help us provide them. If you have information, video or images that could help us, please contact us immediately." Anyone with information should call 101, tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously quoting reference Cad 414/19Jun Wasp Network is not a movie about the recent murder hornet epidemic. Its timely, but its not that timely. Wasp Network is timely by looking back at history, to a time of revolution. Really, the present is always a time of revolution for someone so looking back at the history of Cuban revolutionaries can illuminate the sacrifices such revolutionaries make. The ensemble cast of Edgar Ramirez, Penelope Cruz, Wagner Moura, Ana de Armas and Gael Garcia Bernal show different aspects of that sacrifice. Ana de Armas | Netflix RELATED: Ben Affleck Can Speak Spanish with Ana de Armas: When and Where He Learned His Second Language The history of Wasp Network Since the communist regime of Cuba from 1959 on, many Cubans fled to Miami where militants fought for a free cuba. Rene Gonzalez (Ramirez) steals plane and defects to Miami. He was a U.S. citizen born in Chicago so he can stay, but he leaves behind his wife Olga (Cruz) and their daughter. Edgar Ramirez | Netflix RELATED: Ana de Armas Net Worth and How She Became Famous The Brothers to the Rescue recruits Rene to fly for them. He drops supplies to refugees in rafts and drops resistance flyers over Cuba, but eventually learns Brothers is smuggling drugs for its funding. Juan Pablo Roque (Moura) defects at Guantanamo Bay. In America, he marries Ana (de Armas) and becomes rich and secretive. Gerardo Hernandez (Bernal) is sort of a mastermind of the Wasp Network introduced later. Wasp Network is a 90s caper Much of Wasp Network takes place from 1992 to 1995. Its a little caper-y, breezing through the layout of the operation, introducing new agents over time. Writer/director Olivier Assayas balances parallel stories in differnet countries smoothly. You never lose your sense of place and time. Wagner Moura | Netflix RELATED: Seberg Movie Review: Kristen Stewart Paints a Breathless Madness It doesnt feel like the 90s were that long ago, but it makes you realize how much has changed in 30 years. In that era, just having a cell phone was suspicious. Most people who needed to be on call, whether doctors or emergency pilots, would use pagers. So it raised eyebrows that Juan Pablo was carrying a cell phone. If you know the real history of the Wasp Network, youll also know where this revolution is actually going. Ana de Armas and Penelope Cruz as the ones they left behind Both Ana and Olga represent the human cost of the Wasp Network. The film unfortunately does not have much time to develop Ana beyond her suspicions. She distrusts Juan Pablo and suspects hes dealing drugs. Shes right to question him, but one wishes you saw why she loved him. The film suggests that Ana wanted protection, which may be traditional at best, and submissive in execution. We hear that her last marriage was abusive, which could all be true in the real history, but it leaves Ana behind in the film while Juan Pablo goes off on all his adventures. Penelope Cruz | Netflix RELATED: The Great Star Elle Fanning Describes the Subtle Details In Her Costumes You Might Not Even Notice Olga automatically engenders deeper sympathy because Rene abandoned their daughter. He also did it all without discussing it with them. A revolutionary can say that the cause is bigger than their personal needs, but when youre a parent, you do have obligations to your family. So the Rene/Olga aspect of Wasp Network is a bit stronger than the Juan Pablo/Ana aspect. Still, Wasp Network is an accomplished portrayal of fraught recent history. It comes across as a crackling adventure rather than a history lesson, with poignant consequences thanks to the sympathetic performances of all involved. Investigators are also looking into a widely circulated social media post claiming that Private Guillens body was found on one of the bases installation training ranges. Special agents from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Command have no credible information that this post is true, said Chris Grey, a spokesman for the command. The individual who posted this no longer resides or is stationed at Fort Hood and is no longer in the Army. However, out of an abundance of caution, we are contacting the individual. Investigators also believe that Private Guillens case is not connected to the disappearance last year of another soldier at Fort Hood: PV2 Gregory Morales. Private Morales was last seen Aug. 19, 2019, while driving a car in Killeen, Texas, where the base is. The Criminal Investigation Command is offering a $25,000 reward for credible information leading to the whereabouts of Privates Morales and Guillen. Domingo Garcia, the national president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, has contributed an additional $25,000 reward for credible information regarding Private Guillens whereabouts, said Roman Palomares, a spokesman for the Hispanic advocacy organization. The rapper Baby Bash also wrote on Facebook that he would add $5,000 to the reward. Image Private Guillens family said she was sexually harassed before her disappearance. Credit... U.S. Army Representative Sylvia Garcia of Texas said that Private Guillens family had reached out to her office asking for help to get answers about her disappearance. India has been a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) seven times. The challenge is in making its eighth term distinct. India launched its campaign this time soon after wrapping up its seventh term in 2012. The first concrete step taken publicly was in 2013 when Afghanistan withdrew its plans to run for a non-permanent seat in favour of India. None of the other 54 members of the UNs Asia-Pacific Group came forward to challenge India (not even Pakistan, which has churlishly refused to welcome Indias election). The group unanimously endorsed India as its nominee in 2019, setting up the emphatic victory on Wednesday with 184 of the 192 votes polled. This is a hard-won victory. And it comes with several happy coincidences. Indias two-year-term starting January 1, 2021, will coincide in its final year with the 75th anniversary of its Independence and its first time as host of the G-20 summit of the worlds leading economies. So, how about completing that package with a promotion to permanent membership of the council? Or another shot at it, better prepared this time? India used its seventh term, starting 2011, to not only burnish its claim to a permanent seat but to also make it happen. Some Indian experts had called it a rehearsal for permanent membership. India tried, and though its efforts did not result in any immediate outcomes, it may have contributed significantly to advancing the torturously sluggish process from inter-governmental negotiations (a formal process abbreviated to IGN) to the next phase of text-based negotiations in 2015. India plans to start its eighth term on January 1, with the same intent, described as priorities under an overarching theme of New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System. This is just another way to package the same quest for permanent membership. There are other priorities as well, such as depoliticising UNSCs sanction regime for terrorism. But SC reform is rightly at the top. This time around, though, India must use the temporary membership to show what it is and what it is not. A Yes or No vote on a UNSC decision carries more substance and more character than the self-justification of an Abstain vote. There may be some virtue in not aligning with any of the permanent-five the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia and China in a lingering hangover of decades of non-alignment, which served India well at the time. But there is immense strategic advantage to be mined from assertive alignments based on the simple premise of India taking a stand. The building standing at 235 E 43rd St, New York City the Permanent Mission of India since 1993 towers over the Manhattan neighbourhood not because its the tallest, but because of the character of the late architect Charles Correas quietly bold and assertive architecture. Its time now to flaunt that swag at UNSC. yashwant.raj@hindustantimes.com The views expressed are personal EU leaders have made a decision to extend the economic sanctions on Russia for six months, TASS reported referring to a source in one of the delegations. "The leaders agreed to extend sanctions for six months more," the source noted. According to the source, this decision came after German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron informed the rest of the leaders on the implementation of the Minsk agreements to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. Restrictive measures against Russia are tied to the implementation of the Minsk agreements, he noted adding that the leaders came to the conclusion that there was no significant progress in this process, and therefore it was decided to extend the sanctions. MOSCOW (dpa-AFX) - North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) called on China, as a major military and nuclear power, to engage with the Alliance for negotiations on nuclear arms control. A NATO Defense Ministerial discussed the response to threats facing the alliance during a two-day virtual meeting chaired by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels. The conference addressed missile challenges posed by Russia, and decided to strengthen the Alliance's defenses in response to Russia's 'destabilizing and dangerous' behavior. Announcing the decisions at a news conference, Stoltenberg said the defense ministers agreed to a balanced package of political and military elements, including strengthening the alliance integrated air and missile defense system. 'We also agreed to strengthen our advanced conventional capabilities, and allies are investing in new platforms, including fifth generation fighter aircraft,' he told reporters. Russia remains the greatest threat to the alliance, and the ministers discussed Russian efforts to subvert the alliance and build their military force. They specifically addressed Russia's extensive and growing arsenal of nuclear-capable missiles and their implications for NATO's security, Stoltenberg said. 'Russia has tested its air-launched ballistic missile system, and is developing a nuclear-powered cruise missile,' the secretary general said. The NATO chief cited Russia's deployment of SSC-8 missiles in 2019 as the reason for the demise of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty. 'The SSC-8 missiles are dual-capable, mobile and hard to detect. They can reach European cities with little warning time, and they lower the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons,' Stoltenberg said. The secretary general said NATO will maintian its nuclear deterrence and defense in Europe, 'but will not mirror Russia'. He made it clear that he global defense alliance has no intention to deploy new land-based nuclear missiles in Europe. Addressing the Ministerial, Defense Secretary Mark Espe noted that the security challenges that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic still exist, and the Alliance must take steps to ensure the health crisis does not become a security crisis. He also talked about the urgency of engaging in meaningful trilateral arms control efforts with both Russia and China. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Presidente @MartinVizcarraC: Cuando inicio esta pandemia, en el pais contabamos con solo 2000 camas de hospitalizacion para pacientes Covid-19. Ahora, tenemos alrededor de 13 000, y nuestro objetivo es incrementar la oferta hospitalaria a 20 000 camas en un mes. pic.twitter.com/pVArS2AolV Local Councillor John Sheridan has obtained new information from the Environmental Protection Agency about the follow up to the Tallanstown Boil Water notice and concerns about emissions into the River Glyde. "While the boil water notice was finally lifted in April, I have been contacted numerous times about issues of discolouration and odours in the water in Tallanstown. I have raised these with Irish Water to no avail so I then escalated to the Environmental Protection Agency." He added: "I have received a response which has confirmed that there is a legally binding directive on Irish Water to replace the current water supply for Tallanstown, Louth Village and Knockbridge by the end of 2020. This is certainly a welcome development and will see the Mullacrew treatment plant decommissioned and the supply replaced with the Dundalk Supply from Cavan Hill." Cllr Sheridan continued: Separately, there had been some national media reports about concerns about a licence for emissions of sulphate by a mining company in Co. Monaghan into a river upstream from the Tallanstown supply. I understand the EPA are investigating emissions exceeding the limits allowed and this is of course to be welcomed. "The EPA have also told me, thankfully, that they have investigated the water in Tallanstown and they cannot find any connection with emissions 21km upstream the river Glyde. They have told me that a fish survey has been done and there is 'no evidence that the discharge is influencing the fish community or habitat quality... the EPA has determined no link related to the issues with the Tallanstown Public water supply and the sulphate breaches in Co. Monaghan'. "The above is obviously to be welcomed but I will continue to campaign on this issue at local level to ensure the people of Tallanstown have a safe and reliable water." The lag between current events and current events books has never felt longer, but this fall authors are tackling many issues at play in the Covid-19 crisis, including job insecurity, social inequality, and the spread of misinformation. Top 10 Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents Isabel Wilkerson. Random House, Aug. 4 ($32, ISBN 978-0-593-23025-1) Pulitzer-winner Wilkerson investigates the rigid social hierarchy that has shaped American history and the lives of individuals including Martin Luther King Jr., Satchel Paige, and Wilkerson herself. The Churchill Complex: The Curse of Being Special, from Winston and FDR to Trump and Brexit Ian Buruma. Penguin Press, Sept. 1 ($27, ISBN 978-0-525-52220-1) Buruma views the special relationship between Britain and America and its impact on world history through the lens of presidentprime minister pairings. Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women Kate Manne. Crown, Aug. 11 ($27, ISBN 978-1-984826-55-8) Philosopher Manne examines Brett Kavanaughs Supreme Court confirmation hearings and the viral New Yorker short story Cat Person, among other topics, in this inquiry into the dangers posed by male entitlement. Having and Being Had Eula Biss. Riverhead, Sept. 1 ($26, ISBN 978-0-525-53745-8) Biss, who drew on her experiences as a new mother to explore the vaccination debate in On Immunity, now uses the occasion of buying her first home as a launching point to investigate the impact of capitalism on human value systems. Mill Town: Reckoning with What Remains Kerri Arsenault. St. Martins, Sept. 1 ($27.99, ISBN 978-1-250-15593-1) Though the local paper mill employed most people in Arsenaults hometown, it also gave the region its nickname: Cancer Valley. She explores the mills complicated legacy. On Corruption in America: And What Is at Stake Sarah Chayes. Knopf, Aug. 11 ($28.95, ISBN 978-0-525-65485-8) Self-dealing networks of public officials, private interests, and outright criminals have operated in America from the Gilded Age to the Trump presidency, according to Chayess investigation. A Peculiar Indifference: The Neglected Toll of Violence on Black America Elliott Currie. Metropolitan, Sept. 15 ($27.99, ISBN 978-1-250-76993-0) Criminologist Currie delves into the disparities between rates of violent injury and death in black and white communities in America, and condemns the lack of attention paid to the crisis. Red Line: The Unraveling of Syria and Americas Race to Destroy the Most Dangerous Arsenal in the World Joby Warrick. Doubleday, Oct. 6 ($29.95, ISBN 978-0-385-54446-7) Two-time Pulitzer-winner Warrick reveals the unintended geopolitical consequences of the 2013 American-led mission to remove 1,300 tons of chemical weapons from Syria. The Tyranny of Merit: Whats Become of the Common Good? Michael J. Sandel. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Sept. 15 ($27, ISBN 978-0-374-28998-0) Philosopher Sandel probes the dark side of meritocracy, exploring how resentments generated by stalled upward mobility have fueled the resurgence of populism in American politics. We Have Been Harmonized: Life in Chinas Surveillance State Kai Strittmatter. Custom House, Sept. 1 ($28.99, ISBN 978-0-06-302729-9) Journalist Strittmatter examines how the Chinese government has exploited technology to surveil and imprison its citizens and strengthen totalitarian rule. Listings Basic Republic of Wrath: How American Politics Turned Tribal, from George Washington to Donald Trump by James A. Morone (Sept. 8, $30, ISBN 978-0-465-00244-3) tracks the history of tribalism in American politics and examines how shifts in the constituencies and policy agendas of Democratic and Republican parties have contributed to todays rancor. Worked Over: How Round-the-Clock Work Is Killing the American Dream by Jamie K. McCallum (Sept. 8, $28, ISBN 978-1-5416-1834-3) follows the significant increase in work hours since the 1970s, examines how unpredictable schedules affect low-wage laborers, and offers ideas for regaining control of how much time Americans spend on the job. Belknap Voice, Choice, and Action: The Potential of Young Citizens to Heal Democracy by Felton Earls and Mary Carlson (Sept. 15, $27.95, ISBN 978-0-674-98742-5). Two Harvard Medical School professors draw on their fieldwork in Brazil, Romania, Tanzania, and the U.S. to showcase strategies for promoting democracy and confronting social challenges by harnessing the power of childrens interest in the common good. Bold Type In Defense of Looting: A Riotous History of Uncivil Action by Vicky Osterweil (Aug. 25, $28, ISBN 978-1-64503-669-2) pursues the history of violent protest in America from slave revolts to the present and contends that rioting and looting are some of the most powerful weapons poor and marginalized people have in confronting the status quo. Work Wont Love You Back: How Devotion to Our Jobs Keeps Us Exploited, Exhausted, and Alone by Sarah Jaffe (Jan. 26, $28, ISBN 978-1-56858-939-8) undercuts the idea that people should be willing to earn less and work longer hours in order to do what they love. Brookings Institution Trumps Democrats by Stephanie Muravchik and Jon A. Shields (Sept. 15, $27.99, ISBN 978-0-8157-3863-3). Muravchik and Shields lived in three different communities that flipped from blue to red in the 2016 presidential election in order to better understand Trumps appeal to Democratic voters, and how the party can win them back. Catapult White Tears/Brown Scars: How White Feminism Betrays Women of Color by Ruby Hamad (Oct. 6, $16.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-948226-74-5) delves into how the legacy of white supremacy has pitted white women against women of color in Australia, Zimbabwe, and the U.S. from the slave era to the present day. Celadon A Users Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Nick Capodice and Hannah McCarthy, illus. by Tom Toro (Sept. 8, $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-75184-3). Capodice and McCarthy, cohosts of New Hampshire Public Radios Civics 101, and New Yorker cartoonist Toro offer a primer on the workings of the U.S. government. City Lights Dispatches from the Race War by Tim Wise (Dec. 1, $17.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-87286-809-0). This essay collection explores the birther controversy, the killing of Trayvon Martin, the rise of white nationalism, and other racial flashpoints of the Obama and Trump presidencies. Counterpoint This Is Ohio: The Overdose Crisis and the Front Lines of a New America by Jack Shuler (Sept. 8, $26, ISBN 978-1-64009-355-3). According to PWs review, Shulers deeply felt account of the opioid epidemic in Licking County, Ohio, does a devastating job of personalizing the failures of U.S. drug policy. Custom House Liars Circus: A Strange and Terrifying Journey into the Upside-Down World of Trumps MAGA Rallies by Carl Hoffman (Sept. 1, $26.99, ISBN 978-0-06-300976-9). In 2019, Hoffman immersed himself in the rituals and culture of Trumps rallies and attempts to explain what they reveal about Trumps rise and the impact of his presidency on American politics. Doubleday True Crimes and Misdemeanors: The Investigation of Donald Trump by Jeffrey Toobin (Aug. 4, $30, ISBN 978-0-385-53673-8). CNN legal analyst Toobins behind-the-scenes account of the Mueller investigation and the 2020 impeachment trial considers reasons why efforts to hold President Trump accountable for various alleged crimes have failed. Farrar, Straus and Giroux Fevers, Feuds, and Diamonds: Ebola and the Ravages of History by Paul Farmer (Nov. 17, $40, ISBN 978-0-374-23432-4). Harvard Medical School professor Farmer, subject of Tracy Kidders Mountains Beyond Mountains, examines the origins of the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa and chronicles his public health organizations efforts to stem the tide of the epidemic. Flatiron Stuff You Should Know: An Incomplete Compendium of Mostly Interesting Things by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant (Nov. 24, $27.99, ISBN 978-1-250-26850-1). Clark and Bryant, cohosts of the Stuff You Should Know podcast, dive into the origins of the Murphy bed, the history of facial hair, and the psychology of being lost, among other subjects. Free Press Head, Hand, Heart: Why Intelligence Is Overrated, Manual Workers Matter, and Caregivers Deserve More Respect by David Goodhart (Sept. 8, $27, ISBN 978-1-982128-44-9). The British political analyst tracks the changing status and influence of knowledge workers, manual laborers, and caregivers in recent decades and argues that democratic societies must respect and reward qualities other than intelligence. Hachette Culture Warlords: My Journey into the Dark Web of White Supremacy by Talia Lavin (Oct. 13, $27, ISBN 978-0-306-84643-4). Journalist Lavin goes undercover to infiltrate extremist communities online, including a whites-only dating site, incel chat forums, and a YouTube channel run by a 14-year-old white supremacist with 800,000 followers. Hanover Square Rise Up: Confronting a Country at the Crossroads by Al Sharpton (Sept. 29, $27.99, ISBN 978-1-335-96662-9). The civil rights leader looks back on the Obama presidency and the 2016 election and spotlights new political movements that have materialized in response to the Trump administration. Harper Spooked: The Trump Dossier, Black Cube, and the Rise of Private Spies by Barry Meier (Jan. 26, $28.99, ISBN 978-0-06-295068-0). Investigative reporter Meier connects the dots between the Steele dossier, the Theranos scandal, and Harvey Weinsteins intimidation campaign against the press and his accusers to shine a light on the billion-dollar business of private spying. Harper Wave Cassandra Speaks: When Women Are the Storytellers, the Human Story Changes by Elizabeth Lesser (Sept. 15, $27.99, ISBN 978-0-06-288718-4). Omega Institute cofounder Lesser explores how hero myths and other cultural origin stories have marginalized women and upheld masculine value systems, and offers a corrective based on finding the balance between courage and compassion. Haymarket Azadi: Freedom. Fascism. Fiction by Arundhati Roy (Sept. 1, $22, ISBN 978-1-64259-260-3). In this essay collection, novelist Roy examines Hindu nationalism and the Kashmiri independence movement, as well as the meaning of freedom and the role of fiction in an era of rising authoritarianism. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Cant Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation by Anne Helen Petersen (Sept. 22, $26, ISBN 978-0-358-31507-0). Expanding on her viral BuzzFeed article from 2019, Peterson contends that burnout is endemic among millennials and investigates the causes and consequences of the phenomenon. Library of America American Democracy: 21 Historic Answers to 5 Urgent Questions, edited by Nicholas Lemann (Oct. 6, $21.95, ISBN 978-1-59853-662-1), collects essential writings from American history that speak to todays hot-button issues, including immigration, inequality, the influence of special interests on politics, and the powers of the federal government. Liveright Counting: How We Use Numbers to Decide What Matters by Deborah Stone (Oct. 6, $26.95, ISBN 978-1-63149-592-2). Political scientist Stone probes the relationship between quantifying and classifying to show that numbers are not as objective as they seem, and explains how the act of counting shapes public policy and daily life. Mango Words Whispered in Water: Why the Levees Broke in Hurricane Katrina by Sandy Rosenthal (Aug. 11, $19.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-64250-327-2) documents the authors battle to hold the Army Corps of Engineers to account for the flooding of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. Metropolitan Soul City: Race, Equality, and the Lost Dream of an American Utopia by Thomas Healy (Jan. 12, $29.99, ISBN 978-1-62779-862-4) chronicles civil rights leader Floyd McKissicks efforts to build a new, primarily African American city in rural North Carolina, and the unlikely alliance between Republican senator Jesse Helms and liberal newspaper editors that doomed those plans. MIT Democratizing Our Data: A Manifesto by Julia Lane (Sept. 1, $24.95, ISBN 978-0-262-04432-5). NYU professor Lane highlights the importance of high-quality public data for the functioning of democratic societies and suggests ways to improve the usefulness and accessibility of data produced by the U.S. government. Morrow A Perfect Phone Call: The Impeachment of Donald Trump by Rachael Bade and Karoun Demirjian (Sept. 8, $28.99, ISBN 978-0-06-304079-3). Washington Post congressional reporters Bade and Demirjian take a behind-the-scenes look at how Trumps impeachment over the Ukraine affair unfolded. New Press Andrea Dworkin: The Feminist as Revolutionary by Martin Duberman (Sept. 8, $29.99, ISBN 978-1-62097-585-5). According to PWs review, this empathetic and approachable biography will give readers a new appreciation for Dworkins combative radicalism and the lifelong, unsteady truce she made with the feminist mainstream. City of Champions: A History of Triumph and Defeat in Detroit by Stefan Szymanski and Silke-Maria Weineck (Oct. 13, $29.99, ISBN 978-1-62097-442-1) intertwines sports, sociology, and economics in a work described by PWs review as a sophisticated yet entertaining history that captures both Detroits colorful peculiarities and the deep tectonic forces shaping them. Waste: One Womans Fight Against Americas Dirty Secret by Catherine Coleman Flowers (Nov. 17, $26.99, ISBN 978-1-62097-608-1). The environmental justice activist documents her lifes work to expose the dangers of poor sanitation and ensure that impoverished rural Americans have the means to dispose of their waste cleanly. Norton Mistrust: Why Losing Faith in Institutions Provides the Tools to Transform Them by Ethan Zuckerman (Nov. 10, $26.95, ISBN 978-1-324-00260-4). MIT media scholar Zuckerman examines the loss of faith in Americas civic institutions and explores ways to stimulate active participation in public life. Other Press Why Didnt We Riot? A Black Man in Trumpland by Issac J. Bailey (Oct. 6, $19.99, ISBN 978-1-63542-028-9). In this essay collection, South Carolina journalist Bailey addresses Confederate monuments, media bias, police brutality, poverty, white supremacy, and other divisive issues of the Trump era. Oxford Univ. Crackup: The Republican Implosion and the Future of Presidential Politics by Samuel L. Popkin (Sept. 1, $27.95, ISBN 978-0-19-091382-3) traces the roots of Trumps electoral win to the unintended consequences of campaign finance reforms that fueled the rise of super PACs and sowed divisions within the Republican Party. The Middle Way: Three Presidents and the Crisis of American Leadership by Derek Chollet (Jan. 2, $29.95, ISBN 978-0-19-009288-7). A foreign policy adviser to Barack Obama revisits the Eisenhower, George H.W. Bush, and Obama presidencies to make the case for the power and efficacy of a measured, centrist approach to international affairs. Pantheon Supermans Not Coming: Our National Water Crisis and What We the People Can Do About It by Erin Brockovich (Aug. 25, $29.95, ISBN 978-1-5247-4696-4). The environmental activist raises questions about the cleanliness and safety of Americas water supply and profiles individuals working to fix the problem. Portfolio One Billion Americans: The Case for Thinking Bigger by Matthew Yglesias (Sept. 15, $28, ISBN 978-0-593-19021-0). Vox cofounder Yglesias contends that the U.S. population needs to reach one billion in order for America to stay on top of the world order while fixing public transportation, improving public education and the social safety net, and mitigating climate change. White House, Inc.: How Donald Trump Turned the Presidency into a Business by Dan Alexander (Sept. 22, $28, ISBN 978-0-593-18852-1). Forbes senior editor Alexander scrutinizes Trumps business portfolio and the conflicts he and wealthy associates such as Carl Icahn and Jared Kushner have created between their private interests and public roles. PublicAffairs Collateral Damage: Britain, America, and Europe in the Age of Trump by Kim Darroch (Sept. 15, $30, ISBN 978-1-5417-5101-9) reveals the inside story behind the authors 2019 resignation as British ambassador to the U.S., and offers his perspective on the Brexit referendum, the rise of populism, and the Trump White House. October Surprise: How the FBI Tried to Save Itself and Crashed an Election by Devlin Barrett (Sept. 29, $28, ISBN 978-1-5417-6197-1). Washington Post reporter Barrett takes a critical look at the FBIs October 2016 decision to reopen the Hillary Clinton email server investigation after initially concluding that no crime had been committed. Random House Calling Bullshit: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World by Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West (Aug. 4, $28, ISBN 978-0-525-50918-9). Two University of Washington science professors critique the presentation of misinformation in the language of math, science, and statistics, and offer tools to recognize problems with data. Riverhead The Modern Detective: How Corporate Intelligence Is Reshaping the World by Tyler Maroney (Sept. 29, $27, ISBN 978-1-59463-259-4). Private investigator Maroney contends that he and his colleagues are taking the place of traditional law enforcement in rooting out sophisticated corporate fraud and political corruption, and presents case studies from his work in the field. Scribner Our Bodies, Their Battlefields: War Through the Lives of Women by Christina Lamb (Sept. 22, $17 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5011-9917-2). War correspondent Lamb documents the lives of women in wartime, including Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by the terrorist group Boko Haram and Rohingya women fleeing persecution in Myanmar. Seal Black Women, Black Love: Americas War on African American Marriage by Dianne M. Stewart (Oct. 6, $30, ISBN 978-1-58005-818-6) examines how mass incarceration, racial violence, slavery, and the welfare system have contributed to low marriage rates in the black community and makes suggestions for change. Seven Stories All Laras Wars by Wojciech Jagielski, trans. by Antonia Lloyd-Jones (Oct. 13, $23.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-64421-016-1). Polish war correspondent Jagielski chronicles the radicalization of two Chechen brothers who joined ISIS in Syria and their mothers quest to bring them home. Simon & Schuster Monopolies Suck: 7 Ways Big Corporations Rule Your Life and How to Take Back Control by Sally Hubbard (Oct. 13, $24, ISBN 978-1-982149-70-3). A director at the antitrust think tank Open Markets Institute ties many of todays social ills to the power of unchecked monopolies, and issues a call for Americans to protest mega-corporations. What Were We Thinking: A Brief Intellectual History of the Trump Era by Carlos Lozada (Oct. 6, $28, ISBN 978-1-982145-62-0). Washington Post book critic Lozada surveys the mountain of books that attempt to explain Trumps election and the issues his presidency raises for America. St. Martins Liberty from All Masters: The New American Autocracy vs. the Will of the People by Barry C. Lynn (Sept. 29, $28.99, ISBN 978-1-250-24062-0) diagnoses the dangers monopolies such as Amazon and Google pose to individual liberties, including how and where people work and how they raise their families. Losing the Long Game: The False Promise of Regime Change in the Middle East by Philip H. Gordon (Oct. 6, $29.99, ISBN 978-1-250-21703-5). A foreign policy official in the Obama administration scrutinizes American interventions in Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Libya, and Syria over the past two decades to understand why they failed and what unintended consequences they unleashed. Twelve Guilty Admissions: The Bribes, Favors, and Phonies Behind the College Cheating Scandal by Nicole LaPorte (Sept. 8, $28, ISBN 978-1-5387-1709-7) recounts the story behind Operation Varsity Bluesthe U.S. Justice Departments 20182019 investigation into conspiracy by college admissions counselors, school officials, and wealthy parents to manipulate the admissions process at elite universities. Return to the main feature. Ten-year sentences for desecrating war memorials would risk turning protesters into 'martyrs', the Defence Secretary warned today. Ben Wallace played down the need for tougher jail terms against 'idiots', suggesting a better response could be to make them spend time with soldiers or veterans to 'learn what sacrifice is really about'. In an interview with the House magazine, Mr Wallace also admitted the Ministry of Defence's record on attracting and retaining BAME recruits was 'woeful'. Ministers have been discussing with Tory MPs how punishments could be ramped up amid outrage at ugly scenes with Black Lives Matter and Far Right protesters at the Cenotaph, Winston Churchill's statue and the memorial to PC Keith Palmer at Westminster. Winston Churchill's statue in Parliament Square was vandalised during Black Lives Matter protests this month Ben Wallace (pictured) played down the need for tougher jail terms against 'idiots', suggesting a better response could be to make them spend time with soldiers or veterans to 'learn what sacrifice is really about' Backbenchers Jonathan Gullis and James Sunderland have put forward a Desecration of War Memorials Bill, which would make it illegal to damage any tribute to those who died in the war. It is set to come before the Commons on June 23, although it will need government support to progress. Labour has indicated it supports the principle of a specific offence of vandalising war memorials. Asked about the idea of 10-year sentences, Mr Wallace said: 'You should be punished for it. But also, you shouldn't be martyred because you're just an idiot. 'And I wouldn't give those people the credit that they're a martyr, I think they're just idiots. 'And what really we should do, is instead of sending them to jail they should come and meet some of the men and women of the armed forces and their veterans and learn what sacrifice is really about. That might teach them a lesson or two.' He added: 'I feel pretty angry that people think the problems of the world are because of statues, and actually, our history is warts and all you have to be warts and all or you don't learn the lessons of history. 'You don't get your message across by desecrating anything. In fact, you look like an idiot.' But Mr Wallace added: 'For what it's worth, as a former soldier, what makes us great as a country is not just statues, and it's not just medals it's our values. And it's valuing the living as much as the dead, if not more.' Mr Wallace also delivered a withering verdict on the MoD's record on promoting a diverse workforce. Figures published by the Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces show that while BAME people make up just 7 per cent of armed forces personnel, they account for 13 per cent of complaints about discrimination. Meanwhile, BAME representation in the civilian ranks is far below the wider civil service average of 12.7 per cent. 'This department has simply not done well enough on two areas, predominantly on BAME issues: we have not recruited enough people, and we have not made this a welcoming place for enough people. Our figures are woeful,' Mr Wallace said. 'From a purely selfish point of view, by not having more BAME personnel, not having more women, we are losing the opportunity to have some great talent. 'So it's really, really important that this is stopped, crushed, got rid of, and we have to double our efforts.' Earlier this week it emerged that another senior minister had suggested people caught vandalising public memorials should be sent to 'battle camp' to learn about the Armed Forces. Penny Mordaunt said the scenes at the Cenotaph and other sites during Black Lives Matter and Far Right demonstrations had been 'disturbing' Paymaster General Penny Mordaunt - a former defence secretary - said the scenes at the Cenotaph and other sites had been 'disturbing'. In a letter to Justice Secretary Robert Buckland seen by her local Portsmouth News paper, Ms Mordaunt said: In desecrating such memorials some protesters sent a message to veterans and all those in uniform today: your life doesnt matter to me. Whatever the motivations for such acts, they should be condemned in the strongest terms and are totally against the values of the people of our country, of every creed and colour. I would like to suggest that for some found guilty of vandalising such memorials they might benefit from some time spent with our service personnel perhaps at a battle camp. That might give them a new appreciation of just what these people go through for their sakes. They are their armed forces. They should be respected and treasured. Moneycontrol's Keerthana Tiwari and Corporate Bureau Chief Prince Thomas discuss the India-China standoff and its impact on the corporate sector, in this episode of Corporate Buzz. According to Thomas, Indian companies may have a lot to lose if the country decides to boycott China. Thomas sheds light on the AirAsia controversy, where pilot Gaurav Taneja was suspended for pointing out alleged safety violations by the airline. He also gives some insights on COVID-19 drugs, explaining why there is a delay with Gilead's Remdesivir, and about the other new drugs that have come to the forefront. Lastly, Bajaj Auto has overtaken Hero MotoCorp in terms of revenue and Thomas describes how that was achieved. PMs remarks came after talks with party heads, with opposition leaders raising the issue of intelligence failures. Indias prime minister has said the country is hurt and angry at the killing of 20 soldiers by Chinese forces in a disputed Himalayan border region, but appeared to downplay the incident in a public address, denying there had been any incursion into Indian territory. Nobody has intruded into our border, neither is anybody there now, nor have our posts been captured, Narendra Modi said in a televised speech on Friday after he spent the day meeting representatives of parties from across the political spectrum in a bid to build consensus to tackle the rising tensions with China. He assured political leaders that our forces will spare no effort to protect our nation. China and India, both nuclear-armed countries, accuse each other of instigating the fight this week in the Galwan Valley. There is little evidence of what led to Chinese and Indian soldiers engage in the brawl on Monday. It was the deadliest incident between the two sides in 45 years, although China has not said whether it suffered any casualties. Modis comments contrasted with his governments earlier statements on the clash. On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar had told a senior Chinese diplomat that the dispute was triggered after the Chinese side sought to erect a structure in Galwan valley on our side of the LAC, according to a ministry statement, referring to the Line of Actual Control, the de facto border. China on Friday maintained its position that India was to blame. The right and wrong is very clear and the responsibility lies entirely with the Indian side, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. On Friday, a source told Reuters news agency that despite daily meetings between Indian and Chinese military officials at the LAC, the situation remains as it was, there is no disengagement, but there is also no further build-up of forces. Questions over intelligence Modi spoke following a three-hour all-party meeting. He held a virtual meeting with the heads of more than a dozen top opposition parties. Sonia Gandhi, the chief of main opposition Congress party, questioned whether intelligence failures had allowed China to build up forces in the area. Does the government not receive, on a regular basis, satellite pictures of the borders of our country? Did our external intelligence agencies not report any unusual activity along the LAC? Gandhi asked. She added the entire country would like assurances that China will move its forces back to the LAC. Other opposition leaders echoed her call. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh denied there was an intelligence failure on the part of the army. Anti-China sentiment grows While both sides have said they favour a resolution through dialogue, anti-China protests across India and domestic pressure on Modi may make it difficult to calm the situation without more concrete action. A movement to boycott products from China, Indias largest trading partner, has gained momentum since the clash. Authorities have cancelled a railways contract with a Chinese firm and at least four Chinese firms involved in other Indian projects also stand to lose business. Meanwhile, state-run telecom firms have been told to forego Chinese telecommunications equipment in favour of locally sourced material for upgrading 4G mobile networks, Indian media reported, while a major traders body, the Confederation of All India Traders, has called for a boycott of Chinese goods. Also on Friday, Indian media reported that China had freed 10 Indian soldiers seized in the clash following several rounds of talks late on Thursday. Hours later, China denied it had detained any Indian soldiers. China claims about 90,000 square kilometres (35,000 square miles) of territory in Indias northeast, while India says China occupies 38,000 square kilometres (15,000 square miles) of its territory in the Aksai Chin Plateau in the Himalayas, a contiguous part of the Ladakh region. India unilaterally declared Ladakh a federal territory while separating it from disputed Kashmir region in August 2019. China was among the countries to condemn the move, raising it at forums including the United Nations Security Council. India was elected to the UNSC this week. As the 10-week sideways consolidation continues to build a floor in the gold price just below multi-year resistance at $1800, Chinese global gold miners are making all-cash offers for small-cap juniors at large premiums. This recent wave of Chinese deals for junior firms has come while government lock-downs are systematically being lifted in select mining jurisdictions. After Chinese firm Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd. completed the takeover of Canadian miner Continental Gold Inc for C$1.3 billion in early March, Shandong Gold Mining, one of Chinas biggest gold producers, entered into an agreement to acquire Toronto-listed TMAC Resources (TMR.TO) for around C$230 million on May 8th. But the deal will be among the first pored over by Ottawa after it announced in April that it would bring enhanced scrutiny to bear on acquisitions by foreign state-owned investors in a period where the COVID-19 pandemic has driven down the value of companies. Then last week, Zijin nixed a growing bidding war amongst Canadian based firms to acquire Guyana Goldfields (GUY.TO) for C$323 million, bringing an end to a protracted takeover battle for the Canada-listed junior gold miner. Toronto-based Guyana Goldfields announced on June 3rd that it had received a binding proposal from an unnamed overseas-based miner to acquire the company, valuing it around 35% higher than a previously accepted offer from Silvercorp Metals (SVM.TO). The third Chinese gold miner all-cash deal over the past five weeks was announced yesterday, when Shandong agreed to buy Australia-headquartered Cardinal Resources (CDV.TO), which operates in Ghana, for A$0.60 a share in cash. This offer beat the preliminary proposal announced by Nord Gold on March 16th of A$0.45775 a share. The Shandong offer values Cardinal at about A$300-million, which is a 75.5% premium to Cardinals 20-day unaffected volume-weighted average price and a 39.3% premium to its 20-day volume-weighted average price up to June 18th. Chinese companies have not only been active buying up gold mines around the world recently but Shandong Gold Group, the state-owned parent company, signed up in 2015 to back a national Beijing effort to stockpile the precious metal. China is also the largest producer and consumer of gold in the world. While China has been ramping up purchasing gold mining juniors at a premium, North American major miners have been more careful in doing deals that consolidate assets to minimize costs and maximize shareholder returns. Although deal-making among North American gold miners has picked up since the precious metals latest rally began in mid-to-late 2018, paying a zero premium to merge two small-cap junior equals has been the new M&A normal. During the previous miner bull market run-up into 2011, acquisitions at a premium dominated M&A activity which led to many North American global miners overpaying for assets. As the gold price made a major top at $1920 that year, senior miners failed to deliver the expected performance and eventually had to write-down assets acquired during the brutal bear market that followed. However, in the current gold bull market, mergers of equals have become more common recently, along with global miners taking strategic positions in junior developers. Having learned from mistakes made at the peak of the last gold bull run, companies became more creative to increase value and shareholder returns, rather than overspending to grow ounce production to simply get bigger. Although it has been a rough ten years of challenging capital markets for junior miners since the last gold bull market ended in 2011, new money has been flooding into this tiny sector since the beginning of May. And investors have been taking note of juniors that have JVs with larger mining firms, as these senior companies have basically done most of the due diligence for them. Moreover, Joe Foster, portfolio manager of VanEck International Investors Gold Fund (INIVX), told Kitco News this week that the financial situation for gold-mining companies may be the best hes ever seen in a long career that started as a geologist and later as a fund manager. Ive been in the gold-mining industry for all of my career. I dont think Ive ever seen it as healthy as it is today, he said. Theyre firing on all cylinders. Theyre doing a great job of controlling costs. Theyve got their balance sheets in pristine condition. Theyre very well managed companies. Robust balance sheets and ongoing free cash flow for the producers relative to the juniors has fueled the potential for senior miners to restock development pipelines in the very near future. Given further growth in the value discount between producers and exploration/development companies, as the gold price builds a new floor above $1600, I expect the more traditional M&A will return to the junior space once the impact of COVID-19 subsides. These near-future transactions will primarily focus on junior developers in the process of de-risking high-quality assets with significant exploration potential in established mining jurisdictions, and likely at a more advanced stage. If you require assistance in choosing quality take-over candidates in the junior space to invest and would like to receive my research, newsletter, portfolio, and trade alerts, please click here for instant access. A China-based pharmaceutical company claims its COVID-19 vaccine candidate is proving to be safe and effective on humans so far, citing early research. A senior member of the company said the vaccine could finish the last phase of human testing as early as this fall. "The vaccine shows [protection] on animal models -- on monkeys," said Helen Yang, senior director of Investor Relations at Sinovac Biotech Ltd. "Currently, we are conducting the trial on humans and we expect some preliminary data for Phase I and Phase II to be available within this month." MORE: Out of the lab and into peoples arms: A list of COVID-19 vaccines that are being studied in clinical trials Sinovac Biotech is a pharmaceutical company with a history in vaccine development based in Beijing, China. Its vaccine, CoronaVac, is one of at least 11 approved for human testing worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. PHOTO: An engineer takes samples of monkey kidney cells as he make tests on an experimental vaccine for the COVID-19 coronavirus inside the Cells Culture Room laboratory at the Sinovac Biotech facilities in Beijing, April 29, 2020. (Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via Getty Images) "We were approved to conduct human trials, including children and senior citizens, but currently the trial is on 18 to 59-year-olds," said Yang. "We are about to start the studies on the (elderly) and then, after that, we will conduct the trial on the younger population." Yang said the company is following the same three-phase testing protocol used in western countries and reports that so far they have tested 144 volunteers in phase I and 600 in phase II. Phase I is a small study in healthy adults to test for safety, whereas phase II is a slightly larger study testing for safety and effectiveness. Phase III is a study conducted on an even larger test group. "The vaccine shows a good safety profile," Yang told ABC News regarding their human trials. "We haven't seen any severe adverse reaction after using our vaccines." Yang said the vaccine could finish phase III of testing by the fall -- the final phase needed for the vaccine's approval in China. Although, Yang cautioned, this timeline is dependent on the vaccine's continued alleged success in human trials. Story continues This is the same ambitious timeline being offered by the United States' Operation Warp Speed which has a goal of a safe and effective vaccine available for Americans in January 2021. MORE: Gov't to sink billions into a vaccine, prioritize vulnerable populations The U.S. has several vaccine candidates in clinical trials and expects to have more by the end of the summer from a number of companies including Moderna, AstraZenaca/Oxford, Pfizer, Merck and Johnson and Johnson. "Phase III trial needs to take a few months, at least," explained Yang. "After we see the phase II, we will know how much of the antibody level can be induced by the vaccine, and then phase III will tell you if the level of antibodies will provide protection." The U.S. government has said any vaccine candidate it partners with as part of "Operation Warp Speed" would be available in America first and then any surplus may be distributed internationally. It's not clear if China would make any of their vaccines available in the U.S. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said that regulators in the United States and Europe have the most rigorous safety standards in the world for testing and developing new drugs and vaccines. Fauci was also more cautious about the expectations for a Chinese vaccine. "I certainly don't have as much confidence in what comes out of China than I do which comes out of the United States," Fauci said in an interview with ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Jonathan Karl on "Powerhouse Politics" podcast. "I know from experience that the material that has come out of there has been material that has not been first rate." When asked if their leaps in vaccine development may be because of lax protocols in China, Yang said the company was "developing a vaccine based on the regulations from Chinese authorities." "In general, all the steps and required studies has been fully conducted, but we have a good mechanism that, after we have the data, we can immediately submit it -- so we can have a more quicker review," she added. "But it doesn't mean that we miss any steps or reduce the standards." U.S. government officials recently briefed reporters and said that because Chinese scientists shared the sequence of the COVID-19 virus on January 10, an international effort, including literally overnight in the U.S., for a vaccine was started immediately. PHOTO: An engineer displays an experimental vaccine for the COVID-19 coronavirus that was tested at the Quality Control Laboratory at the Sinovac Biotech facilities in Beijing, April 29, 2020. (Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via Getty Images) When it comes to large phase III trials, vaccines are best studied in places where outbreaks are ongoing to ensure that enough people are exposed to the virus to prove the vaccine actually works. In China, the coronavirus epidemic is largely under control. MORE: Vaccine paradox: Will 'flattening the curve' stymie the chances of developing a coronavirus vaccine quickly? Sinovac announced this week a plan to conduct a phase III clinical trial in Brazil, where infections are increasing -- a sign that the vaccine could be on track to begin phase III testing soon. Sinovac's vaccine is made by using an "inactivated" version of the virus that mimics an infection at a cellular level but does not make people sick. So-called "whole inactivated" vaccines are tried-and-true, used for decades to make shots against polio, flu and other diseases -- giving the body a sneak peek at the germ itself-- but growing the virus is difficult and requires lab precautions. Yang would not say with any assurance when CoronaVac could be available to the general public, but the company stands ready to manufacture 100 million doses. With China's population currently standing at nearly 1.4 billion, it's unclear how quickly other countries would have access to the vaccine if it proves successful. "I don't think we'll keep the vaccines for China," Yang told ABC News. "As we are talking to different -- many countries, they're also discussing about doing the trials and then how to secure the using of vaccines to help them." China company says its vaccine could be complete by 'autumn' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Tributes have been paid to a father and son who drowned after a family day out in Co Donegal. The pair died after they had gone fishing at Lough Keel in Kilmacrennan on Thursday and got into difficulty. Gardai in Milford said they recovered two bodies on Thursday evening. Gardai, helped by members of the Rescue 118 helicopter, the Mulroy coastguard and Sheephaven sub-aqua unit, were called to a search operation on Lough Keel shortly after 3pm. One teenage boy was rescued from the Lough and taken to Letterkenny University Hospital for treatment. Local councillor Michael McBride told the PA news agency there is a dark cloud hanging over the area as the community reels from the tragedy. People are understandably saddened and shocked over what has happened, he said. For a family day out to end up like this is just unthinkable. The family had only moved to the area in the past few weeks so it was an unfortunate beginning to their new life in Ireland. I understand they were fishing from the shore and got into difficulty. The coastguard and authorities were on the scene very quickly and managed to find the two bodies and pull the other son to safety. It is very traumatic for the son who survived the incident and the community wish him a speedy recovery. On behalf of Kilmacrennan I want to offer my condolence to the mans family and let them know we are united in our grief. Gardai said the bodies of a man aged in his 40s and one teenager were recovered from the Lough and taken to Letterkenny University Hospital on Thursday. Post-mortem examinations are expected to take place on Friday. Senator Marsha Blackburn and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced the Equal Access to Care Act yesterday. The legislation aims to expand access to telemedicine during the coronavirus emergency period by allowing licensed health care providers to treat patients remotely through the phone and online wherever the patient is located.Telehealth has proven to be an effective tool for providing patients access to health care, including during and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Senator Blackburn.Increased utilization from March 2 to April 14, shows urgent care telehealth visits increased 135 percent and nonurgent visits increased 4,345 percent. Removing bureaucratic red tape will result in more services in more places by more providers so that Americans can get care without the risk of exposing themselves to COVID-19 in a doctors office or hospital.Senator Cruz said, Expanding healthcare access in the communities hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic is crucial to our nations recovery. This bill will remove bureaucratic barriers that for too long have stood in the way of effective telemedicine, and will help ensure the American people have their healthcare needs met regardless of where they live or where their doctor is licensed and equip our healthcare providers with the capacity they need to treat patients and ultimately defeat this virus.The bill will extend availability to telemedicine practices by 180 days after the president declares the national emergency under the National Emergencies Act with respect to COVID-19 over. The destruction of the 46,000-year-old archaeologically valuable and culturally important Juukan Gorge will provide this decades test of corporate social responsibility. But not for Rio Tinto - it has already failed. It is the large shareholders who will be in the spotlight. For years and at an increasing pitch, large shareholders have been marketing their bona fides as not just financial custodians but providers of a social, governance and ethical filter for investments. Their response to Rio will provide a measure of whether they are walking the talk or just talking the talk. Protesters made their feelings clear outside Rio Tinto's Perth headquarters. Credit:AAP Over recent days there has been commentary likening Rios actions in blowing up significant sacred Indigenous sites to the misconduct by banks explosively outlined during the 2018 royal commission. Don't you just hate it when your phone suddenly gives in when you are right in the middle of an important business call? Or when your portable console runs out of battery when you just finishing up your quest? It's frustrating right? Maybe it's high time for you to buy a power bank to help keep your devices afloat a little while longer. But even that part can be tricky. With so many brands and features to consider in buying a power bank, how will you know when you have found the right one? Well, look no further than this list. Owned by Anker Innovations based in ShenZhen, Guangdong, Anker is known for producing computer and mobile accessories. According to iMore, this battery is great for road trips and extended flights. The Anker has multiple ports that you can use not just to charge your Nintendo Switch, but also your phone and tablet as well. The defining factor in the battery is how much energy can be extracted from the USB-C port as it is rated at 30W output through that port, something most batteries cannot do. The USB-C port has a feaure called Power Delivery or PD meaning that it can output at higher power levels, even while you're playing the Switch. Without it, most batteries can't provide more energy than the Switch consumes when playing a game- in layman's terms, your Switch will run out of power slower than most batteries. It may be heavy and inconvenient to carry without a case (not to mention the price tag of almost $100), but the Anker Powercore+ 26800 PD is definitely worth your money. Read Also: Helpful Tips On How To Save Up On Your Phone's Battery Power Generally, power banks are devices that can just be slipped into your front pocket while you charge your phone or any device. The Morphie Powerstation XXL is a perfect example. Now, don't be fooled because of the double extra large size after the name. The batteries intended for the Nintendo Switch are often bulky and oddly shaped, but the Powerstation XXL is smaller than most batteries in its category. It's capable of charging up your Switch with an additional 14 hours of use. Although this doesn't have Power Delivery like the aforementioned battery, it's still pretty decent at $60. As you scour around Amazon, make sure to only get the charger that best suits your needs. You can check out a few tips here. Read Also: How Long Should a Laptop Battery Last? Unlike other batteries that attach directly to the unit, this one isn't nearly as bulky, so your fingers won't get extended further while your grasping the Switch in your hands. Marval Power GuliKit Battery Master battery is the same as the ZeroLemon giving you more time to play. Not only does it have multiple charging ports, but it also attaches to the Switch easily. Plus it won't hurt your budget at $40. The enemy opened fire from proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, sniper rifles, and small arms. One Ukrainian soldier was killed and another one was wounded as Russia-led forces mounted 14 attacks in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, on Thursday, June 18. "The Russian Federation's armed formations violated the ceasefire 14 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 19. "Unfortunately, as a result of enemy shelling, one Ukrainian serviceman was killed in action and another one was wounded in action." Read alsoZelensky's Office announces development of new bill on Donbas with 'Steinmeier formula' The enemy opened fire from proscribed 120mm and 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, sniper rifles, and small arms. Under attack were Ukrainian positions near the towns of Avdiyivka and Maryinka, and the villages of Krymske and Orikhove. The Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy shelling. According to Ukrainian intelligence reports, Ukrainian troops destroyed one enemy military truck and an ammunition depot within an enemy mortar area on June 18. "Since Friday midnight, Russia-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near the villages of Krymske and Shumy, using 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, and rifles," the update said. No Ukrainian army casualties have been reported since Friday midnight. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 22:56:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADEN, Yemen, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Troops of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) were deployed on Friday in Yemen's Island of Socotra following clashes with the government forces, a security official told Xinhua. The local security source said on condition of anonymity that "the STC's troops were heavily deployed in Hadibu, the capital of Socotra, and seized some of the state facilities located there." He said that the the deployment STC's troops occurred following armed confrontations with the government forces over the control of the strategic Yemeni island. "The government forces withdrew to other locations out of Socotra's capital now under the control of the STC's troops," he added. So far no details of casualties have been reported. A source of Yemen's government condemned the STC's escalation in Socotra and urged forces of the Saudi Arabia-led coalition stationed there to intervene or conduct a mediation to cease the conflict. Another source of the Aden-based STC justified clashes "as a necessary military campaign aimed at preventing the existence of the forces linked to the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Islah party in Socotra." Last month, representatives of the two-warring sides attended a meeting at the headquarters of the Saudi forces in Socotra and signed an agreement that included the withdrawal of forces to the previous sites, but tension resumed later. Clashes came after the Aden-based STC declared a state of emergency on April 26 and said it would begin self-governing in Aden and other key neighboring southern provinces under its control. The island is located in one of the busiest shipping routes in the world and Yemen's warring factions sporadically engage in armed confrontations over establishing military bases there for controlling the strategic island. The Socotra archipelago is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, with rich and unique biodiversity. Enditem Michael Gove insists there will be no change for goods going from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Britain warned the European Union on Thursday that it would be difficult to conclude a Brexit free trade deal by the end of the year unless broad agreement had been reached by October. Britain left the EU on Jan. 31 but talks have so far made little headway on agreeing a new trade deal with the bloc by the time a status-quo transition arrangement ends in December. "If we haven't secured significant progress by October, then it will be difficult," said Minister for the Cabinet Office Michael Gove, a Brexit supporter and one of the most influential members of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government. There was however no firm cut-off date, he added. Talks have snagged on EU fishing access to British waters, British compliance with EU rules aimed at a level playing field and the customs arrangements for Northern Ireland. French President Emmanuel Macron is due to hold talks with Johnson in London on Thursday. "We've agreed on both sides to energise and intensify the talks," British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told LBC radio. "We don't want to hang around - we're not going to wait for this to be dragged out into the autumn and the winter." Any deal would require ratification by both sides - a process which could take several months in the 27-member EU. Gove said he did not expect businesses in Northern Ireland to face higher import costs as a result of Brexit and that import declarations would not be required for goods going from Britain to Northern Ireland. Asked whether those sending goods to Northern Ireland from Britain would have to submit entry summary declarations, Gove declined to answer directly. "There will be some new safety and security information," he said, adding that more details would be given in the summer. "We are seeking to minimise the overall burden on business." Previously the government has said that entry summary declarations and import declarations would be required for such movement of goods. Fuel Your Pipeline. Close More Deals. Our full-service marketing programs deliver sales-ready leads. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! Learn more Qualcomm on Wednesday announced its Robotics RB5 platform, with 5G and 4G connectivity, on-device AI and machine learning, superior computing and intelligent sensing capabilities. The platforms Qualcomm QRB5165 processor, which is customized for robotics applications, offers a heterogeneous computing architecture coupled with the 5th-generation Qualcomm AI Engine with its new Hexagon Tensor Accelerator that delivers 15 Tera Trillion Operations Per Second (TOPS) of AI performance. The QRB5165 has an octa-core Qualcomm Kryo 858 matched with an Adreno 650 GPU and a digital signal processor, Ray Wang, a principal analyst at Constellation Research, told TechNewsWorld. This makes it super fast, Wang remarked. Its processing rate is 2 Gigapixels per second, it can perform 8K video recording at 30 fps, and handle 200-megapixel photos. When paired with the AI engine, it has the speed to improve industrial robots, military applications, and even retail and hospitality scenarios, Wang added. You get seven concurrent video cameras that can do things like object detection and classification, self-navigation, and path planning. Interest in the RB5 At least 20 companies, including LG, drone maker Skydio, security robot maker NXT Robotics, and Chinas delivery robot and drone maker Meitun, had an early look at the technology and will likely use it, Qualcomm said. More than 30 hardware and software companies are working on ancillary technology to enable various robotics applications. They include drone mapper AirMap; Canonical, which publishes Ubuntu; robot fleet manager InOrbit; and Intel with its RealSense technology for depth and tracking cameras. Commercial products based on the RB5 platform are expected to be available in 2020, said Dev Singh, head of Qualcomms robotics, drones and intelligent machines business. This is realistic because theyve been working with over 50 OEMs and partners well before the announcement, Francis Sideco, a senior analyst with Tirias Research, told TechNewsWorld. Qualcomm is pretty reliable in their predictions, Rob Enderle, principal analyst at The Enderle Group, told TechNewsWorld. Theyre used to a smartphone cadence and this timeframe would easily fit within the 6-month smartphone window. The RB5s main selling point is that it has low power consumption for an SoC with such high capability, remarked Chris Taylor, a research director at Strategy Analytics. In terms of total cost of ownership, the RB5 probably hits a sweet spot for many of the applications Qualcomm talks about compared to existing solutions using more conventional chips, Taylor told TechNewsWorld. The platform is available with multiple options, and has an option for extended lifecycle until 2029, Singh stated. The battle for the autonomous enterprise starts with robotics platforms in hardware, Constellation Researchs Wang remarked. Qualcomm has done a good job assembling an ecosystem for the RB5. Robotics development platforms will be key to accelerate edge computing, the Internet of Things, and automation, he noted. The post-pandemic playbook shows a huge interest in improving robotics, customer facing automation, and ambient experiences. RB5 Hardware Dev Kit Thundercomm, a joint venture between Chinese firm Thunder Software Technology Co. Ltd. and Qualcomm (Guizhou) Investment Co. Ltd., is taking pre-orders for the Qualcomm Robotics RB5 hardware development kit, based on the QRB5165 processor. The kit consists of a robotics-focused development board that complies with the 96Boards open hardware spec to support a range of mezzanine-board expansions for developing proof-of-concepts and rapid prototyping. Qualcomm Robotics RB5 Development Kit It supports Linux, Ubuntu and Robot Operating System (ROS) 2 and has pre-integrated drivers for various cameras, sensors and connectivity. The board supports the 5th generation Qualcomm AI engine. It can operate between -340 degrees and +105 degrees Celsius. It communicates through industrial protocols such as EtherCAT and time-sensitive networking (TSN), and supports security at almost every layer. The kit will be available in late July. A D V E R T I S E M E N T Thin Competition The main competitor to the RB5 is Nvidias ISAAC SDK. Nvidias is the best known, Enderle said. Their Jetson offerings are similar in concept. Intel has the making of one used in their drone swarms, but they havent packaged it up as well yet, Enderle remarked. However, the mix of low-power AI and connectivity is unique to Qualcomm, Kevin Krewell, a principal analyst at Tirias Research, told TechNewsWorld. Robotics is compute-intensive so CPU vendor platforms have the home court advantage, noted Holger Mueller, a principal analyst at Constellation Research. That said, The main problem is the lack of common standards for robotic automation at present, Mueller told TechNewsWorld. Potential Market Theres a lot of interest in 5G in robotics and drones, Krewell said. 5G has lower latency and higher bandwidth, which can reduce connectivity lag. There is some debate, however, about whether 5G will take off here in the United States. The United States Federal Communications Commission has a plan to boost 5G, but there are conflicting reports about the market for the technology. One of the impacts of COVID-19 is the need for more remote interactions, observed Tirias Researchs Sideco. Robots and drones help with this demand and those with 5G and AI even more so. Some believe the pandemic will push the demand for 5G but others point out that building out 5G networks is not proceeding as rapidly as hoped. The pandemic slowed manufacturing and some wrongly concluded it spread COVID-19, which has delayed deployment and resulted in the destruction of some 5G towers, Enderle said. However, We should have decent coverage of major cities and some rural areas in the U.S. by year end. Lack of coverage wont be a problem because 5G robotics can use 4G, WiFi or no connectivity at all, Strategy Analytics Taylor added. LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 19, 2020 / Compare-autoinsurance.org (https://compare-autoinsurance.org/) is a top auto insurance brokerage website, providing car insurance quotes online from trustworthy agencies all over the United States. This website has launched a new blog post that explains how drivers can get better insurance deals with the help of online car insurance quotes. For more info and free quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/online-quotes-will-help-you-find-the-best-car-insurance-rates/ Car insurance is one of those expenses that can affect the family's budgets, so it's important to ensure that the right insurance company and the right insurance policies are selected. To find the right policies at affordable prices, drivers will have to carefully navigate the insurance market. The best way to do that is with the help of online quotes. Getting online quotes has the following advantages: Obtain better insurance deals . This is the main reason for obtaining online quotes. Usually, policyholders can find better insurance deals that are 5-10% lower than their current insurance deals, after comparing several online car insurance quotes. In many cases, drivers will save hundreds of dollars per year. Discover new insurance companies . Usually, drivers are not aware of local insurance companies. Many of them only heard of several big insurance companies, but there are hundreds of local and regional insurance companies. Many of these smaller companies can offer affordable insurance prices for really good services. Drivers should not hesitate to get quotes from these smaller insurers. Online quotes can provide accurate estimates. Although just estimates, in many cases online quotes are not that different from the real price of an insurance policy. The embedded rate calculators on insurance companies or brokerage websites will input the user's info and calculate the premiums using the company's database and algorithms. However, quotes will be accurate if the drivers complete the online questionnaires with real and accurate data. Quotation forms can be customized. Drivers can change the parameters of online forms in order to find insurance deals that can satisfy their needs. Drivers can simulate different insurance plans by changing coverage limits, deductibles levels, add-ons, and extra coverage. Story continues For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/ Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes are easy to obtain and will help drivers get better insurance deals that can satisfy their needs", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing Company Person for contact Name: Gurgu C Phone Number: (818) 359-3898 Email: cgurgu@internetmarketingcompany.biz Website: https://compare-autoinsurance.org/ SOURCE: Internet Marketing Company View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/594473/Drivers-Can-Find-Affordable-Premiums-With-The-Help-Of-Online-Car-Insurance-Quotes To the Editor: Re Klobuchar Drops Out of Bidens V.P. Search and Backs Picking a Woman of Color (nytimes.com, June 19): I am a moderate Republican and have never supported Donald Trump. Im confident that Joe Biden will do a better job as president and agree with most of his centrist ideologies. Because of his age, 77, I care deeply about whom he chooses for his running mate and feel that her positions should align with his. I believe that Amy Klobuchar is the most qualified vice-presidential candidate, but her withdrawal from consideration leaves me searching for another moderate Democrat. Senator Tammy Duckworth and Mr. Biden share similar stances on health care, the environment and student debt relief. Representative Val Demings shows promise as a centrist on law enforcement and economic issues, but she lacks a real track record while in office. Im disappointed that Ms. Klobuchar withdrew. I hope Mr. Biden chooses another candidate who appeals to fiscally conservative, socially liberal voters like me. Millions of moderate Republican votes will be lost in the general election if Mr. Biden chooses a progressive V.P. like Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris or Stacey Abrams. Jana Happel New York To the Editor: Re Bidens Search for a Running Mate Puts a Select Few Women in the Spotlight (news article, June 14): When we make a case for whom Joe Biden should select for a running mate, the most important consideration should be Is this person ready to be president? if he is unable to fulfill his first term or doesnt run for a second one. A 24-year-old man got in contact with a 16-year-old girl through the dating website hotornot.com was jailed today. The man was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment with the last 12 months suspended today for meeting the girl for sexual exploitation. Mohamad Ayman Naji of 18 Castlegar, Chapel Lane, Mallow, pleaded guilty to a charge that on August 17/18, 2018, at his apartment he intentionally met a child having communicated by any means with her on at least one previous occasion and did so for the purpose of doing anything that would constitute sexual exploitation of a child. Garda Patrick Sexton testified that the man and the 16-year-old exchanged phone numbers after initial contact on the website and there followed hundreds of texts in the next couple of weeks that were of both a sexual nature and a general conversational nature. The injured party outlined that she was 16 and was in school and this was acknowledged by the defendant. They came to a point where they could meet up and the defendant advised the injured party to delete all her messages just in case her mother would see her phone, Garda Sexton said. She spent a night in his apartment, the guard said. Her parents were present in Cork Circuit Criminal Court for the case yesterday but the injured party was not. Defence barrister Donal OSullivan urged the judge to impose a fully suspended sentence. He said the defendant was legally in Ireland, had advanced well educationally and was in good employment. Mr OSullivan said the defendant had come from Syria five years ago and had no previous convictions of any kind. On that night together there was no penetrative activity, no oral sex, there was no sexual activity of that kind, clothes were not even fully removed, Mr OSullivan BL said. Cork Courthouse I think a custodial sentence is merited. I accept he did extremely well, learned English, got a job and is otherwise well-adjusted in this society. That is to be admired but he did transgress in a significant way on this occasion, the judge said. Judge O Donnabhain said he had grave difficulty understanding the victim saying her voice was not heard. He said the guard responded immediately and properly as soon as her complaint was made and that as well as the guard hearing her, the court was hearing her too. Today's modern cities, from Denver to Dubai, could learn a thing or two from the ancient Pueblo communities that once stretched across the southwestern United States. For starters, the more people live together, the better the living standards. That finding comes from a study published today in the journal Science Advances and led by Scott Ortman, an archaeologist at the University of Colorado Boulder. He's one of a growing number of antiquarians who argue that the world's past may hold the key to its future. What lessons can people living today take from the successes and failures of civilizations hundreds or thousands of years ago? Recently, Ortman and Jose Lobo from Arizona State University took a deep dive into data from the farming towns that dotted the Rio Grande Valley between the 14th and 16th centuries. Modern metropolises should take note: As the Pueblo villages grew bigger and denser, their per capita production of food and other goods seemed to go up, too. Busy streets, in other words, may lead to better-off citizens. "We see an increasing return to scale," said Ortman, an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology who is also affiliated with the Santa Fe Institute in New Mexico. "The more people work together, the more they produce per person." Whether the same thing is true today remains an open question, especially amid the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on cities and human proximity. But the results from the sunny Southwest suggest that it's an idea worth exploring. advertisement "The archaeological record can help us to learn about issues we care about today in ways that we can't do using the data available to us from modern societies," Ortman said. The good dishes The research is an offshoot of an effort that Ortman leads called the Social Reactors Project, which has explored patterns of growth in civilizations from ancient Rome to the Incan world. It's an attempt to chase down an idea first proposed in the 18th century by Adam Smith, often known as the father of modern economics. In The Wealth of Nations, Smith made the case for the fundamental benefits of market size -- that if you make it easier for more people to trade, the economy will grow. Just look at any city in the U.S. where you might find a hair salon next to a bakery next to a doggie daycare. advertisement "As people interact more frequently, a person can make and do fewer things themselves and get more of what they need from their social contacts," Ortman said. The problem, he explained, is that such "agglomeration-driven" growth is difficult to isolate in today's big and complex cities. The same isn't true for the Rio Grande Valley. Before the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century, hundreds of villages spanned the region near what is now Santa Fe. These settlements ranged in size from a few dozen residents to as many as 3,000 people, most of whom made their living by growing crops like maize and cotton. Such a subsistence lifestyle didn't mean that these communities were simple. "The traditional view in ancient history was that economic growth didn't happen until the onset of the industrial revolution," Ortman said. He and Lobo decided to put that assumption to the test. The duo pored through an exhaustive database of archaeological finds from the region -- capturing everything from the number and size of rooms in Pueblo communities to the pottery from rubbish heaps. They unearthed a clear trend: When villages got more populous, their residents seemed to get better off on average -- exactly as Smith predicted. Living spaces grew in size and families collected more painted pottery. "You might think of it as more sets of dishes for sharing meals together," Ortman said. Social connection That growth, the team discovered, also seemed to follow a pattern that researchers on the Social Reactors Project have seen in a range of civilizations throughout history. Every time villages doubled in size, markers of economic growth increased by about 16% on average. Ortman said that the effect doesn't happen in the same way everywhere. Factors like inequality and racism, for example, can keep urban residents from working together even when they live in cramped spaces. But, Ortman added, these Pueblo communities hold an important lesson for modern-day societies: the more people can connect with others, the more prosperous they become. "All other things being equal, urbanization should lead to improvements in the material conditions of life for people everywhere," he said. "We suspect this is why the world continues to urbanize, despite all of the associated problems." They make blended families look easy and then some. Model Emma Heming celebrated her 42nd birthday on Thursday, and marked the special occasion with plenty of photos and video on both her Instagram feed and Stories. The wife of Bruce Willis, who shares two young daughters with the Die Hard actor, also celebrated her trip around the sun with Bruce's first wife, Demi Moore, along with Demi and Bruce's eldest daughter Rumer. Blended happy family: Bruce Willis's wife Emma Heming celebrated her 42nd birthday on Thursday, and marked the special occasion with photos and video on her Instagram which included Bruce's first wife Demi Moore In a sweet gallery of snaps, Emma is seen with Bruce, 65, along with their daughters Evelyn, six, and Mabel, eight, outdoors on a furry blanket with throw pillows for 'a lovely birthday picnic' in front of a woodsy backdrop. Demi, 57, dons a birthday hat along with Bruce and Emma in two of the photos, as the group is joined by additional family members. The gang enjoyed hot dogs and a birthday cake, and everyone was seen applauding birthday girl Emma. In the sweet gallery of snaps: Demi (left) donned a birthday hat along with Bruce and Emma, as the group is joined by additional family members Birthday fun: The gang enjoyed hot dogs and a birthday cake, and everyone was seen applauding birthday girl Emma Various pooches were also seen taking part in the festivities, including a small adorable dog in Demi's lap. Later, the 'fam' even accompanied Heming on a hike, with Demi seen in the procession. Emma uploaded a video snippet of the nature outing to her IG Story. Sweet couple shots: Emma has been married to Bruce, 65, since 2009 Later: The 'fam' even accompanied Heming on a hike, with Demi seen in the procession It was all just another instance of Bruce and Demi's continued amicable relationship, after they quarantined together for a time in Idaho earlier this year, both with and without Emma. Bruce and Demi were married from 1987 to 2000, and share Rumer, 31, along with younger daughters Scout, 28, and Tallulah, 26. While Moore was subsequently married to Ashton Kutcher from 2005 until 2013, Willis wed Heming in 2009. On Wednesday, some reports suggested that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is planning to ask state-run telecom companies BSNL and MTNL to stop using Chinese equipment in their 4G expansion. It was also reported that the DoT will ask private telecom operators like Airtel and Vodafone Idea to reduce their dependence on Chinese equipment. These reports came at a time when tensions have escalated between India and China in Galwan Valley. But going by the historical track record of DoT, this seems more like a knee-jerk reaction which is being taken to join the "ban Chinese" bandwagon. Telecom is one of the most dependent sectors on China. Amongst the top equipment players, Huawei, ZTE and Fiberhome control a large share. So when DoT asks for a boycott of Chinese equipment, it's essentially trying to turn a nearly impossible tide. Why? Companies like Huawei and ZTE have built their customer base on the back of three things: competitive price, easier payment terms, and prompt after-sales servicing. A senior executive with Airtel told Business Today last year that when a particular site goes down, the response time of Huawei is in hours as against days for others like Ericsson, and Nokia. Also, why telcos would choose local vendors when Huawei can give a similar product for a lesser price, and at favourable payment terms spread over 5-10 years. "BSNL and MTNL orders are taken away by Chinese equipment makers. If we don't get volumes, our prices will never be competitive. Chinese players undercut our rates because they probably get prior intelligence on the bids, and then use that information to grab orders. How do you expect a Rs 1,000-crore local vendor to compete with $122-billion Huawei," says an executive of one of the largest local vendors. Also Read: AGR dues: No big relief; back to square one for Vodafone Idea Local vendors think the only way Indian operators can gain scale and serve the market is when the government bans Chinese companies to participate in tender. Their excitement and hyperbole on the recent reports are palpable. "It's 100 per cent practical for Indian vendors to power telecom networks in the country. Though the equipment prices will go up temporarily for the telcos, in the long-term, we will be able to reduce our dependence on foreign entities," says the executive quoted above adding that there are some companies in India - Tejas, VNL, Lekha Wireless, Sankhya Labs - who have full capabilities in the 4G equipment space. "We do have the capabilities. For some reason or the other, all tenders are fixed in a way that favours foreign players," says Smita Purushottam, founder of think tank SITARA. Purushottam is one of the strongest supporters of indigenisation of the telecom equipment market. She had written a host of letters to various authorities, including the Prime Minister, to highlight the rampant favouritism towards Chinese companies in the government tenders. In March, for example, BSNL came out with a tender to deploy 50,000 new 4G sites in north, east, west and south zones and around 7,000 new sites for Delhi and Mumbai for MTNL. The tender had two conditions which allegedly favoured foreign entities over domestic players. For instance, it had asked for the bidder to have experience of executing 20 million network lines in addition to having a minimum annual turnover of Rs 8,000 crore. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which comes under Commerce Ministry, rapped DoT for putting such restrictive conditions in the bid document, and reportedly threatened it with disciplinary action. DPIIT is the nodal agency to implement public procurement (reference to Make in India) order under which all government departments are supposed to give preference to domestic suppliers in their tenders. The preferences include purchase price margin and minimum local content requirements of 50-60 per cent on key equipment (like BTS). For instance, if the local supplier's quoted price is 20 per cent higher than the lowest price foreign bidder (L1), the order will be awarded to the local supplier. Also Read: Govt mulls customs duty hike, trade barriers on 'non-essential' imports amid stand-off with China Though the intent of the policy is to support domestic suppliers, experts say that the Chinese firms, who are being incentivised by their government to capture foreign markets, quote prices which are unbelievably low. For instance, a global tender was issued by BSNL (for 10G DWDM Network) in June 2019 which had a budget of Rs 274 crore. ZTE won the bid at Rs 162 crore, which was 41 per cent lower than the budget amount. The Indian firm Tejas Networks, whose bid amount was second-lowest, lost out despite quoting aggressively at Rs 232 crore. There are plenty of such examples. Since BSNL directly comes under DoT, most of its key decisions (like tender framing) are taken by DoT secretaries. "With the alleged bias in BSNL towards Chinese firms, the DoT's plans seem like smoke and mirrors," says president of another local equipment maker. Lobby body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) Director General Rajan S Mathews has said that Indian telcos have more to lose if the government decides to ban Chinese companies. While DoT's knee-jerk reaction on the issue will end up hurting telcos and consumers, the industry feels that to solve this conundrum, which keeps cropping up every few years, there's need for a structured plan. "We need to make a roadmap as to what technologies we need in the next two-three years, and put industry and research on the task to develop those technologies. In case we still need to import components, we need to identify multiple sources in different countries," says N.K. Goyal, president of Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association (TEMA). Donald Trump's campaign rally in Tulsa on Saturday is good to go after the Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down a legal challenge trying to stop it and the mayor rescinded his curfew order so the president's MAGA supporters could camp out ahead of the big event. The court also ruled the masks and social distancing are not required as Oklahoma's June 1 reopening plan allowed business owners to use discretion on those matters. The ruling came after a group of local residents and business owners asked for a temporary injunction against the rally, citing fears it could worsen the spread of the coroanavirus. The court rejected that argument, paving the way for the Trump rally to go forward as scheduled. President Donald Trump's campaign rally in Tulsa is good to go after the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled it can continue as planned Supporters had been lined up and camped out in front of the BOK Center ahead of Saturday night's event, but were going to have to go home under a 10 p.m. curfew instituted by G.T. Bynum, the Republican mayor of Tulsa. They are now free to stay. Bynum rescinded the curfew, saying in a statement it was done at the request of the Secret Service. 'On Thursday, the Secret Service asked the City of Tulsa and the Tulsa Police Department to put in place a curfew for the Federal Exclusion Zone near the BOK Center,' the city said in a statement. 'Today, the Secret Service asked the City to lift the curfew order this weekend. In compliance with this request, the City has rescinded the order.' Trump said in a tweet the mayor informed him of the decision. 'I just spoke to the highly respected Mayor of Tulsa, G.T. Bynum, who informed me there will be no curfew tonight or tomorrow for our many supporters attending the #MAGA Rally. Enjoy yourselves - thank you to Mayor Bynum!,' Trump wrote. Trump also bragged on Twitter Friday: 'Big crowds and lines already forming in Tulsa. My campaign hasn't started yet. It starts on Saturday night in Oklahoma!' His campaign actually kicked off in Florida last year but this will be the first rally since March when the coronavirus pandemic shut down large gatherings. Trump got tough on Friday, promising 'agitators' and 'lowlifes' at his Tulsa rally will get harsh treatment as the city declared a 'civil emergency' out of fears of 'extremely violent' protests. 'Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis. It will be a much different scene!,' President Trump wrote on Twitter. The president didn't specify how it would be different and how he knew that would happen but he had criticized officials in New York, Seattle, and Minneapolis for not using the National Guard or other means to quell the Black Lives Matter protests that sprung up in the wake of George Floyd's death. His tweet came on Juneteenth, the date that celebrates the end of slavery. Protesters have already gathered outside the rally site. Above, Nicholas Winford (left) debates Trump supporter Randall Thom (right), on Trump's racial policies White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the president didn't mean peaceful protesters but 'violent' ones. 'He was meaning violent protesters, anarchist, looters on the kind of lawlessness that we saw play out before President Trump came in with the National Guard and calm their streets with law and order,' she said at her press briefing on Friday. Trump himself came under fire after law enforcement officials used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear the area around the White House of protesters to the president could walk over to St. John's church for a photo-op holding the bible. And Oklahoma will activate 250 Oklahoma Army National Guard soldiers to help provide security during President Trump's rally, a Tulsa TV station reported. The president's vow came after Tulsa's mayor had declared a 'civil emergency.' In his original order, Mayor Bynum cited recent 'civil unrest' and the expectation that more than 100,000 people - a combination of Trump supporters and protesters - will swarm the downtown area as the reason for his 'civil emergency' declaration. It's the latest hurdle for Trump as he attempts to return to the campaign trail. Additionally, the operators of the BOK Center asked the campaign for a 'written plan' on how they will deal with the threat of the coronavirus. 'I have received information from the Tulsa Police Department and other law enforcement agencies that shows that individuals from organized groups who have been involved in destructive and violent behavior in other States are planning to travel to the city of Tulsa for purposes of causing unrest in and around the rally,' Bynum wrote in the executive order. These 'groups in other states have engaged in extremely violent and destructive behaviour, including arson and malicious injury to both public and private property,' he noted. Trump's rally - his first since March - has been deeply problematic ever since it was announced on June 10. The original date of Friday, June 19, was switched to Saturday after an uproar about the clash with Juneteenth - the annual celebration marking the end of slavery. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled on Friday that rally attendees can decide for themselves on whether or not to wear a mask The mayor's executive order also establishes a 10 pm curfew but he later rescinded it, which he said was at the request of the Secret Service Additionally the state of Oklahoma and the city of Tulsa have seen an increase in coronavirus infections since the reopening process began. Oklahoma is in phase three of its reopening - one of the few states that far along in the process. That was one of the reasons the Trump campaign tapped Tulsa for the rally location. On Thursday the BOK Center, the 19,000-seat arena where Saturday's rally will be held, sent the Trump campaign a letter asking for a written plan identifying 'the steps the event will institute for health and safety.' 'We have requested the Trump campaign, as the event organizer, provide BOK Center with a written plan detailing the steps the event will institute for health and safety, including those related to social distancing,' officials said. The BOK center said its employees will be tested for the coronavirus and provided with personal protective equipment. The arena 'will be cleaned and disinfected repeatedly throughout the event' and 400 hand sanitizer stations will be placed around it. The Trump campaign has said precautionary measures will be taken, including temperature checks and providing attendees with masks and hand sanitizer. The campaign, however, said they would not require the masks to be worn. The BOK center is encouraging masks to be worn and, on Friday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court will rule on the issue. A group of Tulsa attorneys requested a hearing to impose a temporary, emergency injunction stopping the rally this week, but a Tulsa judge denied the effort on Tuesday. The matter was appealed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which will rule Friday on whether attendees must follow CDC guidelines on social distancing and wearing face masks. Trump supporters sleep around the BOK Center as they wait in line for Saturday's rally - they would have had to leave but the mayor rescinded his curfew order President Trump's campaign rally on Saturday is his first since March and he tweeted in praise of the supporters lined up to get inside Trump supporters have been lined up and camped out as the arena only holds 19,000 people and the president claimed more than one million requested tickets Memorabilia on a barricade that supporters put up for President Donald Trump outside the BOK Center in Tulsa Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, a Republican, seen at the White House with President Trump on Thursday said the state was ready for the rally and 'it's going to be safe' Oklahoma set a new state record for COVID-19 increases in a single day on Thursday, confirming 450 new infections. But Governor Kevin Stitt dismissed concerns during an event with President Trump at the White House on Thursday. 'We're 56 days into our reopening plan, and currently we have under 200 people in the hospital across the state of Oklahoma. And we had an uptick in the number of cases, and so the media tries to talk about that. But we knew we were going to have an increase a little bit, because we're 56 days into reopening,' Stitt, a Republican said. 'Oklahoma is ready for your visit. It's going to be safe. And we're really, really excited,' he told the president. The Trump campaign said it was reviewing the letter from the BOK center, adding 'we take safety seriously, which is why we're doing temperature checks for everyone attending, and providing masks and hand sanitizer.' The campaign has already asked attendees to acknowledge the risk of exposure to COVID-19 at the rally and agree not to sue the campaign or the venue if they fall ill. Mayor Bynum said the city also has been indemnified from the risk of any lawsuits. On Wednesday, the city's top health official, Bruce Dart, said he was worried the rally could become a 'super spreader' event and recommended it be postponed. He warned attendees they face 'an increased risk' of contracting the coronavirus. 'So many people are over COVID but COVID is not over,' Dart said. He also asked people wear masks when out at events on Saturday. 'People coming together without taking precautions is what causes the virus to transmit,' Dart said. Dart admitted he'd like to see the rally postponed but, since it wasn't going to be, then officials would deal with the fallout. 'I recommended we postpone it until it's safer,' he said. 'If we could push it back to when the data tells it's safer, that was my personal recommendation, that is what I'd personally like to see happen. It's here so let's focus on staying safe while it's here.' Mayor Bynum expressed confidence that the city could handle any illness that resulted from the gathering. He said local hospitals have plenty of protective equipment on hand and pointed out of the 120 beds dedicated to coronavirus patients, only three were occupied as of Wednesday. Coronavirus cases across the U.S. on June 18. Texas, Florida and California are of concern G.T. Bynum, the mayor of Tulsa, issued an executive order declaring a 'civil emergency' Coronavirus cases in the U.S. as of June 18. More than 2.1m people are known to be infected The Oklahoma Department of Health has urged senior citizens and other vulnerable individuals to 'stay home' ahead of the president's rally and watch a livestream of the event instead. Commissioner Lance Frye said those looking to attend the president's rally 'will face an increased risk of becoming infected with COVID-19.' The department has tripled its contact tracing team ahead of the rally, and Dr Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, when asked if he would attend replied: 'Of course not.' Even Bynum admitted he wished it was not happening. 'I would love for some other city to have tried this first,' he said at a press conference Wednesday. 'But the president chose this city, and so it falls on us to set that standard moving forward.' The anger at the date - which takes place on the holiday celebrating the end of slavery - meant that the rally got off to a bad start. Critics pointed to the Trump's administration handling of protests that sprung up around the country in the wake of George Floyd's death. Tulsa was the site of one of the country's bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence in 1921. Called the Tulsa Race Massacre, as many as 300 people were killed, more than 10,000 remained homeless, and, according to the Tulsa Race Riot Report of 2001, an estimated $1,470,711 was incurred in damage - equal to about $20 million today. Trump has show some insensitivity on race relations. He also bragged he made 'Juneteenth very famous' in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. He also admitted he learned about it from a black Secret Service agent and was surprised to hear the White House had put out a statement on the holiday last year. 'I made it famous. I made Juneteenth very famous,' he told the newspaper. 'It's actually an important event, it's an important time. But nobody had heard of it. Very few people have heard of it. Actually, a young African-American Secret Service agent knew what it was. I had political people who had no idea.' Brad Parscale, Trump's campaign manager, chose the site and the date, The New York Times reported. Oklahoma also was chosen for its Republican support - Trump carried the state by 36 points in the 2016 election. Additionally Tulsa has a Republican mayor. Most cities in the country are run by Democrats. Yet Trump and his aides failed to grasp the significance of holding a rally on Juneteenth. Nor did they appear to realize that Tulsa was the site of one of the country's bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence, after a white mob killed attacked the affluent black community in 1921. Trump supporters camp out near the BOK Center on Thursday, ahead of Saturday's rally Fans of the president have been arriving at the site of his first campaign rally since March Lines of people wait for the doors to open on Saturday for the Trump rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma 'Think about it as a celebration,' Trump said in an interview with Fox News, when asked if the date was intentional. 'My rally is a celebration.' Pictured is Tulsa during the 1921 onslaught Trump announced that he was changing the date of his Tulsa rally, scheduled for Juneteenth The rally in Oklahoma will now be held on Saturday, instead of the Friday night as planned 'Think about it as a celebration,' Trump said in an interview with Fox News shortly after the rally was announced, when asked if the date was intentional. 'My rally is a celebration.' About 30 hours later, he changed the date to Saturday. The error, however, is said to have refocused attention on how few African-American aides work on Trump's campaign or in the White House. 'They're stinging from it, they're reeling from it,' former Representative J.C. Watts of Oklahoma, who was the first black Republican elected to Congress from south of the Mason-Dixon Line since Reconstruction, told The Times. 'Juneteenth was on the schedule before any rally was. People are reeling from it.' Last year a federal judge blocked four scheduled executions by saying that the Trump administrations execution protocol did not abide by the Federal Death Penalty Act because the 1994 law required federal executions be carried out in the manner prescribed by the law of the State in which the sentence is imposed. A fifth execution was separately blocked. A boom in English Sparkling Wine will see production double in the next decade, the country's leading producer is predicting. Eric Heerema, owner of Nyetimber, said he expected to produce two million bottles a year by 2030, up from one million today, with the entire industry producing at least 20 million bottles. Setting out his vision of the future of English Sparkling Wine to mark English Wine Week (June 20th), Mr Heerema also forecast a growing battle between English producers and their French counterparts seeking to muscle in on prime land in southern England. In recognition of the growing competition, several celebrated French champagne houses have established vineyards in the UK, buying up large parcels of land in Kent and Hampshire. Several Champagne houses have indeed already established their sparkling wine production in England, and I expect that we have only seen the early beginnings of that so far, Mr Heerema said. With global warming making Champagne production ever more challenging in the coming decades, and given the high quality reputation of English Sparkling Wine this tendency is very likely to not only continue but rather to intensify. Climate change, the ideal chalky terroir in southern England and increased investment in the UK industry mean English products are increasingly seen as world class and beating Champagne in international competitions. At Nyetimber we have always endeavoured to produce the very best sparkling wine and although we feel that our wines are unique and different from Champagnes, it does give us satisfaction when those blind tastings confirm the quality of Nyetimber, Mr Heerema said. But our greatest satisfaction is to provide every drinker of Nyetimber a special moment and a unique experience. English sparkling wine has already proven its quality potential and as ever more producers apply professional and high quality standards, this tendency will strengthen. The establishment of well reputed Champagne houses in England to produce their own English Sparkling Wine is further proof that English Sparkling Wine is not just a trend but has come to stay and will ever be more recognised internationally. As we have been and still are establishing new vineyards this year we planted on around 44 hectares, most of that in Kent our production should increase considerably, resulting in just under two million bottles a year. Production of English Sparkling Wine is certainly increasing every year, and although its just a guess, by 2030 there could be at least 20 million bottles of sparkling wine being produced. Mr Heerema also forecast that the number of jobs in English sparkling wine currently around 2,500 would increase at the same rate as production. He cautioned against rushing into adopting a new 'category name' like prosecco or cava to cover all English sparkling wines, as some in the industry have suggested. 'For now English Sparkling Wine is successful and becoming a category name in its own right. To have a bespoke name is sometimes a benefit, and there might eventually be one for English Sparkling Wine, but we shouldnt rush the process because there is still too much of a lack of uniformity in geographic locations, production methods and level of development amongst producers,' he said. He also has reservations about the idea of moving towards a county-by-county appellation system for English Sparkling Wine, for instance naming products 'Sussex' or 'Hampshire'. 'Nyetimber have vines planted in three counties because the microclimate, soil and local landscape suit our quality requirements for viticulture and winemaking,' he said. 'It therefore seems to be too restrictive to define an appellation system based on county boundaries and too early to establish other regional delineations. For the latter we need a longer track record of wine characteristics, ageing potential and style.' Noting that some producers were starting to make Sparkling Wine in England by using other methods than the traditional bottle fermented method, instead fermenting their wines in vats, Mr Heerema insisted: 'The traditional method is firmly established as the highest quality means of producing sparkling wine and we believe that it is the best way forward for world class, age-worthy wines to be made in England. If wine producers want to make sparkling by alternative means we shouldn't prevent that by regulation as long as it is clear for the consumer what they are buying. Ultimately the best wines will rise to the top and be recognised by consumers so and as an industry we shouldn't be worried about how the wines are made, as long as they are produced solely from UK-grown grapes.' Mr Heerema said Nyetimber would continue to offer both vintage and non-vintage sparkling wines. 'We firmly believe that both styles have a place in the market and in fact we produce both types of wines at Nyetimber,' he said. 'The non-vintage, or multi-vintage as we make at Nyetimber, allows a consistency and therefore house style to emerge, and the complexity from reserve wines brings extra depth to multi-vintage wines. Vintage wines capture best of all the distinctive qualities of a growing season and allow a certain individuality in the wines that is exciting. We have four vintage wines and three multi-vintage wines in our portfolio.' Asked what advice he would give someone seeking to get into the English sparkling wine industry, he said: Have a good conversation with your banker, and your family. To build up a successful English sparkling wine is going to take many years, or rather generations at least that is Nyetimber's horizon, but if executed well it's worth all efforts. Background on Nyetimber For over 30 years, Nyetimber has had a single aim: crafting exceptional English sparkling wine that rivals the very best in the world. A true pioneer, Nyetimber was the first producer of English sparkling wine to exclusively grow the three celebrated grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Regarded as Englands finest sparkling wine, Nyetimber is made from one hundred percent estate-grown grapes. Nyetimber now has eleven vineyards covering 327 hectares across West Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. Owner and Chief Executive Mr Heerema works together with Head Winemaker Cherie Spriggs and Winemaker Brad Greatrix to produce wine of extraordinary elegance and quality. Ms Spriggs was named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge 2018 one of the most highly-regarded wine competitions in the world the first time a woman and the first time anyone from outside of the Champagne region of France had ever won. HRH The Duchess of Cornwall has hailed the trend for English Sparkling Wine to be beating the French at their own game, saying: Since becoming president of Wines of GB in 2012, Ive witnessed our wines going from strength to strength, in quantity, and even more importantly in quality. Our winemakers have been winning international prizes, and Im happy to say, beating our French friends on many occasions. Mumbai, June 19 : In a new twist in the probe into actor Sushant Singh Rajput's suicide the Mumbai Police sought details of contracts from Yashraj Films for at least two movies he had signed with them, official sources said here on Friday. A letter to the effect was sent to the film company on Thursday, as part of the probe into the theory of professional rivalry as one of the probable causes for Rajput's suicide. The police are also probing several other production houses for similar grounds, besides talking to his friends, professional acquaintances, colleagues, staffers and others linked with the 34-year old actor, who died on June 14. The latest developments come in the wake of Home Minister Anil Deshmukh's statement on Monday that the police would probe all angles, including allegations of professional rivalries. In the past five days since Rajput was found hanging at his Bandra home on Sunday, the police have already questioned around a dozen people, including his friends like Rhea Chakravorty and Mahesh Shetty, and casting director Mukesh Chhabra. Bollywood circles claim that the popular and upcoming actor may have lapsed into depression after several of his film contracts allegedly got cancelled or he was abruptly dropped from these films. Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text By Azernews By Laman Ismayilova Baku Music Academy invites you to join the 1st International Online Competition of Musicians-Performers. Initiated by professor of Baku Music Academy Tarlan Seidova, the contest is timed to the 40th anniversary of the Specialized Secondary Music School-Studio. According to the rules, the contest participants will show their best in three music genres: academic, folk and jazz music. The 1st International Online Competition of Musicians-Performers is open for musicians of all ages. The contest will feature a large variety of solo and ensemble nominations: Piano", "String Instruments", "Wind and Percussion Instruments", "Folk Instruments", "Vocal", "Instrumental and Vocal ensembles ". The jury will be chaired by the Peoples Artist of the USSR and Azerbaijan, rector of Baku Music Academy Farhad Badalbayli. Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2020. For more information, please visit: Baku Music Academy Former Vice President Joe Biden is currently leading President Donald Trump by 12 points - as voters look to the president's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, the killing of George Floyd and the economy with disdain. Biden is currently leading with 50 per cent while Trump has 38 per cent, a two per cent increase for the Democrat and a two per cent decrease for the president from their mid-May Fox News poll. Biden is seen as the more favorable candidate as 53 per cent have favorable views of him compared to 43 per cent of voters who have favorable views of Trump. Vice President Joe Biden is currently leading with 50 per cent while President Trump has 38 per cent, according to a Fox News poll Trump's response to Black Lives Matter protests and civil unrest across the country, on top of his handling of COVID-19 have tanked his ratings as of late Trump's response to Black Lives Matter protests and civil unrest across the country, on top of his handling of COVID-19 have tanked his ratings as of late. When it relates to the demonstrations that have become the norm in the United States for the past few weeks, some 56 per cent of voters disapprove of Trump's handling of the protest. Sixty per cent of voters had favorable opinions about the protests for George Floyd, Arbery Ahmaud, Breonna Taylor and more. Voters are growing increasingly worried about racism in the country, with 81 per cent of voters expressing concern over racism while 66 per cent of voters saw racism as a major threat to the stability of the country. When looking at Biden's treatment of minorities, 53 per cent believe he respects minorities compared to 35 per cent for Trump When looking at Biden's treatment of minorities, 53 per cent believe he respects minorities compared to 35 per cent for Trump (Biden pictured at Bethel AME Church in Delaware) Trump's handling of race relations in the country has been frowned upon by voters, with 61 per cent saying that they disapprove. When looking at Biden's treatment of minorities, 53 per cent believe he respects minorities compared to 35 per cent for Trump. Black voters are even more critical of Trump, with only eight per cent believing he respect minorities compared to 79 per cent who believe Biden does. Some 67 per cent of voters also said that unemployment and the pandemic have also caused major problems to the nation's stability. Trump's overall job approval rating has gone down to 44 positive compared to 49 in April, when it was its highest Trump's overall job approval rating has gone down to 44 positive compared to 49 in April, when it was its highest. Biden is leading among young voters, women and black voters. He is also leading among voters over the age of 65. Trump is still leading among evangelicals and is still leading for rural voters. The study was conducted on June 13-16 through the Beacon Research and Shaw & Company, and was done through interviews held with 1,343 random voters nationwide. The poll was conducted over the phone and has a 2.5 percentage point margin of error. While the opposition Congress and BJP in Kerala are stepping up attack against the state government over its stand on mandatory pre-departure COVID-19 test for all NRIs returning, the state government is firm on its stand, but postponed the directive for mandatory COVID-19 test for those returning in chartered flights for five days. Meanwhile, Kerala witnessed the highest number of fresh COVID-19 cases on a single day on Friday with 118, while 96 infected persons recovered. The total number of active cases reached 1,380. Follow live updates on the coronavirus here It was in view of the high number of NRIs returning with COVID-19 infection that Kerala government decided to insist on pre-departure COVID test for NRIs. The state also suggested that those being tested positive shall be brought down in separate flights in order to avoid spread of infection to other passengers. Though the government earlier issued an order that from June 20 onward only those who undergo COVID-19 test will be allowed to come down in chartered flights, that decision was put on hold till June 25. The delay in setting up testing facilities abroad was learnt to be the reason for delaying implementation of the order. A fresh stand of Kerala government in connection with a case in the High Court that NRIs can't be treated like migrant workers from other states and hence the protection given to migrant workers could not be given to overseas returnees also triggered protests. Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged that the government stand amounted to discrimination against expatriates. The opposition led by Chennithala also staged a day-long fasting in Thiruvananthapuram to protest against the mandatory pre-departure COVID-19 test. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and ruling ally Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar on Friday offered the state's full support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the ongoing face-off with China, official sources said. The commitment by Thackeray, the Shiv Sena supremo, and Pawar came during the PM's video-conference interaction with various political parties this evening. "We are strong and united. This message must be conveyed to China. Maharashtra government is fully behind you and the soldiers at the borders," Thackeray said. The CM pointed out how a wrong impression is sought to be conveyed that India is weaker compared to China, "but that's an old story... Now, we are also well-equipped in all respects, but are in no hurry to attack anybody". "We shall always stress on communication and discussion, but if anybody attempts to take advantage of it, then we must show them our strength," Thackeray urged. Pawar - a former Defence Minister- said the Chinese People's Liberation Army's occupation of the high ground in Galwan Valley is essentially with the specific objective of dominating the Dubruk-DBO Road on the Indian side. "Chinese troops can, at any time, decide to force closure of this road which would be at heavy military cost to India, and DBO is also important as it further links to Karakoram Pass and on the left side the Siachen Glacier," Pawar said. BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government and people express strong indignation at and firm opposition to the signing of the so-called "Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020" by the United States, foreign ministry said Thursday in a statement. It said this so-called Act deliberately denigrated the human rights conditions in China's Xinjiang, viciously attacked the Chinese government's Xinjiang policy, blatantly violated international law and basic norms governing international relations, and grossly interfered in China's internal affairs. "Xinjiang-related issues are not issues about human rights, ethnicity or religion at all, but about combating violent terrorism and separatism. Xinjiang once suffered deeply from extremism, violent terrorism and separatism, which jeopardized the safety and property of the people there. Xinjiang has taken a series of measures to combat these activities and prevent their re-occurrence, in an approach of addressing both the symptoms and root causes of the problem. The measures taken are in compliance with Chinese laws. They are also China's concrete steps in implementing the international counter-terrorism and de-radicalization initiatives, including the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism," the statement said. According to the statement, the measures carried out in Xinjiang have effectively curbed the rising and frequent occurrences of violent terrorist activities, safeguarded national unity and security to the greatest extent possible, and protected the fundamental rights of the people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, including their rights to life, health and development. Over the past three years and more, there has not been a single violent terrorist case in Xinjiang. People of different ethnic groups and religious beliefs in Xinjiang live together as equals, enjoy unity and harmony, and lead a peaceful and stable life. China's policy in Xinjiang has been positively recognized across the international community. It said terrorism and extremism were common enemies of human society. Countries' efforts in fighting terrorism and extremism should not be judged by different yardsticks, still less deliberately distorted in violation of international justice and human conscience. The so-called Act of the U.S. side, by disregarding facts and distorting truth, sought to stigmatize Xinjiang's measures against terrorism, separatism and radicalization, and applied double standards on counter-terrorism. The Act further revealed the ill intention of the U.S. side to undermine China's sovereignty and security, sow discord among the ethnic groups in China, harm Xinjiang's prosperity and stability, and contain China's development. "We hereby warn the U.S. side that Xinjiang affairs are purely China's internal affairs that allow no foreign interference. The Chinese government and people are resolute in safeguarding China's sovereignty, security and development interests. Once again, we urge the U.S. side to immediately redress the mistake, and stop using this Xinjiang-related Act to harm China's interests and interfere in China's internal affairs. Otherwise, China will respond resolutely, and the United States must bear all the consequences arising therefrom," the statement said. K-dramas become even bigger in 2020, with hits like "Crash Landing on You" and "The King: Eternal Monarch" invading the small screens. Undeniably, the popularity of Korean dramas can also be credited to the actors' and actresses' fashionable pieces and modishness. Korean fashion style is an essential part of any Korean drama plot. No one has predicted that this year, things would evolve differently. But this didn't stop our favorite Korean actresses to perfect their characters and astound us with their sense of style. Below is the list of our favorite fashionable actresses in early 2020. Son Ye Jin She was recently awarded as the "Most Beautiful Women of 2020" in a worldwide voting site. Votes taken from major social media platforms gave her the edge to win. Son Ye Jin is the famous lady who "crash-landed" in the heart of captain Ri. "Crash Landing on You" reached major high ratings not only in South Korea but across borders. Her character as Yoon Se-ri, a conglomerate heiress and the CEO or her own elite company, gives her the chance to shine and wear several hip and luxurious dresses. Kim Da Mi Yi Seo's style in "Itaewon Class" evolved from punk rock and street style to sweet-looking and full of charms. Her femme fatale power - smart, young, and ambitious - is ready to conquer the world. Not only does she wear leather jackets, killer sunglasses, boots, and signature two-toned hair, they are all a complete killer look. Near the finale, she changed her style from head to toe as she becomes a high-ranking executive in Park Sae-royi's company. Moon Ga Young Of course, given that she plays as a rising star actress in "Find Me In Your Memory," Moon Ga Young stayed true to her character, Ha Jin, to wear numerous trendy outfits. Her svelte figure, lovely face, and cheerful character make her style shine even more! Kim Hye Soo Being an elite lawyer for high-profile clients, Kim Hye Soo, indeed, lived up to her character. Bold color combo choices, smart pairings, oversized pantsuits, neutral blazers with pastel hues - you name it, she makes corporate style fun and trendy! In character as Jung Geum-Ja in "Hyena," a confident, aggressive, but cool and playful, she proved she's smart and better in the courtroom. Her power of dressing even intensifies any action-packed scene. Kim Hee Ae Since she's a trusted doctor and smart assistant director, she's expected to dress well. Amid the usual tension and intrigue in "The World of the Married" is Kim Hee Ae's stylish ensembles that were a breath of fresh air. In character as Ji Sun Woo, Kim Hee Ae portrays the strength of a woman, her confidence, a dreamer, and a fighter. Her style may vary with the character she brings in each scene. Though she often wears floral and bright colors, she still keeps it demure, with small monochrome details that are in line with her pensive personality. Jung Eun Chae Fashion is a normal thing for the model turned actress Jung Eun Chae in "The King: Eternal Monarch," as her character is Prime Minister Koo. Through the drama, she paved the way to her newfound popularity. Her ambitions and drive to reach her goal no matter what happened to depict her fashion style in the series. She's smart, tall, pretty, sexy, and with strong character - her dresses perfectly fit her well. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment My great-grandmother was a Native American from the Susquehanok tribe of the Iroquois Nation. However, in spite of my brown skin, in the almost totally white small-town rural Pennsylvania community, which I was raised in, I never heard of any such thing as skin color prejudice. I never witnessed any family member belittle anyone because of their skin color. I didnt learn about the civil rights movement and the racial segregation of the South until I studied civics and American history in high school. It was then that I learned about the deep and hateful prejudices, which existed in other regions of our nation during that time period. In addition, American history taught me a lot about the mass slaughter of the Native Americans. I came to realize that the West was not actually won as it is romanticized, but overrun as the white settlers moved across the country. I found out that hundreds of thousands of native Americans died as they fought vainly to keep their lands, starting in the early 1600s on the Eastern shores of this continent all the way to California. However, as I am about to show, prejudice has never been solely propagated by white men trying to dominate the turf of those of a different skin color. Prejudice is not a skin problem as has been often quoted but a sin problem. The misconception of what prejudice truly is in actuality creates the prejudice of prejudice! In this next connect the dots trail of human prejudice you may realize that a quote during World War II by the newspaper cartoonist Walt Kelly, We have found the enemy and he is us could not be more true than as it relates to the roots of prejudice in the human race. Websters Dictionarys definition of prejudice is: preconceived judgment or opinion or: an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge. In reality, the Latin origin of the word is derived from pre meaning (before) and judge. Ironically this word is the exact type of judgment, which Jesus condemned when he said in Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that you be not judged.(NKJV). According to Vines Bible dictionary, the Greek word used in the original is krino, which translated means to assume the office of a judge. I believe that in order to be able to properly judge someone, you have to have access to all of the facts. A judge in a court of law makes their judgments based on all the facts that they have at their disposal. James 4:12 says, There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?(NKJV) Therefore, Jesus was pointing to the fact in His powerful Sermon on the Mount that the reason that judging is so wrong, and we can include in this that prejudice is so wrong, is that it never has all the facts. James makes it clear, only God has all the facts and is the only one worthy to truly judge someone. So why then does prejudice run so deep throughout all of humanity? I believe that the first act of prejudice took place in the second generation of mankind. Genesis chapter four records the story of the first two children of Adam and Eve. To paraphrase, Cain, the older brother, became jealous of all things of his younger brother Abels acceptable sacrifice to God and ended up murdering him. Cain obviously felt he had all the facts about Abels sacrifice and his own relationship with God. Tragically he did not. This was a clear case of him pre-judging his brother. To state it bluntly, Cain was prejudiced against Abel, and then Abel suffered the sinful consequence. Tribalism, which fosters prejudice, is as much a practice of the white race as it is any other race born since the beginning of creation. Sadly hatred still exists for instance between the French and the British centuries after any major wars have been fought between the two countries. Strong prejudice also presently exists between Eastern and Western Europe, although the iron curtain that once divided them is long gone. Family ancestries go back for generations tying Europeans together. Unfortunately, however, politically formed philosophies and governmental alliances have formed types of ethnological differences that even sometimes forbid intra-racial marriages. Often even Christian denominations from the same white people groups are also divided by these baseless prejudices. However Whites cannot be singled out as the only race which experiences intra-racial prejudice. Today the Mainland Chinese people feel they are superior to the Taiwanese Chinese. Americans know well the prejudice between the North and South Vietnamese and the fact that North and South Korea have been totally separated for decades. Latin Americans, who admit to no First Nations heritage, look down on their indigenous and Mestizo fellow citizens. Some Jamaican Blacks are offended if you call them African Americans. Last, but certainly not least, is the great divide between Abrahams children, the Jewish and the Arab people groups who have been at war for centuries. We must therefore admit that prejudice is truly not a skin problem between races but a sin problem between individual hearts - just as it was between Cain and Abel, who were the first naturally born people on the planet. I am firmly convinced that when we as the Church around the world finally admit to and turn from the sin problem, our preachers from every race and denomination will begin to again preach the very center of all that Jesus taught and lived, namely forgiveness. May the message of the cross and forgiveness be proclaimed loudly and clearly again! May we be as the Church rise to Christs instruction that He referred to, in Matthew 5:9: Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God, proving that we are truly born again and filled with His reconciling love that forgives and does not pre judge each other anymore! The country is in midst of a crisis and in this current situation, the migrant workers in transit are facing severe financial and essential crunch. Cornitos, Indias No 1 Nachos brand joins hands with India Food Forum for Feed the migrant worker in transit campaign. The initiative in association with Zomato Feeding India aims to help Indias migrant workers in transit who dont have access to a reliable supply of meals in the absence of immediate employment opportunities. Commenting on this association, Mr Vikram Agarwal, Managing Director, Cornitos said, In this current time when the entire world is going through tough times, migrant workers in transit are bearing the heat of the crisis. They are the ones who are starving due to lack of basic requirements. With this campaign we aim to support them by giving products from the brand. This initiative is part of our CSR strategy and we hope to bring smiles to the struggling families. It is our way of giving back to the society especially to the ones in need in these difficult times. Feed the Migrant Worker in Transit initiative aims to support one million needy families through this programme. It all started in 2010 at a campground in Portland, Oregon. "I had to pee in the middle of the night and I was terrified," says Laura Fahrenthold. "So I brought the box of ashes to the outhouse with me. I tripped and it spilled and dusted me all over. Now looking back, I like to say, that's when he broke out of the box." "He" was her husband Mark Pittman, a strapping 6-foot-4 investigative journalist for Bloomberg News. One year earlier, on Nov. 25, 2009, he had died of a massive heart attack at their home in Yonkers, New York at age 52. "My daughters, Nell and Susannah, were 8 and 10 and they saw it happen," says Fahrenthold. "I was 46 years old, and to have your husband drop dead with your two kids looking at you, it was like someone ripped our life apart. Like a bomb went off." "We were all traumatized," she says. "There came a point, I just thought, let's get the hell out of here." And so she took a hiatus from her city government job and took her daughters camping across the country. "We brought Mark's ashes with us because I was afraid to leave them at home, in case something happened to them," says Fahrenthold. "I didn't intend to buy an RV but I did and we ended up traveling 31,152 miles and spreading his ashes all across America." She wrote about their adventures in The Pink Steering Wheel Chronicles in 2018. As another Father's Day approaches without her husband, she looks back on the decision that changed their life. RELATED: Kentucky Congressman's Wife & Mom of 2 Dies at Their Home: 'Stunned and Heartbroken' courtesy Laura Fahrenthold Laura Fahrenthold with daughters Nell and Susannah in Sedona, Arizona "It was a combination that I was terrified and I also had a sixth sense," she says. "I was afraid their father's death would define my daughters' lives and they would have problems because they were so young to witness something like that. I wanted to build other muscles so they became stronger and would learn how to be self-reliant. They learned to go fishing, to read a map, change a tire, and lay in a field and blow through blades of grass to whistle." Story continues "I wanted to build them up so they would have experiences that were bigger than their dad's death," she adds. "If they climbed the mountain, or went white water rafting or built a campfire, they could look back and feel that." At first, she wasn't sure how her daughters would react to the idea of sprinkling their father's ashes. "We were hiking in Oregon, and I asked the girls if they wanted to sprinkle a little bit of Dad from the treetop. It became a sort of game for them. Nell said, 'It's like having mini funerals.' I'd ask, 'Where do you think Dad wants to be sprinkled?' We went to Niagara Falls, Graceland, and the Grand Canyon. We went the Badlands because Dad was a badass and we went to the the largest picnic basket in America in Newark, Ohio, because we had a picnic wedding." "It was a beautiful, but also a wacky, family vacation," she continues. After a few weeks of pitching tents and a mudslide later they saw a beat up RV for sale on the side of the road in Washington State. "I just did a U-turn," says Fahrenthold. "My mom wired me some money, and that set us off on a whole new course. We named it 'HaRVey, the RV.'" Laura Fahrenthold with late husband Mark Pittman For the next five years, the trio traveled all over America and Canada during summers and school holidays. "You name it, we've probably sprinkled Mark there," she says. "And another part was, wherever my girls went as they grew up, their Dad would always be there." "I wanted to honor him," she says. "He was an investigative journalist in the process of suing the Federal Reserve for not revealing to taxpayers the extent of bank bailout during the 2008 housing crisis. He was a bootstraps guy from a blue-collar family. He really believed that Americans needed to know the truth." In 2015, she and her daughters made the final stop. "We took him back to his boyhood home in Kansas and then to the sunflower field where he asked me to marry him, and we released him there for the last time," she recalls. The story took another twist after she got home and found a folder called "Mark's Writing" in a filing cabinet they'd shared for 15 years. "I'd never seen it before and I opened it and he had written a journal while on a motorcycle trip across the country in his twenties," Fahrenthold says. "Many entries were reminiscent of things we had experienced and places we'd traveled. He also foreshadowed his own death. There was a Hopi Mesa Indian reservation he'd been to the same one we'd driven seven hours to. For some reason, I had felt compelled to go there. It was almost as if he was guiding us but we didn't know it." RELATED: English Bride Decorates Her Wedding Nails with Late Father's Ashes courtesy Laura Fahrenthold Laura Fahrenthold book cover "You know, I was terrified a lot of the time," she says, "like when you're running out of gas in Carlsbad and the next gas station is 150 miles away, but people always helped us. I look at my girls now and they definitely did not have the same childhood as most kids growing up in the suburbs. I raised them to be independent because I had to think, what if I drop dead?" Today, Nell, 20, is a photographer studying at FIT, and Susannah, 19, an EMT, teaches sailing and navigation for Tall Ships America. Looking back she says, "I think there's nothing better than road therapy." "In supermarkets and Walmarts, I'd buy a box of cookies and I'd offer them to ladies in line and sometimes we'd end up talking about my husband, and by the end, I'd be crying in their arms." she says. "It was as if I was grieving in the arms of America." Fahrenthold, who lives just outside of New York City, is now working on her next book, The Airbnb Chronicles, about her adventures renting out her home. "I wanted to welcome people to my house," she says, "the way people had opened up their arms to me." South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul gets into a car as he leaves the government complex in Seoul, South Korea, on June 19, 2020. (Lee Jin-man/AP Photo) Souths Unification Minister Resigns as Korean Tensions Rise SEOUL, South KoreaSouth Korean President Moon Jae-in on June 19 accepted the resignation of his point man on North Korea, who had asked to quit after the North destroyed a liaison office while ramping up pressure against Seoul amid stalled nuclear negotiations with the Trump administration. Kim Yeon-chul was appointed unification minister in April last year as talks between Washington and Pyongyang began falling apart, and leaves the job without having a single meeting with the North Koreans. He said he wanted to resign to take responsibility for tensions between the rivals. The North in recent months has virtually cut off all cooperation with the South while expressing frustration over Seouls unwillingness to break away from its ally and restart inter-Korean economic projects held back by U.S.-led sanctions over its unwillingness to give up its nuclear ambitions. South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul answers a reporters question during a meeting with the members of foreign media in Seoul, South Korea, on June 4, 2019. (Lee Jin-man/File/AP Photo) Kim offered to resign after North Korea in a made-for-TV demonstration Tuesday used explosives to destroy the building in its border town of Kaesong. The North has also declared it will cut off all government and military communication channels and abandon a key military agreement reached in 2018 to reduce conventional threats, which experts say elevates risks of skirmishes in land and sea border areas. The (North-South) relations have entered a crisis phase, Kim said during a farewell speech at the ministry. I hope that my departure can provide an opportunity to halt (the erosion in bilateral relations). It isnt immediately clear who Moon is considering as Kims replacement. There are calls for Moon to overhaul his foreign policy and national security personnel amid deteriorating relations with the North and Seouls fading role as a mediator in the talks between Washington and Pyongyang, The negotiations have faltered over disagreements in exchanging sanctions relief and disarmament steps. Moons government was credited for coordinating a diplomatic push to defuse the nuclear standoff with North Korea, with his envoys shuttling between Pyongyang and Washington to help set up the first meeting between the Norths leader, Kim Jong Un, and President Donald Trump in in Singapore in June 2018. Flags of North Korea, rear, and South Korea, front, flutter in the wind in this photo taken from Paju, South Korea, on June 19, 2020. (Seoul Myung-gon/Yonhap via AP) But theres criticism that South Korean officials had been too optimistic about the signs they were seeing from Pyongyang. They ran into credibility problems once it became clear Kim had no intent to voluntarily deal away the nukes he likely sees as his strongest guarantee of survival. While taking provocative steps toward the South this month, the North has also unleashed vitriol against North Korean refugees and activists who for years have flown anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border that denounced Kims nuclear ambitions and human rights record. The North, which is sensitive to any criticism toward its leadership, has mobilized massive demonstrations in past weeks condemning the refugees whom its state media describe as human scum. Its military has also announced plans to support North Korean civilians flying anti-South Korean propaganda leaflets in areas near the land and sea border. Experts say that could potentially create security problems for the South. This photo provided by the North Korean regime shows the demolition of an inter-Korean liaison office building in Kaesong, North Korea, on June 16, 2020. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP) South Korean army soldiers ride on the back of a truck in Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, on June 19, 2020. (Ahn Young-joon/AP Photo) Desperate to prevent tensions from getting out of control, the South has vowed to stop the activists and threatened to press charges against two North Korea-born brothers who for years have led campaigns dropping leaflets over the border and floating rice-filled bottles into the North by sea. One of them, Park Sang-hak, vowed to continue his work and accused Seoul of caving to North Korean threats. He recently told The Associated Press he was planning to drop about a million leaflets over the border sometime around the June 25 anniversary of the start of the 1950-53 Korean War. He also planned to use drones so that he could drop the leaflets on Kim Jong Uns head. However, his brother, Park Jung-oh, canceled Sunday plans to release bottles filled with dried rice and masks at an island near the western sea border, citing the animosities between the Koreas, according to his group. The (South Korean) government will closely coordinate with police and local authority to strengthen on-site response and security to prevent the border campaigns, Unification Ministry spokeswoman Cho Hye-sil said Friday. While Seoul has sometimes sent police to block the activists from leafleting during sensitive times, it had previously resisted North Koreas calls to fully ban them, saying they were exercising their freedom of speech. Experts say the North could be using anti-Pyongyang activists as an excuse to dial up pressure on the South as it attempts to build internal unity and shift public attention away from diplomatic failures and a dismal economy that likely worsened under the COVID-19 pandemic. By Kim Tong-Hyung Epoch Times staff contributed to this report. In-country testing for COVID-19 has begun, however the operation is at a validation stage. Chief Medical Officer Dr Simone Keizer-Beache told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday that samples were still being sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agencys (CARPHA) lab facilities in Trinidad, but that samples were also being tested here. "This is part of the process, she said. The PCR testing machine arrived here in May following weeks of delays due to restrictions in the United States. It was in March that the Minister of Health first announced that a PCR testing had been ordered, and that it was being purchased with funding from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). In a release issued earlier this month by the Ministry of Health, it stated that the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) had assisted with the training of ten local lab technicians in conducting PCR tests, and that a piece of equipment known as a biological safety cabinet was installed, in order that in-country PCR testing can begin. A long-serving Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) ritualist in the Rift Valley region has been forced to quit his trade after the State outlawed the practice, rendering his job as a hypeman redundant. Mzee Benjamin Latim Kipserem, famously known as Chelele, is known for garlanding female initiates with colorful traditional ornaments and soothing songs during FGM ceremonies. Chelele was highly regarded as a morale builder for new initiates and legend has it that any FGM ritual without him would be unsuccessful since the initiates would not attract high profile men to marry. His services were highly sought after, making Chelele a prized FGM ritualist who would travel far and wide to the Kalenjin sub-tribes to entertain and embelish the initiates. On Tuesday, Chelele put on his last show at the Uasin Gishu County headquarters to mark the end of his career. He donned the attire and instruments he used to decorate the initiates with and performed a mock ceremony of how he conducted the rituals. He also surrendered his prized tools of trade to the Uasin Gishu County government as he lamented diminished business prospects. At the moment, FGM has been outlawed in the country and no one is still interested in my services. That is why I have decided to surrender the traditional ornaments and other relics to be showcased in their museum, he said as quoted by Standard. He said he has travelled to many places performing songs and dances to praise the initiates, in turn bringing the best suitors to them. Men who were seeking girls to marry always thronged the initiations ceremonies because they knew they would get the best wives, he said. Chelele said he would embellish the FGM initiatives with an array of beads for the neck, hands and legs as well on the necks. After FGM was outlawed, I turned to changaa brewing to sustain myself and as fate would have it, I was arrested after I was found to be in possession of the illicit liquor, he said. Following his arrest, Chelele was taken to Kaplelach quarantine facility for defying Covid-19 measures. It is while in quarantine that Chelele embraced the salvation of Jesus Christ and turned over a new leaf. Speaking after receiving the artifacts, Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno said they shall be handed over to the Department of Culture and Social Services. Mr Chamno added that Chelele will be enlisted as one of the countys anti- FGM and anti- illicit brew campaigners. He urged those yet to reform to do so before the law catches up with them. Dino Hunting Season Begins | Dino Hunters Between the spring rains and the winter freeze, theres a short window to extract fragile Dinosaur fossils from the high planes of Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota. Will these ranchers hit jackpot this season? Catch the series premiere of #DinoHunters on Discovery this Friday at 9p. Posted by Discovery on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 Discoverys new series Dino Hunters heads west to witness a modern-day gold rush: The high-stakes hunt for dinosaur bones across the badlands of Wyoming, Montana and the Dakotas. The series premieres tonight, June 19, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Discovery Channel. You can also live stream it on FuboTV. Prehistoric fossils can fetch millions of dollars, so for cowboys and cattle ranchers, unearthing bones on their land sometimes means hitting pay dirt and saving their livelihoods. Join a cast of memorable characters who use their deep knowledge of the land in a quest to find the remains of T-Rexes, Triceratops and even a rare, disputed dinosaur called a Nanotyrannosaur that just might shake up the scientific world. In addition to taking exciting field trips to the digs, Dino Hunters brings long-dead giants to life through a combination of 3D modeling and Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI). The result: X-ray visualizations of both the fossils and the animals that give viewers a glimpse of how these prehistoric monsters looked, moved and more. What channel is Discovery on? You can find which channel Discovery 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 Dino Hunters if I dont have cable? Fans can live stream it on fuboTV (7-day free trial, then $54.99/month). FuboTV is a streaming service that offers access to your favorite TV shows, live sports events and much more. Opposition politicians have been pressing the government to increase the weekly amount of money for asylum seekers. The British government is being urged to boost financial support for refugees and asylum seekers struggling during the pandemic. Charities say the existing cash allowance and a ban on work have left them more vulnerable. Al Jazeeras Laurence Lee reports from London, UK. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 19) The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is investigating reports involving two local banks said to be holding the missing $2.1 billion cash of Wirecard AG, a German payments firm. In separate statements, BDO Unibank, Inc. and Bank of the Philippine Islands denied claims Wirecard is their client, adding that they are also doing their own investigations. "The document claiming the existence of a Wirecard account with BDO is a falsified document and carries forged signatures of bank officers," BDO said Friday. BPI also said Wirecard's external auditor presented a "spurious" document to them in claiming that they have a banking relationship with the Ayala-owned lender. It is unclear if the forgery was committed by a local bank employee or a Wirecard staff. RELATED: Local bank officer sacked for fake document on Wirecard deposits Wirecard, which has been in hot water since 2019 for allegations of suspected fraud, is again under scrutiny for deciding to postpone the publication of its 2019 financial statements after trust accounts supposedly holding 1.9 billion euros (about 107 billion) in overseas accounts were not acknowledged by the two Asian lenders. The amount is said to be worth one-fourth of the company's consolidated balance sheet. Failure to trace where the amounts are will allow about 2 billion euros worth of loans to Wirecard AG to be terminated. A member of the firm's management board responsible for compliance has been suspended, while Wirecard's long-time CEO Markus Braun resigned Friday amid the controversy, with Dr. James Freis, Jr. stepping in as interim CEO. "It is currently unclear whether fraudulent transactions to the detriment of Wirecard AG have occurred. Wirecard AG will file a complaint against unknown persons," the German company said in a statement. BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the regulator is looking into the matter, while Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier confirmed that they have received a formal report from BDO. Wirecard maintains presence in the Philippines as an e-money issuer, having acquired the portfolio of Citibank for this segment. It is currently involved in the issuance of corporate cards, with no footprint in the retail market so far. Wirecard's Manila headquarters is along Ayala Avenue in Makati City, where most local lenders are also stationed. Its official local partner is UnionBank, but its president and CEO Edwin Bautista said in a text message that they had no escrow agreements with the company. Bibaa Henry (L) and Nicole Smallman (R) were stabbed to death in a west London park. (Met Police) Police are hunting a knifeman who stabbed two sisters to death in a London park amid fears he could strike again. The family of Nicole Smallman, 27, and Bibaa Henry, 46, have spoken of the devastating impact of their loss after the women were stabbed in Fryent Country Park, off Slough Lane in Wembley, after meeting friends there on 5 June to celebrate Ms Henrys birthday. Police have released photographs of the women taken shortly before their deaths and found on their mobile phones as detectives continue to hunt for their killer. Appealing for information, the Met Police has said detectives always have a fear the killer could strike again. Pictures recovered from the women's mobile phones show photos they took shortly before their deaths. (PA) Paying tribute to Ms Smallman and Ms Henry, their parents said: The greatest fear of any parent is that they will outlive their children. What makes our situation unique is that two adored sisters were murdered together on the same night. The grief we feel is palpable, our beautiful and talented daughters gone. They said despite a large age gap the sisters shared many of the same interests, including the arts. Read more: Police release footage of officers helping stab victim as they urge people to stay away from 'quarantine raves' Ms Henry, from Brent in north-west London, was described as an exceptional senior social worker and a passionate advocate for safeguarding vulnerable children and families, whose smile would put Blackpool Illuminations to shame. Ms Smallman, from Harrow in north-west London, was a strong advocate for humanitarian causes and saving our planet and someone who saw beauty in everything, they said. They added: Bibaa and Nicole were sisters whose untimely deaths we will spend the rest of our lives trying to come to terms with. The pain we feel as a family is so deep no words can express how we are feeling. Tributes have poured in for the women after they were found dead. (SWNS) Police said Ms Henry and Ms Smallman had enjoyed the celebration throughout the evening and ended up alone in the park by around 12.30am. Their last contact with friends and family was about 1.05am and they were said to have been in good spirits and taking selfie pictures, listening to music and dancing with fairy lights until at least 1.13am. Story continues Their bodies were found next to each other shortly after 1pm on June 7, with a post-mortem examination revealing they both died from multiple stab wounds. Police have since found items belonging to them at the scene, including recovering their mobile phones from a pond. The women's bodies were found next to each other at Fryent Country Park in Wembley, north-west London. (SWNS) It is believed the suspect left the park via its Valley Drive entrance and is thought to have suffered a significant injury during the incident. They have asked anyone with any information, including anyone who knows someone in the area with an unexplained injury, particularly to their hands, to get in touch. Detective Chief Inspector Simon Harding, who is leading the double murder investigation, said the much-loved sisters were surrounded by friends and family and its unimaginable what they are going through. For their sake and the sake of the wider community we need to identify and apprehend the suspect as soon as possible. And we need help from the public to do that. He previously said detectives always have a fear that the murderer could strike again. A 36-year-old man arrested in south London on suspicion of murder was released with no further action. After their father died while in need of a kidney transplant, two Illinois sisters each donated their kidneys 24 hours apart to total strangers to make sure two other families didn't have to suffer the way theirs did. "I hope he would be really proud," Bethany Goralski, 25, of Chicago, told "Good Morning America." After a long battle with Crohn's disease and kidney failure, their father, Mark Goralski, passed away in September of 2018. Bethany Goralski said she was prepared to donate her kidney to her father -- who had already underwent a transplant in 2011 -- but doctors "told us at the time he wasn't healthy enough for a transplant." "We just want to make sure two less families had to go through what we went through," Bethany Goralski said. PHOTO: In this undated photo, Hannah Goralski (left) is pictured with her sister before she underwent surgery to donate her kidney. (Courtesy Bethany Goralski) (MORE: Teacher overcome with emotion as former student reveals she's giving him her kidney) Her sister, Hannah Goralski, 24, said that she also decided to give the gift of life to a stranger after her father's death. "You are just in a lull and a loss and youre thinking about what am I going to do to stop thinking about this person," Hannah Goralski told "GMA." "My dad was always giving, he was always helping others," she added. "And I thought what a great way to honor him." "Knowing a lot of people who have been affected by organ transplant, it felt selfish to keep my kidney," she said. PHOTO: In this undated photo Hannah Goralski is pictured with her family before undergoing surgery to donate her kidney. (Courtesy Bethany Goralski) Hannah Goralski said that she called Northwestern Memorial Hospital about a month after her father passed away, and the sisters underwent the surgeries about a day apart in March 2019. Knowing that she potentially saved a life, "definitely feels amazing," Hannah Goralski said. "I am definitely in my prayers every night and thinking about the people that received my kidney," she said. "And thinking about the possible chain that this started." Hannah Goralski added that she believes if her father "was in this position, I think he would have done the exact same thing, he was always helping others." Story continues "I know he would be proud," she said. PHOTO: Bethany and Hannah Goralski are pictured in this undated photo with their father before he passed away. (Courtesy Bethany Goralski ) (MORE: Son gives his mother the gift of life with organ donation: 'I want her to experience grandchildren') Bethany Goralski said she would encourage healthy young people to become organ donors. "I would tell them to do it, I dont regret it one bit," she said. "Were young and healthy, so my recovery was only about 10 days." Hannah Goralski added that "the age I did it was very ideal." PHOTO: Bethany and Hannah Goralski are pictured here with their father before he passed away. (Courtesy Bethany Goralski ) "Ive never had any major health issues," she said. "Ive only ever had my wisdom teeth removed so this was my first surgery ... I felt like I bounced back very quickly." She acknowledged that while there are "definitely risks for women like preeclampsia ... all women are at risk for that anyway." "I thought why wait, if someone's dying now and I can help them now, hopefully by then when I'm older I'll look back and say, 'I'm glad I didnt wait," Hannah Goralski said. PHOTO: In this undated photo, Bethany and Hannah Goralski are shown prior to their kidney donation surgery. (Meghan Mccloud/Courtesy Northwestern Medicine) Editor's note: This was originally published on June 15, 2019. After their dad died in need of a kidney transplant, 2 sisters donate their kidneys to strangers originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com Photo credit: ANGELA WEISS - Getty Images From Cosmopolitan We all remember Jon and Ygritte's love story on Game of Thrones. Even people who have never watched the show know the line, "You know nothing, Jon Snow." And as though the story couldn't get any better, Jon and Ygritte (aka., Kit Harington and Rose Leslie got together in real life shortly after their characters did on the show. The couple even got married in an idyllic ceremony in Scotland in 2018, where Leslie's father owns a castle, obviously. Here's everything we know about the couple's notoriously private relationship, with the most recent update first. October 2020 Rose speaks about how the couple spent their time in lockdown, saying that at one point she gave Kit an "awful, semi shaved" haircut, while the pair were quarantining together at home. "I was on FaceTime to a friend at the time," she told the New York Post. "He was like, 'Can you do the back, because I cant see it with the mirror?' And I was so engrossed with my girlfriend, we were having such a lovely time, and I was like, 'Yeah yeah yeah, fine, whatever'." Rose apparently then took the scissors in her left hand, despite being right handed, and absent mindedly chopped away. "And I dug too deep. I dug too deep! It was rather hilarious, but also awful. Fortunately, he looks great with a semi-shaved head, so it was fine," she explained. Fingers crossed he does, Rose. Photo credit: SMXRF/Star Max And here's the rest of Rose Leslie and Kit Harington's relationship timeline... 2011 We don't know exactly when in 2011 Kit and Rose met, but they began filming scenes for GOT together in 2011. Reportedly, however, they didn't fall in love until after their characters did, which happened gradually from season two onwards, with THE steamy cave scene taking place in season three. Although in August of 2012 TMZ shared several pictures of them holding hands in a restaurant in London. May 2014 Story continues At some point in the years between 2011 and 2016 Kit and Rose become a couple, we don don't officially know when since they're so private about the relationship (fair enough), but in 2014 Harington told Evening Standard that they were just friends, but that he would keep it to himself if he had a girlfriend anyway. Photo credit: HBO "All rumour and myth," he said. "Me and Rose are very, very close and very good friends. And continue to be, actually. Shes wonderful. But no, no love affair. "On a serious level," he continued. "I wouldnt tell the press if I was in a relationship or not. I wouldnt ever reveal that, because it takes you down a certain road" April 2016 Rumours have been swirling for ages with no confirmation, but finally Rose and Kit make their official debut as a couple on the red carpet of the Olivier Awards in London. Photo credit: Julian Parker May 2016 In an interview with Italian Vogue, Kit speaks about how the pair fell in love, describing his best memory of filming the show, "The three weeks in Iceland when we were shooting the second season. Because the country is beautiful, because the Northern Lights are magical, and because it was there that I fell in love. If youre already attracted to someone, and then they play your love interest in the show, its becomes very easy to fall in love". Photo credit: HBO April 2017 Rose and Kit give us an uncharacteristically intimate insight into their relationship, when Kit plays an April Fool's prank on Rose, putting a prop of his own severed head from Game of Thrones on the top shelf in the fridge. He spoke about the prank on The Jonathan Ross Show, saying, "My family does April Fools. Her family doesnt do April Fools, and after that, she was in tears, and I was there going, 'April Fools!' It didnt go down well." It is quite funny, sorry Rose. May 2017 Kit talks about moving in with Rose in an interview with Esquire saying that he and his then-housemate had decided to look for new places, "He's going off with his girlfriend and I'm living with my girlfriend," he said, before saying the relationship was off-limits in the interview. "'Cause it's as much her relationship as it is mine and I can't speak for both of us. But yeah, we are very, very happy. So that's what I'll say about that." By July, it was being reported that the pair had moved in together in this idyllic timber property in East Anglia. Photo credit: Rex September 2017 On the 26th September a rumour began going around that the pair had got engaged. Then, a day later an announcement appeared in the paper. That's right, in the paper! How cute, it's like the olden days. Theres going to be a Game of Thrones wedding pic.twitter.com/8UGGMCh9GH Elliot Wagland (@elliotwagland) September 27, 2017 October 2017 Photo credit: Samir Hussein - Getty Images Kit tells The Guardian why he and Rose don't take pictures with fans, detailing the polite and rehearsed rejection he gives when asked, "But you just have to," he defends. "Otherwise you start feeling like a mannequin. Especially me and Rose, we never do a photo together. Because then it makes our relationship feel like puppets... like were a walking show." He then explained the pair's decision not to speak about each other in interviews, "I just dont and I wont say much about it now but I dont believe in talking about ones relationship in the press because its I strongly believe its her relationship and mine, and anything I say here, she may not want me to say. So I just dont say it. I genuinely think its our private life. June 2018 Rose and Kit tied the knot in an idyllic, traditional ceremony on 23rd June at Kirkton of Rayne church in Aberdeenshire, which was attended by the who's who of Westeros and The Seven Kingdoms... aka, the cast of Game of Thrones. Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Peter Dinklage and Emilia Clarke all showed up for the big day. Photo credit: Mark R. Milan - Getty Images Photo credit: Mark Milan - Getty Images Photo credit: Mark Milan - Getty Images November 2018 A Russian model called Olga Vlaslova tweeted what she said was a nude photo of Harington, telling a Russian newspaper that she and Harington met in Luxembourg and slept together several times before and after his marriage to Leslie. A rep for Harington quickly denied the story, saying "The allegations in this story are completely false," his rep says. "[Harington] has never even been to Luxembourg nor has he ever met Olga Vlasova." The fact that he's never even been to Luxembourg makes this pretty conclusive, really doesn't it. April 2019 Rose and Kit walked the red carpet together at the premiere of the final season of Game of Thrones, looking every bit the happy couple. Photo credit: Paul Bruinooge - Getty Images June 2019 The couple quietly celebrate their first wedding anniversary after Kit returns from a month in a wellness retreat, which he attended to work on some "personal issues", according to a representative. A source, told People, "since Kit left the Connecticut wellness center, he is back in London with Rose. The two are enjoying the summer, spending time with family and friends. Kit seems well. And Rose seems happy that he is back in London. While he was in Connecticut, she was lying low. It seemed their focus was just getting Kit feeling better. And he does look better. Kit and Rose seem happy." January 2020 The rarely seen couple make an appearance at The Golden Globes, looking as in love as ever on the red carpet. Harington was nominated for Best Actor for his role as Jon Snow in the final season of Game of Thrones, which incidentally, was the series' only nomination at the 2020 Golden Globes. Ouch. This was also the first time the pair had been photographed together since Harington left a London-based treatment centre in June 2019 ahead of the GOT finale on HBO, with his publicist stating he was using the break in his schedule "as an opportunity to spend some time at a wellness retreat to work on some personal issues." Photo credit: Steve Granitz - Getty Images September 2020 Rose Leslie and husband Kit Harington are believed to be expecting their first child, after pictures of Rose with a growing baby bump emerged. The pregnancy was revealed in an interview for digital publication Make Magazine, and fashion editor Ursula Lake uploaded a picture to her Instagram account, captioned: "A very special all woman team photographic shoot capturing Rose at this wonderful time as she prepares for motherhood for the first time!" Cosmopolitan UK's November issue is out now and you can SUBSCRIBE HERE. Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox. SIGN UP You Might Also Like Diane Davis holds photos of her late son, Mike Davis, at her home in Philadelphia, Pa. Thursday, June 11, 2020. Davis' son died while in prison in 2014. The recent uprising over police killing black people has brought back horrible memories and a hope that one day there will be a movement to protect inmates from the officers behind bars. Read more The mothers, a thousand miles apart, watched the nationwide calls for justice grow louder. Karen Brady, at home in Florida, watched the swarms of impassioned demonstrators on her television not far from the urn where she keeps her sons ashes. Diane Davis watched from the Philadelphia neighborhood where she raised her firstborn. Thousands were taking to the streets across the country to demand police accountability following the killing of George Floyd by a police officer the spark, many hope, for long overdue police reform. But for these mothers reliving agonizing memories of being told their sons died behind bars, the movement is something else: a desperate hope that the public outcry on the streets will find its way to the steel and cement fortresses where abuses often go unreported. Brady cant talk about what happened to her son in 2011; family lawyers signed a confidentiality agreement as part of a $300,000 wrongful-death lawsuit they won against the city. But multiple published accounts chronicle her sons last moments: Mike Brady, sick from detoxing after his latest drug arrest, went to the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facilitys infirmary. Returning to his cell, he felt sick again and asked the correctional officers to escort him back to the infirmary. They refused. When he collapsed, unable to walk, he was pepper-sprayed and dragged barely conscious back to the infirmary. The city Medical Examiners Office declared he died from hypertensive heart disease. There was no mention of the guards role. Davis son, Michael, was incarcerated at the citys Detention Center facility when he died March 3, 2014, four days after he was jailed for his involvement in a shooting outside a North Philadelphia nightclub. Even before an official autopsy, his family was told he died of natural causes, but Davis relatives suspected something else when they went to identify him at the morgue and saw he had swollen black eyes, a split lip, and bruises on his head and body. Prison sources told the Daily News at the time that Davis was dragged face down to the mental-health unit. A civil lawsuit against the city was settled for $300,000 in 2016. The Medical Examiners Office eventually ruled that Davis died of hypertensive heart disease and declared his death natural. Their report did not explain several cuts to his face. The mothers got to know each other over the years, bonded by grief compounded by nagging doubts. As the police killing of Floyd galvanized a nation, they turned to each other again, commiserating over fresh despair that the deaths of their sons barely registered outside of their families. The reason why the whole world is about George Floyd is because it was televised and the whole world saw it, Brady said. Our sons, it was shoved under the rug and nothing was said. Nobody cared about my son, said Davis. It bothers you when you see all the people coming together for one but not others. I have to admit, it bothers me a little bit. Criminal justice reform advocates understand their agony. There is a direct line between the systemic racism and police brutality captured on the streets and the abuses often hidden away inside prisons. When I saw the news reports about what happened to George Floyd, I immediately thought of our clients, said Su Ming Yeh, executive director of the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project. Accountability can be extremely difficult, but theyre the same parallels in terms of systemic overuse of power over individuals who really should be in their care. Dying at the hands of an officer demands attention wherever it happens, said Robert Saleem Holbrook, director of community organizing at the Abolitionist Law Center. Whenever someone is murdered at the hands of law enforcement, that is state-sanctioned violence whether it is in prison or on the streets. Except, he and other advocates concede, thats not necessarily how the public sees it, especially when people who are incarcerated are so often reduced to their offenses. I think its easy to see in a case like George Floyd did he deserve to die over $20, or Eric Garner, over loosie cigarettes, said Nicole Gonzalez Van Cleve, an associate professor of sociology at Brown University who has written extensively on these issues. Absent horrific videos of police brutality, that same humanity isnt often extended to people behind bars. Advocates are hopeful that renewed momentum over police reform will push long overdue measures through, including increased transparency in prisons, reducing solitary confinement, and creating independent ombudsman offices with the power to investigate and discipline correctional officers. At the very least, the rest of us can start here: Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd. ... They were all someones child. So were Mike Brady and Michael Davis and so many others who died behind bars, leaving only their loved ones to mourn their deaths and cry out for justice. NEW HAVEN Gateway Community College will celebrate more than 700 graduates during its virtual commencement at 11 a.m. June 25, according to school officials. Thomas Coley, acting president of Gateway Community College and regional president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Shoreline-West, will confer the degrees for the 720 graduates, including 88 nurses, among them GCCs Student of the Year Rahteisha Pittman, according to a release. The graduates also will include 17 veterans representing five branches of the military; and 81 business majors including several award-winning entrepreneurs, the release said. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the graduation is scheduled to be held on Facebook Live to ensure everyones safety, the release said. The session is free and open to the public. The Class of 2020 has much to celebrate, Coley said, also in the release. It is a class of resilient and determined students who have overcome many obstacles. Although Gateways celebration is virtual, it in no way diminishes the accomplishments of these individuals, who will go on to affect positive change in our communities, our state and our nation in the years ahead. The Grand Marshall is Stephen Fries, one of Gateways longest-serving faculty members and a widely syndicated food columnist and author who leverages his professional activities to raise scholarship funds and internship opportunities for Gateway students, the release said. Fries also in a New Haven Register columnist. The commencement speaker is the Rev. John Henry Scott III, a professor at Gateway, pastor of Jesus Stands for Love and Justice Ministries, Inc., New Haven., and the president and CEO of Wellness and Living the American Dream, Inc., the release said. The virtual ceremony will include messages from Gov. Ned Lamont, greetings from Matt Fleury, chairman of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education, and Mark Ojakian, president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, the release said. The installation celebrations in Rotary have begun! Last Tuesday evening, the Rotary Club of Lake Conroe gathered - in person, with caution and distancing - at the new Amore Fine Dining and Seafood on Texas 105 for the installation of incoming president Monica Bresofski and her Board of Directors. This was the first time club members had been together for an in person meeting in months, and excitement filled the air. Allowing lots of catch-up social time, Amore provided great music for the group to enjoy throughout the evening. About 8 p.m., after a beautiful meal, Assistant Governor Cecily Kelly installed the new leadership group. Outgoing President Ashley Harrison Pena, very pregnant with her first child (due in July) thanked everyone for their help and support during a really topsy tervy year (amen to that, right?). Thursday night, in a completely different ceremony, District Governor Becky Mason, a part time resident of our lake community and a great friend to many of us, was installed as governor in the first District 5910 Virtual Installation Ceremony via Zoom. More than 100 people from the district, plus invited guests from other districts and Rotary International attended the hour and a half long virtual celebration. Thanks to the ever increasing technological talents of District Trainer Amy Kilgore, the event was flawless with multiple video uploads and lots of laughter and smiles.The highlight of the evening, without a doubt, was the amazing performance of the D5910 Virtual Choir singing "Let There Be Peace on Earth" , a traditional closing song at Rotary events. Lamar University Music Professor James Han did an amazing job of taking 37 individual tape recordings, uploading and synchronizing them to create a stunning video. In a beautiful, emotional surprise for Governor Becky, the song began with her four grandchildren singing the opening lines - there was not a dry eye on the screen, for sure. Virtual is not the same as in person, no doubt - we miss being in the company of our friends and fellow Rotarians. But it can still be wonderful and create connection and stir emotions. Thursday night was proof positive of that. Becky's team made it happen. The evening ended with a toast, which was sprinkled with words and phrases from Rotary's mission statement and theme for the 2020/2021 year - "As Rotarians, we are people of action. We embrace change. We don't wait for opportunity to knock; we open the door and invite opportunity in. Our District has the talent, the leadership and most of all, the heart, to make the year we are embarking on a history making one. So let the excitement begin! Rotarians, raise your glasses to toast District 5910, all who lead, and all who serve. Cheers!" Haiti - FLASH : 62.5% increase in new cases in 24 hours The Ministry of Public Health informs that 228 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Haiti (the day before: +141), for a total of 4,916 cases throughout the national territory (40.2% women and 59.8% 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 ). Deaths : 2 new deaths were recorded 1 in the West and 1 in the Northwest bringing the national total to 84. Healings : 24 people healed (information not updated by the Ministry since May 31, 2020) Active cases : (less death and recovery): 4.808 (+ 4.93%) +226 in 24 hours (the day before: +139). The 10 departments saw their number of new cases increase, an increase of 62.59% at the national level. Number of suspected cases investigated since March 19 : 9,813 cases (+162) in 24 hours the day before (+298). All the details in our daily report of 11am See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31059-haiti-covid-19-daily-report-june-18-2020.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31053-haiti-flash-increase-of-cases-in-the-west-department.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30319-haiti-health-origin-of-the-first-2-cases-of-covid-19-in-haiti.html S/ HaitiLibre ALBANY In yet another sign that the coronavirus pandemic has waned in New York, Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy delivered his last daily, in-person briefing on the countys virus response Friday. The county executives office announced earlier in the week that McCoy would be scaling back the briefings, which are streamed live on Facebook at 10:30 a.m. and feature regular updates from County Health Commissioner Elizabeth Whalen. On Friday, his office said he will now hold briefings every Tuesday and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and will add extra briefings as needed. His office will continue to provide daily email updates on case numbers, reopening guidance and other news, it announced. Its hard to believe its been 100 days 100 days since we held this press conference and talked about what was going on with COVID-19 and how its been affecting us going forward, McCoy said Friday from inside the county office building's Cahill room. We just entered our 15th week, so we completed 14 and Im just trying to figure out where the last 14 weeks went. Latest coronavirus-related cancellations, postponements The latest coronavirus numbers in NY Sign up for the Times Union coronavirus newsletter Full coronavirus coverage To all the essential employees in Albany County, thank you, he added. I cant thank you enough for what youve done day in and day out to keep us moving forward. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo also ended his daily briefings on the states coronavirus response Friday, noting that the state now has the lowest infection rate nationwide. In the Capital Region, Albany County was the first local government to hold a coronavirus briefing and one of two counties to hold them daily. McCoy's briefings were streamed live on Facebook and regularly drew over 1,000 viewers as he and Whalen discussed the latest outbreaks, hospitalizations, recoveries and deaths, along with practical information such as how to correctly wear a mask or access a testing site. The top-viewed briefing occurred April 27, with over 8,400 viewers. Other local counties, including Saratoga and Schenectady, were criticized early on for their lack of transparency by comparison. They eventually began hosting Facebook Lives once and twice a week, respectively. It wasnt just governments that delivered daily briefings. Albany Medical Center began to post near-daily video updates on its coronavirus response in March, detailing the number of COVID-19 patients in its care each day and explaining various treatments and safety precautions it and other hospitals in the region were taking. The hospital continued the five-days-a-week briefings, which were posted to its YouTube channel, up until last week. It is now providing twice-a-week video updates. Nominate your favorite people and places now Its the 25th anniversary of our Best of the Capital Region readers survey. Nominate your favorite people, places and businesses between Jan. 21 and Feb. 4. The suspension of daily briefings signals a loosening of the pandemic's hold on both the Capital Region and state. In the Capital Region, the virus is largely under control, with few new cases and hospitalizations reported each day for almost two weeks now. On Friday, there were 23 new cases reported in the eight-county region. That's down from triple-digit increases that were seen during the height of the pandemic. Hospitalizations fell by two, with counties reporting just 24 residents hospitalized with the virus on Friday. That's down from 205 hospitalizations at the peak of the pandemic, which for hospitals occurred April 10. In Albany County, where the bulk of cases have been confirmed, the five-day average for new positive cases is now four. Across the eight counties, the seven-day rolling average of new cases per 100,000 residents was just 1.55. The regions first known case of coronavirus was confirmed on March 7. Since then, more than 4,800 local residents have tested positive for the virus and over 300 have died. Despite the recent positive trends, local health officials are still urging people to continue basic safety precautions that helped to control the virus until a viable vaccine and treatment are available. Those include regular handwashing, wearing a face covering while out, and maintaining six feet of distance from others. "The virus is there, it hasnt gone away," McCoy said Friday. "Our numbers are low, which is great. Things are going in the right direction. I cant be happier. But it doesnt mean its not there. Can I say why it hasnt spiked with the protests going on, more people coming back to work, restaurants opening? Id say to the people out there its because of you. It's because of you. Because you wore your mask, you coughed in your arm, you cleaned your hands, you socially distanced to the best of your ability and you were more cautious. So for doing your job, thank you so much." This week saw some big numbers being thrown around by the Spanish government. Prime minister Pedro Sanchez announced that his leftist coalition plans public investment of 150 billion throughout 2021 and 2022, a level of spending that heavily depends on Spain receiving an EU bailout package of 140 billion, 74 billion of which would be in grants, the rest in repayable loans. This hefty injection of funds into the country's post-Covid economy, according to Sanchez's administration, could in turn act as a stimulus to private investment worth 500 billion. You wouldn't necessarily guess, staring goggle-eyed at these enormous figures, that Spain is currently weathering a global health crisis with the potential to become, at least in its own case, an economic crisis too. But Sanchez maintains that increased public spending is the best way to bolster the country's fragile economy, which was still recovering from the global recession when the pandemic hit. So, where's that 150 billion coming from and where will it go? This is the point at which the government's plans become hazy. Sanchez has promised to raise existing taxes and to create some new ones, measures that won't sit well with a population that's been so badly affected by the pandemic and resulting lockdown. But apart from that, there's little evidence that the potential sources of this miraculous amount have been carefully examined. One also wonders if the wildly ambitious figure of 500 billion, which seems to have been snatched out of thin air, takes into account investor caution in the post-Covid financial world. The Socialist leader's proposed approach is not the only one available to governments faced with vulnerable or tanking economies. Mariano Rajoy's conservative Popular Party tackled the fallout from a burst property bubble in 2008 (a situation both similar to and importantly different from the Covid crisis) by slashing rather than increasing public spending. In many ways, that strategy was enforced by Brussels in exchange for a 40 billion aid package, which it provided to rescue Spain's stricken banking sector. Rajoy defended the deeply unpopular austerity measures by arguing that, although unpleasant, they were necessary in reducing the gap between the country's income and its public spending. Where Sanchez's hypothetical 150 billion is directed will determine its economic impact and, in turn, the amount and type of private investment it stimulates. If I gave you 10,000 and asked you to refurbish my flat, I wouldn't be impressed if you spent it all on a new sofa - nor, presumably, would a potential buyer. Here, again, the government's plans are vague: some of the money will go to tourism, some to healthcare, some to unemployment benefits, but the details in each case are sparse. We're led to speculate, as we often are with Sanchez's government, how much substance and detail supports its attention-grabbing announcements. About the technology portfolio. The portfolio offering marketed through Enterprise partners and Distributor resellers globally have access to the industries largest portfolio of Ecommerce & Mobility solutions for "Brand As Your Own" and customization which is driving growth of Business Continuity during these estranged times. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 19, 2020 / The SmartCard Marketing Systems Inc (OTC PINK:SMKG) portfolio delivers key marketplace solutions for Banks, Financial Service Institutions, Retail, Events, Transit, Digital, Workforce, Food Services, Travel/Hospitality, Medical, Education with a further Onboarding focus on EKYC, Wallets, Blockchain, Biometrics and Integrated Electronic Contactless Payments. Emphasispay.com the company's Cloud and Mobility applications marketplace for Enterprise, Distributor & ISV Channel reseller partners is a resource centre for communications, webinars, online demo's, conferencing and networking. The company distinguishes itself as "neutral" in the payment space working with payment gateways and alternative payment schemes globally to deliver a world class solution. Recent Highlights to the portfolio! Genorocity Wallet two way payment system and API sandbox for Point of Sale Integrations The Doctor-vid.com communications platform for Tele-medicine enabling video sessions between Doctor and Patient. The managed partnership with OriginatorX.com platform for Underwriting, Issuing and Tokenizing of Assets or Equity using Blockchain. Integrations with Visa Everywhere (Cybersource & Visa Direct) Integrations with Alipay & Wechat Pay Xpay.world Host EMV TMS gateway Philippines Launch of Eschool.systems for Remote Education management Artificial Intelligence Partnership Australia's Enablefunding.com Artificial Intelligence Partnership with Onplan.co RegA+ Tier1 Offering Office and Company opening in Mumbai, India SmartCard Marketing Systems Inc (OTC:SMKG) is an industry leader in specialized industry cloud and mobility applications to the global PayTech and FinTech markets. SMKG is an entrepreneurial boutique technology company, providing business intelligence and digital transformation strategies with a proprietary portfolio of applications and wireframes for banking, enterprises, retail e-wallets, digital ID-EKYC, digital workforce, events management, education, and ride booking industries. For more info visit www.smartcardmarketingsystems.com or visit our business applications marketplace at www.Emphasispay.com. We seek safe harbor. CONTACT: Massimo Barone CEO mbarone@smartcardmarketingsystems.com SmartCard Marketing Systems Inc. OTC:SMKG 1-844-843-7296 News@smartcardmarketingsystems.com SOURCE: SmartCard Marketing Systems Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/594489/SmartCard-Marketing-Systems-Inc-OTCSMKG-Accelerating-Digital-Transformation-with-14-Proprietary-3-Managed-Cloud-Mobility-applications-For-FinTech-PayTech-Markets McDonald's Corp has been accused of firing a worker from its Chicago restaurant for suing the fast-food chain over claims that it failed to protect employees during the coronavirus outbreak, Bloomberg reported on Thursday. Ryan Freeman was terminated "in an effort to discourage other employees from engaging in" legally protected activism, according to a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, filed by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) on Wednesday, the report said. McDonald's workers around the country have protested and demanded safety gear. Both McDonald's and SEIU did not respond to a Reuters request for comment outside regular U.S. business hours. Freeman was one of five employees who sued McDonald's last month over working conditions at restaurants during the pandemic. michael barbaro From The New York Times, Im Michael Barbaro. This is The Daily. Today: It began with a government promise 155 years ago that in some ways has yet to be fulfilled. Professor Daina Ramey Berry on the history of Juneteenth, and what it means in this moment. Its Friday, June 19. Dr. Berry, take us back to June 19, 1865, and what happened that day. daina ramey berry For most enslaved people in Texas, it was a typical day. They got up, they went to the fields, were picking cotton or producing sugar, and working just as they always had done. This was two months after the Civil War ended and two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation that President Lincoln issued on January 1 of 1863. Although they were fighting for their freedom, although they were still running away and committing acts of day-to-day resistance on plantations, enslaved people were not actually living in freedom. But on that day, June 19 of 1865, General Gordon Granger of the Union Army galloped into Galveston with 2000 other individuals and came and gave a proclamation. The people of Texas, Granger said, are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the executive of the United States, slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. Formerly enslaved people, when they heard the news that slavery was over in Texas, celebrated. It was a day of great jubilee. They danced, they sung, they fled their plantations. It was them claiming their freedom. It was them going out and embracing it. It was them packing their bags and leaving. It was them hugging their loved ones and saying, were free. Were finally free. In the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration interviewed formerly enslaved people and asked them to tell their stories of slavery. Many recalled June 19, particularly those that had been enslaved in Texas. We learned decades later of their experience and their response to when they learned about freedom. Sarah Ford said, When freedom come, I didnt know what that was. Her uncle came to the yard and yelled, Everybody free, everybody free. And pretty soon soldiers comes and the captain reads the proclamation. Others like Molly Farrell, a Texas bond woman, said, Everybody talk about freedom and hope to get free before they die. Me and my mother left right off. Most everybody else goes with us. We walked down the road, singing and shouting to a beat of the band. My father comes the next day and joins us. Sarah Ashley recalled, I was 19 years old when the burst of freedom come in June and I get turned loose. Her former enslaver said that they were welcome to stay, except her father felt like they wanted to leave, Sarah recalls. Papa left, but he came back with a wagon and mules. When he borrows and he loads up mama and my sister and me, and us goes to East Columbia on the Brazos River, and we settled down. They hired out my time, gave us a patch of land, and for the first time, I ever seen money. Papa builds us a cabin and a corn crib, and I was so happy, because the bright light done come and there was no more whippins. Within a year when formerly enslaved people are celebrating Juneteenth, theyre also facing grave restrictions upon their lives because of the 1866 Black Codes, which restricted African-Americans from doing everyday activities restricted them from where they could go. They actually predated Jim Crow legislation. This was also the same year that the Ku Klux Klan was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee. But African-Americans that were formerly enslaved in Texas celebrated on. They celebrated Juneteenth in their backyards, in their churches, in their communities. They had barbecues and picnics and celebrated and remembered. They remembered the institution of slavery. Elders came and talked to the young children and told them about their experiences with slavery, and wanted them to recognize the importance and the significance of emancipation. Because of the Great Migration, African-Americans that lived in Texas moved to other parts of the United States, and they brought the celebration of Juneteenth, Emancipation Day, with them. But then, in the 1920s, 30s and 40s, because of Jim Crow laws, African-Americans celebrated Juneteenth in private settings, in their homes and in their churches. They were restricted in terms of parks and public spaces. They could not go to movie theaters except for on certain days, and they had to enter through certain doors. They were restricted from amusement parks, water fountains, lunch counters. All forms of segregation forced African-Americans into their own communities. And in these spaces, during the heart of Jim Crow segregation, African-Americans celebrated Juneteenth privately. archived recording (james brown, "say it loud, i'm black and i'm proud") Uh! Your bad self! Say it louder! Im black and Im proud! daina ramey berry The resurgence of the public version of Juneteenth returns in the 1960s with the civil rights movement and the Black Power movement. archived recording [CHANTING] Black is beautiful. daina ramey berry The Black Power movement disseminated ideas about black is beautiful. archived recording [CHANTING] Set our water free. Frey Huey! Set our water daina ramey berry Black people embraced the way they looked. archived recording The reason for it, you might say, is like a new awareness among black people that their own natural appearance, physical appearance, is beautiful. daina ramey berry Their hair, their clothing. archived recording Isnt it beautiful? All right. archived recording (martin luther king jr.) an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my poor little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I have a dream today. daina ramey berry At this time, African-Americans were celebrating victories from the civil rights movement. archived recording Now, in this summer of 1964, the Civil Rights Bill is the law of the land. In the words of the president, it restricts no ones freedom, so long as he respects the rights of others. daina ramey berry And they then started becoming more and more public about their celebrations with Juneteenth festivals. archived recording (coretta scott king) Residents of Resurrection City, and my fellow citizens daina ramey berry One particular celebration occurred on June 19 of 1968. archived recording (coretta scott king) I stand here today with many mixed emotions. daina ramey berry The D.C. Urban League invited Coretta Scott King to speak on that day. archived recording (coretta scott king) For it was five years ago that my late husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., stood in this very spot and told the nation about his dream. daina ramey berry A mourning wife, a grieving mother is talking to a crowd of 75,000 people about African-American freedom and the freedom of all people. archived recording (coretta scott king) Perhaps racism can be traced to that dark period in our history when slavery became institutionalized for 244 years. daina ramey berry The roots of racism, she reminded us, deprived African-Americans and other poor people of color dignity, self-respect, jobs, and they often experienced violence by the hands of white Americans. archived recording (coretta scott king) The road to justice, peace and brotherhood is difficult. We must renew our strength, increase our faith and gird our courage. daina ramey berry People left this particular celebration and brought it back to their homes in their states throughout the country. And in this moment, African-Americans are embracing and celebrating Juneteenth. Theyre celebrating it because theyre taking pride in their culture, theyre remembering a difficult part of their history the history of slavery and theyre recognizing freedom and equality. Juneteenth becomes a state holiday in Texas officially in 1980. And from this moment on, celebrations from Juneteenth become much more public, large scale parades, barbecues, picnics. African-Americans are celebrating and sharing the stories of slavery, sharing the history of slavery and sharing oral histories from those that remember celebrations from years ago. archived recording Another widely publicized incident captured on videotape has become a focus for ethnic tensions between the black and Korean communities in Los Angeles. daina ramey berry Then there came a moment in the early 1990s where Juneteenth celebrations took on new meanings. archived recording 1 March 16, 1991. Latasha Harlins, a black teenager, is shot and killed by a Korean store owner, Soon Ja Du. archived recording 2 Du claimed Harlins was stealing a bottle of orange juice when she confronted the teenager. archived recording 3 The merchant, Soon Ja Du, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter. Her sentence: five years probation. No jail time. archived recording 4 The black community is outraged. archived recording 5 And it sends a bad message that a human life is not valued. archived recording 6 What, six months probation? I mean, the people were pissed then. archived recording 7 The title of this videotape is very appropriate. Its called The Foothill Incident. And by now, like every man, woman and child in probably the United States, you have witnessed this videotape in your own living rooms over and over again. archived recording 8 A bystander videotaped the policeman shocking 25-year-old Rodney King with a stun gun, then clubbing and kicking him as he lay on the ground. archived recording 9 Against a growing national furor over last weekends police beating of an unarmed black motorist, Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl Gates said today that all 14 officers involved will be disciplined, and that three will face criminal charges. daina ramey berry These two incidents sparked unrest in the community. But after the King beating, African-Americans were once again on alert. archived recording 1 35 days of testimony, 54 witnesses, the video played scores of times in real time, slow motion, frame by frame. Finally, the jurors leave to deliberate. archived recording 2 Well, my reaction is shock first and then disappointment. Obviously, we feel the evidence warranted a conviction on the defendants, and the jury disagreed with us. And we must abide by their decision. daina ramey berry All the police officers involved in the beating of Rodney King were acquitted, and that led to the Los Angeles riots. [music] archived recording 1 The violence erupted after the acquittal of four white policemen in the beating trial of black motorist Rodney King. archived recording 2 Were being told that several patrol cars have been surrounded near Parker Center downtown. All of the officers in the Central Division are being instructed to put on their helmets with shields in the area near the police headquarters. archived recording 3 [CHANTING] archived recording 4 I feel that there is an undercurrent of racism and that the system is rotten to the core. archived recording 5 No justice, no peace! archived recording 6 Were looking at you. We can tell you now at least five major fires have broken out in South Central. archived recording 7 There were so many blazes the fire department couldnt respond to all the calls and just let some buildings burn to the ground. archived recording 8 Yes, they saw law abiding citizens expressing their anger at the verdict. And they chose as an opportunity to steal, to loot, to vandalize and indeed, to kill. That we cannot and will not tolerate. [music] daina ramey berry As in 1968, after the Rodney King beating, there was a resurgence in the celebration of Juneteenth, because African-Americans were thinking about freedoms and thinking about civil rights and thinking about Rodney King. They wanted to celebrate and focus on African-American liberty, African-American justice, and they felt like Rodney King did not receive justice. So Juneteenth celebrations were celebrations to recognize freedom and recognize enslavement at the same time. michael barbaro So the story of Juneteenth, from what youre saying, is cyclical. Its the story of cycles of joy and pain living side by side. And the last time that Juneteenth experienced a major resurgence began with this scene of police brutality and systemic racism broadcast to the entire country. daina ramey berry Absolutely. We saw this the very first year Juneteenth was celebrated in the 1860s against the backdrop of both joy and pain, of slavery and freedom. We saw this in the 1960s. We saw this again in the 1990s. And were seeing this again today. [music] michael barbaro Well be right back. So Dr. Berry, here we are. Its about 30 years after Rodney King. And we are in the middle of another national outcry over police violence and systemic racism. And it is now June 19, 2020 Juneteenth. And I know that this may be a bit of an unfair question to ask a historian without the benefit of time and of distance, but what does this day mean right now in this moment? daina ramey berry For me, as a historian, it means celebrating African-American freedom and African-American restraints that are put upon us as a people. It is a moment where we celebrate gains and losses. Were seeing African-Americans today being beaten the same way we did in the 1990s, the same way we did in the 60s, and in the 1860s. Were seeing African-American life being devaluated by not only police officers, but also citizens who feel like they have the right to challenge and confront African-Americans for doing everyday, mundane tasks. Black people are being killed in their living rooms. Theyre being killed in their backyards. Theyre being killed on the streets. And theyre being killed sleeping in their cars. Theyre being killed for going and purchasing some Skittles or playing with a toy gun in a park. I have these conversations, and these conversations means so much to me, as a mother who has an African-American teenage young man in my household. michael barbaro And so what has that conversation been like with your son? daina ramey berry Very difficult conversations with him. The fear of the police and what to do if hes confronted. We had that conversation with him when he was 12. And its been hard because we have very close friends that are police officers. So its a very mixed conversation, you know, to have with him. And to talk to him about how to interact, how to carry himself, how to speak, when to speak, what to do with his hands. All of these sort of prescriptive things that we talk to him about, so that he knows what to do, and that he can make smart decisions when being confronted by police officers. And he worries that his life expectancy is short. And he said that to me when he was eight. And hes talked about it recently, and he said, you know, am I going to live to 30? michael barbaro And what did you say back? daina ramey berry What did I say back. I said, thats a reality that is hard. And as a mother, its hard to have this conversation. But yes, you can live till youre more than 30. But that the reality is, no matter what he does, some people will still look at him as a threat to society. He remembers when he was cute. He was still cute at seven. But once he became eight or nine, people started grabbing their purses on elevators when we got on elevators. Just two weeks ago in our own neighborhood, when we were walking our dog, he was behind me, and some of our neighbors followed him because he had a mask on. And he said, well mom, how do I protect myself from disease when people are looking at me as a criminal? And I said, carefully, gingerly. And do the best you can at being who you are, being proud of who you are, but also being careful that not everybody see you as the beautiful child that I gave birth to and that my husband and I have raised. [music] michael barbaro So in this cycle of joy and pain that has always been Juneteenth, which way does it lean for you and for your family this year? Joy or pain? daina ramey berry Pain. Absolutely pain. Were hurt by the ways in which African-Americans are being hurt in this country. Were hurt that all of the battles of freedom and for equality. Were hurt that no matter what we do, were still being treated with a level of disrespect that hearkens back to earlier periods in American history. I teach an African-American history class called Intro to African-American History. And it covers African arrival in what became the United States until today. Its a big, sweeping time period. But students often are exhausted by the time we reach the 20th century, because of the highs and lows that African-Americans have experienced in this country. I remember one student asking me, where is the black joy? When do we get to see black joy? And I said were coming up to the Harlem Renaissance. Theres lots of joy in that decade. But then it follows by the Great Depression and the Jim Crow legislation and lynching. And so once we have a high, then it ebbs down into a low valley of despair and pain. And students are saying again, Dr. Berry, were getting exhausted. Were going back into this period of despair. And then theres a resurgence of the civil rights movement and the Black Power movement, and we have another sort of swing upward. But as a historian, I wonder, in this moment its hard to interpret historical moments when were in them but I wonder what well say about today 50 years from now. Will we say that there was a change, or is this another high or another low that weve experienced, and we go back to business as usual? I like to think, because Im an optimist, that there will be change and that we will come out of this low moment as a better people and a better society. [music] michael barbaro When you think about Juneteenth as the day that finally brought freedom to enslaved people in Texas, how do you think about freedom in this moment? daina ramey berry For me, when I think about Juneteenth as Emancipation Day, and I think about this moment, I feel like we still need to be emancipated. There are still more freedoms that need to be protected. Theres still more laws that need to be revised. Theres still more inclusion that needs to happen. Theres still more achievement to be had. Theres still more space for change and growth. And so for me, on today, on Juneteenth, Im reflecting on how can I, in my little corner of the world, make change happen and make generations that come after me experience a more just and whole society. And I spend the day reflecting on that, and having conversations with my husband and my son, and trying to encourage him to have hope and faith in the future. [music] michael barbaro Dr. Berry, thank you very much. We appreciate it. daina ramey berry Thank you for having me on this historic day. [music] michael barbaro Well be right back. Heres what else you need to know today. The Times reports that global daily infection rates from the coronavirus reached record highs over the past week, driven by outbreaks in Latin America, Africa, South Asia and the United States. In Brazil, officials reported more than 32,000 new cases on Wednesday, the most in the world. The U.S. reported the second most, more than 25,000. Within the U.S., California and Florida reported their highest daily infections yet on Thursday, prompting California to require the states 40 million residents to cover their faces in almost all settings outside the home. And archived recording (nancy pelosi) Ive sent a letter to the clerk of the House, directing the clerk to remove the portraits of four previous speakers of the House who served in the Confederacy. michael barbaro In Washington, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that she would take down the portraits of four previous House speakers who had served in the Confederacy. One of them, James Orr of South Carolina, had vowed on the floor of the House to quote, preserve and perpetuate slavery. archived recording (nancy pelosi) Theres no room in the hallowed halls of this democracy, this temple of democracy, to memorialize people who embody violent bigotry and grotesque racism of the Confederacy. michael barbaro Manila (CNN Philippines Life) The Metro Manila Pride March is Southeast Asia's longest running Pride march, starting with various LGBTQ+ organizations taking to the streets in the early '90s to protest against the injustices faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Pride has since evolved into a massive march and festival, with 2019 seeing a record-breaking attendance of 70,000 people. The exponential growth of the march and festival was most apparent in the last three years, with its trifecta of themes Here Together, Rise Up Together, and Resist Together inviting members of the LGBTQ+ community into a safe space where they could speak up and speak out on the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in the Philippines. Following the massive attendance and reminder of Prides roots as a protest, it was exciting to see how Metro Manila Pride the organizing body of the march and festival would approach Pride in 2020. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic put everything to a screeching halt, and like most events and gatherings, the 2020 Pride march and festival was moved online, with a digital celebration happening on June 27. But that doesnt mean that Pride is over. This years theme, SULONG! Wag Patinag only proves that nothing can stop the LGBTQ+ community from celebrating Pride. Moreso, that Pride is more than a celebration, but an act of defiance. Discussing how the theme came about, Mikhail Quijano, campaigns and communications co-head of MMPride, says, ...we wanted to continue with a stronger call to resist while giving an inspiring reminder to the community to remain steadfast in defiance, amidst all the threats we are facing as a vulnerable community in a global pandemic, and with the looming threat of fascism taking advantage of the situation. As the call says it: tuloy pa rin ang laban, despite all the changes we had to make from a live on-ground march, to a digital one, Quijano adds. But still, the question lingers how will Pride look like this year? Here are five things you can expect from the first online Metro Manila Pride March. Visual from METRO MANILA PRIDE/TWITTER Conversations on social media Throughout the month of June, the Metro Manila Pride Twitter page has been actively engaging the community in Twitter Conversations about queer life, from dating to caring for ones mental health amid the pandemic. The Twitter page has also become a source of information on queer activism and advocacy. As the site counts down the days till the 27th, it drops informative posts on the meaning of words like intersectionality and the significance of symbols like the rainbow flag. On top of these, MMPride is hosting a two-part #HowToHuwebes video series on Instagram. The first #HowToHuwebes tackled crafts and hobbies like baking, books, and knitting, while the upcoming event on June 25 will discuss art as protest. Pride has always been a safe space for the community to not just have discussions to equip and empower themselves, but also opportunities to express themselves and find ways to cope and connect, as we continue to fight for our rights, says Quijano. Visual from METRO MANILA PRIDE/TWITTER Performances, a quiz night, and an online party leading up to the march and festival On the last few days leading up to the online march and festival, MMPride will also be hosting a queer arts night called Sulong Sining, where they will be broadcasting live performances by queer artists. Sulong Sining is happening on Sunday, June 21. Then, on Wednesday, June 24, trivia nerds can enjoy an online quiz night. Finally, on the 26th, members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community can wind down after the work week and join an online salubong party before the official online march and festival on Saturday. An online march and festival packed with activities Despite being online, the committees have been working hard to create that feeling of unity and solidarity within the community during the Pride march, says Quijano. According to him, the whole of Saturday will be filled with online discussion plenaries, performances broadcasted along with solidarity speeches, and a special online engagement for the online community to march together. For now, they cant share the full program and mechanics just yet, so youll just have to stay tuned to the MMPride social media pages in the coming days. Visual from METRO MANILA PRIDE/TWITTER It will still be in line with the call that Pride is a protest first and foremost Unlike many Western countries where Pride is primarily a parade and a festival, Metro Manila Pride has been steadfast in reminding everyone that at the end of the day, Pride is a protest. And in a country with no anti-discrimination laws or marriage equality, its a call that bears repeating time and time again. Last years theme, Resist Together, was an invitation to stand with the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized communities against oppression and discrimination. Quijano reminds us that this years digital event will be no different. He says, Everything from our visuals to our activities always point back to Pride being a protest. Even our visual theme this year for SULONG! Wag Patinag is heavily inspired by protest art and placards on walls. Apart from this, though, is our continuous efforts in sharpening and emphasizing the message that Pride is, truly, a protest that seeks to drive change in both legislation and culture, he adds. While the colorful-ness and creativity of the activities and visuals stay as bright as ever, we make sure the message remains even clearer: that the fight for human rights continues. This years online Pride will be a reminder on the importance of inclusivity and community especially today While the process of transitioning online has been grueling especially since a digital Pride march is a relatively new concept for most of the team Quijano says that MMPride seeks to ensure that this years march and festival remains safe and accessible. Keeping the welfare of the community didnt only involve shifting to digital in an effort to remain safe in distance, he says. It also involved considerations on online privacy and safety, and of course, access. We understand that while the reach of digital is far, it is also limited only to those with access to the internet so its definitely something that we are working on, understanding, and continuously developing so that the message resounds beyond social media. [What I want LGBTQ+ people and allies to take away from this years Pride is that] the fight continues and that the community is here whatever the odds may be, says Quijano. The gravity of the pandemic and our political situation is experienced far heavier by many LGBTQIA+ people (and other vulnerable communities, for that matter), but through this years Pride, we hope to show how we remain and how together, we continue to power through louder and more colorful than ever no matter what. Of course, responding to a murder scene takes far longer than handling a burglar alarm, so the number of episodes does not, by itself, indicate how much time an agency spends responding to violent crime. Fortunately, a handful of agencies include information on how long officers spend on any given incident. While data is not available on how much time a specific officer spends on scene, a generalized result can be deduced by subtracting the time an incident is deemed closed from either when an officer was first dispatched or when the incident was first reported. Incidents without a known start and closure time were discounted, as were calls for service for routine patrol activities like area and business checks. In New Orleans, officers have spent 4 percent of their time this year responding to calls for serious violent crimes. Gun violence has taken up an even smaller share, with 0.7 percent of time spent responding to homicides and nonfatal shooting incidents. Domestic violence calls that are not violent crimes have taken 7.3 percent of officer time, while roughly a third of time has been spent responding to calls regarding complaints, traffic accidents and noncriminal disturbances. Similar patterns hold in Montgomery County in Maryland and Sacramento. In Montgomery County this year, officers spent 4.1 percent of their time responding to calls for violent crime, including 0.1 percent on homicides. Officers in Sacramento spent 3.7 percent of their time responding to serious violent crime and 0.1 percent handling homicides and firearm assaults. Law enforcement has often become a backstop for much of societys ills, sometimes being stretched thin while dealing with domestic disputes or providing safety for schools. Both the police and their critics have at times questioned whether social workers or other workers would be better equipped for those duties. As experts continue to debate how best to improve the performance of law enforcement, its helpful to first have a clear understanding of how the police spend their time interacting with the public, including how little of it revolves around responding to violent crime. Premium online access is only available tosubscribers. If you have an active subscription and need to set up or change your password, please click here New to PW? To set up immediate access, click here. NOTE: If you had a previous PW subscription, click here to reactivate your immediate access. PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. For off-site access, click here. To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: mike@nextstepsmarketing.com. Supporting Children, a new campaign encouraging everyone to be mindful of vulnerable children and young people in these challenging times, was launched today by Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone. The Supporting Children campaign includes the launch of a new gov.ie website, gov.ie/supportingchildren, which will be an information hub for children, young people and their families on how to access the many supports and services provided by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA), Tusla, the Child and Family Agency and their funded organisations. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Tusla have an infrastructure of services providing assistance to children, young people and families throughout Ireland, involving over 800 funded organisations. This existing system of supports, with an effective coordinating structure, was mobilised during the Covid-19 crisis to ensure that vulnerable children and their families could still access the services they needed. These supports include services designated as essential front-line services in the Covid-19 crisis (those addressing child protection; children in care; domestic, sexual and gender based violence; and certain youth work services), other key supports (youth, community, and family services) and coordinating structures (Children and Young Peoples Services Committees). These services responded and adapted in innovative ways to continue to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of children and young people. These have been and remain challenging times for children, young people and their families. We encourage everyone to look out for those who are vulnerable and be aware of the supports and services that exist through my Department, Tusla and our many partner organisations in the community and voluntary sector, said Minister Zappone at the launch of the campaign. During the COVID-19 pandemic we have worked on new and innovative ways to ensure the welfare of children and young people and we will continue to do so. My department continues to lead in harnessing the contribution from all stakeholders in improving outcomes for children and young people. The Supporting Children website will help to ensure that these services continue to be readily accessible to those who need them by providing information on services in one place. The Supporting Children website provides information on Child Protection and Welfare, with guidance on how to report concerns about a child, as well as Parenting and Family Supports, Education Supports, Youth Services, services for Children in Care, and Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Services. It shows the breadth of services and supports for children provided by the State and Community and Voluntary sectors and outlines the actions and innovations taken by services in responding to the challenges of Covid-19. The website also includes links and contact details to organisations such as Parentline, Childline, Barnardos as well as how to find local Family Resource Centres (FRC) and Children and Young Peoples Services Committees (CYPSC). On Tuesday, June 23, at 13.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency will host roundtable entitled "Will Ukrainians Feel in Safe after Rada's Adoption of the so-called 'Law on Thieves in Law'?" Participants include ex-head of the district police department in Kyiv Denys Yaroslavsky, director of the Argument law firm Bohdan Kushnir; MPs and the leadership of the National Police of Ukraine are expected participants of the event (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission requires press accreditation on the spot. Samsung has officially launched Samsung Health Monitor app for users of the Galaxy Watch Active 2 in South Korea. The feature was first announced back in April, after Samsung received certification from South Koreas Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) to release an over-the-counter and cuffless blood pressure monitoring application. Users will be required calibrate their Galaxy Watch Active 2 before being able to monitor their blood pressure. Once calibrated, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 will use pulse analysis from the data it receives from its sensors, analyse the relationship between the calibrated value and blood pressure change to determine the users blood pressure. The measurement results will be synced with the Samsung Health Monitor app, where users can track the data over days, weeks or months and also share it with medical personnel. Later this year, Samsung is also planning to release support for Electrocardiogram (ECG) tracking to its Galaxy Watch series. Commenting on the launch, TaeJong Jay Yang, Corporate SVP and Head of Health Team, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics said: The launch of the Samsung Health Monitor app demonstrates Samsungs dedication to providing accessible and convenient healthcare for all by integrating advanced hardware and best-in-class software technology. Were delighted that Galaxy Watch Active2 users in Korea can now access the new app and receive insights to help them manage their health. We look forward to expanding the app to all future Galaxy Watch products. Source Shouting matches erupt in the halls of US Congress after leaders mandate that lawmakers cover their faces in public. For thousands of people gathered in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday for President Donald Trumps first political rally since the coronavirus pandemic erupted four months ago, a precaution as simple as wearing a face mask in public is not as simple as it would seem. For some, it has become a political statement. While not yet as loaded as the red Make America Great Again hat, masks are increasingly viewed a visual shorthand for the debate pitting those willing to follow health officials guidance and cover their faces against those who feel it violates their freedom or buys into a threat they think is overblown. At least for the presidents strongest supporters, there is a real anti-mask sentiment and the president is playing into that, said Keith Whittington, a professor of politics and law at Princeton University. Weirdly, masks now seem to be integrated into the culture war. Coronavirus cases in the United States continue to rise as the outbreak has spread and as businesses reopen. The number of cases is increasing in 20 states, many led by Republican governors, including Oklahoma where Trump will appear on Saturday. Trump rally organisers will hand out masks but will not require attendees to wear them. A woman wears a protective mask as she joins protesters near Trump Tower as part of a solidarity rally calling for justice over the death of George Floyd, and to highlight police brutality nationwide in New York City [Frank Franklin II/AP Photo] In the US Congress, the Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi this week ordered that all members wear masks or face coverings at hearings and authorised the sergeant at arms to enforce the rule. While most legislators had already been wearing masks, some conservative Republicans were refusing and a shouting match broke out between Democrats and Republicans over the new rule on Wednesday. It is a debate playing out across the country. In the state of Alabama, where hospitals have been overrun by COVID-19 patients, the Democratic mayor of the state capital Montgomery issued an order requiring masks be worn in public. But in Nebraska, Republican Governor Pete Ricketts warned localities and public agencies they would not receive COVID-19 assistance funding if they required people to wear masks. In Arizona, where cases are spiking, Republican Governor Doug Ducey declined to issue a statewide order requiring masks because he said he feared rural counties would tell him to go pound sand, an American colloquialism. In Texas, we want to make sure that individual liberty is not infringed upon by government and hence government cannot require individuals to wear a mask, Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, told a local television station. Trump, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal published on June 18, suggested some Americans are wearing facial coverings not as a preventive measure but as a way to signal disapproval of him. Democratic legislators reacted predictably. IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU, @realDonaldTrump. Get over yourself, at least pretend to be a leader, try to save some American lives, and wear the damn mask. https://t.co/IAgN7Z0zaC Eric Swalwell (@ericswalwell) June 18, 2020 Trump has refused to wear a mask during the pandemic, whether at the White House where officials and aides are tested regularly, or in public settings. The president did not wear a mask when he visited a medical swab manufacturing plant in Maine on June 5 to tout increased production of testing supplies. In May, he was briefly required to wear a mask while visiting a Ford manufacturing plant in Michigan but took it off before he appeared in front of media cameras. I dont want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it, Trump said. Lately, at Trumps direction, the Republican Party decided to move its presidential nominating convention in August from North Carolina, where the state wants to impose social distancing rules, to Florida where there will be fewer restrictions. US President Donald Trump has refused to wear a mask at the White House and in public settings [Tom Brenner/Reuters] Despite the partisan leadership divide, most Americans are willing to wear masks. A survey in May by the Democracy Fund and the University of California found 89 percent of Democrats and 81 percent of Republicans have worn face coverings, according to a poll of 4,500 Americans. Trumps Democratic rival Joe Biden has been seen wearing a face mask at the few small, and socially distanced events where he has appeared recently. With cases rising, the Democratic governor in California now will require people to wear masks in most indoor settings and outdoors when distancing is not possible. Science shows that face coverings and masks work, California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement, announcing a statewide order requiring masks on Thursday. They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open and restarting our economy, Newsom said. Taking a gap year boosts the chances of achieving a first-class degree, according to new figures - as universities fear thousands will avoid higher education this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Data from the Annual Population Survey compiled by the Office for National Statistics examined the outcomes of under-35s with a degree, depending on whether or not they had deferred their university courses. On average, undergraduate students who deferred were more likely to achieve a first-class degree - 18 per cent compared with 12 per cent. They were also more likely to go on to study for a masters or postgraduate degree afterwards. Taking a gap year boosts the chances of achieving a first-class degree, according to new figures (pictured is the University of Oxford) This trend was consistent across students who graduated before, during and after the economic recession of 2008. The new figures come as many universities have expressed concern that thousands of young people will shun higher education in the autumn - in particular foreign students who pay higher tuition fees. It was revealed last month that Britain's universities face a 760million funding black hole as a fifth of prospective students have said that they may defer their studies for a year due to the impact of coronavirus. A-Level students said they could push back going to university by 12 months or skip it altogether with lectures set to move online with no cuts to fees of up to 9,250-a-year, a study said. The study, by the University and College Union (UCU), showed up to 20 per cent could defer for a year, which would mean there would be 120,000 fewer students joining in autumn. Experts from consultancy firm London Economics said even a 17 per cent drop in prospective students would cost the sector 763m in lost tuition fees and teaching grants. Cyclists and pedestrians move along Trinity Street past St Johns College, University of Cambridge (file photo from 2014) School-leavers accepted on to degree courses had until yesterday to confirm their application for this year or ask for it to be pushed back to 2021. The university sector is pushing the message that students should not defer and that there will still be some face-to-face teaching going ahead in September alongside online lectures. It added that some of the traditional alternatives to not going straight from school to university - such as travelling or immediately getting job - would not be as attractive due to travel restrictions and job scarcity. The ONS data however also showed that more of those who deferred over the past decade ended up in a high-skilled job. Alistair Jarvis, chief executive of Universities UK, which represents vice-chancellors, told The Times: 'It is understandable that prospective students may feel uncertain about what to expect this autumn. The university sector have said that some of the traditional alternatives to not going straight from school to university - such as travelling or immediately getting job - would not be as attractive due to travel restrictions and job scarcity 'I want to reassure them that universities will provide a high-quality, engaging and positive experience. As much learning and wider activity will be delivered face to face on campus as public health guidance will support.' Cambridge became the first university in the world to axe all face-to-face lectures until summer 2021 due to 'rigid social distancing.' And other top universities, including Oxford, Edinburgh, Manchester and Cardiff, are planning a mixture of on-campus and remote lectures from the start of the academic year until January at the earliest. There has also been frustration that students will also miss out on a freshers' week and living in halls because campus' are being shut down until the coronavirus pandemic passes. A home warranty contract is an insurance contract. Thats the conclusion of the Oklahoma Supreme Court in a case in which the plaintiffs challenged a mandatory arbitration provision in a home warranty contract, maintaining such provisions are not legal under state law in any contract that references insurance. In Sparks v. Old Republic Home Protection Co. Inc. the plaintiffs, homeowners William and Donna Sparks, sued Old Republic Home Protection Company, Inc., for breach of contract and bad faith breach of contract of their home warranty policy. Defendant filed a motion to compel arbitration of the underlying dispute pursuant to a contractual provision requiring resolution of disputes through binding arbitration, the courts opinion states. The Sparks had purchased a policy from Old Republic Home Protection (ORHP) which included coverage for the repair or replacement cost of the home air conditioning system during the stated policy term. The ORHP-drafted contract included a provision that disputes between the parties would be resolved by arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act. Around six months after purchasing the warranty contract, the Sparks suffered a covered loss that arose out of a faulty repair of their homes air conditioning system. They alleged in their lawsuit against ORHP that the company had a pattern of hiring unqualified contractors or contractors who would make an assessment that little or no work was needed. Asserting ORHP was negligent in the hiring of the repair contractor and therefore liable for the damage to their home, the Sparks sued ORHP for breach of contract and bad faith breach of contract. Relying on the wording of the provision in the warranty contract, ORHP filed a motion to compel arbitration, which the trial court denied. On appeal, the Court of Civil Appeals affirmed the lower courts decision. The Sparks had argued that the arbitration clause was not enforceable because of Oklahoma state law holding that arbitration could not be compelled in contracts that reference insurance. While the trial court gave no reason for its denial of ORHPs motion, in its opinion the appeals court noted that under Oklahomas Uniform Arbitration Act arbitration could not be compelled in this case because the contract referenced insurance within the meaning of this Act and further that the Oklahoma legislature did not intend to exempt contracts made pursuant to the Oklahoma Home Service Contract Act (HSCA) and the Service Warranty Act (SWA) from this provision in the Uniform Arbitration Act. In its first pleading ORHP stated it is an insurance company and that the warranty agreement between the company and the Sparks was an insurance contract. In a later filing and without explanation, ORHP pled that it was not an insurance company and that this was simply a home service contract but not insurance, the high courts opinion states. The court noted, however, that on the bottom corner of the warranty contract rate sheet submitted by ORHP, appears an insignia with Old Republic Insurance Group.' ORHP had argued that under its arbitration provision disputes between the parties would be resolved by arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act and that the FAA preempted state and federal law. The McCarran-Ferguson Act, enacted in 1945, gave authority over insurance contracts to the states. But the ORHP argued that the FAA, not the McCarran-Ferguson Act, controlled because Old Republic and the Plaintiffs chose the [FAA] as the law that governs all disputes.' The Oklahoma Supreme Court said in its opinion, however, that no evidence had been presented to show that this arbitration policy provision was independently discussed or negotiated between the parties. Ultimately, the Oklahoma Supreme Court held that the Plaintiffs home warranty plan meets the definition of insurance and as such is exempt from the Oklahoma Uniform Arbitration Act. The court also held that because insurance is regulated under state law, the McCarran-Ferguson Act applies precluding the Federal Arbitration Act from preempting conflicting state law. Topics Oklahoma By Richard Smith and Christian Estevez These are hard times for New Jersey. Over the last four months, over 1 million workers suffered sudden job losses. These workers and their families are experiencing severe stress in trying to pay for food, healthcare, and housing for themselves and their children. A disproportionate number of the most severely distressed families are African-American or Latino. At the same time, thousands march in the streets demanding a remedy to the systemic racism that permeates our society as exemplified by the murder of George Floyd. At this critical time, families across New Jersey with lost income due to the pandemic face the threat of eviction and foreclosure. Trenton must act fast in order to prevent mass displacement of the very communities that the protests have reemphasized are in a worse position because of decades of discrimination including redlining and discriminatory government policies. We understand and appreciate the decisions Gov. Phil Murphy and the Legislature made to curb the spread of the virus and to mitigate the economic impact the shutdown has had on working families. It was necessary to shut the economy down to prevent more widespread infection of COVID-19. The governor was correct to institute a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures to prevent the displacement of thousands. The governor was right to devote $100 million in federal CARES Act funding to help address housing needs. But these measures are just the beginning of what will be needed to protect low- and middle-income New Jerseyans. We must do more to prevent mass displacement and a prolonged, severe housing crisis. While families who have lost jobs because of the pandemic are currently protected, the day foreclosure and eviction moratoriums are lifted could deliver unimaginable financial ruin. If nothing is done, residents could be immediately on the hook for months of accumulated unpaid rent or mortgage payments. And many of those families, disproportionately African-American and Latino, could find themselves homeless. Economies do not recover overnight. A person who is unemployed today may not immediately get a job back when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. Consider someone who works as a waiter at a restaurant. Even when the pandemic subsides, the restaurant industry is likely to suffer for many months because people may be afraid to go out to eat. This reality will apply to numerous industries and will depress the earnings of thousands. To prevent widespread eviction after the moratorium is lifted, renters need the ability to make up any missed payments not covered by this program over an extended period of time so they arent forced to choose between paying rent and paying for groceries. At a time when a global pandemic is hitting communities of color the hardest, we need to ensure renters, who are disproportionately African-American and Latino, can remain in their homes. And thousands of homeowners who have lost their jobs are unable to make monthly mortgage payments. Lawmakers must pass extended loan forbearance, thus allowing homeowners to pay back any missed payments at the end of their mortgage. Homeowners should be protected from having to make additional interest or late payments. Privately administered mortgage deferral programs arent enough. They subject homeowners to a patchwork quilt of different rules. We need a statewide standard. Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake has proposed legislation to address the crisis that was passed out of the Assembly Housing Committee, chaired by Benjie Wimberly, Tuesday. Legislations sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton has already passed the Senate. The Legislature must quickly send a package to the governors desk combining the best elements of these proposals, including a realistic repayment schedule capping the amount of money families are forced to pay in housing. Landlords who received big tax breaks from the federal government should also be forced to pass along that benefit to their tenants. Trenton must resist powerful special interests, including big banks and corporate landlords who are resisting efforts to keep families in their homes during this difficult time. Instead, our elected leaders must work to support those who need the most help and realize that Black Lives Matter is not just a slogan; it demands action. Our leaders must act now to institute rental and mortgage support programs to prevent low- and middle-income New Jerseyans from losing everything. If we do nothing, a devastating new crisis will emerge that will set us back even further. Richard Smith is president of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference. Christian Estevez is president of the Latino Action Network. 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. David Beckham, Barack Obama and Gordon Ramsay all made the list. (Getty Images) David Beckham, Barack Obama and, er, Gordon Ramsay have been voted the worlds hottest celebrity dads. Fathers Day is almost upon us, and to mark the occasion, OnBuy's Men's Fashion Department surveyed 4,210 people to find out the celebrity dads who have still got it. While theres no real surprise that Tom Hardy topped the list, with 24% voting for him as the most attractive celeb dad, there are a few more interesting choices further down the leader board. With his on-screen role as Thor and real life role as a doting dad, Chris Hemsworth, was a worthy winner of second spot. The father of four captured the hearts of 21% of respondents, but having been voted Peoples Sexiest Man Alive in 2014 its no surprise hes near the top of the hot dad list too. Read more: Father's Day UK: The one gift your dad is will probably love Tom Hardy topped the list. (Getty Images) Next up is Idris Elba, a more recent winner of sexiest man alive in 2018 likely thanks to his role as rogue-ish yet loveable cop Luther in the TV drama of the same name. With his chiselled features and roles in X-men and hairspray, it seems James Marsden is a dad wed all like to bump into at the school gate, so much so that he bagged himself fourth spot, ahead of our very own David Beckham. While Becks may not have topped the list, it seems hes still garnering quite a bit of interest sexually with OnBuy reporting that there have been an average of 1,200 Google searches for 'David Beckham dildo' per month. Oo er! The full list of hot dads. (OnBuy.com) Meanwhile, dad IRL to two girls, and dad of three in everyones favourite family show Modern Family, Ty Burrell placed sixth on the list with 6% of the votes. He may no longer be President, but it seems Barack Obama is still making hearts flutter, scooping 7th place in the hot list with 5% of the votes. Read more: Charting the over-50 dads' club Idris Elba came in in third place. (Getty Images) Will Smith takes the funny vote, landed 9th spot in the most attractive dad list. But it seems its not only his humour fans are interested in with OnBuy reporting 3,500 monthly Google searches for his body. And though he only got 1% of the votes, Gordon Ramsay sneaked onto the list, suggesting a fair few of us would be happy to be called an idiot sandwich by the TV chef. Treat em mean, keep em keen and all that. The year seems to be a challenging one with the coronaviris pandemic, the lockdown, loss of jobs and more... Now our borders are under serious threat given the Indian army's face-off with the Chinese troops. The unfortunate news of 20 bravehearts losing their lives to protect our motherland was heartbreaking. Today Shahid Kapoor took to Twitter to mourn the huge loss. The highest respect to our jawans. And deepest condolences to the families of these heroes. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA https://t.co/9bgVCbN5La Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) June 19, 2020 ' photos expressing grief. He sent condolences to their families. His tweet read, "The highest respect to our jawans. And deepest condolences to the families of these heroes." Take a lookSeveral other actors like Priyanka Chopra, Janhvi Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan and many more took to their social media accounts to share the grief. The loss of these real-life heroes is extremely disturbing. We hope their families find courage and strength to deal with the loss. Toby Antony By Express News Service KOCHI: Amid escalating tensions along the Sino-Indian border, the cyberspace has been witnessing a concerted misinformation campaign in recent days aimed at defaming India. A city-based cybersecurity agency, which monitors web activity, found that several hundred fake accounts most of them from Pakistan are spreading false information about the actual situation on the Line of Actual Control. Technisanct, the private cybersecurity firm, found that such activities are carried out through Twitter and Telegram. Fake profiles are created with Chinese identity and photographs to convince users that the posts are genuine, said. Nandakishore Harikumar, chief executive officer(CEO), Technisanct. Over 500 Twitter handles used to spread the false information have been identified by Technisanct. We identified multiple Pak-operated handles that started to change names and translate tweets into Chinese. Most of these accounts create a feeling that Pakistan is highly backed by China, he said. Nandakishore said he suspects that these accounts are backed by Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence(ISI) agency. Pakistan has been maintaining multiple digital war fronts. Digital warfare had peaked after the abrogation of Article 370. Weekly, two trending activities happen against India, he said. The Technisanct team used a platform called Twint and trends map to gather information on the discussions that happened in the aftermath of the Ladakh issue. After observing these Twitter accounts, their followers, and past tweets, it became clear that these are operated for creating a pro-Pakistan narrative. This is organised activity, he said. For instance, an account named YasifXi from Pakistan which looked like a Chinese account tweeted the photo of two officers from both sides having a conversation with the hashtags #WorldWar3 and #LadakhBorder. From its geographical location, it was established that the tweets were from Pakistan, with a few also from Jammu and Kashmir. Most of the tweets gathered around 1,000 plus retweets and 5,000 plus likes which would have aided in the trend. An official with Kerala Polices Cyberdome said in the past few weeks, there has been a surge in anti-India cyber propaganda. We can only identify such accounts and report them to Twitter. It is up to Twitter to take down such accounts, he said. SOLON, Ohio OVI: U.S. 422 At 9:35 p.m. June 13, an officer stopped a car on U.S. 422 westbound after the car was seen weaving off the road. It was learned that the driver, an Oberlin man, 22, was intoxicated and that he had a handgun in the car. The man was charged with OVI, improper handling of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon (a felony charge), having a blood-alcohol content greater than .17, driving with a suspended license and not driving within marked lanes. Warrant arrest: Harper Road At 3:25 p.m. June 11, an officer stopped a car being driven without front or rear license plates. It was then learned that the driver, a Cleveland woman, 37, was wanted on warrants issued by police in Lakewood, Cleveland and Cleveland Heights. The woman was arrested on the warrants and cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. OVI: Bainbridge Road At 9:20 p.m. June 11, an officer stopped a speeding car displaying Massachusetts license plates. It was subsequently found that the driver, a woman, 26, of Taunton, Mass., was intoxicated. The woman refused to take a breath test. Police charged the woman with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and for speeding. Menacing: Emerald Parkway At 2:45 p.m. June 11, workers at the Solon Pointe at Emerald Ridge nursing facility, 5625 Emerald Parkway, reported that they had heard from a co-worker that another employee had threatened them with a gun she had in her car. Police investigated the 35-year-old suspect, a Cleveland woman, but in the end, the workers decided against pursuing charges. Warrant arrest: Harper Road At 3:45 a.m. June 14, a traffic stop was conducted on a car being driven without working taillights. It was then discovered that the driver, a Cleveland man, 47, was wanted in Oakwood on a felony warrant for fraud/theft. The man was arrested on the warrant and cited for the taillight violation. Theft: Bainbridge Road At 12:10 p.m. June 14, a man reported that his Thin Blue Line American flag supporting police had been stolen from his yard during the previous night. Domestic violence: Maple Drive At 11:10 a.m. June 16, a woman, 29, reported that she had been assaulted by her boyfriend at their home. Police found marks on the womans neck that suggested she had been choked. The man, 36, was arrested and charged with domestic violence. A suspected methamphetamine pipe was found in the home, leading to an additional charge against the man of drug paraphernalia possession. Theft: S.O.M. Center Road At 7:05 p.m. June 16, two just-delivered packages were stolen from outside a home. A female suspect was seen taking the packages. The suspect was not apprehended. Improper handling of a firearm: Old Harper Road At 2:10 a.m. June 17, an officer stopped a car that did not have a license plate. Inside the car were a Bedford Heights woman, 28, who was driving, and a Cleveland man, 34. The man was found to be in possession of a handgun and was charged with having a weapon under disability and improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle. The driver was charged with cocaine possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, and was cited for driving without plates. Read more from the Chagrin Solon Sun. French Defence Minister Florence Parly has urged governments in the Sahel to uphold human rights during military operations, in a report on the progress of France's regional Operation Barkhane before the French senate's foreign affairs committee. Parly said there had been recent military progress in the fight against the Islamic State in Greater Sahara (IS-GS) armed group in the border area between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. This zone had been described as a priority area during the summit of the G5 Sahel grouping of countries in Pau at the start of this year. Further discussions on progress against armed groups in the Sahel region will take place during a summit in Nouakchott, the Mauritanian capital, expected for the end of June. Parly was positive about the deployment of the European Takouba force, made up of special forces troops from several European countries under French command, as well as the strengthening of the G5 Sahel force of Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad. Respect for human rights The French defence minister called on governments of the G5 group to ensure that their troops respect human rights during military operations amid accusations over executions carried out by soldiers. Political leaders of the Sahel countries are perfectly aware of what's at stake, Parly told French senators from the foreign affairs committee. They see the gap widening each time atrocities are committed, between the people and the authorities, she added, discussing how they needed to win the hearts and minds of the people in the Sahel during their military operations. Parly said that international support for operations against jihadist groups in the region could be called into question if rights abuses by G5 Sahel soldiers continue. Operation Barkhane was launched by the French military in August 2014, taking over from Operation Serval which targeted a jihadist offensive that had overrun northern Mali. Read also: Essential workers have their noses swabbed before returning to the workforce at a regional screening center, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Singapore June 10, 2020. REUTERS/Edgar Su As Singapore enters the second phase of its reopening on Friday (19 June), it is becoming clearer by the day that the Prime Minister and his team are working towards a decisive election victory. The drumbeat is getting louder and blurring the lines between party and government as the date of the general election, which pundits say is likely to be held in July, gets closer. This is pandemic politics at work, with ministers talking daily about how the government is dealing with the impact of COVID-19. The ongoing series of national broadcasts on Singapores post-coronavirus future are like those given at election rallies, with recurring themes: This is the worst crisis we have ever faced, the country has the financial resources to throw at the problem and Singaporeans have the resilience to come out of it as one united people. And oh, not to forget the compliments being showered on nurses, doctors and others who are working tirelessly and risking their lives on the front lines. There are two factors at play here. Firstly, the ministers who have been anointed to take over the running of the country need to show that they are in control and have the support of the older leaders. Secondly, this is the last election for Lee Hsien Loong as Prime Minister; he will want to go out with a bang, especially after a dismal polls performance in 2011 where his party, for the first time, lost a Group Representation Constituency. But an invisible enemy had other plans. The COVID-19 pandemic stormed into Singapore, and the governments misstep of not anticipating the implications of the guest workers crowded living conditions became the single most important cause of the spike in infections. If not for that, we would already be moving about much more freely, rather than being stuck in our homes most of the time. Still, the 4G leaders are a fortunate lot. They are sitting on a golden foundation that the first generation of leaders toiled to leave behind for them. The nest egg built and jealously guarded by Lee Kuan Yew and the subsequent generations of Peoples Action Party (PAP) leaders has come in handy to help the country tide over the crisis. Singapores international brand image as a country where everything works, again a legacy left behind by Lees team, is also being cashed in on as the 4G leadership works to keep world supply chains open. Story continues Imagine the honey pot a grandfather leaves behind for his family to be used in times of need. This is what the 4G leaders have been gifted. The value of diplomacy U.S. President Donald Trump meets with China's President Xi Jinping at the start of their bilateral meeting at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque The intangible value of international relations that have been assiduously built up over the years has not gotten much attention. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan touched on it briefly in a recent interview when he said: We are all living off accumulated diplomatic capital, diplomatic capital because weve met each other.If we had never met before, we never had a measure of the man or woman, I think all these electronic means of communication would be far less effective. But Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean was not as optimistic when he said in his national broadcast last week that the Foreign Ministry must be able and agile. So the question is: Do our diplomats, who have ridden a gravy train of relative peace and growth, have the instinct and skill that their predecessors like Tommy Koh, S R Nathan and Kishore Mahbubani displayed, to walk that hazardous line where global rivals fight for military, economic and political power? On the diplomatic front, this is the key question: With a US looking inwards and a China whose geopolitical intentions show ominous dark clouds, do our diplomats have the smarts to fight this new war? The story goes back to the 1970s when the mighty military forces of the United States lost the war with a tiny Vietnam, leaving stalwarts like the thundering former Foreign Minister S Rajaratnam persuading the democratic world not to leave small nations in the ASEAN region in the lurch. The fear was that communist Vietnam, flush from its victory, would send its troops down south to take over Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Rajaratnam and his diplomats managed to convince the big powers, especially the US, that they should continue to be a military bulwark in this region. The prosperity and peace we enjoy today was the result and we have not looked back since. The harsh truths of a new world order To date, the performance of the 4G leaders in handling the pandemic, despite initial successes, has been far from exemplary. Its messaging has been contradictory (from advising Singaporeans not to wear masks unless they are unwell to making it mandatory) and sometimes perplexing (Manpower Minister Josephine Teo declaring that no migrant worker has asked her for an apology). With an election imminent, the ground is far from sweet. Now is the time for the Opposition to change its script, stop attacking for the sake of attacking and get the government to reveal the harsh reality of a new world order. With challenges on the external front and a myriad of domestic issues, ranging from the need for foreign talent to reshaping the major sectors of the economy, do the 4G leaders have the wherewithal to guide Singapore through the greatest crisis of a generation? Singaporeans will soon be asked to decide on a new leadership team. They must be convinced that Heng Swee Keat and co have the right stuff to secure Singapores future in a post-COVID-19 world. P N Balji is a veteran Singaporean journalist who was formerly chief editor of Today, as well as an editor at The New Paper. He is currently a media consultant. The views expressed are his own. Related stories COMMENT: Singapores treatment of foreign workers is a stain we can do without COMMENT: Singapores Big Bang Budget 2020 silent on that one big thing For many years, I was skeptical about accusations of racism in the criminal justice system. Yes, I knew that blacks comprised only about 12% of the population yet represented 33% of the prison population. But those data alone did not prove that police are racists or that courts are tougher on blacks than others. The relevant criterion is not the percentage of the population, but the percentage of the criminal population, and when you consider the higher rates of offending among African Americans, the seemingly disproportionate rates of incarceration make sense. Well, some countered, if you look at who winds up on death row, you can see the racism at work. Less than half of murder victims in the U.S. are white, yet a 2003 study found that 80% of inmates on death row had killed white people. I wasnt convinced. It might be evidence of racism, or it could be that when people kill others of their same race, they are more likely to know them. These could be crimes of passion and therefore less likely to draw the death penalty. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, between 2001 and 2005, nearly 78% of blacks were murdered by other blacks, and nearly 70% of whites were killed by other whites. I thought Michael Browns death at the hands of a cop in Ferguson was tragic, but the Obama Department of Justice investigation found that the forensic evidence supported the officers version of events. My views have changed though, bit by bit, over the past half-decade. Was it the sheer accumulation of cases? Eric Garner was choked to death. Yes, he was resisting arrest, but for what? For selling loosies untaxed cigarettes. Freddie Gray, 25, was taken into custody in Baltimore. Handcuffed but not belted to his seat, police took him for what they called a rough ride. Somehow, he snapped his spine in the police van. He lapsed into a coma and died a week later. Walter Scott was stopped for a defective taillight. After initial questioning and a quick scuffle, Scott fled the officer (perhaps fearful because he owed back child support). Officer Michael Slager shot Scott in the back, killing him. He filed a police report saying that Scott had grabbed his Taser, but a bystander video showed that after the shooting, Officer Slager ran back to the site of the initial scrap, picked something up and dropped it next to Scotts body. Laquan McDonald was a 17-year-old with PCP in his system and a knife in his hand. But contrary to the police report suggesting that McDonald was shot after lunging at police, the autopsy showed that he was hit 16 times, nine of them in the back. Ahmaud Arbery was out jogging and was tracked and trapped by a two-car posse that included a former law enforcement officer. The last words Arbery heard before he died were f n-. And, of course, theres the depraved murder of George Floyd, crushed to death under the knee of a pitiless cop while three others stood by. I know there are videos of whites being shot by police. And as John McWhorter argues, its likely that we havent seen those videos because they dont fit the narrative of racist white cops. And yet, I think of the testimony of black men that they are routinely pulled over and hassled for driving while black. Is that their imagination? Can we dismiss Neil DeGrasse Tyson, who recalls a meeting at which one man after another recounted his experiences of being stopped by police, only to reveal that it was a conference of black physicists? What about Senator Tim Scott? He was stopped seven times in one year driving in his own neighborhood. Theres data about those traffic stops. A study looked at 95 million traffic stops by 56 different police agencies between 2011 and 2018. They found that blacks were far more likely than whites to be pulled over but the disparity declined at night, when its harder to detect the race of the driver. A study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research in February 2020 looked at responses to 2 million 911 calls in two cities. It found that white officers were five times as likely to use force, including deadly force, in minority neighborhoods than African American officers. Theres a lot more where that came from. Some conservatives object that African American men are far more likely to die at the hands of other African American men than at the hands of police and demand to know where the outrage is about deaths in Chicago. But criminals are criminals. The police, by contrast, are hired, trained and armed by all of us. They are sworn to protect and to serve. There is no equivalence between the acts of Derek Chauvin and a Chicago gang member. Ive long believed that police have a difficult job and deal with the worst of the worst on a daily basis. Im grateful for their protection. And theres a lot of crying wolf in the race business. See Smollett, Jussie. But Ive come to believe that mistreatment of African Americans is not a myth and is not uncommon. Im glad that so many Americans are signaling their dismay at these outcomes. Peoples minds can change. Mine did. Mona Charen is a Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SPRINGFIELD Fewer than 30 patients with confirmed COVID-19 cases are receiving care at two city hospitals, according to hospital officials and state data released Friday. Baystate Health reported 22 patients at Baystate Medical Center. Three are in intensive care units. Across the hospital system, 16 other patients are under investigation for possible COVID-19 infection. The number of confirmed COVID-19 patients at Baystate hospitals peaked on April 9 at 179. At the height of the crisis in Massachusetts in April, nearly 4,000 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 infections across the state. Baystate Health has tested 19,820 people to date, with 1,876 tests returning positive results. Tests are pending for 386 people. Trinity Health of New England, the parent company of Springfields Mercy Medical Center, has tested 39,934 people. Trinitys testing has confirmed 7,798 cases, and results are pending for 870 people. In addition to Mercy, Trinity owns Providence Behavioral Health Hospital in Holyoke, Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital in Springfield and several other hospitals and health care facilities in Massachusetts and Connecticut. The company does not release COVID-19 patient totals for its facilities. Data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health shows five COVID-19 patients at Mercy as of June 18, with none in intensive care. Statewide, nearly 750,000 tests have confirmed over 105,000 COVID-19 cases, and the virus has been linked to 7,800 deaths. China released on Friday an English-language documentary illustrating the brutal nature of the terrorist attacks and the relentless efforts made by locals to tackle terrorism in Northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The documentary featured never seen before first-hand footage of bloody attacks and testimonies of victims, uncovering the disturbing truth behind the so-called religious freedom and human rights that some Western countries have been advocating. Titled Tianshan: Still Standing - Memories of Fighting Terrorism in Xinjiang, the documentary was the third episode in a series by CGTN on Xinjiangs anti-terrorism efforts. The first two episodes had already attracted a great deal of public attention, receiving millions of views and sparking debate on social media platforms worldwide. After it was aired, the new episode quickly drew positive reactions from netizens worldwide, with many commenting that the authentic images of the terrorists cruelty strengthened their belief that terrorism has no boundaries, and such evil actions should not be condoned under any circumstances, or used for political purposes. As was the case for the first two documentaries, major Western media outlets, which have a strong tendency to criticize Chinas Xinjiang policies and exaggerate the issue in their reports, remained silent as of press time, with many Chinese experts noting that they only choose to report what fits their interests and ideological slants and always ignore the truth about Xinjiang. Lingering trauma The documentary released on Friday comes in four parts and tells viewers about Chinas most direct security threat - terrorism. It features accounts from police and victims of several terrorist attacks who tell of lingering traumas that have yet to heal, even decades on. Many SWAT team members have sacrificed their lives to protect the innocent in the battle against terrorism, leaving their loved ones mourning unbearable losses. Xudaberdi Toxti, a policeman fighting ETIM in Zepu County, was tortured and murdered by terrorists in front of his family 20 years ago. The brutal memory has haunted Toxis daughter Peridem for her entire life, even forcing her to abandon the old family house and move to the city to escape the painful memories. Their leader yelled, Cut his hands, cut his legs. My father was cut up with over 30 slashes on his body, and his body was in pieces, said the devastated daughter, who added that she used to feel faint when she saw people wearing red, as it reminded her of blood. Murat Sheripjan, deputy director general of the Hotan Public Security Department, spoke of his years of experience fighting terrorism, calling it a life-and-death struggle. Even religious leaders have been brutally murdered by terrorists in the name of religious freedom. On July 30, 2014, Jume Tayir, the religious leader of the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar, was hacked to death by terrorists. Memet June, who took over from his father and became the new Imam of Id Kah Mosque, said that terrorists have abused religious freedom to achieve their despicable purpose of separating China. Islam is a faith that promotes solidarity and peace. It particularly opposes harming innocent lives. This is how the criminals have twisted Islamic teachings, he said. Xia Yeling, doctor The trauma of terrorism has shattered the lives of many ordinary people, who have since been living in constant fear and pain. Xia Yeling, a psychologist who provides counselling to victims of riots in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, still receives patients who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder even a decade after the Urumqi Riots, which resulted in 197 deaths and over 1,700 injuries. For the next half year, all my work involved blood and tears. There were wounded people and mutilated limbsI hope such a thing will never happen again. Its so painful, so horrifying, said Xia. According to Xia, even a decade after the attack, doctors like her are still helping victims who are unable to rid themselves of their horrific memories. She noted that this kind of trauma is harder to heal than the kind that results from natural disasters, as such attacks destroy our faith in our fellow humans. The priority is to ensure they have a secure and stable life. Psychological treatment requires a stable, secure environment, she added. Dilqemer Tursun, attack survivor After years of torment, some victims can bring a semblance of normality back to their lives, though it can never be like before. Dilqemer Tursun, a beautiful Uyghur girl who dreamed of becoming a dancer, lost a leg in a terrorist attack that took place on September 21, 2014 in Luntai County, which killed 10 people and injured 54 others. Tursan has finally gotten rid of this painful memory and moved on, becoming a physician helping people who suffered like she did. She even forgave the brainwashed young terrorists who destroyed her life, adding that they were also the victims of terrorism. I feel very lucky to survive the disaster. I value my life even more, she said. International threat The black hand behind these terrorist attacks is the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). Based on the radical and extreme thoughts behind Pan-Turkism and Pan-Islamism, ETIM has been used by separatist forces to try and create a so-called independent state of East Turkistan to split Xinjiang from China. In 2002, the UN Security Council designated ETIM as a terrorist organisation, while ETIM members bank accounts were frozen and assets seized. ETIM was reportedly founded by Helen Mexsum, a man from Kashgar in Xinjiang, in 1997. It has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks in several Chinese cities, including the Tiananmen Square car bombing in 2013 in Beijing, and the terrorist attacks at the Kunming Railway Station in Yunnan Province in 2014. In December 2003, Chinas Ministry of Public Security outlawed ETIM. It was the first time the Chinese government formally recognised that a terrorist group was operating inside the country. ETIM is part of an international terrorist network that does not only target China. The April 30th attacks in Urumqi in 2014 were very similar to the March 22nd terrorist bombing in Brussels in 2016, where coordinated suicide bombings were carried out at transport hubs, killing over 30 people. ISIL claimed responsibility for that attack. To protect their own homeland, as well as prevent further attacks worldwide, the local authorities in Xinjiang have made relentless efforts to counter terrorism and improve peoples lives. As of press time, not one single terrorist attack has taken place in Xinjiang in 40 months, while the poverty rate dropped to 1.24 percent from 19.4 percent in 2019. Over 2.92 million people were lifted out of poverty, as have 3,107 formerly poverty-stricken villages. But such facts are normally ignored by Western countries and media outlets. On Wednesday, the so-called Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 was signed into law in the US, the latest move by a Western society to support those who seek to plant the seeds of horror in Xinjiang and disrupt local social order. Actor Ansel Elgort - who is set to appear in Disney's upcoming West Side Story remake - has been accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in 2014. A young woman named Gabby came forward on Friday via Twitter with claims that she first began messaging with the 26-year-old actor shortly before her 17th birthday, and he responded to her directly on the social media platform Snapchat. However, Elgort has since denied the claims, saying Saturday: 'I was distressed to see the social media post about me that have been circulating in the past 24 hours,' he began. Alleged: Actor Ansel Elgort (pictured above in January) has been accused of sexually assaulting 17-year-old girl in 2014 Gabby, who did not reveal her last name, posted a lengthy statement alleging that she was 'sobbing and in pain' during the alleged assault with The Goldfinch star when she was a teenager. 'I cannot claim to understand Gabby's feelings but her description of events is simply not what happened. I have never and would never assault anyone,' he continued. The West Side Story actor confirmed that he had a relationship with Gabby in 2014 while in New York when he was 20, but he described it as being a 'brief, legal and entirely consensual relationship.' The West Side Story actor confirmed that he had a relationship with Gabby in 2014 while in New York when he was 20, but he described it as 'brief, legal and entirely consensual' Elgort appeared to paint the sexual assault accusations as the result of a bad breakup, writing, 'I stopped responding to her, which is an immature and cruel thing to do to someone. 'I know this belated apology does not absolve me of my unacceptable behavior when I disappeared,' he continued. 'As I look back at my attitude, I am disgusted and deeply ashamed of the way I acted. I am truly sorry. I know I must continue to reflect, learn, and work to grow in empathy,' he concluded. However, the original post and accusations contained distressing details, with Gabby explaining that she was crying and in pain during the alleged encounter. 'Instead of asking me if I wanted to stop having sex knowing it was my first time and I was sobbing in pain and I didn't want to do it the only words that came out of his mouth were "we need to break you in" I WASNT there in that moment mentally,' she claimed in her post. Claims: Twitter user Gabby posted this picture on Friday which appeared to show her sitting next to Ansel Elgort as she covered her face Accusation: Gabby posted a lengthy post on Friday about the alleged encounter with the actor PTSD: The younger girl claims she has been left needing therapy after the alleged incident Adding: 'I disassociated myself and just felt like my mind was gone I was in shock I couldn't leave I was only 5'2 and 98 pounds. He made me think this is how sex was supposed to be.' Gabby claims that she and Elgort had corresponded over Snapchat, where she had informed him that she was soon to be turning 17, which is when the actor allegedly shared his private account with her. She alleges that the actor then shared nude photos of himself and shared screenshots of their messages on Twitter. Gabby also shared what appeared to a photo of herself sitting next to the actor, and said she was coming forward 'so I can finally heal.' She claims that the experience has left her struggling with PTSD, explaining: 'I have panic attacks I go to therapy.' The woman also claims the actor asked her for a threesome with one of her dancer friends who was 'as well underage' and she didn't tell anyone because Elgort allegedly told her it could 'ruin his career.' Meanwhile, Newsweek also reported on Friday that the actor had been accused on Twitter of using racist language, although there was no proof of the unverified claims. The outlet reports that Instagram account @BlackatLaguardia has lately been exposing apparent wrongdoings at New York City's famed Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, which Elgort attended. The account posts are submitted by an anonymous student, and one post on Friday claimed a student named Ansel had used the N-word with many speculating that it was Elgort. The actor recently starred in movie adaptation of The Goldfinch and is slated to appear in the HBO Max series Tokyo Vice for HBO Max as well as the Disney film from Steven Spielberg West Side Story. OTTAWA Manitoba's southern First Nations have inked a deal with Ottawa to gradually transfer control of health care to local bands from federal bureaucrats. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA Manitoba's southern First Nations have inked a deal with Ottawa to gradually transfer control of health care to local bands from federal bureaucrats. "This is a very important moment in our history," Southern Chiefs' Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said at a Thursday morning signing of a memorandum of understanding with Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller. "It marks an important step in exercising our inherent treaty right to health, in the way our ancestors intended," Daniels said through a livestream. The interim deal sets out priorities in ongoing negotiations to eventually shift on-reserve health care into local hands. Miller said that autonomy is key to closing the gap between Indigenous and general health outcomes in Manitoba. "The path forward has to include high-quality, cultural-safe health systems that are designed by, and under the leadership of First Nations," Miller said. Ottawa inked a similar deal in September 2018 with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, a group similar to SCO but represents Manitoba's north. At that point, MKO already had a mental health team that deploys to reserves in crisis to help with issues such as multiple suicides. Daniels said SCO is working on devolving responsibilities, but has established health liaisons who help identify their community's health needs, evaluates the effectiveness of health-care delivery and offers suggestions to chiefs and federal officials. "Now we'll start to see a bigger focus on a bigger and bigger transfer of authority to First Nations leadership in the years to come," said Daniels, who hopes to see tangible results in six to 12 months. In March, Daniels visited Cuba to support local reserves who wanted to accept that country's offer to deploy doctors for communities that are only served by federal nurses. "The path forward has to include high-quality, cultural-safe health systems that are designed by, and under the leadership of First Nations." Marc Miller, Indigenous Services Minister Daniels said Thursday those talks are ongoing, including getting Ottawa to approve visas, but he said the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down the process. 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. "It's been a bit difficult under the circumstance to engage in fulsome discussions around that," he said. The current agreements with SCO and MKO could see each eventually form a First Nations health authority, similar to one in British Columbia, though this would likely require provincial consent. The B.C. body has legal responsibility over delivering provincial and federal health programs, but an autonomous management that sets priorities and collects data based on Indigenous priorities. Researchers argue such models have provided better outcomes for patients, who in turn trust doctors and nurses more than general medical staff. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca In 2016, the Election Commission, which has the mandate to hold elections for the Rajya Sabha, announced that a specially manufactured violet sketch pen will be given to voters for the polls. The special pen with violet ink was introduced following the so-called ink controversy that erupted in Haryana after 12 votes cast with markings in the wrong ink were declared invalid. These 12 votes were of Congress legislators, and led to the defeat of party-backed independent candidate and lawyer RK Anand, who lost to Subhash Chandra, backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Two more votes were declared invalid as the ballot was unmarked in one and Randeep Singh Surjewalas vote was rejected as he showed his vote to another legislator, Kiran Chaudhary. The development stoked a political furore and the Congress and the INLD had asked the Election Commission to countermand the election to both Rajya Sabha seats. After a working group of senior officials suggested ways to prevent a repeat of the ink fiasco in future Rajya Sabha polls, the Election Commission made it mandatory for all voters to use only the pen provided by polling officials. Votes marked in any other colour are deemed invalid. Since then the Election Commission provides the pens with violet ink, and these are kept inside voting booths and voters are not allowed to remove them. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Sir Ian Holm, the British actor who spent decades performing on stage and screen, has died at the age of 88. It is with great sadness that the actor Sir Ian Holm CBE passed away this morning at the age of 88, his agent said in a statement to the Guardian. He died peacefully in hospital, with his family and carer. Charming, kind and ferociously talented, we will miss him hugely. India China Standoff News, Galwan Valley Ladakh, China attack on India, Indian Soldiers: Ministry of External Affairs shuns stories on missing soldiers, while the Chinese Ministry backs the claim. India China Standoff News, Galwan Valley Ladakh, China attack on India, Indian Soldiers: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Friday said that no India soldier was seized during a face-off that took place in Galwan valley area in Eastern Ladakh. China has not seized any Indian personnel, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian during a press briefing on Friday in response to a question about the China-India border situation. On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had clarified that no Indian Army personnel were missing in action following the violent face-off with Chinese troops in Galwan valley. This has been clarified by the Army today afternoon that there are no Indian troops missing in action, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said during a weekly briefing. Read also: Policy option to completely decouple from China open: Donald Trump Read also: Nepal president gives nod to controversial bill on new map The New York Times had reported that a few Indian soldiers were missing in action after the violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan valley. The Indian Army has also clarified that there are no Indian troops missing in action after the clash between Indian and Chinese troops. Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, had lost their lives in the clash. The violent face-off happened as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to unilaterally change the status quo during de-escalation in eastern Ladakh and the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side, India had said on Tuesday. Read also: India China standoff: IAF Chief reviews operations in Ladakh, fighter aircraft moved to forward bases For all the latest World News, download NewsX App The US's former national security adviser pulled the curtain further back on the relationship between the president and Vladimir Putin, saying the Russian president believed he could play Donald Trump "like a fiddle". The new interview from John Bolton comes after leaked excerpts from his new book, that The White House is trying to block, said Mr Putin was likely "laughing" at the US president. To promote the impending release of his upcoming memoir, The Room Where it Happened, Mr Bolton said during an interview with ABC News that Mr Trump was not fit for office and doesn't have "the competence to carry out the job". "I think Putin thinks he can play him like a fiddle. I think Putin is smart, tough, I think he sees that he's not faced with a serious adversary here. I don't think he's worried about Donald Trump," Mr Bolton said in the interview, to air on Sunday. "The president may well be a superb dealmaker when it comes to Manhattan real estate. Dealing with arms limitation treaties on strategic weapons, dealing in many, many other international security issues are things far removed from his life experience." He added: "When you're dealing with somebody like Putin, who has made his life understanding Russia's strategic position in the world against Donald Trump, who doesn't enjoy reading about these issues or learning about them, it's a very difficult position for America to be in." Mr Bolton's description of the two presidents is consistent with the excerpts of a pre-publication copy of his book given to The Washington Post, in which he writes in further detail about the 2018 Trump-Putin summit in Helsinki. During the meeting, Mr Trump sided with his Russian counterpart over whether Russia interfered in the 2016 election. "This was hardly the way to do relations with Russia, and Putin had to be laughing uproariously at what he had gotten away with in Helsinki," Mr Bolton wrote. The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit contending the book contains classified information that was not put through the full security vetting process. The president has pre-emptively accused Mr Bolton of lying, saying on Monday that 'he's been known not to tell the truth a lot". In the interview with ABC News' chief global affairs correspondent, Martha Raddatz, Mr Bolton said that the president was more focused on photo ops than America's foreign policy goals. "There really isn't any guiding principle that I was able to discern other than what's good for Donald Trump's re-election," Mr Bolton said. "He was so focused on the re-election that longer-term considerations fell by the wayside." A brief look at all the news you need to start the day with during the time of social distancing. Follow live updates on COVID-19 here. Students interact with each other after appearing for Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education examination in Jaipur. (Photo by Himanshu Vyas/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) 76 soldiers injured in Galwan Valley clash now in stable condition The Army had earlier clarified that all soldiers are accounted for after the violent clashes with the Chinese army. Read More Heres the roll call for PMs all-party meet on China today Close to 20 party presidents will attend an all-party meeting convened by PM Modi to discuss the escalation of tensions with China. Read More Trump renews threat to cut ties with Beijing, a day after high-level talks Trump has made rebalancing the massive US trade deficit with China a top priority, but relations have worsened steadily as his campaign for re-election in November heats up. Read More Citing COVID-19, UAPA accused Ishrat Jahan moves interim bail plea We are reapplying on grounds of her health. She started developing COVID-19 symptoms on 14 June, her lawyer said. Read More Decline in new COVID deaths in US may be temporary reprieve A multitude of reasons are believed to be at play, including the advent of effective treatments and improved efforts at hospitals and nursing homes. But already there are warning signs. Read More US mulling over restoring Indias status under GSP The US is mulling over restoring Indias beneficiary status under its trade preference programme on receiving a counterbalancing proposal from New Delhi. Read More Australia says it has been target of 'state-based' cyber attacks Prime Minister Scott Morrison would not name the state, and he said he made the growing threat public to raise awareness. Read More Rhea Chakraborty records statement in Sushant Singh Rajput suicide case On Wednesday, Mumbai Police also recorded the statement of casting director Mukesh Chhabra in the ongoing investigation into Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput's suicide case. Read More BCCI makes big announcement about Chinese brand Vivo sponsorship of IPL In 2018, the Vivo had signed a five-year contract with the BCCI to be the title sponsor of the IPL and the deal worth a whopping Rs 2109 crore. Read More Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Toronto police headquarters in a call for systemic change Friday as the police board agreed to hold a town-hall meeting early next month to discuss the growing pressure. As they gathered for a sit-in on College Street, protesters wrote in giant pink lettering spanning the street: Defund the Police. Among a set of demands released Friday, the organization Black Lives Matter Toronto called for a redirection of at least 50 per cent of the Toronto police budget to social programming including long-term housing for street-involved communities, food security programs, transit, libraries and community-led anti-violence programs. Today TPS and the mayor are getting up in front of the media to tell us that they are responding to our calls by doing more of the same, the group wrote on Twitter Friday. We demand better. We demand our lives. Earlier, the Toronto police board held a virtual meeting its first since the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police and the falling death of Toronto woman Regis Korchinski-Paquet prompted a mounting outcry over the deaths of Black and Indigenous people in interactions with officers that acknowledged the outrage. The board acknowledges the last three weeks have been particularly difficult for residents of Toronto and the global community, as it relates to police-community relations, board chair Jim Hart said as the meeting began. We are listening and commit to creating the appropriate venue to hear from residents on these matters and more. Hart said the board had received thousands of messages in recent weeks and is quickly arranging for a town hall the week of July 6. Based on that input, the board will move forward with recommendations on police accountability, reform and community safety priorities, Hart said. Demonstrators calling to defund police held a sit-in on the street outside as the seven-member civilian police board held a virtual meeting, its first since the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police and the falling death of Toronto woman Regis-Korchinski-Paquet prompted a mounting outcry over the deaths of Black and Indigenous people in interactions with officers. The board acknowledges the last three weeks have been particularly difficult for residents of Toronto and the global community, as it relates to police-community relations, board chair Jim Hart said as the meeting began. We are listening and commit to creating the appropriate venue to hear from residents on these matters and more. The police board had originally been set to discuss a report prepared by Hart, which made a series of recommendations including new anti-racism training for officers and the expansion of the services mental health crisis teams. But that discussion was postponed after the report was criticized as offering baby steps in response to mounting calls for systemic change. Those calls for an overhaul of policing were apparent as hundreds of protestors blocked downtown Torontos College Street outside police headquarters, some writing, in giant pink lettering spanning the street: Defund the Police. During the board meeting, Hart acknowledged the considerable public outcry over the Toronto police budget, saying the issue is about more than just dollars but is a philosophical community discussion about where we focus our funding as a society. Later this month, Toronto police city council is expected to debate a motion to reduce the Toronto police budget by 10 per cent, a reduction that would see $122 million in spending redirected from the forces current $1.22-billion total. Mayor John Tory, who sits on the Toronto police board, said the upcoming city council meeting will see an extensive series of measures regarding policing. He told the board the last few weeks have seen a broad consensus that there needs to be thoughtful, sensible reform. Im absolutely committed in being a leader in that process of undertaking those reforms. I think we have to do it carefully, we have to do it sensibly, we have to do it thoughtfully, he said. Uppala Chandrasekera, a police board member, called the deaths of Black and Indigenous people in the United States and Canada devastating and unacceptable. There is so much pain across so many communities in our city right now, because we have all been here before, she said. Chandrasekera specifically expressed condolences to the family of Korchinski-Paquet, the 29-year-old Afro-Indigenous woman who fell to her death in the presence of Toronto police last month. The womans mother says her daughter was in mental health distress; police say they were attending an assault call involving knives. The death is currently under investigation by the Special Investigations Unit. Chandrasekera, who lives just two blocks away from Korchinski-Paquets High Park apartment building, said it was a sad reality that the womans family called for help and outcome was loss of life. That is a tragedy and its unacceptable. We all need to ask ourselves, Why dont we have a better option? Our system is broken when our only option is to send the police into a mental health crisis situation, she said. 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 Only together can we emerge from the crisis We are speaking to David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, by telephone on a highly symbolic date, 25 April. Our conversation revolves around the themes of values, freedom, democracy and pluralism which underlie the anniversary. These are not abstract themes; they are the sources from which the care and attention for the concrete life of people come about. Once again, it is from this dimension that we have to commence in rebuilding a Europe capable of emerging stronger from the tremendous crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. On several occasions recently, Pope Francis has devoted ample space in his discourses to the theme of Europe. For example, in the Urbi et Orbi Easter message he said that: After the Second World War, this continent was able to rise again, thanks to a concrete spirit of solidarity that enabled it to overcome the rivalries of the past. It is more urgent than ever, especially in the present circumstances, that these rivalries do not regain force, but that all recognize themselves as part of a single family and support one another. The European Union is presently facing an epochal challenge, on which will depend its future, and that of the whole world. Let us not lose the opportunity to give further proof of solidarity, also by turning to innovative solutions. I wanted to ask you, as a Catholic, as a citizen, as a political representative, and as President of the European Parliament, what effect did the Holy Father make on you when you heard these words? The effect was that they were a just reminder to face this historic chapter with responsibility; because, it is true that Europe is a community of interests, but it cannot but be other than a community with a common destiny. In addition, at this moment, the Holy Fathers call is particularly important because he asks us to be attentive to everyone. I believe that this is the moment when the Europe of States, of nations, of governments, can strengthen its institutions, to be close to all citizens, those of the north and those of the south. To do what? First of all, to review its own model of development, to be able to better protect people and also to safeguard those values that the Holy Father summoned, and which are an indispensable element in sustaining the challenges that the global world proposes to us. We have a responsibility that also concerns the legacy of values that these seventy years have given us: freedom, democracy, pluralism. I believe that at this time we must be even more proudly faithful to European values because the world needs them. The European Union (EU) finds itself in a situation of having to harmonize the ideal that drove the founding fathers, with the concreteness including financial , required in the various historical and political instances it is facing. To what extent is it possible to find the difficult but necessary balance on each occasion and now especially? The EU is at a change of phase, which will need vision and pragmatism. Europe is not built just by imagining it as enlightened. Europe is an immense area for political debate, and we want it to be more and more so. But, we also want it to be an area of participation and not just the crude defense of national interests. That is why the European area can also be an example and a model for others; not believing that we are better than others, but that we can offer everyone an important asset. We must show that in freedom, in democracy, respecting the fundamental rights of individuals and the value of life, we live better and we can improve standards of living. If Europe crumbles, who else in the world today would hold high the banner of human rights? Today, the world is asking for more democracy, not less. The Pope says: To give further proof of solidarity also by resorting to innovative solutions: at the concrete level, can the measures that came out of the European Council on April 23, for example the Recovery Fund, be considered one of those innovative solutions of which the Pope speaks? Yes, in the poverty of politics, the Council has taken an important step forward. We entered [the situation] a month and a half ago with our bare hands; we lacked the tools to deal with a crisis that was so deep that it will leave important consequences for our societies, in its wake. Today, we are emerging from it a little better equipped, with timely interventions, some of which were long overdue, but they have been made quickly. A decision was taken at the Council on Thursday: to open a reconstruction site to provide a common European response to the emergency. This is a step forward; and, it was not a foregone conclusion. We must now base this reconstruction plan on solidarity. Let me say, however, that I believe that we will not only come out of this crisis by straightening out material issues; I believe that we will come out of this crisis if material issues are combined with a recovery of values, those European values that are essential today. Therefore, it is good to open up the building site and the debate that will follow, while trying to reconcile sensibilities, points of view and interests. The important thing to stress, however, is that we have heard all the Heads of Government call for a common exit from the crisis. We are coming out together, otherwise it would be a decline for everyone; this was not to be taken for granted a few weeks ago. You have expressed the need for a Marshall Plan for the recovery, financed directly by the Member States of the Union. A strategy that would highlight the strength of the European Union, but above all its ability to be cohesive and supportive. This is what I have interpreted as the message that we really need: proximity and not distance. From the role you play, do you perceive that there has been a snap, a change, that the social dimension has entered the centre of the European Unions thinking? Yes, because week after week everyone has become aware of the depths of the crisis. And how interdependent and connected the economies of individual states are. Europe is built with its crises, Jean Monnet said. That is how it is. And at each difficult moment everyone understands that you cant do it alone, that no one is self-sufficient. We said that six weeks ago: either we will come out of this with a better equipped and stronger European Union, or we will not. To do this now we will need to strengthen the institutional level of the Union and make it capable of leading the new phase. Should we fight against selfishness? Yes, we should. Should we fight against an old nationalist idea that exists in all countries? Yes, we do. But, right now we all feel the need for the world to be able to deal with it if our institutions, the European democratic framework, are going to be more robust and able to take decisions quickly. So, it is not just solutions to the crisis as such; we need solutions to the change in phase that this crisis imposes on everyone. Let me give you an example: we cannot and do not want to give up freedoms and democracy, but we must also adapt them so that they are more capable of responding quickly, too. We need to support an exit process to the crisis by reviewing the way we are. Strengthening Europe also means changing Europe by adapting the instruments with which we entered the storm. I believe this is an effort that concerns Brussels, but it concerns all the capitals, all the countries; they too must change. We also need to have a clear idea in the medium and long term range about where we want to go, what we want to do and how we want to rebuild. Do we want to return to putting the clock back or do we want to set the clock at the right time, in which, with great difficulty, history has placed us? Today, the clock cannot be turned back. In this, Pope Francis strong appeal to us is all the more precious, he is right and he grasps the point, because democracy is strengthened if it looks to the people, to every person, to the interests and needs of every person. So, the challenge is to reconnect, to rediscover a vocation. Then it is true, we have a plan for reconstruction, a Marshall Plan, which, however, unlike the Second World War, must be financed by Europeans and will not be financed by others; a plan which, for example, must tell us how much change in our economic model we want, how much we want to invest in reconstruction on the Green Deal, and digital Europe. The pandemic has confronted us with a challenge, the change of phase, of pace, and this must see us being very careful and able to grasp the new elements. We owe this not only to the tradition and values of Europe; we also owe this to the people who have died, to the people who have left us, to this pain that the world is feeling. We must come out of it by better protecting our societies. Reconstruction is made up of many things, it contains many ingredients. A few days ago, in an interview with Vatican News, Andrea Riccardi [Italian historian, professor, politician and activist, founder of the Community of SantEgidio] stated that in his opinion the pandemic has not made shared action more difficult, but easier; consequently, the cohesion of everyone to try to change the situation. But, he also noted how the EU in the past, and perhaps even today, has neglected human topics, the issues of bonding. The attention to people that Pope Francis insists on reminds us that this is the answer to the real problem of European society, of Western societies, the problem of the great loneliness of people. Paradoxically, the coronavirus, that condemns us to isolation, has revealed a fact that was already present, this great loneliness. Is it for politics to respond to this, and how? I am convinced that this phase, even as painful as it is, is bringing out so many elements of humanity. Politics, too, when it comes out of its oppositions, perhaps even makes this humanity evident. I am referring, for example, to certain measures, to good practices that many European governments, both in the north and in the south, are adopting at the moment and which could perhaps be useful and serve as examples. In Portugal, a law has been passed to give a fictitious address to homeless people and migrants so as to permit them access to social care and health services. I believe that this way of tackling the crisis, drawing on the experiences that civil societies are having, is very important because a policy without citizens lives in an ivory tower and becomes bureaucracy. Therefore, I think that we will emerge from this period by strengthening our humanity, which at this moment is manifesting itself throughout Europe; this humanity is a great wealth and will also prove to be this periods redemption. Then, we must also not fall into visions of the enlightenment, because we know that it is not sufficient to imagine the new world; we must build it. We must do this step by step, battle after battle, supporting every step with consensus, because democracy is consensus, and find solutions through shared decisions. This is the time for great reflection on the way politics works. I would like to stress, however, that we are witnessing extraordinary things that are part of the generosity of the men and women who are fighting at the moment, who are rolling up their sleeves; think of all the associations that are being mobilized throughout Europe at the moment: what energy they are demonstrating! I therefore believe that we can be filled with hope, compared to the fatigue and pain of these dramatic events. For us, this is a necessity: we need to charge up and recharge hope, and we can only do so if we [the EU] are close to people. What role can the European Union play in the global post-pandemic setting? Can the EU become a role model? It has to become a model, because otherwise it would have no function. Unfortunately, in the European area there are viruses other than Covid, which have always tormented the European spirit. One is certainly anti-Semitism and the other is nationalism, which are catalysts that produce division, enemy construction, hatred, and even wars in Europe. We must make the European area, which it already is, even more a point of reference; but, an area of freedom cannot live without responsibility and solidarity. I believe that this is Europes vocation, which our fathers handed over to us seventy years ago, and we must invest in it. Europe cannot be useful only to itself, because it would have no vision, no horizons. It is of course useful to Europeans, to our countries to play a part in the world, otherwise they would be marginalized, but it is also useful for the world to have a point of reference. We do not want to emerge from this crisis with more authoritarianism and imperialism, but with more democracy and participation. In an interview with LOsservatore Romano a few months ago, Massimo Cacciari [University Professor, and former Mayor of Venice] used the following expression: Europe is old, decrepit. It needs a fertilizer and looking around, I say this as a non-believer, and the only fertilizer I see in circulation is the Catholic Church, the Catholics. According to you, can the Catholic Church, Catholics, today play this role to regenerate not the Old Continent, but an old continent? Yes, they can, but this must not be an alibi for those who are not Catholics, because the risk is to assign a responsibility to Catholics that must belong to everyone. It is always a burden on others, and that is not good. According to the Epistle to Diognetus, Christians live within society, not outside of it. And others must also live in society and must collaborate. Everyone must do their part. In Europe there are so many sensitivities, so many cultures and everyone must carry their own share of the responsibility. Certainly Catholics, Christians, will do this, but at this moment I believe that it is Europe as a whole that must have broad shoulders to assume a function in the eyes of the world. For Christians, I believe it is natural to think that the life of others, of those who are outside of our space, is the same as ours, that they should have the same rights. This is normal for Christians. That is why I believe that Pope Francis words are impressing everyone and are calling everyone to [a sense of] responsibility, even non-believers. Society needs to be constantly regenerated. I recall the figure of Senator Roberto Ruffilli, who on 16 April 1988 was barbarously killed by terrorists; one thinks that from the Christian point of view to fertilize one must give life, the seed that dies produces much fruit. Ruffilli had dedicated his whole life to the ideal of freedom and democracy, his book was entitled Il cittadino come arbitro [The Citizen as Arbitrator]. Is democracy also at stake today in this crisis in Europe? I was very close friends with Roberto. His testimony is truly an example. That title, Il cittadino come arbitro is very topical. It calls upon us to make sure that everything that comes out of the crisis has been done for the people, not just to sew up the holes within power dynamics. That is why we must come out of this crisis by strengthening democratic processes. But how many people today are working to divide the European area? And why is there so much effort to divide us, to make us weaker, to fragment us, to take us back to our small homeland? Why is there this strong dynamic coming from outside Europe, that triggers this desire to weaken us? And yet we do not have an army, we do not go to war, we do not invade countries ... I believe that the answer is because European values and European law are elements of strong contradiction at the moment with respect to global dynamics that see a resumption of authoritarianism. That is why Pope Francis did very well to call Europeans to take responsibility, so that at this moment they can be a point of reference for re-appropriating values that are truly important for man: the value of life, the value of peoples inalienable rights, the right to freedom; references that we take for granted, but that are not so throughout the world. Is Cardinal Hollerich of Luxembourg right then, in saying recently in La Civilta Cattolica: Europe cannot be rebuilt without an idea of Europe without ideals? Certainly. But, we do have ideals even if we find it so hard to express them. The problem is that all too often, each nations selfishness, that mean-spirited nationalist feeling, the idea that I am better than the other, prevents us from unfolding our potential and manifesting our identity. I believe that this crisis could be an opportunity to free ourselves from the many chains that bind us. by Andrea Monda Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nina A. Loasana (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 13:37 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406600ff35 1 City Depok,West-Java,sexual-abuse,sexual-abuse-victims,sex-abuse,police,criminal-charge Free Police have arrested a 42-year-old church caretaker from Pancoran Mas district in Depok, West Java, over alleged sexual abuse. Parents had reported suspicious behavior of the caretaker, identified only as SPM, said Azas Tigor Nainggolan, the alleged victims attorney. "He often kissed and hugged the boys and put them on his lap. Some parents also claimed that he verbally bullied the kids," Tigor told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. The parents reported their suspicions to the church pastor, who conducted an internal investigation. Afterward, some 20 boys reportedly came forward and said they had been molested by SPM. "The investigation revealed that SPM has been abusing kids since 2002. All the victims are male, aged 11-15," Tigor said. Read also: Eight named suspects in sexual assault of now-deceased minor in Tangerang He explained that the boys had not come forward or told their parents earlier because they were either afraid or were not aware that they had been abused. Some victims reportedly experienced psychological trauma. "Some victims are experiencing anger issues. We're currently working to help them and their families recover through counseling and therapy. It's our main concern at the moment," he said. Tigor said the church was still investigating the case further to possibly uncover more victims. "We hope the Depok Police will also develop the case, because even though our investigation has revealed 20 victims, only two of them have reported the abuse to the police," he said. Depok Police chief Sr. Comr. Azis Andriansyah said SPM had been arrested on Sunday. A preliminary investigation suggested that the alleged abuse had taken place in the church area. He would pretend to ask his victims to tidy up tools, but he instead molested them, Azis said as reported by kompas.com on Monday. SPM was charged under law No. 35/2014 on child protection, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment. New Brunswick is not the only corona-fortress in Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and all three territories passed similar measures, banning entry to nonresidents. Each emergency law is different, and constantly changing; the Northwest Territories recently retracted its travel ban, and Prince Edward Island has repeatedly loosened its restriction. This week it provided an exemption for nonresidents who want to come to the island and provide support to family members. But in all cases, this patchwork of orders mark a first for the country, said Cara Zwibel, a lawyer with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) We have never seen this before, she said from her home in Toronto. There have been some restrictions on trade between provinces, but weve never had checkpoints. The federal governments announcement last week that it was opening the international border to immediate family members of Canadians underscored a bizarre double standard. A Canadian living in New York could fly into St. Johns and would have to be admitted under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, said Rosellen Sullivan, a criminal defense lawyer in St. Johns. But his brother living in Yellowknife could be turned away at the airport or ferry terminal. Its insane, Ms. Sullivan said. New York has a lot of cases. It was a hot spot. The Northwest Territories is not. Ms. Sullivan is challenging the travel ban in Newfoundland and Labrador on behalf of the CCLA on multiple grounds. She argues it breaches the same charter mobility rights that assure a Canadian citizen entrance to the country. Advertorial*: As we have said here before, sponsorship plays a vital role in keeping the lights on at any aviation magazine, and its no different for us here at Warbird Digest. For these partnerships to be effective, they must also complement our audiences interests as well, whether for readers with a broad interest in aviation and aviation history, or those who actually own, operate or maintain warbirds. Keeping this in mind, we have connected with a number of significant, aviation-related businesses over the years. Aircraft carriers are now a part of most countries defense forces. These massive war machines are used as mobile airbases for fighter jets. These can be used to carry as well as deploy planes during times of war. In the early 20th century, these used to be wooden ships that launched balloons. Now they have evolved into nuclear warhead carrying vessels that prove cover for planes and helicopters. The aircraft carrier is considered the centerpiece of a countrys naval military system and many countries spend billions of dollars on technology to make these carriers even better and more sophisticated. Countries across the world spend billions of dollars on their defense even when there is no sign of war. This is almost like a gamble wherein you really dont know what the future has in store for you although in the case of online casinos, you could still check out sites like these to keep yourself updated. Not many countries in the world can boast of aircraft carriers and here we have a list of some of the greatest aircraft carriers to ever trawl the oceans of the world. USS Enterprise USS Enterprise (CV-6) was the seventh U.S. Navy vessel of that name. Colloquially called The Big E, she was the sixth aircraft carrier of the United States Navy. A Yorktown-class carrier, she was launched in 1936 and was one of only three American carriers commissioned before World War II to survive the war (the others being Saratoga and Ranger). She participated in more major actions of the war against Japan than any other United States ship. These actions included the attack on Pearl Harbor (18 Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bombers of her Air Group arrived over the harbor during the attack; seven were shot down with eight airmen killed and two wounded she was the only American aircraft carrier with men at Pearl Harbor during the attack and the first to sustain casualties during the Pacific War)[2], the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, various other air-sea engagements during the Guadalcanal Campaign, the Battle of the Philippine Sea, and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Enterprise earned 20 battle stars, the most for any U.S. warship in World War II, and was the most decorated U.S. ship of World War II. She was also the first American ship to sink a full-sized enemy warship after the Pacific War had been declared when her aircraft sank the Japanese submarine I-70 on 10 December 1941.[3] On three occasions during the war, the Japanese announced that she had been sunk in battle, inspiring her nickname The Grey Ghost. USS Midway USS Midway (CVB/CVA/CV-41) is an aircraft carrier, formerly of the United States Navy, the lead ship of her class. Commissioned a week after the end of World War II, Midway was the largest ship in the world until 1955, as well as the first U.S. aircraft carrier too big to transit the Panama Canal. She operated for 47 years, during which time she saw action in the Vietnam War and served as the Persian Gulf flagship in 1991s Operation Desert Storm. Midway qualifies for this list less for great feats of arms than for longevity, and for being arguably historys most versatile warship. Decommissioned in 1992, she is now a museum ship at the USS Midway Museum, in San Diego, California, and is the only remaining inactive U.S. aircraft carrier that is not an Essex-class aircraft carrier. USS Franklin USS Franklin (CV/CVA/CVS-13, AVT-8), nicknamed Big Ben, was one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during World War II for the United States Navy, and the fifth US Navy ship to bear the name. Commissioned in January 1944, she served in several campaigns in the Pacific War, earning four battle stars. She was badly damaged by a Japanese air attack in March 1945, with the loss of over 800 of her crew, becoming the most heavily damaged United States aircraft carrier to survive the war. Movie footage of the actual attack was included in the 1949 film Task Force starring Gary Cooper. After the attack, she returned to the U.S. mainland for repairs, missing the rest of the war; she was decommissioned in 1947. While in reserve, she was reclassified as an attack carrier (CVA), then an antisubmarine carrier (CVS), and finally an aircraft transport (AVT), but was never modernized and never saw active service again. Franklin and Bunker Hill (damaged by two kamikazes) were the only Essex-class carriers not to see active service as aircraft carriers after World War II.Franklin was sold for scrap in 1966. The Essex-class carrier Franklin earns laurels for the resiliency of her hull and fortitude of her crew in battle. Akagi Akagi (Japanese for Red Castle) was an aircraft carrier built for the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), named after Mount Akagi in present-day Gunma Prefecture. Though she was laid down as an Amagi-class battlecruiser, Akagi was converted to an aircraft carrier while still under construction to comply with the terms of the Washington Naval Treaty. The ship was rebuilt from 1935 to 1938 with her original three flight decks consolidated into a single enlarged flight deck and an island superstructure. The second Japanese aircraft carrier to enter service, and the first large or fleet carrier, Akagi and the related Kaga figured prominently in the development of the IJNs new carrier striking force doctrine that grouped carriers together, concentrating their air power. This doctrine enabled Japan to attain its strategic goals during the early stages of the Pacific War from December 1941 until mid-1942. However deplorable Tokyos purposes in the Pacific, her aircraft-carrier force ranks among the greatest of all time for sheer boldness and vision. HMS Hermes HMS Hermes was a conventional British aircraft carrier and the last of the Centaur class. Hermes was in service with the Royal Navy from 1959 until 1984, and she served as the flagship of the British forces during the 1982 Falklands War. After being sold to India in 1986, the vessel was recommissioned and remained in service with the Indian Navy as INS Viraat until 2017 when the INS Vikramaditya was accepted by the Indian Navy. The INS Vikramaditya is Indian Navys aircraft carrier which is close to 300 meters long and originally served the Soviet Navy. The carrier can accommodate up to 36 planes and helicopters and was bought by the Indian Navy in 2004 although they only got it after years of delay as detailed in this article. *An advertorial is an advertisement in the form of editorial content. Syracuse, N.Y. Theyre waving signs that proclaim, Black Lives Matter and chanting the name of George Floyd, whose May 27 death at the hands of white police officers in Minneapolis has sparked national outrage and protests. Theyre marching by the hundreds through the quiet streets of some Central New York towns and villages demanding equal treatment for people of color and an end to police practices they say unfairly target blacks. They're gathering in suburban parks to hear the stories of those who are often barely visible in their communities. And they're overwhelmingly white. Over the last several weeks, several thousand people have turned out young and old, male and female for marches and events in Baldwinsville, Camillus, Chittenango, Cazenovia, Fayetteville, Manlius and Skaneateles. Its an unprecedented public support of a cause that in previous years might have drawn only marginal interest from white America and not the kind of visible gatherings being seen in suburbs and rural towns Marchers in Baldwinsville during a Black Lives Matter event on June 2,.Carly Madden The CNY protests are happening in communities that are 84 percent to 97 percent white. I think there is a consensus that there is something different going on, said Cornell government professor Jamila Michener, who has studied and written about poverty, racial inequality and public policy. Whether it is a watershed moment in American history remains to be seen, she said. Nationwide, the protests against the killing of George Floyd and police brutality have not been limited to cities or largely black communities. Demonstrations have sprung up in suburban and rural communities. In some places, the demonstrations have been met with counter-protesters. In Skaneateles Sunday, a crowd of 300 to 500 - some estimate as many as 800 - marched through village streets holding signs and chanting. The march, organized by seven college-age village residents, ended at Clift Park, beside picturesque Skaneateles Lake, where speakers delivered a message about ending racism and, with it, a double-standard of treatment for a large segment of society. "It exceeded all of our greatest expectations," said Madison Rhoad, a 2018 graduate of Skaneateles High School who along with seven high school friends created a group called Skaneateles for Social Justice on Twitter and Facebook. Skaneateles might be the very definition of white privilege, said Rhoad, who will be a sophomore at Fordham when she returns to school. The village is 97 percent white. It would be very easy for our community to gloss over this, she said. The Sunday march attendees included the villages Republican mayor, Martin Hubbard, who a week earlier had issued an apology after being caught on video tearing down flyers the group posted downtown advertising the event. The flyers violated a village ordinance, and Hubbard said he was simply enforcing the law and didnt mean his actions to be a slap at the Black Lives Matter movement. "This is a transformative moment in time, and we all need to do everything we can to further a just and equal society," his statement read. Elizabeth Erdmann (right) holds a sign for motorists to see at a roadside protest along Genesee Street in Fayetteville on Wednesday.Nolan Weidner In Fayetteville, protesters have gathered daily in front of the Matilda Joslyn Gage House since June 3 to wave signs at vehicles passing through the village on Route 5 and encourage motorists to support the BLM movement. Gage, who lived in Fayetteville in the 1800s, was an activist who worked to abolish slavery and fought for womens right to vote. William Sunderlin, a Fayetteville resident who teaches at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and describes himself as a progressive social activist, has been one of those protesters. Sunderlin, 66, said he has not seen whites become so involved in what could be seen as a black movement since the civil rights movement of the 1960s. "Progressive people in white enclaves have always wanted a more diverse community," he said, adding that the Fayetteville community has a strong history of involvement with the abolition of slavery. In a way, he said, the suburban protests are more challenging than attending events in downtown Syracuse, where more people are already on the same page. Fayetteville resident William Sunderlin holds a sign along Genesee Street in the village Wednesday.Nolan Weidner If nothing else, standing along Route 5 holding a Black Lives Matter sign offers passing motorists a visual contradiction that gives them something to think about as they drive along, Sunderlin said. While the responses have been, more often than not, a thumbs up and honking of a horn, the roadside protesters said they receive some abuse, including obscene gestures and shouts of all lives matter from passers-by. On Thursday afternoon, one angry driver revved his truck and swerved at one of the sign-holders who stood in a grassy area between the sidewalk and the street. Demonstrators contacted police but no charges were filed. Sally Roesch Wagner, a longtime feminist, activist, educator, author and founder of The Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation and Matilda Joslyn Gage Center for Social Justice Dialogue, sees the white involvement in the BLM protests as a possible turning point. "We may have reached a tipping point, culturally, where racism is no longer acceptable," Roesch Wagner said. Roesch Wagner, a veteran of anti-war and womens rights protests in the 1960s and 1970s, said there is a difference for her in the current movement. I always felt in the minority then, she said. I feel absolutely in step right now. In Fayetteville and Manlius, former F-M student Leila Abdul-Malak has organized a march and a community dialogue event called Facing Racism in the wake of the killing of Floyd and, more recently, the June 12 fatal shooting by Atlanta police of Rayshawn Brooks as he ran from officers who were trying to arrest him. Abdul-Malak said she originally wanted to attend protests in larger cities. "I realized that systematic racism is everywhere," she said. "I think these protests should be happening everywhere." Abdul-Malak had help from Manlius Town Board members Sara Bollinger, John Deer, Elaine Denton, Katelyn Kriesel and Heather Waters, a group of Democrats who say they are determined to work toward change in the way the community polices itself, provides affordable housing and educates its young. "There are real conversations that are happening," said Waters, 42, who was elected to her first term on the board last fall. "This isn't about partisanship. The end is all about our values, and our values are not partisan." Waters said the hope is to convince residents of wealthier suburbs that they have an equal role in changing perceptions of race. "You're not just not racist, but the shift now is to become anti-racist," she said. Curtis Chaplin, a leader of Last Chance for Change, which has done nearly 20 straight days of marches in Syracuse against police violence and systemic racism, is happy to see the support. I think that its very great that its started to pick up in the suburbs, because thats where most of the voters are. ... Those are some of the places that we cant get into, that we dont like to get into because of the discrimination, he said. So being now that they are beginning to protest and stand up and show solidarity means more than anything. Cornell government professor Jamila Michener, who has studied and written about poverty, racial inequality and public policy. Courtesy Cornell UniversityCourtesy Cornell University Michener, the Cornell professor who has tracked and studied protests throughout the country, said studies have shown that there is more agreement between younger people those between 18 and 34 about issues such as the justice system being less fair to people of color. And she thinks that is why many of the local marches have been spearheaded by young people and why the white community has become so involved. There is also a social media component, where videos of events such as the brutal killing of George Floyd or the shooting of Rayshawn Brooks are available for all to see. But will the movement last in the white suburbs? For that to happen, Michener said, there will have to be a more organized effort. Theres a real question about whether this is a moment, a flare-up vs. a tipping point, she said. I dont think there is an answer to that question yet. The real work of changing attitudes in police departments, getting schools to hire more black teachers or making more affordable housing available in communities requires sustained effort. "I don't think we get the transformative change until there is some redistribution of power and resources," Michener said. She remains on the fence about what the past three weeks has meant. Its hard to be hopeful, she said, when looking at the long history of black suffering. But when she sees what is happening between blacks and whites of all ages at peaceful rallies or marches, Its hard to be hopeless. Syracuse.com | The Post-Standards Patrick Lohmann contributed to this report. Nolan Weidner is a reporter for the Syracuse Post-Standard and syracuse.com. Got a comment or idea for a story? He can be reached via email at nweidner@syracuse.com. Canberra, June 19 : The Australian government on Friday announced a major overhaul of university fees. Under the changes announced by Education Minister Dan Tehan, the cost of studying humanities will more than double while fees for "job relevant" courses will be slashed, reports Xinhua news agency. It comes as demand for university places in 2021 soars with students less likely to take gap years in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. "We are facing the biggest employment challenge since the Great Depression," Tehan told the National Press Club. "And the biggest impact will be felt by young Australians. They are relying on us to give them the opportunity to succeed in the jobs of the future." "Students will have a choice," the minister said. "Their degree will be cheaper if they choose to study in areas where there is expected growth in job opportunities." From 2021 course fees for maths and agriculture degrees will fall 62 per cent to A$3,700 ($2,531) per year, while those studying teaching, nursing, English, clinical psychology and foreign languages will also pay the same amount, 46 per cent less than they do currently. Humanities degrees will cost A$14,500 per year, a 113 per cent increase. aw and commerce degrees students will face fee hikes of 28 per cent to A$14,500 per year. "Universities must teach Australians the skills needed to succeed in the jobs of the future," Tehan said. "We will also incentivize students to make more job-relevant choices, that lead to more job-ready graduates, by reducing the student contribution in areas of expected employment growth and demand." Tehan said that no student already enrolled at universities would pay increased fees while those enrolled in courses that are having fees slashed will benefit from the reductions. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 19:33:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KABUL, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) have repelled a heavy Taliban militants' attack, killing three militants, including a Taliban shadow district chief in western Ghor province, Afghan Defense Ministry said in a statement Friday. The incident happened late on Thursday night, when hundreds of Taliban militants stormed security checkpoints on the outskirts of provincial capital Feruz Koah city and nearby Pasaband and Tolag districts, the ministry said in a statement. "Three Taliban militants, including Nasrullah Ansari, the so-called Taliban district chief for Tiwara district, were killed and three militants, including a divisional Taliban commander Gul Ahmad, were wounded," the statement said. ANDSF service members were not hurt during the clashes, the statement added. The latest clashes came as militancy and counter-militancy traditionally gets momentum in spring and summer commonly known as the fighting season in Afghanistan. Sporadic clashes and fighting occur in countryside as Taliban militants have been attempting to take territory and consolidate their positions. Enditem India insisted on 'complete disengagement' in all its talks with China on eastern Ladakh row: Govt Indo-China make headway at Point 14 amidst tense standoff India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 19: The third round of talks between the military officials of India and China made headway. The deadlock was broken after the violent clashes on Monday left 20 Indian soldiers dead. The Indian team was led by Major General Abhijit Bapat and the talks with his Chinese counterpart was held at Patrolling Point 14 at the Galwan Valley. Another rounds of talks are scheduled to be held today. India-China Galwan faceoff: China releases 10 Indian soldiers from custody | Oneindia News India-China hold Major General level talks for over 6 hours An official confirmed to OneIndia that there was no major headway made during the meetings that were held on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, Thursday's meeting was a fruitful one. The deadlock was broken as several issues were agreed upon. There are more issues and these would be taken up in the meetings to come. Meanwhile, the Army in a statement said that no soldier involved in the violent face-off was missing in action. The clarification came in the wake of reports stating that 10 soldiers were missing and had been in Chinese custody. On Wednesday, the two sides discussed ways to implement the disengagement of troops from the region as agreed to during a high-level military dialogue on June 6. Sending a strong message to China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India wanted peace but is capable of giving a befitting reply if instigated. The clash in Galwan Valley is the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while the death toll on the Chinese side was over 300. India confirms Jaishankars participation in trilateral with China and Russia The two armies were engaged in a standoff in Galwan and several other areas of the eastern Ladakh since May 5 when the two sides clashed on the bank of the Pangong Tso. After the standoff began, the Indian military leadership decided that Indian troops would adopt a firm approach in dealing with the aggressive posturing by the Chinese troops in all disputed areas of Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie. 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. (Newser) In a stunning reversal, the Navy has upheld the firing of the aircraft carrier captain who urged faster action to protect his crew from a coronavirus outbreak, according to a US official familiar with the report. The official said the Navy also extended the blame for the ship's crisis, delaying the promotion of the one-star admiral who was onboard the USS Theodore Rooseveltconcluding that both men made serious errors in judgment, the AP reports. The spread of the coronavirus aboard the carrier while in the Pacific in March exploded into one of the biggest military leadership crises of recent years. More than 1,000 members of the crew became infected, and one sailor died. The ship was sidelined for weeks at Guam but recently returned to duty. The Roosevelt's outbreak spurred the development of widespread cleaning and health precautions across the military. story continues below The decision by Adm. Mike Gilday to hold both Capt. Brett Crozier and his boss, Rear Adm. Stuart Baker, accountable confirms the concerns of Pentagon officials who demanded a deeper investigation last month, after the initial probe recommended Crozier's reinstatement. The investigation by Adm. Robert Burke defends the turnaround by saying that the more detailed probe uncovered poor decisions that failed to stem the outbreak or communicate the escalating crisis to senior commanders. It also concludes that the ship's slow response to the virus was not just Crozier's fault, that Baker also failed to take decisive actions. Based on the findings, Crozier and Baker could remain in the Navy, in other jobs at their current rank, but the admonishments are likely career-enders for both. (Crozier received an ovation from the crew as he walked off the Roosevelt.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for an all-party meeting on Friday to discuss the India-China border issue. Around 15 political parties will join the meeting. On Thursday evening, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dialled the Presidents and leaders of all political parties to brief them about the intent of the all-party meet. The meeting comes in the wake of the India-China border clash that claimed the lives of 20 jawans and injured many. According to government sources, there's no intention of excluding any party. However, Aam Aadmi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal have not been invited to attend. Reportedly parties with more than five MPs have been invited to attend the meeting, leaving the rest out. Here's the list of all the party chiefs who would attend the meeting: 1. Congress President Sonia Gandhi 2. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) President MK Stalin 3. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President N Chandrababu Naidu 3. Andhra Pradesh CM, YSCRCP leader, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy 4. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar 5. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar 6. CPI leader D Raja 7. CP(M)) general secretary Sitaram Yechury 8. Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik 9. Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao 10. West Bengal CM and TMC President Mamata Banerjee 11. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal 12. Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) President Chirag Paswan 13. Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray 14. Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav 15. Jharkhand CM, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Hemant Soren 16. BJD leader Pinaki Mishra This would be PM Modi's first all-party meeting since the India-China standoff. This meeting comes after the Centre and Congress engaged in a war of words. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asked why Indian soldier were sent unarmed to martyrdom. "If it was so painful: 1. Why insult Indian Army by not naming China in your tweet? 2. Why take 2 days to condole? 3. Why address rallies as soldiers were being martyred? 4. Why hide and get the Army blamed by the crony media? 5. Why make paid-media blame Army instead of GOI?" tweeted Gandhi in response to Rajnath Singh's tweet condoling the death of the jawans. External Minister S Jaishankar responded to Gandhi and said, "Let us get the facts straight. All troops on border duty always carry arms, especially when leaving post. Those at Galwan on 15 June did so. Long-standing practice (as per 1996 & 2005 agreements) not to use firearms during faceoffs." Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also said just ahead of his meeting with CMs from various states that the sacrifice of the soldiers will not go in vain. "India is culturally a peace-loving country. We have always worked closely with our neighbours in a cooperative and friendly manner. We never provoke anyone. Whenever the time has come, we have demonstrated our power, proving our capabilities in protecting the integrity and sovereignty of the country." Also read: Govt mulls customs duty hike, trade barriers on 'non-essential' imports amid stand-off with China Also read: Rs 800 crore silk imports from China can be stopped if local production ramped up New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) will announce the UP Board Class 10 and Class 12 results 2020 on June 27. According to UP Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, who also holds the secondary education portfolio, the results will be announced around 12:30 pm on June 27 After the official announcement of Class 10 and Class 12 results 2020, students can check their scores on the official websites - upmsp.edu.in, upresults.nic.in and upmspresults.up.nic.in. Candidates can also get their results on their mobile phones via SMS. To do so, class 10 students will have to go to the message option and type UP10ROLLNUMBER - and send it to 56263. Class 12 students will have to send the message on the same number by typing UP12ROLLNUMBER. Heres how you can check UP Board Class 10 and Class 12 result 2020 * Visit the websites - upmsp.edu.in, upresults.nic.in or upmspresults.up.nic.in * Click on the link that reads UP Board Result 2020 Class 10 or UP Board Result 2020 Class 12 * Key in your roll number and other login in credentials * Press enter and your result with subject wise score will be displayed on your screen. Over 59.6 lakh students have appeared for their UP Board inter and matric exam 2020. As per the rules issued by the board, students will have to secure a minimum of 35 percent marks to pass a subject examination. An angry and aggressive Hamilton Police officer had no authority or reason to arrest a journalist as he worked the scene of a fatal accident. Const. Jeff Todoruck whose tirade against two photojournalists was recorded by several members of the media was found guilty Thursday of four disciplinary charges under the Police Services Act. Videos and photographs posted to social media from that scene documented the veteran officers actions shouting, confiscating cameras, handcuffing and even grounding one of the photojournalists. His actions have drawn criticism from journalists across Canada. The decision comes at an interesting time when police behaviour is already being heavily scrutinized. Police in the United States and Canada are being protested for their treatment of Black and other racialized community members. In the U.S., some journalists have been arrested by police while covering the massive protests that have resulted. Meanwhile, the Hamilton Police Service has been rebuked for its mishandling of a hate attack at last years Pride event. One recommendation from an independent review of the debacle was for Chief Eric Girt and senior officers to get media training. From the chief to a constable, Hamilton police has a media relations problem. The hearing heard the Hamilton police media relations officer at the time of the arrests was so upset by the incident he raced to the scene on his day off to try to intervene that he quit policing. He is now a firefighter. Lots of Hamilton cops have great relationships with the media. The arrested photojournalists freelancer Dave Ritchie and former Global TV stringer Jeremy Cohn are adamant about that. But Todoruck does not. During his three-day hearing in March it became apparent he didnt understand his services own media policy. In May 2017, 10-year-old Jasmin Hanif was struck and killed by a vehicle near her home on Evans Road in Waterdown. The girls parents witnessed her death. Todoruck was among the first officers there. When Ritchie and Cohn arrived, the child had already been taken away. Ritchie was confronted by Todoruck and told to leave. He was handcuffed and put in the back of his cruiser. Ritchie was charged with obstructing police and resisting arrest. Later, he entered into a peace bond and the charges were dropped. Cohn arrived and asked Todoruck why Ritchie was in the cruiser. Todoruck told Cohn to leave. The hearing heard Todoruck shoved Cohn to the ground, put his knee into his back, zip-tied his hands behind his back and put him into a second cruiser. Cohn was released without charges. Todoruck is convicted on one count of unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority for arresting Cohn, two counts of neglect of duty for failing to read either journalist his rights to counsel, and one count of discreditable conduct for leaving Ritchie in the cruiser unattended. Todorucks defence was that Ritchie and Cohn interfered with the scene. At no time did Mr. Cohn wilfully attempt to obstruct or impede Const. Todoruck in the performance of his duties, hearing officer Peter Lennox, a retired Toronto police superintendent, wrote in his decision. Todoruck was found not guilty of a fifth charge of discreditable conduct related to Cohn being left unattended in a cruiser. He may have thought another officer was supervising him. The decision was handed down in a video conference call. Todoruck, who represented himself at the hearing, did not join the call. He has continued to work while facing his charges. Submissions will be heard at a later date to determine his penalty. Cohn has launched a $900,000 lawsuit against the Hamilton Police Services board and Todoruck. The Police Services Act process was triggered when Mackay Taggart, a news director at Global, filed a complaint to the Office of the Independent Police Review Director. The decision reinforces that the work journalists do not only is legal but has special standing in the course of our civil society, says Taggart. The police owe Cohn and other journalists special consideration when doing their job at a crime scene. While some misinformed commenters on Twitter have criticized the photojournalists for videotaping a dead child (which is not true), Taggart says the public must understand why media covers tragic scenes. Everybody benefits from a third-party witness to the activities of police, he says. We are the eyes and ears of the public. Reporting can effect change. It did in this case. Media interviews with Jasmins family led to traffic being rerouted away from her street. Any journalist would do what I did that day, says Cohn, now with CBC. Taggart wants to meet with Girt. Theres need for media training and then after that training is done, theres need for more media training, he says. We really need to ensure officers and the entire police force recognizes the need for a strong relationship and improved communication and transparency. Correction - June 18, 2020: An earlier version of this article said Const. Jeff Todoruck had no reason or authority to arrest two photojournalists. He was found to have had no authority or reason to arrest one journalist. As protesters prepared to demonstrate against police violence in Jackson Square on Friday night, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson held a news conference detailing the reforms his department has made over the past decade. Ferguson said Thursday that the New Orleans Police Department has already embraced all eight of the recommendations to curb police use of force that have been proposed by Campaign Zero, a national organization that says its agenda could reduce police killings by 72%. In New Orleans, we are all well ahead of the curve when it comes to effective police reform and a commitment to constitutional policing, Ferguson said. We have come a long way since the unfortunate Danziger Bridge tragedy. The department in 2015 banned chokeholds and neckholds as part of its reform agreement with the federal government, known as a consent decree, Ferguson said. He said the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis under a policemans knee had shocked and disgusted our country. Meanwhile, the NOPDs policies also emphasize de-escalating situations, require a warning if possible, tell cops to try alternatives before shooting, ban shooting at moving vehicles in most situations, require officers to report uses of force and tell officers to intervene when colleagues commit wrongdoing, the chief said. While the NOPD says its already instituted all steps in the 8 Cant Wait agenda proposed by Campaign Zero, Ferguson rejected calls for more drastic changes from some demonstrators. 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 Many activists have denounced as pointless incremental reforms of the type laid out in the 8 Cant Wait agenda and the 2012 federal consent decree, which then-Mayor Mitch Landrieu negotiated with the U.S. Justice Department. Civilian complaints have dropped and satisfaction with the department has risen in recent years, but some protesters are calling for cutting the NOPD's funding and shifting it to social services. Playing off the "8 Can't Wait" name, a rival group has put forward an 8 to Abolition agenda that aims to get rid of police departments entirely. The debate among national protesters has grown so intense that Campaign Zero has apologized for unintentionally (detracting) from efforts of fellow organizers invested in paradigmatic shifts that are newly possible in this moment. Campaign Zero has also embraced the idea of defunding police departments, a popular cry at rallies in New Orleans. But Ferguson said that wasnt a good idea. It would be a big blow to us. Because youre looking at well over 80% of our finances or our budget is personnel, Ferguson said. That would be a tough decision, if I have to make one. Nationally, while major police reforms are popular, the notion of defunding departments is not, according to public opinion surveys. Dar al-Ifta, Egypts top institution for fatwas or religious edicts, has sparked widespread controversy when it described the Ottoman control of the city of Constantinople Turkey's capital until 1923 when it was renamed Istanbul as an occupation before it retracted and described it as a great Islamic conquest. On June 7, the media center of Dar al-Ifta published a statement, titled, Erdogan continues to use fatwa weapons to cement his tyranny at home and justify his colonial ambitions abroad. The statement criticized Turkey's internal politics and suppression of dissent, and said that Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan is taking advantage of religious rhetoric to achieve internal stability and victory over his political opponents. But what made Dar al-Ifta the subject of much criticism is its description in that statement of the fall of Constantinople, or the conquest of what is now called Istanbul, as an Ottoman invasion, in a paragraph devoted to condemning calls to convert the Hagia Sophia Museum into a mosque again. Hagia Sophia was built as a church during the Byzantine period in A.D. 537, and it remained [a church] for 916 years until the Ottomans occupied Istanbul in 1453; then they turned the building into a mosque, the statement read. The Egyptian religious authoritys stance was lashed out at, as it has described one of the most important Islamic conquests as an invasion in order to take a political stance in line with Egypt's policies against Turkey. On May 29, Erdogan celebrated the 567th anniversary of the conquest of Constantinople, standing on one of the balconies of the presidential Huber Palace overlooking the Bosporus. Thirty boats, decorated with Turkish flags and banners, passed in front of Erdogans palace to greet him. In his speech, Erdogan considered the conquest of Constantinople as a symbol of reconstruction, advancement, justice and love, and asked God to grant the Turkish people more conquests, victories and successes. Ali Erbas, head of Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs, tweeted June 10 that the Dar al-Ifta statement does not fit Muslim beliefs or Islamic morals, confuses minds and falsifies historical facts. According to the online encyclopedia Britannica, the conquest of Constantinople was carried out by Sultan Mehmed II of the Ottoman Empire. [The Byzantine Empire] came to an end when the Ottomans breached Constantinoples ancient land wall after besieging the city for 55 days, it states, continuing, [Mehmed II] surrounded Constantinople from land and sea while employing cannon to maintain a constant barrage of the citys formidable walls. The fall of the city removed what was once a powerful defense for Christian Europe against Muslim invasion, allowing for uninterrupted Ottoman expansion into Eastern Europe, the online encyclopedia adds. On June 8, Dar al-Ifta published a post on Facebook, confirming its position on Erdogan and using the fatwa weapon to confirm his tyranny. However, it retracted from the description of the conquest of Constantinople as an invasion, and the post stated that it was "a great Islamic conquest and it was done by the great Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. Erdogan has no connection with Mehmed. Mohamed Abu Hamed, a member of Egypts parliament, said that the attack by the Muslim Brotherhood and Turkish media comes after Dar al-Ifta revealed the use of the fatwas weapon by Erdogan to move ahead with his tyranny at home in the name of religion and justify his ambitions abroad in the name of the alleged caliphate. The conquest of Constantinople was carried out by Sultan Mehmed II and is an important Islamic conquest. But at the same time, the Turkish president had nothing to do with Mehmed II, he told Al-Monitor. He added that Erdogan is using religion to justify his political actions and interference in regional countries, as well as his ambitions to restore the Ottoman Empire. But critics say that Dar al-Ifta is mixing religion with politics and this may ignite more tensions in the region based on this approach. Amr Hashem Rabie, deputy head of Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, said that Dar al-Ifta is only concerned with issuing religious edicts and not with commenting on the political policies of presidents and state leaders. This kind of attitude politicizes religion and this is the same approach that is usually criticized by the state, Rabie told Al-Monitor. He said that Erdogans policies should be criticized by a state authority concerned with politics, not with religion. The religious authorities are only concerned with religious matters, especially if it is large and renowned institutions like Al-Azhar and Dar al-Ifta, he added. The Egyptian Dar al-Ifta remains the subject of much political controversy. Less than a month ago, it sparked a similar controversy because of a leaflet calling on Egyptians to watch a TV series called Al Ikhtiyar (The Choice), which portrays the biography of Egyptian army Col. Ahmed al-Mansi. Dar al-Ifta wrote in an April 29 post on Facebook, "Islam did not prohibit purposeful art that transcends the soul and elevates feelings unlike the arts that address the instincts and lust." Ivan Gerasymenko, Advisor to the Head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration In early June, Minister of Infrastructure Vladyslav Kryklii paid a visit to Dnipropetrovsk region. Together with the leaders of the region, he visited several important facilities. They can be conditionally divided into new - successful, and old - crisis ones. Successful modern stories provide for attracting investments, development of united territorial communities and decentralization. However, there are facilities, both in the territory of Dnipropetrovsk region and throughout Ukraine, which were founded in Tsarist times and still functioning today. They rather survive than live, though. Today these enterprises are either idle or minimally loaded with orders. But in due time their workings out and production were famous far beyond the borders of Ukraine. Here are two examples. Major representatives of the machine-building industry are the Dnipro Electric Locomotive Plant and Dnipropetrovsk Diesel Locomotive Repair Plant. Both today have multimillion tax debts and wage arrears. The Dnipro Electric Locomotive Plant is included into the list of facilities subject to privatization in 2020. And in the report on the activities of the Dnipropetrovsk Diesel Locomotive Repair Plant for 2019, the causes of its problems are described in details, while there is a clear understanding that exactly investments will provide sustainable development of production. These two plants of the mechanical engineering industry can become magnets for investors if breathing new life into them. Developments and new technologies in the field of railway engineering will always be in demand and relevant. The state investment policy should be directed at them, and the region, in turn, is ready to lobby for this direction. At the same time, successful projects have been implemented by Zelenodolsk city united territorial community. Favorable geographical position, as well as cooperation between local business and authorities made the investments possible right now, not at a later date without crisis and pandemics. Lets follow some examples. In the shortest possible time, the Marianske Solar Power Station, and the River Transshipment Terminal of "Nibulon" agricultural company have been launched in Apostolovsky district. These facilities are the stories of success and prospects. Workplaces, millions of budget revenues, optimization of work processes for each of the areas, image dividends for the region as a whole. "Zelenodolsk" Branch of JSC JV "NIBULON": - about 120 new workplaces; - 5 million hryvnias to the budget; - unloading of regional roads by 12.5 thousand trucks per year due to the transportation of products by water; - 11 million hryvnias of investment in the development of the community. Characteristics of the Marianske Solar Power Station in figures: - more than 1.5 million hryvnias to the budget annually; - production of 14.8 million kWt of electricity per year that will provide about 8 thousand households; - reduction by 16 thousand tons of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. The station will provide for selling the solar energy at the "green tariff" and will pay off to investors within 4 years. By the way, recently the elevator of a large investment and construction company Kadorr Group will be opened in Piatykhatky district of Dnipropetrovsk region, which once again shows the desire of investors to develop the agricultural industry. Going back to mechanical engineering. Such enterprises are hundreds of qualified specialists, an extensive production and research base. Huge orders for goods and services could be carried out at their facilities. However, technologies and equipment have been outdated, and debts do not allow developing and moving forward. The experience of creating the industrial and technological parks on inefficiently used territories of plants is interesting. These are quite extensive areas. By creating conditions for attracting investors (tax benefits, for example), the government stimulates the arrival of private companies and, consequently, the development of the territories. This includes the improvement and renewal of the infrastructure of enterprises, as well as the attraction of innovations and modern scientific developments. The global market is unstable and volatile. The coronavirus crisis has hit all spheres of life of the state. However, one cannot deny the success of the Ukrainian regions development, the Dnipropetrovsk region, in particular. The desire of all levels of government to attract investments and implement successful global practices in the budget-forming sectors should be the main priority of economic activity. Advertisement Kano State Governor, Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has described the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru as one of the unifying factors of this country through the gathering of data and research it conducts on the Nigerian State and Policy development. The Governor represented by his Deputy,Dr.Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna made the statement when he had a virtual courtesy call with the Director General and participants of Study Group 5 of the Senior Executive Course No.42, 2020 on Thursday evening in his office. The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies has been training technocrats who initiate policies that has placed Nigeria on the path of development he said . Advertisement He further explained that his administration since its inception has been creating empowerment programmes to create jobs for the unemployed as part of measures to manage the growing population in the State. He assured the management and participants of the Institute of continued partnership and cooperation of his government. Speaking earlier, the Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Professor Habu Galadima represented by the Director of Studies, Dr.Nasiruddeen Usman said this year, President Muhammad Buhari has charged the participants to conduct a research on the theme-Population and Human Capital Development in Nigeria. The idea behind the study theme is due to the growing population in Nigeria which poses a challenge, therefore emphasis should be placed on human capital development according to him . However,he said the participants of the Study Group 5 of the Senior Executive Course No.42, 2020 are on Study tour of Kano one of the States selected with regards to the course theme due its high population. He added that during the study tour,they participants would interact with relevant public and private organisations so as to gather data on Population growth and human capital development in Kano State, of which a report at the end of the course would be presented to the President in November this year. In his remarks on behalf of the participants, a Commissioner of Police, Ali Janga says the virtual study tour to Kano has deepen their knowledge on the management of growing population and human capital development. He then assured that input received from the Kano State Government would be reflected in their report at the end of the course. Vital clues to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann may have been unwittingly destroyed by Portuguese police, it has been reported. A blue Bedford van that prime suspect Christian Brueckner owned at the time she went missing was impounded for the non-payment of a fine for stealing fuel and reportedly later crushed before it could be searched for evidence. German drifter Brueckner used to live and sleep in the van on the beach near Praia da Luz between February and April 2006 while he was unemployed and homeless. Crucially he still owned the van in May 2007 when Madeleine disappeared in the coastal resort, according to the respected Portuguese newspaper Expresso. Vital clues to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann (right) may have been unwittingly destroyed by Portuguese police, it has emerged. German drifter Christian Brueckner (left) owned a Bedford van which was crushed before it could be examined for evidence The Bedford van, which Brueckner owned at the time Madeleine went missing, was impounded for the non-payment of a fine for stealing fuel and later crushed before it could be searched for evidence. Pictured: The VW van owned by Brueckner when he lived in Portugal It reported: 'Madeleine Case: A van the German suspect owned when she disappeared was dismantled in 2009. 'Christian Brueckner used to sleep in an old Bedford van when he was stealing fuel in Algarve. 'He still had that van in May 2007 the date of the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.' Brueckner, who was 30 at the time, bought the van with an Austrian friend Michael Tatschl in 2006. The pair worked together stealing diesel from trucks which they later sold. German drifter Brueckner used to live and sleep in the van on the beach near Praia da Luz between February and April 2006 while he was unemployed and homeless. The Bedford van sat idle in the police car pound in Portimao before it was finally destroyed in May 2009 But Brueckner and Tatschl were caught red handed in April 2006 after they had already stolen 300 litres of fuel and were jailed for seven months. They were released in December 2006 but were ordered to pay compensation for the stolen fuel in the form of a fine. But Brueckner never paid the fine and when police tried to enforce payment in November 2007 he had disappeared from the address in Barrocal that he had given the court. It is at that point that the Bedford van is believed to have been impounded by the police in lieu of the unpaid fine. But the vehicle was in such a bad state of repair that the authorities could not sell it at auction to recoup the cost of the fine. Public appeals for information have featured Brueckner's former farmhouse and another property in which he stayed, as well as a VW campervan (pictured) and Jaguar car he owned The Bedford van sat idle in the police car pound in Portimao before it was finally destroyed in May 2009. Now it will never be known if the van had any clues to the Madeleine McCann case, Expresso reported. Brueckner also boasted how he could hide and transport children in a camper van just months before Madeleine disappeared. The German drifter allegedly made the comment to the father of a female friend who lived in a village 40 miles from Praia da Luz. Showing off his van Brueckner bragged: 'I can transport children in this. 'Nobody can find them, nobody can catch you.' Bruecker was already known to have owned one camper van and a Jaguar car while he was in Portugal. Later it was revealed that Bruecker bought another van, a Tiffin Alegro, and that German detectives found young girls' clothes in it, according to Germany's Spiegel TV. German authorities released pictures of the VW Westfalia T3camper van and a dark coloured Jaguar urging anyone who had seen the vehicles in the Algarve to come forward to help solve the Madeleine McCann case. Later it was revealed that Bruecker bought another van, a Tiffin Alegro, and that German detectives found young girls' clothes in it, according to Germany's Spiegel TV. Some 8,000 pornographic pictures including images of child abuse were found nearby, Spiegel TV reported. Efforts to ease the strain during COVID-19 also include $470,000 in mental health grants TORONTO, June 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the COVID-19 crisis continuing to impact Canadians from coast to coast, Green Shield Canada (GSC) will be enhancing the digital health care focus within its individually purchased health and dental benefit plans, with a particular emphasis on mental health therapy. Effective July 1, 2020, BEACONs standard digital mental health program which provides personalized cognitive behavioural therapy guided by an experienced, regulated, mental health professional will be included in GSC individual plans (including SureHealth and Health Assist) at no additional cost. As part of the upcoming enhancements, which will be communicated under the new YourAccess2 banner, individual customers will also have access to several other valuable digital services, from low dispensing fees with PocketPills digital pharmacy to discounted rates for telemedicine via Maple. COVID-19 has brought significant financial and emotional hardships for many Canadians, and our mental resilience is being tested on a daily basis, explains Joe Blomeley, GSCs EVP, Individual, Public Sector and Mental Health. We see the BEACON program as a high-value enhancement that will benefit anyone feeling depressed or anxious, or having difficulty sleeping, especially in these challenging times. In our conversations with customers, we have seen growing confidence in all types of digital health care, and we have structured our plan enhancements with this in mind. This is one of several steps taken by GSC during the pandemic to bring proven mental health services within easier reach, headlined by the sponsorship of Stronger Minds a no-cost digital mental health program for all Canadians. GSC has also provided $470,000 in mental health grants to organizations across the country with a focus on at-risk populations, digital mental health and academic research, while promoting the scalability of programs and services. Grant recipients include: Story continues Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research Canadian Mental Health Association Martin Family Initiative Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health SCOPE University Health Network Its in GSCs DNA to step up in moments like this, adds Blomeley. The rapid uptake for Stronger Minds has highlighted the need for affordable and accessible mental health support. Were confident these grants will further accelerate the development of mental health programs and services, while giving us a deeper understanding of community needs, especially at-risk communities. For more information: GSC Media Department 1.800.268.6613 ext. 3409 media@greenshield.ca About Green Shield Canada (GSC) Ana del Rocio, a young Latinx leader in Portland whose 2018 arrest by transit police during a random fare enforcement sting led to policy changes, said shes not impressed with TriMets proposed reforms outlined this week. In the wake of the nations roiling social unrest, TriMet announced Wednesday it planned to keep paying for a robust transit police division. That was despite the Portland Police Bureaus upcoming departure and Multnomah County Sheriffs Offices uncertain participation going forward. SHANGHAI, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- WuXi Biologics ("WuXi Bio") (2269.HK), a global company with leading open-access biologics technology platforms, announced that its 2nd Investor Day with the theme of "Embrace Change to Turn Challenges into Opportunities", was successfully held on June 18. This virtual event brought together nearly 700 global investors and covered multiple hot topics. Starting with introducing the unique "Follow-the-Molecule" business model and state-of-the-art technology platforms, the management team further shared their deep insights into the Company's global footprint, as well as the challenges and opportunities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. On the whole, the event includes nine critical aspects, with company overview, biologics development, financial performance, drug discovery, and quality system presented by CEO Dr. Chris Chen, CTO Dr. Weichang Zhou, CFO Ms. Christine Lu-Wong, CSO Dr. Jijie Gu, and CQO Dr. Chiang Syin. The other four, namely European manufacturing and global engineering, China biomanufacturing, global business development and alliance, and corporate development were also well elaborated by Mr. Jian Dong, Mr. Peter Shen, Mr. Angus Turner, and Dr. Michelle Chen respectively. In the end, all the speakers and investors had dynamic interactions in the Q&A session. Boasting the proprietary platforms of WuXiBody, WuXia and WuXiUP, the Company is committed to building more integrated biologics technology platforms to enable biotechnology innovation. Meanwhile, the Company will continue to improve the quality system to deliver high-quality biologics through implementing the unique paradigm of "Global Dual Souring within WuXi Bio" and to provide global partners with a robust and premier-quality supply chain network. Combining all these efforts, WuXi Biologics further consolidates its leading position in the field of global biologics Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO). Confronting the COVID-19 pandemic, WuXi Biologics established a world-class development team consisting of over 500 scientists to enable global partners with over 10 neutralizing antibodies in expedited development to prevent and treat the disease. Several COVID-19 vaccine programs are also under negotiations with its subsidiary WuXi Vaccines, engaged in human vaccine CDMO business. "Facing the severe challenges posed by COVID-19, WuXi Biologics has been actively embracing change to turn challenges into opportunities and constantly improving operation efficiency. Through our integrated biologics technology platforms, we empower global partners to fight the disease in terms of prevention, treatment and symptom alleviation," commented Dr. Chris Chen, CEO of WuXi Biologics, "In 2020, we enable our global partners to work at home, enlarge more collaborations with our improved timeline and increased capacities, and continue to accelerate global footprint to achieve outstanding performance, repaying the support and trust of our clients, employees and investors." Earnestly pursuing openness and transparency, WuXi Biologics Annual Investor Day aims to create value through solid communication and to build a collaborative shareholder culture. The Company will continue to gain confidence from additional global investors and promote its leading technology platforms, excellent corporate governance and exciting corporate culture. In addition to the biannual financial reporting results, this event is certainly another important platform for investor communication. About WuXi Biologics WuXi Biologics (stock code: 2269.HK), a Hong Kong-listed company, is a leading global open-access biologics technology platform offering end-to-end solutions to empower organizations to discover, develop, and manufacture biologics from concept to commercial manufacturing. The company's history and achievements demonstrate its commitment to providing a truly ONE-stop service offering and strong value proposition to its global clients. As of December 31, 2019, there were a total of 250 integrated projects, including 121 projects in pre-clinical development stage, 112 projects in early-phase (phase I and II) clinical development, 16 projects in late-phase (phase III) development, and one project in commercial manufacturing. With total estimated capacity for biopharmaceutical production planned in China, Ireland, the U.S., Germany, and Singapore exceeding 280,000 liters by 2022, WuXi Biologics will provide its biomanufacturing partners with a robust and premier-quality global supply chain network. For more information on WuXi Biologics, please visit www.wuxibiologics.com. SOURCE WuXi Biologics Related Links http://www.wuxibiologics.com Wang Jing (R), deputy general-manager of Nanjing KingMed Diagnostics Co, distributes home-made nutritious soup to the company's staff. [Women of China] Wang Jing, deputy general-manager of the company designated as the first medical company to conduct novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) nucleic acid testing in Nanjing, capital city of East China's Jiangsu Province, worked hard to ensure smooth progress in regular nucleic acid testing, together with her husband Mao Yuan, head of the company's medical laboratory. The couple believes that behind each sample of nucleic acid is an individual's hopeful expectation of a good health result. Wang, who is in charge of the company's logistics and administrative work, served as deputy head of the company's epidemic emergency response team after the epidemic outbreak. She supervised the implementation of measures on epidemic prevention and control, ensured them put into places in a timely manner, and coordinated the virus detection work. She also kept an eye on the health of more than 400 employees in the company. Mao was engaged in the nucleic acid test work. His team is able to test an average of 4,500 samples a day and has completed more than 150,000 tests. Given the huge number of samples waiting to be tested at the height of the battle against the virus, he had to stay up late and took a short rest in the workplace. Faced with how to handle dining after workers returned to work when the epidemic waned, Wang and several department heads decided to make nutritional meals for the staff by themselves, which include chicken soup and fish soup. "The company is a big family and there's no doubt that we should care about each other," she said. Both of the couple's two young daughters supported their anti-epidemic work. Their elder daughter wrote an essay titled "My Paradise," in which she expressed her hope that the family can get together for a meal and that school will resume after the battle against the virus is won. Mao's mother also showed great support to the couple's anti-epidemic fight by taking good care of their daughters, relieving them of worries at home. (Women of China) United Nations, June 19 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called for the protection of jobs amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Every worker, every business and every corner of the globe has been affected by the pandemic with millions of jobs lost, said Guterres in a video message for the launch of a policy brief on COVID-19 and employment. This crisis in the world of work is adding fuel to an already burning fire of discontent and anxiety. Massive unemployment and loss of income from COVID-19 are further eroding social cohesion and destabilizing countries and regions socially, politically and economically,Xinhua news agency quoted the UN chief as saying. Guterres asked for action on three fronts -- immediate support for at-risk workers, enterprises, jobs and incomes; greater focus on both health and economic activities after lockdowns ease, with safe workplaces and rights for women and populations at risk; efforts toward a human-centered, green and sustainable, as well as inclusive recovery that harnesses the potential of new technologies to create decent jobs for all. "There is a lot of talk about the need for a 'new normal' after this crisis. But let's not forget that the pre-COVID-19 world was far from normal," he said. "Rising inequalities, systemic gender discrimination, lack of opportunities for young people, stagnant wages, runaway climate change -- none of these things were normal." The pandemic exposed tremendous shortcomings, fragilities and fault lines. The world of work cannot and should not look the same after this crisis. It is time for a coordinated global, regional and national effort to create decent work for all as the foundation of a green, inclusive and resilient recovery, Guterres said, adding, "for example, a shift of taxation from payroll to carbon could help to go a long way in this direction". With smart and timely action at all levels, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as the guide, the world can emerge from this crisis stronger, with better jobs and a brighter, more equitable and greener future for all, he said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19 By Eldar Janashvili Trend: Some 966,470 tons of cereals (31 percent of the total yield) were collected at 314,260-hectare area in Azerbaijan as of June 18, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Agriculture. In particular, 730,800 tons of barley and 235,700 tons of wheat were harvested from 241,700-hectare and 72,500-hectare areas, respectively. The average barley yield is 30.2 centners per hectare, while for wheat 32.9 centners per hectare. Currently, grain harvesting is underway in 36 Azerbaijani districts. The highest yield of barley was observed in Barda district. The average barley yield in the district made up 39.8 centners per hectare. High yields were also observed in the barley fields of Imishli district (38.4 centners per hectare), Sabirabad district (37.9 centners per hectare), Saatli district (36.4 centners per hectare), Aghdam district (36.4 centners per hectare), Bilasuvar district (32.3 centners per hectare), Fizuli district (31.3 centners per hectare), Beylagan district (30.5 centners per hectare), Yevlakh district (over 28.6 centners per hectare), and Neftchala district (27.8 centners per hectare). Some 1,585 combines are involved in the collection process, of which 561 are combines that are on the balance of the regional divisions of Agroleasing OJSC. As many as 848 combines owned by individuals and legal entities are also involved in the collection process. In total, over 1,700 combines are planned to be involved in the collection process. Some 1.01 million hectares accounted for the autumn sowing of crops in Azerbaijan in 2019; 641,000 hectares accounted for wheat, while 369,240 hectares - for barley. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @eldarjanashvili Issues with COVID-19 in the Volunteer State have led to a decision which will allow Cleveland State Community College, and other eligible institutions, to allow students to skip a key component of the Tennessee Promise guidelines for 2020-2021.The Tennessee Higher Education Commission and Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation have waived the tnAchieves community service requirement. The original deadline for eligible Fall 2020 students to complete eight hours of required community service was July 1.So, Tennessee Promise students enrolling at Cleveland State this fall will not have to complete and submit community service hour paperwork to earn or maintain eligibility.Approximately 40 percent of all high school seniors in Tennessee this year have applied for Tennessee Promise. The popular state aid program provides funding to students pursuing a two-year collegiate degree, diploma or certificate at any of the states Tennessee Board of Regents Community Colleges or and Tennessee College of Applied Technology.For more information about Cleveland State Community College, visit the college at ClevelandStateCC.edu or call 423-472-7141. Students are currently enrolled online and on-campus through the CSCC main campus in Cleveland, as well as CSCCs Athens Center in Athens and Monroe County Center in Vonore. The man being questioned on suspicion of the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan has a history of mental health issues and is known to local officers. The 43-year-old was arrested at the scene at around midnight on Wednesday after Det Gda Horkan was shot a number of times with his official garda firearm. Gardai are still continuing to investigate the circumstances which led up to the fatal shooting, but at this stage it is believed the detective approached the suspect and engaged in a conversation with him before the situation escalated. During the struggle Det Gda Horkan was overpowered and his weapon taken by the alleged assailant before the full 15 rounds in the magazine of the Sig pistol were discharged. The suspect was detained a short time later and is currently being held at Castlerea Garda Station under the Offences Against The State Act 1939. The man had been residing in the Foxford area of Mayo, but was also known to stay in Castlerea, where Wednesday night's murder took place. Sources said the murder suspect does not have any serious criminal convictions but was known to local gardai previously for involvement in minor matters. He has been detained a number of times under the Mental Health Act, as well as for road traffic matters. It is believed he had recently returned to the Republic from the UK. "He was known around the town for driving about on his motorbike and hassling people, but there was nothing in his past related to violence," a source said. Nuisance "Gardai in Castlerea have come across him several times and he's regarded as a nuisance, but that was the extent of it until the events of Wednesday night," the source added. After the incident the suspect was detained and taken to the station without putting up any resistance. It is understood the suspect, a motorcycle enthusiast, also has family in Co Mayo. He does not have a recorded criminal conviction in Ireland in the past 10 years, but gardai have been attempting to learn more about his time over in the UK. Officers believe there is a chance the alleged assailant and Det Gda Horkan were known to each other as the late officer was well known in the Castlerea area. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the incident was "random" and not linked to any organised crime element or subversive cause. During his detention in custody the suspect has been assessed. He can be held for up to three days before a decision is made to either charge him or release him, pending a file to the DPP. All Indian soldiers involved in the deadly clashes with the Chinese army at the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night have been accounted for, the Indian Army said on Thursday evening. Ten Indian Army personnel including two Majors were released by the Chinese military on Thursday evening following three days of negotiations, people familiar with the development said. There is no official word on the matter. "It is clarified that there are no Indian troops missing in action," the Army said in a brief statement without elaborating. The last time the Chinese military had taken Indian soldiers captive was in July 1962 after a clash in Galwan Valley. At least 30 Indian soldiers were killed and several dozens were captured by Chinese military after the fierce clash. Military sources said a total of 76 Army personnel were brutally assaulted by the Chinese army on Monday out of which 18 were seriously injured while 58 of them sustained minor injuries. They said 18 personnel are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Leh while 58 are admitted to various other hospitals. Indian and Chinese militaries held a Major General-level dialogue on Thursday for the third consecutive day on disengagement of troops as well as restoring normalcy in areas around the Galwan Valley. The clash in Galwan Valley is the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while the death toll on the Chinese side was over 300. The two armies were engaged in a standoff in Galwan and several other areas of eastern Ladakh since May 5 when the two sides clashed on the banks of the Pangong Tso. After the standoff began, the Indian military leadership decided that Indian troops will adopt a firm approach in dealing with the aggressive posturing by the Chinese troops in all disputed areas of Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie. The Chinese Army has been gradually ramping up its strategic reserves in its rear bases near the LAC by rushing in artillery guns, infantry combat vehicles and heavy military equipment. 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. The road in the Finger area in Pangong Tso is considered crucial for India to carry out patrols. India has already decided not to stall any border infrastructure projects in eastern Ladakh despite Chinese protests. The situation in the area deteriorated after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on May 5 and 6. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on May 9. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long LAC. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, while India contests it. Prior to the clashes, both sides have been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. PLA fighter jets conduct sortie as US military aircraft approaches Taiwan Global Times Source:Global Times Published: 2020/6/18 20:47:45 Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) fighter jets on Thursday again approached Taiwan island, media reported, citing Taiwan's defense authority, leading Taiwan media to speculate that the PLA aircraft were monitoring a US plane flying near the island around the same time. Not only was it the fifth such time in 10 days, but also the third consecutive day the PLA had sent warplanes near the island, which shows that the PLA has normalized this kind of operation, Chinese mainland analysts said. PLA J-10 and J-11 fighter jets were spotted entering Taiwan island's southwestern "airspace" on Thursday morning, Taiwan media reported on Thursday, citing the island's defense authority. Also on Thursday morning, a US Air Force KC-135 aerial tanker flew from Japan toward the South China Sea, passing above waters near southeastern Taiwan, Taiwan media reported. It is likely that the PLA fighter jets' sorties were aimed at monitoring the US aircraft, the report said, citing military sources in Taiwan. In similar flights near Taiwan, the PLA sent J-10 fighter jets and Y-8 aircraft on Wednesday, a J-10 on Tuesday, a Y-8 on June 12, and a group of Su-30 fighter jets on June 9. Chinese mainland military experts told the Global Times previously that the PLA is making such operations routine at a time when Taiwan secessionists are increasingly seeking "independence," and foreign forces such as the US are interfering with aircraft and warplane sorties, as well as arms sales to Taiwan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address GLENDALE, Ariz. Arizona Gov. Doug Duceys decision to let local governments mandate face masks in public to slow the spread of the coronavirus amid a surge is leading to a patchwork of requirements around the state the very thing Ducey wanted to avoid. But it looks like most Arizonans those in large parts of metro Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff will be required to wear face masks until the infection rate drops significantly. Mayors in those cities are working through executive orders or city council votes. Tucson Mayor Regina Romero signed her order Thursday. Action in Phoenix could come Friday. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said shes working with nearby cities for consistency. Im concerned many people in our community thought wed defeated it and that life was going back to normal, Gallego said Thursday. As Ive been talking about requirements for face coverings, its given me an opportunity to share the statistics in Arizona and the alarming trend. Public health officials also are alarmed. Arizona had the highest per capita rate of new infections over a seven-day average this week. The positive rate of people tested for the virus also topped all other U.S. states at nearly 16%. And Arizonas number of COVID-19 cases jumped again Thursday, breaking a daily record set earlier this week. The Arizona Department of Health Services reported 2,519 new cases and 32 additional deaths, bringing the states total to 43,443 with 1,271 deaths. Duceys Wednesday order allowing cities and counties to decide on masks came after he rejected calls for a statewide requirement. The Republican governor insisted for months on consistency across Arizona, preventing local governments from setting their own rules. He also recognized the political reality: Republican lawmakers revolted when Ducey extended a stay-at home order by two weeks to May 15. Some sheriffs said they wouldnt enforce it. If you have 12 or 13 counties that say pound sand on an executive order its a self-defeating executive order, Ducey said, while wearing a mask for the first time at his weekly news conference and urging everyone to wear one in public. Even with the new power, some local officials said they wont impose it. Im not interested in going forward with a mask mandate, Mohave County Supervisor Ron Gould said at a Thursday meeting where the board rejected any talk of a mask requirement. I dont believe that government mandates are effective. In Apache Junction, a town of about 42,000 on the eastern edge of metro Phoenix, Major Jeff Serdy said he believes a mask mandate would be unconstitutional. I dont feel I have the authority to intrude on peoples lives like that, said Serdy, who keeps a mask handy and supports businesses that require it. Jeff McGrath, 49, lives in Cave Creek where the mayor announced Thursday that masks wont be mandated. McGrath, a criminal investigator, doesnt wear one because he doesnt believe it helps. Im not a protester that goes out and bucks the system. At the same time, I just wish the government would kind of back off a little bit, McGrath said. Theres so many unknowns with this. Its too premature to mandate this. Arizona might still be pressured to act. On Wednesday, Kansas added a travel ban on people from Arizona, requiring new arrivals to quarantine for two weeks. And California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday issued a statewide mask requirement. Gallego said people should wear a mask outside their homes no matter the jurisdiction, citing science and public health experts who say it can slow the spread of coronavirus. The governors order said any enforcement should come after education, and Gallego agreed. I do not support jailing anyone over this, which would only increase the risk, she said. We will lead with education in the city of Phoenix. Our proposed ordinance suggests that a civil citation is an option but only as necessary and never as a first resort. Avondale Mayor Anna Tovar signed an executive order Thursday requiring masks in the western Phoenix suburb. She said Ducey missed an opportunity to set clear policy. The easiest solution could have been the governor just mandating masks statewide, Tovar said. We could all guess why he did it or why he punted now to cities and towns. 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. ___ Associated Press writers Paul Davenport and Terry Tang contributed to this report from Phoenix. ___ This story has been corrected to show Ducey said Wednesday that cities could and counties could require masks, not Thursday. If I told you that Tucker Carlson isn't legally allowed in shoe stores because every time he enters he drops to his knees and starts licking all of the boots, you would understand that I don't mean that literally as this is a comedy website and that is (probably) a joke. Fox News, however, is not a comedy website, and I know this because it has the word News in the title and because when my uncle is watching for hours on end, he is never laughing. So when Tucker Carlson appears on Fox News and says, "Remember the facts of the story, these are undisputed. Two women approached Donald Trump and threatened to ruin his career and humiliate his family if he doesn't give them money. Now that sounds like a classic case of extortion," then you might be inclined to believe that two women were trying to extort Donald Trump. However, Karen McDougal, one of the women allegedly extorting Donald Trump, is suing Carlson for defamation because, you know, Carlson is full of shit. Again, not literal, although I imagine he is constipated from head to toe. What makes this case so interesting though, is that instead of Fox News and their lawyers standing by Carlson's claim that McDougal extorted Trump, they are saying this: "What we're talking about here, it's not the front page of The New York Times. It's 'Tucker Carlson Tonight,' which is a commentary show." President Donald Trump on Thursday renewed his threat to cut ties with China, a day after his top diplomats held talks with Beijing and his trade representative said he did not consider decoupling the U.S. and Chinese economies a viable option. The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia described U.S.-China relations as "tense" after their first high-level face-to-face diplomatic talks in months, although he said Beijing did recommit to the first part of a trade deal reached this year and that coming weeks would show if there had been progress. Trump has made rebalancing the massive U.S. trade deficit with China a top priority, but relations have worsened steadily as his campaign for re-election in November heats up. "It was not Ambassador Lighthizers fault (yesterday in Committee) in that perhaps I didnt make myself clear," Trump said in a tweet referring to his trade representative, Robert Lighthizer. "But the U.S. certainly does maintain a policy option, under various conditions, of a complete decoupling from China." Lighthizer told a House of Representatives committee on Wednesday he did not see that as viable. "Do I think that you can sit down and decouple the United States economy from the Chinese economy?" he said. "No, I think that was a policy option years ago. I don't think it's a ... reasonable policy option at this point." His office had no immediate comment on Trump's tweet. U.S.-China relations have reached their lowest point in years since the coronavirus pandemic that began in China hit the United States hard, and Trump and his administration have repeatedly accused Beijing of not being transparent about the outbreak. MULTIPLE POINTS OF FRICTION Among multiple points of friction, the countries are also at odds over China's moves to impose new security legislation on Hong Kong, which have prompted Trump to initiate a process to eliminate special U.S. treatment for the territory. Trump made clear the deterioration in the relationship last month when he said he had no interest in speaking right now to President Xi Jinping, whom he has hailed as a friend, and suggesting he could even cut ties with China. Lighthizer said he expected to see more supply chains moving to the United States because of tax and regulatory changes, but also noted that the U.S.-China trade deal would result in significant positive changes and increased Chinese purchases of U.S. goods and services. The Phase 1 U.S.-China trade deal calls for China to buy $200 billion in additional U.S. goods and services over two years, but skeptics say the pandemic and resulting economic slowdowns will make it difficult for Beijing to reach its targets for this year. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, for a day of talks in Hawaii on Wednesday, but those appear to have done little to improve the mood. As the Hawaii meeting began, Trump signed legislation calling for sanctions against those responsible for repression of Uighur Muslims in China's Xinjiang region, prompting Beijing to threaten retaliation. David Stilwell, the assistant secretary for East Asia, told reporters that China's attitude in the talks could not be described as forthcoming and described relations as "tense." He said recent Chinese actions, over India, in the South China Sea and over Hong Kong, had not been constructive and that Washington looked forward to seeing China reconsider its plans for security legislation for Hong Kong. [L1N2DV2N2] At the same time, Stilwell said China did recommit to following through on the trade agreement and added that efforts to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons were another area of potential cooperation. "The trade deal a the Chinese have recommitted to that numerous times ... and they insist that they will follow through," Stilwell said. "This is a good acid test to see if they will be cooperative partners." "Well see in the next week or two, or however long it takes, (if) they begin to live up to their commitments," he said. China described the Hawaii talks as "constructive," but its Foreign Ministry said Yang told Pompeo that Washington needed to respect Beijing's positions on key issues and halt its interference in matters such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Xinjiang, while working to repair relations. Hours after the meeting ended, China said its top parliamentary body would review draft Hong Kong security legislation during a session that began on Thursday. Earlier, foreign ministers of the G7 countries, including Pompeo, issued a statement calling on China not to follow through with the legislation, which critics call an assault on the territory's democratic freedoms. The official UK coronavirus alert level has been cut from 4 to 3, signalling that transmission of the disease is no longer regarded as "high". Health secretary Matt Hancock hailed the move as "a big moment for the country" and praised the contribution of the public in getting the virus under control by complying with lockdown rules. The green-light for the change came from the expert Joint Biosecurity Centre, which recommended a reduction in the level. It was jointly approved by the chief medical officers of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Mr Hancock said: The UK moving to a lower alert level is a big moment for the country, and a real testament to the British peoples determination to beat this virus. The governments plan is working. Infection rates are rapidly falling, we have protected the NHS and, thanks to the hard work of millions in our health and social care services, we are getting the country back on her feet. The change is likely to pave the way for further relaxations of the lockdown restrictions introduced by Boris Johnson in March. It will raise hopes that ministers will soon confirm the reopening of pubs and restaurants and permission for overnight stays in hotels and B&Bs from 4 July. But the chief medical officers warned that it did not mean the pandemic is over. They cautioned that localised outbreaks are likely to occur and urged the public to continue following safety guidelines. The UK has remained at Level 4 of the alert system since its introduction in May, signifying that a Covid-19 epidemic is in general circulation and transmission is high or rising exponentially. Level 3 indicates that the epidemic is in general circulation, but crucially makes clear that experts do not regard either the prevalence of the disease as high or its spread as rapid. In a joint statement, the CMOs for the four nations of the UK said they had reviewed the evidence and agreee with the JBCs recommendation to move to Level 3 across the entire country. There has been a steady decrease in cases we have seen in all four nations, and this continues, they said. It does not mean that the pandemic is over. The virus is still in general circulation, and localised outbreaks are likely to occur. We have made progress against the virus thanks to the efforts of the public and we need the public to continue to follow the guidelines carefully to ensure this progress continues. When first announced in the governments coronavirus recovery plan in May, the alert level was presented as the key to easing lockdown restrictions. The plan stated that the timing of measures like the reopening of shops and the return of children to schools must be warranted by the current alert level. But in the event, the government went ahead with two waves of relaxation on 1 and 15 June without the JBC assessing that the risk level had fallen. At the time of the first set of adjustments to guidelines, Mr Hancock revealed that the Centre was not even up and running yet. And ministers later suggested that its principal role will be to monitor the disease for early signs of local outbreaks. Bridges in Massachusetts two largest cities will light the night sky Friday with red, yellow and green to commemorate Juneteenth. Both the Leonard P. Zakim-Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge in Boston and the Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge in Worcester will honor the day that commemorates June 19, 1865, the date when enslaved Black people in Texas learned about the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday has been celebrated for the past 154 years, yet it is largely absent from public school history curriculums in Massachusetts. Each bridge will light up in red, yellow and green. Elizabeth Hylton, who is the director of psychopharmacology at the Counseling & Assessment Clinic of Worcester, brought the idea to the Department of Transportation, according to her alma mater, MGH Institute of Health Professions. It was pushed forward after discussions with her sister and friends, all of whom were interested in educating people about the dates significance. Our mission was to make a difference for the people who hold this holiday close to their hearts, Hylton told MGH. Shrewsbury town officials also declared the day as Juneteenth Independence Day. The Burns Bridge connects Worcester and Shrewsbury. According to MGH, Hylton will continue to work with the town to create an anti-racism committee. The group is also planning to petition the school department to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day on the Shrewsbury school calendar. Its not only about Black Lives Matter. ts about a lack of access to health care, a lack of access to good food, a lack of access to clean water, Hylton said. These are conversations that need to be happening in homes, in schools, and in hospitals. This is a nationwide problem that needs to be addressed on all levels. Related Content: A couple have become the proud parents of twins - despite them being born three years apart. Alan Coates, 50, and Al Watt, 45, from Brighton, Sussex, welcomed Otto to the world on June 8 - thanks to surrogate and friend Annie Peverelle, 41, who has now carried a baby for them twice. The couple's first born Beatrice, three, and baby Otto are considered twins because they were conceived at the same time through IVF and from the same batch of embryos, which were frozen after the couple's first child. Annie from Rugby, Warwicks, who has no desire to have a family of her own has been a surrogate five times. Alan Coates, 50, and Al Watt, 45, from Brighton, Sussex, welcomed Otto to the world on June 8 - thanks to surrogate and friend Annie Peverelle, 41, who has now carried a baby for them twice (pictured together) The couple's first born Beatrice, three, and baby Otto (pictured together) are considered twins as they were conceived at the same time through IVF and from the same batch of embryos, which were frozen after the couple's first child Alan, who is a musician manager, said: 'We will be celebrating Father's Day with Annie this year because she has turned our dream into a reality by helping us become a family of four. 'Our surrogacy journey has come to an end so it will be nice to reflect how far we have come and how our experiences have shaped us along with how much we have grown. 'Our thoughts turn to the future and the joys of making memories for a lifetime with Beatrice and Otto. The proud parents (pictured) say being a father is 'hugely challenging and exhausting but totally worth it' Alan (pictured with his partner and their newborn), who is a musician manager, said: 'We will be celebrating Father's Day with Annie this year as she has turned our dream into a reality by helping us become a family of four! I always say that having a child is like someone pointing out a secret door that you didn't know was there, and once you go through the door you can't go back. It is like going into a different dimension to which I am amazed to discover.' The proud parents say being a father is 'hugely challenging and exhausting but totally worth it'. Alan said: 'Al and I spoke about children from the moment we met and liked the idea of there being an ongoing relationship and friendship through surrogacy. Not only for us, but for the children too. 'We first met Annie in 2014 at a social event through Surrogacy UK, a non-profit organisation, and she was already pregnant, which allowed us to relax and ask all sorts of questions about how it all works. Annie (pictured with the two children) from Rugby, Warwicks, who has no desire to have a family of her own has been a surrogate five times Annie (pictured after the birth of Otto) offered to expand the couples family whilst pregnant for the fourth time as a surrogate in 2018 'We stayed in touch and established a friendship so we were delighted when we got "the call" saying she would like to get to know us, and we immediately hit it off before starting our treatment in 2016. HOW CAN YOU HAVE CHILDREN FROM THE SAME IVF CYCLE? Siblings can be born from the same IVF cycle years apart using embryo freezing. Following IVF, many woman have good-quality embryos left over after one has been implanted into their womb. Rather than discarding these embryos, they can be frozen for future use. This can help to preserve a woman's fertility and is more effective than freezing your eggs. The standard storage window for frozen embryos is ten years, however, women in 'exceptional circumstances' can store them for up to 55 years. The average cost for storing them for a year is between 170 and 400. When a woman wants to use her frozen embryos, they can be thawed and transferred into her womb. This will only occur without fertility drugs if she is ovulating regularly. If her periods are irregular, she may require medication to trigger a 'false' menstruation that prepares her uterus lining for an embryo. Success rates for IVF using frozen embryos are on the rise and are now comparable to fresh embryo rates. However, not all frozen embryos survive the process. If the frozen embryos are never needed, they can be discarded, or donated to another woman, research or training. Source: Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority Advertisement 'We had an anonymous egg donor and weren't particularly fussed by the characteristics - as long as the donor was fit and healthy. 'But unfortunately, it was unsuccessful which was hugely emotional for us all, including Annie, who felt guilty even though it wasn't her fault. 'We thought we may end up going our separate ways but Annie was a huge support and wanted to stick around.' The trio tried again with new eggs from another anonymous donor and it was a success. The couple had two embryos - one of which is Beatrice and the other was frozen until last year. He adds: 'It is crazy to think they are technically twins - Beatrice already knows she grew in Auntie Annie's tummy and Otto will too.' Annie offered to expand the couples family whilst pregnant for the fourth time as a surrogate in 2018. Although she 'adores' being pregnant - Otto was the fifth and final baby she will carry. She said: 'Over the years, I have become so close with Alan and Al - I knew I wanted to help them and complete their family. 'I will continue volunteering for Surrogacy UK until I am old and grey but I won't be carrying another baby because I have recently had a career change to a diabetic eye screener and I am due to start a diploma. 'I love being pregnant and sharing the experience with the parents-to-be but nothing can compare to the high I experience when I see them falling in love with their baby from the second they hold them. 'I have always had smooth pregnancies without any morning sickness or pains, but Otto wasn't in the right position so I had my first C-section. 'When the boys were able to meet their son for the first time, they came straight to me to check I was OK which shows the strength of our friendship.' The couple praise Annie for her 'positive attitude' and 'extraordinary support' throughout their journey to fatherhood. Alan said: 'Annie has always been super encouraging - it was never "if" and always "when". Her experience was helpful at appointments as she would always ask questions that we didn't think of. 'Our friendship is unbeatable and she's definitely one of our best friends - she has done such an incredible thing for us.' The Hague, June 19 : The International Criminal Courts (ICC0 presiding judge Chile Eboe-Osuji has said that the US sanctions on its personnel were a "direct, undisguised attack on the rule of law" and that it will continue doing its work. "We are particularly disappointed because they seem to have forgotten that the court was set up for the specific purpose of affording a place of justice," he told Efe news in an interview on Thursday. "A last place of resort for justice, for victims of great, grave violations like genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. "It is not unheard of for countries to express a disagreement with the judgement of a court of law. That happens all the time even in national jurisdictions. "But the idea of exalting coercive action against the court of law in order to stop it from doing its job of justice, is unheard of," he added. The relationship between The Hague-based ICC the US became tense after the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) announced an investigation into alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan, a country that unlike the US accepts the jurisdiction of the international court. Prosecutors believe there is evidence that war crimes and crimes against humanity were carried out by American troops, Taliban fighters and government loyalists in the conflict. Afghanistan has asked the OTP for more time to file the necessary information on the advances it has made in its own investigation on the case in question. President Donald Trump responded by imposing sanctions and threatening visa restrictions against personnel working in the investigation. The UN expressed its concern over Trump's decision and the European Union has urged him to reverse it. Eboe-Osuji has called the court's 123 signatory nations to speak up against the move. "This now sets a precedent in international law that requires state parties to stand up and say we do not agree with this precedent that has been set. "If they don't do that they will run the risk of other countries starting copying this behaviour. "If they start copying it then the question arises as to whether we are now in the zone for a new norm in international law - and heaven forbid that we get to that point," he added. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described the measures against the ICC as "sanctions" but Eboe-Osuji rejects the term. The ICC acts as a court of last resort that it does not intervene if a country decides to handle legal cases with its national judicial institutions. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Drug firm Novartis India on Friday reported a 65.28 per cent decline in net profit to Rs 6.78 crore for the quarter ended March 2020. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 19.53 crore for the corresponding period of the previous fiscal, Novartis India said in a filing to BSE. Revenue from operations stood at Rs 93.70 crore for the quarter under consideration. It was Rs 110.38 crore for the same period a year ago, it added. For the full fiscal 2019-20, the company posted a net profit of Rs 10.08 crore compared to Rs 51.77 crore in the previous financial year, Novartis India said. Revenue from operations for the fiscal stood at Rs 438.25 crore. It was Rs 490.68 crore in 2018-19. The company's board has approved a final dividend of Rs 10 per equity share of Rs 5 each for the year ended March 31, 2020, Novartis India said. The board has also approved the appointment of Sanker Parameswaran as additional director (independent and non-executive). He will hold office for a period of five years with effect from June 22, 2020, it added. Shares of Novartis India Ltd closed at Rs 602.25 per scrip on BSE, down 1.16 per cent from its previous close. America is experiencing a developing crisis concerning anti-Semitism against members of the Haredic Jewish communities. It has already become big news in the northeast. These Haredic Jews (also called Hasidim) are often called Ultra-Orthodox -- they do not like that term -- and so I will respectfully refer to them generically as Haredim (which means those who tremble before God). Americas historically tolerant attitude toward the Haredim may be about to change. In the northeast United States, the spur is demography. Haredic groups have started to move into towns and -- for want of a better term -- take them over. Once in the majority of a town, the Haredim -- who send their own children to private schools -- often get control of a school board and defund the schools to the fullest extent allowed by law. The new [Haredic] majority on the board cut taxes and budgets, angering the public-school community. Some of the decisions they made -- to lease two public-school buildings to yeshivas, and then put them up for sale; to clean out the districts reserve fund during a deepening recession -- provoked... outrage -- New York (2017) Sometimes, the state has to step in, as in the case of East Ramapo, New York. [T]he Districts non-Orthodox residents say the Orthodox board members have gutted the public school system and diverted money from public to private schools. In 2014, the resulting decline of the Districts public schools led to the appointment by New York State of monitors to oversee the districts finances. -- Times of Israel (2020) Given the high birthrate of such observant Jewish communities, they quickly outgrow municipal boundaries, and are soon looking to move to adjacent towns. The adjacent communities see the handwriting on the wall and will often react with illegal and discriminatory regulations. In the case of East Ramapo, New York, the observant Jews wanted an eruv (a wire allowing Jews to walk locally on the Sabbath) extended to nearby Mahwah, New Jersey. Mahwah residents mobilized to counter what they saw as an opening move of a demographic threat to their town and their school system. Soon enough, charges of anti-Semitism were made. But is this classic anti-Semitism? Haredic behaviors can produce criticism not only among the Gentile community, but even among secular Jews. And the Haredim have made enemies even in Israel. Some Israeli politicians are bluntly hateful in their views of Haredim. Tiberias mayor says there are enough haredim in his city I want the haredim to continue to develop -- outside of Tiberias, he said during his interview on Sunday -- JPost (2018) And this video, by Israels Avigdor Leiberman, compares the Haredim to Muslim terrorists. Secular Israeli Fear of the ultra-Orthodox Has Turned Into Hatred -- Haaretz Israel has, at times, been rather rough in dealing with Haredim. In Lakewood, New Jersey, where the Haredim have become a majority, school funding has been brutally gutted. Yet, ironically at the same time, funding is provided to send Jewish kids to private Jewish schools in gender segregated buses. As Lost Messiah -- a website run by Jews -- had noted, Lakewood continued to bus Jewish students to yeshivas, even after Lakewood public schools were shut down due to funding problems. Lakewood, NJ -- Interesting How the Board Voted to Continue Busing Yeshiva Kids to the Yeshivas -- Post Shut Down -- Lost Messiah (2019) As if to add insult to injury, in 2017 cash-strapped Lakewood hired an attorney from the Lakewood Jewish Community, at a breathtaking rate of $600 thousand per year. If all of this were not controversial enough, Lakewoods Haredic community is outgrowing its municipal borders and considering expansions into nearby communities like Toms River and Jackson. This has provoked more panic among the locals which has again spurred countercharges of anti-Semitism. To be fair, this unscruplous manipulation of demography was not invented by Haredim. It was invented by James Michael Curley in Massachussets, who held a grudge against the WASPs of Boston. He so egregiously manipulated public funding in favor of immigrant communities that the WASPs moved out of Boston, giving him an electoral lock on the city. It is called the Curley Effect, and it is a weakness in democracy which is hard to counter, without doing more damage than good. The Haredim have astoundingly high birth rates, with their population doubling every twenty years. So while this issue is now primarily confined to the northeast -- Brooklyn, Monsey, NY, Lakewood, New Jersey, etc. -- it will soon explode in other parts of America, unless it is addressed. Los Angeles has a thriving Haredic community, and already fault lines are developing. Indeed, within two generations, given their spectacular birthrate, the Haredim will be a national power bloc. In New York and New Jersey, they already are. Meanwhile, the town of Monroe, New York, allowed its Kiryas Joel neighborhood to secede and create a new town called Palm Tree. Palm Tree is Americas first Hasidic Village. However, the new town has not yet fully met its legal requirements to set up judges and a municipal court. So adjacent towns have to handle traffic matters for them, which is aggravating the surrounding communities. Palm Tree still has no courtroom, so its unclear when the town court would begin operating. Town Administrator Gedalye Szegedin said Wednesday that town officials hope to buy or lease space for a court outside Palm Tree -- which he said had no suitable spots -- and will need permission from the host municipality. -- Record on Line (2019) Clearly, prejudice is not the answer to this issue. In New Jersey, court cases are pending against Jackson Township for discrimination on the part of politicians who tried to create laws to keep the Haredi out. Violence is ongoing in Brooklyn (where it has reached crisis proportions) and has reached suburban Lakewood, NJ, and The worst case was the horrific attack in Monsey, NY last year. But the tension is not easily amenable to correction. The way to integrate a community is by integration. Making friends, eating together, going to public gatherings together. Sharing something in common. But the Haredim want to dwell apart. We are trying to find a solution for the future. The less they know [of] the outside world, the better it is -- Haredi spokesman on Fox News. This is not helpful. Isolation is not the way to make friends and influence people. The Haredim want to use the freedoms of a republic to isolate themselves from the citizenry of that same republic. Nor is it helpful that some Haredi have openly anti-Gentile theology. If the Israelis have issues, then this is clearly not a case of classic anti-Semitism. Some Haredim do have cultic practices. Clearly violence is unacceptable, as are discriminatory laws -- which are always overturned and cost the offending community in fines. But also unacceptable are some of the practices of the Haredim. The state should not be paying for gender-segregated busing, nor should it tolerate the gutting of public schools. To their credit, Haredic communities do have a history of moving into poorer communities they cannot afford the richer ones -- and building them up. In 1971, Lakewood had ethnic riots. So some allowance has to be made for Jews who revive decaying communities. As whites abandoned the inner cites, Haredim moved in. Other times, the Haredim will move into rural communities, where prices are cheaper, and they can get the isolation they seek. The solution to this is to require that Haredic communities obey the laws and not skirt around them, while at the same time prosecuting hate crimes against them. Given the demography, this will not go away with time. This is one case where the Gentile community has some legitimate grievances; but hate should not be allowed. Pakistans coronavirus death toll reached 3,229 with 136 more fatalities reported in the last 24 hours, while the total number of infections jumped to 1,65,062, the health ministry said on Friday. As many as 61,383 patients have recovered so far from the disease. Click here for full Covid-19 coverage According to the ministry, 4,944 new coronavirus cases were detected in the last 24 hours, taking the total tally to 1,65,062. The maximum number of 61,678 cases were reported in Punjab, followed by 62,269 in Sindh, 20,182 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 9,941 in Islamabad, 8,998 in Balochistan, 1,225 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 769 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The death toll from the virus stood at 3,229 after 136 more fatalities were reported, the ministry said. The authorities have so far conducted 1,011,106 corovavirus tests, including 28,824 in the last 24 hours. The National Command and Control Centre (NCOC) said more than 10,111 violations of health guidelines and instructions were observed across Pakistan during the last 24 hours. More than 813 markets/shops, 5 industries units were sealed and 1,443 transporters were fined/ sealed, it said in a statement. Meanwhile, the government extended for another two months the validity of visas for foreign nationals who are stranded in the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The expired visas will now be treated as valid till August 31, according to a notification by the Ministry of Interior. Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday asked education officials to prepare a strategy to start educational activities in the country. Formulate a joint strategy in collaboration with the provincial education ministers regarding the future teaching process, Khan said during a meeting to assess the disruption caused to the education system by the pandemic. The meeting also reviewed the effort to implement a uniform curriculum in the country. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON MEXICO CITY A former northern Mexico governor has pleaded guilty to money laundering in a United States federal court. Former Coahuila state Gov. Jorge Juan Torres Lopez pleaded guilty in Corpus Christi, Texas, according to a statement from the U.S. Justice Department Wednesday. The 66-year-old Torres was arrested in February 2019 in Puerto Vallarta. He had served as governor for much of 2011, taking the place of Gov. Humberto Moreira, who left the position to lead the Institutional Revolutionary Party. U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick said Torres admitted to financial transactions in the United States meant to hide bribes he received from contractors hired to build state highways. Coahuila borders Texas. The U.S. confiscated a property in that country and fined Torres $500,000. He could face up to 20 years in prison. He is scheduled for sentencing in September. Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff issued an order Wednesday mandating that businesses require customers and employees to wear masks when theyre on the premises Wolffs order comes in response to a record number of new cases of the novel coronavirus and of people admitted to San Antonio hospitals with the deadly virus. Spokesperson of the Minister of Defense of Armenia Shushan Stepanyan today posted the following on her Facebook page: The titles Criminal Case Instituted Against Davit Tonoyan are formulations that are aimed at misleading readers Within the scope of powers reserved for him, Minister of Defense Davit Tonoyan undertook relevant measures to implement the courts lawful verdict to pay the monetary compensation for the unused annual leave of reserve officer Tsolak Khachatryan and the penalties calculated. The verdict is called for ensuring enforcement of the law, and it takes certain time for implementation of the procedures established by law. It should be mentioned that every part of the budget funds allocated to the Ministry of Defense are of functional significance and are envisaged for implementation of a specific program, including the expenses for meeting the requirements of Tsolak Khachatryan and other servicemen. Not only with respect to Tsolak Khachatryan, but also with the purpose of ensuring enforcement of several other judicial acts in legal force, the Ministry of Defense was COMPELLED to reduce certain programs. For this purpose, the Ministry of Defense of Armenia redistributed budgetary funds in the prescribed manner in the spring. The relevant procedures have been implemented, and the verdict will be implemented. As far as institution of the criminal case is concerned, the Ministry of Defense hasnt been officially notified about this. In addition, a criminal case cant be instituted against the minister, a criminal case can be instituted in relation to a fact. The minister of defense doesnt have a procedural status under any case being investigated, even as a witness. The titles Criminal Case Instituted Against Davit Tonoyan are formulations that are aimed at misleading readers. In a School Board meeting that lasted past midnight Thursday, the chief of staff of the Hamilton County Schools, Nakia Towns, lost a bid to become superintendent of the East Baton Rouge Parish District. Ms. Towns, 46, lost in a 5-4 vote to Leslie Brown, 62, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Racial issues arose in the long meeting, according to the Baton Rouge Advocate. There was a long debate over changing the name of Lee High School. Ms. Brown is white and Ms. Towns is black. The vote was along racial lines except a black board member voted for Ms. Brown and a white board member voted for Ms. Towns. The Advocate said after the vote, the publisher of The Rouge Collection newspaper was highly critical of the black board member who voted for Ms. Brown. He wrote, You failed us. You voted against a black woman tonight. The world is now in the grips of a historic pandemic. The death toll from the novel coronavirus has climbed to more than 117,000 in the United States and 448,000 around the world. Total cases of the disease, called COVID-19, have soared past 2 million in the US and 8.3 million globally. Debates are now raging about whether US states have begun to move too quickly to reopen restaurants, stores, barbershops, and the myriad other engines of life and commerce after weeks of lockdown. But there is one area of widespread agreement, says Robert Tjian, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator at the University of California, Berkeley: the safe path out of the pandemic requires enormous amounts of testing. In the May 1, 2020, issue of the journal RNA, Tjian, study coauthor Meagan Esbin, and their colleagues reviewed recent advances in COVID-19 testing techniques and highlighted barriers facing widespread testing. To trace the pathogen's spread and stop the chain of transmission, it's crucial to test both for the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself and for evidence that people have previously been infected, Tjian explains. The countries that have so far successfully quashed their outbreaks, such as New Zealand, Taiwan, South Korea, and Iceland, have done the best job of identifying cases. In contrast, "the United States has done quite poorly," says Lawrence Gostin, professor of medicine and public health expert at Georgetown University. That failing is not for lack of effort in the scientific community. Scores of researchers around the country have dropped what they were doing to tackle the challenge in the US, Tjian says. In fact, he adds, in compiling the many studies described in his group's paper, he was "surprised at how quickly so many labs have converted to working on COVID-19." These labs have devised innovative new approaches for testing, as well as for overcoming the bottlenecks that hampered testing efforts early in the pandemic. Some labs, like at Berkeley, have set up their own rapid testing operations to serve local communities, quickly publishing their methods "so that everyone doesn't have to reinvent the wheel," says Tjian. These and many other efforts are helping to answer some of the basic questions about fighting the pandemic. Why is testing so important? SARS-CoV-2 is an especially pernicious virus. It is both highly contagious and relatively lethal, with a mortality rate that's still uncertain but higher than that of flu - 10 times or more higher, some data suggest. But the virus's wiliest feature is that it can be spread by people who don't even know they are infected. In contrast, victims of the original SARS virus in 2003 weren't contagious until severe symptoms struck, making it easy to isolate those people and cut the chain of transmission. In the United States, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases has surpassed two million. Case density shown in red. View full dashboard with case tally by country. Credit: Johns Hopkins University That people can have COVID-19 without symptoms is one of the most challenging aspects of preventing spread." Eric Topol, founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute One unknowingly infected person can infect dozens of others, as shown by "superspreading" events like a choir practice in Washington state, with 32 confirmed cases, and a man who visited several South Korean nightclubs, infecting more than 100 people. In addition, testing may spot SARS-CoV-2 only when an infected person is actively producing lots of the virus, says Tjian. That's why three types of testing are vital, he says. People with any COVID-19 symptoms should be tested, to spot new cases as soon as possible. People who have been in contact with an infected person also should be tested, even if they have no symptoms. And finally, he says, health care providers should test people for antibodies to the virus, to identify those who may have already been infected. How do scientists test for the new coronavirus? SARS-CoV-2 reproduces by getting into human cells, then hijacking the cells' machinery to make many copies of its genetic material, called RNA. Scientists have designed several testing methods to spot this distinctive viral RNA. The method used in almost all testing to date and considered the "gold standard" relies on a technique for amplifying tiny amounts of viral genes. First, a swab collects infected cells from a person's throat, gathering bits of viral RNA. That genetic material is typically purified and then copied from RNA into complementary DNA. The DNA is then copied millions of times using a standard method known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Finally, a fluorescent probe is added that emits a telltale glow when DNA copies of the viral RNA are present. PCR isn't the only viable approach. Scientists at MIT and other universities have also repurposed the gene editing technique called CRISPR to quickly detect SARS-CoV-2. CRISPR uses engineered enzymes to cut DNA at precise spots. The testing approach harnesses that ability to hunt for a specific bit of genetic code, in this case a viral RNA, using an enzyme that fluoresces when it finds the distinctive SARS-CoV-2 target. In early May, the Food and Drug Administration gave emergency authorization to the test developed by the MIT team, which is led by HHMI Investigator Feng Zhang. Another testing technique quickly reads each RNA "letter" of the viral genome, using a process called genetic sequencing. That's overkill for detecting the virus, but it has been particularly helpful at charting the virus's relentless march around the globe. And some researchers are experimenting with clever DNA "nanoswitches" that can flip from one shape to another and generate a fluorescent glow when they spot a piece of viral RNA. Scientists can also see telltale signs of infection in the blood. Once people have been infected, their immune systems respond by creating antibodies designed to neutralize the virus. Antibody tests detect that immune response in blood samples using a protein engineered to bind to SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Creating an antibody test that's both sensitive and accurate can be tricky, however. Though coronavirus testing in the US has struggled to reach the levels needed, "the science is not the complicated part," says Tjian. "Like anything else in research, there is more than one solution." Instead, the real problem has been accelerating the pace of testing. What is the US's track record on testing? Even as the virus rampaged through Wuhan, China, in January 2020 and started to kill Americans in February (or perhaps even earlier), the US government failed to prepare for the spreading pandemic. There was essentially "no response" from the federal government, Tjian says. "You could not have imagined a worse leadership team to be dealing with this worldwide pandemic." The Trump Administration declined to use a PCR-based test developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), for example, and a test produced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) turned out to be faulty. The lack of a coordinated national effort left states, companies, and university labs scrambling to fill the gap. As labs and states in the US raced to boost their testing capabilities, they ran into bottlenecks and roadblocks. For example, "only a few supply houses were providing the reagents [needed for the PCR reactions] and supplies were woefully inadequate," says Tjian. Even basic equipment, like the swabs used for collecting samples, was hard to find. "That was one thing that caught us by surprise," recalls Tjian. "Who would have imagined that the most rate-limited piece of this whole puzzle was the swab?" It turned out that the major producer of swabs approved by the CDC was a factory in northern Italy, a region among those hardest hit by the virus. Without sufficient testing, there was a "tragic data gap undermining the U.S. pandemic response," writes health service researcher Eric C. Schneider in a commentary in the May 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Instead of being able to test every person with symptoms and all those they had been in contact with, as countries like South Korea did, the shortage meant reserving tests for hospitalized patients and for helping prevent health care workers from transmitting COVID-19, he explains. The lack of data on case numbers has made it challenging to model the path of the pandemic, writes Schneider, of the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation aimed at improving the health care system. As a result, it has been difficult to anticipate where emergency medical services, hospital beds, and ventilators are most needed. By mid-May, the testing capacity in the US had finally risen from a few thousand a day to about 300,000 a day. Still, that's far short of what's needed. The Harvard Roadmap to Pandemic Resilience estimates, for example, that the country will require testing at a rate of "20 million a day to fully remobilize the economy." To safely reopen, "we need massive testing capacities don't currently exist," says Georgetown's Gostin, one of the authors of the report. How can scientists overcome testing bottlenecks? Scientists around the world have responded to the challenges posed by the novel coronavirus. The Berkeley group, for example, dramatically boosted its testing capacity and reduced costs to near $1 per test with improvements such as skipping one step - RNA purification - and making their own reagents. "It's not rocket science, but it took us five weeks to figure out the details because commercial companies don't tell you what's in their reagents," explains Tjian. The research team has made their home-brewed test freely available to any lab that wants to replicate it. Meanwhile, groups at Rutgers, Yale (including HHMI Investigator Akiko Iwasaki), and other centers have eliminated the need for throat swabs by showing that saliva samples work just as well. That opens the door to home testing wider, since spitting into a tube and mailing it to a lab is far easier than swabbing. Progress is also being made in testing for antibodies. Most of the dozens of so-called serology tests initially on the market didn't have the sensitivity and specificity to pick out only those antibodies directed at SARS-CoV-2. The challenge is that the tests require using copies of a viral protein that binds to the antibodies. One key to solving that problem, it turns out, is using mammalian cells to make the viral protein with the precise shape needed to home in on just the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. How will testing help tame the pandemic? The basic strategy for overcoming COVID-19 is identifying infected people, finding and testing anyone they came in contact with, and quarantining infected individuals. That's not practical for big cities or entire countries, given the staggering numbers of needed tests, logistical challenges, and thorny privacy issues. But there are clever ways to cast a wider net without so many individual tests. One is lumping together many samples in a pool, so that large groups of people can be monitored with only one test. Then, if the virus does show up in the pool, public health officials can test the individuals in that group to pinpoint the infections. Perhaps even more powerful is monitoring sewage. The virus can appear in a person's feces within three days of infection - far earlier than the onset of first symptoms. Scientists could use the standard PCR test on sewage samples to detect the virus. And by collecting samples from specific locations, such as manholes, scattered throughout a community, it would be possible to narrow down the location of any infections to a few blocks or even individual buildings, like an apartment complex or a college dorm. "You can determine the viral load and how it is changing over time with one test a day," says Tjian. "That would be amazing." Tjian and many others are now figuring out how these approaches might be used to safely reopen a university or a business. Large-scale testing efforts would be labor-intensive and not inexpensive, he says, but far cheaper than locking down a whole economy - and far safer than reopening without adequate testing, as some states are now doing. And as scientists continue to increase testing capacities and create cheaper and better tests, this strategy should soon be within reach. - Angela who is also a lawyer said she was honoured to be part of the IFPI team and was looking forward to enhancing the rights and economic value of the recording industry in the region - The 41-year-old has extensive experience in strategic decision making and leadership and holds a master of laws degree in intellectual property law from the University of Edinburgh - IFPI chief executive officer Frances Moore said the opening of a new office in Nairobi demonstrated IFPIs focus and commitment to the region Former member of Kenyas girl band Tatuu, Angela Ndambuki, has been picked to head the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), Sub-Saharan Africa region. Angela will work across the regions 46 countries to promote the value of recorded music, campaign for the rights of record producers and expand the commercial uses of recorded music. READ ALSO: Jubilee Asili: Deputy secretary-general Caleb Kositany hints Ruto, allies considering new party Angela Ndambuki is the former CEO of the of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI). Photo: Nairobi News. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Anerlisa Muigai flaunts tasteful wedding decor weeks after saying I Do In a statement on Thursday, June 18, IFPI chief executive officer Frances Moore said the opening of a new office in Nairobi demonstrated IFPIs focus and commitment to the region that would enable the organisation better champion issues affecting the local recording industry. Im delighted Angela is joining the global IFPI team to spearhead our work in the S-SA region and support its growing recording industry. Angela is enormously talented and comes with a wealth of experience,"said Moore. Angela will assume office immediately, moving on from her former position as CEO at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI); East African States nationwide trade lobby and member of the International Chambers of Commerce (ICC). The 41-year-old who is also a lawyer said she was honoured to be part of the IFPI team and was looking forward to enhancing the rights and economic value of the recording industry in SSA. I am looking forward to working on strengthening the copyright industry in S-SA, both in policy and operations, especially in light of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area,"she said. Angela Ndambuki was a member of Tatuu alongside Angela Mwandanda alias Shinde, and Debbie Asila, Shaffie Werus ex-wife. Photo: Angela Ndambuki. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Magavana, watu wengine 66 wanasakwa baada ya COVID-19 kupiga hodi ikulu Angela has extensive experience in strategic decision making and leadership and holds a master of laws degree in intellectual property law from the University of Edinburgh and a bachelor of laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nairobi. She was a member of Tatuu alongside Angela Mwandanda alias Shinde and Debbie Asila, radio host Shaffie Werus ex-wife. According to IFPIs recently released global music report, in 2019, recorded music industry revenues for Africa and the Middle East grew by 15.9 % to US $101 million (KSh 10.7 billion). Do you have an inspirational story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Tuko news. Source: TUKO.co.ke Around mid-January, the family that runs Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home in Fairfield began noticing news reports about a virus that was gripping a city in central China. Samuel and John Green, the son and grandson, respectively, of the funeral homes founder, began talking to area funeral directors, as well as various health departments. The news was troublesome, to say the least. In late January, the U.S. reported its first confirmed COVID-19 case, a man whod traveled to the Wuhan region, and then returned to Washington state. In late February, the U.S.s first death from the virus was reported in Seattle. Researchers pinpointed an early March gathering, where about 50 people gathered for a 40th birthday party in a Westport home, as a super-spreading event. Meanwhile, Fairfield commuters took trains out of one of the towns three railroad stations in to work in New York, and then they came home again. The thought of wearing a mask or avoiding contact with friends was the stuff of dystopian novels. But for people paying attention - epidemiologists, medical personnel, and funeral directors - reports about the coronavirus grew increasingly ominous. After one conversation with public health officials, said Jonathan Green, we were sitting here looking at each other, saying, This cant be. But then, within a week or two, he said, the virus was all the officials suggested and more. Some reports said overwhelmed funeral homes had to turn away families, but that didnt happen at Green, which was founded by Abraham L. Green to provide for the areas Jewish community. In an industry where its natural to draw close and comfort the grieving, the staff at Green took drastic steps to make sure their rituals would not spread the virus. They consider themselves, said Jonathan L. Green, the last of the first responders. They are also, as funeral directors, skilled at coping, but there was little time for that. We were terrified, said Samuel A. Green. We were all hoping and praying we didnt bring anything home with us. It was a constant stress point. For extra precaution, knowing people needed him healthy, he also quarantined anything that came into the house. Whatever the scientific efficacy of that, the extra precautions gave the family comfort. We are reading yesterdays news, he said. It gives us a little peace and comfort that were doing everything we can. For the longest time, Fairfield County - with roughly a quarter of the states population - was home to more than half the states coronavirus cases. Everything changed, said Jonathan Green. Protocol had to be rewritten, and then revised again. There was no option to shut down, not with an even greater need for services. Instead, mourning - as did education, and business -- went virtual. All arrangements were made by phone or computer. Services were live-streamed. The intensity those weeks required is a little bit ironic, considering Jonathan Green had no intention of joining the family business. During high school and breaks from college, hed help out, but halfway through a graduate degree in social work, he realized he was happiest working with his family, and he called his father to tell him about his decision to join the business. The overlap between the profession he thought hed enter and the one hes in is not lost on him. There are crises, followed by comforting. Heres comforting: Scientists say we have succeeded in - who knew this was a thing? -- flattening the curve (or quelling the spread of the virus) by observing social distancing, staying out of public spaces, and (for those who could do so) shrinking our worlds as much as possible to our homes. But the pandemic is not over, and Connecticut begins to ease restrictions and schools around the state plan for fall semesters, scientists warn of a second wave that could stress our health care system to the breaking point. For now, though, business is quieter, said Jonathan Green. One of Gov. Ned Lamonts recent executive orders eased some of the restrictions that had been placed on gatherings. The industry still suggests smaller graveside services, with the hope of holding larger memorial services when its safer. As the state emerges from its quarantine, the staff at Green is discussing concerns that people will forget the virus is still very much with us. The ridiculous hours are easing. The sky is - slowly -- clearing. Jonathan and his wife, Emily, have started an exhausting (and therapeutic) landscaping project. Maybe Samuel Green can have time to tinker with his car. Things are not normal yet, but on some days, it feels like you can see normal from here. A CNRP activists son holds a banner in front of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court calling for the release of his father, June 19, 2020. Around 20 family members of opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) activists detained in Prey Sar Prison on charges of incitement to commit a felony held a rare protest in front of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court Friday demanding their immediate and unconditional release. The protesters, who held banners and signed a petition calling on the court to drop charges against the activists, told RFAs Khmer Service that the imprisonment of their fathers and husbands is unjust and unacceptable. Sok Bolyma, one of those who gathered Friday, said her husband Khem Pheanaa former commune councilor in Phnom Penhis innocent of the crimes authorities have charged him with. He should be releasedhe was the breadwinner of the family, she said, noting that the protest had been organized by family members and not the CNRP, which was dissolved by the Supreme Court in November 2017 over its involvement in an alleged plot to topple the government. We lost our jobs and owe money to the bank, so his arrest is a big burden on us. she said. Sok Bolyma told RFA she had visited her husband in jail on June 15 and expressed concern about medical conditions he suffers from, including hypertension and the flu. Khem Pheana was arrested on April 2 and has been held in detention since. The protesters left the court Friday without delivering their petition to an official, but then gathered and submitted the petition to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), calling for the agencys intervention. They said they plan to petition foreign embassies next week. Ministry of Justice spokesman Chhin Malin told RFA that the family members cases are under the purview of the court and that no one can interfere in the legal process. They should protest against their leaders overseas, demanding that they help them with their legal defense, he said, referring to the many CNRP brass who are living in self-imposed exile to avoid charges and convictions they said are politically motivated. Those people incited [the activists] to commit crimes and they must be held responsible before the law. Politically motivated cases Ny Sokha, a senior official at Cambodian rights group Adhoc, said authorities targeting of the CNRP that has seen at least 16 former officials and activists detained since the coronavirus outbreak reached the country in January is politically motivated, rather than about enforcing the law. The family members have the right to protest under constitutional laws protecting freedom of expression, he added. We urge the government, and especially the court, to reconsider detaining opposition party activists, he said. Ny Sokha said existing cases should be resolved through political negotiations rather than through the courts. The move to ban the CNRP was part of a wider crackdown by Prime Minister 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. Last week, a group of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) urged Cambodias government to stop arresting those critical of its policies, including opposition activists, saying the campaign is a violation of their rights and will lead to a societal split that will be ruinous for the nation. In a joint statement, 30 local groupsincluding Adhoc, Licadho, and Comfrelsaid the government and the CNRP should return to the negotiating table to resolve their political issues for the sake of society, and to respect civil and political rights and freedom of expression, Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translates by Samean Yun. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Italian lawmakers pressed Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte late Thursday over the planned sale of two frigates to Egypt even though Cairo has refused to hand over suspects in the torture and killing of a graduate student. A special parliamentary commission investigating the abduction, torture and slaying of Giulio Regeni, who disappeared in Cairo in 2016 while doing academic research, questioned Conte about the perceived lack of progress in the case during a two-hour hearing. Conte sought to reassure lawmakers that he has repeatedly pressed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi in phone calls and in personal meetings, urging that country's authorities to let the truth be determined about who killed Regeni. Since late 2018, Italian prosecutors have called for Egypt to hand over five intelligence and police service officials and to cooperate in their prosecution in Italy. Parties in Conte's coalition government, including the populist 5-Star Movement and the center-left Democrats, are questioning the wisdom of going ahead with the sale to Egypt of the two warships, which were built in Italy and at first destined for the Italian navy. The premier told the panel he would elaborate on how the Egyptian president has responded to his entreaties, but in a closed-door session that followed the open-door hearing. New York Police officers are being encouraged to call out sick on 4 July as a strike against sweeping police reforms in the state, according to a report. A number of officers told The New York Post that they had received messages encouraging them to go on strike on Independence Day beginning at 3pm in response to a perceived anti-cop climate. NYPD cops will strike on July 4th to let the city have their independence without cops, the message, which is being passed among cops via text, according to the sources. The Post said that it is unclear whether the messages are being written by other police officers. Cops that say we cant strike because of the Taylor Law, the message allegedly reads. The people and this city doesnt honor us why honor them. The Taylor law makes public worker stoppages punishable with fines and jail time, often leading officers to use sick days or blue flu to stage protests by simultaneously using their sick leave. Another message reportedly gives instructions for officers to call in sick to their precinct. If they are refused a sick day the flyer allegedly instructs them to call the main NYPD sick desk. Police officers like you and me took an oath to protect strangers regardless of race, class or gender, the message reportedly reads. Today we are vilified and must stand as one. When contacted by The Independent the NYPD insisted that there would not be a strike on the 4 July or any other day. New York City Police Officers will be here today, tomorrow, and on the 4th of July July to protect all New Yorkers, Sergeant Jessica McRorie, a spokesperson for the departments deputy commissioner for public information said. To suggest otherwise is false. According to The Post, if the initial attempts to sick out do not work officers are encouraged to report for duty and then ask for an ambulance so they can go home sick. If you are held because of the #Bluflu, request a bus and go sick from command, the flyer reportedly reads. Police officers in the state and across the country have received heightened scrutiny and resistance from the public following weeks of national civil unrest and protests catalysed by the death of George Floyd. Many civil rights movements have been calling for officials to defund the police and redistribute funding to social services and welfare programmes, accusing police departments of continued systemic racial discrimination against black Americans and police brutality. PBA president Patrick Lynch told the newspaper that New York City police officers have reached the breaking point. Over the past few weeks, we have been attacked in the streets, demonized in the media and denigrated by practically every politician in this city, Mr Lynch said. Now we are facing the possibility of being arrested any time we go out to do our job. Last week Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law a sweeping police reform agenda that includes the banning of chokeholds in the state. Recommended Andrew Cuomo signs police reform package banning chokeholds The legislation includes a number of provisions including banning chokeholds by law enforcement officers, prohibiting false race-based 911 reports, and designating the Attorney General as an independent prosecutor for matters relating to the civilian deaths. The agenda also repealed section 50A of the civil rights law to allow for transparency of prior disciplinary records of law enforcement officers. The murder of George Floyd was just the tipping point of the systemic injustice and discrimination that has been going on in our nation for decades, if not centuries, Mr Cuomo said. These are issues that the country has been talking about for a long time, and these nation-leading reforms will make long overdue changes to our policing and criminal justice systems while helping to restore community confidence in law enforcement. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio also announced earlier this month a pledge to cut funding to the New York Police Department. We know this isnt a cure, Ms Stewart-Cousins the New York senate majority leader said at the signing of the Say Their Name agenda package last Friday. We know this is the beginning but it is a move to bring justice to a system that has long been unjust. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 07:25:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 18 (Xinhua) -- An influential COVID-19 model produced by the University of Washington has raised its projections, forecasting more than 200,000 Americans could die of COVID-19 by Oct. 1. The revised forecast from the university's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) marks an increase of 30,000 deaths since last week's projection. According to the model, cumulative COVID-19 deaths in the United States could reach 201,129 by Oct. 1, with a range of 171,551 to 269,395. The number of daily deaths is expected to rise again in September after reaching a plateau in June. The institute also projected an increase in the number of hospital beds and ventilators that will be needed starting in September. "We're now able to look ahead and see where states need to begin planning for a second wave of COVID-19," said IHME Director Christopher Murray Thursday. "We hope to see our model proven wrong by the swift actions governments and individuals take to reduce transmission," he said. "If the U.S. is unable to check the growth in September, we could be facing worsening trends in October, November, and the following months if the pandemic, as we expect, follows pneumonia seasonality," Murray said. More than 2.18 million confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported in the Untied States as of Thursday evening, with over 118,000 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. As many states plan to reopen educational facilities and further ease currently implemented restrictions on business operations and gatherings, spikes in new cases and hospitalizations have emerged. On Tuesday, nine states -- Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina and Texas -- had reported either new single-day highs or set a record for seven-day new case averages. Experts said further improving health and safety measures will be crucial to reducing the risk of widespread resurgence. "There are blueprints that will allow businesses and schools to open safely. If they follow these blueprints it will be possible to operate safely," Robert Schooley, a professor of medicine with the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at the University of California, San Diego, told Xinhua. He warned that in some places in the country, where public health measures are not taken seriously, the population will be at a "significantly increased risk" for a resurgence of the disease. "The priorities need to be helping the public understand that the virus is real, the outbreak is real, the deaths are real... and that we do know what works to control SARS-CoV-2," Schooley said. Enditem In a first-of-its-kind initiative by a metro rail system in northern India, the Noida-Greater Noida Metro has decided to convert the Sector 50 station into a She-Man station that will have special facilities and employment for the transgender community. This step is being taken by the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) for the inclusion and meaningful participation of the members of the transgender community, NMRC Managing Director Ritu Maheshwari said. Earlier in 2017, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited in Kerala had taken a similar step by employing 23 transgenders, breaking new ground in gender justice. Maheshwari said as per Census 2011, there are 4.9 lakh transgenders in India, out of which 30,000 to 35,000 are staying in Delhi national capital region. The She-Man station will be on the lines of the Pink stations, which were inaugurated on March 8 this year and provided special facilities for women passengers. The staff deployed at the Pink stations also consisted only of women except security personnel, she said. The She-Man station will cater especially to the transgender community, though it will be open for all passengers, and will give facilities to facilitate the travel of the trans community in the metro system and also provide employment opportunities for them, the NMRC MD added. She said structural changes in terms of change in restroom infrastructure and creation of a separate security check for the community are also being considered at sector 50 station. In a statement, the NMRC said it will also be generating awareness about the community among its other commuters through signages at its stations and announcements inside the trains and stations. The NMRC staff will also be sensitised and trained to communicate with the transgender community in a sensitive and cordial manner, it said. The NMRC said it also plans to include members of the transgender community into its system by engaging their services in various aspects of the functioning of its system, like ticket counters and other areas through deployed contractors. Transgenders will be provided proper training, like other NMRC employees, before being inducted into the NMRC system, it added. The NMRC has also interacted with various NGOs who work closely with the community to understand their challenges and struggles and devise an effective method for an inclusive society, according to the statement. The NMRC said it has always been sensitive towards the needs of all its commuters who come from various walks of life and has made constant endeavours to provide a safe and comfortable travelling experience to all its commuters. Transgenders form a major chunk of the commuters that use the metro system to travel. This step by the NMRC will make the travelling experience for this community more enriching, it said. Also known as the Aqua Line, the Noida-Greater Noida Metro, which started functioning in January 2019, runs between the eponymous twin-cities of Gautam Buddh Nagar covering nearly 30 km over 21 stations. 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. By IANS Amid border tensions with China and a growing chorus for boycotting Chinese goods, top Indian executives of some of the most popular phone brands like Xiaomi and Realme have found themselves in hot water every time they tweet to promote their upcoming or existing products. Sensing the consumers' mood, social media teams at some Chinese smartphone brands have decided to adopt a more cautionary approach on promoting their products for the time being, internal sources told IANS. A tweet on Friday by Xiaomi India Managing Director Manu Kumar Jain that announced the next sale date for its newly-launched Mi Notebooks was trolled. Karachi: At least three people, including security personnel, were killed in a roadside blast in southern Pakistan Friday, police said. Two members of the Rangers -- an elite paramilitary security force -- were killed after an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle in the city of Ghotki in Sindh province, senior police officer Hafiz Abdul Qadir told AFP. A second security official who spoke on the condition of anonymity also confirmed the attack and toll. Rural Sindh is home to some of Pakistan's most impoverished areas with powerful landowners holding vast sway over large populations of effectively indentured labourers, who have little in the way of access to education, healthcare or upward social mobility. In 2017 the Islamic State claimed a suicide blast at a Sufi shrine in Sindh which killed 90 people, in one of the bloodiest attacks to hit the province in years. Pakistan has slashed militant violence in the country since launching a series of offensives since 2007 against homegrown insurgents as well as Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants -- often based near the lawless border with Afghanistan. The offensives have also been coupled with operations by security agencies in urban areas, hitting militant networks hard and dramatically reducing violence across the country. Militant groups however still retain the ability to launch periodic attacks in many rurals areas of the country. Fewer than one in 10 reported race hate incidents in Northern Ireland results in a conviction, official figures show. It has led to calls for more to be done to reassure minority communities that they can feel safe. According to PSNI statistics, since April 2014 more than 1,000 racist incidents a year have been reported. Not all hate-motivated incidents will result in the recording of a crime. The statistics show that in the six-year period, 4,358 racially motivated crimes were recorded by the PSNI. That includes 626 race hate crimes in the 12 months to March this year. However, between 2015 and 2019 the number of court convictions in cases where race was a motivational factor totalled 363. Although the figures are not directly comparable - they relate to financial and calendar years - they do show a consistent pattern of most crimes not leading to a conviction. SDLP policing spokeswoman Dolores Kelly called for more to be done to tackle racist hate crimes. Her plea comes after thousands of people gathered at anti-racism protests in Belfast and Londonderry recently. The protests, which have also been held across the UK and Republic, were sparked by the killing of African-American man George Floyd by a police officer in the United States. Mrs Kelly said: "The Black Lives Matter movement has shone a light on systemic discrimination against black and minority ethnic communities across the world. "But it is not just something that happens elsewhere, we have a deep-rooted problem with discrimination and racist hate here that needs to be addressed. "Since 2014 there have been more than 1,000 racist hate incidents reported to police every year. And yet annually there are less than 100 cases that result in conviction. "We absolutely need to do more to assure people from black and minority ethnic communities that they will be protected." We are the only part of the UK without specific hate crime laws. A review of legislation is under way. The PSNI has previously stressed it has a bigger role in addressing race hate crimes, with Chief Superintendent Emma Bond insisting recently it is incumbent on the organisation, "our partners and wider communities, to all play the part that we can to make that come to an end". Green Party deputy leader, Catherine Martin, says that when the Taoiseach changes there will be an opportunity to renegotiate the terms of the programme for government. In the meantime, the Green Party will conduct internal analysis every two to three months to monitor how policies are being implemented, she said. Ms Martin also reiterated her concern that there are a number of Independent TDs who have a different ethos and are in conflict with the Green Partys principles. No one should have preferential access to Ministers, she said. If a single TD seeks information they should have equal access to members of the Cabinet, she added. Ms Martin refused to discuss the leadership of the Green Party, saying that is a matter for after a decision is made on the Programme for Government. The Dublin-Rathdown representative defended her decision to support the document, saying she believes it is better to be within government where there is the potential to make change: The country needs stability. There is great uncertainty for us as a nation and as a planet. The Green Party will continue to fight hard and she said they will continue to bring the fight to government, to continue to challenge at all times. Ms Martin talked about her husband Francis Noel Duffy's differing stance, she joked it is "interesting times in our house", but that it is all part of healthy debate. Deputy Duffy was among a group of party members who abstained on the vote. We agreed to disagree. It is presumptuous to think that two TDs in same party would think the same way just because they are married, she added. Their discussions are vibrant, she said. They are united as a family and will act in the best interests of the party. No matter what the result of the partys vote on going into government, everyone would respect the result, she said. "We will go into this government with eyes wide open if we go into government." Meanwhile, Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says the Green Party has a 'once in a lifetime opportunity' to implement its environmental policies. Mr Kelly says they will suffer in the next general election if they reject the deal and they would be mad not to take the chance. Mr Kelly said on Newstalk: In relation to the Greens, they have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to influence what government in a disproportionate manner to their size. They say we have 10 years to save the planet, the next five are going to be crucial. They have gotten an awful lot in the negotiations and I think they would be mad not to take the opportunity. Bengaluru, June 19 : Karnataka Police's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) department has raided the offices of Sri Guru Raghavendra Co-operative Bank on Friday, an official said. "We have raided the offices of Sri Guru Raghavendra Co-operative Bank," Additional Director General of Police T. Sunil Kumar told IANS. According to the department, deposits amounting to Rs 1,400 crore have been misappropriated in the bank, by violating the Reserve Bank of India rules. A few officials of the bank have created artificial deposits and lent up to Rs 150 crore to some fictitious customers. In January, the RBI had curbed the city-based private bank from doing business with immediate effect for alleged irregularities in transactions. Following the RBI curbs, panicked customers rushed to withdraw Rs 35,000 each from their accounts, a limit set by the central bank back in January. The bank's head office is in Basavanagudi, and branches at Kanakapura Road, Poorna Prajna Layout, Kengeri, Raja Rajeshwari Nagar, Vidyaranyapura, BTM Layout and Rajainagar in Bengaluru. Photo shows a paradise flycatcher feeding its baby in Huanshan, east China's Anhui Province. Paradise flycatchers range across Africa and Asia. Their most telling characteristic are the males' long tail streamers. The paradise flycatchers are currently on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's list of critically endangered species. (Photo/China News Service) (Reuters) - Myanmar reported 23 cases of coronavirus infection on Friday among a group of people held in quarantine there after being deported from Thailand. The health ministry said in a statement the group had tested positive while in a quarantine center in the southeastern Kayin state. Thant Zin Aung, a lawmaker for Myanmar's Myawaddy township, which borders Thailand, said all 23 had been deported to Myanmar from Thailand on June 8. They had been in a Thai detention center close to the Malaysia border over visa violations, he said. At least some had earlier been detained in Malaysia. Malaysian and Thai authorities have been detaining and deporting migrants from Myanmar in recent weeks as part of efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Many are believed to be refugees from the Rohingya ethnic minority, hundreds of thousands of whom have fled a crackdown in Myanmar. A Myanmar health ministry spokesman for the coronavirus response did not comment when contacted by Reuters. The 23 cases were the most officially reported in a single day in Myanmar, which has recorded only 286 cases of the virus so far and six deaths. Testing has been limited. Thailand has reported no local transmission of the coronavirus for almost a month, only imported cases. Taweesin Wisanuyothin, spokesman for the Thai government's COVID-19 Administration Center, told Reuters the public health ministry had carried out random tests on more than 500,000 people including migrant workers but did not find any infections. "Myanmar authorities have to investigate from the patients who just returned what their travel history is and where they have been," he said. Most curbs on movement within Myanmar have been lifted but on Monday authorities extended a ban on international flights until the end of June. (Editing by Peter Graff) Markus Braun, CEO of Wirecard AG, an independent provider of outsourcing and white label solutions for electronic payment transactions attends the company's annual news conference in Aschheim near Munich, Germany April 25, 2019. REUTERS/Michael Dalder German payments startup Wirecard (WDI.DE) is temporarily suspending its chief operating officer Jan Marsalek. The news followed revelations earlier on Thursday (18 June) that auditors could not find some 1.9bn (1.7bn, $2.1bn) in cash in the companys accounts. Wirecard shares took a plunge of over 60% on the DAX on Thursday, after it said auditor EY had refused to sign off its accounts for 2019, as it could not confirm the existence of 1.9bn in cash balances on trust accounts. "At present it cannot be ruled out that Wirecard has become the aggrieved party in a case of fraud of considerable proportions," the company chief executive Markus Braun said in a video statement released Friday. EY said more audits were now needed, after two Asian banks that have been managing the companys escrow were unable to locate accounts with about 1.9bn in funds, Wirecard said in a statement. It is currently unclear why the two banks have stated to the auditor that the confirmations are spurious. The trustee has announced to Wirecard AG that he will clarify the facts of the matter with the two banks managing the trust accounts at short notice, Braun said. The company said Thursday that the delay could mean billions in loans may need to be terminated immediately. Marsalek, due to leave the role soon to head up business development, will now be replaced immediately by James Freis, who was teed up to start as head of the new Integrity, Legal, and Compliance department from July onwards. Munich-based Wirecard joined Germanys 30-company DAX in 2018, bumping Commerzbank out of the blue-chip index. However it has been beset by regulator suspicions, with German financial regulator BaFin raiding its headquarters on 5 June as part of a probe into members of the management board for suspected market manipulation, based on misleading signals from Wirecard in the months of March and April. Decrease Font Size Font Size Increase Font Size Article body For Meghan Alonso, finally earning her Master of Business Administration from Auburn this August will signify the culmination of a long, challenging road. The Arlington, Texas, native isnt making the trek to The Plains from her home outside Washington, D.C., for commencement on Aug. 8, but she will be beaming with pride and likely wearing burnt orange and navy blue to commemorate her accomplishment. After all, her academic journey was one fraught with obstacles and setbacks, and her perseverance signifies a spirit that is not afraid. Completing her Online MBA will mark the end of a process that began in 2014, one that included a six-month gap for treatment and surgery to remove a non-cancerous brain tumor last February. Alonso already is putting the skills she learned working toward her advanced degree to work as director of business development for Clinipace, a global, full-service contract research organization, or CRO, that helps biotech and pharmaceutical companies advance clinical trials. She is relieved to complete the lengthy journey. I am happy to have all of the work done, said Alonso, who earned her undergraduate degree in recreation, parks and tourism sciences from Texas A&M in 2003. I think some people find an MBA or other big undertaking challenging, and it is, but for me I celebrate little wins along the way, like finishing another class. I took one class at a time to not stress myself out. It feels very good to finally be done and is a big relief. Alonsos gravitation toward the pharma world makes even more sense considering she also overcame a more than decade-long ordeal with Hepatitis Can infection caused by a virus that attacks the liver. She was diagnosed with the disease in 1999 and didnt find a successful treatment until late 2011. My family was kind of a medical mystery when I was growing up, Alonso said. My brother and I were diagnosed as children, and it took doctors a while to figure out what we had. Were still not sure how we got it, but doctors think my mother contracted it through a blood transfusion in the 70s and then passed it on to us at birth. A cancer drug was part of the treatment we went through. For me, it worked the second time, and my brother had to go through three rounds of it. The medical troubles Alonso experienced instilled in her a desire to help others. She started teaching fitness classes and working with athletes to prevent injuries, and that led her to outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation. As her career progressed, she helped companies develop rapid diagnostic tests for everything from pregnancy to infectious disease to nuclear radiation exposure. My saga with Hep C has for sure inspired me to work in the health care industry, said Alonso, who is celebrating her one-year anniversary at Clinipace. I've been working in health care since 2005 and was considering going back to nursing, becoming a physicians assistant or going to med school, but discovered I really like the business side of medicine and can use my relationship/creative side in sales and marketing. So, I pursued an MBA instead. Alonso said Auburns flexible MBA program, coupled with the universitys values and welcoming atmosphere, attracted her to join the Auburn Family. Auburns program is so nice because its not cohort-based, so you can go at your own speed, Alonso said. You can do it in 18 months or have up to six years, and I definitely almost used all six years. It was easier for me while working full-time and with everything going on with life, so the flexibility was key for me. The culture at Auburn really attracted me, as I went to undergrad at Texas A&M and felt Auburn had a similar feel. In her role as director of business development, Alonso serves as a liaison between biotech and pharma companies that want to advance or start clinical trials. Whether its helping them navigate regulatory agencies, find and procure staff and lab space or store and organize data, Alonso and Clinipace offer communication, information, implementation and guidance for their clients. Its a process that can take weeks, months or even years, depending on the drug and the companys goals. Alonso is using the skills learned in Auburns MBA program in a variety of ways at Clinipace. My Auburn MBA education has set the stage for my conversations with clients, she said. Everything from economics to understanding their supply chain to marketing to understanding their reimbursement from insurance payors to my consulting capstone course for identifying client expectations, what our company can realistically deliver and negotiating a deal. I am so glad I invested in myself by getting an MBA at Auburn. Working in the medical research field is fulfilling for Alonso, given her personal experience. Ive had some pretty significant health problems in my life to where I wouldnt be alive today if it werent for medical innovations, she said. So, for me, its just fun to be on the forefront of this research and what is coming up to potentially help patients. Thats just really fun to see, and I like being in the sales portion because Im exposed to everything thats going on. She says the COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in a shift of Clinipaces focus, and the company has allocated roughly 10 percent of its business to the race to fight COVID-19. Several of their clients have investigational products to diagnose COVID-19, treat COVID-19 or treat the secondary symptoms like pneumonia. Day to day, Alonso and her Clinipace team stay abreast of COVID-19 hot spots around the globe and determine where to guide their clients research efforts to accelerate the trials. Alonso has been dedicated to helping others for more than 15 years, but never thought shed be working with an organization fighting against a global pandemic. Weve definitely pivoted with our business, because thats what is needed right now, and thankfully we have the expertise in-house and have a number of people who have worked on and been involved with various infectious disease trials, Alonso said. Since its been in the news every day, people are understanding what trials are and why theyre important. I think, going forward, more people will be more interested in participating in future trials because they get to help shape medicine, which is exciting. Alonso is cautiously optimistic a coronavirus vaccine can be found as soon as possible, especially considering there are more than 2,100 trials worldwide being managed by organizations like Clinipace. Part of the barriers to getting to market is the review time of the regulatory agencies, she said. The first hurdle is applying to run your trial, then later the regulatory bodies review the data. Once you enter the last phase, theyll ultimately approve or not approve your product. They are all helping to accelerate this process, because this is a major priority and it is going faster than normal. Whether were going to see a vaccine by the end of the year or January, were just going to have to see, and its hard to tell. That is very, very ambitious. Ambition has long been a driving force for Alonso, whether she was fighting a medical affliction or working toward a career goal. Everyone has been a patient at some point, and I just have a personal connection with Clinipace, she said. Because of all Ive been through, Ive had to become a fighter. Its so fulfilling to be part of an effort to make other peoples lives better, and Im proud to be an Auburn Tiger. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 16:11:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' outstanding external debt stood at 81.4 billion U.S. dollars as of end-March 2020, down by 2.2 billion U.S. dollars or 2.6 percent from the 83.6 billion level as of end-December 2019, the central bank of the Philippines said on Friday. "The decline in the debt level during the first quarter was due to net repayments of 4.0 billion U.S. dollars largely attributed to the settlement of short-term maturing obligations by the private sector," the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a statement. "This was offset by the 1.1 billion U.S. dollars increase in non-residents' investments in Philippine debt papers issued offshore, demonstrating investors' confidence in the country's creditworthiness; prior periods' adjustments of 580 million U.S. dollars; and positive foreign exchange revaluation adjustments of 101 million U.S. dollars as the U.S. dollar weakened against the Japanese yen," he added. Year-on-year, Diokno said the country's debt stock rose by 990 million U.S. dollars. External debt refers to all types of borrowings by Philippine residents from non-residents, following the residency criterion for international statistics. Public sector external debt increased to 45.1 billion U.S. dollars from 42.8 billion U.S. dollars in the previous quarter, he added. Meanwhile, Diokno said private-sector debt decreased from 40.8 billion U.S. dollars as of end-December 2019 to 36.3 billion U.S. dollars as of end-March 2020. Diokno added that key external debt indicators "remained at prudent levels" and that the country's total outstanding debt-to-GDP ratio "remains one of the lowest as compared to other ASEAN member countries." The Philippines' Gross International Reserves stood at 88.9 billion U.S. dollars as of end-March 2020 and represented 6.7 times cover for short-term debt under the original maturity concept. Enditem T he parents of Madeleine McCann were sent two letters from German prosecutors updating them on their daughters disappearance but received neither, it is alleged. German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters said the first letter was sent to forewarn Kate and Gerry McCann that German authorities planned to announce to the public on June 3 that they had concrete evidence Madeleine was dead. Detectives in the country believe a man named as Christian B, 43, killed Madeleine soon after abducting her from a holiday apartment in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz in May 2007. Mr Wolters, who is leading the investigation, told Italian newspaper la Repubblica that after the first letter, German police sent a follow-up. German Prosecutor says he has evidence Madeleine McCann is dead He insisted that while he didn't write either note, we, along with the Federal Police and British authorities, got in touch with the family". However, on Tuesday, Mr and Mrs McCann denied receiving any confirmation of their daughters death, saying the claims caused unnecessary anxiety to friends and family and once again disrupted our lives. In a statement on the Find Madeleine website they wrote: Since the recent police appeals regarding Madeleines disappearance there have been many inaccurate stories reported in the media. The widely reported news that we have a received a letter from the German authorities that states there is evidence or proof that Madeleine is dead is false. Like many unsubstantiated stories in the media, this has caused unnecessary anxiety to friends and family and once again disrupted our lives. As we have stated many times before, we will not give a running commentary on the investigation that is the job of the law enforcement agencies and we will support them in any way requested. Scotland Yard responded to the Standards request for comment saying: We wouldn't comment on or confirm any private correspondence. Madeleine McCann: A timeline of key dates and developments Mr Wolters has not revealed the specific contents of either of the alleged letters. However, he said earlier this week: They (Mr and Mrs McCann) dont know all our evidence, but they know that we assume that Madeleine was killed by our suspect. Christian B is in jail in Germany for drug dealing, and is appealing against a conviction for the 2005 rape of a 72-year-old woman, also at Praia da Luz. He has not yet spoken to investigators, who say they are convinced that he has committed other sex attacks. The 43-year-old is a suspect in a string of unsolved crimes, reportedly including an attack on a 10-year-old British girl in Praia da Luz in 2005, one of a series of such incidents where young girls were targeted. Mr Wolters said prosecutors have concrete evidence, but not forensic evidence that he killed Madeleine, and that they may know more than Met Police, who are still treating the case as a missing person investigation. A new episode of Three on the Aisle, the twice-monthly podcast in which Peter Marks, Elisabeth Vincentelli, and I talk about theater in America, is now available on line for listening or downloading. Heres American Theatres official summary of the proceedings: Today we talk to Tamilla Woodard, the co-artistic director of Working Theater and the Five Boroughs/One City Project, a multi-year initiative of the Working Theater. She talks with us about her experience growing up in the theatre community, including the time she spent in acting conservatory undergrad program s and the insidious ways that racial bias influenced her time there; the Working Theater, its mission and its important site-specific and people-specific work; what we value as a theatrical community and how those values need to shift if we are going to champion a message that theatre belongs to all people; and the ways in which theatres are grappling with the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of the recent police killings of black people. To listen to or download this episode, read more about it, or subscribe to, go In case youve missed any previous episodes, youll find them all here. IQALUIT, NUNAVUTA Nunavut court has approved a class-action lawsuit against the federal government and two territories over the sexual abuse of Inuit children by a teacher. In his ruling, Justice Paul Bychok found it is at least arguable that Ottawa ignored its duty to the children. The commissioners of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories territorial officials similar to provincial lieutenant-governors are also named in the suit. The authorities placed (Maurice) Cloughley in a position of real authority and power over his young Inuit charges, Bychok wrote in Mondays judgment. These Inuit children were extremely vulnerable by the very essence and structure of this student-teacher relationship. Cloughley served a 10-year sentence after pleading guilty to nine charges of abusing schoolchildren in several Arctic communities between 1967 and 1981. He originally faced 22 charges. The current lawsuit is being brought by three of his former pupils on behalf of them all. Bychok noted that Cloughley came to the North just after Inuit people had been moved into new communities. Authorities undertook to and did establish and maintain localized health care, housing, schools and law and order in these newly created settlements. Government exercised colonial power over the Inuit and enforced it, in part, by armed authority, he said. Cloughley abused his authority and power over these children. Bychok ordered notice of the lawsuit be posted in homeless shelters in Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg and Edmonton in case some of his former students are in those communities. The judge said that given the ongoing vulnerability of Inuit youth in remote communities, certifying the class action could have an educational benefit. Read more about: For our free coronavirus pandemic coverage, learn more here. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Within days of the lockdown beginning in March, Pastor Jon Owen of the Wayside Chapel was flooded with calls from families of the 600 volunteers who help the charity every month. Because of COVID-19, they asked him to "ban" their relatives - many older than 65 - from volunteering at the Kings Cross centre which provides services to rough sleepers and those in need. Karlie Stewart, a caseworker at Weave, says she felt it was "her duty as an Aboriginal woman to give back to the community in the way that Weave gave back to me". She is on JobKeeper and worries what will happen when it ends. Credit:Wolter Peeters It was a "beautiful thing" that these families cared, and equally "beautiful" that many volunteers had wanted to continue working but the risk was too great, says Owen. Like Wayside, about 80 per cent of Australia's 57,000 charities rely on volunteers. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, research by Volunteering Australia estimated a 66 per cent decline in the number of hours - about 12. 2 million hours of free labour a week - donated by the nation's three million volunteers between February to April. At Wayside, Owen says the pandemic made his mandate clearer than ever: "We have got to keep our guys alive." It deployed staff to visit its homeless clients who were put up in hotels by the NSW government, and it organised food deliveries and other emergency services. "It was a huge strain because we didn't have the volunteer workforce," he says. When events were cancelled and regular giving slowed, Owen says "it was kind of life or death [for clients] but also life or death for Wayside". Pastor Jon Owen from the Wayside Chapel with volunteer Felicity Powell. Many volunteers wanted to keep working during the pandemic. Advertisement About 20 per cent of its funding comes from government, about half the amount of many charities. 'COVID19 was kind of life or death [for clients] but also life or death for Wayside.' Pastor Jon Owen from Wayside At the same time, demand for services increased and the type of help needed changed. Wayside was forced to redeploy or pay frontline staff to fill the volunteer gaps. Before the pandemic, Wayside would normally see "10 new faces" a month. Lani McLachlan enjoying the new showers at Wayside installed earlier this year. Although Wayside doesn't provide any overnight accommodation, it provides showers, food and clean clothes to many of its visitors who may be homeless. Credit:Ben Rushton Last week Wayside got requests for help from 70 people. Many were people, often extremely embarrassed, who had never asked for help or applied for Centrelink payments in their lives. "When we look at the economic forecasts, it is scary and very bleak, " he says. Advertisement Felicity (Floss) Powell of Mosman misses volunteering - more recently she helped Wayside clients who dropped in for a shower and clean clothing. "It is a magical place. We live in a dichotomous culture of male, female; black, white; rich, poor," Floss says. "It is such a narrow way of thinking. When you get out into these organisations, it shows you that there is so much grey out there and it is not something to be scared of." According to a financial analysis by Social Ventures Australia and the Centre for Social Impact at the University of NSW, Australia's charity sector is teetering on the edge of a cliff. Suzie Riddell, CEO of Social Ventures Australia, says many Australians don't understand the size of the charity sector. "This is expected to be the biggest economic downturn since the Great Depression," says Suzie Riddell, chief executive of Social Ventures. Without charities, the organisations that Australians turn to in a crisis, our communities fall apart, she says. These charities connect the rich and poor, the well and the sick, the well-heeled and well-housed with the down at heel and homeless. Advertisement "Past recessions tell us that if unemployment goes up by 4 or 5 per cent it could take us half-a-decade for it to go down again," says Riddell. If donations don't increase and JobKeeper is removed as forecast at the end of September, the report forecasts about one in five charities may close, around 200,000 jobs in the sector may be lost and nearly 90 per cent of charities could record an operating loss. The report is calling for JobKeeper to be extended, and wound back slowly: a ramp rather than a cliff. Not many people realise the true size of this sector, says Riddell. It employs one in 10 people in the workforce, and generated revenue of $155 billion. Unlike the private sector, though, charities can't raise funds on the sharemarket when revenue drops, she says. Loading "When fundraising gets cancelled, or a door-knock can't go ahead, or a social enterprise has to close, non-profits are faced with the difficult decision of cutting services or cutting jobs." Riddell says. The coming year is equally bleak, with JBWere's Outlook for Philanthropy, forecasting a 20 per cent drop in all types of giving - ranging from corporate funds, trusts and bequests to donations from individuals. Advertisement Across Australia, fundraising events have been cancelled, scaled back or gone online, like the Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal, snapping the fragile thread that connects those with the most to those with the least. A study of 350 charities during the pandemic found nearly 70 per cent had seen donations and bequests drop. The Salvos say COVID-19 had placed a strain on everyday Australians and had an impact on the amount it had raised - only $2.61 million of its $8 million target. At the same time, demand for food banks, housing, emergency supplies, financial relief and advice, and refuge from domestic violence and abuse has skyrocketed, say charities. Like Wayside, the Salvos are seeing new faces, including people from more affluent suburbs. Jane Jose of the Sydney Community Foundation - which supports a range of local charities - says Sydney had traditionally been a city that showed "a lot of generosity" when people were "in the room", particularly at the end of the financial year. A party before the pandemic raised $700,000 on a Saturday night, she says. "The way people fund raise is about connection, and COVID-19 is about isolation." she says. Advertisement We absolutely must have this and we need it now, Roper said. Im not sure even with additional seating well be able to be profitable, but right now if we can lose less money, its better than losing more money. Jay Husker Auto Club is celebrating Fathers Day weekend with a Cruise Night on Saturday and a Show and Shine Car Show on Sunday. Of course we want everyone to be safe and practice social distancing, but are encouraging everyone to get out of the house, said Austin Wolken, president of the Jay Husker Auto Club. The idea of Cruise Nights started when Austin Wolken attended one in Seneca, Kansas. I have always heard of my parents and their friends talking about how cruising the streets of Beatrice was a favorite pastime back in their high school days," Wolken said. "I wanted to try to recreate that for them and would like to see younger generations try to take up the idea of cruising. In August of 2019 we held our first cruise night that was just mostly classics and had a great turnout, but this year with the virus, it has become really popular." Wolken said there are a lot of families and the community are looking for fun activities to do that is safe and that they can practice social distancing. What I really like seeing with the cruise nights, is that all the generations are having a great time trying to get out of the house and that they are looking forward to the next cruise night," Wolken said. "I love seeing parents tell their children all the stories of cruising back in their younger days and how people would socialize by cruising before telephones were a thing. Its not just about cruising in a classic car anymore, its also about cruising with the family in the minivan during the time we are in. I hope people look back and talk about how Beatrice kept their hope and had a fun time cruising during a pandemic but also I dont want the idea of cruising to quite after we make it through this pandemic." The suggested hours of Cruise Night on Saturday are from 7-9 p.m. The Club is also planning to hold a Show and Shine Car Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Huston's Motors at 2200 Court St. No awards will be handed out but the idea is to have fun and enjoy time with your family down at the park with things opening back up, said Wolken. Michael Sothan, Executive Director of Main Street Beatrice said he has enjoyed partnering with the Jay Husker Auto Club and Wolken on Cruise Nights. People of all ages are taking steps to ensure Beatrice is a fun and great place to call home and visit," Sothan said. "The Cruise Nights have been extremely well received with lots of cars driving, people watching, and they serve as a reminder to stay safe, shop local, and enjoy our great community during these challenging times." Membership of the club has grown to over 70 members including couples and families. More information can be found on the Jay Husker Auto Club Facebook page. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A day after district commissioner Sushma Chauhan ordered a magisterial investigation into the deaths of kin of a Covid-19 victim during his cremation near Tawi riverbed, the latters son has termed the probe an eyewash. The government has appointed the same additional district commissioner (ADC), who was deputed for the cremation of my father, where my two cousins died. The deaths of my cousins are administrative murders, said the 32-year-old. He added, Since it was not possible for me to cremate my father alone, three of my cousins had accompanied me. Wearing PPE kits in the scorching heat, we were made to shuttle in an ambulance for nearly two-and-a-half hours before we finally reached the cremation site. ADC Ghanshyam Singh was giving us the directions to the site over the phone as the driver had no idea of it. It was around 42C on Thursday. We were given no water as we started gasping for breath. The ambulance also got stuck in the riverbed. I was the first one to faint. Another cousin of mine, Amit Chopra, who was present there, tore our PPE kits and shifted me in his car. My two other cousins also fainted. Amit kept pleading for water and assistance, but he was abused by the policemen, he said. Had the water and required support given to them in time, they would not have died, he rued. He informed that one of his deceased cousins, Vimal Zadoo (38), is survived by his wife and two daughters and the other, Vipin Zadoo (35), was unmarried, but had a 75-year-old father to look after. Now, the same ADC has been appointed to conduct a magisterial probe. How could it be fair. It is just eyewash, he added. The ADC has been asked to submit his report by June 22. Meanwhile, GMCH medical superintendent Dr Dara Singh said, Both the men tested negative for Covid-19 and their autopsies were conducted by a board of doctors comprising pathology assistant professor Dr Amit Kour, surgery assistant professor Dr Hamid Wani, assistant professor (medicine) Dr Shazia Hamid and forensic medicine lecturer Dr Shivani Mehta. CONG DEMANDS JUDICIAL PROBE, GOVT JOB FOR BEREAVED The J&K Congress on Friday staged a protest demanding judicial probe into the deaths of the two Kashmiri Pandit men, who died before the cremation of their 64-year-old uncle, a Covid-19 victim, on Thursday here. Vimal Zadoo and Vipin Zadoo died because SOPs were brazenly flouted and no proper arrangements were made by the administration. Even water was not provided to them. What could be more inhumane and insensitive on the part of the administration, asked former minister and party leader Raman Bhalla. Another party leader Yogesh Sawhney demanded government jobs for the deceaseds kin. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - U.S. airlines are stepping up enforcement of face covering policies, including banning passengers who do not wear face masks on flights amid the coronavirus pandemic. American Airlines temporarily banned a passenger who was kicked off a flight in New York earlier this week after he refused to wear a face mask. The airline's crew reportedly asked Brandon Straka, a conservative activist, to get off the flight at New York's LaGuardia Airport after he refused to put on a mask. Straka obliged their request to get off the flight. 'I was just removed from my flight for not wearing a mask. 1st time this has happened. Not a federal law,' Straka said on Twitter. American Airlines said the ban on Straka will remain until face coverings are no longer required for customers, according to the airline. In late April, American Airlines had said all passengers on its flights would be required to wear face masks during travel. Earlier this week, the airline announced a stronger policy for customer face masks, saying it will deny boarding to customers who do not comply. The airline added it may also deny future travel for customers who refuse to wear a face covering. Some passengers are, however, exempt from the face covering requirement, such as young children and those with a disability or relevant medical condition. United Airlines also said on Monday that it would suspend travel privileges of any passenger who refuses to wear a mask on its aircraft. Airlines for America or A4A, an industry trade organization representing major U.S. airlines, said on Monday that its member carriers will vigorously enforce face covering policies. Each airline will clearly articulate its individual face covering policy in communications with customers and may require passengers to acknowledge the specific rules during the check-in process, A4A added. Further, each carrier will decide what action to be taken against passengers who are found to be in noncompliance of the rules. This could include suspension of flying privileges on that airline. 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. South San Antonio Independent School District has again joined Pre-K 4 SA, six years after dropping its partnership with the city-funded early childhood education program. On a recommendation from new Superintendent Marc Puig, trustees unanimously approved the partnership agreement during their regular meeting Wednesday. Pre-K 4 SA is funded mainly by a share of the city sales tax, the renewal of which will go before voters in November. It teaches 2,000 students in four model centers and gets some state funding under a pass-through arrangement with the local school districts where the students live. Partnering districts also get grants and are offered teacher training to improve their own prekindergarten programs. Since its inception, 177 South San ISD students have attended Pre-K 4 SA, some of them under a sliding-scale tuition based on household income. But without a partnership agreement, they were on a waiting list and not all who applied were accepted. Under the partnership, the city program will allocate at least 70 guaranteed slots for the districts kids to attend its South Education Center on South New Braunfels Avenue. Required Reading: Get San Antonio education news sent directly to your inbox South San was one of the first districts to partner with Pre-K 4 SA when it opened in 2013. But the next spring, its board opted out of the program. Then-Superintendent Abelardo Saavedra said policy considerations and a desire to build on the districts own pre-K program drove the decision, but some accused him and then-board president Helen Madla of politically retaliating against then-City Councilman Rey Saldana, who supported the program. Pre-K 4 SA was a signature program of then-Mayor Julian Castro, who touted its success during his presidential campaign last year. It was designed as a demonstration project to model high-quality pre-K and has been praised as such by national early childhood education experts. Discussions between the district and Pre-K 4 SA began in February. South San board president Gilbert Rodriguez said he and trustees had quite a few conversations about re-entering the partnership. Im glad that we have reached the point where we can seize this partnership and move forward, Rodriguez said. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio City Council moves Pre-K 4 SA sales tax election to November because of coronavirus South San becomes the eighth partnership district, along with East Central, Edgewood, Harlandale, Northside, North East, San Antonio and Southwest independent school districts and New Frontiers Public Schools, a charter network. This partnership is an excellent opportunity to increase options for high-quality early childhood education for families in our South Side community, Pre-K 4 SA CEO Sarah Baray said. Partnering with South San ISD builds on Pre-K 4 SAs work to strengthen San Antonios early learning landscape as we head into the final school year before reauthorization. Krista Torralva covers several school districts and public universities in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Krista, become a subscriber. Krista.Torralva@express-news.net | Twitter: @KMTorralva BRIDGEPORT More than 100 people mothers and daughters, sons and fathers, recent high school graduates and other city residents marched Friday afternoon from Central High School to the Fairfield County Courthouse. Once there, they prostrated themselves on the sidewalk in silence for eight minutes and 46 seconds, the amount of time George Floyd pleaded for his life before dying under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer. I cant breathe, I cant breathe, they finally exclaimed, repeating Floyds last cries. Getting to their feet, they shook signs in the air proclaiming Black Lives Matter and demanding justice. Rose Jones-Clarke, a city daycare owner-turned-activist, held a megaphone to her mouth. You were able to get up, but George Floyd was not able to get up, she proclaimed as the crowd began chanting, Get your knee off my neck, get your knee off my neck. We are all in this together, Jones-Clarke continued. If you are here today, your voice matters. The crowd then began chanting Black Lives Matter. A woman who identified herself as a city resident introduced her sons and daughters among the crowd before leading the assemblage in a prayer for peace. It was the latest in a series of protests in the city and around the world in response to the murder of the 46-year-old George Floyd on May 25. This latest protest came on Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the day in 1865 when slaves in Texas the last state to acknowledge the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation were finally told of their freedom. The rally began shortly after 1 p.m. at Central High School. As police blocked off intersections, the march led down Main Street to the courthouse. Marchers said the protest was not connected to the one that has been camped out across from the Police Department for the past week. That protest, which has been ongoing since June 13, was organized by Justice For Jayson and is seeking changes in the police department including the firing of Police Officer James Boulay and Police Chief Armando Perez. Boulay shot 15-year-old Jayson Negron to death after a car chase three years ago. Boulay was cleared of criminal wrong-doing by a state police investigation. Logitech International maker of cloud peripheral products, pledged to communicate the carbon impact of all its products on packaging and the company website. It expects the first carbon impact labeling to appear on its gaming products later this year, followed by a rollout across the full portfolio. Logitech will be the first consumer electronics company to provide detailed carbon impact labeling on product packaging across the entire portfolio. In doing so, it intends to empower and collaborate with consumers, informing the purchasing choices they make. It also wishes to galvanize an industry-wide shift to dramatically lower the impact of carbon on the environment. As an award-winning design company, Logitech designs for sustainability across all its brands, looking for ways to reduce the impact its products have on the environment throughout the design process. Until now, the carbon impact has not been visible to consumers looking to better understand their individual impact on the environment. Now, Logitechs carbon transparent labeling will quantify that impact, communicate it to consumers, and empower them to make more informed purchasing decisions. Bracken Darrell, president and CEO of Logitech, said, We recognize the scale of the environmental challenges facing our planet today. We are doubling down on our efforts to reduce our environmental impact, yet we cant do it alone. By communicating the carbon impact of our products, we are empowering and collaborating with our consumers to better the world. Carbon is the new calorie we need to know what were consuming. We also invite other companies to join Logitech in driving positive change by providing full transparency on their products. It will take an industry-wide effort to truly make a difference. Carbon transparency further extends Logitechs commitment to sustainability across its products, packaging, and operations. In 2019, the Company neutralized the carbon in its gaming product portfolio, announced its support of the Paris Agreement, pledging to limit its carbon footprint to support the ambitious 1.5oC goal and committed that the Company will be powered exclusively by renewable electricity by 2030. Calculating the carbon impact Carbon impact is a recognized quantifiable measurement aligned with climate action efforts. Logitech has spent years developing a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) capability that reflects a products carbon impact throughout the life of a product, from its raw materials to manufacturing, distribution, consumer use and ultimately the end of life. Application of the LCA tools and design expertise allows the company to analyze the carbon, toxicity and circularity impact of various product and packaging materials. To support the integrity of internal calculations, Logitech will work with well-known third parties including Natural Capital Partners, iPoint Group, and an independent verifier to critically verify and validate product-level carbon impacts to DEKRA certification standards. Logitech is voluntarily communicating product carbon footprint information and will provide online access to the methodology and protocol applied, meeting carbon footprint quantification and communications or labeling standards outlined by ISO 14067 and ISO 14026. Increasingly we are seeing consumers looking for clear, transparent and credible statements of climate action by businesses, said Rebecca Fay, chief marketing officer at Natural Capital Partners. We applaud Logitechs carbon transparency program which is an ideal complement to the CarbonNeutral certification of its products and truly demonstrates that this is a company committed to a low carbon transformation. Creating transparency for the carbon footprints of a companys products is an important step towards reducing greenhouse gases and thus in the fight against climate change, said Martina Prox, sustainability strategy, iPoint Group. We look forward to continuing to work with Logitech on calculating and analyzing the carbon footprint of their product portfolio. BUCHAREST -- A former Iranian judge sought by his homeland to face corruption charges has been found dead in Romanias capital, officials say. Police in Bucharest said a 52-year-old man on June 19 died after apparently falling from a higher floor of a hotel. The man was a foreign national under judicial control accused of crimes allegedly committed on the territory of another country," they said in a statement, adding that an investigation into his death was under way. Official sources confirmed to RFE/RL local media reports saying that the man in question was Gholamreza Mansouri, who fled Iran last year after authorities there alleged he took some 500,000 euros ($560,000) in bribes. Iran's Interpol chief, Brigadier General Hadi Shirzad, quoted Romanian authorities as telling Iran that Mansouri "had thrown himself out of the window of his hotel, according to Iran's semiofficial INSA news agency. Romanian police detained Mansouri earlier this month and a court had been expected to rule next month on whether to extradite him. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Musavi said the former judge had recently visited the Iranian Embassy in Bucharest and discussed how to return to Iran, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. In a video statement posted online last week, Mansouri denied the charges, saying he left Iran for unspecified medical treatment and that coronavirus travel restrictions prevented him from returning home. He didnt give details about his whereabouts. Meanwhile, human rights groups and media freedom watchdogs said Mansouri was in Germany, where they said he should be prosecuted for ordering the mass arrest of reporters while serving as a judge in Tehran. Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) filed a complaint with Germanys Federal Public Prosecutor, accusing Mansouri of being responsible for the "arrest and torture" of at least 20 journalists in 2013. And the London-based rights group Justice For Iran called for information that could lead to Mansouris prosecution in Germany. Citing the testimony of "a significant number" of journalists, Justice For Iran said that Mansouri was "responsible for issuing arrest warrants against them." "These journalists were interrogated for months in [Tehrans] Evin prison in solitary confinement and pressured to confess against themselves and others." RSF later said it had filed a second complaint with Romanian authorities after learning Mansouri had slipped away from Germany. Mansouri was detained by Romanian police on an Interpol arrest warrant upon arrival in the country on June 12. The ex-judge was later released from custody and placed under judicial control, meaning he was banned from leaving Romania and should regularly report to the authorities. Romanian authorities have asked Tehran to officially submit an extradition request, as well as details about the charges against Mansouri. The Bucharest Court of Appeal was set to consider the case on July 10. Mansouri was among several judges who were accused of corruption during the high-profile trial of a former senior judiciary official that opened in Tehran this month. With reporting by AP and Reuters (JTA) The World Council of Churches is asking European diplomats to punish Israel with sanctions if it annexes West Bank lands. The request has triggered a heated debate in Christian circles. The call to punish Israel came last month in a letter to EU foreign ministers from the Geneva headquarters of the council, an umbrella body established in 1948 that now has 350 member churches with about 500,000 followers among them. The Catholic Church is not a member. If Israel annexes land, the letter said, the EU must surely suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement, a reference to a 19... By Kim Bo-eun Woori Financial Group's headquarters in central Seoul / Korea Times file U.S. House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) brief members of the media outside the West Wing of the White House after a meeting with President Donald Trump October 16, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Lawmaker Urges Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to Remove Chinese Regime Propagandists Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube are not doing enough to limit the Chinese regimes disinformation and propaganda on their platforms, according to scorecards released by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas). The scorecards, released after two months of communications with the social media companies, graded them on whether they labeled posts by Chinese state-run media outlets, blocked Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials from having verified accounts, fact-checked posts, and had comprehensively removed CCP propaganda and disinformation. Twitter ranked the worst of all companies with a score of D- for not meeting any of the criteria except the one on fact-checking. Of all the companies we engaged with, Twitter is the platform most heavily abused by the CCP, the scorecard said. It said the company allowed the Chinese regime to spread misinformation about the CCP virus, including the unfounded theory that the U.S. army brought the disease into virus epicenter Wuhan. They are the most unwilling to do anything to stop the CCP from spreading harmful misinformation or provide transparency through labels that inform users they are viewing content from a state-funded or state-directed media outlet, the scorecard said. YouTube was given the grade of C- and Facebook C+, with both labeling propaganda outlets as well as conducting fact-checking. The Chinese Communist Party has weaponized American social media platforms to push their disinformation and promote their propaganda, McCaul said in a statement. The solution is simpledeplatform CCP officials and propagandists who consistently spread lies. The assessment comes amid rising scrutiny over Beijings disinformation and influence campaigns on Western social media platforms. During the pandemic, the regime launched an aggressive disinformation and propaganda campaign to deflect attention over its mishandling of the outbreak while portraying Beijing as a leader in global response efforts. Chinese officials and state-run media have also exploited the recent unrest over the police custody death of George Floyd to criticize the United States and democratic governance. Twitter and Facebook did not respond to requests for comment. However, Twitter, in a statement to The Hill, referred to its removal last week of more than 170,000 accounts tied to a Chinese state-linked operation aimed at spreading disinformation about the pandemic, Hong Kong, and other issues. The company also pointed to the fact that it was the only platform that doesnt accept advertising from any state-controlled media outlets. YouTube told The Epoch Times that it has in the last few years initiated measures to tackle misinformation and disinformation on its platform. It said it promptly removed content that violates community guidelines, and reduced recommendations of videos that could misinform viewers. A Facebook spokesperson, according to The Hill, referred to the companys recent move to label state-controlled media outlets on its platform. This applies to Chinese state-run media such as Xinhua News, Peoples Daily, and China Global Television Network (CGTN). 'It is a miracle how a soldier handles the lack of oxygen, stands his post and also confronts the Chinese at 14,000 feet where survival itself is a challenge.' IMAGE: Indian soldiers patrol the border with China at high altitudes. Photograph: Utpal Baruah/Reuters "Soldiers are fighting the elements, the weather and terrain. When it is difficult to walk ten steps due to lack of oxygen, imagine doing a patrol when you have to go up and down the hill, carrying a load." "The challenge becomes even more severe during a confrontation." Colonel Sashidharan Dinny recently retired as commanding officer of an infantry battalion stationed in the Pangong Tso area in Ladakh. In a conversation with Rediff.com's Archana Masih, Colonel Dinny explains a soldier's life on the India-China border, in one of the world's most difficult locations. It is said the role of the Commanding Officer is sacrosanct in the entire organisation of the Indian Army and his loss an immense setback to the morale of troops. As a CO yourself in the past, can you tell me about what makes the CO so crucial in a fighting unit? The basic entity and fighting unit of the army is the battalion. Even civilians will be able to remember names like 2 Rajput, 8 Sikh. Soldiers identify themselves with the battalion. The commanding officer commands the battalion. In an infantry battalion, an officer gets commissioned into a particular regiment and within that he is assigned to a battalion. For example, if there are 20 battalions of the Rajput regiment, he will be commissioned into one of those battalions. Right from the time an officer is commissioned as a lieutenant, he starts interacting with the men. In the initial months, he doesn't wear a rank badge and stays with the men. He eats, sleeps, plays and goes on operations with them. He does all these activities even before he is recognised as an officer. Officers have to start building a rapport with their men from the start of their careers and this is they start growing in the unit/battalion. So officers have to win the trust and respect of their men over many years before they get into a position of a CO? As officers start gaining their stripes and seniority, they start getting various appointments within the battalion. Over a period of time, the officer will gradually come to know each and every soldier under him. He knows what is happening in his hometown, his family problems -- everything. Even if the officer goes for staff appointments or courses, he returns to the same battalion. This happens for 16 odd-years where 800 of his troops are observing, watching him through those years. The officer moves up the ranks till lieutenant colonel after which there is a selection process and then he becomes a colonel (the rank at which most officers become Commanding Officers). By that time the officer and men have already built a long relationship by virtue of having worked, played, eaten, done operations together and have gone through times when they have saved each other's lives. Their bonding becomes very strong and by the time he becomes commanding officer there is immense respect for him. What are the duties and powers of a CO? A CO has a lot of power. He is involved in the selection process of jawans to higher ranks, sanctions leave, punishes them if they return late, he can initiate pay cut or detention and can initiate court martial etc. Old timers referred to the CO as the old man because he is seen as the wise man of the tribe. That tradition has continued in the Indian Army. It must be a huge setback for the troops to see their CO felled by the enemy in an operation or battle. How do troops come to terms with that during an operation or on the battlefield? The CO is a father figure for the soldiers. He is seen as someone who can solve all their problems. It is a close-knit family and it is this bonding that holds the Indian Army together. If something happens to a CO, the troops are angry and emotional. All hell breaks loose, they will make the adversary pay and will not let it to go unpunished. It must be very hard to see a CO fall in the line of duty in front of his soldiers. Yes, undoubtedly. They have to fight the enemy despite the phenomenal mental turmoil that goes through their mind at that time. But this is what soldiers are trained for, no matter what happens they have a duty to carry on. We are trained to carry on till the task is accomplished. We have seen this in Kargil and other wars. When a CO falls, his second in command takes over. The task is most important, the troops know that their CO was killed in action doing a task and it is their duty to complete that task. You have served in Ladakh. Can you explain what it must be to fight on those narrow tracks at that height? Survival is itself a challenge over there since you are fighting the elements, the weather and terrain. Even when there is no combat, soldiers are battling to remain alive at 14,000-15,000 feet. The lack of oxygen starts showing on the body and some suffer problems like a blood clot in the brain or heart related issues even when inside the barracks. Frost bites can lead to loss of limbs. When walking ten steps is difficult due to lack of oxygen, imagine doing a patrol when you have to go up and down the hill carrying a load. The challenge becomes even more severe during a confrontation. It is a miracle how a soldier there handles the lack of oxygen, stands his post and also confronts the Chinese at times. Troops carry rifles with barrels pointed downwards, radio sets, water and some other supplies in case they have to stay on for a day during patrols in that area. What medical facilities are available to soldiers at these locations? These areas test the limits of physical and mental endurance. Medical facilities are available at the unit. There is a nursing assistance, life-saving drugs, critical care equipment. During the day and weather permitting, evacuations are done by helicopter or at night by road. It would take 6 to 7 hours to reach the army hospital in Leh. IMAGE: Colonel S Dinny during his tenure in Ladakh. Photograph: Kind courtesy Colonel S Dinny As you explained, soldiers carry weapons. Why did they not use it on Monday night? Because they did not want to break a long-standing protocol? The moment an automatic weapon is opened up, the casualties would have been in hundreds, especially at night. In pitch darkness, you are not even sure who is fighting whom. How do the two armies converse with each other during a confrontation or at border patrol meetings? Among the troops are soldiers who are trained in the language and also work as interpreters. How serious is the current situation in Ladakh after Monday's incident in the Galwan Valley according to you? This situation has happened at the most unfortunate time and place. This has not happened at the start of the stand-off, but 40 days later when the de-escalation process was being undertaken. We have gone back on so many years of normalcy on the LAC. It happened at a remote location at night and that's why the casualties also increased. The situation is serious because tensions and public anger are high. The situation is sensitive, but I am hopeful that both governments will not let it go out of hand. Will there be a change in the standard operating procedures in dealing with confrontations on the LAC from now on? Maybe there will be a rethink of SOPs to deal with such situations now that this has happened. The agreements that were in place are clearly not working on the ground and substantial changes are needed. Production: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com THOMAS TWP, MI Saginaw County-based Hemlock Semiconductor has announced layoffs affecting 50 employees, citing Chinese tariffs and the COVID-19 pandemic as reasons for the workforce reduction. Brooke L. Beebe, vice president of external affairs, said company officials announced the decision internally on Thursday, June 18. HSC has a tremendously talented workforce that has fueled our advancements over the last several years to become globally competitive in the solar market. But, while we have best-in-class technology and product quality, the U.S. polysilicon industry is under severe threat because virtually all of our potential solar customers are now in China, Beebe said. Since 2014, China has imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports of polysilicon to China that have blocked HSC from the Chinese market. China also has used massive government subsidies to add a huge amount of capacity across the entire solar supply chain, drastically reducing demand for U.S.-made polysilicon. Beebe said the coronavirus was also a factor. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the concentration of critical supply chains in China and worsened the market-distorting effects of overcapacity created by their subsidies. While China committed to purchasing U.S. polysilicon in the Phase I U.S.-China trade deal announced in January, it has not yet followed through on its promise, again keeping out U.S.-made polysilicon. HSCs workforce reduction is a direct result of these circumstances, she said. Polysilicon is used in manufacturing things like solar panels, cellphones and computer chips. According to the economic development group Saginaw Future, Hemlock Semiconductor is Saginaw Countys 12th largest employer, with 660 employees. Read more on MLive: Despite gains, Michigan still down 1 million jobs since the coronavirus struck 2 Hemlock Semiconductor workers test positive for coronavirus Saginaw Countys Hemlock Semiconductor praises Phase 1 of U.S.-China trade deal As coronavirus surges elsewhere, Michigans numbers continue to fall. Can we keep our trend going? Friday, June 19: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan Click here to read the full article. When Lupita Nyongo was asked to narrate the Discovery nature documentary series Serengeti, the Oscar-winning actor jumped at the opportunity not just because the subject celebrated to her heritage as an African woman, but because it was an offer she never expected. I hadnt really heard of a nature documentary narrated by a woman. And I certainly had never heard of a nature documentary narrated by an African woman, Nyongo tells Variety. I was really excited to try my hand at it. And who doesnt want to play the voice of God. And thats what it kind of feels like when you watch those documentaries theres so much authority in the voice and theyre interpreting nature and bringing nature to your living room. More from Variety And as narrator, Nyongo says the team behind Serengeti (especially executive producers and directors Simon Fuller and John Downer) wanted her to bring her authentic self to the role. The first day I got into the booth, Downer encouraged me to kind of tap into my native accent, like my original Kenyan accent. And that was moving and also kind of gave me a little bit of a panic attack because, I dont even know where that voice is, she says, acknowledging that her accent has evolved over the years and changes based on location. But it was so nice to have someone embrace that and encourage it, because I never knew that I would start my career and that [accent] would be called for. So it was just really lovely to bring my full self to this without any sort of pretense. Nyongo was born in Mexico and studied acting at the Yale School of Drama, but the Oscar winner was raised primarily in Kenya, so it was a real treat for her to explore the land next door (the Serengeti desert is located in neighboring Tanzania). Story continues Ive never been to Serengeti, but it is right next door, and I have been going on safari all my life. Ive been on more safaris than I can count because I love them and they were also part of my education, Nyongo recalls. Whenever youre out there, its a very humbling experience. So being able to spend this kind of intimate time with these creatures [the filmmakers] spent a year with these different groups of animals that felt really special because, you know, theres only so much you can see when youre out there for real. Nature documentaries bring all that wonder to you. Nyongos work is eligible for a nomination in the outstanding narration category at the 2020 Emmy Awards. And if she gets a nod, shell join Angela Bassett and Whoopi Goldberg as the only Black women to be nominated in the category to date. I think this is just another one of those areas where Im excited about being a part of the change in the narrative, Nyongo says. Before this opportunity was brought to me, it wasnt even something I was thinking that maybe one day Id want to do. It wasnt in my frame of reference, because I think of that typical male white British voice as sort of the standard. I hadnt even had a chance to even challenge that I wasnt thinking about it. It feels really great to be kind of, you know, breaking new ground, I suppose, and joining the ranks of the women and the Black women who have gone before me. For Nyongo, the opportunity is just one step in a long path for an industry that is currently being confronted with its own history of systemic racism, after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police reignited the conversation and led to increased support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Though Nyongo has been largely out of the public eye during the quarantine, speaking up and speaking out (especially on social media) has been a priority. Nyongo says she wanted to lend her voice to the movement, Because Im a member of that community. Im a member of that society and what is happening, its personal. Im taking it personally. Theres no other way to take it. Were requiring them to respond. And we just cannot let up, she says of Hollywoods reaction at large. This is a time of deep learning for me, too, as an immigrant in this country, of trying to figure out how is this the world were living in? Theres just so much to unpack, theres so much to learn, and theres so much to need to be awake to. Because its when people fall asleep that these things happen when we grow complacent. And I think right now is a time when people were learning in so many ways how weve been complacent, even in areas that we are unaware of. And we are agitated because of how extreme the injustice has been, with the killing of George Floyd in front of our eyes. I mean, that was so extreme. And what it has done, I think its just shaken us all awake and now we are alert, Nyongo continues. And fewer and fewer people are able to gaslight and able to deny the existence of these serious inequalities. And so I speak up when I feel I have something to say or offer and because I feel it; I feel it personally. And as the world changes, I want to change with it. At the moment, Nyongo is also contributing to the conversation through her childrens book, Sulwe which centers on a young girl who wishes that her dark skin was lighter. Though published in October 2019, the picture book about colorism and learning to accept yourself returned to number three on the New York Times Best Seller list of childrens books and the actor/author says shes been truly touched by the recognition in this moment. Theres moments when Ive felt quite helpless. And just the powerlessness you can feel when something so large is happening, Nyongo says through tears. And then I saw Sulwe being recommended on so many lists, and then it gets onto the bestseller list again, and it was so encouraging to my artistic spirit. That I may not have been able to save anybodys life, but that my work is soothing souls and hopefully equipping a younger generation to be confident enough to face these adversities. And that felt really good. It was very encouraging to know that, Oh, actually, I have contributed to the moment. For Nyongo, the work to move forward lies in recognizing what you can do in the moment. Its not about doing everything at once. Its not about doing the biggest thing. Its about doing the thing you know how to do and doing it to the best of your ability. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 13:13:35|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close SHENYANG, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and four others injured after a gas explosion in a residential building in Dandong City, northeast China's Liaoning Province early Friday. The blast happened at around 5 a.m. in Zhenxing District, and all the injured were sent to the hospital, local authorities said. Initial investigation showed that the gas explosion was caused by a family dispute. All the residents in the building were evacuated and further investigation is underway. Enditem A group of Democratic senators introduced legislation to mark June 19th or Juneteenth a national holiday to mark the end of slavery and acknowledge ongoing racial wounds. The bill was announced by Sen. Kamal Harris, a California Democrat who is on former Vice President Joe Biden's short list of possible vice presidential candidates. 'On Juneteenth, we remember the millions who suffered, died, and survived the crushing reality of slavery in America, and recommit ourselves to continuing in the fight for equal justice for all. Without question, it should be recognized with the respect of a federal holiday,' Harris said in a statement. Senator Kamala Harris, a Democrat from California, announced the introduction of legislation to make Juneteenth a national holiday Other original sponsors are Democratic Sens. Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Cory Booker of New Jersy, and Tina Smith of Minnesota, Minn. Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn is a cosponsor. Juneteenth marks the day when slaves in Galveston, Texas learned of the Emancipation Proclamation two years after President Lincoln signed it, when it was read to enslaved people by Gen. Gordon Granger. It comes amid ongoing national discussions and protests following the death of George Floyd, a black man, during his arrest by Minneapolis police. Said Booker: 'Juneteenth is about reclaiming our history, rejoicing in the progress weve made, and recommitting to the work yet undone. Our nation still has a long way to go to reckon with and overcome the dark legacy of slavery and the violence and injustice that has persisted after its end.' 'Juneteenth is about reclaiming our history,' said Sen Cory Booker (D-N.J.) White House press secretary Keyleigh McEnany responded Friday to Trump's previous claim that until recently 'nobody had ever heard of' Juneteenth In this 1921 file image provided by the Greenwood Cultural Center via Tulsa World, Mt. Zion Baptist Church burns after being torched by white mobs during the 1921 Tulsa massacre. President Trump moved a campaign rally original scheduled for Friday, which is Juneteenth. It is now set for Saturday People searching through rubble after the Tulsa Race Massacre, Tulsa, Oklahoma, June 1921 Protesters march outside the Georgia State Capitol during a rally to mark Juneteenth on June 19, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia It comes the day before Trump holds a campaign rally in Tulsa, having moved back the event by a day after observers noted it fell on Juneteenth and was held in a city with a horrific episode of racial violence. Trump noted in a presidential message Friday that 'Juneteenth reminds us of both the unimaginable injustice of slavery and the incomparable joy that must have attended emancipation. It is both a remembrance of a blight on our history and a celebration of our Nation's unsurpassed ability to triumph over darkness.' 'This Juneteenth, we commit, as one Nation, to live true to our highest ideals and to build always toward a freer, stronger country that values the dignity and boundless potential of all Americans,' he added. Said Cornyn, who served previously as the Senate whip, 'As the list of black men and women killed by police officers in custody grows, the calls for action are getting louder and louder, as they must, and as they should. There is a clear and urgent need for leaders at every level to come together, and to deliver the change that we need to deliver, in order to match up with our ideals.' White House press secretary Keyleigh McEnany responded Friday to Trump's previous claim that until recently 'nobody had ever heard of' Juneteenth. She said Trump had 'routinely commemorated Juneteenth.' She added: 'He did not just learn about Juneteenth this week,' and pointed to a spike in Google searches about it. She didn't respond directly to whether Trump favored the new national holiday. President Trump issued an official message in honor of Juneteenth while Melania Trump released a video of her reading a children's story Other proposals being floated would mark the January 1, 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, or the ratification of the 13th Amendment December 6, 1865. 'I did something good: I made Juneteenth very famous,' Trump told the Wall Street Journal during an Oval Office interview published Wednesday. 'It's actually an important event, an important time. But nobody had ever heard of it. Very few people have heard of it,' the president claimed referring to negative news coverage he received after announcing the rally date. The Senate legislation would designate Juneteenth as a national public holiday, to be called the Juneteenth National Independence Holiday. Chinese senior diplomat warns US over HK, Taiwan and Xinjiang interference Global Times Source:Global Times Published: 2020/6/18 12:58:40 Senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi held a dialogue with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday, during which he stated China's stance on developing China-US relations and its position on important and sensitive topics concerning Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang. China is determined to push forward the national security law for Hong Kong, firmly opposes US interference in Hong Kong affairs and the G7 Foreign Ministers' statement on Hong Kong. China urges the US to earnestly respect China's sovereignty, view Hong Kong's national security legislation in an objective and fair manner and stop interfering in Hong Kong's internal affairs in any form, Yang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, said during the dialogue. Yang's Hong Kong remarks came amid the G7's statement on Wednesday urging China to "reconsider" the Hong Kong national security law. On the Xinjiang issue, Yang said that China is strongly dissatisfied with the Uygur bill signed by the US side and urged the US to stop applying double standards on counterterrorism and stop using Xinjiang issues to interfere in China's internal affairs. US President Donald Trump signed the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 on Wednesday. There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The one-China principle is the political foundation of China-US relations, and China is determined to safeguard its core interests, Yang said on the Taiwan question. Cooperation benefits both China and the US, while confrontation will hurt both. Cooperation is the only correct choice for both sides. China is committed to working with the US to develop a non-conflict, non-confrontational relationship featuring mutual respect and win-win cooperation, and China will also firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests, Yang said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Representative Image Indian market has rallied over 5 percent so far in June even as COVID-19 cases are growing rapidly. Global rating agencies' action, weak macro trend, and the standoff between India and China are some other factors that are keeping the gains in check. Despite the bad news, experts say, the recent rally in market, backed by liquidity, could take a knock only if there is a correction in the global market or if there is a war-like situation with China. But, still, investors should tread with caution because we could see some profit-taking at a higher level. Twenty Indian Army personnel were killed in a face-off in Ladakh's Galwan Valley on the night of June 15-16, the Army said. In a brief statement earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India wants peace, but is capable of giving a befitting reply if instigated. He has called an all-party meet on June 19 to discuss the situation. The last standoff between India and China was in Doklam in 2017. The situation was contained only with bilateral talks and a similar conclusion is factored in markets in 2020 as well. But, a war-like situation could hurt sentiment, say experts. The markets would take the India China standoff negatively only when there is a war-like situation. Although forces are almost on the war-like alert, market is still not building in the scenario of a full-fledged war as of now. Both countries need to address the pandemic issue and improve economic activity on a priority basis, Rusmik Oza, Executive Vice President, Head of Fundamental Research at Kotak Securities told Moneycontrol. In June 2017, we had the Doklam standoff which went on for more than two months but since it did not escalate into any real war-like situation, markets did not correct sharply. In fact in the second half of 2017 the Nifty-50 went up by nearly 1000 points, he said. Full coverage on India-China border face-off Mazhar Mohammad, Chief Strategist Technical Research & Trading Advisory at Chartviewindia.in told Moneycontrol that if the skirmishes between India and China gets converted into full blown military action then it may not go down well with the markets. As long term trend is already down afresh leg of selling, in case of full-blown military action between the two nations can drag down the indices all the way down to March lows of 7500 as economic recovery process will not only be hampered but gets much delayed, he said. Other factors that could drag Nifty: The Nifty50 has rallied over 5 percent so far in June to reclaim its psychological resistance placed at 10,000 levels. Factors other than a war-like situation that could spoil the party for the bulls would be a correction in global markets, earnings downgrades, and higher valuations. In terms of valuations, the Nifty50 is trading above 19x on Fw basis leaving out any room for upside potential. Most developed markets along with the MSCI World Index are trading two standard deviations above the 10-year average. Based on Bloomberg estimates even the 2 Yr Fw PE of US Indices is above the Peak of last fifteen years (i.e. on 1 Yr rolling Fw basis). US markets are trading way above in terms of valuations and there is a risk of a correction in them. We could go down along with the correction in global markets as and when the liquidity subsides, says Oza of Kotak Securities. The other reason highlighted by Oza is the probability of retesting the recent low remains because earnings could see further downgrades post Q1-FY21 results, and to that extent, valuations would go up further. Read our complete coverage on the India-China border tension. : The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. China and Hong Kong officials insist law wont affect average people amid criticism of the plan from US, UK and G7. Chinas top legislative body has begun drafting a national security law for Hong Kong that critics say will undermine the semi-autonomous territorys legal and political institutions. The bill was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress on Thursday, and covers four categories of crimes: succession, subversion of state power, local terrorist activities and collaborating with foreign or external foreign forces to endanger national security, the official Xinhua News Agency said. No details on the definitions of those crimes or the applicable punishments were given. It was not clear either whether the law would be passed during the current three-day session of the committee, which is scheduled to end on Saturday. With hostile forces in and outside of Hong Kong colluding with each other in recent years, the absence of relevant legal system and enforcement mechanisms on safeguarding national security in the [Hong Kong Special Administrative Region] has created major risks for Chinas national security, Xinhua said in a commentary. Decision on national security law could be made within this NPC standing committee session (ie Sat), per NPC delegate Ip Kwok-him. But, there could be further meetings to deliberate on the legislation, he added. So..its a half-baked cake? https://t.co/DrJNPtZVF5 Alvin Lum (@alvinllum) June 19, 2020 Li Zhanshu, the governing Communist Partys third-ranking official and head of the National Peoples Congress, was presiding over the meeting of the Standing Committee, which handles most legislative tasks in between the annual sessions of the full, and largely ceremonial, congress. A draft law on safeguarding #NationalSecurity in the #HongKong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China was submitted to the country's top legislature for deliberation Thursday.https://t.co/ShBulicYkC pic.twitter.com/TkEZK7kRp7 China SCIO (@chinascio) June 19, 2020 Grave concern The congress ratified the decision to enact the legislation at the end of its meeting last month. Under Hong Kongs Basic Law, its mini-constitution, the territorys Legislative Council is supposed to introduce a security law, but no administration has tried to do since mass protests in 2003 forced the administration of then-chief executive Tung Chee-hwa to abandon its effort to do so. Legal experts say Beijings justifications for the law are debatable, and critics have said it will destroy the one country, two systems principle under which Hong Kong has been governed since its return to China in 1997. China acted following widespread and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in the territory last year that began when the administration tried to push through a bill that would have allowed people to be extradited to mainland China for trial. Beijing sees the rallies, which were reignited by the national security legislation, as an attempt to split Hong Kong from the rest of the country. The United States has said that of the law is passed it will revoke some of the special privileges it grants to the former British colony. The UK has said it will offer passports and a path to citizenship to as many as three million Hong Kong residents. On Wednesday, the G7 leading economies expressed its grave concern about the legislation stressing that it would breach Beijings international commitments as well as the territorys constitution. Beijing has denounced the criticism as interference in its internal affairs. We urge relevant parties to study the Constitution of the Peoples Republic of China and the Hong Kong SAR Basic Law and view the national security legislation in an objective manner, China Daily cited foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian as saying. Officials from China and Hong Kong have sought to downplay the dangers of the legislation saying ordinary Hong Kong people will not be affected. A delegation from Hong Kong led by chief executive Carrie Lam discussed the legislation with the central government earlier this month. The territorys justice secretary, Teresa Cheng, has said the security law would protect the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people and strengthen the one country, two systems framework. Taiwan support Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong said on Thursday that opposing the law could be my last testimony [while] I am still free. Our long march to democracy will be forced into a prolonged period of crackdown, he said during an online event to promote democracy and the market economy hosted in Copenhagen, Denmark. Taiwan, meanwhile, announced that it would set up an office to provide assistance to Hong Kong people wanting to leave the territory. The office will provide support to professionals seeking to move to Taiwan, including for school, employment, investment, entrepreneurship and immigration, according to a statement by the Mainland Affairs Council in Taiwan, which handles the islands relations with Beijing. Taiwan is a self-ruled island democracy that China sees as its own. Earlier this month, Hong Kongs legislature approved a contentious bill making it a crime to insult the Chinese national anthem. Senior opposition figures have also been arrested for taking part in demonstrations and questions have arisen over whether the national security legislation will be used to disqualify pro-democracy candidates in Septembers elections for the Beijing-controlled Legislative Council. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus faced questions and some fiery comments from city officials and members of the public Thursday during a community listening session. The meeting, hosted by the City Council Public Safety Committee, was the second of three sessions intended to gather feedback on policing in the city after George Floyds death in Minneapolis focused national attention on the subject. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio activists call on City Council to improve psych exams for police, repeal local laws McManus briefed the committee on the department's recruitment practices, training and demographics. Each committee member was allotted 10 minutes to ask questions before the floor was opened to residents. Here's what we learned from the listening session: - Most police officers in San Antonio don't live in the city. Councilwomen Jada Andrews-Sullivan asked McManus how many SAPD officers are San Antonio residents. "The greater percentage of them are not," the chief replied. "I don't know the percentage offhand but the greater percentage are not." Deputy City Manager Maria Villagomez later confirmed that only 46 percent of the force actually lives within city limits. - The percentage of African American officers in the department decreased from 2005 to 2020. In 2005, the department demographics were 48 percent Hispanic, 46 percent White, 6 percent African American and 1 percent Other. In 2020, the demographics are 55 percent Hispanic, 38 percent White, 5 percent African American, and 2 percent Other. "We took a one percentage drop in African American positions but I would say that we made up for that one percent drop by jumping a percent from one percent to two percent in the Other category," McManus said. - San Antonio police receive double the amount of training as the state requires. In response to questioning from Councilman Clayton Perry, SAPD officials noted that the state requires about 600 hours of training for cadets. The department provides about 1,300 hours of training 32 weeks of instruction for cadets. Officials said that standard continues once cadets graduate. While Texas requires 40 hours on-the-job training every two years, San Antonio police receive 40 hours each year. - Councilwoman Ana Sandoval examined the department's current gender split: 89 percent male and 11 percent female. Sandoval noted police officers represent some of the highest-paid city employees. "If our best jobs the ones that offer the highest wages aren't recruiting women effectively and we're not sharing that wealth with them, we are going to see that in the city of San Antonio, the women who work here will on average earn less than a man," she said. - The first member of the public to address the meeting received a round of applause from the audience after pointing to an "embarrassing statistic" and a reinstated officer. The man alluded to a 2017 Washington Post investigation into police misconduct found that San Antonio had the highest rate (70 percent) of fired police officers reinstated due to collective-bargaining arbitration clauses. The speaker then referenced the case of Emanuel Keith, an SAPD officer fired in 2019 for leaving threatening voicemails to his mistress. On Thursday, the community member read several of those voicemails including "I could choke the life out of you" to McManus and the committee. Keiths indefinite suspension was overturned in arbitration and he will soon return to the force. "If these are the kind of officers the SAPOA wishes to defend, they should have the decency of letting the public know why arbitration would side with them. We need transparency to fix a system that so consistently sides with officers like Emmanuel Keith," the speaker said. Several speakers later, another community member brought up the police union again. The woman implored city council members to remove provisions in the collective-bargaining agreement that limit investigations into police misconduct. If you continue to be silent, to be inactive," she said, "you are just as responsible for our broken, dead bodies on the streets as these cops that are killing us." A convicted murderer was captured at a cyber cafe in the central Vietnamese province of Quang Nam after pulling off his second prison break in neighboring Quang Ngai Province more than two weeks ago. Police in Tam Ky City, Quang Nam confirmed at a press meeting on Thursday night that they had apprehended Trieu Quan Su, 29. Su broke out of his cell in Quang Ngai on June 3. The man was found guilty of murder, robbery, and desertion in 2013 after having left his military unit five times and murdering a 49-year-old Hanoi coffee shop owner in August 2012. This was the second time Su escaped from prison. The first took place on November 8, 2015 when he broke out of the facility with another cellmate. The duo was arrested on December 15 that same year and charged for the jailbreak. Following his second prison break on June 3, Su headed to the Hai Van Pass, which lies on the border of central Da Nang City and north-central Thua Thien-Hue Province. Trieu Quan Su (in red T-shirt) is held at the police station in Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, June 18, 2020. Photo: Le Trung / Tuoi Tre Police and military units were dispatched to the location on June 5 but were unable to capture the inmate. Su later made his way towards Tam Ky City in Quang Nam before being arrested while playing video games at a local Internet cafe at around 8:00 pm on Thursday. Su was not armed and did not resist the police officers, according to Senior Lieutenant Colonel Huynh Tan Muoi, deputy chief of police in Tam Ky. At the police station, Su claimed he had pulled off the prison break while working at the dining area of the detention facility at around 3:00 pm on June 3. He then stole a T-shirt and a pair of pants, a mobile phone, and a motorcycle in Quang Ngai. The man traveled to Tam Ky City and sold the phone for VND700,000 (US$30) on June 4, before heading to the Hai Van Pass. As he was pursued by police officers, Su abandoned the motorbike and stayed hidden in the mountain. Trieu Quan Su is arrested at an online game center in Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, June 18, 2020 in this photo supplied by officers. The inmate then walked to Da Nang, where he broke into a house and stole a mobile phone and VND700,000 ($30). He stayed in Da Nang for two days, sleeping on benches at My Khe Beach, before catching a motorbike taxi to Tam Ky on June 7. He stole another phone and sold it for VND2.5 million ($107) and slept on local sidewalks. Su caught a ride to Dai Loc District, also in Quang Nam, on June 8 and stole VND6 million ($257) from a grocery store on June 9. He then returned to Tam Ky, stayed in the city and played online games until his arrest on June 18. According to Muoi, Su is a game addict and did not contact his family or friends during his time on the run. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday said that a sophisticated state-based cyber actor has launched a malicious attack targeting its institutions, including health, critical infrastructure and essential services holding sensitive economic and personal data. The cyberattacks come amidst Australia's rising rift with China over a number of issues including its recent demand for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. The relations deteriorated further when China slapped sanctions on some Australian goods and warned its students and tourists against going to Australia. Prime Minister Morrison said that the cyber activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure. Based on the advice provided to the government by our cyber experts, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), Australian organisations are currently being targeted by a sophisticated state-based cyber actor, he said. We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the tradecraft used, Morrison said without naming any country. The prime minister, however, declined to pinpoint China, saying the government would not be making "any public attribution" about the attack. However, a report by ABC NEW quoted Council on Foreign Relations as saying China, Russia and Iran were the three top suspects of sponsoring cyber operations. Some of the attacks have been on state government departments and agencies and local governments, all of which hold sensitive economic and personal data, he said. The prime minister said that so far, it did not appear is there had been any "large-scale" breaches of people's personal information, but described the attacks as "malicious". "This is why we are raising this matter today. To raise awareness of this important issue, to encourage organisations, particularly those in health, critical infrastructure and essential services, to take expert advice and implement technical defences to thwart this malicious cyber activity, Morrison said. Asked about the motivation of the hackers, Morrison said it was difficult to pinpoint exactly what it "might be", according to ABC News. What is of interest to us is that it is occurring and what we are focused on is the practices that they're employing. "We have some of the best agencies in the world working on this which means that they are putting all of their efforts into thwarting these attempts. I can confirm that they have thwarted many, but this is a very complex area, the prime minister said. The chief executive officer of the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre (CSCRC), Rachael Falk, said while people may want to point fingers at particular countries, attributing blame was a "distraction". "It doesn't matter where it comes from to be honest with you," she said. Also Read: Coronavirus: Hospitals to face action if salaries of health workers not paid on time ALso Read: RIL share hits all-time high after firm becomes net debt-free ahead of target WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - California State Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an order urging all residents to wear face coverings while in public, citing the prevailing risks for COVID-19 exposure and infection. The order was issued on the growing concern of the pandemic, as the number of Californians leaving their homes for work and other needs is increasing. The rule is exempted for certain individuals including kids under two years and those with medical conditions, among others. Until now, the health officials in the state had only recommended that Californians wear cloth face coverings, which was not mandatory. In a statement, the Governor and State Public Health Officer & Director Sonia Angell said people must wear face coverings when they are in the high-risk situations. These include indoor public space, healthcare services settings, public transportation, workplace, etc. The order comes as the confirmed coronavirus cases have increased sharply in the state, reaching 167, 233 as of June 18, with 5, 355 deaths. Newsom noted that the state has limited the spread of the virus and associated hospitalizations and deaths through collective actions, yet there are increased risks. According to the officials, people who are infected but are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic play an important part in community spread, and the use of face coverings by everyone can limit the release of infected droplets. The officials added that the new order for face masks does not substitute for existing guidance about social distancing and handwashing. Amid the intensifying spread of coronavirus, Governments and major corporates across the world have made it mandatory for people to wear masks, which are scientifically proven to reduce disease transmission. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Much of the mayhem we see today is linked to fatherlessness. Around this time we celebrate Fathers Day. But fathers in our culture have not recently appeared very important at least according to Hollywood and other culture-shapers. We used to have programs like Father Knows Best or Leave It to Beaver with a respectable father figure. Then we devolved to Archie Bunker on All in the Family. He was the stereotypical bigoted, benighted patriarch who was not worthy of emulation. Then we devolved to Homer Simpson, the buffoonish dad, who was anything but a role model. Of course, in many households today, there is no dad. And thats a serious problem. So many of the children in fatherless homes begin life at a serious disadvantage. The breakdown of the family at large has caused a huge crisis in our society. For instance, statistics show that the majority of prison inmates come from broken families. Fatherlessness is a serious blight on American life. As the family goes, so goes society. And, contrary to what the left says (who spend much of their energy diminishing traditional gender roles and arguing that whatever family you choose is just as good as the real thing), fathers are integral to the life of a child. Take an example. What is it that is devastating the black community today? Many in our current climate would say the main issue is racism. But sociologically, cultural pathologies are linked closely to poverty. And poverty is linked closely to the structure of the family. Government subsidies (by which the left buys votes) has created a permanent underclass of people by subsidizing fatherlessness and unemployment. Prior to the Great Society, the rate of illegitimacy in the black community was relatively low and families were intact. And as economist Thomas Sowell points out, the poverty rate for African-Americans fell by 40 percent from 1940 to 1960 just before the Great Society welfare programs. Today, the illegitimacy rate is over 75%, which is devastating by virtually all accounts. I remember many years ago when I attended an "evangelical church" in Chicago that was a little on the liberal side. One of the lay leaders, a man, got up and prayed, and he said, "Our Father, Our Mother." I was thinking, What?!? So I asked him after the service about the unorthodox prayer. His response was that that church was in the shadow of the most notorious housing project in the city, Cabrini-Green. Fatherlessness was a huge problem there. Most people growing up there had a negative feeling about their earthly father because he was absent or drunk or abusive. Cabrini-Green was such a disaster that it has since been torn down. In his book, Hearts of the Fathers, Charles Crismier notes that many American children today lack the God-ordered earthly anchor for soul security because dad is not in the home. He notes, It is well known but seldom discussed, whether in the church house or the White House, that fatherlessness lies at the root of nearly all of the most glaring problems that plague our modern, now post-Christian life. For example, take the issue of poverty. Says Crismier, Children living in female-headed homes have a poverty rate of 48 percent, more than four times the rate for children living in homes with their fathers and mothers. He points out that fathers are so important in the Bible, beginning with God the Father, that the words father, fathers, and forefathers appear 1,573 times. Obviously, children in fatherless homes can survive and even thrive despite that handicap. But what a better thing it is to follow Gods design for the family. Theres also a link between fatherlessness and unbelief. About 20 years ago, when he was a professor at New York University, Dr. Paul Vitz wrote a book, The Faith of the Fatherless. In that book he showed how famous atheists and skeptics in history had virtually no father figure in their life or a very negative father. As examples, he cites Voltaire, Bertrand Russell, H. G. Wells, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean Paul Sartre, Thomas Hobbs, and Sigmund Freud, among others. Conversely, Vitz found that strong believers often had positive fathers or father figures. In an interview for Christian television, he told me, I would say the biggest problem in the country is the breakdown of the family, and the biggest problem in the breakdown in the family is the absence of the father. Our answer is to recover the faith, particularly for men, and well recover fatherhood. And if we recover fatherhood, well recover the family. If we recover the family, well recover our society. If youre a father and you stay with your children and you love your wife, youre a real hero and role model. Keep it up our nation is counting on you. WASHINGTON - While running for office in 2016, Donald Trump asked Russia to hunt for the emails of his Democratic rival and touted documents stolen by Russia intelligence agents that had been published by WikiLeaks. Last year, he requested "a favor" of the president of Ukraine, asking him personally for an investigation into his likely 2020 opponent, former vice president Joe Biden, which could have benefited Trump politically. Now, a forthcoming book by John Bolton, President Trump's former national security adviser, asserts that Trump in 2019 also asked Chinese President Xi Jinping for electoral assistance, suggesting Xi use China's economic power to help him, "pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win." Bolton's account highlights Trump's pattern of welcoming foreign political help and a casual comfort with what was once unthinkable in American politics - foreign intervention in U.S. elections. His description of Trump's request of Xi drew rebukes from Democrats and muted responses from Republicans, but no calls by lawmakers for another impeachment inquiry or additional investigations amid Washington's political stalemate. Experts fear that Trump's behavior may embolden nations to try to sway U.S. voters in the 2020 campaign - particularly if foreign leaders conclude that helping lift Trump to a second term would be an effective way to curry favor with the White House. "Foreign governments are increasingly testing us, looking to intervene in the 2020 campaign," said Trevor Potter, a former Federal Election Commission chairman, who is working with a new bipartisan group to monitor threats to this year's election. "It becomes all the more likely if the president is not fighting foreign influence in campaigns, but rather is inviting it." Trump has called Bolton "a liar" and said in a series of tweets Thursday that his book is "made up of lies & fake stories." U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who attended the June 2019 meeting with Trump and Xi, told a Senate committee Wednesday that it was "absolutely untrue" that Trump requested election help from the Chinese leader. Alyssa Farah, a White House spokeswoman, says Trump "never asked China to interfere in the election." "Nobody present, other than John Bolton, says that took place," she said. The White House on Thursday declined to comment on whether Trump in general is opposed to foreign help for his campaign. While Trump's past outreach to foreign powers for political assistance triggered widespread condemnation, he has not suffered serious consequences. His entreaties to Moscow as its operatives were seeking to disrupt the 2016 campaign - "Russia, if you're listening," he famously said - were scrutinized as part of the nearly two-year-long investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller III. The special counsel described a campaign that was intrigued by Russian overtures and "expected it would benefit electorally from information stolen and released through Russian efforts," but his investigation did not establish that the campaign conspired with the Kremlin. The president's efforts to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky led to his impeachment by the Democratic-controlled House - and then his acquittal by the Republican-led Senate. The new account from Bolton, which appears in his new book, "The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir," appears likely to have even less impact. Republican leaders, who chose not to seek Bolton's testimony during Trump's Senate impeachment trial, were largely silent about his claims Thursday. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., the acting chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, who has previously been critical of foreign influence, noted Thursday the conflicting accounts about the Xi conversation and told reporters he had no reason to doubt either Bolton or Trump. "You're not there, you don't know," he said. "It's a book. People write things in books, but how are we, if you're not physically there to hear and see it, how can you possibly opine on something [if] you weren't there?" Only Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, the lone Republican who voted to convict Trump and remove him from office during the Senate impeachment trial, called Bolton "credible" and bemoaned that his fellow Republicans did not join him in seeking Bolton's testimony about Ukraine earlier in the year. "I wish we had a trial with the people testifying under oath," he told reporters. Bolton's new allegations come as experts warn Russia, China, Iran and other countries have been stepping up their efforts to interfere in U.S. elections. In public testimony to Congress last year, Mueller warned that Russia had not given up its efforts to manipulate America's democracy. "They're doing it as we sit here, and they expect to do it in the next campaign," he said. At a hearing Thursday with executives from major social media companies to discuss election security, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said that "malicious actors, including Russia but also others, persist in attempts to interfere in our political system in order to gain an advantage against our country and to undermine our most precious right - that to a free and fair vote." In an interview, Michael Chertoff, the Homeland Security secretary under President George W. Bush, said Thursday that there is "a high likelihood" that China, Russia, North Korea and Iran will "attempt to manipulate us with disinformation in order to affect the election." Still, he said that he does not believe Trump's reported entreaty to his Chinese counterpart will increase that risk. "I don't think the Russians or Chinese need any encouragement to interfere" in the U.S. campaign, Chertoff said. In his book, Bolton writes that Trump persistently downplayed concerns about foreign election interference, apparently because he was worried that acknowledging Russia's efforts would undermine his 2016 victory. When Trump prepared to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki in July 2018, Bolton says that he prepared a written statement outlining U.S. objections to Russian election interference, thinking Trump could hand the paper to Putin in his one-on-one meeting and avoid a lengthy discussion of the subject. "Trump made several changes to it, reflecting his general unease with the subject," Bolton writes. "Ultimately, Trump decided not to use the document. He wanted me to raise the subject of election interference, which I said I would do in the scheduled working lunch, but obviously I wouldn't be in the one-on-one with Putin he wanted so much." At a news conference following the meeting, Trump stunned observers when he noted that his own intelligence community had concluded Russia interfered in the election but that "President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today." "I have President Putin - he just said it's not Russia. I will say this. I don't see any reason why it would be," Trump said. He later said that he misspoke. Bolton writes that he was concerned that China, which he said is engaging in "one of the broadest influence operations ever undertaken," would eclipse Russian efforts in 2018. He writes that Trump also grew increasingly concerned that China might be engaged in an effort to hurt the GOP in the congressional midterms and "more important (to him) as working for his defeat in 2020." Mark Medish, who served on the National Security Council under President Bill Clinton, said that "perhaps Bolton's most salient revelation here is about the vast scale of China's election related influence operations aimed at 2018 and 2020." "From what Bolton writes, it sounds as though the U.S. electoral system ought to be preparing to withstand campaigns of maximal digital havoc unleashed from abroad," he said. When pressed about the subject publicly, the president has been repeatedly unwilling to reject foreign political help. In a June 2019 interview with ABC News, Trump said that he would not necessarily alert the FBI if he were offered damaging information about his opponent by a foreign government to use in the 2020 election. "It's not an interference, they have information - I think I'd take it," he said. In October, as the impeachment inquiry heated up, Trump told reporters that he thought China should investigate Biden. "If they were honest about it, they'd start a major investigation into the Bidens. It's a very simple answer. They should investigate the Bidens," he said at the time. His comments came less than four months after Trump and Xi met at the annual Group of 20 meeting in Osaka, Japan. During a bilateral meeting on June 29, Bolton writes, Xi complained about critics of China in the United States, a comment Trump appeared to assume referred to his Democratic opponents. "He then, stunningly, turned the conversation to the coming U.S. presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win," Bolton writes. "He stressed the importance of farmers, and increased Chinese purchases of soybeans and wheat in the electoral outcome. I would print Trump's exact words but the government's prepublication review process has decided otherwise." Bolton's account drew outrage from Democrats. Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., a member of the House Judiciary Committee, noted in a tweet that if members of Congress "repeatedly solicited foreign countries to help our reelection campaigns, we would go to prison." Indeed, it is illegal for a U.S. political campaign to accept contributions from foreign donors. But charging and prosecuting a candidate for accepting nonfinancial assistance is complicated, legal experts have said. In his report, Mueller noted that campaigns routinely pay for opposition research and therefore derogatory information about a political opponent could be considered a "thing of value," and hence essentially an illegal campaign contribution. However, he wrote that the interpretation could raise First Amendment concerns. "Those questions could be especially difficult where the information consisted simply of the recounting of historically accurate facts," he wrote. "It is uncertain how courts would resolve those issues." Such issues become even trickier when evaluating a president accused of shaping foreign policy with his own electoral prospects in mind - leaving impeachment by the House and conviction by the Senate as the Constitution's primary remedy for a president who has abused his office. Potter said that, in the meantime, Bolton's account of Trump's appeal to the Chinese presents another worry: that a private request to a foreign leader for political assistance could leave the president susceptible to blackmail. Trump's reported appeal, he said, is itself "a security threat." - - - The Washington Post's Paul Kane, Josh Dawsey and Ellen Nakashima contributed to this report. Family, food, traditional and contemporary forms, and contrasting views of death in Mexican culture and the United States all play their part in the work of Andrew Rivera. A resident artist wrapping up a two-year residency at the Clay Studio of Missoula, Rivera addresses all of those items in the vessels that make up his exit show, "Shaking Hands with Death." The pots, cups, plates and more are decorated with serape textile patterns and skull drawings, sometimes humorous, inspired by 19th century Mexican printmakers like Jose Posada. The drawings are "a little bit of a commentary on how American culture looks at death versus Mexican culture, and using that to deal with my own preoccupations with death, and trying to overcome that through the imagery of the work," he said. He said American culture addresses death more awkwardly than in Mexico, and so the subject has become a source of anxiety for him. "In Mexican culture, it's just a fact. It's celebrated. People are still upset and sad, but it's just perceived differently. And that's kind of my goal, is to get there eventually," he said. Rivera came to Missoula two years ago from Minneapolis, where he was working at the Northern Clay Center. His wife was enrolled in the MFA program at the University of Montana School of Art, and he was accepted for a 24-month residency at the Clay Studio. He came up around functional Minnesota ceramics, and for a long while focused on trying to make good pots, but "eventually I wanted some context, and myself, in the work." Mentors and former professors told him that he was really putting himself in the work. He started exploring it while he was at the Minnesota New Institute for Ceramic Education at the clay center, and then dove in more here. He learned art from his father, from whom he also gets his Mexican heritage. Before he got into clay, he would draw with fine-tipped Pilot pens that allow for a crisp, scratchy line quality he likes. "It's very much like intaglio printmaking," he said. Now he "draws" with a needle tool that mimics that feel, with rough edges and burrs that he later sands down. The designs complement functional pottery made with Mexican food in mind: small zigzag trays that can hold tortillas upright while you load them up with taco fillings. He made much larger ones that are "burrito holders," but really are sculptures. Elsewhere you'll see a large tortilla warmer. A vase with a distinct shape mimics a molinillo, a wooden whisk for making Mexican hot chocolate. A set of wide, shallow vessels that are his "mise en place bowls," to keep ingredients ready and orderly when preparing to cook he loves to cook, has worked in restaurants, and they're also a nod to the number of Latinos who work in the food industry in the United States. Much of his work has a specific use in mind, but really, he said, he likes the idea that people can use it for whatever they like. "At the end of the day, they are pots and they can be used for a lot of things," he said. Rivera is taking not just imagery that people are used to seeing but also "the forms themselves, and introducing yet another layer of culture and history" that make them more complex, said Shalene Valenzuela, the executive director of the Clay Studio. The residency programs are designed in part to give artists, often not far removed from college, the time and space to "experience growth and change" outside of the deadlines and assignments of school. In his case, she said he developed further into those themes and also scale. One piece, "Madre," has a wall to itself. A drawing of the Virgin Mary and an allusion to his mother's love and support, it comprises 15 square plates. He's careful to note that they are plates, not tiles, to draw a connection not only to Catholicism but food. He previously made a similar arranged wall piece with serape plates, thinking of it as a "blanket of plates" and food as a source of comfort. Humor sometimes comes in verbal form. On one cone-shaped vessel, he repeatedly crosshatched "CALLATE," or "shut up" into a kind of pattern. It's not a form of aggression, he said, but a form of self-directed reminder to quiet your mind on occasion. He frequently scratches Spanish words onto surfaces in a kind of practice, since he's not a fluent speaker. The common color scheme is a red stoneware with white underglaze and black inlay that is "really specific to the polychrome work from pre-Colombian eras," he said. "A lot of their work is just red, black and white, so I'm trying to color palette and use it in a contemporary setting." One of his flourishes is a muted green, that, with the red and white, nods to the Mexican flag. In one corner, he's arranged a "cup wall" five shelves with six cups, each with the same shape but different skulls, one on each side. One right side-up, the other upside down. The whimsically drawn skulls, with large, vertically elongated eye sockets, refer to extended family and "how everybody's a little bit different but there's a lot of similarities." A saintly do-gooder, a know-it-all, a pair of "kissing" skulls who keep to themselves. As a whole, the work represents a vein he wants to continue with honing the context and making things more interesting. "And better. Because at heart I'm still a potter, and I still like to throw good forms, too, so that's a part of it," he said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Requiring people to wear a a mask in a communal setting is not "denying people their liberty," President Donald Trump's former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration Dr. Scott Gottlieb told CNBC on Friday. Gottlieb served as the FDA chief under Trump from May, 2017 to April, 2019. His comments come after Trump said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal published Thursday that some Americans might wear masks to "signal disapproval of him." Infectious disease specialists and health officials have repeatedly touted the role of masks in slowing the spread of the coronavirus, which can infect people from respiratory droplets spewed from the mouth and nose. "I don't think this is a political issue," Gottlieb said on CNBC's "Squawk Box." "Universal masking is one of the simplest interventions that we can take that could probably reduce the odds that we have another epidemic." Several studies in recent weeks have indicated that masks help to prevent infection and slow the overall spread of the virus. Health officials have increasingly adopted mask recommendations or requirements in the effort to slow the spread. Earlier this month, the World Health Organization reversed its stance on masks, saying that the general public should wear face coverings. "There's very few things that we can do to try to prevent wider spread and another epidemic heading into the fall. This is one of them," Gottlieb said. "I don't think asking them to wear a mask when they go into congregate areas is denying people their liberty and their right to choose." Several governors updated their stances on masks this week as new infections surged mostly across the American South and West. California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday issued a statewide order requiring people to wear face coverings in most indoor settings and outdoors when physical distancing is not feasible. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Wednesday changed policy to allow city and local officials to set their own masking requirements. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott has allowed some cities such as Austin to require masks under threat of a fine for not complying. However, mask wearing remains a contentious issue in the U.S. Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts told county governments earlier this week that he would withhold federal coronavirus relief funds if they required masks in local government offices, the Omaha World-Herald first reported. "I think you're going to see people start to change their position on this," Gottlieb said, adding that requiring people wear a mask is less restrictive than keeping people home from work. "We need to reach for the least intrusive things that we can do. This is one of them." The agency limits the number of passengers on buses to no more than 15 people on a 40-foot bus and no more than 22 on a 60-foot bus. The CTA also has a ridership information dashboard on its website that shows when buses are the most crowded to help people choose a better time to travel. Fernanda Herrera Spieler frantically checked her computer on Thursday morning to see whether the Supreme Court would change her life. A programme created in 2012 by Barack Obama had protected undocumented students like her from deportation, allowing them to get drivers licenses, work legally and afford college. Donald Trump attempted to end it years later, and Ms Herrera Spieler feared that the conservative-leaning court would allow him to do so. Then her phone exploded with congratulatory text messages. The high court ruled 5 to 4 to block Mr Trump from rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme, which protects Ms Herrera Spieler and more than 640,000 other immigrants brought to the United States as children from deportation. All were safe, for now. Its crazy. Its crazy, said Ms Herrera Spieler, a 25-year-old law student who came to the United States from Mexico at age 2 and grew up in Alabama. I called my mom and she couldnt believe it, either. The long-awaited decision on the programme, known as DACA, brought surprise and a deep sigh of relief for dreamers and their families. For now, the decision lifted the precarious uncertainty that many immigrant families have lived with since Mr Trump first attempted to end the programme in 2017. Outside the Supreme Court, DACA recipients wearing masks because of the coronavirus pandemic cheered the ruling. Despite social distancing recommendations, some could not help but hug. Weve been preparing for this moment for so long, said Jose Alonso Munoz, a spokesman for United We Dream, the nations largest organisation founded by immigrant youths. Mr Munoz is also a DACA recipient, and his protections are set to expire in 2022. Mr Munoz is one of the immigrants who answered Mr Obamas invitation in 2012 to come out of the shadows and register with the US government. His parents brought him to the United States from Mexico when he was 3 months old and raised him in Minneapolis. He turns 30 on Friday and is the only member of his family who remains undocumented. Before DACA, he attended college part-time and struggled to finish. After registering with the programme he was able to get a better-paying job and earn a degree from the University of Minnesota. Jesus Contreras was coming off a 24-hour shift as an EMT in Houston when he heard the news that DACA was saved for now. He had spent almost all night except for a 20-minute nap responding to calls to aid residents with emergencies, including some patients with the coronavirus. Mr Contreras, who came to the United States from Mexico at age 6, said he is just mentally exhausted from being pushed to understand that any given second, one decision could mean the end of the programme and our life here in the United States. The ruling does not entirely lift the uncertainty that began when their parents brought them across the border illegally or into the country on visas they overstayed. Chief Justice John Roberts Jr wrote that the administration did not follow the legal procedures required by law to end the programme. We do not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies, Mr Roberts wrote. Mr Trump blasted the decision on Twitter, calling it horrible, and suggested that he might try to again end the programme, writing that now we have to start this process all over again. Undocumented immigrant Gaby Hernandez addresses demonstrators at a rally outside the Supreme Court on Thursday (Jonathan Newton/Washington Post) Acting homeland security secretary Chad Wolf also criticised the ruling, saying the programme was created out of thin air and implemented illegally. The American people deserve to have the Nations laws faithfully executed as written by their representatives in Congress not based on the arbitrary decisions of a past Administration, he said. Mr Wolf did not make clear how the ruling would affect the programme. The Department of Homeland Security currently renews applications only from immigrants already in the programme. Advocates for immigrants said they believe the Supreme Court ruling means that the programme should reopen to high school students and anyone else who has been blocked from applying for the first time. To qualify, immigrants must have arrived in the United States before they turned 16, pass background checks and meet other criteria. Anyone who qualifies as a dreamer under DACA should be allowed to be in the programme, said California attorney general Xavier Becerra, a Democrat, who led the lawsuit against the Trump administration. Joseph Edlow, deputy director for policy at US Citizenship and Immigration Services, which processes deferred-action applications, hinted in a statement that the administration could attempt to end the programme again, saying the ruling merely delays the presidents lawful ability to end the illegal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals amnesty programme. Recent polling indicates that the DACA programme has broad support, with even a majority of Republicans in favour of extending it. Sarah Pierce, an analyst at the Migration Policy Institute in Washington, said the ruling is a mixed bag for Mr Trump. While it may have allowed the president to dodge a political bullet since some Republicans support the dreamers, others in the GOP expected Mr Trump to keep his campaign promise to end the programme. The Supreme Court has said the administration clearly has the power to end DACA they just need to do so legally, Ms Pierce said. The president will be pulled between those in his base who want to see him follow through on his promise to finish this programme and the large majority of voters who support the ability of these young people to legally work and live in the United States. Doctor treating coronavirus patient denied immigration status Although the Supreme Court ruled in 1982 that public schools could not expel students for being undocumented before DACA, even high school valedictorians had few options once they turned 18. They could not work legally, apply for drivers licenses or travel abroad. Many also gave up on attending college, because they were ineligible for the more affordable resident rates. Young undocumented immigrants had held sit-ins before Mr Obama created the programme, and they fought to defend it before the Supreme Court. Now they are mostly in their 20s, working as teachers, doctors and labourers, and have a foothold in the middle class. Most are from Mexico, but they also hail from dozens of countries such as Belize, Ghana, South Korea and Turkey, according to federal court records. Because they had lived in the United States so long the average age of arrival is 7, according to the Centre for American Progress, a liberal think tank most already felt American, if not on paper. Harvard University sociologist Roberto Gonzales said DACA was a gamechanger. High school dropouts returned to school. Thousands opened bank accounts, applied for credit cards and bought houses and cars. They pay taxes and student loans and invest in 401(k)s. It has completely transformed lives, said Mr Gonzales, whose team tracked more than 400 dreamers over the past eight years. Theyve really soared. We see young people who have doubled, tripled, quadrupled salaries over this time. As many as 800,000 young people have enrolled in the programme over the past eight years, although some have since dropped out for various reasons, such as those who married US citizens and gained permanent residency. University of California president Janet Napolitano, who was homeland security secretary when DACA was launched, hailed the ruling as a boon for students who have relied on the programme while they pursue degrees. UC, which had filed suit in 2017 to preserve the programme, estimates that about 1,700 of its undergraduates have DACA protection. I just have to believe they are breathing a huge sigh of relief, Ms Napolitano said on Thursday afternoon in a Zoom interview. This was kind of like the Sword of Damocles hanging over their head. Ivonne Beltran Lara, whose parents brought her to the United States from Colombia when she was 6, said she had to drop out of college because she could not afford tuition. She spent more than four years working as a nanny. But DACA gave her hope that she would be able to go to medical school, because she needed a work permit to become a doctor. After Mr Obamas announcement, she returned to college, paying for it with savings and financial help from friends and family. After graduation, she enrolled in the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine to become a doctor. She will graduate next year. I did not expect this ruling, honestly. I thought they were going to side with Trump, she said of the Supreme Court. Mr Contreras said he hopes Congress will pass a law that will grant undocumented immigrants a path to legal residency. Approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants are in the United States. Were just ready to keep fighting on, Mr Contreras said. A lot of us were expecting the worst. This is good news. I know its not the end of it all, but it buys us a little more time to figure out a permanent solution. Herrera Spieler, the law student and DACA recipient, said having deferred action allowed her to work legally and finish college. She earned a full scholarship to law school at Loyola University Chicago and recently married and bought a condo in Tennessee, where her husband, a physician, works. He is trying to sponsor her for legal residency, but there are no guarantees, and not everyone in her family is protected. Her mother is facing an upcoming court hearing on deportation to Mexico. This is something, but we need a pathway to citizenship, she said. Its not over. The Washington Post A man holds up a sign amid smoke of a fire during a protest in Atlanta, Ga., on June 13, 2020. (Brynn Anderson/AP Photo) Atlanta Police Officers to Get $500 From Atlanta Police Foundation Police chief says officers are still calling in sick, morale low The Atlanta Police Foundation announced it is giving $500 to every Atlanta police officer this week to show appreciation in the wake of anti-police sentiment and walk-offs. We felt like it was important at this time because the morale is at the level, there is the rumors of other officers leaving, and we just do not want to lose good police officers, said Dave Wilkinson, with the Atlanta Police Foundation, in an interview on Thursday. Wilkinson added that it will purchase 20 police vehicles to replace those that were destroyed during unrest several weeks ago that was triggered by the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis police custody. Were afraid of losing good police officers, our city losing good police officers, Wilkinson told WSB-TV in a video interview. All this is in support of just showing that we appreciate the sacrifice these officers have made during this time. The Atlanta Police Foundation said the money was raised via fundraisers, and no city funds will be used for the bonuses. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, a Democrat, and interim police chief Rodney Bryant have both said that police officers morale is low, in part due to protests in the city and nationwide. Bryant told The Associated Press that officers were still calling in sick on Thursday, attributing the sick calls to the growing anti-police sentiment. He noted that officers are also working long shifts during which theyve been met with hostility from demonstrators who have even physically assaulted them. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms speaks in Washington in 2019. (Andrew Harnik/AP Photo) Some are angry. Some are fearful. Some are confused on what we do in this space. Some may feel abandoned, Bryant said. But we are there to assure them that we will continue to move forward and get through this. Bryant noted that at some point, people get tired, I recognize that, and physically exhausted We will definitely get beyond it, and Im certain that we will see our sick-outs drop back to normal, average. Earlier this week, after some officers reportedly didnt show up for work, it prompted the Atlanta Police Department to try and assure people that 911 calls are still being responded to. The Atlanta Police Department is able to respond effectively to 911 calls. Please dont hesitate to call if you have an emergency, one post on Twitter read from the department. The office downplayed the sick calls, writing that suggestions that multiple officers from each zone had walked off the job were inaccurate and it has enough resources to handle operations. Bottoms told WSB-TV that while she supports the police department, she said there is a shift happening across this country. This screen grab taken from body camera video provided by the Atlanta Police Department shows Rayshard Brooks speaking with Officer Garrett Rolfe in the parking lot of a Wendys restaurant, in Atlanta, Ga., late on June 12, 2020. (Atlanta Police Department via AP) This is not about the mayors office against our police officers. Its not about our communities against our police officers. Its about us being thoughtful about how we continue to work together as a whole, Bottoms remarked. The apparent increase in sick calls came after former officer Garrett Rolfe was charged with murder in the shooting death of Rayshard Brooks, who had resisted arrest before stealing an officers taser and fired it at Rolfe. Fearing for his safety, and the safety of the civilians around him, Officer Rolfe dropped his Taser and fired his service weapon at the only portion of Mr. Brooks that presented to himMr. Brookss back, Rolfes lawyer said in a statement. Shoshana Greenwald and the fashion brand Mimu Maxi are using Instagram to talk about racism in the Orthodox community. (JTA) - Shevi Samet started her Instagram livestream by letting out a long, deep breath. "How are you?" she asked her co-presenter and fellow Instagrammer Shoshana Greenwald. "So, so nervous," Greenwald replied. "So nervous, so nervous," Samet echoed. "I just want to address that briefly: Shoshana and I are literally doing this with our hearts in our throats." The two women were about to begin an hour-long discussion of racism and their journeys in learning more about anti-racism education through Instagram. The Orthodox Jewish mothers had thought about organizing a discussion like this for... Polling for 24 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states to be held today. The NDA has 91 of the 245 Rajya Sabha seats, the UPA has 61 and the other non-aligned parties have 68 seats in total. Elections for 24 Rajya Sabha seats spread across 10 states will be taking place today; most of them had been put on hold since March due to the ongoing pandemic. Elections in the upper house, in which seats from 10 states are in peril, were marked by resignations, switching sides, and allegations of bribery. Congress-ruled Rajasthan accused the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) of horse-trading, alleging BJP offering 25 crores to the Congress MLAs. The situation was no different in Gujarat where 22 MLAs had been lodged in a resort in Mount Abu to prevent probable poaching by the BJP, after the resignation of eight MLAs since March. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had said that the Rajya Sabha elctions could have been conducted 2 months back, however it was deferred for no reason because BJPs horse-trading was not complete. For the past few days, there have been hectic parleys going on within major parties, chiefly the Congress and the BJP. Jharkhand: Polling for 24 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states to be held today. In Jharkhand, polling to be held on two Rajya Sabha seats. Visuals from state legislative assembly in Ranchi. #RajyaSabhaElection pic.twitter.com/sQXCSNtNwc ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2020 The elections are being held on four seats each from Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka, three each from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, two from Jharkhand and one each from the northeastern states of Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. The voting started at 9:00 am and will go on till 4:00 pm, the counting of votes will take place at 5:00 pm. Currently, the NDA has 91 of the 245 Rajya Sabha seats compared to 61 seats secured by the UPA, while the other opposition and non-aligned parties have coupled 68 seats in total. A considerable majority in the Rajya Sabha elections is pivotal for the Bhartiya Janta Party to moot bills through the council of states. For all the latest National News, download NewsX App Venture capital firm MiddleGame Ventures has announced a 10 million grant from Enterprise Ireland to create a pool of funding of up to 20m for Irish Fintech companies. Enterprise Ireland joins other institutional, strategic and family office investors, including anchor investors the Luxembourg Future Fund (LFF) and the European Investment Fund (EIF), as well as S&P Global. NEW DELHI: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday urged the Centre to not let China enter telecom, railway and aviation sectors, while also extending full support to the Narendra Modi government in dealing with Beijing after the violent face-off with its troops in Galwan Valley in Ladakh. Speaking on her turn during the all-party meeting, the TMC chief said, Dont let China enter telecom, railway and aviation sectors. We will face some problems but we wont allow the Chinese to enter the country. China is not a democracy. They are a dictatorship. They can do what they feel. We, on the other hand, have to work together. India will win, China will lose. Speak with unity. Think with unity. Work with unity. We are solidly with the Govt, the West Bengal leader said, according to the sources. Ahead of her, Congress president Sonia Gandhi asked the government to share whether there was any intelligence failure on the situation along the LAC where 20 army personnel were killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops, and sought an assurance from the Prime Minister that status quo ante would be restored at the border and China will revert to its original position. In her introductory remarks at an all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Gandhi posed a set of questions to the government, asking specifics about when Chinese troops intruded into the Indian territory in Ladakh and whether the country's external intelligence agencies did not report any unusual activity there. "The question is, what next? What is the way forward? The entire country would like an assurance that the status quo ante would be restored, and China will revert to the original position on the Line of Actual Control," she said. Gandhi alleged that valuable time was lost between May 5 and June 6 and the government failed to use all avenues of talks to ease the situation and the result was the loss of 20 lives as well as injury to dozens of personnel. She also asked about the current status of the Mountain Strike Corps, with two mountain infantry divisions, that was sanctioned in 2013. "Should the government not treat it with utmost priority," she asked. The crucial all-party meeting was called after at least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, lost their lives in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley area of Ladakh on June 15 night. Today's meeting is being attended by 20 leaders of top political parties but AAP, RJD and AMIM were not invited to attend it. Calls to defund or abolish police departments have become the signature demand of protesters who have taken to the streets in cities across the country over the past few weeks to denounce police violence against Black people. Proponents of such policy measures argue that the U.S. should reallocate much, or even all, of the money spent on law enforcement for anti-poverty initiatives, education, and other public services in order to more humanely address the underlying societal ills that lead to crime in the first place. Implicit in this proposition is the argument that cities spend a disproportionate percentage of their budgets on police departments, to the detriment of other services. Indeed, funding for mental health, education, affordable housing, and other programs has been steadily declining. Advertisement Already, local officials in cities like Minneapolis and New York have been making plans to slash their police budgets and shift the savings and certain social service responsibilities to other departments. In addition, officials and activists have been scrutinizing whether enough of those police budgets is going toward nonviolent intervention programs. The New York Times additionally found that, over the last 40 years, the average expenditures across 150 large cities for the police have risen 1.2 percentage pointsamounting to millions of dollars annually in each of these places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to the Slatest Newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. To get a better sense of just how much cities are spending on their police departments, and where within each department that money is going, I pulled the 2020 budgets for Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Dallasthree cities in separate regions of the country with varying population sizes and demographic makeups. In Los Angeles, as in many places, policing makes up the largest chunk of the budget. Elsewhere, other expenses outpace it. For example, Dallas spends slightly more on water. Los Angeles Since at least the late 1980s, every mayor of Los Angeles has sought to grow the LAPDs budgetjust from 2010 to 2020, appropriations for the department rose from $1.17 billion to $1.73 billion. For decades, the citys goal had been to build a force of 10,000 officers, a benchmark that former Democratic Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa eventually passed in 2013. Even then, Los Angeles officials were still committed to continuing to add to the force. Current Democratic Mayor Eric Garcetti included a $120 million increase for the LAPD in the citys 2020 budget. The killing of George Floyd and the unrest that followed, however, have prompted Garcetti to subsequently push for a $150 million budget cut for the LAPD, which could lead to downsizing for officers and other personnel. The savings would go toward a $250 million fund for youth jobs, health initiatives, trauma healing centers, and monetary damages for people whove experienced discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Los Angeles has a population of roughly 4 million people; the police department has nearly 10,000 officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minneapolis The Minneapolis Police Department has been at the forefront of the nations debate around defunding and disbanding law enforcement after one of its officers killed George Floyd by kneeling on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Even before this act of brutality, police misconduct complaints in the city had risen more than sevenfold from 200818. A veto-proof majority of the Minneapolis City Council vowed to dismantle the police department on June 7. Though many of the specifics havent been worked out yet, this decision will likely mean that police funding will be diverted to services like mental health and drug addiction treatment; a smaller force might remain but will handle far fewer cases. Prior to the current upheaval, the department had been pushing in recent years to recruit more officers to bring the total number to at least 1,000. The number of officers in Minneapolis has been falling since 2008 due to the financial crisis and a general desire from the City Council to reduce the size of the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The population of Minneapolis is roughly 430,000 people; its police department has about 800 officers. Advertisement Advertisement Dallas From 201014, Dallas had an incredibly high per capita rate of police-involved shootings, outpacing those of New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Around 2012, following a high-profile incident in which an officer killed an unarmed black man, the department began undergoing extensive reforms to improve transparency and implement nonviolent community policing practices. Both crime and excessive force complaints plummeted in the ensuing years. Advertisement Advertisement When devising the 2020 budget for the city, the Dallas City Council resolved to pour more funding into the Dallas Police Department as the number of officers in the force had fallen by 700 since 2011. Local activists accused council members at the time of prioritizing law enforcement over funding for anti-poverty and other social services programs. On Wednesday, the council voted to delay approval for a $6.5 million budget increase in the wake of the current police brutality protests. Advertisement Advertisement The population of Dallas is roughly 1.3 million people; its police department has about 3,600 officers. Advertisement Advertisement The ongoing violence in the North-eastern part of Nigeria has displaced about 2.4 million persons in the region, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said. The agency said the increasing number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) was as a result of the conflict in the lake Chad region, as well as the cross-border activities from extremist group, Boko Haram. The UNHCR Country Representative for Nigeria, Chansa Kapaya, said this on Thursday, in Abuja, in commemoration of the World Refugee Day. READ ALSO: Ms Kapaya also said out of the over two million IDPs in the region, Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states has about 1.8 million. The UN official said the crises in the Sahel region has displaced many persons in other countries such as the northern region of Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. Influx Ms Kapaya also said there are 57,800 Cameroonian citizens seeking refuge in South-east part of Nigeria; 2,340 urban refugees and 1,122 asylum seekers in Lagos, Ogun, Kano and FCT- Abuja. She added that conversely, there are 292,141 Nigerian refugees who have sought asylum in Niger, Cameroon and Chad. According to her, the UNHCR had stepped up preventative and response measures in checking the spread of COVID-19 as well as intensifying efforts in the screening of refugees coming into the country. She further disclosed that the agency had also established isolation facilities at the border and entry points into the country to screen for COVID-19. We are supporting the areas where refugees have been established in the South-east by supporting also the public health institutions and renovations so that they could have isolation facilities, providing medical equipment, testing kits, providing PPE, masks, hand sanitisers to partners and other community workers. So, basically, what we have done is to try to step up prevention of COVID-19. At the border, entry points, we are supporting the Nigerian Immigration Service by ensuring that we have people to screen anybody who is crossing, temperature testing and establishment of some isolation facilities in the event that there is a suspected case of COVID-19, Ms Kapaya said. In her remarks, the Nigerias humanitarian minister, Sadiya Farouq, said the federal government would consider including refugees in its social safety nets and welfare programmes. Meanwhile, the ECOWAS commissioner for social affairs, Sintiki Ugbe, reportedly said the commission is implementing a one million dollar food assistance as palliative to ease the impact of the pandemic in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. In this episode, national editor Tory Maguire is joined by industrial relations reporter Nick Bonyhady to discuss the Fair Work Commissions' decision to raise the minimum wage by 1.75 per cent. Despite calls from the federal government and employer groups to freeze wages, workers on the minimum wage will now earn $19.34 an hour. This will amount to $735.80 a week for full-time workers. Our supporters power our newsrooms and are critical for the sustainability of news coverage. Becoming a subscriber also gets you exclusive behind-the-scenes content and invitations to special events. Click on the links to subscribe to The Age or The Sydney Morning Herald. Details on where confirmed Covid-19 cases are located in Louth are published in a new publicly accessible database on the pandemic outbreak in Ireland. The updated Covid-19 dashboard shows figures by electoral districts. At present, Louth has not seen a new recorded case of the virus in nine days. It reveals that Castletown, with a population of 4,264 accounted for 59 of Louth's 778 confirmed cases. CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO ACCESS THE MAP DATABASE and scroll down to section entitled "COVID-19 Confirmed Cases at Electoral Division (ED) Level" The figure for the greater Dundalk area is approximately 195 in total; broke down as follows: Castletown 59, Dundalk No 1 Urban 8; Dundalk No 2 Urban 5; Dundalk No 3 Urban 6; Dundalk Number 4 Urban 27; Dundalk Rural 65; Haggardstown 18 and Ballymascanlon 7 For confidentiality reasons, exact figures are not published when there are less than five infections in an area. The map also shows the Dromiskin area had 12 confirmed cases, Darver 7, Mansfieldtown 6 and Castlebellingham 6. Drumcar saw a spike with 19 cases from a population of 1447. Dunleer also saw 19 cases from a population of 2855. Further down the county, Clogherhead saw 25 cases from a population of 3,237. Termonfeckin had the highest rate with 90 confirmed cases form a population of 3,545. Which, if tabulated for a bigger scale, would have seen a rate of 2,538 cases per 100,000 population. Collon, bordering Co. Meath, reported 11 cases from its 1881 listed population. In the greater Drogheda area, one of the large clusters of cases occurred in the Fair Gate electoral district, with 86 confirmed cases from a population of 10,424. Meanwhile, St Peters saw just 22 cases from a similar population size (9721). West Gate with a population of 6305 had 43 cases of the virus, while St Marys currently has 27 cases of Covid-19. St Lawrence Gate had a noticeable spike with 61 cases from a smaller population size of 4068. As of June 18, there have been 778 cases of Covid-19 in Louth since February 29. Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said the new Covid-19 dashboard was launched on Thursday, June 18 to provide up-to-date information on the key indicators of Covid-19 in the community, including the number of daily cases, deaths, number of people in hospital and ICU and a daily update on testing figures. He added that it would help communities to be aware of the disease. In addition, the dashboard also allows people to monitor the number of cases of Covid-19 in their local area. The management of Covid-19 is an individual task, where we all must remain aware of the disease in our community, follow public health advice and adopt protective behaviours, he said. The dashboard is a collaboration between the Department of Health, Ordnance Survey Ireland, the All-Island Research Observatory, HPSC, HSE, and the Central Statistics Office (CSO). There have been 25,355 confirmed infections and 1,714 deaths in Ireland during the pandemic. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE NEW DASHBOARD Hyderabad, June 19 : The Telangana government on Friday announced Rs 5 crore for the family of Colonel B. Santosh Babu, who was killed in the clash with Chinese troops in Ladakh on June 15. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao also announced a house site for the bereaved family and a Group-I level job for the martyred Army officer's wife. Santosh Babu, who along with 19 soldiers, was killed in the clash with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley of Ladakh, was a resident of Suryapet town in Telangana. His last were performed with full military honours on Thursday. The Chief Minister announced that he will personally visit the Army officer's house to declare assistance from the government. Rao also announced that the state government through the Defence Ministry would give Rs 10 lakh each to the families of 19 soldiers who hailed from various states. During the all-party meeting conducted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through video conference, the Chief Minister said the entire country should stand by the soldiers guarding the country's borders. KCR said all the help should be extended to the families of the martyred soldiers to give them the message that the entire country is with them. The Chief Minister said while the Central government helps these families, the states should also contribute their mite to give them the feeling that the country stands by them. "Our finances are under stress because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Still, we need to cut other expenses and stand by the families of the brave soldiers, " he added. Actor Abhay Deol has shared a post about his hit film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and how he was treated by award shows. Abhay said he didnt appreciate that he and Farhan Akhtar were put in the supporting actor category while Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif were called the leads. Abhay began his note on Instagram by praising the film as a stress reliever. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, released in 2011. Need to chant this title to myself everyday nowadays! Also a great watch when anxious or stressed, he wrote. He then added how he was demoted by award shows. I would like to mention that almost all the award functions demoted me and Farhan from main leads, and nominated us as supporting actors. Hrithik and Katrina were nominated as actors in a leading role. So by the industrys own logic, this was a film about a man and a woman falling in love, with the man supported by his friends for whatever decisions he takes, he wrote. Abhay said he boycotted the awards for it but his co-star Farhan was okay with it. There are many covert and overt ways in which people in the industry lobby against you. In this case it was shamelessly overt. I of course boycotted the awards but Farhan was ok with it, he said. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was a road trip dramedy about three friends who go on a trip to Spain, face their fears and form a friendship stronger than before. It was directed by Zoya Akhtar. It won two awards at the 59th National Film Awards for best audiography and best choreography. Also read: Maharashtra minister Jitendra Awhad seeks probe in Sushant Singh Rajputs death: No newcomer should go through such torture Last year on the films eighth anniversary, Abhay had written, Its been 8 years since I made this film. Its the one movie that had people come up to me and say, I saw this and I quit my job or I saw this and made peace with an old friend, to I took a break from work and even, I got a divorce! It inspired people to follow their dreams, to take action, to accept who and where they are. I couldnt ask for more! It was an honor and a privilege to work with you @zoieakhtar. #zindaginamilegidobara (sic). Abhay was last seen in What Are The Odds? He was also a producer of the film which released on Netflix in May. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON 'If the Chinese military gets hold of some western sectors on the India-China boundary, it will give them added military advantage.' IMAGE: An army convoy moves along the Srinagar-Leh National highway. Photograph: S Irfan/PTI Photo On Monday, June 15, night, 20 Indian Army soldiers were murdered by Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh, the biggest military confrontation between the two nations in 53 years. The previous such confrontation between the two armies was in 1967 in Nathu La, when India lost around 80 soldiers while over 300 Chinese army personnel were killed. After a lull of almost five decades, why did China resort to such a barbaric attack now? "At this point of time they want to send a message to the rest of the world that China can handle multiple challenges at one go," Dr Jagannath Panda, below, a Research Fellow and Centre Coordinator for East Asia at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, tells Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf. Dr Panda, an expert on 'China and Indo-Pacific security' is the author of India-China Relations: Politics of Resources, Identity and Authority in a Multipolar World Order (Routledge: 2017). The first of a two-part interview: Why did China attack Indian troops in the Galwan Valley? The very first thing we need to be clear about is that China wants to send a message to us that they are a competent power. A competent power that can challenge the USA and India, which is the USA's strategic partner. At this point of time they also want to send a message to the rest of the world that China can handle multiple challenges at one go. They want to tell the US and its democratic allies, who have ganged up against China, that they can handle all kinds of challenges under Xi Jinping's leadership during the pandemic and at the same time send a message to India that if New Delhi tries to create trouble for them in future, Beijing will not take it lightly. Today's China under Xi's leadership is well prepared. What we are seeing in Ladakh is a well-planned Chinese strategy to trouble India and pressurise New Delhi not to take advantage of the current international situation vis-a-vis China which is led by the United States. What is the reason behind China's aggression? Are they waging war against India? If you take into account the approach to the South China Sea, approach to the East China Sea, their (China's) statement on Hong Kong and their new security law in Hong Kong, their approach towards Taiwan in the World Health Organisation and the way they influenced the WHO and their attitude towards India now shows that China wants to exhibit muscle and power to the international community. This is a serious build-up since the Communist Party of China is on the verge of celebrating 100 years of its establishment in 2021. The Communist Party of China wants to send a message to the rest of the world that (they are super powerful). If you look at the Line of Actual Control between India and China, there is non-clarification of the LAC which China is taking advantage of. India has been demanding clarifications on the LAC, but the Chinese never want to talk about it. Why is it so? Because that suits their strategy and from time to time, they can manipulate and show their aggressive posturing by claiming a small part of land every time. This seems to be becoming a trend if we take the past incidents into account including all the recent developments in Dokalam, Chumar and now (in Ladakh) again. Beijing has neither shown any interest to clarify the LAC nor in favour of exchanging maps. Not exchanging maps to clarify the LAC helps Chinese military leaders to manipulate the situation on the ground. China knows that the LAC clarification is key to delineation of the boundary, and that will be important for any prospective resolution if possible between the two sides. It is a deliberate strategy. We need to verify whether they have occupied our territory or not as they want to claim new areas. Why doesn't China declare its casualties? To maintain a psychological edge over India. We have declared around 20 Indian soldiers as martyred and if the emerging reports are true, then the Chinese side of the casualty is more. Moreover, what do you expect from China which is such an opaque society under Xi Jinping? China is becoming a very closed country. The Internet is monitored, censored and restricted in China. They would not like to divulge their casualties in the public domain, but definitely the number is high as it appears to me, as they are not disclosing the numbers. In India there is outrage when martyred soldiers's bodies reach their homes. In Chinese society don't they show their anger when their dead soldiers are brought home? News cannot be hidden in times of social media. We saw what happened during the COVID-19 pandemic where Dr Li's views were leaked out. (Dr Li Wenliang, a Chinese doctor, was punished for telling the truth about coronavirus and later died due to the disease.) Eventually news cannot be hidden from the public domain and some information will leak out on social media. But there is a deliberate attempt by the Chinese government on what to share with the Chinese public and what not. They fear there will be repercussions for the Communist Party of China if the news of dead Chinese soldiers' bodies leaks out during the pandemic time. Why did China claim sovereignty over the Galwan Valley? What is the significance of this place? We don't know unless we visit on the ground and see what strategic or military advantage that will give them. We know why China is interested in the Ladakh sector. If the Chinese military gets hold of some western sectors on the India-China boundary, it will give them added military advantage as it is close to the India-Pakistan border. There is a deliberate attempt for the Galwan Valley from China because they want to get a strategic edge and added advantage over India on every sector. The same attempt has been made in the middle sector, and the Dokalam incident is a reference to that. BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- China's customs said on Thursday that the country has suspended pork imports from a German company, where more than 600 workers tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The suspension, which started Wednesday, blocks imported products from the slaughterhouses, cutting plants and cold stores of the Toennies Group, the General Administration of Customs said. The Toennies Group, a leading name in Germany's meat industry, said on Wednesday local time that at least 657 employees at its meatpacking plant had tested positive for the novel coronavirus since the beginning of this week. LUBBOCK Wayland Baptist University introduced Dr. Elyn Palmer as the new Executive Director and Dean of the Lubbock campus at a staff meeting Thursday afternoon. The move takes effect on July 1. Palmer is replacing Dr. David Bishop who will move into a new role with the university. Palmer comes to Wayland from the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, N.M., where she served most recently as the Dean for the College of Education. She holds a Ph.D. in higher education from Texas Tech University, along with a Master of Science in Education and a bachelors degree in English from USW. A lifelong resident of southwest New Mexico, Palmer has served USW in a variety of roles, including Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, faculty member, assistant registrar/academic advisor, and director of public affairs. She also served Texas Tech as a part-time graduate instructor and data analyst consultant. Palmer has worked as a grant officer for the J.F. Maddox Foundation and as a professional mental health counselor. Dr. Elane Seebo, Vice President of External Campuses, said she is excited to have Dr. Palmer join the Wayland administration and looks forward to her future with the university. She brings a wealth of experience in a variety of areas from academic advising, to faculty, to administration, Seebo said, explaining that one of her greatest immediate assets is her experience working at a university that moved from a traditional 16-week semester to 8-week sessions. Wayland-Lubbock is making that change beginning in the fall. Her experience serving as a faculty member and academic administrator at an institution that transitioned to 8-week sessions will be invaluable, Seebo said. Dr. Palmer is joining Wayland at a time that offers both challenges and great opportunities. She is well equipped to address the challenges and fully prepared to take advantage of opportunities. Palmer introduced herself to the staff, telling them she plans to be an open and honest administrator, a strong communicator, and that she is not going to come in and start changing things right away. I want to get to know this campus and its strengths and weaknesses, she said. Then Ill see how my ideas fit into that. Dr. Bishop, who has been with Wayland since 2007, is moving to the Plainview campus to take over as Vice President of External Campuses. Seebo, who currently holds the VP position, is transitioning to a new role and will oversee Waylands accreditation status. Wayland is fully accredited with the Southern Associate of College and Schools Commission on Colleges. Palmer and her husband, Kenny, who is a special projects supervisor for an oilfield company, have been married for 21 years and have a son attending Texas Tech. In view of the Coronavirus crisis, the Kerala government is in talks with the airline companies and Embassies in several Gulf countries in order to make the 'TruNat' COVID-19 testing kits available for testing the non-resident Keralites (NRKs) before they start their flight journey. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinaryayi Vijayan said that some Gulf countries have no facility for rapid tests. He said, "The Kerala government will make available TrueNat kits in these places. This requires the cooperation of the airline companies and the permission of the Indian Embassies in the respective countries and the discussions are going on. There are already testing facilities in the UAE and Qatar. So, these kits will be useful in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman to facilitate the testing of expatriates returning from these countries." Read: Amid complaints of steep hike in power bills, Kerala govt offers subsidies for consumers Meanwhile, till now, as many as 2,79,657 people have returned to Kerala from other states and abroad. Reportedly, out of the total returnees, 1,72 people were tested positive for Coronavirus. Further, out of the total positive people, 669 cases were those who came back from foreign countries and 503 in those who arrived from other states. Read: Expats must take COVID-19s test before flying to Kerala: CM COVID-19 in Kerala On Thursday, around 97 new COVID-19 cases in Kerala have been confirmed, while as many as 89 patients who were undergoing the Coronavirus treatment have been recovered. Meanwhile, one death was reported, taking the death toll in the state to 21. Currently, Kerala has a total of 1,351 active COVID-19 cases. Read: Kerala reports 75 COVID-19 cases, tally now at 2,696 Read: Kerala: Sandbags placed to prevent seawater from entering village, locals dissatisfied (With ANI Inputs) The investigation, done by Adm. Robert Burke and endorsed Friday by Gilday, defends the abrupt turnaround on Crozier saying that the more detailed probe uncovered poor decisions he made that failed to stem the outbreak or properly communicate the escalating crisis to senior commanders. It also concludes that the ships slow response to the virus was not just his fault, and that Baker also failed to take decisive actions to address the problem. Two wallaroos and a red kangaroo were found dead at the San Francisco Zoo last week, and findings suggest a local wild carnivore is responsible, the zoo confirmed in a statement Friday. In a rare event, a lost mountain lion cub was spotted wandering the streets of S.F. multiple times at night last week and was captured by Animal Care & Control on Thursday (read more on SFGATE). The zoo is investigating whether the young cat may have been the perpetrator and entered the Australian Walkabout exhibit. Zara McDonald, a biologist with the Bay Area Puma Project, said if the zoo finds that the mountain lion killed the marsupials, it will help explain how the animal entered the city. Experts hypothesized the city's recent puma visitor came from San Mateo County, as the wildlands around Crystal Springs Reservoir and Sweeney Ridge are home to several mountain lions. A visit to the zoo would help confirm the animal's route. "In a way its part of the story," McDonald said. The mountain lion cub is currently under examination at the Oakland Zoo and will be released in the wild. Experts identified the 50-pound animal as a male of about 14 to 15 months old, an age when cubs are usually still under the care of a mother. McDonald said it's possible that even a mountain lion of this size and age could have killed the marsupials. She explained that under unusual circumstances mountain lions kill multiple animals without the intention of eating them and is behavior known as "surplus killing." "Its not common, but there have been numerous instances over the years where weve had pumas go into enclosures with animals and kill tons of them, and maybe eat one," McDonald said. McDonald recalled an incident in the East Bay several years ago, when a cougar jumped into an enclosure holding goats and sheep. "The puma figured out a way into the top and then got stuck inside. He killed a bunch of them and only ate one," she said. "Eventually the puma got out." In rare instances, pumas in search of new habitat accidentally wander into San Francisco. Over the years, there have been occasional sightings, usually around Lake Merced, but typically the animals quickly realize they don't want to be in the city and head back south. McDonald said video footage of the mountain lion captured on surveillance cameras reveals this animal was confused and scared, and this behavior is what you would expect in a cub separated from his mother. "I think once it came into the dense area of the city, the first video footage captured clearly shows this lion was confused," said McDonald. "You can tell from its energy, it seemed uncomfortable. It would dart everywhere and stay low to the ground, which is a behavior that you see in these cats when theyre scared and feel threatened." Officers from S.F. Animal Care and Control and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife cornered the disoriented animal at Fourth and Channel streets near Oracle Park early Thursday and used a large net to seize it. The goal was to capture the animal without tranquilizing it. "We have been monitoring the lions movements since Tuesday, and felt that because he or she was young and inexperienced that there was no easy, safe exit route from the city," Deb Campbell, a spokesperson for SF Animal Care & Control, said. "We were afraid that the lion would be hit by a car, or starve." Amy Graff is SFGATE's News Editor. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com. The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has passed a resolution requiring inspections of two nuclear facilities in Iran, Mehr reported. Russian Permanent Representative to international organizations in Vienna, Ambassador Mikhail Ulyanov tweeted the following: "The #IAEA BG adopted resolution calling upon #Iran to provide access to 2 locations specified by Agency. #Russia and #China voted against. While stressing the need for Tehran and IAEA to settle this problem without delay, we believe that the resolution can be counter productive." France, the UK, and Germany have submitted a draft resolution to the IAEA Board of Governors, urging Iran to provide access to facilities. According to the resolution, the council calls on Iran to fully cooperate with the Agency and to satisfy the Agency's requests without further delay, and by providing quick access to the places designated by the IAEA. In turn, Iran's FM Mohammad Javad Zarif warned the IAEA that such a resolution would ruin the chances of a possible acceptable solution. Iran noted that such a resolution is based on anti-Iranian accusations of the Israeli regime and serves US purposes. By Chris Prentice WASHINGTON(Reuters) - When Congress approved $2 trillion pandemic aid in March, many Democratic and Republican lawmakers agreed on safeguards against fraud and abuse to ensure that companies receiving the money use it to save American jobs. But the Trump administration has advised agencies that they can largely ignore reporting requirements in the legislation designed to help a newly created watchdog group track how the money is spent, according to public documents and four people with knowledge of the matter. Several lawmakers, nonprofit organizations and members of the watchdog group - the Pandemic Recovery Accountability Committee (PRAC) - say the avoidant approach proposed by the White House would violate the law. They contend it would keep taxpayers in the dark as to whether businesses such as airlines or hospitals use the cash to save jobs and keep the lights on - as Congress intended - or, for instance, spend it on management bonuses and other perks. The dispute between the accountability committee and the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is the latest sign of tensions between independent investigators tasked with overseeing taxpayer money and Trump administration officials who have resisted calls for greater transparency in several key relief programs. The $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed in March, calls for organizations getting more than $150,000 in aid to document their spending to the dispensing federal agencies - who in turn must report that information to the accountability committee so it can scan for signs of fraud and abuse. The act requires recipients to report spending quarterly, along with a detailed description of the projects supported and the number of jobs created or preserved. In April, however, the White House budget office wrote a memo to federal agencies telling them it did not believe such detailed reporting was required to comply with the law. The memo, a public document reviewed by Reuters, advised agencies that they could avoid the administration burden and satisfy the law instead by following "existing reporting requirements" for all federal spending, with "minimal modifications." The accountability committee consists of independent watchdogs, known as inspectors general, from 21 federal offices. Created by Congress, the committee provides findings to both lawmakers and the administration. While Trump cannot disband the body, he can and already has ousted some of its members by removing them from their agency inspector general roles. Story continues Asked why the committee had told agencies they could rely on existing data reporting requirements, the White House budget office pointed to a section of its guidance in which it wrote that "time is of the essence" in getting funds to those in need. The office also said that it is working with the accountability committee and inspectors general to "ensure proper reporting and transparency." Robert Westbrooks, director of the PRAC, said the White House directive did not appear to meet the CARES Act reporting requirements. He said the PRAC was talking regularly with the White House budget office to address data gaps, but declined to elaborate on those talks. Some PRAC members and some lawmakers, including those on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, have privately pressed the White House budget office to comply with the law, according to a committee aide with knowledge of the discussions and another person who had been briefed on the matter. "Americans deserve to know where their hard earned tax dollars are going," said Senator Gary Peters, the lead Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which is pushing for transparency and accountability measures. SECRET BAILOUTS? The disagreement over the reporting requirements is only the most recent example of the Trump administrations reluctance to open the books on pandemic bailout spending. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has resisted naming businesses that got money from a $660 billion small business rescue fund, calling their names and amounts received confidential and proprietary business information. On Monday, Mnuchin softened his stance, tweeting that he would discuss potential disclosures with Congress. On Tuesday, Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who is leading that discussion as chair of a small business committee, said the government planned to disclose information about larger aid awards, without specifying what would be released. The Treasury Department also last month determined that states and local governments getting a total of $150 billion in aid were not subject the rules requiring detailed reporting of aid spending - or to any PRAC oversight. The Treasury's internal legal interpretation only came to light when the Treasury's inspector general disputed it in a brief audit report published on May 27. Last week, the PRAC wrote to lawmakers saying the Treasury opinion raised "potentially significant transparency and oversight issues." Treasury Department spokesperson Monica Crowley said that the agency is complying with the law and that its programs are already subject to oversight by Congress and other agencies. "Further duplication of these oversight functions by the PRAC would not increase transparency or oversight," she said in a statement. Over the past two months, Trump has also ousted three inspectors general serving on the PRAC, including Glenn Fine, the acting Pentagon inspector general who had been appointed as its chair. GET THE MONEY 'OUT THE DOOR' The tussle over reporting to the accountability committee spilled into public view earlier this month during a Congressional hearing with the budget office's acting director Russell Vought, who approved the White House guidance. "I don't see how that guidance comports with the law, and I don't see why ... we wouldnt have more, rather than less, oversight," Republican Senator Rob Portman told Vought during the hearing. Vought told Portman that the guidance aimed to balance transparency requirements with getting the money "out the door." He said the office did not intend to ignore the law and would comply with it. Sean Moulton, a senior policy analyst at the Project on Government Oversight, said the reporting by aid recipients that the CARES Act requires is crucial to providing effective oversight of the massive stimulus program. With no details on how loans and grants are spent, he said, inspectors general will have limited ability to detect abuse. "They'll catch some of these frauds," he said. "With others, they may not know without this recipient data." (Reporting by Chris Prentice; Editing by Michelle Price and Brian Thevenot) China says US Uighur law 'rude interference in internal affairs' Iran Press TV Thursday, 18 June 2020 6:43 AM China says the United States has interfered in its internal affairs by approving a law that would enable sanctions on Chinese officials over allegations of mistreating Uighur Muslims in the Asian country. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump signed legislation into law that allows for sanctions against Chinese officials over what it claimed to be the "arbitrary detention, torture and harassment" of the ethnic Muslim minority group in China's far western region of Xinjiang. The so-called Uighur Human Rights Act, which had earlier passed the US Congress almost unanimously, would freeze any assets the Chinese officials hold in the US and ban their entry into the country. China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that the bill "rudely interferes in China's internal affairs," and called on Washington to "immediately correct its mistakes." "This so-called act deliberately slanders the human rights situation in Xinjiang and maliciously attacks China's policy in governing Xinjiang," the ministry said, adding that Beijing would "resolutely hit back and the US will bear the burden of all subsequent consequences." The ethnic minority of Uighurs, which makes up about 45 percent of the population in Xinjiang, has long accused the government in Beijing of cultural, religious, and economic discrimination. China rejects the accusation and, in turn, accuses what it describes as exiled Uighur separatist groups of planning attacks in the resource-rich Xinjiang, which is strategically located on the borders of Central Asia. Last year, a UN human rights panel cited estimates that two million Uighurs and Muslim minorities had been forced into "political camps for indoctrination" in the autonomous region, which is home to about 10 million Uighurs. Beijing has denied that accusation as well as other reports that Uighurs are unfairly marginalized and says it is addressing underdevelopment and lack of jobs in heavily Uighur areas such as Xinjiang. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey, Russia, Egypt and UAE are all recalibrating their plans after the retreat of LNA commander Haftar from Tripoli. After Libyas renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar failed to seize Tripoli following a 14-month military campaign, his foreign backers are repositioning themselves on the battlefield for maximum leverage, analysts say. In the past month, the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) recaptured strategic locations including the al-Watiya airbase and Tarhuna, Haftars last major stronghold in western Libya, which had been used to help launch an offensive against the capital. Haftars Libyan National Army (LNA) has since been pushed back from Tripoli and has withdrawn to Sirte, 450km (280 miles) east of Tripoli, and the al-Jufra airbase in central Libya. Following a series of victories with the help of Turkey, the GNA now controls much of western Libya. Forces loyal to the Tripoli-based government have launched an offensive now to capture the coastal city of Sirte, located close to major energy export terminals. Libya, home to the richest proven crude reserves in Africa, has been mired in conflict since the 2011 civil war that saw the overthrow and killing of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. The country is now divided into two administrations: Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarrajs GNA based in Tripoli, and the House of Representatives allied with Haftar, who controls the oil-producing regions of eastern and central Libya. Over the years the conflict has spiralled into a major proxy war, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), France, Russia and Egypt backing Haftar, while Turkey supports al-Sarraj. Transition away from Haftar Following a series of setbacks for the LNA over the past two months, Frederic Wehrey, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told Al Jazeera that Haftars foreign backers have since been reformulating their support as there is frustration with him on the battlefield. Theres splits within his foreign patrons, Wehrey said. The LNA is mobilising to confront the GNA attack on Sirte and that could perhaps give a slight boost to Haftar. But I think we have to underscore that much of his prestige, his appeal was wound up in the expectation that he would deliver a victory in Tripoli. I think all of these powers are trying to position themselves on the battlefield for maximum leverage, Wehrey said. Emadeddin Badi, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and a Libya analyst, told Al Jazeera that rational and opportunistic backers of Haftar, such as Egypt and Russia, will now focus on succession planning and a transition away from Haftars own persona. This will, of course, be concomitant with an effort to consolidate his control in central and eastern Libya to avoid significant territorial losses that could have a knock-on effect on eastern Libya. In addition to Cairo and Moscow, Abu Dhabi and Paris which come out as losers having backed a losing gambit will also now jockey for influence over Libyas political process moving forward, Badi said. According to Anas el-Gomati, founder and director of the Sadeq Institute, Haftars backers may have stopped using military force to attack Tripoli, but theyre still willing to fight to preserve their interests in eastern Libya and oil assets east of Sirte, where the UAE and Russia are deploying air assets. Their investment goes beyond Haftar so they may be willing to prop up Haftar. But if Haftar becomes politically embarrassing, I think theyll drop him, el-Gomati said. On the other side, there has been manoeuvring by Turkey, and the United States has asserted itself to a greater degree as well. Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced some agreements had been reached with US President Donald Trump, which could usher a new era between the US and Turkey regarding the [Libya] process. US policy has seen a significant shift from April 2019 when Trump telephoned Haftar and expressed encouragement for his military operation to seize Tripoli. I think we can expect to see a greater diminishing of any US hope that Haftar can be a unifying figure for the country, or obviously achieve victory, Wehrey said. Weaponisation of peace Days after Haftars offensive on Tripoli collapsed, he appeared in Cairo to accept an Egyptian-sponsored ceasefire and renewed talks alongside Egypts President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Aguila Saleh, Libyas east-based parliament speaker. Russia and the UAE welcomed Egypts call for a ceasefire. The European Union also echoed the move last week while urging all parties involved to withdraw their foreign forces and start peace negotiations. However, calls for a ceasefire are unlikely to result in a meaningful peace any time soon because of a lack of pressure on the ground forces, analysts say. When Haftar reignited the war in April 2019, Western powers blandly mulled over how to respond. The United Kingdom discussed the imposition of UN sanctions against Haftar, but consensus remained unlikely. El-Gomati said calls for a truce are based cynically on some actors trying to preserve their game. They need to be serious about applying those tools, to apply pressure. Specifically, the litmus test for this is whether or not they can agree to a ceasefire and also an end to the arms embargo violations. This is the weaponisation of peace, el-Gomati said. He added it is unclear whether the GNA or its supporters feel they can trust Haftar or his backers, since the LNA entered peace talks several times, only to walk away and resume fighting. A carve-up? Fathi Bashagha, the GNAs interior minister, said the government would engage in political talks, but only after taking Sirte and the al-Jufra airbase in the south. 200120142328437 Turkey, meanwhile, dismissed Egypts ceasefire proposal as insincere and an attempt to save Haftar. But Ankara said it will continue talks with Moscow on a lasting ceasefire. In order to forge a diplomatic solution, Wehrey said the main issue is restarting United Nations-led talks, while Haftars foreign sponsors would have to find alternatives for him. The UN support mission in Libya announced recently that GNA and LNA delegations are now in a third round of talks. While Badi said there may be some form of a diplomatic solution, it is not the likeliest scenario at this stage. There will either be a carve-up between Turkey and Russia that will lead to the fragmentation of the two contemporary coalitions, or a more inclusive political process that will see the contemporary political entities in Libya reshuffled, he said. Wehrey added while much of the discourse focuses on Russia and Turkey, the alignment of the UAE will be key. The French and UAE really enabled and fuelled Haftars war from the beginning, which presented an opening for Russians and then the Turks, said Wehrey. In particular, the US has a role in communicating to the UAE the importance of getting back on political track, and also the French. I think the Europeans should play a bigger diplomatic role, but there needs to be greater unity and I think the US can help with that too. Stepmother of Former Atlanta Police Officer Fired The stepmother of a former Atlanta police officer who was charged with murder this week was fired from her job. Melissa Rolfe worked for Equity Prime Mortgage as human resource director. The company said in a statement that it is imperative to maintain a safe environment for all employees. Melissa Rolfes termination was a direct result of her actions in the workplace and violation of company policy, Equity added. While working with Melissa as she transitioned to a leave of absence granted by our organization, we discovered she violated company policy and created an uncomfortable working environment for many of our employees. Rolfe ultimately lost the confidence of her peers, leadership, and many employees who no longer felt comfortable engaging with her, the company continued. When employees views create a hostile working environment, they can be fired, it said. Melissa Rolfe pictured on Equity Prime Mortgages website. Her profile was removed. (Screenshot/Equity Prime Mortgage) Equity confirmed the firing following a report from Fox News Tucker Carlson. On his show Thursday night, Carlson cited a source and said Rolfe was fired. Apparently, she was fired and her only crime was being Officer Rolfes stepmother, he said. Rolfe was told previously that her job was safe, according to the source. Steven Gaynor, the president of Cobb County Fraternal Order of Police, told The Epoch Times that from what he knows, Melissa Rolfe was fired for the simple fact that shes the stepmom of Garrett Rolfe. Equity earlier Thursday released a lengthy statement saying the company is guided by the principle: Do the right thing, always. Our unwavering commitment to always doing the right thing has led us to sever ties with an employee who has expressed views that do not align with our culture, it said, adding it doesnt tolerate racism, discrimination, or injustices of any kind. This screen grab taken from body camera video provided by the Atlanta Police Department shows Rayshard Brooks speaking with Officer Garrett Rolfe in the parking lot of a Wendys restaurant, in Atlanta, Ga., late on June 12, 2020. (Atlanta Police Department via AP) Police Officer Garrett Rolfe, an Atlanta officer who was fired last week, was with another cop on June 12 responding to a call of a man sleeping in a car in a Wendys drive-through. After testing the man for sobriety for about 40 minutes, an altercation broke out when the man, Rayshard Brooks, resisted arrest. Brooks wrestled with the officers, stole one of their Tasers, fired it at Rolfe, and, when running away, turned around and pointed it again at Rolfe. The officer fired his gun, hitting Brooks twice. The shots proved fatal. Rolfe was fired. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard charged Rolfe with felony murder, which can be punished by the death penalty, on Wednesday. Rolfes lawyer said he shouldnt have been charged, arguing his client heard a sound he thought was a gunshot just before he fired his gun. Fearing for his safety, and the safety of the civilians around him, Officer Rolfe dropped his Taser and fired his service weapon at the only portion of Mr. Brooks that presented to himMr. Brookss back, his lawyer said in a statement. Rolfe stopped firing when Brooks fell to the ground. He then called emergency medical services and started CPR when Brookss pulse stopped. Rolfe and Devin Brosnan, the other ex-officer involved in the situation, both turned themselves in on Thursday. Brosnan was allowed to post bond. Rolfe was being held without bond. Correction: A previous version of this article misstated Garrett Rolfes employment situation. He is a former Atlanta police officer. The Epoch Times regrets the error. This is the terrifying moment a British teenager threatens to jump off the top of a 53 storey London building - for a prank. Adam Lockwood, 19, posted a video of him hanging off the edge of The Madison apartment block in Canary Wharf, central London. The teenager, from Wigan, Lancashire, has been free-climbing some of Europe's tallest buildings over the past four years and posts videos of him doing it on YouTube. YouTuber Adam Lockwood (pictured), 19, dangled from the top of 600ft-high apartment block The Madison in central London The teenager, who is a warehouse worker from Wigan, Lancashire, pretended to throw himself off the 53 storey building for a prank The youngster dangled off the side of the London building saying he was feeling 'brave today' In a video taken by his friend, the 19-year-old threw himself of the edge of the 600ft-high ledge before clinging on for dear life using his arms before shouting: 'I'm a bit brave today!' The teenage warehouse worker said: 'I do this sort of thing quite a lot - I don't even get adrenaline from it anymore. 'I love looking over the edge - that's the best part. 'I just went up there on Tuesday with about eight of my mates, and everyone was just doing their own thing, and I just decided to go for it.' Mr Lockwood calls himself a 'professional idiot' due to his daredevil activities and pranks. In August 2019, he dangled from 650 feet from a crane in Paris without a shirt on and took a video of his view from the top. His footage revealed a stunning views of the River Seine as well as the Tour Alto - the tallest building in Paris. The London footage was captured by one of Mr Lockwood's friends, who revealed how high the building is - and how dangerous the stunt was The same teenager pulled of a similar stunt in Paris (pictured), where he dangled from a crane 650 feet above ground level Last February, the teenager was arrested in Benidorm for climbing up an 11 storey block of flats in the Spanish city. In that particular video, Mr Lockwood used one hand to film a video whilst using the other to cling on to the top of the building while the rest of his body tipped over the edge. The teenager has also climbed up the 610ft-high Grand Bali Hotel in Benidorm, which is Europe's tallest hotel. Mr Lockwood's YouTube channel, called 'The Little Nuisance', has nearly 6000 subscribers and has several videos of him performing similar stunts across Europe. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse on Friday became the third of New Yorks eight dioceses to file for bankruptcy protection as it defends itself against more than 100 lawsuits alleging clergy sexual misconduct. Bishop Douglas Lucia said financial losses during the coronavirus pandemic, which closed churches in March, worsened the financial picture. The Chapter 11 filing estimates $10 million to $50 million in assets, and $50 million to $100 million in liabilities. Without a reorganization, the diocese and claimants will face a slow, unpredictable and costly process that would require years of court involvement, Lucia wrote in a public letter. Such a protracted process would delay justice for the victims and only prolong their pain and suffering. The filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court comes as the number of lawsuits filed by people who claim to have been sexually abused as children continues to grow. New York last year passed a law allowing victims of childhood sexual abuse to file claims that had previously been barred because the allegations were too old. The original deadline for those suing under the Child Victims Act was Aug. 14. Gov. Andrew Cuomo in May extended it to Jan. 14, 2021, because of COVID-19. A bill approved by the Legislature would set the deadline in August 2021. The Buffalo and Rochester dioceses are among more than two dozen nationwide that have filed bankruptcy. The move shifts cases from state courts to the federal court, where claimants attorneys say they have less access to diocesan records that could expose what church leaders knew about alleged misconduct and when. This lack of transparency is a real threat to child safety, said attorney Jeff Anderson, who with other lawyers filed 32 sexual abuse complaints against the Syracuse diocese this week. For decades, the diocese has possessed knowledge that could have prevented an untold number of horrors against children, attorney Cynthia LaFave said in a news release. Lucia said the reorganization would ensure that funds are allocated fairly among all victims, rather than favoring those who filed suits first or pursue claims more aggressively. He said Catholic schools and individual parishes are not directly affected. The bankruptcy judge will set a deadline for individuals to file claims in bankruptcy court as the diocese begins to restructure its assets and finances. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 KYODO NEWS - Jun 19, 2020 - 13:07 | All, Japan, Coronavirus Japan will likely ease travel restrictions on Thailand and Vietnam before Australia and New Zealand, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Friday. Discussions are moving ahead to allow businesspeople from the four countries into Japan on the condition that they test negative for the novel coronavirus and agree to retain GPS data on their smartphones to aid in contact tracing. Speaking at a press conference, Motegi said it would take longer to work out the details with Australia and New Zealand because the two countries are prioritizing the resumption of travel across the Tasman Sea. Japan currently has an entry ban in place for 111 countries and regions, with foreign travelers that have been to any of these areas within 14 days of their arrival being turned away. Motegi said Japan and Vietnam had agreed to ease travel restrictions "partially and gradually" and that it "won't take long" before travel between the two countries resumes. Related coverage: Japan to ease travel curbs on Australia, N.Z., Thailand, Vietnam: Abe New Delhi: Elections for 19 Rajya Sabha seats spread across eight states will be held on Friday (June 19, 2020). Of the 19 seats which will contest for Rajya Sabha poll, four each are from Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, three each from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, two from Jharkhand, and one each from Manipur, Mizoram, and Meghalaya. The voting began at 9 am on June 19. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan was also seen casting his vote for the Rajya Sabha polls. The election was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak and the ensuing lockdown. The counting of votes will be held on the evening of June 19 itself, as per the announcement made by the Election Commission earlier. The polls were originally scheduled to be held on March 26 but on March 24 the Election Commission of India announced its postponement. The Election Commission (EC) has made elaborate arrangements for the voting keeping in mind the coronavirus pandemic. Every voter (MLA) will be screened for body temperature and will have to use mask and adhere to social distancing norms. Legislators having a fever or showing other symptoms will be kept in a separate waiting room. The contest taking place in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan will be a neck on neck fight between the BJP and the Congress. The election in Manipur is also likely to be interesting following the resignation of nine members of the ruling coalition and the opposition Congress pressing for a no-confidence motion against the N Biren Singh government. The BJP has fielded Leisemba Sanajaoba, the titular king of Manipur, while the Congress has fielded T Mangi Babu. In Karnataka, where elections were to be held for four seats, all the candidates -- former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, BJP candidates Iranna Kadadi and Ashok Gasti -- have been declared elected unopposed. In Madhya Pradesh, where BJPs Jyotiraditya Scindia is in the fray after whose revolt the Congress government fell, the second Congress candidate Phool Singh Baraiya will find it tough to get elected but the Congress is preparing to challenge it in court. Digvijaya Singh is slated to bag one Rajya Sabha seat. In Jharkhand, the Congress was hoping that Chief Minister Soren will muster the numbers but it seems that Congress candidate Shahzada Anwar will not make it to the Upper House. In the 230-member assembly, the BJP currently has 107 MLAs and also icludes two legislators of the Bahujan Samaj Party, one of the Samajwadi Party and two Independents, while the opposition Congress has 92 MLAs. The directors of four federally funded agencies that produce news and information for international audiences have been fired by a new chief executive officer appointed by President Donald Trump, in a purge that has raised concerns among Democrats about editorial meddling. Combined with the resignation of the director and deputy director of Voice of America on Monday, the firings ordered by Michael Pack, the new head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, represents a clean sweep of top officials who manage government-funded but otherwise independent news broadcasting operations. The speed and sweep of the firings - Pack began work only Monday after a bruising Senate confirmation battle - raised fears that Trump was trying to exert greater control over the output of such venerable organizations as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting and the Open Technology Fund, the agencies whose heads Pack removed via a brief letter late Wednesday. Pack, a conservative filmmaker who has previously run the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, had the support of Steve Bannon, Trump's former campaign chief executive and White House advisor, during his long confirmation battle. Trump and the White House jumpstarted the stalled nomination in April by publicly attacking VOA, claiming that its reporting was "propaganda" in support of China and Iran. Representatives of USAGM, formerly known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors, did not respond to a request for comment about the firings. According to USAGM's charter, government officials, including Pack and his agency, are prohibited from exercising any editorial control over the agencies they supervise. The agency's website says this so-called "firewall" was put in place to ensure that "accurate, balanced, and comprehensive news and information" is shared overseas. "USAGM broadcasters know that their effectiveness is based on their credibility and that their listeners are not interested in propaganda," it says. The agency, which is seeking $637 million in federal funding next year, says its mission is to "inform, engage, and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy." The agency heads fired by Pack were appointed during various administrations, including Trump's - suggesting that perceived presidential loyalty was not a factor in the decisions. Alberto M. Fernandez, who headed Middle East Broadcasting Networks, was a Trump appointee, as was Jamie Fly, who headed Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. However, VOA director Amanda Bennett and deputy director Sandy Sugawara, who resigned Monday, were appointed under President Barack Obama. Fernandez, a former State Department official whose agency oversees the Arabic-language Alhurra TV networks and Radio Sawa, said in an interview Thursday that his dismissal after three years was "unexpected." He offered no theories about why Pack opted to remove him. "I really don't know what his plans are," he said. But Democrats who resisted Pack's appointment and delayed it for nearly two years have raised alarms about Pack's personnel decisions. In a statement on Thursday, Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Pack was "hollowing out" the agencies in order to appoint new managers he could control. "As feared, Michael Pack has confirmed he is on a political mission to destroy the USAGM's independence and undermine its historic role," said Menendez. "The wholesale firing of the Agency's network heads, and disbanding of corporate boards to install President Trump's political allies is an egregious breach of this organization's history and mission from which it may never recover." Menendez led the opposition to Pack's appointment in the Senate, raising concerns about his management of a non-profit organization. The District of Columbia's attorney general has been investigating the claims. Democratic Rep. Eliot Engel of New York, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a statement Wednesday that he feared "that USAGM's role as an unbiased news organization is in jeopardy" under Pack. He said Pack "needs to understand that USAGM is not the Ministry of Information." In an introductory memo to his staff on Wednesday, Pack wrote that he is "fully committed to honoring VOA's charter, the missions of the grantees, and the independence of our heroic journalists around the world." He vowed to raise employee morale; "examine some of the problems that have surfaced in the media in recent years;" and "make the agency more effective." He did not explain what "problems" he saw in the media. Angela Gulbenkian, who married into one of Europes most prominent art families and allegedly leveraged their name to conduct fraudulent art deals, has been arrested in Portugal. The jet-setting art heiress is facing two charges of theft in the UK, including one in connection with the 1.1 million ($1.4 million) sale of a Yayoi Kusama pumpkin sculpture in 2017. Artnet The company also has interests in mining. Landela is one of the companies that had its bank account frozen by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe in September last year for allegedly being involved in money laundering and fueling the foreign currency parallel market.Questions have arisen as to how the company clinched the bus procurement deal without going to tender. Portlaoise commuters to Dublin are forced to walk or cycle up to 12km daily to get to the bus stop from their homes, a Laois councillor has claimed. Sinn Fein Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley says Portlaoise needs more bus stops. "It's evident that with the growing population we have, there are residents of places like Bellingham and Maryborough have to walk or cycle in, taking a 4km walk to the bus stop to Dublin. Bus Eireann buses can't stop at undesignated stops. From Fairgreen to Kilminchy and Heathfields is 6km. Not everybody has cars," she said. She tabled a motion to the June meeting of the Portlaoise Municipal District. She asked for an update on the progress of the roll out of proposed new public bus routes and stops for Portlaoise town. The reply was from Laois County Council's Director of Services for roads Simon Walton. He said two new routes are on the way for Portlaoise, offering 40 stops altogether. "Preliminary designs are in place for the Portlaoise Town Bus Service to provide for two bus routes (Collier's Lane to Ballyfin Road and Kilminchy to Bellingham), each serviced by two buses and based on a half hourly service. Between the two routes there are approximately 40 stops including 5 stops in the Town centre where the two routes cojoin," he said. However progress is slower compared to other towns Mr Walton said. "It is the case that Portlaoise Town Bus Service is not at as advanced a stage of delivery as other, similar, regional towns. In keeping with Portlaoise's designation as a Low Carbon Town, a recent meeting was held with the National Transport Authority (funding agency) with a view to the NTA expediting the delivery of the Portlaoise Town Bus Service," he said. "Taking into account Portlaoise's designation as a Low Carbon town, we can't be at the back of a queue for bus services," he said, adding that the meeting with the National Transport Authority by him and the council CEO John Mulholland was "very positive". Cllr Dwane Stanley welcomed the update. "We are meant to encourage people to leave cars at home and hop on a bus, hopefully for a reasonable cost. We need to ensure bus shelters go in as well. We usually end up doing a battle afterwards," she said. Gov. Gavin Newsom carries meals made at Queen Sheba Ethiopian Cuisine to a delivery vehicle Friday in Sacramento. The restaurant is participating in the Great Plates Delivered program, which provides meals to seniors at risk for COVID-19. (Rich Pedroncelli/AP) Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday urged Californians to heed his new order requiring most residents to wear face coverings in public to help stem the spread of the coronavirus and said violators could face enforcement action. The Democratic governor said both state and local regulatory agencies could be called upon to "exercise a little bit of persuasion." On the state level, that could include the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, which enforces workplace safety requirements, and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, which regulates the sale of alcohol in bars and restaurants. "Were not looking to fine people. Were looking to educate people, encourage people, Newsom said. And to the extent that people flaunt and abuse, which may be the exception, then we have many tools in the tool kit." Newsom's comments came a day after he issued the mask order, which has a few exemptions, including children up to age 2 and people with a medical, mental health or developmental disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering. The governor said he took the action to avoid having to shut down the state again with a broad stay-at-home order. Just two days ago, California saw a single-day high in COVID-19 cases. Based upon the number of people that were not practicing physical distancing, social distancing, the number of crowds we started to see form over the last few weeks, this mandate was in order, Newsom said. I hope that people take it very seriously, because were still in the first wave." Under state law, residents who violate the order could be charged with a misdemeanor and potentially face a fine, according to the Newsom administration. The likelihood of that happening, however, appears remote. Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes said Thursday he believed its not the responsibility of law enforcement to ensure compliance with the states mask order. Instead, he said, it is each persons responsibility to wear a face covering and follow other recommended safeguards in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. Story continues Last week, the Orange County public health officer resigned after weeks of verbal attacks, including a death threat, over her mandatory mask rules. Her replacement rescinded the rules amid intense pressure from the Board of Supervisors. Under Newsom's order, residents in that county must once again wear face coverings. Newsom discussed the new mandate Friday after he toured Queen Sheba Ethiopian Cuisine in Sacramento. The restaurant is participating in the Great Plates Delivered program, which provides meals for seniors who cannot shop and cook for themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor said the program has provided more than 1.5 million meals in 36 jurisdictions. The Federal Emergency Management Agency renewed the program this week for another month, Newsom said. Gujarat MLA Chottu Bhai Vasava on Friday declined to vote in the Rajya Sabha elections, making it easier for the BJP candidates to win their seats. Vasavas two Bharatiya Tribal Party MLA were expected to vote for the Congress. The decision of not voting, Vasava told HT, was a mark of protest against the BJP governments inability to protect the rights of the tribal communities in the state. The leader added that he was equally disillusioned by the Congress. The BJP had fielded Abhay Bharadwaj, Ramila Bara and Narhari Amin, while the Congress put up Shaktisinh Gohil and Bharatsinh Solanki in the polls. Vasava denied allegations that his decision to not vote was a covert attempt to help the BJP, which had fielded four candidates for the three vacant seats in the state. I have been asking the BJP government to accept our demand for making tribal areas autonomous by bringing them under Schedule 6 of the Constitution from Schedule 5. There has been no effort to accept the demands of tribal communities, instead tribal people are being divested of their land and forest produce. Even though there is a separate budgetary allocation for the tribal communities governments end up spending this money on other sectors. To protest against these irregularities, I decided not to vote, said Vasava. This is not the first time that the tribal leader has made news during the Rajya Sabha elections. In August 2017, Vasava - then with the JDU - going against his party whip voted for Congress candidate Ahmed Patel in the Rajya Sabha elections. His vote played a key role in Patel winning the elections. Vasava justifies his decision by announcing that he had done so to protest against JDU president Nitish Kumars decision to align with the BJP in Bihar. Patel, along with Amit Shah and Smriti Irani at the time, was re-elected to the Upper House. The election result, announced post midnight, was marked by political wrangling as the Congress demanded that the Election Commission invalidate the votes of two MLAs who had voted for the BJP. A decision that the EC eventually announced after reviewing the issue. The Trump administration violated the law when it rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals immigration program in 2017, the Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision Thursday. It was, in a way, a win for entrepreneurialism--studies have shown that immigrants are more likely to be entrepreneurs than native-born Americans. President Obama created DACA in 2012 to grant work permits and a temporary shield from deportation to undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, and who met certain qualifications. They had to be younger than 31 when the program was announced and have no criminal record. As of 2019, there were more than 650,000 people enrolled in the program. In the majority opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts called the decision to end DACA, which was announced in a memo by Trump's acting Director of Homeland Security, "arbitrary and capricious." The court decided that the administration did not follow legally required procedures by failing to properly justify ending the program, and failing to consider the hardship it would inflict on DACA recipients--some of whom have gone to college, embarked on careers, started businesses, and had children while relying on the program's protections. Importantly, the ruling does not decide whether DACA is illegal, as the Trump administration has claimed. Nor does it say that the administration can't move to cancel DACA in the future. "The dispute is instead primarily about the procedure the [Department of Homeland Security] followed in doing so," Roberts wrote. Efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform in Congress have been stymied repeatedly over the years. Still, DACA recipients, known as "Dreamers," and immigrant-rights advocates were jubilant at the news. "People like myself can breathe a little bit easier," says Greisa Martinez Rosas, a DACA recipient and the deputy executive director at United We Dream, an advocacy group for immigrant youth. She adds that the ruling came as a welcome surprise, given the court's conservative majority, and that while activists are celebrating, they're gearing up for the next stage of the ongoing fight over immigration. National polls reveal broad approval among voters of both parties for DACA and a path to citizenship for Dreamers. The business community has also expressed support. In 2017, a group of business leaders, including the CEOs of Apple, Facebook, Google, and more than 400 others, signed an open letter opposing DACA's cancellation. And last fall, more than 100 companies, along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Retail Federation, filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in the case that was decided Thursday, Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of the University of California. "Eliminating DACA will inflict serious harm on U.S. companies, all workers, and the American economy as a whole," the brief read. Nine percent of Dreamers aged 25 and older started their own businesses after receiving DACA, according to a 2019 survey by the Center for American Progress. And a 2015 report from the Americas Society/Council of the Americas and the Fiscal Policy Institute found that immigrants as a whole are disproportionately well-represented among the owners of "Main Street" businesses like grocery stores and nail salons. For Dreamers who run businesses, Thursday's ruling ensures they can continue to operate and employ people without the fear of deportation, which is especially acute amid the pandemic and economic crisis. "It's a nightmare," says Zaid Consuegra Sauza, 31, who was brought to the U.S. at age 11 and was approved for DACA in 2015. Last September, he opened a vegan fast-casual restaurant, Pirate's Bone Burgers, in Kansas City, Missouri. Demand took off almost immediately, but when the business had to shut down in March, things became much less certain. Pirate's Bone reopened for takeout and delivery last month and has been limping along thanks to a PPP loan, but more than half the staff chose not to come back. "It's still a flip of a coin if we stay open," says Consuegra Sauza, who adds that being undocumented has only heightened his anxiety. Ecological restoration map of Jeho Biota (A) and a representative fossil specimen of Eoconfuciusornis with exceptionally preserved feather (B). Credit: IVPP The Jehol biota is well known for producing exceptionally preserved specimens of feathered dinosaurs, early birds, mammals, as well as insects and early flowering plants. However, the lack of precise age constraints on the early Jehol biota hinders our understanding of the timing of key ecological differentiation and radiation, as well as their relationship with ecological processes of the Early Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystem. Prof. HE Huaiyu's research group from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGGCAS) placed stringent age controls on the oldest known enantiornithine and ornithuromorph birds and the early phase of the Jehol biota. They extended the temporal range of the Jehol biota to over 15 million years. Their findings shed new light on the evolutionary radiation of the Jehol biota as well as the origins of major vertebrate groups in the Early Cretaceous. The study was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). According to previous studies, the chronologies of the middle and late stages of the Jehol biota have been well established. The Lower Cretaceous Huajiying Formation of the Sichakou Basin in northern Hebei Province, northern China, contains key vertebrate taxa of the early stage of the Jehol biota. Precisely determining the depositional ages of the Huajiying Formation would advance our understanding of the evolutionary history of the Jehol biota. Postdoctor YANG Saihong, first author of the study, conducted systematic isotopic dating for eight interbedded tuff/tuffaceous sandstone samples in the Huajiying Formation. Their secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) U-Pb zircon dates, coupled with previously obtained 40Ar/39Ar dates also by HE's group, have placed stringent age controls on the oldest known enantiornithine and ornithuromorph birds, which were the two dominant avian groups during the Mesozoic. These radiometric ages together with the presence of a diversity of early bird fossil lineages with drastically different morphologies indicated that by the time of the deposition of the Huajiying Formation, the bird assemblage of the early Jehol biota had already undergone a significant phase of diversification with prominent differentiation and radiation. This meant that the origin of the Enantiornithes and Ornithuromorpha is older than previously recognized. The age of 135.4 1.2 Ma of sample J08-10 in their study, which lies ~3 m above the lacustrine shale layer containing Peipiaosteus, dated the earliest occurrence of the Jehol biota and was also strengthened by numerous radiometric ages from the pre-Jehol Zhangjiakou Formation. The new findings, combined with previous radiometric date of ca. 120 Ma of the late phase of the Jehol biota present in the Jiufotang Formation in western Liaoning suggested the Jehol biota has been placed between ~135 Ma and ~120 Ma. Thus, the Jehol biota lasted for at least 15 million years during the Early Cretaceous. Explore further New insights into the family tree of modern turtles More information: Saihong Yang et al. The appearance and duration of the Jehol Biota: Constraint from SIMS U-Pb zircon dating for the Huajiying Formation in northern China, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2020). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Saihong Yang et al. The appearance and duration of the Jehol Biota: Constraint from SIMS U-Pb zircon dating for the Huajiying Formation in northern China,(2020). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1918272117 SINGAPORE (Reuters) - A Singaporean commodity broker wanted by the FBI was charged in the city-state on Friday for falsifying company documents to conceal transactions with North Korea from banks. Tan Wee Beng, managing director of trading company Wee Tiong, was charged over sugar sales to customers in North Korea between 2014 and 2016, according to a police statement. A shipping manager at the firm was also charged. Many countries and international bodies have imposed sanctions on North Korea, mainly targeted at its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Sanctions introduced by the United Nations in 2006 first restricted weapons-related materials, but were expanded to luxury goods, banking, travel and trade. Tan and Wee Tiong could not be immediately reached for comment. Tan is wanted by the FBI in connection with millions of dollars in commodities contracts for North Korea going back to 2011, in which money was allegedly laundered through the U.S. and Singapore financial systems, according to an FBI notice. The U.S. Treasury Department in 2018 said it had imposed sanctions on Tan and companies linked to him over charges he hid the origins of payments and structured transactions to evade sanctions against North Korea. Charges brought against Tan in Singapore for the falsification of papers with intent to defraud carry an imprisonment term of up to 10 years, or a fine, or both. (Reporting by John Geddie; Editing by David Evans) Migrants: Third rescue for Sea Watch, 211 now aboard Mediterranea, Mare Jonio heading to boat with 70 aboard (ANSAmed) - ROME, JUNE 19 - The migrant search-and-rescue vessel Sea Watch has performed its third rescue in 48 hours after it responded to an SOS from Alarm Phone on Thursday night and picked up 46 people from a wooden boat that was taking on water. There are now 211 shipwrecked people aboard the Sea Watch "who need a safe port immediately" said the German NGO. Meanwhile, the ship Mare Jonio with the organisation Mediterranea Saving Humans is heading towards a boat in distress with 70 people aboard in the Maltese SAR zone. "Thanks to the report by #Moonbird @seawatchcrew, our #MareJonio is heading towards a wooden boat in distress with 70 people on board, currently in the Maltese #SAR 48 miles south of Lampedusa. Authorities of both #Malta and Italy are informed," tweeted Mediterranea.(ANSAmed). (ANSA). Protesters in Washington toppled a statue of a Confederate general late Friday, after nationwide rallies to demand racial justice on a day heavy with symbolism -- the Juneteenth holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Demonstrations were held in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Washington against a backdrop of weeks of protests fueled by the deaths of African Americans at the hands of police. In a stark illustration of the tensions roiling the nation, President Donald Trump issued a solemn White House statement commemorating Juneteenth, while also threatening protesters on Twitter ahead of his controversial rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday. Juneteenth marks the day -- June 19, 1865 -- when a Union general arrived in Galveston, Texas and informed slaves that they were free -- two months after the Civil War had ended and two-and-a-half years after president Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The date is generally celebrated with prayer services and family gatherings, but comes this year amid a national soul-searching over America's legacy of racial injustice. The United States has been gripped by daily "Black Lives Matter" protests since the May 25 death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man killed by a white police officer in Minnesota. Late on Friday a statue of Confederate general Albert Pike was torn down by demonstrators in the capital and set on fire, in an act labeled a "disgrace" by Trump. "The D.C. police are not doing their job as they watch a statue be ripped down & burn. These people should be immediately arrested," Trump tweeted. Earlier, several thousand demonstrators marched across New York's Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan, chanting the names of black men and women killed by police in recent years. "This year the entire country has had a reckoning," said protester Tabatha Bernard, 38, voicing support for growing calls for Juneteenth to be declared a national holiday. "It's up to us to keep this going until we have change." Protesters in Atlanta, where a police officer was charged with murder this week for shooting a black man in the back, marched on the Georgia State Capitol. More gathered in Washington outside the Lincoln Memorial and near the White House, while thousands marched in Chicago and danced at festive rallies in South Los Angeles. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, who has a solid lead over Trump in the latest polls, said Juneteenth reminded Americans "that our country is capable of the worst violence and injustice but it also has an incredible capacity to be reborn anew." - 'More unity' - In Tulsa -- where Trump on Saturday is set to hold his first campaign rally since the coronavirus pandemic began -- a Juneteenth celebration was attended by several thousand protesters. "We've seen more unity and more blacks and whites together in the last three weeks than we've ever seen in a Trump rally," civil rights activist Al Sharpton told a press conference. Trump had originally scheduled his Tulsa appearance for Juneteenth, but was forced to change it amid a public outcry over his provocative choice of date and location. The city's Greenwood district was the site of one of the country's worst racist massacres, in 1921, when as many as 300 black Americans were killed. "We just want the world to know what happened here," said Greenwood store owner Tony Williams, labelling Trump's arrival "disrespectful." About a mile away, dozens of Trump followers have camped out for several nights ahead of the rally in order to get the best seats. "This is a super important moment for all of us... we're out here supporting Trump," said Stephen Corley, 19. - 'A much different scene!' - Trump, who is facing a tough re-election battle in November and has adopted a hardline "law and order" stance towards protestors, and First Lady Melania Trump issued a joint statement to mark Juneteenth. "Juneteenth reminds us of both the unimaginable injustice of slavery and the incomparable joy that must have attended emancipation," it said. At the same time, Trump issued a blunt warning to counter-protesters headed to Tulsa. "Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis," he said. "It will be a much different scene!" Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum declared a curfew in the city amid fears of violence but Trump later announced it had been lifted for "our many supporters" attending the rally. A statue of Confederate general Albert Pike was torn down by demonstrators in the capital and set on fire, in an act condemned by President Trump Protesters gathered in Washington outside the Lincoln Memorial for Juneteenth Protesters march through downtown Atlanta during rally to mark Juneteenth Demonstrators take part in a Juneteenth march and rally in Washington In Tulsa a Juneteenth celebration was attended byseveral thousand protesters including civil rights activist Al Sharpton Protesters carry an empty symbolic casket draped with an American flag during a Juneteenth march in Tulsa, Oklahoma Protesters gather outside the Georgia State Capitol during a rally to mark Juneteenth in Atlanta LOS ANGELES, June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Imperial Capital, LLC ("Imperial Capital") acted as exclusive financial advisor to Protect America, Inc. ("Protect America" or the "Company") in connection with the sale of the Company's assets to Monitronics International, Inc. (d.b.a. "Brinks Home Security"). Brinks Home Security will take ownership of approximately 114,000 alarm monitoring contracts totaling approximately $4.6 million in recurring monthly revenue (RMR). Key terms of the transaction include a $15.0 million upfront payment and a 50 month earnout structure. For the first six months following the closing date (the "Initial Earnout Period"), Brinks Home Security will pay the seller a $5.00 monthly earnout payment per active account. For the remaining forty-four months immediately following the Initial Earnout Period, Brinks Home Security will pay the seller a $25.00 monthly earnout payment per active account. "This is a great outcome for all parties involved, as this unique transaction structure aligns both the seller's and the buyer's interest. Attrition risk is mitigated, and both parties stand to benefit from Brinks Home Security's industry-leading customer service infrastructure," said John E. Mack III, Executive Vice President and Co-Head of Investment Banking at Imperial Capital. Founded in 1992, Protect America is the founder and pioneer of the DIY ("do-it-yourself") security alarm monitoring market. The Company provides a comprehensive offering of home security, video, life safety and smart-home automation products providing complete perimeter protection and life safety features. Protect America's existing customer base will continue to be served by the Protect America team over the short term enabling a seamless transition. "The innovative structure gives the Protect America team confidence in the ongoing support of our customers by the Brinks Home Security organization," said Scott Fleming, CEO of Protect America. About Imperial Capital, LLC Imperial Capital, LLC is a full-service investment bank offering a uniquely integrated platform of comprehensive services to institutional investors and middle market companies. We offer sophisticated sales and trading services to institutional investors and a wide range of investment banking advisory, capital markets and restructuring services to middle market corporate clients. Paired with our proprietary research and sales & trading desk analysis, we provide investment analysis across an issuer's capital structure, including bank loans, debt securities, the hybrid/bank capital marketplace (through our ELP Framework), post-reorganization equities, special situations claims and listed and unlisted equities. Our comprehensive and integrated service platform, expertise across the global capital structure, and deep industry sector knowledge enable us to provide clients with research driven ideas, superior advisory services, and trade execution. We are quick to identify opportunities under any market conditions and we have a proven track record of offering creative, proprietary solutions to our clients. Imperial Capital, LLC has three principal businesses: Investment Banking, Institutional Sales & Trading and Institutional Research. More information about Imperial Capital, LLC can be found at www.imperialcapital.com. For more information regarding Imperial Capital, please contact: Tigist Gessesse Corporate Finance Manager (310) 246-3605 [email protected] SOURCE Imperial Capital, LLC Related Links https://www.imperialcapital.com Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said India is one when it comes to national security and the all-party meeting has unequivocally conveyed this message. He also said the meeting was a manifestation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to take all political stakeholders along, when it comes to key matters involving India's strategic interests. "Attended the all party meet chaired by PM @narendramodi. Meeting had an unequivocal message - India is one when it comes to national security," he said in a tweet. The home minister said all parties are proud of country's armed forces, their valour and have full faith in them to defend India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "The all-party meeting today was enriched by the views of various esteemed leaders. It was a manifestation of PM @narendramodi's commitment to take all political stakeholders along, when it comes to key matters involving India's strategic interests," he said in another tweet. The all-party meeting was called in the wake of Indian Army's stand-off with China's PLA along the Sino-Indian border in Ladakh. Twenty soldiers were killed in a clash with Chinese troops in Galwan valley in Ladakh on June 15. Daniel Ensign also lives in Ms. Maloneys district, on the Upper East Side, but recently has been holed up at his parents house in Louisville, riding out the pandemic. Mr. Ensign said he first applied for an absentee ballot on May 15, then emailed the Board of Elections twice to inquire about it, but has not yet received it. It was only after he tweeted his frustration that the board responded. They did reply to my tweet asking me to DM them, which I did, Mr. Ensign said Wednesday. I sent them a message and they basically said: Were finalizing your absentee ballot request. You can still go vote in person if you dont want to wait. But Mr. Ensign does not plan to return to New York to vote. I think its very frustrating, said Mr. Ensign, an operations consultant. Ive always tried to make sure and vote. With the pandemic going on, everyone deserves the right to vote. Mr. Ensign said he is leaning toward voting for Ms. Maloney, who is facing a rematch challenge from Mr. Patel. Ms. Cartwright-Punnett said she suspects the missing return envelope in her ballot packet is a widespread problem, based on the response she got when she called the Board of Elections. The woman knew what I was going to say even before I got the sentence out, she said. Many without ballots have struggled to get a response from the overwhelmed city Board of Elections. A staff member in State Senator Liz Kruegers office called on Thursday to inquire about her ballot and was greeted with a computerized voice saying there were 49 calls in line, according to Ms. Krueger, who has raised concerns that all those who requested ballots will not receive them. Mayor Bill de Blasio said that the problems are evidence of structural issues and that it is time to abolish the board as it is currently constituted. Obviously, they had known for a long time that people were going to be overwhelmingly voting by mail, Mr. de Blasio said on Wednesday. With the state education department yet to come up with detailed guidelines on the reopening of schools in red zones across the state, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporations (BMCs) education department has now asked schools in the city to complete the distribution of textbooks and continue teaching online until June 30. In a circular released on Friday, the department instructed all civic and government-aided primary schools in the city to call one parent at a time and distribute textbooks by ensuring social distancing norms. Textbooks under the free textbooks scheme have arrived in schools across the city. Schools can call parents to collect them in the days to come. Care needs to be taken to ensure social distancing norms and to make sure all students get textbooks. If the school is short of a few textbooks, temporary provision for second hand books should be made, stated the circular. The circular has also asked teachers with schools under civic body to report to work, depending on the institutes requirement. Teachers can be called to work for completion of the book distribution process. Other times, they should continue online teaching through messaging apps, live videos, recorded lessons etc until June 30, the circular further stated. On Tuesday, state education minister had Varsha Gaikwad announced that comprehensive guidelines would be released separately for schools which fall in red zones so that they can plan reopening accordingly. Three days after the announcement, however, the government is yet to come up with clear guidelines on the issue. A woman and her husband experienced a rare sighting of a fully intact giant squid on June 7, while walking on Golden Mile Beach in Brittania Bay, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. A report by Live Science, said the woman who found it told them her first instinct was to try to save its life. At first, I just wanted to get it back into the ocean, Adele Grosse, of Cape Town, told Live Science in an email. [But] on closer observation, one could see that it was dead. Grosse described her reaction upon finding the squid: Oh my word, seeing it at first really took my breath away, she said. Honestly, it looked like a majestic prehistoric animal, she told Live Science. How rare was the sighting? According to the Live Science report, this was indeed a rare sighting. It wasnt until 2004 that the giant squid was seen in its natural habitat, and 2013 that the first video footage of it was published, the report said. Just last year, another crew filmed a giant squid alive for the second time in history , the report noted. Michael Vecchione, an invertebrate zoologist at the Smithsonians National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., told Live Science that sightings such as this one of the giant squid (Architeuthis dux) - a carnivorous beast whose 1-foot-wide (30 centimeters) eyes are the largest known peepers in the animal kingdom - are rare, and typically happen only once every few years. Live Science noted that Vecchione was not involved with this squids discovery. How did the giant squid die? Its unclear how the giant squid died, but we had big swells the night before, and it was my understanding that the swell washed up this beautiful squid onto the beach in the early hours of the morning, Grosse told Live Science. We looked for bite marks or injuries and could not really find anything, she said. How big was the giant squid? The report said Grosse estimated the squid was likely more than 13 feet (4 meters) long and probably weighed over 660 lbs. (330 kilograms). According to a 2013 study in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, thats actually on the shorter side for a giant squid, whose females can reach up to 60 feet (18 m) long, the report noted. Where do giant squids live? According to the report, Vecchione said these massive creatures usually hang out about 2,000 feet to 3,200 feet (600 to 1,000 m) below the surface, in underwater canyons and where continents or islands slope down into the deep sea, locations where they likely have plentiful food. What will happen to the giant squid? Live Science reported that Grosse - who runs the #SeaLoveLight pages on Facebook and Instagram - connected with Wayne Florence, curator of marine invertebrates at Iziko Museums of South Africa. Florence and his team collected the squid and are now storing it at a freezer facility until they can properly study its DNA and anatomy once the COVID-19 lockdown ends, according to a statement from the museum . Live Science reported that Iziko, which has the largest collection of giant squid in Africa, said the newfound squid will be the 20th in its collection. Izikos largest squid is 30.5 feet (9.3 m) long, or more than twice the length of its latest addition, the museum noted in the statement. 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. OGEMAW COUNTY Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are seeking tips on a white-tailed fawn that was shot illegally Wednesday near Rose City. Conservation officers were contacted directly by a concerned citizen, according to the DNR. News24 is again South Africa's most trusted news brand, with over 85% of readers trusting the content they consume on the publication, according to a new report by the Reuters Institute. According to the 2020 Reuters Institute Digital news report , News24 is the most trusted brand out of 15 South African digital publications.The digital publication was also the most trusted news brand in South Africa in 2019 "The website News24 has built credibility on the back of investments in breaking news," the report noted.News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson said the recognition by the Reuters Institute is probably the most important recognition in the industry."Trust is our only and most important currency. I am extremely proud of the News24 team for another excellent year of agenda-setting, truthful journalism," Basson said.News24, also South Africa's most-read digital publication, has recently launched a redesigned mobile and desktop website to better showcase journalists' original, award-winning journalism.This follows after the release of a new News24 mobile app in February.The 2020 Reuters Institute Digital news report found that 90% of South Africans consume their news online.Of those, 52% consume news on desktop, 82% on a smartphone and 17% on a tablet. SILVER SPRING, Md. - A Maryland police chief resigned this week within hours of a court filing that portrayed his department, one of the states largest, as an agency poisoned by a racist culture. A complaint cited by the filing said a Prince Georges County police sergeant had a personalized license plate with an acronym for a vulgarity directed at President Barack Obama. Officers allegedly circulated pictures of a training dummy adorned with an Afro wig and Black face. A lieutenant derided Black Lives Matter protesters in comments quoted in a New York Times article. Those allegations were described in a 94-page report filed Thursday by plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit that accuses the department of condoning racism and retaliating against Black and Hispanic officers who complained about white colleagues bigoted behaviour. By the end of the day, the countys top elected official announced that she had accepted the resignation of Police Chief Hank Stawinski. Stawinski is the latest law-enforcement leader in the U.S. to face a reckoning amid national protests that erupted after George Floyds death last month. Police chiefs in Atlanta; Portland, Oregon; and Richmond, Virginia; also have resigned since a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee on Floyds neck for several minutes while the Black man pleaded for air. Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said Thursdays court filing, a report prepared by an expert witness for the plaintiffs, wasnt a factor in her decision to accept Stawinskis resignation. She said she had given the matter much thought for months. I am under no illusion, no illusion, that there arent things that are broken in our police department, she said Friday. Whatever we find that is broken, I assure you that I will fix it. Prince Georges County abuts Washington, D.C., and has more than 900,000 residents. The county is predominantly Black, but its police department has a greater percentage of white officers than Black officers, the lawsuit said. Stawinski, who was appointed to the position in 2016, didnt attend the news conference where Alsobrooks introduced a 26-year department veteran, Hector Velez, to serve as interim police chief. A message for Stawinski emailed to a department spokeswoman wasnt immediately returned. Were at a crossroads where we have an opportunity to choose a path that unites us, Velez said. Civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland, sued the county and Stawinski in December 2018 on behalf of several current and former officers. Many of the allegations in Thursdays court filing were outlined in the lawsuit or have been public for even longer. In August 2018, for instance, Stawinski apologized for a since- deleted Facebook Live video in which an officer speaking to children refers to a Black bad guy. The officer, who was giving a K-9 demonstration, said police dogs could smell detect a persons odor if a Black bad guy is running and drops an item. Joe Perez, a retired officer who is one of the lawsuits plaintiffs, believes the protests over Floyds death hastened Stawinskis departure. I think the timing was right because people are tired of racism, discrimination and targeting of minorities, said Perez, who has claimed he was passed over for promotions because he spoke out against discrimination. The NAACPs local branch had planned to hold a vote of no-confidence against Stawinskis leadership on Thursday evening. Branch president Bob Ross said he personally likes Stawinski but believed the department needs new leadership. I think it sort of snowballed on him and he didnt know how to dig his way out of it, Ross said Friday. Michael Graham, an expert on police procedures hired by plaintiffs attorneys, said in his report that the police department typically didnt investigate complaints of racial discrimination and harassment. For example, the lawsuit says Stawinski knew about the April 2016 complaint that a sergeant obtained customized license plates for a personal vehicle with an acronym for a vulgarity directed at Obama. But the complaint wasnt investigated, and the sergeant not only wasnt disciplined, he was promoted to lieutenant, the suit says. Alsobrooks said the county will conduct a national search for a new chief. She wouldnt comment on the allegations in Thursdays court filing. In a February court filing, county attorneys said the lawsuit is replete with numerous, vaguely-alleged acts that are untethered to the work experiences of the individual Plaintiffs. The suit seeks unspecified monetary damages, including punitive damages, as well as a court order requiring the county to abolish racial discrimination within its police department. In October 2017, Stawinski said the Justice Department was investigating allegations that the departments employment practices discriminated against Hispanics and Blacks. At the time, Stawinski said he would co-operate with the federal investigation and end any structures or practices that negatively impact officers. Welcome to the CUInsight Minute, sixty seconds from our Publisher & CEO Lauren Culp with the top three of our favorite things from the week. Mentioned this week: *Its PRIDE MONTH! Head to cupride.org to learn more about what the credit union industry is doing to celebrate! Post-pandemic growth opportunities: Dont miss out by MARK ARNOLD, ON THE MARK STRATEGIES In many ways, society is now looking at the curtain rising on a post-coronavirus environment. Most states are in some stage of gradual reopening, retail entities (restaurants, shopping, financial institutions, etc.) are following suit and the general economy is showing at least a few positive early signs of recovery. Your credit union has likely been operating under some kind of modified member experience delivery model for the last several months. (read more) 6 business development tips for the COVID-19 era by SAM BROWNELL, CUCOLLABORATE The current business development market has changed over the last few months. It may feel impossible at times to reach new potential SEGs and their employees. Below are a few tips to overcome the current obstacles from COVID-19. (read more) Three surprising data points from our credit union workplace research by JAY SPEIDELL, MOMENTUM What do employees really want out of their physical working environment? Whats the right answer in the open office vs private office debate? How does your culture resonate with employees in the workplace? (read more) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday sharpened attack on the Indian government over the face-off between the Indian and Chinese soldiers in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. Its now crystal clear that: 1. The Chinese attack in Galwan was pre-planned; 2. GOI was fast asleep and denied the problem; 3. The price was paid by our martyred Jawans, Gandhi said on Twitter. Also Watch | Govt was fast asleep, soldiers paid the price: Rahul Gandhi on Ladakh faceoff Its now crystal clear that: 1. The Chinese attack in Galwan was pre-planned. 2. GOI was fast asleep and denied the problem. 3. The price was paid by our martyred Jawans.https://t.co/ZZdk19DHcG Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 19, 2020 He attached a news report with his tweet in which Union minister Shripad Naik said that the June 15 attack was pre-planned by China. He had made the remarks on Wednesday and said that Indian forces will give a befitting reply. Gandhi had attacked the government on Thursday too, asking whether the Indian soldiers were sent to the site of the clash in Ladakhs Galwan Valley unarmed. China has committed a crime by killing Indias unarmed soldiers. I want to know who sent these unarmed soldiers in the harms way and why. Who is responsible? Gandhi had asked in Hindi during an 18-second video clip posted by him on Twitter. The government said that soldiers involved in the Monday night clash with Chinese troops were carrying weapons and ammunition but did not open fire as they were following border agreements between the two countries. Let us get the facts straight. All troops on border duty always carry arms, especially when leaving post. Those at Galwan on 15 June did so. Long-standing practice (as per 1996 & 2005 agreements) not to use firearms during faceoffs, external affairs minister S Jaishankar tweeted, responding to a post by Gandhi. Jaishankar and Gandhi were both reacting to an HT interview with Lt Gen (retired) HS Panag, who said soldiers do not shoot arms to avoid escalation of the situation. Panag also said: The Chinese, by design, came with clubs, with knuckle dusters. Indian and Chinese soldiers engaged in their first deadly conflict in at least 45 years at Patrol Point 14 in Galwan Valley, resulting in 20 deaths on the Indian side, including that of a commanding officer, and possibly 43 casualties including injuries on the Chinese side during the seven-hour brutal brawl that also involved hand-to-hand fighting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said on Wednesday that India is a peace loving country but can give befitting reply if provoked. He had made the remarks ahead of a video conference with chief ministers to discuss the Covid-19 situation in the country. Defence minister Rajnath Singh had mourned the death of the 20 soldiers, saying the nation will never forget their supreme sacrifice. Photo taken on Aug. 5, 2019 shows China's national flag and the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) on the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong, south China. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaochu) BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday voiced strong dissatisfaction with and resolute opposition to a joint statement on Hong Kong affairs issued by Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a press conference, saying that China has consistently repeated that Hong Kong affairs are purely China's internal affairs that brook no interference from any foreign government, organization or individual. The decision by China's National People's Congress (NPC) and the legislation by the NPC Standing Committee is aimed at plugging the loopholes in Hong Kong's legal system to safeguard national security, he said. Establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security from the national level is an embodiment of the "one country, two systems" and will guarantee a steady implementation of "one country, two systems," as well as safeguarding Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, the spokesperson said. "We have repeatedly said that the core content of the Sino-British Joint Declaration is China's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong," Zhao said, adding that China's Constitution and the Basic Law jointly form the constitutional basis of the HKSAR. China is firmly determined to promote the national security legislation for HKSAR, the spokesperson said, urging relevant parties to thoroughly study China's Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, view national security legislation for HKSAR in an objective and fair manner, follow the international law and basic norms governing international relations, stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs. In an unprecedented gesture, Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 crore to the family of Colonel Santosh Babu, the commander of the 16th Bihar regiment, who was killed in a clash with Chinese troops at Galwan valley in Eastern Ladakh, on Monday night. The chief minister also announced Rs 10 lakh to each of the families of 19 soldiers who died in the clashes along with Santosh. KCR made this announcement while speaking at the all-party meeting held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the evening. The chief minister said the state government was announcing the ex gratia in honour of the bravery shown by Col Santosh Babu while fighting the Chinese troops. The state government will also provide a residential plot to his family and Group-I job to the officers wife Santoshi, he said. KCR said he would soon visit the family members of Col Santosh Babu and present the cheque personally on behalf of the state government. With regard to the financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the other 19 soldiers, he said the amount would be handed over to the bereaved families through the Union Defence Ministry. The chief minister said the state government would extend complete support to the family of Colonel Santosh Babu in future. He felt that the entire nation should stand united and extend support to the families of the soldiers who were guarding the borders. We must display the symbol of unity and send a strong signal that the nation is with the brave soldiers and their families. Our actions will instill confidence among the armed forces personnel and their families, he said. The chief minister said while the Central government will provide necessary support to the families of the martyrs, the states too should take responsibility and join hands to extend support. He emphasised the need for the states to provide monetary and other support to the bereaved families by reducing their expenditures even during the Covid-19 crisis. The chief minister said India should not take any hasty decisions with regard to skirmishes with China on border issues, while, at the same time, not compromising on the national interests. We need to adopt short-term and long-term strategies to counter China. In this regard, we all stand by the Central government, he said. Stating that what we need at present is not Rajneeti (politicking) but Ranneeti (war strategy), KCR said China was not able to tolerate India growing as a stable democracy and an economic superpower. In order to overcome its internal crisis, China is trying to create a war-like situation on the borders to divert their peoples attention, he opined. KCR, however, opposed the clamour for stopping of all imports from China. It will be a hasty decision. First, let us start indigenously producing the goods that we are importing from China and make them affordable. Then we can think of banning imports, he advised. South Asians are 20 per cent more likely to die of coronavirus after being admitted to hospital than white people, a major study has found. The extensive study - which adds to mounting evidence that BAME groups are being hit hardest by Covid-19 - looked at 35,000 infected patients across 260 hospitals in mid-May. Researchers said the findings should inform government policy on who is prioritised to get vaccinated against the disease first, if a jab is proven to work. Data also showed there was no difference between ethnic groups when it came to the severity of illness on admission to hospital. It comes just days after Public Health England published a long-awaited second part of its report into how coronavirus has hit BAME communities harder. The report said 'hostile environments' towards immigrants may have affected settled BAME communities through 'heightened prejudice' and 'societal tensions' but did not explain how this has directly raised the risk of Covid-19. The study that found South Asians face a higher risk of dying, set to be published in the Lancet, involved experts from more than twenty-seven institutions across the UK as well as Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam. Lead author Professor Ewen Harrison, of the University of Edinburgh, told the BBC: 'South Asians are definitely more likely to die from Covid-19 in hospital, but we don't see a strong effect in the black group.' South Asians are 20 per cent more likely to die of coronavirus after being admitted to hospital than white people, a major study has found One graph showed how the percentage of Covid-19 patients dying in hospital increases with age. Data for men is on the left, while the figures for women are on the right. The darker circles take into account patients who had diabetes No difference was seen between ethnic groups when it came to the severity of illness on admission to hospital It comes just days after Public Health England published a long-awaited second part of its report into how coronavirus has hit BAME communities harder. A man in Bradford is pictured wearing a face mask The study, which has been made public, also found that 290 die out of every 1,000 white people needing hospital treatment for Covid-19. This figure rose to 350 for South Asian people. No similar estimates were made for other ethnic groups but the raw data revealed hospitalised Covid-19 patients who were black were 5 per cent more likely to die than white people. East Asians fared the same as white people. Professor Harrison added: 'The South Asian population in hospital looks completely different to the white population. 'They're 12 years younger on average, that's a massive difference, and they tend not to have dementia, obesity or lung disease, but very high levels of diabetes.' Diabetes increases the risk of developing severe Covid-19 and the 4million Brits who have the condition are considered to be in the 'at risk' group. The study showed that around 40 per cent of South Asian patients had either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, compared with 25 per cent of white groups. Most of the infected patients in the study, yet to be peer-reviewed, were white (83 per cent). People of South Asian background made up 5 per cent of the total group, while 4 per cent of cases analysed were black people. The study comes amid concerns prevalent since the start of the crisis that the BAME community has been more affected by the killer pandemic. The report released by Public Health England (PHE) just a few days ago claimed a lack of trust in the NHS may have left some BAME groups reluctant to seek help early on, potentially making their disease harder to treat. It said some people were 'fearful of being deported' if they presented to hospital. And it claimed that BAME NHS staff may be less likely to speak up when they have concerns about personal protective equipment (PPE) or their risk. The report - based on discussions with 4,000 people - noted that historic racism has meant non-white communities are generally poorer so have worse health, putting them at higher risk if they catch Covid-19. Ethnic minority people in particular those from black, Bangladeshi or Pakistani backgrounds have for decades been more likely to have lower-paid jobs, leaving them with less money to live healthy lifestyles. BAME people are more likely to have conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, PHE said, which make them more vulnerable to Covid-19. And they are more likely to work in risky jobs in which they spend time in contact with members of the public, increasing the chance of them catching the disease. Data in Public Health England's first 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 groups. 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' The report today shed more light on how ethnic minority people's interactions with the NHS may leave them with worse health. It explained that 'hostile environments' for immigrants mean some may avoid medical care. PHE said: 'Fear of diagnosis and death from COVID-19 was identified as negatively impacting how BAME communities took up opportunities to test for COVID-19 and their likelihood of presenting early for treatment and care. 'The effects of hostile environments against immigrants, particularly failed asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants, might affect settled BAME populations adversely through heightened prejudice and societal tensions. 'For many BAME communities, lack of trust of NHS services and treatment resulted in their reluctance to seek care on a timely basis, again resulting in late presentation with disease. 'Others were also fearful of being deported if they presented to hospital. 'People in the asylum system and those with no recourse to public funds, who can often face additional barriers to accessing healthcare.' YOKOHAMA (dpa-AFX) - Nissan Motor Co Ltd. (NSANF.PK, NSANY.PK) announced the company and Sunwoda Electric Vehicle Battery Co. Ltd. will consider joint development of next-generation vehicle batteries for Nissan's e-POWER vehicles. The companies will also discuss the development of a production system for these batteries. Nissan and Sunwoda plan to conclude a final agreement by the end of the current year. Separately, Nissan Motor Co announced details of additional production adjustments at its manufacturing facilities in Japan in June and July due to COVID-19. At Tochigi Plant, vehicle production will be suspended on July 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 23 and 24. At Oppama Plant, vehicle production will be suspended on July 20 and 27. 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. Tesla is considering buying a property near Austin, Texas, for the possible construction of a new electric vehicle manufacturing plant, an application to the Texas Comptrollers Office shows. Elon Musk said that the EV manufacturer is considering several options for the new plant. Tesla Inc is evaluating the possible development, design, and construction of a high-tech electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Travis County within the Austin Green property located at the intersection of SH130 and Harold Green Road, the EV maker said, noting that if the sale goes through and all required approvals are obtained, construction could begin in the third quarter of 2020. If the new EV manufacturing plant is built in Texas, it would create 5,000 jobs in the state, Tesla said in its application. Tesla has an option to purchase this land, but has not exercised it, Musk tweeted on Thursday, replying to a news story reporting that it had already acquired the property in Travis County. Asked if Tulsa, Oklahoma, is also in the mix, Musk said that We are considering several options. If Tesla were to pick Austin for the next factory, it could save more than US$68 million on property taxes during the next decade, the Austin American-Statesman reported this week. Last month, Tesla and the state of California were in a bitter dispute over the reopening of the Fremont factory during the lockdown. Tesla reopened its factory in Fremont, California, in violation of a shutdown order issued by the health authorities of Alameda County, and Musk threatened to move Teslas headquarters out of California to Texas or Nevada. Texas is a perfect fit for Tesla, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said last month, while Tulsa, Oklahoma, has found a novel way to advertise itself to Tesla, which is looking for a location for a new car factory. The city has started work on one of its landmarks, the Golden Driller statue, to make it look like Musk. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The White House indicated Friday afternoon that President Trump's Fourth of July 'Salute to America' had been downgraded from the grand spectacular that took place last year in front of the Lincoln Memorial. This year, according to the press secretary's office, the event would be held on the White House's South Lawn - along with at the Ellipse, located just outside the executive mansion's gates - though would still feature flyovers and 'military demonstrations.' Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser already scaled back the city's plans for the holiday due to the coronavirus pandemic, announcing in May that there wouldn't be a parade. Trump, in late April, however, had said his big event was still on. President Trump's Fourth of July 'Salute to America' has been moved back to the White House - and the nearby Ellipse - this year, the White House announced Friday In 2019, President Trump hosted a 'Salute to America' at the Lincoln Memorial, which featured flyovers, tanks and a presidential speech This year, President Trump expressed that he wanted to do something similar, but D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was already scaling back Fourth of July festivities due to COVID-19 concerns The White House announced Friday that the 'Salute to America' would move back to the White House and also take place at the Ellipse. It would also still feature flyovers The president will deliver remarks this year from the South Lawn and first lady Melania Trump will attend, the note from the press secretary's office said President Trump attracted criticism for using tanks, such as this Bradley Fighting Vehicle, for decoration, with critics comparing him to authoritarian leaders 'On July 4, we'll be doing what we had at the Mall, as you know. We're going to be doing it. Last year was a tremendous success, and I would imagine we'll do it - hopefully I can use the term "forever."' But this year's event now looks more in line what White House's have done in the past. In recent history, presidents would invite crowds to an event on the South Lawn where they get a direct view of D.C.'s annual fireworks display. But in 2019, Trump became the first president in 68 years to address a crown on the National Mall to mark Independence Day. Trump expressed he wanted something bigger and so he called in the military bands and allowed planes and helicopters - which are usually barred from flying over downtown D.C. - to do a flyover. The plane used as Air Force One and the choppers used for Marine One were joined by the Blue Angels, Air Force stealth bombers and other military craft. The president also brought in Abrams tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles to put on display. He was criticized for making Washington's Fourth of July festivies - which generally feature a concert on PBS and fireworks - overtly political and militaristic, the latter move being compared to authoritarian leaders. The White House didn't mention whether tanks would be present at this year's event. There have been National Guard vehicles stationed around D.C. for the past few weeks, in response to the 'Black Lives Matter' protests. The note from the press secretary did say that first lady Melania Trump would be present and the president would speak. In 2017 and 2018, Trump and the first lady addressed guests on the South Lawn. White House spokesman Judd Deere hinted that the event could be scaled-back this year when he spoke to NBC News in late May. 'As President Trump has said, there will be an Independence Day celebration this year and it will have a different look than 2019 to ensure the health and safety of those attending,' Deere said. The president also plans to travel to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota to mark the holiday. That trip is slated to take place on July 3. All 206 members of the Madhya Pradesh (MP) legislative assembly (MLAs) on Friday cast their votes in the Rajya Sabha polls held for three vacant seats from MP, said AP Singh, principal secretary, state legislative assembly secretariat and the returning officer. Polling, which was held in the assemblys central hall, passed off peacefully amid the raging coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak, where all protocols were adhered to during the voting process. The counting of votes would begin at 5pm and the results are expected later at night on Friday, state assembly officials said. MP chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the first among the 206 lawmakers to cast his vote, followed by state home and health minister Narottam Mishra. State Congress president and ex-CM Kamal Nath also cast his vote. A lawmaker, who had recently tested Covid-19 positive, was the last MLA to exercise his franchise. He turned up at the state assembly wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) kit at the appointed hour of 12:30pm. The state assembly premises was sanitised after he left for the day. Singh said that the infected MLA could have cast his vote via postal ballot, as that option was available. All the MLAs, except the one, who recently tested Covid-19 positive, cast their votes in the first three hours. The infected lawmaker showed up at 12:30 as per the schedule conveyed to him, and he left immediately after casting his vote. The polling passed off peacefully. Social distancing norms and all safety measures were followed during the voting process, Singh said. State BJP leader Dr. Hitesh Bajpai expressed his concern over the Covid-19 positive MLAs presence on the state assembly premises, even though he had come wearing the PPE kit. A PPE kit is for self-protection, but still theres no guarantee that a Covid-19 patient wearing such a kit wont infect others, said Bajpai. Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sumer Singh Solanki from the BJP and Digvijaya Singh and Phool Singh Baraiya from the Congress are the four candidates vying for the three vacant Upper House seats from MP. Currently, the 230-member MP Assembly has 206 MLAs and 24 seats are lying vacant. The BJPs strength in the assembly is 107, Congress (92), independents (4), Bahujan Samaj Party (2) and a Samajwadi Party (SP) lawmaker. At least 52 first preference votes are needed for the victory of an RS candidate, state assembly officials said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Experts defend idea of imposing duties on diesel, LPG imports from Russia 23:00, 19.06.20 821 At the same time, the Interdepartmental Commission on International Trade is set to consider inappropriate initiating an anti-subsidy investigation into the Russian imports of diesel fuel and LPG. The antiviral drug may cost around Rs 55,000 for an 11-dose course, or Rs 5,000 per injection -- much less than the price of imports from Bangladesh, reports Sohini Das. Image used for representational purpose only. Gileads Remdesivir, the only drug with an emergency use authorisation to treat Covid-19 in the US, is expected to be widely available in the Indian market by the end of this month, sources in the know said. The drug may reduce the average time of hospital stay for Covid patients and improve their recovery time. Currently, the drug is allowed for restricted emergency use on severely ill hospitalised Covid patients in India. The antiviral drug may cost around Rs 55,000 for an 11-dose course, or Rs 5,000 per injection -- much less than the price of imports from Bangladesh. Domestic pharmaceutical companies claim India is fully vertically integrated to make Remdesivir, and there is no reliance on China for any ingredient. After Gileads repurposed drug came into the limelight, the US firm signed licence agreements with Indian manufacturers around mid-May to make and sell the drug in India and other countries. In the first week of June, the firm got approval for Remdesivir from the Indian drug regulator. Indian licensees -- Cipla, Hetero, Zydus Cadila, and Dr Reddys Laboratories -- as well as Dutch firm Mylan, which will make the drug in India, are, however, yet to get a formal nod from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). With the growing clamour for the drug, states like Maharashtra have considered importing it from companies in Bangladesh. In some cases, individual patients have sought the drug regulators nod to import the drug. Multiple sources now indicate that Remdesivir would soon be available in India from domestic players. A senior executive of one of the licensees said the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) had sought stability data to ensure the drug was safe to use once in the market. The central drug testing laboratory was to review the test batches submitted by the manufacturers for stability. If things go well, the approval can come in eight to 10 days, and the drug will be available in the market by the end of this month, he said. He further added the drug would be priced competitively in the Indian market and the price could be around Rs 5000 for a dose. Each patient will need eleven doses, taking the cost of treatment to about Rs 55,000. Another licensee confirmed that the pricing of Remdesivir would be around that much, and added that market dynamics would keep the price in check. India is a fairly efficient market in terms of competition. Price will be a dynamic thing depending on demand and supply, but it will not be a bottleneck for patients. Today a patient is paying anything between Rs 35,000 and Rs 60,000 a day in hospitals. This drug reduces at least three to four days of ones hospital stay. In that way, the drug will pay for itself, he said. Industry sources said pharma firms in Bangladesh were importing the active pharmaceutical ingredients from China and thus they were quoting a much higher price -- around Rs 10,000 for a vial. A Gilead spokesperson had told Business Standard earlier that the primary purpose of filing the new drug application in India was to support the voluntary licencees based in India. The timeline to get Remdesivir to the Indian patients that need it will depend on the licensees and a process that Gilead does not control. Our individual licensees will also file applications with the CDSCO to manufacture and sell Remdesivir, while waiving the requirement for undertaking local clinical trials, the spokesperson had said. The Indian licensees have been in regular contact with the CDSCO, which too wants to bring in the domestically made drug into the market soon. A CDSCO source told Business Standard that one has to weigh the safety and do a risk-benefit analysis in such a critical situation. An industry source said the CDSCO had asked for stability and toxicology data, which would be submitted by the end of this week or so. Industry sources said if the DCGI did not take a decision by next week based on the data available to give approval to the Indian licensees, the next set of additional data would take at least 60 days to generate. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on the government to make the drug available here soon. Sanjay Oak, leader of the Maharashtra task force of doctors on Covid-19, has requested the state government multiple times to make the drug available soon. The state government thus considered importing it from companies in Bangladesh, which do not have any licence to make the injectable. The drug is available in the Indian market unfortunately. The risk is the product is not even approved in Bangladesh, said one of the companies that has Gileads licence. Al-Qaeda's North Africa wing, AQIM published a video confirming the death of Algerian chief Abdelmalek Droukdel, killed by French special forces earlier this month in northern Mali. The message calls for continued battles against foreign forces in the Sahel region. Al-Qaeda's North Africa wing has confirmed that its Algerian chief Abdelmalek Droukdel is dead, according to SITE, the US watchdog for extremist groups. France said early this month that its forces killed Droukdel in northern Mali near the Algerian border, where it says the group has bases it uses to carry out bombings and abductions of Westerners. "After nearly two weeks, AQIM (Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb) has officially acknowledged the death of its long time leader Droukdel (Wadud), with a video eulogy narrated by AQIM's head of media, pledging continued battles against occupying French forces and others in N. Africa and the Sahel," SITE director Rita Katz said Thursday on her Twitter account. French Defence Minister Florence Parly said June 6 that many close associates of the Algerian -- who commanded several groups under the AQIM banner -- were also "neutralised." She said that the "this is a major success for the combat, which is essential for peace and stability in the region." The United States said it had provided information and support in the operation. Attacks against westerners AQIM emerged from a group started in the late 1990s by radical Algerian Islamists, who in 2007 pledged allegiance to Osama Bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network. The group has said it has carried out numerous attacks on troops and civilians across the Sahel, including a 2016 attack on an upmarket hotel and restaurant in Burkina Faso that killed 30 people, mainly Westerners. The death of Droukdel -- once regarded as Algeria's enemy number one -- could leave AQIM in disarray, French military sources have said. France has deployed more than 5,000 troops to combat jihadist groups in the region -- a largely lawless expanse stretching over Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, where drugs and arms flow through porous borders. (AFP) Voting for three vacant Rajya Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh concluded on Friday afternoon after all the 206 MLAs, including a Congress legislator who has tested COVID-19 positive, cast their votes. IMAGE: A Congress MLA, right, who have been tested positive for COVID-19 arrives at the state legislative assembly to cast his vote for the Rajya Sabha election, in Bhopal on Friday. Photograph: ANI Photo Meanwhile in Gujarat, Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Matar Kesarisinh Jesangbhai Solanki arrived in an ambulance to cast his vote in Rajya Sabha elections on Friday. Voting began in Madhya Pradesh at 9 am in the state assembly complex in Bhopal and ended around 1.15 pm, an assembly official said. The Congress legislator, who is a COVID-19 patient, was the last one to cast his ballot wearing a PPE suit. He came to the assembly complex in an ambulance, the official said. Both the parties -- the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress -- had fielded two candidates each for the three seats of the Upper House of Parliament. While the BJP fielded senior leader and former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and former professor of a government college, Sumer Singh Solanki, from the Congress's side, veteran politician Digvijaya Singh and Dalit leader Phool Singh Baraiya were in the fray. BJP members, including state Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, cast their votes in the morning. IMAGE: The MLA came to the assembly in an ambulance. Photograph: ANI Photo Former chief minister Kamal Nath and other Congress leaders also cast their ballots soon after the process began. Chouhan was the first member to cast vote, followed by the Home Minister Narottam Mishra. The members were seen wearing masks and standing in a queue maintaining social distance in view of COVID-19 pandemic. For winning a seat in the Rajya Sabha polls from MP, a candidate needs 52 votes. As per the numerical strength of the two parties, BJP is set to win two seats as it has 107 MLAs of its own and has the support of two MLAs of the Bahujan Samaj Party, one MLA of the Samajwadi Party and two Independents, party sources said. The saffron party has the support of 112 in the 230 member Assembly whose effective strength is 206. Scindia and Solanki, thus, can get the 52 votes each needed for victory. Leaders of the BSP and the SP said they voted in favour of the BJP. IMAGE: BJP MLA Jesangbhai Solanki arrives in an ambulance to cast his vote for Rajya Sabha election, in Gandhinagar on Friday. Photograph: ANI Photo Talking to reporters after the polls, SP's Rajesh Shukla said, "It is our compulsion to go with the government. I have voted for the BJP on my own for the development of the area. There was no directive from the party leadership on the issue." BSP's Sanjeev Kushwaha said, "The Congress government collapsed not because of us, but due to its internal differences. There was no directive from the party for us. "Therefore, we voted for the BJP on our own for the development of our region. The BSP will contest the upcoming by-polls on all the seats." In the 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly, 24 seats are currently vacant. Congress has been left with 92 MLAs after 22 of its legislators, including six who were ministers then, quit the party in support of Scindia's move to join the BJP. Thus, Congress is set to win a single seat out of the total three for which polls are being held, sources added. The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) had asked 54 of its 92 MLAs to cast their first preference vote for Digvijaya Singh. The former chief minister needs 52 votes to get elected to Rajya Sabha for the second consecutive term. Baraiya, placed after Singh in the pecking order by his party, does not have the numbers on his side to win. In Gujarat, voting for elections to fill the vacant 18 seats in Rajya Sabha began on Friday. BJP MLA Kesarisinh Jesangbhai Solanki was hospitalised following a health issue reached the polling booth directly from the hospital. Meanwhile, three buses, carrying BJP MLAs, reached Rajasthan Legislative Assembly in Jaipur. Polling is being held for the states of Andhra Pradesh (four seats), Gujarat (four seats), Jharkhand (two seats), Madhya Pradesh (three seats), Manipur (one seat), Meghalaya (one seat) and Rajasthan (three seats). -- with inputs from ANI Embargoed until 7am 19 June 2020 Altona Energy plc ("Altona" or "the Company") Interim Results Altona (AQSE: ANR.PL), a mining exploration company, announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2019. Christian Taylor-Wilkinson, Interim CEO of Altona, commented, "The period under review for these results was one of transition for the Company, as while the strategy remained that of finding a mining project suitable for increasing shareholder value, the evaluation of a vanadium project in China (June 2019) as well as the attempt to acquire a new Petroleum Exploration Licence in South Australia (December 2019) were both discarded by the board, as projects not suited to achieve the desired results. "In May of 2020, outside the review period, the Company engaged with a Malawian mining consultancy, which is in the process of acquiring the mining rights over a Rare Earth Element project in southern Malawi. The board believes that this project has a high degree of merit and we are currently carrying out due diligence, which we believe will take less than three months. "We are also speaking with owners of other mining assets, whilst assessing the potential of alternative projects, should a more suitable investment be found, or should the project in Malawi not be able to move forward for whatever reason. "We also continue to search for realistic funding solutions for the Company, so as to provide the necessary capital for the Company to remain solvent until we find our next project, and to ensure our shareholders do not face excessive dilution. It has become a delicate balancing act, but ultimately the board is trying to ensure the Company survives in its current form and therefore, we may have to face tough choices in the next few months in order to raise the right amount of funds at the right price which will enable us to finally move ahead and put the last few years behind us. "The shares in the Company remain suspended and may do so until new funds have been raised. This, we hope, will be in conjunction with the Company finalising a deal to acquire a new mining asset. The timeline for any fund raise and completion of an acquisition, if one is to happen, we envisage, will be within the next four months. "We will continue to update the market as and when we have developments to report and we once more thank our shareholders for their ongoing support." Financial Review The financial loss of the Group for the six months ended 31 December 2019 was 78,000 (H1 2018: 366,000), due to the strict cost cutting exercise implemented by the new board. The Company had total liabilities of 377,000 at 31 December 2019 (H1 2019: 310,000), being made up of a bank overdraft facility of 100,000 and 162,000 of accrued expenses, the majority of which relate to deferred salaries of Mr Zhang, Mr Taylor-Wilkinson and Mr Sutherland; these amounts will be settled either, once the Company has suffient cash reserves, or converted into Altona shares. Any payment of these accrued salaries will not be made to the detriment of the business's planned future operations. -ends- For further information, please visit www.altonaenergy.com or contact: Altona Energy plc Christian Taylor-Wilkinson, Interim CEO Philip Sutherland, Non-Executive Director +44 (0) 7795 168 157 +61 (0)402 440 339 Alfred Henry Corporate Finance Ltd (AQSE Corporate Adviser) Jon Isaacs / Nick Michaels +44 (0) 20 3772 0021 Leander (Financial PR) +44 (0) 7795 168 157 Company Information Altona is a mining exploration company focused on the evaluation, development and extraction of minerals. The Company was admitted to trading on AIM on 10 March 2005 and was subsequently admitted to Aquis Stock Exchange (Formerly NEX Exchange for Growth Companies) on 1 February 2019. A copy of its admission documents dated 4 March 2005 can be accessed on its website, www.altonaenergy.com. This website is where items can be inspected under Rule 75 of the Aquis Stock Exchange Rules for Issuers, from 1 February 2019. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 Notes Unaudited Half-year ended 31 Dec 2019 Unaudited Half-year ended 31 Dec 2018 Audited Year ended 30 June 2019 '000 '000 '000 Total administrative expenses and loss from operations (78) (366) (624) Impairment expense - - (11,033) Loss before taxation (78) (366) (11,657) Tax 2 - - - Loss for the financial period (78) (366) (11,657) Other comprehensive income Exchange differences on translating foreign operations maybe subsequently reclassified to profit or loss - (148) (187) Total comprehensive profit/(loss) attributable to the equity holders of the parent (78) (514) (11,844) Loss per share - Basic and diluted 3 (4.87p) (23.51p) (894.84p) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2019 Unaudited 31 Dec 2019 '000 Unaudited 31 Dec 2018 '000 Audited 30 June 2019 '000 ASSETS Non-current assets Intangible assets - 11,074 - Other receivables 3 3 3 Total Non-current assets - 11,077 3 Current assets Trade and other receivables 21 77 32 Cash and cash equivalents - 19 - Total Current assets 21 96 32 Total assets 24 11,173 35 LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade and other payables 4 377 127 310 Total Current liabilities 377 127 310 Total liabilities 377 127 310 NET ASSETS (353) 11,046 (275) Capital and reserve attributable to the equity holders of the Parent Share capital 1.431 1,427 1.431 Share premium 18,697 18,692 18,697 Merger reserve 2,001 2,001 2,001 Foreign exchange reserve 1,224 1,263 1,224 Retained losses (23,706) (12,337) (23,628) TOTAL EQUITY (353) 11,046 (275) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 Unaudited Half-year ended 31 Dec2019 Unaudited Half-year ended 31 Dec 2018 Audited Year ended 30 June 2019 '000 '000 '000 Operating activities Loss before taxation (78) (366) (11,657) Share based payments - - 9 Impairment of intangibles - - 11,033 (Increase)/ decrease in receivables 11 (39) 6 Increase / (decrease) in payables and provisions 67 36 123 Cash used in operations - (369) (486) Income tax benefit received - - - Net cash outflow used in operating activities - (369) (486) Investing activities Interest received - - - Net cash outflow from investing activities - - - Financing activities Proceeds from bank overdraft - - 96 Proceeds from issue of shares - - - Costs of issue - Net cash inflow from financing activities - - 96 Increase/decrease in cash and cash equivalents in period/ year - (369) (390) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period / year - 391 391 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents - (3) (1) Cash and cash equivalents at end of period / year - 19 - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 Share capital Share premium Merger reserve Foreign exchange reserve Retained losses Total shareholders' equity '000 '000 '000 '000 '000 '000 Balance at 30 June 2018 1,427 18,692 2,001 1,411 (11,971) 11,560 Total comprehensive loss for the period - - - (148) (366) (514) Issue of share capital - - - - - - Balance at 31 December 2018 1,427 18,692 2,001 1,263 (12,337) 11,046 Total comprehensive loss for the period - - - (39) (11,291) (11,330) Issue of share capital 4 5 - - - 9 Balance at 30 June 2019 1,431 18,697 2,001 1,224 (23,628) (275) Total comprehensive loss for the period - - - - (78) (78) Issue of share capital - - - - - - Balance at 31 December 2019 1,431 18,697 2,001 1,224 (23,706) (353) NOTES TO THE INTERIM REPORT FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2018 1. GENERAL INFORMATION Altona Energy Plc (the "Company") is a company registered in England and Wales. The condensed consolidated interim financial statements of the Company for the six months ended 31 December 2019 comprise the result of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the "Group") and have been prepared in accordance with the Aquis Stock Exchange Growth Market Rules for Issuers. As permitted, the Company has chosen not to adopt IAS 34 "Interim Financial Statement" in preparing these interim financial statements. The consolidated interim financial information for the period 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2019 is unaudited. In the opinion of the Directors the condensed interim financial information for the period presents fairly the financial position, and results from operations and cash flows for the period in conformity with the generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied. The condensed interim financial information incorporates unaudited comparative figures for the interim period 1 July 2018 to 31 December 2018 and extracts from the audited financial statements for the year to 30 June 2019. The financial information contained in this interim report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined by section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. The comparatives for the full year ended 30 June 2019 are not the Company's full statutory accounts for that year. A copy of the statutory accounts for that year has been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on those financial statements was unqualified but did include a reference to the uncertainties surrounding going concern, to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis of matter and did not contain a statement under s498 (2) - (3) of Companies Act 2006. The interim report has not been audited or reviewed by the Company's auditor. The key risks and uncertainties and critical accountancy estimates remain unchanged from 30 June 2019 and the accountancy policies adopted are consistent with those used in the preparation of its financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2019. 2. TAXATION The Group has recognised a nil tax credit (31 December 2018: nil and 30 June 2019: nil) in respect of the concession for research and development tax credits available to the Group. No current taxation has been provided due to losses in the period. 3. LOSS PER SHARE The basic loss per share is derived by dividing the loss for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of shares in issue. Unaudited 31 Dec 2019 Unaudited 31 Dec 2018 Audited 30 June 2019 Loss for the period ('000) (78) (366) (11,657) Weighted average number of shares - expressed in thousands 1,602 1,559 1,602 Basic loss per share - expressed in pence (4.87p) (23.51p) (894.84) As the inclusion of the potential ordinary shares would result in a decrease in the loss per share they are considered to be anti-dilutive and, as such, the diluted loss per share calculation is the same as the basic loss per share. 4. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES Unaudited 31 Dec 2019 '000 Unaudited 31 Dec 2018 '000 Audited 30 June 2019 '000 Trade payables 115 60 132 Bank overdraft 100 - 96 Accruals and other payables 162 67 82 377 127 310 5. POST REPORTING DATE EVENTS The following events occurred subsequent to period end: Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, an honest look at President Biden's press conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Maria Ressa, executive editor and CEO of the Rappler news website, speaks to journalists after the Manila Regional Court convicted her of cyber libel, June 15, 2020. Embattled Philippine journalist Maria Ressa is facing a new cyber-libel complaint over a 2019 tweet of a newspaper story claiming that a Filipino businessman was involved in illegal drugs, court documents showed Friday. Wilfredo Keng, who on Monday won a separate cyber-libel case against Ressa, filed this new complaint in February but it was not made public then. This time, Keng wants Ressa to be jailed over a tweet she posted in February last year. In publishing the 2002 Philippine Star article on her Twitter account, the respondent has feloniously communicated the malicious imputation against me not only to her 350,000 Twitter followers, but to anyone who has access to the internet, Kengs 11-page complaint read. Ressa, the CEO and executive editor of the online news site Rappler, and former reporter Reynaldo Santos Jr. on Monday became the first journalists to be found guilty of cyber libel in the Philippines. Their convictions, which could carry sentences of six months to as much as six years, can be appealed. Screenshot Ressas tweet cited by Keng was a screenshot of 2002 news article, which named him as an alleged suspect in the death of a government official in Manila. In filing the new complaint, Keng said the two articles will also show that they have the same purpose: that of destroying my reputation. The 2002 Philippine Star article was taken down in 2019 after Keng raised the possibility of legal action. The Star said it wanted to be prudent because the scope of cyber libel law in the Philippines the legal basis used to convict Ressa and Santos was unexplored. Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said the new case could have far-reaching consequences against the nations media. We fear this complaint, if the state further perverts the law, could spell doom for freedom of expression online, the NUJP said. To our colleagues in the community of independent journalists, let us remain vigilant and continue to resist all attempts to intimidate and silence us. The new case adds to a list of criminal complaints filed against Ressa and Rappler since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016. Ressa is facing at least two more libel cases, while Rappler faces at least 11 complaints including a closure order. Ressas lawyer, Ted Te, said his team was preparing to reply to the suit but he was not sure when it could be filed. The city hall complex where the case is being heard is under a lockdown order after two employees apparently were exposed to COVID-19. Im sure the media will be informed when that will be and will be given copies as soon as (we) file her counter affidavit, Te said. Conviction On June 15, a Manila court convicted Ressa and Santos based on a complaint that Keng filed in 2017 with the National Bureau of Investigation regarding a 2012 Rappler report. The report had said Keng owned a vehicle seen being used at the time by the then-chief justice of the Philippines Supreme Court. The report also described Keng as having connections to the criminal underworld. Earlier this week, Keng said he filed that complaint to protect his good name. He said the courts decision brought vindication even as he claimed that Rapplers lies still resound after the bang of the gavel has faded away. Ressa portrays herself as an alleged defender of press freedom and as a purported target of the Philippine government, but this in no way exempts her from respecting and following Philippine laws, Keng said. Dutertes administration denied that the case was an attack on press freedom. Spokesman Martin Andanar called it a case of accountability. The Duterte administration has constantly been one with the United States and the international community toward upholding and valuing our long-shared commitments to freedoms of the press and speech, Andanar said on Wednesday, stressing that the government valued a plurality of voices including critical ones. Jeoffrey Maitem in Cotabato City, Philippines, contributed to this report. The coronavirus disease has been rapidly spreading across the country. The number of cases has already passed the 3.6 lakh-mark with over 10,000 cases being recorded in the last few days. The Centre has held review meetings to discuss the ways to check the spread of the disease. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the chief ministers of various states over two days, home minister Amit Shah held meetings on the situation in national capital Delhi which has seen spike in the Covid-19 cases. Maharashtra continues to lead the grim tally with nearly a third of the coronavirus disease cases. Here is a list of states with highest number of Covid-19 cases: Maharashtra: The state has seen the highest number of coronavirus disease cases because of the rapid spread of the disease after the outbreak. According to Union health ministry update on Thursday, Maharashtra has 1,16,752 cases of Covid-19. The state has recorded 5,651 fatalities. The number of active cases in the state are 51,935 while 59,166 have been discharged. Tamil Nadu: The southern state has recorded more than 50,000 Covid-19 cases so far, the highest after Maharashtra. While 21,993 are active cases, 27,624 have been discharged. The number of fatalities in the state due to the coronavirus disease is 576. Delhi: The number of Covid-19 cases in national capital were increasing at a steady pace initially, but in the last fortnight, there has been a huge spike. And with the state government correcting its data and including some past numbers too, Delhis Covid-19 tally stands at 47,102. The city-state has seen 1,904 deaths due to the disease. While 27,741 cases are active, 17,457 patients have been discharged. Gujarat: The western Indian state of Gujarat is also among the states which have very high number of Covid-19 cases. The number of such cases in the state are 25,093, according to Union health ministry data. Though the number of half of that of Tamil Nadu, such high caseload makes Gujarat one of the worst affected states in the country due to Covid-19. The numbe rof active cases in the state are 6,103 and 17,430 have been cured or discharged. As many as 1,560 patients have died due to the disease in Gujarat. Uttar Pradesh: Indias most populous state has seen its Covid-19 tally nearing the 15,000-mark. As per the Union health ministry, the number of coronavirus disease cases in the state are 14,598. While 5,259 are active cases, 8,904 have been discharged. Uttar Pradesh has recorded 435 Covid-19-related fatalities. Rajasthan: With 13,542 Covid-19 cases, Rajasthan is next in the tally of high caseload states. The western Indian state has 2,762 active cases, while 10,467 have been discharged. The state has recorded 313 deaths due to Covid-19. West Bengal: The number of Covid-19 cases in West Bengal are 12,300. There are 5,261 active cases and 6,533 have been cured or discharged. The number of Covid-19 fatalities in West Bengal are 435. Madhya Pradesh: The number of Covid-19 cases in Madhya Pradesh are 11,244. Out of these, 2,374 are active cases whereas 8,388 patients have been cured or discharged. The number of fatalities in the state due to Covid-19 are 482. Ankara says mission turned a blind eye to weapons sent to Khalifa Haftar, who fights against Turkey-backed GNA. Turkey has criticised a European Unions naval mission aimed at halting arms shipments to Libya as not objective, a day after NATO said it would investigate an incident in the Mediterranean involving Turkish and French ships. Named after the Greek word for peace, Operation Irini was set up to enforce a United Nations arms embargo against Libya, where the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) is fighting the eastern-based forces of renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar. Turkey supports the GNA in Tripoli, sending drones and air defence systems that helped it repel a military offensive by Haftar, who is backed by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates among others, on the capital. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Friday Operation Irini had failed to meet the demands and concerns of the internationally recognised government. Does it say anything about the warplanes coming to Libya from Syria? Does it look into arms sent from Abu Dhabi? Does it have a report about France supplying arms to Haftar? he asked during a joint news conference with his Italian counterpart, Luigi di Maio. 200610200211473 Its not objective. Operation Irini does not contribute to a solution to the Libya problem, nor the embargo, Cavusoglu said in Ankara. Cavusoglu also said Turkey would work together with Italy to achieve stable peace and a political process that will yield results in Libya, adding that the NATO allies could also cooperate in the eastern Mediterranean. For his part, Di Maio said Operation Irini was criticised by rival sides in Libya, which might be what makes it balanced. Our objective is to guarantee air, naval and satellite structures precisely to be able to control the maritime borders, to control the flow of arms through vessels and across borders, he said. NATO probe Meanwhile, NATO said on Thursday it had launched an official investigation into a naval incident in the Mediterranean between alliance members France and Turkey. Paris has complained that one of its ships was subjected to radar targeting by Turkish frigates while trying to inspect a cargo vessel believed to be carrying arms to Libya. However, Ankara dismissed the allegations as groundless, accusing the French ship in turn of a high-speed and dangerous manoeuvre. France accused Turkey of repeated violations of the UN arms embargo on Libya and branded Ankara an obstacle to securing a ceasefire there. Paris has long been suspected of favouring Haftar, whose stronghold lies in Libyas oil-rich east. Libya has been mired in chaos since the 2011 uprising that overthrew and later killed longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. The National Press Club is furloughing up to 50 of its 113-member staff and cutting the salaries of remaining employees by 15 percent to deal with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The moves are to align payroll costs with current and anticipated levels of business during the pandemic and the ensuing recovery. The NPC, which suspended in-person operations on March 16, is resuming some activity as Washington moves into Phase 2 reopening of its economy. It warns that a return to "normal" ("pre-pandemic") operations is not yet within sight. NPC participated in the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program, but that funding is coming to an end. The furloughed employees are eligible for unemployment insurance and will receive accrued vacation time and healthcare. It is expected that they will be recalled once NPC returns to full operation. She's been on a family road trip these last few days. But Kourtney Kardashian gave the car a break on Thursday. The reality star, 41, started off the day with a morning horseback ride with her little girl Penelope. Home on the range! Kourtney Kardashian started off the day with a morning horseback riding session with her little girl Penelope Kourtney shared a brief clip from the adventure onto her Instagram account, as she took in the scenic vistas from atop her trotting horse. From the faraway snowy mountaintops to the open range just beside them, the scene was definitely a sight to behold. 'Beautiful morning,' Kourtney wrote in the clip. The girls were part of a larger group of horseback riders, whom were more than likely their family. Yeehaw! Kourtney shared a brief clip from the venture onto her Instagram account, as she took in the scenic vistas from atop her ambling horse Peace and quiet: The women enjoyed mountain and prairie views Kourtney has been enjoying some quality family time exploring Wyoming and Montana and hanging out with her sister Kim Kardashian on her ranch. Hundreds of miles away from her home of Los Angeles, Kourtney still managed to spark a buzz online during her relaxing vacation. Eagle-eyed fans noticed the reality star was wearing her ex-boyfriend Scott Disick's flannel jacket in a recent picture she had posted. Good morning! 'Beautiful morning,' Kourtney wrote in the clip Peace! Kourtney has been enjoying family time exploring Montana and Wyoming as of late While it's not unusual for Scott to join Kourtney and their kids on trips away, fans of the pair are going wild with speculation they may be getting back together. The discovery will no doubt sting Scott's recent ex Sofia Richie - especially as it seems he wore the same plaid shirt on a date night with her in 2017. Scott, 37, broke up with Sofia, 21, last month after three years of dating. Looks familiar! Eagle-eyed fans noticed the reality star was wearing her ex-boyfriend Scott Disick's flannel jacket in a recent picture she had posted Global food production is incredibly efficient, and the world's farmers produce enough to feed the global population. Despite this abundance, a quarter of the global population do not have regular access to sufficient and nutritious food. A growing and more affluent population will further increase the global demand for food and create stresses on land, for example, through deforestation. Additionally, climate change is a major threat to agriculture. Increased temperatures have contributed to land degradation and unpredictable rainy seasons can lead to crop failure. While climate extremes impact the ability to produce food, the guarantee of food is more than just agricultural productivity. Today's globalized food system consists of highly interconnected social, technical, financial, economic, and environmental subsystems. It is characterized by increasingly complex trade networks and an efficient supply chain, with market power located in the hands of few. A shock to the food system can lead to ripple effects in political and social systems. The 2010 droughts in wheat-producing countries such as China, Russia, and Ukraine, led to major crop failures, pushing up food prices on the global markets. This in turn was one of the factors that led to deep civil unrest in Egypt, the world's largest wheat importer, as people were facing food shortages, which possibly contributed to the 2011 revolution spreading across the country. Not all shocks to the global food system are directly linked to agricultural productivity or climatic conditions. The vulnerability of the interconnected food system has become painfully evident in recent months following the appearance of a different type of shock: a global pandemic. Although it started as a health crisis, COVID-19 quickly filtered through the political, social, economic, technological, and financial systems. Business interruptions resulted in a chain reaction that is projected to contribute to food crises in many parts of the world. "Although harvests have been successful and food reserves are available, global food supply chain interruptions led to food shortages in some places because of lockdown measures," writes the author of the commentary Franziska Gaupp, an IIASA researcher working jointly with the Ecosystems Services and Management (ESM) and Risk and Resilience (RISK) programs. "Products cannot be moved from farms to markets. Food is rotting in the fields as transport disruptions have made it impossible to move food from the farm to the consumer. At the same time, many people have lost their incomes and food has become unaffordable to them." The World Food Program has warned that by the end of 2020, an additional 130 million people could face famine. In the fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic, borders have been closed and a lack of local production has led to soaring prices in some countries. In South Sudan, for example, wheat prices have increased 62% since February 2020. Difficult access to food, and related stress could then lead to food riots and collective violence. According to Gaupp, a systems approach is needed to address the challenges of a globally interconnected, complex food system. Systemic risk and systemic opportunities need to be incorporated into food-related policies. It is important to highlight that the threat to food security is not just a result of potential disruptions of production, but also shocks to distribution as well as shortfalls of the consumers' income. COVID-19 has shown how interconnected our world is, and how a simultaneous shock - such as a pandemic - also affects our food system. She further points out that the issues are supply chain imbalances. There is enough for everyone, however, some countries are panic buying, and some are banning exports: This is why the whole supply and demand system is experiencing challenges, leading to more difficult access to food, especially in poorer countries. "There will likely be more shocks hitting our global food system in the future. We need global collaboration and transdisciplinary approaches to ensure that the food chains function even in moments of crises to prevent price spikes and to provide all people with safe access to food," concludes Gaupp. ### Reference Gaupp, F et al (2020). Extreme Events in a Globalized Food System. One Earth DOI: 10.1016/j.oneear.2020.06.001 Contacts: Researcher contact Franziska Gaupp Research Scholar Risk and Resilience Ecosystems Services and Management +43(0) 2236 807 62 gaupp@iiasa.ac.at Press Officer Bettina Greenwell Communications Officer Tel: +43 2236 807 282 greenwell@iiasa.ac.at About IIASA: The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) is an international scientific institute that conducts research into the critical issues of global environmental, economic, technological, and social change that we face in the twenty-first century. Our findings provide valuable options to policymakers to shape the future of our changing world. IIASA is independent and funded by prestigious research funding agencies in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. http://www.iiasa.ac.at Furious Indians angry amid the fallout from the nation's border brawl with China have taunted Chinese president Xi Jinping by comparing him to Winnie the Pooh. The cartoon bear is censored in China and so Indians on Twitter repeatedly used the hashtag #WinnieThePooh when they posted critical tweets about China's actions. Xi is rumoured to have personally ordered the censorship after unflattering comparisons between him and the cartoon bear began in 2013 and movies and books featuring Pooh have even been banned. But Indian social media users are reviving the comparison amid fury over the border brawl between Indian and Chinese troops in which 20 Indians were killed on Monday night, the first deadly conflict between the two nuclear-armed countries since 1975. China said it suffered 43 casualties, but did not specify whether any of its men had been killed in the grisly hand-to-hand combat in the Galwan Valley, Ladakh. After the horrific clashes, in which Chinese troops used nail-studded clubs, one Indian Twitter user wrote: 'Is everything alright with #winniethePooh.' Furious Indians angry amid the fallout from the nation's border brawl with China have taunted Chinese president Xi Jinping by comparing him to Winnie the Pooh Another added: 'You don't want war. Go to china and say #WinnieThePooh we don't war.' A third wrote: 'Xi Jing Ping, China's president doesn't like to be compared with Winnie the pooh so let us annoy him by trending this #XithePooh.' References to the Winnie the Pooh character have previously been blocked on Chinese social media because bloggers had compared the character, invented by author AA Milne, to the Chinese president. In 2018, China then reportedly banned the release of Christopher Robin, a film adaption of the beloved Winnie the Pooh story, after the comparisons. The comparisons started when Xi visited the U.S. in 2013 and a picture of him walking next to President Barack Obama was likened to Winnie Walking with fellow fictional character Tigger. The cartoon bear is censored in China and so Indians on Twitter repeatedly used the hashtag #WinnieThePooh when they posted critical tweets about China's actions The link came up again in 2014 during a meeting between Xi and Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe. A picture of them shaking hands was compared to Winnie standing next to gloomy, pessimistic donkey Eeyore. And during protests in Hong Kong last year, activists wore Winnie the Pooh masks in defiance of a ban on face coverings at rallies. The new comparisons come after the the first conflict between the two nations since 1975. India claimed that after their men were savaged with nail-studded clubs, the Chinese People's Liberation Army mutilated their corpses. The comparisons between Winnie the Pooh and Xi started when the president visited the U.S. in 2013 and a picture of him with President Barack Obama was likened to Winnie walking with fellow fictional character Tigger The link came up again in 2014 during a meeting between Xi and Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe A picture of them shaking hands was compared to Winnie standing next to gloomy, pessimistic donkey Eeyore No bullets were fired as per a peace treaty which bars firearms within 2km of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the line drawn down the 17,000ft-high valley after India's defeat in the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Both sides accused each other of instigating the clash between their forces in the Galwan valley, part of the disputed Ladakh region along the Himalayan frontier. Media reports said senior army officers of the two sides met on Wednesday to defuse the situation, but there was no confirmation from either side. The new comparisons come after the the first conflict between the two nations since 1975. India claimed that after their men were savaged with nail-studded clubs, the Chinese People's Liberation Army mutilated their corpses The Indian soldiers, including a colonel, died of severe injuries and exposure in the area's sub-zero temperatures, officials said. The clash escalated a standoff in the disputed region that began in early May when Indian officials said Chinese soldiers crossed the boundary at three different points, erecting tents and guard posts and ignoring warnings to leave. That triggered shouting matches, stone-throwing and fistfights, much of it replayed on television news channels and social media. No bullets were fired as per a peace treaty which bars firearms within 2km of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the line drawn down the 17,000ft-high valley after India's defeat in the 1962 Sino-Indian War According to the Indian account, efforts at disengagement had unravelled last week when troops dismantled a camp set up by the Chinese on their side of the border. Scuffles broke out and several men were injured, but the Chinese only retreated briefly to flood back in greater numbers over the weekend, with stones being hurled on Sunday. On Monday these skirmishes boiled over into a full-scale brawl atop a ridge-line above the Galwan River, with many men said to have died after plunging into the frigid glacial waters below. 'They came hurtling down like free-falling objects,' one source told AFP. Every June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the 1865 emancipation of slaves in Texas, who were among the last to be freed despite a formal decree two years earlier. On this day, groups across Connecticut are holding rallies, celebrations, marches and virtual events. The Queensland town of Bowen is the 'ideal' place in Australia to become a hub for private space travel in a similar vein to billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX program. CQUniversity Dean of Research Professor Steven Moore has proposed a commercial satellite launch complex called Launch Whitsunday to be built in the Abbot Point State Development Area near Bowen. He is currently in talks with the Queensland state government, local councils and Gold Coast rocket producer Gilmour Space to get the project running. 'The Bowen region of Queensland is an excellent location for a launch base, being only 20 degrees south of the equator, rockets can harness the earth's rotation to slingshot eastward to achieve both equatorial and polar orbits with less fuel,' Professor Moore told The Townsville Bulletin. The Queensland town of Bowen (pictured) in the Whitsunday region is an 'excellent' and 'ideal' place to become a hub for private space travel in a similar vein to billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX program Elon Musk's SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasts off in Cape Canaveral in the US. Unlike the US, Australia does not have any commercial launching facilities at all Professor Moore said a space hub in Queensland would make the Australian industry more competitive with the US and create thousands of jobs. CQUniversity Dean of Research Professor Steven Moore (pictured) has proposed a commercial satellite launch complex called Launch Whitsunday to be built in the Abbot Point State Development Area near Bowen 'One of the biggest gaps Australia has in the space industry in comparison to the US is not having a commercial launch facility,' Professor Moore told the Bulletin. 'If this proposal goes ahead all the different satellite and rocket companies around Australia and the world will be able to utilise the complex. 'The State Government has a plan for our economic recovery post-COVID-19 and space is an important part of the economy as we move forward. 'The space industry could create up to 6000 new high-value jobs for Queenslanders.' Earlier this year, the state government revealed its plans to contribute $8 million to the Queensland Space Industry 2020-2025. Professor Moore has also proposed a space research centre at CQU Mackay Ooralea to stimulate interest in the growing industry. Students would learn about satellite development, Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) education, remote sensing applications and communications. Space-themed education can also translate into other fields such as agriculture, environmental science, business, law and tourism, according to Professor Moore. American billionaire Elon Musk at a SpaceX press conference. Mr Musk is currently in a 'billionaire space race' with Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson and Yuri Milner Professor Moore's proposal comes amid a billionaire space race between four of the world's richest men. American billionaire Elon Musk has a space travel venture called SpaceX while fellow US billionaire Jeff Bezos has sub-orbital spaceflight service Blue Origin. British billionaire Richard Branson also has a sub-orbital spaceflight service, Virgin Galactic, and Israeli-Russian magnate Yuri Milner wants a fleet of spacecraft to travel to another star system in a project known as Breakthrough Starshot. Currently, the Australian space industry is receiving increased support from the federal government. Earlier this month, the federal government issued $11 million in grants to various space programs including almost $4 million for Melbourne University's nano-satellite project. Last week, UNSW Canberra launched the M2 Pathfinder satellite into orbit, which has been praised as a 'milestone for the local space industry'. Indonesian President Joko Widodo (left), visits a military base in the Natuna islands, a chain in the South China Sea, amid a diplomatic spat over Chinese ships trespassing in Indonesian waters. The Indonesian foreign minister said Thursday there was no reason to negotiate as she reaffirmed Jakartas stance that it has no overlapping claims with Beijing in the South China Sea, days after Indonesia sent the U.N. chief another letter on the topic. The diplomatic letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, dated June 12, was in response to one submitted by China to the U.N. chief 10 days earlier. In its letter, Beijing had invited Jakarta to negotiate what it called overlapping claims of maritime rights and interests in the contested sea region. Indonesias position is very clear that based on UNCLOS 1982 there are no overlapping claims with China. Therefore, there is no reason to negotiate, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said during a press conference in Jakarta, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In its latest letter to Guterres, Indonesia stated that features in the Spratly Islands a chain in the South China Sea were not entitled to an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or continental shelf and therefore could not overlap with Indonesias EEZ or continental shelf. It also rejected Chinas claim of historic rights in parts of the sea that do overlap Indonesias EEZ and said that even if any such rights existed, they had been superseded by provisions in UNCLOS 1982. Indonesia sees no legal reasoning under international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982, to conduct negotiation on maritime boundaries delimitation with the Peoples Republic of China or on any other matters pertaining to maritime rights or interests claims made in contravention to international law, the letter said. Beijings letter calling for a negotiation, dated June 2, was responding to a first diplomatic note sent by Indonesia to the U.N. secretary-general on May 26, in which Jakarta rejected Chinas Nine-Dash Line map or claim of historical rights to nearly all of the strategic waterway. There is no territorial dispute between China and Indonesia in the South China Sea. However, China and Indonesia have overlapping claims on maritime rights and interests in some parts of the South China Sea, Chinas permanent mission to the United Nations said in its letter. China is willing to settle the overlapping claims through negotiation and consultation with Indonesia, and work together with Indonesia to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, the letter said. The notes were among a flurry of documents from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China following a Malaysian submission to the U.N. in December 2019. The Malaysian government claimed sovereignty over an extended continental shelf in the South China Sea off its northern coast, potentially an area with significant undersea resources. Persistent objection An expert on international relations at Gadjah Mada University, I Made Andi Arsana, said it was important for Indonesia to persist with its objection to Chinas claims. It must be done continuously because that is also what China is doing with their claims, he told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Falsehoods that are repeated enough times without objections can seem like truth, he said. The Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam all ASEAN members are among countries that, along with China and Taiwan, have competing claims in the South China Sea. Indonesia is not among the claimant countries, but in early 2020 and in 2016, tensions flared between Jakarta and Beijing over the presence of Chinese fishing boats swarming in South China Sea waters near Indonesias Natuna Islands. In 2002, the 10-nation ASEAN bloc and China agreed on a Declaration of Conduct, which was a statement of principles on how parties should behave in the South China Sea. But completing a more detailed and binding Code of Conduct (CoC) has proved much harder to establish. Negotiations began in earnest in 2016 with a tentative deadline for acceptance in 2021. A draft of the text of the agreement has been released. Jose Taveras, the Indonesian foreign ministry official who leads its office on ASEAN cooperation, said talks on the code of conduct had been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Negotiations are very difficult and cannot be done virtually because they are very technical, he told reporters Wednesday. Talks in Indonesia and China scheduled for August and October, respectively, were likely to be postponed, he said. It should have been completed in 2021 but at this stage it is difficult to set a new target. It all depends on the COVID-19 situation, he said. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-afiliated news service. March for Life participants optimistic for a post-Roe America: 'This is just the beginning' By Ryan Foley Getty Images/Anna Moneymaker Demonstrators attend the 49th annual March for Life rally on the National Mall on January 21, 2022, in Washington, D.C. WASHINGTON Participants at the 49th annual March for Life expressed optimism about the state of the pro-life movement as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on a case that many believe could alter abortion legal precedent in the United States. Despite single-digit wind chills, tens of thousands of protesters gathered on the National Mall Friday to declare their opposition to abortion at the first major pro-life rally to take place since the coronavirus pandemic broke out nearly two years ago. Last year, the COVID-19 outbreak forced organizers to scale back the in-person event considerably as just a small group of pro-life leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., as many pro-life Americans tuned into virtual programming. Following a rally and speeches from pro-life leaders and celebrities, participants marched roughly 1.5 miles to the U.S. Supreme Court. The march takes place every year in January around the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, which found all state laws banning abortion unconstitutional, making the procedure a national right. Last month, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, where the state of Mississippi is asking justices to uphold a state law banning abortions after 15 weeks gestation. A ruling in favor of Mississippi would chip away at the central holding of Roe and the courts subsequent ruling in Planned Parenthood v. Casey that limited the ability of states to enact abortion restrictions. Attendees of this years march from across the country spoke with The Christian Post about what they believe will happen in the next few months as a decision is expected by June. Vincent Dicaro lives in the Washington, D.C. area and works for CareNet, a national nonprofit organization that runs pregnancy centers and churches throughout the U.S. In addition to being here for my job, Im also here because ... I just want to support the march and support the idea of abundant life, he said. Dicaro is optimistic about what the outcome of the Dobbs case will be. From a legal advocacy perspective, it looks like a big victory is coming, he predicted. Thats not the end of the pro-life movement. Thats the end of the beginning of the pro-life movement, and then the next phase really starts, which is providing help to people who are going to need it when abortion is no longer available to them. Dicaro held a sign that read pro-abundant life. Christ, in John 10:10, says, I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. So, because Jesus was pro-abundant life, we are too. So, we dont want to just save babies from abortion, we actually want to also make sure that theyre raising good strong families and have an opportunity to become disciples of Jesus Christ, and thats what abundant life looks like, not just life. While the crowd included several veterans of pro-life activism who have attended the annual protest multiple times, many were participating in the rally for the first time this year. Donald and Debbie Graham from Vancouver, Washington, were first-time attendees. Ive wanted to come my whole life. I just retired, and here we are, Debbie Graham joyfully proclaimed. She characterized the prospect of the Supreme Court reversing or weakening Roe as wonderful and predicted that the justices are going to agree to do that. After acknowledging that such a ruling would give states more authority to make abortion laws, Graham described the effort to advance the pro-life movement in her home state of Washington as tough but concluded that the pro-life movement in her state is growing. She thinks people are waking up. When it gets really, really dark and you start taking life, even outside of the womb, and we have administrations and governments promoting that, then we know the light is soon going to come behind that because people are smart and they know in their heart the truth. The Christian Post/Nicole Alcindor Demonstrators lead the way at the 2022 March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 21, 2022. Tom Tharp, the pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Batavia, New York, said he attended the march for the first time this year to stand up for the lives of the preborn. He declared that the world seems to be turning more and more violently against them. Tharp said he is very hopeful about the possibility of a reversal of Roe. I know that if they do reverse it, it will send [the abortion question] back to the states, he said. He lamented the prevalence of abortion in his home state of New York, expressing concern that it will probably just get worse there [rather] than better. But I hope a lot of other places will get better, he said. Tharp rejoiced that the pro-life movement is becoming more and more popular. More and more people are waking up that babies in the womb are still babies, and theyre human beings distinct in every way from their mother and deserve life just like we deserve liberty and the pursuit of happiness in America, he said. This years March for Life also marked the first time that L.K. Shinneman from Carmel, Indiana, a member of the Catholic fraternal organization Knights of Columbus, participated in the event. He said Americans are guaranteed life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Without life, the other two arent possible, he said. Shinneman sees the March for Life as an opportunity to tell our country and the people that lead it that murder is wrong, that Americans, even though theyre not born yet, have as much rights as every other American. Jake Gant, a student at the University of North Florida marching with his colleges Catholic Ospreys, had attended pro-life marches in other states. But the 2022 March for Life was his first time participating in the national rally. I actually hosted my own rally in my town in Cumming, Georgia, on one occasion, he told CP. I think that this movement is on fire, he added. I think that were at the tipping point where we can finally, at the 50-year mark, undo Roe v. Wade. Crystal from Richmond, Virginia, had a daughter who was born with a condition that she believed would cause many people to abort her. While her daughter has passed on, Crystal remains a passionate supporter of the pro-life cause and held a picture of her daughter at the rally as she stood alongside her husband and surviving children to stand for life. Karis and Shannon, two middle school students and friends from Annapolis, Maryland, also attended. Shannon, holding a sign reading My birth mother gave me up for adoption, told CP that she was taught since she was little that an unborn baby still has human dignity. They all have the right to life, and people shouldnt abort them just for their comfort or because they think theyre inconvenient, she said. The girls said they were attending the rally to march for the babies that cant. Reacting to the possibility of Roes reversal, Karis believes that pro-lifers are finally making a difference with the Supreme Court and in the country. She suggested that it would be really cool if people [finally] realized the evils of abortion. Angie from Birmingham, Alabama, urged Supreme Court justices to take into consideration that abortion is not womens healthcare. She said she had two friends who have had abortions. And one of them is barren; she cant have children, she detailed. And the other one lost two children. Its not womens healthcare, she continued. It is not putting the women first. A handful of counterprotesters demonstrated their support for abortion rights during the rally. One pro-abortion protester shouted through a megaphone, womens rights are human rights, thank God for abortion, and God loves abortion as the crowd began to assemble on the National Mall. He also denounced the event as a coronavirus superspreader. A handful of pro-life leaders who work to support the cause full-time shared their views about the pro-life movement. Brian Hahn works for Solidarity HealthShare, a network of about 25,000 individuals who participate in alternative to health insurance that does not require people to to pay for contraception, sterilization or abortion. Hahn pointed to the progress made by Republican presidents in appointing justices more sympathetic to the pro-life movement to the Supreme Court and the lower courts as a cause for optimism. So I think that work that started with Ronald Reagan and the two Bushes and that whole movement to get qualified justices that have [a] like mind is really coming to fruition now and I think thats whats leading up to this Supreme Court case, he said. The Christian Post/Nicole Alcindor Demonstrators take part in the 2022 March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 21, 2022. Penny Young Nance of the conservative advocacy group Concerned Women for America told CP that the pro-life movement is very optimistic. And as the head of the nations largest public policy womens organization, we are jubilant, she said. Of course, we dont have a crystal ball to see what the Supreme Court is going to do, but we strongly believe that the time has come to take down Roe v. Wade and to throw the issue back to the states, she stressed. Nance, whose organization advocated strongly for the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, reflected on the role that the conservative makeup of the court may play in the outcome of the Dobbs case. The fact that we have three Trump appointees is the only reason we even had a chance with the court, she said. Because of those three justices, we have a very good chance of changing the course of history and protecting the unborn. Nance maintained that a favorable ruling in Dobbs would not mark the end of the pro-life movement. Its just the beginning, she proclaimed. We have to take this battle to a state-by-state issue. Mallory Quigley of the pro-life grassroots lobbying organization Susan B. Anthony List said, the pro-life movement has grown leaps and bounds in these last 49 years. She specifically cheered the growth of the pregnancy center movement, where crisis pregnancy centers are providing millions of dollars worth of services to women [and] their families who are facing unexpected pregnancies. Their work will become even more important post-Dobbs, post-Roe, Quigley insisted. Dr. Michael New of the Catholic University of America and the Charlotte Lozier Institute, the research arm of Susan B. Anthony List said, weve done very well building a culture of life, even with Roe v. Wade in place. Weve gotten the abortion rate down by 53% since 1980, and I think that if we get a favorable ruling in Dobbs, we will be able to build on those gains, he asserted. A ruling in favor of Mississippi in the Dobbs case would constitute a great victory," he said, but we still have our work cut out for us. He cited the increase in chemical abortions and advocacy on behalf of crisis pregnancy centers as causes the pro-life movement can get behind in a post-Roe America. Terrisa Bukovinac, the president and founder of the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising and a progressive pro-life atheist, reflected on the fact that no sitting Democratic members of Congress spoke at the rally. Its devastating, Bukovinac said. I think that weve been seeing this trend over the last 20 years where almost every single pro-life Democrat has been pushed out of Congress. That activist suggested that even though no pro-life Democrats currently sit in the U.S. House of Representatives, that would soon change. We have a Democratic, progressive, pro-life candidate running as the frontrunner in Bobby Rushs district, she said. The candidate she mentioned, Pastor Chris Butler, is seeking to represent Illinois 1st Congressional District, a district that the pro-choice Democrat Rush has represented for decades. After the release of 10 Indian Army personnel, including four officers, from Chinese People's Liberation Army captivity, the process of disengagement of troops will continue next week, sources said. The dialogue will take place to ensure that the Chinese PLA pulls back all its troops from the Galwan valley and removes all the military-grade tents which housed its troops. The Indian Army personnel were released after relentlessly hectic negotiations with the PLA for three consecutive days. These soldiers, held captive after a barbaric fight unleashed by Chinese troops, were released on Thursday afternoon. The Indian Army on Thursday evening said that there are no soldiers "missing in action" during a violent clash with Chinese People's Liberation Army at Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also said no Indian Army personnel were missing or not accounted for. The statement was made after 10 Indian soldiers were held in captivity from Monday night onwards were released. It was the Major General-level dialogue between both the militaries for three days that paved way for release of the Indian soldiers. It is, however, not clear what led to the Indians being taken captive by the Chinese. The clash occurred at the South bank of Galwan river, which flows in an east-west direction before its confluence with Shayok river, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. These were the first casualties faced by the Indian Army in a clash with the Chinese PLA since 1975 when an Indian patrol was ambushed by Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh. Sources said the Indian Army troops were outnumbered by a 1:5 ratio when they came under attack from the Chinese PLA soldiers at patrolling point number 14 in Ladakh on the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. China's PLA troopers "savagely attacked" Indian Army personnel, according to sources in the government with knowledge of the details of the Monday night clashes between the two sides. "The numbers were stacked up against the Indian Army troopers. Yet, the Indian side decided to fight the PLA troops. The Indian soldiers were outnumbers 1:5 by the Chinese troops," the sources said on Wednesday. China is also said to have used thermal imaging drones to trace the Indian Army soldiers scattered on the treacherous terrain before brutally attacking them. "It was the deadliest attack carried on Indian Army personnel by the Chinese military personnel to our memory," the government sources said. "We were outnumbered," admitted an Indian Army officer, talking about the clash that went on for six to seven hours. The Indian Army said its soldiers went to the spot where the clashes happened without any animosity and were displaying friendly gestures to the Chinese side when they were there to check if the de-escalation agreement was being followed as promised. Several Indian Army soldiers are currently "critically injured" and are undergoing treatment. Homeowners associations can be fantastic at getting deadbeat neighbors to mow their lawn, maintaining the community pool and clubhouse, and dissuading the woman across the street from painting her house a particularly noxious shade of neon pink. But they can also be a costly source of frustration for those who run afoul of their many, many, many rules. The most common HOA fine is for improper landscaping, according to a recent Porch survey of more than 700 residents of HOA communities. Porch is an online marketplace connecting homeowners to home improvement professionals. "The most surprising thing about these fines was how silly some of they were," says Tori Rubloff, a project manager at Porch who put the survey together. "If your trash is out too early or you're too excited about the holidays or you simply want to have a different hue in your exterior paint color, you can be fined." There were more than 300,000 HOAs in 2016, according to Porch. They can be found in suburban neighborhoods filled with single-family houses as well as urban apartment or condo buildings. The other most common fines were for putting out the trash too earlyor too late; improper or untimely holiday decorations; owning a pet; improperly parked vehicles; renting out rooms; and speeding through the neighborhood. HOA members have also been fined for things like adding a deck, patio, or fence without permission from the association; painting a home an unapproved color; and paying HOA dues late. About 29% of folks have knowingly broken an HOA rule, according to the survey. Meanwhile, more than half, 52%, have not paid an outstanding HOA fine. PRIME PROPERTY | NEWSLETTER Find out about Houston-area real estate deals and developments. Get the weekly newsletter. See More Collapse Apartment renters were the happiest with their HOAs, at about 61%. That's despite paying the most to their associations, at an average $310 a month nationally. (This amount can vary greatly depending on the building, services included, and location.) About 54% of single-family homeowners and 49% of townhome owners were pleased with the associations. They paid an average $251 and $230, respectively. The majority of folks chose to move into an HOA community because it's where the home they liked was located, at 78%. The other top reasons were that it's safe, at 44%; to guarantee their home's property value won't fall, at 41%; for the recreational amenities, at 34%; and because it provides home maintenance services, at 32%. "People don't have to necessarily stress about certain landscaping, having community maintenance and security because they'll often have a security guard or a gate," says Rubloff. "If you live in an HOA community, that's already taken care of for you. That's very convenient." The post HOA Nightmares: The Top Homeowners Association Complaints appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 13:55:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 19 (Xinhua) -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called for the protection of jobs amid COVID-19. The pandemic has turned the world of work upside down. Every worker, every business and every corner of the globe has been affected. Hundreds of millions of jobs have been lost, said Guterres in a video message for the launch of a policy brief on COVID-19 and employment. This crisis in the world of work is adding fuel to an already burning fire of discontent and anxiety. Massive unemployment and loss of income from COVID-19 are further eroding social cohesion and destabilizing countries and regions socially, politically and economically, he noted. Guterres asked for action on three fronts -- immediate support for at-risk workers, enterprises, jobs and incomes; greater focus on both health and economic activities after lockdowns ease, with safe workplaces and rights for women and populations at risk; efforts toward a human-centered, green and sustainable, as well as inclusive recovery that harnesses the potential of new technologies to create decent jobs for all. "There is a lot of talk about the need for a 'new normal' after this crisis. But let's not forget that the pre-COVID-19 world was far from normal," he said. "Rising inequalities, systemic gender discrimination, lack of opportunities for young people, stagnant wages, runaway climate change -- none of these things were normal." The pandemic exposed tremendous shortcomings, fragilities and fault lines. The world of work cannot and should not look the same after this crisis. It is time for a coordinated global, regional and national effort to create decent work for all as the foundation of a green, inclusive and resilient recovery, Guterres said, adding, "for example, a shift of taxation from payroll to carbon could help to go a long way in this direction." With smart and timely action at all levels, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as the guide, the world can emerge from this crisis stronger, with better jobs and a brighter, more equitable and greener future for all, he said. Enditem Intense negotiations through diplomatic and military channels, including three rounds of talks between senior military officers, led to the release of 10 Indian soldiers detained by the Chinese side during the violent brawl of June 15 in Galwan Valley, people familiar with developments said on Friday on the condition of anonymity. The soldiers are being debriefed by senior officials at Leh, the headquarters of the armys 14 Corps, on the over 60 hours they spent in Chinese custody, said one of the persons cited above. Theres a protocol for debriefing and thats being followed, he said. Another person cited above said the 10 soldiers, including two majors and two captains, were returned to the Indian side on Thursday evening, three days after the violent face-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) left 20 Indian soldiers, including a colonel, dead. The debriefing is critical. It will be a formatted military narration of what they went through in Chinese captivity. This will form the basis of what really happened during those three days and how was the military posturing and conduct of the people who detained them, said Lieutenant General AS Lamba (retd), a former army vice chief. The negotiations for their release were kept tightly under wraps due to concerns for the safety of the soldiers amid the heightened tensions between the two sides, said the first person cited above. There was no official word on the development. All that the Indian Army and the external affairs ministry said on Thursday was that no Indian soldiers were missing in action. The release of the Indian soldiers reflects Chinese intent. It perhaps shows the Chinese want to de-escalate and disengage, said Lieutenant General Vinod Bhatia (retd), a former director general of military operations. However, a top retired army commander, who didnt want to be identified, said China had already achieved what it set out to achieve gaining control over Galwan Valley and the strategic feature Finger 4 near Pangong Tso where a significant Chinese build up has taken place over the last six weeks. The gesture of returning the soldiers is a message to the world that they [the Chinese] are not the aggressors and they have returned people who intruded into their territory, he said. The release of the 10 soldiers figured in three rounds of talks between Indian and Chinese delegations, led by major generals, near Patrol Point 14 in Galway Valley between Tuesday and Thursday. Major General Abhijit Bapat, commander of Karu-based headquarters 3 Infantry Division, and his Chinese counterpart, met for the third time on Thursday. The meetings were part of ongoing military engagements to de-escalate the situation and to disengage on the disputed border. The two senior military officers have met seven times since the stand-off began in early May. The 10 soldiers, after their release, were sent for a medical examination and were found to be in good health, said the second person cited above. Monday nights seven-hour brutal clash, involving more than 500 rival troops, also marked the first time India suffered combat fatalities in an incident involving Chinese troops since 1975. Following reports that an unspecified number of soldiers were unaccounted for after Monday nights clash, the Indian Army had on Thursday only said that none of its personnel was missing in action. It is clarified that there are no Indian troops missing in action, the army said in a terse statement. An army spokesperson had said the statement was in reference to the article In China-India Clash, Two Nationalist Leaders with Little Room to Give published in The New York Times on Wednesday. Asked about the specific issue of the status of Indian soldiers after the clash of June 15, external affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava told a weekly media briefing on Thursday: This has been clarified by the army earlier today afternoon that there are no Indian troops missing in action. China has so far not acknowledged any casualties among its troops, while 76 Indian soldiers were also injured. Army officials claimed 43 Chinese were killed or seriously injured, citing radio intercepts and other intelligence. The Chinese fatal casualties reportedly include a colonel-ranked officer but HT couldnt independently verify this. India has attributed the clash of June 15 on Chinese forces crossing to the Indian side of the LAC and attempting to build a structure. It has also rejected Chinas Peoples Liberation Armys claim of sovereignty over the Galwan Valley. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yuyun Wahyuningrum (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 10:18 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066005c0a 3 Opinion Rohingya,genocide,ASEAN,Myanmar,human-rights,human-rights-violations,AICHR,Southeast-Asia Free On Jan. 23, 2020, 17 judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) voted unanimously to order Myanmar to take all measures to prevent genocide against the Rohingya population residing in Rakhine state. The court also ordered Myanmar to submit a report on the implementation of the decision within four months and thereafter every six months. On May 22, one day ahead of the deadline, Myanmar submitted the report to the ICJ. By submitting the report, Myanmar signaled its willingness to comply with the genocide convention and cooperate with the court. Myanmar also set a new standard on a similar case, as historically many states have failed to comply with the provisional measures ordered by the ICJ, for example, Serbia and Uganda. Initially, doubts lingered as to whether Myanmar would comply with the system. One official from Myanmar had denounced the court decision and portrayed it as a "distorted picture of the situation" (BBC, Jan. 23). Furthermore, there is a crack in the system, as it has no enforcement mechanism, even though the measures imposed by the court are binding and not subject to appeal. In addition, there is a lack of incentive for the state to comply with the measures. It is unclear if the public will have access to the report. However, I notice that, on April 8, the Office of the President issued two directives related to the compliance with the Genocide Convention. Directive No. 1/2020 orders government officials in Myanmar to refrain from committing any act of genocide, and Directive No. 2/2020 prohibits the officials from destroying or removing evidence of genocidal acts. Moreover, as reported by RFA on May 5, the Myanmar government also released a directive in April requesting all civil servants to stop using or engaging in hate speech or inciting violence on social media. These measures signify a change in the country, but civil society groups in Yangon opine the government only pays lip-service so as to reduce international pressure. In a webinar on May 20, Wai Wai Nu, a Rohingya activist, said there had been no meaningful measures to prevent genocide in the last four months. In fact, the joint report of eight Rohingya organizations published in mid-May indicated that Rohingya in Northern Rakhine continued to live in fear of pressure, arrest, shooting, killing and torture by the security forces. While complying with the courts order is a promising development, it is still a long way to go to have human rights of Rohingya fulfilled. Preventing genocide against protected groups, including the Rohingya, should be the priority of Myanmar. The Genocide Convention includes a dual state obligation: to prevent and punish genocide as a crime. They are distinct but interrelated obligations, in the sense that effective prevention measures will eliminate the need for punishment and effective punishment could deter individuals or groups from committing it. There are, at least, three stages of prevention to pursue, namely before the violence happens, during the outbreak of violence, and after the violence. Measures to prevent genocide should aim at protecting a society from the risks of genocide. Accordingly, it requires an understanding of the primary causes and an analysis of why, how and where genocide is committed. Scholars have identified the role of social identity as one of the sources of genocidal conflict. Acts of genocide target people on the basis of who they are rather than on the basis of what they have done, what they might do, or even what they are capable of doing. Therefore, restoring the Rohingya identity is key in this stage of prevention. This can be done by repealing discriminatory race and religion laws, recognizing their right to citizenship, abolishing ethnic segregation that amounts to social fragmentation in the society and conducting programs such as economic empowerment for Rohingya women, interfaith dialogue and human rights education, to name a few. Prevention efforts during the violence aim at deterring its escalation and stop the spread of its negative impacts. They are real-time efforts and immediate in character to slow, limit or terminate mass violence, such as exposing, isolating and punishing perpetrators and their enablers as well as providing legal protection to Rohingya people. Meanwhile, prevention measures after the violence are aimed at avoiding it from happening again. The initiatives, such as integrating genocide prevention in the school curriculum, working with the community to promote social inclusion, establishing memorialization and forming a transitional justice system, are important to build underlying structures of societal and state durability related to good governance. They also can help in providing a fair interpretation and transmission of conflict history and resilient economic conditions. Preventing genocide should be the concern of all ASEAN member states. Seven ASEAN states have ratified the Genocide Convention. The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights should find interest in the measures of preventing genocide in the region. That would not only contribute to peace-building efforts but also to improving the quality of life of the people, protect human rights and reinforce of state sovereignty. Normatively, two documents are relevant to the prevention of genocide: the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (2012) and the ASEAN Declaration on Culture of Prevention for a Peaceful, Inclusive, Resilient, Healthy and Harmonious Society (2017) that will guide the path toward an ASEAN region free from genocide. Finally, as they do not make headlines, prevention measures are often underappreciated, but they are exactly what prevents the worst of headlines from being made. Preventing genocide is a process, not an event. *** The writer is representative of Indonesia to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights for 2019-2021. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Hours after announcing that he has a 19-year-old Cuban son, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) appeared alongside the teen, Nestor Galban, on Fox News Tucker Carlson Tonight to prove to a Democratic colleague with whom hes been feuding that he has a non-white child. Gaetzs revelation about Galban came on the heels of his extremely heated altercation with Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA) during a congressional hearing on police reform, which flew off the rails when Gaetz exploded at Richmond for suggesting he didnt know what its like to fear for a Black son. For all those wondering, this is my son Nestor. We share no blood but he is my life. He came from Cuba (legally, of course) six years ago and lives with me in Florida, Gaetz tweeted on Thursday morning. I am so proud of him and raising him has been the best, most rewarding thing Ive done in my life. The pro-Trump congressman also wrote that Nestor had just turned 19 and arrived when he was 12, adding that he was triggered by Richmonds remarks because he knows what it's like to raise non-white kids. Gaetzs sudden announcement that he had a grown son, meanwhile, raised quite a few questions, especially considering he had never publicly disclosed this before Thursday. At the same time he appeared on Carlsons show, People published a report providing details on Gaetzs relationship to Galban. Gaetz admitted to People that he did not formally adopt Galban, stating that Galban moved in with him when he was 12 because Gaetzthen a state legislatorwas dating Galbans older sister. He is a part of my family story, Gaetz told People, adding that Nestor is my son in every conceivable way, and I cant imagine loving him any more if he was my own flesh and blood. He declined to tell the magazine what Nestors relationship was with his biological family at this time. Carlson, meanwhile, introduced the pro-Trump congressman on his program by asking him how he feels about Richmond telling him you are not allowed to participate in the conversation because of your skin color. Story continues Saying his Democratic colleagues remarks were offensive because Richmond didnt know anything about his experience, Gaetz went on to say that Nestor is the light of my life and that he couldnt imagine loving him anymore if he was my own flesh and blood. Ive raised him for the last six years, and he is the most remarkable young man, he added. I am proud of him, and I am honestly embarrassed of the United States Congress that we have resorted to criticizing each other based on our race and the race of our children and I wish that we could be more productive going forward. After Gaetz said Galban had been raised to treat everyone equally, Carlson wondered aloud if Galban had also learned those lessons in school, prompting Gaetz to reveal that Nestor was already micd up and ready to appear on-screen. What do you make of Cedric Richmonds attacks? Did you see all of this? Carlson asked Galban. I did not see it because I was sleeping from my workout the night before, Nestor replied, adding that he woke up to the tweets on the altercation and Gaetz calling him about it. I think its unfair to tell someone that they dont understand because they dont havebecause of their racial color, he added. While he is fighting for equality but if you tell someone to not get involvedhe doesnt understand because of the coloryou are being a hypocrite there. The Fox host applauded Galbans answer before snarkily noting that this is now something you would be censured for, something Gaetz agreed with. I cannot believe that its acceptable in the United States Congress for someone to tell someone else that they are fighting for their children more than they are. You have a son, Gaetz said. How would you feel if someone said to you that they were fighting for your own family more than you were? Thats why I got very upset. 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. HAMDEN School officials have designed a drive-through ceremony to commemorate the high school graduation. Hamden High School Principal Nadine Gannon notified families in the district, announcing an outdoor ceremony at Town Center Park will be held July 8, with a July 10 rain date. I know this is not the outcome many of our graduates were hoping for, but it is the safest and most inclusive plan we have been able to conceive in consultation with Town Officials, Quinnipiack Valley Health District (QVHD) and Senior Class Officers, Gannon said in the announcement . The states most recent guidelines on gatherings limits events to no more than 150 people, but with more than 400 students graduating from Hamden High School this year, a traditional ceremony wasnt feasible as in many other districts, Gannon said in the announcement to families. Gannon said the central office administration, town officials and the Quinnipiac Valley Health District discussed the alternative graduation option, adding that waiting to have a ceremony in August wouldnt guarantee there would be fewer restrictions on gatherings. Gannon said the plan was approved by the health district and received support from the senior class officers. For graduation, students and their families will be allowed up to two cars per graduate to drive through Town Center Park. Cars will assemble at designated times throughout the day beginning at 9 a.m. based alphabetically by last name. After an initial check-in by car, graduates will exit their cars and proceed to the stage wearing a face covering. On the stage, the graduates name will be called over the loudspeaker and theyll receive their diploma. Students will have a professional photo taken, for which they can remove their face covering and ceremonially move their caps tassel. Gannon said the school district is working to live stream the event and radio broadcast the ceremony. The ceremony will include a pre-recorded video presentation with student speeches, an address by Gannon, a salutation from Board of Education chairman M. Arturo Perez-Cabello, and well wishes from Mayor Curt B. Leng and Superintendent of Schools Jody Goeler, Gannon said. mdignan@hearstmediact.com ANN ARBOR, MI From a $7-million construction project on I-94 launching this week, to a man being shot and killed outside an Ypsilanti Township Burger King, a lot has been going on in the Ann Arbor area. Here are some headlines you might have missed this week. Expect lane closures on I-94 in Washtenaw County as $7M construction project begins Crews will begin repairing a stretch of I-94 on Thursday, causing various closures through the fall. The Michigan Department of Transportation is beginning a $7-million project to repair 9.5 miles of I-94 from east of Huron Street in Washtenaw County to a little east of I-275 in Wayne County, according to a news release. Ypsilanti man killed in shooting outside Burger King, police say An unknown gunman shot and killed a 20-year-old Ypsilanti man Friday afternoon near a Burger King, police said. Deputies responded to a reported shooting at 12:52 p.m. June 12 to the Burger King at 2170 Rawsonville Road, which is next to the Ypsilanti Township border with Belleville, said the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office. Sonni Alexander Greene suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital after being transported in critical condition, police said. 30-foot Black Lives Matter mural painted in Ann Arbors Graffiti Alley George Floyd. Eric Garner. Breonna Taylor. Tamir Rice. Philando Castile. Tony McDade. Those are just some of the many names of black people killed by police in the United States featured in a new Black Lives Matter mural in downtown Ann Arbors Graffiti Alley. Stretching 30 feet long and nearly 14 feet tall in the alley off Liberty Street by the Michigan Theater, the mural has caught the attention of many passersby whove stopped to reflect and take in its message in recent days. Shooting over parking dispute in downtown Ann Arbor lands man 10 to 20 years in prison More than two years ago, a delivery driver blocking a car while unloading his truck in downtown Ann Arbor was shot and critically injured. On Wednesday, after countless court hearings, arguments, delays and an out-of-state flight from justice ahead of a guilty verdict, the convicted shooter is heading to prison. Washtenaw County Trial Judge Archie Brown sentenced Jacob LaBelle June 17, to 10 to 20 years in prison after being convicted by a jury of shooting delivery driver Michael Ritter during a parking dispute. Afternoon Delight owner reflects on 42 years before retiring Tom Hackett did not think he would retire as a restaurateur. Most people who own restaurants dont retire, they just stick around, said the longtime owner of downtown Ann Arbors Afternoon Delight cafe. But the novel coronavirus pandemic had everything to do with it. Woman shot near Ann Arbor business, male suspect at large, police say A 24-year-old woman shot outside an Ann Arbor business Wednesday night is expected to recover, police said. Officers responded to a shots fired report around 10:45 p.m., June 17 outside a business in the 2900 block of Packard Street in east Ann Arbor, said the Ann Arbor Police Department. A man, identified as a suspect in the shooting, fled the scene, and is being sought by police. University of Michigan regent, wife give $30-million gift toward diabetes therapies A $30-million gift from University of Michigan regent Ron Weiser and his wife, Eileen, will aid in diabetes research and development. Pending approval from the UM Board of Regents, the Elizabeth Weiser Caswell Diabetes Institute will aid in the development of diabetes therapies at Michigan Medicine, in collaboration with other UM schools and units for diabetes research. Tecumseh parents informed of possible exposure to COVID-19 by school staff member Parents who recently visited a Tecumseh Public Schools building have been told they were potentially exposed to a staff member who recently tested positive for COVID-19. The district was notified Monday, June 15, that a staff member from its South Early Learning Center tested positive for the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Former University of Michigan provost to relinquish tenured faculty position June 30 Former University of Michigan Provost Martin Philbert is relinquishing his tenured faculty position from the university effective June 30. Philbert joined the UM faculty in 1995 as a professor of toxicology in the school of public health and is a former dean of the school. He submitted his voluntary and irrevocable retirement and surrendered his rights to academic tenure in a letter to President Mark Schlissel on June 7. University of Michigan sells nearly $1B in bonds due to uncertainty of coronavirus With uncertainty looming over colleges and universities regarding the coronavirus pandemic, the University of Michigan decided to sell nearly $1 billion in bonds to refinance debt and pay for construction projects. According to a report from Bloomberg, which cited preliminary pricing wires, $850 million of the $1 billion was taxable, and the taxable securities were priced at yields from 1% to 2.56%. Ann Arbor officials want to radically rethink policing, consider alternatives to armed officers Amid national protests against police brutality and calls to defund police by Black Lives Matter supporters, some Ann Arbor officials say they want to radically rethink the citys approach to policing. That could mean a shift in city resources to have unarmed crisis intervenors and social workers augment the citys police force, so not every person in a mental health crisis, for example, needs to be confronted by an armed officer. Video released of knife-wielding man shot by state trooper in Monroe County Investigators released surveillance video Tuesday showing a trooper-involved shooting that happened just outside the city of Monroe on Monday afternoon. At 4:21 p.m. June 15, a Michigan State Police trooper from the Monroe Post was dispatched to a 911 call in the area of S. Dixie Highway and Dunbar Road in Monroe Township for an incident involving a suspicious man with a large knife, according to Michigan State Police. Surveillance video, released by Michigan State Police Second District Special Investigation Section, shows the trooper attempted to make contact with the man who then unsheathed the knife. The fired Atlanta police officer charged with the killing of Rayshard Brooks has been denied bond. Garrett Rolfe, 27, had waived his right to appear in person and chose instead to appear via videolink from Gwinnet County Jail. He was moved to the facility Thursday night after handing himself into Fulton County Jail amid security concerns in the high profile case. Rolfe turned himself in after being charged with 11 counts, including felony murder, a charge that carries a possible sentence of life without parole or the death penalty, for shooting dead Brooks on June 12 in Atlanta. These exclusive pictures obtained by DailyMail.com show Rolfe's attorney Lance LoRusso who was seen leaving the jail at approximately 2.15pm, though no attorneys were present with Rolfe on the Zoom call in which Judge Jeffery Frazier delivered the devastating news. Frazier said that he could not set bond due to the charges listed against Rolfe. It is a decision which has drawn outrage from Rolfe's legal team. Former Atlanta police officer Garrett Rolfe (left) was denied bond Friday after being charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks, 27 (right), last week These exclusive pictures obtained by DailyMail.com show Rolfe's attorney Lance LoRusso who was seen leaving the jail at approximately 2.15pm, though no attorneys were present with Rolfe on the Zoom call in which Judge Jeffery Frazier delivered the devastating news olfe, 27, had waived his right to appear in person and chose instead to appear via videolink from Gwinnet County Jail (pictured) where he is being held Attorneys for Rolfe had argued that he had 'significant ties' to the community in their emergency bond application in a bid to persuade the court that he was no flight risk. But a pretrial assessment for which Rolfe had not been interviewed recommended that he not be granted bond due to the nature of the charges and the fact that they had been unable to establish those ties community. Speaking directly after, Noah Pines, one of the attorneys representing the former cop, slammed District Attorney Paul Howard for 'unethical' pursuit of charges to benefit his re-election. And he accused the DA of making 'blatant false statements' to heighten public emotion over the already controversial case. In recent months Howard was in the headlines himself facing a string of allegations of sexual harassment and questions over his use of public funds. Pine said, 'Twice in the past few weeks Paul Howard has put his own ambitions ahead of the good of his constituents as he seeks to capitalize on a series of national tragedies. 'Under Georgia's rule of Professional Conduct 3.8 Paul Howard is prohibited from making 'extrajudicial comments that have a substantial likelihood of heightening public condemnation of the accused.' In fact, he is only permitted to inform the 'public of the nature and extent' of his actions ,'that serve a legitimate law enforcement purpose.' 'He has violated that rule today and also made blatant false statements.' Due to the nature of charges, Judge Jeffrey Frazier denied bond for Rolfe on Friday DailyMail.com obtained the pre-trial report for former officer Garrett Rolfe Rolf's attorney's Noah Pines and and William Thomas filed an emergency motion for bond Fellow officer Devin Brosnan, who was first to respond to the 911 call-out that reported Brooks drunk and asleep at the wheel in the drive-thru lane of Wendy's on University Avenue, Atlanta, has been placed on administrative duty. Brosnan has been charged on three counts, one of aggravated assault a charge that carries up to 20 years in prison and two violations of oath, including a failure to administer timely medical assistance. Rolfe has also been charged on this count. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard announced this week that Brosnan had admitted to standing on Brooks's shoulders while he lay dying an unauthorized control technique. Howard had asked for a $50,000 bond for Brosnan and no bond for Rolfe. Fellow officer Brosnan, who was first to respond to the 911 call-out that reported Brooks drunk and asleep at the wheel in the drive-thru lane of Wendy's on University Avenue, Atlanta, has been placed on administrative duty. Brosnan faces three charges including aggravated assault. The case may not go before a Grand Jury until January or February next year as the DA's office has about 12 cases to be considered ahead of it. Howard called for a change in the law that would allow the DA to simply sign off on an indictment and let the case go forward. He said, 'I don't think we should wait.' Fulton County Medical Examiner declared Brooks' death a homicide on Sunday, citing the cause as organ damage and blood loss caused by the gunshot wounds. After Brooks resisted arrest during a sobriety check gone wrong and grabbed an officer's taser, Rolfe fire his gun. Pictured: Body cam footage showing the sobriety check Rolfe has been charged with 11 counts including felony murder, a charge that carries a possible sentence of life without parole or the death penalty, in the death of Rayshard Brooks The other officer on the scene, Devin Brosnan, has been charged with aggravated assault for allegedly standing on Brooks' shoulder after the man was shot. Pictured: Brosnan walks out following his release from the Fulton County Jail on Thursday, June 18 Brooks's shooting sparked outrage and violence in the wake of George Floyd's death under the knee of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Fellow officer Devin Brosnan faces three charges including aggravated assault. Brosnan had admitted to standing on Brooks's shoulders while he lay dying an unauthorized control techniqu Chauvin, 44, is now facing charges of second-degree murder, third degree murder and manslaughter. The three officers who stood by while Floyd, 46, died have all been charged with aiding and abetting second degree murder and manslaughter. The officers were called to a Wendy's restaurant last Friday over reports of a car blocking the drive-thru lane. Brosnan arrived on the scene first and found Brooks alone in his vehicle and apparently asleep. Brooks moved his car and showed his license, explaining that he had a few drinks at his daughter's birthday party. He agreed to a breath test and, minutes later, Rolfe arrived to conduct a sobriety check. The breathalyzer recorded a 0.108 blood alcohol content level, higher than the 0.08 considered legal to drive in Georgia, but Rolfe didn't tell Brooks the results. DailyMail.com can reveal that Officer Rolfe begged Rayshard Brooks to stay alive after shots were fired, as seen on the officer's body camera Rolfe is heard telling Brooks via body camera footage: 'All right, I think you've had too much to drink to be driving. Put your hands behind your back.' Dashcam video shows that Brooks resisted arrest as Rolfe tried to handcuff him and grabbed a Taser from Brosnan. As he ran away with Taser, he turned and point the object in his hand and the one of the officer. Just a few seconds later, gunshots are heard. The death sparked nationwide protests, especially because it occurred less than a month after the death of George Floyd's death, another black man killed by a white police officer. Attorneys for Rolfe and Brosnan defended the men's actions. Brosnan told MSNBC that he had 'full faith' in the criminal justice system. I studied every man who came through the gate, looking for an older version of myself. Instead, I saw what looked like a dead man walking. Dad was much smaller than the photograph I referenced in my head, the only image I had ever seen of him while I was growing up: a fantastically huge man towering over my small-framed mother on their wedding day. Now his head was huge and bulky, with heavy wrinkles and tough oak skin, dry, tanned and cracked, attached to a rail-thin body, twisted like some dead and gnarled tree. His thick, wavy black hair had turned gray and thin. He carried a handkerchief in one hand, which I later learned was to catch the blood he coughed up on occasion. At the corners of his mouth a white, flaky crust formed that reminded me of dried milk on a childs mouth. Instead of the handshake I was expecting, he pulled me close to him and hugged me tightly. I felt the sharp edges of his spine, contorted by time like some sort of punishment. His body shook, reverberating into my arms and chest, but I kept my distance, not yet trusting enough to give all of myself to him. There was little warmth in his body. As I pulled away, the tips of his fingers lingered on mine for a moment, clinging as if his life depended on me. He wiped his eyes as quickly as he could, hoping I wouldnt notice him crying. A former paratrooper in the Air Force, Dad fought in Korea. He told me stories about how he had to defend being Jewish and felt the need to fight anyone who challenged his faith. He told me about the time he held up a bank at gunpoint and, after a long car chase, served time in the Texas State Penitentiary. Not only was he a heroin addict, but he sold it, too. He drank a lot and had a temper, which often led to brawls and, in one case, he told me, murder. When I finally gained the nerve to ask him why he left us, why he never called or wrote or seemed to care, my father told me he couldnt be around my alcoholic mother anymore. She made her choice and he made his, he said. A few weeks before my sister and I were born, he went back to Houston, his hometown. My grandfather was the closest thing I had to a father figure until he died a week before my sisters and my bnai mitzvah at age 13. My father never once paid child-support or had ever acknowledged we existed, from what we were told. Financial tycoon hopeful of post-pandemic global economy By:Zheng Qian | From:english.eastday.com | 2020-06-19 10:12 The 12th Lujiazui Forum kicked off in Shanghai on June 18, gathering government officials and financial experts to discuss and foster international financial cooperation and further the reform and opening-up of China. When delivering a remote video speech at the forum, Larry Fink, chairman and CEO of Black Rock Group said that the pandemic has imposed an unprecedented challenge to the medical system, economy and humankind. The post-epidemic world will be different in terms of investor psychology, business and probably consumption. In Finks view, although the outlook remains challenging, there are some encouraging signs since no obstacles have thus far occurred in the recovery from the pandemic unlike the financial crisis in 2008. Due to strong and timely fiscal and monetary policies adopted by policy makers in various countries, including the United States and China, the global market has avoided a potential systemic disaster. Despite the hard hit, I am confident that the global economy will stabilize and recover steadily, said Fink. Fink believes that the global economic recovery after the pandemic requires accelerated trade. If geopolitics continues to be tense, trade will not increase. In order to recover from the pandemic crisis, humanity needs to go beyond partisan disputes and national boundaries. We need to rethink at a deep level how and why to develop commerce, said Fink. In this June 9 photo, Kevin Peterson, center, founder and executive director of the New Democracy Coalition, displays a placard showing Breonna Taylor as he addresses a rally in Boston. Read more LOUISVILLE, Ky. Louisvilles mayor said Friday that one of three police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor will be fired. Mayor Greg Fischer said interim Louisville police Chief Robert Schroeder has started termination proceedings for Officer Brett Hankison. Two other officers remain on administrative reassignment while the shooting is investigated. Fischer said officials could not answer questions about the firing because of state law. He referred all questions to the Jefferson County attorney's office. Meanwhile, FBI agents went to Taylor's apartment Friday as part of their independent investigation into her death, FBI officials in Louisville said in a statement. "When investigating potential civil rights violations, the FBI will take a fresh look at all the evidence, including interviewing witnesses who have already spoken to the original investigating agency, interviewing witnesses who have not yet spoken to law enforcement and examining all physical and video evidence to better understand what transpired," the FBI statement said. "Today's action is part of this process." Taylor, who was Black, was shot eight times by officers who burst into her Louisville home using a no-knock warrant during a March 13 narcotics investigation. No drugs were found at her home. A letter the chief sent to Hankison said the white officer violated standard operating procedures when he "wantonly and blindly fired 10 rounds into the apartment of Breonna Taylor." The letter says he fired the rounds "without supporting facts" that the deadly force was directed at a person posing an immediate threat. "In fact, the 10 rounds you fired were into a patio door and window which were covered with material that completely prevented you from verifying any person as an immediate threat or more importantly any innocent persons present," the letter states. "I find your conduct a shock to the conscience," Schroeder said in the letter. "Your actions have brought discredit upon yourself and the Department." Sam Aguiar, an attorney for Taylor's family said the move was overdue. "It's about damn time. It should have happened a long time ago, but thankfully it's at least happening now," Aguiar said. "This is an officer that's plagued our streets and made this city worse for over a dozen years. ... Let's hope that this is a start to some good, strong criminal proceedings against Officer Hankison, because he definitely deserves to at least be charged." The warrant to search Taylor's home was in connection with a suspect who did not live there. Police used a no-knock search warrant, which allows them to enter without first announcing their presence. Louisville's Metro Council recently voted to ban the use of no-knock warrants. The release in late May of a 911 call by Taylor's boyfriend marked the beginning of days of protests in Louisville, fueled by Taylor's death and the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis. "This really confirms why the family has been calling for justice for Breonna Taylor. It's undisputable evidence," said Christopher 2X, an anti-violence activist in Louisville. Black Lives Matter Louisville organizer Chanelle Helm said the move brings some justice to Taylor's family and to protesters. "While we are still perplexed why the other officers haven't been fired, we know that is still coming. We want to thank the community for coming together in support of the Louisville protesters in spite of the violence we have experienced from the police while fighting for justice," Helm said in a statement. Beyonce recently joined the call for charges against the officers involved in Taylor's shooting. The superstar said in a letter to Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron that the three Louisville police officers "must be held accountable for their actions." The recent unrest in Louisville resulted in the firing of the citys police chief and the shooting death of David McAtee, who owned a popular barbecue shack, while officers and National Guard soldiers were trying to clear a crowd from a parking lot to enforce a curfew. Police Chief Steve Conrad was fired after it was revealed that officers failed to activate body cameras during the encounter with McAtee. For Jamiah Williams, the photo that won a Congressional art award, soon to be exhibited in the halls of the Capitol, was just a class assignment at Albany High School. It was homework. Thats all. We were just supposed to be capturing and paying attention to light and manipulating how the light looks in photos, recalled the rising senior, now 16, of the image titled Window Lit. This was back in December, during her Photography 2 class with teacher Diana Jordan. Williams was looking at the sunlight in her home, thinking, Okay, well, maybe somebody can sit by the window and have light showing on them, she recalled. And I thought, Well, why dont I use my Grandpa? So she asked him to sit by the window. She took a bunch of photos with her Nikon D3300. Then she picked the one that stood out from the rest, and handed it in. That striking image of Samuel Murdock hand on a cane, gaze facing the window, his cherry-red shirt dappled with shadows of the bright floral curtains and blinds behind them went on to win the Opalka Gallery Award in the High School regional back in April. And then, just this week, it won the New York 20th Congressional District division of the annual Congressional Art Competition. All of this came as a shock to Williams, who was startled by the praise of U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko when he called to congratulate her. She was startled when she learned shed won, just as she was startled when she learned of the Opalka award. I was surprised. It was definitely strange, to, like, have my art up there and have a lot of people actually enjoy it. Because I like my art, and whatever. But, well, she didnt think it was good enough to win a contest. Yeah. No, she said. Why not? I dont know. I just didnt think my art was as good as other peoples art -- all the kids in my class. I didnt think it was as great as everybody else's, so I didn't really think much about it. The Congressman begs to differ. Shes very modest about her work and shes very good, Tonko said on a recent call from Washington. The winning photos composition really speaks volumes about lighting a photo and getting the subject lined up, and the depth. ... I mean, there were so many outstanding dynamics she incorporated. He loved the highlighting on Murdocks face. And I loved the muted light behind the subject, and the boldness of red against the pale surroundings. She really knew what she was doing. As the winner from Tonkos district, Williams will be among the young artists honored at a reception in the Capitol once health and safety permits, according to a news release. More than 670,000 high school students across the nation have participated since the art competition began in 1982, their work displayed for a year in the Cannon Tunnel stretching between the House of Representatives and the Capitol. Window Lit and other student submissions from around the region, many of them vivid explorations of identity and the world, are all viewable in an online gallery hosted by the Arts Center of the Capital Region. Among them is the district runner-up, Albany Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a pen, ink and watercolor rendering by Claire Wu from Shaker High School. Also included are honorable-mention works by Pallavi Datta and Juliana Potfora, both of Niskayuna High School, and Elbert Song of Shenendehowa. What empowerment comes with something like this, said Tonko of the competition, noting the chance for students to see their artwork displayed and their viewpoints affirmed. Thats especially relevant now, he said, citing the layered crises gripping the nation: the pandemic, the economic downturn, the protests against racial injustice and the need for reform. At a time when all of this is impacting all of us, and in a particular way the youngest of generations, its interesting to see how they respond. And I think their artwork makes a statement in itself. He also emphasized the need for arts in education. Its a very important element that shouldnt be sacrificed from the curriculum thats offered our students, he said. And it unleashes hidden talent sometimes. Williams, for instance. She signed up for Photography 1 as a sophomore because she thought it might be fun. Ive always liked photography. Ive always thought it was something beautiful to do. ... And I thought it would be something I could try in school and see if I liked it or not. She had a little a-ha moment near the start. I took a couple pictures and I was like, You know, theyre not bad. So I took a second course. And snapped the photo of her grandfather. And won a Congressional award. Im always proud of Jamiah just in whatever she does, but she really does have a talent for photos and drawing and she just doesnt really see it, said her mom, Keturah Williams. So Im hoping that this will help her see that she really does have a knack for this and possibly could be something that she continues on in the future doing. Jamiahs open to it. After the Opalka and Congressional wins shes persuaded, if only a bit, that maybe her photos are just a little better than not bad. Maybe theyre actually good. Definitely, yes, she allowed. To some extent. Will she study and pursue photography, down the line? I hope so. Yeah, I hope so, she said. So does Tonko. Oh, absolutely, he said. Oh, I think shes got talent. Assurances that disabled access improvements at Ruabon station remain high on the agenda This article is old - Published: Friday, Jun 19th, 2020 Reassurances that work to improve the disabled access at a local station has been offered by a senior councillor. Access to the north bound Chester platform at the station is only possible by a footbridge with long flights of stairs on both platforms with all passengers having to negotiate over 50 steps on this footbridge. It is also the only station on the line that does not meet step-free access needs for passengers. A campaign to secure funding for step-free access to both platforms was launched in 2018. However earlier this year Wrexham.com reported that the station had failed to secure disabled access funding from UK Government. Welsh Government funding for improvements was also lost in 2019. Cllr David A Bithell, lead member for environment and transport, has this week given assurances that improving the access remains high on the agenda for Wrexham Council. He said: I would like to put on record my thanks to our local and national politicians, Cllr Dana Davies, Cllr Joan Lowe, Simon Baynes MP, Ken Skates MS and friends of Ruabon Station group. Their commitment and support to ensuring the work needed at this station is being brought to the attention of the Department for Transport in Westminster. Their cross-party support will hopefully result in a successful outcome in the near future to making this crucial station accessible to all. Ruabon Station is the only station on the Chester Shrewsbury Line without step free access. The stairs cause major problems for the disabled with passengers wishing to alight here being advised to go to Wrexham and return on the next train south. Access for those with prams and push chairs is also very difficult if not impossible and a struggle for those with luggage or those less mobile. Last week Clwyd South MP , Simon Baynes raised the issue of funding for step-free access at Ruabon train station in the House of Commons. Simon Baynes MP said: Many representatives, organisations and residents in Ruabon have been campaigning for step-free access at Ruabon Station for several years and I am very pleased to add my support to their campaign. This project is needed to make sure all passengers can access the jobs and leisure opportunities that will make our community an even greater place to live and work. And Im looking forward to discussing it with Ministers at the Wales Office and the Treasury to see what can be done for Ruabon residents. Wales Office Minister, David Davies MP said, in response to Mr Baynes question in the Chamber: Id be delighted to discuss step-free access at Ruabon station with the Hon. Gentleman, and I hope that I will be able to give him news of much greater infrastructure projects to rail and road that will be on offer to Wales as soon as this crisis is over. " " Antifa is a loosely organized alliance of people who join forces to oppose fascism and racism whenever they show up in local communities. CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images When cities across the nation erupted into disorder in late May 2020 following the killing of an African American man named George Floyd by Minneapolis police, the Trump administration was quick to place the blame on a left-wing protest movement with an exotic-sounding name. "The violence instigated and carried out by Antifa and other similar groups in connection with the rioting is domestic terrorism and will be treated accordingly," Attorney General William Barr proclaimed in a press release. President Trump weighed in as well, tweeting that the U.S. government would be designating the group a "Terrorist Organization," a legal designation that technically is only applied to foreign organizations. In early June 2020, the White House official account tweeted that Antifa activists were "invading our communities" and posted video footage that supposedly showed supplies of bricks that had been pre-placed for use as weapons. (The White House later removed the video, which the Washington Post and other news outlets reported contained misleading images.) For all that furor, arrest records and interviews with law enforcement officials yielded no evidence that Antifa activists had plotted a coordinated campaign or even had been a significant presence in the unrest following Floyd's death, according to The New York Times. Instead, the newspaper reported, federal prosecutors had attributed most of the violence to individuals unconnected with any group. Many Americans may have heard of Antifa for the first time back in the summer of 2017, when T-shirt clad counter protesters, their faces masked with bandanas, showed up to confront white nationalists marching in the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia. In the ensuing clash, scores of people were injured, including a young woman who was killed when a car rammed into the crowd. Since then, Antifa activists have clashed with far-right groups in Berkeley, California, and Washington, D.C., among other places. Antifa isn't easy to understand from the outside, because unlike most of the prominent political movements that we're familiar with, it's decentralized and lacks prominent leaders. And unlike environmentalists, civil rights or police reform activists, Antifa doesn't have big-picture policy objectives that it aims to accomplish. Instead, Antifa is a loosely organized alliance of people who join forces to oppose far-right groups whenever they show up in local communities, according to Stanislav Vysotsky. He's an associate professor of sociology and criminology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater who's been studying the movement for years, and is the author of a soon-to-be-published book, "American Antifa: The Tactics, Culture and Practice of Militant Antifascism." "It's always in response to fascist activity," says Vysotsky, who also has written about Antifa for The Conversation. "You tend not to see anti-fascist activity where there aren't any fascists." Advertisement The Origins of the Antifa Movement In a sense, the Antifa movement traces back to Italy in the 1930s, when a left-wing group called Anti-Fascist Action which they shortened to "Antifa" rose up to resist the regime of Benito Mussolini, an authoritarian who espoused racist views and utilized squads of violent followers called Blackshirts in an effort to intimidate any opposition. In the U.S., though, Vysotsky says that Antifa really grew more directly out of Anti-Racist Action, a movement that emerged in the Midwest in the late 1980s and early 1990s in opposition to the racist skinheads and neo-Nazis who, at the time, were showing up at punk rock shows and skateboarding parks in an effort to find new recruits to their hateful philosophy. "The scene already was defined by anti-authoritarianism," according to Vysotsky. "There already were punks opposed to Nazis. At first, it was informal, spontaneous people working to drive these fascist elements out of their subculture." In an era before broadband internet and smartphones, Antifa's predecessors relied on analog methods fanzines, photocopied flyers, anti-Nazi graffiti and touring by political punk bands to spread the word across the U.S., and soon numerous cities had organizations who called themselves anti-racist or anti-fascist. As organized far-right extremism ebbed, anti-racist activists would drift off to work on other causes they were passionate about only to rise again whenever the right-wingers returned, according to Vysotsky. " " One of the most prominent Antifa groups in the U.S., Rose City Antifa, was formed in 2007 and maintains a prominent role in the fight against fascism all over the world. Rose City Antifa Advertisement A Three-pronged Approach to Action In Portland, Oregon, one of the nation's most prominent Antifa groups, Rose City Antifa, formed in 2007, initially to oppose a neo-Nazi skinhead music festival. "Antifascism is fairly self-explanatory," Rose City Antifa explains in an email. "Our role is to prevent and take action against fascist activity." (According to Vysotsky, even spokespeople for Antifa avoid revealing their identities or appearing on camera, to avoid violent reprisals from opponents.) Rose City Antifa explains its approach: "As a group, we primarily use a three-pronged approach: direct action, education and solidarity with other left organizations. Direct action is any work that prevents fascist organizing, and when that is not possible, provides consequences to fascist organizers. It also includes researching and tracking fascist organizations and individuals. Education includes hosting speakers and educational events for our community, so that we can all be able to recognize fascism and oppose it effectively. Solidarity means things like providing security for local events and allying ourselves with other organizations who have similar goals." Though news media coverage often depicts Antifa primarily as a bunch of street fighters, "physical protesting is a relatively small part of what we do," Rose City Antifa says. "Each of us is expected to put in several hours of work per week, and that time is spent doing everything from researching and writing articles, to providing advice and assistance, to people who reach out to us, to coordinating with other groups in the area to help them stay safe from provocateurs who attempt to disrupt them." " " A man wearing the Antifa face mask during a demonstration in Portugal in which over a thousand people marched against racism and fascism in the country and around the world. SOPA Images/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images For example, after another activist group released logs of far-right extremists on a popular chat platform, Rose City Antifa used that information to expose the extremists' real-life identities. "Our work and strategies are constantly evolving to match what we see happening in local and national politics," Rose City Antifa writes. Advertisement Anti-hierarchical Group Action Individual Antifa activists themselves tend to remain low-profile because the movement is anti-hierarchical and focuses on group action. "We work together to determine the best course of action based on everyone's ideas and input, and find that our best work comes from taking the time to collaborate as equals," Rose City Antifa explains. "We also want to avoid our actions being reduced to that of a single individual that cannot only put that person at risk, but we want to demonstrate that we act in unity and that we don't do this for social capital, but because we think it is the right thing to do." Additionally, Rose City Antifa notes, "We are just one group and the 'antifa movement' is more of a philosophy or ideology than a group that can be led by an individual. So it just isn't practical to have leaders when antifascists exist all around the world, in different communities, and in different walks of life." As for the accusations by Trump, Barr and conservatives in politics and the news media that Antifa is terroristic, Rose City Antifa sees that as disinformation intended to silence opposition. "Frankly, we think that these attacks are a transparent attempt to criminalize protesting, and to provide the state with an easy cover to quash social movements that consider themselves antifascist," the Portland group responds. "Since we're anonymous, people can choose to think just about anything about us." "Recently we have been dealing with a lot of people suggesting we are responsible for the current national uprising, which simply isn't true," Rose City Antifa writes. "While we are fully supportive, it wouldn't be our place to lead or take over #BlackLivesMatter we instead defer to organizers and activists who dedicate themselves to the black community and addressing state-sanctioned violence against black people. We suspect that this rumor is an attempt to discount the harm that has been done to black people all over the country and the resulting anger and frustration, as well as to minimize the organizing power and leadership of black people." Vysotsky says that critics of Antifa often lump the movement in with Black bloc anarchist radicals, who sometimes destroy property as a form of protest against an economic and political system they see as unjust. Trump and other politicians, he says, are "conflating antifascism with black bloc tactics, using it as shorthand for anarchists. They're combining it into one bogeyman made up of different parts," as a way of generating fear and anxiety among their own base of support. It's worth noting that when federal authorities in Las Vegas recently indicted three men on charges of conspiring to cause destruction during protests in the wake of Floyd's death, the suspects weren't Antifa. Instead, they were described in a Department of Justice press release as members of the far-right "Boogaloo" movement, who envision a coming civil war and collapse of society. Now That's Interesting Vysotsky says his scholarly interest in antifascism came initially from his own experience as an adolescent punk rock fan in the Midwest, where "the threat of violence from racist skinheads was a part of my life." T housands have marched through US cities from coast to coast for Juneteenth, the anniversary of the emancipation of black slaves. With many formal Juneteenth events cancelled due to coronavirus concerns, activists instead organised street marches from Atlanta to Oakland to mark the day and protest against police brutality. Major companies gave employees the day off and those observing lockdown measures held online forums, as a country gripped by protests over present day racial injustice reflected on its ignoble past. Juneteenth protests from coast to coast in the US - In pictures 1 /37 Juneteenth protests from coast to coast in the US - In pictures People demonstrate in Chicago AP Protesters march over the Brooklyn Bridge towards Manhattan AP A protestor holds a sign during a Juneteenth rally at City hall in New York AFP via Getty Images A young protestor raises her fist as she crosses the Brooklyn Bridge AFP via Getty Images Protesters march over the Brooklyn Bridge towards Manhattan REUTERS Protesters march over the Brooklyn Bridge towards Manhattan AP An aerial photo shows a mural reading "Black Lives Matter" painted on a bike path on June 19, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia AFP via Getty Images A protestor wears a mask in front of City Hall during a Juneteenth rally in New Yor AFP via Getty Images Protesters march over the Brooklyn Bridge towards Manhattan AP Evan Tai, 3, and his mother Ellen Tai, ring the bell of Freedom Plaza at the George Washington Carver Museum in Austin, Texas AP An aerial drone view of protesters during a Juneteenth rally and march at the Port of Oaklan Getty Images Coby Kennedy wearing a protective mask holds The Wide Awakes flags during events to mark Juneteenth REUTERS People take part in an "abolish the police sit in" to mark Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in Texas, two years after the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves elsewhere in the United States, amid nationwide protests against racial inequality in Toronto, Ontario, Canada REUTERS Protesters march towards downtown Oakland Getty Images Protesters march towards downtown Oakland Getty Images A dance circle was made as people take part in an "abolish the police sit in" to mark Juneteenth REUTERS Thousands of protesters march towards downtown Oakland Getty Images Protests in Washington DC Getty Images Demonstrators march past the Robert F. Kennedy Main Justice Department Building Getty Images Seattle protests AFP via Getty Images Protests in Atlanta, Georgia REUTERS Washington DC Getty Images Washington DC Getty Images People walk through as signs are displayed from the George Floyd protests at the Department of Commerce during Juneteenth events in Washington, AFP via Getty Images A man waves an American flag with the words "Not Free" painted on it as he takes part in a Juneteenth march and rally in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC AFP via Getty Images Demonstrators arrive at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial AFP via Getty Images People hold yellow umbrellas covered with the names of killed people during a Juneteenth 2020 celebration and protest against police brutality in Dallas, AP Demonstrators march down Pennsylvania Avenue while holding signs of Black transgender women killed by police, REUTERS Four Democratic US. senators also plan to introduce a bill to declare Juneteenth as a national holiday. Currently only some states mark the date with a day-off. "Juneteenth is the oldest celebration of the end of slavery in the US. And it should be recognised as a federal holiday," Tina Smith, one of the senators, wrote on Twitter. This year's anniversary comes as a wave of anti-racism demonstrations continue to sweep through the country in the wake of George Floyd's death. Weeks of mounting demands to end police brutality and racial injustice animated rallies expected in cities coast to coast, including Washington, Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles. Juneteenth protests in New York / REUTERS In Atlanta, an important centre of the civil rights movement of the 1960s, about 1,000 people gathered at Centennial Olympic Park downtown for a peaceful march on the state capitol building. Emotions were running high in Atlanta after Rayshard Brooks, an African American, was fatally shot in the back by a white policeman in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant in the city. The policeman was fired by the department and later charged with murder. Many Atlanta marchers carried signs proclaiming "Black Lives Matter," or "Get your knee off our necks," and "I can't breathe". Marcher Antonio Jeremiah Parks, 27, of Atlanta said the civil rights movement had not yet fulfilled its promises. (Atlanta, Georgia has become one of the epicentres for the movement AFP via Getty Images) / AFP via Getty Images "Civil rights isn't over," said Mr Parks, who is Black and works at a homeless shelter. "We still feel the pain of slavery. It's not healed, and won't be until we're treated the same." Leia Shanks, 34, who is white and works in retail, said: "We're here in solidarity. "We need to stand against racism and even though it's 2020, what's happening now isn't right." Major US companies have declared June 19 a paid holiday this year, some for the first time. Juneteenth marches erupted across the US / AP Ride-hailing service Uber declared Friday a paid day off and several banks such as JPMorgan Chase & Co and Capital One Financial Corp closed offices or branches early. In New York City, a few hundred protesters, mostly wearing masks due to the coronavirus, gathered outside the Brooklyn Museum. Maxwell Awosanya was handing out free snacks and water to the swelling crowd of protesters outside the museum. "African-American history is American history. Black history is American history. We need to be heard, we need people to see us. ... we need to be understood, we need to be seen as equal," he said. A diverse crowd, including parents with children in strollers and a large contingent of people on bicycles, marched in downtown Brooklyn, chanting "No justice, no peace" and "Say his name, George Floyd." In Texas, where Juneteenth originated, Lucy Bremond oversees what is believed to be the oldest public celebration of the occasion each year in Houston's Emancipation Park. This year a gathering that typically draws some 6,000 people to the park will be replaced with a virtual observance. REUTERS "There are a lot of people who did not even know Juneteenth existed until these past few weeks," Ms Bremond said. Juneteenth, a blend of June and 19th, commemorates the US abolition of slavery under President Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, belatedly announced by a Union army in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, after the Civil War ended. Texas officially made it a holiday in 1980, and 45 more states and the District of Columbia have since followed suit. On the West Coast, union dockworkers at nearly 30 ports planned to mark the occasion by staging a one-day strike. Oakland protests / Getty Images Some 1,500 protesters gathered at the Port of Oakland to join local dockworker unions in the port shutdown. The gathering was due to march to downtown Oakland, with many of the dock workers driving in a caravan along the way. But much of the focus of the annual observance was taking take place on social media, with online lectures, discussion groups and virtual breakfasts, to guard against coronavirus. "We have been training our staff on how to use technology to present their events virtually and online," said Steve Williams, president of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation. Many chapters planned "car caravans": slow-speed processions of motorists honking horns and waving their arms as they wend their way through neighborhoods, Williams said. A focal point of Juneteenth observances this year is likely to be Tulsa. President Donald Trump is traveling to the Oklahoma city for his first campaign rally in three months, originally scheduled for Friday but moved to Saturday after an outcry. Tulsa was the scene of a notorious massacre of African Americans by white mobs in 1921. Toni Holness, public policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland, noted that Smiths proposal is made up of bills that have languished for years. Among the ones that failed in this years session was Antons Law, a measure that would make complaints about police shootings public, clarify when officers can use force and strike language in the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights that says only sworn officers can interview each other after use-of-force incidents. WASHINGTON - A senior State Department official who has served in the Trump administration since its first day is resigning over President Donald Trump's recent handling of racial tensions across the country - saying that the president's actions "cut sharply against my core values and convictions." Mary Elizabeth Taylor, the assistant secretary of state for legislative affairs, submitted her resignation on Thursday. Taylor's five-paragraph resignation letter, obtained by The Washington Post, serves as an indictment of Trump's stewardship at a time of national unrest from one of the administration's highest ranking African Americans and an aide who was viewed as both loyal and effective in serving his presidency. "Moments of upheaval can change you, shift the trajectory of your life, and mold your character. The President's comments and actions surrounding racial injustice and Black Americans cut sharply against my core values and convictions," Taylor wrote in her resignation letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. "I must follow the dictates of my conscience and resign as Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs." Taylor, 30, was unanimously confirmed to her position in October 2018 and is the youngest assistant secretary of state for legislative affairs in history and the first black woman to serve in that post. She has been a pivotal behind-the-scenes figure in the administration. Tapped for her legislative expertise and strong relationship with senators due to her work for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Taylor served as the White House's deputy director for nominations before joining the State Department. In her White House role, she helped shepherd more than 400 presidential appointments through the Senate, including those of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, CIA director Gina Haspel, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and Pompeo. Taylor's decision to leave the administration amid the racial tensions flaring nationwide appears to be the first high-profile resignation made in protest of the president's actions that has been made public. One member of the Defense Science Board, James Miller, submitted his resignation to Defense Secretary Mark Esper shortly after Trump's controversial photo op in Lafayette Square, but he was a former Obama administration official who had served on the committee that advises the Pentagon on science issues since 2014. In contrast, Taylor was viewed as a loyal member of the administration and is a lifelong member of the Republican Party. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Gorsuch administered Taylor's oath of office at her swearing-in ceremony in December 2018 at the State Department. In her position as assistant secretary of state, Taylor served as Pompeo's chief liaison to Capitol Hill. "I am deeply grateful to you, Mr. Secretary, for empowering me to lead this team and strategically advise you over these last two years," Taylor wrote in the resignation letter she submitted to Pompeo. "You have shown grace and respect in listening to my opinions, and your remarkable leadership have made me a better leader and team member. I appreciate that you understand my strong loyalty to my personal convictions and values, particularly in light of recent events." Before joining the administration, Taylor was an aide to McConnell where she worked as a member of his cloakroom staff helping oversee legislative debates on the floor. She comes from a family with a history of public service; her mother, Kristin Clark Taylor, served as the White House's director of media relations under President George H.W. Bush and was the first black woman to hold that job. "Leader McConnell appreciates Mary Elizabeth's service to the Republican Conference and our nation," David Popp, a spokesman for McConnell, said Thursday. Taylor sat in on an Oval Office meeting between Trump and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., the Senate's lone black Republican, in the aftermath of the deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville in August 2017. Trump drew widespread rebukes for his comment that there were "very fine people on both sides" of the rally. During that meeting, Scott, who leads one of the most diverse staffs in the Senate, implored the president - who had very little racial diversity on his staff - to appoint more people like Taylor to the White House, according to an Axios report at the time. Since the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, by Minneapolis police last month, Trump has struggled to play the role of conciliator at a time of protests and civil unrest across the country over the plight of black Americans and the nation's legacy of racism. The White House has come under heavy criticism after federal authorities forcefully swept away peaceful demonstrators protesting Floyd's death at Lafayette Square Park across the street from the White House. This cleared a path for Trump to walk several hundred yards to the iconic St. John's Church where he held up a bible and posed for photographs. The White House has denied the protesters were removed so the president could hold a photo op. As protests began to break out in Minneapolis, Trump tweeted "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" - a phrase associated police tactics used against protesters during the civil rights era. His campaign also scheduled Trump's first rally in months on June 19, the Juneteenth holiday that marks the end of slavery in the United States, in Tulsa - the site of a deadly race massacre in 1921. In a Wall Street Journal interview published Thursday, Trump claimed that "nobody had ever heard of" Juneteenth until he popularized it and moved the rally after learning what the day signified from black associates. "I did something good. I made it famous. I made Juneteenth very famous. It's actually an important event, it's an important time," he told the Journal. "But nobody had heard of it. Very few people have heard of it. Actually, a young African American Secret Service agent knew what it was. I had political people who had no idea." Trump has also insisted on keeping military bases named after Confederate military figures, even as his own defense leaders and Republican senators on Capitol Hill signal openness to changing the names amid calls that it is racist to honor leaders who fought to defend slavery. On June 3, Taylor sent a message to her team of roughly 60 State Department employees, acknowledging that in the aftermath of Floyd's death that her heart "is broken, in a way from which I've had to heal it countless times." "George Floyd's horrific murder and the recent deaths of other Black Americans have shaken our nation at its core. Every time we witness these heinous, murderous events, we are reminded that our country's wounds run deep and remain untreated," Taylor wrote in her note, also obtained by The Washington Post. "For our team members who are hurting right now, please know you are not alone. You are seen, recognized, heard, and supported. I am right here with you." STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The steady decline in the coronavirus (COVID-19) infection rate continues on Staten Island as less than one-quarter of the borough residents checked thus far have tested positive, data shows. As of Thursday afternoon, 23.54%, or 13,597 of the 57,755 borough residents examined since the pandemics outbreak have confirmed cases of the virus, according to the most recent data compiled by GitHub, which is linked to the city Heath Departments web site. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln announced Thursday that it has sharpened some of its plans for a campus reopening over the next few months. In a letter to professors and staffers, UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green said the committee assigned to prepare for fall semester has provided a guiding framework for reopening as the coronavirus pandemic continues. Green also announced that there would be no in-person commencement ceremony in August. As with the spring commencement, UNL will confer degrees in August through a virtual celebration. UNL will offer fall semester classes through a mix of online and in-person sessions, but Green said the on-campus component is vital. Experiencing college life and taking classes on campus are crucial to many students, he said. We have heard very clearly from them that this is what they expect and need, Green said. (Editor's note: This story has been updated from a previous version.) AMC Theatres, the worlds largest owner of movie theaters, will require all of its customers to wear masks when it reopens its theaters next month, the company said Friday. It was a quick reversal for the world's largest movie theater chain, which said on Thursday guests would be required to wear masks only in areas of the country where masks are mandatory. The company was harshly criticized on social media following remarks from CEO Adam Aron to Variety, in which he said that the chain would not require masks to avoid being "drawn into a political controversy." Aron had said the company would not require guests to wear masks unless states or local entities require it. AMC announced Thursday that it is set to reopen its more than 600 U.S. theaters next month with new safety and health measures to help curb the spread of coronavirus. It closed its locations earlier this year because of the virus pandemic. The company said it will begin a multi-phase reopening on July 15, adding that it expects to be nearly fully operational by the July 24 premiere of Disney's "Mulan." The company will require every AMC employee to wear face masks while in the theater. It will sell disposable masks for $1 to customers. According to Variety magazine, Aron said: We did not want to be drawn into a political controversy. We thought it might be counterproductive if we forced mask wearing on those people who believe strongly that it is not necessary. We think that the vast majority of AMC guests will be wearing masks. When I go to an AMC feature, I will certainly be wearing a mask and leading by example. Aron did not elaborate on why he considered masks political, but President Donald Trump told The Wall Street Journal on Thursday that he thinks some Americans wear face coverings to signal disapproval of him. The CDC and World Health Organization both recommend wearing face masks in public to slow the spread of COVID-19. Health experts say the virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing or even talking. Studies show the masks help as a barrier. AMC Theatres reported a loss of up to $2.4 billion in its first-quarter financials earlier this month and expressed doubts about whether it can stay in business. The chain said it will be implementing a health and sanitation program it calls "AMC Safe & Clean." The program will have multiple safety and health measures, including: Initially capping movie showtimes at 30% seating capacity. Cleaning every theater between each showtime. Disinfecting seating areas nightly using electrostatic sprayers. Temporarily reducing menu selections at its concession stands. Upgrading its ventilation systems in its theaters. Requiring every AMC employee to wear masks while in the theater. "After a painful almost four-month hiatus due to the coronavirus, we are delighted to announce that movies are coming back to the big screen at AMC," Aron said in a statement on Thursday. AMC plans to show older films until new ones are released. Disney's "Mulan" is scheduled to be followed by Warner Bros.' "Tenet," a twisty thriller from director Christopher Nolan, on July 31. AMC announced that it would implement "seat blocking" in its theaters by blocking out seating next to, in front of or behind moviegoers depending on what type of theater they are in. Geoff Herbert of syracuse.com contributed to this report. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 21:57:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- Maintaining social distance, sticking to hygiene rules, and staying healthy are huge challenges in the crowded displacement camps in African countries. -- In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, poor people in Africa are grappling with threats from floods and locust infestations, which are leading to food scarcity. -- "Ending the pandemic in Africa is essential for ending it across the world," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. -- Together with the international community, China has been supporting Africa in tiding over the challenges. by Xinhua writer Bai Lin NAIROBI, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Living in Mathare, one of the largest slums in Kenya's capital Nairobi, Newton Omondi knows that he needs to maintain social distancing, wear a face mask and wash his hands regularly to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, adhering to these measures has been a challenge for Omondi since the outbreak of the disease in Kenya in March, due to the low income and congestion in the informal settlement, which hosts over 200,000 people. "I believe most people here have not contracted the disease because of luck, but we don't know for how long it will last," he said. People keep social distancing after collecting food donations at a distribution center in Majengo slums, Nairobi, capital of Kenya, April 22, 2020. (Xinhua/Joy Nabukewa) This Saturday, June 20, marks World Refugee Day. To the relief of millions of urban poor and refugees in camps across Africa, more countries and organizations have stood firm with the African people and supported the continent's response to the novel coronavirus. As United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in late May, "ending the pandemic in Africa is essential for ending it across the world." CORONAVIRUS CHALLENGE The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the African continent stands at 267,519, and the death toll from the pandemic rose to 7,197 as of Thursday afternoon, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. In Uganda, local community transmission of the coronavirus disease is causing one of the worst impacts on the livelihood of the poor and refugees in the East African nation. In April, UN agencies in Uganda issued a 316.4-million-U.S. dollar emergency appeal to respond to COVID-19 and its impact on the African country. The appeal focuses on health, food security and livelihood of refugees and the urban poor and aims to support the estimated 12.8 million most vulnerable people in the country. A man receives a bag of rice for his family in Dakar, Senegal, on May 7, 2020. (Photo by Eddy Peters/Xinhua) In Kenya, the Dadaab refugee camps and dozens of slums across the country remain COVID-19 hot spots. "The crowded conditions in the Dadaab refugee camps, where health services are already under pressure, raise serious concerns about the vulnerability of over 217,000 refugees and 320,000 host communities living in the camp and its surrounding areas," said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN refugee agency. A similar situation is facing internally displaced refugees in Cameroon, where according to Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for Guterres, up to 450,000 are in need of food, better sanitation and health amid the COVID-19 threat. Ana Maria Guzman, health coordinator for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Somalia, said maintaining social distance, sticking to hygiene rules, and staying healthy are huge challenges in the crowded displacement camps. Guzman said in a statement there are concerns that many COVID-19 cases are "going undetected, especially in the internal displaced camps." A child wearing a face mask gets community free food in Johannesburg, South Africa, May 19, 2020. (Photo by Yeshiel/Xinhua) MULTIPLE THREATS The COVID-19 pandemic, meanwhile, is not the only problem poor people in Africa are grappling with. They are also facing equal threats from floods and locust infestations in various parts of the continent, which are leading to food scarcity. Floods displaced about 810,000 people in Kenya between April and May, according to the Devolution Ministry, and in Somalia, UN agencies put the number at around 250,000. Some 1.3 million people in the larger East Africa were affected by floods caused by heavy rain during the period, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs noted. Guzman said that because of the ongoing conflict and floods in Somalia, there is an increase in the number of internally displaced populations into urban areas and this creates the perfect environment for infectious disease -- not only COVID-19, but also acute watery diarrhea and measles. Photo taken on May 8, 2020 shows a river with high water level due to heavy rains in Rwanda's capital Kigali. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua) What's more, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) observed that the desert locust situation is particularly worrisome in Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan and Kenya, where the insects have deteriorated the food situation. "A second generation of immature swarms has now started to form in northwest Kenya. Swarm formation will continue for about four weeks, while the bulk of them will form during the second half of June. From mid-June, an increasing number of swarms are expected to migrate northwards with the prevailing winds to Ethiopia and Sudan," said the FAO in its latest update dated June 13. The FAO warned that some 25.3 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda may face acute food insecurity. A swarm of desert locusts invade parts of Mwingi Town in Kitui County, Kenya, Feb. 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Yu) CALL FOR SUPPORT "Global solidarity with Africa is an imperative -- now and for recovering better," said Guterres in a video message for the launch of a policy brief on the impact of COVID-19 on Africa in May. "We are calling for international action to strengthen Africa's health systems, maintain food supplies, avoid a financial crisis, support education, protect jobs, keep households and businesses afloat, and cushion the continent against lost income and export earnings," said Guterres. During the Extraordinary G20 Leaders' Summit in March, major economies reached a consensus that consolidating Africa's health defense is key for the resilience of global health. "We will strengthen capacity building and technical assistance, especially to at-risk communities. We stand ready to mobilize development and humanitarian financing," according to a statement from the summit on COVID-19. Medical supplies donated by China are unloaded from a plane at Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare, Zimbabwe, on May 11, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang) Together with the international community, China has been supporting the continent in tiding over the challenges. So far, China has sent much-needed supplies to more than 50 African countries and the African Union, dispatched medical experts to over 10 African countries, and shared its anti-epidemic experience with medical workers across the continent via video conferences. At the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 on Wednesday, China also voiced support for Africa on the restarting of economic activities and people's livelihood. China promised to cancel the debt of relevant African countries in the form of interest-free government loans that are due to mature by the end of 2020 within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, to work with the global community to give greater support to the hardest-hit African countries under heavy financial stress, and to support Africa's efforts to develop the African Continental Free Trade Area, enhance connectivity and strengthen industrial and supply chains. A Chinese expert communicates with a local medical worker at a hospital in Khartoum, Sudan, June 2, 2020. (Xinhua/Ma Yichong) China's commitments at the summit have helped breathe new life into Africa's struggle with the pandemic, said Cavince Adhere, a Kenyan international relations researcher with a focus on China-Africa relations. (Xinhua reporters Wang Xiaopeng in Nairobi, Xing Jianqiao in Dakar, Zhang Gaiping in Kampala, Xu Zheng in Accra also contributed to the story.) (Video reporter: Liu Ruijuan; Video editor: Liu Yuting) As national security officials and some trade advisors in the Donald Trump administration tried crafting get-tough-on-China policies to address what they viewed as Americas greatest foreign policy challenge, they ran into opposition from an unexpected quarter Washington: As national security officials and some trade advisors in the Donald Trump administration tried crafting get-tough-on-China policies to address what they viewed as Americas greatest foreign policy challenge, they ran into opposition from an unexpected quarter. President Donald Trump himself was undermining their work. That has been the underlying tension of the past three-and-a-half years, laid out in blunt language in the new memoir by John Bolton, Trumps former national security advisor. The book supports what administration officials have said in interviews and private discussions since 2017, and what, in many ways, had been out in the open in Trumps fawning statements about Chinas authoritarian leader, Xi Jinping, many made on Twitter. Taken together, the accounts reveal that there has been no coherent China policy, despite efforts early in the administration by senior aides to frame foreign policy around what they labelled great power competition, outlined in their own national security strategy document. Administration players on China have been divided by factional feuding and irreconcilable policy goals, with security hawks and religious freedom crusaders butting heads with Wall Street advocates and free traders. Overseeing it all has been a president whose main aim with China has been to secure a trade deal using overt pleas to Chinese leaders that would help him get reelected, according to the accounts. Trump, who has never shown any interest in human rights and has an affinity for dictators, had no qualms about negotiating openly on those terms with Xi and ignoring other issues. He even told Xi repeatedly to continue building internment camps that Chinese officials have used to detain more than a million Muslims which Trump thought was exactly the right thing to do, Bolton wrote. Although Trump is known to be a transactional president, Boltons unsparing account reveals transgressions that not only break norms but also could increase the risks to US national security: Trump intervening to end sanctions against a Chinese technology company as a favor to Xi; offering to end a justice department case against a Huawei executive in exchange for trade concessions; and pleading with Xi to ensure China would make American farm product purchases to help Trump win reelection, as Bolton put it. Make sure I win, Trump told Xi, according to unredacted pages seen by Vanity Fair. Throughout the winter and the spring, as the new coronavirus spread from its initial outbreak zone in China across the globe, Trump kept praising Xi in an apparent effort to preserve a trade deal signed in January. The virus has now infected more than 2 million Americans and killed about 120,000. The details in Boltons book provide ample ammunition for Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential candidate, to rebut efforts by the Trump campaign to paint the former vice president as soft on China. And Senate Republicans who are orienting their own reelection efforts around the same message against Democratic challengers will run into similar pitfalls. Boltons account will be difficult for Republicans to dismiss, said Susan Shirk, chair of the 21st Century China Centre at the University of California, San Diego. It helps explain why the administration has actually accomplished so little in its pressure campaign against China, namely that it was undercut by President Trump himself, who fawned over Xi Jinping in order to get personal political and perhaps commercial favours from the Chinese leader. Chinese leaders have learned how to manipulate autocrats in other countries who are just out for themselves, and they applied these lessons to the way they manipulated President Trump, she added. Trump denounced Boltons book Thursday, saying on Twitter that it was a compilation of lies and made up stories, all intended to make me look bad. Bolton resigned in September over major policy clashes with Trump, though the president has said that he fired Bolton, a contention he repeated in the tweet: Just trying to get even for firing him like the sick puppy he is! Trump also asserted a tough tone toward China on Thursday, negating a claim made the previous day by Robert E Lighthizer, the US trade representative, that Washington would not seek to decouple the U.S. economy from Chinas. That was a policy option years ago, but I dont think its a policy or reasonable policy option at this point, Lighthizer told the House Ways and Means Committee. In a tweet, though, Trump said that Lighthizer was mistaken and that the US certainly does maintain a policy option, under various conditions, of a complete decoupling from China. Trump did not define decoupling, and economists say a significant separation would be difficult. Critics of the administrations actions on China say hawkish officials have overreached or adopted misguided measures for example, pushing a trade war that has resulted in mainly American companies paying about $55 billion in tariffs and caused suffering among farmers, or starting tit-for-tat punishments against Chinese media organizations that have resulted in the expulsions of American reporters from China. In a charitable sense, Trumps willingness to cut deals with Xi can be seen as a corrective to that. But Trumps approach is rooted only in his concerns about his political future and not in any understanding of foreign policy or US interests, according to Bolton. Trumps conversations with Xi reflected not only the incoherence in his trade policy but also the confluence in Trumps mind of his own political interests and US national interests, Bolton wrote. Trump commingled the personal and the national not just on trade questions but across the whole field of national security. I am hard-pressed to identify any significant Trump decision during my White House tenure that wasnt driven by reelection calculations. The administration has generally been divided between those who see China as a national security threat and those who see it as a business opportunity. Bolton was in the former camp, as are Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; Matthew Pottinger, the deputy national security advisor; and Peter Navarro, a White House trader advisor. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, whom Bolton calls a panda hugger, and Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, have advocated moderate policies to preserve commercial ties. Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and a senior advisor, also has. In December 2018, when Trump told Xi and other Chinese officials at a dinner in Buenos Aires, Argentina, that Kushner would take part in trade negotiations, all the Chinese perked up and smiled, Bolton wrote. Though Navarro is aligned ideologically with Bolton on China, he defended Trumps policies in a talk with reporters Thursday. My take on him is its Big Lie Bolton; its Book Deal Bolton, Navarro said. He is doing it for the money, that is pretty clear, and my view is its the Washington swamps equivalent of revenge porn. Behind the scenes, Navarro has clashed with administration officials and with Mnuchin in particular over the trade talks. As for Mnuchin, a treasury department spokeswoman, Monica Crowley, on Thursday mocked the language used by Bolton to describe the secretary. Secretary Mnuchin was unaware of the term panda hugger until he recently discovered online that panda hugging is a paid profession in China, she said. The secretary has always taken a balanced approach on China, both on the economic opportunities and national security issues involved. Michael Pillsbury, a Hudson Institute scholar who has spoken to Trump on China, noted that previous administrations have also had internal divisions on how hard to challenge Beijing. Its not a Cold War 2.0 relationship, he said. Its more cooperative than that. In the chaos, some lawmakers have tried to keep Trump and his administration focused on national security and human rights. This month, Senator Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, introduced a bill requiring the defence department to maintain the ability to repel a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, the democratic island. Senator Marco Rubio, R-Florida, co-sponsored bills on Hong Kong and the ethnic Uighur Muslim crisis that Trump signed into law. On Wednesday, he sent a long letter to McKinsey and Co, the American consulting firm, asking about its work with the Chinese government, according to a copy obtained by The New York Times. But Trump has not imposed economic sanctions on senior Chinese officials for human right abuses. Last year, Trump told Xi he would not speak up on the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong in order to revive trade talks. And Bolton wrote that he heard Trump say after getting news of a 1.5 million-person rally in Hong Kong, I dont want to get involved and We have human rights problems, too. Trump said last month that he would punish Beijing for moves to restrict freedoms in Hong Kong but has not announced specific actions. Embracing the language of economic populism, Trump denounced Chinas trade practices during his 2016 campaign. But as president, Trump assumed the role of dealmaker and moved quickly to develop a personal bond with Xi, hosting him at his Mar-a-Lago resort in April 2017. The two men shared a meal that included what Trump called the most beautiful piece of chocolate cake that youve ever seen. Trump started a trade war 16 months later, raising tensions. During trade negotiations, the presidents desire to reach a quick deal sometimes undercut advisors like Lighthizer who wanted to press for deeper changes to Chinas economic structure. This year, the Trump campaign has already spent millions in advertising dollars trying to drum into voters a message that Trump is tough on China. But Biden aides pointed to polls that show Trump has struggled to gain traction with that argument. And Biden has embraced the details of the Bolton book in his messaging. If these accounts are true, its not only morally repugnant, its a violation of Donald Trumps sacred duty to the American people to protect Americas interests and defend our values, he said in a statement. Still, even with all the revelations, it is hard to say which candidate Chinese leaders prefer, said Jude Blanchette, a China scholar at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. A Trump administration brings four more years of intense and chaotic pressure on Beijing, he said, while a Biden presidency may well be able to rally key allies to constrain Chinas more damaging behavior. Last month, the Trump White House released a 16-page document chronicling its competitive approach toward China, saying that the administrations policy was intended to protect United States national interests. It made no mention of Trumps political fortunes. Edward Wong and Michael Crowley c.2020 The New York Times Company In a lengthy article in a US journal, Russian President Vladimir Putin insists on recognition of the Soviet Union as the prime defeater of Nazi Germany, criticizes Polands actions before the war and defends the annexation of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The article, titled The Real Lessons of the 75th Anniversary of World War II, appeared in the National Interest journal on Thursday, six days before a huge military parade in Red Square to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe. The timing underlines how the war, in which the Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million people, is a linchpin of Russias national identity and how officials bristle at any questioning of the USSRs role. It is essential to pass on to future generations the memory of the fact that the Nazis were defeated first and foremost by the Soviet people, Putin wrote. He bemoaned that certain politicians rushed to claim that Russia was trying to rewrite history. Poland and Russia frequently butt heads over who is to blame for starting the war, and Putin took up the issue in the article. The blame for the tragedy that Poland then suffered lies entirely with the Polish leadership, which had impeded the formation of a military alliance between Britain, France and the Soviet Union and relied on the help from its Western partners, throwing its own people under the steamroller of Hitlers machine of destruction, Putin wrote. Putin reiterated the contention that the Soviet Union was forced into signing a non-aggression agreement with Germany before the war the so-called Molotov-Ribbentrop pact after Western powers cold-shouldered creating a military alliance. The Soviet Union did its utmost to use every chance of creating an anti-Hitler coalition. Despite I will say it again the double dealing on the part of the Western countries, he wrote. He also defended the wartime annexation of the Baltic nations. Their accession to the USSR was implemented on a contractual basis, with the consent of the elected authorities. This was in line with international and state law of that time, he said. The Baltic republics within the USSR preserved their government bodies, language, and had representation in the higher state structures of the Soviet Union. I believe that it is unacceptable to equate liberators with occupiers, he said. He concluded by suggesting that a prime lesson of the war is the necessity of broad international diplomacy. He expressed hope that a Russia-proposed summit of the leaders of the U.N. Security Councils veto-holding countries would take place soon to discuss global security, the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and other issues. There can be no doubt that the summit of Russia, China, France, the United States and the UK can play an important role in finding common answers to modern challenges, he said. Kierland is going to be a great addition to Scottsdale, and, with 9,500 square feet of amenity space and high-end finishes, it will provide residents with a resort-style living experience. Leon Capital Group has selected McShane Construction Company to provide comprehensive construction services for Kierland Apartments, a 202-unit luxury multi-family community in north Phoenix. McShane is also underway with Soltra at SanTan Village, a 380-unit multi-family development in Gilbert, Arizona for Leon Capital Group. We have a great working relationship with Leon Capital Group and are very excited to be partnering with them on another multi-family assignment, shared Jim Kurtzman, Senior Vice President of McShanes Southwest Regional Office. Kierland is going to be a great addition to Scottsdale, and, with 9,500 square feet of amenity space and high-end finishes, it will provide residents with a resort-style living experience. Positioned on 1.74 acres at 7111 East Tierra Buena Lane, the development will feature five stories of wood frame construction over a two-story concrete podium with one subgrade level. The exterior facade will consist of an attractive mix of stucco, stone and metal panels with wire and glass railings on the balconies. At the basement level, the building will provide underground parking for residents as well as a bike storage/repair room. The ground level will feature additional tenant parking, the main lobby, leasing and management offices, mail center and a dog park. The second floor will incorporate a clubhouse with a poker room and community kitchen. Also at this level, tenants will have access to a deck with a saltwater pool, spa and barbeque areas. Floors three through six will consist of a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment units. All units will contain high-end finishes, beverage centers and premium appliances. Many units will feature NanaWall systems with private balconies. The top floor will hold penthouse suites with upgraded finishes. McShane has been involved in the project since its earliest stages, allowing them to implement pre-construction services that mitigate changes in scope and budget increases during construction. The team successfully provided budget updates at every planning milestone and design-assist services for the buildings major systems. Completion of Kierland is slated for April of 2022. The architect of record is Design Studio Architects. Searching for food at night can be tricky. To find prey in the dark, bats use echolocation, their "sixth sense." But to find food faster, some species, like Molossus molossus, may search within hearing distance of their echolocating group members, sharing information about where food patches are located. Social information encoded in their echolocation calls may facilitate this foraging strategy, according to a recent study by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) scientists and collaborating institutions published online in Behavioral Ecology. Previous research has identified several ways in which echolocation can transfer social information in bats. For example, "feeding buzzes," the echolocation calls bats produce to home in on prey they've spotted, can serve as cues of prey presence to nearby eavesdropping bats. On the other hand, echolocation calls that bats produce while looking for food, called "search-phase" calls, were not known to transfer social information. However, for group-foraging bats, coordinating flight in the dark with several other fast-flying individuals may require an ability to identify group members on the wing. If search-phase calls contain individual signatures the bats can perceive, it could allow them to know which individuals are flying near them without requiring specialized signals for communication. Led by Jenna Kohles, STRI fellow and doctoral candidate at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany, the research team tested whether search-phase echolocation calls contain information about a bat's identity, and whether M. molossus can use this information to discriminate among different group members. The team exposed bats to search-phase echolocation calls in a habituation-dishabituation paradigm, a method where an animal is exposed to a repeating stimulus until it no longer reacts to it. Then, it is exposed to a new but similar stimulus to see if it reacts, which would indicate that it perceives a difference between the two stimuli. "We played echolocation calls from two different bats that were both group members of the subject bat," Kohles said. "By measuring the responses of the subject bats as we switched between calls from different individuals, we could learn about whether the bats perceived differences and similarities between the calls." They found that the bats indeed distinguish between different group members, likely by using individual signatures encoded in the calls. Their results could mean that search-phase calls serve a double function. They not only help bats detect prey, but also convey individual identities to nearby foraging group members. This coincides with the fact that the majority of M. molossus' auditory cortex is tuned in to these search-phase calls, indicating the importance of processing them. This finding offers insight into not only the social strategies these bats may use to meet their energetic needs, but also into the evolution of echolocation signals and social communication in bats. "This study suggests that we may be underestimating the crucial ways social information influences bat foraging success and ultimately survival," Kohles said. ### The research team, consisting of members from STRI, the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, the Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour at the University of Konstanz, the Department of Biology at the University of Konstanz and the Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology at Ohio State University, was funded by STRI and the German Academic Exchange Service. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, headquartered in Panama City, Panama, is a unit of the Smithsonian Institution. The institute furthers the understanding of tropical biodiversity and its importance to human welfare, trains students to conduct research in the tropics and promotes conservation by increasing public awareness of the beauty and importance of tropical ecosystems. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is known for his iron grip on the people of North Korea. During his regime as the dictator, he has exercised authority and made sure that nothing against his will happens. However, reports are currently saying that amidst the current crisis between the Hermit Kingdom and South Korea, Kim Jong-un fears that his power may not be as safe as he thought. According to Daily Express, an Asian politics expert said that Kim Jong-un's grip on power may not be as strong as the dictator assumed or preferred. The said expert pointed out an instance in 2018 when the dictator has to meet US President Donald Trump and expressed his concern about the possibility that the summit may leave Pyongyang vulnerable. Moreover, back in 2014, the National Security Council's Asian affairs director during the Bush administration, Victor Cha claimed that the notion that the Supreme Leader felt secured with his power was wrong. Cha also added that despite the fact that dictators not unlike Kim usually exercise draconian measures and extreme use of their power, most of them are very insecure about their hold of the seat of power. He also said that most are usually very impulsive in correcting perceptions about their way of running things or even interim leaders and coups due to the paranoia that is brought by their fear of losing power. Read also: India Soldiers Reportedly Mutilated to Death By Chinese Troops During Brutal Himalayan Encounter Inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office Demolished While reports are claiming that Kim Jong-un fears losing power, his sister Kim Yo Jong has been making headlines after she has been in the frontline of their current row with the South. Yo Jong has been very vocal of the Hermit Kingdom's views on the matter and has even threatened to give the military freedom to retaliate against the claimed advances of South Korea. Meanwhile, as the dissension between the two nations continue, North Korea has recently blown up its landmark liaison office with the South. According to the Asia Times, the inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office is located in the north part of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) which separates the Korean nations. It is also located inside the North's territory. No one was reported injured during the explosion since the office has been closed since January when the COVID-19 pandemic started. However, the attack on the office did not come unexpectedly since the North has reiterated several times that they would be cutting their ties and all forms of communications with South Korea. This is after Kim Yo Jong's strong statements against the South and rallies that were held in the North against its southern counterpart. The said altercation started when balloons carrying anti-regime propaganda leaflets were launched from the South's side of the border into the North. The Hermit Kingdom's regime was angered by the move thus, they retaliated with the threats. It is known that the Koreas have agreed to stop propaganda against each other across borders, however, it can be noted that the balloons and leaflets were not from the South Korean government but were an initiative of activists, NGOs, and defectors. Related article: South Korea Holds Emergency Security Meeting After Military Threats from Kim Jong-un's Sister @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Hong Kong: Cash handout registration to start Registration for the Cash Payout Scheme will start on June 21 with the 21 participating banks accepting electronic registration from 7am that day. About 1,000 bank branches and 120 post offices across the city will open from 9am to 5pm to facilitate the submission of registration forms. The Government said that registering electronically through banks is the fastest and most convenient way to receive the payment, adding that Internet banking users only need to provide their local telephone contact number and choose a sole-name account to receive the payment. People who do not have Internet banking accounts may register at the banks' websites by simply providing their local contact telephone number, bank account number and the first four alphanumeric characters of their Hong Kong permanent identity card. Payment for electronic registrations submitted through banks from June 21 to 30 will be deposited into the sole-name bank accounts specified by registrants from around July 8. For electronic registrations submitted on or after July 1, registrants will receive the payment one week after registration. Apart from ZA Bank, all the participating banks will also accept registration by paper form (Form 1). People who do not register online may put completed paper registration forms into drop-in boxes at banks or mail them to GPO Box No. 182020. People who wish to receive the payment by order cheques may submit electronic registration forms at the Hongkong Post website, or put the completed paper registration form (Form 2) into a post office drop-in box or mail it to GPO Box No. 182020. Registration by paper form will be conducted in three batches according to the registrants' year of birth. People who were born in 1955 or before may submit the forms from June 21. Those who submit registration forms in the first two weeks will receive the payment or notification of cheque collection from July 20. The Government has held four briefing sessions to explain the schemes details to representatives of about 600 elderly homes, residential care homes for the disabled and non-governmental organisations. Click here or call 18 2020 for details of the Cash Payout Scheme. This story has been published on: 2020-06-19. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Subscriber content preview Some of the recent layoffs may reflect permanent losses as companies restructure their businesses. By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON Three months after the viral outbreak shut down businesses across the country, U.S. employers are still shedding jobs at a heavy rate, a trend that points to a slow and prolonged recovery from the recession. The number of laid-off workers seeking unemployment benefits barely fell last week to 1.5 million, the government said Thursday. That was down from a peak of nearly 7 million in March, and it marked an 11th straight weekly drop. But the number is still more than twice the record high that existed before the pandemic. And the total number of people receiving jobless aid remains a lofty 20.5 million. . . . A former Iranian judge on the run from the country was found dead in Romania today, days after appearing in front of a court in Bucharest on June 12. It appears that Gholamreza Mansouri, 66, died from falling out of a window in Romania's capital. He was found dead outside a hotel that he was staying at in the city on Friday. Police are reportedly investigating the circumstances of his death, while photographs of his body being removed from the hotel have surfaced. Last week, Mansouri had also made a video statement online addressing charges of corruption against him in his home country, saying he would return home soon. Mansouri fled Iran last year after authorities alleged he took around 500,000 (450,000) in bribes as a judge. Romania was set to extradite Mansouri to Iran, although journalist and human rights groups were urging Romania not to deport him. They argued that instead, he should be charged for ordering mass arrests of reporters in 2013 while serving as a judge in Iran. Forensic workers carry the body of Gholamreza Mansouri, a former judge from Iran, from a hotel downtown Bucharest, Romania, Friday, June 19, 2020 Is is believed that Mansouri was set to be handed to Iranian authorities in the coming days after being arrested by Interpol. Mansouri is among a number of judges accused of corruption during a high-profile trial of a former senior Judiciary official that opened in Tehran on June 7. In a video posted on June 8 by Mansouri, he said that while he couldn't give details on where he was, he planned on returning to Iran as soon as coronavirus travel restrictions eased. 'I have full trust in the Islamic republic, Supreme Leader [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei], and the judicial system,' Mansouri said in the video. 'I will never, never, never turn my back to the system and my country. I consider the Islamic Republic as a shrine.' On June 11, activist group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) filed an official complaint with German authorities demanding Mansouri's arrest for suppressing and arresting 20 journalists in Iran in 2013. Amnesty International also demanded his arrest his presence in Europe was confirmed. Mansouri is best known for ordering the mass arrest of the reporters in 2013 toward the end of hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's time in office. But in 2012, he also banned the reformist Shargh daily newspaper and detained its editor-in-chief over a published cartoon that authorities deemed insulting to those who fought in the Iran-Iraq war. It appears that Gholamreza Mansouri, 66 (pictured) died from falling out of a window in Romania's capital. He was found dead outside a hotel that he was staying at in the city on Friday German prosecutors confirmed on Wednesday that they were looking into the complaint made by the groups, and RSF reportedly filed a second complaint with Romania after it was revealed that Mansouri has already managed to leave Germany. 'European governments and judiciary systems must act quickly to prevent Gholamreza Mansouri from escaping just punishment,' said Christian Mihr, the Germany director of Reporters Without Borders. 'Nobody who has been involved in state crimes against journalists can be allowed to be safe from law enforcement in Europe,' he said. Mohammad Hooshyar Emami, an Iranian dissident who has lived in Bucharest since 1991 told The Associated Press that he had filed a complaint with Romanian prosecutors accusing the former judge of human rights abuses. 'I have also been a political prisoner of this regime and I know the torture and the pain that these freedom-fighting people undergo at the hands of the regime,' he said in a telephone interview with The AP. It was not clear when Mansouri had arrived in Romania, but Iran's judiciary spokesman, Gholamhossein Esmaeili said on June 13 that he had been arrested and was expected to be returning to his homeland in the coming days. According to a decision posted on a Bucharest appeals court website dated June 12, Mansouri had been freed from custody and placed under 'judicial control' for 30 days pending Iran's extradition request. According to The Times of Israel, Scott Griffen, deputy director of the Vienna-based International Press Institute, called Mansouri a 'key figure responsible for the arbitrary mass persecution of journalists in Iran. 'Romanian authorities should take the necessary steps to ensure that he is held accountable for his actions in a court of law in Europe,' Griffen said. 'It is highly unlikely that his extradition to Iran would result in any form of justice.' HONG KONG He was once the most popular politician in Hong Kong, known by many as the father of democracy. He helped write the mini-Constitution that enshrined the citys prized freedoms that mainland China lacks. For nearly four decades, he provoked Beijing by crusading for civil liberties, yet remained a respected part of Hong Kongs political elite. But for Martin Lee, the 82-year-old founder of Hong Kongs first pro-democracy party, the unlikely balance that has defined his career has recently begun to collapse. The pro-democracy movement that he helped begin has increasingly distanced itself from his ideals, as a younger generation of activists demands more drastic action than he is willing to endorse. After Mr. Lee recently proposed a compromise with Beijing on national security legislation, social media users assailed him as out of touch. The New York Times has fourteen photographers around the country capturing celebrations and protests today. This article will be updated throughout the day with more pictures. Both the sun and a flag rose early Friday morning over the state capitol in Madison, Wis. One heralded a new day in 2020, the other symbolized freedom. It is Juneteenth, the annual commemoration of the day in 1865 when a group of enslaved people in Texas received the long overdue news of their liberation, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This year, the holiday cherished always by African-Americans feels bigger, more urgent as a nation gutted by a series of violent deaths of black people has given way to outsized demonstrations and protests against police brutality and the enduring clutch of racism. Juneteenth reminds us that freedom, as a lived experience, is still not shared equally. But it is also an observance of resilience in a centuries-old journey. It is black joy and black hope and the protection of black hearts and black celebration in the very streets where demonstrators have shouted the names of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks. US Space Militarization Plans May Jeopardize Fragile Cooperation With Russia - Roscosmos Sputnik News 06:34 GMT 18.06.2020 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Washington's space militarization plans may jeopardize the already fragile cooperation with Russia, the deputy head of Russian State Space Corporation Roscosmos said on Thursday, still confirming the country's readiness to strengthen bilateral partnership. "We are obviously following the principle of reciprocity and equality. Space militarization and the subsequent promotion of our US partners to dominant roles may jeopardize the already fragile relations of the countries in this sphere," Sergey Savelyev said, as quoted in a Roscosmos statement. The Roscosmos official noted that Russia remains ready to strengthen its comprehensive space partnership with the US, so that it is not limited to RD-180 rocket engines supplies and US astronauts delivery to the International Space Station. Late on Wednesday, the Pentagon unveiled the new Defene Space Strategy, meant to ensure US military superiority in space amid alleged threat from Russia and China. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China has no detained Indian soldiers at present, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday hours after it emerged that 10 Indian Army personnel captured by the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) had been freed after intense negotiations on Thursday. The Indian soldiers were captured following the bloody confrontation with Chinese troops near the Galwan Valley area of eastern Ladakh on Monday. Twenty Indian soldiers, including a colonel, died in the line of duty in the violent face-off that has shattered years of tenuous peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and plunged bilateral ties to a deep low in decades. As far as I know, China has no detained Indian personnel at present, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, said at the regular press conference on Friday. Earlier in the day, HT had reported that 10 soldiers, including at least two officers, were returned to the Indian, three days after the brutal combat along the LAC. These negotiations were kept tightly under wraps due to concerns for the safety of the soldiers amid the heightened tensions between the two sides, people familiar with developments said. Asked to comment on calls in India to boycott Chinese goods and the possibility of New Delhi launching anti-dumping investigations, Zhao said: China values our bilateral relations. Hope India can work with China to maintain the long-term development of bilateral relations. At the same time, Zhao reiterated Beijings consistent stand that India was to blame for the conflict. I like to reiterate that regarding the serious situation in the Galwan Valley, the right and wrong is very clear. The responsibility entirely lies with the Indian side. The foreign ministry spokesperson continued to parry queries on PLAs casualties. China and India are in dialogue to resolve the matter on the ground through diplomatic and military channels. I do not have any information for you at the moment, he said. A stomach-turning smell that's wafting through St. James isnt expected to disappear until de-icing chemicals naturally break down in an airport retention pond. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A stomach-turning smell that's wafting through St. James isnt expected to disappear until de-icing chemicals naturally break down in an airport retention pond. Some neighbourhood residents and businesses have complained about the foul odour around Winnipegs airport this spring. The smell is blamed on a pond that retains glycol, the chemical used to clear ice from airplanes. The Winnipeg Airports Authority says it is looking into other ways to handle it from greater aeration of the ponds to a complete redesign but has to wait for the chemical to degrade to the point that it can be safely released into the citys sewer system. "We're kind of letting nature run its course as part of our environmental process for this, but we certainly recognize that people are being impacted (by) this, so we're looking at (whether) there's other solutions that could be implemented," Winnipeg Airports Authority spokesman Tyler MacAfee said Thursday. MacAfee couldnt say how many complaints the airport has received about the odour, but he said most have come from nearby commercial tenants. Meanwhile, some homeowners in the area have said theyre disgusted by the smell. "I can't explain how disgusting it is. You get, like, ill from smelling it after a few minutes. You start dry heaving. You want to throw up," said Sandra Dias, who grew up in St. James and bought a house there in 2002. This is the first year shes noticed the odour a "skunky" smell with a chemical undertone that she says has forced her to sleep in her basement. "It's summertime. We can't open our windows and can't run the air conditioner because the smell comes in through the air conditioner. We can't use our backyards. We're basically prisoners in our own homes," Dias said. "We have a right to breathe fresh air, not those chemicals, whatever they are. Sandra Dias, St. James resident Dias said after calling the citys 311 line and lodging repeated complaints with a provincial conservation officer, she learned the smell was linked to the retention pond. No solution to the problem has been suggested. "We have a right to breathe fresh air, not those chemicals, whatever they are," she said. Since the beginning of April, the city has received four reports of an odour in St. James. "Crews investigated these and determined there were no sewer issues," a city spokesman wrote in an email. The airport has used the same process to dispose of de-icing chemicals for more than a decade, MacAfee said, noting the use of the retention pond follows the airports standard environmental practices. The airport monitors air quality around the pond, which MacAfee said has been measured at acceptable levels. The de-icing process uses ethylene glycol, which is collected before high concentrations of it can flow into the sewer system. The highest concentrations are separated and shipped out to be recycled, MacAfee said. Fluid that contains a lower concentration of glycol is held in the pond until it degrades. The smell typically fades during that process, MacAfee said. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. This year, warmer weather, stronger winds and the fact more people are working from home may have made the smell more noticeable, he said. "We've seen some high-heat days, along with really windy days, which can... create some challenges on the odour side of things." MacAfee likened complaints about the odour to complaints about aircraft noise which he said have recently increased by 150 per cent even though the number of local flights is down by about 75 per cent. "We're seeing far fewer planes, yet more complaints, and it's partly because more people are at home during the day now." katie.may@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @thatkatiemay Cipla signed a distribution agreement with Roche Products (India) to expand scope of the partnership to include, marketing and distribution of Roche's trademark oncology drugs. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday. Shares of Cipla rose 0.16% to end at Rs 641.55 on Thursday. Cipla and Roche Products (India) Pvt. Ltd. (Roche Pharma) yesterday announced that the two companies have entered into an agreement to provide better access to innovative medicines for patients in India. Under this agreement, Cipla will be responsible for marketing and distribution of Roche Pharma's key trademark oncology drugs viz.,Trastuzumab (Herclon), Bevacizumab (Avastin) and Rituximab (Ristova). Roche and Cipla had previously entered into a similar agreement in February 2018 for promotion and distribution of Tocilizumab (Actemra) and other products. Roche Products (India) was incorporated in 1994 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Commenting on the partnership, Nikhil Chopra, Executive Vice President & CEO - India Business, Cipla said the company is pleased to strengthen partnership with Roche towards bringing innovative oncology medications to India. Cipla is a global pharmaceutical company focused on agile and sustainable growth, complex generics. Its strengths are in the respiratory, anti-retroviral, urology, cardiology, anti-infective and CNS segments. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Photo credit: Netflix From Digital Spy Netflix's latest venture into the audacious-but-true-story-turned-film genre is Wasp Network. The movie synopsis reads: "Rene Gonzalez is a Cuban pilot who leaves his wife and young daughter behind in the communist island nation to defect to the United States and begin a new life of freedom in the early 1990s. But Rene is not the upstart American striver he appears to be. Joining forces with a group of Cuban exiles in South Florida known as the Wasp Network led by undercover operative Manuel Viramontez aka Gerardo Hernandez he becomes part of a pro-Castro spy ring tasked with observing and infiltrating Cuban-American terror groups intent upon attacking the socialist republic." The movie loosely explains the convoluted story, introducing a narration mid-movie to try and explain to the audience what the act of storytelling failed to address. Unfortunately, even with the random narration, much detail is left out. Which is where we come in. This is the true story of the Wasp Network, but fair warning: there will be plenty of spoilers for the movie. Photo credit: Netflix There are essentially three major groups at play: the Wasp network/pro-community Cuban spies, the American government, and the Cuban exiles who want to overthrow communism. The confusing element is that, like life, none of these players are simply the good or bad guys. Our main character Rene (Edgar Ramirez) spends the first half of the film presenting as a Cuban defector to America, where he is free to condemn Cuba, Castro, and Communism. We eventually learn that he is one of the aforementioned spies, a main player in the Wasp Network. He is eventually joined in the USA by another "defector" Juan Pablo Roque (Wagner Moura). Both are pilots, and both are quickly recruited to the Cuban exile groups working to overthrow Castro. Photo credit: Netflix The first group the movie focusses on is Brothers to the Rescue, led by Jose Basulto (Leonardo Sbaraglia) which uses planes to identify rafts of Cuban refugees fleeing to Miami. They also fly into Cuban airspace to distribute anti-Castro fliers. Story continues But the men also have to grapple with the lives they left behind. Rene abandoned his wife Olga (Penelope Cruz) and their young daughter. Juan, however, quickly becomes involved with a woman named Ana Martinez (Ana De Armas) and they marry. The two begin flying for a different group, the Cuban American National Foundation (led by Jorge Mas Canosa) which funds anti-Castro movements, making money through drugs trafficking. The two men subsequently become FBI informants, along with some other Cuban defectors. Photo credit: Netflix Their motives, however, are not just money though the FBI pays handsomely but rather that they are themselves pro-Castro, and by stifling CANF's fundraising and getting their members arrested, are thus furthering the pro-Castro agenda. America, it is worth noting, has been happy to turn a blind eye to all sorts of heinous crimes, from genocide to drug trafficking, when it suits their political interest. But CANF is becoming violent, and they begin combing Cuban tourist sites to strike at the country's economy. These activities were led by Luis Posada Carriles, who was formerly a CIA agent (see how blurry the lines get?), who frequently cited Castro's hatred of him for the claims of terrorism against him. Photo credit: Netflix We then meet the man leading the Wasp network Gerardo Hernandez (Gael Garcia Bernal), with many other spies working further down the food chain, so to speak, to pass information back to Cuba about the inner workings of the anti-Castro organisations. Gerardo and Rene are two of the real-life Cuban Five, which also includes Antonio Guerrero, Ramon Labanino, and Fernando Gonzalez (none of whom are mentioned in the film). During this time, perhaps sensing the changing tide in America, Juan re-defected back to Cuba. He claimed at the time that he wasn't working on behalf of the Cuban communist government, and only returned to Cuba because he caught wind of the drugs trafficking and terrorist activities and didn't want to be involved with them anymore. It just so happened that his re-defection came one day before two Brothers to the Rescue planes were shot down by Cuba. The American government was then pressured into turning on their informants, with whom they'd been happy to work previously. Photo credit: Netflix When it was discovered that the faux-defectors had passed on the information leading directly to the deaths of the Brothers to the Rescue pilots, the FBI eventually arrested Gerardo Hernandez, Rene and several others. They were all indicted on various charges, including false identification and conspiracy to commit espionage, with Gerardo Hernandez later being indicted for conspiracy to commit murder in the shooting down of the Brothers to the Rescue planes. They were all found guilty of all charges. Years later, in 2005, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights' Working Group on Arbitrary Detention report stated that: "the trial did not take place in the climate of objectivity and impartiality that is required in order to conform to the standards of a fair trial as defined in article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the United States of America is a party." In the United Kingdom, 110 Members of Parliament wrote an open letter to the US Attorney General in support of the Cuban Five. Likewise, eight international Nobel Prize winners wrote to the US Attorney General calling for freedom for the Cuban Five. Rene Gonzalez was released in 2011 and put on three-year parole but permitted to return to Cuba for his father's funeral in 2013. He was allowed to remain in Cuba, provided that he renounce his United States citizenship. In 2012 the Havana Times reported that America declined an exchange of prisoners: Cuba wanted the Cuban Five in exchange for United States Agency for International Development contractor Alan Gross. Cuba claimed he was a spy, while America claimed he'd been imprisoned only for providing technology to Cuban Jews giving them internet access. Photo credit: STR - Getty Images The New York Times reported that "American officials did not want to appear to be trading three convicted spies for Mr Gross, who they maintained had been unjustly imprisoned." Continuing the strange-but-true nature of this story, negotiations began on another prisoner exchange and US Senator Patrick J. Leahy met with Gerardo Hernandez's wife while in Cuba visiting Alan Gross. She asked him to arrange a way for her to become pregnant by her husband. The New York Times continued: "Mr Leahy won approval for Mr Hernandez to try artificial insemination, and Cuban officials transported his sperm to a fertility clinic in Panama." Mr Leahy said: "I didnt ask for any quid pro quo, but I was asking for medical treatment and better accommodations for Alan Gross, and as they worked out the impregnation of this woman, suddenly his situation improved considerably." Photo credit: Handout - Getty Images In 2014, a prisoner exchange did finally take place. It coincided with Cuba's release of Alan Gross, though both Cuba and America claim this had nothing to do with the exchange. As for Juan Pablo Roque, in 2012 he told The Miami Herald: "If I could travel in a time machine I'd get those boys off the planes that were shot down." However, many question the sincerity of his statements, including Brothers to the Rescue leader Jose Basulto who claimed Roque "was instrumental" in the shooting and there's nothing to be forgiven about that. Hes just guilty. Likewise, his ex-wife Ana Margarita said: "If you look up the definition of sociopath, it describes him well." Roque meanwhile claims he wants peace between the US, Cuba, Russia, and Vietnam: "I hope that moment arrives and well sit down at a table and smoke a peace pipe. Well, I dont smoke, but Ill hold it in my hand, too. With pleasure, with pleasure, Ill do it." Photo credit: Netflix Cuba has refused to extradite Roque for his 1999 indictments of defrauding the FBI and failing to register as a foreign agent. Cuban exiles in South Florida still think of him as a traitor. To say there's more to this story than meets the eye is an understatement, and it's likely we have only scratched the surface. Unfortunately, the movie itself doesn't give us much more insight, either emotional or factual, into the tangled web of the Wasp Network. Wasp Network is available to stream on Netflix now Digital Spy now has a newsletter sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox. Looking for more TV recommendations and discussion? Head over to our Facebook Group to see new picks every day, and chat with other readers about what they're watching right now. You Might Also Like KABUL, Afghanistan The United States has reduced the number of troops it has in Afghanistan to 8,600 in accordance with a preliminary peace deal with the Taliban, a top American general said on Thursday, even as other aspects of the plan to end the war have faced setbacks and delays. At the peak of the nearly two-decade war, there were more than 100,000 American troops in Afghanistan, along with tens of thousands from about 40 nations in the United States-led NATO coalition. That number has dropped in recent years, as all sides admitted the war could not be won militarily. The United States shifted to a strategy of seeking a political settlement, which has proved to be halting and complicated. The signing of the deal with the Taliban in February initiated a phased withdrawal of the roughly 12,000 American military personnel who were still in the country. The agreement also included a prisoner exchange and direct negotiations between the Taliban and Afghanistans government over the countrys political future. American officials said they also had an understanding with the Taliban that violence levels would be reduced by 80 percent, though that wasnt spelled out in the deal. Citywide Photo: Contemporary Jewish Museum/Facebook The Bay Area's shelter-in-place order has brought countless events usually held as in-person gatherings online. We're aiming to support local businesses in San Francisco and Oakland by highlighting five of these events each day. Got a suggestion for an online event based in SF or Oakland? Email our events reporter, Teresa Hammerl. Here's your SF online event calendar for Friday, June 19. Support a local bookstore, learn about the AIDS Memorial Quilt or hear live music, readings, poetry, and observations on the legacy of Juneteenth. Adobe Books fundraiser with ALOK, Vivek Shraya, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Meredith Talusan, and more Photo: Writers With Drinks/Facebook It's a tough time for local bookstores, which were just able to reopen for indoor shopping earlier this week after a three-month halt due to shelter-in-place. During this event, San Francisco literary night Writers With Drinks will raise funds to help one local bookstore stay in business. The event will feature transgender and non-binary authors ALOK, Vivek Shraya, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Cyrus Grace Dunham, Meredith Talusan and Toni D. Newman in a panel discussion, with proceeds supporting Adobe Books. When: Friday, June 19, 12 p.m. How to join: Via Eventbrite Price: Free Juneteenth and the Blues with Marcus Shelby Photo: Museum of the African Diaspora/Facebook Join the Museum of the African Diaspora for a special Juneteenth presentation. Juneteenth and the Blues is an hour-long session and discussion with San Francisco-based composer, bassist, and bandleader Marcus Shelby about the importance and historical significance of Juneteenth in black American culture. The presentation will include live music, readings, poetry, and observations on the legacy of June 19, 1865, the date when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, one of the last places to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, became free. When: Friday, June 19, 4 p.m. How to join: RSVP online Price: $0 $25 (sliding scale) Art For Lunch Mike Smith on the AIDS Memorial Quilt Story continues Sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt on display in Washington, D.C. | Photo: Elvert Barnes During this Art For Lunch session presented by the Contemporary Jewish Museum, hear from Mike Smith, a founding member of The Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt and the former executive director of the AIDS Emergency Fund. As we previously reported, the quilt was conceived in 1985 by San Francisco activist Cleve Jones. Each panel represents a person lost to AIDS; many were hand-sewn by grieving family and friends. When: Friday, June 19, 6 p.m. How to join: Via Zoom Price: Free Art + Pride 2020 Image: Harvey Milk Photo Center/Facebook Over at the Harvey Milk Photo Center at Duboce Park, learn about the Art + Pride 2020 virtual exhibit during a virtual kickoff party also celebrating the 50th anniversary of Pride in San Francisco. The exhibit displays vintage images, as well as many pieces of contemporary art. "Each one of these artists adds an immense richness, joy and depth to each of our lives every day," Harvey Milk Photo Center director Dave Christensen wrote. When: Friday, June 19, 6 p.m. How to join: Via Twitch Price: Free, donations are welcome Beethoven's Op. 130 String Quartet and More Photo: Chamber Music Society Of San Francisco/Facebook Enjoy a virtual music experience featuring excerpts from Beethoven's Opus 130 String Quartet and a live conversation with the Chamber Music Society Of San Francisco. The music "will be pre-recorded to avoid all glitches," event organizers said. The music will be introduced live expect to hear context and some anecdotes about each piece. There will also be a Q&A conversation. When: Friday, June 19, 7:30 p.m. How to join: Via Eventbrite Price: $25 She and several arts school classmates demanded reforms across Marylands 24 school districts. They want more equitable access to resources, improved mental health support for black children, and heartier lessons on black history and literature. After watching fiery riots explode in other cities and police clash violently with protesters in their own, they say teenagers just want to learn mostly about how America reached the point of chaos. Authors take on urgent issues this fall, such as climate change and, of course, disease. They also consider timeless themes, including lifes first appearance on Earth and humanitys aspirations toward the stars. Top 10 The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values Brian Christian. Norton, Oct. 6 ($27.95, ISBN 978-0-393-63582-9) Christian, whos already hit bestseller charts exploring techs wider implications, most recently in Algorithms to Live By, discusses reconciling Big Databased systems with human values and ethics. The Atlas of Disappearing Places: Our Coasts and Oceans in the Climate Crisis Christina Conklin and Marina Psaros. New Press, Nov. 3 ($29.99, ISBN 978-1-62097-456-8) To drive home the climate change threat, Conklin and Psaros share images from and text about some of the places threatened by rising sea levels, from Shanghai to Houston. Breath from Salt: A Deadly Genetic Disease, a New Era in Science, and the Patients and Families Who Changed Medicine Forever Bijal P. Trivedi. BenBella, Sept. 8 ($28.95, ISBN 978-1-948836-37-1) Introducing a possible new route for combating genetic diseases, Trivedi recounts how the fight against cystic fibrosis led to a breakthrough in gene therapy treatments. Every Life Is On Fire: How Thermodynamics Explains the Origins of Living Things Jeremy England. Basic, Sept. 15 ($28, ISBN 978-1-5416-9901-4) Physicist England argues that the law of entropy is the key to the long-standing question of how life arose. The Human Cosmos: Civilization and the Stars Jo Marchant. Dutton, Sept. 1 ($28, ISBN 978-0-593-18301-4) Marchant proposes that stargazing is an essential human activity and looks at how it has influenced science and culture throughout history. The Great Inoculator: The Untold Story of Daniel Sutton and His Medical Revolution Gavin Weightman. Yale Univ., Sept. 22 ($30, ISBN 978-0-300-24144-0) For a world awaiting delivery of one particular vaccine, Weightmans look at the 18th-century physician who laid the groundwork for vaccination in general holds heightened relevance. Metazoa: Animal Life and the Birth of the Mind Peter Godfrey-Smith. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Nov. 10 ($28, ISBN 978-0-374-20794-6) Following up 2016s acclaimed Other Minds, which explored how octopuses think, Godfrey-Smith broadens his concern to animal consciousness in general. The Mission: A True Story David W. Brown. Custom House, Jan. 26 ($29.99, ISBN 978-0-06-265442-7) Brown reveals a lesser-known saga of modern science: the long road to launching NASAs ambitious projected mission to Jupiters moon Europa, a possible incubator of life. An Outsiders Guide to Humans: What Science Taught Me About What We Do and Who We Are Camilla Pang. Viking, Dec. 1 ($27, ISBN 978-1-984881-63-2) Pang, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at an early age, describes how she approaches human interactions using the intellectual tools provided by her work as a scientist. The Story of Life in 10 1/2 Species Marianne Taylor. MIT, Oct. 20 ($29.95, ISBN 978-0-262-04448-6) Science writer Taylor considers biology from a novel perspective: that of an alien intelligence visiting this planet and selecting its most representative specimens of life. Listings Arcade Searching for the Snow Leopard: Guardian of the High Mountains, edited by Shavaun Mara Kidd and Bjorn Persson (Oct. 6, $35, ISBN 978-1-950691-67-8). Published in conjunction with the Snow Leopard Conservancy, this volume assembles images from wildlife photographers and text from conservationists to introduce readers to this elusive big cat. Avery Phallacy: Life Lessons from the Animal Penis by Emily Willingham (Sept. 22, $27, ISBN 978-0-593-08717-6) is a humorous survey of penises throughout the animal world, with an emphasis on the more bizarre specimens and a topical message that the male sex organ does not define what it is to be a man. Basic The Janus Point: A New Theory of Time by Julian Barbour (Dec. 1, $30, ISBN 978-0-465-09546-9). Physicist Barbour proposes a new view of time in light of the Big Bang and the second law of thermodynamics. Where most physicists see the universe becoming gradually more bogged down in disorder, Barbour believes that order is ever increasing. Meteorite: How Stones from Outer Space Made Our World by Tim Gregory (Oct. 13, $30, ISBN 978-1-5416-4761-9) explores the significance of meteorites for understanding the early development of the solar system, of the Earth, and of life on Earth. Gregory, a geologist, also delves into the diversity of rock types among meteorites. What to Expect When Youre Expecting Robots: The Future of Human-Robot Collaboration by Laura Major and Julie Shah (Oct. 13, $30, ISBN 978-1-5416-9911-3) represents two robot designers look at how their field should be incorporated into everyday life. Major and Shah reckon with the coming rise of robots capable of performing complex tasks without direct human oversight. Benbella The Secret Language of Cells: What Biological Conversations Tell Us about the Brain-Body Connection, the Future of Medicine, and Life Itself by Jon Lieff (Sept. 22, $26.95, ISBN 978-1-948836-04-3). A doctor and neuroscientist seeks to illuminate the connection between body and mind by looking at how communication occurs at the cellular level. Doubleday Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old by Andrew Steele (Dec. 29, $27.95, ISBN 978-0-385-54492-4). Steele, research fellow at the U.K.s Francis Crick Institute, looks at the science of aging, and at the prospects for medicine effecting a dramatic expansion both in human lifespan and seniors quality of life. Dutton Math Without Numbers by Milo Beckman (Oct. 27, $27, ISBN 978-1-5247-4554-7) is a guide to the three main branches of abstract math: topology, analysis, and algebra. Beckman uses accessible examples and philosophical questions to provide those less than enthusiastic about math a way into the subject. Ecco The Fragile Earth: Writing from the New Yorker on Climate Change, edited by David Remnick and Henry Finder (Oct. 6, $29.99, ISBN 978-0-06-301754-2), showcases climate-themed pieces from the magazines last three decades, including Bill McKibbens seminal The End of Nature, along with pieces from Jonathan Franzen, Elizabeth Kolbert, Kathryn Schulz, and others. ECW Canadarm and Collaboration: How Canadas Astronauts and Space Robots Explore New Worlds by Elizabeth Howell (Oct. 20, $19.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-77041-442-6) chronicles Canadas involvement in international space exploration, pinpointing the major turning point toward a larger role as the countrys 1981 contribution of the Canadarm robotic arm for the space shuttle. The Experiment The Hidden Life of Ice: Dispatches from a Disappearing World by Marco Tedesco, with Alberto Flores dArcais (Aug. 18, $19.95, ISBN 978-1-61519-699-9). Tedesco shares scientific and historical insight into Arctic ice, discussing the hardy microorganisms that live in it, the famed explorers behind major discoveries about the ice, and the threat posed by climate change. Firefly Strange Sea Creatures by Erich Hoyt (Sept. 1, $24.95, ISBN 978-0-228-10297-7). Hoyt (Creatures of the Deep) discusses unusual marine life forms, from those inhabiting near-surface waters, to those dwelling on the ocean floor. His discussions are supplemented with 90 photographs. Greystone Angry Weather: Heat Waves, Floods, Storms, and the New Science of Climate Change by Friederike Otto, trans. by Sarah Prybus (Sept. 15, $26.95, ISBN 978-1-77164-614-7). University of Oxford researcher Otto introduces attribution science, the new method for identifying what part human-caused climate change plays in triggering extreme weather events. The Reign of Wolf 21: The Saga of Yellowstones Legendary Druid Pack by Rick McIntyre (Sept. 29, $26.95, ISBN 978-1-77164-524-9) looks at the project to reintroduce wolves to Yellowstone Park through the dramatic story of two wolves relationship, from their initial meeting to their rise to become alpha male and female of a powerful Yellowstone pack. The Heartbeat of Trees: Embracing Our Ancient Bond with Forests and Nature by Peter Wohlleben, trans. by Jane Billinghurst (Oct. 13, $26.95, ISBN 978-1-77164-689-5). The follow-up to The Hidden Life of Trees examines the age-old bond between humans and the natural world, drawing on new research into how this relationship benefits people. Harper Wave The Cancer Code by Jason Fung (Nov. 10, $27.99, ISBN 978-0-06-289400-7). The author of the bestsellers The Diabetes Code and The Obesity Code issues recommendations for how the medical establishment should pursue the fight against cancer, while decrying the mistakes he sees as having been made in the past. 100,000-copy announced first printing. Icon Origins of the Universe: The Cosmic Microwave Background and the Search for Quantum Gravity by Keith Cooper (Nov. 10, $15.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-78578-642-6). Nearly 60 years ago, scientists discovered the cosmic microwave background, or CMB, radiation dating back to near the Big Bang. Cooper charts the ongoing scientific efforts to understand what the CMB reveals about time and space. Space 2069: After Apollo: Back to the Moon, to Mars... and Beyond by David Whitehouse (Oct. 13, $27, ISBN 978-1-78578-646-4). Science journalist Whitehouse forecasts the next 50 years in human involvement with the Moon, based on the recent discovery of ice at the lunar south pole and the greater viability for human settlement there. Johns Hopkins Univ. Supermath: The Power of Numbers for Good and Evil by Anna Weltman (Sept. 1, $24.95, ISBN 978-1-4214-3819-1) examines maths many positive applications outside the realm of pure numbers, including by enabling communication, empowering disenfranchised groups, and aiding the fight against disease. Weltman adds a cautionary note by pointing out maths socially detrimental effects as well. Mango Not Necessarily Rocket Science: A Beginners Guide to Life in the Space Age by Kellie Gerardi (Nov. 17, $22.95, ISBN 978-1-64250-410-1) shares Gerardis adventures as an astronaut candidate, such as training for Mars landing missions and testing spacesuits in microgravity, and provides inspiration and guidance for others aspiring to work in aerospace. MIT Cosmic Odyssey: How Intrepid Astronomers at Palomar Observatory Changed Our View of the Universe by Linda Schweizer (Nov. 24, $39.95, ISBN 978-0-262-04429-5). Astronomer Schweizer chronicles the history of Palomar Obser-vatory in Southern California, discussing how scientists using the observatorys four telescopes have made discoveries about black holes, exploding stars, colliding galaxies, and more. Ever Smaller: Natures Elementary Particles, from the Atom to the Neutrino and Beyond by Antonio Ereditato, trans. by Erica Segre and Simon Carnell (Oct. 20, $34.95, ISBN 978-0-262-04386-1). Neutrino physicist Ereditato seeks to make the insights of the particle revolution in physics accessible to a general audience, introducing the major discoveries, theories, and remaining questions of his field. Norton Bones: Inside and Out by Roy A. Meals (Oct. 20, $27.95, ISBN 978-1-324-00532-2). The orthopedic surgeon provides biological information on how bones function and discusses the medical advances that have helped physicians better deal with bone-related injuries. The Light Ages: The Surprising Story of Medieval Science by Seb Falk (Nov. 17, $30, ISBN 978-1-324-00293-2). Falk, a Cambridge science historian, offers a fresh perspective on both the Middle Ages and science by emphasizing that an era better known for plague and brutality also had a strong scientific culture whose inventions are still significant today. Oxford Univ. Is Einstein Still Right? Black Holes, Gravitational Waves, and the Quest to Verify Einsteins Greatest Creation by Clifford M. Will and Nicolas Yunes (Oct. 1, $22.95, ISBN 978-0-19-884212-5) looks at how the current generation of scientists is putting Einsteins theory of general relativity to the test, in relation to another field he helped pioneerthat of quantum mechanics. Origin of Life: What Everyone Needs to Know by David W. Deamer (Sept. 1, $18.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-19-009900-8) introduces general readers to mainstream scientific theory about lifes emergence on Earth, while also proposing the authors own theorynamely, that life did not arise from the ocean but in freshwater hot springs. Penguin Books Super Fly: The Unexpected Lives of the Worlds Most Successful Insects by Jonathan Balcombe (Nov. 10, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-14-313427-5). Biologist Balcombe seeks to show that flies are more than pests by discussing their various ecological roles and significance for evolutionary research. Penguin Press Fundamentals: Ten Keys to Reality by Frank Wilczek (Jan. 12, $26, ISBN 978-0-7352-2379-0). Nobel Prize winner Wilczek reveals 10 insights from modern science that he believes every well-informed person should be familiar with and that have the potential to reshape ones worldview. Scribe Us The Still-Burning Bush by Stephen Pyne (Sept. 1, $16 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-950354-48-1) is an examination of how fire has reshaped Australias ecosystem, both as a human tool and through unplanned, and sometimes uncontrollable, conflagrations, such as the catastrophic 20192020 bushfire season. Smithsonian Envisioning Exoplanets: Searching for Life in the Galaxy by Michael Carroll (Oct. 13, $34.95, ISBN 978-1-58834-691-9) recounts the search for planets capable of hosting life outside the solar system. The text is accompanied by Carrolls illustrations of exoplanets, and with images contributed by the International Association of Astronomical Artists. Lost Animals: Extinct, Endangered, and Rediscovered Species by John Whitfield (Oct. 6, $35, ISBN 978-1-58834-698-8) surveys fascinating creatures from different epochs in Earths history, from the Cambrian era to the present, using photos and scientific drawings to discuss both vanished species and those recently discovered to be still in existence, after having long been thought extinct. Sourcebooks The Last Stargazers: The Enduring Story of Astronomys Vanishing Explorers by Emily Levesque (Aug. 4, $25.99, ISBN 978-1-4926-8107-6) describes the authors career in astronomy and those of some of her notable colleagues in the field, sharing colorful anecdotes and reflecting on the passion for stargazing that drives her profession. Sterling The Doomsday Book: The Science Behind Humanitys Greatest Threats by Marshall Brain (Oct. 6, $27.95, ISBN 978-1-4549-3996-2) collects commonly discussed doomsday narratives, including human-caused catastrophes, such as nuclear or electromagnetic-pulse attacks; natural disasters, such as solar flares or super-volcano eruptions; and science fiction scenarios, such robot uprisings or extraterrestrial incursions. St. Martins The Mutant Project: Inside the Global Race to Genetically Modify Humans by Eben Kirksey (Oct. 20, $28.99, ISBN 978-1-250-26535-7). Anthropologist Kirksey considers the ethical issues raised by genetic engineering, interviewing scientists, lobbyists, and businesspeople promoting it, as well as physicians, activists, and patients with dissenting views on the technology. Univ. of Chicago The Genesis Quest: The Geniuses and Eccentrics on a Journey to Uncover the Origin of Life on Earth by Michael Marshall (Oct. 22, $26, ISBN 978-0-226-71523-0) traces the ongoing efforts of scientists to explain exactly how life first arose on Earth. Marshall introduces the fields major theories, figures, and controversies. Univ. of Florida Lunar Outfitters: Making the Apollo Space Suit by Bill Ayrey (Oct. 6, $35, ISBN 978-0-8130-6657-8). A spacesuit test engineer at ILC Dover uses original documentation and photos to relate his companys involvement in this essential part of the Apollo space program. Univ. of Washington The Grizzly in the Driveway: The Return of Bears to a Crowded American West by Rob Chaney (Dec. 24, $29.95, ISBN 978-0-295-74793-4). Montana journalist Chaney looks at the restoration of the American Wests grizzly bear population over the past four decades under the Endangered Species Act and at the implications for future conservation efforts. Workman How to Astronaut: An Insiders Guide to Leaving Planet Earth by Terry Virts (Sept. 15, $27.95, ISBN 978-1-5235-0961-4). Virts, a former astronaut, space shuttle pilot, and International Space Station commander, provides astronomy buffs with a humorous look at the process of preparing for and then embarking on space travel. Yale Univ. We Alone: How Humans Have Conquered the Planet and Can Also Save It by David Western (Nov. 24, $30, ISBN 978-0-300-25116-6). Drawing on decades of advocacy and research in Kenya toward the cause of animal conservation, Western makes a case that safeguarding other species is not just the right thing to do, but vital for humanitys future. Return to the main feature. 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. TANZANIA, Tanzania - U.N. experts say armed groups, criminal networks and some law enforcement agents in Congo are reaping vast sums of money from illegally exploiting gold and other natural resources and smuggling them to Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and the United Arab Emirates. The experts monitoring implementation of U.N. sanctions against Congo said in a report to the U.N. Security Council obtained Friday by The Associated Press that the volumes of smuggled gold were significantly higher than the volumes of legally traded gold. The council imposed sanctions on Congo after the end of back-to-back wars that destroyed much of the central African nation by 2002. Sporadic violence has continued to plague the vast nations mineral-rich eastern border region where local militias regularly clash with one another, as well as with Congolese army forces and perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The panel of experts said it traced Congolese gold to regional refineries and other international destinations and found that some refineries acted as brokers, used cash payments, undertook refiner-to-refiner trading and used corporate networks to obscure ownership, thereby inhibiting supply chain accountability. Gold traders also avoided using formal banking networks, it said. The panel said it found that North and South Kivu in eastern Congo and Ituri province in the northeast reported official production totalling just over 60 kilograms of surface-mined gold in 2019 and exported a total of just over 73 kilograms. The experts said Ituris capital city Bunia remains a gold trading and smuggling hub where eight gold-buying houses each purchased a minimum of 2 to 3 kilograms of gold per week, according to three traders and a mining official. On the basis of those quantities, the group estimated that a minimum of 1,100 kilograms of gold had been purchased and smuggled out of ... Congo in 2019 from Ituri alone, which could have generated up to $1.88 million in taxes had it been legally exported, the panel said in the 42-page report. Gold smuggled from Ituri was traded notably in Ugandas capital Kampala, the experts said, quoting two smugglers who described three recent trips from Bunia to Kampala with a combined total of 7 kilograms of gold, which they sold to `Indian traders. According to seven smugglers, the panel said gold from South Kivu went to Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and the UAE. The experts said two smugglers described transporting gold from Bukavu in South Kivu to Kamembe international airport in Rwanda for flights to the UAE throughout 2019 and four smugglers said that customs authorities in the UAEs most populous city, Dubai, and buyers did not ask questions regarding the origin of the gold. In December 2019, the panel said, it received an update from the UAE saying it has taken steps with Congo to combat the illicit gold trade and has also taken steps to train customs officers. The panel said it documented networks comprising some Tanzanian nationals involved in smuggling gold from South Kivu, including being taken across Lake Tanganyika to Burundi and then on to Tanzania. The experts said the Mai-Mai Yakutumba rebel group financed its activities from gold traded and taxed from territory in South Kivu, where it operated. The panel said it also established that Sheikh Hassani, leader of the Mai-Mai Malaika rebel group, profited from clandestine gold production at the Namoya Mining concession in Maniema province in east central Congo. At the Kachanga mine in South Kivu, the panel quoted three diggers saying that from 2019 until at least March 2020, over 120 combined members of their gold-mining co-operatives had to pay 1,000 Congolese francs daily to some members of Congos armed forces who sent the money to the military hierarchy of the 33rd military region. The panel said it analyzed gold production and trade data for Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania on the basis of the frequency and volume of gold smuggling from Congo into regional trading and transit hubs and beyond and found that recorded production in many of those countries was low relative to their gold exports. As an example, the experts estimated, using published information from Ugandan authorities, that over 95 per cent of gold exports from Uganda were of non-Ugandan origin for 2019. As for other metals mined in Congo, the experts said companies trading in tin, tantalum and tungsten implemented international mineral traceability measures. But they said after speaking to over 100 diggers across 15 mining areas that systemic weaknesses remain that in some cases jeopardized the supply chain across North and South Kivu. The panel said it found that not all producing mines were validated and that minerals from these mines were sometimes smuggled into the tagged supply chain from mines that were validated and participating in the tracing process. It also found cases where the valuable minerals coltan and cassiterite, the extraction and sale of which benefited armed groups, were traded into tagged supply chains. In February, the experts said Rwandan authorities showed them 155 kilograms of coltan that had been seized on Jan. 23 which they said had been smuggled from Congo. The experts said they were also shown seven lots of untagged minerals seized from elsewhere in Rwanda since June 2019 including 360 kilograms of presumed beryllium, 293 kilograms of presumed cassiterite, 250 kilograms of presumed wolframite and 54 kilograms of presumed coltan. On the arms embargo, the panel said it found that foreign instructors provided training to members of the Congolese military without notifying the sanctions committee as required, citing instructors with Chinese, Israeli and South African citizenship. It also said arms were delivered to the countrys forces and that foreign civilian aviation personnel provided support to the countrys air force all without notifying the U.N. committee. The panel said that since January 2018, more than 2,000 tons of arms and ammunition intended for the Congolese military has been sent without required advance notification to the committee, citing eight transfers by Chinas army and state-owned arms and munitions company and by private companies. It also cited weapons sent to the military that are similar to those from Albania, Bulgaria and Brazil. Tehran renews warning to UN nuclear watchdog as EU, US launch anti-Iran push Iran Press TV Thursday, 18 June 2020 10:04 AM Iran has warned the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) against failing to "exercise prudence" as its Board of Governors is expected to discuss a European-drafted resolution pushing for intrusive inspections of Iranian nuclear sites. "Vienna is almost the last bastion of multilateralism that was able to maintain its true spirit in recent years, but unfortunately it will be a forgotten story if the IAEA Board does not show enough prudence this week," Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's permanent representative to Vienna-based international organizations, tweeted on Thursday. The remarks came as the IAEA's governing board is holding a meeting, with the focus on Iran. The European signatories to a 2015 nuclear deal, namely France, Germany and the UK, have reportedly prepared an anti-Iran resolution and are expected to present it during the meeting. The Bloomberg reported on Monday that the document urges the Islamic Republic to "fully cooperate" with the IAEA investigation of its nuclear facilities and "expresses serious concern that, for over four months, Iran has denied access to the agency under the Additional Protocol." The European resolution which is reported to have firm backing from the US could be passed by consensus or face a vote by the 35-member IAEA Board of Governors. Iran says such a resolution is based on anti-Iran allegations raised by Israel and serves American goals. On Tuesday, France, Germany and the UK issued a statement voicing concerns about what they called "Iran's violation of its nuclear commitments, which have grave and irreversible proliferation consequences." The European trio further claimed that they initiated the dispute mechanism of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in January "in good faith and in hope of finding a diplomatic way forward." Succumbing to Washington's pressure, the European parties to the JCPOA have so far failed to honor their commitments under the deal and offset the impacts of American sanctions, which were re-imposed on Iran following the unilateral US withdrawal from the deal in May 2018. On Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that European diplomats are trying to forge a compromise to save JCPOA from collapse by proposing a limited extension of an arms embargo on Tehran sought by the US. The Iran arms ban in place since 2006/2007 is set to expire on October 18 under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 that endorsed the JCPOA. Despite being not a party to the agreement any longer, Washington has recently launched a campaign to renew the Iran arms embargo through a resolution at the Security Council, but Russia and China are most likely to veto it. To circumvent the veto, the US says it will argue that it legally remains a "participant state" in the nuclear pact only to trigger the snapback that would restore the UN sanctions, which had been in place against Iran prior to the JCPOA's inking. The Wall Street Journal comes while the Europeans have repeatedly said the US is no longer in a position to seek an extension of the bans by resorting the Resolution 2231, which Washington has already violated by quitting the Iran deal. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday gave orders to arrest West Bengal-based political commentator Garga Chatterjee and bring him to the north eastern state over his alleged inflammatory remarks. Sonowal asked the Guwahati police to go to West Bengal immediately to arrest Chatterjee for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Swargadeu Sukapha, the first Ahom king, and the entire Ahom community. "The chief minister today directed Guwahati Police Commissioner to arrest and bring Garga Chatterjee of West Bengal to Assam for posting offensive remarks on social media about Swargadeo Chaolung Sukaphaa and Ahom community," an official statement said. Sonowal asked the police commissioner to leave for Kolkata on Friday night itself for apprehending Chatterjee and bringing him to Assam to face the trial. A case related to this has already been registered at the Crime Branch of Assam Police against Chatterjee along with four other such cases for making provocative statements on earlier occasions. "Following the direction of the Chief Minister, a three-member team led by DCP (Crime) Barun Purkayastha has been ordered by Guwahati Commissioner of Police to leave for Kolkata tonight," the statement said. Sonowal said Sukaphaa was the architect of the greater Assamese identity and derogatory comments against such a revered personality cannot be tolerated. Posting offensive remarks on social media and misinterpreting historical facts can lead to a rift between different communities in an ethnically diverse state like Assam, he added. "Sonowal stated that the derogatory statements had hurt the sentiments of Assamese people and he underlined the need to take legal action against offenders like these for discouraging such behaviors in future," the statement added. China's former trade negotiator urges closer China-US cooperation From:ChinaDaily | 2020-06-17 14:20 BEIJING -- A former Chinese chief trade negotiator has stressed that it is even more important for China and the United States to cooperate amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent report by the South China Morning Post. "At a time when the coronavirus pandemic is still threatening global cooperation, I think it's even more important to uphold and carry forward a spirit of cooperation," the SCMP's report on Monday quoted Long Yongtu, China's former chief negotiator for entry into the World Trade Organization, as saying. Speaking at a seminar in China's Jiangsu Province last week, Long said China and the United States are too intertwined to be decoupled. The "competitive" bilateral relationship does not mean the two countries "have to confront or clash with each other," he said, adding, "just like in a market economy, although many companies are competitors, competition doesn't lead to exclusion or prevent finding a common interest." China and the United States can surely find a place to cooperate since the two economies are already intertwined, he said. Noting that the United States in last month expressed its willingness to continue to have an open and constructive relationship with China, Long said he believes the two sides can form a cooperative relationship "as long as China and the US are willing to seek common ground while reserving differences." 2020 AAA Car Guide Gives Extra Credit for Vehicle Safety Systems Volvo Sedan earns top spot among 50 vehicles reviewed ORLANDO, Fla. (June 18, 2020) AAA announced a 2020 Volvo luxury sedan has earned the top score in its first edition of the newly released AAA Car Guide, a consumer resource on the latest and greatest in vehicle technology. The guide provides consumers with reviews based in part on how many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are included in the vehicle as well as a number of other criteria. The majority of the category winners for 2020 are either electric, plug-in electric hybrids or hybrids, signaling that eco-friendly vehicles tend to offer the most cutting-edge vehicle technology. The 175-page guide includes comprehensive, easy-to-read reviews of each vehicle which are based on 13 criteria, including braking, fuel economy, emissions, handling, ride comfort, acceleration and the number of ADAS safety features. These vehicles are tested, scored and placed in one of five vehicle categories by the Automotive Research Center (ARC) of the Automobile Club of Southern California, a member of the AAA federation of motor clubs. With an increasing number of vehicles equipped with advanced safety features, we thought consumers would benefit from an in-depth review of how they stack up with other driving criteria, said Greg Brannon, AAAs director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations. Previous AAA studies have shown that many drivers dont understand some of the features in their new vehicles and believe they can do more than is technically possible. The AAA Car Guide is an evolution of the popular AAA Green Car Guide, the book that focused on fuel-efficient, low-emitting cars and trucks. The 2020 version has expanded the types of vehicles it reviews and ranks to include vehicles that are all new or completely redesigned and that include the latest automotive safety technology, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Highest ranked by category are: Category Vehicle Overall 2020 Volvo S90 T8 E-AWD R-Design (plug-in hybrid) Small 2019 Nissan Leaf SV Plus (electric) Midsize 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE (hybrid) Large 2020 Volvo S90 T8 E-AWD R-Design (plug-in hybrid) Pickup 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD Crew Cab SLT (diesel) SUV/Minivan 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited (plug-in hybrid) Best Under $30,000 2019 Honda Insight 4-door Touring (hybrid) Best $30,000-$50,000 2019 Kia Niro EV EX Premium (electric) Best Over $50,000 2020 Volvo S90 T8 E-AWD R-Design (plug-in hybrid) These days, a vehicle buyer may feel overwhelmed or confused not only by the differences of how the vehicle is powered either by gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric but by which of the safety features they need and how those work in the real world, said Megan McKernan, manager of Automotive Research Center. Our evaluations are designed to help drivers select a safe and comfortable vehicle that meets their needs. As buyers return to the market, industry groups such as the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) are providing dealerships with guidance on how to safely interact with car buyers. This includes procedures on keeping employees and customers safe, cleaning and disinfecting dealership facilities and vehicles and safely handling sales operations. Some dealerships are even modifying their buying process and offering to deliver vehicles to customers for test drives. The AAA Car Guide is designed to help consumers navigate new car buying since many of the latest models come equipped with some sort of advanced safety system, many of which go by different names. In fact, previously AAA analyzed 34 vehicle brands sold in the United States to identify the number of unique names manufacturers use to market ADAS. For example, automatic emergency braking, standard on 31% of 2018 vehicles, has 40 names for just this one feature. As a result, AAA along with other safety organizations has called on the industry to move towards common naming to help clear the confusion for consumers. The AAA Car Guide also contains a compendium of AAAs recent research of current automotive technologies and topics, such as advanced driver-assistance systems, gasoline quality, the advantages of synthetic oil, reduced tire traction in wet-weather driving, and headlight effectiveness. Winners, detailed evaluation criteria, vehicle reviews and an in-depth analysis of the ADAS technology can be found at aaa.com/carguide. AAA provides more than 60 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 32 motor clubs and more than 1,000 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app. To join, visit AAA.com. In a new article, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Poland threw its own people 'under Hitler's machine of destruction' - Kremlin Pool/Shutterstock Poland has accused Vladimir Putin of manipulating history after he wrote an article claiming the pre-war Polish government threw its own people under Hitlers machine of destruction. The article comes out just a week before Mr Putin is to host the annual Victory Day parade previously cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak, and ahead of a nationwide vote that could allow him to stay in power until 2036. Mr Putin has used the Soviet Unions decisive contribution to defeating Nazi Germany in 1945 as an argument to justify Russias special place in the world. Dwelling on the events of 1939 Mr Putin writes that Poland only has itself to blame for the Nazi invasion of September. The blame for the tragedy that Poland then suffered lies entirely with the Polish leadership, which had impeded the formation of a military alliance between Britain, France and the Soviet Union and relied on the help from its Western partners, throwing its own people under the steamroller of Hitler's machine of destruction, he states. Later, he says Red Army units were sent into the so-called Eastern Borderlines instead of writing that the Soviet Union invaded Poland under the terms of Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. Poland reacted furiously. Stanislaw Zaryn, director of the National Security Department of the Polish prime ministers office, said: It is not the first time the Russian president has manipulated history with the goal to present a false picture of WWII. "Russias continued memory war aims to whitewash the disgraceful Soviet past, erase from collective memory the fact that during the war Stalin and Hitler colluded with each other, and underpin the myth of the Soviet Union as a sole conqueror of Nazi Germany. While Russian authorities in the 1990s publicly condemned and apologised for multiple crimes committed by the Soviet regime, the Kremlin in recent years has sought to defend its wartime record, arguing among other things that a 1939 non-aggression pact between the Soviet Union and Germany, carving up Europe into spheres of influence, was a necessary evil. Although most church activities were cancelled or shifted to a digital platform due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Midland First United Methodist Church discipleship team decided to hold its annual vacation bible school (VBS) in a new format: as a drive-in. From June 15-18, about a dozen carloads of kids were stationed in a parking lot on Larkin Street each night. A small but determined group of volunteers and church staff organized by Abby Shephard, director of childrens ministries led participants through songs and activities. New report reveals that 72% of people in the UK believe there is enough water to meet the country's needs and many engage in high wastage behaviours. However, the UK could face significant water shortages in less than 25 years due to climate change and population growth. 1,2 The report, supported by Sir James Bevan , Chief Executive of England's Environment Agency and Simon Reeve , author and TV presenter, calls on the British public to be more conscious of their water use , Chief Executive of Environment Agency and , author and TV presenter, calls on the British public to be more conscious of their water use Water is vital in the fight against coronavirus but increased use has come as the UK has just experienced one of its driest Mays on record. It's a reminder to the British public of the need to 'love water' and use it wisely SLOUGH, England, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A nationwide survey of 2,000 British adults has revealed a paradox that 77% believe the UK is a 'wet and rainy country',3 but in reality the demand for water could soon outstrip supply. 1,2 The survey is part of a new report, the Great British Rain Paradox, which is calling on people to take action and use water more wisely. Despite the perception of a water-rich nation, a myriad of factors are putting strain on the UK's water supply, says the report which has been sponsored by Finish and supported by the Love Water partnership, including the Environment Agency and Water UK, with insights from Cranfield University. These factors include population growth, increasing household consumption and climate change, which is leading to wetter winters, but dryer summers.1 This is especially evident in the fact that February 2020 was the wettest on record4 and May 2020 was one of the driest.5 Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of England's Environment Agency, said: "People might wonder how a country with such a reputation for rain like the UK could reach a tipping point where demand for water outstrips supply in just 25 years. But this may become a reality if we don't take action to save water now. "The fact is a convergence of factors underpinned by climate change has led us to this frightening prospect. But if we all take concerted action now we can ensure that there will be enough water to go around for generations to come." The survey also found that water usage is low down on the list of current environmental concerns by the public, with plastic pollution (39%), energy consumption (22%), generation of food waste (16%), and carbon footprint (11%) all considered more important than water consumption (10%).3 The report also underscores how important water is for protecting our health and stresses the importance of handwashing with soap and water amid COVID-19. Interestingly, the survey also found that since the pandemic attitudes to water and the environment may be changing.3 83% appreciate access to clean running water for handwashing more 82% appreciate the natural world more 69% are more concerned about the environment & sustainability 76% are more aware of human impact on the environment 67% are now more willing to take action to reduce their impact on the planet Even more promising, 88% of the British public surveyed said they would be willing to reduce their daily water consumption by a third if they knew how.3 The report explains that making small, everyday changes at home are vital to avoiding future pressures on our water supplies. These changes include being mindful of running taps, taking shorter showers and fewer baths, and avoid pre-rinsing dishes before loading a dishwasher. Commenting on the report, author and TV presenter Simon Reeve said: "This report should be a wake-up call for everyone in the UK. Future water shortages will have wide-reaching consequences on life as we know it, seriously restricting everyday household activities. Beyond that, water scarcity is already putting our natural environment under stress with significant impact on freshwater habitats and loss of biodiversity." "The global pandemic is a stark demonstration of just how precious water is with handwashing our first line of defence, so we need to take action to protect it. In many ways, this a positive story because we are at a point where if we change our behaviour we can positively impact the future." Today, daily household water usage per person is on average 143 litres,6 rising from 85 litres per person per day in the 1960s.7 If no action is taken between 2025 and 2050 around 3,435 million extra litres of water per day will be needed for public water supply to address future pressures.1 The South East of England is facing the greatest pressures on public water supplies and if savings are not achieved it could develop a shortfall, leading to more frequent use of drought measures.1 Christine McGourty, Chief Executive of Water UK, said: "Depending on where you live in the UK, it can feel like it's a very rainy country, so it might be a surprise for many people that we have less available water than a lot of other nations. The south east of England actually gets less rainfall than some parts of east Africa. "So, whatever the weather, we want to make the most of this vital resource and think carefully about the water we use, for now and for future generations. Just by making simple changes, like turning off the tap when you brush your teeth or taking shorter showers, we can all make a big difference." Love Water, led by the Environment Agency and Water UK, alongside its coalition of environmental supporters including businesses, water companies and regulators, together with Finish, seek to ensure that the British public have the knowledge to make small changes which together add up to a big impact. Eric Gilliot, Regional Director, UK & Ireland from RB who supported the report, said: "Our vision at Finish is about empowering simple behaviour changes to ensure that no water is needlessly wasted. We hope the report will help elevate the important issue of water scarcity in the minds of UK consumers and help avert a water crisis." "Many people don't realise that a full dishwasher uses less water than handwashing dishes, and by skipping the rinse before loading the machine, you can save even more water. Our message is to save water and clean clever." Dr Heather Smith of Cranfield Water Science Institute, Cranfield University added: "Behaviour change is a vital part of the equation to help address looming water scarcity, but it doesn't happen overnight. It takes time for new behaviours to become embedded as new habits, and that process often requires support and reinforcement from a lot of different sources." [Notes to editors] About the report Read the full Great British Rain Paradox Report here: https://www.savewatercleanclever.co.uk/content/dam/rbfinishposeidon/uk/report/The%20Report.pdf This is an RB Finish report supported by Love Water with insights from Cranfield University. For more information please visit: https://www.savewatercleanclever.co.uk/ About Love Water Love Water is a major campaign involving more than 40 environmental groups, charities, water companies and regulators, aimed at getting the British public involved in safeguarding water resources for future generations. Love Water supports the ambition of 'clean and plentiful water' as set out in the government's 25 Year Environment Plan and focuses on three key themes: Encourage people to use water wisely Help people to understand how they can reduce water pollution in their local environment Encourage people to get out and enjoy their local water environment The government's 25 Year Environment Plan sets out an ambition to reduce individual water use - on average 143 litres per person each day - by working with industry to set a personal consumption target. The Environment Agency will work with the government to set this target and cost-effective measures to meet it. For more information and a full list of partners visit: https://www.water.org.uk/love-water/ About Cranfield University Cranfield is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management. Cranfield University is recognised internationally for its work in the science, engineering and management of water and has partnerships with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Yorkshire Water, Severn Trent and Anglian Water. For more information please visit: www.cranfield.ac.uk/water About RB & Finish RB* is driven by its purpose to protect, heal and nurture in a relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. We fight to make access to the highest-quality hygiene, wellness and nourishment a right, not a privilege, for everyone. The Finish vision is about empowering simple behaviour changes to ensure that no water is needlessly wasted, through education on how to save water including the use of dishwashers and avoiding dish pre-rinsing behaviour. *Reckitt Benckiser Group plc. 1 Meeting our future water needs: a national framework for water resources. Environment Agency, 16 March 2020. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/meeting-our-future-water-needs-a-national-framework-for-water-resources [Accessed May 2020] 2 GOV.UK. Speech. Escaping the jaws of death: ensuring enough water in 2050. Speech by Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency Waterwise Conference, 19 March 2019. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/escaping-the-jaws-of-death-ensuring-enough-water-in-2050. [Accessed 31 May 2020]. 3 Survey of 2,000 British adults conducted in February/May 2020, commissioned by Finish 4 Met Office. Record breaking rainfall. Available at: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/press-office/news/weather-and-climate/2020/2020-winter-february-stats Posted on 02 March 2020 by Met Office Press Office [Accessed June 2020] 5 Met Office. Official blog of the Met Office news team. Spring 2020: the sunniest on record in the UK. Posted on 29 May, 2020 by Met Office Press Office. Available at: https://blog.metoffice.gov.uk/2020/05/29/spring-2020-the-sunniest-on-record-in-the-uk/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CHowever%2C%20Spring%202020%20has%20been,far%20less%20rainfall%20than%20this. [Accessed 31 May 2020] 6 Discoverwater.co.uk. The amount we use. Available at: https://discoverwater.co.uk/amount-we-use. [Accessed 30 May 2020] 7 Artesia Consulting, 2018. The Long Term Potential For Deep Reductions In Household Water Demand. Available at: https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/publication/long-term-potential-deep-reductions-household-water-demand-report-artesia-consulting/ [Accessed 20 May 2020]. One hundred fifty-five years ago on June 19, 1865 Maj. General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, along with Union soldiers. Grangers main purpose was to inform still-enslaved black men, women and children of their freedom. With the Civil War ended in April 1865, the slaves were informed that two years earlier, President Lincoln had enacted the Emancipation Proclamation, which gave them freedom. But slaves in Texas were kept under control by Confederate enslavers. Many slaves headed to nearby states to reunite with relatives who had earlier escaped. The celebration is called Juneteenth, and over the years it has grown in popularity. Its a time for community and moving forward from a harsh past. A few rallies are planned in New Mexico to honor the day. This is a movement, not a moment, says Cathryn McGill, founder of the New Mexico Black Leadership Council. Its about creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. Its a message that weve been working hard to convey in the past 400 years and how we continue to do our work. From 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 19, at Roosevelt Park, there will be a protest for building unification through community. McGill says that masks are to be worn and its important for those attending to practice social distancing. There will be speakers. There will also be another rally from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the state Capitol in Santa Fe, called Juneteenth: It Cant Wait. The African American Performing Arts Center Foundation is going virtual with its performances. Two more performances can be watched Saturday, June 20, and Thursday, June 25, on its Facebook page. The state is also putting on virtual Juneteenth celebrations, from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 20, on the social media pages of the New Mexico Office of African American Affairs and the New Mexico Black History Organizing Committee. At New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, there will be a celebration at 7 p.m. Friday, June 19. The gathering will take place at Corbett Center Outdoor Stage. It is put on by the Black Student Association with ASNMSU. On July 3, Albuquerque Little Theatre will host Before the Fourth, Remember the Third, which is a streaming event where underrepresented and oppressed voices in the community will speak. Information is at albuquerquelittletheatre.org. India China standoff, IAF Chief, Galwan Valley Ladakh, China attack on India 2020 News: Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday has moved its fighter aircrafts to forward bases and airfields as tensions escalate between India and China. India China standoff, IAF Chief, Galwan Valley Ladakh, China attack on India 2020 News: Even as the Indian Air Force (IAF) moved its assets including fighter aircraft to forward bases and airfields in view of the ongoing dispute with China, its chief RKS Bhadauria was on a two-day hush-hush visit to the Leh and Srinagar airbases, which would be the most critical for any operations to be carried out by the force in the Eastern Ladakh area. The visit assumes significance as it came soon after the top security brass of the country reviewed the situation and military options after the Chinese Army killed 20 Indian soldiers in a premeditated attack in the Galwan Valley area after making an attempt to unilaterally change the status of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Air Force chief was on a two-day visit where he checked the operational readiness of all the platforms that have been moved to the area in view of the Chinese aggression along the LAC in the Eastern Ladakh where more than 10,000 troops have been amassed by China, government sources told ANI. Also Read: Galwan clash: 76 soldiers injured, all stable, say army sources Also Read: Delhi conducts 20,000 Covid-19 tests, Kejriwal promises increase in upcoming days In the first leg of his visit, he was in Leh on June 17 and from there he went to the Srinagar airbase on June 18. Both these bases are closest to the Eastern Ladakh area and most suited to carry out any fighter aircraft operations in the mountainous terrain and also have a clear edge over the Chinese, the sources said. When asked to confirm the visit by the Air Force chief to Leh and Srinagar, IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Indranil Nandy refused to say anything. No comments, he stated. Meanwhile, the Air Force has moved its critical frontline assets including the Sukhoi-30MKI, Mirage 2000 and Jaguar fighter aircraft fleet to advanced positions where they can fly in at a very short notice to carry out operations. For providing air support to the Indian Army troops in the eastern Ladakh sector, the American Apache attack helicopters have been deployed in the close vicinity of the areas where operations by the ground troops are taking place at the moment. The Chinooks helicopters have also been deployed in and around the Leh airbase to provide the capability of rapid troops transportation and inter-valley troop transfer, in case such a situation emerges there. The Mi-17V5 medium-lift choppers are also playing an active role in the area in troops and material transportation there. With multiple bases around the Ladakh and Tibet region including Leh, Srinagar, Avantipur, Bareilly, Adampur, Halwara (Ludhiana), Ambala and Sirsa, the Indian Air Force has an edge over their Chinese counterparts, who have to start fighter aircraft operations from Hotan and Gar Gunsa near Ladakh as they are at an altitude of 14,000 feet plus. The Indian Air Force has deployed its Su-30 combat aircraft soon after the Chinese choppers tried to violate Indian air space in Eastern Ladakh around the same time when their Army started arriving in large numbers along the LAC there. Also Read: India records highest single-day spike of 13,586 cases in last 24 hours, total case count crosses 3.8 lakh For all the latest National News, download NewsX App Activist in Suweida have recorded the arrest of 10 people, amid large protests calling for the fall of the regime reports Baladi News. In a report released today, the Syrian Network for Human Rights said that the Syrian regime had forcibly disappeared 10 activists from the popular movement in Suweida, and that it had used repression in the face of their rightful demands. At least 2,172 people from Suweida governorate were detained or had been forcibly disappeared inside official and unofficial regime detention centers. The five-page report considered Suweida, with its standing and way of life, to be different from other areas. The governorate, which is mostly inhabited by Druze, has seen protests against the Syrian regime since 2011, in addition to multiple sit-ins by lawyers and engineers. The report turned towards the arrest of a large number of residents, most of whom became forcibly disappeared. Suweida has also remained under the complete control of the Syrian regime since 2011, and has not faced airstrikes, which is the main reason for the destruction of neighborhoods and cities elsewhere, and the displacement of those areas residents. According to the report, the governorate of Suweida has paid a heavy price for political change. At least 2,172 residents remain in detention or forcibly disappeared within the regimes official and unofficial detention centers from March 2011 to June 2020, according to the Networks database. The group has also documented the killing of at least 37 people from Suweida due to torture in official and unoffcial regime detention centers. The report also mentioned the recent demonstrations seen in Suweida city, where protesters raised slogans calling for the release of detainees, the fall of the Syrian regime and the start of a political transition process. The report also reviewed the ways in which the Syrian regime responded to these demonstrations with repression, arrest, torture and forced disappearances. According to the report, activist Raed Abdi al-Khateeb was arrested on Jun. 9, 2020. On Jun. 15, 2020, Syrian regime security forces and loyalist militias attacked protesters in Suweida city after an anti-regime demonstration gathered in al-Seer Square. Nine civilians were arrested and taken to an unknown location. Among them were government employees who had earlier been arbitrarily fired from their jobs due to their positions on the Syrian regime. The report noted that the arrests were not carried out through a legal arrest warrant issued by a court. None of the detainees family members were notified of the arrests, and the detainees mobile phones were taken from them as they were forbidden to call their relatives or lawyers. The report warned that they could face torture and face the same fate as 85 percent of detainees who are forcibly disappeared. The report confirmed that the Syrian regime faced the new popular movement in Suweida with the same methods that it used in March 2011. This includes arbitrary arrest, torture, forced disappearance and threats in a manner that violates the most basic principles of international human rights law. According to the report, this confirms that the regime has not improved in any way after all that has happened in Syria. It is not accepting of any change towards respecting human rights and peaceful democratic change. Its only option was to win and claim a landslide victory to rule Syria for life. The report called on the international community and the United Nations to protect civilians in Suweida from torture and forced disappearance, and to avoid a repetition of the failure to protect Syrian civilians as happened since March 2011. It also recommended sending a clear message of support towards the demands of basic rights that the protesters called for, and it advocated the need to pressure the Syrian regime and its alliesespecially Russiato immediately free and reveal the fate of the 10 forcibly disappeared people. A specific timetable would need to be set for that transfer. This would contribute to alleviating the suffering of Syrians, as well as their safe and voluntary return. The report demanded that the Syrian regime stop terrorizing Syrian citizens and violating the Syrian constitution and international human rights law, especially regarding forced disappearance and torture. It also called on the regime to allow the freedom to protest and express opinions, and to stop counter-demonstrations of government officials under pressure and coercion, as well as release detainees from Suweida and all other governorates, and stop using detainees as a hostage and bargaining chips. 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. MINNETONKA, Minn. (JTA) When I received a phone call last Saturday morning from the governor and lieutenant governors office, I sensed it would be a Shabbat and Shavuot unlike any other. They were organizing a press conference with a small group of clergy and other community leaders that afternoon. Rabbi, would you attend? It was minutes before our Zoom service, a phrase that would have felt odd typing three months ago. As an observant Jew, a rabbi leading community in prayer, and co-chair of the Minnesota Rabbinical Association, I felt the decision was painful and obvious.... Shreveport, Louisiana -- A Bay Bay rapper Hurricane Chris has been arrested and charged with murder, according to multiple reports. KTBS reports the 31-year-old hip-hop star, whose real name is Christopher Dooley, was charged Friday with second-degree murder and illegal possession of stolen things in his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. Dooley claimed he killed another man in self-defense, but investigators say they believe he is lying. Dooley reportedly told police he shot a man around 1 a.m. outside a Texaco convenience store because he thought the man was trying to steal his vehicle. The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died later Friday at Ochsner LSU Health hospital. According to KSLA, Violent Crimes and Crime Scene investigators secured video footage of the deadly encounter that showed that Dooley did not act in self-defense. Detectives also learned that the vehicle did not belong to Dooley; it was reportedly stolen out of Texas. The victim has not been identified. Dooley, the godson of former Louisiana state Rep. Barbara Norton, is a rapper best known for the 2007 Hurricane Chris song A Bay Bay. The song hit the top 10 in the U.S. and two follow-up songs, The Hand Clap and Halle Berry (Shes Fine), also reached the Hot 100 chart. A mugshot of Dooley was released by authorities Friday: Citizens of all EU member states, as well as Serbia, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland, can freely enter Hungary as of Thursday, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced yesterday morning. Also, Hungarian citizens are exempted from quarantine after returning from any of the above states. According to a decree published in the official gazette, those entering Hungary from Ukraine may enter for a maximum of 24 hours within a distance of 30 kilometres from the border. MTI Photo: Istvan Filep Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 00:34:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Friday denounced Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority as it attempted to harbor rioters from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). A so-called "assistance" plan recently announced by the DPP authority once again laid bare its political agenda to meddle in Hong Kong affairs and to sabotage the prosperity and stability in the HKSAR, said Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. Harboring the Hong Kong rioters will only bring problems to Taiwan people, said Zhu. The plot of forces advocating "Taiwan independence" and "Hong Kong independence" to sabotage the "one country, two systems" and to split the nation will never succeed, she said. Enditem Tracy Stephenson remembers a flash of light at 4:30 a.m. and the loudest noise Ive ever heard. It was Jan. 24, her birthday, and she thought a plane had crashed into her house in northwest Houston. Insulation was popping out of the wall as she walked to her mother's room. Picture frames and mirrors had fallen off the walls and lay broken on the floor. Her mom, 86-year-old Karon Maples, was covered in shattered glass from her bedroom window. Their front door was jammed shut. It was not a plane crash, but the explosion of a 2,000-gallon propylene tank at Watson Grinding & Manufacturing, a machining and coatings business just 1,100 feet from Stephensons house. The blast killed two workers and damaged hundreds of nearby homes. The family of a resident who died days later said that was related to the explosion as well, after his ceiling had crashed down on him. Five months and one pandemic later, many residents in working-class Westbranch continue to wrangle with insurers, hiring attorneys and wondering how or if they ever will fully recover. Stephenson remains displaced by the blast. Since Feb. 17, she has lived in an extended-stay hotel with her mother, her mothers boyfriend, and four dogs. Still, they consider themselves lucky, she said. Construction crews have stripped her house to its studs and rebuilt it. This week, they are expected to begin hanging drywall inside and painting, and the structure finally looks like a house again, she said. This is how the system is supposed to work Stephensons insurance policy covered the blast without a legal fight, and the company is paying for her rent, as well. Many of her neighbors have had it tougher, she said. The CEO of Watson made and then rescinded a promise to pay for all the damage the explosion caused. Lawyers who have filed hundreds of lawsuits against the company say it will not have the resources to make every victim whole. And insurance companies have responded unevenly, granting some claims while denying or challenging others. Complicating matters for the plaintiffs, Watson filed for bankruptcy after the explosion, and on Feb. 10 sought an emergency ruling that would have allowed it to pay off a bank loan with $3 million of insurance money. The request was met with a seven-minute tirade by federal judge Marvin Isgur, who said the focus in the proceedings, which remain ongoing, would be on the victims left reeling from the blast. Frank Peters owns the house two doors down from Stephenson on Bridgeland Lane. Just eight hours after the blast, Peters insurance company told him his policy did not cover explosions. He has hired a lawyer and tried to fix the house himself, working long hours and sleeping little. It has broken me, Peters said. I really have no accomplishments in life, but I bought this house and I remodeled it It was the only successful thing Ive done in life. So, I had a lot of pride in it, and it was destroyed. At a town hall meeting hosted by the nearby Mormon church in the days after the blast, residents were told it would take three years before the neighborhood could return to some semblance of normal. And that was before another catastrophe set in: COVID-19. For Stephenson, quarantine means getting by in a crowded hotel suite. For many of her neighbors, it means staying in broken homes, with shifted walls and collapsed ceilings. Others have moved altogether or crashed on relatives couches. Many residents said they do not feel the continuing consequences of the blast have put them at greater risk for contracting the coronavirus. The pandemic shutdown, however, has taken an economic toll, with many losing work at a time when they are especially in need of cash to repair their homes, pay for new living arrangements, or simply cover everyday necessities. Its like a Twilight Zone episode that never ends, Stephenson said. Stuck here The shell of Watson Grinding & Manufacturing looms on Gessner Road as a reminder of the explosions powerful force, with its warehouses metal siding warped and crumpled where it is not missing. Only a drainage ditch separates the plant from the intersection of Bridgeland Lane and Stanford Court, the edge of the subdivision built in the late 1970s. The residents here call it Ground Zero. Five empty lots lie vacant where homes once crowded the corner. Other homes remain boarded up or reduced to their studs as residents labor through a recovery process that remains in its early phases. Yard signs show which attorneys residents have hired, not the political candidates they favor. Dozens of dumpsters crowd the subdivisions streets as construction crews remove stucco from the sides of houses, wrap frames in Tyvek plastic and hang sheetrock. A survey conducted by the city found more than 450 houses harmed by the explosion, with 35 suffering major structural failure. Some of the homes marked in that survey with minor damage or as simply affected by the blast since have been condemned and taken down. And many of the neighborhoods homes remain empty; their owners or tenants displaced. You can count the people that are in houses, said James H. Bailey, Sr, who recently was able to move back into his home on Valleywood Drive. Were the only ones on this street. Some return to the neighborhood in the evenings to collect mail, assess progress on rebuilds and catch up with neighbors. They discuss some of the blasts curious effects cars generally proved more durable than houses, for instance. One resident said an antique glass-doored bookshelf was spared, but everything on the other side of the wall in the adjacent room was broken. Some residents, like Peters, have been left without any money, taking loans and draining savings to try to do the repairs themselves. Many others received inadequate checks from their insurers. Ana Moss, who lives on Richmond Hill Drive, received $29,000, and she said a contractor estimated the full repairs would be in excess of $100,000. Her next door neighbor initially was offered $8,000, she said, but she was able to negotiate and get more than $60,000. Moss sat outside her home on a recent afternoon, sheltered in the shade of a now-leaning garage, a result of the blast, she said. Like others still scraping by in their homes, struggling with insurers and red tape, she sometimes feels stranded. Were stuck in here, she said, wiping tears from her eyes. I just feel so frustrated. Moss, 65, is disabled and cannot work, so she relies on her daughter a bartender and waitress, whose shifts have been cut amid the pandemic to survive. Moss has gone to the food bank, and she shares her supply with a neighbor who still is in her home. She has made me think that I still have purpose in this life, Moss said of her daughter. Moss cuts the grass and tends to her plants, and she does the same for some of the vacant houses nearby. The small, manicured lawns are a departure from the dumpsters and debris. She said it helps keep her mind off the despair of her situation. She is trying to focus on the good she is alive, her daughter is alive, and they still have a house, even if it slants. Targeting a loophole Mayor Sylvester Turner hopes to bring a list of reforms recommended by Houston Fire Chief Sam Pena to city council by August, his office said. They include closing a loophole that fails to account for chemicals stored outdoors, like the propylene tank at Watson; adding a second hazmat unit to the departments arsenal; and adopting the 2015 International Fire Code, with an amendment that would require companies to inspect storage tanks and piping on an annual basis, Pena said. Those changes directly address issues involved in the Watson blast. Other measures had been in the works before the explosion. Pena said the department implemented a risk-based inspection schedule in February, which prioritizes the 75,000-plus commercial businesses in Houston so more dangerous ones get inspected more regularly. While those changes could help prevent future explosions, they will not help Westbranch residents facing massive repair and reconstruction bills. The federal government has pitched in some money for that effort. At Gov. Greg Abbotts request, the Small Business Administration declared a disaster after the explosion, allowing businesses and homeowners to take out low-interest loans to help cover those costs. As of May, the SBA had given out 35 loans worth just over $2 million. Isgur, the federal judge overseeing Watsons bankruptcy proceedings, in May unfroze the personal lawsuits against Watson filed by residents. That creates a final window for residents to pursue claims against the company, which closes July 8. After that, residents will not be able to sue Watson. At the end of October, the judge will issue a ruling on whether the individual cases proceed in state or federal court, according to Robert Kwok, a lawyer who represents several Westbranch residents. Lawyers also are negotiating payouts with Watson, according to Kwok, who added that they also expect to pursue lawsuits against other companies, such as the firm that supplied the propylene. Carole Goff, 65, has lived on Bridgeland for decades and is semi-retired. She went to bed on a Thursday night, she said, and when she woke up everything had changed. Goff did not have insurance when the explosion occurred, so her only recourse is a long legal slog. She has done some patch-work around the house, but she has not been able to pursue the more robust repairs her home needs. To say its been disruptive is an understatement, she said. This isnt a wealthy neighborhood by any means. The many people whose only hope for financial relief is tied up in those lawsuits Goff, Moss and Peters among them can only wait, hoping it wont take forever and a day, Goff said. Theres no guarantees, she added. Thats even worse, and I hate to think about that. dylan.mcguinness@chron.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 00:52:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over the first plenary meeting of the 19th session of the 13th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 18, 2020. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature on Thursday started a session to review a draft law on administrative discipline for government employees, and a draft law on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, among other documents. Li Zhanshu, chairman of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presided over the first plenary meeting of the committee's 19th session on Thursday morning. The session will run until June 20. The draft law on administrative discipline for government employees was submitted to the session for its third reading. The latest draft, among others, establishes a mechanism to correct wrong decisions on administrative discipline. Also on the lawmakers' table was a draft revision to the Law on the People's Armed Police Force, which was submitted for a second reading. The lawmakers also began to review the second draft revision to the Archives Law, which further pushes for opening and using archives, strengthens the archives' digitalization, and ensures information security. The NPC Constitution and Law Committee considered the above three drafts as ready, and proposed their adoption at the session. A draft law on safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China was submitted to the session for deliberation. The move was to implement the spirit and requirements of the NPC Decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the HKSAR to Safeguard National Security, which was adopted at the third session of the 13th NPC in May. Entrusted by the Council of Chairpersons, Shen Chunyao, director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, briefed lawmakers on the draft. Other new legislative bills presented to the session included draft laws on promoting rural vitalization, and support for veterans. Lawmakers are also deliberating a proposal on joining the Arms Trade Treaty. Other documents for review at the session included a report on the central government's 2019 final accounts, an audit report on the execution of the central government's 2019 budget, and other fiscal revenue and expenditure, as well as a report on the examination results of the draft 2019 final accounts. The report on final accounts highlights five areas as the next step, including stabilizing and expanding employment, ensuring and improving people's livelihoods, and supporting the development of market entities against challenges. The audit report raises suggestions on advancing fiscal and financial system reforms, and further enforcing a proactive fiscal policy, among others. Personnel matters will also be discussed at the session. Enditem Were not only living through historic times as the pandemic cracks open fault lines in our society. History itself the story of the past is at issue. What was the extent of slavery in Australia? Is the version of history thats perpetuated by statues of Great Men one we want to live with? Was we may as well go there the European settlement of Australia tantamount to genocide? The defaced statue of Captain Cook in the Edinburgh Gardens, North Fitzroy. Credit:Penny Stephens I wasnt taught that at school is a common cry from people who grew up with the privilege of not inheriting a history of oppression when confronted with the uncomfortable truth. Well, no, of course you werent. Because academic history has a fault line of its own. It relies on evidence archives and written records created by the winners of history. And a lot of the ugly stuff was simply left out. That might be why a lot of writers who are interested in the past, and how it got us to today, are writing fiction. When the records of what happened arent there, but the results clearly are, the best way to tell the truth can be to make it up. Pakistan's Supreme Court has rejected a government request to begin impeachment proceedings against a judge who has been critical of the country's powerful military. The June 19 ruling is seen as a significant rebuke to the military's influence over civilian institutions and is being hailed as a milestone for democracy in the South Asian country. A 10-judge bench quashed the government's request against fellow justice Qazi Faez Isa, who is on track to become the chief justice of Pakistan by 2023. "It is a great day for Pakistans struggle for rule of law and democracy, said Hamid Khan, one of the lawyers for the judge. Bar associations, rights activists, and opposition political parties welcomed the decision, saying it would strengthen the judicial system. The government had asked the Supreme Judicial Council, a body for the impeachment of judges, to remove Isa, alleging his wife's properties in London might have been bought with illicit money. The judge's wife, a daughter of a billionaire landlord, testified before the bench that she had bought properties with the money she got from her father. Critics said the government was trying to remove Isa because of a previous ruling critical of the military. Pakistan's generals hold considerable sway over the country but have had hostile relations with judges. In 2007, then military ruler Pervez Musharraf purged the top judiciary to avert legal challenges to his rule. More recently, a judge was removed in 2018 after he had accused the agents of a spy agency of trying to manipulate the judiciary. Isa came into the limelight when he criticized the military for allegedly supporting violent protests by a radical Islamists group, which is in favor of the countrys controversial blasphemy laws. In a ruling last year Isa observed that the military used the pro-blasphemy group to stage protests in 2017 to weaken the government of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Sharif, a three-time ex-premier who was ultimately removed by the Supreme Court in 2017 due to similar accusations of corrupt property transactions, remains one of Pakistan's most popular pro-democracy leaders. Military generals have ruled Pakistan for almost half of its existence. There were allegations the military manipulated national elections in 2018 that brought Prime Minister Imran Khan to power, who is seen as a pro-army leader The NYPD cop who ripped down a protester's mask to pepper spray him in the face bragged about the incident to his colleagues, newly released bodycam footage has revealed. The officer, who has not been officially named but was identified by Business Insider as Michael Sher, was caught on camera pulling down black man Andrew Smith's mask and spraying the chemical agent in his face during a George Floyd demonstration in Brooklyn on May 30. New footage taken from the cop's own bodycam and released Tuesday by the NYPD shows the officer then gloated about the shocking incident to his fellow officers moments after the attack. 'I took the guy's goggles, I ripped the s** off and I used it,' Sher is heard bragging. The latest insight into the incident comes as Smith is calling for the cop to face 'great consequences' and his attorney is demanding answers over why criminal charges are yet to be filed. The NYPD cop who ripped down a protester's mask to pepper spray him in the face bragged about the incident to his colleagues, newly released bodycam footage has revealed The officer, who has not been officially named but was identified by Business Insider as Michael Sher, was caught on camera pulling down black man Andrew Smith's mask (left following the attack) and spraying the chemical agent in his face The NYPD confirmed the department's Internal Affairs Bureau concluded its investigation into the matter and the cop was suspended without pay, in a statement released on June 5. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez's office also launched an investigation 'shortly after the incident,' spokesperson Oren Yaniv told Insider. 'It's an active investigation and we are looking, among other things, to interview other potential victims and witnesses that were seen in the bodycam video,' he said. However almost three weeks on and Sher is yet to face charges over the incident, which was widely shared on social media, sparking fresh outrage amid ongoing protests over police brutality. In the footage, Smith is seen standing among other protesters with both arms up in the air. He is heard telling the officer, 'don't touch me,' before the cop, unprovoked, yanks down his mask and sprays him directly in the face. Smith broke his silence over the alleged assault this week, describing the feeling of the close range pepper spraying as a 'searing pain'. Victim Andrew Smith told NBC New York (above) he wanted the cop to face 'great consequences' over the attack The victim said he wasn't surprised at the cop's actions but urged the city to give him more than 'a slap on the wrist' for the attack. 'There should be great consequences for that and not just a slap on the wrist,' Smith told NBC New York. 'At a certain level, I've come to expect the police to do things that they shouldn't do,' Smith added. Smith's attorney, Alain Messena, is calling for the cop to be charged with assault. 'They have had this information for at least a week. It begs the question, what are you waiting for? Why hasn't this officer been arrested? Why hasn't this officer been charged?,' Messena wrote in a letter to Gonzalez cited by NBC. 'Andrew Smith has patiently given the Kings County District Attorney's Office the benefit of the doubt. We are beginning to question whether the close ties between NYPD and the District Attorney's Office is preventing the office from charging this officer. If true, that is unacceptable.' A law enforcement source told Insider that investigations into police violence are not being rushed because in-person court proceedings are adjourned until October due to the COVID-19 pandemic. DailyMail.com's request for comment from the NYPD over the new footage and the identity of the officer involved was simply directed to the June 5 statement confirming a cop was suspended. Gonzalez's office told DailyMail.com in a statement that the 'case is under an active investigation and prosecutors are endeavoring, among other things, to speak with other potential victims and witnesses that are seen in the body cam video'. Body cam footage shows the moment the cop approached the protester (pictured in a red mask) and told him to stand back while pushing him When Smith replies 'Don't touch me', the officer immediately yanks down his mask and sprays him in the face Video of the incident was first shared on Twitter by Anju J. Rupchandani who said he was a 'family member' of the victim. 'I am heartbroken and disgusted to see one of my family members a young black man w/his hands up peacefully protesting and an NYPD officer pulls down his mask and pepper sprays him,' wrote Rupchandani. The NYPD on Tuesday released two clips from body camera footage of the incident, showing cops gratuitously discharging the irritant on peaceful protesters in a bid to disperse crowds. As hundreds of protesters gather on the street, the cops are heard repeatedly telling people to stand back while a police cruiser tries to make its way through in the background. 'Stand back, stand back, stand back!' The officers shout, while using their batons to push people out of the way. Many of the protesters appear calm and are holding their hands up in the air. At one point, one of the officers is seen telling Smith, dressed in a black graphic t-shirt and a red protective mask, to step away while pushing him back. Sher then unloads the canister of gas into Smith's face, who screams in pain before walking away holding his face. An agency photo captured the moment the officer, who has not been officially identified, discharges pepper spray onto the man's face The NYPD has come under fire in recent weeks after some officers have been caught on camera violently attacking protesters demanding an end to police brutality and systemic racism after the death of black man George Floyd at the hands of a white cop in Minneapolis. Cop Vincent D'Andraia was charged with assault after he threw a female protester to the ground in an unprovoked attack in Brooklyn at the end of May. In another incident in Brooklyn, an NYPD cruiser was seen deliberately plowing into protesters, ramming them out the way. Police Commissioner Dermot Shea has condemned the actions of some officers. 'The actions by these officers stand apart from the restrained work of the thousands of other officers who have worked tirelessly to protect those who are peacefully protesting and keep all New Yorkers safe,' Shea said. 'While the investigations have to play out, based on the severity of what we saw, it is appropriate and necessary to assure the public that there will be transparency during the disciplinary process.' New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio this week announced sweeping measures to make the NYPD more transparent including the launch of a new disciplinary database as calls are mounting for widespread police reform and the altogether defunding of the force. He also announced a new rule requiring police to release all body camera footage of shootings and other instances when force is used and injury or death occurs, within 30 days of the incident. It overturns a policy that gave the New York Police Department wide discretion on when it made the videos public. Sushant Singh Rajput's untimely demise by suicide has re-ignited the debate of nepotism, lobbying and favouritism in Bollywood on social media. After filmmaker Abhinav Kashyap accused Salman Khan of sabotaging his career and Raveena Tandon tweeted on Bollywood camps and dirty politics within the film industry, actor Abhay Deol has come forward to share his thoughts on lobbying culture in the showbiz. The actor claimed that when Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara released in 2011, almost all the awards ceremonies "demoted" him and Farhan Akhtar from main leads, and only nominated Hrithik Roshan as actor in a leading role." "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, released in 2011. Need to chant this title to myself everyday nowadays! Also a great watch when anxious or stressed. I would like to mention that almost all the award functions demoted me and Farhan from main leads, and nominated us as supporting actors. Hrithik and Katrina were nominated as 'actors in a leading role.' So by the industrys own logic, this was a film about a man and a woman falling in love, with the man supported by his friends for whatever decisions he takes. There are many covert and overt ways in which people in the industry lobby against you. In this case it was shamelessly overt. I of course boycotted the awards but Farhan was ok with it. #familyfareawards," Abhay wrote. Sushant passed away on June 14. He died by suicide, Mumbai police confirmed. A criminal complaint was also filed in a court in Bihar on Wednesday, accusing Bollywood celebrities like Salman Khan, Karan Johar, Ekta Kapoor, Aditya Chopra and Sanjay Leela Bhansali of abetting the suicide of Sushant. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (June 19) paid his tributes to Jain saint Acharya Mahapragya on his 100th birth anniversary. Addressing people through a video message on the occasion, the Prime Minister stated that Acharya Mahapragya has been called Swami Vivekanand of modern times. "Acharya Mahapragya ji used to say that if you leave me and mine then everything will be yours. His mantra, his philosophy was also clearly visible in his life," PM Modi stated. The Prime Minister said that former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee too was a follower of Acharya Mahapragya. "Our Atal ji, who himself was a connoisseur of literature, used to often say, 'I am an admirer of Acharya Mahapragya's literature, the depth of his literature, his words and his knowledge'," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister added that he feels fortunate to have worked with two great personalities Acharya Mahapragya and APJ Abdul Kalam. About Acharya Mahapragya: Acharya Shri Mahapragya was the tenth head of the Svetambar Terapanth order of Jainism. Mahapragya was a saint, yogi, spiritual leader, philosopher, author, orator, and poet. Mahapragya played a major role in Anuvrat movement launched by his Guru Acharya Tulsi in 1949, and became the acknowledged leader of the movement in 1995. He formulated the well organized Preksha meditation system in the 1970s and developed the 'Science of Living' education system which is a practical approach for the balanced development of a student and his character building. Mahapragya, an apostle of nonviolence, launched the Ahimsa Yatra movement in 2001 which continued until 2009 to promote non-violence and harmony. On Thursday, Travis County issued an order that requires businesses to mandate a face mask policy for its customers until Aug. 15. The order comes after Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff issued a similar order on Wednesday. Wolff issued the face mask order after Bexar County recorded 436 new cases on Tuesday - the largest single-day increase since the start of the pandemic. The order was issued despite Gov. Greg Abbott forbidding cities and counties from requiring residents to wear face coverings. Although, face coverings are encouraged. RELATED: Wolff finds way around governor; by Monday, masks will be required at all businesses in Bexar County However, Abbott didn't object to Wolff's order, telling Waco news station KWTX on Wednesday that his order allowed counties to impose those restrictions on businesses all along. Businesses in Bexar County that don't comply with the new order could be fined up to $1,000 fine. Dallas County and Harris County also joined the face mask business mandate on Friday. Below are orders similar to Bexar County's. Angelina Jolie has said she separated from Brad Pitt for the wellbeing of her family, and continues to focus on their healing. The Hollywood star, 45, shares three biological and three adopted children with Pitt, 56. They met on the set of Mr & Mrs Smith in 2005 and married in 2014 before Jolie filed for divorce in September 2016. Expand Close Angelina Jolie with children, left to right, Vivienne Marcheline, Zahara Marley, Shiloh Nouvel and Knox Leon (Ian West/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Angelina Jolie with children, left to right, Vivienne Marcheline, Zahara Marley, Shiloh Nouvel and Knox Leon (Ian West/PA) The actress, director and humanitarian told Vogue Global Network: I separated for the wellbeing of my family. It was the right decision. I continue to focus on their healing. Some have taken advantage of my silence, and the children see lies about themselves in the media, but I remind them that they know their own truth and their own minds. In fact, they are six very brave, very strong young people. The pairs eldest sons, Maddox and Pax, are from Cambodia and Vietnam respectively, countries that were at war during periods of the 1970s and 1980s. Jolie admitted to having second thoughts about their adoption, saying: Its true, I did think about that. I did originally think not to adopt from Vietnam because Mad was Cambodian and the two countries have a complex history. Then I was reading a book on human rights and found myself staring at an image of a Vietnamese fighter held captive by Americans. Video of the Day I thought of my own country and our involvement in south-east Asia. I thought of focusing on a future where we were all family. I am very blessed to have been allowed to be their mom. I am grateful every day. Expand Close Angelina Jolie speaks at a summit to end sexual violence in conflict (Lefteris Pitarakis/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Angelina Jolie speaks at a summit to end sexual violence in conflict (Lefteris Pitarakis/PA) Ahead of World Refugee Day on June 20, Jolie also addressed the challenges of raising children from different backgrounds. She said: Each is a beautiful way of becoming family. What is important is to speak with openness about all of it and to share. Adoption and orphanage are positive words in our home. With my adopted children, I cant speak of pregnancy, but I speak with much detail and love about the journey to find them and what it was like to look in their eyes for the first time. All adopted children come with a beautiful mystery of a world that is meeting yours. When they are from another race and foreign land that mystery, that gift, is so full. For them, they must never lose touch with where they came from. They have roots that you do not. Honour them. Learn from them. Its the most amazing journey to share. They are not entering your world, you are entering each others worlds. Read the full interview at vogue.in/culture-and-living/content/angelina-jolie-on-the-global-refugee-crisis-motherhood-and-covid-19 Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 18:47:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CHANGSHA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Wei Chuanzhong, former deputy head of China's quality watchdog, was sentenced to life in prison Friday on charges of bribery by the Intermediate People's Court of Chenzhou in central China's Hunan Province. Wei, former deputy director of the now-defunct General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and former president of the China Inspection and Testing Society, was ordered by the court to have all his personal assets confiscated and turn over all illicit gains and their interests to the national treasury. The court found that between 2001 and 2019, Wei used his various positions to seek benefits for organizations and individuals in obtaining industrial licenses, project biddings and personnel promotions, and in return illegally accepted money and goods worth over 123 million yuan (about 17.35 million U.S. dollars). Wei was given a lenient punishment since he confessed to his crimes, pled guilty, showed repentance, and voluntarily surrendered part of his illicit gains, said the court. Enditem The nationwide clamour for boycott of Chinese goods is getting louder amid the Ladakh face-off, with traders urging the Centre to direct e-commerce firms to restrict the sale of items from the Dragonland, which imports products worth USD 74 billion to India annually. Of the total import from China, retail traders sell goods worth around USD 17 billion, mostly comprising toys, household items, mobiles, electric and electronic goods and cosmetics among other things, which could possibly be replaced by Indian products, a national trading body said. "We, at 'Federation of All India Vyapar Mandal', are advising our members to clear their stocks of Chinese products and refrain from placing fresh orders. We are also requesting the government to restrict e-commerce companies from selling Chinese products," V K Bansal, the association's general secretary, told PTI. Sushil Poddar, the president of the Confederation of West Bengal Traders Association, said its members have been told to shun trading in Chinese goods as much as possible. Another national traders' body, The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), has decided to step up its movement against the boycott of Chinese goods, under its campaign 'Bhartiya Samaan-Hamara Abhimaan'. It released a list of over 450 broad categories of commodities, comprising 3,000 Chinese products. CAIT has also written an open letter to several celebrities, asking them to stop endorsing made-in China products. New Mexico could be closer to a solution aimed at reducing the use of flaring in its oilfields through a partnership with one of the Permian Basins major operators. Flaring, or the burning of natural gas associated with oil extraction, became controversial as environmentalists argued it wasted a valuable resource and creates air pollution while industry leaders contended the practice was an essential activity in operations to safely pressurize wells and eliminate waste. Its commonly used in southeast New Mexicos Permian oilfields that also cross over into West Texas. EOG and New Mexicos Oil Conservation Division (OCD) announced successful results of a pilot project aimed at reducing flaring in existing operations. The project addressed temporary shutdowns of third party pipelines at a time when operations throughout the industry were curtailed due to shrinking fuel demand and oil prices amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Gas was looped back into active wells during an outage instead of flaring it and reintroduced the gas back into the system when pipeline operations were restored. The project marked the first time any such technology was used in New Mexico and could not only reduce flaring but allow the captured gas to return to production and be sold instead of released into the atmosphere through flaring. Adrienne Sandoval, director of the OCD said cutting flaring was a major goal of the Division, and the State intended to work with industry leaders to develop solutions. The Oil Conservation Division is always looking for innovative solutions to problems, Sandoval said. EOGs successful trial of this pilot project could provide a creative and effective solution to reduce flaring in the oil and gas industry, which is a top priority for this administration. EOG Chief Operating Officer Billy Helms said the company was committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions created by the industry and partnering with the state to develop solutions to protect the environment while making operations more cost-efficient. EOG is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our oilfield operations, and we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the state to develop technologically-innovative projects that both support economic growth and environmental stewardship, Helms said. We commend the administrations efforts, and we look forward to proactively working together on future projects. A report from energy research firm Rystad Energy said carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions related to flaring could see a record low levels in the Permian Basin by the end of 2020, as production continued to slow to meet a lower market demand. While the average level of CO2 at about 8 kilograms (kg) per barrel of oil produced in March, the report estimated it could drop as low as about 4 kg of CO2 per barrel by November. With fracking levels reaching record-low levels in the second half of 2020, and less new production expected, the report expected a substantial drop in wellhead flaring from 500 to 600 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd) between November 2019 to March 2020 to just 220 to 280 MMcfd in the second half of 2020. In (the second half of 2020) a material part of Permian oil production is being curtailed, resulting in an abnormal oil production decline that is supporting emission intensity at a level of 78 kg CO2 per barrel, despite continuous deceleration in flaring, said Artem Abramov, Rystads head of shale research. However, assuming that most volumes are brought back in 2H20, we anticipate a significant downward shift in flaring-driven emission intensity. Most of the Permians flaring occurs near the Texas-New Mexico border within the Delaware Basin a western region of the Permian in Loving and Reeves county in Texas and southeast New Mexico, the report read, with very little flaring in the Midland Basin region in the eastern portion of the Permian. In 2018 alone, Texas producers flared about $749 million in natural gas, read a report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis which called on the Texas Railroad Commission to enact regulations to curb the practice and ultimately stop it altogether. In the aftermath of the oil price collapse of the 1980s, the same bumper sticker could be seen all across Texas: Please, God, give us one more boom. We promise not to piss this one away. In the current price collapse and anticipation of a boomlet, prayer has been abandoned and the industry is burning surplus gas to prop up oil and gas prices. It is not working, the report read. The Commission heard concerns from environmentalists and industry leaders regarding flaring regulations during a Tuesday public hearing and discussed some reforms the state could make to curb the use of flaring. Such proposals included reducing the time an administrative approval can be provided for flaring by half, along with efforts to increase clarity on data submissions related to flaring provided by operators. I am very concerned by the rate of flaring in Texas, said Railroad Commission Chairman Wayne Christian. We cannot continue to waste this much natural gas and allow the practice of flaring to tarnish the reputation of our states thriving energy sector to the general public and investors on Wall Street. But environmentalists chided the Commission for not doing enough in combating the practice of flaring, a process many considered wasteful and dangerous to the environment. Colin Leyden, director of regulatory and legislative affairs at the Environmental Defense Fund said the Commission should make it a goal to stop flaring by 2025. The unnecessary waste and pollution from routine flaring is an affront to the values we all hold true, Leyden said. Thats why you hear everyone from mineral owners, investors and environmentalists, to oil and gas companies themselves, calling for an end to flaring. Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter. 2020 the Carlsbad Current-Argus (Carlsbad, N.M.) Visit the Carlsbad Current-Argus (Carlsbad, N.M.) at www.currentargus.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Seven new regions have moved into Stage 2 of reopening on Friday, June 19, joining 24 other public health units who already made the move a week earlier. The newly opened regions include: Durham Region Health Department Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit Halton Region Health Department Hamilton Public Health Services Lambton Health Unit Niagara Region Public Health Department York Region Public Health Services It will allow services such as restaurants, hair salons and shopping malls to reopen throughout the majority of the province. People in Toronto, Peel and Windsor-Essex will remain in Stage 1 for the time being. Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott said the numbers of cases in these regions are higher than health officials would like, but they are very close. Although some of these regions still in Stage 1 are quite close to other areas moving into Stage 2, the premier and health officials did not express particular concern about travel between these areas, saying the remaining regions should be moving into the next stage soon. The limit on social gatherings has been expanded from five to 10 people for all regions, both inside and outside, with the two-metre physical distancing rule still in place. The following businesses and services are permitted to reopen in Stage 2: Outdoor dine-in services at restaurants, bars and other establishments, including patios, curbside, parking lots and adjacent properties Select personal services and personal care services with the proper health and safety measures in place, including tattoo parlours, barber shops, hair salons and beauty salons Shopping malls under existing restrictions, including food services reopening for take-out and outdoor dining only Tour and guide services, such as bike and walking, bus and boat tours, as well as tasting and tours for wineries, breweries and distilleries Water recreational facilities such as outdoor splash pads and wading pools, and all swimming pools Beach access and additional camping at Ontario Parks Camping at private campgrounds Outdoor-only recreational facilities and training for outdoor team sports, with limits to enable physical distancing Drive-in and drive-through venues for theatres, concerts, animal attractions and cultural appreciation, such as art installations Film and television production activities, with limits to enable physical distancing Weddings and funerals, with limits on social gatherings to 10 people Story continues Premier Ford said there will be no travel restrictions in place across the province, including travel to camp grounds and cottage country. Elliott said the province will provide a progress report every Monday on the public health units remaining in the first stage. Please be patient, were going to get there very, very soon, Ford said. GLENS FALLS Supporters of President Donald Trump who are tired of being bullied into silence by the progressive left are taking legal action against the city, claiming it is violating their First Amendment right to free speech and peaceful assembly. A lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York on Tuesday by the American Patriot Express seeks to declare a city law requiring a permit for rallies and marches with 25 or more people unconstitutional. The lawsuit claims the city has unconstitutionally abridged their rights to assemble. It also calls the law unconstitutionally vague over broad" and states that that it " censors speech based upon its content and grants the city clerk limitless discretion through the permitting process. Senior Judge Lawrence E. Kahn signed an emergency temporary restraining order, halting enforcement of the local law until a decision can be made. The First Amendment means that people dont need a government permit before they speak and assemble, American Patriot Express attorney Adam Giangreco said. Glens Falls violated this basic constitutional tenant by requiring permits." Glens Falls Mayor Daniel Hall, who is named in the lawsuit, was among those who approved the city law in February, a move to tamp down the fiery clashes between those protesting the policies of Trump and U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik,, a Republican whose office is in Glens Falls, and those who support them. In 2019, at least three protests turned ugly. In September, a Times Union reporter described one as a tense and profanity-laced powder keg. And one last December devolved with the American Patriot Express and the North Country Deplorables using a bullhorn to blare taunts such as "Go home communists" and "Arrest Obama" at the protesters singing "Silent Night" and calling for Trump's impeachment. Mayor Hall, who is a Democrat, said he had no comment on the lawsuit. City Attorney Ron Newell did not return a Times Union phone call seeking comment. The city law states that it was created to "preserve the public health, safety and welfare of its residents." It acknowledges the First Amendment but notes "these constitutional privileges are not unlimited as it pertains to maintaining public safety. The City of Glens Falls may impose reasonable time, place and manner restrictions." Joe Seeman, a state Assembly candidate who has organized many protests in Glens Falls, said he has no issue with the permits. He believes they are helpful to keep the peace as the permit brings in the police to protect the protesters. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. "The problem is not the permits," Seeman said. "The problem is the Trumpers got into people's faces. They blasted sirens in our ears while we are singing 'God Bless America.' ... There are non violent protesters, I was one of them, going to Stefanik's office calling for justice and they came and tried to physically intimidate us, to pick a fight. Permits says we can be there and the police have to protect us. We shouldn't have to have police protection, but it keeps the counter protesters at a distance." He said progressives would never go to a Republican rally and try to break it up by intimidation because "we respect them. That is their right." In addition to the number of people assembled, the law can impose a $250 fine for those who don't comply. The lawsuit contends American Patriot Express has had to impose self-censorship over fears of being fined. The law also calls for a protest organizer to apply for a permit at least 14 days in advance. However, a permit may take up to 28 days to issue. That's a problem for the American Patriot Express, which coalesced spontaneously in response to the anti-Trump and/or Stefanik protesters' actions. The lawsuit notes that the permitting time frame effectively silences the American Patriot Express. "A spontaneous demonstration or protest on a topical issue will almost inevitably attract more participants and more press attention, and generate more emotion, than the same speech 28 days later," Giangreco said. "Where spontaneity is part of the message, dissemination delayed is dissemination denied. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 19) Victory Liner, one of the country's largest provincial bus companies, has let go of 400 employees and may relieve more in the coming months due to the ongoing pandemic crisis, its spokesman said Friday. Alex Briones, a spokesperson for Victory Liner, said laid off were 300 drivers and conductors under probation, while 100 administration staff, inspectors and others were given early retirement with benefits. Briones said they may also relieve up to 1,000 workers in the "next wave" of retrenchment due to possible adjustments in the transport industry such as going cashless and reducing passenger capacity. He admitted that the limitations on mass transportation took a toll on the company, adding that its 1,200 buses were unable to operate. "Walang pumapasok na pera sa company," Briones told CNN Philippines in a phone call. "Medyo hirap na kami financially." [Translation: There is no money coming in. We are struggling financially.] Due to the spread of the coronavirus, the government imposed quarantine restrictions including putting a halt to public transportation for the past three months. Briones assured that the company has been giving aid in the form of food and loans to their employees during the lockdown. Victory Liner is the latest casualty in the transportation sector after a few local airlines also retrenched. CNN Philippines Correspondent Paolo Barcelon and Digital Producer Janine Peralta contributed to this report. Over the past few weeks, we have found ourselves as a country having very uncomfortable, but vital, conversations about race and inequality. The murders of George Floyd and others have set off protests across the world and churned up an all-too-familiar hurt, which can be traced back hundreds of years through many generations. Despite a global pandemic, people are taking to the streets to march, protest, and express their feelings. They are risking their health to demand change. On June 19, 1865, news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas, the farthest outreach of the Confederacy, freeing the last remaining slaves more than two years after the law had taken effect. Upon hearing the news, the freed slaves celebrated with dancing, prayers, and feasts. The following year, the first Juneteenth celebration took place. Over the next few years, the tradition spread across the states as other African Americans began celebrating, making it an annual tradition. The culmination of this has been parades, gatherings, and the celebration of African American achievements and culture. Even now, over 150 years later, the idea of delayed freedom still resonates. What is freedom when you're perceived and treated as less than human or automatically labeled a criminal? From the original Juneteenth until now, African Americans have endured a continuous fight for equality and an altogether different kind of freedom. This year, as more companies acknowledge the holiday, it is the duty of business leaders to pause to understand and empathize not only with their employees, but also with their customers, genuinely and authentically. It is no longer enough to say that you are "not racist." It is time to categorically reject racism, and to promote diversity and inclusion. Action must now be taken that can be felt by the marginalized and people of color, in your company and in society as a whole. Being a business leader means adapting, changing, and seeing your team and your customers through empathetic eyes. Not having to deal with, or even being aware of, the daily microaggressions, labels of otherness, and marginalization that minorities struggle with everyday is a privilege. While being privileged can hinder authentic understanding, being a faithful ally means educating yourself in the struggles experienced by blacks, indigenous peoples, and people of color (collectively, BI-POC), and being able to speak and allowing your team to speak about these experiences without the need of romanticized narratives. Confronting our complicity in a racist system is hard, uncomfortable, and exhausting work. But it is necessary, and it will be rewarding. Stepping outside of yourself and asking hard questions, being honest and forgiving, and putting in the work to recognize our biases will allow growth and promote understanding. Having uncomfortable conversations with staff, acknowledging past mistakes made as a company, and uplifting the underprivileged is how we move toward eradicating racism. It is not enough to not be racist. We need to be antiracist. Taking the first step toward this shift in attitude and company culture is educating yourself on the issues facing people of color. Given the current state of the world, developing a long-overdue culture of understanding and antiracist attitudes should be at the top of every leader's to-do list. Reading the following books is a place to start. So You Want to Talk About Race, by Ijeoma Oluo In So You Want to Talk About Race, Oluo asks people of all races to begin having honest conversations about race, prompting many companies to add it to their required reading list. It can give business leaders and entrepreneurs clear and honest language to engage in confident conversations involving race and racial prejudices. How to Be an Antiracist, by Ibram X. Kendi This poignant and thought-provoking book points us toward new ways of thinking about ourselves and one another. How to Be an Antiracist is important reading for any business leader who wants to go beyond awareness to contribute to the creation of a truly just and equitable society. Check Your Privilege, by Myisha T Check Your Privilege requires a pause to make time for self-reflection and the building of connection through relationships, which is a lifelong journey. While using stories of personal growth and vulnerability, this book provides an eye-opening experience that leads to a desire to move beyond simple activism into a true alliance. Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates Written as a letter to a teenage son, Between the World and Me attempts to explain the intricate and complex world that a black man needs to navigate. Using personal narrative and history to guide his son through the realities of life that millions of people face every day, Coates helps readers gain a deeper understanding of these experiences and, with this newfound perspective, relate on a more profound level to black male employees and customers. Black Wealth/White Wealth: A New Perspective on Racial Inequality, by Melvin L. Oliver and Thomas M. Shapiro Police hunting Myanmar man for repeated rape of 15-year-old girl PHUKET: Police are hunting for a Myanmar man accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old girl staying at the same workers camp in Pa Khlok. crimeviolencesexMyanmarpolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Friday 19 June 2020, 08:39AM The area outside the shack where the daughter sleeps, and where she was repeatedly raped. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The mother with her daughter at the camp. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Lt Col Saksan Khomsakhon, Thalang Police Deputy Chief of Investigation, confirmed that the girls mother brought her daughter to the police station to file a formal complaint on Monday (June 15), as the mother had only just learned of her daughters ordeal. Her daughter had been raped by the same man four times in the past three weeks. Police searched the workers camp, located in Moo 8 Pa Khlok, but failed to find the man, reported to be 30 years old, Lt Col Saksan explained. Police are now in the process of obtaining a warrant for the mans arrest, he added. Right now, we know who the man is. We did go to the camp, but we did not see him, Lt Col Seksan explained. Meanwhile, police are still investigating the complaint and questioning witnesses, he said. Police took the girl to for an examination at Thalang Hospital. Right now, we are still waiting for the examination result in order to be used as supporting evidence in the request for an arrest warrant, Lt Col Seksan explained. Lt Col Seksan declined to speak further about the case, pointing out that Thalang Police officer Capt Kraisorn Boonprasop is leading the investigation. However, Capt Kraisorn has been unavailable to answer questions to The Phuket News. Police will rush to arrest the man as fast as we can, Lt Col Saksan assured. Speaking to reporters at the camp, the mother explained that she is a construction worker and lived on site with her 15-year-old daughter from a previous long-term relationship, as well as her current partner and their one-year-old baby boy. Currently, my daughter has to be at the camp to take care of her baby brother, as her school has not opened yet. She normally sleeps and does her activities in front of our shack, where I have used plastic sacks as the walls, the mother explained. Late afternoon on June 15, my daughter looked depressed, so I asked her what happened. She told me about the rape, and then I took her to the police station. Police worked slowly, so I posted the story on Facebook. I hope people will help to catch the man, she said. Now we feel insecure, and I will take my daughter to stay at the shelter for children and families, the mother pointed out. The girl explained to reporters that she was taking care of her brother alone during the day on May 26 when the man asked her to have sex with him. He said he would give her B300. I refused and rushed inside the shack. Later, he came back and raped me. I tried to fight him, but I could not get away. After he finished, he threw B300 on my chest and ran away, the girl said. The man returned at around 9pm on May 30. He covered her mouth with his hands, and again left money before he left, she said. The third time was on June 5, and the fourth time, on June 9, he raped me and told me that he would attack my brother if I made any noise or called for help, the girl said. Im so sad and afraid that he will return. I want police to arrest him as fast as possible, the girl pleaded. Now, I always keep close to my mother, as I have still seen him walking around. but if Im with my mum, he will not do any such thing, she said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. An alleged gang member gave cops a fake name when they arrested him five months ago in New Brighton. But the gun Jahquan Jordan was carrying was real, and so is his prison sentence. Jordan was sentenced Thursday under a plea agreement to two years behind bars, plus two years post-release supervision. The incident occurred about 8 p.m. on Jan. 23. Sharp-eyed cops spotted Jordan, who was wanted on a prior complaint, on Brighton Avenue near Jersey Street, said police. Online state court records show a warrant for Jordans arrest had been issued the day before in Brooklyn state Supreme Court for failure to appear in court. Jordan, who was free on his own recognizance, was awaiting sentence in Brooklyn for a prior conviction of attempted-criminal weapon possession, said those records. He has yet to be sentenced in that case. When officers approached the defendant, the defendant bolted. Jordan didnt get far; he was nabbed a short distance away near Brighton Avenue and Tilden Street, police said. Cops found a loaded Hi-Point .40-caliber handgun in his possession, said a police spokeswoman. The defendant, then 20, gave officers a false name when they arrested him, police said. Field Intelligence and Anti-Crime officers from the 120th and 121st precincts assisted in the bust, according to a post on the 121st Precinct Twitter feed. Afterward, Police Commissioner Dermot Shea praised the officers. Last night, our Staten Island cops were hard at work, going into harms way to take this illegal/defaced firearm off our streets and arresting the gang member carrying it, Shea posted on his social media account. Another example of the great work your cops do every day. Last night, our Staten Island cops were hard at work, going into harms way to take this illegal/defaced firearm off our streets and arresting the gang member carrying it. Another example of the great work your cops do every day. pic.twitter.com/P4p4hacOU8 Commissioner Shea (@NYPDShea) January 24, 2020 Jordan was indicted on charges of criminal weapon possession, criminal firearm possession and resisting arrest. In March, he pleaded guilty in state Supreme Court, St. George, to a felony count of attempted second-degree criminal weapon possession to resolve the case. Hopefully, my client learns from this experience and uses his time wisely, defense lawyer Mark J. Fonte said. I am glad I was able to bring closure to the matter. Assistant District Attorney Andrew Botelho prosecuted the case. FLORENCE, Ariz. The Pinal County Board of Supervisors has approved agreements with two state universities related to the future Arizona Technology Corridor. Board members told the Casa Grande Dispatch that the corridor will highlight the countys business clusters near the interstate highways and promote the area as a place to build and collaborate with similar industries. Wednesdays agreement gives the county the benefit of University of Arizona research, planning and leadership. Total cost to the county will be $225,000 over an 18-month period. The board also approved an agreement with Arizona State University for the Seidman Research Institute to assess the economic potential of an inland port in Pinal County. The cost of the study is about $108,000 and is included in the countys new annual budget. For the last few weeks, many in our country have had their consciousness awakened to long-standing fundamental inequities disproportionately impacting communities and people of color. In the wake of the tragic murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others, and in the midst of a global pandemic, we have all been called to acknowledge and confront systemic racism. In Pennsylvania, the Legislative Black Caucus courageously advanced the policy conversation by demanding votes on languished police reforms, but the conversation cannot end there. We must have an open and honest conversation to address the racial and socioeconomic inequities and injustices in our public school system. It has been over 66 years since the United States Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional, based upon the belief that separate schools provided for unequal access to education and opportunity. Despite this ruling, racial and economic segregation persist in public education throughout the nation. Pennsylvania is no exception. The commonwealth ranks 44th in the nation in terms of its investment in education, paying only 38 percent of the cost of education on average. The responsibility to fund education is left to local communities that have vastly different abilities to raise necessary dollars. Consider these examples of local taxing capacity per weighted student an element of the Fair Funding Formula of neighboring school districts. If taxing at the same rate, Lower Merion School District would raise $32,441 per student, while Philadelphia School District and Norristown Area School District would only raise $3,685 and $7,505, respectively. In Lehigh County, Parkland School District would receive $13,260 per student at the same time that Allentown City School District would only generate $2,626. Across the state in Allegheny County, Montour School District would generate $14,805 per student while Sto-Rox School District only could expect $2,671. White student enrollment constitutes 14 percent of Philadelphia School District, 15 percent of Norristown Area School District, 9 percent of Allentown City SD, and 28 percent of Sto-Rox School District. On the other hand, white student enrollment hits 70 percent in Lower Merion School District, 64 percent in Parkland School District, and 85 percent in Montour School District. The state and federal funding added to the mix in these poorer, more racially diverse districts does little to level the playing field. In aggregate, Pennsylvanias wealthiest 100 school districts spend $5,284, or 48 percent, more per weighted student than the least advantaged 100 school districts. Starting with less less education, less access, less income, less opportunity makes the future that much harder. The pandemic has painted it in stark contrast. Some students were almost immediately connected to their teachers through technology, while others were working with photocopied worksheets. Money matters in education. When we address the systemic racial and socioeconomic inequities of our funding mechanisms, we will make real progress toward closing the achievement gap, where on average, white students score nearly two grade levels higher than black students. Along the way, we need to diversify Pennsylvanias 96 percent white educator workforce the least diverse in the country. We can combat these inequities and improve upon our near last ranking by increasing the states investments in education something we failed to do in the recently passed stop-gap budget. The Fair Funding Formula is the right vehicle, but it is only as good as the amount of funding running through it currently just 11.2 percent. That is like having a membership to a state-of-the-art gym and going twice a year. The culprit preventing every school district from receiving its fair share is a policy commonly called hold-harmless, which is really a misnomer. For many communities of color, the effect is hold-harmed. This policy guarantees a base amount for each school district, baking in the inequitable distributions of the past. If hold-harmed was eliminated, Norristown would receive an additional $16 million, Philadelphia an additional $402 million, Allentown an additional $87 million, and Sto-Rox an additional $3 million. What makes all of this even worse is that the stop gap budget set up a dangerous precedent of another year of hold-harmed further exacerbating this longstanding unfair funding structure. It is time to address these inequities once and for all. The Pennsylvania Legislature must start by getting to work to pass a full budget that prioritizes a quality education for all children, regardless of their race or zip code. The only way forward is to put the politics and the partisanship aside and work together to create a better Pennsylvania for everyone. Rep. Matt Bradford (Democratic Appropriations Chairman), Rep. Jordan Harris (Democratic Whip), and Rep. Frank Dermody (Minority Leader) are part of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Democratic Caucus leadership team. Ever since news broke that Prince Andrew has a direct connection and friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the Duke of York has always been protected by his royal titles and all the perks that come with it. The 60-year-old royal is said to be Queen Elizabeth II's favorite son, so there is no doubt that the Buckingham Palace will move a mountain to save Prince Andrew's ass from this scandal. After Epstein committed suicide inside a jail facility where he was detained, investigation on his decade long sexual abuse of minors has turned to his alleged co-conspirators and "clients," who also gained benefits from his cult of sex slaves. The pressure is mainly focused on the Prince, who earlier confessed not regretting his friendship with Epstein. Prince Andrew is now the target of the investigation, though he ha heas been reportedly nothing but a headache to the probing team. According to New York Southern District U.S Attorney Geoffrey Berman, for the past six months of investigation, the Duke of York and his legal counsel have been refusing to cooperate with the Department of Justice. Despite being protected by his royal bubble, an insider believes that the royal family failed to implement measures to safeguard Prince Andrew from the controversy. Least Protected Royal Speaking to Spectator USA, a friend of Prince Andrew suggested that out of all the individuals being linked to Jeffrey Epstein and his crimes, the Duke of York is the least protected when it comes to the protection given by their families. "The Prince was quite simply an easy target. Andrew was the least protected of all the individuals who knew Jeffrey Epstein - a lot less protected than Donald Trump or Bill Clinton or Ghislaine Maxwell, who has simply disappeared," the source said. "Andrew was a sitting duck, and he wasn't well protected by the team over at Buckingham Palace." The friend explained that he is not trying to criticize the Palace in the wrong way. However, he thinks that the British monarchy has not done enough to provide legal and media protection to the Prince. "That's not a criticism of the Palace. It's the way the Palace has to operate, over decades and centuries, not days and weeks. They simply don't have the freedom of maneuver to afford Andrew the legal and media protection he needs and deserves," the source added. Queen Elizabeth II's Unfair Treatment The opinion of Prince Andrew's friend came after a royal expert suggested that Queen Elizabeth II is being unfair to other royals, considering how she protects his favorite son. Speaking to Newsweek, royal correspondent Elaine Lui said that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle should get the same VIP treatment as Prince Andrew now that they are no longer considered as working royals. Earlier this year, the Evening Standard reported that authorities were reviewing Prince Andrew's round-the-clock armed protection. However, Her Majesty allegedly stepped in the narrative and requested the U.K. Metropolitan Police to continue protecting his son despite quitting from his royal duties. READ MORE: Unfair Queen! Queen Elizabeth II Discriminates Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Bhopal: Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday scored facile victories to enter the Rajya Sabha through rival parties in Madhya Pradesh. The BJP, which was placed comfortably to win two seats in the changed circumstances after toppling the Kamal Nath government, got a mild jolt when one of its legislators Gopilal Jatav voted for Congress candidate "by mistake". Another MLA Jugal Kishore Bagri had his vote rejected on technical grounds. The final tally for the four candidates in fray was: Digvijay Singh (Congress) 57 votes, Jyotiraditya Scindia (BJP) 56 votes, Sumer Singh Solanki (BJP) 55 votes and Phool Singh Baraiya (Congress) 36 votes lost. Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samajwadi Party MLAs voted for BJP, while the votes of the Independents were split. There were no instructions from the BSP and the SP, so the MLAs voted as per their discretion. "We have to ensure the development of our constituencies which can be possible by backing the ruling party," they said. There was an added interest in the contest in Madhya Pradesh because the state witnessed a bitter battle between Digvijaya Singh and Scindia which led to a rebellion in the Congress, bringing down the 15-month old Kamal Nath government. With 22 Congress members switching to BJP, the state is now burdened with 24 by-elections. Voting for 19 Rajya Sabha seats spread across 8 states concluded peacefully at 4 pm on Friday. Voting began at 9 am in the respective Assemblies and concluded at 4 pm. Polling took place in 8 states simultaneously - Gujarat (4 seats), Andhra Pradesh (4 seats), Rajasthan (3 seats), Jharkhand (2 seats), Manipur (1 seat), Meghalaya (1 seat) and Mizoram (1 seat). Apart from routine preparations, the Election Commission had made special arrangements for sanitisation, social distancing etc. in view of coronavirus outbreak. The EC had arranged separate entry and exit gates. MLAs were allowed to enter the Assemblies after the thermal screening. 18 of the 19 seats are part of the 55 Rajya Sabha seats which fell vacant earlier this year. Out of these 55 seats, 37 were filled uncontested. WASHINGTON, June 18 (Xinhua) -- It will be impossible to fully separate the U.S. and Chinese economies, as a so-called decoupling would curtail U.S. economic relations with not only China but the rest of the world, two professors have warned in an analysis published recently by U.S. political magazine Foreign Affairs. The analysis, titled "The Folly of Decoupling From China", was written by Henry Farrell, a professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University, and Abraham Newman, a professor at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and in the Department of Government at Georgetown University. "Slapdash efforts to sever risky dependencies on China could end up lopping off healthy and important economic relations with not only that country but the rest of the world," they said in the article. They said China's economy is "not a discrete organism that can easily be separated from the global economy but rather a Siamese twin, connected by nervous tissue, common organs, and a shared circulatory system." The two experts took the U.S. ban on Huawei as an example. "Blocking Huawei's access to U.S. technology, for instance, may just encourage foreign companies to redesign their supply chains around non-U.S. technologies." They added that the benefits of blocking Huawei's access to U.S. technology are already clearly inseparable from the risks, as "every U.S. action toward China --offensive or defensive -- will therefore continue to produce a Chinese reaction that is felt by the United States." Foreign businesses and countries, they added, "may decide that they can best minimize risk by limiting their contacts with the U.S. economy." "Cutting China out of the U.S. innovation system, in other words, will likely prompt China to cut the United States out of its innovation system, and could cause the United States to lose access to other innovation systems as well," they said. MILWAUKEE, June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Mpirik , an A.I. healthcare technology company that develops automated patient screening models for cardiovascular disease to drive actionable knowledge, quality and research, has named Paul Mirabella and Hooman C. Hakami to its Board of Directors. Mr. Mirabella has more than 40 years of experience in the healthcare industry most notably as President and CEO of GE Healthcare's Global Diagnostic Imaging business. He is currently an independent director and investor in several healthcare businesses, a limited partner in Venture Capital and Private Equity funds spanning Healthcare, Technology, Energy, Real Estate and Food Safety. After retiring from GEHC, he led Naviscan, Inc. a diagnostic imaging start-up, as Chairman and CEO. Mr. Mirabella holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics from Polytechnic Institute in New York, an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida and is a graduate of multiple GE Business Management Development Programs. "In late 2018, I had the opportunity to do some business consulting for Mpirik. The more I looked and learned, the more convinced I was that Mpirik's unique technology would not only make a huge impact on correcting the misdiagnosis and treatment of Severe Aortic Stenosis, but the monetization of the accessed data represented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for growth." Mr. Hakami has 30 years of leadership experience. He is currently the Managing Director of Hakami Healthcare Advisors, LCC where he provides advisory services to Boards and CEOs in the healthcare space. Previously, he was with Medtronic, where he served as Executive Vice President and President of the Diabetes Group. Prior to Medtronic, he spent more than 20 years at General Electric, where he was a Company Officer. "I am very excited to join the Mpirik Board. Mpirik's technology can make a real difference in healthcare. Using AI and decision support, it can capture and analyze massive amounts of both qualitative and quantitative data to ensure the right patients get the right care at the right time. What makes Mpirik unique is that their services add value for all stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem physicians, hospitals, insurers and, most of all, patients." "We are thrilled to have Paul and Hooman join the Mpirik Board of Directors," said Joe Kohli, MD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mpirik. "They bring global management and medical industry expertise that will provide the Board instrumental strategic guidance as we navigate through our next phase of growth." About Mpirik Mpirik is the developer of a healthcare intelligence platform designed to identify critical findings, filter extraneous data and facilitates communication. The company's platform collects and aggregates health data, standardizes patient communication and tracks patients through the progression of the disease and ensures that patients receive a proper and timely follow-up, enabling clinicians to deliver excellence by objectively screening patients for disease with the consistency of a computer algorithm. SOURCE Mpirik Related Links https://www.mpirik.com/ A Former Light Technician of TV3, Eric Adotey Addo in an interview with DJ Nyaami has disclosed how he started using drugs and the after-effects. The 47-year-old speaking to SVTV Africa on the Ghetto life segment said he was lucky to have a grandfather who was a diplomat and as a result, he was able to study in France at a younger age. "After schooling in France, I attended Takoradi Polytechnic, now a technical university. After my completion, I was lucky to be employed by Tv3 as a light technician in 1998. By then, TV3 had now started operating so I was part of the first set of employees to work for them. The salary then is todays 900 Ghana cedis. I worked with tv3 until later it was sold; and even that, I was compensated with a very good amount," he stated. According to him, 80 percent of his compensated money was used on drugs. "I started doing drugs after I met a friend, who introduced me to it and eventually, I developed the love for it; however, I could smoke just weed as at when I was first introduced to, and even that, it was not something habitual until later I got to know of cocaine. "My first time I sniffed it, the feeling was someway, but I did not give up until I became more used to it. As a light technician, drug had always given me some extra energy anytime I was on the field. "At a point, my abroad parents became suspicious because they realized anytime they send me money, it wont be long and I will ask them for another one. I could actually spend 200 cedis daily, just on drugs. "My uncle even though I was a gambler because the level at which I spent money was surprising. Eventually, my parents became aware of my actions and therefore sent me to a prayer camp. Fortunately, from that time, I was able to stop for some time but, the addiction was so hard that I started again, he narrated. According to him, the drug is very addictive, hence it will only take grace and a professional psychiatric to save an addict. Adding that, his attachment to tv3 gave him many opportunities but his addiction wouldnt let him focus. The only son amongst children of four and the grandson of a former diplomat now suffer drug addiction. A former counter-terrorism analyst at the US Defense Intelligence Agency was sentenced to 30 months in prison on Thursday for leaking classified information to journalists, including details about foreign countries' weapons systems. Henry Kyle Frese, 31, of Alexandria, Virginia, pleaded guilty in February to transmitting top secret defense information to two journalists, one of whom he lived with. "When this information was published, it was shared with all of our nation's adversaries, creating a risk of exceptionally grave harm to the security of this country," Assistant Attorney General John Demers said in a statement. The Justice Department said Frese leaked information to two unnamed journalists in 2018 and 2019. One news outlet, which was also not named, published eight articles containing classified information. Frese searched restricted government computer systems at least 30 times in 2018 for information to pass on verbally to the two journalists, according to the Justice Department. He also sent some secret information via private messages on social media. The journalists involved appeared to work for CNBC and NBC News, according to US media. CNBC, citing "sources with direct knowledge of US intelligence reports," reported in May 2018 that China had installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on the contested Spratly Islands. Frese, who was arrested in October, faced a maximum of 10 years in prison. Frese was a contractor with DIA from January 2017 to February 2018, and then a full-fledged DIA employee, with clearance ranging up to the top secret level. The DIA is the US military's intelligence service. A labourer was killed and two women workers were injured when a boiler exploded at a chemical factory in Chinhat area here on Friday evening, an official said. The incident took place around 8 pm in the Ramswarup Chemical factory near Babu Banarasi Das police outpost. Two women workers fainted due to the explosion, ADG (Law and order) Prashant Kumar said. "The women were rushed to the hospital where they are stated to be stable while one labourer died in the accident," the officer said. Industry expert team and personnel of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are reaching the spot, he said. Police sources said some more people are feared to have suffered injuries. Washington D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - June 19, 2020) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Robert A. Sollazzo, the longtime leader of the New York Regional Office's Broker-Dealer Examination Program, is planning to retire from the agency in July after more than 38 years of invaluable contributions. Mr. Sollazzo began his SEC career as a securities compliance examiner and ascended to the helm of the New York office's broker-dealer regulatory efforts in 1992. As an Associate Regional Director, he and his team have formulated new exam approaches and structured a program that has been particularly responsive and adept in identifying and examining emerging risks in an ever-changing broker-dealer industry. Mr. Sollazzo and the examiners under his leadership have successfully rooted out abusive sales practice schemes and questionable capital markets practices in the course of their work. Their discoveries led to such notable enforcement cases as a record settlement involving Latour Trading's significant and persistent violations of the net capital rule, a $100 million settlement with Credit Suisse First Boston Corp. for improper sharing of profits in hot initial public offerings that were channeled back to the firm via excessive commission charges on brokerage transactions, the exposure of a massive kickback scheme at Direct Access Partners that involved a complex web of offshore accounts and a shadow accounting system, and various AML-related matters including Meyers Associates for failing to file Suspicious Activity Reports in relation to various highly questionable transactions that had been executed through the firm. "Bob saw our Broker-Dealer Examination Program through years of significant change in our markets," said SEC Chairman Jay Clayton. "The Commission has benefited greatly from his wide range of expertise and commitment to public service throughout his nearly four decades at the agency." Marc P. Berger, Director of the SEC's New York Regional Office, said, "Bob is a dedicated public servant who leaves behind a tremendous legacy of protecting investors and our markets. His deep knowledge of the broker-dealer industry and his collaborative, pragmatic approach have shaped the SEC's examination program for decades, and his service has been an inspiration not just to those in the New York Regional Office but throughout the entire Commission." Peter Driscoll, Director of the SEC's National Exam Program, said, "Bob has displayed tremendous leadership throughout his career, both in New York and nationally. Bob's leadership has manifested itself in his willingness to develop and teach his staff and colleagues day to day, and also to guide the program during some of the most difficult market events. Bob has always been driven by his strong desire to protect investors and the integrity of the markets and is an amazing example of public service. We are so fortunate that Bob's legacy will carry on in all those who worked with him, both in the agency and industry." Mr. Sollazzo said, "I am extremely thankful for the great opportunity to have worked in the premier regulatory agency on a mission of utmost importance to investors and our markets. When I look back on my professional accomplishments, I realize that none would have been possible without the outstanding people around me day in and day out here at the SEC. Our collective talent and teamwork have made a difference and have helped to enhance the regulatory environment. I'm proud to call my colleagues my friends and thank them for shaping my career." Mr. Sollazzo was a recipient of the SEC's highest individual honor, the Distinguished Service Award, in 2003. He also has received a Presidential Rank Award that was bestowed by President Bill Clinton. Mr. Sollazzo is a graduate of Brooklyn College and is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in New York. TEHRAN (AP): Iran test fired cruise missiles in a naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, state media reported on Thursday. The report by the official IRNA news agency said the missiles destroyed targets at a distance of 280 kilometers (170 miles). It said the tests came during a naval drill by Iran's navy in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean. It said the missiles' range can be extended but gave no details. The report was the first of a drill since May, when a missile fired during an Iranian training exercise mistakenly struck an Iranian naval vessel instead of its intended target in waters near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, killing 19 sailors and wounding 15 others. It also comes after a tense naval encounter between Iranian and U.S. forces in the nearby Persian Gulf. In April, the US accused Iran of conducting dangerous and harassing maneuvers near American warships in the northern Persian Gulf. Iran also was suspected of briefly seizing a Hong Kong-flagged oil tanker before that. Iran regularly holds exercises in the Gulf of Oman, which is close to the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of the world's oil trade passes. The US has been actively campaigning to keep a United Nations arms embargo in place on Iran that is due to expire in November. President Donald Trump withdrew the US from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers two years ago, launching a maximum pressure campaign against Iran that has pushed the archrivals to the verge of conflict. A man has been charged with murder after the fatal shooting of a police officer in New Zealand. On Friday, two officers attending a routine traffic stop in the west Auckland suburb of Massey were confronted by a man with a long-barrelled firearm, who shot both of them according to police. One later died in Auckland hospital. The other is still recovering with serious injuries but in a stable condition. A 24-year old has been charged with murder, attempted murder and dangerous driving causing injury. He will appear before the Waitakere District Court on Saturday. Police are unable to rule out the possibility of other people being charged. Police officers cordon off an area after the fatal shooting. Source: AFP Earlier on Friday, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster announced the death and that officers had detained two people of interest. "This was a fast moving, unpredictable and tragic event," Mr Coster said. Both Mr Coster and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the death was devastating. "To lose a police officer is to lose someone working for all of us, but also a family member, someone's loved one and friend. My condolences go to them and to their police whanau," Ms Ardern said, using the Maori word for family. Superintendent Naila Hassan said the officer, whose identity had not been made public, had not been in the force for long. The offender also struck a member of the public in his vehicle, seriously injuring them. Massey resident Elaine Taniela told the NZ Herald she heard gunshots from her home, and a friend "saw a cop on the ground. He looked like he was having a seizure". Officer at the scene of the shooting in a residential neighbourhood in Auckland. Source: AFP Police put cordons in place, locked down schools and raided a property in nearby West Harbour during their large-scale operation. Mr Coster said the officers identified a "vehicle of interest" and pursued it with sirens and lights, only to lose track. Story continues That vehicle was located a short time later, crashed on Reynella Drive. As police approached, a man climbed out and opened fire. The offender fled with another person in a second vehicle, which was also later abandoned. "We have located a firearm of interest and we are following strong lines of inquiry," Mr Coster said. "A general arming order remains in place across Auckland and will remain so until we are confident that it is no longer required." An officer stands on guard with his gun drawn. Source: AFP The officer's death is the first in New Zealand since the murder of Senior Constable Len Snee in a 2009 siege in Napier involving more than 100 police. Since the force's founding in 1890, 22 officers have been killed on duty. The death comes after a nationwide debate as to whether New Zealand should arm its police officers. An unpopular trial of armed officers in three regions with high gun violence and offences recently concluded, generating enormous community backlash. Mr Coster announced earlier this month he would not be seeking the general arming of officers. 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. N. Korea has increased cyberattacks against South Korea in the first half of this year. / gettyimagesbank By Kim Hyun-bin The government and companies of South Korea have suffered from endless cyberattacks by North Korea in the first half of the year, which has put internet security firms on their toes to prevent the theft of crucial data. Digital dependence has risen in recent years with the enhancement of fifth-generation networks (5G), the Internet of Things (loT) and AI technology, hyper-connecting the country and making it vulnerable to cyberattacks. Currently, many key facilities including power generators and sewage plants are operated through industry control systems (ICS), which have been hit by endless cyberattacks. North Korea is the greatest cyber threat to the country and has increased its efforts to infiltrate key industries especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when companies and government bodies have seemed less attentive to cybersecurity risks. Pyongyang funds organized cyberwarfare groups to continue advanced persistent threats (APT) against key South Korean facilities. An APT is typically a nation state or state-sponsored group, which gains unauthorized access to a computer network and conducts large-scale targeted intrusions for specific goals. "The first half of this year the public was worried about COVID-19 and many were allowed to work from home, and cyberattackers used that to their advantage," a security firm official said. "People should block suspicious emails and text messages and manage their accounts to minimize damage." According to SK Infosec, there were 3.1 million cyberattacks from January to May this year, a 19 percent jump from 2.6 million in the same period last year. The company said cyberattacks surged between February and April when COVID-19 was at its height in the country. Excluding simple hacking attempts such as DDos and smishing attacks 445,000 were highly dangerous and well-orchestrated, the company said. There have been new types of malicious code using pandemic-related content to compromise computer networks malicious emails and text messages titled "receive your disaster relief money," "COVID-19," "WHO" and "Masks" have been widely utilized as clickbait. To date, there have been over 90,000 cyberattack attempts using COVID-19-related messages. Internet security firms have been operating an emergency contingency system to counter the increasing number of threats. Key government entities including the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Korea Communications Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service have strengthened their information sharing systems as well as cybersecurity. AhnLab, SK Infosec, IGLOO Security and other security firms have been maintaining around-the-clock security for companies and preparing for possible counteraction in the case of system infiltrations. "It is difficult to say the two Koreas' relations are directly correlated to changes in the cybersecurity threat," a cybersecurity firm official said. "However, there has been an increase in cyber threats this year, so we have been focused on strengthening our systems and countermeasures." Industry watchers point out that during the PyeongChang Olympics, when relations were relatively good between the two Koreas, there was actually a significant increase in cyberattacks. The Realme Narzo 10A will be going on sale today for consumers in India. The companys budget offering was launched alongside the Narzo 10 back in May. The smartphone features triple-cameras at the back and a big 5,000mAh battery. Notably, the handset is a rebranded version of the Realme C3 that was launched in Thailand back in the month of February. The Narzo 10A will be going on sale today at 12PM via Flipkart and Realme India website. The Realme Narzo 10A is priced at Rs 8,499 for the single 3GB RAM + 32GB storage variant. As for the offers, customers on Flipkart can get Rs 30 discount on their first prepaid transaction using RuPay debit card, 5 percent unlimited cashback on Flipkart Axis Bank credit card as well as an extra 5 percent off with Axis Bank Buzz credit card. There will also be the option of no-cost EMI plans. If you happen to buy the phone from Realme.com, you can get a cashback of up to Rs 500 via Mobikwik. REALME NARZO 10A SPECIFICATIONS The Narzo 10A comes with a 6.5-inch HD+ (1600x720 pixels) resolution display with a 20:9 aspect ratio and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio G70 SoC, paired with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage which will be expandable using a dedicated microSD card slot. There is a triple rear camera setup at the back with a 12-megapixel primary sensor and an f/1.8 lens. There is also a 2-megapixel portrait camera with an f/2.4 aperture and a 2-megapixel macro camera with a similar f/2.4 aperture lens. At the front, the Narzo 10A features a 5-megapixel selfie camera. According to the company the cameras offer features such as AI Beautification, HDR, Panorama, and Timelapse and full-HD (1080p) video recording support with 30fps frame rate. The phone runs on the companys Realme UI based on Android 10. Connectivity options on the phone include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth v5.0, GPS/ A-GPS, and a Micro-USB port. The battery is similar on the device rated at 5,000mAh battery. MIDDLETOWN The woman who organized the peaceful Black Lives Matter procession downtown in late May is spearheading a Juneteenth march Friday to mark the 155th anniversary of the final U.S. states abolition of slavery. The day is meant to honor the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, 2 years after president Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth was our Independence Day, Erica Hunter said. Every city doesnt recognize this, and it needs to be more. Hunter and her son, like many Americans, werent taught about Juneteenth in school. Books need to be changed. Theyll all have you believing that when Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation thats what freed the slaves, Hunter said. Thats not what happened. She pulled together the May 30 event very quickly through word of mouth and Facebook posts, working in conjunction with police officials to make the event possible. In all, 750 turned out for the social distanced demonstration from the North End to the Police Department, after which officials spoke and members of the crowd made their opinions heard. Hunter expects Friday night to produce another productive discussion of race. I dont want this to be something people will be at because theres nothing to do. I want them to be there because this is something that needs to be done. There are questions that will be raised hopefully answers that can be given, and insight on topics people need to hear, she said. This is not a parade. This is not a festival. This is not a social gathering. This is a peaceful protest, she added. Hunter asks those planning on attending to wear face masks and take other precautions to prevent possible contamination from the coronavirus. The procession will begin at 6 p.m. on Rapallo Avenue, and make its way to the South Green on the corner of Union Street. During any other year, Juneteenth would be a celebration, said Hunter, herself a person of color, but because of the pandemic and the state of the country, with social injustices, there is really nothing to celebrate. Independence Day was not so for all Americans, she said. July 4, 1776, we were enslaved people, but June 19, 1865, the last bit of the ones who were slaves were set free. That is actually liberation day, Hunter said. Keynote speaker is Middletown Superintendent of Schools Michael Conner. Mayor Ben Florsheim, state Rep. Quentin Phipps, D-Middletown; Common Councilman Ed Ford Jr., Shiloh Baptist Church Youth Director Joshua Cotten, Middlesex United Way president and CEO Kevin Wilhelm and others are also expected to address those gathered. Hunter was pleased with how well officials handled the first event, especially Florsheim, whom she said listened and considered what was said May 30. It seems like hes a mover, and is trying to make things happen. And hes not doing it to appease a group of people, Hunter said. He wanted to be a part of that, with no police around him, nobody else to protect him, because he felt that comfortable standing there in the fire pit, answering questions. Many of Middletowns officers were born and raised in town or live in the city, she said. They went to school here, so they know their community. Thats what is distinctive, said Hunter, noting there are less populated and more rural parts of the state, many of which are less culturally and racially diverse. If youre not used to diversity, you tend to not know how to react, Hunter said. The Russell Library is also offering a virtual observance of Juneteenth, led by renowned Hartford storyteller, The Greatheart Griot. Andre Keitt will share folk tales and reenactments with elementary school-age children at 11 a.m. It will be followed by a craft and a discussion with young people about the meaning of Juneteenth to African Americans. All ages are welcome. Another observance will take place across the Arrigoni Bridge in Portland at 4:30 p.m., hosted by members of The Diversity Group and Chatham Connection at the Brownstone Intermediate School, 314 Main St. The event is intended to be a time of reflection, rejoicing and community solidarity, organizers said. Portland officials approved a Proclamation of Solidarity June 3 that demonstrated the communitys outrage at George Floyds death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer May 25. We stand committed to peace, justice, and freedom for our citizens here in Portland and in solidarity with all Americans, it says, in part. People are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing measures for both public events. For information on the Portland event, email centractdiversity@gmail.com or agraves@chathamchildrensconnection.org. To find out more about Middletowns observance, visit facebook.com. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 23:52:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RIGA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Five companies are taking part in a tender to supply new diesel trains to Latvia, the Baltic country's rail passenger carrier Pasazieru Vilciens said Friday. The five candidates competing for the contract to supply eight diesel trains include Metrovagonmash, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles S.A., Pojazdy Szynowe PESA Bydgoszcz S.A., Kryukovsky Railway Car Building Works, and Stadler Polska Sp. z o.o, the Latvian rail company said. The company's procurement commission, which opened the submitted bids on Friday, will now start assessing the candidates' compliance with the requirements of the tender. The economically most feasible offer will be chosen in the second round of the tender. Pasazieru Vilciens CEO Rodzers Janis Grigulis indicated that in this particular procurement, a fast delivery of the trains will be one of the most important criteria as all eight trains have to be delivered to Latvia by Nov. 30, 2023. Pasazieru Vilciens plans to sign the train delivery contract by the end of this year, which means that the winner of the tender will have three years to design, build, deliver and certify the new diesel trains, Grigulis said. Latvia needs new diesel trains to replace its existing Soviet-era DR1A trains, which carry passengers on four railway lines. Enditem Ranking designed to encourage privatisation Ranking of educational institutions is perception management and a statistically futile exercise. Inconsistent, arbitrary in nature, these rankings compare apples with oranges. This fraudulent perception (or deception) management exercise is designed to put educational institutions in market-driven competitive mode based on monetary incentives. Low ranking means less funding. Outcomes translated into quantitative numbers decide the rankings. But education, particularly social sciences, are not quantitative and yield instant results. Its a simple thing our academicians dont want us to understand. To put it bluntly, this ranking exercise is essentially designed to encourage privatisation and commercialisation of education under parasitic neoliberal policies. Better ranking would essentially mean how aggressively these top institutions initiated self finance courses by depriving marginalised sections. Sandeep Kumar, Chandigarh Less politics, more academics Panjab University (PU) has a long history of quality education, good faculty, vast research, highly accomplished alumni in all walks of life, and an international appeal. But over the last few years, the universitys performance is slipping due to lack of funds. Neither the Centre nor Punjab are helping support it financially. The vice-chancellor (V-C) also has to be an educationist and not a man with political party affiliations. As a member of the PU Alumni Association, I feel the university deserves better. Apart from raising the bar of quality education , the campus environment needs to be improved with more focus and academics and less on politics. PU can only beat high ranking universities by improving its teaching, international outlook, and research output. Colonel R D Singh ( retd), Ambala Cantt Go digital first PU should go digital first and ensure its important activities, seminars etc take place online. Facilities, including classrooms should be improved, and the canteens and cafes given a makeover. Academics and not politics should become the focus of the university. All decisions that are taken should have the consent of the students first to give them a say in university matters. Saikrit Gulati, Chandigarh Certain groups must stop ruling PU by proxy PU, once the pride of undivided Punjab, enjoyed international fame. Eminent educationists were in charge of the august office of the V-C and the university attracted students from other countries too. The downward trend set in when some powerful groups in the senate and syndicate started ruling PU affairs by proxy. Dirty politics for decades has tarnished the image of the university. The financial crunch is impacting research and hiring of qualified, dynamic faculty. Politics and political interference must end The nominated members must be selected on merit, not on recommendation of vested interests. Quality education, discipline and promoting of the latent talents of students will restore peoples trust in the university. Usha Verma, Chandigarh Generate funds through innovative initiatives Panjab University will only top the rankings globally and nationally if political interference stops in the appointment of V-C or professors. Secondly, the professors should send research scholars abroad on foreign assignments instead of going themselves as this does not benefit their students or the university. The university should often invite luminaries from all fields from abroad and India to interact with the students and awaken their minds. Instead of fighting the funds crunch the V-C must try to generate funds through innovative initiatives and ensuring that professors who reach retirement age leave the university. Maintenance of the campus and ensuring its cleanliness is also important. Talent should be identified and nurtured. In 1981 PU refused to give funding to its research student Dr Joginder Singh Sidhu, who then went on to the US to earn fame as a scientist, inventor and designer. The worlds smallest and lightest camera is only one of more than 40 innovative products he has developed for the consumer market. He was also instrumental in designing the Smithsonian Institutions Sikh Gallery in Washington, DC. Such talent should have been accepted and not rejected by PU Opinder Kaur Sekhon, Chandigarh Dont make it a nursery for political parties Once I visited PU in the eighties and I was aghast to hear a senior teacher say our job is to teach and not to do research. Gold is costlier than other metals, what is rare is valuable. Review the system of rotation and time-bound promotions. Give the grades but not the rank. Then comes the Students Council. In our times there were no elections for a students union. Now PU has become the nursery for political parties. In such a scenario education is relegated to the background. Financial resources depend on grants from the states concerned and the Central government, made generally on political considerations. Political parties through students unions will not allow increase in fees. Total student strength, faculty-student ratio and number of research scholars would depend on the job opportunities available. These factors along with strength of students from other countries and states, women students, those from economically and socially challenged categories are subjective and manipulative and unnecessary factors of NIRF. Ranking of a university should be exclusively based on standard of teaching and research of international standard recognition. However, if the University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences can excel in the existing system then why cant other departments achieve that standard? Gurdev Singh, Mohali Central recognition must Standards of the university are declining due to financial constraints, without full financial support from the states. Not being recognised as a Central university is also affecting PU as it is not getting the financial support it needs to outperform others. That is also why PU is unable to add new infrastructure, allocate more funds for research projects, or depute university teaching staff to foreign universities. The student-teacher ratio is too high so researchers do not get the individual attention that they deserve from guides. Instead of being in the news for its academic achievements, the university is always in the limelight for disagreements between the V-C and the senate. Politics had gone deep into the roots of the university and the teachers and V-C are not on the same page on many issues, which affects the image and the reputation of the institute. Now a number of universities have been set up by corporate houses, with world class infrastructure and best of faculty from around the globe with a great deal of stress on research and performance. With its old ways of life and political interference PU will never be able to hold its own among the best universities in India or abroad. It will now require a total overhaul to outperform or come close to the best. But will the academicians win over the political appointees? That is a million dollar question. Suresh Verma Maintain International standards to improve ranking Panjab University needs to improve the parameters on which ranking assessment is done. Quality of academics should be improved. Student- teacher ratio should be maintained. With more stress on research more patents should be filed. A number of initiatives have to be taken to attract more students to the university. More international students should be enrolled. Inbound and outbound exchange programmes should be offered. Campus placements should be made more attractive and feasible by inviting multinational and international companies with high packages. Student elections should be banned completely as these are just vehicles of propaganda for their parties. Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali Education should not be dumbed down The education system is changing to make studies and scoring easier in examinations. The basic standards of education have to be improved to ensure that students and as a result universities improve their performance. Priyam Aggarwal, Chandigarh. Move with the times Nothing can be achieved without discipline, so strict implementation of the academic curriculum will help faculty as well as students power up their performance. New courses geared to help students face the challenges of the modern world should be introduced. It is true that success demands perseverance. Children are the future of the nation and the authority should guide them on the right path. All laboratories should be modernised and research encouraged. Modern technology should be adopted for classroom teaching. Regular and thorough inspection should be done of university and college hostel rooms to ensure students are not distracted from studies in any way. Sumesh Kumar Badhwar, Mohali Improve distance learning facilities The reason for PUs poor performance is stagnation in introducing new courses or giving impetus to research and not revolutionising its distance learning facilities. The alumni association too needs to be galvanized and research given a boost. Undue political interference both at student as well as professorial level must end. Avinash Goyal Upgrade research centres Panjab University is an age-old esteemed institution and has produced eminent scholars since its inception. It has been witnessing a continuous downward trend in various rankings in the last few years. Though its research standards are praiseworthy it has failed to compete with other institutes in the region and nation which have top class infrastructure and valuable collaborations with foreign universities. Their financial strength is also the underlying reason behind their continuous rise and popularity because they charge a hefty tuition fees. PUs strength lies in its experienced, seasoned and research-oriented faculty. Though it is a public university it has its own limitations and has been facing severe financial problems from the last many years. It now has the responsibility to provide quality and affordable education to students. Meanwhile, the actual reason for drastic drop in rankings can be attributed to the lesser points earned by university in research and citation which needs attention. PU departments, especially science and engineering wings, must come forward to collaborate with the city colleges and professional institutes affiliated with it. Many colleges have research centres on campuses. PU must help upgrade them to push for active participation in research. Colleges and respective university departments need to work in tandem with each other to find solutions to current problems with latest scientific techniques. Such co-ordination will help utilise the talent of students doing masters, graduate and doctorate courses in college departments. Dr Karan Singh Vinayak, Chandigarh Research infrastructure outdated The politicisation of the V-Cs post and also those of the faculty are the primary reasons for the fall in PUs rankings. The other major factors are negligible recruitments, shortage of faculty from across the country and insufficient funding, besides factionalism and political affiliations of seniors. PU has turned into a cradle of politics and, education has taken a backseat. Research, which was at some point of time was the universitys pride has lost its shine, due to outdated research infrastructure, resulting in knowledge transfer being low. The number of PhDs awarded has decreased drastically. The glory of the university can only be restored by ensuring a healthier educational atmosphere, bonhomie between the faculty and students, and removal of politically inclined persons from the payrolls and student rosters. Rajiv Boolchand Jain, Zirakpur Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner who once took a bullet for campaigning for girls' education in Pakistan, was over the moon on Friday after completing her degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Britain's prestigious Oxford University. Malala, 22, who attended Oxford's Lady Margaret Hall college, took to Twitter to share two pictures that show her celebrating the milestone with her family. "Hard to express my joy and gratitude right now as I completed my Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree at Oxford," she said in the tweet, accompanied by two pictures -- one showing her sitting with her family in front of a cake that says: 'Happy Graduation Malala', and the other in which she is covered with cake smiling for the camera. In the tweet, the famed human rights activist also revealed her plans for the immediate future -- Netflix, reading and sleeping. "I don't know what's ahead. For now, it will be Netflix, reading and sleep," she wrote. Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban terrorists in December 2012 for campaigning for female education in the Swat Valley in northeastern Pakistan. Severely wounded, she was airlifted from one military hospital in Pakistan to another and later flown to the United Kingdom for treatment. After the attack, the Taliban released a statement saying that they would target Malala again if she survived. At the age of 17, Malala became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for her education advocacy in 2014 when she shared the coveted honour with India's social activist Kailash Satyarthi. Unable to return to Pakistan after her recovery, she moved to Britain, setting up the Malala Fund and supporting local education advocacy groups with a focus on Pakistan, Nigeria, Jordan, Syria and Kenya. The Taliban, who are against girls' education, have destroyed many schools in Pakistan. Cooper called Elliss review of the book very troubling, noting the official only received authority to classify information March 1 and was not trained until after he completed reviewing Boltons book. Cooper added that before Wednesday, at no point in any of these proceedings lasting over six months did the government even hint there was SCI in this. Cazenovia, N.Y. -- Inside Meiers Creek Brewing Co. stands the huge 60-barrel brewhouse installed in 2016 when the place was called Empire Farm Brewery. It made Empire one of the largest craft brewers in New York state. Today, a 5-to-6 barrel brewhouse sits right next to the bigger one. (A barrel is 31 gallons). Thats where the Meiers Creek team has been brewing the beers that debut for sale, takeout-only, this weekend. Pick-up is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and since theres a limited supply its advisable to pre-order online. A dean at the University of Mobile is under fire this week after posting a racially insensitive image on his Facebook page. Dr. Alan Miller, dean of the Alabama School of the Arts at the 1,800-student Christian university, posted the image just days after the school sent out an email about diversity, according to a press release from the school. The picture shows the image of a white child above an Asian child, accompanied with the words Asking her to apologize for slavery is like asking her to apologize for Pearl Harbor. The image was first spotted by a former student who complained to the school, according to the statement, written University of Mobile President Dr. Lonnie Burnett. He wrote that Miller offered the student a personal apology and that the sharing of the image was a matter of bad judgment and a teachable moment. He added: One of the most important lessons that I hope will come out of the dialogue that has been initiated by the recent tragic national events is that we all will understand why certain words, symbols, monuments, and practices are so painful to a substantial part of our population. The post has since been deleted. However, James Averhart, executive director of the local chapter of the NAACP, said the single apology is not enough. It should be offensive to all. It shows insensitivity and there were definitely some racial overtones in regards to the post, said Averhart. It is bigger than that, but he should issue a public apology. It actually starts at the top. Miller did not respond to an email seeking comment and was not available on his office phone. [June 19, 2020] The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz Announces Investigation on Behalf of Granite Construction Incorporated Investors (GVA) The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz is investigating potential claims against the board of directors of Granite Construction Incorporated ("Granite" or the "Company") (NYSE: GVA) concerning whether the board breached its fiduciary duties to shareholders. If you are a shareholder, click here to participate. On July 29, 2019, after the market closed, the Company disclosed that second quarter 2019 financial results were negatively impacted by non-cash harges related to four legacy, unconsolidated heavy civil joint venture projects. As a result, Granite expected to report net loss per diluted share in the range of $2.05 to $2.10 per diluted share. On this news, the Company's stock price fell $7.98 per share, or nearly 18%, to close at $36.49 per share on July 30, 2019, on unusually heavy trading volume. Then on August 2, 2019, before the market opened, the Company announced its second quarter 2019 financial results, reporting revenue of $789.5 million, including $114.2 million in revenue reduction due to the charges disclosed earlier that week. On this news, the Company's stock price fell $2.78 per share, or over 8%, to close at $31.22 per share on August 2, 2019, on unusually heavy trading volume. 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 purchased Granite 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/20200619005065/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The scene of the fatal crash. Pictures by David Conachy The young Co Londonderry man who was killed in a horrific road traffic accident in the Republic has been described as a "very polite, lovely young man". Conor McColgan (23), died alongside partner Amy English (21) when the car he was driving was struck by a lorry around 1.10pm on Wednesday at Dunmore, near Navan in Co Meath. Sinn Fein councillor Sean McGlinchey, who knows the family, said the village will rally to support them and that the community had been left devastated. "It's always tragic to learn of a death on our roads, particularly of a young person starting to make his way in life," he said. "I know the family very well and everyone in the community sends them the sincerest condolences after what has happened. "Conor was always a very polite and lovely young man. "In these circumstances it will be very hard for the family to grieve and my thoughts are with them all at this very sad time." One of four brothers, Conor had been living in Navan and was pronounced dead at the scene on the N51 Slane Road. He is survived by parents Mary and Leo and brothers Rory, Ryan and Paul. A spokesperson for Feeny Community Association sent "sincere condolences to Leo McColgan on the untimely passing of his son Conor" and his brothers Rory, Ryan and Paul and the entire family circle. Also killed was Mr McColgan's Navan girlfriend Amy English, the daughter of Emma English who is the former partner of ex-FAI chief executive John Delaney. Navan mayor Francis Deane said the crash was "an awful tragedy" and offered his condolences to the friends and families of the victims. He added: "The community is in a state of shock. It has hit the town very hard. It's such an awful tragedy, made even more tragic as they were two young people. "A large number of young people will be devastated in Navan as a result of this. It was my first day as mayor of Navan Municipal District, it was just handed over to me, so it's just ... it's very tragic and sad for something like this to happen." He said the road where the crash took place is "such a dangerous junction". The driver of the lorry, a 31-year-old man, was uninjured. He was arrested at the scene and taken to Navan garda station where he was later released. Gardai have launched an investigation into the crash and are appealing for anyone with information to contact officers at Navan. They appealed to road users travelling on the N51 between Navan and Slane at the time of the incident to come forward. Modi had picked 21 June as the day to celebrate yoga since it makes the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere and is the longest day of the year. Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that has its roots in India. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness around the world, regarding the many benefits of practicing the art. The day is being celebrated since 21 June 2015. History of International Yoga Day Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 2014 address at the United Nations General Assembly proposed that a day to celebrate and practice yoga must be recognised globally. Modi in his address had highlighted that Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient traditions, before going on to add, "Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action ... a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. According to a report in Hindustan Times, Modi had picked 21 June as the day to celebrate yoga since it makes the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere and is the longest day of the year. The report added that the first-ever Yoga Day saw Modi and dignitaries from 84 nations perform 21 asanas for 35 minutes at New Delhi's Rajpath. The day saw the creation of two records. One was for the largest yoga class ever held and the other was for the highest number of nationalities to have participated. Theme for International Yoga Day The theme for International Yoga Day 2020 is Yoga for Health - Yoga at Home. According to the United Nations, while social distancing measures to fight the COVID-19 pandemic have shut down yoga studios, practitioners have turned to home practice and online resources. The theme highlights that yoga is a powerful tool to deal with stress of uncertainty and isolation and helps maintaining physical well-being. How is International Yoga Day being celebrated As per a report in Times Now, to celebrate International Yoga Day 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, has started a campaign called 'Yoga at Home, Yoga with Family' to encourage people to practice it and stay healthy. The report adds that the session will be led by a trainer and telecast on Doordarshan on 21 June from 6.30 am onwards. The report adds that the Mysuru district administration in association with Yoga federation of Mysuru is organising an event, while the International Naturopathy Organisation (INO) will also be celebrating the day with an event from their houses. The day will also be celebrated by the SDM group of institutions of Dharmasthala (Karnataka) through the Yoga from Home, Yoga with Family activity at 7am on 21 June. A video blogging contest jointly organised by the Ministry of AYUSH (MoA) and the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) was also announced. It is aimed at highlighting the transformative impact of Yoga on the lives of the individuals. Yoga helps you find freedom in life and brings peace in our world. Practice Yoga at home with your family & participate in the #MyLifeMyYoga video blogging contest and send in your entries for the contest NOW!! @milindrunning #mygovindia #pibindia pic.twitter.com/eWx44gOk1I Ministry of AYUSH #MyLifeMyYoga (@moayush) June 15, 2020 According to news agency PTI, yoga enthusiasts from Texas and other US states too will be celebrating International Yoga Day 2020 from the safety of their homes with acclaimed yoga guru Baba Ramdev on livestream amid the coronavirus pandemic. The two-hour live programme from 10 am will begin with an opening ceremony and brief remarks by Aseem R Mahajan, the Consul General of India in Houston. The virtual session will be live streamed on the CGI Houston Facebook page as well as the Facebook page of India House. San Antonio in Texas will celebrate the day on 20 June with an all-day ''yogathon'' that will be streamed live, the report added. According to the website of All India Radio, Dutch Army and police personnel too will showcase yoga asanas during the International Yoga Day to be commemorated virtually in the Netherlands on Sunday in view of the COVID-19 restrictions. Three men have been arrested after supplying illegal firearms, including military-style rifles, in Sydney's south and are expected to be hit with more than 100 charges. In January, police began investigating a 29-year-old man who was allegedly supplying illegal firearms and held extremist views that aligned with the Islamic State. The 29-year-old and another two men, aged 26 and 30, were arrested in Bankstown and have been taken to local police stations. They are expected to be charged on Friday afternoon. Australian Federal Police assistant commissioner Scott Lee said there was no evidence the 29-year-old had intended to travel overseas and fight for IS. LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Louisvilles mayor said Friday that one of three police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor will be fired. Mayor Greg Fischer said interim Louisville police Chief Robert Schroeder has started termination proceedings for Officer Brett Hankison. Two other officers remain on administrative reassignment while the shooting is investigated. Fischer said officials could not answer questions about the firing because of state law. He referred all questions to the Jefferson County attorneys office. Meanwhile, FBI agents went to Taylors apartment Friday as part of their independent investigation into her death, FBI officials in Louisville said in a statement. When investigating potential civil rights violations, the FBI will take a fresh look at all the evidence, including interviewing witnesses who have already spoken to the original investigating agency, interviewing witnesses who have not yet spoken to law enforcement and examining all physical and video evidence to better understand what transpired, the FBI statement said. Todays action is part of this process. Taylor, who was Black, was shot eight times by officers who burst into her Louisville home using a no-knock warrant during a March 13 narcotics investigation. No drugs were found at her home. A letter the chief sent to Hankison said the white officer violated standard operating procedures when he wantonly and blindly fired 10 rounds into the apartment of Breonna Taylor. The letter says he fired the rounds without supporting facts that the deadly force was directed at a person posing an immediate threat. In fact, the 10 rounds you fired were into a patio door and window which were covered with material that completely prevented you from verifying any person as an immediate threat or more importantly any innocent persons present, the letter states. I find your conduct a shock to the conscience, Schroeder said in the letter. Your actions have brought discredit upon yourself and the Department. Sam Aguiar, an attorney for Taylors family said the move was overdue. Its about damn time. It should have happened a long time ago, but thankfully its at least happening now, Aguiar said. This is an officer thats plagued our streets and made this city worse for over a dozen years. ... Lets hope that this is a start to some good, strong criminal proceedings against Officer Hankison, because he definitely deserves to at least be charged. The warrant to search Taylors home was in connection with a suspect who did not live there. Police used a no-knock search warrant, which allows them to enter without first announcing their presence. Louisvilles Metro Council recently voted to ban the use of no-knock warrants. The release in late May of a 911 call by Taylors boyfriend marked the beginning of days of protests in Louisville, fueled by Taylors death and the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis. This really confirms why the family has been calling for justice for Breonna Taylor. Its undisputable evidence, said Christopher 2X, an anti-violence activist in Louisville. Black Lives Matter Louisville organizer Chanelle Helm said the move brings some justice to Taylors family and to protesters. While we are still perplexed why the other officers havent been fired, we know that is still coming. We want to thank the community for coming together in support of the Louisville protesters in spite of the violence we have experienced from the police while fighting for justice, Helm said in a statement. Beyonce recently joined the call for charges against the officers involved in Taylors shooting. The superstar said in a letter to Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron that the three Louisville police officers must be held accountable for their actions. The recent unrest in Louisville resulted in the firing of the citys police chief and the shooting death of David McAtee, who owned a popular barbecue shack, while officers and National Guard soldiers were trying to clear a crowd from a parking lot to enforce a curfew. Police Chief Steve Conrad was fired after it was revealed that officers failed to activate body cameras during the encounter with McAtee. Is our nations president unwell? This is not a partisan question. And, it shouldnt receive a partisan answer. Of late, Donald J. Trump has increasingly been showing signs that hes not in what any rational observer would call top form. On Saturday, as he addressed the graduating class at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he had trouble raising a glass of water with one hand, needing to employ his other hand to help guide the glass to his lips. After the speech, which he delivered haltingly and with not a few pronunciation difficulties, his walk down a ramp from the stage was labored in the extreme. The president, who would turn 74 the next day, walked, to put it plainly, like a doddering old man who seemed to fear that each step offered little but trouble. Trump seems unsteady, shaky, unwell. This is not entirely new, but its been getting markedly worse. There has long been reason to wonder what, exactly, Trump has been hiding. Go back to December 2015, when then-candidate Trump released a letter that had supposedly been penned by his personal doctor, Harold Bornstein, a gastroenterologist from Lenox Hospital in New York. The language in the brief letter immediately gave one pause. It stated that a recent checkup showed only positive results. In the medical world, of course, positive results are bad news. Because when one is tested for something, cancer, for example, you want to hear that the test came back negative. It also said of the real-estate mogul turned politician: his physical strength and stamina are extraordinary. Most ridiculously, the letter signed by Trumps doctor said: If elected, Mr. Trump, I can state unequivocally, will be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency. Bornstein would later admit that Trump himself had dictated the letter. And what of Trumps sudden, unscheduled trip to the hospital, on a Saturday, six months back? Theres never been a decent explanation for that. The official line was that the president was getting a head start on his 2020 physical. Yeah, sure. Our president appears to be in real decline, both physically and mentally. He often seems unbalanced, struggles with words, slurs his speech, has a seemingly ever-present sniffle. When our nations chief executive is so obviously unwell, the citizens cannot continue to be kept in the dark. (Newser) A genetic analysis of COVID-19 patients suggests that blood type might influence whether someone develops severe disease, per the AP. Scientists who compared the genes of thousands of patients in Europe found that those who had Type A blood were more likely to have severe disease while those with Type O were less likely. The study in the New England Journal of Medicine does not prove a blood type connection, but it does back up a previous report from China of such a link. Most of us discounted it because it was a very crude study, Dr. Parameswar Hari, a blood specialist at the Medical College of Wisconsin, said of the report from China. With the new work, now I believe it, he said. It could be very important. Other scientists urged caution. story continues below The study, involving scientists in Italy, Spain, Denmark, Germany, and other countries, compared about 2,000 patients with severe COVID-19 to several thousand other people who were healthy or who had only mild or no symptoms. Researchers have been hunting for clues as to why some people infected with the coronavirus get very ill and others, less so. Being older or male seems to increase risk, and scientists have been looking at genes as another possible factor. There are four main blood types A, B, AB, and O. People with Type O are better able to recognize certain proteins as foreign, and that may extend to proteins on virus surfaces, Hari explained. During the SARS outbreak, which was caused by a genetic cousin of the coronavirus causing the current pandemic, it was noted that people with O blood type were less likely to get severe disease, he said. (Read more COVID-19 stories.) After more than three months in nursing-home lockdown, Bruce Owen-Wahl walked into the morning sunshine and got a glimpse of his wife, in a sundress. Hooold on! he said, Look at those legs! Verna Andrews laughed. Her 71-year-old husband, who has Lewy Body dementia, reached for her hand, unaware of the COVID-19 infection-control protocols from the Ontario Ministry of Long Term Care. Andrews pulled away, afraid to break the rules on the first day visits began. On Thursday, the Ontario government started allowing one weekly visit for one family member. After the husband and wife did a subtle safe-distancing dance, staff at Peel Regions Sheridan Villa guided them to a table with pink flowers under a white tent. The Star is offering free digital access on select COVID-19 stories. Misinformation is plentiful and dangerous and coronavirus news and knowledge evolves. Star reporters are working to bring you clarity, context and responsible facts. To help you get the information you need, articles that provide a public service will live outside our paywall. Half a dozen of those mini tents were set up across the parking lot, although only two Sheridan Villa residents spouses qualified for a morning visit after receiving their negative COVID-19 test results in time. It was a lovely visit, but it was just a visit, Andrews said, an hour later. I want to care for him, to be his caregiver. He doesnt look as robust as he did three months ago. His walking is hesitant. For many families across Ontario, it has been a long and painful three months. The lockdown began March 13, when the government banned visits except for residents who were gravely ill or in palliative care. Window visits began. So did virtual meetings through FaceTime or Skype. What seemed like a cheerful way to connect lost its glow as the months progressed. When Andrews waved to her husband through the glass on the first-floor, he tried to wrench open the window pane. He kept saying, Come in. He couldnt understand why I wasnt inside. Then he couldnt sleep at night. He thought I was going to leave him. As the weeks turned into months, families with loved ones in homes across Ontario stood outside weeping, staring through the glass at a father or a mother who had grown thin and confused. The lockdown forced residents to sit in their rooms, alone, every day. Some lost the ability to walk. One woman said her loneliness was so painful it felt like a disease. As Alberta opened homes to visitors, Ontario held fast to its rules. Family caregivers, such as Andrews, asked to be let inside, if only to feed and bathe a partner or a parent, as they had always done. So far, Ontario is not allowing family inside unless their relative is deemed to be in the palliative, or nearing the end of life, stage. On Thursday, when Ontario lifted its ban on visits to long-term care and retirement homes, Gerry Kupferschmidt arrived at Sheridan Villa at 9 a.m. for his outdoor visit with his wife. Laura, 73, has advanced dementia. Staff brought Lauras wheelchair to a tent, out of the sun. Kupferschmidt sat with her and talked about their early years together, when they met in a Guelph high school chemistry class. It was a struggle to communicate, 74-year-old Gerry later said, because Lauras language skills have declined over the last three months. I cant understand her words. I try to nod yes, or shake my head no, and hope I get it right, he said. Laura has recently been deemed palliative, so he will now be able to visit her inside the home. Im feeling a lot better that I can see her more often now, said Kupferschmidt, a forensic science consultant. Families have waited long enough especially when experts say the pandemic could last a year-and-a-half, said Lisa Levin, CEO of Advantage Ontario, which represents not-for-profit and municipal nursing homes, such as Sheridan Villa. Its not conceivable that you cant visit your loved one for maybe 18 months, Levin said. The average length of stay in long-term care is often 18 months, and then many people pass away. Its a really tough issue. With visits come tight restrictions. People are told to stay six feet away from their mother or husband. Visitors must have personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves. Visitors must be swabbed for COVID-19 every two weeks, with negative test results. Levin said she is asking Ontarios chief medical officer of health to consider less-intrusive methods, such as saliva samples, approved by the Centers for Disease Control in the U.S. We are happy the ministry has put guidelines in place because it cant be a free for all, Levin said. Just like anything else, as we are opening up society, you have to put safeguards in place. The virus is as contagious as ever. Dr. Nathan Stall, a geriatrician at Mt. Sinai Hospital, said the requirement for a COVID-19 test every two weeks is so challenging that many, especially those in their 80s and 90s, will be unable to make regular visits. We are actually holding these visitors to a higher testing standard than the staff, Stall said. We dont ask the staff, who actually provide hands on care, to get tested every two weeks. So, for many people, it seems that these (rules) are just created to be so strict and onerous that people werent going to pursue the visits. Stall said he was interviewed on Zoomer radio recently when a woman called in, questioning the demand for the COVID-19 swab every two weeks. I found the womans story so persuasive because it highlighted so many things that I was worried about. The outdoor restrictions, Ive talked about this with infectious disease experts. During outdoor visits with a mask, the risk of transmission is probably negligible. That woman was Verna Andrews. She has strong opinions about the need for COVID testing every two weeks. Andrews, who is in her 70s, tested negative a few days ago. The nurse stuck the swab so high up her nose it wiggled in my brain, she said. I bled for two days. Im sure its going to stop people from visiting. Imagine if you are elderly and have to go get tested every two weeks. UPPER DARBY Mayor Barbarann Keffer ordered the raising of the official Juneteenth flag to fly over the Upper Darby Township building as a show of respect and appreciation for this important day in history. In addition to raising the flag for the first time in the township, the mayor issued a formal proclamation wherein Upper Darby will recognize June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day. Now more than ever and especially in a community as diverse as ours, it is critically important that we acknowledge and reckon with Americas sin of slavery, said Keffer. The recognition of Juneteenth and the flying of the flag are small but important steps in the ongoing process of atonement and the continuing fight to dismantle institutional racism and systemic inequities as we struggle to form an ever more perfect union together. My administration is committed to ensuring that these symbolic measures not only enshrine and commemorate the day but also reflect our resolve to address the continued disenfranchisement of our black residents. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the date when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas to ensure that slaves were freed. The troops arrived two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln. Juneteenth is currently recognized as a state holiday or day of observance in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Juneteenth is a day of tremendous significance for African Americans but also for our entire nation, and we are proud to honor this day together as a Township, continued Keffer. It is long past time that we not only build and strengthen our relationships with our most historically marginalized communities but that we also engage them meaningfully in leadership roles as we correct our historic errors and build our more equitable shared future together. In the spirit of expanding how we honor Juneteenth now and going forward, Keffer announced that on the township website, upperdarby.org, there is a Google form entitled: Juneteenth Business Recognition, where we are soliciting information from black-owned businesses in the township so they can be highlighted. All are encouraged to complete the form. Keffer added, These initial actions move us toward repairing the immense damage inflicted on black Americans throughout our countrys history. It is our sincere hope that we continue this important work and that everyone will join us in celebrating Juneteenth, and further affirming that Black Lives Matter in Upper Darby and around the world. A box of Cream of Wheat is displayed on a counter in White Plains, N.Y., on June 18, 2020. (Donald King/AP Photo) Cream of Wheat Starts Immediate Review of Brands Packaging Cream of Wheat executives are reviewing the brands packaging amid Black Lives Matter protests. We are initiating an immediate review of the Cream of Wheat brand packaging, B&G Foods, which owns the brand, said in a statement. We understand there are concerns regarding the Chef image, and we are committed to evaluating our packaging and will proactively take steps to ensure that we and our brands do not inadvertently contribute to systemic racism. Boxes of Cream of What show a black chef. The man who served as the model for the smiling chef is believed to be Frank White, who died in 1938. Jesse Lasorda, a family researcher, told the Lansing State Journal that White was born in 1867 in Barbados and went to the United States in 1875. He became a U.S. citizen 15 years later. When White died Feb. 15, 1938, the Leslie Local-Republican described him as a famous chef who posed for an advertisement of a well-known breakfast food. White lived in Leslie for about the last 20 years of his life, and the story of his posing for the Cream of Wheat picture was known in the city of 2,000 located between Jackson and Lansing and about 70 miles west of Detroit. The chef was photographed in 1900 while working in a Chicago restaurant, according to the Jackson Citizen Patriot. Bottles of Mrs. Butterworths syrup are displayed on a supermarket shelf in Basking Ridge, N.J. on Nov. 20, 2007. (Mike Derer/AP Photo) A number of brands said this week packaging was being reviewed or changed. Colgate-Palmolive said in a statement it was reviewing Darlie, a Chinese toothpaste brand. For more than 35 years, we have been working together to evolve the brand, including substantial changes to the name, logo and packaging. We are currently working with our partner to review and further evolve all aspects of the brand, including the brand name, a Colgate spokesman said. Conagra said the Mrs. Butterworths brand is being reviewed. The Mrs. Butterworths brand, including its syrup packaging, is intended to evoke the images of a loving grandmother. We stand in solidarity with our Black and Brown communities and we can see that our packaging may be interpreted in a way that is wholly inconsistent with our values, it said in a statement. Mars Inc. said it was reviewing packaging for the Uncle Bens brand. Quaker Foods announced the renaming of its Aunt Jemima brand and would remove the image of the black woman who graced boxes and bottles. As we work to make progress toward racial equality through several initiatives, we also must take a hard look at our portfolio of brands and ensure they reflect our values and meet our consumers expectations, Kristin Kroepfl, vice president and chief marketing officer for Quaker Foods North America, said in the announcement. We recognize Aunt Jemimas origins are based on a racial stereotype. While work has been done over the years to update the brand in a manner intended to be appropriate and respectful, we realize those changes are not enough, she added. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 19.06.2020 LISTEN Brazzaville, 19 June 2020 The independent Africa Regional Certification Commission (ARCC), responsible for certifying the eradication of wild poliovirus in the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region, is set to make its final decision about the regions wild poliovirus status in August 2020. Following field verification visits over the past year and thorough critical analysis of the documentation of the polio surveillance, immunization, and laboratory capacity presented by the governments of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Nigeria, and South Sudan, the Commission has validated that the countries documentation grants them wild polio-free status. In August 2019, the African Region became eligible to be certified free of wild poliovirus, after Nigeria, the last wild poliovirus endemic country, recorded no new cases three years the requisite period since it last reported cases of wild poliovirus. The commission had already accepted the documentation of the other 43 countries in the region. We are satisfied with the documentation that the four countries have presented. We are reviewing updated reports from the other 43 countries in the WHO African Region and we anticipate that by August 2020, we will deliver our final decision on the regions certification status of wild poliovirus eradication, said Professor Rose Leke, ARCC Chairperson. This achievement by Cameroon, Central African Republic, Nigeria and South Sudan is a major step towards the eradication of wild poliovirus in the African region, said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. As the continent struggles with COVID-19, this milestone shows that when leaders, partners, health workers and communities come together we can triumph over the most difficult health challenges. If the region is certified in August, it would be the fifth of the six WHO regions to be declared free of wild polio. However, the scale of ongoing circulating vaccine-derived polio outbreaksis a battle the region is striving to win. Efforts are underway to urgently address the circulating vaccine derived poliovirus outbreaks, also within the context of polio eradication being a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Even though they are not wild polioviruses, such rare strains which can emerge in areas of low population immunity also paralyse children. WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance continue to support governments in their efforts to stop the ongoing circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks, including by implementing a new response strategy. The aim is to ensure that no child anywhere in Africa will ever again be paralysed by any poliovirus wild or vaccine-derived. With the COVID-19 pandemic, mass immunizations across the region have been postponed until further notice, which hinders outbreak response activities. The polio eradication programme in the African Region, in addition to its support to the COVID-19 response, is working with countries to ensure the continuity of essential disease surveillance activities as well as planning the resumption of immunization and outbreak response in compliance with the guidance to stop COVID-19 transmission. Polio is a viral disease, that is transmitted from person to person, mainly through a faecal-oral route or, less frequently, through contaminated water or food, and multiplies inside the intestines. While there is no cure for polio, the disease can be prevented through administration of a simple and effective vaccine. That is why efforts are underway across every country to rapidly boost immunity levels in children and protect them from polio paralysis. The World Health Organization contributes to a better future for people everywhere. Good health lays the foundation for vibrant and productive communities, stronger economies, safer nations and a better world. As the lead health authority within the United Nations system, our work touches peoples lives around the world every day. In Africa, WHO serves 47 Member States and works with development partners to improve the health and well-being of all people living here. The WHO Regional Office for Africa is located in Brazzaville, Congo. Learn more at www.afro.who.int and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 13:37 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406600f35c 1 World diplomacy,multilateralism,health,COVID-19,policy,UN,Indonesia,Hassan-Wirajuda,Foreign-Ministry Free A former top diplomat has sparked a debate about the direction of Indonesian foreign policy as the rules-based international order comes under increasing pressure for its management of the pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis. Former foreign minister Hassan Wirajuda called on the nation to pivot away from multilateralism and focus its efforts on bilateral and regional diplomacy, after what he said was a lack of leadership by the United Nations and international agencies. Hassans appeal touches on criticism of the UNs slow COVID-19 response, as the organization and its related bodies have been embroiled in the geopolitical rivalry between China and the United States. The United Nations and international organizations are no longer effective, Hassan declared as he criticized the World Health Organization for allowing an attack on its credibility. Read also: The strange war against the WHO amid its battle with COVID-19 He said that over the past six months, the pandemic had managed to speed up the end of globalization, evident in the way countries were becoming more dependent on their own national responses and bilateral cooperation initiatives and less on the multilateral system. Hassan took Indonesias cooperation with South Korea on the production of face masks and personal protective equipment as an example of the current development. Understanding the great changes in the global and regional landscape, both in geopolitical and geoeconomic [terms], it is necessary to refocus Indonesian diplomacy after the pandemic, he said during an online discussion on Wednesday. Read also: Insight: COVID-19: The challenge to multilateralism and regionalism Hassan said that while the 1945 Constitution maintained that Indonesia had to contribute to world peace, the nation should also be realistic about the fact that efforts to restructure the world order had not been successful. Indonesias foreign policy mission was formed on the basis of an excerpt from the Preamble of the Constitution, in which the formation of the government was partly predicated on the goal of establishing a world order based on freedom, abiding peace and social justice. Going forward, bilateral diplomacy should strive for tangible and measurable targets in order to strengthen national post-pandemic independence in a range of areas as new global trends emerge, said the former minister, who is credited with preparing the current cohort of senior Foreign Ministry officials. He also said that regional diplomacy was needed to help protect Indonesia from our existential threat as a nation state and that the nations diplomacy must be more grounded. Hassans criticism of the global order comes ahead of the UNs 75th anniversary and amid a physical shutdown of the organization as a result of the pandemic. This has limited diplomatic efforts and helped embolden nations that are skeptical of the bodys professed multilateral ideals. Hasans comments also follow Indonesias latest forays into UN leadership. The country has secured a seat on the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and serves on the Security Council and the Human Rights Commission. Read also: Indonesia secures seat on United Nations Economic and Social Council On many occasions, the Foreign Ministry, led by Retno Marsudi, has insisted upon the need to maintain the multilateral system to ensure global access to vaccines, medical supplies and equipment and to mitigate the economic impacts of the outbreak. Retno again defended multilateralism on Thursday at a virtual meeting between ASEAN and Russia, saying the global fight against COVID-19 should be seized as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among countries. She raised the issue of eroding trust among nations and stressed the need for all parties to set aside their differences. Indonesia wants to see multilateralism work in a more effective way a multilateralism that puts forward collective interests and prevents the mighty from taking everything, the minister said. Read also: Indonesia stresses need for multilateralism in ASEAN-Russia meeting Separately, Deputy Foreign Minister Mahendra Siregar acknowledged growing concerns that the global supply chain was becoming too dependent on a very limited number of countries. Such dependency had become an unacceptable risk, he said, as the world had witnessed scarcity in medical supplies and equipment earlier this year because many of the raw materials for mass production came from only one or two countries. This can be interpreted as a nationalist or protectionist attitude, but I see it as a consequence of, and the lessons learned from, what we have been through over the last few months, Mahendra said during a public lecture on Wednesday. Indonesia recorded a record surge in COVID-19 cases on Thursday, with 1,331 new confirmed cases, a day after the country officially surpassed Singapore, in gross terms, with the highest number of recorded infections in Southeast Asia. Indonesias population is about 48 times larger than Singapores. Read also: Indonesia records another record number of new COVID-19 cases The foreign service has been actively involved in global health initiatives and in forging bilateral deals, which observers say have helped ease the burden on the states pandemic response. We see all of this disruption not as a source of nervousness but as an opportunity. As some wise people have said, We should never waste a good crisis, Mahendra said. Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday stated that India unites when it comes to matters of national security while referring to the sentiment of the all party meeting held on Friday evening to discuss Chinese aggression in Galwan Valley. Shah added that the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent out an unequivocal message that all parties have full faith in the valour of Indias armed forces and their ability to defend Indias sovereignty. Attended all-party meet chaired by PM Modi. Meeting had an unequivocal message India is one when it comes to national security. All parties are proud of our armed forces, their valour and have full faith in them to defend our sovereignty & territorial integrity, Shah said in a tweet. He went on to say that the meeting was also a demonstration of Prime Minister Modis commitment to take all political stakeholders along on key matters. The all-party meeting today was enriched by the views of various esteemed leaders. It was a manifestation of PM Narendra Modis commitment to take all political stakeholders along, when it comes to key matters involving Indias strategic interests, Shahs follow-up tweet said. Minutes ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told the meeting that neither anyone entered Indian territory nor were Indian posts taken over during the recent stand-off and following clashes with China along the line of actual control (LAC). The prime minister was briefing leaders of key political parties on the more than six-weeks-long border standoff with China which has recently led to killing of 20 Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley in a bloody clash which has sent the ties between the two neighbouring countries into a downward spiral. The prime minister also said that the soldiers who perished in the clash taught a lesson to the aggressors for daring to look towards India. He also added that the army has been given the freedom to take necessary steps to defend the nations territorial integrity. Also Read: Taught them a lesson: PM Modi explains the big picture in stand-off with China The prime minister also assured the leaders that the armed forces are leaving no stone unturned to protect the country. The categorical statement by the prime minister came in the wake of reports that Chinese military has transgressed into the Indian side of the LAC, which is treated as the de-facto border, in several areas of eastern Ladakh including Pangong Tso and Galwan Valley. A government statement on the meeting added that New Delhi has also clearly conveyed its position to China through diplomatic means. The Prime Minister, according to the statement, told leaders that India today has such capability that no one can even dare to look towards an inch of our land. PM Modi said the entire country is hurt and angry at the Chinese action while underscoring that India wants peace and friendship, but it considered upholding sovereignty to be of foremost importance. The nearly four-hour meeting was attended by top opposition leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Mamata Banerjee, Uddhav Thackeray and Sitaram Yechury among others. NDA ally and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, too, attended the meet. Also Read: Parties unite behind Centre, offer tactics, strategies: All top quotes here While Sonia Gandhi asked the government to answer if the incident was a result of intelligence failure that failed to pick up the Chinese build up at the LAC and also sought an assurance from centre that status quo ante would be restored at the border, she also pledged her partys support to the government in dealing with the emergent issues of national interest. Sharad Pawar, a former defence minister said diplomatic channels should be used to defuse the tension, adding Chinese troops must be evacuated from the high ground in the Galwan valley, according to PTI. Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee said her party stands firmly behind the Centre in this hour of crisis and advocated blocking Chinese investments in strategically important infrastructure sectors. Opposition parties like the RJD, AAP and AIMIM reacted angrily over not being invited to the meeting and raised questions over the criteria for the invitation. FP Trending A new study finds that where a person lives has a significant impact on the likelihood of them reaching centenarian age. The study, conducted by researchers from Washington State University's Elson S Floyd College of Medicine has been published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. The study examined how several social and environmental factors affect the likelihood of reaching centenarian age for older adults in Washington State using mortality data from 20112015. The researchers found that people who live in highly walkable, mixed-age communities may live longer and reach their 100th birthday, Science Daily reported. It also reports that socioeconomic status is important. Geographic clusters that are located in urban areas and smaller towns having a higher socioeconomic status have a higher probability of people reaching centenarian age. Study author Rajan Bhardwaj, a second-year WSU medical student who took an interest in the topic after serving as a home care aide to his aging grandfather, revealed that the study adds to the growing body of evidence that social and environmental factors contribute significantly to the life of a person. Ofer Amram, the study's senior author told university press, "We know from previous research that you can modify, through behavior, your susceptibility to different diseases based on your genetics." Living in an environment that supports healthy ageing impacts one's ability to beat genetic odds through lifestyle changes, Eurekalert concluded about the research. The report cites Bhardwaj as saying that mixed-age communities appear to be beneficial for everyone, based on the study's results. Amram added that neighborhoods offering more age diversity tend to be in urban areas where the elderly are more likely not to face isolation and get a lot of community support in their daily lives. [June 19, 2020] Workers' Compensation System a 'National Disgrace': United Steelworkers Canada's provincial governments must rectify deeply entrenched, fatal flaws in the workers' compensation system that continue to ruin lives and exacerbate the opioid crisis, the United Steelworkers (USW) says. "A national media expose this week has documented the disastrous human toll wrought by the failings of Canada's workers' compensation boards," said USW National Director Ken Neumann. "Sadly, these tragic revelations are not surprising to unions and others who advocate for injured workers, nor to workers and families who have been devastated by the system's failings," Neumann said. "For years, unions have demanded reforms to a broken system that fuels addiction and leads to ruined lives, fatal overdoses and suicides," he added. "Those demands have largely been ignored. It's time for provincial governments to take meaningful action to tackle this national disgrace." A report in the Globe and Mail newspaper has linked systemic flaws in the workers' compensation system to countless addictions that have exacerbated the opioid crisis, which has become a public health emergency in Canada. The report documented systemic issues that have long been decried by unions and other workers' advocates: Injured workers are often forced back to work - within days of getting hurt, in many cases - before they have healed or received medical treatment nd procedures they need, often contradicting the opinions of attending medical professionals. Injured workers are often prescribed opioids - covered by the compensation board - to cope with their pain and many have become addicted. Workers who have been forced back to work, then had their benefits cut, have resorted to cheap street drugs, with deadly consequences. Recommended treatments and surgeries for many injured workers are denied, limited, or delayed, sometimes for years. "Often the only way an injured worker can cope after being forced back to work is by being heavily medicated on opioids. These drugs mask the pain and can lead to further injury, addiction and worse." The USW is calling on provincial governments across Canada to mandate immediate reforms to their workers' compensation boards, including: Greater acceptance of the opinions of workers' attending medical practitioners, particularly regarding suitability to return to work and treatment regimes. End the practice of sending injured workers back to work while they are still being treated with drugs such as opioids. Compensation boards must consider alternative methods of pain management aside from drugs, including extended physiotherapy and psychological care such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Compensation boards must ensure better contact with workers who have been placed on drug treatment programs, as well as with their attending medical practitioners. Greater supports must be put in place for injured workers experiencing addiction and mental health issues. Prioritize and expedite the claims process and the approval process for treatments and surgeries. Compensation boards must be required to track and publish data on addiction cases as well as fatalities resulting from workplace injuries and related addictions. "Immediate reforms are needed, otherwise the workers' compensation system will continue to devalue workers' health and workers' lives," Neumann said. "This national disgrace must end." View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200619005447/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Mort Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America, testifies before a House Judiciary Committee hearing discussing hate crimes and the rise of white nationalism, April 9, 2019. WASHINGTON (JTA) - As many Jewish organizations across the United States sent out statements decrying racism over the past week, the head of the Zionist Organization of America took a different approach. Black Lives Matter "is a Jew hating, White hating, Israel hating, conservative-Black hating, violence promoting, dangerous Soros-funded extremist group of haters," ZOA President Mort Klein tweeted on Saturday. That tweet, expressing anger as others sought to show solidarity with nationwide protests calling for racial justice, could be a turning point for the ZOA's membership in a national c... New Delhi, June 19 : A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to suspended Jammu and Kashmir DSP Davinder Singh, who was arrested in January while ferrying two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway. Singh's lawyer M.S. Khan confirmed that bail to him in the terror case by Additional Sessions Judge Dharmendra Rana after the Delhi Police failed to file the charge sheet within the stipulated time period. On Wednesday, Singh and another accused Irfan Shafi Mir had moved the court for bail on the technical ground that the charge sheet was not filed within 90 days, as prescribed under law. Their bail applications asserted that the accused were "wrongly and falsely implicated" in the case. "There is no material evidence to show the existence of any conspiracy to commit any act with the intent to threaten or likely to threaten the unity, integrity, security or sovereignty of India and there is also no material to substantiate that the accused had the intention or conspired to carry out a terror strike," it added. On June 9, the duo, along with another accused Syed Naveed Mushtaq, had sought bail but later withdrawn the plea. The Delhi Police Special Cell is probing their role in the alleged planning of a terror attack. Singh was in judicial custody in Hira Nagar Jail in Jammu and Kashmir till June 16. Besides Davinder Singh, accused Javed Iqbal, Syed Naveed Mushtaq, and Imran Shafi Mir are also in custody. Delhi Police's Special Cell had brought him from Hira Nagar Jail to the national capital in March for interrogation in another case. Police had earlier told the court that Mushtaq, alleged to be Hizbul Mujahiddeen commander of Shopian district, along with other militants, were planning to execute a terror attack in Delhi and other parts of the country and targeted killings of protected persons. In this connection, the Delhi Police had filed an FIR which stated that the youths of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab are being trained for carrying out terrorist activities. Earth's geographical surfaces have been formed over millions of years, and various current theories aim to explain their formation. The most popular theory, called the "plate tectonics theory," states that Earth's outermost layer is a dynamic system consisting of slowly moving plates, also known as "tectonic" plates. As theses plates move, they come close to each other and collide, or drift away from or slide past the other, causing tension or rupture along their boundaries. If two colliding plates face enormous compression force along the rupture line, a slab of the earth would uplift. The uplifted piece of land gives rise to geographical structures such as mountains or plateaus on the landscape of the earth. The Tibetan Plateau, the highest plateau in the world, is believed to have been formed through one such tectonic process, when the Indian and Eurasian continental plates collided with each other. Interestingly, the landscape of this enigmatic plateau consists of various unusual geological structures that have baffled geologists globally. For example, many independent geological units of different structures and ages are placed next to each other in a way that cannot be explained by a single tectonic event as per the existing theory. Intrigued by this, in a new study published in Earth Science Frontiers, a group of scientists at the China University of Geosciences, led by Dr Liu Demin, investigated in detail the geological structures of the southern Tibetan Plateau. Talking about their motivation, Dr Demin says, "The southern Tibetan Plateau has a complicated geological structure, which cannot be explained by the existing 'plate tectonics' theory. Our study uses a new idea to explain some unusual tectonic structures that are part of the southern Tibetan Plateau." To begin with, the scientists analyzed ancient tectonic ruptures in the form of "boundaries" between the distinct geological regions. The "South Tibet detachment system" (STDS) is one such boundary that runs parallel to the Himalayan range for more than 2,000 km. The researchers analyzed the geological data of STDS and other structures in the region, such as the Rongbu Temple normal fault and the Main Central Thrust (MCT), to trace the possible chain of events related to the evolution of these boundaries. They speculated that instead of a single "collision-compression" process (as per the existing theory), these boundaries were created in different periods altogether, through a series of tectonic events that date back to the early Cenozoic era (a geological era that extends from 66 million years ago to the present day) and occurred in multiple stages. According to this model, called the "opening-closing" theory, the upper layer or "crust" of a prehistoric ocean called the "Neo-Tethys" ocean expanded or "opened," and a part of the oceanic crust moved under the other, resembling a "closing" movement. The continental plates too followed a similar process of "opening and closing" as they moved towards and away from each other. This chain of events gave rise to the structures of the Tibetan Plateau. Using this model, the scientists were able to deduce that the Rongbu Temple normal fault and the MCT were formed earlier than the STDS was. Further, they revealed that two tectonic units, klippes and windows, in the Chomolungma region were actually the result of gravitational gliding (as opposed to compression, as previously believed) and thus should be characterized as extensions and slips, respectively. Dr Demin further explains, "Thermal energy and gravitational potential energy in the deep earth played a key role during this opening-closing evolutionary process." The geology of Earth's surfaces has changed over millions of years through continuous evolutionary processes. In this study, scientists unraveled part of the mystery surrounding the complex geological structures of the southern Tibetan Plateau. Dr Demin concludes, "A deeper understanding of the 'opening-closing' process requires us to focus more on the detailed geological record for evidence of continuous rather than temporal processes.'' The research team now plans to study the differences between the opening-closing view and the plate tectonic theory in detail, to shed further light on the genesis of the Tibetan plateau. ### Reference Authors: Liu Demin, Yang Weiran, Guo Tieying, RU Jiangtao, Xiong Aimin Title of original paper: Discussion on the Cenozoic tectonic evolution and dynamics of southern Tibet Journal: Earth Science Frontiers Affiliations: School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China About Earth Science Frontiers Earth Science Frontiers is a bimonthly peer reviewed scholarly journal co-sponsored by the China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and Peking University. It was first published in 1994, and academician Wang Chengshan is the current Editor-in-Chief. Each issue of the journal is centered on a specific geoscience topic and managed by experts in that field as Guest Editors. Each issue also contains a number of articles on self-select subjects. Articles published on Earth Science Frontiers cover all disciplines of earth sciences with emphasis on frontier and innovative basic research. At the same time, the journal also publishes research findings that may be considered contentious. Over the years, Earth Science Frontiers has won several publisher awards, including "The Internationally Most Influential Journal in Chinese Language" and "The Top 100 Outstanding Chinese Scholarly Journals." In 2019, Earth Science Frontiers was selected among top-tier journals to join a national action plan for achieving excellence in science and technology research publishing in China. E-mail: frontier@cugb.edu.cn Website: http://www.earthsciencefrontiers.net.cn About Dr Liu Demin Dr Liu Demin is Associate Professor at the School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan. His research is focused on the geodynamics of continental and geothermal geology. He has published seven research papers in reputed international journals. SOUTH HADLEY Months of planning, an expedited agenda, and a few gallons of gas, the town held the first drive-in Annual Town Meeting in St. Theresas Church parking lot Wednesday night. Welcome to the COVID-19 era, where meeting members parked in 120 allotted spaces and tuned to a specific FM radio station and listened to Town Moderator lead the proceedings. Members approved a $48,142,557 million operating budget for Fiscal 2021. The town will likely revisit the budget in September when the states revenue projections are more apparent. The Town of South Hadley needs to raise more than $43 million in revenues, transfer $300,000 in free cash, and collect other fees to arrive at a balanced budget. About $1.8 million in Wastewater Treatment Plant Enterprise funds are available. Selectboard Chairman Jeff Cyr said, In these unprecedented times, it was difficult putting this budget together, Cyr said. He thanked town officials for drafting a balanced budget considering the circumstances. He added, We all recognize there will be special meetings in the fall to address some of the issues. For now, I believe this a very responsible budget for the residents of South Hadley. Thomas Terry, who chairs the Appropriation Committee, said the budget meets the needs of the town while providing flexibility and adjustments necessary in the future. Selectboard member Ann Sobel, of Precinct B, said the budget contained a $175,000 increase to the Police Departments budget. Several speakers referenced the Black Lives Matter movement and police violence. Weve been explicitly asked by the movement for Black Lives to vote no on all increase to police budgets and vote yes to reallocate such spending to health care, education and community programs, Sobel said. That truly will keep all of us safe. She added that communities across the country are mourning the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died when a Minneapolis police officer pushed his knee into the victims neck. Hines began the meeting with a moment of silence, honoring past public servants and residents who succumbed to the virus. A microphone was set up for members to speak. Masks were required throughout the gathering. Members who favored a motion held up a green card while those opposed raised a red one. Cyr proposed Articles 1 6 as a package or consent agenda, which saved time and lessened the publics exposure. The articles are considered housekeeping in nature, yearly musts. The articles authorized the Town Treasurer, with Selectboard approval, to borrow in anticipation of annual revenue and renew any note or notes under Massachusetts law. A second article gave the Selectboard power to defend all suits that may be brought against the town in Fiscal 2021 and prosecute suits on behalf of the town. The remaining six articles granted financial authority to the Selectboard to levy taxes, spend, approve bonds for capital projects, accept state highway funding, and fix salaries for elected officials. Members approved a $20,000 revolving fund for Buttery Brook Park. The 1,200-plus hospitality/hotel management institutes across India could see a dip in enrolments as students get increasingly concerned about employment options in the sector after the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Education consultants and aspirants told Moneycontrol that there is a fear about the hospitality industry taking much longer to get back to 'pre-COVID-19 levels'. Independent consultant Milind Chopra who advises students on higher education options said the short-term programmes would be the worst hit. "Diploma programmes that are of 9-12 month duration will see students passing out by mid-2021. Even if there is a vaccine, leisure travel would be minimal across India. This would impact hotel industry revenue. Hence, students enrolling into these programmes are at higher risk of poor placements," he added. Ever since the nationwide lockdown was announced on March 25 to minimise the COVID-19, the travel/tourism industry and hospitality industry have been the worst-hit sectors since non-essential travel has been halted. 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 Individuals travelling for work also have been returning the same day and major hotels across the country are now quarantine centres for travellers coming from abroad. Satish Puranik, a student who completed his 12th standard in 2020 was initially aspiring for a hotel management job. But he has now changed track and planning to join a general management programme. "Even if the lockdown is lifted, I think there will be a stigma for travel for another two to three years. Further, hotels are also cutting down on the staff strength and have indicated that hiring would be restrained. I would lose out and the investment made in the course would go waste because it is a niche degree and I won't be able to find placement in other sectors," he added. The average fee for hotel management courses ranges from Rs 80,000 per year to as high as Rs 3 lakh. Placement assistance is provided to students at the end of the course term. For admissions into these programmes, entrance tests followed by interviews are held to test the aptitude of the candidates. This year that process has also been delayed due to the pandemic. Estimates suggest there could be a 15-20 percent dip in the number of students enrolling for these tests to seek admissions. Bengaluru-based Bhavesh Pradhan who hosts career counselling services for school pass-outs explained that job-ready courses that would help students get employment in sectors like e-commerce, online retail or junior consulting roles are being preferred. "Demand for courses in areas like hospitality and hotel management has dipped by almost 30 percent compared to last year. Educational programmes in business administration, cyber-security, data analytics and computer appliances have replaced this," he added. The Indian hospitality industry market size is expected to be USD 10 billion. and is said to employ 25 million people. Follow our full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic here A global pandemic has begun to ease off, leaving many thousands dead and the economy in tatters and civil unrest with racist underpinnings breaks out across the country. It was 1919. They called it the red summer. The parallels between the summer of 1919 and the summer of 2020 are, according to Connecticut State Historian Walt Woodward, One of the situations where there is a real resonance between the past and the present. The current coronavirus pandemic has been often compared to the influenza outbreak of 1918 and 1919, though there are some important distinctions. The death toll from the so-called Spanish Flu, for example, far outpaces the likely track of COVID-19. Likewise, there are some important distinctions but also many parallels between the post-pandemic race riots (as they were called) of 1919 and the current ongoing protests against police brutality. There had been a series of white-led raids of Black communities including a month of fighting in Connecticut when, in late July of 1919, a Black teenager was stoned to death while swimming in an area of Lake Michigan designated white-only, as The New York Times reported back then. Police refused to charge the attackers, and the violent clashes lasted for two weeks. Between Jan. 1, 1919, and October of the same year, The Times tracked 38 race riots and clashes in cities and other communities in various parts of the country. The flu pandemic, the so-called red summer race riots of 1919 and World War I are integrally connected, as historian and author Kenneth C. Davis said. I think absolutely the Spanish Flu had something to do with the red summer, said Davis, author of More Deadly Than War: The Hidden History of the Spanish Flu and the First World War. I don't want to overstate that it was the pandemic, but I don't think you can disassociate or disconnect anything about the period from 1918 to 1919, 1920, from the flu and the war, because they're completely interconnected. Soldiers return with disease The Spanish Flu spread so easily, Davis said, because the priority had been on winning the war. Soldiers contracted the flu, and brought it back to military bases back home. In 1918 scientists and doctors were ignored. Sometimes the advice they were giving to politicians was ignored at great peril to the public health, he said. In 1917, 1918, the priority was winning the war. And that meant, keep pushing soldiers into the training camps, even though they were the breeding grounds for the disease. Keep pushing those soldiers onto the troop ships to go overseas. Even though the doctors said you have to slow this down. Thats why the first cases of Spanish Flu in Connecticut were identified in New London. New London in 1918 was a major hub of military activity, said Woodward. There were a tremendous number of military personnel on duty in New London. The first case in Connecticut of Spanish Flu was identified at the Naval base in New London in September 1918. By the end of the month there were hundreds of identified cases and, from there, the virus spread west through the state. It certainly was the epicenter in the way that New York City or Rockland County was at the beginning of the coronavirus, Woodward said, noting that New London was also one of the early places where these riots broke out. Between September and December of 1918, Connecticut lost 8,488 people to influenza, state records show 56 percent of them between ages 20 and 39 a number equal to 23,000 today as a percent of the states population. The nation lost one-half of 1 percent of its people to the flu in 1918-20, equal to 1.65 million people as a share of todays population. The virus had started to abate in May 1919 when clashes between Black and white sailors spilled onto the streets of New London. Black seamen reported that white sailors attacked them, while white navy men accused the Black sailors of lying in wait for them after dark as they made their way across the Long Cove Bridge, said Jan Voogt, author of Race Riots and Resistance: The Red Summer of 1919. When police arrested two white sailors, others raided a hotel where Black sailors were known to hang out. The white sailors threw a group of hotel patrons into the street and beat them severely, Voogt said in an email. A fierce battle ensued on Bank Street that the towns entire police force and fire department could not stop, so the authorities called in the Marines. Cultural shifts Concurrent with the war and the flu, the United States was going through some cultural growth. The great migration brought as many as 450,000 Black families from the south to work in urban centers up north. White soldiers returning from war found their jobs held by African Americans. White people, especially working class people and military men facing demobilization, they're the ones most threatened by this, Woodward said. At the same time, Black soldiers who fought overseas were not prepared for the racism waiting for them back home. They had found a new sense of freedom over there, according to Woodward. A lot of those soldiers came back and they weren't ready to accept second-class citizenship again. Davis referred to a well-known quote from W.E.B. DuBois: We return from fighting. We return fighting. Make way for Democracy! We saved it in France, and by the Great Jehovah, we will save it in the United States of America, or know the reason why, DuBois wrote in May 1919. We forget how really, really racist America was in 1919 and 1920 and going forward, Davis said. You can't separate the sense of fear and anxiety that people felt between the war and the flu striking together at this moment in history, and when people are afraid and anxious, they strike out in fear. Xenophobia and the red scare The summer of 1919 was called the red summer because of the blood but also because of the threat of Communism. Though white people largely instigated the 1919 race riots, they were blamed on Communists and anarchists, who were supposedly inciting the Black community to violence according to Cameron McWhirter. McWhirter, author of Red Summer: The Summer of 1919 and the Awakening of Black America, said he sees parallels to today. Propaganda at the time suggested that Clearly the anarchists are circulating among the African American community and starting trouble. It set up that whole situation throughout the 20th century, McWhirter said. When people started accusing antifa of causing all this violence I definitely saw parallels. At the same time, there had been growing xenophobia and racism during and prior to the flu pandemic, according to Davis. You have a tremendous rise of the Ku Klux Klan, he said. You have, in this period, the most restrictive anti immigration laws ever passed in American history or passed shortly afterwards. So you have a tremendously conservative mood in the country, looking inwards, keeping out the other, keeping out the strange, keeping out all the things that bring diseases. In fact, Davis said Black people were blamed for the flu, in the early days of the pandemic. Then, as now, Black communities were hit harder by the pandemic, though that wasnt the case in the first wave of influenza. The black population (which were expected to have higher influenza morbidity and mortality) had lower morbidity and mortality than the white population during the autumn of 1918, according to a 2019 report published by the National Institutes of Health. That changed as the disease continued to spread, with Black communities suffering more from the Spanish Flu in later waves than their white neighbors. When you look, for instance, at Chicago, where the red summer was very bad, public health officials early on had blamed the great influx of African Americans into Chicago, the northern migration, Davis said. They blamed this for the spread of many diseases. They said that these Negroes coming into Chicago were bringing disease with them. Economic crisis then and now A sharp recession hit the United States from early 1920 into 1921. It brought a collapse in prices and consumer demand so steep that its considered a depression, largely the result of the dramatic demilitarization of everything in sight--cancelled supply contracts, demobilized soldiers, agencies closed, said UConn economist Fred V. Carstensen. The connection between that recession and the influenza pandemic has not been established, Carstensen said. But with so many people of prime working age dying, there would have been a disruption of labor markets in some ways similar to the COVID-19 response, not from deaths this time around but from the public health shutdown. As a result, influenza was responsible for a 1.5 percent decline in total economic activity in the United States and a 2.1 percent drop in consumption, according to a working paper published in March of this year and revised in April by the National Bureau of Economic Research, titled, The Coronavirus and the Great Influenza Pandemic: Lessons from the Spanish Flu for the Coronavirus's Potential Effects on Mortality and Economic Activity. It was not worse, said Carstensen, an economic history expert, because the dangerous financialization of the economy, with its domino effects from credit collapses, had not happened yet though it did in the 20s. There was a broad informal social safety net among ethnic communities, he said. Households had little debt. Still, the NBER paper said, the economic declines from influenza show why a massive stimulus is needed now. The results also show that the 1918-20 pandemic was accompanied by substantial short-term declines in realized real returns on stocks and short-term government bonds. Responses to stress While there may be similarities between the summers of 1919 and 2020 in racial tensions, economics and disease, one must be careful to draw too many parallels, McWhirter said. There are parallels to how humans react to crisis, he said. This is a flash point because people are frustrated, stressed out, this becomes yet another pressure point. Woodward said the two crises the war and the pandemic had a significant psychological effect on the nation. More Connecticut residents died in the pandemic of 1918 than in any war they had ever fought, he said. At the moment of victory, there is a second event. Davis, too, linked the psychological effects of the war, the changing economy, the pandemic and the red summer, though he said it comes down to looking for a way to place blame. I think what happens, between the flu and the war, is America had this tremendous feeling of wanting to isolate and wanting to keep out the things that were dangerous, that were coming from somewhere else, he said. We always have, even today, we have a knack for blaming somebody for disease. Viruses, of course, know no race, no color, no creed, no nationality, they don't have passports. Columnist Dan Haar contributed to this story 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. The Supreme Court decision to uphold the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program protects thousands of California college students from deportation and allows them to continue living and working legally in the U.S. One of them is 21-year-old Adan Arguelles, who's studying film production at Pasadena City College. "I'm feeling really, really refreshed," Arguelles said. He found out about the court's decision around 7 a.m. Thursday, soon after the court's decision was announced. "You're in that period where you're in between waking up and sleeping, so whatever you see feels like dreamlike." Adan Arguelles, 21, woke up on June 18 to the news that the Supreme Court denied the Trump Administration's move to end DACA. (Courtesy Adan Arguelles) The court's decision had particular resonance for students and educators in California, which is home to about 200,000 of the 800,000 DACA recipients nationwide. That's more than any other state. Accordingly, California has also been a focal point of efforts to fight the Trump administration's efforts to end the program, most notably a lawsuit filed by the University of California system, which was the first university system to challenge the effort in court. UC leaders celebrated the Supreme Court decision today. "Although the battle to provide a permanent status for DACA participants continues, and much sacrifice and struggle remains, today we join the entire UC community and all DACA recipients to celebrate this day of justice," UC Regents chair John A. Perez said in a statement. California also fought back against the repeal attempt with a lawsuit of its own and by passing state legislation like AB 540, which allows students like young immigrants like Arguelles -- who migrated to California with his parents from Tijuana when he was 6 years old -- to pay in-state rates for college tuition and be eligible for some financial aid. Pasadena City College enrolled 964 non-resident students this school year, which includes those with DACA. "My number one goal is to, you know, find something I'm good at... a place where I'm able to grow," Arguelles said. 'IT FELT LIKE A BUNCH OF WEIGHT LIFTED OFF MY SHOULDERS' Cesar, 27, studies English Education at Cal Poly Pomona. There are an estimated 9,800 non-resident students in the California State University system, including DACA recipients like 27-year-old Cesar. With his immigration status still in doubt -- the Supreme Court decision did not settle that -- he asked that we withhold his full name. Before the coronavirus pandemic, Cesar regularly drove about 40 minutes from Koreatown to study English Education at Cal Poly Pomona. "It was a relief. First, it felt like a bunch of weight just lifted off my shoulders," he said. "But at the same time, it just reminded me of how other people's decisions affect how my life can be in the future." First it was his parents' decision to leave their home in Santa Ana, El Salvador. A few years later, Cesar, then 10, crossed the border to join them in Los Angeles with his younger brother. Then it was the Trump Administration's 2017 effort to end DACA, a 2012 Obama Administration initiative. "When you're undocumented, there's only a small pool of options you have for job," Cesar said. "A lot of the time for these jobs you get exploited because they know that they can take advantage (of you)." With DACA, he was able to switch from being paid under the table to wash dishes to working on campus. GET THE BEST OF LAIST IN YOUR INBOX Sign up for our daily newsletter to receive the latest on local politics, food, culture and the absurdities of L.A. life. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy DACA does not provide a path to citizenship, and the recipients pay hundreds of dollars to renew their status every two years. "We don't have a legal status, but we don't have an illegal status as well," Cesar said. "We're just in this limbo state." For now he's not at risk of deportation and plans to complete his degree in May 2021, then pursue a Ph.D and compile an anthology of undocumented immigrants' stories. He says DACA makes it easier, but the goal is U.S. citizenship for himself and more stability for other undocumented immigrants. "It's an opportunity to be able to feel like you belong in the community that you've grown up in," Cesar said. A CELEBRATION AND A WAKE-UP CALL Educators throughout California celebrated the Supreme Court's Decision and called for further action to protect immigrant students. "While this decision is an important victory, it does not protect the program from further challenge, nor does it provide a permanent solution to allow our Dreamers to achieve their aspirational goals," said California State University Chancellor Timothy P. White in a statement. Leticia Bustamante works at UCLA's Dream Resource Center and now coordinates the summer program she once participated in as a student. (Courtesy Leticia Bustamante) The California Community Colleges Chancellor, the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Los Angeles County Office of Education also issued statements of support for undocumented students. On Thursday morning, UCLA's Dream Resource Center had already started to receive questions about what the Supreme Court's decision would mean for current recipients and those who were shut out of the program when the Trump administration ordered it rescinded in 2017. Their futures were put on hold while the order was challenged over nearly three years of court battles. A Migration Policy Institute study found 100,000 undocumented students graduate from high school each year. "Now, if they were to have this access to DACA, they could enter adulthood in a more 'normal' way," said Leticia Bustamante, a project coordinator at the center who also has DACA. She said Thursday's decision was both a cause for celebration and a wake-up call. "Our struggle is related to so many other struggles," Bustamante said, referring to the recent protests over racial injustice and police brutality. "We can't be free until everybody is free." KPCC + LAist community engagement intern Nubia Perez and engagement producer Stefanie Ritoper contributed to this story. READ MORE: WE LOVE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS Just a week away from the July 1 target date for the start of official action on possible Israeli annexation of 30% of the West Bank, Israels military and security chiefs have no earthly idea what is going to happen how, when and if at all. The chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the heads of the Shin Bet security agency and of the Mossad are trying to read the minds of the decision-makers, meanwhile preparing for every imaginable scenario. The IDF and Shin Bet have been conducting discussions in recent weeks about the possible annexation and its implications, and have drawn up a precise threat map. The Mossad is conducting a similarly deep assessment. The heads of the security agencies are awaiting a directive from the political echelons. Before that happens, an in-depth discussion is planned to allow the defense and security chiefs to present decision-makers with their views on the annexation move. The forum for this expected session is yet unclear whether the Security Cabinet, the mini-security cabinet or the quartet, also known as the kitchen galley, consisting of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin for the Likud and Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi for the Blue and White party. The interior minister and leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, Aryeh Deri, one of Israels most seasoned and experienced politicians, may be asked to join them. Deri, of all people, whose voters hold distinctly right-wing views, has been tagged over the years as highly pragmatic. If the professionals participating in the crucial session express warnings about the annexation, Deri will be the one who gives them top priority. As a young member of Israels Security Cabinet in 1991, Deri helped then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir fend off insistent calls by then-Defense Minister Moshe Arens to mount an aerial strike in western Iraq during the first Gulf war. In hindsight, Shamir and Deri turned out to have been right. Almost 30 years hence, when Israels political echelon asks the professionals for their assessments, it will likely hear serious warnings regarding the repercussions of the annexation move. These will depend, obviously, on the extent of the annexation and the manner in which it is carried out. However, the IDF and Shin Bet will undoubtedly warn that imposing Israeli sovereignty over areas of the West Bank risks setting off Palestinian violence of varying degrees. The Shin Bet has already formulated its opinion, and the decision-makers will not like it. According to its assessment, annexation is highly likely to set off yet another round of violence with the Palestinians. The agency experts believe rogue groups and the Islamic Jihad in Gaza will light the first spark, forcing the ruling Hamas movement to join the fray in response to the unilateral Israeli measure. An exchange of blows between Israel and Gaza could easily stir up violence in the West Bank. The second intifada broke out in the fall of 2000 in response to a direct order from PLO leader Yasser Arafat encouraging terrorist attacks against Israel. The current Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, will not be issuing such instructions. The level of energy on the Palestinian street is also not reminiscent of the situation 20 years ago. The reasonably prosperous economy in the West Bank serves as a significant inhibiting factor against violence. The great unknown is what the Tanzim, the armed wing of the PLOs Fatah movement, might do if Israel carries out annexation. Israel is closely monitoring Tanzim activity and hoping that the armed Palestinian militia does not set off a third intifada, as it did the first one in 1987. In recent months, during the coronavirus crisis, several clashes occurred between the Tanzim and Palestinian security forces in the West Bank. Could this tension fuel an explosion in response to an Israeli move? The prospects of that happening are not low. The IDF has not yet presented a final, comprehensive position regarding the annexation. Nonetheless, the assessment by the IDF chief, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, is unlikely to diverge significantly from that of the Shin Bets Nadav Argaman. The IDF, too, believes unilateral Israeli annexation might ignite a conflagration, although the top brass is likely to emphasize that the defense forces are prepared to respond effectively to any eventuality. The upcoming deliberations between the political and military-security echelons will also include in-depth assessments of regional implications. It is safe to say that every security official in the room will warn of some sort of Palestinian response. The options will be ranked according to severity: A local spat with Gaza, a tough reaction by Gaza and local reaction in the West Bank, a harsh response by Gaza that will in turn prompt a harsh response in the West Bank, leading to a third intifada and possibly to violence on other fronts, as well. The discussion will also deal with the repercussions of an all-out clash with the Palestinians in other arenas. It is no secret that Israels security agencies have been expending most of their energy in recent years on the countrys northern front: The growing Hezbollah arsenals, the Iranian entrenchment in Syria, the Iranian-backed precision-missile project and first and foremost Irans continued nuclear aspirations. Under the Iran nuclear deal, to which Iran is still a signatory, the land of the ayatollahs will soon be allowed to renew its conventional weapons armament. The United States has already announced it would not let this happen and would impose a strict, renewed weapons embargo on Iran. In parallel, Israel continues to monitor with concern Irans increasing uranium enrichment. It is unclear whether Israel still has a significant military option with which to counter various scenarios of a nuclear Iran. The same is true for Israels options vis-a-vis Syria and Lebanon. Here too, Israel might have fewer reaction possibilities than it had in past years. In fact, Israel might be forced to make a decision, as Hezbollah keeps getting stronger. The group might soon begin eroding Israels strategic advantage and cross the red line. Decision-makers have already debated how much longer Israel can sit by and watch Hezbollahs weaponization, especially its growing arsenal of rockets and precision missiles. Decision-makers will now have to set aside all such decisions in light of the annexation issue. A third intifada would force Israel to shift priorities, to focus on trying to put out fires in the Palestinian arena, and abandon the northern arenas at this critical time. Netanyahu and Gantz will also have to weigh this consideration and we have not even mentioned the chaos in the US administration regarding a green light for annexation and the growing objections to the annexation on the part of US and Israeli allies in the Gulf States. Pathankot: Pathankot (Punjab) SSP Rakesh Kaushal on Wednesday said that the police team is continuing with the search operation after 3-4 suspicious men were spotted in army fatigues with weapons by locals on Tuesday. Launched an operation yesterday, some people spotted 3-4 suspicious men in army fatigues with weapons, Rakesh Kaushal said. He said that a search operation was launched on Tuesday but the police did not found anything suspicious and they will be searching for more areas. Didn't find anything or anyone suspicious here but we need to search some more areas to clear the doubts, he added. Pathankot was put on high alert on Tuesday following inputs regarding suspicious movement of some people. Further, due to security concerns, a huge search operation has been launched on the Pathankot-Dalhousie road. ALSO READ: Pathankot on high alert following suspicious movement of armed men On Tuesday, around 400 security personnel including SWAT team were deployed for conducting the search operation by the Punjab police in the district where terrorist from across the border had struck the IAF airbase in January. There was a specific input about the presence of some suspicious men roaming around on Pathankot-Dalhousie road. Following this, a massive search operation has been launched here, Pathankot SSP had said. Notably, Punjab Police and BSF had jointly carried out search operation and flag march in villages near Indo-Pak border on September 25 to thwart any attempt by intruders coming from across the border. An alert was also sounded in the border districts of Pathankot and Gurdaspur in the wake of terror strike on an army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir. Notably, terrorists who had sneaked in from across the border had attacked Pathankot air base on the intervening night of January 1-2 this year while Dinanagar in Gurdaspur was targeted on July 27 last year. The Pathankot attack had claimed the lives of seven security personnel while four terrorists were killed. Three heavily-armed terrorists wearing army fatigues, had stormed a police station in Dinanagar town in Gurdaspur district last year killing seven persons, including a Superintendent of Police, before they were gunned down during a day-long operation. (With inputs from PTI) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Opposition parties reacted angrily on Friday over not being invited to the all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation along the India-China border and raised questions over the criteria for the invitation. New Delhi: Opposition parties like the RJD, AAP and AIMIM reacted angrily on Friday over not being invited to the all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation along the India-China border and raised questions over the criteria for the invitation. The Lalu Prasad-led Rashtriya Janata Dal MPs, including his daughter Misa Bharti and Manoj Jha, also staged a protest at Mahatma Gandhi's statue inside the Parliament complex and contended that despite being the chief Opposition party in Bihar and the single largest party in the Assembly, it was not invited. Jha also wrote a letter to Modi expressing "deep anguish" at being excluded from the all party meeting on an issue of such national importance. According to sources, the criteria followed for sending invites to parties was all recognised national parties, those with over five MPs in the Lok Sabha, leading parties from the Northeast and parties with Union Cabinet ministers. Hitting out at the criteria, Jha tweeted, "The untenable logic of 'FIVE MEMBERS' gets exposed...first through our strength of 5 in RS and second..TDP- 4 MP invited, Apna Dal- 2 MPs invited, SAD- 2 MPs invited, CPI- 2 MPs invited, NC- 1 MP invited...There is more to it than what meets the eye." The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was also miffed at not being invited at the all-party meet with its Rajya Sabha leader Sanjay Singh saying the party has a government in Delhi and in Punjab, it is the main Opposition party, but still the BJP does not want its opinion on such an important matter. "The BJP government at the Centre should take everyone along on a serious issue like national security. It is unfortunate for democracy that a three-time chief minister has not been called for suggestions on an important subject," Singh told reporters. In its official statement, the AAP said it is proud that "All Party Meeting is taking place in New Delhi, where AAP governs, and hopes that the meeting will bring about honourable solutions to the threat posed by China and to the ongoing crisis in Ladakh, bringing back Galwan Valley back into India". "The AAP remains committed to stand up for India in all respects. It remains disappointed at its exclusion from the meeting but stands committed to its outcome," it said. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also questioned the criteria for inviting parties to the meet. Jha, in his letter to Modi, also said his party has five MPs in Rajya Sabha, which makes it qualify this "strange and arbitrary criteria". All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi also wrote to Modi, expressing disappointment at his party not being invited to the all-party meet. At a time when national consensus and a unified response is essential, it is unfortunate that AIMIM was not invited to the meeting, Owaisi said in his letter. "Furthermore, the 'criteria' of the invitees betrays any rational explanation. It is absurd to limit the invitee-political parties only to those with over 5 Lok Sabha MPs, parties with Union Cabinet Ministers, and recognized national parties. This situation required the government to include every political party with a Member of Parliament," he said. "It is essential to convene Parliament at the earliest so that opposition parties may seek accountability from the ruling party and the government is bound to answer queries of representatives regarding occupation of Indian territory," Owaisi said. He also urged the government to set up a review committee so that objective facts must be shared in the public domain regarding extent of Chinese incursions, extent of lapses in Indian decision-making and the consequent loss of Indian territory to Chinese occupation. The government must publish the Committee's findings in a White Paper and make it accessible to the public, he demanded. Former prime minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Deve Gowda, who also was not invited to the meeting, said he fully appreciated the prime minister's decision to call the all-party meet. Gowda offered his suggestions, saying a senior serving military officer and diplomat should make a detailed presentation to opposition leaders on the ground situation, and the progress of talks. "Only with this information could there be a meaningful exchange of ideas between the government and the opposition leaders... The demand here is not for classified details, but truthful information," he said. The virtual all party meeting comes after 20 India Army personnel, including a colonel, died in a violent clash with Chinese troops in Galwan valley in Ladakh. BJP chief JP Nadda, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, TRS leader K Chandrashekhar Rao, JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, DMK's M K Stalin, YSR Congress Party's YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray were among those who attended the meeting. Opposition parties, including the Congress, had asked the government to be transparent about the situation on the border and slammed its handling of the issue. After five years of gathering with Jersey Village residents in driveways and connecting over a love of craft beer, the mayor of Jersey Village and members of the Dads, Driveways and Draughts group are opening their own nanobrewery. Senate Avenue Brewing Company, a brewpub and restaurant with an onsite kitchen, plans to open in July with original craft beers and a full menu in Jersey Village. Mayor Andrew Mitcham said the idea for the small-batch brewery, complete with pub-inspired dishes like burgers and wings, came about after he started the Dads, Driveways and Draughts craft beer group five years ago. VISITORS WELCOME: Jersey Village reopens playgrounds per orders from Texas officials It grew and grew into this more of a Jersey Village institution, and we get anywhere from 50 to 100 people every month in a driveway, Mitcham said. We were getting such a large crowd at these things and realized that the craft beer market on this side of town is very underserved. After brainstorming with multiple ideas, such as focusing on brewing beer with a rotating roster of food truck visitors, and searching for locations, Senate Avenue Brewing Company found a location at the cross section of Dillard Drive and Senate Avenue near Hwy. 290. Mitcham said he wanted to make sure Jersey Village residents could easily walk or bike to the location while Greater Houston residents could still access the business via Hwy. 290. Years ago there really wasn't a space for this kind of community restaurant and brewery in Jersey Village and then this building became available, Mitcham said. SURVIVING COVID-19: Despite the pandemic, these Houston-area restaurants are coming soon or now open Cafe Benedicte owner Dave Allum partnered with the owners of Senate Avenue Brewing Company to run the kitchen for the brewpub. The idea came about after the idea of food trucks possibly becoming no-shows and an on-site kitchen was determined to be more reliable. I just really don't ever want to see that happen so having a static kitchen with a permanent crew definitely helps us stand out from your standard brewery in the area, Mitcham said. We talked (with Allum) through a few ideas and decided to team up for a larger space where he has his kitchen crew run the kitchen. Although COVID-19 has slowed the opening process for Senate Avenue Brewing Company, Mitcham said the group is ready to open for business at 16000 Dillard Drive, Jersey Village, in July as soon as the craft beer formula is perfected. SUMMER SWIMMING: Jersey Village reopens Clark Henry Pool We've worked on new beer recipes over the last couple of years and our flagships will be government themed, so we'll have the Senator IPA, the Governor Stout and things like that, Mitcham said. Those are going to be our staples and we're going to work on experimental things but we're going to keep it government with the theme. The idea is to have a few staples that are easy to drink for people who are new to craft beer but also experiment with our small batch size. While he finishes the last year of his term as mayor of Jersey Village, Mitcham said the he is not worried about Senate Avenue Brewing Company affecting his duties, and cannot wait to use the opportunity to be more front-and-center with Jersey Village residents. I've always been active in this community since I was first growing up here, and I'll always find a way to balance my work, my family and my public service at the same time, Mitcham said. In some ways I think this will help me be more dialed into my local community. chevall.pryce@chron.com WASHINGTON - The nations top energy regulator is looking into what role it might play in state efforts to set a price on greenhouse gas emissions, stepping into a politically fraught arena as the federal government comes under increasing pressure to address climate change. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which oversees the nations power and natural gas markets, has set up a conference in September to discuss legal and regulatory issues around carbon pricing mechanisms that charge power plants, factories facilities and other large emitters for their emissions. While the commission has offered no guidance on what if any action it will take, the move signals a potential advance in federal climate policy even as President Donald Trump downplays the threat and Congress shows little appetite for imposing charges on carbon emissions. Neil Chatterjee, the Republican chairman of FERC and a former top staffer to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, said he hoped to hear from experts and determine whether FERC has legal authority to regulate carbon markets. I dont want to prejudge where the discussion is headed, but Im pleased were having it, he said in a press conference Thursday. Its going to garner a lot of interest and attention. Related: FERC pushes back against state clean power plans Carbon prices are designed to encourage companies to produce less carbon dioxide from their operations. The mechanism can be as straightforward as a tax fewer carbon emissions mean lower taxes or more complex cap-and-trade markets, in which companies whose emissions fall below a limit can sell credits to those that exceed the limit, again providing an incentive to release less carbon into the atmosphere. Large oil companies, including the U.S. majors Exxon Mobil and Chevron, have supported such market approaches over regulations to address climate change. The direction that climate policy takes ultimately will affect the oil and gas companies that employ tens of thousands in Houston and drive the local economy. States such as New York and California are moving to establish carbon markets to attain net-zero carbon emissions by mid-century, setting the stage for biggest shakeup of the U.S. electricity grid since its creation more than a century ago. Instead of just encouraging the development of cheap, reliable power sources, state grid operators would tell power companies that burn coal, natural gas or fuel oil that they need to produce power cleanly as well. How that might effect power markets has been a subject of increasing anxiety among generators and utilities. It is raising questions about how a sudden shift toward wind and solar farms, nuclear plants and hydroelectric dams which make up less than 40 percent of the U.S. power produced last year would affect grid operators ability to keep the lights on. Lawmakers, policy makers and regulators are also debating whether carbon taxes, cap and trade or some other market mechanism offers the fastest route to reducing emissions. The idea for the conference grew from a petition in April from a coalition representing much of the countrys power sector, including electric utilities, merchant power companies, wind energy developers and natural gas companies including Houston-based Calpine Energy and NRG Energy and Vistra Energy, which is headquartered outside Dallas. Theres a lot of different ways states could think about doing carbon pricing, said Jeff Dennis, managing director of Advanced Energy Economy, a trade group representing clean energy interests, which was among the groups that petitioned FERC for the conference. FERC has never sat down and said what would happen if we have more and more states doing carbon pricing and what would that look like in our markets. While FERC is hosting the conference in September, widespread skepticism remains that the Republican-controlled commission would go so far as to set rules for the operation of state and regional carbon markets in effect offering their seal of approval to the programs. On HoustonChronicle.com: In climate debate, Texas lawyer stands as possible roadblock Some environmental advocates have expressed hope FERC might step in where Congress has so far failed to act. But the commission was established to regulate energy markets, not to set environmental policy, and its unclear whether they have the authority to set policy around carbon pricing, said Scott Segal, a Washington energy attorney. Its just an attempt to exchange information, he said of the conference. Sometimes what appears to be going on is actually going on. Asked whether FERC action on carbon pricing might circumvent the need for congressional action on carbon policy, Chatterjee said, Im not going to engage in hypotheticals. Commissioners Bernard McNamee, a Republican appointee formerly of the conservative think tank Texas Public Policy Foundation, and Richard Glick, a Democratic appointee, did not respond to requests for comment. Chatterjee, a Republican insider vocal about the need to address climate change, has a mixed record on state efforts to create financial incentives for lowering carbon emissions. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, in which most northeastern states participate, has been allowed to operate a cap and trade system under which emitters must buy clean energy credits based on how much they pollute. More: Read the latest oil and gas news from HoustonChronicle.com But late last year ,Chatterjee and McNamee struck a blow to state programs that pay subsidies to clean energy providers by requiring grid operators assess a surcharge on power sold into wholesale market by companies receiving the subsidies. At the time, Chatterjee explained, Its our role to make sure the actions of one state do not negatively affect the wholesale markets and to ensure a level playing field. But pressure on the federal government to take action is increasing, with polls showing increased support for climate action among voters of all stripes. Corporation are calling on government to act. In December, the Natural Gas Supply Association, representing companies including Exxon, Chevron and Houston producers ConocoPhillips, Cabot Oil and Gas and Southwestern Energy, came out in support of putting a price on carbon. In explaining the decision to host the conference, Chatterjee suggested he had noticed the shifting political winds. I, for one, was struck by the diversity of the petitioners and the broad array of supporting comments, he said. james.osborne@chron.com Twitter.com/@osborneja Click here to read the full article. Back in April, when the world was just beginning to come to grasp with its new normal under the shadow of Covid-19, Patek Philippe and Rolex made the announcement that they would both be delaying the release of new product indefinitely this year. Other brands had already begun rolling out their new watches digitally, so it was a bit of a shock when the two most important companies in watchmaking decided to hit pause for an undisclosed amount of time. But today, Patek Philippe unveiled its first watch of 2020a couple of months after it would have presented its new timepieces at Baselworld, had the world not gone topsy turvy (now both Patek Philippe and Rolex have pulled out of the show permanently leaving it effectively dead). The new Calatrava Ref. 6007A-001 ($28,351) is a commemorative limited-edition timepiece of 1,000 pieces to mark the opening of Patek Philippes new manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland. The big news here is that it comes in steel, which despite the recent fervor for the everyman material is still considered a rarity in the traditional watchmakers collection. Very few Patek models have been made in the common alloy outside of its very hot Nautilus and Aquanaut models. The only steel model available in its current catalog is last years Ref. 5212 Weekly Calendar (a Robb Report Best of the Best 2019 winner), which was an unusual example of the brands entry-point Calatrava in an off-white dial with numerals presented in a handwritten style. More from Robb Report This latest 40 mm x 10.34 mm steel Calatrava comes in a handsome gray-blue hue with a circular satin finish and a checkered center, which the brand calls a carbon-style texture. The backdrop highlights the applied white gold Arabic numerals (which come coated in lume) and pierced baton hands reminiscent of the Ref. 6006 Calatrava from 2017. It comes equipped with the self-winding caliber 324 S C movement, which is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, which has been marked with New Manufacture 2019 in a reference to last year when the first group of workers moved into the new production facility. Story continues Work on the new building, however, began as far back as 2015. The massive new space has 10 floors. Starting below ground, there are four subterranean floors which house the buildings technology installations, as well as a parking lot. The ground floor and first floor are dedicated to production and finishing of movement parts, while the second floor houses the machining, manual polishing, gem setting, customer service and assembly of cases and bracelets. And if youre a collector already plotting your visit, the second floor also houses what may be the most interesting part of the whole venturethe restoration atelier of Patek Philippes historical antique pieces. The third floor is reserved for secretive R&D projects, high horology and prototyping, the fourth floor for rare handcrafts and a 299-person training auditorium, and crowning the fifth floor of the building at the top is an 880-seat penthouse restaurant with four VIP lounges and a panoramic view of the Swiss landscape. Its a hell of a time to debut a new manufacture, which reportedly cost an estimated $600 million, but also a show of power from the worlds most lauded watchmaker. And the top VIP clients that get their hands on the new manufacture reference 6007A will also have plenty to boast about. Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Antagonisms between Indian and Chinese troops high in the Himalayas are taking a dire toll on traditional goat herds that supply the worlds finest, most expensive cashmere. This week, a deadly brawl between Indian and Chinese soldiers caused the deaths of at least 20 Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley, an achingly beautiful landscape that is part of a border region that has been disputed for decades because of its strategic importance as the worlds highest landing ground. The months-long military standoff between the Asian giants is hurting local communities due to the loss of tens of thousands of Himalayan goat kids died because they couldnt reach traditional winter grazing lands, officials and residents said. Nomads have roamed these lands atop the roof of the world, around the undemarcated borders with China and Tibet, for centuries, herding the famed and hardy goats that produce the ultrasoft wool known as Pashmina, the finest of cashmeres. ALSO SEE |PHOTOS: India - China Himalayan standoff deadly for cashmere herds Cashmere takes its name from the disputed Kashmir valley, where artisans weave the wool into fine yarn and exquisite shawls that cost up to $1,000 apiece in world fashion capitals in a major handicraft export industry that employs thousands. This latest bout of friction between the rival nuclear powers is adding to pressures from climate change and longer-term losses of grazing land for the Changpa, the nomadic herders who rear the Pashmina goats. With access to the usual breeding and birthing grounds blocked by militaries on either side, newborn goats are perishing in the extreme cold of higher elevations, herders say. Denial of pastureland has led to high mortality of goat babies. Its so scary, it has never been like this, said Sonam Tsering, the general secretary of All Changtang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society. He said thousands of newborns died this year because most of the 300,000-strong herd of goats, which yields around 45 tons of fine feather-like wool each year, remained trapped in the extreme cold. Authorities in Leh, the capital of Indian-controlled Ladakh, would not give any information, saying they were still collecting data. But two officials with Ladakhs animal husbandry department said that according to field staff, the deaths were much higher than the usual 5 to 10% mortality rate among some 60,000 to 80,000 kids each year. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they said the Ladakh administration has barred them from speaking to reporters. Demand for the cashmere, which is painstakingly combed from the goats, sorted, cleaned and hand woven, has always outstripped supply, so shortages are a certainty, said several people working in the trade. Its going to be catastrophic for wool production, said Namgyal Durbuk, a village official in the region. India and China fought a border war in 1962 that also spilled into Ladakh. The two countries have been trying to settle their border dispute since the early 1990s without success, as their soldiers face off along a thousands-of-miles-long, undemarcated frontier that stretches from Ladakh in the north to the Indian state of Sikkim in the northeast. For most of the year the Changpa raise their herds in the vast cold desert of the Changtang plateau of Ladakh, which straddles Tibet at over 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) above sea level. The harsh, windy climate is what causes the goats to grow their super-soft wool. But the region becomes inhospitable from December to February, when temperatures can fall to minus 50 Celsius (-58 Fahrenheit). Thats when the Changpas bring their livestock to slightly lower elevations and warmer grazing lands in the Demchok, Hanle, Korzok, Chumar and Chushul areas near the disputed border with China. This year, Indian authorities barred their passage for months, several people involved with herding said. The two sides blame each other for Monday nights clash, their deadliest conflict in 45 years. Tensions have surged since August, when India unilaterally declared the region a federal territory while separating it from disputed Kashmir. China is among a handful of countries that strongly condemned the move, raising it at international forums including the U.N. Security Council. Indian officials have kept a near-total silence on issues related to the confrontation with China. However, a security official in Ladakh, speaking on condition of anonymity in keeping with government regulations, said the grazing lands are close to the contested frontier and the restrictions in place in the area are to protect herders from Chinese soldiers. Around 1,200 Changpa families have lost access to grazing lands even in the areas that are controlled by the Indian military due to the confrontation, Tsering said. But the Chinese side also is interfering, he and other herders said. Our nomads in recent years have increasingly faced difficulty in accessing pastures in these places. Chinese soldiers have blocked them while bringing herders from Tibet into our lands, said Tsering. Phuntsog, a local farmer who uses only one name, said local elders have been complaining to the Indian government about Chinese incursions for years. They would ignore every time. Now see where the Chinese are. Worst, these hapless, beautiful creatures which sustain our livelihood are becoming victim of this political and military game, he said. Chinas foreign ministry said Thursday that such allegations are sheer fiction. Chinese border troops have always only patrolled Chinese territories, the ministry said. Tsering said herders began losing terrain years ago, when Chinese began snatching our pasturelands in a concerted way over the years, like inch by inch. He cited an example of a vast winter pastureland known as Kakjung, close to the Indus river. For the past four years its a no-go-zone for us. They (Chinese) have taken full control of it, he said. (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 Vermont senator Bernie Sanders talking in the Senate on Thursday: (Senator Bernie Sanders - YouTube) Vermont senator Bernie Sanders has criticised the proposed Republican police reform bill, and has demanded the end to qualified immunity. On Wednesday, Republican senators announced a new bill that aims to reform police forces in the US, amid mass protests in response to the death of George Floyd, who died after being detained by a Minneapolis police officer. A rival police reform bill was announced by Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday evening, which differs from the proposed Senate legislation by calling for national measures to be implemented and chokeholds to be banned. The Republican bill, named the JUSTICE Act, aims to incentivise individual states to take action on police misconduct, but only calls for restrictions on chokeholds, not an outright ban. Speaking in the senate on Thursday, Mr Sanders criticised the new bill, which is led by Republican senator Tim Scott, and said that it does not go far enough in tackling police brutality, according to Common Dreams. Referencing the proposed GOP bill, Mr Sanders said that the legislation is not radical enough to fix issues surrounding police violence and brutality in the US. Now is not the time to think small or respond with superficial, bureaucratic proposals, Mr Sanders said. Now is not the time for more studies. Now is the time to hold racist and corrupt police officers and police departments accountable for their actions. Mr Sanders put forward several transformative ideas to address issues with police violence in the US, including abolishing qualified immunity. He said: We need to abolish qualified immunity so police officers are held civilly liable for abuses. The senator added that those found guilty, must be punished with the full force of law. That includes officers who stand by while brutal acts take place. During his speech, Mr Sanders called for an unarmed civillian core of first responders to be added to police divisions, alongside numerous other policies to make sure officers are not forced to do tasks they are not trained for. Story continues He said that now is the time to implement far-reaching reforms that will protect people and communities that have suffered police brutality, torture, and murder for far too long. Mr Sanders added: And now is the time to act boldly to protect the First Amendment right to protest. Read more Democrats and Republicans move ahead with separate police reform bills Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid a surprise visit to Leh and Ladakh for the first time after the clash with China in the region. PM Modi also addressed the soldiers at Ladakh praising their 'fire and fury' and paid tributes to the ones martyred in the Galwan Valley clash. Earlier, India and China agreed to disengage and "strictly abide" by the important consensus reached by their leaders and a series of agreements. Stay tuned for more updates. Our homes became our sanctuary from COVID-19 during lockdown, but in the process, many Americans realized there were things they wanted to change about their living situation, said Ali Wolf, chief economist at Meyers Research. Buyers came out in full force as local economies reopened. Today, the experts at Meyers Research, the housing industrys foremost advisors, released the New Home Pending Sales Index (PSI) for May 2020. The New Home PSI, backed by data from Zonda and Metrostudy, shows pending sales decreased year-over-year but rose month-over-month across the United States. The index is a leading residential real estate indicator based on the number of new home sales contracts signed across the country. The New Home PSI came in at 101.6 for May, representing a 5.2% decrease from May 2019. On a month-over-month basis, new home sales rose by 16.7% from April. Pending new homes sales showed major differences by market, but all but one of the select 20 markets in the country posted a month-over-month increase. Sales in Seattle were down month-over-month and year-over-year due to three main reasons: tough comps from a strong May 2019 and April 2020, a higher-than-average unemployment rate, and a lower community count. New home communities in Seattle that cater to tech workers are still selling at a strong pace. The best new home markets in May were concentrated in the South, led by Houston, Jacksonville, and Tampa. Houston is the standout market given the one-two punch of COVID-19 and depressed oil prices. Builders in the market, however, focused on pivoting their price to better cater to first-time buyers over the past 24 months and that bet has paid off. The housing market posted a substantial rebound in May that has carried on through June, said Wolf. Low mortgage rates, pent-up demand, more flexibility of location due to the shift to work-from-home, and an elevated savings rate helping with the down payment all fueled new home purchases. New home data is susceptible to outsized swings in contract activity based on shifts in the number of actively selling communities. As a result, Meyers Research normalizes the data to ensure consistency across the index. The New Home PSI blends the cumulative sales of active or recently sold-out projects with the average sales rate per community, which adjusts for fluctuations in supply. Furthermore, the New Home PSI is seasonally adjusted based on each markets specific seasonality and removes outliers. The index is baselined to 100 for June 2016. Todays national New Home PSI is 1.6% below the base level. The next Meyers Research New Home PSI press release, featuring June 2020 data, will be issued on Thursday, July 22, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. ET. Methodology The Meyers Research New Home Pending Sales Index (PSI) is built on proprietary, industry-leading data that covers 60% of the production new home market across the United States. Reported number of new home pending contracts are gathered and analyzed each month. Released on the 15th business day of each month, the New Home PSI is a leading indicator of housing demand compared to closings because it is based on the number of signed contracts at a new home community. Meyers Research monitors 18,000 active communities in the country and the homes tracked can be in any stage of construction. The new home market represents roughly 10% of all transactions, allowing little movements in supply to cause outsized swings in market activity. As a result, the New Home PSI blends the cumulative sales of activity recently sold out projects with the average sales rate per community, which adjusts for fluctuations in supply. Furthermore, the New Home PSI is seasonally adjusted based on each markets specific seasonality, removes outliers, and uses June 2016 as the base month. The foundation of the index is a monthly survey conducted by Meyers Research. It is necessary to monitor both new and existing home sales to establish an accurate picture of the relative health of the residential real estate market. About Meyers Research Meyers Research represents the housing industrys leading provider of rich data, backed by Zonda and Metrostudy, and the industrys top advisors for residential real estate development and new home construction. With products and services geared for homebuilders, multifamily developers, lenders, and financial institutions, we provide innovative solutions to maximize opportunities in today's real estate development landscape. To learn more, visit meyersresearchllc.com. Meyers Research, Hanley Wood, Zonda, Metrostudy, and the company logo, are trademarks of Meyers Research, LLC and/or its subsidiaries. The police officer who shot and killed Cameron Lamb in Missouri last year was charged with manslaughter Thursday. The news came just days after his family met with President Donald Trump to talk about racial inequality and police reform. A Jackson County grand jury indicted former Kansas City police officer Eric DeValkenaere Thursday. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action for recklessly causing the death of Lamb, the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office said in a release. The first charge carries a punishment of three to 10 years in prison, while the second carries a minimum of three years. MORE: A teens killing stirs Black Lives Matter protests in Brazil Lamb, a black man, was fatally shot by DeValkenaere on Dec. 3, 2019, while he was sitting in his pickup truck and backing into his garage. DeValkenaere and another officer allegedly approached him after receiving a call over a traffic incident, and upon seeing he had a gun, shot him. However, Detective Troy Schwalm, the other officer with DeValkenaere, stated there was no gun in Lambs left hand, according to the affidavit. A gun was recovered from the garage floor next to the truck. "The defendant's reckless behavior began by entering the victim's property without consent, without a warrant, knocking over the fence to gain entry into that backyard, and firing his weapon, killing Cameron within seconds of entry," Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said Thursday, according to KMBC. "The conscious disregard of a risk, or in this case, a series of risks or assumptions that were dangerous." MORE: A 3-point plan to help reduce police brutality and make cops better: OPINION According to Cameron Lamb's family, Trump promised them that the Department of Justice would look into their case and bring additional federal charges. Lamb's mother, Laurie Bey, and stepfather, Aquil Bey, addressed those promises in a press conference Thursday night. Story continues "We thank the prosecutors' office for everything which they did," Aquil Bey said. "The culture that exists here ... it kinda prevents you from getting justice." "We met with the president ... and he promised us that the DOJ as well as the FBI is going to look into this case," he continued. "So even though these charges are not what they could have been, there may be other charges coming. President Trump himself told us, verbally, that, 'Look, we're gonna look into this for you.'" In a statement via their attorney, Lee Merritt, Lamb's family members said they are pleased with the charges against DeValkenaere, but remain eager for his incarceration. "We are pleased at this first step in getting justice for our son, but cannot rest until the man who killed him is behind bars. President Trump and the Attorney General personally promised us a federal investigation into criminal charges for this officer and police department when we met with them this week. We are anxiously waiting for federal action while the state criminal charges proceed against this officer," they said. PHOTO: A demonstrator holds a sign calling for the disbanding of the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department during a rally in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, June 13, 2020, to protest the death of George Floyd. (Charlie Riedel/AP) DeValkenaere had been with the Kansas City Police Department since September 1999 and was assigned to the Investigations Bureau. He has since been suspended. "The Kansas City Missouri Police Department continues to mourn the loss of life and all suffering surrounding this incident," the police department said in a statement. "We respect the judicial process, including the grand jury's finding in this matter, as well as all defendants' presumption of innocence until proven guilty. As the case makes its way through court, we will continue to respect the process, and therefore cannot comment further at this time. As with any officer involved shooting incident, we will internally review the actions taken by officers." MORE: Trump signs executive order to reform policing, encourages ban on chokeholds Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas also released a statement following news of the charges against DeValkenaere. "My heart continues to break for the family of Cameron Lamb," he said in a release. "I thank the Grand Jury, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office, and the FBI for their work. Even though it has been unnecessarily delayed in this case, I believe our justice system in Kansas City took an important step today, showing all are accountable before the law." Lucas has been working with the Board of Police Commissioners to eliminate police brutality following the death of George Floyd. ABC News' Matt Foster and Sabina Ghebremedhin contributed to this report. Police officer who killed Cameron Lamb in Missouri charged with manslaughter originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 18:54:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A Chinese medical expert is welcomed by locals upon her arrival in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, April 16, 2020. (Xinhua) The end of the epidemic will see stronger China-Africa relations and new platforms and mechanisms for cooperation, the analyst said. BISHKEK, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 has become one more platform for China-Africa cooperation, Sheradil Baktygulov, an independent political analyst told Xinhua. An African proverb says: "A river runs deep because of its source." The extraordinary China-Africa summit held on Wednesday was a good confirmation of the fact that China-Africa friendship has long-standing roots, Baktygulov said. In the 1950s and 1960s, Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and other leaders of the first generation of China, along with African leaders, laid the foundations for China-Africa cooperation, he said. Since then, the Chinese and African people have supported each other in the struggle against colonialism and imperialism, as well as in their friendship and ties, the analyst said. Members of a Chinese medical team visit Mvurwi Hospital in Mvurwi, Zimbabwe, May 19, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang) Today, China and Africa are the fastest growing regions in the world. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, a bi-annual gathering, has been successful, and a new type of strategic partnership has been established, he said. The trade turnover between China and Africa exceeded 200 billion U.S. dollars in 2019. Over the past 50 years, China has sent more than 21,000 medical workers to provide medical aid in Africa. Talking about the importance of the extraordinary summit, Baktygulov said that one should single out the remarks of Chinese President Xi Jinping who called on both sides to stay committed to fighting COVID-19 together, saying that China will continue to do whatever it can to support Africa's response. This year, China will start ahead of schedule the construction of the headquarters of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. China and Africa are united by a common historical past, common development goals and strategic interests, he said. The end of the epidemic will see stronger China-Africa relations and new platforms and mechanisms for cooperation, Baktygulov added. Press Release June 19, 2020 LAPID PUSHES TO PROVIDE BROADBAND INTERNET CONNECTION IN UNSERVED, UNDERSERVED AREAS IN THE COUNTRY Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid has filed a bill aiming to establish broadband internet connection in all unserved and underserved cities, municipalities and barangays in the country. Senator Lapid recognizes the vital role that internet is playing in our modern world, especially in terms of information and communication. Lapid believes that all aspects of our social and economic life are now being continually and consistently being shaped by the internet and its associated technologies. Telehealth, online education, digital commerce and trading, financial technology or "fintech" - these are just some of the new and innovative ways of doing things brought about by this digital transformation phenomenon. The Senator however, sees that the current pandemic highlighted the existing digital divide, with reports that students are deferring returning to school because of lack of internet access and technology at home. This, among other financial hardship. Reason why Lapid wants all areas in the country to be covered by internet connection. "Sa kasamaang palad, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang hindi makasabay sa pagtungo natin sa digital age. Problema pa rin ng marami sa atin ang mabilis na internet connection at para sa mga mahihirap nating kapatid, ang pagkakaroon ng internet ay isang bagay na hindi kasama sa kanilang prayoridad lalo sa maliit nilang kinikita. Problema din ang kuneksyon sa internet sa malalayong lugar o isolated areas. Kaya gusto nating tugunan ang problemang ito sa pamamagitan ng pagsulong na makapagtayo ng pasilidad para sa broadband internet connection sa mga lugar na pinaka-kailangan ito," Lapid said. Senate Bill 1598 also known as "Last Mile Broadband Internet Connection Act," pushes that for every mobile phone number subscription, telecommunication companies are mandated to set up and establish a facility for broadband internet connection in an unserved and underserved city, municipality or barangay. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) will be tasked to conduct a study to determine these unserved and underserved areas in the county, which are in great need of internet connection. The NTC shall use factors and parameters deemed relevant in identifying such areas. The NTC will also be the one to report and monitor the compliance to this program. "Oras na maisabatas ang panukalang ito, inaasahan natin na walang komunidad ang maiiwan pagdating sa internet connectivity. Lalo sa panahon ngayon na hindi na lamang luho ang internet kung isang mahalagang pangangailangan para sa trabaho at edukasyon," Lapid emphasized. Leaders of both militaries know a nightmare confronts them: the transformation of a relatively peaceful LAC into a kind of India-Pakistan Line of Control, where troops trade fire on an everyday basis, in battles that serve no genuine strategic purpose. In 415 BCE, their sails illuminated under the high noon of the Athenian empire, a great fleet of Triremes headed into the Mediterranean, despatched to put down a rebellion in the small city-state of Syracuse. Through the next several years, Thucydides, a soldier on the fleet who would rise to be a great General and even greater historian, watched as war extinguished the wealth, power and honour of the greatest empire the world had until then knownleading it on, inexorably, towards annihilation. Think, too, of the great part that is played by the unpredictable in war, Thucydides wrote, and think of it now, before you are actually committed. The longer a war lasts, the more things tend to depend on accidents. Neither you nor we can see into them; we have to abide their outcome in the dark. Following this weeks carnage in the Galwan river, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinpingpainfully aware of the ruin war could lead their nuclear weapons-armed states tohave made clear their desire for de-escalation. Theres a not-insignificant gap, though, between their wishes and ground reality: Tactical military considerations, geopolitics and angry public opinion all stand in the way. Theres no option for either leader, though: To march forward from Galwan is a path that will lead to both being enveloped in the darkness and desolation Thucydides described. Instead, both must acknowledge that the border management mechanisms they have relied on to defuse crisis are frayed beyond repair and seek new, creative mechanisms to bring about military disengagement. How did we get here? For the best part of a generation, little other than geographyand a series of loose border-restraint mechanisms signed since 1993have served as a band-aid which substitutes for the lack of agreed, well-defined borders on the worlds roof. In 1960, Beijing published the line it claimed marked the China-India borderand enforced it in blood in 1962, sweeping aside the ineffectual border posts New Delhi had set up to press its own claims. PLA troops, though, withdrew from that line after the war to easily-supplied positions higher up the Tibetan plateaucreating a kind of no man's land, sometimes 20-25 kilometres wide. Both armies patrol into this territory, but neither held them. In essence, the furthest points these patrols reached mark what is now called the Line of Actual Controla loose understanding, as it were, made up of overlapping claims, none established through an actual process of mapping. In the 1980s, Beijing began an ambitious programme of enhancing its border infrastructure, allowing its troops to physically hold territories east of the 1960 line that they had until then only patrolled. In some areas, the Indian Army found its patrols blocked. The pasture lands of Skakjung, then Nagtsang, Nakung and Lungma-Serding were all lostif lost is the right word for land never actually occupiedby the early 1990s. New Delhi responded, in the wake of the Kargil war, by expanding its own border infrastructure: the Daulat Beg Oldi-Darbuk road, linking areas north of Pangong to the Karakoram Pass, is just one of a massive logistical network that has emerged across the region, to block the westward drift of the Line of Actual Control. Till 2008, or so, Beijing paid little attention to Indias border-defence programme. The global financial crisis that year, though, led Beijing to revise its calculations. New Delhi, many in Chinas strategic establishment now believed, was joining a United States-led coalition of powers put together to contain its rise as a superpower. From 2013, China began confronting Indian border patrols ever more aggressivelyagain asserting its 1962 line. Former national security advisor MK Narayanan has argued that the India-China dialogue process, beginning from 1993, was premised on the idea that New Delhi would be neutral in great-power contestation involving the United States and its eastern neighbour. That assumption disintegrated slowly through prime minister Manmohan Singhs two terms in office, as he sought a deeper strategic relationship with the United States. Put simply, the treaties we have were signed in circumstances that no longer exist. Something else is needed. Indian children arent taught that, as late as 1950, official Indian maps laid no claim to regions east of Ladakh, marking the frontier, simply, as undefined. The claims made by China, in turn, were nebulous and vague. From 1954, though, in response to Chinese maps that appeared to push the borders westward, New Delhi changed tack. India began asserting that the claimed frontiers of British India were also those of the new republic -- an argument essential to Indias claims over Kashmir. Few wars come about by design -- and fewer still run to plan. From the Athenians who despatched their fleet to Syracuse, to the Nazi leadership which hoped to assert supremacy in continental Europe, to the United States in Vietnam or Iraq: leaders through history have learned that the goddess of the battlefield is fickle with her favours. The road to 1962 was paved by misjudgments. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and chairman Mao Zedong were asserting control of territories neither of their nations had ever, in any meaningful sense, ruledneither with the intention, at that stage, of ending up at war. Even as New Delhi and Beijing talked peace, though, both began despatching armed patrols to assert their claims. In 1959, nine Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel were killed in a PLA ambush at the Kongka pass, near the Chang Chengmo valley in Ladakh, and the survivors were taken prisoner. Beijing claimed the Indians had opened fire first, a claim the Soviet Unions premier Nikita Khurshchev mockingly dismissed in a private conversation with Mao Zedong, chairman of the Communist Party of China: Although the Hindus attacked first, Khrushchev snorted, nobody was killed among the Chinese, and only among the Hindus. Lin Biaothe revered Marshall of the PLA who was later to be condemned as a traitor by Maoresponded that there was no command from the top to attack the Indian patrol. New Delhi shared that judgmentand escalated its presence in Ladakh. The Generals guiding Nehrus military judgments, as well as his intelligence chief, BN Mullick, were confident China would not attack the new Indian military outposts in strength. They were proved horribly wrong. In strategic terms, the war brought Beijing nothing: India allied itself firmly with the Soviet Union, as that country emerged as Chinas key strategic adversary. Later, India drew close to the West. The war had won China some territory it could well have acquired through negotiation but at the cost of a permanent strategic headache. New Delhis adventurism, in turn, brought it humiliation -- and worse. Indias actions leading up to 1962 incentivised Pakistan to go to war in 1965, and helped Islamabad gain nuclear weapons assistance from a superpower patron. In geopolitics, as Thucydides taught us, we must above all consider the unanticipated outcomes of our actions. Neither India nor China did so in 1962, to their mutual detriment. For both Prime Minister Modi and President Xi, theres no good military choice. New Delhi has, as scholar Abhijnan Rej has shown, starved its military of the funding needed to modernise for decades. Beijings spending on its military teeth exceeds, by orders of magnitude, what New Delhi can bring to the table. For its part, the PLA well understands what a war in Ladakh would look like: a murderous infantry conflict which would cost the lives of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of its soldiers, for at best insignificant territorial gain. Leaders of both militaries know a nightmare confronts them: the transformation of a relatively peaceful LAC into a kind of India-Pakistan Line of Control, where troops trade fire on an everyday basis, in battles that serve no genuine strategic purpose. At altitudes of 5,000 metres and above, such confrontations will mean enormous expense, terrible hardship and, worst of all, great loss of lifesomething no General wishes to inflict on their troops, except to secure genuine strategic ends. In the long term, India canand mustdevelop the military capacities it needs to more effectively guard its eastern borders. This long-term programme, though, will clearly do nothing to so solve Indias problems today. Though measures like trade boycotts may give some psychological satisfaction, India is not among Chinas largest trading partners; most expert assessments concur that they will cost New Delhi far more than Beijing. Galwan, however, illustrates how difficult disengagement can be. New Delhi cannot afford to be seen to give up positions like Point 14, the site of this weeks carnage. For its part, Beijing cannot be seen as backing down, either, for fear of the impact of this loss of face on its territorial conflicts in regions like the South China Sea. Ever since 2013, leaders in both New Delhi and Beijing have believed the border management protocols the two sides have agreed on will protect them from worst-case outcomes. Though pushing, shoving and even stone-pelting broke out in crisis from Chip Chap to Depsang and Doka La, no lives were lost, and something resembling the status-quo was restored. This weeks events show that the confidence of the political leadership was misplaced: Their ability to resolve conflicts through peaceful means is no guarantee that accidents and missteps will not have tragic outcomes in the future. Learning from the murderous violence in Galwan and Pangong, troops will now be more likely to reach for lethal force in situations of stress, no matter what their instructions from their commanders might be. Fighting that involves small arms and even artillery will, obviously, be hard to contain. How this might be done is less clear. In 2013, China even refused to accept a map of the LAC in Ladakh from India, arguing later that the differences between its perceptions and those of New Delhi were so large as to make meaningful conversation impossible. Even now, though, there are pragmatic optionsoptions that can be fleshed out in discreet, creative diplomacy. Even though Beijing has shown no interest in formal border delineation, the Galwan crisis may have brought home to it the costs of confrontation. The two armies could, for example, cease to patrol areas beyond the points they physically controland ensure compliance using technological means, like joint surveillance of the kinds envisaged in the famous Open Skies Treaty. For India, this will mean the painful admission that swathes of territory it claims to lie on its side of the LAC have been physically held by the PLA for decades. Two generations of prime ministers and generals will have embarrassing questions to answer. Prime Minister Modi should not, however, allow himself to be a hostage to a past he had no role in: There are times, as that most hawkish of hawks Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini said in 1988, that all nations must be prepared to drink from the chalice of poison. [June 19, 2020] Grupo Supervielle Announces Return of Patricio Supervielle to Management Team as CEO Grupo Supervielle S.A. (NYSE: SUPV) (BYMA: SUPV), ("Supervielle" or the "Company") a universal financial services group headquartered in Argentina with a nationwide presence, announced that Patricio Supervielle, Founder & Chairman of the Board is resuming as CEO of the Company effective June 30, 2020. Jorge Ramirez expressed his intention to step down from the day-to-day operational responsibilities as CEO of Grupo Supervielle and Banco Supervielle, but will remain on the Board of Directors of the Company as Vice Chairman and will continue to chair the Risk Management Committee providing strong strategic and advisory support to Patricio Supervielle. Simultaneously, the Company reported that Alejandra Naughton has been appointed Board member of its subsidiaries Banco Supervielle, Cordial Compania Financiera, Supervielle Seguros, InvertirOnline and Supervielle Agente de Negociacion. Consequently, she is stepping down from her role as CFO of Grupo Supervielle. Replacing her as CFO is Mariano Biglia, Grupo Supervielle's current Head of Administration, Tax and Finance, effective June 30, 2020. Furthermore, Ana Bartesaghi, Head of IR and Treasurer will now report to the CEO of Grupo Supervielle, underscoring the Company's sustained commitment to its current proactive investor communications. In addition, the Company announced that Alejandro Stengel who has served as Deputy CEO and COO of Banco Supervielle since April 2019 will now become CEO of the bank effective June 30, 2020. Mr. Stengel has also served as Board member of Grupo Supervielle since 2010. In turn, Silvio Margaria will become Deputy CEO and COO of Banco Supervielle also effective June 30, 2020. "I wish to thank Jorge for his significant contributions as CEO of Grupo Supervielle over the past two years and look forward to continue working with him in his ongoing role as Vice Chairman of the Board and Chair of the Risk Management Committee," said Patricio Supervielle, Chairman of Grupo Supervielle. "We are living in extraordinary times, and as we navigate the Covid-19 pandemic we will continue to execute the strategy that Jorge was instrumental in moving forward. Enhancing customer experience and accelerating digital adoption will remain the cornerstone of our strategy in a low-touch world. We will continue to focus on credit quality and cost controls, strengthening operational capabilities and being well prepared to capture the opportunity ahead when growth resumes." Mr. Supervielle continued, "Since joining Supervielle in 2008, Alejandra Naughton has overseen the attainment of significantmilestones by the Company. In addition to this, her extensive experience at the Central Bank of Argentina, including as Deputy General Manager, will be valuable to the boards of our subsidiaries to strengthen oversight of regulatory related matters further. Leveraging her successful experience since the Company's IPO, she will continue to provide support to our Investor Relations Program. This move also comprises another step forward for Grupo Supervielle in enhancing its strong corporate governance practices through advancing gender diversity at the subsidiary board levels, an initiative that has been in place for many years at the Group level. I also welcome Mariano Biglia as our Company's new CFO and look forward to working closely with him as he takes this well-deserved next step in his career." On the appointment of Alejandro Stengel as CEO of Banco Supervielle, Mr. Supervielle commented, "Alejandro's strong operational and leadership skills were key in steering our customer centric strategy and implementing Agile (News - Alert) methodology throughout our Company. He will ensure that our commitment to digital transformation, efficiency and profitability remain on track." Jorge Ramirez noted, "Patricio is an active Chairman and his leadership and perspective have had an important impact on the Company. I very much valued his input and support throughout my tenor as CEO and over the last 10 years of working together. As a result, I expect this transition to be seamless. As Vice Chairman of Grupo Supervielle, I look forward to continue providing support on strategic matters and chairing the Risk Management board Committee." Alejandra Naughton, commented: "I am very pleased to have the opportunity to further evolve in my career in a company that has given me such amazing opportunities for personal growth. I am honored to join the Board of Directors of Grupo Supervielle's subsidiaries and to take on a stewardship role as the Company pursues its responsibilities with the market. I am also proud that Mariano Biglia will take over the role of CFO of Grupo Supervielle. Mariano has worked closely with me in establishing a strong and solid financial function for the Company and I wish him all the best in this new position." Mariano Biglia joined Grupo Supervielle as head of financial reporting in 2010, and since 2016 has served as head of administration, tax and finance, leading the financial reporting team for Supervielle's IPO and Follow On. Earlier, he held several positions within the Techint Group, where he worked on the IPO of Tenaris and Ternium and served as Controller of Ternium's US subsidiary. He is a Certified Public Accountant with a degree from the University of Buenos Aires, holds an Advanced Management Program degree (AMP) from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and is a CFA charterholder. Silvio Margaria joined Supervielle in 2016 and has served as Head of Personal and Business Banking since April 2019. Before joining Supervielle, he led the Middle Market Companies group at Banco Macro S.A. Previously, he held several managerial positions overseeing nationwide retail banking networks, as well as corporate banking at international banks such as BankBoston, N.A. and Standard Bank S.A. He holds a Law degree from Universidad Catolica Argentina and attended the Executive Development Program of the Universidad Austral Business School. The appointments of Alejandro Stengel, Alejandra Naughton and Silvio Margaria are subject to the customary Central Bank and corresponding approvals. About Grupo Supervielle S.A. (NYSE: SUPV; BYMA: SUPV) Grupo Supervielle S.A. ("Supervielle") is a universal financial services group located in Argentina that owns the eleventh largest bank in terms of loans. Headquartered in Buenos Aires, Supervielle offers retail and corporate banking, treasury, consumer finance, insurance, asset management and other products and services nationwide to a broad customer base including: individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises and medium to large-sized companies. With origins dating back to 1887, Supervielle operates through a multi-brand and multi-channel platform with a strategic national footprint. As of March 31, 2020, Supervielle had 316 access points and 1.8 million active customers. As of March 31, 2020, Grupo Supervielle had 456,722,322 shares outstanding and a free float of 64.9%. For more information about Grupo Supervielle, visit www.gruposupervielle.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200619005495/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner admitted to Portuguese authorities that he was a sexual predator a year before she disappeared but detectives searching for the youngster never considered him a potential kidnapper. Brueckner told an investigating judge that he had a criminal record in Germany and that he had committed sex offences when he interrogated for stealing diesel from commercial trucks in the Algarve in 2006. However the Germans confession that he was sex offender was not recorded by police and his name was never added to a list of known sex offenders living in the Algarve. Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner, pictured, admitted to Portuguese authorities that he was a sexual predator a year before she disappeared but detectives searching for the youngster never considered him a potential kidnapper Brueckner told a judge: When I was 17 years old I was convicted in Germany for theft and sexual offences. The juvenile criminal fled to Portugal in 1996 shortly after his conviction for the sexual assault of a child in Germany. But he was arrested in 2006 and later jailed for eight months stealing diesel from commercial trucks. Details of his confession that he was a sexual predator have emerged in documents of his interview by criminal investigating Judge Antonieta Nascimento in the Portimao court house on 8th April 2006. His name should have been added to a list held by the Portugals investigative Policia Judiciaria [PJ] who were tasked with finding Madeleine McCann just a year later. Brueckner's name should have been added to a list held by the Portugals investigative Policia Judiciaria [PJ] who were tasked with finding Madeleine McCann, pictured, just a year later Madeleine's parents Kate and Gerry McCann, pictured holding an age-progressed police image, have never given up hope of finding their daughter In May 2007 the PJ made a list of all foreign nationals who had been convicted of sex crimes and the abuse of children that lived in the area around Praia da Luz. Even though Brueckner confessed his sexual criminal past to the judge that interrogated this information was never passed on to the PJ. The revelation, made today in the Portuguese media, adds to the growing evidence of the incompetence of the initial police investigation into Madeleines disappearance from a holiday apartment in May 2007. Authorities in Germany, Portugal and the UK have all clashed during the case, with the Met today hitting back at claims they failed to hand crucial letters to Madeleine's parents from German police. It also emerged this afternoon that a friend of Brueckner was convicted of sexual assault on an eight-year-old girl years after the suspect ran a kiosk business in the same building where the assault took place. A link between the two cases has been drawn by German newspaper Bild, who have reported that the pair knew each other well while Brueckner ran the kiosk, and that the then-teenager could have been influenced by predator. Brueckner only became a suspect ten years after the girl vanished when he boasted to a friend in a bar in Hannover Germany while drinking that he was knew what had happened to Madeleine McCann in Portugal. The German Federal Police asked the PJ to investigate Brueckner and they discovered that the took a phone while he was in Praia da Luz just before the youngster vanished The 43-year-old German is now the prime suspect of the kidnap and murder of three-year-old Madeleine McCann. Bungling Portuguese police 'unwittingly destroyed Christian Brueckner's van before it could be searched for evidence' Vital clues to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann may have been unwittingly destroyed by Portuguese police, it has been reported. A blue Bedford van that prime suspect Christian Brueckner owned at the time she went missing was impounded for the non-payment of a fine for stealing fuel and reportedly later crushed before it could be searched for evidence. German drifter Brueckner used to live and sleep in the van on the beach near Praia da Luz between February and April 2006 while he was unemployed and homeless. Crucially he still owned the van in May 2007 when Madeleine disappeared in the coastal resort, according to the respected Portuguese newspaper Expresso. The Bedford van, which Brueckner owned at the time Madeleine went missing, was impounded for the non-payment of a fine for stealing fuel and later crushed before it could be searched for evidence. Pictured: The VW van owned by Brueckner when he lived in Portugal It reported: 'Madeleine Case: A van the German suspect owned when she disappeared was dismantled in 2009. 'Christian Brueckner used to sleep in an old Bedford van when he was stealing fuel in Algarve. 'He still had that van in May 2007 the date of the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.' Brueckner, who was 30 at the time, bought the van with an Austrian friend Michael Tatschl in 2006. The pair worked together stealing diesel from trucks which they later sold. German drifter Brueckner used to live and sleep in the van on the beach near Praia da Luz between February and April 2006 while he was unemployed and homeless. The Bedford van sat idle in the police car pound in Portimao before it was finally destroyed in May 2009 But Brueckner and Tatschl were caught red handed in April 2006 after they had already stolen 300 litres of fuel and were jailed for seven months. They were released in December 2006 but were ordered to pay compensation for the stolen fuel in the form of a fine. But Brueckner never paid the fine and when police tried to enforce payment in November 2007 he had disappeared from the address in Barrocal that he had given the court. It is at that point that the Bedford van is believed to have been impounded by the police in lieu of the unpaid fine. But the vehicle was in such a bad state of repair that the authorities could not sell it at auction to recoup the cost of the fine. Public appeals for information have featured Brueckner's former farmhouse and another property in which he stayed, as well as a VW campervan (pictured) and Jaguar car he owned The Bedford van sat idle in the police car pound in Portimao before it was finally destroyed in May 2009. Now it will never be known if the van had any clues to the Madeleine McCann case, Expresso reported. Brueckner also boasted how he could hide and transport children in a camper van just months before Madeleine disappeared. The German drifter allegedly made the comment to the father of a female friend who lived in a village 40 miles from Praia da Luz. Showing off his van Brueckner bragged: 'I can transport children in this. 'Nobody can find them, nobody can catch you.' Bruecker was already known to have owned one camper van and a Jaguar car while he was in Portugal. Later it was revealed that Bruecker bought another van, a Tiffin Alegro, and that German detectives found young girls' clothes in it, according to Germany's Spiegel TV. German authorities released pictures of the VW Westfalia T3camper van and a dark coloured Jaguar urging anyone who had seen the vehicles in the Algarve to come forward to help solve the Madeleine McCann case. Later it was revealed that Bruecker bought another van, a Tiffin Alegro, and that German detectives found young girls' clothes in it, according to Germany's Spiegel TV. Some 8,000 pornographic pictures including images of child abuse were found nearby, Spiegel TV reported. Advertisement Scotland Yard and German federal investigators in row over Madeleine McCann as Met Police say they were only sent ONE letter and it did NOT mention proof of missing girl's death Scotland Yard today hit back at claims they have failed to hand crucial letters to Madeleine McCann's parents from German police and also denied there is any evidence that the missing British girl is dead. Kate and Gerry McCann have also rubbished claims they have received multiple notes from Bundeskriminalamt detectives investigating paedophile prime suspect Christian Brueckner who is currently in Kiel prison for drug smuggling. But Braunschweig prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters has insisted two letters were sent to the couple by the German Federal Police (BKA), albeit indirectly via Scotland Yard, alleging British detectives then failed to pass them on. Amid the war of words between British and German police, a spokesman for the Met said this afternoon: 'The Met received one letter from the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) on June 12, which was passed to the family. 'The letter did not state that there was evidence or proof that Madeleine is dead - the Met continue to investigate Madeleines disappearance as a missing person investigation. No letter has been received by the Met from the German prosecutor'. The clash between German authorities and British police came amid tensions in Portugal where German detectives have been refused permission to test a mystery saliva sample found in the Praia da Luz holiday apartment the British toddler vanished from on May 3, 2007. Madeleine McCann has been missing since she disappeared on holiday in Portugal in 2007 and the probe is now being led by German Police because the prime suspect is a German and convicted paedophile Kate and Gerry McCann, pictured, reportedly failed to receive crucial letters about their daughter's disappearance after a blunder by British police, who have denied the claims But prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters, pictured, has insisted two letters were indeed sent, albeit indirectly, to Scotland Yard, where police chiefs then failed to pass them on Mr Wolters said the first letter, dispatched at the end of May, confirmed that German police were treating the case as a murder, while the second was sent last week to update them on the investigation. It is the latest revelation in what appears to be a disjointed operation involving forces in Germany, Britain and Portugal, where Madeleine vanished in 2007. Investigators with the Portuguese Judiciaria said last week they were 'incensed' at the way they are being made to look like they are dragging their feet over the renewed appeal for help, as Mr Wolters described working with police in the country of the youngster's disappearance as 'cumbersome'. Kate and Gerry have never given up hope of finding their daughter and new life was breathed into the 13-year-old case this month when German sex attacker Christian Brueckner was named by prosecutors as prime murder suspect. Scotland Yard and German police have received more than 1,000 calls since Brueckner, 43, was identified. They believe the German drifter burgled holiday homes in the Algarve and on some occasions sexually assaulted women and girls inside the properties. Public appeals for information have featured Brueckner's former farmhouse and another property in which he stayed, as well as a VW campervan and Jaguar car he owned. Detectives are also trying to find the person who phoned him an hour before Madeleine disappeared, shortly before her fourth birthday. Police say that Brueckner received the call near the McCanns' holiday apartment in the Ocean Club complex. Mr Wolters said this week: 'We have concrete evidence that our suspect has killed Madeleine and this means she is dead. 'The parents have been told the German police have evidence that she is dead but we have not told them the details.' However, Kate and Gerry hit back with a furious rebuke, in which they said: 'The widely reported news that we have a received a letter from the German authorities that states there is evidence or proof that Madeleine is dead is FALSE.' 'Like many unsubstantiated stories in the media, this has caused unnecessary anxiety to friends and family and once again disrupted our lives. 'As we have stated many times before, we will not give a running commentary on the investigation - that is the job of the law enforcement agencies and we will support them in any way requested.' Demonstrators in Lancaster on Thursday call for justice and transparency in the investigations of the deaths of Robert Fuller and Michael Thomas. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Dozens of community leaders, activists and residents gathered in Lancaster Thursday, calling for justice in the deaths of Robert Fuller and another man who was fatally shot by sheriff's deputies during an encounter last week. Fuller, a 24-year-old Black man, was found June 10 hanging from a tree near City Hall in neighboring Palmdale. Authorities quickly labelled his death a likely suicide, angering family and friends who demanded a full investigation. Michael Thomas was fatally shot by a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy who arrived at his home in Lancaster a week ago in response to a report of domestic violence. His family has questioned whether the killing was justified. Both deaths come as protests have swept the United States over police brutality, use of excessive force and other issues of racial injustice highlighted by the Black Lives Matter movement and the killing in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd. Authorities are also looking into the death of Black man in Victorville that has sparked community outrage. Malcolm Harsch, 38, was found hanging from a tree May 31 near the city's library. Authorities have said there is no evidence of foul play, but family members called for an independent investigation. On Wednesday, Terron Boone, 31, Fuller's half brother, was killed by Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies investigating allegations that he assaulted and threatened a former girlfriend. The Lancaster group showed up at Mediterranean Plaza, outside the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, holding signs saying Justice for Robert Fuller and Black Lives Matter. Were all gathered here on one accord to remind the world, to remind our community, to remind the power structure that Black lives matter," said Rev. V. Jesse Smith, a pastor and also a planning commissioner in Palmdale. "... Today we come together to really just provide demands to our city. We believe that theres some major, major, major issues in our city that have to be addressed, and the death of these two brothers, Robert Fuller and Michael Thomas, speaks volumes in terms of what we have to do in our community and how the power structure has to respond to members in our community." Story continues Smith called for "transparent" investigations of the deaths of Fuller and Thomas. Smith went on to thank the city of Palmdale for rescinding its statement that called Fullers death a suicide and Barger for sending the state attorney general a letter demanding an independent investigation. Arthur Calloway, of the Antelope Valley Black Chamber of Commerce, told the crowd that among the community's demands is the abolishment of qualified immunity, which protects law enforcement officers from lawsuits for actions conducted in their official capacity. We do need the abolishment of qualified immunity because in order for us to hold anyone accountable, they have to be able to be punished, he said. The crowd clapped, and a woman yelled Black Lives Matter! Nigel Holly, a community activist, addressed the crowd saying, Martin Luther King said every generation must fight. So though we may get weary, we must continue to fight because this has not changed. We must stand on what our principles are. We must stand for equality. We must stand for justice, and we must hold those accountable that say that Black lives dont matter, however they protest against it. Tens of thousands of British Airways (BA) workers have been left in limbo after the airline announced plans to lay off its entire workforce of 42,000 people by June 15 and rehire around three-quarters on significantly worse pay and conditions. In a letter to the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA), and the GMB and Unite trade unions in late April, BA threatened to give all employees notice of dismissal by reason of redundancy and/or some other substantial reason, unless they were able to reach agreement on proposals from the company. BA would then offer a proportion of them employment under new terms and conditions. Under section 188 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act, employers must write to trade unions representing their staff to give 45 days notice of proposed redundancies. With BAs 45-day consultation window having ended on June 15 without an agreement, 42,000 BA workers are now at risk of being fired. British Airways airliner on runway As of yesterday, BA had still not told the vast majority of their staff whether they will keep their jobs, with many cabin crew members telling the WSWS and posting on social media that they had heard nothing from the airline. One BA worker wrote on Twitter, were none the wiser, the agony continues in limboland. No redundancy notices as yet, no idea if were being furloughed again, if were working next month or even if well have a job. The uncertainty is causing untold anxiety for us all. Of the 12,000 redundancies under BAs proposals, 4,700 are cabin crew. Some long-serving cabin crew will have their pay slashed by as much as 75 percent. BA plans to restructure its three cabin crew fleets into a single pay structure. Currently, BA cabin crew are organised into the better-paid Worldwide and Euro fleets, and the low-wage Mixed fleet, who work under inferior contracts. The Mixed fleet pay grade was introduced by BA in 2010 following the defeat of the national cabin crew strike, which was sold out by the Unite union that same year. All new hires since 2010 have been on Mixed fleet contracts, with predominantly young workers earning between 23,000 and 28,000 a year. Under BAs new plans, all cabin crew will be put onto contracts worth 24,000, a 50-75 percent pay cut for long-serving crew members and a significant loss even for more poorly paid Mixed fleet staff. Rehired crew would be expected to operate to higher levels of flexibility, according to BA. Carol (not her real name), a long-standing BA cabin crew member, spoke to the WSWS on June 15. A member of the legacy Worldwide fleet for over 20 years, she joined strike action in 2010 against the airlines now-enacted two-tier cabin crew contracts. Carol said, We all thought that we would be fired today, but so far Ive heard nothing. Willy Walsh [CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of BA], has wanted rid of the legacy contracts for ages. They couldnt do it as a result of [the volcanic] ash cloud [which grounded planes and lost the airline millions in 2010] but now they are using the coronavirus pandemicwith staff being furloughed, in lockdown, isolated, and under all sorts of mental pressuresto try to force it through. BA wants to negotiate this, but workers wouldnt accept it. It would mean a 60 percent wage cut and attacks on terms and conditions such as longer shifts, and fewer breaks between work. Ive been with BA for 25 years and was earning more than this new contract in 1996! How can this be fair? I joined BA because it was the best airline in the world, but now itll be totally different. They are ruining BA. Whats the point of having a contract if they can just rip it up whenever they want? The new contract will mean that greater strain will be put on workers as BA wants the all-new fleet to be a mixture of long-haul and short-haul flights. As London Heathrow is the main European hub for BA, staff have to commute from all over the UK and Europe to go to work via plane and car or public transport. Some staff in the UK drive for hours to get to work for a shift, or they can fly. This is facilitated by shifts being organised in such ways as having a month working and a month off, so that staff can live near to Heathrow in lodgings, or with friends and family, when working. With the new contracts, no one knows how staff will get enough rest and organise their lives if they are forced to work these flexible hours. Management doesnt care about the impact on workers. They also want to change terms and conditions such as the disciplinary procedure. Now why would they want to do that? After the 2010 strike staff were sacked for speaking out. I have childcare responsibilities, bills and a mortgage to pay. The conditions BA wants to impose mean that I will probably have to find other work as I will not be able to live under the new contract. I know that a lot of staff are looking elsewhere for work, but theres not that much out there that pays well enough. So, staff are being forced out. The voluntary redundancy arrangement is how they are doing this. The threat of mass redundancies has had a harmful impact on Carols mental health: I am on anti-depressants as a result of all of this pressure, as are a lot of other staff. One woman recently posted a desperate video on [a staff Facebook group]. I later heard that she was sectioned [under the Mental Health Act]. I also heard that a male staff member died of a heart attack in Serbia. BA had a notice on their site that they were a mental health champion, but I understand that theyve taken this down now. Willy Walsh hasnt made a statement about this, nothing expressing sympathy or regret over these incidents. One BA worker reportedly committed suicide at the end of May, only weeks after BA announced plans to lay off 12,000 staff. According to Unite Assistant General Secretary for Politics and Legal, Howard Beckett, the male worker was a long-serving member of BAs cabin crew who had been placed on a disciplinary procedure. While BA claimed the worker was no longer employed by the airline after being fired last year, his tragic case is by no means an anomaly. A survey conducted by the British Airlines Stewards and Stewardesses Association (BASSA), a branch of the Unite union, found a staggering 96 percent of BA staff had reported mental health issues since the airline announced its mass redundancy plans. More than half (52 percent) of the 8,000 employees surveyed said that they or a colleague had thought of self-harming or suicide. Eighty-two percent reported suffering from anxiety, 91 percent were experiencing depression, and 61 percent were struggling with a lack of sleep. This full-frontal assault on BA workers comes from an airline sitting on billions in cash reserves. The airline has also received millions of pounds in government bailouts since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. According to a cross-party Transport Select Committee report published Saturday, BA has been handed close to 35 million from the governments furlough scheme as of May 14. A further 300 million was handed to BA under the Covid Corporate Financing Facility, a scheme allowing companies to sell commercial paperunsecured, short-term debt that can be held for up to 12 monthsto the Bank of England. The Select Committee branded BAs redundancy plans a national disgrace and urged the airline not to proceed hastily with largescale redundancies or restructuring to terms or conditions of employees until the [governments] Job Retention Scheme ends in October 2020. Many MPs and celebrities have also denounced BAs actions in nationalist terms as representing a betrayal of Britain. In reality, the same job destruction is being meted out across the airline industry. UK carrier EasyJet announced 4,500 redundancies30 percent of its entire workforceat the end of May, while Emirates has announced one-third of its 70,000 strong global workforce will be made redundant. The noisy condemnation of BA by the UK ruling class is not motivated by altruism. It is a word of advice to the airline, urging that it proceed with its plans more carefully, under conditions of massive popular disgust at BAs actions and a rising international wave of militancy in the airlines sector. Unite's nationalist campaign accuses BA of "betraying Britain" and opposes a global fight by airline workers to defend jobs. Unite and the GMB have refused to organise any fight against BAs plans. Yesterday, Beckett told the Sun that Unite is updating its records to ensure that we are prepared for an industrial action ballot. But Unite, GMB and BALPA have issued no call for industrial action for more than six weeks. Unite confirmed yesterday that no statement had been made about any forthcoming strike ballot. No faith can be placed in the unions which have acted as loyal partners to the airline companies, but BA pilots and cabin crew have immediate and powerful allies among hundreds of thousands of airline workers internationally. We urge BA and other airline workers to contact the Socialist Equality Party to share their experiences and organise a fightback. The UN's top human rights body condemned discriminatory police brutality and demanded a report on 'systematic racism'. Rights groups accused Washington of wielding pressure to strip out any mention of the United States in the resolution. The UN Human Rights Council's 47 members approved by consensus a revised resolution. It was initially presented by African countries for an urgent council debate, called following the death of George Floyd in US police custody. Burkina Faso's ambassador acknowledged Friday that 'numerous concessions' had been made to 'guarantee a consensus' on the text Floyd's death on May 25, after a white Minneapolis police officer - since charged with murder - pressed a knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes, fuelled a national and global uproar over racism and police brutality. An initially strongly-worded text proposed earlier this week had called for a high-level international investigation into police violence against people of African descent in the US. But it was watered down in the last few days, first to remove the call for an international probe and finally to strip away any mention of the US. This sparked outrage from rights groups, which accused Washington and its allies of lobbying heavily to revise the text. Head of the American Civil Liberties Union's human rights division Jamil Dakwar said: 'By bullying other countries to water down what would have been an historic resolution and exempting itself from international investigation, the United States is yet again turning its back on victims of police violence and black people.' Burkina Faso's ambassador, who presented the resolution on behalf of the African group, acknowledged Friday that 'numerous concessions' had been made to 'guarantee a consensus' on the text. A delegate from Angola looks on during the vote of a watered down resolution condemning structural racism and police brutality The approved resolution calls for UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet to 'prepare a report on systematic racism, violations of international human rights law against Africans and people of African descent by law enforcement agencies'. It adds that the report should especially pay attention to 'those incidents that resulted in the death of George Floyd and other Africans and of people of African descent, to contribute to accountability and redress for victims'. It also calls on the rights chief to 'examine government responses to antiracism peaceful protests, including the alleged use of excessive force against protesters, bystanders and journalists'. The United States, which had complained of being singled out in the initial text, withdrew from the council in 2018 and was not present. But a number of its allies took the floor to hail the changes made to the text, stressing that racism was a global issue. A delegate from Cameroon delivers a speech during a vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland Australia's representative celebrated the 'acknowledgement that this problem does not belong to any one country' and 'is a problem around the world'. Rights groups however slammed the revision. Before the final revision was circulated, Human Rights Watch had said there was pressure to 'strip all references to the United States from the resolution'. HRW Geneva chief John Fisher warned doing so 'would transform it into an "all lives matter" text, and risk making it so vague as to be meaningless'. The urgent UN debate began on Wednesday with an impassioned speech via video link by Floyd's brother Philonise, who said his brother had been 'tortured to death' as witnesses begged the officer to stop. He urged the council to establish an independent international commission of inquiry - one of the UN's highest-level probes - as called for in the initial version of the draft resolution. While there will be no international probe into the situation in the United States, Bachelet has been called upon to present her report on 'systematic racism' globally in a year's time. On Monday night a fight between Indian and Chinese soldiers cost several dozen lives: Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a commanding officer (CO), were killed in a fierce clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff in the region. ... Government sources said the Chinese side too suffered "proportionate casualties" but chose not to speculate on the number. An ANI source has speculated that at least 43 Chinese soldiers have been seriously injured or killed in the clash. Both sides have agreed to not use guns along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between the two countries. The soldiers used clubs and stones to fight each other during the night on a mountain ridge at 4,000 meter (14,000ft) height above the steep canyon of a very cold river. Apparently many of the dead fell off the ridge down into the river and died of hypothermia. Minor clashes in the area over the historically ill defined and disputed border have been ongoing since April. The immediate reason seems to be a new military access road that India has built towards the LAC and more aggressive patrolling on both sides. But the strategic reasons behind these clashes loom much larger. First a reminder of the area's history: At the time of the British withdrawal from India, Maharaja Hari Singh, the ruler of the state, preferred to become independent and remain neutral between the successor dominions of India and Pakistan. However, an uprising in the western districts of the State followed by an attack by raiders from the neighbouring Northwest Frontier Province, supported by Pakistan, put an end to his plans for independence. On 26 October 1947, the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession joining the Dominion of India in return for military aid. The western and northern districts presently known as Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan passed to the control of Pakistan, while the remaining territory became the Indian state Jammu and Kashmir. The accession was limited to certain issues and Jammu and Kashmir became an autonomous state. During the India-Pakistan partition in 1947 Pakistan had taken the norther part of the area known as Gilgit-Balistan while China took Aksai Chin, a historic part of Tibet. Out of historic, religious and cultural reasons both would probably like to claim even more of the currently Indian area. Kashmir is largely Muslim and Pakistan sees it as part of its country. The eastern Ladakh region once belonged to Tibet. It is thinly populated with people who are Buddhist and speak a similar Tibetan dialect as the people in Aksai Chin on the Chinese side. In August 2019 the Hindu-fascist government under President Narendra Modi unilaterally revoked parts of the constitution that guaranteed the autonomous status of the Jammu and Kasmir region. It also asserted direct control of the Ladakh part along the Chinese border. We predicted that this would lead to renewed clashes with Pakistan: J&K is majority Muslim. It is of strategic importance as the headwaters of Pakistan's main water source, the Indus river system, are situated in J&K's mountains. Pakistani nationalist believe that it should be part of their state. ... J&K's special status protected its inhabitants from overwhelming migration of Hindus from main India. Modi will now push his followers to move into the state. His aim in the end is to create a majority Hindu state in a currently majority Muslim one. When the Indian government move was discussed in parliament a government minister asserted claims on the areas that now belong to China and Pakistan: Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted in Lok Sabha that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Aksai Chin are part of Jammu and Kashmir and that Kashmir Valley is an integral part of the country. ... Kashmir is an integral part of India, there is no doubt over it. When I talk about Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Aksai Chin are included in it, he said. The claim set off alarm bells in Islamabad and Beijing. The only common boarder China and Pakistan have is within the Pakistan controlled Kashmir (POK). Should India eventual try to (re-)gain the area Pakistan and China would be separated. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $50 billion project that creates road, rail and pipeline connections from Pakistan's coast towards China, would be interrupted. China is financing the corridor as an alternative strategic trade route to the U.S. controlled sea ways through the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca. China needs the Pakistan connection to keep a line of communication with the oil fields of the Middle East during an eventual conflict in the Pacific. Chinas core interests have dictated that India should be firmly dissuaded from considering recovery of Gilgit-Baltistan to fulfil its long-stated goal of unifying Kashmir, in pursuit of a unanimous parliamentary resolution passed in 1994. China has also been vocal about retaining Aksai Chin the essential link between Tibet and Xinjiang. The removal of autonomy from J&K last year was not the only issue that alarmed China. India under Modi has given up its traditional neutrality and joint the U.S. 'Indo-Pacific' project in a pact against China. India has for quite a while built up its military infrastructure in the region: [T]he Chinese have also been uncomfortable with infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India, especially due to the pressure it imposes on Aksai Chin. By 2008, India had reactivated airfields of Daulet Beg Oldie (DBO) and Fukche, reducing reliance on Leh as the main air support hub for Ladakh. A year later, the Nyoma airfield had also been revived. DBO is on the old Leh-Tarim basin trade route through the Karakoram pass and only nine kilometers northwest of Aksai Chin. It is also important because Indias physical link with Chinas Xinjiang province, and not Tibet, is routed through DBO, says a former diplomat, who did not wish to be named. The revival of the aviation infrastructure has augmented Indias capacity to quickly insert troops and military supplies along the LAC. DBO, Fukche and Nyoma have supplemented Leh, providing a major boost to intra-theatre movement of Indian forces and equipment along the LAC, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Amit Aneja, told The Hindu. Indian road construction activity, with the 255-km Darbuk-Shayok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) as the spine has steeled Indian connectivity along the LAC, adding further pressure on Aksai Chin. Satellite pictures show that China has positioned more troops behind the LAC and is ready should the current situation escalate further. India has likewise sent reinforcements into the wider area. The U.S. and Australia have verbally supported India during the recent clashes. But neither seems inclined to become involved in an actual conflict. The Sino-Indian war of 1962 started over similar border skirmishes and also with a larger strategic background. Within a few days China took several areas from India but after a month it pulled back from Indian territory. The idea had been to teach India a lesson and the point had been made. Should the conflict escalate I expect a similar short and limited conflict as a reminder to Modi that a non-neutral alignment and claims on foreign territory do carry certain costs. Hawaiis May unemployment rate, a decrease from the states 23.8 percent in April. Two and a half years ago, Hawaii had the lowest unemployment rate in the country at just 2.2 percent. ( The Honolulu Star-Advertiser June 19, 2020) GM Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing Gerald Johnson, right, talks with employees at the Fairfax Assembly & Stamping Plant in Kansas City, Kansas. (file photo - GM) All three Detroit automakers are observing Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery, on Friday by observing 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence, among other companywide efforts to advance the causes of social and racial justice and equality. Juneteenth marks the date, June 19, in 1865 when Union soldiers, led by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, arrived at Galveston, Texas, and announced the Civil War had ended and enslaved African Americans were to be freed. President Abraham Lincoln had officially ended slavery more than two years prior via the Emancipation Proclamation, but Union forces didn't reach Texas until that time, so there was virtually no enforcement. The 8:46 timestamp is significant because it was the length of time that a police officer in Minneapolis knelt on the neck of George Floyd during an arrest, ultimately killing him and sparking waves of protests across the U.S. and overseas. Autoblog asked automakers about their plans to mark Juneteenth, what they were doing to advance the cause of social justice for Black people, and how many African Americans they employ in both blue- and white-collar jobs. We heard back from GM, Ford, Fiat Chrysler and Honda but not from Nissan and Toyota. General Motors GMs U.S. workforce is 17.2% Black and 69.2% white, according to its most recent corporate Diversity and Inclusion Report. GM's total global employment is 173,000, and it says women and minorities represent 40% of its team of corporate officers. For reference, the Census Bureau says African Americans make up 13.4% of the U.S. population of roughly 328 million people. White people constitute 76.5%. As previously reported, GM planned to pause production at its factories on each shift today and observe silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. The company will also have a digital countdown clock atop the GM's headquarters in Detroit for the moment of silence. Story continues Additionally, Chairman and CEO Mary Barra has said she will lead a new Inclusion Advisory Board made up of people from within and outside GM to suggest areas for change and hold the company to its commitments to fight injustice and racial inequality. Barra also plans to participate in the Business Roundtables Special Committee for Racial Equality and Justice, and the company says its working with the GM African Ancestry Network, an employee resource group, to boost diversity and inclusion efforts. Much of what the automaker is doing Friday revolves around internal communications to employees from senior leaders, but GM also plans to release content across its social media channels. Gerald Johnson, GMs executive vice president for global manufacturing, who is African American, posted a video to LinkedIn in which he talked about the conversations hes had with his four sons and 10 nephews about what to do if they're pulled over by police. He said he tells them to place both hands outside the vehicle at all times and to always ask for the officers permission to do anything, including reaching for their registration or wallet. They always end up in tears, they always end up in emotions, it always ends up with questions of why, Johnson said. Ford Like its crosstown rival, and urged on by its UAW members, Ford is pausing for 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence at all of its U.S. and Europe facilities, including those working from home during the pandemic. All building monitors will display an 8:46 countdown. The company this week also held a virtual presentation and Q&A session with a surviving member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the elite Black fighter pilots from World War II. According to its most recent Sustainability Report, Ford had about 85,000 employees in the U.S. and nearly 199,000 employees globally by the end of 2018. Ford said 31.5% of its global workforce identified as members of a minority group, while eight of 45 corporate officers and two of its 13 board members did as well. Diversity has always been a fundamental value at Ford, the company said in a statement. To become the worlds most trusted company, we must cultivate a culture where racial and ethnic equality and diversity are highly valued, and all people have a sense of belonging. Weve been recognized for some of our efforts, but we know that we can do even more so we are building on our strengths and accelerating our action plan. Fiat Chrysler The Italian-American automaker is also observing 8:46 of silence at both 8:46 a.m. and p.m. Friday in each time zone. The company announced the plans in a letter co-signed by Mark Stewart, FCAs chief operating officer for North America, and UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada. We do this in support of the millions who are demanding an end to racism and hate, and calling for real reform, it reads. We do this to recognize that we all have a role to play in this change. FCA says it has 45,500 hourly and 14,900 salaried employees in the U.S., but it did not provide a breakout by ethnicity. The company is currently investing $2.5 billion in Detroit, much of it to build a new plant to manufacture a new three-row Jeep. Its also giving first dibs on the 5,000 new jobs to residents of Detroit, which is nearly 79% black. A worker on the Passport assembly line at Honda's Alabama plant. (Honda) Honda Honda did not disclose the total number of people it employs in the U.S. but said African Americans constitute 16% of its production workforce and 15% of its labor force overall. It sent the following statement to Autoblog: Honda will recognize Juneteenth by silencing our social media channels across the region so that voices and stories can be heard and celebrated. Additionally, we will share internal communications within our companies that speak to the significance of this important day. Hyundai The Korean automaker released a statement affirming its commitment to diversity and inclusion and adding that Hyundai is committed to Americas highest ideals: transparency, fairness and honesty. It also outlined a number of actions it planned to take to increase racial equality and diversity among staff, including diversity spending targets and making donations to several nonprofits focused on social justice issues. For centuries, despite vast economic, social and political disparity, African-Americans have turned challenges into opportunities and struggles into triumphs, Hyundai said in the statement. And while much progress has been made since the first Juneteenth including the election of the first African-American U.S. president still far too many African-Americans remain marginalized and barred from the simple right to breathe free. For far too long and for far too many African-Americans, the dream of America is still just that a dream. Once, I was down to the last bite of a really good blueberry pie. My wife moved in with her fork to have some and I (playfully) stabbed her in the hand with my fork. Suffice it to say, I didnt end up with the last bite of pie, and my stabbing her and not her taking my pie is whats remembered. While its not a perfect analogy to describe the Middle East in terms of a pie, its a funny story and relevant metaphor. Israel shares a small hotly contested piece of land with Arabs who do not share Israels national or religious ideals. The pie analogy works because the Land, like a pi... For patients with brain arteriovenous malformations, not having surgery or getting radiation therapy can result in an almost 70-per-cent lower risk of having a stroke or dying, researchers find. For people with a brain arteriovenous malformation, a congenital vascular system defect, fate has a name: stroke. To avoid this risk, patients sometimes undergo interventions to remove the malformation. But is this very beneficial? Not necessarily. According to an international clinical trial co-directed by researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), interventional treatment- by neurosurgery, neuroradiology or radiation therapy - could be more dangerous than the disease itself. In a study published in The Lancet Neurology, Christian Stapf, a vascular neurologist at the CHUM and the co-author of the article, and his colleagues show that the risk of having a stroke or dying falls by 68 per cent when doctors let the malformation follow its natural course. In other words, the risk of patients having a stroke or dying is at least three times lower." Christian Stapf, Researcher at the CRCHUM and Professor at Universite de Montreal "We wondered what was better for the patient: to remove the malformation to prevent a stroke or to live with the malformation for several years? The results of our study are clear: in the long term, standard medical care is more beneficial for the patient than any intervention. This certainly shakes up conventional thinking about how to prevent stroke in these patients." Before joining the neurovascular program at CHUM in 2015, Dr. Stapf worked at Lariboisiere Hospital, in Paris, France. He was already the principal co-author of this study and in charge of the European component. A second phase of the study sought to evaluate whether early surgical intervention might reduce the risk of neurological deficits. "After a five-year follow-up period, we showed that there were twice as many patients with a disabling deficit after the interventions than medical management alone," said Stapf. 226 participants in nine countries For this international clinical trial named ARUBA (short forA Randomized trial of Unruptured Brain AVMs), 226adult participants with an average age of44 were recruited between 2007 and 2013 in 39hospital centers located in nine countries. Among the members of this collaborative network, the CHUM was the most active Canadian center in terms of recruitment. There were two other centers, in Ontario. The volunteer patients, who had never had a stroke and whose malformation was sometimes discovered by chance, were divided into two groups: the first would get standard medical care, while the second would receive standard care combined with invasive therapies (by neurosurgery, interventional neuroradiology or radiation therapy). The patients were followed for average periods of between 33 and 50 months. In 2014, under the supervision of interventional neuroradiologist Jean Raymond, the CHUM launched TOBAS, an international study whose aim was to see whether the conclusive findings of the clinical trial ARUBA might also be valid for all patients with a neurovascular malformation, including those who had had a stroke. To date, the CHUM's neurovascular health program is the largest in Quebec and among the biggest in Canada: more than 800stroke patients are admitted to the program every year. With its Centre deReferencedesAnomalies Neurovasculaires Rares, a referral center for rare neurovascular abnormalities, the CHUM also offers a specialized multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to patients with several types of vascular malformations of the brain. U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz on Friday rejected the idea of loosening or abolishing qualified immunity protections for police, though Cruz said he is drafting legislation that would make it easier for people to sue cities if officers violate their constitutional rights. The topic is emerging as, perhaps, the most serious sticking point between congressional Democrats and Republicans as they take up police reforms in the wake of George Floyds death in Minneapolis last month. House Democrats are taking direct aim at qualified immunity the legal doctrine that shields government officials, including police, from civil lawsuits in their police reform bill, proposing to end it altogether for police by making officers liable for constitutional violations. Senate Republicans have rejected that idea while saying they are open to reforms that do not go as far. Cornyn, a Republican who is up for re-election in November, said qualified immunity police reforms could spill into other areas of government where the doctrine also applies. You start dealing with qualified immunity in this context, and you could well end up with unintended consequences. So, I don't think this is the right time for it, Cornyn said after a roundtable discussion on police reform at Houston City Hall. What I do support is additional follow-on hearings in the Judiciary Committee, and then, once we understand what the lay of the land is, we'll be in a better position to do the right thing. Cruz, a Republican who also participated in the roundtable, said he is concerned about exposing police officers, potentially, to crushing litigation burdens and liability exposure. Instead, he said, his staff is crafting legislation that would allow people to more easily sue municipalities if officers violate their constitutional rights. If someone's constitutional rights are violated, there needs to be a remedy, Cruz said. The person who was victimized should be able to get redress and recovery, and we're having extensive discussions about how to expand the ability of someone who's facing a violation to get the recovery they deserve. Cruzs comments were directed at a 1978 Supreme Court decision, Monell v. Department of Social Services of the City of New York, that limits the circumstances in which cities can be held responsible when their employees deprive someone of their constitutional rights. Under the courts ruling, cities can only be held liable if the employees action such as kneeling on someones neck is codified in city policy. During the nearly 90-minute discussion, which was attended by Mayor Sylvester Turner and top local law enforcement officials, Houston attorney Gerald Birnberg raised the issue of the Monell decision, urging both senators to amend the rule. Cruz, after mentioning the court decision, said his staff has been working on legislation that would alter those standards. After the roundtable, Cornyn who is a former Texas Supreme Court justice and attorney general thanked Birnberg for raising the issue, though he did not explicitly say whether he would support Cruzs proposal. Supporters of qualified immunity generally argue that without it, officers would hesitate when making certain split-second decisions out of concern about retribution, preventing them from carrying out their duties. They also argue that removing the legal protection would subject officers to frivolous lawsuits that they lack the time and money to fight. Those looking to remove or weaken qualified immunity say it historically has protected officers who are plainly incompetent or knowingly violate the law, the exceptions under which police are supposed to be liable. Geoffrey Corn, a professor at the South Texas College of Law in Houston, said there is precedent for Cruzs idea in the military, where a commander can be held responsible when a solider commits a war crime if you can show that the commander reasonably could have foreseen that that war crime was going to happen. Qualified immunity, Corn said, is tolerable if theres an alternate remedy, such as the idea of enhancing peoples ability to bring lawsuits against cities over officer misconduct. Doing so could incentivize officials to hire better officers and hold police accountable for misconduct, he said, the way commanders have incentive to avoid producing poorly trained, ill-disciplined units. I think if Congress were to clarify and facilitate a more effective civil remedy against the municipalities that these officers work for, particularly when they make a mistake that is not clearly unreasonable, then it gives those municipalities an incentive to make sure they dont find themselves in that position, Corn said. U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, acknowledged Friday that qualified immunity is an emotional issue, but said she stood behind House Democrats bill in arguing that people should be able to file a lawsuit against the individual who had violated your civil rights. We tried to look at it in a way that would be responsive to what the values of this nation are, and that is allowing a response if your civil rights and constitutional rights have been violated, Jackson Lee said. Cliff Walker, deputy executive director of the Texas Democratic Party, hammered Cornyn for voicing opposition to the idea of qualified immunity reforms. John Cornyn has repeatedly denied the existence of systemic racism in the criminal justice system, Walker said. Texans cant expect Cornyn to do anything to address racial injustices while he continues to bury his head in the sand and pretend hard issues dont exist. During the roundtable, Cornyn and Cruz embraced reforms from the Senate Republican bill that would penalize law enforcement agencies for not using body cameras. Councilmember Abbie Kamin, who chairs the city council public safety committee, said body camera measures are not enough to spur meaningful change, noting that HPD began using body cameras in late 2013 and has yet to see a decrease in use-of-force rates. Im not necessarily saying get rid of qualified immunity with a broad brush, Kamin said. But we do need to look at the standards in which we can hold bad cops accountable. jasper.scherer@chron.com WAUWATOSA, Wis. (AP) A health club company is apologizing on behalf of a franchisee who posted an I can't breathe workout at a gym in suburban Milwaukee. Photos of the workout instructions drawn on a dry erase board at Anytime Fitness in Wauwatosa were shared widely on social media and generated critical comments. The I can't breathe workout included burpees, or squat thrusts, and the instructions don't you dare lay down. It also showed a person in a kneeling position, the Journal Sentinel reported. The words I cant breathe have been chanted at hundreds of protests and rallies, echoing some of the final words of George Floyd, a black man who died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer held his knee against his neck as he was handcuffed face down in the street. The Woodbury, Minnesota-based company said it was profoundly sorry that the workout was posted. No matter what the intent, we absolutely do not condone the words, illustrations or actions this represents. One of our publicly-state commitments to antiracism work is to bolster training efforts for our franchise owners to lead with empathy, love and respect. This incident makes it clear we have more work to do in this space, a statement from the company read. The workout instructions at the Wauwatosa gym have since been removed. Speaking of the Buyi ethnic group in southwest Chinas Guizhou province, the first thing that comes into peoples mind is its traditional and unique ethnic costumes. Ceheng, a county lying on the southwestern corner of Guizhou province, is the largest area inhabited by the Buyi ethnic group in China. It is also the place where Nanpanjiang River and Beipanjiang River meet. Living in such a hot and humid climate, the local people regard homespun clothing as the first choice as it is comfortable to wear. 40-year-old Huang Lian has been helping her mother make clothes since childhood. As an experienced clothes maker, she has won multiple awards in costume contests. We use a wooden spinning wheel to make yarn, a loom to weave cloth and indigo to dye the cloth, Huang introduced. The most complicated part is dyeing with indigo, which takes a number of procedures and about 20 days to finish, she added. The Buyi costumes, in different shades of blue, are a representative project of national intangible cultural heritage, and the blue clothes have become a symbol of the Buyi ethnic group. However, clothes dyed by the natural and traditional technique lose color. Though the dyestuff indigo doesnt harm human skin, it affects the marketing of the clothes, as few customers are willing to buy clothes that fade. A great opportunity happened in 2017, when a man named Long Zhiyu came to Ceheng from Yunnan province. Long was very interested in Buyi dyeing and established a company that manufactures Buyi clothes. Long invited experts from the school of textile science and engineering in Tiangong University in north Chinas Tianjin municipality, and after field investigations and repeated experiments by the experts, the color-losing was no more a problem. Before dyeing, villagers always put something in the dye vat for a certain period of time, Long disclosed, explaining that this is similar to fermentation, during which the bacteria grow to strengthen the dyeing effects. After rounds of screening and experimenting, the experts discovered a bacterial strain with strong reducing capacity. The bacterial strain could help reduce the dyeing process from more than 20 days to just 3 hours, and the color fastness is better, Long said. The new technology has revitalized the ancient dyeing technique. But Long and his team decided to go further. They divided the color of the cloth into 12 levels, from light blue to dark blue, further refining the dyeing technique. Recently, we received orders placed from Japan and South Korea worth more than one million yuan ,and well deliver the goods soon, said Long. After breaking through the technological bottleneck, Long became more confident in the dyeing and processing of the clothing. The ethnic costumes, made from natural materials and environmental-friendly, are very competitive in the international market, Long introduced. Supported by the new technology, Longs company established a relatively complete industrial chain. Under an agreement we signed with indigo growers, our company provides indigo saplings for the farmers to grow and purchase indigo leaves from them at a price no lower than the market price, said Long, adding that this business model has helped impoverished farmers increase income. Indigo is a treasure plant. Its leaves could be used as a dye and its root is a constituent of Radix Isatidis. This is why its not a low-price product, said Luo Chengsong, an impoverished farmer whose net profit of every 667 square kilometers of indigo field stood at 2,800 yuan. The man, who had planned to work outside town in the past, finally decided to make a living in his hometown. Now he is planning to increase the planting area of indigo trees by 0.2 hectares. At least 66.67 hectares of indigo trees are needed each year by us for production, and the figure keeps increasing, said Long, expressing the hope that while facilitating the development of the indigo industry, his company could lift more impoverished households out of poverty and help them become well-off. Seven firms told Reuters they will divest funds if they do not see progress in resolving the Amazons deforestation. Seven major European investment firms have told Reuters news agency they will divest from beef producers, grains traders and even government bonds in Brazil if they do not see progress in resolving the surging destruction of the Amazon rainforest. The rising threats from investors with more than $2 trillion in assets under management, including Finland-based Nordea and the United Kingdoms Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM), show how the private sector is taking global action to protect the worlds largest rainforest. Brazils President Jair Bolsonaro has shrugged off diplomatic pressure on the matter. Deforestation of Brazils Amazon surged to an 11-year high in 2019, Bolsonaros first year in office, and has risen a further 34 percent in the first five months of 2020, according to preliminary data from the government space research agency INPE. The right-wing populist has weakened environmental protections and called for more mining and farming in the Amazon region. The trends weve seen in Brazil are very concerning, said Daniela da Costa-Bulthuis, Brazil portfolio manager for the Netherlands-based asset manager Robeco. You have a dismantling of the regulatory mechanisms of environmental control since last year. Bolsonaros press office declined to comment on the investors concerns. He defended Brazils environmental record against criticism from world leaders last year as destructive fires in the Amazon drew global outcry. So far, corporate pressure has proven more effective in turning Brasilias attention to the environment. An aerial view shows logs that were illegally cut from the Amazon rainforest in Para state, Brazil [File: Nacho Doce/Reuters] A bill originally proposed by Bolsonaro to grant property deeds for irregularly settled public land, a measure seen encouraging deforestation, failed to reach a vote in May and is now delayed indefinitely after more than 40, mostly European, companies threatened to boycott Brazilian exports. Under scrutiny In September, 230 institutional investors signed a letter calling for urgent action to combat the fires surging in the Amazon rainforest, capturing global attention. However, the seven asset management firms that spoke to Reuters Storebrand, AP7, KLP, DNB Asset Management, Robeco, Nordea Asset Management and LGIM went further in laying out the threat of divestment if there is no progress. The firms hold more than $5bn in investments linked to Brazil, including global grains traders with major operations in the country. Norways largest pension fund KLP said it was engaging with trading firms Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Cargill and Bunge and judging if their environmental policies are adequate. If our conclusion is negative, divestment can be the likely result, potentially as soon as this year and wed expect such a move to trigger other larger investors to follow our lead, said Jeanett Bergan, KLPs head of responsible investment, via email. A demonstration to demand more protection for the Amazon rainforest, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil [File: Sergio Moraes/Reuters] In response to questions on divestment, Bunge and Cargill described a range of efforts to root out deforestation from their supply chains, citing their adherence to the Amazon Soy Moratorium. In that voluntary agreement, major trading firms including Cargill, Bunge and ADM pledged not to buy soy from parts of the Amazon deforested since 2008. ADM did not respond to request for comment. Norwegian insurance and pension provider Storebrand and Swedens largest national pension fund AP7 also said they could divest from ADM and Bunge if the companies do not take adequate measures to combat deforestation. Norways DNB Asset Management AS said index funds it manages, which include holdings in Bunge, could exclude companies that fail to meet its sustainability standards. Other investment firms mentioned concerns related to Brazilian meatpackers, which have drawn scrutiny in the past for sourcing beef from deforested areas of the Amazon. LGIM is pushing Brazilian companies, including the worlds largest meatpacker, JBS, and smaller rivals Marfrig and Minerva for robust climate targets and land-use policies, with inaction potentially leading to voting sanctions and targeted divestments, said Yasmine Svan, senior sustainability analyst at LGIM, in an emailed statement. JBS, Minerva and Marfrig said in separate statements they are committed to eliminating Amazon deforestation from their supply chains and detailed their efforts. After quarantine The asset management arm of Nordea, one of the Nordic countries biggest banks, halted purchases of Brazilian sovereign debt last year after forest fires flared, putting its roughly 100 million euros ($112m) of Brazilian government bonds in quarantine. A protest demanding more protection for the Amazon rainforest, in Sao Paulo, Brazil [File: Nacho Doce/Reuters] Thede Ruest, head of emerging-market debt at Nordea Asset Management, said the firm could go further. The next level of escalation from quarantining actually means selling our Brazil government bonds, which could trigger other funds following suit, Ruest said. We are disappointed by the lack of progress by the current administration, with deforestation rates continuing to soar ahead of another major fire season. Da Costa-Bulthuis of Robeco, which manages at least 3 billion euros ($3.3bn) in Brazilian equities and up to 5 billion euros ($5.6bn) when including debt and other assets, declined to comment on specific holdings. But she said the firm could reduce its exposure to Brazil if its environmental record deteriorates further. Da Costa-Bulthuis, along with LGIMs Svan and Nordeas Ruest, expressed alarm about a recent video of a Brazilian cabinet meeting, made public due to a federal investigation. In the recording, Environment Minister Ricardo Salles suggested to Bolsonaro and other ministers that the government should accelerate environmental deregulation while the public is distracted by the current coronavirus pandemic. Hes working against the environment. What he said was unacceptable, da Costa-Bulthuis said. If they [the government] will be sensible or not, I think one way to start would be to change the environment minister because this guy does not have credibility. Salles and his press office did not respond to requests for comment on the statement. At the time, the minister said he was only calling for cutting unhelpful bureaucracy that hinders investment. Bolsonaro dispatched the military last month to combat the destruction of the Amazon, although deforestation rose again in May compared with a year earlier for the 13th straight month. Da Costa-Bulthuis said the deployment was the minimum the government could do and not an adequate replacement for strengthening agencies specialised in environmental enforcement. We dont think theyre doing enough. There should be no debate about the deadly cost of Covid-19. Physical distancing, masks, and handwashing became effective mitigation for the deadly virus. Whereas the immediate and proximal solution for tribalism, xenophobia, hate, lack of tolerance and accommodation, especially when exacerbated by the excessive force of constituted authorities, has eluded us for too many years. Unfortunately, the effect of hate can be the more imminent threat to life experienced by minorities outside their base. Unlike Covid-19 that can kill, no matter where we are. Though elders and minorities can be more adversely affected by Covid-19; the lack of tolerance, accommodation, and hate instigate and kill people slowly every day. The discussion of choice between Covid-19 or tribal hate is so convoluted, no one wants to be a victim of either. Yet, world demonstrators against Racism understood the risk they are taking. On the other hand, Tribalism is within the same people or within the same country but different ethnic groups. Political parties also play tribalism between conservatives and liberals. Racism within the same country by people that see one another as different races based on the colors of their skin. This was established in Virginia, the USA by old laws around color lines to divide and conquer in the 1600s. You cannot go into a new community to disrespect or break their norms and culture with impunity. If you do, do not cry racism or tribalism when you are held responsible for crude behavior. The discussion on which is worse between racism and tribalism boils down to location and who is affected. Usually, both racism and tribalism are based on economic and political competition within the same country. After all, Africans did not determine or even given a choice of which country they wanted to be part of. It was divided and negotiated with drawn lines by colonialists on paper. Africans, unah see unah lives? Once the country is divided along ethnic lines, another sub-ethnic group becomes distinct from their larger group demanding economic and political power. Since the rivalries take place on their ancestral land, the borders may become contentious. The smaller or narrower their ideologies and differences, the more likely are they to become tribalistic within the same race: my people are killing my people. Xenophobia factor rears its ugly head from anger created by lack of promised opportunities to those at home while newcomers excel against all odds within them. Natives set aside their internal angsts or rivalries and gang up on non-natives. Obviously, this is born out of jealousy and some notion that their leaders enable foreigners to partner with them out of corruption and favoritism. Asserting culture and language from their original home can pose a threat to their hosts in a different land as we see from the history of America where Native American Indians were almost wiped out of existence. Dominance may be by numbers but not necessarily since the minority can dominate the majority to foster their interest using tribalism. The Fulani in Northern Nigeria are the ethnic minority in the land of Hausa majority. Their political and economic interest is not in doubt. Borderline problems can be fierce because there are no distinct demarcation compared to one racial or ethnic group migrating to another land. They can melt into their hosts by adopting the language and culture or retain the same culture from their ancestral land. It may be peaceful in many countries until some economic natural resources are discovered on the land. The fact that a country is divided into political entities does not solve the problem as we witnessed in Sudan. Even within Southern Sudan, there are ethnic rivalries that turned into another war. Nevertheless, Somali are from the same race, ethnic group and speak the same language. Yet civil war divided them into different countries. Hate, intolerance and lack of accommodation can easily divide the same ruling families in the same community when the time comes to ascend the throne. Looking for the cause of differences or tolerance may have more to do with economic interest, politics, greed and selfishness. The leaders always claim they are fighting for their "people". There are also provocations since crude behavior, impunity and cronyism get new comers in trouble with their hosts. Experience taught us that you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. So when you are in Rome, you behave like a Roman. Americans want you to love it or leave it. At the same time, multiculturalism enriches most of us. The more languages we speak the more informed we are. Some people considered these as threats to their cultural way of life because their language and culture could be dominated by strangers. Provocation can also come from those without provenance trying to take advantage of those they met in their new environment by joining with oppressors to enforce injustices. If those before you complain of oppression by the majority, it does not make sense to join the majority out of selfishness and greed, to use you to implement policies against minorities that look like you. This is what divides African Americans, Native American Indians, and new immigrants. In the process, you provoke scorn, ridicule, and hate from those you met there. Asians have made better gains than Africans in Europe and America despite the loud mouth of Nigerians. Indeed, the horn of Africa has made more gains lately in the USA. Some Africans have been accused of disrespecting the natives in Europe and America. But Asians and Africans are given little credit for starting new small businesses where they make little profit to give their children better educational opportunities than they had. So the frustration is obvious when these first generations born outside their original Home still get less opportunities than their classmates. The power of constituted authorities has been usurped by unscrupulous gangs pretending they are looking for enforcement jobs when in fact they are looking for the chance to inflict the same illegal jungle justice on minorities like their "good old days". Gangs of extremists have been exposed disguised as activists to commit crimes no reasonable activist would dare. It serves its purpose to attract more repression and defeat the implementation of progressive causes. HAIL (Housing Association for Integrated Living) has announced a new mental health tenancy sustainment service for the Wicklow Area funded by and in partnership with the HSE and Wicklow County Council. The new Visiting Support Service will support people with mental health difficulties who are living in Local Authority or private rented accommodation and receiving social housing support, who are at risk of losing their tenancies and entering homelessness and who also require help with their mental health recovery and social integration. Sandra Fox, Head of Services with HAIL, said: 'People who have an existing mental health difficulty such as schizophrenia, bipolar or depression may need at times some extra support to manage their home and can really benefit from this service. We will work with clients and their community mental health teams on their personal recovery goals and encourage them to better manage their home, to be good neighbours and to live independently. 'This could involve helping people to maintain family connections, socialise or source further education or employment, it could also be support around budgeting, paying their rent and utility bills or managing conflict as a result of stigma. Each case is different.' HAIL is an Approved Housing Body whose mission is to provide quality housing and individually tailored services to support tenants and clients, primarily those with mental health difficulties, to integrate and live independent lives in the community. The body already operates the visiting service in the greater Dublin area. Visiting support is typically offered on average for around six months and clients are visited in their own homes and support is provided on a one-to-one basis. Commending the collaborative initiative, Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council said: 'Wicklow County Council has continued to develop relationships with the specialist Approved Housing Bodies operating in the region and this collaboration has been critical in dealing with the many and complex issues that can arise from tenants suffering from mental health. The Housing Section had the foresight to set up a Mental Health forum in 2018 with representatives from the HSE , Wicklow County Council and HAIL, which has led to the appointment of a Tenancy Support Officer by HAIL, jointly funded by Wicklow County Council and the HSE, for the County.' Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Irene Winters stated: 'The prevention of homelessness is a key focus of Wicklow County Council and is enshrined in the Action Plan for Homelessness. I am delighted to see this initiative launched and look forward to hearing of many positive outcomes.' The service is now operating in Wicklow between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Call 01 671 8444 or visit www.hail.ie for more information. Villages could be hundreds of millions better off if they merged, report suggests. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Smaller villages and municipalities in Slovakia should merge to cut costs and produce better quality services, experts on local government financing have said. With cities, towns and villages across the country already beginning to feel the effects of the coronavirus crisis on their budgets, some local governments say they are struggling to meet their usual expenses. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Municipalities in Slovakia receive much of their funding from the state, which distributes money raised in national taxes to individual municipalities based on their number of inhabitants, although local authorities can raise money from other local charges and sales or rent of land within their administration. The Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent shutdown of large parts of the economy for months has left a shortfall in state tax revenues which is feeding through into budget shortages at municipal government level. This is causing a particular problem for smaller towns and villages which rely heavily on their share of state funding and which, under Slovak law, must provide the same services for their inhabitants even though they may be ten or twenty times smaller than a major city. Vegetables, spa, and confusion. Welcome to Slovakias newest town Read more Ivona Patrasova, Mayor of Povraznik (population 136) in the Banska Bystrica region, told Slovak media this month that the village should receive 3,000 per month as their share of state taxes, which covers its expenses. This has fallen to around 1,700 euros. This leaves us with problems, she told the public service television RTVS. Model was already under question Experts say that the current situation has highlighted what was already a problem with the municipal financing model long before the coronavirus crisis. This is Part 1 of the two-part column on North Korea ED. By Jason Lim It's Groundhog Day all over again: North Korea's rhetoric ramps up, usually more fury than fire, to create an artificial sense of existential crisis that it can leverage for future concessions. The latest scorn is only notable for being so personally aimed at President Moon Jae-in and disdainfully reinforcing North Korea's stance that South Korea is not really its legitimate partner for negotiations and proclaiming by inference that it will only deal with the U.S. as its peer. Wade through the latest noise, and it's easy to realize that North Korea's demolition of the inter-Korea liaison office is the latest symptom of the underlying problem: lack of mutual trust and the tired, old "economic benefits for nukes" prescription that has never worked. The Kim regime claims that a step-for-step sequencing formula would allow both sides to build incremental trust until denuclearization and normalization. This isn't an unreasonable proposal, especially since both countries are still technically at war, and the U.S. has been the singular existential threat to North Korea's survival for the last 70 years. This doesn't work for the U.S. because it fundamentally distrusts the North Korean regime, born out of a repugnance at what it views as a morally bankrupt, corrupt, predatory regime centered on a creepy cult of personality. This distrust often makes America's approach to North Korea schizophrenic, even when a satisfactory sequencing agreement is reached on paper. North Korea's spotty and selective record of living up to past bargains doesn't do anything to mitigate this distrust. However, suppose there is a way to increase trust first as a prelude to denuclearization. North Korean nukes are indeed a threat, but let's recall that a threat is defined as capability times intent. So far, all the negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea has been focused on reducing the latter's capability through a combination of carrots and sticks. It obviously hasn't worked. But what if we focus on the intent first? Lessening the intent would just as effectively reduce the threat even if the capability remains the same. Unless the Oracle at Delphi returns, however, how could we even gauge the intent of a rogue regime ruled over by a hereditary dictator? What if North Korea became a democratic nation? There are other countries Israel, India, and Pakistan with nuclear capabilities who're not signatories to the NPT that we don't stay up at night worrying about because we realize the intent to attack us is not there. These also happen to be democratic nations, and we know that no democratic nation has ever gone to war against another democracy. A country's democratic political system gives us trust that such an open and accountable system of governance wouldn't lead to a shooting war against another democratic nation. Let's suspend disbelief for a moment and imagine that North Korea agreed to hold a fair, transparent election monitored by the international community for its political leaders. And not just any election. An election, along with South Korea, to choose the political leadership of a unified Korea. This is exactly what was supposed to happen back in May 1948 when North and South Korea, divided merely three years prior at the end of World War II, were set to hold nation-wide elections under the U.N. auspices. The ideological fissures of the Cold War were too deep to overcome, however, and the Soviet-backed North and the U.S.-backed South ended up holding separate elections that only solidified the division. If such an election were to happen today, North and South Korea would no longer exist. Instead, we would have a unified, democratic Korea that's a stand-up member of the international community and presumably much more trustworthy, even with a nuclear capability that was developed by a predecessor state. Something like this couldn't happen overnight. But a commitment by Kim followed by good-faith negotiations over what this democratic transition would look like five, 10 years down the road would earn North Korea a good deal of trust equity that especially appeals to American sensibilities. It could lead to a deal that would freeze the current nuclear program under international monitoring until the elections are held in return for an immediate lifting of sanctions and economic engagement. After the elections, a unified, democratic Korea would then negotiate with the international community to get rid of the nukes. Of course, why in the world would Kim Jong-un agree to this? He's already the monarch of his own kingdom. Why voluntarily risk his dynasty for an election that he could lose? Because the nuclear weapons are not enough to maintain his ruling legitimacy in today's North Korea. And today's North Koreans are not his father's North Koreans. Jason Lim (jasonlim@msn.com) is a Washington, D.C.-based expert on innovation, leadership and organizational culture. The Juneteenth flag is flown in Omaha, Neb., on June 17. (Nati Harnik / Associated Press) Today, Black communities around the country are celebrating Juneteenth, a holiday marking June 19, 1865, the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation that had abolished slavery more than two years before. The holiday is ingrained in Texas and Southern culture and is recognized in 47 of the 50 United States. But this years celebration is different: It comes as America wakes up to the fact that the liberation of Black people is incomplete. As a Black child, I was raised on this reality. When my father believed his middle-class children had forgotten the skin we were in, he would warn, You all think you are free. He was born in rural Mississippi during the Great Depression. The state was careless with his life from the beginning, failing to even record his name, Joseph Nathaniel Winfrey; instead his birth certificate read Boy. He grew up with his parents and nine siblings on 350 family-owned acres in the tin-roofed house they built. Life revolved around cotton. There was little racial violence in pre-civil rights Kilmichael, Miss., not because white folks were benevolent, my father says, but because Black people followed the separate but unequal rules. People went along with the system and we survived within the system. There were rules for staying alive, same as we teach Black children today how to act to try to survive the police. Some of those rules were: Never go to a white persons front door only the side. Always enter the town movie theater from the alley and sit only in the balcony. Do not exercise your right to vote. Send your children to the one-room school for Blacks with the hand-me-down books. When I was taking algebra, my father remembers, I got to a certain page and had to borrow someone elses book because my pages were torn out. The most important rule was that whiteness was supreme and demanded deference. My grandfather tipped his hat to white men and called them Mr. In return, they called him "Lonzo," for Alonzo. White folks wouldnt go to church with you when you were living, Daddy says, but sometimes, If they liked you, they might come to your funeral. Story continues Black people still have rules to survive the racist system that limits our liberty. Our lack of freedom looks different from that of our forefathers and mothers, but it is bondage just the same. White Americans still demand deference. A Black birdwatcher cannot ask a white woman to leash her dog without the threat of arrest. Racially motivated laws that restrict access to voting and aggressive voter purging threaten Black Americans right to participate in the civic process. More than 65 years years after Brown vs. Board of Education, our public schools remain largely separate and unequal, leading to vast gaps in achievement. In the midst of todays COVID-19 pandemic, Black Americans are three times more likely to die from the disease than white people. One in three Black men will do prison time, and Black girls are the fastest-growing segment in the juvenile justice system. Black people are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police than their white counterparts. Just weeks ago, a quarantined nation watched a Black man, George Floyd, slowly die under the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer and the indifferent gaze of his colleagues. For hundreds of years, America has not cared to change the racist system that resulted in Floyds killing. But it did watch his funeral. This is liberation? Since 1865, Black people have been gaslighted. America has gripped our chains and, in a cruel sleight of hand, pretended its fists were empty. Black freedom is, in the words of Harlem Renaissance writer Ralph Ellison, a gaudy illusion. Juneteenth is more illustrative of the enduring hope of an oppressed people than an observance of Black emancipation. My father recalls of Black life in the Jim Crow South, We didnt give a lot of thought to the fact that we were not free; we just knew that we were not. African Americans still know this. So we scream, march, demand and hope. Over recent weeks, corporations and media conglomerates have admitted their complicity in systemic racism. The country is reconsidering policing, an institution that grew in the South from a desire to protect the slave system and human chattel. Monuments to Confederates and racists are coming down. And American streets are teeming with protesters chanting, Black Lives Matter. Ive never seen so many white people marching, and Ive been watching these things for a long time, my father, now in his 85th year, tells me. Change is coming, I think. This could be true. America may be ready to trade white supremacy for Black equality. Or this moment could be more gaudy illusion. The country rarely misses an opportunity to disappoint its Black citizens. Less than a week after George Floyd was laid to rest in Houston, police shot and killed Rayshard Brooks, another unarmed Black man, in Atlanta, after responding to a complaint that he had fallen asleep in line at a Wendys drive-through. More Black death. More oppression. More constriction. America loves a performance especially a staging of democracy. But florid corporate statements never freed anybody. Performance is not policy. Yet Black men who grew up picking cotton, calling white men Mr. and reading torn books, remain hopeful. Maybe today America is ready to make good on that hope with real emancipation and freedom for all. Tamara Winfrey-Harris is the author of The Sisters Are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America. Ecommerce websites and mobile commerce, or m-commerce, options arent an either/or situation. Both play different roles in the customer journey and cater to different audiences. What is essential is that you dont overlook mobile experiences while designing the ecommerce strategy for your business. According to Pew research, 8 out of 10 Americans are online shoppers, and 51 percent of them use mobile devices for shopping. If you arent leveraging mobile traffic, your business is likely missing out vital conversions even as you are reading this. While a responsive website is an excellent starting point in your m-commerce journey, having a mobile app has distinct advantages over mobile websites. Here is a list of compelling reasons why your ecommerce business needs to go for mobile-app development in addition to having a mobile-responsive website. Related: Here's What You Need to Do to Launch a Mobile App 1. Ease of use and better user experience Even if you have a responsive website, every time the user logs onto it, the browser would prompt the user to sign into the account to continue with the shopping. In the case of mobile apps, the user details are stored in the app and the users only have to sign in once, when they download the app. Since the users dont need to sign in every time they shop, the ease of use is higher and the resultant user satisfaction is also high. Mobile applications also allow the users to switch between the different tabs, making navigation and overall user experience simpler as compared to that of the website. 2. Access to phone-native features The phones native capabilities can be leveraged using mobile apps, which isnt a possibility in the case of mobile websites. The integration of built-in smartphone components like GPS and cameras provides the user with enhanced user experience. Interactive shopping using augmented and virtual reality is an app-only feature. Another advantage is the fact that native apps are available for offline use. While the apps do take up space on the users device, they can be used even when the phone is not connected to the internet, resulting in an on-the-go shopping experience for the users. 3. Using mobile apps as a marketing channel Mobile apps give you a chance to deliver a unified omnichannel experience to the customers. Apps can allow social media integration that combines the different channels of customer engagement. The customer preferences are saved within the app, leading to tailored content being displayed to the relevant customers. Using geofencing and push notifications sent out to the users device when they are in proximity of the physical stores or in case of any special offer can also result in a more engaged customer base. Related: Why Your Small Business Needs a Mobile App 4. Seamless checkout with multiple payment options Shopping-cart abandonment is the biggest issue that retail businesses face. Whether in-store or on an ecommerce platform, customers are more likely to give up on completing shopping if the checkout process seems cumbersome. Mobile apps remove friction from the checkout process by making it interactive. The widespread popularity of mobile wallets exists only because they allow fast processing of transactions. Features such as fingerprint scanning and facial recognition help remove friction from the checkout and payment process by enabling faster authentication. 5. Incorporation of advanced tech for interactive customer experience Mobile apps and technology go hand-in-hand. Incorporation of augmented reality in smartphone apps is already taking place, with brands such as IKEA and Sephora spearheading the transformation. The incorporation of AR/VR in apps makes them more interactive and results in engaging customer experiences. Apps also allow for the integration of artificial intelligence in the form of chatbots in order to facilitate the customer in searching for their preferred items and getting them through the checkout. Personalized shopping assistants that are powered by machine-learning algorithms would soon become the norm, making shopping easy and fun as it should be. Related: Here's Your Chance to Get Today's Most Innovative Smartphone for Free [Funding Alert] Milk Mantra Raises $10 Mn Debt Financing From DFC, Gets Additional Technical Assistance This Programme Helps Students Secure Job and Financial Independence Early In Life Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Sanjay Singh New Delhi: The AAP has not been invited to an all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the border conflict with China, two senior party leaders claimed on Friday. AAP leader Sanjay Singh said the party has a government in Delhi and in Punjab, it is the main opposition party, but still the BJP does not want its opinion. Advertisement "A strange ego-ridden government is running at the Centre. The Aam Aadmi Party has a government in Delhi. Punjab has a main opposition party. There are four MPs all over the country, but still the BJP does not want its opinion on such an important matter. What will the prime minister say in the meeting, the whole country is waiting for it," Singh also tweeted. Advertisement He also said that during a national emergency, all parties should be brought together. AAP AAP leader and Delhi minister Gopal Rai said it is unfortunate that the AAP was not invited. "Instead of taking all the parties together, the BJP is using mathematical formulas to ascertain who should be invited and who should not be. It is unfortunate," he said. It has been learnt that all recognised national parties -- those with over five MPs in the Lok Sabha, leading parties from the northeast and parties with Union Cabinet ministers -- have been invited for the all-party meeting. Confirmed COVID-19 numbers in Calaveras County by Age and Gender 6-19-2020 View Photo San Andreas, CA Two more people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Calaveras County, bring the total cases to 28. Calaveras Public Health reports that the new cases involve an adult female and adult male both between the ages of 18 to 49 years old. Although both live in the Valley Springs area, health officials say the cases are unrelated. The source of exposure is being investigated. People should stay home as much as possible, especially those at higher risk for severe illness to COVID-19. Take the necessary preventive actions to keep Calaveras County safe and healthy if you do go out, said Dr. Dean Kelaita, Calaveras County Health Officer. Everyone plays a crucial role in protecting the health and well-being of our community. Kelaita reminds that currently there is no vaccine to prevent the virus. Health officials are conducting contract trace investigations for those who may have had close contact with the individuals. All close contacts will be notified. Health officials will assess and monitor them for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and it may be recommended that they get a test. Of the 28 infected, there are 16 females and 12 males, with two cases involving individuals under the age of 17. Of those confirmed cases, fifteen have since recovered. Thursday Governor Gavin Newsom ordered that all Californians must wear face coverings in common and public indoor spaces and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible. Dr. Kelaita advises, In addition to social distancing, wearing a face-covering is one of the most effective things people can do to reduce the chances of transmitting COVID-19 Face coverings are especially important when unable to maintain 6 feet of physical distance from others, he added. Further details regarding the state guidance and exceptions can be found here. KYODO NEWS - Jun 20, 2020 - 02:28 | All, World TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will not visit Moscow next week to attend a parade commemorating the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, a government official said Friday. Abe was invited to the parade, originally scheduled for May 9, before it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. He had also been slated to hold a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the trip. Russia has been notified that Abe will skip the rescheduled parade next Wednesday to focus on responding to the virus outbreak in Japan, Hideki Uyama, deputy director general of the Foreign Ministry's European Affairs Bureau, told an upper house committee. Japan's ambassador to Russia, Toyohisa Kozuki, may attend in Abe's place if invited, said Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Abe had been leaning toward skipping the parade because the schedule clashed with a Group of Seven summit that had been slated to be held in the United States around the same time. Although the G-7 summit was eventually postponed until the fall, there are lingering concerns over the continuing spread of the coronavirus in Russia, which has seen the third most infections globally behind the United States and Brazil. Abe and Putin last held talks in September last year in Vladivostok, in Russia's Far East, with the aim of advancing stalled negotiations over a long-standing territorial dispute between their countries. But the organizer of the Eastern Economic Forum said Friday it has called off the annual event this year and plans to resume it in September 2021, meaning Abe will not be able to meet Putin on the occasion this fall. Abe has joined the forum for four consecutive years beginning in 2016, holding bilateral talks with Putin each time. The organizer did not reveal the reason for forgoing the event. The spat over the Russian-held group of islands off Hokkaido, which Japan calls its Northern Territories and Russia calls the Southern Kurils, remains a hurdle to the signing of a postwar peace treaty between the countries. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19 Trend: Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund (ADIF), through Kapital Bank and the International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA), paid compensation on insured deposits in the amount of 61.6 million manat ($36.2 million) to depositors of Amrahbank, AGbank, NBC Bank and Atabank, which are in the process of liquidation, ADIF told Trend. Issuance of compensations to depositors of Atabank and Amrahbank started from June 1, 2020, and is carried out in 35 branches through debit cards of Kapital Bank and the Xzri quick money transfer system. Compensation payment to depositors of AGbank and NBC Bank began on June 16, 2020, and is carried out through debit cards of the IBA in 20 branches. According to article 28.3 of the Law of Azerbaijan on deposit insurance, the Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund accepts applications of depositors within a year from the date of the first publication of the notification on compensation. (1 USD = 1.7 manat on June 19) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Fri, June 19, 2020 10:06 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40660049fc 2 Business Donald-Trump,united-states,US-China-trade-war,economic-growth Free President Donald Trump warned Thursday the United States had the option to separate from China's deeply intertwined economy, despite the powers' pledges to move forward on a trade deal. The US "certainly does maintain a policy option, under various conditions, of a complete decoupling from China. Thank you!" Trump tweeted. He wrote that he was responding to comments by his trade representative Robert Lighthizer, who has been at the forefront of trade war negotiations with Beijing. Lighthizer told a congressional committee on Wednesday that China so far has been living up to the terms of a "phase one" agreement that eased the dispute, but that decoupling the two economic giants was now impossible. "That was a policy option years ago, but I don't think it's a policy or reasonable policy option at this point," Lighthizer said. Lighthizer described himself as a hardliner on China policy, and outlined the Trump administration's plans to "reset" the World Trade Organization, largely so that it can better rein in Beijing's policies which he says run afoul of free trade rules. But his admission that the world's two largest economies are inextricably linked, despite Trump's aggressive campaign to push American firms to relocate production to the United States, caused some angst in Republican circles. Trump tried to let his trade official off the hook. "It was not Ambassador Lighthizer's fault (yesterday in Committee) in that perhaps I didn't make myself clear." Trump in January signed the "phase one" of a trade deal aimed at ending a trade war in which he has slapped tariffs on billions of dollars of Chinese products. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that a senior Chinese official also confirmed to him Beijing's commitment to phase one, which includes China stepping up purchases of US products. Pompeo met Wednesday in Hawaii with Yang Jiechi, a veteran maker of Chinese foreign policy, in Hawaii to discuss soaring tensions. Besides trade, the United States has sharply criticized China over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, an upcoming security law in Hong Kong and its mass detention of Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims. Senior US diplomat David Stilwell, who accompanied Pompeo, said the United States insisted on a "more reciprocal" relationship but declined to discuss the discussions in depth. "Whether or not they were productive or not, I will look at what comes up in the next couple of weeks. You'll see a reduction in aggressive behavior or not," Stilwell told reporters. "If they come to the table with a reasonable proposal, the US is obviously going to treat it reasonably and look for ways to work toward a positive outcome." UPDATE June 18, 1:15 p.m. The mountain lion captured in San Francisco Thursday morning has been identified as a male cub. He was transported to the Oakland Zoo where he's being examined by a veterinarian specializing in wildlife. "Hes doing well," said Deb Campbell, a spokesperson for SF Animal Care & Control. "Hes healthy. Everything was good. The fact that they didnt have to tranquilize him is amazing." Campbell said the animal will be returned to the wild. "We dont know where it will be released, but it will be somewhere thats safe," she said. *** A young mountain lion was captured in San Francisco's Mission Bay among the city's most urban neighborhoods Thursday morning. Officers from S.F. Animal Care and Control and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife cornered the disoriented animal at Fourth and Channel streets near Oracle Park and used a large net to seize it. "SFPD provided a perimeter and stood by to make sure everyone was safe during the capture of the lion," Deb Campbell, a spokesperson for SF Animal Care & Control, wrote in a statement. The goal was to capture the animal without tranquilizing it because young cats can die in the sedating process. "We have been monitoring the lions movements since Tuesday, and felt that because he or she was young and inexperienced that there was no easy, safe exit route from the city," Campbell said. "We were afraid that the lion would be hit by a car, or starve." Campbell said the animal will be evaluated by Fish and Wildlife before being released. "They'll be taking off to place it in the wild," SFACC Executive Director Virginia Donohue told KCBS Radio. The captured cat is the same animal as the one spotted wandering around the city in recent days. Animal Care and control estimates the cat is about 14 months old and mountain lions of this age typically stay with their mothers until they are 2 years old. Sightings were reported along the Embarcadero and at the intersection of Fremont and Market streets. Video footage of the mountain lion was taken at 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning at Lombard and Leavenworth in Russian Hill. In the video, the animal can be seen pausing on the sidewalk next to a couple of trash cans before it darts off into the night. https://twitter.com/Ing_Fehr/status/1272806779525582848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1272806779525582848&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sfgate.com%2Fliving-in-sf%2Farticle%2FVideo-mountain-lion-wandering-in-San-Francisco-15344437.php "It's highly unusual for a mountain lion to be in these areas because its quite young and very inexperienced," said Deb Campbell, a spokesperson for SF Animal Care & Control. "Usually when families have litters, they disperse to find their own territory. This one probably went a little early and ended up here and doesnt know how to get out." On Wednesday evening, there was a second sighting in the East Cut-Rincon Hill neighborhood near downtown. Animal Care and Control posted a message on Twitter warning residents to use caution when outside after dark and before daybreak. "It's likely the mountain lion is confused and lost, and will soon find its way south and out of San Francisco," the message read. "If you see the mountain lion - do not go near it. Give it a wide berth, slowly back away while facing the lion, do not run!" SFGATE Digital Editor Amanda Bartlett contributed to this story. Amy Graff is SFGATE's News Editor. Email her at agraff@sfgate.com. A tenant who fell behind on his rent during the coronavirus pandemic was allegedly assaulted and held hostage until he made the outstanding payments. The 24-year-old man and his friend arrived at a rental property on Clifton Reserve, in Surry Hills, Sydney's inner city, at about 3.30pm on Wednesday. The 56-year-old owner met them at the property with another man in toe who allegedly proceeded to threaten the tenant over his unpaid rent. The 24-year-old man and his friend arrived at a rental property on Clifton Reserve, in Surry Hills, Sydney's inner city, at about 3.30pm on Wednesday. Pictured: Surry Hills Police allege the renter was assaulted and held hostage until he paid the outstanding amount in full. The tenant and his friend were freed when he transferred the cash across and went straight to Surry Hills Police Station to report the incident. The renter told police he owed back-payments after suffering financial problems due to the COVID-19 crisis but believed hed negotiated a payment plan with the owner. Police arrested the property owner, a 56-year-old man, at about 10.30pm on Wednesday night. He was charged with detain person for advantage and refused bail to appear in Central Local Court on Thursday, where he was conditionally bailed to appear in the Downing Centre Local Court on August 13. His 57-year-old accomplice was arrested after he took himself to Surry Hills Police Station at about 5pm on Thursday. He was charged with take/detain in company with intent to obtain advantage occasioning actual bodily harm and was refused bail to appear in Central Local Court on Friday. The co-writer of Avengers: Endgame has admitted to an error in the films big battle scene. Christopher Markus suggested that the films writers intentionally didnt correct the moment because it was too awesome not to do it. The scene in question is the one that sees Captain America lift Thors hammer, Mjolnir. When Chris Evanss character wields the weapon, he can summon lightning with it. However, just one Marvel film before Thor: Ragnarok viewers are told that it isnt the hammer that summons the lightning. There was certainly a debate at one point because particularly in Ragnarok, it establishes that Thor can summon the lightning without the hammer, Markus told Slash Film. I think Odin even says, It was never the hammer. Markus continued: And yet Cap summons the lightning with the hammer. You get to those things and youre like, Its too awesome not to do it! Well talk about it later. However, Digital Spy notes that Thors very first standalone movie could provide an explanation. At one stage, Odin (played by Anthony Hopkins) says: Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor. Cap lifting Thors hammer is one of Endgames most crowd-pleasing moments,. Earlier this year, fans were left feeling confused by Markuss explanation as to why the character couldnt lift it until that particular battle sequence. A deleted scene from the film hints that the blockbusters main villain, Thanos (James Brolin), may not be dead after all. Stage and screen star Ian Holm has died aged 88, it has been announced. Holm, born 12 September 1931, trained from 1949 at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. After graduation he became a pivotal performer in the early days of the Royal Shakespeare Company. In the mid 1960s he gained fame for playing Richard III in the BBC serialisation of The War of the Roses, while also having minor roles in films like Oh! What a Lovely War. In 1967 he won a Tony Award for starring in Pinter's The Homecoming, and played Frodo Baggins in the 1981 radio adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. A major screen role came in 1979 as the notorious Ash in Alien, and he went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Chariots of Fire. Though quitting the theatre for a time after a severe case of stage fright, the actor continued his love for Shakespeare, appearing in Kenneth Branagh's Henry V and Mel Gibson's Hamlet. According to a 2001 report in the New York Times, Holm was one of Pinter's favourite actors, with the playwright saying that "He puts on my shoe, and it fits!". Holm later returned to the stage to perform as King Lear at the National in 1997. One of his most iconic roles was as Bilbo Baggins in the award-winning The Lord of the Rings trilogy, earning a SAG Award for the ensemble cast. He was knighted in 1998. Holm won a number of Evening Standard Awards and a Critics' Circle Theatre Award in 1993. According to The Guardian, Holm's death was Parkinson's related, with the actor dying peacefully in hospital. Sonia Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, Sitaram Yechury will be among several opposition leaders who are expected to attend Friday's all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the killing of 20 Indian soldiers by Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the Galwan valley. There will, however, be no Aam Aadmi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and the AIMIM. The meeting is scheduled at 5 p.m. and it will be attended by the political parties through video conferencing. This is the first all-party meeting called by Modi after the death of 20 Indian soldiers in a violent face-off with Chinese troops at patrol point 14 on Monday night in Ladakh's Galwan valley. The India-China faceoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has been going on since early May and the brutal attack came amid a de escalation operation and disengagement talks already underway. Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi, Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D. Raja, DMK President M.K. Stalin, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United President Nitish Kumar will be attending the meeting via video conferencing along with other political party chiefs. However, RJD, AAP and the AIMIM alleged that they have not been invited to the meeting called by the Prime Minister. In a tweet on Thursday night, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said, "A strange egoistic government is at the Centre. AAp has its government in Delhi, in Punjab it is the main opposition party and also has four MPs and also has its presence across the country. But for all the important issues BJP will not take the opinion of AAP. What the Prime Minister will say during the all party meeting is eagerly awaited by the country Amen." RJD leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav also tweeted on Thursday night: "Dear Defence Minister and PMO, Just wish to know the criteria for inviting political parties for tomorrow's All Party Meet on Galwan Valley. I mean the grounds of inclusion/exclusion. Because our party RJD hasn't received any message so far." Coming under attack from the opposition parties, especially the Congress, the Prime Minister after lengthy meetings with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishanker, on Wednesday sent out a clear signal to China that India won't tolerate any misadventures when it comes to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Articulating India's clear stand, the Prime Minister at the beginning of his video conferencing meeting with the chief ministers said: "I would like to assure the nation that the sacrifice of our jawans will not go in vain. For us, the unity and sovereignty of the country are important. India wants peace but when instigated, India is capable of giving a befitting reply," he said, adding sacrifice and valour are in India's character. Another attack ad has been launched in one of the most watched congressional races in Houston with less than a month until voters hit the polls. Republican Kathaleen Walls new ad slams fellow Republican and Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls for his handling of human trafficking cases. In the 30-second ad, Wall has Constable Wayne Thompson claim that Nehls allowed it to get much worse in Fort Bend County since he became sheriff. Troy Nehls record on human trafficking is disappointing, Thompson says in the ad supporting Wall. Nehls called that assertion a lie, saying hes investigated and closed numerous illicit massage parlors which he said are potential venues for sex trafficking. He also said his office created a hotline for people to report sex trafficking cases. Kathaleen Wall is doing what she has done her entire campaign: sling mud and spread lies, Nehls said. She knows good and well Wayne Thompson, who does not have a single detective on staff, is lying through his teeth. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Nehls and Thompson have a history. Last year, Nehls implemented a new policy that has his office responding to more calls in unincorporated areas of the county instead of allowing Thompsons office to respond. That prompted Thompson to later accuse Nehls and his office of being too slow to respond to the calls and putting the community at risk. Nehls called that accusation false. Nehls and Wall are battling in a July 14 Republican primary runoff. Early voting starts June 29. Nehls won the first round of the primary in March, with just over 40 percent of the vote despite Walls major financial advantage. But because he didnt hit 50 percent in the crowded primary field, he will now face Wall, who finished second, with 19 percent, in the runoff. Wall, a big GOP donor over the last decade, has already spent over $4 million of her own money on the race, according to the last campaign financial reports, filed in April. They are running in the 22nd Congressional District, which includes most of Fort Bend County plus parts of Brazoria and Harris counties. The winner will face Democrat Sri Preston Kulkarni in November. The race for the 22nd District is considered one of the most competitive in the nation. Incumbent Rep. Pete Olson, R-Sugar Land, is retiring from Congress this year. In 2018, Kulkarni came within 5 percentage points of beating Olson, giving Democrats hope that they can flip the seat in 2020. The Cook Political Report in Washington, D.C., ranks it as one of 22 toss-up races in November. Nehls is running on his public service experience, pointing to 30 years in the military and in law enforcement. Wall, meanwhile, has tried to position herself as a better potential ally to President Donald Trump, regularly featuring the president in past ads. The fear for the hundreds of thousands of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients began the day after the 2016 presidential election. There were so many questions, so much uncertainty and, above all else, there was fear. When President Donald Trumps administration issued the first round of executive orders on immigration in early 2017 and DACA was spared, there was a temporary sigh of relief. By Sept. 5, 2017, just in time for the thousands of Dreamers to be back on campus, a memo rescinding DACA brought all the fears back. Ever since that day, Dreamers and those who love them have lived with a level of uncertainty few could understand. What will happen to them? Their families? Their education? The college degrees they worked so hard for? What will become of the businesses they started? The patients they care for? The students they teach? The communities they serve? There was never any doubt their fate would end up in the courts. For the last 2 years, multiple cases have wound their way through various federal courts, culminating in oral argument on Nov. 12 when the U.S. Supreme Court heard various challenges to the administrations decision to rescind DACA. We always knew the decision would come in June. It has been an agonizing wait, made worse by the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting economic tailspin impacting many DACA recipients and their families. The courts decision Thursday provides a small check on the administrations ability to unilaterally upend long-standing immigration protections. To be clear, the high court did not rule DACA is legal. It simply ruled that the administration did not follow the proper procedures to end DACA abruptly through the issuance of a single memo. The courts decision does not resolve whether the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services can or will begin accepting DACA applications for people who have not previously applied. Despite this victory, today marks a new day of uncertainty. The administration can simply follow the proper procedural requirements and dismantle DACA a different way. The presidents stance on Dreamers has vacillated, and it is anyones guess what the administration will do next. Although this is a win, Dreamers are still not safe. We can make no assumptions about what comes next. While this DACA fight has played out, we have seen executive and agency actions ban travel, close borders, separate families, increase barriers to family-based immigration and almost entirely dismantle our asylum system. Today along our southern border, asylum-seekers, including unaccompanied children, are being summarily returned to harm in violation of the law under guise of emergency public health measures. No noncitizen is protected, and nothing is off-limits when it comes to efforts to restrict immigration. One benefit of DACAs fate being in the news so much for so long is that we have learned that Dreamers have the support of wide swaths of America, including many business leaders and prominent conservatives. Polls estimate that at least 70 percent of our population believes Dreamers should be able to stay. There is simply no reason for us to accept congressional inaction on a permanent solution. It is time for the uncertainty to end so Dreamers can stop living their lives in two-year increments. As the recent protests across the country have shown, allies can be crucial for pushing issues to the forefront and demanding change. If you really believe Dreamers belong here, you need to be willing to fight for a long-term solution for them and their family members. In trying to predict what comes next, I was reminded of a Q&A session for St. Marys University students in early 2017. After listening to my legal explanations for the ways DACA could be dismantled and the potential challenges to those actions, a student asked, Do you have any hope for us? Today, I give the same answer: I do have hope, because the Dreamers have achieved so much. DACA exists only because of their fight, their creativity, their perseverance, their insistence that the U.S. is their home and they are here to stay. Dreamers have taught me to be a better lawyer, better teacher and better person. Dreamers have defied odds so many times, in big and small ways, but they should not be expected to fix a broken system alone. So celebrate today, but tomorrow, the fight continues. Erica B. Schommer is a clinical professor of law at St. Marys University with expertise in immigration law. Power plant Global fuel consumption was slowing down even before Covid-19 forced lockdowns around the world that decimated energy demand, a study has revealed. Growth in primary energy consumption slowed to 1.3pc in 2019, less than half the rate of growth the previous year, according to a new report by BP. Primary energy refers to the raw fuels used to power cars and generate electricity at power stations, and includes oil, wind power, nuclear and gas among others. While renewables grew faster than any other fuel last year, coal remained the single largest source of energy for power generation, accounting for over 36pc of global power. This enduring reliance on coal was reflected in the report's figures on carbon emissions from energy use, which grew by 0.5pc in 2019, only partially unwinding the unusually strong growth of 2.1pc seen in 2018, BP said. The average annual growth in carbon emissions over 2018 and 2019 was greater than its 10-year average, they added. In terms of oil and gas, the report found that natural gas consumption increased by 2pc last year, well below the exceptional growth seen in 2018, but the fuel's share of primary energy still hit a record high of 24.2pc. Natural gas production rose by 3.4pc, lifted by a record increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Oil consumption, meanwhile, grew by a below-average 0.9 million barrels per day, or 0.9pc, while demand for all liquid fuels, including biofuels, topped 100 million barrels a day for the first time. Much of this demand was driven by China, which accounted for more than three quarters of net global energy growth, while the US and Germany posted the largest declines. "As the world emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, it feels like we are at a pivotal moment," said Bernard Looney, BP's chief executive. "Net zero can be achieved by 2050. The zero-carbon energies and technologies exist today the challenge is to use them at pace and scale, and I remain optimistic that we can make this happen." The pandemic has only reinforced BP's ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner and to help the world get to net zero, Mr Looney said, by "highlighting both the fragility of our planet and the opportunities it provides to truly build back better". Earlier this week BP said it would take a $17bn writedown on its assets based on the falling price for oil. It has also outlined plans to let go of 10,000 staff. Subscribe to our Eat & Drink Athens, GA newsletter and get fresh updates, tips, news and reviews delivered every week. The outbreak of coronavirus disease will have a short-term impact on India's office market, with demand likely to fall by 45 per cent and rentals softening by 5-10 percent, said Anshul Jain, Managing Director- India and South East Asia, Cushman & Wakefield. The net leasing or absorption of office space may fall to 25 million sq ft this year as against 45 million sq ft during 2019, he projected. Jain, however, was bullish on the medium-to-long term growth prospects of the office market in India, which he said would continue to be an attractive destination for outsourcing of various kinds of jobs. The de-densification of office space would largely compensate for any fall in demand due to adoption of Work From Home (WFH) policy by corporates, he added. Jain was speaking at a webinar organised by Workplace Trends India. Also Read: COVID-19 impact | Low policy interest rates and 8.5-9% yield may drive demand for Grade A commercial assets 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 commercial real estate rental situation at present is very different from the Global Financial Crisis situation of 2008-09, when the supply outstripped demand, we were in an oversupplied situation then, right now we are not in an oversupply situation. Having said that there will be short-term softness in the market and I think the rentals may come down in some pockets between 5 and 10 per cent," Jain said. On Tushar Mittal's query, who heads interior design firm SKV, on how the office leasing market is expected to perform, Jain said the demand may rise post-Covid-19. "The reason behind this, especially in the case of India is that we were squeezing more and more people in the square foot that we had. About 7 to 10 years ago we were talking of about 100 to 120 square feet per person, and most of the company today were talking of 60-80 square feet per person depending upon who you are, now thats going to change, we may see an increase in space per person," said Jain. Track this blog for latest updates on the coronavirus crisis On WFH policy, Jain said the companies would certainly give more flexibility to employees. "Work from home will gain strength, but that may be just 10-15% of the workforce," he said. However, Jain said the work from home would be a very challenging proposition in India because of lack of proper physical and IT infrastructure. "Work from home is very difficult in south Asian countries, including India. The average people working in the company are 27-28 years old, most of them are either living with their parents in a small house or living with their friends, friends could be working for competitors and this can create problems. Other deterrents are electricity shedding off, Wi-Fi breaking down and so on. The cost of work from home in home office set up and individual broadband connection could be humongous," he said. Regarding the impact of Covid-19 on the residential sector, Jain said the housing prices were currently ruling at lower than 2012 level and there was minimal scope of further correction. He advised fence sitters to purchase residential properties as this could be good any other time. The report titled 'COVID-19 and Indian Real Estate: What Does The Future Hold' also said that rental growth is expected to cease. There may be a minor flexibility in negotiations for deal re-pricing to cause a 5-10 percent rent reduction across corridors, but local demand-supply dynamics will rule. Net office space leasing could drop 45-55 percent to 21-24 million sq ft during 2020 across major cities as companies are likely to defer their decision on expansion plans after the outbreak of COVID-19, according to the report. "Office market remained robust in January-February 2020 before tapering off in March as COVID-19 and lockdown took hold. Deals in advanced stages pushed to the backburner as corporates focused on BCP (business continuity plan) measures and put RE (real estate) decisions on hold," the report said. PE Inflows in 2020 to be 45-50 percent lower y-o-y. This may be a short-term blip as PE funds realign their capital allocation stack. Rental growth in the office market is likely to cease; minor flexibility in negotiations for deal re-pricing to cause a 5-10 percent rent reduction across corridors, but local demand-supply dynamics will rule. Flex space demand in 2019 (around 7.0 msf), to drop by 50-60 percent year-on-year in 2020, the report said. Markets like Bengaluru and Hyderabad where pre-leasing levels are high will continue to dominate upcoming supply over the rest of 2020 and 2021 (about 50 percent share), it said. Ongoing office space requirements undergoing re-planning. Companies may explore alternate strategies around flexible office, agile workspace formats and dispersed workplaces to achieve cost savings, the report said. Follow our coverage of the coronavirus crisis live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Wipro's incoming CEO Thierry Delaporte will receive an annual pay package of up to 4.45 million euros (about Rs 37.9 crore) as well as stock compensation and other benefits, according to regulatory documents. In a notice for its 74th annual general meeting (AGM), Wipro said it will seek shareholders' nod for appointment of Delaporte as the CEO and managing director. The AGM will be held on July 13 through video-conferencing. Delaporte, who takes over the role from Abidali Neemuchwala, will hold office for five years with effect from July 6, 2020, to July 5, 2025. His remuneration will include basic pay in the range of 1.07-1.4 million euros per annum and a target variable pay in the range of 1.7-2.5 million euros per annum, the notice said. Delaporte, 53, will also receive an expatriate allowance in the range of 428,000-550,000 euros "for assignments outside France and India (principal country of employer) at the per diem rate for each day of travel outside France and India that is determined by the company and based on the actual days of such travel". Besides, the former Capgemini executive will also receive a one-time cash award of $3 million that will be paid in two tranches. The first tranche of $1.5 million is payable on July 31, 2020, and the second tranche would be paid on July 31, 2021, the notice said. He will also receive RSUs or restricted stock units (annual stock grant and one-time RSU grant) and other perquisites and benefits, it added. Wipro's outgoing CEO Abidali Neemuchwala had drawn a compensation of Rs 32.2 crore in the financial year 2020 (rupee equivalent to amounts paid in US dollars), Wipro's annual report said. This included about Rs 7.6 crore in salary, about Rs 9.1 crore in commission/ incentives/ variable pay, about Rs 15.4 crore in other annual compensation and Rs 3.39 lakh in retirals. Neemuchwala had announced his resignation in January this year. The shareholders will also consider the special resolution for appointment of Deepak M Satwalekar as an independent director at the AGM. Has Daddy ever gone to jail? Wendy Greene was just 5 years old. She was home sick that day, maybe suffering from the chickenpox. In the Greene home in Columbia, South Carolina, in the early 1980s, though, no school did not mean no schoolwork. So, Doris Glymph-Greene handed her youngest child a book on African American historical pioneers. Wendy became transfixed with Thurgood Marshall, the attorney who argued cases in the extensive battle to end legal segregation and ultimately became the first black U.S. Supreme Court Justice. The book was Wendys first exposure to Jim Crow and its connection to the lingering vestiges of racial segregation of which she was only slightly aware because of the activist paths her parents tread and the world they still navigated, a world still wrestling with racial equity. It led me to think about As a young girl, the future law professor and daughter of civil rights activists, asked her mother: "Did Daddy go to jail?" Milton Greene was at work that day, so mom explained that daddy had indeed been arrestedin 1960 while participating in lunch-counter sit-in at Taylor Street Pharmacy along with three other students at Benedict College. [Four years later, the arrests and charges, for trespassing and breach of peace, were famously overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in Barr v. City of Columbia.] Doris did her part, too. She worked on voter registration drives and other activist activities on campus. Both parents remained engaged in the battle for racial equality in their respective workspacesMilton as a field representative for then-U.S. Sen Fritz Hollings; Doris was a life-long educator who then worked at the S.C. Department of Education. Both were the first blacks to serve in those roles. I knew of segregated public accommodations, downtown stores, and schools, Greene now recalls. But those were experiences I was just not aware of. It just really planted a seed that I wanted to uncover. Wendy stands on formidable shoulders and today stands strong, too, as one of the nations premier legal advocates and scholars on racial discrimination, inequity, and identity. Currently, Greene teaches at the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Drexel University in Philadelphia; she also worked five years in Birmingham, between 2007 and 2019, as a tenured, award-winning professor at Samford Universitys Cumberland Law School. On Friday evening, she will host the long-delayed and anticipated presentation to Dr. Angela Davis of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institutes 2018 Fred. L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award. The virtual event starts at 7 p.m. Related: FULL COVERAGE OF DR. ANGELA DAVIS Davis, as is widely known, was originally to receive the award in 2019 (the 2018 event was moved to accommodate her schedule), but it was rescinded by the institutes board, igniting a global firestorm of criticism and an ultimate reversal of the decision to pull the honor. That the civil-rights icon will finally receive the award now during a global pandemic that exposed the effects of long-standing racial disparities in health care, in the teeth of heightened protest over systemic racism in policing, and on Juneteenth Were fortunate to be able to hear from her now, Greene shared this week. If anybody thinks of abolitionists and freedom fighters, you immediately think of Angela Davis. The timing is actually divine, very fittingif not perfect. Davis and Greene, though generationally separated, are passionate, kindred advocates for racial equity. Yet, theyve never crossed paths, never met. I have long been an admirer of her work and her lifelong commitment to advancing freedom, Greene says. Ever since I was a child. So honestly for me, its like a childhood dream to meet her. Greene is nationally noted for her scholarship and advocacy against grooming and natural hair discrimination. Shes worn her hair natural for a little more than a decade after 20 years of hair loss and damage from chemical relaxants. Last year she provided legal expertise for supporters of the California Crown Act, which bans discrimination based on hairstyle and texture, the first such state law in the U.S. Six months later, New York passed a similar law and bills are in the works in other states. Earlier this year, she provided an expert declaration supporting DeAndre Arnold, the Texas high-school senior who was suspended and told he could not walk in graduation unless he cut his deadlocks. The action prompted an outpouring of support from celebrities nationwide, including Ellen Degeneres (she surprised Arnold on her show with a $20,000 scholarship) and Gabrielle Union (she invited him to attend the Oscars with her and husband, Dwyane Wade). The Texas Legislative Black Caucus promised to introduce its own Crown Act bill during its next legislative session. Greene sees a strong correlation between her anti-discrimination work and the racial identity that rests at the core of police brutality against African Americans. The ways grooming and appearance policies are enforced against African descendants is a form of the hyper-regulation of our bodies, she says. And then the policing of our bodies, not only in the United States but around the world. Its a global phenomenon. When we think about the sort of the criminalization, or at least the perceived criminalization, of African descendants, its not just about our skin color but often also about the ways we dress, the ways we wear our hair. Theres definitely a negative stigma associated with natural hairstyles like locks and braids, twist, and afros. Our natural hairstyles often lead to a heightened level of policing, as well as a heightened level of punishment. The stigmatization of many aspects of black culture, too, lie at the root of the very complex question of what changetrue, seismic, and sustainable changelooks like on the other side of this tense moment. There are so many different parts to it, she says. Part of it is trying to dismantle the persistent belief that African descendants are not human beings. How do we get people to see us as, not simply as equals, but as full multi-dimensional human beings? To respect that and then to treat us in that way in our daily interactions. Its challenging when you talk about centuries-long beliefs and in systems that were created to maintain this perception that we are inferior and to be treated as property. And that this kind of treatment was designed to be inheritable, and presumably perpetual in nature. Were at the start. I think were now better appreciating the long-lasting effects of racial slavery, not only in this country but throughout the world. Greenes given first name is actually Doris, honoring her mother and two great aunts. When I was born, my mother said I looked like a Wendy, Greene shares. So, she called me Wendy. The rest is history. A history that is both exhaustive and exhausting now, especially for African Americansparticularly those, like Davis and Greene, for whom todays struggle is not new. For it was shared by those from whom we descend. By those who marched while we were barely learning to read. I take the range of emotions as they comeone day at a time, Greene says. One moment I can be enraged, helpless, or hopeless. At the same time, I can feel very inspired and encouraged. I pray every day for God to show me how I can be of service, show me how I can help play a role that can help us advance from here. Has He answered? Yes, she said. Every day. A voice for whats right and wrong in Birmingham, Alabama, Roys column appears in The Birmingham News, the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register and AL.com. Reach him at rjohnson@al.com and follow him at twitter.com/roysj President Donald Trump on Thursday renewed his threat to cut ties with China, a day after his top diplomats held talks with Beijing and his trade representative said he did not consider decoupling the U.S. and Chinese economies a viable option. The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia described U.S.-China relations as "tense" after their first high-level face-to-face diplomatic talks in months, although he said Beijing did recommit to the first part of a trade deal reached this year and that coming weeks would show if there had been progress. Trump has made rebalancing the massive U.S. trade deficit with China a top priority, but relations have worsened steadily as his campaign for re-election in November heats up. "It was not Ambassador Lighthizer's fault (yesterday in Committee) in that perhaps I didn't make myself clear," Trump said in a tweet referring to his trade representative, Robert Lighthizer. "But the U.S. certainly does maintain a policy option, under various conditions, of a complete decoupling from China." Lighthizer told a House of Representatives committee on Wednesday he did not see that as viable. "Do I think that you can sit down and decouple the United States economy from the Chinese economy?" he said. "No, I think that was a policy option years ago. I don't think it's a... reasonable policy option at this point." His office had no immediate comment on Trump's tweet. U.S.-China relations have reached their lowest point in years since the coronavirus pandemic that began in China hit the United States hard, and Trump and his administration have repeatedly accused Beijing of not being transparent about the outbreak. MULTIPLE POINTS OF FRICTION Among multiple points of friction, the countries are also at odds over China's moves to impose new security legislation on Hong Kong, which have prompted Trump to initiate a process to eliminate special U.S. treatment for the territory. Trump made clear the deterioration in the relationship last month when he said he had no interest in speaking right now to President Xi Jinping, whom he has hailed as a friend, and suggesting he could even cut ties with China. Lighthizer said he expected to see more supply chains moving to the United States because of tax and regulatory changes, but also noted that the U.S.-China trade deal would result in significant positive changes and increased Chinese purchases of U.S. goods and services. The Phase 1 U.S.-China trade deal calls for China to buy $200 billion in additional U.S. goods and services over two years, but skeptics say the pandemic and resulting economic slowdowns will make it difficult for Beijing to reach its targets for this year. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, for a day of talks in Hawaii on Wednesday, but those appear to have done little to improve the mood. As the Hawaii meeting began, Trump signed legislation calling for sanctions against those responsible for repression of Uighur Muslims in China's Xinjiang region, prompting Beijing to threaten retaliation. David Stilwell, the assistant secretary for East Asia, told reporters that China's attitude in the talks could not be described as forthcoming and described relations as "tense." He said recent Chinese actions, over India, in the South China Sea and over Hong Kong, had not been constructive and that Washington looked forward to seeing China reconsider its plans for security legislation for Hong Kong. At the same time, Stilwell said China did recommit to following through on the trade agreement and added that efforts to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons were another area of potential cooperation. "The trade deal" the Chinese have recommitted to that numerous times ... and they insist that they will follow through," Stilwell said. "This is a good acid test to see if they will be cooperative partners." "We'll see in the next week or two, or however long it takes, (if) they begin to live up to their commitments," he said. China described the Hawaii talks as "constructive," but its Foreign Ministry said Yang told Pompeo that Washington needed to respect Beijing's positions on key issues and halt its interference in matters such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Xinjiang, while working to repair relations. Hours after the meeting ended, China said its top parliamentary body would review draft Hong Kong security legislation during a session that began on Thursday. Earlier, foreign ministers of the G7 countries, including Pompeo, issued a statement calling on China not to follow through with the legislation, which critics call an assault on the territory's democratic freedoms. Also read: India-China border clash: PM Modi calls all-party meet; Sonia Gandhi, Uddhav Thackeray to attend Also read: India-China faceoff: Mike Pompeo extends condolences on loss of Indian soldiers lives during clash After less than a year, BMW and Mercedes are ending what was supposed to be an ongoing partnership to develop automated driving technology. The two automakers described the split as "mutual and amicable." They were also quick to note they may renew the partnership in the future. A handful of factors led to the decision. In a joint statement, the two companies said developing a shared autonomous vehicle platform was a more complex and expensive task than they had anticipated. The signing of the agreement also delayed how quickly they could hold joint discussions between their in-house experts and talk to suppliers about product roadmaps. BMW and Mercedes may have also been too ambitious. When they announced the collaboration last July, they said their goal was to start selling Level 4 self-driving cars, with the ability to handle freeway driving and parking on their own, by 2024. Automotive executives like Ford CEO Jim Hackett have said companies have "overestimated" how soon they'll be able to roll out the technology. In 2019, Uber similarly said it would be a while before self-driving cars become a frequent sight on roadways. A recent study also found most American drivers aren't enthusiastic about the idea of autonomous vehicles. While they're not working together on autonomous driving technology anymore, BMW and Mercedes are still partners in other areas. In 2015, Audi, BMW and Mercedes parent Daimler joined forces to buy Nokia's Here maps platform for 2.8 billion (roughly $3.07 billion). By Michael Nienaber and Andreas Rinke BERLIN (Reuters) - German federal prosecutors accused Russia on Thursday of ordering the killing of a former Chechen rebel in Berlin last summer and indicted a Russian man for the murder, which has severely strained diplomatic ties. Investigators have gathered enough evidence to charge the man, identified only as Vadim K., with the murder as well as with the illegal possession of a weapon, the prosecutors said. By Michael Nienaber and Andreas Rinke BERLIN (Reuters) - German federal prosecutors accused Russia on Thursday of ordering the killing of a former Chechen rebel in Berlin last summer and indicted a Russian man for the murder, which has severely strained diplomatic ties. Investigators have gathered enough evidence to charge the man, identified only as Vadim K., with the murder as well as with the illegal possession of a weapon, the prosecutors said. "The accused accepted the order from state authorities to kill. He either hoped for a financial reward or shared the motive of the order-givers to kill a political opponent and thereby retaliate for participating in previous conflicts with Russia," they said in a statement. The dead man, identified in the statement as Tornike K., a Georgian citizen, was shot in a Berlin park last August as he headed to a mosque. His killer had been on a bicycle. Russia has denied any connection with the killing. President Vladimir Putin has said the dead man was himself a killer who had carried out bloody acts on Russian soil and that Moscow's requests for his extradition had not been heeded. Welcoming the prosecutors' move, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called the killing an "extraordinarily serious" incident. The Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador, Sergei Nechayev, to make its position clear and Moscow understands that Berlin reserves the right to take further steps in this case, Maas added. Nechayev later said that Moscow would react if Berlin took new action against Russia over the killing, adding that the accusations were groundless and were not supported by the evidence. MORE SANCTIONS Juergen Hardt, foreign policy coordinator of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives in parliament, said Berlin should mull further sanctions against Russia. "As long as top Russian officials shield the perpetrators of the Tiergarten murder, the federal government must not shy away from sanctions. It must also win over our European partners for such a move," he told Reuters. Germany expelled two members of the Russian embassy in December 2019 in connection with the case. Last month, in a separate dispute, Germany's foreign ministry called in the Russian ambassador to complain about a 2015 hacking attack on the German parliament and said that possible sanctions were discussed against those responsible. Russia has denied that its military intelligence was behind the cyber attack. Germany expects European Union leaders this week to pave the way for an extension of EU sanctions against Russia over its involvement in the Ukraine crisis, a senior government official said on Thursday. [L8N2DV2PJ] (Reporting by Michael Nienaber and Andreas Rinke; additional reporting by Andrey Ostroukh in Moscow; Editing by Gareth Jones and Alex Richardson) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Queensland computer systems are subject to "daily" attacks from outside forces, the Health Minister has revealed as reported the state has recorded no new COVID-19 cases for the second day in a row. Steven Miles pointed to this "contrast" with other southern states such as Victoria, which has seen 52 cases in three days, as further justification of the cautious approach to opening borders. The comments came as Health Minister Steven Miles confirmed just four of the state's 1066 confirmed COVID-19 cases were still considered active. Credit:Darren England/AAP South Australia announced on Friday it would extend its open border invitation to residents from Queensland. Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed the "malicious" attacks on Friday morning after briefing state premiers and federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stands with the country and the Indian Army asserted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday, adding that strict action should be taken against China. Speaking to media after AAP was not invited for the all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India-China border situation, CM Kejriwal said, "He can do what he wants but we stand with our country and the Army. We want strict action to be taken against China." According to reports, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to top opposition leader and heads of all political parties and invited them to the all-party meet on China conflict. According to sources, a political party with more than 5 MP has been called for the meet. Since the AAP party has 4 MPs in parliament, so it has not been invited. This is the first time since the eruption of border tensions in April that the PM has called for an all-party meeting to discuss the conflict. So far, his virtual meetings with opposition leaders have been on the coronavirus pandemic. A Southern California restaurant owner who was among five injured when an underground transformer exploded during an Oktoberfest celebration last year is suing Southern California Edison. Flames shot into the sky from the blasts that blew a vault door off its hinges and knocked people to the ground at Old World Village in Huntington Beach. Bernie Bischof, the owner of Old World restaurant, suffered serious burns and brain damage, according to a negligence lawsuit filed this week. The court filing accuses Edison of failing to properly maintain the transformers, creating a death trap that nearly killed him when the explosions erupted. Bischof had evacuated a patio area before the initial blast after noticing an odd smell from the vaults. Our thoughts go out to Mr. Bischof and his family. While Southern California Edison is aware of the lawsuit filed by Mr. Bischof in relation to the incident that took place in October 2019 in Huntington Beach, SCE cannot discuss the specifics of pending litigation, the utility said in a statement. Bischof, 60, suffered burns over nearly half of his body and required multiple skin graft procedures to repair damaged tissue, according to the filings. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits California Credit: CC0 Public Domain Measles infected people for 1,500 years, killing more than one million people annually during the 20th century alone before John Enders and Thomas Peebles isolated the virus in 1954 and developed a vaccine nine years later. Four decades onward again, the disease was finally eliminated from North America. But for every disease caused by a virus, such as measles, or even mumps and rubella, where a vaccine was found, there's HIV, malaria, hepatitis C and Zika for which a vaccine remains elusive. So what about COVID-19? Despite the hope surrounding finding a vaccine to halt the pandemic, top World Health Organization official Michael Ryan gave the world a reality check at a regular press conference on May 14 when he suggested that "this virus may never go away." University of Alberta virologist David Marchant, who has spent his research life looking for a treatment for the dangerous respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), agreed, adding vaccines aren't a certainty. "I'm not optimistic that we'll find a vaccine in the next few years because we have so little data on the coronavirus," said Marchant, who holds the Canada Research Chair in Viral Pathogenesis. "In fact, I propose that this virus will become endemic. "Viruses aren't things we can fight; they're things you learn to live with, treat and mitigate." Marchant believes treatments in the form of antivirals that slow down virus replication or prevent the virus from entering cells will be found, or at least reappropriated from existing antivirals like remdesivir, which was developed to fight Ebola. "For this, I am quite optimistic." Learning to live with viruses And while the medical community's top priority is a remedy, Marchant said the rest of us need to focus on living with and mitigating the risk of COVID-19. That means understanding viruses are part of everyday life. Even respiratory viruses, long thought to be the sole domain of the winter months, can be found year-round. Marchant pointed to a 2018 study in which researchers swabbed the nostrils of visitors entering a New York City tourist attraction over the summer. The swabs showed that 7.2 percent of the visitors tested positive for a litany of respiratory viruses including common ones like the rhinovirus, which leads to the common cold, and the coronavirus. He said the study's sampling also detected low rates of influenza, parainfluenza and RSV, suggesting that these viruses may weather through to the following flu season by replicating at low rates in places like the nasal passages of the general public. "We need to be reminded that we live throughout the winter with some potentially life-threatening viruses," said Marchant, whose lab's main focus, RSV, which masquerades as a common cold or flu, can claim up to 200,000, mostly young, lives in a bad year. "More than 200,000 children die annually of diarrhea and we don't hear anything about that, and that doesn't count the hundreds of thousands killed by influenza and paraflu on top of that." Marchant said nowhere was this notion that we live with viruses more apparent than in Alberta emergency departments this winter. "We talk about not wanting to overrun the health system, but children's emergency wards across Alberta were overrun this whole winter with sick kids in what was a particularly bad year," he said. "The Stollery dealt with this bad respiratory virus year with aplomb and should be applauded for that." He added if there's any good to come from living through the pandemic, it's that the public is learning there's a large portion of the population who are highly vulnerable and that the preventative habits we've formed with the COVID-19 pandemichandwashing, physical distancing, staying away when you're sickare all habits that should be recognized during the flu season. "For instance, if we are at the peak of an influenza or RSV, let's practise social distancing, let's get those six-foot lines down in the grocery store, let's not shake hands too much and be particularly careful and have quarantine measures in place around hospitals and care homes," he said. "Sometimes society has to give health care a helping hand and allow it to prepare, then it's time for society to get on with life." The problem with long-term care Unfortunately, the care home lessons are being learned the hard way, said John Church, an expert in the politics of the health-care system. About 80 percent of Canada's COVID-19 victims lived in long-term care facilities, which were helpless in fending off the coronavirus in these communities. "We're basically seeing laid bare before us the significant deficiencies in our health-care system, most of which are attributable to years and years of reduced funding by governments of all political stripes across the country," he said. In 2018, Church, along with political science colleague Amy Gerber and nursing professor emerita Donna Smith, analyzed 18 public inquiries and reports into United Kingdom and Canada accountability failures. The Canadian examples they analyzed included the Walkerton E. coli outbreak that killed six in 2000; the inquiry into the 1994 deaths of 12 newborns at a Winnipeg pediatric cardiac unit as a result of inexperience and ignored warnings about incompetence; the 2003 SARS outbreak in Toronto, where questions arose about who governs during a crisis; and the tainted blood scandal of the 1980s that saw thousands of donated blood recipients infected with HIV and hepatitis C. The researchers concluded that policies that prioritized financial efficiency over quality and replaced direct regulation by government with self-reporting by industry precipitated adverse eventsincluding multiple deathsin each disaster. Eerily similar to many of the public inquiries Church analyzed is the ease with which the coronavirus is decimating weakened long-term care facilities. "The current COVID-19 pandemic once again reminds us of the lessons not learned from past events in which many individuals have either been injured or killed because we failed to learn from past mistakes." Church said the federal government received a report in 2006 (post-SARS) warning that a major pandemic would come again and that we needed to start preparing for this day. However, successive federal governments largely ignored the recommendations because of an overriding concern with cutting costs. He noted we knew from past experience that conditions in long-term care facilities were less than ideal. "If we learn anything from this moment, it should be that preparation is an investment worth making," he said. He added, "The fact of the matter is that COVID-19 is demonstrating how essential having a properly functioning health-care system is." "This milestone is a significant indicator of the growth and maturity of Everipedia and the IQ ecosystem, as well of the EOS ecosystem with Everipedia leading the way," said Theodor Forselius, Co-Founder and CEO of Everipedia. The Binance listing announcement comes just a week after Everipedia announced a big push with the company into DeFi (Decentralized Finance). The company intends to release a comprehensive roadmap outlining all future DeFi initiatives in the near future. Binance also released a comprehensive research report on their own website about Everipedia and details about upcoming initiatives by the company. "Everipedia is the world's first encyclopedia to use blockchain technology. Our next step is to build out our decentralized finance products into the platform using the same blockchain innovations that we are known for," said Sam Kazemian, Co-Founder and President of Everipedia. "We're looking forward to working with Binance to ensure the greatest number of community members have access to the utility of the diverse Everipedia ecosystem." Everipedia raised $30M in 2018 in a round led by Galaxy Digital to build out the decentralized knowledge base and other blockchain initiatives. Since then Everipedia has reached several major milestones such as hitting 300 million wiki views, over 50,000 daily active users and have completed a rollout of the decentralized encyclopedia in English, Mandarin, Korean and Spanish. Trading on Binance starts today giving IQ Token holders all the Binance benefits, including liquidity, cutting-edge trading solutions, dedicated focus on security and decentralization. The Binance listing also establishes a direct connection between IQ and BNB holders, providing them with an efficient exchange mechanism and giving additional utility to both assets. About Everipedia Originally started in 2014 as a more modern and inclusive alternative to Wikipedia, Everipedia has become the world's first encyclopedia to use blockchain technology to enable content creators to become stakeholders in the knowledge base themselves and earn rewards for their contributions. Everipedia has since then leveraged blockchain technology to expand further into decentralized finance products. Find out more at everipedia.org and follow Everipedia on Facebook and Twitter . All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies. Our discussion may include predictions, estimates or other information that might be considered forward-looking. While these forward-looking statements represent our current judgment on what the future holds, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect our opinions only as of the date of this presentation. Please keep in mind that we are not obligating ourselves to revise or publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events. Media Contact: Leslie Mayer FortyThree, Inc. 831.401.3175 [email protected] SOURCE Everipedia Related Links http://www.everipedia.org Four nurses at a hospital in Georgia have accused the facility of falsifying coronavirus test results to minimize the scale of the outbreak and keep their hospital open. The unnamed medical workers filed a lawsuit against the Landmark Hospital in Athens, Georgia, seeking a restraining order and injunction. The documents, filed on Wednesday at Gwinnett County Superior Court in Lawrenceville, accuse the hospital of 'concealing and mishandling a COVID-19 outbreak at the facility'. The four employees claim that the hospital engineered the scheme to keep the hospital open. Landmark Hospital in Athens, Georgia, has been accused of falsifying COVID-19 test results 'Landmark fabricated negative results so as to continue to be able to discharge patients to make space for new admissions and avoid the negative publicity and oversight that would result if the positive COVID-19 results were disclosed,' the court documents state. The 42-bed critical care facility received $600,000 under the CARES Act to support its coronavirus treatment program, the documents claim. Accepting the money binds the facility to the CDC's testing protocols. 'This is based on greed,' one of the nurses told Georgia Health News. 'It's not about the patients. It's not about the staff we're not afraid of COVID-19, but we don't want to spread it to other patients. 'We want to isolate and treat it appropriately.' Five patients admitted to the hospital tested positive for COVID-19 between June 4 and 8, the documents state. The nurses claim that 'after learning of the positive results, Landmark undertook a scheme to purposefully create false negative COVID-19 results.' The hospital allegedly misled the laboratory by submitting samples from the tracheal area, instead of the recommended nasal swabs. The trachea samples were placed on nasal swabs (stock image) Georgia is one of several states seeing its number of confirmed cases continue to rise Landmark prevented nurses from administering tests, and allowed only one administrator to perform the procedure, it is claimed. They claimed the five known cases were false positives, and started using a test which was not approved by the CDC, it is alleged. They would allegedly take samples from the trachea, rather than the nasal passages, but present them on nasal swabs to indicate the specimen had come from the nose area. The specimens would be marked 'Nasal COVID-19', despite being from the wind pipe, according to the suit. The four nurses claim that they and others confronted management, and showed them the CDC guidelines, but were punished as a result. 'The employees have been intimidated and shunned by Landmark administration due to raising concerns,' they state in the documents. Nurses who correctly performed the tests have lost their jobs, they claim. The United States has 2.2 million coronavirus cases, as of 5pm on June 19 Nurses who kept their jobs were not given sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), they allege. Furthermore, they maintain that COVID-19 is currently spreading throughout the facility because the air conditioning system is faulty, and the hospital does not have the required negative pressure room to stop contamination. They say that one patient has already been transferred back to a nursing home, putting other residents at risk. Others have been wrongly sent home, they allege. 'When they had someone who would turn out positive, they would re-do the test so it would come back negative - and they would say it was a false positive,' one of the plaintiffs told 11 Alive. A second nurse added: 'Once our testing, the proper way, started coming back positive, we then weren't allowed to take samples any longer.' Another nurse said they were fired for correctly performing the test. 'I did the test, and it did turn out positive, and I was terminated for not having a doctor's order for the test,' the nurse claimed. Marie Saylor, CEO of the hospital, said they would 'vigorously investigate allegations and defend our hospital and its staff against misleading and false claims.' She continued: 'We have always made the safety and well-being of our patients and staff our top priority, and continue to do so as we manage the local impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.' Protesters taped photographs of 4J school board members to the exterior of the school district building and spelled out "thanks" under the photos of members who, before the official vote, said that they supported removing student resource officers from schools. (Francis O'Leary /Daily Emerald) Europe on Friday toughened its stance on Iran and warned the US against sanctions in the latest bid to stop the unravelling of the international agreement on Tehran's nuclear programme. The decision by Germany, France and Britain to back a UN arms embargo extension on Iran follows growing tensions with Tehran since US President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled out of the 2015 nuclear accord and introduced new sanctions. The three European signatories to the Iran nuclear deal said they had reservations about lifting the arms embargo, a blow to Tehran which had been calling for an end to the restrictions. The joint statement by three European foreign ministers came after the UN nuclear watchdog on Friday also passed a resolution critical of Iran -- the first since 2012 -- and demanded Tehran allow more inspections of two of its nuclear sites. Iran agreed with major world powers in 2015 to halt its nuclear programme in return for an end to crippling sanctions. But since Trump pulled out of the deal, Iran has begun to roll back its own commitments, fuelling US criticism it wants to build nuclear arms, a claim Tehran denies. The ban on selling weapons -- such as battle tanks, combat aircraft, warships and missiles or missile systems -- to Iran had been set to be progressively eased from October. "We believe that the planned lifting of the UN conventional arms embargo established by Resolution 2231 next October would have major implications for regional security and stability," the European ministers said. But the European nations, who remain committed to the nuclear deal, also said they opposed Washington's "maximum" pressure tactics with sanctions. "We firmly believe that any unilateral attempt to trigger UN sanctions snapback would have serious adverse consequences" in the UN Security Council, they said. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani earlier this month urged UN Security Council members to oppose a US "conspiracy" to extend the arms embargo. The three European powers said they plan to address the arms embargo issue "in close coordination" with UN Security Council permanent members Russia and China. - Need for inspections - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) earlier on Friday passed a resolution put forward by European states, urging Tehran to provide inspectors access to two sites in Iran to help clarify whether undeclared nuclear activity took place there in the early 2000s. It calls on Iran to fully cooperate with the IAEA and satisfy its requests without delay, including by providing prompt access to the sites. Iran has been blocking access to the sites for months, prompting a growing diplomatic row. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who has advocated a hard line against Iran on multiple fronts, said Tehran must "immediately comply" or face consequences. "If Iran fails to cooperate, the international community must be prepared to take further action," he said in a statement. But Iran's envoy to the UN in Vienna, Kazem Gharib Abadi, insisted the resolution will not "encourage Iran to grant access to the Agency based on fabricated and unfounded allegations". "Iran categorically deplores this resolution and will take appropriate action in response," he said. Even though the sites in question are not thought to be directly relevant to Iran's current nuclear programme, the agency says it needs to know if activities going back almost two decades have been properly declared and all materials accounted for. - 'No exceptions' - Iran has hinted that such an IAEA resolution could cause "complication and difficulties" for the future of the 2015 accord, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Speaking to reporters after the resolution was passed, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said it would be "absolutely unacceptable" if an example were to be set that states can be selective in their implementation of agreements with the UN agency. "There are no exceptions," Grossi said. "I intend to sit down with Iran very soon and to try to solve this as soon as possible." Iran says the IAEA's access requests are based on allegations from Tehran's arch-enemy Israel. Additional information provided by the IAEA in the form of satellite images to back up its requests "contained no convincing underlying reason" to provide access, Tehran argues. Federal regulators have fined Enbridge $6.7 million for fix pipeline safety issues in its Lakehead Pipeline System, which runs across northern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Enbridge said Thursday that the Alberta, Canada-based company has settled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and agreed to pay the fines, levied in May, Associated Press reports. Regulators alleged that Enbridge violated a 2017 consent decree. Among other things, the EPA said Enbridge neglected to properly evaluate thousands of "shallow dents" on its pipeline system. According to an EPA letter, just over $3 million of the fines involved Enbridge's failure to repair or mitigate small dents that showed "indications" of "metal loss" and "cracking." Enbridge signed a consent decree in 2017 with the U.S. Justice Department to resolve claims from a massive oil spill in Michigan and another pipeline leak in Illinois, both in 2010. The company paid $177 million and pledged to improve pipeline safety under that agreement. RELATED: Enbridge Line 5 tunnel law upheld by Michigan Court of Appeals The man nicknamed Hong Kongs Father of Democracy said Friday that Beijing is trying to take control of the semi-autonomous city with an impending national security law, but added that violent protest is not the answer. This is clearly a pretext for Beijing to assert comprehensive control over Hong Kong, as they said they would six years ago, longtime activist and former lawmaker Martin Lee said in an interview. The national security law, which could be approved in Beijing this weekend, is aimed at curbing secessionist, subversive, terrorist and foreign interference that Beijing says fueled the monthslong anti-government protests in Hong Kong. The law would be enacted by the central government, bypassing the city's legislature. The end of Hong Kong as we know it, as an international city, as a free port and with all our freedoms protected by our independent court this could well disappear, Lee said. He said he hoped that Beijing will keep to its promise and abide by the so-called one country, two systems framework, where Hong Kong people will rule Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy. A former British colony, Hong Kong was assured that it would be allowed to maintain its freedoms, many not found on the mainland, when it was handed over to China in 1997. Last year's protests were sparked by opposition to a proposed extradition bill that would have allowed suspects to be sent for trial on the mainland, something many saw as a violation of that commitment. The 82-year-old Lee was arrested for the first time in April together with 14 other pro-democracy figures. They were charged with participating in and organizing several of last year's protests. Its selective prosecution, he said, calling the charges politically motivated. But if they want to charge 15 of us over this series of demonstrations, then so be it. He said they had a strong defense and expressed confidence they would be acquitted. Lee urged Hong Kongers to protest peacefully against the national security law, even after it is enacted. The protests last year were the most violent Hong Kong has seen since the handover to China. I hope theres no violence in these public demonstrations because you cannot win. Once you use weapons, how can you defeat the Hong Kong policemen, who are so well-armed? he asked. The controversial national security law has drawn sharp rebuke from the pro-democracy camp in Hong Kong, with activists like Lee and others saying that it erodes the one country, two systems framework. The Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress is deliberating the law during a three-day meeting that ends Saturday. It is not clear if it will approve the law at this session. Yue Zhongming, a spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee, said Tuesday that the committee planned to speed up the formulation of the law. Lee was part of the committee that helped draft the Basic Law, Hong Kongs constitution, although he later resigned in protest over Beijings bloody crackdown on the 1989 pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square. In 1990, he founded Hong Kongs first pro-democracy party, and has been a champion of democracy and human rights for the past four decades. Whats Streaming LA FORZA DEL DESTINO Stream on Metopera.org. The venerable soprano Leontyne Price stars in this 1984 Metropolitan Opera production of Verdis La Forza del Destino, a somber tragedy set in 18th-century Spain and Italy. This production is near the end of Prices Met career she retired from opera the following year and in a review for The New York Times, Will Crutchfield wrote that her low notes have lost focus, the high ones strength and vibrancy. But, he added, In between she has preserved to an extraordinary degree the core of beauty that made her unique. With a broad lyrical line she can still bring tears to the eyes. DADS Stream on Apple TV Plus. Bryce Dallas Howard directed this new, feature-length documentary, which includes interviews with celebrity fathers, such as Will Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Conan OBrien, Neil Patrick Harris, Judd Apatow and Howards own dad, the director Ron Howard. China-Africa friendship solid Global Times By GT Staff Reporters Source:Global Times Published: 2020/6/18 1:13:40 President Xi pledges COVID-19 vaccine to Africa first China and African countries vowed to strengthen joint efforts in battling COVID-19 at a China-Africa summit on Wednesday, as the African continent faces increasing infections and China deals with a resurfacing of the epidemic, which indicate a protracted fight against the virus. Experts said that the summit demonstrates the unshakable China-African friendships despite previous bumps and some Western countries trying to sow dissent. China will always be the biggest supporter of African countries' development, especially during the post-pandemic era. In a keynote speech delivered at the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the sudden onslaught of COVID-19 has taken a heavy toll on countries around the world, with the loss of several hundred thousand precious lives. He suggested to observe a moment of silence for those who have tragically passed away due to COVID-19 and express our condolences to their families. He said that in the face of COVID-19, China and Africa have offered mutual support and fought shoulder to shoulder with each other. China shall always remember the invaluable support Africa gave us at the height of our battle with the coronavirus. In return, when Africa was struck by the virus, China was the first to rush in with assistance and has since stood firm with the African people. "China will start ahead of schedule the construction of the Africa CDC headquarters this year. China will work with Africa to fully deliver the health care initiative adopted at the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and speed up the construction of China-Africa Friendship Hospitals and the cooperation between paired-up Chinese and African hospitals," Xi said. "Together, we will build a China-Africa community of health for all. We pledge that once the development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccine is completed in China, African countries will be among the first to benefit." Experts said that China's promises and assistance to African countries are concrete and useful, which reflect China's sincerity and close China-Africa friendship. The summit, held via video link, was jointly proposed by China, South Africa, the rotating chair of the African Union (AU), and Senegal, the co-chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Leaders of African countries, including members of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government and rotating chairs of major African sub-regional organizations, and the chairperson of the AU Commission, attended the summit. The secretary-general of the United Nations and the director-general of the World Health Organization also attended as special guests. The summit fully shows that China and Africa have attached great importance to COVID-19 prevention work, and their resolve not to slack off in the fight. They also urged other countries to take a more responsible attitude in the global anti-virus battle, experts said. Experts noted China and African countries, as well as the international community would benefit from the summit. Some experts and international organizations expressed concerns over Africa countries' capability to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, and they said whether the world would win the battle against the virus depends on every country's efforts. Li Hongfeng, the dean of the School of African Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the summit would help China and African countries share anti-virus experience and inspire more multilateral cooperation to work with and aid African countries. It will also facilitate coordination among African countries and resource sharing. The epidemic in Africa is not as severe as previously thought, but recent data showed that it is still developing. All countries should stay alert, Li Hongfeng said. Data from the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention under the African Union shows 252,544 infections have been reported as of press time on Wednesday. The southern African region has been hit hardest with 73,553 confirmed cases. The infection numbers in the EU and the UK were 1,481,425 as of press time, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, while the US had 2,137,731 confirmed cases, Johns Hopkins University reported. The "so far, so good" situation in the African continent can be traced to its previous experience in dealing with various epidemic diseases and the pre-warning systems and anti-virus network among African countries. Foreign aids, including those from China, also contributed to it, observers said. Africa still faces several threats in dealing with the epidemic, including rising infections, especially in certain countries like South Africa, which may bring greater pressure to certain areas; incompetence in managing the pace of the spread; and contradictions between virus prevention and work resumption, Li Hongfeng said. As Europe and the US remain trapped by the epidemic, the China-Africa summit will generate greater confidence in African countries to overcome the virus, she noted. Kenya's Ambassador to China, Sarah Serem, told the Global Times that these five months of unprecedented ravaging of the world by the coronavirus pandemic has showed China is a friend worth keeping. Baba Ahmad Jidda, the Nigerian Ambassador to China, expressed his appreciation for Chinese support to Nigeria, specifically the Chinese medical team sent by the Chinese government and donations raised by Chinese transnational companies and civic institutions. "China has already made significant progress in the clinical trials of potential COVID-19 vaccines, which would be of tremendous benefit not only to Chinese citizens but also to the global community," Jidda told the Global Times. He said he expected potential collaboration between China and Africa to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, as had been achieved in the Ebola vaccine research. China Central Television reported that China has so far donated medical supplies to more than 50 African countries and deployed 148 medical staff to 11 African countries. More than 40 Chinese medical teams aiding Africa have organized over 400 training sessions to local medical staff. The US announced in March an additional $274 million in foreign assistance for 64 at-risk countries, including many African countries, in the fight against the COVID-19 global pandemic. However, the New York Times reported on June 7 that while the Trump administration has made big promises, it has provided only limited aid to the global virus response. Li Xinfeng, the executive vice-president of the China-Africa Institute, told the Global Times on Wednesday that China has been and will always be the biggest supporter of African development, aiding the continent in its fight against COVID-19 and restoring its economy in the post-pandemic era. Africa is the main source of raw materials and the global lockdown would also hurt Africa's economy - declining demand for raw materials, fewer international flights, and suspending agricultural production, Li Xinfeng said. An initial analysis from McKinsey & Company on April 1 on COVID-19's economic impact found that Africa's GDP growth in 2020 could be cut by 3 to 8 percentage points. Work resumption and prevention from COVID-19 are both crucial for African countries to meet the requirements of people's livelihood, to avoid massive social disturbance, to develop the economy and to invest more in public health, Li said. Unshakable friendship The summit also shows that China-African friendship can endure the COVID-19, bumps during the epidemic, complicated international relations, and some Western countries' attempts to instigate dissent, experts said. Mutual trust and respect have been the unshakable cornerstone for China-Africa friendship for many decades. This is why the two sides support each other's core interests, Li Xinfeng said. China respects African countries, and they treat each other as true friends. However, some Western countries, especially the US, consider themselves superior to others, and always point fingers at African countries' domestic affairs, he said. For example, Africans, including ambassadors, scholars and politicians, expressed support to China's adoption of the national security law for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, calling the move necessary to safeguard China's sovereignty, and that no foreign forces have the right to interfere. In response to previous bumps in China-Africa ties caused by the alleged "discrimination" against Africans in South China's Guangdong Province, anti-China sentiment in some African countries as well as the murder of three Chinese nationals in Zambia, experts said that individual cases would not change the good ties. Ill-intended media is waiting for a chance to "drive a wedge and spoil" China-Africa relations, but the China-Africa ties should not be swayed by unverified reports and exaggerations, Zimbabwe's Ambassador to China Martin Chedondo told the Global Times. "Relations between China and Africa are strategic and mutual, have transcended generations and continue to deepen," he said. "It is of fundamental importance for Africa and China to guard their unity of purpose and strive at all times to openly communicate in a spirit of trust and sincerity." Li Xinfeng said that the previous incidents between China and African countries has attracted wide attention, since the two sides have greater expectations from the bilateral ties, and some spats were exaggerated and hyped. "The US has always tried to sow discord between China and African countries, especially as China-US ties are strained, and the US is losing its influence on the continent," Li Xinfeng said, "But making groundless remarks or smearing China would not help the situation." Li Hongfeng said the previous twists and turns also remind the two sides to deepen understanding of each other's cultures, and increase people-to-people exchanges. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Africa Command says it has photographic evidence of Russian jets taking off from Jufra airbase, Sirte. The United States has renewed its accusations that the Russian government is deploying fighter jets in Libya in support of eastern-based renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar. In a statement on Thursday, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) alleged Russia was using jets it had recently sent to the North African country to support private military contractors working with Haftars self-styled Libyan National Army. AFRICOM said it had photographic evidence of a Russian aircraft taking off from Jufra in central Libya, and that a MiG-29 was photographed operating in the vicinity of the coastal city of Sirte. There was no immediate comment by Russian officials. The AFRICOM statement came weeks after it said in late May that Russia had flown at least 14 MiG-29s and several Su-24s to Libya via Syria, where its forces support President Bashar al-Assad. At the time, a member of the defence committee in Russias lower house of parliament had dismissed the allegation as fake news. NEWS: New evidence of Russian aircraft active in Libyan airspace (1 of 3) "#Russia's sustained involvement in #Libya increases the violence and delays a political solution." BG Gering, director of operations Release: https://t.co/g3PYHBDCOC Photos: https://t.co/ftYyEeX1GQ pic.twitter.com/G34ILYIJvM US AFRICOM (@USAfricaCommand) June 18, 2020 There is concern these Russian aircraft are being flown by inexperienced, non-state PMC [private military companies] mercenaries who will not adhere to international law; namely, they are not bound by the traditional laws of armed conflict, said Bradford Gering, AFRICOMs director of operations. Russia continues to push for a strategic foothold on NATOs southern flank and this is at the expense of innocent Libyan lives, he said. US-Turkey cooperation in Libya Sirte and Jufra are on the dividing line between areas in western Libya controlled by groups loyal to the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) and eastern areas controlled by Haftar. The LNA has retreated eastwards in recent weeks after a 14-month offensive on the capital, Tripoli, though it is holding the line around Sirte and still controls Jufra airbase. Libyas conflict has seen growing involvement by foreign powers that have poured weapons into the country in violation of a United Nations arms embargo. Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt have backed the LNA, while GNA forces are supported by Turkey. Meanwhile, Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday said his country would increase its cooperation with the US in Libya. We received instructions to work together [which] is important for the stability of the region and future of Libya, Cavusoglu said during a webinar with the US-based Turkish American National Steering Committee. We would like to further expand our areas of cooperation, he added. Cavusoglus remarks came a day after GNA Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj welcomed him in Tripoli, alongside Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak and intelligence chief Hakan Fidan. Last November, Turkey and Libya signed two agreements relating to enhanced military cooperation and maritime border demarcation in the resource-abundant eastern Mediterranean. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 16:19:01|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has seen its variety of exported produce continue to increase, with efforts made to improve the produce quality. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 21:11:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedu Andargachew on Friday called for boosting China-Africa solidarity in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. In a press statement, Andargachew said solidarity between Africa and China can overcome the socio-economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and chart out a better way forward. Andargachew made the remarks during the High-Level Video Conference on Belt and Road (B&R) International Cooperation held on Thursday. "Ethiopia appreciates China for successfully curbing the spread of the COVID-19 disease and for its unyielding support to Ethiopia's fight against the scourge," he said. "Ethiopia hopes the B&R conference would create opportunities for concerted efforts in containing, mitigating and defeating the global threat from the pandemic that has severely affected developing countries," said the statement. Andargachew also called on the Chinese government to continue with support to Ethiopia to help the east African country withstand the economic shock associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Ethiopia's confirmed COVID-19 cases reached 3,954 after 195 new COVID-19 positive cases were confirmed, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health said on Thursday. The ministry also disclosed that two COVID-19 patients succumbed to the disease on Thursday, eventually bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the east African country to 65. The conference was held with the aim of bolstering multilateralism and international cooperation against COVID-19. The conference also aimed to advance high quality B&R cooperation between China and African countries. Enditem What is indisputable is that more money will be going into certain legislators pockets because of the budget vote. Thats because the General Assembly Retirement System, the pension system for legislators, has stated that the legislatures refusal, for the second time in a decade, to bar the legally required COLA will force a higher pension benefit to be paid to those legislators who have accepted this lucrative taxpayer-funded perk. Of the current 177 legislators, only 59 of us have refused a pension. Berlin: German lawmakers plan to investigate possible mistakes made by security agencies in their handling of two neo-Nazis suspected of killing a regional politician last year. Opposition lawmakers in the central state of Hesse announced on Thursday that they wanted to hold a parliamentary investigation into what police and domestic intelligence officials knew about the two suspects, whose trial began this week. Defendant Stephan Ernst is seen on day two of his trial at the Oberlandgericht Frankfurt courthouse on accusations of having murdered politician Walter Luebcke. Credit:Getty Stephan Ernst, a 46-year-old German man, is accused of the murder, attempted murder, serious bodily harm and firearms offences. A second man, identified only as Markus H. because of privacy rules, is accused of accessory to murder and breaking firearms laws. Prosecutors say the men were behind the slaying last June of Walter Luebcke, a member of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-right Union bloc who had spoken out in favour of helping refugees. Ernst is also accused of stabbing an Iraqi asylum-seeker in January 2016. The low thermal transport properties are important for applications in thermoelectrics and thermal barrier coatings. Nowadays, the strategies to acquire low thermal conductivity in bulk materials include multi-scale defect (atomic, nano- and meso-scale), heavy molecular weight, complex crystal structure, larger unit cell and strong anharmonicity. In a recent article in Science China Materials, Prof. Li-Dong Zhao from Beihang University and co-workers proposed a new strategy to search intrinsically low thermal conductivity in one-dimensional crystal structure. By using the first-principles calculations and experimental synthesis, they found a sort of material with extremely low thermal conductivity, namely BiSeX (X= Br, I) with one-dimensional chain structure. The mechanisms behind the low thermal conductivity were revealed from the aspect of crystal structure, by neutron powder-diffraction measurements and temperature tunable aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). To elucidate the origins of ultralow thermal conductivity, the authors make comparisons with several analogues that exhibit cubic- (3D), layer- (2D) and chain-like (1D) crystal structures and find that the thermal conductivity shows a decreasing trend from 3D, 2D to 1D (Fig. 1), which is due to the chemical bonding strength between the low-dimensional structure becoming progressively weaker and weaker. "Based on these guidelines, we found that the chemical bonding along the chain further weakened with added halogen atom", said Prof. Zhao. Therefore, the chemical bondings of BiSeX along all three crystallographic directions are weaker than in other compounds (Fig. 2), showing a quasi-0D crystal structure. Different from the ultrahigh thermal conductivity diamond (> 2000 W m-1 K-1) with strong covalent bond between carbon atoms, the phonon transport in bismuth selenohalides was significantly suppressed. As a result, they exhibit extremely low thermal conductivity. "The thermal conductivity of BiSeI at 573 K reaches ~0.27 W m-1 K-1, which is close to the theoretical minimum value", emphasized by Prof. Zhao. These findings open up a prospect of achieving low thermal conductivity materials in one-dimensional chain-containing bulk structure with potential applications in the fields of thermal barrier coatings, thermoelectric materials, etc. ### This work was published online in Science China Materials and highlighted by Science (Science, 368 (2020) 1325.) (Fig. 3). This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFA0702100, 2018YFB0703600), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51772012, 51632005), the National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars (51925101), Shenzhen Peacock Plan team (KQTD2016022619565991), Beijing Natural Science Foundation (JQ18004), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Grant (2019M650429) and 111 Project (B17002). See the article: D. Wang, et al. "Extremely low thermal conductivity from bismuth selenohalides with 1D soft crystal structure". Science China Materials (2020) (https://doi.org/10.1007/s40843-020-1407-x) Modifying the quarantine norms for health care workers attending to Covid-19 cases, the Union health ministry on Thursday said any worker who had a high-risk exposure to a Covid-19 patient, without adequate protection, would need to quarantine herself for just a week. Earlier, the quarantine period was 14 days. The nodal officer or head of the department will form a sub-committee to assess the level of exposure and the risk, as per the assessment format issued by the health ministry. After a week, the worker shall be tested for Covid-19, actively monitored for development of symptoms and managed as per the laid down protocol. If they test positive but remain asymptomatic they will follow protocol for very mild/mild/presymptomatic cases If they test negative and remain asymptomatic, complete 14 day quarantine and return to work. Should symptoms develop, person will be isolated, the advisory says. Those who test negative, will be managed in non-Covid areas as per their clinical diagnosis. Their resuming work will be based on the clinical diagnosis and the medical certification by the treating doctor. The step was taken in view of the shortage of health care workers at many hospitals. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Per IVD market research firm Kalorama Information there is an opportunity for test makers and investors in Chagas disease diagnostics. Chagas is a particularly underpublicized and harmful disease and current tests are inadequate to catch all cases. Recently the Defense Department was concerned enough to embark on a study after concerns about a principally Latin American disease reaching U.S. Army bases in the Southwest. In Kalorama information's Emerging Infectious Testing report, Chagas is identified as one of the company's Top Emerging Infectious Disease threats. Chagas disease or American Trypanosomiasis represents the third largest tropical disease burden worldwide, after malaria and schistosomiasis. The disease is caused by the protozoan parasite T cruzi, which is transmitted to humans by blood-sucking insects of the family Reduviidae (Triatominae). In Central and South America, Chagas kills more people than any other parasite-borne disease, including malaria and has a higher incidence-death rate than HIV/AIDS. In spite of this there are still no reliable data on its incidence. There is no vaccine against Chagas disease. Patients in the acute phase are generally treated with nifurtimox and benznidazole, which are highly toxic. There are no drugs to treat the chronic form of Chagas disease. Doctors in the United States that treat people with Chagas disease, a parasitic illness transmitted by the kissing bug in the Americas, are increasingly worried about the estimated 30,000 to 45,000 people that are at increased risk of complications from COVID-19 because they have Chagas-related heart problems. As an indication of that concern, the U.S. Department of Defense has granted 700,000 to Texas State University to conduct a study assessing the threat of Chagas disease to military bases. https://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/news/texas-state-university-study-chagas-disease-threat-military. Diagnosis of Chagas disease can be made by observation of the parasite in a blood smear by microscopic examination. A thick and thin blood smear are made and stained for visualization of parasites. but better tests are sought. Chembio, Bioconcept and Altona Diagnostics are among the companies that produce tests for Chagas. Last year, a study found that a combination of marketed rapid point-of-care (POC) diagnostics was useful in screening for Chagas disease in a study conducted in Bolivia. The results compared well with the gold standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) approach, which is a challenge in low-resource settings, researchers reported on December 19 in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Kalorama says that molecular testing is the most effective technique, however it is not widely available for screening programs. There is some expectation that current advancements in miniaturization may lead to cost-effective molecular devices. In the meantime major health organizations have been motivated to take action. About Kalorama Information For more than 30 years, Kalorama Information has been a leading publisher of market research in healthcare areas, including in vitro diagnostics (IVD), biotechnology, healthcare, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. (Los Angeles Times) In heartbreaking and astonishing detail, comedian and writer Laurie Kilmartin used Twitter to document the final hours of her mothers life Thursday morning to her 85,000-plus followers. Thousands of people responded with messages of support and sympathy as they accompanied her journey through the loss. JoAnn Kilmartin died at 9:40 a.m. Thursday after complications from COVID-19, according to the tweets. Laurie Kilmartin is a staff writer for late-night talk show host Conan O'Brien's show, "Conan." After a hospital stay, JoAnn Kilmartin entered a skilled nursing facility and was free of COVID-19 at the time, Laurie Kilmartin said in an account on Twitter. Her mother was diagnosed with COVID-19 after arriving at the facility. Her condition rapidly worsened over the last week, and she developed heart and liver failure. So I am just watching my mom sleep and cough in her hospital bed, over Facetime, trying to gulp down these last moments having a mom. This is all happening so fast. Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 13, 2020 Over the past week, Kilmartins Tweets offered a vivid and real-time portrait of losing loved ones to COVID-19. She wrote about saying goodbye with vulnerability and at times, wry humor. I just left a one-star Yelp review of the skilled nursing facility where Mom caught COVID-19. Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 15, 2020 Many of the Tweets read like diary entries, underscoring the unnatural ways people are forced to connect and communicate with their loved ones in hospitals right now, when coronavirus means visitations can be restricted. The experience was mediated by iPad and FaceTime while Laurie and her sister struggled to get visitation access. Story continues In an email to The Times, Laurie Kilmartin said she lives in Burbank, only 17 minutes from the facility where her mother was hospitalized. But Kilmartin was unable to see her mother in person until visitation was granted. Im getting so good at asking the nurse to center moms face in the iPad frame. I hate the back wall, more shoulders in the lower third and just... less overhead lights in general. Does this mean I could direct? Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 17, 2020 I just held an iPad to my chest and wailed, i love you I love you, Im sorry, dont leave me, which is great pratice for when I use this same iPad for post-quar Tinder. Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 17, 2020 I keep thinking, Ive said everything, Im ok for her to go. Then I think of one more thing and I dive for the iPad, WAIT NOT YET! Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 18, 2020 Kilmartin noted her mother's breathing and appearance in intimate terms, showing the perceivable, outward effects of the disease. COVID has taken over her lungs, her chest is not rising with breaths, just her throat. Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 17, 2020 Mom hasn't had water in a few days and she has cheekbones... to die for. Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 17, 2020 She described the negotiation of end-of-life care and the reality of caring for a family member while unable to be at the hospital. A practical tip/ if your loved one is hospitalized during COVID, you need two phone lines. One for Facetime and one to call the nurse station ask for things like water and chapstick etc. Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 14, 2020 Aaaaand were on morphine now. When my dad was dying, I said theres a reason why morphine sounds like more fun and I stand by that joke. Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 13, 2020 COVID hospice routine: Notice mom frowning on Facetime, call the hospital and leave a message for the nurse that she needs more morphine. Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 17, 2020 Nurse is stroking mom's hair, which I would be doing if I were there. Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 14, 2020 Like many mother-daughter relationships, theirs had been rocky at times, and Kilmartin Tweeted about the amends she made at the end of her mothers life and joked about their dynamic. Just told mom that even though we had a rough four years, I love her with my whole heart and... were cool now. Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 18, 2020 My sister and I are both heartbroken that moms last words to us were complaints about the nursing home and not about our appearance. Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 18, 2020 She is barely breathing but it would be great if she could awaken from all this and tell me to wash my robe. Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 18, 2020 And she added some choice words for those refusing to wear masks during an infectious disease pandemic. Aubrey, my mom is dying of COVID, Im watching it right now on Facetime. The palliative care team says her bed will be ready for you in 12-24 hours. See you then! https://t.co/AUBLSjHH5v Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 17, 2020 Yesterday, I spent over an hour in a room full of COVID droplets. A rainforest of corona. Yes, I wore PPE but who knows. If you hate masks and love freedom, DM me your address, because I want to give you a hug! Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 17, 2020 The death toll from the coronavirus pandemic continues to rise in the country with more than 120,000 deaths so far. Kilmartin's tweets allowed people to bear witness to the suffering, a small window into the grief that blankets the country. They serve as a reminder of the humanity and the incalculable loss behind each death. Thank you for sending love to my mom but really its my dead dad who needs your thoughts and prayers. Im sure he thought hed get a few more years to himself. Laurie Kilmartin (@anylaurie16) June 13, 2020 The final two weeks of the fall semester at Saginaw Valley State University will be conducted through online and remote instruction, so that students do not need to return to campus after Thanksgiving break. We want our students, faculty and staff to be safe, and this is one prudent measure we can take to reduce potential transmission of COVID-19 in the event of a late fall resurgence, said Donald Bachand, SVSU president. Most on-campus operations will continue, and we plan for academic and student support services, such as Zahnow Library, to be open after Thanksgiving, following appropriate health and safety protocols. Irish tech entrepreneur Eoghan McCabe is stepping down from his role as Chief Executive at software firm Intercom to become chairman of the 1bn company he co-founded and has led for almost a decade. He will be replaced by Karen Peacock, the current chief operating officer who last year publicly backed him after reports of inappropriate behaviour with female employees. Mr McCabe had hit the headlines and subsequently apologised for "poor judgment" relating to behaviour with female staff in the early years of his company. The Dubliner is one of Ireland's most successful entrepreneurs. In 2011, he co-founded Intercom with Des Traynor, Ciaran Lee and David Barrett. The Irish-US firm is regarded globally as setting an industry standard. It creates customer service products for companies, like help desk platforms, live online agent chats and marketing automation. However, it attracted controversy last year when the US online tech news company 'The Information' published a lengthy article highlighting complaints against Mr McCabe from a number of female Intercom staff. Investigations within the company cleared Mr McCabe of any wrongdoing. "In the early years of the company I demonstrated some poor judgment," Mr McCabe said in a statement. "I apologised at the time and have matured as a person and a CEO since then. I'm proud of the respectful culture we've built, and have long believed that people do their best work when they feel truly happy and safe. I fully support the independent review into these matters and our HR practices." Karen Peacock, then chief operating officer of Intercom, said at the time that as CEO Eoghan McCabe had "built a culture that respects and empowers all people, which is one of the reasons I joined the company". In an memo to staff posted on Intercom's website, Mr McCabe said that in the new chairman role he will lead the board and "provide strategic leadership on our biggest ideas and milestones". "I'll work directly with Karen and other leaders on product and marketing strategy," he said. "So I'll be very much around, building on my strong partnership with Karen, fighting alongside you as your Intercomrade for all the years to come. And yet Karen will be your new CEO and the person in charge, and I'm so very excited about that." Wales has revealed holidaymakers will be able to go for a staycation in the country from July 13 - while people continue to wait for a similar announcement in England. The five-mile restriction on travel in Wales is expected to end next month on July 6, but tourists will not be allowed to return for an overnight stay until a week later. It means people despite for a break away from their homes during lockdown can start to think about a holiday in the likes of the Brecon Beacons or Snowdonia. Tourism businesses now have three weeks to prepare for the changes, which will allow the use of self-contained accommodation such as caravans and cottages. But First Minister Mark Drakeford said he wanted people to do 'one last lap' of the 'stay local' instruction, restricting travel to five miles, ahead of scrapping it on July 6. People out running along the coastal path at Caswell Bay on the Gower in Wales on March 20 Bookings for self-contained accommodation in Wales can then start to be made from July 13, a week after the sector is potentially due to reopen in England on July 4. However the date in England has still not been confirmed despite it now being just two weeks away, frustrating hotel and tourism bosses waiting for an update. Today, Mr Drakeford said the further headroom to lift restrictions has been created by the efforts of the public to bring coronavirus under control in Wales. The R number shows Covid-19 is receding at a faster rate in Wales than in England. Mr Drakeford told BBC Radio Wales: 'The 'stay local' restrictions will end provided that the virus is still where we need it to be. Once the 'stay local' restriction is over, it's over for all purposes and all distances.' Empty footpaths on the Brecon Beacons in Wales on May 25 where restrictions are still in place On reopening the tourism industry, Mr Drakeford said: 'I will be saying to the visitor economy in Wales that they should use the coming three weeks to prepare to reopen self-contained accommodation in Wales during the month of July. 'Self-contained' is very important because coronavirus spreads where people come together and where they share facilities. 'So, if you have a static caravan that's got its own kitchen and its own bathroom, if you're renting a cottage, if you're going to a hotel that has turned itself into self-contained accommodation, there'll be a clear signal from me today that you should use the next three weeks to get everything in place.' The First Minister will formally announce what he calls the most 'comprehensive package of measures' announced yet for Wales at the Welsh Government's press briefing this afternoon. An empty shopping street in Cardiff on Monday as stores still remain closed across Wales All non-essential shops in Wales will be able to reopen from Monday as long as they can comply with social distancing measures. The housing market will also resume on Monday, when restrictions on some outdoor activities will be lifted. Private prayer in places of worship with social distancing can also take place from Monday, with childcare facilities available on a phased basis to support people returning to work. Hairdressers should use the next three weeks to prepare for services to resume by appointment only, with safeguards in place, he told a press conference in Cardiff. People in Wales are still being advised to stay within five miles of their home, although there is now an exemption for those travelling outside of their local area 'on compassionate grounds', he said. A handful of people walk on an almost empty beach at Barry Island in South Wales on May 25 'When you make that visit, it should be outside, it should be at a two-metre distance, you should observe all the rules that we have already set up,' Mark Drakeford told a press conference in Cardiff. The Welsh Government has been considering allowing households to 'form a bubble' and could announce a decision on that before the next review period of the regulations in three weeks, Mr Drakeford said. This is likely to involve a single household 'bubbling' with another household to give relief to people who have been 'particularly isolated' as a result of the coronavirus restrictions. Mr Drakeford said that at the height of the pandemic, one in every 1,000 people in Wales was 'probably infectious', that has now dropped to one in 10,000 or lower. First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, speaks during a press conference in Cardiff today On Wednesday, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden warned the reopening of the British tourism industry could be delayed beyond July 4. Hotels, campsites and guesthouses have been taking bookings from the start of next month after Boris Johnsons road map for exiting lockdown indicated that the tourism ban could end then. But with the deadline barely a fortnight away, Oliver Dowden said it was still too early to say whether Britains beleaguered tourist businesses would finally be able to open their doors. Officials also warned that there could be a phased return, with relatively low-risk accommodation like campsites, caravan parks and self-catering flats and cottages allowed to reopen before hotels and bed and breakfasts, which make greater use of shared facilities. Thanks to the disruptions of the coronavirus pandemic, it is clear that the workplace will never be the same. Companies and organizations of all kinds are planning for a more flexible future that blends in-office days with working from home. But especially in the cash-strapped public sector where remote work is seen as a valuable way to cut costs leaders expect a sea change in the way state and local agencies conduct business.The COVID response has really permanently changed how agencies have embraced this, Georgia CIO Calvin Rhodes said recently. But another important aspect that really drove us in this direction, he said, was a mandate from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp for every agency to cut its budget by 10 percent. A number of agencies responded by looking at ways to reduce their physical office space, Rhodes said. Really, were viewing it now as a long-term strategic element for us to try to keep and retain staff.Rhodes made his comments on a recent webinar, The Remote Work Workplace: Policies, Procedures and Processes for a New Era, part of a new series of virtual discussions convened by Governing and Government Technology on the Future of Work.In Georgia, remote work isnt just seen as a way to reduce overhead expenses, Rhodes said. Its a valuable tool for expanding the pool of potential state employees.The governor has given a directive to all agencies to hire people from all across the state, he said. We typically had looked to the metro [Atlanta] area. But [remote work] gives us the ability to go after talent. Were in a very competitive market for talent here in the Atlanta area, and this really opens that up.Georgia agencies are even working with state human resources officials to write specific definitions of flex-work into future job descriptions. Under the new definitions, a teleworker might physically be in an office one or two days a week. A remote worker, meanwhile, may come into the office once or twice a year, Rhodes said.When you look at the private sector companies we compete with, [their approach to flex-work] is going to look different, he said. So, to be competitive, were going to have to embrace this.But theres one other factor that may even be more important in cementing the future of remote work, he added: Our teams really like it.Of course, managing remote teams isnt as simple as merely allowing employees to work from home. States and localities must revisit a host of policies and procedures to ensure that remote workers are engaged and productive.King County, Wash., for example, has taken several steps to help transition employees to work from home, said county CIO Tanya Hannah, who joined Rhodes in the recent virtual conversation. In the early days of the pandemic, for instance, King County provided $1,000 stipends to help employees set up a home office. It conducted video evaluations of workers home setups to make sure theyre ergonomically safe. The county even created a $9 million daycare fund to help defray costs for employees with children who were now learning from home.Now, as the county turns its attention to longer term plans for a hybrid work future, its confronting policy questions on, say, disaster planning and other contingencies.And its dealing with the very real concern of maintaining group morale and a positive work culture when employees may never see some of their colleagues in person.Were conducting employee engagement surveys, Hannah said. Were trying to understand, what are the needs of our remote workers as well as our on-site employees, those first responders who have to come into the office? Were designing programs to ensure that our entire workforce is cared for. That includes comprehensive communication and collaboration tools, along with an increased focus on mental stress and well-being. And like other jurisdictions, King County agencies have hosted online group yoga sessions, chef-led cooking shows, Xbox tournaments and even virtual open-mic nights for public employees.Team cohesion is a very big deal when you havent seen your team in a year, Hannah said.Watch the full discussion, and find other tools for empowering the public workforces, at governing.com/futureofwork Saudi Arabia will allow more than 1,500 mosques to reopen in the holy city of Mecca more than three months after they were closed to congressional prayers. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs said Friday that personal prayer rugs and social distancing will be required among worshippers. Gulf News reports that volunteers have posted signs on carpets showing the distances that must be kept during prayers. Saudi Arabia confirmed an additional 4,301 cases of the virus Friday, bringing the total 150,292. Health officials say 1,184 people have died of the virus. The country has marked six straight days of new cases surpassing 4,000. On Wednesday, it recorded 4,919 new cases its highest single-day total since it began tracking the virus in March. This week, Saudi Arabia approved the use of dexamethasone, a low-dose steroid used to treat inflammation, on critically ill coronavirus patients following a promising study on the drug in the United Kingdom. Still, Health Ministry spokesperson Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly cautioned there is no cure yet. The virus is still around, its still active, and the pandemic continues, Al-Aly said. We return to normalcy, but carefully. At the end of May, Saudi Arabia began easing lockdown measures as part of a three-phase plan. Prayers in tens of thousands of mosques resumed everywhere but Mecca. The mosque in Medina where the Prophet Muhammad is buried opened for the public to pray outdoors. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs sent text messages to millions of residents that contained the new guidelines for worship, including wearing a face covering at all times and staying 6.5 feet apart. As the coronavirus case count continues to climb, Islamic authorities in Saudi Arabia are considering canceling the hajj pilgrimage scheduled for late July, which brings together some two million Muslims to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina each year. On Sunday, authorities will lift a nationwide curfew everywhere but Mecca and the Red Sea city of Jeddah. Listen to this zany fearmongering by Samantha Whiteside, a Tulsa emergency physician who claims shes a conservative and wrote in the Tulsa World on Thursday: COVID-19 cases in Tulsa County have risen sharply the past week. In the past seven days, the number of new cases in Tulsa County has reached an all-time high four times. While I understand that sheltering in place indefinitely and shutting down the economy for months is unrealistic, holding a large indoor rally, where people are shoulder-to-shoulder, as described by President Trumps own campaign team, seems short-sighted at best and reckless and dangerous at worst. By Aisha Jabbarova Azerbaijans Defence Minister Zakir Garayev has inaugurated a new military unit opened on the line of contact, local media reported on June 19. Accordig to the report, administrative and service buildings have been built in the unit, security and fire alarm systems and internal communications have been installed. A guard town and a guard house have been built on the territory of the military unit. In addition, a water purification device has been installed on the territory of the unit, water tanks for storing drinking water and fire fighting, as well as an underground pumping station, have been constructed. High-voltage power lines, water and gas pipelines have also been installed. __ Follows us on Twitter @AzerNews live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Optimus Pharma, the Hyderabad-based drugmaker said it has started shipping antiviral tablet Favipiravir to the UAE, where the drug is approved for treating COVID-19 patients. Optimus said it has developed the drug internally and has the capacity to produce 3 billion tablets per annum from manufacturing plant compliant with USFDA, EU and WHO regulatory standards. The company said it's also receiving multiple enquiries from potential customers regarding the supply of the drug. Along with UAE, Favipiravir is approved in Japan, China and Russia, for COVID-19 and has a dosage duration of 4-14 days based on the condition of the patient. The drug is yet to be approved in India for treating COVID-19. The intermediate data relating to a clinical trial in Russian involving 330 patients have found Favipiravir eliminating the virus in four days compared to nine days with standard therapy. The full data of the trial is yet out to be out. But Russia has approved the drug for treating COVID-19. Russia has reported 569,000 COVID-19 cases, the third-highest in the world. The antiviral is particularly useful in the mild to moderate cases, which accounts for a majority of COVID-19 infections. 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 Prashanth Reddy, Director of Optimus told Moneycontrol that the company had applied for approval with Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for the finished dosage and is under process for receiving fast-track approval from the drug authorities. To be sure, it isn't Optimus alone, several other companies including Delhi-based Brinton Pharmaceuticals, Bengaluru-based Strides Pharma and Mumbai-based Lasa Supergenerics have all have already applied or in the process of seeking approval from CDSCO. Brinton Pharmaceuticals said it will market Favipiravir under the brand name Faviton that will be available in 200mg and 400mg tablets for export. Brinton is planning to launch it in 18 countries where it has a presence. Dr Omkar Herlekar, Chairman Lasa Supergenerics said efforts over the company is looking to manufacture close to 10,000 doses, to begin with, and in the meanwhile, also apply for the drug license with competent authorities and continue to seek strategic private investments or government aid. All eyes on Glenmark's Favipiravir But all approvals of Favipiravir are linked to data on Glenmark's clinical trial. Glenmark is conducting phase 3 clinical trials of Favipiravir as a COVID-19 monotherapy option with 150 patients, enrolled from 10 leading government and private hospitals across India. Glenmark is the first company in India to initiate Phase 3 clinical trials on Favipiravir for COVID-19 patients in India. The company estimates trial to complete by July-August. Sources told Moneycontrol that Glenmark's Favipiravir is expected to get an emergency use authorisation (EUA) any moment, based on the intermediate data from the clinical trials given the urgency of the situation. Glenmark spokesperson declined to comment. Favipiravir, sold under the brand name Avigan of Fujifilm Toyama Chemical, is typically used to treat influenza and works by interfering and blocking the virus replication process in our cells. The drug isn't protected by patents in India, paving the way for the launch of cheaper generic versions. Favipiravir comes as a pill, so it's convenient for the patient. The safety data is already well established, as the drug is a repurposed one. At least 12 deaths were reported in the district, taking the toll here to 552 With the detection of 515 fresh cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, the count in Maharashtra's Pune district has reached 13,750, a health official said on Friday. Apart from this, at least 12 deaths were reported in the district, taking the toll here to 552, the official said. Of the 515 new cases, 451 were detected in the Pune Municipal Corporation limits and 33 were recorded from Pimpri-Chinchwad, he said. The number of positive cases in rural, civil hospital and Pune cantonment board area has risen to 1,206, he said. As many as 193 patients were discharged from hospitals in the district following recovery in the last 24 hours, the official added. U.S. President Donald Trump meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, in Panmunjom, South Korea, June 30, 2019. Kevin Lamarque / REUTERS President Donald Trump wanted Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to give North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a copy of Elton John's "Rocket Man" CD, according to John Bolton's new book. Trump had called Kim "Rocket Man" as an insult in relation to North Korea's nuclear program, and wanted to convince the North Korean leader it was actually a compliment. Pompeo never gave the CD to Kim. The former national security adviser also wrote that Trump largely saw his historic summit with Kim as an "exercise in publicity," and wasn't particularly interested in getting him to agree to denuclearization. North Korea has still not denuclearized and tensions are rising between the rogue state, South Korea, and the US. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. President Donald Trump showed an unusual level of interest in getting Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to give North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a copy of Elton John's "Rocket Man" CD following a summit on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in Singapore back in June 2018, according to a Washington Post article about John Bolton's new book, which comes out next week. Pompeo visited North Korea in October 2018, and Trump wanted him to give Kim the CD on the trip. Trump had previously called Kim "Rocket Man" as an insult during a period in which the two leaders traded threats from across the globe over North Korea's nuclear program. The president apparently wanted to convince Kim it was actually meant as a compliment. "Trump didn't seem to realize Pompeo hadn't actually seen Kim Jong Un [during the trip], asking if Pompeo had handed" him the CD, Bolton wrote, per the Post. "Pompeo had not. Getting this CD to Kim remained a high priority for several months." Bolton also wrote that Trump viewed the Singapore summit with Kim, the first such meeting between a US president and North Korean leader, as "an exercise in publicity." Story continues The White House did not offer a comment when contacted by Insider. The Trump administration is suing Bolton over the book, which the White House has said contains classified information. Trump has had several meetings with Kim, including a second summit in Vietnam and an impromptu visit that occurred at the demilitarized zone that separates the Korean Peninsula, which he has touted as huge diplomatic victories. But North Korea has still not denuclearized and has become increasingly aggressive in recent months. Earlier this week, the rogue state blew up a diplomatic office amid rising tensions with South Korea. The North Korean government earlier this month said it sees few reasons to maintain ties with Trump. Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a recent Time interview said that Kim played to Trump's "ego and penchant for pageantry" with the highly publicized summits in Singapore and Vietnam. Trump has been able to make a good contribution, but at this time, unfortunately, by just granting a one-on-one summit three times, [it] perhaps played to Trump's ego and penchant for pageantry, and Kim Jong Un seems to have succeeded in acquiring de facto nuclear state status," Ban said. Read the original article on Business Insider From the first day of the trial, Eyad Al-Gharib enters the courtroom with a large jacket hood pulled down and wearing a facemask during most of the hearings, making it clear that he does not want to be seen. And indeed, he has managed to stay in the shadow of Anwar Raslan, the high-ranking Syrian officer who was head of investigations at intelligence service Branch 251 in Damascus. Media and activist circles have logically focused more on the man accused of torture in more than 4,000 cases and 58 killings, rather than on the one who allegedly aided and abetted these crimes against humanity by rounding up protesters and taking them to the notorious prison. Both men stand accused in the first trial worldwide dealing with systematic torture in Syrian prisons. Twelve court days have passed since the trial began in the German city of Koblenz on the 23 April. Unlike Raslan, who denied all charges against him in a lengthy statement read by his lawyer, Al-Gharib has not spoken a single word, apart from stating his name to the judges. But testimonies by German investigators and migration officials have helped piece together an image of who this seemingly less important defendant might be. And even though he played a much smaller role in the crimes, his case is perhaps more controversial. It raises the old question of accountability for someone who was just following orders. Once you are in you cannot get out During the hearings, Al-Gharibs face is often resting in his hands and gradually disappears behind them when details of torture are given or his children are mentioned. During breaks he has lively discussions with the translator, gesticulating in a way that one might when describing delicious food or the layout of a room. But the most reliable way of learning about the 44-year-old defendant has been through a mosaic of documents presented to the court: a military ID listing his status as voluntary conscript; a letter to the youth welfare office in Germany stating that his 19-year-old daughter suffers from muscular dystrophy and is in a wheelchair; a criminal complaint about an incident at the refugee home in Hermeskeil where he slapped a boy and threatened to chop off his head and hand; and then, the detailed accounts Al-Gharib gave to the migration office and the federal police (BKA) about his career. Al-Gharib was born in Damascus in 1976 and grew up in the eastern Syrian governorate of Deir az-Zor. At the age of 20, he joined the general intelligence service in Damascus, where he spent more than ten years as an instructor of physical fitness. In 2010 he was assigned to Branch 251, where his job was to collect information for the religious department. That meant joining Friday prayers at Damascus mosques to hear whether the Imams were criticizing the government in their sermons. In July 2011, half a year before his defection, Al-Gharib was again transferred to what he called in his asylum hearing a dangerous division. When asked what was dangerous about it, he said that once you are in you cannot get out. It is like a mafia. He was referring to Branch 251s subdivision 40, led by the Syrian president Bashar al-Assads cousin, Hafez Makhlouf, known to be influential and ruthless. Recommended reading They felt too safe: how two Syrian agents ended up on trial in Germany Torture is legal everywhere Whilst Raslan and Al-Gharib are seated next to each other it is hard not to compare them. Raslan is confident, Al-Gharib hides his face. Raslan is educated he did legal studies before joining the intelligence service. Al-Gharib did not even graduate from high-school. Journalist Karam Shoumali explains in a podcast, Branch251, that he grew up in a rural area in Deir az-Zor and lost his father as a child. When asked during his asylum hearing whether torture was legal in Syria, he answered that torture is legal everywhere. Even the two defendants routes to Germany show a profound class difference: while Raslan received a visa from the German embassy in Amman and flew directly to Berlin Tegel Airport, Al-Gharib spent six months hiding in Syria and then five years, two months and 13 days en route via Turkey and Greece to Germany, on foot, mini bus and rubber boat. Finally, the family was able to apply for family reunification. But the most relevant difference between the two is that one was in a position to give orders while the other was hardly able to refuse them without risking his own life. Three months after his asylum hearing in Germany in May 2018, Al-Gharib was summoned by the BKA to testify as a witness in a structural investigation. The so called Strukturermittlungsverfahren has been conducted by the chief federal prosecutor since 2011, to collect evidence about crimes against international law committed in Syria. When a Syrian asylum seeker mentions having witnessed such crimes, their file is automatically forwarded to the BKA. This is how Al-Gharib ended up in an interrogation, during which he gradually turned from witness to suspect. That he was not instructed about his rights as a suspect, according to his defence, might lead to the exclusion of his important accounts from evidence. If you love the president, open fire at the traitors! One of the incidents he described to the BKA was a peaceful protest in Duma in 2011 that he and his division were called to. According to Al-Gharib, Hafez Makhlouf arrived in a large Mercedes jeep, jumped out of the car, and shouted: If you love the president, open fire at the traitors! He then started firing his machine gun into the crowd and others followed suit. Al-Gharib said he tried to lay low and quietly avoid shooting at the protesters, and that this was the moment when he decided to defect. But that testimony backfired. The indictment speaks of the events that took place after Makhlouf started shooting. Al-Gharib and his colleagues allegedly searched the surrounding streets for the fleeing protesters and rounded up at least thirty civilians. They were taken to Branch 251, beaten in the car and on arrival, and later tortured. Even though Al-Gharib is not accused of participating in the protesters abuse, he may be found guilty of taking them to a place where he knew they would be tortured. According to the German code of crimes against international law, a person following orders can be relieved of their criminal responsibility if they did not know and it was not manifest that the order was unlawful. However, according to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which has been ratified by Germany, this does not apply to crimes against humanity. But what do these paragraphs mean in a country in civil war where refusing to shoot could mean being shot yourself? Superior orders is an extremely common excuse, says Patrick Kroker, an international criminal lawyer from the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights which supports seventeen victims-witnesses in the trial. This argument was used during the Nuremberg trials, yet it rarely was successful, recalls Kroker, adding that the German judiciary has set high requirements for that claim. It would have to be justified by an immediate danger to life or physical well-being if one were to refuse. From what we know, he was not picked up from his home at gun-point, placed into the system and forced to do a job. These are people who worked for years to reach a certain position, says Kroker. However, Al-Gharibs penalty could be reduced, he adds, if the second knife of the Koblenzs trial is convicted as charged as merely aiding and abetting. Compared to others he surely bears a lesser responsibility. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. San Francisco, 19 June 2020: The Report Polyimide Film Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Flexible Printed Circuit, Wire & Cable, Pressure Sensitive Tape, Specialty Fabricated Product), By End-use, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025 The global polyimide film market is anticipated to reach USD 3.12 billion by 2025, at a registering a CAGR of 8.6% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Revolutionary advancements in the aerospace and automobile industry with regards to high-end quality products is expected to drive the growth of this market. The flexible printed circuit (FPC) emerged as the largest and fastest-growing application in the global polyimide film market. They are used in the manufacturing of flexible printed circuit board in ink-jet cartridges, printers & scanners, mobile phones, pagers, camcorders, and military & avionics systems. Polyimide film has many applications in electronics, automotive, aerospace, and labeling & labels industry. Many new product launches have enabled consumers to pick their choice of product from a wide range of options. The widening of product distribution channels has made these products readily available to the consumer. Access Research Report of Polyimide Film Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/polyimide-film-market Further key findings from the report suggest: The global polyimide film market was estimated at USD 1,492.3 million in 2016 and is projected to grow at a growth rate of 8.6% from 2017 to 2025 The flexible circuit board sector occupied the largest market share in 2016 on account of its widespread use in ink-jet cartridges, printers & scanners, mobile phones, pagers, camcorders, and military & avionics systems FCB has many automotive applications ranging from dashboard to engine management, and ABS control systems Wire & cables are used in various application where high tensile strength, solvent resistance, flammability and electrical resistivity is required Electronics end-use segment is growing with the fastest growth rate owing to strong demand for consumer electronics and increase in electrical components in automobile The aerospace segment accounted for 26.1% of the global revenue and is projected to witness the second highest CAGR over the forecast period Growing disposable income and investment in innovative devices is anticipated to boost the demand in the electronics segment Increasing investment from government & private institutions in the automotive and aerospace & defense industry is projected to contribute to the demand over the coming years Key players include E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company, Saint-Gobain, Von Roll Holding AG, Kaneka Corporation and Arakawa Chemicals Industries Research & development activities, new product launches, acquisition and mergers and technological collaborations are some of the strategic initiatives taken up by leading companies Browse more reports of this category by Grand View Research at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry/automotive-and-aerospace-interior-materials Grand View Research has segmented the global polyimide film market on the basis of application, end-use, and region: Polyimide Films Application Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Flexible printed circuit Wire & cable Pressure sensitive tape Specialty fabricated product Motor/Generator Polyimide Films End-use Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) Electronics Aerospace Automotive Labeling Others Polyimide Films Regional Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025) North America Europe Asia Pacific Central & South America Middle East & Africa Access Press Release of Polyimide Film Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-polyimide-film-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 The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Nigeria free of wild polio, following the completion of documentation for the free status. The UN health agency disclosed this on its regional office for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo, official twitter account @WHOAFRO. Today, Nigerias complete documentation for Wild Polio virus free status was accepted by the Africa Regional Certification Commission for polio eradication (ARCC). It is a historic day for Nigeria, Africa and the Global Polio Programme, WHO said. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Photo: wikimedia commons Its a clash over water usage that Egypt calls an existential threat and Ethiopia calls a lifeline for millions out of poverty. Just weeks remain before the filling of Africas most powerful hydroelectric dam might begin, and tense talks between the countries on its operation have yet to reach a deal. In an interview with The Associated Press, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew on Friday declared that his country will go ahead and start filling the $4.6 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam next month, even without an agreement. For us it is not mandatory to reach an agreement before starting filling the dam, hence we will commence the filling process in the coming rainy season," he said. We are working hard to reach a deal, but still we will go ahead with our schedule whatever the outcome is. If we have to wait for others blessing, then the dam may remain idle for years, which we wont allow to happen," he said. He added that "we want to make it clear that Ethiopia will not beg Egypt and Sudan to use its own water resource for its development, pointing out that Ethiopia is paying for the dams construction itself. He spoke after the latest round of talks with Egypt and Sudan on the dam, the first since discussions broke down in February, failed to reach agreement. No date has been set for talks to resume, and the foreign minister said Ethiopia doesnt believe its time to take them to a head of state level. The years-long dispute pits Ethiopias desire to become a major power exporter and development engine against Egypts concern that the dam will significantly curtail its water supply if filled too quickly. Sudan has long been caught between the competing interests. The arrival of the rainy season is bringing more water to the Blue Nile, the main branch of the Nile, and Ethiopia sees an ideal time to begin filling the dams reservoir next month. Both Egypt and Ethiopia have hinted at military steps to protect their interests, and experts fear a breakdown in talks could lead to conflict. Ethiopias foreign minister would not say whether his country would use military action to defend the dam and its operations. This dam should have been a reason for co-operation and regional integration, not a cause for controversies and warmongering, he said. Egyptians are exaggerating their propaganda on the dam issue and playing a political gamble. Some of them seem as if they are longing for a war to break out. Gedu added: Our reading is that the Egyptian side wants to dictate and control even future developments on our river. We wont ask for permission to carry out development projects on our own water resources. This is both legally and morally unacceptable. He said Ethiopia has offered to fill the dam in four to seven years, taking possible low rainfall into account. Sticking points in the talks have been how much water Ethiopia will release downstream from the dam during a multi-year drought and how Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan will resolve any future disputes. The United States earlier this year tried to broker a deal, but Ethiopia did not attend the signing meeting and accused the Trump administration of siding with Egypt. This week some Ethiopians felt vindicated when the U.S. National Security Council tweeted that 257 million people in east Africa are relying on Ethiopia to show strong leadership, which means striking a fair deal. In reply to that, Ethiopias foreign minister said: Statements issued from governments and other institutions on the dam should be crafted carefully not to take sides and impair the fragile talks, especially at this delicate time. They should issue fair statements or just issue no statements at all. He also rejected the idea that the issue should be taken to the United Nations Security Council, as Egypt wants. The latest talks saw officials from the U.S., European Union and South Africa, the current chairman of the African Union, attending as observers. Sudans Irrigation Minister Yasser Abbas told reporters after talks ended Wednesday that the three counties irrigation leaders have agreed on 90% or 95% of the technical issues but the dispute over the legal points in the deal remains dissolved. The Sudanese minister said his country and Egypt rejected Ethiopias attempts to include articles on water sharing and old Nile treaties in the dam deal. Egypt has received the lions share of the Niles waters under decades-old agreements dating back to the British colonial era. Eighty-five per cent of the Niles waters originate in Ethiopia from the Blue Nile. The Egyptians want us to offer a lot, but they are not ready to offer us anything, Gedu said Friday. They want to control everything. We are not discussing a water-sharing agreement. The countries should not get stuck in a debate about historic water rights, William Davison, senior analyst on Ethiopia with the International Crisis Group, told reporters this week. During a period of filling, yes, theres reduced water downstream. But thats a temporary period, he said. Initial power generation from the dam could be seen late this year or in early 2021, he said. Ethiopia foreign minister expressed disappointment in Egypt's efforts to find backing for its side. Our African brotherly countries should have supported us, but instead they are tainting our countrys name around the world, and especially in the Arab world, he said. Egypts monopolistic approach to the dam issue will not be acceptable for us forever. As coronavirus cases surge in states across the South and West of the United States, health experts in countries with falling case numbers are watching with a growing sense of alarm and disbelief, with many wondering why virus-stricken U.S. states continue to reopen and why the advice of scientists is often ignored. "It really does feel like the U.S. has given up," said Siouxsie Wiles, an infectious-diseases specialist at the University of Auckland in New Zealand - a country that has confirmed only three new cases over the last three weeks and where citizens have now largely returned to their pre-coronavirus routines. "I can't imagine what it must be like having to go to work knowing it's unsafe," Wiles said of the U.S.-wide economic reopening. "It's hard to see how this ends. There are just going to be more and more people infected, and more and more deaths. It's heartbreaking." China's actions over the past week stand in stark contrast to those of the United States. In the wake of a new cluster of more than 150 new cases that emerged in Beijing, authorities sealed off neighborhoods, launched a mass testing campaign and imposed travel restrictions. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump maintains that the United States will not shut down a second time, although a surge in cases has convinced governors in some states, including Arizona, to walk back their opposition to mandatory face coverings in public. Commentators and experts in Europe, where cases have continued to decline, voiced concerns over the state of the U.S. response. A headline on the website of Germany's public broadcaster read: "Has the U.S. given up its fight against coronavirus?" Switzerland's conservative Neue Zurcher Zeitung newspaper concluded, "U.S. increasingly accepts rising covid-19 numbers." "The only thing one can say with certainty: There's nothing surprising about this development," a journalist wrote in the paper, referring to crowded U.S. beaches and pools during Memorial Day weekend in May. Some European health experts fear that the rising U.S. caseloads are rooted in a White House response that has at times deviated from the conclusions of leading scientists. "Many scientists appeared to have reached an adequate assessment of the situation early on [in the United States], but this didn't translate into a political action plan," said Thomas Gerlinger, a professor of health sciences at the University of Bielefeld in Germany. For instance, it took a long time for the United States to ramp up testing capacity. Whereas the U.S. response to the crisis has at times appeared disconnected from American scientists' publicly available findings, U.S. researchers' conclusions informed the actions of foreign governments. "A large portion of [Germany's] measures that proved effective was based on studies by leading U.S. research institutes," said Karl Lauterbach, a Harvard-educated epidemiologist who is a member of the German parliament for the Social Democrats, who are part of the coalition government. Lauterbach advised the German parliament and the government during the pandemic. Despite its far older population, Germany has confirmed fewer than 9,000 coronavirus-linked deaths, compared to almost 120,000 in the United States. (Germany has about one-fourth of the United States' population.) Lauterbach cited in particular the work of Marc Lipsitch, a professor of epidemiology at Harvard University, whose research with colleagues recently suggested that forms of social distancing may have to remain in place into 2022. Lipsitch's work, Lauterbach said, helped him to convince German Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz that the pandemic will be "the new normal" for the time being, and it impacted German officials' thinking on how long their strategy should be in place. Regarding the effectiveness of face masks, Lauterbach added, "we almost entirely relied on U.S. studies." Germany was among the first major European countries to make face masks mandatory on public transport and in supermarkets. Lipsitch said Thursday that he was not previously aware of the impact of his research on German decision-making, but added that he has spoken to representatives of several other foreign governments in recent weeks, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and officials or advisers from Canada, New Zealand and South Korea. Even though Lipsitch cautioned it was impossible for him to say how or if his conversations influenced foreign governments' thinking, he credited the overall European response as "science-based and a sincere effort to find out what experts in the field believe is a range of possible scenarios and consequences of decisions." Lipsitch said he presented some of his research to a White House group in the early stages of the U.S. outbreak but said the Trump administration's response to the pandemic did not reflect his conclusions. "I think they have cherry-picked models that at each point looked the most rosy, and fundamentally not engaged with the magnitude of the problem," he said. The White House has defended its approach as science-based. After a study by Imperial College London predicted 510,000 deaths in Britain and 2.2 million in the United States if the pandemic remained fully uncontrolled, for instance, the Trump administration indicated that it was taking the research into account. "If we didn't act quickly and smartly, we would have had, in my opinion and in the opinion of others, anywhere from 10 to 20 and maybe even 25 times the number of deaths," Trump said two months later, But European researchers dispute that the U.S. government's reliance on scientists to inform decision-making comes anywhere near the degree to which many European policymakers have relied on researchers. After consulting U.S. research and German studies, for instance, German leaders agreed to make reopening dependent on case numbers, meaning restrictions snap back or reopening gets put on hold if the case numbers in a given region exceed a certain threshold. Meanwhile, several U.S. states have reopened despite rising case numbers. "I don't understand that logic," said Reinhard Busse, a health management professor a the Technical University of Berlin. Lauterbach said that while most Germans disapproved of Trump before the pandemic, even his staunchest critics in Germany were surprised by how even respected U.S. institutions including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) struggled to respond to the crisis. The CDC, for instance, initially botched the rollout of test kits in the early stages of the outbreak. "Like many other aspects of our country, the CDC's ability to function well is being severely handicapped by the interference coming from the White House," said Harvard epidemiologist Lipsitch. "All of us in public health very much hope that this is not a permanent condition of the CDC." Some observers fear the damage will be difficult to reverse. "I've always thought of the CDC as a reliable and trusted source of information, said Wiles, the New Zealand specialist. "Not anymore." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 08:23 582 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdffe1d3 1 National BKSDA,nature-conservation,Asian-golden-cat,Bukittinggi,west-sumatra,sumatera-barat Free The Bukittinggi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA Bukittinggi) has rescued an Asian golden cat from a boar trap at a plantation in Kamang Mudiak village in Agam regency, West Sumatra. The medium-sized wild cat, a rare species, sustained an injury on the front side of its left leg. BKSDA Bukittinggi head Vera Chiko said he received a report from a local who found the trapped animal in a field. His team immediately went to the location to rescue the cat. Read also: Wildlife agency rescues bear cub ensnared in trap in Riau oil palm plantation The location where the cat was trapped is far from the locals residence. The animal is currently receiving treatment at a vet clinic in Bukittinggi Zoo, Chiko said on Wednesday as quoted by kompas.com. Chiko said the 4-year-old male cat had been trapped for two days prior to being saved. The locals said that the trap had been installed two days ago. They also stated that golden cats were commonly found in the area, Chiko added. (dpk) New evidence of Russian aircraft active in Libyan airspace Russia's introduction of manned, armed attack aircraft into Libya changes the nature of the current conflict and intensifies the potential of risk to all Libyans, especially innocent civilians. By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs , United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Jun 18, 2020 Russian aircraft delivered to Libya in late May are being actively flown in Libya. These Russian aircraft are being used to support private military companies (PMCs) sponsored by the Russian government. U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) has photographic evidence of a Russian aircraft taking off from al-Jufra, Libya. A MiG-29 was also photographed operating in the vicinity of the city of Sirte, Libya. "Russia's sustained involvement in Libya increases the violence and delays a political solution," said U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Bradford Gering, USAFRICOM director of operations. "Russia continues to push for a strategic foothold on NATO's southern flank and this is at the expense of innocent Libyan lives." In late May, USAFRICOM reported that at least 14 MiG-29s and several Su-24s were flown from Russia to Syria, where their Russian markings were painted over to camouflage their Russian origin. These aircraft were then flown into Libya in direct violation of the United Nations arms embargo. "We know these fighters were not already in Libya and being repaired," said Col. Chris Karns, director of USAFRICOM public affairs. "Clearly, they came from Russia. They didn't come from any other country." Russia's introduction of manned, armed attack aircraft into Libya changes the nature of the current conflict and intensifies the potential of risk to all Libyans, especially innocent civilians. "There is concern these Russian aircraft are being flown by inexperienced, non-state PMC mercenaries who will not adhere to international law; namely, they are not bound by the traditional laws of armed conflict," Gering said. "If this is true and bombing occurs, innocent Libyan lives are at risk." As the number one arms dealer in Africa, Russia continues to profit from violence and instability across the continent. Russian government backed PMCs, such as the Wagner Group, are active in sixteen countries across Africa. It is estimated that there are about 2,000 Wagner Group personnel in Libya. "Russia has relentlessly stuck to a narrative of implausible denials in the media," said Karns. "It's difficult to deny facts. Russian interference and masking of activity in Libya is visible and delaying progress. Progress the people of Libya deserve." Editor's Note: Imagery of the Russian aircraft can be found at: https://go.usa.gov/xwyce NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address It has been a rough week for the film fraternity. In the wake of Sushant Singh Rajput's untimely demise, members of Bollywood have come out in numbers to mourn the departed actor. Talks about mental health have entered conversations. Singh's death has also amplified the noise around the nepotism that exists in the country and how "star kids" are favoured over "outsiders". DevD star Abhay Deol, on Friday, joined the bandwagon of a long list of artists who have criticised the industry for the evils that exist within and why a particular incident made him boycott "familyfare" award functions. "'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara', released in 2011. Need to chant this title to myself everyday nowadays! Also a great watch when anxious or stressed," Deol wrote in his post. Without mincing any words, Deol dropped one truth bomb after another. Speaking of Zoya Akhtar's critically acclaimed film that starred Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Katrina Kaif, and Kalki Koechlin alongside, a movie that also earned him his first nomination for Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor, the 44-year-old actor expressed his disappointment with the nomination he was put under. "I would like to mention that almost all the award functions demoted me and Farhan from main leads, and nominated us as 'supporting actors'. Hrithik and Katrina were nominated as 'actors in a leading role'," Deol, who played the lead role of Arjun, wrote. "So by the industrys own logic, this was a film about a man and a woman falling in love, with the man supported by his friends for whatever decisions he takes," he quipped about ZNMD, a story about three childhood friends who meet up and set off on a road trip. Saying how Farhan Akhtar, who was also in the lead, was okay with being reduced to a supporting actor, Deol concluded: "There are many covert and overt ways in which people in the industry lobby against you. In this case it was shamelessly overt. I of course boycotted the awards but Farhan was ok with it." Fans and his followers appreciated him for standing up against the bullies in the industry. Ironically, while the dimpled-cheek actor did make some valid and compelling points, it's worth reminding that he too comes from an influential Bollywood background and perhaps landed his dream debut in Imtiaz Ali's 2005 Socha Na Tha given his golden lineage -- Dharmendra being his uncle, Hema Malini aunt, and Sunny and Bobby Deol, his cousins. Later on, he carved his own niche and appeared in several critically acclaimed cinema. Many, on social media, pointed out the same. Isnt he dharmendras nephew? Now you all decide who was bigger Dharmendra or Rakesh Roshan? And this film only got awards for best film and director ...not acting ..kuch bhi Anasuya (@basuanasuya) June 19, 2020 First world problems... Roshan >> Deol >> ... >> boy from Patna I understand what he is trying to say, love him as an actor and seems to be a gem of a person. But it is difficult for him and FA to disassociate from benefits of family name. Rohit Gajare (@rohitbg1512) June 19, 2020 However, Deol also happens to be in the minority of insiders who do not shy away from speaking their mind. Three years ago, Deol ruffled some feathers by calling out Bollywood's obsession with light tone skin and fairness creams. Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Vidya Balan, John Abraham faced his brunt for featuring in ad campaigns that sold fairness creams and other such products. He specifically chose campaigns that, subtly or blatantly, tried to sell the idea that being dark was not beautiful. Recently, Deol called out "woke" Indians who were so interested in fighting systemic racism in the US, that they perhaps forgot to look 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. Decrease Font Size Font Size Increase Font Size Article body As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to drive food insecurity rates for Alabama families, End Child Hunger in Alabama, an outreach initiative led by Auburn Universitys Hunger Solutions Institute in the College of Human Sciences, has launched a comprehensive project to ensure all Alabamians can find nutritious food near them. The End Child Hunger in Alabama, or ECHA, County Food Guide Project is an interactive map of Alabama counties on the ECHA website. Once residents click on their county, they will be directed to a page that lists nearby food resources. Volunteers and community partners maintain the map on a regular basis with up-to-date information, so those in need are encouraged to visit the site often. The ongoing health crisis continues to take a toll on families in Alabama and around the globe. Sadly, the impacts of this virus are reaching our youngest citizens, and for some, this could mean worrying about their next meal, said Gov. Kay Ivey. As a longtime advocate for End Child Hunger in Alabama, I am proud to see them introduce a new, comprehensive tool that will greatly aid those who need it most, especially during the evolving COVID-19 situation. ECHA is a network of key state leaders representing both public and private sectors working together to end child hunger in the state of Alabama. The County Food Guide Project is an extension of their mission under the current circumstances in which families may be especially pressed to find food. ECHA partnering organizations diligently work to ensure every child in Alabama has access to nutritious foods, said Alicia Powers, managing director of Auburn Universitys Hunger Solutions Institute. In the case of COVID-19, access must include not only ensuring the physical presence of a food resource, but also informing the public of the most up-to-date operating procedures for food resources. As the facilitator of ECHA, the Hunger Solutions Institute is pleased to coordinate and maintain the County Food Guides supporting Alabamians as we all continue to navigate the impact of COVID-19. STURTEVANT On Wednesday the one-year anniversary of Racine Police Officer John Hetlands death those impacted by his life took time to come together. Hetlands family members, friends and Racine area law enforcement officers gathered at Hiawatha Bar and Grill, 9809 Durand Ave., Sturtevant, to honor the officer, who was killed on June 17, 2019. He was not working at the time, but stepped in to try to stop the man who was robbing Teezers Bar and Grill. Hiawatha was one of his main haunts. Its where he was known as Johnny Cop. There, he befriended bartenders, the bar owners and patrons alike. Top notch. Fun. Funny, recalled Tammy Graceffa, Hiawathas owner. When Hetland died, it affected people throughout the community. Men the 24-year police veteran had previously arrested even said they were saddened by the news, according to Investigator Kevin Klinkhammer of the Racine Police Department. That was a sad day, a prior arrestee of Hetlands told Klinkhammer after Hetland was killed. A real street cop Klinkhammer and Hetland served for eight years together on the third shift. They also worked together on bigger cases. Hetland was skilled at both, Klinkhammer said. Hetland was a talker and the consummate de-escalator, invaluable traits for an urban police officer, his family, friends and fellow officers remember. He could make friends with someone who, upon Hetlands arrival, had thought the cops were the enemy. He had the knack, Klinkhammer said. He could do the long-term (investigations). He was a good at street cop. Thats a testament to his character, added Lt. Adam Malacara. He could talk to a person and calm them down. The impact of Hetland on the Racine Police Department remains apparent virtually every day. His name has been added to the departments Wall of Honor inside the police station at 730 Center St. But in day-to-day operations, Malacara said that oftentimes he and other officers will say to themselves: What would Johnny do? I dont know how many times weve been talking about What would Johnny do? Parrish Williams, who befriended Hetland at the bar, tried to find the positive in the death of his friend. I truly believe his death brought me to meet people I never ever would have met in my life, Williams said. I miss him but I never would have met his father or his brother-in-law or his mother Youve got to look at negative and take the positive. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The Manipur Congress is set to make a comeback under former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh. The Congress is hoping to transform its fortunes in Manipur where it emerged as the single-largest party with 28 MLAs in the 2017 Assembly election but was unable to form the government. The Grand Old Party suffered a blow in 2017 after Manipur governor Najma Heptullah had invited the BJP to stake its claim and form the government, but it seems that the state Congress is now set to make a comeback under former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh. On Thursday, Congress leaders and their like-minded partners marched to the Raj Bhawan in Imphal and met the governor to stake a claim and form the Secular Progressive Front (SPF) government. They also requested a special Assembly session for a trust vote, insisting they had the numbers. We met the governor around 3.30 pm today along with like-minded parties, including National Peoples Party (NPP), and requested a special Assembly session for our vote of no-confidence motion against the BJP-led government, said Manipur Congress spokesperson Ningombam Bupenda Meitei, who termed it a historic moment marking the 19th Great June Uprising Day when 18 persons laid down their lives protecting the territorial integrity of Manipur. On Wednesday, nine MLAs, including three BJP legislators, resigned to join the Congress. Four legislators from the National Peoples Party (NPP) including three ministers Health and Family Welfare Minister L Jayantakumar Singh, deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh, YAS minister Letpao Haokip and tribal affairs minister N Kayisii withdrew support to the BJP-led government. The former deputy chief minister officially announced his resignation citing disrespectful treatment to legislators, and in view of the Assembly elections in 2022. The lone Independent MLA from Jiribam and Trinamool Congress MLA also expressed support to the Congress. In the 60-member Assembly, the Congress now has 20 MLAs, and the strength of BJP has been reduced to 18 with the Speaker accepting the resignation of the three BJP MLAs. While another Congress MLA and former minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar had been disqualified earlier for defecting to the BJP, seven Congress defectors are barred from entering the House by the High Court of Manipur. That reduces the legitimate strength of the House to 49. The present BJP-led coalition government has 23 MLAs, 22 including the Speaker, four from the Naga Peoples Front (NPF) and one from Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). The SPF has 26 MLAs, including 20 Congress, four NPP, a Trinamool Congress and an Independent MLA. Earlier on Thursday night, Congress MLA K Meghachandra, along with 12 other MLAs including NPP legislators, submitted a notice to Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretary for the removal of Speaker Yumnam Khemchand under Article 179 (C) of the Constitution of India. The move is seen as a deliberate attempt to render the Speaker incapable of disqualifying the seven defectors who await his decision in the removal of pending anti-defection cases against them. Meghachandra stated that the Speaker was to have taken a decision regarding the disqualification of the seven MLAs on 22 June, but the matter was advanced to 18 June after the political drama on Wednesday night. The court ruled that while no time period was indicated by the Speaker when the writ petitions were listed in court on 16 June, they were rescheduled all of a sudden on 18 June. The court further observed that since no reason was disclosed for the sudden rescheduling of petitions, it appeared to be prima facie unfair and unreasonable. The Manipur High Court on Thursday directed that in order to avoid further complicacy in the disposal of petitions pending before the Speaker the judgment that is reserved to be pronounced by him on 18 June shall be kept in abeyance till Friday. If the Speakers Tribunal rules in favour of the seven Congress MLAs, the effective strength of the House would rise to 56 and the SPF will have 33 MLAs while the BJP will remain with 23. Meanwhile, the Congress is also confident of winning the Rajya Sabha elections Friday by defeating Manipurs titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba to the lone Rajya Sabha seat. However, with complications arising, political pundits have predicted Presidents Rule for Manipur, observing that the Congress might find itself in the same place where it was left in 2017. Meitei chose to play down the tension stating we will then go to Supreme Court immediately. (Natural News) When can a police officer use deadly force? Can a cop defend himself when an intoxicated man resists arrests, steals the officers taser, and attacks? Should police offers succumb to beatings and allow dangerous criminals and intoxicated drivers to threaten their life? This is what happened to Officer Garrett Rolfe from the Atlanta PD. After pulling over a suspect for driving under the influence, Rolfe attempted to make an arrest, but he was attacked in the process. The suspect, 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, stole the officers taser and attacked him. Officer Rolfe fought back in self defense and shot the suspect in an effort to apprehend him. Anti-cop DA to abolish self defense, handicap police officers from doing their jobs Suspect Rayshard Brooks took a needless, deadly risk when he fought the officers and criminally attacked them with their taser. However, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard, an anti-cop activist, has charged Officer Garrett Rolfe with 11 criminal counts, including felony murder charges with the possibility of the death penalty. Most of the Atlanta PD is now standing with Officer Garrett Rolfe. Burke country Sheriff Alfonzo Williams said the officer was justified in shooting the suspect because the suspect attacked the officers with their own taser. Fellow officers with the Atlanta PD are now walking off the job in protest of Fulton County District Attorneys decision to press charges against Officer Rolfe. In fact, officers left their evening shift posts in Zone 3, 4 and 6, and are not responding to calls in the city. There are reports that officers are turning off their car radios, refusing to respond to reports of criminal misconduct. Its the worst day in law enforcement in the city of Atlanta thats ever been, said Vince Champion, regional director of the International Brotherhood of Police officers. The morale within the Atlanta Police Department has hit an all-time low. Atlanta PD unraveling as street thugs rise to power, criminalizing self defense The Atlanta PD is beginning to unravel as anti-cop sentiment engulfs the nation. Atlanta could become one of the first major U.S. cities to lose its law enforcement, as the communist Left convinces the nation that cops can no longer use force at all or defend their communities from violent criminals. Yes, law enforcement should be held to high standards, but they cannot be made handicap to violent offenders, prosecuted for defending themselves. Without strong and capable law enforcement, gangs will rule the streets, extorting whomever them want, while running drugs into the streets. When police are told to stand down, violent BLM and Antifa mobs can hijack portions of a city, like they did in Seattle. As thugs gain power, they threaten to abolish the police, as they continue to riot, loot and pillage property, threatening innocent lives. This case in Atlanta is important, for it has implications that will permeate law enforcement operations around the country and drastically affect the right of individuals to defend their own lives and property. If a police officer can be given the death penalty for acting in self defense, then what can happen to individuals who act in self defense after they are attacked by gangs, mobs and violent criminals? If Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard gets his way, then Antifa and the BLM mobs will gain incredible new legal power to attack whomever they want and berate police officers. Officers and law abiding citizens will be helpless, scared to fight back in self defense for fear of prosecution. A person of white skin, defending himself from BLM mobs, could ultimately be given the death penalty for daring to save his own life. A white person, especially a white cop, is now perceived as a racist white supremacist if they defend their families and their communities from BLM mobs and Antifa terrorists. As police departments unravel because they arent allowed to do their job, cities will devolve into a Wild West scenario, where everyone is left to fend for themselves. This will only go on for so long, until police departments lose their best men and women and are overrun by the very thugs who are rising to power on the streets. Sources include: BigLeaguePolitics.com Breitbart.com NaturalNews.com Meggie Kwait, a Jewish day school teacher from New York City, won $50,000 on the recent "Jeopardy!" educators tournament. She is seen with host Alex Trebek and the other two finalists. (JTA) - Astute viewers could find plenty of signs during the recent "Jeopardy!" Teachers Tournament that one leading contestant had some Jewish bona fides. There was the fact that Meggie Kwait teaches at Beit Rabban Day School, a Jewish school on Manhattan's Upper West Side. There was her covered hair, rare among game-show contestants but more common among observant Jewish women. And then there was her bet for the final question on a day when she was so far ahead she couldn't lose. "Yes, I wagered $18," Kwait told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. "That was when all the Jews realized I was Jew... (JTA) President Donald Trump authorized sanctions against the International Criminal Court should it pursue cases against U.S. citizens and cited what he said was its anti-Israel bias. In an executive order issued Thursday, Trump approved economic sanctions and travel restrictions against ICC workers directly involved in investigating American troops and intelligence officials for possible war crimes in Afghanistan. The United States has not consented to the investigations. The travel restrictions also apply to the workers families. The U.S. is not a member of the ICC, since it has n... You may have noticed that there are fewer new articles than usual on Inc.com today. That's because the entire Inc. team is taking the day off in honor of Juneteenth. As you know, June 19 was the date in 1865 when General Gordon Granger of the Union Army read the federal orders in Galveston, Texas, that freed the last of the slaves held by a defeated Confederate state. That date now commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and the nation's recommitment to the ideal expressed in President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address of 1863 and the Declaration of Independence, signed almost 90 years earlier, that "all men are created equal." We at Inc. are taking Juneteenth off not because that ideal has been achieved, but because it hasn't. We are in the midst of a nationwide self-examination, in which the privileged among us have been compelled to confront the gulf between what we are as a nation and what we want to be. The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Rayshard Brooks make it clear how far we have to go. All white people are now witness to a reality that black people have always known. Before the events of the past month, it was possible for people like me to pretend that the police treated white people and black people equitably. Before the past month, it was possible for people like me to imagine that what success we have in life stems solely from our own hard work and talent--and to ignore the subtle social infrastructure that gives us a head start at birth and a steady tailwind through life. We at Inc. have written quite a bit in the past month about the nation's self-examination. And in recent days, we've turned the lens on ourselves. In tough conversations over the past week, we've acknowledged how far each of us has to go as individuals, myself definitely included. My colleagues at Inc. have suggested that we use the day off to reflect, read, and perhaps peel away some of the consoling myths that people like me have hidden behind for generations. For my part, I'm finally going to watch 13th, Ava DuVernay's 2016 documentary about mass incarceration in the United States, to dig deeper into Between the World and Me, which Ta-Nehisi Coates wrote as a letter to his son in 2015, and to catch more episodes of Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man, the series created by Emmanuel Acho to discuss issues of race with white people. Here is a reading list in case you'd like to do something similar. At Inc., we have pledged to do better as a company as well. Inspired by recommendations from all over the organization, we have committed to considering at least two candidates from minority groups for every open position. We are forming a committee of staffers across the whole team to keep our focus on diversity and equity in our hiring and retention practices, and to make sure that we are a leader in the field and not a follower. One of the committee's first tasks will be to select advisers to survey our staff, audit our existing practices, and help us build a lasting strategy that will keep us on track well into the future. South Africa must cut spending to avoid a sovereign debt crisis within the next four years, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni said. Mboweni is preparing to deliver a revised budget on June 24 that will reflect the devastation wrought on the economy by the coronavirus pandemic, he told lawmakers Thursday in Cape Town. The Treasury plans to make "very serious and unusual changes" to its expenditure plans, he said. "We can no longer spend the way we were spending before," he said. "A sovereign-debt crisis is a very serious matter and we are looking it in the eye by 2024 if we do not redo our budget, if we do not manage our house finances carefully." The adjustment budget Mboweni is preparing will redirect $7.5 billion (130 billion rand) of spending in the 500 billion-rand coronavirus stimulus package President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in April. The fiscal deficit is likely to be double the 6.8% of gross domestic product Mboweni projected in February, and forecasts for government debt could be close to 80% of GDP. The country was already running "crisis-level deficits" before the virus hit and the pandemic is resulting in additional fiscal deterioration, central bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago, who is also a former director-general of the Treasury, said Thursday in a public lecture. "Sustainability concerns have to be addressed at a fiscal level," he said. "This means that the debt-to-GDP ratio has to stabilize, and those projections need to be realistic." Revenue collection in South Africa has been undershooting estimates for at least five years. A nationwide lockdown that began in March to curb the spread of the virus is likely to further weigh on tax income, with many businesses forced to shut down permanently. That means the government won't be able to spend more to boost an economy that the central bank projects will contract by 7% this year. Mboweni said the government must consider adopting a zero-based budgeting system, in which funds are allocated according to the state's revenue base. Ramaphosa backed the proposal in a separate speech to lawmakers on Thursday, when he said such an approach would become "the new normal." "We are no longer as rich as we thought we were," Mboweni said. "We are much, much poorer and therefore all of us have to adjust our expectations." A debt crisis would force the nation to seek help from the International Monetary Fund, which would result in the public service and state pensions being slashed, along with "all kinds of structural reform programs we do not want," he said. 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 Indo-China border standoff: Plan to start construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya put on hold India oi-Madhuri Adnal Ayodhya, Jun 19: Amid the Indo-China border standoff, the Ram Mandir trust has put on hold its plan to begin the construction of the temple in Ayodhya. The decision comes days after a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh left 20 Indian Army personnel dead. India ups ante, signals to China it is ready for escalation India-China Galwan faceoff: China releases 10 Indian soldiers from custody | Oneindia News Expressing concern over the killing of Indian soldiers, the trust which has been charged with the construction of the temple after the historic Supreme Court verdict last year, said a new date will be decided soon. "The decision to begin construction (of temple) will be taken according to the situation in the country and will be announced officially," Anil Mishra, member of the trust told PTI. In an official communique, the trust said that the situation at the India-China border is "serious" and defending the country is "most important". The trust also paid tributes to the soldiers. Meanwhile, different Hindu organisations staged protests against China in Ayodhya. While Hindu Mahasabha activists burned the Chinese flag, activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) burned the effigy of Chinese President Xi Jinping and smashed Chinese-made products. New Delhi: A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to suspended Jammu and Kashmir DSP Davinder Singh, who was arrested in January while ferrying two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway. Singh`s lawyer MS Khan confirmed that bail has been granted to him in the terror case by Additional Sessions Judge Dharmendra Rana after the Delhi Police failed to file the chargesheet within the stipulated time period. On Wednesday, Singh and another accused Irfan Shafi Mir had moved the court for bail on the technical ground that the charge sheet was not filed within 90 days, as prescribed under law. Their bail applications asserted that the accused were "wrongly and falsely implicated" in the case. "There is no material evidence to show the existence of any conspiracy to commit any act with the intent to threaten or likely to threaten the unity, integrity, security or sovereignty of India and there is also no material to substantiate that the accused had the intention or conspired to carry out a terror strike," it added. On June 9, the duo, along with another accused Syed Naveed Mushtaq, had sought bail but later withdrawn the plea. The Delhi Police Special Cell is probing their role in the alleged planning of a terror attack. Singh was in judicial custody in Hira Nagar Jail in Jammu and Kashmir till June 16. Besides Davinder Singh, accused Javed Iqbal, Syed Naveed Mushtaq, and Imran Shafi Mir are also in custody. Delhi Police`s Special Cell had brought him from Hira Nagar Jail to the national capital in March for interrogation in another case. Police had earlier told the court that Mushtaq, alleged to be Hizbul Mujahideen commander of Shopian district, along with other militants, were planning to execute a terror attack in Delhi and other parts of the country and targeted killings of protected persons. In this connection, the Delhi Police had filed an FIR which stated that the youths of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab are being trained for carrying out terrorist activities. Egypt has condemned Turkish and Iranian military interventions in northern Iraq in the strongest terms, describing them as a continuation of repeated violations against the country. In a statement on Thursday, Egypts foreign ministry said the intervention was a violation of international charters and covenants which stipulate a respect for nations sovereignty and the principle of good neighbourliness. It stressed its full rejection of any violations that affect the sovereignty of any Arab state, taking into consideration the consequences of such acts in deepening instability in the region. The statement called on all parties to respect the sovereignty of Iraq, and keep it removed from any international or regional tensions that would hinder its development and stability. Egypts denunciation came hours after Turkey said its warplanes had hit over 500 Kurdish militant targets in northern Iraqs Haftanin area in an operation against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The Turkish strike is part of a number of raids in the past days against the PKK, which Ankara said came in response to increased militant attacks on its army bases. Search Keywords: Short link: A George Washington statue was toppled by protesters in Portland, Oregon, on the night before Juneteenth, which marks the day in 1865 when all slaves were freed from slavery. Statues across the United States have come under scrutiny, specifically those of Confederate generals who fought to keep slavery in the country. But figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson have also come under scrutiny in recent weeks, as they both owned slaves. This has sparked a conversation about how far the toppling of statues should go. A group of about 20 people first gathered on Thursday evening around Portland's George Washington statue, KOIN reported. First, an American flag was placed around the statue's head and burned. The crowd slowly grew in numbers until there were enough people to help pull the statue down to the ground, encouraging people to leave the area. Video footage showed the statue toppled with a second American flag burning around it. Police later responded to the scene and the statue was found on the ground with graffiti that read "genocide colonist" across the surface. Portland first put up the nearly 100-year-old statue on a date around 1926, and it was expected to be part of the City of Portland and Multnomah County Public Art Collection. The statue was gifted by the Regional Arts & Culture Council. It now becomes the latest that has toppled in recent weeks as unrest grows across the country. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 19) Amid calls for help from various education stakeholders, senators find ways to help fund the new normal in education. During the joint Senate Local Government and Basic Education Committee hearing on Friday, senators pushed to expand the application of the Special Education Fund or SEF to help in the implementation of the new blended learning scheme amid the COVID-19 health crisis. Under the Local Government Code, the SEF provides local school boards funding for necessary educational expenses. Among these, operation and maintenance of public schools, construction and repair of school buildings, facilities and equipment, and purchase of books and periodicals. The SEF comes from shares of local government units in the proceeds of the additional one percent tax on real property. Senate Basic Education Committee Chairman Win Gatchalian said he wants the fund to be used for the localized COVID-19 testing of teachers, learners, and personnel. He also wants the SEF to be used in procuring disinfection materials and other public health supplies such as soap, alcohol, thermometers, and sanitizers. Gatchalian also pushed for funding for the training of teachers and personnel for emergency response and to raise awareness on COVID-19. Senate Committee on Health Chairman Bong Go also said he wants the SEF to be used to fund the operation of Alternative Learning System, and payment of salaries and benefits of school staff. May mga munisipyo, mga 4th class municipalities na kulang talaga ang kanilang pondo. Ni notebook, ballpen o lapis ay hindi po nila kayang bumili. Napaka-unfair po noon. Hirap na nga sila sa access sa magagandang classroom o kumpletong kagamitan they were deprived po sa mga educational materials such as notebooks dahil di kayang bumili iyong kanilang local government units, Go explained. When one thinks of the most iconic paintings of legendary painter Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper surely comes to the mind of many, apart from Monalisa, obviously. The original mural was painted in the Convent of Santa Maria Delle Grazie in Milan. Wikipedia However, with age and the nature of the painting itself (being painted on a wall instead of on a canvas or other medium) there has been considerable deterioration in its condition with a ton of loss in detail. But, there exists a copy of this exact painting, recreated by Giampietrino and Giovanni Antonio Boltfraffio in the form of an oil canvas which was created during the 1515-1520s. Relatively the same size as the original painting, it shows details like the original painting cannot today. This painting rests in the Royal Academy of Arts and now Google has teamed up to get this along with other art creations online using its Gigapixel technology for people to witness it in beautiful detail right from the comforts of their home, in the form of an online exhibition, during this lockdown. Royal Academy of Arts Google Arts & Culture head Luisella Mazza said in a statement, The Royal Academy is famed for being experimental, welcoming and a thoroughly modern institution for art lovers everywhere,' said Google Arts & Culture head Luisella Mazza. Although we are unable to visit in person, we can still experience it from anywhere in the world. She added, By bringing their stories online, Google Arts & Culture will allow users to go behind the scenes and explore the range of activities that go on at this innovative and extraordinary institution. The Last Supper in amazing detail The reason the painting by Giampietrino and Giovanni Antonio Boltfraffio is iconic because it shows the detail and elements that have been lost in the original like Jesuss feet which was lost when a door was cut through the refectory wall on which it was painted, among several others. This isnt the only painting in the exhibit though. There are over 230 curated photographs and videos including 24 artworks that are captured with the Gigapixel Google Art Camera system, allowing you to look at the brush strokes and texture in excruciating detail. These include artwork by John Constables 1825 painting, The Leaping Horse, Mary Mosers Spring and Joshua Reynolds self-portraits. Google Arts and Culture also allows you to visit the Royal Academy right from your living room using its Google Street View tours, as well as see the arts from the museums on the walls of their homes using the Art Projector feature. Google Arts and Culture Google Arts and Culture: Future of tourism Google Arts and Culture, using its Gigapixel technology as well as Google Street View, is allowing people who are locked in the confines of their home, to experience monuments (like Taj Mahal), artwork and venues while sitting on their couch. Some even have the option to use Google Cardboard to have a more immersive experience. Sure it is not as good as being present at the venue to see it right from your eyes, but this capture technology is surely allowing us to experience every detail, making the experience from home more intuitive and engrossing than before. Tara Taylor (left) and Leonard Flowers, at the encampment of people who are homeless on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Taylor, a community organizer, said nonprofits that help the homeless have been "insufficient." Read more The people who have organized an encampment of more than 100 homeless individuals on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway have declined to use a homeless advocacy group to broker negotiations over their demands with the city. Sterling Johnson, a lawyer and housing activist who is working on behalf of the residents of the tent community, said he learned through leaked internal communications that the Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP), which offered its services, does not agree with what we are doing. That sets up a conflict. A city spokesperson said late Thursday afternoon that officials were still hoping to negotiate with these individuals at the encampment, which was started nine days ago. The spokesperson added that leaders of the encampment asked for information about spaces at hotels for some residents. In a story in The Inquirer on Thursday, a HAP official denigrated the encampment, saying it was irresponsible to form one in the time of COVID-19. HAP officials could not be reached Thursday night. Johnson countered that sleeping socially distant in tents is safer than sleeping in the streets like dogs. Articulating their demands, encampment leaders want the site to be sanctioned by the city as a permanent no police zone, similar to the much larger section of Seattle commandeered by activists in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and dubbed CHAZ. The organizers further call for the Police Department to disarm its officers; for the city to transfer ownership of the Housing Authority (PHA) to a permanent community land trust for low-income housing set up by one of the groups; for the city repeal all ordinances against camping on streets; and for the city to support erection of tiny houses for the homeless. Many people living at the encampment, perched on the edge of a softball field in a park at 22nd Street and the Parkway, have said they enjoy being off the streets. But city officials have told them they cant live there indefinitely. And neighborhood residents have expressed frustration with the setup. An amalgam of groups has helped shape the encampment, which has a cooking station, a library, a first aid station, musical instruments, portable bathrooms, and other amenities. The backers of the encampment include the Workers Revolutionary Collective, #Occupy PHA, and Black and Brown Workers Cooperative. People from around the city have donated food, money, and water. Johnson, 35, who is a member of the cooperative, lives in South Philadelphia. He emphasized that the camp is not us, saying its internal governance is overseen by the residents. The whole point was a protest, he said, and now its transformed past that. Johnson said that many of the homeless residents had been displaced from encampments before, such as one at the Convention Center on the second day of spring. This is part of a years-long campaign to get permanent housing solutions so people arent moving from one camp to another, he said. Sanctioned encampments and tiny houses are ideas that come out of years of homeless advocacy. As people went about their daily routines at the encampment on Thursday, Johnson was attending the funeral for his cousin James Talib-Dean Campbell, 34, of Blackwood, part of the Workers Revolutionary Collective and an organizer of the encampment. Campbell died of an overdose on Monday, Johnson said. Hed been extremely joyful about the camp and everything going on in his life, Johnson said. He worked at the site from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. the day before he died. I grew up with him. His dream was finding housing for people and supporting them. My job is to make sure his death wasnt for naught. Throughout the city on Thursday, advocates for the homeless were unsure of what to make of the encampment. I dont know the genesis of it, said Joe Willard, vice president for policy at the Peoples Emergency Center in West Philadelphia, which provides services to people who are homeless. I dont know the individuals involved. Another homeless advocate, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized by his agency to speak about the encampment, said, Were all equally baffled about who formed it, what it is. Carol Thomas, director of homeless services for Project HOME, considered the citys premier anti-homelessness organization, called it sad that two outreach workers from the city were thrown out of the encampment on Monday when they tried to ask residents if they needed help. A city official told The Inquirer that one of the workers was hit with a cell phone repeatedly by an encampment organizer. They were both pretty shaken up, Thomas said. She added that were not saying protest is wrong. People have that right. However, people also have the right to outreach services, and outreach should not be rejected and chased away, or targeted in any way. Tara Taylor, 28, a resident of the encampment designated as a spokesperson by Johnson, said that while residents dont want outreach here, it was not accurate that outreach workers were hit or chased out of here. Several individuals quietly disagreed, saying they would have liked to speak with outreach workers. Homeless advocates say outreach workers already know several of the encampment residents, many of whom are from Center City and are described as particularly resistant to living in shelters. Taylor, a community organizer from West Philadelphia, said that the encampment is a living protest to the nonprofits in the city that attempted to provide service before to people who are experiencing homelessness, but turned out to be insufficient. She added, They are not permitted to operate in the camp. FLINT, MI -- The Flint Freedom Schools Collaborative hosted a Harambee in the Park Juneteenth celebration Friday, June 19, at the Berston Fieldhouse. Today we celebrate our freedom from being enslaved people, said Dr. Jacquinne Reynolds, president of the Flint Freedom Schools Collaborative. On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger read General Order #3 in Galveston, Texas, stating all slaves were free. The news came to the last remaining slaves two and a half years after President Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation. Its been a long-standing day of celebration and, according to the proclamation, Michigan has recognized Juneteenth as a holiday for the last 16 years. A Harambee means pull together, work together, Reynolds said. Were bringing our children together to celebrate who they are: African American people of color. You are somebody and it starts with you, Reynolds said. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation Wednesday declaring Juneteenth a holiday. Senate bill introduced to make Juneteenth a national holiday However, Juneteenth needs to be a national holiday, Reynolds said. We can recognize that, yes, Fourth of July celebrates the independence of this country, but we have to remember that when that independence came there were still enslaved people, she said. Thats why its important to celebrate Juneteenth, then go into the Fourth of July. Juneteenth should not only be celebrated and recognized by black people, but by all people, she said. Come to the functions. Go out and support. Be there. Sing, dance eat, celebrate that we are no longer enslaved people, that we are free and we are part of the United States of America, Reynolds said. Part of the event was a reading by Isaiah Oliver, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. Oliver, a lifelong Flint resident, read The Eagles Who Thought They Were Chickens by Mychal Wynn to the crowd. Children acted out the scenes from the book. The Flint Freedom Schools Collaborative, which put on the even Friday, is based around culturally relevant reading curriculum, Reynolds said. The collaborative brings in youth to help them understand that they have a place in all of this. We think its important for children of color to see themselves in the books that they read, see themselves as the characters, see themselves in the story, she said. The program runs out of Calvary United Methodist Church and Bethel United Methodist Church in Flint, with about 50 children at each site from the beginning of June to the end of August. Bringing the community together to learn and understand the importance of Juneteenth was exciting to Jaela Young, 20. Young said she has interned with the Flint Freedom Schools Collaborative for two years. Its phenomenal to see more and more people celebrate the holiday, she said. It feels good. Were finally getting recognized, Young said. People are starting to care, to recognize there is not just one type of person in the world. Were not having to assimilate. Were celebrating differences -- thats what it is. Read more: Juneteenth celebrations planned for Friday in Flint Flint emerges as symbol of peace and unity amid protests and turmoil Local Eats: If I can do it, you can do it, says young Flint ice cream shop entrepreneur Search database of black-owned businesses in Michigan Looking for a way to be involved? Support one of these black-owned Michigan businesses Chief Minister Of Telangana K Chandrashekhar Rao announced that the state government would extend all help to family of Col Santosh Kumar who was martyred in the clashes with China troops in the Galwan valley. The CM has announced help to the family members of Col Santosh Kumar. The state government will give Rs 5 crore cash to the family, besides a residential plot, Group 1 Job for his wife. The CM also announced that he himself would personally go to the Santosh Kumars house and hand over the help. The CM also said that for the other 19 Martyred army men in the same incident, the state government would give Rs 10 lakh each through the Union Defence Ministry. The entire country should stand by the Military personnel guarding our countrys borders. We have to support those Martyred in their line of duty and help personnels family members. With such acts, one should instill self-confidence among the army personnel and security to the family members. We have to send a message that the entire country is with them. The Central government extends help to those martyred. But the states should also to extend their help. It is only then that the army personnel and their family members would have confidence that the country is standing by them. Exhibit the symbol of unity. Though there are problems with the Corona Virus, one should cut expenditure somewhere and work for welfare of the defence forces, the CM said this while interacting in Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modis videoconference. The CM opined that there should not be any hastiness following clashes that arisen between Indo-China armies at the Border. However, there is no need to bow our head as far as our countrys interests are concerned. The CM suggested to the PM to pursue long-term and short-term strategies to counter China. The CM also made it clear that on this issue, the state government would stand by the central government. Sri KCR said that what we require now is Ran neethi (War strategy) but not Raj Neethi (Political strategy/Politicisation). The CM felt that The China became jealous that there is a stable and strong governance in the country and the country is becoming a very strong economic force to recon with and hence the provocation from its side. The CM also announced the help state government is extending to Martyr Col Santosh Kumars family. Also Read: Rajya Sabha elections 2020: Congress wins two seats in Rajasthan, BJP gets two in Madhya Pradesh Also Read: Delhis Radha Soami Satsang Beas, touted as worlds biggest Covid-19 facility, to open on July 1 PM Modi held a meeting with all the parties representatives through a videoconference on Friday. All the participants have paid silent tribute to the Martyrs of Galwan Valley incident. CM Sri KCR as President of the TRS Party has expressed his views. China and Pakistan have the habit of creating trouble and conflict atmosphere when they have problems internally. China has a lot of internal problems now. China is also picking up confrontation with countries in the South China Sea coast like Japan, Malaysia, and Philippines. China became very unpopular (Badnaam) in the World, the CM said. China had always been pursuing confrontation attitude with India. Incidents that happened now in the Galwan Valley also happened in the past. This is not the first incident nor will be the last. China raised border dispute in 1957. In 1962, there was a full-scale war between India and China. Then 200 defence personnel martyred. Now clashes took place at Galwan now and 20 of our army personnel martyred. We are having some incident or the other with the country with which we have thousands of KMs of border. We always have a potential danger in China. Hence we have to act strategically, the CM said. Why China is adopting a confrontation with India now and there are special factors for that. We have brought in new Acts for Kashmir. We are providing permanent solutions to problems there. We are speaking decisively on the POK. Our Union Minister had declared in the Parliament that Aksai Chin is our area, which China occupied illegally. Galwan Valley is strategically important strategic point for the countrys security. We are improving infrastructure facilities there. This China is not been able to digest. Hence it is taking a confrontation position, the CM explained. We are a peace loving nation. At the same time there is a limit for our patience. We have to give a befitting reply if anyone crosses our path. Dont compromise on nations security and interests. At this juncture there is no need for politicisation. We need war strategy. The entire country should stand as one. In the past whenever we had skirmishes with other countries we all stood by one. We have the experience of Indo-China war, Indo-Pak war and the Bangladesh war. In 1970 Bangla Desh wartime, Vajpayee praised Indira Gandhi as Durga Mata. Such kind of inspiration should come to us now. The entire country should stand by the Central government and the Prime Minister. People in Telangana State, the state government will stand by the PM in this situation, the CM clarified. We are desiring Atmanirbhar Bharath (Self-reliant India), while China wants us to be Anya Nirbhar Bharath (Indian dependent on others). China is unable tolerate our growth and progress. India is emerging as one of the strong economies. US is economic super power with 21 Trillion Dollars economy while China is second with 14 Trillion Economy. India is marching towards 5 Trillion economy along with Japan whose economy is 5 Trillion. China is upset with this. China is unable to tolerate a stable government and sustained economic growth in India. Hence China is creating these problems, the CM said. China became unpopular as it was considered to be responsible for the spread of Corona virus. Several Multi-national corporations are shifting out from China. They are now looking at India. According to the World Bank report, India went up from 142 position to 63 position in ease of doing business. In India investor friendly policies are being implemented effectively. Foreign Direct Investments are also on the increase. From 2014 to 2017, the FDI was increased from 36 Billion Dollars to 61 Billion Dollars. There is a possibility of further increase in FDIs. Several people are ready to shift their companies from China to Telangana state. China is not happy with this, the CM further explained. There are opinions that say we should ban import goods from China. It will be hasty decision. The goods that we are importing now should make in India. These goods should be available to the people at reasonable costs. We have to concentrate on this, the CM suggested. We should prepare long-term and short term strategies to face the China aggressive attitude. There should not be any hasty act under any circumstances. At the same time, there should not be any compromise as far as our nations security and interests are concerned. Have strategic partnership with countries, which are friendly with us. Join the D group as suggested by the UK. Join the Oran alliance. Repel the Huawei Companys strategy. We have act with strategy, the CM said. Also Read: India China stand-off: Leaders across party lines call for an anti-China foreign policy For all the latest National News, download NewsX App China has formally charged two Canadians with spying, officials said on Friday, more than 18 months after they were arrested in a spat between Beijing and Ottawa. The pair were detained shortly after Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Canada on a US warrant, in what is widely believed to have been a retaliatory move from China. The Supreme People's Procuratorate said Friday it has begun the prosecution of ex-diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor, who were 'suspected of foreign espionage' and 'providing state secrets'. The move comes just weeks after a key ruling in the Meng case where a Canadian judge ruled that proceedings to extradite her to the United States will go ahead. The United States wants Meng extradited to face trial on charges related to the Chinese telecom equipment maker's alleged violations of US sanctions against Iran. Pictured: Turnisa Matsedik-Qira, of the Vancouver Uyghur Association, demonstrates against China's treatment of Uighurs while holding a photo of detained Canadians Michael Spavor (left) and Michael Kovrig (right) outside a court appearance for Huawei Chief Financial Officer, Meng Wanzhou at the British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver, May 8 2020 China has denied any explicit link between her case and the lengthy detention of the two Canadian men, but outside experts see them as tied and Chinese diplomats have strongly implied a connection. Diplomatic relations between Canada and China have hit rock bottom over the arrests, damaging trade between the countries. China's Embassy in Ottawa accused the United States of trying 'to bring down Huawei'. China has also blocked billions of dollars' worth of Canadian agricultural exports. The arrests of Kovrig and Spavor nine days after Meng was taken into custody have been widely decried as retribution. While the eldest daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei has been out on bail and living in a mansion in Vancouver, the two Canadians remain in China's opaque penal system. Pictured: Huawei Technologies Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou smiles as she leaves her home to attend a court hearing in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada May 27, 2020 The Supreme People's Procuratorate said Friday it has begun the prosecution of ex-diplomat Michael Kovrig (left) and businessman Michael Spavor (right), who were 'suspected of foreign espionage' and 'providing state secrets' Monthly consular visits for Kovrig and Spavor had been suspended since the coronavirus outbreak started in China, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in April, amid concerns over their well-being. China's foreign ministry has insisted the pair are in good health and that their detention facility is 'in a region that is not particularly affected by COVID-19'. However, people familiar with the matter have told AFP the two have endured hours of interrogation and in the first six months of detention were forced to sleep with the lights on. Chinese human rights lawyer Li Fangping told AFP the pair could expect their trial to be held in secret, with an official lawyer appointed. Trudeau has insisted on leaving it to the courts to decide Meng's fate. He lamented in May that China 'doesn't seem to understand' the meaning of an independent judiciary. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during the special committee on the COVID Pandemic in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Thursday, June 18, 202 His foreign minister, Francois-Philippe Champagne, said after the May ruling over Meng that Canada would 'continue to pursue principled engagement with China to address our bilateral differences'. Champagne also said Ottawa would continue to press for the release of Kovrig and Spavor, 'who have been arbitrarily detained for over 500 days', and for clemency for a third Canadian, Robert Schellenberg, facing execution. Meng's case now continues to a second phase, yet to be scheduled, when the defence will challenge the lawfulness of her arrest, followed by more hearings likely in September. Any appeals could further drag it out for years. In contrast, the trial of Kovrig and Spavor would likely happen fairly quickly, experts said. Li said 'under normal circumstances a verdict would take six months.' Ryan Mitchell, law professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said the long period of detention was 'probably intended to help coerce a 'voluntary' confession out of one or both of the two Canadians'. 'These trials are thus likely to be quite rapidly dealt with, and the verdict and sentence already determined by the (Communist) Party officials overseeing management of the cases,' he said. Canada's diplomats in China have been meeting regularly with their detained citizens but there was no immediate comments on the new indictments. Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois-Philippe Champagne speaks in the House of Commons, March 25, 2020 Meng is accused of using a Hong Kong shell company to sell equipment to Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. Her arrest in December 2018 by Canadian authorities at the request of the US enraged Chinese officials. Since then, she has been able to wait for the hearing in her home in Vancouver. Her lawyers have called the fraud charges a 'facade' for the US trying to force Canada to impose the same sanctions it does on Iran. WHO IS MENG WANZHOU? Meng Wanzhou, 46, is widely assumed to be the heiress of her billionaire father Ren Zhengfei who founded Huawei in 1987 Meng Wanzhou, also known as Sabrina Meng and Cathy Meng, is the daughter and eldest child of Huawei's founder Ren Zhengfei, 74, by his first wife Meng Jun. Billed as a 'Red Princess', the 48-year-old is widely assumed to be the heiress of her former Communist soldier father, who founded the world's current second largest smartphone seller at the age of 43 with just 21,000 yuan (2,388). Ms Meng, who is also the Vice-Chairman of Huawei, was ranked No. 12 by Frobes on the list of China's most outstanding businesswomen in 2018. She graduated from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in central China's Wuhan city. She worked in a bank for a year upon graduation before taking up a position at Huawei's front desk in 1993 to answer phone calls. Over the years, Ms Meng worked as the director of the international accounting department, CFO of Huawei's Hong Kong branch office, president of the accounts management department and brought Huawei to its current success. Ms Meng has a brother and a 20-year-old half-sister Annabel Yao who is a ballerina and debutante. Annabel is said to be extremely international and have lived in Britain, Hong Kong and Shanghai. She was one of the 19 young women to be presented at the 25th annual Bal des Debutantes held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris in 2018. Advertisement Huawei has a UK base at Reading (pictured) and has repeatedly denied allegations of spying for the Chinese state saying they are a privately owned company Huawei founder declares war on the West as he urges workers to 'surge forward, killing as you go, to blaze us a trail of blood' in battle for supremacy Tech-giant Huawei's founder Ren Zhengfei told his staff to 'surge forward, killing as you go, to blaze us a trail of blood' in the battle for global supremacy Tech-giant Huawei's founder told his staff to 'surge forward, killing as you go, to blaze us a trail of blood' in the battle for global supremacy. Former-Chinese army engineer Ren Zhengfei addressed employees at Huawei's research and development centre in Hangzhou, eastern China, in 2018. In February this year, Ren told staff that Huawei had 'entered a state of war' after the second-largest smartphone maker in the world found itself at the centre of a technology battle between China and the US. Huawei earlier described the British government's decision to allow the controversial company to develop its 5G mobile phone network as 'just like the success of the Battle of Stalingrad, which was a turning point that reshaped the global landscape', The Sunday Times reports. But US President Trump has urged allies to ditch Huawei technology as it could allow the Communist Chinese government to hack vital telecommunication systems. The company has said it is independent from the government and would not spy on unsuspecting users. Ren's military-like speech in 2018 came shortly after his daughter Meng Wanzhou, the company's chief financial officer, was arrested following accusations that Huawei used a Hong Kong shell company to sell equipment to Iran in violation of US sanctions. Advertisement The tensions appear to be causing further harm to Huawei's reputation in the Americas, with two of Canadas three major telecommunication companies announcing earlier this month that theyve decided not to use the Chinese tech giant 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. Huawei is the worlds biggest supplier of network gear used by phone and internet companies, but has long been seen as a front for spying by Chinas military and its highly skilled security services. The U.S. has urged Canada to exclude Huawei equipment from their next-generation wireless networks, saying 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 intelligence - a charge the company denies. A number of Chinese firms are viewed as posing national security threats, and the U.S. has imposed sanctions on the likes of Huawei and ZTE as part of an on-going trade war with China. US officials have repeatedly accused Huawei of stealing American trade secrets and aiding China's espionage efforts, ramping up tensions with the rival superpower while both sides were involved in a long-simmering trade war. Huawei has denied ties with the Beijing government. The Trump administration put Huawei on a blacklist last year, banning U.S. firms from doing business with the Chinese telecommunications giant, making it hard for the company to do business as it relies on some U.S. manufacturers for parts. In a statement at the time, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said that the decision will 'prevent American technology from being used by foreign owned entities in ways that potentially undermine U.S. national security or foreign policy interests.' This week showed the first sign of the U.S. easing its sanctions on Huawei when announced a new rule allowing companies to share technology with Huawei for the purpose of developing standards for the new generation of wireless services. The change returns US companies to the 'status quo ante,' essentially the way it was before Huawei was put on an 'entity' list, when it comes to collaborations for standards-setting purposes only, not commercial purposes, Ross said Monday. The rule change is intended to make it clear that US companies can take part in setting international 5G standards in organizations that also involve Huawei. 'The Department is committed to protecting US national security and foreign policy interests by encouraging US industry to fully engage and advocate for US technologies to become international standards,' Ross said in a release. China last month warned it would take 'necessary measures' to protect Huawei and other firms after the US announced new restrictions on the tech giant's purchases of semiconductor technology. Tensions rose further yesterday when former Google boss Eric Schmidt blasted Huawei and accused the tech giant of handing data from its routers directly to the Chinese state to help its battle with US and UK spy agencies. Former Google boss Eric Schmidt, pictured speaking at the US National Security Commission on AI last year, has accused Huawei of being a threat to national security by handing data back to the Chinese government Mr Schmidt says the company wanting to help build parts of Britain's 5G network had engaged in 'unacceptable acts' and should be considered a risk to national security. The former Google boss, who is worth $15billion, now sits as chairman of the Pentagon's Defence Innovation Board. Schmidt warned British Prime Minister Boris Johnson against using Huawei for the country's 5G network, saying: 'There's no question that Huawei has engaged in some practices that are not acceptable in national security. There's no question that information from Huawei routers has ultimately ended up in hands that would appear to be the state'. He added: 'However that happened, we're sure it happened'. Huawei's UK chief Victor Zhang has hit back saying: 'It is simply not true. Huawei is a private company, 100% owned by its employees. Huawei is independent from any government, including the Chinese government'. Pictured: People are seen in a Huawei shop on a street following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Shanghai, China June 18, 2020 Mr Schmidt admitted he had developed prejudice against Chinese rivals while working in Silicon Valley. He said: 'I have carried the prejudices about China in my years working with them. 'That they're very good at copying things, that they're very good at organising things, that they throw large numbers of people at it. But they're not going to do anything new. They're very, very good at stealing, if you will, our stuff. Those prejudices need to be thrown out. 'The Chinese are just as good, and maybe better, in key areas of research and innovation as the West. 'They're putting more money into it. They are putting it in a different way, it is state-directed in a way that is different from the West. We need to get our act together to compete.' His intervention came days after the head of Nato has backed a review of Chinese telecoms giant Huawei's role in Britain's 5G network. Moody's Investors Service on Thursday said it has downgraded Tata Motors rating as the company faces tough market conditions amid the coronavirus pandemic. The rating agency said it has downgraded Tata Motors' corporate family rating (CFR) and senior unsecured instruments rating to B1 from Ba3. "The outlook on all ratings has been changed to negative from ratings under review," Moody's Investors Service said in a statement. This rating action concludes the review for downgrade initiated on March 26 2020, it added. "The downgrade reflects the sustained deterioration in auto maker's credit profile," Moody's Vice President and Senior Credit Officer Kaustubh Chaubal said. The company's credit profile was already under pressure due to lower auto sales and falling demand in key markets even prior to the coronavirus outbreak, he added. "The pandemic has amplified the pressure on Tata Motors' cash flows and will likely result in a prolonged period of weak credit metric," Chaubal noted. The rating downgrade reflects the acute challenges being faced by the company with the overall auto sector witnessing slowing sales stemming from sluggish economic activity, weak liquidity, tight financing norms, and poor consumer sentiment, the rating agency said. Although the company commands a 43 per cent market share in the domestic commercial vehicle segment, Moody's said it expects around 25 per cent decline in its wholesale unit sales in fiscal 2021 on the back of a 34 per cent decline in fiscal 2020. "Such weak demand prospects put additional pressure on its credit profile as this segment has subsidised the loss-making passenger vehicle operations for several years," it noted. The company's domestic passenger vehicle business continues to lose market share and reported losses in fiscal 2020, the agency said. Moody's expects the company to curb the unit sales decline to around 10 per cent in fiscal 2021 from 37 per cent the prior year, reflecting the company's new model launches compliant with the transition to Bharat VI emission norms from 1 April 2020, it added. That said, the company's ability to quickly turn around this business remains challenged, especially since the segment is crowded with domestic and large multinational automakers, it said. Commenting on Tata Motors' British arm Jaguar Land Rover, Moody's said it believes that a degree of market recovery, ongoing model launches, including refreshes and the company's extended restructuring program, will lead to an improvement in performance by fiscal 2022. Also read: Fitch Ratings revises India's outlook to negative from stable; retains sovereign rating 'BBB-' NEW HAVEN Dozens of New Haven firefighters filed a lawsuit in Superior Court in New Haven Friday, alleging that the citys Civil Service Board illegally extended the life of promotional lists for the positions of lieutenant and deputy chief. All of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit served enough time to be eligible for promotion, in particular, for the positions of Lieutenant and Deputy Chief, Attorney Patricia Cofrancesco said in the complaint. However, on May 27, the Civil Service Board extended the duration of the two promotional lists to allow for city Personnel Director Noelia Marcano to provide a report concerning the citys ability to safely gather groups of individuals in order to conduct Civil Service testing, before the November, 2020 regular meeting date, according to the complaint. The lists were set to expire June 20, which would have triggered further testing for the positions and afforded the plaintiffs with the opportunity to participate in said testing. Without the further testing the plaintiffs opportunity for advancement was curtailed, the suit claims. By extending them past that date, the plaintiffs allege the board violated its own rules, which stipulate that a promotional list cannot remain valid for more than two years. The board has the capacity to amend its rules, but did not engage in the proper procedure to do so in this instance, the complaint alleges. There is an actual bona fide and substantial question or substantial uncertainty concerning the legality of the defendant city, acting by and through its Civil Service Board, in suspending its own rules in light of the clear directive in said Rule lV, Section 3 (b) concerning the length of a Promotional List, and, by extension, the legality of any promotions made after the List has expired, Cofrancesco wrote in the complaint. While the City of New Havens Civil Service Board may have the discretion to create, amend or abolish certain Civil Service Rules, within prescribed procedures, the City of New Havens Civil Service Board does not have the authority or discretion to arbitrarily suspend its own rules nor does the City of New Haven have the authority to administer Civil Service Rules in an unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious manners, the lawsuit claims. Cofrancesco said Friday that she did not agree with the citys stated reason for extending the list, as other municipalities are conducting civil service testing during the coronavirus pandemic. The firefighters are seeking a declaratory judgment that the Civil Service Board exceeded its authority in extending the list and orders to invalidate any promotions based off the two lists that occur after June 20. City spokesman Gage Frank did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit Friday. The plaintiffs in the suit are: Samod Rankins, George Chin, William McMillian, Jordan White, Wayne Ricks, Miguel Rosado, Keith McMillan, Taurese Washington, Troy Ross, Richella Rondon-Smith, Terence Boyle, Neftali Ortiz, and Matthew Watkins Also, Shytanya Floyd, Patrick Davidson, Alexander Gonzalez, Jesse Wollenzack, Darryr Arnold, Joshua Antrum, OJay Lewis, Lawrence Levine, Mark Bascetta, Lisette Nieves, Keith Kerr, Johnathan Clarke, Ernest Jones, Harry Bosley, lan Cordero, Christian Cordero and Josue Vega Jr. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com By Trend Trade between the European Union (EU) and Azerbaijan has grown by 55 percent between 2016 and 2019, said President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Trend reports. She made the remark during a press briefing following the videoconference of EU and EaP leaders. She pointed out that it is in European Unions strategic interest to have a prosperous Eastern neighborhood. This is why we are so heavily engaged in helping to build a resilient Eastern neighborhood. By resilience we also mean economic prosperity, stability and security. Today we discussed how to shape and focus our partnership beyond 2020. With the leaders, we have indeed on five priorities for partnership in the coming years. First of all, we want a partnership focused on the economy that creates; it creates decent jobs, better physical connections between our countries and better opportunities particularly for young people. Indeed the numbers are impressive. If you look at the increase of trade volumes between 2016 and 2019, the bilateral trade volumes between the EU and all our six Eastern Partnership partners has increased substantially. For example, by as much as 55 percent with Azerbaijan and 50 percent with Ukraine. We see also that the intra-regional trade has more than doubled, said Ursula von der Leyen. She noted that the second important point is a partnership that empowers. Good governance, democratic institutions, human rights, gender equality, the rule of all - these are demanded by all citizens and these are important values for EU. Our third priority area is the partnership that connects. We must embrace digital transformation. The EU will work with Eastern neighbors to modernize technologies, to provide high quality infrastructure services to people across the region, said the European Commissions president. She noted that the fourth topic that is important for is a partnership which is sustainable. Ursula von der Leyen said the Commission will continue to deliver tangible results that citizens can really benefit from. Over the years, Ollie and Virginia Edwards have had bigger, more elaborate anniversary celebrations, but perhaps none has ever been sweeter than their 65th, which they spent on the COVID-19 floor of East Alabama Medical Center in Auburn. The couple hadnt seen each other since June 5, when 83-year-old Virginia was hospitalized. She had been so careful during the coronavirus pandemic, staying at home and ordering groceries online, but then she ended up contracting the virus when she went out of town. Shes feeling so much better now, says their daughter, Sherry Edwards. She doesnt even look sick anymore. Since Virginia is still testing positive for the virus, though, shes expected to be in the hospital for at least another week. But Ollie, whos 87, had only been at EAMC for a few days when their anniversary came around on June 18. So, when the staff wheeled Virginia four doors down the hall to her husbands room on Thursday, he was sound asleep at first. The hospital went above and beyond for my mom, Sherry says. They helped her fix herself up and rolled her into my dads room, which was decorated with banners and balloons and flowers. Thanks to an iPad set up at the end of the bed, Sherry and her younger siblings, Gary and Candy, and some of the Edwardses five grandchildren none of whom have been able to visit the hospital because of COVID-19 restrictions were able to join in via FaceTime. Ollie and Virginia grew up in West Point, Miss., but didnt start dating until he was a student at the University of Mississippi and she was still in high school. When she was a senior, he proposed to her, and they got married at First Baptist Church in West Point one month after she graduated in 1955. Ollie had joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Little Rock, Ark. His military career included wartime flights over Vietnam while based in Thailand. He spent most of his years in the service at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, and retired as a colonel in 1977. They had fallen in love with Auburn, where Ollie had gotten a bachelors degree in math and a masters in mechanical engineering, so thats where they retired. He began a second career as an instructor at Auburn Universitys School of Aviation Management. He also worked as a flight instructor at the Auburn-Opelika Airport, as a pilot for the university for a couple of years and as a consultant for the United Aviation Association before retiring again in 1994. Meanwhile, Virginia had earned a bachelors degree at Wright State University and then a masters in education at Auburn. She taught English at Notasulga High School until she retired in 1997. Both Ollie and Virginia are active in the community especially in their church. Anybody who knows my parents would say theyre good people, says Sherry. The anniversary visit seemed to do both of them a world of good. In his hospital room, they ate lunch together his food has to be pureed right now and then she stayed in the room for a couple of hours as they held hands. The nurses said it was so good for both of them that theyre going to let her go visit every day, Sherry says. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Reinsurer Swiss Re (SSREY.PK) announced Friday the appointment of Thierry Leger as the Group Chief Underwriting Officer, effective September 1. He succeeds Edi Schmid, who has decided to step down from the Group Executive Committee for personal reasons. He will take on an advisory role. Schmid joined Swiss Re in 1991. He has been the Group Chief Underwriting Officer and member of the Group Executive Committee since July 2017. Leger has been leading the Life Capital Business Unit, which combines Swiss Re's ReAssure, elipsLife and iptiQ businesses, since its creation in January 2016. He joined Swiss Re as an engineering underwriter in P&C in 1997. Further, the company noted that the Life Capital Business Unit will be disbanded following the completion of the sale of ReAssure to Phoenix Group Holdings plc, which is expected for the third quarter of 2020. This process is expected to be concluded by the end of December 2020. Effective September 1, the CEO Life Capital will no longer be a member of the Group Executive Committee. elipsLife, which provides life and health insurance solutions and services for corporate clients, will move to Corporate Solutions at the end of September 2020. Swiss Re's white-labelling digital insurance platform iptiQ will become a standalone division reporting to the Group CEO, effective January 1, 2021. 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. Malgorzata Kulczyk has been dubbed a real life Rapunzel. (Caters) Meet the real-life Rapunzel, a woman with hair that stretches over five-foot and who hasnt had it cut for over five years. Malgorzata Kulczyk, 34, from London never planned to grow her hair to such a long length, but was encouraged to leave it long by friends and family who said it was so well-kept there was no reason to get it cut. The full-time computing students long locks now stretch over five foot and two inches and she last had it trimmed over five years ago. Even though shes naturally blonde, Kulczyks hair has taken on a red tinge thanks to a home-made serum, concocted from a mixture of oils, which she applies half an hour before showering. And her unusually long hair has made her the object of desire for some. Men can't believe it is real. They say it is beautiful, impressive and feminine, Kulczyk explains. Some even fall in love with me because of it. Read more: Drew Barrymore reveals she's letting her natural grey hairs grow through now she's 45 She has learnt various ways to braid her hair. (Caters) But she says she has also received some less positive reactions to her lengthy locks. People can be jealous, she says. There was one situation when a colleague kept telling me my hair was too long and that I should cut it. She said she thought it must be painful for me and that I probably spent so much time on it. "But after a while she changed her mind completely and has even started to try to grow her own hair out. Youd think having such long hair would mean a lot of maintenance, but Kulczyk says her weekly routine is much like any other woman with long hair. My hair doesn't affect my daily life much, she says. I wash my hair up to three times a week and wear it as a different style a day ponytail, braid, or bun. I use only natural products, including anything mixed with coconut oil, which is my favourite. Read more: The haircut everyone will be getting after lockdown Malgorzata Kulczyk hasn't cut her hair for over five years. (Caters) But she does have some tips for anyone wanting to attempt to grow their own hair. I would say to anyone wanting to grow their hair long that patience is the most important thing, Kulczyk explains. Story continues In order to keep your hair in good condition, you need to take care of your body and eat healthy. Other things Id recommend would be to keep hydrated, exercise and avoid stress. Nettle tea is especially very good for hair growth, she adds. In 2016, Kulczyk, who studies computing in London but is originally from Poland, started sharing pictures of her hair on Instagram. And her decision not to visit a hair salon for more than five years seems to have paid off in Instagram followers as she currently has over 10,000. While it wont stop us visiting the hairdressers as soon as they reopen, we totally applaud her commitment. You can follow the real-life Disney princess on Instagram @miss_longhair. Read more: Hairdressers must revive bob cut and ditch blow drys to survive coronavirus The computing student says men love her long locks. (Caters) Kulczyk actually isnt the only real-life Rapunzel. Andrea Stano, 34, who comes from Micronesia and now lives in the US, has strawberry-blonde hair which comes down to her ankles. While she spends up to 45 minutes a day looking after her crowning glory, she says its her daily spoonful of peanut butter which keeps it in prime condition. I truly believe this step keeps my hair healthy, and helps it to grow faster and thicker, says Stano. Additional reporting Caters. Sikander Kher Mumbai: Sikander Kher says his character in "Aarya" is related to his personality and that made him eager to play the part. The actor stars alongside Sushmita Sen, Chandrachur Singh, Namit Das and Manish Chaudhary in the Disney+Hotstar Specials from director Ram Madhvani. Advertisement Photo The series, an official adaptation of popular Dutch crime-drama "Penoza", revolves around Aarya Sareen, a happily married woman whose world turns upside down when her husband is shot. She gets to know that he may have been involved in an illegal drug racket which now threatens her family. Sikander is essaying the role of Daulat, a trusted aide of Sushmita's Aarya in the show. Advertisement Photo"Daulat is very protective about Aarya's character and is incredibly loyal to the family - you could say he is almost like the foot soldier of the family. "He stays by her side and tries to protect her from whatever comes her way - in a way, this character, Daulat is different from my real-life personality and I wanted to get every shot to be taken well and I was ready to go back as many times possible in front of the camera to get it right," the actor said in a statement. "Aarya" starts streaming on Disney+ Hotstar VIP from today. MANAGUA, Nicaragua - The United Nations Human Rights Council condemned what it called serious human rights violations in Nicaragua and urged President Daniel Ortega to cease such tactics Friday. The council approved the resolution with a vote of 24 to 4 with 19 abstentions at its seat in Geneva, Switzerland. The decision was celebrated by the Nicaraguan opposition. The resolution said the council expresses grave concern at the continuing reports of serious human rights violations and abuses since April 2018, and the persisting disproportionate use of force by the police to repress social protests, and acts of violence by armed groups, as well as reports of ongoing unlawful arrests and arbitrary detentions, harassment, and torture and sexual and gender-based violence in detention. The Nicaraguan opposition coalition Blue and White National Unity says that at least 60 political prisoners remain encarcerated. The council also called for the independence of the judiciary and the human rights prosecutors office and for a plan to investigate reported human rights abuses since 2018. In April 2018, the government and its supporters violently put down protests against changes to the social security system. The protests quickly expanded to other complaints against the government and were suppressed by police and civilian paramilitaries. At least 328 people died in the violence, according to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The Nicaraguan government did not immediately respond to the resolution, but the opposition applauded it. Felix Maradiaga, member of the Blue and White National Unity coalitions political committee, said the resolution marked a step in the right direction. The opposition Sandinista Renovation Movement said the resolution reaffirms the international isolation of the regime, as demonstrated by the fact that no country in the Americas or Europe voted against it. The US also said it was watching the India-China border dispute very closely The Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) has invaded contested border areas at the Sino-Indian border this time deeper and longer with more people than ever before historically and this may have been to deliver a punch in the nose to India to demonstrate Chinese military superiority, the United States hinted on Friday. The US also said it was watching the India-China border dispute very closely. Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwel was quoted by the US State Department as saying, What were doing, were obviously watching the India-China border dispute very closely. ... The PLA invaded this contested area deeper and longer, with more people, than ever before historically. Again, whether that was a negotiating tactic or ajust punch in the nose to demonstrate their superiority, I dont know. The US comments follow the deadly clash at the Galwan valley in the Ladakh sector on Monday night between Indian and Chinese troops that resulted in casualties on both sides. Asking Beijing to take corrective action after the clash, New Delhi had said Chinese troops sought to erect a structure in Galwan valley on the Indian side of the LAC thereby trying to change the status quo, adding that after this became a dispute, Chinese troops then took pre-meditated and planned action against Indian soldiers that resulted in violence and casualties. India had on Wednesday night also dismissed Chinas claims over the Galwan valley in the Ladakh sector as exaggerated and untenable. New Delhi on Thursday had also reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modis statement made on Wednesday that it is committed to ensuring Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity. Following the clash, both India and China had agreed that the situation would be handled in a responsible manner and to implement the disengagement understanding of June 6 sincerely, adding that neither side would take any action to escalate matters. Crump is an attorney of our times, as much a creature of the green room as the courtroom. In a nation lousy with lawyers, he has become the go-to advocate for families who have lost relatives to police brutality, as though his is the only name on the list. He accomplished this by being fluent in the language of the church, tort law, racial inequality and what he deems the mediasphere, paired with an indefatigable drive to be everywhere. Washington: US President Barack Obama has defended his decision not to use the term Islamic terrorism, saying it is a sort of manufactured issue and there is no religious rationale to associate Islam with those who kill people. The truth of the matter is, is that this is an issue that has been sort of manufactured, because there is no doubt that where we see terrorist organiasations like Al Qaida or ISIL, they have perverted and distorted and tried to claim the mantle of Islam for an excuse for basically barbarism and death, Obama said at a military town hall in Virginia. These are people who kill children, kill Muslims, take sex slaves. Theres no religious rationale that would justify in any way any of the things that they do, he said. Obama said he has been careful to make sure he does not lump these murderers into the billion Muslims that exist around the world, including in this country, who are peaceful, who are responsible, who in this country are troops and police officers and firefighters and teachers and neighbours and friends. What I learned from listening to some of these Muslim families both in the United States and overseas is that when you start calling these organisations Islamic terrorists, the way its heard, the way its received by our friends and allies around the world is that somehow Islam is terroristic. That then makes them feel as if theyre under attack. In some cases, it makes it harder for us to get their cooperation in fighting terrorism, Obama said in response to a question. If somebody uses the phrase Islamic terrorism that its a huge deal? No Theres no doubt that these folks think that -- and claim that theyre speaking for Islam. But I dont want to validate what they do. Obama said even some people aspiring to be president should refrain from such language. He said religious tests for immigration were a slippery slope. The dangers where we get loose in this language, particularly when a president or people aspiring to become president get loose with this language, you can see in some of the language that we usein talking about Muslim-Americans here, and the notion that somehow wed start having religious tests in who can come in the country, and whos investigated, and whether the Bill of Rights applies to them in the same way, he said. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 19, 2020 / Mota Ventures Corp. (MOTA:CSE)(1WZ:FSE)(OTC PINK:PEMTF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Dr. Markus Backmund MD, PhD, as Principal Investigator and Director of Clinical Research for its wholly owned subsidiary, Verrian GmbH ("Verrian"). Prof. Dr. Backmund serves as Chair of the German Society of Addiction Medicine and is regarded as a pioneer in addiction medicine. On June 2nd, Mota announced the $20,000,000 acquisition of Verrian, a European pharmaceutical manufacturer of natural psilocybin extracts. Verrian is focused on psychedelic and cannabis treatments of opiate addiction. Prof. Dr. Markus Backmund will play a vital role in leading the research and development efforts of our world-renowned addiction medicine experts, resulting in best of breed psychedelic derived treatments for the global marketplace. Ryan Hoggan, Chief Executive Officer, stated "We're honoured to be working with a pioneer in addiction medicine, an authentic patient-first specialist like Dr. Backmund, who has worked his entire career to change how patients who suffer from addiction are treated. We are thrilled to be working with him in ground-breaking psychedelic and cannabis research as he continues to seek new treatments to help patients overcome addiction". ABOUT PROF. DR. BACKMUND Prof. Dr. Backmund is a Medical Doctor and specialist in infectious disease, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and addiction. Prof. Dr. Backmund holds professorship at Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, is the Founder and co-Editor of "Suchtmedizin" - the specialist Addiction Medicine Journal - and is the fifth-time Chairman of the Board of the German Society for Addiction Medicine (DGS eV). In February of 2020, Prof. Dr. Backmund became the President of the umbrella organization of the German Addiction Society. Prof. Dr. Backmund also founded and operates the private clinic Praxiszentrum im Tal, an in-patient recovery center in Starnberg, Germany, located south of Munich. "The professional, human and sociopolitical challenges make addiction medicine the exciting field of medicine for me." stated Prof. Dr. Backmund. On June 6, 2020, Prof. Dr. Backmund's research and contributions to the medical community were featured in a national German publication. A digital copy of the articles can be found here: https://www.motaventuresco.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Backmund-3.pdf-3.pdf-3.pdf Prof. Dr. Backmund's most notable research project, Qualified Withdrawal Treatment, commenced in 1991. Following initial criticism by all specialist sizes, the results of Prof. Dr. Backmund's project were established nationwide as an alternative treatment method in Germany. Prof. Dr. Backmund's approach to alternative addictions medicine steered away from prevailing doctrine of the time, and focused on empirical results and on best outcomes for his patients, substantiating that patients need not suffer the mental and physical afflictions associated with withdrawal in order to conquer addiction. Following Qualified Withdrawal Treatment, Prof. Dr. Backmund engaged in a subsequent successful research project which focused on alternative treatments for addicts afflicted with Hepatitis C, an infectious disease and often a concurrent condition affecting many addicts. Prof. Dr. Backmund's resulting research demonstrated that people with addiction and concurrent Hepatitis C, can also undergo difficult one-year drug therapies, and demonstrate treatment adherence similar to patients in the general population. These subsequent research findings were presented at the American Consensus Conference and have ultimately led to a reduction in the discrimination in treatment methods against addicts with Hepatitis C, and to a change in the US and in Europe in recommendations and treatments for these type patients. This press release is available for investor discussion on the Company's AGORACOM Discussion Forum, a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders. About Mota Ventures Corp. Mota Ventures is an established eCommerce, direct to consumer provider of a wide range of natural health products including CBD and psychedelic medicine products in the United States and Europe. In the United States, the company sells a CBD hemp-oil formulation derived from hemp grown and formulated in the US through its Nature's Exclusive brand. Within Europe, its Sativida brand of award winning 100% organic CBD oils and cosmetics are sold throughout Spain, Portugal, Austria, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. In Germany, Verrian currently produces natural psilocybin extract capsules under the PSI GEN and PSI GEN+ brand. Mota Ventures is also seeking to acquire additional revenue producing CBD brands and operations in both Europe and North America, with the goal of establishing an international distribution network for CBD products. Low cost production, coupled with international, direct to customer, sales channels will provide the foundation for the success of Mota Ventures. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MOTA VENTURES CORP. Ryan Hoggan Chief Executive Officer For further information, readers are encouraged to contact Joel Shacker, President, at +604.423.4733 or by email at IR@motaventuresco.com or www.motaventuresco.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statement All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including with respect to research and development of psychedelic derived treatment, its plans to become a vertically integrated global CBD brand, and its plans to acquire revenue-producing CBD brands and operations in Europe and North America. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited those identified and reported in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law. SOURCE: Mota Ventures Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/594444/Mota-Ventures-Appoints-Prof-Dr-Markus-Backmund-as-Director-of-Research-for-Opiate-Treatment-Research The next top Air Force enlisted leader is a woman, the first to ever serve as the highest ranking enlisted non-commissioned officer of a U.S. military branch. The19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force will be JoAnne Bass, currently the command chief master sergeant for the Second Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, the service announced Friday. She will replace Kaleth O. Wright, who came into the role in 2017. Read Next: Alaska Army Helicopter Airlifts Out 1940s-Era Bus Chris McCandless Died In Airmen "are counting on leaders like me to make a positive impact in their lives," Bass said in a video posted by Wright on social media. "I owe them my best." Wright also hailed Air Force Chief of Staff. Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown, who earlier this month was confirmed in a historic Senate vote as the first African American to ever serve as the top uniformed officer for any of the military branches. "Gen. Brown knocked it out of the park with this selection," Wright said on Twitter. "Proud moment in history, Great to be an Airman!" "She has unique skills that will help us both lead the Total Force and live up to the high expectations of our Airmen," Brown said in a statement about Bass. "She is a proven leader who has performed with distinction at every step of her accomplished career. I have no doubt that Chief Bass will provide wise counsel as we pursue and implement initiatives to develop and empower Airmen at all levels." Bass previously served as chief for the Air Force enlisted developmental education program at the Pentagon, according to her official biography. She has also deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. She began her career in 1993 at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina and later served at Ramstein Air Base, Germany; and at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, as the the command chief master sergeant for the 17th Training Wing, her bio states. Air Force officials said Bass emerged as "the consensus choice from a group of more than a dozen finalists from across the Air Force's global operation," according to a news release. "The finalists were selected based on breadth of experience, recommendations from senior commanders and performance across each candidate's Air Force career." Officials noted Brown and Bass are coming into a service in transition, not only as the military charts its course to take on new, future threats, but also as it addresses racial disparities across the force. The Air Force has been outspoken on social issues and has made a number of moves of late to promote a culture of inclusivity and affirm Air Force values. Wright was the first member of senior military leadership to speak out publicly following the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis. Wright also cited concern black members of the Air Force, and a call for change and improvement in the service, including a review of the military justice system. The Air Force has since initiated that review. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. Related: It's Official: Gen. CQ Brown Confirmed as 1st African American Military Service Chief Jaipur, June 19 : In a shocking incident, a COVID-19 patient in Rajasthan's Kota district died after his family disconnected the ventilator to plug in the air cooler to combat the scorching heat. The incident happened on June 15 in the Maharao Bhimsingh Hospital (MBS) hospital. A committee was formed soon after the death was reported, which will submit its report on Friday at 4 p.m., hospital Medical Superintendent Naveen Saxena told IANS. He said, "We have set up the committee to investigate the incident based on the primary information. The committee includes deputy superintendent of the hospital, nursing superintendent and CMO. We will look into the matter and then shall explore further action for a need to go to the police." The family members of the COVID-19 patient, who came to meet him in the MBS hospital unplugged the ventilator and had put on the cooler switch which they had brought from outside. The ventilator worked for some time on the battery but later it collapsed and the patient turned critical. The doctors were reported of the patient's critical condition who came rushing and did all they could do to save his life, but the result was unfavourable and the patient died. The relatives, on the other hand, attacked the resident doctors after the patient died. Doctor Varun, on duty, submitted a written complaint to the officials, alleging that the patients' relatives misbehaved with the staff. Other resident doctors also supported him and boycotted work very briefly, but then later resumed work. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Labor MP Julia Finn has quit the NSW shadow cabinet after she was named in an internal investigation into branch stacking in western Sydney. Ms Finn said in a statement on Friday afternoon she had informed leader Jodi McKay she would be standing aside as Labor's spokeswoman for carers and consumer protection, but said she maintained her innocence. NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay with Granville MP Julia Finn, who stood aside from shadow cabinet after being named in a branch stacking investigation. She has maintained her innocence. Credit:AAP Ms Finn, the member for the western Sydney seat of Granville, indicated she was looking to clear her name, paving the way for a possible return to the frontbench, by further pursuing the matter internally. I have asked the NSW ALPs internal tribunal to urgently consider matters raised about me in an anonymous dossier and in the Moorhead independent review," she said. Facebook has removed campaign ads by President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence that featured an upside-down red triangle, a symbol once used by Nazis to designate political prisoners, communists and others in concentration camps. The company said in a statement Thursday that the ads violated our policy against organized hate. A Facebook executive who testified at a House Intelligence Committee hearing on Thursday said the company does not permit symbols of hateful ideology unless theyre put up with context or condemnation. In a situation where we dont see either of those, we dont allow it on the platform and we remove it. Thats what we saw in this case with this ad, and anywhere that that symbol is used, we would take the same action, Nathaniel Gleicher, the companys head of security policy, told lawmakers at a hearing. The Trump campaign spent more than $17,000 on the ads for Trump and Pence combined. The ads began running on Wednesday and received hundreds of thousands of impressions. In a statement, Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh said the inverted red triangle was a symbol commonly used by antifa so it was included in an ad about antifa. He said the symbol is not in the Anti-Defamation League's database of symbols of hate. The Trump campaign also argued that the symbol is an emoji. But it is ironic that it took a Trump ad to force the media to implicitly concede that Antifa is a hate group, he added. Antifa is an umbrella term for leftist militants bound more by belief than organizational structure. Trump has blamed antifa for the violence that erupted during some of the recent protests, but federal law enforcement officials have offered little evidence of this. Some experts disputed that the red triangle was commonly used as an antifa symbol. European anti-fascist groups initially used the red triangle as a symbol, hoping to reclaim its meaning after World War II, but it is no longer widely used by the movement nor by U.S. antifa groups, said Mark Bray, a Rutgers University historian and author of Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook. The ADL said the triangle was not in its database because it is a historical symbol and the database includes only those symbols used by modern-day extremists and white supremacists. Whether aware of the history or meaning, for the Trump campaign to use a symbol one which is practically identical to that used by the Nazi regime to classify political prisoners in concentration camps to attack his opponents is offensive and deeply troubling, ADL chief executive officer Jonathan Greenblatt said in a statement. Even with the ads removed, Facebook and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, still face persistent criticism for not removing or labeling earlier posts by Trump that spread misinformation about voting by mail and, many said, encouraged violence against protesters during recent unrest in American cities. Those questions arose anew during Thursday's hearing as Democrats pressed the executives about what moral obligations they felt they had when it came to content and about decisions they've made to remove, label or leave up false or incendiary posts. Facebook, for instance, was asked why it did not swiftly remove a doctored video of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., last year that appeared to show her slurring her words. If we simply take a piece of content like this down, it doesnt go away, Gleicher responded. It will exist elsewhere on the internet. People who are looking for it will still find it. With Thursday's hearing focused on the spread of disinformation tied to the 2020 election, the companies said they had not yet seen the same sort of concerted foreign influence campaigns like the one four years ago, when Russian sowed discord online by playing up divisive social issues. But that suggests the threat has simply evolved rather than diminished, said the executives, who pointed out that media entities linked to foreign governments were now directly engaging online on American social issues as a way to influence public opinion. Chinese actors, for instance, have likened allegations of police brutality in the U.S. to the criticism China faced for its aggressive treatment of protesters in Hong Kong. That shift from platform manipulation to overt state assets is something that weve observed, said Nick Pickles, Twitters public policy strategy and development director. The companies say they have accelerated efforts to root out fake accounts. Twitter, for instance, said it had challenged in the first six months of 2019 more than 97 million accounts that showed signs of platform manipulation, and Facebook said it had disabled about 1.7 billion fake accounts between January and March. Preventing disinformation ahead of the election is a significant challenge in a country facing potentially dramatic changes in how people vote, with the expected widespread use of mail-in ballots creating openings to cast doubt on the results and spread inaccurate narratives. Facebook said Thursday that it is working to provide Americans with accurate information about the vote-by-mail process, with notifications to users about how to request ballots and about whether the date of their election has changed. The outreach is targeted to voters in states where no excuse is needed to vote by mail or where fears of the coronavirus are accepted as an excuse. Providing that accurate information is one of the best ways to mitigate those types of threats, Gleicher said. NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN OR INTO, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, SWITZERLAND, ISRAEL, JAPAN OR SOUTH AFRICA 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 must read the entire Prospectus, and, in particular, should read Section 2 (Risk Factors) for a discussion of certain factors that should be considered in connection with an investment in the Offered Shares, including the risks relating to the fact that (i) Hyloris has a limited operating history and has not yet generated any substantial revenues. Hyloris has incurred operating losses, negative operating cash flows and an accumulated deficit since inception resulting in a negative equity at the date of the Prospectus and Hyloris may not be able to achieve or subsequently maintain profitability. Hyloris is executing its strategy in accordance with its business model, the viability of which has not been demonstrated, (ii) Hyloris performance depends primarily on the success of its product candidates, a majority of which are in the early reformulation development stage and have not yet received FDA approval of the 505(b)(2) application or ANDA or the other approvals required before they may be commercially launched, (iii) even if Hyloris receives regulatory approval for any of its product candidates, it may be unable to launch the product successfully and the revenue that Hyloris generates from sales of such product, if any, may be limited, (iv) Hyloris has entered into arrangements with related parties and these arrangements present potential conflicts of interest, (v) certain of Hyloris directors and members of Hyloris executive management hold directorships or shareholdings in other pharmaceutical companies, which could create potential conflicts of interest, and (vi) after closing of the Offering, certain significant shareholders of the Issuer may have different interests from the Issuer and/or from the minority shareholders and may be able to control the Issuer, including the outcome of shareholder votes. Every decision to invest in the Offered Shares must be based on all information provided in the Prospectus. Potential investors must be able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the Offered Shares and to undergo a full or partial loss of their investment. Story continues PRESS RELEASE - ADVERTISEMENT Hyloris Pharmaceuticals Announces the Coverage of the Base Offering Throughout the Price Range of its Initial Public Offering on Euronext Brussels Liege, Belgium June 18, 2020: Hyloris Pharmaceuticals SA (Hyloris and/or the Company), an early-stage innovative specialty pharmaceutical company focused on adding value to the healthcare system by reformulating well-known pharmaceuticals, announces today that the base offering of 5,000,000 new shares of its Offering (as defined below) is fully covered throughout the price range of EUR 10.00 to EUR 11.50 per Offered Share. The offering period commenced on 17 June 2020 at 9:00 (CEST) and is expected to end no later than 16:00 (CEST) on 25 June 2020 for retail investors and 26 June at 13:00 (CEST) for institutional investors, subject to early closing or extension, provided that the offering period will in any event be open for at least six business days. Prospectus A prospectus has been approved by the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority on 16 June 2020 (the "Prospectus"). The FSMA only approved the Prospectus (including the summary of the Prospectus, the Summary) as meeting the standards of completeness, comprehensibility and consistency imposed by the Prospectus Regulation. Such approval should not be considered as an endorsement of the Company or the quality of the Offered Shares that are the subject of the Prospectus. Investors should make their own assessment as to the suitability of investing in the Offered Shares. This Prospectus is available to prospective investors in Belgium in English and French with a summary of the Prospectus, the Summary available in English, Dutch and French. The Prospectus and the Summary are available to investors free of charge at the registered office of the Company (Boulevard Gustave-Kleyer 17, 4000 Liege (Belgium)). The Prospectus and the Summary are also available free of charge to investors at (i) KBC Bank NV/SA, CBC Banque SA/NV, Bolero and KBC Securities NV/SA, upon request by phone 078 152 153 (KBC Bank NV/SA & CBC Banque SA/NV) and 0800 628 16 (Bolero Orderdesk) and on its websites www.kbc.be/hyloris, www.bolero.be/nl/hyloris and www.kbcsecurities.com The Prospectus can also be consulted as of 17 June 2020 (before opening of the markets) on the website of the Company (www.hyloris.com/investors/information/prospectus/), whereby the access on the aforementioned websites is each time subject to the usual limitations. -Ends- For more information, please contact: Hyloris Pharmaceuticals Stijn Van Rompay, CEO +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 (high-barrier generics). Hyloris currently has two early commercial-stage products, Sotalol IV for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, commercialized through its partner AltaThera, and Maxigesic IV, a non-opioid analgesic product for the treatment of pain, developed with the Companys partner, AFT Pharmaceuticals. Additionally, Hyloris has 12 product candidates in various stages of development across the Companys wider portfolio. Read more at www.hyloris.com . Hyloris stands for high yield, lower risk and relates to the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway for product approval on which the Issuer focuses, but in no way relates or applies to an investment in the Shares. 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, Israel, 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, Israel, 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, Israel, 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 issued by the Company, and published on the Companys website ( www.hyloris.com ) in connection with the Offering and any supplements thereto, as the case may be. Potential investors must read the entire 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 contains 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 its financial decisions on the Company's intentions in relation to such listing. 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 addressed to and directed at persons in member states of the European Economic Area ("EEA") other than Belgium pursuant to applicable exemptions under the Prospectus Regulation, including but not limited to "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 "Underwriters") 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. INFORMATION TO DISTRIBUTORS The Joint Global Coordinators have informed the Issuer that the following information is intended for distributors only. The information is provided by the Joint Global Coordinators and the Issuer does not assume responsibility for it. Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within: (a) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended (MiFID II); (b) Articles 9 and 10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing MiFID II; and (c) local implementing measures (together, the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements), the Joint Global Coordinators have informed the Company that they have submitted the shares subject of the proposed offering (Shares) to a product approval process, which has determined that such Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of retail investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by MiFID II (the Target Market Assessment). Notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, Distributors should note that: the price of the Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the proposed offering. For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Shares. Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels. Vodafone Idea Ltd said on Thursday that it will be forced to cease operations if the company has to submit bank guarantees for outstanding government dues as directed by the Supreme Court. Vodafones position is precarious and is not in a position to give any more guarantees, senior advocate Mukul Rohtagi, representing the company, told the court. The ship is barely afloat. The only way to pay AGR (adjusted gross revenue) dues is to stagger payments over 20 years, he said, reiterating that loss-making Vodafone Idea will have to shut operations, impacting 11,000 employees, if asked to pay its dues up front. The move brings to fore the long-drawn issue of how some telecom firms, facing high debt and mounting losses, will be able to gather the large sums to pay government dues. Defaults by telecom operators may also spell trouble for banks, which have a large exposure to the industry. Bharti Airtel Ltd, Indias second-largest telecom operator by users, sought 20 years to pay its dues, saying that it is not a fly by night operator. Hearing the case on dues related to AGR of the telecom firms, the top court on Thursday directed them to furnish details of revenues earned and taxes paid in the past 10 years. This was after the telcos submitted before the apex court that furnishing bank guarantees under their current strained financial health will hamper planned investments. The telcos said they fear the department of telecommunications (DoT) may encash more thanRs 10,000 crore worth of bank guarantees if the telcos default on their payments. Vodafone Idea has so far paid around Rs 7,000 crore of its total dues of Rs 21,533 crore, which it has estimated on its own. The government, however, pegs the companys dues at Rs 50,000 crore. Goldman Sachs has estimated Vodafone Ideas net debt at $14 billion as of December 2019. Asked about personal guarantees by directors, Rohatgi said, I wonder how independent directors can be asked to give guarantee for dues as high as Rs 55,000 crore. He sought two weeks to reply to the court. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Bharti Airtel, said the operator has already paid Rs 18,000 crore of its self-estimate of Rs 13,000 crore, against DoTs estimate of Rs 35,000 crore. Similarly, Tata Teleservices has paid Rs 2,197 crore in AGR dues, followed by an additional Rs 2,000 crore to cover reconciliation differences, against DoTs estimate of Rs 14,000 crore. Earlier in the day, the central government told the court that it is withdrawing the demand for 96% of around Rs 4 lakh crore AGR dues raised against PSUs. Juneteenth originally marked the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas. On June 19, 1865, Major General George Granger announced the emancipation of enslaved African Americans when he arrived at Galveston to take command of the District of Texas for the United States. The first large Juneteenth celebrations took place the following year. These spread to neighboring states, particularly Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Black Texans took Juneteenth with them as they migrated west to California, which was where, as a twentysomething, I learned about the holiday. Though they ebbed and flowed in the first half of the 20th century, Juneteenth celebrations have become more widespread and more popular over the past few decades. Black Press of America columnist C. L. Cannon Scott describes Juneteenth as a time for families and communities to reconnect, to remember the past, and to look forward to the future. In essence, to look backward and forward in the context of Juneteenth is to use Black heritage both to strengthen connections and as a tool to effect social and political change. Juneteenth has taken on added significance in 2020. We celebrate Black freedom, however incomplete, with and through the pain wrought by the killings of Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless other Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement. We celebrate Black freedom, however incomplete, through the sorrow wrought by COVID-19 and its devastation of Black communities at rates that far exceed those of any others. We demand full equality through social upheaval and unrest. If you go down to Black Lives Matter Plaza and Lafayette Square in Washington, DC, you will see posters and artwork left on the walls and fences that call for Black power, convey Black suffering, and explode in Black joy. Juneteenth will be a state holiday in Virginia this year. Around the United States, Juneteenth celebration and Black protest will be one and the same. Many museums, including the Gallery, have expressed sympathy and have acknowledged the pain of the recent events. Gallery director Kaywin Feldman rightly notes that we must maintain hope and practice kindness. We must find our humanity and presume that of our fellow citizens. However, kindness and hope will not undo institutional racism, slaverys most tangible legacy. It is incumbent upon us to do the difficult, critical work to come to terms with the past and to create a new, anti-racist institutional structure. We must foster the kind of full inclusion, diversity, and equity that will enrich not only our own lives but also those of our visitors. The good news is that were not starting from zero: some of these discussions are already taking place across the Gallery. As encouraging as this activity is, those discussions must result in institutional change ruled by generosity, respect, and trust. Juneteenth also brings to mind the speech Booker T. Washington gave at the 1897 unveiling of Augustus Saint-Gaudenss Shaw Memorial in Boston. The memorial immortalizes the soldiers of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment, the first all-Black Civil War unit enlisted in the North, and their white commander Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. Praising the Black soldiers who, in the same spirit as todays activists and protestors, fought so courageously for the emancipation of their fellow African Americans, Booker T. Washington insisted that the monument stands for effort, not for victory complete. Death records point to hundreds of US deaths from heat each year, but even moderately hot weather may actually be killing thousands. This summer, COVID-19 may make it harder to stay cool Death records point to hundreds of U.S. deaths from heat each year, but even moderately hot weather may actually be killing thousands. This summer, COVID-19 may make it harder to stay cool. As temperatures rise this summer, a new study by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) and the University of British Columbia School of Population and Public Health (UBC SPPH) researchers finds that thousands of U.S. deaths may be attributable to heat each year, far more than the 600 deaths previously estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Published in the journal Environmental Epidemiology, the study estimates that heat contributed to the deaths of 5,600 people each year on average between 1997 and 2006 in 297 counties comprising three-fifths of the U.S. population. Most of these deaths were from only moderately hot weather, rather than extremely hot weather--categories that the researchers defined not by temperature, but by what temperatures are normal for a given region of the U.S. "How dangerous a hot day is may depend on where you live," says study lead author Dr. Kate R. Weinberger, assistant professor of occupational and environmental health at UBC SPPH. "A 90F day might be dangerous in Seattle, but not in Phoenix," she says. "One of the factors that gives rise to this phenomenon is differing degrees of adaptation to heat. For example, air conditioning is much more common in cities like Phoenix that experience hot weather frequently versus cities like Seattle with cooler climates," Weinberger says, noting that demographic factors can also affect how vulnerable a population is to heat--heat especially endangers older adults, children, pregnant women, and outdoor workers. The researchers used data from the National Center for Health Statistics on deaths in the most populous counties (1997 to 2006 was the most recent decade with continuous data available), and the Parameter-elevation Relationships on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM), which estimates temperatures across the contiguous U.S. down to the four-square-kilometer area. While most previous research has focused on the information provided on death records to try to estimate deaths from heat, this study analyzed the association between days considered moderately or extremely hot in that county and the number of deaths from any cause, showing that not hundreds but thousands of deaths are tied to heat. The researchers estimated that moderate heat killed 3,309 people per year in the counties included in the study, and extreme heat killed 2,299 people each year. "These estimates do not depend on anyone recognizing that a given death was due to excess heat, so they are likely closer to the true number than previous estimates," says study senior author Dr. Gregory Wellenius, director of BUSPH's Climate and Health program. "Heat is very much a threat to the health of our communities and our families today," he says. "Public health officials have a responsibility to implement heat action plans--as many communities across the world already have--in order to warn residents ahead of days of extreme heat and to help residents cope with the heat and minimize their health risks." However, the researchers point out that COVID-19 will make it harder to stay cool this summer. "Providing publicly accessible air conditioned spaces on hot days now carries additional risks and requires new protocols for keeping people safe from both heat and infection," Wellenius says. "At the same time, with many offices, malls, stores, restaurants, and other commercial buildings still largely closed, this summer people are even more reliant on home air conditioning than ever before," he says. "Given the high unemployment rates, particularly among vulnerable communities, we may see an even bigger impact of heat on people's health this summer." ### About the Boston University School of Public Health Founded in 1976, the Boston University School of Public Health is one of the top five ranked private schools of public health in the world. It offers master's- and doctoral-level education in public health. The faculty in six departments conduct policy-changing public health research around the world, with the mission of improving the health of populations--especially the disadvantaged, underserved, and vulnerable--locally and globally. About the University of British Columbia The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC's entrepreneurial spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. UBC encourages its students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world. Boston University Contact: Michelle Samuels, msamu@bu.edu University of British Columbia Contact: Thandi Fletcher, thandi.fletcher@ubc.ca spike's woody allen-defending ass can keep it Reply Thread Link Netflix: We love black people. Also Netflix: Reply Thread Link chadwick boseman is so fucking handsome, especially in 16mm. that's all i have to add. Reply Thread Link MTE Reply Parent Thread Link I really enjoyed this movie. All the actors are having so much fun and have great chemistry with each other. Reply Thread Link I didn't want to watch this after Spike's comments on Black Brits and the recent Woody Allen stuff but I am glad I did. It was full of Spike-isms but it was a really moving film and the first time I've really seen/felt the connection the Marvin Gaye album had on those fighting. Edited at 2020-06-19 04:57 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link What were his comments on Black Brits? Reply Parent Thread Link He's made a lot of negative comments about Black British actors taking American roles and then in She's Gotta Have It Nola tells a Black Brit character "You and your Black British blokes didnt come out unscathed. You just developed Stockholm syndrome, and fell in love with your captors." Spike got called out about it on IG and his response was "truth hurts?" Edited at 2020-06-19 11:51 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link honestly i dont recommend watching it. he used graphic photos of the my lai massacre in a very edgy/shock value manner and i dont like it. its very ableist too. also absolutely no reason for it to be 2h35, i hate him lol. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link A bit of irony given Delroy Lindo is British lol. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Team No One though Netflix's issues clearly run deeper than just Spike His NY tribute was just weird and looked like all the first-year student films where kids are using 16mm cameras for the first time. He played it on Anderson Cooper and even he was like "wow that Frank Sinatra sure can sing" Reply Thread Link I have some issues with Spike, but Scorsese spent a ridiculous amount to make Robert De Niro look slightly less old (and certainly not young) but Spike, who is very much a prestige director, had to fight for 16mm? That's bullshit from Netflix. Reply Thread Link Considering how little classic cinema Netflix actually has available streaming, none of this surprises me. Reply Parent Thread Link The music choices in this was really questionable at times, other than that it was really gut wrenching and really well done. Delroy was phenomenal. Reply Thread Link Bullshit Reply Thread Link I really liked this film. Deloy was amazing deserves some kind of nomination for his acting Reply Thread Link Hes been getting serious talks of Oscar buzz. Reply Parent Thread Link I saw these tweets by Viet Than Nguyen (Vietnamese-American author of [ Tweets by @viet_t_nguyen ] If I'm going to watch #Da5Bloods, should I live tweet my reactions to it? Non-Vietnamese seem to like the film. Vietnamese reactions so far are tending negative. viet thanh nguyen (@viet_t_nguyen) June 14, 2020 I suspect my reactions to #Da5Bloods will be similar to @theashleyray: "This is not an interesting look at the intersection of Blackness and imperial power; its just a gory war movie about veterans who go...looting...with the full support of the US."https://t.co/5idVjx9XYW https://t.co/nKhrnusi2R viet thanh nguyen (@viet_t_nguyen) June 14, 2020 If you have enough time to watch #Da5Bloods, hopefully you have enough time to read a book by or about Vietnamese people and their experiences of the war and being refugees. Accompanied by an Oaxacan Negroni. pic.twitter.com/m9qDvyfT2x viet thanh nguyen (@viet_t_nguyen) June 14, 2020 Kind of on topic, but I've been wanting to read The Sympathizer for a couple months now. I'm hoping I can snag it as a BOTM add-on in next month. I'm a BFF and they give BFFs a free book during their birthday month, which for me is July. Kind of on topic, but I've been wanting to read The Sympathizer for a couple months now. I'm hoping I can snag it as a BOTM add-on in next month. I'm a BFF and they give BFFs a free book during their birthday month, which for me is July. Edited at 2020-06-19 05:32 pm (UTC) I haven't seen it but I checked Netflix the day it was released and that 2 hour runtime scared me off. I don't really know anything about it and am wary of Spike Lee's later joints, but the Delroy Lindo dancing meme makes me want to. I've seen so many versions with so many different songs. It might be worth watching just to hear what the original track is. Also everyone is raving about Delroy Lindo's performance and I'm curious because I always enjoy him in movies.I saw these tweets by Viet Than Nguyen (Vietnamese-American author of The Sympathizer ) that add to my wariness. I didn't read his live tweets because I didn't want to be spoiled. I'll probably watch it eventually to form my own opinions. Reply Thread Link He worded it really well and provided the receipts to why he had issues. Reply Parent Thread Link wary of Spike Lee's later joints, but the Delroy Lindo dancing meme makes me want to this is me Reply Parent Thread Link I read his series of live tweets. I'm still planning to watch the movie at some point, though I think my feelings will probably overall be "meh" -- i'll enjoy parts of it and dislike others (I'm not Viet, but I lived briefly lived there and go back every so often so I get annoyed with a lot of media (mis)representation of Vietnam/Vietnamese) Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah I agree with those tweets (and with the review he linked which articulates my thoughts on the film better than any other review Ive seen!). Ive seen some people say that Da 5 Bloods depicts the Vietnamese a little more sympathetically than other American Vietnam War films depict the Vietnamese, and while that might be true, thats such a low bar that the film still centers Americans and still only superficially engage with the horrors of American imperialism and the suffering of the Vietnamese. Reply Parent Thread Link lol ofc they gave huge budgets to those idiots Reply Thread Link I think Viet Thanh Nguyen articulates my thoughts best in his live tweets of the movie Here we go with my live tweeting of Spike Lee's #Da5Bloods. I'm an admirer of many of Lee's movies. I'm also someone who has seen almost all Hollywood movies about the Vietnam War. It's an exercise I recommend to no one. viet thanh nguyen (@viet_t_nguyen) June 16, 2020 In the end, it's still very much an American, imperialist depiction of the Vietnam War. None of the 5 writers were Vietnamese let alone Asian American. Even the conversations on race would get sidelined too often for clunky heist/violent war scenes. Basically Delroy Lindo deserved a better movie. I really didn't enjoy this film, both from a Viet perspective (and I'm def not coming from one of those old-school Viet-Am perspectives glorifying the U.S. involvement) and from a moviegoer perspective. Delroy Lindo's monologue and portrayal of his PTSD was great and Spike tapped into some important topics to talk about in terms of the domestic and overseas racism that black soldiers experienced, tying in how black lives have been on the line since the dawn of this country, but the dialogue was very on the nose and barely scratched the surface before moving on to something totally different. It was just very messy, and I usually appreciate that in some of Spike's other works, but it was particularly disjointed here. He wanted to show how the war affected the Vietnamese through some of the side characters, but those depictions (maybe aside from Johnny Tri Nguyen who still deserved more to do in this film) also seemed very inauthentic/uncharacteristic, and felt manipulated to fit the plot.I think Viet Thanh Nguyen articulates my thoughts best in his live tweets of the movieIn the end, it's still very much an American, imperialist depiction of the Vietnam War. None of the 5 writers were Vietnamese let alone Asian American. Even the conversations on race would get sidelined too often for clunky heist/violent war scenes. Basically Delroy Lindo deserved a better movie. Reply Thread Link Yes to all of this. Why waste so much time on those white characters, also? Reply Parent Thread Link lol I can't believe white NGO saviors were still featured more than Vietnamese citizens, and not even in a critical way. Reply Parent Thread Link i think because before it was given to Spike Lee it was from a white perspective. I'm sure when Spike Lee decided to change it a lot of the previous storylines still stayed. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah I think he could have commented on past French occupation of Vietnam without adding more white characters or even axing the storyline. Hedy could have easily been a Vietnamese woman (though all them could have been Vietnamese). There are plenty of them doing the work to remove land mines. Reply Parent Thread Link Same. I didnt think he really deleted into imperialism that well (very similar opinions I feel when watching Watchmen which I really loved.) Aside from Johnny Tri Nguyen and Hanoi Hannah, the Vietnamese people were caricatures (the beggar child who would not be found in a bar, the chicken man, the henchman talking about My Lai). People in modern Vietnam have moved past the war; yet a bunch of character in this film were always bringing it up for Spike to force drama to drive up the characters PTSD. A lot of those characters didnt look old enough to be alive when the war ended lol. I saw early that NetflixFilm Twitter brought a Vietnamese film critic to combat the poor reception to the Vietnam part ... who of course avoided discussing the problems of the film. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link interesting. thanks for posting this. i just looked up the writers and the first 2 are white. I think i'll watch it tonight but with a heavy side-eye. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I watched it with my family and we all thought it was a good movie. Reply Thread Link BLOOMINGTON While no new COVID-19 cases were announced Friday in McLean County, several surrounding counties reported an uptick in cases. In McLean County, the total number of people who have been diagnosed with the new strain of coronavirus since March 19 remained 245, with 219 recovered, 13 at home in isolation and none hospitalized, the health department said. Friday was the twelfth straight day that the health department reported that no one was hospitalized in McLean County of coronavirus. Thirteen McLean County residents have died of the virus since March. No new deaths have been announced since May 29. More than 10,600 McLean County residents have been tested for COVID-19, meaning the rate of those testing positive is about 2 percent. Tazewell County Health Department announced five new COVID cases on Friday one day after six new cases were announced bringing to 109 the number of residents of that county who have confirmed cases of the novel virus since March. One of the five is a resident of Reflections Memory Care in Washington, said Tazewell County Health Department Communications Manager Sara Sparkman. On Thursday, that health department said it was monitoring a COVID-19 outbreak at Reflections. Of the 109 in Tazewell County, 75 have recovered, 24 are at home in isolation, three are hospitalized and seven have died. Logan County Health Department announced on Friday one new coronavirus case, a person in their 50s who is isolating at home. That brings to 13 the number of residents of Logan County who have had confirmed COVID cases. Eleven of the 13 have recovered. Meanwhile, Woodford, Livingston and LaSalle counties each reported new cases. LaSalle reported five new cases, bringing its total to 188; Livingston reported one new case, bringing its total to 38; and Woodford reported one new case, bringing its total to 32. The new Livingston County case was a woman in her 50s who was asymptomatic at the time of testing and has been released from isolation. McLean County Emergency Management Agency reported Friday that 114 people were tested on Thursday at the COVID-19 testing site at the McLean County Fairgrounds, 1106 Interstate Drive, Bloomington. The testing site is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily to anyone who can complete a nasal self-swab test. People may arrive by car, may walk up or arrive by bus. A free Connect Transit shuttle bus leaves the bus stop at Walmart, 2225 W. Market St., Bloomington, and runs to the testing site every 15 minutes from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Among other testing sites is Walmart, 300 Greenbriar Drive, Normal. That testing site is open 7 to 9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Appointments may be made at DoINeedaCOVID19test.com. Statewide, Illinois Department of Public Health reported 692 new cases on Friday and 44 additional deaths, including the death of a Champaign County man in his 70s and a Peoria County woman in her 90s. Since COVID-19 hit Illinois earlier this year, 135,470 people have been diagnosed and 6,580 have died. PHOTOS: Have you seen these missing children? Contact Paul Swiech at 309-820-3275. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_swiech. 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. Ahmad Hosseini, 21, was forced to flee his home country of Afghanistan four and a half years ago. Today, he works as a nurse, and has managed to build a new life in Vantaa, Finland. He is one of the faces behind the record high number of people who are forced to flee their homes every year due to war, conflict, and persecution. This Saturday, 20 June, marks World Refugee Day, a day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees and their resilience around the globe. UNHCR Northern Europe will be joining in the celebrations by screening a video exclusively produced for the occasion that highlights the strength and courage of people, like Ahmad, who have been forced to flee their home. The video will feature refugees from around the world, like Sabika in Bangladesh, Tarek in Denmark, Najmo in Iceland, and Yasamin in Sweden, amongst many others, as well as provide facts and just issued statistics on the global refugee situation. The video will be streaming live and in a loop from Friday 19 June at 9:00 CEST until Sunday midnight through UNHCR Northern Europes Twitter account (@UNHCR_NE) and YouTube channel (UNHCR Northern Europe). Please join us in celebrating! Share on Facebook Share on Twitter The Spanish Health Ministry reported on Thursday that 52 coronavirus deaths had been recorded in the last seven days. This is up from Wednesday, when 30 weekly fatalities were recorded, and from Tuesdays figure of 25. Of the 52 weekly deaths, 25 were reported by the Madrid region. Ten of Spains 17 regions, however, recorded no deaths in this period. The Health Ministry has still not updated the total death toll, which has remained at 27,136 for the last 11 days. Health authorities are waiting for the regions to supply their figures according to the new reporting method, whereby fatalities are ordered by the date of death, not the date of notification. As a result, around 2,000 deaths are in a kind of limbo until they are assigned to a specific day. Three weeks ago the number of patients in the ICU was 631, now it is 312 Fernando Simon, director of the Health Ministrys Coordination Center for Health Alerts Fernando Simon, the director of the Health Ministrys Coordination Center for Health Alerts, estimated Thursday that the total number of coronavirus victims was around 28,000, and added that the Health Ministry would provide more reliable and secure data on Friday. According to Simon, the number of coronavirus patients in intensive care units (ICU) is continuing to fall, which indicates that there is a lower risk of patients dying from the disease. Three weeks ago the number of [patients] in the ICU was 631, last week it was 431, a few days ago 352 and now 312, he explained at a government press conference. According to the latest figures, the number of new coronavirus cases confirmed by PCR tests was 143, a slight rise on Wednesdays figure of 141. In the past seven days, 141 people have begun experiencing coronavirus symptoms. The Madrid region recorded the highest number of cases in both these scenarios. Five regions, however, have not registered a new coronavirus infection in this period. Simon explained that the difference between the number of new cases and the number of patients with reported symptoms was gradually leveling out because we have old cases that are diagnosed later. According to Simon, community transmission of the virus is also falling. The number of close contacts that we have detected from each contagion has been three. Of these, only 5% have developed the disease. In 83 cases, we know that the origin is a previous case, he said. A total of 245,268 people have contracted Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. Basque Country and Cantabria lift state of alarm The northern regions of the Basque Country and Cantabria entered the new normality on Friday after lifting the state of alarm imposed in mid-March by central authorities in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The regional governments in the Basque Country and Cantabria also agreed to allow movement between the two regions from Friday. Both areas entered Phase 3 of the governments coronavirus deescalation plan on June 8. Under this stage, regions have the power to decide how long this last phase should last before entering the new normality. Galicia was the first region of Spain to exit the state of alarm. On Thursday, Catalan premier Quim Torra also announced the region would enter the new normality on Friday, before the official end of the state of alarm, which will formally expire across Spain on June 21. English version by Melissa Kitson. A special flight with 14 citizens of Ukraine, members of the Ruta tanker crew who returned home after more than three years of imprisonment in Libya, landed at the Boryspil International Airport. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended the arrival of fellow citizens in the homeland, the press service of the Head of State informs. "Our task is to return Ukrainian citizens. I am very glad that after almost three and a half years behind bars in Libya, 14 members of the crew of the Ruta tanker returned home. I am happy for them, for their families," Volodymyr Zelensky said. The President thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Security Service of Ukraine, and all those who helped for their successful work. In April 2017, Ukrainian sailors were detained in Libya on charges of involvement in the smuggling of petroleum products. Due to the complicated domestic political and security situation in this country, the consideration of the case of Ukrainians by the Libyan courts has not been completed for a long time. Due to the coordinated actions of the relevant authorities, Ukraine managed to achieve results in negotiations with the Libyan party and return our citizens home. ol A TAXI driver operating in Limerick was formally cautioned last year after they charged a passenger ten times the actual fare for their journey The incident was one of 49 which attracted complaints, during 2019, under Section 64 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. While the number of complaints was significantly higher than the 28 which were received during 2018, a number of them did not result in any action being taken. Documents released by the National Transport Authority under the Freedom of Information Act, show a complaint was lodged in December after the passenger claimed they were charged 120 instead of 12. According to the NTA, there were 17 other complaints, during 2019, relating to overcharging or the availability of receipts. Driver attempted to charge a fare 'per person' with no taximeter. Passengers refused and were told to leave vehicle, reads a summary of another complaint which resulted in a fine being issued to the driver. The documents obtained by the Limerick Leader, show another taxi driver in Limerick was fined after a passenger complained they were charged 65 when the normal fare would have been around 40. Fines were also issued to several taxi drivers last year after complaints were received in relation to the condition of vehicles and the behaviour of drivers some of whom were described as rude or aggressive. One driver refused to allow a Guide Dog into the taxi while anther was fined for taking a passengerss phone and jokingly pretending to throw it out of the window. One taxi CAB was described by a passenger as being totally filthy while another smelled of urine. Faulty brake lights were also reported while another taxi was alleged to be producing a lot of smoke from engine. Other drivers were accused of refusing to go to certain areas while it was alleged others were not familiar with the requested route. Another complaint, which resulted in a fine being issued, saw a passenger being shouted at by the driver. Passenger got into taxi but driver started to shout at passenger. Passenger got out, states a summary of the incident. Of the 49 complaints received last year, no action was taken in relation to 14 of them due to a lack of evidence or no response from the complainant. The National Transport Authority says one complaint was referred to gardai last year after an anonymous allegation of inappropriate conduct by driver was posted on social media. Meditoxin was among the most popular botox products in Korea for the past 14 years. But the biotech company was caught using an unapproved ingredient and doctoring related documents between 2012 and 2015. The government on Thursday banned Korea's first line of botox products made by Medytox because the firm adulterated them and doctored paperwork. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said it is revoking the licenses for packs of 50, 100 and 150 Meditoxin doses effective June 25 but added they pose no significant health risks for people who have already used them. Meditoxin accounted for 30 to 40 percent of Korea's W150-billion botox market and hundreds of thousands of people have used them over the last 14 years (US$1=W1,210). Medytox vowed to file a lawsuit against the ministry's order, saying that a ban is too harsh when the ministry admitted that it poses no health risk. A staffer at the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons said the substance in question "dissipates inside the human body in six to eight months and disappears." Webster Financial Corporation WBS remains well-positioned for organic growth, supported by a rise in loan and deposit balances. Also, improving mortgage banking scenario is a tailwind. However, the company is currently facing a continued rise in operating expenses. Also, it faces credit risk in case of any economic downturn. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has moved 1.8% downward over the past 60 days. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Shares of Webster Financial have lost 44.3% compared with the industrys decline of 34.1% over the past six months. The company has been witnessing a continuous rise in revenues. Net interest income and non-interest income have witnessed a respective compound annual growth rate of 9.5% and 4.6% over the past five years (2015-2019). Further, fee income is expected to benefit from favorable mortgage banking activities. Further, the company has been witnessing steady growth in loans and deposit balance. Deposits recorded a five-year (2015-2019) CAGR of 6.7%, aided by rising non-interest-bearing deposits. Further, the company witnessed impressive loan growth at the same time, recording a CAGR of 2%. We believe that deposit and loan balances are poised to grow further with support from the decent economic backdrop. However, mounting operating expenses have been hurting the companys bottom-line growth. The same has witnessed a CAGR of 6.6% over the past five years (2015-2019). The companys expenses might keep on increasing, owing to the initiative to grow the HSA Bank segment and transform Community Banking. As of Mar 31, 2020, the company held a debt level of $3.6 billion (11.4% of total assets), and cash and equivalents of $268 million. The debt level has been increasing for the past few quarters, while the cash position has remained volatile. Therefore, with a declining time-interest-earned ratio of 6.7X over the past few quarters, which indicates the company's ability to meet its debt obligations based on current income, we believe Webster Financial has an enhanced likelihood of default of interest and debt repayments if the economic situation worsens. Story continues Stocks to Consider Bank of Hawaii Corporations BOH 2020 earnings estimates have been revised 17.6% upward over the past 60 days. This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) companys shares have lost 32.3% over the past six months. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Earnings estimates for First Republic Bank FRC have moved 2% north over the past 60 days for the ongoing year. The companys shares have declined 5.7% over the past six months. It carries a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. Earnings estimates for GAIN Capital Holdings GCAP have moved significantly north over the past 60 days for the ongoing year. The companys shares have rallied 45% over the past six months. It carries a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. 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 First Republic Bank (FRC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Webster Financial Corporation (WBS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Bank of Hawaii Corporation (BOH) : Free Stock Analysis Report GAIN Capital Holdings, Inc. (GCAP) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Russia scrambled fighter jets to intercept two USAF B-52 bombers flying over the Sea of Okhotsk, on its far eastern coast, Moscow said today. Su-30, Su-35 and MiG-31 fighters sped to the region to prevent any violations of Russia's border, the Kremlin-backed TASS news agency reported. It comes just two days after US fighter jets were scrambled to escort four Russian nuclear-capable Tupolev Tu-95MS bombers during a planned flight off the coast of Alaska. Su-30, Su-35 and MiG-31 fighters sped to the region to prevent any violations of Russia's border, the Kremlin-backed TASS news agency reported Flight radar images posted on social media purported to show the paths of the jets close to Japan The Russian Ministry of Defense said today: 'At a considerable distance from the state border of the Russian Federation, the US Air Force planes were continuously tracked by Russian monitoring capabilities 'Su-30, Su-35 and MiG-31 fighters from the air defense quick reaction alert forces of the Eastern Military District were scrambled to intercept the targets.' On Wednesday, North American Aerospace Defense Command said US F-22 Raptors intercepted a Russian bomber formation early Wednesday that came within 20 nautical miles of the Alaskan coast. The formation consisted of two TU-95 bombers, two SU-35 fighter jets and an A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft, NORAD said. The second formation consisted of two TU-95 bombers and an A-50 and came within 32 nautical miles of Alaskan shores. The Alaska ADIZ (seen in crosshatch) extends well beyond US airspace. All civilian craft entering the zone must identify themselves. All military craft are monitored and intercepted Russia's Fighting Force TU-95 bomber The Tupolev Tu-95 is a large, four-engine turboprop-powered strategic bomber and missile platform with a top speed of 575mph. First flown in 1952, the Tu-95 entered service with the Soviet Union in 1956 and is expected to serve the Russian Aerospace Forces until at least 2040. SU-35 fighter The Sukhoi Su-35 is the designation for two improved derivatives of the Su-27 air-defence fighter. They are single-seat, twin-engine, supermaneuverable aircraft, designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and built by the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant. The jets have a top speed of 1,700mph. Advertisement NORAD said the Russian warplanes remained in international airspace at all times and did not enter US airspace. The United States maintains an Air Defense Identification Zone off Alaska which extends beyond national territory to allow for a response to possibly hostile incursions. Russian military aircraft that cross through the ADIZ on a training mission are typically allowed to continue on once identified, as long as they do not attempt to enter U.S. airspace. 'For the eighth time this year, Russian military aircraft have penetrated our Canadian or Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zones and each and every time NORAD forces were ready to meet this challenge,' said General Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, the NORAD Commander. 'Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, NORAD constantly monitors the northern approaches to our nations and our operations make it clear that we will conduct homeland defense efforts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.' 'Flying air patrols protects the approaches to our nations and sends a clear message we continue executing our homeland defense missions with the same capability and capacity we always bring to the fight,' O'Shaughnessy said in a statement. Srinagar: The Army on Friday claimed it sees a "palpable change" on the ground after each operation against separatist militants in Jammu and Kashmir and said the endeavour made together with the local police and other security forces to bring peace were revealing glaring feats. "With every operation we are moving on the path of peace," Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekhar Raju, the commander of Srinagar-based 15 Corps, told reporters. He said eight militants were killed in two encounters in south Kashmirs twin districts of Shopian and Pulwama in the past 24 hours. Two among the slain had taken shelter at a mosque in Pulwamas Pampore area and rejected appeals from security officials and the local imam to surrender, after which they were neutralised while exercising utmost restraint to protect the sanctity of the place of worship. IGP (Kashmir Range) Vijay Kumar claimed no bullets were fired or IEDs used in the operation against the militant duo holed up in the mosque. "There was no use of firing or IED. We fired tear smoke shells only to maintain the sanctity of the mosque," he said. Endorsing him, Lt Gen Raju said, The clash took place next to a mosque and extreme restraint was exercised by the security forces to ensure no damage is caused to the structure. A police officer who spoke to this newspaper on the condition of anonymity said that one militant was shot dead outside the mosque in Pampores Meej village while another injured in the shooting along with a third militant fled into the place of worship. They too were eventually neutralised without any collateral damage. Perhaps one of them died due to blood loss and the other fell reportedly after hit in the head by a teargas canister. In the second gunfight in Shopians Bandhpawa Munand village, five militants were killed. A J&K police statement said the identities of the slain militants were still being ascertained. "The dead bodies have been sent to Baramulla for medico-legal formalities, including collection of DNA, followed by their last rites," it said. With these, the number of suspected militants killed in Jammu and Kashmir this year has risen to 135, including 121 in hinterland and 14 along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border with Pakistan. Most of fatalities have occurred in South Kashmir, comprising four districts of Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam and Anantnag. As per the official statistics, 29 security personnel have also been killed in face-offs in the hinterland, so far this year. Also twelve civilians died in these clashes or in militant attacks. Separately, ten security personnel and two civilian porters hired by the Indian Army, fourteen alleged militants and infiltrators and five civilians have lost their lives in gunfights or cross-border firing and shelling incidents along the LoC and IB. Lt Gen Raju and DGP Dilbagh Singh said at the press conference that the security forces combating the three-decade-old insurgency will try to ensure normalcy is fully restored in next few months so that people resume the activities of their choice in a peaceful manner. The mortal remains of Naik Deepak Singh who was killed in eastern Ladakh in the clashes with Chinese soldiers were consigned to flames with full honours in his village in Madhya Pradesh on Friday. His elder brother lit the pyre during the last rites at village Faranda in Rewa district amid chants of "Long live Deepak Singh". Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and state BJP president V D Sharma lent shoulder to the coffin of the martyred soldier after it arrived in the village. Chouhan also met Singh's family members and assured them all support from the Madhya Pradesh government. Former state minister Rajendra Shukla was also present on the occasion. Paying rich tributes to the martyred soldiers, Chouhan appealed people to boycott Chinese goods and buy indigenous products to weaken the neighbouring country economically. The state government will provide an honorarium of Rs one crore to Singh's family members along with a pucca house and his wife will be given a government job, Chouhan said. A road will be named for the martyred soldier and his statue will be installed in the village, he announced. "We all are proud that we had a valiant soldier like Deepak Singh in Madhya Pradesh, from this village. I express my sincere gratitude to his parents for giving birth to such a courageous man," the chief minister said. He salutes Deepak Singh's sacrifice who laid down his life for the nation happily, he added. Deepak Singh, who joined the Army in 2013 and was posted in Ladakh's Galwan valley with Bihar Regiment, had married only last year. His father Gajraj Singh is a farmer, while elder brother Prakash Singh is also an armyman and is posted at Jaisalmer. "I will come by taking leave after lockdown ends," Deepak had told his grand-mother during their last conversation. Washington, DC - June 19, 2020 - Administering the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine could serve as a preventive measure to dampen septic inflammation associated with COVID-19 infection, say a team of experts in this week's mBio, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology. Long-time collaborators and spouses Dr. Paul Fidel, Jr., Department Chair, Oral and Craniofacial Biology, and Associate Dean for Research, Louisiana State University Health School of Dentistry and Dr. Mairi Noverr Professor of Microbiology & Immunology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans co-authored the perspective article based on ideas stemming from research in their labs. Vaccination with MMR in immunocompetent individuals has no contraindications and may be especially effective for health care workers who can easily be exposed to COVID-19, say the researchers. "Live attenuated vaccines seemingly have some nonspecific benefits as well as immunity to the target pathogen. A clinical trial with MMR in high-risk populations may provide a low-risk-high-reward preventive measure in saving lives during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Dr. Fidel. "While we are conducting the clinical trials, I don't think it's going to hurt anybody to have an MMR vaccine that would protect against the measles, mumps, and rubella with this potential added benefit of helping against COVID-19." Mounting evidence demonstrates that live attenuated vaccines provide nonspecific protection against lethal infections unrelated to the target pathogen of the vaccine by inducing trained nonspecific innate immune cells for improved host responses against subsequent infections. Live attenuated vaccines induce nonspecific effects representing "trained innate immunity" by training leukocyte (immune system cells) precursors in the bone marrow to function more effectively against broader infectious insults. In Dr. Noverr's laboratory, in collaboration with Dr. Fidel, vaccination with a live attenuated fungal strain-induced trained innate protection against lethal polymicrobial sepsis. The protection was mediated by long-lived myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) previously reported inhibiting septic inflammation and mortality in several experimental models. The researchers say that an MMR vaccine should be able to induce MDSCs that can inhibit or reduce the severe lung inflammation/sepsis associated with COVID-19. Mortality in COVID-19 cases is strongly associated with progressive lung inflammation and eventual sepsis. Recent events provide support for the researchers' hypothesis. The milder symptoms seen in the 955 sailors on the U.S.S Roosevelt who tested positive for COVID-19 (only one hospitalization) may have been a consequence of the fact that the MMR vaccinations are given to all U.S. Navy recruits. In addition, epidemiological data suggest a correlation between people in geographical locations who routinely receive the MMR vaccine and reduced COVID-19 death rates. COVID-19 has not had a big impact on children, and the researchers hypothesize that one reason children are protected against viral infections that induce sepsis is their more recent and more frequent exposures to live attenuated vaccines that can also induce the trained suppressive MDSCs that limit inflammation and sepsis. The researchers propose a clinical trial to test whether the MMR vaccine can protect against COVID-19, but in the meantime, they suggest that all adults, especially health care workers and individuals in nursing homes get the MMR vaccine. "If adults got the MMR as a child they likely still have some level of antibodies against measles, mumps, and rubella, but probably not the myeloid-derived suppressor cells," said Dr. Fidel. "While the MDSCs are long-lived, they are not life-long cells. So, a booster MMR would enhance the antibodies to measles, mumps, and rubella and reinitiate the MDSCs. We would hope that the MDSCs induced by the MMR would have a fairly good life-span to get through the critical time of the pandemic." Dr. Noverr was recently awarded a "Fast Grant" (part of Emergent Ventures at the Mercatus Center, George Mason University) to test the efficacy of MMR directly in a nonhuman primate model of COVID-19 infection. ### The American Society for Microbiology is one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences and is composed of 30,000 scientists and health practitioners. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences. ASM advances the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications and educational opportunities. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to diverse audiences. If you rode a school bus or went to a sleepover in the 1990s, chances are someone had a Dolly magazine in their bag. And it's likely the most dog-eared page was the "Dolly Doctor" section, which offered advice on everything from menstruation to first-time sex and all things "down there". "Very often the starting point for [a girl reading] Dolly was when a girl got her period and she didn't want to talk to her mum about it," says former editor Marina Go. Nine former Dolly staffers have reunited to launch a website for over-45s called Tonic. From left: Patricia Sheahan, Aileen Marr, Marina Go, Ute Junker, Megan Morton. Credit:Carlotta Moye It's that same sense of "entering a new world feeling a little bit lost" that inspired Go and eight of her former Dolly colleagues to create an magazine-style website for the same generation of readers, who are now in their mid-40s and beyond. Called Tonic, the site features articles on relationships, finance, style and health that Go says are deliberately targeted to the "perimenopausal and menopausal" audience that are thrashed out during weekly Zoom catch-ups. Scientists have found evidence that Australia was home to large carnivorous sauropods, that was almost as tall as T. Rex when it existed 90 million years ago (MYA). This is the newest dinosaur discovery that has established that more species of carnivorous sauropods were spread out in the Age of the Dinosaurs. The US is not the only place were extremely large dino meat-eaters live, as reported in CNN. Evidence like this will establish that large meat-eaters might be found in the least places expected, stressing that more species are just waiting to be dug up somewhere else. Another relevance of the discovery is that Australia might have more than one species of theropod meat eater on the loose during that epoch. Findings on the newly discovered meat-eater According to a statement from the University of Queensland, the researchers studied the dino footprints. Based on known data about carnivores, they determined that these dinosaurs were to be estimated three meters at the hips. The estimated length of the theropod is at 10 meters long, the length of a school bus that more or less is what can be guessed. Lead researcher Anthony Romilio, a paleontologist, is among the many experts who took part of the study. In terms of length, the Tyrannosaurus Rex or T.Rex is measuring to be the 3.25-meter height to the top of the hip. Its length from nose to tail, will be 12 to 13 meters long, and evolved about 90 million years ago (MYA) after giant dinosaurs in prehistoric Queensland, according to Kezi. Based on the evidence left by the dinosaurs, the Queensland tracks might be that of giant carnosaurs which include the Allosaurus. When they existed, they were the largest alpha predator of their epoch and precursor to evolving bigger meat eaters, that climaxed with the largest Tyrannosaurid 'T.Rex'. Also read: Llama Antibodies May Be Needed to Create Coronavirus Treatment Analysis of the footprints showed they came from the late Jurassic period from 165 and 151 million years ago. Its length is 50 to 60 centimeters but is 80 centimeters at most, according to Romilio. He added that when the footprints were left behind by the animal, the then-extinct carnosaurs were roaming through an environment that was a forest and swamp at the same time. One of the most exciting implications of the study according to Romilio is that North America had the T.Rex, in South America is the Giganotosaurus, Africa was home to the weird Spinosaurus, and this recent discovery shows that large Carnosaurs may have roamed millions of years ago in Australia, cited in Phys Org. It is only this time that the evidence from these fossils has been studied by researchers, surprisingly the evidence was found fifty years earlier or more, said Romilio. Discovery of the theropod footprints Most evidence will get stowed for years, just like how these footprints were found in ceilings of coal mines at Rosewood near Ipswich, and Oakey north of Toowoomba, during the '50s to '60s, explained Romilio which got hidden and analyzed till now, confirmed in Kake. It is not common to find out that some fossil laying around for decades becomes significant years later due to many factors, as stated by a paper in the journal Historical Biology. Another spectacular evidence is that in 2017, the biggest footprint (5 feet by 9 inches) made by a sauropod dinosaur was found in northwest Australia. Another print was made by a meat-eating dinosaur that was 3 feet by 9 inches it was discovered in Bolivia in July 2016. Finding evidence of large carnivores in Australia might yield larger specimens later. Related article: 2,000-Pound Female Great White Shark Swam Hundreds of Miles to Avoid Mating @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. By Angus Berwick and Mayela Armas LONDON/CARACAS, June 19 (Reuters) - In the vaults beneath the Bank of England, where foreign nations stash parts of their vast gold reserves, lie 1.7 billion euros ($1.9 billion) of disputed gold bars. Two parties claim access to them. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says they belong to his administration's central bank. His rival, opposition leader Juan Guaido, who the British government recognizes as Venezuela's rightful leader, say the bars are his to control. Next week, a British commercial court will begin deciding whose claim is just, after the Venezuelan central bank (BCV) sued the Bank of England to gain access. A decision is not expected until August or September, the judge wrote in a May 28 ruling. At stake is a sizeable chunk of the Maduro government's dwindling overseas assets. Lawyers representing the BCV say much of the gold would be sold to fund Venezuela's response to the coronavirus, which threatens to overwhelm a health system gutted by six years of economic crisis. The opposition alleges Maduro wants to use the gold to pay off his foreign allies, which his lawyers deny. Over the past two years, Maduro's government has removed some 30 tonnes from its reserves in Venezuela to sell abroad for much-needed hard currency, according to people familiar with the operations and the bank's own data. The opposition, still led by Guaido almost a year and a half after he began a parallel presidency, hopes a favorable verdict could influence other countries to hand them control of more Venezuelan assets, including $5 billion of state funds frozen in foreign bank accounts. "Without a doubt recognition from the court would be a very important precedent," Guaido's chief overseas legal representative, Jose Ignacio Hernandez, told Reuters. The Bank of England has declined to comment on the case. Around the year's end, Calixto Ortega, the BCV president, traveled to London to discuss this with BOE officials, according to Sarosh Zaiwalla, a London-based lawyer representing the BCV. The BOE officials told Ortega they could not accept his instruction as there was an issue with his authority, Zaiwalla told Reuters. The following February, Britain joined dozens of other nations in backing Guaido's claim. In April, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned the BCV, alleging Maduro was using it to "plunder" Venezuelan assets to "enrich corrupt insiders." Before the sanctions, Venezuela paid off several gold swap transactions the BCV had agreed with Deutsche Bank in the previous years, people familiar with the deal said. This resulted in 17 tonnes of gold held in the BOE's vaults being returned to the control of the BCV, bringing its holdings there to 31 tonnes, about a quarter of Venezuela's total gold reserves. The sanctions then triggered the early termination of other gold swaps made between BCV and Deutsche Bank, releasing more gold to the BCV, according to a chronology filed to the court by Guaido's legal team. Guaido's team asked the court to determine who had the authority to represent the BCV and receive the gold. In July, Guaido appointed his own central bank board. This February, Maduro's government hired Zaiwalla to replace another law firm. He says Ortega contacted him after he represented Iran's Bank Mellat in a case seeking damages from the British government for imposing sanctions that harmed its reputation and goodwill. The British government settled for 1.25 billion last year. "This case is bound to have some bearing because a UK court decision is respected worldwide," Zaiwalla said. "IMPORTANT PRECEDENT" In April, Zaiwalla sent the BOE's solicitors a letter instructing the BOE to facilitate the sale of $1 billion of the gold and transfer the sum to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which would purchase medicine and food needed for Venezuela's coronavirus response, according to documents submitted in court. When the BOE did not comply, Zaiwalla filed a legal claim against the bank in May, saying it was depriving the BCV of funds at a time of "national and global emergency." "We have no income, no way of generating cash flow," Ortega told Reuters in May. So far, Maduro's administration says the virus has killed 28 people out of 3,300 confirmed cases. The number of infections has accelerated in recent weeks raising worries that any leap in severely sick patients could overwhelm hospitals. UNDP has confirmed the BCV approached it. In a letter seen by Reuters sent to the opposition on June 3, the UNDP's Latin America regional director said any UNDP engagement would only follow a "formal agreement" between the BCV and the BOE. In response to the legal claim, the BOE asked the court to rule on whether it should follow instructions from Maduro or Guaido's boards. In their arguments submitted to the court, Maduro's BCV says the court should consider which side controls the state in Venezuela and whose ambassador is recognized by the British government. The UK Foreign Office's current diplomatic list names a Maduro-appointed official as ambassador, not Guaido's own ambassador, Vanessa Neumann. Neumann told Reuters this is because Guaido does not control the immigration authority. Guaido's camp argues the court should base its decision on the British government's recognition of his authority. The Foreign Office, in a letter to the court in March, confirmed this remains the government's position. Meanwhile, the opposition says Maduro is trying to intimidate figures involved back home. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in May accused Guaido and his legal chief Hernandez of "trying to steal the gold." On June 1, Hernandez denounced that intelligence agents were raiding his home in Caracas, though he now lives in the United States. He said this was in retaliation for "defending" Venezuela's assets abroad. ($1 = 0.8927 euros) (Additional reporting by Corina Pons and Deisy Buitrago in Caracas Editing by Daniel Flynn and Marguerita Choy) Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah has cautioned Parliamentary aspirants and delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) not to engage in politics of insults as they approach the party's primaries. The NPP Primaries is scheduled for this Saturday, June 20, 2020. Over 100,000 delegates will decide the fate of 308 aspirants seeking to represent the ruling party in 101 constituencies during the December 7th elections this year. Out of the aspirants, 47 are women with 12 going unopposed while the remaining 35 will be in a fierce contest with their male contenders in hope of victory in the primaries. The primaries, according to the leadership of the party, will be held in strict compliance with the COVID-19 safety protocols. Speaking to the aspirants and the delegates, Hon. Simon Osei-Mensah advised them to be decorous in their utterances and keep in mind that hurling invectives on one another could be used to the advantage of opposition parties in the general elections. "These are just prelims. The real fight is ahead which is the 7th December elections. So, let's make sure that we will be united during and after the elections to go as a united front." He also urged the party members and supporters to support those who emerge victors in the primaries whether they are the delegates' favourite or not in order to ensure unity in the party. "We should all rally behind those who emerge victors and unite as one party. Let there not be any backbiting and disorder but ensure that we unite after the primaries. I also plead with the electoral officials to ensure free and fair elections to avoid any bitter feelings among the candidates," he said on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo'. 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 Limited Indoor Dining, Nail Salons Can Resume on Monday Secretary Michael Kennealy explains some of the restrictions for the next step in reopening. BOSTON The state is moving forward to the next step in reopening the economy based on the continued decline in COVID-19 cases. Gov. Charlie Baker on Friday morning said the next step in Phase 2 of Reopening Massachusetts would commence on June 22, allowing for some inside dining, close contact person services, fitting rooms by appointment and increasing the occupancy percentage of offices. "In order to monitor the impact of reopening more businesses, the administration divided this phase into two steps. Today thanks to the progress that we're making in fighting the virus, step two will begin on Monday, June 22," he said. "That means that a number of additional businesses may resume operations. This includes indoor dining restaurants and offices are permitted to go from 25 percent occupancy to 50 percent of their capacity." He did urge businesses that are allowing teleworking to keep that practice and that executive branch employees working remotely will continue to do. "While we're lifting the office space capacity limit, employers should continue whenever possible, to encourage their employees to work remotely from home whenever they can," Baker said. "And for densely populated areas, specifically Greater Boston, if people can keep teleworking, we can obviously keep people off the MBTA for a little longer." But, he also said Phase 3 which would include the openings of gyms would not take place until the data was in for indoor dining. That would but the start of Phase 3 into July and past the anticipated June 29 opening. "I'm just going to say point blank that indoor dining starts on Monday. We're going want at least two weeks of indoor dining data," the governor in response to a question. "I want two weeks, we want two weeks of indoor dining a data. Period." The governor issued emergency orders in March that shutdown all but essential businesses unless those operations could be done remotely. Gatherings were limited to no more than 10 and schools were closed across the state. The four-phase reopening plan began at the end of May. "We've got here thanks to the sacrifices made by the business community, and their willingness to comply with the safety standards and guidance for each phase, and also your thanks to the residents of the commonwealth and their commitment to social distancing, wearing face coverings, and frequent hand washing," said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Michael Kennealy. "A lot has been asked of everyone in these difficult times. And if everyone continues to do their part, we'll continue to make progress together." Kennealy said there was a lot of reason for optimism and it was encouraging to see an increase in interactions between family and friends and "a burst of activity in local downtowns." "But the fact is the virus is still here. And, as we previously said, that data and not dates will determine next steps to maintain the momentum we generated, all of us working together toward the same goal," he said. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, who heads the governor's reopening advisory board, reminded municipalities that grant funding announced last week, the Shared Streets and Spaces Program, will be available for making infrastructure improvements to accommodate public access to businesses. A second grant program is now open to nonprofits and community groups. Applications for both will open on Monday, June 22. "To complement those efforts, today we are pleased to provide details on anther funding source totaling $225,000 being made available to nonprofits and community groups to assist local economic recovery efforts, the Resurgent Places program," she said. The program through MassDevelopment will allow for grants up to $25,000 for things such outdoor dining. Restaurants shifting back to indoor dining will have to abide by social distancing and sanitary protocols developed by the advisory board, such as keeping tables 6-feet apart unless they can be partitioned and limiting tables to no more than six parties. Baker said the decisions was to go by tables rather than occupancy limits placed on offices, retail and manufacturing because of the often unique layouts that many eateries have. State officials encouraged residents and businesses to continue the sanitary protocols have that have lead to dramatic reductions in COVID-19 hospitalizations across the commonwealth. Baker also touted the testing and tracing program that officials see as a critical factor in reducing the spread of the novel coronavirus and which will come even more into play in fall as restrictions on interactions are expected to be lifted. "No one really knows what's going to happen in the fall. There are plenty of people in the infectious disease community and epidemiological community who say that pandemic a like this have an echo and that the echo typically shows up in the fall," Baker said. "We talk to our colleagues in the health-care community about how they and we should be thinking about this. "And I absolutely believe that one way you reduce the size of the problem in the fall is by doing everything you can to squeeze as much of the heat out of the virus you possibly can between now and then." The Air Force inspector general is investigating the use of a military reconnaissance plane used to surveil Black Lives Matter protesters in multiple cities, the New York Times first reported and Axios has confirmed. Driving the news: The top intelligence official at the Department of Defense told Congress last week that he had not received orders from the Trump administration to surveil protesters gathering across the U.S., per the Times. Given the complex and classified nature of foreign intelligence collection, it is not always readily apparent to the American public how lawful foreign intelligence collection and analysis differs from unlawful intelligence activities rightfully prohibited by U.S. law and D.O.D. policy, Joseph Kernan, under secretary of defense for intelligence, wrote in a letter to Congress, per the Times. Defense Secretary Mark Esper ordered a review last week of the National Guards response to demonstrators across the country, the Times writes. The big picture: House Democrats on the Oversight Committee have called for the Department of Homeland Security to explain how it surveilled and intimidated peaceful protesters, including with drones and armed, uniformed officers. The Drug Enforcement Administration , via a memo first obtained by BuzzFeed News, was granted temporary powers at the end of May to "enforce federal criminal laws in the wake of protests arising from the death of George Floyd." , via a memo first obtained by BuzzFeed News, was granted temporary powers at the end of May to "enforce federal criminal laws in the wake of protests arising from the death of George Floyd." U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent a drone into Minneapolis in late May to take live footage of protestors at the request of federal law enforcement. The agency then recalled the unmanned predator drone, saying that police deemed it unnecessary. CBP did not specify why officers found the drone unnecessary or which agency requested it initially. What they're saying: "Following discussions with the Secretary of Defense about shared concerns, the Secretary of the Air Force is conducting an investigation into the use of Air National Guard RC-26 aircraft to support civil authorities during recent protest activity in U.S. cities," General Pat Ryder, Air Force spokesperson said in a statement emailed to Axios. "The investigation is being led by the Air Force Inspector General. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time due to the ongoing nature of the investigation." Go deeper: House Democrats call for investigation into DEA protester surveillance Devastation: Widow Anne McCabe with the bronze bust of her husband Jerry in Henry Street garda station in Limerick. Picture: Press 22 The widow of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe described the killing of Detective Garda Colm Horkan as a "disaster" for his family and the force. Ann McCabe began receiving messages and phone calls from other Garda widows yesterday morning, all distraught over the loss of another officer on duty. She said she was "absolutely in utter shock and devastation, for all (Det-Gda Horkan's) family, and indeed all members of An Garda Siochana". Expand Close Detective Garda Colm Horkan was fatally shot in Castlerea / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Detective Garda Colm Horkan was fatally shot in Castlerea "When they go to work they hope to come home, but little did he know that he wasn't coming home last night. I can't even put my thoughts into words, to be honest with you," Ms McCabe said, speaking from her Limerick home. She said hearing this morning's news on the radio, about the fatal shooting in Castlerea, was like being punched in the stomach. Read More "Oh God, it was a disaster. I just heard it this morning on the news, and I just thought to myself, 'oh my God, another tragedy'," she said. "It's a tragedy for all members of An Garda Siochana, and in particular for his family and for all the people that knew him. "Castlerea is not such a big town, so everybody would know one another there." The morning radio news bulletins triggered flashbacks from the day her husband was gunned down, she said, adding: "Yes, it did, but my memories don't go away, memories like that never go away". "It's another disaster," she repeated. On June 7, 1996, Det-Gda McCabe and his partner, Det-Gda Ben O'Sullivan, were protecting a mail van carrying IR80,000 cash, when the van was intercepted by an IRA gang on Main Street, Adare, Co Limerick. Expand Close The late Detective Garda Jerry McCabe / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The late Detective Garda Jerry McCabe The gang, who wore balaclavas and were armed with guns including a Kalashnikov automatic rifle, first rammed the detectives' unmarked Ford Mondeo patrol car, and then, without warning, pumped 14 rounds into the vehicle, killing Det McCabe almost instantly. Despite being hit multiple times, Det-Gda O'Sullivan miraculously survived. The McCabe family were unable to attend Det-Gda McCabe's anniversary Mass 11 days ago due to restrictions surrounding Covid-19. The pandemic also prevented the family from attending the annual Garda Memorial commemoration ceremony at Dublin Castle on May 16. On the day, the Garda Commissioner and Justice Minister marked the deaths of the 88 gardai who had died in the line of duty. Det-Gda Horkan's name has been added to that tragic list as the 89th member to die while serving and protecting citizens. Society doesnt need a large group with a license to kill. by Justin Podur Recent protests, catalyzed by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, call for an end to racist police violence. With their actions, the protesters have also moved beyond many of the stale policing debates of the recent past. Defund, disband, abolishpeople who would never have even heard these words in discussions about the police are now seriously considering them. Policing the country The breakthroughs in the police debate would not have been possible without the protesters, who have remained steadfast despite being beaten and abused by police everywhere in the United States. But this is not about making a breakthrough in the debate. This is about life and death. To stop police from killing people, 1,000 a year, year after year, changes will have to be made to the system. The protesters will be vindicated only if the changes made are the right ones. Reform programs will only be successful if they start from the premise that the policing institution has lost its social legitimacy, which it never deserved. Reforms that assume police legitimacywhether they involve more body cameras, better oversight, a more diverse force, or more prosecution of killers among the policedo not do the job. Once the police are viewed as an illegitimate institution, we are well on our way. As Mariame Kaba argues in the New York Times, we could do worse than to make a 50 percent cut to police budgets and let the logic of austerity get the job done, as it has with the rest of the public sector. But 50 percent can be bargained down to 10 percent, and 10 percent to 2 percent, as long as police and their advocates can continue to link public safety with policing. The backlash against abolishing police as politically unrealistic in light of public safety has begun at the local level where the issue is being debated. The goal has to be to abolish the class of people who have the legal right to end lives (and to lie to you while you must tell the truth). Do police currently have the right to kill? Absolutely. Using conservative estimates and public data, writer Lee Camp calculated that police killed an average of 900 people per yearin other words, at least 12,600 people from 2005 to 2019. In this period, Camp writes, a total of three police officers were convicted of murder and had those convictions stand up to appeal. That is less than one-tenth of one percent, but it rounds off cleanly to zero. The license to kill, above all, must be taken away from police. It survives because of a mystiquehelped by ubiquitous cop shows, books, and movieswhich is based on three notions: the idea that they are courageous because their job is dangerous, the idea that they keep society safe, and the fact that you can call them in an emergency. Courage? Yes, policing is the 16th most dangerous job in America, behind logging workers, fishing workers, pilots, roofers, refuse collectors, truck drivers, farmers, steelworkers, construction workers, landscapers, power-line workers, grounds maintenance workers, agricultural workers, construction trade helpers, and the first-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers. But no worker in any of the top 15 most dangerous jobs has the option of killing when they subjectively feel unsafepolice do. Safety? Police have no special function keeping society safe. In Alex Vitales book The End of Policing, he cites criminologist David Bayleys earlier book Police for the Future, in which Bayley calls this one of the best kept secrets of modern life. Experts know it, the police know it, but the public does not know it. We have known for 50 years that police dont help public safety. French anthropologist Didier Fassin, in his 2013 book Enforcing Order, cites the Kansas City experiment of the 1970s: This unprecedented study, unique at the time, compared three zones of the city: in the first, reactive, crews limited their activity to responding to residents calls; in the second, proactive, they at least doubled the time they spent on patrol; in the third, serving as a control zone, they continued their previous mixture of activity. The results of a full year of operations and measurement appeared identical: neither attacks on persons, whether assault and battery, sexual assaults or muggings, nor attacks on property, whether burglary or damage to vehicles, varied significantly as a result of the different systems implemented; similarly, the experience of crime and the feeling of insecurity as reported by residents and business owners showed no variation between the zones, nor did the level of satisfaction with the police; and it turned out that in all three cases, 60 percent of the officers time was spent on activities not directly related to law enforcement, including a quarter bearing no relation at all to police work Ultimately, it was evident that the patrols used preventatively had no effect on crime, either in terms of offenses recorded by law enforcement or from the point of view of residents perception of risk. The results were ignored: police kept patrolling for the next five decades. Fassin, who hung out with Paris police as part of his study, made his own calculations of how they spent their time: In my experience, time spent in response to calls often amounted to approximately 10 percent of the shift time; it was rare that it rose to 20 percent (five calls per team per night shift was a maximum that was rarely reached), with the rest of the time being devoted to random patrols, and to the administrative recording of actions taken. Think Paris is anomalous? Think again: A number of studies conducted in the United States reveal that officers on patrol spend between 30 and 40 percent of their time responding to calls (on average five calls per team per hour in cities), only 710 percent of which are related in some way to offenses or crimes, and between 40 and 50 percent of their working day on random patrol and paperwork, with the rest of the time devoted to various tasks. Heres how Fassin describes the daily work of the police he observed: Cruising around quiet streets and peaceful neighborhoods, the police wait for occasional calls that almost always turn out to be pointless, either because they relate to mistakes or hoaxes, or because the teams arrive too late or bungle the case due to their clumsiness, or because there is no cause for any official questioning or arrest. Fassin cites a criminologist from Ontario, Richard Ericson, who in 1982 found that police spent 76 minutes out of an eight-hour shift responding to calls, arguing that the presence of police officers has become an end in itself. So, police have the 16th most dangerous job, and they are irrelevant for public safetybut society needs someone to call in an emergency. This role can be filled by trained civilian workers who will have to learn to solve daily social problems without a license to kill, which could be the direction Minneapolis goes given city councilors vow to disband the police in their city. Last year Canadas Globe and Mail reported about a police force in Yukon that carried no weapons and could lay no charges. Some cities have child protection workers that operate to protect children with greater or lesser degrees of intrusiveness. Social workers can be trained to intervene in domestic disputes and in active mental health crises in the field. They can be deployed in teams that ensure one anothers safety, like in other professions. There are detailed proposals for taking responsibility for safety into the hands of the communityOlufemi O. Taiwo describes one in Dissent Magazine; Zach Norris reframes the issue in his new book We Keep Us Safe; and Ejeris Dixon and Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha describe community approaches to safety in their edited volume Beyond Survival: Strategies and Stories from the Transformative Justice Movement. There should be some cultural reforms too. Boots Riley suggests removing police and military consultants, who act like state censors, from movie and TV production. The #MeToo movement led to the creation of an intimacy coordinator role in film production, to ensure that sex scenes could be filmed without sexist exploitation. Studios could be responsive to this movement by drastically reducing their cop show production while removing censors for the shows that remained. This would go some way to reduce police mystique and police worship. Police advocates may argue there might be some financial losses from abolition. Some police forces eat what they kill through civil asset forfeitures, fines, and tickets, keeping taxes low while making poor peoples lives miserable. Overall, however, money will be saved. Initially, much of the money saved by defunding police would have to go to easing the transition of the people currently in police roles into other jobs. Pensions are a mechanism for taking police off the line for whatever reason, which police organizations use generously indeed. But pensioning every police officer indefinitely, while it would save lives, would not make any resources available for public safety. Instead, governments can provide retirement and retraining packages (the courageous police might look at retraining for one of the 15 more dangerous jobs) for them, as they do with other workers who are laid off. For the duration of current union contracts, police could be paid to prepare for other jobs or simply to stay homeexpensive in the short term, but it would save thousands of lives. After that initial period, the hundreds of billions of dollars that are spent on policing could be redirected to create and expand public services. The possibilities would be limited only by the number of billions that could be moved from police. Social workers, certainly, are a strong candidate to redirect funds toward, as well as free transit and other free basic services (especially health care in the United States). Criminological data has told us for decades that police are irrelevant for public safety. Other data tells us a lot about what does influence safety. British researchers Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett in their classic 2009 book The Spirit Level show that a large number of social problems, including violence, correlate strongly with inequality. Their work also shows different options for achieving equality: high wages by private employers (as in Japan) or high taxes and redistribution (as in Northern Europe). In the United States, every option for increased equality has been blocked by the wealthy who haveas Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page make clear in their important 2014 studycaptured politics. A real Green New Deal would do more for public safety than any conceivable police reform short of abolition. This article was produced by Globetrotter, a project of the Independent Media Institute. Justin Podur is a Toronto-based writer and a writing fellow at Globetrotter, a project of the Independent Media Institute. You can find him on his website at podur.org and on Twitter @justinpodur. He teaches at York University in the Faculty of Environmental Studies. He is the author of the novel Siegebreakers. They have been smitten with each other almost from the start of their relationship last August. And on Thursday Brooke Burke and Scott Rigsby couldn't keep their hands off each other as they packed on the PDA during a double date dinner with her daughter Neriah, 20, and her boyfriend at the popular Nobu restaurant in Malibu. On more than one occasion the couple shared some hugs and a smooch or two outside the oceanside hotspot. Lovebirds: Brooke Burke was all smiles during her double-date with beau Scott Rigsby in Malibu on Thursday The former Dancing with the Stars host, 48, showed off her amazingly toned figure in a casual-cool ensemble that consisted of tight blue jeans that flared from the knees down, circa 1970s. She matched it with a fitted white top and a pair of open-toe heels. For the outing, Burke pulled her dark brown tresses back off her face in a stylish ponytail. Hot and heavy: The couple packed on the PDA outside Nobu restaurant as they chatted with her daughter Neriah, 20, and her boyfriend Rigsby looked handsome in faded black jeans, a navy-blue button-down shirt and white sneakers. Following the meal the foursome stood out near the parking lot and shared a few laughs. It was at this point that the couple again wrapped their arms around each other as they flashed big beaming smiles, while chatting with her daughter Neriah and her boyfriend. Eventually the two couples hopped into red convertible and drove off into the California night. Hands on: On more than one occasion the couple, who have been dating since August 2019, shared a smooch or two Between them, Burke and Rigsby have six children from their previous relationships. 'It is awesome because he is a great father,' she said during a chat with People last November. 'He has two children and that is one of the things that I love most about him. He is really kind and responsible and devoted, so our kids are getting to know each other.' Burke shares her son Shaya, 12, and daughter, Heaven Rain, 13, with ex-David Charvet, and daughters Sierra, 18, and Neriah with ex-husband Garth Fisher. (CNN) -- The bars and restaurants are full. People are out enjoying themselves. Spectacular geological attractions are wide open to tourists. Anyone visiting Iceland right now could be forgiven for thinking they've arrived in a parallel universe where the coronavirus never happened. It's a tantalizing prospect. For people arriving from countries still under lockdown, the sheer normality of eating lunch in a bustling Reykjavik cafe is almost as thrilling as peering over the thundering abyss of Iceland's mighty Gullfoss waterfall. There's an added bonus for anyone who does make the trip here at the moment. Usually crowded with travelers at this time of year, the country is empty. Visitors will more or less have attractions like Gullfoss or the explosive hot springs of Geysir to themselves. This isn't because Iceland has been immune to Covid-19. In its early stages, the infection wreaked havoc among the island's relatively small population. But thanks to a rigorous regime of tracking and tracing, it has more or less been eliminated, giving the country confidence to reopen borders on June 15. Two days later, on June 17, Iceland celebrated its annual national day with its usual zeal, locals mingling in the pretty Nordic streets of the capital. There were no face masks or social distancing as Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir came out to address the crowds. Airport swabs There's no complacency though. Before entering Iceland, travelers must wear a mask on flights and within the arrival halls of Keflavik Airport. On landing, they join a new queue for nose and throat swabs to filter out anyone who might be carrying Covid-19. This can be an unsettling experience. It involves being ushered into a cubicle where two people dressed in full medical protective gear use long plastic sticks to prod much deeper than you might expect to take a sample. From July 1, when Iceland opens up to countries beyond Europe's Schengen Zone, visitors will have to pay $114 for this process. Results come by text message several hours later. If positive, visitors must enter quarantine for 14 days regardless of any plans they might have for their visit. There's also the option of forgoing the test and going straight to quarantine. If the test is negative, visitors are free to enjoy Iceland with no restrictions. As of this coming weekend, they could head straight from the airport to the steaming waters of the Blue Lagoon, just a few miles down the road. Ultimately, Iceland's screening and contact tracing system has been so efficient that it can boast one of the lowest virus death rates in the world: three per 100,000 people compared to 440 per 100,000 in the UK. What makes that even more notable is that they started off with one of the highest infection rates in Europe -- 513 cases per 100,000 compared to 450 per 100,000 in the UK. Kari Stefansson, CEO of deCODE, the private lab in Reykjavik that handles all of Iceland's testing, tells CNN that part of this success is down to efforts to identify regional accents displayed by mutations of the virus arriving from different parts of the world. "When a virus moves into a new region, it continues to mutate somewhat randomly," Stefansson says. "Since we have sequenced the virus from everyone in Iceland, we can first determine where the mutation came from and then we can follow it as it's spreading in society." That data is passed on to the health authorities who use it to trace anyone who might have come into contact with the virus. Back to work Kristin Yr Gunnarsdottir got to experience this first-hand when she was called up by the tracing team and told she had been served by a waiter with Covid-19 during a lunch she'd had six days earlier. She had to go into isolation and soon developed virus symptoms. Then she was tested positive. "It was a bit shocking because then I knew I had to be home for at least two weeks, but I ended up being at home for 23 days because you have to be at home without symptoms for seven days before they let you out." Stefansson is baffled that other countries aren't using the same system. "We have been able to work on this in an informed manner rather than poking in the dark and I insist that what has happened in the United States, what has happened in Great Britain, is that, because of lack of screening or lack of an attempt to understand what is really going on, it has been really difficult to contain the infection." With the virus under control, the government is stepping up again, to help restart the economy, particularly the hard-hit tourism sector. That's why it's so keen to reopen its borders, despite the risk of arrivals bringing in fresh infection. "I am obviously worried about a second wave, but in Iceland we are faced with very high unemployment rates right now," Prime Minister Jakobsdottir tells CNN. "We are not very used to high unemployment rates, so our guideline now in the government will be how to lower that number and to have more people working again." The latest official figures show the unemployment rate in Iceland doubled from January to April to 7% and has presumably been climbing ever since. Attractions such as the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa have been closed since March, which has lost it the revenue from 2,500-3,000 paying visitors on average per day. While it is set to reopen this weekend, numbers will be restricted to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Reconnecting with the world Bookings have started coming back in for visitor tours too, offering hope to people like Scott Drummond, co-owner of Hidden Iceland, who says he had to cut his staff headcount from 15 to six during the crisis. "We were able to hold on for a little while, but it was getting to that point where it wasn't going to be that much longer that we could hold on for with no revenue," he says. Now that the border is reopening, things are looking up. "Our website traffic surged 500% in a matter of days as soon as the announcement came." Tourism only accounted for 8% of GDP in 2019 and economists warn that the border opening won't necessarily help the wider economy. "It's devastating for the tourism industry for sure but as an overall effect, the balance of trade in Iceland has not been hit that severely and opening the borders will also cause currency to flow out of the country with Icelanders traveling abroad," says Professor Tinna Asgeirsdottir of the University of Iceland. "Icelanders, up until now during this Covid crisis, have been spending their money to a greater extent within Iceland, so there are a lot of things to consider." Prime Minister Jakobsdottir also recognizes the pent-up demand among Icelanders for reestablishing connections to the outside world. "It's not just about the economy, it's also about the fact that we are an island and in our modern times, just having a normal transport between countries is an essential factor and it's very different when you're an island or when you have borders lying with other countries all around. It's a very different situation." Iceland now hopes to be an example of how to recover from a pandemic as well as how to handle the virus itself. It'll be an equally challenging test for the cohesiveness and resolve of this small island nation. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Iceland now feels like the coronavirus never happened" All are invited to the Independence Day Virtual 5K to benefit the horses of the CT Draft Horse Rescue on July 4. Independence Day is the anniversary of CDHR rescuing eight horses: Gulliver, Willow, Callie, Dean, Dan, Spencer, Oliver, and Lila. Participants can complete the 5K with a walk, run, bike or ride with their horse at any point on 4th of July weekend, snap a selfie, and submit results within 48 hours. To register for the Virtual 5K, go to www.facebook.com/ctdraftrescue or www.ctdraftrescue.com. Registration is $30 for adults and $10 for kids, plus a small service fee. CDHR is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of neglected or abused draft horses as well as draft horses heading to slaughter. They also organize gelding clinics to address the problem of unwanted horses, and promote and support equine efforts and animal rescue in times of natural disaster. Horses are quarantined, rehabilitated, and retrained, while receiving proper veterinary care until they are adopted, which includes a strict contract for their life-long protection. CDHR is run completely by volunteers, so 100% of the funds raised through events like this go directly to support and care for the CDHR horses. For more information visit www.ctdraftrescue.com, www.facebook.com/ctdraftrescue, or send an email to ctdraftrescue@aol.com First-time home buyers invited to seminar EAST HARTFORD - American Eagle Financial Credit Union will host a First-Time Home Buyer Online Seminar at 6 p.m. June 30, in culmination of National Homeownership Month. The American Eagle First-Time Home Buyer Online Seminar is free and open to the public. Registered attendees will listen and learn from industry experts who will share their knowledge and experience about purchasing a home and understanding credit as well as the importance of working with a loan originator, realtor, and attorney to guide you through the home-buying process. American Eagles First-Time Home Buyer Online Seminar will be led by these industry experts: Patty Mason, Vice President, Real Estate Lending, American Eagle Financial Credit Union (NMLS #773213) Larry King, Mortgage Loan Originator, American Eagle Financial Credit Union (NMLS #555694) Lynette Mendoza Villa, Attorney, OMalley, Deneen, Leary, Messina & Oswecki Ilka Torres, Realtor, Keller Williams of Greater Hartford Advance registration is required at americaneagle.org/FTHB. A meeting link, meeting number, and password will be provided by email upon registration. For any questions, contact Larry King at larry.k@aefcu.com. Epoch Arts camp registering now EAST HAMPTON Epoch Arts is holding its first virtual summer arts camp. The goal is to provide youth with a variety of artistic activities where they can build new skills in creativity, connect with their peers in a fun environment while being led virtually by local artists. Camp runs from 9 a.m-2 p.m .July 20-24. Campers can sign up for a full week or individual classes; art supplies will be avaialble for curbside pickup. Each day there are 3 class offerings with down time in between classes to unwind. Campers can also eat a virtual lunch with Staff Camp Counselors from the past years, Sign up for a full day or just pick your favorite classes. Camp is for ages Pre-K-grade 10. Register at www.epocharts.org Curbside pickup areas in place. MIDDLETOWN After a Middletown Downtown Business Districts request for curbside pickup areas, the Middletown Parking Department, along with all other city departments, has removed the parking meters from select parking spaces along Main Street and installed Red, White and Blue signage designating that space for 10 Minute Curbside Pickup parking only. These Curbside Pickup spaces are not intended for customers of any one particular business but for all businesses within the immediate area. Concert series to begin July 9 The Joseph N. Goff House Board of Directors will hold the 21st annual Joseph N. Goff House Gazebo Concert Series at the Center School Gazebo on Summit Street in the East Hampton Village Center. This year's performers will include: The Leaf Jumpers on July 9 with music from the 1990s to 2000s; Flamingo Big Band, a 14-piece, all female group offering swing era music with a sprinkling of rock and roll, pop and rhythm and blues on July 16 ; Mick and Vic acoustic duo with music from the 1950s to present on July 23; Center Line, with rock, country and blues on July 30; and The Foundry Saxophone Quartet, a mix of classical, jazz, folk, and ragtime on Aug. 6. All concerts are free and begin at 6:30 p.m. Listeners in groups of five or less are welcome to bring blankets, chairs and picnics, wear masks and stay 10 feet apart from other attendees. No food will be sold. Take home what you bring in, practice social distancing and monitor children and dogs. There will be no bathrooms available during the performances and no rain location, so inclement weather will cancel the performances. Concert sponsors are still needed. Contact Dean Markham at 860-918-4400 or mail your concert sponsor donations to Goff House Concerts c/o Melissa Pionzio, 61 Smith St., East Hampton, CT 06424. Go to http://goffhouseehct.blogspot.com/ for information. Rockets hit heavily fortified Green Zone in Iraqi capital Baghdad Iran Press TV Thursday, 18 June 2020 5:47 AM Rockets have struck an area at the heavily fortified Green Zone in the Iraqi capital city of Baghdad, which houses some of the main government offices and foreign diplomatic missions, including the US Embassy. Security sources inside the high-security district, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that the projectiles landed in the area early on Thursday. AFP journalists heard at least three explosions, which consequently triggered security sirens at the US Embassy compound. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The development took place a week after Iraq's military said at least two rockets had hit inside Baghdad's Green Zone. The two projectiles struck near the Baghdad Operations Command, which coordinates Iraq's police and military forces, the military statement said at the time. The command center is a few hundred meters away from the US Embassy, which is a regular target of rocket attacks. An Iraqi security official, who requested not to be named, said back then there were no casualties. The attacks come as anti-US sentiment has been running high in Iraq following the assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, along with Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy head of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), and their companions in a US assassination drone airstrike authorized by President Donald Trump near Baghdad International Airport on January 3. Iraqi lawmakers unanimously approved a bill two days later, demanding the withdrawal of all foreign military forces led by the United States from the country. The US responded to the move by threatening crippling sanctions against the Arab country and, according to some reports, a huge bombing spree against the Iraqi groups it blames for attacks on site. The troop withdrawal was put to talks between Baghdad and Washington earlier this month, with the US promising to reduce the number of its troops there in the coming month. Washington also claimed in a statement following the talks "it does not seek nor request permanent bases or a permanent military presence in Iraq." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New Mexico is in the middle of the worst fiscal crisis we have experienced since statehood: a $2.4 billion budget shortfall coupled with lost jobs for more than 100,000 wage earners and the closure of hundreds of small businesses, many of which will never open again. We are encountering an economic disaster that will plague our state for years to come. Our sole focus during the upcoming special session must be on fixing our budget problems and providing financial relief to thousands of desperate New Mexicans. Republicans have been requesting a special session since April, as the economic problems facing our state deserved attention months ago. However, just days before the special session was set to begin, we were told the governor and the speaker of the House want to rush through legislation to limit liability protection for law enforcement officers and retool our election laws just months before the November election. These two issues should take days, if not weeks, to review and debate, and they need to be referred to multiple legislative committees to be properly vetted and amended. These are massive pieces of legislation with major consequences to every single New Mexican, and rushing them through a special session is no way to ensure changes in the law are fair and proper. Not only are we going to be vetting complicated bills in a single committee, we are going to do so without our normal expert analysts to review them, and without any real public participation in the legislative process. We have two analysts for the special session, experts in budget, tax and finance matters. Those are the issues that need to be addressed. We do not have the time or the money needed to recruit experts on election and criminal justice legislation. In a regular session, members of the public can show up at multiple committee hearings, speak passionately about an issue, and do their best to sway members one way or another on bills that have been published for weeks on the legislative website. That process is not going to happen during this special session. If members of the public want to participate, they must go online, log in to the Legislatures website, and send an email to whatever legislative hearing is of interest. Maybe their comments will be read by the committee chairman, or maybe not. The public will lose the historic right to be able to participate in the legislative process. The traditional legislative procedures call for bills to be moved through two or three committees to ensure your elected representatives and our analysts with varied expertise can have input on these provisions. But the speaker has unilaterally decided the traditional process will not be followed as he has pledged to send all bills to only one committee before being pushed to the floor with ridiculously little vetting. This is no way to address these serious issues. On top of all this, the speaker is changing the rules that will literally allow legislators to phone it in from the comfort of their homes. Thats right, legislators will be able to vote for these bills in their pajamas. Lets sum up we are going to hold a special session without the public being involved, letting legislators work from home, limiting the amount of time and number of committees and experts to review highly controversial issues that will be passed without bipartisan agreement. This is governing at its most cynical and is an insult to every New Mexican. None of the other parties except for Congress has violated democracys unwritten code of standing with the government during an hour of national crisis. The Congress partys long march towards becoming a far-Left NGO began on 4 June, 2004. While tears and praise were still flowing over Sonia Gandhi's great sacrifice of turning down prime ministership, she was busy creating the National Advisory Committee (NAC) to bypass a puppet prime minister and the Cabinet and rule India with a bunch of unelected activists. Most of these activists shared core traits. The foremost being a deep loathing for Hinduness, the glue that holds this civilisation. They also swung the liberalisation bus, flagged off by Congresss own prime minister Narasimha Rao, sharply Left. Shortly later, Sonia was opposing the civil nuclear deal with the US which prime minister Manmohan Singh was keen to sign. It finally went through after Singh showed rare spine and stood his ground. Then in August 2008, at Beijings Great Hall of the People, Sonia presided over the signing of an extraordinary memorandum of understanding. The Indian National Congress unhesitatingly made a pact with the Communist Party of China (CPC), which runs a brute dictatorship. The signatories were then Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi and CPC minister Wang Jia Rui. Sonia Gandhi and a certain Xi Jinping, then China's vice president, fondly watched over. That long journey towards an anti-nationalistic, far-Left, anarchic ideal has culminated with Rahul Gandhi. During the Doklam standoff, Rahul privately met Chinese envoy Luo Zhaohui and tried to shrug it off as a courtesy call. He stood with terrorist Afzal Guru's backers at JNU. The Enforcement Directorate has said that hundreds of crores for the often-violent and communal anti-Citizen Amendment Act protests were routed through a senior Congress leader. And now, when at least 20 Indian soldiers were killed on a blood-washed night at Ladakhs Galwan Valley, Rahul is viciously attacking the government instead of standing by it during a national crisis. Why is the PM silent? Why is he hiding? Enough is enough. We need to know what has happened. How dare China kill our soldiers? How dare they take our land? Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 17, 2020 He is either uninformed or is lying. Indian and Chinese soldiers patrol the line of actual control without firearms because of agreements signed by his own Congress governments in 1993, 1996 and 2005. How dare China kill our UNARMED soldiers? Why were our soldiers sent UNARMED to martyrdom?pic.twitter.com/umIY5oERoV Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 18, 2020 It took External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to remind him of that. Let us get the facts straight. All troops on border duty always carry arms, especially when leaving post. Those at Galwan on 15 June did so. Long-standing practice (as per 1996 & 2005 agreements) not to use firearms during faceoffs. https://t.co/VrAq0LmADp Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 18, 2020 One of the chief reasons for the Congresss political evanescence is that it has ceded patriotic space. Whether it is during Doklam, the surgical strike after the Uri terror attack, or the Balakot air raids to avenge Pulwama, the Congress has repeatedly violated an unwritten code in democracy. It has mocked and questioned the armed forces and attacked the government when it should have stood united on matters of sovereignty. People now ask whether Indias sovereignty matters at all to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. Or, having lost all hope of returning to power, is Congress reducing itself to being an Antifa, a far-Left outfit which works towards violent chaos, has shadowy backers, and seeks to destabilise democracies because people won't vote it to power. This conflict with China could be the infletion point from which we see a Congress-less Opposition forming. None of the other parties has violated democracys unwritten code. They may fiercely oppose Narendra Modi but are mature enough to stand by the government and the nation at this hour. Leader after leader, from RJDs Tejaswi Yadav to Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, has stood with the government. Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) June 17, 2020 Even Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who mocked earlier military action, has been mellow and responsible. Deeply saddened to hear our brave soldiers on the LAC were killed in action. The whole country joins their families in their grief. We stand united as a nation to salute their sacrifice. Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 16, 2020 No one has been more abrasive with Modi than West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. But even she has made it clear that she stands with the Modi government on Chinese aggression. There are two sides to this. There is war, and there is negotiation through diplomatic channels. What channel will be useful, let the Centre decide, she said. This is our motherland. We want progress for our nation. We do not want anybody to hurt our nation, attack our nation. If somebody does so, we will not sit quietly. If there is external aggression. She has also agreed to attend Fridays all-party meeting convened by the prime minister on the China issue. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has asked for a strong strategic and economic reply to China. All contracts awarded to Chinese companies should be suspended with immediate effect and there should be a restraint on imports from China, he said. Even Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has asked for a strong response to China's actions and said the people of India stood with the prime minister. ? 20 . ? ? ? ? . . . ! Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) June 17, 2020 While the rest of the Opposition shows no crisis of confidence in democracy, Congress new Naxal-like avatar can be a liability for potential allies. The Shiv Sena is already accruing Congress baggage in Maharashtra. Many top Congress leaders and spokespersons have either left or are on their way out. Once the vast middle ground of Indian politics, Congress is making itself an outlier, and also perhaps politically untouchable in the future. The city quietly removed a statue of Christopher Columbus from Bell Park on Friday. The statue will be held in storage while the city decides how to relocate it, according to the mayors office. Earlier this week, Houston removed two Confederate monuments from city parks, as well. In a statement issued by his office, Mayor Sylvester Turner said, A decision was made to remove the statue because it had been vandalized multiple times including in recent weeks making it a public safety hazard. The statue will remain in storage while we seek a more suitable venue. There have been calls nationwide to destroy or move Confederate statues amid a national reckoning on race following the killing of Houston native George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. Columbus, whose colonialist legacy had devastating effects on Native American populations, has been wrapped up in similar protests and dialogue. Statues commemorating him have been vandalized and pulled down in several cities across the country. Vandals in Houston painted the hands and head of the Bell Park Columbus statue red last week. Several people urged city council on Tuesday to remove the statue during its public session. They included Chance L. Landry, who owned and operated the Southern Apache Museum in the Northwest Mall for five years. Landry said Native American Indians have been erased in history, while Columbus is memorialized with a holiday and monuments. We have become so invisible, children today and even adults dont even know we exist in this great city, said Landry, who celebrated the statues removal Friday. The 7-foot bronze monument had stood in Bell Park, between Montrose and the Museum District, since 1992. The Italian-American Organizations of Greater Houston commissioned the statue and donated it to the city to honor the 500th anniversary of Columbus landing. Councilmember Abbie Kamin, whose district includes the park, said she believes the city has been working with the group, now known as the Italian Cultural & Community Center, on a new arrangement. I support the statue being removed and being placed somewhere with more historical context, Kamin said. Columbus, to many, stands for atrocities committed against Native Americans and other indigenous people, and the Americas. Mayor Sylvester Turner, who previously had commissioned a task force to study the Confederate monuments, said last week that he wanted to have them out by Friday, Juneteenth, the state holiday marking when Texas slaves were told they were free two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. One of the statues, the Spirit of the Confederacy Statue previously in Sam Houston Park, will be moved to the Houston Museum of African American Culture. The other, a monument to Confederate Lt. Richard Dick Dowling, is being held in storage after plans to send it to the Sabine Pass historical battleground site were put on hold amid opposition from Port Arthurs mayor. dylan.mcguinness@chron.com In the year 2019, Chinas exports to India was 68.3 billion USD, while Indias exports to China was much lower level at 17.1 billion USD, largely consisting of minerals and natural products. by N.S.Venkataraman Whether Government of India would admit or not, it is crystal clear that India is facing a war like situation with China today. The most important thing that India need to do now is to convey firm impression to Chinese government that India would not buckle under pressure and military threat. Certainly, this is what many countries in the world, who understand the tactics of China and are concerned about it , expect from India today. Obviously, India has to confront China in several fronts including trade and economic front. While China has created huge capacities in several industrial and commercial sector , the fact is that China is excessively dependent on the world market for its industries to operate at economic capacity utilization level , by marketing their product internationally. This is the area where China has to be confronted. U S President Trump has understood this and that is why he initiated the trade war with China, which is getting silent approval from several countries. Very few countries criticise USA for its trade war moves, which has made Chinese economy weaker, though not still weak at alarming level. It is high time that India too need to start a trade war with China. While there is high level of clamour amongst cross section of Indians to ban import of goods and services from China, some experts have been stating that ban on import of goods from China would nearly paralyse the Indian economy too. This view is certainly not based on facts and not based on clear understanding of the ground realities in India. In the year 2019, Chinas exports to India was 68.3 billion USD, while Indias exports to China was much lower level at 17.1 billion USD, largely consisting of minerals and natural products. Of these above exports by China to India, drugs and drug intermediates constitute around 65% of the total import of bulk drugs and intermediates by India from various countries. Most of these import of bulk drugs and drug intermediates are avoidable, as India has enough capacity. For example, number of units in India have capacities for the production of several drugs such as Ibuprofen, paracetamol metronidazole and still India import from China leading to under utilization of capacity in India. In the same way,. India has adequate installed capacity for several chemicals and even such chemicals are being imported from China. Several examples can be readily pointed out. India imports around 1 akh tonne per annum of citric acid from China and India was producing citric acid and then closed its plants due to import dumping from China. Several Indian units such as Hindustan antibiotics, Torrent Pharmaceuticals and others were producing Penicilin G earlier and all of them have closed operations due to import dumping from China and now India is largely importing from China. Why is this situation ? The reason need to be understood and tackled. India is importing several pharmaceuticals and chemicals from China, not due to lack of production capacity or technological capability but Indian buyers are tempted by offer of low price from China and also China provides liberal credit terms of as much as six months to the Indian buyers from the date of Bill of Lading, after the Indian buyer would open irrevocable Letter of Credit. The fact is that China is a non market economy and several hidden subsidies and support are given by the Chinese government to help the Chinese industries export the products at low price and there is no transparency in such matter. What is particularly surprising is that several buyers and traders in India succumb to the temptation of buying products from China due to the low price and liberal credit terms , even if the quality and specification of the Chinese product would be less than that of the product produced in developed countries. Curbing the import of products from China is now a national necessity to protect Indias interests. There are many non essential items imported from China such as furniture, bedding, toys, mobile phones , televisions etc., which India can do without supply from China. In the case of chemicals, bulk drugs , auto parts etc., the capacity uitilisation of Indian industries should be improved and production increased by curbing import from China. There are enough capabilities in India with regard to such products. Even in the case of renewable energy sector,. solar cells are imported from China in large quantity ,while solar cell producers in India are languishing. Government of India should make the price of Chinese goods in India expensive by imposing safeguard duty to protect the Indian industries and national interest. With such protection, Indian industries will have the opportunity to expand capacities , increase production and optimise production cost , which they are unable to do now as they are unable to operate with confidence due to import dumping from China. India has to learn from the strategy of US President Trump who has imposed tariffs on Chinese products heavily to curb import from China. China has tried to retaliate by imposing tariffs on US products. In the process, both the countries have not bothered about the regulations of World Trade Organisation (WTO) and WTO rules have gone with the wind. India also need to impose such tariffs on Chinese products without excessively being concerned about the WTO rules, which should be relevant only in normal times. China is occupying Indian territory and has killed Indian soldiers. In such circumstances, India starting a trade war with China is absolutely appropriate . Even as per the WTO rules, safeguard duty can be imposed on the imported product by any country, if the domestic industry would be adversely impacted. Certainly, a trade war with India would not destabilize Chinese economy in big way , but it would cause concern to China. This would make it clear to China about Indias determination to confront China and would be a trend setter for several countries in the world who are equally concerned like India about Chinas greed , ruthlessness and territorial expansionist policies. World News: End Violence, Harassment at Work June 19,2020 | Source: HRW Governments should prioritize ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Violence and Harassment Convention, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today, on the eve of its first anniversary. The groundbreaking treaty, adopted June 21, 2019 by government, employer, and worker members of the ILO, sets international legal standards for preventing and responding to violence and harassment at work. The 31-page report, Dignity and Safety at Work: A Guide to the 2019 ILO Violence and Harassment Convention, highlights the main obligations for governments set out in the treaty and elements of national laws and policies that reflect promising practices. No one should have to tolerate violence and harassment, but for many workers especially women it is often an inevitable part of getting or keeping a job, said Nisha Varia, womens rights advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. The ILO Violence and Harassment Convention provides critical guidance to governments on how to prevent this violence and how to protect workers from stigma and retaliation so they can speak up and get the justice they deserve. On June 12, 2020, Uruguay became the first country to ratify the convention, which will enter into force with the second ratification. Argentina, Belgium, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Namibia, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain, and Uganda have signaled their intention to ratify. Countries that ratify agree to align their national laws to the treatys standards and will be periodically reviewed for compliance by the ILO. The MeToo movement and attacks on health workers in the context of the coronavirus pandemic have highlighted the urgency of strong measures to prevent work-related violence and harassment and to ensure that survivors have access to services and remedies. Human Rights Watch has documented violence and harassment at work around the world, including in agriculture, domestic work, education, fishing, the garment industry, health, journalism, mining, public office, and the military. The ILO has found that many existing laws exclude the workers most exposed to violence, for example domestic workers, farmworkers, and those in precarious employment. A 2018 World Bank report found that 59 out of 189 economies had no specific legal provisions covering sexual harassment at work. The treaty sets out minimum obligations for governments, including ensuring comprehensive national laws against harassment and violence at work and prevention measures such as information campaigns and identifying high-risk sectors. It also requires enforcement such as inspections and investigations and access to remedies for victims, including complaint systems, whistleblower protections, services, and compensation. The treaty covers workers, trainees, workers whose employment has been terminated, job seekers, and job applicants, among others, and applies to both formal and informal sectors, public and private. It also includes a requirement to address violence and harassment involving third parties, such as clients, customers, or service providers. The treaty recognizes that violence and harassment go beyond the physical workplace and includes other activities related to work, such as commutes and offsite work events. It also obliges governments to ensure employers have workplace policies and prevention measures addressing violence and harassment. The treaty addresses gender-based violence specifically, including the intersection of domestic violence and work, and the steps governments should take, including protections so that domestic violence survivors can seek help without losing their jobs. Several global workers and womens rights organizations are campaigning to promote these standards and urging governments to ratify the treaty quickly. These include global trade unions such as the International Trade Union Confederation, the International Domestic Workers Federation, and several other global unions as well as the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign and Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing. Promising steps highlighted in the report include: - In Zambia, the definition of the workplace extends beyond formal worksites and includes any place where the employees work or are likely to work, or which they frequent or are likely to frequent in the course of their employment or incidental to it. - Indias law governing sexual harassment extends workplace protection to students, third parties visiting a workplace such as customers or clients, and those directly or indirectly employed, including trainees, apprentices, and volunteers. The law applies both to the organized and unorganized sectors. - The state of New York in the United States requires public employers to develop and implement programs to prevent and minimize workplace violence, including through written policy statements, conducting risk evaluations, creating a prevention program, providing training for employees, documenting incidents, and reviewing all cases annually. - In Finland, the 2002 Occupational Safety and Health Act requires work to be arranged so that, the threat of violence and incidents of violence are prevented as far as possible. This includes providing appropriate safety equipment and arrangements, ensuring that employees have ways to summon help, and avoiding hazards or risks when employees are working alone. - Puerto Rico allows an employer to request a protection order for an employee against visitors if the employee has been a victim of domestic violence in the workplace. - The Philippines and New Zealand provide for 10 days of paid leave for domestic violence survivors to pursue legal proceedings, leave their partners, and protect themselves and their children. - Spain provides women workers who are victims of gender-based violence the right to a reduction and reorganization of working time, to move their location, and to suspend the employment contract. - Colombia and Costa Rica have laws and directives addressing workplace violence that instruct labor inspectors on how to handle victim complaints in cases of workplace harassment. - German law permits employees to refuse to work without losing pay if the employer does not take appropriate steps to stop harassment in the workplace. Workers who are marginalized because of their sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or migration status, among other characteristics are often at greatest risk of violence and have the least access to any help, Varia said. Ratifying the convention and carrying it out is a major opportunity for countries to end these abuses and promote safety and dignity at work. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 06/19/2020 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. couple Jackson Michie and Holly Allen have ended their relationship and split after nearly a year together.Jackson and Holly, who seemed completely in love in recent months, both took to Instagram on Thursday and posted separate statements announcing they've decided to part ways."Life works in crazy ways, and this past year has been no exception. Through the ups, the downs, the highs, and the lows..there has been one constant through it all and that's the amazing woman standing next to me. Life has continued to work in ways neither of expected, and sadly life will be taking us in different directions," Jackson, 25, wrote alongside a photo of the couple."This isn't because of bad actions or words, rather, two people who deeply love each other recognizing that a relationship may not be for the best."Jackson continued, "I said it on the show and I will say it always, I love her and she will forever hold a special place in my heart. This post is something that neither of us wanted to share, but given the circumstances of our relationship and how things started it only seems appropriate to offer an answer once and for all."Jackson then asked fans to respect their "wishes for privacy on the matter.""Understand that we are both going through significant life changes and monumental events in our individual lives separate from this. We love our supporters, we love big brother, and we couldn't be more thankful for everyone along the way who has stood behind us and helped us forward. Day 75 holls. Always," he concluded.As for Holly, 32, she posted a photo of herself appearing happy and free."A year ago I started a wild new adventure. Today, I start another adventure. Growth is sometimes hard, but necessary. Growth sometimes happens alone. And that's what I'll be doing," Holly captioned the image."Yes, I've had the opportunity to meet a person to conquer life with for a while. Yes, I had an amazing partner in that game I played. And I wouldn't change the experiences for the world. But some things are not meant to go beyond that."Holly hinted at the reason for their split when she wrote, "Sometimes fundamental character traits simply don't line up. Priorities don't match. And that's ok.""This past year has been the hardest to date and has taught me about sense of self, security in who I am, and what I want for my future. I know I cannot compromise my own integrity," she continued."I know that I'm proud of myself, my accomplishments, and my roots. I know the spirit and the inspiration that I look for in people I surround myself with. I know what I deserve. And I'm excited for this new chapter and where it will lead me."Holly, however, admitted she's "hurting" right now."But hey, pain is only temporary. Thank you all for going through the ups and downs with me! And please. I know we've been forced to go through this publicly, but we are human. We hurt and we bleed," she added."Please try to spare the criticism. And don't worry, I'll always be Sahara's mom. Nobody can take that away from me. Now buckle up, future. I'm comin' for ya!"Rumors sparked there was trouble in paradise when Jackson noticeably spent his 25th birthday with his buddy Brett Robinson at Encore Beach Club in Las Vegas on Saturday, June 13 instead of with Holly.Holly did not even wish Jackson a happy birthday on social media, according to Us Weekly.Jackson, originally from Tennessee, and Holly, a wine safari guide originally from Wyoming, had a showmance on 's 21st season, but due to frequent fighting, the pair was on and off -- but they at least promised to always remain friends.Holly and Jackson made it to the Final 2 on last year and then Jackson went on to win the $500,000 grand prize in September 2019.After the finale ended, the couple continued to date with low expectations of having a future together, but they fell more in love and ended up meeting each other's friends and loved ones.Holly apparently spent Thanksgiving with her man in Nashville, TN, and Jackson, MS, and then the fitness enthusiast spent Christmas with Holly's relatives in Wyoming.Holly and Jackson subsequently moved into an apartment together in Los Angeles, CA, in January.Given Holly and Jackson lived together in the house for an entire summer, the couple reasoned, "It just seems natural to live together now," because they were basically "attached at the hip" anyway."We are best friends, communicate well and have so much fun together. Both of our leases were coming to an end and... we both just thought it made sense," the couple told Us at the time.But Jackson and Holly revealed they weren't in any rush to get engaged or tie the knot."One thing at a time! Right now, we are loving where we are in life and enjoying this journey. We think our relationship will go the distance because we are genuinely best friends," the couple said."And a friendship came first before we fell in love. Early on, we realized how important we are to each other and made a vow to always be part of each other's lives -- whether it was in a romantic or platonic capacity. Now everything else just comes naturally."Reports have swirled 's upcoming 22nd season will feature a cast of returning players or all-stars. Since the show is approaching its 20th anniversary on the air, producers are reportedly looking to do something big."CBS was originally aiming for July 15 premiere, but now it's set for July 22," a source told the magazine. "It could be pushed back even further due to COVID-19." Aerial photo shows a China-Europe freight train, also the "China Post" CR Express 1st block train, running under a bridge in Chongqing Municipality, southwest China, April 3, 2020. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- China will work with its partners to develop the Belt and Road into a model of cooperation for meeting challenges through unity, President Xi Jinping said Thursday in a written message to the High-level Video Conference on Belt and Road International Cooperation. The Belt and Road will also be a model of health for protecting people's safety and well-being, a model of recovery for restoring economic and social activity, and a model of growth for unlocking development potential, Xi said. The video conference is "a highly important meeting that gives Belt and Road cooperation partners an opportunity to discuss a collective response to COVID-19, advance Belt and Road cooperation, and strengthen international solidarity and cooperation," said Xi. He said that the sudden attack of COVID-19 has posed a grave threat to the lives and health of people across the globe. It has dealt a heavy blow to the world economy, and caused tough economic and social challenges for some countries, developing ones in particular. "To contain the virus, countries have taken robust and effective measures, specific to their national context. On top of that, many countries are striving to resume economic and social development," Xi said, noting that in China's case, the people's lives and well-being have always been put front and center. A China-Europe freight train bound for Madrid of Spain, which carries two containers of medical supplies as well as other goods, departs the city of Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang Province, March 21, 2020.(Photo by Gong Xianming/Xinhua) China will do what it can and contribute its share to an early global victory against COVID-19, and the recovery of the global economy, the president said. "Be it in taming the virus or in achieving economic recovery, we cannot succeed without solidarity, cooperation, and multilateralism. The right approach to tackling global crises and realizing long-term development is through greater connectivity, openness, and inclusiveness," he said. "This is where Belt and Road international cooperation can make a big difference," he said, adding that China is committed to peaceful development and mutually beneficial cooperation. Demonstrators protest peacefully against police brutality and racial discrimination in Hollywood after the death of George Floyd on June 2. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) Sacramento police are facing a lawsuit over officers' use of force including rubber bullets and tear gas during protests sparked by police brutality and the killing of George Floyd. The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court on Thursday, names four plaintiffs, but also seeks class-action status for the thousands of peaceful protesters who filled the streets over the past several weeks in Sacramento and were met with what court papers describe as "unreasonable and excessive use of force" by officers. Floyd, a Black man, was killed on May 25 in Minneapolis when a white officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Nationwide outrage and protests immediately followed, with many around the country "disgusted by and fed-up with law enforcement's all-too-frequent resort to deadly force without accountability," according to the lawsuit. "Demonstrating the very same propensity for the use of unjustified violence that gave rise to these recent nationwide demonstrations, [Sacramento police] officers took to the streets in droves, armed for war against their own citizenry, and employed severe and unjustified excessive force against peaceful, non-violent demonstrators," the lawsuit states. Police departments across the country have faced scrutiny for the force they have used against protesters during recent demonstrations. In Los Angeles, the LAPD is investigating 56 allegations of misconduct by officers during protests, including 28 involving alleged use of force, according to the department. It is not clear whether the Sacramento Police Department is conducting similar investigations. A Sacramento city spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment on Friday. The lawsuit, which alleges unreasonable and excessive force and constitutional violations, describes several incidents, including one on May 30 as Thongxy Phansopha was demonstrating peacefully near 21st and J streets in downtown Sacramento. Phansopha was near a line of police when officers began to indiscriminately fire their weapons into the crowd, according to the lawsuit. Story continues Phansopha was hit with six rubber bullets three to the head and face and three above the waist and a tear gas canister and fell to the ground, but officers continued firing. Phansopha needed two emergency, life-saving brain surgeries because of their injuries from the projectiles, the lawsuit states. Phansopha was seen with a severely bruised eye that was completely swollen shut and lacerations on their face and neck in a video taken after the incident. That same day, Joshua Ruiz was protesting downtown near the Capitol when police opened fire. He was struck several times with projectiles and fell to the ground where he continued to be hit, the lawsuit states. Elisabeth Crouchley said she was near 20th and J streets about 25 feet from a police line early on May 31 when officers opened fire on the peaceful demonstrators. She said she threw her hands up shouting, "Don't shoot! Don't shoot!" as she ran from officers. She was struck with a rubber bullet on her right buttock and with a bean bag on the back of her neck. She was also hit with rubber bullets on the back of her head, her back, hip and foot, she said. She received two staples at a hospital to close a laceration on her head, the lawsuit states. Daniel Garza, a National Lawyers Guild legal observer, was following marchers for several miles on May 30 as they walked from the Sacramento County Main Jail to 19th Street. He was wearing a neon green hat that identified him as a guild observer and was taking video as officers formed a line and began to advance toward protesters. As police moved forward, an officer told Garza to move in front of the police line. He refused, afraid that he would be hit with projectiles, and explained that he was not part of the protest and was not interfering, the lawsuit says. Garza saw someone to his right throw an object toward the police line. The object landed far behind the officers and did not strike them, he said. In response, an officer raised his rifle and fired at Garza. He was struck in the left side of his forehead, causing him to fall to the ground and cry out in pain, according to the lawsuit and a video of the incident. He contends his speech became impaired as he fled the scene with a nursing student and a doctor who attempted to apply a bandage to his wound. All three of them were hit with pepper balls fired by officers, according to the lawsuit. Garza continues to "experience pain, swelling, and severe discoloration to the left side of his face where he was shot, including his left eye swelling shut," the lawsuit says. He has also had trouble with his short-term memory, focus and speech and exhibits symptoms consistent with a traumatic brain injury, the suit states. The lawsuit names the city of Sacramento and its police department as defendants. It notes that the police department's own policies allow for the use of less lethal weapons like rubber bullets, but attorneys representing the plaintiffs say they are nevertheless dangerous. In reality, projectile weapons have the ability to severely injure, permanently disable, and kill targets, the lawsuit states. GLENS FALLS A conservative group that has been on the front lines of downtown protests has filed a federal lawsuit against the city over a recently approved ordinance requiring a permit to hold demonstrations of 25 or more, arguing the law violates its First Amendment rights. The lawsuit, filed by American Patriots Express, or APEX, names city Mayor Dan Hall, Glens Falls Police Chief Anthony Lydon and City Clerk Robert Curtis as defendants, was filed Tuesday in U.S. Northern District Court in Albany and alleges City Code Section 87 violates the First Amendment on a number of grounds. It is unconstitutionally vague, it is unconstitutionally overbroad, it unconstitutionally censors speech based upon its content, and it unconstitutionally grants the City Clerk limitless discretion through the permitting process, the lawsuit reads. The court has issued a temporary restraining order preventing the city from enforcing the legislation, Ronald Newell, the citys attorney, said Thursday. American Patriots Express, founded in 2019, has members who support America First policies, championed by President Donald J. Trump, and those who wish to see our constitutional rights preserved from government overreach, according to the groups mission statement. Its founders, David Vanscoy and Florence Sherman, as well as an unnamed 17-year-old young woman from Warren County, are also listed as plaintiffs in the case. The group is being represented by Thomas Marcelle and Adam Giangreco from the Marcelle & Giangreco law firm in Albany. They could not be reached for comment Thursday. Section 87 was adopted by the citys Common Council in February and put in place a number of guidelines to hold a demonstration, or pre-planned gathering of 25 or more in the city. The ordinance requires anyone seeking a demonstration permit to file an application with the citys clerk and bans the obstruction of emergency vehicles and sidewalks and prohibits demonstrations at Centennial Circle and the Civil War monument. Newell rejected the lawsuits allegations. We didnt create the legislation to try and restrict or inhibit the right of these individuals to demonstrate, he said. All we tried to do is to get them to tell us when they were going to do it so that were not caught flat-footed. But plaintiffs in the case say the city overstepped its bounds and was influenced by political left leaning groups seeking to silence their opposing viewpoint. The law, they say, gives the city the power to purposely delay the issuance of a permit and essentially prohibits any impromptu rallies from taking place. Under the law, permits are required to be issued or denied on a rolling basis within 14 days. However, the city clerk can have up to an additional 14 days to grant a permit upon written notice to the applicant. A possible reason for an extension is not cited in the law. This unbridled discretion allows the clerk to effectively silence spontaneous or impromptu demonstrations and counterprotests by simply waiting to grant a permit until the moment has passed, the lawsuit reads. The law has chilled plaintiffs right to free speech and assembly. Neither Vanscoy nor Sherman have participated in protests in the city since Section 87 became law, according to the lawsuit. American Patriots Express have no formal organization and often plan counterprotests in the city at the last minute, according to the lawsuit. News of their rallies are typically spread by word of mouth or Facebook, making it difficult to determine how many will attend, the lawsuit says. The group sought to hold a counterprotest to a Black Lives Matter rally held in the city on June 5, which attracted over 2,000 people, but did not over fear the city would either delay or deny their application for a permit, thus subjecting them and their fellow counterprotesters to fines, according to the lawsuit. But for City Code Section 87, plaintiffs would have organized and conducted a counterprotest on June 5, 2020, the lawsuit reads. Plaintiffs in the case are seeking Section 87 be ruled unconstitutional as well as monetary damages in an amount to be determined at trial. Love 17 Funny 9 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 18 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. Seguimos avanzando en la lucha contra el COVID-19. El presidente @MartinVizcarraC supervisa el nuevo laboratorio de pruebas moleculares en el Hospital Militar Central Coronel Luis Arias Schreiber, asi como la atencion brindada en este nosocomio. En vivo: https://t.co/t7QdbXnT5R pic.twitter.com/gdJhnD6B4Q A former BBC news presenter and church minister has been charged with dozens sex offences against adults and children. Ben Thomas, 44, was a TV reporter and presenter for BBC Wales as well as hosting a Welsh language news show before leaving to become a pastor. But Thomas, from Flintshire, Wales, has been charged with 40 sex offences over a 30 year period by North Wales Police. Thomas is appeared in Llandudno Magistrates Court today accused of offences in North Wales, Shropshire, London and Romania. Ben Thomas, 44, a former BBC news presenter and church minister from Flintshire, Wales, has been charged with 40 sex offences over a 30 year period by North Wales Police. Pictured: Thomas arrives (left) and leaves (right) Llandudno Magistrates Court today The alleged offences include indecent assault and voyeurism between 1990 and 2019. Thomas left the BBC in 2005 to become a church minister and had been working as a pastor of the Criccieth Family Church in Gwynedd but left last year. North Wales Police said: 'Further to our statement in November regarding an investigation linked to the Criccieth Family Church, North Wales Police can confirm that Ben Thomas, Pastor for the church appeared before Llandudno Magistrates Court today charged with 40 offences of a sexual nature. 'This is now an ongoing matter for the courts and it would be inappropriate to make any further comment. Thomas left the BBC in 2005 to become a church minister and had been working as a pastor of the Criccieth Family Church (pictured) in Gwynedd but left last year 'If anybody who has not already spoken to us feels they may have information of relevance to the enquiry please make contact using the following methods: 'Email OperationBlueQuartz@nthwales.pnn.police.uk or ring 101 and quote "Operation Blue Quartz".' In November, Detective Superintendent Gareth Evans said: 'The enquiry is both sensitive and complex and will take weeks to complete. 'We have a team of specialist officers dedicated to the enquiry who are working with the safeguarding team from the church and our partners in Local Authorities. 'I would like to reassure our local communities that there are no ongoing risks you need to be worried about.' (Photo : REUTERS/Marco Bello) An ambulance is seen in a main highway, as Miami-Dade County eases some of the lockdown measures put in place during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Miami, Florida, U.S., June 18, 2020. Coronavirus cases spike in the United States, and experts say the next epicenter in the pandemic could be Florida. According to CBS Miami, Florida saw the largest jump in new cases of coronavirus on Thursday, June 18, with at least 3,200 new cases in just 24 hours. The state currently has almost 86,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, and more than 3,000 people have died, Florida's Department of Health added. ALSO READ: Release of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes to Combat Dengue and Zike Gets the Go-Signal The worst it has ever been Projections were revealed in a model compiled by a team of scientists at Philadelphia's Children's Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania, as reported by CNN. The predictions show that the Sunshine State has "all the signs of the next big coronavirus transmission epicenter," and risk being "the worst it has ever been." In a statement, Dr. David Rubin of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia said previous models were accurate and that communities "might reopen if they take a careful and cautious approach." Rubin, who serves as director of PolicyLab at CHOP, told CNN the mortality doubling time lose control of the epidemic could start very easily. He said model predictions correlated with actual cases in Florida and confirmed by hospitalizations from various parts of the state. ALSO READ: Half of US Men Still Don't Care About Coronavirus, Says Survey "The potential for the virus to take off there is very, very nerve-racking and could have catastrophic consequences" because of the state's aging population and the prevalence of nursing homes and retirement communities, said Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, director of the division of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. What are the factors? Florida joins nine other states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, and Texas. A Johns Hopkins University data shows the record-high seven-day averages of new coronavirus cases every day. Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to WTVT, attributed the recent rises in the state to the monitoring of "high-risk" individuals such as farmworkers in rural areas, inmates, and long-term care residents. However, he noted that long-term care cases were unchanged. Other state officials attributed the spike in cases to more monitoring and other factors, CNN wrote. Epidemiologists suggest that case reports will go down with higher testing because health authorities can potentially track the cases and delay the spread of the virus. In new cases, twenty-one states are seeing a growing trend. Health officials continue to stress the importance of taking measures to minimize the outbreak, the study says. 'Cusp of losing control' Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb told CNBC that some states are now seeing a resurgence in cases that are "on the cusp of losing control." "These are outbreaks. We're seeing doubling times now falling under 10 days," Gottlieb said on CNBC's "Squawk Box." While the cases are on the "cusp of losing control," Gottlieb said these states still have a week or two to take actions to try to get these under control. He added he's worried about "the lack of political will" for officials to continue enforcing established measures such as social distancing and wearing masks. "Unless we get comfortable taking some common-sense measures, where we can, some limited measures, we're going to be stuck with a lot more spread," Gottlieb added. READ ALSO: COVID-19 NEW Update: Asians Have Highest COVID-19 Death Risks Over Eating Too Much Sugar 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Steve Debenport | E+ | Getty Images The viral video of Amy Cooper's racist altercation with a Black man in Central Park was infuriating and shameful but it should not be surprising. White women like Amy Cooper (a democrat who donated to the Obama campaign) have a long history of simultaneously advocating for a more equal and democratic society, while perpetuating systemic racism by wielding her "victim status" as a White woman. There has been a fundamental flaw in the feminist movement from the beginning, when it prioritized the interests of middle- and upper-class college-educated White women who sought social equality with middle- and upper-class White men, ignoring the larger needs and marginalization of Black women. Feminism was stolen a long time ago, and White women need to acknowledge this fact or else we stand to perpetuate the very inequality we are advocating against. A good place to start is in the workplace. White women need to get to know the barriers Black women encounter at work and use their white privilege to remove these obstacles after all, isn't this what White women have been asking from men for decades? Decades after the feminist movement began, women continue to battle for a seat at leadership table. Fix-the-women solutions like power dressing, assertiveness training and women-focused networking programs traditionally have been the answer to the leadership gap. But these "lean in" solutions were never designed to advance equality for all women, just the select few White women who were better able to fit into the White maledominated culture. There is a tendency to consider women's experiences in the workplace as the same. The problem is, this tends to reflect the experience of White women, who make up the dominant group of women leaders in corporations today. Sure, White women face many barriers at work because of sexism, but they still have their whiteness in common with most of the White men in positions of power. Black women who want to advance the corporate ladder, meanwhile, need to battle both sexism and racism as well as the interplay between these forms of inequality at work. Amy Cooper making phone call in Central Park Christian Cooper | Facebook Despite Black women having greater aspirations to lead and often outworking and outperforming their White counterparts, research finds that they experience numerous barriers to advancement, including greater negative stereotypes, discrimination, prejudice and unfair treatment when it comes to promotions, training, advancement and support. Livia Johnson, an organization leader for Warriors in the Garden holds a megaphones as she helps to lead a group of hundreds of protesters in chants as they march from Trump International Hotel and Tower in Columbus Circle through Times Square and down 5th Avenue. Ira L. Black | Getty Images Simply having a racial minority status at work makes Black women more visible, and so they are scrutinized in a way that White women and men are not the term for this is "hypervisibility." Black women work under a magnifying glass and must be careful not to reinforce multiple and sometimes conflicting stereotypes for example, they must be confident and assertive in a way that does not trigger gendered or racist stereotypes. Something as simple as speaking up carries with it the burden of triggering the "angry Black woman" stereotype. Black women also face a performance tax as they work to a consistently high standard as to ensure they do not confirm people's negative stereotypes related to their race or gender. Black women do this by going above and beyond their role requirements and consistently exceeding expectations. Black women who are the "first" or "only" in a work environment often feel like their performance represents their entire minority group and are placed under tremendous pressure to perform and prove their worth. Black women are also more harshly penalized when they make a mistake. A 2018 research study examining the experiences of 59 Black women in corporate America found that when Black women make an error, they are perceived more negatively compared to their white counterparts, and the mistake is unfairly used to highlight how much they do not fit the White male leadership ideal. While Black women routinely perform to a high standard, they are unlikely to receive recognition for it. The same study found that Black women often feel their performance is overlooked, disregarded or forgotten. To cope with hypervisibility, Black women must remain constantly alert to potential forms of discrimination, insults or bias at work. This heightened awareness takes a mental and emotional toll a phenomenon known as the emotional tax, which has negative implications on performance, stress levels and well-being. A protester holds up their homemade sign that says, "We Will NEVER Stop Fighting for BLACK Women" with a picture of the black power fist on the sign during a protest at Trump Tower. This was part of the Black Women's Empowerment March that started at Trump Tower and marched to Gracie Mansion. Ira L. Black | Corbis | Getty Images New Delhi: After chairing the all-party meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (June 19) addressed the nation and reiterated Indias resolve to protect every inch of its territory. He said that the Indian Army has been given adequate power to take appropriate action on the border, adding that "today we possess the capability that no one can eye even one inch of our land." "India's armed forces have the capability to move into multiple sectors at one go," he said. He also thanked all the political parties for their positive support at this hour. At the all-party meeting via video conferencing to discuss the situation in India-China border areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored that today all of us stand united with the soldiers defending our borders and repose full faith in their courage and bravery, said an official statement. He further said that through the All Party Meeting, he wants to assure the families of the martyrs that the entire country stands with them. At the outset, Prime Minister clarified that neither is anyone inside our territory nor is any of our post captured. He said that twenty of our brave soldiers made the supreme sacrifice for the nation in Ladakh but also taught a lesson to those who had dared to look towards our motherland. The nation will forever remember their valour and sacrifice. PM Modi said that the entire country is hurt and angry at the steps taken by China at LAC. He assured the leaders that our armed forces are leaving no stone unturned to protect the country. Be it deployment, action or counteraction, through land, sea or air, our forces are taking the necessary steps to protect the country. He emphasized that the country today has such capability that no one can even dare look towards an inch of our land. He said that today, Indian forces are capable of moving together across sectors. While on the one hand, the army has been given the freedom to take necessary steps, India has also conveyed its position clearly to China through diplomatic means. Ramping up border infrastructure Prime Minister underscored that India wants peace and friendship, but upholding sovereignty is foremost. He highlighted that the government has given primacy to the development of border area infrastructure to make our borders more secure. Provision has also been made for fighter planes, modern helicopters, missile defence systems and other such needs of our forces. Through the recently developed infrastructure, patrolling capacity at LAC has also increased, he said, adding that through this, we are better informed about the developments at LAC and consequently are able to monitor and respond better. The movement of those which used to take place without any disruption earlier is now checked by our jawans, which at times leads to the build-up of tension. He noted that through better infrastructure, the supply of material, and essentials to jawans in the difficult terrain has become comparatively easier. Prime Minister emphasized the commitment of the government to the welfare of the nation and its citizens and said that be it in trade, connectivity or counter-terrorism, the government has always stood up to outside pressure. He assured that all steps necessary for national security and construction of necessary infrastructure will continue to be taken at a fast pace. He reassured the leaders about the capability of the armed forces to defend our borders and that they have been given a free hand to take all necessary steps. At the outset, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the nation will never forget the sacrifice of the martyrs. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also gave an overview of agreements between India and China on border management, informed about the directions given by the Prime Minister in 2014 to give the highest priority to the development of infrastructure in border areas in the regions identified and approved by the Cabinet in 1999, and also shared details of recent developments. The number of suspected militants killed in Jammu and Kashmir this year has risen to 135. Srinagar: The Army on Friday claimed it sees a "palpable change" on the ground after each operation against separatist militants in Jammu and Kashmir and said the endeavour made together with the local police and other security forces to bring peace were revealing glaring feats. "With every operation we are moving on the path of peace," Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekhar Raju, the commander of Srinagar-based 15 Corps, told reporters. He said eight militants were killed in two encounters in south Kashmirs twin districts of Shopian and Pulwama in the past 24 hours. Two among the slain had taken shelter at a mosque in Pulwamas Pampore area and rejected appeals from security officials and the local imam to surrender, after which they were neutralised while exercising utmost restraint to protect the sanctity of the place of worship. IGP (Kashmir Range) Vijay Kumar claimed no bullets were fired or IEDs used in the operation against the militant duo holed up in the mosque. "There was no use of firing or IED. We fired tear smoke shells only to maintain the sanctity of the mosque," he said. Endorsing him, Lt Gen Raju said, The clash took place next to a mosque and extreme restraint was exercised by the security forces to ensure no damage is caused to the structure. A police officer who spoke to this newspaper on the condition of anonymity said that one militant was shot dead outside the mosque in Pampores Meej village while another injured in the shooting along with a third militant fled into the place of worship. They too were eventually neutralised without any collateral damage. Perhaps one of them died due to blood loss and the other fell reportedly after hit in the head by a teargas canister. In the second gunfight in Shopians Bandhpawa Munand village, five militants were killed. A J&K police statement said the identities of the slain militants were still being ascertained. "The dead bodies have been sent to Baramulla for medico-legal formalities, including collection of DNA, followed by their last rites," it said. With these, the number of suspected militants killed in Jammu and Kashmir this year has risen to 135, including 121 in hinterland and 14 along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border with Pakistan. Most of fatalities have occurred in South Kashmir, comprising four districts of Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam and Anantnag. As per the official statistics, 29 security personnel have also been killed in face-offs in the hinterland, so far this year. Also twelve civilians died in these clashes or in militant attacks. Separately, ten security personnel and two civilian porters hired by the Indian Army, fourteen alleged militants and infiltrators and five civilians have lost their lives in gunfights or cross-border firing and shelling incidents along the LoC and IB. Lt Gen Raju and DGP Dilbagh Singh said at the press conference that the security forces combating the three-decade-old insurgency will try to ensure normalcy is fully restored in next few months so that people resume the activities of their choice in a peaceful manner. The protests against police violence across the US that began following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police on Memorial Day continued on Thursday for the 23rd day in a row. On Thursday, the Louisville, Kentucky courthouse was boarded up and staff members were asked to leave early in advance of an announcement by prosecutors in the case of Breonna Taylor, who was shot eight times by police and died on the floor of her apartment on March 13. A Twitter post by Shaun King, an activist with Real Justice PAC, showed video of the courthouse windows being covered with plywood at 12:32 p.m. King tweeted, Multiple staffers said they were all asked to leave the building and that they were told, privately, that a decision was being announced soon on Breonna Taylor. Speculation was that no charges will be filed. Protestors shout slogans in Beirut, Lebanon, Saturday, June 13, 2020. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Forty-five minutes later, King tweeted, I just spoke to a source in the Kentucky Attorney Generals Office. At 3 p.m. he is going to announce that the Louisville Police did a horrible investigation and gave him an unprofessional/incomplete file. However, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron declined on Thursday afternoon to comment on when the investigation into the death of Taylor would be complete or give any details about the who was being investigated. Speaking at a news conference, Cameron said, An investigation of this magnitude, when done correctly, requires time and patience. We will do what is right. We will find the truth. It has already been more than three months since Breonna Taylor was killed by Louisville Metropolitan Police officers when they battered down her apartment door in the middle of the night to serve a no-knock warrant in a drug-related investigation and sprayed her with gunfire. No drugs were found in the apartment, and Taylors boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, was originally being prosecuted for attempted murder because he fired his legally licensed gun at the intruders, striking one of the officers in the leg. It could not be clearer that both a cover-up and frame-up were under way until protests erupted in Louisville and the case was taken over by the state. While the charges against Walker have been dropped, the three officers have yet to be charged or arrested for Taylors murder. Also, on Thursday, police dismantled an autonomous zone set up by hundreds of protesters in the Pearl District of Portland, Oregon the night before. According to a report in the Oregonian, police removed makeshift barriers in the early morning hours near Mayor Ted Wheelers residence in a neighborhood that protesters had renamed Patrick Kimmons Autonomous Zone, after a man killed by Portland police in 2018. The autonomous zonesimilar to the Capital Hill Autonomous Zone set up by protesters in Seattle on June 8was declared after the Portland City Council passed a budget on Wednesday which cut $15 million from the city police bureau. The group behind the autonomous zone was demanding a reduction of $50 million and the reopening of the investigation into the death of Kimmons. According to a database of locations maintained by USA Today, there have now been protests in 1,670 towns and cities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands. The expanding anger and determination shown in the demonstrations in every corner of the US and among people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds is underscored by the fact that the number of locations where protests have taken place has more than doubled since the first week of June. Additionally, it is significant that the largest number of protests in any region of the country have taken place in the South (500 locations), with four out of the top ten states with the most protests taking place: Florida (80), Virginia (58), Texas (55) and Georgia (53). California has had by far the most of any state with protests in 169 towns and cities as of June 12. The ongoing marches, demonstrations, protests and vigils are now merging together with celebrations of Juneteenth, the unofficial holiday that marks the dayJune 19, 1865when Union Army General Gordon Granger read the federal order in the city of Galveston proclaiming all slaves in the state were free. In Texas, where Juneteenth is officially celebrated as Emancipation Day and also known as Juneteenth Independence Day and Freedom Day, multiple protests are planned in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and Brownsville. Hundreds of other Juneteenth protests have already been held or are being held across the US and internationally on Friday and Saturday and are expected to draw large crowds of people who have been engaged in the protests that began on May 26. The expanding protests have, first of all, been fueled by public outrage over the murder of George Floyd, choked to death by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, which was captured by an eyewitness on smartphone video, shared on Facebook and seen by tens of millions of people. Added to this is the attempted cover up by authorities of the murder of Ahmaud Aubrey in Georgia by three men with connections to law enforcement and the refusal by the justice system to investigate the police murder of Breonna Taylor in Kentucky. The spreading demonstrations are also a response to the blatant repression and attacks by militarized police units and National Guard detachments that were mobilized against the protestersespecially in major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Louisvillein the first ten days of the protests. In the course of the state repression, more than 10,000 people were arrested, 75,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen were mobilized and nearly 80 local governments imposed curfews. The protests have also expanded because of multiple new instances of police violence that have been captured on video over the course of the last three weeks. Prominent among these are the police murders of Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta and Hannah Fizer in Missouri and the National Guard shooting death of David McAtee in Louisville. The predominantly youthful and multiethnic character of the growing protests against police brutality in the US and around the world is an anticipation of a broader and even more powerful movement, giving a glimpse of the revolutionary potential of the entire working class against all forms of inequality under capitalism. To take forward the struggle against police brutality means a fight to mobilize the working class as a whole on the basis of a socialist program for jobs, decent wages and living conditions, and a future free of war, oppression and poverty. The world of true-crime documentaries is a disparate one. Once you move beyond the usual suspects, such as Making a Murderer, The Jinx, and The Case Against Adnan Syed, it can be hard to determine which, among the dozens of offerings available to stream, are worth hours of viewing. Still, theres value to be found in this treasure trove of content. True-crime documentaries, when done right, can impart on us important information regarding justice systems across the world, criminal investigations, as well as violence and its aftermath. We have rounded up 10 true-crime documentaries that tick these boxes. Some of them are recent, while others were released several years ago and contributed to shaping the true-crime genre as we know it today. 1. Who Killed Little Gregory? Netflix US and UK This five-part series, released in November 2019, documents the 1984 murder of four-year-old Gregory Villemin near Docelles, France, as well as the convoluted investigation that followed. Its a thorough deep-dive into one of Frances most infamous cold cases, which continues to haunt the public to this day. 2. Murder to Mercy: The Cyntoia Brown Story Netflix US and UK Cyntoia Brown was released from custody in August 2019 after a receiving the public support of celebrities such as Kim Kardashian West, Rihanna, LeBron James, Cara Delevingne, and Snoop Dogg. She had been sentenced to life behind bars for killing a man who had picked her up for sex, back when she was 16. Murder to Mercy, released in April 2020, chronicles her bid for clemency. 3. Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich Netflix US and UK Based on the 2016 book of the same name by James Patterson (one of Jeffrey Epsteins neighbours in Palm Beach, Florida), Filthy Rich is a sweeping look at the Epstein case which amplifies the voice of many victims. It provides a comprehensive account of the accusations faced by Epstein at the time of his death, while also examining the financiers position in a broader picture of wealth and power. 4. The Confession Killer Netflix US and UK What happened when a man confesses to hundreds of murders only for inconsistencies to start appearing in his stories? This five-part miniseries, released in December 2019, is a compelling examination of false confessions and their consequences. 5. I Love You, Now Die HBO in the US/Amazon Prime in the UK Michelle Carter was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2017, in connection with the death of her 18-year-old boyfriend Conrad Roy III. Carter, then 17, was accused of causing Roys death by sending him texts urging him to die by suicide. After pleading not guilty, she was sentenced to 15 months behind bars, and released in January 2020 for good behaviour. I Love You, Now Die seeks to examine the case in a multifaceted way, questioning the narrative put forward by the prosecution. 6. Stolen Daughters: Kidnapped by Boko Haram HBO Back in 2014, Boko Haram extremists kidnapped 276 Nigerian school girls in Chibok, Northern Nigeria. Stolen Daughters, released in 2018, features some of the survivors, documenting their time in captivity as well as their re-entry into society. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up 7. Theres Something Wrong With Aunt Diane HBO in the US/Sky in the UK This 2011 documentary centres around a 2009 Taconic State Parkway crash, during which 36-year-old Diane Schuler drove 1.7 miles in the wrong direction on the New York highway, killing herself, her daughter, her three nieces, and three people in an oncoming SUV. No criminal charges were filed in the case Diane Schuler, as you know, died in the crash, and the charges died with her, district attorney Janet DiFiore said at the time. White it doesnt involve a criminal investigation, Theres Something Wrong With Aunt Diane is a worthy examination of tragedy and its aftermath. 8. The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley HBO in the US/Amazon Prime in the UK Theres something endlessly fascinating about the Theranos saga, which saw the blood-testing startup being valued at more than $10bn before crumbling after a 2015 Wall Street Journal investigation poked holes in the companys successful narrative. CEO Elizabeth Holmes is scheduled to face criminal fraud charges later this year, so nows the time to dive into The Inventor if you overlooked it at the time of its 2019 release. 9. Ted Bundy: Falling For a Killer Amazon Prime Video US and UK Released in January 2020, Falling for a Killer features landmark interviews with Elizabeth Kendall, Ted Bundys former girlfriend, and her daughter Molly, who once regarded him as a father figure. The documentary seeks to retell the Bundy story through the lens of the female lives he took, threatened, or changed forever. Its a valuable contribution to the Bundy true-crime subgenre perhaps the only one that was still needed in 2020. 10. Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills HBO in the US/Sky in the UK Released in 1996, Paradise Lost was a precursor in the modern true-crime genre. The documentary, the first part of a trilogy, focuses on three teenagers (Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley Jr, and Jason Baldwin) accused and convicted of a triple child murder despite a lack of evidence. Its worth watching all three instalments to follow their legal journey, from what has been widely regarded as their wrongful convictions all the way to their release under an Alford plea in August 2011. The health and welfare of the horse is of paramount concern to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and to members of the racing community. An effort to monitor weather conditions and how it will impact the racehorse is in keeping with this mandate. In view of the weather expected over the next few days, the AGCO has advised its Official Veterinarians and racing officials at all racetracks to remind participants to take the necessary steps to protect the horse in warm weather conditions. Dr. Adam Chambers, AGCO Senior Manager of Veterinary Services, suggests that any concerns about weather conditions impacting racing should be shared with horsepeople representatives, racing officials, track management and the Official Veterinarian. He pointed out that in January 2018, the AGCO released a series of Directives and Rule changes on weather conditions impacting racing. These changes were developed following consultation with Ontarios horse racing industry. This page provides more information on temperature guidelines and the racing cancellation process. Avis a lindustrie : Alerte de chaleur La sante et le bien-etre des chevaux sont de la plus grande importance pour la Commission des alcools et des jeux de lOntario (CAJO) et les membres de la communaute des courses de chevaux. Des efforts sont donc deployes pour surveiller les conditions meteorologiques et leur incidence sur les chevaux de course. Compte tenu des conditions prevues au cours des prochains jours, la CAJO a demande aux veterinaires officielles et veterinaires officiels et aux officielles et officiels de courses de tous les hippodromes de rappeler aux participantes et participants de prendre les mesures necessaires pour proteger les chevaux pendant les periodes de chaleur. Le Dr Adam Chambers, chef des services veterinaires de la CAJO, invite les personnes concernees a faire part de toute preoccupation relative a lincidence des conditions meteorologiques sur les courses aux representantes et representants des professionnelles et professionnels du cheval, aux officielles et officiels de courses, aux directions des hippodromes et a la veterinaire officielle ou au veterinaire officiel. Il rappelle egalement que la CAJO a publie, en janvier 2018, une serie de directives concernant des modifications aux regles portant sur lincidence des conditions meteorologiques sur les courses. Ces modifications ont ete elaborees en consultation avec lindustrie des courses de chevaux de lOntario. Pour de plus amples renseignements sur les directives concernant la temperature et sur le processus dannulation des courses, consultez le document suivant. (AGCO) Friday is Juneteenth in the United States. It is a day when Americans mark the end to the enslavement of black people in the country. Juneteenth is often described as the nations second Independence Day. This year, Juneteenth takes on special meaning as millions of people around the U.S. enter the 25th straight day of civil rights protests. The demonstrators are demanding an end to police violence against blacks and unequal treatment of that population by law enforcement. Studies show a disproportionate number of blacks -- compared to whites -- die or suffer injury at the hands of U.S. police. Juneteenth marks the day of June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take command of the state. Texas was a member of the Confederate States of America, the alliance of southern states that had fought to keep slavery legal. The general who led the federal troops had some important news and he wasted no time in telling it: the Civil War had ended and the South had surrendered. The war had officially ended in April. But it is likely that most of the 250,000 slaves in Texas did not know that at the time. Many also did not know until June 19th that the president of the United States -- Abraham Lincoln -- had declared them free more than two years earlier. White slaveholders would have had little interest in reporting such news nor would they have likely accepted Lincolns order as lawful. The next year, black families and communities led celebrations and other events in Texas to mark the first anniversary of their freedom. In the years that followed, celebrations of the Texas event spread to other states. In 1970, Texas became the first state to recognize Juneteenth. Today, 46 other states also mark the anniversary. And, this week, the leaders of New York and Virginia signed orders to recognize Juneteenth each year as a day off with pay for government workers. It seems likely the massive protests this year played a part in the governors decisions. The demonstrations began May 26th, the day after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The unarmed black man was killed during an arrest by police. A video recording of the incident was shared widely on the internet in the hours that followed. In it, Officer Derek Chauvin is seen kneeling on Floyds neck for almost nine minutes. The former officer has been charged with murder in the case. Three others face charges of aiding and abetting murder. Since Floyds death, several other black men have been killed in interactions with the police. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order listing several police reforms. The next day, the U.S. Senate proposed legislation on the issue. And the House of Representatives is expected to open debate on its proposal for police reform next week. Im Caty Weaver. Caty Weaver wrote this report for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. IBM is considering reducing its office space in India by half, as the work-from-home model gains popularity after the COVID-19 outbreak. The company plans to discontinue lease agreements at half of its offices in India, according to a report by The Economic Times. The US-based technology giant has more than 10 million square feet of rented office space across major cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida, Gurugram and Kolkata. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the story. IBM declined to comment when contacted by The Economic Times. IBM has over 10,00 employees in India and several temporary staff, the report said. "Maybe 25 percent of people need to come to the office regularly. For others, it will be flexible, and their workspace will also be the same," a source told the publication. Also read: IBM sees more cloud partnerships with IT firms coming its way The report did not specify a timeline for IBM's reduction of leased office space in India. The company will evaluate several lease agreements that are scheduled for renewal, but it would not impact half of such contracts, an executive told the paper. Some analysts told the paper that IBM's plan to reduce leased office space is an effort to cut costs. "There is a lot of pressure in terms of top line and bottom line for all IT Services companies, so at some stage, the need to reduce costs is critical. All companies are focusing on automation and there are a large number of employees working from home now," Sanchit Vir Gogia, chief executive of Greyhound Research, told the paper. Most employees at IT offices in India have been working from home since the lockdown began on March 25. As the former retail reporter at the Chronicle, I chronicled the fall of once popular stores such as Sears, Toys R Us and most recently, Stage Stores a reflection of the so-called retail apocalypse sweeping the industry. I recently moved to the energy beat, where I encountered similar challenges facing oil and gas companies: lagging revenue, rising debt and mounting bankruptcies. Like retail, the oil and gas industry which drives much of Houstons economy and employs tens of thousands of its residents appears to be facing its own apocalypse. The energy sectors future is looking increasingly grim as Wall Street investment dries up after years of poor performance and as nations are shifting away from fossil fuels. The coronavirus-driven oil crash only exacerbated the industrys challenges as demand for petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel plunged. Fitch Ratings expects the default rate for the energy sector to hit 17 percent this year, near the 19.7 percent record set in January 2017. The New York credit ratings agency owned by Hearst, the parent company of the Houston Chronicle reports that Chesapeake Energy and California Resources face imminent bankruptcies as sizable bond interest payments loom in the coming weeks. GOING GREEN: Houston lands new clean energy incubator Chesapeake and California Resources are not the only distressed companies in the sector. More than 240 U.S. oil and gas companies are expected to file for bankruptcy protection during the next two years, eclipsing the number of bankruptcies in the five years since the last bust, according to Rystad Energy, a Norwegian research firm. Already, several energy companies have filed for bankruptcy, including Whiting Petroleum, Skylar Exploration, Diamond Offshore, Freedom Oil and Gas and Gavilan Resources. Despite the recent relative oil price recovery, dozens of U.S. operators are still threatened by bankruptcies, even at a West Texas Intermediate oil price of $30 per barrel, Rystad said in its report. In energy as it is in retail, only the strongest and most well-capitalized companies will survive the economic downturn and make the investment to adapt to an ever-changing business environment. In retail, big-box giants such as Walmart and Target are adapting to the e-commerce disruption, investing millions of dollars into online platforms, curbside pickup and home delivery services to meet the needs of consumers. FUEL FIX: Get energy news sent directly to your inbox The energy majors, such as Exxon and Chevron, are expected to weather the oil crash by making steep budget cuts including thousands of layoffs. The supermajors have strong balance sheets and cash on hand to withstand the boom and bust cycles of the volatile commodities market. But will the energy companies that make it to the other side of the oil bust learn to shift their business toward sustainable energy sources demanded by an increasing number of governments, businesses and consumers looking to combat climate change? If oil and gas companies dont adapt to the so-called energy transition, they risk being left behind like Sears, Toys R Us and Stage Stores, falling victim to their own energy apocalypse. paul.takahashi@chron.com twitter.com/paultakahashi Munich, 19 June 2020 The digital consultancy OMMAX supported PAI Partners, a leading European private equity firm with offices in Europe and the US. It manages 13.6 billion of dedicated buyout funds and, since 1994, has completed 74 transactions in 11 countries, representing over 50 billion in transaction value. The sales object was leading Dutch holiday provider and operator Roompot, which sells holidays primarily through direct online channels for The Fulton County DAs decision to charge officer Garrett Rolfe with murder struck me as highly dubious. It strikes Andy McCarthy as outrageous. Having read his article, Im with Andy. The murder charge is felony murder. This is an effort to get around the difficulty of proving that Rolfe intended to kill Rayshard Brooks. As McCarthy explains, the homicide theory of felony murder is that, while the offender does not specifically intend to cause death, he does intentionally commit a felony from which death results. There still needs to be a felony, though. In this case, the alleged felony is aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. However, says McCarthy, this underlying allegation is ludicrous. When a suspect forcibly resists arrest and steals an arresting officers taser, shooting back at the suspect is not aggravated assault. Nor will it do for the prosecution to argue that, when Brooks shot at Rolfe with a taser, he wasnt using deadly force. As McCarthy points out, the DA, Paul Howard, Jr., recently deemed a taser a deadly weapon under Georgia State law. Howard made this statement when it was a police officers use of a taser that was in question. But, if anything, a taser is more deadly in the hands of a non-policeman. At least police officers are trained to use tasers safely. Howards charging of Rolfe isnt just unfounded, it is transparently political an attempt to appease a mob. Why else would he bring the charges so quickly, before the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has completed its investigation? Howards charge is probably also political in the direct, electoral sense. Hes seeking reelection, and trailing his opponent in the polls, while contending with sexual-harassment accusations by two women who worked in his office. Furthermore, according to McCarthy, there are allegations that Howard violated campaign-finance laws. The state ethics commission is looking into those. Howard likely sees throwing the book at Rolfe as his last best hope for pulling out the election. What a guy! No wonder so many Atlanta police officers wouldnt work last night. As this prosecution proceeds, dont be surprised if a significant number of them look for new jobs or take early retirement. It happened in Baltimore, even though the charges against six police officers for the killing of Freddy Gray ultimately resulted in zero convictions. Ireland winning one of the non-permanent seats on the UN's Security Council (UNSC) is clear recognition of our capacity for peacekeeping, peace-building and humanitarian engagement at the tactical, operational and strategic policy levels. As such, this is a great political and diplomatic coup for a country of our size. There is much to be pleased about and much to be careful about moving forward. The priority during Ireland's tenure on the UNSC will be about maintaining international security and stability by upholding the values of partnership, empathy and independence. Ireland has held a non-permanent UNSC seat on three previous occasions, the first being in 1962, which resulted in Ireland, under the stewardship of then minister for external affairs Frank Aiken having a direct effect on nuclear disarmament. Such was Ireland's influence on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty of 1968 that Aiken was one of the first invited to sign it. That first seat, won under Aiken, was initially thought to have been a chance to advance the anti-partition argument, but the British, being a permanent member of the security council, had a veto. So instead, Ireland turned to issues of anti-colonialism. The Irish delegation was also to focus on peace in the Middle East, using the then good relations our country enjoyed with Israel and various Arab states to pursue detente. Without the seat at the council, Aiken would never have been able to push his disarmament initiative that led to the non-proliferation treaty. This was to give our country a distinct voice and identity with an international flavour, and elevate us beyond being purely local influencers at UN assemblies. That we were able to successfully compete for a seat this time with peacekeeping and humanitarian giants such as Norway and Canada is due to hard work done long before the campaign for this seat began. This also explains how we pulled it off without spending as much money on the campaign as our two competitors. A lot of references to our success will focus on the peacekeeping prowess of our Defence Forces. Indeed, it was appropriate that we secured the UNSC seat during the same week that 12 years ago saw Irish troops come under and return fire during an EU-led, UN-mandated peace enforcement mission in Chad. The Chad mission sums up much of what made us stand out to the UN membership. At a tactical level, the actions of Irish troops and their European comrades required them to interpose themselves during firefights between Chadian rebels and government forces. This was done at great risk and could not have been achieved without a high degree of operational readiness and with over-the-horizon military assets, such as air and intelligence support from the French. What UN members would have noted however, was Irish forces were not only capable on the ground, but that we could lead at the upper operational levels too. General Pat Nash of our Defence Forces was the overall commander of this mission, leading a multinational team from a specialised state-of-the-art HQ near Paris set up especially for the purpose. The fact this mission happened at all was largely due to Ireland's effectiveness at crafting and influencing policy within the EU to allow for creation of EU military and civilian instruments for conflict management, which could be called on by the UN for use on their missions. This expertise of tactical, operational and policy expertise is seldom found at a high level in small states. We have been on this trajectory since our involvement with the UN in the Congo. We should also remember that security is not purely the preserve of the military - the establishment of Irish Aid and its support of UN humanitarian operations worldwide; and the creation of activities and working groups in support of UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, have been operational supports and policy influencers that helped create the network of support for Ireland winning her seat. However, it has largely been the input of our Defence Forces that provided the solid platform that allowed all those other activities to develop with credibility. Many countries have influenced policy due to having deep pockets, but our policy influence largely came from putting boots on the ground in dangerous places that saved the lives of the innocent and sometimes resulted in Irish deaths. But there have been own goals. The current neglect of our Defence Forces is a key one, not just the poor pay and conditions, but other operational requirements have also been neglected. Regarding our objectives going forward, multilateralism will be a key feature of our tenure with the security council. If Ireland contributes only to focusing international attention on restoring the battered mechanisms of multilateral co-operation on conflict management and emergency humanitarian response, then our time in the hot seat will have been well spent. Declan Power is an independent security and defence analyst with wide experience of UN peacekeeping and humanitarian missions Barrister Njong Henry Tita Facebook Human Rights Lawyer Njong Henry Tita says his life is under serious threats from the Cameroon military and other state agents. Taking to social media in what appears to be a desperate move to tell his story to the world, Barrister Njong says they want to take his head for defending separatist leader Sisiku Ayuk Tabe and nine others, as well as for spilling the beans following the July 23, 2019 riots at the Buea Central Prison. I am Barrister Njong Henry Tita, a human rights lawyer who has been defending the rights of the oppressed in national and international courts. I am one of the leading lawyers who have been defending the 10 separatist southern Cameroon leaders who were abducted from Nigeria, brought and sentenced to life imprisonment before the Yaounde Military Court Julius Ayuk Take and Co., the lawyer said in a message apparently drafted in haste, going by the typos and omissions. Njong furthers: Besides this, I have been leading a team of over 50 lawyers defending other persons detained in connection with the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon. I have also been active in reporting any injustice that I may notice anywhere. One of such was the Buea prison riot of 23 July 2019 where my report contradicted the government position and the regime attempted arresting me but for the timely intervention of the Cameroon and African bars and other human rights organizations that put a halt to same. He says his quest to see and do justice has earned him a lot of bitterness amongst those perpetrating injustice in Cameroon, who now see him as an enemy. To that effect, I have been receiving threats, so many threats, from both the military and other state agents. The threats have now reached an intolerable point where the military are calling me on [a] daily basis asking me to report at the military camp in Buea. One of them who identified himself as commander John told me that they have spies on me and that my activities defending the Anglophones [is] tantamount to supporting and collaborating with the secessionists. He said if I don't come to the military camp, they will do their own justice with their gun as its happening to others in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon, said Njong. It should be noted that these threats have made me so uncomfortable and my movements are not free as I am now afraid of the unknown .To this effect, I am informing all to be aware that my life is at risk for being a lawyer standing against oppression and injustice. OYO Hotels and Homes started as a young hotel startup in 2013 and is now the worlds leading chain of homes and hotels. But with operations in 800 cities across 80 countries, OYOs priorities have increasingly shifted towards being able to deliver a superior, seamless experience to its users. The challenge of a seamless customer experience OYO decided to personalize its user experience, using advanced segmentation and customization techniques to send hotel recommendations and price offers via channels like emails, SMS, and push notifications. However, like most companies that operate in emerging economies, OYO faced a major hurdle. The delivery rate of their push notifications was abysmally low, especially on Chinese OEMs like MI devices. Given that 17-20% of OYO users have Xiaomi devices, this was really bad news because overall delivery for active users was now less than 30%. Which meant that OYO had a two-step challenge. For starters, they needed to increase the delivery rate of push notifications so that they could build user retention while scaling up quickly. And then they had to find ways of delivering a more personalized user experience through relevant recommendations. Driving personalization at scale OYO decided to partner with MoEngage, a comprehensive customer engagement platform, to tackle this issue on both fronts. With MoEngages Push Amplification, OYO was able to improve its delivery rate by 44% for Xiaomi devices. The platform offers a unique fallback mechanism to deliver notifications at a later time in case the FCM fails. Using this feature, the brand was able to deliver its push notifications to users who owned a Xiaomi or any other Chinese smartphone. This meant that they increased their overall campaign notification delivery by a whopping 25%. Not only were they able to reach more users, but sending the right push notifications also helped in converting more users in the long run. Once the delivery was sorted, OYO decided to focus on a personalized user experience. Using MoEngages Dynamic Product Messaging (DPM), the brand used the search and booking history of both active and dormant users to build the right messaging. Using personalized notifications eventually led to a 2X increase in CTRs (Click Through Rates). Talking about the entire journey, Arjya Nathvani, AVP-CRM, OYO said, MoEngage has played a pivotal role in realizing our communication strategy. It stitches together all channels seamlessly and complements them with features like Dynamic Product Messaging, Advanced Analytics, Intelligent Delay Optimization, and Push Amplification. That has really helped us serve the right message to the right people at the right timeat scale. Researchers at the Department of Infection and Immunity of the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) developed LIH383, a novel molecule that binds to and blocks a previously unknown opioid receptor in the brain, thereby modulating the levels of opioid peptides produced in the central nervous system (CNS) and potentiating their natural painkilling and antidepressant properties. Opioid peptides are small proteins that act as neuromodulators by interacting with four 'classical' opioid receptors on the surface of CNS cells, playing a key role in mediating pain relief but also emotions such as euphoria, anxiety, stress and depression. The molecule was developed by Dr Andy Chevigne, Head of Immuno-Pharmacology and Interactomics at LIH, and his team, based on their previous research that had identified the atypical chemokine receptor ACKR3 as a novel opioid receptor which binds to natural opioids and 'traps' them, thereby dampening their analgesic and antianxiety activity. These findings were published on June 19th in the prestigious international journal Nature Communications, carrying important implications for the development of a novel class of drugs for pain, depression and for brain cancer treatment. Opioid-related disorders such as severe pain are currently predominantly treated through drugs that act on the opioid system. Opioid prescription drugs against pain -- including morphine, oxycodone and fentanyl -- work by targeting and activating opioid receptors, preventing the natural 'pain message' from being transmitted, altering pain perception and consequently resulting in painkilling effects. Despite their effectiveness, the use of these painkillers frequently leads to several side-effects, such as tolerance, dependence and respiratory disorders. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find new means to modulate the opioid system by using drugs with novel mechanisms of action and reduced complications, particularly given the current public health crisis, known as the "opioid crisis", linked to the growing abuse of and addiction to synthetic opioids. In this context, the LIH research team led by Dr Chevigne developed and patented a novel molecule - LIH383 - that has the overall effect of increasing the availability of opioid peptides that bind to classical opioid receptors in the brain. Specifically, LIH383 works by targeting and blocking the atypical chemokine receptor ACKR3, which the LIH researchers had shown to be a new opioid receptor with negative regulatory properties. The scientists demonstrated that ACKR3 possesses a high affinity for a variety of opioids, namely those belonging to the enkephalin, nociceptin and dynorphin families. However, the interaction between ACKR3 and these opioids does not generate the typical pain-relief or tranquillising 'messages' that arise when opioids bind to the so-called 'classical' opioid receptors. "Interestingly, we found that ACKR3 does not trigger the distinctive chain of molecular signalling events that results in painkilling effects. Instead, ACKR3 functions as a 'scavenger' that sequestrates the opioids that would otherwise bind to the classical receptors. In other words, ACKR3 is an atypical opioid receptor that traps the secreted opioid peptides and reduces the levels that can interact with traditional receptors, therefore mitigating their action and acting as a negative regulator of the opioid system", explains Max Meyrath, co-first author of the study. "Our findings essentially brought forward a new and previously unknown mechanism to fine-tune the opioid system and modulate the abundance of natural opioids by manipulating the fifth member of the opioid receptor family, ACKR3. We therefore set about developing a molecule that would be able to tightly bind to and block ACKR3, with the aim of potentiating the natural beneficial effects of opioids on pain and negative emotions. This is how LIH383 was conceived", says Dr Martyna Szpakowska, co-first author of the publication. The team subsequently carried out a proof of concept of the efficacy of LIH383 in modulating ACKR3 activity and filed a patent application in April 2020. These results open up alternative options for the treatment of chronic pain, stress, anxiety and depression, but also for cancer therapy. Indeed, aside from its newly-described role as an opioid receptor, ACKR3 was originally known as a chemokine receptor for its ability to also bind to chemokines -- small proteins secreted by immune cells which mediate immune responses but which have also been shown to be involved in tumour initiation and metastasis. Specifically, ACKR3 is expressed abundantly in tumours such as glioblastoma - a highly aggressive type of brain cancer - and breast cancer, and its presence correlates with increased tumour growth, metastasis, resistance to chemotherapy and poor prognosis. "As an ACKR3 modulator that interacts and 'interferes' with ACKR3, LIH383 therefore also holds promise for the treatment of metastatic cancers, leveraging on our remarkable discovery of the dual chemokine-opioid 'scavenging' activity of this receptor", underlines Dr Chevigne. "We expect LIH383 to act as a precursor for the development of a new class of drugs against pain and depression, thus offering an innovative and original therapeutic strategy to tackle the opioid crisis", he adds. "This is a glaring example of the way fundamental research can be translated into concrete applications with tangible benefits for patients, leading to improved clinical outcomes", states Prof Markus Ollert, Director of the LIH Department of Infection and Immunity and co-author of the study. "The success of our work was only made possible by the generous and unwavering support of the Luxembourg National Research Fund, the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, as well as the charitable initiative 'Televie'", he concludes. ### Funding and research teams This study was supported by grants from the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR), the Luxembourg National Research Fund (Fonds National de la Recherche - FNR) and Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique - FNRS-Televie. M. Meyrath and M. Merz are Luxembourg National Research Fund PhD fellows. M. Ollert received support from the Luxembourg National Research Fund and is coordinator of the FNR-funded PhD Programme NEXTIMMUNE. J. Ohnmacht and R.Kruger were supported by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (MaMaSyn and PEARL) and the Pelican Foundation. T.Benkel and E. Kostenis were funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft - DFG). The study was performed in close collaboration with national and international partners, and involved LIH's Department of Infection and Immunity, LIH's Transversal Translational Medicine unit, the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) at the University of Luxembourg, the Department of Life Sciences and Medicine of the University of Luxembourg, the Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section of the Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology of the University of Bonn (Germany), the Neurophysiology Unit of the University of Liege (Belgium), the Research Training Group of the University of Bonn (Germany) and the Department of Dermatology and Allergy of the Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis (ORCA) at the University of Southern Denmark (Denmark). About the Luxembourg Institute of Health: Research dedicated to life The Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) is a public research organization at the forefront of biomedical sciences. With its strong expertise in population health, oncology, infection and immunity as well as storage and handling of biological samples, its research activities impact on people's health. At LIH, devoted scientists investigate disease mechanisms to develop new diagnostics, innovative therapies and effective tools to implement personalized medicine. The institution is the first supplier of public health information in Luxembourg, a strong cooperation partner in local and international projects and an attractive training place for ambitious early-stage researchers. About the Department of Infection and Immunity LIH's Department of Infection and Immunity is a basic clinical-translational research entity aiming at understanding the complex mechanisms of infectious and inflammatory disease processes to enable new ways to diagnose, prevent and cure human diseases. Building on a highly interdisciplinary research environment, the research strategy of the Department of Infection and Immunity focuses on experimental discovery and validation, bridging to clinical application and technology development to address major unsolved medical needs in the areas of immune-mediated inflammation (such as in allergy, asthma, autoimmunity), cancer and infectious diseases (COVID-19, AIDS, measles and rubella virus infection, amongst others). Billionaire businessman Dermot Desmond told the Housing Minister the project will be higher than the density of Ballymun Towers (pictured), which have now been demolished Plans to build 611 apartments on former RTE land are akin to "Ballymun Towers South Dublin" and could become "modern-day slums", businessman Dermot Desmond has claimed. In a letter to local politicians, the billionaire threatened to use his "resources" to fight fast-track planning laws being applied to the development "all the way to the European Courts". Mr Desmond, who owns a property on Ailesbury Road close to the Dublin 4 site, says the planning system "has been compromised" by Strategic Housing Development (SHD) legalisation. Embassy The law allows planning applications for developments of more than 100 homes on land zoned for residential use to bypass local authority scrutiny and be directly assessed by An Bord Pleanala. Cairn Homes has submitted plans under the SHD rules to build 611 apartments and three town houses on land it brought from RTE in Donnybrook, Dublin 4, in 2017 for 107.5m. The project is close to Dublin's so-called "embassy belt" where ambassadors and other wealthy individuals live. In a letter sent to Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy and other local representatives, Mr Desmond said it will be "higher than the density of Ballymun Towers North Dublin, built in the 1960s to accommodate a housing crisis and subsequently demolished and replaced by low-rise homes". The financier argues that with more people working from home and high-tech electric transport in the future "there will be no need for these skyscrapers, which will become modern-day slums". Writing specifically about the RTE development, Mr Desmond said the sale of the land to Cairn Homes "makes no sense" since Dublin City Council is now signed up to pay 30m for social housing in the development. His wife Pat and two other Ailesbury Road residents have already launched a legal challenge to fast-track planning laws in the High Court. Mr Desmond claimed the proposed height of the RTE development, ranging in height from four to 10 storeys, was "totally unsuitable to the area". Cairn Homes said it was "Ireland's largest home builder delivering thousands of well-designed and constructed new homes to first-time buyers, other individual purchasers, pension investment institutions and the Part V social housing programme". The company added: "The planning process we adhere to is managed by local authorities and An Bord Pleanala in a rigorously independent manner consistent with the Government's National Development Plan." It pointed out that before the start of the process representatives actively engaged with neighbours and communities. "As Cairn has now formally lodged its planning application for Montrose, Dublin 4, it is precluded for making any further comments," it added. Advertisement Well, did they or didnt they? Some reports say Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French president Emmanuel Macron discussed a reciprocal arrangement to allow holidays to go ahead this summer in their respective countries without any need to self-isolate; others, including a No 10 spokesman, said it didnt come up. Which is symptomatic of the shambolic way the Government has handled travel to and from the UK during the Covid-19 crisis. Foreign secretary Dominic Raab and others have talked about a road map so that companies can ready themselves for the peak summer season but what sort of map is it when Boris can only come up with a watch this space soundbite. A map showing countries around Europe and whether you should count on being able to visit them this summer Thats why we are helping readers find a way through the quagmire. Should you cancel your villa booking for July or August? Will you be welcome wherever it is you had planned to go? Wait and see is one sure-fire strategy, with the PM expected to make a pronouncement next week. But time is running out for summer holidays, travel firms and hotels and B&Bs. Here we reveal, where we're welcome and where we're not... UNSURE IN SPAIN Spain re-opens to all EU citizens tomorrow... except us. Most restaurants and beaches are open. Pictured is Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol After saying that Britain would not be included in the list of countries to be allowed quarantine-free travel, Spain gave the green light to British tourists on Sunday. Most restaurants and beaches are open, shops are at 50 per cent capacity and groups of up to 30 tourists can gather in public. CYPRUS WAITING GAME The first tourists no longer needing to produce proof of a negative coronavirus test will be welcomed today from 22 countries. Britons will be allowed in when the UK infection rate falls. The Cypriot government has announced it will pay for accommodation, medicine and food for tourists who test positive during their stay on the island, and their families. A 100-bed hospital is being set aside for holidaymakers, as well as quarantine hotels for patients families. PORTUGAL WANTS YOU! Portugal lifted travel restrictions for British visitors on June 6 but visitors are warned that the nightlife will be limited Travel restrictions were lifted for British visitors on June 6. Air corridor discussions are said to be advanced. Portugals foreign minister warns that nightlife will be limited to prevent people congregating in large numbers. Restaurants, hotels and beaches are open with social distancing. GOOD CHANCE IN FRANCE Borders opened to most European countries on Monday except for travellers coming from nations with quarantine measures, including Britain, where rules are reciprocal. It is unclear whether PM Boris Johnson discussed the possibility of an air bridge when he met with French president Emmanuel Macron. It is understood to have been discussed between officials, instead. France reopened its bars, cafes and restaurants on June 2. P&O is operating reduced ferry services on cross-Channel routes, as is Eurostar on London-Paris rail journeys. LOOKING GOOD IN GREECE Greece has said it is open to creating an 'air bridge' with the UK. Pictured is Sithonia in north-east Greece The country has said it is open to creating an air bridge with the UK. Currently, tourists from countries, such as Britain, deemed too high risk face testing on arrival. A negative result will mean self-isolation for seven days; a positive test will result in 14 days quarantine. However, these restrictions will be lifted on July 1, when international flights will resume and tourists will be tested randomly. Hotels, restaurants, bars and beaches have reopened with restrictions. ITALY OPENS UP Italy opened up to tourists, including those from the UK, on June 3. Most hotels and restaurants have reopened with reduced capacity THE EXPERT VIEW BY MIKE GOOLEY, CEO OF TRAILFINDERS It is not so much the pandemic itself which is denying us our so-needed anti-viral summer holidays, but the overblown blanket FCO advice not to travel anywhere, followed by the irrational quarantine of arrivals. Each week, tens of thousands are missing out on their longed-for break and the only present relief is to book later in 2020, into 2021 and even 2022. For the time being, there are some unprecedented discounts out there, but costs will rise as pent up demand brings scarcity. A few people have developed a new fear of flying, not understanding that the filtration of cabin air equates to the quality found in a sterile operating theatre. All the sensible precautions we have in place in the UK are now universal to wherever you travel. Many lessons have been learned from the crisis and many more will be realised in the future. The unseen risks of booking direct and being unsupported when things go awry has been starkly exposed, especially when it comes to refunds and repatriation. Advertisement Border controls were lifted for travellers, including those from the UK, on June 3, when the 14-day quarantine policy was also dropped. Most hotels, beaches, restaurants and bars have reopened with reduced capacity and a 1.5-metre distancing policy. KEEN IN CROATIA Britons must complete online forms before going, providing proof that accommodation has been booked. Hotels have reopened, some with tempting rates. For example, a week at a four-star hotel in Split is from 705 B&B (booking.com). ALL GO IN GERMANY Last Monday, travel restrictions for British holidaymakers were lifted. Some hotels, bars and restaurants have reopened. Rules governing social distancing vary slightly within Germanys 16 federal states. IRISH CAUTION Confusingly, the border is open for quarantine-free visitors from Northern Ireland, but those from the UK mainland require a 14-day quarantine. Travel restrictions of 14 miles are in place within Ireland. Hotels, restaurants and pubs serving substantial meals can reopen from June 29. MALTA IS A MAYBE Malta International Airport will open on July 1 with thermal screening on arrival and visitors asked to fill out a form on arrival. Tourists from all countries are welcome from July 15. Masks are recommended in shops and on public transport. Restaurants, bars, hotels and beaches are reopening with social distancing measures in place. TURKEY BRIEFINGS Officials from the UK and Turkey have reportedly been in talks about creating a quarantine-free air corridors, possibly by July 15. Turkish Airlines flights to and from the UK resumed on June 11. DONT BET ON BULGARIA Tourists from Belgium, Portugal, Sweden and UK are subject to 14 days of quarantine. Some direct flights are operating from the UK. Most hotels, bars and restaurants have reopened. Masks are mandatory on public transport and enclosed public spaces. CZECH? NOT YET The Czech Republic has a traffic-light system with people from safe countries marked green. Tourists from the UK are currently orange (medium risk) A traffic-light system was introduced on Monday. People from safe countries, marked green, are able to travel to the country, but tourists from orange (medium-risk) countries, including the UK, and red (high-risk) countries are denied entry. Countries are assessed weekly. Hotels, outdoor restaurants and museums are open, and events of up to 500 people are allowed. FINNS FINE Tourists from Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are permitted. Other EU countries may be welcome from July 14. Hotels are open and bars and restaurants must close by 11pm. SWISS READY A quarantine for visitors has recently been lifted and hikes in the mountains and lakelands await. EasyJet had flights to Geneva. SWEDEN JA! It has been possible for visitors to travel to Sweden throughout the lockdown. Pictured is the capital, Stockholm Throughout the lockdown it has been possible to visit Sweden where a liberal approach to coronavirus has been applied. Ryanair has flights to Stockholm, which could be perfect for a city break. AUSTRIA EASING Border restrictions were relaxed on Monday, though travellers from some countries, including the UK and Spain, must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test or self-isolate for 14 days. Restaurants, bars and hotels are reopening. Masks are mandatory on public transport and also in shops. BELGIUM IS OPEN Belgium is open after all travel restrictions for European visitors were dropped on Monday. Pictured is the city of Bruges All restrictions were dropped for European travellers on Monday. Eurostar has a reduced service, while public transport is running, with masks mandatory. Museums, shops, restaurants and some tourist attractions are open. DANES DASH HOPES Closed for tourists except those from Norway, Germany and Iceland. Restaurants, shops and some hotels are open. The border will remain closed for most tourists until at least September 1. NETHERLANDS - STANDBY Tourists from Britain may be allowed in the Netherlands from June 28. Pictured is the capital, Amsterdam Visitors from the EU and the Schengen countries, those from Sweden and the UK are strongly advised to self-quarantine for 14 days immediately after arrival. Tourists from Britain may be allowed in from July 1. Hotels, restaurants and cafes have reopened. Eurostar is due to operate to and from the UK from June 28. Masks are mandatory on public transport. SLOPE OFF TO SLOVAKIA? Unlikely. UK visitors must show recent negative test results and also go into self-isolation for five days on arrival until you have a second negative test. SLOVENIAN SHUTDOWN Quarantine for UK tourists has been in place since June 13. No direct flights are currently available from Britain. After three days of persistent agitations, workers of Tema Port have finally called off their industrial action and allowed vessels in anchorage to berth at the port. This was as a result of a directive by the Office of the President, instructing the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to reverse its decision to take away refrigerated (reefer) cargo containers from being handled by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). Following the intervention by the President, therefore, the workers who had restrained six vessels in anchorage from berthing at any terminal at the Tema Port, yesterday gave the Marine Operations Unit at the port the go-ahead to pilot the vessels to their designated terminals. Similarly, some containerised vessels, namely Maersk Casablanca, Eleni T, and MCS Oriane, which arrived on anchorage last Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, would also be berthed at the Meridian Port Services (MPS) facility. The leadership of the Maritime and Dock Workers Union (MDU) and the workers unions of the GPHA last Wednesday gave an ultimatum to the government to reverse the decision on the reefer cargo handling as well as the implementation of a 20 per cent container handling quota in line with revised arrangements on the concession agreement between the GPHA and a private developer, MPS, for the development and operations of the new multipurpose port terminal. The group was not happy over what it claimed was the GRAs continuous insistence for Reefer imports to be handled at the third party terminal when it was exclusive of the 35-year concession agreement between the GPHA and the MPS. Directive The directive, dated June 17, 2020, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, asked the acting Commissioner-General of the GRA, Mr Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, to as a matter of urgency, permit the transfer of all reefer cargos from Terminal Three to the GPHA Reefer Yard where duties and taxes would be paid before being delivered to the consignees. Subsequent to the directive, the Minister of Transport, Mr Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, also in a separate letter, dated June 17, 2020, to the DG of GPHA, copied to the worker unions and the Chief Executive Officer of MPS, said the GRA was to enforce the new directive by the end of June in connection with reefer cargos. Governments position to handle 20 per cent of containerised cargo during the exclusive period of 10 years has not changed and the authority should go ahead with the leasing of Marine Harbour cranes to enable it to effectively handle the containers, it said. The Director-General of GPHA, Mr Michael Luguje, who confirmed the authenticity of the two letters to the protesting union leaders, also convinced the group, which had been keeping vigil at the Marine Unit since Tuesday, to eventually call off their strike and allow vessel handling activities to begin. The strike is said to have caused some revenue losses in the area of port dues, pilotage and towage, as well as stevedoring activities over the past three days, even though workers were tight-lipped. MPS Mr Luguje said the management of GPHA had also reached out to MPS to impress on it to engage its own Board of Directors on the revised positions. I am also expecting the MPS to bring out its formula on the 20 per cent sharing of container cargo by the close of the day, so you (union leaders) dont need to continue to keep vigil here. Rather, I will urge you to break off and resume work, while management works out the necessary details on the new directives, Mr Luguje emphasised. Decision The General Secretary of MDU, Mr Daniel Owusu-Koranteng, explained that their decision to suspend the strike was also as a result of the commencement of the quota and the handling of reefer cargos. With the evidences available to us, if I lead you to ignore the letters in which the President has expressed the commitment to see to the resolution of the impasse, then we may not be doing ourselves any good, Mr Owusu-Koranteng 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 China has pointed the finger at a European coronavirus strain for a new outbreak in Beijing which has infected nearly 200 people in eight days. The Chinese government yesterday shared the genome data from the latest outbreak, claiming it 'came from Europe' but is different from the virus that is currently spreading there - suggesting it could have been lurking in frozen food for some time. European salmon producers have played down the link after state media connected the outbreak to chopping boards used to cut up salmon at the Xinfadi food market. Today's 25 new cases in Beijing bring the total in the last eight days to 183 in the city's worst outbreak since early February. Tens of thousands of people in the Chinese capital are being tested for the contagion, while neighbourhoods have been locked down and schools closed as authorities battle to contain the cluster. A woman wearing a face mask shops at the meat section inside a supermarket today - amid fears the strain of coronavirus now spreading in Beijing has been lurking there for months People in lockdown wait behind a barrier for their goods to be delivered to the residential compound in Beijing today Chinese expert warns people not to touch raw fish or meat to prevent virus Top Chinese diseases officials have warned citizens to avoid touching raw meat and fish in a bid to prevent catching the coronavirus. Feng Zhaolu, a researcher from China's CDC, advised residents to wash their hands before and after handling uncooked food and use separate chopping boards. The expert said in a press briefing today: 'Food and water need to be heated and cooked thoroughly. Fruits should be consumed without the skin. 'Regularly-used tableware can be disinfected by steaming them for 15 minutes,' he added. Despite the warnings, the officials said that they have no evidence proving that people would be infected with COVID-19 from eating seafood. The expert's advice comes as China's National Health Commission has ordered all wet market workers to wear face masks and gloves. The health authority introduced a new set of anti-virus guidelines for the public today in a press conference. The rules have required workers in 'high-risk' places such as wet markets and theatres wear face coverings to prevent the virus spreading. Advertisement Five provinces across China have reported a total of 17 coronavirus infections linked to the outbreak in Beijing since June 11, according to official figures. Those patients were mostly market vendors working at Xinfadi or close contacts with native coronavirus carriers detected in the capital city. Henan in central China today reported an asymptomatic case of a 50-year-old woman who worked as a vendor at the Xinfadi market. Eastern province Zhejiang recorded one infection Wednesday of a man, 36, who also worked at the food trading hub. Hebei province in northern China has found a total of 10 COVID-19 cases linked to the outbreak in Beijing since Tuesday. South-western province Sichuan reported two infections on June 15 while Liaoning province in north-eastern China recorded three cases between June 13 to June 18. Zhang Yong of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the strain of the virus spreading in Beijing 'is older than the virus currently circulating in Europe'. Zhang raised the possibility of the virus lurking in imported frozen food or in the wholesale market itself, resulting in similarities to older strains. But scientists cautioned against making early conclusions on the Beijing cluster. Ben Cowling, a public health expert at the University of Hong Kong, 'it is possible that the virus now causing an outbreak in Beijing had travelled from Wuhan to Europe and now back to China.' But he said the first case has not yet been identified and it may be too late to find out how this outbreak started. Francois Balloux of University College London said that based on the data shared, there had been local transmission for some time before the outbreak was identified. 'Their position in the tree does not allow to confidently assign a geographic origin to the lineage. They could have originated from essentially anywhere,' he wrote. Xinfadi supplies more than 70 per cent of Beijing's fresh produce and has been temporarily closed due to the cluster. Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiology expert at the CDC, had previously said the virus found in Beijing was similar to European strains. Wu said the strain did not originate from the Chinese capital. 'It must be some people or goods outside of the city that carried it into the market,' Wu said in a state television interview aired on Friday. 'It's unclear who, or what kind of goods, had brought the virus into Beijing.' Food wholesalers and retail stores in Beijing have stepped up testing on products including meat and seafood since the outbreak began. State media reported earlier this week that the virus had been detected on chopping boards used to handle imported salmon at the market. Official media has already opened fire on the 'sinful' salmon industry in Norway, and Beijing supermarkets have removed salmon from their shelves after officials claimed the outbreak could have come from Europe. However, Norway has denied any link to its salmon industry and experts say it is unlikely that the fish itself would carry the disease. Low temperatures and high humidity may explain why seafood markets are a source of outbreaks, Wu said, cautioning that further investigation was necessary. The earliest known cluster of cases was at a seafood market in Wuhan last December, although it is not yet fully clear how the virus first passed to humans. One Chinese food safety expert said today that it was possible for food and food packaging to be a host of the novel coronavirus. The comments were made by Li Fengqin, a director at China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, at a press conference in Beijing today. Li said that researchers had detected the virus in the environment, therefore it was possible for the food and food packing material stored in the same environment to be contaminated. People are tested for coronavirus by medical workers wearing hazmat suits at a makeshift testing centre in Beijing yesterday People wait behind an entrance gate to have groceries delivered in a neighbourhood that was placed in lockdown after the new outbreak Volunteers from the Blue Sky Rescue team, in protective suits, disinfect the Nangong market yesterday amid a new outbreak in Beijing The resurgence came after China had largely brought the virus under control and eased restrictions on movement inside the country. There are now 293 people ill with COVID-19 in China, the highest number since early May. Until recently most new cases had been imported by nationals returning from abroad, but Beijing's new cluster has been locally transmitted. The last seven days have seen 261 new cases across the country, the highest figure since mid-April. Chinese officials have not reported a new death since April, although there has been much suspicion about the accuracy of the regime's figures. Beijing had turned into a virtual fortress at the height of the pandemic, with people arriving from other regions or countries required to undergo quarantines. While international flights are still diverted to other cities to prevent imported cases, other measures had been relaxed in recent months. However dozens of neighbourhoods are in lockdown again while hundreds of flights in and out of Beijing have been cancelled. A city transport spokesman said bus service between Beijing and other Chinese provinces would be suspended starting Friday to try to limit the spread of the virus. Schools in the city have also been suspended and reopening plans for sports and other events are on hold. One official said on Wednesday that China had carried out more than 350,000 tests in the space of four days. China had been under pressure to release the genome data after criticism of its initial handling of the outbreak earlier this year. The US has blamed the Chinese government for not handling the Wuhan outbreak properly and moving too slowly to contain the epidemic, leading to mounting cases and deaths in the United States. China has rejected that accusation, saying it wasted no time in releasing information about the epidemic including the genome sequence of the initial outbreak. The latest genome sequencing was published late Thursday, and had been shared with the WHO and the Global Influenza Data Initiative (GISAID). Virus genome sequencing is a vital and rapidly-developing tool in the diagnosis of the disease and in understanding the spread and control of the new coronavirus. Details published on China's National Microbiology Data Center website revealed the Beijing genome data was based on three samples - two human and one environmental - collected on June 11. Is it safe to get our haircut yet? Read more Weve been fretting about our cuts, colors, and weaves from the moment we entered into quarantine. The good news is its looking like the wait is over. As the number of new COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to decline in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, salons are getting the green light to reopen. Now that Philly is in the green phase, you can get your hair cut. And salons in New Jersey are also open. Here is what you need to know about your safety. Is it risky to go to the salon? The risk doesnt come from getting your hair done, the risk comes from how close you are to other people, explained Thersa Sweet, an associate professor of epidemiology at Drexel University. At the very minimum, everyone should be wearing masks, including both you and your hairstylist. (Many throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey will also be wearing shields.) And you also shouldnt go to a salon where the stations are less than six feet away. You also want to make sure that your salon has good air circulation, Sweet said. How well the air exchanges in the room is not something we ever had to think about when we got our hair done before, Sweet said. This is important because its not clear now long the coronavirus can linger in the air, but a room with good circulation, which pushes the air out regularly, can minimize the risk. The hope is that if we are in the green area, then community spread is way down and there will be very few people in the community who are infected, Sweet said. READ MORE: Philly suburbs will move to green next Friday; city to enter a modified green phase What services are allowed? In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, you can get the following done: shampoo and conditioning haircuts styling chemical treatments, including color and straightening manicures and pedicures massage therapy You cant get anything done that requires you to remove your mask. That means no facials, hair removal on the lip or chin, or beard trims for guys. READ MORE: Should I shave my beard to keep from getting the coronavirus? What else will be different? There will be a lot of changes, said Frank Rizzieri, owner of the South Jersey-based chain of Rizzieri Salons & Spas. Over the last few months, Rizzieri said he invested tens of thousands dollars in upgrades that give his salons the flexibility to follow new protocols. Heres what the protocols look like: No more walk-in appointments. Fever checks for both staff and customers. Those with a temperature over 100.4 degrees will not be able get their hair done or report to work. Only staff and clients with appointments will be allowed inside the salons. (Most places will text with you when you are outside and when your chair is ready and its safe for you to enter.) Capes will be disposable. No more food on the premises. Magazines will be removed. How will I pay? Most salons are going touchless and cashless as much as possible, including for tips. Why? Because salon owners want to minimize your time in the salon and cash is a hotbed for germs. We will ask you to pay for your service before you get it done, online, says Syreeta Scott, owner of Duafe. Rizzieri is also moving toward cashless service. READ MORE: Outdoor dining returns to Philly. Heres how it will work. Is it safe to go to the bathroom? The state of Pennsylvania is requiring that in our post-pandemic world that salon owners: Wipe down door handles inside out and out and all commonly touched surfaces after each use. Stock every bathroom with soap and sanitizer and put a sign in the bathroom reminding people about the importance of handwashing. Sweet says there is minimal risk in using the bathroom as long as customers wash their hands and wipe down commonly touched surfaces with disinfectant. What you should really be trying to do is get in and out of the salon as fast as you can. Im not as worried about the quick bathroom trip as I am about sitting for hours in a chair breathing in the same air, Sweet said. We still want to cut down our exposure to other people. A Delhi court granted bail to suspended Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Davinder Singh in connection with a terror case after Delhi police failed to file charge-sheet within the stipulated period. However, Singh will remain in prison as he is also undergoing judicial custody in a separate case of trying to terrorists to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir, which is being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Agencies Special Judge Dharmender Rana granted bail to Singh and another co-accused -- Irfan Shafi Mir -- asking them to furnish a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and two sureties of the like amount each. In the bail plea moved by advocate MS Khan, both of them had cited that the chargesheet had not been filed within the requisite 90 days period, as prescribed under the law, and sought statutory bail. Singh, Mir and two other accused namely Javed Iqbal and Syed Naveed Mushtaq were arrested in connection with the case related to planning terror attacks in the national capital. The other two are currently undergoing judicial custody in the matter. agencies Singh was suspended from the Jammu and Kashmir Police in January this year, after which a special cell had brought him to Delhi from Hira Nagar Jail in Jammu and Kashmir. He was arrested in a case related to planning to execute terror attacks in Delhi and other parts of the country. According to police, the accused used to chat with other co-accused and terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen through various internet platforms. Delhi Police has filed an FIR under charges dealing with criminal conspiracy saying that the Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab youths are being trained for carrying out terror activities. The FIR also mentioned the involvement of D-Company in funding pro-Khalistan terrorist organisations in Punjab. By IANS HYDERABAD: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the crisis on the border with China, leading to India losing its 20 security personnel. Owaisi, whose All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) was not invited to the all-party meeting convened by the Prime Minister on Ladakh clash, wrote a letter to him. "The blame for this crisis lies solely with the political, strategic and military leadership headed by you. It is unfortunate that you failed in dealing with Chinese designs," the Hyderabad MP wrote. Owaisi said the lives of those killed should not go in vain and the best way to avenge their lives must be recovering Chinese-occupied Indian territory in Galwan Valley and Pangong So Lake areas by any means necessary. He demanded that the government share with the country the facts about extent of Chinese incursions, extent of lapses in Indian decision-making and the consequent loss of Indian territory to Chinese occupation. Owaisi also sought an independent review committee to look into the sequence of events leading up to the loss of Indian lives and territory. "The government must publish the committee's findings in a white paper and make it accessible to the public," reads the letter. The white paper should provide clarity on questions like how much Indian territory is under Chinese occupation since May 2014, how many security personnel lost their lives due to Chinese incursions or face-offs, how many rounds of talks were held with China, what is the status and scope of the negotiations, who is responsible for the loss of 20 Indian personnel in recent face-off, why Indian soldiers did not open fire when their commanding officer was killed by Chinese troops, what were the intelligence inputs about Chinese movements that were ignored by the government and has China communicated that India violated the bilateral agreements by altering the constitutional status of Ladakh by making it a Union Territory, he said. Owaisi also demanded that the Parliament be convened at the earliest so that opposition parties may seek accountability from the ruling party and the government is bound to answer queries of representatives regarding occupation of Indian territory. The AIMIM chief voiced his disappointment over not being invited to the all-party meeting. "At a time when national consensus and a unified response is essential, it is unfortunate that AIMIM was not invited to the meeting. The criteria of the invitees betrays any rational explanation. It is absurd to limit the invitee political parties only to those with over 5 Lok Sabha MPs, parties with Union Cabinet Ministers and recognized national parties. The situation required the government to include every political party with a MP," the MP wrote. Owaisi said AIMIM may be a small political party but as its president he was one the first few MPs to have raised the issue of Chinese occupation of Indian territory since the past five weeks. "Incursions by a foreign military and occupation of our territory is a national challenge and it can be overcome only when all political parties are taken into confidence," he added. The global acrylic fibers market is expected to grow by 251.34 million tons during 2020-2024. The report also provides the market impact and new opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect the impact to be significant in the first quarter but gradually lessen in subsequent quarters with a limited impact on the full-year economic growth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200618005771/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Acrylic Fibers Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Request challenges and opportunities influenced by COVID-19 pandemic @Request a free sample report The increase in the demand for fibers and yarns to produce apparel and household textiles is expected to positively impact the global textile industry during the forecast period. The global textile market reached USD 1,500 billion in 2018 and is expected to grow at a CAGR 6.20% during the forecast period. India, China, Pakistan, and the US are the major producers of textiles globally. This is expected to stimulate the demand for acrylic fibers as they are highly used in the production of sweaters, fleece wear, sportswear, socks, and circularly knit apparel. The strong dye absorption and wicking ability are the major factors underlying the adoption of acrylic fibers by fabric designers. Acrylic fibers are also widely used in the production of home textiles and industrial products such as carpets, rugs, upholstery and velvet fabric. Thus, the growth in textile industry is expected to drive the growth of the market in focus. 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=IRTNTR43830 As per Technavio, the increase in demand for acrylic fibers in blended fabrics will have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the forecast period. This research report also analyzes other significant trends and market drivers that will influence market growth over 2020-2024. Acrylic Fibers Market: Increase in Demand for Acrylic Fibers in Blended Fabrics The increase in the use of acrylic fibers for blended fabrics is expected to positively impact market growth during the forecast period. Blending involves the addition of two or more different fibers to obtain the desired characteristics for the final fiber product. Acrylic blending fabrics are mainly used to produce t-shirts, socks, tracksuits, gloves, and caps. Blending accords better strength, stability, and absorbency to the final fabric. The limited availability and the high cost of natural fibers is expected to drive the demand for blended fabrics during the forecast period. The blending of wool with acrylic fibers improves the elasticity and durability of the final product. In addition, acrylic-blended wool is easy to wash and is much more resilient. Cotton-blended yarns and fabrics with acrylic resins provide superior comfort, uniformity, and warmth and enhanced luster. Furthermore, acrylic fibers make the yarn softer and more durable. "Factors such as the rise in demand from developing countries, and the increasing preference for intelligent textiles will have a significant impact on the growth of the acrylic fibers market value during the forecast period," says a senior analyst at Technavio. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Acrylic Fibers Market: Segmentation Analysis This market research report segments the acrylic fibers market by type (staple and filament) and geography (APAC, MEA, Europe, North America, and South America). The APAC region led the acrylic fibers market in 2019, followed by MEA, Europe, North America, and South America respectively. During the forecast period, the APAC region is expected to register the highest incremental growth due to factors such as the rapid industrialization and urbanization, which has led to the growth of the construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries boosted by high investments from the public and private sector enterprises. Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report Some of the key topics covered in the report include: Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Vendors covered Vendor classification Market positioning of vendors Competitive scenario About Technavio 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/20200618005771/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/ Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 05:21:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Demonstrators march through Brooklyn Bridge in New York, the United States, June 19, 2020. New Yorkers on Friday marked Juneteenth, the day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, with marches and protests as the country is having a new moment of reckoning about racial injustice. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) NEW YORK, June 19 (Xinhua) -- New Yorkers on Friday marked Juneteenth, the day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, with marches and protests as the country is having a new moment of reckoning about racial injustice. Thousands of people took to the street on Friday morning, rallying at city landmarks such as City Hall, Times Square and Brooklyn Bridge before marching along major avenues. Holding self-made placards and pictures of George Floyd, whose tragic death sparked nationwide protests nearly a month ago, protesters kept chanting slogans calling for justice and equality while marching on. At least 20 protests organized by different groups are expected to take place across five boroughs throughout the day. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Friday that he would make Juneteenth a holiday in the city in 2021. "Black history is American history. Proud to announce that beginning next year, Juneteenth will be an official city and school holiday," the mayor tweeted. At his daily briefing, the mayor said the city would work through a plan to give Juneteenth the "importance and recognition it deserves." "Every city worker, every student will have an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of our history and the truth," he noted. He also announced the establishment of a new commission to understand the effects of structural and institutional racism in New York City. The Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission will be committed to promoting social learning, collective introspection and policy action. It will create a historical record of racial discrimination, with an emphasis on housing, criminal justice, environmental racism and public health, according to the mayor. "Racism has been a pervasive and consequential force throughout the city's history and we cannot go back to the status quo," said de Blasio. "We must use the past to inform and inspire the present, to promote the dignity and well-being of all New Yorkers, and their full inclusion in the life of our city." The mayor also announced the locations for street murals in all five boroughs to commemorate the Black Lives Matter movement, including sections of Manhattan's Center Street and Brooklyn's Joralemon Street. Earlier this week, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday for state employees. He said he would advance legislation to make it an official state holiday next year. Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were told the long overdue news that they were free, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The day is recognized in 47 states and Washington D.C., according to the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation. Enditem Of course, we sent effusive thank-you cards, but I wonder: Should we have been more explicit and stated, "No gifts or cash"? While we were happy to get the money, I hate to think that we inadvertently implied that we were asking for cash in lieu of gifts, or even intended to leave the door open for it. An online petition is demanding Easton remove its Christopher Columbus statue, but the citys mayor says the monument is staying put. Melissa Meyer created the Remove racist Christopher Columbus monument in Easton now! petition, saying the figure represents racist acts of violence through the forceful removal of people from their ancestral lands. Efforts to reach Meyer on Friday were not successful. As of Friday afternoon, the petition surpassed its initial 200 signature goal, which was increased to 500 signatures. We are a city built on invaded and occupied territory where Indigenous people have always called home and which they continue to live in today. We despise such a symbol of Indigenous genocide and erasure in our city. In order to uplift (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), we must recognize that it has no place in our downtown, says the petition, which will be sent to Mayor Sal Panto. Removing statues will not solve the problem of police brutality or racism, but it will send a message that Easton rejects racism, past and present. It will make racially motivated killings of black citizens by police harder to justify, Meyer wrote. Reached Friday afternoon, Panto said he was not aware of the petition but I have no plans on moving it at all. We cant forget the past, try to eradicate the past. We should learn from it, said the former history teacher. The 9-foot-tall bronze statue off Larry Holmes Drive was commissioned in 1928 by the growing Italian-American community as a gift to the city. The community raised $13,000 and Philadelphia artist Giuseppe Donato created the bronze sculpture, according to the Easton Express archives. Panto said his grandparents mortgaged their house to help pay for the statue. Groups could raise money for a statue celebrating Native Americans and their rich history in the region, Panto said. Panto asked if people would want to remove monuments like the pyramids or the Colosseum, or statues of George Washington, John Adams or Thomas Jefferson. Rather than remove a monument, we should learn from it and make a better future for everybody, Panto said. Columbus statues around the country have been vandalized or removed, including statues in Houston and San Francisco, and there are plans to replace one in Columbus, Ohio. Closer to home, in the past week a Christopher Columbus statue in South Philadelphia was guarded by an armed group and had a wooden box installed around it. Italian American supporters sought a judge to prevent any possible action to remove it, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Eastons statue faced its own controversy involving the KKK when it was first planned. It was supposed to be installed at the high school on Northampton Street, but that permission was rescinded after opponents lobbied against it. The KKK opposed the statue, reportedly calling Columbus an alien who never did anything worthwhile for the country. The statue and its granite base were originally installed at Riverside Park and dedicated on Dec. 14, 1930. It was later damaged in the great flood of 1955 and moved closer to the street in 1964. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 20:18:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com posted strong sales growth in a mid-year shopping festival that ended on Thursday, grossing a record high 269.2 billion yuan (about 38 billion U.S. dollars) in online orders. The company's annual 18-day promotion has been the first major online shopping bonanza in China since the COVID-19 epidemic began in January. The company realized a 33.6-percent year-on-year growth in "618" festival sales, compared with the previous record of 201.5 billion yuan set in 2019. JD.com saw its share price surge by 3.54 percent on Thursday, the first trading day of the company's secondary listing in Hong Kong, to close at 234 HK dollars (about 30 U.S. dollars) per share, bringing JD.com's market value to 720 billion HK dollars. The public offering came at the time of JD.com's 618 online shopping festival, which was created by the company to mark its anniversary in June. The Beijing-based e-commerce firm was founded 17 years ago, against the backdrop of the outbreak of the SARS epidemic. The company has since capitalized on the country's fast development of e-commerce to grow into a technology and service enterprise. The company's data suggested that sales of 187 brands sold on JD.com exceeded 100 million yuan during the shopping festival. Food and beverages, mother and infant products, beauty makeup and skincare are the categories with the largest number of consumers. Fresh food, medical care and kitchen utensils are the sectors that recorded the strongest growth. Meanwhile, the products that consumers are most willing to spend money on are mobile phones, household appliances and computers. The cities with the highest consumption enthusiasm are Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The company said through big data analysis, its logistics subsidiaries had made early preparations to deploy more than 1 billion items to 730 warehouses to facilitate distribution. "JD.com's online promotion is a favorable opportunity to promote consumption after the epidemic," said Wang Wei, director of the Institute of Market Economy affiliated to the Development Research Center of the State Council. Wang said the large number of orders via e-commerce platforms would stimulate the development of production, manufacturing, logistics and other industries in the entire national economic cycle. Enditem Washington, June 19 : US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi requested the removal of portraits of previous House speakers who served in the Confederacy from display in the US Capitol. Pelosi on Thursday made the request in a letter to Cheryl Johnson, clerk of the House of Representatives, a day before Juneteenth, the commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, Xinhua news agency reported. "Tomorrow, Americans will mark Juneteenth," the California Democrat wrote. "Very sadly, this day comes during a moment of extraordinary national anguish, as we grieve for the hundreds of Black Americans killed by racial injustice and police brutality." In the letter, she asked Johnson to remove the portraits of four previous speakers who served in the Confederacy: Robert Hunter of Virginia (1839-1841), Howell Cobb of Georgia (1849-1851), James Orr of South Carolina (1857-1859), and Charles Crisp of Georgia (1891-1895). House Democrats introduced a bill last week that would remove Confederate statues from the US Capitol. There are currently 11 statues of people who served in the Confederacy, either as officials or soldiers, displayed in the Capitol complex. The statues are all part of the National Statuary Hall Collection, created in 1864 with a law that allows states to select two statues of deceased individuals to be displayed in the US Capitol. The legislation from the Democrats would remove all of the Confederate statues in the collection within 120 days. The statues could either be reclaimed by the states or given to the Smithsonian Institution, a US museum and research complex. Republicans have argued that Congress cannot remove the statues without passing a new law and indicated that the decision should be left up to the states. "What I do think is clearly a bridge too far is this nonsense that we need to airbrush the Capitol and scrub out everybody from years ago who had any connection to slavery," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters earlier this week. The moves came in the wake of the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Protests in response to Floyd's death, and more broadly to police violence, spread across the United States, as congressional lawmakers and states are pushing for police reforms. The Supreme Court Friday refused to stay any ground work pertaining to the Central Vista project. Petitioner Rajeev Suri had moved the top court challenging the project on the ground that there is an illegal change in land use and sought directions from the court to stay the project. Petitioner's counsel argued that the environmental clearance committee passed some order, and this matter was considered later, but till then, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing Centre, must assure that no further action will be taken. A bench comprising Justices A. M. Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna observed: "If the Centre goes ahead when we are seized of this matter, then it will be at their own risk and cost." The bench queried the petitioner's counsel: "When we ask you to argue, then you talk about amending your petition." Mehta contended that the amended petition be filed and the Centre will file a reply. Petitioner's counsel sought that no work on the ground be allowed, which includes the paperwork. Mehta opposed the argument for stay on the project. "Lordship can say whatever happens will be subject to the orders of the court", argued Mehta. The bench allowed the petitioner to amend the plea, and scheduled the next date of hearing on July 7. On April 30, the apex court had declined to stay the Central Vista project, estimated to cost Rs 20,000 crore, which seeks to build a new Parliament building and other central government offices in the Lutyens' zone in central Delhi. The plan for the project has been prepared in accordance with India's 75th Independence Day in 2022. The work on the Central Vista is slated for completion by November 2021. The Central Vista houses iconic buildings like the Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, the North and South Block buildings, which house important ministries, and also the India Gate. The Centre is proposing to redevelop by constructing a new Parliament house, a new residential complex, which would house the Prime Minister and the Vice President besides several new office buildings. COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Denmark will send up to 285 military personnel to NATO's non-combat training operation in Iraq as it takes over leadership of the mission training Iraqi security forces from Canada by the end of 2020, it said on Thursday. "By strengthening our contribution to the stabilization of Iraq we reduce the risk of new refugee crises while we at the same time increase our guard against the threat from terror groups like ISIL," foreign minister Jeppe Kofoed said in a statement. Parliament has also agreed to send a ship and a helicopter including up to 195 staff to a European-led naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world's oil passes, for a four-month period from August 2020. (Reporting by Andreas Mortensen; Editing by Hugh Lawson) Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 16:37:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Troops of India and Pakistan Friday exchanged heavy fire and targeted each other's positions on the Line of Control (LoC), dividing Kashmir, officials said. The two sides exchanged fire on LoC in Nowshera sector of frontier Kupwara district, about 222 km southwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. According to officials, the exchange of fire went on for some time. However, so far no loss of life was reported in the skirmishes on the Indian or Pakistani side. On Sunday an Indian trooper was killed and two others wounded in an overnight exchange of fire in Shahpur-Kerni sector of adjacent frontier Poonch district. Enditem For the criminal justice class, might we need only look to our own communities? Do we know many people who have been arrested, let alone incarcerated? If no, why not? Have the people we know transcended the drives to abuse substances and bodies, possess weapons, cheat and steal? If, upon reflection, it turns out that people in our communities regularly transgress but rarely suffer incarceration, then how do we hold our own to account? From my vantage point, we employ rehab, psychological counseling, social censure and tribunals internal to our private institutions. YEREVAN, JUNE 19, ARMENPRESS. Russian President Vladimir Putin published an article on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, touching upon the historical realities, the subsequent developments and current challenges. The article is titled "75th Anniversary of Great Victory: Shared Responsibility to History and Future". 75 years have passed since the end of the Great Patriotic War. Several generations have grown up over the years. The political map of the planet has changed. The Soviet Union that claimed an epic, crushing victory over Nazism and saved the entire world is gone. Besides, the events of that war have long become a distant memory, even for its participants. So why does Russia celebrate the 9th of May as the biggest holiday? Why does life almost come to a halt on June 22? And why does one feel a lump rise in their throat? Putin wrote. They usually say that the war has left a deep imprint on every family's history. Behind these words, there are fates of millions of people, their sufferings and the pain of loss. Behind these words, there is also the pride, the truth and the memory. The Russian leader presents the story of his family and what impact the war has left on their fates. For my parents, the war meant the terrible ordeals of the Siege of Leningrad where my two-year old brother Vitya died. It was the place where my mother miraculously managed to survive. My father, despite being exempt from active duty, volunteered to defend his hometown. He made the same decision as millions of Soviet citizens, the President said. People of my age and I believe it is important that our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren understand the torment and hardships their ancestors had to endure. They need to understand how their ancestors managed to persevere and win. Where did their sheer, unbending willpower that amazed and fascinated the whole world come from? Sure, they were defending their homes, children, loved ones and families. However, what they shared was the love for their homeland, their Motherland, Putin said. The Russian President noted that all have a responsibility to their past and future to do their utmost to prevent those horrible tragedies from happening ever again. He says it is essential to pass on to future generations the memory of the fact that the Nazis were defeated first and foremost by the entire Soviet people and that representatives of all republics of the Soviet Union fought side by side together in that heroic battle, both on the frontlines and in the rear. Putin in his article also thoroughly touches upon the historic developments, the reasons of the start of the Second World War, the archival documents, international treaties, the accusations against Russia, etc. He also thanks allies for assisting the Soviet Union that time. He also discusses the current challenges and the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic. He says the world is facing an economic crisis, countries are making great efforts for public health and assisting the citizens. Our ability to work together and in concert, as real partners, will show how severe the impact of the pandemic will be, and how quickly the global economy will emerge from the recession. Moreover, it is unacceptable to turn the economy into an instrument of pressure and confrontation. Popular issues include environmental protection and combating climate change, as well as ensuring the security of the global information space. Drawing on a shared historical memory, we can trust each other and must do so, Putin said. Concerns about corruption in voting are not a new phenomenon. During the Constitutional Convention of 1787, James Madison worried about the abuses that might occur under the new Constitution. Our federal system of government is predicated on the faith that a citizen, adequately informed and unmolested is capable of judging who is best fit to govern our country. The U.S. Constitution stipulates - "the times, places and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter such regulations. Over time, what has developed in the United States is a system of voting protecting both the legitimacy of an election and the privacy rights of the voter from outside interference. Without these two components we would have no fair stable system of elections. All would descend to chaos of corruption. Today, using the coronavirus as an excuse, the Democrats seek to abolish how we conduct elections in the United States. Our current system of voting came into being as a result of a great progressive reform movement in the latter part of the 19th century and early 20th century. Ardent progressive reformers, like the socialist Henry George in 1886, strove to prevent corruption in the electoral process. The progressive reformers championed a system of voting by an official ballot printed at public expense by a neutral authority. Previously political parties had printed their own ballots and ward bosses paid people to vote for their candidates, stuff ballots and vote repeatedly. The system was intimidating and enormously corrupt. A supervisory public authority was necessary to monitor balloting, ensure fairness, and provide the necessary element of voter secrecy. The new structure of reform called the 'Australian ballot', (named from its place of origin) specifies that a citizen coming to the poll be registered to vote and identified. At the poll, he gives his name and address. He receives an official ballot; marks it in the secrecy of a booth and hands it in to be counted. Additional laws were passed protecting the voter from solicitation at the polls. These laws still survive today. Wardens at voting places acting on laws regulated by the local secretary of state keep those soliciting votes 100 ft. away from voters when they enter a polling place. Massachusetts was the first state to adopt the secret ballot in 1888. By 1896, almost 90 percent of states had adopted it. The secret ballot is largely credited with rooting out the worst forms of voter fraud and intimidation. Later, voting machines came into being, which eliminated the paper ballot but ensured the same secrecy protections were kept with a curtain on the voting machine. The corruption of the old political machine politics boss has ended, but the Democratic party today seeks to bring back Tammany Hall by a procedure called "Vote by Mail" which takes away voter privacy and mails millions of ballots often to those no longer living at the address the ballot is mailed to. One should not confuse "Vote by Mail" with voting by an 'absentee ballot'. Absentee balloting is an older established regulated process. It is used in extraordinary circumstances for illness or absence when the voter cannot appear at the poll. Ballots are requested by the voter, are registered, and require a signature certification by the voter. There has been corruption in absentee balloting. The most secure method of voting is to vote in person at the poll. "Vote by Mail' which the Democrats are advocating nationally is an irresponsible, unregulated system that seeks to mail ballots to every address in the country from inaccurate unpurged voter rolls regardless of whether the persons at the address is living, currently registered to vote, or are even citizens. Critics point out that ballots delivered to a wrong address or to someone who moved would be piled up in hallways for anyone to pick up and tamper with. 'Vote by Mail" then allows the ballots mailed to be collected by unregulated political activists who are entrusted to bring them to election places to be counted. What happens along the way to these ballots is left to the horror of one's imagination. There are no voter identity checks anywhere in the 'Vote by Mail" scheme. Its unsecure procedures encourages tampering and ballot fraud on a massive scale. In the recent midterm 2018 elections, Republicans in the state of California were winning on election night in seven Congressional districts, but the vote harvested ballots allowed by "Vote by Mail" overturned the election results, giving all seven seats to the Democrats. Some sections of California were found to have a voter registration of 112% -- more registered voters than there were actual citizens! This is corruption pure and simple. Fair elections are an essential part of the integrity of republican government. Any process that does not guarantee voter protections is an attack on the U.S. Constitution and on every voter's civil rights. 'Vote by Mail" denigrates U.S. citizenship and the integrity of the electoral process as it takes away the dignity and responsibility of a citizen appearing at a polling place, while invading the voter's privacy as the ballot passes through so many different hands. The voting booth is the last citadel of privacy in America. The progressive reforms of the early 20th century are a proud part of American history. Various states in our federal republic became laboratories of democratic electoral reform. It would be a disaster to the integrity of the electoral process to turn the clock backwards to the days of ballot stuffing, bribery, and Boss Tweed. Patrick J Walsh is a writer in Quincy Mass. June 19 : Mumbai Police, who is investigating reports that professional rivalry may have led to Sushant Singh Rajputs death, wrote to Yash Raj Films (YRF) to produce a copy of a contract they had signed with Sushant as they want to find out the nature of the contract. Police also wanted to know how many films Sushant was supposed to make with them. It is reported that Mumbai police has also questioned Sushants PR manager Radhika Nihalani and his ex-business manager Shruti Modi, who worked with Rajput till February this year. Sushant wanted to start 2 companies Reportedly, Shruti Modi revealed that Sushant wanted to start two companiesNation India For World to undertake social work, and another called Vivid Rage Realistic to develop virtual reality content. Shruti also said that Sushant was exploring several avenues besides films. Police will also talk to the lawyer who was hired to register the companies, it is reported. Sushants diaries recovered Mumbai police also recovered five diaries from Rajputs Bandra home. They are now investigating them. Meanwhile, Mukesh Chhabra, director of Sushants last film Dil Bechara, and Rajputs humoured girl friend Rhea Chakrabortys statements have been recorded by Bandra police. The star was found dead at his Bandra apartment on June 14. The state government has ordered an investigation into allegations of professional rivalry, which many claim to be the reason of his depression and death. Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery New research has found that 74pc of male farmers have four, or more, risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This means they are three times more likely to have an acute cardiac event (stroke or heart attack) compared to those with fewer risk factors. 75% of all farmers participating in the research were advised to visit their GP to get further support and advice. The lead author of the study, Diana van Doorn, a PhD Walsh Scholar at Teagasc and the National Centre for Mens Health at IT Carlow, said that whilst the top line figures paint a worrying picture there are positives. "We found that the majority of farmers reported having visited their GP in the past year, fewer farmers smoke or drink compared to the general population and farmers, by virtue of their occupation, get a lot of physical activity. There are however areas of concern identified by the study. These findings come from a study involving Teagasc, the National Centre for Mens Health (NCMH) at IT Carlow, the Irish Heart Foundation, Glanbia Ireland, the HSE and UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences that saw 868 male farmers undergo health checks in marts and Glanbia Ireland Agribusiness branches across the south, east and midlands. A number of the findings are of particular concern. Results show that the majority of farmers (85.9%) are living with either overweight or obesity. This is substantially higher than the national average for Irish men (68%). Four in five (80.5%) farmers were classified as having an at risk waist circumference of 94 cm (37 inches). Abdominal weight is a major risk factor for heart disease. Marese Damery, Health Check Manager/Health Promotion, Irish Heart Foundation said: We have seen already through the Covid-19 crisis that one out of every two patients presenting to intensive care units have serious heart conditions with more men than women becoming critically ill. This research has shown that farmers have multiple heart and stroke risk factors and really highlights the importance of providing farmers and men in general with local access to health checks and interventions programmes. We hope that by continuing to work in collaboration, and leading the health checks, we can do this. Welcoming the publication of the report Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle stated: One of the striking results is that one in three farmers (34.9%) scored poor or below average on a self-administered short well-being measurement scale. Teagasc, working with partners in this area, have produced a number of reports and I would ask farmers or their families to use these and local services when they need to. Other findings from the study indicate that farmers utilise GP services in response to ill-health rather than to prevent risk factors for disease. Of those farmers not already prescribed medication for blood pressure (n=585), cholesterol (n=588) and/or blood glucose (n=588), 43.8% had high blood pressure, 62.6% raised total cholesterol and 29.4% elevated blood glucose. This indicates either a lack of awareness, or an incomplete understanding of CVD, or the risks associated with it. Commenting on this, Vice-President for Development and Research at Institute of Technology Carlow, Declan Doyle noted: The findings underline the importance of working in partnership to engage and support farmers to take increased responsibility for their own health. The success of this novel and innovative approach in engaging a so-called 'hard to reach' group, can serve as an important template for engaging other groups of men in other workplace settings. In relation to eating habits, the majority of farmers (72.1%) reported consuming salty and/or sugary snacks on a daily basis which is higher than the national average of 34% (not gender specific). One in five farmers (21.9%) reported consuming deep fried food three, or more times a week, and most (79.3%) reported not meeting the recommended daily intake of 5 or more portions of fruit and vegetables. This is higher than 70% of the national population of Irish males. Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Communications, HSE Health and Wellbeing, Fergal Fox stated From a Healthy Ireland perspective its great to see so many partners supporting mens health through this initiative. The timing of this launch is particularly fitting as this is Mens Health Week and the study findings reinforce the need for gender-sensitive, community outreach programmes that can successfully engage more at risk groups of men. The baseline data collected as part of this study is being analysed to identify the best ways of supporting farmers adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles. Dr John McNamara, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist, stated that the results of this research will yield valuable knowledge on ways to promote cardiovascular health among farmers he appealed to farmers to give cardiovascular disease prevention immediate attention. He said: Dont put off going to the doctor or taking the first steps to a healthier lifestyle. Do it today. The Socialist Equality Party was contacted by an overseas nurse from the south of England , urging support for a petition demanding permanent residence for non-EU National Health Service migrant workers , the scrapping of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and an end to the NHS five - year pay freeze. This is what he had to say. It was not easy to work in the UK during this unprecedented time. The personal protective equipment (PPE) shortage was immense and most of the PPE the government supplied to the NHS had expired. We felt like not enough protection had been provided while caring for COVID-positive patients. Doctors and nurses kneel in front of Downing Street in London, Thursday May 28 2020. (Photo: Frank Augstein/AP) Thousands among us caught the virus. During the pandemic most of the nurses and doctors have been redeployed to meet the demand for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds running at five and six times the norm. Most of them were not prepared to look after critically ill patients and felt lost. It was more traumatic than catching COVID-19 for many, and they struggled to cope. Some even now have not recovered. We are still in the battlefield and nobody knows when it will be over. I am one of 170,000 non-British NHS warriors who fought for the UK in the COVID-19 battle, after paying tens of thousands of pounds for the privilege to work for the NHS. We risked our lives and we lost over one hundred among us during this battle. After five years of our immense effort and fight against the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which we have been paying since 2015, it was announced that there was going to be a review. On May 20, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that it is a great source of income for the NHS and that he could not wave off the IHS and it must go up from 400 to 625, in October 2020. This was heart-breaking for us. Some even compared working for the NHS to modern slavery! A nurse with a family of three children, who had to renew their visa for three years in October, would have to pay a total of 7,575 just for the IHS, in addition to the high visa fees. There has been no official announcement over scrapping the IHS, so those who need to renew their visa will be forced to pay again with no guarantee of a refund. Nothing is clear after three weeks. There has been a lot of hype with the government and the media telling the public they have done us a great favour. But nothing has been done. Do you think this is fair? We are fighting for equality. We cannot live like this! Nurses in the UK earn around 18,000 after tax and national insurance contributions, but still are forced to pay 1520 percent of their salary towards visa fees and the IHS. The government is not recognising our efforts. And in addition to this there is the five-year pay freeze for all NHS workers. We cannot afford to raise the 10 percent deposit to buy a house, so we must rent privately. Due to immigration laws, those on visas cannot rent council houses under the no recourse to public funds clause. I pay 800 per month for a one-bedroom property. On top of this is the Council Tax and other bills. Like many overseas workers, I am unable to keep up with sending money back home to help my family. I know that many overseas NHS workers are considering going abroad because it has become impossible to live. Many of my NHS colleagues were not even aware of the IHS before the pandemic hit. The government should appreciate all health care workers contributions by raising their pay, rather than keeping the pay freeze for the public sector. Immigrant workers must be offered automatic indefinite leave to remain, with the choice of citizenship. The latter may not be suitable for everyone. This is what the petition by Dr Gill Sare is appealing for. We are not being listened to and this must change. I call on all UK residents to sign the petition and support the fight to grant NHS workers, who are European Union and other nationals, automatic UK citizenship. This should also include those in social care, who have lost many lives. It is not just in the NHS. This combination of pictures created on March 2, 2020 shows Democratic presidential hopeful former Vice President Joe Biden arriving to participate in the tenth Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season at the Gaillard Center in Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 25, 2020. Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) arriving at a campaign stop in Waterloo, Iowa on Jan. 26, 2020. (Logan Cyrus and Stephen Maturen/AFP/Getty Images) Klobuchar Pulls Back From Consideration as Bidens Running Mate Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) effectively pulled herself out of contention to be Democratic presidential candidate Joe Bidens running mate on June 18, saying she felt that the historic moment required picking a woman of color. This is a moment to put a woman of color on that ticket, and there are so many incredible qualified women, she said in an interview on MSNBC. If you want to heal this nation right nowmy party, yes, but our nationthis is sure a hell of a way to do it. Biden, who will take on Republican President Donald Trump in the Nov. 3 election, is under pressure to pick a black woman as his understudy as racial tensions flare over instances of police brutality, including the videotaped death last month of George Floyd, an unarmed black man after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes. (L-R) Tom Steyer, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) listen as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) (3rd R) speaks during the Democratic presidential primary debate at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 14, 2020. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) greet at a South Carolina Democratic Party dinner in Charleston, S.C., on Feb. 24, 2020. (Meg Kinnard/AP Photo) Klobuchars record as the top prosecutor for the Minnesota county that includes Minneapolis, where Floyd died, came under scrutiny. Some Democrats took issue with her record on police misconduct and other prosecutions. Klobuchar, who competed against Biden for the partys presidential nomination before endorsing him, said she spoke with Biden on Wednesday night. Biden late on Thursday praised Klobuchars grit and determination on Twitter and said that with your help, were going to beat Donald Trump. Biden has already promised to pick a woman as his running mate, and several black candidates are on his shortlist, including Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.). He has also considered candidates of other backgrounds, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who is white. Some African-American leaders and activists have said that a black woman on the ticket would help demonstrate to black voters, a crucial component of the Democratic base, that Biden is committed to addressing issues such as criminal justice reform and police misconduct. By Trevor Hunnicutt Representational image Over 2.5 lakh Indians have returned to India from abroad after the government launched the 'Vande Bharat' evacuation mission on May 7 in view of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of External Affairs said. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said about 4.5 lakh people have registered their request with Indian missions abroad for repatriation to India on compelling grounds. As per the government's policy for evacuation, Indians with "compelling reasons" to return like pregnant women, elderly people, students and those facing the prospect of deportation are being brought back home. The first phase of the mission was carried out from May 7 to 15. The second phase of the evacuation mission was scheduled from May 17 to 22. However, the government had extended it till June 10. The third phase of the evacuation exercise was launched on June 11 and will continue till July 2. "In the third phase, we would have 550 flights, including 191 feeder flights. We would be covering 41 countries and operating from 55 international airports and 27 domestic ones," Srivastava said at an online media briefing. He said 2,50,087 Indians have returned to India since the launch of the mega evacuation mission. The MEA Spokesperson said, "21 per cent of these returnees are migrant workers. More than 75,000 Indians have returned through land border immigration checkpoints from Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh". He said more than 57,000 Indian nationals have been brought back by chartered flights. Chartered flights operations commenced on May 26. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yehor Bozhok asked to be suspended from his duties due to the fact that Ukraine's Prosecutor General has decided to extend the investigation in the proceedings on the suspicion of a criminal offense entered in the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations. "Due to the fact that the Prosecutor Generals Office (PGO) decided to extend the investigation in the proceedings on the suspicion of a criminal offense entered into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations, in order to ensure a transparent investigation of the situation that has developed, I ask you to remove me from my duties as Deputy Foreign Minister Of Ukraine," Bozhok said in a statement to the Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, which he posted on Twitter on Friday. Bozhok also noted that he asked for removal himself, "in order to remove the ministry from the PGO's attention." As reported, Bozhok is a defendant in a case in which the State Security Committee handed a suspicion to former President Petro Poroshenko. The PGO said according to its investigation, Poroshenko is suspected, acting as the president of Ukraine, of issuing in 2018 a clearly criminal order. Bozhok, then head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) suggested the appointment. Prosecutors believe Poroshenko his authority and official powers, deliberately committing acts that clearly go beyond the rights and powers granted to him). As reported, Bozhok is involved in the case prosecuted by the State Bureau of Investigation against former President Petro Poroshenko. The PGO has said Poroshenko in 2018 issued an illegal degree obliging Bozhok to exceed his authority. Poroshenko has been served a notice of suspicion for committing criminal acts under Part 4 of Article 27, Part 4 of Article 41 and Part 4 of Article 426-1 of Ukraine's Criminal Code. (Bloomberg Opinion) -- As long as the pandemic rages, the worlds leaders are understandably preoccupied with the threat of disease. But there are other dangers to humanity that demand attention. One of the most frightening is nuclear war. Unfortunately, the risk of that happening keeps rising. The headline numbers are misleading. Yes, the global stockpile of nuclear warheads decreased slightly last year, according to the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. But thats only because the U.S. and Russia, the two countries that still account for more than 90% of global nuclear stocks, dismantled some of their obsolescent warheads. Meanwhile, all nine countries with nukes are modernizing their other warheads and delivery systems. In a test just last week, France successfully fired, from a submarine, a nuclear missile that can travel between continents at 20 times the speed of sound. Other countries, most notably China, are adding to their nuclear stashes as fast as they can. Even more worryingly, states are reviewing their strategies for using these weapons. Gone is the amoral but logical stability of the Cold War, when two superpowers kept each other and the world in check with a credible threat of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD). Russia, for instance, increasingly sees smaller tactical warheads as a possible way to compensate for weaknesses in its other military forces. Its conceivable that a conflict starting with hybrid warfare ranging from disinformation campaigns to soldiers in unmarked uniforms could escalate to a conventional war and a limited nuclear strike, inviting a counter strike and so forth. Theres also speculation that India could soften its policy, adopted in 1998, never to be the first to use a nuclear weapon. Such thought experiments are no small matter for a country with two hostile and nuclear-armed neighbors, Pakistan and China. Just this week, India and China clashed again over their disputed border in the Himalayas. What North Korea could get up to in a crisis that it itself provokes is anybodys guess. Story continues Meanwhile, all efforts to limit or reduce nuclear weapons have ground to a halt. A treaty between the U.S. and the Soviet Union that eliminated land-based missiles with short and intermediate ranges collapsed last year, after the U.S. accused Russia of cheating. And the two old foes arent even close to extending their only remaining arms-control agreement, called New START, which expires in February. One reason for that failure was Americas insistence that the third and rising superpower should join the negotiations. But China, which sees itself as merely catching up with the two nuclear kingpins, balks at accepting any limits. Progress has also stalled in updating the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, exactly 50 years after it took effect. It sought to keep additional countries from making bombs by encouraging them to use fissile material (uranium or plutonium) only for civilian purposes such as generating electricity. But five countries have gone nuclear since it was signed. Worse, game theory suggests that its rational for more states to follow. Iran could be next. The only international agreement to ban these evil weapons altogether, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons passed by the United Nations in 2017, has the same chance as a snowball in a fission event. No member of the nuclear club intends to ratify it, nor do many other countries. As if all that werent bad enough, doubt is also creeping into the transatlantic alliance, undermining its credibility and thus the deterrence thats so vital to preventing war. Germans, in particular, are aghast at their treatment by U.S. President Donald Trump, who this week chastised them as delinquent allies and confirmed that he will withdraw about one in four American troops from Germany. In May, several leaders of Germanys Social Democrats, a party with a tradition of anti-Americanism, even suggested opting out of NATOs policy of nuclear sharing, whereby some allies, such as Germany, forego building their own nukes but provide the airplanes to deliver U.S. bombs in a pinch. This policy is meant to make joint deterrence more credible. But to German lefties, distrust of Trump is enough reason to challenge its logic. Fortunately, Chancellor Angela Merkel quickly overruled them. Between naivety in Germany, belligerence in Russia, ambition in China, inanity in Trumpist America and brinkmanship in North Korea, the outlook is grim. Egomaniacs or rogues could be tempted to test the boundaries in their foes deterrence plans, and human error could compound the folly. Whats more, the climate in international relations isnt exactly conducive to solutions. The world leaders who matter most are so busy with trade wars and vaccine nationalism, they can barely even imagine sitting around a table with people they loathe but should talk to, an activity known formerly as diplomacy. But they must rise above themselves. If they cant, the rest of us, from voters to the military brass, should force them. Only patient multilateralism, as unsexy as that polysyllabic Latin word may sound to alpha males, can save us in the long run. Otherwise, to use a Cold War metaphor, the nations of the world will find themselves standing in a room awash with gasoline, each counting who has how many matches, until one is lit. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Andreas Kluth is a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. He was previously editor in chief of Handelsblatt Global and a writer for the Economist. He's the author of "Hannibal and Me." 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. Representational picture Nearly 80 million people were forcibly displaced globally by the end of 2019 as a result of war, violence, persecution and other emergencies, according to the United Nations. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, in its annual report on displacement released on Thursday noted that an additional 11 million people were newly displaced in 2019 alone, with developing countries the worst-hit. The number is almost double the total figure over the past decade. While 2.4 million sought protection outside their country, 8.6 million were newly displaced within the borders of their countries. Many displaced populations failed to find long-lasting solutions for rebuilding their lives, with only 317,200 refugees able to return to their country of origin and only 107,800 resettled in third countries, the UNHCR said in the report released ahead of World Refugee Day on June 20. The global displacement number of 79.5 million or one in every 97 people on the planet at the end of 2019 is almost double the number of people in crisis registered a decade ago, it noted. "This almost 80 million figure -- the highest that UNHCR has recorded since these statistics have been systematically collected, is of course a reason for great concern. This is approximately one per cent of the world's population, we have never reached this very significant percentage," UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi said. Speaking to journalists in Geneva, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees chief noted that although the issue of displacement affects all nations, data showed that it was poorer countries which hosted 85 per cent of those forced from their home. "This continues to be a global issue, an issue for all States, but one that challenges most directly the poorer countries - not the richer countries - in spite of the rhetoric," he said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reminded countries of their fundamental obligation to protect the nearly 80 million people worldwide forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution and other crises. In his message to mark the World Refugee Day, the UN chief also praised those nations and communities hosting refugees and internally displaced people, often amid their own economic and security challenges. "We owe these countries our thanks, our support and our investment, he said. While refugees and internally displaced people are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Secretary-General commended them for stepping up on the frontlines of response. "From camps in Bangladesh to hospitals in Europe, refugees are working as nurses, doctors, scientists, teachers and in other essential roles, protecting themselves and giving back to the communities that host them, he said. Numerous emergencies old and new are behind the massive people flows, from Afghanistan to Central African Republic, to Myanmar, with hotspots including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burkina Faso -- and the wider Sahel -- and the continuing fallout in Syria, after nearly a decade of civil war, the report said. About 73 per cent of the 79.5 million on the move have sought shelter in a country neighbouring their own, Grandi said, dismissing the regularly politicised misconception that most migrants and refugees target richer countries far from home. Nearly seven in 10 of those displaced came from Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Myanmar, he said. "If crises in these countries were solved, 68 per cent of global forced displacement would be on its way to being solved," Grandi said. Asked about the impact of COVID-19 on mass population movements, he said it would "no doubt" push more people into crisis. "I am very worried and we've said it to a lot of different governments that have asked us the question," he said. "The livelihoods crisis...the increased poverty of these populations, in my opinion -- coupled with lack of solutions to a situation of conflict and in situations like the Sahel, with a deterioration of security -- there's no doubt it will increase population movements in the region but also beyond, towards Europe," Grandi said. Since the global health crisis began, the agency has also reported an increase in the number of Rohingyas moving from Bangladesh and Myanmar, towards Malaysia and other States in South East Asia. That in my opinion is linked more than COVID-19 once again by the very stagnant situation of the Rohingya issue, Grandi said. No solution, great poverty and lack of opportunities in the camps in Bangladesh, now maybe also couple with the lockdown that was made necessary by COVID that has added to the hardship. For the first time, Venezuela's 3.5 million displaced people feature in the UNHCR report, accounting in part for the significant rise, compared with the 2018-19 data. In terms of the ages of those affected, the UN agency estimates that around 30 to 34 million of the world's 79.5 million forcibly displaced, are children. Of the near 80 million people cited in the report, 26 million are refugees; 20.4 million come under UNHCR's mandate and 5.6 million are Palestine refugees registered with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). By using both humanized mice and convalescent patients, the researchers from the US and Singapore successfully generated non-competing and highly potent monoclonal antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein that could potentially be combined to form antibody cocktails. Their groundbreaking paper is published in the leading research journal Science. Binding of the coronavirus spike protein(red) to an ACE2 receptor (blue) on a human cell leads to the penetration of the virus in the cell, as depicted in the background. Illustration Credit: Juan Gaertner / Shutterstock The ongoing and disruptive coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by SARS-CoV-2, which is a versatile virus that utilizes the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to enter human cells. This process is mediated by viral surface spike protein (S-protein), which contains a receptor-binding domain that specifically recognizes the ACE2 receptor. Consequently, this could act as a weak spot of the virus that we could target with protective antibodies a strategy already used in the past for different infections. Most recently, fully human antibody treatments were generated to treat lethal Ebola infection; in this process, genetically humanized 'VelocImmune' (VI) mice were used to generate Ebola antibody cocktail treatment, while B cells sorting from a recovered patient provided a single therapeutic antibody treatment. The researchers from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the University of Maryland School of Medicine in the US, as well as from the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine in Singapore, described parallel high-throughput efforts using both mice and humans to generate antibodies against the S-protein of SARS-CoV-2. Producing antibodies by two parallel efforts Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies were produced with the use of two methods. First of them immunized VI mice with a DNA plasmid expressing SARS-CoV-2 S-protein, and then amplified the response with recombinant protein comprised of the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain. Antibodies attacking SARS-CoV-2 virus, the conceptual 3D illustration for COVID-19 treatment, diagnosis and prevention. Image Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock A second approach was based on the isolation procedure from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of human donors previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Those two approaches basically created two parallel efforts that used humanized mice and convalescent patients to generate antibodies. In order to appraise antigen-specific responses, naturally-paired heavy and light chain complementary DNAs were cloned from B cells derived from mice and humans and subsequently transfected into Chinese hamster ovary cells to produce fully-human, but recombinant antibodies. The magnitude of the genetic-engineering strategy utilized to create the VI mouse (which entailed genetic-humanization of over 6 megabases of mouse immune genes) has enabled to indistinguishably and effectively mimic the antibody responses in humans. The end-goal of this research endeavor was to yield an extensive collection of fully-human antibodies and then to characterize them in detail for binding properties, neutralization abilities, and three-dimensional structure. A potent and diverse collection of antibodies "We generated a sufficiently large collection of potent and diverse antibodies that we could meet our prospective goal of identifying highly potent individual antibodies that could be combined into a therapeutic antibody cocktail," highlight study authors. More specifically, their screening endeavor yielded more than 200 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies with rather broad potency ranges, while dozens of them exhibited neutralization potency in the picomolar range. In addition, VI mice elicited a robust immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein after immunization. Most of the discovered neutralizing antibodies were in contact with the receptor-binding domain of S-protein by overlapping with the ACE2 interface. Furthermore, the researchers were also able to group antibodies based on their pattern of contacting the surface of the receptor-binding domain. "We report remarkable similarities and consistencies in the antibodies generated from genetically-humanized mice and from convalescent humans," explain study authors in their cutting-edge Science paper. Antibody cocktails that fight virus escape mutants A prospective goal of this ambitious effort was to discover highly potent individual antibodies that could be effectively paired in a therapeutic antibody cocktail, aiming to decrease the potential for decreased efficacy in the long run. The latter may arise due to the appearance of variants as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, but also as a result of viral escape mutants in response to selective pressures from a single antibody treatment. "We thus examined our nine most potent neutralizing antibodies in cross-competition binding assays, identifying several pairs of non-competing monoclonal antibodies with picomolar neutralization potency that could potentially be combined to form antibody cocktails," explain study authors. This type of genetically-humanized mouse approach comes with a significant benefit that it can possibly allow for further optimization strategies of immunization, and also that it can be translated to non-infectious disease targets. In conclusion, the addition of such antibodies into an antibody cocktail may provide optimal antiviral potency, minimizing at the same time the odds of viral escape two indispensable traits of an antibody-based therapeutics for treating and preventing COVID19. From Digital Spy Sir Ian Holm, perhaps best known for playing Bilbo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings, has passed away aged 88. The Oscar-nominated actor also had starring roles in Alien and Chariots of Fire, and his death was confirmed today (June 19) by his agent. "It is with great sadness that the actor Sir Ian Holm CBE passed away this morning at the age of 88," they said (via The Guardian). "He died peacefully in hospital, with his family and carer," they added, noting that his illness was Parkinson's related. "Charming, kind and ferociously talented, we will miss him hugely." Photo credit: Getty Images Holm began his career at RADA before becoming part of the Royal Shakespeare Company during its foundation in 1960, going on to star in a number of notable roles on stage. However, he focused more on a screen career after getting stage fright in 1976, and gained international attention for playing evil cyborg Ash in 1979's Alien. Holm earned an Oscar nomination for portraying Sam Mussabini in 1981's Chariots of Fire, and also won a BAFTA for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for the same movie. Photo credit: Dave M. Benett - Getty Images Related: Lord of the Rings cast has been reunited by Frozen star Josh Gad He went on to star in films such as Time Bandits, Brazil, The Madness of King George and The Fifth Element, and voiced Chef Skinner in Pixar's Ratatouille. Holm appeared as hobbit Bilbo in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy between 2001 and 2003, having previously voiced the role of Frodo Baggins in a 1981 radio adaptation. He reprised the part a decade later for The Hobbit trilogy. Photo credit: Moviestore/Shutterstock Tributes have flooded in since the news of Holm's death was announced, including Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright, who tweeted : "RIP Ian Holm, a genius actor who brought considerable presence to parts funny, heartbreaking & terrifying. "Thanks for Bilbo, Napoleon (twice), Sweet Hereafter, Big Night, Brazil and, of course the iconic Ash. 'I can't lie to you about your chances, but... you have my sympathies.'" Story continues Sanjeev Bhaskar added : "Such a fabulous actor, always totally committed, from Alien and Dance With a Stranger to Time Bandits, Brazil and the Hobbit films, could spin emotion on a sixpence. RIP #IanHolm". Digital Spy now has a newsletter sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox. Looking for more TV recommendations and discussion? Head over to our Facebook Group to see new picks every day, and chat with other readers about what they're watching right now. You Might Also Like "Pivoting is what we do best," says Catherina Butler, Kildare entrepreneur and founder of The Naked Collective, a new Irish company launching a range of drinks called Mude into the healthy beverages market. Ms Butler is describing her company's decision to launch their new product's website and online sales operation after the coronavirus outbreak prevented the start-up from launching their product in-store. Originally the Naked Collective planned to distribute Mude in May but pushed back their start until July. However, they launched a website last week and are already reporting strong sales. The Naked Collective have already signed up 20,000 UK outlets for their Mude range of drinks along with 3,000 Irish stores and further 3,000 hotel bars. The beverages start-up also aim to enter the US and Canadian market in the coming months. The company thinks it can tap into a 250bn healthy beverages trade with their oat-based low calorie drink. Ms Butler cites their market research as the reason behind her confidence in the Mude range. "Our research has found that 54% of millennials are choosing to leave alcohol behind in the interest of leading a more clean, sustainable life. The Covid-19 pandemic has meant changes to all businesses including The Naked Collection. "We pivoted our strategy from an online perspective," Ms Butler said, "Initially we were planning to launch in-store and follow into an online presence." Flexible, the start-up refocused priorities and began work on their online presence with a digital marketing company focusing on social media platforms such as Instagram where the group's main target market is found. We spent the last 10 weeks working to get our online store up and running and that launched last Friday, Ms Butler said. The Kildare businesswoman said the group used the time from the lockdown to revisit their business plans and look at projects planned for further down the line. With Ireland nearly halfway through phase two of the lockdown exit, Ms Butler said the start-up is glad to be returning to the office. Following Covid-19 guidelines allowed the business to maintain proper social distancing and now some employees are returning to work. Were back in the office, a few of us, Ms Butler said, "Which is great when you're in a start-up, you need to be sitting around with your team as best you can to make sure you get all your ideas on table." The Naked Collective will soon move into their new headquarters, a converted 19th-century farmhouse which Ms Butler said is something they are all looking forward to. Ms Butler said their company is environmentally conscious in everything it does and is committed to reducing its carbon footprint as much as possible from sourcing ingredients for their drinks through to packing and distribution. This is something Ms Butler believes chimes with their target market: "Six in 10 people globally are concerned about the impact on the environment of beverages they consume whilst 62% of consumers say health and wellness is their primary influence when buying a beverage, the 2nd most important factor after taste. Our products speak to those consumers now in a really good way, she said. Changing taste The start-up believes it is best positioned to take advantage of a decline in beer and soft drink consumption in Europe and the US as younger consumers grow more health-conscious about the products they purchase. Ms Butler said the Naked Collective "meets with [...] consumers changing habits in how they view the food and drink that they put into their body." The group is also launching a non-alcholic lager So-Beer onto the market soon. New Delhi, June 19 : Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday condoled the demise of veteran economist B.P.R. Vithal, saying he will always remain as a "role model to IAS officers across the country." Vithal,93, was a former IAS officer of the 1950 batch and was advisor to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He breathed his last on Friday due to old age ailments. The Vice President took to Twitter and said, "Saddened to learn about the passing away of Shri B P R Vithal, one of our country's most illustrious civil servants who left an indelible mark in the positions he occupied." He added, "His intellect,integrity and high level of competence and commitment made him a role model to a number of IAS officers in the country." Naidu paid deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. "May his soul rest in peace!" he said. By Peter Cooney (Reuters) - Jean Kennedy Smith, the last surviving sibling of slain President John F. Kennedy, who as U.S By Peter Cooney (Reuters) - Jean Kennedy Smith, the last surviving sibling of slain President John F. Kennedy, who as U.S. ambassador to Ireland in the 1990s played a pivotal role in the Northern Irish peace process, died on Wednesday at age 92. Kennedy Smith died at her home in Manhattan, her daughter Kym told Reuters, declining give a cause of death "to keep it private." The eighth of nine children born to Joseph and Rose Kennedy, Kennedy Smith was labeled "the shy Kennedy," long finding herself in the shadow of her famous father and brothers, including U.S. Senators Robert and Edward Kennedy. Her husband, Stephen Smith, was himself a trusted adviser who helped run the Kennedy family's business interests, played a senior role in John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign and managed the presidential runs of Robert and Edward. Kennedy Smith also played family matchmaker, introducing Robert in 1945 to her Manhattanville College classmate Ethel Skakel, whom he later married. She got her introduction to politics helping with John's 1946 campaign for Congress. In 1960, by then a wife and mother, Kennedy Smith traveled the country campaigning for him ahead of his narrow victory over Republican Vice President Richard Nixon to become America's first Catholic president. John F. Kennedy's presidency ended tragically with his assassination on Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas. Five years later, Kennedy Smith and her husband were at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles when Bobby, two years her senior, was gunned down after winning the California Democratic presidential primary. Like the rest of her family, Kennedy Smith had already been no stranger to tragedy. Born on Feb. 20, 1928, in Brookline, Massachusetts, she was just 16 when her oldest brother, Joseph Kennedy Jr., was killed in World War Two. Four years later, her older sister Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy died in a plane crash. She married Smith in 1956 and they settled in New York, where they raised four children. Her husband died of lung cancer in 1990 at age 63. A year later, she was in attendance in Florida at the rape trial of her son William Kennedy Smith, who was acquitted in a heavily publicized case that cast a darker light on the family once considered American royalty. Kennedy Smith also helped care for brother Ted before he died of brain cancer in August 2008, just two weeks after the death of their older sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver. "It's the philosophy of our family that you keep moving," Kennedy Smith told USA Today in a 2010 interview, reflecting on her family losses. "You have to do things and look at the bright side of life and remember them with love." STEPPING OUT OF THE SHADOWS Kennedy Smith made her own leap into the spotlight in 1993 when she became U.S. ambassador to Ireland, 30 years after accompanying brother Jack on his triumphant visit to their family's ancestral homeland. Nominated by President Bill Clinton at the suggestion of her brother Edward, she was determined to use the Dublin post, traditionally a sinecure for retired Irish-American politicians or business leaders, to advance the cause of peace in Northern Ireland. Washington had long deferred to close ally London on efforts to end decades of sectarian violence in the North. But acting on signals that the Irish Republican Army was open to discussions about abandoning its armed struggle to end British rule in Northern Ireland, Kennedy Smith helped spearhead an Irish government-backed effort to secure a U.S. visa for Gerry Adams, the head of Sinn Fein, the IRA's political wing. Despite fierce opposition from the UK government, Northern unionists loyal to Britain, and even many U.S. officials, Kennedy Smith enlisted the support of brother Edward in persuading Clinton to approve the visa in early 1994. A year later, the IRA declared a ceasefire, leading to negotiations that culminated in the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement that largely ended three decades of violence that killed more than 3,600 people. While Kennedy's five-year tenure in Dublin attracted its share of criticism, she won recognition from all corners as a catalyst for change. Irish journalist Tim Pat Coogan, who has written extensively about the IRA, said Kennedy Smith helped "change Irish history for the better." "Her courageous and determined diplomacy helped to bring peace to our island, built bridges, opened doors to all communities, and to all those striving for peace when peace was not a certainty," Leo Varadkar, the prime minister of Ireland, said in a statement on Thursday. She was awarded honorary Irish citizenship in 1998 for her efforts and told the Washington Post: "I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time." For her diplomatic and philanthropic work, including founding Very Special Arts, an organization for the developmentally disabled, Kennedy Smith in 2011 was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest U.S. civilian honor, by President Barack Obama. In 2016, she published her memoir, "The Nine of Us," about growing up in one of America's most famous families. "We all pitched in for each other. That's the way we were growing up, and that's the way we went into history," Kennedy Smith told Parade magazine. "We were always together. Our best friends were our brothers and sisters." (Reporting by Peter Cooney and Gabriella Borter; additional reporting by Conor Humphries; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Steve Orlofsky and David Gregorio) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Additional reporting: Eoin English Garda Headquarters is finalising detailed arrangements for the State funeral of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. It was announced on Friday evening that the funeral Mass for Det Garda Horkan will take place at St Jamess Church, Charlestown, Co Mayo at 12 noon on Sunday, followed by private burial at adjoining cemetery. Garda managers are trying to accommodate the wishes of thousands of gardai eager to show their respects while broadly respecting Covid-19 restrictions. Gardai plan to hold virtual local memorials in stations right across the country in an effort to prevent thousands of gardai travelling to Charlestown and provide them with a local service to express their sympathies. Gardai will hold a minutes silence at 12 noon on Sunday, to be led by deputy commissioner John Twomey and the Garda Band at Garda Headquarters. There may also be a live-stream of the funeral Mass and images from local services may also be uploaded as part of the shared ceremony. With the force swelled by another 2,000 gardai since then through recruitment, sources said that in normal circumstances up to 10,000 gardai would travel to attend the funeral. Garda bosses hope that Det Garda Horkans State funeral will have as many of the trappings as possible given the health restrictions. Speaking on RTE radio on Friday, Charlestown parish priest Fr Tommy Johnston said tremendous sadness had enveloped the community. He said he knew Det Gardas Horkans family, including his father, Marty, a local undertaker, who lived with his son. Fr Johnston said the gardas father had told him he was recently in the graveyard and said: I didnt think Colm would be going down before me. He added: Its one of the great sadnesses when a parent has to stand at the grave of their child. Books of condolences are being set up in stations around the country. It is understood books of condolences have been set up in Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen stations (where Det Garda Horkan had been based for the last 21 years) as well as Charlestown, Longford, Carrick-on-Shannon, and Ballymote. Garda division Facebook pages have details of where in their area books of condolences are located. Dublin Lord Mayor Tom Brabazon opened an online book of condolences which will remain available until Tuesday. Cork City Lord Mayor Joe Kavanagh signed the book of condolences in Anglesea St Garda Station on Friday morning. Cork County mayor Ian Doyle also expressed condolences, saying it was a tragic loss for the family. In that instance, the Canadian man, Kevin Garratt, received an eight-year prison sentence. He was released and deported in late 2016, shortly after his sentencing, having already spent two years in jail. His wife, Julie, who was arrested with him, was released on bail in early 2015 pending trial. She later was allowed to return to Canada, where she was reunited with her husband after his release. Matt Bonanno found himself adapting in unexpected ways. As he prepared to bottle his 2018 BonAnno Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at a custom crush facility in Rutherford, Calif., in the middle of this whole mess, he decided to change plans. He had 8,000 cases worth of wine, about 70 percent of which would have been slated for restaurants in good times. That market was now shuttered by government decree, and it was clear that reopening would be a slow process. So he decided to siphon off 2,500 cases worth of wine to create a new label aimed at the retail market. He called it Four Suits, after a deck of playing cards, and priced it to sell at retail for considerably less than his BonAnno label. The latter half of the last decade saw a massive amount of pixels and ink employed to make the case that small towns, midsize cities and metro areas away from the coasts were becoming increasingly attractive locations for startups and established businesses looking for a home. That narrative peaked during the Great Amazon HQ2 Chase of 2017, when communities across the country fell all over themselves in their efforts to entice the world's richest man and most valued company with billions of dollars in tax breaks and other incentives.Of course, Jeff Bezos and Amazon ultimately decided to co-locate Amazon's new headquarters in New York City and just outside Washington, D.C., two of the country's largest, most expensive urban areas. The reality is that no matter how compelling the "Give Middle America a Chance" message was, communities like St. Louis and Erie, Pa., faced significant challenges appealing to site selectors who had their eyes on densely packed mega-cities.Then came COVID-19.The past several months have shown that crowded urban areas present challenges that aren't likely to change. Most public-health experts agree that population growth, accelerating urbanization and globalization will result in an increasing number of pandemics. While the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic pales in comparison to the health consequences, the effect on businesses with headquarters in major cities has already been profound. Amazon, Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Twitter have announced plans to move the bulk of their workforces permanently to a work-from-home environment . But most companies do not offer a work product created by two thumbs and a keyboard. Manufacturers located in large urban areas will face challenges that cannot be solved simply by going remote.Those challenges mean that communities away from the coasts have a strategic advantage they didn't have until now. When population density may increase your employees' chances of catching a deadly disease, or of being placed under lockdown to avoid that disease, the more sparsely populated streets of St. Louis or Erie may have greater appeal."Well-balanced cities particularly those in the heartland of the country that blend world-class amenities, diverse populations, but with more balanced levels of density were already on the rise prior to COVID-19 as the affordability crisis priced people out of very large markets," says Jason Hall, CEO of Arch to Park, an economic-development organization based in St. Louis. "The pandemic may accelerate this trend as people seek new opportunities in places where they can live well-balanced, well-rounded lives."St. Louis is a major city, of course, just not one of the superstar coastal metropolises that receive the bulk of attention from so many site selectors. Other, smaller cities also see a potential shift in how companies looking to relocate view their communities. "We do anticipate that in the long run, the challenges of densely populated cities in the era of pandemics could cause a renewed interest in communities like ours," says James Grunke, president and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.Even smaller cities and towns anticipate a change in their economic-development prospects. Southern Idaho's rural communities, for example, have seen success in recent years "at attracting talent who are looking for a better lifestyle and a lower cost of living," says Connie Stopher, executive director of Southern Idaho Economic Development. Now, she adds, "rural communities are looking even more attractive for the simple reason that you can safely leave your home without encountering crowds of people."Of course, any economic developer would trade new interest in their community for a COVID-19-free world. No one relishes opportunity born from tragedy. But poverty and a lack of economic opportunity in so many smaller cities and rural communities are also public-health issues. We are, as we have been told by countless television commercials in recent weeks, entering a new normal.That new normal will be in part defined by our ability to navigate unchartered waters. And for some companies, that navigation may lead them to cities and towns that were never before a serious consideration.GoverningGoverning Taking note of dissimilarity in Covid-19 testing rates across states, the Supreme Court on Friday asked the Centre to decide on the issue, and said all states should set up a panel of experts to inspect hospitals to ensure proper care of patients. A bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan, S K Kaul and MR Shah, which would pass the order later, observed during the hearing that there should be uniformity in rates charged across all states. It indicated however that the court will not venture into the fixation of the charges which will be taken care of by the Centre. It said the court may also consider passing an order for installation of CCTVs in hospitals to ensure monitoring of patient care. In the last week of May, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) removed the price cap of Rs 4,500 for the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test used to detect coronavirus disease (Covid-19), allowing the states a free hand to negotiate with the approved list of laboratories and fix the cost to conduct Covid-19 test. At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the ICMR said, there was a global crisis of testing kits and reagents, as India was heavily reliant on imported products for molecular detection of viruses. No rates for RT-PCR test for coronavirus were available for ready reference in the country, the top medical body said. The cost of imported kits and efforts involved in carrying out the test made the ICMR to suggest the upper limit of a single test at Rs 4,500. Since then the government has been working with domestic manufacturers to bring down the cost and develop kits. The ICMR this week recommended use of antigen-based testing kits for diagnosis that is likely to bring down the cost of testing. However, hospitals say the kit is not readily available in market yet. Earlier today, in relief to Covid-19 patients in Delhi, which has seen a sudden rise in cases over the past week, a panel set up by the Union home ministry has recommended lowering the cost of isolation beds and treatment at the intensive care units at the private hospitals in the national capital. On Monday, the Telangana government capped the cost of Covid-19 tests and treatment at private labs and hospitals across the state. State health minister Eatala Rajender said the private labs authorised by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in the state would not charge more than Rs 2,200 per person for a single Covid-19 diagnostic test. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Premier Brian Pallister says he didn't find out until last week his director of stakeholder relations had worked on a federal Conservative candidate's 2019 campaign while drawing a provincial government salary. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Premier Brian Pallister says he didn't find out until last week his director of stakeholder relations had worked on a federal Conservative candidate's 2019 campaign while drawing a provincial government salary. Nor could he specify what exactly clerk of the executive council David McLaughlin did for a $25,000 consulting contract that was not disclosed until May 27, a week after his appointment as head of Manitoba's public service began. The two recent revelations have raised new questions about Tory spending on senior staff, which Pallister attempted to answer for the first time Thursday. The premier said when he found out last week Michael Kowalson had worked on former Winnipeg city councillor Marty Morantzs 2019 federal election campaign, he took swift action. (Morantz was successful in his bid for the CharleswoodSt. JamesAssiniboiaHeadingley seat.) "You're talking about one of the most renowned environmental experts, respected across the country and globally." Premier Brian Pallister "I instructed within an hour that the wage claimed while Mr. Kowalson worked part-time (be) refunded to taxpayers and an apology was issued and Mr. Kowalson complied with that," Pallister said. However, there was no need to apologize for or explain why McLaughlin (appointed Manitobas top civil servant May 20) received a $25,000 direct award contract that wasnt disclosed until May 27, Pallister said. "You're talking about one of the most renowned environmental experts, respected across the country and globally," Pallister said when asked if there is any evidence of work done by McLaughlin for the payment. "He was the key architect of the drafting of Manitobas green plan, which has been acknowledged by the former federal environment minister as the best plan designed in the country," the premier said. "He is fundamentally known across the country as a Progressive Conservative party strategist and campaign manager." Nahanni Fontaine, NDP justice critic (St. Johns) "We needed Mr. McLaughlin to help with the implementation of that plan so we can continue to be Canadian leaders in making sure that we leave the planet better than we found it." McLaughlin signed a contract in November 2019 for consulting work that was not to exceed $25,000. That agreement was disclosed publicly by the provincial government in February. A second $25,000 contract to McLaughlin was disclosed May 27. A spokesperson for Pallister said Tuesday the latter was for an extension of the November contract, dated March 20, but "processing was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic." Pallister did not explain what work McLaughlin was doing on the implementation of the Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan, as the province responded to an unprecedented health and economic crisis. "He earned his money, as he has always done," the premier said. Premier Brian Pallister could not specify what exactly clerk of the executive council David McLaughlin did for a $25,000 consulting contract that was not disclosed until May 27, a week after his appointment as head of Manitoba's public service began. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press) NDP justice critic Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns) said McLaughlin's reputation is for earning his money as a Tory strategist rather an "environmental expert." "He is fundamentally known across the country as a Progressive Conservative party strategist and campaign manager," she said Thursday. McLaughlin has served as deputy minister to New Brunswick premier Bernard Lord, chief of staff (briefly) to Progressive Conservative prime minister Brian Mulroney and to former Conservative finance minister Jim Flaherty as a member of Stephen Harper's administration. McLaughlin oversaw the Manitoba Tories' last two successful campaigns. Following the 2016 win, he helped draft the carbon tax plan Pallister eventually abandoned. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "The premier threw what he was working on in the garbage," said Fontaine. "We have looked high and low for evidence he produced any work since the (November 2019) contract began and there's nothing." Fontaine filed a complaint with Manitoba commissioner of elections, Bill Bowles, asking him to investigate the two contracts awarded to McLaughlin since the fall, and if there was a possible Elections Financing Act violation. "In the absence of any evidence of work performed for government and his ongoing work for and with the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba, it appears Mr. McLaughlin has been paid by the government of Manitoba to do partisan political work," the letter stated. "Manitobans deserve to know if their taxpayer dollars went to pay for the services of David McLaughlin for his expertise and strategies for the PC Party of Manitoba," Fontaine said in an interview. "You're not allowed to do that." The Free Press has previously reported a PC official saying McLaughlin had not worked for the party since last fall's election. carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca Rajesh Asnani By Express News Service JAIPUR: In a bizarre incident, a suspected COVID-19 patient allegedly died in Kota district of Rajasthan after his relatives disconnected the ventilator to plug in an air cooler to combat the sizzling heat. The incident reportedly happened at Maharao Bhimsingh Hospital (MBS) hospital on June 15. The incident came to light after a 42-year male suspected Covid-19 patient died and angry relatives blamed the doctors and the duty staff for mismanagement and attacked the resident doctors in the ward. Doctor Varun, who was on duty when the incident happened, has submitted a written complaint to the officials, alleging that the patients' relatives misbehaved with the staff. Medical superintendent Dr. Naveen Saxena said he had visited the hospital after it was reported to him that the Covid-19 patient had died and relatives were misbehaving with the doctors and staff on duty. When Dr. Saxena reached the hospital, he was told by a nursing staff verbally that family members of the patient, who came to meet him in the hospital, unplugged the ventilator and had switched on a cooler which they had brought from outside. The ventilator worked for some time on the battery but later it collapsed and the patient turned critical and finally died. After the local media took up this case, a special committee was set up. The panel is now conducting a detailed investigation and is likely to submit its report by Monday. The Covid-19 report of the patients was found to be negative after his death. "We have set up a committee to investigate the incident based on the primary information. The committee includes the deputy superintendent of the hospital, nursing superintendent, and CMO. The committee is taking the statements of the staff, doctors, and the family members of the patient present that day. The committee will then analyse the report and we will look into all aspects of this issue and then explore further action like taking the case to the police," said Dr. Saxena. Acting Commissioner-General at the Ghana Revenue Authority, Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah 18.06.2020 LISTEN The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has assured the general public that it is committed to fixing all the challenges encountered in the newly introduced Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS). On Tuesday, April 28, 2020, the GRA announced the commencement of ICUMS at all frontiers stations and ports of entry in the country before subsequently it was deployed at the Tema port on Monday, June 1, 2020. Though in the last few weeks the system has proven to boost revenue mobilization at the various ports and entry points, its numerous challenges cannot be overlooked. At a press conference in Accra today, the Acting Commissioner-General at the Ghana Revenue Authority, Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah has stressed that they will ensure the various problems encountered so far are resolved. I wish to use this opportunity to assure the trading public that these are teething challenges which are associated with the introduction of every new system. We will ensure that all challenges will be dealt with as they arise, he said. Mr. Owusu-Amoah added, I have full confidence that all staff of the Customs Division will rise up to the challenge to make ICUMS a success story and rake in the needed revenue for national development and we look forward to continue engaging all our stakeholders for a successful implementation of the ICUMS. Read the full press statement from the GRA below: SPEECH BY AG. COMMISSIONER-GENERAL, GHANA REVENUE AUTHORITY, REV. AMMISHADDAI OWUSUAMOAH ON THE INTEGRATED CUSTOMS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ICUMS) ON THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2020 Commissioners of GRA, Top Management of GRA, Deputy Commissioners, Management and staff of GRA, Distinguished Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen I warmly welcome you all to this media briefing which is to provide you with information on the operation of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), since its rollout in Customs offices and its eventual deployment at the Tema port on Monday 1st June 2020. The introduction of ICUMS in the Customs clearing system at both the ports and the entry points forms part of the Government of Ghanas agenda to digitize the clearance processes and an introduction of an end-to-end system in line with international best practice and to provide superior customer service to all our stakeholders. Coming after the successful introduction of the paperless port clearance system, the ICUMS seeks to move the clearing of goods in Ghana to a higher level of excellence in revenue mobilization at the countrys ports. With our objective to bring about improvements with the deployment of ICUMS at the Tema port, a lot of concerns have been raised by our stakeholders such as importers, exporters, clearing agents, Civil Society organisations, and sections of the media. These concerns have been closely examined and we wish to provide you with measures that have been made to address them in order to ensure that the operation of the ICUMS runs smoothly to bring in the expected revenue to the state. REVENUE On the average a total revenue of Nine Hundred and Forty-Two million (942 million) is collected monthly from the countrys entry points. With the deployment of ICUMS the Customs Division has been able to collect from 1st to 17th June a total of Four Hundred and Ninety million (490 million). Looking at this trend, it is obvious that the Authority will not be losing revenue as being highlighted by some sections of society. CHALLENGES Some issues that were identified after the deployment of the ICUMS are: Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) not populating at the front-end of declarant As we speak TINs have been populated on ICUMS for easy retrieval. Maharashtra chief minister and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Friday told senior party leaders and office-bearers, that the ideology of the party has not changed. He added that he decided to take up the chief ministers position to show that neither the Shiv Sena nor its chief was helpless in the alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Thackeray made the statements during an interaction through a digital platform with party MPs, leaders and functionaries on the occasion of the 54th foundation day of the Sena. This is his first formal interaction with party leaders after becoming the chief minister of Maharashtra. Shiv Sena has not changed its ideology, Thackeray told party functionaries answering criticism that Sena had abandoned Hindutva after it joined hands with secular parties Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to form the government in November 2019. He also added that he went to Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji, and Ekveera temple, the family deity of the Thackerays. I took the soil from Shivneri to Ram Janmabhoomi (Ayodhya) and within a year a decision was announced on the Ram Temple case, and later, I became the chief minister. Also Read: Maharashtra CM reiterates stand over scrapping final-year exams In an indirect jibe at the BJP, Thackeray said, I am sitting here as the chief minister because there was an attempt to play politics with us and we foiled it Trusting isnt our weakness but its our culture. Shiv Sena is not helpless, nor is the Shiv Sena chief, he said. Nearly seven months after Thackeray took over as the CM, Shiv Sena is now eyeing the prime ministers post in the future. Thackeray said that a Shiv Sainik would lead the country in the future. [Senior Sena leader and MP] Sanjay Raut told Uddhav ji that we are now looking at him to lead the country. He responded saying that he would not, but a Shiv Sainik would lead the country in future, Sena MP Anil Desai said. Incidentally, Thackeray had taken a similar stance for the position of Maharashtras chief minister before political compulsions led to him taking over the reins of the state government. Also Read: Covid-19 patients, family must get test report: Supreme Court tells Maharashtra govt The Sena chief also looked to bridge the alleged distance between him and party functionaries as there is a sense that Thackeray is no longer managing the party closely after taking over as the CM. My interactions with you may have reduced after becoming the chief minister, but I will not let it create distance between us, he told leaders and functionaries. Before the interaction with party leaders, Thackeray along with son and Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray hoisted partys saffron flag atop the party headquarters at Shiv Sena Bhavan in Dadar. Senior party leaders including Diwakar Raote, Eknath Shinde, Sanjay Raut, Chandrakant Khaire, Gajanan Kirtikar, Aaditya Thackeray, Anil Desai, MLA Sada Sarvankar were also present. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 19:43:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese health official said the country must spare no effort to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, as challenges remain for the medical treatment of COVID-19 patients and epidemiological investigations. Two provincial-level regions, Beijing and Hebei Province, had reported new local COVID-19 cases for at least five consecutive days by Thursday, Hu Qiangqiang, an official with the National Health Commission, said Friday at a press conference. The number of severe COVID-19 patients had increased for five straight days as of Thursday, and the count of close contacts under medical observation kept growing, Hu said. Enditem Unemployed Australian workers are unwilling to move huge distances to do farm work meaning many crops will be left to rot in fields. Desperate farmers are unable to get the labour they need to harvest their crops despite soaring unemployment amid the coronavirus crisis. David Littleproud, the Agriculture Minister, said that farmers were unable to compete with the government's generous JobSeeker payment of $1,115 a fortnight. The labour shortage is usually filled by backpackers but their numbers have halved from 180,000 to 90,000 and are set to fall even further as Australia's borders remain closed. Despite the huge number of jobs going, 'Lozies' - or lazy Australians - aren't applying for them. Farmers are bracing to lose millions of dollars worth of crops as their workforce, largely comprised of overseas travellers, continues to dwindle in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic (stock of a woman picking grapes) 'Our preference is for an Australian to work, particularly if theyre unemployed,' Mr Littleproud told the Courier Mail. 'But in essence, the challenge that farmers have, they cant wait for someone to know if they want to do this work.' Australia's unemployment rate surged to 7.1 per cent in May - the highest in 19 years as COVID-19 wreaks a trail of economic devastation that could last two years. New Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed 227,700 people lost their job or gave up looking for one last month, following the second full month of coronavirus shutdowns. The official number unemployed, where recipients are either receiving the dole or looking for work, rose in May by 85,700 to 927,600 - a 30.9 per cent increase compared with a year earlier. The agricultural industry managed to stave off disaster during this year's first picking season when the government extended the time for holiday worker, Pacific Island worker and seasonal worker visas in exchange for labour in essential services. However, as the number of visa holders plummet farmers face the loss of millions of dollars in the next picking season from September to March. In May, it was estimated almost one million Australians have become unemployed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Pictured are hundred of people queued outside Centrelink in March JobSeeker recipients receive $1,115 a fortnight, the equivalent of $111.5 a day, while produce pickers on average earn between $20 to $25 an hour, some farms offer workers as little as $10 an hour or less. Mr Littleproud said he is working with the industry to find ways to maintain a sufficient workforce. LNP Senator Susan McDonald said the vacancy issue, in some cases, is not an 'unskilled workforce, but an unwilling workforce'. She said it would be hard to convince Australians to move geographically and economic modelling was needed to determine where resources should be allocated. Farmers avoided financial catastrophe during the first picking season early this year after visa holders were offered incentives to remain and work in essential industries 'We need to map out what overseas seasonal workforce remains in the country, what the requirements are in different parts of the country and when they are needed throughout the years,' Senator McDonald said. Sunshine Coast based Pinata Farms' Gavin Scurr said they are now beginning to feel the drop off in workers. 'Wed love to hire Australians, but the reality is none of them are out here to get a job. It doesnt make sense that people dont have a job and we could have fruit rotting in the field,' he said. Windrush campaigners have delivered a petition to Downing Street signed by more than 130,000 people calling for action to address failings which led to the scandal. Anthony Bryan, Elwardo Romeo, Glenda Caesar, Michael Braithewaite, Natalie Barnes, Paulette Wilson and Patrick Vernon presented the document, which also demands swift compensation payments for victims. The move comes just days before the 72nd anniversary of when the SS Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks on June 22 1948 carrying some 500 people from Jamaica. A report published in March found the Windrush scandal which saw people with a right to live in the UK were wrongfully detained or deported to the Caribbean was foreseeable and avoidable with victims let down by systemic operational failings at the Home Office. The department demonstrated institutional ignorance and thoughtlessness towards the issue of race and the history of the Windrush generation, the review found. Official figures published last month revealed fewer than 5% of claims made under a compensation scheme for victims have been paid out. (Satbir Singh) Mr Vernon said: People were promised justice and reform. The Government needs to show its listening and that its honouring its promises. Windrush Lives Matter. Black Lives Matter. Action matters. Satbir Singh, chief executive of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, said the group welcomed the review, but added: Now its time to learn those lessons, and for the government to share its timetable for implementing the recommendations. Author of the review Wendy Williams said warning signs were apparent for a number of years and there was a culture of disbelief and carelessness when dealing with applications, adding: This was born out of a conviction that the hostile environment policy would be effective, was effective, and should be pursued at all costs. Story continues It called for ministers to admit serious harm was inflicted on people who are British and to provide an unqualified apology to those affected and the wider black African-Caribbean community. Other recommendations include commissioning a full review and evaluation of the hostile environment policy and that the Home Office should establish an overarching strategic race advisory board. Since the scandal emerged in 2018, more than 11,700 people have been given some form of documentation, Home Secretary Priti Patel told the House of Commons in March. The Home Office identified 164 people who had been deported or put in detention since 2002 amid the Windrush scandal, records said. Official figures showed the Home Office has paid 362,996 to 60 people, including one payment in excess of 100,000, during the first year of the compensation scheme. Some 1,275 claims were made by the end of March, with the number received by the department decreasing each quarter since it launched. The compensation fund has an estimated budget of at least 200 million, with the Home Office adding that it has also made offers of approximately 280,000 which have yet to be accepted. A Home Office spokesman said: The Home Secretary has been clear that the mistreatment of the Windrush generation by successive governments was completely unacceptable and she will right those wrongs. Wendy Williams recommended that the Home Office should reflect carefully on the review before responding and we are committed to honouring that request. The Home Secretary has also committed to provide an update to Parliament before summer recess. The department acknowledged more needed to be done regarding the compensations scheme and said it was working with community leaders so that all those affected can get the compensation they deserve, as quickly as possible. Hans Knappertsbusch was one of five great German conductors born around 1885. With Klemperer, Furtwangler, Busch and Scherchen, he carried the German tradition well into the 20th century, as this 1950s-60s set of four Bruckner symphonies enticingly demonstrates. It's also an interesting historical legacy because Knappertsbusch uses heavily edited scores, popular in the early 20th century, that have long been rejected in favour of more authentic editions. Anyone familiar with these symphonies from more modern recordings will be bemused but intrigued by quite significant changes to the music. "Kna", as he was known, leads the Vienna Philharmonic in the first three and the Munich Philharmonic in No 8 (1963). Even more famous as a Wagnerian, Kna was a celebrated Bruckner conductor, with a marvellously architectural conception of these massive works, allied with flexibility, real momentum and dramatic flair eliciting exciting climaxes. Reviewers at the time highlighted his skill in bringing out Viennese dance rhythms that can be lost in more monumental interpretations. The first two symphonies are mono, the second two stereo, but the mono sound is acceptable, and the liner notes excellent. BARNEY ZWARTZ JAZZ Jim Snidero PROJECT-K (Savant) At first you think there's a guitar in the ensemble, and then you hear more clearly the teardrop-shaped notes of Do Yeon Kim's gayageum, ancient Korean cousin of the koto. Jazz being a language rather than an idiom, the instrument readily slots into this music's neon vibrancy. Jim Snidero is a swashbuckling alto saxophonist, and his compositions are not so much underpinned by grooves as driven by winds. It takes phenomenal sophistication and sensitivity from the rhythm section to achieve that effect, and Australian Linda May Han Oh (Pat Metheny's bassist) and Rudy Royston (Bill Frisell's drummer) are outstanding at propelling the pieces without weighing them down. They make the music an airy place, and deploy dynamics so that an instrument as delicate as the gayageum can sing its gentle songs without fighting to be heard. Another of Oh's regular employers, trumpeter Dave Douglas, is also present, lacing the music with his skittish lines, and the band is completed by the spare, fascinating conception of pianist Orrin Evans from the Bad Plus. Asian-flavoured melodic motifs happily cohabit with post-bop orthodoxies, the alto's sharp edge and the rustle of the rhythm section. JOHN SHAND ART ROCK Braids Tensions flared between India and China this week after conflict escalated along the Sino-India border. At least 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a clash between Chinese troops, raising fears of more conflict to come. The skirmish could propel change to the Indian economy and geopolitics in the region, according to Akhil Bery, Eurasia Group's Southeast Asia analyst. "This is really unprecedented, what we're seeing right now. Typically, around this time of year we do see these kind of skirmishes but what makes this skirmish much different, is the fact that there are deaths involved," Bery told CNBC's "Trading Nation" on Thursday. The region, called Aksai Chin, has not seen any fatalities from conflict since 1975. In this confrontation, both countries claimed the others' troops had moved in and overstepped the boundary. Bery said two reasons could have triggered the conflict. The first is India's construction of infrastructure along its side of the Line of Actual Control, the region that demarcates the Chinese and Indian border. "The Chinese have taken umbrage to the construction of that because that would allow India to mobilize troops more quickly," said Bery. "The second reason is when India abrogated Article 370 last year, [Indian] Home Minister Amit Shah did say that they consider that Aksai Chin to be a part of India's territory. That naturally raised concerns with the Chinese." Bery says this development should accelerate India's push to ease its economic reliance on China. "India has been gravitating more towards a protectionist nature in response to its trade deficit with China. We've seen tariffs raised on a number of electronic goods in recent years, primarily to combat India's trade deficit, which is about $57 billion. So, Eurasia Group would expect to see those kind of actions coming," said Bery. Bery added the caveat that a reduction of Indian reliance on China would be a long-term effort. The pharmaceutical industry in India, for example, sources 70% of its active ingredients from China. Instead of China, Bery anticipates India strengthening its relationships with "the quad" the Untied States, Japan and Australia. Disclaimer Continue Reading Below Advertisement ... but first, a set of elevator doors open to reveal maybe the only thing worse than a bloodquarium. You might have noticed, at this point, that all the guests in this commercial are terrifying, faceless, um, shiny mannequins. That's the premise: That Castlecourt's staff is so desperate to serve that they've been playing pretend with a bunch of guest dolls all these months. Continue Reading Below Advertisement In the universe of the commercial, their employees aren't just a ragtag group of teenagers half-hearting their way through college -- they're so committed to the joy of inputting your credit card information and handing out towels that they've devoted themselves to a season-long LARPing scenario. They're the best actors improv has to offer, too. Look at their faces -- they're grinning, serving, and even chatting with their entirely imaginary customers. There has to be a guy whose only job is to make the mannequins move, right? What a terrible job must that be, to be necessarily ignored all the time? What do you think the punishment is for acknowledging that guy? For legal reasons, we can't advise you not to visit this hotel on the certainty that you'll be killed as soon as you behave like a human and fail to stick to the script. But if you're planning a trip to Ireland in the distant future when that sort of thing is allowed again, maybe just double-check to make sure that you're not a Jordan Peele character first. Images: Warner Bros. Russia scrambled its Sukhoi Su-30s, Su-35s and Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-31 fighter jets on June 19, 2020, after its Eastern Military District radars picked up a fleet of United States of America Air Force B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bombers near its borders over the Sea of Okhotsk. According to Russias Defense Ministry, the Eastern Military District launched the Sukhoi Su-30s, Su-35s and Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-31s to intercept the US Air Force B-52Hs. Posting a 35-second long video of the intercept on its Facebook page, the Russian Defense Ministry stated that its combat aircraft carried out the intercept in "strict accordance with International Rules for the Use of Airspace". "The Eastern MD air defence on-duty forces detected and took under surveillance two US Air Force's B-52H bombers which were carrying out their flight over the neutral waters of the Sea of Okhotsk. To intercept the targets, which were caught up on the radars at a considerable distance from the Russian state borders, several Su-30, Su-35 fighters, and MiG-31 interceptors were deployed. Therefore, there have been no violations of the Russian state borders," the statement by Russias Defense Ministry on its Facebook page read. However, the US Air Force B-52Hs flew at a considerable distance from Russia's airspace. The bombers were tracked during their flight by Russian fighters and radars. The incident comes just three days after Russian Tupolev Tu-95MS nuclear missile-carrying bombers and Sukhoi Su-35 fighters were tracked near the Alaskan coast by US radars on June 16, 2020, and intercepted by US F-22 Raptor stealth fighters. On June 10, too, US F-22 Raptors had intercepted Russian Tupolev Tu-95 bombers and Sukhoi Su-35 jets close to their country's airspace. The June 10, 2020, intercept is reported to be to the closest aerial encounter between the two rival militaries in the last few years as the first Russian bomber-fighter formation of two Tu-95 bombers, two Su-35s and an A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft was just 20 nautical miles (37 kilometres) of the Alaskan coast. The second Russian fleet of two other Tu-95s and an A-50 had come within 32 nm (over 59 km) of the American airspace. The 2020 vintage was a disaster for Australia's most important wine regions, with the COVID-19 rot to roll on for some time as the financial fallout from the pandemic continues to bite. The year from hell has left winemakers, growers, cellar door owners and suppliers reeling at a time when their produce usually gets to shine. Juniper Estate in Margaret River, which has just recorded another outstanding vintage. From the Yarra Valley in Victoria to the Riverina in south-west NSW, myriad issues many unexpected have left those in the industry scrambling to survive. Exemplary wines were made, but in only tiny yields, with volumes withering from widespread drought and unfavourable weather. Wines have been tainted by smoke as bushfires raged during flowering. Atlanta police officer Devin Brosnan, charged with aggravated assault in the death of Rayshard Brooks, called the shooting a tragic event, but denied claims from Fulton County district attorney Paul Howard that he was testifying against his former partner Garrett Rolfe. I have full faith in the criminal justice system, Brosnan said in a Thursday appearance on MSNBC with his attorney Don Samuel. Im looking forward to cooperating with any investigators who are interested in having a conversation about what happened that night. In a Wednesday press conference, Howard claimed that Brosnan would testify as a states witness against Rolfe, who had been charged with felony murder for shooting Brooks in the back as he attempted to escape arrest while brandishing a taser. But Samuel denied Howards claim. There seems to be some misunderstanding on the prosecutors part . . . hes not a states witness, hes not a defense witness, hes a witness, Samuel said. Hes not cooperating against anybody. Hes going to provide accurate information about what happened. Samuel added that Brosnan certainly rendered aid as fast as he could to Brooks, despite Howard saying the police did not provide timely medical attention to Mr. Brooks. Brosnan also challenged a claim made by Howard that, after Brooks had been shot, Rolfe kicked him, saying he never saw such a moment. In a message to Brookss family, he stated that it was a total tragedy that a man had to lose his life that night. For my initial encounter with him, I felt he was friendly. He was respectful. I was respectful to him and I felt that this seemed like someone who potentially needed my help, Brosnan said. I was really just there to see what I could do for him and make sure he was safe. Brosnan and Rolfe were called to the scene of an Atlanta Wendys last week and found Brooks asleep in his car, which was blocking the drive-thru. The officers attempted to arrest Brooks following a sobriety test that showed Brooks was drunk, but Brooks tried to escape. Story continues Atlanta police officers have protested the charges against Brosnan and Rolfe who faces life in prison or the death penalty if convicted. On Wednesday, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms admitted that police morale is down ten-fold. Theres a lot happening in our city, and the police officers are receiving the brunt of it quite frankly, she told CNN. More from National Review The decision by the Trump administration to sanction members of the International Criminal Court defies logic, in so far as there is any logic to sanctions. As a policy tool, such tools are supposedly designed to target specific members of a regime that has fallen into bad ways. In practice, they act as instruments of collective punishment. When used economically, they miss their mark, having the effect of impoverishing the populace while emboldening the pampered and protected elite. The brutal and abusive remain untouched. The deprivation suffered by civilian populations under sanctions regimes are often violations of economic, social, and cultural human rights, writes S. P. Marks for the American Journal of Public Health, while also noting that those who impose them tend to make pitiable efforts in terms of humanitarian exemptions and humanitarian aid. Squirrel academics and analysts have tried to evaluate the effectiveness of such punitive approaches in international relations over the years. A research project of 115 impositions of economic sanctions between 1914 and 1990 conducted by Gary Clyde Hufbauer and colleagues found that these worked in 35% of cases. An updated version of the research involved the addition of 50 more cases (to take into account 1990-1998), with similar conclusions. These are not particularly meaningful from a humanitarian perspective, in so far as they use bloodless methodologies. Humanitarian cost and catastrophe tends to wither before the glacial eye of the economist. In terms of human rights abuses, sanctions have also come to be deployed, though these do come with a certain sanctimony. The Global Magnitsky Accountability Act of 2012 is one such example, authorising the US government to sanction designated human rights offenders and those engaged in corruption. It was named in honour of Sergei Magnitsky, who had purportedly uncovered a fraud of some $230 million in state taxes by Russian officials in 2008. Three years after his death, inflicted after his arrest and torture, he was posthumously tried. The extraterritorial scope of the act permits the freezing of assets held by purported violators and enables the banning of travel to the United States. This was bound to find inspiration in other jurisdictions, and we are left with a situation, claims Helen Chan, where Magnitsky-style sanctions have become extremely politicized amid a time of testy geopolitics. While Chan is referring to the context of uncertainty for businesses, her observations have broader relevance to any entities who operate in such an environment. Will they become the object of interest for overly exercised officials? The International Criminal Court is a striking case in point. ICC jurisdiction is intended as a policing of international humanitarian and human rights law. But it now faces the glare and disproval of Trump administration officials for having taken an interest in the predations of US forces in Afghanistan and beyond, an interest that also extends to alleged crimes of Afghan government forces and the Taliban. Having always had a testy relationship with the United States, the ICC now faces sanctions against its officials after the March 5 decision to authorise chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to conduct the investigation. Her remit includes the alleged custodial abuse of some 80 Afghans committed or facilitated by US forces at various global black sites. That angle is particularly troubling for the Trump administration, given that such sites were located in state parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, namely, Afghanistan, Lithuania, Poland and Romania. This has led to the novel, somewhat vigilante view that US forces can offend the law of humanity in any of the 123 state parties to the Rome Statute and evade accountability before the ICC. This contention, suggests Ambassador David Scheffer, is precarious in so far as the US does not challenge the jurisdictional authority of courts in those countries to try US personnel for grave human rights abuses. Harsh measures against the ICC were already being hinted at in 2018. In a speech to the Federalist Society, then National Security Adviser John Bolton drew the clearest of lines in the sand of international jurisprudence. Americans can rest assured that the United States will not provide any form of legitimacy or support to this body. We will not cooperate, engage, fund, or assist the ICC in any way. This president will not allow American citizens to be prosecuted by foreign bureaucrats, and he will not allow other nations to dictate our means of self-defence. In April 2019, Bensoudas ability to travel to the US was revoked by the State Department. In March this year, a cranky Secretary of State Mike Pompeo publically naming staffers and their families working in Bensoudas office. We want to identify those responsible for this partisan investigation and their family members who may want to travel to the United States or engage in activity thats inconsistent with making sure we protect Americans. That same month, Peter E. Harrell of the Center for a New American Security examined the prospects of any sanctions levelled against the ICC. Trump would be authorised to do so, he suggested, but it would be tellingly unwise, as it would trigger a backlash by US allies that would far outweigh any perceived benefits from sanctions. On June 11, US President Donald Trump did just that, issuing an executive order targeting officials of the ICC involved in the investigation, including immediate family members. According to the order, the bodys efforts to investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute any United States personnel without the consent of the United States, or of personnel of countries that are United Stats allies and who are not parties to the Rome Statute or have not otherwise consent to ICC jurisdiction constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. The measures are intended to be disruptive, including the freezing of assets and limits on movement. Other measures include the prevention of entry into the United States of the officials in question, and the prohibition of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order. The executive order sits oddly with the various coordinating efforts the US has engaged in regarding the ICCs functions. Much of that rarely appears on the Bolton-Trump political radar, but a degree of constructive understanding has been shown at points, including logistical efforts to secure the recent surrender of Ali Kushayb, leader of the Janjaweed government-backed militia in Darfur. This executive order is more an act of strident protest and petulance rather than anything effectual. ICC officials are concerned but undeterred. Magnitsky remains the spectre at the feast; but he would surely find this latest chapter both comical and slightly absurd. Asset freezes and travel bans are for human rights violators, not those seeking to bring human violators to justice, insisted an alarmed Richard Dicker, international justice director at Human Rights Watch. The human rights defenders have become the sanctioned ones. Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: [email protected] ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesotas Black Lives Matter chapter took to the state capitol on Friday to mark Juneteenth with a demand for reparations and real police reform in a continued push for racial justice following the death of George Floyd. Juneteenth, the traditional commemoration date of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, has taken on new resonance this year. There have been protests around the U.S. and beyond stemming from Floyds death after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers. Amid chants of Reparations now and Cut the check, Black Lives Matter organizers and several other activist groups called Floyds death a remnant of slaverys legacy. Floyd, a Black man in handcuffs, died after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into his neck for nearly 8 minutes, ignoring Floyds cries of I cant breathe. For 400 years, the United States government has had its knee on the neck of the black community socially, politically, economically and spiritually, said Trahern Crews, a leader of the Minnesota BLM chapter and organizer of the event. Today we are here to demand full and complete reparations for the American descendants of the slaves who built this country. The issue of reparations resurged last Juneteenth, when a U.S. House Judiciary subcommittee held a hearing to examine the legacy of slavery and a possible path toward reparations. Several 2020 Democratic presidential hopefuls expressed support for the idea. Along with demands for reparations, the hundreds of demonstrators at the Capitol chided lawmakers for not agreeing on police reform legislation. The Democratic-controlled Minnesota House passed a broad package in this weeks special session that went beyond measures approved by the Republican-controlled Senate, and there was no indication the two sides would come together ahead of adjournment. Right now while were standing on this lawn, their principles across the street at the Senate is to not pass any police accountability measures, said John Thompson, a state House candidate and friend of Philando Castile, a Black man who was killed by a St. Anthony police officer in 2016. In addition to the rally, a handful of celebrations and demonstrations were planned over the weekend, including multiple cookouts throughout Minneapolis on Friday and a run on Saturday in honour of Floyd that starts and ends at 38th and Chicago, the site of his death. ___ Mohamed Ibrahim is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a non-profit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. (Photo : Deepanker Verma from Pixabay) A security company has found over 100 Google Chrome extensions that spy on users. Thousands of Google Chrome extensions or web browser add-ons have helped millions of Chrome users in various activities, including creating payrolls, emails, and other sensitive functions. But it turns out 111 of these extensions are being used in a massive spying campaign, and millions of users might have been affected. Security Company Found Malicious Google Chrome Extensions In a report by Reuters, researchers from Awake Security said they had found a spyware effort that attacked Google Chrome users through extensions downloaded by 32 million people. They have also highlighted the internet giant's failure to protect its users, primarily since the extensions were mainly used for functions wherein sensitive information is included and could be leaked. The researchers alerted Google last month, and since then, the company has removed over 70 of these malicious web browser extensions from its official Chrome Web Store. "When we are alerted of extensions in the Web Store that violate our policies, we take action and use those incidents as training material to improve our automated and manual analyses," said Scott Westover, a Google spokesperson. Read Also: [BREAKING] Massive Cyberattack Targets Australian Government and Businesses; How to Protect Yourself From Foreign Hackers The Biggest Spying Campaign According to Gary Golomb, Awake's co-founder and chief scientist, this was the most massive malicious Chrome store campaign up to date by looking at the sheer number of downloads these extensions had. Most of these malicious spyware is used by Chrome users to convert different files from one format to another or would allegedly warn users of questionable websites. However, they would siphon the users' browsing data and history wherein they could acquire credentials to allow them access to internal business tools. As of now, it is unclear who is behind the massive malware attack as it turned out that the developers supplied fake contact information to Google when they were submitting the extensions. However, according to CNN, researchers at Awake said they linked the extensions associated with the massive spying campaign back to Galcomm, an Israeli web hosting company that claimed to be managing about 250,000 browser domains. "By exploiting the trust placed in it as a domain registrar, Galcomm has enabled malicious activity that has been found across more than a hundred networks we've examined," Awake wrote. CNN reached out to Galcomm, but the owner has denied all allegations that they have something to do with the attack on Google Chrome and its users. Galcomm Says They Did Nothing Wrong Moshe Fogel, the owner of Galcomm, remains adamant that the company has done nothing wrong and "not in complicity with any malicious activity whatsoever," and that they are actually cooperating with security bodies and law enforcement to avoid such scenarios. Additionally, Fogel also claimed there is no record of the inquiries that happened in April and in May, according to Golomb's statements. He also asked for a list of the suspected domains and said that the majority of those in the list are inactive and that they are investigating the situation further. The extensions were also able to avoid the detection of antivirus companies and security software. "Anything that gets you into somebody's browser or email or other sensitive areas would be a target for national espionage as well as organized crime," said Ben Johnson, former National Security Agency engineer. Read Also: FBI Tracks Philadelphia Protester Using Instagram, Charges Her With Arson of Police Cars 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Police detectives are on the hunt for two burglars who stole 50,000 ($61,825) worth of saffron from a warehouse in east London. London police have released CCTV footage of the two suspects breaking into the warehouse in Ilford on the evening of June 11 and stealing nothing but the 10kg (22 lbs) box of the expensive spice. Saffron is worth more than its weight in gold, London's Metropolitan Police said on Thursday, due in part to its labor-intensive harvesting method. It is used in a number of cuisines, including in Spanish, Moroccan and Persian dishes. There have been no arrests for the London burglary but investigating officer Detective Sergeant Laura Mills appealed for anyone with information to get in touch with the police. "This is someone's livelihood and this theft will, of course, impact their business," she said. "The victims are angry and upset that someone has done this to them. It's important that those who are responsible are caught and the spice is returned to its rightful owners." People whose samples return negative after being tested using the rapid antigen method will be issued a certificate from respective district administrations, senior government officials said on Friday. Delhi chief secretary Vijay Dev on Friday issued directions asking all 11 district magistrates to start handing out such certificates to everyone who tests negative. The chief secretary also reiterated ICMR guidelines and asked the district administrations to get RT-PCR tests mandatorily conducted on all symptomatic persons who test negative in the antigen detection tests. Prodded about the rationale behind the move, senior government officials did not have a clear answer. But some of them said that the move will help them track and trace those who test negative in the first antigen test for follow-up tests, if needed, in the coming weeks. The Union ministry of home affair (MHA) has asked the Delhi government to issue certificates to those who test negative in the antigen tests. It was recommended by the expert committee, led by Dr VK Paul of the NITI Aayog. We are following the order in totality, said a senior government official. Another official in the health department of the government said that the certificate is also meant to create awareness that the antigen detection test is not a fully confirmatory test, like the RT-PCR tests, which is considered gold standard in Covid-19 testing programme. As many as 193 centres across Delhi started antigen testing from Thursday. On the first day, of the 7,040 people who took it, 456 tested positive. Rapid antigen detection tests are quicker than RT-PCR Covid tests. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Britons using public transport are risking 100 fines by still not wearing face masks four days after the Government made them mandatory for everyone. Some 3,000 British Transport Police officers have been deployed to the busiest rail stations this week to ensure all passengers are complying with the new rules. But social media users have tweeted photographs of passengers not wearing a mask while on the London Underground despite the regulations coming in on Monday. One Twitter user posted a picture of a man on the Central line in London with the mask above his mouth, saying: 'Great use of an FFP3 mask. TfL, are you not enforcing your own rule?' Another Twitter user added: 'TfL, Mayor of London, I'm using your Tube right now and people are taking their masks off on the Tube. And the other day I was on a bus and people weren't using their masks properly. Who is policing this?' A third Twiter user said: 'TfL, Mayor of London, thanks for asking people to wear face masks. I've noticed some bus drivers don't enforce it and since Monday there has been less and less people wearing them. Could you have a word with your drivers?' One posted a picture of a man on the Central line with the mask above his mouth, saying: 'Great use of an FFP3 mask. TfL, are you not enforcing your own rule?' Another Twitter user added: 'TfL, Mayor of London, I'm using your Tube right now and people are taking their masks off on the Tube. And the other day I was on a bus and people weren't using their masks properly. Who is policing this?' And a third tweeted: 'TfL, Mayor of London, thanks for asking people to wear face masks. I've noticed some bus drivers don't enforce it and since Monday there has been less and less people wearing them. Could you have a word with your drivers?' Guidance given to officers on Monday gave constables the power to use 'reasonable force' to pull passengers off trains and buses if they refuse to wear face masks. The National Police Chiefs' Council and the College of Policing said those that flout the restrictions risk 100 fines but these should only be issued as a 'last resort'. Police are taking a soft approach this week with passengers gently reminded of the rules, but could resort to tougher enforcement later in the month as numbers rise. Some people travel on the Jubilee line in London this morning without wearing a face mask Some people wear face masks but some have chosen not to on the London Underground today People on the Jubilee line this morning wear masks during their commute through London On Monday, one major operator said up to 15 per cent of passengers were not wearing masks, but there were 'high levels of compliance' overall with teams of transport staff and police handing out free masks to passengers without them. The new rules have been enshrined under the same public health legislation used to fine people who flouted lockdown rules at the beginning of the outbreak. This means it is the responsibility of police, and not transport staff, to enforce them. BTP has so far failed to tell MailOnline whether it has issued a single fine, instead saying that the NPCC is expected to reveal the figures every fortnight. But a spokesman said on Monday: 'Much like the coronavirus legislation in March, the priority will be to engage, explain and encourage people to wear coverings.' The mask rule was announced by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on June 4 and was timed to coincide with the reopening of non-essential shops in England. A Tube passenger pulls his mask down to drink coffee while on the Jubilee line today People talk to each other on a Jubilee line train today with their face masks removed A man rides on a London bus on Oxford Street today without wearing a face covering He said it was needed to help control the spread of the virus, but ministers and scientists have been divided on the public health benefits of wearing face masks. On April 24, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the evidence for their use by the public was 'extremely weak'. The Government's Sage advisory group concluded that, although there was little evidence a mask would protect the wearer, it might offer protection to others. Yesterday, Boris Johnson came under further pressure to make it mandatory for shoppers to wear face coverings. London Mayor Sadiq Khan wrote to the Prime Minister calling for the change, arguing that the measure was supported by scientific studies and had already been adopted in countries across Europe. Another Twitter user posted an image of 20 passengers on the 70 London bus from Chiswick to South Kensington despite signs saying there should be a maximum of ten passengers One Twitter user criticised staff for handing out masks with the face side touching the table Posters advise people on the wearing of face coveringsat Wimbledon Park station in South West London on Monday And Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister, urged shoppers to cover their faces as she revealed she was considering making the use of masks mandatory. Non-essential shops in England were given permission to open on Monday and further easing of the lockdown is expected next month, with bars and restaurants hoping to welcome customers from July 4. Meanwhile, the British Medical Association chief said all employers should ensure face coverings or screens are used by staff where social distancing is not possible. This would allow parts of the population which are over-represented in sectors involving close contact with the public or other workers to be properly protected from coronavirus, said BMA chairman Dr Chaand Nagpaul. He warned that Covid-19 has not disappeared and employers must ensure their staff are 'properly looked after' as they return to work and lockdown is eased. Amid the national debate over commemorating June 19 - Juneteenth - a national day honoring African American history and culture, Gov. Ned Lamont on Thursday said hes willing to talk about the issue. He said that adding Juneteenth on a state calendar that already includes the annual holiday honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. should be discussed. Lamont said he has spoken with lawmakers about a possible holiday designation. The state already officially commemorates the day under a 2003 act of the legislature. Well take a look, Lamont said. See what the appetite for that is. Are we losing a day of work? Weve got Martin Luther King Day. But really, given George Floyd, we know this is a special time to pay attention to racial justice. Or perhaps we could trade it for Columbus Day, quipped Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, during a morning event at the Community Health Center of New Britain. Columbus Day, the second Monday in October, is a state and national holiday but has come under attack as statues of Christopher Columbus are removed by cities deeming him imperialist and racist. In 2003, the General Assembly approved a bill that was signed into law designating the Saturday closest to June 19 each year Juneteeth Independence Day in recognition of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. It requires the governor to plan exercises and observances at the State Capitol and other locations. On Wednesday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order that will make June 19 a paid holiday for state employees, starting next year. On Friday, majority Democrats in the state Senate plan to announce a Juneteeth Agenda of wide-ranging policy proposals for the upcoming special session of the General Assembly, including additional police accountability and racial inequities. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT Turkish Ambassador to Ukraine Yagmur Ahmet Guldere emphasizes that the issues of Crimea and the situation with Ukrainian political prisoners are constantly raised by Ankara during the contacts with the Russian side. The Ambassador made a corresponding statement at a meeting with First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Emine Dzheppar, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine informs. "The Turkish Ambassador stressed that the issue of Crimea and the situation with Ukrainian political prisoners of the Kremlin are on the agenda of Turkish diplomacy and are constantly raised by Ankara during the contacts with the Russian side," the statement reads. The Deputy Minister thanked Turkey for its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and the policy of non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea. "For us, Turkey's consistent position on the strategic nature of relations is extremely important, as well as its clear position on territorial integrity, which Turkey demonstrates within the framework of international organizations. In addition, one of the priorities for Ukraines top political leadership is to release Ukrainian citizens from prisons in the occupied territories. We also count on this dimension of cooperation," she said. Dzheppar underscored the need to bring the full range of consequences of Russias aggression in Crimea and the Black Sea region to a fundamentally new international level with an emphasis on the security and defense dimension. "Today, the international rhetoric about Crimea mostly concerns human rights. I consider this approach to be narrow and limited as the occupation of Crimea and its militarization are not only the "internal" affairs of Ukraine but also an issue that has a much greater geographical coverage. It extends to the Mediterranean and the Black Sea regions. This is the issue of military and food security of the countries of these regions," the First Deputy Minister clarified. During the meeting, the parties also discussed the implementation of the agreement between the presidents of Ukraine and Turkey on the construction of housing for 500 families of Crimean Tatars. Dzheppar thanked the Turkish side for providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine to counter the spread of COVID-19. For his part, the Turkish Ambassador to Ukraine assured that the Turkish authorities were making all necessary efforts to ensure that the health of tourists is protected on their territory. In this regard, the interlocutors expressed hope for the resumption of scheduled flights between Ukraine and Turkey in the near future. ol Election 2020 Myanmars Ethnic Parties Find Strength in Unity as They Prepare for General Election Officials at a polling station in Yangon count ballots cast in the 2015 election. / The Irrawaddy YANGONThe ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) has already made moves to choose candidates for the upcoming general election, which is expected to take place in November. Many ethnic parties from the ethnic states are also preparing for the election, including issuing calls for candidacy applications. The Irrawaddy spoke to the leaders of the strongest ethnic parties in Kachin, Shan, Rakhine, Mon, Chin, Karen and Kayah states about their preparations and strategies for the election, and about the agenda of the alliance the ethnic parties have formed. Except for the Arakan National Party (ANP) and the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), most parties within ethnic groups have merged together ahead of the upcoming 2020 election, putting on a united front in the hope of winning majorities in their state parliaments, and of claiming most of the national Parliament seats in their states. Their ultimate aim is to triumph over the NLD, as they believe the party hasnt brought satisfactory development or improvements to their respective ethnic states. Moreover, the merged parties in Karen, Kachin, Kayah, Mon and Chin states have formed a coalition board and announced their solidarity in the 2020 election. They have agreed to form an alliance and seek to form a coalition government with other ethnic parties, or any groups that can guarantee ethnic rights and seek to form federal states in 2020. Kachin State Peoples Party (KSPP) Gumgrawng Awng Hkam Vice Chair We are still choosing the candidates. We will contest 18 townships, which means we will run in all the constituencies in Kachin State. When it comes to choosing the candidates, our party is mainly focused on what the related constituencies propose to us. And the Central Executive Committee will make the final decision. We have opened the door to young people and also prioritize women in choosing candidates. The final decision is expected to be made in July, but it may be earlier than that. The KSPPs main rival in Kachin would be the NLD and Union Solidarity and Development Party [USDP]. We cannot foresee which party will win the majority of seats in our state. But, I can say that this time it is different. Weall six major Kachin partieshave merged to become the KSPP. The move was pushed by the Kachin people with the aim of being a stronger contender in the 2020 elections. Our party not only represents the Kachin people but also all the ethnic residents in our state. The USDP already ran the country for five years. And the NLD has run it for nearly five years now. So, we have already seen their qualifications and capabilities, especially for how they run the country. We had high hopes for the NLD. But nothing has happened. They did not make a significant move to form a federal Union, the peace process is deadlocked, the countrys economy has seen a significant slowdown and they even failed to protect press freedom. So, we expect to form a coalition government with other ethnic parties or whoever can guarantee ethnic rights and to form federal states in 2020. We are well prepared for it. It is very important for the ethnic parties to win [a majority] in the election. So, victory would grant us more authority to improve our rights. We hope to get a chance to focus on achieving peace, forming a federal Union and amending the 2008 Constitution. I believe the best to way to tackle the current obstacles in the country is to have a coalition government. It will give us a chance to solve and identify all the problems together. It could either be between major parties [for example the NLD] and ethnic parties. or just between ethnic parties. Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) Sai Leik General Secretary and Spokesperson We have formed candidate scrutinizing committees at the township level. Later, we will have state level [committees]. After that they will submit candidacy applications to the head office. All party members who have been in the party for at least six months can apply as a candidate. If the qualifications are the same, we will prefer young people and women. Meanwhile, we cannot say for sure how many constituencies we will contest because the Union Election Commission [UEC] has yet to announce [its list]. In 2015, they eliminated two constituencies from the electoral contest when the election was just around the corner. We will surely win the constituencies we won in the 2015 election. The SNLD has also prepared very well to win in all the other places and reinforce our activities in those areas. We ethnic people long for self-determination, justice and peace. We all want a federal Union and our aim is to achieve that goal. I hope that all the ethnic people in Shan believe in us and vote for us. Arakan National Party (ANP) Daw Aye Nu Sein Vice Chair We will finalize the full list of our candidates in the coming month. The ANP decided to run in all the constituencies in Rakhine, and some constituencies in Ayeyarwady Region, especially for the ethnic affairs minister position. Just like other parties, we prefer young people and women as candidates. But under the actual conditions, we have a lot of young people but women candidates are hard to find. We have decided to contest in all places, but the decision on which places in Rakhine are not open to be contested will come from the UEC. Meanwhile, we have not yet heard anything from the UEC on whether the election can take place in all the constituencies in Rakhine. The truth is, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Myebon, Ann and even some places in Sittwe have security problems [due to clashes between Myanmar army troops and the Arakan Army]. Locals are displaced from their homes. Some people are living in IDP camps; some dont even have a place to return to because their villages burned down. These circumstances pose a security challenge for both voters and officers at the polling stations. Another challenge is COVID-19. We have already found a total of seven cases in Maungdaw and Buthidaung. The most important thing is that almost all of them are people who illegally entered the country. So, it is hard to trace their contacts. That means COVID-19 could spread and emerge at any time in other places in Rakhine. Before thinking about how many [constituencies] we can win, we must consider whether the election can take place in Rakhine. The government has full responsibility for seeing that peace prevails and for maintaining security in the state. The election can only be held where conditions are peaceful. All they need to do is to seek political settlements with ethnic armed groups. I hope they wont play any more blame games with the other stakeholders. So, we all need to find solutions together on how to move the peace process forward. I believe that the Rakhine party will win as long as Rakhine people maintain their awareness of politics and nationalism. Mon Unity Party (MUP) U Ngwe Thein Vice Chair Selection of candidates for the 2020 election is under way. We will contest not only in Mon State but also Karen State, and Bago and Yangon regions. All the township party committees will choose the candidates at the end of this month. After that, they will submit them to the central committee and we will make the final decision. According to the current candidacy submissions, we have a small number of women. But we want more women candidates and will ask the townships to choose more. We will run in at least two constituencies in Bago and Yangon. We hope to win the elections in major townships, especially Hpa-An and Kawkareik in Karen State, and Kyaikto, Bilin and Thaton in Mon. Many Mon people voted for the NLD in 2015 with high expectations. But now, the people are growing disappointed with the NLD for failing to make Myanmar a federal Union. We are running out of patience with the NLD, as they failed to represent us. In particular, they have rarely talked about ethnic rights during their term. I am sure that they will also choose candidates from among Mon people, but many of us already know that those are people who only listen to their superiors. They have to listen to the central level first, before they do anything. They can carry out something only after the higher level instructs them to do so. The NLD seems to be drifting away from the people, so the people are starting not to trust them. Chin National League for Democracy (CNLD) U Ngai Sak Chairman For the time being, we cannot hold public meetings because of COVID-19. But, we are currently accepting candidate submission forms at the township level. The deadline for the candidacy applications is June 27. The township level committees will scrutinize the forms and must send their decisions to the Central Executive Committee [CEC] by July 19. The final decision from the CEC will be announced on July 25 or at the end of that month. We have so many criteria for the candidates. All of the candidates who will contest the election in all nine townships in Chin State must be ethnic Chin people. If they [previously belonged to] other parties like the NLD, he or she must officially resign from that party. If potential candidates qualifications are the same, we will prioritize women candidates. We will run in all the constituencies in Chin State. Moreover, we plan to contest in Magwe, Rakhine and Sagaing for the ethnic affairs minister positions. But in Rakhine, we have to wait and see because of security issues. We are confident that we will win at least 60 percent of seats in the state parliament and also win the majority of [Chin States] seats in the Upper and Lower houses [of the Union Parliament]. Our main goal is to achieve self-determination and equal rights, and to form a federal Union. At the state level, we will try, for the unity of the Chin people, to implement basic infrastructure that will benefit the Chin people politically, economically and socially. We will try to revive the Chin identity, as the NLD and USDP failed to do. We will promote our culture, literature and traditional values. We will enact laws to promote the rights of Chin women. The most important thing is to make a corruption-free state. If we can form a government at the state level, we will create a corruption-free government. If we win the majority of seats in the state parliament, we can act to provide checks and balances on the state government and push themto be free from corruption. We firmly believe that ethnic parties must be united in order to take a stronger stand. For the coalition government, we [the ethnic parties] will need to hold wide-ranging discussions after the 2020 election. Karen National Democratic Party (KNDP) Mann Aung Pyi Soe Vice Chair We have already selected the candidates at the township level. The central executive level still has to make the final decisions. We will announce the list of candidates at the end of July or in the first week of August. The KNDP will contest in at least six townships in Karen State and some in Mon State where many Karen people are living; we have agreed with other ethnic parties not to compete with each other in individual townships, to avoid splitting the vote. So far, we cant say that we will win all the seats. We will try our best. Everyone knows that there is still a lack of equal rights and self-determination for ethnic people. Our party is a merger between the four Karen parties. As the ethnic Karen party, we believe that the ceasefire agreement actually does not guarantee long-lasting peace. We believe that we cannot expect long-lasting peace as long as ethnic people lack self-determination and equal rights. So, all the merged parties in Karen, Kachin, Kayah, Mon and Chin have formed a coalition board, and we have agreed to make alliances with other ethnic parties to form a coalition government. By doing so, we will have a chance to set our own goals and have our voices heard. For example, if the USDP wins 20 percent of seatsand they [their military allies] already have 25 percent held by army appointeesthey will need more seats to form a government. So, we will invite them. to compromise and work with us and form a coalition government. We could even decide to work with them, because our only goal is to make Myanmar a federal Union. Kayah State Democratic Party (KySDP) U Sai Naing Naing Htwe Vice Chair-2 The process of selecting candidates for the 2020 election is still under way. We are scrutinizing the details of proposed candidate forms. We will also wait and see how the situation develops, because the UEC has not yet announced the date of the election. We will run in all the constituencies in Kayah. Our main goal is to build a political system for the sake of the Kayah [Karenni] people. People in Kayah should vote for the Kayah ethnic parties in order to have the right to create our own future. We are preparing to build the basic infrastructure that will support improvements in the social and economic conditions of the Kayah people. So far, people in Kayah fully support Kayah parties, as they believe we will reflect their voices, carry out their will and work for their benefit. We have already joined an alliance with other ethnic partiesKachin, Karen, Chin and Monas we have the same goals: to build a federal Union, and self-determination. We will work together to reach our goals. Its time for the city of Huntsville to work toward regaining the trust of its citizens in the wake of recent protests that were broken up by tear gas and other riot gear, City Council President Devyn Keith said Thursday night. Even if the police department didnt intend to lose that trust, Keith said, thats what happened when snipers were stationed atop the Madison County Courthouse roof, nearly two dozen state trooper cars arrived downtown and rubber bullets were fired during a protest on June 3. I urge you to be aware not only of your language and your stance, but that theyre not just looking at you, Keith told police Chief Mark McMurray. Theyre also looking at snipers, theyre also looking at sheriffs. Theyre also looking at state troopers. McMurray on Thursday night spent more than two hours defending the police departments decision at a City Council meeting. He gave his account of the events that unfolded before, during and after protests that happened in the city on the nights of June 1 and June 3. Protests on both of those nights ended with Huntsville police releasing tear gas in downtown to break up crowds that remained long after police had ordered demonstrators to leave. Several protesters, who gathered outside City Hall tonight to watch the City Council meeting on a TV screen, said the chief mischaracterized the June 1 and June 3 protests in his report. Many of the protesters called for the police to apologize. On June 3, rubber bullets were also fired and flash bangs were thrown, though McMurray said those actions werent taken by Huntsville officers. He declined to say which agency used those weapons. The Madison County Sheriffs Office, Alabama State Troopers and other agencies also helped break up the crowds. Those agencies didnt attend the City Council meeting. City Councilwoman Frances Akridge questioned why police decided to force the protesters to leave on June 1. McMurray said police were trying to prevent violence that broke out after protests in other cities around the country, including in Birmingham. On the night of May 31, several buildings were damaged in Birmingham and news reporters were assaulted by protesters. But Keith and Akridge questioned whether the stance and tactics used by police, had inflamed the crowds that gathered in downtown Huntsville in the days following the unrest elsewhere and in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis. McMurray said police broke up the protests because the demonstrators were blocking roadways and public sidewalks. He presented screenshots from social media posts threatening violent unrest. The chief alleged that members and sympathizers of the group known as ANTIFA, an anit-facist movement, urged violence in the city. [Watch the City Council meeting here on Facebook] The chief also showed images and videos of protesters throwing water bottles at officers and one demonstrator throwing firecrackers at a line of police after riot gear had already been deployed on June 3. A group of about 80-100 protesters remained outside City Hall for four hours, watching a live feed of the City Council meeting. They remained peaceful, occasionally cheering, heckling or booing speakers on the screen. Among the protesters who gathered outside City Hall was Heaven Williams, of Huntsville, who said she was tear gassed at the June 3 protest. We want an apology, she said, for them to say, We messed up and shouldnt have done that. No apology, no unity. City leaders tabled two resolutions that would have called for the Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council to review the protests and write a report about the incidents. The City Council will consider the proposals at their regularly scheduled meeting next Thursday. Protesters said they want to see concrete steps taken to improve police interactions with black citizens. Keith called for the police department to create an anonymous, online portal for officers and citizens to report police misconduct. He said thats one of many steps the police department can take to reclaim the publics trust in the wake of the protests. I actually do pray that people continue to protest peacefully, Keith said. I pray that the reason people protest never happens again. AL.com reporters Anna Claire Vollers and Paul Gattis contributed to this story. Last weekend, the cable news cameras of the U.S. turned to the streets of Atlanta. In the midst of a massive nationwide protest movement against police violence against Black people, an Atlanta police officer shot Rayshard Brooks in the back as he ran from them after officers responded to a call a man was asleep in his car in a drive-through. The Wendys outlet where the shooting took place was in flames Saturday night, the citys major expressway was filled with protesters on foot, the officers involved had been fired (and would be criminally charged later in the week), the police chief resigned. The Georgia city often referred to as Americas Black mecca was now centre stage in the U.S. crisis over racial justice. Georgia was already in the middle of the overlapping American emergencies of 2020. In February, the shooting death of Black jogger Ahmaud Arbery, after he was chased down by a white former police officer and his son in South Georgia, triggered outrage and calls for justice. Then COVID-19 hit, and the states Black residents have paid a heavy price in serious illnesses and deaths, even as the states Republican Gov. Brian Kemp is aggressively lifting coronavirus quarantines. Georgia is a good microcosmic study of whats going on throughout the country, says Hasan Crockett, a political science professor at St. Augustines University in Raleigh, N.C. And whats going on is a set of overlapping emergencies causing upheaval and pain, but also creating potential for historic change. There is a level of fear and anxiety and stress, says Calinda Lee, a historian at the Atlanta History Center, that may well be unparalleled since reconstruction. We are at a crucial crossroads where we can decide whether or not we actually want to change unequal structures, or whether we want to continue with the status quo, says Andra Gillespie, an expert on race and politics at Emory University in Atlanta. Atlanta was the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. It served, Lee notes, as the brain centre of the 1960s civil rights movement. It has become a migration magnet for the Black middle class. And it is a Black cultural powerhouse. Theres a sense in Atlanta that meeting this moment may be especially important, and instructive for the rest of the country. I think that Atlanta, out of any other city in the country, has to get it right, says Nathaniel Smith of the Atlanta-based social justice organization Partnership for Southern Equity. Theres a heavy, heavy responsibility in terms of working to be a true reflection of what the world thinks we are. During the weekend protests, a police officer told reporter George Chidi of The Intercept what he expected. The (protest) leaders will have to come together, settle on a list of demands, and meet with the mayor. He was describing something like whats often called The Atlanta Way. It is how, it is said, through the civil rights battles of the 20th century, Atlanta had escaped the more violent and disruptive elements of civil unrest by brokering compromises between politicians, the white business community and Black community leaders. Lee describes it as, this notion that Black power brokers and white power brokers meet and figure out how were going to move forward in a way that does not besmirch the public image of the city. Crockett recalls it was summed up in a slogan in the 1960s, A City Too Busy to Hate, which he says was a core part of marketing the citys development as a commercial centre of the American south. Appeals to that tradition have sprung up recently. We need to rediscover The Atlanta Way, a white local council member told constituents this month. The Atlanta Journal Constitution noted that the citys Black Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was summoning it when, earlier this month, she cited the citys legacy of black leadership and said, If you care about this city, then go home. One problem with trying to apply that brokered approach to the current crisis was well put in Intercept reporter Chidis immediate response to the police officer. Man, there is no leader, he said. Anyone who claimed to have the authority to speak for the street would be lying and everyone knows it. Those I spoke with agreed, and also said that for all that The Atlanta Way accomplished in protecting the citys image and bringing a measure of prosperity, it left a lot of people out and failed to fix many of the core racial problems. They didnt change the conditions. People were still poor, Crockett says. There was still income inequality. There was still segregation. You still had all the problems that other areas in the nation had, but they just formulated a coalition to suppress the reactions. Was it effective in luring business and jobs, and therefore some degree of economic prosperity across race to Atlanta? Absolutely, Lee says. Was it impactful and successful in limiting exposure to certain kinds of racialized violence? Comparatively speaking. Was it sufficient to accomplish equity? Absolutely not. Smith says a focus more on marketing than meaning, has led to the reality of Atlanta having African American mayors for the past 40 years, while still continuously being considered the number one city for income inequality, and one of the top cities for the lack of economic mobility for poor kids and even in the top five for suburban poverty of any region in the country there are some blaring, blaring, blaring inconsistencies. The culture of Atlanta and the way that weve gone about solving problems, in many ways has made us ill-equipped civically to achieve the type of outcomes that we need to achieve for everyone, Smith says. Smith has been discussing the need to find a New Atlanta Way that could lead the U.S. as it addresses racial problems and touches on points I heard from many protesters and experts in Atlanta and elsewhere. He speaks of a program that engages all residents, not just the wealthy. One that dramatically reforms policies including housing, procurement, small business, policing and criminal justice to address systemic racism and white supremacy. One that involves reconciliation through acknowledgment by power brokers theyve done wrong, and that suggests restitution in the form of government and private-sector investment to create economic opportunities for Black people and traditionally disinvested communities of colour. It sounds like a tall order, but many in Atlanta feel it is finally possible. Smith says he sees white people protesting who have concluded white privilege is a moral burden too heavy to bear, alongside young Black activists convinced that No matter what it takes, they will never go back to the way things were. That, he says, is when you see real change happen. Lee says the conversations shes having now about systematic racism were anathema just a few years ago. People are marching and protesting, and people are boycotting and picketing, and people are voting and agitating to make sure that voting rights are maintained, and people are legislating and pressuring politicians for certain kinds of policy. All of that is essential to change-making in a systemic way. Political scientist Gillespie says the November election is being defined by the current overlapping crises. Race has kind of catapulted into one of the major issues for 2020, she says, and voters are demanding concrete policy changes. If youre going to deal with it now, that means you get past platitudes, you get past Band-aid solutions, and actually really start to have some really tough conversations and make some tough policy proposals and decisions to help create a meaningful, lasting change Crockett says whatever the short-term policy effect, whats happening in Atlanta and across the country now will shape the future. Even if we dont have a lot of fundamental changes, the movement has shifted. It wont go back, he says. Its going to be part of the history that shows that this business is significant. Read more about: The US on Friday condoled the death of Indian soldiers, killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, and said their bravery will not be forgotten. The US on Friday condoled the death of Indian soldiers, killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, and said their bravery will not be forgotten. "The US Mission in India sends our heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who were lost at Galwan. Their bravery and courage will not be forgotten," the US ambassador to India Kenneth Juster tweeted. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo too shared his condolences on Twitter. He said: We extend our deepest condolences to the people of India for the lives lost as a result of the recent confrontation with China. We will remember the soldiers' families, loved ones, and communities as they grieve. Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) June 19, 2020 French Ambassador in India, Emmanuel Lenain, also conveyed condolences to India, over the death of the soldiers. "Our heartfelt condolences to the people of India and our thoughts to the mourning families of the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty over the past few days," Lenain tweeted. German Ambassador Walter J Lindner also expressed his regret at the loss of lives at the Galwan Valley. He tweeted: Our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the soldiers who lost their lives in Galwan. @GermanyinIndia Walter J. Lindner (@AmbLindnerIndia) June 19, 2020 Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a colonel, were killed in clashes with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation between India and China in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff in the region. The casualties from the clashes on the Chinese side are not yet known. Chennai, June 19 : Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister K. P. Anbalagan has been admitted to a private hospital here after he tested positive for COVID-19, a hospital official said on Friday. "The Minister tested mild positive coronavirus infection. His CT scan was normal," the official told IANS preferring anonymity. Anbalagan is the first Minister and third politician in the state to be infected with coronavirus. The first was DMK legislator J. Anbazhagan who lost his life and the second was AIADMK legislator from Sriperumbudur constituency K.Palani who has been undergoing treatment at a private hospital. Minister Anbalagan was part of the five-member ministerial team to oversee coronavirus spread control measures in North Chennai. He had attended a review meeting on Wednesday. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 09:25:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TRIPOLI, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Support Mission in Libyan (UNSMIL) on Thursday called for the release of a Libyan activist in the eastern city of Benghazi. "UNSMIL expresses its dismay regarding the ongoing arrest and detention in Benghazi for the past week of Mr. Khalid Sakran apparently on account of his peace activism," UNSMIL tweeted. "Under international law, Mr. Sakran has the right to liberty and security of person, to be promptly informed of any charges against him and to be brought before a judge, failing which he should be immediately released," UNSMIL said. According to local media, Sakran was arrested in Benghazi by a security force affiliated to the eastern-based army, which controls the city, and taken to an unknown location. Local media also said Sakran opposed the recent war of the eastern-based army on the capital Tripoli and called for dialogue and political solution to the Libyan crisis. The eastern-based army and forces of the UN-backed government were engaged in a deadly armed conflict for more than a year, which ended recently with the UN-backed government's announcement of taking over all of western Libya. Enditem Want to manufacture BrahMos so that no country has audacity to cast evil eye on us: Rajnath Singh IAF chopper crash: Rajnath Singh likely to be apprised of probe team's findings in next couple of days No intelligence failure in Galwan Valley clash: Rajnath Singh India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, June 19: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday assured that ''there was no intelligence failure'' at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), during the Galwan clashes, which claimed the lives of 20 Indian Army soldiers. "There was no intelligence failure," Singh said in the all-party meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on India-China border issue. Earlier in the day, Congress president Sonia Gandhi asking the LAC where 20 army personnel were killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops, and sought an assurance from the prime minister that status quo ante would be restored at the border and China will revert to its original position. Sonu Nigam calls out mafias in the music industry after Sushant Singh's demise| Oneindia News In her introductory remarks at an all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Gandhi posed a set of questions to the government, asking specifics about when Chinese troops intruded into the Indian territory in Ladakh and whether the country's external intelligence agencies did not report any unusual activity there. "The question is, what next? What is the way forward? The entire country would like an assurance that the status quo ante would be restored and China will revert to the original position on the Line of Actual Control," she said. Ladakh standoff: China says 'presently it hasnt detained any Indian soldiers Gandhi alleged that valuable time was lost between May 5 and June 6 and the government failed to use all avenues of talks to ease the situation and the result was the loss of 20 lives as well as injury to dozens of personnel. She also asked about the current status of the Mountain Strike Corps, with two mountain infantry divisions, that was sanctioned in 2013. "Should the government not treat it with utmost priority," she asked. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size watch our leading economic commentators Ross Gittins, Jessica Irvine and Shane Wright at Life in Recession as they explore the impact of Australia's first recession in nearly 30 years. This discussion took place here live on Thursday, June 25 exclusively for subscribers. A full recording of the discussion can now be viewed below. Don't miss candid and authoritative insights from our experts on how we got here, what the recession means for everyday Australians, and where to next in these unprecedented times. CHANDIGARH:Planned terror attacks & te-argeted killings foiled with these arrests, says DGP The Punjab Police on Thursday night busted another terror module with the arrest of two alleged Khalistani operatives, who were preparing to carry out a series of terror attacks and targeted killings at the behest of their Pakistani mentors and handlers. A German-made MP5 sub-machine gun, a 9 mm pistol with 4 magazines, and two mobile phones with a host of incriminatory conversations, messages, photographs etc were seized from the duo. The mobile phones revealed suspicious transactions with Pakistan-based elements, including photographs, voice messages, as well as the coordinates of a particular geo-location, DGP Dinkar Gupta disclosed on Friday, briefing media persons about the breakthrough. In addition, a large variety of posts and web-links, connected with the formation of Khalistan, were also found on the mobile phone of Gurmeet Singh, who has been in regular touch with the ISI and anti-India elements sponsored by the Pakistan establishment. A case has been registered vide FIR no.184 u/s 120B, 121 IPC, 25, 54, 59 Arms Act r/w 13, 17, 18, 18B, 20 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, dated 19.06.2020. Giving details, Gupta said that acting on a tip-off from the general public late on Thursday night, an Amritsar Rural police team raided a spot near Gurdaspuria Dhaba on the GT Road, PS Jandiala, and apprehended Gurmeet Singh and Vikram Singh. According to the DGP, 44-year-old Gurmeet Singh, r/o Ganda Singh colony, Sultanwind Road, Amritsar, divulged during questioning that the photographs and voice messages had been shared with them by the Pakistan based handlers to locate and pick up sophisticated weapons kept at that location by their associates. He further revealed that their Pakistan based handlers had been instructing them to carry out terror attacks in Punjab, especially targeting of persons belonging to a particular community, to further the cause of Khalistan. Gurmeet Singh further disclosed that he had visited Pakistan about 3 years ago to meet his handlers. Gurmeet Singh was earlier involved in a case of fraud with his brother, and a case was registered against him in PS B-Division, Amritsar. Efforts were being made to fix the identities of the Pakistan-based mentors and handlers of the terrorist module, said Gupta, adding that further investigations to unearth the full linkages and ramifications of the terror module, including those based across the border, were in progress. Gupta said the Punjab Police was working 24x7 to thwart the nefarious designs of anti-India elements trying to disturb the states communal harmony and law & order, in furtherance of their separatist and divisive agenda. At an age when most kids are joining kindergarten, Nemat Sadat had an epiphany one to inspire a legacy. The how, when and where didnt matter, nor did being homosexual. What mattered was a drive to achieve greatness. Last year, he released his first novel, The Carpet Weaver, which was a coming-of-age story about two homosexual boys in war-torn Afghanistan. Accepting and understanding ones sexuality can prove to be quite a daunting task, especially coming from somewhat orthodox dogmas, which are not exclusive any particular religion. The inner turmoil and the external conflict are enough to drive anyone to the edge. Sadat resorted to activism and art to cope. Self-expressing myself as an activist and artist helped me overcome a lifetime of repression. It helped me to confront the demons and purge all the social conditioning I received that condemned and cursed homosexuals to expect nothing but hate and punishment in this life and the hereafter. LGBTQ people are at a higher risk of anxiety, depression and suicide than heterosexual people. It was liberating for me to come out of the closet and share my grief with the world and simultaneously campaign for LGBTQIA+ rights, he says. Read: Gender Bender: Why sensitisation must begin in schools to end stigma around the LGBT community In the 80s, as his motherland became a conflict zone of wars that would later go on to polarize global powers, his mother took him and his siblings to the USA. After almost three decades, he returned to Kabul in 2012 as a professor of political science. It was here that he witnessed first-hand the perils of being homosexual. He mobilized an underground movement to openly campaign for LGBTQIA+ rights. For me, its always been about the legalization of LGBTQIA+ rights in Afghanistan and across the Muslim world, which happens to be the worst places in the world to be gay or transgender person, he says. Did he ever feel there was a threat to his safety? When you are fighting to emancipate an entire group of people, in this case, millions of people, who are criminalized and have no legal status, you have to only focus on the vision for the future, says the author who came out in 2013. He received death threats, was banished by many Afghans and Muslims, and rejected by most of his relatives. Cut to 2019, and he observes a shift in sensibilities, and is hopeful of the future, too. I believe the Afghan community is finally opening up to the idea of LGBTQIA+ equality. Young people in Afghanistan are following the same global trend in greater acceptance of homosexuality. I believe it is possible to see same-sex marriage in Afghanistan and in many Muslim-majority countries within our lifetime, he says. Read: LGBT+ visibility in film, TV builds acceptance in community Straddling dual identities across two continents was not easy for him he finally felt at home in India. I as a gay, Afghan, American, ex-Muslim, non-native immigrant who doesnt look like a typical white person will continue to be an outsider in the US. Thats a reality that I have accepted and no longer even try to belong to a society that doesnt value all people equally. In Afghanistan, Im persona non grata and persecuted not only for my free speech. My identitiesbeing gay and an ex-Muslimare considered against Islam. India is the only country that I feel safe and accepted for who I am, he shares. The youth, in such a scenario, is also susceptible to substance abuse. He believes it is important to speak up before giving up. I know without a doubt that I am alive today because I didnt resort to addiction or suffer in silence. It takes a lot of courage to share your grief with the world. But its the surest way to heal and recover from trauma, he says. It is also important to confide and open up to people you can trust. My mother has always supported me even though there was a time when she was in deep denial about my homosexuality and wished for me to marry a woman even though she knew I was gay, says the author who is living at his mothers house in San Digeo since the pandemic broke. For those who are receiving hate and violence know that there are leaders in the LGBTQIA+ community throughout Indiathat you can always turn for help. Its important that members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are receiving harassment and threats that they also reach out to law enforcement and report these incidents, he encourages. His manuscript for The Carpet Weaver was rejected by 450 literary agents. His pan-India tour was cut short due to lockdowns, but that didnt break his spirit. He is now using this time to write his second novel, titled Keeping Up With The Hebpburns. It is a romantic comedy about a gay vegan vagabond set primarily in Washington D.C. during the Trump era, and partly in India, he signs off. Interact with Etti Bali @TheBalinian Follow @htlifeandstyle for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain, who is currently under treatment after testing positive for Covid-19 earlier this week, has been diagnosed with pneumonia and has been shifted to an ICU of another Covid-19 hospital as his condition started deteriorating on Friday afternoon. The 55-year-old minister has now been kept on total oxygen support as his oxygen saturation level (Spo2) dipped, according to doctors treating him. He has been taken to Sakets Max Hospital, where he will be administered plasma therapy for Covid-19 after his lung infection increased, news agency ANI reported. We have put him fully on oxygen support as his Spo2 level had fallen to 89 at one point, normal level is about 95. He has also been diagnosed with pneumonia, so we are shifting him to an ICU at another hospital, a senior official of the hospital said. ALSO READ | Sisodia takes charge of Delhi health ministry after Satyendar Jain tests positive for Covid-19 Jain had tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday, a day after he was admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH) in the national capital after running high-grade fever and suffering sudden drop in his oxygen level. AAP MLA for Delhis Kalkaji assembly constituency Atishi and two other leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party have also contracted the respiratory disease. Akshay Marathe, an advisor to chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Abhinandita Mathur, an advisor to deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, also tested positive for the viral disease on Wednesday. ALSO READ | AAP MLA Atishi tests positive for Covid-19 On Sunday, the Delhi health minister had attended a high-level meeting on the coronavirus situation in the national capital, chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah, which was also attended by Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal, CM Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and Union health minister Harsh Vardhan. Praying for the speedy recovery of Shri Satyender Jain, Health Minister of Delhi who is battling with Covid-19 infection, Amit Shah tweeted on Friday afternoon as news emerged of Jains health deteriorating. With a surge in coronavirus cases recently, Delhis infection tally stands at 49,979 and 1,969 people have died till date due to the coronavirus disease as of Friday. President Muhammadu Buhari has rejected a report alleging that there is genocide against Christians in the country. In a report, the... President Muhammadu Buhari has rejected a report alleging that there is genocide against Christians in the country. British parliamentarians, said Christians are being targeted because of their faith in Nigeria. In a report, the United Kingdom All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Religious Freedom or Belief, a group made up ofBritish parliamentarians, said Christians are being targeted because of their faith in Nigeria. But in a statement on Friday, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said Boko Haram insurgents have targeted Christians because they know it drives religious tensions in the country. Shehu said the Buhari administration is committed to addressing these challenges and has already begun taking measures. The president and government of Nigeria wish to thank members of the United Kingdom All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Religious Freedom or Belief for their report, launched a few days ago, he said. Although it is difficult reading, the statement also acknowledges the importance of accurate, unbiased, depoliticised and truthful information when it comes to understanding the realities and addressing the challenges for those of faith in Nigeria. In this regard when uncritical attention is afforded to critics with dubious intentions, it only becomes harder for both the government and people of Nigeria to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve our differences, and uphold what is enshrined in our constitution and laws: that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. In concert with our American and British allies, Nigerias military have pushed back the terrorists and largely reduced their capacity over the last five years compared to the previous decade. Boko Haram have targeted Christians and Churches specifically because they know it drives forward religious and land tensions already existent in the country. Similarly, they attack mosques and Muslims in order to issue the threat: radicalise, or become targets yourselves. Shehu said while the government is increasing efforts to fully defeat and finally finish Boko Haram, it has not stopped seeking to negotiate for those held captive by the insurgents. According to him, under the leadership of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, there are efforts to unite the country through dialogue as regards religious differences. The president and government have and will at all times work with those both within and without Nigeria with a concern for the rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, he said. In this regard, we look forward to welcoming members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group to our country to see for themselves the work that is going on to promote these fundamental rights of our citizens. Around 10 p.m. a small group of protesters scaled the statue of Confederate Gen. Albert Pike near Judiciary Square. They had come prepared with ropes and chains in hopes of toppling the statue, which has long been the site of protests. After more than an hour they succeeded, and then set the statue on fire. Police were nearby but did not intervene. Some of the second batch of PRYME$ and PRYME Plus grants with Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves (left) at last Tuesdays presentation. (Facebook photo) Another batch of 80 budding entrepreneurs was, on Tuesday, awarded grant financing under the Promoting Youth Micro Enterprise (PRYME) and the PRYME Plus Programme. Together, this batch, representing an age range of 18 to 62 years and drawn from areas diverse as Union Island and Fancy, shared in a total disbursement of EC$600,000. They encompassed several fields of commercial activity e.g. music production, fashion & beauty, agriculture and information technology. Addressing the presentation ceremony, Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves referenced this latest cohort of recipients as a "wonderful snapshot of the Vincentian people and their desire to work hard, even in this difficult time of COVID. According to Minister Gonsalves, the grants the maximum single grant being $40,000 - are used to procure assets "from high end computers, high quality digital equipment to cutlass and wheelbarrow, which he described as "necessary tools for your job to help you succeed, to help you feed your family, to help your business grow. This micro-enterprise intervention has not come a moment too soon, given the economic calamity that is facing St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the wider Eastern Caribbean sub-region, Minister Gonsalves posited. To date, he said, some 261 Vincentian businesses who actively contributed to the National Insurance Services were closed due to COVID, and 2,500 Vincentians have lost their jobs since March this year. Revenues across the region fell by 18 20 percent last month. "When we lose 20 percent of our money, thats a big problem, but compared to other countries in the OECS were doing better than most because their revenues have dropped by 50 percent, the Finance Minister clarified. He underscored the situation facing this country by pointing to the fact that SVG needs more money to cover the local COVID-19 medical response and economic stimulus, "but yo making 20 percent less than yo made last year. Add to that one of the worst droughts in recent memory, he quipped, as he painted the stark imagery of economic turmoil that lay ahead. His governments solution, Minister Gonsalves said, was betting on small businesses; that they will help to keep the Vincentian economy going. And optimism in this regard is heightened by the evidence that some 1,509 Vincentians have applied for PRYME or PRYME plus grants as of June 12, 2020. Of those, 160 applicants have already been granted with 100 or so applications set to be reviewed on Wednesday 17. An estimated 100 applications are being submitted weekly. All of this is in keeping within this context that over 1,600 vendors and over 100 hand cart operators have been supported by the government; over 600 Vincentians were added to poor relief/social assistance payments,; and over 2,500 love boxes, an Agriculture Ministry led initiative where local produce are bought from farmers and distributed amongst the most vulnerable by churches and non-governmental organizations. All told, 15,000 plus Vincentians have accessed COVID -19 related support directly from the government here, Gonslaves summarized. Government is expected to again increase the almost $5M EC PRYME PRYME Plus grant project, it was announced. NEW YORK, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ten public service workers have agreed to settle a proposed nationwide class action lawsuit with Navient Solutions, LLC, one of the nation's largest student loan servicers. Represented by Selendy & Gay PLLC, plaintiffs, members of the American Federation of Teachers union, commenced the suit in October 2018 before a federal court in the Southern District of New York, challenging Navient's practices with respect to advising federal student loan borrowers on Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), a federal government relief program that forgives the balance on certain public servants' federal student loans after 10 years of qualifying payments. On June 19, 2020, Judge Denise L. Cote preliminarily approved the terms of a class settlement. Under the settlement, Navient agreed, among other things, to enhance its call center practices by providing additional training to customer service representatives to listen for indications of potential eligibility for PSLF and to ask probing questions about possible employment by qualifying government or not-for-profit organizations. Borrowers who may be eligible to pursue PSLF will be given further information on the forgiveness program or directed to the Federal Student Aid website or FedLoan Servicing, the government's designated servicer for PSLF. Navient will certify its compliance with the enhanced practices on an annual basis. Borrowers have not released their individual damages claims. Navient also will contribute $1.75 million to an organization, to be agreed upon by the parties, that provides education and student loan counseling to public service borrowers. These funds will provide an additional avenue for borrowers across the country to access information about PSLF, helping future generations of public workers. Final approval of the agreement is expected within months. In praising the settlement, Faith Gay, who co-led the representation of the plaintiffs, said, "Public interest work is a pillar of our practice, and we are proud of our role in helping these public service workers, who have dedicated their lives to their communities. This agreement is a critical step forward in protecting the bipartisan promise of loan forgiveness." Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, said, "We are again proud to be represented by the powerful women-led team at Selendy & Gay who share AFT's commitment to the public good and helped craft this remarkable settlement. Because of the firm and our members' hard work, borrowers are well on their way to realizing the original promise of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program." Lena Konanova, co-lead counsel on the Navient case, said, "We are so proud to fight for teachers, nurses, social workers and other public service workers who are seeking the promised loan forgiveness from the federal government. While this suit may be ending, there are still millions of public servants laboring under the weight of student debt, and our broader advocacy on behalf of student borrowers has only just begun." Along with Gay and Konanova, the Navient plaintiffs were represented by Maria Ginzburg and Margaret Siller of Selendy & Gay. The case is Hyland, et al. v. Navient Corp., et al. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, No. 18-cv-9031. SOURCE Selendy & Gay PLLC Related Links https://www.selendygay.com Google releases new social media app called Google Keep. It works much like Pinterest. Other Google social media apps like Orkut, Wave and Google Plus have all failed. After the abject failure of Google Plus, it looks like the company is still looking for a social media contender to rival the likes of Facebook and Twitter. Created by Googles Area 120 workshop, and PAIR, who work AI research, the companys latest take at a social media app is called Google Keen. Similar to Pinterest rather than the big two, the app is now available on the Google Play Store, but theres no word on when itll come to IOS yet. Google has tried its best to break into the social media space with apps like Orkut and Google Plus getting run over by Facebook, Twitter and others. The app functions somewhat like Pinterest, in that you curate Keens, using them to collect images, articles, stuff that youre interested in. You can then share them with your friends and people in your circle. How PAIR and AI make a difference here is that it does its magic in the background to show you stuff that might be of interest to you, which you can then curate to your Keen. It looks like Google has not learnt its lesson when it comes to social media and continues to bang their head against the wall hoping something will stick. Will Google Keen be the next big thing? Who knows, but with Googles track record of social media apps, itll probably be shuttered by the end of the year. In other Google news, the company has announced a new Stadia Connect Event and you can read more about it here. And if youre up for a bit of Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan could soon be the voice you hear on your Google Maps. And, speaking of Google Maps, the app will now alert users about crowded buses, COVID-19 checkpoints and more. Check out that story here. India logs over 3.17 lakh new Covid cases in last 24 hours; daily positivity rate up at 16.41 per cent India-China standoff: AAP leaders claim party not invited for all-party meeting called by PM Modi India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P New Delhi, June 19: The AAP has not been invited to an all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the border conflict with China, two senior party leaders claimed on Friday. AAP leader Sanjay Singh said the party has a government in Delhi and in Punjab, it is the main opposition party, but still the BJP does not want its opinion. Indo-China border standoff: Plan to start construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya put on hold India-China Galwan faceoff: China releases 10 Indian soldiers from custody | Oneindia News "A strange ego-ridden government is running at the Centre. The Aam Aadmi Party has a government in Delhi. Punjab has a main opposition party. There are four MPs all over the country, but still the BJP does not want its opinion on such an important matter. What will the prime minister say in the meeting, the whole country is waiting for it," Singh also tweeted. He also said that during a national emergency, all parties should be brought together. AAP leader and Delhi minister Gopal Rai said it is unfortunate that the AAP was not invited. China releases 10 Indian soldiers "Instead of taking all the parties together, the BJP is using mathematical formulas to ascertain who should be invited and who should not be. It is unfortunate," he said. It has been learnt that all recognised national parties -- those with over five MPs in the Lok Sabha, leading parties from the northeast and parties with Union Cabinet ministers -- have been invited for the all-party meeting. The meeting will take place on Friday and it comes against the backdrop of demands by the opposition seeking details of the violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh which left 20 Indian Army personnel dead. How China planned the violent skirmish at Galwan Valley "In protest against the attack on Indian soldiers by China, Aam Aadmi Party will hold 'aakrosh pradarshan' tomorrow on June 20 at 11:00 am. There will be demonstration in all the 70 assembly constituencies of Delhi. India will not stand disrespect of brave soldiers," Rai said in a tweet. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, June 19, 2020, 12:16 [IST] The Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has given assurance of adequate security protection as the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) readies to hold its parliamentary primaries on Saturday, June 20. Delegates in 27 out of the regions 44 constituencies would be voting in various electoral areas to pick the partys parliamentary candidates for the coming December general election. Eighty (80) aspirants, including six females, are contesting the parliamentary primary election in those constituencies. Sixteen (16) of them, however, are sole candidates (unopposed), while the election in the Kwadaso Constituency has been pushed back to Wednesday, June 24. Two constituencies, Asawase and Ejura-Sekyeredumasi - both orphaned, had already elected their parliamentary candidates. The primaries in Ashanti, a stronghold of the NPP, is likely to see closely fought battles in some constituencies like Adansi-Asokwa, Bantama, Manhyia North, Subin, Effiduase-Asokore, Ejisu, Old-Tafo, Asante-Akim North, Asante-Akim Central and Asante-Akim South. Mr. Simon Osei-Mensah, the Regional Minister and Chairman of REGSEC, at a media briefing in Kumasi, said they were not leaving anything to chance. He said they would act decisively to deal with any threat to peace and order, adding that, we are warning party supporters to stay off trouble. He announced that there was going to be strong security presence and that motor-bikes would not be allowed anywhere near the voting centres. Barely twenty-four (24) hours to the elections, there is confusion over the voters album in some of the constituencies and that is creating uneasy calm. Some delegates are crying fouls over the voters roll (albums), to be used for the elections in their areas, which they are claiming have been tampered with. Meanwhile, the leadership of the party in the region, has promised to enforce strictly all the COVID-19 preventive protocols at the electoral areas where voting would take place. Mr. Sam Pyne, the Regional Secretary, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that there would be observance of social distancing and mandatory wearing of face masks. Additionally, all the electoral areas would be provided with hand sanitizers and Veronica buckets for use by the delegates. 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 Andrei Makhovsky MINSK (Reuters) - Protesters formed a line up to 4 km (2.4 miles) long in Minsk, the Belarus capital, on Thursday evening after President Alexander Lukashenko's main rival was detained in a widening crackdown ahead of August's presidential election. By Andrei Makhovsky MINSK (Reuters) - Protesters formed a line up to 4 km (2.4 miles) long in Minsk, the Belarus capital, on Thursday evening after President Alexander Lukashenko's main rival was detained in a widening crackdown ahead of August's presidential election. Lukashenko, who has allowed little dissent in the former Soviet republic since gaining power in 1994, faces the biggest challenge to his authority in years, with thousands taking to the streets to support opposition candidates. Viktor Babariko, who is widely seen as Lukashenko's main challenger in the election, was detained after being accused of crimes including taking $430 million out of the country in money-laundering schemes. Babariko was detained along with his 30-year-old son, Eduard, who was running his father's election campaign. Babariko's election team said authorities were also searching his home. In Minsk, protesters took to the streets and passing cars honked their horns in solidarity for hours. "We came to support a candidate for whom we were going to vote, who was illegally detained in order not to be allowed to run for election. The whole country wants change," said 50-year-old Gennady in the protest line. Public frustration with Lukashenko's handling of the coronavirus crisis and grievances about the economy and human rights have reinvigorated opposition. Babariko's campaign team said it would still field him in the presidential vote on Aug. 9. "We consider the events of recent days and, in particular, today's detention and the barring of lawyers from access to Viktor and Eduard Babariko as a direct violation of human rights," the campaign team said in a statement. "What we hear about the criminal case and the detention from state television channels, we consider it an absurdity." Lukashenko has denied allegations by Babariko of using criminal cases to exert political pressure on his opponent. Babariko is a former head of the local unit of Russia's Gazprombank. Belgazprombank, whose offices were raided in a tax evasion and money laundering case, has been put into temporary administration and 15 workers detained. Another election candidate said this week she was pressing on with her campaign, despite receiving a threat to have her children taken away. (Writing by Matthias Williams; Editing by Giles Elgood, Alexander Smith and Leslie Adler) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Mardika Parama (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 13:25 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406600cbf1 1 Business Hotel,June,Indonesia,COVID-19,reopening Free Hotels in Indonesia are likely to remain closed throughout June, with operations to resume in July at the earliest, a hotelier association has said, citing concerns about low demand amid consumer fears over the COVID-19 pandemic. Demand for accommodation is projected to still be low this month, especially with the enforcement of large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in several regions, according to Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) chairman Hariyadi Sukamdani. Most hotel owners have decided to still halt operations throughout the month. Maybe well start reopening our doors in July. We could suffer additional losses if we forced ourselves to open with low occupancy rates, Hariyadi said during a press conference held by booking platform Tiket.com on Wednesday. With the cashflow disruption due to the pandemic, hotel owners will try to save capital on operational costs and think twice about welcoming back guests, he added. The pandemic has severely battered tourism in Indonesia as people stay at home to contain the virus spread, with more than 42,000 cases to date. Foreign tourist visits to Indonesia have plunged 87.44 percent year-on-year (yoy) to 160,000 visitors in April, the lowest in recent history. According to the PHRI, 1,642 hotels and 353 restaurants have shut their businesses as of late April due to low occupancy rates. The associations data also show that 180 tourist destinations and 232 tourist villages across Indonesia are temporarily closed. Hariyadi said all stakeholders must work together to improve public confidence in their safety, as the fear of COVID-19 infection could deter people from visiting hotels. A lot of people has asked me, when will we return to normalcy? and my answer is, when our consumers regain their confidence in traveling, he said. Despite the concerns, a recent study by travel website Tripadvisor found that 68 percent of customers surveyed were considering travel plans. Searches for hotels in Indonesia on the website increased 5.4 percent year-on-year (yoy) between March 29 and May 31. Hotels in large cities have also started to see their occupancy rates increase following the governments decision to ease the PSBB measures in its bid to reopen the economy. Hotel chain Artotel Group chief operating officer Eduard Rudolf Pangkerego said the company had decided to open four of its properties in Jakarta and had seen an increase in occupancy at their hotel in South Jakarta. There are 19 properties under Artotels management, according to the companys website, six of which are located in the Indonesian capital. Our South Jakarta hotel occupancy rate has reached around 30 to 40 percent. Our competitors are also reporting similar results as businesses resume operation, Eduard said during the conference. While hotel accommodation demand from the leisure market segment is still under pressure, Eduard said demand from the business segment was starting to pick up. The situation remains difficult for our properties that are located on other islands [outside of Java], such as in Bali and North Sumatra, but we see demand from the business segment is increasing, he said. In an effort to boost consumer confidence in the hospitality industry, Tiket.com on Wednesday launched a clean label for hotels that have implemented strict health and sanitation protocol. We believe that our customers currently need assurance on their health safety, and we help them with our clean feature. This is a feature that could convince them to travel with peace of mind, the companys cofounder and chief marketing officer Gaery Undarsa said. Around 4,000 hotels both in Indonesia and abroad have registered for the clean label, of which 80 percent are domestic hotels. We live in truly tumultuous times. Social distancing, stock-market roller coasters and the suspension of business operations nationwide have created an uncertain atmosphere, to say the least. Meanwhile, climate change, income inequality, racial unrest and other issues continue to manifest anxiety, fear and even anger for many. While these problems can seem overwhelming, history has repeatedly taught us that there is no reason to lose hope. People have consistently found solutions to the worlds biggest problems and entrepreneurs are often at the forefront. In many ways, todays technology and resources give entrepreneurs greater opportunity than ever before to help confront our societal ills, daunting though they may seem. Here are just few examples how. Increased Global Collaboration Our global society is more interconnected than ever before. Even before 2020, global markets were concerned about how factory shutdowns in China would impact the global supply chain. However, increased globalization also creates new collaborative opportunities that give entrepreneurs access to greater resources for addressing major problems. For example, a case study from the World Economic Forum noted how food manufacturer Africa Improved Foods wanted to address malnourishment in Rwanda. Local stakeholders received input from public and private-sector leaders in the United Kingdom, Brazil and the Netherlands to determine how best to produce fortified products that would address the countrys malnourishment issues. Global collaborations allow entrepreneurs to get input from other cultures and communities in ways that would have been impossible only a few decades ago. Related: Why Collaboration Is Essential to Entrepreneurship Smarter Technological Solutions By leveraging the resources others have developed or coming up with their own tech products, entrepreneurs can create new solutions that more efficiently solve common problems. This became abundantly clear during a recent email conversation with Damian Merlak, co-founder of NGEN. Even something as seemingly simple as app development can improve the flexibility, scalability and redundancy of a problem-solving solution, he explained, continuing that, Real-time data collection, remote access, more efficient energy production all of these can serve as a jumping-off point for developing more effective solutions that reach a wider number of people. Finding new ways to use the technology that is available can unlock amazing innovations. Many of todays tech solutions dont just help entrepreneurs innovate with new products and services they also make it easier to keep a business running smoothly. Cutting costs and automating mundane tasks will leave you with more time to focus your efforts on important problem-solving initiatives. Finding Social Impact Anywhere We live in a time when an increasing number of people want to know that the companies they do business with are having a positive impact on the world. As just one example, a 2015 Nielsen study found that brands with a demonstrated commitment to sustainability grew 4 percent year over year, compared to less than 1 percent growth for their competitors. This reflects consumers increased desire to buy from brands that have a positive impact on society. Entrepreneurs are innovators, and as such, brands in practically every niche have been able to find ways to make a difference. For example, a BCG report notes how Mars Incorporated partnered with nonprofit agencies to certify small-scale cocoa farmers to improve human rights and the environmental impact of cocoa farming. Not what youd expect from a candy bar maker, but proof that all brands can find ways to make an impact for good. A Problem-Solving Mindset While todays resources and opportunities can certainly help entrepreneurs solve the worlds biggest challenges, nothing compares to the unique mindset shared by all entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are born problem-solvers, always looking for new and better ways to do things. Writing for the Classy blog, Tori Callahan explains, The most successful social entrepreneurs challenge themselves to be open-minded and approach problems with a filter that is void of established tendencies and stigmas. They are unconventional thinkers, not limited by the constraints of the systems in place, but instead challenge those systems with fresh ideas and techniques. Callahan goes on to note that most entrepreneurs seek dramatic not incremental change. This mindset that embraces big goals and is willing to learn from failure is not for the faint-hearted. But it is what defines a successful entrepreneur. It is the key to using all available resources (or coming up with completely new tools) to drive innovative solutions to all kinds of problems. Related: Small Businesses That Consider Social Impact Will See One to Their Bottom Line As bleak as present circumstances can feel, this is no time for entrepreneurs to give up. You may be asked to hunker down physically, but that doesnt mean you cant keep working toward meaningful solutions that will improve our world as a whole. And few are better equipped for the challenge than an entrepreneur. Related: How Ecommerce Companies Can Grow During a Recession Why Is Comedian Jim Gaffigan Gratefully Eating Garbage? How Entrepreneurs Can Address Unconscious Bias Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved That Expert Show host Anna Canzano taking your questions to enhance your nature walks. Her next guest this Monday is Elissa Kobrin, CEO of Camp Wilani. Canzano and Kobrin will talk about ways to incorporate environmental science into your walk around your neighborhood. POST YOUR QUESTION VIA FACEBOOK, TWITTER, EMAIL Kobrin is a former interpretive park ranger for the Oregon Park and Recreation Department and backcountry ranger for the North Cascades National Park. She received her BA in Planning, Public Policy and Management with a minor in Nonprofit Administration from the University of Oregon (UO) in 2013 and earned her M.Ed. from Western Washington University. Kobrin he served as a regional director for the YMCA before returning to Eugene to take the helm of Camp Fire Wilani. Elissa loves hiking, yoga, excellent coffee, birds and moose. (She really loves moose.) She can often be found in parks or other outdoor areas naturalizing to strangers whether they are interested or not. That Expert Show is a weekly interview show hosted by Canzano in partnership with The Oregonian/OregonLive. It utilizes input from the audience and is streamed live every Monday at 11 a.m. Pacific Time via Facebook, Twitter and the shows website. Its also available as a podcast (Apple or GooglePlay) and on IGTV. WATCH VIDEO A controversial programme that grants residency to high-wealth individuals in return for investment has brought more than 500m into Ireland over the past six years. The Immigrant Investor Programme allows people with a net worth of more than 2m residence in Ireland for themselves and their family, subject to conditions. Almost a quarter of all the investment that came into the country through the scheme a total of 124.3m went into nursing home projects. A further 117.7m of the half-billion euro invested went towards social housing development, according to detailed records provided by the Department of Justice covering 2014 to 2019. Another 82m went into an investment fund while 70.5m was committed to hospitality or tourism projects. Smaller amounts were also invested in healthcare, property, and specialist investments. Environmental services yielded the lowest amount of investment, at just 500,000. The records show that applications involving 1.24bn worth of investment have been made through the scheme since 2014. However, almost 40% of applications have been rejected with the value of granted applications currently 744.65m not all of which has yet been invested. The overwhelming majority of the investment has come from China according to the records, with almost 95% of applications coming from that country. The Department of Justice figures show that there have been 1,601 applications, of which 1,509 came from the Peoples Republic of China. A further 20 applications came from the USA, with the remaining 72 classified as rest of world in the records. Of the 1,601 applications made under the scheme, 984 or 61% have been granted. From that total, 935 were from China. Success rates significantly varied according to the area of investment, according to the figures. Of 419 applications made that involved putting money into social housing, only 254 or 61% were successful. However, of 280 investments proposed for nursing homes, 212 or 76% were granted. Among the least likely investments to get approved were those in the area of sports and recreation/fitness where just two of 27 applications got the green light. Under the scheme, successful applicants can get residence permission in Ireland for themselves and qualifying family members, initially organised over a five-year period. The residency can then be rolled over every five years provided the person has not become a financial burden on the state, or been investigated, indicted or convicted of a criminal offence in any jurisdiction. The success of the investment is irrelevant, according to guidelines for applicants, and as long as the funds promised are committed, the residency permit is not affected. Under the scheme, investors do not even have to be resident in Ireland they must, however, visit Ireland at least once per calendar year. A Department of Justice spokesman said: This permission allows them to reside, study, and work in Ireland should they choose to do so. They said that the fact that a majority of applicants were Chinese was an experience shared by other countries who operate similar schemes. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 11:35:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BRASILIA, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Education Minister Abraham Weintraub announced Thursday that he was leaving the post and heading to the World Bank as one of its directors. He made the announcement in a video posted on Twitter, in which he appeared standing next to President Jair Bolsonaro. "I am leaving the MEC (Ministry of Education) and I am beginning the transition now ... to the provisional or definitive minister who will replace me," he said. Weintraub took office in April 2019 after the departure of Bolsonaro's first Education Minister Ricardo Velez Rodriguez. Weintraub was recently embroiled in controversy following a leaked video of a cabinet meeting on April 22 showing him criticizing the judges of the Federal Supreme Court, who he said should be arrested. On Wednesday the court included him in an investigation into alleged generators of fake news, which was reportedly in relation with Bolsonaro's supporters. Enditem (Natural News) The mainstream media is freaking out over President Donald Trumps upcoming rally the first since the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis in Tulsa, Oklahoma, because of the threat it poses in spreading more disease. But this same media is praising the massive Black Lives Matter and Antifa demonstrations because those are different. NBC News, for instance, recently tweeted a photo of thousands of people rallying in and around the Brooklyn Museum plaza in New York City for black trans lives. This massive gathering, the fake news outlet contended, was somehow no big deal because it was for a cause that NBC News apparently supports. Protesters packed the courtyard of the Brooklyn Museum and surrounding parkway in New York City on Sunday in support of Black trans lives, merging the fight to protect two deeply marginalized groups, NBC News wrote in glowing adoration of the event, noting that attendance would be likely in the thousands. As the country rallies behind dismantling racist systems that put Black lives at risk in the wake of George Floyds death, activists have also put a lens on Black trans people who are at the intersection of two dangerously marginalized groups, the fake news outlet went on to state. After President Trump announced his rally, however, the tune quickly changed. Not only did the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) suddenly become an issue NBC News did not even mention the pandemic when reporting on the black trans lives rally but so did Trumps alleged carelessness about the alleged public health risks associated with gathering his supporters together in one space. President Trump plans to rally his supporters next Saturday for the first time since most of the country was shuttered by the coronavirus, NBC News reported, using vastly different language and tone compared to its reporting on the black trans lives rally. But health experts are questioning that decision, it went on to report. Listen below to The Health Ranger Report as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about how the left-wing agenda and its support for terrorism is actually helping Trump to win the election this fall: Why does coronavirus only spread when conservatives do things? Hilariously, NBC News went on to warn that health experts are supposedly concerned about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading among the crowd at Trumps rally. Large in-person gatherings where it is difficult for individuals to remain spaced at least 6 feet apart and attendees travel from outside the local area, could spark outbreaks when people return to their homes NBC News added, quoting the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And it is not just the indoor part of Trumps rally that NBC News is fear-mongering about. The fake news outlet is also concerned about Trump supporters standing outside in line for hours before cramming into an arena because in both scenarios they are standing side by side or shoulder to shoulder. Trump rallies, according to Dr. Ashish Jha, director of Harvard Universitys Global Health Institute, represent an extraordinarily dangerous move for the people participating and the people who may know them and love them and see them afterward. We almost shed a tear at this emotional plea before quickly recognizing that neither Dr. Jha nor NBC News nor any of the other left-wing hacks decrying Trump rallies has said a word about Antifa and BLM terrorists gathering together side by side and shoulder to shoulder to do whatever it is they are doing every day in the streets of America. The hypocrisy of the media is just amazing, wrote one Breitbart News commenter. Go ahead and demonstrate. No need to worry about the virus. But if you go to a Trump rally, youll be a mass murderer by spreading the virus. Seriously? They cant have it both ways, but theyll surely try. To keep up with the latest news about mainstream media bias, be sure to check out Deception.news. Sources for this article include: Breitbart.com NaturalNews.com Hyderabad: In the video, Disco Baba is seen dancing in front of MIM MLA Ahmed Pasha Quadri and police officers. Police arrested Anwarullah Khan alias Disco Baba, a self-proclaimed unani doctor. He allegedly cheated scores of people by telling them that hidden treasure in their home was the reason for their illness. He would then pretend to perform rituals and produce gold biscuits and diamonds, all fake. According to the complainant, "the tantrik had injured, stabbed his son with a sharp laser blade on the back, stomach, fingers of his foot, pressed his throat, poured hot water on him, kept him nude for several hours and days and forced him to kneel down in the late night hours." #WATCH: 'Disco Baba' arrested in a fraud case, dances before cops at Hyderabad police station. pic.twitter.com/5D9CTlqisH a ANI (@ANI_news) September 28, 2016 For all the Latest Viral News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. QUESTIONS OVER FORMER ISRAELI PARTNER The numerous probes and exposure to coal have seen Glencore's shares underperform peers. Glencore mines copper and cobalt from Congo, where its links to former partner and Israeli billionaire businessman Dan Gertler have been the subject of scrutiny. Gertler was sanctioned by the United States in 2017 over allegations he used his friendship with former DRC President Joseph Kabila to secure sweetheart mining deals. He denied all allegations of impropriety at the time. Congo Mines Minister Willy Kitobo Samsoni and a spokesman for the presidency were not immediately available to comment. Congo is the world's largest producer of cobalt, used in batteries for electric vehicles, and Africa's biggest miner of copper. The top brass at Glencore is expected to step down this year after years of leadership under South African CEO Ivan Glasenberg. Glencore's founder Marc Rich was indicted in 1983 for exploiting the U.S. embargo against Iran, tax evasion, fraud and racketeering. He fled to Switzerland, where he remained a fugitive pursued by the Justice Department until he was pardoned by then President Bill Clinton in 2001. (Reporting by Tanishaa Nadkar in Bengaluru, Zandi Shabalala in London, Michael Shields in Zurich, Helen Reid in Johannesburg, and Hereward Holland in Calstock; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) Amaravati: The ruling YSR Congress bagged all the four Rajya Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh in the biennial election held on Friday as expected. According to Legislature sources, Deputy Chief Minister Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose, Minister Mopidevi Venkata Ramana, industrialist Parimal Nathwani and realtor Ayodhya Rami Reddy of the YSRC were elected with 38 votes each. The opposition Telugu Desam Party, which had forced the contest despite not having the numbers, lost badly, with its nominee Varla Ramaiah polling only 17 votes against its technical strength of 23 in the assembly. Voting for 19 Rajya Sabha seats spread across 8 states concluded peacefully at 4 pm on Friday. Voting began at 9 am in the respective Assemblies and concluded at 4 pm. Polling took place in 8 states simultaneously - Gujarat (4 seats), Andhra Pradesh (4 seats), Rajasthan (3 seats), Jharkhand (2 seats), Manipur (1 seat), Meghalaya (1 seat) and Mizoram (1 seat). Apart from routine preparations, the Election Commission had made special arrangements for sanitisation, social distancing etc. in view of coronavirus outbreak. The EC had arranged separate entry and exit gates. MLAs were allowed to enter the Assemblies after the thermal screening. 18 of the 19 seats are part of the 55 Rajya Sabha seats which fell vacant earlier this year. Out of these 55 seats, 37 were filled uncontested. Devastated by COVID-19, nursing homes are ramping up the pressure on Premier Doug Ford to help the industry prepare for a second wave by training an army of infection prevention and control specialists. The plea came Friday as the death toll in long-term-care approached 1,800, one-third of the 5,400 vulnerable residents who caught the highly contagious virus. More masks and other personal protective equipment are needed, with a continued emphasis on testing, retrofits of older homes with four-bed rooms that made it difficult to contain the spread of COVID-19, and technology to enable more digital medical assessments for residents, said the Ontario Long-Term Care Association. The measures are urgently needed to avoid a repeat of the tragedy that unfolded in the first wave, added association president Donna Duncan. While the number of outbreaks and infections in nursing homes has declined in recent weeks, we cant let up the pedal with a potential second wave coming as early as this summer, she warned. Duncan has previously raised concerns that it was difficult for some nursing homes to get doctors in to assess residents during the height of the pandemic in April, making it important to have virtual medical care in place. Infection prevention and control is also key, with COVID-19 making 2,154 employees ill and killing seven. That left a number of homes desperately short of staff some losing 80 per cent to illness and absenteeism driven by fear. Dire situations prompted Ford to call in Canadian Armed Forces medical teams at six hard-hit homes where care levels deteriorated to frightening levels, and to issue takeover orders for almost a dozen long-term-care facilities enabling local hospitals to manage their day-to-day operations. Hospitals also sent teams of doctors, nurses, cleaners and other staff into other struggling nursing homes in need of assistance to stabilize care. More integration with the broader health-care system is essential, said Duncan, whose association represents the majority of Ontarios 626 nursing homes, including for-profit, municipal, charity, and not-for-profit operators. Last month, she sounded the alarm that the nursing home industry, which cares for 80,000 residents with about 80,000 full- and part-time employees, has lost half its staff, presenting serious challenges for recruitment and care levels going forward. Ford has promised an independent commission into the impacts of COVID-19 in nursing homes will begin in July, although his government has not named a commissioner or set terms of reference. Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dube is also investigating. Ministry of Health statistics released Friday indicate nursing homes are still fighting 66 outbreaks of COVID-19, up three from a week ago following a steady drop from more than 300 at the height of the first wave. The stall in the decline after weeks of progress shows how difficult the virus can be to eradicate in the close quarters of long-term care, with 320 active cases in residents and 371 remaining sick. Overall, the number of active cases across the province fell by 79 people to 2,281, with the government reporting a sixth straight day with fewer than 200 new infections. A separate Star compilation from health units at 5 p.m. Friday showed 206 confirmed and probable cases in the previous 24 hours, pushing the provincial total to 35,008 since January. Nine more deaths increased that tally to 2,613. Across Canada, there have been 100,200 cases and 8,300 dead, according to federal government figures. The number of patients in hospital with COVID-19 continued to fall, with 331 patients including 82 in intensive care and 65 of them on ventilators. Thats down from 527 patients with 114 in ICU and 84 on ventilators a week ago. Labs across the province processed 27,225 tests Thursday, according to the ministry figures. But annexation is fueling consternation among Democrats in Congress and is opposed by the partys presumptive presidential nominee, Joseph R. Biden Jr., all of whom favor a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mr. Netanyahu has not responded publicly to the criticism, saying recently, The less I say about this now, the greater our chances of achieving the best result. And the few officials in a position to explain and defend his thinking have refused to do so publicly. His office refused to comment for this article, as did Ron Dermer, Israels ambassador in Washington and a key figure in the annexation push. Mr. Netanyahu promised last fall to annex the strategically important Jordan Valley, a move that would create an eastern border abutting Jordan. In January, he said he would annex even more: about 30 percent of the West Bank, including dozens of existing Jewish settlements, in keeping with a conceptual map in the Trump administrations peace plan. But the administration has since called upon Mr. Netanyahu to reach a consensus with his centrist coalition partner, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who has opposed unilateral moves. Their private talks have produced trial balloons from a modest, largely symbolic annexation to taking the whole 30 percent, or moving in phases but little clarity. The Palestinians have rejected any unilateral move as a violation of Israels commitments to mutually negotiated borders under the Oslo accords. They have withdrawn from the agreement and the Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank, has suspended security cooperation with Israel in protest. The fear most unnerving Israelis is that their sons and daughters could be sent into combat. If the Palestinian Authority collapses or Palestinians respond with an uprising, Israel could be forced to militarily reoccupy a restive West Bank. As the world tries to get back on their feet after the severe effects of the coronavirus outbreak, world leaders during meetings are avoiding handshakes and are seen resorting to do a 'namaste'. In a visit to the UK by French President Emmanuel Macron he is seen folding his hands together and taking a slight bow for a namaste as he greets Prime Minister Boris Johnson who greets back a namaste too. They can be seen together outside the 10, Downing Street, doing a namaste as a greeting and standing for the press photographers while maintaining a suitable social distance. The video has been shared on Twitter by UK PM Johnson. WATCH: Macron is in London to mark the 80th anniversary of the historic Charles de Gaulle's broadcast from London during World War Two, French President Emmanuel Macron traveled to London on Thursday. The Frech leader said that when de Gaulle was exiled from France, the British monarchy became his refuge and he was treated like the legitimate Minister of France by Winston Churchill. This was Johnson and Macron's first major face-to-face meeting since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Photo credit: Bettmann - Getty Images From Delish Photo credit: Bettmann - Getty Images It's no secret that Black voices and Black holidays have never been given the recognition in the United Statesor elsewherethat they deserve. One such holiday is Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day or Freedom Day. A contraction of the date June 19, it marks the official emancipation of slaves in America (although we know now that slavery continued even thereafter). While absent from many people's history classes, June 19, 1865 was a monumental date in American history. It's jarring to compare Juneteenth to the Fourth of July, another American date driven by so-called freedom, but one that has enjoyed far, far more recognitionand it's especially jarring to recall that on July 4, 1776, there were many Americans who could not enjoy freedom. As allies, it's essential to be educated about holidays like these. Here's everything you need to know about Juneteenth, which states celebrate it, and how you can honor it in your community. The History of Juneteenth More than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union General Gordon Granger and approximately 1,800 federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. Their mission? They planned to take control of the state and enforce what President Lincoln had implemented two years prior. I know what you're thinking. How is that possible that a whole state, especially one as large as Texas, wouldn't have heard of the groundbreaking law, especially when it had been "in action" for two years? The reason: Texas was one of the few states in the South that had yet to be claimed by the Union army. Since it was one of the few states left untouched, a ton of slave owners since the capture of New Orleans in 1862 from Mississippi, Louisiana, and other points East had been migrating to Texas to escape the Union Army. Wild, I know. Photo credit: Bettmann - Getty Images Down South, Granger read General Orders No. 3, which signaled freedom for Texas's 250,000 slaves and established the Union Army's authority over the people of Texas. It read: Story continues "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere." Unfortunately, not everyone heard the news immediately. According to PBS, on plantations, masters ultimately decided when they would announce the news. Some waited for government agents to arrive, or waited to break the news until after the harvest season. Despite the setbacks, that didn't stop celebrations among the newly freed as they celebrated the birth of a new holiday, which would become Juneteenth. 46 States Currently Recognize Juneteenth as a Holiday In 1980, Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth a state holiday, although it had been celebrated informally since 1865. Since then, all but four states recognize the holiday. Those states are Hawaii, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. Photo credit: Kathryn Scott - Getty Images As for its status as a national holiday, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution last year recognizing "Juneteenth Independence Day" as a national holiday. Still, it has not yet been approved in the House. How can I get involved in Juneteenth? Organizations such as the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation in Mississippi are still seeking a Congressional designation of Juneteenth as a national holiday. The association recommends volunteering for one of the commissions listed on their website, having or promoting a Juneteenth Celebration in your community, or making a donation. SIGN THE PETITION You can also make a difference right now by signing their petition, above, to make Juneteenth a national holiday. You Might Also Like At least two local restaurateurs in Jefferson County have decided to temporarily close after employees were exposed to COVID-19, another setback after months of lost revenue due to the shutdown. JWilsons on Beaumonts Gladys Avenue closed Tuesday after an employee reported having tested positive for coronavirus. Owner John Wilson said the worker was sent home from work before any customers were in the restaurant; he and the rest of the staff are awaiting their own test results. Carmelas Mexican Restaurant advised customers via social media on June 12 that it was closing its Beaumont and Nederland locations for an undetermined period after learning that an employee was exposed to someone who tested positive for coronavirus. Neither retailer was required to close. Related: Coronavirus count reaches new heights in Jefferson County JWilsons had resumed dining-room service barely a month before Wilson closed the doors and started deep cleaning the building. He also had all 45 people in the restaurant tested for COVID-19 on Wednesday. Business was booming at the time of the setback, Wilson said, with revenues approaching pre-pandemic levels. The restaurant is not offering curbside service at this time, and Wilson did not give a timeline for a possible reopening. As tough as it was, he said, the decision was a no-brainer. We really knew there were no other decision, he said. Regardless of what some of the guidelines say, they arent laws. I cant imagine still working and taking a chance on spreading it. Wilson said that if it werent for federally subsidized tests, testing all of his employees could have cost him $15,000 to $20,000 out of pocket. They were kind of scared at first, but I think my staff is just as appreciative of knowing they are being put first instead of the business, he said. We arent just sacrificing them. Top hits: Get Beaumont Enterprise stories sent directly to your inbox Carmelas owner Guillermo Abarca could not be reached for comment. On social media, the restaurant said it would use the downtime to do some renovations. The temporary closures come as Texas experiences a steep rise in infections, recording more than 3,500 new cases Thursday. The state also has been setting new records for coronavirus hospitalizations since June 7. Almost 3,000 patients were in Texas hospitals with the virus as of Thursday. Jefferson County has reported 105 new cases since the beginning of the week. Chris Boone, Beaumonts director of planning and community development, said JWilsons and Carmelas are the only restaurants he is aware of voluntarily closing due to concerns over the virus. Texas hasnt released any guidance or rules for what businesses are supposed to do when an employee has the virus, but the Texas Restaurant Association suggests all establishments follow guidelines set by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Related: Jefferson Co. sets daily record for new coronavirus cases The CDC advises most business owners that they do not have to shut down if an employee has tested positive. But areas where that employee has been should shut off or cleaned if they had been in the building fewer than seven days before becoming ill. The agency also advises letting other employees know when there has been potential exposure and asking them to self-quarantine at home for 14 days. But the directive does not tell employers whether they should test or inform customers. Ana Pereda, vice president of economic development with the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber is still developing its own guidance to help advise members what to do when dealing with an infection. She said the chamber task force advising businesses as they reopen has not gotten a lot of questions about responding to infections, but the group knows it has to be ready. Its not happening now, but I think it will become an increasing problem, Pereda said. As cases rise, I think we will be getting more and more of this. jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/jd_journalism Human rights lawyer Surendra Gadling and writer-activist Sudhir Dhawale, arrested in the Elgar Parishad case, approached Bombay High Court on Friday challenging the transfer of the probe from Pune police to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The case, in which several human rights activists have been arrested for alleged Maoist links, was transferred from Pune police to NIA on January 24 this year. Gadling and Dhawale were arrested in June 2018 and are lodged at the Taloja jail near Mumbai. The petition, filed through advocate SB Talekar, alleged the transfer of the probe was done by the Central government after BJP lost power in Maharashtra and was hence "politically motivated". "The transfer order is arbitrary, discriminatory, unjust and violative of the fundamental rights of the accused persons in the case," the petition said. "The then BJP-led state government with Hindutva agency used the incident of violence at Koregaon Bhima in Pune in December 2017-January 2018 to target influential Dalit thinkers by showing the Elgar Parishad meeting as part of a Maoist movement," the petition said. The petition said "political expediency" cannot be a ground to invoke powers of NIA Act and transfer probe. The petition further claimed the NIA Act, 2008 does not permit transfer of case after completion of investigation and commencement of trial, particularly when there are no compelling circumstances necessitating such a transfer. "The order transferring the investigation to NIA after completion of probe amounts to re-investigation, which is not permissible under law," the petition said, and claimed the transfer was bad in law as no permission was sought from the high court to initiate re-investigation. The petition claimed chargesheets have been filed in the case, but in November last year the newly formed Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra proposed to form a special investigation team to look into the case. "The Central government immediately issued a notification directing NIA to take up the investigation in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case without assigning any reason," the petition said. The petition further claimed that in April 2018, the Pune police had submitted a report to the Union government on the nature of offences alleged in the FIR, the role of each of the accused and other details. After going through the report, the Central government deemed it appropriate to allow the state machinery to continue with the investigation, but in January this year changed its mind and transferred the probe to NIA, the petition said. "The Central government, since the registration of the FIR in January 2018, did not feel it necessary to transfer the investigation to NIA till there was a change of government in Maharashtra," the petition said. The plea is likely to be taken up for hearing on June 23 by the high court. Apart from Gadling and Dhawale, the other arrested accused in the case include Rona Wilson, Anand Teltumbde, Gautam Navlakha, Shoma Sen, Vernon Gonsalves, Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira and Sudha Bharadwaj. They are accused of having Maoist links and have been charged under stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Indian Penal Code (IPC). According to the prosecution, inflammatory speeches and provocative statements made at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017 triggered caste violence at Koregaon Bhima the next day. The police claim the conclave was backed by Maoists. The FBI arrested a Texas man who allegedly threatened to kill Black Lives Matter protesters in a racist video posted online. FBI agents arrested Manuel Flores, a 42-year-old truck driver from El Paso, on Monday in the Dallas area on a federal charge of making a threat over the internet, the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office said Wednesday night. Flores allegedly recorded and uploaded a video to YouTube in which he made threats to Black Lives Matter protesters, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas said citing a federal criminal complaint. The complaint stated that an investigation began Saturday following an online tip to the FBI National Threat Operations Center regarding an alleged threat to shoot protesters in the Dallas area. 'The mask is off': Will the Black Lives Matter movement finally put an end to Confederate flags and statues? The video was posted on YouTube on an account named "Don't CA My TX." In the video, what appears to be an AR-15 rifle can be seen at the feet of the man, who is seen below the knees but whom the FBI identified as Flores, authorities said in a news release. In the video, Flores allegedly said he may have "500 rounds of something" and dared Black Lives Matter activists to "stop him," officials said. A second day of protesting over the death of George Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department. El Pasoans once again took to the streets, this time downtown. El Paso Police, CBP Field Operations Police and State Troopers were on scene in full riot gear. The protest was mostly peaceful. "My dream is at least take out at least 200 (racial slur), (expletive) savages out," Flores said in the video, according to a criminal complaint. After receiving the online tip, an FBI investigation tracked down the posting to Flores' phone. He was visited at his home in El Paso by FBI agents at about at 3 a.m. Sunday, according to the complaint. Flores admitted the "Don't CA My TX" account was his, the complaint stated.. He told agents he had returned to El Paso from making a delivery in Arizona early Saturday and that he had drank eight or nine IPA-style beers and didn't remember what he had said on the video, according to the complaint. Story continues "Flores stated that he loves America and is upset about what is going on right now. However, Flores has no intention of harming anyone but would defend himself if he had to. Flores was remorseful and apologetic to interviewing FBI Special Agents," the complaint stated. In the presence of the FBI agents, Flores logged onto his YouTube account and deleted the video, the document added. Flores allowed agents to search his home, where they found an AR-15 style rifle and ammunition in his bedroom, documents stated. Opinion: Enough equivocating: George Floyd's life mattered, my life matters, Black Lives Matter On Monday, FBI agents spoke to Flores by phone and located and arrested him in the Dallas area without incident. He made his initial court appearance before a U.S magistrate judge in Dallas on Tuesday. "Our office will treat any threats of violence against protesters extremely seriously," U.S. Attorney John F. Bash said in a tweet regarding the case. Flores remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service awaiting transfer to El Paso. If convicted on the federal threat charge, he faces up to five years in federal prison. Daniel Borunda may be reached at 915-546-6102; dborunda@elpasotimes.com; @BorundaDaniel on Twitter. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: FBI arrests Texas man for Black Lives Matter death threats on YouTube Friday, 19 June 2020 17:09:50 (GMT+3) | Istanbul Algeria-based longs steel market players remain concerned regarding the pressure on local mills caused by still active imports and have been actively calling for government protection. Although, according to sources, the Ministry of Commerce has been working on safeguard measures for a wide range of goods, no specific rates or product lists have been disclosed to the public yet. However, some market insiders believe it is a matter of a couple of weeks before such information is disclosed. While speaking to the media back in February, Algerian commerce minister Kamil Rezig said that the safeguard measure for reinforcing bar would be 100 percent duty, while the list of 1095 products would be subject to 30-200 percent tax. In the meantime, a group of 992 goods will be subject to 30-120 percent duty as mentioned in the statement. At the moment, no official disclaimer has been given to the market. It seems that the measure package is under approval or maybe already approved, but not yet published, a local producer told SteelOrbis. The decision will be confirmed in the next two weeks. It will be mandatory applied, the source believes. In the meantime, according to the local media, rebar imports keep coming to Algeria, thus disturbing local producers who have been piling up the stocks and witnessing slow sales. In particular, it is said that a 10,000 mt cargo ex-Portugal is currently being discharged at the port of Annaba, while another 5,000 mt cargo from Belgium has recently arrived in the same area. Local sources state that incoming imports, though they may not seem sizable in terms of volume, impact local mills as consumption has been at low rates recently and orders are not enough for everyone. In addition, the active imports keep washing away foreign currency, leading to a deeper Algerian trade balance deficit. In addition to the expected safeguard measures, the Algerian authorities have underlined the importance of local maritime fleet development in order for it to be able to completely take over the transport of goods, which will again allow to save foreign currency and reduce some import bills. The same reasons lie behind the announced intention to accelerate the revival of mining activity in Algeria, SteelOrbis understands. UPLIFTED When I get to the dispensary, sometimes there are people standing outside looking to do curbside pickup. Ill get a text letting me know if somebody in that line is waiting to talk to me. By the time I get there Im feeling uplifted by the church service I listened to on the way to work by one of my favorite pastors out in Brooklyn, the Rev. Kirk D. Lyons Sr. of Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church. Hes very good. It helps me get ready to make things happen. CAR-SIDE CONSULTATIONS If someone is waiting in line to talk to me, Im not going to let them stand there. I cant bring them inside, but Ill consult with them outside or stand by their car if theyre sitting in a car. Antsy is a good word for how theyre feeling right now. A lot of my patients dont have access to technology, so they dont have a way to get us their paperwork. I have a lot of patients who are in wheelchairs, a lot of veterans with PTSD, which is one of the qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. US Refiners Aim to Lock in Crude Volumes after Getting Burned by Shut-ins: Reuters Sources A premium for oil for immediate delivery usually indicates tightening supply and encourages storage to be drawn out. In another bullish development, Brent crude oil on Thursday moved into backwardation, where oil for immediate delivery costs more than supply later, for the first time since March 1. The strong comeback in the crude oil market after weakness earlier in the week indicates that investors believe that OPEC+ remains in control of the oil supply. This is helping to reduce the fear of another major oversupply situation that drove prices sharply lower from March to May. Furthermore, bullish investors are also increasing bets that OPEC+ compliance will improve in the coming months. Iraq and Kazakhstan, during a meeting of an OPEC+ panel on Thursday, pledged to comply better with oil cuts, sources said. This means curbs by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, known as OPEC+, could deepen in July. U.S. West Texas Intermediate and international-benchmark Brent crude oil futures are trading higher on Friday and in a position to close higher for the week after OPEC producers and allies promised to meet supply cuts and signs of demand, hit the coronavirus crisis, recovering. U.S. West Texas Intermediate and international-benchmark Brent crude oil futures are trading higher on Friday and in a position to close higher for the week after OPEC producers and allies promised to meet supply cuts and signs of demand, hit the coronavirus crisis, recovering. OPEC+ Laggards Pledge Better Compliance Iraq and Kazakhstan, during a meeting of an OPEC+ panel on Thursday, pledged to comply better with oil cuts, sources said. This means curbs by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, known as OPEC+, could deepen in July. The strong comeback in the crude oil market after weakness earlier in the week indicates that investors believe that OPEC+ remains in control of the oil supply. This is helping to reduce the fear of another major oversupply situation that drove prices sharply lower from March to May. Furthermore, bullish investors are also increasing bets that OPEC+ compliance will improve in the coming months. Brent Moves into Backwardation In another bullish development, Brent crude oil on Thursday moved into backwardation, where oil for immediate delivery costs more than supply later, for the first time since March 1. A premium for oil for immediate delivery usually indicates tightening supply and encourages storage to be drawn out. US Refiners Aim to Lock in Crude Volumes after Getting Burned by Shut-ins: Reuters Sources U.S. refiners and other buyers of crude oil are reworking some of their supply contracts to guarantee volumes after many were cut off unexpectedly when a price collapse this spring led drillers to curtail production, sources said. The effort reflects concern in the refining industry about the possibility of another drop in oil prices as world markets continue to reel from the economic fallout of the coronavirus outbreak. Sellers will likely be forced to agree to the terms as buyers remain scarce in the oil market, traders and analysts said and Reuters reported. Normally a drop in prices is good for refiners, but only when they can get their hands on the cheap supply. This move isnt particularly bullish or bearish, but it means that U.S. refiners and other buyers of crude oil will be better prepared if a second wave of coronavirus leads to further demand destruction. Rising Global Demand Concerns Helping to cap gains this week are renewed worries about fuel demand after a surge in coronavirus cases in Beijing and the United States threatened to lockdown portions of the economy. In China, for example, the government shut down schools and cancelled flights. In the U.S., government officials in Texas, Florida and California are reconsidering imposing restrictions at bars and restaurants. Mixed EIA Report Raises Hopes for Bulls This weeks Energy Information Administration (EIA) government inventories report offered a ray of sunshine for the bulls after gasoline and distillate inventories fell unexpectedly. Additionally, crude oil output is now down at 10.5 million barrels per day as oil producers continued to slash output. Weekly Technical Analysis Weekly August WTI Crude Oil Trend Indicator Analysis The main trend is down according to the weekly swing chart; however, momentum has been trending to the upside since the week-ending April 24. A trade through $54.71 will change the main trend to up. A move through $20.28 will signal a resumption of the downtrend. The main range is $62.21 to $20.28. Its 50% to 61.8% retracement zone at $41.25 to $46.19 is the primary upside target. This zone is also controlling the longer-term direction of August WTI crude oil. Weekly Technical Forecast Given the price action over the last eight weeks, the direction of the August WTI crude oil futures contract the week-ending June 26 is likely to be determined by trader reaction to the downtrending Gann angle at $38.21. Bullish Scenario A sustained move over $38.21 will indicate the presence of buyers. If this creates enough upside momentum then look for the rally to extend into $41.25 to $46.19. Bearish Scenario A sustained move under $38.21 will signal the presence of sellers. This could trigger the start of a steep break with the first target zone $30.49 to $28.08. Weekly Outlook The price action suggests that traders are giving OPEC+ the benefit of the doubt that all of its participants will adhere to implement their share of the production cuts. If the laggard producers do compensate over the next three months for their overproduction that will effectively take extra barrels out of the market, even if OPEC+ does not extend its record 9.7 million barrels per day supply cut beyond July. This should be enough to underpin the market. Technically, trader reaction to $41.25 to $46.19 should determine the longer-term direction of the August WTI crude oil market. The wildcard is the rising number of new COVID-19 cases. Traders seem to be shrugging off a global surge at this time since they dont believe it will lead to further demand destruction, but conditions can change fast. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Neither Cinemark nor Regal Cinemas is making moviegoers wear masks when theaters reopen, yet AMC Theatres is taking the brunt of the criticism for doing the same. Thats because CEO Adam Aron said the decision was a political one. We did not want to be drawn into a political controversy, he said in an interview with Variety. We thought it might be counterproductive if we forced mask wearing on those people who believe strongly that it is not necessary. We think that the vast majority of AMC guests will be wearing masks. When I go to an AMC feature, I will certainly be wearing a mask and leading by example. AMC, which has locations in Rocky River, Brooklyn and Solon, plans to reopen 90 percent of its theaters by July 15. On a page outlining the chains safety protocols on its website, the company said masks will be required for employees and recommended for customers. AMC will even sell you a mask for $1 in case you forget to bring one. The list of measures, which were developed in collaboration with the Harvard University School of Public Health and Clorox, also includes the use of newly purchased electrostatic sprayers, HEPA filter vacuum cleaners and MERV 13 air ventilation filters. Still, its what Aron said to Variety thats getting all of the attention on social media. Canceling my AMC membership because there isnt anything political about wearing a mask. Its just a GOOD PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE THAT WILL HELP SAVE LIVES! Symone D. Sanders, a senior adviser to Joe Biden, wrote on Twitter. BREAKING: AMC is going out of business, podcast host Akilah Hughes posted. So instead of a political controversy AMC will opt for an ethical catastrophe, New York Times film critic A.O. Scott tweeted. Health experts say masks help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. However, being required to wear one has turned into a political issue to those who see it as an intrusion on their personal freedom. Masks are optional for consumers in Ohio. But Arons mask comment wasnt the only interesting thing he said Thursday. In an email to customers, he essentially called recent reports of AMCs financial situation fake news. In this time of great uncertainty, where facts are in short supply, speculation and guessing sometimes becomes the norm. Somehow, that speculation can become conventional wisdom, and that conventional wisdom in turn can be reported as truth. Let me say to all of you that so much of the speculation about AMC that was prevalent in the last several weeks was just plain wrong, Aron said, not mentioning the regulatory filing saying there is substantial doubt the company can stay in business. In April, we successfully raised a half a billion dollars of new investment capital for AMC, and fortunately that puts us now in a position of considerable strength, he said. AMC Theatres is the largest movie chain in the U.S. 2020 Summer Movie Preview: 22 cant-miss films to watch in theaters or at home An Iowa man is accused of driving drunk in an accident that caused semi-truck to flip on Interstate 94 Wednesday night, shutting down the southbound lanes of the interstate for hours. Avery Norman, 56, of Waterloo, Iowa, was charged Thursday with operating while intoxicated-first offense, along with a felony for operating while intoxicated causing an injury to a child passenger. At about 7 p.m., Norman was involved in a crash on the 9000 block of the southbound lanes of I-94. According to a statement from Sgt. David Wright of the Kenosha County Sheriffs Department, a semi-truck driver told deputies that he saw a Buick that was also heading south veer toward him. He swerved to avoid hitting the car and struck the cement retaining wall, causing the truck to flip, leaving it hanging partially over the wall and spilling the trucks load onto the interstate. The car in the collision started on fire. According to the criminal complaint, Norman had come from Iowa to Milwaukee to attend a funeral Wednesday. He was on his way from Milwaukee to Chicago after the funeral with his girlfriend, his girlfriends pregnant daughter and the daughters 3-year-old son in his car, the group planning to spend the night in Chicago before heading back to Iowa. The complaint states that the 3-year-old had a laceration on his head and the pregnant woman was treated for a broken leg. No one was critically injured. According to the complaint, Norman told deputies he had a few drinks at the funeral. He agreed to take a field sobriety test, which he failed, according to the complaint. A preliminary breath test showed an alcohol level of 0.223. Avery was charged with a series of traffic offenses and drunk-driving related offenses. His bond was set at $2,000 at his initial appearance Thursday. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 2 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. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) questions Former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to discuss the FBI's "Crossfire Hurricane" investigation in the Dirksen Senate Office Building June 3, 2020 in Washington DC. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, withdrew the holds he placed on President Donald Trump's nominees after the Trump administration provided explanations for why it fired two inspectors general. But even though he lifted the holds, Grassley said he disagreed with the reasons Trump gave for firing the watchdogs. "Although I do not agree with the President's stated reasons for removing [the inspectors general], my objection to these nominees was designed to prompt compliance with the IG Reform Act, which the President has now done," Grassley said in a statement updated Friday. Grassley, a self-described government accountability advocate, said earlier this month he would block two of Trump's nominees until the administration provided good reasons for terminating Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson and State Department Inspector General Steve Linick. "All I want is a reason," Grassley tweeted at the time. In a Congressional Record statement published Thursday, Grassley said that he has since received letters from the administration that "fulfill the President's requirement to provide Congress reasons for the removal" of the watchdogs as required by law. Grassley's statement Thursday does not include his quote, "I do not agree with the President's stated reasons for removing IGs Atkinson and Linick," which was initially attributed to the Congressional Record in a press release. When asked about the discrepancy, a spokesman for Grassley told CNBC that the press release would be updated. Grassley had been blocking the nominations of Christopher Miller to be the director of the National Counterterrorism Center and Marshall Billingslea to be the State Department's undersecretary for arms control and international security. Both firings have been roundly criticized by Democrats who accuse the White House of retaliating against the watchdogs within the administration. Democrats in the House and Senate launched an investigation into Linick's removal. Trump fired Linick in a surprise, late-night move on May 15 on a recommendation from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was involved in at least two investigations reportedly being conducted by the watchdog's office at the time. In a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Trump said he lost "confidence" in Linick, without providing further explanation. In April, Trump ordered the removal of Michael Atkinson, the inspector general of the intelligence community who had flagged the Ukraine whistleblower complaint that became a major catalyst for Trump's eventual impeachment in the House. Trump was acquitted in the Senate. Grassley said that on June 12 he received letters from the State Department and the White House counsel. The White House's letter "repeats a previous letter from the White House which stated that the President had lost confidence" in Atkinson, Grassley said. "However, the White House Counsel enclosed with that letter a transcript of President Trump providing his reasons for removing Mr. Atkinson to the press and has informed me that those reasons represent the President's official explanation of Mr. Atkinson's removal to Congress." Grassley said he believes that was legally sufficient to lift the hold. But "even though the President satisfied the requirements of the law, I do not agree that the provided reasons merited Mr. Atkinson's removal," Grassley said. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The State Department's letter to Grassley included its correspondence with another executive branch agency highlighting four reasons for firing Linick, "all involving the investigation of the leak of information to a news reporter pertaining to an IG report," Grassley said. "These claims are as of yet unverified but the President has offered an additional briefing on the matter from State Department officials," Grassley added. Linick, who testified as part of the Democrats' probe of his removal, reportedly told Congress in a private interview, "The record shows that I have served without regard to politics." Recently, a Northern Michigan legislator warned school leaders to prepare for the worst budget in decades, up to a 30% reduction for the 2020-21 school year. For context, 2011's 7% budget reduction -- currently the largest one-year decrease -- resulted in the elimination of many essential services, programs and support staff members. Additionally, schools were informed that a current year proration of nearly 10% was likely. What's so troubling about the early predictions of a deep gash to next year's School Aid Fund (SAF) and current year prorations is the notion that slashing school funding is an easy solution and a foregone conclusion. There was no hesitancy, no need for measuredness or strategy for fear of the political base or public outrage. At best, the warning was made premature, prior to a comprehensive understanding of a complete budget picture, independently of critical scrutiny, strategy and an understanding of the long term consequences of drastic cuts to public education funding. At its worst, this approach exposes a thinly veiled belief that protecting the education and future of the students in Michigan's public schools is not a top priority. Proposing this level of budget reductions for schools shifts the brunt of the COVID-19 burden to Michigan's children and their respective futures. It is likely that the 2020-21 school year will require new programming models along with the need for specific professional development as school staff build and enhance skills in delivering remote and online learning. With the long break from face-to-face instruction and the normal school experiences, districts will need to increase social-emotional and behavioral support for students. Additionally, schools will be required to add technology and accessibility equipment and resources, procure and stockpile cleaning products and personal protection equipment and respond to new operational requirements established by the CDC, MiOSHA and the Michigan Department of Education. More bus runs, smaller class sizes, blended learning and increased supports among other changes, will significantly drive up costs for schools. Understanding all of these changes will need to take place for the fall and in the context of a potential budget reduction of up to 30% challenges parents, communities, district administration and school boards with more questions than answers. Over the past couple of years, it has been well documented that Michigan's funding for public education has not adequately kept pace with the rest of the country. In a parallel comparison, there have been many reports demonstrating that Michigan's students have struggled to keep pace with counterparts from the top-performing states. Michigan once ranked near the top in most metrics used as indicators of school success. While the data connecting student performance to student spending is not always consistent, it is not a stretch to suggest that schools cannot effectively support all students with current staffing, programming and services if budgets are chopped as predicted. Slashing the educational budget will serve only to compound the negative effects of the COVID-19 situation. While there certainly are many reasons to be concerned, there is some rationale for optimism. In mid-May, the state's Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey backed off of early positions from his colleagues and has, through various forums, committed to holding schools harmless for the 2019-20 school year. While still early, and final budget decisions have not been made, it is encouraging to hear leadership speak out on behalf of students and schools. Another advocate for children is Rep. Scott VanSingel. In early April, VanSingel's sponsored HB 4125 was signed into law. VanSingel's legislation reversed actions from the 2018 lame duck session that diverted revenue from the SAF. As a result of this change, nearly $200 million was redirected back to schools. VanSingle's actions, like the position espoused by Shirkey, demonstrate an understanding of the value of public education and serve as a source of hope as our legislators and state leaders take on the budget challenges amidst the COVID-19 crisis. I encourage you all to reach out to your representatives in support of your local public and public charter schools. Our legislators need encouragement to seek alternate ways to fill budget holes, such as maximizing available funds from the Budget Equalization Fund (rainy day fund), to petition their federal colleagues for flexibility in the CARES Act money and maybe even consider new revenue sources. The state's budget shortfall is real and needs to be addressed reasonably and responsibly. Any reductions of public school funding must be made after all other options have been exhausted rather than the first option in the playbook. Out of all the big cats, lions have the loudest roar (roughly equivalent to a jet flying overhead). And its piercing: An adult male lions roar can be heard up to five miles away. Adult males of the human species, particularly fathers, find the same to be true: Our roars carryfurther than we think or intend. A dads voice is powerful. So is its absence. Were born with a built-in longing for a fathers affection and approval. And even highly flawed dads want to fulfill those longings (Matt. 7:11). Yet we cant seem to stop roaring. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a roar as a loud, deep cry (as of pain or anger). Our roars consist of the words, actions, and attitudes stemming from our deep places of anger and pain. We all have them, injured spots where we still feel and act young. Many of them were inflicted by the roars of our own fathers, who were still reeling from their fathers, and their fathers fathers. When someone unknowingly bumps against our scars, we react with greater intensity than the present situation warrants. Often, were oblivious to what were doing or to the cause. We think weve left those old hurts and heartaches behind long ago. But pain left unattended and unexpressed tends to come out sideways. Scripture speaks of the sins of the fathers lasting multiple generations. (Num. 14:18) Much of what lingers is the damage caused by sindamage that compounds and spreads as it gets passed down. The prophets Ezekiel and Jeremiah both spoke of a proverb they heard people quote regularly: The fathers eat sour grapes, and the childrens teeth are set on edge. Therapists have labeled this the father wound. The term refers to more than outright abuse or neglect. Even the most attentive, well-meaning dads find their actions routinely have unintended consequences for their kids. Strong fathers with high expectations have their own way of setting teeth on edge. Sren Kierkegaard spent his adulthood unpacking the impact his dada stern, devoutly Christian man, trying his best and still stumblinghad on him. Kierkegaard described his father in his journals, saying, his fault did not lie in lack of love, but he mistook a child for an old man. When our oldest son was in high school, I often chose to withhold my opinions when I didnt share his enthusiasm over an idea. I thought it was kinder, knowing how heavy a negative word felt for me when it came from my father. I didnt realize my pattern of reticence created a different anxiety. My son couldnt tell where he stood with me. What I was trying to do backfired: In attempting to parent well, my roar was right there working against me. All fall short of the glory of God when it comes to fathering. This would be cause for despair if not for one incredible truth: Gods roar is louder. Ezekiel and Jeremiah made this very point. Ezekiel quotes the Lord: What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge? As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the sonboth alike belong to me. (Ezek. 18:24) God is insistent. He can reach us no matter what our earthly dads are like. Although not a father-child story, one event during the lifetimes of Ezekiel and Jeremiah illustrates this truth. When King Darius took the throne in Babylon, Daniel quickly gained his favor. Feeling threatened by him, the rest of the kings advisers manipulated the king into feeding Daniel to the lions. Article continues below Darius had no idea what his declaration against worshiping other gods would set into motion. Yet the irrevocable decision left Darius powerless to stop the consequences. Many fathers know this nightmare of wanting to take back something we said or did. We watch helplessly as our families suffer the repercussions of what cant be undone. Daniel ended up in the den. Countless paintings have portrayed him bravely standing before the hungry beasts. Yet the artists necessarily leave out one significant detail: Daniel was sealed in with the lions in utter darkness. He couldnt see the terror he faced. Children are inherently in the dark as to their dads roars. They are up against generations of pain they cant begin to see. The single, life-altering truth for Daniel was this: He was never alone in that darkness. He still had to endure the torment of the unseen. But salvation stood right at his side. This is the one great hope of fathers and children everywhere. Christ stepped into the den of our iniquities, facing our greatest enemies with us and for us. On the cross, he forever shut the mouth of the lion of sin. His presence does not spare us from walking through the valley of the shadow. Yet he doesnt abandon us either. And that changes everything. Psalm 22, one of the great Messianic passages, begins with the words of Christ: My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? We can also hear Christs voice in later verses: Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me (v. 13). Christ not only dealt with the consequences of sin, he experienced firsthand what it is like to be in the hellhole of the den. He can identify with all who bear the impact of the human roar because he felt it himself. This does not diminish the unspeakableness of atrocities committed by fathers against children. Stillthe presence of the Lord in the messes weve created means the darkness is not as all-powerful as we fear. The rescue of Daniel proved also to be the rescue of Darius. He assumed the consequences were inevitable until God intervened. That freed Darius to make new choiceschoices that show us a way out of situations our roars create. Here are four practical takeaways: Engage when you can. The morning after throwing Daniel to the lions, Darius raced back to the denthe location of his horrific failure. Chances were high a grim reality awaited him. He went straight there anyway. We would rather not revisit the site of our mistakes with our families. Our shame shouts that its too late. But if Darius had not returned to where the harm had been done, he would have missed witnessing Daniels resurrection. Courage to stay engaged makes room for the unexpected. Own what you can. After discovering Daniel alive, Darius lifted him to safety and threw his accusers in the den. The sweeping severity of the kings justice may strike us as unnecessarily violent, but the point is this: When Darius identified the influences that had poisoned his relationship with Daniel, he took decisive, swift action to own his mistakes. Its easier to offer apologies than to change. Anyone can make a show of remorse. But are we willing to tackle the underlying causes? Owning the effects of our roars may require facing our own stories and father wounds, seeking help to unpack what we cant see ourselves. Family expert Stephi Wagner wrote, Pain travels through families until someone is ready to feel it. We serve future generations when we take on the hard work of addressing our pain. Celebrate where you can. Once Daniel was safe, Darius could have retreated from him, too humiliated to be near someone who reminded him of his terrible error. Instead, Darius shifted his attention to celebrating the miraculous way God had worked. The king entered into the goodness of redemption and chose gratitude over self-loathing and regret. And Daniel thrived in the days that followed. Article continues below When God rescues in spite of our roars, we dont have to be sheepish. We can rise above our role in creating the problem and fully share the joy of restoration. His grace is worthy of our delight. Entrust the rest to God. When Daniel was with the lions and Darius felt his most helpless, he cried out to Daniel, May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you! (Dan. 6:16) Some relational dynamics are too broken for us to fix, no matter how much we want it. Thats when we are called to the hard work of entrusting the other person to God. This is not simply giving up. It is deliberately placing those we love most in the care of the God who will be with them in the den when we cannot. There is no higher, better good we can do than acknowledge our own powerlessness and pray for Gods mercy over our children and us. What a comfort: The God we call Father is that in more than name. He reclaims the word, healing the deepest father wounds. And he listens to all who cry to him for mercy over their own fathering. Jeff Peabody is a writer and lead pastor of New Day Church in NortheastTacoma, Washington. New Delhi: A social media campaign with a hashtag #JunkOneChina has trended across the world against dubious One China policy on Friday (June 19). Twitterati hit out at China for its expansionist policies and creating uncertainty in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang. One Twitterati said, "There is and there can never be One China. It is a dubious policy drafted by the biggest conglomerate of Human Right oppressors in living history called the CCP. The Uighurs, the Tibetians, The Taiwanese, The Manchurians, and the Hongkongers will all fight and break out from the cages of the oppressive CCP regime." Many tweets also highlighted the threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) headed by President Xi Jinping. "The world must break its silence against China. Why is the west repeating its blunder that it did before the II World War - Stop appeasing the Chinese regime and Xi the dictator!" said another Twitterati. Expressing their anger on social media, many opined that the myth of One China has to be broken from its core ideology. There were calls on social media about raising our voice against the dubious One China policy with hashtag #JunkOneChina. Experts on China affairs believe that the time has come when India needs to change its foreign policy regarding China and India should rethink and revise its One China policy and exploit the geographic, ethnic, and economic faultlines of China such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang. According to experts, there are five points which need to be considered immediately: 1. India should allow Uighur leaders to visit India. In the past, India denied visa to many Uighur leaders 2. Expand relations with Taiwan since Taiwan is an economic and technology superpower 3. Need to derecognize annexation of Tibet and Turkestan 4. Back a separate political system for Hong Kong 5. Go for strategic defence alliance with Japan, Australia, and Vietnam Notably, India has been accused of capitulating to China pressure and has denied a visa to Uighur activists. In 2016, India had canceled a visa granted to prominent Uyghur activist Dolkun Isa to attend a conference in Dharamsala after angry protests from China. When China itself doesn't adhere 'One India' policy and lays claim on Arunachal Pradesh and simultaneously is involved in carrying out activities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which is part of India, then why is India apprehensive about having relations with a country like Taiwan. Amid violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops along Line of Actual Control in the Galwan Valley of east Ladakh, Taiwan News has recently published an illustration showing a Hindu god battling a Chinese dragon, which became viral on social media. The viral illustration surfaced on social media in Taiwan showing Hindu god Rama has drawn a bow and is preparing to shoot a huge arrow into a Chinese dragon with the title "We Conquer. We kill." The published illustration was widely shared and praised by Indian people on social media. "This pic from Taiwan News is a good starting point for seriously considering #JunkOneChinaPolicy. Maybe we need to start trending this hashtag to make the GOI rethink its China policy," tweeted Sushant Sareen, senior fellow ORF. Situated in the northern part of the zoo, the exhibit is surrounded by Douglas fir and various spruce trees and faux rock walls, some of which were repurposed from the former Durham Bear Canyon, the site of the new sea lion habitat. Pate said the exhibit is probably our best attempt yet at a true immersion-style exhibit, where you walk in here and you are in the Pacific Northwest. The sea lions should find their new digs more comfortable and realistic than the current exhibit. Two wave machines will push and pull the water in ways that mimic how natural waves rebound off rocks in the ocean. The pool will have pockets of warm and cool water another naturally occurring aspect of the ocean. A separate pupping beach with shallow water will give newborn sea lion pups a space to learn to swim. It takes them about six to eight weeks to get their sea legs, Pate said. I dont know of any other zoo thats ever done one of these, he said of the pupping beach. The zoo has six sea lions. A seventh from California will eventually join them. The display was designed for up to 10. [June 19, 2020] BlueRush Reports Year-over-Year SaaS Growth of 173% for Q3 2020 Recurring Revenue Growth While Weathering COVID-19 Crisis TORONTO, June 19, 2020 /CNW/ - BlueRush Inc. ("BlueRush" or the "Company") (TSXV: BTV), an emerging personalized video Software as a Service ("SaaS") company, today announced its financial results for the three-month ("Q3 2020") and nine-month ("YTD 2020") periods ended April 30, 2020. "Our third fiscal quarter of 2020 yielded yet another successful three-month period of stacking our recurring revenue," said Steve Taylor, CEO of BlueRush. "We achieved a 173% increase in subscription & support revenue versus last year, all in the midst of weathering the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, demonstrating BlueRush's ability to produce quality projects as well as the need for financial institutions to adopt our IndiVideo software." "During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been able to illustrate to our existing customers, as well as prospective clients, the increased need to embrace more meaningful communication techniques with their client base. IndiVideo is the perfect software tool to describe simple or complex financial products to customers while avoiding in-person meetings, reducing print volumes on statements and reducing call center impact. We recognize the challenges that so many companies around the world are facing. We are confident that IndiVideo can be part of the solution as we all navigate this 'new world', while still delivering meaningful personalized content at scale." "In 2018 we announced our strategy to transform BlueRush from a services-focused digital agency into a subscription revenue focused product company. The continued growth of the subscription business and addition of marquis customers around the world is great validation of all the work our amazing team here at BlueRush has done and will continue to do." stated Mr. Taylor. Q3 2020 Highlights: BlueRush continues to successfully transition towards the recurring revenue model, increasing its subscription and support revenue by 173% to $359,652 , compared to $131,838 for Q3 2019; , compared to for Q3 2019; SaaS gross profit significantly advanced in Q3 2020 by 459% to $259,780 , from $46,487 , in Q3 2019; , from , in Q3 2019; Gross margins in the SaaS business increased to 72%, compared to 35% in Q3 2019, a result primarily driven by the technological advantage of the IndiVideo platform; The Company's overall revenues increased by 86% to $1,059,314 , compared to $569,085 for Q3 2019; , compared to for Q3 2019; Services remains a key component of the Company' overall revenue, delivering $697,411 , compared to $430,503 for Q3 2019, a 62% increase; , compared to for Q3 2019, a 62% increase; Subsequent to the quarter, BlueRush announced a proposed non-brokered private placement financing to raise gross proceeds of up to $1,500,000 through the issuance of unsecured convertible debentures; through the issuance of unsecured convertible debentures; Net loss from continuing operations was $534,736 compared to $872,076 in Q3 2019, driven by an increase in revenue and other income. Financial Results for Q3 2020 The Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the three-month and nine-month period ended April 30, 2020 , have been posted both to the BlueRush website at www.bluerush.com and on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. The financial information included in this news release is qualified in its entirety and should be read together with the unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three-month and nine-month period ended April 30, 2020 , including the notes thereto. Subject to a change in cashflow, it will be necessary for the Company to consider financing opportunities. About BlueRush BlueRush develops and markets IndiVideo, a disruptive, award-winning interactive personalized video platform that drives return on investment throughout the customer lifecycle, from increased conversions to more engaging statements and customer care. IndiVideo enables BlueRush clients to capture knowledge and data from their customers' video interaction, creating new and compelling data driven customer insights. For more information visit www.bluerush.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "potential", "will", "seek", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify forward-looking information. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Such statements reflect the Company's current views and intentions with respect to future events, and current information available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Material factors or assumptions were applied in providing forward-looking information. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information to vary from those described herein should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize. These factors include, without limitation: changes in law; the ability to implement business strategies and pursue business opportunities; state of the capital markets; the availability of funds and resources to pursue operations; a novel business model; dependence on key suppliers and local partners; competition; the outcome and cost of any litigation; the general impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; as well as general economic, market and business conditions, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in disclosure documents filed by the Company with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Should any factor affect the Company in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, the Company does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law. 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 BlueRush Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Following the failure of the Edenville and Sanford dams that resulted in a catastrophic flood last month, a third-party team was assembled to investigate why the dams failed. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to perform the investigation, but that decision was met with criticism from lawmakers and the lake associations since EGLE has regulatory oversight of the Edenville Dam. EGLE has announced an independent team of experts in geotechnical engineering, hydraulics, dam safety and dam design will perform the forensic investigation. The team, approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and agreed to by EGLE, had its first meeting virtually on Wednesday, June 17. The team will begin its dam investigation after entering into a contract with Boyce Hydro LLC. Boyce owns the two dams and will pay all investigation costs. As the members perform their investigation, they may provide interim findings if that might prevent failures at dams of similar design. With the knowledge and experience these professionals bring to the independent investigation, I am confident that we will get a clear picture of what went wrong with the two dams and why, said Liesl Clark, EGLEs director. Transparency is extremely important as this process moves forward and EGLE is ready to provide any information necessary to help get answers to this tragedy. The team members are: John W. France, President, JWF Consulting, who will serve as team leader. Irfan A. Alvi, President and Chief Engineer, Alvi Associates. Henry T. Falvey, President, Henry T. Falvey & Associates. Steve Higinbotham, Hydraulic structures engineer consultant. Arthur C. Miller, Technical Advisor, AECOM. Jennifer Williams, Geotechnical engineer and consultant. The investigation and submission of a final report can take up to 18 months to complete. The final report will be submitted to EGLE, FERC and Boyce. EGLE regulates the Edenville Dam while FERC regulates the Sanford Dam. The six team members have extensive experience probing dam failures. Several participated in the 2017 investigation of the Oroville Dam in California the tallest earthen dam in the United States. Clark noted that with the naming of the team, neither EGLE, FERC nor Boyce will influence the outcome of the investigation. EGLE has committed to ensuring the independence of the investigators and will provide all information and data requested by the team to support the investigation. Updates on the investigation will be posted to EGLEs Edenville Dam Failure webpage, which includes an interactive map of the more than 1,050 state-regulated dams in Michigan. This article was updated to remove language that stated the Oroville Dam in California failed. Processed by Ashley Schafer, Ashley.Schafer@hearstnp.com Credit: CC0 Public Domain "Darwin propagated the idea that humans are like other animals fighting for survival, but distinguished supposedly by our intellect. This logic makes it possible for some human lives to be seen as more valuable than others," says Professor of literature Michael Lundblad. When it became apparent in early 2020 just how serious the COVID-19-pandemic was, prioritisation among corona patients became an acute issue. "Who should get a ventilator first? Almost everyone will say that they should be given to younger and healthier patients," says Michael Lundblad (link), professor of English language literature at the University of Oslo. "But why should the lives of the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions be seen as less worthy and therefore lower on the priority list? The coronavirus helps to reveal these hierarchies of value," he says. Should we think of the sick as less valuable? For Lundblad, the COVID-19 outbreak illustrates what he and his research colleagues Jan Grue, Sara Orning and Tom Bradstreet (links) in the project BIODIAL (link) have been working on for several years. By studying representations of illness and disability, they explore ideas about what it means to be human, and how some lives come to be valued more than others. "What happens if you lose your memory and other cognitive functions at the end of life? Alzheimer's might make some people seem to be less human, if intellect is most important. But why should that be the primary way of defining a life worth living?" Movies and literature are important sources for illustrating and producing cultural attitudes toward illness. In the critically acclaimed feature film Still Alice, Julianne Moore plays a 50-year-old language professor who begins to forget words. It turns out that she has Alzheimer's. Lundblad highlights the scene in which she plans to take her own life. "She decides ahead of time that if she were to lose so much mental capacity that she couldn't remember the names of her children, or even the fact that she has children, she wouldn't want to live any longer. For this character, memory and cognitive capacity are essential for defining a good human life." Alice does not want to become a burden on her family if she were to lose the traits that define her. "Life with Alzheimer's can certainly be tough, but it does not necessarily need to be seen as less valuable." Not enough to make life meaningless Lundblad finds parallels in stories of people who have physical disabilities. "In the film 'Me Before You,' the logic is that if you break your back and end up in a wheelchair, life must no longer be worth living. But millions of people use wheelchairs every day without having a horrible life. There is no reason to assume that disability must always be associated with unhappiness, or even pain and suffering." He thinks that studying films and texts about illness and disability can reveal problematic ways of thinking about human life. "If you lose what is supposed to give life value, or if you're born without it, your life can be constructed as more disposable, whether through assisted suicide, euthanasia, or abortion. Illness and disability are part of human diversity, not enough alone to make life meaningless." Animal metaphors in illness When we talk about the human body and disease, metaphors from the animal kingdom often crop up. Like the wild animal fighting for survival, the diseased body fights against cancer or the coronavirus. Lundblad reveals how thoughts about animality in humans are deeply embedded in our culture. "From Charles Darwin at the end of the 19th century, we get the idea that humans are just another animal species. From Sigmund Freud at the turn of the century, we get the idea that humans have animal instincts embedded in our psyches." Lundblad points out that this way of describing humanity superseded the dominant Christian view that humans were not like other species but had instead a special relationship with God. "With the concept of survival of the fittest, we started thinking that humans are hard-wired for competition, like all other animals, trying to propagate the world with our own offspring." This way of thinking, which is part of what Lundblad calls jungle discourse, exploded in the early 1900s. "The jungle as a place and as a discourse was constructed through a wide range of colonial texts, including novels such as The Jungle Book and Tarzan. These books describe the jungle as a place where wild animals live, but also where white men are supposedly superior to both black people and animals, even if they all have animal instincts. The jungle therefore naturalizes violence, but also constructs civilization as grounded upon the ability to control animal instincts, as opposed to living solely like an animal, or, in racist terms, like so-called primitive people." Animality in humans Lundblad has pioneered what he calls animality studies, within the larger field of literary and cultural studies. He explores notions of animality in different historical and cultural contexts, particularly when the way we think about animals impacts the way we think about what it means to be human. Empirical evidence over time has revealed that we cannot maintain a simple opposition between humans and rationality on the one hand, and animals and instinct on the other, or that the behaviour of animals in the jungle can explain human behaviour. "But still we hang on to the notion that men are more violent than women because it is natural for males to look after their flock, or to be heterosexual. We try to justify our social rules of conduct based upon 'laws' from the jungle," he says. Lundblad has found that understandings of the animal behaviours have changed significantly over time. "If you look at Darwin and Freud, or all the way back to Aristotle, you will find the basic idea that what makes us human is that we are 'rational beasts' that we have the ability to reason. With Descartes in the 17th century we get the idea that animals can't think, that they have no reason." More recent research into animal behaviour has revealed a more complex picture. "While researchers in the early 20th century often explained animal behaviour in relation to 'survival of the fittest', subsequent research has shown, among other things, that wild animals work together to achieve goals, that they take care of their elderly, that they also have homosexual relationships, and that their languages are much more complicated than we might have thought. Understandings of animality can change, along with how we therefore think about humanity." Talking together about animals and humans To consider someone as more or less human, and to attribute value and meaning based upon that, is a cultural process that helps legitimise exploitation and oppression. To explore that history, Lundblad believes it is useful to link insights from academic fields that conduct research not only on animality, but also in areas such as disability, which is what the BIODIAL project foregrounds. "Most people know that people with disabilities have been treated very badly throughout history, but they might not want to think about some parallels with the way certain animals have been treated. We can find parallel structures of thought that naturalize oppression and suffering in both cases, even though we need to be careful not to simply equate disability with animality," he says. The COVID-19 outbreak illustrates ways that animal and human issues can be linked, Lundblad believes. One example is that the virus is zoonotic, an infectious disease transmitted from animals to humans. "Zoonosis can occur when a natural habitat is threatened by humans, or when animals in captivity or in markets transmit disease to humans." Lives at the bottom of the pecking order are interconnected The major outbreaks of the virus among workers at meat processing plants in the United States illustrate that the lives of those at the bottom of the pecking order are interconnected. "There are structural inequalities in industrial agriculture and factory farming, in which workers are treated 'like animals'. They are exploited and considered disposable, not given protective equipment, and so on. At the same time, they lose their jobs if they don't come to work." When President Trump declares it to be a national priority for Americans to be able to get meat, to keep the meat industry open, the lives of immigrant workers and the working poor are sacrificed, along with the animals themselves. "Hierarchies are clearly revealed in these prioritizations, not only between humans and animals, but also among humans, when some lives are seen as less human than others." Explore further How do you prevent viral outbreaks? By protecting animal health "I met one of the owners at a gas station, and he told me we should do business," says 4Hunnid artist YG. "I called Mustard and told him about the opportunity, and he was ready to go." Mustard, who was born and raised in Baldwin Village, explains why it was so vital for him and YG to give back to South LA right from the start. "COVID-19 has hit Black and Brown communities the hardest," stated the 10 Summers CEO. "YG and I have not forgotten where we come from and feel a duty to support those who are less fortunate and have been our biggest supporters from the beginning." To celebrate the second annual "Mustard Day" and honor Juneteenth, Mustard and YG have partnered with Postmates to give back to their community by delivering $100,000 of meals. Only on June 19, $50,000 worth of free meals will be delivered to residents around the city within the delivery radius. Participating Fishbone locations will offer two free and healthy options to select from: The Mustard Plate (Grilled Shrimp and Filet Sole with Sauteed Veggies) and the YG Plate (Grilled Filet Sole with Sauteed Veggies.) To order, visit Postmates.com or download Postmates on iOS or Android. Only on June 19, the selected free meal discount will automatically be applied to the Postmates order. The free meal offer is valid for one meal per order while supplies last. Additionally, $50,000 in meals will be delivered to several community organizations around Los Angeles through the next week, including A New Way of Life, Hollywood Food Coalition, Midnight Mission, Watts Empowerment Center, Upward Bound House and five St. John's Well Child and Family clinics. In 2019, Los Angeles honored Mustard by declaring June 19 "Mustard Day" to recognize the significant commitment and support he has provided to his South LA hometown. Nationally, June 19 is known as Juneteenth and commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States and is an important day to highlight Black voices and Black-owned businesses. About Postmates: Postmates is a leader in on-demand food delivery. The platform gives customers access to the most selection of merchants in the US with more than 600,000 restaurants and retailers available for delivery and pickup, many of which are exclusive to Postmates. The market leader in Los Angeles and markets across the southwest, Postmates covers 80% of US households, across all 50 states. Customers can get free delivery on all merchants by joining Postmates Unlimited, the industry's first subscription service. Learn more or start a delivery by downloading the app or visiting www.postmates.com. About Fishbone Seafood: Fishbone Seafood is a fast food fish seafood restaurant and market, featuring a southern style service of seafood specialties. Fried and grilled selections of fish, shrimp, and oysters, reminiscing memories of the popular Friday Fish Fry's that once drew families together throughout the South. We are dedicated to serving freshly prepared seafood at reasonable prices, while offering the best dining experience in the industry. We work hard to make sure that these values shine through in every customer experience. We've had over 40 years to perfect our recipe for success, which combines great food and great value with even better service. We provide the freshest seafood available, both in the restaurant and in the market to take home. We offer salmon, catfish, red snapper, and fresh shrimp, just to name a few. Fishbone Seafood has created the standard for quality and freshness in the seafood restaurant businesses. Press Photos: https://umusic.box.com/s/smtbcqr6nm5wrduu2my15aqkt3u43hmg SOURCE Interscope Records A handout photo from the Colombian National Army press office shows Daniel Max Guggenheim (left) and Jose Ivan Albuquerque (right), who were taken hostage alongside their two pet Pomeranian dogs. (Photo: AFP) Daniel Max Guggenheim and Jose Ivan Albuquerque were rescued during a military operation in the southwestern Cauca department, one of the areas most blighted by drug-trafficking violence. The two men fell into the hands of the "Dagoberto Ramos Mobile Column" in mid-March, the army's anti-kidnapping unit said in a statement. The guerrillas are among around 2,300 armed dissidents from the former rebel FARC movement who refused to lay down arms during the historic 2016 peace accord that ended a 50-year struggle by the Marxist group. The unit said it also captured one of the suspected kidnappers, who was guarding the pair when they were rescued. Guggenheim, who is retired, said in a press conference that he and Albuquerque were kidnapped while visiting the Pacific coast as tourists. As they were returning to the capital Bogota, they were kidnapped at gunpoint from a restaurant in the Cauca department. "He told us we'd reached the cemetery," said Guggenheim about their armed assailant. The two men were taken hostage alongside two pet Pomeranian dogs. Since breaking away from the FARC, disparate dissident groups have continued armed resistance to the government, financing themselves through drug-trafficking and illegal mining. The more than half-century conflict left nine million people dead, missing or displaced. By Margaret Kimberley June 18, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - Millions of white people glorify mass murderers because their sense of identity and place in society is deeply tied to white supremacy. It is important to name and shame the mass murderers. The perpetrators of crimes against humanity are often elevated to positions of respect and admiration. It all depends on who did the killing, and who was killed. Now the murderers are being called to account. The new movement in the United States against police and other state violence has inspired this welcome change taking place all over the world. The criminals are being exposed decades and even centuries after their atrocities took place. There is no statute of limitations for murder nor should there be for calling out people who have the blood of millions on their hands. Statues of Belgiums King Leopold have been defaced and even removed. Leopold held the Congo as his personal fiefdom, the Congo Free State, where he killed as many as 15 million people who were forced to work on rubber plantations. The cruelty of murder and mutilation was exposed after a more than 20-year reign of terror. George Washington Williams, a black American journalist, played a key role in bringing the genocide to public attention. Instead of Adolf Hitler being the only European who comes to mind when genocide is mentioned, the name Leopold ought to have the same effect. But Hitler killed Europeans and Leopold killed Africans. The crimes of one are widely known while the other escapes condemnation because his crimes were erased. King Leopold killed as many as 15 million people who were forced to work on rubber plantations. The same can be said of Winston Churchill. During World War II he presided over a famine in colonial India caused by the theft of rice and wheat which supplied Britains armies. An estimated 3 million people died but starvation in Bengal province was not his first opportunity to commit mass murder. After World War I he advocated gassing Iraqis who rebelled against British rule. I am strongly in favor of using poison gas against uncivilized tribes. He had already ordered chemical weapons attacks against the Russian Bolsheviks in 1918. Now Churchills statue in Londons parliament square is covered in a large box to protect it from protesters. A group scrawled graffiti which correctly labeled as a racist the man who said that his Indian victims breed like rabbits. The taboos are falling just like the statues that honored slave traders and Indian killers in this country. Robert E. Lees monument in Richmond, Virginia is now covered in graffiti and a likeness of George Floyd, whose murder at the hands of police motivated people to denounce the killers whose crimes are covered up. Too many historians choose to affirm corrupt systems rather than tell the truth. But the people are ignoring entreaties from all the elites and are taking matters into their own hands. Churchill said that his Indian victims breed like rabbits. Christopher Columbus is among those being exposed. His voyages on behalf of the Spanish crown were followed by other European invasions which brought disease and bloody conquest against indigenous populations from the tip of South America all the way to Alaska. This genocide was the precursor to the trans-Atlantic slave trade which brought Africans to suffer as chattel throughout North and South America.. But there is a reaction to every action and when the question of removing the Columbus statue in New York City was raised, governor Andrew Cuomo demurred, But the statue has come to represent and signify appreciation for the Italian-American contribution to New York. Columbus was born Cristoforo Colombo in Genoa. This need for Cuomo and others to hang on to the criminal is obvious. Columbus puts Italians at the center of the settler colonial state. They are not the southern European catholic immigrants who were often looked down upon when they first arrived. Columbus makes them white Americans and they cling to him lest they lose that imprimatur. Everyone should work mightily to remove the stain of mass murderers who even define how we identify ourselves. The name Columbus came to mean America itself. We are left with a South American nation, Colombia, named after him. The U.S. capital is the District of Columbia, while Canadas far western province is doubly colonized with the name British Columbia and cities like Columbus, Ohio and institutions like Columbia University abound. The indigenous who suffered because of his invasion now have their culture labeled pre and post Columbian. The crimes continue as millions of people are forcibly linked to the genocidaire. Columbus puts Italians at the center of the settler colonial state. New Yorks governor is not alone in trying to stem the tide of truth telling. A group of white men armed with guns and other weapons felt the need to protect a statue of Columbus in Philadelphia . This intransigence tells us why it is so important to name and shame the mass murderers. Their credibility must be destroyed if white supremacy is ever to become a thing of the past. The statues must go and so must excuse making for atrocities if whites are the perpetrators and non-whites are the victims. The hand wringing over monument removal is not just connected to reverence for these individuals. While millions of people want change, millions more do not and they hold on to Columbus or Leopold or Churchill or Robert E. Lee because their identity and place in society is firmly tied to white supremacy. If a Columbus statue comes down so might a small portion of white entitlement and its privileges. The monuments to genocide must come down. The discomfort caused to the elites is of no concern to anyone who wants to strike at the heart of racism as practiced around the world. Good-bye and good riddance to Churchill, Columbus, Leopold and all of their ilk. Margaret Kimberleys Freedom Rider column appears weekly in BAR, and is widely reprinted elsewhere. She maintains a frequently updated blog as well at patreon.com/margaretkimberley and she regularly posts on Twitter @freedomrideblog. Ms. Kimberley lives in New York City, and can be reached via e-Mail at Margaret.Kimberley(at)BlackAgendaReport.com. - " Source " - Post your comment below At stake is how to break out of crisis President Moon Jae-in's top priority is to defuse tensions raised by North Korea. Most of all, Moon should spare no efforts to prevent the North from making further provocations against the South. To that end, he needs to reshuffle his security and diplomatic lineup. Many politicians of both ruling and opposition camps have raised the need for changes to the current lineup, following the North's demolition of the inter-Korean liaison office in the border town of Gaeseong on Tuesday. Voices for replacing security chiefs and top diplomats are gaining strength especially after Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul offered to resign over his failure to stop Pyongyang from escalating tensions with verbal attacks and military threats. One may argue that it is not the time to change officials in charge of security and diplomacy because they should not be blamed for the deteriorating situation on the peninsula. Of course, the Kim Jong-un regime must take all the responsibility for creating hostility and confrontation between the two Koreas. It can be said that President Moon and his security and diplomacy team have done their best to improve ties with the North and settle peace on the peninsula. In this sense, it may be wrong to change the lineup, especially when the government is required to focus on dealing with the recalcitrant North. It is also true that Seoul cannot get out of the ongoing crisis only by having new faces in the lineup. As an old saying goes, leaders do not usually change military commanders during a war. For this reason, Moon may try to retain his security and diplomatic policymakers in a bid to push for his policy of active engagement with the North consistently and coherently. But Moon needs to pay heed to criticism that top security and diplomatic officials have been too optimistic about inter-Korean cooperation and exchanges and the North's move toward denuclearization. In other words, they have been naive and out of touch with the harsh reality. In this context, President Moon had better install new security and diplomatic chiefs after accepting the unification minister's resignation. Of course, this is not to say that the presidential office should replace doves with hawks to make a tit-for-tat response to the North's provocations. We have to admit that the President and his team have failed to detect the North's policy shift from dialogue to confrontation properly. In fact, Pyongyang has made it clear that it would stop nuclear negotiations with the U.S. and take its own path toward military buildup and economic self-reliance after the second summit between Kim Jong-un and President Donald Trump ended in failure in February 2019. At the same time, the Moon government has not properly responded to a series of short-range ballistic missile launches by the North last year and early this year. Thus, some policymakers need to take responsibility for this matter. Taken overall, it would be better to replace the national security chief, the intelligence head and the foreign minister to work out a new strategy to better cope with the worsening situation. The faces and voices of the fight for racial justice in the United States today span no less than three generations. Those who witnessed the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s are protesting alongside those who have just come of age during the 21st century. From World War II until today, Americas unsurpassed military power has been built on air supremacy. All experts agree that the future of air power in the 21st century will be remotely piloted or unmanned aerial systems (UAS) what the public calls drones. The public has been conditioned to think of these military drones as a way to target and kill terrorists. But they are far more versatile and important. Specimens like the Predator, Reaper, and Global Hawk are quiet, relatively unobtrusive, and can stay aloft at heights of 40,000 feet or more for up to 40 hours at a time. Their extended capability and altitude plus cutting-edge sensors and communication links have become indispensable for keeping us informed about what bad guys are doing around the world with their pilots sitting safely at their desks. These UAS will also play an important role in ballistic-missile defense against rogue nations like North Korea and Iran. A program currently on the drawing board in which Ive been involved will use UAS platforms armed with a hyperkinetic two-stage interceptor missile to shoot down North Korean missile launches in their early boost phase far more effectively and cheaply than todays terminal-phase missile interceptors. They can also become the tools for sustained air campaigns against enemy forces on the ground. What the Air Force and Marines did with devastating effect in World War II, Korea, Kosovo, and Desert Storm will now be possible with armed UAS without putting a single pilot at risk. With all these opportunities, the United States ought to be committing major resources to securing the future of autonomous air power for ourselves and our allies and dominating the large drone market thats expected to grow to $32 billion in the next ten years. Unfortunately, an outdated international agreement is holding us back, and giving the lead to our deadliest competitor: China. The problem is an agreement not, one notes, a signed or ratified treaty known as the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). Drawn up in 1987, it was designed to limit the proliferation of technology that would spark a ballistic-missile arms race, especially those that can carry weapons of mass destruction. Thats a laudable aim. The problem is that a provision of the MTCR includes UAS in the category of missile technology capable of carrying a 500-kilogram payload at least 300 kilometers. MTCR signatories like the U.S. are forbidden to export such technology, even to trusted allies. That restriction dates back to 1992, when the fear was that large, unmanned aircrafts would be used for kamikaze-style terrorist attacks. What it actually means today is that U.S. allies like South Korea and Britain cant buy Global Hawks or Predators except through special executive waiver: a time-consuming bureaucratic process. Story continues China, however, does not recognize the MTCR and is free to sell its drones (most of them are stolen copies of ours) to allies who are blocked from buying in the U.S. A new report authored by Heather Penney at the Air Force Associations Mitchell Institute highlights the absurdity, and peril, arising from this development. When the United Arab Emirates and Jordan couldnt buy our UAS, for example, they wound up buying from China. As UAS become increasingly important to air forces around the world, other allies are bound to do the same. In fact, a report from the Defense Intelligence Agency last year pointed out that China faces little competition for sale of such systems because of MTCR. This has huge implications, and not just for lost business for U.S. companies. It cripples the principle of interoperability. If allies, even NATO allies like Turkey, are using China-built or designed systems, we wont be able to share data and intelligence even in emergency battle conditions. How do we fix this problem? First, reform MTCR by executive order if necessary. If Congress and the State Department, which oversees the agreement, arent willing to take the blinders off on MTCR, then the president can and must. Let aircraft be aircraft, and missiles be missiles: The two should never be intermingled in the same control regime. Second, use the principle of UAS interoperability as a way to strengthen alliances, as a force multiplier for our own military, but also a guarantor of security for our friends. Secure interoperability will be the key to halting Chinas bid for UAS hegemony, especially since China has no allies and we do. Third, the Mitchell Institute is named after Colonel Billy Mitchell, the prophet of manned air power. Whats needed today is a Billy Mitchell for unmanned airpower, someone with the guts and vision to explain how versatile and powerful these tools will be for American national security and at a fraction of the cost of manned aircraft. The alternative is that China will win this game of drones, with truly dangerous implications for the future. More from National Review Former Vice President Joe Biden arrives at Carlette's Hideaway, a soul food restaurant in Yeadon, Pa., to speak with small-business owners on June 17. (Associated Press) As President Trump skids in the polls, Joe Biden has amassed a lead in so many battleground states that he is competing in places once considered out of reach, narrowing the president's path to reelection. But for all Biden's good fortune, there is a catch: Voters are not so much upbeat about him as they are upset with Trump. Many, in fact, dont know much about the prospective Democratic nominee, despite his decades in high office, and some Democrats warn that Biden shouldn't rely too heavily on Trump's self-destructiveness to keep propelling him forward. The biggest challenge is filling in Joe Biden, said Robert Gibbs, a former advisor to President Obama. People know he was the vice president, but not a lot else. It is a concern broadly shared among Democratic operatives, even as earlier doubts about Biden have melted away. His once-anemic campaign war chest is bulging as money floods in, and states including Georgia and Texas that long seemed out of reach are suddenly on the battle map. Weaknesses in the campaigns infrastructure such as a lackluster social media operation have been addressed, and Biden is more sure-footed on the virtual campaign trail. But his lead has undeniably been driven more by anti-Trump animus than anything Biden has done. A CNN poll this month that had Biden ahead by 55% to 41% found that 3 out of 5 Biden voters said they were casting their ballot against Trump; just 37% said it would be a pro-Biden vote. Biden insists he will not run as just an anti-Trump candidate, and has promised to detail a New Deal-style economic agenda. For now, however, the campaign has seemed eager to keep the spotlight on the president's many unforced errors. That's what most Democratic TV ads are doing, according to UC Berkeley political scientist David Broockman. His analysis of ad spending between early April and late May found 88% of ads aired by Democrats and pro-Biden super PACs were attacks on Trump, and only 11% promoted Biden. Story continues That could leave an opening for the Trump campaign, which has so far struggled to settle on a line of attack, to try to weaken Biden through the sort of name-calling and provocative accusations so associated with the president. Right now the election is Trump versus Trump, and Trump is losing badly, said William Galston, a Brookings Institution scholar who has been an advisor on six Democratic presidential campaigns. If it turns into Trump versus Biden, the president has a chance. Biden needs to do more to define himself in the eyes of the electorate before the Democratic convention in August. Biden aides are confident he can fend off Trump attacks. They note that the president's campaign has already spent tens of millions of dollars on attacks that have failed to stick tying Biden to the partys far left, to a contrived scandal Trump called Obamagate or to alleged misdeeds involving Ukraine. "For months now, Donald Trump and his allies have tried flinging desperate and discredited attacks against Vice President Biden, and for months Biden has continued to grow his lead, campaign spokesman Mike Gwin said. The American people know Joe Biden, and they know Biden's the right candidate in this moment of crisis to unite our country, combat the coronavirus, and rebuild the middle class. The Biden campaign on Thursday announced a $15-million, five-week investment in advertising the first major ad expenditure of the contest against Trump. One of the ads, launching Friday in six states that Trump won in 2016, includes footage of the president's controversial photo opportunity brandishing a Bible in front of a church across from the White House, after federal police and others forcefully cleared the area of peaceful protesters against police brutality. I wont traffic in fear and division, Biden says in the ad. I wont fan the flames of hate. Ill seek to heal the racial wounds that have long plagued our country, not use them for political gain. In recent campaign events, as well, Biden has focused on drawing a contrast between how he and Trump have responded to the current crises: Biden wears a mask to prevent COVID-19 spread; Trump does not. Biden visited with George Floyds grieving family after the Black man was killed by police in Minneapolis; Trump met with police officers. Biden is limiting his exposure to people; Trump is beginning to hold in-person campaign rallies. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) said it pays for the Biden campaign to keep the spotlight on Trumps stumbles. I think the expression is never try to catch a falling knife, he said. In the three months since his last Democratic rival quit the once-crowded field, Biden has struggled. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down the economy and drove him off the campaign trail. Fundraising dried up. All campaign communications emanated from the basement of his Delaware home. That is now changing. Biden and the Democratic National Committee raised almost $81 million in May, up more than 30% from April. He has begun to travel to hold carefully managed campaign events. And as Trump has floundered in his handling of the pandemic and widespread protests against police brutality, Bidens prospects have brightened. The former vice president now enjoys a 8.5-percentage-point advantage nationwide, according to the RealClearPolitics average of polls the widest lead all year. And he is surging in battleground states Democrats need to win the White House. Polls in Michigan show Biden ahead by more than 8 points. He is sustaining a lead of several points in Pennsylvania, and Democrats are also ahead in Arizona, a longtime Republican stronghold that has become a battleground in this cycle. Fresh polling shows the race a toss-up in some states where Trump was thought to have a formidable advantage Georgia, Texas and Iowa among them. Even Kentucky is now considered competitive. The challenge we have is the challenge every presidential campaign wants to have, said Tom Perez, chairman of the Democratic National Committee. He called it "the challenge of too much opportunity." The shifting map also is affecting plans of pro-Biden groups including Planned Parenthood Action Fund and the Lincoln Project, a super PAC of anti-Trump Republicans. This is happening at the best possible time for Biden and worst possible time for Trump, said Mike Madrid, a strategist with the Lincoln Project, which is now advertising in Kentucky, Iowa, Texas and Ohio. The Biden campaign and its allies are investing heavily in Arizona. Gallego, who is helping organize that effort, said they are eager to avoid the mistake of Democrat Hillary Clinton's campaign, which waited until late in the 2016 race to invest there and then lost the state narrowly. While Biden has benefited from the wide name identification he enjoys from having been vice president, Democratic strategists say many Americans remain uncertain about exactly what he stands for, and what he would do as president. Biden has released many detailed plans, including those recently on race relations and reopening the economy. But it has been hard for him to get any message through while most Americans are preoccupied with more pressing health and economic concerns and Trump's latest controversy. In a Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll this month, 25% of voters said they felt neutral about Biden or didnt know him; only 9% had no judgment about Trump. People think that because Joe Biden has been in politics for 40 years and been vice president that everyone knows who he is, said Sarah Longwell, a strategist who founded Republican Voters Against Trump and has conducted focus groups of swing voters. But there are a lot of people have a really fuzzy outline of him. Gibbs, the former Obama aide, says he worries that even as Trumps support erodes, some polls show voters still have more confidence in the president to deal with the economy. Biden needs to say more about his vision for the economy, Gibbs said, and about the experience he's had that has equipped him to handle it. Biden has repeatedly promised to roll out a new, more ambitious economic agenda. But that has been delayed in favor of focusing on the deaths of George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks and the ensuing protests for police reform, as well as the ongoing pandemic. There will be time to talk about an agenda that I, as an economist, think is extremely important, said Jared Bernstein, a senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities who is advising Biden. We dont want to lose the contrast between the extreme damage done by Trumps terrible leadership and the alternative that the Biden presidency would present. When President Donald Trump announced his first post-COVID public campaign rally a few weeks ago, he stepped directly into a messaging mess: His plan was to do it in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Juneteenth, the day in 1865 on which a Union general finally made it to Galveston, Texas, to read Abraham Lincolns orders freeing the slaves to still-enslaved people. After a good deal of controversyevidently Trump had never heard of Juneteenth but is now taking credit for raising public awareness of itthe date was changed to Saturday, June 20. Advertisement Pushing the rally back by one day still does nothing to remedy the public health nightmare around holding a large event in a closed space in the middle of a pandemic; a reality that is sobering and consequential. But as the nation is roiled this month by new shockwaves over racialized police violence, white supremacy, and the erasure of black history, the decision to hold the rally right near the site of one of the worst black massacres in U.S. history is still a gut punch, even if its not on Juneteenth. The Tulsa massacre, which led to hundreds of deaths and a ravaged community, happened in about 24 hours in 1921 in Greenwood, a thriving Tulsa neighborhood known as Black Wall Street. A lawless white mob razed the neighborhood and killed hundreds of black residents, and the entire incident was all but erased from American history. In fact most Americans know virtually nothing of the Tulsa massacre, and many only learned of it for the first time this spring, after watching HBOs Watchmen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The acclaimed series, which last week won a Peabody Award, was quite deliberately set in Tulsa, after the shows creator, Damon Lindelof (who is a friend), stumbled across the lost history when he read The Case for Reparations by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Lindelof, who maybe didnt plan his series about masks, white supremacy, police corruption, and violence to be quite as eerily prescient as it has proved, agreed to talk to me about the significance of Tulsa, history, heroism, and race. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Dahlia Lithwick: I wondered what you made of the fact that Donald Trumps defenders claimed this week that he genuinely had no idea about either Juneteenth or the Tulsa massacre. Not to get all meta, but isnt the erasure the problem, as opposed to the defense? Advertisement Damon Lindelof: This is in no way a defense of the presidents ignorance, but I think its highly possible that he had no idea about either of these events. Ive only known about what happened in 1921 for a few years now, and I learned about Juneteenth from an episode of Blackish, which I could safely assume Mr. Trump does not watch. What was disturbing is what he said (and didnt say) once he was filled in. While I am all but certain his intention was not to raise the American consciousness, I imagine there are a lot of people who heard about Juneteenth and the massacre for the very first time because the president decided to have his rally on that specific date in that specific place. I do appreciate a good backfire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive read about your decision to make Watchmen a show about race and also about your desire to connect it to Tulsa, but I wonder, beyond the story of the 1921 massacre, if there are things unique to Oklahoma or Tulsa that you learned as you dug into this project. Advertisement Advertisement We learned a lot about both Tulsa and Oklahoma. Obviously, our focus was on the events of 1921, but my greatest regret is that we didnt spend more time showing Greenwood before it was decimated. The story of how it came to be is fascinatingoil boom!as were the men and women, just one generation removed from enslavement, who built it up from scratch. We also did a disproportionate amount of research about the musical Oklahoma, which led us down quite a rabbit hole. Advertisement You have said that you felt a ton of pressure to get the Tulsa massacre right on film because nobody had really done it yet for the big screen. Tell me something you put into that extraordinary opening scene that not everyone caught, something you used to try to tell that historical story. Nicole Kassell, who directed the pilot and executive produced the entire series, spent hours upon hours upon hours on that sequence. We agreed that the only way to do it with true authenticity was to not take any liberties whatsoever. Everything we committed to film had to be a factual account from the actual massacre. One detail people might have missed is that Greenwood had an all-black fire department that was prevented by whites from putting out the flames consuming their neighborhood. The image of those men in uniforms being held at bay by Klansmen, hands above their heads while they watched the city burn, was a direct eyewitness account from Nicole and her teams painstaking research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our story was an opportunity to imagine an America where a version of reparations had already been enacted. Damon Lindelof Watchmen paints a unique picture of police, power, extralegal authority, and race. What, if any, connection was there between your original thinking on reparations and where the show ultimately ended up on race and law enforcement and the possibility of justice? Where does that fit in with the present and really new conversation we are having about the police? Advertisement Personally speaking, I feel reparations, specifically for slavery, are a necessary and essential part of acknowledging the systemic white supremacy that infects every American institution to this day. Unfortunately, the logistics (how) and implementation (who) have become barriers for even starting to have that conversation. Our story was an opportunity to imagine an America where a version of reparations had already been enacted and then imagine the corresponding backlash from those who felt it was unfair to be punished for the crimes of their ancestors without wanting to acknowledge they were continuing to benefit from those crimes centuries later. The original Watchmen was a text that offered no easy solutions. It presented the idea of justice through a smudged lens. We were more interested in the idea of why someone wants to be a cop or a vigilante than we were in providing judgment on whether they were good or bad. Advertisement Advertisement Can you talk about the complicated questions raised by masks, including who gets to wear them and what they signify about criminality and maybe even about being American, that the current masked moment has unpeeled for you? The whole masks thing has really thrown me for a loop. The idea we became intoxicated with thematically is that the wearing of a mask was a bit of a paradox in that it hid your identity while simultaneously revealing it. That is to say, the mask would conceal your face, but it would show a part of your personality by virtue of what kind of mask you chose to wear. To that end, the masks hid and revealed the personal trauma of the characters. Angela wears the Sister Night mask because thats the blaxploitation movie she was holding when her parents were murdered. Wade wears the Looking Glass mask because he was in a hall of mirrors at the moment of his greatest personal shame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The context of masks in our real world today seemed cut and dry at first, as their only use was to protect against COVID-19. But in the ensuing weeks, it has become a way to signal what side youre on. I think weve all accepted theres a divide in American culture, but I never thought it would be about something like this, especially when we see all the countries that have gotten control of the spread did so when everyone wore masks. The calculus has somehow become strong people dont wear them, scared people do, which literally makes me want to never stop screaming. Fortunately, said screams are muffled by my mask. Advertisement Advertisement Last question: The original Watchmen seems to have settled on the decision that ultimate power, Ozymandias and Dr. Manhattan power, is safe in nobodys hands. You seemed to be more sanguine about that kind of power, if its wielded by, say, Regina King. This feels like something we are thinking about really differently this summer. How do we feel about that kind of power, not as between competing white men, but in a group that never held it before? Hmm. This feels like a trick question to get me to confirm that Angela may indeed have inherited Dr. Manhattans powers even though we didnt see what happened when her foot made contact with the surface of her swimming pool. I will make no such confirmation. That said if someone were to have godlike abilities, that someone should be Regina King. HBO is making Watchmen available for free starting today, to honor Juneteenth. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 23:00:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A worker carries a tray with cups of coffee made by Shaaban Hamouda at a small booth in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on June 18, 2020. Shaaban Hamouda, a Palestinian coffee seller from the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, has become one of the few people who came up with the idea of delivering beverages to customers using bicycle. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) by Sanaa Kamal GAZA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Shaaban Hamouda, a Palestinian coffee seller from the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, has become one of the few people who came up with the idea of delivering beverages to customers using bicycle. Since he graduated from the university in 2010, the 31-year-old father of two has struggled to find a job and decided to open a small vendor selling hot drinks. Earning 15 U.S. dollars a day, Hamouda was able to provide his family with mere basics, but the eruption of COVID-19 cut his income by half. Customers stopped purchasing. To tackle that challenge, Hamouda decided to think out of the box, offering delivery services to keep his family of five afloat. "The situation in Gaza is complicated and there are no jobs, but our minds can overcome the toughest conditions," Hamouda told Xinhua. Not only he managed to maintain a good level of income, but he has also provided jobs to seven of his friends, who struggled to find jobs after graduation. Two of them prepare hot drinks while five receive orders through social media and deliver them to customers using fast and low-cost bicycles to avoid traffic jams. "People seem to desire new things so we have to render what is new to them and break the conventional stereotype to gain customers," said Hamouda. "At the beginning of my career, I used to deliver my products on foot. At that time, I had a few customers. Now everyone knows me," he explained. Now earning 20 U.S. dollars each, Hamouda and his employees say they can maintain a decent way of life. Unemployment in Gaza has reached unprecedented heights after Israel's subsequent decision to impose a full blockade of the coastal enclave. According to estimates, more than 80 percent of Gazans are unemployed, many of whom are educated young people. A local Gaza-based committee resisting the Israeli blockade has warned in January that Israel's embargo has led to a severe humanitarian deterioration in all aspects of life in the Gaza Strip. In addition, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus and its consequences has increased the number of households that have fallen into poverty to 53,000 families, according to Palestinian Minister of Social Development Ahmad Majdalani. Ammar Abu Shamala, from the city of Rafah, was one of those who lost their job. Taking matters into his own hands and unwilling to wait for the government to extend him a helping hand, the 32-year-old father of six spent most of his time painting hundreds of brightly colored paintings. After the precautionary and preventive measures was eased, the young man started wandering the local markets and streets to look for customers for his paintings. In less than two weeks, he sold about 300 paintings earning up to 20 U.S. dollars each. "I was surprised when they were sold. It seemed that the Gazans are looking forward to having artwork even if they are living under difficult conditions," he told Xinhua. Nevertheless, Abu Shamlah believes in his business and calls on the youngsters to commence private projects to vanquish the state of unemployment, which is ravaging the Gaza Strip. Earning about 30 U.S. dollars per day, he says it is more than enough for his family to lead a stable life in Gaza. "That is true, Gaza is living under the most deteriorating conditions, but we can overcome them and create our own success stories in order to continue our life," said the optimistic man. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention published on Thursday night the genome sequence data of the coronavirus that caused the latest COVID-19 outbreak in Beijing. The data have also been submitted to the World Health Organization and the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data to be shared with the international community. The data were taken from virus samples collected from confirmed cases and the environment in Xinfadi, a major wholesales market in Beijing linked with the outbreak. They were published via a data service system co-established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and China CDC. Beijing reported another 25 confirmed COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 183 in the latest outbreak since June 11. HONG KONG - The man nicknamed Hong Kongs Father of Democracy said that Beijing is trying to take control of the semi-autonomous city with an impending national security law, but that violent protest is not the answer. This is clearly a pretext for Beijing to assert comprehensive control over Hong Kong, as they said they would six years ago, longtime activist and former lawmaker Martin Lee said in an interview on Friday. The national security law, which could be approved in Beijing this weekend, is aimed at curbing secessionist, subversive, terrorist and foreign interference that Beijing says fueled the monthslong anti-government protests in Hong Kong. The law would be enacted by the central government, bypassing the citys legislature. The end of Hong Kong as we know it, as an international city, as a free port and with all our freedoms protected by our independent court this could well disappear, Lee said. He said he hoped that Beijing will keep to its promise and abide by the so-called one country, two systems framework, where Hong Kong people will rule Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy. A former British colony, Hong Kong was assured that it would be allowed to maintain its freedoms, many not found on the mainland, when it was handed over to China in 1997. Last years protests were sparked by opposition to a proposed extradition bill that would have allowed suspects to be sent for trial on the mainland, something many saw as a violation of that commitment. The 82-year-old Lee was arrested for the first time in April together with 14 other pro-democracy figures. They were charged with participating in and organizing several of last years protests. Its selective prosecution, he said, calling the charges politically motivated. But if they want to charge 15 of us over this series of demonstrations, then so be it. He said they had a strong defence and expressed confidence they would be acquitted. Lee urged Hong Kongers to protest peacefully against the national security law, even after it is enacted. The protests last year were the most violent Hong Kong has seen since the handover to China. I hope theres no violence in these public demonstrations because you cannot win. Once you use weapons, how can you defeat the Hong Kong policemen, who are so well-armed? he asked. The controversial national security law has drawn sharp rebuke from the pro-democracy camp in Hong Kong, with activists like Lee and others saying that it erodes the one country, two systems framework. The Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress is deliberating the law during a three-day meeting that ends Saturday. It is not clear if it will approve the law at this session. Yue Zhongming, a spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee, said Tuesday that the committee planned to speed up the formulation of the law. Lee was part of the committee that helped draft the Basic Law, Hong Kongs constitution, although he later resigned in protest over Beijings bloody crackdown on the 1989 pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square. In 1990, he founded Hong Kongs first pro-democracy party, and has been a champion of democracy and human rights for the past four decades. Red velvet cake is one of the red foods used to celebrate the holiday Juneteenth on June 19. (Amirali Mirhashemian via Unsplash) Oregon Gov. Kate Brown is proclaiming Friday as Juneteenth and will introduce a bill in the 2021 legislative session to make it an annual state holiday commemorating freedom from slavery in the United States. Brown also announced Thursday that she is creating a new task force to improve law enforcement training and certification. This year, celebrating Black freedom and achievement on Juneteenth is more important than ever as people across Oregon, the United States, and around the world protest systemic racism and unequivocally show that Black Lives Matter, Brown said in a written statement. I encourage all Oregonians to join me in observing Juneteenth by getting educated on systemic racism in this country and getting involved in the fight for racial justice. Earlier this week, the city of Portland announced it would make Juneteenth a paid holiday for city employees. The governor said her public safety policy adviser Constantin Severe, who previously led Portlands independent police oversight office, will head the new task force. According to a press release from the governors office, Brown wants the task force to recommend: Research and data-based improvements to officer training and certification Ways to incorporate racial equity into law enforcement training and certification Best practices to de-escalate situations and use the least amount of force necessary Improve the composition of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training and boost public involvement Changes to state law for officer decertification. Words from leaders arent enough, Brown said. We need action. Its time for a full review of law enforcement training, certification, and decertification practices. -- Hillary Borrud: hborrud@oregonian.com; @hborrud Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. A former vice president, Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the now trending news that the Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) by sending him a congratulatory message via his official Twitter handle. Read Also: Atiku Makes Shocking Revelations, Says Nigeria Is In Financial Crisis Atiku in his message bragged that the embattled governor is joining a repositioned PDP that promotes good governance for the benefit of Nigerians. He tweeted, Advertisement Congratulations, @GovernorObaseki on joining our party, @OfficialPDPNigthe truly peoples party. I am confident that the people of Edo State will be the better for it. You are indeed coming aboard a repositioned PDP that promotes good governance for the benefit of Nigerians. -AA Islamabad: A Pakistani judicial commission has been ordered by an Anti-Terrorism Court here to visit Karachi to inspect a boat which was allegedly used by LeT terrorists in the 2008 Mumbai attack. An ATC Judge yesterday heard the Mumbai attack case and accepted a request filed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to inspect the boat Alfoz in Karachi. The FIA had requested the court to send a judicial commission to examine the boat as it was difficult to produce it before the court, In addition to examining the boat, the commission would also record the statement of a witness, Munir, during its visit to Karachi. Earlier, ATC-II judge had allowed the FIAs application requesting the court to exhibit the boat as evidence as it was allegedly used for transporting the assailants to India and ultimately led to the attack in Mumbai. The court's decision to inspect the boat in Karachi comes days after India wrote a letter to Pakistan, suggesting legal ways to expedite trial of the Mumbai terror attack case. India had written the letter after the FIA dropped charges against a suspect in the Mumbai attack case after failing to find any incriminating evidence. The FIA had submitted a charge sheet before the ATC and placed the suspect, Sufiyan Zafar, in the second column of the charge sheet, which means no evidence was found against him. According to the prosecution, Zafar had reportedly provided financial assistance to the other suspects. In the charge sheet, the FIA said that Zafar had transferred Rs 14,000 into a suspects account. During the course of investigation, the investigators said it had emerged that Zafar had lent the money to the other suspects also without asking why they needed it. LeT operations commander Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum are accused of abetment to murder, attempted murder, planning and executing the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people in November, 2008. Lakhvi, believed to be the mastermind of the Mumbai attack, is living in undisclosed location after being released from jail on bail a year ago. The other six suspects are in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi. The case has been underway in the country for more than six years. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Sushant Singh Rajput Mumbai: Actor Sushant Singh Rajput's memories will continue to be celebrated as Instagram has memorialised his account, adding remembering to his bio. Rajput, 34, known for films like "Kai Po Che!", "MS Dhoni: The Untold Story", "Chhichhore", was found dead in his Bandra apartment on Sunday, sending shockwaves in the film industry and elsewhere. Advertisement Sushant Singh Rajput Days after his untimely demise, Instagram added remembering to his account bio and memorialised it as a place to remember the actor's life. According to the photo-video sharing website, no one can log into a memorialised account. The posts the deceased person shared, including photos and videos, stay on their page and are visible to the users they were shared with. Sushant Singh Rajput Advertisement Also, once the account is memorialised, no one will be able to make changes to any of the existing posts or information. The actor's last post on the social media platform was a tribute to his late mother on June 3. THE ROYAL Air Force flew into Providenciales on Tuesday (June 16) dropping off close to two tonnes of pharmaceuticals, PPE and medical consumables gifted by the UK. The delivery will shared with the naval task force that will be in TCI waters in the coming weeks to support the territory during the Atlantic hurricane season. Two health professionals arrived on the aircraft while several members of the military team tasked to help with hurricane planning left on the return flight. Governor Nigel Dakin said: "Departing with the RAF we said good-bye to Lt Colonel Steve Jones and a number of the military team that arrived with us some months ago. "The job they needed to do, the planning, has come to an end. Surgeon Commander Jonathan Eames takes command of the remaining team which includes the Royal Marines supporting the maritime police. It also includes the officers delivering on health and disaster preparations and building the TCI Regiment. "Getting off the RAF flight we welcomed two amazing health professionals from the UK here to help TCIs Team Health prepare for the reopening of our borders and wider health issues. These are Dr Autilia Newton, an expert in infectious disease management and a consultant in communicable disease control. And Professor Ian Cumming, an expert in major incident management and healthcare delivery strategy. "Great to welcome them, the Cubans, returning residents and further medical supplies to the Islands, the governor said. The Haines Borough has reached an agreement with Alaska Marine Lines (AML) for construction of a new roll-on, roll-off ramp at Lutak Dock. At present, AML has been using the crumbling Lutak Dock face to unload cargo. In 2014, PND Engineers, Inc. c... The Tennessee Department of Education on Thursday announced members and objectives of the statewide COVID-19 Child Wellbeing Task Force, which was convened to support the holistic needs of Tennessee children in response to extended school building closures. Governor Bill Lee charged Commissioner Penny Schwinn to convene the COVID-19 Child Wellbeing Task Force in response to the pandemics long-term effects on Tennessees school districts and students. The goal of the task force is to help communities come together to check on kids. The Child Wellbeing Task Force will work to ensure that the needs of Tennessee children are met during and after extended periods away from school, and to empower local communities to meaningfully engage in ways that support child wellbeing, said Commissioner Schwinn. I am encouraged by these dedicated individuals from across the state who have stepped up to serve. The departments strategic plan, Best for All, prioritizes the whole child as one of three priority areas. The Task Force will operate with the following concrete objectives: Empowering Local Implementation: Identify local infrastructure, relationships, and resources to promote supports for students and families. Supporting Rapid Response for late summer and back-to-school 2020: Develop a set of action items that local communities may utilize over the summer and throughout the traditional back-to-school season to support the needs of children. Determining Ongoing Support for Academic Year 2020-2021: Develop a set of action items that local communities may utilize to support the needs of children when school resumes in the fall of 2020. The Task Force will produce the following deliverables: By July 6, the Task Force will produce a postmortem report on the impacts of school closure on critical services to children that occurred across the state and will identify opportunities for locally established and maintained infrastructure. By July 10, the Task Force will provide guidance for conducting child wellbeing checks during the summer and/or throughout back-to-school season as children begin a new school year. By July 24, the Task Force will provide guidance for community-based child wellbeing checks, services, and supports throughout the academic year. By Oct. 2, the Task Force will develop the Pandemic Preparation Toolkit, outlining a more comprehensive set of recommendations, action items, and planning tools for local communities for any future school closures. By De. 11, the Task Force will produce a report to the Governor summarizing the work of the group and making recommendations for the future. The members of the COVID-19 Child Wellbeing Task Force are: Senator Raumesh Akbari, Tennessee General Assembly Naomi Asher, Executive Director, United Way of Anderson County Janet Ayers, President, The Ayers Foundation Guy Barnard, Co-Founder, Synchronous Health Dr. Jared Bigham, Senior Advisor, Workforce and Rural Initiatives, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry Molly Blankenship, Executive Director, Chattanooga 2.0 Sonji Branch, Chief Executive Officer, Communities in Schools - Memphis Linda Brown, Board President, The ARC Mary Nell Bryan, President, Children's Hospital Alliance of Tennessee Juliana Ospina Cano, Executive Director, Conexion Americas Nancy Dishner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Niswonger Foundation Clark Flatt, President, The Jason Foundation Alexis Gwin-Miller, Co-Chair of the Education Equity Taskforce, MICAH (Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope) Senator Ferrell Haile, Tennessee General Assembly Chief Richard Hall, Board President, Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police Representative Yusuf Hakeem, Tennessee General Assembly Katie Harbison, President, Chambliss Center Representative Kirk Haston, Tennessee General Assembly Kim Henderson, President, Tennessee PTA Melissa Hudson-Gant, Chief Executive Officer, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Beth Goodner, Chief Executive Officer, Trust Point Hospital Elaine Jackson, President, Rural Health Association of Tennessee Cato Johnson, Vice President, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare David Jordan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Agape Memphis Shawn Kimble, Director of Schools, Lauderdale County Schools Kati Lohr, Co-Founder, Synchronous Health Amy Martin, President, Tennessee Cable and Broadband Association Jerry Martin, President, YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South Johnny McDaniel, Outgoing Superintendent, Lawrence County Schools Brian McLaughlin, Tennessee Teacher of the Year Jeff Moorhouse, Director of Schools, Kingsport City Schools Chapple Osborne-Arnold, Program Specialist, Save the Children Kristen Robinson, Advocacy Coordinator, Disability Rights Tennessee Patrick Sheehy, President, Tennessee Business Roundtable Dr. Flora Tydings, President, Tennessee Board of Regents Dr. Le Andrea Ware, Tennessee Principal of the Year Angela Webster, Executive Director, AIMHiTN (Association of Infant Mental Health in TN) Samantha Wigand, Chief Executive Officer, Communities in Schools The Task Force will convene bimonthly through June and July, with monthly meetings August through December. Reopening toolkits and guidance is available on the departments reopening guidance webpage: https://www.tn.gov/education/health-and-safety/update-on-coronavirus/reopening-guidance.html. Hyderabad, June 19 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao on Friday cautioned against any hasty action following clashes between the armies of India and China on the border but said there should be no compromise on the country's interests. During the all-party meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called, through video conference, on the issue, Rao suggested long-term and short-term strategies to counter China. "We should prepare long-term and short term strategies to face China's aggressive attitude. There should not be any hasty act under any circumstances. At the same time, there should not be any compromise as far as our nation's security and interests are concerned. Have strategic partnership with countries, which are friendly with us," he suggested. Referring to the demand to ban import of goods from China, Rao said this would be a hasty decision. "The goods that we are importing now should be made in India. These goods should be available to the people at a reasonable price. We have to concentrate on this," the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) President said. KCR, as Rao is popularly known, felt that China became jealous of India due stable and strong governance in the country and India emerging as a very strong economic force to reckon with and hence the provocation from its side. "Why China is adopting a confrontation with India now and there are special factors for that. We have brought in new Acts for Kashmir. We are providing permanent solutions to problems there. We are speaking decisively on the POK. Our Union Minister had declared in the Parliament that Aksai Chin is our area, which China occupied illegally. Galwan Valley is a strategically important strategic point for the country's security. We are improving infrastructure facilities there. China has not been able to digest this. Hence it is taking a confrontation position," he said. "China and Pakistan have the habit of creating trouble and conflict atmosphere when they have problems internally. China has a lot of internal problems now. China is also picking up confrontation with countries in the South China Sea coast like Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines," KCR said. He said China became unpopular in the world as it was considered to be responsible for the spread of coronavirus. He claimed that several multinational corporations are shifting out of China and looking at India. "China had always been pursuing a confrontationist attitude with India. Incidents that happened now in the Galwan Valley also happened in the past. This is not the first incident nor will be the last. China raised a border dispute in 1957. In 1962, there was a full-scale war between India and China. Then 200 defence personnel were martyred. Now clashes took place at Galwan and 20 of our army personnel were martyred. We are having some incident or the other with the country with which we have thousands of kilometers of border. We always have a potential danger in China. Hence we have to act strategically," he added. KCR, hoever, opposed politicisation of the issue saying the country needs a 'Ranneeti' (strategy) and not 'Rajneeti' (politics). "We need war strategy. The entire country should stand as one. In the past whenever we had skirmishes with other countries we all stood by one. During the Bangladesh war, (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee praised Indira Gandhi as Durga Mata. Such kind of inspiration should come to us now. The entire country should stand by the Central government and the Prime Minister. People in Telangana State, the state government will stand by the PM in this situation," he said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 15:30 582 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066017520 1 National Joko-Widodo,novel-baswedan,Novel-acid-attack,KPK-attacks,KPK,Corruption-Eradication-Comission Free President Joko Jokowi Widodo has stated he will not intervene in the legal proceedings regarding the acid attack against Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigator Novel Baswedan, with a presidential aide saying the country's leader hoped the judges would hand down a fair verdict in the case. State prosecutors had previously demanded a one-year prison sentence for the defendants, police personnel Chief Brig. Ronny Bugis and Brig. Rahmat Kadir Mahulette, who are currently undergoing trials in separate hearings at the North Jakarta District Court. The President respects the ongoing legal proceedings, in which he has faith and hopes the panel of judges will hand down a verdict that is fair, presidential spokesperson for legal affairs Dini Purwono said Thursday. She said Jokowi believed the judges would pay close attention to the criminal articles under which the defendants have been charged, as well as the evidence gathered during the investigation. She said Jokowi had previously called for a speedy completion of the investigation and for members of the National Police to be scrutinized. With the trial ongoing, we need to understand that the President, as the leader of the executive branch, cannot intervene in the authority of the judiciary, Dini said as quoted by Kontan. Members of the public have expressed disappointment and bewilderment at the light sentence demanded for the accused attackers. The KPK has called for the two police officers implicated in the case to receive maximum sentences. House of Representatives Commission III overseeing legal affairs has said it would question Attorney General ST Burhanuddin regarding the demanded sentence. Novels advocacy team previously made three demands pertaining to the trial. First, that the judges focus on the facts of the attack against Novel; second, that President Jokowi form an independent fact-finding team; and third, that the Prosecutors' Commission follow up the findings by examining the prosecutors in Novels case. (asp) Mt. Pleasants Justin Henry posted to Facebook that his wife urged him to get tested for COVID-19 after he spent Sunday with headaches and feeling body flu. Henry, a teacher at Odyssey School, got his test Tuesday and announced Thursday that it came back positive. Ive worn masks in public, and would guess Ive been one of the more careful people I know, not perfect, but probably would get at least a B if not an A if we were all graded on a curve, his post read. In an update, Henry said that Central Michigan District Health Department tracking down everyone he was closer than six feet to for at least 15 minutes. His was one of three confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported in Isabella County on Friday, as was another death in Gratiot. Based on the states primary dashboard, that death appears to have been a resident of Masonic Pathways. Fridays COVID-19 update from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services continued what has been relatively good news statewide. Another 211 cases were identified across Michigan for a total of 60,829; and another five deaths were announced for a total of 5,823. Unlike previous Fridays, no new deaths were announced based on a review of vital records, too. Three of those cases were in Isabella County, up from 83 on Thursday for a total of 86. Its also a five-case increase from Tuesday, where itd sat for some time. On a state dashboard that tracks county-level data, Isabella County which met criteria as a low-risk place for more than a week was already hovering at moving from low-to-medium risk based on Tuesdays data based on that days two new cases. Gratiot County didnt report any additional cases and remains at 81, but the state did report an additional death there and it appeared to be part of the outbreak at Masonic Pathways Jack F. Saunders Health Care Center. Thursday, the county reported 12 deaths, six of which were related to Masonic Pathways. Friday, there were 13, and the states nursing home dashboard showed seven Masonic deaths. On Thursday, there were six. According to a hotline set up by Pathways administration, 12 residents and two employees remain COVID-19 positive. The outbreak has involved 20 residents and 14 employees. Most counties around mid-Michigan also saw additional COVID-19 cases on Friday. Clare increased one to 25, with one death; Mecosta increased one to 24, with two deaths; Gladwin increased three to 23, with one death; and Midland increased one to 115, with nine deaths. Montcalm, with 74 cases and one death, remained unchanged. The state database for nursing home cases and deaths continues to pin the number of deaths connected to Mission Point of Greenville at three, while the main page says only one person has died in that county. Leslie Kinee, spokeswoman for Mid-Michigan District Health Department, said late Thursday afternoon that she is only aware of one COVID death in Montcalm County. READ MORE: China plans to accelerate purchases of American farm goods to comply with the phase one trade deal with the U.S. following talks in Hawaii this week. The world's top soybean importer intends to step up buying of everything from soybeans to corn and ethanol after purchases fell behind due to coronavirus disruptions, said two people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named because the information is private. A separate person said the Chinese government has asked state-owned agricultural buyers to make all efforts to meet the phase one agreement. Nobody from the commerce ministry responded to a fax seeking comment. The plan offers respite to markets concerned about trade disruptions after the countries exchanged blows over everything from the origins of the coronavirus to new security legislation in Hong Kong. U.S. equity futures, the Euro Stoxx 50, soybeans in Chicago and the yuan extended gains. On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said China's top foreign policy official committed to honor all of his nation's commitments under the trade deal. "During my meeting with CCP Politburo Member Yang Jiechi, he recommitted to completing and honoring all of the obligations of Phase 1 of the trade deal between our two countries," Pompeo said in a tweet on Thursday, using an acronym for the Chinese Communist Party. Pompeo offered no details beyond the tweet, but that was the first substantive news out of the secretive meeting with Yang at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii on Wednesday. It's still unclear how the meeting came about or who had asked for it. Both sides have said the other initiated it. China pledged to buy $36.5 billion worth of American agriculture products under the phase one deal, up from $24 billion in 2017, before the trade war. However, China purchased only $4.65 billion in the first four months of the year, data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show. That's only 13% of the goal set in the trade deal and almost 40% below the same period in 2017. China had asked state buyers to halt some purchases of American farm goods including soy, Bloomberg News reported earlier this month. However, Chinese importers had continued to increase its American soy purchases, picking up 2.2 million metric tons of the oilseed in the two weeks ended June 11, according to the USDA data. U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton speaks to media at the Palace of Independence in Minsk, Belaru, Aug. 29, 2019. EPA Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton has written in his upcoming memoir that the 2018 diplomatic efforts to denuclearize North Korea were South Korea's "creation," more than a serious strategy on the part of Washington or Pyongyang, CNN reported Thursday. In his book, "The Room Where It Happened," which is due to be published next week, Bolton writes extensively about his disagreements with Trump before, during and after his first summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore in June 2018, according to the news channel. "The whole diplomatic fandango was South Korea's creation," Bolton was quoted as writing, "relating more to its 'unification' agenda than serious strategy on Kim's part or ours." Bolton also claimed that Trump was "desperate to have the meeting at any price" and that Kim had him "hooked" at the Singapore summit. According to The New York Times, the former adviser also mocks a series of decisions by Trump. The decision to meet Kim in Singapore was a "foolish mistake," he writes, and Trump's desire to invite Kim to the White House was "a potential disaster of enormous magnitude." In another article, The New York Times quoted Bolton as writing that Trump "spent weeks" fixated on trying to give Kim an autographed copy of Elton John's "Rocket Man" on CD. Trump also wanted Kim to know that he used the nickname "Rocket Man" for the North Korean leader as a term of endearment, according to the paper. According to Fox News, Bolton wrote that North Korea's short-range missile launches in May 2019 represented a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, but it was also "entirely possible for the launches to violate the resolutions without violating Kim's pledge to Trump, which involved only ICBM launches." "It was equally true that Trump looked foolish for not understanding that Kim had, in effect, sold him the Brooklyn Bridge with that pledge, but we were never able to shake Trump's faith he had scored a coup in getting it," Bolton was quoted as writing. After Bolton told reporters that there was "no doubt" of a violation, Trump made his thoughts known on Twitter, writing, "North Korea fired off some small weapons, which disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me. I have confidence that Chairman Kim will keep his promise to me, & also smiled when he called Swampman Joe Biden a low IQ individual, & worse. Perhaps that's sending me a signal?" Bolton, however, also credited Trump on some counts. James Gandolfini's widow has been seen for the first time in years in Los Angeles, as she has rebuilt a new life on the West Coast after her husband's death, exclusive DailyMail.com photos show. Deborah Lin, 52, was spotted running errands last Friday with a mystery man and her daughter with the late actor Liliana, who is now seven years old. This Friday marks the 7th anniversary of Gandolfini's shock death in 2013, when the 51-year-old died of a heart attack while vacationing in Italy with his son Michael. Lin and Gandolfini married in Lin's hometown of Honolulu in 2008 and were living in New York City at the time of his death. She has managed to keep a low profile in the years since her husband's death, moving to California for a fresh start. James Gandolfini's widow has been seen for the first time in years in Los Angeles, as she has rebuilt a new life on the West Coast after her husband's death, exclusive DailyMail.com photos show Lin has managed to keep a low profile in the years since her husband's death, moving to California for a fresh start She was spotted running errands last Friday with a mystery man and her daughter with the late actor Liliana, who is now seven years old Lin and Gandolfini married in Lin's hometown of Honolulu in 2008 and were living in New York City at the time of his death Lin was seen last Friday driving around Los Angeles and picking up fast food with Liliana and a mystery man. She appears to live a modest life, despite her late husband's $70 million estate. Gandolfini, who is best known for playing Tony Soprano on HBO's hit mob show, was previously married to Marcy Wudarski, the mother of his son Michael. Wudarski and Lin battled it out in court over the multi-million dollar estate, as the actor had his will redone shortly before his death following Liliana's birth. His funeral was held at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City. Lin was the first to speak at the funeral, describing Gandolfini as someone who 'cared more about others than himself' and said she enjoyed watching him be a wonderful father to his two children. 'Jim, one of the things I loved the most was watching you be the father that you were to Michael and Lily,' she said. 'Thank you for the memories of the beautiful life we shared together. I love you Jim and I always will. Rest in Peace.' Gandolfini's son, Michael, who tragically found his father dying in an Italian hotel room, wiped away tears and clung to his mother after he walked his father's coffin to an awaiting hearse after the service. Similarly, Lin was so overcome as she said her final goodbyes that she had to be propped up by family members at one point. Lin was seen last Friday driving around Los Angeles and picking up fast food with Liliana and a mystery man. She appears to live a modest life, despite her late husband's $70 million estate Gandolfini, who is best known for playing Tony Soprano on HBO's hit mob show, was previously married to Marcy Wudarski, the mother of his son Michael Wudarski and Lin battled it out in court over the multi-million dollar estate, as the actor had his will redone shortly before his death after the birth of Liliana. His funeral was held at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City. Pictured: A mystery man who was seen with Lin last Friday in Los Angeles Lin was the first to speak at the funeral, describing Gandolfini as someone who 'cared more about others than himself' and said she enjoyed watching him be a wonderful father to his two children Gandolfini's family joined more than 1,000 mourners including Edith 'Edie' Falco, Gandolfini's on-screen wife Carmela in the HBO hit show for the ceremony, which lasted two hours and was described as a 'wonderful' tribute to the star. Earlier this week, Gandolfini's former co-star Steve Schirripa revealed that Gandolfini once threatened to 'beat the f**k' out of Harvey Weinstein. Gandolfini had starred in Killing Them Softly, a film distributed by the disgraced movie mogul's company, back in 2012. But the actor took exception to Weinstein's insistence that he promote the film on the talk show circuit. 'He said, ''Harvey Weinstein keeps calling, he wants me to do Letterman and I said no.'' And he got f**king nasty with Jim,' recalled Schirripa on The Joe Rogan Experience. He continued: 'And Jim said, ''I will beat the f*** out of Harvey Weinstein! He f***ing calls me again, I will beat the f*** out of him! For the money he paid me, Im not f***ing doing it!'' Swear to God.' Gandolfini was best known for playing Tony Soprano on HBO's hit mob show Earlier this week, Gandolfini's former co-star Steve Schirripa revealed that Gandolfini once threatened to 'beat the f***' out of Harvey Weinstein. Gandolfini had starred in Killing Them Softly, a film distributed by the disgraced movie mogul's company, back in 2012 RIP: Gandolfini passed away from a heart attack at age 51, back in 2013 while in Italy to receive an award at the Taormina Film Fest. Seen here in the 2012 film Killing Them Softly He added: 'And this is before all the Harvey Weinstein s*** when he was still king s***.' Schirripa, who played Bobby 'Bacala' Baccalieri on the mafia drama, was joined by co-star Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) for the interview. Earlier in the interview, the actors had stressed that Gandolfini was nothing like his sociopathic, violent character on the acclaimed cable series. 'He wasn't like that,' stressed Imperioli, 'He was more like a hippy.' 'He wore Birkenstocks and like, a bandanna on his head... he didn't really talk like that [character]'. Gandolfini passed away from a heart attack at age 51, back in 2013 while in Italy to receive an award at the Taormina Film Fest. Weinstein is currently serving time for third-degree rape and criminal sexual assault in the first degree. DALLAS, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Neiman Marcus Group LTD LLC (the "Company") announced today that after undergoing emergency heart surgery last week, Marc Beilinson has tendered his immediate resignation to the Board of Managers of Neiman Marcus Group. While Mr. Beilinson expects to fully recover from this successful medical procedure in the coming weeks, Mr. Beilinson's doctors have advised him to temporarily reduce his workload. Scott Vogel, who was designated a Disinterested Manager by the Board of Managers on April 28, 2020, will continue to discharge the responsibilities delegated to Mr. Vogel. The Company anticipates that its restructuring proceedings will continue uninterrupted and on the current timeline. "The successful disposition of this case and preservation of one of the nation's most iconic brands is of critical importance to me, and I came to this decision with the best interests of the company, its creditors, and my family in mind," said Mr. Beilinson. The Company thanks Mr. Beilinson for his efforts to help create a path for the Company to exit Chapter 11 as quickly as possible with a strong capital structure and a bright future, and wishes him well in his recovery. Additional Information Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Company, Lazard Ltd. is serving as the Company's investment banker, and Berkeley Research Group is serving as the Company's financial advisor. Court filings and other documents related to the Chapter 11 proceedings are available on a separate website administered by the Company's claims agent, Stretto. For inquiries regarding the restructuring, please visit https://cases.stretto.com/NMG. About Neiman Marcus Group Neiman Marcus Group is a luxury, multi-branded, omni-channel fashion retailer conducting integrated store and online operations under the Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus Last Call, and Horchow brand names. For more information, visit http://www.neimanmarcusgroup.com. Forward-Looking Statements Neiman Marcus Group has included statements in this press release that constitute "forwardlooking statements." As a general matter, forwardlooking statements are those focused on future or anticipated events or trends, expectations, and beliefs including, among other things, the Company's expectations with respect to its Chapter 11 proceedings. Such statements are intended to be identified by using words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "will," "project," "plan," and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Any forwardlooking statements are and will be based upon the Company's thencurrent expectations, estimates, and assumptions regarding future events and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forwardlooking statements. Such forwardlooking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in this press release for numerous reasons, including factors outside the Company's control. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE Neiman Marcus Group LTD LLC Related Links http://www.neimanmarcusgroup.com Actor Kriti Sanon has shared a screengrab of an old tweet of hers, in which she is expressing her impatience with the year 2020. Kriti is coping with the death of her old co-star Sushant Singh Rajput, who died by suicide on Sunday. In her old tweet, originally posted on June 1, Kriti had written, Can this year just end.. Can we pls skip the rest of 2020. In addition to the nationwide coronavirus lockdown, the Hindi film industry also had to come to terms with the deaths of Irrfan Khan, Rishi Kapoor, Wajid Khan and Sushant. Kriti was present at Sushants funeral, which was held on Monday. In an emotional Instagram note shared by her earlier this week, shed written, Sush.. I knew that your brilliant mind was your best friend and your worst enemy.. but it has broken me completely to know that you had a moment in your life where Dying felt easier or better than Living. I so wish you had people around you to get you pass THAT moment, i wish you hadnt pushed the ones who loved you away.. i wish i could have fixed that something which was broken inside you..I couldnt.. I wish so so many things....A part of my heart has gone with you.. and a part will always keep you alive..Never stopped praying for your happiness and never will. In a follow-up post, she slammed the medias handling of Sushants death. She wrote, Its strange that the otherwise trolling, gossiping world suddenly wakes up to your niceness and positive side once you are gone.. Social media is the FAKEST, most toxic place.. and if you havent posted RIP or said something publicly, you are considered not to be grieving, when in reality, those are the people grieving for REAL. It seems Social Media is the new Real world.. and the Real world has become Fake. Also read: Kriti Sanon pens a heartbreaking post on Sushant Singh Rajput: I wish you hadnt pushed the ones who loved you away Kriti, along with actors Shraddha Kapoor, Varun Sharma, Vivek Oberoi and other members of the film industry such as Abhishek Kapoor, Ranvir Shorey, Dinesh Vijan, attended Sushants funeral on Monday. If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist. Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918 Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON By means of hydroacoustic seafloor mapping Senckenberg and GEOMAR researchers have found out that the seafloor in the Atlantic Ocean is much more diverse than previously assumed. Credit: Senckenberg By means of hydroacoustic seafloor mapping Senckenberg and GEOMAR researchers have found out that the seafloor in the Atlantic Ocean is much more diverse than previously assumed. Up to now, biologists have assumed mostly monotonous sediment plains in the abyssal deep sea. In their study published today in the scientific journal PNAS, the scientists now show that a patchwork of rocky habitats and other hard substrates is to be expected in the Atlantic, which in some regions of this depth zone can make up 30 percent of the seabed. The diversity of habitats is expected to have direct impact on the local wildlife. The deep sea is known for its unexplored and surprisingly large biodiversitydespite the extreme environmental conditions, it is home to countless organisms that have adapted in many different ways: from Giant Squid and Pelican Eels to blue-green shining Brittle Stars. "This diversity, which we encounter on every expedition, seems to contradict the assumption that the habitat of these animals supposedly is quite uniform," explains Dr. Torben Riehl from the Senckenberg Research Institute and Nature Museum in Frankfurt, and continues: "We asked ourselves: Why can so many species coexist in such a homogeneous habitat and even evolve in the first place? Is the abyssal sea floor perhaps less monotonous than assumed?" Together with the head of the Senckenberg department "Marine Zoology" Prof. Dr. Angelika Brandt and deep-sea researchers of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Riehl has closely examined the area around a submarine fracture zone during an expedition with the research vessel Sonne in 2015. Geologists refer to valleys in thein this caseoceanic crust as fracture zones, which run across the mid-ocean ridges and extend over hundreds of kilometers. The scientists have mapped and analyzed the seafloor of the tropical North Atlantic at a depth of about 4,500 to 5,500 meters over an area of 94,000 square kilometers. "Our hydroacoustic data allow us to distinguish between rocky and sedimentary seabed and transition areas. Sampling and videos have shown that the applied method actually works at this depth. The mapped area was scattered with rocky habitats. Thus we can say that the seafloor in this depth zone is much more heterogeneous than commonly assumed. These hard substrates have simply been overlooked so far," says Riehl and continues: "Most maps of the sea floor at these depths usually only have a resolution in the kilometer rangeit's like trying to read the fine print without glasses as a farsighted person; only very blurred contours are visible. If one now takes our newly created maps of the seabed for comparison, it is as if one puts on the reading glasses. The newly created maps have a resolution of 60 meters and are, compared to former maps, pin Many deep-sea sponges, such as this specimen of the genus Hyalonema, firm, solid surface for attachment. This photograph of the GEOMAR ROV Kiel6000 from a manganese nodule area in the Pacific illustrates the importance of hard substrates for deep-sea fauna. Credit: ROV-Team/GEOMAR sharp. You can see details that up to now you could only guess at best. In addition to the seabed model, we were able to make further statements about the seabed from the data collected." But how could the stony habitats remain unnoticed despite numerous deep-sea expeditions since the 1950s? In its study, the team around the deep-sea researcher from Frankfurt suspects that this is due to the fact that research has so far only been spot-checked and also to the research equipment itself: sledges, trawls, drilling rigs and the like were mainly developed for use on relatively flat and above all soft sediments. "Sampling the deep-sea fauna is technically highly demanding. If the cartographic basis, as inaccurate as it may be, suggests the possibility of an uneven topography on the sea floor, the use of equipment at this location is usually reconsidered. If the equipment is lost or damaged during use, this could endanger the expedition. However, this practice leads to a distortion of our picture of the deep sea," adds Riehl. The team has extrapolated its results to the entire Atlantic Ocean and thus estimated the total area of available hard substrates. Riehl explains: "Depending on the age of the crust, hard substrate makes up to 30 percent of the seabed. All in all, we have an area of over 260,000 square kilometers for which we can assume rocky seabed. Since hard substrate is an important habitat for numerous deep-sea organisms and influences the distribution of species, this is extremely important information for reinterpreting biodiversity in the abyssal and better understanding its origins and composition!". The method used combines information on the topography and roughness of the seafloor, which is obtained using a multibeam echo sounder. "To our knowledge, this is the first time that it has been applied in this way at abyssal depths, making it possible to distinguish between habitat types and quantify this habitat diversity. It can thus be used for the exploration of the seabed, for example in connection with the establishment of protected areas in the deep sea," Riehl gives an outlook. Explore further Plastic in the deep sea: Virtually unaltered after a quarter of a century More information: Torben Riehl et al. Discovery of widely available abyssal rock patches reveals overlooked habitat type and prompts rethinking deep-sea biodiversity, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2020). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Torben Riehl et al. Discovery of widely available abyssal rock patches reveals overlooked habitat type and prompts rethinking deep-sea biodiversity,(2020). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1920706117 China Presses Ahead With Tougher-Looking National Security Law For Hong Kong 2020-06-18 -- China's leadership on Thursday moved ahead with a draconian national security law it plans to impose on Hong Kong, sparking concerns that the new regime will target peaceful dissidents and pro-democracy politicians, especially those accused of "colluding with overseas forces." The draft National Security Law for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China was submitted to the National People's Congress (NPC) standing committee on Thursday, state media reported. The committee is meeting until the end of this month to decide on forthcoming changes to Chinese laws, which are assured of near-unanimous support in the rubber-stamp NPC. "The draft makes explicit stipulations on what constitutes four categories of criminal acts and their corresponding criminal responsibilities," state news agency Xinhua reported on Thursday. "These include acts of secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign or external forces to endanger national security," it said. It said the law targets activities and actions that currently occur in Hong Kong, and that must be "prevented, stopped and punished." In a move widely condemned by foreign governments and rights groups as signaling the end of Hong Kong's autonomy and status as a separate legal jurisdiction, the law will be imposed on the city by the ruling Chinese Communist Party, bypassing Hong Kong's Legislative Council (LegCo). The move has been widely criticized by foreign governments as being in breach of China's obligations under the 1984 treaty governing the 1997 handover of Hong Kong, and as paving the way for further political prosecutions of peaceful critics of the government, democracy campaigners, and rights activists. The announcement that the NPC standing committee will now consider the draft law came as U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he had put pressure on his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi over Beijing's handling of the year-long protest movement in Hong Kong. Beijing claims the new law was made necessary by months of street protests and clashes sparked by Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam's plans to allow extradition to mainland China. Lam withdrew that legal amendment after months of protest, but pro-democracy politicians and activists say the new law will further erode the city's promised freedoms of expression and association, as it will allow China's feared state security police to operate in Hong Kong, a move which was explicitly banned by the city's mini-constitution, the Basic Law. Extradition still possible Hong Kong's representative on the NPC standing committee, Tam Yiu-chung, has warned that suspects in high-profile national security cases under Beijing's direct supervision could still face extradition to China anyway. And a recent statement from Beijing's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) gave an indication of the kinds of political speech and actions that would be considered criminal under the law, mentioning former 2014 pro-democracy student leader Joshua Wong, who now leads the political group Demosisto, by name. "Joshua Wong and Isaac Cheng of Demosisto are adding another chapter to their criminal record," the office said in a statement on its website, blaming "black hands" and "foreign influences" for corrupting the city's youth. Hong Kong officials say they are preparing to cooperate fully with Beijing's requirements for implementation, including handing some cases over to Chinese state security police, and have sought to calm public fears over the new law. But journalists in the city said the law would seriously affect press freedom. A survey by the Hong Kong Journalists' Association (HKJA) found that 98 percent of respondents thought that the law would seriously or considerably affect freedom of the press. And 92 percent had concerns about their personal safety after the law is passed. "Some respondents pointed out that the law enforcement agencies would target the press, foreign journalists would be barred from visa application, and people would avoid doing press interviews," the group said in a report published on its website on Thursday. Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers in Hong Kong raised concerns about a change of wording in the draft national security law, which now criminalizes "collusion with foreign forces" instead of "intervention of foreign forces." Definition of collusion 'too vague' But Tanya Chan, convenor of the pro-democracy camp in LegCo, said the legal definition of "collusion" is too vague. "As far as I can remember, there is no concept about collusion either in Hong Kong or in China, so the NPC may give this word a very wide definition in order to enlarge [its scope]," she told government broadcaster RTHK. Democratic Party chairman Wu Chi-wai said he believes the new wording means some prominent pro-democracy figures will be targeted when the law is implemented, citing , prominent figures like Martin Lee, Emily Lau, and the leaders of Demosisto. The U.S. has said it is now considering sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials judged to have violated the human rights and constitutional freedoms of the city's seven million residents, under legislation passed last November. Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece the People's Daily said in a commentary on Thursday that the purpose of such sanctions is to suppress China. Hui Ching, research director at the Hong Kong Zhiming Institute, said Beijing is willing to negotiate with the U.S. on any issue except national security, in a bid to rekindle bilateral economic and trade ties. "Their new starting point is that China's national security requirements must be respected, but that everything else is up for discussion," Hui Ching said. "The main significance of [the Pompeo-Yang] meeting isn't what consensus can be reached at the moment, but whether it can be used as a starting point to revisit certain issues and seek common ground in the final stage of President Trump's term in office," he said. Reported by Gao Feng for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Man Hoi-tsan for the 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 Nguyen Quoc Dung, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs This year there were due to be more than 1,000 events on co-operation within the ASEAN and between the bloc and its partners. Being the ASEAN chair, Vietnam had made thorough preparations for organising such events, with many plans, priorities, and expected outcomes for the whole year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has been imposing negative impacts on the blocs plans. Regional nations and those throughout the world have had to place their priorities and resources on fighting against the pandemic. According to the ASEAN Secretariat, more than 200 activities of the ASEAN have been either delayed or cancelled so far. However, Vietnam under its role as the ASEAN chair has been making its greatest efforts to maintain the blocs activities via many methods, and ensure expected outcomes from these activities. Shifting core of ties This year, Vietnam has advanced a theme of Cohesive and Responsive, in which being cohesive reflects the need to enhance ASEAN unity and solidarity, economic integration, ASEAN awareness and identity, and work toward a people-centered community. Meanwhile, being responsive underlines the importance of promoting ASEAN pro-activeness, creativity, and capacity in response to opportunities and challenges brought about by rapid changes in regional and global landscape. Being cohesive and responsive is quite correct now in the context of complicated developments in the global situation including the COVID-19 raging worldwide. With such a spirit, efforts by Vietnam have been widespread. First, Vietnam has taken the initiative in shifting the core of ASEAN co-operation and priorities. When all regional nations have been focusing on reining in the pandemic, we have also been following suit. For example on February 14, after we consulted with the blocs member states, we also took the initiative in advancing a declaration of the ASEAN chair, determining that the blocs co-operational priority will be to fight against the pandemic. Second, Vietnam has also been active in organising and leading specific activities of the ASEAN to the combat against COVID-19. Vietnam held a meeting of the ASEAN Coordinating Council, which is in charge of hosting and coordinating the blocs anti-pandemic activities. We organised a meeting in Vientiane, capital city of Laos, on February 20. The meeting determined that an inter-sectoral taskforce of the ASEAN will be established. The taskforces members include representatives from ministries and agencies, including the ministries of defence, public security, health, transport, and information and communications. The taskforce on March 3 gathered a meeting discussing specific measures to both cope with the pandemic and ensure peoples lives, reducing negative impacts of the menace. Results from the meeting were used for the organisation of several meetings which have adopted a series of solutions to fight the pandemic and reduce its impacts on socio-economic development of the member states, while making preparations for economic recovery after COVID-19 ends. Third, Vietnam has also hosted and boosted relations between the ASEAN and its partners in preventing and combating the pandemic. We have organised a series of meetings with partners including the US, China, the EU, Japan, and South Korea. These nations have highly appreciated these efforts by Vietnam. Fourth, in addition to curbing the pandemic, Vietnam has had used different methods to maintain all activities of the ASEAN, including the continued preparation of meetings, possibly online, in order to maintain the results in the year, while continuing preparing for physical meetings that will take place from now until the years end. Summits have been convened involving all ASEAN states as well as leaders from South Korea, Japan, and China Fighting the pandemic On April 14, the Special ASEAN Summit on COVID-19 and the Special ASEAN+3 Summit on COVID-19 released two declarations on fighting against the pandemic. The promulgation of the declarations within a very short period of time has demonstrated great efforts of all member states and the importance of the declarations. This has been a political commitment made at the highest level of the ASEAN, as well as of the ASEAN with South Korea, China, and Japan on solidarity and mutual support in jointly pushing back the pandemic. This is also a strong message sent to the public that they are protected in health and social security, with equal treatment everywhere. Enterprises, especially small- and medium-sized ones, are also assisted by the state so that they can maintain their production and business activities, and can recover their development. The enactment of the two declarations also manifests close co-operation among the member states who will find it more confident in their anti-pandemic battle because of support from other nations. They will also be able to receive more resources, including financial assistance, for bringing the pandemic under their control. In addition, the declarations also demonstrate support from regional nations and of the ASEAN+3 for multilateralism and the multilateral trade system, as well as for the liberalisation and flows of global supply chains. When the pandemic broke out, all nations had to apply strong measures to curb it, with the limited travelling of people, isolation, and even lockdowns of some locations. Borders have also been shut down at different levels, while almost all commercial flights have been cancelled. This has affected livelihoods everywhere. In this context, all ASEAN nations have come to an agreement that these measures will be gradually removed under suitable roadmaps on fighting the pandemic. At the same time, the countries have also used financial packages and bailouts to support those hit by COVID-19, so that people and businesses can stay afloat amid such great difficulties. The nations have also agreed that they need to maintain a supply chain that can help ensure the provision of goods, especially indispensable goods, foodstuffs, and necessary healthcare equipment. They have also underlined their support for multilateralism, meaning that all agreements and documents already inked must be implemented fully in order to beef up the trade co-operation within the bloc and between the bloc with its partners. Other issues, such as the completion of negotiations and inking of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, must also be completed. Leaders have also determined that we must host the formulation of a master plan on an ASEAN recovery after the pandemic ends. This is a very difficult task, and Vietnam is now working with other regional nations to build up this master plan. Sharing experience The nations want Vietnam to share its experience in controlling the pandemic and in fact, at conferences and forums, Vietnam has done that. We have been actively contributing to the development of the ASEAN via specific activities, such as online practices, and development of a network of healthcare experts. Vietnamese healthcare experts will join the network in different groups so as to share experiences in treatment, diagnosis, and mapping out treatment plans. In 2020, Vietnam and other ASEAN member states will have to do more to further cement their common solidarity. If we want to remain cohesive, we would need glue. Firstly it is the mutual benefits, so the bloc needs to have specific mechanisms in order to meet all benefits. Economically, the ASEAN must create shared prosperity. Thats why we have had to be beefing up intra-trade co-operation with enhanced quality. That is one of the priorities of Vietnam this year and, moreover, it is necessary to further support the lives of all people in terms of economy, culture, and value. More importantly, we need to raise peoples awareness of the ASEAN Community, which can bring them lots of benefits. In the wake of the killing of 20 Indian Army soldiers by Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in Ladakhs Galwan Valley and amid reports of Chinese forces intruding across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi categorically said on Friday that neither has anyone entered Indian territory, nor is anyone present in Indian territory currently, and nor is any Indian post captured. The PM also praised the valour of the 20 army personnel killed in the clash, and said they taught a lesson to those who were eyeing Indian territory. While highlighting the capability of Indias armed forces and suggesting they have been given a free hand, Modi said that with India upgrading its border infrastructure, its armed forces better equipped, and more frequent patrolling, India is able to better monitor developments at the LAC and respond better. Neither has anyone entered our territory, nor is anyone still there, nor is any of our posts under anyones capture. In Ladakh, our 20 jawans got martyred. But they taught a lesson to those who were eyeing Indian territory, he said at an all-party meeting called to discuss the India-China border situation. But the PMs remarks led to some speculation about the exact status at the LAC, particularly the Galwan Valley, which China, in recent statements, has claimed is part of its sovereign territory. India has dismissed the Chinese claim of sovereignty over the Galwan valley. A ministry of external affairs (MEA) statement on Wednesday said the Chinese sought to erect a structure in Galwan valley on the Indian side of the LAC and took pre-meditated and planned action that resulted in the violence and casualties on June 15. The statement further said the Chinese intended to change the status quo on the ground in violation of all bilateral agreements not to do so. Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) killed 20 personnel of the Indian Army, including a Colonel, on June 15 in the Galwan valley after the PLA did not follow through on a commitment to disengage as per an understanding reached between the two militaries on June 6. While China has not officially given out numbers of casualties on its side, Indian military officials familiar with the sequence of the clash believe there were over 40 casualties on the Chinese side, including deaths and injuries. This was the first incident of bloodshed on the India-China border since 1975 and has led to an escalation of the ongoing conflict at the border in eastern Ladakh. Fridays all-party meeting to discuss the fallout of the incident was attended by defence minister Rajnath Singh, external affairs minister S Jaishankar, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Telangana Rashtra Samithi leader K Chandrasekhar Rao, Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MK Stalin, YSR Congress Partys YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray . Even as all political parties expressed their solidarity with the government and the armed forces in the wake of the ongoing confrontation with China in eastern Ladakh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi questioned the government about a possible intelligence failure, suggested that the country had been kept in dark about developments, and demanded the restoration of status quo ante at the LAC. In his remarks at the end of the meeting, according to an official statement released by the Prime Ministers Office, Modi said that the entire country was hurt and angry at Chinas steps at the LAC, but emphasised that the armed forces were doing all that they needed to do protect the country. Be it deployment, action or counter action, through land, sea or air, our forces are taking the necessary steps to protect the country... Indian forces are capable of moving together across sectors. He said that while the army had been given the freedom to take necessary steps, India had also conveyed its position through diplomatic means. The PM also said that the government had given primacy to development of border area infrastructure; it had also provided fighter planes, modern helicopters, missile defence systems and other needs of the armed forces; and patrolling capacity at LAC had also increased. We are better informed about the developments at LAC and consequently are able to monitor and respond better. The movement of those which used to take place without any disruption earlier is now checked by our jawans, which, at times, leads to build up of tension, he said, according to the official statement. External affairs minister S Jaishankar made a presentation at the meeting, which conveyed the stance taken by the ministry and included a summation of the engagements through diplomatic and other channels with the Chinese side to de-escalate and to disengage, people familiar with development said. According to the official statement, he also gave an overview of agreements between India and China on border management, informed about the directions given by the PM in 2014 to accord highest priority to the development of infrastructure in border areas in the regions identified and approved by the government back in 1999. Commenting on the PMs comments on the incursion, Commodre (retired) C Uday Bhaskar, director of the Society for Policy Studies, said: PM Modis s statement that nobody has entered Indian territory may be legally accurate but it is disingenuous. It is contrary to the MEAs assertion about a premeditated attack by the PLA and will baffle a nation that is shocked and enraged at the manner in which 20 army personnel have lost their lives. Bhaskar added that while the sensitivity of the LAC violence must be recognised, there was a growing sense, accompanied with dismay that the country was not being told the full truth about the Galwan setback. Two retired army officials, who asked not to be named, also expressed their surprise. A former army commander, who asked not to be named, said: If the PLA has not breached the LAC and come into our areas, what is the dialogue at the military and diplomatic level for? The people of the country must be made aware of the reality along the border. A second retired officer said on condition of anonymity that China was trying to change status quo along the border. We have to assert our claims forcefully. Many soldiers have died guarding these frontiers. We must never forget that. The EU Malaria Fund (EUMF) yesterday presented its first investment into Achilles Vaccines srl at the premises of Fondazione Monte dei Paschi di Siena in Italy. The investment supports development of a novel Malaria vaccine on its versatile technology platform transforming bacteria, natural carriers of molecules harmful to human health, into an efficient delivery system of bio antigenic molecules to produce low-cost, safe and self-adjuvanting fit-for-purpose vaccines. The EUMF funding, with support from Fondazione TLS, will also be used to advance Achilles' project to develop a novel human monoclonal antibody against COVID-19. The first recipient of EUMF funding, Achilles, is a Siena-based biotech company specialising in research on malaria, antimicrobial resistance and, lately, COVID-19. "Achilles Vaccines is proud to contribute to the search for vaccines to eliminate malaria, a disease that faded into the background in these dramatic months, but which still claims significantly more victims than COVID-19 does, especially among children. Thanks to the guidance of Dr Rappuoli, we escape the challenge of finding a therapeutic and prophylactic drug with our monoclonal antibody, that finally makes the pandemic in which we find ourselves manageable", said Riccardo Baccheschi, President and CEO of Achilles. Holm Keller, Managing Director of EUMF and Chairman of kENUP Foundation said: "The EU Malaria Fund has high hopes, that the investment at the heart of the Siena vaccine hub in Italy will help to accelerate the eradication of Malaria. I am delighted that in these trying times, innovative Italian companies, like Achilles, will play a role in developing solutions against COVID-19". The European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are investing 111 million into the fund. "Vaccines are important for disease prevention," said Ambroise Fayolle, EIB Vice President in charge of innovation. "But often they also generate lower revenues than drugs and other health care services and are thus less attractive for private investors. This is why initiatives like the EU Malaria Fund are so important. We are glad to see the first investment of this Fund materialise so quickly and hope that it will allow AchilleS to progress in this important field of research." "We are very proud to be the first Italian foundation to invest in the EU Malaria Fund. With a 1 million euros amount, the Fondazione MPS is pursuing two main goals in a long-term vision: supporting scientific research for those diseases that have a big impact on public health and attracting financial resources with long-term benefits for the province of Siena. said Carlo Rossi, Chairman of Fondazione Monte dei Paschi di Siena, "We also appreciate that the EU Malaria Fund will support the COVID-19 research, as it represents, at the moment, the most important worldwide sanitary challenge that requires huge common efforts". The EIB and WHO support the development of the EU Malaria Fund. "Together with WHO's technical expertise we are confident of accelerating the development of new and innovative tools. The first investment of the EU Malaria Fund in Achilles will meaningfully advance the renewed efforts in our fight against Malaria" said Dr Pedro Alonso, Director of the World Health Organisation's Global Malaria Programme. The EUMF is a public-private partnership between the European Union, international organisations, corporations, and organized civic society, providing a novel funding instrument to address market failures in infectious diseases with significant relevance to public health globally. Further information can be found at www.controlMalaria.eu. The video of the event can be found at https://www.controlmalaria.eu/news View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200619005083/en/ Contacts: Achilles Vaccines: Eleonora Cossa e.cossa@vrelations.it + 39 347.7467250 By PTI MUMBAI: Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that India will give a befitting reply if provoked, the Shiv Sena said on Friday that the killing of 20 Indian jawans by the Chinese Army was itself a provocation. The editorial in the Sena mouthpiece `Saamana' also said those who used to blame Jawaharlal Nehru for defeat in the 1962 Sino-India war should now introspect. "Modi says if provoked, we will respond. If killing of 20 jawans is not a provocation, then what is? "Killing of 20 jawans is a provocation and attack on our self-respect and sovereignty," it added. "Coffins of 20 soldiers is not a matter of pride," the editorial said. "We spoke of retaliation then and even now. But we can threaten only Pakistan. When will we leave behind the perception that we cannot take on China," it asked. It also said the country has not learnt anything from the mistakes of 1962. "Compared to 1962, we are stronger today. If people who blame (then prime minister) Nehru introspected, the martyrdom of 20 soldiers will not go in vain," it said. The Marathi daily also accused Modi of taking on China "for US President Donald Trump". "It is being said that Trump is keeping a close watch on the India-China developments. What (good) will happen with that? In 1971, when USA sided with Pakistan, Russia sent its naval fleet for India's help. Will Modi's friend Trump send similar help to India?" the editorial asked. "We can definitely impose economic blockade on China. Indians should boycott Chinese goods. Chinese firms are spread all across the country. If Maharashtra cancels a contract, other states can sign a contract with that company. So the Union government should have a uniform policy regarding Chinese companies," it said. "Trade between the two countries is worth Rs six lakh crore. There is investment and employment on both the sides but China benefits the most," the Sena mouthpiece said, claiming that the relations between the two countries have deteriorated because of the United States. "We cannot forget that China is an important neighbour. Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka are trying to counter India. China will not back off because of India's growing proximity to the USA," the editorial said. "Our foreign policy should be based on our ties with China and Pakistan as anti-India stand has brought these two countries together. We need to remember that if there is war, we will have to fight these two countries. Even though our defence capabilities are beyond doubt, we cannot fight on two fronts at the same time," the newspaper cautioned. Washington: US President Donald Trump has threatened unspecified action against any protesters at his weekend re-election rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in a warning that his campaign said was not directed at peaceful demonstrators. "Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis. It will be a much different scene!" Trump tweeted. US President Donald Trump. Credit:AP Marc Lotter, a spokesman for Trump's campaign, said Trump was referring to agitators and not peaceful protesters. "The President supports peaceful protests and people who are exercising their First Amendment rights," Lotter told MSNBC in an interview following the tweet. Vancouver police are issuing a warning to the public about a high-risk sex offender who will be living in the city. Frank William Skani, 42, poses a significant risk to women and the Correctional Service of Canada has assessed him as high risk for sexual recidivism, according to a news release from the Vancouver Police Department. He is currently serving a 10-year supervision order for offences including sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault, forcible confinement, break and enter, possession of property obtained by crime, and theft of credit card. Skani's supervision order requires him to live at a supervised correctional residential facility and report all relationships with women and girls to his parole officer. He's banned from using alcohol or drugs, accessing pornography, using a device with access to the internet, having any inappropriate physical contact with women and girls, entering any private home or hotel, and being in the company of sex trade workers or girls under the age of 16. Anyone who sees Skani violating those conditions is asked to call 911. Vancouver Police Department Skani is described as five feet and nine inches tall, weighing 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has a Harley Davidson/angel tattoo on his chest and additional tattoos on his right upper arm and forearms. He has also been reported to use the aliases Jason Christopher Atkinson, Jason Christopher Skani, Frank William Skanie, William Frank and Frankie William. Skani has been in and out of jail for most of his life because of violent sexual offences, and has been the subject of a number of public warnings. Shortly after his release in 2013, Skani attacked a woman in her own kitchen after asking to borrow pancake syrup, and choked her on the floor. As she started passing out, she thrashed, broke his grip, and he fled. MUSKEGON, MI Power boats will parade through the Muskegon Channel Saturday as they converge for an annual rally. At least 36 boats are expected to participate in the Parade of Power through the channel connecting Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan beginning at around 1 p.m. June 20, according to the West Michigan Offshore website. Among those expected to participate are a 39-foot Cigarette Top Gun Unlimited, a 42-foot Outer Limits Legacy, a 33-foot Baja Outlaw and a 38-foot Sutphen Dominator. The boats will gather at 12:30 p.m. near the Shoreline Inn on Muskegon Lake before heading to the Parade of Power through the channel. They will be led by the Aquastar recreational cruise ship that docks near downtown Muskegon. The boats will then head to White Lake, and are expected to cruise through the White Lake Channel between 1:30-2 p.m. Also on MLive: Helicopter video shows dramatic after-dark rescue of woman lost in swamp Changes to The Docks housing development between Muskegon Lake, Lake Michigan move forward Proposed abstract sculpture at Lake Michigan beach draws criticism Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Global Healthcare Consulting Service Market is valued US $ 8.75 bn in 2017 and is estimated to reach US $ 20.6 bn by 2026 at a CAGR of 11.3%. Healthcare consulting service market is segmented by Type of Service, by End-user & amp; by Region. Types of services are Strategy Consulting, Digital Consulting, IT Consulting, Operations Consulting, Financial Consulting, and HR Talent Consulting. By End, a user is divided into Government Bodies, Payers, Life Science Companies, Providers. Region wise the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & amp; Africa, and Latin America. Request For Report Sample @ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/10789 Importance of growth in the global aging population, the rising value of value-based care, and technical advancements in the healthcare industry are factors driving the growth of the market. The problem of data confidentiality is expected to hamper the growth of the market to a certain extent during the forecast period. Based on the type of service, Digital consulting segment accounted for the largest share of the market and it is also expected to register the second highest CAGR during the forecast period. Shift from paper-based healthcare models to digital models in developed markets and increasing healthcare spending for building intelligent hospitals are the main factors driving the growth of this segment. On the basis of the end user, Government Bodies is the most dominating segment in the market. Government Market consists of public sectors controlled by national, state or provincial, and local governments. Public sectors can include critical services such as national defense, homeland security, police protection, urban planning, and taxation. So, Government bodies have the resources to pay for more risk-based contracts and agreements, which is a key factor driving this market. Region wise, healthcare consulting services market was dominated by North America, but Asia Pacific is estimated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the increasing need for remote care and telemedicine in rural areas in the region. Government institutions in China and India are expected to witness a high demand for healthcare consulting services for bolstering the healthcare infrastructure in these countries. Key players operate to, Accenture, McKinsey & Company, Cognizant, Deloitte Consulting, KPMG, McKinsey & Company, The Boston consulting group, Huron consulting and Ernst & Young. Get Complete TOC with Tables and Figures@ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/discount/10789 Scope of Report Healthcare Consulting Service Market Global Healthcare Consulting Service Market, by Type of Service: Digital Consulting It Consulting Strategy Consulting Operations Consulting Financial Consulting HR & amp; Talent Consulting Global Healthcare Consulting Service Market, by End-user: Government Bodies Players Life Science Companies Providers Global Healthcare Consulting Service Market, by Region: North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & amp; Africa Latin America Key Players Analyzed in Global Healthcare Consulting Service Market Accenture McKinsey & amp; Company Cognizant Deloitte Consulting KPMG McKinsey & amp; Company The Boston consulting group Huron Consulting Ernst & amp; Young. <<< Get COVID-19 Report Analysis >>> https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/covid-19-analysis/10789 Russian Info Ops Putting US Police in Their Crosshairs By Jeff Seldin June 18, 2020 Russia appears to be intensifying its focus on police enforcement issues in the United States, using popular reactions to protests that have gripped the nation as part of a larger propaganda campaign to divide Americans ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November. The death of African American George Floyd in police custody and the ensuing U.S. protests have for weeks dominated media coverage from Russian state-sponsored outlets like RT and Sputnik. Only now, it seems that Russia, through the English-language RT in particular, is reaching out to U.S. police officers and union officials, in what some U.S. officials and lawmakers say is an effort to further inflame tensions. "It is critical that Americans remain wary of state-sponsored and state-directed media platforms such as RT and Sputnik," Senate Intelligence Committee Acting Chairman Republican Marco Rubio told VOA. "Russia wants nothing more than to exploit our own divisions in an effort to exacerbate existing societal tensions," Rubio added, confirming lawmakers are worried about Russian efforts to use or influence police officers and their supporters. Law enforcement officers and organizations who spoke with VOA about their interactions with RT described being caught off guard. "We had no idea about the ties they have," a representative for lawofficer.com, a website catering to law enforcement officers, told VOA about being approached by the Russian television news channel. "They actually told us they were out of Britain." RT contacted lawofficer.com seeking permission to republish an essay by Tulsa, Oklahoma Police Major Travis Yates about the frustration he and many of his police colleagues have been feeling as a result of the protests of police practices, titled, "America, We Are Leaving." RT also booked Yates for an on-air interview through its London bureau. "If I had any idea whatsoever, I obviously never would have done it," Yates told VOA when asked if he knew about RT's Russian connection. Since Yates' essay was first published, it has been shared thousands of times on social media and even helped get him an appearance on Fox News' "Tucker Carlson Tonight." RT amplifying police anger Only Yates, no stranger to media engagement or controversy, said when it came to RT, he soon realized something was amiss. "I knew when I saw the article and I saw how they misrepresented the first sentence," he said. The original version starts with the words, "This is the hardest thing I have written." RT's version, according to Yates and lawofficer.com, was edited without authorization to begin with anger and frustration. "The nasty words we, the police, get called all the time have now turned into rocks, bottles and gunfire. It's over, America: we are leaving." Yates said it was not until after he gave an on-air interview to RT, the focus of which he said was misrepresented, did he learn that RT was a Russian-backed operation. And it still bothers him. Yates said what he finds most disheartening is to see fellow U.S. law enforcement officers continue to share the RT version of his essay, unaware of what he described as added spin or the links to the Russian government. "When you go to their website, it looks like a lot of other sites," he said. "There needs to be a heightened sense of awareness." Days earlier, RT also reached out to and quoted Officer Joe Gamaldi, the president of the Houston Police Officers' Union, for an article about calls in the U.S. to defund police departments. "Defunding the police is an extremely dangerous idea," Gamaldi was quoted as saying. "I think it makes for a popular hashtag on Twitter, and you have a lot of Hollywood elites who are jumping in on this." Gamaldi confirmed the quotes are accurate but said he was unaware that U.S. officials view RT as a "state-sponsored disinformation organ." "I won't do any further interviews with them," he wrote in an email. When contacted by VOA about its interactions with lawofficer.com and with Gamaldi, RT said its staff members were forthright about who they were, identifying themselves as a writer "on behalf of RT International" and as a "British-based editor with RT.com." In a statement, RT also argued that despite what Yates and lawofficer.com said, changes to the op-ed were coordinated and approved in advance. U.S. officials note there are no laws that prohibit police from giving interviews to outlets like RT and that such interactions are protected by the Constitutional right to free speech. But some experts worry that the lack of understanding by many in law enforcement, as well as in the general public, about its state-backed media is making it easier for Russia to deepen existing societal divides. "The weakness in police is the weakness with our entire non-response to disinformation, we leave it up to the individual to defend themselves," said Molly McKew, a senior adviser on countering disinformation to the Stand Up Republic Foundation, a non-profit organization which advocates for government reform. "There are about 18,000 sheriffs and police departments and county police and other police agencies across the country. Do you think every single one of those is prepared to respond to rumors that they find on the Internet, or to turn down the state media requests from a hostile foreign nation? No. Of course not," she said. "And those guys will just keep calling around until they get the quote they need." Russian disinformation campaigns This is not the first time Russian-linked entities have tried to use U.S. law enforcement in their efforts to divide the country. In the months leading up to the 2016 presidential election, a report by Oxford University's Computational Propaganda Project and the network analysis firm Graphika found Russia's Internet Research Agency (IRA) heavily targeted the African American community, using issues like "police violence, poverty and disproportionate levels of incarceration," to convince voters to stay home. Russia's 2016 Election Meddling More Comprehensive Than Realized Two new reports on Russia's efforts to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections are shedding more light on the size and scope of the campaign, showing it was far more extensive and thorough than previously understood.The reports also support conclusions by the U.S. At the same time, the IRA's most viewed ad before the 2016 election was for a Facebook page called "Back the Badge," which described itself as a "Community of people who support our brave Police Officers." According to data compiled by Facebook and released in 2018 by the House Intelligence Committee, the "Back the Badge" ad was seen more than 1.3 million times, getting more than 73,000 clicks. That type of success is what the Kremlin may be looking to replicate with Russian media's outreach to U.S. police officers, who are now under greater scrutiny amid calls for reform. "They're such easy prey for state-level propaganda," a local law enforcement officer with prior intelligence experience told VOA, speaking on condition of anonymity. Identifying disinformation efforts The officer said few U.S. police departments, if any, are offering the type of training that could help their members avoid a trap that starts with a sympathetic pitch and ends with leading questions designed to play up tensions. As a result, the strategy is "risk-free for RT and countless FB (Facebook) accounts," the officer said. And some analysts warn every interview an outlet like RT gets, the more Russia wins. "When officials give comment to RT, it legitimizes it as a 'serious' news outlet," according to Nina Jankowicz, a Disinformation Fellow at the Washington-based Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. "This is absolutely part of RT's strategy, and why it rebranded from its original name of 'Russia Today.'" For now, it is unclear what measures, if any, are being taken to educate U.S. police officers about outreach from state-backed outlets like RT and Sputnik, or to inoculate them from more devious influence operations. Major police departments contacted by VOA, including New York, Washington and Houston, were unaware of any specific training for officers about propaganda or disinformation efforts by U.S. adversaries. The Fraternal Order of Police, which bills itself as "the world's largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers," did not respond to multiple emails or calls about what services or training it is offering to members. And there seems to be little information or consensus about what federal agencies should be doing, if anything. Russia Influence Operations Taking Aim at US Military With just days to go until the U.S. midterm elections, there are growing fears that Russia's efforts to undermine U.S. democracy extend far beyond the polls on Nov. 6 or the presidential election in 2020.Defense and security officials worry that as part of Moscow's plan to sow division and discord, it is trying to conquer the U.S. military not with bullets or missiles but with tweets and memes.The tactic is an outgrowth of Russia's overarching strategy to find seams within U.S. The FBI provides resources for protecting against influence operations and cybersecurity threats through its Protected Voices initiative and runs the country's Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF) but had no comment on any efforts to work with local police departments to counter the threat. The Justice Department, which required RT and Sputnik to register as foreign agents, did not respond to multiple VOA requests for comment. The State Department also monitors and works to counter propaganda and influence campaigns through its Global Engagement Center (GEC). But a spokesperson said the center's efforts "are aimed at foreign audiences." U.S intelligence agencies, likewise, are monitoring Russian propaganda and influence operations. Only former intelligence officials caution, in this situation, the role of the intelligence community is limited. "There is not much that the IC (intelligence community) can do except report on it," said John Sipher, a 28-year veteran of the CIA who once ran the agency's Russia operations. "It takes policy and political agreement to stop these kinds of information warfare campaigns," he added. "The U.S. and its allies have to call it out and create pain for the Kremlin everything from sanctions and restricting the movement of Russian money, to disinviting Russian officials to official fora." Sipher, who has been critical of U.S. President Donald Trump, does not see that happening. "As long as the president sees Russian attacks as a domestic political issue rather than a national security issue, it will be hard for the U.S. to do what it takes to defend, deter and defeat these attacks," he said. Urging Americans to be on alert For now, U.S. officials and lawmakers continue to urge Americans to be on alert and to be aware of where they get their information. Yet there also seems to be a sense of frustration in some circles about what RT and Sputnik have been able to achieve in the open. "We cannot do much about thatother than urge certain people to resist the temptation to do things that further divide the country," a U.S. official with knowledge of ongoing efforts to counter Russian influence operations told VOA on condition of anonymity. That is not the case, though, with what the official described as "more covert messaging" by foreign adversaries. "Where we find it happening, as has happened in the past, we work with the companies to take down inauthentic accounts or accounts where the messaging otherwise violates the policies of the companies," the official said. In the most severe cases, "there are a range of options that get considered," the official said, including the use of U.S. Cybercommand for "more direct action." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Guangdong-based mobile maker Oppo has launched its premium 5G flagship series in India even as calls to boycott Chinese goods grow louder. The phones in this series are Oppo's first 5G offerings in India. The mobile maker launched the premium Oppo Find X2 series on Thursday. The series is a flagship lineup of 5G devices that come equipped with advanced QHD+ screens with a 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 flash charging. The phones Find X2 Pro and Find X2 come with Snapdragon 865 chipset and all rounded photography and videography features. Find X2 Pro and Find X2 come with customised Oppo 120Hz QHD+ Ultra Vision Screen with more than a billion variations of colour display capabilities. Also read: 'Don't promote Chinese goods': Traders body tells Kohli, Deepika, Ranbir, other celebs Both the variants are equipped with O1 Ultra Vision Engine with a built-in independent display chip that enhances video quality performance. It also supports Motion Clear and HDR video enhancement. The series comes equipped with high-power dual speakers and Dolby Atmos for built-in powerful audio performance. When it comes to battery life, Find X2 Pro and Find X2 are packed with 4200mAh and 4260mAh battery respectively. The phones can charge fully in 38 minutes. Find X2 series is one of the company's first offerings to be equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 865. It also comes with 12 GB RAM and massive storage. The series supports SA/NSA dual-mode 5G. Also read: India-China border row: Traders' body CAIT releases list of 500 Chinese items to be boycotted When it comes to the camera the series is equipped with a triple-camera combination. Find X2 is equipped with a 48MP wide-angle lens + 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens + 13MP telephoto lens with 5X hybrid zoom. Find X2 Pro comes with a lens combination of 48MP wide-angle lens + 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens + 13MP telephoto lens, whilst supporting 10x hybrid zoom. The Find X2 series also comes with a 32MP selfie snapper. The Find X2 series comes with a front and back sleek double-curve body design with Corning Gorilla's 6th-generation glass panel. Oppo Find X2 (12GB RAM + 256GB ROM) will be rolled out in two variants - black (ceramic) and ocean green (glass) and is priced at Rs 64,990. Oppo's Find X2 launch was subdued due to the India-China clash that led to calls of boycott. The company had scheduled a live streaming event for the launch which was cancelled for a pre-recorded launch video. "The Find X2 series was launched in India as scheduled on June 17. It wasn't cancelled - the launch took place via YouTube instead of using a live channel," said an Oppo spokesperson. Uighur Muslims in China: Norway-based advocacy and aid organisation claims it has found Imams serving terms in detention centres and internment camps, as China continues to face accusations of targetting minority Uighur Muslims. The Imams belonging to the Uighur Muslim community from Xinjiang province of northwest China have become most vulnerable to persecution owing to Beijings crackdown on the minority Muslims. Imam is a title in Islam given to a religious staff who leads group prayers at a mosque. Uyghur Hjelp, a Norway-based Uighur advocacy and aid organisation, told Voice Of America (VOA) news outlet last week that Chinese authorities since 2016 have detained at least 518 key Uighur religious figures and Imams. The organization also said it has found some of the Imams, who were previously trained and employed by Beijing, are now sentenced with long prison terms while a few of them have lost their lives in internment camps. Read also: Trump signs legislation to impose sanctions on China over treatment of Uighur Read also: India elected unopposed as UNSC non permanent member One of the detained Imams, Abdurkerim Memet, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2017, according to his daughter, Hajihenim Abdukerim in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Abdukerim told VOA that Chinese authorities were hiding the whereabouts of her father for years until recently when a local contact in Xinjiang told her of his imprisonment. The 61-year-old was employed by the Chinese government before his detention to lead prayers at a neighbourhood mosque in Yengisar county in Kashgar city in southern Xinjiang. His family rejects the Chinese government accusation that he was spreading extremism among the Uighurs. My father is a peaceful and law-abiding religious figure, said Abdukerim, adding that her father was salaried by the Chinese government until late 2016 when the newly appointed Communist Party chief, Chen Quanguo, began to further enforce Beijings rule over Xinjiang where, according to the U.N. estimates, over a million Muslims could be held in internment camps. I had never imagined him being imprisoned for serving the community. In these years, I have been only hoping to hear from him again, she told VOA. Some experts have also alleged that Chinese officials are increasingly using religious extremism charges to gain a free hand in their campaign against Uighurs and their religious leaders. However, pursuing Imams as the main targets in Xinjiang should not come as a surprise, charged Abduweli Ayup, the founder of Uyghur Hjelp. They are people who can lead, organize, and mobilize Uighurs in large numbers, and mosques are the only places where Uighur language was kept intact, he added. Ayup said the Chinese government was giving the Imams salaries ranging from 600 to 5000 RMB before its clampdown campaign in Xinjiang. The detention, he said, is a part of a larger attempt by the Communist party to prevent a flourishing Uighur identity and culture. While Imams living in Xinjiang remain most exposed to the Chinese government campaign, those outside are not immune. Families of some Uighur religious figures claim they were possibly tricked into returning to China under false promises. Meryemgul Abdulla, a Uighur based in Turkey, told VOA that her husband and a religious scholar, Abduhalik Abdulhak, were arrested after returning to China under the false pledge of allowing him to build a museum. Abdulla said Abdulhak returned to China in March 2017 after receiving a message purportedly from his brother that his long-awaited application to establish a museum in commemoration of his great uncle and prominent early 20th-century Uighur poet, was approved by local authorities in Turpan city in Xinjiang. Soon after he arrived in China, he was taken to a concentration camp in Turpan, Abdulla told VOA. I have had no news of him since. Read also: Pentagon accuses China of using Covid-19 as a way to exploit economic warfare For all the latest World News, download NewsX App She recently quit social media following the tragic death of her Pomeranian puppy. Yet Molly-Mae Hague continued her return to Instagram on Thursday as she shared a new sultry snap. The Love Island star, 21, posed up a storm in a white PrettyLittleThing bustier top with elbow straps. Back to it: Molly-Mae Hague continued her return to Instagram on Thursday as she shared a new sultry snap in a white PrettyLittleThing bustier top Molly-Mae teamed the item of clothing with a pair of matching coloured ripped baggy mom jeans. Posing in her new home, the social media influencer smouldered to the camera for the sultry snap. Molly-Mae styled her signature blonde locks into a crimped hairdo which she fastened into a halfback look. She added a slick of glamorous make-up and a pair of chunky gold hooped earrings for the photo. Taking it easy: The Love Island star, 21, also revealed that she was having a lazy day on her Instagram Stories as she continues to grieve the loss of her Pomeranian puppy Mr Chai Molly-Mae captioned the snap with: 'Playing for keepss,' followed by a butterfly emoji as she tagged PLT. The star also revealed that she was having a lazy day on her Instagram Stories as she continues to grieve the loss of her Pomeranian puppy Mr Chai. It comes after Molly-Mae revealed she has been comfort eating in the wake of her pet dog's death. The Love Island star took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a photo of herself tucking into a tub of ice cream, brownies and banana. Tragic: Molly-Mae had been quiet on social media since the ordeal with the dog, Mr Chai, who died just six days after she and boyfriend Tommy Fury, 21, adopted him from Russia Molly-Mae had been quiet on social media since the ordeal with the dog, Mr Chai, who died just six days after she and boyfriend Tommy Fury, 21, adopted him from Russia. Alongside the photo of the decadent treat, Molly-Mae wrote: 'Today has consisted of comfort eating and more comfort eating.' Earlier in the day, she shared a picture of her gift in memory of her late pet- a silver bracelet with a paw print on it. The television personality said the present from her agency was 'the most special and thoughtful gift ever'. Loss: It comes after Molly-Mae revealed she has been comfort eating in the wake of her pet dog's death Molly-Mae had been quiet on social media since the ordeal with the dog, Mr Chai, after he died just six days after she and boyfriend Tommy Fury adopted him from Russia. The dog's death was met with backlash from followers, forcing the pair to take a break from the public eye for a few days. But they returned to Instagram on Sunday to give fans a glimpse of their lavish new home. Molly-Mae showcased her luxurious living room as Tommy stretched out on their suede corner sofa, telling fans that she didn't want 'to dwell' in the past couple of weeks. In loving memory: Earlier this week, she shared a picture of her gift in memory of her late pet- a silver bracelet with a paw print on it She added a lengthy caption that read: 'I don't want to dwell on the last couple of weeks but what I do want to say is thank you. 'Thank you to every single person that sent me such thoughtful messages asking me how I am and making sure I'm okay, it has meant the world to me. 'I've enjoyed a much needed break from my phone but I'm back now and ready to get stuck into some really exciting things I have coming up.' Tommy bought the dog through Cheshire-based business Tiffany Chihuahuas & Pomeranians, which is licensed by Cheshire Council but not a Kennel Club assured breeder. Fresh start: Molly-Mae returned to Instagram on Sunday to give fans a glimpse of their lavish new home Addressing his sudden death, Molly-Mae said: '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. The autopsy results showed his skull wasn't fully developed and part of his brain was exposed. He didn't have a single white blood cell in his body. 'If we had the time again we would have got a dog from the UK or got a rescue dog from the UK.' Heartbroken: The reality star announced Mr Chai had died in a heartbreaking statement posted just six days after welcoming the pup into her home A representative of Molly-Mae and Tommy confirmed Mr Chai had died of 'a seizure and neurological issues.' 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 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.' When Nursimangul Abdureshid and her older sister Nurimangul left their native Kasghar (in Chinese, Kashi) prefecture, in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), to study in Turkey in 2013 and 2014, they expected that their education abroad would pose financial difficulties for their family. What they did not expect, however, was that their studies would bring political problems and accusations of terrorism upon their family. In 2018, Nursimangul was able to learn through family friends that all of their family members, including her parents and two brothers, had disappeared, presumably into the XUARs vast network of internment camps where authorities are believed to have held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other minority Muslims since April 2017. She also learned that the door to their family home had been padlocked. On June 15, she received a call from a representative of the Chinese Embassy in Istanbul, who confirmed in a recording provided to RFAs Uyghur Service that all four of these family members are in prison, where they are serving sentences of between 13 and 19 years. Nursimangul recently recounted to RFA the difficulties she faced in discerning the whereabouts of her family members, from learning of their disappearance in February 2018 through coded communications with friends in the XUAR to the official confirmation of their jailing earlier this week after sending out a plea for help on Twitter that received significant attention. Her sister, who began working as a reporter for RFA in February, joins a long list of Uyghur journalists at the Washington-based media outlet whose relatives have disappeared into prisons, camps, and forced labor schemes in the XUAR. Nursimangul: [The embassy official] said that my mom was sentenced to 13 years on Dec. 13, 2017 and my dad to 16 years and 11 months on the same day. He told me my older brother was sentenced to 15 years and 11 months on Aug. 20, 2017. My younger brother is also in prison, but he was sentenced in 2016, in March. RFA: In that case, four of the six members of your family are in prison Did he say that your parents committed the same supposed crime? Nursimangul: Yes. He said that their supposed crime is promoting terrorist activity. He also said that they were guilty of disturbing social order [and] that they committed [terrorism]. RFA: Did he have anything to say about what they specifically did to commit terrorism? Nursimangul: I asked them how it was [my parents] promoted terrorism, how they committed it, what the proof of their crimes was. I pointed out that there must be proof, and I hoped they would share it with me, and when I said that he told me I could get the information from a lawyer because they werent able to provide me with it. He refused to give it to me. In 2018 I heard the news that there was no one left from our household after searching for information in every way that I could [I didnt try the embassy at the time because] you would never imagine that youd get news like this from them. This is the same government. Given that theyve detained your family members, the idea that they could help you doesnt ever even cross your mind [Meanwhile], they go on TV in Turkey and spread their own propaganda, for example: how wonderful [the government] is and how great things are for Uyghurs. [I wrote a letter to the embassy in April and] when nearly two months had passed with no response, I initially gave up [but] then I decided to put something on Twitter. I asked people for help, asked them to write letters to the embassy, thinking maybe there would be a response. RFA: Did you ask for help from Turks or Uyghurs? Nursimangul: I tweeted in Turkish, because Turks dont have to fear China, and I was thinking that [the embassy] might respond if Turks were to write letters. Thats what I was thinking when I tweeted in Turkish After I tweeted, someone from the embassy responded with a phone number and said that I should call it, and thats why I reached out to them. And then [two days later], on Monday, he ended up giving me the news about my family. He later changed the tone of his voice and said he was so sorry for me, but I didnt say anything in response He said, Our country is ruled by law, so you can look into this according to the law. If you come back [to China], we will help you. When he told me, I could go back [to China], I realized that if I were to go back, there would be one less person to advocate for my family. Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by Elise Anderson. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Once upon a time, actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt had a true Hollywood romance: They were a couple for many years before marrying in 2014 and share six children. But in 2016, they split amid somewhat hazy, if acrimonious, circumstances. Pitt and Jolie have largely remained silent about the breakup. But in a new interview for Vogue, Jolie, 45, noted, "I separated for the well-being of my family." Angelina Jolie and children at She added, "It was the right decision. I continue to focus on their healing. Some have taken advantage of my silence, and the children see lies about themselves in the media, but I remind them that they know their own truth and their own minds. In fact, they are six very brave, very strong young people." At the time of her divorce filing in September 2016, an attorney for Jolie said, "This decision was made for the health of the family." Rumors about the rift varied, including allegations of infidelity and abuse. Pitt, who was cleared of any allegations of abuse toward his children, did own up to drinking too much in a GQ Style interview in 2017. Meanwhile, Jolie has always publicly looked toward the future, and to the children's state of mind. She is mother to adoptees Maddox, 18, Pax, 16 and Zahara, 15, plus biological children Shiloh, 14, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 11. Asked what's important to consider when raising adopted and biological siblings, she told Vogue, "'Adoption' and 'orphanage' are positive words in our home. With my adopted children, I can't speak of pregnancy, but I speak with much detail and love about the journey to find them and what it was like to look in their eyes for the first time." Angelina Jolie,Zahara,Brad Pitt,Maddox (AP) She noted that she did take into consideration the "complex history" between Cambodia (where Maddox is from) and Vietnam (where Pax is from) when choosing to adopt them both. "I did originally think not to adopt from Vietnam because Mad was Cambodian and the two countries have a complex history," she said. "Then I was reading a book on human rights and found myself staring at an image of a Vietnamese fighter held captive by Americans. I thought of my own country and our involvement in Southeast Asia. I thought of focusing on a future where we were all family. I am very blessed to have been allowed to be their mom. I am grateful every day." She's also conscious of ensuring each of her children feels part of the family and understands their unique origins. "All adopted children come with a beautiful mystery of a world that is meeting yours," she said. "When they are from another race and foreign land, that mystery, that gift, is so full. For them, they must never lose touch with where they came from. They have roots that you do not. Honour them. Learn from them. It's the most amazing journey to share. They are not entering your world, you are entering each others worlds." Death records point to hundreds of U.S. deaths from heat each year, but even moderately hot weather may actually be killing thousands. This summer, COVID-19 may make it harder to stay cool. As temperatures rise this summer, a new study by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) and the University of British Columbia School of Population and Public Health (UBC SPPH) researchers finds that thousands of U.S. deaths may be attributable to heat each year, far more than the 600 deaths previously estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Published in the journal Environmental Epidemiology, the study estimates that heat contributed to the deaths of 5,600 people each year on average between 1997 and 2006 in 297 counties comprising three-fifths of the U.S. population. Most of these deaths were from only moderately hot weather, rather than extremely hot weather--categories that the researchers defined not by temperature, but by what temperatures are normal for a given region of the U.S. How dangerous a hot day is may depend on where you live. A 90F day might be dangerous in Seattle, but not in Phoenix. One of the factors that gives rise to this phenomenon is differing degrees of adaptation to heat. For example, air conditioning is much more common in cities like Phoenix that experience hot weather frequently versus cities like Seattle with cooler climates." Dr. Kate R. Weinberger, study lead author, assistant professor of occupational and environmental health at UBC SPPH Weinberger says, noting that demographic factors can also affect how vulnerable a population is to heat--heat especially endangers older adults, children, pregnant women, and outdoor workers. The researchers used data from the National Center for Health Statistics on deaths in the most populous counties (1997 to 2006 was the most recent decade with continuous data available), and the Parameter-elevation Relationships on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM), which estimates temperatures across the contiguous U.S. down to the four-square-kilometer area. While most previous research has focused on the information provided on death records to try to estimate deaths from heat, this study analyzed the association between days considered moderately or extremely hot in that county and the number of deaths from any cause, showing that not hundreds but thousands of deaths are tied to heat. The researchers estimated that moderate heat killed 3,309 people per year in the counties included in the study, and extreme heat killed 2,299 people each year. "These estimates do not depend on anyone recognizing that a given death was due to excess heat, so they are likely closer to the true number than previous estimates," says study senior author Dr. Gregory Wellenius, director of BUSPH's Climate and Health program. "Heat is very much a threat to the health of our communities and our families today," he says. "Public health officials have a responsibility to implement heat action plans--as many communities across the world already have--in order to warn residents ahead of days of extreme heat and to help residents cope with the heat and minimize their health risks." However, the researchers point out that COVID-19 will make it harder to stay cool this summer. "Providing publicly accessible air conditioned spaces on hot days now carries additional risks and requires new protocols for keeping people safe from both heat and infection," Wellenius says. "At the same time, with many offices, malls, stores, restaurants, and other commercial buildings still largely closed, this summer people are even more reliant on home air conditioning than ever before," he says. "Given the high unemployment rates, particularly among vulnerable communities, we may see an even bigger impact of heat on people's health this summer." India-China standoff, India Soldier, LAC, Galwan Valley Ladakh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to convene an all-party meet on Ladakh clash this evening. However, Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party and Lalu Prasad's RJD have been excluded from the all-party meet. India-China standoff, India Soldier, LAC, Galwan Valley Ladakh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for an all-party meet this evening to discuss the recent India-China clash along the Line of Actual Control. Prominent leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee, some of which who dont see eye to eye with the PM, have also been invited. However, two noteworthy exclusions from the meeting are the Arvind Kejriwals AAP and Lalu Yadavs RJD. This has led to some opposition parties lashing out at the PM Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janta Party. Reportedly, these parties were not sent an invite due to their negligible parliamentary presence. A political row has erupted where RJD leader and party chief Lalu Prasads son, Tejashwi Yadav has now hit out on twitter asking on what grounds was his party excluded from the all-party meet on Galwan valley scheduled for today. Also Read: PM Modi pays tributes to Acharya Mahapragya on his birth centenary Dear @DefenceMinIndia @PMOIndia, Just wish to know the criteria for inviting political parties for tomorrow's #AllPartyMeet on #GalwanValley. I mean the grounds of inclusion/exclusion. Because our party @RJDforIndia hasn't received any message so far. Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) June 18, 2020 Also Read: Big win for forces, 8 terrorists killed in 24-hours in the valley While, sources say that only those parties were invited that have at least five members in the parliament, which partially suffices AAPs dis-invite, considering the party has four MPs at present. But RJD has five MPs and should have made it to the list. RJD party leader Manoj Kumar Jha also critiqued the centre by stating that all-party meet means that all the parties should be allowed to voice out their opinions and suggestions. Also Read: Delhi conducts 20,000 Covid-19 tests, Kejriwal promises increase in upcoming days For all the latest National News, download NewsX App METEPENAGIAG, N.B.A funeral will be held today for Rodney Levi, the 48-year-old Indigenous man from eastern New Brunswick who was shot by an RCMP officer during a barbecue last Friday. The private family service will be held at the St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Metepenagiag Mikmaq Nation, west of Miramichi. The RCMP say officers were dispatched to a home near the First Nation on June 12 after someone complained about an unwanted person. The deadly shooting marked the second time in just over a week that police had killed an Indigenous person in New Brunswick, prompting protests and calls for an inquiry. Chantel Moore was fatally shot on June 4, after an officer from the Edmundston Police Department was sent to her home to conduct a wellness check. Quebecs independent police watchdog agency is investigating the killings because New Brunswick does not have its own police oversight agency. Read more about: BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Export of electrical goods from Turkey to Italy dropped by 34.76 percent from January through May 2020 compared to the same period of 2019, having amounted to $138.7 million, Turkish Trade Ministry told Trend. According to the ministry, Turkeys export of electrical goods to Italy reduced by 52.31 percent in May 2020 compared to the same month of 2019, making up $24.2 million. In the first five months of 2020, export of electrical goods from Turkey to international markets decreased by 18.2 percent compared to the same period of 2019, amounting to $3.8 billion. Meanwhile, export of electrical goods from Turkey made up 6.2 percent of the country's total exports. In May 2020, Turkey exported electrical goods worth $671.8 million to world markets, which is 35.5 percent less compared to May 2019. Export of electrical goods from Turkey in May 2020 amounted to 6.7 percent of the country's total exports. From May 2019 through May 2020, Turkey exported $10.3 billion worth of electrical goods to foreign markets. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Worried about refunds for a last-minute cancellation of a planned getaway? Anxious that there could be another round of lockdown restrictions? planned by the government? Or just bothered that airlines might cancel your flight without informing you? Coronavirus and the ensuing lockdown sent the leisure and corporate travel industry into a tizzy. Bookings and reservations got cancelled en masse with many ending with exchange of upsetting conversations with the travel agent. As travellers will be itching to head for a break after a multi-week government enforced lockdown the single biggest risk for them will be the full or partial forfeiture of booking amount as hotels and resorts open gradually. That is why hoteliers are rolling out solutions for exactly this. Fairfax-owned Sterling Holidays, a resort company chain run on a hybrid model (memberships or non-memberships), is giving away complimentary insurance coverage that starts from the moment the traveller leaves home till the time he gets back from the holiday. The coverage takes care of trip cancellations, accidents, lost or delayed baggage, delayed or cancelled flight, missed connections, emergency accidental treatment and evacuation and even personal liability and bail bond. 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 Ramesh Ramanathan, chairman and managing director, Sterling Holiday Resorts said, All hotels have third party insurance at site. We realised that holiday starts when the traveler leaves his home. We spoke to Digit Insurance, another Fairfax-owned company of which Sterling holidays is also a part of. They offered us an insurance which will cover the traveler from home-to-home which is all travel from the home to the destination and the return travel back home. Each person is covered up to Rs 3 lakh under the package which is voluntary and complimentary. We have kept it free. Like its peers Sterling too is preparing to welcome guests. Sterling has 41 resorts across the country having 2,400 rooms. Agra, Anaikatti, Corbett, Dabhosa, Daman, Darjeeling, Dindi, Dharamshala, Durshet, Gangtok, Goa, Jaipur, Kanha are some of the places where Sterling has properties. Track this blog for latest updates on the coronavirus crisis While presently only the Karwar property in north coastal Karnataka is operational but bookings for later dates at other properties have begun. During the past three months hoteliers had to host quarantined guests at the request of the state governments which meant keeping the entire hotel open instead of a few rooms. But after running standard operating procedures (SOPs) formed internally and those formed by the state government hotel properties are preparing restart operations. Follow our coverage of the coronavirus crisis Midland Memorial Hospital CEO Russell Meyers said during a press conference on Thursday that a recent spike in Midlands coronavirus cases was predictable as businesses continue to reopen and is evidence of the need to practice stricter social distancing and other precautions. The city of Midland Health Department reported 23 new positives on Thursday, bringing the total case count to 287. There have been 158 cases confirmed during the month of June, accounting for more than half of all cases since the pandemic began. This crisis is not over by any stretch of the imagination, Meyers said during Thursdays press briefing. Midland Memorial has not seen an uptick in hospitalizations as other hospitals have statewide, Meyers said. He said he does not expect that to change because the majority of new infections have been among people under 50 who are able to recover at home. There were five coronavirus patients in the hospital on Thursday, according to Meyers. Four were in the regular COVID-19 unit and one patient was in the critical care unit, he said. If Midland Memorial did need to accommodate an influx of patients, Meyers said they have the capacity to do so. Meyers said hospital operations would likely return to what they were at the height of the pandemic, when 30 residents from Midland Medical Lodge were inpatients at the facility, and staff would be reassigned from other areas of the hospital to the COVID-19 unit. Meyers said its expected for the demographics of those infected to skew younger because young people are more active in the community. He implored young Midlanders to wear masks, practice social distancing and hand hygiene to protect those who are more at-risk. When youre gathering, and you as a 20- or 30-year-old arent concerned about your risk of infection, you should be very concerned about your grandmothers risk of infection, he said. And do everything that you can to protect those loved ones in your family, and in your community, who are much more vulnerable. Additionally, Meyers said starting Thursday the hospital will no longer be providing masks to visitors. Each patient is allowed one visitor during their time in the hospital, except those in pediatrics and labor and delivery, who are allowed two. Visitors are required to wear masks when entering and during their time in the hospital. Previously, MMH was providing a cloth mask to patients and visitors. Patients will continue to be given a mask, but visitors will now be required to bring their own, Meyers said. He said they do not have enough masks to continue giving them to visitors, and visitors who do not have a mask will be turned away until they procure a mask or other face covering. Meyers emphasized the importance of wearing masks, not only in the hospital, but in all public spaces to curtail the number of community-acquired cases. If you don't take any other message away from what we're saying here today, it's wear a mask, because it works, he said. It will help limit the spread of this infection. Turkmenistans President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow informed Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call on Friday that he would be unable to visit Moscow for the Victory Day Parade since traditionally, he celebrates his birthday with the family and the nation, Trend reports citing TASS. Turkmenistans state-owned news agency TDH reported on Friday that Defense Minister Major General Begench Gundogdyev would lead the countrys delegation to Moscow. According to the news agency, Berdimuhamedow voiced regrets that he would not be able to attend the festivities in Moscow marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Unions victory in World War Two and explained that he would turn 63 on June 29. In accordance with the established national traditions, birthdays should be celebrated with family and friends, as well as with the people of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan introduced quarantine measures amid coronavirus pandemic, so each individual needs to self-isolate for 14 days after returning from a foreign country. The news agency pointed out that Berdimuhamedow wished Putin success in holding the festivities. Soldiers from Turkmenistan will take part in the parade on Red Square, and they have already arrived in Moscow. This years parade marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War Two was rescheduled from May 9 to a later date for coronavirus fears. On May 26, Putin announced that the Victory Day Parade would take place on June 24, as the historic Victory Day Parade was held on the same date in 1945. Turkmenistan remains the only post-Soviet republic that has not yet registered a single coronavirus case. Seeking to prevent infection transmission, the country introduced strict restrictions on entry and suspended international flights, while each individual arriving from abroad is ordered to stay quarantined. However, no restrictions were introduced inside the country. In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. The architect of Australia's HECS system says the government's overhaul of university fees will not redirect people into priority employment areas because access to long-term, interest-free loans shields them from price signals. Education Minister Dan Tehan on Friday announced fees for humanities, law and commerce courses would increase while fees for health, teaching, science and other fields would drop in a bid to "incentivise" students to study them. The package triggered immediate concerns about the soaring financial burden of some degrees. But Australian National University economist Bruce Chapman, who designed the Higher Education Contribution Scheme for the Hawke government, said students made study choices based on interests and earning potential, and the national system of income-contingent loans limited the impact of cost on those decisions. "There's no doubt that it blunts the effect. And that was kind of the plan. It was to have a system where the payments would not affect behaviour. That was the critical point you don't have to pay anything upfront," Professor Chapman said. By Laman Ismayilova Baku Music Academy invites you to join the 1st International Online Competition of Musicians-Performers. Initiated by professor of Baku Music Academy Tarlan Seidova, the contest is timed to the 40th anniversary of the Specialized Secondary Music School-Studio. According to the rules, the contest participants will show their best in three music genres: academic, folk and jazz music. The 1st International Online Competition of Musicians-Performers is open for musicians of all ages. The contest will feature a large variety of solo and ensemble nominations: Piano", "String Instruments", "Wind and Percussion Instruments", "Folk Instruments", "Vocal", "Instrumental and Vocal ensembles ". The jury will be chaired by the Peoples Artist of the USSR and Azerbaijan, rector of Baku Music Academy Farhad Badalbayli. Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2020. For more information, please visit: Baku Music Academy --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The atrocious face-off at the Galwan Valley in Ladakh with Chinese forces which resulted in more than 20 Indian soldiers laying down their lives has led to a massive backlash against Chinese brands, especially Chinese smartphones and apps that so far enjoyed the love, affection and addiction of Indian citizens. With the government banning 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, BeautifyMe, Mi Community and more, its also time to look at alternatives to popular Chinese smartphones. China, with its economic might, has rapidly expanded its manufacturing capacity, and as a result, is able to make electronics that are far more affordable than other those produced in other countries. But, does it mean theres nothing at par with these Chinese smartphones? Turns out, there is. While the home-grown Indian brands may not match up yet, there are a handful of brands from Korea, Europe, Taiwan and the United States that can give them a run for their money. In this feature, we will list out the popular Chinese offering in each segment and suggest an alternative for you to consider. Budget Segment Popular: Realme Narzo 10A, Redmi 8A Dual The Realme Narzo 10A runs on the MediaTek Helio G70 SoC which is quite powerful for a phone priced this low. It can even support todays heavy games like CoD: Mobile and PUBG Mobile. The phone rocks a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with only HD+ resolution. The triple camera setup at the back is led by a 12MP primary camera, along with two 2MP cameras for macro and portrait photos. However, the camera isnt quite reliable, especially in low light. Realme offers 3GB RAM and 32GB storage in the phone and a 5000mAh battery inside. While this is indeed from a Chinese brand, the phone itself is manufactured in India. The Redmi 8A is made by Xiaomi, a popular Chinese brand in India that enjoys the highest market share in India. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 439 and rocks a 6.2-inch HD+ display. There's a dual-camera setup at the back with a 13MP primary camera and a 2MP depth sensor. Alternative: Samsung Galaxy M20 The Galaxy M20 is manufactured by Samsung, a Korean brand, in India. Its a little more compact with a 6.3-inch TFT display but FullHD+ resolution, which increases the PPI making the panel appear sharper. The M20 also takes a different route with the camera, which we believe is a little more useful than having a macro lens. The M20 rocks a 13MP primary camera along with a 5MP ultrawide lens. The selfie camera is also larger with an 8MP shooter. The performance is where the phone falters in the face of its Chinese competition. The Exynos 7904 is no match for the Helio G70, but it can get you through the day with casual usage. However, battery life is equally long at 5,000mAh. Going with this, you will end up sacrificing powerful performance but gain in terms of more useful camera options and a sharper display.Click here to buy. Mid Range Segment Popular: Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max, Realme 6 Pro The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro series, especially the Max variant is quite popular in India because of the high price to performance ratio it offers. In fact, most Xiaomi and Realme smartphones in the sub-20k segment undercut the competition with powerful hardware. However, smartphones from both brands are riddled with ads leading to poor user experience, and essentially cancelling out the gains from the latest hardware. Options from the Chinese brands in this segment range are powered by the Snapdragon 7-series chipsets and pack high-resolution camera sensors along with HDR-certified displays. The Realme 6 Pro is also powered by the Snapdragon 720 and rocks a 64MP quad-camera setup at the back. The major difference between the two smartphones lies in the software used and the presence of a 13MP telephoto lens on the Realme 6 Pro. Alternative: Nokia 8.1, Samsung Galaxy M31 The Nokia 8.1, made by HMD Global, registered in Finland challenge the Chinese stalwarts in almost all segments. It rocks an HDR10-certified 6.18-inch LCD display with fullHD+ resolution. Theres also the Snapdragon 710 SoC along with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. For the camera, Nokia offers Zeiss-certified 12MP primary camera with OIS along with a 13MP telephoto lens. On the front is a 20MP selfie shooter, and all three cameras can be used in tandem via the bothie mode.Click here to buy. As for the Galaxy M31, here you get a 6.4-inch AMOLED with FHD+ resolution and Gorilla Glass protection. Its powered by the 10nm Exynos 9611 SoC coupled with 6GB RAM and up to 128GB RAM along with expandable storage. The camera goes toe to toe with the Chinese offerings with a 64MP quad-camera stack at the back, which includes an 8MP ultrawide lens, 5MP macro lens and a 5MP depth sensor. On the front, you get a 32MP selfie camera. The battery life is where the M31 goes well ahead of the competition with a 6,000mAh battery. Click here to buy. High-End Segment Popular: OnePlus 8, Realme X2 Pro, Redmi K20 Pro Going up the price ladder means stakes are now higher, and the demand for a cutting-edge experience is paramount. And this is where popular offerings from OnePlus, Realme and Xiaomi have notably made their mark in recent years. These smartphones originate in China and are partner and collaborators with Qualcomm, routinely using the flagship chipset to offer high-end performance. They also use the latest RAM and storage modules and pack the smartphone with multi-camera stacks. Yet, the user interface, leaving aside OnePluss OxygenOS, are mostly the same as their budget counterparts and are known to serve ads and spam notifications. Here are the alternatives. Alternative: Asus 6z, ROG Phone II, Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite, Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite, iPhone SE 2020. The Asus 6z and the ROG Phone II are made by the Taiwanese brand known for their presence in the PC market. In fact, the ROG Phone II is developed by the same folks who design gaming laptops. And in both the Asus 6z and ROG Phone II, the performance is top-notch. And both of these products also innovate on the design. The Asus 6z brings a rotating camera module with a dual-camera setup that works as both the front and rear cameras. The ROG Phone II offers pressure-sensitive air triggers which give gamers an unfair advantage while gaming. The phone also offers the most granular customisations in the CPU, letting run everything at peak capacities manually. Theres also a host of alternatives. However, if its a more popular line of smartphones you are looking at, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite and the S10 Lite are great options to consider. Both these smartphones take cues from the premium Galaxy lineup and bring some of its own like a high-resolution 48MP camera on the S10 Lite, the S-Pen on the Note 10 Lite and a slim form factor with bright and vivid AMOLED displays.Click here to buy. The high-end segment also offers the budget iPhone that launched this year. The iPhone SE (2020) turned out to be an excellent daily driver, even for power users. Apple has used the same A13 Bionic processor thats there on the flagship iPhone 11 series but kept the design compact as the old iPhone 8. And you get the same lag-free experience thats expected out of an Apple device. The battery life may feel a little less as compared to the Chinese counterparts which can be a bummer though. Premium Segment Popular Options: OnePlus 8 Pro, Oppo Find X2, Xiaomi Mi 10 The premium segment is where the non-Chinese brands rule the roost, although OnePlus has made a dent in their earnings. All these smartphones are also powered by the latest Snapdragon 865 SoC like the high-end offerings, but go that extra mile in offering wireless charging and ingress protection, along with QHD+ displays with high refresh rate and large cameras with 108 million pixels. In fact, the Chinese offerings themselves are generally considered to be alternatives to the premium players in this segment. Alternatives: iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy S20, LG G8X The iPhone 11 series is popular enough to not require further evangelism. But if we have to enumerate the benefits, you get the smoothest operating system for mobiles. One thats also radically different from Android. The default iPhone 11 now offers two cameras at the back. A 12MP primary wide lens and another 12MP ultrawide lens, and both are the best in their segment for both photos and videos. Theres also a night mode that kicks in automatically when theres low light, and like all things Apple, it just works. The A13 Bionic processor with a Neural Engine and a six-core GPU is also the most powerful processor for mobiles, surpassing even the Snapdragon 865. With such cutting edge features, the price is also on the higher side as compared to the Chinese premium flagships. And its totally worth the extra premium.Click here to buy. The Samsung Galaxy S20 series is yet another example of Non-Chinese dominance. This is one lineup which routinely sets a new benchmark for the Android ecosystem. This time, Samsung is offering high-refresh-rate displays, multiple cameras and a far more optimised UI than before. The Galaxy S20 is the most affordable of the three and it offers a QHD+ 120Hz display like the OnePlus 8 Pro, a 64MP triple camera and support for wireless charging. The phone also rocks an in-display fingerprint sensor, fast 25W charging, reverse wireless charging, HDR10+ certification, and IP68 water and dust resistance.Click here to buy. Coming to the LG G8X, this ones perhaps the most utilitarian among all premium offerings. Thats because you can attach a second display to the phone and take multitasking and gaming to a whole different level. The LG G8X is powered by last years Snapdragon 855 and it rocks a dual camera module comprising a 12MP primary sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens. Its also one of the few smartphones that can record HDR videos natively. Click here to buy. Nokia 5310 XpressMusic All things said and done, there are no smartphones in the world that are trulely devoid of components originating out of China. The batteries, storage modules, the RAM, or even the image sensor could be made in China and sold to a brand that's not Chinese. If you plan to take your protest to the next level, we suggest you ditch smartphones altogether, and go rewind back a decade to buy the new Nokia 5310 Xpress Music. Fortunately, this is just a 2G feature phone with nothing smart inside it, except for its choice of components and features. That includes a tiny 2.4-inch TFT display, a MediaTek chip, microSD card slot and a loud speaker. Oh and a battery that lasts a month. Click here to buy. Governor Gavin Newsom View Photo Sacramento, CA Governor Gavin Newsom reacts to todays Supreme Court decision that blocks the Trump administrations efforts to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program or DACA. In a 5 to 4 ruling with Chief Justice John Roberts the swing vote, the court ruled the administrations decision to unwind the program was arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. In a written statement, Governor Gavin Newsom had this reaction to the ruling, Todays decision is an important victory, for now, for the hundreds of thousands of Dreamers including over 200,000 Californians who contribute deeply to their communities each day. They are our neighbors, our coworkers and our friends, and in California, we will continue to have their backs, stated Newsom. President Donald Trump shortly after the ruling came down tweeted, These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republicans or Conservatives. We need more Justices or we will lose our 2nd. Amendment & everything else. Vote Trump 2020! It was followed two minutes later with another stating Do you get the impression that the Supreme Court doesnt like me? Known as Dreamers, DACA has allowed nearly 800,000 young people, to avoid deportation and remain in the U.S. Newsom insists that the issue needs to be resolved once and for all. We need a permanent solution for undocumented Californians and acknowledge that a pathway to citizenship is not enough, argues Newsom. This moment reminds us we are confronting the systemic injustice and racism that exists within our nation and institutions. We will fight for everyone to be treated with dignity and respect. The DACA decision was written by Chief Justice Roberts who joined the four liberal justices on the high court. Examiners wear face shields and masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, during end of year secondary school exams at high school Liceo Kennedy, in Rome. (AP) Milan: Scientists in Italy have found traces of the new coronavirus in wastewater collected from Milan and Turin in December 2019 - suggesting COVID-19 was already circulating in Northern Italy before China reported the first cases. The Italian National Institute of Health looked at 40 sewage samples collected from wastewater treatment plants in northern Italy between October 2019 and February 2020. An analysis released late on Thursday said samples taken in Milan and Turin on Dec. 18 showed the presence of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. This research may help us understand the beginning of virus circulation in Italy, Giuseppina La Rosa, an expert in environmental wastewater at the Italian National Institute of Health who co-led the research, said in a statement detailing the findings. Small studies conducted by scientific teams in the Netherlands, France, Australia and elsewhere have found signs that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be detected in sewage, and many countries are beginning to use wastewater sampling to track the spread of the disease. La Rosa said the detection of traces of the virus before the end of 2019 was consistent with evidence emerging in other countries that COVID-19 may have been circulating before China reported the first cases of a new disease on Dec. 31. A study in May by French scientists found that a man was infected with COVID-19 as early as December 27, nearly a month before France confirmed its first cases. La Rosa said the presence of the virus in the Italian waste samples did not automatically imply that the main transmission chains that led to the development of the epidemic in our country originated from these very first cases. Samples positive for traces of the virus that causes COVID-19 were also found in sewage from Bologna, Milan and Turin in January and February 2020. Samples taken in October and November 2019 tested negative. The institute said it plans to launch a pilot study in July to monitor wastewater at sites identified in tourist resorts. Police have arrested a 20-year-old woman on suspicion of criminal damage after a protester was filmed trying to set light to the Union flag at The Cenotaph during a Black Lives Matter demonstration. An activist was seen clambering onto the war memorial dedicated to the millions of lives lost during the First World War before attempting to set fire to the flag in Whitehall, London. It took place on June 7 as protesters clashed with police - leaving 26 officers injured - and a day before the monument to Winston Churchill in Westminster was defaced and daubed with the words 'was a racist' on its plinth. As the protests descended into chaos, one protester (left and right) was seen climbing on the historic monument The Cenotaph and trying to set fire to the Union flag A spokesman for the Met Police said: 'A 20-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with an incident at the Cenotaph on Sunday, 7 June. 'She has since been bailed to a later date in July.' The protest came as part of a broader movement inspired by the Black Lives Matter demonstrations that started in the United States following the death of George Floyd in police custody on May 25. National Police Chiefs' Council chairman Martin Hewitt previously said more than 130 officers have been 'injured in one way or another' in the demonstrations. Some 137 people have been arrested, while others have been fined for breaches of Covid-19 lockdown rules. Police forces in Avon and Somerset have come under fire for being unable to prevent protesters from tearing down the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol, with Home Secretary Priti Patel said to have had a 'firm' talk with police chiefs from the area. A demonstrator climbs onto The Cenotaph in Whitehall during the Black Lives Matter protest on June 7. A 20-year-old woman has since been arrested in connection with the incident Since Colston's removal, there have been calls for local authorities to intervene and determine whether monuments of historical figures should be removed based on questionable background related to the colonial era. Topple The Racists' website has named 78 statues and monuments that 'celebrate slavery and racism'. Huw Thomas, leader of Cardiff Council, backed the removal of a statue of Sir Thomas Picton, a slave holder and military leader. He described the monument to the former governor of Trinidad as an 'affront' to black people. Edinburgh council leader Adam McVey said he would feel 'no sense of loss' if a statue to Henry Dundas, who delayed the abolition of slavery, was removed. Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Friday announced an ex-gratia of Rs five crore to the family of Colonel Santosh Babu who was martyred during the clashes with Chinese troops in the Galwan valley. The CM also announced a residential plot and Group 1 job for his wife, adding that he himself would personally go to the Colonel Babus house and hand over the help. He said that he would extend all help to the family. CM Rao also said that the state government would give Rs 10 lakh each, through the Union Defence Ministry, to the 19 other soldiers who were martyred. The entire country should stand by the military personnel guarding our countrys borders. We have to support those martyred in their line of duty and help personnels family members. With such acts, one should instil self-confidence among the Army personnel and security to the family members. We have to send a message that the entire country is with them," the CM said while interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conference. "The Central government extends help to those martyred. But the states should also to extend their help. It is only then that the Army personnel and their family members would have confidence that the country is standing by them. Exhibit the symbol of unity. Though there are problems with the coronavirus, one should cut expenditure somewhere and work for the welfare of the defence forces, he added. KCR opined that there should not be any hastiness following clashes that arose between Indo-China armies at the border. The CM suggested PM to pursue long-term and short-term strategies to counter China. The CM also made it clear that on this issue, the state government would stand by the central government. He said, "What we require now is ranneethi (war strategy) but not rajneethi (political strategy/politicisation)." The CM felt that China became jealous that there is stable and strong governance in the country. He added that India is becoming a very strong economic force to reckon with and hence the provocation from China's side. PM Modi held a meeting with all the parties representatives through a video conference on Friday. All the participants have paid silent tribute to the martyrs of Galwan Valley incident. Forensic workers arrive to collect evidence from a hotel in downtown Bucharest, in Romania. Gholamreza Mansouri, a former judge from Iran sought by his country to face corruption charges, has died after falling from a high floor - AP An exiled Iranian judge who was facing arrest in Germany over the alleged abuse and torture of journalists was found dead in Romania on Friday after he apparently fell from his hotel room window. The body of Gholamreza Mansouri, 52, was found lying outside the hotel in Bucharest where he was reportedly under police supervision. In addition to facing charges in Germany, the judge was also the subject of an extradition request by Iran which had accused him of taking bribes worth half a million pounds. Mansouri had been living in Romania in mid-June when Reporters Without Borders, the impartial journalism charity, announced they were seeking his prosecution for human rights abuses in Iran. It is unclear if he has ever lived in Germany. The charity said that Mansouri, a regime loyalist who before leaving Iran was a judge at the court which deals with the media, had once jailed 20 journalists in a single day, in 2013. Mansouri left Iran after he was accused of taking the bribes but had reportedly expressed an intention to eventually return to Iran and face the charges. He had been due to appear in court in Romania on July 10, when the decision regarding the Iranian request for extradition was due to be announced. Some exiled Iranian activists and human rights groups had called for Mansouri to stand trial in Romania instead of returning to Iran. At the same, pro-democracy campaigners were eager for the judge to stand trial in Germany over the abuse of journalists. "It was established that the man was a 52-year-old foreign citizen under judicial control for crimes committed in another country," a Romanian police spokesman said. It remains unclear whether the judge had died by suicide or had been pushed from his balcony. The body was discovered by another guest at the hotel, police said. Romanian police also confirmed that they had launched an investigation into Mansouri's death. Holden dealers say they have been abandoned by both General Motors and the government after mediation between dealers and car manufacturer failed last week. The US car giant announced it was pulling the Holden brand out of Australia in February this year, leaving its network of 185 car dealership franchisees in limbo. Holden dealers mediation with General Motors has failed. Holden dealers said they have sent 24 emails to federal Industry Minister Karen Andrews asking the government for assistance but have not received a single response from her office. They are also concerned about General Motors' plans to introduce its General Motors Speciality Vehicles (GMSV) brand to Australia by converting selected models to right-hand drive for sale in Australia. Envoy reaffirms Iran's principal policy of cooperation with IAEA IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency London, June 18, IRNA -- Iran's ambassador to the Vienna-based international organizations Kazem Gharibabadi in a statement on Thursday hailed the country's cooperation with the IAEA, saying that the current extensive level of cooperation between them has not been achieved easily, just to be diminished by imprudent political interests. Addressing a meeting of IAEA board of governors on Thursday, he added that Iran acknowledges the rights of the Agency for raising legitimate questions, seeking clarifications or requesting for access in line with its mandate and in accordance with the approved procedures, while it also underlines its rights as a Member State to seek for underlying reasons and supporting documents and argumentations from the Agency in this regard, he said. Full text of the statement reads as follows: "In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful Madam Chairperson, Director General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Before beginning to deliver my statement, I would like to register the Islamic Republic of Iran's serious concern about the possibility that the confidentiality of this meeting be compromised. Technical experts warned that undoubtedly, in this format, there is now no control over who is listening, who is recording, and who is divulging the confidential information. Let me also put on record that, just in case, the Secretariat shall be held accountable for any consequences as a result of not complying strictly with the principles of confidentiality, while Member States' responsibility should not be ignored as well, specifically considering that such confidential information was leaked to the media and even released by some institutes. It is important that the Agency take appropriate measures to ensure protection of the confidentiality of information, including when such information is made available to the Member States. Following the release of the current report of the DG on Friday 5 June 2020, the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran has shared some preliminary comments on this, which was circulated as INFCIRC936 on 9th of June 2020. Madam Chairperson, The current extensive level of cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Agency has not been achieved easily, just to be diminished by imprudent political interests. I would like to shed some light on the most important aspects of this cooperation: * As a result of the JCPOA, Iran implements Additional Protocol provisionally and voluntarily; * Iran, alone, with 432 inspections in 2019, receives more than 20 percent of the Agency's total inspections at the global level; * Iran has granted 33 Complementary Accesses in 2019, which amounts to 73 percent of the Agency's total CAs among States with CSA and AP in force without Broader Conclusions (62 States); * The share of Iran's inspections in the period of 2010 to 2019 has increased from 4 to 20 percent at the global level, and almost 7 inspectors are constantly present in Iran per day throughout the year; * Despite difficulties the Agency faced in several States on the safeguards implementation during COVID-19 era, as reported by the DG, verification activities in Iran have been continued on a non-stop basis even by supporting charter flights, which the Agency described it as an exceptional cooperation; * While Iran ceased the implementation of some of its commitments under the JCPOA, the Agency's verification activities have not been affected by such remedial measures. Madam Chairperson, I would like to reaffirm Iran's principal policy to engage and cooperate with the Agency in line with its obligations under the Safeguards Agreements. In view of this, the Islamic Republic of Iran acknowledges the Rights of the Agency for raising legitimate questions, seeking clarifications or requesting for access in line with its mandate and in accordance with the approved procedures, while it also underlines its rights as a Member State to seek for underlying reasons and supporting documents and argumentations from the Agency in this regard. Iran also believes that the obligations of Member States, which reflect the Rights of the Agency, are not unlimited and are defined within the framework of the relevant instruments. The Rights of the Agency and the obligations of its Member States are two sides of a coin which are supposed to be mutually reinforcing. "Undermining the Rights of the Agency" should not be an option, nor should it be "undermining the rights of a Member State." Madam Chairperson, On two requests of the Agency for access, let me brief the room on the developments since March 2020. Iran continued its constructive engagement with the Agency during past two months with a view to reach a common understanding on different aspects of the requests to pave the way for finding a solution. In this regard, two rounds of discussions were held in Tehran on 29 April and 16 May 2020, between relevant authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the IAEA delegation headed by DDG for Safeguards, during which the two sides entered into substantive discussions on how to address the issues in a professional and conducive manner. Iran has explicitly raised two main ambiguities and concerns, which are legal and legitimate, and completely in accordance with the provisions of CSA and AP. First, the requests by the IAEA are based on invalid and safeguards-irrelevant information which are neither publicly available (open-source information), nor valid and verifiable. Needless to say that, any information claimed to be obtained through so-called secret operation or intelligence activities and any subsequent use of them as basis for the requests are not consistent with the Agency's Statute, thus should not have any status in the verification activities process and does not create any obligation for Iran as well. Regarding the provided information attached to the letter of 21 May 2020 of the Agency, it is emphasized that the satellite imageries presented accordingly do not contain reasonable information which could be the basis for substantiation of the Agency's requests. It is evident that the Agency lacks enough reasonable argumentations, for instance its report is replete with phrases such as "possible presence", "possible use or storage", and "possible conduct of nuclear related activities." Second, Iran has also expressed its serious concerns over attempts to open an endless process of verifying and cleaning-up of ever-continuing fabricated allegations. It is noteworthy that all outstanding past issues regarding Iran's nuclear program have been considered and closed by the Board resolution 2015/72 on 15 December 2015. In this context, I would like to express Iran's concerns and strong opposition over the intentions to change the gear to re-open, under different pretexts, the past allegations which have already been closed. Considering the above-mentioned legal ambiguities and concerns which still need further clarification, Iran has invited the Deputy Director General for Safeguards to Tehran for further discussions or hold a meeting in Vienna with Iranian delegation at the earliest time convenient for the Agency. In this context, and given the extensive cooperation between Iran and the Agency and significant amount of verification activities going on in Iran, its position on such non-urgent issue should not be called as "denial." Madam Chairperson, While Iran expressed its readiness to continue its consultations with the Agency with a view to settle the thematic differences and resolve the issues at hand as soon as possible, the release of the current report by the Director General is received with deep regret and disappointment. While SIR 2019 enumerates various difficulties in the implementation of safeguards in several States, it is paradoxical that the Agency behaves in a way as if there is no other issue rather to report on Iran. We consider this way of conduct neither impartial nor professional, but a double-standard. If one could look at the developments after March around these two issues, it is clear that a good progress was made, and it is unfair and non-factual to say that we are still at the same place as before. Needless to say that, Iran stated its willingness "to satisfy the Agency's requests as it did in the past" even before this Board's meeting, when its two main concerns are addressed. However, ignorance of the legitimate concerns raised, non-provision of underlying reasons to justify such requests, and seeking systematically and mechanistically for access by the Agency, should have not been an option. As the distinguished delegates may remind, it was stated in the Technical Briefings that these allegations date back to more than 17 years ago, have not been proved, do not enjoy any urgency, and do not pose any risk of proliferation; it was also said that one of the two locations is a farm and the other a desert. Possibly you may ask why Iran does not grant access to the two locations automatically. The answer is clear: as a matter of sovereignty, no country opens its territory to the inspections only based on continuous allegations provided by its own enemy, even if it is evident that the result of which will prove those allegations to be false. I would like to ask the Member States to put themselves in our shoes and see if they are ready simply to engage with the Agency every now and then based on unsubstantiated allegations made by their adversaries!? Madam Chairperson, Since the report of the Director General also refers to the uranium metal production experiments carried out at JHL, I would like to inform that the Agency has totally disregarded all past relevant verification activities including its previous report on the reevaluation and assessment regarding possible discrepancy, documented as GOV/2015/68. This report affirms that {and I quote}: "Agency re-evaluated this information in 2014 and assessed that the amount of natural uranium involved was within the uncertainties associated with nuclear material accountancy and related measurements" (and I unquote). It should be also added that the relevant material of the project is kept under the Agency's seal since the first day of verification in 2003. Madam Chairperson, Let me emphasize once again that the current level of cooperation between Iran and the Agency is exemplary, some of the aspects of which I have elucidated here in my statement. It is upon all of us to be the guardian of such a source of pride for all, including the Agency and the Member States. And, we should stand united against those who wish to destroy this for scoring purely short-sighted political points. This responsibility cannot be shouldered by Iran alone, and it is upon all of us to bear the brunt of any negative impacts if it is derailed. Merely saying that the issues related to the Safeguards are separate from the JCPOA is totally wrong. One should not forget that the extensive amount of complementary accesses and inspections in Iran are conducted as a result of provisional and voluntary application of the AP under the JCPOA. Even these two requests by the Agency for access are made thanks to such an application. To conclude, Madam Chairperson, many, including the Secretariat are saying that respecting the mandate of the Agency and the safeguards regime should not be compromised. The Islamic Republic of Iran agrees with this principle wholeheartedly, and believes that the secretariat itself as the custodian of this holy shrine, should place itself at the forefront of this campaign by adhering strictly to the provisions of Statute of the Agency and the Safeguards Agreements. "Respect" and "trust" are established during times, but could be shattered in a matter of seconds. The Islamic Republic of Iran would like to reiterate its confidence that the implementation of the verification activities requires both sides to cooperate in good-faith. In view of this, Iran strongly calls upon the Secretariat and Members of the Agency to show wisdom and vigilance in dealing with this and avoid entering into any hasty proceedings. Any political approach or decision through abusing the Board will certainly undermine the current level of cooperation between Iran and the Agency, the responsibility and consequences of which will be upon its sponsors. In this context, the Agency is highly requested to carry out its mandate in a professional, independent and impartial manner. Any undue pressure or interference in the Agency's activities especially in its verification process, in pursuance of any political agenda, will jeopardize its efficiency and credibility, and is counterproductive, thus should be deplored and rejected. Madam Chairperson, I would like to put on record the position of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the draft resolution proposed by E2+1 (France, Germany and the UK) on the NPT Safeguards Agreement of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran has the highest level of cooperation with the Agency and receives the highest level of complementary accesses amongst the Agency Member States. Despite the fact that the Agency carries out more than 33 complementary accesses in Iran annually, aggrandization of the Agency's two requests and attempts to create an unnecessary crisis in this regard, while Iran has principal concerns and ambiguities on this and the discussions are ongoing, is counterproductive. We expect that the Members of the Board recognize this level of cooperation between Iran and the Agency in order for maintaining the grounds for the continuation of such exemplary cooperation between the two. In this context, Iran strongly deplores the move by the E3 to follow such a path which has nothing to do with the technical facts on the ground, but is the result of biased, non-professional and political agenda. The E3 States are expected to comply with their obligations under the JCPOA, than to complicate more the situation. Let me emphasize once again, Madam Chairperson, that the current level of cooperation between Iran and the Agency is exemplary, on many aspects, some of which I have elucidated here in my statement. It is upon all of us to be the guardian of such a source of pride for all, including the Agency and the Member States. And, we should stand united against those who wish to destroy this for scoring purely political points. This responsibility cannot be shouldered by Iran alone, and it is upon all of us to bear the brunt of any negative impacts if it is derailed. In view of this, Iran strongly urges the Members of the Agency to show wisdom and vigilance in dealing with this and requests to object to such an irresponsible act. We invite the Members of the Board to vote against the draft resolution which its main objective is to meet the political agenda of some. Madam Chairperson, Since some allegations were made under this agenda item, I feel obliged to react as follows: 1. The US does not shy to express publicly its intention to destroy the JCPOA. Iran has always underlined that the US continued destructive policies will be detrimental to the stability and security in the Middle East region and beyond. The unlawful coercive measures by the US administration against Iran allude to the fact that this administration shows zero respect for norms and principles of international law and relations. Transparent and constructive cooperation between Iran and the Agency during the past 4 years of life of the JCPOA was a serious blow to such US unlawful policies and shattered its hopes for attaining its illegitimate political objectives which was the collapse of the JCPOA. That is the main reason that in coalition with the Israeli regime they planned to take a different path but with the same political objective. In this new approach, they have raised seemingly some allegations which are actually re-opening of the past issues that were closed by the Board's Resolution in 15 December 2015. The Reports of the Agency testifies that Iran is compliant with all its commitments regarding non-proliferation, while the US didn't even take a small step for the implementation of its obligation under Article VI of the NPT for nuclear disarmament. The US Nuclear Posture Review is also another evidence of the continuation of its aggressive nuclear approach. It has even used this weapon against another State, threatens the other countries with the possible use of it, is heavily investing in undermining multilateral frameworks, sanctions the officials of international organizations and courts if they are not walking in the same line as the US, opts out of the multilateral entities or cuts its contribution shares in some of them to intimidate them against the anti-US policies and measures. In this context, I would like to ask the Members of the Agency one serious question: who is honoring its international commitments, Iran or the US? We should not let the US to abuse the international organizations as a disposable political tool for its own one-sided interests. Unfortunately, the US is accustomed to such behavior and if any international organization tends to react otherwise in line with its mandate, it'll be disposed with a famous phrase of Donald Trump "you are fired!" 2. Saudi Arabia complains about the transparency in Iran's nuclear activities; isn't it strange? The tail is wagging the dog! KSA, as a country with a very non-transparent nuclear program, might be able to buy silence for its current situation, but it cannot hide it forever. One does not need to go very far, just go and read the SIR 2019! KSA is a party to the NPT and has a bilateral Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) in force with the IAEA, but regrettably it still has a so-called Small Quantities Protocol (SQP) in force that exempts the country from the obligation of hosting IAEA safeguards inspections. It is also regrettable that despite the Agency's repeated requests for many years, KSA has not yet accepted the updated model SQP which limits the eligibility of states for the SQP. And, sadly, this fact is not reported by the Agency to the Board yet, even in the midst of the perceived clear threat by the KSA official to obtain nuclear weapons. The Agency and its Member States must make it clear to Saudi Arabia that the international community will not tolerate any deviation from a peaceful nuclear program.. 3. The Israeli regime delegate reiterated its baseless allegations. It is ridiculous that this regime which is not a member of any arms control and disarmament instruments, has not opened any of its nuclear installations to the Agency's inspection, and possesses all categories of WMDs, asked Iran to cooperate closely with the Agency and provide it with access based on the allegations. This regime spared no efforts to aggrandize and manipulate this situation including through producing fabricated information to mislead the Agency and the public. The indefensible record of this regime in non-accession to and noncompliance with all international norms and standards in the area of non-proliferation and disarmament, leaves it with no option but to clean its dirty hands by blaming the others. The representative of such a regime is in no position to preach others on something they do not respect themselves. 4. We are really wondering if Ukraine is genuine in its intervention on Iran's related items! If our Ukrainian colleague could spare some time and take a look at the SIR 2019, it might have understood thus far that in case the Agency wanted to pursue strictly its impartiality and professionalism, it would have reported a change in Ukraine's status with regard to the implementation of safeguards. There is no doubt that running against the wind would fan the flames of a fire. I thank you Madam Chairperson. 8072**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two girls were wounded by gun shots and a boy was beaten by a group of assassins who barged into a home searching for a man in central Mexico. The disturbing incident occurred at approximately at 4am local time Wednesday when several sicarios arrived aboard two trucks and opened fire at the home in the San Luis Potosi neighborhood of Division del Tercera Seccion. The girls, ages 9 and 11, were grazed by the bullets that ricocheted inside the house. The nine-year-old girl was hospitalized and listed in critical condition, according to the San Luis Potosi state prosecutor's office. Armed men broke into a home in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, in the early hours Wednesday to look for a man named 'Cesar' and in the process beat a boy (left) and wounded two girls, including a nine-year-old (right), when they opened fire The San Luis Potosi state prosecutor's office said the 11-year-old girl (pictured), who was wounded in the home invasion shooting, was hospitalized and listed in critical condition A woman who was with the children at the time of the home invasion told the police that the men were asking for the whereabouts of a male individual name 'Cesar' who didn't live at the residence, according to local newspaper Pulso de San Luis. The men rummaged through the home before fleeing. Pulso de San Luis also reported that the gunmen were allegedly involved in a separate incident in the nearby Imperio Azteca neighborhood when they encountered two men aboard a motorcycle. One of the individuals took off running while the other was handcuffed and shot dead. Authorities were investigating to determine whether the man's shooting was related to the assault at the home. No arrests had been made as of Friday in the Mexican central city of San Luis Potosi following Wednesday morning's attack by a group of armed men who barged into a home looking for a man From the front lines to the picket line, nurses say theyve had enough. More than 1,500 nurses from two New Jersey hospitals say theyve been pushed to the limit Thursday after failing to make progress in contract negotiations with Hackensack Meridian Health. Nurses from Southern Ocean Medical Center in Stafford Township and Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune will picket on Sunday and Monday, according to a statement from Health Professionals and Allied Employees, the union that represents the nurses. HPAE, the largest nurses union in the state, has been engaged in bargaining with Hackensack Meridian Health, calling for increased wages and adequate personal protective equipment. It also demanded restrictions on non-nursing duties that may lead to... higher risk of exposure to contamination. Although the nurses will picket, they are not on strike, the union said. The talks, according to the union, were chilly from the start, beginning with the firing of Adam Witt, a union leader and former nurse at Jersey Shore University who was terminated in April after defending a fellow nurse being disciplined by Hackensack Meridian, HPAE said at the time. (The union is still fighting for his reinstatement.) The health system disputed the unions claim about Witt. We have a different perspective, a spokeswoman for Hackensack said in an email. Our doctors and nurses are soldiers fighting a war. Adam Witt abandoned his shift. He was terminated because he went AWOL, not for the reasons now being suggested by him or his surrogates. At all times but especially during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis his first responsibility should have been to the patients at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. The email added: We understand the union is fighting for his reinstatement but its important for the public to know that his termination was upheld by the formal appeal process that is prescribed in our contract with HPAE. The talks as a whole eventually soured completely, leading to the picket line, the union said. But Hackensack Meridian called the talks with the union productive and made no mention of friction in an emailed statement. The health system said both sides are listening and communicating well and progress is being made. It vowed to bargain for contracts that provide fair, competitive wages and benefits. We are unclear as to why informational picketing is being organized because its inconsistent with whats taking place during the bargaining discussions, Hackensack Meridian said. It noted in the statement that it has always had an adequate stock of PPE and is working to procure a 90-day supply in the coming months. The health network said its creating separate COVID and non-COVID areas in our hospitals, testing team members for the virus, installing thermal cameras at every hospital and long-term care facility entrance to screen everyone who enters the building. But the union said nurses safety has and continues to be at risk. Union officials said theyve lacked a voice at the table and called for a preparedness committee to be formed so they can be part of decision making to ensure adequate PPE for workers. Nurses faced insurmountable challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, Anna Pona, a registered nurse and president of HPAE Local 5138, said in a statement. Providing care without adequate protection was a risk that no one should have to face. After enduring the surge and making it to the next phase, it is time for our voices to be heard and respected, Pona said. The public calls nurses heroes, but the proposals from HMH (Hackensack Meridian Health) dont reflect that, Witt said in the statement. He added: Weve been pushed to our limits and are at the point where we have to show HMH that safety, staffing, correct paychecks and a fair wage are necessities for our incredible nurses. HPAE said that nurses on the informational picket will practice social distancing by wearing masks and space people on the line appropriately. Heres the schedule for the pickets: Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 21. Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 22. Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump traded insults with former national security adviser John Bolton on Thursday, calling the man he had hired a "sick puppy," while Bolton called the president he served incompetent and "unfit for office." Reverberations from Bolton's forthcoming tell-all account of working for Trump extended to Capitol Hill, where Republicans mostly sought to avoid commenting in detail on Bolton's allegations, among them that Trump had sought China's help to win reelection. In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied Bolton's claim in the book that the Israeli leader had dismissed Trump's son-in-law and aide Jared Kushner as a dilettante. Trump's ferocious focus on the book failed to prevent details from spilling out, and may have backfired as Trump amplifies public attention on Bolton's unflattering portrait of a mendacious, inattentive leader chiefly focused on bettering his own political fortunes. The White House continued a long-shot legal effort to block the book, "The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir," but beyond Trump's broadsides that the book is filled with falsehoods, the White House did not seek to rebut Bolton point by point as the former aide began promoting the book. A senior White House official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to freely describe private deliberations, said Trump has been pushing White House counsel to be "very aggressive" in blocking the publication and the Justice Department is "seriously considering" legal steps against Bolton. The official said that Bolton outmaneuvered the White House by releasing so many copies of the book early. "I don't think he's fit for office. I don't think he has the competence to carry out the job," Bolton said during an ABC interview, which is scheduled to air in full on Sunday. Excerpts aired Thursday morning. "There really isn't any guiding principle that I was able to discern other than what's good for Donald Trump's reelection. I think he was so focused on the reelection that longer-term considerations fell by the wayside," Bolton said. Trump, meanwhile, called Bolton a "Wacko" and claimed that the former close aide's account is "a compilation of lies and made up stories, all intended to make me look bad." Bolton, a former diplomat who has held high-ranking positions in Republican administrations, left the White House last fall after policy disagreements with Trump. He claims he quit; Trump says he was fired. "Many of the ridiculous statements he attributes to me were never made, pure fiction. Just trying to get even for firing him like the sick puppy he is!" Trump wrote on Twitter. The Washington Post reported extensively Wednesday on Bolton's book after obtaining an advance copy. The 592-page memoir about Bolton's 17 months in the White House portrays Trump as an "erratic" and "stunningly uninformed" commander in chief and lays out a series of jarring and troubling encounters among the president, his top advisers and foreign leaders. "Said all good about me, in print, until the day I fired him," Trump wrote Thursday amid heavy media coverage of Bolton's scathing account. "A disgruntled boring fool who only wanted to go to war. Never had a clue, was ostracized & happily dumped. What a dope!" The White House issued a news release titled "Correct The Record" that accused Bolton of seeking to "profit off of classified information to sell a book" by criticizing Trump's handling of Russia. The White House release pointed out that Bolton had said in 2018 that he did not "see evidence" that Trump was weak on Russia, but it did not dispute Bolton's claims in the book. Bolton's book is the subject of an escalating legal battle with the Justice Department, which on Wednesday asked a federal judge to issue an emergency order to block the scheduled June 23 publication. A hearing is set for Friday. The Trump administration alleges that the book contains classified material. Bolton's attorney has said that the book does not contain classified material and that it underwent an arduous review process. The senior White House official said there is an investigation underway into whether Bolton disclosed any classified material. Attorney General William Barr could face considerable pressure from Trump to take legal action against Bolton. In his book, Bolton writes that Trump regularly encouraged Barr to charge John Kerry, the former secretary of state in the Obama administration, with violating the Logan Act over his conversations with Iranian officials. The Logan Act is a relatively obscure and seldom-enforced law that prohibits private citizens from conducting diplomacy. Barr never agreed to do it, and Bolton said he repeatedly told the president why it would be legally problematic. One former administration official who was mentioned prominently in the book said the book struck him as "accurate." "I knew he took notes, and he'd go back to the office and write down the notes, but I didn't realize he took down that many notes," said the former official, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity to offer candid assessments of both Bolton and the White House effort to sidetrack the book. "He was always taking notes," the official said. "I'm not sure how I feel about him releasing notes about every single thing he saw and heard, but the book does not seem wrong to me." One former senior administration official said that Trump was fixated on blocking the book, repeatedly telling advisers in recent days that it had to happen at all costs and that Bolton needed to go to jail. "They aren't going to stop the book, and it's just giving the book more and more attention," this person said. On Thursday, the White House circulated talking points to allies, asking them to argue publicly that Bolton broke the law and simply wanted to make money. "Mere months after he left the White House, Bolton negotiated a $2 million deal and drafted a 500 plus page manuscript rife with classified information," the talking points say. The Republican National Committee circulated talking points with a mock cover of the book: "THE ROOM WHERE IT DIDN'T HAPPEN: Trying to Salvage One's Career: EGOMANIAC, WARMONGER, LIAR." Some of Trump's allies went on a public relations offensive, using the hashtag "BOOK DEAL BOLTON" on social media and calling him disloyal. "He's a total skunk," Trump's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, said in an interview. "No one will ever trust him again." Giuliani said he believes Bolton is "lying" about Trump's actions and motives. On Capitol Hill, Republican senators largely avoided the subject of whether Trump had behaved improperly in office, as Bolton's portrait alleges. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who recently assumed the chairmanship of the Senate Intelligence Committee, was asked about Bolton's assertion that Trump appealed to Chinese President Xi Jinping for help improving his reelection odds by buying U.S. agricultural products. "How can somebody opine on that? I wasn't there. The president says that didn't happen. He's saying that it did. I mean, I have no reason to call him a liar; I have no reason to call the White House a liar," Rubio told reporters. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said House Democrats should have compelled Bolton to testify during impeachment proceedings late last year, rather than complain now about his account of how Trump delayed $400 million in aid to Ukraine to pressure officials to investigate his political rivals - the crux of the impeachment charges. "I think the House had plenty of opportunity to call him before they got the case over here," Blunt said of the Senate, which acquitted Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Bolton refused to testify voluntarily during the House impeachment inquiry, and House impeachment leaders decided not to prolong the process by fighting Bolton in court. Bolton was willing to testify in the Senate impeachment trial if subpoenaed, but Blunt and other Senate Republicans voted against calling witnesses. "They had all the time in the world. They failed to do that. That was the big failure of the process from the House side in the start," Blunt said. He did not answer when asked whether he was troubled by Bolton's assessment that Trump is unfit. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., defended his vote against calling witnesses. "The question was, in the trial, did I need any more evidence to be convinced that President Trump did what he was accused of doing? I said he did it. I was convinced. I didn't need any more evidence," Alexander said. "I simply said that didn't rise to the level of high crimes and misdemeanors, which would qualify for conviction on impeachment." Netanyahu denied Bolton's claim that the long-serving Israeli leader had doubts about Kushner, whom Trump has tasked with drafting a Middle East peace proposal. "Prime Minister Netanyahu has complete faith in Jared Kushner's abilities and resolve and rejects any description to the contrary," Netanyahu's office said in a statement. "Kushner has greatly contributed to furthering peace in the Middle East," the statement said. Kushner's plan, released earlier this year after many delays, would consolidate Israeli control of key parts of the West Bank and offer Palestinians a path to conditional autonomy. Palestinian leaders rejected it, and the effort is now dormant. - - - The Washington Post's John Wagner and Paul Kane in Washington and Ruth Eglash in Jerusalem contributed to this report. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Sunshine early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. High 38F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low around 20F. SW winds shifting to NW at 10 to 20 mph. A police officer whose police dog who jumped in front of petrol cannon to protect him says the canine saved his life in 'darkest moments' . PC Gareth Greaves, from Manchester first met German Shepherd Theo, one of the most decorated police dogs in the country, when he was a 14-week-old puppy, and since then the pair have been inseparable. The animal has not only saved his life in a physical sense, protecting him and other officers from a petrol cannon in 2016, but also gave him a new lease of life when is mental health was declining. Father-of-two Gareth told on This Morning that at his lowest he was struggling to deal with grief and the pressures of work, but was 'brought back to base line' by Theo and his two children. PC Gareth Greaves, from Manchester (pictured) first met German Shepherd Theo (pictured) , one of the most decorated police dogs in the country, when he was a 14-week-old puppy Father-of-two Gareth told on This Morning that at his lowest he was struggling to deal with grief and the pressures of work He said: 'One of the major problems with men and police officers is we don't discuss our mental health, and we are human. 'I've been struggling along time, a lot was going on in my life a lot of pressures. I'd lost a lot of people and my life had changed, the pressures of work were very difficult. 'We struggle all the time and at my darkest moment, I always thought about my two children obviously, that would always bring me back to base line. 'But one of the fundamental factors was that night when I left home, if I didn't return home, who would let him out? Who would feed him? He told hosts Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes (pictured) he was 'brought back to base line' by Theo and his two children Later this month, Gareth will release book 'My Hero Theo' which details Theo's police career following his retirement earlier this year 'He's always been there for me, 100 per cent. They're very special animals and society can learn a lot from them.' Theo and Gareth were chasing a man who has stabbed a woman and shown intent to harm his children at the end of a night shift in 2016. At the scene there were two officers were remaining a distance away from the agitated man, who was armed with a petrol cannon and a knife. After the man launched the cannon Theo launched himself in front of the officers, and while still on fire chased after the man who was still carrying his knife and latched onto his leg with his teeth. 'He tackled an individual armed with a petrol cannon and a knife', explained Gareth. Theo is now retired, but that doesn't stop him wanting to go out into the Line of Duty and Gareth explained he has to 'sneak out of the house' so Theo doesn't think he's going to work 'He put himself in the way and he ended up being set on fire and even when he was on fire came back and defended us all. His loyalty knows no bounds'. Theo is now retired, but that doesn't stop him wanting to go out into the Line of Duty and Gareth explained he has to 'sneak out of the house' in his uniform, so that his dog doesn't know he's going to work. When asked how police dogs know they've retired, Gareth said: 'They don't at first, he doesn't know he's retired. 'I have to sneak out, if he sees me in uniform he thinks he's going to work. It's a horrible feeling seeing him looking at the window.' Later this month, Gareth will release book 'My Hero Theo' which details Theo's police career following his retirement earlier this year. 'Theo has been an amazing police dog, said Gareth, 'I never thought I would be here talking to yourselves. He's saved me and many people and it just shows how special dogs are.' A man and woman have been charged this morning at the non-jury Special Criminal Court with a total of 50 money-laundering offences spanning five years. Jonathan Harding (48) of Kerdiff Avenue, Naas, Co Kildare, is charged with 30 offences of converting, transferring or handling property, to wit money, between 1 January, 2012, and 31 December 2016, at EBS, Bank of Ireland and AIB accounts, the proceeds of criminal conduct. Mr Justice Alexander Owens, presiding at the non-jury court, heard from prosecuting solicitor Michael O'Donovan that the charges come under the Criminal Justice Act 2010 and related to money-laundering and terrorist-financing within the State. Under Section 7 of the Act, "a person commits an offence if the person engages in acts in relation to property that is the proceeds of criminal conduct in concealing or disguising the true nature, source, location, disposition, movement or ownership of the property in converting, transferring, handling, acquiring, possessing the property'. All 30 charges were read out to Harding by the registrar, which took 10 minutes. They relate to accounts allegedly held in both his own name and the name of his co-accused, Carol Davis, at EBS, AIB and Bank of Ireland. Carol Davis (45) of Clonmacnoise Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, is accused of 20 offences also under Section 7 of the Act between 1 January, 2012, and 31 December, 2016, relating to accounts held in her own name also at EBS, AIB and Bank of Ireland. There was no objection to bail for Ms Davis, who had a warrant executed upon her, by arrangement, before the court hearing. She was remanded in custody with consent to bail to 31 July for service of the Book of Evidence. An independent surety of 5,000 was approved by the court. Co-accused Harding was remanded in custody without an application for bail to the same date, also for preparation of the Book of Evidence. The U.S. stock market has shown a strong rally, having climbed about 40% since hitting March lows. But the ascent has been uneven over the past week as renewed concerns over coronavirus fears have emerged after the reopening of the economy. The latest report showed that new COVID-19 infections soared to record highs in six U.S. states Arizona, Florida, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas on Jun 16, marking a rise in cases for the second consecutive week. Hospitalizations are also rising or are at record highs. Additionally, tensions with China have risen given that President Trump has threatened to cut ties with China, a day after his top diplomats held talks with Beijing and his trade representative said he did not consider decoupling U.S. and Chinas economies a viable option. However, a flood of liquidity in the form of fiscal and economic stimulus will continue to provide an upside to the stocks. The Federal Reserve steeped in for more stimulus and said that it would begin purchasing individual corporate bonds as part of its emergency lending program to inject liquidity into the virus-stricken economy. Additionally, President Donald Trumps administration is preparing a $1 trillion infrastructure proposal to spur the worlds largest economy back to life (read: Fed's New Stimulus Regains Confidence: 4 ETF Picks). Further, the latest bout of economic data related to manufacturing, job data, housing, retail sales and consumer confidence indicates that the economy is recovering faster than expected. This has bolstered investors confidence. In such a scenario, investors should apply some hedging techniques to their equity portfolio. While there are a number of ways to do this, we have highlighted five volatility-hedged ETFs that could prove beneficial amid market uncertainty. Investors should note that these funds have the potential to stand out and outperform the simple vanilla funds in case of rising volatility. How to Play DeltaShares S&P 500 Managed Risk ETF DMRL This ETF seeks to track the S&P 500 Managed Risk 2.0 Index, which is designed to simulate a downside-protected portfolio by utilizing a framework that includes targeted volatility and a synthetic option overlay to hedge the downside risk of the portfolio. DMRL has accumulated nearly $381.5 million in its asset base and trades in light volume of 9,000 shares. It charges 35 bps in fees per year (read: Worried About Volatility? Invest in These ETFs). Innovator S&P 500 Power Buffer ETF POCT This is an actively ETF and seeks to track the return of the S&P 500 Price Return Index, up to a predetermined cap, while buffering investors against the first 15% of losses over the outcome period. It has amassed $260.6 million in its asset base and trades in average daily volume of 104,000 shares. POCT charges 79 bps from investors in annual fees and expenses. Nationwide Risk-Based U.S. Equity ETF RBUS This ETF follows the Rothschild & Co Risk-Based US Index and employs a risk-based strategy that seeks to provide upside potential, while protecting against losses stemming from volatility. It holds well-diversified 247 stocks in its basket with AUM of $105 million. It charges 30 bps in annual fees and trades in thin volume of 6,000 shares a day on average. Invesco S&P 500 Downside Hedged ETF PHDG This actively managed fund seeks to deliver positive returns in rising or falling markets that are not directly correlated to broad equity or fixed-income market returns. It tries to follow the S&P 500 Dynamic VEQTOR Index, which provides broad equity market exposure with an implied volatility hedge by dynamically allocating between different asset classes: equity, volatility and cash. The S&P 500 Total Return Index represents the equity component while the S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index represents the volatility component of the index. The non-equity (volatility + cash) portion makes up for one-fourth of the portfolio while the rest goes to equity. The fund has accumulated $55.2 million in its asset base and charges 39 bps in fees per year from investors. Volume is light, exchanging 29,000 shares a day on average (read: Renewed Coronavirus Fears Put Low-Beta ETFs in Focus). Cambria Value and Momentum ETF VAMO This is an actively managed ETF providing exposure to a portfolio of companies that focus on all three factors value, momentum, and tactical hedging with the added benefit of lower volatility and protection from market downturns. It results in a basket of 105 securities. The fund has accumulated $10.9 million in its asset base while trading in average daily volume of 4,000 shares. Expense ratio comes in at 0.64%. Bottom Line Investors can definitely shield their portfolio against volatility with the help of the above-mentioned products. These provide dynamic exposure according to the level of market volatility and are least affected by any market turmoil. So, they could prove to be great choices when it comes to offering protection against market downturn. Want key ETF info delivered straight to your inbox? Zacks free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing ETFs, each week. Get 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 Cambria Value and Momentum ETF (VAMO): ETF Research Reports DeltaShares SP 500 Managed Risk ETF (DMRL): ETF Research Reports Invesco SP 500 Downside Hedged ETF (PHDG): ETF Research Reports Nationwide RiskBased U.S. Equity ETF (RBUS): ETF Research Reports Innovator SP 500 Power Buffer ETF October (POCT): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research 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 On the surface, momentum seems to be building toward a further prisoner exchange between Iran and the United States. After two detainee swaps in the past six months, both sides have expressed a desire for more. The Donald Trump administration has made winning the release of US citizens a priority, and the Hassan Rouhani administration called for its own citizens to be allowed to come home. Yet the previous exchanges have not generated any mutual trust. On June 5, Iran turned over Navy veteran Michael White to US special representative for Iran Brian Hook in Zurich. White had been held in Iran for nearly two years on charges of "insulting the country's top leader and publicly posting a private photograph. The United States then reciprocated by releasing Majid Taheri, an Iranian-American doctor who had been held over a sanctions violation. Science professor Sirous Asgari, who had also been caught up on a sanctions charge, was also allowed to return to Iran, although the United States said his case was unrelated to Whites. These releases followed a similar exchange in December, when Iran freed Princeton graduate student Xiyue Wang, a US citizen who had been held for three years on spying charges, and American authorities freed stem cell scientist Massoud Soleimani, who faced sanctions charges. The exchanges were a rare foreign policy success for President Donald Trump, who tweeted a note of thanks to Iran after White was freed and called for talks on a big deal. On June 16, Hook said he hoped for further prisoner exchanges and talks on all the issues that have bedeviled relations over the past four decades. The Iranian authorities are not interested. On May 10, cabinet spokesman Ali Rabiei had offered Irans readiness for all prisoners to be discussed without any conditions. Contrary to press reports, however, he did not offer to talk directly with the US government on the matter. Ever since the Jan. 3 assassination of Gen. Qasem Soleimani, direct talks with the United States have been off the table. Iran only wants to speak with the Swiss government, which acted as an intermediary in the last two prisoner swaps. Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani dismissed Trumps call for a big deal and said no dialogue will be held in the future. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi went further in denouncing the US governments role in the latest exchange, claiming without evidence that Hook had tried to sabotage the swap. They wanted him to die in Iran so they could take advantage of his death, Mousavi was quoted as saying. Another government official who did not wish to be identified claimed senior State Department officials represented an axis of spoilers. These outrageous charges reflect deep animosity. Several Iranian scholars contacted for this story said Iranian authorities believe that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Hook will do anything to try to bring Iran to its knees. They wanted White dead in order to further isolate Iran and ratchet up the already heavy maximum pressure, a Tehran-based professor said. Iranian officials apparently resent the publicity that the United States attached to them, with pictures of Hook welcoming White and Wang on the Zurich airport tarmac. Neither does it help to couple prisoner releases with additional sanctions and threats. Although some have argued that Hooks stance hinders the chances of a deal and claim he has been hesitant to engage, the latest successful releases could offer hope for future swaps. While Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Hook in Zurich in December, the Iranian officials who delivered White to Vienna this month were instructed not to even make eye contact with him, according to an adviser to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. The Iranians may be willing to meet with Trump as long as it is not just for a photo op, but not with Pompeo or Hook, the adviser told Al-Monitor. Over the past year, Iran has rejected three US attempts to initiate consular dialogue. Where does this leave the prospect for further prisoner swaps? At least six other American citizens are known to be imprisoned in Iran, although the families of three of them do not want their cases publicized. The three public cases involve Siamak Namazi, imprisoned since October 2015; his father Baquer Namazi, detained in February 2016; and Morad Tahbaz, held since January 2018 along with other environmentalists. Iran is also holding citizens of other countries, including British charity foundation administrator Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. In all cases, the charges do not withstand scrutiny. The injustice in the Namazi case is the most incomprehensible and heartbreaking. A respected UNICEF official, Baquer Namazi went to Iran at age 80 to try to free his son and was himself arrested. He was hospitalized 12 times while in detention. While now out on medical furlough, he cannot leave Iran. Siamak remains in unhealthy confinement in Evin prison even as 85,000 other prisoners were furloughed as a coronavirus precaution. Nobody can explain this cruelty. Siamaks brother Babak said his family members are pawns in a game we dont understand. What the known cases all have in common is that the prisoners are dual citizens detained in a country that does not recognize dual citizenship. Until last year, Iranian Foreign Ministry officials indicated that this status made judicial authorities unwilling to countenance negotiations for their release. Zarif now says he has authority to negotiate the release of all prisoners, including Iranian hostages held in and on behalf of the US. So, what is holding it up? Jason Poblete, who facilitated Wang's release, notes that a humanitarian pathway has now been put in place for releasing hostages from Iran. Now more than ever, Trump needs a foreign policy victory. He will not get the big deal he touts, but he might be able to bring more American prisoners home. To do so his team will need finesse in working with Iran, even if only via Switzerland. Vanessa Bryant is doing everything she can to help prevent helicopter crashes, like the one that killed her husband, Kobe Bryant, and their 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. The 38-year-old is petitioning Congress to pass the Kobe and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act. MORE: Vanessa Bryant could seek substantial damages in wrongful death lawsuit The law was introduced by Democratic lawmakers on Thursday, and -- if passed -- would mandate helicopters that carry six or more passengers be upgraded with additional safety equipment, such as a Terrain Awareness and Warning System. Additional upgrades may include cockpit and flight data recorders. "I strongly urge that the United States Congress pass a federal law that would improve the safety of helicopters operating in this country," Bryant announced in a statement obtained by "Good Morning America." TEXT "I believe there is a chance that Kobe and Gianna would still be alive today if their helicopter had been equipped with the safety equipment required by this pending federal legislation," she continued. It's her hope the legislation would protect families from suffering the same tragedy. "I believe that these safety measures will save many lives," said Bryant, adding that "aircraft companies must do their part to protect lives." MORE: 7 ways the 2020 ESPYS will be different amid the pandemic Kobe, 41, Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash in California on Jan. 26. It's believed the dense fog in the area disoriented the pilot, who was unaware the helicopter was losing altitude. Vanessa Bryant urges Congress to pass helicopter safety law honoring late husband and daughter originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com (Newser) Leaving the boardwalk in thermal areas of Yellowstone National Park has left some people seriously injuredor dissolved. It landed two Philadelphia women in jail. Tara Davoli, 31, and Sarah Piotrowski, 30, have been sentenced to two days in jail and ordered to pay around $450 each in fines and restitution for leaving the path and walking into an environmentally sensitive area, CBS Philadelphia reports. A judge in Wyoming also banned them from the park for two years. Authorities say they damaged orange bacterial mats at Opal Pool in the Midway Geyser Basin in the June 11 incident. story continues below The colorful mats are among Yellowstone's main attractions. Authorities say witnesses tried to stop the women. "Several witnesses took pictures of Davoli and Piotrowski walking in the thermal feature, which were provided to the park rangers. The rangers were able to use that information to assist in positively identifying the two," a spokesman for US Attorney Mark Klaassen tells the Philadelphia Inquirer. "When confronted by witnesses the women made sarcastic remarks and went on their way." (A woman suffered burns last month after illegally entering the park and falling in a thermal feature.) As stipulated by the Minsk agreements, Ukraine's sovereignty in the Russian-occupied territories of Donbas must be restored, and this includes the abolition of Russian legislation, the tax system, and currency introduced there. "We continue our efforts to resolve and mitigate the severe security, socio-economic and humanitarian consequences of the ongoing Russian aggression. Ukraine's sovereignty over the Russian-occupied Donbas must be restored. This was the goal of all three Minsk agreements approved by Ukraine, Russia, and the international community in 2014 and 2015. Russian legislation, the tax system and the currency, which have been illegally introduced by the Russian side since then, must be repealed," Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna Yevhenii Tsymbaliuk said during an online meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on Thursday, June 18, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. Tsymbaliuk noted that the Ukrainian delegation stressed during the Trilateral Contact Group meeting on June 15 the need for full restoration of Ukrainian legislation in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, restoration of taxation and settlement systems within the Ukrainian legal framework. "It is necessary to conduct an inventory of state-owned and private property in the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas. We are talking about enterprises of all forms of ownership, including branches of banking institutions, which were expropriated by Russia. The Ukrainian delegation also insisted during the meeting on ensuring the work of Ukrainian mobile communications operators in these territories, emphasizing that it is primarily about meeting humanitarian needs," the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna said. Currently, there are no signs that Russia is ready to end the conflict it started in February 2014, the Ukrainian diplomat stressed. In addition, the Kremlin regime continues to destroy the long-term prospects for the future reintegration of Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories, strengthening their social, economic, and legal ties with the Russian Federation. The so-called passportization of Ukrainian citizens in Donbas and Crimea is one of the most dangerous forms of this policy. The forced imposition of Russian citizenship in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine is not only a gross violation of Ukrainian and international law but also an unacceptable element of pressure on local residents, Tsymbaliuk noted. He added that the Ukrainian side also condemned the recent statement by the Russian occupation administration about the participation of residents of the occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions who have illegally issued Russian passports in the vote on amendments to the Russian Constitution. This is nothing more than complete contempt for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We are grateful to the participating states that pursue a policy of non-recognition of such Russian passports, and call on other countries to do the same," Tsymbaliuk said. It is known that the Russian occupation administration in Donbas implements the norms of the legislation of the Russian Federation in the controlled territories, has introduced the Russian tax system and currency. In addition, Russia illegally issues passports to the residents of the occupied Donbas, claiming that up to 800,000 Russian passports could be issued to Ukrainians in Donbas by the end of the year. ol (Alliance News) - Ferrexpo PLC on Friday said a district court in Kiev, Ukraine, has prohibited the transfer of the company's 50% stake in Ferrexpo Poltava Mining. The Kyiv court has placed the restriction on Ferrexpo AG Switzerland, the sole shareholder in Ferrexpo Poltava Mining. Ferrexpo AG intends to appeal against the court order. Shares in Ferrexpo were down 3.3% at 183.70 pence each in London. The Baar, Switzerland-based commodity trader and iron ore mining company clarified that it has no intention, and never has had any intention, to transfer its shareholding in Ferrexpo Poltava Mining, the company's iron ore unit in Ukraine. Ferrexpo's operations remain unaffected as the share freeze does not affect ownership of the shares but prohibits their transfer. The company believes the restriction is in connection with ongoing matters in Ukraine involving former chief executive Kostyantin Zhevago and Bank Finance & Credit, a commercial bank he owned until 2015. At the end of October 2019, Zhevago temporarily stepped down as CEO, remaining as a non-executive director. Bloomberg earlier that month had reported that Ukrainian investigators were looking for him over "large-scale" money laundering and embezzlement accusations. Last month, Chief Operating Officer James North was named acting chief executive, replacing in that role Chief Financial Officer Chris Mawe, who reverted to CFO. "The new court order is similar to the court order that the group announced on January 31, 2020, and that was subsequently cancelled by the Kyiv Court of Appeal on June 2, 2020. As such, the board of Ferrexpo believes that a second appeal should be successful given that the order has no proper or reasonable basis under Ukrainian law," Ferrexpo said on Fridayferrex. By Tapan Panchal; tapanpanchal@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Amy Klobuchar says she is dropping out of the running to be vice president and urging Democrat Joe Biden to select a woman of color instead. The white Minnesota senator, who had seen her prospects fall as racial tensions swept the nation, said Thursday that she called the presumptive presidential nominee Wednesday night and made the suggestion. Biden had already committed to choosing a woman as his running mate. 'I think this is a moment to put a woman of color on that ticket,' Klobuchar said on MSNBC. 'If you want to heal this nation right now - my party, yes, but our nation - this is sure a hell of a way to do it.' U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar effectively pulled herself out of contention to be Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's running mate on Thursday night Biden late on Thursday praised Klobuchar's 'grit and determination' on Twitter Biden is under pressure to pick a black woman as his understudy as racial tensions flare over instances of police brutality, including death of George Floyd Biden praised Klobuchar in a tweet Thursday, citing her 'grit and determination' and saying, 'With your help, were going to beat Donald Trump.' Klobuchar's chances at getting the VP nod diminished after the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis. Klobuchar was a prosecutor years ago in the county that includes Minneapolis, and during that period, more than two dozen people - mostly minorities - died during encounters with police. Floyd's death last month set off days of protests across the country and criticism that as the county's top prosecutor, Klobuchar didn't charge any of the officers involved in citizen deaths. Officer Derek Chauvin, who was charged with Floyds murder, had been involved in one of those cases, the fatal 2006 shooting of a man accused of stabbing people and aiming a shotgun at police. Klobuchar, 60, was among a large field of Democrats who had sought the 2020 presidential nomination, running as a pragmatic Midwesterner who has passed over 100 bills. She dropped out and threw her support behind Biden before the crucial March 3 'Super Tuesday' contests after struggling to win support from black voters, who are crucial to Democratic victories. Her best finish of the primary was in overwhelmingly white New Hampshire, where she came in third. California Senator Kamala Harris is considered one of the front-runners to be Joe Biden's vice presidential pick The third-term senator had to cancel one of the final rallies of her campaign after Black Lives Matter and other activists took the stage in Minnesota to protest her handling of a murder case when she was prosecutor that sent a black teen to prison for life. Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, a close Biden ally and Congress highest-ranking black lawmaker, said in the days after Floyd's death that he believed it made Klobuchar a less likely pick for vice president, though he said she is 'absolutely' qualified for the job. 'This is very tough timing for her,' Clyburn said. Even before Floyds death, activists were pushing Biden to consider a woman of color, saying it would help build a multiracial coalition behind the Democratic ticket and motivate people - particularly younger voters - who may be underwhelmed by the 77-year-old former vice president's bid. The founder of She the People, a network of women of color, called news that Biden had asked Klobuchar to undergo formal vetting 'a dangerous and reckless choice.' Biden has promised to pick a woman as his running mate with several black candidates on his short list, including Rep Val Demings and Stacey Abrams, right, a former member of the Georgia House of Representatives 'To choose Klobuchar as vice president risks losing the very base the Democrats need to win, most centrally women of color, and could be a fatal blow to the Democrats chance to win the White House,' Aimee Allison said in May. Others wanted Biden to choose a more progressive candidate, who could bring in support from voters who backed Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren in the primary. Like Biden, Klobuchar disagreed with Sanders and Warren during the campaign on major issues such as health care, calling 'Medicare for All' unachievable and pushing instead for changes to the Affordable Care Act. Susan Rice, former U.S. national security advisor is also believed to be in contention Democrats with knowledge of the process told The Associated Press last week that Biden's search committee had narrowed the choices to as few as six serious contenders after initial interviews. Among the group still in contention: Warren, California Sen. Kamala Harris and Susan Rice, who served as President Barack Obamas national security adviser. Warren is white; both Harris and Rice are black. Biden has said he will announce his VP decision by August 1. Defund the Police has become the slogan shouted out by Black Lives Matter demonstrators over the last few weeks in the U.S. But how or even whether to implement that demand is stirring debate and controversy. In Camden, New Jersey, the police department was dismantled and re-structured seven years ago to more closely involve the community. VOAs Celia Mendoza went to Camden recently and filed this report on the citys community policing strategy. VOA Khmer's Sophat Soeung narrates. Tata-SIA-owned Vistara is in talks with the US aircraft maker Boeing to defer the deliveries of 787-900 (Dreamliner) planes as air travel demand is unlikely to rebound to the pre-COVID level before 2023, a source has said. The airline inducted one such plane in the fleet in February and one is expected to be delivered next week out of its order for six 787-900 planes. The delivery of six 787s was scheduled between 2020 and 2021. Vistara has also preponed the returning of leased planes of erstwhile Jet Airways from the earlier schedule of phasing them out by 2022-23, the source said, adding that airlines globally reworking and strategising their business plans, including fleet and network plans. International airlines grouping IATA and global airports body ACI have warned that the airline industry faces a bleak outlook. They have urged governments world over to continue providing relief measures as the coronavirus pandemic continues. After the resumption of domestic air services from May 25, Indian carriers are struggling to fill the seats with five carriers -- Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara and AirAsia-- reporting an average 50 per cent seat occupancy in the month. GoAir during the period did not operate and resumed its services only from June 1. International services, however, remain suspended since late March due to the pandemic. "Vistara like most other carriers is also revisiting fleet and network plans as the travel demand is unlikely to rebound in the immediate future. As part of this, the airline is negotiating with Boeing to postpone the deliveries of Boeing 787s for the time being in addition to an early return of the leased planes of the erstwhile Jet Airways," the source told PTI. The airline is looking to postpone the delivery of the remaining four Boeing 787s in addition to returning some 3-5 leased as part of the overall plans, the source said. A recovery in global long-haul air travel to pre-coronanvirus crisis level is unlikely before 2023, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) had said in early May adding that the long-haul traffic will be the last to recover. Vistara currently has 41 aircraft in the fleet, comprising 13 A320s, 20 A320neos, 7 B737s and one B-787-900. The Delhi-based full service carrier, which is 51 per cent owned by Tata Group, and rest 49 per cent by Singapore Airlines, had in 2018 announced to acquire six B787-900 planes for operating long haul international operations with their delivery scheduled between 2020 and 2021. It had also placed orders for 50 aircraft, comprising both A320 Neos and A321 Neos for domestic as well as short and medium-haul international operations with deliveries between 2019-2023. At the same time, last year it leased nine B737s from Jet Airways, which is currently going through insolvency proceeding in an NCLT court here in the city, to secure over 100 additional slots of the 488 vacant slots of Jet Airways after its grounding in 2019. Of these seven planes, it has already returned two planes. Responding to PTI queries on the issue, a Vistara spokesperson said that one B 737 is being returned to the lessor this week while the rest will be phased out in due course. Also Watch: "Most of our Boeing 737-800NG aircraft were anyway on a short-term lease. Of the existing seven, one is being returned to the lessor this week and the remainder will phase out in due course. "We are reviewing options. Our second 787-9 Dreamliner was due for delivery in March 2020, which naturally got delayed in the current circumstances. We are now working with Boeing on the revised delivery schedule but we remain confident of the potential of long haul, direct international routes, the spokesperson said in a statement to PTI. "Two of the Jet Airways Boeing 737-800NG aircraft are exiting fleet this month as their lease tenure ends. The remaining seven have longer lease duration and most of them will exit the fleet between 2022 and 2023," Vistara had said in January this year. Recently, a brigade under the PLA Xizang Military Command organized a coordinated exercise at the elevation of more than 4,700 meters, which highlighted the reconnaissance and strike conducted by unmanned system, precise strike with missile-gun integrated weapon system, combined fire strike system, all-dimensional assault and control, etc. The participating troops included forces of artillery, anti-aircraft, special operations army aviation, electronic warfare, engineering and anti-chemical warfare. Times Insider explains who we are and what we do, and delivers behind-the-scenes insights into how our journalism comes together. TOKYO It is every foreign correspondents nightmare: a family emergency when you are half a world away. For me, the call came last month. My 76-year-old father was sick, not with Covid-19, but with complications from congestive heart failure. There was nothing more his doctors could do, and he was entering hospice care. I was in Tokyo. He and my mother were in California. Suddenly, I was facing questions unique to the pandemic whether it would be wise to travel, or whether I could forgive myself if I didnt. If I did go, I wasnt sure I could return to Japan because of an entry ban on many foreign nationals, including Americans. Asian giant hornets, which picked up the name murder hornets when they made headlines across the U.S. earlier this year, are probably less imposing that previously reported, according to a Penn State expert in insects. Among the most alarming notes reported about Vespa mandarinia the scientific name for the hornet which doesnt yet have an official common name in North America was the fact that about 50 people die from its sting each year in its native range of eastern Asia. This statistic often is alarming for people, but for perspective, an average of 62 Americans are killed every year by bees and wasps for the same reasons, said Michael Skvarla, assistant research professor of arthropod identification in Penn States College of Agricultural Sciences. From 2000 to 2018 in Japan, where these wasps are most common and abundant, an average of 21 people died per year from all wasp, hornet and bee stings combined, with Asian giant hornets accounting for only a subset of those deaths. Asian giant hornets, like other social wasps, can be defensive when they feel their nest is threatened or when they are defending a food source. He said, stings from the insect, when they do occur, are extremely painful. However, they dont seek people out just to sting them for no reason like some human-hating guided missile. The venom of Asian giant hornets isnt even as lethal, on a per volume basis, as that of some native wasps, according to Skvarla. However, Asian giant hornets are large and deliver a proportionally large volume of venom per sting. That being said, its not clear that Asian giant hornets are more deadly or more likely to induce an allergic reaction than honey bees, yellowjackets and other social wasps, he said, although there is a forthcoming paper that summarizes what little we know from the medical literature about Asian giant hornet stings. The large stinging insects, which were discovered last year in the state of Washington and the Canadian province of British Columbia, could be a concern for North American beekeepers if they become more widespread. But, Skvarla said, the hornets are not an immediate concern in the northeastern U.S., including Pennsylvania, nor are they likely to be for a long time, if ever. In the meantime, he suggested, it might be appropriate to tone down the discussions about the insect. The term murder hornets originally was coined by a few Japanese media outlets several years ago, and a recent New York Times story using that description went viral, causing a bit of panic in the United States, Skvarla said. In their native range, they commonly are called great sparrow bee in Japan, tiger head bee in China and general officer hornet in Korea. He explained that even the common name Asian giant hornet its most frequently used moniker in English could be confusing, because another large species, Vespa velutina, the yellow-legged hornet, is sometimes known as Asian hornet, and Vespa crabro, or European hornet, is sometimes called giant hornet. Until the Entomological Society of America, which governs the use of common names for insects in the U.S., decides on the official designation for V. mandarinia, Skvarla contends that calling it sparrow wasp or sparrow hornet may be the best way to distinguish this species from others, since those names are similar to a name used in the wasps native range. Whatever its called, much of the worry over the insect arises from its size. Asian giant hornet queens are among the largest wasps in the world and can grow to a length of more than 2 inches, with a wingspan of 3 inches. However, the queens are seen outside the nest only when they are hibernating or in the spring before workers have emerged, he said. Asian giant hornet workers can grow to 1.5 inches in length and are similar in size to some wasps that occur in Pennsylvania. Among wasp species found in eastern North America, the one most commonly confused with the Asian giant hornets is the European hornet, which is similar in size, shape and color. However, the two species can be distinguished. Asian giant hornets abdomens are banded yellow, black and brown, while European hornets abdomens are black toward the front and yellow toward the rear with rows of black teardrops. Another species sometimes mistaken for the Asian giant hornet is Sphecius speciosus, known as the Eastern cicada killer. But, Skvarla pointed out, cicada killers have terminal abdominal segments that are completely black as opposed to Asian giant hornets yellow-banded abdomen. In addition, cicada killers lack any yellow on the head. Unlike those other insets, Asian giant hornets are lethal to the honeybees and other insects upon which they prey. Japanese honeybees, which have co-evolved with Asian giant hornets, have defenses against them, but European honeybees the species used in commercial honey production are more vulnerable. Individual hornets can kill many honeybees, discarding the heads, legs and abdomens and taking the protein-rich thoraxes back to the nest to feed the colony. Groups of three or more hornets can attack and decimate an entire honeybee hive. Were not sure how Asian giant hornets might impact honeybees and American beekeepers, Skvarla said. Beekeepers in Asia have implemented a variety of strategies to combat the hornets. If this species becomes established and widespread in North America, some or all of these strategies potentially could be used here as well. For more information, visit the Penn State Extension website. 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. Contact Marcus Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com. By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday backed the leader of an opposition party who was ejected from the House of Commons for branding a member of another party a racist and refusing to apologize. New Democratic Party head Jagmeet Singh, the first minority leader of a federal Canadian political party, had been trying to win support for a motion on Wednesday recognizing the existence of systemic racism in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. When a legislator from the Bloc Quebecois refused to support the motion, Singh called him racist, prompting the speaker to eject Singh for the rest of the day. By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday backed the leader of an opposition party who was ejected from the House of Commons for branding a member of another party a racist and refusing to apologize. New Democratic Party head Jagmeet Singh, the first minority leader of a federal Canadian political party, had been trying to win support for a motion on Wednesday recognizing the existence of systemic racism in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. When a legislator from the Bloc Quebecois refused to support the motion, Singh called him racist, prompting the speaker to eject Singh for the rest of the day. "It is important that we recognize when the only racialized leader in the House of Commons makes a statement like that, that it comes from a place that yes, will make people uncomfortable, but needs to be dealt with as we move forward as a country," Trudeau told reporters. Trudeau has frequently said there is a need to address systemic racism in Canada. In a sometimes tearful address to reporters on Wednesday, Singh told reporters he had been angry and added: "In that moment, I saw the face of racism." Many Canadian cities have been the sites of anti-racism rallies in recent weeks, on the heels of similar protests in the United States. Singh, a practicing Sikh who often pairs bright turbans with stylish suits, is a former criminal defense lawyer. The Bloc said it had objected to Singh's motion because the House of Commons public safety committee was already studying systemic racism in the police. Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet demanded Singh apologize for making what he called unwarranted accusations. Canada is a multicultural country, with more than 22% of the population is made up of minorities and another 5% aboriginal, according to the latest census. (Additional reporting by Denny Thomas in Toronto; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Dan Grebler) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Minister of State, Kailash Choudhary, informed that a spraying machine is awaited from the UK, but helicopters will be employed in the drive against the locust menace in Rajasthan, for now. As Pakistan skipped the meeting with India called to tackle locust attacks and issuance of warning against more such attacks from Food and Agricultural Organisation, New Delhi seems to have moved a step closer to gain control over the situation at least on the border. While spraying machine is awaited from the United Kingdom, India has manufactured and assembled one that can be fitted in the helicopter for spray of pesticides and insecticides to kill locusts. Kailash Choudhary, Minister of State (MoS) for Agriculture informed that with five to seven days, bordering state Rajasthan would see effective spraying of insecticides through helicopter which will remain located on the border. Read also: Pakistan has refused to attend crucial meeting on locust attacks: MEA Read also: India China standoff: IAF Chief reviews operations in Ladakh, fighter aircraft moved to forward bases I am glad to inform that we have developed one machine that is getting assembled alongwith helicopter which will spray the solution to kill locusts. This would give a huge relief to farmers. In addition to this, we have placed an order for a machine from UK that can be fitted with a helicopter and will arrive soon, added the minister. The government has already received 20 machines to spray locusts with insecticides from the UK and 40 more are expected to come but these machines are to be used on ground and not meant for aerial spray, Choudhary said. The minister also urged people to heed to Prime Minister Narendra Modis appeal to use more local products. Vocal for local should be our focus. We need to focus on being self-reliant; Chinese stabbed us in the back. The whole world is against China and China would repent doing this cowardly act, said the minister. On all-party meeting, the minister said that it is important and Congress too would get the answers they need. Rahul Gandhi should now grow up. He should stand with nation and not give other nations a reason to point fingers on us. Rahul gave Pakistan a reason to question India on surgical strikes when he questioned the action, Choudhary said while commenting on remarks made by Congress leader against the Prime Minister. Read also: Delhi conducts 20,000 Covid-19 tests, Kejriwal promises increase in upcoming days For all the latest National News, download NewsX App Yesterday, the Socialist Equality Party filed a federal lawsuit challenging the state of Michigans decision to enforce its 30,000-signature requirement for independent presidential candidates to gain ballot access despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which makes physical signature-gathering impossible. SEP presidential candidate Joseph Kishore and vice presidential candidate Norissa Santa Cruz are the plaintiffs, and Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other state officials are the defendants. The complaint, filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, explains that enforcing these rules during the coronavirus will leave socialist voters like Plaintiffs and their supporters, who for reasons of political principle are unable to vote for non-socialist candidates, unable to vote at all. This conduct subverts the election process, constitutes voter suppression, and arbitrarily restricts the rights of socialists to run in elections and vote for candidates that share their views. Socialist Equality Party US presidential candidate sues Michigan over anti-democratic ballot laws The complaint explains that broader democratic questions are involved in the lawsuit: Socialism is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States. A Gallup poll released in 2018 found that fewer than half of young people aged 18-29 have a positive view of capitalism, while more than half have a positive view of socialism. As a lawsuit to defend and uphold the rights of the substantial numbers of voters who wish to associate themselves with socialist campaigns and vote for socialist candidates in the upcoming elections, this action is in the public interest. Democrat Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order on March 23, 2020, requiring all individuals to stay at home or at their place of residence, in effect banning non-essential work, business, and public gatherings and requiring individuals to not come between six feet of each other outside of their homes. Under these conditions, petition-gathering would endanger campaign volunteers and the general public. The lawsuit notes how the ballot access requirements and their enforcement are inconsistent with other actions by the Secretary of State, which conducted local elections last month through mail ballots, and not in person. In a statement delivered at the district court in downtown Detroit on Thursday, Kishore said that securing the democratic right of workers to vote for the SEP candidates is all the more critical under conditions of growing mass social unrest in response to the ruling classs homicidal policy in relation to the pandemic, including the back-to-work orders, which are being implemented by Governor Whitmer here in Michigan. Kishore added: The enormous social anger of workers and young people throughout the world has found expression in recent weeks in the explosion of protests over police violence and the police murder of George Floyd. But this anger runs far deeper. Workers and young people are moving to the left, they are interested in socialism, and it is their democratic right... to be able to vote for the Socialist Equality Party candidates in these elections. Attorney Eric Lee, who filed the suit and represents Kishore and Santa Cruz, told the World Socialist Web Site, The state of Michigan is telling Joseph Kishore that he can only exercise his constitutional rights by risking his life and the lives of his campaign volunteers. A growing number of socialist voters in Michigan do not want to vote for Biden, Trump or any other capitalist candidate, and the U.S. Constitution affords them the right to cast a meaningful vote. A number of workers and supporters submitted affidavits explaining that in their view their right to vote is eliminated by Michigans decision to enforce the physical petition requirement. Florlisa Stebbins, a Flint resident whose water was poisoned in the Flint water crisis and a prominent community activist, wrote in her statement to the court: As far as I am concerned, the two parties are one and the same. I do not trust either of them. In Flint, they pretty much tried to kill us. They destroyed our homes and our community and we will feel this for generations. The rich waged a war on the working class here and if we do not have a way to challenge that, they will get away with it. How can we change the conditions here if we are not allowed to vote for the people we want to vote for? If Kishore and Santa Cruz are on the ballot I will vote for them. I am not voting for any of the other candidates and I want my voice to count. Henrietta Freeman, a Detroit public school teacher with over 16 years experience, wrote, Michigan is a poor state. The level of inequality present in Michigan is the product of years of rule by both the Democratic and Republican parties. I do not support Republicans, but in Detroit we have always had Democrats in power and nothing has changed. As a Detroit public school teacher, I have experienced this first hand. I graduated from the school I teach at. It used to be a full-service high school, with a great library, clean classrooms and arts and music programs. We do not have that anymore. Teacher pay is very poor, the books are old, the buildings are dilapidated, unsafe and unsanitary. There is hardly any art and music. They may make further cuts to our budget. Joe Kishore and Norissa Santa Cruz are the only candidates who have a program that I consider sufficient to defend public education and to oppose education cuts. Greg Near, a retired Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra musician, wrote to the court: If Joe Kishore and Norissa Santa Cruz are on the ballot, as of right now I would vote for them. There is very little choice in terms of who is on the ballot. I do not see anything I like in either of the two main candidates, Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Other parties like the Greens and Libertarians do not interest me as much as the Socialist Equality Party in this election. I met the Socialist Equality Party in 2010 when the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) was on strike and I was supporting the musicians. The Socialist Equality Party was very supportive of the right to culture and defended the musicians when the media was biased against us. The Socialist Equality Party calls for readers and supporters to support the Kishore/Santa Cruz campaign by signing up for our newsletter, by joining the Socialist Equality Party, or, for US citizens, donating to support the campaign. Illinois residents should sign this petition to put the SEP on the ballot in Illinois. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 19 By Eldar Janashvili Trend: Some 1.05 million tons of cereals were collected from a 338,200-hectare-area in Azerbaijan, as of June 19, which is 33.5 percent of the entire crop, Trend reports on June 19 referring to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Agriculture. In particular, 762,900 tons of barley were harvested from a 256,700-hectare area, 291,300 tons of wheat - from a 81,500-hectare area. The average barley yield is 30.4 centners per hectare, average wheat yield - 33.2 centners per hectare. Grain harvesting is underway in 36 districts. Barley yield in Aghdam district reached 36.4 centners per hectare, Beylagan district - 30.5 centners per hectare, Barda district - 39.8 centners per hectare, Bilasuvar district - 32.3 centners per hectare, Fizuli district - 31.3 centners per hectare, Imishli district - 38.4 centners per hectare, Neftchala district - 27.8 centners per hectare, Saatli district - 36.4 centners per hectare, Sabirabad district - 37.9 centners per hectare and Yevlakh district - 28.6 centners per hectare. Some 1,644 combines are involved in the harvesting process, of which 581 are combines that are on the balance of the regional offices of Agroleasing OJSC, as well as 912 combines owned by individuals and legal entities. In total, more than 1,700 combines are planned to be involved in the harvesting process. ---- Follow the author on Twitter: @eldarjanashvili Because of his health, Simpkinson lived in the assisted living area of Riderwood for more than two years while she lived in an independent unit at the facility. When the coronavirus outbreak hit, she wasnt able to see him because of visitor restrictions. Kinnaman said she last saw Simpkinson in March. NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In a quickly unfolding set of developments seemingly made for Hollywood, HCA Healthcare, a Fortune 100 company and the largest for-profit hospital corporation in the country, is about to make out with $4.7 billion in federal funding while threatening to pink slip thousands of frontline healthcare heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We are facing a health crisis, where healthcare workers are battling for the lives of our nation. To propose layoffs is a slap in the face. HCA has received billions, and yet is threatening the jobs of those dedicated to helping our communities through this time," said Jody Domineck, an HCA caregiver in Nevada. "I have never seen anything like what we face caring for COVID-19 patients. HCA has the resources and the obligation to protect frontline caregivers and patients. Yet instead, HCA is forcing a cruel choice on caregivers, to furlough and lay off essential nurses and healthcare workers or reduce benefits and compensation. Both choices will negatively impact patient care, and potentially place patients, caregivers and communities at risk. There should be no more blank checks for large, wealthy corporations like HCA," said Pat Diaz, a Registered Nurse at HCA Florida. HCA anticipates $4.7 billion in CARES (COVID-19 bailout) funds and accelerated Medicare payments, according to their most recent earnings call. HCA CEO Sam Hazen was paid nearly $27M in 2019 according to HCA's SEC filings. And while Hazen and other execs recently announced they would donate a portion of their salaries to a fund to support their workforce, these executives appear to be giving up less than 1% of their total 2019 compensation, based on analysis of their SEC filings and announcements to date. In addition, executive bonuses are profit related and thus could incentivize executives to restart profitable elective surgeries before it is safe to do so from a public health perspective. Despite this taxpayer-funded windfall, HCA has threatened to eliminate workers' benefits, including the pandemic pay that many workers depend on, and announced plans to lay off one in ten workers protected by collective bargaining agreements. HCA has refused to provide workers with financial information justifying layoffs. Caregivers have vowed to fight back against the cuts, taking their message public in actions slated for multiple states. "HCA executives are attempting to line their pockets while we care for our patients and risk infection because the company won't provide adequate PPE. We worry we'll bring the disease into our communities or home to our families. We need PPE that makes us feel safe to do our jobs," said Shirley Caston, a GI Tech at HCA's Research Medical Center in Kansas City. "These brutal cuts will make things even worse at our hospitals." Nashville-based HCA Healthcare, with more than $50 billion in revenue in 2019, is one of largest healthcare services providers in the U.S., with 186 hospitals and approximately 2,000 sites of care in 21 states and the United Kingdom. ABOUT SEIU HEALTHCARE More than one million healthcare workers across hospitals, in home care and in nursing homes, are united in SEIU, the nation's largest union of healthcare workers. SEIU is an organization of nearly 2 million members united by belief in the dignity and worth of workers and the services they provide. SEIU is dedicated to improving the lives of workers, families and communities to create a more just and humane society. SOURCE SEIU Healthcare The Massachusetts State Universities announced on Thursday plans to return to on-campus instruction for all nine of its campuses beginning in September. Vincent Pedone, executive director of the State Universities Council of Presidents, said in a statement the nine state universities have very few large lecture-style classes, and that university officials are confident they can hold in-person classes, while taking precautions to avoid an outbreak of coronavirus. Our campuses are well-positioned to adapt to gathering size limitations and social distancing requirements, while providing the high-quality and affordable programing that is our hallmark, Pedone said. Officials said the nine campuses are finalizing plans to promotes health and safety, while affording students the opportunity to pursue their educational goals. They said the campuses will be following COVID-19 health and safety protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control, the states Department of Public Health, Gov. Charlie Bakers reopening plan and the states Department of Higher Education. Pedone said students have been demanding a return to on-campus instruction and on-campus housing. Our students value the personal attention afforded them by our small class sizes and enjoy the residence life experience offered at all our state universities, Pedone said. The Massachusetts State University system include six comprehensive universities, including Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, Salem State University, Westfield State University, Worcester State University, and three specialty schools, including the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay. More than 52,000 students are enrolled in the state university system each year. The announcement comes the same day the University of Massachusetts Amherst said that its students will start classes two weeks earlier than usual for the coming school year, according plans obtained by MassLive. Classes will begin on Aug. 24 and conclude before Thanksgiving, on Nov. 20. Students will not return to campus after Thanksgiving recess, the plan states, and final exams will be conducted remotely. Related Content: Not invited to the all-party meeting called on Friday to discuss the escalating India-China tensions, some opposition parties have lashed out at PM Narendra Modi and the BJP. The RJD, Aam Aadmi Party and the AIMIM were among parties given the apparent snub reportedly based on their negligible parliamentary presence. Taking to Twitter on the eve of the meeting, RJD leader and party chief Lalu Prasads son Tejashwi Yadav said, Dear @DefenceMinIndia @PMOIndia, Just wish to know the criteria for inviting political parties for tomorrow's #AllPartyMeet on #GalwanValley. I mean the grounds of inclusion/exclusion. Because our party @RJDforIndia hasn't received any message so far. (sic) Dear @DefenceMinIndia @PMOIndia, Just wish to know the criteria for inviting political parties for tomorrow's #AllPartyMeet on #GalwanValley. I mean the grounds of inclusion/exclusion. Because our party @RJDforIndia hasn't received any message so far. Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) June 18, 2020 Echoing Yadavs sentiments, his partys Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha told News18, "The RJD has 80 MLAs in Bihar. It is the single-largest party in the state. And it has five MPs in the Rajya Sabha. What makes you exclude us from the all-party meeting is beyond our understanding." Lashing out at the government, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said his party was also not invited to the all-party meeting chaired by home minister Amit Shah on the Covid-19 situation. I have repeatedly been asking the Centre questions about the China issue. But they won't invite us on an issue like this. I feel it's they don't care about opposition voices beyond their own, Owaisi said while speaking to News18. The Aam Aadmi Party which has four MPs was also kept out of both meeting. The partys Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh accused the central government of political arrogance when it should be seeking cooperation. 4 AAP ? Sanjay Singh AAP (@SanjayAzadSln) June 18, 2020 Leaders of at least 17 parties are scheduled to attend the all-party meeting called at 5pm on Friday by Modi to discuss the escalation of tensions with China following the brutal killing of 20 Indian soldiers in Ladakhs Galwan Valley. Calls to party chiefs were made by defence minister Rajnath Singh and home minister Amit Shah, while some parties were contacted by officials in the Prime Minister's Office. The leaders who are expected to attend the meeting are JP Nadda (BJP), Sonia Gandhi (Congress), Mamata Banerjee (Trinamool Congress), Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena), MK Stalin (DMK), Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam (AIADMK), N Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), Jagan Mohan Reddy (YSR Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Nitish Kumar (JD-U), Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party), D Raja (CPI), Sitaram Yechury (CPM), K Chandrashekar Rao (TRS), Sukhbir Badal (Akali Dal), Chirag Paswan (Lok Janshakti Party) and Hemant Soren (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha). While Odisha CM and Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik is unavailable for the meeting, the party will be represented its Lok Sabha floor leader Pinaki Misra. Several opposition leaders have demanded clarity from the government on circumstances that led to the clashes with Chinese troops in violent escalation of a months-long standoff at the Line of Actual Control. The clashes reportedly involved intense hand-to-hand fighting but no gunfire, in line with longstanding practices aimed at avoiding a full military confrontation over the 3,500-kilometre border. According to Indian officials, soldiers were hit with clubs studded with nails and stones. The Ministry of External Affairs has said that it is using diplomatic channels with China to de-escalate a military standoff. Reports quoting sources from the Indian Army said 18 soldiers undergoing treatment at a hospital in Leh are no more critical and are stable, while 58 soldiers at other hospitals should be back on duty within a week. I think just having more eyes and ears at the table is always a good thing, she said. Weve grown so much, were over 100,000 people, and two (commission) slots are taken by the fire and police chief. We only have three civilians. I think expanding in terms of having more citizens will help. British tourists flocked to Greece in droves after the country reopened its borders on 15 July, soaking up its Mediterranean lifestyle and enjoying the beauty of its islands. But a spike in cases, as well as a number of tourists testing positive for coronavirus on their return, led the UK government to kick a handful of Greek islands off the safe list. Since then, with careful management, the islands struck off were reinstated. For weeks, Greece remained one of the last spots in the Mediterranean that UK travellers could visit without having to self-isolate on return. Then a sustained rise in cases on the Greek mainland meant that the entire country was placed on lockdown. The lockdown has since been extended several times, and is currently in place until 6am on 7 January 2021. The lockdown meant the mainland and many islands were removed from the UK governments travel corridors as well as the Foreign Office (FCDO) safe lists. And yet, a handful of the most popular tourist islands still remain on both lists, which means UK travellers can still visit them without having to quarantine on return or risk invalidating their travel insurance. So, what does all this mean for British travellers keen for a fix of Grecian sun? Heres everything you need to know. Am I allowed to travel to Greece from the UK? The FCDO is currently advising against all non-essential travel to Greece, with the exception of the islands of Rhodes, Kos, Zakynthos (Zante), Corfu and Crete. While the FCDO advice is not legally binding, it does invalidate most travel insurance if you do decide to travel. Recommended All the countries UK holidaymakers can now visit without quarantine In addition, you should check the travel restrictions in the area you live in. For example, international leisure travel from England is now permitted. But non-essential international travel from Wales is banned. Scotland has its own rules around travel, with different restrictions depending on what tier your region is in. Find out more here. Northern Ireland advice states, You should avoid all unnecessary travel, but international travel is not formally prohibited. How could I get there? Air links with the UK resumed from 15 July, but some airlines will undoubtedly have cancelled flights in light of existing travel restrictions. However, easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Wizz Air and Aegean Airlines all offer direct flights to various Greek destinations. What are Greeces new lockdown rules? Under the new countrywide restrictions, which came into effect at 6am on 7 November and will last until 6am on 7 January 2021, all retail businesses are shut with the exception of supermarkets and pharmacies. There are just six reasons for being outdoors, apart from going to work. These are: Going to a pharmacy or visiting a doctor, if this is recommended after contact with them. Going to an essentials supply store (supermarket, grocery shop), where they cannot be shipped/delivered to your home. Going to the bank, only if the transaction is not possible online. Going to help people in need (including e.g. driving a family member to work, driving or accompanying a child on their way to or from nursery or school). Going to a ceremony (e.g. funeral, marriage, baptism) under the conditions provided by law; or moving to a divorced parent or parent who is necessary to ensure the communication of parents and children, in accordance with the regulations. Physical exercise outdoors or moving with a pet, individually or as a group of up to three people, in the latter case keeping the necessary distance of 1.5 metres. (Physical exercise should be conducted only in the local area around your home or accommodation (i.e. you should not travel any further). Activities including fishing and hunting are explicitly prohibited). If youre going outside for any of these six reasons, you will have to have a certificate for your reason for travelling. You can self-certify by writing a note explaining your reason for being outside, and show it to the authorities when requested. Your handwritten note will need to include your full name, home address, the reason youre going out, and the address of your destination. You will also need to date, time and sign it. Between 10pm and 5am, theres an even stricter curfew. The only reasons you should be outside of your accommodation during this time is for travel to or from work; to walk a dog (in which case, movement must be limited to an area close to your home or accommodation); or for medical emergencies. You should also carry your passport or other ID with you at all times. Do I need a PCR test and will they let me in when I arrive? Currently yes, although with some stipulations. You will need to take a PCR swab test for Covid, which must be taken within 72 hours before your arrival into Greece. You will be expected to provide evidence that it has come back negative. Even on arrival, you maybe be expected to take additional tests and quarantine until tests come back negative. In addition, from 6am on 18 December, you will need to take a rapid Covid-19 test on arrival and quarantine for three days even if it comes back negative. If it comes back positive, you will be required to quarantine until further notice. There is currently no end date specified for this directive. Travellers must also complete an online Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before their arrival in Greece. The form is online, and in English. The Foreign Office has warned that if you dont fill in the form before you travel, it may result in your carrier not allowing you to travel, a 500 fine on arrival or the Greek authorities not allowing you to enter the country. If youre travelling as a household, you only need to fill in one form with details of all the adults and children included. Additional family members can be added to the top of the form before you hit submit. Otherwise each adult over 18 will have to fill in their own form, for example if youre travelling with a group of friends. Some airlines will ask for separate forms for every adult, and you should check with your carrier before you travel to see if thats the case. Duchess of Cambridge visists the Natural History Museum ahead of wildlife photographer of the year award.mp4 Once you have completed the form, you will receive an email acknowledgement and, in a separate email, a QR code. This code is likely to be sent up to 24 hours before travel, regardless of how early the form is filled in. When you receive your code, either print it or ensure you can display it on your mobile phone. You will need to show your code to Greek authorities on your arrival into the country, and some airlines may also ask to see it before they let you board. There have been multiple cases of passengers being denied boarding because they did not fill in the PLF or didnt fill it in correctly. A British mother of two was denied boarding by easyJet on a flight to Greece because the airline claimed she had not filled in the forms properly, while travellers were turned away by Wizz Air for failing to fill in their middle names on the form even though the form said this was optional. When you arrive in Greece, the authorities will scan the QR code and may direct you for health screening (including testing for coronavirus). If youre not a Greek citizen or a permanent resident in Greece, you will also need to fill out the form at least 24 hours before you leave Greece. For those travelling by ferry to Greece, the ferry operator will ask you to complete an additional form ("Pre Boarding Information"), alongside your PLF. This additional form will be provided by the ferry operator, either via their website, or at booking offices: you should contact them directly if you need further information. Temperature checks may also be carried out before boarding. Additional rules may apply if youre not travelling from the UK or if youre not a British passport holder. Will I have to quarantine when I arrive? Possibly. According to the FCDO, the Greek authorities may require you to undergo testing for coronavirus as part of a health screening when you arrive in Greece. Any passenger may be asked to undergo a test, but you are more likely to be asked if youve arrived from a country outside of the EU (including the UK), either directly or via indirect flights. After testing, youll need to self-isolate at the address given on your PLF form until you receive the results, which should be available within 24 hours. You should also self-monitor to check whether youre showing any symptoms of coronavirus. If your test is negative, you will no longer need to self-isolate. If your test result is positive, the Greek authorities are likely to ask you to quarantine for 14 days. Depending on the nature of your accommodation, you may be instructed to move to government-provided accommodation, the costs of which will be paid by the Greek authorities. Be aware that even if you dont have coronavirus, you may be asked to self-isolate if someone else from your flight tests positive. Will I have to quarantine when I come home? It all depends on where you want to travel to in Greece. Most of Greece is no longer on the governments travel corridors list, which means if you visit any of those places, even in transit, youll need to quarantine for 10 days on return. You can shorten this to five days through the governments test-to-release scheme. The only exceptions are several Greek islands, which remain on the low-risk list: Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, Zakynthos (Zante) and Kos. Can I travel within Greece including between Greek islands? Not right now. There is currently a ban on travel between different parts of the country, except for essential reasons. The permitted reasons include returning to your residence or accommodation address; for family reunification reasons; for health emergencies; for essential business reasons- in which case your employer must provide you with certification that your travel is essential. Are hotels open? Hotels are permitted to open, but many may shut during lockdown - if youre booked to stay somewhere, check before you travel. Are restaurants, shops and attractions open? All attractions and non-essential shops will be closed during the lockdown. Restaurants, fast-food joints and cafes will be shut barring takeaway and delivery services. What rules and restrictions are in place? At present, it is mandatory to wear a mask in all public places (both indoors and outdoors), in all areas of Greece. During lockdown, residents and visitors will be required to stay indoors as much as possible, and must only venture outside for essential reasons; they will need a permit to go outdoors as mentioned above. SUTTONS BAY, MI When you consider that Kasey Wierzba grew up in Northern Michigans famed wine region and headed off to college to study the science behind plants, you might not think its too much of a stretch that shes become one of the few award-winning women winemakers on the Leelanau Peninsula. But her path from Traverse City to nearby Shady Lane Cellars lush vineyards wasnt even close to being a straight shot. First there was that pivot in college when it came to her major, then her California years learning all parts of the wine industry, and finally her return home that was encouraged by a slightly bicycle-obsessed husband who saw the areas trail system as the spark for a new business venture. Add in two growing boys and an expanding list of applause-worthy hardware from international wine competitions, and you start to get an idea of what Wierzbas life has been like this last decade. Along the way, shes learned how to make some expressive wines and become a champion of the regions cool-climate grape scene. I think really as a region we are on the cusp of recognition. Our viticulture and farming is being dialed in, said Wierzba, 41. Michigan has really been championing local foods and I think that wine obviously fits right into that. Theres this excitement that we are doing this in our backyard and these are not just tiny little operations. This is real production. These winemakers and these vineyards are serious about this and quality is at the very top of the list. When Wierzba talks about quality and being dialed in, you need to understand shes a bit of a data nerd when it comes to her winemaking and it shows in the results when pour turns to sip. If her craft was drawn like a Venn diagram, her happy intersection would be overlapping circles that represent vineyard science, Northern Michigans unique climate, and her teams fermentation artistry. For her, being at the top of her game doesnt mean creating a vision for a great wine early in the growing season and stubbornly sticking with it, no matter what the weather or soil end up delivering into the harvest bins. Instead, it means coaxing the best flavors from what each crop has to offer. She understands that some years, you have to make the best rose you can instead of the bold red you started dreaming of when the first green leaves emerged from the vines. She relies on her teams flexibility to shift with what nature delivers. I want to represent cab franc as a varietal the best way I can, she said. Some years, the best representation is a rose. And in other years, it might be a Reserve Red. That mentality is synchronous with a lot of other winemakers here, and that is where I think we are really moving forward. In the last two decades, shes been on a journey of her own. An outdoor gathering spot at Shady Lane Cellars in Suttons Bay, about 8 miles north of Traverse City. Photo courtesy of Shady Lane. A Change in Plans After graduating from high school in 1997, Wierzba lit out for East Lansing, where she planned to study biology and plant sciences at Michigan State University. But then she began to rethink things. I got an itch for doing something more with my hands on the growing side. I wanted to do some more real-life applications. Conversations with a few different professors and staff members pointed her toward an undergraduate degree in horticulture. She started working for a viticulture lab, honing in on the science behind the vineyards. At that time there was a pretty robust research component to that lab, she remembers. She found that she liked having a hand in the data collection and research that helped winemakers. This is something that I would love to do, she remembers thinking. During her college years, she did two internships close to home. One was at Black Star Farms winery in Suttons Bay. The other was for a farming company that did vineyard consulting. She liked the science in that job, too. The trick is, if you are doing research, you want it to be applicable you want it to be a bridge from the lab to the field, Wierzba said. She earned her undergraduate degree from MSU in 2002, followed by her masters degree in 2004. California Dreaming At first she thought shed land an MSU Extension job after graduation, or maybe something in the educational or research fields that shed trained in. Instead, she took a big jump and landed on the West Coast, working for a vineyard consulting company in California. It opened the door to a career working for Napa Valley wineries for the next seven years, including Frogs Leap and Far Niente. It turns out, entry-level jobs in the wine industry gave her the inspiration to grind it out and see how much she could grow. It really kind of shows how young I was, she says of her early years in California. It really just threw me into his huge pond, being such a small fish, and gave me a real sense of grit - which this industry demands of you. I feel like it doesnt matter how much education you have in this industry, you are going to be challenged to work your way up the ladder. Part of the crew at Shady Lane Cellars. Coming Home When it came time to grab the next rung, the ladder swung back toward home. Her husband, Nick Wierzba, also an MSU grad, had spent years managing Napa Valley Bike Tours, which each year put about 20,000 day-trippers and vacationers on bikes for scenic rides through wine country. He loved the business, but wanted to move it to a place where safer, paved trails were framed by another type of gorgeous scenery. When the couple learned there was a plan to pave the 17-mile Leelanau Trail that stretches from Traverse City to Suttons Bay an area already dotted with wineries that sealed their 2012 plan to return to The Mitten. "The Leelanau Trail was exactly what I wanted when I was in California," Nick Wierzba told MLive during an interview last year. The corridor is part of the expansive TART Trails network. After helping Nick establish whats become his now four-season Grand Traverse Bike Tours and Suttons Bay Bikes shop, Kasey in 2013 made a return to her viticulture roots. She signed on to do vineyard and orchard scouting for an agricultural company, checking areas for disease and pests. Then came her first foray with Shady Lane. She took a harvest job at the vineyard and was asked to stay on as a cellar assistant. That quickly evolved into an assistant winemakers position. She has been Shady Lanes head winemaker since 2016. A Cab Franc from the winery's reserve collection. Photo courtesy of Shady Lane. Finding a Vineyard Home Covering a hilltop about eight miles north of Traverse City, Shady Lanes rolling acreage had grown fruit for a century before it was reinvented as a vineyard around 1987. Over the last three decades, the winerys reach has expanded to 150 acres. More than 50 of those are planted in grapes, from the original Riesling and Pinot Noir to the more recent Cabernet Frac, Merlot, Gewurztraminer and Blue Franc (also called Blaufrankisch). Around the time Wierzba returned to Northern Michigan, Shady Lane changed ownership and added more real estate. With the new owner, we gained a new vineyard, adding Chardonnay and Pinot Gris and Gruner Veltliner. That was really exciting, she said, adding that both the Pinot Gris and Gruner Veltliner have become staples in Shady Lanes growing wine portfolio. They show how we can represent cool-climate winegrowing especially the Pinot Gris. Its a variety that is familiar to people. They are not afraid to try it. Because its recognizable, they dont shy away from it. Figuring out how best to rep these cool-climate vineyards that can handle their share of snow but are also insulated by the Great Lakes and nearby Grand Traverse Bay has been an exciting challenge. At its core, her philosophy is to represent the variety first to make sure shes not making a grape into something that its not. She finds comfort in the building blocks - knowing that Shady Lanes sandy loam soil is striated with gravel bands, so it drains well. And that the winerys composting program helps build biodiversity in the fields. Everything comes from the soil, she said. Our wines are lighter in body, more acid-driven, and they are really good, food-friendly wines because of that structure that they have. When talk turns to the science behind the wine, Wierzbas voice drops a bit, becomes more earnest. A sample she pulled from a nearby fermentation tank is tasted, then tossed into a handy floor grate. This is where her love of research flows into her artistic alchemy. I lean on a lot of numbers and data to influence my path on a certain wine. I want to make sure we are headed in a right direction in terms of the balance and the chemistry that goes into the wine. For example, when making a red, she wants to make sure there is a healthy balance between the fruit that is expressed and the oak that helps carry that flavor tempering sweetness with acidity so it hits the palate just right. With two assistant winemakers on her team, Shady Lane is producing about 5,000 cases a year. Sixty-five percent of those bottles are white wines. But theres also more special attention being paid to reds. Wierzba started building a Reserve Red program in 2016 which was not only her first year at the helm, but also a season she remembers as being an amazing year for winemaking. The growing season started on time, the bud break was on time. We had nice warm weather through the summer growing season. We even had a little drought, she remembers, which stressed the grapes just enough to make the fruit even better. Grape vines are not plants that like to be babied, she says, like shes talking about a group of particularly well-performing students. They really respond to less-than-ideal soil. For information about Shady Lane Cellars current wines, its new line of wine in cans, and its upcoming events, check the website and Facebook page. Heres a recap of some of Shady Lanes recent award-winning wines: 2019 San Francisco International Wine Competition: Gold Medals Shady Lane Cellars 2017 Semi-Dry Estate Riesling earned 91 points in the competition and is a best-seller at Shady Lane Cellars. It is fermented in small batches using different yeasts to increase complexity. This wine has flavors of lime zest, honey, wildflowers and peach. Shady Lane Cellars Gruner Veltliner 2017 earned 92 points in the competition. This wine came about through a slow, steady month-long fermentation. This wine produces flavors and aromas of crisp Asian pear, citrus, green tea and minerality. 2019 Michigan Wine Competition: Double Gold medal: Shady Lane Cellars Semi Dry Riesling 2017 - This wine is fermented in small batches using different yeasts to increase complexity. Expect flavors of lime zest, honey, wildflowers and peach. Gold medal: Shady Lane Cellars Dry Riesling 2016 - is a wine with intense flavors of apricot, melon, lime zest and honeysuckle. Gold medal: Shady Lane Cellars Reserve Cabernet Franc 2016 - This wine gives a pop of violets and pomegranate that meld into flavors of dark dried cherry and hints of sage. Its sweet tannins and baking spice are compliments of 18 months in 100 percent French oak barrels. READ MORE Why this freediver stashes bottles in underwater wine cellar in Grand Traverse Bay Dates on a tandem bike inspired this Northern Michigan upscale cidery Black Star Farms offers summer Outdoor Adventure package Chateau Chantal announces 2020 Wine Dinner dates, menus Deadlines are approaching for voters who want to participate in the July 14 primary runoff, the Alabama Secretary of States office announced. The last day to register to vote is June 29. Information on registration. Absentee voting is an option for voters who dont want to go to the polls because of the risk of COVID-19 infection. The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is July 9. Information on absentee voting. Absentee ballot application. List of county absentee ballot managers. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than July 13 and received by the county absentee ballot manager no later than noon on election day. The last day to hand-deliver an absentee ballot to the county absentee election manager is July 13. Gov. Kay Ivey rescheduled the primary from March 31 to July 14 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Secretary of State John Merrill has advised that voters who dont want to go to the polls because of the pandemic can vote absentee. State law requires giving a reason for voting absentee. Merrill said those who dont want to go to the polls because of concerns about the spread of COVID-19 should check the box that says: I have a physical illness or infirmity which prevents my attendance at the polls. Because it is a primary runoff, Alabamas prohibition on crossover voting is in effect. That means voters who participated in the Democratic or Republican primary on March 3 cannot participate in the runoff of the other party. Voters who did not participate on March 3 or who voted only on constitutional amendments can participate in either partys runoff. India had said that the violent face-off happened in Ladakh's Galwan Valley as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to 'unilaterally change' the status quo during de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh. New Delhi: The all-party meeting, called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation at the border areas with China, is scheduled to be held on Friday at 5 pm. "In order to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for an all-party meeting at 5 pm on June 19. Presidents of various political parties would take part in this virtual meeting," PMO had tweeted. The meeting was called after at least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, had lost their lives in the violent face-off with Chinese troops in the Galwan valley area of Ladakh on 15 June. India had said that the violent face-off happened in Ladakh's Galwan Valley as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to "unilaterally change" the status quo during de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh and the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side. In a strong message to China after the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that India wants peace but is capable of giving a befitting reply, if instigated and asserted that sacrifices of Indian soldiers will not go in vain. His remarks came at the sixth interaction with Chief Ministers, via video conferencing on Wednesday, to discuss the situation emerging post-Unlock 1.0 and plans ahead for tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. "We have prayed for the welfare of humanity. We have always worked with neighbouring countries in a friendly way and cooperation. We have always tried that our differences should not turn into disputes. We never provoke anyone. But we can never compromise on country's integrity and sovereignty. We have always displayed our power in protecting the country's integrity and sovereignty," the prime minister had said. "I would like to assure the nation that the sacrifice of our soldiers will not be in vain. For us, the unity and sovereignty of the country are most important. And no one can stop protecting our country. India wants peace but it is capable of giving a befitting reply if provoked," he added. The prime minister, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Ministers of 15 States and Union Territories, who were present in the meeting via video-conferencing, observed a two-minute silence as a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the violent face-off. Syria to Fight US Sanctions As Persistently As It Does Terrorism, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik News 00:58 GMT 18.06.2020(updated 01:07 GMT 18.06.2020) BEIRUT (Sputnik) - US sanctions are directed against the Syrian people and violate all possible international rules. Syria will resist the sanction pressures as persistently as it does terrorism, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. US President Donald Trump signed the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act at the end of 2019. The law took effect on 1 June and includes sanctions affecting almost every aspect of the Syrian economy. The sanctions list was expanded on 17 June, and 14 high-profile people in the nation were affected, including the spouse of Syrian President Bashar Assad, Asma Assad, and the president's sister Bushra Assad, as well as 21 organizations. "The Syrian people and the army, which have shown historical resilience against the American project, defending their sovereignty... this people will resist their sanctions with the same stubbornness that they fought terrorism," the ministry said. "Washington's statements are the most blatant manifestation of lies to cover up their terror, which shed the blood of Syrians," it said. Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced introducing 39 new sanction designations against Syria, targeting the country's president, Bashar al-Assad, and his wife, Asma, and Assad's brother and top general, Maher al-Assad, among others, all under the Caesar Act, signed by Trump in December 2019. "Today, the Treasury Department and State Department are releasing 39 designations under the Caesar Act and Executive Order 13894 as the beginning of what will be a sustained campaign of economic and political pressure to deny the Assad regime revenue and support it uses to wage war and commit mass atrocities against the Syrian people," Pompeo said. "We are designating the architect of this suffering Bashar Al-Assad and his wife Asma al-Assad." Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said Tuesday that US sanctions would not affect cooperation between Moscow and Damascus, including military - in the fight against terrorism in Syria. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A woman facing off against San Francisco police officers on May 31 in California. Karl Mondon/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images The recent police killings of George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks and ensuing protests have focused a spotlight on the historically fraught relationship between Black communities and law enforcement. Slave patrols morphed into police departments, and this painful history has translated into a persistent mentality that Black people are threatening or criminals, experts told Insider. "Police misconduct can powerfully suppress one of the most basic forms of civic engagement: calling 911 for matters of personal and public safety," according to a study in the American Sociological Review. Effective police reform and sustained changes rely on Black people having a say in the matter and an overhaul of the way the police are viewed and their departments are funded, experts said. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. The police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis set off an American uprising against police violence and racism. It's been less than a month since a bystander filmed the police officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee on Floyd's neck for several minutes while the 46-year-old gasped for breath and became unresponsive. The disturbing video triggered massive protests and a global cry for justice. It also prompted conversations about defunding and abolishing police agencies or, at the very least, banning certain deadly-force techniques. Less than two weeks later, Rayshard Brooks was killed. He fell asleep in his car in a Wendy's drive-thru line, which led to a 911 call and then to a cordial 40-plus minute interaction with two Atlanta police officers. But when the officers tried to arrest Brooks, 27, on suspicion of drunken driving, he resisted, snatched one of their Tasers, fired it at them, and tried to flee. That's when one of the officers, Garrett Rolfe, fatally shot him. (Rolfe was fired over the incident and on Wednesday was charged with felony murder.) Story continues Floyd and Brooks were Black, and their untimely and widely watched deaths reignited conversations around a long-standing issue: police distrust in the Black community. This sentiment was captured in stark relief last week when Eliah Pierre-Louis noticed a police cruiser while he was shooting hoops in the driveway of his Connecticut home. Home-security footage showed the 10-year-old hiding until the squad car passed. Asked why he reacted that way, Eliah told his father, "Because they killed George Floyd." According to Delores Jones-Brown, a retired professor of law, police science, and criminal-justice administration at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, policing in the US goes back nearly 400 years and has its roots in slave patrols. That painful history has created rhetoric that she said rendered Black Americans "innately inferior" and "undeserving" of freedom and justice and had led to associations between them and criminality. And this isn't a mentality that spares the wealthy, she said, because "police see their Blackness first." 'Don't call the police to this house unless somebody's dying' Jones-Brown called 911 during a dispute with a parking attendant in 2009 and was told by an officer, "I don't need you jumping over my shoulder while I'm talking to this guy." The assumption there, she said, was that Black women are aggressive and prone to becoming hysterical. Jones-Brown stepped away, per the police officer's order, but was so upset that she's able to recall the interaction verbatim more than a decade later. By contrast, she said, her husband of 29 years, a Black journalist from Philadelphia, has had such "negative experiences" with police officers over the years that he views dialing 911 as "a last resort." His motto is "Don't call the police to this house unless somebody's dying," Jones-Brown said. People gathered in front of city hall in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, during a June 5 rally to protest the death of George Floyd. Charlie Riedel/AP Photo Black people often balk at calling the police because they feel threatened by the same officers who are expected to help them and cases like that of Atatiana Jefferson reinforce that fear. James Smith, of Fort Worth, Texas, called the police in October 2019 after seeing the 28-year-old woman's front-door open. An officer shot through a window and killed her. "I'm devastated," Smith told WFAA. "People say, 'Well, James it's not your fault' but I made the call." Smith or someone in Smith's position will have a hard time calling the police again or will at least think long and hard before doing so, Jones-Brown said. Frank Jude was beaten by off-duty Milwaukee police officers in October 2004, and, as The Atlantic reported, the attack was followed by a sharp decline in 911 calls. Researchers with the American Sociological Review screened 1.1 million 911 calls made to Milwaukee's emergency dispatchers between March 1, 2004 and December 31, 2010. "We find that residents of Milwaukee's neighborhoods, especially residents of Black neighborhoods, were far less likely to report crime after Jude's beating was broadcast. The effect lasted for over a year and resulted in a total net loss of approximately 22,200 calls for service," the authors wrote. Fifty-six percent of that drop came from Black neighborhoods in the area, per the study. "Police misconduct can powerfully suppress one of the most basic forms of civic engagement: calling 911 for matters of personal and public safety," the authors wrote. 'A conscious decision to use race to heighten sensitivity to the issue' The police's relationship with Black communities has in some cases been "abusive" and in others, "violent and abusive," according to Shaun Gabbidon, a professor of criminal justice at Penn State Harrisburg. Black communities feel uncomfortable around the police because they don't know whether the encounter "is going to get out of hand," Gabbidon said, adding that officers "may actually heighten the issue as opposed to de-escalating the situation." This "negative perception" and pervasive lack of trust force some in the Black community to handle problems themselves. Added to that are the microaggressions and discrimination from community members who perpetuate the idea that Black people are a threat. The burgeoning trend strains racial relationships and also has policing implications, Gabbidon said. The video of a white woman named Amy Cooper siccing the New York City police on a man named Christian Cooper in Central Park in which she highlighted his race multiple times revealed to Gabbidon, also a Black man, that "she understands the connection when you say it's a Black person not just any person who's doing something." He continued: "It's a conscious decision to use race to heighten sensitivity to the issue and, in some ways, make it seem more ominous." Relations with Black Americans will remain "very fractured and very distrustful" unless this inflection point brings about necessary changes, he said. Every jurisdiction will need to choose its own path, but Gabbidon said he's in favor of defunding police forces and redistributing those funds to other critical social services. Jones-Brown echoed her support of redirecting money from police departments and prisons to schools, housing, and recreational facilities that would "reduce the need for enforced contact of the police." "This is the time to shift some of the money, the billions of dollars that's been spent on policing to control and contain people to whom we haven't made food available, we haven't made decent housing available, and we haven't made good educational systems available," she said. Six-year-old Blue Scott, of Florissant, Missouri, assumed a prone position on June 7 as he participated with about 100 protesters in a die-in in the middle of Lindbergh Boulevard in front of the Florissant Police Station. Associated Press 'Are police departments fighting a war? Are civilians the enemy?' Abolishing the police as some are advocating would leave people in the lurch if somebody were to commit a serious crime, but, Gabbidon said, "I do think that we can change the nature or maybe change the way we think about the police." "There are police departments that are paramilitary," he added. "Why is that? Are police departments fighting a war? Are civilians the enemy?" Also, meaningful change will depend on the way reforms are implemented, Gabbidon said, and hinge on Black people having a seat at the table. "Black voices need to be heard in this particular moment," he said. "And I think that's the only way that they'll be comfortable with what happens going forward and be open to improving relationships with the police." Gabbidon complimented state and local leaders for plans to be more transparent about misconduct in law enforcement. "But that doesn't necessarily change the long-term relationship between the police and the community," he said. "That long-term relationship is going to be determined with a conversation ... about what the police should be doing in communities. What is their central role?" Jones-Brown agreed, saying that "warrior training" made it so officers "rule the streets." "Police were supposed to be public servants and they were supposed to be our friendly neighborhood officers. But when we turned them into warriors, we actually pitted them against the public," she said. "The police have to be retrained to get them out of warrior-mode where they are acting like occupied armies." Fear is the biggest issue in policing today, but it goes both ways, according to Jones-Brown. Brooks in Atlanta snatched an officer's Taser and ran away. Eric Garner, whose 2014 death in New York City was similar to Floyd's last month, had told police officers: "Every time you see me, you want to mess with me. I'm tired of it. It stops today." He was wrestled to the ground in a chokehold by a police officer, and, like Floyd, said, "I can't breathe" until he lost consciousness and died. "There's going to be a lot more of those incidents because now we've got a dual fear," Jones-Brown said. "The police are fearful, the community is fearful. We're going to have to work really hard to try to diminish the fear on both sides." She suggested focusing on relational and humanistic models of policing. "We have to take steps toward community wellness because the police have not made the communities well," Jones-Brown said. "They've made them afraid. They've made them die." Expanded Coverage Module: black-lives-matter-module Read the original article on Insider Columnist Tom Kacich is a columnist and the author of Tom's Mailbag at The News-Gazette. His column appears Sundays. His email is tkacich@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@tkacich). A man in a mask walks along Harbor Boulevard in downtown Fullerton last week. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) An upscale restaurant in Orange County closed this week after a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus, officials said. Javier's restaurant in Newport Beach announced it was closing Tuesday after at least one employee tested positive for COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Javier's wrote on Instagram that it was voluntarily closing the location for deep cleaning and testing. The restaurant, which specializes in Mexican cuisine, plans to reopen July 1. "At Javier's, the health of our guests and employees is our top priority," the Instagram post read. Orange County officials began working with Javier's on Wednesday, said Molly Nichelson, a spokeswoman for the county. The A Restaurant in Newport Beach, which first opened nine decades ago under the name the Arches, also closed for two days beginning Tuesday to clean and test employees, according to a post on the eatery's Instagram account. County health officials would not confirm whether the closure was prompted by an outbreak at the location. A representative for the restaurant did not return a phone call seeking further comment Thursday. County officials said that if a staff member at any business reports having COVID-19, the public health services team will reach out to the facility to provide guidance. "If there is a cluster of cases, depending on the number of cases and the size of the facility, we may either mandate that all staff be tested and/or a facility close for a period of time until it is clearly safe to reopen," Marc Meulman, chief of operations for Orange County Public Health Services, said in a prepared statement. The news of the temporary closures comes a day before more industries are set to reopen in Orange County. Beginning Friday, a wave of personal-care businesses, including nail salons and massage therapy and tattoo shops, will be permitted to open after months-long closures. "While we have continued to reopen businesses, these hardworking businesses were excluded," said Michelle Steel, chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. "It has been far too long, and these businesses have suffered as a result." Story continues The county has experienced a rise in hospitalizations and deaths since businesses began reopening last month. Coronavirus-related intensive care hospitalizations have jumped 76% in the last six weeks in the county. During the week of May 4, the county reported a seven-day average of 94 people with confirmed or suspected coronavirus infections in its ICU beds. Last week, that number rose to an average of 165 hospitalized. In early May, the number of people hospitalized for the virus in Orange County was in the low 200s. A month later, those figures had jumped to the high 200s and low 300s. On Thursday, the county reported that 345 people were being treated at hospitals for COVID-19, the highest number of hospitalizations since the onset of the pandemic. Of those being treated at hospitals, 144 were in intensive care units. The county reported 132 new coronavirus cases Thursday, bringing the total number of infections to 9,292. Officials also reported seven additional fatalities, bringing the countywide death toll to 250. Nearly 4,500 people who previously tested positive for the virus have recovered, data show. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday ordered all Californians to wear face coverings while in public or high-risk settings, including when shopping, taking public transit or seeking medical care, following growing concerns that an increase in coronavirus cases has been caused by residents failing to voluntarily take that precaution. While the necessity of face coverings has been widely discussed in several Southern California communities, mask politics have been especially potent in Orange County. The debate in the county came to a head last week when the new health officer rolled back a mandatory order on face coverings within days of his predecessor's resignation and amid pressure from the Board of Supervisors. In a letter sent last week to the Board of Supervisors, top medical officials at Children's Hospital of Orange County noted that they have been watching the escalating debate over face coverings with "deep concern." They wrote that the debate has signaled "a level of public disrespect for medical science that we believe puts Orange County at serious risk." Dr. Shruti Gohil, associate medical director of epidemiology and infection prevention at UC Irvine, said face coverings, in addition to frequent hand washing, are helpful in reducing the spread of infection as communities reopen and physical distancing becomes less possible. In my opinion, if we want to reengage, we have to put all of our energy into figuring out how to shave off every piece of risk that we can, reasonably, without crippling our society, she said. I do think its hard for the public to digest what the right steps are, and I think in a time of pandemic, it is nice to have authorities steer the ship as stably as possible. I do think that perhaps the governors move allows for that at some level. Australian unemployment jumped to 7.1% in May, sending AUDUSD lower. Much of the data should be bottoming out now and could rebound strongly over the coming months. However, strong figures in the short-term may mask longer-term damage and data that struggles to recover to pre-coronavirus levels. AUDUSD could be entering a much slower part of its trend higher. Markets are mixed again in Thursdays session as risk sentiment has been dented by renewed coronavirus fears but perhaps not enough to do any lasting damage to risk markets. This indecision is illustrated by the moves in stock indices, which have bounced back strongly this week, but remain at lower highs. On tell could come from the consistent strength in the US dollar over recent sessions. This suggests it can make a further leg higher to the next resistance at 98.29, a move which would likely push risk markets lower. This would be bad news for AUDUSD which has followed the likes of the S&P500 closely since the March lows. Having spiked just above 0.7 and making a brief new 2020 high, it has since dipped to 0.678 and has struggled to recover. A further leg down could reach better support at around 0.66 which is where the bulls would need to make a stand or risk a full trend reversal. Data Problems The AUD/USD exchange rates last spike above 0.7 came as the markets rejoiced at the prospects of a faster economic recovery than first anticipated. And while central banks such as the Fed are keen to downplay the recovery, the RBAs Governor Lowe was more upbeat, saying, it is possible that the depth of the downturn will be less than earlier expected and some restrictions have been eased earlier than previously thought likely. Some optimism is warranted, but perhaps AUD buyers got ahead of themselves as they bid AUDUSD into 0.7 as clearly the economy has a long way to go to get back to pre-coronavirus levels. This was underlined by this weeks jobs report. Total employment fell -227.7k in May. Combined with the April decline we have now seen employment fall 835k since March, reported Westpac. This was worse than expected. ING concluded, It looks bad, because it is bad Numbers are expected to improve, but slowly. Looking forward it appears we may be past the worst for job losses and while it is unlikely we will see a significant improvement in employment any time soon, without a rise in participation it will be hard to get the unemployment rate as high as 8% in June, continued Westpac. Most countries (and currencies) face a similar situation: the worst is over and data should improve quite drastically, but after an initial bounce back, where will the data points settle? Most likely way below pre-coronavirus levels. A Brief Boost? Some of the data has really impressed recently, especially retail data in the US, but as Robert Cornell from ING says, "Buying some replacement trainers is not the same as a V-shaped recovery. In other words, there may be plenty pent up demand and perhaps many households have some extra savings they are keen on spending when the lockdowns ease, but this is clearly not the same as a full economic recovery. Much of the headline figures over the coming months could look impressive but the longer-term effects of the coronavirus crisis likely persist. What this means for the Australian dollar and other risk-on currencies remains to be seen, but it does suggest not to get carried away. A correction to the post-March rally could take several more weeks, even months and any further progress in the trend could be a lot slower. Westpac are calling for a target of 0.76, and the pair remains a buy on dips, but it seems patience will be required. Flash The COVID-19 pandemic has little impact on Egyptian-Chinese bilateral trade and China remains Egypt's largest trade partner, Chinese Ambassador to Cairo Liao Liqiang told a press conference on Thursday. Liao pointed out that bilateral imports and exports in the first quarter of this year reached 3.185 billion U.S. dollars, marking a slight increase of 0.91 percent compared to the same period last year. According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade between China and Egypt reached 13.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2019. "In terms of investment in the first quarter of 2020, China's direct investment in Egypt reached 35.43 million U.S. dollars," said the Chinese ambassador, noting that China's total investment in Egypt exceeds 7 billion U.S. dollars. China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) is currently building a massive 20-tower business district in Egypt's new administrative capital city, some 50 km east of Cairo. The Central Business District (CBD) project includes the would-be 385-m high 80-floor Iconic Tower which is expected to be the tallest skyscraper in Egypt and Africa upon completion. "In Egypt's new capital CBD project, the construction of the Iconic Tower structure has reached the 30th floor, and the progress of the project has hardly been affected by the epidemic," Liao told reporters. He stressed that all Chinese companies operating in Egypt have been taking precautionary measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus while maintaining stable production at the same time. Chinese industrial developer Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA) is currently developing a total area of more than 7 square km in Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone in Ain Sokhna district of Suez province, east of the Egyptian capital Cairo. As of May this year, China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone has attracted total 85 companies, with a cumulative investment of more than 1 billion U.S. dollars, providing some 4,000 job opportunities to Egyptian citizens, according to the Chinese ambassador. Egypt and China share distinguished bilateral relations that have been elevated to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership. The two countries have been cooperating closely in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic through exchanging medical aid and expertise and offering mutual support and solidarity. In early February, Egypt provided aid to China to help with its fight against COVID-19 and China later returned the favor by sending three batches of medical aid to the North African country, the latest of which was in mid-May. Since mid-April, Chinese doctors and medical experts have held three video conferences with Egyptian counterparts to share their experience in the prevention and treatment of the novel coronavirus. As Lou Rivera, York City Councilman announced today, the opening of Spanish-American Multicultural Resource Center in September, the Spanish-speaking community there now have something to look forward to, with a new place they can call "home." The councilman who is spearheading the center said, this place was built to encourage poor communities not to hesitate seeking help. He added, often, these groups are hesitant to ask for assistance; therefore, there's a place on George Street where these people can come to "and feel welcome." The new center, even though smaller, Rivera continued, can still provide vital resources to the so-called alienated in the entire county. Currently, the councilman shared, he is in the process of registering the resource center "as a '501(c) (3) nonprofit, with assistance from a steering committee, and HGSK Law Firm's attorney Mark Kogan. Language Barriers Language barriers are among the problems almost all Latinos in various states, not just Spanish-communities in York City encounter, and these have been an ongoing issue for several years now. New York Times, in 2014, reported that "these languages combined with prevalent illiteracy," have postured considerable obstacles to Latino immigrants' survival, from finding a job to acquiring access to health care, asking help from law enforcers and obtaining "legal redress in courts." This phenomenon, the news outlet wrote, sometimes known as "linguistic isolation," impacts a lot of immigrant populations to changing degrees. Roles the Resource Center will Play in the Lives of Immigrants According to the councilman, York City already had "the York Spanish-American Center" located on East Princess Street. However, the immigrant advocacy group, CASA took over control after the late-2017 merger. Initially, explained Rivera, the resource center's main focus will be the utilization of alliance with companies and organizations for the empowerment of the Latino populace. The partnership, the councilman added, will include pairing people with programs concerning healthcare, education and jobs. More so, the resource will work to better incorporate Latinos into a community, like through food and arts scenes. Meanwhile, York City Mayor Michael Helfrich said, overall, he thinks, it is quite essential "to have centers where people are comfortable." He also said it is vital to have a center where individuals feel their own culture and language exemplified. The center was made possible by the Crispus Attucks Association, which is the present owner of the property but donated it for free. Crispus, according to Executive Director Bobby Simpson, will also pay for the center's rent and utilities. Another donor, Rivera shared, is W. Dale Brougher Foundation's Bob Bossert, who donated a five-figure amount. There is no specific amount given, though. Rivera and those helping him with the center, are currently developing a strategic plan, introducing the center as a nonprofit, and creating a vision statement. And, while the much-awaited date of opening is only more than a couple of months away, the councilman said, there should not be any problem along the way since donations have already accelerated the process. The resource center's grand opening takes place during the Spanish Heritage Month, happening from September 15 to October 15. Check these out! Two days after American Airlines announced it would strengthen its mandatory mask policy, a passenger was booted off one of the airlines flights at New Yorks LaGuardia Airport after refusing to wear a facial covering. At SFO, a woman refusing to wear a mask argued with a fellow passenger, telling him to "go back to China," in an encounter posted to YouTube. We are only a few days into new airline policies requiring passengers to wear masks to help stem the spread of COVID-19, and controversy is erupting on airplanes and airports across the country. In the first instance, passenger Brandon Straka documented the Wednesday encounter aboard American Airlines flight 1263 to Dallas-Fort Worth in a Twitter video. How do you feel about airline mask rules? Take our poll at the bottom of this post. They told me that it was the law that I had to wear a mask, he said in the video. Then eventually they changed their story and said it was their policy and that you cant fly with us if you dont do it. Straka, a conservative pundit and self-described former liberal, said American Airlines staff intimidated him and said his refusal to wear a mask was keeping people waiting. This is not a thing, Straka said in the video. I dont have to do this. Straka was likely unaware that he was seated next to a New York Times reporter, who is calling into question some of Straka's claims about the incident on Twitter, which only stokes the controversy even more. Straka eventually got off the flight. American said the flight left the gate at 12:34 p.m., four minutes late, but it arrived at DFW Airport early. Mr. Straka stated to our airport team members that he would comply with our policies, and was rebooked on a later flight, an airline statement read. SEE UPDATED STATEMENT below In an interview with Forbes, Straka said he did not wear a mask on the flights he was rebooked on. American Airlines told the publication Straka claimed he had a medical condition. At San Francisco International on June 11, a passenger wearing a mask confronted a fellow unmasked passenger on a flight from Burbank and recorded the incident in a series of three videos, according to a post on HopClear. The brouhaha spilled into United's Terminal 3 which you can see here. On his YouTube page, the masked passenger wrote: Racist refuses to wear mask on plane or in airport tells me to go back to China when I ask her to wear mask. I started filming right after she shoved me because I asked the stewardess if I could move. Airlines exempt people from the mask policy if they have a medical issue that prevents them from safely wearing a covering. However, airlines do not require a note from a doctor to prove medical issues. These encounters come days after seven U.S. carriers every one of the nations major carriers said this week they would rigorously enforce mask-wearing rules and seek to ban fliers who refused to wear facial coverings because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But as stated in an earlier SFGATE post, these new policies lack teeth, and the airlines have little recourse when passengers refuse to wear masks. RELATED: I took my first flight in the Covid-19 era. Here's how it went. Carriers are stepping up enforcement of face coverings and implementing substantial consequences for those who do not comply with the rules, Nicholas Calio, president of the industry trade group Airlines for America, said in a statement. Face coverings are one of several public health measures recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control as an important layer of protection for passengers and customer-facing employees. Airlines have launched unprecedented sanitization programs to clean planes between flights and rid germs from things you would touch in the cabin. Universal masking reduces the risk of human-to-human transmission, but only if theres buy-in from everyone. Its respect for others, and if you dont have respect for others you dont belong on a Delta property, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian reportedly told employees about its new mandatory masking rules. United Airlines told its customers the only time passengers should be unmasked during a flight is when they are eating or drinking. We have been pleased that the overwhelming majority of passengers readily comply with our policy, Uniteds Chief Customer Officer Toby Enqvist said. UPDATE 2:30 pm June 18: American Airlines sent the following statement to SFGATE: American Airlines thoroughly reviewed an incident on June 17 involving one of our customers, Brandon Straka. As a result of this review, Mr. Straka will not be permitted to fly American, as he failed to comply with our stated policy and crewmember instructions. We are committed to protecting the safety and well-being of our customers and team members, which is why we strengthened enforcement of our policy for required face coverings on board. We expect customers who choose to fly with us to comply with these policies, and if necessary, we will deny future travel for customers who refuse to do so. Restricting travel is a step we take very seriously, and it will only occur after a comprehensive review of the facts of an incident. Mr. Straka will be permitted to fly with us once face coverings are no longer required for customers. Please take our poll: Read all recent TravelSkills posts here Chris McGinnis is SFGATE's senior travel correspondent. You can reach him via email or follow him on Twitter or Facebook. Don't miss a shred of important travel news by signing up for his FREE weekly email updates! SFGATE participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Juneteenth has long been observed as a day of Black liberation, commemorating the end of slavery in America. But this year, with protests about racial justice filling the streets, more people and institutions are joining in the celebration. The Virginia and New York state governments declared this Friday, June 19, a holiday, and companies like Target, Nike, and Postmates are giving workers the day off. (Full disclosure: Slate is doing so as well.) On Thursdays episode of What Next, I spoke to Adam Serwer, a politics writer at the Atlantic, about the history and meaning of Juneteenth and what the recent embrace of the holiday says about racial progress in America. This transcript has been condensed and edited for clarity. Advertisement Mary Harris: What is the story of Juneteenth? How did it become so prominent nationally? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adam Serwer: So the Emancipation Proclamation frees the slaves in the Confederacy. A lot of Confederate slave owners freak out because a lot of slaves are running towards Union lines. They want to defect, they want to join the Union Army, they want to help out however they can, or they just want to be free. And as a result, a lot of slave owners pack up and head to Texas, and Texas is one of the last states to have slavery really abolished. That comes with General Order No. 3, which is issued by Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865. The declaration of progress happens long before actual progress is achieved. Adam Serwer And we should say the Emancipation Proclamation was 1863. Advertisement Right. So this is years after technically all the slaves in the Confederacy were supposed to be free. Part of the celebration comes from the fact that a lot of the enslaved folks in Texas, the emancipated, were moved there to avoid emancipation. So there is a delayed celebration but also a sense that this is finally happening for them. That probably explains why this celebration became so prominent both in the state and why Black Americans and other states have latched onto it as the predominant celebration of emancipation, even though it comes years after the Emancipation Proclamation was actually issued. Advertisement Ive heard Juneteenth described as a particularly apt holiday to commemorate Black liberation because it represents the way freedom and justice in the United States has always been delayed for Black people. And I thought that was just such an interesting way to put it, where it was an acknowledgment that we did declare that this was illegal, but we didnt actually make it happen for years. Advertisement Advertisement Yeah. In a way its a metaphor, because the declaration of progress happens long before actual progress is achieved. Advertisement Advertisement And awareness around Juneteenth has tended to expand with the growth of major Black liberation movements in the United StatesReconstruction, the civil rights era. If you look at it that way, its not surprising that theres been a resurgence of the effort to recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday, because were going through one of those moments now where there is a lot of political momentum for efforts to dismantle systemic discrimination. At least for the moment. The history of these things is that these moments only last for so long. And particularly when efforts to remedy discrimination start to touch material concerns, you tend to see that tide of public support recede, particularly from white Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Martin Luther King starts pivoting towards concerns that are not just about political rights but about economic concerns, you can see that resistance start to grow. Theres a lot of resistance to the Fair Housing Act and to the integration of neighborhoods as well as a great deal of resistance to the integration of schools. When civil rights movements shift from political rights to more material concerns about wealth and disparities and stuff like that, you can see a lot of resistance from people who were previously sympathetic. And I think thats probably going to happen here, if history is any guide. Its one thing to say the police shouldnt kill people, they shouldnt discriminate. For people who are very conservative on issues of race, that seems like a very reasonable demand. But when you start talking about redistribution of wealth, people tend to start becoming a lot more skeptical, because they feel like theyre going to have things that belong to them taken from them. Advertisement This year, with so many more people committing to celebrating Juneteenth, Im struck by how different people have said different things about what the holiday is for. Some have said its for volunteering and learning about racism, and other people have said its more about being with family. I wonder how you think the holiday should be observed. Advertisement Advertisement I feel like there is an impulse to want to be solemn about it, but thats not the way that Ive experienced it for most of my life. I think its important that people remember why it exists, certainly. But Im not against people celebrating it the way we celebrate something like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, where the historical significance of the holiday is understood by the people who are celebrating it but people are also having a very good time. Advertisement I wonder if you worry at all about whether widespread acceptance of Juneteenth might dilute its meaning. Im not worried about it. As long as people remember what its for, I dont have a concern. I mean, even Memorial Day was initially a Black American celebration at the end of the Civil War. As long as people have a sense of historical memory for what Juneteenth is, why its being celebrated, why emancipation came to Texas so late, and what that means for racial progress in the country, I dont really have a problem with it. Subscribe to the Slatest Newsletter A daily email update of the stories you need to read right now. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. Most states already acknowledge Juneteenth. But this year you have Virginia declaring its intent to make it a holiday, and all of these companies saying that they will acknowledge this day, from J.C. Penney to Twitter to Spotify to my company, Slate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of upside to recognizing Juneteenth for companies, and not a lot of downside. The upside is that you get to say, Were recognizing this celebration of emancipation as an important thing. If youre a corporation, you get to sell people Juneteenth swag of some kind. You get to sell beer for Juneteenth. You get to sell hot dogs for Juneteenth. You get to sell Juneteenth T-shirts, whatever. But you also dont give up very much. Its not like youre sacrificing a lot by recognizing this thing as a holiday, and you may get a lot of gain out of it in the sense that people will see you as someone who is politically and culturally welcoming in a way that may get you more customers. So on the one hand, its a nice symbolic progress. But on the other hand, it doesnt require a lot of sacrifice, and theres a lot of gain to be had from doing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were still in a capitalist society. I dont think corporations, from supermarkets to clothing stores to anything else, are going to be that upset if theres another July Fourth in June. Advertisement Right. One more reason to barbecue. One more reason to come buy fireworks. Exactly. This low-cost way for a company to acknowledge the momentyou see that in some of the movement around Juneteenth. A couple of places that have decided to celebrate the holiday have had little scandals of their ownthe NFL, the New York Times. And I wonder if you worry that for some of these companies, declaring a holiday is where the work begins and ends. Well, I think it would be very hard to find a corporation in the United States that hasnt had to deal with some kind of racial controversy at one point or another. I think the important thing is to remember that observing Juneteenth is not a way to, as President Barack Obama once put it, purchase racial reconciliation on the cheap. Its not a way to inoculate yourself against charges of racism or abandon whatever commitment you might have to treating your employees equally and with respect. And people shouldnt see it that way. But to the extent that the holiday increases the recognition of the significance of slavery and emancipation in American history, then I think that its probably a good thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few weeks back, Alexis Ohanianone of the founders of Reddit, whos also the husband of Serena Williamsdecided to step down from the board of his company and encourage the board to select a Black person to replace him. I was thinking about that in the context of all this. I was like, wow, thats a pretty powerful action. If a company really wants to respond to the moment, is there something it should be doing? Advertisement If youre recognizing Juneteenth but youre not involving Black people in your company, by hiring them or by putting them in leadership positions or paying them a fair salary, then your commitment to racial justice is obviously bullshit. And to the extent that you have Black employees at your company who see themselves being mistreated or not being considered for leadership positions or being paid less than everybody else, those employees are going to recognize that for what it is and not as a genuine commitment to any sort of racial justice or equality. It sounds like youre saying this is shorthand, but it remains to be seen if this shorthand is meaningful. I think that its meaningful in a symbolic way. Its both easy to understate the importance of symbolism and to overstate it, in the sense that this does not remove any of the ongoing institutional barriers to racial equality in the United States but it is a nice sort of cultural thing to acknowledge the extent of the Black contribution to American history and how much of that contribution has come with tremendous suffering. Listen to the full episode using the player below, or subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-20 06:50:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A student (R) attends a test on oral Chinese in the graduation test in Hradec Kralove, the Czech Republic, June 19, 2020. Two fourth-grade students in a Czech high school became the first in their country on Friday by taking a test in Chinese for their graduation exams. TO GO WITH "Feature: For first time, Czech students take test in Chinese for graduation exam" (Photo by Dana Kesnerova/Xinhua) PRAGUE, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Nikol Kremenakova and her classmate Laura Mecavova, both fourth-grade students in a Czech high school, became the first in their country on Friday by taking a test in Chinese for their graduation exams. Both students have been studying at the First Private Language High School (1SJG) in Hradec Kralove, a small city in eastern Czech Republic. Kremenakova and Mecavova have chosen Chinese as their graduation exam subject, which meant Chinese was included in the Czech high school graduation system for the first time. Friday's Chinese speaking test is divided into two parts -- impromptu introduction and picture description. Nicole has to draw from 25 topics to give an oral introduction, and describe the selected pictures in Chinese. Nikol's first topic was "Your Future". In her introduction, she talked about her plan for the future in Chinese, not so fluent, but understandable. She talked about keeping dogs, eating healthy, and maybe going to China to further her studies. "I went to Shanghai last year, it's beautiful. I fell in love with it immediately," she said, adding that she has already planned to apply for the Chinese major at the famed Palacky University. When talking about the picture of two people dancing, Nikol gave the male character in the picture a Chinese name "Ma Ming" and the female character a Czech name "Anna". "They are dancing happily," she said in Chinese. "There's a lot to improve for her," said Liu Wei, her Chinese teacher who is on the panel of judges. "But she did pretty well today, excellent I should say. I hope she could have the opportunity to continue learning Chinese." At the end of the test, the panel gave an "excellent" score both for her and her classmate. For the first time in the Czech Republic, there were two students who graduated with Chinese as a foreign language. Since 2016, the Chinese course has been listed as a compulsory subject for a second foreign language for some students at the First Private Language High School. Before that, the Chinese course had been listed as a course of interest for seven years. "I want to provide my students more possibilities for their future," said Ladislav Bartuska, headmaster of the school, explaining why he applied to the Czech Ministry of Education for listing Chinese as a compulsory course in his school five years ago. "China is a big country which enjoys rapid economic development. I think it's normal the language would be spoken more. You might not see Chinese being spoken in a small town like Hradec Kralove in everyday life, but I'm sure learning Chinese will give these students a more competitive edge in the future as economic and trade relations with China grow," Bartuska added. Enditem Supreme Court of India The Madhya Pradesh government has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the Madras High Court's ruling in the matter of not getting GI (geographical indication) tag to the state's Basmati rice- growing regions, state minister Kamal Patel said on Friday. Earlier this year, the state government and a Basmati growers association lost two separate cases in the Madras high court filed in 2016, challenging the exclusion of 13 districts of the state from a map submitted by the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) for GI tags. "We are traditional growers of high-quality basmati rice. However, our farmers have not been getting the right price for the produce because of the lack of GI (geographical indication) tag," the state agriculture minister said. Earlier, the Congress government did not take the matter seriously, which is why the court ruled against the interest of the state's farmers, he alleged. After reviewing the situation, the matter has been filed in Supreme Court on May 28 and the hearing will begin soon, Patel said, adding that the government will take all possible measures to protect the interest of farmers. The matter dates back to 2008 when the APEDA filed an application before the Chennai-based assistant registrar of GI seeking GI-Tag for the basmati rice. In 2010, the state government had opposed the APEDA's application on the ground that it had excluded 13 basmati- producing districts, following which the authority directed APEDA to again file its application along with a map clearly showing areas where the rice is actually cultivated. However, the APEDA moved to Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) against the authority and since then the litigation in the matter is on. The journey of Artemis Fowl from young adult novel series to major motion picture took about 20 years and entailed many starts and stops and bumps in the road, but a big-budget, Kenneth Branagh-directed adaptation was finally set to open on May 29 and then, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the theatrical debut was scuttled in favor of a June 12 release on Disney+. And though it would have been lovely to take in the lavish set pieces and the cool CGI creations and the whiz-bang action sequences on the big screen, Artemis Fowl still plays well as a warm, funny and entertaining at-home family viewing experience. Recognizing how cumbersome it would be to incorporate elements from all eight of the original Artemis Fowl books, director Branagh wisely opted for an origins story, based largely on the first of Irish author Eoin Colfers novels, with the film clocking in at a brisk 95 minutes. Thanks to the gorgeous and lush cinematography (Fowl was shot at Longcross Studios in England, in northern England, Ireland and Ho Chi Minh City) and the screenplay by the Irish playwright Conor McPherson and the British comedy writer Hamish McColl, the film adaptation does a marvelous job of capturing the decidedly Irish tone of the adventure. (Even the name Artemis Fowl is perfectly suited for an Irish accent. Go ahead, put on your best Irish tone and say it: Artemis Fowl. See what I mean?) Artemis Fowl starts with a media frenzy outside Fowl Manor in Ireland home to generations of antique collectors/adventurers. The famous Artemis Fowl I (Colin Farrell) is suspected of stealing some of the worlds most priceless artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and the Book of Kells, but thats fake news. As Artemis has long told his 12-year-old son, Artemis Fowl II (Ferdia Shaw), theres a larger purpose to the long and mysterious journeys hes been taking. Ever since young Artemis was a toddler, his father has been telling him elaborate stories about an underground world beneath the surface of the Earth a world populated by fairies, trolls and goblins. Of course, the stories are just that bedtime fables. Or are they? Josh Gad is a scene-stealing delight as one Mulch Diggums, an oversized dwarf and career thief who is hauled into a special MI6 interrogation unit and offered a deal if hell tell what he knows about the whereabouts of one Artemis Fowl. This plot device sets up Mulch as the narrator for our story, as he begins to spin the wondrous and quite unbelievable story of young Artemis Fowl, a most different kind of boy genius. When he was 7, says Mulch, he beat [a European chess champion] in five moves. When he was 9, he won the architectural competition to design the Dublin Opera House. When he was 10, he cloned a goat and named it Bruce. Weird choice, but hes an unusual kid. When Dad disappears, the authorities assume hes on the lam and is guilty of the thefts, but hes actually been kidnapped by a rogue rebel fairy and is being held underground for ransom. Just like that, young Artemis Fowl springs into action, and with the help of the familys loyal and quite lethal butler (Nonso Anozie, doing wonderful work), whose last name is actually Butler, but he hates it when you call him a butler, Artemis is soon infiltrating the world of the fairies, and vice versa. Dame Judi Dench, clad in emerald green armor and sporting elfin ears and yet still looking infinitely less silly than she did in Cats, has a grand time playing the crusty Cmdr. Julius Root, who is over 800 years old but still in charge of the Lower Elements Police. (When Root and her troops arrive in Ireland to rescue a fairy who has been trapped in the human world, her first words are, yep, Top o the morning.) Lara McDonnell is a winning presence as Holly Short, a resourceful LEP fairy cadet who strikes up an unlikely alliance with young Artemis, as they band together to save both of their worlds. Much of the humor in Artemis Fowl centers on the catastrophic possibility of people learning the underground world exists. (As Mulch puts it: Most human beings are afraid of gluten. How do you think theyd handle goblins?) And theres some Men in Black-style humor, such as when fairies are seen by humans, they erase their memories with a mind swipe, not to mention a passing reference that David Bowie was in fact a magical fairy living aboveground. The plot about the battle to obtain possession of the obligatory glowing knickknack that is the source of life for the fairy world but could destroy the world in the wrong hands is ho-hum and familiar, and really just an excuse for us to meet this wonderful and diverse collection of characters, and for Branagh to stage some gigantic action sequences, most notably a well-executed but overlong battle featuring a gigantic troll who has invaded Fowl Manor. I actually prefer Artemis Fowl in the quieter moments, whether young Artemis is learning the truth about his father, parrying with the butler who doesnt like to be called a butler, or bonding with the winged and determined Holly Short, who looks to become his best friend for life. Artemis Fowl 3 stars RATED: PG (for fantasy action/peril and some rude humor) WHEN: Now streaming WHERE: Disney+ An Irishman has been arrested in Amsterdam after drugs worth more than 1m were seized today. The garda operation - carried out with Dutch police - targeted an organised crime group involving a number of Irish nationals suspected of trafficking cocaine from the Netherlands to Ireland, with 16 kilograms of cocaine worth 1.12m seized. London, June 19 : UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macronhave said that the "alliance" between their two nations will be "crucial in overcoming the coronavirus pandemic". Macron on Thursday arrived in the UK for the commemoration of a crucial message in French history: the "Appel" radio broadcast sent in 1940 by General Charles de Gaulle over the BBC for France to resist the Nazi occupation of Europe, reports Efe news. In addition to recalling that historic moment during a meeting at Johnson's official residence at 10 Downing Street, the two men reviewed issues of common interest, including the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The two leaders agreed that "the partnership" between France and the UK "will be crucial in overcoming the coronavirus pandemic and ensuring the global recovery is green and sustainable", an official spokesman confirmed regarding the meeting. They also discussed the negotiations currently under way between the UK and the European Union to define their future trade relationship after Brexit, Britain's controversial withdrawal from the European Union (EU). On that subject, Johnson "welcomed the agreement to intensify talks in July and underlined that the UK does not believe it makes sense for there to be prolonged negotiations into the autumn", the Prime Minister said in his statement after meeting with Macron. The French leader, meanwhile, told Johnson that he still supports striking a deal on Brexi. The two leaders also recalled the sacrifice made by British and French civilians and troops in the Second World War as well as the ongoing strength of the French-British relationship, which was ostensibly the reason for Macron's visit to London during which he was exempt from the otherwise mandatory 14-day quarantine the UK is imposing on all international visitors to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. At 10 Downing Street, the two leaders viewed artifacts and documents from the World War Two era during which De Gaulle was in London and discussed his relationship with Britain's then-prime minister, Winston Churchill. Johnson presented Macron with a "collage" featuring a telegram sent by De Gaulle to Churchill on Victory in Europe Day, when the Allies accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, according to a spokesman. That message included the response of the British leader as well as a photograph of the two men in Paris taken shortly after the Liberation. Johnson also presented to Macron a miniature replica of the Land Rover Defender to accompany the model of De Gaulle's car, a Simca Chambord, that adorns Macron's office. As part of the official agenda for Macron's visit, the French leader was also received by Crown Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla Parker-Bowles, the Duchess of Cornwall, at Clarence House, from where they travelled to view the statues of King George VI and his wife Elizabeth, the parents of Queen Elizabeth II, and the statue of De Gaulle. In an emotional speech, Macron thanked the UK for its support during the war against the Nazis and said that 80 years ago, on June 18, 1940, the UK gave France its first weapon in that fight, the microphone of the BBC to send the important "Appel" message to his countrymen on the continent after the Nazi occupation of France in early 1940. An internal review of the election debacle suffered by Labour in the December 2019 election suggests that more members of the 1.5 million-strong Indian community in the UK voted against it, reinforcing pro-Conservative trends in recent elections. The review into Labours worst election result since 1935 blames several factors for the defeat, including lack of clarity on its Brexit position, a toxic culture of conflict within the party, and negative perceptions of the former leader, Jeremy Corbyn. Once a natural party of preference of the Indian community due to its largely pro-immigration policies, Labour has been haemorrhaging support since the early 2000s to the Conservatives, particularly from the young, aspirational second and third generations. The review says that Labour retained a strong advantage among Black and Minority Ethnic voters, winning 64 per cent of BME voters against the Conservatives 20 per cent, adding that it retained a comparatively high proportion (over 80 per cent) of Labour 2017 election voters identifying as Arab, white and black Caribbean, Bangladeshi and Pakistani, compared to 73 per cent of voters identifying as White British. On Indian community voters, it says: Retention rates among voters who identified as Indian were even lower, however, at 68 per cent likely reflecting the growing support for the Conservatives among voters identifying as Hindu. Hindu voters who had supported Labour in 2017 were 42 per cent likely to withdraw their support in 2019 compared to Muslim voters who were 80 per cent likely to stick with Labour, it adds. The 2019 election was clouded by resentment in the Indian community about the partys stand on Jammu and Kashmir and claims that some of its MPs and members joined or supported large demonstrations outside India House that turned violent on August 15 and September 3. The developments not only angered large sections of the community, but also led to a diplomatic row with New Delhi, which rejected a resolution on Jammu and Kashmir adopted at the partys annual conference before the election. The review says: Labour has a mountain to climb to get back into power in the next five years. This report lays out in stark detail the scale of that task. Unless as a party and a movement we face up to that we will not win. In the words of our candidates and activists, the strategy was inadequate, the organisation was muddled and the execution was poor.It would be a mistake to believe that a different leader, with Brexit no longer the defining issue, would in itself be sufficient to change Labours electoral fortunes. Ed Miliband, former party leader, was one of the key party MPs involved in the review. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ARCHIVED - Spain for Sure hopes to bring foreign tourist revenue back to Spain Unfortunately not a lot is sure here at the moment and the campaign runs the risk of falling foul of sharp witted social media users On Thursday two major presentations took place which were designed to relaunch the Spanish tourism sector just three days before the county opens its borders for foreign tourism, but although a significant amount of money has been pledged by the Spanish Government (the Tourism Sector Promotion Plan, allocates 4,262 million euros to refloat the sector, although much of it focused on loaning money to business in the sector at advantageous rates), and the big guns were brought in to launch the campaign with the King of Spain spearheading the presentation in the prestigious Prado Museum in Madrid, the campaign runs the risk of missing the mark by more than a small margin. Unfortunately Spain for Sure( ("Espana, seguro que si") is yet another example of an idea that may be a clever play on words in its Spanish original format, but doesnt translate particularly well and given the importance of the campaign, its a great shame that somebody in tourism didnt run it past a couple of native speakers beforehand to make sure that the message would have the desired effect in English, certainly given the size of the stake for which Spain is currently playing. Tourism accounted for 12.3% of Spanish GDP last year, attracting 83.9 million foreign tourists, 29% of which came to Spain during the summer months alone. The UK is the largest market for Spanish tourism and last year sent 18 million tourists to Spain, so its obviously important that the right message goes out to potential visitors. In spite of the rhetoric however, the wrong message is going out right at this moment as the potential millions of British tourists who could be coming to Spain this summer and spending more than 1,000 euros each in mainly Spanish businesses, still dont know if they will have to face a 14 day quarantine when they A, reach Spain and B, return to the UK. After weeks of dithering and conflicting messages about whether the UK had too high a rate of Covid-19 cases to be included in a potential list of countries to be welcomed in Spain once borders re-opened, the message came out from the Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez on Sunday that foreign tourists from the EU and Schengen zones would be welcomed when the borders came down on the 21st June, and although the message was initially received in the UK with uncertainty due to the slightly confused situation of the UK regarding Brexit, it was confirmed within hours that yes, this did include the UK. By Monday this had all changed, and we were informed that Spain was considering the imposition of a 14 day quarantine on all arrivals from the UK as a reciprocal gesture for the quarantine imposed by the UK Government on arrivals from Spain. All week no confirmation has been given as to whether there will be a quarantine or not (the British Government is not due to review this question itself for another week although discussions are reported to be taking place between the two parties), and confused potential holidaymakers still dont know whether this will be a problem in July or not even should the airline they have booked their flights with, actually decide to go ahead with the flight. All week social media has yet again been swamped with frustrated would-be travellers not sure about re-booking yet another flight following a succession of cancellations. Can we be sure the flight will go ahead they ask.Sorry, were really not sure we have to reply if were to give them an honest response. Is Spain safe they askagain were really not sure, because the Spanish government itself isnt sure about its own Covid figures; for the last two weeks we have faced the incomprehensible situation that in spite of modern technology and huge resources, the Spanish Ministry of Health has been unable to even issue a set of accurate data giving residents and potential visitors an accurate picture of the current Covid situation. Yes, they are now producing a data mountain on a daily basis, which is almost at the point of being data overload, so detailed is the information presented, but which lacks the most fundamental elements required to assess the risk of coming here; basic veracity! The one thing we can be sure of is that travellers can be sure of the one thing that Spain does better than any other country in the world and has created a bureaucratic mountain of regulations and guidelines in exhaustive detail, so every hotel is in no doubt of the exact thickness of screen which must be installed between staff and customers, staff have an endless list of protocols to follow, public employees are suitably uniformed-up and brandishing abundant clutches of leaflets which explain the protocols in acute detail, signs have been installed, ticker-tape purchased in monumental quantities ready to parcel up beaches into 2 square metres sections, drones purchased and branded up ready to fly over beaches and ensure social distancing is being observed.Spain is safer than anywhere else in the world if you want to follow safety guidelines.. But is it all too late? How many holidaymakers have already booked up for Greece, Portugal and Italy which have made up their minds and decided how they will re-open for business.Spain still isnt sure whether British travellers are even welcome here.hopefully a decision might be announced today BEFORE Spain opens its doors for travellers next week!!!! Images: Show the King of Spain presenting the campaign and those attending the presentation, suitably observing social distancing The death has occurred of Anne Earls (nee Moran) Marina Court, Carlow Road, Athy, Kildare / Kilcock, Kildare Formerly of The Fair Green, Kilcock. Peacefully in her 92nd year at Cloverlodge Nursing Home, Athy. Anne, beloved wife of the late James and sister of the late Thomas (Benny). Loving mother of Anne, sadly missed by her son-in-law Shane, grandchildren Denise, Tracy, Barry & Sean, great-grandchildren, extened family, friends and neighbours. May She Rest In Peace. With regret a private Funeral will take place due to government advice regarding public gatherings. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to current restrictions cannot, please leave a personal message for Anne's family in the Condolences section below. The death has occurred of Thomas CARROLL Bremore Court, Balbriggan, Dublin / Naas, Kildare The death has occurred of Thomas Carroll (ex Roadstone) late of Bremore Court, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin and formerly Eadestown, Nass, Co. Kildare. (Peacefully) after a long illness bravely borne with great dignity in the wonderful care of the nurses and staff of Gormanston Woods Nursing Home. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Julia, step-daughters Mary Dunne and Theresa Carvin, step-sons Pat & Aidan Kinsella, sister Mary, extended family, nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends. Reposing in McNally's Funeral Home, Balbriggan on Friday evening from 6 - 8pm (Subject to strict social distancing). In accordance with current HSE guildelines on funeral gatherings a private Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday in S.S. Peter and Paul's Church, Balbriggan at 10 o'clock. Followed by private burial in St Corban's Cemetery, Nass. Funeral Mass can be viewed on the following link https://www.balbrigganparish.com/web-camera You can leave a message of condolence for the family by clicking on the condolence button on the bottom of this page. The death has occurred of Martin HEALY Brownstown, The Curragh, Kildare HEALY Martin (Brownstown, The Curragh, Co. Kildare) - 17th June 2020 (peacefully) at home. Predeceased by his wife & son Patrick. Sadly missed by his daughter Marie, brothers, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, relatives and friends. May Martin Rest In Peace Due to government advice on public gatherings a private family funeral will take place on Saturday at 11am in St. Brigids Church, Suncroft with burial afterwards in Holy Cross Cemetery. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to current restrictions cannot, can leave a personal message for the family on the condolence page below. The family thank you for your co-operation, understanding and support during this sensitive time. The death has occurred of Mary OBRIEN (nee Barry) Moorefield Drive, Newbridge, Kildare O'BRIEN (nee Barry) Mary (Moorefield Drive & formerly of Pairc Mhuire, Newbridge, Co. Kildare) - 17th June 2020 (peacefully) surrounded by her loving family and in the wonderful care of the nurses and staff of Naas Hospital. Mary; sadly missed by her loving husband Pat (Paddy), sons Stephen and Karl, daughters-in-law Fiona and Ann-Marie, brothers John, Stephen and Peter, sisters Ann and Bridget, grandchildren Saoirse, Ava and Liam, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. May Mary Rest in Peace A private family funeral will take place on in St. Conleth's Church, Newbridge, on Saturday. Mass will be live-streamed on the Newbridge Parish Website at 11am. Burial afterwards in St Conleth's Cemetery, Newbridge. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to the Friends of Naas General Hospital. Donations box in the Church. The family thank you for your co-operation, understanding and support during this sensitive time. The death has occurred of Edward (Ted) Tracey Laurence Avenue, Maynooth, Kildare / Kilcloon, Meath Tracey Edward (Ted), Laurence Avenue, Maynooth, Co. Kildare and late of Kilcloon, Co. Meath, June 18th 2020, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his wife Bridie. Sadly missed by his loving children Eddie and Debbie, grandchildren Chloe, Amy and Emma, Debbie's partner Dave, Eddie's partner Ann-Marie, brothers Paddy and Billy, sisters Kate, Mena and Anne, brothers-in-law Jay and Willie, sister-in-law Dolores, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many good friends. Rest In Peace In accordance with government directives and in the interest of public health, a private family funeral will take place for Ted. Those would like to attend the funeral, but cannot due to the current restrictions on public gatherings are invited to leave a personal message for the family below. Ted's funeral mass can be viewed on Saturday morning at 11am by clicking on the following link http://www.maynoothparish.org/live-streaming/. Family flowers only please, donations can be made to the Irish Cancer Society by clicking on the following link https://www.cancer.ie/ways-to-help/donate/donate Ted's family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Cowhey, nurses and carers for looking after Ted so well during his illness. OFFICERS at Her Majestys Prison in Grand Turk can now use Tasers, pepper spray and mace in the course of their duty, following approval in Cabinet last week. Members gave the thumbs up to new regulations on June 11 under the Prison and Firearms Ordinances which will allow trained guards to use the criminal and crowd control tools. The news comes just weeks after an inmate wielding a plank of wood knocked a prison officer unconscious in an incident that was filmed and circulated widely on social media. The introduction of the self-defence kit is just one of a string of measures the Government has announced to protect prison staff. According to a post-Cabinet statement, the regulations also allow police officers to wield the tools. However, police press officer Takara Bain told the Weekly News this week that officers in the Royal TCI Police Force have been using Tasers, pepper spray and mace for several years. Both Prison Superintendent Grahame Hawkins and Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting have said they will be releasing a response on the Cabinet move in the coming week. Tasers A Taser is a brand of hand-held weapon that uses electrical current to disrupt voluntary control of muscles. Once triggered, small compressed nitrogen charges fire two small dart-like electrodes, which stay connected to the main unit by conductive wires. Someone struck by a Taser will experience stimulation of their sensory and motor nerves, forcing them to convulse and fall to the ground for a pre-programmed period of time. In the summer of 2018, private crime action group National Crime Prevention (NCP) - directed by four private sector individuals - donated Tasers to the Royal TCI Police Force. One of the debilitating electroshock weapons was quickly put to use during the arrest of a rape accused man who attempted to flee from officers in Providenciales. In November that year, following a partnership with the Miami Beach Police Force, officers were given extensive training on the use of the tools. In the United Kingdom, Tasers were introduced in the UK for firearms officers in 2003, and in 2007 they were extended to non-firearms officers known as Specially Trained Officers. In England and Wales, there are currently around 17,000 Taser-trained police out of 123,000 officers. Meanwhile Tasers are considered to be "prohibited weapons under the Firearms Act 1968 and possession by members of the public is an offence. The maximum sentence for possession is 10 years in prison and an unlimited fine. In the US, Taser devices are not considered firearms by the government and can be legally carried by members of the public without a permit in 43 states. Since it was developed by NASA researcher Jack Cover in 1974, Taser use has become a controversial topic after it is alleged to have resulted in serious injuries and deaths. Reuters news agency has documented at least 1,000 US deaths following use of Tasers, almost all since the weapons began coming into widespread use in the early 2000s. And while they are far less lethal than many other weapons, the United Nations is concerned that use of Tasers may amount to torture. Pepper spray and mace Pepper spray, also known as capsaicin spray or capsicum spray, is a lachrymatory agent used in policing, riot control, crowd control and self-defence. It contains a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause a burning sensation, pain, and temporary blindness. Mace is the brand name of an early type of aerosol spray invented in the 1960s and used as a deterrent and incapacitant when sprayed in the face. Phenacyl chloride tear gas is dissolved in hydrocarbon solvents and packaged into a small aerosol spray can. The use of pepper spray in the TCI has been reported on a few occasions during criminal activity, but no use of mace has been documented. In 2008, the owner of a security company in charge of illegal migrants at the Detention Centre in South Dock was charged with dousing detainees with pepper spray. Then in 2010, three bandits tied up their robbery victims in Grand Turk and sprayed them with what was described as pepper spray as they made their escape. And in 2018, a video was filmed of a police officer blasting pepper spray into the face of a Five Cays man who said he was defending a female resident against "excessive police force. In the UK, police officers on duty are allowed to use incapacitant sprays when faced with violence or the threat of violence. However, the ownership, carry and use by common citizens of pepper spray is banned under Section 5(1)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968. In the US, pepper spray can be legally purchased and carried in all 50 states. It is often used by police officers for crowd control, as controversially demonstrated during recent Black Lives Matter protests. TROY In a stunning development as restaurants emerge from the coronavirus-related shutdown, the main building of Clark House Hospitality, a company at the center of the Collar City's dining renaissance over the past eight years, was deemed unsafe by city code and fire officials and ordered closed Thursday. It was the first night for inside table service at two of the restaurants in the downtown building, Donna's Italian and Little Pecks, since the state ordered dining rooms and bars closed in mid-March. "Somehow they have come to the absurd conclusion that we have created a fire hazard with this building," said Clark House owner Vic Christopher. He said the building has been open for business, with all the necessary city permits, since fall 2013, when he opened a market called The Grocery there, and in its current form, with restaurants, retail and an upstairs bar, since January 2015. "The city acted precipitously. There was no reason for it," said veteran Troy attorney E. Stewart Jones Jr., who is advising Christopher on the matter. "The city has a way of making things far worse than they have to be and getting in the way of progress," said Jones. "This is nuts." The closure order affixed to the door of Clark House, at 207-217 Broadway, cites a section of city code titled "Unsafe buildings." The subsection listed on the order includes a variety of conditions that would justify official shuttering, among them being "structurally unsafe, unsanitary, or not provided with adequate egress, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life, or which in relation to existing use constitute a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence or abandonment." Christopher, who has been renovating the upper floors of Clark House during the coronavirus-related shutdown, said he invited city code and fire officials to tour the building with him and the structural engineer Christopher hired to work on Clark House. A previous fire chief had been in the building and patronized its businesses, Christopher said, but Fire Chief Eric McMahon, sworn in to the top post last year, has not. Christopher said McMahon expressed surprise and dismay at some elements of the building during the Wednesday tour, including an unfinished staircase the starts on the ground floor and lack of fire-suppression sprinklers on the third and fourth floors, which are not presently in use. But, Christopher said, "We came to an agreement, a compromise. I thought we had an understanding about what they wanted to be done." Instead, Christopher was notified by phone Thursday afternoon, and the closure order was put up on the building around 5 p.m. Thursday. A statement emailed from Troy Mayor Patrick Madden's office Thursday night referenced the tour and said, "City staff witnessed a number of significant deficiencies, and the buildings were ordered closed." The statement further said Christopher had failed to provide engineering and architectural documentation related to renovations and thus no permit has been issued for the work. Christopher denied that he lacked the necessary permits. "It doesn't make any sense. This has to be politically motivated," he said. Jones echoed the sentiment, saying, "The city action is so disproportionate to the offense and so inconsiderate of reality of the situation and what's happening right now that there has to be more behind it. ... Obviously, these are political acts." Nominate your favorite people and places now Its the 25th anniversary of our Best of the Capital Region readers survey. Nominate your favorite people, places and businesses between Jan. 21 and Feb. 4. Christopher vowed to file for an emergency injunction to allow Clark House's businesses to be open while he addressed the city's concerns. Jones, who cautioned that legal remedies are expensive and lengthy, said, "The city and Vic should work this thing out, and quickly." Jones added, "Vic has been a life force for downtown. He's been a creative, entrepreneurial genius who brought a lot of new vitality and youthful energy with his restaurants. With somebody like that, you go to him and tell him what you think the problems are, and you figure out a way to get them fixed. There was no reason for (the city) to act so expansively." The statement from the mayor's office said, "The city is responsible for protecting the safety of customers, employees and adjacent properties, and (is) prepared to work with the property owner to resolve outstanding issues. Clark House, a 12,000-square-foot, four-story brick building dating to the 1870s, was a former department store and hotel. It had long been vacant before being bought and renovated starting in 2013 by Christopher and this then-wife and business partner, Heather LaVine. A few months earlier they had opened a wine bar called Lucas C0nfectionery in another historic building they had purchased and renovated, at 12 Second St. A contemporary restaurant called Peck's Arcade, named after the 19th-century department store, opened in Clark House in 2015, and the contiguous spaces continued to evolve. Thursday was the official opening of Donna's Italian, a previous Christopher concept that he brought back to replace Peck's Arcade. Little Pecks served throughout the pandemic shutdown, and part of its space became a market and revival of The Grocery name. In preparation for the reopening, Christopher put seven furloughed employees back on the payroll, bringing the staff to 21, and restocked food and alcohol to serve outdoor and dining-room customers at Donna's Italian, Little Peck's and Lucas Confectionery. He said the city's order precludes him and his team from using any part of Clark House, where the kitchen that supplied the wine bar is located. Since the Lucas Confectionery building was unaffected by the city's closure order, Christopher said, the team hoped to devise a plan to allow them to serve customers on Friday or over the weekend from the wine bar. Electricity for All June 18, 2020 Organizations like the World Bank imply that equality is an important aspect of their goals for expanding electricity access in developing countries. Yet few studies have actually addressed how to ensure equality in developing areas like sub-Saharan Africa, and many have even used methods that further inequality. Destenie Nock, assistant professor of engineering and public policy in CMU's College of Engineering has led the first study to "explicitly integrate a stakeholder's preference towards equality into an electricity planning problem." Most research to date has taken a least-cost perspective when considering economic criteria, meaning they estimate future electricity demand and attempt to minimize the cost necessary to meet it. Since it is difficult to project the future electricity demands of those who currently have little or none, this estimation disproportionately favors urban areas which creates the appearance of higher demand, which further perpetuates a cycle of unequal investment. Nock chose instead to use an opportunity-focused model that recognizes that people's demand for electricity often rises as supply grows and new opportunities emerge. This model also accounts for load shedding, often in the form of planned blackouts, that often occurs in developing countries. "I am interested in incorporating more voices and objectives into electricity planning," said Nock. "Traditional models are focused on developing low cost systems, which is very important, but there are many more objectives like equity, climate mitigation and justice that should be incorporated into energy systems planning." Nock and her co-authors noted that the most effective technology for supplying a region differs, depending on its current energy infrastructure. Though connection to a centralized electrical grid is often preferred, research shows that decentralized systems are more economically viable in regions without existing power system infrastructure. Nock's team created a methodology for finding the optimal expansion of a power system that maximizes social benefit within a constrained budget. They chose the West African country of Liberia as an example study. Years of civil war have caused extensive damage to the country's energy infrastructure, and the only major power generation facilities remaining after the conflict's end are centered around the urban capital of Monrovia. Their calculations emphasized providing the greatest number of individuals access to electricity under different budget constraints, rather than simply meeting an assumed demand at the least cost. While the latter might lead to higher overall consumption, they found that countries that place a higher emphasis on equality can see a 72-87 percent increase in energy accessibility, depending on their budget. Greater investment in transmission infrastructure leads to higher electrification rates overall. The researchers also found that while decentralized systems may be more economically viable in unsupplied regions, they can actually discourage equality, especially at low budgets due to scalability issues. They showed that investing in low-cost decentralized systems like solar discourages investment in transmission infrastructure, decreasing electricity access overall. The researchers created four different scenarios of how electrical power could be expanded in the country of Liberia based on various equality preferences. A high Gini index indicates greater inequality in the income of wealth distribution of a nations residents. Through their methodology, Nock and her team demonstrate that investment in an interconnected power system is key for equitable electrification planning in developing countries. Their opportunity-focused approach eliminates the urban bias of prior least-cost approaches and is widely applicable in countries with little to no electricity access like Malawi, Sierra Leone, Burundi and Burkina Faso, or in disaster-affected nations like Puerto Rico. Nock's broader research interests revolve around systems modeling, the food-energy nexus and energy justice. She plans to continue adding new measures to improve the model and include a larger scope of stakeholder preferences. "I am hoping to continue this research to incorporate other preferences and electricity planning goals, including CO2 emissions, and climate mitigation planning," said Nock. "There are many different preferences stakeholders have regarding electricity, equity, and sustainability goals, which I feel are not currently incorporated in energy optimization models." The Federal Council Bern, 19.06.2020 - During its meeting on 19 June 2020, the Federal Council agreed three financial contributions to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The contributions are aimed at safeguarding the IMF's regular resources, offering special support to poorer countries to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, and providing debt relief to Somalia. The IMF plays an important role in stabilising the international financial and monetary system, as well as in global crisis management. In order to safeguard the IMF's regular resources, the Federal Council has commissioned the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to renew the bilateral borrowing agreement with the IMF in the amount of CHF 8.5 billion, with effect from 1 January 2021. With the entry into force of the impending realignment of IMF resources, this borrowing agreement will be reduced to CHF 3.662 billion. The Confederation provides the SNB with a guarantee on the timely repayment of loans drawn by the IMF under the bilateral borrowing agreement. In addition, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on a guarantee commitment in the amount of CHF 800 million for an SNB loan to the IMF's Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT). The PRGT allows the IMF to grant concessional loans to low-income countries. These loans can help countries to tackle acute economic and financial problems. At the same time, they serve to strengthen the macroeconomic framework and, hence, to promote sustainable growth in these countries. With this contribution, the Federal Council is responding to an urgent appeal from the IMF to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, Switzerland will contribute a total of CHF 10 million to the IMF's debt relief for Somalia. This contribution is part of the broad-based, multilateral debt relief initiative launched in 1996 and supplemented in 2005, for which the country qualified in March 2020. Address for enquiries Frank Wettstein, Communications, State Secretariat for International Finance SIF Tel. + 41 58 462 38 56, frank.wettstein@sif.admin.ch Publisher The Federal Council https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html Federal Department of Finance https://www.efd.admin.ch/efd/en/home.html Mexicos oligarchs and establishment political parties have united in a secret alliance to try to remove left-wing President Lopez Obrador from power, with help from the media, Washington, and Wall Street. Leaked documents lay out their devious strategy. By Ben Norton Some of the most powerful forces in Mexico are uniting in a campaign to try to topple the countrys first left-wing president in decades, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. And they apparently have support in Washington and on Wall Street. Known popularly as AMLO, the Mexican leader is a progressive nationalist who campaigned on the promise to end the dark night of neoliberalism. He has since implemented a revolutionary vision he calls the Fourth Transformation, vowing to fight poverty, corruption, and drug violence and has increasingly butted heads with his nations wealthy elites. Lopez Obrador has also posed a challenge to the US foreign-policy consensus. His government provided refuge to Bolivias elected socialist President Evo Morales and to members of Evos political party who were exiled after a Trump administration-backed military coup. AMLO also held a historic meeting with Cubas President Miguel Diaz-Canel, and even stated Mexico would be willing to break the unilateral US blockade of Venezuela and sell the besieged Chavista government gasoline. These policies have earned AMLO the wrath of oligarchs both inside and outside of his country. On June 18, the US government ratcheted up its pressure on Mexico, targeting companies and individuals with sanctions for allegedly providing water to Venezuela, as part of an oil-for-food humanitarian agreement. The value of the Mexican peso immediately dropped by 2 percent following the Trump administrations imposition of sanctions. These opening salvos of Washingtons economic war on its southern neighbor came just days after Lopez Obrador delivered a bombshell press conference, in which he revealed that the political parties that had dominated Mexican politics for the decades before him have secretly unified in a plot to try to oust the president, years before his democratic mandate ends in 2024. The forces trying to remove AMLO from power include major media networks, massive corporations, sitting governors and mayors, former presidents, and influential business leaders. According to a leaked document, they call themselves the Broad Opposition Block (Bloque Opositor Amplio, or BOA). And they say they have lobbyists in Washington, financial investors on Wall Street, and major news publications and journalists from both domestic and foreign media outlets on their team. El pdte. @lopezobrador_ difundio un documento llegado a Palacio (cuyo origen y autenticidad desconocemos) que propone la conformacion de un bloque opositor para arrebatar la presidencia en el 2021, en el que participan partidos, empresarios, medios, intelectuales, periodistas. pic.twitter.com/zfXSlGdUYP Jesus Ramirez Cuevas (@JesusRCuevas) June 9, 2020 Broad Opposition Block BOA plot to demonize AMLO with media propaganda In a press conference on June 9, the Mexican government published a leaked strategy document purportedly drafted by the Broad Opposition Block, titled Lets Rescue Mexico (Rescatemos a Mexico). The AMLO administration said it did not know the origin of the leak. These pages consist of an executive summary of Project BOA, outlining what it calls a plan of action a blueprint of concrete steps the opposition alliance will take to unseat AMLO. The cover of the leaked document, the executive summary of the Project BOA plan, Lets Save Mexico " data-medium-file="https://i2.wp.com/thegrayzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BOA-Rescatemos-a-Mexico-executive-summary.png?fit=300%2C220&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i2.wp.com/thegrayzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BOA-Rescatemos-a-Mexico-executive-summary.png?fit=845%2C619&ssl=1" data-recalc-dims="1" /> One of the key points in the plan is the following: Lobbying by the BOA in Washington (White House and Capital Hill) to stress the damage that the government of the [Fourth Transformation] is doing to North American investors. The lobbying strategy depends heavily on turning the US against AMLO: More than comparing it with Venezuela, the document reads, BOA should highlight the very high mass migration of Mexicans toward the United States if the crisis of unemployment and insecurity gets worse. Then the BOA adds: Repeat this narrative in the US and European media. The section of the BOA plan on lobbying in Washington and using the media to push anti-AMLO messaging " data-medium-file="https://i2.wp.com/thegrayzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BOA-AMLO-Washington-lobbying-media.png?fit=300%2C167&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i2.wp.com/thegrayzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BOA-AMLO-Washington-lobbying-media.png?fit=845%2C470&ssl=1" data-recalc-dims="1" /> The leaked pages say that BOA has the international press (USA and Europe) on its side, along with foreign correspondents in Mexico. The document even names specific media outlets, along with individual journalists and social media influencers, who could help spread their anti-AMLO propaganda. On the list are some of the top news publications in Mexico: Nexos, Proceso, Reforma, El Universal, Milenio, El Financiero, and El Economista. The list of sympathetic anti-AMLO media outlets and journalists in the BOA document " data-medium-file="https://i2.wp.com/thegrayzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BOA-AMLO-Mexican-media-journalists.png?fit=300%2C146&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i2.wp.com/thegrayzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BOA-AMLO-Mexican-media-journalists.png?fit=845%2C412&ssl=1" data-recalc-dims="1" /> The plan of action makes it clear that this powerful opposition alliance seeks to use its extensive control over the media to obsessively blame AMLO for unemployment, poverty, insecurity, and corruption in Mexico. BOA even states unambiguously in its plan that it will use groups of social media networks, influencers, and analysts to insist on the destruction of the economy, of the democratic institutions, and the political authoritarianism of the government of the 4T (using an acronym for the Fourth Transformation process). This makes it especially ironic that the BOA document reluctantly acknowledges that the Lopez Obrador government has managed to mitigate the economic impact of the health crisis of coronavirus by giving large amounts of public money to the affected, through social programs. The leaked pages likewise admit that AMLO has an approval rating of more than 50 percent lower than his peak at 86 percent support in the beginning of 2019 or his 72 percent at the end of the year, but still impressive for a region where US-backed leaders like Chiles Sebastian Pinera or Colombias Ivan Duque have routinely enjoyed approval ratings of 6 percent and 24 percent, respectively. #ConferenciaPresidente. Presentan un documento confidencial de un presunto Bloque Opositor Amplio (BOA) para desplazar a Morena y al gobierno actual en las elecciones del 2021. pic.twitter.com/ffoGXoWuVH Jenaro Villamil (@jenarovillamil) June 9, 2020 Mexicos establishment political parties and former presidents unite to oust AMLO With backing from the US government and utter dominance of media narratives, the Broad Opposition Block plan is to unite all of Mexicos establishment political parties. Together, these parties could potentially run candidates under the BOA umbrella, according to the document. Their goal would be, in the 2021 legislative elections, to end the majority that AMLOs left-wing party Morena won in Mexicos Chamber of Deputies. After that, BOA states clearly that it plans to block reforms in the Mexican legislature, and ultimately impeach President Lopez Obrador by 2022 at least two years before his term ends. Quite revealing is that the Lets Rescue Mexico document does not mention anything about average working-class Mexicans and their participation in the political process. Nor does it acknowledge the existence of labor unions or grassroots activist organizations, which make up the base of AMLOs movement and his Morena party. This is not surprising, considering the BOA alliance lists some of the most powerful figures in the Mexican ruling class. All the major political parties are included: the right-wing National Action Party (Partido Accion Nacional, or PAN), the center-right Institutional Revolutionary Party (Partido Revolucionario Institucional, or PRI), the centrist Citizens Movement (Movimiento Ciudadano, or MC), and even AMLOs former Party of the Democratic Revolution (Partido de la Revolucion Democratica, or PRD). The list of political parties included in the BOA document " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/thegrayzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BOA-AMLO-political-parties.png?fit=300%2C124&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/thegrayzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BOA-AMLO-political-parties.png?fit=845%2C349&ssl=1" data-recalc-dims="1" /> BOA also includes the new political party Mexico Libre, a vehicle for former right-wing President Felipe Calderon, a major ally of George W. Bush who declared a catastrophic war on drugs in Mexico, leading to tens of thousands of deaths. Along with Calderon, BOA lists former President Vicente Fox, another right-wing US ally, as a coalition ally. Fox worked closely with the Bush administration during his term as president to isolate the leftist governments in Latin America, and even tried to undemocratically remove AMLO as mayor of Mexico City and ban him from running for president. BOA also says it has support from the governors of 14 states in Mexico, along with opposition lawmakers in both the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, judges from the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (TEPJF), and officials from the National Electoral Institute (INE). Wall Street investors and Mexican oligarchs back anti-AMLO alliance Joining the entire Mexican political establishment in the Broad Opposition Block is a powerful financial oligarchy, both domestic and foreign. Along with its anti-4T lobbyists in Washington, the leaked document says BOA has Wall Street investment funds behind it. BOA adds that it is supported by corporations linked to T-MEC, using the Spanish acronym for the new United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement free-trade deal, known popularly as NAFTA 2.0. The powerful business groups and corporations listed in the BOA document " data-medium-file="https://i1.wp.com/thegrayzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BOA-AMLO-Washington-Wall-Street-T-MEC-press.png?fit=300%2C84&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i1.wp.com/thegrayzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BOA-AMLO-Washington-Wall-Street-T-MEC-press.png?fit=845%2C235&ssl=1" data-recalc-dims="1" /> Some of the richest capitalists in Mexico are associated with BOA. Named in the leaked document is the Mexican corporate behemoth FEMSA and oligarchs from its associated Monterrey Group, which the New York Times once described as a a tightly knit family of wealthy and conservative businessmen. The BOA pages also point to Mexicos powerful Business Coordinating Council (Consejo Coordinador Empresarial) and Employers Confederation of the Mexican Republic (Coparmex) as allies. Opposition denies involvement in BOA, while turning up heat on AMLO In the days after Lopez Obradors press conference exposing the Broad Opposition Block, some of the prominent figures implicated in the alliance, such Felipe Calderon, denied involvement. Some of these political and economic elites even claimed BOA doesnt exist, seeking to cast doubt on the presidents scandalous revelation and accusing him of fabricating the scandal. But their efforts are clearly part of a larger campaign by Mexican opposition groups to remove President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador from power. As AMLOs Fourth Transformation moves forward, their destabilization tactics have grown increasingly extreme. Lopez Obrador himself has warned of the radicalization of the right-wing opposition. As The Grayzone previously reported, the president made an ominous reference to the threat of a potential coup in November 2019. Referencing Mexicos former President Francisco Madero, a leader of the Mexican Revolution and fellow left-winger who was assassinated in 1913, AMLO tweeted, How wrong the conservatives and their hawks are Now is different Another coup detat wont be allowed. Ahora es distinto. Aunque son otras realidades y no debe caerse en la simplicidad de las comparaciones, la transformacion que encabezo cuenta con el respaldo de una mayoria libre y consciente, justa y amante de la legalidad y de la paz, que no permitiria otro golpe de Estado. Andres Manuel (@lopezobrador_) November 2, 2019 The next part in this investigative series by The Grayzone will show how far-right forces in Mexico are pushing for a coup against AMLO. The top donor supporting President Donald Trump's reelection and GOP congressional lawmakers is a reclusive heir to the wealthy Mellon family fortune who used racial stereotypes to describe African Americans in a self-published autobiography. Timothy Mellon, the 77-year-old founder of a rail and freight company, who poured $30 million into three GOP super PACs in five months, wrote that black people were "even more belligerent" after the expansion of social programs in the 1960s and 1970s and that Americans who rely on government assistance were "slaves of a new Master, Uncle Sam." In a self-published 2015 autobiography, Mellon called social safety net programs "Slavery Redux," adding: "For delivering their votes in the Federal Elections, they are awarded with yet more and more freebies: food stamps, cell phones, WIC payments, Obamacare, and on, and on, and on. The largess is funded by the hardworking folks, fewer and fewer in number, who are too honest or too proud to allow themselves to sink into this morass." Mellon declined to comment. The Wyoming-based donor, whose family fortune dates to the Gilded Age, gave his first major pro-Trump donation in April, with a $10 million check to America First Action, the main super PAC supporting the president's reelection. His donations are the biggest known contributions to the group by far, and he is also a top donor to GOP congressional super PACs, according to campaign finance records. America First Action, a super PAC chaired by Linda McMahon, former head of the Small Business Administration, declined to comment on Mellon's contribution. Mellon's company, Pan Am Systems, declined to comment on Mellon's donation or support for Trump. The company did not respond to requests for comment on the views expressed in his autobiography, which it described on its website as "a refreshingly candid look into his family life as well as his business successes." The book was available for free download on the company's website until this week, when it was removed after inquires by The Washington Post. Copies are still available through a separate website. Mellon, who is the great-grandson of Mellon family patriarch and banker Thomas Mellon, and grandson of Andrew W. Mellon, a former Treasury Department secretary, had given smaller amounts to state and federal GOP candidates for years, but increased his giving in the Trump era, campaign finance records show. His first major federal donation came in May 2018, when he gave $10 million to the super PAC that supports the House GOP. Since February 2018, he has given $40 million to three super PACs, and tens of thousands of dollars more to an array of GOP candidates, records show. He now rivals other prominent donors who have increased their political giving during Trump's political career, such as shipping supplies magnate Richard Uihlein and Stephen Schwarzman, the Blackstone chairman and chief executive. In his autobiography, Mellon wrote that while his family had been Republicans for generations before him, it wasn't until the presidency of Ronald Reagan that he fully considered himself a Republican. He said Reagan "understood that people did best for themselves when shackled with the least amount of governmental constraints." "Something had obviously gone dreadfully wrong with the Great Society and the Liberal onslaught. Poor people had become no less poor. Black people, in spite of heroic efforts by the 'Establishment' to right the wrongs of the past, became even more belligerent and unwilling to pitch in to improve their own situations," Mellon wrote, describing his view of the United States during Reagan's 1984 reelection campaign. He continued: "Drugs rose to the level of epidemic. Single parent families became more and more prevalent. The likes of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton pandered endlessly to fan the flames." Two decades later, too many Americans are still relying on the government for help, he wrote. Mellon slammed the educational system for becoming beholden to teachers' unions, and wrote that "Black Studies, Women's Studies, LGBT Studies, they have all cluttered Higher Education with a mishmash of meaningless tripe designed to brainwash gullible young adults into going along with the Dependency Syndrome." And he criticized media outlets, blaming journalists, particularly at MSNBC, for perpetuating the federal government's "Dependency Message." "It took Abraham Lincoln and the Republican Party to deal with the first scourge of slavery. And now it appears that it is again up to the Republican Party to deal with the contemporary counterpart," he wrote. "The question is: Is the Republican Party up to it this time?" Mellon is the chairman of New Hampshire-based Pan Am Systems, a privately held transportation and freight holding company whose subsidiaries include Pan Am Railways, a New England rail system, and a wood products manufacturer. In the 1980s, Mellon took over a rail company called Guilford Transportation Industries and rebranded it after purchasing Pan Am Airways from bankruptcy in the 1990s. Mellon's company has publicly praised the GOP-backed 2017 tax law, which represented the largest one-time reduction in the corporate tax rate in U.S. history and lowered taxes for most Americans. In May 2018 - the month he made his first donation to the Congressional Leadership Fund, the House GOP super PAC - his company announced that it would issue a bonus of $1,100 to each employee because of the tax law. He gave another $10 million to the Congressional Leadership Fund in November 2019. This year, he gave an additional $10 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, the Senate GOP super PAC. Even as his political giving has increased, Mellon has maintained a low profile. When officials with the Congressional Leadership Fund invited Mellon to attend a donor retreat in Jackson Hole, Wyo., to express thanks for his 2018 donation and meet with then-House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., Mellon declined, according to someone familiar with the invitation who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private conversations. "It was all over email, and he didn't want to meet, and said no to meetings," said the person familiar with Mellon's donations, which came in response to an email to major GOP donors, the person said. "He's very off the grid." Officials with the Senate Leadership Fund declined to comment. The Congressional Leadership Fund did not respond to requests for comment. In an unusual move, Mellon has also given donations to two Democrats: $2,700 to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York for her 2018 campaign and $2,800 to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii for her long-shot 2020 bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. Gabbard's office did not respond to a request for comment. In response to a Post inquiry, Ocasio Cortez's campaign spokeswoman, Lauren Hitt, said the campaign did not solicit the donation in 2018 and would return it. In the 2016 GOP primaries, Mellon made donations in support of business executive Carly Fiorina and now-Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson, before giving $2,700 in total to Trump and the Republican National Committee in the general election, records show. In 2010, Mellon made headlines as the biggest donor to a legal fund set up by then-Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, a Republican, to defend Senate Bill 1070, an immigration measure that required police to determine the immigration status of people suspected of being in the country illegally, which critics had said would lead to rampant racial profiling. He gave an unsolicited $1.5 million to the fund, according to a person familiar with fundraising who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe donor support. "We were told by a representative that he was very closely watching current events and was inspired by [Brewer] and her leadership, and engaged on it," the person said. - - - The Washington Post's Alice Crites contributed to this report. TROY, Mich., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- PDANS, Inc. is proud to announce Test Alerts; a free screening tool that enables efficient, contact-free collection of COVID-19 Survey data. Following survey completion by employees or visitors, Alerts are sent to immediately notify the company of any potential coronavirus risks. The secure portal allows employers to monitor daily collection data via a secure dashboard and a variety of reports. Test Alerts is free for all users and is scalable for use by any size business. This contact-free health screening process helps ensures the wellbeing of employees, staff, and visitors. Employees or visitors can initiate the survey by either scanning a QR (Quick Response) code or entering a 6-digit PIN in the web app. Questions in the self-declaration form can easily be answered upon arrival at work, at home or in their automobile prior to entering. This helps reduce the potential impact of touching shared keyboards, mice, pencils, or paper. At the end of the process, a Green Check "OK TO ENTER" or Red Flag "DO NOT ENTER" is displayed on the respondents' phone. When a survey is Red Flagged, an alert is immediately sent by email to the employer's customizable list of alert recipients so they can take desired actions. On a respondents' arrival, the Green Check, which includes the current date, can be shown to facility security indicating they have taken the survey and that the answers were compliant with entry requirements. Daily logs and survey reports can be generated as needed. Reports include daily checklists, historical visitor lists and aggregated totals by location or entrance. Businesses that wish to learn more about Test Alerts may reference www.testalerts.com or contact Roy Johnson at [email protected]. We also offer a free download for a printable screening form. About PDANS: PDANS, Inc. is a Michigan Corporation founded in 2018 providing notification services to testing agencies for Michigan Courts. PDANS develops progressive notification systems to assist in various compliance needs. CONTACT: ROY JOHNSON (248) 408-3030 [email protected] www.testalerts.com SOURCE Test Alerts Related Links https://www.testalerts.com People hold signs calling for China to release Canadian detainees Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig during an extradition hearing for Huawei Technologies Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou at the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, Canada, on March 6, 2019. (Lindsey Wasson/) Trudeau Very Disappointed as China Charges 2 Detained Canadians With Suspected Espionage BEIJINGChinese prosecutors said on Friday they have charged two detained Canadians for suspected espionage, indictments that could result in life imprisonment, in a case that has driven a diplomatic wedge between Ottawa and Beijing. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was very disappointed and would keep pressing China to release the duo. Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were arrested in late 2018 on state security charges, soon after Canadian police detained Huawei Technologies Cos chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, on a U.S. warrant. While China maintains the detentions are not linked to Meng, former diplomats and experts have said they are being used to pressure Canada. China has repeatedly called for Mengs release, and has warned Canada it could face consequences for aiding the United States in her case. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing on Friday that the indictments were of particularly serious circumstances which violated Article 111 of the Criminal Law of the Peoples Republic of China, which pertains to espionage and state secrets. Under that article, a conviction can carry a sentence from 10 years to life imprisonment. The facts are clear and the evidence is solid and sufficient. He should be held accountable for criminal responsibility under the above mentioned charge, Zhao said of Kovrig, before making the same statement about Spavor. The charges mean a formal trial can begin. Trudeau, speaking to reporters in the Quebec town of Chelsea, said it was a real shame China did not appear to understand that governments in Canada could not interfere in the justice system. We will continue to put pressure on the Chinese government to cease the arbitrary detention of these two Canadian citizens who are being held for no other reason than the Chinese government is disappointed with the independent proceedings of the Canadian judiciary, he said. The Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday that consular visits to detainees had been suspended due to the coronavirus. The ruling Communist Partys Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission said last year that Kovrig is accused of stealing and spying on sensitive Chinese information and intelligence. It said Spavor provided Kovrig with intelligence. Kovrig works for the International Crisis Group (ICG), a non-governmental organization that focuses on conflict resolution. ICG has previously said the accusations against Kovrig are vague and unsubstantiated. Spavor, 44, is a businessman with deep ties to North Korea. Last month, Huaweis Meng lost a legal bid to avoid extradition to the United States to face bank fraud charges. By Cate Cadell and Tony Munroe There is no lost of any revenue at the country's entry points as the Integrated Customs Union Management Systems (ICUMS) deployed on June 1 is working creditably. Rev. Ammishaiddai Owusu-Amoah, the Commissioner-General Ghana Revenue Authority, who disclosed this at a press briefing said between June 1 and 17 the customs Division of the GRA was able to collect 490 million cedis in revenue. This, he said, compares favourably with the average monthly revenue collections of about 942 million cedis from January to May this year from the country's entry points when the old system deployed by GCNET was in use. "Looking at this trend, it is obvious that the Authority will not be losing revenue as being highlighted by some sections of society," he said. "These numbers paint a very optimistic picture which speaks for itself. I wish to use this opportunity to assure the trading public that these are teething challenges which are associated with the introduction of every new system," he added. While admitting that there were teething challenges with the system, the Commissioner-General said most of these initial problems were being fixed to allow for seamless operations. He said since the implementation of the system started more than 53,000 Customs Bill of Entry had been processed nationwide, of which Tema Port alone submitted 16,000, adding that over 12,000 were related to pre-manifest processes. "The current average is 1,500 BOEs a day which compares favourably with what was being processed in the previous system," he said. Out of the total Tema BOEs, about 11,000 have been successfully processed while the remaining 5,000 of the BOEs are at various stages of processing at Customs Technical Services Bureau (CTSB). About 4000, that is 25 percent of the total submissions delayed for reasons such as unanswered queries by declarants for the necessary supporting documents, manifest mismatch and to effect corrections. These include MDA requirements such as permits and fees. These queries as at a week today were at 40 percent but has reduced to 25 percent. Mr Amishaidai said the revenue outcomes could have been relatively higher if the 25 percent of queries have been answered and the goods cleared. On demurrage charges, the Commissioner-General said the GRA and the Ministry of Trade were engaging relevant stakeholders to see what can be done for cases related to initial challenges in the system. Rev. Owusu-Amoah said the GRA would ensure that all challenges will be dealt with as they arise. "I have full confidence that all staff of the Customs Division will rise up to the challenge to make ICUMS a success story and rake in the needed revenue for national development," he said. ICUMS is a system built by Universal Pass (UNI-PASS), specially tailored to Ghana's situation and provides an end-to-end supply chain solution that incorporates and consolidates existing systems currently in operation. ---GNA Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Just before 10.30am on Monday, a steely-eyed Daniel Andrews, flanked by his leadership team, walked into Treasury Theatre, took his place at the lectern, and began ripping into Adem Somyurek. It had been a long 12 hours for the Australian Labor Party. Phones had been buzzing, pinging and ringing since the party was forced to confront its "cancer" Somyurek, a powerful faceless man who internally wielded enormous influence on national television on Sunday night. "What the f--- did I just watch?" one Labor insider asked. Political operatives were hardly shocked or surprised by Somyurek's bravado or the way he had been amassing power inside the Labor Party. But they were shocked and surprised that The Age and 60 Minutes had uncovered covert audio and video recordings as part of a year-long investigation that laid bare the operation Somyurek micro-managed as well as his misogynistic and homophobic tirades. Andrews wanted him gone immediately. Andrews had wanted him gone long ago, but powerbrokers are notoriously difficult to cut loose and Somyurek was no exception. At 9am that day, Somyurek walked out of the lifts and into the Premier's office on Level 1 at 1 Treasury Place as the minister for small business and local government. For a man who had boasted about being "f---ing more powerful than" all the factional heavyweights "put together" and repeatedly telling his allies "f--- the Premier", Somyurek looked sullen walking towards Andrews' office. Less than 30 minutes later, he walked out, a disgraced former cabinet minister. Advertisement "His conduct and his comments are completely deplorable, they are shameful and it is on that basis, there is no place in my government for him, there is no place in my team for him," a visibly angry Andrews told journalists an hour later. "I want to be clear with each and every one of you, and through you, Victorians: Somyurek was not offered an opportunity to resign. He is not worthy of an opportunity to resign. He was sacked, and that is the fact of the matter. Any statements to the contrary are simply false." Premier Daniel Andrews after sacking Adem Somyurek on Monday morning. Credit:Eddie Jim And then he swiftly moved to request an anti-corruption commission and Victoria Police investigation, Somyurek's expulsion from the Labor Party, and for the ALP's National Executive to intervene in the Victorian Labor Party branch. It was an extraordinary step to take, in what has been an extraordinary week for Labor. Andrews, never one to waste an opportunity, is emerging as a massive winner from the crisis that has crushed Somyurek's power. The Premier's enemies have largely been neutered and sitting MPs guaranteed their seats for the next round of preselections, set to take place late next year ahead of the 2022 election. Facing the factions Advertisement The last time the National Executive intervened in the Victorian branch was in the early '70s but that time it was to clamp down on the "loony" Left. This time, it is a move against the Right, to stamp out branch stacking and restore grassroots democracy. Insiders say this will create a power vacuum and each has a different theory on how it will be filled. Loading Some say it will be filled "naturally", others think the "mature adults in the room" will carve out a stability deal, while some believe former heavyweights will step into the void. But they are all certain about one thing: this will change the organisational wing of the party for years to come. A vast majority of Labor insiders were jubilant, but none were prepared to speak on the record, lest they be accused of opportunism. Some members of the Victorian Liberals, however, were less ecstatic about Somyurek's demise: they saw it as a political hit job designed to assert Andrews' authority over the party. "Don't worry about the power vacuum," one person from the Labor Left said. "What will happen is people with good will and the big unions will reassert themselves to defend the Labor Party and defend the government because it is a good government. And people will rally around to defend the government." Advertisement To understand Labor Party politics, you need to understand factions. And to understand what happened this week, you need to cast your mind back to the '80s and '90s, when "ethnic branch stacking" hit overdrive. The story, told by many inside the Labor tent and political commentators, goes: powerbrokers and would-be powerbrokers in the Left started "branch stacking" ethnic communities, seizing on racial divisions and playing on hatreds and myths of the "homeland". And then the counter-attack started. Adem Somyurek outside his home in Lyndhurst on Tuesday. Credit:AAP Turks were recruited against Greeks, Croats against Serbs, Greeks against Macedonians. These were the Byzantine ways of the ALP's factional system. Following periods of huge internal instability, a truce was called in 2009 when Left heavyweight Kim Carr signed a stability deal with Right heavyweight Stephen Conroy. But it was dismantled eight years later by Somyurek after Conroy departed from the Senate in 2016. Leading political commentator Dr Nick Economou is not optimistic about the changes promised by Andrews, federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese or even the review being undertaken by respected Labor elders Steve Bracks and Jenny Macklin. Advertisement "There'll be an inquiry, strike off a large number of people, a report that will decry factionalism [and] talk about the need to improve this, to make sure there are only legitimate bona fide members," Economou says. "And in four or five years, we'll be back where we started." But Andrews' swift actions are good political capital. He can tell voters and Labor's "true believers" that he acted quickly and opened the Victorian party to an external anti-corruption probe. Loading Economou does not agree: how can Labor counter the undemocratic processes of branch stacking by being undemocratic and handing over control to the National Executive? "Why are the people on National Executive more democratically elected than anybody else in the current system in Victoria?" he says. "Those people at the top the pile of cess we're trying to stop why should they have more say on who gets preselected than Mike Smith down the road who's a blacksmith?" A fair question. This is also what the remains of Somyurek's forces have argued all week.The Age contacted several Somyurek allies this week, and only former federal MP Michael Danby responded. Advertisement The highly-talked about movie Penguin, starring Keerthy Suresh in the lead role has become the latest victim of online piracy. The psychological thriller has been leaked by the infamous piracy website, Tamilrockers. The movie, directed by Eashvar Karthic has become the second film to premiere directly on Amazon Prime Video, after Jyotika's Ponmagal Vandhal, and is now exclusively available for Prime members. The movie is available in three languages- Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. In the movie, Keerthy Suresh essays the role of a bereaved single mother, who is in search of her son Ajay. She sets on an adventurous journey to find the dark truth about her son and the kidnapper hidden in the dark forest. The movie also deals with the subject Stockholm syndrome, in which hostages develop a strong trust or affection towards their captors. Penguin also showcases the never-ending love of a mother for her child and the extent to which she could go to protect her children from evil. The recent trailer of the movie gained huge appreciation from the netizens, calling it a promising venture of the National Award-winning actress. A spark of mystery with the dark theme of the movie, combined with the heart-pumping background score truly kept the viewers on the edge of their seats. The trailer was released by the top actors of the south industry- Mohanlal, Dhanush and Nani. Written by Eashvar Karthic, the thriller has been bankrolled by Karthik Subbaraj, Kaarthekeyen Santhanam, Sudan Sundaram and Jayaram. The music of the movie is scored by Santhosh Narayanan. Penguin Trailer: Keerthy Suresh Nails As A Bereaved Woman In Eashvar Karthic's Directorial Penguin Teaser Out: Samantha, Taapsee, Trisha & Manju Together Promote Keerthy Suresh's Next Film A state-based actor is launching cyber attacks against government, public services and businesses, Australia s prime minister said. Australia s prime minister Scott Morrison said that a state-based actor is targeting government, public services, and businesses. Warning Australians of specific risks and an increased frequency of attacks, The Australian government is working on specific risks related to a significant increase in the number of targeted cyber attacks against sensitive institutions and organizations in almost any industry, Morrison told an organised press conference This activity is targeting Australian organisations across a range of sectors, including all levels of government, industry, political organisations, education, health, essential service providers and operators of other critical infrastructure, he said. Morrison highlighted that the attackers have been orchestrated by a sophisticated nation-state actor, but did not attribute it to a specific foreign state. The economical disputes between Australia and China are related to multiple topics, including maritime claims and the use of technologies from Chinese state-backed companies. At least one expert told ABC there was an increased in cyber espionage activity attempting to steal material related to COVID-19. In April, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) announced it will employ its offensive cyber capabilities against threat actors behind COVID19-themed attacks. Australia enraged China by calling for an investigation into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic by accusing China of engaging in economic coercion. In April, China told Australia at the World Trade Organization that restriction imposed by the Australian government on Chinese 5G telecoms technology was obviously discriminative and appeared to break global trade rules. The Australian Cyber Security Centres (ACSC) advisory about the attack described so-called copy-paste compromises that could be addressed by running software updates and other typical security measures. reported the Australian broadcaster ABC. Government sources have told the ABC that China is likely behind the sustained cyber attack. Dont forget that Australia is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, along with the US, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand, which makes the country a rich target for nation-state actors. In early 2019, hackers penetrated the computer network of Australian Parliament and stole data from the computers of several elected officials. The attack took place on January 31, 2019, when the Australian security agencies discovered the intrusion and monitored it for a week before shutting down the network in the attempt of hunting the threat actors. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corp, hackers accessed non-sensitive data stolen belonging to two senators and a small number of lower house members. At the time of the attack, the security staff at the Parliament notified the incident to the users, as a precautionary measure the experts shut down the Parliaments IT system in order to reset users password. The Australian government did not provide further details about the hack, it is only known that a malware infected some computers after users visited a legitimate external website that was previously compromised. Personnel and users at the Parliament were not temporarily blocked from accessing personal email accounts like Gmail. Australia disclosed the attacks in February, at the time experts speculated the involvement of a nation-date actor without attributing the attacks to a specific threat actor. In September 2019, Australias intelligence announced it has evidence that the attacks that hit its parliament and political parties were orchestrated by China. Anyway, the Australian government decided to not publicly accuse it to preserve trade relations with Beijing. Reuters cited five sources within the Australian intelligence that attributed the attacks on its national parliament and three largest political parties before the general election in May to China-linked hackers. Beijing always denied any involvement in the attacks. Experts say attribution is often difficult, time-consuming and, if made public, could escalate tensions further. Morrison notified the leader of the opposition and state leaders of the malicious cyber activity against the country but did not provide technical details of malicious campaigns. Australias prime minister is urging organizations and operators of critical infrastructure to increase the level of security of their infrastructure and to remain vigilant. They are not new risks, but they are specific risks, he said. We encourage organisations, particularly those in the health, critical infrastructure and essential services to take expert advice and to implement technical defences, Pierluigi Paganini (SecurityAffairs hacking, 5G) PARIS (dpa-AFX) - French telecommunications operator Orange SA (ORAN) was ordered to pay Digicel about 250 million euros for anti-competitive practices in the French Caribbean, according to reports. A French court ruled that Orange must pay Digicel 181.5 million euros in damages and 68 million euros in interest, the reports said. Orange can still appeal in France's highest court. In February 2018, Orange had decided to appeal a verdict ruling that Digicel was entitled to a compensation payment, set at 346 million euros. The case centres on a claim brought against Orange Caraibe after the operator was found guilty of anti-competitive practices in the French West Indies, dating back to between 2000 and 2005. 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. Police inspect the body of Masaidee Wae-sulong, 31, a suspected insurgent who was shot dead after he allegedly opened fire on a soldier at a checkpoint in Pattani town in southern Thailand, June 17, 2020. The head of Thailands delegation involved in peace talks with southern separatist rebels told BenarNews on Friday that he hoped to resume the Malaysia-facilitated talks in July or August, if the coronavirus pandemic further subsides in the neighboring countries. Direct negotiations between the Thai government and Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) rebels opened in Kuala Lumpur in January. They held a second meeting in the Malaysian capital in early March, shortly before a full-blown viral outbreak disrupted the talks and led to COVID-19 lockdowns in both countries. There would likely be a chance for meeting after COVID subsides. Im eyeing a meeting in July or August. If the situation eases, there will likely be a new meeting then, said Gen. Wanlop Rugsanaoh, who last year took on the role as Thailands chief negotiator to negotiate an end to the decades-long insurgency in the southern border region. During COVID we do not talk. It is inconvenient to travel, he told BenarNews in a brief phone interview on Friday. Lately, COVID-19 infections in both countries have tapered off. As of Friday, Malaysia and Thailand had recorded 8,535 and 3,146 cases, respectively, and fewer than 200 deaths from the disease between them. The vast majority of infected people in both countries have since recovered, according to statistics from Malaysian and Thai health authorities. Since taking over as head of the Thai delegation, Wanlop, working with Abdul Rahim Noor, the Malaysian broker of the peace process, persuaded representatives of the military wing of BRN the largest and most powerful of southern Thai insurgent groups to open direct talks with Bangkok. For the past several years until January, Malaysia had facilitated talks between the Thai side and MARA Patani, a panel representing BRN and other southern rebel groups and factions. But those talks yielded no breakthroughs and BRNs military wing which, according to analysts, controls most of the rebel fighters in the field, had stayed away from the negotiations. In early March, soon after a new government came to power in Malaysia, Wanlop and his team met for a second time with a BRN delegation led by Anas Abdulrahman (alias Hipni Mareh). Wanlop said at the time that the new phase of direct peace talks with BRN would take time and require support from all sectors. That was the last time the two sides met. The peace talks between the Thai government and BRN, with Malaysia as facilitator, will persist until an agreement is achieved to have complete peace in South[ern] Thailand, Noor told BenarNews via a text message late Friday, when asked whether the talks might resume next month or in August, as Wanlop had indicated. BRNs reduced activities a positive sign About a month after the Thai and BRN delegations last met, and as the pandemic gained intensity in both countries, the rebel group announced a unilateral ceasefire. BRN said it was suspending all activities on humanitarian grounds throughout the Deep South so health workers and agencies could help protect locals from the coronavirus. BRN, however, attached a condition: It reserved the right to resume its activities if its forces came under attack. A lull in the regional violence lasted for about a month after the rebels declared the ceasefire. It effectively crumbled at the end of April after the Thai military killed three suspected insurgents in a raid in Pattani province, with Thai officials accusing them of plotting attacks during Ramadan. BRN spokesman Abdul Karim Khalid subsequently posted a video on YouTube where he blamed the Thai side for taking advantage of the pandemic to launch the deadly raid. Days later, two soldiers minding a COVID-19 check point were shot and killed in Nong Chik, a district in Pattani. Officials believed the BRN were exacting revenge. At least 10 people have been killed in shootouts or roadside ambushes in the Deep South since BRNs ceasefire faltered at the end of April, according to the police reports complied by BenarNews. The latest incident occurred on Wednesday. A lone gunman, who had a criminal record linked to insurgent activities according to officials, rode a motorcycle to a checkpoint in Pattani town where he shot a soldier in the cheek before he was gunned down. Still, as Wanlop described it, BRN in the past two months has carried out relatively fewer attacks. In regard to the BRNs ceasefire, we cannot verify it clearly. But the situation got better for multiple reasons, he said. The BRNs reduced activities are a positive sign. I think the decline in violence has multiple factors the spread of COVID-19 and other [things], Wanlop added. Dolneeya Molo, a resident of Yala, another province in the insurgency-wracked region, expressed appreciation for the efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict. Id be glad if they can bring peace to Deep South as soon as possible, at least like these past three months, Dolneeya told BenarNews. I wish the government and the BRN and all sides have sincerity to achieve the goal for the sake of the people. More than 7,000 people have died in violence across the various provinces and districts that make up Thailands mainly Muslim and Malay-speaking southern border region since the separatist insurgency reignited in 2004. Noah Lee in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report. Press Release Amsterdam, June, 18, 2020 Ingenico takes Russian eCommerce by storm reaching 1 billion USD in transactions in the first 18 months Ingenico Group (Euronext:FR0000125346 - ING), the global leader in seamless payments, today reveals that within 18 months of going live, its Russian Payments Solution has outperformed all expectations with impressive payment volumes and customer adoption. It is now one of the fastest growing payments offerings from Ingenico ePayments, providing unique local acquiring and payment capabilities for international businesses selling online to Russian consumers in digital goods, retail, travel and more. The success of the solution is credited to Ingenicos deep understanding of the Russian financial system and partnerships it has built within the Russian banking ecosystem. Through these partnerships Ingenico developed a unique solution with local access to the Russian financial system and payment landscape providing local acquiring, local payment methods and multi-currency processing capabilities. Ingenico has rapidly grown its new solution up to a billion in USD flow in its first 18 months - and is seeing impressively high payment approval rates. By working with leading acquiring banks such as Sberbank and Alfa Bank, Ingenico has seen impressive approval rate increases of up to 20% for customers. A high approval rate is crucial for online businesses as it leads to more online sales, lower shopping cart abandonment and returning customers. The Russian Payments Solution offers Mir (Russias domestic card scheme) and Russian e-wallets Qiwi and Yandex.Money. It supports domestic payments in multiple currencies in addition to the Rouble, including EUR and USD reducing the risk for Russian issuers. It is fully compliant with MirAccept, Russias equivalent of the 3D Secure authentication mechanism. Ingenico is also regularly adding new capabilities including a BSP feature for airlines with local acquiring, single report and single remittance. Story continues The solutions capabilities and outstanding performance have allowed Ingenico to successfully process 100 million payments from Russian consumers buying products overseas. Its success was further driven by an extraordinary performance during Chinas Singles Day 2019, reporting record breaking transaction volumes and payment authorization rates. Already, the company has onboarded 10% of its overall merchant customer base, helping companies like All Nippon Airways, SHEIN, inCruises, Air China and Joom accept payments from Russia with ease. Ingenico launched the Russian solution in 2018 as part of a strategic approach to help businesses target high growth markets including Brazil, Russia, India and China. Apart from growing fast, these countries have significant barriers to entry. Their unique domestic ecommerce ecosystems demand specific solutions tailored to local preferences. Ingenico is delivering solutions for these markets expeditiously as it sees massive opportunity. Daria Nikolaeva, PR Manager for Europe at Joom, the fastest-growing shopping application in Europe, who were recently onboarded onto Ingenicos solution, said: Russia has historically been a tough ecommerce market to crack. With Ingenicos unique and tailored solution were operating in this fast-growing market with ease. Mike Goodenough, General Manager, EMEA at Ingenico ePayments, said: The first 18 months have been exceptional for our Russian Payments Solution as it is unlike any other available on the market. Its a remarkable example of how we connect sellers and buyers. While Russian ecommerce is rapidly growing, we can support you to grow and scale further. To learn more about Ingenicos offer for Russia visit: https://bit.ly/2TgKBgm . More insights on Russian ecommerce: Cracking the Russian market About Ingenico Group Ingenico Group (Euronext: FR0000125346 ING) is shaping the future of payments for sustainable and inclusive growth. As a global leader in seamless payments, we provide merchants with smart, trusted and secure solutions to empower commerce across all channels and enable simplification of payments and deliver customer promises. We are the trusted and proactive world-class partner for financial institutions and retailers, from small merchants to the worlds best-known global brands. We have a global footprint with more than 8,000 employees, 90 nationalities and a commercial presence in 170 countries. Our international community of payment experts anticipates the evolutions of commerce and consumer lifestyles to provide our clients with leading-edge complete solutions wherever they are needed. www.ingenico.com @ingenico For more experts views, visit our blog . Media Contact Dylan Prins Communication manager / Ingenico ePayments (T): +31 (0)6 12 15 80 03 Email: dylan.prins@ingenico.com Contacts / Ingenico Group Media Relations Helene Carlander (T): +33 (0)7 72 25 96 04 helene.carlander@ingenico.com Investor Relations Laurent Marie (T): +33 (0)1 58 01 83 24 laurent.marie@ingenico.com Attachment SAN FRANCISCO California's governor on Thursday waded into the growing national divide over face masks, which often are cast as either a common courtesy to stem the spread of coronavirus or an infringement on personal freedom. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that citizens now must cover their mouths and nose in most indoor settings and outdoors when social distancing isn't possible. Among those exempt: children, the hearing impaired and those with medical conditions. No enforcement guidelines were mentioned in the statement, but California Department of Public Health officials said the mask order carried the same weight as any other state orders with violations resulting in possible financial and other penalties. Science shows that face coverings and masks work, Newsom said in a statement. They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open and restarting our economy. Masks, whether surgery-quality N95s or the handmade variety, are considered a reliable defensive measure against the spread of coronavirus as they prevent those infected from spreading the virus through droplets exiting their mouth and nose. States including Michigan, New York, Maine, Delaware and Maryland already have statewide mask orders in place. In other states, including Florida and North Carolina, mask directives have been met with resistance ranging from protests to mask-burning events. Mask matters have been rendered political after President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who have been pushing for a fast restart of the U.S. economy, refused to wear masks in a number of public settings. And mask guidelines also have been downright confusing after the World Health Organizations and other officials repeatedly changed their opinions in recent weeks on the efficacy of masks in preventing infection. In California, local governments had been in charge of face mask guidelines, which has led to tense confrontations particularly in Southern California. Orange County's public health officer, Nichole Quick, resigned last week after she faced threats over her mask order. Los Angeles County requires people to wear masks whenever they are outside their homes, as do San Francisco and Santa Clara counties. Story continues Not just Florida: Florida is one of 22 states seeing a rise in cases right now. Masks on a plane: Nope, FAA won't make you wear one Like many states across the nation, California has been reopening at a steady pace as officials try and mitigate the unprecedented economic fallout of the global pandemic. But one byproduct of the push are growing coronavirus cases in states that include Florida, Arizona and California, where more than 3,400 people were in the hospital as of Wednesday, the most patients hospitalized since April. For many health professionals, masks are a critical tool in restarting the economy safely and should not be imbued with political significance. "If we want to keep opening up we have to take pragmatic steps to do that, and masks and social distancing are critical components to doing that," says Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, chairman of the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco. Bibbins-Domingo says that masks are increasingly important as scientific evidence mounts showing that coronavirus can spread by asymptomatic carriers. She acknowledges that for some Americans, mask-related mandates can chafe. "Public health has always been challenged by the fact that some cast these matters as threatening individual liberties, so in this case orders don't sound good," she says. "But people do need to be realistic. We're in the middle of a pandemic and not close to the end, we'll be co-existing with it for at least 18 months. So measures need to be taken." Some polls suggest there is less of a public divide on the topic of masks than some widely reported incidents suggest. A recent survey survey from Public Agenda, USA TODAY and Ipsos Hidden Common Ground of about 1,000 people found that 77 percent of the respondentsas well as a majority of each political partysupport wearing masks in public. A similar majority supported measures such as self-quarantining if exposed to the virus and having stores and restaurants require social distancing. Newsom's order effectively makes wearing a mask the law of the land in the Golden State. But the lack of clarity on how such measures are to be enforced whether there will be fines or other penalties concerns some lawmakers. An airport traveler wears a face mask. "Our police are already fielding around 20 calls a day related to masks, so I can see that doubling or quadrupling, even if that's not really what we want them dealing with," says Dan Wright, vice mayor of Stockton, California, an inland city of 310,000. Earlier this month, Stockton mayor Michael Tubbs, a Democrat, sought an emergency ordinance mandating mask wearing. But his six city council members, which included two Democrats including Wright and four Republicans, all voted no. "Our numbers are spiking here in the county, and we all agree that masks are a good idea," says Wright. "But there has to be more of a willing partnership among citizens in order to enforce it. After all, plenty of stores have signs saying 'No shoes, no shirt, no service,' and no one is up in arms about that rule." But with some citizens becoming increasingly vocal about their desire not to wear masks, often crowding bars and beaches around the country in a bid to reclaim pre-pandemic lives, mask orders are the only way to get compliance, says Luis Aleman, spokesperson for the Orange County Labor Federation, which represents 250,000 workers in a range of service and public sector jobs. Masks are encouraged at gyms including 24 Hour Fitness, which asks members to reserve their gym times in advance through an app. "Orange County needs to have a consistent public policy platform on these matters, you can't just outsource public policy to an angry mob," says Aleman, who earlier this week joined other union leaders at county headquarters to demand mask orders. His group was met with maskless counter-protesters chanting "Hey hey, ho ho, these masks have got to go." Those chants are mild compared to some incidents that have flared around the country. In April, police in Philadelphia dragged a man off a bus for not wearing a mask. In early May, an employee was shot in the head and killed at a Michigan Family Dollar store in Flint after he asked a woman to put on a mask. In recent days, North Carolina's governor and mayor are looking into a mask mandate, news that caused some locals to counterpunch with a call for an upcoming "Burn Your Mask Challenge." Ashely Smith, organizer of the event and leader of a group called ReOpenNC, wrote on Facebook that were a group against mandatory anything, and were for personal liberty and the Constitution and personal freedom." To date, the coronavirus has sickened nearly 8.5 million people worldwide, and killed more than 450,000, according to statistics kept by Johns Hopkins University's Coronavirus Resource Center. The U.S. has an increasingly large share of those numbers, with 2.1 million cases and 118,000 deaths. Contributing: Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus: CA governor issues face mask order as state broadly opens Draft HK national security law submitted to top legislature for deliberation Global Times Source:Global Times Published: 2020/6/18 14:18:53 Last Updated: 2020/6/18 20:50:16 China's draft national security law for Hong Kong has been submitted for deliberation to the 19th session of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress, which opened on Thursday. The draft national security law makes clear provisions on preventing, stopping and punishing four types of criminal acts in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region - secessionism, subversion of state power, terrorist activities and collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security. The draft is an important piece of legislation aimed at implementing the spirit of the NPC's decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Safeguard National Security. Ahead of the 19th session, Yue Zhongming, spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, said speeding up the formulation of related Hong Kong national security laws has been added to the NPC Standing Committee's 2020 work plan. Tian Feilong, a Hong Kong affairs expert at Beihang University in Beijing, told the Global Times on Thursday that this is the first step of the three deliberations stipulated by the Legislation Law, and the draft is likely to go through one or two more deliberations before being submitted for a vote given the law's impact and urgency. Normally, drafts go through three deliberations, but it could be reduced to two deliberations for drafts that have small differences from legislators and one deliberation for drafts only targeting a single issue, Tian said. Li Xiaobing, an expert on Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan from Nankai University in Tianjin, told the Global Times on Thursday that the legislation process could still be accelerated through additional meetings even following the normal procedure of undergoing three deliberations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Michael Everest DeMarco was born in New Orleans, and he's popularly known for his humanitarian needs. Other than philanthropy, Michael has a rich history in acting, and he discovered the love and passion for performing arts at a very young age. At 13 years old, he engaged in what many thought that only adults could sail through. Before getting into acting, Michael participated in modeling, something he took very passionately. While modeling is not a walk in the park, he easily followed through everything expected of him and shine. All this was due to the unique skills and passion that he portrayed. Something that would see even the fellow young models learn from him. It didn't take long before he decided to make a bolder step. Michael Everest DeMarco's focus on growth was beyond his age. Having realized that he could achieve more than just modeling, it was time to venture into acting. Not everybody encouraged him, but he knew what he was ready. The move left his fellow young models surprised. The reality is that Michael had a dream that he wanted to accomplish. Inspired by his dream, he would participate in acting platforms that require his creativity, moves from modeling, and confidence. Due to his aggressiveness, he would later get a position in several plays. In either of them, he played as a child actor in various roles assigned. One of the major plays is The Golden Boy. The famous play by Clifford Odets made him stand out, and he was now recognized more than ever. Michael participated in the play as Joe Bonaparte, an outstanding violinist. Considering the work that the writer, Clifford, has put on the play, and the nature of drama showcased, Michael taking a lead acting position tells a lot about his prowess. The New Orleans star didn't stop there. He went ahead to take a role in Richard III, which is a historical and poetic piece of art. The author, Shakespeare, receives recognition for having the best writings. Richard III is one of them, and it focuses on the events of a king in a territory. Michael takes the name Buckingham, a role he plays with lots of skills and professionalism. From the previous undertakings and experience gained over time, Michael was ready for challenging tasks, even those that directors were reluctant to assign him. That's how he landed in another play, the Winterset. Though it was a new and different role, he had no problem showcasing his skills. In the Maxwell Anderson play, Michael plays as the famous Bartolomeo Romagna. Michael Everest DeMarco understood that to make a more significant step; he had to invest time in training. He was lucky enough to be classically trained in the various acting ways that only a few actors had a chance to know. Among the things, he learned in the class include the Method Acting and Stanislavski methods of acting. All this was under the training and supervision of the best teachers in professional studios. Early age training, passion, and previous training at the Actors Studio LA and Sal Dano helped him to actualize his dream to be among the Hollywood actors. He landed a role in Hollywood movies, where he shined even more. Some of them include the Over the Line and The Fine Stallion. Michael Everest DeMarco's journey from New Orleans to achieving world recognition in acting is among the most intriguing true story you'll ever hear from actors, or any performing arts expert. He truly showcases that with passion, willingness to learn, and self-drive, anybody, not just actors, can achieve their dreams. EU Extends Crimea Sanctions By One More Year By RFE/RL June 18, 2020 The European Union has rolled over for another year sanctions imposed over Russia's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. EU member states "decided to renew the sanctions introduced in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation until 23 June 2021," the European Council said in a statement on June 18. The restrictive measures were introduced in 2014 as a response to Russia's forcible seizure of Crimea in March 2014 after Moscow sent in troops and staged a referendum dismissed as illegal by at least 100 countries. The sanctions include prohibitions targeting the imports of products originating in Crimea into the EU, as well as infrastructural or financial investments and tourism services on the peninsula. Goods and technologies for the transport, telecommunications, and energy sectors also cannot be exported to Crimean companies or for use on the peninsula. Separately, the EU has imposed a raft of economic sanctions related to Russia's support for separatists in eastern Ukraine in a conflict that has killed more than 13,000 people since April 2014. These sanctions targeting Russia are set to expire on July 31. Reuters quoted diplomatic sources and officials as saying that the 27 national EU leaders are expected on June 19 to back extending the restrictive measures for another six months -- until the end of January 2021. In Moscow, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's European Cooperation Department, Nikolai Kobrinets, told Interfax that "life under sanctions can be hard, and they're doing a lot of harm to our economy, yet we adapt." With reporting by Reuters and Interfax Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-extends-crimea- sanctions-by-one-year/30678063.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 TANZANIA, Tanzania - A draft U.N. resolution would maintain two border crossing points from Turkey to deliver humanitarian aid to Syrias mainly rebel-held northwest and reopen an Iraqi crossing to the northeast to deliver medical supplies for the COVID-19 pandemic. Russia, which insisted the Iraqi crossing be shut in January, holds the key to future cross-border operations. It contends cross-border aid was meant to be a temporary response to the nine-year Syrian conflict and the situation on the ground has changed. The proposed Security Council resolution, drafted by Belgium and Germany and obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, emphasizes that 11 million Syrians need aid and that cross-border deliveries remain an urgent and temporary solution to help them. It states that the pandemic presents a profound challenge to Syrias health system, socioeconomic and humanitarian situations and heightens the imperative of using every possible means of reaching people in need. In January, Russia scored a victory for its close ally Syria, using its veto threat to force the Security Council to adopt a resolution reducing the number of crossing points for aid deliveries from four to just two, from Turkey to the northwest. It also cut in half the year-long mandate that had been in place since cross-border deliveries began in 2014 to six months, as Russia insisted. The newly circulated draft resolution would extend the mandate for the two border crossings from Turkey to the northwest Bab al-Salam and Bab al-Hawa for a year. And it would reopen the Al Yarubiyah crossing from Iraq for an initial period of six months until Jan. 10, 2021, and for an additional six-month period if the council decides the impact of the pandemic warrants it after evaluating a report to be done by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Last month, U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock called the northwest border operation a lifeline for millions of civilians whom the U.N. cannot reach by other means, saying deliveries are at record levels with 1,365 trucks crossing from Turkey in April. Al Yarubiyah had been used mainly to deliver medical supplies to the northeast and while a first road delivery from Syria made it to the region in May, U.N. officials say the crossing from Iraq is essential to bring in COVID-19 supplies. Human Rights Watchs U.N. Director Louis Charbonneau said its research in late April showed that restrictions on aid from Damasus and Iraq were preventing medical supplies and personnel from reaching two million people in the northeast, where there were dozens of confirmed COVID-19 cases in May and at least three deaths. The U.N. Security Council including Russia needs to act quickly to reauthorize medical aid deliveries from Iran to Syrias northeast to prevent further spread of COVID-19 that could devastate the region, Charbonneau said, stressing that alternatives to Al Yarubiyah proposed by Russia and others have failed to close the gap. Whether Russia will allow the Al Yarubiyah reopening remains to be seen. The current mandate for the two Turkish crossings ends on July 10, and the Security Council hasnt yet engaged in serious discussions on the Belgian-German draft resolution. Last month, Russias U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said in response to Lowcock and calls by U.S. Ambassador Kelly Craft for the Iraq crossing to be opened: Do not waste your time on efforts to reopen the closed cross-border points. Kabul Afghanistan faces grave challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which threatens to undermine the countrys peace process, overwhelm its health care system, and slash economic output 17 percent by 2023, according to a new UNDP assessment of how the coronavirus might affect what was already one of the worlds poorest countries. Afghanistan is especially vulnerable because of its limited health care system and few medical personnel, weak infrastructure, and poor social cohesion after 40 years of war, along with a large influx of refugees returning from Iran and Pakistanwithout proper quarantine and containment measures in place. The government also lacks revenue and resources to mitigate the pandemic. Widespread poverty is likely to worsen, with 67 percent of non-agricultural jobs considered vulnerable, UNDPs assessment, which will inform policies and programs to help the country recover, finds. Emerging on the heels of a severe drought in 2018, COVID-19 could cause an economic contraction of 4 percent in 2020 alone and 17 percent by 2023, compared with pre-2019 activity. As of 28 May, the government reported a total of 13,036 confirmed COVID-19 cases out of 34,936 samples taken in 33 of 34 Afghan provinces. The virus was first reported in February in the border city of Herat, in a refugee returning from Iran. Within a month, the virus spread to Balkh, Samangan, Kandahar, and Kabul provinces. At current return rates, some 400,000 refugees are projected to return to Afghanistan between 2020 and 2022. The Afghan National Emergency Response Plan envisages three scenarios. With low transmission rates, some 46,000 infections would require additional health spending of US$122 million. With moderate transmission rates, Afghanistan could see 110,000 infections requiring US$225 million, while higher rates could see 190,000 cases at an additional cost of US$390 million. UNDPs policy recommendations for Afghanistan include: Immediate measures to contain and reduce COVID-19 transmission. Health sector preparation for a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Mobilization of resources by reprogramming funds from the security sectorwhich currently accounts for 30 percent of GDPand promoting open trade and regional cooperation. Additional donor assistance. Expanded social protections for poor and vulnerable Afghans, such as a pension for the elderly, and public works for poor households in poor regions. Support to Afghanistan UNDP is repurposing and mobilizing funds to support Afghanistan's initial national response, prevention and mitigation activities, and preparation for longer-term development interventions in subsequent phases. With international partners, its working to procure personal protective equipment (PPE) and other health supplies and establish 22 fixed health centers and 10 mobile health teamswhich will significantly expand prevention, diagnosis, and management of COVID-19. With financial support from the Global Fund, UNDP has helped strengthen Afghanistans laboratory and diagnosis capacity nationally and provided technical assistance to train 25 regional and provincial laboratory staff in the use of high-tech equipment. The countrys central public laboratory can now process 200 to 300 samples every 24 hours, while laboratories can process 150 daily in Herat, 100 in Balkh, 100 to 150 in Nangarhar, and 120 to 150 in Kandahar province. In partnership with Ministry of Interior Affairs, UNDP is operationalizing five new hospital facilities to quarantine, isolate, and treat infected Afghan National Police personnel. These hospitals will receive health equipment and medical supplies and comprise some 300 beds, with quarantine facilities and intensive care units, across five provinces. And to further support frontline medical and security personnel, UNDP is procuring protective and sanitary kits including hand sanitizers, rubber gloves, face masks, and other protective gear and equipment. Cronkite News PHOENIX Gila River Hotels & Casinos has shut down for two weeks to review safety standards and disinfect properties after the COVID-19 related death last week of a security employee. The decision came after a careful evaluation of the growing enterprises current safety plan with the Gila River Indian Community Council and feedback from its community and team members, according to a statement made by Gila River Hotels & Casinos. The closure, which began Thursday, will affect all three tribal properties in metro Phoenix: Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte and Vee Quiva. June 18th COVID-19 Update from Governor Stephen Roe Lewis June 18th COVID-19 Update from Governor Stephen Roe Lewis Posted by Gila River Indian Community on Thursday, June 18, 2020 The family of casino security worker Robert Washington told azfamily.com that he had diabetes and was uneasy returning to work in May, but he felt he had no choice because he otherwise couldnt afford his insulin. He was absolutely fearful for his future, Washingtons daughter told the station. There was no social distancing as he explained to me, there was no active sanitation. All employees of Gila River Hotels & Casinos will be on paid leave during this two week period and will continue to receive employee benefits. Nothing is more important to our community than the well-being of our team members and guests, children, elders and families, Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community said in a statement . Like our sister tribes and businesses all over Arizona, we tried to do what is best for all, while processing new information and new guidelines about the pandemic with little in the way of definitive guidance. Lewis said all of Washingtons co-workers who were in direct contact with him have tested negative for the coronavirus. Lewis also issued an executive order Thursday afternoon to mandate wearing masks on community lands, and allow tribal government employees to seek paid leave for up to 60 days if they have one of the underlying health conditions that makes them more vulnerable to COVID-19. Spent the morning w/ @SenMcSallyAZ touring Gila River Indian Communitys #COVID19 testing capabilities. @GRIC_Official has done a great job during this difficult time & are taking strides in putting mechanisms in place to facilitate re-opening of businesses. Thanks for having us! https://t.co/qof5S1DE1F Secretary David Bernhardt (@SecBernhardt) May 22, 2020 As of Thursday, the Arizona Department of Health Services reported 43,443 cases of COVID-19 and 1,271 deaths in the state. It said 517,666 tests for COVID-19 have been completed as in public and private labs in Arizona, and 7.5% of tests have come back positive for the virus. Note: This story originally appeared on Cronkite News . It is published via a Creative Commons license . Cronkite News is produced by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University Join the Conversation By Online Desk CHENNAI: Sushant Singh Rajputs sudden demise by suicide on June 14th has fueled the debate of nepotism on social media. The social media has witnessed a lot of outrage since his demise. The actor who gave box-office hits and stellar performances in films like MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Kedarnath, and many more was found dead in his Bandra apartment. Some Bollywood stars as well raised their voice on how nepotism affects an actors career. Celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Karan Johar, and many others bore the brunt amid the nepotism debate. 'Panga' actress Kangana Ranaut also shared a video on her Instagram handle and questioned the Bollywood biggies for not giving Sushant, the credit he much deserved. ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut speaks up on Sushant Singh Rajput's films being unacknowledged, calls out Bollywood The debate took a different course when his fans expressed their anger by unfollowing and following certain stars on Instagram. Alia Bhatt lost the most followers while Kangana Ranaut gained the maximum. The 'Manikarnika' actresss Instagram followers increased and she gained 1.47 million followers. After Kangana, Sushants close friend and co-star in 'Raabta' Kriti Sanon gained the most followers at around 291K, followed by Shraddha Kapoor at 270K. Both Kriti and Shraddha were present at Sushants funeral and paid their last respects to the actor. Fans lauded them for being physically present and not putting out a social media post. Sushants rumoured girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty also gained 212K followers. While Gully Boy actress lost 444k followers on Instagram, followed by producer Karan Johar who had launched Bhatt in his 2012 film 'Student of the Year', he also lost 188k fans. Subsequently, Sonam Kapoor lost around 84K followers while Salman Khans popularity also took a hit as about 50K people unfollowed the Dabangg star on social media. Meanwhile, the police has been investigating Sushants death. The post mortem report confirmed that the actor passed away due to asphyxiation by hanging. Sushant was last seen on screen in Chhichhore with Shraddha Kapoor. His next Dil Bechara was being readied for release as per reports. A statue of George Washington with a burning American flag draped across it has been toppled by protesters in Portland, Oregon. The statue, which stood on the lawn of the German American Society in Northeast Portland, was pulled down by a group of about 30 to 40 protesters on Thursday night. Footage of the incident, which took place on the eve of Juneteenth, showed the Washington statue draped in a US flag that had been set alight just moments before it was toppled. Washington, the first US president, owned hundreds of African-descended slaves. He also had a torturous relationship with Native Americans and a lifelong pursuit of their land. The demonstrators placed a sticker on the head of the statue that read 'You are on Native land' and also spray-painted the statue's pedestal with the phrase 'Genocidal colonist'. It was also tagged with '1619' - a reference to the year when slaves were first brought to America. A statue of George Washington with a burning American flag draped across it was toppled by protesters in Portland, Oregon on Thursday night WASHINGTON'S HISTORY WITH SLAVES AND NATIVE AMERICANS George Washington, a founding father and America's first president, was known to have owned hundreds of slaves on his plantations. He also supported measures passed by Congress to protect slavery in a bid to preserve national unity at the time. He later freed his slaves in a 1799 will. Washington also had a torturous relationship with Native Americans. He tried to assimilate them into Anglo-American culture and vowed bloodshed if they refused. He tried to combat resistance from Native Americans with violent conflict. His Indian policy was primarily about acquiring indigenous land and he became known to Native Americans as Town Destroyer. Advertisement Police said a smaller group had split from several hundred peaceful protesters and threw hot dogs at police and cut a fence surrounding the Justice Center, which has been a flashpoint for conflicts between demonstrators and police. Another group set a fire around the Washington statue before tearing it down. Those responsible draped the fallen statue in a second US flag and also set that alight. The group who brought the statue down scattered before police arrived at the scene, according to local media reports. Protesters have been tearing down statues across the country as part of anti-racism demonstrations fueled by George Floyd's death in Minneapolis last month. That specific George Washington statue dates back to 1926. Anger over racial injustice has broadened in recent weeks to target founding fathers, colonialists, monarchs and explorers, who in some cases destroyed or enslaved local populations across the world in the European scramble for empire and treasure. In Washington's case, he was known to have owned hundreds of slaves on his plantations. He also supported measures passed by Congress to protect slavery in a bid to preserve national unity at the time. He later freed his slaves in a 1799 will. Washington also tried to assimilate Native Americans into Anglo-American culture and vowed bloodshed if they refused. He tried to combat resistance from Native Americans with violent conflict. Images from the scene show the statue lying face down on the ground and covered in graffiti that read: 'Genocidal colonist' The George Washington incident took place on the 21st day of protests in the city. Thousands of protesters have filled the streets of Portland every night for three weeks following Floyd's death His Indian policy was primarily about acquiring indigenous land and he became known to Native Americans as Town Destroyer. As recently as this week, California lawmakers decided to remove a Christopher Columbus statue from the state Capitol and concrete barriers were installed around a Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee statue in Virginia. It comes as a statue of Thomas Jefferson that was based outside Portland's Jefferson High School was torn down earlier this week. The base of the statue had the words 'slave owner' and Floyd's name spray painted across it. The George Washington incident took place on the 21st day of protests in the city. Thousands of protesters have filled the streets of Portland every night for three weeks following Floyd's death. Mayor Ted Wheeler announced this week that Juneteenth will be a paid city holiday starting Friday. The date of June 19 is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the US. It comes after a statue of Thomas Jefferson that was based outside Portland's Jefferson High School was torn down earlier this week The state of New Mexico has replaced a decades-old child foster care file system with a digital workflow by Binti , a software company in Oakland, Calif.Announced yesterday in a news release , the states new contract proposes to expedite and simplify the adoption process by allowing families to apply online, and by digitizing and partially automating the workflow for social workers. As part of the contract, nearby tribal nations will have access to the SaaS through their own independent child welfare systems, and the software is designed to help users comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act. Binti CEO Felicia Curcuru said the system went live on Monday.Brian Blalock, the cabinet secretary for New Mexicos Children, Youth and Families Department, toldthat prior to this week, the state had been using a centralized database written more than 20 years ago in COBOL. He said it entailed different, fragmented builds for various categories of work child welfare, juvenile justice, early childhood development, youth homelessness and made remote access almost impossible.When COVID-19 hit, Blalock said, New Mexico was already looking for a new system to do several things: offer a modern user-friendly interface that would help with recruiting, remove barriers in the adoption process, enable evaluation and greater transparency in the process and modernize the tools social workers have at their disposal.We have a younger and younger workforce, and when they look at our COBOL, it doesnt even look like anything they recognize, and it certainly doesnt help them, he said.But when the pandemic forced Blalocks department to go from zero telework actually having policies against it to 80 percent telework in a matter of weeks, the need for a new system became even more obvious.It would be a lie if I said that workers were just as productive. They werent, because our technology couldnt follow them, he said. This was where we needed to go, but it was made even more urgent by the pandemic.Three years after launching Binti and picking up customers in several California counties, Curcuru said New Mexico is the companys second state contract, although it only covers a particular region at this point. The first was Rhode Island, signed last year. She said the company grew during several years of working with county-level social workers in California, shadowing and talking to them. She learned that many social workers spend half their time on administrative work, using 70-column Excel spreadsheets which they share among dozens of other social workers trying to track all families in the adoption process.She also learned that there are seven distinct workflows in child welfare: approving families, matching families with children, answering calls from the child-abuse hotline, the team that investigates those calls, the team that helps biological families get on their feet to reconnect with their kids, the team that tries to find relatives and friends of family, and the team that oversees finances. And most states dont have a user-friendly system for these teams to work together.Curcuru said Binti is one system with different modules for these tasks, and two of them are now available, for family approval and for matching kids with families. A module for providing services to biological families is in a pilot stage, and modules for the other four tasks exist as prototypes that havent been deployed.There is software in this space. Its just so antiquated that using a 70-column spreadsheet is better. Every state has a state child welfare database, mandated by the federal government, that has to include a bunch of information for compliance, Curcuru said. Most of them were built 10 or 20-plus years ago as custom-built consulting projects, and they really were built for compliance.Whats more, time is of the essence in foster care. According to the National Foster Youth Institute , more than 23,000 kids age out of the U.S. foster care system every year, and 20 percent of them roughly 4,600 kids become instantly homeless. Only half of kids who age out of foster care have gainful employment by age 24. So finding parents for foster kids before they age out is one of the goals, and numbers suggest Binti has made headway.Weve been able to drive tangible outcomes, which I think is the reason for our growth, Curcuru said. In our approvals module, on average, agencies approved 80 percent more families in a year after working with us, compared to before, with no change in marketing or anything. And they approve them in 16 percent fewer days, so theyre approving more families more quickly.In 2017, Binti served 20 counties in California. Today that number has grown to 39 counties in California and more than 100 agencies in 15 states. Its too early to say how Binti will pan out for New Mexico, but Blalock is optimistic. He said six people applied to the new digital foster care system within the first 24 hours, with no external outreach on the states part. He said the state chose Binti not only because it fit their criteria, but because word-of-mouth backed them up.When we reached out to folks people liked (Binti), people liked their experience with it, people liked how quickly they got on board with it, and we heard lots of stories about how it helped change practice, and thats what we need, he said. To go from a 23-year-old database to Binti is kind of lightspeed ahead for us. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 10:40:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The following are the updates on the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. - - - - RIO DE JANEIRO -- Brazil has seen over 1,000 daily deaths from COVID-19 for three days in a row, the health ministry said Thursday. The country reported 1,238 more deaths and 22,765 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 47,748 and total number of infections to 978,142, with a mortality rate of 4.9 percent, the ministry said. - - - - CAPE TOWN -- South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize on Thursday urged South Africans to prepare for "a heavy storm" as COVID-19 cases continued to rise. The minister made the appeal as the COVID-19 death toll in the country hit 1,737, up 63 from Wednesday. A total of 3,488 cases have been reported over the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide count to 83,890, according to local health authorities. - - - - BEIJING -- Chinese health authority said Friday that it received reports of 32 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on the Chinese mainland Thursday, of which 28 were domestically transmitted and four were imported. Of the domestically transmitted cases, 25 cases were reported in Beijing, two in Hebei Province, and one in Liaoning Province, the National Health Commission said in its daily report. No deaths related to the disease were reported Thursday, according to the commission. - - - - WASHINGTON -- A new genetic analysis of COVID-19 patients suggests that blood type might influence whether someone develops severe COVID-19, according to the latest study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The study, involving researchers in Italy, Spain, Denmark, Germany and other countries, compared about 2,000 patients in Europe with severe COVID-19 to several thousand other people who were healthy or who had only mild or no symptoms. - - - - CAIRO -- Egypt reported on Thursday 1,218 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the total cases registered in the country since mid-February to 50,437, said Egyptian Health Ministry. Egypt and China have been cooperating closely in fighting the pandemic. In early February, Egypt provided aid to China to help with its fight against COVID-19 and China later returned favor by sending three batches of medical aid to the North African country, the latest of which was in mid-May. - - - - JERUSALEM -- The Israeli Ministry of Health reported 253 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the total infections in Israel to 20,036. The death toll from the coronavirus remained at 303, while the number of patients in serious condition increased from 36 to 38, out of 146 patients currently hospitalized. Enditem By Express News Service KOCHI: The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) on Thursday asked actor Neeraj Madhav to furnish more details on his allegations about the hierarchy and nepotism existing in the Malayalam film industry.FEFKA general secretary Unnikrishnan B said the association cannot look into the issue unless the actor divulges details including the people who have treated him badly on the film sets. FEFKA has sent an official mail to A.M.M.A (Association of Malayalam Movie Makers), urging the actors association to ask Neeraj to give more details. Neeraj has raised serious allegations and said lobbying exists in Mollywood. However, it was a generalised allegation. He has to provide specific details like which production controller/technicians behaved in the manner he describes in the social media post. Only then will we be able to look into theses claims, said Unnikrishnan. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Neeraj claimed that actors without godfathers and those not part of the clique face various hurdles in Mollywood. Neeraj has made the allegations at a time when Bollywood has been discussing mental health and nepotism in the film industry following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. A 3D printed Google logo is placed on the Apple Macbook in this illustration By Alistair Smout LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will switch to the Apple and Google model for its COVID-19 test-and-trace app, ditching an attempt to develop an app by itself after the homegrown system did not work well enough on Apple's iPhone, the government said on Thursday. The test-and-trace programme is key to reopening the country but has been dogged by problems. A smartphone app developed by the National Health Service (NHS) was initially expected to be rolled out nationwide in May but did not materialise. Health minister Matt Hancock appeared to blame Apple in part for the pivot, adding that the decentralised Google-Apple system would benefit from work done on the abortive NHS app. "As it stands, our app won't work because Apple won't change their system, but it can measure distance. And their app can't measure distance well enough, to a standard we are satisfied with," he said at the daily news conference. "So we've agreed to join forces with Google and Apple, to bring the best bits of both systems together." Dido Harding, head of the test-and-trace programme has described the app as the "cherry on the cake" of the overall test-and-trace system, playing down its centrality to the programme. But figures for the second week of England's test-and-trace showed that while over 85,000 people who had tested positive for the new coronavirus had been reached in the first two weeks, over 25% of positive cases could not be reached. Officials running the programme admitted that the change of tack on the app was unplanned but denied that it was a setback, emphasising that they did not want to rush out an app which fell short of standards. But the opposition Labour party said that warnings about the homegrown app had not been heeded. "This is unsurprising and yet another example of where the governments response has been slow and badly managed. Its meant precious time and money wasted," Labour health spokesman Jon Ashworth said. Story continues Britain's adoption of the 'decentralised' approach for its app followed a growing number of European countries, including Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Austria. But Apple and Google's model has frustrated governments, as they undercut the technology's usefulness by prioritising user privacy. The pivot happened after the NHS app, which was being tested on the Isle of Wight off the southern coast of England, was found to work well on Google's Android operating systems but not on Apple iPhones. However, Britain wants further improvements to the Google-Apple platform, meaning that the original hope of a launch in May is set to be missed by months rather than weeks. "We're not going to put a date on it I'm afraid because I'm absolutely determined that whilst this technology can help, it's got to be working effectively," Hancock said. (Reporting by Alistair Smout; additional reporting by Costas Pitas and William James; editing by Estelle Shirbon and Jonathan Oatis) Prime Minister Scott Morrison has held a snap media conference to brief the nation on a large-scale cyber attack on the country. The sophisticated attack targeted the business sector as well as the government, including critical health infrastructure. While Morrison declined to name the country behind it, the ABC has reported that government sources believe it was China, amid rising tensions with the superpower. Visit Business Insider Australia's homepage for more stories. The Prime Minister has revealed that Australia has been the target of a large-scale cyber attack. Briefing media on Friday morning, Scott Morrison said attacks had comprehensive in scope, aimed at the government, education, health, and business sectors. "We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the tradecraft used." Mr Morrison told reporters at an impromptu media conference held at Parliament House. Morrison said cyberattacks on Australia had been increasing over recent months. While he did not name the country behind the attack, given rising political tensions, China was immediately at the fore of speculation. "What I can confirm, with confidence, based on the advice, the technical advice that we have received, is that this is the action of a state-based actor with significant capabilities," he said. "There aren't too many state-based actors who have those capabilities." After the press conference concluded, ABC reported that government officials believe the state actor behind the attack was China. Business Insider Australia, however, has not been able to confirm this independently. https://twitter.com/DaveTaylorNews/status/1273795018021457920 The "malicious cyber activity" appears to have been aimed at critical health infrastructure, as well as other government services and the business community. Appearing alongside Morrison, Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said businesses were being briefed and instructed to upgrade their security measures, add multi-factor authentication, patch their online systems and request government assistance if required. Story continues Underlining the seriousness of the situation, Morrison revealed he had spoken with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson about the attack. The government has also briefed the federal opposition on the matter. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has published more details on exactly how the attack worked. It revealed that the actor tried to "leverage public exploit proof-of-concepts" to target government infrastructure and when that method failed, turned to spearphishing, using emails to target victims. According to the ACSC, this included links to credential harvesting websites, emails with links to malicious files, or with the malicious file directly attached, links prompting users to grant Office 365 OAuth tokens to the actor, use of email tracking services to identify the email opening and lure click-through events. Curiously, while the attackers were trying to gain access, it's not clear what they intended to do once they had it. "During its investigations, the ACSC identified no intent by the actor to carry out any disruptive or destructive activities within victim environments," the ACSC said in a statement. More to come. New Delhi, June 19 : The Supreme Court on Friday told the Centre to send all migrants home within the deadline fixed, and to ensure the compliance of the court's order. On June 9, the top court had ordered that the process of transporting migrant workers to their native places should be completed in 15 days. A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, SK Kaul and MR Shah, while hearing the suo motu case on the migrant crisis during Covid-19 pandemic, said the court's order on June 9, was very clear that all migrants must reach home within 15 days. The bench told the Centre to ensure that migrants do not have to pay anything to go back. Senior advocate Indira Jaising contended before the bench the information sought from migrant workers was unnecessarily excessive, and informed the bench that it was earlier not being followed. The bench asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to speak with all states and Union Territories to comply with the order. "Also ensure publicity is given to our orders", they told the Centre. The bench has fixed the next hearing on the matter in July. Justice Shah cited an order by Karnataka High Court, where it observed that the 15-day period was not mandatory. Justice Shah said the High Court should be informed that the top court's order is mandatory. Mehta submitted that states have been asked to submit their requisition for trains to transport the migrants. After this is done, within 24 hours trains are being provided, added Mehta. On June 9, the apex court passed a slew of directions to state governments and Union Territories to provide benefits for migrant workers, who returned to their native states and directed the governments to submit schemes to generate employment for the migrants, and also to withdraw cases against them for violating lockdown orders. The bench added that employment generation should be explored by the home state of the migrant workers, besides facilitating their journey to their native places, if they are interested. The top court also ordered withdrawal of complaints against migrant workers who set off on foot. The bench said that all cases registered against migrants who allegedly violated lockdown orders, under the Disaster Management Act 2005, should be dropped. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text 1. A "normal" unemployment rate is 1/20. 2. So if you know 20 typical workers, odds are good that one will be unemployed. 3. And then if you know 50 workers, at least 1 of them will probably be unemployed. 4. Therefore, its likely at any given time that 90% of people in the country know at least 1 unemployed person. Quote: (A) normal levels of unemployment are rarely exceeded current right now Quote: (B) unemployment is not normally concentrated in geographically isolated segments of the population several other Quote: (C) the number of people who each know someone who is unemployed is always higher than 90% of the population rely Quote: (D) Roland is not consciously distorting the statistics he presents if Quote: (E) knowledge that a personal acquaintance is unemployed generates more fear of losing one's job than does knowledge of unemployment statistics The heart of Sharon's argument is pretty straightforward: she thinks that what Roland sees is somewhat "normal", and not "alarming".Lets break down the reasoning behind her argument:In her reasoning, Sharon refers to nationwide levels of unemployment. When she jumps to step 4 of her argument, she assumes that the employment patterns of the 50 workers each of us knows personally will resemble the nationwide employment patterns. In order to accept this assumption, we need evidence that the normal unemployment rate in any given area will roughly match the normal rate of unemployment for the entire country. Otherwise, it could be the case that the unemployed workers are overwhelmingly concentrated in a few parts of the country, and most people elsewhere might NOT know any unemployed workers.So Sharon's argument relies on which of these assumptions?It makes no difference whether normal levels of unemployment are exceeded rarely or frequently. As long as thelevel of unemployment is normal, then Sharons argument is valid.In other words, normal levels of unemployment could be exceeded frequently. But according to Sharon, the data cited by Roland is evidence that unemployment levels are normal. Sharons argument does not rely on choice (A), so eliminate this one.Choice (B) gets to the heart of Sharons assumption. If unemployment is evenly distributed across the population as opposed to being concentrated in certain states, cities and industries, then well have an easier time agreeing with Sharon. If (B) is true, then any person who knows approximately 50 workers -- anywhere in the country -- is likely to know at least one unemployed worker, even if unemployment levels are moderate.If (B) were NOT true and unemployment levels were moderate, then we would expect people in the geographically isolated segments to knowunemployed workers. In that case, most people inparts of the country would NOT likely know at least one unemployed worker. If (B) were not true, then Rolands evidence would be "alarming", and Sharons argument would fall apart.Lets keep choice (B) for now and try to eliminate the rest.Choice (C) could certainly weaken Rolands argument (by suggesting that the evidence is normal, not alarming). But does Sharons argumenton this assumption? What if unemployment levels are sometimes LESS than moderate? In that case, there would certainly be times when the number of people who each know someone who is unemployed is NOT higher than 90% of the population.Regardless, we are only interested in the fact that that 90 percent NOW report that they know someone who is unemployed. According to Sharon, this is no cause for alarm. Sharons argument would be the same regardless of whether (C) is true, so we can eliminate this one.Sharons argument doesnt depend on whether Roland is honest. There would be no reason for continuing to this conversation if Roland were rattling off fake news he saw on Facebook, but Sharons logical connection wouldnt be affected.Sharons argument is basically, Evenyour evidence is true, there is no cause for alarm. If the evidence is false, Roland might be a liar, but Sharons logic remains sound.(D) isn't necessary, so we can eliminate it.Choice (E) very well may be true, but it tells us nothing that would affect the logical argument Sharon is making. She says we shouldnt be alarmed because normal unemployment rates explain the seemingly abnormal rates of knowing an unemployed person. Fear of losing one's job is completely irrelevant to her argument.So (E) is out, and (B) is our answer._________________ New Delhi: The Indian Army has ordered body protective suits and batons for troops deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, the focus of current tensions with China, to protect them from assaults by Chinese troops, two officers familiar with the development said on Friday. The Chinese troops have been using stones, iron rods and nail-studded clubs to inflict serious injuries during border brawls. Twenty Indian soldiers, including a colonel, were killed in a seven-hour brawl in Ladakhs Galwan Valley on Monday night. The order for the suits essentially light-weight riot gear was placed with a Mumbai-based firm last month after scores of Indian soldiers, including a colonel, were injured in a separate clash with Chinese troops on the northern bank of Ladakhs Pangong Lake on the night of May 5-6, said one of the two cited above. Indian and Chinese soldiers have been caught in a tense confrontation along the disputed border since rival patrols clashed near Pangong Lake last month. The soldiers along the LAC will get 500 sets of protective suits soon in the first instalment, said a second officer. The army has ordered a total of around 2,000 sets of protective suits and batons, he said. The tensions escalated significantly after the brutal clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley on June 15. Both sides suffered casualties. The Chinese soldiers employed the same modus operandi and attacked Indian troops with stones, iron rods and nail-studded clubs. Two retired senior commanders that Hindustan Times spoke to said it was inappropriate to supply riot gear to soldiers as their role was not the same as policemen. The June 15 clash also left 76 Indian soldiers injured, including 18 seriously, officials said. All of them are now stable. Indian Army officials have said 43 Chinese were killed or seriously injured, citing radio intercepts and other intelligence. The Chinese fatal casualties reportedly include a colonel, but HT could not independently verify this. The Galwan Valley clash took the relationship between the two nuclear powers to an all-time low. It came on a day army delegations from India and China held talks at two locations along the LAC brigadier-rank officers met in the Galwan Valley and colonel-rank officers in Hot Springs as part of continuing efforts to de-escalate and disengage. According to an agreement on confidence-building measures along the LAC, signed by India and China in November 1996, both sides do not open fire or conduct blast operations within two kilometres of the de facto border. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has added another achievement to her name. On June 19, she completed her degree from Oxford University. She announced this news on Twitter and shared two photographs, one with her covered in confetti, and another one celebrating her achievement with her family. Yousafzai said on Twitter, "Hard to express my joy and gratitude right now as I completed my Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree at Oxford. I don't know what's ahead". She also said that for now, she will be spending her time watching Netflix, reading and sleeping. Tweet Yousafzai was born in Pakistan and has been an education and human rights activist for many years. In 2012, she was attacked by the Taliban in Pakistan after becoming a critic of the terrorist group's efforts to quell girl-child education. On October 9, 2012, she was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman in an assassination attempt, she was just 15-years-old at that time. She was airlifted to Britain, where she was treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. She recovered soon and continued her fight for education, gaining support from all over the world. In October 2014, Malala, along with Indian children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi, was named Nobel Peace Prize winner. At age 17, she became the youngest person to receive this prize. She had joined a long list of political figures who have completed a degree in philosophy, politics and economics from Oxford University. Some others who have done the same are former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, current Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and ex-British Prime Minister David Cameron. Also Read: Coronavirus: Hospitals to face action if salaries of health workers not paid on time ALso Read: RIL share hits all-time high after firm becomes net debt-free ahead of target Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/19/2020 -- FMI Projects a Value Pool of US$ 33 Bn for Packaging Testing Services Market by 2029 End; Major Players Focus on Third-party Solutions for SMEs The imposition of new standards on packaging authentication processes has become a major driver of growth to the packaging testing services market. Increasing concerns over plastic waste from packaging materials further supports the market growth. Future Market Insights, Dubai: The global packaging testing services market is set to reach a impressive valuation of US$ 33 Bn by the end of the forecast period (2019-2029) at an exponential rate of growth, as projected by a new report of Future Market Insights (FMI). Leading market players are investing in sustainability initiatives and regulatory compliance to keep ahead of the competition. "Highly profitable economies including China and India will offer opportunities to market providers, as the demand for different solutions in these countries is on the rise," states the FMI report. To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-11147 Packaging Testing Services Market: Key Findings - The physical testing segment will witness high demand; driven by growing significance of tearing strength, friction, tensile strength, and compression. - Food and healthcare applications will generate promising opportunities to bolster the market revenue. - Compliance to standards by organizations such as the ASTM, ISTA, and ISO will remain key influencers in the industry. - South Asia and East Asia will display strong growth owing to high production and exports from China, Japan, and India. Packaging Testing Services Market: Key Driving Factors - The growth of end use industries such as food, healthcare, cosmetics, and personal care is expected to boost the market. - Consumer awareness about sustainable packaging and the importance to regulatory compliance is fueling market growth. - Advances in microbiological and chemical testing capabilities for packaging testing services are driving market growth. - Rising numbers of product recalls owing to strict government regulations is an essential factor for global demand. Packaging Testing Services Market Key Restraints - The high cost of packaging testing equipment and services is a key restraint to market growth, which impacts newer entrants especially hard. Download Methodology of this Report @https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-11147 Competition Landscape of Packaging Testing Services Market Some of the key players in the global packaging testing services landscape that are covered in this study include, but are not limited to, ALS Limited, SGS S.A., Bureau Veritas S.A., TUV SUD AG, Intertek Group Plc, and Eurofins Scientific SE. Leading manufacturers remain focused on leveraging the growth of the e-commerce industry. Manufacturers are also targeting awareness campaigns and tech developments for greater accuracy in the global packaging testing services market. More About the Report This Future Market Insights study of 300 pages offers actionable insights on the packaging testing services market. The market analysis is based on testing type (physical, chemical, and microbiological), material (plastic, paper & paperboard, glass, metal, and others), and end-user (food, beverages, healthcare, personal care & cosmetics, and others) across seven regions (Latin America, North America, Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Oceania, and MEA). Explore Extensive Coverage of FMI's Packaging Landscape Stretch Films Market- Obtain valuable insights on the global stretch films market with comprehensive segmental analysis, market statistics, key influencing factors, prominent players and critical developmental strategies adopted by them for a predefined projection period. Machine Glazed Paper Market- FMI's report on the global machine glazed paper market offers an in-depth commentary on the market poised for prolific growth during 2019-2029. The study covers comprehensive evaluation of key impacting forces, revenue sources, and market leaders along with instrumental market strategies. Bagging Equipment Market- Get a deep-dive analysis on the global bagging equipment market with key insights on growth levers, opportunities, restraints, retail policies, regional market forecasts and key forte of market leaders. He shares daughter Lena, nine, and son Rex, seven, and a four-year-old son with wife of ten years Elize du Toit. But Rafe Spall appears to have not been enjoying home-schooling his three little ones while in lockdown, as he claimed they could be 'absolute b******s' in an interview with The Mirror on Thursday. The actor, 37, spoke candidly about life in quarantine with his children and said of teaching them: They can be absolute b******s and make it really difficult for you - it's difficult, really difficult. Youve just got to keep patient - and bite your tongue. Candid: Rafe Spall joked his three children have been 'absolute b******s' in lockdown as he admitted on Thursday that they 'make it really difficult' to homeschool them Rafe went on to say his children have helped keep him grounded amid his successful acting career, as he went on: 'Youve got to take your kids to school. I have been wiping bums for nine years. 'If you don't have things that keep you grounded it is easy to lose yourself. My youngest is four so we are through it.' The Shaun Of The Dead star, who is the son of actor Timothy Spall, went on to claim he missed the normality of everyday life prior to the coronavirus lockdown, including sitting in traffic or going to a restaurant. Family man: Rafe shares daughter Lena, nine, and son Rex, seven, and a four-year-old son with wife of ten years Elize du Toit (pictured in 2019) Rafe can currently be seen in BBC drama The Salisbury Poisonings alongside Anne-Marie Duff, who portrays 'superhero' Tracy Daszkiewicz, the director of public health at Wiltshire council at the time of the attack on former Russian military intelligence officer and double agent Sergei Skripal. Skripal and his daughter Yulia, who was visiting him at the time of the attack, both survived but a local woman named Dawn Sturgess died. Her boyfriend Charlie Rowley became critically ill, as did Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey (Spall), who had searched Skirpal's house. Honest: Rafe, who is son of actor Timothy Spall (pictured in 2014) said of homeschooling his kids: 'It's difficult, really difficult. Youve just got to keep patient - and bite your tongue' Speaking to The Times about the show, Duff acknowledged the iconocraphy such as the hazmat suits and restaurants closed to prevent any spread will strike a chord with viewers in a way that could not have been foreseen when the show was made. 'We've become phenomenally aware of all the people that are cannon fodder in our lives, the people that are really there are at the front, taking bullets for us,' she said. 'I think this is a story about those people: the people who pick up after us, the people who take our rubbish away and who stack shelves and get paid sometimes less than the minimum wage, unfortunately. They are our superheroes, and this drama is about a few of those superheroes.' The show follows Daszkiewicz (Duff) as she works with colleagues to try to combat a lethal and invisible enemy that has appeared out of nowhere. Al-Qaeda's North Africa wing, AQIM has published a video confirming the death of Algerian chief Abdelmalek Droukdel, killed by French special forces earlier this month in northern Mali. The message calls for continued battles against foreign forces in the Sahel region. France said in early June that its forces had killed Droukdel in northern Mali near the Algerian border, where it says the group has bases it uses to carry out bombings and abductions of Westerners. "After nearly two weeks, AQIM (Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb) has officially acknowledged the death of its long time leader Droukdel (Wadud), with a video eulogy narrated by AQIM's head of media, pledging continued battles against occupying French forces and others in N. Africa and the Sahel," SITE director Rita Katz said Thursday on her Twitter account. French Defence Minister Florence Parly said June 6 that many close associates of the Algerian -- who commanded several groups under the AQIM banner -- were also "neutralised." She said that the "this is a major success for the combat, which is essential for peace and stability in the region." The United States said it had provided information and support in the operation. Attacks against Westerners AQIM emerged from a group started in the late 1990s by radical Algerian Islamists, who in 2007 pledged allegiance to Osama Bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network. The group has said it has carried out numerous attacks on troops and civilians across the Sahel, including a 2016 attack on an upmarket hotel and restaurant in Burkina Faso that killed 30 people, mainly Westerners. The death of Droukdel -- once regarded as Algeria's enemy number one -- could leave AQIM in disarray, French military sources have said. France has deployed more than 5,000 troops to combat jihadist groups in the region -- a largely lawless expanse stretching over Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, where drugs and arms flow through porous borders. (AFP) OP Soni Chandigarh: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has given approval to the Government Medical College Amritsar to treat the patients of Covid-19 with plasma therapy. Disclosing this here today, Punjab Medical Education & Research Minister O.P. Soni said that the patients infected with coronavirus would be soon treated with the plasma therapy in the Government Medical College (GMC). Advertisement OP Soni Divulging further, he said that all the requisite preparedness had already been completed so as to start this therapy within next few days. The Minister pointed out that the GMC Amritsar is fully equipped to provide best treatment through plasma therapy as the institute had adequate infrastructure and sufficient plasma donors for the treatment of Covid patients. He further said that the GMC Amritsar had been accorded approval in this regard by the ICMR with concerted efforts of Principal Secretary Medical Education & Research D.K. Tiwari, Principal GMC Amritsar Dr. Sujata Sharma, Prof. Emeritus and Member Secretary IEC Dr. Jatinder Singh, Head Transfusion, Medicine Department Prof. (Dr.) Neeraj Sharma and Prof. Anesthesia and Critical Care Dr. Ranjana Khetarpal. Advertisement Coronavirus The Minister further stated that the ICMR had already granted approval to Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, Faridkot for plasma therapy under National Clinical Trial and it has become one of the pioneer institutes in the country to initiate this unique therapy. He said that the initial results of plasma therapy at Faridkot had been extremely encouraging. Under this therapy, the plasma of the patients, who have recovered from coronavirus is preserved for transfusing the same to the critically corona infected patients, who are showing signs marked improvement. The Minister said that any patient recovered from Covid, whose report (RT-PCR) is found negative, he/she could donate plasma after 14 days as his/her blood contains antibodies, which are helpful to cure the disease. Prayagraj : , June 19 (IANS) Mahant Narendra Giri, President of the Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP), the apex body of saints and seers, has said that lakhs of Naga sanyasis would not hesitate in joining the Indian armed forces to give a befitting reply to the Chinese aggression on the borders. Condemning the attack, Giri said the Indian forces are capable of giving a befitting reply to the enemy, but if the need arises, lakhs of Naga sadhus can also join their forces to protect the motherland. "Naga sadhus are equally trained in shaashtra (religious texts) and shashtra (arms)," he said. Giri said that Naga sadhus are trained in martial arts and also carry tridents, swords, canes and spears. "They once functioned as a trained armed force to protect Hindus from the Mughal rulers and were involved in a number of military defence campaigns. However, after Independence, there was no apparent need for Nagas to indulging in armed activities, so they turned to religion," he explained. Ireland has dropped out of the top 10 ranking of most competitive countries, according to a new survey from a leading business school in Switzerland. The State dropped five places to 12th spot in the IMD rankings and was the second biggest loser from the countries that had made up the top 10 in 2019, with only the US falling by a greater degree. "The drop in Ireland's overall ranking is mainly due to a slowdown in its economic performance," said senior economist Jose Caballero. Overall, Ireland also bucked a trend for smaller economies to perform better this year than last. Singapore retained top spot while Denmark surged six places into second, with Switzerland, the Netherlands and Hong Kong rounding out the top five. Denmark's rise was down to the country's strong economy, labour market and health and education systems. The countries in the top five have also had greater success in battling the coronavirus pandemic, the IMD report noted. "The benefit of small economies in the current crisis comes from their ability to fight a pandemic and their economic competitiveness. In part, these may be fed by the fact that it is easy to find social consensus," it said. Despite a high death rate and criticism of its fumbled response to the pandemic, as well as the imminent threat of Brexit without a European Union trade deal, Britain managed to rise in the IMD rankings to 19th place, up six spots. Mr Caballero said Ireland's slide was also due to a drop in its appeal to highly skilled foreign staff. The survey also showed negative opinions about management practices, for example the effective fulfilment of corporate boards' fiduciary duties. The State is also weak on digital skills in the workforce, IMD said. That echoes criticism from the European Commission which noted "a relatively low percentage of the population has basic digital skills". Many of the sectors of the economy which have been hit hardest by Covid-19 and are major employers, such as tourism, food and accommodation, are going to be among the last to reopen which means the workers in those industries are likely to be unemployed for a longer period of time. The trade union-affiliated Nerin Economic Research Institute recently called for a new industrial policy focused on investment in education, research and development which targets high-tech to replace low-wage industries. United Nations, June 19 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged support for refugees and their host communities on the occasion of World Refugee Day. Nearly 80 million women, children and men around the world have been forced from their homes as refugees or internally displaced people. Ten million of these people fled in the past year alone, said Guterres in a message for World Refugee Day, which falls on June 20, Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday. "On World Refugee Day, we pledge to do everything in our power to end the conflict and persecution that drive these appalling numbers. Today, we also recognize the generosity and humanity of host communities and countries that often struggle with their own economic and security concerns. We owe these countries our thanks, our support and our investment," he said. Guterres asked the international community to work to re-establish the integrity of the international refugee protection regime so that refugees and host communities receive the support they need. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic poses an additional threat to refugees and displaced people, who are among the most vulnerable, he noted, adding that refugees and displaced people are also prominent among those who are stepping up to make a difference on the front lines of the response. "From camps in Bangladesh to hospitals in Europe, refugees are working as nurses, doctors, scientists, teachers and in other essential roles, protecting themselves and giving back to the communities that host them. On World Refugee Day, we thank refugees for their resourcefulness and determination to rebuild their own lives, and to improve the lives of those around them," he said. Guterres asked countries to stand in unity and solidarity with refugees and recognize their fundamental obligation to shelter those fleeing war and persecution. - Wetang'ula had organised a meeting at his rural home in Bungoma and invited a host of leaders from the county - The besieged Ford Kenya leader chose to make a grand entry by organising a convoy that began its journey from Trans Nzioa county - However, the caravan was intercepted by police officers at Kamukuywa town in Kimilili constituency after attracting a huge crowd - Wetang'ula and his team managed to get out of the melee but were confronted again at Sikata area near Bungoma town after attracting another crowd - The government has put a nation-wide ban on social gatherings including political rallies due to the COVID-19 pandemic but that had largely been ignored by politicians and their supporters Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula's visit to his home county turned chaotic after armed police officers lobbed teargas canisters to disperse supporters who turned out in large numbers to welcome him on Friday, June 19. Accompanied by a host of MCAs and MPs drawn from both Jubilee and Ford Kenya parties in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties, Wetangu'ula attracted the attention of police officers who responded swiftly to disperse a crowd that was building up in the town. READ ALSO: Jubilee Asili: Deputy secretary-general Caleb Kositany hints Ruto, allies considering new party Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula (Centre), Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa (left) and Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini) consult after facing resistance from anti-riot police. Photo: Oti Oteba/TUKO.co.ke. Source: Original READ ALSO: Uhuru nominates Nancy Gathungu as auditor general 8 months after receiving candidates' names The embattled FORD Kenya leader's convoy was blocked by heavy anti-riot police officers at Kamukuywa in Kimilili constituency and Sikata area near Bungoma town. The senator blamed Bungoma county commissioner Abdi Mohamed Hassan for the chaotic incidents. "We informed the county commissioner that we make an entry from Kamukuywa to Kimilili and finally my home in Namuyemba but we will not hold any public rally instead we will wave to our supporters as we make our way to my home," said Wetang'ula. READ ALSO: Marshall Mulwa: Mike Sonko comes to aid of suffering ex-Harambee Stars coach In what appeared to be a show of supremacy battle between the police and Wetang'ula's supporters, ugly scenes of confrontation and running battles were witnessed at Kamukuywa market where hundreds of the senator's supporters had gathered along the road waiting to receive him and his team. Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and a number of MCA's were forced to use motorbikes to gain access to Wetang'ula's home as police engaged residents in Kanduyi town. Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa (centre) jumped on a motorbike after anti-riot police officers intercepted their convoy. Photo: Oti Oteba/TUKO.co.ke. Source: Original Wetang'ula's attempt to show his political relevance and supremacy by pulling roadside crowds came at a time when the government was enforcing stringent measures to curb the spread of novel coronavirus. The government has put a nation-wide ban on social gatherings including political rallies due to the COVID-19 pandemic but that had largely been ignored by politicians and their supporters. The senator is also facing a serious revolt in his party with a section of Ford Kenya MPs scheming to oust him for good. Speaking to journalists and supporters after arriving at his Namuyemba home in Kanduyi, the Bungoma legislator tore into a section of leaders from the region accusing them of sabotaging efforts to unite the Luhya nation. I want to warn Eugene, Oparanya, Atwoli and Wamunyinyi against lying to our people that they will bring development to the region. The development agenda can only be tabled in Parliament for debate before budget allocation. If that has not been done then forgot," said Wetang'ula. Messy reception: Moses Wetangu'la's convoy teargassed in Bungoma Source: Original The push and pull politics between the Wetang'ula-Musalia Mudavadi side and another faction led by CS Eugene Wamalwa and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has exposed more cracks in efforts to unit the Mulembe nation ahead of the 2022 General Election. Wetang'ula was accompanied by Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi, Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), Mwambu Mabonga (Bumula) and a host of MCAs. Story by Davis Bwayo - TUKO.co.ke - Corespondent 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. Kenya's greatest football coach now lives in a mabati house - Marshall Mulwa | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke China will increase its purchases of U.S. agricultural products following secret talks between the two nations held in Hawaii, Bloomberg reported on Friday. China is a vital market for American soybeans, corn, ethanol, meat, and other agricultural products. But Beijing, which committed to buying $36.5 billion in American agricultural goods under the terms of a phase-one trade deal signed by President Trump and Chinese premier Xi Jinping, had only purchased $4.65 billion worth through the first four months of 2020. The talks on Wednesday, attended by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chinese foreign-policy chief Yang Jiechi, were intended to smooth conflicts over the trade deal. During my meeting with CCP Politburo Member Yang Jiechi, he recommitted to completing and honoring all of the obligations of Phase 1 of the trade deal between our two countries, Pompeo wrote on Twitter following the meeting. The Chinese commerce ministry did not respond to Bloombergs request for comment. Phase one of the trade deal went into effect just before the coronavirus outbreak that started in Wuhan, China ballooned into a global pandemic. Relations between the U.S. and China have soured considerably since then, with American officials blaming China for not preventing the spread of the virus. The two nations were already in the midst of a trade war, with each imposing tariffs on exports from the other. More from National Review Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 17:36:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BERLIN, June 19 (Xinhua) -- German stocks were off to a good start on Friday, with the benchmark DAX index rising 75.65 points, or 0.62 percent, opening at 12,375.18 points. Since Monday, the German DAX index reclaimed the 12,000 points benchmark and had increased by around 6 percent over the course of the week. The biggest winner among Germany's largest 30 companies at the start of trading was Lufthansa, increasing by 2.76 percent, followed by Deutsche Bank with 1.50 percent and mail and logistics company Deutsche Post with 0.25 percent. Following losses of more than 70 percent on Thursday, shares of Wirecard continued to fall and lost 21.44 percent at the start of trading on Friday. The German financial service provider was by a significant distance the biggest loser in the DAX. On Thursday, Wirecard had postponed the announcement of its 2019 financial results for the fourth time after auditor Ernst & Young's refused to certify the audit because of lack of information regarding cash balances of trustees worth 1.9 billion euros (2.13 billion U.S. dollars). Telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom is scheduled to hold its annual meeting on Friday digitally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The German company had ended 2019 with a record net profit of 3.9 billion euros (4.37 billion dollars). On Friday, the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) announced that producer prices of industrial products in Germany in May declined by 2.2 percent compared to last year. The yield on German ten-year bonds went up 0.007 percentage points to minus 0.400 percent, and the euro was trading at 1.1203 dollars, declining slightly by 0.01 on Friday morning. Enditem The Punjab Police on Friday said it has arrested two Khalistani operatives preparing to carry out terror attacks and targeted killings at the behest of their Pakistani mentors and handlers. The police added that a German-made MP5 sub-machine gun, a 9 mm pistol with 4 magazines and two mobile phones were also seized from them. The federal government has dropped its appeal of U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simons December 2019 ruling that revoked the eastern Oregon grazing permit for Hammond Ranches Inc. The Hammonds have reapplied for a permit, but this time theyre competing with three others who seek grazing rights to the same federal parcels held by the family for decades, according to Tara Thissell, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Bureau of Land Managements Burns office. The Bureau of Land Management has been directed to seek public input and complete a full environmental analysis of any potential harms that grazing may cause to wildlife and birds and their habitat before awarding a new permit. In December, Simon revoked the Hammond Ranches Inc. grazing permit, finding that former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinkes order renewing it in early 2019 was an abuse of discretion. The renewal followed President Donald Trumps pardon of the Hammonds in July 2018. Dwight Hammond Jr. and his son, Steven Hammond, had been convicted of arson and were serving out five-year mandatory minimum sentences for setting fire to public land where they had grazing rights. Both were convicted of setting a fire in 2001, and the son was convicted of setting a second fire in 2006. But Simon ruled that neither Zinke nor the Bureau of Land Management made a finding as required that the Hammonds were in substantial compliance'' with federal grazing regulations or had a satisfactory history of performance. Three environmental advocacy groups -- Western Watersheds Project, the Center for Biological Diversity and WildEarth Guardians -- sued the interior secretary and the Bureau of Land Management, arguing that Zinke acted as if he were above the law'' by failing to consider the Hammonds unsatisfactory record or do proper environmental reviews before ordering the renewal of the grazing permit in February. In March, the Bureau of Land Management filed a notice with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that it would be challenging Simons ruling. But before any briefs were filed, attorney Katelin Shugart-Schmidt of the U.S. Department of Justices Environment & Natural Resources Division told the appeals court on June 9 that the government was voluntarily dropping its appeal. Environmental activists applauded the move. That decision gives greater sage grouse, red band trout and other imperiled species a much-needed reprieve, the plaintiffs representatives said in a statement Friday. This fragile landscape has been devastated by years of over-grazing, said Randi Spivak, director of the Center for Biological Diversitys public lands program. Steens Mountain wildlife and the ecosystem now have some time to recover. Were confident that any new environmental analysis will show that grazing inflicts irreversible damage on this fragile environment. Jerome Rosa, executive director of the Oregon Cattlemens Association, said the association is disturbed that the federal land management agency pursued what he called an unprecedented process'' of publicly seeking applicants from across Harney County for the permit without giving preference to the Hammonds who have held the permit for decades. The Hammonds have had this since the 60s. If this is taken away from them, it really puts in danger the whole public lands system and permit process under the Taylor Grazing Act, Rosa said. The Taylor Grazing Act provides for the regulation of grazing on public lands. The Bureau of Land Management hasnt given a time line for when it will decide on granting a new permit. Rosa said hes concerned about further delays, citing forage on the federal allotments that could provide fuel for catastrophic fires ignited by lightning strikes. Alan Schroeder, the lawyer representing Hammond Ranches Inc., said his clients had pushed for a permit renewal process by the federal land bureau years earlier, which would have avoided the litigation. Just because they dont renew a permit doesnt mean you are forever barred from public lands,' Schroeder said. We certainly think we are the preferred applicant and should get the permit back.' Zinke, on his last day in office, had authorized the Bureau of Land Management to reissue a permit within 30 days to Hammond Ranches Inc., allowing grazing to resume on lands administered by the federal government from Feb. 1, 2019, through Feb. 28, 2024. Zinkes decision on Jan. 2, 2019, came during a government shutdown that ended on Jan. 25, providing limited time for the federal agency to do a necessary review before renewing the Hammond grazing permit. Department of Justice lawyer Luther Langdon Hajek previously argued that Zinke had the authority to order the renewal and that vacating the permit would lead to increased fire risk. Zinke, according to Hajek, considered a significant change in circumstances in approving the permit: the presidential pardons, the years the Hammonds already had served in prison, the substantial civil penalty they had paid and a lack of violations since 2014 while their cattle grazed on their private land thats intermingled with or adjacent to public land. When they walked out of prison in July 2018, Dwight Hammond had served two years and nine months in prison and his son had served three years and four months. In 2015, the Hammonds also paid $400,000 to settle a civil suit brought by the government to recoup damages caused by the fires. -- 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. MADISON, N.J., June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sotheby's International Realty is pleased to announce the launch of the new sothebysrealty.com. The revamped website exemplifies the brand's continued commitment to innovation and reinforces its position as the leader of global luxury real estate. With more than 60% of website traffic coming from outside the U.S., the new sothebysrealty.com features human translations in more than 15 languages and nearly 60 currency conversions to continue serving the brand's growing international clientele and fuel referrals worldwide. "With an international presence in 72 countries and territories around the world, Sotheby's International Realty is the preeminent global luxury real estate brand," said Brad Nelson, chief marketing officer for Sotheby's International Realty. "The new sothebysrealty.com reflects the brand's international identity and provides our sales associates the best platform to promote their listings and themselves on a global scale." The evolution of the website delivers an amplified experience that stays true to the Sotheby's International Realty brand's commitment to rich, high-quality content. The launch of sothebysrealty.com is being done in collaboration with global experience design agency, Huge, which has previously worked on campaigns with leading brands such as Four Seasons and Google. "The approach to real estate search today can often rob joy for the sake of convenience. Users are either working harder through overwhelming content to find their ideal property or missing out on the little details that make you fall in love with a home," said Jon Judah, group vice president, strategy of Huge. "At Huge, we've always been about making things users love, so we were inspired by the Sotheby's International Realty brand's vision of translating their immersive approach into a modern brand experience for selective clients of all backgrounds. They've always seen a premium experience as much more than just price and we're excited to bring that idea into this initial phase of their digital initiatives." With nearly 70% of traffic coming from mobile users, the website was designed with a mobile-first approach to emphasize the method in which today's clients are now buying and selling homes. To directly connect agents and potential clients, mobile users will have the opportunity to text an agent directly from an agent's profile or listing page, enabling them to forego the generic industry approach and communicate with agents in the same manner they communicate in their personal lives. From a design perspective, homes featured on sothebysrealty.com will be presented to consumers as engaging editorial-style, Instagrammable content to mirror consumers' desire for rich, high-quality content and reinforcing the brand's efforts in making high-resolution photography a standard for property presentations and listing pages. "At the heart of the Sotheby's International Realty brand is a commitment to quality and service," said John Passerini, global vice president of interactive marketing. "We pioneered high-resolution, quality-controlled photography 10 years ago, 3D virtual reality four years ago, and the launch of this new website is a next step in our commitment to those values. Consumers are seeking visual and social media-worthy content, and our fully responsive mobile website reflects this behavior enabling us to market extraordinary properties around the world." To foster the client-agent relationship, sothebysrealty.com now makes it easy for a buyer or seller to discover the best local agent for them by virtually bringing agent profile pages to life and cultivating connection through direct communication. The website's enhanced profile pages enable agents to present their personalities, current listings, and sales successes, allowing consumers to determine which trusted advisor is right for their buying or selling needs. Properties are also easily accessible using visual experiences such as high-definition video and photography, virtual reality and staging, and shop-the-room functionality a feature exclusive to the Sotheby's International Realty brand. To experience the new website and learn more about Sotheby's International Realty, click here. About Sotheby's International Realty Sotheby's International Realty was founded in 1976 as a real estate service for discerning clients of Sotheby's auction house. Today, the company's global footprint spans 1,000 offices located in 72 countries and territories worldwide, including 43 company-owned brokerage offices in key metropolitan and resort markets. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby's, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby's International Realty name and the development of a franchise system. The franchise system is comprised of an affiliate network, where each office is independently owned and operated. Sotheby's International Realty supports its affiliates and agents with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Affiliates and agents also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby's auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com. The affiliate network is operated by Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC, and the company owned brokerages are operated by Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. Both entities are subsidiaries of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY) a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. Both Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC and Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. CONTACTS Melissa Couch PR Manager Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC 973-407-6142 [email protected] SOURCE Sotheby's International Realty Related Links http://www.sothebysrealty.com Tablet interactive: Behind the mask Were sorry, this service is currently unavailable. Please try again later. Dismiss On Twitter last week, Priti Patel, the current holder of Mrs. Mays old post as home secretary, said the drama epitomizes the unimaginable suffering endured by the Windrush generation and apologized. An hour before the films release, Ms. Patel invited Mr. Bryan to join a video call, The Guardian reported, which he declined. Image Stephen Thompson, left, and Anthony Bryan in London in 2019. Id like it to concentrate peoples mind on the fact that the Windrush scandal is ongoing, Mr. Thompson said. For Mr. Thompson, this is all lip service. Last week, Britains human rights watchdog said it would assess the hostile environment policy, but none of the measures that led to the Windrush scandal have been revoked. Many people are still awaiting compensation from the governments 200 million hardship fund. Some have received little compensation for years of being unable to work, and others have since died. For Glenda Caesar, 58, watching Sitting in Limbo revived traumatic memories of her own experiences over the last few years. His mental breakdown was them coming and knocking the door, she said in a phone interview, referring to Mr. Bryan. But mine was more of a depressive mode, trying to accumulate paperwork that I couldnt find, which the government had destroyed. Having arrived in Britain as a three-month-old child from Dominica in 1961, Ms. Caesar fought for the right to remain in the country for years as she faced unemployment and mounting debt after being classified as an illegal immigrant. Former aide to Bolsonaro's son arrested: Brazilian authorities arrested a man sought as part of an investigation into allegedly suspicious movements of money made by him while working for the son of President Jair Bolsonaro, marking another indirect blow to the embattled leader. Fabricio Queiroz, a former driver for Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, the president's son, was arrested as part of a joint operation between prosecutors of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo states, the Rio prosecutors' office said. The probe is into an alleged phantom-employee corruption scheme. The arrest comes on the heels of other probes targeting Bolsonaro allies . A kind father who died in a freak skateboard accident will be remembered as a hero after he helped seven people live by donating his organs in a touching final act. Quinton Keith Mctaggart, 36, was riding an electric skateboard on a road in Brisbane's north-west on March 18 when he fell off and hit his head on the ground. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and died in hospital the next day. His wife, Sarah Cedo-Young, said her husband spent his life mentoring others to be the best versions of themselves. Quinton Keith Mctaggart, 36, died in March after a freak skateboarding accident took his life. Pictured with his wife Sarah Cedo-Young Quinton's generosity continued even in death after the father helped seven different families by donating his organs. Quinton's generosity continued even in death after the father helped seven different families by donating his organs When the young father's funeral was held in April, over 600 people attended in person and through a live stream. In a heartfelt message of thanks to attendees, Sarah said the sheer numbers showed just 'how many lives were touched by our Quinton' and praised their son Seth for his strength in the face of his dad's death. 'My soul mate. My one. Most incredible father to Seth who you have always been proud of but would be especially proud of today for his bravery,' she said. 'We love you. We miss you. We patiently wait for the day we meet again.' Sarah told the Courier Mail her husband was a true adventurer that was well-known for his endless self confidence. 'Quinton was fiercely protective of those he loved and a provider for his family. He set an example to always be loving, accepting, generous, strong, and loyal,' she said. 'Quinton selflessly offered his time, money and mentorship during his life. He would give out the last thing he owned if he knew it would help another person. 'We as Quinton's family and friends consider ourselves lucky and grateful to have been loved by him,' she said. In September 2019, Sarah suffered another tragedy when a motorcycle fell on her leg in the causing her severe nerve damage in her leg Sarah said her husband would be remembered as a hero and his final act of helping seven different families would not be forgotten. In September 2019, Sarah suffered another tragedy when a motorcycle fell on her leg in the causing her severe nerve damage in her leg. The injury has caused her significant pain and while she is recovering, the mother has been unable to walk or even drive her son to school. A family friend started a fundraiser so Sarah's son could be taken to school by a rideshare company a for the next six months. CALGARY - The number of orphan wells in British Columbia has more than doubled thanks to the failure of one oil and gas company. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/6/2020 (581 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A de-commissioned pumpjack is shown at a well head on an oil and gas installation near Cremona, Alta., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016. The number of orphan wells in British Columbia has more than doubled thanks to the failure of one oil and gas company. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh CALGARY - The number of orphan wells in British Columbia has more than doubled thanks to the failure of one oil and gas company. The BC Oil and Gas Commission says it has designated 401 wells and three facilities formerly owned by Calgary-based Ranch Energy Corp. as orphans, which means there is no owner willing or able to restore those sites. It says it has booked a liability of about $53 million as a result, offset by $13.7 million in security that will be transferred to the industry-funded Orphan Site Reclamation Fund. "The addition of the 404 Ranch sites means the commission is now responsible for 770 orphan sites in B.C. though 56 sites are substantially restored which is less than three per cent of all oil and gas wells in B.C.," the provincial agency said in a news release. "The rest are in the care and control of viable companies. We will continue working with landowners impacted by the Ranch decision." Ranch slipped into receivership in July 2018. Last Friday, the Court of Queens Bench of Alberta approved a transaction under which 414 oil and gas sites owned by Ranch were sold to Erikson National Energy Inc. The commission says it will carry out site clean-up and restoration on the remaining Ranch assets through the orphan reclamation fund. 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. It says it has already permanently plugged (abandoned) 11 wells and partially drained a storage pond to ensure public safety during the Ranch Energy legal proceedings. B.C.'s list of orphan wells, most located in the northeastern part of the province, is dwarfed by Alberta's, which contains about 3,000 orphan wells slated for reclamation and abandonment and another 3,000 oil and gas sites for reclamation only. In April, the federal government announced a $1.7-billion program to help Alberta, Saskatchewan and B.C. clean up inactive wells, as well as orphan wells. B.C. received $120 million, of which the orphan well fund was to receive $15 million. It hopes to clean up 2,000 of its 7,000 dormant wells over two years. The B.C. orphan program is budgeted to spend more than $27 million on cleanup activities during the current fiscal year, the commission said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2020. Many teachers have expressed concern that they may fail to achieve a 6.5 score on IELTS. But parents say this is not an high requirement. The Hanoi Education and Training Department has organized a campaign to assess teachers qualifications in accordance with international standards. It will last from June 5 to June 25. Le Thu Phuong, a parent in Dong Da district, said her daughter began learning Englishat foreign language centers when the girl entered secondary school. My daughter has communicated well with foreigners since seventh grade, Phuong said. As she studies English with native speakers, her pronunciation is quite good." Her daughter has complained that her teacher of English at school makes mistakes in pronunciation. She applauds the decision by the local education department to test teachers of English and upgrade their qualifications. How can teachers teach students if they are worse than the students? she said, adding that both students and teachers have to satisfy certain standards. A teacher of English at a secondary school admitted that she sends her daughter to a foreign language center. The Hanoi Education and Training Department has organized a campaign to assess teachers qualifications in accordance with international standards. It will last from June 5 to June 25. The English lessons at school focus on grammar. I have to send my daughter to extra classes to practice listening and speaking skills, she explained, Asked about the qualifications of teachers of English at her school, she said many older teachers are worried about the test because they studied Russian or Chinese at university and later shifted to teach English. They teach English in the morning and go to extra classes to practice English in the afternoon, she said. Incorrect pronunciation is commonly seen." Meanwhile, Hanoi parents say that setting high requirements for teachers of English is a must. Tran Tam, a parent in Cau Giay district, said at the school where his son attends many students get 7.0-7.5 IELTS when they are in 12th grade. How can a teacher teach if they cannot get above 7.5 IELTS? Tam said, adding that it is not too difficult to obtain 6.5 IELTS. According to Nguyen Xuan Khang, headmaster of Marie Curie School, Hanoi students nowadays learn English very well. At Marie Curie School, ninth graders can get 6.5-7.0 IELTS, while 12th graders a score of 7.5-8.0. Teachers qualifications need to be upgraded, he said. The headmaster of Le Quy Don High School said 6.5 IELTS should be set as a compulsory requirement for teachers. If they cannot meet the requirement, they should not be able to continue teaching. Vu Dung English language centers reassess online capabilities English centers will have to re-assess their technological capability and products after the pandemic ends because the crisis has changed everything. For a fourth day in a row, the number of COVID-19 cases in Peterborough city and county, Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation held steady at 93 cases, Peterborough Public Health reported Thursday afternoon. With 88 of the cases resolved and two earlier deaths, there remains three active cases a man in his 40s who contracted the virus through travel, a woman in her 40s who contracted the virus through close contact and a man in his 60s, according to Public Health Ontario. The jurisdiction has only had four new cases so far this month. The second phase of COVID-19 reopenings began Friday with Peterborough area residents now able to offer patio service, while hair salons and stores at Lansdowne Place mall were also able to reopen. Long-term care homes were able to resume in-person visits, with restrictions, on Thursday. The health units rate of 62.9 cases per 100,000 people is nearly one-fourth of the provincial average of 241.7 per 100,000 people. Ontario reported 173 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday, and three more deaths. Its the lowest number of new cases since late March and brings the province to a total of 32,917. The total includes 2,553 deaths and 28,004 resolved cases, which now make up more than 85 per cent of the provinces total. The numbers of patients with COVID-19 in hospital, in intensive care and on ventilators all dropped to their lowest levels since the province started publicly reporting those figures at the beginning of April. There were no local institutional outbreaks as of Thursday. More than 13,800 people in the jurisdiction have now been tested for COVID-19 as of Thursday, up 250 from Wednesday. The drive-thru clinic for people without symptoms who want to be tested continues to be held at the Kinsmen Civic Centre at Sherbrooke Street and Medical Drive in Peterborough. It operates daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will operate until at least Friday and possibly next week as well. A drive-thru clinic for Curve Lake First Nation residents only will be held Monday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Curve Lake First Nation Small Business Centre at 1024 Mississauga St. People with symptoms need to get tested through the Peterborough Regional Health Centre assessment centre, which operates daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 705-876-5086 to book an appointment. On Friday night, June 12, an employee at a Wendys restaurant in South Atlanta calls 911. A 27-year-old man named Rayshard Brooks had fallen asleep in his car in the drive-through lane. Soon, two police officers respond. They and Mr. Brooks speak calmly and cordially for 41 minutes. That was it. But then in just 45 seconds, one of the officers fatally shoots Mr. Brooks as he is running away. [gunshots] How could a routine police response go so suddenly and horribly wrong? The Times examined witness videos, security footage, police body-cam and dash-cam videos. We synchronized and slowed down those videos so we can see and hear what unfolded. We reviewed police records, and procedures, and statements made by the officers involved. And we identified the critical moments and missteps that led to a young man losing his life. Its 10:41 p.m., eight minutes after the 911 call when Officer Devin Brosnan arrives at Wendys. He raps on Brookss car window and wakes him up. Brooks appears groggy and disoriented. [beeping] Brosnan, who joined the Atlanta Police Department last year, talks to Brooks and then requests an officer who can perform sobriety tests. At 10:55 p.m., Officer Garrett Rolfe arrives. [beeping] Rolfe joined the Atlanta Police Force in 2013, and is an experienced D.U.I. investigator. Rolfe has once been reprimanded for firing his service weapon, police records show. He takes charge of the investigation. Rolfe begins to question Brooks, who is confused about where he is. He seems to think hes six miles down the road near a Home Lodge Hotel. Theres another Wendys right beside it. At 11:02 p.m., Rolfe asks Brooks to get out of the car. Moments later, Brooks will also consent to a series of sobriety tests. Brooks is clearly inebriated. But hes compliant and friendly throughout this time. The officers are courteous. And Rolfe gives him clear and precise instructions. When Rolfe now asks Brooks if hell take a breathalyzer test, Brooks hesitates at first. Brooks offers to go to his sisters house. Why did Brooks want to resolve his situation without being arrested? According to court records, he was on probation for domestic violence and theft offenses. He was probably aware that a new arrest or conviction would almost certainly send him back to prison. The breathalyzer returns a blood alcohol reading of .108 percent, above the legal limit of .08 percent. Rolfe has little option now but to charge Brooks with D.U.I. Some policing experts told us he could have written a citation and drove Brooks home. Others said police are expected to show zero tolerance with drunken driving. For 41 minutes, Brooks and the officers have spoken calmly and respectfully. They even shared a few laughs. Now, Rolfe moves to arrest Brooks. And in 45 seconds, he will fatally shoot him. [gunshots] [yelling] Lets watch this back, and break down what happens. Rolfe has signaled or sought Brookss consent for every action to this point. But he moves to handcuff Brooks swiftly and without clearly telling him hes under arrest. This breaches D.U.I. arrest procedures. Brooks resists, and the three tumble to the ground. Brosnan draws his Taser and pushes it into Brookss leg. Brooks grabs the Taser. Both officers body cameras fall to the ground. Brooks stands up and strikes Rolfe with an open hand. As Rolfe draws his Taser, Brooks fires a dart, hitting Brosnans arm. Rolfe fires the Taser twice [yelling] and hits Brookss body. We hear Rolfe using his Taser as he chases Brooks. This is a breach of police procedures. Rolfe passes the Taser to his left hand and reaches for his gun. Brooks looks behind and fires the Taser hes holding. We confirmed these Taser models with the Atlanta Police. Once theyre fired twice, they must be reloaded. So at this point, Brooks is unarmed. Rolfe drops his Taser, draws his handgun and fires three times at Brooks, who is 18 feet away and is trying to escape in a busy Wendys parking lot. [gunshots] Two bullets hit Brooks in the back, one piercing his heart. A third bullet hits this Chevrolet Trailblazer, which had three passengers in it. This photo from the Fulton County District Attorney shows the bullet hole. No one in the car was injured. Rolfe shouts at Brooks ... and appears to kick him on the ground. This image, also provided by the Fulton County D.A., shows that moment more clearly. Officer Brosnan approaches and briefly stands on Brookss shoulder. [yelling] Meanwhile, witnesses denounce the shooting. The officers stand over Brooks for about a minute before Rolfe runs back to his vehicle to get his medical kit. Brosnan continues to stand by. Its over two minutes before Brooks receives medical assistance. Every fucking time! Rolfe administers CPR until emergency services take over. At 11:39 p.m., 15 minutes after hes shot, an ambulance takes Rayshard Brooks to a hospital where he is later announced dead. Was Rolfe justified in shooting a man holding a Taser, and who was trying to escape? Police procedures on the use of deadly force state that an officer must reasonably believe the suspect possesses a deadly weapon, and that the suspect poses an immediate threat of serious bodily injury to the officer or others. In a statement made through his lawyer, Officer Rolfe said he did use reasonable force because he heard a sound like a gunshot and fearing for his safety and the safety of others, he fired his weapon. The description of a gunshot doesnt square with what Rolfe told investigating police at the scene. And minutes before this, Rolfe appears to have been aware that Brooks fired the Taser twice. This and other evidence will be scrutinized in what has now become a homicide investigation. Rolfe has been charged on 11 counts, including felony murder, and both officers with aggravated assault. Its sad because weve always had the rodeo, said Ms. Brandenberger, who leads the Stony Creek Horsemens Association, which runs the rodeo. She looked around the empty arena, named after her father, and sighed. Around the country, but mostly in small towns in the West, hundreds of professional rodeos have been canceled hard blows to tradition and economics. In many places, the rodeo is the biggest event on the annual calendar. Some rodeos, like Stonyford, with $18,000 in prize money, are relatively small affairs. Some, like Cheyenne Frontier Days or the Calgary Stampede, are immense undertakings that last a week or two and, besides being daily rodeos with $1 million or more in payouts, are filled with concerts, carnivals and livestock shows. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the governing body of about 700 annual rodeos, estimates that about half will not take place in 2020. Those still on the schedule are working with fingers crossed, some moving dates to buy more time. A few small rodeos in places like Woodward, Okla., and Mesquite, Texas, took place recently, but most rodeos in June are canceled. Covid-19 has impacted the entire country, every business you can think of, said George Taylor, chief executive of the P.R.C.A. Our business is a representation of that, but also represents a loss of community something that brings these small towns together. Rodeo holds a unique spot in the American sports landscape. Golf, NASCAR, even the professional bull riding tour have resurrected made-for-television events from sequestered locations, mostly without fans. The N.B.A., N.H.L. and Major League Soccer are among those creating plans to quarantine teams all together to resume games far from their home arenas and stadiums. In this file photo taken on Sept. 9, 2018, Korean People's Army soldiers march during a mass rally on Kim Il Sung square in Pyongyang. North Korea's army is "fully ready" to take action against the South, state media said on June 16, 2020, in the latest verbal saber-rattling from Pyongyang, days after its leader's sister threatened military moves against Seoul. AFP North Korea's recent provocations against South Korea show that the communist country continues to present an "extraordinary" threat to the region, a senior Pentagon official said Thursday. Speaking in a teleconference, David Helvey, acting assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, said the United States remains in close coordination with South Korea to ensure readiness against North Korea's threats. "As we've been starkly reminded in recent days, North Korea continues to present an extraordinary threat to the region and which demands our continued vigilance," he said. "It's hard to tell what's going to unfold over the next few days and weeks," he added. "But I do think that it's important to say that we remain vigilant against any types of threats and provocations." North Korea has threatened to take military action against the South over the latter's failure to stop defectors from sending anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets into the North by balloon. Earlier this week, the North blew up an inter-Korean liaison office in its border city of Kaesong. Asked about resuming large-scale South Korea-U.S. military exercises and bringing strategic assets into the Korean Peninsula, Helvey said he would not get ahead of any future decisions. "But this is one of the things that we are constantly talking to our South Korean allies about to ensure that we as an alliance are presenting the most effective combined deterrence and defense capability for the people in South Korea, and quite frankly, it's something that helps to preserve our interests and preserve peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region," he said. Helvey added that North Korea's recent rhetoric and actions have "done nothing to dissuade" the U.S. from the goal of achieving final, fully verified denuclearization in the North. The Pentagon continues to support diplomatic efforts to achieve that goal by maintaining a credible and capable military force, as well as by working with allies and partners to enforce United Nations sanctions on the North, he said. On speculation that President Donald Trump may pull U.S. troops out of South Korea if defense-cost sharing negotiations go awry, Helvey dodged a direct answer. "I will just say that we routinely, indeed we continuously, are looking at our global force posture to make sure that our forces are where we need them, based on the threats that we see and our alliance obligations," he said. "I don't want to hypothesize about any potential future decisions," he added. "I would just say that we're constantly looking at our force posture to make sure that it makes sense, consistent with our strategy, the security environments and our alliance obligations." (Yonhap) By Express News Service Following actor Sushant Singh Rajputs demise, a multitude of film professionals has been debating on the unfair practices in the field. Malayalam filmmaker Vijith Nambiar said he was saddened by Sushants death as he was one of his favourite actors. In a video message, Vijith talked about how things usually work in Bollywood and that South Indians generally dont get enough acknowledgment there. They only promote those in their friend circle and simply neglect the others. This attitude is not something new, it has been there for years, he said. Being a musician himself, Vijith started by talking about the music industry. Dasettan (Yesudas) made his entry at a time when Mohammad Rafi and Kishore Kumar reigned supreme. All his songs were superhits. There was one particular song that they both couldnt sing and was given to Yesudas instead. His reach was wide. But eventually, he was driven out. The same goes for Chithra chechi. In the beginning, she did a lot of Hindi songs but not anymore. The same goes for S Janaki. Speaking about actors, Vijith asked why major South Indian superstars have made only limited appearances in Hindi cinema. How many Hindi films have Mammootty, Mohanlal and Prithviraj appeared in? From Tamil, there was Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, but after a time they too were driven out. From Telugu, Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, and Ram Charan have been part of Hindi films, but it was all limited, he added. The director feels that South Indian actors would fare better in their respective industries than in Bollywood. Instead of going there and getting humiliated, its better for them to be in their own industry as they already have a strong base there. They have already proved their talents there. So its not a good idea to go elsewhere and change them because things are extreme over there. I hope other young actors dont experience the same fate, he said. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Market Reports on India Provides the Trending Market Research Report India Detergents Market Forecast to 2027 COVID-19 Impact and Country Analysis By Type (Anionic Detergents, Cationic Detergents, Non-Ionic Detergents, Zwitterionic Detergents, and Others); Form (Powder, Liquid, Bar, and Others); and Application (Personal Cleaning, Laundry Cleaning, Household Cleaning, Dishwashing, Fuel Additives, Biological Reagent, and Others)under Chemical & Materials Category. The report offers a collection of superior market research, market analysis, competitive intelligence and Market reports. The India Detergents Market was valued at INR 42,827.4 crore in 2019 and is projected to reach INR 73,660.4 crore by 2027; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2020 to 2027. Detergent is a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants possessing cleansing properties. These are sodium salts of long-chain alkyl benzene sulphonic sulphonates. These molecules are amphipathic, i.e., hydrophobic as well as hydrophilic in nature, and can work in hard water, unlike soaps. Detergents are commonly available in powder, liquid, and bar form. They are used in various applications such as laundry cleaning, personal cleaning, household cleaning, and dishwashing. They help remove dirt and grease from porous surfaces such as fabrics, clothes, and wood as well as non-porous surfaces such as metals, plastics, and treated wood. Thus, they find wide range of applications in industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. Detergents are also used in laundry detergents, shampoos, dishwashing liquids, and floor or surface cleaners, among other home care products. Request a free sample copy of India Detergents Market Report http://www.marketreportsonindia.com/marketreports/sample/reports/2093308 The home care products market in India has been growing with rising population as well as increased awareness about health and hygiene, and considerable increase in per capita disposable income. Rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles of people also drive the demand for these products. However, concerns rose with the spread of various diseases, such as COVID-19 in the current scenario, has increased awareness regarding sanitization. Thus, consumers have started spending more on homecare products. In addition to this, the prominent use of detergents in all the homecare products adds to the demand for detergents. Based on product form, the Indian detergent is categorized into powder, liquid, bar, and others. In 2019, the powder segment led the India detergents market, whereas the liquid segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Powder detergents are processed by using one or more surfactants, optical brighteners, chelating agents, detergent builders, fabric softeners, and enzymes. They find extensive applications in commercial, industrial, and household sectors for cleaning purposes as they remove the dust, oil, dirt, grease, and other environmental pollutants with ease and effectiveness. Moreover, these substances are used in the formulation of laundry detergents, floor cleaners, and surface cleaners. Further, the surge in the cleaning and disinfection activities in the operational industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, commercial laundry, and transportation cleaning is substantially increasing the consumption of industrial detergents in powder form. The key players operating in India detergent market are Ashirwad Group, Jyothy Laboratories Limited, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Procter & Gamble Co, Nirma Limited, Fena (P) Limited, Blue Chem India, Patanjali Ayurved Limited, and Rohit Surfactants Private Limited. These companies have been continuously focusing on strategies such as product developments, plant expansions, and mergers and acquisitions to expand their footprint and fulfill the growing market demand. For Instance, in 2018, Procter & Gamble Co launched its classic liquid detergent with a new Eco-Box package containing an ultra-concentrated formula that is specially designed for e-commerce shipments. The India detergents market size has been derived in accordance with to both primary and secondary sources. To begin the research process, exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the market. Also, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants and commentators to validate the data, as well as to gain more analytical insights into the topic. The participants who typically take part this process include industry expert such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers along with external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the detergents market. Reason To Buy: Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies. The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in India detergents market, thereby allowing players to develop effective long term strategies. Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets. Scrutinize in-depth the market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the market, as well as those hindering it. Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to products, segmentation and industry verticals. Browse our full report with Table of Content : http://www.marketreportsonindia.com/marketreports/india-detergents-market-forecast-to-2027-covid-19-impact-and-country-analysis-by-type-anionic-detergents-cationic-de/2093308 About Market Reports on India: Market Reports on India is an excellent source to obtain top quality market research reports that helps you to understand the business in the Indian market. We cover various industries, identifying and understanding key macro and micro-economic trends, insights and futuristic growth opportunities. To help achieve all this and more, Market Reports on India is the answer to all your business needs. Contact us at: Market Reports on India Tel: +91 22 27810772 / 27810773 Email: info@marketreportsonindia.com Website: www.marketreportsonindia.com Follow us on: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn The unified security system of Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) is more than ready to protect the security of the Armenian people in every sector of our homeland. This is what Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan stated during a joint session of the Security Councils of Armenia and Artsakh in Yerevan. The use of force wont go unanswered, and there will always be a more than adequate response to use of force at the levels of the military and politics. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev also understands this, and, in essence, he has put himself in a deadlock. For over 15 years, he has been promising his people to solve the Karabakh issue through the military and has spent billions of dollars for that, and very often this leaves the impression of money laundering. Now he is having trouble explaining to his people why the reality is the way it is. He understands that his potential venture will lead to severe destruction for not only Azerbaijan, but also his anti-national authorities. To distract peoples attention and in order to get out of this deadlock, he makes other statements in an attempt to compensate the failures of the past with new and more absurd promises for the future. Recently, guided by the special services of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan has created a so-called Western Azerbaijan initiative, referring to the Republic of Armenia. With this, Azerbaijans regional policy is becoming more complete and is highlighting Azerbaijans ambitions to destabilize the whole region. However, in this sense, I would like to emphasize that when we Armenians talk about stability in the Karabakh conflict zone and security, we are talking about the security and stability of the whole region, and in this regard, Armenia is becoming the guarantor of security in not only the Karabakh conflict zone, but also the whole region, especially now when our societies are fighting against a global challenge, that is, the novel coronavirus pandemic, and we need to make calls to refrain from propagandizing hostility. Whether we want it or not, we are neighbors historically and geographically, and we need to understand the simple truth that our peoples have equal rights, and understanding this will be of great help to prepare the peoples for peace and lay reliable foundations for long-term and sustainable development of the region. The clamour to boycott China-made products grew in the country following the killing of 20 Indian Army personnel by Chinese troops in a violent face-off in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. From smashing television sets to burning computers, angry Indians are boycotting all goods manufactured in China, accusing the neighbouring country of betraying India's trust by its act of aggression on the borders. Topics like 'Boycott China', 'Go China' and 'Go Chinese Go' have been trending on Twitter. IMAGE: People burn Chinese products during a protest against the killing of 20 Indian Army soldiers in Ladakh's Galwan Valley by the Chinese People's Liberation Army troops. Photograph: Ashok Bhaumik/PTI Photo IMAGE: 'Boycott made in China', say Youth Congress activists in Kolkata. Photograph: Ashok Bhaumik/PTI Photo IMAGE: Youth Congress activists call for a ban on popular Chinese short-video app TikTok. Photograph: Ashok Bhaumik/PTI Photo IMAGE: Congress workers smash a television set in Lucknow during a protest against the killing of 20 Indian Army soldiers in Ladakh's Galwan Valley by the Chinese People's Liberation Army troops. Photograph: Nand Kumar/PTI Photo IMAGE: Youth Congress activists smash Chinese products on a banner that reads 'Boycott Made In China'. Photograph: Ashok Bhaumik/PTI Photo IMAGE: A Jan Adhikar party supporter climbs a JCB machine to blacken a banner of a Chinese mobile phone manufacturer as part of a protest against China, in Patna. Photograph: PTI Photo IMAGE: Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Ram Kadam burns China products in Mumbai. Photograph: PTI Photo IMAGE: Furniture merchants stage a protest against Chinese President Xi Jinping over the Galwan clash. Photograph: PTI Photo (.) By Andrea Shalal and David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON, June 18 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Thursday renewed his threat to cut ties with China, a day after his top diplomats held talks with Beijing and his trade representative said he did not consider decoupling the U.S. and Chinese economies a viable option. The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia described U.S.-China relations as "tense" after their first high-level face-to-face diplomatic talks in months, although he said Beijing did recommit to the first part of a trade deal reached this year and that coming weeks would show if there had been progress. Trump has made rebalancing the massive U.S. trade deficit with China a top priority, but relations have worsened steadily as his campaign for re-election in November heats up. "It was not Ambassador Lighthizers fault (yesterday in Committee) in that perhaps I didnt make myself clear," Trump said in a tweet referring to his trade representative, Robert Lighthizer. "But the U.S. certainly does maintain a policy option, under various conditions, of a complete decoupling from China." Lighthizer told a House of Representatives committee on Wednesday he did not see that as viable. "Do I think that you can sit down and decouple the United States economy from the Chinese economy?" he said. "No, I think that was a policy option years ago. I don't think it's a ... reasonable policy option at this point." His office had no immediate comment on Trump's tweet. U.S.-China relations have reached their lowest point in years since the coronavirus pandemic that began in China hit the United States hard, and Trump and his administration have repeatedly accused Beijing of not being transparent about the outbreak. MULTIPLE POINTS OF FRICTION Among multiple points of friction, the countries are also at odds over China's moves to impose new security legislation on Hong Kong, which have prompted Trump to initiate a process to eliminate special U.S. treatment for the territory. Trump made clear the deterioration in the relationship last month when he said he had no interest in speaking right now to President Xi Jinping, whom he has hailed as a friend, and suggesting he could even cut ties with China. Story continues Lighthizer said he expected to see more supply chains moving to the United States because of tax and regulatory changes, but also noted that the U.S.-China trade deal would result in significant positive changes and increased Chinese purchases of U.S. goods and services. The Phase 1 U.S.-China trade deal calls for China to buy $200 billion in additional U.S. goods and services over two years, but skeptics say the pandemic and resulting economic slowdowns will make it difficult for Beijing to reach its targets for this year. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, for a day of talks in Hawaii on Wednesday, but those appear to have done little to improve the mood. As the Hawaii meeting began, Trump signed legislation calling for sanctions against those responsible for repression of Uighur Muslims in China's Xinjiang region, prompting Beijing to threaten retaliation. David Stilwell, the assistant secretary for East Asia, told reporters that China's attitude in the talks could not be described as forthcoming and described relations as "tense." He said recent Chinese actions, over India, in the South China Sea and over Hong Kong, had not been constructive and that Washington looked forward to seeing China reconsider its plans for security legislation for Hong Kong. At the same time, Stilwell said China did recommit to following through on the trade agreement and added that efforts to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons were another area of potential cooperation. "The trade deal the Chinese have recommitted to that numerous times ... and they insist that they will follow through," Stilwell said. "This is a good acid test to see if they will be cooperative partners." "Well see in the next week or two, or however long it takes, (if) they begin to live up to their commitments," he said. China described the Hawaii talks as "constructive," but its Foreign Ministry said Yang told Pompeo that Washington needed to respect Beijing's positions on key issues and halt its interference in matters such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Xinjiang, while working to repair relations. Hours after the meeting ended, China said its top parliamentary body would review draft Hong Kong security legislation during a session that began on Thursday. Earlier, foreign ministers of the G7 countries, including Pompeo, issued a statement calling on China not to follow through with the legislation, which critics call an assault on the territory's democratic freedoms. (Reporting by Eric Beech, Andrea Shalal, David Brunnstrom and Arshad Mohammed; Editing by Peter Cooney) Russia is offering them at a good price and will upgrade them as per the IAFs operational needs. New Delhi: At a time of heightened tensions with China, India has fast-tracked the process to buy 33 fighter jets from Russia, which include MiG-29s and Su-30MKIs. The Indian Air Force has prepared the proposal which will be submitted next week at a defence ministry meeting for approval. As per the IAFs plan, 21 MiG-29s and 12 Su-30MKIs will be acquired from Russia. The deal is valued at around `5,500-6,000 crores. The proposal had been under discussion for some time but was fast-tracked in the last couple of days. India is already procuring a batch of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France at a cost of `58,000 crores. The first four Rafale jets are likely to arrive in India by the end of July. However, 36 Rafale jets will not be enough for the Air Force to face the twin challenges from China and Pakistan. The 21 MiG-29 fighter aircraft were lying with Moscow since late 1980s and were never assembled. An IAF team had checked these MiG-29s last year and found them in good condition. Russia is offering them at a good price and will upgrade them as per the IAFs operational needs. Three Arizona casinos have shut down again as a precaution just weeks after being allowed to reopen as the state's COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge to record highs. The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Arizona spiked again on Friday, setting the third record in four days for daily high numbers of new cases. The state Department of Health Services reported 3,246 additional coronavirus cases on Friday, increasing the statewide total to 46,689. Arizona has also reported 1,312 deaths from COVID-19, including 41 reported on Friday. The state's Republican Governor Doug Ducey has previously said the spike in new cases is down to an increase in testing but hospitalizations across Arizona are also surging. The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Arizona spiked again on Friday, setting the third record in four days for daily high numbers of new cases. The state Department of Health Services reported 3,246 additional coronavirus cases on Friday Hospitalizations - a metric not linked to increased testing - are also spiking and health data shows that 84 percent of ICU beds across the state are currently in use. The state's hospitalizations have been hitting record daily highs all month. The state has become a national COVID-19 hotspot since Gov. Ducey lifted stay-home orders last month. Arizona was among the states that saw protests from residents demanding lockdown measures be lifted. Casino operator Gila River Gaming revealed on Thursday it would be closing its doors temporarily as a precaution due to the current surge in cases. Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte and Vee Quiva near Phoenix closed at 2am and will remain shut for the next two weeks. 'Like our sister tribes and businesses all over Arizona, we have tried to do what is best for all, while processing new information and new guidelines about the pandemic with little in the way of definitive guidance,' Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis said. ARIZONA DEATHS: Arizona has also reported 1,312 deaths from COVID-19, including 41 reported on Friday ARIZONA HOSPITALIZATIONS: The number of patients being admitted to Arizona hospitals with COVID-19 or suspected of having the virus continues to increase ARIZONA BED CAPACITY: Hospital bed capacity hit a record high in Arizona on Wednesday with 84 capacity of ICU beds A security guard who worked at the Lone Butte died on June 11 after contracting coronavirus. Arizona's casinos were allowed to reopen in mid-May when the state's stay-at-home orders expired. A month after many governors reopened their economies, a growing number are adopting the CDC's guidance that masks are essential to prevent community spread. Gov Ducey on Wednesday bowed to pressure and reversed himself by allowing local governments to mandate use of face masks in public to slow spread of the coronavirus. Tucson and Flagstaff are among cities that have imposed mandates. Phoenix City Council voted on Friday and agreed to make it compulsory for residents to wear masks if they can't social distance. Former FDA chief Scott Gottlieb warned on Friday that Arizona should be concerned about the steep rise in cases. 'Arizona is entering period of steep growth in its Covid epidemic,' he tweeted. 'With population based mitigation seemingly off the table for now, itll face challenges controlling this. 'That they were still debating masks this week-a simple, effective, albeit limited tool-should raise concerns.' Arizona's casinos were allowed to reopen in mid-May when the state's stay-at-home orders expired Protesters rally at the Capitol to 're-open' Arizona against the governor's stay-at-home order in late April [June 19, 2020] Colombia Invites Music Lovers to Feel Its Uplifting Rhythm on World Music Day on Sunday, 21st June, 2020 LONDON, June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- For a unique summer solstice celebration while practicing safe social distancing, this Sunday, 21st June 2020, ProColombia, the government agency responsible for promoting international tourism, foreign direct investment and exports, is inviting music lovers from around the world to feel the uplifting rhythm of Colombia on World Music Day. Via a syndicated global livestream video, the sounds of Colombia, the country often hailed as The Land of 1,000 Rhythms, will be shared at this year's Make Music Day, the worldwide day-long music celebration, which is being held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. "Intending to entertain and inspire Make Music Day attendees from the comfort of their homes, we're delighted to show the world the vibrancy, energy, passion and soul of the Colombian people through music, which is integral to Colombian culture and tradition," said Flavia Santoro, President of ProColombia. "From the hip, independent music scene i Bogota to the rich folk music traditions of the Caribbean coast, including champeta, cumbia and vallenato, and the traditional notes of the Colombian Pacific, music is at the heart of all local life in Colombia and we want to invite people to perform, create and share their rhythm." "In this time of social distancing, music's powerful role to bring us together as a community is more important than ever," said Make Music Alliance President Aaron Friedman. "While physical public gatherings may not be currently accessible, we can still stay connected and celebrate music with people around the world on 21st June." Those with wanderlust may need to wait a little while longer before being able to experience a visit to the country, but daydreamers can still discover the diversity of 1,000 rhythms of Colombia by tuning in to the livestream video broadcast throughout the day. All Make Music Day events are free to join. The entire livestream will last from approximately 8am until midnight (Eastern US) / 1pm until 5am (BST) and the full schedule of events is available to view at www.makemusicday.org. For further information on how to feel the rhythm in Colombia, including access to Spotify playlists here, video and more, visit: https://colombia.travel/feel-the-rhythm/en. Link to download images here (valid for seven days): https://we.tl/t-n3GLciPLMv Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1193766/ProColombia_Video.mp4 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/colombia-invites-music-lovers-to-feel-its-uplifting-rhythm-on-world-music-day-on-sunday-21st-june-2020-301080484.html SOURCE ProColombia [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the Governor Hope Uzodinma-led committee on the conduct of the partys primary in the state. The party chairman, Anslem Ojezua, made this known in a statement he issued on Friday in Benin City, the state capital. The APC National Working Committee (NWC) on Thursday constituted the election committee led by Mr Uzodinma, who is also the governor of Imo State, to conduct a direct primary in Edo State. Members of the committee are Abdullahi Abass, Ibrahim Sabo, Ocho Obioma, Amina Muhammed, and Gbenga Elegbeleye while a senator, Ajibola Bashiru, will act as the secretary. Our attention has been drawn to reports that a primary election committee has been inaugurated by the Hilliard Eta-led faction of the National Working Committee of our party to conduct party primaries in Edo. This purported inauguration is reported to have been done while a controversy is raging as to the proper officer to take over from Adams Oshiomhole. READ ALSO: We have on good authority that Victor Giadom, the acting National Secretary, has been empowered by the FCT High Court in Abuja to act in that capacity. Besides, we have reservations with the entire process from the beginning because the national working committee has not first obtained the approval of the National Executive Committee of our party. In the light of the above, we have no option than to reject the Uzodinma-led committee, Mr Ojezua said. (NAN) MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota Twins removed a statue of former owner Calvin Griffith at Target Field, citing his racist remarks in 1978 and saying the team could no longer remain silent. Griffiths statue was one of several installed when the team opened the ballpark in 2010. Its removal came on Juneteenth, the traditional commemoration of emancipation of enslaved African Americans, and on the same day as a statue of a former Washington Redskins owner was removed from outside the teams old RFK Stadium. While we acknowledge the prominent role Calvin Griffith played in our history, we cannot remain silent and continue ignoring the racist comments he made in Waseca in 1978, the Twins said in a statement Friday. His disparaging words displayed a blatant intolerance and disregard for the black community that are the antithesis of what the Minnesota Twins stand for and value. Griffith moved the Washington Senators to Minnesota for the 1961 season, and the franchise was renamed the Twins. During a speech in Minnesota to a Waseca Lions club in 1978, he said he decided to make the move when I found out you only had 15,000 blacks here, the Minneapolis Tribune reported at the time. Our decision to memorialize Calvin Griffith with a statue reflects an ignorance on our part of systemic racism present in 1978, 2010 and today, the Twins said. We apologize for our failure to adequately recognize how the statue was viewed and the pain it caused for many people both inside the Twins organization and across Twins Territory. We cannot remove Calvin Griffith from the history of the Minnesota Twins, but we believe removal of this statue is an important and necessary step in our ongoing commitment to provide a Target Field experience where every fan and employee feels safe and welcome. Spokesman Dustin Morse said the removal was an internal decision, but the team had certainly heard from outside fans and the community over the years about Griffiths remarks. Griffith sold the Twins to banker Carl Pohlad in 1984. Griffith died in 1999. Were very honoured that Calvins statue appeared at Target Field for 10 years, and we thank the Twins for that consideration, said Clark Griffith, Calvins son. Clark Griffith, a business consultant in Minneapolis, said he had no further comment. Twins Hall of Famer Rod Carew, whom Pohlad scorned as a damn fool in the Waseca speech for signing a contract that underpaid him, said he respected the decision to remove the statue. He recalled his anger at the time but said he later forgave Griffith. Now that more than four decades have passed, I look back on Calvins comments and our personal relationship with additional context and perspective, Carew said in a statement through the team. In my view, Calvin made a horrible mistake while giving that speech in 1978. I have no idea what happened that day, but who among us has not made a mistake? I know Calvin paid a heavy price for those comments and I believe his thoughts on race evolved over time. In Washington, the agency that manages RFK Stadium on Friday removed a statue of George Preston Marshall, who moved the team from Boston to Washington. Marshall resisted integrating the team with black players until forced to do so in 1962, according to his biography on the Pro Football Hall of Fame website. Marshall was inducted into the Hall in 1963; he died in 1969. Events DC officials called the removal a small and overdue step on the road to lasting equality and justice. A Redskins spokesman did not immediately comment. Statues of figures with racist pasts or deemed to be racist have been torn down around the U.S. in recent weeks following George Floyds death in May after a Minneapolis police officer held his knee on Floyds neck for nearly 8 minutes. A statute of Christopher Columbus was pulled down at the Capitol in St. Paul. A statue of former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, who was accused in 2017 of making sexually suggestive comments to women and a racial slur directed at a black team scout, was lifted from its pedestal outside the teams stadium and taken away last week. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports European Union leaders on June 19 have supported a six-month extension of economic sanctions imposed against Russia over its role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel briefed other EU heads of state and government during a videoconference and said, according to RFE/RL sources familiar with the matter, that no progress had been made in implementing the Minsk agreement. The sanctions were first adopted in July 2014 after Russia illegally annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and starting providing military support for pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine that has killed more than 13,000 people. Since then, the sanctions have been extended every six months. A formal decision to prolong the sanctions beyond their current July 31 expiry date is to be taken by EU ambassadors in the coming weeks. Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this year proposed a freeze on economic sanctions on "humanitarian" grounds to allow countries to better combat the coronavirus pandemic. But EU officials have rejected Putin's call, with both European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel insisting the measures "do not impede Russias capacity" to combat the epidemic. The sanctions mainly target Russias financial, energy, and defense industries. A Black man wrongfully convicted of murder hopes the nation will finally see real change in relations between the African American community and law enforcement following massive protests over the death of George Floyd. Im happy people are taking notice, Im sorry that it took such a drastic situation for people to finally actually acknowledge it, said Malcolm Scott, referring to the national reckoning on race and police relations following Floyds death. Scott was exonerated in May 2016 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after spending more than 20 years in prison. His older brother, Corey Atchison, also was wrongfully convicted in a separate murder case and exonerated in 2019. Watch the hour-long special "The Long Road to Freedom," on @DatelineNBC tonight at 10 p.m. ET to learn more about their cases. There're a thousand ways I could connect it, at the heart of it for me, I want to see a change. Thats the only reason I want our story to be shared, Scott said Friday. Its all intertwined, I was screaming that I was innocent, its been 26 years ago now. So this is definitely nothing new. It just got to the point that now its visible. Corey Atchison speaks to Craig Melvin part of the Dateline NBC special In 1995, Scott and a friend were found guilty of killing a young mother named Karen Summers in a drive-by shooting, a murder they both said they did not commit. They were sentenced to life in prison after eyewitness testimony. Three years prior, Atchison had been convicted of a separate murder and sentenced to life. He also insisted he was innocent. At first, I was like, this is my fault because he followed in my footsteps," Atchison said of Scott. "It felt like this was my child being taken away. Scott told Dateline the two brothers had an agreement. We basically had made a pact with each other. We said, Man, whoever gets out of here first better come get the other one, he said. Years later, Scott was able to persuade a private investigator named Eric Cullen to track down one of the eyewitnesses who had identified him and his friend as the killers. The man told Cullen that Tulsa police threatened to put him in prison if he didnt testify against them. Story continues Cullen worked with Tiffany Murphy, then the director of the Oklahoma Innocence Project, and together they tracked down a second eyewitness. That eyewitness recanted and told them police had coerced his testimony, too. This was a man who was remembering something that was extremely traumatic and as a Black woman, I get that, Murphy said. You know, the fear of the police is a real thing. Now only one key witness stood between Scott and a possible exoneration, a gang member named Michael Wilson. Wilson was on Death Row for killing a convenience store manager. Just two days before he was scheduled to be executed, Wilson agreed to meet with Murphy and confessed on video. I wasn't trying to shoot Karen Summers. I was just, she was one of those type of things you know, and she was in the wrong place at the wrong time, he said on the video. Tulsa police and the district attorneys office declined to speak with NBC News about Scotts case. In court, they denied they coerced any witnesses and insisted that what Wilson said in the confession video was a lie. But in May 2016, a judge ruled that Scott had been wrongfully convicted. I stood on my faith. I stood on my faith. Scott said, tears streaming down his face. He then focused on getting his brother exonerated. Atchison had been convicted in the 1990 drive-by shooting of James Lane, 29, and sentenced to life in prison. Scott said after he was freed he quickly asked his attorneys what he could do to help his brother. They're like, man, you haven't even enjoyed being home yourself. I won't be completely able to. I need him home, Scott said. Working with a lawyer, Cullen turned to working Atchisons case and discovered further allegations of witnesses being coerced and of eyewitnesses who told police someone else was the shooter. Tim Harris, a former district attorney in Tulsa who prosecuted Atchison, told Dateline it was patently false that he had coerced an eyewitness in the case and said he had never coerced, forced testimony or presented false testimony in his career. The judge in Atchisons case found there had been a fundamental miscarriage of justice and his homicide conviction was thrown out in 2019. I remember I woke up with tears in my eyes and one of my partners came in my cell and he said, What's up? I said, man, I'm going home, Atchison said. Scott is suing the city of Tulsa and the officers who he claimed coerced testimony used to convict him and his friend. who was also exonerated. The city and the officers have denied the claims and are fighting to dismiss the lawsuit. Scott said he isnt looking for blame, he is looking to ignite change. I know the pain. I know the hurt. That's what this is about for me. Giving that next man a chance, he said. The Council of Europe Venice Commissions advisory opinionbased on the petition by the Constitutional Court of Armeniaon the constitutionality of Article 300.1 of the Criminal Code of Armenia, was made public Thursday evening. The legal team of the second president of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan, informs that a briefing by Kocharyan's attorneys Hovhannes Khudoyan and Aram Vardevanyan will take place in Yerevan Friday, during which the lawyers will answer questions about the decision of the Criminal Court of Appeal and the aforesaid advisory opinion of the Venice Commission. The advisory opinion of the Venice Commission is accessible here. OTTAWA Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is joining his Manitoba cabinet minister in calling for provinces to help stamp out police brutality by municipal forces' officers. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/6/2020 (582 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is joining his Manitoba cabinet minister in calling for provinces to help stamp out police brutality by municipal forces' officers. "It cant just be a federal issue," Trudeau told the Free Press Thursday, pledging to again raise systemic racism and policing with premiers in their weekly phone call. Another prominent minister argued its time for a national standard on how police interact with marginalized people. On Tuesday, St. Boniface-St. Vital MP Dan Vandal told a House committee that racism and police bias in Winnipeg have hardly changed in the three decades since the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry. While city police fall under provincial jurisdiction, Vandal said Ottawa needs to make sure that systemic racism is examined beyond just the RCMP. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he will discuss with premiers what they can do to tackle systemic discrimination within police services across the country. (Justin Tang / The Canadian Press) "I hope our government will be able to lead the way, because the images we saw of police brutality are absolutely unacceptable and we need to stop the hate, the violence, and we need to stop the racism," said Vandal, the federal minister of northern affairs. Last week, following large protests sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police and numerous shootings of Indigenous people in Canada, Trudeau raised the issue of systemic racism in his weekly call with premiers, particularly to equip officers with body cameras. The prime minister said Thursday he has "many levers" to pull on the federal side, and he would discuss with premiers during that evening's phone call what they can do to tackle systemic discrimination. "Were also going to be talking about concrete actions that need to be taken at different levels of government right across the country, in order to make sure that racialized Canadians and Indigenous Canadians dont continue to suffer the kind of daily lived reality of discrimination that is all too common," Trudeau said, though he didnt specify what those measures would be. Vandal, who is Metis, noted Tuesday that three Indigenous people were shot dead by Winnipeg police in April. He also said "revolting" actions by police had been captured on tape, though he didnt specifically mention a video that emerged a week ago during which Winnipeg police officers kicked and kneed a man fellow officers were trying to restrain; a spokesman for the Winnipeg Police Service said it was the safest way to prevent the accused from gaining access to a knife. On Tuesday, St. Boniface-St. Vital MP Dan Vandal told a House committee that racism and police bias in Winnipeg have hardly changed in the three decades since the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry. (Justin Tang / The Canadian Press files) "There is no silver bullet that's going to turn all of this around. We have to take collective action," Vandal said, arguing that reports from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls show the steps to reverse systemic policies aimed at assimilating Indigenous people. "All levels of government (have) been shown the way over successive years. What we really need to do is to act upon (reports) and do something more dramatic that hasn't been done in a long time." Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said Thursday that he agreed with Vandal. "This country needs to have a national conversation on the spectrum of the use of force in our police (and) enforcement agencies. That includes city police forces, no question," Miller told the Free Press. He said governments shouldnt hide behind ongoing investigations into specific incidents, because they can still work to prevent future problems. "It doesn't prevent us from ensuring there is accountability, ensuring there are national standards that must be enforced and respected, and ensuring there's a review in a timely fashion," Miller said. Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller says governments shouldnt hide behind ongoing investigations because they can still work to prevent future problems. (Adrian Wyld / The Canadian Press) He added that police need to live up to the trust placed in them, given the exceptional powers they hold. 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. "Right now is a moment when Canadians are recognizing that there's unfairness built into our systems, and that these systems have always been unfair towards Indigenous peoples and racialized Canadians. It seems obvious," Miller told reporters. "We must fight to remove systemic racism from these institutions that are meant to serve everyone living in this country equally and fairly." Southern Chiefs' Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels hailed Vandals comments, saying the issues the minster saw decades ago in Winnipeg actually go back centuries. "We're happy to see that government has a motivation to want to look more deeply at some of the underlying problems when it comes to the justice system," he said. "We have to put pressure on those who are in charge of the justice system to lead and change the culture." dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio University permanently made ACT and SAT scores optional for admission on Thursday, following a trend which began even before the coronavirus pandemic complicated spring testing. The college joins a handful of Ohio schools with permanent test-optional policies, including the College of Wooster, which also adopted the policy this spring. Though Ohio schools are increasingly waiving SAT or ACT scores for the fall because of the pandemic, few have announced a permanent switch. BLOOMINGTON Closing arguments will begin Friday morning in the murder trial for the Bloomington man charged with fatally shooting a man in April 2019. Scotty Allen, 19, declined to testify Thursday afternoon when his attorney Phil Finegan presented his defense. Allen is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the death of 25-year-old Juan Nash, who was killed in the 1200 block of Orchard Road during an outdoor party. He is also charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm and mob action. Sgt. Jared Bierbaum, the lead detective for the case, testified he and his team at the Bloomington Police Department reviewed several social media accounts, messages and phone data as part of the investigation. This included a message from Allen saying he wanted a full clip, discussions of a .25 caliber handgun and several phone calls between the defendant and the person he sent the messages to on April 1, 2019 the day before Nash was killed. State prosecutors previously said Allen shot Nash for revenge because the defendant blamed Nashs brother for the death of his friend. In questioning Bierbaum, Finegan pointed out no digital communication between Allen and Nashs brother, Kajuan Hobson, could be found. The theory of the case is that Scotty killed Juan Nash. It could have been a lot of different reasons, Bierbaum said, adding that it was difficult to get a clear picture of what happened that night based on his interviews with witnesses. Jack McQueen, who supervises the Bloomington Police Department crime and intelligence analysis unit, testified Wednesday the department believes Allen and Hobson are in rival gangs. Two other men, Exodus Hebert and Amari McNabb, also face murder charges in Nashs death, but they will be tried separately from Allen at a later date. Hebert and McNabb were seen with Allen the night Nash died, but a fourth man, who was also present, is not a suspect in Nashs murder because I didnt have anyone at the scene that was willing to give a positive identification for (the other man) nor anyone that would tell me they knew exactly who he was and that he was involved in a shooting, Bierbaum said. I guess I never rule out anything; my evidence has not shown (he was involved) at this time, he said. Shan Mei Jones, a forensic scientist who works with Illinois State Police, said Allens hands tested negative for gunshot residue, but particles could have been removed physically between the shooting and the test. Based on my analysis, I concluded that the subject may not have discharged a firearm with either hand. If the subject did, then the particles were not deposited or removed by activity or were not detected by the procedure, she said. Michael Holton, who testified Tuesday, told police he saw Allen shoot Nash and said the two were standing about one foot apart when the gunfire started. Citing testimony from forensic pathologist Scott Denton, Finegan said Nashs injuries were not made from close-range gunshots. Finegan said he believes Holtons testimony was impeached and shouldnt be considered credible. Latest McLean County Jail mugshots Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 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. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that India will give a befitting reply if provoked, the Shiv Sena said on Friday that the killing of 20 Indian jawans by the Chinese army was itself a provocation. The editorial in the Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' also said those who used to blame Jawaharlal Nehru for defeat in the 1962 Sino-India war should now introspect. "Modi says if provoked, we will respond. If killing of 20 jawans is not a provocation, then what is? "Killing of 20 jawans is a provocation and attack on our self-respect and sovereignty," it added. "Coffins of 20 soldiers is not a matter of pride," the editorial said. "We spoke of retaliation then and even now. But we can threaten only Pakistan. When will we leave behind the perception that we cannot take on China," it asked. It also said the country has not learnt anything from the mistakes of 1962. "Compared to 1962, we are stronger today. If people who blame (then prime minister) Nehru introspected, the martyrdom of 20 soldiers will not go in vain," it said. The Marathi daily also accused Modi of taking on China "for United States President Donald Trump". "It is being said that Trump is keeping a close watch on the India-China developments. What (good) will happen with that? In 1971, when USA sided with Pakistan, Russia sent its naval fleet for India's help. Will Modi's friend Trump send similar help to India?" the editorial asked. "We can definitely impose economic blockade on China. Indians should boycott Chinese goods. Chinese firms are spread all across the country. If Maharashtra cancels a contract, other states can sign a contract with that company. So the Union government should have a uniform policy regarding Chinese companies," it said. "Trade between the two countries is worth Rs six lakh crore. There is investment and employment on both the sides but China benefits the most," the Sena mouthpiece said, claiming that the relations between the two countries have deteriorated because of the United States. "We cannot forget that China is an important neighbour. Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka are trying to counter India. China will not back off because of India's growing proximity to the USA," the editorial said. "Our foreign policy should be based on our ties with China and Pakistan as anti-India stand has brought these two countries together. We need to remember that if there is war, we will have to fight these two countries. Even though our defence capabilities are beyond doubt, we cannot fight on two fronts at the same time," the newspaper cautioned. Dileep V Kumar By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After Palakkad, the state government has identified seven more districts which need special attention in the fight against Covid-19. The districts identified are Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur. The government has assessed that these districts might see a further spurt in positive cases and, if not monitored, the adminstration will have to handle a worst-case scenario like the community spread. The governments assessment is based on the inputs provided by industries secretary K Elangovan, who also heads the state war room for fighting Covid-19. It will be through the returnees coming from abroad that the spurt in cases will happen in these districts. Within one month, around 1.5 lakh people are expected to arrive in the state and 64 per cent of them belong to these seven districts. Other than the returnees turning positive, chances of people contracting the infection through contact are also high. The worst situation is if someone becomes a silent spreader or a super spreader, said a source. As per the data presented by Elangovan at a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister and accessed by TNIE, permission has been sought for 407 chartered flights and around 1.5 lakh returnees are expected to arrive in the state from abroad. According to him, surveillance and screening at airports will have to be strengthened further in view of this factor. He also stressed on ensuring a foolproof quarantine strategy in these seven districts. Testing all Kuwait returnees The government is said to be considering a proposal to closely watch the returnees from Kuwait and test all of the them for Covid-19. The report presented by Elangaovan says among the returnees from abroad, the highest number of cases was reported among those who had arrived from Kuwait. At the same time, the infection rate of two per cent among returnees is worrying the health department because extra caution is needed when the state is going to witness such a huge number of people returning from abroad. It is due to these factors that the state has decided to insist on Covid-19 screening and certification for returnees. As per the projection given by the industries secretary, 64 per cent of the 1.5 lakh returnees expected to arrive in the coming days belong to the high-risk group, including women, senior citizens and children. If any one of the passengers is infected, they could transmit the same to others. Hence, the risks are manifold, said an officer of the health department. On Tuesday, the government decided to consider Palakkad as a special case as the district shares many known and unknown entry points with Tamil Nadu, where the cases are spiralling out of control. Keeping watch The inputs by industries secretary K Elangovan, who also heads the state war room for fighting Covid-19, says among foreign returnees, the most cases were reported among those who had arrived from Kuwait Two women with disabilities have claimed they were raped by carers after one woman was left rotting in the same chair for a year. Ann Marie Smith 54, who suffered from cerebral palsy, died in the Royal Hospital, in Adelaide, South Australia, on April 6 from septic shock, multiple organ failure, severe pressure sores and malnourishment. She lived alone in her Adelaide home and relied on carers for six hours a day every day since 2013 under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It has now been claimed the NDIS watchdog failed to investigate the alleged rape of one intellectually disabled woman by 'one or more' carers and another woman who was allegedly sexually assaulted by a caseworker. It's also been claimed the commission did not investigate the death of a third client by an alleged maladministration of a sedative. Ann-Marie Smith (pictured), 54, who suffered from cerebral palsy, died in the Royal Hospital on April 6 from septic shock, multiple organ failure, severe pressure sores and malnourishment All three cases took place in South Australia within the last two years and were aired in Parliament by Centre Alliance MP Rebekha Sharkie on Thursday. Whistleblowers within the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission raised the concerns with Ms Sharkie, who called for an independent inquiry into the organisation. She also called for better training for staff and for every serious case of misconduct to be investigated. '(One) notification that languished in the list was the alleged rape of an intellectually disabled participant by one or more care workers,' Ms Sharkie told parliament. 'The incident was not referred to the investigations team because the front line reportable incident officer didn't think the incident was serious enough to warrant immediate action. It was four months before the allegation got to the investigations team. Four months.' Concerns were also raised that the NDIS watchdog is understaffed with as many as 600 open cases being dealt with on any day. 'The delay in passing of cases to the investigations team is a common occurrence and less than one per cent of reportable incidents make it to investigations,' Ms Sharkie said. Police said Ms Smith had been spending her days and sleeping at night in the same woven cane chair in her Adelaide home (pictured) for more than a year Ms Sharkie also said there was no unannounced visits to care providers. 'I believe that the death of Ms Smith is just the tip of the iceberg and that many more cases of abuse and neglect are continuing unchecked,' Ms Sharkie told The Australian. Whistleblowers told the publication a quarter of NDIS investigators quit due to poor staffing and being overloaded with cases. Some said the NDIS has a 'culture of silence' and the Commission 'lives in fear of investigating anything'. 'The investigators simply can't keep up and the workload is getting even heavier because they have not even replaced people who have left,' one whistleblower said. Police have launched an investigation into Ms Smith's appalling death and her carer, who now faces criminal charges has been sacked. Police have launched an investigation into Ms Smith's appalling death and her carer, who now faces criminal charges has been sacked 'The matters referred to by Ms Sharkie are similar to matters that the NDIS Commission either has under active investigation, or has taken enforcement or compliance action on,' an NDIS spokesperson said. 'Some of the matters referred to by Ms Sharkie are criminal matters and should be investigated by the appropriate authorities. 'All alleged criminal conduct matters that the NDIS Commission are made aware of are referred to the Police and other appropriate authorities as relevant. The NDIS Commission cannot undertake criminal investigations.' SPRINGFIELD Speaking over the rumbling locomotive of the 12:05 Amtrak train to Hartford, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal touted a $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan he and his fellow Democrats introduced with a Friday visit to Springfields Union Station. This is the first substantive step the Congress has taken toward east-west rail, said Neal, chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, referencing the long-held goal of improving passenger train service from Boston west through Worcester and Springfield. President Donald Trump has talked about the need for big infrastructure improvements, Neal said. Neals own conversations with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin have been positive. And the GOP-led Senate has come around earlier this year to other spending plans aimed at coronavirus crisis recovery, Neal said. The plan, dubbed the Moving America Forward Act, if it passes the Senate and gets the presidents signature, could provide $19 billion in federal grants for rail projects across the country, including east-west rail in Massachusetts. The sprawling bill one that Neal expects to pass the Democrat-led House in the next week to 10 days also establishes a $250 million grant program to support infrastructure improvements in rural areas, including broadband internet. Green initiatives include $1.4 billion in alternative fuel charging infrastructure and $25 billion to modernize the U.S. Postal Service, which could include an all-electric, zero-emissions fleet of delivery vehicles. The bill would raise the cap on the number of electric vehicles eligible for a $7,500 tax credit. It would encourage electric buses and commercial vehicles and restore an employer-provided fringe benefit for bicycle commuting that was eliminated in the tax reforms of 2017. But east-west rail was the big topic Friday at Union Station, where Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno praised Neal for his ability to bring money back to the city and district and praised the infrastructure bill. "It means a good four-letter word," Sarno said, deploying one of his favorite phrases. "Jobs." A state-run advisory panel is whittling east-west rail project options down from six to three or so, and the state Department of Transportation expects to have three possible final plans ready to make public in September. MassDOT has already made public six options ranging from $2 billion to improve rail service along existing tracks to an eye-popping $25 billion for an electrified, high-speed rail line. The state is sticking by those cost projections, which rail proponents say are too high, but has agreed to revisit its ridership projections, which proponents called too low. State Sen. Eric Lesser, D-Longmeadow, is a longtime booster of the east-west rail project, saying it means business and jobs for people living in Western Massachusetts and a solution to the traffic congestion and housing shortage in Greater Boston. I want to thank Chair Neal for the historic inclusion of east-west rail service in the infrastructure package presented to the U.S House of Representatives yesterday, Lesser said in a statement. Chair Neal has been a champion of rail his entire career and this latest announcement is a true game changer. Federal funding is essential to making rail between Pittsfield, Springfield and Boston a reality, and the plan presented by the U.S. House will create tens of thousands of new jobs across Massachusetts and help our Commonwealth recover from the devastating impacts of COVID-19, Lesser said. The inclusion of east/west rail in a federal infrastructure plan makes it even more urgent that MassDOT complete its study in a timely fashion and updates its ridership and cost/benefit calculations to accurately reflect the transformative nature of this project, including the multi-generation benefits of new jobs and businesses, better and more affordable housing, and historic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. But this talk of train expansion comes at a time when Amtrak has cut back on service, including service through Springfield, to plug holes in its budget caused by the coronavirus and steps taken to stop its spread. Neal said the proposed bill has $29 billion for Amtrak and that the national passenger railroad has received money in previous coronavirus bills. He said passenger traffic on trains, buses and transit will pick up. The Conservatives have suspended an activist after she tweeted that a Muslim MP born in Bradford should go back to Pakistan. The party said Theodora Dickinson was being investigated on Friday after targeting Labour shadow minister Naz Shah. Ms Dickinson responded to a post showing the Bradford West MP discussing her experience of poverty, saying if Naz Shah hates this country so much why doesnt she go back to Pakistan?! Disgusting. In a now deleted tweet, former Conservative Party campaign manager, @TheaDickinson asks @NazShahBfd "why doesn't she go back to Pakistan" ICYMI she also posted an Islamophobic conspiracy theory after Christchurch terrorist attack & no action was taken by the Party pic.twitter.com/L3pk9qf297 Miqdaad Versi (@miqdaad) June 19, 2020 The Muslim Council of Britain, which has long-criticised the Tories handling of Islamophobia, described the tweet as blatant racism. While Baroness Warsi, a former Conservative Party chair, said the suspension shows the Tories shambolic revolving door system of dealing with racism. Ms Shah said: Over the last few weeks BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) communities have been coming to terms with the racism they have faced over the years. In 2020 to be told to go back to Pakistan, highlights the level of racism that still exists in some quarters of society. Ms Dickinson, who describes herself as a political communications and social media consultant, later apologised. I fully recognise how offensive it was, which is why I deleted the tweet almost immediately, though of course this does not excuse posting it in the first place, she added. I am very sorry for my comments earlier today. I fully recognise how offensive it was, which is why I deleted the tweet almost immediately, though of course this does not excuse posting it in the first place. I have written to Ms Shah offering an unreserved apology. Theodora Dickinson (@TheaDickinson) June 19, 2020 The Tories, which have launched an independent inquiry into all forms of prejudice within the party, said Ms Dickinson had been suspended. Theodora Dickinson has been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation, a party spokeswoman said. Conservative peer Lady Warsi tweeted: The Tory suspended this week for saying Muslim MP should go back to Pakistan was someone I raised concerns about over a year ago I was told then she was suspended. This is the @Conservatives shambolic revolving door system of dealing with racism. The Tory suspended this week for saying Muslim MP should go back to Pakistan was someone I raised concerns about over a year ago - I was told then she was suspended This is the @Conservatives shambolic revolving door system of dealing with racism https://t.co/cT95LIlMJu Sayeeda Warsi (@SayeedaWarsi) June 19, 2020 Muslim Council of Britain secretary general Harun Khan accused Ms Dickinson of having previously shared an Islamophobic conspiracy theory after the Christchurch terrorist attack. Now Ms Dickinson tells a Muslim MP why doesnt she go back to Pakistan. Will this latest blatant racism elicit action? he said. The party must reflect and consider why it chooses to ignore widespread concerns about its institutional Islamophobia if a truly independent inquiry is not enacted with its recommendations implemented, there will be a drip-feed of these stories for a long time to come. Janus Henderson Investors (NYSE/ASX: JHG) today announced it has plans to reopen Class D shares of its U.S. mutual funds through the firm's Direct Business Channel. In July 2009, Class D Shares were closed to new investors, with certain limited exceptions. Since that change more than a decade ago, there have been several shifts in the marketplace and with distribution models, which have led to the firm's decision to reopen the channel. "We are excited to reopen our Direct Business Channel in July and enable new investors to participate in the benefits that can come with investing directly with Janus Henderson," said Enrique Chang, Global Chief Investment Officer at Janus Henderson Investors. The firm is also announcing the launch of the Janus Henderson Direct Business Channel Referral Program, which will provide existing investors the ability to offer a referral to friends and family. Through the Referral Program, Janus Services, a subsidiary of Janus Henderson, will fund the $100 initial investment for new investors that receive a referral from an existing investor. To receive this Referral Program benefit, the new investor must establish and maintain an automatic investment of at least $50 per month for two years. The launch of the Janus Henderson Referral Program and the direct channel reopening are expected to go into effect on July 6, 2020. Notes to editors About Janus Henderson Janus Henderson Group (JHG) is a leading global active asset manager dedicated to helping investors achieve long-term financial goals through a broad range of investment solutions, including equities, fixed income, quantitative equities, multi asset and alternative asset class strategies. Janus Henderson has approximately $294.4 billion in assets under management (at 31 March 2020), more than 2,000 employees and offices in 27 cities worldwide. Headquartered in London, the company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Learn more about Janus Henderson Investors at janushenderson.com. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal and fluctuation of value. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Please consider the charges, risks, expenses and investment objectives carefully before investing. For a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this and other information, please call Janus Henderson at 800.525.3713 or download the file from janushenderson.com/reports. Read it carefully before you invest or send money. A rollover of retirement plan assets or transfer or contribution of other assets to a Janus Henderson account is not the only option. The decision to open a retirement or other Janus Henderson account is an important one and Janus Henderson does not provide any advice or recommendations as to whether to do so. Investors should carefully consider all available options before moving retirement or other assets, which may include, but not be limited to keeping assets in a current account or former employer's plan, rolling over assets to a new employer's plan, or taking a cash distribution (taxes and possible withdrawal penalties may apply). Prior to a decision, it is important to understand the benefits and limitations of available options and consider factors such as differences in investment-related expenses, plan or account fees, available investment options, distribution options, legal and creditor protections, the availability of loan provisions, tax treatment, and other concerns specific to individual circumstances. The Janus Henderson Rollover/Transfer, Contribution Match, Investment Bonus or Referral payments should not be a determinative factor in a decision as to whether to open a retirement or investment account with Janus Henderson. Janus Henderson Distributors Janus Henderson is a trademark of Janus Henderson Group plc or one of its subsidiaries. Janus Henderson Group plc. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200619005237/en/ Contacts: Press Enquiries Janus Henderson Investors Media Contact: Sarah Johnson, +1 720-364-0708 sarah.johnson@janushenderson.com Investor Relations Contact: James Kurtz, 303-336-4529 James.Kurtz@janushenderson.com An amateurish drug courier whose business recently failed due to COVID-19 delivered MDMA in a box of fruit he left for a hotel guest in coronavirus quarantine. Phillip Cheng's hapless attempt at drug supply came unstuck after police noted rotting bananas in the box and found an MDMA capsule hidden inside. When Cheng was arrested and asked to provide identification he pulled out his driver's licence and a bag of cocaine fell from his wallet. This comedy of errors at the reception desk of the five-star Sheraton Grand, which overlooks Hyde Park in Sydney's central business district, was captured on CCTV. Details of the debacle were revealed in Downing Centre Local Court on Friday when Cheng pleaded guilty to drug supply and possession. Phillip Cheng is seen giving a fruit box to police officers at the Sheraton Grand reception desk about 1.15pm on April 2. The box, which contained an MDMA capsule, was intended for a guest under COVID-19 quarantine. Cheng, 37, has pleaded guilty to drug supply A female police officer searched the box of fruit including bananas, pears, oranges and a pineapple and uncovered a white envelope containing the MDMA capsule (pictured). When Cheng was arrested and pulled out his driver's licence a bag of cocaine fell from his wallet A statement of facts tendered to court said Cheng parked his white Hyundai station wagon in the Sheraton Grand's waiting bay about 1.15pm on April 2. Also in the car was the 37-year-old's eight months' pregnant wife and a box of produce including pears, oranges, bananas and a pineapple. At the time, police were patrolling the hotel, which was being used to quarantine travellers arriving from overseas destinations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Entry and exit was restricted to police, defence personnel, medical staff and hotel staff. Deliveries to guests in quarantine were limited to personal items from family members or other loved ones, along with one takeaway food drop-off a day. For the safety of guests all visitors and deliveries were searched for prohibited drugs, weapons and other harmful items. Police on duty for those purposes watched Cheng step out of the Hyundai with a cardboard box and approach the front desk where he said he had a delivery for Room 642. 'A close inspection of the box showed a number of fruit and vegetable items,' the statement of facts said. NSW Police released CCTV vision of Phillip Cheng attempting to deliver MDMA to a guest at the Sheraton Grand hotel in Sydney. The father-of-two was remorseful upon his arrest 'Police noticed the items appeared to be old and soft with small amounts of black spots, particularly on bananas within the box. 'Police further observed a small white envelope that the accused had pushed under some fruit on approaching the desk.' A search of the envelope revealed a folded up receipt inside which was one capsule containing 0.63 grams of MDMA, also known as ecstasy. 'Police stopped the accused before he could leave in his vehicle,' the statement of facts said. 'The accused was placed under arrest and cautioned for the supply of prohibited drugs.' When the Lane Cove man produced his driver's licence a small resealable plastic bag of white powder fell from his wallet. It was found to contain 0.53 grams of cocaine. The statement of facts said Cheng, a father of two, had recently lost his business due to the coronavirus pandemic and was under financial stress. Sheraton Grand on Sydney's Hyde Park is described on the hotel's website as 'an exceptional base for exploring the iconic attractions, boutique shopping, fine restaurants, cafes and nightlife that define Australia's capital' 'The accused was extremely remorseful for his actions and made full admissions,' the statement said. He was not in court when guilty pleas were entered on his behalf and the matter adjourned for sentencing next month. The intended recipient of the fruit box, who was in quarantine under a Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) Order, was spoken to by police. The incident came just a few days after it was decreed all international arrivals had to undergo 14 days of quarantine in city hotels due to the coronavirus pandemic. The mandatory self-isolation came into effect on March 29, when two thirds of Australia's COVID-19 cases were infected international travellers. Police are pictured outside the InterContinental Hotel in Sydney on March 30. Officers have been helping to quarantine international travellers in capital city hotels In Sydney, travellers were sent to the hotels including the Sheraton Grand, InterContinental, Swissotel, Hyatt Regency and the Novotel on Darling Harbour. Budget chains such as Ibis have also been used. Travellers are transported from airports to designated accommodation where they are quarantined for 14 days. The NSW government has spent more than $16million on accommodation to house travellers returning to Australia. More than 20,000 people have been put up in Sydney hotels since the enforced quarantine began. Australia's borders are still closed. Only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can come in. The Attorney General's Department has rejected a proposal by the founder and Chief Executive Officer of defunct Capital Bank, Ato Essien, to refund some GH27 million to the state under Section 35 of the Courts Act. Although the details of the proposal have not been made available, Marina Appiah Opare, a Chief State Attorney, told an Accra High Court yesterday that the first set of proposals by Mr. Essien was totally unacceptable to the prosecution. She said they had subsequently received a second proposal which they had responded to, and his lawyers were yet to receive it. The embattled businessman, who is on trial with three others for allegedly stealing various sums of money from his collapsed bank, wants to come under Sections 35 of the Courts Act to refund part of the money in order to have charges preferred against him dropped. He has so far refunded about GH1.4 million to the state and is said to be negotiating a deal with the Attorney General (AG) to have some of his charges dropped against him. As part of the negotiations, he has also given out 19 newly cleared vehicles to the state. But it appears his proposal to pay and how to refund the stolen amount falls below the expectation of the AG, who has rejected the first proposal for the refund. Appearing before the trial court yesterday, Mrs. Appiah Opare told the court that Mr. Essien's proposal relates to four out of the 26 counts levelled against him and the others. She said if the prosecution and the accused person were unable to reach an agreement by the next date, the trial should begin as the negotiations continue, the court heard and asked for an adjournment, which was supported by Baffuor Gyewu Bonsu, who held brief for Thaddeus Sory, counsel for Mr. Essien. The presiding judge, Justice Eric Kyei Baffuor, a Court of Appeal judge sitting with additional responsibility as a High Court judge, adjourned the matter to July 9, 2020, saying notwithstanding any outcome of the negotiations, the trial will proceed on that day. Main Trial The defunct bank's former Managing Director, Fitzgerald Odonkor, together with Tetteh Nettey, a former Managing Director of MC Management Service owned by Mr. Essien, as well as a businesswoman, Kate Quartey-Papafio, are before the courtcharged with 26 counts of conspiracy to steal, stealing and money laundering. The four are alleged to have misappropriated a total of GH620 million liquidity support given to the bank by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to enable it to service its maturing debt. The accused persons, according to the prosecution, opened various bank accounts with Capital Bank through which the GH675 million BoG liquidity support was transferred to while others were carried in jute bags to Mr. Essien as payment for business promotion. Stolen Money The charges levelled against the accused persons indicated that Mr. Essien and Mr. Nettey, between October and November 2015, with the help of Mr. Odonkor, stole GH100 million belonging to the bank. Mr. Essien and Mr. Nettey are alleged to have also stolen between the same period GH30 million from the bank. According to the charge sheet, the two, again in January 2016, stole and laundered an amount of GH35 million from the bank. The charges against Mr. Essien and Mr. Nettey also state that the two, in June 2015, stole another GH2 million from the defunct bank orchestrated by Mr. Odonkor. Also, Mr. Essien and Mr. Nettey are said to have stolen another GH5 million from the bank in September 2015, engineered by Mr. Odonkor, as well as another theft of GH12 million by Mr. Essien. Ms. Quartey-Papafio and Mr. Essien were accused of conspiring to steal and stealing GH70 million from the bank between June and August 2017. Other moneys allegedly stolen by the accused person included GH8.5 million in October 2016 belonging to the bank. Charges Mr. Essien and Mr. Nettey are facing two counts of conspiracy to steal while Ms. Quartey-Papafio is facing three counts of conspiracy to steal, stealing and money laundering. Mr. Essien and Mr. Nettey are facing other four counts of stealing while Mr. Essien alone is facing another six counts of stealing. Furthermore, Mr. Essien and Mr. Nettey are facing two counts of money laundering while Mr. Essien is facing another five counts of money laundering. ---Daily Guide On Wednesday, Canadas Indian-origin Sikh MP Jagmeet Singh was removed from Parliament after he called a lawmaker racist for denying approval for a motion calling out systemic racism in the police force. His expulsion triggered widespread furore and even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau backed him up. Trudeau stood behind Singh, who is also the leader of the Opposition. In both Canada and India, search for Jagmeet Singh and other details about him have spiked in the past twenty-four hours. READ: Trudeau Backs Opposition Leader Jagmeet Singh Expelled From Parliament Over Racism Row Who is Jagmeet Singh? Apart from being the leader of the NDP party, Singh is also an accomplished lawyer and a human rights activist. The 41-year-old politician spent his childhood in Scarborough, Ontario and also Windsor. He was practicing as a criminal defense lawyer in Brampton before entering politics. He started his political career in 2011 when he was elected as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) in Ontario. On October 1, 2017, Singh was elected as the head of the NDP. It was an incident during Singh's election campaign which thrust him into the limelight. The slogan for Singh's campaign was 'Love and Courage', which he upheld even during encounters with those opposing him. During one of his public meetings, an angry heckler approached Singh and accused him of promoting Sharia law. Unlike most politicians, Singh did not say a word. Instead, he let the protester finish her piece. He then proceeded to say that there was no place for hate in his campaign. He added that he did not want to ruin a positive event with hate vibes and even said, "we welcome you" which naturally took the protester by surprise. Photo: YouTube You can watch the full video here. In 2019 too, Singh faced the brunt of racist voters when a man came up to him during a campaign rally and asked him to cut his turban off so that he could look like a Canadian. Unfazed by the comment, Singh responded that "Canadians look like all sorts of people." Interestingly, Singh is the first minority leader heading a major political party in Canada. Photo: YouTube Watch the video of the confrontation here. In fact, according to reports, Singh getting elected was a ray of hope for several minority and indigenous communities and paved the way for their representation in the future. Why did Singh get expelled from Parliament? On Wednesday, Singh was seeking the unanimous consent of the House of Commons to pass a motion recognising there is systemic racism within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). His motion also called for other accountability measures related to the RCMP, including a full review of the use of force by members and the training officers get. However, Bloc Quebecois's Alain Therrien had refused to sign the motion, and after a heated exchange, Singh accused him of being racist. I don't back down from standing up to racism I don't think it benefits for me to call people names, I was angry at the moment and I stand by it. In that moment I got angry, but I am sad now, because why cant we act? Why cant we do something to save peoples lives? We can do something, and why would someone say no to that? Singh later told reporters. He also repeatedly asserted he would not apologise, which eventually led to his removal. Now, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has spoken out in Singh's support. "It is disappointing that the Bloc Quebecois continues to refuse to accept that systemic discrimination, systemic racism exists within our country, in every part of our country and in all our institutions. Recognizing systemic discrimination is the important first step towards being able to address it," Trudeau said. To hear more audio stories from publishers like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android. Since the casual killing of George Floyd on camera, unprecedented protests not policy papers have radically shifted public opinion in support of the battle against systemic racism. The new nation being born in our streets may yet blossom into Langston Hughess land that never has been yet / and yet must be but only if this movement refuses to let its truths be marched into the narrow cul-de-sac of police reform. Yes, years of police killings of unarmed African-Americans had stacked up like dry tinder. True, George Floyds public murder furnished the spark. But freedoms forge must finish its work while the coals are hot. This is the hour to reimagine what America could become if We the People meant all of us. America needs what this movement intends to do: change history, after which police training manuals will follow. We have witnessed a multicolored and intergenerational uprising whose power grows more poised and peaceful by the day, winning support that reveals a newly mobilized majority in our midst. Let no one mistake peace for quiet, however, nor mistake the rage over police violence as ignoring the roots of policy violence and poverty violence. The ruthless indifference of our governments to the poor was clear well before Covid-19 laid it bare. Torontonians are days away from being able to go out for haircuts, eat and drink on patios, shop in malls and other Stage 2 reopening luxuries, officials say. After Toronto hit another public health milestone Friday in the months-long battle to contain COVID-19, Mayor John Tory and public health chief Dr. Eileen de Villa said the city is ready to join most of Ontario in throwing off more restrictions. Were almost there, Tory told reporters at a pandemic response briefing. Someone once said that patience was bitter but that the results were sweet. And I feel something sweet coming our way. Toronto, Mississauga and other municipalities still in Stage 1 need provincial approval to open further, Tory noted, but they are looking at the same numbers we are. Toronto hit a milestone Friday when the seven-day-average for new infections dropped for the 14th straight day, turning the citys online dashboard for virus spread and containment from yellow status to green. Hospitalizations are also down, health care capacity is up, with only laboratory testing a provincial responsibility still deemed to need improvement. But de Villa said Toronto is ready to safely reopen further regardless. My understanding is our colleagues at the province are working very hard on (testing), but I dont see that that should hold us up from Stage 2, she said. And were looking forward to getting to that moment of sweetness. City staff will restart issuing marriage licences Monday. In Stage 2, more suspended services will resume. Public swimming pools and splash pads will open. Both Tory and de Villa encouraged Torontonians to continue the measures that have dramatically slowed the deadly pandemics progress physical distancing, frequent handwashing, staying home when feeling ill. Toronto will not, however, follow the lead of some Ontario municipalities and order residents to wear non-medical face coverings in stores and other indoor public spaces. De Villa is strongly encouraging cloth mask use to limit virus spread as people emerge from quarantine and mix more, but she said she doesnt believe her legislated powers allow her to make such an order for shoppers. Thats despite her counterparts in Guelph and Windsor-Essex making such orders with some exemptions and the TTC announcing mask use will be mandatory on transit vehicles starting July 2. The legal advice that Ive received on this question states that while I can strongly recommend the use of masks, it is outside my authority to make them mandatory, de Villa said. Tory, a lawyer, added: Ive heard the same legal advice, I had legal training and I think there is some doubt, at the very least as to the ability for us here in Toronto to issue such an order. Cloth masks effectiveness in preventing transmission remains controversial, but a growing number of public health experts are calling for mandatory use. Dr. Nicola Mercer, of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, on June 10 ordered, under Section 22 of Ontarios Health Protection and Promotion Act, commercial establishments to ensure people entering or remaining on their premises wear a mask or face covering. Mercer said in an interview Friday she took the action because voluntary mask use was slipping. Originally, when the first stores reopened almost everyone was wearing masks and physically distancing. People were scared, she said. But as we have gone on, peoples fear has declined, our mask use dropped substantially. The ability to practise physical distancing in a retail stores is not always easy to do, especially for staff. Guelph residents are overwhelmingly following the very well received rule, Mercer said, with no tickets issued for breaking it. Dr. Andrew Morris, an infectious disease specialist at Sinai Health and University Health Network, said in an email: The overwhelming evidence is that masks are beneficial and there is no evidence of harm whatsoever. I think there is even more support/rationale for shields. Some research suggests masks are not fully effective in preventing infections, he said. But I am in the group that strongly advocates mandatory face masks in all settings where distancing is unlikely or not possible. Burlington family doctor Jennifer Kwan, among those urging jurisdictions to adopt mask rules with the hashtag #Masks4Canada, said Toronto should follow the lead of Guelph and Windsor-Essex, which is implementing an order next week. If Toronto mandates masks, surely it will help control COVID19 transmission and help them get to safer levels and catch up to the rest of the province, she said. David Rider is the Stars City Hall bureau chief and a reporter covering city hall and municipal politics. Follow him on Twitter: @dmrider Read more about: Malala Yousafzai has today revealed she has finished her Oxford degree and showed her rebellious side by celebrating with a traditional 'trashing' - which was banned by university chiefs in 2018. The 22-year-old Nobel laureate shared two pictures of herself covered in confetti and foam and said she planned to unwind from her studies with 'Netflix, reading and sleep'. Her graduation marks the end of an extraordinary chapter for Malala, who survived being shot in the head by a Taliban gunman at the age of 15 after campaigning for girls to be educated in her native Pakistan. She tweeted today: 'Hard to express my joy and gratitude right now as I completed my Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree at Oxford. I don't know what's ahead. For now, it will be Netflix, reading and sleep.' She also said on Instagram that she was 'currently unemployed' - but is expected to work full time for her Malala Fund charity to get more girls into education around the world. Oxford University declined to comment on the trashing, which it has previously threatened to report to police because of the cost of cleaning it up. Students see it as a traditional rite of passage for all students who pass their Oxford exams. Malala marked the end of her degree with a traditional 'trashing' where students are covered in confetti and foam Malala says after completing her PPE degree she'll 'sleep for days' and also watch Netflix In another photo Malala celebrating with her family, including her parents, left and right, in front of a graduation cake After recovering from being shot, she moved to Britain and went on to become the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2014. Thousands replied to Ms Yousafzai's Twitter post, including former Oxford student and writer Philip Pullman, who simply wrote: 'Congratulations!' Nasa astronaut Anne McClain - who studied in England - also replied, writing: 'Congratulations on your graduation @Malala! 'For so many, higher education is the start of great things. For you, great things preceded it and I can only imagine the even greater ones to follow. The world is lucky to have you on it.' The ritual of 'trashing' began in the 1970s and sees friends of students taking their finals wait outside the back of the Examination Schools in Oxford city centre. As their chums emerge, they blast them with silly string and shaving foam. Those who drink are plied with Champagne. The tradition of 'trashing' has endured despite successive attempts by the proctors of Oxford to clamp down on it and even impose fines. Five years ago, the celebrations were described by university proctors as 'a disgrace', after students left behind rotten food, vomit and broken glass. It followed a report of a female student being fined 80 for being caught rubbing a trifle in a friend's face. She was told she had to pay the fee or she would not be allowed to graduate. Students say it is a fun way to let off steam after all their hard work - but the university insisted it represented 'entitled behaviour' which blights the lives of locals. Figures released in 2018, at the time, showed Oxford had to pay security staff 20,000 in overtime to monitor the incidents last year, while a further 1,881 was spent on hiring barriers. Malala has become a global icon for her campaigning on the importance of education and women empowerment following her own ordeal of being shot by the Taliban for trying to get more Pakistani girls in school Meanwhile, 3,500 was reimbursed to Oxford City Council, who clean up the mess from the streets when the celebrating students have gone home. The university promised it would start tipping off Thames Valley Police about the locations of the so-called trashings so they can arrest anyone breaking the law. Several colleges have attacked the tradition, including Mansfield which labelled it 'stupid...damaging to the environment, and wasteful' Meanwhile, Corpus Christi said trashing was 'just not classy'. According to student newspaper Cherwell, trashing dates back to the 1970s, when misbehaving students were regularly fined by proctors. In the 1980s, the university had to send a letter to all students threatening arrest after complaints from police. The then-Junior Proctor, Dr Paul Slack, said: 'Twenty years ago, when I was a student, none of this went on. We used to retire quietly to our rooms to drink champagne. The whole matter has got out of hand.' College Station Chief Billy Couch said that his department is about 3% black, lower than the 8% of black residents in College Station overall. Couch said the number of black applicants also is low despite extensive recruiting efforts, possibly due to a stigma in some black communities about working in police departments. My black police officers tell me that theyve been picked on by their families because they choose to work in the policing profession, Couch said. Thats not helping our young kids growing up, because it is a good and honorable profession. If you have someone in your family with a servants heart, I need you to encourage them to come see me and let me mentor them and get them ready. Sheriff Chris Kirk said that of the 257 staff members at the sheriffs office, 17.5% are black, 14.1% are Hispanic and 68.9% are white. A&Ms Ragan said that 2% of officers at Texas A&M are black, and Bryan Chief Eric Buske said that his department is 4% black, 12% Hispanic and 83% white. Buske said that the number of black applicants has risen recently, but that it has not yet led to more hires. Native doctors in Benin Republic were videoed in a ritual ceremony against the killers of George Floyd. His picture was placed on the altar while some words (voodoo) was said on them. Floyd was unjustly murdered by a Minneapolis white police officer on May 26th desperate calls from George that he was unable to breath, the police officer kept his knee on Georges neck. Bystanders pleaded with officers not to kill him. His last words were, I cant breathe. The death of Floyd, which triggered widespread protests across the US, has been declared a homicide in an official post-mortem examination. The 46-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest while being restrained by Minneapolis police, the report found. It listed Mr Floyds cause of death as cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression. Lecture theatres and a building named after prominent eugenicists Francis Galton and Karl Pearson have been renamed, University College London has announced. The university said on Friday that the Galton Lecture Theatre had been renamed Lecture Theatre 115, the Pearson Lecture Theatre changed to Lecture Theatre G22 and the Pearson Building to the North-West Wing. Victorian scientist Francis Galton coined the term eugenics and endowed UCL with his personal collection and archive along with a bequest for the country's first professorial chair of eugenics of which Karl Pearson was the first holder, the university said. Karl Pearson (left) and Francis Galton(right) have had their names removed from UCL buildings over their links to eugenics, the university announced today It said that signs on the building and lecture theatres will be taken down with immediate effect while other changes to the names on maps and signposts will take place as soon as "practicable". UCL president and provost Professor Michael Arthur said the move was an "important first step" for the university as it and acknowledges and addresses its historic links with the eugenics movement. He added: "This problematic history has, and continues, to cause significant concern for many in our community and has a profound impact on the sense of belonging that we want all of our staff and students to have. "Although UCL is a very different place than it was in the 19th century, any suggestion that we celebrate these ideas or the figures behind them creates an unwelcoming environment for many in our community. The Pearson building, which is being renamed over its' 'problem history' link to eugenics "I am also clear that this decision is just one step in a journey and we need to go much further by listening to our community and taking practical and targeted steps to address racism and inequality." The decision was made by Prof Arthur and ratified by the university's council following a recommendation from its buildings naming and renaming committee. The committee, made up of staff, students, and equality, diversity and inclusion representatives, will also oversee any future renaming of the areas, UCL said. Professor of pharmaceutical nanoscience Ijeoma Uchegbu, the provost's envoy for race equality, said: "I cannot begin to express my joy at this decision. "Our buildings and spaces are places of learning and aspiration and should never have been named after eugenicists. "Today UCL has done the right thing." University College London has renamed all the building named after Pearson and Galton The renaming follows a series of recommendations made by members of the inquiry into the history of eugenics at UCL, which reported back earlier this year. A response group of senior UCL representatives, including academic staff, equality experts and the Students' Union, is being formed to consider all the recommendations from the inquiry. The group will look at action such as funding new scholarships to study race and racism, a commitment to ensure UCL staff and students learn about the history and legacy of eugenics, and the creation of a research post to further examine the university's history of eugenics. It will draw up implementation plan for consideration by the academic board and approval by UCL's council. The Tamil Nadu government has extended lockdown in four districts to curb a surge in the number of Covid-19 positive cases. These ditricts are Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpet. The Covid-19 lockdown will remain in place here till June 30. We have started enforcing the lockdown measures. In many areas of the city, monitoring is being through drones and even announcements are being made. Except for permitted purposes, vehicles will not be allowed, Chennai Police Commissioner AK Viswanathan said on Friday. Tamil Nadu has recorded 2,141 positive cases of coronavirus disease in the last 24 hours, pushing up the states tally to 52,334. Among these, Chennai reported 1,373 positive cases, bringing the citys total to 37,070. The death toll in the state is at 625 after 49 deaths were reported on Thursday, the health department said. Chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had announced maximised restricted lockdown in these four districts on Monday. During the 12-day long complete lockdown period, only essential services will be allowed with restrictions. On two Sundays (June 21 and 28) there shall be a full-scale shutdown without any relaxations, the chief minister had said. The chief ministers announcement came following a consultative meeting with experts and senior officials on Monday. Last week, Palaniswami had said that capital city Chennai, which is also the largest in the state, is densely populated due to which the number of Covid-19 cases are more there. Palaniswami also said there is no community transmission of Covid-19 in Tamil Nadu and that the virus has been contained in most districts. Indias infection tally on Friday reached 3,80,533 with 1,63,248 active cases of the respiratory disease and 12,573 fatalities, according to the health ministrys dashboard at 8 am. The countrys recovery rate, which is the ratio of the number of patients recovered to the number of patients infected, is now 53.79 per cent after 204,710 patients were cured of Covid-19. - The new development prompted the government to revert to revert to more restrict quarantine rules for those returning to the country - All three cases involved people who flew to the country from elsewhere in the world, the latest coming from Pakistan - Local authorities are working to trace those who may have come into contact with the man - Two women who flew from Britain had also tested positive after being permitted to leave their quarantine early New Zealand on Thursday, June 18, confirmed its third coronavirus case barely days after it had declared local transmission of the virus eradicated. The new development has prompted New Zealand's government to further restrict its quarantine rules for those returning to the country. READ ALSO: Kenyans inspired by story of Kisumu dentist who built elderly mum new house after overcoming poverty Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called in the military to oversee the facilities and to manage border defences. Photo: BBC. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Trans Mara man goes into hiding after digging grave in his bedroom Voice of America reported all three cases involved people who flew to New Zealand from elsewhere in the world, the latest coming from Pakistan. The man in his 60s is said to have flown in from Lahore in Pakistan, via Doha and Melbourne on June 11, 2020, and is in quarantine. Authorities are working to trace those who may have come into contact with the man and two women who flew from Britain. READ ALSO: Bright side of COVID-19: Handwashing, no handshake, improved hygiene help reduce diarrhoea, flu cases Authorities are working to trace those who may have come into contact with the man and two women who flew from Britain. Photo: BBC. Source: UGC The two are said to have tested positive after being permitted to leave their quarantine early to see an ill relative. The government was forced to explain why the women were let out without proper testing, and questions were raised about whether quarantine facilities are being managed properly. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday, June 17, called in the military to oversee the facilities and to manage border defences. READ ALSO: Force, disciplined service or goons? Kenyans question increased police brutality cases I know the case of these two women will have upset people I am certainly upset by it, Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield told a news conference. New Zealands border was closed to everyone except returning citizens though some exceptions had been made for business and compassionate reasons. In response to the case of the two women, the government suspended all exemptions to quarantine rules and said no one was to leave the isolated hotels unless they have been tested. READ ALSO: Dexamethasone: Hope for critical COVID-19 patients as new drug proves efficient The country had trumpeted its achievement of becoming one of the first countries to eliminate COVID-19 and lifting all social and economic restrictions except the border controls. Ardern had said the country would almost certainly see cases again but, according to her, that was not a sign that they had failed and that it was a reality of the virus. New Zealand has reported a total of 1,504 confirmed and probably COVID-19 cases and 22 deaths. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly Source: TUKO.co.ke Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Budi Sutrisno (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 19, 2020 06:31 582 fc6853813033f564188675f8bdffb3e3 1 National East-Java,greater-surabaya,COVID-19-in-Indonesia,Sidoarjo,Gresik,PSBB,large-scale-social-restrictions Free The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Surabaya, East Java, has continued to spike after large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) were lifted, leading to many recommending that a partial lockdown be reimposed. Home to some 2.8 million people, the second largest city in Indonesia accounts for half of the total cases in East Java, the province that has replaced Jakarta as the countrys new COVID-19 epicenter since May 21. However, Greater Surabaya, which consists of Surabaya and its satellites cities Sidoarjo and Gresik, decided to end its PSBB measures on June 8. The East Java COVID-19 task force reported that post-PSBB, the COVID-19 attack and transmission rates in Surabaya have soared, in line with the lack of awareness among Surabaya residents of the importance of complying with health protocols. The attack rate is defined by the percentage of the population that contracts the disease during a specified time interval, while the transmission rate (RT) represents the average number of people who are infected by an infectious person. In Surabaya, the attack rate of COVID-19 has reached 139.7, meaning 140 in every 100,000 people is COVID-19 positive. This is the highest rate in the country. Meanwhile, the overall attack rate of East Java is 19.7. The transmission rate of COVID-19 in Surabaya is currently 1.2, compared to East Javas 1.1. Read also: Palembang officially revokes PSBB policy despite high number of COVID-19 cases The task force also reported that community compliance with health protocols in Greater Surabaya had declined, with the poorest compliance occurring in outdoor exercise spaces, followed by offices and factories, places of worship and traditional markets. This is disappointing. Theoretically, under these conditions, we should revive the lockdown, or for us, the PSBB, the task forces curative management head Joni Wahyuhadi said on Wednesday, as quoted by kompas.com. Joni added that the transmission rates had fallen to 0.5 in Surabaya and 0.86 in East Java during the PSBB period, stressing that such measures had proven effective in the curbing the spread of COVID-19. Echoing Jonis statement, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa also said the transmission rates in Surabaya and its satellite cities had fallen to below 1.0 during the PSBB period. From June 21 to 26, Surabayas RT was below 1.0. Then, in Sidoarjo, for eight days from June 20 to 27, the rate was under 1.0. Gresik also had a rate under 1.0 for six consecutive days, she said. As East Java had failed to maintain a transmission rate below 1.0 for 14 consecutive days, Khofifah said, the province was not yet ready to enter the so-called new normal phase. Greater Surabayas PSBB period lasted from April 28 to June 8, with two extensions. Despite having the partial lockdown in place, Surabaya was categorized as a black zone on June 3 due to its skyrocketing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Read also: Transitional PSBB: A deciding chapter for Jakartas new normal Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini, who faces the burden of economic pressures, proposed terminating the PSBB measures to Governor Khofifah during an evaluation meeting earlier this month, arguing that many people had been forced to remain idle for too long. Unlike Jakarta, which is now transitioning to the new normal with the PSBB measures still in place, Surabaya removed the PSBB measures completely and is now implementing its own health protocols and relying heavily on the self-compliance of the community. Over the past month, East Java has consistently reported the highest number of new cases in the country. On Thursday, the province recorded 384 new cases, taking its overall tally to 8,917 cases and 664 deaths, according to the Health Ministry. According to the Surabaya administration, the city had recorded a total of 4,262 cases and 333 deaths as of Wednesday. The city has recorded an average of 100 new cases per day since the PSBB measures were revoked. Despite East Javas occasional claims that the soaring number of cases are due to the provinces increased testing capacity, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the province has a remarkably high positivity rate in testing. In its latest weekly situational report, the WHO reported that the positivity rate in East Java over the last two weeks was 31.6, far from the WHOs provision of below 5.0 to impose new normal measures. None of the provinces assessed met this requirement. The East Java administration and the Surabaya administration are split on whether to revive the PSBB measures, with Surabaya insisting on continuing to run the wheels of the peoples economy. Read also: Epidemiologist claims easing PSBB could prolong COVID-19 crisis until 2024 Experts have expressed dismay over Surabayas decision to ease the restrictions when conditions were not safe, fearing that without immediate controls, it could lead to an overwhelming of the healthcare system and resources. Surabaya shouldnt work alone. It must gather health experts to assess how significantly the impacts have been from easing the PSBB measures, The University of Indonesias School of Medicine dean, Ari Fahrial Syam, told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad visited the family of late Bollywood star Sushant Singh Rajput at their Patna residence on Friday and offered his condolences to them. The union minister took to his Twitter to share pictures from his visit and wrote that Sushant was "a super talented" actor, who deserved "more." "Visited Patna home of #SushantSinghRajput. Met his family members. Paid my condolences. A super talented actor with great promise had to meet such an unfortunate end. Creative acting in films is left poorer with his sad demise. He had to achieve great heights. He deserved more," tweeted Prasad, who also belongs to Patna. Visited Patna home of #SushantSinghRajput. Met his family members. Paid my condolences. A super talented actor with great promise had to meet such an unfortunate end.Creative acting in films is left poorer with his sad demise.He had to achieve great heights.He deserved more. pic.twitter.com/JoZnFJ0sTN Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) June 19, 2020 Sushant passed away on June 14. He died by suicide, Mumbai police confirmed. His ashes were immersed in the holy river Ganga in his hometown Patna, Bihar, on Thursday. Meanwhile, Sushant's close friend Rhea Chakraborty was quizzed by the Bandra police on Thursday for more than ten hours in connection with the late actor's suicide case that is currently undergoing investigation. WATERLOO REGION Waterloo Region is settling into the second stage of the provincial reopening plan, and the increased freedoms likely has many residents thinking about whats to come in the next stage. But a University of Waterloo public health expert warns that people need to be careful to not jeopardize the chances of graduating to Stage 3, and it still will not be a full return to life before the COVID-19 pandemic. Its not going to be exactly like back to normal. Youll still have some restrictions, said Prof. Zahid Butt, from the School of Public Health and Health Systems. You would still have to follow public health guidelines. Stage 3, as outlined by the province, will open up all workplaces with safety measures in place. Restrictions on recreation spaces and public gatherings will be relaxed, likely with a different limit on the number of people who can gather inside and outside. But they will not allow large public gatherings such as concerts, Butt said. Stage 3 is not set in stone and a review of how well Stage 2 is going will help determine what else will open. When will also depend on the level of new cases or hospitalizations. Then theyll make a decision about proceeding to Stage 3, Butt said. If theres a surge, then not only might the region not move onto the next stage, but it could also revert to Stage 1. Thats where a few places in Ontario are still stuck, and Butt said the province may decide to wait for those to get to the second before considering allowing others to move forward. The regions acting associate medical officer of health Dr. Julie Emili stressed at Fridays briefing the importance of following recommendations to reduce the virus spread because thats what is keeping numbers down now. That includes individuals, and businesses ensuring reopening is safe. The community plays a role in that, Emili said. The actions we take today determine where we are next week and the week after. Waterloo Regions chief administrative officer Mike Murray said its the province that sets guidelines about what the stages look like, and when a municipality can move ahead. Its the province that opened the door to Stage 2, Murray said. We will absolutely follow the lead of the province. He said that before any place can move to the third stage, the province will also need to rescind or amend emergency orders that limit certain things, such as what services libraries and museums can provide. When will the region get back to normal? Butt said even when all the restrictions are lifted, some people may want to wait for a vaccine before they feel comfortable resuming life as it was before. So far, the only country thats returned to normal is New Zealand, although it still hasnt reopened its borders and Butt expects that international travel restrictions will linger in Canada for a while too. Hotspots remain in Canada, while other areas are seeing low case numbers. Saskatchewan is onto Stage 3, while Butt said Ontario will have to decide on its own. Just being in Stage 2 may help ease some pandemic fatigue and social isolation people have been feeling, Butt said. Hopefully that will contribute to more of a feeling of a sense of belonging and connection than before. There are other places in the book where Bolton inadvertently shows us who he is. Even as he paints a picture of Trump as a dangerous incompetent, he delights in recalling the presidents flattery. He describes Trump ending a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron of France by praising Boltons performance first on Fox News and then in the administration. Now hes got to make hard decisions, which he didnt have to do on TV, but hes doing a great job, Bolton recalls the president saying. The French, writes Bolton, got a kick out of that. So did I for that matter. You can almost hear him purring. Bolton isnt particularly detailed about the misbehavior he witnessed in Trumps White House. He mentions Trumps penchant to, in effect, give personal favors to dictators he liked and lists a number of examples, including the lifting of sanctions on the Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, the onetime patron of Trumps former campaign chairman Paul Manafort. Whether there was anything even more troubling beneath the surface, none of us knew, he writes. A few sentences later, he adds, The pattern looked like obstruction of justice as a way of life, which we couldnt accept. (He continued to accept it, though he writes that resignation territory was nearby.) Some of what Bolton recounts is petty gossip. He believes that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the former acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney are major sources of leaks. And he recounts Trumps version of an argument between former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, in which Tillerson uses a demeaning sexist obscenity to tell her shes nothing more and dont ever forget it. All the same, there is information here that deserves whatever attention people can muster in the midst of plague and mass protest. Bolton provides, albeit belatedly, firsthand confirmation that Trump did exactly what he was impeached for leveraging American military aid in exchange for Ukraines help in smearing Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden: Aug. 20, I took Trumps temperature on the Ukraine security assistance, and he said he wasnt in favor of sending them anything until the Russia-investigation materials related to Clinton and Biden had been turned over, Bolton writes. Such behavior was nothing new for Trump; earlier Bolton describes him pleading with Xi for help in the 2020 election by making agricultural purchases from farm states. Though Bolton writes that the governments pre-publication reviewers prevented him from using Trumps exact words, Vanity Fair saw an unredacted version of the passage: Make sure I win. I will probably win anyway, so dont hurt my farms. Buy a lot of soybeans and wheat and make sure we win. A former member of the military with a criminal record was arrested on Friday by the Spanish Civil Guard after being identified as the person seen in a video firing a shotgun at photos of Spanish government officials, according to sources familiar with the investigation. A probe into the 31-second video was opened on Thursday as soon as Spains Interior Ministry became aware of its existence. In the footage, which has been shared on social media, a man is seen discharging the weapon at targets carrying the images of several high-profile politicians. The Spanish government has expressed its complete rejection and condemnation of the video The photos were of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of the Socialist Party (PSOE), Deputy Prime Minister Pablo Iglesias, who is also the leader of the leftist Unidas Podemos party, Equality Minister Irene Montero, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and the parliamentary spokesperson for Unidas Podemos, Pablo Echenique. In the video, the faces of each politician are shown one by one by the person recording, before he shouts: Verdict. Moments later, a corpulent man shoots down each image, then laughs and makes an obscene gesture. Two other people are seen in the footage. The individuals involved in making the video are facing hate crime charges. According to sources close to the investigation, the National Police identified the shooter as a former member of the armed forces who currently works as a taxi driver, and also tracked the private firing range to the southern city of Malaga. The Spanish government has expressed its complete rejection and condemnation of the video, which it argues sows hate and represents serious threats. After becoming aware of the footage, the government announced that the solicitor generals office would file a complaint with public prosecutors so that they can investigate the incident. The first results from the probe revealed that the weapon used in the video was not a regulatory firearm used by members of Spains security forces and that the firing range was not one that is used by police forces for target practice, the Spanish news agency EFE reported. The video was pretty brainless, said a regular user of the firing range, standing outside the closed premises at around 11am on Friday. Now theyll want to execute him, said another. Ill bet if he had shot at a Spanish flag, they wouldnt have done anything to him. None of the people gathered outside the premises admitted to knowing the arrested man. The firing range has around 200 members, including some who serve in law enforcement agencies. English version by Melissa Kitson. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio Taco Bell is scrambling to counter backlash on social media after a worker said he was fired from a Youngstown location because his face mask had the words Black Lives Matter printed on the front. Denzel Skinner, 29, posted a now-viral video on Facebook on June 8 about the incident. He tells WKBN Channel 27 that the restaurants air-conditioning wasnt working and that the plain surgical mask provided to workers made it difficult to breathe in the warm conditions. He said he switched to the Black Lives Matter mask because it made breathing easier. But he says in the video that a manager told him to take off the mask, saying it had to be plain and that he cant bring politics into the building, USA Today reports. Skinner, who had worked at the location for eight years and was a shift leader, argued that the companys policy did not prohibit having words on a mask and that the Black Lives Matter movement isnt political. Bro, Im not bringing politics in this is what Im standing for. How is this considered politics? Skinner said. Im not taking it off. While the manager said she was not opposed to the mask, she said it was a company thing, CBS News reports. On Thursday, Taco Bell released a statement on Twitter saying it was deeply upset about the incident involving Skinner. The company tells USA Today that workers are allowed to wear Black Lives Matter masks. Denzel Skinner should never have been put in this position, the tweet says. We believe the Black Lives Matter movement is a human rights issue and not a political one. The company posted the statement on Twitter as the hashtag #RIPTacoBell went viral, with people calling for a boycott of Taco Bells and other restaurants owned by Yum! Brands, Forbes reports. In a statement to Business Insider, company officials said Yum!s chief diversity and inclusion officer has apologized to Skinner. While our policies at restaurants do not prohibit Team Members from wearing Black Lives Matter masks, we are working to clarify our mask policy so this doesnt happen again, the statement to Business Insider says. Flash Senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi reiterated China's position on the Korean Peninsula issue that the Chinese side always stands for denuclearization of the peninsula and solving problems through dialogue and consultation, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Friday. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian cited Yang's remarks at a press conference while responding to media queries about the meeting between Yang and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Yang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, said that advancing political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue conforms with interests of all parties. Yang said the Chinese side has always insisted on maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, realising denuclearization of the peninsula, and solving problems through dialogue and consultation. China advocates advancing political settlement of the issue in according with the dual-track approach in a phased and synchronized manner. The Chinese side hopes the DPRK and the U.S. could meet each other halfway, accommodate each other's legitimate concerns and make concrete efforts to advance political settlement, Yang said. Judge Justin Walker is sworn in prior to testifying before a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on his nomination to be a U.S. circuit judge for the District of Columbia Circuit on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 6, 2020. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) US Senate Votes to Confirm Justin Walker to DC Appeals Court The U.S. Senate on Thursday voted to confirm a federal judge who is a protege of Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell to the appeals court in Washington. Justin Walker, 38, won Senate approval to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit following a mostly party-line 51-42 vote. Senator Susan Collins of Maine was the only Republican joining Democrats in voting against confirming Walker. Walker is being elevated from the U.S. District Court in Louisville, Kentucky, where he has been a judge since October. Walker was a vocal ally of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation battle in the Senate in 2018. Read More Criminal Referrals Against Kavanaugh Accusers Remain Unaddressed Several Democratic lawmakers argued during a May 6 confirmation hearing that Walker was too inexperienced for the job. The D.C. Circuit is considered the second most powerful court in the country, in part because it handles many high-stakes challenges to federal regulations. Four of the current nine justices on the Supreme Court were previously D.C. Circuit judges. Although based in Kentucky, where he has taught at the University of Louisvilles law school, Walker has Washington ties. He clerked for Kavanaugh on the D.C. Circuit, where Kavanaugh served for 12 years. He also clerked for Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who Kavanaugh replaced in 2018. After Trump, a Republican, nominated Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, Walker frequently appeared on cable TV, including Fox News, talking up the nominees support for conservative-leaning values. Walker defended his qualifications during last months hearing, saying there is a long and rich tradition of academics being nominated to federal appellate courts. We Kentuckians are sorry to lose Judge Justin Walker, but were very proud this brilliant and fair jurist will be serving our nation on the D.C. Circuit, McConnell wrote on Twitter on Thursday. By Jan Wolfe Photo: The Canadian Press Jerry Dias The head of Unifor says he has been assured by Ontario's premier that the province will not proceed with a plan to cut statutory holidays for retail workers. Jerry Dias says Premier Doug Ford told him today a plan to change the Retail Business Holidays Act and reduce the number of mandatory statutory holidays for from nine to three is off. Dias says the government had raised the idea earlier this week in a conference call with retail sector stakeholders including the union. Workers would still have been entitled to Christmas, Good Friday and Canada Day under the now-abandoned plan presented by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. Ford's office confirmed in a statement today that it is not moving forward with the proposal. Dias says when he heard about the plan he was outraged and thought it was "completely inconsistent" with Ford's statements about the contribution of retail workers. "That was the ultimate slap in the face to the workers that have done so much, I couldn't believe that anyone would be so foolish to even contemplate this during the pandemic," he said. "We had a very short conversation where (Ford) told me they were killing it in its tracks." India insisted on 'complete disengagement' in all its talks with China on eastern Ladakh row: Govt We will continue to deal with Chinese PLA in firm, resolute manner: Army chief India-China hold Major General level talks for over 6 hours India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 19: Indian and Chinese militaries held Major General-level dialogue on Thursday for the third consecutive day on disengagement of troops as well as restoration of normalcy in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh, official sources said. The talks went on for over six hours. Galwan Valley was the site of a violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops on Monday evening that resulted in the death of a colonel and 19 other Indian Army soldiers. India confirms Jaishankars participation in trilateral with China and Russia India-China Galwan faceoff: China releases 10 Indian soldiers from custody | Oneindia News Around 18 Indian Army soldiers also sustained serious injuries in the clash. The talks between the two sides near Galwan Valley ended in a stalemate on Tuesday as well as Wednesday, sources said. However, Thursday's meeting was held to discuss ways of implementing the disengagement of troops from the Galwan Valley. On Wednesday, the two sides discussed ways to implement the disengagement of troops from the region as agreed to during a high-level military dialogue on June 6. Sending a strong message to China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India wanted peace but is capable of giving a befitting reply if instigated. The clash in Galwan Valley is the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while the death toll on the Chinese side was over 300. The two armies were engaged in a standoff in Galwan and several other areas of the eastern Ladakh since May 5 when the two sides clashed on the bank of the Pangong Tso. India, China working to resolve Galwan standoff through diplomatic, military channels: Official After the standoff began, the Indian military leadership decided that Indian troops would adopt a firm approach in dealing with the aggressive posturing by the Chinese troops in all disputed areas of Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 00:19:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- China will work with its partners to develop the Belt and Road into a model of cooperation for meeting challenges through unity, President Xi Jinping said Thursday in a written message to the High-level Video Conference on Belt and Road International Cooperation. The Belt and Road will also be a model of health for protecting people's safety and well-being, a model of recovery for restoring economic and social activity, and a model of growth for unlocking development potential, Xi said. The video conference is "a highly important meeting that gives Belt and Road cooperation partners an opportunity to discuss a collective response to COVID-19, advance Belt and Road cooperation, and strengthen international solidarity and cooperation," said Xi. He said that the sudden attack of COVID-19 has posed a grave threat to the lives and health of people across the globe. It has dealt a heavy blow to the world economy, and caused tough economic and social challenges for some countries, developing ones in particular. "To contain the virus, countries have taken robust and effective measures, specific to their national context. On top of that, many countries are striving to resume economic and social development," Xi said, noting that in China's case, the people's lives and well-being have always been put front and center. China will do what it can and contribute its share to an early global victory against COVID-19, and the recovery of the global economy, the president said. "Be it in taming the virus or in achieving economic recovery, we cannot succeed without solidarity, cooperation, and multilateralism. The right approach to tackling global crises and realizing long-term development is through greater connectivity, openness, and inclusiveness," he said. "This is where Belt and Road international cooperation can make a big difference," he said, adding that China is committed to peaceful development and mutually beneficial cooperation. Foreign ministers or officials at ministerial level from 25 countries attended the video conference. Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and UN Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner also participated in the event. Enditem Photo credit: Manuel Hoffmann Sanz / EyeEm - Getty Images From Oprah Magazine Have you been hearing the unmistakeable boom of fireworks in your neighborhood over the past few weeks? You're not alone. Although some official Fourth of July fireworks celebrations have been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus, that hasn't stopped people from keeping the light show going on their own. While the sale of certain types of consumer fireworks is allowed in 49 states including the District of Columbia (an exception being Massachusetts) per the American Pyrotechnics Association, the regulations can vary by locality and time of year. Typically the ad hoc home displays don't kick off until Fourth of July weekend, but that seems to have changed in the lead up to summer 2020. "We are hopeful and optimistic that the consumer fireworks sales are going to really have a banner year," said Julie Heckman, the executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) during a June 3, 2020 roundtable, as reported by Slate. "I think the general public, due to COVID, is just itching to do something." In fact, fireworks complaints have been on the rise this summer, particularly across the East Coast. New York City, where the sale of consumer fireworks including sparklers is banned, has gotten over 1,200 complaints, and the police have issued 22 summons during the first two weeks of June alone, reports CBS New York. The noise disruption has reached such an untenable level in certain areas of NYC, that residents protested outside Mayor De Blasio's Gracie Mansion residence on June 22demanding the mayor take action. Hundreds are protesting outside Gracie Mansion in #Manhattan right now after @NYCMayor refuses to do anything about the insane fireworks the last few weeks plaguing NYC. Residents can't sleep, so they decided to not allow Deblasio to sleep tonight either. pic.twitter.com/Kom1X7PTPM NYC Scanner (@NYScanner) June 23, 2020 Following the protest, De Blasio announced an illegal fireworks task force in a Tuesday morning press conference to escalate the city's response, including "sting operations" as well as "undercover buys" to crack down on suppliers. Illegal fireworks are both dangerous and a public nuisance," the mayor said. "Were cracking down on this activity at the source to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers & the ability of our neighbors to get some sleep." Story continues BREAKING: @NYCMayor announces an illegal fireworks task force. Illegal fireworks are both dangerous and a public nuisance. Were cracking down on this activity at the source to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers & the ability of our neighbors to get some sleep. @NYCMayor https://t.co/gHSl84C1d5 NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) June 23, 2020 Boston's Mayor Marty Walsh gave a press conference on the issue as well. "There's always been illegal fireworks leading up to the Fourth of July but this year it's worse than usual. It started early and it never seemed to stop," Walsh said. "The data is eye-opening. Fireworks calls to the Boston police department this year were up by 2,300%." To emphasize the uptick this year, Walsh noted that there were 27 calls related to fireworks disruptions last May compared to over 650 calls this May alone, noting that he's hearing these fireworks himself. Hartford, Connecticut mayor Luke Bronin also held a press conference where he discussed the issue of increased neighborhood fireworks in his community as well. Noting that it's "become a really significant quality of life issue" and that "it's not just a Hartford problem"Bronin called this year's fireworks usage "unprecedented." The mayor of Syracuse, NY, Ben Walsh took to Twitter to share that he too is hearing the increased sound of booming throughout the night and that he's "working on a plan." Yes, I hear the fireworks every night and they drive me crazy too. Were working on a plan. More to come. Ben Walsh (@BenWalsh44) June 10, 2020 Braintree, Massachusetts police department also said there's been un uptick in sparklers in their community and tweeted to discourage usage of illegal neighborhood fireworks. With summer here, we want to remind residents fireworks are illegal. 3 calls alone last night for fireworks. Along with @BraintreeMAFD we believe this is a public safety issue, we want to prevent injuries to those involved or residents, and to reduce the risk of structure fires. pic.twitter.com/y7pwgUCCP8 Braintree Police Department (@BraintreePolice) June 18, 2020 While the big celebratory displays are usually enjoyed by many, these random local neighborhood fireworks are disrupting people's evenings and causing them to turn to social media to express their unhappiness with the noise. Dear person who keeps lighting fireworks Every Single Night: PLEASE STOP. Thanks. Bebe Rexha (@BebeRexha) June 18, 2020 Cancel random neighborhood fireworks 2020 Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) June 18, 2020 For real, does anyone know WHY they are setting off fireworks in Brooklyn from 6pm-2am every night for the past two months? Will sleep ever come for me? What about people with PTSD and animals and people with jobs? Its just lowkey disrespectful past 10pm... mini horse with an attitude problem (@CarrieStalk) June 17, 2020 2:38am and I was woken up by fireworks. LANSING, WHY ARE WE LIKE THIS?! Molly Wear a Mask Korn (@mdobk) June 7, 2020 For the love of god please stop. #phillyfireworks Mustafa Rashed (@mustafarashed) June 18, 2020 If your neighborhood has been especially loud, might we suggest a white noise machine? For more stories like this, sign up for our newsletter. You Might Also Like China on Thursday moved to allay investor concerns about the impact of a new national security law on Hong Kong's status as a financial hub, the same day the national legislature pushed ahead with a review of the bill in the face of G7 concerns. Vice-Premier Liu He, the top economic aide to President Xi Jinping, said that Beijing "will adhere to the policy of 'one country, two systems', and give support to Hong Kong as it plays the role of an international financial centre". "We will ensure that the interests of foreign investors in Hong Kong will be protected and Hong Kong's long-term prosperity can be achieved," Liu, who is in charge of China's financial industry, told the Lujiazui Forum in Shanghai. The comments, which were read out by China Securities Regulatory Commission chairman Yi Huiman, come amid growing confrontation between China and the US-led Western world over the controversial national security law, which has caused jitters in some parts of the financial sector. The National People's Congress Standing Committee announced just a few hours after the speech that it will begin reviewing a draft of the Hong Kong national security law on Thursday. The statement shows Beijing's intentions to move forward with the law despite a rare joint statement from the Group of Seven (G7) countries on Wednesday urging it to "reconsider" its decision. Foreign ministers from the United States, Japan, Canada, Italy, Britain, Germany and France, as well as the EU's top diplomat, expressed "grave concern" regarding China's decision to impose the law, saying it "would jeopardise the system which has allowed Hong Kong to flourish and made it a success over many years." The G7 countries did not elaborate on what they would do if Beijing goes ahead with the bill, but US President Donald Trump said on May 30 that the US government would begin eliminating special policy exemptions granted to Hong Kong, as the city was "no longer autonomous" from China. Story continues Washington would also sanction Chinese and Hong Kong officials "directly or indirectly involved in eroding Hong Kong's autonomy", Trump said. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said last week that he was working on various capital markets responses to the legislation, including measures that could restrict capital flows through the city, which could undermine its role as a financial hub. Liu did not elaborate on what steps Beijing would take to shore up investor confidence and stabilise the Hong Kong economy, which has been hit hard by a year of anti-government protests, followed by the coronavirus pandemic earlier this year. But his message was clear: Beijing still cherishes Hong Kong's role as a financial hub, backed by a convertible currency and a rule-of-law system. "China has no intention to replace Hong Kong with Shanghai," said Sun Lijian, a professor at the Fudan University in Shanghai. "The role of Shanghai as an international centre is that it will be the global centre for yuan deals ... it will not quickly become another Singapore, New York or Hong Kong." The Lujiazui Forum is an annual event hosted jointly by the Shanghai government and China's financial regulators with the purpose of boosting the city's status in the international financial circles. However, more than a decade after Shanghai announced its lofty goal of "becoming an international financial centre by 2020", the city is still constrained by China's rigid controls on capital flows. Hong Kong, meanwhile, remains as the main gateway for China to access global capital and the single biggest offshore centre for the Chinese currency, the yuan. Guo Shuqing, chairman of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, said at the forum on Thursday that China's efforts to boost Shanghai's future as an international financial centre would not come at the expense of Hong Kong. "As an international financial centre, Hong Kong has unique advantages and rich experience, and is fully capable of continuing to play a greater role. At present, Shanghai is working hard to build an international financial centre. Shanghai and Hong Kong can further interact with each other to help both grow," Guo said. At the same time, the guessing game continues about how far Washington will go in sanctioning China and Hong Kong institutions and individuals. Dan Wang, an analyst at Gavekal, a research agency, wrote in a note that Washington's sanctions would be narrow and target individual Chinese officials as "even the hawkish elements of the US government are not eager to destroy Hong Kong's role as a financial centre". "Unlike hurting already-isolated countries like Cuba and North Korea, even a light jab on Hong Kong's financial operations could trigger global financial instability," Wang wrote. 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. A man from Connecticut is now facing murder charges after his former fiancee, who was 10 months pregnant, was found dead. According to the Hartford Courant, the 39-year-old suspect, Jason Darnell Watson, is the one behind his fiancee's disappearance, Perrie Mason, and killed her after she called off their engagement. A crime of passion Watson was never charged with the death of Mason until June 17, when the prosecutors charged with murder. The details of Mason's death were shared during an arraignment for Watson at the New Haven Superior Court. Vao Horlback, Mason's sister, reported her missing on August 18, 2019. A day before Mason's disappearance, Watson called the police and said that his fiancee was mad and left to stay at a friend's house. Because of it, the authorities did not file a missing person report. When Horlback called, she explained that her sister was injured during a fight with Watson. The two fought when Mason called off their engagement. A day before Mason was reported missing, the victim called 911 twice, the authorities reviewed the calls but they could not hear anything. After the police saw Mason's injuries in pictures provided by her sister, they immediately arrested Watson on domestic violence charges while they continued to search for Mason. On August 21, they found Mason's remains behind the Baystate Textiles in Waterbury, which was where Watson worked. Also Read: Active Shooter at Dallas Mall Injures One, Suspect Still At Large Crushed, burned, and buried According to the court documents, the investigators went to the place where Watson worked and they saw a trail of black, oily residue. The trail led them to the back of the textile building. They checked the wooded area near the building and that was when they saw the victim's remained placed inside trash bags. The medical examiner stated that Mason's body was crushed before it was set on fire. The death was ruled as a homicide, but the medical examiner could not determine the manner of her death because of the condition of her remains. Security footage near Mason's home showed her car leaving on August 17 at 2 a.m. At the time, she shared a home with Watson. Around 20 minutes after Mason left, the security footage at the textile building showed Mason's car arrived and it also showed Watson testing the weight of a massive rolling cart. Watson had access to the security system of the company, and he shut them off after he left the building. The security was turned on again on August 20. The prosecutors said that Watson left the business in Mason's car and he stopped at a Walmart then returned to work at 3:30 a.m on August 17. This is according to the Google records that investigators found on his phone. Watson bought lighter fluid, two rolls of plastic sheeting, and a Minnie Mouse towel. His Google history shows he searched for "how to poison a person" more than 25 times. Numerous text messages of Mason was on Watson's phone, she was messaging him and begging him to leave her alone. Watson is behind bars and his bail is set to $3 million. Related Article: 17-Year-Old Black Teen Found Hanging From a Tree in Spring, Texas @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Two weeks ago, Project Veritas published an investigative journalism piece showing the inner workings of Antifa/anarchist paramilitary training at The Base in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Not all the individuals involved were identified, but National Justice can now confirm that the man above is Brooklyn-based Andrew Gittlitz (A.M. Gittlitz), an author and journalist who has been published in the New York Times and Vice and is a leading figure in a communist death cult called the Posadists. According to multiple sources, Gittlitz and fellow cult members are integral parts of the New York City antifa scene. Gittlitz is the producer of the Antifada podcast (under the name AP Andy) and along with other members of his Posadist group, worked with Jarrod Shanahan to dox and send death threats to numerous Proud Boys and nationalists. Gittlitz has written for the Trotskyite publishing house Verso Books, which is also deeply involved with underground antifa organizing, as well as articles throughout left-wing publications like The Jacobin, The Baffler, Salon, Vice and pieces in the now defunct Commune Magazine explicitly endorsing antifa political violence. One especially noteworthy contribution was Gittlitzs op-ed for the New York Timesfor its Red Century celebration of the centennial of the Bolshevik revolution. This served to platform his crackpot apocalyptic UFO centered interpretation of communism. Gittlitz is also friends with a number of connected people. For example, he is personal friends with the Southern Poverty Law Centers (SPLC) Hannah Gais. Brighton Beach Nuclear War Cult According to a source familiar with antifa in New York, Gittlitz belongs to a semi-religious communist group based out of South Brooklyn. The groups beliefs are inspired by J. Posadas (real name Homero Frasnelli), an Argentinian Trotskyist who believed in acceleration through the use of nuclear bombs to usher in an apocalypse that he theorized would end up ushering communism around the world. Extra terrestrials play a significant role in his and Gittlitzs work. In Brooklyn, followers of this doctrine are led by a Brighton Beach man named Yevgeny Lerner, who goes by Comrade Communicator and claims to have a special ability to speak to aliens. Lerner, who has been a central organizer in NYC Antifa for a decade, is believed to be one of the individuals who controls the @NYCAntifa twitter account. On the beaches of South Brooklyn, Gittlitz and other left-wing extremists take drugs and follow Great Communicator as he professes to make contact with beings from another galaxy. Gittlitz is a deeply involved true-believer. Last year, he traveled to Cuba to an international communist conference to give a lecture on Posadism and attempt to recruit new members. Take Them Seriously Many right-wing people will look at Gittlitz and his beliefs and dismiss him as a mere kook. While his beliefs may be absurd, his cults obsession with nuclear weapons and active training for political violence are not. Once again, we find that a promoter of using violence to silence people with different beliefs is neatly entrenched in our institutional media. Almost all of the antifa movers and shakers National Justice has reported on have worked for mainstream media outlets like Vice, as well as respectable socialist ones like The Jacobin. Many of them have their left-extremist writings referenced in the New York Times in order to try and mainstream them, while Gittlitz was outright commissioned for a piece by them. Why our elites actively promote mentally disturbed thugs who wish to use nuclear weapons to trigger an apocalypse continues to be an open ended question. Mainly Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province & Ringing Trips to Bahrain China is considered to be the chief suspect behind escalating cyber-attacks on Australia, government officials have been quoted as saying. Australias prime minister, Scott Morrison, said a sophisticated state-based cyber actor had spent months trying to hack all levels of government, businesses, essential services and critical infrastructure. We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting, Mr Morrison told reporters in the capital, Canberra, on Friday. He declined to say who Australia believed was responsible, but three sources briefed on the matter told Reuters Australia believed China was responsible. There is a high degree of confidence that China is behind the attacks, one Australian government source told the news agency. Mr Morrison said he made the growing threat public to raise awareness and said he particularly wanted organisations involved in health, critical infrastructure and essential services to bolster technical defences. A range of sectors were being targeted and the frequency of cyber intrusions to steal and cause harm has increased for months, he said. This is the actions of a state-based actor with significant capabilities. There arent too many state-based actors who have those capabilities, Mr Morrison added. Mr Morrison said Australia doesnt engage lightly in public attribution but said he could not control speculation about who was responsible for the cyber campaign. He offered few details about the activities and said it was difficult to understand whether the intrusions were motivated by desires to steal state secrets, intellectual property or the personal data of ordinary Australians. Australian investigations had not uncovered any large-scale personal data breaches so far, Mr Morrison said, as many of the intrusions had been thwarted. Mr Morrison said he spoke about the issue with Boris Johnson on Thursday, while other allies have also received briefings. Last month, the Australian Cyber Security Center warned malicious cyber adversaries were taking advantage of key staff at critical infrastructure working from home during the pandemic. Power and water networks as well and transport and communications grids were threatened. We are continuing to see attempts to compromise Australias critical infrastructure, agency head Abigail Bradshaw said. It is reprehensible that cybercriminals would seek to disrupt or conduct ransomware attacks against our essential services during a major health crisis, she added. The agency also reported malicious cyber actors were attempting to damage or impair hospitals and emergency response organisations outside Australia. Australia has strained ties with China, its largest trading partner, by pushing for an international inquiry into the source and spread of the coronavirus, which emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year. In response, China imposed dumping tariffs on Australian barley, suspended some imports of beef and warned its students and tourists against travel to the country, citing accusations of racism. 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. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f0486e51670)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04868fd628)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f0486e51670)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04868fd628)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f0486e5eec0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04868fd628)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04868fd628)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f04868fe388)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f0486e515c8)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f0486e515c8)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 Pew Charitable Trust Letter Stresses Broadband Need to Congress Bloomberg Philanthropies COVID-19 Management Metrics to Support Local Recovery Seattle announced the recipients of its 2020 Technology Matching Fund awards, which rank as one of the longest local gov-supported digital literacy initiatives in the nation.This week, city officials announced that 15 organizations would be benefiting from a total investment of $345,000, aimed at supporting community-led initiatives that will boost access to technology as well as digital skills training for underserved communities. That money is split into individual grants ranging from $12,490 to $25,000.As the Technology Matching Fund name implies, organizations outside of the local government have pledged a total of $360,000 to match the city, with at least 50 percent coming in cash or in-kind donations of labor, services and donated software or hardware.As always, the groups receiving support this year are wide-ranging, including programs that offer technical training, programs that help young people get access to academic resources, and more. Its all part of a broader city program called the Digital Equity Initiative, which is exactly as it sounds. That program is managed by the Seattle Information Technology Department and it supports work to provide devices and tech to communities that would otherwise lack access to things they need to participate and thrive in an increasingly digitized society. This is of particular concern in a city with a civic fiber so thoroughly entwined with tech companies.That intersection of tech and civic interest is perhaps why Seattle and specifically this tech fund matching program have been the vanguard of local government promoting digital equity in the United States. In fact, the Technology Matching Fund was first created back in 1997, before the nomenclature around digital equity and digital inclusion even existed. Since its launch, the program has helped distribute more than $5.7 million to organizations in the region, thereby funding more than 350 community programs related to tech.The grants are funded through the citys cable franchise fee in tandem with contributions from community partners, including famous tech companies like Facebook which matched fund projects in 2017 and 2018. This year saw the Verizon Foundation giving $25,000 to expand the overall reach.Recipients of the grants were chosen from a pool of 41 initial applicants, and more information about their individual work can be found here In a letter to federal lawmakers, broadband researches at Pew Charitable Trusts are stressing the importance of support at the highest levels of government for expanding broadband in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.Pew Charitable Trusts which is one of the nations leading research bodies on broadband expansion work at the state and local levels urged the lawmakers to turn to the state leaders for actionable insights on how they can support the work, pointing to the success some states have had in closing digital divides.Pews letter to Congress can be read in its entirety here In addition, Pew pointed to much of the recent research it has published around this topic and the related challenges. In fact, broadband researchers at Pew have explored several relevant issues, including how states work to expand broadband access what state broadband programs are in place and policy developments related to broadband in 2019 . In addition, Pew has worked to collect insights directly from state leaders as it relates to their experiences with the work.Pews message to congress pointed to these findings and actions at the state level as worth consideration and how Congress could support them, Pew officials noted in a press release about the letter.Bloomberg Philanthropies and several partners have created a new initiative called the COVID-19 Management Metrics for Cities, which was designed to help city leaders collect and analyze data to guide ongoing recovery from the pandemic with an emphasis on addressing vulnerable residents needs.Joining Bloomberg on the work is the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and What Works Cities, and a key part of what theyve done is create a set of critical data-driven indicators plus technical assistance. The new resource aims to help officials analyze data throughout seven key areas related to better pandemic-related decision-making.The areas are status of infection by local rate, the capacity of a health-care system, the status of contact tracing, levels of compliance with public health safety measures, protections for emergency workers, protections for facilities such as nursing homes or prisons, and the preparedness of businesses that are reopening.What Works Cities will provide technical assistance and training for the work, which will see local leadership learning to distill and analyze data based on race, gender, age, location, census tract and income to highlight disparate impacts of COVID-19 among varied populations. This will help to guide resource allocation in the service of equitable cities moving forward.By tracking the right metrics, mayors will be better positioned to drive equitable response and recovery efforts, advocate for at-risk populations, allocate resources according to need, and manage services to ensure the health and safety of all residents, Bloomberg officials wrote in a press release announcing the work.Interested cities can download the metrics here This is all part of an ongoing initiative launched by Bloomberg Philanthropies in March the COVID-19 Local Response Initiative , which has seen more than 570 cities across the globe join up in work that gives them tools to manage the public health crisis. Good morning, Bay Area. Its Friday, June 19, and some Bay Area companies are giving workers the day off to mark Juneteenth. Heres what you need to know to start your day. In a stunning victory for undocumented immigrants brought into the country as children, the Supreme Court ruled Thursday that President Trump acted illegally when he repealed DACA, the program established by President Obama in 2012 that allows them to live and work legally in the United States. But the win may only be temporary. The 5-4 ruling said only that the government failed to provide a reasoned explanation for its action, and what if anything to do about the hardship to DACA recipients. The court didnt rule on the merits of the program and didnt rule out reaching a different conclusion if the administration offered a more convincing justification at a later date. For now, UC Davis student Valeria Blanco one of about 180,000 DACA participants in California says shes relieved. Im shaking. I have no words, Blanco told reporter Tatiana Sanchez. I was not expecting this. I thought it was going to go the other way. Read more. Fifth & Mission: Supreme Court victory for Dreamers unpacking Thursday's SCOTUS ruling. This is not just history, this is present times Jessica Christian / The Chronicle Oakland police and the FBI launched a joint hate-crime investigation Thursday after a fake body was reportedly found hanging from a tree at Lake Merritt just two days after several nooses were strung up in a nearby area, officials said. Nooses have long symbolized the lynching of black people in the U.S., and the incident Tuesday came amid recent protests across the country to draw attention to racism and brutality in policing, as well as the recent hanging deaths of two black men in separate incidents in Southern California. Read more about the investigation and the community response. Risky socializing Jessica Christian / The Chronicle Fathers Day barbecues, Fourth of July picnics, family reunions in Tahoe, and Stinson Beach weekends with friends are surely starting to make it onto social calendars. But heres the hard truth: The coronavirus doesnt care if people are tired of sheltering in place. California reported a one-day record of new cases this week more than 4,000 on Wednesday. Its impossible to blame the surge on any single factor: increased testing, easing of shelter-in-place orders and widespread protests all likely have had an impact, public health experts have said. But throughout this pandemic, its become clear that the riskiest situations involve close, lengthy contact with others. Case clusters across the Bay Area already have been tied to social gatherings on Mothers Day and Memorial Day. A few clusters are already associated with graduation parties, and public health officials expect to see more in the coming weeks. Read more from reporter Erin Allday. Like theres this monster inside of you: Eight Bay Area survivors share their coronavirus recovery stories. Masks on: Californians must immediately begin wearing masks outside the home when they cannot safely distance from other people, state health officials ordered Thursday. FAQ: Why and when should I wear a mask? UCSF tested thousands of Mission District residents for coronavirus antibodies: Heres what they found. Off his pedestal San Francisco Recreation and Park Department San Francisco officials removed a 4,000-pound statue of Christopher Columbus from its pedestal at Coit Tower early Thursday morning to do away with what to many was a symbol of oppression. Rachelle Axel, director of public and private partnerships for the citys Arts Commission, said in an email the statue was taken down because it doesnt align with San Franciscos values or our commitment to racial justice. But removing it swiftly was also a matter of public safety, she said. The statue had been vandalized three times last week, and a flyer circulating on social media encouraged people to march to Coit Tower on Friday to take it down and throw it into the bay. Read more about reaction to the decision. Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle Reader poll: Who should be honored in place of the Columbus statue at Coit Tower? Around the Bay Hella Juneteenth: Friday is Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in Texas and celebrates the emancipation of those enslaved across the U.S. Some big tech Bay Area employers are giving workers the day off as a paid holiday this year for the first time. These Bay Area activists are pushing for more companies to join and for a national holiday. From Datebook: Virtual Juneteenth events in the Bay Area. Plan ahead: Heres everything you need to know about road tripping in California this summer. 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. First part of road map: SF mayor pauses police, sheriffs hires and promotions to check for bias in officers. Bankruptcy but not prison: If Pacific Gas and Electric Co. were a person and not a felonious multibillion-dollar company, it would be sentenced to state prison for 90 years because of the 84 people its power line killed in Butte County, a judge said Thursday. No full rationale why: San Francisco police turned off body cameras before illegal raid on journalist, memo says. Giants fan? San Francisco police catch mountain lion near Oracle Park. COVID-19 and elections: Gov. Gavin Newsom signs bill sending mail ballot to every active California voter. Safe and familiar: Heres the problem with white people spending money to save black-owned businesses, columnist Justin Phillips writes. No deal: Players counterproposal scuttles hope for a quick deal to start an MLB season. In case you missed it K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune / TNS I feel as if we are being so punished for having this virus. April Harris is just one of thousands of inmates across California being held in quarantine as prison officials struggle to halt raging outbreaks. The bulk of the cases are concentrated in six large clusters, one at the institution where Harris in imprisoned. Shes battled a dry cough since testing positive for the coronavirus in mid-May, but the truly bad part, she says, is the atmosphere of neglect and chaos that has taken hold. Read more of what Harris and six other women at the California Instiution for Women told reporter Jason Fagone about the prisons reaction to the outbreak. Related: Coronavirus outbreak at San Quentin prison triples in just two weeks after reckless transfer of inmates. 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. DACA supporters rally outside the White House in 2018. (Olivier Douliery / Abaca Press ) A long-awaited Supreme Court ruling Thursday rejecting President Trump's attempt to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program brought relief to thousands of DACA recipients but also new questions about the administration's immediate next steps and the still-uncertain future of "Dreamers" in the United States. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., speaking for the 5-4 majority, called the administration's attempt to rescind the program "arbitrary and capricious," violating federal procedural law. But he also wrote, We do not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies. For an administration that's demonstrated an eagerness to restrict immigration, both critics and supporters say the narrow decision leaves room to try to delay new applications, renewals and work authorization or attempt to end DACA again. On Friday morning, Trump framed one of the biggest defeats of his administration, and on his signature issue, immigration, as essentially a "do over," saying the administration will repeat its attempt to rescind DACA. "The Supreme Court asked us to resubmit on DACA, nothing was lost or won," he tweeted, seeming to question the justices' patriotism. "We will be submitting enhanced papers shortly in order to properly fulfil the Supreme Courts...ruling & request of yesterday." ...ruling & request of yesterday. I have wanted to take care of DACA recipients better than the Do Nothing Democrats, but for two years they refused to negotiate - They have abandoned DACA. Based on the decision the Dems cant make DACA citizens. They gained nothing! @DHSgov Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 19, 2020 Trump, who in the past has expressed concern for the Dreamers, railed on Twitter against the Supreme Court's decision on Thursday as "horrible & politically charged" and akin to "shotgun blasts into the face" of his supporters. But neither he nor any other officials indicated they'd act again on DACA before November, and Friday, he left open how and when. Story continues Leon Rodriguez, former director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that administers the program and other immigration benefits, said the court's ruling "requires them to take new applications" but doesn't prevent Trump administration officials from "taking another shot" at DACA. "Im really worried that they will say, 'Fine, we will protect you all from deportation, but no work authorization for any of you, there's no legal basis for it,'" Rodriguez said. "These are folks who have driver's licenses, they go to school, they work to suddenly cross that out, even if all those folks still remain in the U.S., on many levels, individual, families, the economy, communities it would make a huge mess." But with the 2020 presidential election just months away, it's an open question whether the administration will want to take on DACA again, he said. DACA has granted some 700,000 young people temporary protection from deportation and access to work permits since 2012, when President Obama announced it, until 2017, when then-Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions declared the program unconstitutional. DACA recipients, known as Dreamers, were brought to the country as children and passed background checks. That includes some 27,000 healthcare workers on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis, and more than 186,000 Dreamers in California alone. University of California President Janet Napolitano, who launched the DACA program when she was Obamas secretary of Homeland Security, filed a lawsuit in 2017 against the Trump administration in federal court in San Francisco, along with California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra, arguing that the administration hadn't given a valid reason for ending DACA. Napolitano said Thursday in an interview with The Times that she'd been watching her phone at 7 a.m. every day for the last month for the DACA ruling, which she called "a bit of a surprise." "Having created DACA, I fully recognize that it would be possible not reasonable but certainly possible for another administration to say that they wanted to follow a different policy," she said. "You cant just do it and kind of unwrite the rules of the road that at its height some 800,000 DACA recipients are relying on with a one-line order, which is what they did." She said the Trump administration may try to deny Dreamers benefits or try again to rescind it, but added: "Its not the kind of thing where you want to lose twice." Orders from lower courts in effect froze the program in September 2017 while the administration appealed directly to the Supreme Court. Though the administration was required to renew existing DACA applications, roughly 66,000 children have turned 15 since then, eligible for DACA but blocked from applying, according to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. Officials at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, told The Times on condition of anonymity late Thursday that they have yet to receive any guidance in the wake of the DACA decision, including whether or not they should restart processing new applications. The administration has also threatened to furlough thousands of personnel this month unless Congress gives the fee-based agency $1.2 billion, saying it is essentially bankrupt, though the cause and extent of the shortfall is disputed. "How will they file new DACA apps if USCIS is shut down?" one official asked. Mike Howell, a former Trump administration official in the Homeland Security Department's Office of the General Counsel and a senior advisor at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, said administration officials should "stop issuing any renewal or work authorization" as they try to fix the procedural issues identified by the court and again rescind DACA. "They were avoiding a politically contentious issue by calling a process foul," he said of the justices. But, he allowed, any renewed attempt to get rid of DACA just got a lot harder. And in the meantime, officials must take new applications and process renewals and work permits. "Absent any other affirmative action by DHS," he said, "the program is operating as it initially was dreamt of." The Homeland Security and Justice departments did not respond Thursday to requests for comment, and neither did White House advisor Stephen Miller, the chief architect of Trump's restrictive immigration policy, or the National Security Council. Two top Homeland Security officials rejected the ruling in a statement, but didn't signal next steps. Both are in acting roles, underscoring ongoing struggles with record vacancies at the department. One, Ken Cuccinelli, a hard-liner with the official title of "senior official performing the duties of the deputy secretary of Homeland Security," tweeted, "Terrible. Awful. Double-standard. Outrageous. Supreme Court says all any President needs is a pen and a phone? Does anyone think theyd let @ realDonaldTrump just make up 'laws' on sticky notes like @ BarackObama ???" But DACA is also a broadly popular policy, including with Republicans and Trump voters. A long-term fix for the roughly 700,000 Dreamers comes back, once again, to Congress. "DACA recipients must have a permanent legislative solution," Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, a high-ranking Republican, said Thursday. "They deserve nothing less." Yet the Supreme Court may have given lawmakers even less motivation to act now than in the last eight years under the Obama and Trump administrations, said Steve Vladeck of the University of Texas School of Law: "Congress could fix this tomorrow that's the whole reason why were here." The president may be similarly grateful to the court for giving him political cover, Vladeck said. "There's a reason why they didn't do it right the first time," he added. "It's not just incompetence the administration relies on implausible arguments in order to try and deflect responsibility for ending DACA." Elora Mukherjee, director of Columbia Law Schools Immigrants Rights Clinic, predicted that the president wouldn't move to change DACA, but would promise to after November. "The administration is figuring out what is the best way to use this opinion to capitalize on solidifying its base," she said. "SCOTUS gives it cover to not move to change DACA immediately. ... 'If you elect me, I'll do this and much more in the next four years.'" OTTAWA COUNTY, MI Three motorists were hospitalized in Ottawa County after a man disregarded a stop sign Thursday, June 18. Ottawa County Sheriffs Department responded to the two-vehicle crash at 1:54 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of 56th Avenue and Tyler Street in Blendon Township, according to a news release issued by the sheriffs office. An 82-year-old man, from Zeeland, was traveling south of 56th Avenue in a Buick when he disregarded a stop sign at the intersection and pulled into the path of a truck westbound on Tyler Street, police said. There was a 78-year-old female passenger, from Zeeland, also in the Buick, police said. Both passengers were wearing seatbelts. The truck that was traveling on Tyler Street was driven by a 51-year-old woman from West Olive, according to the release. The driver was wearing a seatbelt and there were no passengers. All three motorists involved in the crash were taken to Zeeland Community Hospital to be treated for their injuries, police said. Sheriffs deputies were assisted on the scene by Blendon Township Fire and LIFE EMS Ambulance services. More on MLive: Wrong-way drivers are deadly, ongoing concern on West Michigan freeways Father charged with manslaughter in house fire that killed 3 sons, wife Jackson County commissioner charged in 6-car crash on U.S. 127 Its the last tumultuous leg of the journey to the November 2020 American presidential election. Once again, it would seem, the entire fate of democracy rests on the shoulders of one woman. What, you thought that was back in 2016, when Democratic presidential contender and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton shockingly failed to defeat Republican Donald Trump and save America and the world from Trumpocalypse, part one? Nope. To no feminists surprise shes back, and by she I mean, of course, not Hillary herself (she was flawed dont you know) but that political fantasy, the Perfect Woman Candidate, only this time shes supposed to be in the pivotal Democratic vice-presidential running mate slot. Way back in March, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden, 77, former vice-president in the Obama administration, and now polling ahead of Trump, 74 (sigh, call this the septuagenarian showdown) took the bold and, to some, surprising step of committing to choose a woman as his running mate. It was a smart move then and its a smart move now, almost three tumultuous months later, as Biden narrows down his choice under justifiably intense pressure to choose an African American woman. America is now in the throes of a lethally mismanaged coronavirus pandemic with one of the highest death rates in the world, and an almost certainty that the virus will roar back in the fall if it even takes that long. Theres an economic catastrophe still waiting to be confronted with the economy not fully reopened and millions unemployed because of the COVID-19 shutdowns. And more importantly but also encompassing both of the above in light of the pandemics disproportionate impact on African Americans, theres a roiling and long overdue racial justice reckoning with protestors continually out on the streets, demanding justice and change after the videotaped homicide of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Those cops have been fired and criminally charged but there have already been more killings by police of Black people, met with Black Lives Matter activists and supporters increasing demands to defund the police and basically dismantle the entire racist criminal justice system. Demands that, as a result, are becoming more universally accepted by the moment. So Bidens choice of running mate will be historic and momentous. Especially because of his age. When and if he is inaugurated in January 2021, Biden at 78 will be one of the oldest newly elected Presidents in history, one who may not be able to reality bites here finish out two four-year terms in office. Hence the importance of having a vice-president who can be president tomorrow as Biden himself has put it. If you believe the hype, Bidens choice, which he intends to announce on or around August 1, is going to shake the stock market. (As if what, its been stable since the pandemic hit?) Its going to alienate, outrage and dismay whole swaths of American activists, progressives or moderates who will reject any candidate who doesnt signal massive systemic change. The Democratic presidential primary which now seems like another era ago was filled with competent, articulate, accomplished women. Senator Elizabeth Warren who will soon turn 71, may be seen as too radical for the American mainstream but she has a fearless ability to stand up to corporate and financial miscreants and bring in much needed economic reforms. Her drawback is being in the same age category as Biden and not being African American. To make matters worse, when a group of her elite liberal supporters recently signed a letter pressing Biden to still choose her as the most experienced and progressive running mate, one of them, Harvard law professor Laurence Tribe had to apologize after cluelessly saying that choosing an African American woman over Warren would be a matter of cosmetics. Senator Kamala Harris, 55, the former attorney general of California and of mixed race background and often a passionate debater is still seen as a front runner for the VP slot although shes viewed critically by justice advocates as having upheld the status quo when she was Attorney-General of California. She recently co-introduced a Justice in Policing Act, hoping to make amends. Our screens of late have been filled with impressive African American women leaders and politicians, acting with grace, passion and courage during the protests and civil unrest. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms delivered a memorably wrenching on-the-spot speech last month at the height of the increasingly violent demonstrations in her city, urging Black protestors to stay safe and to vote. Stacey Abrams, a skilled and luminous activist and politician who almost became the first Black Democratic female governor of Georgia, and is actively campaigning to be Bidens choice, said definitively this week that Identity matters, progress matters, and that the reason weve had two weeks of demonstrations is that George Floyds identity matters. Representation matters too, insisted Abrams. Also in the running is Susan Rice, Obamas former security advisor and ambassador to the UN. And U.S. Representative Val Demings who, as the former police chief of Orlando may carry too much police baggage to be seen as a reformer. These are all impressive candidates to be Bidens VP. Its wrong to lament this as too-limiting identity politics. The fact is two old white men should not be running to be president in 2020 when America needs a vibrant representative alternative to patriarchal systemically racist politics and policing. And yet, Biden can at least make headway with his VP choice. He can take the plunge and name the Black woman of his choice as his running mate and include every other worthwhile candidate regardless of gender, ethnicity or skin colour in his administration. She doesnt have to be perfect. Theres so much work to do to repair America that this will simply be a just and necessary start. Washington, June 19 : The United States has reduced its troops level to 8,600 in Afghanistan, fulfilling its first phased pullout obligation under the US-Taliban deal, a US general said. Commander of US Central Command Kenneth McKenzie said at an event on Thursday that the United States had met its part of the agreement. "We agreed to go to the mid-8,000 range within 135 days," McKenzie said, Xinhua news agency reported. "We're at that number now." According to the agreement signed late February between the United States and the Taliban, the United States would reduce its forces in Afghanistan to 8,600 within 135 days, which is mid-July. The agreement also called for the full withdrawal of the US military from the country by May 2021 if the Taliban meets the conditions of the deal, including severing ties with terrorist groups. McKenzie called the full withdrawal an "aspirational" commitment, but also conditional. "Conditions would have to be met that satisfy us that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan," he said. Reports are saying that the US administration is looking at a range of options to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan at an early date, with one possible option targeting this November, when the presidential election is scheduled. While denying setting a target date, President Donald Trump said last month that he expected a full withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan "as soon as reasonable." Trump reaffirmed this notion during his remarks to graduates of the United States Military Academy over the weekend. "We are ending the era of endless wars ... we are not the policemen of the world," he said. The war in Afghanistan is the longest one in US history. The death toll of US service members has surpassed 2,400 since the country invaded Afghanistan in 2001. Apple has created a large chip-design team, building on the 2008 purchase of a 150-employee start-up, PA Semi. A large number of them once worked at Intel, including Johny Srouji, who reports directly to Apples chief executive, Tim Cook. Apples move would be a symbolic blow to Intel, particularly when civilian and military officials are concerned over the weakening of American leadership in chip manufacturing, which they regard as crucial to the countrys ability to retain an edge over China. Legislation introduced in Congress last week, with rare bipartisan agreement, would funnel tens of billions of dollars to bolstering U.S. research and manufacturing in semiconductors. Intel has long been a U.S. standard-bearer in the semiconductor business, particularly in the complex manufacturing processes that turn silicon wafers into the chips that power computers, smartphones, cars and consumer devices. The moves financial impact on Intel would be muted, at least in the short term. Intel sells Apple about $3.4 billion in chips for Macs each year, according to C.J. Muse, an Evercore analyst. That is less than 5 percent of Intels annual sales, and Mr. Muse forecast that the blow would be closer to half that since Apple might change the chips on only some Mac models. Apple sells nearly 20 million Macs a year. Thats not chicken feed, but its compared to total PCs sold of about 260 million a year, said Tim Bajarin, an analyst who has tracked Apple for nearly 40 years. Intel supplies the chips for just about every PC. But the long-term effects could still be serious for Intel. The chipmakers lofty profit margins have long been linked to its track record of delivering the most powerful computing engines on the market, particularly for laptops and computer servers. But Intel has never done well selling chips for newer tech products like smartphones and tablets. Apples last chip transition for Macs, in 2005, was viewed as a major step in the long-term comeback orchestrated by Steve Jobs, one of the companys founders, as well as a big victory for Intel. Macs had long relied on a design, called PowerPC, that was a collaboration among Apple, Motorola and IBM. But Mr. Jobs bet that Intel could provide much faster performance. TikTok, and other Chinese apps, including Xiaomi, were banned by Indian Intel Agencies. According to News18's latest report, 52 apps with "links to China," many of which remain popular in India, were reportedly flagged by Indian intelligence agencies as being detrimental towards national security. Different sources with knowledge of the matter reported that popular ones such as social media platforms Bigo Live and TikTok were included in the apps that have been allegedly flagged as potentially dangerous applications. UC Browser mobile web browser, popular game Clash of Kings, file sharing service Shareit, women-centric e-commerce platform Shein, and a whole bunch of apps pre-bundled and made by Xiaomi, the largest smartphone seller in India, were also included. It was also said that the Indian National Security Council Secretariat backed up the list, which is reported to have been furnished by many Indian Intelligence agencies. Zoom, the popular video conferencing app that became popular during the pandemic, receiving heavy traction, was also included in the list of applications flagged by Indian agencies. The popular video platform has been hosting meetings of people, who were forced to work from home because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, through video conferencing. Indian Intel Agencies flagged Chinese apps as potentially dangerous including Tiktok and Bigo Live According to NEW18, the Indian intelligence agencies flagged a total of 52 Chinese apps; here are the remaining applications: ROMWE, 360 Security, CM Browser, APUS Browser, Baidu Translate, BeautyPlus, Bigo Live, CacheClear DU apps studio, Clean Master - Cheetah, ClubFactory, DU Battery Saver, DU Privacy, DU recorder, DU Cleaner, DU Browser, ES File Explorer, Helo, Clash of Kings, Kwai, Mail Master, Mi Community, Mi Video call-Xiaomi, Mi Store, Baidu Map, NewsDog, LIKE, Parallel Space, Perfect Corp, Photo Wonder, QQ International, QQ Mail, QQ Launcher, QQ Music, QQ Player, QQ NewsFeed, QQ Security Centre, SelfieCity, SHEIN, TikTok, UC Browser, UC News, SHAREit, Vault-Hide, Vigo Video, Virus Cleaner (Hi Security Lab), YouCam Makeup, VivaVideo- QU Video Inc, Wonder Camera, Weibo, WeChat, WeSync, and Xender. According to BGR.in's latest report, the apps were flagged because of the concern stating that the applications are sending out a huge amount of private data that it has extracted, outside India. The rising tensions between China and India are also one of the major factors that raised security concerns. The report clarified that other countries are also concerned about the data collection practices of the applications marketed by Chinese promoters and made by Chinese developers. One of the most popular Chinese brands in India, Xiaomi, was also reported to have been collecting data even if the device uses a browser in incognito mode. Also Read: [HACKERS] Hacking Campaign Targets Aerospace and Military Staff with Cyberattackers Posing as HR Offering Fake Jobs 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 22:35:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close GENEVA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Human Rights Council on Friday adopted a resolution strongly condemning the continuing racially discriminatory and violent practices perpetrated by law enforcement agencies against Africans and people of African descent. The resolution, adopted by consensus without a vote in the 47-member UN body, also deplored the recent incidents of excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement officers against peaceful demonstrators defending the rights of Africans and people of African descent. The resolution came in the wake of U.S. citizen George Floyd's death in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25. The 46-year-old African American man died during an arrest after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Protests in response to Floyd's death, and more broadly to police violence, spread across the United States and took place in some other countries. Enditem Danville is selling its Pinnacles hydroelectric complex in Patrick County to Northbrook Energy for $8.2 million and will buy the energy, capacity and renewable energy credits from the facility. But to at least one city councilman, the deal makes no sense. "In the next five years, we will have paid back the $8 million and then some," said City Councilman James Buckner. It wasn't a good idea to for the city to sell an asset that it owns, he added Wednesday. Buckner was one of two councilmen who voted against the idea to sell the property during Danville City Council's meeting Tuesday night. Adam Tomer also opposed the motion that passed by a 7-2 vote. He could not be reached for comment Wednesday. However, a separate motion to enter into an agreement with Northbrook to buy the energy, capacity and renewable energy credits from the complex passed unanimously by a 9-0 vote. Northbrook Energy is a privately held power producer and has been in the hydroelectric energy industry for more than 30 years. The company operates hydro assets in 12 states and recently bought five hydroelectric facilities from Duke Energy in North Carolina and South Carolina. Danville's sale to Northbrook will require approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The Pinnacles complex, built in 1938 to supply all of Danville's electricity, is a 10-megawatt facility that is used as a peaking source during periods of high demand and provides about 2.5% of the city's electric needs. The complex contains about 3,600 acres of city-owned property, where the city manages two 120-foot dams that store water for power generation. A motion to sell the Pinnacles plant Danville Utilities owns failed during council's meeting May 21. Though the vote in favor was 6-3, the proposal needed a "super majority" to pass. Tomer, Buckner and Madison Whittle opposed it at the May 21 meeting. Under the Virginia Constitution, localities need the approval of seven council members to sell property. Whittle said last month he wanted to study the proposal more before making any decisions. I dont have my comfort level with it, he said at the time. Id like to take another bite at the apple if it comes back around. But during Tuesday night's meeting, after Whittle had met with city officials and learned more details, he switched and voted in favor of the decision to sell the complex. Councilman Gary Miller said the sale is a good idea because some of the money can be used to replace electrical substations that keep going out. "We just need to replace them and stop having these power outages," Miller said Wednesday. Also, the city will continue to own the transmission lines from Pinnacles, so there will be no transmission costs. Danville City Manager Ken Larking said Northbrook has the expertise to properly and efficiently maintain the complex. The move also will allow Danville Utilities to avoid the costs of tighter federal regulations and needed fixes at the facility, while also allowing the agency to pick up some funding from the sale for pending work needed on substations throughout the city. Grey said no official decisions had been made about how the profits from the sale would be used, but it likely would go toward fixing substations around the city, many of which will need repairs. The proposed sale also involved Danville Utilities agreeing to a 25-year contract to buy energy at a rate of $58.30 per megawatt hour, with a 2% annual escalation. The city will pay $1.75 million for the energy, capacity and renewable energy credits, said Danville Utilities Director Jason Grey. In another matter, Danville City Council unanimously approved its proposed $291.4 million 2020-21 budget during its meeting Tuesday night. The budget does not include tax or rate hikes. Pay-for-performance increases for city employees could come later in the fiscal year, depending on how much revenue the city takes in, budget director Cynthia Thomasson told the Danville Register & Bee. Crane reports for the Register & Bee. He can be reached at (434) 791-7987. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-19 10:34:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, June 18 (Xinhua) -- The Lord Mayor's Appeal (LMA) and the China Chamber of Commerce in the United Kingdom (CCCUK) on Thursday jointly hosted an online donation ceremony in support of building a medical clinic in rural Yunnan, southwestern of China. Raised by corporate partners of the UK-China Charity Initiative, which was initiated by the CCCUK and the City of London in 2008, the fund donated will be used to build the clinic to improve health services for local people in underprivileged Daluo village, Jinping County of Yunnan Province. At the ceremony, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Qin Gang thanked the British community for their generous donation to build the medical clinic. "This project is another example of the cooperation between China and the UK to help reduce poverty. It is of great significance to the further cooperation between the two countries on sustainable development," he said. Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming said this donation is a valuable support for China's efforts to eliminate absolute poverty, a new highlight in China-UK joint response to COVID-19 and it also provides new impetus for China-UK friendly cooperation. He expressed confidence that the UK-China Charity Initiative will pool the efforts of both countries to make new and greater contribution to China-UK cooperation and international collaboration on reducing poverty and promoting economic and social progress. The Lord Mayor of the City of London Alderman William Russell highlighted the importance of cooperation between nations, as well as national agencies in health sector, businesses and academic sector such as universities, especially in this difficult time during the pandemic. "Earlier this year, the UK-China Charity Initiative supported British health workers by procuring and donating large amount of PPEs, reflecting the preciousness of the charity spirit and the deep friendship of the Chinese and British people," he noted. "The poverty alleviation project in China is another example of effective cooperation between China and the UK," Russell said. Fang Wenjian, chairman of the CCCUK and general manager of Bank of China London Branch, said that the UK society and the Daluo village are bound together by the Yunnan project, passing love and blessing from Chinese enterprises in Britain and British society to people in rural China. Witnessed by all the attendees, Russell, Fang and John McLean, head of China-UK relations for the LMA, handed over a donation cheque jointly to Jin Hongjiang, the secretary of Jinping County Party Committee. This year's Yunnan Poverty Alleviation Project is the second Chinese poverty alleviation project promoted by CCCUK and the LMA since the launch of the UK-China Charity Initiative. It will help construct the medical clinic in Daluo, promoting the development of China's rural health services. With the joint efforts, CCCUK and the LMA has successfully raised more than 50,000 pounds in a short period of time. Half of the donations will be used for Yunnan Project, and the other half will be provided to the British charities supported by the Lord Mayor's Appeal. Enditem KALAMAZOO, MI -- Kalamazoo County has now moved into the low risk category for COVID-19, according to state data. State data reports that 222 tests were administered and the positivity rate among patients was only 1.9% during the seven-day period ending June 16, according to a dashboard created by the University of Michigan and state officials. The low risk category is defined as having a positive test threshold of 3% or less. At its highest point, the county had 14.5% of tests coming back positive on April 20. At this time the county was in the medium-high risk category. New cases have also decreased and met the low risk category standards. In the seven-day period ending June 16, the county reported 6.6 new cases per million over time and 1.7 new cases daily. Last week, the county averaged 2.7 new cases daily. As of Friday, a cumulative total of 922 cases and 63 deaths due to the virus were reported by the state. The county has recorded 730 recoveries as of June 17. Recovery is defined as being alive 30 days after the onset of symptoms, according to county data. There have been 128 patients hospitalized since the pandemic started. As of Friday morning, Bronson Methodist was caring for four patients. The downtown hospital reports 104 recoveries and 26 deaths. Ascension Borgess does not disclose patient. recovery or death data citing patient privacy. Despite large groups gathering to protest, restaurants reopening and businesses bringing employees back to work, coronavirus trends have stayed on a downward trend this month. For comparison, there were 345 new cases and 36 new deaths in May. So far in June, 64 new cases and six new deaths. The highest daily increase of cases in June has been seven new cases on Wednesday, June 7. In May, the highest daily increase of cases was 42. Related: From hair salons to gyms, experts rank 36 activities by coronavirus risk level While Michigan has seen a small surge in recent days, the number of cases have been dropping on average. Michigans daily average of new coronavirus cases has dropped 50% since June 1, one of the sharpest drops in the country. The state ranks 40th for the rate at which people who become infected by an infectious person. A national website tracking the pandemic lists Michigan as one of only three states on track to contain coronavirus. Health experts warn that although positive cases are going down, the virus is still in the community. Epidemiologists are bracing for what they call an inevitable second wave in the fall and winter. Counties in the Kalamazoo region such as Van Buren and Cass County remain in the medium risk category meaning 3-10% of tests are coming back positive. Southern counties like St. Joseph and Branch are outliers in that their positive cases and new cases are remaining high despite having smaller populations. The counties proximity to Indiana could be a factor, Kalamazoo County epidemiologist Mary Franks said. On Friday, Indiana reopened businesses for employees to work in office and bars reopened at half capacity. Indianas northern border counties, Elkhart and La Grange have seen an increase of cases. Elkhart, which touches Cass and St. Joseph County, doubled its positive rate after reopening the economy. In May, it continued to rise as Indianas overall positive rate declined to the point where the county had a higher infection rate than the state, according to reporting from the IndyStar. We know that our populations are mobile and we know that theres people who work in Michigan and live in Indiana and vice versa, Franks said. Its just really hard to say how it spread and what the true impact of this is. Read more on MLive: Friday, June 19: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan Whitmer extends coronavirus state of emergency until July 16 Outdoor social zone restaurant seating opening today in Grand Rapids Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf puts his mask on after meeting with the media in person for the first time since at PEMA headquarters in Harrisburg on May 29, 2020. Joe Hermitt | PennLive Oregon is opening back up -- but not enough for the Pendleton Round-Up. Faced with the continued circulation of the coronavirus and resulting state restrictions on large gatherings, the iconic eastern Oregon rodeo and the Happy Canyon Indian Pageant and Wild West Show have been canceled for 2020. The events had been scheduled for Sept. 16-19. It is with a heavy heart that the 2020 Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon will not be taking place this year, Happy Canyon president Tanner Hawkins said Friday in a statement. Both the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon boards number-one priority has been and will always be the health and safety of our community, volunteers, tribal partners and our entire region. Event organizers had been meeting with local and state officials since March in hopes of figuring out a way to move forward with the Round-Up, which is one of the biggest economic drivers in Pendleton. This included submitting to the governors office a detailed plan to implement various safety protocols in order to host our guests whom attend and participate in the various community events. Last month, Pendleton Round-Up general manager Erika Patton expressed cautious optimism. A lot of people have been hopeful and just would really like to see this happen, for an economic purpose as well, it definitely helps our region, she said. Ultimately, it wasnt to be. The events website describes the decision to cancel a really tough one, but a necessary one. Ticket holders can receive a full refund or put the payment toward the 2021 event. They also have the option of donating the costs of their tickets to the Let Er Buck Cares fund, which supports the local organizations that rely on Round-Up week. Find out more at the website. The cancellation means the Round-Up will miss a year for only the third time since its founding in 1910. The other two times the rodeo wasnt held were during World War II. -- Douglas Perry @douglasmperry Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. A 23-year-old Omaha man was sentenced more than seven years in prison for the attempted armed robbery of Cobalt Credit Union in Council Bluffs. Tevonta Tiller was sentenced to 94 months (almost eight years) in prison followed by five years of supervised release, according to a release from U.S. Attorney Marc Krickbaum of the Southern District of Iowa. On the morning of Jan. 25, 2019, Tiller and an accomplice entered the outer doors of the bank with a pistol and a large bag, but could not get inside the lobby because of the locked doors, according to the release. The men left the scene and returned to their stolen vehicle, only to abandon the car across the street. This case was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Papillion Police Department, La Vista Police Department K-9 Unit and the Great Plains Violent Crimes Task Force. 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. Shimla, June 19 : Himachal Pradesh, the country's prominent fruit basket, is likely to produce 30 million boxes of apples this season and 68,000 trucks are required for their transportation to other states, an official said on Friday. In this season, the production of about 30 million boxes of apple - approximately five-six lakh metric tonnes - is expected and more production is in the high altitude areas, state Horticulture Secretary Amitabh Awasthi apprised Governor Bandaru Dattatraya here. He said about 68,000 trucks would be needed for transportation of crops while there would be more pressure in August and September and at that time about 75,000 trucks would be required. All arrangements are being made to arrange the trucks and to make the transportation process smooth, he said. The Governor emphasised the need to further strengthen the cold chains so that fruit growers and farmers could get remunerative prices of their produce. He advised them to develop the cold chains in public-private-partnership (PPP) mode. On shortage of labourers, particularly from Nepal, with the imposition of lockdown, the Governor said the labourers could be shifted from non-apple growing regions to ensure timely harvesting and transportation of the apple crop. Himachal Pradesh's fruit economy of Rs 4,000-crore largely banks on 'sturdy' labourers from Nepal who make their efforts in farms fruitful. This time a majority of labourers are giving the orchards a miss owing to the coronavirus pandemic even as the harvesting of apples is going to gain momentum by mid of July. Apple growers told IANS that their business, which alone constitutes 89 per cent of the total fruit economy, is not as fruitful this time as the Nepalese labourers, the backbone of Himachal's apple industry for more than six decades, have not returned to the state after their winter vacation owing to the pandemic scare. They stare at huge losses owing to transport and market related problems at the peak season for harvesting their crop. Himachal Pradesh is one of India's major apple producing regions, with more than 90 per cent of the produce going to the domestic market. As per the state Horticulture Department, last year there was a record harvest of about 40 million boxes. Agro commodities trading house Adani Agrifresh has targeted to procure 23,000 tonnes of apples this season. Besides Adani, other prominent private trading houses like CONCOR, Reliance Fresh, Mother Dairy, Big Basket and Dev Bhoomi are also procuring apples. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text